A/N: WI-FI or Data Connection recommend playing the audio above
Ultear's nails are always painted white or nude depending on her mood.
_______CHAPTER SEVENTEEN_______
HATHOR
The way her long painted nails drummed on the round ball of glass made a crystalline sound that was pleasant to the ears of those who heard it, it was now time for Queen Minea's speech, and Milady was sitting patiently in front of a vanity mirror getting her hair done by Odette, while another servant was painting Milady's medium length toenails that were perfectly cut into a square shape to avoid any ingrown and lastly another servant was in charge of doing her makeup. She stared at the gown's reflection by the mirror which was being kept standing in the middle of two servants that would help Milady put it on after Odette and the servant painting Milady's toenails are done "It's beautiful isn't it Milady?" Odette commented upon noticing how her master's eyes are fixated upon the garb that is a gift from her highly regarded spouse "It's...enthralling." she went back to drumming her fingers on my glass form, watching various people as a way to pass time while she's being glammed up.
The sound of the door opening came about in the room "Woof! Woof!" Ignatius was left to close the door behind her as Salt bounded head first to Milady's direction eager to see her, the wagging of her corgi butt was full proof of it, the Meraki whined to attract Milady's attention out from staring at my glass form "Salt," Milady vastly picked up her pet from the marbled floor and into her lap "Good girl," she scratched the Meraki's head much to its joy that can be seen "Nox told me that after salt's fur has dried, she won't stop trying to reach out the doorknob." Ignatius came into view, now fully dressed for the occasion wearing a long-sleeved emerald-colored sheath gown that was open in the regions of her collar bone, a curved band necklace that was made of gold and adorned in zircons, on her left wrist hung five bangles decorated in green gems.
The jewelry on her ear is also composed of the same gem with four small dots of diamonds on each corner and lastly, she wore three inched heels increasing her already tall figure. Ignatius overly accessorized herself that she'd be an attraction to a robber's eyes if she walked out in Helium's regions looking like that "I have the collar she's going to wear for today's event." Ignatius held out a small box to Milady before the redhead alcoholic was offered a seat by the servants "Are the rest done as well?" Milady asked whilst taking out the single band collar that was decorated with a few pink tourmalines wrapping it comfortably around Salt's neck "Thank you, half are already done Milady." she thanked first the servant that gave her a warm cup of tea taking a small sip from it before answering.
"There," Odette finished at the same time offering her hand for Milady to take leading her to change out of the warm robe and into the gown, servants tugged on its ties taking it off Ignatius stared in awe at Milady's curvy figure a figure that Zero savors in daily but last night he didn't leave any marks on her porcelain complexion hence it would not look good out in the public eye of Lireo's citizens the focus should be on her gown, not the hickies. "Careful." Odette reminded the servants helping Milady to wear it "Now Milady please sit down here, one will put on your footwear." the pumps placed upon her feet are simple crystal clear ones that adds up five inches into her eight-feet straight of a height.
The jewelry Zero had chosen a few days ago was presented to her "His Royal Highness took the time to personally pick this for you, Milady." Odette began, whilst holding out the box's lid open "Would you like to wear them all?" she plucked out the earrings from its navy velvet casing "No, I will only wear these, the gown itself already extravagant enough." A small handheld mirror was presented in front of Milady to have a closer look at the said accessory Odette is putting on her, Milady's previous ear piercings were also changed to that of four glistening diamond dots for the occasion.
"Ultear have you seen--!" Zero came back into his chambers looking for his gun's holster but upon arriving into the vicinity of the room his eyes cannot help but stare at the beauty that is his spouse, she was standing side facing him the gems sewed unto her dress sparkled like a spotlight every time she moves especially her hips when they sway as she walked it created a whole new distraction not only for the bluette kinou but for everyone to focus on "H-have you seen my gun's holster?" he finally found his voice posterior, thinking that he made the best choice in having this gown made by someone from Xeris. "I placed the one you're going to use today along with your belts on the upper left of the closet. Hence it keeps on getting mixed up with the other ones you've been commonly using." Milady pointed in the closet's direction, as Odette made her sit down again touching up the lipgloss to add a little bit more of plump into her lips.
"O-okay." Zero excused himself onto the walk-in closet, pulling the upper left cabinets open seeing said holster present at first glance, he traced a finger over the sheathed dagger hidden in his thigh shrugging off the blood lust before anyone could see it, he went back to the main room in a wave of his hand the servants helping Milady get ready stepped back for a moment as Zero placed both of his arms on the chair's armrest from behind Milady, both of them staring at her reflection through the mirror "Nervous?" his husky voice sent a warm breath on the side of Milady's neck "You could say that." she gently crept up her hand on Zero's face "In a way?" he chuckled "In a way." Milady repeated smirking, Zero turned the chair with ease lip-locking with Milady making the other people present advert their eyes somewhere else upon how shameless the show affection was.
Zero likes to caress Milady's bust every time they kissed but forced his hand not to this time with the given people present, he pulled away for breath leaving Milady to giggle tugging on his collar for a second one in which he gladly gave her liking the taste Zero cupped Milady's face slowly reach up to her locks in which case Odette interrupted them--a huge risk she is willing to take hence if Zero touches a single strand of Milady's hair she'd have to style it again as her master deserve to look her best on this occasion "YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS STOP!" the greenette handmaiden yelled at the top of her lungs, in which case Zero gave her a vexed glare whilst Milady was smirking beneath him "And why?" he asked annoyed "M-Milady's hair you almost messed it up Your Highness--I'm sorry please don't decrease my salary!" Odette promptly bowed down Milady was amused "It's alright Zero, we can finish later." she gave him a soft peck on the cheek "Oh we will."
A large crowd of people has gathered out into the open plaza, waiting for Queen Minea's words in this year's melancholia. They pipped down such chatter of "how are you's?" upon seeing Sky a member of the prestige diamond authority step out the high balcony to begin the opening remarks as a representative of Lireo, camera all pointed on her as it was broadcasted for all of RHEA to see, those standing behind the cloned authority were members of Queen Minea's court, Virgo and the Arhianna team 2.0, sheathed weapon at hand she hitted it down thrice on the floor its resounding prospect echoed all over the tribe "Presenting, Her Majesty of RHEA's third tribe--Queen Minea!" the crowd cheered for their present ruling monarch as she walked out into the balcony a genuine smile etched upon her lips and her hand gave waves of joy to her citizens.
"Praises and glory to RHEA," the pale-haired Amazonian queen began taking a pause as the masses and those elites present within the balconies vicinity repeated her words "First and foremost, I would like to thank all of you for staying safe within the comforts of your home during the first fall of melancholia's cold song, you have all sacrificed such great patience for this day to be possible and I cannot be more thankful to have you as the people I govern over. " No matter how many times the pale-haired monarch has spouted that she is proud of them, she never became tired of it hence it was true "We, the inhabitants of Lireo have been tasting the strongest adversity of this cold weather for countless years and more to come, so instead of hating the cold, we learned to appreciate it as a beautiful occurrence... " upon the monitor Milady could sense multiple times how the camera's lens passed by her a little longer than it originally should Zero took her hand in his upon noticing her eyes irritatingly scrutinizing at the rotating device when the focus was not on her, she can't help it (well she can but anyway) as nobody has seen her for the past year like this.
The bluette kinou gave Milady's hand a light squeeze to ease her well-guarded nerves. By taking a small trip down the past it can be known that when Milady was but a young girl, hated it when the goody-two-shoes attention of the people was all on her. Hence the reason why Raios hid her from everyone until the occasion was right. "I would also like to express my greatest gratitude to the staff who has been helping me monitor our current season, the seamstresses that make us clothes to wear and warm blankets to use, the palace servants that has been maintaining and taking care of the royal residence when the cold has seeped through, the workers who helped remove melancholia's left debris, my son Zero and the court for helping me manage our tribe's stately agendas, and lastly my handmaiden Irina for always looking after my well being. Thank you all for your aid." Queen Minea paused from talking as the cheers of her people roared.
"Now that melancholia has calmed down, you, my people are once again given the free will to roam about to your heart's content, restraints of staying at home due to the cold are no longer a worry nor it is going to be a bother from here on out, that is why every three days a huge bonfire must be lit in the central plaza of our home tribe as a symbol that our senses regarding any imminent danger are always awake and strong. So I tell you all to be merry once the shining sun has long taken rest and the moons have come to light up the starry skies. Always believe in your own capabilities--manifest it! manifest the dormant gallantry our ancestors proudly presented..." Panacea was the one who feared for Queen Minea's life after hearing such words boldly run out of her lips, the old pinkenette physician stopped writing down her notes, silently reminiscing the terrible memories of the previous war brought upon all of them.
Oh dear, Autarchy War, how such of a big deal you are to those who have seen you laugh...why did you laugh in the first place? what drove you such hate? such madness? what did you do? why did you extinguish RHEA's former glory?
"Winter will always be our tribe's greatest stronghold. I stand by here today to you all, as a monarch and fellow citizen that values you no matter who you are in life, so if you are ever in underlying need, do not be afraid as my doors will always be open to help you..." While Queen Minea continued on to deliver her speech, a piece of thought passed by Milady's scape as she caught a short glance of Sting's features, and no she is not having any sort of feelings regarding him, the thought that skipped by is more of an underlying secret honestly, a secret as to why Milady and Zero only had one child, to begin with. In the previous narratives of this timeline, it was shown how Zero angrily yeeted an Ancient piece of china straight to Panacea's face because she called him by his second name with the added bonus of comparing him to his famous philanderer of a father and lastly a lingering warning to protect Riona by all means necessary. Given that the bluette's father is a womanizer, he was cursed by three goddesses to not have numerous children of his own hence the reason why Zero is an only child.
With that being said Zero had carried that curse on to Milady with the added bonus of the mass murder she's committed in the name of Raios' dreams the curse solidified to that they could have children after their firstborn but will ultimately die after a few months despite being significantly healthy, Sting's daughter, Fuzuki, is bound to pass away in a few months and Milady is still not telling the blonde about it. Her eyes now shifted between the camera and Sting cautiously, a lingering uneasiness reach her heightened senses the third time said camera has filmed her "Ultear..." a feminine voice came about in her scape "Ultear, is something the matter?" Zero whispered to her getting concerned by her constant fidgeting during a public event hence Milady has always kept her composure when out like this, she was unable to answer the question spoken by her spouse.
"Our neighboring tribes might excel in proficient strength but we, the inhabitants of Lireo, RHEA's thrid, our patience has been trained by melancholia to survive!" Milady's palms began to form a cold sweat in and almost falling to her knees if it wasn't for Zero holding her in place "Excuse us," Zero brought Milady in as she was beginning to act unlike herself excusing the both of them out of the balcony by reply a simple "She's just parched, we'll be back in a minute." to those who have asked why the sudden leaving, Zero signaled over for Odette and Irina who were standing by the corner to come over as Milady now has a hand placed on her temple experiencing an excruciating headache out of nowhere, Zero had her sit down a nearby chair "Yes, Your Highness?" The greenette handmaiden ran over "Get Panacea this instant! Ultear is not feeling well." Zero whispered yelled to Milady's handmaiden who vastly dashed out upon the order given, she didn't know what was going on with Milady to suddenly not feel well hence just a few hours ago before the speech's dispatch started she was doing fine.
"Watch Ultear for a second, I'll call Nox," the brunette handmaiden of his mother nodded, Zero went back to the balconies entrance flicking his wrist at his foster son who promptly got up from his seat following "The rest are worried, is Mom okay?" was the first tipping that came out of his mouth upon getting out of the public view and it was the first time Irina has heard Nox address Milady as his mother "No, she's not. Can you create a few ice cubes with your talent?" Zero finger-combed his hair back whilst asking Nox for a favor "Of course." the white-haired kinou immediately refined seven pieces of ice cubes and Zero pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket, wrapping the ice cubes with them then tying it's four corners together, getting on one knee beside Milady placing the makeshift eye pack on her temple in efforts to help ease out the die down the excruciating headache she is currently experiencing.
"Ultear..." the voice called louder, having an iron grip against Milady's scape--flashes of mental images made an appearance making her eyes twitch when the shaky image passed by onto the next "Free me...Ultear...free me from this suffering..." blood was present in every depiction, the woman clad in black that Milady had seen back then before Riona died clanged a huge bang only for her to hear it was getting closer, closer, and closer to the point that every rotting flesh wound on the woman's body was mentally zoomed in for Milady's scape to see "ULTEAR!" it yelled, clinging on to Milady's shoulder with heavy tears of pain befalling from her red lower eyelids.
"Do you want to rest Ultear?" He asked, ready to carry Milady if she says yes to his suggestion, the bluette kinou's eyes worriedly kept their attention all on her "I've brought Panacea!" Odette returned running with the old pinkenette physician right behind her "What happened?" Panacea placed a sensory link on Milady's wrist feeling the massive wave of her headache head-on "Ah!" Panacea winced gritting her teeth from the pain instinctively removing the link between them "Dowager Vermilion!" Irina rushed to the old pinkenette physician's side "Zero, carry her to the medical infirmary immediately, somethings not right." Panacea ordered as she fazed out from the hit she got from forming a link with Milady, the bluette immediately slipped his arms to carry Milady out of there "Zero," she muttered eyes closing from the pain and voice tormenting her scape violently, the bluette bit the inside of his cheek from hearing her call his name whilst suffering. "Free me...Free me..."
"What on RHEA is going on?" Ignatius pondered, looking over here and there every minute by the balcony entrance not seeing any sight of Nox, Zero nor Milady coming back "Hibiki is Milady alright?" Ethan asked whilst the orangette used his talents to find out what was going on behind the scenes "They are taking Milady to the infirmary." Hibiki delivered the message telepathically to his comrades to avoid any gossiping jists sprouting from the court members surrounding them "What?!" Ethan whispered yelled getting a brow raise from one of the elites sitting beside him as she got disturbed from listening to the pale-haired monarch's speech "Nobody is allowed to follow them to the infirmary, just stay put for now to avoid suspicion okay?" Hibiki intiatively took on the role of being temporary leader whenever Milady was not around to hold the fort down, catching Ethan still as he tried to get out of there to rush and follow with Zero to the medical infirmary.
"Understood." (Ignatius)
"Okay." (Sting)
"Ethan?" The little ravenette monster was the only one who's not responding yet, his eyes staring down the marbled floor stubbornly pouting "Milady will be fine, don't worry," Hibiki ruffled Ethan's hair in hopes that would remove the pout off his features "She won't go back to her previous state...right?" The water-obsessed teen clenched his fists as they rest on his sides upon the mental thought of seeing Milady stay in bed for another year "She won't, it's just a headache anyway." A shadow framed the teen's eyes and both hands shaking, Hibiki retracted his hand off Ethan's head tilting his head to look at him "...promise?" Hibiki smiled giving the teen a side hug patting his shoulder while at it "Promise kid."
"Always remember my beloved citizens, Lireo will stand firm no matter how much atrocities, melancholia drops on us. Fight your fears!" Queen Minea ended her speech with a bang, waving her citizens goodbye before entering back into the palace interior, the pale-haired monarch's court members congratulated her in doing a successful job of delivering her annual speech as always, the Arhianna members 2.0 also did the same before retiring off to the common room they've been using for over a year now to discuss matters, Sting excused himself for while from the team saying that he'll just check on his daughter then he'll join them, once such formalities of greeting and congratulatory were done Irina presented out a glass of refreshment for her master to drink "Is everything alright? why did Zero and Ultear leave so suddenly?" Queen Minea questioned as the weather told her whilst she was delivering her speech.
"Her Highness Malkovich had expressed a terrible headache, Odette had called over Panacea and she was astounded by Her Highness' headache, hence the reason why they are currently at the medical infirmary as we speak, Nox is also with them." the latter amazon finished the refreshment "I figured as much since he's not around with the rest." the pale-haired monarch looked around the room whilst massaging her temples "Shall I now fetch your coat for the parade, Your Majesty?" Irina changed the subject as her master needed to first focus on the parade to not worry her people about the fact that something is happening within the palace's interior "Yes, and thank you, Irina." Queen Minea caught on immediately, placing a good hand on Irina's right shoulder blade "I am glad to be of service as always, Your Majesty." she bowed down as a sign of respect. However, Raios on the other side of the homeworld gained an extreme abdominal pain from laughing at her little attempt to encourage the Rhiannon citizens to start up another...rebellion.
~
"Play your role perfectly," the voice of Milady's father, Raios, has been repeating over and over again inside her scape as to not forget the vital asset of her father's plan "We have arrived at Lireo, feel free to stare out the window. " Azula voiced out in an attempt to start a conversation with the quiet raven-haired girl sitting beside her whilst flying the jet over RHEA's third tribe, the clone's eyes never leaving the skies "It's...surrounded by a lot of mountains." was all the reaction Milady had spouted upon looking out the window "The whole tribe of Lireo is built upon the foundations of late Queen Yuen's sanctuary, rumors that had spread about RHEA say that place was a mortifying locus befitting a prisoner that has a blemished soul. The entrance of this prison can be found under the royal palace," Azula enumerated something about Lireo to Milady knowing well that she'll need the knowledge once she starts to study at Ephedia the little girl just silently listened to the Diamond Authority figure.
"No one has ever dared to even try to set foot in that prison after Queen Yuen passed away as it was rumored to contain terrific atrocities, stories have also circulated that Queen Minea had turned the prison of her late mother into a graveyard for her eldest sister and other family members." the truth was that it is a paradise for a prisoner...a false paradise for the blemished soul whos is Hezoli's youngest daughter. Lireo's entire tribe was indeed built above that said prison that fact was spot on, Azula was yet again correct that the entrance of it under the royal palace and thirdly the reason why no one goes under there anymore is that no one is to used it now, it does not contain any terrific atrocities that was only to scare people off.
And lastly, the stories that have been circulating that it is now a cemetery is true, Queen Minea did have her family members buried there "Queen Minea?" Milady popped a question not knowing who the mentioned monarch is on a closer level "Yeah, she's the present monarch of Lireo, you'll be meeting her first when we arrive at the royal palace." the clone amazon disclosed "Why?" Milady cross-examined curios upon why would the tribe's monarch greet her arrival in the first place "You might not realize this now but...you have been deemed to be quite important to the hierarchy of our homeworld." Azula blew the lid off about something she and her fellow officials had talked about, in fact, they don't even need to talk about it as everyone basically gave that instant title to Milady.
"Because...?" another question "You are the last known surviving descendant of the Hiroshi family, everybody saw how their whole family died during the Autarchy War and assumed that after that, none was left, their bloodline has been specifically chosen by the real royal family of Helium--the Bersilion's to be the first leading duchy or should I say emirate of RHEA's balancing tribe." the aircraft hovered over Hale, one of Lireo's bustling cities "Did you know them?...my parents?" Milady propped up her right elbow leaning on it, avoiding having sort of eye contact with Azula pretending to be upset talking about them "Not personally but yes, they were good people to the cause." the older clone amazon smiled at the thought of Milady wanting to see her long-deceased parents if they were her parents.
"How good?" she catechized still looking out the window, observing Lireo's breathtaking aerial landscape engraving its' familiarity to her scape as it will serve as key when she is to destroy it later in the following years "Good enough to fight against the larcenist who rules RHEA's balancing tribe and the Valtorians." Azula, retracted her left hand flicking her wrist to ease out the numbers that have begun to accumulate within her joints from holding on the wheel since they've left Helium's territorial lands "Did you fight during the war too?" Milady gave in engaging the conversation deeper as it will still be about an hour and a half to arrive at Lireo's capital city "Yeah, alongside the other authority figures, and could you press that button near you? thanks." Azula acknowledged the question, flicking a switch and pressing a button by her side of the jet's cockpit for the aircraft to autopilot for a few minutes and asking a favor to Milady to press another button near here, once pressed a neatly wrapped nourishment and refreshment popped up on the armrests of their seats.
"Were you scared? when you fought against Valtoria head-on?" Milady took off the sandwich's wrapping biting gracefully into it once she got a whiff of its enticing smell, it was from Zoldanga she could feel it in her taste buds hence her mother took her to RHEA's second tribe weeks before this day that she was sent out by Raios "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't, after all, we were just imitations of the real Valkyrie...delicious~" Azula, on the other hand, took a big bite out of her sandwich, it's flavor teasing her to take another bite finishing the entire sandwich after a third bite, folding up the wrapping before slipping it to the shoot it came from once done she re-flicked the switch and pressed the button turn off the autopilot maneuver. Milady drank one gulp from her drink before going back to canvasing Azula, "So how strong are you?" hey it's the clone's fault anyway for starting the conversation.
"How many more questions will you have?" the Authority figures brows furrowed at such a sarcastic question about her overall physical prowess "I'm a child living under a rock remember?" Milady took a second gulp from her drink, smirking at Azula afterward "You're quite sarcastic for a child who's been living under a rock." Azula counteracted raising a brow jokingly implying that it was kind of suspicious "Thank you for the compliment." Milady chuckled, a minimal time of silence elapsed through the jet as the citizens of Lireo below celebrated a lively festival, various colors of confetti's were popped and the music was pleasantly joyous.
"Zeus' pole...why do you remind me of him," Azula muttered under her breath "Remind you of who?" the Authority figure that represents Helium was astounded on how did Milady hear that "How did you hear that?" She glanced for a second at Milady before going back to piloting properly "Because you were talking. So who do I remind you of?" Milady insisted on pushing on the question, Azula was left with no choice but to just humor the insisted topic, heaving a soft sigh before answering "You remind me of Cullen Akane Hiroshi, he was one sarcastic kinou ironically enough you two share the same blood, now that I think about it, it is plausible why you're this sarcastic." Azula chuckled at the similarities.
"And who is he?" Milady requested an answer to the unfamiliar name mentioned by the clone authority "He was in an arranged matrimony with the former Empress of Helium and one of the siblings of your late father, Gawain Hiroshi." she narrated a little bit of info upon who he is and mentioned another Hiroshi by the end, a Hiroshi that Milady is claiming to be her 'father' "The other Diamond Authority earlier said I have my father's golden eyes." Milady pointed at her eyes to indicate it "That would be Lancel and yes, you do have your father's eyes that is the most striking characteristic of a Hiroshi." golden eyes that can be seen glowing even in the dark night.
"Why the eyes?" the little raven appealed "Most of your bloodline specializes in the talent called Skin, this talent has the ability to shapeshift and that is limited and maximized to only copying other humans around them the talent also allows them to impersonate others with exquisite precision. Skin Alter is the most common variation to be used by your family." the first authority figure gently drumming her left fingers on the jet's yoke "It's an ideal talent for a thief if you ask me." Milady implored giggling, a mental image of a thief stealing whilst in a face of the house owner to avoid suspicion "Good observation and I like your humor kid," Azula acknowledged hence the little girl was right upon how it'd be an ideal talent for a burglar.
"Thanks, grandma."
"That's mean."
"Just tell me what's next already." Milady interjected, "As I was saying, the users within your bloodline have these particularly flexible abilities that can manipulate their form at will anytime." Azula jokingly rolled her eyes continuing on with the explanation behind the talent Skin "So in short, they can manipulate their DNA and completely change it on a molecular level?" Milady put out what she has understood "Yes, whereas the limitation for young users of this talent is that they cannot shapeshift out their biological sex just yet, much more practice must be harnessed for it to be successful. Changing a certain part of your appearance is also applicable for example Mystic eyes can change the color of your eyes, yes it might sound fun to switch up every now and then but doing so requires a lot of mana and if you used it incorrectly it can cause severe nausea."
"It's just like what those people earlier were talking about, more accumulation of something can cause problems." the raven girl quoted a gossiping chatter she heard earlier at Helium "More is never good remember that, balance is." for a minute Azula's expression became serious, "You said earlier that Skin Alter is variation, are there also others?" Milady drank from her still not finished drink "Excellent question hence there are four variations of the talent Skin and those are Mystic eyes, Fauna, Amorphous, and Alter. Guess what each does," a quiz was placed out after spouting said variations "Seriously?" Milady gave Azula a look "Come on kid, I'll serve as a pre-learning stage before you enroll at Ephedia later on, plus it'd also make our time here in this jet less boring." Azula encouraged her to answer "Picking from what you've said, Skin Alter has the ability to change one's appearance, Mystic eyes can change the eye color, Fauna judging from the name is shapeshifting into an animal, and I think Amorphous deals with shapeshifting into any kind of environmental element."
"Are you sure you've been living under a rock all this time?" Azula teased much to Milady's annoyance "You told me to guess and now you are laughing at my answer?" she pouted leaning on her propped up elbow by the right "Relax kid it was only a joke, lighten up you'll need it when you meet the other kids." Azula pitied Milady over the facade that she's never played nor interacted with kids her age, and this is the greatest opportunity for her to do just that "I'm not gonna laugh if you spout another witty shit." the word that escaped Milady's lips did not miss Azula's ears "Hey don't say that last word, it's bad." she lectured Milady to not spout it "You're not my mom." a clap back was held up "I'm your official guardian missy, in case you forgot." she reminded "We're not even related!" Milady half yelled now completely giving Azula a look with furrowed brows.
"I'm the official representative of Helium, deal with it."
"Geez...you say the word official so many times."
"Just don't curse okay? do that when you are older." the clone amazon pleaded with a soft tone "Fine." Milady looked out the window in hopes to avoid Azula talking to her, forcefully agreeing to not curse till she's old enough and it was good that another minute-long silence tiptoed to die down the previous tension, "When land we'll be greeted by Queen Minea and afterward we'll work the papers to properly enroll you to Ephedia. It's too much leg work, but it has to be done for your sake." Azula broke the silence hence she felt responsible for making Milady sort of upset because she told her not to curse "I don't wanna go to this...school." Milady admitted pouting "You have to if you're gonna challenge Raios for the title of ruling RHEA." Azula spares a second look in the little girl's direction "I don't even know who that is!" she irritatingly threw hands at the mention of her father, someone she doesn't know in any way shape nor form in the eyes of other people.
"He's the present tyrant ruling RHEA and you need to overthrow him someday, there now you know." Azula spouted the scary facts without a care, one hundred percent confident that Milady could overthrow the current emperor "It sounds like I'm gonna die if I do that." Milady shivered to turn to back face Azula pretending to be scared by placing her hands to her temples "You'll be stronger when you're older, you can do it." Azula on the other hand pumped up the possibility "You people believe in me too much for your own good."Milady looked over her shoulder a poker face on "That we do." the leader of the Diamond authority said with a hopeful attitude "I'm just 10 years old." Milady leaned back on her seat arms crossing before her already bumping pre-teen chest within a few months she'll be 11 years old "More reason why you need to attend school."
"What will I learn there anyway?" Milady turned to Azula upon asking the question "Well for starters you'll be able to fix that attitude of yours, you are too unsociable for a child." the clone authority figure pointed out one of Milady's shortcomings "It's because I've been living under a rock." Milady reminded her yet again, of why she is who she is "More reason why you need to hang out with kids your age." the whole Diamond Authority had agreed that would be the best for Milady and Azula is standing firm by it "If you force me to interact with them I'll hermit." she truly will it will be something, unlike anything Azula has seen before "I'm not gonna force you, do that at your own pace." a valid assurance "So who are they?" Milady is disinterested in defying Azula anymore, too much mouth work has been emitted in this conversation already "See that? you are already interested!" Azula found it dainty that Milady was taking initiative into learning something about the new people she's about to meet "I just want to know what I'm getting myself into, I'm not interested."
"Sounds like you're interested~" Azula teased wiggling her eyebrows at Milady "Just tell me already." the teen pointed out as the teasing was now a hassle"There are five of them, four kinou's and one amazon." Azula thought for a second making sure that she has their numbers remembered "And?" Milady urged Azula to continue, hence she was in deep thought of calculating if she did not miss to mention anyone "And they are all heirs from different tribes, the three blondes are from Xeris, the orangette is from Aulora and the bluette is from here, Lireo." Azula described them one by one.
"Why the hair color?" she asked, expecting the names first but it works since Milady already knows them as Raios and Dobengal had provided her with sufficient backgrounds about the people she will likely encounter once stepping foot in their enemies territory, Milady was also reminded to put her guard at all times hence she will be alone in this one, a time to make use and show the results of Raios' upbringing to light "Because that's the most striking feature of theirs and you'll be able to identify them quickly," Azula stated in a matter of fact "What are their names?" it seemed like Milady was expressing a desire to know them by the tone of her voice and Azula bought it without a hitch.
"Larcade and Arcana are blonde twins, Sting is the other blonde, Hibiki is the orangette, and Zero is the bluette, oh and also, the Luxian Anuva is Hibiki's father, Loki Nimue." He's got a lot of spare time for a monarch "Wait a minute isn't this Hibiki the heir of Aulora? why is his father the Luxian Anuva?" she questioned confused "Loki Nimue is indeed the monarch of Aulora, being a Luxian Anuva is one of his past time hobbies nowadays, beforehand he used to be a full-time Luxian Anuva here on Lireo and a highly regarded General of Aulora's empire." Azula gave the shortest explanation as to why King Loki has so many jobs in his profile "That's quite a reputation, I'm assuming he's strict?" Milady was impressed, as this would pose as a challenge to her "Haha, I'd say he's far from strict when he's teaching, he's more of a silly type." the clone authority laughed about the assumption regarding King Loki's personality "Silly type...? I don't follow."
"You'll see~" Azula singsonged, leaving Milady to be quite iffy of what she's going to face once they landed, their conversation continued on like that for thirty more minutes until they finally made landfall upon Lireo's palace, Milady vastly putted on her gloves per order of her father before hand, upon opening the jets hatch--a small entourage was there to greet them Milady promptly hid behind Azula like a scared cat playing her role as the descended down the flight of stairs "Azula," an amazon dressed in a beautiful gown greeted the Diamond Authority "Your Majesty," Azula bowed down to the queen, shaking hands afterward "Welcome to Lireo Ultear," Queen Minea leaned down a bit to greet Milady who's peaking behind Azula "My name is Minea Edurne, I am the present ruling monarch of Lireo." she offered out a hand for Milady to take "It's fine don't be scared," Azula looked on her leg her where Milady is hiding, slowly moving out her hand to reach out upon making contact the raven girl felt a soft comfy sensation coming from the older amazons palms vastly backing away behind Azula once again after seeing a bunch of clouds appear.
"I'm sorry if that terrified you, that trick usually amazes most people, again I'm sorry." Queen Minea apologized for the misconception of Milady being amazed by her talents capabilities feeling a bit bad for it "She's been living under a rock." Azula used Milady's own words against her in the worst possible time, the little raven girl gripped Azula's thigh-high socks as an indication of her objection from reversing the tables "How about this instead." Queen Minea got back up to her proper posture side facing "Zero," the pale-haired monarch ushered her only child to come forward much to Azula's delight "Ultear this is my son, Zero." Queen Minea introduced them to each other "Hi," a bluette boy with striking features greeted Milady, his hand outstretched to shake hers "Hello..." the two adults watched them interact with each other.
Milady meekly waved behind Azula refusing to acknowledge the handshake Zero is offering out to her "She's just shy." the authority figure reasoned to Zero, who retracted his hand back to his sides the bluette boy was two years older than Milady managing to learn that upon seeing him personally, perks of her talent "Is she the one who's going to join our team?" Zero turned to face his mother asking if Milady is the girl everybody is talking about for the past few weeks now.
~
The citizens of Helium and Zoldanga are quietly watching the live broadcast from Lireo, and one of those people is Raios, a smirk has found its way to his lips upon seeing how well Milady has been doing over the year she's been inactive "It seems your beloved daughter has recovered, Your Majesty." Dobengal commented side facing his boss who's sitting comfortably at his throne with a glass of wine present at his left hand "Indeed." he drank half of the pungent red liquid, a servant came to collect the glass along with the half-empty bottle at a side incase he asks for another later on "Should I trespass Lireo and get her?" the brunette kinou asked "No, leave her to her own devices, for now, besides I still want to see how far that blonde woman can go on with so many modifications upon her being...You hold no such ill will correct?" Raios asked his right-hand man hence if he hears an answer he doesn't like he would have to eliminate the brunette kinou even if he is a highly non-replaceable person to Raios' aide.
"Why would I?" Dobengal chuckled "Just because she's my daughter doesn't mean she'll automatically gain my pity." Raios did not respond to what Dobengal had said as the camera once again passed by Milady and Zero a second time capturing his attention, "Our neighboring tribes might excel in proficient strength but we, the inhabitants of Lireo, RHEA's third tribe, our patience has been trained by melancholia to survive!..." the tyrant emperor's laughter bellowed beyond repose upon hearing those words come out of Queen Minea's lips "She's delivering a hidden message, to those that oppose my rule-huh uhuh HAHAHAHAHA I like their fleeting ambition, I wish Evergreen was here to see it with me. Oh, would you look at that Virgo managed to escape to Lireo too, funny upon how it has become a sanctuary for imbeciles." Raios placed a slice of meat into his mouth to calm down his laughter before he suffers from abdominal pain from laughing too much, pausing to eat a second slice upon seeing his second daughter present among the elites.
"Always remember my beloved citizens, Lireo will stand firm no matter how much atrocities, melancholia drops on us. Fight your fears!" Queen Minea ended her speech truly giving Raios an abdominal pain he almost avoided but choose to take it instead hence the ending part amused him "She wants to start a war, she never learned." waving his hand to dismiss all unnecessary ears from listening, his court--the Council members paid great attention to him after the holo screen turned off "If Queen Minea wants to start a fight then I highly suggest we throw the first punch and make it a good one at that." Onyx Clearwater voiced out an opinion of his into the table of discussion "I suggest we consider other possibilities hence the biome of Lireo is now under Queen Minea's control once again, and also Her Majesty Malkovich has made her first public appearance after a year-long recovery." Peridot gave respect to Milady, as calling her by her name would anger Raios beyond repose and they certainly do not want to get on his bad side.
Considering how safe their current stature is "Peridot is right we need to consider other opinions rather than throwing the first good punch, Her Majesty Malkovich will turn back time if we did succeed in pummeling Lireo to the dirt." Magenta Vastia added into the discussion considering the backups Milady would do "Do not worry about time being reversed," Raios began making his voice heard among them, silencing their mouths as he continued "My beloved daughter wouldn't do such a thing unless I say so." the tyrant raven smirked at the thought of his favorite child remember the times when she was just a perfect little girl following his every whim, but it immediately dissolved when this question was posed"N-Not to be rude, Your Majesty but everyone knows that Her Majesty Ultear no longer obeys you as she used to, how can we be sure that she'd still yield to you when it comes to that?" Imperial Topaz took courage to ask the question his fellow Council members had in mind.
"That question would cost you a rib." Raios propped up his right elbow on the throne's armrest unhappy look was plastered on his face saying those words activating his talent upon Imperial Topaz's ribcage "AAAHHH...huuuh, huuuh--AAACHK!!" A blood-curdling pang of screams escaped out of the victimized kinou's mouth, none of his comrades dare to try helping him, fearing for their own skin "Do you people not have trust in His Excellency's words regarding his firstborn daughter? I'm telling you she might not obey His Majesty's every whim anymore but she'll obey that one command with pure instinct." Dobengal took it upon himself to explain whilst Raios was busy smiling at Imperial Topaz's internal torture "Of course we trust His Majesty's words--" Grand Ma Doma defended their side but Dobengal interrupted her completely "And yet one of yours dared to question him."
Their eyes quivered in trepidation "How about we halyard His Majesty's second child to cause chaos instead?" Clete Eon diverted the topic back on track uneasy of the current flow hence if it continues further they might all die there in a blink of an eye, none of them has the knowledge in what kind of talent Raios's uses, so coming with a vast strategy on how to survive when he starts murdering them one by one is going to prove complicated beyond eternal repose "Virgo is one pathetic imbecile, she would never pose as a threat not even to an insect." Raios stopped playing with Imperial Topaz's ribcage upon hearing a ridiculous suggestion that they should try to use his second daughter as a distraction "Then how about we steal Hathor?" the throne room became silent for a brief moment at Belladonna's recommendation the one to break it off was Raios' soft chuckling. "Do you honestly think that orb would be easy to steal from my beloved daughter? And what use would Hathor even be to us?"
His laugh continued to bellow, giving the Council member have a cold sweat down their spine from the heavy amounts of time he laughed today, Dobengal just stood by there completely unfazed as his served emperor had his fun at the knee slapper, once calmed down from his high the raven leaned back to his throne "Hathor can only be used by a time mage, don't be an imbecile too Belladonna Nimue." he flicked his wrist at a servant holding a platter of nibbles, not caring if someone might be starving from the room as long as he gets to eat "I apologize, Your Majesty, I was wrong to spout such nonsense." Hibiki's aunt ate her words, bowing down asking forgiveness from RHEA's emperor "You better." she slowly raised her head "Then how should we react to Queen Minea's challenge to rebel? Your Majesty?" Grand Ma Doma inquired to what plans does Raios have in mind "Believe in me."
"Remove these restraints please...help me...help me...help me...HELP ME!" an amazon with telepathic talents yelled in retaliation, unconscious tears of betrayal falling from her eyes.
"How dare you talk back to me?" a tall Rhiannon national from Helium raised a brow at the kinou she is talking to.
"I am the Queen here! you bow down to me!" one teenaged amazon with ocean-colored hair pointed a commanding finger at her opponent.
"You don't love me, you just want me!" he pushed her away from him at the lustful proclamation of love.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" a wholehearted laugh erupted and it broke a certain Rhiannon's feelings batter.
"I am not your father!" an angry kinou called from atop of his lungs from stress.
"Take...take it." she received an honor but cried fits of tears.
"You look pretty," a pale-haired amazon praised her friend to boost up her confidence in the upcoming event she was forced to go to.
"Save my daughter please, I beg you!" a blood-haired amazon crawled to someone's feet begging a favor.
"Medea, Medea Kyle." proper introductions were produced to the first generation of RHEA.
"You have lost your mind. I am embarrassed to be related to you." he turned his back away from his home tribe due to its queen being disheveled and blinded by greed.
"Oyu veloi..." she confessed crying, as he was slowly dying unable to believe that she managed to love a detestable kinou.
"I refuse to be with this thing!" a huffy teenaged amazon expressed her objection to the arranged matrimony given to her future life.
Zero kicked the medical infirmary's doors open as his hands are currently preoccupied holding Milady "Lay her over there." Panacea pointed at one of the newly changed beds where Zero can set Milady down. The old Pinkenette physician massaged her temple upon rushing to her stock of brewed medicine "No, not this...I know I placed it here the other day, maybe this could work...? no that would make it worse, come on where are you." she placed vial after vial down the lower cases of said furniture, Nox sat down by the opposite bed where Milady is on and Odette stood by the footboard a cold sweat evident on her temples from watching Milady agonize in discomfort.
Voices and mental images from different yore's of the same period echoed mercilessly on Milady's scape "GET OUT!" she yelled in pain grabbing fist fulls of her raven hair, Odette took one step back terrified of what is going with her master "Panacea what is going on with Ultear?" Zero wanted an explanation as to why Panacea is freaking out whilst rummaging through her stack of brewed medicine, the latter sat beside Milady who was sitting up on the bed pulling her body close to him "Lock the doors, no one is to come in nor out!" Panacea yelled frantically reading each vial's formulated written description, Nox acted on impulse rushing to the entrance and exits direction locking them "Damnit where on RHEA is that stupid thing!" the old pinkenette physician cursed aggravated from having a hard looking for the vial she needed most during the dire situation "I'll help you look Dowager Vermilion," Odette offered her aid in which case Panacea gladly appreciated, the greenette scanned her eyes around the litter of glass bottles.
"It's a palm-sized bottle and the liquid' pigmentation inside is a shimmering navy." Odette nodded listening carefully as Panacea described what the medicine looked like "Stop...stop..." Milady repeated out loud every flinch she does gave Zero a ton of harrowing foreboding "You're gonna be okay, Panacea and Odette will find the remedy for your headache." the bluette kinou placed a hand at the back of Milady' head and kissed her soft locks, Nox watched how his foster father took care of Milady, silently wishing in his scape that he would be lucky enough just like them. He knew Riona would never be coming back from the grave so moving on from her would be the best option and also he would manage to be rid of the pedophilia that is lingering within his system.
"Is this it? Dowager Vermilion?" Odette plucked a vial containing what Panacea had described "How did you find this so easily? If I knew you'd find it that easy I should have asked for your help earlier!" the old pinkenette physician went from looking her shoulder to vastly turning wide-eyed in the vial Odette's holding "It was hugging the other littering vials, plus it was also shimmering so yeah, your welcome Dowager Vermilion." Milady's handmaiden smiled giving Panacea the palm-sized vial she needed most, grabbing a teaspoon from the same cabinet walking in a rush at Milady "Zero, have her face over here, and keep holding the ice pack on her forehead with your right hand." Panacea instructed whilst pulling out the vial's tight lid off, pouring a half amount on the teaspoon she acquired from the said cabinet full of medicine.
Panacea made Milady orally intake first a small dose, to see how her body would react to it they may not be able to feel it but Zero did, he heard the loud beat Milady's pulse had produced as the medicine slid down the tunnels of her throat and into her whole entire system, "Odette pick up a glass and pour Ultear one tall serving." Panacea started to fill the teaspoon half-full feeding it to Milady again "Yes, dowager Vermilion!" Odette ran off to the other side of the room doing as she was told "Does she need to finish the entire vial? To be finally rid of the headache?" Zero asked, impatient that Panacea was giving the medicine slower than a snail "Yes--" the old pinkenette physician answered but was interrupted by Zero's husky voice before she could even begin her words "Bloody fuckery! then why don't you just give it all at once?!" He cursed having enough as Milady's pulse beat starts to race and it is...abnormal for her.
It may be alright for a normal Rhiannon citizen but not for her--therefore once Milady's heartbeat beat starts to quicken and beat more than once a day it can only indicate that she is fighting to stay alive, fighting death and that's is a secret Zero and I possess. "She can't okay? No matter how strong or brave a person might be once their health strikes to spike deterioration all that fierceness will dissipate down the drain." Panacea formed another link with Milady to monitor her, no longer able to feel that wave she got hit by earlier at the balcony "..." Zero had his mouth zip upon Panacea's words "Proper treatment cannot be rushed hence if it were, the situation will only be direr." Panacea fed Milady the third scoop, her brows furrowing upon swallowing the shimmering liquid "I'm sorry for raising my voice." the bluette kinou's eyes were fixated on Milady as his conscience-stricken him "It's fine Zero I understand, you were just worried for her."
After the bottle was poured clean, Odette vastly removed the make-up on Milady's face, removed her jewelry and footwear, the old pinkenette physician created a volume link with Milady to find out what is causing her headache, the spell made the latter's optic organ glow, this type of link allowed Panacea to trace what Rhiannon entity gave his kind of pain to her a glowing choker was present on their necks, Zero kept his hold on Milady through it, stabilizing her lifespan back to normal. Back in their youth, during the course of their initiation under King Loki's mentorship, Milady got a high fever from going back and forth her home tribe, Helium, and Lireo. Raios forbid Milady to alter the time surrounding her body in order to test her endurance to a melancholia's cold song, she was already feeling ill before the event started but shrugged it off not wanting to fall off Raios' favorability like Virgo.
The six of them were thrown at exactly one hour before Melancholia made its blizzardous tantrums to gloom. Larcade and Arcana were in charge of defying it--a dangerous gambit but they managed to pull through it those watching them upon the live broadcast cheered for their glory, however people seemed to forget that opposition towards melancholia does not come down without a price and that price was absorbed by Milady, whilst they were trekking snow storm's playtime she fainted down to the freezing sand forcing her comrades to take shelter as an added bonus came in the form of Sikota's finding them, the only way they were able to escape the death chase was by trapping themselves in a cave worrying about their escape out of said cave later on since Sting was the leader that year he took on the situation quickly, by having Arcana build the tent they all have to share and Hibiki cook their meals. Sting, on the other hand, took it upon himself to patch up the minimal wounds they've acquired from escaping the Sikota's.
Larcade gladly took care of warming Milady up via help of his talent, Sting had to remind his nephew to keep his fantasies to himself on this one and the toned blonde smirked agreeing just that once after all Milady was dating Sting that same year(the year he dies), Zero was in charge of monitoring Milady's heart--he heard pulse after pulse at a steady pace unaware that saga was making her fever worse, Larcade noticed the way Zero intently watched Milady as if he were a hawk catching prey, the tall blonde decided to tease the bluette kinou about it. When nightfall came the cold song became unbearable to the point that they all had to cling to the twins for warmth not caring how much personal space each invaded as long as they don't freeze to death.
Milady however refused to huddle with them, trying to build up a resistance to melancholia to please her father who was illegally watching the whole entire thing happen like everyone else in RHEA, she tangled herself in aulorian fabric and hugged my invisible glass form close to her abdomen till sleep cradled her to rest. The next day, they packed all their stuff, planned how they're gonna run once Hibiki removes the blockade from the previous day, in all honesty, he was quite nervous doing such a matter hence the Sikota's might still be out there, a possibility that they have called for reinforcements was terrifying to them as keyword they're just a bunch of kids and that isn't a crime--the crime was hurting those that preserve RHEA's flora. Of course, all of the officials have agreed that they could beat up any Sikota's, beat up not kill.
As Jaromirs/Sikotas are notoriously known for holding grudges that can last up to five years among those that wreaked or wrong them, mortal reading this would you embarrassed if a plant, a plant with sharp fangs, from your reality beats you up? Luckily for them, none are standing by outside which was odd beyond repose but still, they are thankful that the floras were gone, but the snow gracing the tribe of Lireo are deep Arcana was going to be carried by her twin brother but Sting intervened as he did not like the idea of Zero--his frenemy, carrying the amazon he's dating on his back saying that Larcade will be much better to carry Milady hence he has the talent to warm her up from the cold.
No one had time to argue since he was the leader (that year) and Milady was sick so they just rolled with the punches to get the initiation over with both Sting and Hibiki leading their walk to Zane. Larcade and Milady were in the middle as the tall blonde is carrying their most critical team member whilst Arcana and Zero walked behind them, the bluette opted to converse with Arcana regarding topics on how they'll make out of that trial in order to distract himself away from the full view of Milady's posterior.
The parade in Lireo was a success, and later on that day everyone in each city of RHEA's third tribe lit up a huge flaming fire as per the following tradition, when nightfall came the first banquet during melancholia was held in the royal palace of Lireo as a sign of hope that there shall be a new tomorrow they can proceed on living, chatter was about the dance floor, lively music flowed like a river's peaceful water flow, delectable food was available for everyone to partake in whenever they wanted during the course of the evening, tonight was the perfect time to get his revenge on Sting. Zero was all alone with Milady in the medical infirmary thinking twice whether he'd take the chance to end Fuzuki or stay as he told Panacea earlier, Odette volunteered to stay by Milady's side given that she is her personal handmaiden but Zero told her to attend the banquet instead hence it was her first time in Lireo and she should enjoy it.
The bluette heir of Lireo choose the latter option, apologizing to Milady's sleeping form in the medical infirmary giving her a kiss on her forehead before he left to murder Sting's innocent little daughter, with a murderous intent Zero silently walked down the dark hallways of his mother's palace, concealing himself if any servants rushed around the corner fulfilling their duties, surely enough he made it through all that debacle and finally reached the outside doors of Fuzuki's locked nursery. He's the son of Lireo's monarch naturally he'd have keys to every room in this palace he is to inherit in the future, the soft click awoke Fuzuki's nanny upon the doors opening she saw their tribe's crown prince stoic expression. "Your Highness--" he drained the servant of her lifespan, whilst holding it in place he pulled out the dagger he's been keeping.
Imitating how Sting would slit her throat open the red liquid poured out once it pooled around her he returned her weakening life back, walking to Fuzuki's crib--upon seeing how similar her hair was to Milady and how she had Sting's eyes made his blood boil more than it already is, Zero placed the bloodied blade to her cheek to leave a small scratch enough to bleed out the baby cried upon feeling pain be etched in her flesh not wanting her loud cries to attract any further attention he pointed the dagger's tip right at her heart stabbing it to the point that it passed through her crib, sounds of the fire cackling were gracing the room Zero took off his first layer of worn gloves burning them on the hot fire as to not leave any traces that it was him who killed Fuzuki, he also took the spare key from the knob making sure to exchange it with the one Sting uses once he purposely bumps to him later on at the banquet to fetch himself some viaticum.
Queen Evergreen watched the live broadcast teary-eyed from the royal palace of Zoldanga, upon seeing both her children are safe and sound at long time friend's governed tribe, she was too engrossed watching the holo screen displaying Queen Minea's annual speech that the ringing galva in her gown's pocket was unnoticed "Your Majesty," her handmaiden called pointing at the light within her pocket "Mum, you called--" the pink-haired monarch of Zoldanga answered the incoming call from her biological mother "Get out of there this instant Evergreen!" Panacea's terrified voice yelled through the other line shocking her second daughter "Why? what is going on? Mum, Mum...? Mum!" question after question was thrown as worry ought Queen Evergreen upon hearing Panacea's was ragged solely attempting to hold on for dear life.
"Make haste please! there isn't much time ----AHHHH!" a petrified scream and tearing of human flesh was heard from the background "Get out of there Evergreen and save yourself--!" the call dropped, goosebumps spiked through Queen Evergreen's skin "Mum! Mum!" she attempted to call out but the caller id of her mother was no longer there having her eyes open wide with impending fear "What did Dowager Vermilion say? Your Majesty--" the pink-haired monarch's handmaiden was interrupted mid-sentence as the latter amazon yelled a vast command "Evacuate all of Zoldanga's inhabitants this instant!"
After the party has ended they all died...
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