Finding Completion

Chapter Five

"Damn and I was just about to use that excuse." Yusuke planned on telling everyone the truth but was disappointed that his time had been interrupted before they could finish talking. "Kagome, why don't you go take that shower now and I'll see about some breakfast while I talk to Kurama."

Kagome knew she was being dismissed and a way out from the confrontation about to take place. She wanted to stay but knew Yusuke wanted to handle it alone, Kurama was his friend afterall. A shower did sound good, maybe a nice long soak in the tub would help. Hopefully, his friend wouldn't be too upset about the news. She was just glad it had been Kurama that had come back and not Keiko, that would have been too much for her to handle.

Yusuke waited until the door had closed behind the girl before turning to the fox. He wasn't sure how to begin to explain, he guessed the truth was the best place to start. "Guess, I owe everyone an explanation. Truth is I didn't meet Kagome for first time yesterday. I've known her for months."

"Then I assume you know who the father of her child is. Is that why you were so quick to protect her? Be honest Yusuke, if you know who she is pregnant for it would be wise to share that information. Is she afraid for the safety of the child?" Kurama had suspected that the father had been from this era. It had been the look on the kit's face when the girl had spoken her lie. He hadn't spoken up but his confusion had been there to see. So the father was a youkai from this time and was probably still alive as well. With the border between worlds gone it could be anyone. Since it was possible for them to cross over into the Ningenkai. Had the girl been raped? "Was she raped Yusuke? Is it possible that the father would try to harm them? Is it someone you know personally?"

"Yeah it is and we don't have to worry about the father trying to harm either of them. He wouldn't do that, I'm not really sure how to say this so hell I'll just be blunt. The child is mine." Yusuke knew he hadn't been expecting that answer. The fox lost his usual calm exterior for several moments.

"You shouldn't jest Yusuke, I am not amused. Don't think I'll believe that, don't try to be noble and protect someone else. Whomever did it should take responsibility, think before you make such rash statements. Keiko wouldn't appreciate it and neither do I." Kurama waited for Yusuke to be honest and tell him the truth. He knew Yusuke would never cheat on Keiko, much less carry on an affair behind the girl's back. Why would he feel the need to cover for another youkai?

"Dammit Kurama, I'm not joking here. Believe what you want but I'm telling you that the kid is mine. We met a little over three months ago and had a one-night stand. You can ask her later if you want but just don't upset her. Do you think I'd be willing to claim the baby and hurt Keiko if it wasn't mine?" Yusuke saw his words sinking in, instead of getting angry the fox calmed down.

"I believe you, no need to shout or she will hear you. Might I ask where your relationship stands with the girl? You would have to been with her before your wedding to Keiko." Kurama removed his shoes before stepping further into his home. He knew Keiko wouldn't be pleased with this turn of events. Whatever happened the health of the pregnant girl was most important. "I assume you plan on telling her soon."

"Yeah, think I'm going to go tell her in a bit. I just don't want it getting back to Kagome. She's had enough to deal with and it was me that did the wrong. I don't want to make her upset more than she already is. Hopefully Keiko can accept it and forgive me. I'm not going to abandon my child, I can't. I might be a loser but I refuse to be a deadbeat. Kagome is sensible, I'm sure we can work something out." Yusuke yawned, then looked towards the fridge.

"You didn't answer my question Yusuke, what is your relationship with Kagome? Do you plan on resuming your one night or is strictly sharing responsibility for the child?" Kurama saw the anger flash over the boy's features, seemed he'd hit a sore subject. Was it possible for Yusuke to have feelings for someone he'd only spent one night with? Kurama couldn't see him leaving Keiko for the other girl but it didn't mean he'd want to see him pursuing her either.

"There's no relationship man, it was only one night. I like her as a person and don't want to see anything happen to her is all. I hope to be friends with her, she is the mother of my child. I don't want to lose Keiko, I think you know how much she means to me." Yusuke sighed in defeat, he could see Kieko being angry for a long time. Things were going to be rough for the next couple of weeks. He'd still stand behind Kagome, even if it meant losing the woman he loved. "That night was just that, it didn't mean anything. I'll admit the sex was good but I've left it in the past where it belongs. With the baby, it changes things. I don't regret it but it's something that will never happen again. I won't give up Keiko, she means everything to me."

"Then you must think Yusuke. Keiko might forgive you but it would be hard for her to accept you being around Kagome and still be with you. After all Kagome is the girl you cheated with. It will be hard on both women to deal with." Kurama knew there wasn't an easy option for him. "Plus think Yusuke, you have made many enemies while working for Koenma. If it was known that Kagome carried your child, she'd be a big target for those that would seek to hurt you. She is already in danger due to the jewel, do you want to add another reason for youkai to hunt her?"

"We'll only tell who we must then. As far as I'm concerned the only ones that need to know are you and Keiko. This doesn't concern anyone else. Besides no one was worried about me marrying Keiko and getting her pregnant. I won't let my family be threatened by anyone. I'm not going to deny my child Kurama, so don't ask it of me."

Kagome had heard enough, she didn't think she could feel any worse. Yusuke was going to tell Keiko it seemed, that would ruin his life. The girl might be able to forgive him but it would hurt her if Kagome was always around. Plus, Yusuke seemed to be serious about wanting to care for his child. If only it were the child in the picture but she was there also. She couldn't be around him knowing it was causing the other woman pain. She didn't need him or Kurama to protect her or the jewel. Her powers were back in full force, not to mention she could use the ones from the jewel now.

Her options were limited, not much she could do. Staying here would mean hurting Keiko and Yusuke in the process. It would also be putting some strain on Kurama who shouldn't have to suffer because of her. There was no way she'd go to one of her friend's house, she'd kill them within a week. Going back to the shrine was out also. Inuyasha was too much to deal with at this time. She would cause problems between him and Kikyou, with what was going on. She was nothing but a problem for everyone it seemed.

She should take Shippo and leave, go somewhere she could never be found. Let all those around her go on with their lives, without her here to complicate matters. Maybe she should take matters into her own hands. Decision made she was about to pull the performance of her life. The conversation stopped as she walked back out into the hall. "Stop, I can't do this. Don't tell Keiko anything Yusuke. I lied, the child isn't yours." She saw his disbelief and continued. "I know what Kikyou told you and why she did so. I let everyone believe that I had gotten pregnant on this side for a reason. What I told Kurama yesterday was the truth. I am only two months along in my condition not three. Inuyasha knew of our night as soon as I came back which didn't matter. A few weeks later I was raped while seperated from my group by none other than Naraku himself. Sesshoumaru came along and managed to save me before I was killed. I can't tell you what kind of youkai Naraku was, since he wasn't one but millions. I couldn't tell the others about it, so I hid what had occured. When they noticed the first signs, I let them believe that I had gotten pregnant when I came home that one time. You see everyone in my group hated Naraku with a passion and for good reason. If they knew who had fathered my child they would treat him differently without meaning to do so, it is the way of people. I couldn't do that to my child, it wasn't his fault who had fathered him. I never thought to see you again. Yesterday when Kikyou spoke and she told me that she knew the child was yours, I decided to let everyone believe that. You would have to know about Naraku to understand my decision. I thought if they thought it was yours they'd be able to accept him. As much as it would be in my interest to continue the lie I cannot. I won't let your marriage suffer because of what someone else did. The only thing you are guilty of is cheating on Keiko, you didn't father my child. I'll get my things and return to the shrine. Tell Koenma he can speak to me there if he has any questions."

"Don't lie to me Kagome, I'll ask you one last time answer wisely. Is the child you carry Yusuke's?" Kurama could see that the boy couldn't speak, to stunned by the relivation. Would the girl really be that selfish? Had she been planning to use Yusuke all along. Had his eagerness to accept responsibilty for what he might have caused allowed the girl to try and take advantage of him.

"No, it is not." Kagome answered to him, to herself 'He is mine and mine alone.' She saw the emotions crossing the boy's face and willed herself not to lose her composure. This was for the best, there was no other way. Let them think the worst of her, not that she cared. Once again she was willing to put others before herself.

"Then get your belongings and leave. I would like to say that I understand how you feel but I cannot. You were actually considering using Yusuke to cover up a lie. Do you know what damage you could have caused if he would have spoken last night instead of today? It would have destroyed his relationship with Keiko, that is something that might have been unrepairable. If your friends loved you as you so claimed then they should accept your child, no matter the father. You should look into the wisdom you let so easily roll off your tongue. I am grateful that you came clean before any permanent damage could be done but I wish for you to leave."

Kagome stopped by the local store, her luggage was stashed outside for now along with Shippo. She had some money on her and a few things would be needed before going on her journey. First the jewelry department, she eyed the necklaces and then the bracelets. Something sturdy that a ward could be placed upon that wouldn't come off easy. Her plan was to wander for now without being found. By the end of the day Koenma would more than likely putting an appearance at the shrine. Everything would have to be taken care of before then. First thing would be to hide the jewel from everyone, simple enough. Kikyou would be the big problem, being able to sense and see the jewel as well. A good ward would take care of it, she could hide her own aura with a barrier. A few people were about to become pissed at her, it was for the best.

A few minutes later she decided on a ring, it wouldn't come off unless removed. Next, she'd need a better bag something she could carry on her back. Some of her things would have to be left behind, that was fine. Those two things in hand, she headed for the sports and hunting section. There wasn't much of a selection for bows, some starter kits. She found one that would work for now, then purchased enough arrows and a quiver. With Shippo along for the trip, she couldn't stay in the Ningenkai. It left one option for her and him, to head into the Makai. She'd stand out but a human there would be more looked over than a youkai in the human world. Plus from what she'd heard from Yusuke there was still a lot of untamed land. Her and her kit would get lost among the wilds and find a place for themselves.

Knowing time was short she payed for her items. Shippo was waiting for her in the woods behind the store. He jumped up when she arrived. "Sorry, it took so long but I grabbed some food that will last for awhile and some lunch as well." She placed everything on the ground and started packing what she'd need. Shippo dug through the bag and took out some fries. He munched on the greasy sticks while she did the sorting. "I grabbed a few things for you too. We should be set for some time to come."

The ward was placed on the cheap ring and placed on her finger. "Can you feel the jewel now Shippo?" When he gave a negative nod she smiled. The bag was packed, she was leaving half her clothes behind. Maybe someone homeless would find them and put them to good use. "I guess I can eat while we walk." There wasn't anything left for her to do but say her silent goodbyes. That done she picked the bag of food up, allowing Shippo to jump on her shoulder.

"Are you sure going to this Makai is such a good idea Kagome. There's going to be lots of youkai there. Even if they can't sense the jewel, you are still a human." Shippo held onto the cup of softdrink, he took a long sip. He was scared of this plan but would go anywhere with Kagome. She seemed determined to go through with this new plan. He could understand how she felt upon hearing what she'd overheard this morning. All those years Inuyasha had made her feel useless and like a burden. Now that it was over, she found herself being a burden to someone else. Kagome didn't want to cause unhappiness to someone else. She was the type of person to put others before herself.

"I'm aware of that, we will be fine. I will keep us hidden from being sensed. We will be fine unless one actually sets eyes upon us. If we get attacked my barrier will keep them away, so there is no need to panic. I'll take care of you, I promise." Kagome started munching on the fries while walking towards the Makai. She wasn't sure if it was the right way but her senses said to go this way. She'd take care of both her children on her own.

Kagome had to be careful upon entering the Makai, she could sense the youkai patrolling the area. It wouldn't do well for one of them to find her. It was definitely different from her world but it felt more peaceful. The air was more rank than home, something she'd have to get use to. Shippo made a comment about the smell as well. No one came across them as they travelled further into the wooded area.

Days went by, leaving Kagome filling at ease. If she hadn't been found yet then her plan had worked. She was now free to do as she wished. As long as the ward stayed up, no one would think her to be more than just an average human. The truth of her situation came another youkai happened to come across her. Shippo had become scared upon seeing the two walking towards them. They stopped to glance at her for several minutes then continued on. Kagome came to realize that with her barrier up they could only see her. Her smell and aura were trapped within it, so they couldn't tell she was human without getting closer. Seeing a kitsune on her shoulder, what else could they believe but she was one of them.

The next encounter would prove to be different and a deciding factor in her life. She was sitting next to a stream letting Shippo take a nap and resting her feet. Her senses picked up on a powerful aura coming from behind her at a great speed. It was coming straight to her. Whomever it was leapt through the air, sword raised. She brought her barrier up, only to protect herself and the sleeping kit. A loud curse was heard upon impact, she smiled and went back to eating her lunch.

"Dammit don't you ignore me woman." The little boy screamed at her, his language didn't surprise her. He looked to be about seven or eight, short black hair with a small horn on his head.

Kagome smiled at him which pissed him off. He was just a child in her eyes, she wouldn't kill him for being young and reckless. "Please, I can hear you just fine. No need to shout and wake up my child. You may find speaking softly will get you results faster than screaming. What do you want?" Kagome took another bite out of her apple. The boy's eyes went to the food in her hands.

"Hand over all your belongings if you don't want to die." He threw the threat out like he was asking for the time. Seemed youkai hadn't really changed over the centuries. He branished the weapon for her to see, the blade gleaming in the sun.

"Tell you what, if you can manage to cut me I'll hand over my stuff. Or if you ask nicely I will give you something to eat, the choice is yours. Just be quiet about it, Shippo needs his rest." Kagome almost laughed when the boy charged her again. He was very fast, slicing at the barrier with the cold steel. She took another bite of the apple listening to the boy yell in frustration. Her senses soon picked up another youkai, much stronger than the boy. It was a good distance away and no longer mobile. It had stopped for some reason coming no closer. She turned her attention back to the child in front of her slashing away. "You're pretty fast with that thing. Your stance is a little off and could use some work though."

"What the hell do you know?" Shura sat down in front of the woman, trying to come up with a plan. Why couldn't he hit the foolish female? She must have some kind of barrier like his father. He'd run off two days ago, after having a fight with him. He'd show him that he was indeed capable taking care of himself. He was hungry now and he'd get some food even if he had to kill this woman for it.

"I know more than you it seems. What are you doing out here alone? Don't you have any family?" Kagome finished up her fruit and began to dig through her bag. She withdraw some meat, for Shippo and another piece along with some bread. "Are you hungry?"

"Hmph, I don't need you to give me anything when I can just take it." Shura eyed the food, wanting it just the same. He doubted he could take it from her but would never admit it. He had his pride and he'd never beg for food. "I don't need you to pity me because I'm a kid. I'm strong, I'll have you know."

"I can sense that you are indeed strong but I can't allow you to rob me. Since, I have plenty I don't mind sharing with another fellow traveller. It would be wrong for me to be so greedy. Besides, I'm not giving it to you out of pity, I will expect payment of sorts. I am new to the area you see. You give me some information and I'll give you some food in return, think of it as a trade." Kagome saw him debating over her deal. She wanted him to accept without losing his pride in the process. He had to see it as a trade not her feeling sorry for him.

"Okay, deal." Shura put his sword down and reached out his hand. Her hand came out the barrier, his eyes widened. Even though it came out the initial one there was still one covering her. So he really couldn't hurt her. "What do you want to know?"

"How about start with where your family is? Then you can tell me where I am." Kagome felt Shippo moving finally, shifting in his sleep. He usually stayed on her shoulder when they walked but he was still a child. Not unlike the one sitting in front of her.

"There's only my father and me but I ran away from him. To show him I could take care of myself. I'm tired of him treating me like a kid. He's suppose to be training me but all I ever get are lectures. How am I going to be the new king if he keeps holding back? I'm not some wimp that needs coddling. I'm going to be the best no matter what it takes."

"Do you mind if I ask what instigated this fight?" Kagome handed him some more meat when he was finished with what was shoved in his mouth. He had a bigger appetite than Inuyasha it seemed, good thing she'd made sure to bring some of last night's dinner with her.

"We were sparring, he said we was done which pissed me off because I wanted to continue. I shot him in the back and he got angry about it. So we started fighting over it." Shura was surprised at the woman's laughter over the fragile matter. "What the hell are you laughing about it wasn't funny."

"I'm sorry, it was funny to me. You are contradicting yourself, I'm afraid. You sit there and say you want to be the best, then say it doesn't matter how. Even show that you aren't against hitting someone from the back. Let me ask you this, even if you defeat your opponent how will you know if you beat him because you were naturally better if you don't fight him fairly? Cheap tricks and hitting someone in the back is a way for cowards to fight not someone that is sure of his abilities. Let me share something with you as well." Kagome waved the boy over to her, he scooted closer but was weary. She drew out one of her needles. "This might sting a little, but it shouldn't hurt someone like you. I'm merely going to poke you with the needle." He flinched as she jabbed his skin, before he could protest she did it again. "Wait, I got a point to prove." She poked him a few more times he was clearly missing the bigger picture. "Let me explain, you said your father was holding back on you when you fought. The needle represents your father, go with it kid. Tell me what do you feel now when I stick you?"

"Nothing, it hardly hurts when you do it now. So what's the point?" Shura looked at his red finger thinking hard.

"Everytime you and your father fight he is poking you in a matter of speaking. If he is stronger than you and capable of killing you then he'd have to hold back for your sake. Which would you prefer a quick sword to the heart killing you or to be constantly poked? By doing this is, he is making you stronger each time. If he is taking his time to train you then he has to believe that you are capable of becoming stronger. It would be unwise for him to kill his pupil before seeing that you reach your true potential. Don't look at it as he's treating you weak, he's trying to toughen you up." Kagome put the needle away as Shippo began to stir finally. "See my point?"

"I guess, so you're pretty smart for a female." Shura felt his father approaching now, maybe he should go back. "Wait, I haven't told you where you are yet. Where are you trying to go?"

Kagome was about to be caught in her little fib, "I don't have a destination I'm afraid so that won't help. We are just wandering for now, got nothing better to do. I'm not much on big crowds so which way do you suggest?" Kagome hoped that this kid's father wasn't hostile not with what she was getting from him. The aura was almost the same but stronger, much stronger. If he attacked she might be in trouble. Shippo felt it also and climbed into her lap for safety.

Shura almost cringed when his father appeared beside them. "Father," He bowed his head in acknowledgement and respect, hoping the girl would be smart enough to do the same. "What are you doing stupid, show some respect for your betters."

"I will if they happen to stop by." Kagome answered not liking the kid's tone. Neither of them were better than her as far as she was concerned. She might be human but they were no better. She looked up at the man standing next to the boy and gawked. Now he was big, pushing seven feet if he was an inch. Unlike most tall men he was filled out, well proportioned for one his height. He made her feel like a child in comparison, she was barely over five feet. She took back her former statement about men looking like pansies with long hair. This one had the hair and didn't look like a pushover or feminine in the least.

"A human that thinks I am not her better, amusing. What is one such as yourself doing so far from the Ningenkai?" Yomi could hear the girl's heartbeat. It was the only way he could tell that she was indeed a human. He'd heard the conversation between the two, along with what had occured. What kind of human was she? Even now there was no fear coming from her, her pulse remained steady and sure.

"I thought I'd take a little vacation." She held up her finger smiling at the disbelief on the boy's face. "This place is so nice, so much better than home." Shippo tried to bury himself between her legs, feeling the man's aura rise. Kagome took the time to notice the man's eyes remained shut. Was he blind or did she look that bad? Her hand went to her hair, maybe it was her he didn't want to look at.

"Shura, if you wish to leave then the decision is entirely yours." Yomi snatched the sword off the ground, slipping it back in the sheath on his back. "Next time don't take something that doesn't belong to you." He turned on his heels and began walking away.

"Wait a minute, you can't be serious. You only followed him for the sword." Shippo chose that moment to speak up in denial that a father wouldn't care about his son.

"Silence Shippo, if Shura was man enough to leave his father's protection then it relinquished any responsibility on his father's end. The same goes for you as well, always think before you make rash decisions." Kagome placed a hand on her kit's head knowing the man was trying to teach his son a lesson. Having her own kit interfere wasn't right. The other boy was the one that needed to learn respect and his own limits.

"Forgive me father, I shouldn't have left." Shura hoped his father would accept the apology and allow him back. What the girl had said made sense. He just wanted to be treated as an equal.

"Very well, come we are leaving. I suggest you head back girl, I may not kill you but some youkai don't mind wasting their time." Yomi was surprised when the girl got angry instead of becoming afraid. It caused her aura to flare, that got his attention. So she was no average human, "Amusing."

"I'll show you amusing," She made a face at him causing both children to break out in laughter. Shura stopped laughing within seconds seeing his father wasn't amused by her antics. "But you're right, little ole me needs protection." She jumped to her feet and grabbed her belongings. Shippo climbed back on her shoulder trying to hide in her hair. See how amused he was now. "I'll just have to follow behind you, you're kind of cute."

"AHHH Kagome! Are you trying to get us killed?" Shippo starting shaking but didn't run. What was the miko thinking? The man would kill them before allowing them to trail after him. Why would she even want to? Getting on the man's nerves wasn't worth dying for. Sometimes he wished she wouldn't take things so seriously.

Was the girl trying to test him? She might have some power but was no match for him. He concluded that she was off her rocker. Maybe she had a mental problem, why else would she be in the Makai? She couldn't be sane to have adopted a kitsune cub. Would she really follow him around? "Do as you wish girl." Yomi began walking once more not caring who followed.

Kagome knew he expected her to turn around and leave him alone. Well, he didn't know her very well. She'd follow him just to annoy him for being an ass. She wasn't scared of him or any other youkai for that matter. Shura ran past her to trail a few feet behind his father. She let her thoughts wonder while she trailed behind the man. Did Inuyasha and the others know that she was gone? They wouldn't think to look for her here. Neither would Yusuke and the others, not that they'd have a reason to. She would stay away from them all for as long as possible. It meant never seeing her family again but it was something she needed to do. Her mother would understand that, one day she'd go home to see them.

She knew that one day Yusuke would learn of her lie and be very angry. Not like he'd be the first person to ever be pissed at her or hate her. Atleast he'd have a reason for feeling that way. Inuyasha had disliked her on sight for something she couldn't control. There was no way around the truth coming out once her child was born. The baby would resemble his father, she was sure of it. She could sense the youkai aura inside of her. The image of a little Yusuke came to mind causing her to smile. Was she really ready to be a mother?

Several hours passed without anyone speaking. Kagome could see the man's shoulders starting to tense up. So she was finally starting to get to him, good. Maybe he would apologize for his earlier comment, though she doubted it. Her eyes lingered over his broad back, to glide down his hips.

"How long do you plan on following him? He doesn't look very happy Kagome." Shippo could almost feel the man's annoyance at their presence. They'd be lucky if he didn't turn around and attack them. What was she trying to prove?

"I'm not sure, stop complaining. It's not like we were heading anywhere. Besides, I'm kind of enjoying the view. He has a nice ass don't you think. Not many men have nice round cheeks like that." Kagome blushed when he began to laugh, so all those ears were for something. Oh well, she was past the innocent virgin stage in her life. The man did have a nice one, why lie about it?

"If I attacked you would you leave?" Yomi stopped in his tracks waiting for the girl to catch up. Maybe a little company wouldn't be so bad after all. The girl could make herself useful if she didn't leave. After a day of training he didn't feel like hunting or preparing food.

"Let me think about it. Nope, I'd stick around longer just to annoy you." Kagome smiled at him even if he couldn't see it. Somehow she knew, he knew that she was doing so. If she was going to be here for awhile might as well try and make a few friends. They were better than enemies. "So what should I call you? I don't think it would look right if I called you father."

"Yomi."

Koenma stood in front of his father waiting to hear his decision after informing him of Kagome's disappearance. Yusuke and Kurama had informed him that the girl had left not wanting to stay there. Then he'd promised to take care of everything and told both not to worry about it anymore. So the next day he'd went to the shrine to inform the girl of the new decision. That it was agreed that she could protect the jewel better than they ever could. As long as she remained in the Ningenkai and didn't go flaunting the jewel they would let her live in peace.

Koenma arrived to see that they all believed her to still be at Kurama's. The girl hadn't returned home like she'd told Yusuke and Kurama. For the last month he'd searched the Ningenkai keeping Kagome's disappearance to himself. She couldn't be found anywhere, he'd even searched the Makai. The girl had simply vanished into thin air. Her soul hadn't returned which meant she didn't want to be found wherever she was.

"I take it your presence means the girl still can't be found?" Enma spoke to his son, he'd known that he'd recieve this news. He wasn't worried though, it would be fine. "Call off the search for now. She doesn't wish to be found. Which means she can control her powers and the jewel's better than we could. We will simply have to leave the protection in her hands. As far as anyone else knowing of her disappearance, tell her family and your team that she has been moved to the Reikai. That she will be taken care of and is being treated with the respect she deserves. You are dismissed."

Koenma left his father's chambers and headed back towards the Ningenkai. He'd inform his team since they'd been asking to see the girl. Kurama was being very pushy about it also. It was starting to get on his nerves, why did the fox care so much? The girl would be fine, there was nothing they could do for her. Where was she?

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