The Young Protectors: Engaging The Enemy Chapter One—Page 20

Wait, I don’t get it. What are they talking about? What does this have to do with Dim Sum in Hong Kong?!

We have new Fan Art by Jeremy Thew, a rather sexy embrace entitled “Hot Stuff Annihilator”. And we also have a very special Holloween-themed Fan Art by Lara Idiart that offers a whole new take on cross-dressing. Do check them out!

Oh, and

***THIS IS A BONUS PAGE!***

The fourth bonus page in a row! O_O

And we are already at $151 towards the next bonus page!

Special thanks go out to long-time supporters Amy R. & Lisa G. (both making their second generous donations to The Young Protectors!), Caroline O. (who makes their fifth generous donation to The Young Protectors!) & Olga W. (who makes their ninth generous donation to The Young Protectors! Go Olga!) and a warm welcome and grateful bow go out to new supporters Ashley A., Scott D., Jon-Carl L., Charlie S., Stephanie B., Agathe C. & Liz S. for their generous donations over the last few days!

Big hugs go out to long-time friends of The Young Protectors Donna F. & Adriane L. for their super-generous $25 donations! (And this makes Donna’s second and Adriane’s fifth super-generous donation!)

Thank you all so much for your very generous support!

So, hmm, I wonder what’s going on here. And what’s in the bag? Next page is this Saturday—maybe we’ll find out then!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

A good reader suggestion here: donate to support The Young Protectors and get an extra page. Once $400 in donations are received, I will post an additional page of The Young Protectors the following Wednesday, making two pages for that week!

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Choose donation amount:

http://www.facebook.com/KougaMyazawa Julia Bachkurinskiy

I keep thinking it’s aphrodisiac.
- http://twitter.com/Dawnell_do Dawnell_do
  
  I don’t think he needs it.
- http://twitter.com/hinakiba777 Holly
  
  It might just be something that loosens inhabitions.
- http://pulse.yahoo.com/_4DLOB4FUGXCGAVWL4ENV5G2NOM Vincent
  
  you and me both. but then it’s for kyle so…probebly still creepy
Laurenihilation

jhiougyuuhipgiu WHAT’S GOING ON?

I’M BURNING TO KNOW. O_O
- Yukiness
  
  I see what you did there
http://www.facebook.com/DaddyDemon2010 Suzie Simonds

… WHAT?! I will truly be the saddest puppy on Earth if we find out that Duncan is just “using” Kyle for some reason.
- http://twitter.com/balisane Sola Balisane
  
  I think he’s probably being used for many reasons. I mean, once you’ve got a ginger on the hook – waste not, want not, am I right?
Jen Roberts

UH oh.
Aryn Reid

Uhh, I guess since Duncan’s a villain he doesn’t care that roofies are illegal…
Zebriane

THE PLOT THICKENS.
https://twitter.com/DanishWolf DanishWolf

Pages like this makes you such a tease, Alex

*shakes fist* All these hints at once, to something you make us wait longer to find out. I like mysteries but so many hints makes me want more and want it fast *lol*

You enjoy scheming pages like this the most, I bet. You.. you’re just so.. Anni-ish! That’s what you are.
*starts wait for next page*
http://paperfrenzy.tumblr.com/ paperling ☆

What I want to know is where the heck was she keeping that pouch?!
- Guest
  
  It does feel suspiciously… warm…
  - http://twitter.com/balisane Sola Balisane
    
    That was me, but apparently, if you accidentally hit the little x next to a comment on the Disqus dashboard, it either removes the comment or deletes it from your history. Interesting.
http://twitter.com/Its_me_Alis Alis~~

Ah, the ploooooot thickens! YES.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ODTYRNLPDTIZWUVMJBCDAFY27E DivaLady

I have so many thoughts: What did Duncan want? Did she actually get it or did she fuck him over for funzies, as villains do? And what’s gonna happen NEEEEEEXT?
- http://twitter.com/hinakiba777 Holly
  
  I get the feeling this is about the source of Kyle’s power… and sex. But mostly the source of Kyle’s power.
CommodoreZelda

WHAT IS GOING ON?!?!?!?!?! What kind of voodoo are they trying to pull on poor Kyle?? Oh, who am I kidding, I’m on their side no matter what.
- DemureDesire
  
  Is there something wrong with the fact that we’re rooting for the villains?
  - CommodoreZelda
    
    I think that just means the writing is good.
    - seekmore
      
      Or the writing is really bad, and we want to see the heroes suffer.
      
      Not that I am suggesting this is the case here.
      
      It’s just an equally possible alternative. You have no idea how many times I wished Jasper would snap and eat Bella all throughout reading the Twilight series.
http://twitter.com/balisane Sola Balisane

So if Kyle’s not a mutant, magician, or alien, what HAS he got that they want? Dead curious now.
- http://profile.yahoo.com/PBSU6WMQEZFFEG2R3TWIKP6G44 Toli Bera
  
  a cute butt, and a naive but trusting demeanor.
- http://twitter.com/hinakiba777 Holly
  
  Well I think the point is that there is no Logical reason for his pyrokinesis. He’s not a mutant, Pyromancer, or an alien, so WHY can he make fire?
  
  WHY?!
  
  Damn it, now I want to know. *pouts*
- seekmore
  
  Like Holly says, I think that’s the point.
  
  But I think, at least to them/at this point of the story, the origin of Kyle’s powers is merely an interesting footnote to whatever their plan is.
  
  The scan was merely to ensure there were no unforeseen side effects to using what is in the pouch. They don’t want/need Kyle hurt…for now.
  
  And also, Priestess specifies conventional magic. Meaning that it could be magic. She’s just not familiar with it.
Ikaru Sentinal-K’Valshar

Wait what? So confused now. But in such a good way. The plot thickens like gravy!! :3 Oh, the loves I have for this comic.
http://twitter.com/Nuriko455 Ron

well they are villians after all. Life fire boy be a reincarnation of Ifirit
- http://profile.yahoo.com/EFIHHTD2CBIEY5FN5TV6ZJNO34 Raymond
  
  Not to be a jerk, but first off, the word is actually Ifrit. Secondly, they are actually lesser Djinn made of fire not Fire Elementals. They can shape shift and do most of what a Djinn can do. So I don’t think that is what he is. A Fire Elemental is usually called a Salamander.
http://the-tribulations-of-rex.blogspot.com/ ℜεx GαηчMε∂ε. (Super Hero.)

Hopefully, the rest of your outfit is in that magic pouch, little lady!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=591482984 Deejay Mumin

Maybe the clothes tentacles also ‘scanned’ Kyle in some way. Do they want to know where Kyle’s firepower comes from – especially as he’s not alien, mutant or magic. Or is it an aphrodisiac/roofie to make Kyle more open to Anni? So many questions, and too long to go ’til Saturday.

Alex is a bigger tease than Anni and Sircea combined.
- http://the-tribulations-of-rex.blogspot.com/ ℜεx GαηчMε∂ε. (Super Hero.)
  
  i think it’s a safe bet that those were, in fact, scanning/analyzing tentacles.
  
  pretty astute, deejay.
- http://the-tribulations-of-rex.blogspot.com/ ℜεx GαηчMε∂ε. (Super Hero.)
  
  given the fact Al so far has “conveniently overlooked” this comment signifies that a certain part of your conjecture is, in fact, correct.
  
  l.m.a.o.
  
  (p.s. — the only aphrodisiac Duncan needs to make Kyle want to molest him is his handsome old self in that tux.
  
  i reck’n.
  
  plus i’m sure Hunky Dunky doesn’t need no stinkin’ roofie to overpower and/or knock-out kyle, if HD really desires this.)
  - http://webcomics.yaoi911.com/ Alex Woolfson
    
    But ah, if it is Word of God you desire, you need only ask.
    
    Yes, the tentacles were used to gather information.
    - http://the-tribulations-of-rex.blogspot.com/ ℜεx GαηчMε∂ε. (Super Hero.)
      
      oh, al..
      
      ..i didn’t actually want you to verify or deny dee’s guess, if you were gonna reveal the tentacles’ alternate ability later on in the story anyway.
      
      but it seems this bit of info wasn’t a spoiler after all!
      
      which is cool.
      
      (you know i love my W.o.G.s!)
http://theabandonedsoul.deviantart.com/ Amaya Redfern

My curiosity is killing me.
ALEX. HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME.
- http://webcomics.yaoi911.com/ Alex Woolfson
  
  Everything I do is out of my love for you.
http://www.facebook.com/iocane.powder.1 Iocane Powder

I could be wrong but something about that Solomon comment makes me wonder if these two aren’t a good deal older than they look.

That would, of course, imply that “Duncan Wells” is therefore lying, which I already sort of think/wonder.

What’s in the bag? My guess is some patented Platinum TroubleDust ™.
- seekmore
  
  The Priestess might be.
  
  Or could be she’s just among the last of Solomon apprentices.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_W7TCY24F2ILZGSVJ32TJG4LJGU Jamie

With those eyes and that tux, I’m doubting Duncan would need any extra persuasion. But, he is a villain so I guess we’ll see what he’s up to.
As for “the old rules” that Sircea mentioned, how old are we talking here, Alex? We still don’t know a whole lot about this world and their power structures yet. I’m assuming that mutation, alien dna, and conventional magic are the usual around these parts. The fact that Kyle is neither of these must really intrigue them. I’ve got a few theories that I’m gonna keep to myself for a bit so that I don’t embarrass myself, but the fact Duncan’s British has me leaning certain ways.
http://twitter.com/hinakiba777 Holly

I wonder what Kyle is doing at the other side of the gate?

Also, that bag of unknown contents has me very…concerned after the magical tentacles from before. How long shall it be before we know? And will we find out what Sircea is trying to “find out”?

I have to say Alex, I just LOVE the banter between Duncan and Sircea. It’s so well written. It seems like a normal conversation despite the odd subject matter. You are a true talent.
Also, LOVING Anni’s expression in Panel 2. It’s positively carnal. Possibly predatory. I am very interested in what will happen next.
- http://webcomics.yaoi911.com/ Alex Woolfson
  
  Thank you, Holly. Writing banter is one of my favorite things to do. Glad you like it here.
Bad_Guy_Lover

And the plot thickens….
SteveMcSheffrey

Pyrokinesis doesn’t require mutancy, alien DNA, or magic technically. Some theories say pyrotics would simply use more of the brain than the average person. The mention of Solomon Rules led m e to this BTW: http://www.themystica.org/mystica/articles/v/views_of_solomon%27s_magic.html
- ErykaSoleil
  
  Hmmmm . . . While not surprised by the suggestion that controlling fire simply uses more of the brain, the Solomon link is interesting. Thank you for sharing (sadly, I will have to read it more thoroughly later).
  
  Also, I am intrigued by the term “pyrotic”–that’s a new one for me. (If it’s been used in the comments here before, I’ve missed it . . . stupid 3G internet.)
- http://webcomics.yaoi911.com/ Alex Woolfson
  
  I also found the Solomon link interesting. Thank you for sharing it.
http://www.facebook.com/jay.demetrick Jay Demetrick

Ooo! Fire elemental? Interesting!
fujoshifanatic

The plot thickens indeed! It seems we are beginning to get an inkling of what Duncan wants from Kyle (besides his hot little ass!) and possibly a clue to the high stakes involved in this story arc? And I love the banter between these two, especially the “small children” comment! I recently started working out with a trainer who’s my junior by a couple of decades *sob*, and I when I talk about him among my friends I sometimes refer to him as “the puppy” because of his enthusiastic, if sometimes immature, take on the various things we discuss during our sessions. So yeah, Sircea, I know where you’re coming from!

That is an interesting theory abut pyrokinesis, but wouldn’t it involve at least some sort of mutation or magic for the user not to be physically damaged by the fire they are manipulating? Especially in the case of Kyle, where he is able to actually absorb the energy of the fire he manipulates into himself as well as throw it towards an object? Just saying.

At any rate, can’t wait to see what’s in the bag–hopefully on Saturday?
DarkFeanix21

I’m starting to worry that dinner isn’t going to be as romantic as I had hoped. I suppose the real question now is: Will they stay for dessert?

… No, I’m just kidding. The real question is what the heck’s in that bag? Can’t wait to find out.
http://twitter.com/fakesbumtie Denise Matthews

Well I should have known, Duncan is evil so he should have an underhanded plan.
I hope it ends in bed. ;p
Yukiness

Yay! After 4 days without internet I am finally caught up. Stupid Hurricane.

I do love the banter between Duncan and Sircea. It feels like they’ve genuinely known each other for too long. And I wonder who she means by Solomon?
HermeticallySealed

So is his theory that Kyle is possessed? That certainly would give Duncan a means of stirring mischief by having Kyle’s source of power under his control.
- seekmore
  
  I would think the Priestess’s scan would pick up on something like possession.
  
  I mean, magically speaking, possession is something you’d think to check for right away when confronted with a magically-abnormal human.
  - HermeticallySealed
    
    Except all Solomon, mystically speaking, is associated with is capturing and commanding demons. Unless maybe they believe him an avatar of some sort.
    - http://twitter.com/balisane Sola Balisane
      
      I’m starting to wonder if Kyle might not be a djinn’s descendant. Her Holiness just ruled out a /lot/ of other possibilities, but the range of impossible things is almost infinite.
      - http://www.facebook.com/jay.demetrick Jay Demetrick
        
        He could be a fire elemental, like a transformed phoenix or salamander…
http://www.facebook.com/people/Leon-De-Bourbon-Orléans/100000809017060 Leon De Bourbon Orléans

Good to see something good after that huge hurricane tuesday.
http://profile.yahoo.com/EFIHHTD2CBIEY5FN5TV6ZJNO34 Raymond

Am I just too old, or has anyone else seen the ‘original’ movie “Firestarter”? For those who haven’t, let’s keep it simple, enhance a particular part of the brain and get the hell outta the way.

He could just be a “Natural”. It seems to me, if that’s what their after, Sircea was talking about old Magick, which you were born with and came naturally or was developed through training, but it had to be something with which you were born. You couldn’t just learn it. That is not something that is easily taken. Basically, to take that ability would mean taking the person’s very being.

So, either that bag is just a bad ass magickal aphrodisiac (I hope), or ‘hot boy’ is in for one truly eft-up date.

This is just my opinion.
ithilloke

Very cool how she’s using natural magic. A TRUE priestess! I just hope that’s not a love potion, ’cause that would be manipulating someone against their will…wait, these ARE the “bad guys” after all…
C H

IS KYLE A DEMIGOD? WUT? WUT?
Dee Dee

I love the art in panel 3! The silhouette of Duncan which overlaps with the implied tone they’re all up to something? Marvellous!
- Dee Dee
  
  Oh and I love the transition to panel 4: the smoky and wispy tendrils of the gate which remind us Kyle has just left.
  
  And how ominous, the foreshadowing might turn out to be.
kungfunurse

*sigh* I’d hoped that Duncan was just going to use the amazing power of his intellect (among other things) to try and seduce Kyle to the Anarchist side. Now it looks like he may be trying to cheat. Not cool, Duncan!

But you know what would be cool? If whatever is in that bag DIDN’T work the way he thought it would. I’d love to see Kyle prove himself to be more than either he or Duncan thinks he is. I’m getting to the part in the story when I’m itching to see the tables turned a little, and seeing Duncan have to start changing in reaction to his experiences with Kyle. I’d kind of love to see his world view get rocked a little on it’s axis too…
- http://twitter.com/balisane Sola Balisane
  
  Judging by how quickly Kyle has been adapting so far – he’s already starting to give almost good as he gets, as long as he’s allowed to, quite literally, keep his feet on the ground xD – I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of the sharp side of his tongue at dinner.
Suhndog

Hmm.. My thoughts:
Small children? Literal, rhetorical? … are Duncan and Shiny Priestess aliens or mutants?
They are using Kyle as a guinea pig! Duncan sees some sort of ‘potential’ in Kyle, and seems to be nurturing a metamorphosis in him.. all the while playing on his naivete, very cunning and devious..in the guise of an evening of food and *fun*! Maybe if Kyle’s possible latent powers [speculation, here] are awakened, Kyle will be given a choice to join the ‘dark side’ with them, or ….?? I love the way the story is leading! This one page alone would have me hooked on this comic! I CAN’T WAIT for the next page[s]!!!
This comic is SO captivating.. I generally don’t read comics, but I’m HOOKED!!!!!! =3
Alex, you’re a master of wonderment! Thank you, and be encouraged to keep going!! – Great work! and the art is splendid!
- Suhndog
  
  BTW, I simply LOVE Sircea’s devious expressions!! something visceral and subconscious is awakened in me when she starts ‘That Look’ !! squeee —
- seekmore
  
  I imagine “Small children” means she thinks Kyle is young and naive That he hits all of the “I am pretending to be an adult, but am not quite there yet” tropes so hard that it’s kind of boring.
  
  I don’t think they are using him as a guinea pig. The scan was intended to make sure nothing unexpected occurred. The pouch might have unexpected effects on someone who is a mutant or of extraterrestrial origin.
  
  The reference to Solomon makes me think it’s magic. Perhaps it only works properly on mundane humans in the classical sense.
- http://webcomics.yaoi911.com/ Alex Woolfson
  
  Thank you very much for all the kind words, Suhndog! I’m delighted that you are enjoying The Young Protectors!
DoktorNauk

It sounds like they’re just discussing how his fire powers work. That doesn’t tell me what’s in the bag though…
http://the-tribulations-of-rex.blogspot.com/ ℜεx GαηчMε∂ε. (Super Hero.)

actually i think i’m starting to develop a crush on Shibarya.

(Panel 4.)

she’s tough and skilled enough to “spar” with Duncan Urheinpartz and still come out alive and unscathed right?

i guess i also have a Battle Maiden fetish..
SomeoneK

They are trying to take his powers away?
Epistasthai

Suspect? Suspect *what*!!???? And what does Solomon have to do with our Kyle? Oh noes! Run Kyle, run! (but keep that suit on – you look so cute in it!)

“…most small children…” hahaha

looking forward to the next page! Thanks, Alex!
- http://webcomics.yaoi911.com/ Alex Woolfson
  
  You’re welcome! Glad you’re looking forward to the next page!
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=38104551 Bryan S. Axson
  
  NO NO TAKE THE SUIT OFF!!!
  - Epistasthai
    
    Hahaha - that’s the point of wearing a suit – if you’re lucky you get to watch him (or someone) take it off…
Wayne Lunkwitz

Sounds to me like this will be an intersting dinner….I hope Kyle catches on….before they turn him against his own people by use of the “black magic” in that bag.
Becky

Hmmm, so Kyle’s super-ness is of a unique variety? INTERESTING! And the something in the bag will help them diagnose him? Duncannnnnnnn be niiiiiiiiiiice….
- Interpolation
  
  Hmm… it looked to me like they already got what they needed to diagnose him with Sircea’s magical costume change. Which would mean the bag does something else. BUT WHAT!?
  - Becky
    
    You were right! Well-reasoned.
KiannaLeigh

Best day ever. Halloween is my favorite holiday AND my anniversary (of 7 whole years now). Wednesday means new Supernatural and American Horror Story: Asylum and a new Young Protectors, AND Duncan is being mysterious! I dressed up with horns at work today and had candy. Seriously!

Best.
Day.
EVER!

Happy Halloween everyone!
- http://the-tribulations-of-rex.blogspot.com/ ℜεx GαηчMε∂ε. (Super Hero.)
  
  Miss Kianna?
  - KiannaLeigh
    
    Yes?
    - http://the-tribulations-of-rex.blogspot.com/ ℜεx GαηчMε∂ε. (Super Hero.)
      
      don’t ever change.
      
      okay?
psiquest

What Annihilator is really saying: “Thanks for getting those condoms for me, hon. Think they’ll fit? Yeah, I know you felt him up with your tentacles… just checking. Nothing freaky, right? No flippers or horns down there? No? Great! Hey, wait… does this tie make my butt look big?”

Happy Halloween Y’all… make your ghouls moan.
Melanie mcsc2008

I’m really wondering from where Sircea produced that little bundle. As small as it is, it’s larger than most of her, ahem, uniform.
Captain_LeBubbles

Oh man, oh man. I’m starting to feel like I did back during Artifice. If you guys stop donating quickly enough for bonus pages I might just cry.
http://twitter.com/SoupyTwist SoupyTwist

Oh no! Guys! I’m beginning to think this supervillain might have some sort of sinister ulterior motive!
- http://www.facebook.com/people/Bryan-Kennedy/1114726581 Bryan Kennedy
  
  I almost died reading this. You sir and/or madam are a master of sarcasm. Your cape and scepter will be delivered shortly.
Fryt07 Ha

Geez i was going to comment that i thought this was going to happen but i missed it now i’m pissed!
http://www.facebook.com/ian.s.fox.5 Ian Shuichi Fox

Before I continue, I’d like to say that I do like this story and that it is very well-written and fun. There is an issue I’d like to bring up though…

So far, we’ve seen nothing at all that indicates that he is a “supervillain.” It’s been said once or twice, but frankly, we only have your word to go on with that. This page is, so far, the first time we’ve seen anything even remotely villain-ish. As far as he’s concerned, I’m afraid I’m not feeling the characterization because we haven’t been shown who or what he actually is.
- http://webcomics.yaoi911.com/ Alex Woolfson
  
  I think that is a completely valid criticism. As the TV Tropes page points out, so far his villainy is pretty much just an Informed Attribute , which is not a good thing writing-wise.
  
  Even though his current moral status will be continue to be shown in detail in future scenes, I’ve wanted to stick pretty close to Kyle throughout this story, so having an involved scene showing off The Annihilator’s past villainous activities didn’t feel right to me. And both using extended flashbacks or straight exposition through dialogue to do so at this point in the story also felt clunky.
  
  But even while writing the scripts, I have been aware for some time of the need to both address The Annihilator’s past as well as flesh out the details of the world The Young Protectors live in. I’ve also been wanting to come up with something interesting and fun merchandise-wise for readers who might want something physical relating to this comic.
  
  To that end, Adam and I have been working on creating a special, hard copy “dossier” file on The Annihilator (compiled by a secret government agency) that will give canon information about these things in a fun way that doesn’t disrupt the flow of the story here. (Although it will be, in fact, part of the story—just one that you don’t absolutely have to read to follow what’s happening here.) It will be a nice artifact with some fun special features and it’s going to be the very first Young Protectors merch I offer. For those who are interested in such details, I hope it will be something they will like and I also hope it will be something that would help flesh out things for folks like yourself in a satisfying way. Keep an eye out for it in the early part of next year.
  - http://www.facebook.com/ian.s.fox.5 Ian Shuichi Fox
    
    Wow… I was not honestly expecting to receive such a lengthy, well-thought out response. You have very clearly indicated where you’re coming from and I can also appreciate the writing dilemma that you face here. The upcoming dossier sounds like a really neat idea to address this and is probably the best middle ground for such a scenario. I look forward to seeing it. :)
  - http://twitter.com/balisane Sola Balisane
    
    I DESIRE THIS DOSSIER.
    
    That will be so amazing.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_W7TCY24F2ILZGSVJ32TJG4LJGU Jamie

Wow, Alex, we’re $74 away from another bonus page! *bounces up and down in my chair in excitement*
Steven Feldman

My thoughts are these.

His superpower is “on a scale of ‘one’ to ‘flaming,’ how gay is he?”
http://theabandonedsoul.deviantart.com/ Amaya Redfern

Why is it that, regardless of the fact that I know exactly when each new page comes out, I come back to check every day? *facepalm*
- http://webcomics.yaoi911.com/ Alex Woolfson
  
  Because the commenters here are awesome.
http://twitter.com/FoxCrimson Mariyah

Love it! When does the next page come out?
- http://webcomics.yaoi911.com/ Alex Woolfson
  
  In less than 24 hours.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Lynda-Depe-Taylor/100000668595239 Lynda Depe-Taylor

$50 away from another bonus page! C’mon non-broke people!
xLizardx

Ooooh, the plot thickens!
SolrSurfr3

Okay, I have no idea what’s going on here…
Ree

This is nervous-making! Quite glad I’m reading this 3 months post its publishing…perhaps this shall be somewhat resolved before I must wait along with everyone else :O
http://www.facebook.com/people/Charles-Roberts-Jr/100000918795086 Charles Roberts Jr

Mabye the Solomon she mentioned is King Solomon? The guy who built the temple in anchent Jerusulum.

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The Young Protectors: Engaging The Enemy Chapter One—Page 20

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