insurmountable | how could i ever forget // outside the morning was cool and wet

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how could i ever forget // outside the morning was cool and wet

[It's not often Ajax finds himself getting his head slammed down onto the hood of a car, least of all a cop car. Usually it's him doing the slamming.

But today the young man finds himself denting the hood, the sound of metal caving in under his head ringing in his ears. Not exactly the ideal situation he was hoping for, but he figured sooner or later he'd have a run in with the cops due to the sensitive nature of his profession, but that doesn't mean he has to like how inconsiderate they are with him as they cuff him and throw him in the back of the paddy wagon. Not that he was considerate to them when he was discovered, as evidenced by the blood all over his clothing and knuckles from the fight he'd gotten into with them. How he managed to avoid getting shot is beyond him- plenty of shots were fired, but that hadn't stopped him from knocking a few of them out.

It's just too bad he'd been instructed that he couldn't kill anyone, or else he'd of gotten out of there without being caught.

The lights of the police station are bright, almost too bright from the contrast of how dark it was outside. Ajax squints as he's dragged inside, held tightly by two cops who hurry him through the station, but not fast enough that he doesn't catch a glimpse of the secretary behind the desk as they come in. Pretty, blonde, looking like she'd rather be anywhere else. Gorgeous eyes, ones that catch his attention almost immediately as he's being shoved towards the back, shining with a radiance that captures him instantly. His eyes lock with hers, feeling something silent yet powerful surge through him from this tiny, insignificant interaction. He doesn't even have a moment to think further on it, before he's so rudely interrupted.

Get moving.

The curt voice of the bigger cop on his right cuts through the moment, anger welling up in Ajax's chest and something dark stirs in his core. If he wasn't cuffed and being restrained, he'd turn that guy's face into a new work of art, something so abstract some insane art collector would gladly pay millions for it.

No sooner had Ajax been ushered in, he disappears from sight as he's taken back into an interrogation room, the mysterious blonde no longer in his sights, now getting shoved into a corner of a room.]

What's with this? Don't you even have the courtesy of giving me a chair to sit in, at least?

[From outside of the room, muffled noises of a scuffle as the cops lay into Ajax can be heard, the loudest of which is a thud of a body slamming into a wall, accompanied by a groan from the ginger kid. Though little do any of them know, their real problems haven't arrived just yet, waking from their slumber right outside of the city...]

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[She takes the words right out of his mouth. So is that what the stars mean? Or is it something else, and the powers they've acquired are nothing more than that. Their marks, he swears, will forever be a confusing point of their relationship, but now isn't the time to put too much thought into it. Right now, escaping is their number one priority, and they have to figure a way out before something bad happens to them.

Still, being able to hear her thoughts is still wild. It'll take some getting used to...just like how he can practically hear her sigh on her end.

They did. I've got a bandage around my arm, like they stuck a needle in it. I can't tell if they simply drew blood, or injected me with something.

Another thing to consider. Who knows what they did, but they definitely can't really do anything about it now. Best case scenario, they just drew blood. Having a DNA print of them isn't great, but he'd rather have that than being injected with something that's going to have an adverse affect on them later.

I don't feel strange, however. At least, not yet...

Hopefully he didn't jinx it.

I'm guessing they did the same to you?]

[ Even if it was unrealistic, she can't help but be bummed they poked Ajax too. Makes sense they are most likely keeping a DNA record on them as a means of watching their every footstep but what if it's something far worse than that...?

What if... they were injected with a harmful substance? Just the though is enough to rise her temper to the surface, feeling concerned and aggravated that they might have committed an atrocity on their bodies.

Yeah, I woke up with a pounding headache and the nexg thing I noticed was this bandage around my arm. I like to think if they injected us with a substance, we'd be feeling the effects by now but...after they drugged us, there's no telling what they have in their arsenal.

And she hates it. The idea this company can rival Nizhnii is beyond unsettling.

One thing is for certain and it's that we gotta figure out a way to get out of here. Fast. I assume the people who did this to us are the same ones who sent that letter. So, do you recognize anything in relation to Pouce in here?]

[Unsurprising to hear that they did the same to Yoimiya. He wonders why...did they find their marks underneath their clothes? Or did they stick them for other reasons? If they found their marks, that's bad- that could get leaked back to Nizhnii and they'd both be done for. He doesn't think that Poucé would know about that, but he has no conclusive evidence that they don't know either. It's all concerning, and he has no answers for any of their questions.

I don't. Honestly, I don't know that much about them other than what I told you before. And even then...things may have changed.

Maybe that's something they're going to find out while they're here. There's no reason, he realizes now, for Poucé to stick a needle in them at all.

But we're stuck here until someone comes to get us. Just be ready when they do- it'll be your once chance to escape. If they manage to drag you to another room, who knows if you'll be able to get out.

[ For all they know, Poucé might not even be involved in their kidnapping. Yoimiya doesn't find that very likely but regardless, it is scary to think that Ajax doesn't know much about the rivals to his company. Just how confidential is their information? How do they seem to know so much about Ajax while he's still somewhat in the dark about them? This situation is becoming more confusing by the minute. As if her head wasn't already hurting enough...

Right! I'll definitely do my best to get out if they take me elsewhere. Since we have acquired the power of telepathy, we can utilize it to our advantage and help each other. Because no matter what happens, I'm not leaving without you.

Ajax has done so much to help her. She'd rather risk her life than throw him to the wolves.

Since we're talking to each other, why don't we take the time to familiarize ourselves with the surroundings? Is there anything notable in your area? I sent my goldfish to help you out and I assume you've already come into contact with her. She might be small but she's mighty and willing to assist you any way her tiny body can. ]

[It warms his heart to know that Yoimiya wouldn't leave him behind. He would do the same for her, so then it seems like it's decided that if one gets out, they'd come for the other. Having telepathy definitely will help that, and he hopes that they come for him first. He's got a feeling he'll have an easier time dealing with opponents than her, and then they can break out.

About that...your goldfish is the reason why I can communicate with you now. She...well...

How does he put this...

She swam inside of me, and when she did, I connected directly to you. The feeling was indescribable...I'm not sure what to make of it. It's like she connected our souls together. I don't know if I can use her to do anything. I can't see anything that far past my own cell, so it's hard to tell if there's anything notable.

He wonders what Yoimiya's reaction was like. Was she always able to do this? Again, more questions with no answers.]

[ "About that...your goldfish is the reason why I can communicate with you now. She...well..."

Oh dear god. When he words it like that Yoimiya briefly wonders if something terrible happened to her cute firey friend. She'd be beside herself, unable to forgive the person who hurt her little sweetie. Just as she's getting ready to throw hands with the evil person who potentially did her in, she's hit with a revelation she did not expect.

The goldfish swam... inside him????? And it's thanks to her, that they're now able to communicate. She falls silent for a few minutes, unsure of what to say.

Oh...! So that's how we can talk to each other now. Huh... I didn't expect her to do that. I sent her to you in hopes that she'd be able to help you escape.

Who would have thought that the goldfish would take her mission that seriously and actually roll with it? Now, she's not sure if the goldfish will be able to get out of Ajax but that's a problem for another day.

It's no wonder why I suddenly felt like our hearts were beating as one. I had no idea she could do something like that!! How cool...

Focus, Yoimiya, focus back on the task at hand.

Ahem! Well, I don't know if you'll be able to use her light now that she's inside of you but at least we can communicate with each other. I can't see anything from my cell either so I guess waiting for a guard to pass by sounds like our best bet. ]

[Cool is definitely a word for it. It's not bad, he can attest to that much. It'll get a little getting used to that she can hear all his thoughts going forward, but it'll be fine, right? Speaking of which...

Hahahahaha....

Nervous laughter forms its own thought in his head, involuntarily broadcasting that to Yoimiya. He doesn't really realize it, but he'll have a much harder time concealing all his inner thoughts and worries from her now.

Yeah, I think it's best we wait as well. If they come for me, they better be prepared. There's no way they aren't going to try to move me from this cell without a fight. I hate to say it, but perhaps it's in our best interest to rest before then. Even though we were both knocked out, I don't feel like I rested at all...

He feels kind of horrible in comparison to normal. Maybe because of whatever they did to them and the fact that they didn't have a truly restful sleep.]

[ Oh... she absolutely heard that laugh. That was certainly the most nervous laughter she's heard out of anyone. Now that she ponders on the situation at hand, their newfound telepathic connection will also come with a few caveats in the name of; privacy. Once again, she finds herself letting out the loudest, internal sigh imaginable. She's already got a big mouth, and now Ajax might end up an involuntarily witness to some of her most personal thoughts.

Great. Lovely even.

Oops. No doubt he heard that one. This is gonna take some getting used to.

I think you're right. It blows to be a sitting duck but doesn't seem like we have much of a choice at this point. We're not gonna be in any good condition to fight back if we don't get some semblance of rest.

He's also right about another matter; she too didn't get much sleep throughout their transfer from the restaurant.

I guess the only thing we can to is try to stay vigilant until then. Don't be a stranger and feel free to start a conversation with me even if it's just small talk. ]

[WELP he can't blame a girl for not being totally optimistic all the time. Not sure if he was meant to hear that, but it's definitely indicative of how screwed they maybe are. At least they both agree on getting some rest...that's good. He'll definitely take a little time to sleep, before they eventually have to go through hell and back.

Starting a conversation with you might not allow me to sleep...you have professional-level conversational skills.

That wasn't supposed to be broadcast whoops haha aljsflfj;aljf;j

...I promise to stay in touch after I've taken a little nap. Get some sleep too, and when we wake we'll get out of here.

...somehow.

He hopes...]

[ .............

Yeah, he should have kept that one in the drafts. This telepathy will probably be their undoing. If a guard were to pass by, they'd be confused as to why their captive is just standing there with her hands on her hips and indignance plastered all over her face.

Yeah, get some sleep while you can. Wouldn't want me using my "professional-level conversational skills" on you.

Rude ass mofo throwing strays at her when she's just trying to be nice. ]

Edited 2025-06-29 21:43 (UTC)

[Guess she heard that. This whole telepathy thing will be interesting, that's for sure.

Please. You know I enjoy our conversations. How many times now have I sat down to talk with you at the end of a long day? Do you think I'd do that if I didn't want to hear your voice? It's one of the more enjoyable parts of my day.

Just not when I'm trying to sleep.

He'd boop her nose if he could. He wonders if he can do it telepathically, but when he tries, nothing happens.

I promise you can talk my ear off once we're out of here.]

[ She stays silent for a few minutes, almost as if she's debating whether to put him in the dog house for his earlier jab. But, he does have a point, he has listened to her an awful lot.

Hmmm. I suppose I can accept your sweet talk for now. But you better get your ears ready when we're free. 'Cause I'm gonna make sure I talk your ears off.

That is absolutely a threat and a promise.......

Anyways, Yoimiya's yawn could probably be heard through their link.

Night, Ajax.

With no further words, she retires to the stiff, uncomfortable bed in their cell to try and get some sleep. The task is already proving to be insurmountable, just resting her back on the "mattress" feels like she's laying on a bunch of bricks. Oh, wells, the least she can do is close her eyes and keep her ears open for anyone passing by. ]

[The silence is deafening, and he never thought that not being able to hear her in his head would be so loud. Ajax guesses she's debating on yelling at him some more, but it looks like she's forgiven him for now. He grins to himself, letting himself get situated on his bed as he prepares to actually get some real rest.

He'll have to mentally prepare for Yoimiya's endless yap session later.

Goodnight.]

---

[Ajax's rest is uninterrupted, only waking up to the unchanging stillness of the cell around him. He has no idea how long he'd been asleep, and he rubs his eyes to wipe the sleep away as he slowly sits up in bed. It was a rough sleep, based off of how his back doesn't feel entirely great, but at least he'd been able to get some rest. Yawning, he stretches his back out, but something hits his senses right in the middle of it that gets him to stop dead in his tracks.

Something's very wrong. He can't see it, but there's a presence in the building that makes every bit of his fight or flight instincts go off. Ajax's attention is drawn to the bars of his cell, glazed now with the dark, galaxyesque substance that he's grown all too familiar with. It makes his blood freeze in his veins, and the first thing he does is try to reach out to Yoimiya.

Yoimiya. Yoimiya. Please be alright, please. Answer me...

Worry immediately hits him like a sack of bricks, as he gets up to examine the bars and the door. A key is shoved into the door of his cell, but it was never turned to unlock it, and he easily sticks his arm through and unlocks the cell himself. Streaks of the abyssal substance run right down the corridor, with no one else in sight.

This is bad, he thinks to himself, which is broadcast to her as well.

Yoimiya!]

[ How Yoimiya was able to get even a wink of sleep on that hard mattress is nothing short of a miracle. One things for certain, her back and head will feel it the next day. But by the grace of God, she somehow managed to sleep uninterrupted for a good while, to the point she doesn't know how long she was out for.

She had been sleeping like a baby when Ajax's shouting cuts through her sleep like a sharp blade. Immediately, she stirs, needing a moment to get her bearings together and oblivious to the galactic substance all over the bars of her cell. It's clear she's been out like a rock this whole time.

Ajax...?

Her voice is laced with grogginess as she tries to fight back a yawn only to lose. She's still in the process of coming to, blinking her bleary eyes to focus her vision. But even in the midst of her hazy mind, she can recognize something isn't right and Ajax sounds like he's seen a ghost.

Sorry about that, I just woke up. What's going on? You sound frantic.]

[Her voice is like a tidal wave of relief through his system.

Ajax hadn't realized, but he was holding his breath while he was waiting for her to answer. Thank the stars she did, because if she hadn't he was going to tear through this entire facility trying to track her down to make sure she wasn't hurt.

Listen, we've got bigger problems right now than just being kidnapped. Can you take a look around your cell and tell me what you see?

He already knows that she'll probably find the traces of abyssal monsters, but if she's okay that means that even if they had gone down that way, they couldn't get to her. Maybe they're not specifically targeting them this time...maybe it's something else.

Maybe.

He starts running down the corridor, hoping that he's heading in the right direction towards where they might be keeping Yoimiya.

Something bad's happened, and I don't know what any of it means yet.]

[ Oh. Oh no, that doesn't sound good at all. Now that she's slowly coming to, the frantic tone in Ajax's voice begins to fully settle in. He wouldn't have woken her up in a panic if something didn't go terribly wrong. She wipes her eyes, yawning the last bit of sleepiness away as she gets up from the mattress to peer around her cell.

That's when she hears a peculiar noise.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Immediately, Yoimiya's ears hone in on the noise. Since the cell is small, it doesn't take her long to figure out the source of the sound— the dripping noises of a familiar black residue. She's almost terrified to get a closer look but since Ajax is the one asking, she's more than willing to put her fears to the side to get a closer look. And gods, one step closer and she can already get a picture of what happened.

On the floor is a key near a puddle of that same galaxyesque ooze dripping off the bars. There's not a single person in sight other than more of that same filth coating the corridor.

Oh... oh my god. That's the same residue we saw at the police station...

Being kidnapped is already horrific enough but now, they're under attack again.

I see a key on the floor and more of that same sludge all over the floor. I take it you're seeing this as well...?]

[Ajax is navigating the corridors of this facility as carefully and as quickly as he can. He's starting to get a better picture of where they are- it looks like some kind of medical facility, ones he's all too familiar with because of his job- and it starts to make his heart race with panic. Why are they in a place like this, and is Pouce really hiding some kind of facility like this from the public? What happened to attract the monsters?

Questions he can't answer right now as he tries to assess the danger. There's still no signs of people, only the sickening sight of that familiar sludge-like substance coating the floor and the walls in some places. What if it was like the police station? What if they're taking over the bodies of all the people here?

Yoimiya confirms that fear- apparently it had gotten to her too, but didn't harm her. What is going on????

Yeah, there was a key in the keyhole of my cell when I woke. If the events that unfolded here are what I think they are, then we just might have more than one body snatcher on our hands.

Though he's more prepared to face off against a monster like that than he was last time, the idea of reliving that nightmare again makes him shudder.]

[ More than one body snatcher.... one is enough, Yoimiya can't imagine dealing with two. The thought scares her right down to her bones but at least Ajax is alive and well. She'd never forgive herself if she fell asleep through his pain and suffering.

Oh my god. It feels like we're always up the creek without a paddle.

But, they don't have much time left. And as much as Yoimiya doesn't want to bend down and pick up the key near that sludge, she truly has no choice. She internally sighs to herself, gets down on all fours and proceeds to slide her slender hand out of the cell. Luckily, her hand is small enough to slip out with no problems.

We have no choice but to try and get out of here. Can you stick your hand through the bars and move the key? ]

[Ajax can't help but grimace...they really do tend to be screwed a lot, don't they? He can't really argue, it's like everything's got one leg up on them and they're constantly trying to fight just to survive. Life sure isn't easy anymore...

He darts around another corner, feeling like he's getting closer to her, though he can't tell how he knows. It's just a feeling, something that draws him to her, and he couldn't be happier to have some kind of strange inner compass.

Way ahead of you. I've been out for some time and I'm coming to you as we speak.

The sludge is just as bad here, too. He has a feeling that whoever's in this building had no plan in case monsters attacked. It's as if the line of ooze leads him right to Yoimiya, and he darts down the hallway to finally arrive at her cell, as he's watching her retrieve her key so she can finally free herself from her prison. When he sees her, he slows and steps around the abyssal sludge, overjoyed that he was able to find her so quickly.]

Hey, long time no see, [he says with a grim smile, but at least there's a little bit of happiness behind it.] You ready to break out of here?

[ Oh!!! Should have known Ajax already busted out of here. He can't see it but the smile on her lips is of nothing but the utmost fondness for him, she's proud to be partnered up with someone who can think quick on his feet. And best of all? She'll no longer be alone in this cell waiting for impending doom.

Ajax will be by her side soon. Even in this dire circumstance, Yoimiya can feel her heart racing with joy and excitement. As he's making his way to her cell, she manages to snag the key from the floor. It's hard not to grimace at the galactic sludge coating the floor, but thankfully, the sounds of footsteps sprinting across the stone floor make the residue seem like an afterthought.

The footsteps come closer and closer, until she's finally greeted by the sight of Ajax's handsome face on the other side of the cell. This time, he's able to see her big, bright smile. ]

Hey there! Boy, am I glad to see you.

[ With the key in hand, Yoimiya slides her hand through the open gaps of the bars to bust open the lock holding her captive. It releases with a click, finally freeing her from this awful confinement. And as soon as she's out, she wastes no time throwing her arms around Ajax for a quick, yet warm hug. ]

I know it's not the time nor the place but I'm so happy you're here.

[Now that she's free, he feels a weight lift off of his shoulders. He meets her hug with one of his own, wrapping her up in his embrace, relieved to see her unscathed. Danger looms around any of these corners, and he doesn't know which one- so he'll take the opportunity to at least soak in these few seconds with her before they have to face a nightmare head-on.]

I'm sorry I couldn't get to you sooner. I'm so glad you're safe.

[He gives her a squeeze before he lets go, looking down at her like he'd be lost without her.]

Alright. Let's find our way out. If we're lucky, we might be able to dodge whatever's in here. If we're not...I hope you're prepared. We need to survive by any means necessary.

[And he means that. He's prepared to let that beast inside of him out, if it means keeping Yoimiya safe.]

I know our powers are dangerous to use, but don't hold back, okay?

[ Their embrace is everything she's needed and then some and so, she takes this as an opportunity to soak in his warmth while they can. Yoimiya has no idea how long they were separated but whatever the length was, it was way too long. They aren't out of the woods yet but she's already feeling energized now that they've been reunited. She's got so much to confess, so much to tell him but for now, they need to focus on getting out alive. ]

You got it! This ain't the most ideal situation but we trained ourselves for a reason. It's time to put all of our hard work to the test.

[ A far cry from her terror back at the police station. No doubt she's still scared but the combination of their powers and having Ajax at her side gives her the confidence boost she needs to get out of here. ]

I'll be right here by your side, Ajax. We're gonna get out of here together, okay?

[ Likewise, she also means that. She's not just saying that to make him feel better, it's a promise they will get out of here by any means necessary.

Now that she has Ajax's words filling her heart with determination, Yoimiya inhales a deep breath and begins heading down the corridor. She has no idea where they're going but finding some kind of door that leads them out of the cells sounds like a good start. As they pass through a cell, she's startled by a sudden thud. Her turns her head in the direction of the noise, only to be met with the horrific scene of a man's mangled corpse covered in abyssal sludge inside one of the cells. Judging by the uniform, she assumes it was one of the guards on patrol. ]

Oh gods... looks like the monsters already got hold of some of the guards.

[ On one hand, these guards probably didn't have anything to do with their kidnapping but on the other, she doesn't feel that bad considering the circumstances. ]

[Ajax nods back confidently. They will get out of here together, and in one piece. He'd make sure of it.

Step by step, he sticks right at her side, being wary of any danger that might jump out at them. The galaxyesque sludge still covers the corridors no matter what turn they take, and his head too, snaps in the direction of the thud from the guard's body falling to the floor. It's a terrible scene, and Ajax isn't entirely sure if the guard died before or after the monster mangled his body.]

No one in here stands a chance. Don't be surprised when we see more of the same.

[He doesn't want Yoimiya to dwell on that for too long, so he tugs on her arm to keep going. It seems that the monsters have been everywhere, but finally they come across a corridor that doesn't have the sludge caked all over it. He inclines his head in that direction, so that they can go down it and explore with some semblance of safety. A room at the end of the hall is slightly open, as if the people inside of it hadn't had time to even bother with locking it.

Ajax quickly makes his way towards it, ducking inside to see if they can get any more information-

And this is a treasure trove of it.

Documents sprawl over a few desks, large folders with reports and experiments lay there for anyone to look at. He gestures for her to come to one of the desks- there's a folder there that says CONFIDENTAL- and picks it up, opening it. Paper after paper is information on some kind of research they were doing in this building.]

Codename: Regium Project. Apparently they were doing some research into people like us...ngh, not good.

[ Thank the gods Ajax is here, she appreciates his gesture to usher her forward. Yoimiya is fairly certain she'd probably be dead without him to guide her. Despite that she hates the people who kidnapped her, she also believes they don't deserve to die like this. She really doesn't want to think about how this unfortunate fella died, hopefully, he was killed before his corpse was mangled and turned into something that doesn't even look human.

She's all too happy to flush that horrible thought away, choosing instead to focus on the path ahead of them. This place seems like it's coated in abyssal sludge everywhere they turn, it's a miracle they haven't slipped on this ooze. Yoimiya narrowly avoids stepping on the residue as Ajax motions his head in a certain direction. She doesn't hesitate to follow him, hoping and praying that it's a way out but instead, they're met with an unlocked room. It's not the exit she was hoping for but a quick glance inside tells her that they need to check it out.

She doesn't hesitate to follow him to the desk, and as they get closer, she's stunned to see confidential folders and documents sprawled out in the open. But the worst part of it all is the document Ajax finds, enough to make her face turn pale as a sheet. ]

Codename: Regium Project...? They really are treating people like lab rats here, aren't they? It's a good thing we woke up when we did, I don't want to think about what they had planned for us.

[ While Ajax checks out the desk, her eyes dart across the room in an attempt to find something useful fast. With the looming threat of monsters, they only have so much time to explore. A peculiar blue jacket draped over a chair catches her attention, and as soon as she turns to inspect it, Yoimiya feels like she's seen a ghost. She stands there in silence for a good minute, unable to process what she's seeing. ]

A-Ajax... that's the Fontaine police uniform. This could either be a really darn good replica or... one of my coworkers has also been working under cover for Poucé.

[Yoimiya's worry is more valid than she knows. While she goes to look over the room, Ajax keeps reading. His eyes get wider and wider at the findings in this folder alone, and he can feel his anxiety spike further the more he reads. Too much of this is related to them specifically, and if he were any less of the man that he is, he's sure his hands would probably start to shake.

Ajax puts that folder down and moves to another, opening it and reading more reports, more experiments. Not good. None of this was good.

Yoimiya's voice cuts through his concentration, looking up to see why her voice is so shaky. His eyes follow hers, spotting the police uniform. Utter resentment and an expression void of surprise unfolds on his features, scowling at the sight of the jacket.]

Of course they would be. No doubt the police are working directly with Pouce. No wonder it was so easy for them to catch me that night.

[So, his assumption that Pouce really did tip off the police was right. Even moreso than he thought.]

But what would the police want with this research? Yoimiya...ngh, what if the Fontainian police force has their own people inside of it that have marks like ours? What if they've been the experimental subjects Pouce has been using to do their research...that would explain why I wouldn't know about it.

[Things just got from bad to worse. What else does Pouce know?]

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niwabi - 2025-07-10 22:07 (UTC) - Expand

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