Hi again! I just thought I'd finish off my Sailor Moon fanfic writing days with a couple of last short stories that I've had formulating in my mind for a very long time. I really hope you enjoy this, as many of my other friends and readers have. I've been just a bit disappointed by the lack of readers and reviews, but I guess that's to be expected. I mean, I didn't expect to have a whole TON of reviews. But that's cool. The Sailor Sirius fanfictions are written mainly for myself than anything else. If nobody wants to read and reviews...hey, it's not on me. And if any of you "purist, over obsessed" fans have a problem with Michiru and Haruka falling in love with men, there IS something you can do about it; you can simply pick up the phone and dial 1-800-Get-A-Life. Anyway, there's no real "set" time period for this, but if it HAD to be, it'll be at least a couple of days after "Rise of B'aal". Please enjoy. Thanks for everything, and happy reading!
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Sailor Moon: Race For Your Heart
Tokyo, Japan:
Smiling to herself, Tenou Haruka walked up and opened the door to her sleek black and gold racing car and hopped in, carefully placing her helmet over her dark blonde hair. She secured the straps to the helmet under her chin, strapped her seat belt carefully in place, and turned on the ignition. Just as many times before, she enjoyed the feeling of power as the engine started up and gently shook the car. Overhead, the late day sun was just about to set, ending another day in the busy suburb of Tokyo. At the race track, many of the crowds and racers already left for the day, having enjoyed another thrilling race in which Haruka was part of and won. As before, many of them cheered for her, knowing she was one of the top racers Japan had to offer...male or female. She smiled once more at that. Many of them didn't even KNOW she was actually female! But what mattered to her was her talent in racing, and she enjoyed each victory she had.
Not to far from the setting sun, the faint and small crescent moon began to appear, signifying it would be another clear, star-filled night in early Spring. After the race, Haruka had decided she would drive around the track a few more times before heading home. After all, the world famous international racer...the only one that was able to beat HER record...was supposed to be on his way to Japan to defend his title in a big time racing event Japan holds once a year, and there was no way she was going to let him take away her title or her chance at glory that easily. She had never met nor seen any pictures of this world-renowned racer, though people talked about him non-stop. It made her just a bit nervous though, not even knowing what he looked like or truly knowing his racing background. She didn't want just ANYONE to try and take her title! But she shrugged it off. Besides, it's not like she even wanted to meet him. She frowned slightly as she tried to remember his name. Kaze...something. She shrugged again. Oh well, it was just another racer she would easily beat, just like all the others.
She pressed her foot against the pedal, throttled her gear shift, and with the tire wheels screeching against the hard ground, she raced off to the track, already picking up speed. This was the time and moment Haruka lived for. The speed, the racing, the fact that her lightning quick reflexes were what kept her alive in the split second between crashing and swerving away from danger safely. The engine roared, and Haruka pressed the pedal even harder. Usually, if Michiru wasn't too busy, she would come down with her and cheer her on, supporting her in every way, but the musician was too tied up in rehearsals tonight. Haruka couldn't help but smile when she thought about her. Michiru was her best friend, confidant, her hero, her light to her darkness, her compliment...everything. The bond they shared was unlike anyone else's...it went beyond friendship AND caring, beyond whether they were lesbian lovers or not...a feeling that was born on a spiritual...and admittedly physical, level. Haruka had to admit that what they shared was misunderstood by everyone.
It was a special, pure friendship that was rarely shared between two people, even lovers. It even went beyond what words can explain. But despite the misunderstanding everyone had, Haruka knew what really mattered is that she could trust Michiru with her life, and could count on her for anything. But on this night, the teal-haired musician was practicing on her violin for upcoming performance. As usual, Haruka knew she was there with her in spirit, as she always is.
The first lap whizzed by her window, breaking her out of her thoughts, and Haruka smiled. That was her best time yet. She'll be ready for this Kaze jerk in no time. She kept on driving, and just as she was about to drive past the second lap, another racing car sped up behind her, its over head lights blaring into her review mirror. "What the...!" Haruka cursed to herself and swerved to the right, trying to get the glare out of her mirror and to let whoever that was to move on. But the race car didn't pass her. Instead, with the lights still blaring, it came up to level with her on her left side. Turning her head, Haruka got a good look at the car. It was painted in an elaborate swirl of gold, white, and blue, her own favorite colors.
The driver of the car, clearly male, also turned his head to look at her, and his helmet was similar to the design on his car, as Haruka's helmet was to hers. To her annoyance, the driver grinned widely, winked, and sped on, leaving her behind. Haruka growled deep in her throat and gripped her steering wheel hard. "Oh yeah! I'll show you!" She stepped on her gas pedal and tried as hard as she could to keep up, sweat pouring down her face. They quickly passed the third lap, and at this point, Haruka started to get nervous. He was still in front of her! Who was this guy? She gunned the gas pedal as hard as she could then, using all the skills she had learned over the years. Like I said once before to another racer wannabe, you must be nuts if you think you can keep up with me! Haruka thought to herself.
The fourth lap was coming up fast, and Haruka was just about to reach the racer when his car suddenly accelerated, and she was nearly rendered blind by the amount of smoke that poured out of the exhaust pipe. Wheels screeched loudly as she tried to swerve out of the way of the smoke, but seconds later, when it did clear, she saw the driver speed through the fourth lap, then drive over to the pit stop. The car stopped and waited for Haruka to drive up next to it. Haruka pulled up to the same level as the other car and stopped with the slamming of her breaks, her car's wheel screeching in protest. Enraged, Haruka turned off her engine and flung the door to her car open. She quickly pulled off her helmet, flung it back in her car, and waited until the other driver came out, who was calm and cool as if nothing ever happened.
Haruka never even waited until he took off his own helmet before she rushed up to him and began yelling. "Who the HELL do you think you are, buddy? This racetrack is supposed to closed off to everyone else, and you almost made me get in an accident! I should just kick your...!"
"Whoa, whoa!" chuckled the driver, holding his hands up. "If you don't know who I am, then I should just introduce myself. After all, it's not polite to beat up someone without at least knowing his name first, ne?"
Haruka's eyes widened in surprise, totally not expecting his remark. She watched as he took his helmet off, but anger still seethed inside of her. Then, when his helmet was off, her eyes widened just a bit once more. The man was tall...much taller than her in fact, with a muscular build under his racing suit and had the bluest eyes she had ever seen. His hair was a blazing red and was short and slightly spiky. With a lop-sided smile, the man smoothed his hair back, showing off a handsome, well formed face, and looked deep into Haruka's eyes. Suddenly, much to the surprise to the blonde-haired racer, Haruka's heart skipped a beat. His eyes! she thought to herself. His eyes is like the endless sky! And it look like he's hiding something in them...like he's running from something, as I used to! But just a quickly as the thought came to her, she shook her head out of her momentary shock and the strange connection she felt to him, and glared at the man standing before her, narrowing her eyes.
"Look, I don't care who you are! You can't just come in here like some wannabe racer and wreck my practice like that! This is for professional racers only, so you should just leave before..."
"Ahh, but that's were you are mistaken!" the man said as he smirked gently. "I am very much a professional racer, and I have every right to be here and practice as you do." He extended his hand. "The name's Yumemeno Kaze...but you can call me Kaze... and I am very pleased to meet the acquaintance of such a talented...and beautiful..racer." His eyes twinkled at her.
For a moment, Haruka just stood staring at him, her mouth dropping open, completely dumbfounded. No way! Was he flirting with her? Did he know she was a woman? This had never happened to her before! She was the one that usually flirted...especially with young girls who mistook her for a man...just for fun. No one had ever put her on this spot before...not to mention a man, and Haruka was completely in the dark as to how to deal with this. How could he tell she was a woman! People often had to look twice at her to figure out what she really was. A million emotions raced through her body then, a million questions and thoughts. Here he was, the world class racer...the jerk she was practicing to beat tomorrow, and he was flirting with her! The situation was almost too much to bare.
While seeing Haruka standing and silent in complete shock, Kaze took this time to take her hand in his own and try to bring it to his lips for a kiss. As soon as he had came to the race track to get in a few minutes of late day practice, he knew who it was that was racing. He had always known about the infamous Tenou Haruka and her racing record. He had seen many pictures of her and read her interviews, and knew that somehow, he HAD to get to know her. Coming to Japan was his big chance, and he was hoping that someway, somehow, he would meet her. Admittedly, he did go a bit far with beating her as badly as he did with their informal race just now, but what mattered was that she was alright...and he got to meet her. As soon as he looked into her eyes, he knew the quick, tiny connection they shared. He knew somehow that she felt the same passion for the wind and speed he did...as if they were ingrained and born into the two in some way, like a part of their destiny, and looking into Haruka's career, he knew he couldn't be wrong about her.
He was just about to bring her hand to his lips when Haruka suddenly snapped out her stupor and snatched her hand away from him. "HEY! What do you think you're doing?" she growled. She balled her hand into a fist and was about to punch him in the stomach, but restrained herself for some reason. "Do you have any idea who I am? You got some nerve!"
"Oh, I know exactly who you are...Tenou Haruka," Kaze smiled. "I've learned all I could about you, and I know you have a pretty impressive record. I was actually hoping to meet you some day, and now, it's come true. Besides," He smirked, crossing his arms over his chest, and leaned against his car. "You can't blame me for wanting to meet the only other person with a racing career almost as good as mine, ne?" He smiled in a cocky, arrogant way.
Haruka narrowed her eyes at him. She could really dislike this guy, despite what she thought she felt about him just a moment ago. "Look, you may be a big shot racer, but you've got one loser attitude! You can race around if you want, I'm leaving. See you tomorrow, and prepare to feel humiliated...when I BEAT you!" With that, she turned to head off towards her car, but she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder, stopping her.
"Hey! Wait, don't go off yet," the taller man said, his voice softer. Haruka turned around and folded her arms across her chest, giving him an impatient look as she tapped her feet. "Sorry, I guess I didn't give a very good first impression." he chuckled.
When he saw Haruka wasn't smiling with him, Kaze cleared his throat. "Listen, I'm sorry, okay? I haven't been to Japan in a very long time, and I just got here this morning and don't know much people. Perhaps you can show me around sometime...when you're not too busy?" He gave her a hopeful look.
Try as hard as she could, Haruka couldn't stop a slight blush to her cheek at the way he looked at her. "If you're trying to ask me out, forget it. I...I..err...that is..I don't have time... Yeah, that's it...I..have someone...already..." She flustered, trying to keep herself from stuttering from the flood of emotions racing through her mind and heart.
"Oh really?" Kaze raised his eyebrow. "If that's so, then why did you hesitate when saying that?" He smiled softly. And why did we have such a strong connection just now? he said silently to himself, but he shook that off. "Or maybe you're just too chicken to admit to feeling something?"
He smiled in that arrogant, lopsided grin again, and Haruka grimaced and balled her fist again. What a jerk! Oh how she wanted to punch the lights out of him! Yet somehow, she couldn't stop her heart skipping slightly once again.
But unknown to them, not too far away, a glowing appeared on the race track, and a shadowy figure slowly began to emerge from it and floated high in the sky.
"Alright buddy, unless you want a big, fat lip, you'd better just get the heck out of her, whoever you think you are!" She stepped forward to him, to make sure her message was getting through his thick head, and was just about to say more when there was a sudden roar in the air.
To their horror, a vicious looking demon jumped down from the darkening night air right in front of them. It landed with a heavy thud that shook the ground, and glaring at them, it opened its mouth once more and roared loudly. The two racers sank to their knees and placed their hands over their ears, trying to drown out the deafening noise. The creature had a sickly green tone to its skin, with two thick, black horns sticking out of its head. It also had razor sharp teeth and nails.
"N...Nanda? What IS that?" Kaze gaped, his eyes wide and disbelieving.
Dammit! I thought we took care of all those demons in Israel! Haruka thought angrily to herself as she narrowed her eyes. She was about to take her henshin stick out of her pocket when she then remembered the man next to her. "Kaze, get the hell out of here, now!" she screamed out.
"But what about you? What IS that thing!" The taller man moved closer to Haruka, almost in a protective way, and they both stood almost back to back.
The creature roared once again and raised its massive arm to deliver a killing blow. "I said MOVE!" Haruka growled loudly as she pushed Kaze out the way. They both fell to the ground and rolled out of the way just as the arm swiped overhead. The claws tore into the side of Kaze's car, leaving some nasty looking gashes.
Haruka stood up quickly and went into a fighting stance. Shimatta! I can't transform while he's here! she thought frantically to herself. Fine! Then I'll just have to make it chase me somewhere else so I can fight it.... She turned to the man struggling to stand next to her. "Kaze, I'm going to try and distract this...thing. When it chase me, get the heck out of here!"
"What? You can't! That thing will...!" But he never got the chance to finish as the blonde racer dashed off, hoping to distract the monster enough to allow him to run to safety. But it didn't work out as she hoped.
She had barely started running when the creature jumped up high, and almost as if it could fly in the air, raced over Haruka's head and landed right in front of her. She stopped dead in her tracks, and before she could do anything, the demon raised its clawed hand and slashed down, leaving a medium-sized gash on her side. Haruka fell to the ground with a painful scream.
"HARUKA!" Kaze screamed out. He rushed over to try and help as fast as he could, and with with a grunt, jumped up and tackled the monster hard to the ground, just as the creature was about to give the killing blow. The demon roared in annoyance and surprise, and when it got back up, it turned to the tall man and rushed at him.
The creature fell on top of him and raised its arm to dig its claws into him, but Kaze caught it just in time with both hands, and struggled to keep the sharp nails away from him. Man, this is one night I certainly didn't expect! he thought. He turned his head to see Haruka struggling to sit up. But I have to try...to protect...her! With that thought, he struggled even harder to get up and push the creature away from him. There was no way he could explain it, but he knew he HAD to protect Haruka in any way he could.
Suddenly from deep down inside of him, a new power was awakening; a power unlike anything Kaze had ever felt before. It came like a spark...then grew more and more into a flaming fire inside of him, and filled him with strength and a vitality he never knew he had. Slowly, his body started to glow a silvery color mixed with sky blue.
Haruka turned her head to watch Kaze struggle to get the creature off him. Ignoring her pain, she tried to force herself to get up, but then her eyes widened as she saw his body begin to glow. To her complete surprise a second later, the symbol of the planet of Uranus, bright and clear as her own, began to shine on his forehead. After that, it was as if everything had gone into slow motion. New strength began to emanate from the red haired racer's body then, and with barely a grunt, he slowly began to get up from the ground, still gripping the demon's clawed hand. Baring his teeth, Kaze grasped the monster by the side with his free hand, picked it up over him, and threw it many feet away from him.
As he stood breathing hard for a moment, the man's body began to glow even brighter, so much so that Haruka had to look away. There was a flash, and when it died down, Haruka looked back toward Kaze...and gaped.
Instead of his normal racing suit, Kaze was now dressed in a regal princely armored suit, not too different from Prince Endymion's, but it had it's own unique style; silvery metal armored plates covered his arms, elbows, and knees, and half of his muscular chest area. Underneath that, a bright sky blue suit covered his tall body very snug, outlining his very masculine form. The suit was outlined in silver. Across his shoulders was a flowing dark blue cape, and it's underlining was pure gold. In his right hand was a long and elegant trident, which shined brightly in the moon's light.
The now transformed Kaze then turned and glared at the creature as it got up and prepared to attack. Like lightening, memories filled his mind then...memories of a time long ago called the Silver Millennium on a splendid kingdom on the Earth's moon, as well as a memory of a secret longing for the often misunderstood and misjudged princess of the mighty planet of Uranus. He remembered being a minor prince of Uranus, and he remembered loving her from a distance so long ago, but knowing there was no way he would ever be hers...it was against the society's rules on Uranus. But he stopped the memories right then, lifting his head. Now was not the time to dwell on these re-awakened memories....there was a job to do.
"K..Kaze?" Haruka breathed out, barely believing what she was seeing. But she never had the chance to say anymore as the creature once more roared with vengeance and rushed forward towards Kaze.
The tall man narrowed his eyes, gripping his trident tighter. Then, just as the demon was about to reach him, he raised his weapon high and spoke with a loud and clear voice; "Foul creature! Be gone! Ushered in by the past age of Aquarius, I am Knight Uranus, and your presence here is no longer permitted! The planet of the winds is my deity!" The trident began to blow brightly, and he brought it down to point it at the advancing creature. Glaring at the demon, he yelled out "URANUS, WINDS OF RAGE!"
Immediately, the outline of the planet Uranus appeared behind him in silvery sparkles, and the trident let loose a powerful blast of white energy, shaped into a smaller version of a tornado. The tornado shape elongated to reach all the way to the demon, and when it struck him, the tornado-like power lifted it high into the air for a few moments while it screamed in rage. With a powerful blast of light, the tornado covered the creature and exploded in a loud blast, destroying it so completely, there was literally nothing left.
For long moments, Knight Uranus looked to where the creature once stood, then as if suddenly remembering Haruka, he hurried to where she was sitting up. He gently took her hand in his and helped her stand. At first, Haruka could only stare at him, completely at a loss for words. Yes, she had known about how the former Dark Kingdom Generals were from each of the Inner planets, and they each had the job of protecting the Sailor Senshi that originated from those Inner planets, to the point they even had a small love affair with them. But she could barely remember anything about the Outer planets and their senshi having Knights for protectors.
She blinked, and suddenly, from a small memory all but forgotten for a thousand years, Haruka did remember one particular Knight and minor prince in flashes. She recalled the red-haired one that always annoyed her with constantly making sure she was safe or following her around, right up to just days before the fateful attack of Queen Beryl and the Dark Kingdom, which ended the reign of the Silver Millennium. As the former princess of Uranus, she always put up a front to everyone else that she hated having him near her, pushing him around and yelling at him. But secretly, she enjoyed having someone care about her so much.
She remembered she was a true tomboy, which caused her parents...the king and queen of Uranus..much consternation and embarrassment. But this Knight always accepted her for who she was, and she had admired that deep in her heart. The memories became so real to her then that she truly long for the time of the Silver Millennium, but knew it was long gone. So, if there was a Knight Uranus...could there be more Knights? Knights from the Outer Planets?
Her thoughts were interrupted when Knight Uranus put a hand on her shoulder, and looked deep into her eyes with concern. "Are you alright now? he asked.
"Oh...err...yes, I'm fine. I just...I was just thinking..." Despite her still painful wound, the racer couldn't hide the very slight blush on her cheek. This was wrong. There's no way she could feel like this...especially for a man!
"HARUKA!"
A new voice cut into the air, and Sailor Neptune, her eyes filled with worry, dashed across the tracks, jumped up high, and landed near the two.
"What's going on here? Are you alright?" She looked at Knight Uranus curiously...and warily.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine Neptune," Haruka breathed out, gently taking Sailor Neptune's hand in reassurance when she came up to her. Then, taking a deep breath, she nodded her head towards the man standing near her. "But we do have a lot of things to discuss, if it's okay with you."
Neptune once more looked at Knight Uranus with narrowed, suspicious eyes, and when she didn't see or feel any evil or ill intent from him...although she did feel something else..for Haruka, she nodded slowly, and together, the three of them headed off as police sirens blasted in the background.
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Epilogue
A few days later:
With a frustrated grunt, Haruka threw down the wrench she was holding and turned away from the race car she was working on in the race track garage. The car hood was opened high, and small smudges of grease and oil stains covered her face. The last couple of days were so confusing to her! First, she had to withdraw from the big race Kaze was in due to the injury she sustained from the demon...but the public only knew as an "accident" due to her tinkering with her car, then dealing with the struggling emotions she had when learning that Kaze was indeed Knight Uranus. From since then, she had a very hard time trying to figure out her feelings for him. What did this all mean? Did this mean they had a past together? She also had to deal with Michiru's strange reaction to him. She acted politely enough to Kaze, listening as he retold as much of his memories of the Silver Millennium as he could...but she was almost...cold towards him. Boy, this will be SOME tale for Usagi, Tanya, and the other senshi to listen to! she thought as she wiped her hands in her cloth. Sighing, Haruka turned back to look at the engine of her car. Not surprisingly, Kaze had won the big international race, raising his popular status even more. But no matter. If fate allows, Haruka would make sure she beat him next year, Knight or no Knight. She smiled secretly to herself at that thought.
Since the demon attack, she had tried as hard as she could to avoid the red haired racer, but the more she avoided him, the more she thought about him, much to her annoyance. Well, she would just have to keep avoiding him then. That was all she could do. Besides, she heard he was supposed to be leaving, to participate in another big race in another town. But...did it make her feel better, or worse?
Suddenly, a shadow walked to her car, cast by the high afternoon sun, and with blinking eyes, Haruka looked up from underneath the car hood to see Kaze walking up to her, his own eyes lowered and somewhat troubled.
"Hey," he said softly as he came up next to her, running a hand through his red hair.
"Hey yourself," Haruka nodded slightly, and trying hard to ignore her feelings, went back to work on her engine.
There was an uncomfortable silence for a few moments, and Kaze was the first to break it. "Listen...umm...I have to leave for Kyoto soon, and I just wanted to say...that is...I wanted..."
"I know you're leaving," Haruka said from under the car hood, trying hard to cover her quiver. "You don't have to say anything. Good bye, and good luck with your racing." She'll get used to it. So many people had left her throughout her life, especially men...especially her father. He left her and her mother nearly penniless when she was only two. For years after that, she and her mother struggled daily just to get by. Memories of her when she was young and begging family members for food entered Haruka's mind then, and the old hatred for her father rose again. She had never forgiven the man, and never will. All men were the same as him, weren't they? That was why Haruka never thought about being involved with one.
Haruka's father, a former mechanic, was considered the "black sheep" of his family, always wanting to travel the world and daydreaming most of the time, often forgetting about his wife and child. One day, on one of his regular "trips", he disappeared and never returned, and Haruka's mother was devastated. She didn't know what she and her mother would have done if it wasn't for the small fortune her grandfather had secretly saved up and left to them when he suddenly died.
Kaze blinked his eyes, feeling a bit disappointed. "Well, I just thought...that maybe...you and I......" He paused for a moment, "Aww, forget it!" He sighed and lowered his head. "Good-bye Haruka, and...be happy," With that, Kaze turned to go.
Haruka raised her head, a sinking feeling suddenly entered in her stomach. Somehow, she knew that if he left without her saying anything, then she would never have a chance again, and that frightened her more than anything. GO! a voice in her mind screamed at her. Go after him, don't let him go! Michiru will understand! She took a deep breath, and just as he was about to go pass the garage door and out of her life forever, she did something she didn't even remember doing; she called out his name. "Kaze!"
He turned back to look at her, and with the sun shining down on him, he almost seemed to glow and it made him more handsome than ever. Haruka closed her eyes for a second to catch her breath, still not believing what she did. She opened them again and walked up to him.
"Kaze, I just can't let you leave without...I..mean..I don't want you to think I..that...It's not like I'll be lonely..with Michiru..and the others being around..." Once more, words failed her, and she felt almost foolish standing there blubbering. How was she supposed to tell him that he couldn't just leave like that? How can she tell him that he was now part of the Sailor Senshi team, to be destined to fight whatever evil Fate throws at them? She sighed softly. Seeing that, Kaze gave that lopsided grin again.
For a second Haruka was angry at him smiling at her like that, but it quickly vanished when she felt her heart skip a beat again at how handsome he was standing in the sunlight. "Don't smile at me like that! I just wanted to tell you that...that...you should.....Oh, what the hell!" With that, she threw her rag behind her, reached up on her tiptoes, threw her arms around him, and pressed her lips against his to give him a firm, yet still gentle kiss. She wasn't surprised at what she did anymore, and she accepted that.
At first, Kaze's eyes widened in surprise, but as he felt the passion in her kiss, he gave back as much as she gave.
For long moments, the two stood there and just held each other, locked in a passionate kiss. Never in her life did Haruka imagine this would happen to her. She had sworn off men after what her father did, vowed never to love them, and she had always held firm to that decision. Besides, she had Michiru, for caring and companionship, didn't she? To help her through the tough times that a man never could. And now...this!
But as much as she didn't want it to happen, it did, and she embraced it with all the emotions she had and finally let loose. All was right in her world now, and she couldn't be more happier...or surprised. Deep in her soul, she knew that Michiru would always hold a special place in her heart...a place that no one else could fill and replace. But Haruka also knew that her heart can have room to love someone else, someone who had something in common with her, someone who now knew that he didn't have to run from his destiny anymore, like she did. Despite the tough, male attitude she always put out, Haruka was still a woman inside...a woman with needs she knew only Kaze could fill. Right then, she was finally happy for now, and that was enough for her, a woman who finally allowed herself to love, and be loved in return.
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THE END!