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sticksandbones2024-09-06 11:16 am
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in sticksandbones2024-09-06 11:16 am
EVENT & TDM 016
A CREEPING FURY SETTING IN
WAKE UP
You don’t recall how you got here. Hell, you’re barely sure “why” you’re here in the first place. But the fact is, by the time you come to your senses, you’re already standing in line out in front of a tent with a big sign on it: FREE STUFF! FIRST COME FIRST SERVE!
Others who have been here longer are aware of you, of course. They watched you ambling around on autopilot for two hours before the sign went up, and then you suddenly hopped into the queue (and maybe even cut in line! the horror!) before the brain fog cleared. Where are you? Why are you in line? Do you even want free stuff? All of these questions can only be answered when you see what the free stuff is.
…it’s random junk. Random magical junk, mind, but when a woman made of solid shadows hands you a wand that apparently summons a small amount of pigeons “per day, until it breaks”, you take it. Or, perhaps, the item was a crystal ball that only shows you made-up scenes from a book. Or it’s a hand-fan that blows only warm air, or a pen that writes all of your letters backwards despite the fact you yourself aren’t doing that… anything quirky and stupid is within the realm of possibility, and Ydalir is trying so hard to get rid of her failed magical experiments. Please. Please take these. Her tent is overstocked and she needs to start anew.
And to those of you who are new here, she’ll offer a friendly greeting and wave, and ask you how your head is feeling after that strange wandering session earlier. Don’t feel pressured to answer; the line needs to keep moving, after all.
Others who have been here longer are aware of you, of course. They watched you ambling around on autopilot for two hours before the sign went up, and then you suddenly hopped into the queue (and maybe even cut in line! the horror!) before the brain fog cleared. Where are you? Why are you in line? Do you even want free stuff? All of these questions can only be answered when you see what the free stuff is.
…it’s random junk. Random magical junk, mind, but when a woman made of solid shadows hands you a wand that apparently summons a small amount of pigeons “per day, until it breaks”, you take it. Or, perhaps, the item was a crystal ball that only shows you made-up scenes from a book. Or it’s a hand-fan that blows only warm air, or a pen that writes all of your letters backwards despite the fact you yourself aren’t doing that… anything quirky and stupid is within the realm of possibility, and Ydalir is trying so hard to get rid of her failed magical experiments. Please. Please take these. Her tent is overstocked and she needs to start anew.
And to those of you who are new here, she’ll offer a friendly greeting and wave, and ask you how your head is feeling after that strange wandering session earlier. Don’t feel pressured to answer; the line needs to keep moving, after all.
HOUNDS ON YOUR HEELS
At some point as the summer fades into autumn, something in the air changes. The surrounding woods and its foggy walls have felt tenser than usual, like something is waiting for you to slip and fall into jaws just waiting to snap shut around your flesh — but nothing happens. Not initially, at least. But keen eyes will soon see a plethora of fairies, long sleeves dangling over razor-sharp claws like a praying mantis’s arms, hair tied back in loose buns, all wearing masks with a single watchful eye painted upon them. As your gazes meet, they giggle and disperse.
And then there are more. And as more gather, watching the paths you take, the houses and buildings erected, the way you move through the gardens, they begin to screech like cicadas. Like alarms.
It could be the lumbering, moss-covered frog that leaps towards you from the lake, large enough to match a car. It could be the wood and stone-crusted bear, spears and arrows collected in its haunches like decoration and not the injuries they clearly are, standing taller than anything you’ve ever seen. It could be the long, winding dragon with lichen dripping off of it, coiling through the trees. Regardless, the fairies are calling to your location and one of them is going to answer.
They chase with an almost single-minded perseverance, with claws and sticky tongues and fangs — stealth is the key, so long as the fairies don’t rat you out again. Though they can be fought, they cannot die in a way that matters — just as easily as flesh tears, it will stitch itself back together and hold a grudge.
Every broken twig is a signal to your location. Every brush of wind in the trees and the grass could be the monsters stalking after you.
It’s time to play: Hide and Seek.
And then there are more. And as more gather, watching the paths you take, the houses and buildings erected, the way you move through the gardens, they begin to screech like cicadas. Like alarms.
It could be the lumbering, moss-covered frog that leaps towards you from the lake, large enough to match a car. It could be the wood and stone-crusted bear, spears and arrows collected in its haunches like decoration and not the injuries they clearly are, standing taller than anything you’ve ever seen. It could be the long, winding dragon with lichen dripping off of it, coiling through the trees. Regardless, the fairies are calling to your location and one of them is going to answer.
They chase with an almost single-minded perseverance, with claws and sticky tongues and fangs — stealth is the key, so long as the fairies don’t rat you out again. Though they can be fought, they cannot die in a way that matters — just as easily as flesh tears, it will stitch itself back together and hold a grudge.
Every broken twig is a signal to your location. Every brush of wind in the trees and the grass could be the monsters stalking after you.
It’s time to play: Hide and Seek.
‘TIL THERE’S NOTHING LEFT
cw: supernatural parasitism & energy/life-force draining
… And where do those captured go, when all is said and done? None of the Seekers actually kill them after all — they may carry their unfortunate victims within their mouths if they are large enough to do so, but as soon as one is captured, they leave.
Though it’s risky to try and track them through the woods, those who try or stay awake during their capture will find themselves taken down a winding path in the fog. One can also bribe a fairy or two to help — or at least not rat you out. A shiny object or food — berries, honey, the fresh-killed heart of that songbird on the branch, all work fine to win its favor for a time. Eventually, they’ll find themselves up a path to a gargantuan tree covered in glowing boils — it’s something that manages to dwarf even the whale-sized moose that may wander by wordlessly, impassive to your plights as moose are wont to do.
Sickly motes of light waft through the air and gently-glowing flowers bloom all around the land, moss glistens against the bark and dirt and perhaps if this place was not so warped by evil, it could have been beautiful once. Coiled around the tree is a vine where the captured are tied to, and they will feel…
Tired. Compliant. Don’t you wish to sleep? The tree needs you. Don’t struggle. Don’t resist. Sleep, and dream no more…
Keen eyes will see the skeletons of former victims further up the vines. As the tree feeds on its captives’ life force, fairies and the Seekers stand guard, only going out to fetch more victims. Do you make the attempt? Or will you come back with reinforcements?
… And where do those captured go, when all is said and done? None of the Seekers actually kill them after all — they may carry their unfortunate victims within their mouths if they are large enough to do so, but as soon as one is captured, they leave.
Though it’s risky to try and track them through the woods, those who try or stay awake during their capture will find themselves taken down a winding path in the fog. One can also bribe a fairy or two to help — or at least not rat you out. A shiny object or food — berries, honey, the fresh-killed heart of that songbird on the branch, all work fine to win its favor for a time. Eventually, they’ll find themselves up a path to a gargantuan tree covered in glowing boils — it’s something that manages to dwarf even the whale-sized moose that may wander by wordlessly, impassive to your plights as moose are wont to do.
Sickly motes of light waft through the air and gently-glowing flowers bloom all around the land, moss glistens against the bark and dirt and perhaps if this place was not so warped by evil, it could have been beautiful once. Coiled around the tree is a vine where the captured are tied to, and they will feel…
Tired. Compliant. Don’t you wish to sleep? The tree needs you. Don’t struggle. Don’t resist. Sleep, and dream no more…
Keen eyes will see the skeletons of former victims further up the vines. As the tree feeds on its captives’ life force, fairies and the Seekers stand guard, only going out to fetch more victims. Do you make the attempt? Or will you come back with reinforcements?
DON’T LOOK BACK
… But regardless of the hostility from the forest, the game must come to an end eventually. And in return for surviving, upon whatever throne he sits upon, the Black Sun offers the world a bit of power as the victims recover — those who perish to the monsters will awaken within their beds, unable to remember anything for a total 24 hours and with floral growths blooming around their scars — but after the initial panic, those who can will confirm that there is no Corruption in these wounds. They may fade, or they may not. Those who survive the month will only carry whatever injuries and weariness they gained over time.
Come morning light, the area of the river will give off a bright glow. Investigation will yield a lot of pain in the eyes, like looking directly at the sun, but eventually it dies down and residents of the Grove can properly have a look at the river again. Those that do may find themselves pleasantly surprised. While clouds shield the skies most of the time, over the river there is a gentle, warm sunlight and blue skies. The abundance of riverside foliage has grown, with new species available for those who can recognize such things — and the water, crisp and clearer than ever, holds more types of fish and amphibians as well. Besides the apple tree — Sinann’s gift for freedom long ago, and Moder’s blackberry bush — new is fruit available. The apple tree is flanked by a peach tree and an orange tree, while the other side of the riverbank houses… …A durian tree.
Some Guardians are grateful. Callan is Callan.
Perhaps best of all though is that Sinann itself has grown in size and in power: in fact, as you approach, it floats above the water to give a greeting.
“Thank you once more for your help.”
Come morning light, the area of the river will give off a bright glow. Investigation will yield a lot of pain in the eyes, like looking directly at the sun, but eventually it dies down and residents of the Grove can properly have a look at the river again. Those that do may find themselves pleasantly surprised. While clouds shield the skies most of the time, over the river there is a gentle, warm sunlight and blue skies. The abundance of riverside foliage has grown, with new species available for those who can recognize such things — and the water, crisp and clearer than ever, holds more types of fish and amphibians as well. Besides the apple tree — Sinann’s gift for freedom long ago, and Moder’s blackberry bush — new is fruit available. The apple tree is flanked by a peach tree and an orange tree, while the other side of the riverbank houses… …A durian tree.
Some Guardians are grateful. Callan is Callan.
Perhaps best of all though is that Sinann itself has grown in size and in power: in fact, as you approach, it floats above the water to give a greeting.
“Thank you once more for your help.”
SPARK NOTES
CLICK TO EXPAND!
WAKE UP
Welcome to Aldric's Grove! New and old residents alike are being gifted free, joke magic items from Ydalir's tent while she does her autumn cleaning. Please take these, she's desperate.
HOUNDS ON YOUR HEELS
Little insect-faeries watch your every move. Suddenly, from the barrier, you're being attacked by various monsters trying to capture you and drag you off. Better run. Better hide.
‘TIL THERE’S NOTHING LEFT
If you're caught, you'll be dragged to become food for a large tree that drains your life force directly. If you aren't rescued in time, you'll die slowly and peacefully.
DON’T LOOK BACK
Those of you who die will come back the next day with temporary amnesia lasting 24 hours. It'll clear up after, and all of your memories will come back as if with magic. But, in the end, you've won the game, and that means ample rewards: More fruit trees, and the River Guardian growing more powerful after all this time.
OOC
Welcome to September's TDM! Reminder that all TDMs are game canon. OOC Plotting Lives Here if you'd like to plot anything out! We have several toplevel comments below for randomizing any result you want this month, including the magic items from Ydalir if you're having a hard time making something up.
UPDATES
❖ None yet!
SUBMISSIONS
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Mizuki takes a few things from the bench before leaving — towels and two robes for after their bath, making sure to have extra towels on hand in case Affogato wanted his hair wrapped afterwards. Even when he says he can walk on his own, Mizuki is still there to be support if he needs it. Most of all just… refusing to really let go of Affogato. If he truly had taken Mizuki’s offer to have him cook food, he’s not sure how long it would’ve taken him to pry himself from his beloved… ]
It rained, Callan’s doing. Was a growth rain that caused the plants and stuff to grow big, so we have lots of food. The forest gave us rocks that messed with our emotions — I lost my passion for a lot of stuff… A group of people went out into the forest to help Zahliya, and it seems like they were successful. Dark Cacao came looking for you. I got a pet from the ocean.
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He listens as Mizuki explains, sitting himself upright again and holding his hands out to him in a very clear join me manner, his brows furrowing a bit as he takes all of this in. ]
Are you feeling better, my darling? If you are not, do not let me take all your attention, you know your health is of utmost concern to me.
[ Does not give a shit about anyone else - except Dark Cacao. He loves Mizuki, he is Mizuki's, yet the idea that Dark Cacao came looking for him touches a spot in him that?? Actually brings him warmth?? Joy???
Also wait what. ]
Pet? Replacing me already, I see~!
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And of course, Mizuki wouldn't have brought up Dark Cacao normally, but there are two motives behind it. That part of him that wants to see Affogato happy and be happy, and the part of him that wants to confirm something he's already suspected. Somehow, he's gone from being entirely suspicious of Dark Cacao to being irrationally jealous. He has to swallow that down, though. He knows it's not healthy... ]
I am, it seems to have only had enough magic to last a few weeks. You needn't fuss over me, you should just focus on relaxing now.
You're not a pet, Affogato. I do think you'll like him, though. He's very cute. I didn't give him a name yet, though...
[ Mizuki's putting some waterproofing on his phone before he gets into the water himself. Fully clothed, of course. This is what Affogato gets for dating someone who wears a bathing suit on the regular. ]
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In his clothing.
Well, that shifts the mood from trying to be flirty to being amused, but he will wrap his arms around Mizuki anyways and haul him in against him. Recline back in the water to snuggle him. Try not to focus on the nudity you're now snuggled up against, Affogato's knees comfortably on either side of his jelly. ]
Mmm, I will be glad to meet him. What is he? And of course I am going to fuss over you, I love you. The very idea of not-fussing over you is ridiculous.
[ He raises a hand and begins to twine his fingers into Mizuki's hair, eyes sliding close in utter relaxation. ]
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Sorry. I didn't realize how much I missed hearing you say you love me.
[ Like, it's suddenly hitting him that Affogato is back. That he didn't get forever lost in the woods or go to the Garden and never come back or get poofed back to his world without anyone having the chance to do anything about it. That he's just here now, and…
He leans back against Affogato, a few tendrils holding onto his wrists and upper arms to just hold… ]
He's a tiny, fuzzy shark with legs and he meows like a cat.
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Then it would be reminisce of me not to say it again, wouldn't it? And again and again. I love you, my little Mizuki. My darling heart. A month without you felt like an eternity. I do not ever wish to part from you. Never again.
[ He strokes his fingers over Mizuki's lips in lieu of a proper kiss, then lets him return to leaning back against him. Holds him gently, tucking his head against his, to simply soak and relax. ]
A fuzzy shark with legs. That meows.
[ Sure, why not. It brings Mizuki joy and that's all he cares about right now, nuzzling in. ]
Mmm, I can't wait to meet him~ No name, hm? It will come to you, as you learn more of his personality.
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There's a soft sigh in response, and Mizuki gently sets his phone aside for now to just enjoy Affogato's company. He's content to just sitting in the bath until Affogato Cookie becomes Raisin Cookie, but, uh... he does eventually use one of his stingers to pull bottles of shampoo and conditioner over. He makes the gesture after to the bottles than to Affogato, as if asking if it's alright if Mizuki can wash his hair for him. Affogato should just relax, after all. ]
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Please.
[ And so he doesn't just actually fall asleep, he rouses himself enough to reach for a wash cloth and some body soap. So he can tackle himself to wash away the month of grime and gunk, sighing happily as he scrubs. ]
Ah, who knew a Cookie would enjoy soaking in hot water~
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Mizuki adjusts himself to face him now, with his knees pressed to the very edge of the underwater bench so he can feasibly lather suds through Affogato's hair. He doesn't pull whenever his fingers get inevitably stuck in the tangles, just working them out tenderly with a bit of extra soap when he needed to. Whenever he has to dip Affogato's head back to rinse the soap out, he first presses a small kiss against his forehead.
After he combs conditioner through his hair and rinses that out. And it should all be done there, except Mizuki holds onto Affogato's hand for a moment to stop his own washing. Just because... well! You know! If he's going to wash up right now anyway...
Mizuki doesn't reach for his phone to communicate. Rather, he just opens his mouth a moment, and makes a chomping motion as he taps Affogato's shoulder. It's fine right now, isn't it? While he's relaxed and cleaning...? He'll try not to make it hurt so much, even if that's quite literally not possible for him. ]
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The sighs that come out of Affogato to the tender touches to his hair and scalp are so soft and sweet, his eyes closed as he lets himself steep in the feeling of care. Of being loved. It fills him with such a strong ache, he'll never be able to get enough of it. The small kisses make him smile and he lets Mizuki direct him and for the first time in his life, he places his care utterly in someone elses hands. There's no hesitation, no tightening of his shoulders, no pulling away. Where Mizuki urges him, Affogato goes. It's a freeing feeling.
When his hands are stopped and his hair is done, he opens his eyes again to give Mizuki a dreamy little look, hming? softly until he makes a chomping motion and touches his shoulder. Without so much as a blink, he lifts his hand to move his hair away and tilts his head. The scar is still there, as Affogato doesn't heal like Mizuki does, even with Mizuki having closed it for him. ]
Always, my little Mizuki~
cw: yandere shit, biting
Yet, like flipping a switch, the gentle sweetness is replaced with Mizuki’s usual brand of “affection”. Something more needy, something more desperate, something clingy, sharp, lingering, and deranged. Mizuki would say it’s sweet. Mizuki would say there’s nothing better than to feel like he’s suffocating on his own love for someone.
And un(?)fortunately for Affogato, as long as Mizuki is around, this scar won’t ever truly heal. It’s proof, isn’t it? Proof that Mizuki loves him so so much.
Mizuki leaves Affogato with one gentle kiss against his shoulder, then chases it with that sharp, piercing pain of those razor blades he calls teeth digging into Affogato’s skin. ]
cw: sooooooo much yandere shit, more biting
Dig in, mark him again, take parts of him into yourself so you're never without him.
It's only when he begins to feel woozy from the pain mounting onto his exhaustion and hunger does he gently tug at Mizuki's hair to tell him enough. But when the other pulls back, just enough, Affogato will turn the tables. Pull the other in and sink his teeth into the spot he bit earlier through the clothing. His teeth aren't sharp like Mizuki's, so he has to be quick to mark without causing too much pain.
Marking and reminding Mizuki they're together as well. ]
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Affogato's teeth is met with another little gasp, followed by a shudder. How has he fallen this hard for a cookie? Genuinely, how is someone like him so perfect? It's not fair. It's okay to keep him forever, right? He doesn't have to go home? Mizuki can just cling until time breaks?
Aah, maybe he shouldn't be thinking like this while Affogato's just gotten back and is tired and hungry, though?? Especially not while he's not dressed. Ugh. Come on, Mizuki... ]
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Affogato values his individuality but if it was Mizuki - if he could feel Mizuki's heart beat next to his own as if it was in his own chest - he would do it. He hums softly, licks his tongue over the bloody spot, urges it to bleed a little more before releasing his teeth. Tilts his head after to press a slightly bloody kiss to Mizuki's jawline, mindfully away from his throat. ]
I missed you, my little love.
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And, of course, his mindfulness is noticed. It's adored, in fact. He's so sweet to call Mizuki "his" and yet still be aware of the boundaries he's set. He gives a little sigh, tilting his head so he can rub his nose to Affogato's. After a moment, he reaches for his phone again. ]
Can I ask kind of an odd favor?
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The nose rub makes him chuckle, his hand coming up to find a strand of Mizuki's hair to twine around his fingers slowly, just lightly tangling him up around him more. The tapping doesn't make him look until it ends, then he peeks. The question makes him smile and he tugs gently on the strung up hair. ]
Of course, you can ask me any favor. No matter how odd you may think it is.
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But of course Mizuki hesitates, half because he's trying to word this right, and half because he's a little worried, but... hm... ]
If it's alright with you... could you like... gently touch my neck, maybe? I just think that maybe I can try to get used to that feeling, maybe. If it's you.
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If it's you resonates deeply with him. ]
If you want.
[ Carefully he reaches up, touches his fingers to Mizuki's chin, strokes softly against his jawline, then drops his fingers. Just a light touch, one finger, softly stroking over his pulse. A tender rub, and all the sleep seems to be out of Affogato right now, as his gaze his sharp. On alert in case Mizuki tries to push himself into liking it, but doesn't. ]
cw: body horror, neck scars
[ Mizuki carefully settles one of his hands on Affogato's shoulder - the one that he didn't just rip into, of course. There to squeeze if he's uncomfortable, but he's liable to wince at the touch all the same. Still, he doesn't give Affogato any indication to stop, simply reaching up to undo the collar - the Originium monitor - he has on so he can set that aside.
Under it, Affogato will see what bothers him so much. There's a long scar that seems to go from one side of his neck all the way to the other. Something that's clear it was something sharp and deep. But maybe the scar isn't the most notable, but rather the little vines and flowers that seem to "bloom" from the skin. The edges of the petals are red, while the rest is blue, like the color of Mizuki's blood now. The vines themselves seem to "sew" the scar closed, being a pitch black that is not too unlike his stingers. If Affogato were to feel either, they would oddly just have the same texture of skin. ]
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Carefully, with his fingertips only, Affogato touches the scar. It's the softest of touches as he gently strokes along it, his frown deepening. ]
Who did this?
[ There's murder in his voice. ]
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It is an old scar. I’d gotten it when I was 7. It’s not anything you need to worry about now…
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[ The reassurance helps a little to quell that rage, considering it's an old scar and it means he can't march out into the grove at this very moment and poison the entire lot of them. Instead he shifts his fingers to rub his thumb against Mizuki's jaw again, his voice softening. ]
Tell me what happened?
[ It's a request, because this is one of those things Affogato won't demand from Mizuki. Not even the trauma is still as deep as the scar looks. ]
More cws sorry: child death (sorta)
It’s not a fun story.
[ But Affogato probably knows that. ]
I was born in a small fishing town. It was a lot like the Grove — everyone was sort of family, even if it technically was just me and my mama. She was very kind, sweet, silly… you would have really liked her.
[ Mizuki is certainly going to try his best to keep the story short, but… he’s real slow at typing the rest out anyway, pausing occasionally to wince and just… lean into Affogato. For just a moment before he types again. ]
Bandits… Pirates, whatever you’d like to call them, they came to my town in the middle of the night. Anything they couldn’t take, they burned. Anything that moved, they killed. My mama tried to hide me away, but I was too young to understand what was happening. I heard her screaming and I couldn’t help but cry. So they found me and they dragged me outside, but I was too slippery and, I guess, decided I wasn’t worth the effort…? Or… I dunno. It’s a bit hazy. So they slit my throat.
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And he's silent as he reads, his grip tightening slowly. They slit the throat of a scared child. Someone barely older than a baby. All because they weren't simply content with looting.
The rage is hot in his throat, burning like bile. Impotent and with nothing to lash out against. How could he, it was ages in the past. He exhales slowly, closing his eyes. Take a moment to swallow it down. Then wraps both arms around Mizuki to hold him in.
His voice, despite his attempts, is a low hiss. ]
I hope their fate was torture and agony.
[ He refuses to believe they would have gotten away with it. The Gods could not be so cruel. ]
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Affogato's anger is familiar, too! It's the same vitriol that Mizuki had when he hunted the bandits down himself. Found out where they were hiding and if they were still awful people, but... ]
...Is that what you think would be the best outcome? Do you believe people like that won't change?
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