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She's Having A Foal

by MaxBeezy

Chapter 8: Fortunate Events

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Mr. Williams,

Come to Canterlot at once. I have news for you.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia

“What could it be?” Matt wondered as he looked at the remarkably short letter. He’s so used to letters taking up a full page, so seeing one that comprised of just one sentence sort of astounded him.

This is the second bit of interesting news he’s gotten this week. Yesterday, Big Macintosh came down to the house, announcing that the Apple Family would be hosting their Apple Family Reunion in a few days. Matt was excited, as he missed out on the last Apple Family reunion. The only time he ever caught a glimpse of her extended family, was at the fateful hoedown. However, at the time, he was too busy fumbling with his romantic talk with Applejack to meet and greet the other family members.

Now, with this oddly cryptic letter urging him to come to the Castle, this week just gets more interesting by the day.

Matt looks over at Applejack, lying on the couch while watching television. A familiar sight if there ever was one. While he wouldn’t admit it, he feels that she has become quite distant with him lately. Nothing has been the same since that night her inhibitions nearly took hold of her. Her romantic attitude towards him has been somewhat reserved, and any touch from him, be it a hug, or a mere shoulder tap, would result in her flinching, or hesitant to the act. He would ask if everything was okay, but she would simply say “yes” in the tone that screams that everything is certainly NOT okay.

“Hey, AJ?” Matt calls out to her as he gets closer.

“Yeah?” she replies, eyes still glued on the television.

“I’m going to head over to Canterlot. Celestia has some news, and she wants me over there as soon as possible.”

“Alright. Take care.” she says in a dismissive tone.

“I love you.” Matt leans down, kissing her on the cheek. He catches that grimace on her face. The kiss made her feel uncomfortable.

“Me too, sugarcube. I’ll see ya later.”

Matt continues to stare, while she doesn’t notice, eyes fixated on the television. He slowly reaches a hand out, wanting to touch her shoulder like he used to. With regret, he draws his hand back, slipping it into his pants pocket.

“AJ?” he says quietly.

“Yeah?” her eye contact still not breaking from the program.

He opens his mouth to say something. Maybe to ask once again if she was okay, maybe to find answers as to why she has been so distant lately, or maybe to ask if she wanted him to pick anything up from the store, though that was the least likely of the two options. Before he could say anything, he shuts his mouth, letting out a defeated sigh.

“Nothing.” he says, “See you in a bit.”

She does not respond to his second goodbye.

Matt heads for the door. Before he puts his hand on the knob to turn it and leave, something enters his mind. An idea…a thought most likely. He takes his hand off the knob, turning around, and heads straight for the bedroom down the hall.

He opens the dresser, pulling out his transportation band. While it is only used for interdimensional travel, whenever he an Applejack would return home, they never ended up in the same place twice. One time they said home, and they were sent back home. Another time, they said Ponyville, and they were sent to Ponyville.

Maybe….

“Canterlot Castle?” Matt says.

The room is overtaken by that familiar flash of light. This light is what finally breaks Applejack’s concentration from the television, and to the hallway.

“What in tarnation?” she says. “Matt?”

No answer. She struggles to get off the couch; her pregnant belly making such a task extremely difficult.

Hooves on the floor, she walks through the hallway and to their bedroom. When she gets inside, she finds no Matt to be seen.

“Matt?” she calls out with no results.

She looks at the case where their bands would be, seeing that his is gone.

“Ah thought he was goin’ to Canterlot.”

How right she was.


At the front gate of Canterlot Castle, a lowly Guard stands at attention, greeting other Guards, or bystanders who are taking the time out of their day to visit the garden. Canterlot Gardens has always been a staple of the city, and ponies far and wide would come to see it. Even the Princesses take a stroll every now and again.

The Guard’s peaceful demeanor is shattered, when a blinding flash of light appears right in front of him, making him cover his eyes with a free hoof. As soon as it arrived, the sooner it disappeared. When the Guard recovers from the temporary blindness, he sees Matt standing before him.

“I…I’m here.” Matt says, letting out a excited chuckle. “It actually worked! Ha!”

The excitement is cut short, thinking about all the times he could have used these bands to get from place to place. Matt promptly slapped himself in the forehead for not thinking about this until now.

“I am so fu…” he looks over to see the Guard looking at him in wide eyed surprise. “Oh…hi.”

“Uh….M-Mr. Williams!” The Guard says, stuttering nervously, “W-What a surprise! H-how did you…?”

“Ah, Mr. Williams!” A voice behind Matt says, “So nice of you to arrive so quickly.” Matt turns around to see Princess Celestia and Queen Chrysalis walking towards him. Celestia is wearing a satchel around her waist, a sight Matt has not seen before. “Me and Chrysalis here were just taking a stroll through the garden, and were wondering if you would like to join us?”

“I…Uh….sure! Yeah!” Matt says rather excitedly, walking towards them.

“Nice to see you again, Matt.” Chrysalis says with a smile, before turning her attention to the Guard. “Back to your post, handsome.” she winks.

“Yes Ma’am!” the Guard salutes with a grin, then standing perfectly still in his guard stance.

Celestia gestures Matt to follow her and Chrysalis, beginning their walk towards Canterlot Gardens. Matt hurries along, walking between the two of them like an unintentional wall.

“I see that you discovered that your band can jump you to different locations within Equestria.” Celestia says.

“Yeah. I just figured it out. It would have made the trips me and AJ had less time consuming, not to mention less bits would have been spent. Then again, it would have made the journeys less fun, too. How come you didn’t tell me about this?”

“It’s funny, I didn’t think about it until recently. If the band knew to go to places like Ponyville, or in your case, Los Angeles, then it certainly would know to teleport you to different places within the dimension you’re already in. I made a band for myself, and tested it.”

“Where did you go?”

“My room.” Chrysalis smirked.

“Did you want to go there?”

“I sure did.” answered Celestia, following it up with a laugh. “Actually, that’s the reason why I wanted you to come here today.”

“You want me to go to Chrysalis’ room?”

“No. It’s about the news I have.”

“Oh, right.”

“Though, I wouldn’t mind if you visited my chambers once in a while.” Chrysalis says with a sultry smile.

“Didn’t I recall you saying that I shouldn’t be the one hounding you like a dog?” he turns to her with a raised eyebrow.

“What? Oh…you thought…HA!” she chuckles, “I was thinking nothing of the sort.”

“You were giving me the bedroom eyes.”

“I was?” she cocks her head to the side.

“Yeah. I saw that too.” Celestia said.

“I see…well…” she clears her throat, “What I MEANT to imply, was that I would like to hang out with you more often, if you have the chance. I also have something to discuss with you.”

“Sure.” Matt smiles; then looking back at Celestia. “Anyway, what’s the big news?”

“It concerns the bands you requested for your parents. They’re done.”

Matt stops walking, happiness and excitement taking hold of him, as he smiles with an enthusiastic expression, before answering “They are?!”

“Yes. I completed them last night. You may give them to your parents whenever you’re ready.”

“Where are they?” Matt asked them.

“Right here.” Celestia’s horn glows. Her satchel opens, and two shining gold bands with jewels come out, landing perfectly in Matt’s palms. “All you have to do is instruct them on how to use them. You think they’ll understand?”

“Yeah, I think they will. This is perfect. Applejack has her family reunion in a couple days, and this could be the perfect opportunity to introduce my parents to Equestria!”

“That sounds like a lovely idea.” Celestia smiles with genuine happiness. “Maybe I will come and visit; introduce myself to the parents of the man who helped save Equestria.”

“Well…” Matt blushes, “They actually don’t know about that, and they especially don’t know that I almost died. I think you should hold off on that part.”

“Nonsense!” Chrysalis interrupts, stepping closer to Matt, “I think they should know everything about your bravery, near death and all! I’m sure they’ll be fine with it!”

“I doubt that. But I do appreciate the enthusiasm.” Matt smirks, “If you two want to visit, I’m sure they’ll be happy to see you.”

“Really?” Chrysalis raises an eyebrow, “You told them about me?”

“Only the basics. Not the whole….you know…”

“Oh, right. That” Chrysalis giggles, “Celestia and I will definitely make the family reunion. How is dear Applejack, by the way?”

“She’s….” Matt hesitates, “She’s good.”

Celestia can see right through his pause. She is the master of withholding truths from others, so she can tell when another is lying or not. She grimaces at his omission, and leans down closer to him to uncover the real story.

“Matt, you know you can’t hide anything from me.” Celestia says, “Is everything okay?”

“Well…” Matt sighs, knowing that he had been caught lying, “She’s been a little distant lately. I think the pregnancy is getting to her, but she won’t admit it. I thought she was doing better, ever since Twilight and the others came to see her when I was at work, but it feels like she’s afraid to even touch me.”

“Touch you?” Chrysalis inquires, “Why would she be afraid to touch you?”

“According to the books, a pregnant mare gets a little…for the lack of a better word…feisty, and she’s trying not to give in to it, because of some story she heard about intimacy during pregnancy…” Matt gives the short version, tired of repeating himself to others over and over again, “…and because of that, she’s hesitant to put a hoof on me, and my hands on her.”

Celestia and Chrysalis look at each other. They have never heard of such a story, and with their knowledge combined, they have read every single book in Equestria, and haven’t come across anything that might have suggested it. Maybe it’s a new study, maybe a book has been written recently and they haven’t read it yet. They both look back at Matt with a confused shrug, but a polite smile.

“Don’t worry, Matt.” Celestia assures him, “I’m sure Applejack is only looking out for the foal.”

“I know she is, but…I can’t help but worry about her.”

“I think once the family reunion rolls around, she’ll be back to her cheery self. You’ll see.” Celestia smiles. The castle clock rings throughout the garden, catching the three’s attention. “Ah, it’s lunch time. Do you want to join us, Matt?”

“No thanks. I’ll deliver these bands to my parents, and then spend the rest of the day with Applejack.”

“We understand. You have a good day.” Celestia bows to Matt, who returns the gesture.

“Go on without me, Celesty.” Chrysalis says, “I must speak with Mr. Williams about a private matter.”

“Oh? Keeping secrets from me, Chrissy?” Celestia smiles slyly, “I hope it’s about my birthday.”

“You’ll find out eventually.” Chrysalis says, “I’ll meet you in the dining hall.”

“Don’t take too long.” Celestia walks away, putting an extra bounce in her step just for the Queen, showing off her rump.

Matt of course can’t help but look as well. Chrysalis responds with a hoof to his face.

“Ow! Now that’s not fair.” Matt says, rubbing his cheek in pain.

“That bounce was for me, not for you!”

“I can’t help it! I’m a guy!”

“Well I…huh…” Chrysalis thinks, “Fine, you have a good point.”

“What’s the big news anyway?”

“Right, um…” Chrysalis nervously digs her hoof in the ground. This is an unfamiliar sight to Matt. He’s never seen the formerly fearsome queen look this nervous. “I don’t really know how to say this, but…”

“Oh no…” Matt interrupts, “You have a crush on me. I knew…” He is quickly silenced by another hoof slap. “OW!”

“Not everything is about you, Matt!” Chrysalis glares; she actually looks angry with him, causing Matt to freeze in place. This is serious. “If you’re not going to take this seriously…” she turns to walk away.

“No, no, no.” Matt quickly says, putting a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry. I was only joking.” He gives her a gentle smile, “Please, continue.”

Chrysalis looks in his expression of calm and quiet happiness. She rolls her eyes with a sigh, refusing to stay too mad at him. Still quite annoyed though.

“Ugh. You know, it’s that expression that made me bed you.”

“And you said you didn’t remember!” Matt chuckles. “So, what’s the big deal?”

“I…” The Queen continues to display a slight nervousness, “I want you to help me write something.”

“Like what? Are you making a novel or something?”

“Nothing like that. I want you to help me write a letter…to the Princess.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. I wouldn’t be asking you this otherwise.”

“How come? If you don’t mind me asking. I mean, the two of you are right next to each other. Can’t you just tell her what’s up?”

“That’s the thing. I can’t. Every time I want to talk to her about something serious, I get nervous, or sweaty. When I do, I always let loose with the innuendos and sensual talk. But, that’s not what I want to talk about when I’m with her. With this letter, I can finally tell her how I feel. But, I need your help with it.”

“Not that I’m not honored by this, but you did say that I wasn’t the greatest writer.”

“Descriptions could use some work, I admit…” she reminisces about the epic letter Matt wrote to Celestia, “But I don’t want that. I want what you had with Applejack. The words you two said to each other, the night you first made love. It was so…beautiful and charming. I wish I could talk like that with her.”

“Wow.” Matt scratches his head, watching the Queen swoon.

“I need you to help me put those words together. I need you to help me make a coherent though, without sounding like I’m rambling on.” She gives Matt the best puppy dog expression that she can. “Can you help me?”

“Yeah, sure.” Matt says with no hesitance.

“I’ll pay yo---what?!” she’s surprised, “You’ll do it?!”

“You’ll pay me?” Matt is equally as surprised.

“Of course. You didn’t think I would be asking you to do this and NOT give you some kind of reward.”

“Hmmmmm….I could use the extra bits for the foal.” Matt thinks, scratching his chin. “Okay. I’ll do it. When would you like to start?”

“Celestia’s birthday isn’t for another couple of months, so you don’t have to visit constantly. Try to arrive once a week, to avoid any suspicion. Does Wednesday sound adequate to you?”

“Sounds fine to me. I’ll see you then. You better go see Celestia, she might eat all the food.”

“Yeah, it’s all going to go to her rump. Her….sweet…big…” she stops, looking over at Matt, who is trying not to burst out laughing. “Uh, see you on Wednesday, Matt.” Chrysalis smiles nervously, before trotting back to the Castle for what will no doubt be a fine meal in the dining hall. “Make sure to keep this a secret!” she calls out, “Don’t tell anypony about this!”

Matt waves as he watches her depart from his sight. When she leaves, Matt puts the bands in his pocket, keeping them in a safe spot. He looks at his wrist, moving the band over where the jewels are facing him. There’s no wrong way to use the bands, he just likes the look of them.

In an instant, he gives the command to head to his parents, and In a flash, he is gone.


Matt appears right in front of his parents’ house. Luckily, the neighborhood was surprisingly empty. One time, when he appeared, he scared the living daylights out of a group of kids. They ran to their parents, yelling about a teleporting man, but they did not believe them. Gathering his bearings, Matt strolls over to his former residence, knocking on the door. The familiar noise of his dog braking fills his ears, as his father comes to the door.

Upon opening it, he smiles at the appearance of his son.

“Matt!” Dad says, giving him a hug. “Good to see you!”

“You too, Dad.” Matt pats him on the back, “Is Mom home?”

“Of course…HONEY!” Dad calls out to the kitchen, “Matt’s here!” He turns his attention back to Matt, “Come on in. You hungry?”

“I guess I’ll have a quick bite.” Matt says, entering the house.

Matt greets his Mother with an embrace and a kiss on the cheek. He sits down at the table, which already has a giant bowl of salad in the middle of it. Matt takes a couple spoonfuls, putting it on his plate, and diving right in before the main course it to be served.

“So, how’s Applejack?” Mom asks, walking in with a big plate full of barbeque chicken legs in one hand, and a bowl of mashed potatoes in another.

“Very pregnant.” Matt chuckles, “She’s been staying at the house for the past couple months. We want to take it easy, and not strain her too much.”

“Oh, you worry too much, Matt.” Mom scoffs, “When I was pregnant with you, I was still able to go out and about with no problem.”

“Well, she’s been awful tired lately, and she’s also a pony. It might be different for some species.”

“That might be so, but she’s a strong girl. You shouldn’t underestimate her, because she’s a woman.”

“I know, but…it’s hard. I’ve been reading all these books, but I still feel so unprepared to be a Father. AJ’s been feeling a little nervous as well. It’s not like we’re not excited, but we’re also super scared at the same time.”

“I know the feeling.” Dad says, “When your Mother was pregnant, it was the scariest nine months of my life. All those mood swings and sleepless nights….”

“Honey!” Mom interjects, “I’m sure he gets enough of that from Applejack; he doesn’t need to hear about our experiences.”

“No, it’s fine.” Matt says, “Gives me something to look forward to.” he smiles.

“Still...we wish we were there to see it be born.”

There it is. The perfect segue. Matt smirks, putting down his fork, and cleaning his hands with a napkin.

“In that case…I have a surprise for you two.”

His parents look at him with confusion as he takes his band off, placing it on the table. Reaching into his pants pocket, he takes out the two bands made for them, and putting them in the center of the table. His parents glance down, staring at the beautifully made bands.

“Pretty, but what are those?” Dad asks.

“These are your ticket to Equestria.”

His parents freeze, barely able to comprehend what he just told them.

“She…she finished them?” Mom asks, “The Princess actually finished these for us?”

“Yep. You can use these to go to Equestria any time you like. That’s not even the best part.”

“I don’t see how it can get any better than that, son.” Dad chortles. “This means we can travel to Equestria, and see our grandchild?”

“Yeah. But also…there’s a family reunion coming up this Saturday. I was wondering…if you’d like to come down and meet the Apple Family?”

“Meet the Apple Family?” Mom says, resoundingly excited at the opportunity, “That sounds…oh my god! I won’t even know what to bake! What do they like?”

“They like apples.” Matt says definitively in a matter of fact tone of voice.

“Oh! I can make so many things with apples! Apple Pie, Apple Dumplings, Apple Fritters…”

“Mom!” Matt interrupts, “I’m sure what you’ll bring will be fine.”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Dad interjects, “How do we use these things anyway?”

“It’s simple…” Matt points at the band, “You just say where you want to go, and poof, you’re there. In this case, you say ‘Sweet Apple Acres’. Got it?”

“Sweet Apple Acres. I should write that down.” Dad says, getting up and going to the dry erase board in the kitchen to write it down.

“I can make Carmel Apples…” Mom continues, “Or, maybe some of my famous apple sauce. You remember that, Matt?”

“Yeah, I do. You’re kind of scaring me with this hyper attitude.” he chuckles.

“But I get to see Applejack as a pony! Not only that, but her family too! How can I not be excited about that? How many family members does she have?”

“No idea. Probably a lot.”

“Then I need to get baking right away.” she starts to head towards the kitchen, until Matt stops her.

“Mom.” he puts a hand on her shoulder, making her turn back to him. “It’s fine, really. I think they have everything under control.”

“Okay. I’ve written it down.” Dad says, walking back in with accomplishment.

“Great…oh.” Matt remembers, “I’ll probably be better if you meet us at the house first. Instead, say ‘Applejack and Matt’s House.’”

“Damn it!” Dad says in annoyance, breaking out the marker and walking back into the kitchen.

Matt laughs whilst shaking his head. He looks over to the clock on the wall, indicating the time. He did say he would be home as soon as he could. He takes his band, placing it back on his wrist.

“Sorry guys, I have to get going.” Matt says, prepared to speak his destination.

“Wait, you barely ate anything.” Mom stops him. “I made chicken and potatoes.”

“It looks very delicious Mom, but…”

“Nope…I will not let my son leave this house without something to take home.” She rushes into the kitchen, grabbing some Tupperware. She comes back, putting in helpings of the chicken and potatoes.

“Mom, chicken has no nutritional value for AJ.”

“Then, you can eat it.” she says, “Potatoes are good, right?”

“Yeah, I suppose.”

“There you go.” she hands the Tupperware full of food over. “Chicken for you, potatoes for her.”

Matt looks down at the Tupperware, then back into his Mother’s pleading eyes. He takes the food, making her give a wide smile. Suddenly, she hugs Matt tightly, catching him off guard.

“I’ll see you two, soon. Okay. Matt?”

“Of course, Mom.” He says, voice strained from his Mother’s grip. Mom lets go. “I love you both. Remember; say ‘Matt and Applejack’s house…’”

FLASH! Matt is suddenly whisked away. Mom jumps back in surprise.

Dad comes walking in with a look of pride on his face.

“Okay, I…” he sees Matt is gone. “Where did Matt go?”


Matt is teleported back into Equestria, and right in front of his house. He steps back a little from the surprise. He didn’t mean to be teleported when he was saying that. Looking around and checking his belongings, he finds that everything is in order.

He spots the sun starting its decent downwards, heading into night time. He turns to the door, walking inside.

On the living room couch, laid Applejack; right where he left her. She’s sleeping soundly, though the television is still on. Matt puts the food away, before going back to his resting wife. He turns off the television, kneeling over her sleeping body. Carefully, he puts a hand on her mane, gently brushing it with his fingers. The sensation starts to break Applejack out of her spell, as she gradually opens her eyes to stare into the eyes of her smiling husband. She yawns.

“Hey.” she says quietly, “What time is it?”

“Past seven’ o clock.”

“It is?” she looks over at the clock, “You’re home sooner than ah expected.” She glances down at Matt’s band. “Ah thought you were goin’ to Canterlot.”

“I did.” He says, taking the band off and placing it on the table. “I found out that these bands can take us to places in Equestria, not just make dimensional jumps.”

“Really?” she says, surprised. “Well, it certainly would have made our trips less expensive.”

“That’s what I said. “Matt chortles, “But, it would also make them less exciting.”

“True. We did get into some funny shenanigans on the train to the Galloping Gorge.” she chuckles, reminiscing about events long since passed. “What was the big news Celestia had?”

“She…” Matt smiles, “She finished the bands for my parents.”

“What?” her eyes widen, along with her grin. “Matt, that’s wonderful! They can see the birth of our foal!” she gives Matt a small hug, still in a tired state. “Did you go see them?”

“I did. I invited them to the Apple Family Reunion on Saturday. Is that okay?”

“Okay? Matt, that’s excitin’! Ah can’t wait to see them here in Equestria. Sounds like you had quite the fun day. Unlike me, laying here and watchin’ dumb shows.”

“Ah, don’t be like that.” Matt waves a hand, dismissing her downtrodden expression. “You’re doing so much over here. You’re taking care of the foal.” He puts a hand on her stomach. “Now that’s something I could never do.” She giggles at his touch. “Besides, you’ll be doing a lot of walking around at the Family reunion. I bet you’ll even tear up the dance floor, when the time comes!”

“Ah hope so. It’s been a long time since ah danced. Should be fun.”

Matt smiles at her positive attitude. This morning, she had been quiet and distant, but now, he can see the loving and kind Applejack that he fell in love with. Something in the back of his mind tells him that she’s just tired, and would regain her newfound attitude if she fully wakes up. He hopes that isn’t the case; he misses touching her like he’s doing now.

“Can you take me to bed?” Applejack stretches out her forelegs, begging for Matt to take her in his arms. “I’m tired.”

“Sure thing.” Matt wraps his arms around her, picking her up like he always does. As he carries her through the hallway, he can see the soft and wonderful look in her eyes. “There’s one more thing I have to tell you…”

“What’s that?”

“I…” he stops. He’s about to tell her about Chrysalis. However, she did mention that he cannot tell anypony about her plans. He thinks of something else; something plausible to get him to leave the house on Wednesdays. “Twilight is going to be visiting the Crystal Empire to see Cadance and Shining Armor, and she asked me to help out with the library on Wednesdays.”

“Oh.” she sounds disappointed. “Ah thought you had work at the farm on those days.”

“That’s the thing. At the reunion tomorrow, I’m going to ask Granny Smith for the time off. I want to spend every second I have with you, until the foal is born.”

“Matt…”

“I know, I know. You’re okay with being home alone, but I’m not okay with you being home alone. I don’t want to miss anymore events with the foal. From now on, it’s going to be me and you twenty four seven.”

“Ya mean six.” She chuckles, “Since yer gonna be gone on Wednesdays.”

“Oh, right.” Matt brings her into the bedroom, setting her down on the bed.

“What if something happens on those days, and you’re not there?”

“You have a point.” Matt sits down, brushing her mane with his hand. “I’ll tell you what. On those days, you put on your band. If you feel anything, anything at all, you bring yourself straight to Canterlot, and I’ll be at your side like THAT.” He snaps his fingers.

“I’ll hold ya to it.” she says, kissing him on the cheek. She yawns, beginning to go back to sleep once again. “Ah love you.”

“I love you more.” Matt leans down, kissing her on the forehead. “Sleep well, okay AJ?”

“I’ll do mah best. No promises, though.” she closes her eyes, “I’ll see you….in the morning…” she drifts off, going back to her peaceful state.

Matt watches her as she sleeps, finding the sight absolutely beautiful. He brushes his hand on her mane one last time, before getting out of bed and walking out the room, closing the door quietly and gently. It’s still early for him; and he could use the time to relax and watch television…with the volume on low…so as to not wake up Applejack.

There’s also some pretty good chicken in the fridge, which he’s not going to let go to waste.

Next Chapter: The Family Reunion Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 36 Minutes
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