My code converts 2 consecutive lines of 5 dashes into one line of 5 dashes (between the line of "a"'s and the line of "b"'s).

My code also converts 3 consecutive lines of 5 dashes into one line of 5 dashes (between the line of "b"'s and the line of "c"'s).

You can add any arbitrary number of lines of 5 dashes, and they will all be converted to one line of 5 dashes.

I guess I do not understand your question afterall.