Entry tags:
TDM #6
Welcome! Everything is fine.
Uploading. . . Complete!
The Lobby.
- When you open your eyes, there is quite a lot of beige to take in. The unassuming walls of the room you've found yourself in are barren save for a single motivational poster directly in your line of sight. An illuminated sign above an open door on the far wall reads 'lobby exit.'
"Welcome," chimes a polite, synthesized voice. "I'm happy you're here." A moment later comes the clarity of the situation: you have died and so has the world you came from. "This is Amani, your new reality," continues The Peacekeeper. "Everything will be fine."
At least you aren't the only one here, you'll soon find out, as others who are just as confused and concerned as you are mingling on the main hub's first floor. Hopefully, you find a familiar face among the crowd. If not, that's all right. You'll get to know quite a few people very well soon enough.
- If you're one of the unlucky few whose death required a bit more intensive re-coding to maintain stability in the simulation, you'll instead awaken on a bed in the infirmary. Everything is strikingly white save for the occasional string of vines with lavender growing in bursts to help keep people calm. Whether or not it works seems to be on a case-by-case basis.
While there is active medical staff, the voice of The Peacekeeper is also there to explain the situation in a more delicate manner to these individuals. It's already stressful enough having to have gone through such a violent death, after all!
If characters want more questions answered, they'll need to speak to The Peacekeeper directly. But first, it will encourage socialization in the main hub and hopefully, you'll find someone you recognize to make taking things in a little easier.
- Throughout the main hub where everyone congregates, a light chiming echoes through the first floor. "Hello, everyone," comes the synthetic voice from when you first arrived. "Please, watch your step since there a few tremors happening. If you'd like, there is cake and some refreshments."
WHAT
The sixth Amani TDM!
WHEN
July 22nd, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Titfucking / Paizuri
★ Clothed Sex
★ Bukkake
★ Tentacles
★ Sounding
★ Clothed Sex
★ Bukkake
★ Tentacles
★ Sounding
WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?
If the main hub and its features don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can visit the training grounds, music lounge, library, and onsen. Also, feel free to leave an offering for the resident deity of sleep (Hypnos) at his shrine! You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities. Even if you do complain, The Peacekeeper will encourage others to set off and find their own place to live out in the simulation.
Granted, the housing market in the afterlife isn't exactly robust. It doesn't help that every place you find has a leaky roof or broken window. No, unfortunately that will need to be fixed the peaceful way. If you'd like more lighting or even cozier clothes, simulation inhabitants are reminded that 'peaceful interactions' are very important!
It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
SHAKING THINGS UP
"Hello, inhabitants," greets The Peacekeeper. "I apologize for all the tremors lately in the simulation," it starts, just as one rattles through the setting. "I promise I'll be done working soon." They've been occurring for days now but have been nothing more than a subtle rumbling.
Until now.
"Making final geographical adjustments... Please, hold on to something." There is less than a moment's pause before the warning needs to be heeded. A large earthquake suddenly jostles the entire simulation harshly along with a deafening noise to the east; however, the cause will be apparent. Where before there was nothing but plains stretching out infinitely past the simulation's 'barrier,' there is now a large mountain range. It has snow-tipped peaks, plenty of pine trees, and- "After the trial that was Hiromitsu, The Creators decided to allow me the resources to upgrade and add to the simulation! This is only the beginning, actually, but the rest will take a little bit more time. Until then, I hope you don't mind exploring the mines and helping me test some new features."
There is a brief pause where it seems like that might be all. "And I hope that... it makes up a little for me not being there for you during Hiromitsu." The usual chipper, simulated voice sounds just a touch melancholy. Instead of the regular chimes to signify a broadcast ending, there is instead a small click and nothing but silence.
Until now.
"Making final geographical adjustments... Please, hold on to something." There is less than a moment's pause before the warning needs to be heeded. A large earthquake suddenly jostles the entire simulation harshly along with a deafening noise to the east; however, the cause will be apparent. Where before there was nothing but plains stretching out infinitely past the simulation's 'barrier,' there is now a large mountain range. It has snow-tipped peaks, plenty of pine trees, and- "After the trial that was Hiromitsu, The Creators decided to allow me the resources to upgrade and add to the simulation! This is only the beginning, actually, but the rest will take a little bit more time. Until then, I hope you don't mind exploring the mines and helping me test some new features."
There is a brief pause where it seems like that might be all. "And I hope that... it makes up a little for me not being there for you during Hiromitsu." The usual chipper, simulated voice sounds just a touch melancholy. Instead of the regular chimes to signify a broadcast ending, there is instead a small click and nothing but silence.
THIS PLACE ROCKS
For those that do decide to investigate the new addition to the simulation, they'll find a sign above a large cave entrance that reads "Dymuniad Mines." Entering the cave will lead people to a series of underground tunnels akin to a labyrinth with as many metaphorical twists and turns as there are literal. Don't mind the mild tremors that continue as some of the pathways shift and change while The Peacekeeper works. They are now, thankfully, localized to just the mines.
So grab a torch, go for a joy ride in a mine cart, or set out on foot through the deep dark. Either way, here's what inhabitants can expect to find...
Hemimorphite
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
This strange, soft-looking rock formation draws people in with a sweet scent similar to cotton candy. The closer someone draws to it, the happier they will become. Should one lick it, they will find that it tastes rather sweet; however, it will leave one with more than a candy aftertaste. It is a psychedelic that will cause hallucinations - both visual and auditory - as well as intense feelings of euphoria.
Honey Calcite
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
If feeling one's way along the dark tunnels, don't be surprised if there comes a spot where you suddenly stick. Trying to pull away will only find one even more stuck than before. The only way to pull free is by using heat but too hot and it'll become a sticky, syrupy mess and be a nightmare to get off. The body heat of two people seems to be just right the temperature to free anyone stuck but... make of that what you will!
Iris Agate
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
If you get a little lost in the mines, don't fret! This stone will guide your way when shone under the light correctly. Oh, it won't show you the way out. Rather, it will guide you toward someone you need to talk to. Whatever that may mean! You'll be directed towards them whether you want to actually speak or not.
Miniature Cave Golems
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
Don't be too alarmed if that mossy bundle of rocks starts to move about. Held together and animated by a magic of an unknown origin, these tiny golems 'awaken' when anyone gets close. While golems are usually used for manual labor too large for the average person, it's hard to say what these miniature ones were made for or by who. They are, however, extremely cute and will happily follow or ride along with you through the tunnels.
Rock Slimes
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
If you happen to come across small bites taken out of the Hemimorphite, the source likely isn't far behind. These slimes are immune to the psychedelic effects of the formation but still get the euphoria from it. This results in them making tiny chirps and happy noises that may sound suspiciously like 'woo hoo' or 'yay.' They are friendly and docile but can only survive in the dark, dank conditions of the mines. Trying to remove them is ill-advised.
Zubats
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
These creatures make their home in gloomy caves. Atrophied eyes have left this Pokémon blind, so they scan their surroundings via sound waves that they emit from their mouths as they fly. Their skin is so thin that they'll be burned if sunlight hits them. When it gets cold out, they gather together to warm one another's bodies. While they will not attack inhabitants, they may use high-pitched sound waves to confuse and disorient if they feel threatened so they can escape.
So grab a torch, go for a joy ride in a mine cart, or set out on foot through the deep dark. Either way, here's what inhabitants can expect to find...
Hemimorphite
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
This strange, soft-looking rock formation draws people in with a sweet scent similar to cotton candy. The closer someone draws to it, the happier they will become. Should one lick it, they will find that it tastes rather sweet; however, it will leave one with more than a candy aftertaste. It is a psychedelic that will cause hallucinations - both visual and auditory - as well as intense feelings of euphoria.
Honey Calcite
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
If feeling one's way along the dark tunnels, don't be surprised if there comes a spot where you suddenly stick. Trying to pull away will only find one even more stuck than before. The only way to pull free is by using heat but too hot and it'll become a sticky, syrupy mess and be a nightmare to get off. The body heat of two people seems to be just right the temperature to free anyone stuck but... make of that what you will!
Iris Agate
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
If you get a little lost in the mines, don't fret! This stone will guide your way when shone under the light correctly. Oh, it won't show you the way out. Rather, it will guide you toward someone you need to talk to. Whatever that may mean! You'll be directed towards them whether you want to actually speak or not.
CREEPY CRAWLIES
In addition to the new geology, there is some new fauna to be found. The Peacekeeper is still adding to the mines as far as flora (beyond basic moss, mushrooms, and other fungi). For now, these creatures hopefully help it feel a little more alive.Miniature Cave Golems
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
Don't be too alarmed if that mossy bundle of rocks starts to move about. Held together and animated by a magic of an unknown origin, these tiny golems 'awaken' when anyone gets close. While golems are usually used for manual labor too large for the average person, it's hard to say what these miniature ones were made for or by who. They are, however, extremely cute and will happily follow or ride along with you through the tunnels.
Rock Slimes
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
If you happen to come across small bites taken out of the Hemimorphite, the source likely isn't far behind. These slimes are immune to the psychedelic effects of the formation but still get the euphoria from it. This results in them making tiny chirps and happy noises that may sound suspiciously like 'woo hoo' or 'yay.' They are friendly and docile but can only survive in the dark, dank conditions of the mines. Trying to remove them is ill-advised.
Zubats
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
These creatures make their home in gloomy caves. Atrophied eyes have left this Pokémon blind, so they scan their surroundings via sound waves that they emit from their mouths as they fly. Their skin is so thin that they'll be burned if sunlight hits them. When it gets cold out, they gather together to warm one another's bodies. While they will not attack inhabitants, they may use high-pitched sound waves to confuse and disorient if they feel threatened so they can escape.
WHO IS THAT I SEE, STARING BACK AT ME?
Lucky (or unlucky, if you're lost) inhabitants may find their way to the crystal lake. This large, underground pool of crystalline water is lined with large chunks of cubic fluorite and larimar covering the bottom. It holds an ethereal glow although there doesn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary that would cause the shine.
If one goes to the edge of the water, their reflection might not be what they expect. Instead of what it should be, it's instead what the person looking into the water most desires. This could be interpreted in many different ways. Do you look like you'd always dreamed of, is someone next to you, or is it someone else entirely staring back into your eyes? Whatever the case may be, it isn't always easy to be faced with our most secret desires unexpectedly.
If one goes to the edge of the water, their reflection might not be what they expect. Instead of what it should be, it's instead what the person looking into the water most desires. This could be interpreted in many different ways. Do you look like you'd always dreamed of, is someone next to you, or is it someone else entirely staring back into your eyes? Whatever the case may be, it isn't always easy to be faced with our most secret desires unexpectedly.
- » If you choose to look away because you do not want to face what this odd reflection means, the next time you look it will be just you again. Nothing will happen.
» If you choose to accept what the reflection is trying to show you, the reward will be a tiny crystal flask washing up near your feet that holds some of the water for you to take. For what purpose? Who can say.
SEXY STAMP CARD
If you're wondering about these 'peaceful interactions' that keep being mentioned or what the kinks of the month are for... Here's your answer! Upon arrival, all characters will receive a digital copy of their very own sexy stamp card.
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!NOTES
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
★ Due to the shifting tunnels, characters will only find themselves eventually back at the start of the mines rather than anywhere new. ...For now, anyway!
★ The effects of all the influences can, as always, be as heavy or light as you'd like! It can be chalked up to differences in resistance, non-humanity or not, etc. etc.
★ The flora and fauna page will be updated (as well as the locations) as soon as possible to reflect these changes and recent ones! It's also still open for player suggestions! All you need to do now is link your check-in (or player claim) comment to make a submission!
★ Why not check out the ATP/EMP Meme now up? See who others want to try out, enable your friends! Fun all around!
★ Make sure to dunk your questions/feedback in the thread below!
NAVIGATION
[Arrival]
Distracted by thought, it takes him a moment to process there is, in fact, someone new today. And looking rather lost. What's more interesting is that impressive scar that cuts across his face like a brand. It's enough to have Genesis pause, and give the stranger consideration.
"Are you lost, friend? Perhaps I can help."
Re: [Arrival]
It's his thoughts about dogs that he is so lost in and not really the place as he has no real destination. The look of slight confusion mixed with a his normal look of indifferent is probably what made him look lost enough for someone to speak to him. He almost misses the voice but he does catch it and stops. He looks up at the man speaking to him, taking a moment to register what he even asked. "Can't really be lost if I have no place to.." He paused, noticing the red weapon on the others back and blinked for a moment, unsure if he was really seeing a gunblade here of all places. He didn't have his own so he assumed weapons weren't allowed. "Beautiful...." Of course he meant the gunblade, he hadn't even looked at Genesis' face once the whole time yet.
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"That's very much appreciated, and tells me you have good taste at least. Flattery will get you everywhere, especially here." Genesis sweeps his hand towards the exit to the hub in a broad gesture. "But certainly a handsome fellow such as yourself will want to be somewhere or other."
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His hand is on his chin and clearly more focused on Genesis' back when there is a lull in the conversation and he realizes the other was speaking to him. He blinks and looks up, finally taking in the mans handsome features. "Sorry....could you repeat that?" It might come off as Squall maybe not believe the compliment thrown his own way but really he just hadn't paid any attention to what he said.
A gloved hand moved some hair out of his face as he tried to take n the others features without being too obvious about it. There was a lot of red, even the guy's hair was red albeit more of an auburn and framed his face in a pleasing way. He looked like he really cared about appearances with the way he dressed and Squall leaned into the white fur of his collar a little feeling slightly under dressed and plain in comparison. "I'm Leon.....can I ask you where you got that gunblade? It's not a common weapon and I didn't think I'd meet another wielder in a place like this"
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"A pleasure to meet you, Leon. I'm Genesis Rhapsodos, and if you mean this," he trails off as he reaches for the gunblade on his back. Taking it by the grip, he swings it over his shoulder to let Leon have a proper look at the massive and elegant blade. The steel is forged red and silver, emblazoned with the SOLDIER logo on the widest part, and gracefully intricate etchings decorate any open space.
"She was made specifically for me back in my world. It is not a common weapon by any means, but I did take a liking to how it compliments my fighting style. Perhaps not my go-to, as my sword and magic are, but she serves well as a back up. You may hold her, if you so desire." And offers the massive weapon by the handle. "Crownsblade, suggested so by her maker. I liked it enough to keep it."
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"Maybe I can show you what I know if I ever get my own in return. I use mine in junction with magic a lot myself." He looks up at Genesis for a moment, his fingers still on the symbol. "Crownsblade is a beautiful name. Are you really sure I can hold her?" If Genesis thought he was weird before, he probably thought he was weirder now with how excited the man was. He really wanted to hold this blade, it was a bit larger than what he was used to but nothing wrong with that. The craftsmanship was something he was practically drooling over.
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"It's quite possible to acquire what doesn't come with you to this world. It's hardly even difficult." Certainly not for someone with little to no shame, at least. And familiar faces he'd very much wanted intimacy with.
"And yes, quite sure," Genesis says, a brow arched as he waits for the other to take it. "I don't like repeating myself, dear. Go on."
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"I have to get one of these myself. Mine in the past were a little smaller but if I do get them back I'll have to show you." His grins starts to fade as he speaks, not out of boredom it's just how his face is. "Though I do have to disagree that getting things in this world is easy for everyone."
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"Most people tend to use weapons suited to their size." Most, because he can think of a certain blond with an extremely oversized sword. He motions to how Crownsblade sits heavier on Leon's shoulder than something smaller might. "So this comes with the territory of being, well, my size."
Genesis leans his chin onto his knuckles, looking Leon up and down, and arching a brow. "Surely you wouldn't have trouble finding people interested in you given your looks? So then is it a matter of you not being interested? Shy, perhaps?"
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It's like Genesis can read his mind with his nearly perfect description of himself and that smile starts to falter as he retreats more into his jacket, the fur being a spot he often hides himself against. "Ah...yeah..something like that. I don't really like go looking for...that." He also doesn't think he's that attractive to just ask anyone but that's not something he thinks Genesis needs to know.
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Settling the gunblade onto his back again, he takes a moment to step around Leon, looking him over with an amused look.
"Believe me when I say this world will go looking for you about it. Trying to ignore or hide from it really won't do you any good. Finding a steady partner would probably help though, just in case. Fairly certain the entire ecosystem here will attempt to coerce you otherwise."
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"You really think the world will be out to get me of all people? I'm really not that special looking." His eyes meet Genesis' as he turns to see him. "You on the other hand, you're handsome for one." There is a pause as if he's about to say more but he doesn't.
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"It's not specific, don't worry much about being targeted for who you are. That's simply how this place is designed. These interactions fuel the systems in place, and reward those who are... let's say social." He gets the distinct feeling Leon isn't quite that given the shy retreat into his jacket.
When their eyes meet, Genesis offers something of a softer smile.
"No need to be humble. You're quite stunning yourself. I have no doubt you'd do well here if you so desired, but if you're looking to get on your feet without being overwhelmed, I wouldn't mind helping, even in less sexual ways. Of course, you're free to decline, but I am ever-so curious about you."
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The offer from Genesis is one he's actually thinking about. It's been so long since he's done anything and Genesis does seem like he means it when he says he'd like to help. If Aerith were here beside him right now she'd be shoving him towards Genesis and telling him to live a little and have fun for once. It's not like him to but with no one else he knows being here maybe he should take this chance.
"We could see where it goes, I'm not promising anything but...I'm curious about you too." He's still a bit hidden in his jacket but he does move closer to Genesis. The man is bigger than him and he wants to know what that would feel like for once. He's always been the bigger one of his partners. "Can we take it slow?"
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So when he moves closer, Genesis curls his arm around the other's hip. Tucking him near, he doesn't hold him with any of his normal strength. Leon is free to pull away as he likes, and Genesis wouldn't resist. This also emphasizes the difference in size between them, something Genesis is always quietly pleased about when it happens.
"Of course," he agrees readily. "At whatever pace you like. But this is hardly the proper scenery. Care to come home with me for a bit?"
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"Yeah...yeah. Let's go to your place." He nods and looks up towards Genesis. "Lead the way."
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"Mm, I had come here to practice up with Crownsblade. Looks as though you'll owe me a bit of a sparring session when you reaquire your gunblade as well." Genesis teases him with a wink, never missing a beat as they walk.
"You should tell me a bit about yourself, Leon. What's your world like? Perhaps it's similar to my own if the same unique weapons also came about."
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"Well when I get Revolver back I'll let you know." He doesn't miss the wink and promptly flushes a little red from it, looking instead at the scenery around them.
"My world? It's...well..." He pauses in his speech, trying to think of the best way to describe Radiant Garden or the connected worlds as a whole. Maybe starting with just Radiant Garden would be best. "Come from a place called Radiant Garden, got a nice castle in the middle, lots of houses and a market. Nothing to big or city like. Do have animals who can talk and wear clothes though, I assume that's pretty unique."
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"That's a rather interesting name," Genesis quips, brow arching at such an extravagant name. Well, Leon does say it comes with its very own keep so he supposes he can't argue. "Some creatures from our world can learn to speak human tongue, but I can't say I've seen them wear clothes. Not to mention they're near extinct, if I recall." Genesis gives a half-shrug with his free shoulder.
"If you have a castle, you must have a monarchy, no? Is my guest royalty, perhaps?"
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He shrugged a bit and leaned a little closer into Genesis' hold. "Never learned why I was left at the orphanage but I guess it doesn't matter at this point anymore. I'm 26, too old to be caring about parents." Even if he did say it like it didn't matter, there was a hint of regret there.
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"Blood ties aren't nearly all they're cracked up to be. There's truer love in choosing the people you call family besides. Still," Genesis knows that quiet, almost mournful wondering. "Not having your answer can be... unsettling. I never knew my biological parents either, or why they didn't want me. Take comforting in knowing it could never have been your own fault or choice. Sometimes the fates are cruel."
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His smile from the laughter stays but there is more of a sense of melancholy with him now."Found family right? I had that for awhile...At least I thought I had it. We were happy but I'm here now and they aren't...again."
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That ‘again’ doesn’t miss Genesis, and he arches a brow. Kuja had also come from another world that pulled him away from his original one, so perhaps this is similar?
“Yet it sounds as though you’re not a stranger to this. Is that right?”
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He does shrug though, still staying close to Genesis. "My world fell once before. I was sent far away to another planet and had to work myself and others up to take our home back and at the end of it....I wasn't even the one who saved our world. A kid was. He's a good kid but it still didn't fit good relying on a child to save my home."
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"Sometimes that burden is foisted onto those we wish it wasn't." Genesis gestures vaguely with his free hand. Cloud and his friends having to save the world wasn't fair either. But heroes are rarely chosen so kindly. He figured that out a long, long time ago, yet still too late. "Still, to be the rallying point is a brave endeavor unto itself. I can only assume you did all that you could."
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