[ He's confronted with that reality again; his own voice, his own face, calming speaking of what he couldn't do in the past. There's that familiar tinge of pain in his chest -- their screams, his mother crying for Vane to run away, and the fear that he's just small enough at the time to be mauled by a wyvern so easily.
And then there's anger. ]
Hey! No! I ain't gonna keep bein' sad about that!
[ He's lying, of course, but Vane will always try to save face. ]
You lookin' for a fight? Then you might as well just come get it instead of tryin' to do some low blows.
[ This other version of him doesn't rise up to his anger, but Loppy gets angry. "Hey! You're stronger now, Vane! You can protect who you want to protect!"
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There's a slight pause, his waving stops abruptly -- that's his voice, his face...
And yet something feels wrong. ]
Huh? Of course I can -- [ Years ago he'd look to Lancelot for confirmation, but things have changed. He has. ] Yeah? I know I can.
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You haven't always been able to, right?
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No... [ Loppy's supporting him but he's starting to form cracks. ]
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You couldn't save your own parents.
[ Loppy squeezes his shoulder. "Vane..." Loppy doesn't have parents, but they understand what it means to lose somebody precious. ]
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And then there's anger. ]
Hey! No! I ain't gonna keep bein' sad about that!
[ He's lying, of course, but Vane will always try to save face. ]
You lookin' for a fight? Then you might as well just come get it instead of tryin' to do some low blows.
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The double doesn't seem angry... just sad. ]
I'm not looking for a fight.
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So what do you want?
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What do you want?
[ Loppy looks to Vane (real) to see if he has an answer. ]
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A girlfriend!!!
[ this isn't a gag tag ]
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[ He looks to Loppy. ]
Ah, well -- I didn't wanna get all sappy and serious...
I just wanna be strong enough to protect my friends? Ain't that obvious, since you're me?
I don't wanna have anyone die protectin' me again.
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Good.
[ Actually... ]
Does it definitely have to be a girlfriend? Is a boyfriend okay?
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I don't know?
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[ Anyway, the double doesn't move from the space he's in.
Good luck figuring yourself out, Vane.
Loppy, "Should we go look for everybody else...?" ]
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[ IS THIS DOUBLE TELLING HIM TO TRY BEING BISEXUAL???
Anyway, he'll start moving again... from Loppy's suggestion. ]
Man, that was embarrassing...
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In the distance, Vane can hear humming. Following it will lead him towards- ]