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“You’re right…” Groans Vivian as she gives her head a firm smack, “He’s probably looking for friends after everything that happened on the island… I should be there for him, shouldn’t I?”
Yyyyyea, well, you mutter, not sure how much he wants to be <span class="mu-i">friendly</span>, per se, but-
“You’re right, Diesel,” Interjects your server with renewed confidence in her voice, “Rodney needs a friend! I’ll check in with him once this shift ends!”
You open your mouth to correct her, but the words die in your mouth… you pegged Viv to be a little bubbly, sure, but if she’s this scatterbrained, well…
Maybe it’s best to just let things progress naturally.
Giving the big girl a hug, Pepper leads the way out of the restaurant as you pick up the boxes of food!
“Well, sandcrab,” Your date begins as she wraps her arm around you and huddles close for warmth, “We’ve got food… anything else you wanna check out?”
Yea, you nod as you look towards the carnival midway further down the pier, you’ve still got a prize to win…
“Oh boy…” Smiles Pepper as she keeps pace with you, “Well don’t strain yourself, slick–for what it’s worth you’ve knocked this date outta’ the park…”
Eugh, you grumble as memories of your earlier Homerun Derby come back to haunt you, don’t… don’t mention any baseball stuff, please…
“Why Diesel… you wouldn’t be <span class="mu-i">sore</span> about losing, would you?” Chirps your date as she nuzzles your side! “It’ll be <span class="mu-i">fun</span>, don’t worry!”
You’re worrying about it, but that feeling quickly dissipates once you lay eyes on your target! Entering the midway, you’re flanked on both sides by the usual games–<span class="mu-s">RING TOSS, BALLOON POP, A DUCK SHOOTING RANGE</span>... but what gets your attention is the peculiarly-dressed man set up in the middle of it all… and behind him a <span class="mu-s">TRIO OF DOORS!</span>
“<span class="mu-s">COME ONE, COME ALL,</span>” He booms in a voice akin to rolling thunder, “<span class="mu-s">PICK A CHALLENGE AND WIN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS!</span>”
You and Pepper share an intrigued glance before scurrying over. Sensing your approach, the game master smiles at you with a mouthful of gold and silver teeth!
“Well well,” he purrs with growing intrigue in his tone, “Come to challenge the challenges, ey, boy?”
Maybe, you frown as your gaze bounces between the carny and the rest of the midway, this isn’t rigged, right?
“Far from it.” Replies the man in a smooth-as-honey voice, “On the contrary, <span class="mu-i">my</span> challenges and their completion rely on merit and merit alone… the question you <span class="mu-i">should</span> be asking yourself, my fine-feathered friend, is this: do YOU have what it takes?”
“<span class="mu-i">Diesel</span>,” Pepper begins in a hushed tone as she pulls you close, “<span class="mu-i">You don’t HAVE to do this, y’know…</span>”
You know, but it couldn’t hurt to hear him out. Giving your date’s hair a playful tousle, you turn your attention to the game master! What’s he got?
>CONTD.
