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[color=#EDC700]"... Why would I do that? That's stupid. I'm supposed to spar you again now that you know exactly how I fight, when I don't know the first thing about you or what you can do? Not to mention, if you win, you get to make yourself look good. If I beat the same person twice, I get... what, exactly?"[/color]

Nathaniel's hands clenched into fists at his sides as he stared down the smaller boy. From a rational angle, Julian was right: There was nothing for him to gain. In fact, a duel of this caliber would typically exist in an environment where other means of mediation were available. Nathaniel had opted for a duel when there was no other means of recourse. They were peers, after all, and a simple standing as "Vice Captain" didn't mean much of anything. The only thing on the line was honor, and only one side had any stake in such a concept. After all, Julian had only things to lose. Nathaniel had already lost.

And if those were the only words, Nathaniel might have been able to forget. He knew moving on was a better option, that he would have chances to prove what he was capable of. But there was something that boiled inside of Nathaniel as he tightened the muscles in his jaw. Julian had practically forgotten the duel, and thought of Nathaniel as a "sucker." Years of study, a life dedicated to being here... and some Baker boy who didn't even know how to hold a half-way decent sword stance looked down on [b][i]him[/i][/b]. Nathaniel couldn't help but let a seething pain ooze from his wounded pride. He was made to look like a fool for doing the right thing and seeking an honest fight, and now was denied recourse. If he had dishonored Julian, Nathaniel would have accepted the duel. Even if he lost, it was the noble thing to do.

Nathaniel slowly walked past his roommate, moving towards the door. He unclenched his fists and loosened the muscles around his jaw. Malice still swirled in Nathaniel's head, dissipating as he remembered he had a whole squad mere feet away that he was responsible for serving. He turned his gaze briefly towards Julian, his mind resolute. His tone was softer, but there was a confidence and matter-of-fact quality in the delivery of his words. [color=ed1c24]"You will duel me one of these days, Julian Baker. Not for the noble ideal of honor, or because it's the just thing to do: you've already proven to me that those are not qualities you possess. I think you will duel me when you are ready to learn if you ever deserved to be here."[/color]

He quickly finished crossing the room, opening the door swiftly and looking out into the common area. His eyes locked on to Kai, and it was clear that the others must have heard the challenge. Nathaniel took a deep breath, letting a soft smile grace his lips again. Sure, he had sparse accommodations, was ranked second on his squad, and was rooming with a dishonorable rat. And while most would view their situation as a punishment, Nathaniel instead saw opportunity. He was being issued a challenge all his own. As his father once said, being a knight isn’t just about overcoming obstacles: you have to carry yourself through those obstacles with dignity and honor. And once Nathaniel took that moment to compose himself and ignore the fact that he had lacked that dignity and honor just moments before, his eyes were filled with the same joy and determination he had when his name was called in the ceremony. He took a few steps towards Kaiser, giving the boy a nod. [color=ed1c24]”Kaiser, we should catch up with the others to make sure we reserve a fine spot in the mess hall for our squadron. What do you say?”[/color] His last words were more of a statement than a question, as Nathaniel turned to follow Signar and Zenshin.

[@Zeroth][@Zombehs][@pkken]