We are. But a lot of people still don't have any idea what balance means. [ which is maybe a somewhat too solemn thing to say, but sparring is a good backdrop for this. so he doesn't actually hesitate for long with the change of style, still going onehanded to charge for another slash at the side. ]
[ they agree. they try to move out of the way, not quite fast enough to avoid the hit on their arm, but they use to go for another jab while nico's close. ]
[ phoenix catches the strike on their sword, holding it steady in a block. ]
Having to learn the hard way isn't easy, but it can help you appreciate what you have and what you've lost even more. Isn't that right, Nico di Angelo?
[ he doesn't move. their swords are kind of locked together and he's staring at phoenix head-on, trying to keep his expression neutral and also kind of failing miserably because at the end of the day...
...they lost rocket and mika. there's nothing that can be done. even if he's going to attempt a jailbreak with a bunch of people later, realistically, he knows nothing can be done. that's balance. that's what it's always meant, a life for a life, a soul for a soul. this wasn't the way he wanted things to go.
but phoenix is also right. losing these people...losing everyone he has lost prior to this, his mother, bianca, jason...they made him appreciate that he's managed to survive through the hardships. those losses made him appreciate the impact those people had in his life. those losses made him appreciate will and his new life at camp and trying to move forward and no longer carry his demons close but allow them to live with him instead of weigh him down.
he doesn't really blink for a moment, but then he lowers his sword. ]
I don't disagree. [ he's not quite looking at phoenix either but it's clear he knows exactly what they're saying. ] ...but do you think a person would really learn at all without some form of sacrifice?
[ even if it isn't a major sacrifice, it's a give and a take.
there leave something of equal value behind, or your body and soul no one will ever find. ]
Of course not. Sacrifice is a part of being alive. But "sacrifice" means something different to every person. For one, it may be their honor. Another, their love. Another, their life.
It's all a matter of perspective, and how willing we are to learn from it.
[ phoenix isn't really saying anything he doesn't agree with, or anything he hasn't already thought himself. there's something remarkably grounding about having the sentiments flipped back to him though. ]
Will you tell me yours then someday? [ because he's not stupid. for phoenix to say this means they've gone through their own hard lesson, but it's inappropriate to ask right now, he thinks. ]
You're sure? I don't want to take up more of your time when it's been a long day for all of us. I'm sure you could use a break as well even if you weren't with us today. [ but it's very blatantly obvious that he's curious. why wouldn't he be? ]
[ it is partially because nico is going to jail that i am saving us but i am coming back for this backstory soon. you chose me to be here. nico also has realized he's going to be sticking with phoenix for the long haul. ]
...I don't think I am either. So I'll be back another day after we've had time to recover. [ but... ] But if you ever want to spar again, you know exactly where to find me.
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[ it feels nice to get in a spar, and it seems to be doing nico some good, too. so they'll wait to see how he approaches the change of style. ]
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We are. But a lot of people still don't have any idea what balance means. [ which is maybe a somewhat too solemn thing to say, but sparring is a good backdrop for this. so he doesn't actually hesitate for long with the change of style, still going onehanded to charge for another slash at the side. ]
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[ they agree. they try to move out of the way, not quite fast enough to avoid the hit on their arm, but they use to go for another jab while nico's close. ]
But you do.
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I suppose you can say I've had to learn. [ but he will go in for a finishing overhead strike. ]
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Having to learn the hard way isn't easy, but it can help you appreciate what you have and what you've lost even more. Isn't that right, Nico di Angelo?
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...they lost rocket and mika. there's nothing that can be done. even if he's going to attempt a jailbreak with a bunch of people later, realistically, he knows nothing can be done. that's balance. that's what it's always meant, a life for a life, a soul for a soul. this wasn't the way he wanted things to go.
but phoenix is also right. losing these people...losing everyone he has lost prior to this, his mother, bianca, jason...they made him appreciate that he's managed to survive through the hardships. those losses made him appreciate the impact those people had in his life. those losses made him appreciate will and his new life at camp and trying to move forward and no longer carry his demons close but allow them to live with him instead of weigh him down.
he doesn't really blink for a moment, but then he lowers his sword. ]
...yes. More than anything.
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Balance in all things is important. But this is one thing I'd prefer less people would have to learn the hard way.
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[ even if it isn't a major sacrifice, it's a give and a take.
there leave something of equal value behind, or your body and soul no one will ever find. ]
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It's all a matter of perspective, and how willing we are to learn from it.
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Will you tell me yours then someday? [ because he's not stupid. for phoenix to say this means they've gone through their own hard lesson, but it's inappropriate to ask right now, he thinks. ]
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I can tell you now, if you like. I'm quite proud of my history.
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You're sure? I don't want to take up more of your time when it's been a long day for all of us. I'm sure you could use a break as well even if you weren't with us today. [ but it's very blatantly obvious that he's curious. why wouldn't he be? ]
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...But you're right. [ it has been a long day. ] If you'd rather come back another time, that's perfectly alright, too. I'm not going anywhere.
[ whereas nico will be going to jail tonight. ]
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...I don't think I am either. So I'll be back another day after we've had time to recover. [ but... ] But if you ever want to spar again, you know exactly where to find me.
[ fight him x2. ]
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The offer will be open for you, too. Anytime.