I don't like making you feel worse, but I'd rather you know than not.
Most of my spare time was spent practicing, so I'd say... a month or two? I'm still not the best with the healing, but the offensive aspects of my abilities are simple enough.
Oh. [ he was just being kind of facetious, and so he blinks in surprise at the comment. ] No, I'd rather know, too.
We're not going to be here for that long, so I don't know if I'd even have that much time to practice. [ he has swung around from "i refuse to even look at my power" to thinking about at least knowing what to do with it even if he doesn't use it. ] You practiced with the other leaders? Fire can be pretty intense.
Maybe not, but you're always welcome to a spar in the training room if you want to give it a try.
Sometimes. Some of them have suitable abilities to counter fire. But my other abilities are better for other people, so I practiced more alone when I could, so I wouldn't have to hold back.
I might with a sword, but I don't even know how I'd start trying to use my power. [ maybe he can electrify his sword? who knows. ]
Can I ask what the others have ability-wise? Or is that something I have to ask you guys individually? [ out of curiosity. ] ...I think I understand though. My powers weren't exactly great for practicing around a lot of people either. Not until I got better with them.
[ they shift as if to draw a sword, a blade of fire forming in their hand. they're pretty casual with this flame sword, letting the blade swing through the air (though not at nico) as they shrug. ]
I don't think it's something you'd have to ask them, but I think they'd prefer to tell you themselves. Or would you like others to hear about you secondhand?
...Your original powers. You haven't mentioned what they are, besides dealing with spirits.
the look on his face really does say "what the fuck" as he watches. sweet hades could he actually create a blade of electricity? he's busy looking at his hands, strongly debating things. he should maybe be more cautious around an open flame but he is not. he is just fascinated. ]
...I've been doing my best not to consider it, but no. I didn't think I could just summon it like that. Electrokinesis was never mine. [ he shakes his head. ] I don't mind if they prefer to keep it to themselves, too. I suppose I was just curious now that I know you've all had to learn as well.
[ he does not comment about people hearing about him secondhand because that's likely happened anyway, so. he gets the point. phoenix is asking about their original powers, and he doesn't seem to mind explaining. especially since his pet demon is shifting from one shoulder to the other. ]
A lot of what I can do is tied to different aspects of life and death. I can summon and dispel ghosts. Other spirits sometimes. I can create them, too, if I want. I can raise and control the dead, and I can summon and control bones. Both alone and in the form of skeletons. Normally I can shadow travel to get places as well.
Ah, I've seen similar abilities before. At least, when it comes to spirits. [ the bones are new. ] Shadow travel does sound useful. But, raising the dead... That could be dangerous, couldn't it?
[ he lets his gaze drift back toward the stage instead. very casual. very keeping it lowkey and together. ]
Usually it belongs to children of Zeus. Or Jupiter.
[ OKAY WE GOT THAT OUT OF THE WAY he is just going to focus on the other part of what phoenix is asking and not the way he can hear how his tone shifted. ]
It's useful and I miss it. [ it has been like three days, calm down. ] ...it can be a little draining if I travel too far or use too much energy to do it, but I'd rather use it than other methods. I think it's only dangerous if you can't control what you're summoning. It was...harder when I was younger, but they listen to me now. [ mostly. ]
[ they do not know what this means, but they are concerned with the change in nico's voice. ]
...I see. I'm sorry you've lost them for now, in that case. [ the fire blade poofs away. ] And using those powers doesn't... change anything, for your world? Even when raising the dead?
Technically they're the same person. Zeus is the Greek god of the skies. Jupiter is his Roman self. I don't...know if you have anything like gods you believe in where you're from, but they're really powerful immortal beings who kind of control everything. A lot of mortals think they're just myths, but they're wrong.
[ goodbye fireblade. ]
As far as I know, nothing about it changes my world. [ a pause. ] My father's domain has very clear lines of what is and isn't allowed when it comes to the dead and how souls are judged. The only thing that might change is me accidentally summoning an army of skeletons at the breakfast table because I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
[ it's a joke, and oversimplified, but no. the world's fine with him raising the dead. it's just everything else messing it up. ]
Ah! Yes, I know the concept, if not these specific gods. [ so nico must be connected to this "zeus" or "jupiter" in some way. that's being filed away for later discussion. ] Spirits of all sorts are considered to be gods of a sort, where I'm from. Many don't believe they're real anymore, either.
[ they nod, satisfied with that answer. ]
That is good to hear. And interesting. I can only imagine how useful such a power must be in a fight.
They're more Earth-based, and Western civilization-based, at that. There are other gods in our world, too, depending on where you live. I have a friend whose cousin is actually the child of a Norse god. [ i can only assume annabeth has mentioned magnus in his vicinity it's fine, anyway, thanks for indulging me mod. ] Do you? Believe they're real, I mean. I think you can acknowledge something but not be aligned with them.
[ but he nods. ]
It's...[ hrgm. ] My powers have helped me in a lot of difficult situations. Waking up without them was a little scary, if you really want to know. But it's been that way for everyone. [ so what makes him think he's so special, really. ]
Is that common? Children of gods. [ nico's question seems to amuse them. ] As for me... I know they're real. But I can understand why someone wouldn't believe.
That seems natural, doesn't it? After losing something so close to you. I'd feel the same. [ crossing their arms. ] The least I can do is support you no matter what choice you make with these new powers. No one will force you to use it, as long as I have a say. And there are other ways to fight, should the need arise. Although... any fighting should still be my responsibility first.
[ seen and noted, and they are storing that away for later. ]
It's not common, but there are more of them than you think. [ ...and he may as well just say it. ] For instance, you have at least two of them here in the city.
I'm used to losing things, so I can't be that surprised. [ another joke that falls flat, something else he moves past. he is at least considering that offer though. he could continue to just...not. but he knows himself. even if nobody's forcing him, he will feel responsible for pulling his weight and actually doing something instead of letting other people fight. it's why he frowns curiously to that. ] Why should it be your responsibility first? Just because you're our leader?
I would never have thought children of gods existed at all before you told me. Would that be the one who came to the dorm, then?
"Used to losing things." I suppose the nature of life means losing things along the way. [ musing. ] It is my responsibility as your leader to protect you all to the best of my ability. Not that I'd be opposed to fighting with you, either, but my mission, above all else, is to ensure you all get home safe and sound, and that is what I intend to do. Besides, fighting is what I'm made for.
Half-bloods. Or demigods. Either one works. [ he. kind of looks a little surprised by phoenix just asking but you know what, yeah. ] That would be the one, yes. Will's...probably going to keep letting himself in if I'm not there to wait around.
[ "sorry my boyfriend's dumb and cute." ]
That's exactly what I would expect from the leader of the balanced team. [ the understanding that life and loss are two sides of the same coin. he listens, and he understands what phoenix means. leaders always do their best to take care of those they call their own. it's no different than head counselors calling the shots for the others. but it still doesn't entirely sit right with him either. ] I wouldn't go as far as to say fighting is what I was made for, too, but when our powers manifest we start training for battle. It's sort of what our whole lives become.
[ they have a feeling that neither of the boys would care even if they did, but that is also alright. ]
Balance is necessary for many things. And that is why I'm not going to tell the four of you not to fight, if it comes up. We'll fight together. [ they grin. ] I've always worked better in a team, anyway. You could say that I was made for that, too.
I'm sure he'll come see you on his own eventually anyway. [ he says, unaware that will probably has already. also they are correct. they care not for rules.
he seems to ease at the idea of fighting together. it feels like more of a plan than anything else. ]
For teamwork? [ he tilts his head. ] I guess one of us has to be a natural at it. But the other three aren't so bad so far either. I think when it comes down to it they'll do what's right, too.
You don't have to be a natural at it to find a way to make it work. I've worked with all kinds of formations, with all kinds of personalities. Even if there are fights, it's always worked out.
I hate to admit this, but Fox does suit him. Maybe I'll bring him by for another visit with you though. If we're all going to work together, anyway.
[ he is learning a lot about phoenix's mentality and...the worst thing possible is that he actually respects it. i truly went into this thinking he might just have ambivalent feelings about his leader but no here he is going "yes i understand and respect and validate everything you're saying." it makes sense to him in a way that's natural, and he can't find himself disagreeing at all. ]
...give me a few days to figure some things out, and I might come back to ask for help with my power. I want to see if there are other options first. If asking for help is still an option.
[ just in case phoenix changed their mind in the last, like, 20 minutes. ]
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I didn't. They're just what I have to offer.
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...but that's interesting. ]
Whoever brought you here didn't give you much of a choice for stuff either, did they? [ that seems kind of unfair. ]
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I can't decide if that makes me feel better or worse, Phoenix. [ he shakes his head. ] How long did it take you to master yours?
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Most of my spare time was spent practicing, so I'd say... a month or two? I'm still not the best with the healing, but the offensive aspects of my abilities are simple enough.
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We're not going to be here for that long, so I don't know if I'd even have that much time to practice. [ he has swung around from "i refuse to even look at my power" to thinking about at least knowing what to do with it even if he doesn't use it. ] You practiced with the other leaders? Fire can be pretty intense.
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Sometimes. Some of them have suitable abilities to counter fire. But my other abilities are better for other people, so I practiced more alone when I could, so I wouldn't have to hold back.
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I might with a sword, but I don't even know how I'd start trying to use my power. [ maybe he can electrify his sword? who knows. ]
Can I ask what the others have ability-wise? Or is that something I have to ask you guys individually? [ out of curiosity. ] ...I think I understand though. My powers weren't exactly great for practicing around a lot of people either. Not until I got better with them.
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[ they shift as if to draw a sword, a blade of fire forming in their hand. they're pretty casual with this flame sword, letting the blade swing through the air (though not at nico) as they shrug. ]
I don't think it's something you'd have to ask them, but I think they'd prefer to tell you themselves. Or would you like others to hear about you secondhand?
...Your original powers. You haven't mentioned what they are, besides dealing with spirits.
[ they're curious. ]
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the look on his face really does say "what the fuck" as he watches. sweet hades could he actually create a blade of electricity? he's busy looking at his hands, strongly debating things. he should maybe be more cautious around an open flame but he is not. he is just fascinated. ]
...I've been doing my best not to consider it, but no. I didn't think I could just summon it like that. Electrokinesis was never mine. [ he shakes his head. ] I don't mind if they prefer to keep it to themselves, too. I suppose I was just curious now that I know you've all had to learn as well.
[ he does not comment about people hearing about him secondhand because that's likely happened anyway, so. he gets the point. phoenix is asking about their original powers, and he doesn't seem to mind explaining. especially since his pet demon is shifting from one shoulder to the other. ]
A lot of what I can do is tied to different aspects of life and death. I can summon and dispel ghosts. Other spirits sometimes. I can create them, too, if I want. I can raise and control the dead, and I can summon and control bones. Both alone and in the form of skeletons. Normally I can shadow travel to get places as well.
[ so this whole electricity thing is weird. ]
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[ gently prompting. ]
Ah, I've seen similar abilities before. At least, when it comes to spirits. [ the bones are new. ] Shadow travel does sound useful. But, raising the dead... That could be dangerous, couldn't it?
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Usually it belongs to children of Zeus. Or Jupiter.
[ OKAY WE GOT THAT OUT OF THE WAY he is just going to focus on the other part of what phoenix is asking and not the way he can hear how his tone shifted. ]
It's useful and I miss it. [ it has been like three days, calm down. ] ...it can be a little draining if I travel too far or use too much energy to do it, but I'd rather use it than other methods. I think it's only dangerous if you can't control what you're summoning. It was...harder when I was younger, but they listen to me now. [ mostly. ]
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[ they do not know what this means, but they are concerned with the change in nico's voice. ]
...I see. I'm sorry you've lost them for now, in that case. [ the fire blade poofs away. ] And using those powers doesn't... change anything, for your world? Even when raising the dead?
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Technically they're the same person. Zeus is the Greek god of the skies. Jupiter is his Roman self. I don't...know if you have anything like gods you believe in where you're from, but they're really powerful immortal beings who kind of control everything. A lot of mortals think they're just myths, but they're wrong.
[ goodbye fireblade. ]
As far as I know, nothing about it changes my world. [ a pause. ] My father's domain has very clear lines of what is and isn't allowed when it comes to the dead and how souls are judged. The only thing that might change is me accidentally summoning an army of skeletons at the breakfast table because I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
[ it's a joke, and oversimplified, but no. the world's fine with him raising the dead. it's just everything else messing it up. ]
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[ they nod, satisfied with that answer. ]
That is good to hear. And interesting. I can only imagine how useful such a power must be in a fight.
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[ but he nods. ]
It's...[ hrgm. ] My powers have helped me in a lot of difficult situations. Waking up without them was a little scary, if you really want to know. But it's been that way for everyone. [ so what makes him think he's so special, really. ]
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That seems natural, doesn't it? After losing something so close to you. I'd feel the same. [ crossing their arms. ] The least I can do is support you no matter what choice you make with these new powers. No one will force you to use it, as long as I have a say. And there are other ways to fight, should the need arise. Although... any fighting should still be my responsibility first.
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It's not common, but there are more of them than you think. [ ...and he may as well just say it. ] For instance, you have at least two of them here in the city.
I'm used to losing things, so I can't be that surprised. [ another joke that falls flat, something else he moves past. he is at least considering that offer though. he could continue to just...not. but he knows himself. even if nobody's forcing him, he will feel responsible for pulling his weight and actually doing something instead of letting other people fight. it's why he frowns curiously to that. ] Why should it be your responsibility first? Just because you're our leader?
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"Used to losing things." I suppose the nature of life means losing things along the way. [ musing. ] It is my responsibility as your leader to protect you all to the best of my ability. Not that I'd be opposed to fighting with you, either, but my mission, above all else, is to ensure you all get home safe and sound, and that is what I intend to do. Besides, fighting is what I'm made for.
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[ "sorry my boyfriend's dumb and cute." ]
That's exactly what I would expect from the leader of the balanced team. [ the understanding that life and loss are two sides of the same coin. he listens, and he understands what phoenix means. leaders always do their best to take care of those they call their own. it's no different than head counselors calling the shots for the others. but it still doesn't entirely sit right with him either. ] I wouldn't go as far as to say fighting is what I was made for, too, but when our powers manifest we start training for battle. It's sort of what our whole lives become.
...so we'll call it a team responsibility.
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[ they have a feeling that neither of the boys would care even if they did, but that is also alright. ]
Balance is necessary for many things. And that is why I'm not going to tell the four of you not to fight, if it comes up. We'll fight together. [ they grin. ] I've always worked better in a team, anyway. You could say that I was made for that, too.
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he seems to ease at the idea of fighting together. it feels like more of a plan than anything else. ]
For teamwork? [ he tilts his head. ] I guess one of us has to be a natural at it. But the other three aren't so bad so far either. I think when it comes down to it they'll do what's right, too.
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[ ha ha ha. ]
You don't have to be a natural at it to find a way to make it work. I've worked with all kinds of formations, with all kinds of personalities. Even if there are fights, it's always worked out.
I trust the four of you to manage well.
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I hate to admit this, but Fox does suit him. Maybe I'll bring him by for another visit with you though. If we're all going to work together, anyway.
[ he is learning a lot about phoenix's mentality and...the worst thing possible is that he actually respects it. i truly went into this thinking he might just have ambivalent feelings about his leader but no here he is going "yes i understand and respect and validate everything you're saying." it makes sense to him in a way that's natural, and he can't find himself disagreeing at all. ]
...give me a few days to figure some things out, and I might come back to ask for help with my power. I want to see if there are other options first. If asking for help is still an option.
[ just in case phoenix changed their mind in the last, like, 20 minutes. ]
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[ they bow their head. ]
Take as long as you like. There's no immediate need for powers like ours right now. The offer will be open for as long as we're both here.
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