Fire Away [Lukas/Nero]

THE CITY OF LIGHT
"Something like that, yeah." Lukas' body remembered more than he ever would, when it came to flames. Tough as he was, the fire had left its scars, surgery and grafts having done away with most of the physical evidence. Silverskin, flesh rutted into scars that glinted against the light hugged tight against his body's definitions.

Memory made real, where the past decided the present.

The prickle on skin hit him as Nero's attack coalesced, Lukas' gaze unwavering as the projectile slung past him. A divot singed against his shoulder, where he had narrowly avoided the burning bullet. His heart stayed calm, a half nod in acknowledgement as he eased off the younger's blade.

"Keep at it. You got the makings for it. After all, you're a quincy." Stepping back, he'd turn away from the man, waving him towards the door.

"So do me a favor and come back when you're better suited for this." His voice was no different - no coldness, or aloofness. It looked like, one way or another, he had managed to teach something.

"Lukas, I..."

Just as before, Lukas took his blow in stride without flinching or shifting from his position. An obvious result, but that didn't make it any less disheartening. Nevertheless, it was a learning experience, a humbling spar that revealed that he had much to learn. Even now, compared to Emil or Lukas, he was little more than a mere foot soldier. Comparisons were killers of joy. A familiar edict. He recognized that those words applied quite well here, but something about his inability still bothered him. In any case, any regret was reserved for later. Bowing to the man honorably as he walked off, his spirit weapon dispersed. Thankful that he taught someone like him took his time to teach him something, he offered his heartfelt thanks. His advice would remain with him long after today.

"Thank you."

With that, he turned his back, walking in the opposite direction. There was nothing else to be said. Another chapter closed, and tomorrow, a new one would begin.