Jian - Reasons to Fight For

[02:34] <~Deedles> At that point Mingxia and Taishin finally return, the blind girl smiling softly as she has a seat by the table again.
[02:34] <~Deedles> Taishin remains in the doorway, looking around the room for a moment.
[02:36] <Earthflame> Jian begins to move towards the doorway, sparing a glance to Ming before speaking to Shin. "...Could I talk to you for a moment?"
[02:37] <~Deedles> Taishin eyes Jian curiously before he nods "Sure." he answers
[02:38] <Earthflame> "Thank you." Jian gives him a nod.
[02:39] <~Deedles> Taishin went back the way he came, leading Jian into the back garden.
[02:39] <Earthflame> Jian follows him, pondering his words, what he wants to say...
[02:40] <~Deedles> He comes to a stop once they're outside, turning to look at the swordsman as he waits for him to talk
[02:42] <Earthflame> ...Jian seems to deflate slightly, and asks simply. "How do you so it? How do you cope with never being able to escape Corruption? I feel like I'm being driven mad by the blood in my veins..."
[02:45] <~Deedles> Taishin remains quiet for a moment, looking up at the sky as he thinks about that question. "I find something to fight for other than blood." he replies finally "The sickening joy of cutting down my foes has never left me, and probably never will. It might not be all I am, but it is part of me." he shifts his gaze to Jian. "But there are things far more important than that to me. Things that don't involve killing or revenge."
[02:46] <Earthflame> Jian nods. "...Freeing the spirits, and saving this country. That is what I should focus on?"
[02:49] <~Deedles> "If that is what is important to you." Taishin answers with a shrug "Before I met Blossom-" he pauses as he realizes Jian does not know that nickname "-Mingxia, the only thing that fulfilled me while I looked for a way to overthrow my father was bloodlust, but after I met her I found something that meant more."
[02:52] <Earthflame> Jian nods. "I feel like I must learn similar lessons to you... Everyone tells me I can resist, and choose my own path... But how can anyone know how good it feels? How easy it is to let go of doubt and weakness and embrace it..." He shivers.
[02:54] <~Deedles> Taishin reaches forward to grip Jian's shoulder, rather firmly. "You must resist. Nothing good comes of bloodlust, the only thing is brings is blood and death." Taishin tells him, his voice stern. "I can understand how good it feels better than anyone, and I chose my own path. If have no excuse for not being able to do the same."
[02:56] <Earthflame> "I have jo desire to make excuses... I was hoping for advice. From one who has walked the path before me."
[02:56] <Earthflame> *no
[02:59] <~Deedles> "I gave you the best advice I can." Taishin says, though he looks thoughtful "Before all I thought about was destroying my father so I could be free, but now I focus on keeping Ming safe, that that means destroying my father is simply a consequence of protecting her. I don't care about killing my father, but I care about her." he explains, trying to make the swordsman understand.
[03:01] <Earthflame> Jian nods. "...I do worry. That if I do learn the name of my fathers killer... Whether my faith will be enough."
[03:02] <~Deedles> Taishin spits slightly on the ground "Faith will not save you, only you can."
[03:03] <Earthflame> "I believe in the Spirits. In the cause of freeing them and saving this land. That is my faith."
[03:05] <~Deedles> "Good for you, think that belief will be enough if you're tempted by blood again?" Taishin asks him, his bluntness verging on harsh.
[03:06] <Earthflame> Jian bites his lip. "...I am not certain. What else, then?" He promises again, and then speaks slowly. "...I promised my mentor that my sword would always be a blade of justice."
[03:08] <~Deedles> "Is she, her respect, important to you?" Taishin replies
[03:08] <Earthflame> Jian nods. "More than anyone else. When I return to the village..."
[03:10] <~Deedles> Taishin squeezes his shoulder "Then use that." he urges him, looking thoughtful for a moment "What about the people you've met while travelling?" he inquires
[03:12] <Earthflame> "I care avout them. And I feel a duty towards them."
[03:17] <~Deedles> "How much do you care about them? How much do you care about your comardes?" Taishin continues to ask him
[03:19] <Earthflame> There is a pause before he answers. "I would give my life for them."
[03:20] <~Deedles> Taishin smiles at him "Then that is all you need. Fight for them, not for blood."
[03:23] <Earthflame> Jian returns the smile. "Thank you, Shin. And make sure you survive until our next meeting. You owe me that name."
[03:27] <~Deedles> Taishin chuckles "I can promise that much." he says before he folds his arms before he looks more serious "I'm glad this talk went well, as I don't think I need to tell you what would happen if something happened to Ming."
[03:29] <Earthflame> "She is our nations future. If she is lost, so is all hope."
[03:30] <~Deedles> "I know, I was speaking of something more personal." Taishin tells him "If any of you hurt her... I'll kill you." he states bluntly.
[03:32] <Earthflame> "If I hurt her, I doubt you would be given the chance."
[03:32] <~Deedles> Taishin smiles slightly as he nods "Yeah, I think you're right about that..." he agrees
[03:36] <Earthflame> "She saved my life. I would rather die by my own hand than hurt her."
[03:37] <~Deedles> Taishin pats his shoulder "That's what I like to hear."
[03:40] <Earthflame> Jian lets out a rather morbid laugh at that.
[03:41] <~Deedles> "... You need to work on that laugh." Taishin says with a slight smirk.
[03:41] <Earthflame> "I hope I do not have much cause to use it."
[03:42] <~Deedles> "Laughing is good, just... more happy, less creepy." The black haired man says in good natured jest.
[03:45] <Earthflame> "I am at home with laughter... The more normal sort did not seem appropriate." He smirks.
[03:46] <~Deedles> "I guess you do have a point there." Taishin nods as he goes to head inside again, but stops to look at Jian again. "Just remember what I said, if you fight, do so for the right reasons." he smiles
[03:49] <Earthflame> Jian bows his head. "Thank you, Taishin."
[03:51] <~Deedles> Taishin hesitates before he returns the bow "You're welcome."