Day by Day: Pinnacle, Invincible, Paragon: Solitude
"Nor does she rejoice in victory.
How could she rejoice in victory
and delight in the slaughter of men?
She enters a battle gravely,
with sorrow and with great compassion,
as if she were attending a funeral" -Lao Tsu
Here we are at the end of the Grand Finals of the Under 17 Huntsman (in Training) Tournament of Mistral. Let's all give a big round of applause to the new 3 time consecutive current champion, the Indomitable "Goddess of Victory" Pyrrha Nikos!
*Insert classic thunderous applause and cheering here*
Now Miss Nikos, please come to the podium for your victory speech!
Walking up to the podium on the stage in the middle of the colosseum, Pyrrha smiled and waved like she had for the past 4 years, a champion and paragon of humbleness. "I'd like to thank my family, friends and fans for their support. Also to all of my opponents, I appreciate each fight we had and wish the best of luck next year, let us all strive for together to better ourselves and to achieve greatness; that is all."
Bowing then walking off stage to the stadium tunnels, Pyrrha walked in silence until she reached her family car. Her parents beamed at her and once again congratulated her. Starting up the modest family car, her father called out to Pyrrha as she approached. "Your coach is dealing with the reporters dear, he knows how much you hate interviews, do you want to go home? Or go out for dinner? Celebrate with your friends?"
"Home please" Pyrrha answered her father politely, as she always would, as she only could. No longer walking like a champion but instead lazily strolling towards her parents, wistfully watching the fading sunset. The ride home was in complete silence. This happened all too often for the Nikos family; Fame, Glory and Victory always seemed to befall upon Pyrrha, thrusting her into stardom and gaining social status. After the becoming champion a second time, many companies started to realize that she had momentum and started offering sponsorships and commercials. She of course always personally refused, but accepted several of them out of obligation and publicity sake.
Arriving home, the Nikos family made their way to the front door. Before Pyrrha stepped through the door, she abruptly stopped. "Mother, Father, I've made a decision."
Turning around, her mother hesitantly inquired. "A decision? What kind of decision? Have you decided to go for a fourth win? You'd already made the history books by having 3 runs in a row without a single defeat in spars or official matches."
"I have decided…. That if I win next year's tournament…" Pyrrha struggled to continue
"I'll apply to Beacon. And if accepted, I'll attend Beacon." She finally uttered out.
Silence permeated the air… Her father stared at her, mouth slightly agape. The culture of Mistral were very traditional. Everyone upheld long standing traditions and valued honor, family and legacy. For those who wanted to leave Mistral, even for study, were seen as outcasts, the ones who abandoned the duty of representing and upholding the honor of Mistral. Mistral. Home to the most respected warriors for their integrity, and home to many cultural and technological inventions.
Her mother's response was instant "Very well, I accept." Sighing softly she continued her conditions. "Wherever you go, you'll always be my star, as long as you uphold your own code, I'll allow you free reign to do whatever you please."
Her father however, looked out the door at the quickly fading sunset and leaned against the door frame sighing heavily he began his reply "I accept also… Although on the inside I always knew this was coming, I dreaded the day that you would tell us. But, I think we all realize that Mistral does not have much more to offer, Vale and Beacon has a very interesting culture and especially an interesting collection of fighters. I hope you can become stronger and wiser once you get in. I wish you luck upon your endeavors my dear daughter."
Bowing deeply, Pyrrha stepped through the door now having her parents' approval. Vigor now in her step she felt purpose once again. To venture into a new land and find true comrades. Ones that care for her and not for her accomplishments, ones that not seek to rely on her strengths but to cover her weaknesses. Ones that would complete her; Ones that will finally bring her happiness.