[practice...that was all it was, wasn't it? an endless grind until you reached the point you were finally content. the real trial wasn't the repetition itself, but withstanding the painful feeling of stalling out. not all progress was visible...but god, sometimes it really did feel fucking microscopic.]

I gotta, uh, whether I wanted to or not to start. There's...there's a lot've people I want to keep safe.

[oh, his friends were impressively powerful. Styx has no doubt (having seen it for himself many times) that they could take care of themselves, warding off danger with a flick of their fingers. but their hearts were fragile things. who would watch over those, the most important treasures of all?

whatever he had to do, he would improve. it's a promise the drummer's made to himself that he intends to keep, come what may. with a warm smile, he claps Louis' hand with his own.]

Take care of yourself, ok dude?