[ While not exactly surprised himself, the open admission still catches Shez off guard, like it's just strange to hear it, the sentiment he's known so well made solid and given shape beyond questioning. Strange to realize how alike they really are.

And it's a nice feeling, too, even if punctuates it with a sigh of understandable frustration. ]

Can't say I disagree, but... what's done is done. Amazing as they are, even your powers only go so far. There's no turning back time, right?

[ Well. In this iteration, sure, but Shez only means it as a rhetorical question, anyway. With a shake of his head, he grounds himself to the present and to their resolution again, focused on what they can do rather than pointless hypotheticals. ]

Besides, as much as I hate how it happened, I feel like we understand where we stand better now, and I wouldn't want that to change, anyway. Before, I thought we were just like those mirrors back in the carnival, opposite and separate from each other, but now--

[ He takes a quick pause, looks down at the whistle nestled in his palm. He knows eloquence isn't one of his strong suits, and he wishes his words could have the same impact as Arval's "Partners in Destiny" once did, but he speaks from the heart regardless. ]

Now I feel like you're my other half, like we're part of something greater. So when you think about it, it kinda makes sense that Fate or luck or whatever else would try to tear us apart. They're just scared of how strong we really are together.

[ Is it cocky of him? Perhaps, but it's just the way he feels when the two of them stand together on the battlefield: like there's no way they will lose. Not even against destiny itself. ]

This time, we gave them a handicap. But next time--

[ Fist now closed around his duplicate gift, he holds it up for their customary gesture. ]

Next time, we'll show'em what the mercenary spirit is all about, and give them reason to tremble in fear!