[He can say that all he wants, but the fact remains, that the heart is beholden to no ones wishes, not even what one themselves desires. He distress stays, and behind the mask, she blinks back a wetness to prevent it from falling down her cheeks as he grips her hand.

She squeezes back, because what else is she to do? She can't help him, not in a way that matters, and she can't... Their friendship has long been over, from his standpoint. She's perished, as she's known she would, and he has been left alone. Without anyone. No Ira, no Gula, Aced, herself or even Ava.

He's had no one, for a long, long time.]

You always were the strongest out of any of us. No one of us could have carried out the roll you were given. The Master chose well.