He watches the ash float off into the river, swallowed by the water below. Just as that feather floating by had been. But it was only for now. Those ashes still existed within their minds, something not to be forgotten.

And not unnoticed either, just as Sigma had said. It brings his eyes down, as he works it out in his mind. Eventually, he can only come to one conclusion. He does something what he'd forbidden himself to do, with all what he's been trying to change and all he's succeeded. He steels her heart and he locks it away.

The Highblood writes to Sigma.

WE WILL DO WHAT AS WE MUST. there ain't no choice. IF WE MUST MAKE THE NECESSARY SACRIFICES, YOU KNOW WHAT AS I WANT AND WHAT CANNOT BE. we can both do this. WE WERE MADE FOR IT. if the need becomes dire then such as it will be. SUCH AS MESSIAHS WILL.

'Will you follow them even if you know there ith nothing for you but death?'

'There is no but about death, Helmsman. NOT FOR A MOTHERFUCKER OF THE CARNIVAL.'

He has pledged more than his life. He will go to lesser things. As long as his people were safe, as long as he kept his promise of return to them, he would handle any other pain, including that of being the monster he'd fought this far, his shadow.

if there be more. ANYTHING WHAT'S REQUIRED. please do not spare me the knowing.

They didn't know when they would have this chance again.