[ He does not withdraw his hand, fingers outstretched, palm bare-faced and open. ]

Clear me from your path, if you must, but I... [ Have every right to protect your integrity, he'd said on that night, but that is only some small fraction of the true reason he'd taken action. ] ...will always safeguard the sword who wishes not to destroy, and further add to the void, but to create.

[ And how is he to say that in Kasen's eyes, he had glimpsed himself? That were he in Kasen's place, he would have wanted for someone (anyone) to stay his hand. ]