Because I have a power, Shiro! Because I have a power that, if I would just use it from time to time, could help people! It could save people! But I'm so terrified of becoming like my brother, of letting Diomuhr take hold of me, that I hide!

I never told you, did I. The story of the scar on my back?

I got it when I tried to run from the demons that slaughtered my family. It's the only wound I've ever received that was deep enough to leave a scar. And the only reason I wasn't cut completely in two?

Is because my brother pushed me away; got between me and the blade. He got cut in half when it should have been both of us.

It's my fault because I have a power and responsibility to use it. But I don't. Because I'm scared. And it almost cost me my best friend.

[He pushes himself to his feet, squares his shoulders, and speaks with unwavering confidence.]

Whether you get hurt again or not isn't the point. The point is, I'm done hiding what I can do when it means I can protect the people that matter to me.

So, for once? Let me shoulder some of this responsibility with you.