[Kaveh pulls him back in. Alhaitham sinks into the gesture without shame. His hands slide down to Kaveh's shoulders when it breaks, faces the burning determination in them, and then lets go. Alhaitham turns in much the same way to Hat Guy's resolve. They have all, he thinks, prepared to spite the pain they will shoulder.

The dagger is already in hand. Alhaitham turns to face Hat Guy--Yuu fully.

Every part of him cools, like the stagnant morning sea, and he recites from the script:] You were as much life as we could create with our hands, and your journey has given you more than we could. If the last thing I can do is offer my blood for your future then I'll give it to you.