[ . . .

of course, there is quiet. they had been warned even just before - and yet, there comes with it the sense of anxiety. had aruji decided that this mikazuki munechika had gone too far? is this the moment in which his creator no longer deemed him to be worthy - to matter for anything at all?

it aches because he knows all too well how possible it is. and yet this is the path he always chose to walk, alone, for the sake of everyone else. for his citadel, his master, his home.

he could look back - but that might be the same as destroying everything.

but if he walks forward, as he always does, then perhaps he can rely upon that sentiment that has carried him through centuries of watching everyone he loves die: as long as he does not stop, maybe he will get to see them again.

on this last trail out of lotus island, he sings so softly, never enough to drown out any sounds of footsteps should they return, but enough to occupy the silence.]

Time after time, darkness falls.
Time after time, darkness falls.
Dressed in black robes.
This transient duty.
The waxing and waning moon.
A lotus pedestal shared by two - why does it exist?
A lotus pedestal to share our fate.