[Again Matt refers to the Innocence entity as she, and Liem wonders if that insight was born from the spell he’d done with Xishen. He doesn’t recall the creature being identified in such a specific way before. But the idea that Matt’s spell has at least enlightened him in some way does nothing to ease the frown from his face.]
I didn’t say she wasn’t, [he says quietly.
He remembers quite clearly just how impossible reversing the Innocence sickness had seemed, how after days of struggle, the entity had simply… receded, apparently of its own accord. How, ultimately, that had been what had released Liem from his dreams of home, more than any effort of his own.
He doesn’t even disagree that a sacrifice might be necessary to find the entity, to extinguish it for good. Liem has always considered himself acceptable collateral in his pursuit of his duties, whether that means enduring risk, self-denial, or even change to his very being. If the cause is great enough, there’s little he wouldn’t give up in order to achieve it.
What bothers him is the idea that Matt might feel the same way.]
no subject
I didn’t say she wasn’t, [he says quietly.
He remembers quite clearly just how impossible reversing the Innocence sickness had seemed, how after days of struggle, the entity had simply… receded, apparently of its own accord. How, ultimately, that had been what had released Liem from his dreams of home, more than any effort of his own.
He doesn’t even disagree that a sacrifice might be necessary to find the entity, to extinguish it for good. Liem has always considered himself acceptable collateral in his pursuit of his duties, whether that means enduring risk, self-denial, or even change to his very being. If the cause is great enough, there’s little he wouldn’t give up in order to achieve it.
What bothers him is the idea that Matt might feel the same way.]
Is that why you did it?