"My master would agree, however... he is not here." Rokuro would never engage in such reckless behaviour with his master to protect. He would do as he has always done, and stay by his side. To serve and defend as necessary. Rokuro lives and dies as his master commands with little choice (or desire to choose) in the matter.

Here, on his own, Rokuro must make every decision by himself, for himself. And it seems he isn't half as precious with his own life as his master was. Aside from the desire to return home and fulfill his destiny, Rokuro has no real reason to live. Not without him.

Head throbbing and heart pounding, Rokuro is suddenly very aware of exactly how alone he is, and it is terrifying. For a moment he is silent, staring straight ahead, as the weight of realization truly begins to sink in.

"I am alone." Holding himself rigidly upright, slender fingers white-knuckled in their grip of his knees, Rokuro fights the urge to collapse again.