[ But you nearly did, she doesn't-- refuses to say, nor does she say that yes, one day he will, just like she will. Her mind is ten steps ahead, deciding what to say and what to keep to herself and how to say it. ]

... Foolhardy decisions cannot always be rectified. While you still live, it takes but a single reckless action such as your last to strip away your efforts and those of the ones who would want to see you soar. If you are able to, I would suggest considering Oshu before your pride.

[ but it's not ten steps this time. It's hardly five steps, would have been a mere one or two if she hadn't forced herself to suppress as much emotion as she could. Right now, she gazes at him and her eyes are unusually dark and narrowed. Yes, Takane is more than capable of staying composed.

But loss, or the near-occurrence of it, will set anyone off-balance, and finally she tucks a long strand of damp hair behind her ear. She doesn't know how to stress this to him. She's not his Right Eye, she hasn't known him as long as those who loyally follow him, most of whom wouldn't dare to glare at him like this. Scolding him to this extent would almost be pushing it. It would be easier to look down.

She doesn't. ]

Dragons are not invulnerable, Masamune.

[ Oshu needed him. His people needed him.

Maybe Takane did, too. ]