Subaru ran through the trees, panting slightly as he came to a stop, leaning against a tree. There was a rustle nearby, and he jumped a vague mist appeared in front of him, before solidifying into the shadowy form of a featureless man.
"You did it then? You cast the shadow spell as I requested?"
Subaru looked away, a bitter expression on his face as he nodded, staring hatefully down at his hands.
"Yes, Tarukane-san. I did as asked. However, Touya beat back my shaodws with his empowered stick, thus saving Watanuki. Already they are tied closely through friendship. It will take more to destroy them." Subaru replied, bowing his head slightly in respect, although it was really another way to avoid looking at his 'master'. Tears of self-hatred dripped from his eyes, and he flinched as the dark form turned his head to look at him.
"Be at peace, Subaru-kun. Everything you do for me makes you one-step closer to giving you redemption...to wiping clean the fact that you killed me."
Subaru bit his lip, nodding in acceptance of the facts.
"Of course, Tarukane-san. I will continue to do as asked."
"Go back to your comrades and act as though nothing has happened. Behave as though you never launched this attack. Naive as they are, they will trust you."
Gritting his teeth, Subaru turned to go, his expression stony as he faced the path ahead.
"I...I won't fail you."
