>>5329043>>5329056>>5329062>>5329135>>5329195"The responsibility doesn't fall only on your shoulders, I also played a part in Griffith's fall from grace." You valiantly admit to exposing his plan to assassinate the queen.
"Gallahad was my teacher, and though Griffith assumed I was guilty by association, proving my innocence also came with evidence that Griffith's crimes were true. In truth, I like to believe that Griffith's descent into Femto did not come from a single man's mistake, but from a chain reaction."
"It's easy to think that way when you're far away, but when you've seen it happen with your own eyes... There was so much I could have done if I knew... If we could avoid them..."
"Time only runs forward Guts. As much as the regret from the past aches, it's best to focus on how to pick up the remnants of what we still consider sacred. If Casca is that to you, then you should be at ease in knowing that she will not be threatened by monsters anymore."
"Right... Your wards..." Guts attempts to recover his train of thought as his mind is still on you and Griffith.
Beyond that. There are methods of dealing with possession and containing branded souls specifically from being attacked. I've done it before with my master, maybe It's what you need to ease your worries. Farnese has likely done it by drawing the inhibitor rune on her sigil. I could also do it on yours."
"And how long would it stay?"
"As long as the ink stays, and after that, we could always reapply. It's time to give up on raising that sword by yourself, Guts. The weight will always increase, and you've wasted enough time of your life chasing false leads."
"..." Guts still ponders if this is truly something he wants stop embrace out of his own volition, or because he has no other options in this ultimatum.
"Do not disappoint me Guts.I still consider you and Casca good friends from the old Band Of The Falcons. For that, I'm willing to go very far for your sake and hers. But, do not ever put me in a position like that ever again."
For that, I'm willing to go very far for your sake and hers. But, do not ever put me in a position like that ever again, because I will not vouch for your safety a second time. Especially if you hurt those dear to me."
"Sounds like you're just as afraid of accepting me as you are of being rejected..." Guts sighs. "Mind you, this is just going to be until Casca heals, alright? No joining your union, so don't expect me to be your next commander or to have a beer with me at the local tavern when it's downtime, I am done with those sorts of gatherings."
"Wouldn't force you to join either way, you must be confusing me with someone else." You glare at him, having a glimpse of the past using his eyes. Begrudgingly accepting to be in someone's group over a challenge is likely how Griffith took him into his band. Let's hope it doesn't end the same way.