xxxvi. marathon
He decides to take a break from the villagers (specifically, from her) and ventures to the forest.
You shouldn't be here, a voice murmured.
He sees an old owl perched upon a branch.
"Please. I need your guidance one last time."
Silence.
"There's… this girl. A human girl. You said I still retain my humanity. Is it possible that… for someone like me to…"
… My boy. The answer to that is something you've already come to terms with, is it not?
At once, scenes of their moments play in his head one after another, overwhelming him.
… Oh, no.