[There is it. An order. A direction. Diarmuid reaches out and wraps himself around that order, using it to pull himself up and out of the emotional pit he's fallen into--using it to focus on Kariya's words. Can it be true? Can the man actually be forgiving him for all that he has done?

...

No.

I forgive you. Those are words he has heard before. A lie he has head before.

Is it really happening again so quickly?

He squeezes his eyes shut and forces himself to stop shaking. What right does he have to judge Kariya's actions? He has given his life to the man after all. As a knight, all he can do is wait for his master's will.

It's now Kariya's choice when he decides to take his life.

Diarmuid takes a deep breath and forces himself to look at Kariya. There is a smile on his face, though it lacks the strength to reach his eyes.]

I am truly grateful that you are willing to give me the chance to try again despite my failings, but please, I am no hero. Despite what they wrote about me, I am just a knight who did what he had to. And now, I'm really not even that...

[He pauses a moment to steady his voice. It is shakier than he wants it to be.]

But I will try. I won't give up. I promised to help you find a way home so you can save Sakura and I will see it done. No matter what happens to me, I promise I will see it done.

[The promise of a fallen knight might not mean much, but it is all he has to give right now.]