This is going nowhere; if this keeps up, they'll be back to where they started. Nothing will change. Moreover, keeping Gilbert at a distance and forever in the dark means that he might never get stronger, at least not in the way that's important.

And yet - Gilbert had pulled off Duldam's strings. He'd put his gun against Break's head, but he hadn't pulled the trigger. Perhaps there's hope, after all. But he needs to get to the heart of the matter.

Break's fingers twitch at his jacket, drawing out a cellophane-wrapped candy. Perhaps the comforting rush of sugar will clear his mind.

"Look. Gilbert."

He rolls the candy about on his tongue, finally biting into it. Crunch! It has an effect, apparently, because his voice is calmer and more gentle.

"Ahiru asked me a question, several weeks ago. I didn't tell her the answer - because I didn't know it. I wonder if you might enlighten me."