[He'd known something was definitely different about you - he'd even noticed it somewhat before through his pain. He will, however, allow you to pull him closer. He'd really allow you to do just about anything - even if you were acting strangely . . .It was you, after all.]

" . . . I know, Juudaime. . . But. . . "

[. . . . Even he'd acknowledged - for all his talk - that there really wasn't anything they could do.]

" . . .We don't even know where she is. . .and honestly. . . She could take away every bit of our abilities. Do what ever she wanted to us. . . There's. .. really nothing we can do but try to remain strong and here for each other."

[His tone was still gentle, not really certain what else he could tell you other than the truth. He didn't want you trying something rash - while you weren't generally one to behave rashly, you also weren't yourself right now either.]