"Whoever joins us, whoever decides to help us, they need to know that they're joining a war," he said quietly. "This won't come to an end any time soon. I imagine the casualties are going to be high."
Takeshi's gaze flickered over to his wife. His eyes were a mix of lavender and red, giving away his worry and anger.
"Rest assured, my love. Though the battle may be bloody, we will win this damn war."
xxxxxxx
Ichiro kept a tight hold of Andrew's hand, closing his eyes and focusing on the way it felt to be so close to the other man. It felt right, and for the first time in years, Ichiro felt at peace.
When Andrew then suggested he start putting what he had been practicing to actual use, the half-blood opened his eyes again, sitting up just enough to stare at his teacher in slight horror.
"I'm not ready!" he exclaimed, shaking his head. "I-I can't control it!"