I felt pathetic after. Kaname wasn't happy and I was...really weak. [The punishment only drained her further.] At last, I was upset and frustrated and confused. I asked him finally...what was it he wanted me to be. Why had he returned Artemis to me at all. [She gives a small snort, glancing away, hurt.]
Do you know what he told me? It was a lesson. He wanted me to understand that, on some things, no matter how hard you try, you'll always fail. And how horrifyingly powerless one can be.
[She swallows, knuckles tightening at her sides.]
I couldn't understand it. Why...? Even if it took me ten years to remember, why could he only talk as though he was filled with nothing but despair? Nothing I did was enough, and he could only remain in a deep and shadowy forest.
[She expels a breath, eyes closing.]
And that was when he finally told me who he really was.