123 The Schism Between He and Himself

Life changed in various, sobering ways after that night. What he had once lost had been given back to him — his mortality, and everything that came along with it.

The overwhelming power he once possessed had truly disappeared. He had made good on his promise to Reed.

His connection to Anima, which once had been deeply profound and unbreakable, was now nothing more than a fleeting whisper in the wind. The privileges he formerly had — afforded to him by the mark of responsibility — no longer applied to him.

Besmirched beyond recognition, Reed quickly learned that he had become a pariah in the eyes of Anima. His mark of shame had turned him into a target of scorn. The tender affection and loyalty it once had for him were gone.

That's… probably wrong, too. …I've most likely never been the one it really loved.

Ah… It makes perfect sense. What a fool I've been, thinking so highly of myself…