[His mind traces a line over all of those here who would "support" him. People who would abandon him in a heartbeat if they knew the truth, if they did see who he was. But he wouldn't want any of them to be burdened with his self-imposed duty. Preventing others from having to do that sort of horrible work was the entire reason he took it upon himself...]
No.
[The shade takes in an apparent breath, steadier than before but still somewhat shaky. He is exhausted, there's no denying it, but—he told himself he wouldn't rest until he was done. He has to keep going until then, no matter what. And that means—]
No.
[Some of the strength in his voice returns. But even though parts of the man are becoming visible through the fading of the shadow, he turns and lets a cloud of it envelop him. He cannot be seen. He refuses to let that happen.]
no subject
No.
[The shade takes in an apparent breath, steadier than before but still somewhat shaky. He is exhausted, there's no denying it, but—he told himself he wouldn't rest until he was done. He has to keep going until then, no matter what. And that means—]
No.
[Some of the strength in his voice returns. But even though parts of the man are becoming visible through the fading of the shadow, he turns and lets a cloud of it envelop him. He cannot be seen. He refuses to let that happen.]