“There was a puppy that hung around the Slums when I was a boy. It was a black Labrador that liked to hang around in the darkness. I called them Shadow.”

“Little Shadow was very protective of their mother, who also hid in the dark. If anyone were to approach them, human or animal, the pup would get courageous and attempt to scare off those that came close.”

“Nobody ever bought it. In the end, somebody else had to swoop in and save both of their hides from getting mauled.”

“But what if nobody did save them from the worst case scenario? Well, on one fateful day, they found out the hard way.”

“A group of bullies I used to know approached Shadow and their mom one night. The little one attempted to wear their brave face and frighten them away by gnashing its still developing teeth and barring its dull claws.”

“They weren’t scared. In fact, Shadow’s bravery earned it a beating that nearly killed it. Their mother earned a similar assault, but it was lucky enough to receive death’s embrace.”

“Shadow would live on for a little bit longer before keeling over itself. They tried to get in a fight with several bigger and meaner dogs, but ultimately lost after one of them bit their throat out.”

“Some people would wonder if I’m talking about myself and my potential future by bringing up that dog. I have to remind them that, despite nearly dying and finding comfort in the dark, I am nobody’s Shadow.”

“I do not depend on others to finish the job I start.”

“I do not have to act brave in order to fend off my attackers.”

“My teeth aren’t still developing.”

“My claws aren’t dull.”

“And I most certainly do not model myself after a dog.”

“I’m sure you’re one of the people that believed I was reflecting on myself when I brought up Shadow, weren’t you, Ayame? The truth is, Shadow more closely resembles you more than anyone else.”

“You nearly died and depended on the wolf spirit to protect you in order to come back to life.”

“You now wear that mask of yours to try because Caido says it can catch your foes off guard, despite it doing nothing of the sort.”

“Your teeth are still developing.”

“Your claws are as harmless as getting slapped with a wet sock.”

“And you model yourself after a dog.”

“When we meet in the ring at Warzone, you’ll see for yourself that I’m no puppy. I’m not even a dog.”

“I’m one of those bullies that isn’t afraid of you getting violent. In fact, I want you to. That way, I’ll have a excuse at hand when the rest of the Seekers ask why I nearly killed you at Olympus.”

“So go ahead, try to tear my throat out. It’ll make your impending visit into the eternal darkness feel all the more justified to me.”

“Darkness comes before the dawn… and I am the Night.”