They were going to kill her. They were going to take a rope and tie it around her pretty neck and kill her. How could I allow that? How could I?

What's wrong. What's right? Who are they to decide? How could I just stand there and do nothing? So I...knocked her out. And I used the power I have...and I killed them.

The only trait I have left of that old me. Of the person who washed up here. Killing. Like the men who hurt her. Like these fanatics. She is kind and pure. I can't let them hurt her!

I will repay her...

By floating her away from this place. And getting rid of all the people who dare hurt her.

"Demon!"

Maybe. Between two of us, I would be the demon. Losing my memory, and yet killing so easily, without my sight, slaughtering them all. I haven't missed. Flesh sinks every time I strike.

Heh...I must be a terrible person. A murderer at the very least.

Akira...this is not our way. We do not use violence on innocents.

I am indiscriminate in the way I kill these people. I can't see them, but their forms vary. But this crowd, all of them, are the would be killers of my flower.

She would help a total stranger. Feed him and bathe him, though he did nothing for her. She is not evil. They are evil. And for that, they deserve to die.

I take a torch, setting fire to every house I passed. No one. No one would live.

No one who hurt the woman I love.

I huff, walking back to beach, the heat of the flames and the breeze of the sea swirling flames around him.

I put my arms around her, picked her up, tenderly putting her in the boat. "Dahlia," I whispered. "I'll protect you—"

A boat. A large one. I hold Dahlia close to me.

"God! Is that you, Akira?"

I frown. "Who...who are you?"

"You're alive! Of course you are! What could kill you?"

I held her closer. "Don't come near! Who are you? No boats come here!"

"We're looking for you! Don't you know me?"

I frowned. "I don't have my memory. You knew me? Does that mean you're a criminal too?"

He says nothing, but he's still moving. I grip the knife I hide behind Dahlia's back.

"Akira...open your eyes."

I do. "I'm blind. Whatever I used to do...I can't anymore."

"Oh...Akira. I'm sorry this happened." He runs up to me, making me grab the knife harder.

When he attacks I'll—

"My brother. I'm so sorry. I'll take you home. We may be able to fix you."

My heart is still. I don't think he means to hurt me.

"Are we brothers?" I ask.

"Of course Akira."

"Then, I'll go back with you, but this girl...take her somewhere safe. Far away from here, float her out, and then...let someone discover her."

"I don't understand—"

"I love her. So...please. Just make sure she can go somewhere. A big city."

"S-sure...sure Akira. I'll stay with her—"

"Akira, we need to go. I'll do as you say first. So...come with us please. You're hurt, and you require much tending to,"

"Wait." I kiss her hand. "Be safe, Dahlia. Blossom safely somewhere else."

I push her out into the sea, and the man takes my arm. "Here, I'll guide you to our ship. But are you sure you want to leave her here?"

Akira sighed. "Yes. I'm positive. She deserves more. Please, if I can get my sight back..."

• • •

We sail for a very long time. I'm not sure why. I worry about her. Dahlia...Dahlia...

"Akira?"

I wait. "What is your name, you never said," I turn to him.

"I'm Ethan."

I can hear him smile. He seems happy to see me.

"Why was I stranded on that island?" I ask him.

He paused. "I-I don't know. But we'll be home soon."

"Home? Somewhere where I was betrayed and left to die? That home?"

Dahlia...is she safe? She must be. She'll be safe, and happy away from the hellscape they called a home. She deserved so much better. Everything.

Because she was stunning and kind, and pure.

"Did you make sure," I whisper. "That she got to America safely? Can you promise that?"

"Yes of course. We made sure, we have men escorting her now. She's on a boat being rescued as we speak."

"Then this...Akira you keep calling for? I'll be him. I'll be that person for you, Ethan. But you will keep her safe in return. Do I make myself clear?"

Ethan doesn't make a sound for a moment. I could still kill him if he chose incorrectly. This is the type of person I am, I guess.

"Akira, I know you don't remember. But we're brothers. If you want that girl to be safe, I'll keep her safe."

He speaks with warmth toward me. Like he cares how I feel. I think I'll trust him for now. Dahlia...

Dahlia...