[ Like her, he intends to be a path for Zenites to take. Even if they cannot bathe in the light offered by Meridian, he stands as an eclipse and shadow for them to rest in — among the warmth, but not bathed in a full reminder of their pain. To strike at Highstorm, at Yima, so soundly will be to split from them in all formality; there will be no further excursions for him into the city without caution and guile. But, considering that the only Zenites left that he wants are John Gaius, Silco and Minegishi Gen — he can forsake the rest. ]

I understand that. Peace was never going to last, though. We have done our best to hold onto those we can, and if they want to be held onto... they will understand that the action we take is to prove ourselves to them. That we are serious about where we stand, and where they can belong.

[ He promised Silco and Gen that he would be a path back from Zenith. In some ways, he knows that the two of them believe in that and rely on him for that. He can think of no better way to assure them of his vow, the severity of it, than to make this move. For the other Zenites, who seem inclined to cling to Yima's skirts and place their full faith in her with no thought... or those who simply "do not trust" Meridian — well. He will simply be the bringer of terror and proof that their faith will crumble, or so he believes. ]

I intend to win, Quetzalcoatl. I cannot show them that I am worth believing in, if I am not decisive. Nor can Meridian prove their stance is the better, the stronger, if we are always responding and not leading. I am willing to hurt Zenites now, and soothe them later. And I am entirely willing to burn Highstorm, to rouse them from their endless stupor.