Save me from myself.

It was true.

He had done it. He had betrayed them and all that they had done for him. He had betrayed the people who had taken him in, promising him care and vengeance. He had forsaken their cause; lost it to his own mind's hopes and fears under the strain. His heart trembled, softly crumbling beneath those words as Larkin moved him out into the light and color.

Tic never lifted his eyes as the crowds went silent, all heads of the room turning to see him and their ruler. He didn't tremble as a roar of cheers exploded and rang in his ears. The lights and movement dulled around him, becoming distant as he looked on. He stared numbly through the excitement, forcing his thoughts to accept.

And yet, something brighter came through to him. A pink something pawed the corner of his eye, and he looked up. Through the mass of dress and suit he peered, stare coming to rest upon a masked someone in a beautiful dress. She had pink hair, he saw, thoughts blazing suddenly with a thrill. But it couldn't be; not her, not here.

He gazed for a little longer, but seeing the mask's glance upon him, threw his stare to the floor. Thinking of her had suddenly struck new thoughts, as though he'd forgotten. She had been the one he did this for -- not for himself. He wondered how lonely it must be down there, longing again to be in darkness rather than light.

Beside him, his captor rose, and a nervous reality returned. His stare wavered for a moment, and he stood silently, hoping it would all be over soon.