He couldn't have answered Hades right then, because he didn't know the answer himself. Maybe it was that the loss of life, any life, affected him more deeply than he could ever be prepared for. It brought back too much, too much trauma that he could usually keep at bay.

But this was what it took. Ed knew this, he knew winning the war here would help the people and sent them home. Qilby had said it--nothing great was ever achieved without mistakes and work along the way.

The portal would be here soon, any minute. Clenching his fist, Ed looked up at the god, breathing quickening as he stared at him. Ever since coming to this place, he had hated the concept of resonation for himself, because he didn't want anyone here inside his head. Having a partner, someone who regularly did that... it had been the last thing he wanted.

But Hades had already seen him--he'd been inside his head, heard his fears and doubts and sense of guilt. The wall between them--Ed didn't fear it any longer, he didn't want to shy away from this things they'd found together.

Screwing up his courage, because he still wasn't sure this was what he wanted, Ed swallowed and stepped forward towards him.

"Hades!!"

The name used to invoke fear and dread, the name that people avoided saying for what it could bring. Ed swallowed and almost yelled out.

"Be my partner!"