It sounded so simple. Perhaps he ought stop shuffling his feet on the matter.

"...Then I suppose you're right. I failed Lenneth and found no solution that would reverse what happened. My hard work, my research, all I've done was for naught and it left me in self-loathing; to succeed in so many things before, only to fail here. It was something I couldn't fathom. I feel I am weak here, and 'weakness' is a word I refuse to accept into my vocabulary. I have a strength here, a strength I gain with my partner. But I suppose 'partner' isn't quite accurate right now, is it? It feels inadequate."

Lezard shrugged. "Lily Ivory, I feel, is something like my other half. Through our butting heads, I've come to learn much from her, that someone like me can indeed find alternative strengths and rise above what is expected of those of my ilk. I've committed unspeakable crimes; I've failed because of them. I do not tolerate failure, much less of myself, and will bolster my knowledge and power through my own means. There is always the opportunity to find new methods to achieve the best results, rather than the archaic 'tried and true'."

The Shadow slackened, sighed, and seemed content. With a careless shrug, he dissolved into a blue light and was gone.