Page 350 of Mercy Written in Blood

"You chose them."

"I chose the child."

"You chose secrecy."

"I chose not to kidnap him."

"Words change easily once power offers you a chair."

Ryota stepped forward. Isao's eyes moved to the bruising on his face.

"You survived."

"You knew we were in that cage."

"Yes."

"You told us the canisters were a precaution."

"They were."

"For who?"

"For history."

Ryota laughed. The sound broke.

"You sound like the Accord."

Mori did not react. Isao did. Only slightly. The resemblance disturbed him. Good, Renji thought. It should.

Isao's gaze returned to Renji.

"You opened the Archive. Bring us the boy and the records."

"No."

"You cannot keep either."

"No one is keeping him."

"Then allow him to choose."

Riku's mother stood.

"He is twelve."

"He carries Takahara blood."

"He carries my name."

The simplicity of it moved through the room. Isao's face hardened.

"The world has hidden what he is."

"And you would reveal it by taking him from me."

Isao looked towards Mina.