( in many ways makoto is an open book about himself and his actions. but there are very specific topics that he is decidedly closed-lipped on; a defensive instinct, learned to guard his back from the sharp intentions of antagonistic demons.

anything that might be considered a weakness is one of these topics, and the affliction he currently finds himself with now... certainly feels like that.

but this is howl, and though he can't claim to trust the man perfectly, he feels like he understands him well enough not to immediately be on guard at the question.

there's an uneasy silence along the line of Communion, and then, in a tone measured to the point of almost sounding mechanical: ) When the creature attacked me, it attacked my shard. It grew so hot, I thought it would burn right through me. Before I lost consciousness, I felt something force its way into it. Whatever it was, it is still with me.