Soldat smiles faintly. "I mean. You're not wrong. The whole world was literally dark and dead. Including me. The only light came from the stars and our lanterns. And the bonfire. It wasn't all bad, though. I learned a lot of good things. Had good people helping me."

They close their eyes a moment, thinking of Misty, Javert, Sora and Pudding. Rosinante, even. Then they have to open them hastily before they drift into sleepy confusion again. "Shoulda seen me when I first showed up there. Hardly talked at all. Looked for orders from everyone. Didn't hardly know what food was let alone. How to make it."