Mu brought up that his interesting friend had been in a slumber until recently. “I’d love to know as much as possible about this interesting friend of yours, if there is ever time for you to oblige me. I’m quite curious. What exactly are they? What brought you two together? What are its capabilities? What allows it to speak, if it’s a creature tied to you? I wish Vordun could talk, even if sometimes I think he actually is” Caius rattled off, a cheeky smile reaching him towards the end of it all. He then turned to the creature and bowed his head. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Enma. I am Caius. It has been an honor fighting alongside Mu and yourself.”

Caius had expected that answer, when it came to business. Mu did things his way, Caius did things his way. As disappointed as he was, he understood. Mu would have been an excellent full time member who would have represented the guild well in every tenant. Every role that the guild needed fulfilled, he was sure Mu could have handled just fine. That was just how much faith Caius had in the shinobi. But he also understood that Mu had his own path to take. And while the members of the Dragonblades had their own individual goals they pursued even while working towards the guild’s goals… At the end of the day, it was a style choice. And Mu preferred to do things a certain way. He could accept that. He really just appreciated the offer of aid, in the end. It was still a big deal if he could call on Mu when things hit the fan. He also found out a bit about Mu, about how he had once served a clan with a goal of their own.

He smiled, and bowed once more. “That means the world to hear, Mu, Enma. Thank you. You honor me.”

After a bit of thought, he decided to elaborate on some things.

“I don’t really look at it as fighting for coin, at this point, though I suppose some of our members might look at it as such” Caius admitted with a shrug. “For me, our goal is that when things hit the fan, like they did today… We’re there. Gil is a means towards ensuring that happens and we’re in the right shape to do it, and have all the time to spare to do it. Our aim is to help people. That’s pretty much it. And the jobs we do typically involve helping people and making this place a little safer, so that’s a bonus. No matter what we’re doing, we’re making strides towards that goal. And in the end…” he trailed off.

“This has become my new purpose.”

He didn’t talk about this much, but here it was.

“My purpose was stolen from me when I came to this world, just as yours was. I once served a King as his Kingsglaive, helping him protect our world from forces thought beyond our power. I thought my purpose then became to protect him and help rebuild, but… Now I’m here. Many days and nights passed where I asked myself what is my purpose? I even had darker days where I thought perhaps I no longer possess one. But forming the Dragonblades came from my realization that… Just because I’m no longer in Lucis, does not mean my purpose is fulfilled. My purpose is to protect people. To help people. So I’ll do just that.”

He smiled.

“Point is… Whatever purpose you are looking for, you will find it. It took me a little while too. And some friends I met along the way.”