He closes his eyes, says silent apologies and goodbyes to those he cares about. Perhaps he has done enough to buy the reinforcements some time. The dead will still come, perhaps his own body even among them once his life expires.

As the bullet enters his body, chenqing falls from his fingers. The flute hits the floor with a clang as it's owner follows, falling to his knees.

"You won't win..."

He opens his eyes and looks at Eli briefly as those blood covered hands make one final talisman.