all that is gold is rusted.

Brain: [palpatine voice]do it.

        ❛That’s the spirit -- ❜ Dimitri pulls away, hands settled in his own             lap, fidgeting with his wooden digit. ❛Maybe you just have a lot             on your mind, Layne. Take some time and prepare properly.             Can you do that for me? ❜ He offers a warm smile. 

        ❛I’m not trying to console you. I want you to stop feeling sorry             for yourself,❜ he dabs a wet cloth on a still-bleeding wound.              ❛There’s always the next fight, shchenok.❜ 

         The Russian takes a long drag from his cigarette, tar covering            already blackened lungs, a sighed exhale after. Slowly, he turns            on his heel to face the end of the alley, eyes narrowed. ❛I know            you’re out there. Now come out,❜ spoken in his native tongue.