Kael couldn't answer Lydia's question nor did he feel he needed to. It was as Josephine said, he was responsible for their Master's death. His hubris and eagerness to prove himself had cost them dearly and now he was going to have to live with the consequences. Wasn't it simply fitting that the man was somehow Josephine's father? That declaration hadn't been lost on him and though he had trouble believing it he supposed it wasn't the most outlandish idea. Nodding numbly Kael lifted himself off of the floor and fell in line behind Lydia, his bow dragging in his grasp, shoulders sagged and eyes downcast. Whether or not he remained an apprentice as a Hunter was yet to be seen though he was confident this would result in his expulsion at best, execution at worst. If it were just another student he'd killed then perhaps the consequences wouldn't be so drastic but this had been their master, everyone's master, the man who by many's own views was nigh invincible. Being responsible for the death of a man like that was horrible.

There was no putting off their return and Kael wasn't going to try and run away either. He knew what he had done and if they were going to kill him for it then fine, he'd accept his punishment. Lifting his head he looked at Josephine somberly, opening his mouth before closing it and casting his gaze down again. Apologies would do nothing no matter how sincere, no words were going to bring their master back and nothing he could do would likely ever earn Josephine's forgiveness. They were supposed to be comrades and yet he was certain she regarded him now even lower than the beasts which they fought. 

Everyone froze when Lydia did and chills ran up Kael's spine when he realized why. These beasts had been attracted by the battle with the Abhorrent, hadn't they? It was his fault Edmund was gone and now they were going to be set upon by who knows what again because of his carelessness. With no fight in him he looked around at the red, piercing eyes penetrating the fog and simply sighed, hoping his death would be quick at the very least. Or perhaps he could stay and fight while they escaped, it would be some kind of redemption for his misdeeds. As if trying to deny him such a thing Lydia brandished her weapon and demanded the two of them flee and leave the battle to her. That brought him back to his senses and he gave the older Hunter an incredulous look, thinking she was absurd to try and take these on alone. Edmund could have managed but then he was perhaps the best there was, who did this woman think she was attempting such a thing?

They had to leave, if Lydia could take them on her own then they had to put their trust in her ability. They had a destination and a woman to meet and perhaps she would have the answers that Josephine wanted. Kael had nothing to his name besides those within the shop and if he was to remain here it was only natural he stay with Josephine. He didn't need to be told to stay by her side and he would gladly travel with her and keep her safe, he owed her at least that much. Nodding firmly he turned and prepared to run off, getting only a few steps before realizing Josephine wasn't moving. Gritting his teeth he reached back and took her by the arm, pulling her along as they raced back down the streets. Behind them the sounds of battle raged on and everything he knew demanded he go back to help but it sounded like Lydia was more than capable on her own. They had their job and she hers.

Several blocks later and the pair finally stopped running to catch their breath. The echoes of the battle were lost in the maze of buildings but Kael was optimistic that Lydia was managing. If she knew Master Edmund then she was likely a veteran hunter herself and had been in similar situations before, they had to have faith she could win the fight. Panting breathlessly Kael leaned against the banister of a stairwell and slouched down, draping his weapon over his knees as he laid his head back. He'd run out of energy much earlier and the adrenaline was beginning to wane leaving him utterly exhausted, and yet they had so much more to do. Neither of them knew where this Clocktower was but they had to find it and find whoever this Lady Maria might be. An old associate of their master's? If so then it would make sense to seek someone like her out.

"Look... Hate me all you want, I don't care anymore. I really don't care if I die trying to get you to this place either," Kael muttered as he wiped his face of blood and sweat, shaking his gloved hand to try and clean it, "But we're going there. Whatever reason that woman had for us to go there must be a good one, maybe you can figure out if... Edmund really was your father..." He had just killed this girls father hadn't he? If she felt anything like he had towards beasts for the death of his family he wouldn't be surprised if she turned her weapon on him now. Smiling bitterly he glanced down at the blade in his hands and shook his head, placing it at his feet and leaning back again. "Or if you want to kill me, kill me now. I'd rather you do it now than wait until we get there."