Ishi never told anyone why he had joined the Dragons instead of affiliating more with the Light's mages, as everyone had expected him to. Most especially not Bridgett.
The Dragons were strong. They were the rocks others stood behind. After his return, Ishi wished for that strength.
He never wanted to be standing in the darkness with a shattered leg, knowing that he was all that stood between Bridgett and torture by their enemies, slipping into unconsciousness, begging for just one more hit, even if it killed him.
He had failed her.
He wasn't going to let himself fail again.