“She put a hand on his arm and gently pushed."What?" Ico asked, his voice hoarse. "You want me to run away by myself, too?"Yorda nodded.”

“Gradually, strength returned to Yorda's body and she gripped his hand. Ico gripped back. Yorda sat up on the floor, but her eyes were still distant. Suddenly, Ico felt cold. A chill emanated from Yorda's body as he held her in his arms, as though she were a pitcher that had just been filled with ice water. He had the sensation that something else was inside the girl, pushing aside the Yorda he knew.”

“Ico made to charge her again. The queen raised a clawlike nail, but Yorda stepped between them. Without a word, Yorda stretched out her arms in front of Ico, holding him back. Ico looked into her eyes and she shook her head, pleading with him.”

“She nodded... and was about to turn away. Then, as if she thought better of it, she reached out and grabbed his arm. "Jack.""Yes?""I. . ." she faltered. She knew what she wanted to tell him, but she couldn't bring herself to say the words.It turned out she didn't have to. Jack put a hand to his heart and nodded. "I feel the same way about you.”

“He pushed away from her and raised his arm, forcing his stump into her face. "A Hand without a hand? A bad jape, sister. Don't ask me to rule.”

“Yorda turned away from the shadow-creature just as its claws were about to close on her shoulders. Her eyes met Ico's, then fell to his outstretched hand.Finally, fear spurred her to action. She ran and jumped.”