Death the Kid looked around. It was dark, unnaturally so. It reminded him of the Book Eibon a few years back. He'd been getting these dreams a lot lately, ever since he turned 16. Flashes of faces would flicker by, but never stay long enough to make any sense of. He sighed to himself, annoyed. There had to be a reason for all this. There was only one thing different this time. He was not alone.
"Hello?", he called. A beautiful woman turned with a smile. At least, she appeared beautiful. Her features never quite settled apart from deep eyes that had small flecks of light in them. "You're progressing well, young shinigami", said the woman. "Do I know you?", he asked. "Yes and no", she said, "You have memories of me, but have yet to meet me." Kid looked around for any inclination as to where he was. "What is this place?", he asked. "My home. Do not worry so. This will be your last visit to this plane. Take this and step into your destiny", answered the woman. As she handed him something he couldn't identify, her image blurred and faded.
That morning, Kid awoke grasping something. He'd never seen it before, but it was somehow familiar. Once dressed and assured the bed was made perfectly, he examined the object. It was a deep purple tassel, like you'd find on a mural or fancy curtains. It had gold trimmings and an iridescent sheen. He remembered the dream, but shook it from his head. There was no possible way, was there? He pocketed the tassel and headed down stairs.
"Good morning, Kid-kun", said Liz. "Hi!", added Patty. Kid nodded to each in turn. "Good morning. Have you seen my father today?", he asked. "I think he's in the study", replied Liz. "Studying on the weekend, boo!", taunted Patty. He headed off without commenting. Shinigami-sama was indeed in the study with a thick tome in front of him. As Kid approached, he noticed a similar tassel setting idly on the table by the empty chair. It was identical to his design, but this one was jet black.
"Father, what do you know of these?", asked Kid as took his seat. He held up both tassels and waited for an answer. "Ah! You got yours today! That's wonderful news!", said Shinigami. "What are they?", asked Kid. "They are a sign that it's time for you to step further into your heritage, Kid-kun", answered his father ambiguously. "What do you mean?", asked Kid, confused. Ignoring his curiosity, Shinigami said, "We'll need to prepare for guests."
The next day, Kid was still waiting for an answer. The only other information he'd gotten was that company would be coming to stay for a while and that he should look forward to it. It was late afternoon as he and his partners stood at the ready in the Death Room. Stein was posted outside the door and Spirit seemed excited. "Is everything ready?", asked Shinigami. "Yes. I'll take my leave now", replied Sid. Shinigami waved him off cheerfully. It was silent as Sid departed. Once he was gone, Shinigami-sama took on a more serious tone. Turning to the teens, he asked, "Are you three ready?" Nodding, Kid answered, "Yes, Father". Liz nodded as Patty tried to stifle her giggling. Spirit looked them over with a sly grin. He just hoped they were ready. Shinigami-sama turned toward his mirror and took a deep breath.
"Spirit-kun...", said Shinigami. Spirit nodded, transformed his hand and sliced Shinigami's finger. He let the blood run down the mirror as he whispered. Kid and Liz looked on in grim curiosity. The ripples ran over the glass as if calling out and another room wavered into view on the other side. A young man's voice called out, "coming!". Shinigami-sama held out a hand and Kid was surprised to see someone take hold of it. A shapely woman with mocha skin stepped through the mirror. She was lovely with periwinkle hair and a teal dress.
"Shinigami-kun! It's been ages!", said the woman, happily. She hugged the reaper without thought. Noting his expression, she added, "That's no way to greet an old friend, is it? Come on. Show me that smile." Shinigami sighed. "You never change, do you, Amrita?", he chided. With a slight shuffle, Shinigami-sama slid his mask to the side. Kid waited as Liz, Patty, and Spirit all tried to sneak a look. It lasted only briefly. With his mask replaced, Shinigami turned toward the trio of teens.
"Kid-kun, Liz, Patty, this is Amrita-sama. Her family's come a long way to stay with us and help improve Shibusen", said the death god. Kid bowed politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you", he said. Amrita pinched his cheek playfully. "You were barely three last time I saw you! You've grown so handsome", she taunted. He blushed faintly and resisted the urge to hold his sore face. Clearing his throat, he said, "These are my partners, the twin demon guns, Liz and Patty Thompson." Liz waved calmly. "Nice to meet you", she said. Patty stepped closer to their guest. "You sure are pretty!", she exclaimed. "Aren't you precocious?", said Amrita. Turning toward the mirror, she added, "Come along, you two. We can't leave the connection open forever."
A blue-gray cat ran out from the mirror. It sat with a smug expression as Spirit helped a young lady through the glass. Once she stepped out, the portal closed. She shyly bowed to everyone. Once she stood upright, her face beamed. She was pale with lilac hair and silver eyes. Kid couldn't take his eyes off her. Something was familiar.
"Shinigami-sama, you remember my children, Jiro and Millie", introduced Amrita. "Of course. Millie-chan, you've grown up beautifully", said the reaper cheerfully. Millie blushed faintly and said, "That's very kind of you." Shinigami nervously eyed the cat and said, "Jiro-kun, how have you been?" The cat looked on as if deciding to claw or purr, then gave in to speaking. "I'm well thanks to you", said Jiro plainly. Relieved, Shinigami said, "Wonderful. Welcome to Death City."
Amrita returned to speak with Shinigami-sama while Spirit doted on her every word. Millie and Jiro stepped closer to the trio. "Did that cat just talk?", asked Liz in hushed tones. "Yes, I did, and I have a name", said Jiro. Liz smiled nervously. "Right." Patty took it upon herself to pick him up and play with his paws. Meanwhile, Kid and Millie locked eyes. "It's good to see you again, Shi-kun", she said softly. He grinned at the nickname. It echoed through his mind. Kid bowed once more. "Welcome to Shibusen." When he looked up, she was waiting with an extended hand. Kid quickly noticed everyone in the room was watching. He politely kissed the back of her hand and everyone resumed their din.
"Have we met before?", asked Kid. Millie gave a sad smile. "Not since we were small", she said, ruefully. Kid observed her expression, only ably to say, "I see." Shinigami turned and said, "Kid-kun, why don't show them around while we catch up." "Yes, Millie's been very anxious to see the school", chimed Amrita. Kid grinned. "Of course. This way", he gestured. As he led all of the teens off, Amrita turned to her old friend with a serious look. "You really haven't told him anything, have you?", she scolded.
Out in the hall, Stein and Sid were waiting. Jiro looked upon Sid wearily. "Who do we have here?", asked Dr. Stein. Millie curtsied. "My name is Millie. It's an honor to meet you", she said with a soft grin. Patty held Jiro up proudly, adding "And this is Jiro-cat!". He dangled unamusedly with his ears slightly back. Stein gave a kind smile and said, "I see. Welcome to Death City." Liz chided her sister, "Patty, you shouldn't do that." Jiro had wriggled loose was now sitting on top of Patty's head. Jiro offered a paw politely. "You must be professor Stein. It's nice to meet someone who can work both sides of the business", he said. Kid listened closely. It seemed everyone knew more than he did. Stein shook the cat's paw. "That's one way to look at it", he stated. "I hear you two will be joining us here", said Sid. "Something like that", replied Jiro.
The groups waved each other off and the school was explored. Kid stayed pretty quiet. He couldn't shake a nagging head ache. It'd hit him just as he first laid eyes on Millie. After while, Jiro declared he was bored and wanted to move onto the city. Liz and Patty went ahead with him while Millie took her time looking around with Kid. Eventually, the pair made their way to the roof. Millie stood in awe of the city, leaning on the railing. Kid smiled to himself. It was quite the sight. The sprawling rooftops gleamed in the first strokes of orange-red sunset.
Kid joined Millie at the railing. She sighed before turning to speak. "You really don't remember, do you?", she said sadly. "Remember what?", asked Kid. "Anything", she said bleakly. He searched her expression for clues, but found none. Gently taking his hand, she said, "Shi-kun, you don't have to be alone anymore." He watched her cautiously, unsure of what she was saying. "You're a shinigami, but that's just the start", she said with cheer. "What are you trying to say?", asked Kid, confused. "Death...It's your family...But there are more", she replied.
He tried to make sense of her words. She fought off a stray tear as she hugged him tight. His vision flashed once again and everything went black. He saw the streaming images again, but slower this time. Faces swirled through his subconscious. Millie, Jiro, a blind girl with blonde hair, a strange fellow with a knowing smirk. When he came to, he was flat on his back. Millie sat holding his head on her knees.
"Welcome back", said Millie, smiling wanly. "Millie...I know you...don't I?", said Kid, still hazy. He sat up, noticing that the sunset had progressed. "Don't worry", said Millie calmingly, "It's only been about ten minutes." He looked at her concerned face, bewildered. "What did you see?", she asked. Kid held his head. "I'm not sure...People...It was almost like I knew them...", he ventured. "All of those people are just like you...Like us", she said.
He peered up waiting for further explanation. "I'm not human, either, Shi-kun...", said Millie, "Your family represents Death...Mine represents Life." Kid was piecing it together. "What about the others?", he asked. "You'll meet them again soon", she said, "If we rush your memory, you might not wake up for a long while, next time." She stood and dusted herself off. Offering a hand, she smiled warmly. "We should probably get you home. It's a lot to take in", she said with care.
She answered questions as they walked through the city. "So there are lot of us out there...", said Kid. Millie nodded. "Too many to count, really. The three noble families are the only ones anyone 'normal' ever notices, though...Even then, it's selective", she stated. "Nobles? We must be two, right?", he ventured. "Yes...Don't ask me about the third. It's something you have to figure out on your own", said Millie.
Across the street, Soul and Blackstar were heading in from a day of basketball. "Hey, Soul. Check it out. Kid's got a date!", teased Blackstar. "What?", said Soul as he peered up. Looking over, he saw the pair approaching. "Who is that?", asked Soul. Before he could turn around, Blackstar bee-lined passed him. Blackstar waved them down. "Kid! What are you doing out here?", he said. Kid looked up from his thoughts. "Blackstar?", he asked, still returning to reality. Catching up, Soul said, "Who's your friend?" Before anyone could reply, Blackstar stepped forward proudly. "Since I'm such a big deal, I'll introduce myself first", he said confidently. Pointing with his thumb, he proclaimed, "You can call me Blackstar! The best meister that ever lived!" Millie chuckled. "Pleased to meet you, meister-san", she said politely. Soul offering a hand, saying, "I'm Soul." Millie accepted the gesture. "My name is Millie. It's an honor to meet you both. Are you students at Shibusen?", she asked. "More than that!", said Blackstar, grabbing Kid around the neck, "We're Kid's friends." Millie grinned at the image. "I look forward to getting to know you better", she said.
"So, Kid, where'd you pick her up? She's pretty", taunted Blackstar. Kid pushed himself free. "She's a guest of my family", he said as he straightened his coat. Millie added, "I'll helping out at the academy with Spartoi. There's some special training we've been called in for. My mother is seeing to the graduates and death scythes." "What kind of training?", asked Soul. "I can't say too much for now. I need to get Kid home", said Millie. "Yeah, you don't look too good", said Blackstar, taking a closer look. Kid brushed it off with, "I'm fine." Turning, he said, "Millie, you mentioned Spartoi. Soul and Blackstar are members, you know." Millie beamed. "Wonderful! I won't feel like I know no one now", she said. "I guess we'll see you Monday, then", said Blackstar, breaking away. Soul added, "Yeah, we better go. Maka will yell if we're late for dinner." Millie waved off with a smile. "I look forward to Monday."
That night, Kid dreamed of a different place. Somewhere he felt welcome and where people like him could relax away from responsibility. Who knew what the next days would bring?
The new week dawned and the members of Spartoi were gathered beneath the trees. Tsubaki waited anxiously while Maka prepared for what was to come. Eventually, Kid, Liz, and Patty came into view followed by a stranger. As they approached, all eyes were on the singing cat. Jiro entered, singing, "Aaaaand they came home in the morning!" Patty clapped and Liz tried not to snicker. "You're late", said Maka. "Something not line up today?", teased Ox. Blackstar jumped down from his seat on a branch, shouting, "I'm the only one allowed to be late! All the attention should be on me!" Tsubaki tried to calm him, "Now, now..."
Kid cleared his throat while everyone quieted. "I'd like to introduce you all to Millie and Jiro. They're here on request from my father to go over some new techniques", he said. "Where is Millie?", asked Blackstar. She shyly stepped out from behind Liz. Bowing, she said, "Pleased to meet you." Jiro jumped onto a nearby rock and grinned wide. "Despite my appearance, I can and will kick your butts", he stated. Blackstar darted over. "Oh yeah?!" With a slight twitch of his whiskers, the intruding face was on the ground with a red paw mark. "Blackstar!", fidgeted Tsubaki. Soul laughed. "That's the way to show 'em", he teased. Killik offered a hand to the feline. "Nice moves", he said. Obliging the gesture, Jiro said, "Thank you." Millie chided him, "Niichan, that's no way to make friends." Ox peered between the two. "The cat is your brother?", he asked. "Are you magic like Blair?", inquired Maka. Jiro perked his ears. Playfully, he said, "Blair?" Millie waved nervously. "Ignore his poor manners, please. It's been a long time since we've left our estate", she said. "Blair's a magic cat that lives with us", answered Soul, "What's your story?" Jiro twitched his ears. "A curse", he stated plainly. Blackstar got up off the ground and asked, "Someone turned you into a cat?" Jiro sighed. "It's a long story", he said.
Changing the subject, Kid said, "Why don't you tell us what you're going to show us?" Millie nodded. "Yes. Everyone, please sit with your partner", she instructed. Once everyone was settled in, Millie sat across from Maka and Soul. She peered at them closely. "You two work well together", she said with a smile. "We've trained a lot", said Maka. "Maka's the meister that made me a death scythe", added Soul. Millie smiled warmly. "You two will be perfect to get us started", she said. Jiro glared at the group and said, "No giggling in the peanut gallery." Millie carefully placed Maka and Soul's hands over each other's hearts. "Close your eyes and listen", she said, "This isn't about seeing souls. This is learning to hear each other's hearts." "Is there really a difference?", asked Blackstar. Millie turned with a nod. "Yes. You can match wavelengths, but that's not to say you can read each other's minds, right?", she replied. Blackstar thought this over. Everyone paired off and the afternoon passed quietly as the basics were covered. Little did they know exactly what was to come.
A few days whirred by as training continued. No one really noticed Jiro's shape anymore and Millie warmed up to the everyone. What Spartoi didn't know about was the special training that went on inside Death's mansion.
Jiro sat idly, waiting for his pupil to snap back into the present. Millie sat nearby with an encouraging smile. "I think that's enough", said Jiro, "The question now is can you do it?" "One way to find out", said Kid, grinning wanly. Jiro smiled wide. "Just what I wanted to hear", he said. Turning, he added, "Millie, I want you to go with him and make sure he doesn't get lost." She nodded and moved closer to Kid. With a deep breath, he closed his eyes. "Have a fun trip", taunted Jiro. Kid's body fell limply against Millie and she gently laid him out. "See you on the other side, niichan", she said to her brother.
Her head lowered as she if she'd simply nodded off, but maintained her posture. Elsewhere, Kid sought a way out of the darkness. He walked toward the only source of sound and bumped into Millie. "Shi-kun, I knew you'd make it", she said warmly. "How much farther?", asked Kid. "Not far. Does the path seem familiar at all?", she said. He pondered the thought briefly. "It's starting to", he ventured. Taking her hand, he said, "This way."
Within minutes, the pair found a dark curtain wafting in a previously unnoticed breeze. Looking to Millie for confirmation, Kid smiled to himself. Maybe the memories really were just buried within. The curtain was drawn and disappeared once they had entered. The room was dim and voices stirred as he duo came into the light. This place seemed vaguely familiar, but the feeling was interrupted before it could really sink in. "Hey! Look who it is!", beamed a girl. "I was wondering when you would show up", taunted her brother. The boy approached Kid with an extended hand. "Been a while, huh?", he asked. Kid accepted the gesture and asked, "And you are?". The girl giggled. "Think hard", she chided.
Kid looked them over. They were around his age and seemingly related to one another. The girl wore vibrant colors that complimented her light brown hair. The boy dressed in drab hues and had a lonely stare beneath his silver locks. A voice piped out of nowhere. "Leave him alone, you two", it said. Turning toward the source of the words, Kid found a guy a little older than himself. He had short brown hair and piercing green eyes. Slightly bowing, the man said, "Call me Frank." Gesturing away from the group, he added, "This way." It wasn't a suggestion. It was a command. Kid found himself being shuffled along by Millie. She waved off the previous siblings. In a low tone, Millie whispered, "Don't mind the twins. It'll come to you."
Frank lead them to another room that seemed to be outside. There were veiled pools on either side and one long open reflecting pool in the middle. Marble lined the walkways amidst hanging ivy. A faint wind set off chimes that mixed into the rustle of the trees. Jiro sat staring into the large pool, seemingly interested. Without looking up, he said, "Good job; You made it after all." "Like you ever worried he wouldn't", taunted Frank. Turning, he said, "Welcome to my humble abode." Taking in the scenery, Kid said, "Thank you." Millie stepped between them. "Shi-kun, this is Frank. He is the head of the third noble house of our kind", she said. With a knowing grin, Frank chided, "Third?".
She blushed faintly. "Well, the first in the order...", she corrected herself. "Order?", asked Kid. "The order of which we our houses were named, if you will", answered Frank.
"That's enough, Brother", said a young woman.
A girl a bit younger that Kid stepped from the shadows. She had tanned skin and blonde hair. She dressed in plain white cloth with accents of gold. Her pale eyes stared blankly. Kid started to remember. These were people from the dreams. "You are correct, shinigami", she said calmly. "Don't worry, Kyoko-chan can't really read your thoughts", chimed Jiro. Kid looked the place over. Everything hung in his memory like a hazy image just out of focus. "This way", gestured Kyoko. She turned and led the group to another chamber. It was dark, lit only by sparse candles on short pillars. The center of the room was traipsed in fine rugs and pillows. Taking her seat, Kyoko said, "Sit. We have much to discuss."
Kid sat by Millie and tried not to stare. For some reason, he didn't trust these new allies. Jiro laid nearby, his tail slightly twitching. "Now isn't this cozy", said Frank.
Millie watched Kid with concern. He seemed to be in some sort of pain, though trying not to show it. Kyoko lit some incense. "You're feeling reverberations from the last time you stepped foot here", she said. Kid pulled himself together, forcing his vision to focus. "As you may have guessed, we have met before. I am the cause of your suppressed memories", said Kyoko without emotion. "What happened?", asked Kid. "While some of the memories trying to surface are simply hereditary, others were removed for the sake of fulfilling your previous role", she answered. "You might want to break it down a little better than that", said Jiro.
Kid glanced down. Millie was squeezing his hand with a distant stare. "You've dreamed of us all, have you not?", asked Kyoko. "I have", he replied. "What else is your mind trying to tell you?", she asked. "If there's any recollection in there, it's likely telling him to leave", said Frank. The two briefly locked eyes. Frank was right. "You used to come here occasionally, but the knowledge of our existence was not needed at that time. Still, we met. It was fine until we became aware that Asura would soon wake", said Kyoko. Carefully, Kid said, "What do you know about the kishin?".
Kyoko took a deep breath. "Simply put - you had too many ties, too many distractions. You needed to meet your weapon partners and train. It was agreed upon that we would all only be a burden to you in the years following. So, we cut ourselves out of your memory until the kishin was defeated. The tassel you received heralded the time we would meet again. It is now your choice if you wish to reclaim the time lost or start anew. Keep in mind that recovering what was taken may not integrate with the rest of your memory easily", she explained. "It was decided? By who?", asked Kid. "Fate", answered Frank. Kid gave him a sidelong glance before turning his eyes to Jiro. He nodded sullenly. "Millie?", asked Kid with concern. She sat silent, shying her gaze. "Take your time making your choice", said Kyoko. "You might want to head back soon", said Frank suddenly. "Why?", asked Kid. Without answer, Frank snapped and everything went black once more.
Kid awoke to being shaken. Liz had tears in her eyes. Patty poked Jiro. "He's back!", she exclaimed. Kid grasped Liz's hands and looked her in the eye. "Calm down. We're fine", he said. "But you weren't breathing!", panted Liz. Jiro stretched idly. "That happens when we -...um...go", he said. Liz turned toward the feline in question. Millie held her head in her hand. "This is why he sent us back", she said to herself. Everyone slowly got off of the floor. Millie dusted herself off. "Sorry for the trouble. We were elsewhere", she said.
After Liz calmed down, Jiro explained things as the sisters listened. "So you just leave your body? Just like that?", said Liz with interest. "Sort of. Just try not to freak out next time you stumble upon us", said Jiro bashfully. "Niichan, she was only worried for us", chided Millie. Jiro shrugged it off and ran off to do his own things. Millie tried to smooth everything over while Kid was lost to his thoughts. It would seem more than just Kid needed time to adjust.
The next day, things started to resemble normal. Liz and Patty were more aware of what Kid was learning and had come to accept it. Spartoi's training continued as planned. In the Death Room, Spirit and Stein were resting from their own regiment. Amrita and Shinigami had separated from the pair and were having a quiet conversation near the mirror. "They're coming soon, aren't they?", said Shinigami ruefully. "Yes. That's why Kid has to awaken fully. You know I'll take good care of him", assured Amrita. "Yes...", said Death, "All right. When will you be leaving?" "Tonight. If we don't act quickly, the first scouts will cause us trouble", she answered. Shinigami sighed. He didn't like what was going to happen, but there was nothing he could do to stop it. After a brief nod, Amrita tapped her finger on the mirror. A blurred vision of Millie appeared. "Mother?", she said. "Pack your things, dear. We're going home", said her mother. Millie stared into the pool of water with her mother's image. "Then it's time?", she asked. Amrita nodded.
Outside, Maka approached Millie near the lake shore. "Is everything okay?", asked Maka. She watched Amrita's image fade into ripples. "Just a slight change of plans", said Millie. Maka glanced at the water. "Your mom uses water instead of mirrors?", she asked. Millie smiled faintly in acknowledgment. Then her gaze shifted toward the boys. They were a few feet away, talking of their latest missions. Following her gaze, Maka said, "He's going with you, isn't he?"
Soul looked over as if asking why they were being watched. He was about to shout over when Jiro leaped from the tree onto his head. "Sneak attack!", shouted the feline. Trying to pull him loose, Soul yelled, "At least don't use your claws!" Blackstar laughed, glad it wasn t his turn to be ambushed. Millie turned toward her new friend. "You overheard?", she asked. "Not much", said Maka, "How long will you all be away?". "Not long. The city is going to need Shi-kun soon. I'll make sure he's here when that happens", assured Millie.
The antics around them had died down and Jiro was gathering everyone into a group. "Meet at Kid's house in two hours. We're having meeting", said Jiro. Before questions could even be thought of, he padded his way to his sister. Jiro beamed. "Nice thing about these ears is that they work better", he said.
It was late afternoon. Kid, Liz, and Patty had been already prepared to leave. Jiro and Kid had a hushed conversation aside while everyone came in. Liz and Patty had already heard the news and opted to stay out of the meeting while they digested the information. "Remember what we discussed", said Jiro. Kid nodded silently. Once the group had gathered, Maka looked around. Only half of Spartoi was present. "Can I count on you to relay what's going be said to the others? We don't have time to wait for them all to come back from their business", said Millie. She shared a nod and Maka and sat near her brother. Kid remained standing, looking for the right words.
"What's all this about? You guys look like somebody died", said Blackstar. "Liz, Patty, and I will be leaving town for a while. I need you guys to fill in while we're gone", said Kid. "So?", said Soul, uninterested. Jiro sighed. "Want me to take it from here?", he asked. Kid let out a breath of relief and exchanged places. Jiro sat smugly in front of the group. "Now then...What do you guys know about war?", said the cat. "Huh?", asked Blackstar. "Well...", started Tsubaki. "What war?", asked Soul. After thinking it over, Maka said, "We all fought the kishin together."
"You guys are now aware that there are others like Kid...like us", ventured Jiro. "How many more?", asked Maka. "A lot...To put things simply - we're not that different from your average human. We have power struggles just like the rest of you. Thing is, every few centuries, one of those pops up. It's usually not that big of a deal and the three noble houses generally take of things quietly", explained the feline. "Noble houses?", asked Soul. "Death, Life, and...Frank", said Jiro, carefully. "Who's Frank?", asked Blackstar. "That's a complicated question... Just know he's a friend", replied Millie. "Anyway, one of these struggles is coming up", interjected her brother. "What does that have to do with us?", asked Soul. "Things are unbalanced this time around, so it's highly likely that humans will be involved", said Jiro with a distant look. "Unbalanced?", asked Tsubaki. Jiro twitched his tail in thought. "You could consider the generational shift part of the problem. The rest is going to be more familiar to you. Maka said it herself; You all fought the kishin Asura", he said.
"Madness is coming?", ventured Soul. "Close... Fear", said Jiro. "What do you mean?", inquired Maka. "I don't like saying his name, so let's just call him 'Fear', okay?", said the cat. "He's usually restricted here, but the clash with the kishin caused ripples. They finally reached him and he's trying to use them to break into this plane", added Millie. "So what? We'll just kick his butt!", exclaimed Blackstar. Millie shook her head and replied, "It won't be that simple. He'll have agents." "Like the clowns?", asked Soul. "No...Like us", said Millie sullenly. "I can't say for sure who will show up. Just be ready for anything. We're planning to be back before the first wave hits, but - ", started Jiro.
Blackstar cut him off with, "But nothing! You small fry go off and train. You just leave this Fear guy to me." Kid smirked. "I knew you'd take up the challenge" he said. Rising, he added, "Stein-hakusei will assist my father should anyone arrive early. Spartoi will be in charge of watching over Death City. We need to keep this low key if at all possible."
"Low key?!", blurted Blackstar. "We'll do our best", said Tsubaki. "Where will you be?", asked Soul. "I'll be doing some very specific training elsewhere", replied Kid. "My house. He'll be at my house...doing shinigami stuff", clarified Jiro. Details were hashed and the group went off to inform the rest of Spartoi.
Late that evening, the members of the houses of Life and Death stood before Shinigami's mirror. Amrita stepped through first. Jiro rode through on a luggage chest carried by the Thompson sisters. Millie nodded meekly at Kid before heading out. "Good luck, Kid-kun", said Shinigami. "You, too", replied his son. The portal sealed behind Kid.
Kid stepped from another mirror into a large study, decorated in deep red fabric. "Welcome to my home", said Amrita. Liz and Patty looked around in interest while an older man shuffled off the luggage. "Hey, Thames! Don't forget me!", hollered Jiro. Grabbing more bags, the old man said, "Walk yourself, master Jiro." Millie chuckled. "Those two are always like that", she explained. "You have a butler?", asked Kid. "Sort of...", said Millie. "All right. Everyone to the dining hall for the grand tour", interrupted Amrita.
The manor was lovely. Large halls led into cozy rooms. The west wing led to an enormous library. The east wing led into the gardens. Plants of every shape and color drew in beautiful birds and insects. The cacophony of sounds echoed into the mansion. "Just where are we?", asked Liz. "Isn't is obvious?", taunted their hostess. Patty pointed at a passing jaguar. "I want one!", she exclaimed. "The Amazon", said Kid with a grin. "What?! No way!", said Liz. She looked around excitedly. She never noticed Thames coming up behind her and her sister with syringes.
"Ow! What the hell?!", she cried. "Just proofing you against the climate. My apologies, miss", explained the old man. "Humans are so fragile", taunted Jiro. Thames stuck a needle into Jiro's fur, getting a glare in response. "Keeping up on your health, master Jiro", he said as he shuffled off, hiding a grin. Patty picked Jiro up again. "I don't like shots either", she said. The two off them made faces at the retreating butler. "Who's hungry?", interjected Amrita.
Two days passed as everyone settled into the new routine. Kid would train with Liz and Patty part of the day and with Amrita or Jiro the rest. It was turning the hues of sunset when Amrita patted Kid's head. "That's enough meditation for today. You can get to and from Frank's little lounge alone now. You don't have to practice so hard", she said.
He noticed a odd whimsy to Amrita's stare. "What is it?", he inquired. Snapping out of her reverie, she replied, "Oh, nothing...Do you remember the last time you were here?". He shook his head. "I'm not surprised. You were very young", stated Amrita. "Seems there's a lot I don't recall these days", said Kid gloomily. "How about a story then?", she said. He blinked, taken off guard. She smiled warmly at him, though, so he sat back and listened. "Did you notice how your father was nervous around my son when we arrived?", she asked. "I thought it was a little strange, yes", he replied. "Let me tell you why...", she stated. He noted every detail of her tale, hoping something would spark the memories he needed the most.
-
Thirteen years ago...
Shinigami, Spirit, and Kid arrived at Amrita's estate. Kid's eyes were wide, knowing he would meet someone like himself - not human. Spirit remained silent. Shinigami was grim. Once inside, Thames placed Kid in the play area. He watched everything. Amrita stepped out from the hall, tears streaming down her face. Shinigami took a deep breath and proceeded. Spirit lent a comforting shoulder to the bereaved Amrita. They stepped out of sight and Kid felt a poke on the back of his head. Turning, a young Jiro stared at him. "You don't look dead to me", scoffed Jiro. "Death, not dead", corrected his sister. Kid blinked at her. Even at three, she was captivating. Bowing, he said, "Death the Kid. Nice to meet you." "Too bad it isn't under better circumstances", said Jiro. He followed Jiro's line of sight. Jiro was looking down the hall. Millie tugged her brother's sleeve. "Niichan, Mama said to stay here", she plead. He shook his little sister loose and sneaked after the adults. Bowing in kind, she said, "My name is Millie. That was my brother, Jiro." She caught Kid off guard, stepping close. "Your eyes sure are pretty!", she exclaimed. "Uh, thanks", he said nervously.
Millie sat on the floor, disheartened. "What's wrong?", asked Kid with worry. "My Papa is dying", she said sullenly. He immediately looked down the hall. It was beginning to make sense where they had come so far. "I'm sorry", he said, trying to be of help. Millie shook her head. "It's okay. Mama says everything just borrows life. You have to give it back sometime...I just don't want him to hurt anymore", she said, her eyes moist. As if on cue, a painful shout bellowed down the hall. Millie cringed, covering her ears.
Kid sat beside her. Taking her tiny hand, he said, "It'll be okay. I'm here. You're not alone." She clinged to his arm as another cry flowed through the room. Two tiny, young gods sat in the floor, trying to accept things there weren't quite old enough to understand.
Down the hall, Jiro peered through the cracked door. His father was writhing in agony. "The master fell ill after that witch was defeated. She must have cursed him", stated Thames. "What kind of curse?", asked Spirit. Shinigami placed a hand over the fragile man's brow. "His soul is breaking down", he said. Spirit tried to hold in his reaction as Amrita did her best not to cry in front of her love. "It's okay, Kenshi. We're all here for you", she said with a forced smile. Kenshi grasped Shinigami's wrist. "Please...End it...", he pleaded. Shinigami took a deep breath. There was no way to reverse the damage that had been done. "Shi-kun...Do as he asks...", said Amrita sadly.
Jiro watched intently, ignorant of what was being said. Silently, Shinigami placed a hand over Kenshi's chest. His soul drifted up with a slow gasp. Kenshi weakly forced a grin. "Thank you...", were his last words. Jiro ran into the room. "What did you do?! You were supposed to make him better!", shouted the small boy. Spirit lifted the flailing child who tried everything to attack Death himself. "Jiro-kun - ", said Shinigami with sorrow. "Shut up! Don't ever say my name again! Get out of here!", yelled the boy.
Amrita buckled and cried. Thames made a swift hit to the back of Jiro's neck. Taking the now limp boy from Spirit, he sighed. "My apologies. I should have been watching him", said the butler. He took Jiro from the room. Down the hall, Millie saw her brother in Thames's arms and knew it was over. She tried to smile, but cried all the same. Kid looked up at his worn father. "Come, Kid-kun. It's time to go home now", said Death.
Back at the present...
Amrita wistfully said, "Jiro blamed your father. He had no idea that it was an act of mercy. He only came to terms with what transpired after your father returned once more." "Jiro had the curse too...", noted Kid. Amrita nodded. "Your father studied hard to find a way to help him. Thankfully, we caught Jiro's curse earlier and a had a chance to do something about it. The curse slowly tears apart the soul of its target", she said. "So putting him in a vessel with more souls was the only way", pieced together Kid. "Yes...Kid-kun, you're very bright and very kind. Two things your father took a long time to learn. You're going to do just fine", said Amrita. She gave him a warm smile before leaving the room. Silence filled the empty space. Eventually, a small shadow appeared next to him. "So now you know...No hard feelings, hm?", said Jiro. Kid turned with a soft grin. "Of course not."
To be continued...