Maku strolled around the airship for a while, whistling. Though he looked calm on the outside, inwardly, he was scolding himself for not thinking his actions through. His rash impulsiveness had gotten him into trouble in Lighthalzen, so he wouldn't be able to return for a while. Now he'd have to wait even longer to meet Digotz. He bought a few apples from a vendor onboard, then sat down to mull over what his options were.

The airship would pass by Yuno, and he could probably find Benkastein in its library. Benkastein had a logical mind, and he'd know what to do. He was also very caught up with current events. Perhaps Lighthalzen's guards had raised security. But no…recalling how easily he had gotten by, Maku decided that was not the case. Anyhow, Benkastein would be useful. Maku hadn't seen Benkastein in years, and even if Digotz was fine, the three of them could hang out, just like the old days.

He hoped Benkastein wouldn't mind the intrusion too much. Maku knew that Benkastein had a tendency to place studying at the top of all of his priorities. If Benkastein was reluctant, Maku resolved to just pester him until he put down his books, took a break, and joined Maku in his search for Digotz.

In other news, zeny. Though the girl had been fairly well off, she was smart enough not to carry too much zeny with her at one time. He was already beginning to run out, considering how expensive the airship fee was. Maku sighed. He'd probably have to get a job before he had enough to return to Lighthalzen and find Digotz. Digotz. Maybe Digotz was just taking his sweet time before visiting, and Maku was blowing the whole situation out of proportion.

He doggedly shook his head, trying to clear out his thoughts. What was done was done, and doubting himself now wouldn't help at all.

"We will be departing for Hugel shortly." The words floated lazily through the fresh air. Maku closed his eyes for a moment. There was still quite a while until the ship got to Lighthalzen, and catching a little rest wouldn't hurt him. He quickly drifted to sleep.

"You're not allowed to pass," the guard sneered at him.

A faceless crowd of ragged mobsters surrounded Maku and the guard. "Yeah, you're not allowed to leave!" they chorused.

"I need to go see a friend!" he said, even though deep in his heart he knew that no logic was valid in the face of the law. "He's in grave danger!" As he shouted these words, Maku became certain that they were true.

"How could you have a friend in this part of Lighthalzen? You're poor!" the guard laughed in his face. "Get out, before I run you through. This pike's not just for show."

"No! Let me through!"

The guard suddenly started at Maku, leveling the spear at him. Maku raised a futile arm to ward him off, and found a dagger in his hand. Frustrated and angry, he threw it at the sentry from point-blank range. There was a clatter as the pike dropped to the ground, and the guard was now gazing at the blossoming red stain that spread from the dagger protruding from his chest.

He looked up again, and Maku felt his heart increase its rate tenfold, beating frantically against his ribs as though it was a bird trying to get free. Maku stared into Digotz's eyes.

"I wasn't going to visit you, you know. You're just some poor nobody in the slums. Why would I waste my time with you? You really are a hopeless bastard." Digotz spat at Maku. "And now look at what you've done. You've killed me."

His eyes rolled upwards into his head and he fell down, and Maku was left standing over the dead body of his friend. The mobsters closed in on him now, and many hands were tugging at him, pulling him back towards the slums.

"No! Digotz!" he yelled, but it was useless. As the mob surrounded him, the world faded to darkness.


A/N: Finals week lol what is that.