Eventually, I got over my pity party. I needed to compose myself… enough to talk to Shinsei.

I avoided Osano's texts… I just checked Shinsei's thread. He hadn't responded since I texted him at lunch. That wasn't a good or bad thing. I took a bracing breath… and hit dial.

The line rang. Once, Twice, Thrice… I leaned against the cold wall, letting the temperature sear into me. Just as I thought Shinsei wouldn't answer… Just as I dreaded leaving a voicemail… he picked up.

"Mika." he said abrasively. Oh thank god, I sighed to myself, despite his hostile tone.

"Listen, Shinsei, I have a stalker."

"A stalker?"

"One of the students." I spoke quickly, for fear he would dismiss me. Were I in a sound state of mind, I would have hated myself for showing weakness to him. "He's human, as far as I can tell. But he could easily be part of the Enlightened."

"Then kill him." Shinsei said, his voice hard and dismissive. To be honest, I hadn't thought of that. But I couldn't just kill some random kid because he was creepy. Besides…

"If he's Enlightened, shouldn't he be followed? He could lead us to them." The silence on the other end of the line told me Shinsei hadn't thought of that.

"... You said he's a student. Give me a name."

"His last name is Aishi. That's all I know."

"No first name?"

"No." I shook my head, even though he couldn't see it. I heard Shinsei growl under his breath, but I also heard the clack of a keyboard.

"How fortunate. There is only one Aishi in he school… Ayato Aishi."

"That's his fucking name?" I asked, some of my vigor returning. "That sucks. I really like the name Ayato."

"Your opinion of his name doesn't matter. If he is an enemy of ours, he will be removed." I cringed at the use of the word 'our'. We were not a we. I didn't say as much, though.

"I have a way to keep an eye on him. From there, I-"

"You will do nothing." he interrupted.

"I'm sorry, what?" I hissed. My indignation brought me back from my emotional spell.

"Mika. You will do nothing." Shinsei sighed, like he was preparing to say something he didn't want to say. "Give me this chance," he said in a low voice. "To prove that I am worthy of your trust." My eyes narrowed. That's not like him. He demands my trust, just like he demands everything in his life.

"When were you so concerned about earning my confidence?" I asked smoothly.

"My goals can not be met without your cooperation. So I am willing to… change my methods for you." I could hear the disgust in his voice. Still, if it was so important that he would ask, and not just expect my compliance… Well, he did ask nicely.

"Very well." I said with a sigh. "I'll hold for now. I will place a bit of faith into your words." I paused, and added one more thought. "Do not betray me, Shinsei."

"Do not betray me, Mika." was his justified answer.

He hung up, and I listened to the silence for a while. I brought my phone down, staring at the screen. Should I set an alarm? I agreed I would do nothing, but still, a familiar would be nice…

Last time I had a familiar, Shinsei made me sent it away. It was best not to push it, I decided.

Still, as I got ready for bed, my thoughts were occupied by two things.

What was I going to do with Osano tomorrow?

Damn, I miss Hessian.

~End of Day Two~