Shion could see Inukashi's hotel looming above him as he made his way steadily towards it on the side of the road. Although his condition had definitely worsened and the act of walking made him lightheaded, he'd managed to develop a pattern of movements that lessened his pain, and as long as he progressed slowly enough, it may have seemed to the average passerby that he was only a little sore and tired from a long day of hard work.

Although many of the building had changed since No.6 had fallen, Inukashi's hotel hadn't changed at all. Right after refugees from No.6 had come pouring into the West Block to escape the havoc of the city, Inukashi had opened the hotel's doors for all who needed a place to rest and be reunited with their lost family members. Since then, the popularity of the establishment had only grown, and it was hard to find a night when most of the room weren't filled with both people and dogs. As Shion entered through the front door, an elderly bloodhound came to greet him. Shion petted him softly on the head.

"So you've decided to finally show your face here." Inukashi's harsh voice called from the balcony. It was so dim in the lobby compared to outside that Shion could barely see the outline of a figure. Inukashi slid down the railing of the staircase and jumped in front of Shion's face. Inukashi analyzed him.

"I know it's been a while, but-" Shion stuttered, scratching his head and looking down guiltily. Inukashi laughed heartily and slapped him hard on the shoulder. Shion cried out in pain and nearly fell to the ground, bracing himself on his knees and hands. Inukashi's laughter stopped abruptly.

"Shion." Inukashi whispered. Shion stood slowly and looked away, trying to summon his dignity.

"Why have you really come?" Inukashi asked quietly. The atmosphere of the conversation had shifted from playfulness to seriousness. Shion was silent for a moment. He sighed shakily and quickly embraced Inukashi, who gasped in a surprise, in a tight hug. Shion closed his eyes.

"I'm going away soon, and I won't be coming back." Shion said solemnly. Inukashi was silent. "I wanted you to know because I don't want you to feel abandoned or like I didn't care about you. I have to leave. And you deserved to know..." Shion paused. "You deserve to know that without you, I wouldn't be here today. And I'm so grateful that through all of this, I was able to call you my friend."

Inukashi pulled away from Shion, turning away.

"Have you told your family?" Inukashi whispered, arms crossed. Shion shook his head.

"I can't bring myself to..." he mumbled. Inukashi whirled around and slapped him again, this time across the face.

"How dare you let your mother lose you again, without warning. How dare you leave Little Shion behind." Inukashi hissed. Shion cradled the side of his stinging face.

"Don't tell them, Inukashi." Shion begged. "Swear you won't tell."

"I won't burden myself with your sins." Inukashi responded. "But I also won't encourage you to commit them."

"You couldn't understand." Shion said. There was a long silence.

"And what should I tell the rat if he returns?" Inukashi asked heatedly. Shion gritted his teeth. He hadn't seen Nezumi in the past three days. Shion didn't respond.

"Eh." Inukashi shrugged. "What right does he have to judge someone for leaving, right?"

Shion felt a wave of fatigue hit him. He couldn't remain standing like this. How much longer would he have to endure? How many more months until the end finally reached him?

"Goodbye, Inukashi." Shion said with a heavy heart. Inkashi's hands went into their pockets.

"So long, kid." Inukashi called after him as he turned and struggled to open the door. Once he had left, Inukashi turned around to face the shadows.

"What are you going to do?" Inukashi asked the darkness. Inukashi heard a thud that could only be Nezumi punching the wall. Again and again his fist collided with the cement, until his knuckles crack. Inukashi's eyes rolled.

"Stop that nonsense," Inukashi demanded, moving towards him. Nezumi was on the ground, leaning against the wall with his head turned towards the ceiling. Blood was smeared across his hands.

"Is he going to die? Is that why he's going?" Inukashi asked. Nezumi responded to the question with a glare. "Well? Go stop him!" Inukashi yelled.

"He doesn't listen to reason." Nezumi muttered.

"Then maybe it's time for others to start making the decisions for him." Inukashi said darkly, kneeling down to where Nezumi sat. "I have a few ideas for you."