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"Forty-two, forty-two, five-six-four." I muttered as I wrote the numbers on a broken mirror. Adria and Dominic looked on doubtfully, wondering why their ally was crouched in front of a mirror that she fogged up to write numbers on. I was sure they'd understand quickly though, as Shinigami-sama began to appear. It took him a moment to say anything, but I didn't blame him. I hadn't contacted him in half a year; I was the last person he'd expect to get a call from this morning, but just like that he was back to normal.

"Kuro! How've you been?" he tilted his head, "It's been awhile hasn't it? Well, maybe to you. When you live as long as I have weeks and months just seem to melt into each other."

"I've been okay, sir," my chest tightened. I remembered him telling me not to be gone long for Kid. I did the exact opposite of that. "Shinigami-sama," I took a deep breath, "Shinigami-sama, I'm back. In Death City, I mean."

"Well, I'm extremely happy to hear that," his mask smiled, "Though, the place you're calling me from looks a little, well, shady..."

"Ah," I glanced over my shoulder at a dumpster, "Well, we're in an alley."

"'We're'?"

"Yeah, and can you hurry up? It smells like shit."

I turned and glared at Dominic, "I can't do this out in the open! I used to live here, you know? I'd like to go outside without people thinking I'm crazy for talking to my reflection!"

"Is that Dominic I hear?" Shinigami-sama asked, amused.

"And Adria!" Adria came into view and waved.

"Well look at that! It's nice to see you all again! You've taken good care of her, yes?"

"Of course!" Adria grinned, "We taught her everything we know."

"That must be why I didn't sense her. She has Soul Protection?"

"Yessir!"

"Shinigami-sama," I interjected, not really wanting to have an extended conversation in an alleyway, "Before I see anyone, I want to speak to you."

"Of course," he nodded, all joking aside, "You may come anytime."

"We're on our way."

"Remember," he began, "The Academy is still in session; summer hasn't started yet. You might run into your friends if you come at this time of day."

I nodded, "I understand."

"Alright then, I'll see you soon."

I stopped at the steps of DWMA, a strong surge of anxiety bubbling at the pit of my stomach. The siblings stop at the step they were on and turned to look at me.

"What is it?" Adria asked.

"Nothing," I shook my head and forced myself forward, stepping past them as they glanced at each other. What if I did run into one of my friends? What would I even say? I didn't prepare myself for this, even though I had quite a bit of time to. Typical.

When we walked through the entrance, the halls were quiet. Class must not have ended yet or it was lunchtime; I wasn't sure and I didn't feel like turning around to look at the wall clock. Either way, the destination was the same. The closer I got to his office, the more my nervousness seemed to go away, though I'm sure my surroundings also aided in some way. These halls were a comfort; I had a lot of happy memories here, and my friends were here too - safe - all except one. I wonder if they really do understand why I left, like Kid said. There was only one way to find out. I had to see them.

"Hello hello, Kuro!" Shinigami-sama waved from the platform. I covered the ground between us before bowing in front of him, Adria and Dominic following suit. "You never change, do you?"

"Did you expect me to?" I straightened and gave a halfhearted smile.

"Perhaps. Humans change all the time. Like Dominic," he motioned with his big hand at him, "As insufferable as he may be, you and him must have eventually grown a mutual respect, yes?"

I glanced at Dominic, "I guess."

Dominic snorted, "I wouldn't say mutual respect; more like a tolerance."

Adria sighed and Shinigami-sama hummed in response before turning his attention to me, "So, what is it you wanted to talk about?"

"Noah," I answered, "I want to help search for him."

He paused for a few moments, but I wasn't expecting this. I thought he'd agree without hesitation, but here he was shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you."

"Why?"

"The case is too personal. You're after revenge, that brings recklessness."

"You're not wrong," I replied, clenching my fists, "But it's the least I can do for Char - for Kaori. Things are different now, I have this power and I know him better than anyone here."

"I know."

"Then why?"

"If you were to find him, what would you do?"

"Kill-!" I stopped, and took a step back. I was proving him right just by how I was reacting. I was too emotional, and in combat that would get nothing done. I pressed my lips together, unsure of what I could do or say at this point to change his mind.

"Power or not, I still don't think you could go up against both him and Gopher, though he may try to flee while Gopher kept you busy, there's still a chance of Justin or Giriko getting in the way. I also wouldn't let you search alone, so anything that triggers your initiation could put anyone with you in danger." he explained.

"If anything," Dominic took a step forward, "I could be her partner. I'd keep her from doing anything stupid. She actually listens to me, sometimes."

Shinigami-sama smiled, "You must be very tolerant of her to offer to be her partner, hm?" When Dominic didn't respond, he continued, "It's still something I'll have to think about. I believe you still need time, Kuro. Don't worry, if we find anything out, I'll be sure to let you know."

I nodded, deciding to be satisfied with a "maybe" instead of a complete "no". I turned to the two and asked, "Sorry but could you guys wait out in the hall for a couple of minutes? I want to talk about something else."

"Alright, let's go Dominic." Adria said, turning and walking down the path to the exit. I gave Dominic a small smile in thanks for earlier, and he gave a simple nod before following behind.

"Shinigami-sama," I began after they left the room, "I'm sorry - I," I exhaled, giving myself a second to collect my thoughts, "I was gone for a lot longer than I needed to be. I left them waiting and wondering, I left Kid-"

He rose his palm, a way to tell me to stop talking. He shook his head, "You needed that time. So much happened that I probably would've been more concerned if you stayed. You refused to leave the infirmary, to eat; all you did was sleep. I know you had other reasons for leaving, but regardless it was the best decision you could've made. You're here now, and that's all that matters." he tilted his head slightly, "Besides, Shinigamis live for a very long time. Half a year is nothing, though to be completely honest, I can't speak for my son." he straightened and sighed, "I believe the one you should apologize most to is him. I'm sure his feelings for you and the way you left made this span of time feel a lot longer than it should have for him."

I nodded, hiding my face as I lowered myself to give a final bow, "You're right."

"Stay close. Class should be ending soon, and if you want I can call him in to go to you. Just pick a place."

"The archery field." I told him as I straightened up, "Thank you, Shinigami-sama."

"Anytime," he said, but before I turned to exit the room, he tossed something to me. It sounded like keys, and when I caught them sure enough, it was a set of three.

"Reflexes are still sharp, I see," he smiled, "I'm sure you three are going to need a place to stay. I got the dorm set up while you were on your way here; it should house all of you comfortably."

"Thank you," I said again, not really sure what else I could say. "I'll let them know."

"I do hope you enjoy your stay, however long it may be."

I smiled at him and, before turning to exit, said, "Don't worry, I'm not leaving again."

End of Chapter XXX

I know it's a bit short but I decided to stop it here. c:

If there's any way I can improve my writing, let me know! Thoughts are always welcomed~!

Thank you so much for reading!