Important: Chapters 55 and 56 were redone. Chapter 57 won't make sense without reading them again.

57. They part ways shortly after the coin's discovery, though with great reluctance on Shizuo's part. She assures him over and over that she's okay, and that his job is important. She promises to keep him updated on Kururi's condition, as well as what she turns up about the coin. "Go." She says, forcing a smiling. "I'll be fine."

So he went, and a short walk, a bus ride, and a slightly longer walk later, she finds herself back in her Shinjuku apartment and is quite surprised to find Izaya sitting behind his desk, clicking away at his computer.

"I'm certainly surprised to see you here." She remarks, depositing her bag onto the black suede sofa.

"Believe it or not, I do live here, Mai." When she narrows her eyes, the info broker glances up. "Mairu is keeping me up to date with our sister. And I am investigating this stabber."

"Ah." Mai nods. "Thank you for tipping me off about Yadogiri through Shizuo."

Her roommate doesn't answer. What? Mai wonders. No quips or snarky comebacks? This incident must have him more on edge than usual. Perhaps he wasn't expecting the backhanded attack on his sisters. Hadn't Yadogiri, after all, already come after Izaya? Less than a month back? A similar stabbing? Why else would he come after his family unless he wanted to send a message. To warn his rivals with interfering.

"This isn't over, is it." She says.

"I feel anyone connected with me can expect to come into some violence in the near future."

Mai's throat tightens. She's perfectly capable of defending herself, thanks to techniques she's learned from Lin, memories from restless spirits, and simple moments where she's had no choice but to fight back. She can hold her own against common thugs and low-ranking mafia. But on the whole, she's a pretty amateur combatant compared to people like Celty, Shizuo, and the other big names of 'Bukuro. Someone who overwhelmed the twins is surely someone who will obliterate her.

"I suggest you keep close to Shizu-chan, Mai."

She says nothing and turns to head down the corridor to her room.

"Oh, and Mai-chan." Izaya's solemn voice follows her. "About Kururi..."

Mai pauses, heart stopping.

-0-0-0-

Author's Notes: Sorta back. Haven't lost interest, just had trouble deciding where to go and how to write it.

Ghost Hunt is owned by Fuyumi Ono and Shiho Inada.

Durarara! is owned by Ryohgo Narita, Suzuhito Yasuda, and Akiyo Satorigi.