Chapter 10: What Lurks in Shadows

A purple portal briefly opened and laid Shigaraki as carefully as it could onto the hard wood floor of Kurogiri's bar.

"Oww…" He groaned out as he laid still, trying to collect his thoughts and anger. "They shot me… We were annihilated… Even Nomu was done for!" Shigaraki snarled out. "My men were beaten down like trash… Even those damn students were strong…."

The young and angry teen glared up at a monitor screen situated on the bar counter. "You were wrong, Master…. The Symbol of Peace wasn't weakened at all!"

A voice with the tone of authority spoke out. "No, I wasn't. I was simply too optimistic. Hmmm." The voice sounded as if it was giving thought to the outcome. "You know, it seems as though they have underestimated us. I'm glad the 'Villain Alliance' name is still so cheap. But more importantly…" It paused for a moment.

"What has become of the Nomu? Has it not been retrieved?"

Kurogiri stepped in with a sigh, "I'm afraid he was sent flying. And we don't know of his whereabouts. I would not be able to search for him no matter how many times I warped. We didn't have time."

"And what of your newest addition?"

"She retreated like a coward!" Shigaraki snarled as he glared down at the floor. "She's just some two-bit wannabe, that's all. Attacked my own men and disregarded our plan!"

"Hmmm, is this true, Kurogiri?"

Kurogiri nodded. "I'm afraid so. We last saw Makima trying to go after a few of the students for an unknown reason. From there on, we were too preoccupied trying to defeat All-Might to notice her gone. It is safe to say that she has either retreated, like young Tomura says, or she's been defeated by the heroes. It's hard to say which."

Shigaraki spat. "I hope she was beaten. We don't need a useless member like her around. But that reminds me…. She was after some kids and one of them…. There was one whose speed was like All-Might's…."

The voice on the monitor sounded intrigued. "Oh?"

"It was that kid…. If he hadn't interfered, we could've killed All-Might!"

"There's no use crying over spilt milk. After all, it's not as though today was entirely in vain. With the eyes of Musutafu glued closely on our missing friend's-controlled suicides, we have a slight veil on ourselves. It wouldn't be a surprise if she gets partial blame for what happened there. Besides, those children you speak of saw her, did they not?"

Shigaraki grunted his answer. "Yeah…."

"Then all's well ends well. We'll gather a new group that's hand-picked for efficient teamwork. We'll take all the time we need. And Kurogiri," The misty villain looked over to the monitor. "See to it that you and young Tomura here avoid our new friend's goals if she is still out there."

"But—" Shigaraki was about to protest.

"Do not worry, Young Tomura. This is merely a precaution. Besides, we will deal with her desertion on our operations later. Let her wreak havoc for now. We'll slither in the shadows until it is our time."

Shigaraki glared up at the monitor, hell-bent on exacting revenge on the world and those who have wronged him.

Toshinori was the first to wake up after finally his long overdue nap from enduring hell at USJ. He looked to his left to see young Midoriya resting peacefully. The weary hero let his protégé enjoy his rest as he reflected on the battle.

I feel so stupid…. If I hadn't pushed myself earlier, I could've prevented this.

Everything from the intrusion of the villains to allowing them to hurt Aizawa and Thirteen. All of that, Toshinori considered, was his fault for not being there.

His thoughts soon began swarming with guilt and regret as Toshinori thought of what-ifs, and it didn't help his consciousness. Toshinori closed his eyes, and he couldn't help but bring up an image of a somber looking woman with red hair. He tore that image away as his trust in her fell abysmally after their encounter.

His fists clenched against the sheets of his bed at his lap as he looked down. He still recalled how young Midoriya and Tsuyu had told him that she had laid a hand on the others, especially Aizawa… He'd hoped that she hadn't left permanent damage to him.

The quiet room of the infirmary and young Midoriya's snores were all that could be an answer to his questions.

He heard a quiet and tired old sigh from an old colleague of his. "Given the circumstances of what you and that young boy went through, I won't say anything."

Toshinori looked up to the ceiling and replied back. "Yeah… I was being reckless with my time limit. If I had just one more hour in me…" He slowly rose from his bed with shaky arms as they did their utmost at lifting him. "Well, there's nothing to do about it. I have to accept that this sort of thing happens."

The entrance doorway to the infirmary suddenly opened. "Pardon me."

A familiar and well-trusted face entered in with a polite smile. Toshinori couldn't have been more relieved. "Tsukauchi! You showed up, huh?" Toshinori waved away young Midoriya's concerns for his identity as the trusty Detective of Musutafu strode in, taking his signature hat off.

"Don't worry about it, Midoriya. He's one of my long-time old friends."

"Apologies for the sudden intrusion on your rest, but I had to get your testimony about the villains, especially—"

"Now hold on, before we get into any of that… Are all of the kids doing alright? And Aizawa and Thirteen?" He asked with a concerned tone. His conscious created the worst possible outcomes.

Tuskauchi said nothing for as solid moment and that terrified Toshinori.

And then, he spoke with that all too and friendly professional tone. "Apart from that boy next to you, most of the students are fine for the most part. They had a few scratches and bruises from the all-out brawl that went out between you and the swarming mob of thugs. And the two teachers are not in any life-threatening conditions. "

Toshinori's shoulders sagged with relief as he let out a sigh. "That's good to know. Thanks, Tsuakuchi."

"No problem, old friend. But, you know, if you and those two didn't hold down the line and fought so bravely… then it probably would've been a whole different story for the kids. You and I both know that." The Detective's slight warning in his eyes told Toshinori more than the man could even say.

"Reports like that aside, I really do need your testimony. Especially after hearing some disturbing correlations with a certain red-headed figure." Tsukauchi sat down on a rolling chair and scooched closer with his notepad – a serious look on his face that awaited any answers.

Toshinori noticed young Midoriya's hesitation and shiver of slight fear at the mention. Toshinori sighed. "Yeah, yeah… I'll tell you all of what I know about her. Midoriya, you'll have to answer some of Tsukauchi's questions too."

"R-right…" Midoriya said as he waited patiently.

Tsukauchi nodded to them "Good. We'll be here for a while."

His window was open, and he could hear the blaring traffic outside and the constant sound of cars, busses, and other busy bodies roaming the streets of downtown Musutafu.

Giran paced back and forth in his apartment safehouse as he wracked his brain at the remaining footage, which he snatched off what was left on Hanako's crippled corpse. He'd have to properly apologize to Lord Akiyama Hisanobu for the loss of one of his own.

Fuck, I wasn't expecting that shit…. The damn Chiyo family had to go and get involved in this.

That family hasn't been the most favored of the Yakuza families still scurrying around in Musutafu's underworld in his opinion. They were impatient and quick to temper when it came to problems that ruined their operations. It wasn't a surprise that Makima's actions would echo out and cause ripples that would disturb the sleeping beasts of a bygone criminal era.

Due to her random killings the Police Force have been scouring every nook and cranny for her. That extra attention on the shadows made a lot of the nocturnal crime-doers upset. So upset that they'd risk sneaking in a few of their men to try and whack her amidst Kurogiri and Shigaraki's attempt at killing All-Might They were desperate it seems. Although he'd hoped they'd have done her in by sheer numbers, he was proven wrong.

That brief footage of what he saw on Hanako's camera all but confirmed yet confused Giran even more: Makima was an anomaly of a person. She was far more dangerous than he thought. The god damn broad had more than one quirk it looked like. And he's the only one who knows about it…. Was it wise to keep it to himself? Should he tell someone and reveal her ace?

This was forbidden knowledge that could very well get him killed. Makima most likely keeps stuff like this under lock and key, and as it would seem, a precautionary measure to those who see her hidden powers by killing any who see her hidden card.

Right now, he didn't have to worry about her showing up on his front door as she's apparently working with Tsukauchi at the school. And yet… He still couldn't shake off the feeling off her creepy vibe. How in the hells did she pull of escaping and putting on her disguise in the midst of all that chaos? Did she have someone helping her that he doesn't know about? Another one of her hidden quirks? How many did she have?

Giran had too many questions and not enough answers to solve this riddle that is Makima.

"And you're certain that these villainous menaces will be put to justice?" A reporter's voice asked.

"Of course." The voice of the devil spoke on his box television as he reluctantly upped the volume to hear it better. "Rest assured, Detective Tsukauchi and I will find these villains and bring them to heel." Makima's eyes stared directly into the camera, as if taunting Giran himself. "It's only just a matter of time is all."

"And if I may be so bold, Detective, can you tell us—" Giran turned off the channel and threw the remote at the screen. His head fell downwards as he scratched his head.

Fuck…

He had to tighten his security – if that even mattered now – and to get some favors in… His eyes slowly drifted over to his old phonebook which had several dubious names in it. Some that he hadn't contacted in a while, and many of them who weren't especially on good terms with him anymore. Nevertheless, it wouldn't hurt to talk to them nor would it be frowned upon to ask for a truce.

Reluctantly, Giran picked up his flip phone and began dialing some numbers.

Cigarette smoke filled the air like oxygen itself – its fumes wafting towards the center of a large black and white marble table. Several groups of men and women dressed in varying outfits ranging from black suits; yukatas and kimonos; leather jackets and jeans; and even casual clothing sat collectively. They were all sitting in unison despite their differing attires and attitudes.

Their posture was immaculate, as if trained to do so for a long time, and their feet were tucked underneath them as they had folded their legs while sitting around a spacious traditional room fitted with straw matting and a somber wilted tree situated outside of the multipurpose room.

"You're certain that's her?" a gruff voice asked. "First time I'm seeing a really good photo of her." A photo got tossed around the table. "What makes this damn broad so dang special? Other than looking fine, I don't see anything worthwhile."

"That's what makes her special, Kazuma. You've not been impacted by her yet since you and your family are all the way over in the Kamino Ward. She's completely ordinary and goes under our radar here in Musutafu. It's like our old friend Giran said - she's a ghost we don't pay attention to, and if we continue to do that, it'll fester and become an irritating cancer. One that we can all agree cannot be allowed to spread to other parts of our territory." The voice scoffed. "I wasn't surprised that the Chiyo Family went ahead and tried to take care of this issue by themselves." The dignified elderly voice replied with a huff. "The fools."

At the forefront of the table was Kazuma Hisashi – The Golden Blade and head of the Hisashi family. He handled anything and everything related to narcotics in Kamino. He had slicked-back blonde hair and gaunt cheekbones. His pale and weathered skin spoke of someone who has been in the Yakuza business for a long time. A golden blade was sheathed and strapped to the back of his black and gold two-piece suit, and it was famous for taking the life of a Pro Hero back in Kazuma's prime.

"Is it important to bring us all here to your pompous estate? Jesus, ya old geezer, it's been twenty years since we had a gatherin' of this scale. This red-head surely can't be that serious."

"Tch. As expected of you to not think of something that could affect us long-term, Kaz." A younger and more haughty voice retorted.

On Kazuma's right was a tiny girl. She had black pigtails and wore a crop top and leather shorts. The upper half of her body was lathered in detailed tattoos and a blue kitsune marked in ink swirled its way across her neck and face. She was the leading member in all things related to cyber-trafficking and hacking. A young prodigy who was essential to the oncoming times, especially now more than ever with Pro Heroes and Villains slowly making the Yakuza wane away. If anyone had hope that the Yakuza could live on, then Asuka Oozoru – The Gadget Fox of Musutafu, was one of the few who kept them going in this day and age.

Kazuma shook his head at the brat, offering her a glare. "I'm just saying that we all got things to worry about ourselves, ya know?" The older man sighed when he saw the same haughty pout of Asuka when he realized she wasn't buying it. "You know I'm serious, brat; I've got a psychopath on the loose in my district slaughtering my boys and gals like nothing – leaving nothing without a trace 'cept their entrails."

"Sure, sure, Kaz. It's nothing a few good punches can't solve, I'm sure of it." A deeper and more masculine voice bumped in."

Seated right next to Asuka was a brute of a woman – The Steel Fists of Musutafu. She was often called Big Sis, and no one quite knew her name. What everyone did know was that she was the one who oversaw Musutafu's hidden fighting rings across the city. She was unparalleled in terms of fighting someone with her fists and, if one were to face her, then they would walk out with more than a concussion. Boxing tape was wrapped haphazardly around her knuckles and her forearms. Her mane of white hair flowed like a wildfire.

"Don't even start with me, muscles." He pointed a finger at her. "You wouldn't be saying shit like that if you'd seen what I seen. Whatever's been slaughtering my people won't be put down by punches or even fuckin' bullets." Kazuma placed his hands onto the marble table and earnestly looked at each of the Yakuza family heads. "I was sort of hoping that by coming to this meeting, I'd get somebody here to help me deal with it – preferably with military grade guns or explosives. This beast's got some fucked up quirk 'cause it shakes off whatever my boys throw at it."

"That, or you're just making more excuses to have extra firepower, huh?" Asuka butted in. "You've always been looking for more and more, Kaz. Wouldn't be surprised if this is some elaborate scheme to whisk away some of our goodies that we got from that convoy going to Tartarus a couple weeks back."

Kazuma's hand slammed onto the table – almost cracking it. "Listen here, ya little shit and listen well; I ain't playin' games. I've got a seven-foot-tall monstrosity jumpin' and runnin' around slicing and dicin' through my boys like nothin'. Shit doesn't help that it looks like a fuckin' demon straight outta hell."

The memory of it was still burned into Kazuma's head like it was yesterday; he was walking back to check on one of his warehouses where he'd stored a variety of narcotic contraband from a shipment originating from Cuba. The first thing that seemed off was that there was always someone posted at these warehouses to ensure no one went poking their noses in where they didn't belong.

When he'd arrived – the lights were off, and it looked as though someone massive had broken in – or rather… carved their way in. After walking around in the dark, he heard the distinct noises of squelching and slurping. He hurried to flip a breaker and get the lights back on and that's when he saw it….

A devilish looking creature that appeared more monster than human was caught feasting on the remains of his fallen men in the middle of the warehouse.

If there was ever a title given to the vilest person in the world - it belonged to the monster with the purest black skin he'd ever seen. Hellish yellow glowing eyes peered into his soul when he walked in on it slurping up the blood of a man's torso ripped in half. Infernal looking chainsaw blades sunk back into its face and arms before it looked at him – smiling with its needle-sharp teeth before taking the torso and jumping out of the ceiling of his warehouse.

Of course, nobody believes him about what he saw. There was no such thing as monsters. But Kazuma knew that thing wasn't human; no sane person would cannibalize another living human being and slurp out their innards like their body was a juice pack.

The dignified voice from earlier cleared their throat to change the subject of Kazuma's outburst and took his mind off that horrific memory.

Across from the three notable Yakuza heads was an old man with facial tattoos and wide-rimmed glasses. Akiyama Hisanobu – The Turtle of Musutafu. He was an old-timer who has long since resided in Musutafu's underworld. He had a black-lacquered cane that had an iron handle with his family crest on it. He was the overseer of both the Yakuza meetings and protection rings. A literal legend whom many of the Yakuza held with great respect. His neatly wrapped green and black kimono showed much of his appreciation for a bygone era. His wrinkles showed off how long he's been in this dark business.

"We will discuss your issue after this, Kazuma. And before you ask why I requested you to come all this way, I'll get to it in a moment, so be patient. Right now, we must talk about the matter I gathered you here for. We didn't come to this meeting to bicker with one another, isn't that right?" Akiyama's words commanded respect and the rest of the intruding conversations came to a halt.

He spoke with a calm tone. "We gathered here because Giran told us that this woman may be getting a bit too out of hand. Her rampant killings have been putting everyone in our beloved city on edge."

They all agreed. This Makima was bad for business and has been driving up more and more surveillance and trouble from both the Pro Heroes and the Police Force. There are more eyes in the sky nowadays. More patrols cover their dealing spots. More heroes sticking their noses where they didn't belong.

It was because of this Makima that they've been losing out on a ton of money and time. She had to learn her place if she wanted to operate in the underworld, that much was clear. She had to be taught a lesson either peacefully, or if necessary, forcefully.

A lot of the members of the table of the various Yakuza families laughed. They all collectively agreed that whomever this woman was, she was a rookie in the field, and it was up to them to show her what it meant to fuck with the Yakuza.

"Now, I sent one of Kazuma's up and coming pupils to gather information on this 'Makima' during her little stint with one of Giran's contacts recently."

"Ah, you mean the shit-show that was the USJ Attack?" Many whispers and jokes went around the room. "It's all over the news. Bunch of rookies who thought they could take down All-Might. Pft. What a joke." Kazuma said in a dismissive tone. "Ya gotta know when to pick your fights carefully, and whoever organized that – didn't understand that."

"My thoughts exactly. However, word is that we've lost young Hanako. I apologize for the loss, Kazuma. That is my mistake for allowing her to go onto that mission. I know she meant a lot to your family."

Kazuma scoffed. "I know. Proud little sapling that little shit was. What a waste to see her go out like that. And where's the fuckers who ruined it? The Chiyo Family. Where the fuck are they? You mentioned the shits earlier; they need to answer for their transgressions."

"Unfortunately, that is where I bring irritating news. Asuka – if you would."

The youngest of the Yakuza threw a gadget onto the marble table which quickly projected a hologram of the head of Chiyo Family. It was a younger and smug looking character that many of the families present weren't accustomed to. Many laughs, grunts of disapproval, and negative words were tossed around at the sight of the newest head of the Chiyo Family – Nagato Chiyo.

"The previous head – Suzuki Chiyo – who went under the name 'Suzuki Yorozawa' had died due to one of our target's 'suicides' alongside Nagato's cousin…. Eh…. What's his name…?" The young girl pondered before saying with a smile. "Oh, yeah! Some dumb reporter who gouged his eyes out with chopsticks. What a stupid way to die." Asuka let out a slight chuckle before clearing her throat. "Anyways, Nagato blames this 'Makima' gal for it and basically wants her head on a spike. He's gone completely radio-quiet on us and believes its his duty to kill her himself."

Kazuma rubbed his temples. "Jesus, and I'm guessing any leads he has on her whereabouts are kept close to his fuckin' chest?"

"Yep."

"Fuckin' hell. Alright, what do you need me to do?" Kazuma looked towards Akiyama. "Want us to collect together a hit-squad?"

The elder nodded with a grimace. "That is the plan and why I asked you to come along, however considering your issue with this… what do you call it?"

"A fuckin' monster, that's what it is. Plain and simple. I still got a few more of my boys with me – two of 'em at least who are good at hits. Though, I'll feel pretty on edge without em."

"Understandable; I'm sure Big Sis could lend you some of her best and sturdiest to replace a few of the men—"

"Few?" Kazuma barked out a laugh. "You've not been up to date on the news goin' on in Kamino have ya, old man? It's not just a few – it's a lot. I've lost at least twenty-four men so far tryna' deal with this batshit case of mine since it popped up a few weeks ago. All of them were in a similar manner – blood and guts spewed everywhere, and their innards sliced open with some kinda chainsaw or serrated blade."

"Point taken, Kazuma, but I need you calm. Will that be doable, Big Sis? Would be so kind as to aid our friend from Kamino?"

The muscular woman sighed and crossed her arms before picking out some earwax. "I guess… As long as he doesn't keep his panties in a twist about me and my own gettin' a share for the protection."

"Tch, 'course you're in it for the money, muscles."

Big Sis shrugged. "Hey, you're the one who needs backup, not me. It's just business after all."

Kazuma scoffed and pointed at Asuka. "And what about short-stack over there? Is she just twiddling her thumbs and flickin' her bean watchin' porno on her laptops while we work hard on the ground?"

"Fuck you, Kaz! I'm doing the most out of all of us! If it weren't for me, you'd be having several cops on your tail before you came here. Luckily for you, I know how to deal with their scrying little cameras. Besides, I'm the one that's going to be finding where this red-head's staying. So keep your stupid trap shut!"

"Fuck off, shortie."

"No, fuck you, Kaz!"

"Now, now, let's—"

"Don't butt in, muscles! I need to cuss this little shit out—"

A cane struck the ground – ceasing the commotion and bringing the anger to a halt.

"Now that you've all calmed down, we must discuss the plan on how to properly deal with this 'Control Killer'. I'd rather not have us all sacrifice ourselves trying to figure out how her quirk works, so let us all brainstorm some ideas. I want Kazuma's best and discreet to take her out. But… if possible…." His wrinkly old hands intertwined with each other as a glint shone in his eyes.

"Ah, fuck, you're not thinking what I think—"

"Subdue her and bring her back to here. Perhaps instead of lying six feet under in a coffin, she could persuaded to use that quirk for us instead. It'd make—"

"Hell to the damn no, ya old geezer. A fucked-up quirk like that should stay buried with her carcass in the deepest pits of hell, I say." Kazuma stood up and looked at Akiyama. "I should've known ya would want something like that. Quirks are what screwed us over in the first place. We'd lose all our honor using shit like that."

"And if it succeeds? We'd be feared again, Kazuma. Come on, you two. Surely you'd like a taste of the glory days." Akiyama's eyes went over to the two girls. "Does it not sound intoxicating? To be feared by both the Police Force and the Public?"

The two looked as though they were thinking it over, so too did the other minor families who looked at each other.

Kazuma decided it was best to change the subject. "And what of the Shie Hassaikai? Where's their old wrinkly fuck at? Ain't he supposed to be here to be making these types of decisions? You're not the only elder in this, ya know." Kazuma slammed a hand down onto the table. "Old fuck could have at least left a message."

"Hmph. Don't know, don't care." Asuka said with a pout as she considered Lord Akiyama's idea.

"I think they're undergoing a change in leadership. Something to do with the old man's successor – the one who's a real germ freak may take over, apparently." Big Sis said with a shake of her head. "Too scrawny in my opinion."

"So? Is he—"

"Nah, you wouldn't like him, Kaz. He's one of the newer-gen type of Yakuza. Too progressive for your 'refined' tastes, whatever those are."

"Oh, fuck off, muscles."

"Heh, sure, sure, you'd like to fuck off with something, wouldn't ya? Too bad you're past your prime. I'd give you one last ride if you weren't pale as a damn corpse."

Kazuma flipped off the muscular woman as he pushed away from the table. "Tch. Meeting adjourned, yeah? I'm already getting in a foul mood with these two youngsters you brought into this, Akiyama. I'll scrounge up my two best men, but if I get the chance – I'm icing the broad, ya hear? It's bad enough I got a man-eating psycho back home to deal with; I don't wanna worry about some bitch who could make me kill myself with a snap of her fingers."

The elderly yakuza sighed as he stood up, using his cane as support. "If you do; know that you'll make an enemy of me and everyone else here. That woman is becoming more valuable by the minute." His weary eyes spoke the truth as some of the more bloodthirsty members were already reaching for their weapons. It was a cramped room with too much darkness to see any of the other members who may be lurking in the shadows with a gun.

Kazuma narrowed his eyes at Akiyama. "You're going too deep into a weird ass pussy you don't want your wrinkly dick in."

Akiyama laughed as he approached Kazuma with a smug grin. "Perhaps I am, but you and I both know that this is the chance of a lifetime. Think on it. We'll be real Yakuza again with that kind of power. I've got plans to ensure she's captured. I just need your strong men to pin her down when she least expects it. That is all."

Kazuma barked out a sarcastic laugh. "Oh yeah? And what'll happen if I get controlled? I don't wanna go out like half of the people in our city are doing. Slitting their throats, jumping into busy traffic. I'd rather we kill her and be done with it. If we capture her – there's no telling what she'll do in the heart of our strongholds." He looked over to the hesitant family leaders in attendance as well.

Soon the various Yakuza heads began arguing about why they should or shouldn't kill the Control Killer. Kazuma was amid it all, berating Big Sis and Asuka about why they should change their minds.

A cane struck the ground, and it again silenced the room which began getting more quieter with each passing second. "Enough. We are here," Akiyama's wrinkled hand gestured to Asuka slapping away Kazuma's hand and setting up a larger hologram of their target. "To talk about this 'Makima'. Are we all in agreement to try and capture her? Or do you all wish to follow in Kazuma's idiotic plan of killing what could be our redemption?"

After seeing all their heads nod begrudgingly, he continued. "Good. Our chances are abysmal, yes. That much I know. We only have a few with somewhat useful gadgets and weapons in our families, and I know it must be difficult to try and pull those aces out. However," Akiyama made a pause. "Our goal isn't out of reach." His wrinkled smile got wider as he saw that he got their attention. Even the reluctant Kazuma who looked as though he was about to walk out the doors stopped to hear his words.

"I have an idea – one that requires the utmost patience and cooperation amongst all of you." Kazuma had never seen Akiyama smile so fervently before. It was as if the old geezer had won the lottery and he was ready to tell everyone how much he'd won.

AN: Our manipulative queen's making headlines for the criminal underworld and its inhabitants. They've noticed her and they're plotting something. We're seeing some new characters who may or may not be biting off more than they can chew with who they've set their sights on. And, as you can tell, a familiar someone is also lurking in the shadows~ I wonder who it is :)

Love all of your support and comments! Makes my day every darn time!

Until we see each other again!