After leaving the portal, Sam was the first to speak directly to Death.<br/><span style="font-style: italic">"There's not really anywhere for us to move undetected, save for as a group under a cloaking shield. What can we do to make sure we don't attract the Reverend's attention?"</span><br/>"You can stay inside the barrier," he responded instantly and with a hint of harshness, not shifting his gaze from the battle that was going on near the tower. It was difficult to see anything specific in the battle at this distance, but once Lucifer decided to show his true form, the noise coupled with the shaking earth would be enough to alert anyone still in the city's limits. It was then that the fight ended, and Death shook his head and sighed. The reactions from the Hunters nearby weren't entirely unexpected, but he himself had known for some time what they were up against. The shock of their city being wiped clean coupled with this new event would likely be worrisome to most, if not all, of them.<br/><br/>It wasn't much longer before Hatsu spoke to Death, asking him of specifics for his portals. Death glared at the boy for a moment before responding. "Have you forgotten what my position is? I'm the Reaper of Souls, Hatsu; I can be anywhere at any time, with nothing more than the flick of my wrist. My portals can lead wherever I choose, if I have the energy to support them. Suffice it to say that, at the moment, I do not; but the idea isn't without merit. I will speak further with Azrael on the matter once we return. The rest of you may return to the Void when you so choose, I will stay behind until the task is completed."<br/><br/>-----------------------------------------------<br/><br/>As Vaan slept, Merle watched him carefully, his head resting on her lap. She remained almost statue-still the entire time, save for the hand that was gently caressing his forehead, moving the hair out of his eyes as he tossed and turned. At some point, Coronis found its way to them, and perched itself atop a nearby tree, content to merely watch the area. Merle had all but forgotten about the deep gashes on her face, which were still leaking blood at an alarming rate, but she remained focused on Vaan, concern etched in her face at the motions he made. It was obvious to her that<span style="font-style: italic">something</span>was going on, but what it could be, she had no idea.<br/><br/>It felt like an eternity, but when his eyes finally opened, her face lit up in a smile as relief washed over her.<br/>"Vaan, I'm so glad y- Ahh!" It was then that her attention was drawn back to the cuts on her face, interrupting the moment with the feeling of agony. She instinctually hunched forward in response as her stained hand moved to her cheek, and she could feel the blood still running freely from her wounds.<br/>"I don't understand," she spoke through uneven breaths of air, trying to ignore the burning pain. "It should have stopped bleeding by now.."