Death listened and watched as the group conversed, deciding what to do after this new occurrence. Eventually, they all replied, voting for him to stay. A few of the rookies he was training looked unsure, but the majority of them were in agreement.<br/>"Hm." Death shook his head, ignoring the introduction to Atma's team. His expression remained rather sullen as he began speaking. "You're all too eager to make decisions. Still, I respect your desire to stand on your own feet and fight." His eyes shut for a moment, and it was clear he was contemplating something.<br/><br/>"...Very well. Both myself and Azrael will stay, and I will remain your teacher." He pushed off of his scythe, grasping it on each end with a hand. Omen split into two again, and Ayl spun them around before hooking the handles onto his belt, their blades pointing backward. "I do hope you realize the repercussions of having Death as a mentor," he added, a smirk crossing his lips.<br/><br/>-------------------------------------<br/><br/>The crows flew as quickly as they could, though their pace was slowed by the weight of two beings riding on top. Still, it was faster than walking, and within the hour the entrance to the tower was within sight.<br/>Merle spent the majority of the time seething with anger and frustration, unable to do anything but watch as Vaan bled. The tears in her eyes had long since stopped flowing, and now her fists were clenched tight as she sat there uselessly.<br/><br/>As they came nearer to the tower, the crows swooped in closer to the ground. Merle jumped off, landing softly on the ground, and started walking by their side. Remaining silent for this long was unusual for her, but she had nothing to say; more importantly, noone to talk to. As far as she could tell, Vaan was still alive.. but his state seemed like that could change at any given moment. The only thing on her mind was getting him back into the tower where he could rest, and, with any luck, recover; and she would stay with him until that happened.