The last thing Hatsu saw was Death snapping, then everything went dark. He blinked a few times and rubbed his eyes with his hands, but it was no use. It was like the world had vanished around him, or him from it, and for a moment he was frightened. Then Death started talking and everything made sense.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"I'll assume you've been spending more of your time harnessing your powers than using them in practical application.. That changes now. In addition, as you may have already 'observed,' you will be dueling me blind. Don't worry. I'll make sure you don't die."</span><br/><br/>The last part was spoken mere inches from his ear, and he felt a shiver travel up his spine. The words were a bit reassuring, at least. If Death himself promised you wouldn't die you could be pretty sure it was true. Hatsu certainly could have responded, in fact he already knew how he would've, but instead he stayed silent. He stayed standing still, worried he'd lose his balance due to his lack of sight, and listening closely to where Death seemed to be. He was right there, inches behind (or perhaps beside) him. How would he attack?<span style="font-style: italic">Would</span>he attack? The suspense was killing him, but if he just stood there, he'd be a sitting duck.<br/><br/>That notion was absolutely correct. In what seemed like a split second, the boy felt something crack against the left side of his neck. It hurt almost as much as it surprised him, and Hatsu was sure his vision would have blackened if it wasn't already. He made an involuntary choking noise and collapsed to the ground.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"You don't have time to spend recovering,"</span>Yami warned.<span style="font-style: italic">"He may be about to attack you again."</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">R-right!</span>Hatsu responded, pulling himself up onto one knee and scanning his surroundings with his ears. Where was Death now?<br/><br/>----------------------<br/><br/>Due to his demon's persuasion, Hiei had gone out to observe the other hunters for a bit. He had come to a rather tall nearby rooftop and was now searching for others with his third eye. Down by the hideout, or perhaps he should start calling it the old hideout, it looked like the boy Hatsu and Death were dueling. "I wonder if that kid has any idea what he's doing," the Hunter muttered.<br/><br/>All the other Hunters were scattered about all over the place, they were carrying various items and looked to be in something of a hurry.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"See? I told you; they're relocating,"</span>Alastor said confidently.<br/><br/>"It does look like it," Hiei admitted.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"So...?"</span><br/><br/>"So I may as well find out where they're going," the Hunter sighed submissively.<br/><br/>----------------------<br/><br/><span style="color: gray"><span style="font-style: italic">"You did a good job,"</span></span>the voice said. It was blurry and hard to make out, but some part deep in Vaan's subconscious could still hear it.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">What do you mean?</span>he asked the voice.<span style="font-style: italic">I lost, didn't I?</span><br/><br/><span style="color: gray"><span style="font-style: italic">"Yes,"</span></span>the voice said,<span style="color: gray"><span style="font-style: italic">"and you nearly died in the process."</span></span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">So how is that a good job?</span><br/><br/>The voice gave a pause before continuing dangerously.<span style="color: gray"><span style="font-style: italic">"In the beginning,"</span></span>it started,<span style="color: gray"><span style="font-style: italic">"I didn't intend to give you a choice in the matter. I needed a compatible host in order to accomplish what I wanted to, and you came the closest. But now, I'm about to push you very hard, and you may die. I'm going to show you something that will make us about as compatible as a human and demon can become; the truth about chaos and destruction. You're nearly dead right now, which is the only reason I'll be able to show you such things, but on the other hand, if you can't handle it we will lose all compatibility. I will no longer be able to aid in healing you and you will die. On the other hand, if you survive and are able to grasp what I show you I will be able to grant you MUCH more power. So tell me, are you ready Vaan? It will change you forever."</span></span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">. . . Show me.</span><br/><br/>He probably wasn't even aware of the feeling of his body being dragged around through a skyscraper.