Hiei looked around at all the scared and uncertain faces around him. His own face, as usual, was blank, and once again he was baffled by people in general. "I don't get it," he said in a voice that was just barely audible.<br/><br/>Hatsu had sat for fear of his legs giving out. A lot was happening very fast and his face wore a similar expression to most of the others present. When Hiei spoke, something relatively out of the ordinary, the boy turned to look at him. "What do you mean?" Hatsu asked, his own voice quiet.<br/><br/>Hiei looked at Hatsu and was able to make eye contact briefly. "He was always Death, wasn't he? So why is everyone afraid just now?"<br/><br/>Hatsu blinked, his expression changing to one of surprise. He looked over to Death and had the oddest realization that he hadn't gotten to be officially trained by him yet. What an odd thought at a time like this. Without shifting his gaze, Hatsu asked, "Aren't you afraid?"<br/><br/>"Not really."<br/><br/>"Why not?"<br/><br/>Hiei paused. "... I don't know. But we can die anytime anyway, right? What's the point in being afraid of something no one can escape? It's not like being afraid will help you avoid it."<br/><br/>Hatsu stared at the short Hunter. This was probably the most he'd ever heard him talk, and he was surprised by what he had to say. Hatsu's face took on a more determined look and he stood up. "I don't know how the others feel," Hatsu said, "but I'm just about the only one who hasn't gotten a training session with you yet.. So I don't want you to leave just yet."<br/><br/>Azrael turned to Death. "I'll go wherever you go, my Lord," he said, ".. Or, wherever you wish me to go," he added.<br/><br/>---------------------<br/><br/>Vaan was locked deep in a state of unconsciousness. He had no idea what was going on around him and hardly even registered the feeling of being lifted into the air. By now, a slight membrane of skin had formed over the holes in his heart. At least blood wasn't launching out of him now, but the holes in his chest and back were still uncovered and leaking. They gave a clear, disturbing view inside of him and it was a wonder he wasn't dead yet. His breathing was still ragged though, and blood leaked from his mouth. So for all they knew, it could still just be a matter of time.