Hatsu shook his head, offering a tired smile. "He knows how far I can go and that's how far he pushes me." The boy put a hand to his face and rubbed it. "Honestly, most of the reason I probably look like crap right now is because I haven't slept for a week. I'm about to pass out but at least that means I get a break from training tonight." Hatsu looked up at Ayl as he stood and patted him on the shoulder. That fatherly expression in his eyes was something Hatsu had never seen before. When he did have parents they were horrible, and the rest of the time he was on the streets. This short moment made him feel like he was actually cared about.<br/><br/>Hatsu nodded. "Yeah. I'll be careful. Thanks Ayl." As Ayl sat down to continue eating, Hatsu turned back briefly before walking away, "And it's definitely true. Because my demon used to be Vaan's."<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"You ready to train?"</span>Yami asked.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">It doesn't matter,</span>Hatsu thought back.<span style="font-style: italic">I'm not wasting the time I have. I can't look bad in front of my Senpai.</span>Hatsu noticed Hiei and Anaka hanging around on the first floor for some reason. He gave them a brief nod and continued on his way.<br/><br/>--------------<br/><br/>As Hiei recovered he measured his breathing, until it settled down to a normal rate. His heart was still pounding though and he felt like he was going to throw up at any moment.<span style="font-style: italic">Too many. That was way too many people.</span><br/><br/>Alastor sighed.<span style="font-style: italic">"Sometimes you really disappoint me, Hiei,"</span>he said.<span style="font-style: italic">"That's a big weakness. How come you never act like that around demons?"</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Because those demons will be dead soon,</span>Hiei answered.<span style="font-style: italic">It's easier to take when I know it'll be over soon.</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Honestly, how many times have I recommended killing humans to you?"</span>Alastor huffed.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">I already told you I'm not going to kill humans,</span>Hiei thought.<span style="font-style: italic">And if you must know why, it's because they're different from demons. If you kill one human a hundred more show up. Demons don't have a problem abandoning their cohorts.</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">I see,</span>Alastor thought to himself.<span style="font-style: italic">So that's his reasoning...</span><br/><br/>Hiei heard the sound of footsteps and looked up. Anaka came stomping up the stairs and nearly didn't see him. She did though, and turned to face him, standing with her arms crossed and a frown on her face. Hiei just looked at her quietly and she eventually gave a sigh. "Look, I'm gonna forgive you for ditching me this time. And I'm gonna be nice to you since you're going to help me find.. help me find my brother tomorrow." She seemed to take a moment to collect herself before continuing. "So since you're not going inside, tell me what you want and I'll bring it up for you."<br/><br/>Hiei almost smiled at that. It<span style="font-style: italic">was</span>nice of her. They saw Yami's new host, Hatsu, walk by, giving them a slight nod. Anaka nodded back and Hiei made eye contact briefly. Then he turned to give Anaka his order.