I knew things were going too well. There's always a price to pay for peace and happiness. Tella had returned finally, and the campus's morale had been boosted by her arrival. Maevyn was her passive self, yet learning bit by bit how to get along with everyone. V's health seemed to improve miraculously, and other students I knew were doing well... too well. I was getting paranoid, and rightfully so. I had the feeling something would go wrong to collapse this now happy world in which I existed. However, the trouble came from a place I didn't expect it. I was expecting the Organization or the Black Market to rear their ugly heads again.. or Overkill.

I didn't think about the fact that Takashi had left for Japan just a few days after his return from the same place. He was adamant that he get there. He said he had to speak to Akira on a matter that could not be discussed on the phone. He promised he would come back; he always kept his promises to me. We were one in mind and body. One flesh, one being... as married couples should be. I never thought something could ever happen to Takashi that he didn't let happen himself. Towering at almost eight feet and with the strength and endurance of a dozen men, I never thought to consider Takashi might ever fail in anything he attempted.

It was after my exercises one normal day that I returned to my office to find Yutaka and another man whom I did not know. Yutaka was one of Takashi's Yakuza clan. Why these two would be there, I had no idea. I didn't even feel the intuition I usually do when things were about to go wrong. Perhaps I didn't.. because I didn't want to think anything could ever happen in Japan. I looked from Yutaka to the unknown and back again before I spoke.

^Have a seat, gentlemen. I'm assuming Takashi wanted you to tell me something. Coffee?^ My words were like knives in their hearts now that I look back upon it, but at the time, I didn't know why. Yutaka bowed respectfully as well as the other man, and then looked up toward me with eyes that seemed so full of sorrow.

^Miya-sama.. I do not know how to tell you this. I thought the whole flight to America, and still I have not been bestowed with that knowledge. We have come here to tell you that.. Takashi- sama.. He fought bravely and with honor. But... he did not survive.^

The shattering sound of glass as the coffee pot fell to the floor seemed to be so very far away. It was as if time had slowed to a crawl and my heart sank.. my guts twisted within. Something like that could not happen. I wouldn't believe it. I vigorously shook my head. ^You... You must.. be mistaken.. Takashi cannot... he...^

^We are regretful to bring you such sorrowful news, Miya-sama,^ The unknown man interjected. ^But we speak the truth. We grieve at his loss. He was a very honorable man among the Yakuza.^

^No...^ My heart was ripping apart inside.. I couldn't see straight.. I couldn't speak correctly. My mind was numb, and my hands trembled.. I fell to my knees.. Straight upon the shattered glass of the coffee pot, but I didn't care about the cuts and scratches my knees and calves received.

^Miya-sama^

^How...?^ My voice was a trembling and faltering sound. I still didn't believe it. I couldn't believe it. Not Takashi. Never Takashi. No threat could kill him. None.

^Miya-sama, I really do not think you want to hear that right now..^ The unknown man stated.. But was soon after interrupted by Yutaka.

^Miya-sama, there was an assassin sent by Takashi's enemies...^

^Urameshi...^ My voice was harsh then.. Almost a growl. My sudden sorrow quickly turning to vehement anger in the pit of my very being.

^We think so.. Yes.. The assassin had targeted Akira first. Akira found it difficult to defeat him and called for Takashi's assistance.^ Yutaka's eyes showed his sorrow.. Then he continued.. ^Takashi did defeat the assassin.. But at a great cost..^

I clenched my eyes tightly shut. Letting my anger grow not only to encompass the Urameshi, but Akira and the Yakuza as well. They called for him, and now he's gone. ^Get out...^ I almost barely am audible.

^Miya-sama?^

^Get out! Go home! Leave me!^ I shouted.. They responded quickly.. Fast enough that the coffee cup that went crashing into the wall did not connect with one of their brains. Suddenly, the office was dreadfully silent.. Me huddled in the corner on the floor with bleeding scratches, and no one else. I let out one sob of painful grief before the room returned to its silence.