Hooray, this chapter has dialogue! Sorry if this chapter seems jumbled, towards the ending.

Chapter Eight

Later that day, I was still pondering the eternal bond. Perhaps the link would transform our relationship into what it had been in the past. The chance of forcing our friendship back together, is something I can and will encourage. If we can emphasize for each other, would it be insane to assume there might be a better understanding of one another? As I said before, a person simply grows to consider and love someone while spending time with them. Even if you're not being genuine when with them.

Your fake chuckles turn into joyous laughter. Your phony grins become adoring smiles. Kenny was just a job I had to finish, but my intentions changed a bit. I actually felt as if he was my friend; something I've never had. It may come as surprising, but Satan's son does not get out much for play. A lonely, distant kid I was. Not implying that I had a depressing childhood, oh no. I had fun times with father, spreading sins and disasters all over Earth where humans frolic. The point was, I never had someone to be with.

I do not find immortals attractive, of course my protege is different. What was so appealing about Kenny, was his lack of independence. I can remember when I had first introduced myself personally to him, in the alley. He had such needy eyes, grabbing hands and desperate voice. Kenny depended on me, I felt dominance and control over him. I was necessary in his pathetic life, a savior. He'd trail behind me, worry if I hadn't spoke in 2 minutes because he'd start to think I'd leave him. After a while, I felt responsible for him. Kenneth was just so fragile and sensitive; and I had broken that.

I could not think anymore, the said boy was staring indignantly at me; as if that was threatening. Currently, we were back in the training grounds. Kenny branded his Reaper's cloak and scythe. Strangely though, he didn't wear the lip ring.

Today we weren't venturing out onto Earth to pass over souls. Instead Lord Death thought it'd be best, if Kenny concentrated more on the vision of where a person will die. Lord had gave me a list of the future souls, so I'll know if the heir is correct. The Demi-Reapers will take care of passing them over.

Demi-Reapers are regular Reapers. Except Kenny will become the Grim Reaper. The Lord; the Top Reaper. Or in lamer terms, the boss.

"You're not paying attention." He seethed through gritted teeth. "What are you thinking about so hard, anyway?"

"Why aren't you wearing the piercing?" I inquired ignoring his question, cocking my head to the left. Kenny's reaction was defensive. He scorned, his eyes shown bitterness, and he pulled the hood over his head for I couldn't see his face.

"...The ring means nothing after what you've done, don't ya agree?"

"A ring," I breathed. "A ring is a circle. A circle goes on forever and ever."

I can picture Kenny rolling his eyes within the darkness of the hood. "You're describing a wedding wing, idiot. I'm talking about a damn lip-ring."

"A lip-ring that symbolizes our frie-"

"Used to symbolize."

"The matter is it once did."

"But now that's over."

"You must have thought about being friends again."

Kenny hesitated. "I've made my decision."

I cackled, "decision? I actually offered you a decision? I don't remember doing that." Wonderful, from his hesitation I can be safe to assume we're mutual on thinking about our friendship.

"Tch, I'm not the same as I was before." He turned his back to me, as if to demonstrate that. "Ahem, Tyler Harns age 37, departs in Minnesota on his bedroom floor from a gunshot to the head."

"Right." I sighed, checking the list. "Ken-"

"Flora Bells, age 15, departs in England by drowning." Kenneth interrupted me quickly. I saw how his fingers flexed while holding the scythe. The emotion of detecting dead souls was moving through him.

"Right. But-"

"Angela Martin, age 23 departs in-"

"You're not-"

"Wisconsin from a heart attack."

This is becoming a frustrating challenge. "Can we take a second from your training?"

"You're slowing me down!" Kenneth snapped, turning around towards me. "We're discussing the same shit over and over again! Just give up, I'll never be your friend again!"

"I'm the type of man who's persistent." I informed him calmly, used to his little outbursts. "I'll get what I want. And right now, I'd like to talk."

It seemed as if my protege was going to argue, then sighed. I couldn't help but quirk a brow surprised, confused on why he didn't yell back. But I couldn't think of that at the moment, I had to go through this carefully.

"Kenny," I began, "you do understand it was my job, right?"

"A job that you took great pleasure into accomplishing." He spatted.

"What less did you expect of me? I'm a demon."

"At the time you were my best friend." Kenny's voice cracked.

"And you were just a task." I countered.

"A task? Is that what you thought of me!"

"Now see," I folded my hands together. "If you don't care for me anymore, and things should stay in the past, why are you getting so upset about me considering you only as a task?"

"I..." He paused.

Of course he wouldn't know the answer. The answer is something he's not accepting. Why would he admit what he's suppressing?

"It's insulting to me."

"Still, why should it matter if you went on with your life? In fact, you were just a minor chore." I shut my eyes feeling his anger, pain and regret flood over me at once.

"Well you were just...just...!"

Naturally, he can't insult me like that. Because he knows just how much I meant to him in the past. I can do it since I have that ability and strength. All I have to do, is bring that weakness out of Kenny.

"Put your hands down, Kenneth." I whispered. "No need to fight anymore."

"Who the hell is fighting?" He growled, slashing the scythe in the air in a violent motion. His voice became sad as he said, "you know! You know!"

Indeed, I do know.

"Guider Thorn." That ghost appeared suddenly, giving me an analyzing gaze. She nodded at me. "Today's lesson is over."

"Right." I smiled at the heir. "I hope you learned something today."

He didn't answer me, but went away with the assistant.

Kenny was suppose to learn, that you can't run.