FicWad

Chapter Forty-Eight: Strange Calm:

Anna felt herself tremble. Tsuzuki put his hand on hers. She didn't look up at him.

"Thank you," she said.

"Yeah," he said. Anna tending to the baby gave her time to think. This wouldn't end, would it? There would only be one way to stop this madness.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Tsuzuki asked.

"Yes," she said. He knew not to press the issue further.

"I will go with you then," the shinigami said. "This is my case after all. Hisoka and I have to see this through."

"Fine," was all Anna said. Already, Tsuzuki didn't enjoy this plan. But he wants to end it too. The shinigami put his arm around her shoulders.

"Please be careful," he said.

"Yes," Anna said.

"Why are you telling us this?" Airi asked. "We aren't weak, you know?"

"Yes, yes," Tsuzuki said. "Which is why you have to be careful." Airi frowned to herself.

"Yeah, yeah," she said. "You have to be careful!" The husband grinned.

"You know I will," he said.

"Good," Airi said.

"Are you done?" Anna asked. Tsuzuki looked at her with a concerned look on his face.

"All right," he said. "Anything else you need?" Anna didn't respond. Tsuzuki shrugged.

"Okay then," he said. Both sat silent. Anna had a stony stoic look on her face.

They tried to stay normal in the morning. Tsuzuki went to work. He and Hisoka needed a plan. Anna did her daily work around the apartment. To her surprise, she felt so much calmer. No fear. No rage.

Anna closed her eyes and took a breath.

She cut off her phone this morning. Tsuzuki's idea really.

"You don't have to put up with her today," he said. "Just turn off your phone. I will contact you through email. Sound good?" Anna slowly nodded. He gave her a quick kiss.

"I'll see you tonight," Tsuzuki said.

"Take care," Anna said. She watched him walk out the door. Right now, she opened her eyes. It would be hours before the moment of truth. Might as well kill the time.

"Tell me you have something to fight this creature," Tsuzuki pleaded to Watari. The blonde scientist gave him a smile.

"Follow me," he said. Tsuzuki felt himself calm down as he followed his fists at his sides. Hisoka was already inside, waiting.

"Yo," Tsuzuki said. His partner said nothing. Watari walked over to a glass table and opened a long black box.

"Behold," he said. He opened the box. Tsuzuki came over for a look. His jaw dropped.

"Where did you get this?" he asked. Watari smiled and winked.

"I pulled some strings," he said. They looked at the long silver knife below. The handle screamed to be held. Tsuzuki reached forward to touch it but stopped.

"You sure this will work?" he asked.

"Yes," Watari said. "I had three spells cast on it. If this doesn't kill it, I can't help you there."

"I see," the older shinigami said. "Is it okay to touch?"

"Of course," the blonde scientist said.

"Thanks," Tsuzuki said. He picked up the blade and stuffed it in his coat.

"Do you have a plan?" Hisoka asked.

"Not yet," his partner said. "But I will think of something." Watari and Hisoka didn't look convinced.

Kiko was fading fast. She had been holding on to the best of her ability. But now…

Is this the end of me? I do not want this. But… /Wait. Who is that out there?/

Step. Step. Step. Drag.