Yes. Kazari. And there's that familiar twinge of instinct, the natural desire to peck his eyes out. I can't tell if it's the fact that he was designed after cats and I birds, or it's just the old hatreds between us.

It's not as strong anymore though, which I suppose is progress. Eiji will be pleased, at least.

I toss the dish towel down on a counter before I leave the kitchen proper. I'm probably a mess but it's just Kazari and Eiji out here, I'm not sure why I really care.

"The others are back, aren't they?" I ask, and I'm not sure why there's a note of dread in my voice. It's not like they're likely to be anything more than human, just like us. "Or at least one of them."