Two tiny coffins were floating around Bennia's shoulders when he arrived home. Identical to the same coffins that acted as wings and weapons for both Thanatos and himself.
She claimed that it was a sign that he did care about her. He told her plainly that he had no hand in her new… appendages? They couldn't have been but a foot long, and just two inches deep, small in nature just like the being they responded to.
Is it because of her link with Thanatos and myself? Makoto questioned himself as he studied the two coffins and the tiny chain that connected the two. "Do they do anything?"
"Yes, Death-sama! They have greatly increased my ability to control my flight path, and can act like rockets to boost my speed!" Bennia chirped happily, making the two tiny coffins spin around the girl in a circle with just a thought. The two coffins opened up and crimson light began to gather before dispersing in a very small pulse that washed over Makoto.
So they only act as physical boosters. Good to know. Makoto thought to himself, watching the two coffins flutter like wings before settling behind her back. "You might be able to use them to attack, as well."
Stars appeared in the Grim Reapers eyes before she began to bounce up and down while squealing in glee. "I have always wanted to beat someone with a coffin, this is like a dream come true!"
Her enthusiasm was almost contagious. Almost.
"Bennia."
"Yes, Death-sama?"
"How would you feel about becoming… a Bounty Hunter?" Makoto questioned delicately, unsure if the girl was willing to continue working in such a field after the experience she went through with Hades. "You do not have to if you are unwilling."
"I would be honored to be your Bounty Hunter, Death-sama!" The small girl cried out passionately, her scythe appearing in her hands before she clutched it tightly to her chest. "Give me the word, and I shall reap the souls of any and everyone that stands in your path! Your enemies are my enemies, and your lovers are MINE!"
"What?"
"N-Nothing, Death-sama, just got a little worked up is all!" The Grim Reaper tried to correct herself after a few awkward moments, causing Makoto to stare at her like she had lost her mind.
"I don't have a 'Lover'." Not anymore… Makoto didn't finish his sentence aloud, but the thought left a bittersweet taste lingering on the back of his tongue. It was best to not get wrapped up in his thoughts of the past, or the heartache he had felt for a few months now would only grow worse. He hid his feelings behind a mask of apathy, behind his dead eyes. Only Koneko seemed to see, or even cared to see, what lurked beneath the surface, and he made sure to keep her at an arms distance for it.
"Azazel stated he would be here around five or so." Makoto finally stated before grabbing his keys from the counter, "I will be back in an hour."
"Wait, Death-sama! May I come with you? Please?"
"You pranked an entire block of pedestrians two days ago when I brought you with me." Makoto stated with a frown, pausing on his way out of the door, "Have you decided you will behave yourself? Because the smell of rotten eggs doesn't just disappear like you think."
"I promise!" Bennia was practically begging at this point, sitting on her knees with her hands held together in front of her face and all. He grit his teeth and did his best to stay mad at the girl. He really did.
"Come on, you need a house key."
Her smile could have lit up the night sky.
Makoto found himself sitting with Azazel in a local diner, watching in morbid fascination as the man devoured everything on the table with no finesse. He had to move his head out of the way of moving splatters of ketchup and egg every so often.
The bastard even stole a strip of bacon from his plate when he wasn't looking. Maybe he SHOULD have gone to Sirzechs instead.
"So what did you want, Kid?" Azazel finally asked after polishing his last bowl of soup, letting out a loud belch when he was finished. Makoto fought the urge to curl his lip up in distaste and leaned forward a bit so Azazel could hear him better.
"Are there any bounties or things of that nature that you need taken care of?" Makoto questioned with his face set in a mask of firmness, "I seem to have need for more money than I currently have, and my normal methods of acquiring funds are beyond me at the moment."
"Boy oh boy, do I ever!" Azazel boisterously exclaimed, "You remember that man you asked me about the other night? Well, I happen to want him brought back to me, alive, and I am willing to pay handsomely to have it done."
Makoto nodded and leaned back before raising his right hand with his two forefingers raised. The waitress overseeing their table nodded and quickly moved to get him the check for the table. Considering it was an "Americana" diner, she would be making a generous tip like he heard the Americans did.
Ten percent of the total price was still going to break his back, but if Azazel kept his word, Makoto felt it would be a much needed investment. The two men departed the diner and began to make a few rounds around Kuoh while they continued to iron out the details of their agreement.
The smile that was present on Makoto's face when he got home was almost enough to make Bennia feel uncomfortable.
"You don't look dead inside today." Koneko was as stoic as ever. And as greedy.
She had shown up at his home early that morning and practically dragged him out of his apartment by the arm, silently demanding that he spend more time with her than just buying her sweets and leaving. He was waiting for word back from Bennia and the Reapers, who left in the middle of the previous night to begin the hunt for Kokabiel and his Cadre now that it was confirmed he was a traitor to the Grigori.
"I feel dead, though," Makoto murmured as he watched the cat eared Devil polish off another small chocolate bar while they walked through the town, "You are eating me out of wallet and home."
"Wah, wah."
Had she been anyone else, he would have left them standing alone in the middle of the street for mocking him. Koneko, however, seemed to have a sense of humor that was as dry as his.
That, and she had linked arms with him to prevent him from getting away. Clever girl. It was only fifteen or so minutes later that he felt his phone vibrating. Pulling out the communication device, he was pleased to see a text from Bennia already.
We have contact. Surrounding main target. Two got away.
Makoto turned to Koneko and tapped her on the shoulder, getting her attention. "I need to go. Sorry, but this is important."
Koneko nodded her head before doing something that shocked Makoto greatly.
She hugged him and then walked away with a light skip in her step.
He was left standing in the middle of the road with his eyes slightly widened, staring at nothing in particular. He was snapped out of his daze when he felt a pull on his energy through his link with Thanatos and the Reapers. Walking into an alley not far from his position, Makoto allowed himself to meld into the shadows and disappear from the city of Kuoh.