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"Almost done." Bulma replied, handing Pixel what she had so far.
Ainsu nodded, "The ship's systems should be connected to the library on Tarnbsei itself... just don't go erasing things, please."

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Kaguyo studied him for a while, deep in thought. "Not really." she decided after a while, being honest. "But what little you do have is worth preserving, isn't it?"
She took a few steps towards him, helping to straighten the collar. "You know I could've helped... You did claim me in a way after all." she sighed. "I'm here, aren't I?... I suppose I was a bit harsh towards you."
It appeared that she mildly enjoyed their close proximity, looking up at him. "If there's anything I can do, Aled-kun, to make up for myself... for my quick judgement of... of those two, and what they did to you... at least until I can confront Po-ar..."
She seemed earnest enough. Kaguyo was generally pretty easy to read. If she hated him, he would know by now.

Kazuhiko laughed as he pounced it, holding it up to his father. "LOOK!" he declared, beaming. "Caught it!"

Kaguyo sighed deeply, apparently a little bit hurt by his words and how he was treating her. "I'm trying to be nice, Aled." she reminded him, "I know I've wronged you... I'm just trying to remind you that you are more than what they make you." she spoke softly, eyes meeting with his. "And no, I wouldn't be happy when they're gone..." she admitted honestly, "But I've lived without them for a decade, Aled... That seemed like a lifetime in and of itself. I hate the Korreds whether they're our allies or enemies or whatever the hell, they're deceptive, and I've never been one for deception unless it's warranted. So... unless you likewise consider me your enemy, Aled, and no longer your wife..."
She sighed again, her hands moving from his collar to his chest. "Honestly... you speak to me as if I was the same as them---why would I be so jealous, then, hmm?" she asked him critically, shaking her head. "Hardly rational thinking, Aled."

Kazuhiko nodded. "How many more do we have to find Otousan?"

Kaguyo smiled. "A week." she teased him affectionately, nuzzling his hand. "I'll stay as long as you don't betray me, Aled." she answered truthfully, one hand moving to his. "I've missed you... Strange to say it, I've missed you. Do you know why I almost killed you, save that Fir whisked you away out of reach?" she smiled. "Why else but jealousy, Aled-kun, hmm? It's my weakness... we both know this as well as the other. You prove to me that I'm worth it to you, and I'll stay."

Kazuhiko frowned. "Well, at home, three's a sacred number, so is seven." he smiled suddenly. "So....We can count those two out right?" he jested with him, before his sharp eye caught another one. "OH! OH! THERE!"
And off he dove, trying to snatch the third fragment. It seemed that with every piece they caught, the others were getting more skiddish and wily, rapid and hard to catch.

"If only...?" Kazuhiko asked, frowning. "That's only counting the times we've killed him, not the times his soul's been recycled, right?"

Kaguyo thought carefully---she was also tired of fighting, it was written all over her. "I'm not sure." she answered truthfully, "But it has to come from you, not me." she answered. "You look tense, dear..."
She reached one hand up to rub his shoulder, sighing. If he looked tense, Kaguyo was doubly so---she couldn't recall the last time she had her back rubbed.
"It's good to see you smiling at me instead of swearing my death." she admitted quietly. "I'm rather grateful for that. And you did spare the Earth for me... I am doubly grateful for that."

"Perhaps," Kaguyo suggested, biting her lip, "I could join you?" she offered. "Show you that I have nothing to hide... that I am still comfortable around you... Besides, it would be nice to be held by someone who actually cares for you, wouldn't you think?" she asked, squeezing his hand. "We both could relax..."

Kazuhiko nodded. "Well, you can ask too, but you wouldn't understand her." he smiled. "Alright. I'll ask. Excuse me, Great Mother!" he waved his hands.
The souls suddenly glowed green as if to respond.
"Yes, I know you're busy, but this is to make sure you're healthy, remember?" he placed his hands on his hips, shaking his head before wagging a finger. "We can't have this getting infected. I need to know, Ma'am---How many of Aled IS there in you??? How many times did he split up in you? We found three... Are there more?"
The boy was silent for a moment as if to listen to the green glow. When he turned to his father, he didn't look very happy.
"I don't know how to tell you this, but we still have ten more to go." he stated bluntly. "I'm starting to get a bit tired as is... so we better hurry. Thirteen isn't necessarily my favorite number, either."

"Yep," Pixel said shortly, "Keep those conversions coming Bulma. So far, we're doing great."

"Then I would be honored if you would join me." Aled replied with a nod. "Forgive my sudden shyness... though I suppose it can hardly be expected."
He released Kaguyo, moving toward the bath and turning on the warm water.
"I think this may do us both a lot of good."

~ ~ ~

Po-ar followed once more, opening his portal. "And how will I open it if I don't follow?" the Ouji asked with a smile. "Come on, Kazu-kun... with the both of us, we should be able to find them faster than with just you alone."

~ ~ ~

Another ten minutes passed and Bulma finally handed Pixel the rest of the list. Ainsu looked over it, nodding.
"Looks right... as far as I can tell." he said, sadly not knowing the full Japanese character list.

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