Asuka's Apartment: Rendering Assistance.

Aiko and Sozen stop, looking back at Sylas, who is now joined by Dowan in a hug. "T-That's.....what do we say to him? What do we do?"

They reach the top of the stairs and Aiko turns around to watch them. "I...I want to help him, but....you're right. He needs time."

Naga approaches asuka looking confused " might I inquire as to wether I've missed something?"

Naga simply keeps pace solemnly not saying a word

Aiko and Sozen follow close behind her. Aiko come up close to her, whispering to her. "Are you sure there's nothing we can do?"

Aiko nods sadly, continuing to follow her. After several minutes she sighs sadly. "Dammit! He needs our help and we can't even think of how to do that!"

Naga finally decides to speak " asuka I have been assigned to your team of death scythes by lord death."

Aiko sniffles lightly. "I'd offer to heal him, but....Doing it again would either kill me or leave me comatose...."

Naga leaves well enough alone despite the fact he would normally be offended [ she's clearly dealing with other things right now]

Sozen finally speaks, his voice full of emotion. "Can you hear it? His soul....it's weeping..."

Aiko rests a hand on her shoulder. "This isn't your fault, Asuka..."

" I know this is hardly the time, but could someone fill me in on what's happened?"

Aiko steps in front of her and shakes her by the shoulders. She slaps her, hard. "Asuka!. It isn't. Your. Fault."

Aiko scowls, readying a punch. "Asuka, you have til the count of 10. I won't hold back."

Aiko falters slightly. "T-Ten......Nine......E-Eight...."