Death's Return

Apologies part 1

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While everyone had been welcoming, she knew they were just covering up what they were really feeling deep down. 

It was 6 months with no news after all.

While it may be a blessing in disguise that she chose not to get close with the crew the first time, there were particular individuals that she was on 'friendly' terms with that she will have to make amends with.

She would have to start all over with the crew, as well as the new faces, earning their forgiveness and prove that she was someone who can watch out for their backs.

Not their trust though. 

Once broken, it can never be fully repaired and Shiki knows that.

She would only hope that she could fix whatever remaining trust Law had in her was repairable, even now that she would be under his watch.

With that last thought in mind, Shiki snuggled closer to the cat in her arms.

Another relationship she would have to earn forgiveness from, even if she was currently cradling him in her arms.

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When she woke up from her nap, she noticed the time and that lunch would have been served a while ago and that the others would be at work, sitting up as comb through her hair to get rid of any knots and flatten down any hair that was sticking out, Shiki scooped out an also awake cat in her arms with a yawn.

Giving herself a moment, she rubbed out the remaining sleep in her eyes and got out of bed, strapping back her heels on with one hand before leaving the room.

She had some people to talk to and she wanted to finish most of the talk before dinner. 

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Walking down the halls with Captain cradled in her arms. Shiki stared at the black cat in her arms, contemplating the creature as she slightly see-sawed him.

Captain really had gotten heavy.

As if hearing her thoughts, the cat in her arms 'meowed' at her, his tail whipping back and as he looked up at her with a deadpanned stare.

She stopped in the middle of the hallway and stared back with a blank face, "... Sorry..." she mumbled, bringing him closer to her face and gave a small nuzzle on top of his soft head, receiving a purr from the small body of heat in her arms.

When she felt that things were fine, she continued walking towards her destination, and once she stood in front of the huge metal door, she knocked on the door before pushing it opened.

Peeking inside the room, she found Bepo and Jambarl hovering over a map and discussing their current path they were on.

"Is this a bad time?" she asked.

"Shiki-chan!" Bepo's ears twitched, both navigators straightening up, "Is there something you need?"

Shiki blinked, not really sure if she should come back later until she saw the small giant behind the bear gesture her to come in. Straightening up, Shiki slipped into the room.

"What can we do for you?" Jambarl asked, eyeing her with a tilt of his head.

"I just wanted to apologise if I caused any trouble because of my sudden disappearance."

At the mention of her disappearance, Bepo's head drooped down, making Shiki bit lip, the corners of her lips dropping down.

She moved closer to the bear, placing a hand on his orange covered arm for comfort.