They were close to the temple already, but the grey-clad man stopped before ascending its stairs. The temple was white with a red roof and a lot of golden statues and decorations all around. Both of them gazed at it, not for the value, but the exquisite craftsmanship. Noix was proud of the builders, while Label was just thinking what a huge amount of work must have gone into it.

"You want me to share?" Label turned to Noix, "I’m… afraid. There, I said it."

"Of what?" the man was genuinely surprised.

"…Anciel."

"Nervous? Anxious? Or is it something else?"

"I feel like our connection was lost somewhere in the last ten years. Also, the difference in our power. We were equal. Now he’s years ahead of me…"

"Would you mind if I’m blunt for a moment?" Noix put a hand on his chin, eyeing his friend.

"No, of course not. I understand blunt better."

"Thought so. Tell me Label; was your friendship built in shallow waters? If it was, then losing it is nothing to cry about. But I believe yours was a true friendship if I ever saw one.
You are more like brothers, rather than friends. Ten years? Bah!" he waved his hand and shook his head, "As for the difference in power; do you think less of me or I of you because of our difference?"

"I know, but that’s different… I also saw him as a rival. You must understand, he’s the only one like me out there."

"True. And that’s why you shouldn’t be afraid. You are also the only one out there for him," he put a hand on the man’s shoulder, "If anything, he was hurting more than you, having to wait and hope, not knowing if you’ll ever wake up."

Label stood there for a moment, but then he finally managed a smile.

"You’re absolutely right. Thanks, Noix."

"Anytime."

They ascended the large white stairs on which top stood two young men dressed in decorated kimonos.

"Welcome Master Label. Master Anciel is expecting you," one of them said as they bowed to the blond man.

"Hi. You should really drop the title. I’m not a master of anything."

"Master Anciel has told us you are proficient in all cosmic states. To us, who are limited to one and are still learning it, you are a master indeed," the guard replied opening the large gate with nothing but a gesture of his hand.

"Maybe so, but I’m really not that good. You can call me what you like, but I’d prefer if you’d just stick to ‘Label’."

"As you wish," they were going to bow, but he stopped them.

"And no constant bowing either…"

The two looked at each other, a bit confused, but did as he asked.

"This way…Label."

The inside of the temple was even more breathtaking than the outside. Everything was made of wood and paper, unlike the whole of Para City which preferred colder materials like metal.
A little bit after the entrance, everyone took off their shoes so Label followed suit. The floor was warm and it was actually a joy to walk over the beautiful polished wood in socks.
They encountered a few pupils along the way. Regardless of their gender, the younger ones looked excited, peeking behind corners and moving out of the way nervously, while the older ones deeply bowed as the two men were being escorted through the halls.
It made Label feel quite embarrassed. He was used to all kinds of negative attention, being a little rascal most of his life, but he didn’t know how to deal with this kind of renown.
He kept one hand on his nape, bowing slightly to whoever bowed to him.

"Being this popular is surely going to make it easier with the ladies, eh?" the blue-clad man nudged him with an elbow.

"Noix!"

"Calm down, I’m just trying to help you relax a bit."

"Well, you’re not helping! Besides… There’s already someone I like…" he looked to the side.

"Already? I am amazed… Is it Miss Mai?"

"Like I’d tell you."

"Lalane?"

"One more word…" Label was getting flustered.

"Oh I must have hit a nerve, to get you so riled up," the professor now walked proudly, while his companion was trying to loosen up his necktie, feeling hot under the collar, probably due to the sun coming in through the numerous windows.
They stopped before a sliding door, waiting for their escort to open them. The central chamber was large and packed with special training equipment.
Label noticed immediately that the chamber was divided into parts, meant for training in different cosmic states. Like the first one next to them, with all the different elements displayed in glass cubes, or the one opposite of them where different-sized weights with no handles were being lifted and all kinds of materials kept in little jars.

"Anciel went to great lengths to provide sufficient training to all kinds of nomads here," Noix said what Label was thinking.

"Yeah, it’s really something. I wish we had that in my village. Instead, I had to hide the fact that I’m a nomad, on top of having to hide my own name…"

Noix tapped him on the back, but Label reassured him.

"Oh, no, I’m not sulking or anything. I had the best mother in the world. I can’t wait to see her and the rest of the kids," he smiled.

He then saw Anciel enter the chamber on the other side. The dark-clad man noticed Label straight away and strolled to meet him.

"…Hi," the blond man just waved his hand awkwardly.

"Hmph. You think having my pupils around will stop me from hugging you again?" he came closer and embraced him wholeheartedly.

Label returned the gesture.

"No… I just didn’t want to embarrass you in front of them," said the blond man even though he was the one feeling embarrassed.

"They can only look up to us, not judge us," Anciel turned to Noix,

"I see you needed a guide. Good to see you again, Professor."

"Well, I’m glad to see you too. Literally, for taking him off my back.

I have a rather important thing to attend to, and I'm already awfully late as it is.
Armed men took control of the train this morning, taking the passengers hostage. Luckily, no one was hurt. The enforcers under the command of Miss Mai took care of the situation.
The men are in need of questioning, or maybe even mind reading, before we can ascertain their motives."

"Should you require assistance, do send word," Anciel offered his help with confidence.

"I appreciate it. Well then, I’m off. I’ll see you tomorrow if not before," he saluted goodbye with two fingers, leaving through the door.

"Label, do you want us to communicate only in mind, or do you prefer the old ways?"

"Ehh… the old ways please."

"Hmph," Anciel smiled, "I knew you’d say that even without any mind reading or clairvoyance."

"Well, I’m an open book to you. Shame you are a mystery to me now…"

"Don’t worry. We’ll be back on track in no time," Anciel then put a finger on his forehead, whispering to everyone at the same time.

I will be leaving now. Act as you would if I were still here and have a prosperous day.

On their way out, everyone was bowing, even more so than before. Label waited until they were out of the temple and away from everyone before he would speak his mind.

"It doesn’t bother you that they treat you like some kind of…"

"God?" Anciel stopped for a moment. He then took a deep breath, "Let me put it this way; would you prefer they chase us around with forks and torches?"

"Of course not, but…"

"Well, this is the total opposite on the hospitality scale. I worked day and night for ten years to achieve it."

"…people are more likely to turn their deities into devils than they are to hate an equal," Label offered some of his wisdom.

"People also backstab their neighbors," Anciel kept his calm expression while talking, "But they do not fear their neighbors. Deities? Devils? People fear them equally."

"So, that’s what you are aiming at, ruling through fear? You’ve changed. You’re not the same friend I once had!"

Anciel slapped him.

"…" Label remained standing, just holding his red cheek.

"I strike you as a friend. Because it saddens me to see you so jealous. If you feel it was uncalled for, strike me back."

"It’s okay… I deserved it," the blond man held his cheek.

"You think I changed, but it is you who has changed Label. Nevertheless, I am going to drop dead before I give up on you, so you better start getting your act together if you don’t want me to… to—"

"To slap me another one?"

"To beat you senseless!"

"Heh…"

"Something funny?" Anciel frowned.

"No… I’m just happy to see it’s actually really you under all that stuck-up guise."

"Of course it’s me, you fool. I’ve waited for you… and then when you’re finally awake, you are mopping around like a pathetic child.
The rascal kid I once knew, was more of a person than the half-empty shell that stands before me today."

"I had…Anciel, I’m not making excuses, but I had the longest dreams, after which, this life seems like some distant memory."