"It is," Momo replied, her own voice echoing Hokuto's feelings. "But some people prefer it that way. That way, when you have to make the tough decisions, you can have the emotional detachment necessary to follow through."

The shinigami switched the to blue marker, giving the drawing piercing blue eyes. "There will always be a barrier between us and Signum for two very important reasons. The first being once we destroy this place, the likely hood of either of her ever seeing either of us again is practically non-existent. It is easier to continue on after something like this if you haven't made any emotional investments."

She looked over. "It's sad, but true. And somewhat effective." Hokuto must be making something for her brother; the combination of beads was far too subdued to be anything the girl wanted for herself. Turning back to the drawing, she continued.

" The other factor is that, even though Signum is five thousand years old, I don't think she's been actually living for more than a hundred." If that. "And by that I mean having the freedom to experience things by choice, not by obligation."

She sighed and finally decided to voice her earlier thought. "Or, it may be that she simply doesn't believe your princess is deserving of your time."