"Hey!" A voice called out.

"Hey, kid!" It called out once more.

The boy slowly began to stir.

As he opened his eyes, he jumped up at the sight of a man hovering over him.

"I have to say…" The man began.

"Killing my partner…" He paused.

"Color me impressed kid!" He grinned.

The boy glared at the man.

"Now, now…" The man chuckled.

"No need to be afraid of me!" He beamed.

"In fact," His tone suddenly shifting.

"Since I'm now out of a partner thanks to you," he sighed.

"And you're out of a mother thanks to him…" His eyes softened.

"Why don't I give you shelter in exchange for your services?" The man asked.

The boy looked the man up and down.

"Fine." The boy said quietly.

"Eh!?" The man cried.

"You're not going to even ask what it is I want!?" He shouted.

"What else do I have to lose..." The boy narrowed his eyes.

"Woah!" The man let out a hardy laugh.

"You're quite young and you're already dead inside!" He chuckled.

The boy shot him a look.

"I have nothing to live for anymore…" He muttered.

"Aww how cute!" The man cooed, poking the boy's cheeks.

The boy's face turned bright red.

"D-DON'T TOUCH ME…!" He cried, swatting the man's hand away.

"A-anyway…!" The man cleared his throat.

"What's your name?" He asked.

The boy stared at him for a moment.

"L-Larkin…" The boy muttered.

"Larkin, eh?" He bit his lip in thought.

"Larkin," the man began.

"I hereby pass down my useless partner's title to you." The man grinned.

"From this day forth, you shall be known as 'Mr. Reaper'." The man smiled, reaching for Larkin's hand.

Larkin's eyes widened.

"Mr. Reaper…" He whispered as he took hold of the man's hand.