The voice was ancient, like that of a wizened old man on the verge of death.
He reached out, scooped the figure up, and placed it in his palm. Looking at the familiar ball of black mist in his hand, Aaron Sinclair's expression softened.
He smiled faintly and said, "Long time no see, Pip."
Long time no see, Pip.
At just these simple words, the ball of black mist in his hand burst into a torrent of tears, wailing uncontrollably. "Is it really... is it really you? I'm not dreaming, am I?"
Seeing Pip crying his heart out, Aaron Sinclair felt a pang in his own heart. "You're not dreaming, Pip. I'm back."
The ball of black mist nuzzled against his finger and said excitedly, "Master, it's been so long! How have you been? I thought I would never see you again in this lifetime. I looked for you for so, so long. I thought I wouldn't live to see your return."
