"Immortality," he echoed, finding that the thought put an odd twist to his stomach and a moment of pain in his heart. But then he gave Malik a smile instead. "You must have found something wonderful to live for."

And each word was sincere. It was only that now he knew - was absolutely certain - that the man before him was not the one he had known. The events didn't match. Nothing Juno had showed him of the future had had Malik in it. Yet, it didn't matter: he was happy that Malik had found a reason to want to live forever. He was happy to see him, even if it was for only a matter of weeks. He was happy to have the chance to hear his voice. None of that had changed.

"I am glad for you, Akhi."