Pepper goes still for a little while. They've talked about kaa and Shadow Magic on and off, but this is the first time since Bakura disappeared. On the one hand, Pepper wants to support Gene on his journey, as the struggle for him hasn't ended yet. His Shadow test was one step along the way, and she knows he hasn't found ease with Tolui yet.

On the other, the thought of delving into what she understands about Shadow magic makes her heart ache. But, Pepper knows, it probably always will. And if nothing else, this is a place to start dealing with her grief around it.

She breathes deeply and nods. "Better not to avoid it, probably. I'm okay," Pepper assures him. "What's on your mind?"