[ the change in attitude is hardly unexpected. now that they're no longer in a life or death situation, both are quick to settle back into their... more customary demeanor. but there is a difference now. whereas before he couldn't be sure what to make of zero's bravado and curtness, now it makes more sense to him. a defense mechanism. it's not like being rude to others in order to keep them at a distance is a foreign concept to him. ]

Very well. I'll find some other way to show my appreciation.

[ while the sentiment is still genuine, there's more than a hint of mocking back in his tone now. as if the magical energy rejuvenating him has brought him back to his normal state, beyond simply healing his injuries.

back when death seemed certain, he'd allowed his guard to mostly drop. and now the best he can do is play that off as a fluke; something to be disregarded. fortunately, she seems to be mostly of the same mind. it's difficult dealing with a Master that has trouble expressing herself, but it's not like he's inexperienced with that either. ]

I'll do my best to avoid getting myself killed in the near future. I wouldn't want to waste your efforts.

[ with that said, he slowly fades back into spirit form, now that he's more readily able to do so. though she can sense he's still there, to anyone it would simply seem like he had disappeared entirely into the night. ]