After things had settled down in Geord's and everyone had taken their time to sort out their feelings, they were ready to go to the shops and buy new clothes.

The only problem was what on earth they would wear before buying proper clothing

Samei was currently wearing Geord's bath robe. In order to go outside, she had to change into ANYTHING else to avoid awkwardness and unwanted looks focused on her.

On the other hand, Yonuro could theoretically go to the shops with Geord's slim, soft jacket despite it being not the right size. It wouldn't attract as much attention.

But after taking a short stroll outside previously, Yonuro noticed that the temperature had increased significantly. The weather was unreasonably hot for the month of January.

She told that to Geord and he came up with a solution.

Quite a few years ago, Geord used to excersize a lot. Thankfully, he had kept a few old T-shirts in a drawer and since the weather temperature was this high, the girls could wear them without a problem.

These old T-shirts were still a bit oversized, but nowhere near the size of Geord's current clothes.

After opening that old drawer, he grabbed two t-shirts with both hands and said

Geord- Alright. You can wear these t-shirts till we get our hands on proper clothes. As Yonuro pointed out, it's surprisingly hot outside so you'll be more than fine wearing them.

Yonuro and Samei thanked him and went to the bathroom to change.

Geord- As of Ramael, I suggest we play it safe. We'll have to get her inside this laptop case when we're outside. Who knows whose eyes may lay upon us.

Ramael- Okay, let's do that then. It's better for Yonuro to hold the case since we need to be close.

Yonuro- Mhm!

After they were done with the preparations, they left the house and headed for the shops.

Geord- 'right. Let's go.

They walked for about a hundred meters and they soon felt the heat that Yonuro had described.

Yonuro- Phew! This hot dry wind is really annoying, isn't it? These light clothes are life saving!

Samei- I've got to admit though that we look a bit goofy in these clothes. (he he...)

Ramael- You're not half wrong but you have to hold out for a few more minutes. We're getting there.

Yonuro- It's okay. We've been through worse...

As they passed many roads to get to their destination, they didn't catch anyone's attention. The residents of Yonaga City seemed too troubled with their own matters to mind them.

And for various good reasons. The rifts had destroyed numerous properties, disembodied people and had even marked the end of entire families.

These prophecies about the end of the world were on the increase and the economy of Japan and the world in general had taken a massive hit. Never before had Yonaga City felt this hopeless.

Nevertheless, the 4 people who were due to save the world from such disasters were going to... enter a clothing shop!

Yonuro- THERE IT IS!

Geord- Wait, Yonuroo! Don't run!

Everyone hurried to the main door. Before entering though, they stared at the clothes at display. Samei and Yonuro had countless different reactions and expressions on their faces while looking at each individual item.

Geord- Come inside. It'll be better to put them on. There's no point in just staring at them.

Samei- That's sacrilegious, Geord! Window shopping is just as important!

Yonuro- That's right!

Geord made a wry smile as he couldn't understand the logic behind their thought process.

Geord- Ha hah! (...)

It would take them a few more minutes to head inside the store...

Geord sat on a small bench outside while waiting for Samei and Yonuro to stop fooling around and get inside. After a while, the girls were ready and opened the door to go inside. Before closing it, they waved at Geord to join them.

Yonuro- Hey Geord! We're done, come on!

Geord- I'm coming...

The door closed immediately after. Geord sighed, got up from the bench and headed to the door.

Meanwhile...

Two gloomy looking girls were taking a stroll in the city. The shorter one had grey eyes and short black hair while the taller one green eyes and wavy white hair.

They were surprisingly heading toward a hairdresser's in the heart of the city, close to the shops.

On the way, Yuri and Aniik talked about the Tokiyama family and the events that happened in the past. So immersed were they in that discussion that they totally forgot where they were going.

Yuri- Shit, where was it again?

Aniik- Did you seriously forget the hairdresser's location?

Yuri- I just don't know where we are exactly... If only I knew the way to rokuju's street.. We'd be there in an instant!

Aniik- Leave this to me, I'll ask someone.

Aniik looked around and asked for directions. Unfortunately for them, the residents of Yonaga city seemed really careful with their actions. They weren't eager to help out anyone and kept their distance from anything that spelled trouble.

Aniik- Hey, may I ask where—

Stranger- Get lost.

This exact same scene was repeated three more times. Yuri saw the desperation in Aniik's eyes and felt the negativity of everyone they met. All except for one.

Aniik- Hello, sir! Wait!

A tall, masculine man turned his head to the direction of the voice. He was about to enter a fashion shop, just a few milliseconds before closing the door.

Geord- Hello? Can I help you two?

Aniik- Do you know where rokuju's street is from here?

Geord- Yeah, it's—

Yuri, who was just a standby waiting for Aniik to get the information, frowned and asked the man

Yuri- Hey, have we... met before?

Geord- Who, me? I'm a shut in, so probably not. Why do you ask?

Yuri- Hm... I think I've seen your face somewhere. Sorry, I'm just overthinking things...

Geord knitted his eyebrows and made a perplexed expression.

Geord- Anyway turn left to Habaro's street, all the way to the square and the street is on your right hand.

Yuri / Aniik- Thanks.

Geord- It's nothing.

Aniik and Yuri left the scene and Geord finally entered the clothing shop. Still thinking about this somewhat strange event, Geord wondered if it was a good idea to tell the rest.

"It doesn't matter either way. Wouldn't wanna worry the girls again over trivial matters."

Oh boy, had he met Yuri after her transformation, about 15 years ago, this would have been a very different story.

Geord- Hey! I finally arrived.

Yonuro- Took you long enough! Ahem* Anyway, now that you're here, come look at this top!

Geord walked towards Samei and Yonuro.

Samei- Wow! That suits you so well! You should pair it with this skirt!

Yonuro- Ta da! What do you think, Geord?

Geord- Err— You look amazing! They go so well together! (I don't know the first thing about fashion ha ha...)

Samei chose new clothes as well and Ramael complimented her appearance.

Ramael- Nice outfit Samei! It's dynamic and adorable at the same time!

Samei grinned after thanking her.

At that moment though, Geord seemed unwell.  By paying close attention to Yonuro with these new clothes, he was greatly reminded of Kanae Tokiyama.

Images of Kanae and Yonuro Tokiyama flashed back and forth before Geord's eyes while looking at Yonuro. Geord seemed confused, yet somewhat scared of these back and forth alternations.  He instinctively took a few steps back while trying to conceal his face with his hands.

Yonuro- Geord...?! Are you okay?

Geord- Ahh... Kanae.... I'm no more— Stop IT! I a—am free now!

Ramael- It's okay Geord, Kanae is gone now.

Yonuro- It's just me, Yonuro. There's nothing to worry about!

Yonuro pressed her hands on his shoulders. This soft touch calmed Geord down, as it was very different from the way Kanae forcefully touched him to assert dominance with the blackmails.

The similarities between the two soon vanished and all Geord could see was his dear niece, Yonuro.

Geord- Thanks for bringing me back to my senses. I almost lost it for a moment. It's been tough for me as well you see. In time though, we'll all get back to our normal lives.

Everyone deeply agreed with him and nodded. A few moments later, they were done with their shopping and Geord went to the cashier to pay for the clothes. Afterwards, they decided to head back home.

———————————————————————

After being told the way to the hairdresser's, Yuri and Aniik gladly followed the directions.

Aniik- Oh! What a nice man he was! Don't you agree?

Yuri- Yeah, he was really nice compared to everyone else. All we met before was just selfish individuals who avoid trouble by looking only at themselves. What a pitiful world we live in...

At that moment, Aniik found the perfect oportunity to discuss her disgusting plan with Yuri. Pursuading her to completely agree was out of the question but she tried her best, nonetheless.

Aniik- This sickening world... I agree with you entirely. I, too, can't stand this mess. That's why I'm fighting for The New World.

She added more spice to the story by telling her about her past in detail and everything she had been through. The two of them were slowly but surely getting close to each other, to anyone's surprise.

When they arrived at their destination, the discussion abruptly ended, but Aniik was more than satisfied with the outcome of it.

Aniik- By the way, why did you want to come here? What's the change of style about?

Yuri- It's not about a change of style as in fashion, but more of a life style. I'll explain after I've become my old self.

Aniik- You piqued my interest now. Let's see what you're cooking.

Yuri- I'll just revert some old changes, that's all.

Yuri talked to the woman in charge about what she wanted her to do. The thing she asked about was clearly unexpected, let alone the outcome of it.

"Please, undye my hair"

"Certainly, young lady."

As the process of removing the dye was lengthy, Yuri had numerous thoughts about that decision of hers.

(This act I've been forced to put on comes to an end at last, father. "The world must not know about your origins, Yuri" and "You need to accept this color. To everyone else, you must appear to be her biological sister. That's the only way we survive, Yuri." James said to me long ago.)

(Well father, the truth is I've always hated this dull, lifeless colour. And most importantly, I've grown to hate Kanae and Yonuro Tokiyama. Having the same hair as my enemies has been so infuriating. I will finally Reclaim Myself  and put an end to this facade...)

A few minutes later, Yuri's order was fulfilled. Both Aniik and the hairdresser were left dumbfounded. As soon as, Yuri turned around to look at herself in the mirror, everyone saw her hair bathed in the bright red color she naturally has.

Yuri touched it with her hands to feel her true self. A moment of silence was apparent while everyone had their eyes set on that beautiful hair color. Aniik's jaw had undoubtedly dropped.

So accustomed was she to Yuri's wavy white hair that she couldn't believe her eyes.

Aniik- How beautiful.... Yuri...

Yuri clenched her hand into a fist and said while looking at herself.

Yuri- That's right. Revenge is always beautiful, Aniik. And this change marks my revenge. This is the embodiment of my hatred for the Tokiyama family. Now that I am ready, I'll make sure to end them both.

The woman who had made the change happen and listened to that conversation spent her next few days locked in her room, while thinking about her life decisions.

——————————————————————

Now that Geord, Ramael, Samei and Yonuro returned to their new home, they had a last discussion about the future. For this important meeting they sat around the kitchen table and Ramael started explaining what's to come next.

Ramael- Now that the essentials are out of the way, it's time to talk about the near future. As you know, Yonuro and I returned from the Underworld early in the morning yesterday. In the Underworld, we got our hands on the Pendant of Immortality and used its power to teleport to the Overworld.

And now our goal is to use its power once again to travel to the Lingering World.

The only issue is the following:

The Pendant of Immortality has lost almost all of its power since 300 years ago, when the old leader of the Underworld, Yahin, commited suicide by destroying his soul.

Consequently, not only is the power of teleportation really weak, meaning that it's impossible to travel to the Lingering World from the Underworld with just one "jump", but it also has a time window in which its power cannot be used again.

This cooldown period lasts exactly 3 days and it is vital for the Pendant to recharge its power before further use.

In other words, before we can travel to the Lingering World with Yonuro's newly acquired Pendant, we need to wait out one and a half days.

Some of this information comes from a Demon named Shrem, and the rest of it was given to me by an old friend of mine in the Lingering World who, just like us, fights for the Worlds' "Balance".

To sum things up, Yonuro and I are going to the Lingering World tomorrow night. Till then, we can all focus on our own problems.

Everyone nodded, showing in this way their understanding of the situation and went on to attend to their personal matters.

As promised, Geord was going to search for his brother, Eiko Tokiyama, who had gone missing these past few days and grasp the meaning behind it all.

Samei was going to properly visit her uncle in the hospital and ascertain his well-being.

Yonuro and Ramael had quite a few things to do. Gather their physical and psychological strength, think of a plan for their journey to the Lingering world, remake a fighting outfit and last but not least, cook something for everyone to eat.

Yonuro said that she'd cook udon for them and Geord gladly gave her some money to buy the necessary ingredients.

Since Yonuro's safety was the most imporant thing for these next couple of days, Geord gave her his old smartphone to make sure everything was under control.

Geord- Splendid. Here's some cash and... Oh yeah, keep this old smartphone with you at all times, too. If anything happens call me right away, okay?

Yonuro and Ramael thanked him and then goodbyed Samei and Geord.

Yonuro & Ramael- Thanks Geord! See you guys later!

Samei & Geord- 'Later!

After Samei and Geord had left the house, Yonuro told Ramael the following.

Yonuro- Hey, Ramael. Now that we have plenty time to spare, I wanna ask you something.

Ramael- Yeah go ahead. Is it a sensitive matter and you're talking so silently?

Yonuro- Err, Sorry. I didn't mean to sound so mysteriously serious. But yeah it is kinda sensitive... Have you had any of these nightmares again?

Ramael's answer was vague enough to get a confused look out of Yonuro.

Ramael- Yes and no...

Yonuro- What do you mean? Does your soul still hurt?

Ramael- Sometimes I still have these nightmares but the difference now is that I can control them and even get rid of them completely. Even though I feel my real self hurting and crying at times, I can seperate my two selves and get back to reality.

So my soul doesn't hurt anymore and I don't get severe headaches. But I do keep seeing my traumatized other self. So I can't say I have completely gotten over it.

Yonuro- Oh, Ramael... Don't worry though, we'll fix things soon enough! I'll bring you back to your past self and everything will be alright again.

Ramael- Thanks Yonuro! The fact that you're concerned about me means a lot.

Yonuro- It's really nothing. Besides, that's what best friends do!

Ramael- Best... Friends... It's hard to believe we've made it this far. A few months ago, I saw this whole thing as work. I had to see this difficult job through and you were just a key part of that operation. But now we've gotten so close and become best friends...

Despite the outcome of everything, I want you to know that the times we've spent together have been the most memorable and fun of my life.

Yonuro- Ow, Ramael...

Yonuro hugged her for a while and both of them were feeling really happy.

They spent some more time together before deciding to go to the supermarket and buy the ingredients for udon.

It then struck Yonuro's mind that she had to remake a proper outfit for Ramael to attach and detach eventually. To make things easier for Ramael while being outside, Yonuro changed her mind and went on to do that first before going to the supermarket.

Yonuro searched Geord's house for needles, old sewing equipment, etc. She found  everything she needed for the outfit in Geord's small working room. Whatever may cross your mind, it was in that room. Even brand new mettalic catchers which were really specific to find just like that.

Yonuro- Lucky! Geord has mettalic catchers! Yes!

Ramael- We'd be screwed without him!

Yonuro- That's Geord for you!

Afterwards, Yonuro made good use of the knowledge she gained from Samei and implemented a similar mechanism for her outfit.

She even replicated a small, discreet, elegantly sewn pocket on her newly bought skirt for Ramael to "hide" in.

As Ramael has the ability to stretch and withdraw herself, it is really easy for her to stay in that place. She is also able to breath air from that pocket. Samei is an expert at making efficient gadgets and clothes, after all.

After everything was set and done, Ramael didn't have to be inside the laptop case any longer as she could comfortably go outside alongside Yonuro due to the convenient pocket.

Half an hour later, the girls returned from the supermarket safe and sound. When they got back, Yonuro thought about calling Geord to see if he had found anything regarding her father.

The phone Geord had gave her wasn't connected to any mobile account. So when she opened it, Yonuro used her own personal info and email making it identical to her previous phone that was caught in the flames of her old home. She knew the passwords and usernames all by heart so it wasn't difficult to replace that old phone with this one.

She also changed her contact name to Yonuro Tokiyama, which previously had the name "Alice Klein".

At the time Yonuro didn't notice that all the personal info she changed to her own were originally that of Geord's dear friend and possibly lover...

What did catch her eye, though, was an important notification on her email. The message was apparently sent the previous day, but Yonuro didn't have access to any of her devices to read it.

Yonuro- Oh look Ramael, I've got a mail.

Ramael- That's odd. I mean you haven't had an important mail sent to you since the first time we met. Who could it possibly be?

Yonuro- Let's find out.

Yonuro opened the message and was flabbergasted all the way throughout reading it. It was the first time she had ever read a message like that. For multiple reasons, it sent a chill ran down her spine. And as she wanted to share her feelings with Ramael, she recited it out loud.

"Dear Yonuro,

I'm writing this letter in order to apologise. When you read this, knowing him, Geord must have told you all about me and now you probably despise me. I know it's all over now, but I want you to know this regardless.

When I learned who that woman I had killed was, I tried to do anything to protect you. I hid my true identity as a member of the Faith Organization and I tried to eliminate every factor that could bring forth the truth, all to assure that you grow up well. I wanted my child to not be affected by this madness, so I attempted all I could think of—even gruesome things—to achieve that...

What I want to say, Yonuro is that I well and truly love you. Nothing in this world can change that.  I'm really sorry for everything that's happened, but I know mere words are not enough to fix anything.

Even though we can't be together anymore, I'll always be thinking about you and I hope you grow up to become a kind and responsible woman, unlike myself. This is all I can offer you so that in the future you might forgive me.

  —your mom, Kanae.

Ramael and Yonuro were speechless for a while. They couldn't believe in their eyes. Kanae's image in their heads was twisted once again. Forgiving her was out of the question but... She did try to protect Yonuro in her own way.

Thereafter, Yonuro had completed her opinion on her mother. She was a truthful liar, a criminal and a victim, a stranger and a mother, a demon and an angel.  (More like an angel-dressed Demon...)

As if it wasn't complicated enough, the next thing Yonuro saw while scrolling down the message was a QR code. Yonuro scanned it and then her bank account popped up. From almost zero cash on her name, the account balance skyrocketed to the unfathomable amount of 10,000,000 yen.

At that moment, Yonuro almost dropped her "new" phone. It was extremely hard for Ramael to believe as well. After a long silent pause, both of them screamed from their confusion.

Yonuro / Ramael- WHAAAAAT?!

Yonuro slowly left her phone aside and then clenched her hand. A tear fell down her left cheek while saying

Yonuro- Mom... In time, I hope I find the will and strength to forgive you...

——————————————————————————

After everything that happened, it was afternoon and Yonuro and Ramael hadn't even started making udon. Geord was about to return as well, so they both focused on cooking. Even though Ramael could only look at Yonuro's progress and had purely forgotten her cooking experience, she... offered moral support...

In the middle of the cooking, Geord got back.

Geord- I'm home...

Yonuro / Ramael- Welcome back, Geord.

Yonuro and Ramael weren't feeling like telling Geord about Kanae's. It would mostly remind him of this tragic past that they all decided to leave behind, so they agreed to keep it a secret for everyone's sake.

Besides, they had other matters to attend to...

Yonuro- I need some help in 'ere, Geord! The noodles have stuck together and the salsa has become too solid!

Geord- Weren't you supposed to keep stirring the noddles nonstop? The salsa is more than ready! Remove it from the fire!

Yonuro- I'm not good at multitasking while cooking! I usually take my time, but we started the cooking late...

Geord- Leave the noodles to me, you prepare the rest. Okay?

Yonuro- Yes sir!

Ramael- I'm kinda useless again, aren't I?

Geord- No offense, but yeah you can't do much either way.

Ramael- I know, just joking around. Ha ha!

Even though it was a simple joke, somewhere deep inside her, it did hurt all the same.

At that moment, Samei came back as well and saw them all cooking.

Samei- Hey everyone! Cooking are we? Let me give you a hand!

Without waiting for a response, Samei joined them in cooking.

Accompanied by each other's laughter and silly jokes, they spent their time cooking beautifully.

After they were done, they sat at the kitchen table and started eating a really late lunch. Yonuro served Geord and Samei Udon and stood by to see their reactions before trying it out herself.

Samei- It's so delicious! But there's something weird ruining the flavor...

Yonuro- Uh oh...

Geord- You're right. Who made the salsa again?

Yonuro looked away and made a wry smile. Geord and Samei then laughed over it and told Yonuro that it was okay.

Samei- Don't worry, Yonuro, the outcome is all that matters. The udon is pretty good!

Yonuro- That's right! Let's dig in as well, Ramael!

Ramael- Yeah! (?)

While eating, they all discussed about what they had done after separating. The most vital thing they learned was whether Geord's efforts of finding Eiko were in vain or not.

Yonuro- So, Geord, did you find anything regarding my dad's whereabouts?

Geord- I searched anywhere I could, but to no avail. Hotels, bars and even his old house... He's nowhere to be found. I'm really concerned about James... What could have possibly happened to him?

Ramael- I have no idea what could be on his mind right now. But it must be pretty bad...

Samei-  I'm so sorry for him...

At that moment, Geord forcefully pressed his hands against the table and stood up.

Geord- I've decided. I'll search for him again tomorrow. And the day after tomorrow. And ever after! I won't allow my younger brother to end up washed up and alone! I won't ever give up on him!

Ramael- That's the spirit! You will find him in time. I'm sure of it! Although we can't help out too much, we're all rooting for you Geord!

Geord thanked Ramael and then went on to ask Samei about her uncle.

Samei- Fortunately, my uncle's health is not declining. It's not like he's getting a lot better but I was glad to see him talk and move around a bit. He's still in pain but my being there for him made him happy. That's all that matters. Seeing him smile...

Yonuro touched Samei's hand slowly and reassured her that everything was going to be alright.

She then talked to them about recreating the outfit they had made with Samei and about their normal walk to the supermarket. However, even to Samei she decided to keep Kanae's letter a secret.

When she was done updating the others, Yonuro exchanged quick glances with Ramael to make sure that neither of them said anything about the letter.

Those who hadn't finished eating, did exactly that and some of them even asked for seconds. Then, they spent the rest of the day talking about their pasts and general everyday small-talk. It was nothing noteworthy, but interesting nonetheless.

So exhausted was everyone that when the bell rang midnight, they all went to bed. All except for one. Geord was feeling a bit stressed out and he couldn't sleep just yet. He thought about spending an hour or two in his working room to calm down and not interrupt everyone's sleep.

Geord- Ah, it's hard for me to go to sleep now. The whole thing with James has had me concerned. I'll be better off relaxing in my workroom while watching TV or something...

Geord opened the small television of that not so spacious room. With the remote controller, he skipped a couple of channels before stumbling on one regarding the news of the day. What he witnessed had him frozen to the very bone.

Journalist- And to recap the most important news, a serial killer going by the name of Eiko Tokiyama was arrested earlier today for the death of three silver haired women. Life imprisonment should be enough to punish him for the murders, the jury said. Next, five of these mysterious new explosions devastated the——————

Geord dropped the remote controller. On impact with the floor, it made the TV turn off.

Geord- Unbelievable...

As though he'd seen a ghost, Geord fell slowly on his knees with a purely pale expression.

"My little brother... How did it come to this—?"

Geord shed tears that fell on the floor while trying his best to keep himself from screaming out loud.

——————————————————————————