Aniik teleported back to Ramael's Shrine and saw Ramael wrapped around Yonuro's wounds to completely heal her with her remaining Holy Energy.
Yonuro- Aniik! You came back!
Aniik waved at them from a distance and said
Aniik- I'm glad to be here with you guys...
Ramael- So, what happened with Yuri?
After taking in a deep breath, she said with a bittersweet expression
Aniik- I found her at the East Shrine as you speculated, Ramael. I don't want to get into details, but the thing is... She's forever gone...
Yonuro remained silent for a bit
Yonuro- It's better that way... She was out of control these past couple of months. This madness had to end at some point. I hope she finds retribution in the afterlife, because in here she was beyond saving...
Aniik- Now that I've opened my "eyes", I can clearly see how wrong we were. But contrary to Yuri, I was given the chance to find the right path... Thanks again you two. (And of course, mom...)
Ramael / Yonuro- We're glad to have you with us... Welcome home, Aniik!
Aniik- Yeah... I'm glad to be here!
Aniik shook hands with Yonuro and everyone in the room smiled.
Ramael- Now, Aniik, we need your help to restore the Barrier. I need to return to my Angelic body. Will you help us?
"Restoring the Barrier, huh? (...) This world isn't as bad as I'd thought after all, so I guess it's for the better... " thought Aniik and then said
Aniik- Follow me.
Aniik showed them the way to Ramael's body. They all walked toward a certain chunk of marble floor inside the Holy Shrine.
Aniik- This piece of marble right here is fake. Help me remove it.
Yonuro helped Aniik remove the hollow part of the floor. When they got rid of it, Aniik jumped down the hole that was dug underneath.
Yonuro- Hey, hey! Wait a minute! What is this?
Aniik- Just drop down! It's not that deep! After everything I saw you can do in battle, this should be as easy as pie!
Yonuro- Okay. Here goes nothing!
Yonuro jumped down the hole. Upon landing, she cleaned the dust off her clothes. After doing that though, she couldn't find Aniik anywhere. She had disappeared! Or it was just too dark to notice her, because...
Yonuro bumbed into her in the dark...
Yonuro / Aniik- Ouch!
Yonuro- Oh, sorry! It's too dark in here. Hahah..
Aniik- Hm.. Do you have your phone or a flashlight with you?
Yonuro- None of those...
Aniik- We'll have to follow the way of the Accursed then...
Aniik went close to a certain wall that she knew a torch was hanging on. She grabbed the torch and then used some matches that were nearby to light it up.
BOBOUZA*
After hearing that sound, everyone could see their surroundings with ease. Just in front of them, there were ominous looking stairs made out of really old stone. Hundreds in number, the stairs were leading down way below the ground. Aniik made a gesture with her body for Yonuro to follow her.
Aniik- Alright, let's go.
With Aniik leading the way, they all began this exhausting, lengthy descent.
At some point, in order to break the silence and make the descent a bit more bearable, Ramael posed a question.
Ramael- How come I didn't know any of this existing (way) under my nose?
Aniik- These passageways were dug and built by the very first Accursed 350 years ago as of the Overworld's timeflow. Long ago, the Accursed were hunted down and they needed to survive somewhere in secret. And this is the result of their life instinct. But you haven't seen anything yet. You could say that these stairs are contemporary in comparison with the Catacombs we're heading towards...
Just as Aniik said, when they finally made it down the stairs, they were stunned by these really old man-made catacombs. Chambers for burrial could be noticed around every corner but there were also obstructed beds and chairs in other spots.
Yonuro- This is hella creepy, not gonna lie! Are we there yet?
Aniik- Although these catacombs extend all the way to the Avamolian District, the room Ramael should be in isn't too far away from here. Let's keep going.
After walking a bit more, Ramael seemed a bit troubled about something.
"I wonder why I haven't had any of these nightmares lately... Since we're this close to my body I thought that they would be more frequent." she thought.
Aniik- Here it is. This is a prison that the Accursed placed Ramael in to question her. She must've been through a lot, so I'd better stay out of this...
Aniik opened the old wooden door and made room for Yonuro and Ramael to go through. Creaking sounds could be heard while opening and closing it and a loud thud right in the end.
The room-prison was generally dark. There were many selves on both Yonuro's left and right side, forming a long corridor. These selves stored numerous chemicals, sharp items and tons of needles. At the end of this corridor there was a single prison cell and a key right next to the last self. Dim light was coming from the inside of the cell and you could sense that someone was in there.
Yonuro grabbed the key and slowly brought it close to the lock. After a couple of failed attemps to open it due to her shaky hands—and clumsiness—she got rid of the lock and slowly opened the iron bar-door.
Yonuro and Ramael widened their eyes upon seeing her. Yonuro shouted something and swiftly approached the young woman with the 4 feather tatoo and the angelic fair hair.
Yonuro- Ramael! We're here! (...)
A soft quiet voice that felt like it was stripped of life talked back.
???- I'm so glad you came to save me, Yonuro, Me... (Watashi)
Yonuro didn't want to believe what she was looking at. And neither did Ramael... (the Veil)
Ramael's body was most definately not the same it was one year ago. On the contrary, It was unrecognisable...
All for her toe and finger nails were violently removed, her beautiful long hair was forcefully cut way too short, her body showed signs of being constantly whipped and her forearm had burn marks around the area of the 4 feather tattoo, which you couldn't make out no more.
And the most tragic of them all tortures, her once beautiful hazel colored eyes were now ripped out of their place....... Ramael had her eyes covered with a bandage to hide their disturbing blemishes...
Ramael(The Veil)- Me........ I— I can't believe this... What have they done....?!
Ramael (The Body)- Day after day, the tortures were endless. I couldn't bear it for much longer... The only time I was ever paid a visit that didn't involve torture was yesterday. That person wrapped this bandage around my head to cover my unsightly eyes...
I really thank them for their last act of kindness... Who is this person you're wondering? The same person who took you away by unknowingly creating the First Rift, Aniik...
Yonuro carresed Ramael's hand and said with a somber tone of voice
Yonuro- Don't worry, Ramael... This is all over... We're here to save you! To save the Worlds! Once you get your Angelic Veil back, all will be alri—
Ramael (The Body)- This fading body and soul of mine won't allow my two soul parts to merge back into one... So different have these two souls gotten that the Angelic Bond won't be formed... The role of Angel I cannot play anymore...
Yonuro / Ramael (The Veil)- ?! (...)
Ramael (The Body)- I always knew that things wouldn't return to how they were. A world where I take pride in becoming the Angel Ramael once again... This world is nothing more than a utopia...
Through our nightmares, though, I've watched you two. I've seen how close you are. How strong your Angelic Bond has gotten. Yours is the only one that can restore the Barrier...
Yonuro- I—I don't know what to say... This is un—unreal...
Ramael (The Body)- I've been waiting all this time to return half of my soul to you, Yonuro. In this way, through your Angelic Bond, only I can ever become complete again. I always knew I wouldn't make it out of here alive... But at least, I want the Me in your veil to live a happy long life.
And this is the only way... Yonuro, please, take my role of Angel and become the next Angel of Holy Energy...
Yonuro and Ramael started crying over Ramael's last request. Yonuro hugged the Angel Ramael, whose lifeforce dwindled with each passing second.
Then, images of Eiko's, Geord's and Samei's smiles flashed before Yonuro's eyes... If she were to become the Angel of Holy Energy, she'd lose them all... Yonuro closed her eyes. It was an important decision to make... She clenched her teeth. After a few more seconds, though she made her choice. She fiercefully opened her eyes and spoke her mind.
Yonuro- I— (...) I give you my word, Ramael... If this the only way I can save the world and protect my dear Ramael at the same time, then...
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Yonuro clenched her hand into a fist and uttered;
"I will accept the duty of the Angel of Holy Energy..."
Ramael's lips slowly curved and formed a simple yet expressive smile.
Ramael (The Body)- Thank you... I can't believe I spent the last few minutes of my miserable life with a smile on my face...
Ramael (The Veil)- I can't believe it has come to this... Me, Yonuro... I'm truly sorry... I can't do anything to help you out... There's noth— But no! That's not true! What I can do at least is make you two proud! I'll live a long happy life in which I sincerely believe in myself and my friends! Ramael, mark my words! I'll definately fulfill our Dream!
Ramael's eyes widened when she heard her other self talk with confidence.
Ramael (The Body)- I never expected to hear myself say this... I'm already proud of you, Me...
Ramael then lost all power and she couldn't feel her body anymore. The only muscle she could still move was her tongue. Her end was finally here...
Ramael (The Body)- Yo—Yonuro....... R—Ramael....... Take care of e—each other and sa—save everyone......... I believe in you!
Ramael shed her last tear and then her heart beat for the last time... Then the half part of her soul within her body recognized the other half of Ramael's soul in the bond Yonuro-Ramael and became a part of Yonuro. From that point on, Yonuro could rightfully be called the new Angel of Holy Energy...
At that moment, Aniik heard Yonuro's screams of lament from inside the prison cell. She rushed in to see what was going on.
Aniik then noticed a new aura around her first friend, Yonuro. And when she saw Ramael's dead body, she caught up real quick.
Aniik- Ramael is..
Yonuro- She's gone... But her soul is now complete within the Angelic Bond. She can finally find inner peace...
Aniik- I'm so sorry... I was the one that made this all happen.....
Yonuro- In her final words, Ramael thanked you... Without your final act of help, she might not have made it out alive to this point...
"She thanked me? After everything I've done?" thought Aniik and teared up.
A few minutes later, everyone in the room stopped lamenting and they were ready to properly burry her.
Yonuro- Aniik, help me burry her. She deserves a grandiose burrial...
Aniik nodded and they carried her upstairs. Ramael's body was really thin as her diet consisted of only leftovers of Accursed meals. Nevertheless, the burrial procedure was still rather tricky...
Right next to Ramael's Holy Shrine there was a beautiful garden with sunflowers and roses. Yonuro knew that this was the perfect spot for her burrial. With the help of two shovels they found near the garden, they dug a beautiful grave for Ramael. Then, Aniik went inside the Shrine and found a broken piece of marble to place on top. With her Demonic Claws she was able to carve a message on the tombstone.
"January 29th, Ling 399 Post Barrier. Here lays Ramael, the Angel of Holy Energy..."
The Angelic Veil, Ramael, came around after the shock she felt earlier when the her other half merged with Yonuro's soul. Yonuro and Aniik wiped their last tears and noticed Ramael waking up.
Yonuro- What do you think, Ramael?
Ramael- Thank you so much for everything you've done for me. If she were alive, I'm sure my body would be really happy...
Yonuro and Aniik then stood up and looked at the grave once more. The most beautiful of the roses she had noticed, Yonuro offered to the deceased Ramael.
She sniffed her nose and said
Yonuro- We'll remember you forever, Ramael...
They all prayed for a few more seconds with closed eyes.
Ramael- Now, everyone let's go inside.
They then went back to the Holy Shrine and talked things out for one last time.
Yonuro had a complex combination of emotions. Having the duty of an Angel in her hands out of nowhere wasn't the easiest thing to accept.
Ramael- Don't worry Yonuro... Being an Angel isn't as bad as you might think. It's not like you don't do anything all day. You have your own personal desk, moutwatering food and of course, you can talk with me all you'd like! But most of your time you'll spent in this glass thing, in order for the Barrier to absorb your Holy Energy more efficiently.
Yonuro- Wait, did you say desk? Can I write some things down?
Ramael- Of course!
Ramael showed Yonuro to her desk. Yonuro grabbed a pen and paper and wrote a few letters. With eyes tearing and an apologetic facial expression, she wrote three letters, to Geord, Samei and her Dad respectively.
While writing she had the same hunting thought. "I'm sorry I can't keep my promise, Dad, Geord, Samei... I won't be able to come back..."
Aniik saw her crying and asked her if she was okay.
Aniik- Are you okay, Yonuro?
Yonuro- I'm fine, Aniik, don't worry about me. What you need to worry about, though, is your own future. I won't be able to get back to the Overworld with you. But I know two people who will accept you with open hearts if you explain what has happened.
Yonuro told Aniik a certain address to look for in the Overworld where she can be at peace and find a place where she can truly feel accepted.
Yonuro- I'm sure these people will open up to you. With your now healthy mindset, I'm sure they can be your friends. They may be annoyed with everything at first, but with these letters I'm sure they'll understand.
Aniik- I— I don't know what to say... It's feels so bad abandoning my only friend... I don't want to leave you behind... I ca—care about you...
Yonuro approached Aniik's cheek and kissed it gently. Aniik blushed and then felt Yonuro's hands touching her shoulders. She moved her gaze toward Yonuro and their eyes met.
Yonuro- It will hurt at first, but there's no other choice for you but to move on. Our circumstances do not always allow us to have things our way. Change is inevitable and often sudden, but we mustn't let it scare us. We need to adapt to the changes life brings and keep moving forward...
Aniik- Getting philosophical like Plato and Heraclitus I see? I've read about them a lot.
Yonuro- Yeah, that's.. right... I mean I don't know who you're talking about... Hehehe... I was never the studious type, it's just that we've been through a lot.
Ramael being in the same boat as Yonuro giggled as well and then it was finally time to say goodbye.
Yonuro- Now, this is the part where we say goodbye. When this large entry door closes, the Barrier shall begin absorbing my Holy Energy. Take these letters with you and live a life where you decide about your own future. Take care of yourself and keep your chin up. I'll always keep thinking about you...
Farewell, Aniik...
Aniik- Thank you, Yonuro. I will never stop thinking about you as well. Thanks for being such a good and kind friend. Farewell!
Ramael and Yonuro waved back at Aniik while the large door was slowly but surely closing.
When it did close entirely, Aniik was outside the Shrine and the Barrier was restored. A powerful wind current then appeared near the North Shrine and the atmosphere sure seemed to change.
Aniik took a deep breath and channeled her teleportation to the Overworld...
————————————————————
A day later...
Aniik was out in the roads asking for directions to get to the address Yonuro had told her about.
Aniik- Hey there! Could you please tell me how to get to this address?
Aniik showed the man a piece of paper that the address was written on.
???- It's in the corner over there. I haven't heard about this address in a long time. Are you sure it's the place you're looking for?
Aniik- Yeah, I'm sure. Thanks!
The stranger shrugged and couldn't hide their confusion on their face.
???- I won't involve myself any further but please, do take care.
Aniik- I will! Thank you very much!
Aniik bowed to the stranger.
"Since when did teenangers become so respectful? Huh?" the stranger thought and smiled at Aniik before leaving.
Aniik- There are good people in this world, after all. Aria sure was right...
——————————————————————
Aniik was right outside Geord's home. After taking a quick look around, she rang the bell next to the door. From the inside, you could hear screams of joy and excitement, giggles and other more questionable sounds coming from a girl and a grown-up man. Spoons and forks could be heard falling on the floor and even a vase being broken.
When all this chaos inside ended, a beautiful girl with light blue eyes and golden hair tied up to a ponytail once more, ready to celebrate, waved at Aniik waiting outside and said with her eyes closed and a cheerful smile.
Samei- Welcome back, Yonuro!— (...)
Aniik- Hi. Erm...
Samei's expression dramatically changed for the worse and she took a few steps back from the shock.
Samei- Who are you...? Where's— Where's Yonuro?
Aniik- My name is Aniik. Yonuro gave me these letters to-
When she heard that name, with glaring eyes, Samei lost her calmness and grabbed a handgun her uncle had given her since she was a child. She aimed it at Aniik and shouted.
Samei- WHAT DID YOU DO TO YONURO?!
Geord- Hey, what's going on?
Samei- ANSWER ME! OR ELSE I'LL—
Geord- Hold on, Samei!
Geord took the gun from Samei and talked in way a parent would.
Geord- Rule number one! No fighting in Geord's!
Aniik- Hi there...
Geord- Hey. Wait, you're the girl from the other day. What's going on here?
Aniik lifted her hands up in the air to show that she meant no harm and said
Aniik- I need to talk to you two. It's about Yonuro Tokiyama...
——————————————————————
As Yonuro had said, there would be tension in Geord's for a while. In the begining, even talking was quite difficult with Aniik's background. Thankfully the letters Yonuro wrote for them in combination with Aniik's reformed self would allow for a healthy friendship to be built.
Samei and Geord read the two letters and cried out loud.
Samei- Baka, Yonuro!!! You promised we would be together after all this... I can't take this! Sob* Sob*
Aniik held Samei's hand to comfort her.
Aniik- It's okay... Get it all out of your chest.
While softly crying , too, Geord said
Geord- Yonuro... You had a really difficult choice to make. But in the end, although your decision does hurt, you did the right thing to save the world and your friend's life. Sometimes in life, you have to break a promise if you find yourself in an unpredictable and dire situation...
Aniik teared up but tried to cheer them up nonetheless.
Aniik- As she said in the letters, she will never stop thinking about us. She's so kind... She cares about you guys so much. But the last thing she'd want from us it to cry over her decision. She wants us to unite and be happy. So please, let me stay with you here. It's Yonuro's and my dream; To be your friend...
Geord- You don't have to ask about it. Of course and you can live with us, Aniik!
Samei- Thanks, Aniik. Yeah, I mean if it's what Yonuro truly wishes, then I've got nothing against that. I can turn a blind eye to your past and forgive you.
Aniik- I'm happy to be here with you guys, Geord and-
Samei- It's Samei.
Aniik- Ok, noted. Girl with melons → Samei.
Samei- WHAT?! OH, you're not getting off the hook this time!
Aniik ran for her life inside the house. With a smile on his face Geord shouted
Geord- Rule number two! No running in Geord's!
——————————————————————
The next day, Aniik remembered one last thing she was told by Yonuro to pass over to Geord. "Also, tell Geord to check his balance on his bank account."
After being told that, Geord opened his bank account on his phone and saw the unfathomable amount of 9.999.998.563 yen (about a million dollars) and the message "This is a gift by your dear niece! - With love, Yonuro."
Geord- How did she-?!
Two joyful tears formed on Geord's eyes when he noticed where this much money could be spent on. Without a second thought, Geord grabbed the last letter Yonuro had written and dropped by Yonaga City's worst prison, where he should be locked up in.
A police officer told Eiko Tokiyama that he had a visitor.
Eiko- If it's that woman, Kanae, tell her to get lost—
At that moment, a familiar face since early childhood came in view. A supposedly dead person that he never expected to see ever again. It was his long lost brother, Geord Finnegan...
Geord- It's been ages, James. I've missed you so much!
Eiko- Geord?! Is that you, big bro?!
Geord- In person! Care for a hug?
Geord opened the cell door that the police officer had unlocked and went on to hug his brother after so many decades.
With tears flowing like rivers on both of their faces, they spent an entire minute hugging and crying.
Eiko- How is this possible? I have so many things I want to ask you!
Geord- Don't worry we have all the time in the world to talk!
Geord gave Eiko Yonuro's letter and went on to explain how Eiko was freed from his misery in the prison. Learning that his daughter wasn't in any danger and him reuniting with Geord made Eiko so happy that he could burst from joy. And Geord was feeling the same way... Like the old days, the two brothers were once again strongly united from the bottom of their hearts.
——————————————————————
In the end, everyone found their meaning in life. Aniik became close friends with Samei and Geord and the two girls were ready to attend school after so long. The renovated Teknalb High School, now called Blanket High School had its first class after such a long time of being closed.
Kanae Tokiyama was still working for the Faith Organization but she was also informed by Geord about Yonuro's true actions. She couldn't help but feel proud for her daughter.
Geord reunited with his younger brother, Eiko, who was attending a rehabilitation program and given a chance to get back into society if his mental health improved and stabilized.
And finally, Yonuro Tokiyama managed to restore the Barrier and bring "Balance" to the Worlds. She now spends her time with her dear friend, Ramael, in the North Shrine of the Lingering World while doing her duty as the new Angel of Holy Energy.
The TV reporters all around the Worlds haven't reported any more Rifts ever since.
The Worlds are truly saved. And everyone has gotten back to their normal everyday lives...
And among them all, I the Omniscient Archangel Sachrist shall finally continue fighting towards my ultimate goal...
———————————————————————
The End.