2 months later...

In a small home far away from civilisation, located deep within a forest close to a peninsula near the end of the New World, there took residence a God-like being, an Angelic Veil and a rebirthed teenage girl. Living together, those three have turned over a new leaf and are spending their time there peacefully.

Winter as it now is, and nighttime on top of that, the interior of the home doesn't keep them safe from the freezing cold outside. Their only solution is the fireplace, which provides them with the heat that they need. A pale white hand holding a mettalic bar can be seen moving the few pieces of wood together to revivify the fire. Despite her efforts, those logs have already burnt for a long time and they can't keep the flames going.

Yonuro- Hisami! Bring some wood from outside, please.

Hisami- Yes, mama.

Hisami has gotten really close to Yonuro the past couple months. Assuming a mother figure, Yonuro tries her best to teach Hisami all the things she needs to learn in order to be able to survive on her own one day. Even though she has a very long ways to go, Hisami is making progress. She is doing various things by herself now and she has recently started up cooking, too.

Hisami- Here. Let me revive the fire.

Hisami puts the new logs in the fireplace and takes Yonuro's metal bar to help strengthen the flames. The fire particles emmitted make Yonuro's indigo grey colored eyes shine and Hisami's light purple ones sparkle. Yonuro and Hisami both hold out their hands to keep themselves warm. Ramael feels the heat directly from her Angelic Bond. This warmth makes them feel a lot better.

The few light sources in the room were not enough to illuminate everything before, but now things are much clearer. To the left, there's a telescope staring outside the rear window. A really old piano is placed in the corner that seems to have been recently played. A "stolen" frame depicting three people going to the beach is also there, hanging from the wall opposite of the fireplace. There's finally a small bedroom with two single beds on the right side and a small bathroom next to it that we have no vision of.

The sound the wood makes from burning is the only thing the three of them can hear for a while. At some point though, the silence is broken and a small talk is initiated.

Hisami- Say, Yonuro, for how long are we going to stay here?

Yonuro slowly blinks once and answers.

Yonuro- Don't you like it here?

Hisami doesn't know how to respond. It takes her a bit to find the right words.

Hisami- No, I'm not complaining. It's nice here and all but this place is just... way cut off from civilization. There aren't many things to do here.

A piece of charcoal suddenly breaks into smaller pieces and Yonuro tends to the fire.

Yonuro- We just... can't go back. That's the truth we have to accept.

"What does she mean by that?" both Hisami and Ramael ponder. Even though she said she was going to tell them everything one day, she still hasn't. The more time goes by, the harder it becomes for her to say the truth apparently.

Hisami- But Yonuro... Ramael and I have so many questions still... Why don't you talk to us about it?

Yonuro averts her gaze and looks outside the window while talking.

Yonuro- When the time is right, I will tell you. There's just no need to do so at the moment. All you need to know is that we can't go back.

Hisami's pouting face and Ramael's emotionless expression urge Yonuro to respond in a different manner. After putting a smile on her face, she excitedly makes a suggestion.

Yonuro- How about we explore the surrounding area together tomorrow?

Hisami's eyes light up and she is thrilled for a new adventure. Ramael utters a curious "Oh?" and seems excited as well.

Yonuro- There are countless things we can do outside, you guys! Being away from society isn't that bad. You'll see!

And so their experiences continue. Day after day, they explore the area around them and make countless memories. Camping, fishing, hiking and even going out of their way to the beach at the peninsula, they're having such a great time that the conversation they had earlier is now a fragmented memory.

The days keep on seemlessly passing and Yonuro and Ramael show Hisami the wonders of this World. From all these experiences, Hisami has learned all the basics about how to survive on her own and has learned all the different emotions there as well as how to understand her feelings.

*Ah, how similar... It takes me back...*

After nailing the basics down, Hisami is also having combat training sessions with Yonuro, being taught of how to defend herself against a hypothetical opponent.

Out of all the things she learns however, the most important one is... how to have fun. Doing everything with a smile on their face, they enjoy their lives to the fullest. So happy are they in fact, that the passage of years is not easily felt.

Yes, three years have passed since their first adventure. Hisami has just turned 18. Yonuro and Ramael have raised Hisami surprisingly well. Everything is going smoothly. Their lives will keep being filled with happiness and wholesomeness for a long time. But not forever... This paradise shall one day end, when the underlying affairs of the New World and its secrets are revealed.

—————————————————————

Year 403 Post Barrier (P.B.)

The New World is a vastly different place than what it was 3 years ago. Instead of war, chaos and isolation, a true era of peace has been established. A contract has been signed from all three "lands" constituting the shared New World, the Lingering World, the Overworld and the Underworld.

This contract of peace proposed by the new and reformed Faith Organization has brought about a prosperous new future for the next generation. A humanitarian organization like this has supported Humans, Demons and Lingerians alike. If not for their contribution, then the three different worlds wouldn't have united peacefully.

But now, leaving behind differences such as race, manpower and cultural differences, the people of New World are united and stand strong. They are the future, they are the world.

But even though people in this era generally have peaceful lives, there are many exceptions to this. Mainly the people who are shouldering issues and burdens from the previous era of imbalance. Let's take a look at a few examples.

A man who has just turned 20 is living in an apartment by himself and has the opportunity to involve himself with his passion. With paint brushes and canvases scattered around everywhere in his apartment, Ikki Kendomo is currently sitting at his desk and doing what he loves most; painting. While holding something in his left hand and painting it with his right, he suddenly receives a phone call.

Ikki- Uh, who's it this time...?

Ikki leaves the object on the desk for the moment and answers the phone call.

Ikki- Yes. Yes. I know. I know.

The phone caller continues speaking.

Ikki- Don't worry, he will be back shortly. I'll notify Zaiaku right away.

Ikki hangs up and finishes painting the object. When he's done, he holds the mask with both hands and closes his light blue eyes. The next time he opens them again, he sees nothing else other than absolute darkness.

—————————————————————

A masculine man past his 60's, with black curly hair and dark blue eyes, sets foot in a graveyard in total black. In his right hand he holds 5 different flowers that he wants to offer to a few special people who have sadly lost their lives. Among them are his past lover, Alice, Samei and Kinako Kendomo, Kanae Tokiyama and finally his brother, Eiko Tokiyama. The most recent one is Eiko's. A man who died due to a severe psychological condition that wouldn't improve in his many years of therapy.

Geord offers flowers to all of them and then rereads for one last time a mysterious letter he received one day. Stating the reasons for her disappearance to her dear uncle, this is the final letter of Yonuro Tokiyama.

*Sob* Sob* (...) Geord Finnegan constantly sheds tears. A few minutes later, he swipes his tears and looks high up in the sky. He needs to move on as well.

Geord Finnegan, a traveller who has been aimlessly roaming around the New World for a couple years now, sets out on yet another journey all by himself. With no home to return to as he has no money at hand to repair it, Geord moves out of town and searches for a better future.

—————————————————————

Another 2 years pass by. The year is 405 Post Barrier. Yonuro Tokiyama is past her mid 20's and is a now fully fledged grown-up woman. Hisami is 20 years old and is a mature adult. Ramael continues getting more wise with the passage of years. The three of them have had a blast living together for the past 5 years. Despite their fair share of problems, they all wish things could stay as they are. But stagnation is a very rare occasion in the World we live in. All life has a tendency to move on and change. Without change, there just cannot be a World.

Yonuro is having her final training session with Hisami. Left and right punch, Hisami avoids both. Yonuro can't find an opening to her defenses. And then, just as she is about to counterattack with a punch of her own, Hisami faints the attack into a high side kick. Her leg reaches just next to Yonuro's head and stays there for a bit.

Yonuro- Good job, Hisami. You finally beat me.

Hisami is happy to hear that but has some doubts.

Hisami- You are always going easy on me, though. I've got a long road ahead of me if I want to really beat you, mama.

Yonuro chuckles.

Yonuro- Ahaha, Hisami... The thing is, you don't have to beat the real me. Just you defeating my immitation of the strongest person you might encounter is enough, don't you think?

Hisami nods. It's not like she would ever meet a God-like being ever again.

Hisami- I guess you're right. Ah, thanks. That gave me a heads up.

Yonuro- I'm glad—

At that moment, Yonuro stops talking and coughs a few times.

Ghk* Ghk*

Ramael / Hisami- Yonuro?! / Mama?!

Yonuro looks at her right hand. A few stains of blood are visible. Yonuro quickly wipes her mouth and hides her right hand.

Yonuro- I'm okay. I've occasionally had these coughs, it's not a big deal.

At that moment, Yonuro looks high up in the horizon and sees a plane flying near the peninsula. Without second though, she grabs Hisami's hand and urges her to return home.

Hisami- Ouch! What's going on?

Yonuro- Quick. We need to get back home.

Yonuro stops grabbing her hand and allows Hisami to follow her on her own, even hesitantly.

When they get back home, Yonuro locks the door, the windows and then goes to the bedroom. Hisami, shocked as she is, goes in as well. When she stes foot in she sees Yonuro laying on her bed, with her right forearm covering her eyes.

The creaking sound of the floor after being stepped on is the only thing audible. Hisami approaches Yonuro and slightly caresses her head. And then, she utters her name in all seriousness.

Hisami- Yonuro...

Yonuro- Don't worry about me, Hisami. Just... Go to sleep. I'll tell you everything tomorrow.

Seeing how down Yonuro is, it's kinda difficult for Hisami to stop herself from tearing up.

Yonuro- Please, do me that favor. You're a good girl, Hisami...

Hisami has absolute trust in Yonuro and can't do otherwise. She can't help but listen to her mama. She slowly lays in bed and tries to fall asleep.

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Then, utilizing their Angelic Bond's properties, Yonuro reveals the truth to her dear Ramael.

Yonuro- I think it's time, Ramael. I will tell you everything.

Ramael- Yonuro... I'm all ears...

And so Yonuro describes the events she wished she had never foreseen in the future. Images of horror, tradegy and most notable unfairness.

"After the death of Sachrist, the Accursed Angel, the New World was cured from his twisted ways and inhumane use of Omniscience. The Lingering world lost their selfish and monstrous leader and they all lived happily ever after."

Yonuro- That's how the story should have gone. But the truth is not so wholesome... On the contrary, it is frighteningly gruesome and unfair...

"In reality, the Lingerians couldn't point their finger at their Omniscient Leader. They couldn't accept that he tricked them all into creating the Barrier. The didn't believe he was the nuisance all along. When your whole life has been a lie, then you can't simply accept the truth even if it is in front of your...

And so the Lingerinas didn't blame Sachrist for all his sins. Instead, they pointed their finger at the one who they wanted to have been responsible. An Angel they didn't trust. An outsider they believed was responsible for the destruction of the Barrier and for the death of their trustworthy leader. They all put the blame on me, Yonuro Tokiyama, the Unholy Angel, and of course you, Ramael, the Unholy Veil."

Ramael widens her eyes. Yonuro continues speaking unfair truths that make me want to cry.

Yonuro- The Lingerians are now all Accursed members. They have condemned the Angelic Veils and will never rely on Angels again. And their reasoning is to eliminate the possibility of another Unholy Angel appearing, just like me...

Ramael sheds tears.

Ramael- This is— unbelievable...

Yonuro- I thought so too. Seeing the Lingerians attempt to imprison me the day after Sachrist's death was unbelievable at the time. I thought it was another hallucination from Sachrist. But it was the undeniable truth. That's the reason I decided to leave the World behind. It is the reason behind my everything...

Ramael makes a sad face and Yonuro finishes the tragic truth.

Yonuro- And now, for the New World's peace to remain intact, I need to be eliminated. Only then will they be satisfied. This World that hates me from the bottom of their heart... Only after my death will they ever forge real peace......

Without reason, logic or justice... But it was easier for them this way. They had to point their finger at someone. Only that way will this story ever end...

Ramael's tears turn into an intense mental breakdown.

Ramael- sob* sob* That's.... sob* too cruel...

Yonuro- So, as you can probably tell, I'm saying this now, because the time has come. The New World has found out our location. It's just as I saw in the future from Sachrist's veil... Tomorrow, under the command of the Lingering World's current leader, Marden's son, the entire New World will launch a federal attack on Yonuro Tokiyama, the Unholy Angel...

Ramael crawls around Yonuro's head and hair and starts faintly crying. Yonuro caresses Ramael and cries as well while saying the following "When the time comes I want you to be strong, Ramael..."

Yonuro moves her lips up and down a few more times and Ramael cries for all she can...

Ramael- Yonuro... No! I— I— won't ... let you...

Yonuro- This is the only way, dear Ramael...

—————————————————————

The next day, September 11th, year 405 Post Barrier...

Yonuro gently pats Hisami's head and wakes her up. Hisami opens her light purple eyes and sees Yonuro faintly smiling.

Yonuro- Get ready, Hisami. We're moving out. Stuff your backpack with whatever you think is necessary.

Hisami- Where are we going?

Yonuro- This home has been infected and can't possibly be cured. We're going to find a new home beyond the mountain. Do you remember how to to get there?

Hisami has a skeptical and perplexed expression while answering.

Hisami- Yes, I remember the way from all the hiking.

Yonuro- Good. I'll see you there.

"Where is mama going?" Hisami's face outright says these words without her needed to ask.

Yonuro- I want to visit an old friend of mine first. I don't know if I'll ever get the chance to talk to them again. You are strong, Hisami. You can do this on your own. I believe in you!

Hisami nods and says "I'll be waiting!"

Yonuro- I promise, I'll be there.

Yonuro quickly pats Hisami's left shoulder twice and then uses her Godly Ring to teleport back to the Overworld. Now that she's alone, Hisami takes in a few deep breaths and adjusts her white flower shaped hairpin. She takes a moment with her eyes closed. When she opens them again, she marches forwards surrounded by a powerful aura of determination.

—————————————————————

After teleporting to a certain graveyard, Yonuro hides Ramael inside her elegantly sewn pocket and goes to a nearby shop selling flowers.

Yonuro goes in and approaches the counter, yet she can't see anybody in there. Then a peculiar, high pitched voice penetrares her eardrums.

???- Down here!

Yonuro looks at the small man wearing a tall hat and says.

Yonuro- Hello, I want to buy—

???- Shrem knows what you came here for. Five bouquets of flowers are all for you free of charge, Yonuro!

Yonuro- Shrem?! What are you doing here?!

Shrem and his wife in the background both laugh.

Shrem- Peacing out, lady!

Yonuro slightly chuckles and tries to formally thank him.

Yonuro- Thank you ver—

Shrem- There's no time for appreciantions, right Yonuro? I have a feeling that you need to be somewhere.

Yonuro- Yes, you're right. Thanks and farewell, Shrem!

Shrem waves at her and Yonuro visitis the graves. Just like Geord did 2 years ago, Yonuro offers the bouquets of flowers to each important grave. She then kneels before the last one, Samei's, and with fingers interlaced, she talks to her friend one last time with teary eyes...

—————————————————————

Half an hour later, Hisami arrives at the top of the mountain and begins her descent. Using everything Yonuro has taught her, Hisami makes the right desicions and carefully makes her way down, beyond the mountain.

After successfully avoiding some dangerous rocks, Hisami takes a look at the beautiful view in front of her. Awestruck as she is, she can't put together the words to describe it. A picturesque open field with countless flowers majestically adorned by the sun's gorgeous rays of light.

Most of the flowers pink, some of them are white and others even red. Hisami's eyes liven up. She never knew such an exquisite beauty existed in the World. But there really is. Yonuro had kept this off reach on purpose. She wanted Hisami to explore the field of flowers on her own. That way she can feel its majesty to the fullest. She earned this beauty from successfully making it up and down the mountain on her own. Her efforts are rewarded with this magical sight.

Hisami- Ahh... How beautiful...

Hisami walks forwards and touches many flowers on the way. As she gets more and more deep in the flower field, she suddenly sees a figure simply standing there surrounded by flowers with petals bathed in deep indigo and inside colored grey. Far away as she is, Hisami needs to run to catch up to her.

The flowers move around as she makes it closer and closer to that person. When she gets close enough, she recognizes the person, smiles and shouts her name.

Hisami- Yonuro! You're here!

Yonuro turns around and returns the smile.

Yonuro- Of course!

Hisami hugs Yonuro and quietly calls her "mama". Yonuro returns the hug and pats Hisami's head. Her long blond hair moves around in the wind. Yonuro's white hair also get messy from the wind. But she keeps on moving her head up and down, left and right on Hisami's head.

When they both let go of the hug, Hisami excitedly asks the following.

Hisami- So, which way is our new home?

The strong wind of the New World keeps on howling, yet no answer is given. Yonuro remains silent for a while. At some point she speaks up with a serious and sad voice.

Yonuro- Far beyond this field of flowers, one day, you will find a place you can confidently call your home.

Hisami shivers with fear from the way Yonuro said that. And then, Yonuro reveals the truth to Hisami.

Yonuro- I'm sorry, Hisami. But I won't be able to accompany you on your future journeys. The New World has no place for me. Right now, as we speak, the federal army of the New World has already made it to the peninsula. It's a matter of time before they make it here...

Hisami crys the words "It—It can't be....". Yonuro closes her eyes for a moment and then opens them again decisively.

Yonuro- You need to go, Hisami. There's no reason for you to get caught up in my mess.

Hisami- No! I'm not going anywhere, mama!

Yonuro- I've already talked this out with Ramael. Despite her absolute denial, there's no other way. You two need to survive.

Yonuro removes the unconscious Ramael and gently wraps her around Hisami.

Yonuro- You will never feel lonely, I assure you. Ramael's company and tenderness is beyond belief. You two will live happily together...

Hisami cries the loudest she has ever had before.

Hisami- Yonuroooooo!

Yonuro gives Hisami and Ramael a final sorrowful smile and then turns around. While moving in the opposite direction, Yonuro says her final words to her friends.

Yonuro- I wish you have a life that you feel proud of living. Farewell, Hisami!

And then, Yonuro says her final words to her best friend directly through their Angelic Bond, right before it disappears.

Yonuro- I will never forget about you, Ramael. You have been and will always be my dearest friend and companion... I will always keep you close to my heart. I wish your life is filled with nothing but happiness... Farewell, my dear, dear Ramael...

Yonuro takes another step forwards and the Angelic Bond between her and Ramael ceases to exist. At the exact moment that the Angelic Bond is destroyed, a new one is formed. Hisami loses consciousness and momentarily touches the ground. Ramael's body color changes from golden white to her distinguishable light purple one. Between Hisami and Ramael, this new Angelic Bond is tighter and stronger than ever...

While steadily moving in the opposite direction, Yonuro sheds her final tears. Her Godly Ring changes color, from golden to dark purple and is filled to the brim with Dark Essence.

And then, countless helicopters armed with heavy guns, battleplanes with high-end explosives and units of thousand armed Humans, Demons and Lingerians are all slightly visible at the top of the mountain, making their descent towards Yonuro.

Fearless and determined, Yonuro takes another step towards them. A stray bullet passes right next to her beautiful white hair. Yonuro closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath.

When she opens her indigo grey colored eyes again, a few dropplets of blood come out and she proceeds to cough blood one last time. She then taps her Demonic Ring and shouts her final words...

Yonuro- I am the body and you are the weapon...

(...)

"Answer my call, Aniik!"

A pair of midnight purple Demonic Claws makes its appearance.

—————————————————————

The End.

‎

Angelic Bond: The New World

Written by George Tsirkas, aka Jojeez or Sachrist.

‎

Post-credit scene: " Ramael - True End. "

Year 406 Post Barrier. (A year later)

In a small town called Asbell, a few familiar faces have gone shopping.

"Where the fuck do you find small mettalic catchers in this day and age?" The man in total black says while looking left and right.

Hisami- There's gotta be a shop around here.

Ramael- But where though? Any ideas, Geord?

Geord- No, nothing. I came to this town pretty recently, too, just like you guys when we first met here.

Walking and walking, Geord, Hisami and Ramael try to find mettalic catchers and search many shops in order to do so. The town is as lively as ever since it was first expanded and rebuilt. Customers come and go and it is often difficult to make out the shops from within the crowd.

But then Ramael bearly sees the shop they are looking for from the not-so-elegantly sewn but still discreet pocket of Hisami's skirt.

Ramael- To the right, guys!

"Sewing Materials"

After seeing this label, they widen their eyes and rush in to ask for mettalic catchers.

Surprisingly enough they do have some.

Shop owner- Mettalic catchers? Of course and we have them! With a small discount, it'll be 1.000.000 yen.

Hisami- Erm. That's a lot...

Geord- No worries, I got you. There you go, mister.

Shop owner- Thank you very much!

Geord has got some money to spare. He has found a new job at a printing shop where he is tasked with translating American English to British English, editing and then publishing modern books. The job pays surprisingly well.

When they finish with all their shopping, Geord, Hisami and Ramael take the main road of Asbell, which branches out to most areas in town. From this common road, Geord and Hisami will reach their respective homes.

On the way, they encounter many different neighbourhoods on the left and right side. The further they get from the centre of the town, the less individuals are seen and the poorer the households get.

Homeless people are on the increase, either waiting for their homes to be built or due to their poverty. Most of them are there for the latter reason of course and are holding out empty cans of beans, bowls or simply their hats. Most of these are empty, as not many people are willing to offer anything.

Hisami- Oof, all these poor people.

Leaving Geord behind for a bit, Hisami takes pity on a homeless man and offers him a 200 yen coin. The man grins, puts the coin in the can of beans and thanks the kind girl. Hisami repays the gesture and is about to leave the side pavement.

The moment she does that however, Hisami takes a look at a homeless person a few meters ahead of her and recognizes her physique and voice. A woman wearing a hoody with cat ears to conceal her face, with shoulder length white hair and a pair of charming indigo colored eyes with grey outline. She is...

Hisami- Oh my god, Yonuro!

Hisami makes a scene and runs towards the homeless person at lightning speed. Geord sees this and says "wait up!" while trying to catch up to her.

Yonuro- Hi—Hisami? R-Ramael?!

Hisami- Mama!

Yonuro stands up, removes her hoody and hugs them. Her smile and happily shed tears make Hisami feel serene and equally happy.

Geord- Wait is that.... Yonuro?!

Yonuro- Geord!

Yonuro hugs her uncle after so long that it makes both of them tear up.

Yonuro- I've been searching you guys everywhere... I can't believe I get to see you again...

Yonuro lets go of the hug and takes a look at Ramael.

Yonuro- Oh Ramael... How much I have missed you...

They are all smiling. Especially Yonuro. She grabs Ramael from Hisami's pocket and throws her up in the air and down again while smiling.

Ramael- Woah! Woah! Hahaha!

Yonuro- I have so many things I want to tell you. I— I'm beyond happy right now...

Your smile, so simple and plain yet absolutely beautiful and sencere. I'm so happy for you, Yonu.

Geord- I'm so glad to see you're here!

Hisami- Welcome back, Yonuro!

They all genuinly smile. They are all filled with joy. They are all on cloud nine from seeing Yonuro again. All except for one...

Ramael- Yonuro? Do I... know you from somewhere?

—————————————————————

Angelic Bond: The End.