Going back to how this started, about a week has passed since Basara's battle with the European heroes. Basara and the others had resumed their normal lives.
It would still be a bit more than a week until Basara's travel with Chisato, but he had already made up an excuse. He said that Chisato wanted to examine some things in his body to make sure the crystal didn't leave any side effects from being used so much.
Of course, that was a white lie. Basara felt he should wait a bit more to introduce Chisato and Nanao to the others. He was already planning how to do that, but it would take time.
Meanwhile, someone knocked on the front door of Basara's house. Kurumi was the one to get the door, but she didn't know how to react when she saw who it was.
"You…"
"Wait. I don't suppose Basara is home, but hear me out."
The girl convinced Kurumi to let her in. Once inside, she began explaining what had brought her there.
At the same time, in Basara's school…
"Oh. Hi, Nanao."
"H-hi, Basara."
Basara tried to talk with Nanao a bit, but she was a bit nervous so Basara decided not to extend the conversation.
If you're wondering why Nanao was nervous, I'll briefly explain it.
Basically, after the fight with the European heroes, Basara took Nanao home. A bit before he left, Basara told Nanao.
"Nanao, thanks. You were really helpful. I don't think I could have made it without you."
"W-w-w-what are you saying? I-I-I didn't-"
And since then, Nanao hasn't been able to look at Basara without blushing. She probably didn't expect to be told she was helpful.
Basara didn't really mind that because he knew it would just take a little time until she got used to that. Just like when they went on a date, Nanao just needed some time to break out of her shell.
By the way, even though Basara just said hi to Nanao, it was already time to leave the school. It just so happened they only had the chance to talk now.
Mio and Yuki were probably still waiting for Basara at the school's entrance, Basara had to stay a bit longer because he was on class duty today. The one who was on duty with him was…
"See you Monday, Basachi."
"See you, Takigawa."
After everything, Basara and Takigawa had become closer, at least apparently. They were already pretending to be friends before, but maybe now they're not pretending anymore.
Or not. Who knows?
In any case, they said their goodbyes for the day. Basara was a bit afraid Takigawa might try to make some move using the heroes' puppets, but it didn't seem like it. At the very least, Basara believed he wouldn't be attacked out of nowhere.
After walking for a bit, Basara was almost at the school's entrance. He could already feel the smell of liberty.
We didn't get any homework today, so maybe I can grab a DVD or something and watch a movie with the girls. It's a good thing we'll have a free weekend-
"Wait a second."
Basara didn't even need to turn around. He already knew the voice belonged to Rikka, and he already knew she was holding a pile of papers.
"You almost forgot these, didn't you? It's what you get for not coming to class for a month."
Rikka handled Basara the papers and left with a smirk on her face. It seems that, while the girls will be enjoying some movies, Basara will be battling math equations for the weekend. The worst of it is that they're due Monday.
By the way, Mio and Yuki had also received a bundle of homework thanks to the week of class they skipped, but they already worked through that. Since Basara skipped for a month, his bundle would still last for a while.
"I see you got more papers, huh."
"It seems like you'll be busy this weekend as well."
Were Mio and Yuki's comments when they saw Basara caring all of that homework. After that, they walked home and arrived almost at the time for dinner.
But they were surprised when they saw the girl who had visited earlier. In fact, Yuki and Mio were just about to get ready for combat, but Basara stopped them. He wanted to ask something.
"What are you doing here, Anna?"
Yes. The one who had come to visit was the green-haired, brown-eyed girl who had been on the mission to exterminate Basara, Anna.
"Isn't that a bit cold? I just came here to give a warning, but I'd appreciate of you could also give me some help."
Basara, Mio and Yuki then heard from Kurumi, Maria and Zest what had happened until they had arrived. Basara decided to hear Anna, so they moved to the living room.
"You might not believe me right from the get go, but Cillín has escaped. I came here because you're a possible target of revenge, so I thought I should warn you."
"Wait, how did this happen?"
Anna then proceeded to explain Cillín's escape.
She and Gavriil took Cillín to be judged for his crimes. Since they knew there were some corrupt people who wouldn't like to have Cillín get charged, Anna and Gavriil reunited only those they thought were completely trustworthy.
The trial in itself went on without problems. But, when Cillín was supposed to be transported to where he would be executed at, someone broke him free. It would seem a rat had slipped in.
They both tried to escape, but Cillín betrayed whoever helped him. Cillín killed whoever it was that had helped him and used the chaos to escape. After that, a lot of people, including Anna, were dispatched to search for Cillín.
"I gathered some intelligence and found out Cillín is on the demon realm. I don't know what he's planning, so I figured I should warn you, since he might try to get revenge. And this is also where I want to ask for some help."
Anna adjusted her position on the sofa so that she felt more comfortable.
"I can't trust the others sent on this mission. Just like someone slipped in before, someone might be working with Cillín now, so I wanted to ask you, Basara, to help me search for him. Of course, if you feel like you should stay here protecting those close to you, I won't force you to come, but I'd really appreciate your help."
"But why can't we come along as well?"
Yuki asked as she send her glare at Anna.
"Whatever happens, it's best for you all to stay together. It gives you a better chance at surviving an attack. Not to mention that, if memory serves me right, you girls still weren't able to match Cillín on a fight."
Like Anna had said, Yuki and Mio had faced Cillín way back at the beginning. Even with the power up they got, it is unlikely that they can fight on par with Cillín now and it's also an unnecessary risk for them.
"… Can you give me some time to think?"
"Sure. And, can I ask one more thing?" Anna scratched her head. "Can I stay here for the night? I don't want to go looking for a hotel right now and my house is kinda far."
While the others were a bit surprised by Anna's question, the same couldn't be said for Basara. After spending a considerable amount of time with her, Basara was already immune her way of dealing with things.
"Alright. You can stay, and I'll give my answer before the end of the day."
"Ok, thanks."
After that, the day continued as normally as it could. After eating dinner and taking a bath, Basara stayed alone in his room for some time to think.
Staying to protect everyone is a valid point, but it's not like me. Between waiting for the storm to pass and going for the fight, I'm the type to fight. … I guess I really am wasting my time thinking about it.
With that, Basara made his decision. Basara then called Nanao and told her everything. He said that, since she was seen by Cillín, he thought it was better for her to stay with someone until Cillín was caught. She agreed and Basara said he would try to call Chisato.
He then called Chisato and explained the situation, after, he asked if she could let Nanao stay for a while. Chisato agreed. Now, all he had to do was tell his decision to the girls that lived with him.
Basara told everyone what he planned to do. Even though it was dangerous, no one tried to stop him.
"What are you all talking about?"
Anna came in after they had finished. This was a good coincidence.
"I decided. I'll go with you and I'll help catch Cillín."
Anna smiled and then said.
"To be honest, I already expected that. I guess we're partners again."
Anna extended her arm and Basara took it. They shook hands. Their partnership had been revived, but they couldn't imagine what would follow.
