"Hey Shinobu you there? Hellooooo!" Douma waved at Shinobu several times until she finally regained her senses.
Shinobu shook her head and stared at Douma who squealed like a child when he saw her looking at him. "You're back." He said cheerfully.
"Uh yeah," Brushing her purple locks aside, Shinobu sat up and waited for what Douma was about to say.
"I was a little worried, I thought you were in a trance."
"Hahaha no I wasn't."
"Phew."
"Anyways where were we?"
"Oh right we were talking about-"
There was something Douma mentioned earlier that Shinobu had been meaning to ask him.
"Wait, since you're not staying at the shrine anymore, does this mean-"
No no no it's not like that Shinobu! Don't stress yourself out over that! Douma started panicking he didn't want Shinobu to get upset over something that wasn't true. If that happens, he'd be doomed, throughout his entire life, the angel had never felt such comfort that Shinobu gave him. After all, angels don't get themselves involve in such attachments and bonds.
"I talked with the Heavenly Council about that, since I'm already here maybe there's still something I need to search for. It just so happens that humanity was at the brink of collapse when I got here, now that that's over, it's time I figure out what else is in store. I guess I have to find my destiny that is somewhere out there."
Shinobu felt a little better hearing that. Which means there's a possibility they will still be seeing each other.
"So don't worry, if you humans need help with anything, I'm here! We just might find what we need to throughout our adventures." Douma reassured her. At least that settles it, there's a reason why he finally found his team. This could mark the beginning of something big.
"To be honest, that does sound exciting," The violette spoke. "Our next adventure awaits us this weekend."
Oh Shinobu is just as spontaneous about it as I am! Great, I can't wait for that day to come! Spending more time with Shinobu, how delightful. Douma could barely contain his excitement, at the same time, the bubbly feeling in his chest was growing stronger.
"I hope Yushiro doesn't decide to bring his whole game set along. That troublemaker..." Shinobu was thinking about the possible state of their experience at Dice and Roll Valley, hoping for the best.
Yushiro was busy playing video games in his room. He constantly jammed his fingers on the buttons of the controller, oblivious to the bruises forming on his skin and the beads of sweat dripping on the controller's surface.
"If I don't beat this guy I won't be able to move on to the next stage. Focus Yushiro, focus."
The images of the ticket flailing around on the shelf on his table lingered in his mind. It almost affected his concentration, when Yushiro's character in the game was about to get hit by his opponent, he snapped back and threw a hard punch, earning him a victory.
That wasn't so bad. Yushiro realized that perhaps the motivation had given him the sheer power he needed to progress further into the game. Hence he was grateful.
Shinobu peeped at the opened window of her room. The pile of books was still on her table.
"Nice talking to you Douma, let's meet again sometime. I gotta complete my homework."
Douma didn't want Shinobu to leave but he couldn't object to it. "Alright see you this weekend Shinobu!" He helped the violette climb back into her room safely.
~~~
Chachamaru leaned against the wall, observing Mr Oshiro approaching him. The man had something to say to him. Fair enough, his training was done and he already packed his stuff for tomorrow's session.
"If we could, Atlas would've recruited those three to work with us." Mr Oshiro spoke, he stood beside Chachamaru and smiled at the feline.
"So why didn't you?" The giant cat asked.
"They've got a future ahead of them. I don't want to put them in dangerous situations nor take risks. At the end of the day, we'll be questioned, 'Why didn't you consider this or that?', that'll be a major problem."
Flicking his tail, Chachamaru glimpsed at the hall. "Yeah that makes sense."
"We can always count on those three anytime. They helped us a lot, it doesn't matter if they're not a part of Atlas, we will always acknowledge their efforts." Mr Oshiro went on. "I did ask Douma if he wanted to join us, but he declined."
"Really?" Chachamaru chuckled, he wouldn't say he was surprised, the blonde wasn't the kind to just join forces with anyone, he was always putting on a thinking cap and that led to him making the right decisions for himself and the people around him.
"Yeah anyways society has a lot to prepare for should we form a mutual alliance with beings like Douma. I'm sure you're aware of where he's from right? It's not going to be easy for him, that's why I don't have a problem with his decision."
Of course, it doesn't matter if he's an angel, he isn't going to earn everybody's trust. Still crossing his arms, Chachamaru noticed a few people walking down the hallway, getting ready to leave the building.
"There was some controversy regarding Douma's time on Earth. If you haven't noticed, we've confiscated the equipment that these few numbskulls were planning on using to capture Douma. It's in one of the rooms on the next level." Mr Oshiro lit his cigarette and recalled the times when that one person threatened him. Luckily the President of Atlas didn't take action on that, it sounded like a form of desperation during those events however as time passed, it appeared to be more so of an agenda.
The feline glanced at Mr Oshiro who stood there smoking his cigarette. Whoever thought of doing that must be very bold and cruel.
"We're actually aware of the people involved in this scheme, the management has been keeping an eye on them. So far they haven't done anything yet beside preparing those tools that we confiscated. There's nothing they can do now but that doesn't mean we should let our guard down."
It just so happens, that the same man whom Mr Oshiro was talking about with Chachamaru, heard their entire conversation. He hid behind one of the pillars, keeping a close watch on them.
"They can't capture him it's impossible, he'll just teleport." Chachamaru was at the verge of laughing even Mr Oshiro found it ridiculous.
"But those idiots don't know that." Mr Oshiro added.
The man behind the pillar snorted and contacted his men who were gathering at one of the construction sites in town.
"Everyone, abort the mission." He said softly.
Hiding behind the walls of the empty building at the construction site, the men were shocked to hear the sudden change of plans. They were about to get their weapons and tools ready in case Douma was near.
Coincidentally, Douma happened to be flying pass the construction site. One of the troops noticed him and clarified with the man if they should call it off right there and then.
"Yes call back the group."
The man on the line didn't want to confront his leader he just agreed to the decision. "Alright then."
All the troops watched Douma's silhouette disappear in the night sky. Although it appeared as though he didn't notice they were there, he actually did the whole time.
"How dare you make me feel so guilty Mr Oshiro." Stepping away, the man glanced at Mr Oshiro and Chachamaru before leaving.
A tall man carrying a large blade accompanied by another younger man who looked to be in his twenties walked towards them.
"Well if it isn't Mr Ogata and Ryo how are ya doing?"
"Great Mr Oshiro, we're preparing the students for the next mission." Mr Ogata responded while Ryo nodded.
"We still have matters to settle during training tomorrow." Ryo informed Chachamaru, the feline knew Ryo was impressed by his fighting skills.
After discussing about the next course of action, Chachamaru and Mr Oshiro parted ways. Both Mr Ogata and Ryo left first.
"Rest well Chachamaru, you've got another day tomorrow." Mr Oshiro told him before walking away, getting ready to leave the building just like everyone else.
Chachamaru nodded and took off in the opposite direction. While walking down the hall, he passed by the same man who had been eavesdropping on their conversation. The man glimpsed at Chachamaru before carrying on his way.
There was a stillness in the air when they passed each other, Chachamaru could sense it.