They had gone away with the intention of relaxing and having some fun, yet they had returned more destroyed than ever.
When Hajime and his team arrived in the central district, they were all overwhelmed by a feeling they never should have experienced, from the district of Kugutsu.
The mental wounds they had suffered weighed heavily on their souls.
Even Fumio himself could not deny that it had been a hellish ordeal for all of them.
The serial killer in Goto's service had shaken them to their core, using the most dangerous weapon of all: the naked truth.
Kohaku, in particular, seemed shattered, as if she still felt the weight of the world on her shoulders.
"I have killed innocents... I have killed innocents... b-but I didn't want to, I'm not like the Black Corps, I didn't want to do it... it was necessary... my parents would understand... y-yes, they would..."
Even Kimiko did not seem to be doing well. Not once during the entire journey back had she tried to joke or curse anyone.
Her silence made everyone uncomfortable—but no one had the courage to say anything to her, already overwhelmed by what they had been through.
(...I'm not weak... I'll show that damn hag... I'll destroy all her dolls with my lightning when I see her again.)
Even Cloe seemed to have become suddenly mute. Sometimes her body trembled slightly as she made sure that all her teammates were truly around her—and safe.
(I-I'm here... they're all here... they're alive... they're alive. The rest doesn't matter...)
Hajime and Kuro, on the other hand, were in a different state of mind.
If their female companions were lost and stumbling, they were angry—angry and full of hatred more than ever.
(I was put in a cage, like a dog! I can't allow it to happen again! And if they had done the same to Cloe, and the others!? What would I have done!? I was stupid, just because we're New Dawn doesn't mean we're "safe" from ending up in some lab! I can't... I can't allow it to happen again!)
Full to the brim with the will to become stronger, Kuro already had in mind to dive into training as soon as they reached the bunker.
There were many new ways he wanted to try using his power.
Hajime, on the other hand, had a thought very much in line with his friend's.
(If she had wanted... if she had been more scared, or loyal to the old bastard... probably now, Mom would be... tsk! Screw it! If it weren't for Yukihime showing up, we'd still be there! I need to get better! I was arrogant to think I was capable enough to be invincible... I need her help... she can help me...)
Clenching his fists in frustration, Hajime decided to visit Veronica once things had calmed down.
There were still many things he could learn from the woman.
Later That Night
As his companions locked themselves in their rooms inside the bunker that served as their home, Hajime headed toward his own residence.
His footsteps were slow and heavy, almost as heavy as his thoughts.
(A relaxing vacation, a couple of... sigh Hajime, you just have to pretend for a while, and act too tired... yes, I can do it. I just have to believe.)
He was so used to lying that Goto's stepson had no problem deceiving his mother and little sister, even though he felt guilty, just like the first time he'd done it.
Not that he could do anything. As much as he wanted to tell them the truth and vent about what he had experienced, his home was always a place he considered enemy territory.
The closer he got, the more Hajime struggled to smile.
Eventually, he reached home, a slight smile of exhaustion embellishing his face.
But before he could enter, Kaori opened the door. She had been waiting for him ever since he informed his family of his return time.
"Onii-chan! You're back! How was the vacation!? Did you have fun!? I missed you so much! Will you introduce me to your friends!? What do you think if—"
"Kaori-chan, let him rest a bit before bombarding him," said his mother, gently.
Seeing his mother and little sister again triggered something deep in Hajime's heart. For a moment, he almost cried.
It was for the two of them that Hajime had endured everything that had happened in Kugutsu, and even before.
Seeing Kaori, and especially his mother, happy and healthy, struck him like a dagger and a warm hug at the same time.
(Hold back the tears and don't cry, stupid! I can't give the impression that something happened!)
Hardening his heart, Hajime sighed slightly, giving the impression of exhaustion.
"I'm really exhausted," he said with a fake but convincing smile.
"But tell me something at least!" Kaori insisted.
"... The trip and vacation went well. Sorry for coming back later than expected, but the southern district was really... 'unique', to say the least."
The boy wasn't sure he could say more without revealing too much.
"...How were things here while I was gone?" Hajime asked.
"Oh! Uh..." Kaori hesitated. "It's all the same as usual. But Dad has been very busy lately... he hasn't come home for a long time. He says he has a very important job in progress."
For a moment, Hajime didn't have to fake his smile.
Knowing that the man he hated more than anyone was having a rough time felt like a miracle.
Knowing he and his team were the reason for it, Goto's mysterious "work in progress"—made it all the sweeter.
"Really? I-I... I believe he also has these times at work. Don't worry, Kaori-chan, this period will surely pass..."
He avoided saying more to avoid offending his stepfather.
"I think I'll go get some rest. See you tomorrow. Goodnight."
Finally, he let out a sigh of relief as he entered his room.
His body collapsed on the bed, and only then did Hajime realize just how truly exhausted he was.
Before he knew it, he had already fallen asleep.
Elsewhere…
Veronica had known this moment would come.
She felt it in her bones—or maybe it was the Grimoire whispering to her.
She had always believed that her apprentice would one day come to her with the desire to know more. With the desire to become more like her, the infamous Scarlett Queen who instilled fear in the bravest hearts.
When the woman opened the door to her home, she couldn't help but smile at the emotions reflected in Hajime's blue eyes.
(Yes... that's the right feeling.)
There was no need to ask if he was there for her, but she still wanted to hear it from his lips.
"So... what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked.
"You know," he answered.
"No, I don't think so," she teased.
"I-I... I want you to teach me more, Veronica-shishou."
Like a wolf, she laughed, letting the boy in.
Before closing the door, she waved at the figure standing behind him with a joyful, knowing smirk.
(Ah... the guard dog has finally understood. All the better.)
Fumio didn't say a word. He didn't need to, his anger was more than palpable.