Sunday, November 18. Two months has passed since Samuel had been captured and Cross had disbanded. The incident now known as the "Underground Incident" remained on the news for a while.

News reporter1: It has been Two months since the Underground Incident that caused the gang known as Cross to disband. There were members that weren't in the underground station when the explosion occurred but when it became apparent that the Bloodstained Crow was the root cause behind it, no one has seen any members since then.

News reporter2: We still do not have the identity of the Bloodstained Crow other then the sketches of a man in a tattered cloak. But what we do know is that he was a victim of Cross that from what we can assume wanted revenge of some sorts.

News reporter1: We would like to remind the viewers that the crow had escaped from the explosion and should he be sighted to call the authorities immediately as the Bloodstained Crow is a dangerous individual.

News reporter2: The explosion had occurred in the area where the subway and sewer system would meet. How the explosion occurred and why is still a mystery.

The news on the television is then changed to a different channel. With the channel being changed, Iris puts the remote control down. She walks to the kitchen where Eveline has her hand bandaged up while trying to learn how to not burn food.

Eveline: Okay, so I need to make sure these eggs don't get stuck to the pan. *looks at the eggs* So when do I flip them again?

Iris: Well I wouldn't do it yet. You just cracked it open, so wait till you feel it’s ready.

Eveline: When is that?

Iris: *points to the stove* Like maybe right now.

Immediately the eggs start to smoke as Eveline tries to flip them only to have the yolk explode. In a panic she tries to flip it back but is fails as the folk side of the egg starts to burn. Turning off the stove, Iris looks at the mess Eveline had made.

Eveline: ... This is really hard.

Iris: It's just cooking eggs. How are you able to burn them to this extent!

Eveline: I-I won't give up just yet! Just cause this is my 20th try doesn't mean I can't do it!

Iris: (Actually I think failing this many times is a sign that you can't... But I should keep my mouth shut.)

A knocking on the door is heard as Iris leaves Eveline as she tries to clean the burned eggs off the pan. Opening the door she sees it's her friends Mila Walker and Thomas Hilson.

Mila: Yellow Iris! We're here to play! *smiles*

Thomas: ... *glares at Mila*

Mila: And study... jezz your no fun at all. Is that all you think about Tom, is studying? Ah! Is that why you can get har-

Thomas: *covers her mouth* Shut up Mila... Sorry about this one’s mouth. You wouldn't happen to have any spicy food so this girl can shut her mouth?

Mila: *takes away his hand* I hate that stuff! Fine I'll stop messing with you. Jezz you used to be fun you know.

Thomas: We're here to study because all you've been doing lately is stay in bed and hardly go to class!

Mila: Then why don't you join me? *seductively looks at Thomas*

Thomas: You know you mentally and physically draining me a lot more now.

Iris: (This is awkward.) Um... you guys can come in now.

After entering her home, Mila goes to the living room to watch television only see a unfamiliar face staring at the kitchen stove.

Mila: Hey kiddo, didn't know you were here. Whatcha doing with that charcoal?

Eveline: It's not charcoal! They're supposed to be eggs. I refuse to give up just yet! *puffs out chest with pride*

Mila: ...So cute.

Iris: Eh?

Mila: She's so cute! How old are you little girl!

Eveline: *sighs* I'm 17 years old you know that Mila.

Mila: 17 years old and still this cute! So adorable I just wanta take you home *starts to move her hand to Eveline's blushing cheeks*

Thomas: *slaps Mila's hands away* She's not a pet, she a person! Why do you always get like this when you spot someone or something cute?

Mila: I can't help it, as a girl I am just attracted to cuteness!

Thomas: Oh guess that explains why you were like that with me when we first met.

Mila: Unfortunately you lost your cuteness as we stayed together. Still, I feel bad if I just leave you as you’re so clearly attached to me.

A voice from behind them is soon heard. Looking behind Mila and Thomas, Brandon stands in the living room doorway with bags of groceries.

Brandon: Hello, Mila and Thomas.

Thomas: What's up, Brandon?

Mila: Hiya cute little brother! Say Iris, can I take this one instead?

Iris: Only if you feed him properly.

Brandon: ... Did I miss something?

Thomas: *sighs* Trust me, it's nothing important.

Walking past the three, Brandon goes to Eveline as she remains still from Mila's comments about her.

Brandon: Eveline, I got more eggs. So don't go burning these as well. Mom wants these to last longer than two days.

Eveline: Wha!? It-It's very hard working with eggs you know!

Brandon: I thought your cooking skills would have improved a little by now you know.

Eveline: Yeah, I guess it takes more than just 4 weeks to get better right?

Brandon: Uh yeah sure... if you were blind maybe.

Eveline: *adverts her head* Sorry I'm bad, I'll just stop forever then.

Brandon: Huh? No I was only kidding, come on. See I'm laughing, haha... *forcefully laughs*

Seeing Brandon and Eveline talking with each other, the rest of them excuse themselves as Iris leads Mila and Thomas to her room. While walking up the stairs, Mila opens her mouth as she is about to speak.

Mila: Seeing on how that pan was, I would say she's still not great with the kitchen is she?

Iris: Eveline? No afraid not. Although she is trying to improve her skills, it's at the cost of losing supplies.

Thomas: Still she's been living here for two months right? Least she's trying to show you guys she's not giving up.

Iris: Yeah. I'm glad. *smiles*

Entering Iris's bedroom, the three sit across each other on a round table in the room. While Mila and Thomas notice there are plastic models on the table in her room.

Mila: You already finished this robot model!? You bought these two days ago didn't you?

Iris: That box is a lie; this model of a giant robot from that anime didn't feel hard at all. It was a pain to paint the smaller pieces without a magnifier but least I have really steady hands to do it.

The two get ready to study, watching them Iris begins to think back to 1 month prior when she, Brandon, and Sharon find Eveline waiting at the front door of their house.

-Flashback-

Sharon: Eveline! You’re safe! *runs towards her and hugs her* How did- Who brought you!?

As the rest of the family gathers around her, Eveline looks distraught as she tries to say something.

Eveline: *breathes in and exhales* There’s something I want to tell you all. Can we talk inside?

Entering the house they settle in the living room where Eveline is the only one standing in the room. Calming herself she begins to talk.

Eveline: I... I didn't know you guys really liked me?

Sharon: Of course we do.

Iris: Yeah, you know that. Don’t you?

Brandon: What’s wrong Eveline? Why would you ask us that?

Eveline: I just wanted to know, now that I’m going to tell you about what happened to me in the past.

Brandon: We know though, you came from an abusive dad and a mom that well, committed suicide.

Iris: There’s more to it then? Am I right?

Eveline: *breathes in calmly* Yes. I asked Marshall not to tell anyone else but there is more. The man that was with my mother was not my real father; he was my step-dad. My real father past away when I was 6 years old. He was killed by a gunshot from a robber when we were at a bank. In front of my eyes, my father died shielding me.

She looks at everyone else to see she has their undivided attention. Eveline continues on with her story.

Eveline: Since my mother didn't work before, she had to get a job to pay for bills, rent, and everything else. She had at least two jobs and in one of them she met someone else. His name was Harry. She was hesitant at first but I guess she warmed up to him and eventually started to date. *smiles* Believe it or not, he actually wasn't always drunk. At the beginning he was actually nice and he worked as a construction worker, he was very proud of that actually. He and mother remained dating and he even helped my mother with bills and whatnot.

Brandon: So that man wasn't even really your step-dad.

Eveline: He treated both of us very nicely... but I never really got used to him. One day though he had an accident at his work. Someone at his job was drinking on the job and was driving a forklift. While walking by the forklift with his co-workers, an exhausted worker hit the release button on the vehicle. The boxes that the forklift had were holding furniture inside them. So when they landed on him; his legs were hurt so badly he couldn't walk anymore. During this time he and my mom were already living together, and so he just stayed at home while mother was working. He started to drink a lot and sometimes even do drugs. My mother thought she could make him stop but to be honest I don't know why she would even bother. While drunk he would sexually assault my mother after she would come home from work; she would very tired.

Iris: How long did this last?

Eveline: For 4 years. Until one day my mother had commit suicide when I was 8, leaving me behind with no one. I had no place to stay other then with Harry. The abuse wouldn't stop as he would always be drinking, and somehow ended up blaming me for what had happened to him. There were times I wouldn't go straight home after school, but I would wonder around the city.

She inhales deeply and continues to speak.

Eveline: One day I was in downtown, afraid of going home and that's where I met THEM. At the time I had no idea who he was or what the group was but they made me feel like I belonged. During my time with them I never really joined in their activities so I had no idea what they were actually doing. It wasn't until I witnessed them brutally kill a rival gang member that I started to try avoiding them. I didn't even know that the person I had talk with a lot named Samuel was the leader of Cross until that day I was taken.

Brandon: Then, you knew the guy that killed Cipher.

Eveline: I didn't know what was happening since I tried my best to stay away. If I had known then I would have said something.

With a serious look on his face, Brandon speaks interrupting her plead.

Brandon: Continue with your story Eveline.

Eveline: Please you have to believe me, even though I was with them I had no part of what happened with Cipher. Marshall knows of my past and knows that I was trying to get away from them. One day I didn't want to go where either that man or Samuel was, so I just stayed in school. I was just looking out the window in class and then I hear the door open to see you, Brandon, opening the door.

Brandon: Yeah I remember. It was a week after he was murdered.

Eveline: *tears starts to fall* And that's how we met and came to where we are now. I can understand that you guys would come to hate me. I... I just liked that you guys treated me so nicely.

Sharon: *hugs Eveline tightly* Oh honey. I am sorry you had to suffer like that for so long.

Eveline: I want to tell you all the whole but...but the thought of losing you all is terrifying. I didn't want to be alone anymore; if I had lost you guys, then I... I

Iris: *pats Eveline's head* You feel better now that you've told us all this?

Eveline: You guys- you guys don't hate me?

Iris: Why would we? You’re like a member of our family you know. Sides you didn't hurt anyone, didn't participate with them, and from the sounds of it you were getting forced to be part of Cross.

Eveline: Really?

Sharon: She has a point. Eveline, you have and will always be welcomed in our home.

Feeling some relief, Eveline then realizes that Brandon hadn't said anything as of yet. She looks to him to only see his face looking downwards. Sharon lets her go as she walks up towards him. Knowing that Brandon has a deep hatred towards Cross, she believes to think she that has lost the trust of the one she cares for the most.

Brandon: So is that all? *looks at her with a smile*

Eveline: Yes. I'm not surprised that you wouldn't want to even look at me. I can leave the house and tell Marshall that he can place me in a foster home if you don't want me here.

Brandon: What! Wait why would you do that?

Eveline: Don't you hate people that were with Cross?

Brandon: *sighs* True but after what you had told us this, makes me wonder how many others got the same treatment. When I think about it like that... I feel like a douche for just talking without knowing much.

Eveline: So you don't hate me?

Brandon: There's no way I could. I'm just glad you’re safe now.

Iris: Well now, I'll go get us something to drink for the meantime. *leaves to the kitchen*

As Iris is getting the drinks the rest start to talk and comfort Eveline as she begins to feel relieved that she had told them. As they start to converse with each other; tears of happiness start to fall from Eveline.

Brandon: What's wrong?

Eveline: Nothing, just that I'm happy that I ever got to meet you people.

Sharon: It's okay, let it all out Eveline.

Brandon: Mom's right. If you’re so happy you wanta cry go ahead, no one’s gonna stop you. *smiles*

Coming out the kitchen, Iris has cups of glasses with juice inside them.

Eveline: Thank you, looks like our bonds really are stronger than anything in the world.

Brandon: What? *laughs a little* Where did that even come from?

Breaking glass is heard right as Eveline had made her statement. Looking at where the sound came from, Iris stands where the now broken cups had fallen.

Sharon: Iris what's the matter!?

Iris: Wha... Eveline what did you say?

Eveline: Iris?

Brandon: Sis, why'd you drop them?

Iris: ... Huh? Oh crap! Sorry, that was my fault! *grabs a towel*

Brandon: Yeah no one’s gonna deny that.

-Flashback end-

Remembering that time as Mila begins to mess with Thomas as they try to study, the two notice a somber look on Iris.

Mila: Heya, you alright?

Iris: Yeah, I'm just wondering how many tries it's going to take you to pass this mid-term test.

Mila: What the hell you guys! Screw you I'm not an idiot... I just like to act like one.

Thomas: Okay then, here's a question. What is Pi?

Mila: A delicious dessert.

Mila laughs with confidence and Thomas just looks exhausted from her lame joke, Iris is unable to forget the sentence that Eveline had said that caused her to drop the glass cups.

Iris: (Bonds, those words... They sound like something he would say.)

The next day comes as both Eveline and Brandon are in their math class, the teacher is lecturing to the whole class. During the lecture about the Pythagorean Theorem, feeling that he is nodding off; Brandon looks to his side to see Eveline taking notes.

Brandon: You understand this stuff?

Eveline: Half of it. These notes should help me, though why haven't you taken any?

Brandon: I uh... I got lost.

Giggling at him, Brandon begins to feel embarrassed as a bell rings is heard, signaling it's time for lunch. Putting away her supplies, 2 girls walk up to Eveline.

Girl1: Hey Eveline, can I copy your notes please?

Girl2: Same here. The teacher has sucha boring voice that we kinda fell asleep, you know.

She gives the girls her notes so they can copy it. To her surprise one of the girls taps Eveline on her arm.

Girl1: Hey um do you want to come with us to grab some food?

Eveline: Well I, uh...

Girl2: Don't wanta? Or is your boyfriend Brandon going to be okay without you?

Brandon: S-she's not my girlfriend! We're just friends!

Eveline: *glares at Brandon* ... Thank you, I'll go.

Brandon: Huh? (What I say?)

The girls leave as Brandon tries to figure out why Eveline had glared at him. He is tapped on the shoulder by a friend of his, named Frank.

Frank: I wonder how long she's willing to take your stupidity.

Brandon: What the hell's that supposed to mean?

Frank: Look man, when you say "she's not my girlfriend" and "just friends" when a girl has feeling for you; she will get tired of hearing that.

Brandon: She doesn't have feelings for me though.

Frank: I'ma kick your ass if you say that again! You were the only person she spoke to before she started to look approachable and stuff. Hell she glared at you cause of what YOU said! You love her don't you?!

Brandon: Don't say it like that! She told me that she's not used to talk to others. Even now. So I just don't want to bother her about that type of stuff.

Frank: Well I'll say this, you keep that up and you will lose your chance.

Brandon: You really think so?

Frank: Trust me, just be a man and take that rejection!

Brandon: What the hell you just basically said she liked me.

Frank: It's just a suspicion of mine. Anyways are you ever going to ask her out?

Brandon: ... Yeah. As a matter of fact I'm doing it today!

Frank: Okay. Wait, are you serious?

Brandon: Yeah.

Frank: Alright then. I'll just go distract those girls so you can have you chance then.

Walking out the door, Brandon panics and grabs Frank by his arm.

Brandon: WAIT NOT YET!

Frank: ... I knew it.

Brandon: That's not what I meant. I'm doing today, just that I'll do it after school.

Frank: Ahh okay, makes sense since you guys hang out after school and such.

Brandon: Where's a good place though? Setting the mood may help my odds.

Frank: You’re just asking her to be your girlfriend, not proposing man. Sides you have a good chance if you weren't so ignorant about girls; but if you want a place I think I know of one.

Brandon: Where?

Frank: The garden behind the school has colorful flowers and the scent there is nice cause of today's weather. Since today has little wind blows.

Brandon: Thanks. I'll send her a text message to meet me there after school.

Frank: Hold on though, I think that weird chick is there sometimes, you know the one with no friends and those scary narrow looking eyes.

Brandon: You talking about Miho?

Frank: That her name? Well you better hope she ant there; I heard she knows witchcraft or some shit like that.

Brandon: *sighs* Frank she's in one of our classes and witchcraft isn't real; besides I doubt she's there all the time anyways.

Sending his text message to her, Brandon prepares himself as the day goes on. School ends and walking to the garden, Eveline arrives to wait for Brandon. As a soft breeze passes by she sees the flowers and leafs moving with a flow as the wind hits them. Kneeling down, she catches the refreshing scent from the flower bed in front of her.

Eveline: Wow these flowers actually smell really nice.

She gets more comfortable sitting as she starts to think to herself.

Eveline: (I can’t believe it’s been a month since that whole incident. It feels like it was all some horrible nightmare now that I think about it. Still though, at least Cross is no longer around.)

She looks at her hand and removes her bandage as she touches a scar from her last moments with Cross.

Eveline: (That burn left this scar on me and it still hurts every now and then too.)

Hearing footsteps behind her, she looks behind her expecting Brandon. Instead though there is a girl wearing a zipped up black sweater, black shoes and pants, and long black hair with bangs that seem to cover her eyebrows, and pale looking skin. Her name is Miho Tomonori, a girl that has some classes with Eveline. Looking at her, she notices that Miho is carrying a watering canteen. In a hurry Eveline covers up the scar with the bandage.

Eveline: *gets up in a hurry* Oh um… sorry I thought you were… someone else.

Miho seemingly ignores her completely as she walks by her to water the plants. Feeling that she’s in the way, Eveline backs away so that Miho can continue with the watering. However as she does, Miho’s deep monotone voice is heard.

Miho: You’re Eveline Everstone, aren't you?

Eveline: Huh? Oh… um yeah. We have history class together. You’re Miho Tomono-

Miho: What are you doing here?

Eveline: Um, someone I know told me to meet them here. I um, I hope that's okay with you?

Miho: Does it matter? As long as you’re not in the way I could care less about you.

Eveline: R-right then... I'm just go wait next to the wall over there. *points to a wall next to a pond*

Leaning on the wall as she waits for Brandon, she glances over towards Miho.

Eveline: (She must be the one taking care of the plants, but I thought it was the gardening clubs' duty to care for them. Guess even with an attitude like that, she's really just a caring person.)

As soon as she thought of this, she notices Miho glaring back at her. Not knowing what to do next, Eveline just smiles and waves at her. Miho sees her and turns away from Eveline's direction. Feeling uncomfortable, she looks at her phone to check for any missed messages. While looking at it, Miho stops watering and begins to walk towards Eveline.

Miho: Hey.

Eveline: Yes, what is it?

Miho: How long do you plan to stay here?

Eveline: Sorry! Am I bothering you?

Miho: You kept looking at me. You were thinking to yourself that those rumors about me are true weren't you.

Eveline: What no! Actually I was thinking the opposite.

Miho: ... How so?

Eveline: Well you’re not in the gardening club right? So I thought that those rumors about you knowing witchcraft and cursing people can't be right since you’re taking care of these plants.

Miho: Such a simple minded person you are.

Eveline: What?

Miho: Just because I water these weak flowers doesn't mean I'm a nice person, besides what if I can do witchcraft and I do cast a curse on you.

Eveline: Then I would be both amazed and hope it's not a death curse. *smiles*

Miho: ... Ugh. Are you completely gullible moron? What is wrong with you?

Eveline: I just think that if you do know how to use that stuff, then that's pretty cool don't you think? Sorry if I said something you didn’t like.

However Miho does not respond and seconds later Brandon shows up, running and out of breath.

Brandon: *breathes heavily* Sorry... I'm late...

Eveline: Brandon, did you run here?

Brandon: *breathes softer* A teacher held me up wanting to talk about my grades. So my bad I was a little... *sees Miho* late... Uhhh, hi Miho?

Seemingly glaring at him, Brandon naturally feels uncomfortable.

Brandon: Um okay... Let's go, Eveline.

Eveline: Sure, but why did you want to meet here in the first place?

Brandon: Why!? Oh yeah, well um I wanted to ask... if... *still sees Miho glaring*

Eveline: If what?

Brandon: Um, never mind. It's nothing important.

As they walk away from the garden, a boy the same age of Brandon walks towards the garden. The boy waves hello at Brandon and Eveline as they pass by each other; and as the boy reaches to Miho he speaks up.

Sasaki: Yo Miho, did you just make friends while I was gone?

His name is Sasaki Kazemora. He has short dyed blonde hair with parts of his natural brown hair showing, black eyes, and light skin.

Miho: *gives a disgusted look* Don't make me vomit. I've told I have no need for useless people like them.

Sasaki: You can keep saying that, but you never say anything about me being around you.

Miho: * sinisterly smirks* You're a necessary asset of mine. Why are you even here today?

Sasaki: Had to come and pick you up. If I leave you alone then both our parents are going to be more of a pain than usual.

Miho: You know if you keep on abandoning the school, it will become more difficult for you to continue your duties. Although it more peaceful when it is quiet.

Sasaki: Still not holding back on those comments, huh Miho. By the way have you finally decided to make full contact with that girl? I mean you were talking to her just now.

Miho: Who knows, she was quite accepting of idea that I MIGHT place a curse on her, hehe.

Sasaki: *sighs* You're a pain to deal with sometimes, you know?

The next day shines as the blue morning sky shines down the ground. At the police station Detective Marshall Patientia walks tiredly into his office.

Marshall: It's so god damn hot in this room. Why did the AC decide to kill itself now?

Steven: Perhaps it's because we always leave it on as we forget to turn it off at times.

Marshall: Ugh. Even with the windows open the place is still hot.

Steven: It is a hot day today. Maybe we should distract ourselves with our work for now. Like the whereabouts of the Bloodstained Crow.

Marshall: That bastard has been freaking elusive since he hasn't been seen for quite some time.

Steven: Where do you suppose he is?

Marshall: That's the million dollar question. If this goes on then his case will become dead.

Steven: What about the other one, is Samuel still in a coma?

Marshall: Unfortunately so. To be honest I'm still kind of surprised he is still breathing. His body was a broken mess after all.

Steven: I'm surprised he's not dead; the crow broke his limbs, jaw, and spine. That entire trauma to his body and all he got was a coma, but on a lighter note the city has been safer these pass months.

Marshall: You're not wrong, however there's something else that's bothering me.

Steven: Still wondering where the Bloodstained Crow disappeared to?

Marshall: With Cross being disbanded, there hasn't been any sign of him since. On one hand, the threat of Cross is gone. On the other hand though, a dangerous murder is somewhere out there. Not to mention that the other gangs have started to become more active than before.

Steven: As true as that is, there has not been any incident that he's been involved in since then. We have to assume that it's possible that he's not in this city, heck he may not even be in this state or country.

Marshall: ...Yeah. I'm starting to think that may have happened. Guess if this is going to be the case, you won't be running into his demon form again.

Steven: ...Yeah.

Marshall: I'm just kidding with you. Well I'll go grab some lunch, anything you want?

Steven: I would like some imitation Chinese food please.

Marshall: What the hell does that even mean- No you know what never mind. I'll be back.

Now that Marshall is out of the office, Steven remains in his seat as he remembers his first encounter with Cipher, in which Steven saw Cipher in his demonic form.

Steven: A demon, huh. That might not be far off from the truth. *closes his eyes* That black mist, red glowing eyes... I'll definitely die if there is a next time.

While on the road, Marshall thinks about the current situation of how Cross was able to amass the weapons that were taken out of the destroyed hideout.

Marshall: (The crates that was full of weapons, just where on Earth they got them. A lot of them seemed inoperable, so there's a chance that they were defective before the collapse. But then why would they have broken weapons like that around? Did they even know? They must have had a target besides the crow they wanted to get rid of.)

The thought of the Bloodstained Crow's whereabouts then floods his mind.

Marshall: Where did you disappear to? He purposely saved Maria that night, maybe Eveline too. If the crow... If that truly was him, then how in the hell did he survive this long? And why... why didn't he come back to them? Or was he just someone else and it was all just coincidence? *flicks tongue* Damn it just where the hell did the Bloodstained Crow run off to?