Black beasts 4!

I now have an amazing beta reader for this fic! (cue victory fanfare) this might be a bit longer than usual, but that'll probably make up for the long time it took to make this chapter.

Anyways, let's get on with the story!

"a splitting image... of me?" Rachel asked, surprise clear in her voice.

"Indeed. However, there were some minor differences that i have noticed. for one she seemed to have paler skin, and her hair was a dark hazel with a few streaks of darker velvet instead of golden." Valkenhayn continued.

"Hey Val, maybe you should tell them in more detail... I'm still tryin' to figure out why the actual hell you though fightin' one of 'em was a good idea." Jubei said.

"...Perhaps, but only if you explain how you managed to arrive as well. last time I have checked, you weren't capable of teleportation."

"Sure thing. now, go on."

"Well, it started when I opened the door..." the Lycanthrope started.

(Flashback, Valkenhayn's POV)

I barely stepped out the front door when I felt a powerful presence fluctuating outside. taking a quick peek, I found that the presence was actually a group, but not just any group, the infamous group that i have earlier encountered with that Filthy waste of existence Ragna the bloodedge.

how that man ever managed to convince these poor fools to join his cause, I'll never know.

"..may I help you?" I asked the short cloaked individual in front of me.

"yes, I am in need of a small assistance, if you would be so kind." from what I heard, I could assume that this person was indeed female.

I watched as the petite girl stepped back towards the open space that awaited outside the manor, urging me to step outside. Cautiously, I opened the door wider, but kept to the front entrance, wary that this might be an ambush.

The girl sighed, then walked towards me, seeing that I am obviously keeping to my spot.

"I understand that you're hesitant to exit the manor, especially for a person like me, but for what I require a larger space would be prefered."

"...Very well then, but first, I have some questions for you." If I am going to go to a larger area, then at least I will gain something out of this.

"that's fair, what would you like to ask?" the girl said.

"I have noticed that you were with that insufferable mongrel Ragna the Bloodedge, yet you are not with him now. Why is that?"

"I'm afraid that I can only answer half of that question, it is not my place to speak my relations to him as of yet." the female answered. what does she mean 'not in her place'?

"However, I can tell you that he's currently visiting a friend of his at the moment." She finished, giving me an ominous smirk, one that screams at me to connect the dots, but there's one piece of this puzzle that's still missing, and with the way she's speaking, It might take a while to collect that.

"I am rather surprised that anyone would wish to spend time with that foul mutt. very well then, as long as that waste of space does not even dare approach Madam Rachel." I said, earning a suspicious giggle from her.

" My next question relates to why you and your group are here. How did you even manage enter the castle grounds?" I asked, glaring at her.

"An ally of mine was able to find this place. It was quite simple really, we are here for the small area near this manor. It contains concentrated seither; something we're after." the cloaked girl said.

"... and what do you plan on doing with that much seither?"

"I will tell you, If you succeed in my little dilemma." the girl said, the more she spoke the more...familiar she seemed.

"*sigh* very well then. what do you have in mind?" I said, waiting for this to be over with. it's almost time for the madam's tea time.

" it will take some time for us to collect the entirety of the seither, and I want to pass the time, so I have a proposition for you."

"And what might that be?" I asked, tensing up a bit

"Yes, I am suggesting a little wager; If I win, then I may speak with the head of this manor. and if you win..."

"Then you and your group will leave, and never come back."

"Agreed. my, you're certainly eager to drive away trespassers." the girl said.

"If you are associated with that pathetic boy, then I would be glad to remove you from the premises." I growled, most likely barring my fangs (as I did when I let my temper get the better of me).

"Alright then, How about a little spar to settle our wager?" the girl smirked.

"a... spar? is that what you were insinuating from the start?" I questioned.

"Yes, I have acquired a new surge of power recently, and I was wondering if you could help me with honing it to my skills, Mr...?"

"I am Valkenhayn R. Hellsing, loyal butler of the Alucard Clan." I stated proudly. Even if this was an associate of that runt, it's rude to not address your name in a decent conversation. I musn't stoop to HIS level.

"and I am known as Moka." the girl, now known as Moka, greeted as she took the low ends of her cloak and did a slight curtsy. "Now then, will you come out from your spot, or will you guide me to a different sparring field?" I finally noticed that we barely let our positions this whole conversation.

Slightly hesitant, I stepped out the doorway, and closed it. the last thing I would want would be for this "Moka "to dupe me and sneak in.

Turning to the small female, she snapped her fingers, and two beings rose from her shadow. interesting, it has been a while since I have seen that magic. the beings revealed to be a tall male, and a short female. both look like...

VVVRRRR...

"oh god dammit. what Tager?!" Kokonoe snarled.

~Pardon the interruption, but I have come to inform you that I've spotted Ragna the bloodedge and his group. they're at the outskirts of Kagutsuchi and are proceeding to enter.~

"Fine. keep your distance, but follow and observe them only."

~understood~

*click*

"sorry about that." Kokonoe said, turning back to the werewolf butler.

"while we're on a break right now, sorry if this is a bit out of the loop, but who exactly is the young lady besides you Sir?" Kagura asked.

"...what?" both Rachel and Valkenhayn said.

"if it is alright, madam, I believe what Mr. Kagura meant to say was that introductions were in order. We did go into this conversation a bit rushed." Hibiki spoke up, hoping to lessen the potential destruction he pretty much dug himself in. "and I apologize on Kagura's behalf for interrupting your story sir."

"... It's alright, I have other dilemmas on my mind, and I have no time lecturing a mongrel like him for his vulgarity." Rachel waved off. "I am known as Rachel Alucard, I believe you know of Valkenhayn and Jubei?"

"um... yes, madam. sorry for the rude way I phrased that question." the Black Knight responded, hoping to get back in the Vampire's good graces.

"I certainly hope so." she replied.

"yeah! next time treat your superiors with respect!" Gii spoke.

"Better get that memorized, boy. If not, then I'll have to claw your eyes out as punishment." Nago added.

"Nago, Gii, be silent." Rachel commanded, causing both familiars to be silent and return to being mere spectators.

"alright alright, you got your answer, now please, continue." Kokonoe said.

"as I was saying..."

(back to Valkenhayn's flashback)

The two beings she summoned looked a bit like Nago and Gii... if they were humanoid... and were red and Black respectively.

the humanoid male next to Moka was as tall as me, wearing a simple Dark Brown suit. his burned hazel cat ears and tails giving away his cat like appearance, Could he have been a Demi-Human? The aura he gave off was similar, yet different. The next person was a girl who was surprisingly shorter than Moka. If I was mistaken, then I would have mistaken her for an eight year old. she was wearing a Black hooded jacket that seemed too big for her, a skirt that seemed to be short enough to be hidden by said jacket, and black slippers. her tiny fangs and abnormally enormous wings too big for a vampire of her stature stood out the most.

"Iago, Phi, Make sure that the others are informed of my little wager, and tell them that I prefer to be alone for this." Moka spoke to them.

"Of course, Mistress." the male bowed. such curtly manners. Why couldn't some people act more like that? "But are you certain that you would want to waste your precious time on... this gentlemen?" What exactly was he insinuating? That I'm not worthy of her presence? How dare he! Who does he, and by extension this girl, think I am?!

" ...Okay... w-we'll help out too I-if you want. just s-say the word. Iago, let's go." the girl stuttered. Iago, as I now realized, nodded and the two left to the other group.

"Now then, shall we begin?" Turning, I barely had a second to comprehend anything before I felt swift pain in my abdomen.

the next thing I knew, I was sliding down the walls of the manor. looking to Moka, I found that she had her hand outstretched. Such a small, dainty little hand managed to do this much?

I see that she's not holding back, So I will not either.

(3rd Person POV)

"Attacking before the opponent is ready huh? As expected from someone who associates with that Mongrel Rag-" Valkenhayn started before he immediately had to dodge from his opponent, who had come barreling towards him. He barely moved before she hit him, but surprisingly, instead of hitting the castle wall, she stopped within a split second, just a centimeter before hitting the wall and just seemed to levitate there. She adjusted her position in mid air and looked down on the butler, who had moved to lower ground.

"I advise that you stop your petty insults towards my associate. Otherwise you will come to regret it." she stated, sounding slightly more agitated that before.

"And why should I? I only speak the truth about the boy" one blink later, Moka was face to face with him, the hood of her cloak moving up slightly to reveal her eyes, Valkenhayn took a closer, deeper look at Moka's eyes, which he now noticed to be a strange mix of crimson and brown, yet were somehow...familiar.

"Because I personally LOATH those who believe that just because someone doesn't act how they wish, they are beneath them. Especially when said person berates my allies."

Before Valkenhayn could respond, the former member of the Six Heroes was struck in the abdomen and blown back quite a distance, all the way back into the garden in fact. After collecting himself and readjusting his footing, the butler looked back to notice she had jabbed with a closed parasol she conjured up in less than a second.

" They always think that they're the only ones whose opinions matter." she stated before opening the parasol, causing a massive surge of wind to rush at her opponent.

Valkenhayn quickly transformed his legs into their more feral wolf-like form in an attempt to dig his claws into the ground in order to keep from blowing away.

"That they can treat everyone around them like dirt due to their fake superiority." She continued, and as she did, strange Ars Magus circles, or at least what he believed to be Ars Circles, began popping up in mid air around her open parasol, and out from them came shards of ice rushing through the air towards him.

Luckily, in order for them not to overshoot, she had to lower the wind enough for Valkenhayn to move properly. With his still transformed legs, he launched forward towards his opponent in an attempt to move through the barrage of ice and take her out.

*CRASH* one Ice spike had almost hit him but with his transformed legs giving him a slight boost in agility he was able to avoid the barrage with ease.

"So I find the greatest sense satisfaction when I *SMASH* teach *SMASH* them *BAM* where *CRUNCH* they*CRUSH* truly *CRASH* stand!"

Finally dodging to dodge the last shard, Valkenhayn pushed hard once more and closed the distance. Going to the offensive, Moka wasted no time evading his attacks effortlessly, almost dancing around her opponent as Valkenhayn unleashed an unrelenting barrage of clawed swipes with both his clawed legs and his transformed arms to the girl.

The parasol wielder evaded each swipe with ease, ducking beneath clawed kicks and side stepping from lunges, redirecting blows with her parasol should they ever stray to a bit too close for her liking.

"Hold still you little - GAHH!" Valkenhayn took another swipe at her head, when Moka ducked under him and jabbed the top of her parasol to his abdomen. Blowing him back gain, but not as far as the first time.

"Rrrr, you little..." Valkenhayn growled at his opponent.

"It seems that you have forgotten about a simple fact: while werewolves are faster than most beings..." in an instant, Moka was again all up in his face. "Vampires are superior in every way possible." rearing up for another swing of her parasol, the lycanthrope barely managed to block in time.

*CRACK*

"AAAAGH!" roaring in pain, Valkenhayn clutched his now broken arm as he stumbled back from the girl.

"My apologies, I sometimes get a bit carried away." the young girl apologized. "But I did warn you not to insult my comrade."

"Save your apologies you vile cur." Valkenhayn snarled at the girl, his broken arm already healing thanks to his sorcery-infused genetics. He glared at his opponent with fangs bared. "Although I must admit, you're quite skilled. I haven't had to exert myself this much since the Dark War."

"Oh, praise from you of all people? I guess I should thank you. But if you think I'll give you any form of respect from me you're sadly mista-" Moka was suddenly interrupted by a straight kick to the abdomen from the werewolf. The blow knocking her back into one of the many gravestones littered throughout the garden, the stone in question being small enough to reach up to the center of her back. The resulting impact causing her to bend backwards over the stone.

Valkenhayn placed his foot back down and readjusted his stance, to prepare for his opponent. But he wouldn't be able to handle what happened next.

"now whose being unbecoming? that was a gr... why are you looking at me like that?" Moka asked, straightening her back to look upon her adversary, but was interrupted by Valkenhayn's stunned expression, but there was one simple difference that took away all of his adrenaline...

the hood was off...the blow she just endured having caused it to fly off of her head.

and Moka's face was revealed...

a face that looked specifically like Rachel's...

feeling at her hair, and suddenly figuring out why the lycanthrope stayed there, she quickly covered her hair with the hood again, this time however, her face could still be seen.

"Oh well, it was bound to happen sooner or later." Moka sighed.

"W-what in the world!? Who are you? Why do you look like Madam Rachel!?" Valkenhayn roared.

"Oh dear, is this how you always react to those who look similar to Rachel?" Moka gasped. "but in any case, I must cut our little spar short. My friends have accomplished their task." and with a snap of her fingers, Iago and Phi reappeared from her shadow. " I truly had fun today, hopefully, Ms. Alucard would be an interesting opponent..."

"What!? If you even think of harming Madam Rachel I swear I'll.." Valkenhayn began to threaten the lookalike, but he was quickly interrupted.

"Calm your nerves you flea ridden fool, I might just want to have a spar like the one we had that's all. I believe she may be a much more interesting opponent. Maybe a bit more in control of herself" she giggled. "Iago. Phi. let's go." and with that, the three began to leave.

"Hold on just a minute! Explain yourself you imposter!" Valkenhayn said, dashing towards the trio for a back handed strike.

Block

swing

*BASH*

"GAHH!" and was countered by Iago's claws and Phi's wings, which then proceeded to strike at the lycantrope's abdomen, a red streak of blood oozed out of the now visible on his chest.

"Never assault our mistress behind her back, you mangy mutt!" Iago hissed.

"I'm gonna enjoy losing control if it means Ripping apart our mistress's attacker." Phi snarled, her face contorting into a feral form with no pupils and razor sharp teeth.

"I do believe I should help you feel less pain. It has to be quite a nuisance for you to stay conscious with that wound." lifting her parasol like a judge's gavel "Then again, that was your fault."

"VAL!" a new voice shouted.

"Huh?" the trio retreated a little to the sight of the One-Eyed Lotus himself, Jubei stepping in front of the downed former hero.

"J-Jubei!?" Valkenhayn stuttered, staggering to get back up. His wound already healing

"Sorry I'm late Val. Oi Kid! Who the hell are ya!?" he yelled at the Alucard-Impersonator.

"Well this is an interesting surprise, I believe you should know who I am. after all, I have no doubt that you followed us like a stray kitten." Moka quipped.

"I'm gonna ignore that little quip just this once if ya answer my question." the Cat Beastkin demanded, one of his paws gripping a handle of the Musashi on his back.

"As much as I'd love to play 20 questions with you, I'm afraid now we shall leave, as per the pup's request." Moka answered, looking off to the side, as if unthreatened by the "Strongest Living Thing" giving her a death glare.

"Watch your tongue, girl." Valkenhayn spat.

"How about you watch yours." Iago snarled back.

"Yeah! Watch it as I rip it out of your mouth!" Phi added.

"Calm yourselves you two." Moka said, silencing both of them.

"As for you two, do not fret. I'll be sure to leave you all enlightened?" Moka smirked as she twirled her now open parasol over her head. a golden yellow glyph emerged and flashed an intense white light. solar heat radiated off of the glyph, which now morphed into a sphere of sunlight. Both Jubei and Valkenhayn retreated slowly at the brightness of the makeshift mini sun.

When the sun disappeared, Jubei and Valkenhayn looked around the garden, but there was no sign of Moka or the others.

"C'mon Val. let's get ya to Rachel. She might be able to help ya out." Jubei offered, helping Valkehayn hobble to the mansion. Although his injuries had healed, he was still quite exhausted.

"Oh by the way, think ya could do me a little favor?"

"Of course. Name it old friend." Valkenhayn nodded.

"and when we made it to madam Rachel's room, Jubei asked me to open a portal to here, and that would be the end of the events before madam Rachel found me in my state and before we both teleported here ourselves." Valkenhayn finished.

"Well that would explain why he's here." Kokonoe said, glaring at Jubei in disgust.

"What I don't understand is why and how Jubei managed to enter my manor. it is no easy task to enter there without teleportation magic, and even then one would have a hard time finding it." Rachel addressed.

"Well, I owe it to Ragna's new friends. I guess it's my turn to talk." Jubei started.

(jubei's POV)

I was trotting down the streets of one of the lesser known cities, mindin' my own business. nothing better to do since my last raid, I reckon' a walk sounded nice.

It wasn't until I neared a town before some nasty soundin' rumors flooded my ears. Curious, I stepped a bit closer. It was two NOL officers who appeared to be chattin' 'bout

"Another cauldron's been destroyed? That fast!?" one person whispered.

"Keep it down, will ya? yeah it's busted up. looked real bad too." the other replied.

"Whoever did that must be psychotic as hell... don't they know how important they are?"

"how much do you wanna bet those Black Beast guys were the culprits?"

Black Beasts? There's a group callin' themselves that runnin' around here? Hakumen would probably have a field day if he hears that... why do I have a bad feelin 'bout this though?

"Nah, the report showed that it was a lone man with a scythe who totaled the damn thing. a small group of black cloaks watched him too."

"Those're the black beasts idiot!"

"Aww man, why can't we just get the easy jobs."

... dammit. shoulda' known Ragna's behind this. He's got a group with him now? How the he- wait... when did he ever get people to help him? I only saw him a few months ago and now he's convincing other people to help destroy thye Cauldrons? I know the sayin' goes "the more the merrier" but this isn't right. I'd better take a closer look myself.

just when I was 'bout to leave my perch, a third person ran in lookin' like he did a marathon. the only thing he said before he collapsed were "We just got a report!" he said, tryin' to regain his breath, "The Black Beasts were last seen a few miles northeast of here, it appears their next destination is The 13 Hierarchical City of Kagutuschi!" grinnin' at the news, I walked out into the bundle of chaos that caused. this could be the only chance I have to learn more about his friends for now.

It took me a while, but despite my old age I still had a good spring in my step when I needed to get somewhere fast. It only took me a few hours to arrive in the wilderness not too far from Kagutsuchi. When I arrived I immediately sensed a familiar presence, and just as those officers had mentioned, he wasn't alone.

Seven figures surrounded him, ranging in heights from just around my height to about half a head smaller than Ragna. All of them were either standing nearby, leaning on some trees, or sitting on some giant roots.

I couldn't tell what they looked like, they all had these strange black cloaks on with their hoods up. I could see why they were called the Black Beasts though. The black coats with the red detailing really does give off that vibe.

I quickly maneuvered through the branches of the thick canopy above them and quietly snuck closer. I need to measure the situation before I just waltz in there. As soon as I reached a good distance I focused my senses on the conversation happening bellow me. Thank god for Beastkin hearing.

(3rd person POV)

"Alright everyone, you know our next stop, it's the big one. Anyone find anything interesting on your missions?" Ragna said.

"It was truly a hassle, but I've managed to find and link special locations that are exclusively rare. we might find something of use in one of them." the first black beast spoke sounding much like a young woman's voice, something that sets off many red flags in Jubei.

"That voice sounds... familiar." Jubei whispers.

"Cool. anyone else?" Ragna asked turning to the others. Another black beast spoke up, once again in a voice of a young woman but seemingly younger than the first one who spoke, reminding the cat of another person he remembers.

"I've got some extra data I managed to acquire from Sector Seven." the Beast spoke. "Honestly, they need to update their security or fire a good chunk of people."

"Anything interesting or useful?" Ragna asked.

"Nothing too special, a few schematics, some tools for enhancing Observation, honestly nothing I wouldn't have been able to come up with myself, but hey, less work for me, so who cares." the Beast replied, shrugging her shoulders.

"Hmm... those schematics might be handy at some point... we'll check those out when we have time."

'So that chick is the brains of the outfit huh?' Jubei thought' And she actually managed to hack into Sector Seven? If Kokonoe new that someone managed to break into her files I bet she'd be on the warpath.'

"Word on the streets says that people are randomly disappearing at Kagutsuchi. They just seem to be vanishing out of nowhere. That might not be a coincidence that something strange is happening there too." the third beast spoke up, this time sounding like a young boy.

"*sigh* I bet it has to do with that stupid bug blob." Ragna sighed, "Honestly, Kokonoe needs to clean up after herself. If shit happens because you can't tone down the bitch then fix it for crying out loud." he continued to grumble.

Ragna collected himself and then turned to the Beasts, "Alright everyone, you've done good so far raiding branches individually, the Library is shitting bricks right now and that's how we like it." he started "But what comes next will put all that to shame. You know what's coming, we're not just dealing with cannon fodder Library dogs this time. Never underestimate what we see next, we might be powerful, but were not invincible. We screw up and everything we're doing will go down the drain."

Jubei had to admit it was quite surprising to see Ragna acting all leader like. He was equally confused and almost proud, seeing him take charge an' all, but this is way too different from the mouthy brat he trained for seven years. Just what happened in just a few months that made him like this? He wondered if it has something to do with his new pals.

"You all know what to do; we go in, kick some ass, and give a big old middle finger to fate!" he continued, now THAT is something Jubei expect Ragna to say.

"Yes sir!" six off the beasts shouted, while the seventh one just meowed loudly.

"Alright then" Ragna continued, a smile now adorn on his face. "Is there anything you guys need to do before we head out. Anything we're forgetting, we can't leave loose ends."

One beast stepped forward, a bit shorter than the previous ones who spoke. Once again, having a very familiar aura about her.

"I do believe a certain Observer is in need of a visit" Once again, a young lady's voice, but carrying with it a sort of grace that the other two didn't have.

'Seriously Ragna got THIS many women to join him. It's almost unbelievable. ' Jubei thought

"There is also the patch of Seithr that is present in her realm which would also benefit our objective. Also" she continued, Jubei may not be able to see her face from where he was perched, but he could tell she had a sort of smirk on. "I know that you've been wanting to show off your new strength to Miss Alucard. I feel like now is the time to show her the difference between you two now."

'Alucard huh' the One-eyed Lotus thought, ' so their goin' to visit Rachel now? How in the hell do they expect to do that? It isn't like her castle is listed on any roadmap.' He continued to listen in hopes of getting more info.

Ragna brought his hand up to his chin, thinking about his teammate's offer for a few seconds, before grinning. "Yeah, I guess I do owe the rabbit a visit. Plus we got a bit of time to kill before the 'scheduled performance', So let's go see how she reacts to the new me."

"Ooh now I see." another Beast addressed, once again, a young girl, I guess I shouldn't be surprised at this point." You want to talk to her and rub your new power in her face!?"

"The Seither spot in there takes priority, it's small, but it's two birds with one stone." He turned to the first female member who spoke "Kaguya, change of plans. We're taking a little detour."

The woman, now identified as Kaguya, let out a slight giggle, once again making Jubei's memory ache, he SWORE she seemed familiar. "Of course, we'll let you have your little playdate with the princess, I shall open a portal right away." she finished. Just as she did a set of white and purplish black glyphs appeared on her hands as a portal opened up, revealing a dark moonlit mansion surrounded by roses on the other end. However the power that emanated from the opened portal blew a mighty gust of wind that nearly blew her cloak clean off, showing the back side of her body as well as her hair.

"WHAT!? how the hell did- CRAP!" Jubei, mid-whisper,

Jubei was surprised at this revelation, 'That looks like' Jubei thought in shock, 'Teleportation magic! Okay getting a woman to work with him was one thing, but all the other mages were supposed to have been wiped out in the Dark War.'

Jubei was so shocked by this revelation that he didn't realize until the last second that he was being dragged into the teleportation as well, letting out a slight noise of surprise.

Kaguya seemed to notice this and looked up to identify where the noise was, the other Beasts seemingly oblivious.

unbeknownst to her, Jubei managed to catch a glimpse of her face under the hood as the light from the teleportation circle managed to illuminate the shadows obscuring her features...features that were all too familiar to Jubei

"familiar?" Valkenhayn asked. "How so?"

" she looked like..." Jubei began.

"... like who?" Rachel asked.

"...Nine..." he answered in hushed voice, almost as if he didn't believe his own words.

"..."

Silence befell the room. Valkenhayn, Jubei, and Rachel were in deep thought, oblivious to the other three confused people in the room.

"but that's impossible; Terumi threw her into the boundary..."

"I know, and all I'm sayin' is that she looks like Nine, never said she was. I didn' get a good look at 'er at that time, so I don't know fer sure." he said, clearly stressed out about seeing an almost EXACT duplicate of his deceased wife recently "After I entered the portal and landed on yer roses when I heard Val in pain. the rest is history." Jubei finished.

"So not only does he have a Nine and Rachel Look-alike-" Kagura started.

"BULLSHIT!" Kokonoe shouted immediately. ignoring her outburst, Kagura continued.

"but he also has a magic user capable of Teleportation, and several other people we still don't know about..." Kagura deducted.

"That seems to be the case." Hibiki agreed.

"well that's just fan-Fucking-tastic! how the hell are we gonna get close to him if he can fucking teleport!? what else is he hiding from us!?" Kokonoe half screeched. she refuse to believe that RAGNA of all people had a leg up on her.

"my question is where is the fool and what is he doing right now?" Rachel added.

The group all pondered on what this means, Ragna the Bloodedge was strong, given the fact that he possessed the Azure Grimoire, but as of recently, he was able to recruit very powerful allies, but seemed to have far more control over the Azure than ever before.

Jubei began to sigh, "Look, maybe we're all freakin' out about all this." he started, " Ragna might not be a saint, but he's a good kid. a little confrontational but still, I should know."

Kokonoe groaned, "So what exactly are you suggesting?"

"Lemme try and talk to him," the Cat Beastkin said suggested "Maybe if instead of interrogatin' him we try and get him to explain himself willingly. Who knows, if we ARE just overreacting and Ragna Is still on our side, then he just got us some pretty powerful new allies to help us against Terumi."

Valkenhayn growled at this, "I refuse to believe that mongrel could ever gain allies, and even so, if said 'allies' dare insult my master then they are not whom I wish to associate with."

Rachel thought back to when Ragna appeared in her manor, his aura was WAY too different from when she last saw him. But even then he still displayed some concern over her panic ridden state. So maybe Jubei wasn't spouting nonsense.

She finally decided to speak up, "If it means figuring out what that fool is hiding from us, then I see no issue. We cannot have any unknown factors if we're going to defeat Terumi." she then turned to Jubei, "I put our trust in you Jubei."

Jubei nodded to the head of the Alucard clan before Valkenhayn used his own power to open a shadowy portal. Jubei over and stopped before he entered, he turned to the group, "Don't worry, I know Ragna. I think I can handle this". He said, in hopes of reassuring everyone, before walking through Valkenhayn's portal.

AAAAAAAAAAAANNNNDD DONE!

that took a big while to do. as i've said before, it'll take a good while to update chapters, so please be patient.

like and review and whatnot.

TBC.