Ok, before I begin, I think I should say this for. Guestman, I can't respond to you because I can't PM. I don't know what you mean for chapter 19 and I'll answer any question you might have, but I can't since you don't have an account for me to text too. Create one, and explain what you mean and I'll happily answer. Just like anyone else, PM me if you have a question or tip or concern. Now, back to the fic! #Jubeiislit #Blazgreen


Noel: Let the review begin.

Terumi: Little Raggy just had some quality time with the shitty vampire and mage. How cute~

Ragna: Shut up already.

Terumi: My little Ragna is growing up into such a man... I'm so proud of you. I wonder what mommy and daddy would say?

Ragna: I swear to god I'm gonna get you back for this...

Imperator: Rachel Alucard, might I ask what you plan to do with Ragna? Whatever they may be, step away from him.

Rachel: I do not plan on listening to you, you insolent woman.

Imperator: Filthy which.

Rachel: Vile pig.

Makoto: O-Ok you two. Seriously we have to put some of you in different rooms...

Yasha: Alright bitches time to draw! I kinda want it to be me this time.

Ragna: Why?

Yasha: I've just been sitting here with barely any screen time. I need something to do and digging through the Imperators diary is getting old.

Imperator: Excuse me! When did you enter my room!?

Akahana: You have a diary!? That's so girly!

Imperator: And what is that supposed to mean!? Never mind that! Answer me, Yasha!

Yasha: When you go out. You have some very interesting things in there...

Terumi: Oh, now I want to go!

Imperator: I shall coat my blade with your blood if you do not shut your mouth!

Ragna: Ok, we get it. Just draw the damn cards.

Akahana: Already did.

Ragna: When!?

Akahana: While you guys were arguing. Anyway! Kagura, your turn.

Kagura: Alright! Time for a real main character to take the stage.

Terumi: Pft. Yeah, right.

Kagura: And I got... 'My first time—'!

Makoto: NEXT!

Saya: Next.

Tsubaki: Next, please.

Kokonoe: Next one up.

Jin: Next.

Kagura: Wha!? Oh, come on!

Kokonoe: We don't want to hear it.

Yasha. I do.

Kokonoe: Shut up.

Jin: I am well aware of who it is. Back in the last few days of middle school in our senior year.

Ragna: Her name was... Cathy right? You kept blabbing about her for days... We get it.

Kagura: Oh, just that name got my blood boiling...! She was perfect! When I saw perfect I mean—MMM!

Jin: And here we go...

Nine: Kagura, we know. You've told this story over a hundred times now...

Jubei: I reckon you must've had a hell of a time.

Nine: Don't encourage him...

Jubei: A man's gotta take pride in his work.

Kagura: You are the only one who understands me...

Akahana: Well, that was a bit of a letdown. Let's see if we can get one more and make it quick 'cause I drew Ragna!

Ragna: How!? Seriously!

Mu: Maybe you'll get something good this time around, Ragna.

Ragna: I doubt it...

Saya: Well, which one is it?

Akahana: One demand.

Ragna: Perfect.

Terumi: Hey, why are you smiling at me, Ragna? I don't like it when you're happy.

Ragna: I want you to do something for me.

Terumi: ...What?

Ragna: Stand up.

Terumi: Ok...

Ragna: Now, walk over to Makoto.

Terumi: Ok...

Ragna: Now, Makoto. Play nutcracker.

Makoto: With pleasure!

*Crack*

Terumi: AHHHHHHHHHH!

Kagura: OH! Shit!

Kokonoe: Damn... Level 3 too...

Akahana: Now, THAT is much better.

Terumi: My dick...!

Makoto: That felt good...

Imperator: Hm... I threatened to cut it off, but there seems to be no need. I should have done that in the beginning. That way he won't have the balls to talk back to me.

Noel: You're...kinda scary.

Nu: Look at his face! Haha! It looks like he ate a lemon!

Terumi: Call the ambulance instead!

All: No.

Ragna: Start the chapter!

Chapter 29: Acceptance

"The Godslayer? Do you mean, Mu?" Noel elevated a brow.

"Yes. The time has come for you to accept her. To truly accept her, Noel." Rachel knocked the ground with the tip of her umbrella then looked to the altar. Several phenomena took place here. Noel may have been scared the most out of everyone here. Rachel sympathized with that fact, but this place may be the only place for her to overcome herself. Sympathy wasn't what she needed now. The task Noel was about to undertake may tip the scales of victory in their favor. The phenomenon intervention taking place now showed Rachel the Imperator is on the move. Swift action must be taken to ensure victory. "Are you ready for this, Noel?"

"Mu and I are already friends. I don't understand what more could be done..."

"Not once have you shown her powers—the power of the Godslayer." Rachel saw the drastic change in Noel's mood. Pain, fear, anguish crossed on her expression. Rachel knew she was scared—she had the right to be afraid. This power forced Noel to attack her loved ones. It is only natural she resented it to some extent.

"Ms. Rachel, I'm sorry," Noel clenched her right arm. "I can't do that..."

"You fear her power?"

"Yes..." Noel closed her eyes as the nightmare played. Lifeless, merciless eyes fixed on her friends. Ragna losing his arm, everyone fighting so hard for her, nearly killed by her. She may not have been the one in control, the events of that day were clear; she was nothing but a monster. Noel shook her head and looked down with her bangs covering her eyes. "I can't do that... I can't accept her—I don't want to accept her. She... I've hurt so many of my friends. Then Ragna gave his arm...his last human arm up for me. I don't want that to happen again."

"Noel," Rachel sucked in enough air to fill her lungs then released it all as a sigh. "I am well aware of your fears. I do not know what you must have seen, so I will not pretend to understand. However, I do know one thing; you are not weak." Noel ripped her gaze from the floor back to Rachel, her expression in shock. "Noel, do you recall when we first met each other? It was not that long ago we became acquainted, though, it wasn't on proper terms."

"It wasn't," a chuckle escaped Noel as she looked up in nostalgia. "We just came out of a distorted world all beat up, confused. But then you came and told us what was really going on. I can never forget a day like that. I made a new friend that day."

"Well," Rachel couldn't help but smile at the notion. "I will tell you something you may not even know yourself. It has nothing to do with the fate of the world or anything supernatural." She made her way over to Noel and stopped. "It has to do with this," Rachel lifted her umbrella and pointed the tip at her chest. "Your heart."

"My heart?" Noel echoed, placing a hand on her chest.

"You have grown so much in such a short period of time. If you went back to that day, you would see the difference of you then and now. I see no trace of the wimpy young highschooler that cried at every occasion. I see a strong, independent woman, ready to fight for her loved ones. It is a beautiful trait. It is one that defines you, Noel. I believe, from the bottom of my heart, that you will overcome this obstacle. Now, let me bear witness to this act. I wish to see you truly shine and fight not as a Prime Field Device or as a doll, but as Noel Vermillion."

"Ms. Rachel..." Noel's eyes glimmered at the small vampire. Her words lit a fire within her soul. Rachel had a way with words like no other. Noel felt like she could do it, that she could face herself. The doubt that clouded her vanished as Noel gave Rachel a glare that made her smile. Confidence brimmed in her emerald orbs; she was ready. "Whenever you are Ms. Rachel. Please...give me the power I need to protect the people I love."

"That, Noel, all depends on you. This is your mission to fulfill. I am just here to see it." Noel merely nodded then closed her eyes.

Feel...

Accept...

She needed to accept herself; the power of the Azure. A blue aura began to show itself around her, starting from her feet, climbing up to cover her body. This was the same power from back then—when she turned into Kusanagi. She needed to accept this power, to make it her own.

I want...to protect them... I want to protect who the people I hold dear! Please...help me!

A bright light emitted off Noel, blinding Rachel and the entire area. Nothing but a bright white light filled the space accompanied by a tense stillness. After about a minute or so the light vanished, revealing Noel, Rachel, her familiars, and one more guest.

"D-Did it...work?" Noel grudgingly opened her eyes to find out what happened. The moment she did, she saw someone else; it was Mu. Bright azure orbs stared into her emerald ones, a white coat with a blue trim that exposed her stomach, thigh high toeless stocking and an armored headplate with a few horns.

"It seems to have worked." Rachel took her gaze from Noel to face Mu. "Are you aware of what is currently transpiring in Yabiko?"

"Yes, and I also know we don't have time to waste. What do I have to do?" Mu cut to the chase, surprising Rachel a bit.

"You seem ready, Mu. Have you thought about this yourself?"

"Yes, I have. I've...hurt you, Noel. I've hurt your friends and," Mu clenched her arm and took her gaze from Noel, ashamed. "I hurt Ragna. If there is anything I can do to make up for that, I plan on doing it. Ragna is very important to me. I know he's supposed to be some evil menace, but I don't care. Please," she ripped her gaze up from the floor back to Noel. "Help me!"

"Mu..."

"I have no more words to say. The choice is yours alone, Noel." Rachel took a few steps back from them, awaiting Noel's decision. She won't force Noel into it, but at some point in time, she needed to face this. No time like the present as they say.

"Mu, I..." Noel lost her voice, shifting her gaze from the woman in front of her. Mixed feelings threw Noel around like a ship in a thunderstorm. "I want to protect what I care about. But, fusing with you, becoming one—using your powers... It...!" Noel balled her hands into fists until her nails bit her flesh. "I want to be your friend—I want to understand you and you understand me, but I just..."

"You can't forgive me, can you?"

"I don't think...I ever can."

"That's ok." Mu smiled tenderly. She moved her arms around her, enveloping her in a warm hug. "I know you're angry at me—you're scared of me, but... We won't beat them if we don't work together. No amount of apologies may be able to make up for it but I just want to help. Please, let me help you—all of you." She pleaded. "But if you hate me that much...there is...another way."

"Another way for what?"

"Mu, wait," Rachel quickly stepped in with a hint of worry. "I have a good idea what you mean, but I don't think that is necessary."

"That's for Noel to decide," Mu stated in a stern tone. She pushed off Noel to look her in the eyes, showing her an austere glare. "Do you want to protect your friends, Noel?"

"Of course, but...what are you planning to do?"

"I'm sure you've noticed by now how our existences are now. We're, in a way, one and the same yet we're constantly fighting for dominance over the other without even knowing it, so it makes my existence fragile. So, as of right now you could say your the 'dominant' soul. If the dominant soul wanted, it could forcefully extract the essence of the weaker soul and take their power. Do you understand?"

"N-No, I can't do that!" Noel shouted abruptly.

"I'm not even supposed to exist, Noel. Technically... I don't," Mu took her gaze from Noel to the altar with a bit of disdain in her eyes. "Back 'there' where I was smelted...I guess 'us'—I was supposed to destroy the Master unit or die trying by Ragna's hands since he was the only one able to stop me. But neither happened, which created a paradox. Now, the Master unit can no longer 'see' and with Takamagahara gone it leaves the world distorted. If this continues our world may end up collapsing on itself or become a fractured world. But," her eyes shift back to Noel. "If you were to eliminate the singularity..."

"Then the world would be stable once more." Rachel finished.

"You knew Ms. Rachel?" Noel asked.

"Yes, I did. Like I told that moron, if Mu went into the cauldron and killed the Master unit, this world would end. The only way to stop you at that time was to shatter your souls. But," Rachel crossed her arms and gave her gaze to the massive altar. "He chose a path neither I or Takamagahara predicted—I don't even believe the Master unit observed that possibility yet. With the fractured worlds destroyed as they were, it has left the world locked of possibilities and having Mu here furthers that."

"But if I do take just her power, what happens to her!?"

"I'll vanish...forever."

"No," Noel cupped her mouth. "That can't be..."

"I don't have much time anyway... Soon, I'll vanish without a trace. At least this way I can leave something behind that might help." Mu opened her palm and summoned one of her blades. She took Noel's hand and gave it to her before taking a few steps back. "Now, Noel... Kill me."

"!"

"You're the only one who can...because you and I are the same."

"No... No! I won't do it!" Noel through the blade away and swung her arm in anger. "I won't kill you—I'll never do that! Ever! How could even ask me to do something so awful?" Her voice began to crack as tears filled her emerald eyes. "I don't want to hurt you! I never wanted to! I don't want you to die or leave! What would Ragna even say when he finds out your gone!?" The tears that gathered flowed freely, wetting her face. "What about Lambda!? What about Saya!? Your own sisters! What would they say when they find out your gone!? Saya tells me that she wants to talk to you and Lambda's asked me so many times how you're doing! Don't you think they want to see you again!? I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I did something so selfish!" Noel lunged into her chest and took fists full of her cloak.

"Noel..."

"I finally...!" A lump shortly robbed her of speech. "I finally found my family—my sisters... Only to have one killed by Terumi, one lost in the boundary, and then another forced into a mindless slave by the same one that's done so many terrible things..." Noel took a shaky breath to calm herself, sobbing discreetly to speak coherently with faint weeps. "I don't want anyone else to get hurt... So, please," she begged with a heavily cracked voice. "Never say that again."

Mu grimaced at her sister, guilt, and self-pity overflowing her heart. She attempted to hold her for comfort but instead drew her arms back to her sides in fear. Faint, but audible from close proximity, Mu could still hear her sobbing in her chest. Her salty tears stained her cloak and her hands were just about ready to tear the fabric from her firm grip. A shadow of guilt darkened her eyes, bringing her bangs over her azure orbs. The only thing she could do was stroke the top of Noel's head while she wept quietly in her cloak.

"I'm...so sorry, Noel. I just wanted to make things right."

"That's no excuse to kill yourself for me... Dummy," Noel sniffled. "I don't hate you... I...hate myself."

"What?" Mu gasped.

"I've seen your memories several times in my dreams. I just...can't believe that..." Noel could easily retell every event that occurred in her dreams about Mu—her past. They were riddled with nothing but anguish, despair—powerlessness. Watching her sister brutalized, her soul shattered and thrust into the boundary without a care in the world. It infuriated her to no end just how cruel people could be—just how much they had to go through because of one man; Yuuki Terumi. Throughout these dreams, Noel saw a light in the form of a boy with one platinum hair and emerald, and ruby eyes. That boy was Ragna. When she spoke to him she looked so happy along with Lambda and Nu. This was more than just happiness she felt towards him.

It was love.

She was in love with him and seeing him again made her so happy. Noel could see it in her eyes when she allowed her to speak to Ragna. The way she speaks about him, what she tried to do for him. Noel knew this as fact and how she felt was genuine.

"I just can't accept you without feeling this...anger or rage because of everything you did. But then I understand why and...I get so confused and I don't know what to say to you. I want to accept you—I really do, but then I..."

"Noel, may I add something?" After standing in silence for what felt like a millennia, Rachel couldn't stay quiet any longer. This was quite the conundrum, Rachel had to admit. Then again this really only came down to one thing. "Are you willing to sacrifice?"

"Huh?" Noel took herself from Mu's chest to look at Rachel, her eyes still a bit bloodshot. "What does...that mean?"

"I shall explain something to you, Noel. So heed my words," Rachel started over to them. "My position as the heir to the Tsukuyomi is to safe guard the Master unit and merely observe. However, I chose a more active role as you can see. That was my choice as Rachel Alucard." She stopped before her and clapped the tip of her umbrella on the floor. "I choose the life I wish to live and will not abide by the will of another. I have done that for far too long. Now, it is your time to choose what it is you wish to do. Will you fight or cower? Will you be the protector or the protected?"

"I...!"

"I am well aware of your current standing. This may be a little hard to stomach, but as you are now Noel—you will only slow us down and get yourself killed." Rachel's rather blunt and harsh tone made Noel jump a bit and hang her head. "I am confident in your ability, however, with the threats we face I fear you will be a liability if you do not have the courage. In which case, you will be forced to exit the stage. Permanently."

Noel shivered at the sudden change in Rachel's tone. It was so malicious and her eyes... Noel could feel her strength waning as her shaking became more apparent. Rachel wasn't kidding around or it wasn't more of her cryptic speech. Her message was as clear as glass. "I..."

"You what?" Rachel gave a rather callous tone with her response, frightening Noel even more. "If you cannot decide for yourself and constantly rely on others to bail you out of every single situation I am afraid this is as far as you go, Noel. It would seem your fate has been decided...over your own weakness."

"...You don't get to decide that."

"Beg your pardon?"

"You...!" Noel gnawed at her bottom lip and forced up all the courage she had. "You don't get to decide what I do! You aren't the boss of me Ms. Rachel! I know I can protect them—I can protect everyone! I won't let anyone hurt them. I'm not a liability and I'm not weak! I told myself that I'll fight for my loved one. For my mother and father at home. I won't lose no matter who it is or what I'm up against. I'll see it all through to the end. And I won't let anyone, not even you, take that from me."

"No... No, you will not," the tense air that gave Rachel's intimidation a striking, deadly feeling suddenly vanished—replaced by a proud smile. "And that is how you should speak all the time, Noel. Without fear and from your heart. I must say," Rachel giggled. "I have never heard you speak with such strong will before. You even made me tremble with that harrowing gaze of yours." She said facetiously.

"I-I'm sorry!" Noel bowed. "I didn't mean to scare you!"

Rachel sweat dropped. "That apologizing habit...will take a bit of work though." She only meant it in jest. She didn't have to apologize for it. Rachel knew she could be scary and down right unbearable at times, but she wasn't that bad... Right?

"Noel...what do you want to do?" Mu asked.

"I want to protect my loved ones! So," Noel put her hand out for Mu. "If it's not too much trouble... Even though you told me I could use your power, I want to formally ask for 'your' help. Not just your power."

"I'd be happy too." Mu took her hand as a blue aura surrounded her, turning her into nothing but a blue light. The blue figure slowly swirled into Noel, making her glow for just second before vanishing completely. Now, Noel felt somewhat different than when Mu was inside her last. This odd, uncomfortable sensation vanished without a trace. Rachel could tell just by looking at her that Noel found peace with Mu. Now, there was only one more thing to do...

"Now, we test it."

"Test it? Test what?" Noel responded, raising a brow.

"Try to draw on that power like before, but try to harness it this time."

"I'll do it!" Noel said, voice brimming with confidence. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and braced herself for the power to arise within her. Moments turned to minutes, Noel stood there. Her cheeks then puffed as beads of sweat appeared on her face. She started to whimper and clench her fists as her entire face turned red. She looked constipated... But even still, Rachel knew she could do it. Patience is a virtue to those who have it and Rachel knew that was one trait she—

"I can't do it..." Noel whimpered.

Oh, come on!

"Noel, you must calm yourself." Rachel said, calmly. Ironic given that Rachel herself was a few steps away from banging her head against the altar. "Let it flow naturally, you are not alone. Mu is right there with you. You must be able to feel her presence and power come naturally to you."

"R-Right!" Noel closed her eyes, ready to try again. Ok.. Feel her. Make it come naturally... Not too hard right? Noel kept telling herself over and over again to maintain her concentration, but she was just too worked up. Alright just calm down... Take a deep breath and let the power flow. Think of...pandas... Yeah, pandas. Pandas... "Pandas... Hehe... Hehehe—OW!" Noel felt a hard blow to the top of her head as she whimpered and rubbed the sore spot. The blow was caused by a certain twitching eyed vampire overhearing her rambling.

"Now is not the time to galavant, Noel Vermillion. You have work to do and you can worry about pandas later on."

"Ok..." Noel said with a pout. "But you didn't need to hit me..."

"It seems to be the only way for you to get your act together. Spare the rod, spoil the child after all." Rachel said. "Now, unless you would like another, I suggest you get back to work."

"Y-Yes!" Noel quickly shut her eyes and squeezed them tight.

"Noel...you are thinking too much. Calm down..." Rachel said in a soothing tone. "You must allow it all to follow when you wish it too. Make that power your own."

My own...

The tension gradually left her expression.

To make it flow naturally...

An azure blue aura gathered around Noel.

Don't think...just feel. Concentrate Noel, you can do this. If I can't do this... I can never face Ragna and then...

In a flash of light Noel's clothes shift from that of hers to Mu's. Her eyes open for Rachel to behold it is no longer emerald—but a glorious azure blue. She did it... Rachel could feel the aura that surrounded Noel change in a great way. It was strong, intimdating—befitting one carrying the title of Godslayer.

Noel took herself in, glancing at her new outfit. "This is..." She looked into the palm of her hands and closed them as a bright, victorious smile appeared on her lips. "I did it! I really did it!"

"Yes, you did. Be proud. Now, let us see if you can use the power now."

"Yes, ma'am!" Noel nodded, changing into her Murakumo armor in the blink of an eye. This immense power was incredible... It felt like she could do anything... "The Azure..."

"Now, for the final test." Rachel snapped her fingers.

"Final step? What else i—?"

"Gah!" A loud thud accompanied by a pained grunt shifted Noel's gaze towards it. She gasped when she saw a certain platinum haired, red jacket wearing man laying flat on his stomach.

"Ragna!?"

"Ugh...! What the fu...!" Ragna growled as he rose up from the ground. Once his eyes took in his surrounding, he looked behind him to see the massive altar he remembered quite well destroying towering above him. "Where am I!? What's going on!?" He looked around frantically and narrowed his brow when he saw a giggling Rachel beside Noel. "So it's you!" The Reaper began over to her, stomping like a giant. "Why the hell did you bring me here and—! A-And... N-Noel...!?"

"Huh?"

"What the hell are you wearing!?" Ragna's eyes shifted down to her half exposed breasts, feeling a blush rush up to his cheeks.

"Oh, and this is not some fabrication Noel. He is the real Ragna."

...

...

...

...

...

"K'yah!" Noel quickly covered her more revealing parts with her hands and squirmed. "No! Don't look at me!"

"That armor... Isn't that...Kusanagi!? And...Um..." Ragna's eyes once more rested itself on her chest, then scrolled down her body. Wow...she had some pretty—as Kagura would describe it—thick thighs...

"Ragna!" Noel whimpered.

"S-Sorry! Sorry! I was," he looked away and cleared his throat with a cough. "Distracted."

That... That just made it worse.

Noel whimpered with a cute pout and turned to Rachel for help. All she did was shrug nonchalantly. It looked like she was on her own with her revealing get up. Noel ripped her gaze from Ragna for a few moments before slowly turning back to him. "So...why are you here?"

"That's...what I want to know." Ragna tried to take his gaze off her, but that was much harder than he thought. Come on, he's a fucking guy! What kind of torture is this!? Oh god... It sounds like something Kagura would say... "Well," he got himself back to the topic at hand and turned to the person responsible. "I think you can explain this shit now. Why am I here? And why is Noel like...that?"

"Well, I brought you here to test her abilities now that she has accepted her power of the Azure. A 'test run' might be an accurate description for it."

"What?" Ragna tilted his head, confused.

"Please, Ragna!" Noel clasped her hands and begged. "I want to be strong—just like you! I want to be able to keep you safe from danger like how you protect me. I don't want to be protected all the time. I want to be the one to protect you, Ragna. So give me that opportunity to keep you safe. So, can you please fight me?" Noel's massive orbs stared intensely at Ragna in anticipation for his answer. Unease came across Ragna's face from her intense staring, but then again... There was something off about it, but not in a bad way. She had this brand new look in her eyes, different from the Noel he saw a few days ago. Whatever happened while he was sleeping the day away changed her. Ragna wanted to say no since he didn't want to hurt Noel, but he couldn't and just gave in.

"AH! Fine! Just—! Stop giving me those puppy dog eyes, yeah?"

"T-Thank you! But, can I ask you something else?"

"What is it?"

"Can you...close your eyes? This is still really embarrassing..."

"Fine, I guess that's—wait a minute what!? How the hell am I supposed to fight you with my damn eyes shut!?" Ragna asked.

"I don't know—just do it!"

"That's impossible! Listen this is just as hard for me as it is for you! How am I supposed to fight you while I'm already fighting—!" Ragna quickly stopped himself before he said something that could get him killed, maimed, tortured, or incinerated. Pretty much everything and anything painful. "Look, let's just get this over with alright? Just...don't think about it." Ragna was so close to a heart attack. Makoto's outfit was one thing, but this... I don't know how she did it, but she made everything visible. He couldn't keep his eyes to her for more than two seconds, but she—especially Rachel—didn't need to know that. He just finished recovering he didn't need to be hospitalized again. He shook his head and jumped back to give her space, then unslung his blade.

"Ok, Noel! Come at me!" Ragna figured when they fought he'd forget all about her outfit. Happened last time, so it should do the trick.

"Ok!" Mu gave herself two slaps on her cheeks and put her game face on. The blades that floated behind her made a wing formation that made Ragna take a step back. With a thrust of her hand, three blades shot out to Ragna. Ragna created a half circle with his blade and deflected the coming swords, later running in an arch towards Noel.

Noel rushed him, firing a few beams from her blades. Ragna kicked the group and leapt to the air straight to her, fist slowly coating in a dark mist. Quickly, Noel pivoted her foot to the right as Ragna fist came a hairs breath away from her face. Taking the opportunity Noel rose a knee to his stomach but ended up hitting metal instead of a stomach. Ragna rose his sword up high and sent Noel a few paces back. Ragna intended to immediately rush her but whipped around to swing away a cannon positioned a ready to fire, swiftly facing Noel again to block an ax kick. She quickly leapt back again as several cannons surrounded Ragna. Reflexively, Ragna got into a guarded stance, awaiting the cannons to strike first.

However.

"Blessed Mirror!" Noel shot several beams that ricocheted from her placed cannons. Ragna's eyes frantically watched the dancing beams in hopes of tracking the one that would come first. An odd sound that differentiated from the bouncing beams caused his ears to tingle. Instinctively he spun on his pivot foot and swung hard, shattering a coming beam. There was more to come and with quick reflexes, Ragna managed to evade and counter the coming beams. Right when Ragna turned to combat Noel a knee dazed him, then came a few more kicks that sent him bouncing a few times on the ground. Ragna bounced off the ground with both hands to land back on his feet. The moment he got back on his feet, Noel was just a couple feet from him.

Noel swung her legs up for two swift kicks. Ragna ducked and tried to retaliate with a kick, but Noel maneuvered herself just enough for his leg to brush by her. He didn't let up, however, chasing Noel down while swinging a series of sword strikes. Noel weaved and pivoted around them and would occasionally retaliate with a kick or launch a blade or two at him. Noel jumped back and sent half her blades at him at once. Ragna ran in an arch, hearing the raining blades stab the spot his foot laid mere seconds ago. Before taking another step Ragna leapt back as a blade came zooming by. Spontaneously he dived to avoid another flying blade and used his momentum to jump back up and avoid the next.

Ragna rushed Noel once more, blade held tightly with both hands. Suddenly, Ragna's ears tingled. He kicked the floor and dodged to the right, only for a sharp pain to graze his side. The Reaper held his now bleeding side and turned back to Noel to see it was her blade. Again Noel threw her blades at Ragna, forcing him to dance on his toes. Some of the blades managed to graze him, but not enough to really do any damage. Having enough of playing footsies, Ragna soared up with his blade held high. His blade slowly morphed into its scythe form as he reeled it back and swung with all his might. Noel put up a triangular shield and blocked the heavy blow, only for it to shatter. She was left dazed and it was just enough for Ragna to land a solid punch to her gut.

"Hells—!" Ragna's seithr covered fist dug into her abdomen, widening her eyes. "Fang!" He followed up by raising his arm, summoning forth a beastlike head that rammed into Noel, sending her bouncing on the floor. Noel used her momentum to bounce back at Ragna. She was too fast. Unable to avoid her, Ragna took a heavy kick to his chest. The Reaper lost all the air he had for a moment but managed to stand his ground and go for a straight punch. The punch was slow, a mere effort to stay at close range. Noel circled behind him and sent a bevy of swift, powerful kicks that made him stumble. Ragna grit his teeth from the pain and formed a claw of seithr with his feet then swung himself around. "Gauntlet Hades!" Noel just barely managed to move her head back far enough to avoid the kick, only to receive another right after his first attempt.

"Damn, Noel..." Ragna breathed out. "You've gotten a hell of a lot stronger..."

"T-Thank you very much!"

"Yes, I believe that will do just fine," Rachel finally stepped in and made her way over to the duo, her familiars by her side. "A splendid performance Noel. You seem to be getting the hang of your new found power."

"Yes!" Noel nodded.

"I must say, I am proud of you Noel. You have become a true asset. Also, I would like to ask for your forgiveness for my rather...unsettling threats and behavior. I did not mean any harm and thinking back on it, I believe I took it too far." Rachel said, receiving a smile from Noel. "Hm? What is it?"

"You know Ms. Rachel. I thought you were really scary before and sometimes I felt afraid just to be near you! But now," Noel lunged at the small vampire and bound her in her arms as she rubbed her cheeks with hers. "I don't feel scared another more! I don't even feel scared to do this! You're such a nice person. I really like you, Ms. Rachel!"

"Yes, yes. All well and good, but I would ask you refrain from this sort of behavior," Rachel brought her umbrella between them and pushed the hyperactive Noel away. "It is unfit for a young woman."

"Ah, but you're so nice to hold! It's like I'm hugging Makoto's tail!" Noel argued with a childish whimper. After a few minutes of arguing with Rachel, Noel finally—heavily reluctantly I might add—gave up. Noel spun to face Ragna and smiled warmly. "Thank you, Ragna. You really helped me."

"Ah, I didn't do much, Noel," Ragna scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "You did it. You should be proud that you've accepted your power and I'm proud of you too," he placed a hand on the top of her head. "You did good, Noel."

At that moment her face lit up like fireworks. Her brows raised and her widened eyes twinkled with happiness. Too happy to contain herself she lunged at Ragna and held the platinum tight, her head buried in his chest. Her hold threatened to crush his spine and every bone in his body. "Thank you! That means so much, Ragna! You have no idea how much that means to me!"

"Ok, ok. I'm happy that you're all excited about this, but..."

Noel heard his voice take an odd turn. It derailed with a heavy crack of embarrassment. She took her head from out his chest and looked up at him. His cheeks were crimson and his eyes faced away from her and his expression was twisted like he was trying very hard not look at something. Didn't take long for Noel to figure out what it is that had him so flustered.

"S-Sorry!" Noel removed her arms from him and covered up. Now that their fight was over, the problem with her outfit still had yet to be solved. "I didn't mean to do that..." A cumbersome air settled between the two accompanied by a tense silence which was soon broken by Noel. "But...is it bad?"

"H-Huh!? What does that mean!?"

"I mean... Um...!" Noel swallowed her words, unable to allow them passed her lips. 'Oh god, what am I thinking!? I shouldn't have said that! What do I do now!?' Her parted lips quivered in fear of what may come to pass if she continues this. What would he say? What would he think? So many questions bombarded her at once she started to get a headache. She shook her head and threw all her thoughts and fears away. Come on I can do this, Noel cheered herself on. "D-Do~oo... D-Do you um...? Have you ever...?" Each time she tried to speak up her words would fall short. She tightened the hold on herself and squirmed a bit, her embarrassment ready to make her collapse. Gathering every bit of strength she had left she finally asked. "Do you mind seeing me like this!?"

"What!?" Ragna took a step back from the brazen question. Does he mind!? Well...he is a guy so not really... But then... "I um... Well, Noel I uh... I mean..." His eyes travel along her body several times, taking in her rare form.

"B-B-Because if it's you then..." Slowly she lets her arms fall to her sides.

"Hey! Cover up! I'm a guy remember!?"

"I know that! But...! What I'm saying is is that it's ok if it's you! S-So..." Noel's blinking eyes danced from him to the ground before settling back on him. "Do you...like seeing me like this...?"

"H-Hey, how about we table this topic huh!? Actually, just—just let me go home!"

"Why do you keep trying to dodge my question!?" Noel said with a cute pout. "I want to know!"

"And I don't want to answer!"

"Well, I want to hear it! I'm a woman too!" Noel got into his face, frowning. "So...?" Her voice lightened along with her expression. "Do you?"

"L-Listen, Noel..." Was this girl gonna lay off? Shit... What was he supposed to say? And her staring passionately into his eyes just made this even more awkward. "I don't think this is the right time..."

"Then...what about when we get back?" Noel asked, nervous.

"That's not the point—" Ragna's words were locked in his throat, the same with Noel. A sudden shiver ran down both their spines from a chilling voice, forming beads of sweat that ran down their faces like bullets. Like cranks, their heads slowly turn to a certain livid vampire. The smile she had etched across her lips made them shake and her cold gaze was like a rapiers strike. Noel quickly hid behind Ragna, cowering in fear from Rachel's murderous gaze. Her familiars did the same, holding each other for protection as they watched their master in a new form. Rachel picked her index finger up as a bolt of lightning came down and struck beside them.

"Might I ask...what you two are you doing?" Her tone was light and calm, but her intentions were far from graceful. Ragna felt like he was about to shit himself staring into her eyes. The vampire took a single step towards them which made them take two steps back.

"H-Hey! Let's talk about this!"

"I've always wanted to dye your hair red... Maybe now I'll get the chance..." Before Rachel could act on her threat, another voice interrupted them; a very sarcastic one.

"I couldn't have said it better myself!"

Ragna quickly grabbed the hilt of his sword and protected Noel with an arm. Rachel's eyes searched frantically for the voice. There shouldn't be anyone here besides the three of them—not counting her familiars. The vampire pondered over who's voice that was, but after it echoed a few more time in her head she called it out.

"Terumi!"

"Ding Ding Ding! You guessed it!"

"Bastard!" Ragna howled. "Where are you!?"

"Nowhere you'd know little old Rags. No matter how hard you look you won't find me, but," he snickered. "There's someone else that's here in my stead. You know her well, don't'cha Rags old boy?"

The cocoon above the altar opened, revealing a blinding light that forced them to cover their eyes. Ragna barely managed to see through the cracks in his fingers, but he knew exactly who it was. Once the light faded and they removed their hands from their faces, Ragna called out to the newcomer standing before the altar.

"Nu!"

"The thirteenth Prime Field!? What is it doing here!?" Rachel pondered the subject for just a moment before her eyes widened with fearful realization. "Noel, run!"

"Too late!"

"!" Rachel looked down to see a magic circle beneath her and Ragna.

"What the—!? Teleportation!?" In a blink of an eye, Ragna and Rachel along with her familiars were gone, leaving her alone with Nu.

"Ms. Rachel! Ragna!"

"Noel! We have to focus! They'll be fine!" Mu said.

"Now that they're gone. Number twelve," Terumi snickered. "You know what to do."

"Roger." Nu's blades rose like wings then pointed at Noel. "All systems running at one hundred percent... Lifting all restrictions." The entire space began to shake, threatening to knock Noel right off her feet. This sensation... Something was definitely wrong with Nu. There was something different about her—artificial almost and Noel didn't like it. The last thing she wanted to do was fight Nu, but she saw Nu didn't have the same sentiment as she did.

"Nu... I...! I won't lose to you!"

"Now commencing merge..."

I want to have the next chapter of this out by next Friday. Not much more left of this before this story ends I hope.

Next Chapter 30: The False Eye