"Another day..." Ragna lay back on his pillow, job well done and enough money earned to keep a roof over his head and food in his belly for the next month. "Moon sure is bright tonight," he muttered. The sight of it summoned memories, shitty recollections kicking the corner of his mouth up. It had been on a night like this the moon shone above the deadly blaze he called home. He growled and shifted onto his other side, in no mood to relive the events of that tragic day. But it hardly mattered; the dreams would continue to plague him anyway. The only time he slept decently were the nights his mind remained blank. But those were rare occasions, the last over two months ago.

"Wonder how that little shit's doing, anyway?" Jin, his brother, came to mind. After a falling out a few years back, he hadn't spoken to or even seen Jin. Ragna sighed, regretting having brought him into his thoughts. He closed his eyes to get some rest, the day long spent.

Until…


"Yes, you mentioned hearing a voice before waking here. We underwent the same anomaly then." Rachel's aristocratic tone echoed within the cavern they traversed. The tunnel appeared to be unnatural, formed by human hands—maybe created by these Kaka people to return to the surface. She kept an eye on the eccentric creature to ensure it wouldn't run off and leave them in pursuit of something shiny. "Every time I try recalling the voice, however, I suffer an excruciating headache. I assume you experience the same affliction?"

"If you mean that twenty-one gun salute that goes off in my head, then yeah. So I stopped trying."

Rachel pursed her lips. "We are in an unfamiliar location being led by a strange creature with the attention span of a sheep, and you do not think it imperative to treat our quandary with some form of urgency?"

"I am, but I'm more pissed off at the asshole who plucked me from my world in the first fucking place. I plan to knock their damn teeth in."

Rachel's face twisted in repugnance. "Is it possible for you to utter a sentence without vulgarity? I assumed you were uncouth when I first laid eyes upon you, and I know it is much to ask of an uncivilized man like you, but can you conduct yourself in a more cordial manner?"

"Piss off, why don'tcha? Don't like the way I talk, cover your ears with those stuffed toys."

An enraged Gii got in his face. "We aren't toys!"

"Sure look like one to me." Ragna swatted the bat away, continuing to trail Tao. He remained silent the rest of the trip, lost in thought. Whoever that strange voice belonged didn't give off a sinister or conniving air, it sounded… desperate, begging for help. Rachel was consumed by the same thoughts, neither certain whether or not their qualms would be assuaged. All they could do was hope the person who summoned them shed some light on the situation or sent them home.

Reaching the end of the tunnel, Tao excitedly proclaimed, "Welcome to Kaka Village, Tao's hometown!"

Ragna scanned his surroundings. Maybe this was a city once upon a time but fell underground? That wouldn't be the most absurd thing he'd ever heard in his life. "Place looks a lot more normal than I thought it'd be," he remarked.

A delightful hum came from Nago. "My, something smells good."

"Food!" Tao scampered off toward the town square where several of her kin gathered before an enormous pot where the scent emanated. When the foreigners arrived the kittens were quick to rush to them, curious about the visitors. "These strange people are the ones the elder told us about," Tao explained.

"Really?!" an excited Kaka beamed.

"Hey Tao, wanna show us to the—hey!" A small kitten climbed onto Ragna's back. "The hell're you doing?!"

"Wow mister, you're really tall!"

"Oh, that looks like fun!" another said as it began its journey to Ragna shoulders, other kittens including Tao jumping on him. The abrupt assault and constant pulling toppled him, his cries for assistance gone unanswered as Rachel simply watched the kittens pull at his clothes, hair, and face. She turned toward an opening door that dispensed another Kaka, this one visibly aged and sporting a black coat with gold lining.

"What's going… oh my goodness." The elder kaka could only laugh at Ragna smothered in kittens. "Okay, break it up, meow. That's no way to treat our guest, especially after they have come so far." They obeyed after a second, allowing Ragna to rise. "Sorry for the trouble these kittens caused you. They are a curious bunch but mean no harm. My name is Torakaka, but you can call me Tora, meow. What are your names?"

"Ragna the Bloodedge."

"Rachel Alucard. Are you this village's elder, perchance? If so, we have a few inquiries."

"No, I serve as its guardian. She will be out shortly–it takes time for her to get ready." A minute later the door opened again and out walked the village elder, her small body obscured by a too-large coat. Unlike the others she wore a large skull to mask her face. Slowly she made her way over, each clack of her strange wooden staff echoing her footsteps.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. My name is Totakaka, I am the elder of this village."

Rachel looked at Ragna. "What are you waiting for?"

"Shuddup," he growled, then refocused on the old woman. "You're the one that called us here?"

"Yes. Excuse my abrupt summons, but I beseech your aid. If you two would be so kind as to follow me, I will answer any and all questions you might have. Time is of the essence." Totakaka started off, Torakaka by her side.

"At least we're getting right down to business." Ragna followed, Rachel and her familiars beside him.

Great Tree: Amaterasu

Totakaka emerged from the tunnel first followed by Tora, Rachel, her familiars, and Ragna in that order. Promptly the foreigners' eyes met the massive tree stationed before a small pond, a glade that personified tranquility. Ragna cut to the chase. "Where are we? What is this thing?"

The Kakas bowed to the tree before facing Ragna and Rachel, Tota answering. "I beg you to forgive my hasty summons, I truly meant no harm. I will face whatever punishment you deem fit to dispense, but please hear the plight of an old woman first."

Ragna scratched the back of his head. "Playin' the old woman card right off the bat, huh? Alright then…"

"Thank you. I know you have questions so I will explain as I go along." She took a breath. "The world you find yourself in now is not the one with which you are familiar. You were brought here by Amaterasu, the tree behind me, upon my request for assistance. This world has fallen under the vile plague of "death," and while many have tried to eliminate her, all have failed."

"Her? A human is responsible for whatever scourge plagues this world?"

"She is no human, she is a monster. No human would ever cause such death and destruction…" Anger and sadness intermingled in her voice, tightening the grip on her staff. "Her name is Izanami. Five years ago she appeared out of nowhere and brought forth ruin. She killed indiscriminately, men, women, children… no one escaped her clutches. And she grows stronger and stronger by the day. As her power increases, Amaterasu weakens."

"What does that mean?" Ragna asked.

Tora answered. "Amaterasu is the one keeping this world together. Its peower regulates the Essence Streams that flow from the Astral Plane to our world, meow. The Essence Streams are veins that connect our world with the Astral Plane and pump life into it, but some have become corrupted, throwing the natural order of things into flux. Everyday living becomes more and more strenuous."

"What is the Astral Plane?" Rachel questioned.

"It is a plane of existence between worlds, both yours and our own, Algeria. It contains an infinite supply of ether where Amaterasu draws its power from, but when Izanami appeared her presence disrupted the flow of ether, throwing the natural habitats and ecosystems out of control and corrupting them. New beasts never before seen emerged, places once hospitable became uninhabitable, and the poor souls who occupied those locations were tainted. Many of my people have fallen prey. Torakaka, myself, and the children you see in the village are all who remain. We will die out before the next century. But before then, I wish to give the children a chance to live happily."

"In summation, you want us to clean up this mess?" Ragna carified.

"We know it is unfair to you, but please help us save this world," Tora pleaded.

"Ain't interested," he returned.

"But—!"

"Very well." Totakaka's response left Tora speechless and Ragna a bit bewildered. "This is not a must. I have summoned you here from your loved ones without permission and asked you to undertake a perilous journey, one that may very well bring your lives to an end. If you are not willing, I won't force you." Sounds of tiny footsteps transfixed their gazes on a few Kaka kittens, Tao amongst the group. "What are you kids doing here? Go back to the village."

"You aren't going to help?" a kitten sadly inquired.

"Please don't say no!" another begged.

Totakaka shook her head. "Do not beg them, children. It is their decision to make."

"But the world is in danger!" one exclaimed.

"And when did I decline?"

The words came from Rachel, eliciting a slew of reactions. Tota was the first to form words. "Do you truly mean that? You will help us?"

"For real?! Just like that?" Ragna gaped.

"Is there a problem that I do it or no?" Rachel asked.

"N-no, but—"

"Noblesse oblige. Have you heard the phrase in your world?"

"First time. What's that gotta do with anything?"

"To my family, it means to help those who cannot help themselves. To aid the defenseless. That saying has been passed down through the generations of the Alucard family and I dare not besmirch its name. When I arrived in this world, I detected a powerful malevolent presence—it stuck to the trees and even tainted the air. Whoever this Izanami character is leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and I cannot return in good conscience knowing such a tyrant roams free to do as they please." Unpleasant memories flash in her mind's eye. "I am well aware what those impure of soul and black of heart are capable of, and I would not wish such pestilence on any other. I shall do what I can." Rachel looked at Ragna with an almost reprimanding eye.

Ragna's gaze fell to Tao who pulled at his hakama. "Tao doesn't want Elder to cry anymore. Tao can't beat the bad guy, but maybe you can. Don't say no and go home, meow."

Ragna scratched the back of his head, heart a bit hefty with guilt. "Don't get me wrong, it's not like I don't sympathize and I wasn't plannin' on leaving either—not like I know how, anyway. I'd go around doing whatever I could to help and try to find my way back, maybe run into to this Izanami chick along the way."

Rachel sighed. "Then you should have led with that, you imbecile. Do you enjoy the tears of others?"

"I'm gonna bathe in yours if you don't put a sock in it," he growled.

Tora wasn't too sure of his answer and asked, "Will you help us, meow?"

"Didn't I already say it? Yes, I'll lend a hand. Not like I had anything to go back home to in the first place. So, what's the charge?"

"Charge, meow?' Tora didn't understand.

"Payment. How much are you gonna pay me for this? Risking my life to save someone else's world is a big deal, y'know, and costs a penny."

Utter disgust claimed Rachel's features. "You are despicable."

"Ha! Like I give a damn what you think of me, Rabbit. A job is a job, and a bounty hunter needs to be compensated no matter what. I need to live too and this ain't some damn charity case."

Tota shook her head when Rachel opened her mouth to retort. "He is correct. I must offer compensation for requesting such a job. What do you desire? Money? Worldly belongings? I will travel far and wide to seek out an adequate reward."

Ragna stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I took a peek in that massive pot before we got here. This place doesn't have much food left, right?"

"N-no, we don't have meoney to buy food and the animals in the area have been… meostly contaminated." Tora didn't understand what Ragna was getting at, Tota and Rachel just as confused. He then revealed a bag of coins and tossed it at Tora, the guardian grunting as its weight nearly brought her down. The Kaka guardian's red eyes widened when she looked inside. "Is this meoney from your world made of solid gold, meow!?"

"Not sure how much worth it has in this world, but there's about six hundred coins in that sack."

"Six hundred?! T-this could feed the village for meonths! W-why are you giving this to us, meow?" Tora asked.

"Promise me somethin', alright?" Ragna pointed to the kittens, his voice soft. "Make sure that every night those kids get somethin' warm in their bellies. You do that, and you've got yourself a contract. Grim Reaper's guarantee."

Tora and Tota remained speechless for a moment, almost brought to tears. A smile curved Tora's lips. "Deal. Thank you so much, meow."

"I will send you home when desired. The power of Amaterasu brought you here and is capable of returning you," Tota explained.

"Good enough for me, but don't go overworkin' yourself. I'd find my way back even without this tree," Ragna proclaimed.

"Yay!" one of the kittens shouted joyously.

"You really are a good guy! Your name must be Good Guy!" Tao said.

"No, it's Rag—"

"Kaka pile on Good Guy!" Tao commanded as she and her kin jumped onto the bounty hunter, resuming the playful gnawing, pulling, and exploration while Rachel stood idly by.

Later that Night

"I am unsure what voice you speak of," Totakaka said to Rachel who sat across from her, the elder running a paw over the kitten napping on her lap. "It might have been the voice of Amaterasu calling you, but that would beg the question why you have trouble remembering what it said."

"While I can piece together what it wished, its voice leaves me on edge," Rachel admitted.

"Forgive me. I wish I could help you, but I know little more than you do."

Rachel stood. "I see. At the moment, anyway, it is not detrimental and is far from sinister. Thank you for taking the time to explain this world to me." The vampire left the elder's home, letting her familiars sleep in peace. She went in search of Ragna, finding him lying atop a hill on the outskirts of the city looking at a pendant. Earlier he had chased the Kaka kittens to reclaim it like it was a lifeline, and she couldn't deny her curiosity of its meaning to him.

Rachel's footsteps drew his attention. "What do you want, Rabbit?"

"Still referring to me by that stupid nickname, I see."

He smirked. "Want me to call you bunny lady instead? Pick your poison."

"Neither. And the only reason I did not attack that kitten was because it is a child and does not know better. I am not one to show violence towards children. A little hypocritical of me, yes?" Now she wore the smirk and he wore the scowl, Rachel tilting her head. "Might I inquire as to the importance of that pendant? I saw you staring so passionately at it."

"None of your business." Ragna stood and stuffed it in his pocket. "What'd you come here for, really? You're not here to shoot the shit, I'm sure."

"I am just surprised," she said.

"About?"

"You. You give off such a menacing presence, which is only further accentuated by your stupid face."

Ragna glowered. "Are you lookin' for a fight? Couldn't fall asleep and wanted me to knock you out?"

"Hardly. I have just come to share my newfound respect for you."

"Sure don't sound like respect. All you've done is diss me!"

"You are crude and brusque on the outside, displaying a truly unattractive nature for the world to see. Yet hidden beneath this façade is a decent man with a warm heart. I must admit, you tugged on my heart strings somewhat with your show of benevolence earlier today, and this village will never forget your kindness. The children seem extraordinarily happy and you appeared to enjoy playing with them."

"Is that what it looked like?" Ragna put his hands in his pockets. "…A little, I'll admit. Reminded me of better days, but those damn kids just don't stop. Worn out over here." He started down the hill with Rachel behind, then stopped upon reaching the city entrance. "By the way, name's Ragna."

Rachel nodded, confused. "Yes, I am aware of your name. Did you hit your head when those kittens attacked you earlier?"

"We got off on the wrong foot, is all. I don't really care about making friends and shit, but we'll need to get along in some way if we're gonna save this world and I'd rather not have anything else holding me back."

"My, you can be a gentleman sometimes," she teased, then smiled warmly. "Very well. My name is Rachel Alucard, head of the Alucard family. Might I get your full name, perchance? Or are you satisfied with Mr. Grim Reaper?"

"Heh. Ragna the Bloodedge, bounty hunter." Ragna was surprised to see her extending a hand.

"Tis not a trick, go on. Many consider this an honor, so you should feel proud you have the pleasure of shaking my hand."

"Full of yourself, aren't you?" Ragna took it, his bigger, rougher hand twice the size of her softer one. "Try not to drag me down, Rabbit."

Her brow twitched, and with a stronger grip and cruel smile, lightning coursed through Ragna's body, leaving him a charred mass on the village streets as Rachel went to her designated quarters for bed. She did not have her sleepwear and just kicked off her shoes to sleep in her dress.

Despite the circumstances that surround her, Rachel couldn't help feeling excited. A new world with unknown variables awaited her, and she would be able to travel freely without being held back by responsibilities. But she did worry about Valkenhayn. The old butler was perhaps overprotective of her and he must have realized her disappearance by now. All Rachel could do was hope he didn't go too crazy.

She woke the next morning, surprised the world ran on the same time axis as hers. She took a shower, dressed, and met Ragna at the village exit, greeted by the saddened Kaka kittens who watched the bounty hunter depart. Tao led them back to the surface and told them to follow Pilgrim Highway to reach the nearest town, waving farewell before disappearing into the tunnel. If not knowing what evil plagued this world, neither would think such a peaceful place was on the verge of collapse. Greenery remained seemingly untouched as unfamiliar creatures frolicked and basked beneath the sun. According to Tora, traders used Pilgrim Highway because it cut through treacherous terrain such as the Skyward Forest and Gnome Plains, both having a long history of disappearances due to monster attacks. Izanami's presence had made many once-docile creatures ferocious, the effects worsening over time.

Ragna fished a crumpled map from his pocket, and Rachel wasn't too pleased to see it took half a day to reach the "nearest" town. Instead of focusing on the excruciating journey ahead she preoccupied herself by getting a grasp on this new world, the air much fresher than by the ruins. From what Ragna relayed he had found nothing of use in them... but knowing him he might have skipped a detail or two. A thought crossed her mind. "Did the Kaka Clan mention modes of transportation?"

"Nope. Shit, I should've asked 'em. And the map is no good in that department, only shows routes, countries and crap." Ragna stowed it once more, quirking a brow at some kind of commotion ahead. Neither he nor Rachel needed to be from this world to know thieves and a raid when they saw one.

"How dare you! Do you have not shred of honor?! Attacking a man from behind, what cowards!" the trader chastised, fighting to be rid of his bindings.

"Threw that away years ago, old man. No honor to be had in this line of work, so stop whining!" The thief's sharp kick drew blood, his grin smug. "Thanks for the food and horse. Getting one for ourselves would've cost some real zol."

"Hey boss!" A subordinate holding up two pouches of money gained his attention. "Think we could score a couple women in Rueplin with this kinda zol? Remember that one with the long dark hair, boss?"

"Oooh yeah. We'll be eating and fucking good, boys!" the leader proclaimed, eliciting a roar of victory from his crew. "We owe you for this, old man. 'Customers' have been dry because of that Izanami bitch, so thanks for keeping the business alive."

"Scoundrels! If you were real men you would fight me face-to-face instead of cowering behind greenery and trickery!"

"I concur." Rachel's voice claimed their attention as she halted in the road with Ragna at her side. "These vermin are a far cry from what I call 'men'."

"Who's the half-wit in cosplay and dumbass in red?" one asked. Ragna and Rachel's brows twitched.

"Don't know, don't care." The boss took up position in front of his men, the lot drawing their weapons. Most wielded small jagged knives and the remaining two held decrepit short swords. "But we'll be taking everything they own. Look at the sword he's got, sure it'll fetch something in the capital."

"Let's just get this over with…" Ragna flicked his sword up to counter the first thief who lunged at him. With the dagger knocked from his grip and staggering, he couldn't avoid the jaw-shifting punch that sent him into a tree. The thieves stood agape, momentarily stunned by Ragna's display of strength. Dismissing their concern the band contrived a formation in hopes of catching them off guard, but they were out-maneuvered when Ragna cut down two more and Rachel struck another pair before they could even move a muscle, turning the brigand force into a discombobulated mess of eight instead of thirteen.

Those remaining steeled themselves and surrounded the outsiders, surging forward simultaneously. They always had another man to cover their blind spot, set in a way they could freely move about and avoid attacks. They had speed going for them, but nothing Ragna and Rachel hadn't contended with before. Ragna aimed for where he knew one would be, lucky to dodge a bolt of purple lightning that turned his target to ash.

"Dammit, Rabbit! Again?!" Ragna clashed with another, loosening his grip to step aside and kick the thief away.

Rachel gasped at the incoming body and used her power over wind to divert him toward another. "And you believe attacking me will resolve your issue?"

"That wasn't on purpose!" Ragna uppercutted the last rogue and left Rachel to turn the escaping leader into residue. He secured his blade at his waist, then freed the trader from his bindings and helped him up. "You okay?"

The man patted the dirt off his clothes. "Yes. If not for their spineless ambush, I could have handled them easily. Thank you for coming to my aid, um…?" He looked to the two for names.

"Ragna."

"Rachel Alucard."

"Mr. Ragna… Ms. Rachel… What lovely names! I am Bang Shishigami! Pleasure to meet you."

Ragna dug his ears. "You don't have to shout, old timer… and no sweat. From now on, maybe you should hire some bodyguards."

"Easier said than done, Mr. Ragna. Due to the onslaught of beasts in recent years the cost of protection has increased dramatically, simple escorts charging fees greater than the worth of my years of experience and wisdom. I am afraid I do not have the funds for that, and a few bruises are nothing if I can supply for my family." Bang stopped and took a stab in the dark. "Are you two perhaps on your way to Crawmen's Village? The one just past the highway?" Happiness claimed his features when they nodded yes. "Then allow me to take you there as thanks for your aid! There is plenty of space in the back of the carriage and I am sure you must be weary after having journeyed from wherever you hail."

'Tell me about it,' Ragna thought. "Think we'll take you up on that offer, old man. Thanks, and sorry for the trouble."

"Haha! Worry not, traveler! It is the least I can do for vanquishing such vile criminals. Let us make haste before sundown. Monsters prowl once darkness sets." Bang climbed on his horse as Ragna and Rachel found space in the cargo, Nago and Gii quick to form cushions for their mistress. Before long the cerulean sky turned tangerine and the trio arrived at Crawmen's Village, the town larger and busier than they expected. Bang explained that traders from all around passed through here so the once-small settlement grew to accommodate the influx of merchants, even orchestrating a guild with its sister town Greenstone.

Ragna and Rachel got off at the tavern and rented a room using the single gold coin they took, shocked to receive change back. Evidently the money they possessed was enough for one more night here. The two retreated to their designated room and Ragna enchanted a noise canceller on the door for eavesdroppers, locking it before taking a seat. "We must discuss our cooperation issues," Rachel said, plunking down on the bed across from him. "If we continue to be at each other's throats in battle we might end up killing one another before long. I suppose it should not be a surprise as we have never seen the other in combat much. Perhaps we should explain our abilities to get a broader scope?"

"Not sure if that'll help, but it's worth a shot." Ragna sighed. "In my world, anyone who can use 'real' magic is dead and gone beside this one person I know. Before they all kicked the bucket Ars Magus was developed. Mine is a little different than everyone else's." Ragna neglected to explain why but Rachel didn't probe him. He rolled up his sleeve to display his pitch-black arm. "When I was a kid, my synchronization with Ars Magus was shit—couldn't even cast basic spells. With this, the Azure Grimoire, I can use it but it's a pain in the ass to manage, which is where these come in." He displayed the red jewels on his gloves. "These are seithr regulators that make wielding this shit easier. But there's still something I don't get."

"What would that be?"

Ragna drew his sleeve down. "To use Ars Magus I need seithr. Without it shit doesn't function, but here I am in another world using it without issue. I thought because it's its own little Cauldron and connected to the Boundary it's still available to me, but it still feels pretty out-there."

"Cauldron? Boundary? Can you speak in a language I can understand?"

Ragna sighed. "The Boundary is where the substance called seithr that allows people like me to use Ars Magus is leaked out from a Cauldron, a gateway. That's all you really need to know about that, it's not that important."

"I see. Normally I would ignore it and be glad you can still wield the power, but there must be a reason. Your arm being connected to this Boundary seems a little too loose of an explanation if you have left your world." Rachel was unable to come up with a viable theory. "Are you at least familiar with sorcery?"

"Kinda. The person who made these seithr regulators could use magic herself and was a huge pain in the ass to deal with. Does magic in your world need the caster's will to stay constant?"

"No. We do not rely on wills and such things, but the veins coursing through our bodies are unrelated to those which transmit blood. Mana travels through our Magic Currents and is drained with each spell cast, the amount depending on the tier. It becomes dangerous to cast when low on mana. If I attempted to use a spell beyond my limits the after-effects are quite annoying."

"What're they?"

"Why do you need those seithr regulators?"

"...Touché." Ragna didn't press the issue. "Okay, so you're a mage but I still don't know your fighting style too well."

Rachel pulled out a flyer she ripped off the request board. "Here is a little mission to eradicate a monster blocking traffic between here and the next town. I assume this creature is responsible for the abnormal crowd."

"Can't we just go around it?"

"We could, however, I think it imperative we obtain some funds if we are to be traveling. We will not last with the meager savings we pocket and this reward will suffice for now. I am also in need of garb for the night."

"Makes sense. Wanna go now?"

"The quicker the better, and if monster attacks are more prevalent in the darkness, completing this task while there is still light would be wise." The two went down to speak to a girl at the desk, glad they didn't have to be registered bounty hunters to get a green light like back in Ragna's world. The clerk seemed pleased they were taking on the monster, too, so the urgency might've bypassed protocol. They followed Pilgrim Highway to where their target was said to wander, finding the creature resembling a wolf standing like some guard. It had a buckler attached to its left hand and a longsword in its right, and wore a bronze breastplate. To use such armaments the beast must have been somewhat intelligent, which worked for the pair needing to observe one another's fighting styles. Ragna was the first to engage.

From previous battles Rachel knew he had no etiquette and appeared like a madman in combat; however, was evident he possessed years of training, meshing brute strength with finely-honed instincts. His body ducked and weaved subconsciously, allowing him to focus solely on striking where he saw an opening, destroying the beast's fragile buckler by the third swing. Having documented enough, Rachel called Ragna to switch, her style that of a dance exuding elegance befitting her personality. Occasionally she manipulated the wind for a speed boost to avoid strikes or just allowed her familiars to take the blows, finishing the weak creature off with a few bolts of lightning. Now they could expect an adequate reward for vanquishing the beast.

"I do hope you were able to comprehend and appreciate my dance. Perhaps you should incorporate some form of elegance into your fighting style and maybe you would look a little less oafish," Rachel remarked.

Ragna rolled his eyes. "I don't give a damn how I look as long as the other guy's taken care of. Now c'mon before it gets dark." He started off, catching the sound of rustling bushes. 'Someone was watchin', huh?'

"Ragna, let us be on our way. If they wished to strike they would not have fled. I suspect they are just more petty thieves hoping to claim victims." Rachel continued on with Ragna trailing behind.

Night blanketed the sky when they arrived at the tavern. Rachel was quick to take a shower and head to bed, exhausted from traveling, fighting, and remiss over the thought of having to reclaim her lost powers in hopes of ridding the world of its blight. Ragna was the opposite, wide awake from mental overload and a steaming bowl of udon before him courtesy of the front desk girl. "On the house," she claimed, but that stare of hers spoke volumes and he considered placing a few extra locks on the door tonight after catching the chatter of the girls in the backroom about him. He tensed at the thought.

As quick as he had settled into bed did his eyes open when morning dawned once again. Ragna dressed and went outside for some fresh air, surprised to see Bang packing his things. "Ah, good morning, Mr. Ragna. You are up quite early."

"Could say the same to you, old man."

"A merchant must always rise with the sun. Early mornings are when monsters retreat into their homes and the roads become safe. Might I ask where you are heading?"

"Kingdom of Illia," he answered.

"Mmm, that is quite the journey you have ahead. From here it will take half a fortnight to reach. Actually, I so happen to be voyaging north, myself. My horse is not as fast a Magi-car, but the commute shouldn't be too strenuous."

"You're heading there, too?"

Bang shook his head. "My home is not in the Kingdom but a small settlement four days away. If you like, you may accompany me."

"I don't wanna be unnecessary baggage," Ragna said.

"Nonsense! Besides, traveling alone for so long, I miss the company of another to tell tales and laugh with! There is more than enough room to accommodate both you and your lady, but is she awake?" Bang's question was answered when the vampire entered the world with a yawn, squinting in the sun shining directing on her.

"What is all that noise?" Rachel demanded.

"Finally up, eh? Hope you got all your shit, 'cause we got a ride." Ragna pointed to Bang.

"You are going to the Kingdom of Illia as well?" she asked.

"No, my home is near there but I still owe you both for saving me. Allow me to pay my dues."

"Your offer is appreciated, but I have yet to eat." Rachel re-entered the tavern.

"Don't take forever!" Ragna shouted.

"In the meantime, can you spare a few extra hands?" Bang asked.

"Sure."


An hour later Ragna glanced back at Crawmen, the city pint-sized from afar. Rachel tried to get into a comfortable position but the added cargo made the endeavor impossible. To get her mind off the situation she would suffer the next few days, she posed a question to Bang. "Has thievery become the norm?"

A sigh of grief passed Bang's lips. "Unfortunately. Many have abandoned the honor they once had to lead lives of stealing and con-artistry. I cannot say I don't know why they have done so. The world is slowly becoming harder to live in, and I fear the day when it finally collapses. But they are not the only ones running amok–dark guilds have also begun to surface."

"Dark guilds?" Ragna echoed. "Lemme guess, a bunch of punks who don't follow the rules?"

"That would not suffice for those 'people'." Ire deepened his tone. "Thieves do what they do in order to survive whereas these vile creatures do it for fun. Izanami's appearance has only prompted them to come out into the light, even raising a guild dedicated to her, but it seems more like a cult. They are a crafty bunch, doing all they can to show devotion to their goddess."

Ragna's forehead scrunched. "These bastards want Izanami to kill them off? Heh, world's going insane."

"Disgusting. It seems their brains have deteriorated along with this world," Rachel said.

Bang nodded. "I could say it no better. All we can do is pray and hope for a miracle."

"Who knows, your prayers might've been answered." He was the first to notice a figure standing in the road ahead as if waiting for them. A collective sense of unease arose, and Ragna was quick to meet the man's fist when he lunged.

Chapter is done, all thanks to my glorious beta Wild Blue Sonder, a gift from god. Thank you to those who reviewed, and because fanfic was fucking up for a while, I couldn't get back to you as I'd like, so I'll leave my review responses here and will most likely do so going forward.

BigBoys: Glad you got it, and my drinks' up read to move forward.

CrimsonDemon666: It's a difficult battle, but I'm fighting the good fight. Though I don't know how long I'll last...

ArmantusCumPinnae: Making chapters too long, like 9k or 10k, just seems like a bit much. And having a word limit helps me. I know what I need to stuff into this chapter and what to leave for later. I hope you enjoy this nonetheless!

Queen Bitch: Hopefully you'll find some teensy enjoyment next chapter then *snicker*.

Herald of Justice: The self-proclaimed god descends on the mortal realm once again? Long time no see, Zamasu. Here I thought you were gone for good. And don't worry, I'm not about to let you wipe humanity off the face of the cosmos for delusions grandeur, so sit back and enjoy like you have been doing, heh.

Guest: Hopefully you're here forthe long haul.

See ya'll next chapter!