The winds gently blow the hair of the crimson vampire as she sits down in the tallest spot of Ishana while allowing herself to meditate in peace...
This was now Rachel's resting time after a week of endless training to refine and improve her skills. It may not be much but it is sufficient enough for her to handle her abilities far better than the time when she lacked full control. While she was emptying her mind to mentally strengthen her mind, heard footsteps but felt a familiar presence approaching her. This was the person who helped her unlock her hidden abilities and improved her skills, it was Arian.
"Yes?"
The footsteps stop. Rachel still with her eyes closed, greeted Arian politely.
"You always return to this spot. Why is that?" Arian asks.
"Even if this place is under your protection, I feel obliged to do the same. You trained me out of kindness and I wish to pay that debt." After hearing what Rachel said, she couldn't help but feel flattered.
"Not exactly. Rose begged me to let you stay so don't think I'm nice."
"So be it."
"Besides, out of everyone that trained under me, you learned exponentially fast!- I mean who can learn to master their ability in less than a week?!" Arian was extremely impressed with Rachel's knowledge of spells considering that many of Ishana's books were lost and most of them relocated to a hidden location. "You're one hell of a prodigy, observer!"
"No. Rather it was you who managed to quickly identify my mistakes. I simply followed your instructions and I thank you for your teachings." Rachel opened her eyes and looked at her, "But that is not what you are here for. I do know that you came here for a different reason..." This was only a hunch from the vampire. She was never this cheerful, or that Rachel thinks because she has no knowledge of Arian's true personality... but Arian's demeanor quickly shifted and she seemed ashamed. Rachel closed her eyes with a smile.
She was right.
"Remember that story you told me?"
"Hmph"
The vampire can only smirk upon realizing that she finally understood the message behind her long story. "Ah, yes. Has the lesson finally entered your stubborn mind?"
Arian was hesitant to even admit but the observer was wise and knowledgeable. She is the only person who she can trust to open up to. "Y-yeah...it did. It's just that I don't know how to describe it...
Rachel opened her eyes, "Oh. You may share it with me in any method that pleases you. Perhaps it may further uplift your confidence in confessing your daughter the truth."
Arian grew embarrassed, "The truth? You think that will work?"
"Different individuals have different methods. It is your choice and if you do wish to seek help, I might as well aid you. You did teach me how to have better control of my abilities after all."
Arian scratched her hair, annoyed and shy but the vampire is right and she was even willing to help. Arian even grew flustered about what she was going to do. "Okay, don't blame me if this is weird."
The vampire laughed silently. "Your traits are awfully similar to Ragna when he's in a nerve-racking situation. I have experienced him confessing to me such things in such a manner that was too humorous to even explain. Fret not, mothers too have flaws. I will not judge your choice of words."
This actually helped the mother's burden lift a little knowing that she isn't alone in such situations. She musters up her courage, gulps, and begins to talk.
"I'm really sorry for everything, Alucard.
When Arian called Rachel by her last name, her attention was completely taken aback. She had never been sincere about anything.
"I'm really sorry, I really am. Ever since her father's death, I viewed the world as cruel and impure. They took advantage of his kindness and stabbed him right at the back. When I saw his personality bloom in her as she continued to grow...I was just...afraid. I am afraid that her kindness might be exploited."
Rachel could tell that Arian was ashamed of what she had done. She couldn't even look Rachel in the eyes. The vampire understood her reason why she had to be like this, but it was not right to always decide things for her. Rachel approaches her and sits in front of her, telling her to continue.
Arian followed...
"Rose, she is a kind and understanding person, the best daughter I could ever ask for, but she does not know how the world can stab her in the back regardless of how kind she is to anyone. I can never allow the same thing to happen to her ever again..."
"A mother's concern for their young one cannot be blamed because of their past experiences. However, you should have used those experiences as a form of guidance and strength rather than gatekeeping your child. Yes, the world outside is dangerous but along with that, there can be beauty. You learn from the mistakes and confront them, not hide from it. No matter how many times you run away, it will always cling behind your back."
"You're right...How can I tell her this? I was a terrible mother..."
"Anyone can be a terrible mother, Arian. No matter how perfect you try to be, always remember that imperfections exist. At times where you believe you have made a mistake which harms someone you care about, you still have time to correct it."
"You think so?
"Of course, you can. It is a possibility I believe in."
"A possibility?
"Anything can happen, Arian. Do what you must to make a change. You have the ability and the power to make things right. Do you understand?"
Arian sighed in relief.
"Of course, you are right...I focused so much on keeping her here rather than understanding what she feels. I should have known this a lot sooner. The story you told me when you took that role as a wish, I imagined myself swapped with your father's role. Rose would continue to do my wishes if I had passed because it is what I wanted for her. I should have thought about the things that she wanted for herself and maybe for us..."
"You have no choice but to live with your sins, but that does not mean it is too late to change."
The pair heard sobbing.
"Wha-? Who's there?!" Arian took her ground and raised her guard, "Observer, what are you doing?"
Rachel raised her hand, "There is no need for that."
Arian was confused and didn't listen, but then the sobbing was more apparent and she saw a figure.
Tears fall to the ground and were visible.
"Who are you?!"
Rachel told Arian to keep calm and nodded at the shadowy figure.
"You may come out now, Rose."
Arian gasped.
"Rose?"
Arian drops her guard and apologizes.
"Rose, I'm so sorry!"
Red petals come out of nowhere, slowly revealing a young girl in tears. Her hair concealed the ugliness of her true emotions pouring out but her mouth was visible.
She heard everything.
As sad as she was, she still smiled even if her face was reddened and swollen from all of the crying that she has done, yet she still gave her mother a visible smile. She was glad that her mother did love her and only wanted what was best for her. She could only wish that she would have realized this sooner...
"Alucard, how did you know I was coming? Were you aware of my arrival with your observer abilities?"
Rachel shook her head indicating that she had not known.
"I told you, I no longer have access to most of my onlooker abilities."
She looked at her friend, Rose. Arian understood the message and looked at her. Rose expected an earful but what came next was not what she expected. Her mother looked happy, proud that she was able to utilize her magic very proficiently. This too, made Rose tear up in joy.
"I had taught her that ability with the methods you have taught me. She happened to develop that cloaking ability by herself which is far more efficient than your comrades. Unlike your friends, she was able to conceal not only her appearance but also her entire presence. Even with the new world that I am seeing now, she cannot be found at all."
This was a feat that was harder to attain. Though each person has their own uniqueness of talent and abilities, Rose might be one of those unique young mages like Celica, considering that she also taught Rose about seithr nullification.
"Yeah, when I saw your buddies disappear in patrolling missions, I wanted to try them out for myself because it looked cool..." said Rose as she was wiping away her tears.
Arian walks to her for a hug and squeezes her tight, "Rose, I am very sorry. I am so sorry for being a terrible mother. I should have considered everything about how you feel, it's just I don't want to see you get hurt." Arian still couldn't look her in the eye. She was still ashamed and regretful of her actions but the daughter placed her hands on her cheek and tells her mother to look at her.
"It's alright! I'm all grown up okay?"
Arian smiles as she sees the full picture of her development. Her daughter grew into a young kind woman.
"It doesn't matter if you grow older. To me, you are still my baby girl."
Rachel sips her tea while enjoying the scene. Upon requesting more tea, Gii nodded to her as a signal as to what she must say.
"Arian, when all of this is over, let Rose roam freely as she pleases," said Rachel as she continued to drink more of her tea.
Arian, who was willing to change was still hesitant. She wants to accept this but is currently conflicted about the reasonable dangers that is happening right now, especially what Rachel told her but suddenly, Rachel proposed that she will be her guardian.
Rose's eyes glitter upon hearing the surprise.
"Really?!" gasped the young girl.
"What else can I do for a friend, young one?" Rachel smiles seeing her friend overjoyed.
Rose then shifted her direction toward her mother. She was pleading for her to accept and Arian was still debating on whether she can go out or not. She looked back at Rachel and she looked at her with concern.
After minutes of hard thinking by the protective mother, she finally decided...
"Alright."
"R-really?!"
Arian reaffirms with a nod
"WOOHOO!"
Rose was jumping in complete joy and gives both her friend and her mother a tight hug.
"Thank you, thank you so much, Lady Rachel! I don't know what to do without you!"
"You remind me of a person who was once like you in their early youth. He was never able to experience any of this that is why I wished to help you in this."
"Who was it?"
"It is someone you already know. That is for you to figure out." Rachel replied as she chuckled silently.
"Someone I already know? Hm...Oh! Is it Mr. Ragna?"
Rachel's brows rose due to how quick she was to answer. She expected her to take longer but perhaps her question was a little too obvious.
Arian gave her daughter a kiss on the cheek and waved goodbye for the time being. She had recently received reports of unusual activity within the area. Though harmless, it is her unit's duty to ensure safety regardless if it really is harmless or not. The two friends waved back as she recalls her broom and fly away with her squad.
"Your mother is surely a busy person."
"Yeah, I got used to it."
Rachel then told Rose that they have a place to go. It was an area on the island that the girl wanted to go but her mother prohibited the area since it was near the entrance. Now that she has the freedom along with Rachel being her guardian, she became excited to explore new places within the places of Ishana that she had never been.
Before leaving for their destination, Rachel suggested that they must bring food along the way. Rose pointed towards the city, telling her that they might as well buy food there before leaving. Just as they left, the girl asks, "If my mom had refused, what were you going to do?"
Rachel lightly chuckles and makes a smirk. "I would still bring you outside nonetheless."
Rose's eyes widened in surprise.
"Why would you? You know that it has nothing to do with you right?"
"Indeed. This a personal matter that I should not be involved in, however, I would not sleep at night knowing that my friend would not be able to fulfill her dream."
A huge smile was forming on the girl's face. "You're absolutely the best!"
Time after they ordered food, they decided to eat in the location the moment they arrived...
"Rose, the food your city serves is rather exquisite!" Rachel has eaten a number of things from cheap to expensive meals. When the city received its first-ever returning customer and realized it was the crimson vampire, Rachel Alucard, they went all out in their cooking, afraid that they might disappoint her and assume the worst. Rachel waves it off, telling them that she wouldn't do such a thing but they didn't listen due to their fear of disappointing someone like the crimson vampire. Putting aside the anxiety-induced citizens of Ishana, the vampire greatly admired the culture of their society and especially the uniqueness of their food. She might as well announce that this city's dishes might reach the level of both Ragna and Valkenhayn in terms of culinary arts.
"Hearing that from you is a great honor, lady Rachel!"
"You are not required to call me 'lady Rachel' anymore, Rose. Simply call me by my name."
"Wha...? So...just Rachel?"
"I do not recall having other names. Do you?"
Rose gasps in joy. "N-no! Wait do you? Like the Crimson Vampire?"
"That is just a useless title. There really is no need to call me that at all."
"I see. Oh yeah, I'd like to ask you something?"
Rose wanted to have this talk with Rachel.
"Hm?"
"How long have you guys known each other? You and Mr. Ragna?"
"Oh? The senseless idiot? I have known him for a very long time. Ever since he was a boy."
"Woah, you guys are childhood friends?"
"In a way I suppose. Though, I was older when I met him as a boy."
"What? Like a few years ahead?"
"I am far older than everyone else here, Rose. A hundred years old in fact. I had watched and guided Ragna as he grew throughout the years."
The girl's jaw dropped, "A hundred years old?! You look like you haven't aged a bit! Wait...are you an old lady?"
"I am not an elderly woman. Rather, I am still a young adult, somewhere around Ragna's age in human years."
Rose made a dark smile and eyed Rachel, "So you played the long game huh?"
The vampire understood what those words meant and grew furious. "Excuse me? How dare you make such assumptions! I had fallen for him when he had become a man!"
Rose, still making the punchable grin on her face, "You're something else, Rachel. Haha!"
"Are you out of your mind?!" She rolled her eyes and turned away.
"It's okay, Rachel. I'm just kidding. What made you fall for him exactly?"
"What made me fall for him?" This gave her a feeling unlike having companions like Valkenhayn and her servants, this was something new to her. Is this what friends are like? Is this how they do things when they are enjoying time together? Rose was her first friend to ever be just an average normal girl who treats her like an equal.
Rachel smiled when she prepared her answer.
"He is determined, he is kind to people no matter how ill people treat him. He is reliable and someone who understands my pain as much as I understood his, although his mindset of doing things frustrate me to an unrealistic extent." She looked at the skies with eyes brimming with love. "No matter how much of an idiot he is, he is everything to me." Rachel then realized what she had said. She had gotten carried away again. The vampire grew speechless and began steaming in silent embarrassment while her friend was laughing hysterically.
Just as the girl finished laughing, she looked at the city. "Do you think I can find a guy like Ragna outside this place, Rachel? You're lucky to come across someone like him."
"Find is not an appropriate word. I suppose 'meet' would suit your statement, but be careful. Not everyone can be as kind as the people you have here." Those words left Rose in a state of thinking and staying quiet to think about her thoughts.
Rachel requested her servant to refill their tea cups while she watches the leaves from the tree follow their path from the calm breeze. Rachel inhaled deeply, realizing the peace that this hidden city had maintained through her first week. This place, she had never grown tired of it. The people were kind, their food was unique and they all greeted her with complete respect. They were all honored to know that the Crimson Vampire and her servants were the first returning visitors to their city.
"Hey, Rachel."
"What is it?"
"I think you forgot this..."
Rose hands her a familiar stuffed toy.
"This Plushie of yours...it looks like Mr. Ragna"
"Plushie? Ragna?" She quickly looks back to Rose and sees the girl holding her gift. She checks her pockets and realized that it was no longer with her, "Where did you find this?" She asked.
"I found it lying on the ground where you and mom trained. It got dirty and it had small tears, probably from your harsh training. I cleaned it myself and had the torn parts mended by our local seamstress!" She hands it to her and winks.
Rose then sees her act differently. This even surprises Rachel's servants because her reaction was way uncomfortable. She looked very happy and relieved and held the plushie tightly to her chest.
"Words cannot describe how grateful I am, Rose."
"It seems to be really important to you. I'm glad I managed to maintain its cute look."
"Thank you." She caresses the cotton doll, "This doll is intended for Ragna. This was handmade."
"A gift? Aw, that's sweet." The last sentence played back in Rose's head, "Wait, you did all of that? All the sewing and stuffing? That's cool!"
"A hobby was needed in a boring-some home of mine."
During their moment of fun, something or someone interfered...Rachel's senses go crazy when felt something powerful and ominous. Without a word, the vampire keeps her gift and orders her servants to take a combat stance. She then tells Rose to get behind her for protection and maybe even use her stealth to get out of the area if the situation becomes worse.
"How can someone trespass this city's defenses, let alone discover its location?!" Rachel tries to think of a possibility where she might have been followed, "No, that is impossible, Valkenhayn warped me from my home to this place."
"O-oh!" Rose accidentally hits her own cup as she left the table to hide behind Rachel. The teacup which still has the hot tea spilled all over Gii. He flailed in pain but was then smacked by his master.
"Focus Gii!"
"O-okay!"
A man emerges in front of them, the dark silhouette was slowly becoming visible.
"When I say run, run. Inform your mother about the intruder."
She looks at her familiars and nods signifying that they should guide Rose and keep her protected.
Crack...
She hears a twig snap. The person could be nearby as she could tell the source of the distance of the noise.
"Run!"
Rachel attacks the silhouette but her attack was stopped and the man grabbed her hand and neck. The vampire then holds his wrist, preparing to crush it.
"Woah Woah. I'm on your side-wait...Rachel is that you?"
It was then revealed to be Ragna.
"Huh? Ragna? How did you get here?"
The criminal lets go of Rachel and Rose came back after realizing that it was someone she knew after hearing Ragna's name while running away.
"Valkenhayn wanted to know how you were doing and I asked him to let me check you out. So out of his 'kindness'," he quoted with his two hands, "He brought me here and literally kicked me out of the portal. He rubs his back, "and he kicked me hard. I don't know what made him angry but, he was the one that sent me here,"
He looks around to see Rose and waves at her but his attention returned to Rachel because he was curious about her and observed her closely.
"Wow...I couldn't even tell that it was you. You felt completely different!" When Ragna grabbed both her hands and neck, the aura he felt was completely different. It was more refined and stronger and was unfamiliar with it until he looked at her face. This goes the same for Rachel as well. When he held her hand, she felt familiar with the energy but didn't think it was Ragna. The new energy he had felt even more volatile and unstable but she figured that he was able to tame such dangerous power.
"It appears that you too have undergone some changes as well and your jacket does not seem to look at its best..." Ragna looked ridiculous. His shirt had holes and his jacket had too many torn parts. Rachel's face deformed to an irritated look and Ragna reacted with such confusion.
"The hell's up with you?"
"I ordered Valkenhayn to repair your jacket and even told me that he had struggled plenty in repairing your jacket. If I remember correctly, it took him a day to find the cloth used and had it handsewn." She then looks at the rest of his clothing. "It's only been a week and you look like you belong to the streets." Ragna half-closed his eyes and sighed after realizing the truth of Valkenhayn's frustration.
"Well, it's not my fault that Hakumen tried to kill me during training a number of times!"
"Training? Hakumen? That hero was your teacher?"
Ragna looked visibly annoyed when she called him a hero. "What? Why do you still call him a hero? Hero my fucking ass. He's a damn hassle to deal with...I'm glad that it's over though..."
"What you should be glad about is that your pants are still intact and received little damage. How inappropriate would you be if it did get damaged as well."
"Tell your butler next time to share some damn clothes! If Valkenhayn wouldn't repair his jacket, giving me clothes would do the trick!"
"And have it torn to shreds after your first fight?" Rachel crossed her arms in disagreement, "Valkenhayn made the correct decision to not lend the clothing to you Ragna."
Ragna raised half of his arms confused by what she just said.
"What the hell do you mean by that?!"
Rachel sighed and returned her attention to Rose after she had broken her teacup.
"Rachel, don't you turn your back on me dammit!" He approaches her while tapping her back.
"What is it? My ears are swelling from your irritable mouth." She looked back at him with an annoyed look.
"You're the one being a pain in the ass!"
"Is that so?"
Ragna saw a visible smirk on her face. She was playing with him all along.
"Can you not?" Ragna was visibly angry and he had all the reason to. Rachel simply just missed her teasable lover.
Despite their first argument in a while, they still couldn't help but smile after they stopped. It was a pretty awkward interaction because of how the tone of the situation changed so suddenly.
Rose informs Rachel that she will be the one to clean up the mess. Little did she know that Rose had something else in mind...she quietly calls Rachel's familiars and whispered near their cat ears.
"Guys...let's just watch from the sidelines. Give them their moment." whispered the girl to her friend's servants.
They agreed and followed Rose's request.
"Princess, we will assist madam Rose. She has requested something from us."
"Very well, you may do as you wish."
After their leave, the couple stood in their places and just awkwardly stared at each other. This went on for a few good seconds until Ragna wanted to break the silence.
"Err...sorry for staring. I really don't have anything to say. Other than...just looking at you."
"The feeling is mutual. I had not expected you to come here as well."
This reminded Rachel of something.
"Oh! Speaking of that, come with me." She takes his hand and carries him as the winds take them to where she had ordered them to go, completely forgetting about her servants and Rose.
"Wait you're able to carry me now? That's pretty neat!"
"During my time here, I have significantly improved my abilities, though I am still unable to access my warping abilities outside the castle. I have to be honest, you can just follow me considering how extraordinary your physical abilities are- huh? Are you listening?" She realized that Ragna was NOT listening because he was busy looking at the view below them. Rachel grew annoyed and said, "It would be a shame if my grip would have loosened."
This time, Ragna heard it loud and clear and looked at her in absolute fear in his eyes.
"Rachel, don't you fucking dare."
"Oh no! It seems that my hand is beginning to sweat! Ragna, are you slipping?"
Rachel with her devilish smile looks at Ragna when she felt the grip from his hand become tighter.
"Uhhhh...I don't know?! Does it look like I'm not holding tight?! Also, will you stop looking at me like that?!"
Ragna realized her trick and tries to hold her wrist with both hands but she deflects his other hand from grabbing her wrist.
"Ah, it must be the wind pushing my arms. Forgive me, Ragna!" said with the same evil smile on her face.
"Goddamnit, rabbit! This isn't funny!"
"Oh, it certainly is not. This is a very serious matter."
She takes both of his hands and this gives Ragna a sigh of relief but...
"Oh no!" Rachel said sarcastically and let go of both of his hands.
"WHA-?! YOU DAMN RABBIIIIIIIIIT!"
Thus, began Ragna's free fall. He was flailing in the air confused while screaming Rachel's nickname and started to yell.
Thud!
It was then he felt something below him and looked down. It was a yellow platform created by Rachel. It wasn't long before Ragna collapses on the platform out of relief. He may have been relieved but under that was frustration and anger.
Rachel levitates down to him and asks, "How was the fall?"
"Screw you..."
It meant that he was alright to Rachel's ears.
"Let us continue."
They continued to their destination and exited the city's entrance and went on until they arrived at the spot that Rachel had found after taking her time exploring the broken-down cities.
"Sooo, what are we here for?"
"A beautiful view that I want you to see."
"Is that it?"
Her eye twitched and she lifted her ability which made Ragna fall to the ground butt first.
"Ow! I was just kidding!"
"It sounded as if you showed no concern."
"Sarcasm! Have you ever heard of sarcasm?!"
"Hmph!"
Ragna got up and rubbed his rear to ease the pain. He walks to her and watches the view with her.
It was an amazing sight.
He could see the trees and buildings covered by vegetation. Landforms and even small bodies of water along with a beautiful ecosystem.
"That is not all."
She snapped her fingers and the platform below them glows white.
"W-what the hell?!"
The magic elevator lifts them up to a higher location, where mountains were very visible. The old broken-down city was also more apparent since they were on higher ground, above the tall trees. The trees themselves were abnormally tall due to the high concentration of seithr present, but luckily, they both have grown immune to such obstacles.
"So you learned more of that wizard-casting stuff didn't you?"
"It is what you call magic, you dolt."
"Doesn't matter. You've gotten really good at it."
He moves closer to her and holds her hand to enhance the moment.
"Do you recall screaming like a little girl when I dropped you?" said Rachel, ruining the moment.
"Okay, really now? You're gonna go with that, okay."
"You should have seen your own face. It was quite an amusement." She chuckled.
Ragna rolled his eyes while staring at Rachel with nothing but frustration. He tries to let go of her hand but saw that both their hands were handcuffed by magic. She knew that she ruined the moment but didn't want him to let go just yet.
"Especially when I had simply just opened my hand. You were trying to grab onto me but the wind itself was preventing me from catching your hand. You were like a hooked fish flailing." said Rachel, worsening Ragna's embarrassment.
"Wind my ass! It was scary as hell, you know that!"
Her chuckles, turn into giggles, then giggles turn into a burst of laughter. This was another one of those moments for them to experience something like this. She was holding her stomach as she laughs hysterically at her lover's silliness. His frown was quickly turned upside down. Her laughter was something very pleasing to hear because it is something that only he himself gets to hear. He couldn't help but laugh along with her.
"Did you honestly believe that I would just leave you?"
"Well yeah. Telling from our history of you teleporting me to places a lot without any cushion for me to land on when you had your observer powers. Wait..." he tried to recall the time when he teased her and even carried her while jumping with no care whatsoever only just for fun. "You wanted to be even didn't you?" She just gave him the most shit-eating grin she could ever make. She was literally asking to get punched at this point but he is fully aware that he can't touch her even if he tries it because of her Tsukuyomi unit and the worst part of it all, she knows too damn well that he can't do anything even if he tried.
She was wiping off her tears from laughing so much and lifted the spell that handcuffed them together. She felt bad and let Ragna have some time to cool off somewhere but he unexpectedly tugged her skirt down to sit with him.
"You know, this is great. It really feels nice to be with you again."
"It was only for a week, Ragna. It did not take that long."
"Hell, it did. Knowing we have actual deities that want us dead is something we can't take our guard off! Every hour felt like a day!" He looked at her again and saw the same joyful smile she had after recently laughing to death.
"You longed for my beauty?"
Ragna grinned, he had an idea, "Nah, you got a pimple. You look ugly."
"Wha-?" She touched her face both out of fear and panic but was luckily met with relief. "You intend to scare me?"
He lifts her up and she demanded that she must be released but she was placed on his lap. She viewed this as a sign of mockery from him again, but he just wanted her to be closer.
"Treating me like a child? Do you have any idea how much I am trying to not eradicate you at this very moment?"
"No? I just really miss having you around me. A lot."
"How sweet of you to say that."
Rachel found the oddity in his tone a little suspicious. He sounded sad and afraid. She even felt that he was getting kinder and more resilient. Trying hard to make the best out of the time they have right now. Whether this is all in her head or something feels off with him.
"Ragna, something is bothering you?"
"Nah."
"I thought we had an agreement." She looked pretty concerned.
Ragna knew that he can't slip his way through and inhaled deeply, he promised to not lie after all. "Eh, fine. Well technically, it's not going against what we agreed on. It's just that...you didn't ask."
"Huh? What kind of logic is that? How idiotic do you have to be?"
Reality returned to Ragna again. He should have known that she was incredibly sharp and he shouldn't even try to hide anything from her.
"It's just really...difficult for me to say it."
She got off his lap and angrily faces him, "I have told you this again, you are not alone. Ragna, we had talked about this. I trust you, so I request that you do the same."
"Okay...okay..." He took another deep breath to prepare for what was to come. "My life has been cut really short after absorbing Nine's creation. I don't know how much time I have left..."
She shook her head and blinked a couple of times. "Am I hearing you wrong?"
"No...no you're not. I'm really scared that this might be our last moment of peace before the fight."
"No. I refuse to believe that... Are you telling me that you are giving up?"
"I can't find any more options..."
"Who told you that it only had to be you in finding a solution?!"
"Wait...were you also...?"
"I...*sigh*" she stayed quiet and turned her back on him.
"Rachel, I didn't know you..."
"It was also a mistake on my part. I had forgotten to tell you that. I'm sorry as well..."
Ragna could tell that there is more left in her. He could feel her anger but was surprised that she isn't lashing out. "Aren't you mad? Why did you...?" He expected to be punished for what he had done but he was left confused. Ragna approaches her and touches her shoulder. She looked at him with an angry face but held her anger and remained quiet. "While I was here in Ishana, I have been trying to find ways to eliminate the black beast from you. I read about victims who were exposed to the fumes of seithr made from the beast and contracted life-threatening chronic illnesses. I have been searching for quite some time so we can rid of that parasite in you." She looks down to the ground angry and confused, "And now you tell me that your life has significantly shortened? How can I be angry? You are not to blame here...I-" She stuttered still digesting the sudden information, "Like you, I cannot find any cure nor treatment just yet. But why do you think I should scold you?" Ragna hugged her, knowing that she could break at any moment.
"I'm sorry."
"Do not apologize. I feel the same way as you do. You are afraid and so am I. I...just wish you could have told me sooner..."
"You're right about me."
She looked at him again and became curious about what he was going to say.
"I'm a dumbass. I really am. I was a coward for being too afraid. I know you said that it isn't my fault but maybe I should have told you way sooner or at least contacted you."
"It is good to know that you are aware of your own intellectual incompetence. Perhaps you realizing how empty is your skull is a better punishment than my own scolding."
"Ah...I see..."
Ragna felt a stinging sensation in his chest. She was really upset which was pretty reasonable. They were both quiet, processing the current situation now. Rachel decided to break the silence.
"If that brain of yours still didn't understand I will repeat this again. Regardless of what you think, I will help you no matter what. However, you gave me a head-splitting headache because of your idiocy. More than you can imagine." She turns her back on him once again and sits down.
"Rachel?"
She ignores him.
"Rachel, c'mon."
No word has been spoken from her.
"Okay, okay! I was just really worried about you and I can't help myself. It made me forget what we had to talk about and go through."
Rachel turned to look over her shoulder, interested in hearing what else he wants to say. She was already more than satisfied but she herself felt bad too from all of that teasing earlier. She was going to tell him that he no longer had to say something but Ragna spoke first.
"I'm really sorry for repeating my mistake. You're right about me being an idiot, I should have known."
"Known what? The only mistake you had was keeping something?" She replied.
Ragna slowly walked to Rachel and sat next to her.
"Sorry, I got sidetracked. Words just started coming out of my mouth when I felt shit..."
"Enough with the apologies. Have you not realized the number of times you have said sorry? You made a mistake but you blame yourself too much and it infuriates me. As I said, none of it matters anymore and you are not to blame. If you already have realized how much of a mistake you have committed, then I expect you to make it right rather than being sorry. I never said that I would not forgive you because all I want is for you to right your wrong," She faced him with an annoyed look plastered all over her face. "For your sake, I will accept your apology. Never feel sorry for yourself ever again," she rubs the head of her nose, "Now look what have you done, now I feel like getting a headache every time I think of the word 'sorry'. The ungodly amount of times you have said it repetitively baffles me..."
A huge but silent relief from Ragna.
"Alright. I understand. I have to be honest, but you're really pissed off a bit more than usual today."
A vein bulged from her forehead as her eye twitched after hearing such words. "Excuse me?" He must be joking but telling from his face, he was not. "Who in the right mind would be calm in a situation like this?! First, you tell me that you have little time left and YOU expect me to understand right away?! You apologized a little too much that I didn't even feel bad anymore. Not only that, but you also ruined our moment of peace and I feel like you are also degrading my intelligence!"
"Okay, fine! Yeah, I know I pissed you off but I didn't expect you to be THAT mad."
"Wha-?! Are you- did that skull of yours get hit by a brick?! Of course, I am THAT displeased, do you have any idea- ugh." She facepalms from more frustration. "No, I have had enough. No more quarrels for tonight...I do not see how our pointless argument would change things rather than intensify the fight."
Rachel wanted to stand up and leave but Ragna holds her hand and gently tugs her to him. She rolled her eyes and followed as she sits down next to him and leans her head onto Ragna's arm.
"What do you want this time, you idiot? Can't you see that you angered me?"
"That's why you're staying here with me."
"Huh? Where is this confidence coming from? How utterly pointless. Do you absolutely think that I would allow myself to stay with a fool like you for what you have done?"
"Anything else to say?"
A brief silence from Rachel...
"Are there any more left?"
"Left of what?"
"Things that you haven't told me?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
This meant for Ragna to think and remember anything that he may not have told her.
"Give me a moment...Yeah, I actually do. I almost forgot."
Rachel crossed her arms.
Ragna saw her gesture but didn't even see her face. "What?"
"Well?"
When he looked at her, she just genuinely looked curious. He was just worried that she was mad and had to deal with another earful conversation. "Oh. For a moment I thought you were pissed. Phew..."
Ragna held his chin and was deep in thought.
"Let's see...I may have broken someone's heart."
Rachel was caught off-guard and repeated his words, "Broke someone's heart?" Did someone confess to Ragna? She asked herself. "Please Elaborate"
"You know Lamba right?"
It clicked.
She knew that person, she was the one who sacrificed her life to save Ragna.
"Yes, she was the one who saved your life."
"Yeah, and she saved my life again. She defused an argument between me and Hakumen. Things would have gotten sour if she didn't budge in."
"So...did she approach you?"
"No actually. I was unaware until I spent a little more time with her. I began to notice her change of behavior."
"I see..."
"She only asked me a question and the way she said it confirmed my suspicions. She really did have feelings for me."
"What did you say?"
"I said the right thing. That I chose you."
Rachel just couldn't help herself feel happy inside but she knows that Ragna is feeling a little down because he made someone he cared for feel terrible but she was glad that Ragna chose the correct decision.
"You did what you needed to do. It is alright..." Rachel held his hand while calming down. She couldn't be more glad that he told her this because it was all that wanted from him. To tell her the things that are hard to talk about. He then wrapped his arms around her for an embrace and she reciprocated. This made him feel better and reminded him of something else. He pinches her butt, making her jump and grew slightly annoyed.
"What are you doing? I wanted to comfort you but why did you do that?" Rachel looked visually angry and rightfully so.
"Calm down, rabbit. I'm not going to bite." He pulls her gently and lets her lean on his chest.
"What brutish method are you going to do next?" After what Ragna did to her moments ago, her guard was up and expected another stunt.
"Are you just going to insult me whenever you get the chance? 'cuz I'm getting used to it. I'm starting to like teasing you a little more now."
This caught her off guard once more. Rachel couldn't think of any way to get around that. If she would complement, he would win and if she tries to insult him, he would also win because he has finally gotten used to how he was treated by her and would try to make her even angrier. She sighed and accepted her loss and lets all of her weight onto her lover's chest.
And out of the blue, Rachel said something that surprised Ragna.
"If things do go wrong and you turn into the black beast. Take me with you."
"What no! Why would I?" Ragna was shocked by her unexpected statement.
"No matter what you tell me, you cannot change my mind. You consumed my dream once before and you know full well that I cannot live without you after the things that we have been through together, unless you erase my memories that is," She holds his hand and he looks at her while she gazes at the sight in front of them, "But I trust you that you won't do such a thing...because if you do that, I would be lost. You are also why I fight in the first place." She returns her gaze to Ragna. "Knowing you, your response would also be the same. You know many people and you are fully aware that some of them may have taken a liking for you like Lambda but you chose me, and I am very happy to know that you did the right thing. I know that you feel terrible but I will always be here when you need me. You may be strong but there is only so much that you can take."
"Having you around is more than enough for me to feel better. What we have to worry about right now is surviving but it's not that hard anyways."
She almost let out a small chuckle, "Not that hard you say? You escaped death multiple times and you have gained the confidence to say that just now?"
"What do you mean now? We survived a lot didn't we?"
"Say as you wish. You barely survived all of those events alive. Without my help, you wouldn't be here today." said Rachel as she raises her chin up.
"Pffft. I kept us alive some other time." Rachel still paid no mind to his words.
Ragna gently tugs Rachel to his front again and wraps her waist with his arms. He leans onto her head and tells her, "I got something for you."
"Oh?"
"Better close those eyes."
She closes her eyes and Ragna closes his hand. He enables his drive and expels a particular type of energy. A pillar of light then surrounds them and it was bright as day.
"Open them."
She opened her eyes and saw that they were both surrounded by light. This energy that was coming from him felt...positive. It felt lively, energetic, and peaceful, it was like they were in a different realm. Small flying particles began to appear and move in front of Rachel as if they were trying to get her attention. The vampire can only gaze at the beautiful sight that she was seeing.
"Is this...this is similar to that time in that one dimension."
"Yeah, but there's a twist."
He opens his hand and the light that they were surrounded by had dissipated and spread all around them in a form of a soft explosion. Particles of white and green light were dancing everywhere in the air like fireflies. She couldn't help but smile with her mouth agape while enjoying the sight. Ragna really loved seeing this rare side of her, and he felt lucky that he was the only one able to crack open this vulnerable side. Then there was this one particle, flying and buzzing around her. Curiosity had grown within the vampire and she tries to grab it with her hand. The little particle continued to avoid her, dodging and weaving while her hands kept missing after the attempts of capturing the little thing like a cat seeing a red light from a laser pointer. She grew irritated and was determined but Ragna stopped her.
"Maybe like this." said gently by Ragna.
Ragna placed his hands under hers, letting her follow what he was going to do. He tells her to open her hands and let them rest on his, she followed him as they both open their hands together. Particles of light levitate towards her hands until it was a ball of pure light. The man lets go of his lover's hand and let her hold the orb of light.
"W-what am I supposed to do now?" The innocence on her face when she looked at Ragna. He smiles upon seeing Rachel's cute innocent face for the girl was curious and excited. He places his hand under her both of her hands while they together, stand up. He guides her to raise her hands and once after performing the gesture, the orb of light began to levitate upwards. It was magnetizing all other particles of light until there was nothing left but just a bright white orb.
He then places his hands on her shoulders and points at the ball of light, "Now, I want you to strike it with lightning."
"What would happen?"
"Just shut up and do it!"
She raises her hand and the clouds abide by her command and cover the dark skies. She orders the heavens to smite the object and clouds crashed against each other in response until lightning struck the orb of light.
BOOM!
A quick but blinding flash had occurred.
Rachel shook her head and rubbed her eyes from the blinding flash of light and after recovering her vision, she saw something that had caught her attention. There were glowing white and green halos above them, similar to the natural phenomenon of auroras. Everyone at a distance from Ishana could see this. It was branching from their location all the way to the city. Ragna was glad that it worked because he doesn't know anything about science. He just tried to modify his firefly-like particles that mesmerized Rachel but things didn't go as planned. In a good way of course. He faces toward Rachel to discover that her face was in awe. Her eyes were reflecting the sight and her mouth was agape. The trait that she hid made it to light once again. The aurora-like creation that Ragna had created was illuminating the ground below it. Bright as a moonlit crystal in the night.
She faces him with a huge smile on her face.
"This...I am speechless. I thought you wouldn't be able to do something like this again but I was wrong...You did all of this just for me?"
Ragna rubbed his chin, "I don't know. You are the smart one here." He pretends to look oblivious but instead, he looked dumber. Rachel could only giggle at his silliness.
She pulls him in for a hug while they both look at the artificial phenomenon until it disappeared into the sky. Rachel wished that it would have lasted longer but she didn't care. She loved every second of it.
"You wanna have a talk?"
"Of course. I have been wondering about your training with Hakumen."
They both choose to sit together by the small tree to talk about their progress for a bit. After some time, Rachel thanked Ragna again. She asked him why he did it. However, her real intention in her asking this question was about why, this can give her time to think while he explains. If he gives her something this amazing as a present, she thinks that her own gift is pathetic in comparison to the surprises he gave her.
"Why not? Well, to be honest, I wanted this as your birthday present but we're 4 months early anyways so..."
"It's perfect."
"Really?"
"You always cease to amaze me. That is how unpredictable you are."
"I am? I really didn't know that. Because you know, you always talked about how predictable I am and now you tell me that I can't be read? Make up your mind, rabbit."
"Perhaps you also expect something in return."
"No? I already got what I wanted. Seeing you happy is already too good for me."
While she was sitting on him, she switched positions so that she could face him. She pulls wrapped his waist with her legs and leaned on his chest.
Ragna could only chuckle after understanding what this meant.
"Sorry Rabbit, we both cannot go anywhere further than this. We had an agreement remember?" said Ragna while he pokes her cheek.
"Why did you have to remember? I had hoped you would be lost in your lustful desires."
"Look Rachel, I didn't come all the way here just for pleasure. Sure, I wanna do it too but all I want for tonight is to just spend time with you..."
It was then she noticed another white particle of light flying around her. Her eyes followed and it was blinking, unlike the others, like a real firefly flying around between their face.
Poof!
Just like that, it dissipated into nothingness, but she noticed that it disappeared right by his eyes. He smiles and closes his eyes to kiss her. He releases himself from her lips for a brief moment so he could whisper a few words...
"For now, just this once, I will only go this far," Rachel felt the warmth of his soft breath as she grew aroused from his infectious intimacy.
The vampire wrapped her arms around her lover's neck in response while Ragna wrapped his arms around her hips. Their lips reconnected and they both laugh in silence as they are in bliss. Ragna drags his lover to the ground while feeling the grip from one of her hands tightening while she was loosening her shawl and making it her own comfortable headrest. They were falling deep into their kiss and showed no signs of stopping, they slowly fall into a trance as their tongues danced together in their mouths and they release soft moans and continued to tighten their grasp on each other.
Snap!
Rachel with her sharp hearing was alerted but paid no mind.
"No...not now..." she thought to herself.
She heard the noise again and she halted with her visage displeased. He was confused but was then informed by her that there was someone nearby.
Rustle...
She heard it again.
"Behind us." said cautiously by Rachel.
They faced toward the source of the noise and found Rachel's familiars flying away but something was off, they were struggling to fly away. Rachel uses the winds to blow away the leaves and bushes only to reveal a girl.
"Hi princess...?"
They discovered that it was Rose being carried by her familiars. She might have come here for an important reason, Rachel assumes. The vampire sighed in frustration not because they were spied on but because their moment of intimacy had been ruined. Ragna laughed and kissed his rabbit's forehead and asked the girl, "So...care to explain?"
"I came here to look for you guys because Mr. Ragna forgot his weapon." She takes the heavy sword from her back and lands on her feet after telling the familiars to drop her.
"How are you guys able to swing something like that like paper? That's almost impossible!"
Rachel was still too disappointed to speak so Ragna answered instead. "Let's see uhh...we are basically in a different league."
Rose noticed her displeased behavior and apologizes, "Sorry, I also happened to unintentionally listen to your argument and when you guys started to get a little kinky, I wanted out. Sorry again..."
Ragna shrugged it off and told her that it was alright. Rachel however, still was not pleased.
Ragna saw this and thought of an idea. "Hey Rose, think fast!"
Ragna throws something at the girl and catches it.
"What is this?"
The object that was in her hands was a book.
"A cooking book?"
Rachel realized what that book was from reading its title. It originally belonged to Valkenhayn.
"Ragna, did you just steal that from my library?"
"Steal?"
Ragna tells her to shut up and covers her mouth.
"Oh, nothing. Rachel's mad because I ate her snack the other day. And also, thanks for interrupting us."
Rachel pulls away his hand, "Excuse me? Why are you thanking her for intruding on our moment? If my memory serves me right, you were a pathetic over-apologetic lowly being before we began to kiss! Where on earth did you get such confidence let alone shut me out with no hesitation?"
"It just feels great to drop a really heavy burden you know? I finally get to talk to you like I usually do." Ragna's plan worked. He redirected her attention to himself so that Rose would get off easy.
"What do you mean by feeling great? Do you mean by you feel great returning to your brutish methods? Hmph! I might as well leave you to die!"
"Aww, I love you too."
Rose just stood there confused.
"So this is love? I never knew it's hostile too..."
The familiars whisper to her ears
"No, they are just like that."
"They have a long history of arguing if you haven't known..."
While Ragna was taking the verbal abuse from Rachel, his ear suddenly felt itchy because he heard someone talk but was unsure of what it was.
"...na!"
It was faint, staticky, and irritating that Ragna had to pick his ear with his index finger.
"RAGNA!"
The man jumped from being startled and recognized the voice. It was Kokonoe
"God, what do you want?"
"Wha? What do I WANT?! Do you have any fucking idea about what I was doing the past 6 hours?"
"What?"
"Trying to communicate your stubborn ass because I told YOU to stay in the damn mansion! Turns out keeping you in one place without a leash was a mistake."
"God, you're getting way more annoying...less yelling, more important stuff." Ragna was already used to Kokonoe's ranting at this point. He had grown dull to Rachel's insults except for the ones that she means it, and Kokonoe's frequent freakouts.
"Tomorrow, pack your damn things. Makeup whatever time you have left. Mom's almost recovered and we're all ready. You know what I mean right?"
"Yeah..."
Rachel looked at him, wondering about what they were talking about considering that the conversation took place in Ragna's head. He told her that by tomorrow, they will go to war.
While Ragna was sharing the information with Rachel, Rose was minding her business and talked to the familiars, until she was shaken and jittery upon hearing the word "war"
"W-war?! What's going on?!"
"This is something that you must keep out of, Rose. You cannot come with us."
"Can you tell me, please?"
"I have to let you know that-" She was stopped by Ragna and she was adamant that she should not know. "Ragna, she mustn't!"
"She won't. Rose, this is something that's too dangerous even for a bystander. We and a lot of allies will be dealing with people who think of themselves as deities which they really are and are pretty damn strong. Stronger than us. Sorry, buddy. Maybe next time."
Rose looked upset but she reminded them that they have time to hang out before they leave tomorrow. Ragna was unsure but Rachel even encouraged him that he must take a tour of the hidden city.
"You know people are still afraid of me right?"
"That is something that they must deal with themselves. It has nothing to do with our business."
Ragna couldn't help but just smile. She's back. She's really back and more steady than before. He then tells Rose to go ahead and he looks back.
"What is it?" Rachel asks.
"It's nothing. I thought someone was behind us..."
"There is no time to wander off to dreamland, Ragna. You and I have an occasion to partake today."
"An occasion-wait a date? At this time?!"
"I assume you know the saying: It is better late than never."
As they leave, Kokonoe yelled at Ragna again. Reminding him to turn off his comms all the time. Everyone who was present in the lab heard their conversation. Tager was motionless, Kokonoe was annoyed once again, and Lambda as always felt unimportant but happy for him.
Yes. I'm still alive and kicking. I've been busy making other drafts lately because I really can't focus on a single chapter when I have so many ideas coming into my head every single day. So each time that happens, I try to improve and add more elements in my drafts while removing some other things. I don't really expect myself to upload frequently but I will do my best to upload the next chapters with quality (I hope lmao) soooo enjoy your day/night!