Kokonoe pinpointed the source of their problems. "HAHA! I GOTCHA! Oooh? it's got cameras? Don't mind if I do..." She hacks into the system's perspective. It was all blurry, damaged, and a lot of static. "Wait...something's not right." Kokonoe getting serious. Keeping a low profile. The system sends Kokonoe a massage via an image right before the video feed cuts off.
"I do not have much time. Let Ragna absorb the keystone. He is the gate for the restoration of bridges of your worlds."
"Huh. A keystone?" She imprints those words in her mind.
"But there is a major obstacle."
"An obstacle?"
"Even if he absorbs it. They will not be sent back to your homeworld if they do not defeat..." The message was filled with errors. Kokonoe was not able to get the full message.
"Defeat who?" She was left with multiple questions. When will Ragna absorb the keystone? Who are they going to eliminate? Azrael? Terumi? Izanami? It was so vague, can she trust it? For the first time, she didn't know what to do. With the current information they were given, she immediately reworked some of them to make sure.
"I gotta call them right now."
In the hotel before Kokonoe's problem...
"Celica, do you need a hand? I don't wanna leave you hanging by just cooking by yourself. I don't want uh" He begins to whisper, "We don't want Noel to get close to the kitchen. Or else we'll die before we even get home."
"Definitely." She nods in agreement.
"By the way, how are you and madame Rachel?" She wanted to make a conversation while they were making food. Basically their breakfast.
"We're doing fine. Carried her all the way to the room this morning. She's a heavy sleeper sometimes. We argue from time to time, but that doesn't matter. We've been doing that for years anyway."
"Are you sure that she'll be okay once you go back home Ragna?"
That startled him. She knew.
"Wait...how did you..." He lowers the flame from the stove. Slowing down the heating process.
"It's pretty obvious that your power had grown. I already noticed when you were still able to use both your right arm and right eye. While I'm nearby. It got to me that something wasn't right. I know that you have to get back someday. This isn't where you actually belong sadly."
He covers his face and sighs, "Yeah, she'll be alright. It'll be difficult for her. But I promised her that it'll be all worth it. I even gave her a parting gift in advance. I am the man of my word. I promised."
"If you don't, I'll make sure to give you an earful." Celica raised her brows.
It left a smile on his face. She was starting to act like her foster mother. She would severely lecture him whenever he does something wrong or something careless. Celica was his foster mother.
"Yeah yeah, I know. C'mon, let's continue. The food won't cook themselves."
They cooked loads of food. Of course, only appropriate for breakfast. Omelete, Fried rice, Corn soup, Corned beef mixed with tuna, and some vegetable soup.
Tager received message from Kokonoe. It was only sent only in a voice recording.
"Tager, let everyone have their meal first. After a few hours, we are to proceed."
He received a message that breakfast was ready. "Appropriate timing."
Everyone wakes up and leaves their rooms going on their way to the dining table. Celica had called everyone for breakfast.
"Oh, they cooked without me!" Noel wanted to take part.
"Noel that's a no," Makoto told her to never touch the stove.
"Jin you have been asleep the whole day yesterday. Were you that tired?" Tsubaki was a little concerned.
"I am fine. I have fully recovered and rested well." Jin was actually in a good mood. He had a good rest after all.
Rachel woke up hearing that it was time for breakfast. "I wonder what meal he has in stored for us." With a snap of her finger. She immediately was on the table.
"HOLY SHIT UWAAGHHHHH!" Ragna screamed like a girl and had a heart attack. "Can you at least give me a warning rabbit?"
"I never thought your voice would reach such a pitch. I wonder what would everyone think once I inform them." An evil grin appeared on her lips.
"Rabbit, don't you dare..." A vein popped on his forehead combined with an embarrassed look.
She eyes him back, she was challenging him. "Oh, In a matter of fact, I do dare."
"You do that, you won't feel your legs tomorrow morning." A big smug from the criminal.
"Oh? I'd like to see you try." She places her elbows on the table and leans her chin on her hands, looking at him with half-lidded eyes and a grim smile. Ragna follows with the same expression. It was getting out of hand.
"Guys...not now." They forgot Celica was beside them. Ragna was flustered and Rachel immediately changes the topic.
"Uhhhh sorry...it just slipped out." Ragna began to scratch his head while looking away.
The vampire began to clear her voice," My apologies, where are my manners?" Her nose was attracted to the odor from the table. "What a feast we have here. Everything looks deliciously pleasing." She was eyeing the food on the table.
"Yep. I and Celica made all of these." He then sees the vampire trying to get a piece. He then stops her. "Wait for everyone Rachel. Ahem...patience is a virtue milady." He lets off the stereotypical aristocratic attitude. She actually laughed at his joke.
"Your humor has improved I suppose. I am impressed. Very well Ragna." She was definitely amused. Her genuine happy smile had captivated Ragna once more.
"Close your mouth unless you want a fly to reside in your mouth." Rachel reminded him to go back to his body mentally. He shook his head and proceeded to sit beside her. "They're here now."
"Well, this isn't Noel's cooking. At least we won't die." Makoto stretches out the stiffness after their good night's sleep.
"Heyyyyy...stop making fun of me." Noel had been absorbing lots of psychological beating lately. Not exactly the words to keep her up in a good mood early in the morning.
"Brother, you made this with Celica...?" Jin had a nostalgic feeling.
"Feels like we're back at the church aren't we, Jin?" Ragna was making a faint smile. This reminds him of a brief moment of their family bond in the church.
"Yeah! Sister and Ragna used to make preparations all the time hehe! Jin, on the other hand, oversleeps. I and Ragna usually had to wake him up all the time." Noel was unconscious of what she just said. "H-huh? I'm sorry but...what did I just say? Why does this feel so familiar..."
Jin was startled. Ragna didn't bat an eye. He already knew that Noel was their sister.
"How did you-?" Jin was agitated. He was then stopped by Ragna.
"No. Don't. You get that familiar feeling that you're picking on Saya again aren't you? Just leave Noel alone for a bit and enjoy the food."
"Fine." He shrugs Ragna's arm off of him. "You never change, do you? Brother."
"You were a crybaby back then. You've grown. I'm looking forward to kicking your ass." Ragna beckons.
"Tch." As Jin was about to move away to the farthest corner of the table Ragna stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "I'm proud that you got this strong, Saya and sister would be very proud." This caught Jin off guard. He's doing it again, he's being very kind. It just doesn't feel right. He used to be always the hard-headed one in the family. He shakes him off and sits away from Ragna. A smile was formed from Jin but nobody saw it. "Yeah, you're right...thanks, brother."
"Sibling rivalry is such a mystery." Rachel still waiting.
"Well, it happens." Ragna just shrugs.
Jubei and Nine arrive and sit at the table. His fur was really messy. He even looked drained. Noel passes him a glass of water, "Mr. Jubei...?" He drank the entire water dispenser instead.
"Master?" Ragna was a tad bit concerned.
"I'm fine. kid...I'm just *yawns* sleepy that's all..." Jubei was exhausted. He didn't have proper sleep and was terribly fatigued.
"I can rest assure you that he's fine. We'll go back after breakfast. I already got a refresher spell cooking up." Nine wouldn't give him a break.
They all felt bad for Jubei.
"Oh look it's Tager." He waves his hands for Tager to sit down. There was a big seat just for him to sit down.
"Finally." She bares her fangs.
"Are you that hungry?" Ragna raised a brow with a smug. "I thought you'd be more formal on the table."
"I do in fact have manners unlike your primitive and barbaric traits Ragna. I still apply them both at my castle and restaurants. I am just that eager to taste your dish. Thank you very much." She was actually excited to taste his food.
"You're cute. That's all I can say." He laughs a little.
"W-what? What makes you think that I am cute? While I was explaining that you lacked table manners, you buffoon!" A tint of pink started to form on her face.
"You act childish sometimes." He leans over and kisses her cheek, "But we're on the table right now. Less arguing, more eating. Capisce?" The tables have turned. Ragna now teasing the bunny-leech. A satisfied smug formed.
"I- Wha-!?...Alright." She was defeated. Her face turned beet red and looks at the corner of her eye right after the talk. She gets even more flustered when she realized that happened while everyone was watching them. "Shameless idiot..." She whispers to herself directing those words towards Ragna.
They were staring at both of them. "Oh yeah?" Ragna was just confused.
"Didn't expect you two to get so well together. You both awfully remind me the two of us." Nine being happy for them.
Jubei fully recovered after chugging the 3rd refilled dispenser. "As I said, you got a good catch kid."
The rest were just silent. This was so unusual. The hard and hot-headed criminal is now a calm and nice individual.
"Are you really Ragna the Bloodedge?" Makoto asked him. Are they really sticking to the fact that he's an asshole? It actually pissed him off.
"Yep, I am. Now, you better start eating before I rip off that tail of yours." This made Rachel almost spit out her food from laughter.
"And he's back..." Tager shook his head.
He's more calm and cool-headed since he realized that he was always getting himself into trouble without thinking. Ragna using his brain for once? That's a start. But that doesn't mean he has a lot of patience. Piss him off, he'll definitely snap.
"Tager, is everyone there?" Kokonoe talking through the communicator.
"Yes, professor," Tager replies.
"Put me on speakers."
Click.
"Ragna, you still got the keystone right?" She was still yelling. It startled everyone on the table.
"God, can you at least not scream? You got a strong throat there. Yeah, I got it. I almost forgot about having this in my pocket." He grabs it from his zipper pocket in this jacket.
"Good. Enjoy what's left of your time. We'll be leaving in 2-3 hours. You are going to rendezvous with Hakumen. I have pinpointed the source of what's going on."
"Wait you found the system?" Ragna stands up.
"So that's what you call it? The system?" She clears her voice, "Now, I will warn you of potential enemies that you may come across. I am detecting Azrael's signal somewhere in your location but he is still far away. Keep caution. Terumi is near Hakumen's location but from what I'm receiving from Hakumen, Terumi intends to not get any closer because we're here. Kill him if you see him open for an attack. Don't be reckless. Especially you Ragna."
"Excuse me, professor?" Makoto questions her. "What would we do if we encounter Azrael?"
"Leave him to me." Ragna brimming with confidence when he said that phrase.
"You do know we're here right?" Jubei finished his drink.
"You guys will be back up if I mess up. Don't worry master, I got this." He was pretty confident. Rachel then pulls him down to sit.
"I won't be helping you when Azrael defeats you." Jin going with the cold words.
"Major! You shouldn't!" Noel didn't really like that.
"No fighting." Celica folds her arms as she gives Jin a cold glare.
"Ugh...she's just like sister..." He toned down a bit.
"You guys done now? No questions? Good. I'm giving you all the locations on your devices when you leave. Be cautious and don't let your guard down. Remember, the main objective is to just rendezvous with Hakumen." She turns off her comms.
"Now that's done. We'll continue." Tager puts down his communicator.
They all continued to eat. They really enjoyed the food. Later when they finished, everyone was informed by Celica to leave their plates as it is and leave their spots. The three girls volunteered to wash the dishes with Celica.
"I'll be going ahead. I'm fine on my own." Jin immediately leaves the building. Tsubaki wanted to tell him to stay but she was too shy.
"Man, he's stubborn." The criminal scratched his head in frustration. "Hey, guys, you all four good there?" They were bringing the plates to the sink.
"Yep!" She gives him a thumbs up.
"Don't worry about us Ragna! We're all good her- YIKES!" She drops a cup but Makoto catches it.
"You're clumsy as always Noel." Noel grunts in annoyance.
"Suit yourself." He was then stopped by Nago and Gii. They were late.
"Oh no! Oh, dear! My tardiness is to blame!" Gii forgot to wake up, he was serving as an alarm for the both of them."
"You two go to the table. I left some for you two." He points at the table.
"Ragna you're too kind!" Gii was in tears.
"The princess has found a perfect suitor!" Nago was about to cry as well.
"No problem, just keep her safe when I'm not around. That's all I ask."
"I never expected you to treat my familiars too kindly." She raised a brow.
"I know they are your loyal servants and all. But c'mon, they got feelings too ya know?"
"Nay, they're fine as it is. Gii was made to handle such feats. I wouldn't be doing those if I hadn't known." Gii's true form is still unknown but it was yet to be revealed.
"Well, I won't stop you." The two proceeded to their room.
"Darling, don't you think those two remind you two of us." Nine exhales heavily, "Ah, I miss our youth." Nine started daydreaming about being grandparents. "If I die first, make sure you live long enough to see their children. I want you to tell them stories of our journey. I've always wanted a peaceful life with you Mitsuyoshi. Damn that bastard Terumi..."
"Time passes fast. Felt like the kid grew in a couple of months." He stretches a bit. "After all, he had volunteered to carry a burden as much as I did despite the consequences. He's a good kid and I'm proud of him."
"Now that I think about it. Should we talk to Kokonoe a bit more? She had been left in the dust for a long time. Our daughter is always occupied with other things."
"She's got that from you, ya know right?" Kokonoe had attained both her mother's intelligence and attitude. She was focused on technology more than magic. If she were to master it and combine it with the training Jubei had. She could've been a formidable opponent, even for the six heroes. But her intelligence alone is incredibly dangerous to her enemies.
"Mhm," Nine agrees with Jubei. She yawned and felt tired. "Let's go sleep for the remaining time, dear. I really want some shut-eye." Nine stands up and leaves the seat.
Jubei celebrates in his conscience. "No more rape? YES!" A lucky day for the cat.
"What shall we do with the two hours we have left hm?" Rachel asks the criminal.
"Lemme check what they have here." Each room had a small fridge, containing powdered sachets for certain beverages. "We got coffee, tea, and uhhh juices. I'll try out the ones you're taking."
"I'll take tea. Any flavors?"
"Lemon and kiwi. Just those two." He takes out teacups from the little cupboard next to the fridge and wipes them. "Huh. Weird. I expected a big stash of different flavors."
"Lemon perhaps." Lemon was one of her favorite flavors in drinking tea. She pretty much has an expensive stash with the highest quality of lemon tea. Valkenhayn serves her at least three times a week.
"Following instructions on how to make tea..." He took out a guidebook on how to make tea. He had never tried drinking one in his life. But if she likes it, maybe he will.
She goes to the small room where Ragna was located. "I might as well assist you. You have never drank nor had a sip of tea yes?" She gets the teapot and places water. "First, you have to put water in the teapot." She turns on the stove, "Then, make sure the flame isn't too strong nor too weak and..." She teaches him the basics and the steps to prepare tea.
Time passed during the lecture...
"And that's how you make tea Ragna." She felt proud after teaching him.
"I would have messed up if you didn't lend me a hand. Thanks." He noticed a glimmer in her eyes. "You enjoyed teaching me didn't you?" He felt happy when Rachel enjoyed something else other than him making a mistake.
"Of course I did. It may be simple, but I do enjoy times like this. You are fully aware that I always have Valkenhayn serve for me. Sometimes, I intend to do certain things on my own." She wanted to get rid of some of the boredom and tried to do things herself. It was pretty difficult for her, considering she had a butler do the things for her most of the time.
"Ohhh, now I get why you ask me to help you in cooking sometimes. Honestly, learning those on your own is pretty good. Ask the old geezer for some tips. Maybe when you cook your own food, it might be better than Valkenhayn's, maybe even better than mine? It would be great once we finally finish everything and start a family don't ya think?" He teased her a bit.
Those words she heard. Family? She began to freeze in place and smiled, "Family..." she shakes her head. "That's to be thought about once we finish our parts. You have to return and I have to continue to observe and assist from the sidelines. The imperator and Terumi are still at large."
"Yeah, I know. I'll be the one who'll serve us some tea. You can go ahead and read some books aight?" He gives him a little kiss and gets the teacups and checks the teapot.
"Very well." She returns to the bed and grabs a book from the shelf. She notices a moving figure from a distance while she was looking through the window.
"Hey, you two, you there?!" Rachel immediately grabs the communicator.
"What is it, Tager?"
"Something's running towards the building at insane speed! I'm alerting everyone RIGHT NOW! The sensors picked up the signal from 900 meters and it's sinking fast! It's coming towards the building better pr-."
She sees the figure going towards the window at an incredible speed. She drops the device and quickly prepares her battle stance. Unfortunately, the figure was too fast.
CRASH!
"Gugh!" Azrael grabbed her neck. "Oh, it's you. I thought it was the Grim Reaper near the window. I can smell him right in this very room." Rachel struggled to pull away from his grip.
"Rachel? Rachel?!" Tager called out to her from the device. Azrael steps on it, destroying it.
Ragna heard the breaking of concrete and glass outside and immediately left the room.
"RACHEL!" He sees Rachel being held up by her neck by the Mad Dog. Filled with anger, he grabbed his sword and instantly charges towards him.
"A single step and I'll snap her neck." Azrael shows a grim smile and puts Ragna into a complete stop.
"You..." Flames in Ragna's eyes.
"I never knew she was your girlfriend. Would be nice to take her in as my own? A little pet won't hurt." He wanted to piss him off.
"You are just mere garbage Azrael-*coughs*" Azrael tightened his hand to shut her mouth.
"Oh? You got his mouth too. Now shut up."
"Rachel!" He wanted to move. But doing so would potentially end her life. "Son of a bitch..." He curses himself for being powerless in this situation.
"R-Ragna...it's okay. I'm fine." Trying to pull his hand away from her neck. "Urghh..." She could feel Azrael's hand tightening his grip.
"Quiet. Talk when I tell you to." He looks at Ragna with a malicious smile.
"LET HER GO AND I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!" He got really pissed.
"That's the spirit! I would like to have a good meal outta ya!"
Nago was slithering quietly unnoticed and Gii was preparing to pounce.
She signaled her familiars with her eyes.
Nago turns into a giant muscular being, Gii preparing himself to propel himself.
Nago puts Azrael in an armlock letting go of his master. Gii launches into Azrael at a terrifying speed. It was incredibly fast but he blocked it. Although, it sent him flying outside. Rachel fell but was caught by Ragna. She was wheezing and coughing for air.
"Princess! Are you alright?" Her familiars approached her after taking him out. Ragna undid her tie and loosened her buttons to help her breathe.
"Rachel, can you breathe?" He looks at her neck revealing marks of Azrael's hand. He noticed cuts in her face due to the broken glass.
"I-I'm okay Ragna, do not fret." Rachel, still coughing. And slowly losing her dizziness from the lack of oxygen.
He pulls her in for a soft hug. He looks around for bandages with the help of her familiars and patches up Rachel.
"Ragna...you should go after him.." She leans her head on his jacket.
"Not until I finish patching you up." He grabbed bandages from the comfort room. With the help of Nago and Gii, they were able to treat her wounds.
"I'll be back. I'm gonna give that dogshit a beating of his life." He stands up and readies his sword and sleeves.
"Please Ragna, return safely." Rachel looks concerned.
"That's a promise. Nago, Gii. Take her to Celica." He jumps off the window and lands on the ground leaving a tiny crater. "You bastard. I'll fucking beat you into a pulp for laying your hands on her."