Chapter 4: Old memories, grave pasts, huge decisions
Stepping out from the darkness of the portal, they find themselves awed at the massive mansion towering before them surrounded by a lovely, well-kept garden which bathed in moonlight. Makoto's jaw nearly dropped, captivated by the soothing atmosphere. From Ragna, Celica, and Kokonoe's face (well, she didn't care about much of anything, so that didn't surprise her much), they were well acquainted with this place. She was roused from her starstruck state seeing her friends walking off without her and dashed off to catch up with them. They could've tapped her or something. Assholes.
Walking up the steps, the door creaked open at their hinges to reveal an aged gentlemen standing before them. He bowed as if rehearsed a thousand times over, rising back with a gentle smile to greet his master.
"Greeting, Madam, how was your stroll? Ah, and I see you brought company." His soft-spoken voice matched his age. The butler took in the large crowd ready to greet but was cut off when Celica stepped forward to greet him.
"Hello, Mr. Valkenhayn! Its been so long since I've seen you. You haven't changed a bit."
"I see time has treated you well, Celica. You two Kokonoe. I believe the last time I laid eyes on you two, you were still retrieving sustenance from your mother." Valkenhayn said.
"TMI, Valkenhayn," Kokonoe groaned, blushing.
"As greeting are only due, I would like them to take place after our conversation. Valkenhayn, please."
"As you wish, Madam Rachel." Valkenhayn did a humble bow before spinning on his heels to lead them inside.
Coming inside, Noel and Saya's eyes roved the decor posted around the main hall. The place practically shined, and the fragrance which wafted their noses reminded them of a flower shop. Makoto didn't feel in her element. She found herself clutching onto Tsubaki walking down the halls to halt at a rather fancy looking door which distinguished itself from the others they've passed. Stepping to the side, Valkenhayn opened the door for them to stride in. Finding themselves in a lounge posted with leather chairs ranging from one-seaters to four with a beautiful view of the rose garden.
"Holy shit… You're stacked, lady." Makoto said trotting over to the couch at the far end to plop herself down along with Tsubaki and Makoto. "What is she some rich kid?"
"I shall procure some tea, Madam," Valkenhayn told her, taking his leave after a bow. Leaving the large group to divide themselves within the couches posted around the room. Saya taking the liberty of squeezing herself next to Ragna, smiling victoriously at Jin who gave her the hardest death glare known to man as Kagura scooted a bit from him. Rachel took her seat in a lone chair within the center of the room to ensure all eyes were on her.
"Shall we begin?" Rachel continued when they nodded, "The world you were all dragged into was a fractured possibility. It is another world connected, yet separate from our own. Centered within these worlds are distortions: physical manifestations of that worlds imbalance. They are the very core of that world, and once destroyed—as you've done previous—the world will vanish too."
"Ok, so, we destroyed that imposter and the world vanished. Was she that worlds distortion? If so, why her?" Kagura asked.
"A distortion arises when a strong enough desire is manifested from that person. Within that world, did you find it strange that, throughout your battle with that imposter, not a single patron had passed?"
"Well, now thinking about it, the school seemed empty. Even the surrounding area was pretty vacant." A thought came to Makoto after a moment. "But wait… How did you know there was no one there?"
"Simple; I watched."
"…What." Makoto deadpanned.
"Is there a problem?"
"Is there a probl—? Yes! Why didn't you help us when you saw us getting creamed!?" Makoto asked.
"For the simple reason being, nothing would come of it. If you are unable to tackle this threat, how will you be able to tackle the rest following?" Rachel quired.
"Hold up. Stop the car. The hell do you mean 'following'?" Kokonoe questioned.
"You believe this is the only one? Distortions stick to the world like seithr to trees. While most are small and harmless, there are those powerful enough to change the very laws of our world. You were pulled into one of those rifts by chance. And if you were to fail in defeating Nine, that entire school would've been wiped from existence. And no one would know." Rachel said.
"What!?" Saya gasped.
"Hey, Rabbit, the hell's that supposed to mean? If that's a joke, it ain't funny."
"I mean exactly as I say." Rachel looked to a vase sitting atop a small table at the far corner of the lounge. Raising her index finger, the vase levitated and floated to her. "Let us use this vase as an example. The world is the vase, the flower—its people, the water: the distortion. This vase can only hold so much water, and if there is too much, it overflows. However, what if the water expanded instead of rising?" A crack appeared on the vase then. "It expands and expands, pushing the vase to its limits before, finally—" The vase suddenly shattered, sending the vase off in shards as the water flowed freely. Widening their eyes as they watched the flowers descend to the carpet. "…Shattering into a million pieces."
"You can't be serious… If we lost then…" Ragna took up a small piece of the vase which landed by his feet and inspected it as if it had meaning.
"Hold on, just what happens to the distortion once destroyed? What happens to whoever and whatever inhabits it?" Tsubaki asked.
"They die."
"Die!?" Makoto gasped. "If that's true, then…"
"What the hell did we just do?" Kagura asked, more to himself more than anyone else. "All those people…"
"Ms. Rachel, is there any way we could've defeated the distortion without destroying the world?" Noel asked.
"I am afraid not," Rachel's eyes gravitated to the daisies laying in the puddle by her feet. "That world is tied to what distorts it. Should they fall, the world will meet its end. It is an endless cycle of destruction continuing on for millennia." Her eyes returned to them. "People like you—the entitled—have the ability to enter and destroy these worlds once chosen to be worthy of passing through the gate."
"Gate?" Celica repeated.
"The gate is the door that leads to the Azure: a power that can make possibility into reality. And I speak of the true Azure. Not that fake imitation within that barbarians possession." Rachel pointed to Ragna when she said so.
"Better zip the lip, Rabbit. And the hell do you mean by 'fake'?"
"Must you always be so thick-skulled? Fake. As in, a counterfeit. Do they teach you nothing in school besides to flaunt around with friends and gallivant in class like children? Or do you do nothing but sleep while the teacher lectures?"
"One of these days, Rabbit. One of these days! I'm gonna shove my foot SO far up your ass…! You won't be able to sit right for weeks." Ragna threatened.
"Wanna rephrase?" Kagura chimed in.
Ragna blushed. "Shut up—I know what I said. Piss off."
"Uh-huh. Sure you do…" Kagura said with a teasing edge to his voice.
"Wait, if brothers is a counterfeit, where might we find the real one?" Jin asked, causing both Ragna and Rachel's face to contort.
"Ok, if that's not an obvious give away that it's not in the right hands, I don't know what is. I'm guessing you and whoever this person is has a history?" Kokonoe surmised.
"A history? You're damn right we do," anger dripped off every word, adding a dangerous edge that sounded as if it belonged to a beast. Ragna's fists bunched his worn pants as if ready to tear it. "He was the one…!"
"Yes. You could say he, Ragna, and I have close ties. A being once sealed within the boundary thousands of years ago released from his eternal binding. Much to our loathing. Judging from your expressions of worry, he hasn't shared this with you, has he?" Rachel exhaled after a pregnant pause. "I would like to keep this conversation going; however, if you do not wish to share, we shall leave this topic for a later date. But bear in mind, they will need to know the truth of what they face. You, of all people, should know what this man is capable of."
"I do…" Ragna's fists unclenched then, his face smoothing out from anger to sorrow. "I know better than anyone what that asshole's capable of. And if he really is still around..."
"Hey, come on, don't keep us in the dark like this. What happened?" Kagura asked.
"The Wadatsumi Massacre," Ragna answered, hanging his head. "Ten years ago, that fire ripped through Wadatsumi—killing everyone. But, I guess I should say 'he'."
"He!? You mean a person caused that fire!?" Noel gasped.
"And that asshole is, Terumi, right?" Kokonoe chimed in.
"But why? Why would he kill off so many innocent people? And more importantly—" Tsubaki looked to Ragna then. "...Why do you know?"
"Doesn't take much to figure out why I know—I was there. I saw it all... Every second of it. Watching as he took everything from me..." Ragna gripped his right arm then.
"But, why!? That still doesn't explain why he would do something like that!" Saya said.
"An experiment," Rachel answered, silencing any and all questions ready to follow. "During the blaze, Ragna was taken to an experimental facility for testing purposes. Oddly enough, Ragna had unusually high compatibility signs with the grimoire. And in hopes of using him as a weapon, Sector Seven assisted in the complete annihilation of Wadatsumi. In the end, Ragna was given the Azure Grimoire to replace his missing arm. Most likely a parting gift. Shortly after, either by his will or pure luck, he managed to escape and was found by Jubei. And I suppose the rest you are already aware of."
"You say it like you were there..." Kokonoe said, receiving Rachel's attention. "Don't tell me you knew what he was going through and did nothing?"
"I could do nothing. I was...preoccupied at that time with other endeavors." Rachel said.
"Why didn't you say something, Ragna?" Celica asked.
"What would telling any of you do?" Ragna never meant to sound harsh or scare her, but his tone came off as rigid and rough. As if he was holding back a scream, which he was. But, it's not like it'd matter anyhow. Not a second has gone by where he forgot. He wasn't allowed too. "They all died for nothing... I couldn't protect my family—I couldn't protect anyone. Heh. Shows what I can really do, doesn't it?"
"But this makes no sense. You said he was sealed, right, Ms. Rachel? How did he escape? And what's the boundary?" Noel asked.
"The boundary is another plane of existence containing the information of the world. It is an endless void in which none can escape once you have been swallowed by its jaws. Within the depth lies an entity known as the Master unit. The god of this world."
"G-God?" Makoto stuttered.
"How Terumi got out..." She sighed, "He was released by Jubei and Nine."
"Father and mother did!?" Celica gasped.
"They did what!?" Ragna shot up and swung his arm in a rage. "They let that son of a bitch out!?"
"B-Brother, please, calm down," Saya pleaded.
"Calm down? How can I calm down knowing Master...!"
"There is a reason for this, Ragna. Now sit so I can continue, and I would like to do without your outbursts." Rachel told him. Clicking his teeth, Ragna sat back down as she continued. "For the reason, he was set free of his chains was for aid. They were once entitled too, asked by my father to ensure the fractured possibilities did not tear the world apart. While they were skilled, even at their young age, it was only two of them. Locating distortions and retrieving the Azure Fragments became near impossible. They even tried crafting their own grimoire in order to locate these distortions at a more efficient rate, but it nearly killed them. Unlike Terumi, they did not have the tool and material required to create the grimoire, and they were running out of time. But they were no fools. It was only a matter of time before Terumi rebelled, and prohibit that, Nine resorted to placing the Mind Eater curse upon him."
"Mind Eater?" Kagura repeated.
"A spell capable of placing the recipient under the casters complete control; however, several complications followed, and Sector Seven intervened. The spell was weakened, and Terumi set his sights on Nine and Jubei. By pure luck, they managed to defeat him, but their victory was short lived when Terumi destroyed the Azure Fragments, proving that they were unworthy of its power and was stripped of their status as entitled. And it wasn't long until Sector Seven once more intervened, and Terumi was revived."
"Sector Seven..." Celica muttered to herself.
"What a sore loser!" Makoto commented.
"Ms. Rachel, these Azure Fragments—are you talking about that blue flame Ragna had?" Noel asked.
"Precisely."
"So, they released him to help find the Azure Fragment—but what's so special about them? Why was it so crucial to find these fragments?" Tsubaki asked.
"These fragments are small pieces of the Azure which were scattered to test humanities worth. To see who is truly worthy to possess its power. With them, we will be able to open the gate that leads to the Azure."
"So this is all one big test for humanity, huh?" Kokonoe put two fingers on her chin, recalling the words of her imposter mom before she vanished. "My fake mom said some crazy shit along those lines. About the Azure and some test. Are you saying this test or whatever is happening now and we just put pencil to paper and wrote our names to begin?"
"More or less."
"But why would Sector Seven help someone like him? It doesn't make sense," Saya said.
"To overcome power, you need an even greater power. That is what Sector Seven believed when salvaging Terumi to claim his Azure for themselves in order to use against the NOL; however, they hadn't the means to make him obey."
"So he killed them," Kagura could only click his teeth. "Bastards deserved it—but that didn't make it right. He just thinks of others as useless tools to do his bidding. People like him make me sick, and I'd be more than happy to get a few licks in."
"If mother and father barely took him down, what makes you think you stand a chance?" Kokonoe asked.
"You just love to kill the mood, don't you?"
"All this talk about fractured worlds and destruction is scaring me... Hold me, Makoto!" Noel whimpered diving into her friends tail.
"H-Hey! Damn it, Noel, this is serious!"
"What about mother and father? Can't they help too?" Celica asked.
"Sadly, no. They have been stripped of their rights as 'entitled'. Only those the Azure deems worthy may enter these worlds. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Those who the Master unit cannot see—those who exist outside the realm of logic, are able to enter these worlds like we are."
"Outside of logic?" Tsubaki quirked a brow.
"I will explain that at a later date if need be, but it is not too important."
"I might be taking a stab in the dark here, but is Terumi an entitled, just like us?" Kokonoe asked.
"Yes. Unlike Nine and Jubei, Terumi still has his rights as an entitled." Rachel responded. "His goal is to obtain the fragments to open the gates to the Azure, and once he gets his hands on it, everything will end. The world will be plunged into utter chaos. Wars will wage, endless blood will be spilled, and Armageddon will reign over."
"So, that's his plan? To plunge the world into chaos? Sorry, but I like the world the way it is. Can't exactly pick up chicks with the world on fire." Kagura said.
"That is not our only concern, however. If he is able to somehow destroy the Master unit, that will mean the total end to everything. And the world will and all the distortions will collide, causing all worlds to vanish. Humanity will fail and will be lost for all eternity."
"Ok, so, now let's get back on the most important topic that all of you seemed to have missed: how in the HELL are a couple of high school kids supposed to not only destroy these fractured worlds but stop some psychopathic asshole from clicking the off switch when half of us can't even pass our math tests? The hell kinda anime-manga crap is this?" Kokonoe said.
"I know that was at me, Kokonoe. And it was the ONE TIME! Let it go!" Makoto groaned.
"Well, maybe half was too much? Ten maybe? For putting your name at least?"
"You wanna piece of this!?"
"Enough, both of you," Jin sternly cut in before focusing his attention back on Rachel. "So, to reiterate, there is some madman out there somewhere plotting to destroy the world. And we, as entitled, are able to enter these worlds and destroy these distortions in order to obtain Azure Fragments and open the gates to gain access to the Azure. While I understand that much, I do not feel obligated to dive into these worlds like we had today." Jin said.
"Knowing what can happen, you can still say that!?" Shock and anger intermingled in Kagura's tone, not knowing whether to punch him now or now.
"That's not what I'm saying," Jin exhaled. "What I mean, is if we are going into these so-called fractured worlds, I think having more information on them will help in the long run. In case you had forgotten, we almost died today. If you want a re-run of that later down the line, that's fine. But I would like to avoid that fate."
Kagura sweatdropped. "Do you have to be such a dick all the time?"
"His logic is sound, but quite frankly, these worlds differ. No fracture is the same as the other. These worlds tell a story of what 'could have been'. A world in which someone did not exist or a certain event in time had never taken place. Like drawing a card, you ever know what you get. And unlike that deck, you cannot fix it to your liking." Rachel said.
"So, how many of these fragments do we need? You said we needed the fragments to open the gate, right?" Kagura asked.
"Ten fragments are needed as a waymarker more than a key. It lies in the depths of the boundary, unattainable by man. Once we gathered these fragments, they will lead us to the gate." Rachel responded.
"Ten... And we've got one. So all we need is nine more, and we can go." Kokonoe reiterated. "I'd like to say this is gonna be a walk in the park, but if mother and father had hell with this, I'm not all too confident we can pull something like that off."
"Don't worry; we have each other!" Makoto said with reassurance.
Kokonoe sweatdropped. "Yeah, that's not exactly the boost in confidence I was looking for, but A for effort. We're going up against someone who tangled with Jubei and Nine and lived to tell the tale. Burning down an entire city to boot. I just don't see any possibility of taking this asshole down."
"I think Kokonoe is right, Makoto," Noel chimed in. "Mr. Jubei and Nine are extremely powerful, yet they were given such a hard time. Do you really think we can win against someone like that?"
"W-Well, I mean... We took down that fake! That has to mean something!" Makoto tried to bounce back.
"But this is reality, Makoto," Jin coldly cut in. "We may lose our lives in a fight we know we cannot win. Choosing to enter this battle will be a fool hearty thing to do. I did not ask to become an entitled, and quite frankly, I don't care."
"Jin!" Tsubaki interjected, visually appalled by what he said. "How could you say something like that!? What about all the innocent people who that monster killed!? Can you turn your back and say with a straight face you don't care!?"
"They are not my concern. Tsubaki, you almost died fighting that imposter, and she did not hold a candle to our Nine. Think of encountering Yuuki Terumi, and you tell me if we can beat that man!" Jin's sudden rise in voice stopped her heart and hung her head. Jin clenched his fist and gentled his tone. "I just don't want anything to happen to you, Tsubaki. That's all..."
"You sure have a nice way of saying it..." Tsubaki's voice was vanishingly quiet, nearly fading away the moment they left her lips. Silence followed afterward. Rachel's eyes fell from them as she pulled her bottom lip in, biting it hard enough to taste blood. Makoto attempted to say something, but her words froze on her lips. The tension and mood kept her words down. Celica looked around the room, opening her mouth wanting to say something, only for her head to hang.
"I see... If that is really how you all feel, then I suppose I will be the only one who—"
"No. You've got one more right here," Ragna spoke up, gaining their attention as he stood up. "I've got a bone to pick with that asshole, and honestly, I don't give a shit if you all want to join or about this Azure trial bullshit. That ain't none of my business. But I ain't gonna sit here knowing he's still out there... No way." He slammed his fist into his palm. "I'm gonna knock that shit-eating grin right off his face and make him eat his own damn TEETH before I put him into the ground. So no, Rabbit, you've got two." His contorted expression relaxed into a gentler one. "Besides, I don't think I'd be able to sleep at night if I passed something like this up. What are you, stupid?"
Kagura sighed getting up. "Well, not like I had anything important doing anyway. And it's not exactly my style disappointing a fine lady such as yourself. Can't let Ragna be the badass, now can I?"
"Really? I'm serious here."
"Well, so am I," Kagura said. "Love it or hate it, I'm in too. And you know too well that, just like you, I'm way too laser focused for my own good."
"I'm gonna help too Ms. Rachel!" Celica stood up to strode over to her and took her hands. "I might not be able to do much, but I know I can help in some way and make my parents proud. Of course, Kokonoe will help too." Celica faced Kokonoe smiling, "Right?"
"W-When in the hell did I say that!? But, if I leave you in some alternate dimension, who knows if you'll get lost. Guess I don't really have a choice either but to go along with this crap."
"I already said I was coming along!" Makoto grabbed both Noel and Tsubaki and brought them in for a hug. "And they're gonna help too!"
"What~!"
Tsubaki sighed. "There's no point in arguing, Noel. No matter where we run, Makoto's gonna find us."
"I'm gonna help too! Terumi is going to pay for what he did to my brother!" Saya said.
"Now," Kagura smirked at Jin. "Are you gonna say your piece?"
"Who the hell said I was joining this little adventure?" Jin groaned at the smirking glares being bored into his soul. Kagura strode over to Jin and threw an arm around his shoulder.
"Don't worry; I'll be sure to take care of Tsubaki so she won't get hurt. Kagura Mutsuki guaranteed."
"Then I want a refund," Jin sighed, later asking, "Tsubaki, are you sure about this? You don't have any second thoughts? You want to do this?"
"Yes, I do. Even though I have doubts, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if the world falls into chaos and I could have done something. So, even though I might die, I'll fight. With or without you." Tsubaki said, eyes brimming with confidence.
A pause.
A sigh. "Very well. I suppose if even brother is doing this ridiculous charade, I have no choice but to get involved as well."
"Hell yeah, now we got ourselves a party! Let's beat that bastard at his own game." Kagura said.
"I think you mean watch him knock you senseless," Kokonoe said wooden face.
"Seriously! Every time you're on my case! Oh, I get it," Kagura smirked. "You're in love with me, is that it."
"Not in the slightest."
"Damn that's cold!"
Rachel watched the rambling of the large group fill her lounge. Utterly speechless. She could say nothing. Ragna, who stood beside her, could only smirk.
"Don't go cryin' now."
"Shut up, plebian. Lest you want to be fed to Nago and Gii," Rachel retorted.
"You really haven't changed, Rabbit. Heh. I could tell from the moment I put my eyes on you that you were that same annoying brat that belittled me last time I was here. Guess you haven't pulled that stick outta your ass," Ragna joked.
"Hmph!" Crimson formed on her cheeks then. "I have nothing shoved up my posterior. I believe you are the one who has a stick up their bum. If rectal humor is truly the wittiest retort you can come up with, then you have disappointed me yet again, Ragna."
"Heh, like I always do?" Ragna smirked.
"Hehe. Just like you always do..." Rachel's lips gentled into a smile. But their little staring contest came to a close hearing a none too pleased voice calling Ragna's name to find a pouting Saya boring holes into his very soul.
"What's going on here? Actually, what is your relationship with her? You seem to know her quite well."
"She's just an old friend of mine. Why're you getting so pissed off?" Ragna asked.
"A friend am I? I thought we had developed something more than friendship. Oh, Ragna, you wound me," Rachel said so with false sorrow.
"Oh don't you freaking dare! You're just gonna make this shit worse!"
"Hah! I knew it! You two are in love. Holding out on me?" Kagura asked.
Ragna was about to shout out his retaliation, but stopped for a moment in thought and smirked, "I'm always holding out on you. If I didn't, you'd be on the ground in seconds if I fought you seriously."
Kagura slammed his forehead against his.
"Oh? Can you back up that bravado, smartass?"
"Bring it..."
Unbeknownst to the group, Valkenhayn stood outside the door listening to the commotion with a plate of tea in his hand and knuckles ready to knock on the door. With a smirk, the older butler put his hands down and strode away. He can come back later on. Why interrupt his master when she's having so much fun? He then stopped by a window to look out to the freshly watered garden and the moon above. Many things are going to take place. Unprecedented events always occur when that man is involved. But he trusted his master, and when the day is done, he had to trust him as well.
"Boy... It seems I may have to place my faith in you—" A wall rattling boom turned the man on his heels to find a door blasted off its hinges with smoke coming from the lounge. He then sighed, "But...maybe that time has yet to come."
Re-wrote this entire chapter. Planning on doing the same for the rest in this story.
Next Chapter 5: Just the beginning