Tsubaki: Noel, Saya are you ok?
Saya: We're ok. Still a bit shaken though.
Rachel: Understandable.
Ragna: Still if you don't feel so good just tell me alright?
Noel: Ok.
Makoto: Look at the big brother. Aw how sweet.
Ragna: Shut up…
Jin: Now back to the matter at hand. We need to review what happened.
Terumi: Long story short, short story long Raggy got rekted like a total nOOb.
Ragna: First of all shut up! Second of all your going into leap…
Terumi: Don't care. As long as I troll you fuckers I'll live.
Makoto: I hate this guy… How do you deal with this guy?
Relius: It is easier then you think.
Saya: Right…by the way… Nu.
Nu: Mhm?
Saya: When are you going to let go of brother!?
*she holds Ragna tighter*
Nu: Never! Nu doesn't want to! He's so nice and warm and cuddly! Nu wants to stay like this forever!
Kagura: Aw that's cute. Hey Ragna, when's the wedding?
Ragna: I hate you… I hate you so much…
Rachel: You seem to be enjoying yourself Ragna…
Ragna: The hell are you so angry for?
Nu: Ragna is Nu's! You can't have him!
Makoto: Cuddly huh… I wonder if maybe I…
Noel: Makoto what's wrong? You're face is always red when you look at Ragna. Are you ok?
Makoto: Oh I'm ok! Maybe I just have a fever.
Terumi: Hehe… Oh man I'm gonna love this. Hey Raaaaggggy!
Ragna: What?
Terumi: What's brown, dirty and horny all over for you?
Ragna: What?
Jin: Huh?
Makoto: What!?
Terumi: Hey beastkin! We've got time! Come on, don't be a bitch!
Makoto: You shut you're damn mouth you Ghostbusters reject!
Terumi: You see that… That's the shit that makes me want to kill every last one of you.
Nine: Then leave. It's not like we want you here in the first place.
Terumi: Then where's the fun in torturing you guys?
Jubei: I reckon I'll lose my mind before long with this…
Hakumen: And we have to deal with this…?
Terumi: Like the good old times right best buddy?
Hakumen: I will mount your head on my wall and use your skin for my rug if you DARE to come any closer to me.
Terumi: Scary…
Valkenhayn: Let us start now. The quicker I get away from him the better my day shall be.
Terumi: Didn't know you cared.
Valkenhayn: My fangs shall find your flesh and when they do I promise you that I will not stop until I shred your flesh and rip ever bone from that body of your you insufferable piece of…!
Ragna: Wait a minute don't break character old man!
Kagura: Yeah. Aren't you suppose to be the calm, cool and collected butler?
Valkenhayn: Yes. My apologies. I shall not yield to him.
Terumi: You'll yield when I throw you a bone…
Valkenhayn: I'll kill you!
*transforms into a wolf and lunges at him*
Tsubaki: No Mr. Valkenhayn!
Ragna: Shit! Holy shit we gotta stop this! Hey old man chill, chill!
Hakumen: Valkenhayn calm yourself!
Izanami: I see… I think this is what's called "quality entertainment". Interesting…
Saya: Oh my god…
Kagura: Quick start the chapter. Start the chapter!
Terumi: AAAAAHHHHHH!
Ragna: Oh god it's everywhere!
Nu: This place is fun! Get him doggy!
Ragna: Nu stop watching and help us!
Kagura: Get the rope! Hurry and the get rope!
Tsubaki: We need to tie him down! Oh god his whole body is covered in blood!
Rachel: Valkenhayn that is enough! I cannot even recognize if that is human or not…
Terumi: HEEELLLPPP MEEE!
Ragna: Stay still you idiot!
Noel: Dog pile on him!
*all of them jumped on Valkenhayn.*
Valkenhayn: Release me! He will regret the day he was ever born!
Nine: Oh man! Never get him mad!
Jubei: I reckon we should start before we lose grip of him. Saya quick!
Saya: Start the chapter!
Chapter 14: Unknown past, Unclear future
It was completely empty; nothing, but a white empty void. Noel found herself in this strange space, wandering aimlessly around, wondering just where she was. As she continued walking, the blond came across a single bed in the distance. She started towards the bed, but she got no closer as she walked, feeling like she wasn't even moving at all. For some odd reason, even though she's never been here before, it felt familiar to her in a way.
Noel felt someone behind her and turned around to see a girl with long blond hair wearing a long white gown and azure blue eyes. The girl walked over to her, she doesn't move or feel scared at all. She felt like she knew her for a very long time, but she's never met her before. "You again… Who are you?" Noel asked, although she felt like she already knew the answer.
"I am you Noel." The girl said, her voice a tad bit deeper then hers.
"You're…me?"
"Yes. It seems like you know me, you just do not 'recognize' me."The girl said. Noel had no idea what she meant by that, but before she could ask a question she felt a sharp pain pierce her skull. Her head started to hurt and her visage became blurry and distorted. "It looks like our time is up."
"W-Wait… Just who are you?" The girl started to move her mouth, but no words or sounds came from her lips. Even though she couldn't hear her, one phrase was as clear as day.
"I am the one who will bring destruction to all."
The girl vanished as did the white space. Noel found herself staring up at the ceiling in an unfamiliar room, her sight still a bit blurry and her memory a little distorted. "Where…?" She took in her surrounding, trying to remember where exactly she was and why she was here. It finally came to her, as did the memories of the fractured world and the Murakumo unit. "That's right we fought that girl and then… Oh, that's right…"
Noel rises from the bed and pressed her forehead with her palm over her right eye. She heard groaning and looked beside her to see Saya starting to wake up. Saya slowly opened her eyes and turned her head to see Noel looking at her. "Noel?" Her voice was a bit light, still a bit groggy. With a tired and weak groan, Saya slowly sat up and asked. "Where are we Noel?"
"Ms. Rachel's house. Don't you remember?"
"Rachel…" Saya just stayed quiet for a while, just trying to remember why she was here. Once it hit her, her expression saddening a bit. The Murakumo, or in this case, her sister attacked them; along side Relius Clover. Just thinking about made her body shiver as she clenched both arms. "Yeah... So I guess we aren't human?"
"No, Saya, we are human. I'd like to think so and so does Ragna and everyone else. They except us, so let's expect ourselves as well." Noel lightly grabs Saya's hand, cupping her hand gently into her own as a gentle smile formed on her lips. "So I guess we're sisters huh… You know it's funny. Finding this out, I'm more happy then sad. Now I know who my family is and it's you."
"Noel…" Saya could see that she excepted this fate; so why couldn't she? Her and Noel are the same, they aren't dolls, just like Ragna said. "Yeah," She tightned her grip on Noel and said. "I guess I feel a bit of nostalgia too. Wondering where I belong and who I really am or even if I had a family. To think my family was with me the whole time. Looks like I was worried for nothing." A smile soon formed on her lips as well as a small giggled passed through her lips. "But that does make me your big sister. So your gonna have to listen to me from now on."
"Yeah… Hehe!"
"Haha!" The two sisters started to giggle and laugh with each other, but ceased as they heard the door open. From the opened door, Ragna walked in and Saya quickly jump out of the bed to greet him. The giggling blond jumps on him as Ragna just smiled and pats her head gently. "You ok, Saya?"
"Yep!" Saya answered vibrantly.
Noel walks over to the two and smiled at Ragna. "Thank you, Ragna. I feel much better after what you said to me. It put me at ease."
"It's fine you don't need to thank me. But theirs food downstairs and I came to get you two. You've been out all day and I got a little worried. But that your awake I guess you can run down to the kitchen and eat."
"Yeah, let—!" Saya was stopped as a loud growl came from both hers and Noel's stomachs. A hard blush came across their faces as the two whimpered a bit.
"Man… You two really are hungry…" Ragna could've sworn those were the growls of beast's more then stomachs. He felt bad for Rachel and especially Valkenhayn as their pantry may not be as full in the next hour or so. And that was being generous.
"Yeah…" Saya nodded, still a bit embarrassed by her growling stomach.
"I'll race you Saya! First one there gets half of the losers plate!" Noel declared and dashed off.
"Hey! No fair!" Saya quickly ran after as Ragna just watched the two leave trails of dust in the hallways. As they ran past, Makoto came towards him, stopping as she watched them run and smiled.
"Heh… Both of them… What a handful."
"You could say that again…" Ragna walked up to her and looked down the empty hall as he could still hear them. "Idiots…the both of 'em…"
"Speaking of idiots," Makoto hit him lightly in the chest, her smile still present on her face. "Look at the guy who stole my idea."
"They do say great minds think alike you know. I guess you were just too slow."
"Yeah, maybe I was." Makoto chuckled quietly to herself and sighed in relief. "They looked a lot better now then before. I'm glad."
"So am I." Ragna said. The small smile on his face soon diminished into a more solemn expression as he sighed. Makoto took notice of his change in temperament and knew exactly what was on his mind.
"Ragna…are you thinking about that Nu girl?"
"I'm that transparent?"
"No," Makoto smiled. "It's just obvious knowing you."
"Ok so what the hell is that suppose to mean?" Ragna folded his arms and groaned at the giggling beastkin. Whenever she got like this, she always had some kind of plan up her sleeve and it normally wasn't a good one.
"You really are a sweet guy you know that?" The squirrels voice softened, her tone melodious and calming. "You genuinely care for others, putting them over your own safety. Even now, with what that girl did to you, you still worry over her."
"She's an old friend of mine, Makoto. She's not someone I can forget about easily. And a failure I had that I can never make up for…" Ragna bit his lip and curled his hands up into tight fists. "It's my fault their all…!"
"Ragna…" Makoto couldn't helping feeling sorry for the guy. It wasn't his fault about what happened, but it wouldn't make a difference if she said that to him. It would onoy come across as pity and that would only make him feel worse. "So, Ragna... What are you gonna do when you see her again?"
"I'm not really sure myself. I don't really know what to do about her. But… I need to get her away from that bastard Terumi and that pervert Relius."
"You can be so gentle at times, Ragna. Maybe you should show this side of you more. We've all seen it Ragna and we all like this gentle side of you. It's comforting."
"I've gotta keep Jin and Saya safe. I can't show weakness or people might take advantage of that." He couldn't show weakness, especially not now. Not only is his family in danger again, but this entire world is hanging on by a literal thread. Weakness was one thing that Ragna couldn't make known to his enemies; especially 'him'.
"Isn't their sometimes when you can just let your guard down Ragna?" Makoto asked.
"Yeah I do. It's when I'm around you I tend to let my guard down."
"!?" 'Around…me?' A dash of pink formed across the squirrels cheeks and it only gog darker as he continued.
"You got this comforting feeling about you that we all like. You always know how to cheer someone up or make then laugh. It's nice to know I've got someone like you close to me."
"I-I um…" 'Idiot, idiot, idiot! He says things like that so casually! But…I guess that's just him…' Makoto began to calm down a little and soon after she started to chuckle. "Same as always… Like back then…"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing really. Just remembering when you fought for me. You, Kagura, and everyone else."
"Why you remembering something like that?"
"I don't know, but I can't help but feel happy when I do. That was the first time in my life someone actually protected me. A normal human didn't look at me like I was some freak, but an actual human girl. I was happy and it's why I can feel their pain and why I feel bad for not only Noel and Saya, but that Nu girl as well." Makoto said.
"You really are soft hearted ya know that." Ragna smiled.
"Look who's taking. Aren't you the softy here, 'brother'~?" She made the word run off her tongue as it sent his face ablaze. Makoto couldn't help, but laugh at Ragna's embarrassment as tears ran down her cheeks. "Aw man if you could see you face right now! Hahaha!"
"That's not funny!" He shouts. He just watches her laugh and couldn't help, but chuckle himself. Makoto started to calm down and looks to see Ragna just smiling at her, which she happily returned.
"You are gonna help that Nu girl, right?"
"Of course I am."
"Good… Promise me," The squirrel pounded him softly in the chest. "Save her, Ragna. Noel and Saya… I know they'd be happy to reunite with their little sister. And I want to talk to her too. Even if it was only for a second… I saw her eyes were filled with sadness, almost like she was lonely. I can relate to that…"
"It won't be for long." Ragna swore.
"Looks like you got another promise to keep… Also, Ragna…"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you for protecting, Noel. I really appreciate it." She puts a hand on his shoulder. "All those injuries you got while fighting that Nu girl. I don't want to sound selfish but if I ever saw Noel like that I don't think I could live with myself."
"Yeah, I understand what you mean. She's someone that should keep that cheery smile and idiotic attitude. I don't want to see her sad, just like you." Ragna said.
"Wha!?" Makoto a little taken back by what he said, her cheeks began to get flushed again.
"When I first met you, you were cold and distant. Bullied constantly by others because you were a beastkin. It made me sick knowing just because you were different you were treated as some monster. Now getting to really know you, I feel like I should've stepped in sooner."
"What does that mean?" She asked, her tone and expression that of surprise. She wanted him to continue and tell her why as her heart rate starting to skyrocket.
"You're an honest, kind hearted, friend loving girl. Just thinking back on how cold your expression used to be just pisses me off, knowing that nobody wanted to help you. Just seeing you like that just makes my stomach turn. So just make sure that if that happens again, let me know so I can kick the ever living shit out of them. Tell Kagura too." Ragna took a second to rethink his words and chuckled. "Actually on second thought don't. He might kill 'em instead."
"Good old, Kagura. He might be a pervert, but he has his moments." Makoto continued. "You know… Thinking back on those days makes me really happy I met you all. You guys mean the world to me, I love each and everyone of you. I wish I met you all sooner though."
"Same here."
"Ragna…" Makoto's arms slowly find their way around Ragna's neck as his face turning beet red.
"M-Makoto, what the hell are you doing?" Ragna stuttered. Just what was she up to? This seemed more then her regular teasing.
"Thank you."
"Huh?"
"I want to thank you, for everything. I want to thank all of you." Makoto said happily. "Its because of you all I'm here… Why I can laugh, why I can cry, why I can fight… To fight for those I care about… Noel, Tsuabki, Saya… Everyone… And," Makoto said with a deep blush. "You too, Ragna… Thank you…for giving me a chance to live…"
"Sure… No problem… Glad I could…help." He was a bit more confused then flustered at this point. Ragna had no idea where she was going with this as this was out of the blue.
"Ragna… Sorry about this."
"Sorry? Sorry about wh—?" Before he could ask, his answer was given; she kissed him. Makoto rubbed his lips tenderly with her own, her soft pink lips acting like a cushion for his.
Ragna stared bug eyed at the beastkin, but his eyes soon closed as he kissed her right back. He wrapped his arms around her midriff and pulled her in tighter on his body. The two stood in the silent hallway, locking lips for what seemed like hours. Their long, passionate kiss soon drew to a close as they parted from each other; staring at one another in a daze. Blinking twice they snap out from thier daze and releases each other.
"O-Oh crap! I um… Shit I didn't…!"
"N-No Ragna I'm the one… I uh… Oh crap…" Makoto groans. 'Come on seriously!? I know Celica likes him and I go and do that! I need to think of something and I need to think quickly! Come on Makoto work your brain!' She clears her throat. "I...just thanked you…"
"Huh?"
"Y-Yeah that was just a little thank you… You protected Noel so I…"
"Oh um…ok…"
"I-I'll go check on Noel and Saya now! I'll see you later Ragna!" Makoto said in a hurry as the jittery beastkin dashed off, leaving Ragna a bit confused and still red in the cheeks.
"Did that really just happen…" Ragna shook his head and got himself back to the real world. Before walking off, thought came to mind as he looked at his grimoire. 'I wonder…' He turned back and made his way into the room he just walked out from and laid down on the bed. The platinum closed his eyes and the next time he opened them, he found himself in a black void. Standing before him was the one he was searching for.
"Azure..."
"Hi Ragna. Why do you have that serious look on your face Ragna? It's a bit scary." Azure asked. She knew Ragna wasn't a very happy go lucky person, but he was at least calm around her. Did something else happen to him?
"Azure… I need to ask you a question." He starts.
"Sure. Go ahead Ragna, what is it?"
"Are you a Prime Field Device?" The moment he asked, the normal smile that lit up her face wavered a bit; Ragna taking that as a yes. "So you are…"
"I guess Nu really has your brain working hard huh Ragna… Yes I am a Prime Field Device, designated as Prime Field Device number 5." Azure told him.
"Can you tell me how you became the Black Beast?" Ragna asked, receiving an odd glare from the blond; one that Ragna hasn't really seen her shoot him before. He felt a bit of guilt, but he still couldn't back off of this. He needed to know. "If it's hard for you I can wait, but please. I need your help on this."
"...If your asking me this then you must've felt it too. The power of the Azure within Nu."
"I did… But it didn't make sense to me. She died when they tried it." Ragna said.
"I don't know… It's possible that she might not have died at all. Even though that is really unlikely, especially in her case."Azure said.
"What does that mean?" Ragna asked.
"It's possible that when the Azure tried to fuse with her, the information overloaded her mind, putting her into a state of 'death'. But in actuality she might have just been 'sleeping', trying to process the information the Azure held. But with the reaction her body had I highly doubt it."
"Ok… You lost me… So if she didn't die and was sleeping or whatever… How come she has its power?"
"They must've infused massive amounts of seithr into her. The Azure is not only a massive amount of power, but also information. It needs a suitable vessel in order to maintain it's power."Azure explained.
"So does that mean I was a suitable vessel?"
"No, it's a little different in your case. They gave you the Azure grimoire; yes you can use the Azure's power, basically you have the boundaries power at your finger tips. The grimoire acts as a kind of…'container' of sorts, helping you to harvest the boundaries power. Of course you know what happens when you over use it."
"Yeah, I know. I turn into the Black Beast..."
"Right. Even in using the grimoire it's because your body could handle it or at that time your mind was stable enough to withstand the burden of the grimoire. So yes, you could say that you had the capacity to wield the Azure. But if they inject the power of the Azure with no kind of container or something to hold it's power, it will overwhelm you."
"So the only reason I'm able to use you is because of the grimoire? If that's it then why the hell didn't they do that for the rest of them?"
"I don't know. They likely tested it to see what would happen and the result was death. I don't want to sound harsh, but you just got lucky they didn't test it out on you. If they did…"
"I'd be dead." He finished. "Nu… She's suffering… She's been suffering and I've been…!" Ragna clenched his teeth and spoke through them. "Son of a bitch! Nu I'm…!"
"Ragna, please calm down," Azure rests a hand on his cheek and said calmly. "It's not your fault, so don't blame yourself. But I know you want to ask me another question... And with the information you've learned and seeing me… I think you already have your answer. How to create a Black Beast…"
"So Noel, Nu and Saya can all…"
"Yes… However as you know, Nu is the closest, given she has the power of the Azure inside of her already."
"So Terumi can make another beast anytime the bastard felt like?" Ragna asked with a hint of anger.
"Sadly…yes."
"That sick son of a…!" Ragna clenched cheddar his fists until they bleed, the small droplets of crimson dropping to the floor.
"Ragna, can I ask you something?"
"What is it…?"
"This may be a little selfish, but please…help her." Azure pleaded. "I know that asking this of you now is just plain selfish, but…!" The blond looked down as her body shook, her fists curled up into balls of fury and her teeth clenched. "I can't have that bastard do whatever he wants to my sister…" A single tear gathered in her crimson eyes as she begged. "Please…"
"I will," Ragna placed a hand on her head as Azure looked up to him. "I'll do whatever I can. I won't lose her a second time."
"Thank you." Azure smiled and wiped her tears away. "Now I can leave it your hands…"
The space around them started to fade away into a bright light as Ragna found himself staring up at the ceiling. "Nu," He sat up on the edge of the bed and clenched the sheets. "What can I do…to save you?" The man was taken from his thoughts by a loud creak. He turned to the noise and watched the door open as Rachel walked in. She shot a glare at the platinum as the vampire stopped next to him and asked.
"Now would you please tell explain to me why on earth you are up here on my bed? I don't remember giving you permission to sully my bed with your germs…"
"We need to talk." He said bluntly.
"About what?" Rachel heard his stern tone which served to peak her curiosity. Yes he was mostly angry or irritated every second of the day, but this time was different. He had a bit of worry in his voice and his expression just added to the fact that he was being serious. "So, what is it?"
"I want you to tell me everything you know about the relationship between the Black Beast and the Murakumo units."
"…How do you…?" Rachel gave him a suspicious glare. To her knowledge, she has not uttered one word of the Black Beast and Murakumo relationship to him. So how does he know? "Ragna… Who shared this with you?"
"A friend told me," He said bluntly. "Now talk Rabbit. Can Nu really become another Black Beast? Can Noel and Saya also become one?"
"Yes they can. However," Rachel sat next to him and continued. "Noel and Saya you do not have to worry over. Nu on the other hand… That is a entirely different story."
"I know. She has the Azure's power inside of her already. That power seems to be unstable and one wrong move and that shit could go haywire." Ragna said.
"You seem to know quite a bit about it already. Do you really need me to tell you or is their something else you want to ask." Rachel asked.
"Yeah, there is. I want you to tell me, just what is the Black Beast. What is it…really?"
"To be honest Ragna I do not know that myself. I have a few suspicions that tie up into a plausible theory, but I shall tell you what I know as fact." He doesn't say anything and just looks at her, signaling her to go on. "The Black Beast is the fusion between the Azure Grimoire and a Murakumo unit. The fusion between them creates the monster we know as the Black Beast, but there is more to the monster then you may believe."
"More to it? Besides it wanting to tear up and devour others?" He asked.
"Yes. The Black Beast is drawn to the Azure like moths to a flame, it is the reason why I tell you to be careful of the Azure's power. If not, you will become obsessed with it and chase after it endlessly, with no hopes of finding it. But that is also why you also master its power."
"'Master its power?' Isn't that the complete opposite of what you just told me?"
"In due time, when you are ready, you shall learn what it truly means to master the Azure's power. Delving deeper into the machinations of the Azure and what it holds is a dangerous task that you must not take light heartedly. Beware of it's power, but under no circumstances must you fear it. Once you fear it's power, it's all over." He felt the atmosphere around them tense up once those words left her lips. He couldn't speak for a moment and mustered up his words to speak again.
"Alright. I don't get the detail and specific crap, but I won't let the Azure control me."
"Good, as long as you understand at least that I believe you shall be ok. But for now you are going to tell me just where you learned about the Black Beast."
"Shit…" Ragna gulped. "Well uh…"
"Tell me now," Rachel said sternly as the vampire moved closer to him, staring right in his mismatched. "You told you?"
"I uh…" Ragna quickly dropped his gaze and turned away. "Um…"
"Ragna…!"
'It's ok Ragna. You can tell her, I don't mind.'He heard Azure say.
'Are you sure about this?'
'I am.'
'Ok…' Ragna nodded and turned back to Rachel. He grabbed her shoulders as she gasped a bit from the sudden action. "Promise me…"
"What?"
"Promise me, if I tell you, you don't tell anyone else; especially Noel and Saya. We have a deal?" Ragna said cautiously. Rachel didn't understand what was so important, but finding out how he knew this was more important. Besides, if she did tell Noel and Saya, they'd lose themselves in a frenzy so keeping it a secret would be the most logical thing to do.
"I will not tell a soul." Rachel agreed.
"Ok good..." Ragna placed a hand on her head as she asked with a blank expression.
"Now what are you doing? Is this some trick?"
"You said tell you, but it's faster it I just show you." Suddenly Rachel felt sleepy as she started to nod off until she finally closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she saw Ragna standing next to her in the middle of a black void. "Now where is this?" She turned to Ragna. "What did you just do?"
"Well, you wanted to know who right? So I'm gonna show you who."
"Ok…"
"Hey! Come out!" Ragna yelled off into the nothingness.
"I believe you have finally gone crazy, Ragna." Rachel sighed and turned back around to see a girl with long blond hair and red eyes standing a few inches away from them. Ragna walked over to her and placed a gentle hand on her head.
"I heard it all from the genuine article."
"Hm?" Rachel just stated at the girl, trying to figure out what he meant by that. With her appearance it didn't take her long to figure it out as she asked. "She is a Prime Field Device, is she not?"
"Yep."
"So this is a shared space within your subconscious that allows you to talk to her. Meaning she is within your gdimoire…"
"Pretty much." Ragna answered with a nod.
"Is that the Black Beast? Or I suppose it's consciousness?" Rachel asked.
"Yeah."
"I see..."
...
...
...
...
...
"Ragna." She said calmly.
"Uh-huh?" He answered.
"Are you crazy! I tell you to be careful of the Azure's power and you make friends with it!? What the hell is wrong with you!?" The vampire shouted.
"Chill… She's not bad."
"I swear you are the ONLY person I know that has ever pushed me this far." Rachel's eye twitched in anger and looked at Azure, causing the girl to jump a little and run behind Ragna.
"Hey, you're scaring her, Rabbit. Calm down a second, would ya."
"Oh, I am sorry Ragna, but when I am looking at someone who has single handedly demolished the earth, I get a little suspicious. Please forgive me." Rachel rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"Wow… You really are a total bitch, ain't ya? Just listen to her alright. She might have some information for us."
"I can not deny that…" Rachel let her anger escape her with a sigh. "Very well."
"Ok Azure. I really am sorry about this, but we do need your help."
"Of course," Azure walked back out and asked. "But is there anything you want to ask me? I'll answer it the best I can."
"Actually, yes…there is…"
"Ok. So what is it?"Azure asked.
"Were there more then ten nox nyctores?" Rachel inquired.
"More then ten? The hell are you talking about?" Ragna asks.
"Yes actually. I don't remember how many exactly, but I think there's a little bit over fifteen nox nyctores. The nox nyctores you know are the ones that were used during the Dark war, the rest were too dangerous and unstable, so they were tossed in the boundary; if I remember correctly." Azure said.
"So there were more then ten. So then Relius must've been able to find them… If that truly is the case…" Rachel puts two fingers to her chin and mumbled to herself, the vampire becoming lost in her own little world.
"Hey," Ragna snapped his fingers. "So you wanna share with the class huh, Rabbit?"
"None of your business. But I have one more question for you, but I doubt you can answer it." Rachel said.
"I can only promise my best."Azure told her.
"Where is the original Prime Field Device?"
"I don't know. After she became the Black Beast, I believe her body was never found."
"Hold up!" Ragna stared bug eyed at Azure as he brain ran a mile a minute. "I thought you were the Black Beast, Azure!"
"I am. At least I am the second one. Before I became the Black Beast, one was created before me, though I don't know how it was defeated or who defeated it. All I do know is the vessel for it was the first Prime Field Device."Azure explained.
"So there was a Black Beast before the Dark war. Can you tell me anything else?"
"No… That's all I know about that… Even the time period of her emergence as the Black Beast is a blank."
"So if there was another beast, that would mean there truly was a war before the Dark war. She was the original Black Beast…"
"She was the original monster."
"The original monster?" Ragna asked. 'What does that mean…?'
"Is there anything else you want to ask me?"
"No, that is all. You put some of my suspicions to rest. Having the information is good, but since I really was right the entire time then this isn't good at all."
"What do you mean?" He asks, a bit worried by her sudden change in voice.
"It is nothing you need to worry about. At least I hope so…"
"Alright then. Well," Ragna pats Azure on the head which earns him a giggle and a cheerful smile. "Thanks for helping us. I appreciate it."
"Anytime Ragna! Hehe!"
Rachel watched the two goof around and for some reason felt a sudden pain in her chest. They seemed so close. "I couldn't actually be jealous could I…?"
The space started to fade as Rachel opened her eyes to see she was in her room once more, looking upward. She turned her on her right cheek and watched as Ragna's eyes opened. The platinum was now staring into her eyes as she was doing the same to him. They blinked twice and once that fact finally set it they jolted up. "Ok so that happened!"
"Y-Yes… You have truly kept quite a secret from me, Ragna. I had no idea the beast was still conscious, let alone had a soul."
"Tell me about it… I felt like I was going to shit my pants when I found out who she was, but she isn't a bad person. I feel kinda bad for her though…"
"Your naiveté never ceases to amaze me, Ragna."
"Shut it you damn, Rabbit." Ragna groaned.
"...Ragna. May I ask you a question?"
"Hm?" Ragna heard an odd change in the vampires voice. It almost sounded like she was whimpering. Her cheeks were a deep red and her fingers were intertwined. "Sure, what's up?"
"I would like to ask you… Have you ever… Um…"
"Have I ever…?" He repeated.
"I want to know if you ever…looked at me as the opposite sex?"
…
…
…
…
…
"What."
He blinked twice.
"What…!?"
He blushed hard and gasped.
"W-What!? What the hell are you asking me Rachel!?"
"I just want to know, so answer me already, Ragna! Just tell me…" Rachel moved closer to him and stared directly into his eyes. "Have you ever viewed me as a woman? Thinking that the two of us could be something more then what we are now? Anything more…?"
"I-I uh… I can't say I haven't thought about it… Its...crossed my mind a few times." Ragna couldn't stare into her eyes any longer and quickly turned away.
"So then why…"
"Huh?" Ragna turned back at her as her expression changed to a much softer and almost saddened one.
"Why don't you look at me like how you look at say Celica or Makoto? I know I may not be as attractive as them…but still…" Rachel turned away from him and sighed.
Now he felt like shit; he didn't know how she did it, but she always made him feel like shit when she got like this. Just how in the hell do women do that? Ragna placed his hands on her shoulders, causing her too jump a bit and look back at him. "Rachel… Look I just… I don't know... But why are you asking me? Can you at least tell me that?"
"I know it might…be a little selfish, but I just want you for myself, Ragna. Is that…so much to ask?"
"Wha!?" He couldn't believe what just came out of her mouth. Did she really just say that!? Or did the roses finally send him off to no man's land? A million questions were raised from that one phrase, her voice repeating over and over again. Ragna's body started to just move on auto pilot as he pushed her down onto the bed. Rachel landed with a slight gasp as he got on top of her. His eyes locked onto hers as his hand drifted up to gently move her bangs away from her face.
Her face was flushed and cheeks a light pink. Her alluring crimson eyes sparkled gem stones and her lips were a luscious clear pink, its gleam tempting. He placed his hand on her cheek and caressed her smooth flesh. "You know…you're pretty cute when you want to be. It's kinda the reason why I keep calling you, Rabbit. Not just because of the ribbons, but just how you can act like this sometimes."
"Wha!? What are you saying you idiot!" She raised a hand to hit him, but Ragna caught her small fist with ease. Rachel made no attempt to free herself and just stared at him. He released her hand from his grasp as her hand fell back down onto the bed, her gaze never moving off of him, not even for a second.
Ragna swallowed a lump and moved a knee up in between her legs as winced a bit from the sudden feeling. "Rachel are you…?"
"I'm fine Ragna. Go ahead… I want you too." Rachel shut her eyes and puckered her lips, awaiting his lips to contact hers.
'The hell is going on with her!? If I even bumped into her she was ready to fry me! But this…' Ragna took a huge gulp and placed a hand on her cheek as he descended to her lips. They were only centimeters away from each other, until...
"Yo, Ragna!" Kagura walked in. "I heard you in here and… I…" The pair stop in their tracks as they turn their heads to find Kagura staring at them wide eyed. "O-Ok um…is this a bad time?"
"Kagura, what are you doing? I thought you were looking for brother don't just—" Saya came in and stopped in her tracks at the scene before her, her eyes widened. Makoto, Celica, Jin, Kokonoe, Noel and Tsubaki came to the door, all of them had the same reaction. Ragna tried to get up, but ended up falling down onto the floor with a thud. He rubbed his head to ease the pain and rose up. The platinum heard heavy footsteps and looked to see a ratyer pissed off Saya stomping over to him. She stopped firmly in front of him and stared her brother in the eyes.
"What were you two doing!?"
"N-Nothing, Saya! Just calm down for a second!"
"Calm down…?" Saya's brow twitched. "Calm down…! Calm down!? How the hell am I suppose to calm down when I walk in to find this!?"
"Woah there Saya, I'm telling you nothing happened!"
"Oh, yeah!?" She grabbed his collar. "If nothing happened then fine! Tell me just what you two were doing in here!"
"That idiot and I were speaking about a matter he asked me. It was rather important to him and it is also something that I needed to confirm. After we finished, the fool tried to get up and fell on top of me." Rachel half lied.
"Yeah," Ragna nodded nervously. "See I told you!" The sweat dripping Ragna looked at Kagura just staring at him with 'your fucked' expression.
Damn was he right…
"You two didn't do anything!?"
"I swear we were just talking!"
"Good!" Saya gripped his collar tighter and threw him on the bed and quickly got on top of him.
"Saya, what are you doing!?"
"I'm taking you right here, right now!" Saya opened his shirt as he gasped.
"Are you kidding me!?"
"Saya, what are you doing!?" Makoto gasped.
"What does it look like!? I'm gonna take him here and now!"
"Is she serious right now!?" Kokonoe asked with widened eyes.
"I think she is!" Celica, Makoto and Kokonoe ran and tackled her off Ragna as he slowly managed to wiggle his way out of the four girls and fell on the floor. It thought he could run out the door and escape, but a murderous aura kept him from moving. The shivering man looked up to see Rachel staring him down, her eyes turned to menacing slits. There was an odd sparking sound that rang through his ears and his entire face went pale once he saw what it was. It was electricity; dancing in her fingers and he knew just who it's target was.
"W-Wait, Rabbit! Let's talk about this!"
"Ragna…!"
"No wait!"
"Die!"
"Huh?"
"What is it now, Terumi?"
"Dunno," Terumi shrugged. "I feel like I just missed something amazing! Weird…" There was a heavy disturbance that the serpent felt. Something just took place; something that he had to see with his own eyes.
Relius let's out an irritated sigh. "I have no time for your antics Terumi."
"Always so mean…" Terumi chuckled and turned to the floating Nu, her body floating within a large tube filled with water. Relius' fingers moved at break neck speeds along the large keyboard, the data running down his screen faster than the eye could see.
"All her vital signs are normal. She is stable enough to go now." The masked puppeteer pressed a button as the water started to drain out from under Nu. Once all the water was drained, the tube opened up, as Nu opened her eyes and walked out. "Number 13, get dressed. You know what to do."
"Yes, Colonel Relius." Nu heads towards the side door and pulls out a blue body suit and white cloak. She quickly puts them on and walked back to Relius as the masked man motioned her to follow him. The three walk out of his lab and towards the cauldron, Terumi chuckling every now and again while they walked.
"Now would you mind explaining to me what is so funny?"
"Oh nothing. I'm just excited for what's to come. The terror is so close I can already taste it." The green haired man licks his fangs and smiles. "Oh I'm about to get the fix I've been waiting so long for."
"Suit yourself." They finally arrive at the cauldron, the pool of lava below shining it's red light onto their faces. "I already sent you the coordinates. Now I do not know where exactly they are so you might have to search a bit for them, but be gone no later then four days, am I clear?"
"Yes, Colonel Relius." Nu asked no more questions and leapt into the cauldron, her body soon disappearing into the pool of flames.
"So you think she'll actually find them?"
"Yes. I have not pinpointed their exact location, but the vicinity in where they lay within the boundary I have found. All we have to do now is wait and prepare ourselves on our end."
Terumi snickers a bit. "Oh don't worry I already have the altar all set. That Arakune thing or whatever made connecting to the depths of the cauldron much easier so harvesting the souls of all those soldiers was so fucking easy."
"And you were the one complaining."
"Listen if you had a literal pile of shit walking next to you I think you'd be creeped out too. Oh, yeah right… I forgot who I was talking too for a second."
"Enough talk for now. I need to be off." Relius said.
"Where?" Terumi asks.
"It seems as if I have someone looking for me. I shan't keep them waiting for long. Besides… I need to investigate this matter. It piqued my curiosity."
"Knowing you it's probably about souls and shit like that. Has anyone ever told you, you need to work on your people skills?" Relius paid Terumi no mind and walked out. The green haired man just watched him leave and once he was gone he looked back into the cauldron. A wicked smile comes across his face, stretching from ear to ear. "Things are finally starting to get interesting. Hehe… I can't wait to see the pain on their faces… Just thinking about is enough to make me go wild!" He snickered. "It's time…to awaken the godslayer."
"Ugh…"
"Ragna. Are you ok?" Noel asked. After Rachel electrocuted him, he's been laying down on the bed recuperating and even after Celica healed him the damage was too great; he couldn't even stand up. Noel and Saya decided to stay with him and keep him company. "Hmmm…" Noel pushed her finger into his cheek out of boredom and giggled. "You have chubby cheeks Ragna."
"Weird…"
"Hey, brother, are you ok?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit weak is all."
"I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me." Saya sighed.
"Don't worry it's fine. I feel better already." Ragna sprang up and got out of bed, his body was still a little weak, but it was time to get moving. "Alright then. Time to go." The trio made their way out the room and made their way downstairs to their waiting companions. Kagura saw Ragna and asked.
"Hey you gonna be alright. She grilled your ass pretty badly."
"I'll be fine. That dumb Rabbit over there seriously doesn't know when to hold back."
"Is it my fault that you are in this predicament? Or is it your own?" Rachel asked him with heavy irritation.
"It's yours! How the hell is it mine!?" Ragna shouted.
"Figure it out." Rachel said sharply.
"Bite me." Ragna groaned.
"Maybe I will." Rachel smirked.
"Ok then, kiss my ass." He snarled.
"Mommy, daddy, stop fighting." Kagura smirked
"Shut the fuck up Kagura." Ragna groaned and flipped him off. Noel forced a laugh as she watched them argue, but was drawn to something else. There was whimpering coming from beside her as she turned to see it was Makoto. Her face was red and she was staring at the floor.
"Hey Makoto, are you ok? Your face is bright red."
"O-Oh me!? Don't worry about me Noellers I'll be fine!" The squirrel forced a laugh and looked back at Ragna, feeling her face getting hotter and hotter. "Celica and the rest of them are gonna kill me for this…" Makoto groaned.
"Hm?" Noel gives her confused look, but didn't bother to ask what happened as she just let her friend be. Rachel opened a portal for all of them to walk through as they all bid their goodbyes to each other and head to their homes.
When Ragna and the rest of them arrive in his house they look to see it was night time; the moon hailing high in the starry heavens. "Damn night came down quick… Were we really there all day?"
"Yes you all were. I was wondering when you all would return." A ghostly voice said. Ragna jumped and looked to see Izanami standing in front of them.
"Holy shit, where did you come from!"
"I have been here for quite sometime. I was wondering when you all would return. Where were you?" Izanami asked.
"We were at the Rabbits house, but what I want to know us where were you? You just took off earlier."
"Ah, yes. Well I went to speak with Amaterasu and as of now we won't be receiving anymore help from the master unit."
"What!? Wait, why?" Ragna asked.
"The phenomenon has shifted heavily. Whatever is about to happen is going to change the way this fight will go. With that the Master unit had to intervene to make sure chaos wouldn't spread and that is bringing the master unit closer to the boundaries edge. Once the master unit is there Terumi can pull Amaterasu out and destroy it." Izanami informed.
"So that's why… But what's gonna happen here that's so damn important?" Jin asked.
"Most, if not all the entitled, have gathered in this very city. Soon turning it into a battleground for war to be waged. I have already informed Nine on the situation." Izanami said.
"Ok…now I'm kinda scared…" Saya shivered.
"If that's the case that would mean Terumi and Relius Clover have already arrived here." Rachel guessed.
"Yes, they are here. However I do not know what they are plotting. For some reason they seem to be fooling around with the cauldron, almost as if they are searching for something."
"I have a guess and nothing more, but let's not speculate; that would lead only to confusion. For now let us focus on the facts." Rachel said.
"So Rabbit, you know what's about to go down here? Sounds like some freaky shits about to start up." Ragna said.
"Sadly I do not. I will look into it but will promise you nothing. I hate to admit it, but I am just as lost as you are."
"So we really are behind? Then what do we do when they start to act out whatever they have planned?" Saya asks.
"All we can do now i—" Rachel stopped in her tracks as the room fell deathly silent. 'This sensation… An observer.'
"Um, Rabbit?"
"I shall be back soon." Rachel said as she vanished into thin air, leaving Ragna, Jin and Saya a bit confused. "What just happened?"
"I don't even know…"
"We finally made it. Akitsu." Carl took a step out of the monorail and looked around. It was more crowded then he expected, but pushed them passed them and went onto the main streets. "I need to find her." After being released and clear by Litchi she took off, Carl not being able to say thank you to her. He tried to find her but came up short and decided to leave it be. He was about to, but then remembered Litchi mention his father's name he had a suspicion that she might be working with him.
'I won't let you do too Ms. Litchi what you did to her!' He turned to his automaton and nodded. "I know sis. Don't worry, I have you with me I know we'll be ok." They walked onto one of the less crowded streets. It was a one way, people were either inside sleeping or getting ready for bed. The streetlights flickered on, illuminating the way for them down the quiet lifeless street. "Now where could she be…?"
"Oh!? Is that you master Carl!?" A loud gruff voice called out to him as the boy stopped and turned around. Carl looked up to see someone descending down to him. The person lands in front of them, someone he knew very well. "Mr. Bang? What are you doing here?"
"It really is you master Carl. Now how is my cute little disciple doing?" His voice was gruff and his attitude was very energetic.
"I'm fine Mr. Bang," Carl gave him a genuine smile. Bang was one of the few people he had in this world otherwise from his sister to talk too. He was kind hearted and always listened to him when he had something to say, even taking him out for meals from time to time. "The last time I saw you was at Kagutsuchi." Carl recalled.
"Ah yes I was, but something has happened and I am currently looking for someone. So what brings you here to Akitsu? Did you find another bounty?"
"No I didn't Mr. Bang. I'm currently looking for someone as well. I don't want to be rude but I need to hurry."
"I see…" Bang saw the look of worry in the young boys face as he nodded in understanding. "I understand, Carl. You have grown quite a bit since the last time I saw you." The man puts a hand a caring hand on his shoulder. "I will be in the neighborhood. Call out to me if you wish to speak with me. Good luck finding who you need too my boy."
"Ok, Mr. Bang." With a leap, Bang vanished into the darkness. Carl was never unimpressed on how he was able to just vanish from sight in an instant.
"Hey sis, do you think he'll teach me how to do that if I ask him?" He starts to chuckle. "Maybe. He did call me his apprentice after all. Come on sis, let's get to the upper levels. If anything Ms. Litchi might he at the base or somewhere in it's vicinity." The two start to walk again, making their way to the upper levels of the city.
He takes a monorail to the top of the city, looking out the window and glancing over the city. He turned back at Nirvana and sighed, remembering the first time they came here. It was for the yearly Christmas festival they hold in Akitsu. His mother, his sister and him came here to enjoy it. His father, Relius, couldn't come because of business and the three ended up going by themselves. A smile formed across the boys lips just thinking about the time he shared with his mother and sister, he wanted those times back; no matter what he had to do.
The monorail finally stopped at its destination as Carl and Nirvana walked out and made their way around neighborhood. "Do you think if we find father we can find Ms. Litchi?"
"…"
"I don't know either, but I guess we could do that sis. Knowing him he's probably still in the NOL building. I need to find him quick."
"There is no need to look any further." Carl heard someone say. He knew the voice well and turned his head to the right to see Relius standing there.
"Father!?"
"You have been looking for me haven't you? You were faster then I expected you to be, but I should get this out the way before everything starts to unfold. Can't have anything getting in the way." Relius said.
"Finally found you! Now answer me father! Where is Ms. Litchi!"
"Litchi?" Relius strokes his beard and said with realization. "Ah, you mean Litchi Faye Ling?"
"So she is with you…" Carl eyes turned to meaning slits as he glared at his father in anger.
"Interesting…" Relius snapped his fingers as Ignis appeared out of thin air. "There is something strange about you… I must analyze this for myself."
"Sis! Let's go!" The two charge at Relius and Ignis. Nirvana lunges at Ignis, making a way for Carl to go to Relius. A doll launched out of Carl's cape and lunged at Relius. The uppeteer leapt away as a purple circle appearing under Carl. The small boy jumped out the way as metal claws appeared from the circle. He lands on the ground and looks at Nirvana. The doll nodded and pushed Ignis off of her and ran to Relius. Ignis tried to chase after her, but was blocked by Carl.
"You're staying right here, mother!"
"Interesting…" Relius smirked as Nirvana looked down to see a line of purple circles line up. What seemed like robotic hands popped out of them as Nirvana dodged it and looked behind her to see it heading towards Carl.
Carl whipped around and saw hands coming towards him as he jumped out the way to dodge them. He felt something behind him and turned his head to see Ignis right on top of him. Nirvana quickly jumped up and wrapped her arms around Carl as Ignis swung her massive arm down, sending the two plummeting to the ground. Nirvana turned her body so she could land on her back, taking the full brunt of the impact. Her arms fell down to the ground as Carl quickly got off of her.
"Ada! Ada are you ok!?"
Ignis jumps back to Relius as the masked man just stared at the two. "I see…" Carl helps Nirvana up, Carl doing his best to hold Nirvana up.
"Please sis hang in there!"
"That is why your souls seem to be in such perfect harmony."
"Huh?" Carl looked back at Relius. "What are you talking about?"
"You've superimposed Ada's soul over Litchi's. Now why would you weaken yourself by thinking of others?" Relius asked.
"What's so bad about thinking of others!? The hell do you know? All you care about is your stupid research and your own gains."
"And is there anything wrong with that? Human beings are, by nature, greedy and selfish creatures. As long as we get what we want, we don't care about others or who we hurt." He chuckled. "I have seen all that I need too. This has definitely piqued my interest."
"What the hell are you talking about!?" Carl asked.
"Very well, Carl. I will construct Ada again."
"!" Carl felt his heart stop for a second, his eyes shot open. The boy stuttered a bit before finally being able to form a proper sentence. "W-What did you…just say?"
"Did you not hear me? I said I will construct Ada, again." Relius smirked.
Carl looks at Nirvana, his expression filled with disbelief. "My sister…can actually be saved?"
Relius snaps his fingers as Ignis vanished in a purple portal. "I have never lied to you Carl. When you make your decision come to me." The Puppeteer whipped around as his cape flaps in the wind. "I do not like to kept waiting, Carl." The man walked away, leaving his son and daughter by themselves. Carl could hear his footsteps for a while until after a while he couldn't hear him. The boy looked back up to see he was gone, but he did leave something behind, something unexpected and something he never expected him to leave for him.
He left hope…
A chance that he could have his sister back.
"He's right, he's never lied to me before. I'm so confused, Ada. Please…help me." Carl pleads. Nirvana wraps her large arms around him, trying her best to comfort him. "Sis… I'm sorry…"
"Oh me oh my! I finally found you!" An excited voice said. Nirvana separated from him as the two turned their heads to see a man in a pink kimono, lavender hair tied in a bun that still extended down and an umbrella walking towards him. The man stops in front of them, smiling wide at the boy.
"U-Um hello… Can I help you?"
"Ah yes! Sorry for not introducing myself." The man bowed. "My name is, Amane Nishiki. It's a pleasure." Carl waved to him hesitantly, wondering if he should run or not. He wasn't a bad person, but something was definitely off about him. "You must be Carl Clover right? Famous vigilante extraordinaire?"
"Extraordinaire? I don't know about that part but I am Carl Clover."
Amane nods excitedly. "Yes, Yes!"
Carl stutters a bit and asks hesitantly. "S-So… What do you want from me."
"I thought you'd never ask my dear!" Amane clears his throat as his expression shifted to a more serious one. Carl decided to listen to him since it seemed important. "Carl. Be mine."
A silence takes them up, Carl staring at him blanked eyed, a cool breeze blows passed them. The vigilante digs his ear a little to and sees that it was clear. "I'm sorry, but can you say that again?" He asked with a forced smile and chuckle.
"Ok. Carl. Be mine."
"Right… I thought I was going crazy." Carl sighs and waves his hand. "Sorry but I'm not into…that."
"Oh no not like that my dear." Amane shook his head.
"Ok good…" Carl sighed in relief. "You scared me."
"I want you to join my troupe. I'm running a little dancing troupe and I've been looking for a young boy to join me." Amane explained.
"Oh, so your in to entertainment?" Carl asked with a bit of interest.
"That's right my dear and I've been looking everywhere for you and now I've found you! You could say I'm a little…excited." Amane took a few breaths as Carl sweat dropped.
"You don't say…" Carl was a bit creeped out by all this and decided that the best course of action was to run as far away as possible. "Well I need to get going. Sorry, but I need to go."
"Sorry Carl but I won't let you go that easily." Carl felt a dangerous vibe around him and backed up a little. "If you won't come willingly, then I'll just have to take you by force."
"Hey isn't that kidnapping!?"
"Oh no my dear don't look at me like that. This isn't kidnapping in the slightest. This is…enlistment." Amane told him with a confident smile.
"Your trying to take my against my will!" Carl shouts.
"Details, details let's not focus on the niddy gritty my dear and back to what's important."
"I can't do this right now! Ada let's go!" Nirvana grabs Carl and leapt away, the doll hoping away on the rooftops.
"And there he goes… I figured maybe if he was with me I could keep a closer eye on him. I'll catch you eventually, but first things first," The entertainer turned around and looked to see Rachel standing a few feet away from him. "Now what can I do for you, vampire?"
"Who are you?"
"Isn't it better or I should say more appropriate to tell me your name first?" He asked with a chuckle.
Rachel sent him a sharp glare as she asked again in a venomous tone. "I'll ask you again… Just who are you?"
Amane puts a hand on his hip and smirked. "Sorry sweetie, but those 'eyes' don't work on me."
"So they don't…" Rachel's expression became a little less tense as she took a breath. "I see…" She folds her umbrella as it morphed into a large black cat. "My name is Rachel Alucard. Now might you tell me yours, observer."
"My name is Amane Nishiki. It's a pleasure princess." He greets.
"Wait…are you Uzume?"
"Uzume? Sorry but my name is Amane Nishiki." Amane said. "Now, I thought the Alucard family main line was lost. I guess Terumi missed you." Her glare was back as Amane giggled fearfully as he saw some of her fangs. "Sorry, sorry I didn't mean to get personal. I just want to know why someone like you, someone who's suppose to be an observer, has stooped to entering the world of logic. Possessing one of the original units or not that's a bold move to get directly involved. Is this because of him? Ragna the Bloodedge, I guess for now he goes by Ragna Kisaragi."
"I have no reason to answer you." Rachel said.
"Still if I'm right I smell him on you. Have you already bitten him? I can see why your urges haven't overwhelmed you yet, but I must ask you. How long can you last with just one bite? Your body will start to deteriorate again."
"That is none of your concern. I am just fine, do not trouble yourself."
"I think I do. Your getting a little bit too involved. That involvement is gonna bite you right in the butt, then it's gonna break you." Amane said sternly.
"…I will keep that in mind."
Amane smiled. "Well as long as you understand. But for now I've gotta get going!" The man ran off in the direction Carl went off into. "You're not getting away from me, my dear sweet Carl! Haha!" Rachel watches him run off until he was completely out of sight. She was about to return home, but stopped as a thought came to mind.
"Since I'm out I might as well take care of it now."
"Ms. Litchi. Have you truly joined the NOL?" Bang stood on top of a building, looking down on the city as memory played back in his head. It is the memory before he left in search of Litchi. Linhua ran up to him, tears in her eyes and eyes blood red. Thinking back on it just made his burning heard ache. "Linhua, I swear to you. I will bring Ms. Litchi back home safe and sound. I shan't let another tear fall down your face again." Suddenly there was a slight change in the wind that made the hairs on his head stand up. The man quickly looked behind him to see Rachel standing right behind him. "You… Who are you? Excuse my rudeness, but you don't seem like a 'normal' person. Or at least anyone I've ever seen before."
"At least you have manners. I shall forgive that comment and just state my name." She continued. "I am Rachel Alucard. That nail on your back is the Phoenix Rettenjo am I right?"
"Yes, but how do you know this?" Bang asks, getting a little suspicious of the girl.
"I have come to ask for it. May I please have it?"
"Please forgive me, but my master entrusted this to me before his passing, calling it his final will. I shan't forsake my master and hand it over to someone I do not even know. What do you plan on doing if the Rettenjo anyway?"
"It seems I should tell you what I need it…or I should say what we need it for." Bang stays silent, signaling her to continue on. "You are currently searching for Litchi Faye Ling are you not?" The man's eyes widen as he ran up to Rach, a wide smile on his face.
"Yes I am! Do you know where she is!?"
Rachel took a step back as his body odor crept into her nose. "Yes… But I think I should tell you why we need it. It will tie into your objective as well." Bang stayed quiet as Rachel explained why exactly she needed the nail he carried. The story was a little baffling at first, but something about the way she spoke made him believe her. What was more baffling was when she began to explain the significance of what he carries and what exactly is going on with the NOL.
"Is all that clear for you?"
"I cannot say yes, because some of the things you have shared is a little hard to believe, but I do not sense any faults in your words. I must ask you… Is my master truly in here?"
"Yes, he is. That is why he called it his 'will'. Not only because it embodies what he hoped to accomplish, but it also embodies his very soul and that soul is going to be the key that activates it."
"My master knew about this? Then why did he entrust it to me? If he truly did entrust it to me, then does that mean there is more to what he asked me?" Bang started to mumble, the information he just received rattled his brain.
"If that is not enough to sway you, what if I told you there were those who belonged to Tenjo's family members was still alive?"
"What!? But that fire in Wadatsumi killed everyone! I went back and there was no one! I do not know who you are, but I will not forgive you if you are lying to me."
"I am not. There were survivors. There is one in particular who was a rather close relative. His family was actually supposed to be next in line as head of Wadatsumi should the need arise, but that did not go as planned, so Tenjo devised a plan just in case. Even though he knew this plan would put this boy through hell itself and back again."
"Do you know where they are?" Bang asked.
"I do. They are safe, at least for now. I must ask you stay put for now. The event about to take place shall dictate what will happen next. If we are victorious we will need that nail for the upcoming events coming up after this one."
"Ok… I understand."
"A woman named Nine will contact you later on. For now, try not to let that nail slip through your fingers. We will need it if we are going to win." With a nod from Bang, the scruffy man leapt off the building and vanished into the night. Rachel sighs and with a snap of her fingers she finds herself back at Ragna house. She gets herself ready for bed and lays down, sleep quickly taking her and her familiars away.
Unknown to her Amane was standing on top of a roof looking at their house. "Man… Things are about to get heated quick! The wheel of fate isn't turning the way it's supposed to turn. Isn't that right Izanami?" He turns around and looks to see Izanami floating above him.
"Observer… What are you doing here?" She descends down to him, landing right in front of him.
"I'm just here to watch nothing more and nothing less. I'm not doing what the princess is doing."
"Oh really?" She glared at him.
"Don't worry I'm not here to start any fights. Just preparing that if worst comes to worst I'm ready. I guess leaving it up to them is one crazy gamble."
"Do you mean Ragna the Bloodedge and Jin Kisaragi?"
"Yeah. The Power of Order and the Azure Grimoire. He's got the Azure's power under control, at least for now. I just hope it stays that way. And the Power of Order has not properly awakened with him. Now on top of two unknown variables I've gotta worry about another Black Beast."
"The thirteenth prime field device."
"Yeah… Gotta feel bad for her. Can't even imagine what that girl must've gone through. I truly do pity her…" His brutish tone quickly changed back to his upbeat one as he winked at Izanami. "Well I'll be off. Good night." A swirl of cherry blossoms circled around Amane and once the blossoms cleared up, he was gone.
Izanami watched as they headed towards the NOL building. "Fate is not going as it is suppose too. This gives births to possibilities never thought possible; possibilities to a brighter future and also to a bitter end. An end that no one can escape. Not even death itself. The prologue will be over soon and the events that will take place in this story will differ from what is written."
A smile formed on her lips as she chuckled a bit to herself. "Why am I so excited? Do I crave the drama? Do I wish to see the ending? If destiny really is to be shaped, then it may be shaped by that man. At the end, just what will he do? Whatever he chooses will be a sight to see and a choice that will effect the whole world." A gentle breeze blows by her as the viloet haired woman stared up at the starry heavens at the luminous moon hailing high above all.
"Ragna the Bloodedge... Just who will you save?"
Ok that's it for this chapter. Hope you all liked it. You guys already know what I'm gonna say, review and tell me my faults, what you liked and what I should work on. Welp I'll see you all next time. Here's the preview of the next chapter:
Nine: Those are Sector Seven soldiers, but why here?
Makoto: Everyone get to safety!
Kokonoe: Shit are you kidding me!
Kagura: Are you serious! Son of a bitch get them out of here now! We don't stand a chance in hell right now! Move your asses!
Ragna: Damn you…!
Saya: They're after brother!
Jin: Just when we need it most!
Noel: The other students… We need to hurry or they'll kill them!
Saya: This isn't right… Just what is going on here…
Rachel: I think we should gather as much information as we can. With this turn out we should find out as much information on both sides as we can.
Tsubaki: They rigged it all over the school! We need to go, now!
Celica: I can't just run away and leave you guys here!
Izanami: With this, I believe the boundaries between them are finally broken. We can expect anything now.
Rachel: Looks like they intend to take on the Library for real.
Ragna: Another Murakumo unit…? You look just like…!
Next Chapter 15: Awakening the Chaos
Revised on 6/24/17