Rachel: So we have finally taken a step forward. Let us review.
Makoto: Saw the Imperator, I got rekt, and then we went out separate ways trying not to get spotted.
Saya: I was studying for a math final before this.
Kagura: The next day was going to be the physical exams so…
Makoto: Fucking… Pervert.
Terumi: And I got my form back. Thanks a bunch Noel and Ragna! Kisses.
Ragna: Fuck. You.
Celica: So now that that's out of the way. Jin, you need to answer from last time.
Kagura: Ok Jinny! What stimulates someone as cold as you?
Jin: First of all fuck you. Second of all do I REALLY have to answer that?
Makoto: Well Hakumen did it.
Noel: But that's something personal…
Celica: But he selected it so…
Rachel: Just do it so we can move on already.
Jin: Silence vampire. Do you wish to answer this question?
Rachel: I was not asked. You were.
Terumi: Oh come on you giant pussy just do it. I gotta take a shit so hurry up.
Jin: Very well… Black.
Ragna: Black?
Jin: Black lingerie… I am quite fond of it.
Kagura: Huh. That's surprisingly normal of you.
*walks over to Jin and pats him on the back*
Kagura: My boys GROWING into a man!
Tsubaki: Black huh? I think I might have…
Makoto: You say something Tsubaki?
Tsubaki: Nope nothing!
Noel: Ok so we draw again?
Izanami: Very well.
*Izanami picks out a name from the box*
Izanami: Valkenhayn R. Hellsing.
Valkenhayn: Me? Very well then.
*Reaches inside the second box and draws a card*
Valkenhayn: It says "Identity swap".
Celica: You have to draw a name out of the box, and whoever you draw you've gotta switch clothes.
Ragna: What!?
Jin: Oh hell no! If I were to draw that card and I drew a girl then…
Terumi: I'm not cool with this…
Noel: Wait a minute but how is it supposed to work with Hakumen?
Celia: He'll just wear it over his armor.
Hakumen: The hell I will!
Valkenhayn: Let the gods shine down upon me…
*Izanami reaches into the box and draws everyone gone silent as Valkenhayn gulps*
Izanami: The person you shall be swapping clothes with is—
*Nine bursts in pissed*
Nine: Ok! So who the hell have been telling everyone that I've been forcing Kokonoe too—and I quote—"Clean my carpet"!?
Ragna: Ok look if it really bothers you that much we'll all help out. I know it stinks a little, and it might be hard for you guys, but I'll help as much as I can. But only if I get to lay my head on it again. It smelled really good the last time and felt better than a bed.
Terumi: Heh. Heh. Heh! Hah! Hahahaha! AAAAHHHHH!
Nine: Ragna!
*a giant ball of fire appears in Nine's hand as sweat drops from Ragna's face as he started to run as Nine began to throw fireballs at him*
Nine: Get back here!
*Kokonoe comes in panting*
Kokonoe: Mother wait! Oh, damn it all!
Jin: She's going to kill him! Brother, I'm coming!
Akahana: Wait a minute Konoe you stop that right this instant young lady!
Celia: We should start before they destroy the place.
Izanami: So should I not say it then?
Noel: I think we should just start.
Kagura: So Makoto…
Makoto: Yeah what?
Kagura: You think the carpet matches the drapes?
Makoto: Kagura!
Kagura: What it was a leginament… I mean a legitimate…whatever.
Makoto: How am I supposed to answer that!?
Kagura: Ok. So do yours?
Makoto: Now that's personal you pervert! Does yours you walking sex tool!?
Kagura: Nope.
Makoto: What…?
Kagura: Manscaping. Keeps me clean.
Makoto: It's weird…
Kagura: It's hygienic.
Makoto: Just start the damn chapter before she kills him...
Kagura: Start the chapter.
Nine: Get your ass back here!
Jin and Saya: Brother!
Ragna: AAAHHHH!
Chapter 21: The road ahead part 1
The night had been chilly, but the fire they laid helped deal with it. While Rachel slept soundly, using her familiars as a blanket and pillow, and Lambda and Noel snuggled together, Ragna remained awake unable to get even a wink of sleep. Mainly because of everything that happened kept him thinking and on guard. The now marked criminal with the moniker of Grim Reaper leaned against a tree with his hands behind his head and eyes that gazed aimlessly into the night sky. Thoughts, feelings, and memories all crossed at once. Ranging from disbelief from being marked a criminal, to the melancholy of wandering the forest with his master Jubei. Now those were the days, but they weren't all sunshine and rainbows. He was a gritty little shit—and even when his master had shown him such kindness, he was always so hostile. Now thinking about it, he could've served to give the cat some kind of thank you gift.
Ragna laughed a bit at the suggestion.
"Guess I'll check the surroundings…" If he couldn't sleep, might as well take a walk. Ragna rose off the dirt with a grunt while taking his blade off the tree as he sheathed it on his waist. The Reaper took glanced at his unconscious group of 'rebels' and crept away, doing his best not to wake them, but the clinking metal each time he walked made that rather difficult. Soon, he just stopped caring and trotted along like he usually did, crushing the occasional stick and bushing passed branches. Didn't matter anyway. They were knocked out. For what felt like ten minutes Ragna trotted along the wood covered path, approaching the exit as the trees began to part ways. He was a little surprised in fact. He didn't think he walked so far but shrugged and kept on going until he came out of the bushes to a cliff with a rather lovely view of the forest below and of a massive tower in the distance.
Ikaruga…
Ragna's eyes narrowed at the tower, mumbling the word 'Ibukido' under his breath. The platinum couldn't help but wonder how in the hell anyone could build that massive thing, but as he's been shown lately, humanity is capable of pretty much anything so who was he to question it? Ragna shut his eyes briefly and chuckled, just thinking about all this… He couldn't help but laugh.
"Life really does have a fancy way of screwin' with ya…" Ragna plopped himself down on the edge of the cliff, allowing his feet to dangle off. "All I can do now is roll with it."
"You're much better at dealing with this then I am, that's for sure." An innocent and a bit of a shrieking voice approached from behind, belonging to none other than Noel. Ragna turned to face the girl as he gave her a curt smile which she happily returned.
"Guess I ended up waking you—sorry about that."
"You didn't wake me," Noel plopped down beside him and hugged her legs. "I wasn't really sleeping, but when I opened my eyes, you were gone. I heard some footsteps and thought they were yours, so I followed. Sorry if I was intruding." Noel apologized.
"Na it's fine. Actually, I wanted to talk to you. You mind?"
"Of course not. What is it?"
"Are you ok? Any out lasting effects?"
"No, I'm ok. I don't feel any pain at all or dizziness." Noel said.
"Ok, but let me know if somethings wrong. It might be a reaction from the boundary. Little or no you tell me ok?"
"You worry so much Ragna." Noel giggles. "I'm ok so calm down."
"Sorry, but I can't. Knowing how much of an idiot you can be I can't help, but worry about you." Ragna smirked.
"Hey!" Noel pouted. "I thought you were actually worried, but that's your reason?"
"I'm kidding; I'm kidding, Noel. But…"
"Uh-huh?"
"She's still there…isn't she…"
A pause.
"Yes, she is…" Noel felt a hefty weight suddenly press itself against her breast as her eyes gravitated to the forest below. "She's wanted to talk to you for some time. I just haven't been listening."
"I see…" Ragna sighed. A pause. "Hey Mu, if you can hear me I want to say this. I would love to talk to you again, but I don't want to make Noel feel uncomfortable. So let's take a rain check on that alright?"
Silence.
"She said ok…"
"Ok… Thanks, Noel and sorry for putting you in a situation like this." Ragna apologized.
"It's ok… I just feel a bit… I don't know what I'm feeling right now. I don't hate her… I just can't talk to her without feeling a bit of anger. She hurt Makoto, Tsubaki, Saya, Kokonoe, Kagura, Jin…and you. You had to give up your arm for me. I know you tell me not to worry, but," Noel's nails dug into her legs, ready to draw blood along with her teeth which currently gnawed on her bottom lip. "I can't stop thinking about it."
"Guess that's still on your mind huh… Well just so ya know, I ain't mad at ya. So don't go thinking that I'm pissed off or anything. I wanted to save you… I wanted to save both of you. I'm glad I did. And I'm glad you're here." Noel remained silent and merely scooted over so their shoulders could touch. Ragna looked over at her, unable to see the harsh blush under her bangs.
"U-Um, Ragna?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, Ragna I uh…" Noel began to fiddle with her fingers and kept her eyes planted on her boots, unable to look the man in the eyes. "Thank you for saving me… Risking your life and not only that but your arm. It was…really sweet. I don't know what to say…"
"Come on Noel it was nothing. Just think of it as charity, no need for thanks." Ragna said.
"But it isn't nothing!" Noel abruptly shouted, throwing her face into his as he jumped back, immediately sorry. "You can't just say it's nothing when that happens to you. Now you're a criminal because of me too." Noel hung her head. "All I seem to do is cause you trouble…"
"Don't sweat it. I don't regret it, so you shouldn't beat yourself up over it."
"But Ragna… I'm still sorry about what happened to you all. You tell me not to worry, but I can't stop worrying. You all mean so much to me," Noel started to sniffle as a tears pronounced itself in her eyes. "And if you all got hurt because of me again I don't know what I would do… We already saw what happened once and I just don't want it to happen again... I don't," Noel's voice cracked as the tears began to fall and she sobbed, "I don't want to lose any of you..."
"And you won't." Ragna planted a soft hand on the top of her head as she brought her tear-filled eyes up to meet him. "Nothing's gonna happen, ok?"
"But Ragna you lost your arm because of me! All because you had to save me!" Noel's tears began to flow down her cheeks at a more rapid pace as she threw herself at him and wept into his chest. "I just don't want you to leave me…"
"I won't leave you, Noel." Ragna ran his hand through her hair in an attempt to calm her down, his voice just as soothing as his fingers. "I'll be right here, and I won't let you get hurt. Nothing's going to happen, alright? So stop the damn waterworks," Ragna chuckled. "It's starting to get on my last nerves."
"Ok…" Noel rose from his chest and sniffled a few times while wiping the tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry you had to see me like this… I just don't know what to do or think or even believe…" Her reddened eyes looked at his left arm. "You gave your arm up…just for me…"
"And I'll do it again if I have too. I did promise I was going to protect you. If I'm gonna do it, then I'm going all the damn way for you." Ragna placed a confident hand on her shoulder. "So perk up."
"Ragna…" Noel laid a soft hand on his. "At times you can be so mean… Sometimes I think you hate me, but then after all this. I just can't help but…"
"Noel?" Ragna's hand fell from her grasp as her bangs shrouded her eyes in a shadow. All he could see was the smile that recently formed on her lips. Suddenly, before he could even ask and quicker than he could blink, those lips covered his. Ragna's eyes stretched on contact, and his cheeks matched that of Tsubaki's hair-hell, maybe even a little darker. All the oxygen once held in his lungs now escaped into the atmosphere. The man couldn't move or even think. All he could do was stare at her until his eyelids fell over his emerald-ruby orbs. Once Ragna added his piece Noel jostled, immediately molding into the lip lock. While a bit clumsy at first, the two form a steady rhythm both could enjoy. Noel's peach-colored lips held the delectable taste of the very fruit and the texture. The warmth that radiated from their point of contact ran throughout Noel's body, even warmer than when she laid by the fire with Lambda. Noel, feeling a little daring, slid her tongue into his mouth which he accepted without hesitation.
Ragna drank her in and took her mouth away several times which Noel didn't seem to have a problem with. He sought out her lips over and over again, placing a hand on her scalding cheek as he tilted his head a smidge for a better angle. Noel gasped a bit at the sudden intensity but soon relaxed and tried to find his speed, once more forming a smooth rhythm. Only when they finally parted ways did they realize just how loss for air they were and as if in slow motion, they opened their eyes. Noel placed her forefinger on the spot where Ragna's lips once occupied and felt her wet lips, and she couldn't help but miss him. Her eyes found his once more than traveled to his lips. Noel wrapped her arms around his neck and brought her lips closer, her heart beating in her ear.
"Ragna, I…"
"And look at this cute fucking couple. Am I interrupting?" A familiar, yet far from welcoming voice cut through the mood. Once their eyes met the newcomer, the two sprang up as threw a protective hand in front of Noel and another on the hilt of his blade, ready to draw. If he wasn't mistaken, her name was Yasha, but he didn't really care.
"The hell are you doing here?"
"Ain't that sweet. Protecting your girlfriend from me?"
"Wha!?" Noel blushed. "N-No! We're not even dating!"
"Even though you two were just locking lips like it was the end of the world? Man, I wonder what would've happened if I let you two go on~? Would've been one hell of a show…" Yasha giggled at the scarlet that filled their cheeks. "Guess I wasn't too far off… But if you were, you've gotta use protection. I know this great place in Yabiko that sells—"
"S-Stop it!" Noel covered her ears.
"Are you freaking dumb!?"
"What I am is bored. That damn Imperator has me working around the clock, and I'm sick of her shit." Yasha looked at the sky and growled, "Soo bored!"
"Um, Ragna… What should we do?" Noel asked.
"I…don't even know."
"Wait, your Ragna?" Yasha pointed to him in confusion.
"Yeah…"
"Funny, I didn't know Ragna was a guys name."
"It isn't…" Ragna groaned as a light tint of pink came to his cheeks.
"Pft' HAHAHAHAHA!" Yasha started to laugh as she fell on the floor, rolling around on the ground.
"Fuck you it's not funny!" Ragna spat.
"Oh yes, it is!" She got back up and patted over to him as she leaned her arm on his shoulder. "I can't believe this! Haha! Oh man, this is great!"
"Oh shut up," Ragna moved his shoulder as Yasha started to topple, but managed to hold herself. "What the hell are you here for?"
"Like I said I was bored and figure I come find one of you. Who knew I'd find Ragna," she started to chuckle. "Just to find out that you're a dude! Hahaha!"
"I swear to god…!"
"Ok… Ok, I'm done… Oh man Ragna… I haven't laughed like that in a while. Thanks for that I needed it. By the way," she cupped her chin and scanned Ragna. Her roving his caused a chill to run up his spine as he took a much-needed step back. "You know Ragna," she smirked as her voice became more seductive and each word ran off her tongue. "For a man with a bitches name your pretty damn sexy… You got a well-toned body, and your package is... Oh… Mmm…"
"What? Package?" Ragna blinked a few times in confusion and followed her eyes to where she stared. "Hey!" The man covered his crotch. "My eyes are up here!"
"I'd beg to differ… Hehe…" She snickered, her eyes now sparkling. "I might have some fun after all…"
"Hey, back up! Whoa, whoa whoa! No hands below the equator!"
"Oh, but not now." Yasha waved a hand and winked, "Later. Oh, and…keep your sword clean for me. I might want a piece of that blood scythe and that sweet ass of yours when this is all over…" With that she disappeared, leaving Ragna and Noel blushing hard.
"Ragna… What just happened?"
Ragna wanted the answer to that same question and merely shook his head as the two wordlessly swore to keep this to themselves. After getting that odd encounter out of their heads, the two trotted back into the forest to head back their campsite. While on the way, both minds double-back to the kiss they shared. Albeit short-lived, the heat that encompassed them still lingered and while Ragna didn't want to admit that that bitch was right, he didn't know whether or not that kiss wouldn't have led up to something more...intimate. The same thought crossed Noel's mind, and it brought her eyes to her boots. Just a minute more...what would've happened? What could have happened? For all she knew, they could have...
They finally arrived back at their campsite after a silent walk. Ragna trotted over to his designated tree and made himself comfortable, only for Noel to plop down beside him, prompting the man to spring up.
"Noel, you sleep over there!" Ragna's volume escaped him for a moment, and he immediately corrected it. "Go sleep by Lambda like before!"
Noel waited a moment before speaking.
"I want to sleep here," Noel's hesitant and nervous hand patted the spot in which Ragna once laid.
"I'll, uh... How about you sleep there and sleep WAY over there?" Ragna suggested, ready to walk off, only to be stopped when Noel shot up and pulled on his arm. She said nothing, merely standing there with her head down and her cheeks reddened. Her lips quivered as if she wanted to speak, but for whatever reason decided to keep her words to herself. The heterochromatic just sighed and seeing the futility of arguing, settled back down where he once sat as Noel joined him. She scooted beside him and leaned her head against his shoulder.
Looks like he wasn't gonna sleep tonight...
Smoke boiled into the atmosphere from the fire set by Jin and Jubei. The small cat poked at the flame using a stick he found beside him to keep himself busy. Jubei stole a glance from Jin several times, watching the boy stare his blade down as if it was the bane of the world. Couldn't blame him. After what that blade put him through it only felt natural to show animosity to it; however, now wasn't the time for it and Jin understood that well.
"So, Jin," unable to keep quiet any longer, Jubei finally spoke up, gaining the young mans attention. "Can ya still here Yukianesa?"
"No. Its presence has vanished—or I suppose it is more accurate to say it has weakened. Nevertheless, it has no bearings over me. Not anymore."
"Good to know," Jubei tossed the stick into the flame and watched the fire burst before simmering back down. "You'll be a great asset in this fight, Jin. Sorry if this sounds like a selfish request, but don't let me down, son."
"I have no intention of losing."
"Confident, are we?" Jubei couldn't help but smirk at the tone and glare he used. "Well, just be careful. You may have Yukianesa under control, but one wrong move could be fatal. I'd rather avoid having my boys head on your sword."
A pause.
"…Do you resent me?"
"Hm?" Jubei's chuckling came to an end upon his question as his eyebrows picked up. "Resent? For what?"
"Do not pretend like you do not know what I'm talking about." A pause. "I assisted Terumi kill brothers—"
"Don't even go there," Jubei interjected, putting a paw out to stop him. "No need to get so hung over on that. As Ragna said, it wasn't you, it was Yukianesa controllin' ya. Sure, came as a shock when I heard, but Ragna doesn't seem all to mad at ya. If he ain't pissed why should I be? So cheer up son. You're kinda bringin' down the mood kid." The cat picked up another stick and tossed it into the fire to keep it going. "In any case, try focusing on mastering that sword of yers. That's your top priority."
"I know. This blade and that other power…"
"Other power?" Jubei's ears twitched when he caught the mumblings of Jin, his brows raised in intrigue. "Mind sharing what this other power is?"
"I do not know myself."
"Can't say I ain't interested," Jubei sprang up and stomped out the fire. "Alright Jin, follow me. It's a bit cramped here." The cat started away as Jin got up and followed after as the cat led him to a somewhat opened field. The two walked towards the middle and spread a few feet apart from each other for room. Jubei unsheathed both swords and broke down into a stance. Jin assumed the glare the cat shot him his queue to go as the man broke down into a stance and closed his eyes. Immediately the temperature around them turned brisk, and a frost mist circled under Jin's feet before springing up like a vortex. When he opened his eyes, they now glowed a bright emerald.
"Well, I'll be damned… That's…"
"Here I come," nothing but confidence dripped from his words, and with a single slide of his foot, Jin appeared before Jubei. A harsh clang reverberated in their ears as Jin's sword ran into Jubei's. Under them, what was once grass and dirt was now ice, the air even colder than it was before now that Jin stood so close. After a long clash, the two retreated a few steps from each other.
"Impressive," Jubei chuckled as he dropped his guard. "I can't believe you managed to awaken your drive so early."
"Drive?" Jin dropped his stance.
"The physical manifestation of one's soul," Jubei stated. "To release that power is a feat on its on, but when you're so green… Tell me, Jin. How long can you sustain that power for?"
"Roughly ten minutes."
"Ten? Bullshit—I know you can handle more. Alright, Jin! You ain't sleepin' tonight. I'm gonna make sure you can hold that until the goddamn cows come home."
"W-Wait a moment!"
"Think fast!"
"WAIT!"
"Achoo!"
"Hey Tsubaki, you ok? You cold or something?"
"No…" Tsubaki sniffed a little. "I just feel like something bad is happening..."
Tsubaki and Makoto set up camp near a small lake. There wasn't much seithr in the area and no wild beasts to hunt for their blood, so they thought of this as the best place to rest for the night. However, they did have a food problem as none of them really knew how to hunt for food. Makoto groans and leans back. "So what are we gonna do for food Tsubaki?"
"I don't know… I think we should have asked Ragna, Saya or Jin about this. They said they used to go hunting with Jubei sometimes; maybe they would have some pointers." Tsubaki suggested.
"We should've… but too late for that now. Maybe we can ask anyone passing by here… Na that's too convenient. Even mercenaries don't walk through the forests too often." Makoto said as Tsubaki rose from her spot in the dirt. "Hey, where you going?"
"Maybe we might not be able to find any meat, but with the seithr concentration levels surprisingly low here, so there should be some eatable fruits here."
"Alright then Tsubaki," Makoto jumps up and stretches out her limbs with a grunt. "Let's get lookin'!"
The two girl stomp out their fire before heading into the forest. They heard slight noises from little creatures and birds, but no real threats were in the area. As they traversed Makoto could hear Tsubaki mumbling something, but she couldn't really make out what she was saying. Curious, the noisy beastkin tilted her head to see Tsubaki had an anxious expression plastered on her face and she knew exactly what, or in her case, who she was thinking about.
"You're thinking about Jin aren't you Tsubaki~?" Makoto teased, laughing when her redhead friend jumped, and her face matched her hair.
"N-No I'm not! I'm just worried about my mother!" Tsubaki said.
"I doubt that… That face says," Makoto started, switching her voice to impersonate Tsubaki's. "Oh, Jin how I miss you. I wish you were here with me to hold me on these cold winter nights." Tsubaki covered her ears in an effort to block her friends voice, but that only made her come closer. "To be wrapped around your warm embrace gets me so hot…"
"Shut up! Shut up, shut up shut up shut up, shut up!" Tsubaki whimpers.
"Oh, Jin I love you!"
"AAHHH!" Tsubaki yelled and covered Makoto's mouth to stop her. Her face was bright red, and she was panting like she just ran a mile in thirty seconds. "Stop…that…!" She pants.
Makoto removes her hand from her mouth and smiles. "Aw look at that, you got embarrassed. Someone's head over heels for Mr. Kisaragi. Or maybe I should say future Mr. Yayoi?"
Tsubaki screamed and started to pull on her hair, steam visibly coming out of the girl's ears and her face matching that of her hair color. A thought hits Tsubaki and with a cocky smile devilishly planted on her face, said, "Your one to talk. Maybe I should call Ragna Mr. Nanaya soon."
Makoto jumped at the tease, a blush a steam blasting out her ears following suit. "I have no idea what your talk about." She said, trying her best to feign ignorance. Seeing that she had the upper hand, Tsubaki took full advantage of it, thinking it's about time she got a taste of her own medicine.
"Oh, Ragna… Please don't look at anyone else but me!" Tsubaki, now imitating her voice began. "Come and wrap me in your warm embrace," Makoto screamed as she took handfuls of her hair. "When I'm not around you I feel so empty. My heart beats just for you! Now come a—!"
"Stop!" Makoto screamed, whimpering, "I don't like him like that!"
"But didn't you want to bake a cake for him?" Tsubaki smirked.
"I said he asked me a favor!" Makoto claimed which Tsubaki didn't buy one bit given her smirk hasn't faded. "I'm telling you the truth!"
"Uh-huh… Sure you are." Sarcasm apparent in her voice Makoto groaned and hung her head in defeat.
"Fine, you win…"
"That's what I thought."
Saya, Kagura, Celica, Kokonoe, and Tager rode in the ars magus vessel provided by Celia. It's been a couple of hours since they departed they all had nothing to do. However, Kokonoe only had one thing to say in this. Her words of wisdom to the situation of boredom.
"My fucking ass hurts!" Kokonoe yelled and stretched, trying her best to get comfortable in her seat. "Damn it…and it's gonna take us three weeks to get there? Son of a bitch…"
"Well it's gonna take Ragna and the others to reach us in two months, so we should be happy," Celica said, trying to lift her sister somewhat.
Kokonoe leaned back in her seat and sighed, "I'm not trying to sound like a complete bitch, it's just I can't just sit here the whole time. I need to move around." Kokonoe got up and stretched. "I'm gonna take a look around the ship. Hopefully, we've got some food in here."
"So do I…" Saya groaned.
"Yes, we have more than enough accommodations." They heard a voice say as loud footsteps approached they knew exactly who it was. Kokonoe turned to face the source asked with mild curiosity, "Hey there Tager. Where did you go?"
"I did just as you were about to do. I took a walk around the ship and checked on everything. We have enough food to get to Yabiko. I have also set the ship for autopilot so that we can rest for the night." Tager informed.
"Ok good. Hey Mr. Tager, do you know where Kagura is?" Celica asked.
"Yes. Right now he is speaking to someone. Most likely our contact."
"Just what's going through that idiot's head?" Kokonoe sighed. "I just hope he doesn't do anything stupid. Shit, knowing him he just might…"
"I know Kagura can be a little…" Saya paused for a minute as she began to think about what she was going to say and changed it. "Ok, REALLY perverted, but he has it together. I'm sure he'll pull through." Saya reassured, trying her best to ease Kokonoe's troubles.
"As long as we complete our mission and arrive in Yabiko unhindered I believe we can think on our own from there," Tager said.
Celica looked at Minerva and giggled, "I know. Mr. Tager really is mission-driven. I wonder if I can consider him like your big brother or something?"
"What?" Tager looked at Celica and adjusted his glasses. "Sorry, but we are nowhere near related. Besides…I can't even hear her… How can you hear her?"
"I dunno." Celica shrugged. "Maybe because my mother made it specifically for me? So Minerva might only want to talk to me."
"I guess that's not a bad guess… Still, though, it's kinda weird when you're the only one talking, it's like I'm watching stand up." Kokonoe said.
"So out of curiosity, what type of person is Minerva?" Saya asked.
"She's really nice! She's also really fun and can be a bit on the naughty side."
"The hell…" Kokonoe raised a brow. "What do you mean by naughty?"
"Well…"
Tager put a hand out to stop her. "If you do not wish to share then don't… I don't think I want to hear it either…"
"I do though." Kagura made his way into the room from the side door and gave Minerva his undivided attention. "So she's naughty huh… Mmm… I like that. So Minerva… You busy later?"
"A-Are… Are you serious…?" Kokonoe stared at him in disbelief.
"I'm joking Kokonoe, no need to get jealous. I promise that I'll spend as much time with you as you want. That goes for you two Celica, Saya." Kagura winked at them, his teeth glimmering with a cocky smile. "I'll take good care of you."
"Yeah…no." Kokonoe deadpanned. "So Kagura, you get through?"
"Yeah actually. They've set it up so we can go into the main part of the branch where there aren't any soldiers besides the leading commander." Kagura explained.
"Wait a minute… Isn't that a bad thing to have the leading commander there?" Saya asked.
"Na it's cool. I'll just explain the situation to him." Kagura said.
"You're pretty confident about that. What do you know him or something?" Kokonoe asked, getting a nod from Kagura.
"Yep. Besides, he really doesn't like how sketchy the NOL has been lately. So we tell him what's up and he'll help us out. I've got no doubt in my mind after what he told me about what's being planned…"
"What's being planned?" Saya questioned.
"Let's just say I called them at just the right time. So our place is secured. All thank you's are appreciated."
"Nice job Kagura!" Celica clapped.
"Thank you, Celica. I'll do anything for a beautiful lady like you. Just say the word." Kagura bowed.
"Your so funny Kagura!" Celica laughed.
"Hey Celica," Kokonoe moved closer to her ear and whispered, "Tell him to jump out of the plane with no parachute. Maybe he'll do it."
"I heard that."
"Your point?"
With a sigh, he took a seat across from them. "So when we get there, what's our plan of action?"
"No idea." Kokonoe shrugged. "I guess my mother and Rachel might already have one, so we'll rely on them. In the meantime let's just try and relax as much as we can. I doubt we'll have the time once we get to Yabiko."
"She is correct. I believe we should all take the time to rest ourselves. We must be ready for action once we arrive in Yabiko." Tager said.
"We know Mr. Tager." Celica pumped her fist up high in the air. "All systems ready and rearing to go!"
Kokonoe sweatdropped. "Yeah… I don't think so…"
"She's cheery Kokonoe that's not a bad thing. But," a mischievous smile curved Kagura's lips as his voice deepened. "They say the ones who are open like she is are real freaks when it comes to bedtime."
"I must ask you… Is he a pervert or is he just messing with you?" Tager asked.
"Sometimes I don't know…" Saya shrugged.
"It's a little bit of both, but he is a pervert," Kokonoe said.
"I see... Well, it seems I will be surrounded by quite the interesting company."
"If you all will excuse me," Kagura took himself out his seat and yawned, "I'm gonna head towards the sleeping bay."
"Alright, then Kagura. Goodnight." Saya waved to him.
"Hey Kagura, keep the porn magazines under wraps. I don't want to see that shit." Kokonoe smirked as Kagura flipped her off and walked out. Not too much longer did Kokonoe, Celica, and Saya followed after to their rooms with Tager heading down below. Next stop, Yabiko.
Morning finally came as the suns light shone through the trees and onto their campsite. Noel groaned to the bright light and blinked a few times to get the morning dew out of her eyes. When Noel's body woke up, the blond could feel something wrapped around her and blushed when she saw Ragna's arm around her. He must've moved it in his sleep, Noel thought. She merely stared at the still sleeping man a bit before cuddling up more to him.
"He's so warm…" Noel's eyes sprang back open as her ears picked up on movement and looked to see Lambda and Rachel beginning to wake up. Lambda blinked a few times and found Noel cuddling with Ragna. The Murakumo took herself up and patted over to the pair.
"Noel… What are you doing?" She asked.
"Oh good morning Lambda," Noel stood up. "I just…woke up."
"Is Ragna awake yet?"
"No, he's still sleeping," Noel answered.
"Then it is time we woke that idiot up." Rachel made her way over to the sleeping man as Nago transformed into her umbrella as she swung the familiar down on the platinum head, immediately waking him.
"Gah! What the fu—!" Ragna rubbed his head to soothe the pain.
"Look who finally woke up."
"What the hell's your deal!?" Ragna sprang up, yelling, "Couldn't you've just woken me up like a normal person, but I guess that's just asking too damn much!"
"Then next time how about you wake up when we all wake up hm?"
Ragna could hear something off in her tone. Almost like she was angry about something. Maybe she just wasn't a morning person. "Alright Rabbit… What the hell did I do to piss you off this time?" He deadpanned.
"Oh, nothing. What gave you that impression?"
"You know if you're bad at anything it's lying. So what the hells wrong with you?"
"Assumption… She is most likely upset because Noel was sleeping with you." Lambda claimed as she walked into his chest and whimpered, "…Like I am right now..."
"Lambda? Are you ok?"
"No…" Lambda picked up a fist and hit his chest. "Ragna, you idiot…"
"I will not own up to that ridiculous claim," Rachel said.
"Good guy! I finally found you!" A screeching voice came from above as a shadow descended from the tree. The figure being none other than Tao.
"Tao!?" Ragna gasped. "What the hell are you doing here!? And how did you know I was here!?"
"Cat person told me to travel with you, and I found you with my good old smeller. It was hard since Good guy was so far away, but after a long walk Tao finally caught up to Good guy."
"That sneaky son of a…" Ragna mumbled.
"Now let's continue the adventure, meow!"
"Um, Ragna… Who is this?" Noel asked.
"Her name is Tao…" Ragna facepalmed, groaning, "All you need to know is that she doesn't know when to shut up."
"Hi there Lacking lady! Tao's name is Tao!"
"Lacking…lady?" Noel stared at her in confusion for a moment, but once that name came full circle, she gasped and covered her chest, her face bright red. "I'm not lacking!"
"You should drink more milk or eat some meat buns! That way your boobies can grow big like boobie ladies!"
Noel looked at Tao's chest and whimpered, "She's bigger than me…? How… It's not fair…"
"So can we stop the farce and move on?" Rachel asked in an irritated tone.
"Hi there bunny lady! I remember you from Good guys house! You electrocuted him so bad that his whole body went charred! You're so strong meow!" Tao turned to Lambda and took her hand. "Hey, there flappy flap lady! Oh wow! You have some really big tat tats! Tao is impressed by their shape!"
"Is she referring to me?" Lambda asked.
"Yeah..." Ragna sighed.
"So she just says anything that is on her mind hm? I like this one. She is very lively."
"Mission parameters… Head to Yabiko… Let us head for Yabiko." Lambda said.
"Finally the voice of reason." Ragna groaned as he started off with the other behind him. Lambda quickly latched onto his arm, and no matter how hard he tried to get her off, the Murakumo just would not let go. What made it worse was that Noel decided to join in on the arm holding and while the three bickered, Rachel muttered to herself.
"The Imperator has made herself known… She seems to have something in play, but what…"
"Hey Rabbit, what's up? You looked worried." Ragna asked.
"None of your concern for the time being. Focus on the road ahead. We have quite a lot of ground to cover, so let us cover as much as we can before nightfall." Rachel said.
"This is gonna be fun! Tao is going on an adventure! I wonder if when we defeat monsters will they drop coins and experience points!"
"What the hell… This is the real world, not some RPG game. I can't believe this…"
"But Ragna… Do they drop coins? Have we ever checked?" Noel asks. Ragna just facepalmed and decided not to answer.
"Tao will level up and get cool armor! Then when Tao gathers all her party members, she will go defeat the big bad guy, just to know that he wasn't bad at all." Tao started to ramble on with Ragna doing his best to ignore her, but it wasn't working out. Noel couldn't help, but laugh at how easy going she was, and Lambda was far too busy hugging his arm to register the conversation.
"This is gonna be a long…long trip…"
Back at Akitsu, a massive snowstorm rained down on the whole town, covering it in snow. The NOL branch was in shambles and talk about it spread like wildfire around the citizens of Akitsu. A particular group of people traversed the snowing city, on their way to the port. Once they arrived, Relius came to a halt which Akahana quickly took notice of.
"What's wrong?" The mage asked with a brow perked in curiosity.
"I have some business to attend to. It will take no more than five minutes."
"Relius the ship has a bathroom you know." Terumi chuckled.
"Shut up Terumi." The imperator sent a glare his way as a drop of sweat ran down his face. "So," the platinum-haired woman looked at Relius and asked, "What is it? Is it something urgent?"
"Not really urgent," a smile crept across his lips as he adjusted his mask. "Someone just caught my attention. I just feel like I should greet them."
"I see…" The Imperator closed her eyes and began toward the port, not feeling the need to press him for an in-depth answer. "Do not take too long. Whether he decides to come or not make it quick. We are on a timetable."
With that Relius parted from his entourage to a construction a little bit away from the port. He made his way into the structure and stopped a few feet from the entrance.
"You called me?" Relius spoke to the shadows.
"You actually came, father… I wasn't expecting that."
Relius turned to the voice and watched Carl walked out from the darkness with Nirvana in tow. "Are you ready yet? We are about to depart."
"If you can save my sister…then do it."
"Very well Carl. Come, we leave now." Relius said.
"I'll tell you right now father I am nothing like you. And when all of this is over," Carl sent a hard glare Relius' way, the glare he shot him strong enough to make a ragging tiger shiver. "I'll kill you."
"Hmph. And I look forward to it. Now come. We have much to do Carl."
"Yes, father." Carl began to walk as Nirvana walked by his side. He clenched his fists tightly and faced at Nirvana. "Sister… I swear to you that I'll do whatever it takes to save you… I'll do whatever I have to, to save you." Carl smiled at Nirvana. "I promise I'll return to the way you were before."
Yep, and I'm ending it here. I hope this chapter was at least average length, but this chapter is more of an introductory chapter for what's to come and so will the next one so their won't be a preview. Read and review and I'll see you all next chapter.
Next Chapter 22: The road ahead part 2
Revised.