Ragna: Well, that worked out well enough. I ain't dead yet.
Noel: How can you be so calm!?
Rachel: He is an idiot. Do not try talking to him; it will only leave you tired and disappointed. Stupidity such as this is found once every millennia, so we should leave him be.
Mu: I'm just glad you're ok.
Saya: We all are.
Terumi: I'm not.
Kokonoe: Nobody cares. Now shut up. I'm sick of your green ass.
Terumi: Green!?
Jin: Now the Mad Dog has gone back in its proper place.
Bullet: About damn time.
Kagura: The amount of paperwork I'm stuck with is asinine...
Hibiki: That is what you get for slacking off.
Makoto: HOLY shit! Where did you come from!
Tsubaki: I didn't even sense him...
Hibiki: I hope you haven't been slacking off and doing your work.
Kagura: Yeah, yeah mom.
Lambda: Ok, Nu. It's your turn.
Nu: Nu is ready to draw! Come on, one demand!
Ragna: Hell no!
*Nu draws*
Celica: What is it?
Nu: Aw, Nu got 'What turns me on'! Nu didn't want that!
Ragna: And I don't want to HEAR that.
Yasha: Because you already know?
Ragna: Shut it.
Akahana: Well we all know, but you can say it anyway.
Nu: RAGNA! He's the only one! Whenever Nu sees him, she gets so hot~!
Kagura: If you don't tap that at least ONCE! You've lost your right to call yourself a man.
Ragna: Piss off...
Kagura: She is literally saying 'come over here and give it to me'. What the HELL is wrong with you?
Nu: But every time Nu says that the mean lady over there yells at her.
Saya: The Imperator?
Imperator: She is a young, attractive woman. Those things should not be coming out of her mouth. End of story.
Noel: You're kinda hard on her.
Yasha: You know who else is hard right now?
Ragna: Fuck off...
Yasha: I didn't say names~ Guilty conscience...
Ragna: I—! I mean—! Damn it!
Saya: Brother... Is she telling the truth?
Ragna: What the fu—!? No!
Saya: Let me see.
Ragna: I... What?
Saya: Let. Me. See.
Terumi: Wow... Listen, I'm gonna head into the other room since I don't want to see...that.
Nu: Speak for yourself. Don't speak for, Nu.
Noel: N-No! Start the chapter, please!
Kokonoe: Don't be so embarrassed, Noel. You can be such a baby sometimes.
Noel: B-But it's his...you know!
Yasha: I'll hold him down!
Ragna: The hell you will!
Imperator: How indecent. Nu, what have I told you?
Saya: Now, stay still brother...
Ragna: Fuck no! Hey, start the goddamn chapter already!
Bullet: Start the chapter.
Chapter 28: Two halves make a whole
White. Nothing but white as far as the eye could see. Silence filled the void, the nothingness desolate with two figures floating within. One was a woman in a ceremonial dress with long violet hair stretching down her back, another what could only be described as a massive satellite.
"He is 'awakening' too soon..." A voice came from the entity, its voice radiant like the sun. This entity was none other than the Master unit: Amaterasu. "I had not prepared myself for a possibility such as this... Both past, present, future are invisible to me now. If this was her plan, then I have truly underestimated what a mere human can do."
"What should I do?" The woman asked, the woman being Izanami.
"For now, nothing. However, the first chance that comes eliminate the Imperator before she offsets my plans any further. If that man becomes the 'Man of Azure' now, 'the girl' will awaken and bring him here to free her. Once that happens..."
"I am aware. If this proceeds any further..." Slowly her voice became distant, her vision narrowing as it went dark. When she opened her eyes next she was before a cauldron, alone in the large dark room. Currently, the lowest level of the Ibukido ruins, checking on the cauldron since the Imperator and her entourage have taken an interest in them she found neither Terumi nor the Imperator. A shame really, Izanami thought. If they were here, she could have dispatched them. Arms folded underneath her chest the death goddess eyes glared at the closed cauldron lost in thought. "It is proceeding faster than expected."
"What is?" A feminine voice asked from behind, heels clapping on the floor.
"I thought you were still outside waiting," Izanami turned to the coming footsteps. "Nine. What are you doing here?"
"I came to see what you were doing, only to find you mumbling away to yourself," the busty mage stops in front of her and folds her arms under her chest. "Can't say I'm not a little suspicious of you. You come and go whenever you please and write us off anytime we ask what you were up too. Is there something you're hiding?"
"There is nothing to hide."
"I'll kill you if you even think of hurting my family." Nine's said harshly. She wasn't the type of person to mince words or play nice. If she wanted to get her message across, she'd do it no matter what or how she has to do it. Izanami, however, stood unfazed at her claim and merely chuckled.
"Kill me? You cannot 'kill' me no matter how hard you try human."
"Oh yeah," Nine opened her palm and summoned a small, sizzling flame. "Wanna try me?"
"Nine!" A small figure swooped down next to the two, his presence stopping Nine from going any further. Upon recognition of the small figure, being none other than Jubei, the flame dispersed into embers. "What are you doing, Nine?" Jubei took a stern tone this time when speaking, his gaze the same. Nine stayed silent and simply walked away, her heels clapping on the floor, the sound echoing in the large room. Jubei quickly gave chase to his wife and grabbed her hand before she could take another step. "Nine, what's wrong with you? You've been like this for a while now."
"I can't trust her. I don't know how you could be so relaxed, but I can't trust that woman."
"Nine, you need to calm down. Getting angry won't do anything but stress you out. Save that strength for later."
"Well, unlike you, I can't be calm right now. Nothing is making any sense to me," Nine allowed a tired sigh to pass her lips. "Now, Celica and Kokonoe are involved in this. I know I said they could make their own choices, but I don't want to see them get hurt." The mages hand slipped from her husbands as her head hung. "I just want this all to end before anything happens to them. If I lose them, or you, I don't know what I'd do..."
"Ah, so you're concerned about 'em. I am too," Jubei walked in front of his wife to look her in the eye. "But worryin' about 'em now won't amount to nothin'. I don't wanna see 'em get hurt either, that's why we need to finish this. A parents duty is to protect their children, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep my family safe." Jubei gave her wife a curt smile that formed one on her lips. Nine felt all her worries thrown away in that instant. He's always so soft, so kind-hearted. Didn't matter what situation, Jubei always looked at the brighter side, thinking everything was going to be ok. It rubbed off on her. "Now, let's get on outta here." The cat motioned his wife to come along, leading her up from the bottom floor to the entrance. Besides them and Izanami, they had a few more people with them; one of which stood before the entrance. A small child stood before the entrance with blond hair tied with two blue ribbons at the end and what could only be described as a magical girl outfit. The small girl was none other than Platinum, but this time someone else was in control.
"Jubei! Nine!" The girl waved at them with a soft smile. Her voice was soft and easy going, nothing but care in her eyes. At first glance, this may look like a simple young girl with a rather interesting fashion sense, but this wasn't some little girl; at least a normal one. Behind the souls of Luna and Sena lay one more. Trinity Glasfille, a member of the Six Heroes. Nine was pleased she decided to take the reins instead of Luna, which of whom agitated her to no end. Throughout the trip, the small child kept calling her old lady and hag. What she wouldn't give to teach that little brat a lesson. Her rage was cooled by her husband, but there is just so much she could take; which was not much at all given that being calm wasn't her thing. At least Sena wasn't such a pain in the ass.
"Is the cauldron acting up?"
"Nope. Everything's alright down there. The only thing off is Nine," Jubei pointed to his growling wife. "She's been acting pretty funny lately. Maybe you can talk to her, ya know, girl talk."
"I'm cautious." Nine held back a growl, but her agitation was as clear as day.
"Well," Trinity sweat dropped from the mages contorted expression. "At least nothing happened. Oh, and Lord Jubei," the small child smiled warmly at the cat. "Thank you for returning his sword and jacket back to him. I know she would be thrilled to know he received them unharmed."
"Don't mention it," Jubei returned the smile. "To be honest, I was a little surprised when ya told me about it and how it was still in mint condition after so many years. Never even knew the Kaka clan had this there."
"Have you told him?" Trinity asked.
"Not yet, I don't think he's ready for somethin' like that," Jubei said, concerned.
"Let's not rush things, when he's ready; then we can begin. Speaking of ready," it didn't come to her until just now, but they were missing two people from their little entourage. "Where are Lord Hakuemn and Lord Valkenhayn?"
"At ease, Trinity Glasfille, we are here." A powerful voice spoke. Turning to the strong voice, they saw their missing two members, Hakumen and Valkenhayn walking towards them.
"Don't just runnin' off. Remeber the Imperator and her crew is runnin' amok around here." Jubei said.
"I am not afraid of them. Let them come," Hakumen stopped before the cat. "Though, it would seem as if your wounds still have not healed cat."
"Yeah," Jubei worked out his arm. "After months now this damn thing is still botherin' me. That woman doesn't know the word restraint like a certain someone I know." The cat teased, which popped a vein on his wife's forehead. If there was anything Jubei loved more than traveling, it was toying with his wife. He loved her to death, but seeing her get so frustrated over the simplest things brought a smile to his face. Every time Nine saw his smile her anger left and filled with pure embarrassment.
Every time Nine saw his smile her anger left and filled with pure embarrassment. She couldn't stay mad at him what with his cute little whiskers and when he meows or just how warm he is when she cuddles him or how chubby his cheeks are or his soft little ears are—oh he's so just so cute!
God, I hope reading minds isn't another ability of his right eye...
"Let us finish this post-haste. With everything that's happened, I fear for miladies safety."
"Now for the cauldron near Wadatsumi," Hakumen said.
"Right. The only one we're waiting for now is, Izanami. I wonder what she's doing down there?" Trinity asked herself.
"Tch. Who knows." Nine scoffed. Anger flared once more in the mage, her disdain for the death goddess more evident as of late. Sure they had their doubts about her, but this sort of behavior from Nine was troubling. Hakumen, however, often sided with her, having the same level of distrust as Nine, maybe more; not that anyone could blame them. Izanami kept to herself, sharing information with the Master unit in secret. No matter how many times they'd ask, she either ignored them or tell them off. Valkenhayn was neutral about it, seeing no reason, not trust her, but at the same time, he had no reason to trust her. Worrying about something like this, however, was not his concern, making sure Rachel was safe was the old man's top priority.
"I see you are still rather doubtful," a voice spoke from behind. From the darkness of the entrance of the ruins, Izanami came out to them; the goddess met with silence. "I do not care whether you trust me or not. The fact remains we are working together."
"But for how much longer?" Nine asked in a harsh tone, glaring at her with a cross of disdain and fury.
"We must wait and see. Only time will tell." Izanami said simply before walking by them. "Now we are off to the other cauldron, yes? Make haste, lest Terumi arrives before we do. Do you want what happened to Akitsu happened to other cities?" The death goddess continued, followed by Jubei, Valkenhayn, and Trinity. Hakumen and Nine stayed back, merely watching Izanami with caution.
"Earlier... You felt that too?" Hakumen turned to the mage.
"A Phenomenon Intervention... It looks like Terumi isn't the only enemy we're up against. Not anymore."
Celica traversed the halls, accompanied by her automaton and friend; Minerva. Right now, she was on her way to Ragna's room to check on him; a bit troubled that he hadn't woken up yet. The young healer was worried that maybe there was something else since Ragna wasn't in the best condition. Thanks to Celica's healing magic, Ragna was able to recover with the Azure Grimoire and has been asleep ever since. Since then, everything's been pretty quiet. Kagura, Makoto, and Tsubaki weren't injured too bad and got their much deserved rest; save Kagura of course since he has one very merciless assistant.
Kagura really got the short end of the stick with this one...
"Aw, this sucks!" Said a comically crying Kagura, his right arm in a cast while his left arm signed document after document.
"Come on now, sir. Only one hundred seventy documents to go." Hibiki told him with his usually calm smile.
"Bite me!"
Yeah... Not what you'd call the most relaxing way to heal. Talk about a workaholic.
Celica, now before the room Ragna was currently recuperating in, stared at the door, almost as if she was trying to peer through. He had to be ok... He had to be. Just the thought of him in any sort of danger was enough to give Celica a heart attack. It was like the day he lost his arm all over again. Two loud slaps reverberated through the empty halls. The auburn haired girl shook her head, and with a determined glare she turned the knob and opened the door. What she saw made that delightful, radiant smile of hers return once more.
Ragna was finally awake, sitting up, back leaned against his pillow with his head turned towards out the window.
"Ragna..." Celica said with a bit of disbelief accompanied by a bit of happiness. There wasn't an immediate response to her call. Maybe he didn't hear her, or he was still out of it? His head slowly turned to her, and once his eyes caught her, a smile graced his lips.
"Celica..."
"Ragna!" Celica, without even thinking, ran over to him and hugged him as tightly as she could.
"Celica, Celica! Personal space! And I'm injured, remember!?"
"I-I'm sorry!" Celica quickly removed herself. "I'm just so happy you're ok! I don't think I'd be able to live with myself if anything happened to you."
"It was that bad?"
Celica felt her chest tighten to the condition he was in; it was critical. He received extensive brain trauma from the battle, his right collarbone shattered, along with some internal bleeding, destroyed organs, and a punctured lung. Not to mention the immense amount strain on his heart and blood loss. When he stopped the Azure Grimoire from going haywire, it must've taxed his body much more than any of them could imagine. Not only that, a different power arose in him, similar to Jin, which Rachel speculated was his drive ability; add that with the taxation of the Azure Grimoire, and he was burned out. Thankfully no surgery was needed to heal his organs and bones, the grimoire and her healing were enough. Ragna could easily see the distress written on her face. Seeing that this was a rather hard topic to discuss he switched it up.
"How long was I out for?"
"Two days."
"It's better than last time..." Ragna joked.
"Yeah," Celica said with a slight giggle. "You were unconscious for almost a month. Also, you did wake up before, on the same day we brought you back here after we treated you, but you were unresponsive. Your eyes had no gleam, and we were worried that maybe the damage done to you had some permanent effects. Thankfully it wasn't the case. Oh! Mother and father dropped by for a bit. Father was anxious about you while mother was..."
"Her usual self?"
"Pretty much..."
"I thought so." Not like he was expecting heartfelt relief from her, it was Nine after all. For whatever reason, Nine had a somewhat bitter taste towards him. To this day he was left puzzled by her hostile attitude toward him, not like he cared whether she liked him or not. If Ragna had to guess where this disdain came from, it must have something to do with her daughters; mainly Celica. She wasn't playing favorites, but with Celica, she was a bit too innocent. Unlike Kokonoe, Celica was sweet to the core, while Kokonoe took after her mother, not a good thing in Ragna's opinion. Though, Ragna couldn't help being surprised by their personalities. When they all first met, Ragna expected Jubei to be more of the overprotective one.
Boy was he wrong.
Nine was on his ass day in and day out about Celica and Kokonoe. The closer they got the angrier Nine seemed to get. It wasn't some grand secret that Nine had a bit of distaste for other males, especially when they try to talk to her, even more so her daughters. She's ready to raise hell for even thinking about talking to one of them. Like the time a random guy tried to hit on Celica and was never seen again. Apparently, he transferred schools, but Ragna had his own thoughts about it. How his master managed to get her to be his wife is another mystery unknown to the world.
"Did they say anything?"
"Mother said the Imperator is gathering some odd power that she can't really identify without it going into the impossible. So she decided to leave with father, Mr. Valkenhayn, Mr. Hakumen, and Izanami." Celica saw the visible irritation once she mentioned Hakumens name. Not like she could blame him. Hakumen almost killed him, and he wasn't afraid to do it again. Even with what he's done, Celica found that he wasn't a bad person and a great listener; at least she thought he was listening to her when she spoke to him. On a whim, Celica engaged in a small chat with the armored hero. The man was so serious and tense, but he had this comfortable air about him that made him feel almost natural. Though he didn't talk back to her. Just the occasional sigh came from the masked swordsman every now and again.
The guy was intense...
"Also," The mage giggled and pointed beside Ragna. Ragna was well aware of what, or in this case, who was beside him; it was none other than his peacefully sleeping sister clinging to his good arm. "You should've seen how she cried when you woke up... Saya never left your side, Ragna. She even stood up to Mr. Hakumen."
"Saya did that?" Ragna asked with a bit of surprise. He slowly wiggled his arm out from her grasp and placed a hand on her head. A bright smile came across the young girls face as she said his name with pure joy in her voice.
"Ragna..."
Ragna couldn't help but smile at the innocence present in her tone. This brought back some fond memories. When they were young, Saya snuck into his room because she was scared. He could remember the day, the time, everything.
The dark room was ghost-quiet, fingers of moonlight shone through the closed drapes. Within the room laid a young platinum haired boy half asleep; the boy being none other than Ragna, covered in his thin blank sheets. A sudden noise caused the tired boy to jolt up; it was the door slowly creaking open, then it stopped. Ragna swallowed a lump down his throat as he wondered just who was it. Was it a ghost? Please don't be a ghost, Ragna yelled in his head. Much to his relief, it wasn't a ghost, but a small girl with short blond hair that stopped at her shoulders, a stuffed panda in hand and light blue pajamas.
"Saya..." Ragna groaned. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you sleeping?" He asked; ironic in his case since he was still awake. The small child said nothing, shifting her gaze from every now and again. Frantically, she quickly closed the door and shuffled under the covers beside Ragna. "What are you doing!?"
"I had a nightmare..." Saya whimpered and clutched his shirt. "I don't want to be alone in that dark room... I wanna stay in here." Ragna could only sigh to her reasoning, not like it was anything new. Multiple times she's come into his room at night, sometimes even without his knowledge. Several occasions Ragna woke up to see Saya sleeping soundly beside him, hugging him, clutching his shirt with her small hands.
"Fine..." The moment he said that the fear and anxiety once present changed to a bright smile as she hugged him. Ragna wheezed a bit to the bear hug, but with her giggling like how she was now, it wasn't so bad. "Why do you always come in here...?" He set a hand on her head and stroked the top of her head.
"Don't you already know?" Saya let out a joyful giggle.
'It's because I love you, brother!'
Years have gone by, and her attitude toward him hasn't changed, it was just like back then. She'd sneak into his bed and sleep the night away, her arms holding him for protection and warmth, the same bright smile always present when he woke up to find her; it was just like this.
"What a hopeless idiot..." Ragna muttered softly under his breath. With slow, painful, cautious movements, Ragna managed to work himself out of bed, standing on his two feet once more.
"You shouldn't be moving now!" Celica said, worried. "It's best if you lay in bed and recover properly!"
"I'm fine, Celica. I can walk, and I need to after being in bed for so long." Ragna's bones felt like bridled branches ready to snap from a simple gust of wind. If he stayed in bed any longer, he might not be able to get up again. Getting his body up and running again was the best thing for him to do. His reassuring tone didn't seem to ease Celica much; she looked like she was ready to pass out from fear at any moment. "I've got an idea. How about we just go talk, like I promised you in the Colosseum."
"That can wait! You getting better is top priority over everything else."
"Well, that can wait," Ragna countered. "Now, come on. I ain't taking no for an answer, Celica."
"Wait a minute, but you aren't healed yet."
"We'll talk up on the balcony on the last floor."
"Are you even listening to me!?"
"Nope."
The evening sun lit the sky up in an inferno of beautiful colors, the sight from the balcony Celica stood with an injured Ragna one to behold. Celica leaned her elbows on the ledge and cupped her face while she swung her head side to side. The young mage couldn't help but marvel at this magnificent view. While Celica took in the sights, Ragna was taken up in his thoughts. He came here to speak with Celica like he said he would back in the arena, but his thoughts got the better of him. Everything that took place in that arena; Azrael, him losing control and especially that dark figured asshole. Was that Terumi just fucking with him? No, it wasn't him. Something about this guy was off. There was something almost, as crazy as this sounds, divine about him. He spoke with this radiant aura that shined as brightly as the sun, the wisdom of one whose lived throughout the ages. Ragna ran his fingers through his hair, trying to think about who that figure was.
'That son of a bitch...' Ragna growled internally as he looked into the palm of his right hand. Death, destruction, everything that figure said resonated with him, and it made him sick. At that moment, he wanted to destroy everything, to kill everyone. The world didn't matter to him. In the end, though, he pulled through. He's here now, and he was gonna make damn sure it stayed that way. What Ragna hated more than anything else in the world, even more than Terumi, was someone telling him what to do and what not to do. He had a mind of his own damn it, and no grimoire or god is gonna tell him how to live his life. Getting through all this in one piece is gonna be a hell of a lot more difficult than he thought it'd be.
"Hey! Ragna!"
Ragna jolted up from the sound of Celica's voice. He didn't think he was so far gone in his thoughts that he zoned out, or that he didn't realize Celica's approach, which was odd given the mage was literally a centimeter away from him. Ragna took a step back to regain his space. "W-What is it, Celica?"
"You've been ignoring me this whole time!" Celica pouted. "You said we could talk and now you're just neglecting me?"
"S-Sorry."
"You better be mister!" Celica jokingly scolded.
"I'll never understand you. Anyway, what do you want to talk about?"
"I dunno," Celica shrugged. "You brought me up here, so you start the conversation. Isn't the guy supposed to entertain the girl in moments like these?" The mage teased.
"You know I don't care about crap like that right?"
"Well, you should. You can't get a girlfriend like that," Celica playfully reprimanded. "A girl likes a sweet, caring guy. A guy who always smiles at them and isn't so mean."
"Somehow I feel like you referring to me with that last bit..."
"You know, Noel and Lambda... They were so worried. Even Kokonoe was shaken by your condition. I don't think I've ever seen her look like that before. Lambda kept asking Aunty Celia if you were ok, and catered to you the best she could. She's the one who put on all those bandages you know, and Noel was the one to do your cast."
"Really? Gotta thank 'em later. Sorry I was such a pain to deal with."
"It's ok. Remember, I do it because I enjoy it. I like helping people. Helping everyone. Helping you..." Ragna couldn't help but get a little flustered on that last bit. Her voice was so genuine, just like always. It just made his failure hurt him even more.
"Celica, I'm sorry."
"Sorry?" Celica asked in innocent confusion. "What do you mean?"
"What happened to you, when that bastard attacked you. I couldn't do anything, and you got hurt because of it. I don't want that to happen again. Kokonoe asked me to protect you, and I couldn't do something so simple," Ragna clenched his fist and looked down in shame. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you." Celica didn't respond to him, and he didn't bother looking back at her. Shame, disgrace, every name in the damn book filled him. Out of the blue, something soft rested on his cheek.
It was her lips.
"Whoa!" Ragna quickly jumped back from her. "What was that!?"
"Mother always did that when we were kids. Anytime we were sad, just like that it made the pain go away." A blush came across Celica's cheek as she asked in a soft tone. "Did it work, Ragna?'
"Yeah," he placed his hand on the spot she kissed. "A bit..."
"That's good to know." Celica smiled brilliantly, outshining the sunset in every way. "Also, if you need to talk about something, I'm always ready to listen. Is there something you want to tell me? Anything that's bothering you?"
"A lot... Some I don't understand and some I want to understand. It's...complicated."
"Hmm," Celica put a finger on her chin and hummed. "I'm not really good with the complicated stuff."
"As carefree as ever..." Ragna's head slowly hung, his hair draped over his eyes. "Can't say I'm the same though..."
"I do know one thing. Whatever you're going through right now, I know you can do it." Her words of encouragement sprang his head back up, his widened eyes glued to the smiling Celica. "Besides, you're going to protect me right? Just like you promised. If you don't have a reason, can't that be it? Can't I be the reason to fight, Ragna?" Her soft hands cupped his face and forced a blush on his cheeks. Ragna was like a statue. Unable to move or speak. "Promise me that something like that will never happen again."
"I promise." He nodded.
"That's all I wanted to hear," Celica pressed her forehead against his. "I'll be counting on you, Ragna. You better protect me ok? I don't... I don't ever want to leave your side. So, you have to stay with me to protect me. You better not leave me."
"Don't worry; I'll protect you with all I've got."
"Now how can you do that when can't even stand up straight?" With a gust of wind, Rachel suddenly appeared on the ledge along with her two familiars Nago and Gii, causing Ragna's heart to skip several beats.
"Ms. Rachel!"
"Damn, Rabbit! The hell was that for! I'm already ten feet in the grave, and now you want to drive me eight more!?"
"Still licking your wounds I see." Rachel said.
"Shut up..."
"What are you doing here Ms. Rachel?" Celica asked.
"The princess said she couldn't wait anymore and came to see if she could heal—"
Smack.
With a powerful backhand from Rachel, Gii was sent flying out of the atmosphere; his screams heard near and far until they were suddenly silenced. "I came to see if this plebian was awake yet." The vampire levitated off the ledge and gracefully landed on the balcony. "There are also a few things I wish to discuss with him. Sorry to ruin this moment between you two, but can I get a few moments alone with him?"
"Oh, that's ok. I was about to leave anyway. I'll see you later, Ragna." The mage waved and left.
"Ok, so what the hell do you want?"
"What a brutish way to speak to me. Are you upset I ruined your precious alone time with her?" Rachel looked at his right arm as her eyes narrowed. 'The Black Beast within... It has gone quiet. I do not know if this is a good or bad thing.' The vampire glared at his right arm hard, her intense gaze a bit unnerving.
"Um, do you mind not staring so much...? Creeping me out."
"Oh hush, I won't bite."
"Could'a fooled me..." Ragna muttered.
"What was that?"
"U-Um, nothing."
The vampire let out a sigh to cool herself off. It was un-lady like to get upset so quickly off of something so plebian. Besides, there were more pressing matters to attend to otherwise from his idiocy. "Tell me what happened in the arena? I have never witnessed anything like that before in my life."
"I don't know... I've never experienced anything like that before. But... There is something I want to ask you."
"What's that?"
"Can you tell me what the Azure Flame Grimoire is?" Ragna saw her usually calm expression flicker with a bit of surprise. Guess she wasn't expecting him to bring up this topic and neither did he. They've discussed this in the past and was given a brief narrowed down description of it; nothing more than it is the real Azure and Noel is gonna inherit it and all the crap.
"Why do you wish to know?"
"None of your business. Just tell me what it is."
"To ask me in that arrogant way is appalling. But, just this once, I shall comply." Rachel chose to ignore his vulgar tone since this topic and continue with her explanation. "The Azure Flame Grimoire, as I stated before, is the true Azure. One Noel Vermillion shall wield as she is the Azure successor."
"We already got that part down, but more than that." A sudden stillness came over them, the silence almost deafening. For about a minute or so, they stood in absolute silence until Rachel broke it, unable to keep herself silent.
"...You are hiding something. There is something, for whatever reason, you are keeping from me. If I had to guess, something transpired while you went on your little rampage. Do you mind sharing?" Rachel observed the distaste that formed at the corner of his lips. Whatever happened, she could tell it wasn't pleasant.
"Someone was trying to take control of me," Ragna said simply. "He was some kind of shadow, and he knew so much about me..." Rachel paid heavy attention to his slowly morphing expression. The way he spoke, it was as if he was afraid. "Said I was the 'Destroyer'—a monster. And...everything he said...it all sounded so damn right. I was so pathetic and weak. I let that bastard get into my head... I believed every word he said. To be honest...I was scared."
"Fear lingers in the heart of us all, Ragna. There is no need to hide it as we all have it."
"But this... This is different," Ragna clenched his teeth. "I felt like that bastard was right... I want to destroy, kill... And it makes me sick! I can't think straight; I can't even say what's what anymore, what the hell I'm feeling," his fist curled up into a ball of fury, the rage soon coming onto his expression. "Through all that, I wasn't able to do a damn thing; I wasn't able to truly reject what that asshole said. But," his tightened fist eased. "I do know one thing. I'm sor... I'm so-oor..." A blush worked its way into his cheeks while his lips quivered, not allowing him to let his words pass. "I-I'm sor...ry..."
"Oh? What was that Ragna? I couldn't hear you. I believe you were going to apologize for being such an idiot." The vampire facetiously teased. The now blushing Reaper turned his head away from her to avoid eye contact. He could hear the snickering of the small vampire and kicked himself for what he was about to say. Swallowing his pride, he said with everything he had.
"I'm sorry ok!"
"You're what?" Rachel put a hand over her mouth and gasped with fake surprise. "Did the 'Grim Reaper' apologize? My word has hell finally been brought up from the hands of Hades or have you finally accepted your role as my slave?"
"The fu—!? No! Damn it; I'm trying to be serious over here! That is the last time I try to do something nice!" Ragna gave the teasing vampire his back and allowed silence to accompany them once more. "I'm sorry, Rachel. I really am," his heart filled words broke the silence that stained the atmosphere, his apologetic tone soft and caring. "I didn't want you or anyone else to see me like that. In that instant, I broke the promise I made to you, my master, and a bunch of other people too. I let you down...and I'm sorry. Hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. Please. And if you're willing, I'd like for you to give me a second chance," he turned back to her with stern, determined eyes. "Give me the chance to make this right; that I can keep my word, my promise."
"No."
"...I see." Ragna sighed while he itched the back of his head.
"Because there is no need."
"What?" Ragna was awestruck and figured he might have been hallucinating, so he knocked his head a few times. "C-Can you repeat that I didn't get it the first time."
"You truly are an idiot. Sometimes I wonder how you remember to breathe," a smile touched the corners of her mouth which accompanied her soft tone. "Just now, I witnessed the true colors of the man I've placed my hopes and dreams upon. No second chance is needed, you have made everything right. I believe I am the one who needs to apologize. I am pushing all this upon you, even though it is not your will, I forced you into this. It is my responsibility to make sure that you see this through."
"No, it's mine," Ragna pointed to himself. "I don't need you or anyone else pointing me in the direction of where my life should go; that my choice. I won't forgive anyone who tries to mess with my life."
"...Then you shall hate me, Ragna. All I've done is—"
"Help me," Ragna interjected. "I wouldn't know all I do now if it hadn't been for you."
"That isn't true... That's not true at all, Ragna." Ragna's eyes narrowed at Rachel. This wasn't her, she doubted herself. Seeing her like this left a bad taste in his mouth and right now, she was acting like him; ridiculing herself. "How can you say that? After all this, you..." Rachel shook her head. "No, it isn't fair that you are in this state. Ragna, give me my due consequences. I don't care what it is; you may kill me if you wish."
"Princess!" Nago gasped.
"..."
"Don't get in the way, Nago. Now, do with me as you wish."
"No, take backs now, Rabbit."
"I am aware. Do it."
"Alright, you asked for it." Ragna raised his hand up as Rachel closed her eyes and braced herself for him. A second later, she winced as something hit the middle of her forehead, leaving a sting. "There, all done."
"What?" Rachel slowly opened her eyes and covered the stinging area with her hands. "What did you...?" The vampire looked at the smiling Ragna's hand, and she could piece together what he did; all he did was flick her. A deep shade of red came across her cheeks as she yelled in embarrassment. "How dare you mock me! I was being serious you brute!"
"Oh, I know."
"You impudent little...! Ugh!" Rachel felt her rationality vanish as her small fists went flying. "I can't believe you would dare disrespect me in such a manner! Do you know who stands before you, you worm! Idiot! Plankton!" Insults came flying out as fast as her punches did. Ragna tried his best to block them, but he could only do so much with one arm. In the midst of her frenzy, one of her flailing fists hit his injured arm as he hissed in pain, his pain stopping her fists. "Oh no, Ragna!"
"D-Damn it...!"
"Are you ok!? I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean—!" Rachel took the cast in her small hands and looked it over, her face paler than it usually was from worry. She didn't even know where her fists were flying. This man just upsets her so easily it drives her crazy. "It doesn't hurt that much, does it?"
"Na, this is nothing. Though, I think I should be asking you that."
"What?" Ragna moved his hand to her forehead and tapped the area his finger flicked. Rachel winced a bit and quickly covered the sore spot.
"It still hurts?"
"It stings. Pay it no heed," Rachel covered the spot with her bangs. "It should go away soon."
"I didn't mean to actually hurt you, was just playing around." Ragna didn't think he hurt her that badly, just a simple flick. Maybe he was too strong for his own good? "Put some ice on it. Should ease the pain a little."
"Oh my, are you concerned about me?"
"S-Shut up!" Ragna gave her his back. "I'm going back to my room!" Rachel merely giggled while the flustered Reaper stormed off in a huff, leaving her alone with Nago. The vampire was about to walk off as well but stopped in her tracks from an eerie presence. Her entire body pulsated like a heartbeat. A drop of sweat ran down her cheeks as a bit of concern depicted itself on her face.
"Phenomenon Intervention..." She muttered to herself and looked out towards the setting sun. "Imperator, what are you planning...?"
"Princess?"
"Tis nothing. Come Nago; I believe it is time we step our game up as well."
Noel stretched herself out on her bed, eyes glued to the ceiling with a few bored sighs passing her lips. There was nothing to do, boredom finally ready to send her to the grave. Through her boredom, a few thoughts came to mind.
I wonder if Ragna is ok.
Noel wondered if maybe she could check on him, see if he was alright or if his bandages needed to be changed. Once that settled in, a chain began to squeeze her heart. Instead of being bored she was worried, the image of a battered Ragna coming to mind. Blood soaked his clothes, ready to change his black shirt scarlet. Noel was glad that, in the end, it all turned out ok but to see him like that again just served to remind Noel of her sins. Becoming the sword: Kusanagi.
Noel could never forget such a travesty. She was about to destroy the world with everyone and everything she cared about in it. No words could describe how thankful she was to be here, to be her. Ragna drove that into her thoroughly; that's one lesson she'd never forget. Noel let a hand drape over her eyes and another lay upon her stomach as her chest heaved, holding in a heavy breath. It came out as a long sigh through her lips in an attempt to cool her off a bit. But that fire was soon lit once more by Ragna but in a slightly different sense.
It might not have been proper for her to do and a bad time, but while helping Lambda bandage Ragna, her eyes traced his figure. While Lambda didn't try to hide it, and by that I mean she just kept touching his abs, Noel tried to deviate from it and focus on tending to him. That task was almost impossible since Ragna was in such rare form. No visible strain or anger was present on his face. Usually, there was always some deformity, but this time he seemed to be genuinely at peace; a rare sight indeed. At times her mind would run away from her. Her fingers combed his soft, spiky, platinum hair, strands of silver going through the cracks in her fingers. Seeing him like this reminded of Noel how sweet, gentle, and kind he could be.
Her face heated as she could feel a blush form on her cheeks, turning them a light pink from a thought. Noel ran her hand from over her eyes down her face, leaving her forefinger on her lips; the place he kissed. Twice they've done it, though it didn't amount to much. The first time was just a simple gesture, at least that's what ran through her mind at first, but afterward, she realized it was something else; something far more potent than simple friendship. Noel has known Ragna, Jin, and Saya for years; to her, they were like family, the siblings she never had. Ironic in her case since Saya is her older sister...technically. Jin wasn't too keen on her first, said she reminded him of Saya and he didn't want someone else, how he said, "Stealing him away". So he was somewhat cold to her; no pun intended. Saya and Noel hit it off upon first glance of each other while Ragna was a little in between. It wasn't that he didn't like her, he was just REALLY overprotective.
As time went on, he warmed up to her and Noel saw him as an older brother almost, given that she didn't have any siblings to look up to and how much Saya looked up to him. Now, it was a little different. At times, Noel pondered over just what she felt and came to the conclusion it was like how she felt towards Makoto and Tsubaki, but now, with everything laid out in the opened and after everything that transpired, Noel found herself closer to him; which made what she's done even more unbearable. All she could do now is try and make it up to him. Then maybe they could talk about the future—wait what!?
Noel sprang up with a deep scarlet now on her cheeks. Future!? What does that mean!? Noel whimpered and fell back down onto her bed. The blushing blond hugged her pillow as she rolled around on her bed in a flustered huff. It was only a kiss—well, two kisses really, she argued in her head. But, could it be more? With the thought in mind, Noel sat back up and lost herself in her dreams. Visible steam came out of her ears while a deep glowing red replaced her fair white skin.
"N-No, that couldn't happen! I-I was just thanking him! Oh...!" Noel used the pillow to cover her face. Now she was talking to herself, great. All she needed was to go absolutely insane. Then again...couldn't it be something more than what they are? Noel mulled over the idea and brought the pillow to hug on her chest. "Ragna and I..." Her vision faded away, the ceiling her eyes glued on now gazed upon a grassy field with her and Ragna standing in it alone.
"Noel... Be mine!"
"Yes, Ragna!" Noel jumped on him as he spun in place before stopping and putting her down.
"We'll be together forever. Ok, Noel?"
"Forever..." Noel mumbled with joyful giggles to herself. Once realized what she was saying, she sprang up into a sitting position. "What is wrong with me!? Huh?" Her embarrassed tone quickly left, replaced with a confused one. She didn't notice it until now, but the sunlight that came into her room was gone, replaced with something beyond supernatural; it was white. Wondering what was going on Noel cautiously got out of her bed and peered out her window to see the sky was white. White? What is this? Noel took off out her room. The moment she stepped out, Noel found herself in a dreaded location: the Altar in where she was smelted into Kusanagi. Noel took a few steps back and looked around frantically to find away out, or how she got here. No luck. Suddenly, as if by some miracle or by her calls, a familiar voice was heard, one that put all her worries to rest.
"Ms. Rachel!" Noel's lips curled into a joyous smile at the sight of the small vampire.
"Quite the place we ended up." Rachel said, her voice composed just like always. Noel was overjoyed to see her, but just to be sure, she patted the vampire down to see if she was a figment of her imagination or not.
"You're real! Ow!" A chop met the top of Noel's head as the blond held her head and bent down, rubbing it to soothe the pain. "That hurt..."
"Come now, no acting like an idiot. There will only be one me. Now, I believe you are familiar with this place, Noel?"
"Yes, I am," Noel answered, hesitant.
"This might sound ironic, but it is a good thing we came here. It is the perfect place to bring 'her' out."
"Her?"
"The Godslayer. It's time you make that power your own."
Next Chapter 29: Acceptance