A/N: Phew! An 8k+ guys! Well. That was settled. Sorry for the wait. But here it is. About the previous chapter with Rin breaking the window with a fork, I actually did that back when I was... seven? Yeah, I think. I was just being a childish shit playing with our window that, I dunno. I got curious and started messing the lock with a fork. But then I broke it. It wouldn't lock, my fork was bent, and my mom went batshit at me. XD hehehe.

WARNING!: Sexual theme (not explicit) in this chapter... At the first part. And a bit of gore. Although, I hope it's not much. That said, please continue.

P.S: Things shall start unfolding from now on, people...

12:00 am

The witching hour.

It was cold out in the quiet streets. Empty, and vacant. People were as dead as the night itself, dreaming away in their sleep of wishful thinking. The village was a complete standstill, leaving the streets cold and dark with the evening breeze whispering through the night. The silence was deafening itself, yet in a way, the night calmed the village of Sake, an otherwise bustling village during the day. A time for rest for the next day. Everyone refueling for the hard work tomorrow, but that doesn't mean all are asleep.

A giggling couple —a man and a woman— made their way in the empty street, whispering a hushed conversation as they staggered unsteadily down the street while they supported each other in their stumbling walk. They were completely sloshed, as evidence by their flushed cheeks and slurred voices, laughing in their merry way as they tossed away all their problems in the world. The woman leaned into the man's touch, seductively tracing her red nails on the man's chest.

A Harlot—or more commonly phrased as a 'prostitute'.

Their hushed conversation led into a more intimate session, the two stopping in a dark alley blind by their lust and the alcohol clouding their judgement. At a night like this, it was common occurance no matter where you go.

"Come on..."

"Ah..."

A hand groped one feminine flesh as the man enjoyed feasting on the soft neck of the woman, squeezing and weighting the breast in hand while the other travelled south and past the bunched skirt of the lady. One pale leg curled around the waist of the man, holding him flushed against her half-naked body and moaning when she felt him grind his hips against hers in a slow and sensual manner. The woman's sexual moans and sighs only added as a fuel to their perverse activity, her tongue lolling on one side as the man penetrated a finger into her.

The man chuckled between his own grunts of pleasure. "My bitch..."

The woman cried out, enjoying the way he tugged hard on her hair as he enclosed his mouth towards one cold nipple.

In the midst of their heated body, they failed to hear the footsteps coming towards their way. White strands glowed silver under the moonlight, swaying along with the soft breeze of the night.

A chuckle.

The woman pushed the man, stopping his antics towards her sensitive ear and leaving a trail of saliva from her ear to his mouth. Her breathing was heavy and ragged, but her brown eyes scanned the alley with caution.

"What?" the man was clearly disappointed, lust still apparent in his heavy gaze as he sniffed the sweet scent of strawberry on the girl's hair.

"I thought I heard something."

"Huh?" he glanced behind him, seeing nothing but an empty alleyway and a misty fog. "Probably a rat." he shrugged, nuzzling back on her neck.

"No," she pushed him back again. "It sounded like someone laughed."

The man snorted, shaking his head in disbelief. "Just your imagination, babe."

Adamant, she shook her head, pushing him back and fixing her dress in a flash, hiding her exposed chest. The man was clearly annoyed, yet tried to push his luck. Gone was his playful charade, replaced by a common mammal seeking for his release. Pushing and worming his way to remove her skimpy clothes. The woman, though a common whore, put up a fight, pushing the heavier and bigger man despite her size and disadvantage. She wasn't afraid of him, but the sound had sent warning signs to her brain.

When she was close to giving up against his force —as crying for help has proved useless, and had convinced herself that maybe, it was her imagination—she heard the chuckling once again, loud and clear and echoing through the empty alley. Both she and the man froze, feeling a shiver down their spine as an intense feeling of cold fear grip their hearts. The man pulled away, swallowing the lump in his throat as he scanned the alley.

Hugging herself, the girl stared with wide eyes as the man turned ever so slightly for her to peek. Her arms had goosebumps, the cold nipping her exposed skin even more. When she released a breath, she was terrified to see her breath visible. It was never that cold during the night.

"Lucky..."

Both humans stiffened when they heard the same voice, snapping their heads wildly side to side when they saw no one. The voice —sweet like honeycomb and smooth like silk, was laced with a barely concealed antipathy.

The man clenched his teeth to prevent it from chattering, feeling the air get colder than before. "W-Who's there?"

It was silent at first, making the two ponder in confusion. The fear was still apparent in the air, and the cold did nothing but worsen the situation. Their clouded mind was now somber, the alcohol dying down in their system as fear took over.

"Is she gone..?" the woman whispered. The man didn't answer, paling as he stared before him.

In the shadows, a small woman stepped out of nowhere, her skin pale as the moon itself. Her long mane was neat and proper, flowing down to her waist like a silvery river with a single black, headband with a frilly red rose on her head. Her appearance was akin to a porcelain doll, wearing a black and white dress with layers of lacy black skirt until it reached down the cold ground and covering her feet. Her arms were hidden by her puffy long-sleeves, reaching down to her wrist. Her neck was covered by a lace neck corset, the fabric brushing her jaw in comfort.

In contrast to the pale blue light of the moon, her eyes glowed a bright, blood red.

The man trembled against his will, feeling his skin crawl as he acknowledge the presence of a witch before him. Her eyes trapped him and his companion on their spot, fear engulfing him even more when her painted red lips smiled in a friendly manner.

However, her eyes smiled in maniacal glee.

"N-no..." the girl was openly crying, feeling her life end on that spot when she saw her death clear on the witch's eyes. Her mouth ran dry, unable to call for help. She didn't even noticed the snot dripping from her nose, not even paying attention when the man with her tried to run, screaming about getting the Elite Hunter currently staying in their village.

That caught the Rogue's interest.

"Elite, you say?" she mumbled to herself, looking up in thought. "Oh well." she shrugged. She turned towards the stumbling man, attempting to run with jelly legs and pathetically falling and tripping on his foot.

"Now, now," she walked towards him when he fell, ignoring his cry when he twisted his ankle. "You shouldn't run, you naughty boy."

She paused in her step, slowly turning her head towards the frozen girl. She smiled at her.

"Good girl. Stay still."

The girl felt her legs give in, falling on her behind on the ground. The sight only made the witch giggle in delight, shaking her head as if she was facing a mere child.

"Humans are so disgusting."—she advanced towards the slumped man, attempting to stand with his twisted ankle— "Always hungry for sex."

The man sniffled, openly bawling his eyes as he felt the cold seeped through his skin. Her smile was haunting him, and why, for the life of God, can't anyone hear him? He yelped when the witch traced his jawline, shivering under the close contact.

"Tell me, where is the Elite?"

The man only sobbed in response.

Shaking her head, the Witch rolled her eyes.

"Nevermind," she grinned, her pupils dilating. "I'll greet them myself."

When she raised her arm, both humans paled, their mouth wide open in a silent scream when they saw the sharp blade of the butcher's knife gleamed under the moonlight.

Megurine Luka found herself scrutinizing the extensize structure of a motel, squinting her eyes as she raised hand to shield her eyes away from the harsh light of the sun that went past the roof. Her lips were twisted into a frown, her expression taut and sharp. Blue eyes trailed over the designs of the structure, taking in every curve and edge. The smooth paint – a soft crème color and a rich chocolate brown for the doors, rails and linings, and a deep maroon for the roofs – casted a soft appeal; the small decorations of greenery – potted plants and shapely shrubs as such – made it look approachable and homey. Although a little out of place with its tranquil atmosphere compared to the bustling lives of the village and other homes, bars, inns and stores alike, it was a welcome change.

But it seemed off for Luka.

The village of Sake is a busy one, and this was not Luka's first time. The village is found near the seacoast, and also known for its vineyards and winery. However, not the wealthiest village. Crypton currency is as low as it is, and not all provinces have the same resource and comfort as Voca City. But that doesn't mean the city is as fortunate as it is.

The motel seemed more like a medieval manor to Luka, and that was suspicious enough. The land here is not cheap, the lowest price being 3,000,000 Jewels. And judging by the vast structure, it should be somewhere around 10 or 15 million Jewels. Of course, she knew who was the owner of the motel.

Yasumi Ireshi, a wealthy businessman with no wife nor children. He had over ten motels over Crypton, each in the village where her other friends and the Rookie 7 – dubbed by Kaito, himself – have gone into their mission (although some of them have moved to another village to chase their targets). He had been the one who requested the missions, and the only one brave enough to report Rogues without the help of the 2nd Squad. Though Luka knew little of the man, but the fact that he owns more than one motels, whether or not as big as this one (from what she heard, this is biggest, but she couldn't be so sure) spoke heights of his wealth. In a country like Crypton, no man is ever wealthy enough.

Ireshi Motel says the wooden board in big, carved letters painted in rich brown with the same crème color as the background.

Luka's legs moved by itself, taking long strides towards the entrance, intent on further investigation on her suspicion. Her hair swayed behind her, gleaming under the sun to its pale pink shade and tied into a high ponytail today. Her bag was left in her inn, bringing only her collective choice of weapons; the standard katana with a square guard, designed with a cherry pink grip to her liking. A thick, brown leather shoulder holster kept her two guns in reach, with another third one kept in her belt slide holster for emergency. Both of her legs held numerous throwing knives in their sheaths, strapped around her legs from her knees down to her ankles. Despite momentarily postponing her mission, Luka was still on the lookout. Walking up to the entrance, a beautiful oak double doors, Luka fingered her favorite weapon on her side: a thick, black whip made of braided leather. The handle was made short, fit for one hand only for Luka's specialty, with small red knot on the end. The whip had been with her since she started her way up to become an Elite, and was made only for her. It had helped her with her job and as well as making her feel safe. With the whip by her side, Luka felt confident.

The inside was as neat as the outside when she got in. The lobby was big, enough to fit beige couches on one side for waiting customers while the other side was turned into a mini restobar. The counter was found in the middle, where a small girl was left to approach people. Luka paid no attention to everything, even when the girl started calling to her if she could come to her help.

"Good afternoon, Miss. May I help you?" she asked with an overly cheery voice and a beaming smile, trained for scenarios like this. The smile was immediately replaced with an embarrassed pout when the pink-haired beauty ignored her, merely turning her head and walking over to inspect every nook in the lobby.

"Um, excuse me? Can I help you?" Luka ignored her still, eyeing the stairs for a moment before making her way towards it. The girl wouldn't have it then.

"Miss! Please, you're not allowed upstairs until you state your business!" she huffed, clearly feeling the upperhand.

She blanched, freezing when the icy blue of Luka's eyes narrowed to her. She gulped, feeling her confidence drain and her throat dry from the look. The girl immediately sat back down on her seat when Luka made her way towards her, shrinking herself when she saw Luka's height and built compared to her petite form.

When Luka stopped before the counter did the girl's eyes widened, noticing the crow pin on her breast pocket for the first time. She felt daft for noticing the uniform and the weapons of the girl just now.

At the same time, Luka read her name on her name tag.

Maori Matsumoto

"Excuse me, Matsumoto-san, but may I look around? Only for a few minutes. Nothing more, nothing less." Luka said it with a firm and polite tone, yet the woman seemed to be intimidated by her. Luka was used to it; the whole Crypton knows that there are only nine Elites present for this generation, and usually, they are exempted from wearing the traditional uniform of a regular Hunter. Luka refused to do so, donning the soft brown jacket with thick cuffs over her wrist, hiding the guns on her shoulder holster and wearing a white buttoned-up shirt underneath. A skirt with a darker shade of brown than her jacket reached to her mid thigh, with black boots with pink soles on her legs.

Maori simply nodded, afraid yet in awe.

"Thank you." Luka bowed.

Luka didn't waste time, feeling the need to report to Dell with every second she spent wondering around the halls and corridors. The motel was bigger inside, and about five-stories high. Most of the rooms were occupied and the staffs here were uber friendly. But something still didn't sit well with Luka. Yes, the business was only expanded to such lengths but, to have such wealth in Crypton while the other parts were near to no homes and starvation that Dell had to juggle between all problems to deal with, that seemed like stealing to Luka.

Sighing, Luka shook her head. She had no proof to say that. Deciding to head back, Luka went back towards the stairs, currently on the fifth and highest floor. She had wasted time, there was nothing to look at and nothing to report about. She couldn't possibly just say right away that he's stealing money, it's just business. Not stealing. Yasumi Ireshi may possibly be the wealthiest man in Crypton, but that does not explain that he is a man of evil deeds. Yes, it was questionable on how he has so much money that, in the current level of currency of Crypton prevents anyone from earning anywhere above a thousand. And with his motels, he's probably earning millions a year.

Reaching down the lobby, Luka gave a polite smile towards Maori, the girl shakily returning it with a bow.

Perhaps, she was only upset about the fact that, Yasumi has so many, yet the people has so little. Luka would admit that she is the softest one out of their little circle of friends. Although there is nothing wrong with being concern about the status of the country —since it is one of a Hunter's duty, but, maybe she was only being a paranoid about this "Yasumi Ireshi". After all, he was only doing a living.

But Luka still has that feeling that, something about him isn't quite right.

"Megurine-san!"

Luka blinked, discarding her previous thoughts as she watched a short girl running towards her, just as when she got out of the motel.

"Ana?" Luka mumbled, furrowing her eyebrows in confusion when Ana stopped right before her. Luka was patient when the girl had her moment to catch her breath, bending down with her hands on her knees as she took in heavy gulps of oxygen as much as she could.

"I've been... looking... everywhere... for you...!" she panted, brushing her forehead out of the brown locks clinging to her sweaty face.

Luka was speechless for a moment, remembering the girl as the waitress in an inn she visited. They had a descent a conversation, though short, it had warmed Luka when a person isn't scared to not approach an Elite. After all, why should they? That reason, Luka never knew.

Ana quickly grabbed hold of Luka's wrist, her actions frantic and, now that Luka inspect further, the poor girl was trembling out of her wits. Her face was pale, and Luka caught hint of the terror clear in her hazel eyes.

In a second, Luka understood. She nodded towards the shorter girl for her to lead her, her feet matching up with Ana without even breaking a sweat. She could easily outrun her, if she knew where they were headed. Frankly, she didn't and they were already zipping towards an unknown street to Luka. Everyone immediately gave passage to the running duo, and Luka noticed to her concern and horror, that everyone seemed to be running away from the direction they were headed, visibly shaken and pale beyond comparison.

"O-ver there..! In the alley!" Ana stopped, pointing her finger as her stamina ran out completely. Luka nodded, thanking the girl before jogging her way quickly towards the alley. It was crowded, mostly curious males, and the few females came running away looking like they ate something rotten for breakfast. Their behavior only caused Luka to panic in the slightest. Luka composed her expression and kept it neutral.

Pushing through the small crowd, Luka prepared herself for the worst.

The second she passed the crowd, a strong, putrid smell hit her nose hard that it made her head spin. Noticing her gag, someone gave her a spare cloth, in which Luka immediately grabbed and cover her nose. She momentarily forgot to thank the person when her eyes grew wide in horror.

Luka could vaguely identify the dead carcass at first, but she knew. The limbs were bent in several ways and sticking out in all directions, the bones protruding out of the mangled flesh that sent chills down Luka's spine. The fingers were broken, bent with one middle finger missing while the toes were cut off completely. The clothers were torn into strips, hanging like a rag and exposing the mangled flesh beneath. There were deep cuts on the hips, each deep and hitting a vital nerve. Luka even saw, with lucid disgust, that even the male genitals were cut off. The stomach was cut open, spilling all the internal organs out in public display. Some of the skin was peeled off, and Luka could see nothing past the red mess. The neck was sliced open, the head lolling on one side in an awkward angle. One eye was missing, leaving a river of blood flowing down the empty socket while the other was left open, the fear still evident despite being dead for long. The jaw was slack, shattered, but all Luka saw was the silent scream from all the torture.

The cobbled road was spluttered in dry blood, pooling around the dead body and flowing down like a river towards to where Luka was standing. She immediately stepped away when she saw where she was standing. Flies and other crawling insects swarmed around the carcass, buzzing around the ripped organs and crawling in the vacant eye socket. Luka even spotted one greasy rat nip at the matted skin. The sight only made Luka's stomach lurch. But she forced it down. A tinge scent of urine was evident, letting Luka and the crowd believe that the victim had more or less wet his pants in fright.

The chest was peeled open, the rib bones peeking out along with the dead lungs. But Luka didn't see the vital organ that was supposed to be there.

The heart was gone.

Further away, another body was lying on its stomach with only half its body remaining. From the waist down, it was gone, with dry blood trailing behind her and towards the garbage disposal, leading to Luka to believe that the lower half was dumped inside there. Judging from the long, matted hair, it was a female that lying on its own pool of blood.

"Um, Miss..." someone poked Luka's arm. She was startled, but quickly waved it off and turned her head towards where the man was pointing behind her.

On the wall, written in splash of dried, black blood said: At the meadows.

Luka gritted her teeth behind the cloth, feeling her blood pulsed in anger as she clenched her fist.

"Did someone called for emergency already?" Luka asked in no one in particular, glaring at the taunting message on the wall.

"Y-Yes. We did. Some people from the village's clinic and the local officers are on their way here."

"That won't do." she muttered, enough for them to hear. "Let your Head know that he should call the Yamaha Base III. Say it is urgent." Luka marched away, some of the villagers following her and asking for question on why the Head of the village needs to contact the Yamaha Base III. The Yamaha Base III, stationed on the Eastern part of Crypton, is the nearest Yamaha in Sake, and they would provide help.

"Ask for them to patrol this village. I would take precautions. When one Witch makes a kill, some would follow." Luka explained, feeling bad when they went rigid.

"Do it now." Luka's voice was stern; although her leadership skills is not quite as good as Mikuo's, she knows how to handle quite well. Very well.

"Tell them," her tone dropped into a low voice, her mind raging in anger towards the Witch who had done this. "Tell them, that it is a strict order from Elite No. 4, Megurine Luka."

Gripping the sheath of her katana, Luka sped away, her steps light yet fast as she passed by the people in a pink blur. She left the crowd with no questions asked.

Although certainly not the most patient person in the world, she is more than willing to wait. She had waited; watching the moon at night to pass time, then watched it as it descends, watching the fire ball called sun rise then in its place. She had kept herself preoccupied, her mood light with a small smile gracing her soft features as she made herself well-hidden from view up high, sitting on a thick branch of a tree. Crypton is quite the unique place, and the trees were enormous and thick in the extensive woods. The human society living in a certain province is small, each having a village each and then the rest is a forest history. It was an advantage and a disadvantage; with their resources coming from these woods yet the very same woods is where their enemy loves to hide.

Her tree was stationed near the vast meadow of Sake. It was nice and quiet; a peace she would love to live in. It wasn't until a crunch of a boot disturbed her from her thoughts.

Blinking, red eyes scanned below her, seeing nothing out of the usual.

But she could feel the new presence like a red flag flashing before her eyes.

Smiling, she allowed herself to tip backwards, letting the sharp blade pass just an inch away from her skin, hitting the trunk instead.

With a sardonic grin stretching her lips, her gaze turned towards the new person joining her spot.

Luka glared down at the petite witch, tightening her grip around her katana. Easily pulling out the blade, she swung it towards the witch's head, aiming to cut off her head in a swift.

Luka frowned when she only managed to cut off a few strands of hair, and that the Witch had teleported herself on the ground.

"Answer me," Luka stared down, meeting the deranged red of her eyes with her intense blue ones easily. "Were you the one responsible for the murder on the alleyway?"

The witch blinked, an amused look passing before she completely laughed, a sound which only made Luka grit her teeth.

"Are you serious?" she giggled, pursing her lips when she saw the stern look did not waver on the Elite's face. "You are..."

Composing herself, the sardonic smile was brought back. "Well, Hunter," —she spread her arms wide—"Who else do you see but me?"

That was enough for Luka to go charging down, pushing her foot on the branch for much needed force with her sword at ready. When she swung it down, the witch made another sharp knife out of thin air, countering it against the onyx blade.

"Call me Tei, when you're on your deathbed." she grinned.

Luka twisted her body, using her leg to sweep the witch off her feet. Knees buckling, Tei tensed in surprise. Following her fist next to her sweep, Luka delivered a swift punch on the nape, hearing a sickening crunch when she landed. Luka managed to jumped back in time, avoiding the knife coming down on her head.

Tei cursed, her head bent back in an odd angle. Nonetheless, she focused on healing the shattered bone. Soon, she was rolling her neck in no time.

Luka swung her blade, twirling and handling it with expertise as she tried to land a blow. She was scowling when each of her attacks were parried or blocked by the sharp knife.

It was when Luka swung her sword down, inwardly smirking when Tei raised her arm to block, only for Luka to change direction, crouching and slicing off Tei's arm, making her stumble.

Using her momentum, Luka kneed her on the stomach.

Coughing out blood, Tei's expression changed, darkening in sheer anger and bloodlust. She glanced towards her side, where in the midst of green moss lay her cut limb, still clutching the knife in its tight grip. Her shoulder was massively bleeding, spurting out chunks of red blood and spoiling the ground and her neat dress. She couldn't bring herself to heal it because of the lead, much to her chagrin. Her shoulder was burning, paralyzed.

"Where is it?" Luka barked, pointing the tip of her blade on the Witch's neck.

"Where is what?" Tei drawled, albeit unsure about the blade on her neck. One wrong move and she'll get paralyzed with a burning skin.

"Do not test me." Luka's face darkened. "The heart of that man you killed." —she snarled—"Where. Is. It."

At first, it seemed as if Tei didn't understand. But then she chuckled, the sound growing into an amused giggle, until she let out a good and hearty laugh.

Holding out her one arm, a warm white glow coated her hand, this time creating her signature butcher's knife and bringing it down on the blade on her neck, effortlessly cutting it in two.

She used that moment when shock and surprise pass Luka's face to deliver a powerful kick to her side, putting all her power she had in that kick, sending Luka to crash back first on a tree with a cough of blood. The pain in her head caused black circles to appear momentarily on Luka's vision when she hit her head on the trunk, her back sending needles of pinching pain down her spine. But it was small compare to the throbbing on her side. Granted, she had moved in time otherwise she would have received the full blow. By then, she would have her hips fractured.

"You see, girl." Tei advanced on Luka's slumped form. "Human hearts..."—blue eyes glared into hazy red—"They are...bizarre."

Tei saw with glee the way Luka's eyes flickered in confusion, her lips moist with heavy pants puffing out of her mouth. She grinned, crouching down so that they're eye to eye. The way Luka tried to back away no matter how futile amused her greatly.

"You have such beautiful hair..." Tei brush the pink locks sticking on Luka's neck due to the thin sheen of sweat, a cold shiver travelling down her spin with the intimate contact.

"I wonder, if a brave and beautiful woman such as you—rare one these days—have an exotic heart just as your beauty..." Tei let her other hand hover over her chest where her heart is, leaning her face down just inches away from Luka.

"You see, hearts like yours is more delicious." Tei licked her lips, a hungry look possessing those red eyes as she watched in an amused fascination, the way the confusion clouded over her eyes even more, furrowing her eyebrows as she assessed Tei's words. She watched, with a maniacal glee, when the realization hit Luka so hard, those gorgeous blue eyes widening in shock. But what Tei really loved and enjoy, was the strong fear and horror swimming in those eyes.

"Y-You...you...you ate them?! Luka panted, her heart racing in fear.

Tei smiled, an innocent curve of her lips. "Yes."

In one silent moment, Tei believed that she had damaged her greatly enough. Physically, and mentally. After all, humans are such fickle things. Always driven by their emotions. And frankly, it did not surprise Tei that the once proud and tall woman, eager to bring her down, was now a frightened kitten.

"You..." Luka stuttered, making Tei quirk a brow.

"Still fighting?"

Luka did something unexpected, a move she would've deemed barbarous if it wasn't for the bubbling rage within her.

She smashed her forehead against Tei's in a headbutt.

"GO TO HELL!"

She gave another headbutt. Quickly snatching a knife from her leg, Luka plunged it on Tei's thigh, making the witch scream as her skin sizzled.

Pushing her away, Luka stood on shaky legs, ignoring the screaming pain on her right side and her spine. Instead, leaning most of her weight on one foot on her left side. She pulled out both of her guns on her torso, aiming it towards the witch's head.

Gritting her teeth, Tei created a force field to protect her when Luka fired five shots; invisible to the human eye. The shots bounced off, landing on the ground like a crumpled paper against the forcefield. Despite that, Luka continued to fire, gritting her teeth as her arms buckle everytime she pulled the trigger.

Tei accessed her wounds with a frown, blood dripping down the side of her face from the two headbutts. It annoyed her, the way the liquid disturbed her vision when it dripped down her eye. She only had one arm, and it would take days for the wound to heal. But she still needed that Mayu to stitch her arm back. 'Queen knows where that idiot went to.'

Her skin sizzled in a burning irritation from her right thigh down to her knee, throbbing in pain as it was deemed paralyzed and useless.

"Damn..." Tei muttered, glaring down on the moss ground as she scold herself. How in the world, a useless, weak human, managed to bring a powerful being such as her, to its knees?

Glancing upwards, Tei noticed that Luka hadn't stop firing. And with her wounded self, the forcefield was gradually getting weaker. Although only she could notice the damage on the transparent shield. Still, those humans keep creating stronger weapons.

"Fine." she mumbled. "I'll end this."

Luka stopped, letting one last fire go as Tei disappeared on her spot in a blur. "What the—"

Blue eyes narrowing, Luka snatched another knife on her leg, smaller and lighter as she threw it upwards towards a tree behind her.

Tei managed to stop in time as the knife sailed past her, cursing the pink-haired woman for having such sharp sense.

Luka tossed her two guns, out of bullets yet having no time to reload. She snatched her third gun on her hip, trying to hit Tei as she went here and there, disappearing and reappearing in a blur from tree to tree. It occured to Luka that, whenever she would reappear—from dodging the bullets—she would get higher and higher.

'She's trying to escape!'

Mimicking the witch, Luka climbed from the lower branch, gradually climbing higher off the ground with her agility and speed. She didn't stop firing, using it to her advantage to follow her.

Tei glared over her shoulder, frowning in annoyance as she hopped on one leg with great speed. She had underestimated this girl. Not only was she a beauty and a courageous human being, but she was certainly fast and quick-witted for her own good.

"Give up already." Tei mumbled under her breath.

Luka fired another bullet, watching as Tei stopped again in time. At the same moment, Luka quickly grabbed two throwing knives from her leg, quickly launching it at the same time Tei moved again.

Tei widened her eyes when she was pinned on the tree, glancing to see one knife embedded through her sleeve and deeply into the trunk. Another one missed her eye, hitting the trunk two inches apart from her face.

Snarling, Tei acted fast.

Grabbing the hilt of the knife, she snatched it out, freeing herself with a torn sleeve. She made sure that her hand or fingers isn't anywhere near the lead blade, much less she wanted to render her hand useless. Pulling her arm back, Tei threw the knife back with a frustrated yell. Luka simply tilted her head to the side, gripping the handle of her whip.

Tei speed up again, sensing the whip coming her way, gritting her teeth. Having her one leg useless was a problem already, and with the way it was still burning hot causes her attention to split into two. She couldn't put too much pressure on her leg or else she's done for, but then she have to watch out for that fast whip of Luka's, which probably has the same effect as all of their weapons, if not worse.

Releasing more of her powers, Tei took it to another level, watching with narrowed eyes as Luka buckled under the intense pressure, clenching her jaw in forced determination. Her wrist slowed, allowing a weak strike of her whip pass Tei. But despite that, she didn't deter.

Growling, Luka ignored the weight on her shoulders, twirling her whip, slicing the air with ease and aiming towards Tei torso.

Tei sighed, scrunching her face. A warm white glow engulfed her one arm, hardening the skin with reptilian scales forming on the tips of her fingers up to her elbow. She schooled her face to be neutral, waving off the whip with the back of her hand with the hardened skin. She was right when the scales on her arm melted under the lead, but she received no damage at all from the contact.

Glaring down at the pinkette, Tei summoned her power, producing steel knives out of thin air surrounding her and pointing towards Luka.

"Release." Tei muttered.

All at once, the knives zipped towards Luka, each blade going for her form as she widened her eyes, freezing in shock as about a dozen of knives rained down on her.

"AAARRGGHH!"

Luka's scream tore through the air, each knife splitting and cutting her skin in a bloody mess. She lost her footing when she raised her arms to protect her face, twisting her ankle as she fell on the hard ground. Her spine shook in pain even more when she landed from a far height, but her whole body was roaring in pain. Her arms trailing in crimson mess as it stained her jacket. Two knives nicked her sides, slicing deep in the flesh and marking the white fabric of her shirt red. Her shoulders and legs were of the same state, with a small cut on her brow.

Tei stared at the crumpled body of Luka, alive and panting, yet definitely damaged. That would give her enough time to escape and a chance to fix her arm. Giving one last glare at the Elite, Tei fled the scene in a flash with one last promise.

"Next time, I'll have that heart."

Luka glared at nothing in particular, gritting her teeth in pain and frustration. Her body was a mixture of numbness and pain, and she couldn't move. She was losing a large amount of blood in her current state. And for a moment she thought she had the advantage. She wasn't able to avenge the two victims who died in torture in the alleyway. No person deserved such a death, no matter what.

"Damn you..." Luka choked out, before her world went black.

"Don't you think you need a haircut?"

Rin grumbled, chewing on her bottom lip as she trudged behind Len, her half-lidded eyes staring at the bouncing ponytail with every step Len took. She didn't even bother when Len didn't answer, judging by his sour mood. Her back ache as she slouched, frowning as she followed behind begrudgingly. It was early in the morning, and they were supposed to rest.

That was what he said during the night, after her spontaneous show of hide-and-seek.

Rin didn't really understand. She came back! She promised so, that since he defeated her fair and square, then she would be his captive without further ado. Or did he forgot? Either way, she had only wanted to have fun. Perhaps a chase. But the fool had been blindly running around in desperation that she actually pitied him. He didn't have to snap at her and tied her to a tree at some point. That was low.

"Hey, why don't we rest here?" Rin suggested, eyeing a tall tree that was casting enough shade to protect them under the harsh glare of the sun. Personally, Rin didn't mind the heat. Her skin savored the warm touch it gave her. But the human has already stripped off his sweater, leaving him in his white undershirt and trousers, but his skin still shone in a thin sheen of sweat, and she could pick up his grumblings and swearing under his breath, all towards the scorching heat. They were way passed the previous village and its land territory. Now, they were already in the territory of the last province of South Crypton and currently on their way to its village: Sasori. The last province—and village—of South Crypton and soon, Rin bet that he would be delighted in kissing the heat goodbye and back to the cool weather he so loved.

Before, Rin was sure that he carried around some sort of cloak before. She believed it to be stashed inside the bag slung across his back.

"No, we're not stopping until afternoon." Len pushed a low branch away from his face.

Rin paused, arching one, delicate brow. "The prince has spoken." she muttered.

"What?" Len glared over his shoulder.

Rin raised her cuffed hands in mocked surrender. "What? You've been silent and all mighty like a prince and now you answered me. A low witch."

Len frowned, turning to look at her properly in the eye. His eye twitched in irritation, feeling a drop of sweat linger in his eyelashes. He glared at Rin, his frown deepening when she still have that smug smirk of hers on her face.

"You're a Rogue. Not a low witch."

Rin smiled. "A compliment, I take?"

Len scoffed, rolling his eyes as he trudged forward again. So far, he's successful in controlling his anger. "No."

Rin chuckled, shaking her head with a smirk. The boy had anger issues, but she was certainly not complaining. He was fun to pick at.

After awhile, Rin gave Len his silence. She didn't speak to him, but she was aggravating him with her pleased humming. Dramatically cooing about the pleasant weather and how it warmed her skin, opposite to his suffering. He was twitching in annoyance soon. And Rin was having fun. He was determined not to lose himself in anger again, and that serves as Rin's goal to ruin it.

"Are we there yet?" Rin drawled later, feeling her feet ache. With the cuffs, she wouldn't be able to heal her wounds, and her body would be no difference to a human.

"No, now shut up."

Scowling, Rin stuck her tongue out behind his back.

"Start acting like a child and I'll cut off your tongue."

Rin brought her tongue back in.

"Hn."

Huffing, Rin groaned. "I'm tired."

"Suck it up."

Rin stopped in her tracks, making Len stop too. He turned to stare at her, his face in a scowl again. Rin had an inkling that his scowl might be perhaps, permanent?

"What are you doing?" Len asked.

"I am resting. You go ahead if that's what your stubborn ass wants." Rin shot back.

Len glared. "You're not."

"You know I'm capable enough to run and go even with these"—she raised her cuffed hands—"On."

Len swallowed the growl forming in his throat. She had always brought up her cuffed hands whenever possible, and it was starting to annoy him. Tensing, Len prepared himself.

"You wouldn't dare..."

Rin grinned, feeling a tingling thrill pump in her blood, eager for a fight. "Oh, you know I could."

Frowning, Len gripped the hilt of his sword. Rin bounced lightly in her spot, knowing that she'll have to rely mostly on her legs due to her bound wrists. She knew her kicks, and she mostly preferred her legs rather than her fists. Len, although eager to reach the village in time, was tired himself. The heat was irritating as it was, and now this witch wanted a fight. For some reason, since she returned, Len wasn't so worried about her running away. But he was still cautious. But he was not in the mood for another bickering, much less a fight. Nonethless, Len released his sword from its sheath when Rin stepped forward.

Just as when she took a step, Rin paused.

"Wait." she halted.

Raising a brow, Len couldn't help but feel disappointed in the slightest. Lowering his blade, Len sighed. "What now—"

"Wait." Rin cut him off, staring straight into his eyes.

For an unknown reason, Len saw and felt the urgency in her eyes; serious and sharp that Len find it off after her series of acting playful and lazy. But then, Len felt his skin crawl in alert, suddenly wary as he felt the atmosphere shift eerily. Their surroundings were suddenly quiet. Too quiet. And Len couldn't fend the feeling of eyes on them, watching and observing. His fingers gripped on the one throwing knife on his waist, gripping the handle in his clutch.

Rin lowered her head, tilting it towards to the right, her keen ears picking up the faintest sound of twigs snapping. It wasn't loud enough for the human to hear, she mused, but with her sharpened senses, she could hear it perfectly. She focused her all on that sound, narrowing her eyes as she waited patiently for another sound, for another mistake. When she didn't hear anything more, Rin frowned in suspicion. Inwardly sighing, Rin closed her eyes.

Discreetly, Rin took in a long and deep sniff in the air.

With a snap of her neck, Rin glared at the spot behind Len, tensing her shoulders in alram. Len didn't need to look twice as he hurled the knife towards the direction.

The knife was fend off by a long sword, followed by a man emerging out of his hiding spot, along with dozen of his subordinates. Rin cursed, when the lot of them step out of their hiding, surrounding them. If she had sensed them sooner, she could've prevented this ambush.

Len readied his stance, sheathing his sword as he stepped in front of Rin.

"Bandits." he said, in which Rin nodded. She knew. These people are those who sided along with Witches in exchange for their lives; serving under their rule to spare them. At least, that was what Dell had in his theory.

They were common, and a big problem as well. They took down the Hunters—the witches' enemies—and freed all the captured witches they could find. Although Len agreed with Dell with his theory, Len was still sure that there must be a bigger picture. Clenching his fist, Len swung his fist, breaking into his hand-to-hand combat routine in a flash.

Rin watched as Len go, raising her brow as he took them in great speed and agility. He didn't use his katana, and Rin knew why. He didn't want to kill a human, and has resorted to his fists. But he was winning against a group, moving in perfect grace and timing that Rin wondered. He wasn't like this when he fought her. Charging in like cannon, but he had the same speed and strength, if not more back then. But still, he was sloppy back then. And now he was fighting like what his reputation says; The Very Best.

"Get the witch!"

Averting her gaze, Rin jumped, kicking out both of her legs to hit two men going after her. She bashed the back of her skull when one wrapped his arms around her waist, proceeding to knee the person coming on her front. The two men groaned in pain, momentarily surprised why a witch didn't want to be freed. After all, that was their job. To help her. Despite Rin fighting alongside Len, the group of bandits continued on their job.

"Get her! Free her!"

Rin gritted her teeth, seeing more men surround both her and Len. 'This is gonna take a while.' She stepped back from someone trying to grab her, tripping them on her feet and shoving them away with her shoulders. She was small, but she knew how to fight, even with her hands bound. Jumping on a random man's back, she brought her foot to step on his skull, hearing the man grunt in pain before she skipped along, stepping and kicking on their backs and heads.

One was smart enough as he grabbed her ankle, pulling her down on the ground, rendering her stunned with a thud.

Rin turned her head when she heard a cry, seeing another one fall down unconscious from Len. She didn't react in time when someone tied her ankles with a rope, and without her powers, she couldn't snap it like a twig.

"W-Wait!" she panicked.

Len stopped, hearing her cry as someone hauled her over their shoulder. Growling, Len followed.

"Stop!" a voice called, stopping all the bandits and even Len, pausing to see whoever called. Rin took that moment crush her captor's face with her knee, getting a grunt in return as she fell from the shoulder. Two of the man's comrades took his job, hauling Rin to her feet and seizing her captive within their grasp while the man nursed his broken nose.

Rin huffed as she stopped struggling, glancing up to see whoever was their leader. If she could get the leader—if Len couldn't—then maybe they'll leave her—and the human, she forgot—all alone.

A tall man walked in the scene, his sandy blonde hair pale under the sun. Light green eyes surveyed the scene, frowning in disapproval when he saw the unconscious men sprawled all over the forest bed. His gaze landed on Len, not needing to ask to know that he was the one responsible for his fallen men. Len countered the man's gaze with his own, challenging him with heavy stare. Shifting his eyes away from Len's, he eyed the other men nursing their sore limbs.

He glared at Rin with a frown. "We're helping you. Why attack them?" he asked.

Rin blinked, splutterring in confusion as she pointed to herself, receiving a nod from the man. She shifted under the heated glare of Len. Knowing him, he's probably making assumption in that head of his, thinking along the lines that she had sent them to free her. It didn't help that it timed with her disappearing for a day. Rin shook the idea of wringing Len on his neck just for him to believe her.

"I didn't ask for help...?" Rin answered, unsure even to herself. "Who are you, anyways."

The man hummed, not satisfied with her answer. Nonetheless, he answered her question, "Jun."

The man, Jun, then turned towards Len, aiming a pistol towards his face. Len tensed, cursing under his breath. He isn't as fast as Gakupo to counter a bullet with his blade, and his own pistol is stashed inside his bag. It didn't help that he was also surrounded, so running would be futile.

Rin narrowed her eyes, preparing herself when Jun pull out his weapon. She's near, and getting away from this idiots' grip would be easy.

'I can reach him.' she glanced at Len.

"Boss said to take the Hunter in, along with the Witch." Jun barked, adressing his men although he kept his eyes on Len. "What the hell were you doing? Getting beaten by a simple Hunter, huh!?"

Bending to his knees, Len hovered his hand over his belt, where his crow pin hung. This Jun, whoever he is, didn't know he's an Elite. And frankly, he didn't notice his pin. He would use that to his advantage.

"Don't move." he snarled at Len. "Move, and you die."

Glaring, Len countered, "You wouldn't kill me. Your... Boss, wants me." he said, slapping his face with his words.

Scoffing, Jun narrowed his eyes. "Touché." he muttered. "Give up, boy. And maybe we'll spare you."

Len didn't answer right away, making Rin anxious. She was ready, she could kick these guys' nuts, push Len away from harm, and give that Jun a kick in the head in a second flat. She just have to wait for Len—

"Fine." he said. Rin widened her eyes, utterly confused and stunned. Her blue eyes followed his movements; the way the hand hovering over his belt quickly snatched the pin and pocketed it in a flash without Jun knowing before he raised both his hands in the air in surrender.

"What?"

Len sent her a quick glare. 'Shut up.'

Rin swallowed. 'Alright.'

Jun grinned, triumph clear in his face as he ordered his men to take them back. Len allowed himself to get dragged away, not even sparing Rin a glance as she was pushed to get moving along.

Glaring at her feet, Rin was able to see the expression on Len's face before he was dragged away before her. His eyes narrowed more than usual and his lips pursed in thought. She sighed.

Whatever he was planning, Rin hoped it was a good one.

A/N: I'll be completely honest, I'm new with Shingeki No Kyojin. I've heard of that a long time ago (because, really, who haven't must be living under a rock). And I had planned to delve into it before, but I was either too busy, or I forgot. Now, I had the chance, I was immediately hooked! Damn, I pulled two all-nighters for that manga (I prefer manga over animes cuz it's original without fillers) and I finished it all up until the current chapter! BUT DAMN IT WAS WORTH IT! I admit it's one of the reason why I took so long, and I regret that, but I didn't regret reading the manga. God, I'm in love!

hatelife — Hahaha! I know, Len needs to chill. I like Rin acting like a smug child so yeah. hehe.

Rikasa — Yes... I was NOT happy with last chapter. took me too long and wouldn't save! I'm sorry for the mistake. I'll go back on that... Soon, I hope. lol.

MysteriousSpottedOwl14 — Oh, you're also from the Philippines (I looked XD cant help it)! Yay! But damn... that dread question. The answer, no. I am not ready. Mentally not ready. But I'm ready with all my stuff... No, I'm not ready.

Vocaloids X Otaku Nekomimi — hahaha! lol. Well, June is here... And the 2nd week... Ours start in 22 June cuz our school building is still being renovated for K-12. LUCKY I SAY! hahaha! I shall update until then...*shudders*

Bubble Smoosher — you're in and out between reviews, ya know that? Anyways, my lips are sealed. zip.

Oberaar — Rin is good with angering Len (just as how I'm good with angering my mom)! And I found it amusing. hehe.

QuirkyAwesome — it's good that you're torn *dodges knives from you* but I really won't tell. She's going around in circles for a reason, ya know? Besides, telling is spoiler. *dodges more knives*

www — Yeah, Len is a pro. he's just angry at Rin. For some reason. Ah yes, the mystery... Soon, baby. Anyways, The R7 (Rookie 7) shall come back soon. I want to show all of their progress anyway.

Clockwork Marionette — I hope you remember your review... Lol! Seriously, still with the shoe? You're cracking me up! But if it would turn up again, Rin would just kill it. About the window though, I agree with ya. I'll break a window if I'm angry.