Something warm rested in his right hand. He didn't know what it was, but it consoled the pain stabbing in his stomach, comforted him in the abyss of his mind. He only remembered flashes; metal blades spinning, a blow to the head, a madman's smile. He wasn't sure he wanted to remember anything beyond that.

What was in his hand? He wanted to know. It anchored him in reality and kept him from slipping into dreams of darkness again. However, his eyes refused to open, his body refused to move. Whatever had happened to him, he knew he was lucky to be alive. Someone must have saved him; he had a pretty decent idea who.

He wasn't sure how long he lay there, enjoying his reprieve from hell. It may have been minutes, hours or days; his sense of time was off, even more than usual. Every so often, he would feel someone prodding his wounds; whatever was in his hand kept him at peace during those times.

It left his hand, taking all comfort with it.

With a groan, Ragna opened his eyes. He rested on a medical bed. Some sorts of tubes hung to his left. He glanced down at himself. With no shirt on, he saw the worst of his injuries; a horrid red-brown scab that extended from his navel to his side, the stitches that outlined it doing no favors for its nauseating appearance. Bile rose up and Ragna forced himself to look away at a girl sitting near him. A girl with squirrel ears. "Huh? Who're you?"

She looked up from a magazine with a start. "Oh, you're awake! About time."

"Wait a minute..." He noticed what she wore; the standard jet black uniform of an Intelligence officer. "You're with the Library. What the hell is going on?"

"Um, I'm actually not with the Library. At least, not anymore." She smiled and extended a hand. "Makoto Nanaya. I'm just a friend of Tsubaki's."

He gave her a limp handshake, making sure not to twist his body. The resulting agony would be unbearable, if the gash's appearance was any indication. "Where's Tsubaki? Is she all right?"

"Yeah, she's just fine. Got out of there in much better shape than you. She's hardly left your side. You just managed to wake up while she's out for lunch." She smirked. "She really likes you, you know."

"She's just a friend..." Ragna shook his head, trying to get rid of his headache. One question burned inside him. "What the hell happened? How'd I end up in a hospital?"

"Well, first off, it's a good thing you aren't asking Tsubaki about this. Trust me, she'd really downplay her role. Just how she is. But anyways, from what I've gathered, after you, um, got owned, Tsubaki arrived and tried to fight Hazama. She did a little better than you, but she lost too. And then Jin and some old guy named… um… Valkyrie? No, that's not right…"

"Valkenhayn?" So Rachel's alright. Good.

"Yeah, that. Well, anyways, they fought Hazama, too. And while that was happening, Tsubaki decided to try and drag you out of the Library branch, because you were... um..."

"About to die."

"Yeah. She didn't get very far before she couldn't carry you anymore."

"...Please tell me she did the smart thing and decided just to save herself."

Makoto shook her head. "She was ready to stay by you 'til the end. Me and Tager—oh, by the way, I'm with Sector Seven—got there before you could, um, die and took you here. Litchi Faye-Ling's clinic."

Ragna nodded, not caring much about his actual location. "She... she actually went that far for me?"

"She totally had her arms around you and was crying her eyes out when we found her. Like I said, she really likes you. Just a word of warning." She leaned forward, an edge in her eyes that startled Ragna. It was every bit as intense as Terumi's malicious stare. "If you ever hurt her..."

"Ain't gonna, don't worry."

He'd taken Makoto as a total ditz. Her sudden change in demeanor almost made him think it had just been an act. The beastkin smiled again and sat back. "Good. I'm sorry, I just can't stand anyone who hurts my friends. I don't think you will, though."

He nodded as his thoughts returned to Tsubaki. Try as he might, he couldn't wrap his head around someone going that far for him. It didn't help that his mind seemed trapped in mire. Makoto tapped his shoulder. "Hey, are you alright?"

"Huh? Yeah. Just a little outta it."

"Oh, yeah, I suppose you would be. Linhua loaded you up on painkillers a while ago."

"Huh?" Ragna sat up. Fire seared along the gash, but it was nowhere near as bad as it should have been. He winced as he pulled himself upright. The pain dulled. "…I was expecting that to be much worse. And who the hell is 'Linhua'?"

"Litchi's assistant."

"Why isn't Litchi tending to me? Doesn't feel like treating the Grim Reaper or something?"

"Eh… about that…"

Whatever it was, Makoto had no chance to spit it out. The door opened and Tsubaki stepped through, a bag in hand. Her grip on the thin plastic slipped when she saw Ragna awake, but she caught hold of it again before it could splatter on the white floor. She scampered over to his bedside. "Ah… glad to see you awake, Ragna."

"Thanks to you, yeah."

On the other side of the bed, Makoto glanced back and forth between the two, her eyes sparkling. She backed her way towards the door. "Well, I'll just leave you two alone. Have fun!"

After winking at Tsubaki, she left and closed the door to shut them off from all else. Ragna grimaced at the sight of two deep wounds, snakebites on Tsubaki's cheeks that marred her face. She didn't seem to notice as she giggled a bit and placed the bag by her feet. "I… guess Makoto told you everything, then?"

"More or less." There was much more he wanted to say, emotions that cried to be freed. All were too foreign to him and left him confused in what to say or do. A rarity for him. He settled on the most obvious idea, even if it hardly did his thoughts justice. Nothing wrong with simplicity, after all. "...Thanks, Tsubaki."

She took a seat at the edge of the bed, a small smile playing on her lips. Her hand rested on his unnatural hand, fingers interlacing his. He now knew what had comforted him through his rest earlier. In silence, Ragna stared down, trying to find words. "But... why? Why did you go so far for me?"

"Well, it wasn't just me. I mean, Jin, Valkenhayn and Makoto helped..."

"Jin and Makoto were there for you and Valkenhayn was probably just being a good little doggy for Rachel. You gave enough of a shit about me to try and drag me outta the branch." He looked into her eyes. "I'm not worth dying for, Tsubaki. Don't get me wrong; I'm really grateful and all. But..."

She placed a couple of fingers against his mouth to silence him. "Ragna, you are the best hope we have. I've seen you put your life on the line for the Kaka clan. If you're willing to risk yourself like that, I see no problems doing the same for you. And..."

After leaning in, she hugged him with her free arm, cheeks pressed together as his burned red. "I really like you, Ragna."

"I... um... uh... yeah..." The embrace, so thorough in scrambling Ragna's thoughts, left him unable to formulate any coherent words. Instead of trying to do so, he returned the embrace, eyes closing. It was nice, he decided. A bit strange, considering he was rarely in such close proximity to anyone else, but nice. Again, he decided just to keep his words simple. "At least someone nice does."

Tsubaki chuckled, his words interpreted as Ragna-speak for 'I really like you, too'. Her hand tightened around his obsidian limb. "Oh, by the way, I brought some food back, in case you're up for it. I mean, you haven't eaten since we met Jubei."

He gave his own chuckle. His cuts ached, but he paid them no mind. Such minor pain meant nothing, especially at that moment. "Thanks, but I kinda have a hole in my stomach."

"I know; that's why I said if you're feeling up for it." She glanced around the room and frowned at the lack of anything that could dispense water. "Linhua said that if you want to try eating, you should test your wound with a glass of water, but I suppose I'd have to go out to the kitchen for that. Oh well, if you can't eat the sandwich, Makoto probably will."

Ragna burst into a set of pained laughs. "You sure know how to pick food for a wounded patient."

"Well, I can't exactly stay out in public too long."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Tsubaki pulled her head back and sighed. "Makoto saw a wanted poster for me yesterday. Fairly sizable bounty, too, although it's nowhere near as much as yours."

"...Shit. I'm sorry to hear that. Really." His one-armed grip around her waist tightened. "Heard from Jin or Valkenhayn at all?"

Tsubaki shook her head. "You waking up has been the first good thing that's happened since... well, since we went to the branch, really. We haven't heard from Jin or Valkenhayn, Litchi hasn't been here for a couple of days now, and yesterday Makoto found the poster. Oh, and Jubei's injured, too. He won't say who or what did it, either."

Ragna blanched as his jaw dropped slack. "Shit, something actually managed to hurt Jubei?"

"Yes, although he says he defeated whoever it was. And you should also know that, shortly before I fought Terumi, I encountered Rachel Alucard. She had been trapped in a circle of raw magic for days beforehand."

What the hell's going on? Jubei hurt, Rachel trapped by raw magic...god damn it, this is bad. "Well, at least you're alright... I mean, you are, right?"

"Yes, I'm fine. A few cuts and a minor concussion, but nothing too bad." She hung her head, and hair fell to cover her face. "I'm sorry. I should have gone with you. I don't know what I was thinking."

"Hey, I was the idiot who decided to stand my ground and fight the bastard." His hand left hers to raise her chin with a prod. "Besides, I'm pretty sure saving my ass like that more than makes up for it. I really owe you."

Brushing her crimson hair away, Tsubaki smiled and rested her chin on his shoulder once more. "No. You don't owe me anything, Ragna."

Ragna felt something against his cheek, soft and just the slightest bit moist. It left after a few moments, leaving him somewhat lightheaded. "Tsubaki, did you just..."

After breaking her embrace, she pulled back away from him. "Just a little thank-you for everything you've done."

"...Whoa." He gave an absent-minded rub to where Tsubaki had planted her kiss, one of the emotions bubbling within resolving itself. A pull, almost like a magnetic attraction, beckoned him closer to her. He succumbed to it, inching himself closer. As he did so, discomfort flared up in his stomach. He glanced down at his gash and grimaced. "By the way, how long have I been out of it?"

"About three days."

"Three?" Although the cut made him feel like vomiting, he observed it. "Yeah, that sounds about right. Healing pretty nicely."

"Linhua's amazed by how fast it's healing. She says you could be ready to go in a couple of days at this rate."

She wormed her hand atop his and rubbed gently. The contact renewed Ragna's maelstrom of emotions; he realized his breathing was heavier than normal, his heartbeat faster. He had no idea what to make of the sensations, other than that he enjoyed them. "In other words, get back to kicking the Library's ass. Sounds good to me. But what about you? I mean, I can't imagine you plan on doing anything for the Library ever again."

"Of course not. Even though I still believe in its basic tenets, Terumi's influence has darkened the entire Library in my mind. Unless we can liberate it from him, I will oppose it."

"We?"

"If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to fight the Library by your side, Ragna. I know you've been capable of destroying the Library branches before, but once you start going after the first four Hierarchical Cities... well, they're much better defended. Especially Ookoto. I can't imagine you being able to destroy them by yourself."

"Heh. Point taken. I'd be glad to have your help. But..." His smile faded. "What about your family? I... hope... I dunno..."

She sighed. "I haven't heard anything from my father...I mean, obviously. But my entire family puts the Library before their own lives, especially my father. I...very much doubt I will remain part of the Yayoi family."

She's losing her family... Guilt, a white-hot blade, ran Ragna through. "God... I'm so sorry, Tsubaki."

"You really don't need to apologize."

"The hell are you talking about? Just look at all the shit you've been through because of me. You were sent to kill your friends because of my little war against the Library. You were nearly killed by Terumi and almost had to watch me die because I was stupid enough to fight him. And now, you've probably been kicked from your family because of me." The attraction he felt peaked. In a sudden, rough movement, he reached out and embraced Tsubaki, tight as a vice. She couldn't see his face, concealed by his messy hair, but it felt as though he were on the verge of crying. "I've damn near ruined your life, and yet all you've done is save mine. Why the hell shouldn't I apologize?"

"Because I don't blame you for any of that. Not anymore." Her arms wrapped around him, one hand rubbing his back. "You've freed me, Ragna. Freed me from the tangles of Terumi's snare. If we hadn't met, or if I had tried to capture you at the restaurant, I'd probably be dead right now. Or grieving over having killed Jin or Noel. You've done so much for me."

"...I'd say you've done much more for me, but I don't think that would lead anywhere. Tsubaki, for you to have been so nice to me, even with the crap I've put you through... you've gotta be a damn angel."

She chuckled. "Thanks for the flattery, but I assure you I'm no divine being."

"Could'a fooled me."

The words left him before he thought about what he was saying. Once he realized what had just come out of his mouth, he froze. Tsubaki's face turned a light shade of red. "That's... how you feel, Ragna?"

"...Listen, Tsubaki. Ever since we met, you've been saving my ass. Constantly. If it weren't for you, I'd probably be dead three times over by now. Despite me being... well, a bit of a jackass at first, you've just been amazing to me. What you've done for me... I can't repay something like that."

"...You don't have to..."

"Yeah, I know, you don't think I'm in your debt. I do. If you want me to, I'll follow you wherever you go, help you with whatever you need to do, do everything I can to protect you... like you've protected me. Hell, I'd walk with you into the goddamn Boundary if you wanted me to. I mean it."

"Ragna... you don't have to so far for some perceived debt."

"Alright, how's this for a reason." He pulled back and stared straight into her eyes. When he spoke, his voice was quiet, all its rough edges eroded away. "As far as I'm concerned, you're the single most wonderful person I could ever hope to meet. Not just because of what you've done for me, either."

Her cheeks flushed, Tsubaki leaned the slightest bit closer. "That's... Ragna..."

Words unable to express what either of them felt anymore, their eyes served to entrance each other. Then, a slight smile cracked on Tsubaki's face and she leaned in, one hand cupping his face, the other clutching his shoulder. The touch of her lips against his was like an electric shock, a live wire that coursed through his veins, his heartbeat growing ever faster. Ragna's eyes widened in surprise at first. Then waves of bliss washed over him and erased all else from his thoughts: fear of Terumi, apprehension about Jubei and Rachel, everything that wasn't Tsubaki. He closed his eyes and returned it.

The kiss was simple, modest, short-lived; it felt as though it had just begun before they pulled apart. It was enough to leave Ragna in awe. "Tsubaki, you... I mean...wow."

"Heh... yeah." Her face was close enough for her to feel his hot breaths. Heat that was nothing compared to the inferno that burned in his heart when he looked in her eyes. All of the alien emotions wandering in his mind made sense now. Tsubaki's hands, silky against his skin, served to paralyze him. He could just stay there forever as far as he was concerned. Tsubaki tilted her head. "Um... is there something wrong, Ragna?

He chuckled. "No, of course not. Just trying to work out what just happened; I think you short-circuited my brain."

She leaned closer and gave him a bit of a wily smile. "I think I can help you there. Maybe one more will help?"

A hand gripped the back of his head and anchored it in place as Tsubaki kissed him again, deeper than before. As he returned it, he grabbed and pulled her in. In such a tight embrace, he could feel a jackhammer pounding in her chest. When pain flared from his wound, he responded by falling flat on his back and allowed her to clamber fully atop him.

Tsubaki gave a slight moan as his gloved hand, rough as it was, ran up her back. She wrapped both of her arms around his head. Ragna's hand, as though on reaction, reached up to roam through her hair. She thought her ecstasy could not grow, that she had found a sort of paradise. She felt the hand rubbing her back slide around, first cupping her side and then worming its way... Her elbow flapped and struck the appendage before it could reach her chest, and it withdrew. She pulled back an inch as Ragna's eyes snapped open, confused and fearful. Shaking her head, she calmed him with a smile. "I still have standards, you know."

"...Huh?"

"We're not going that far just yet."

"...Oh."

Ragna extended his arms to remove both of his gloves. Shuddering with pleasure as his calloused hand ran up along her spine, Tsubaki said, "I'm going to have to keep you in check, aren't I?"

"Probably." He pulled her back down and all thoughts ceased. They simply acted, only aware of their actions in the vaguest sense. Outside, voices argued, but such things didn't matter anymore. It was as though Ragna and Tsubaki lay in an empty void, detached from the rest of the world; this was heaven.

The door creaked as it opened. In their fever, it took several moments for Ragna and Tsubaki to acknowledge that something else could even exist. They held the kiss for… they had no idea how much longer. Finally, Tsubaki broke off, breathless, shirt dampened and hair in a rat's nest. She saw that one of her hair beads had been pulled off at some point. She twisted around to glare at whoever had dared intrude upon them. Platinum stood in the doorway, paralyzed by shock and looking as though she were about to vomit. Once she'd been spotted, she broke out of her disgusted stupor. "Ewwwwww! Ew ew ew ew ew! Master Jubei, the idiot and Tsubaki were totally sucking face! Don't let them do that!"

"Didn't I tell ya not to bother 'em?"

Jubei's laugh sounded from another room and drowned out the patter of footsteps. Makoto bowled over Platinum, followed by a darker-skinned girl Ragna assumed was Linhua. The beastkin ran straight up to the bed, eyes aglitter. "I knew it! I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! Pay up, Luna!"

"Like hell. There's no way she actually likes him. Luna bets she's just taking pity on the mangy dog because she knows he'll never have a girlfriend."

Makoto smirked at her. "You'll lose that one too, you know."

"Shut up!"

"Um..." Tsubaki's face was every bit as red as her hair. "Can you guys, um... please leave? We're kind of busy here..."

Linhua shook her head, frown deepening. "I'm sorry, but I don't think lying on top of him like that is doing any favors for the hole in his stomach."

Tsubaki's eyes widened. In her longing, she had managed to forget about his wound. After sliding off to Ragna's left side, she looked at it. It had opened a bit. Dull crimson shown against the blue of her shirt. "Ah! Sorry..."

"Ha! What now, nitwit? Mad that you can't make out with your girlfriend?" Luna dashed right up to the bed, a victorious look on her face.

Ragna twitched an eye; that girl really had a wonderful way of killing any joy he felt. "You are the model of maturity, Luna. Seriously, get the hell outta my face."

"Luna's more mature than you, pinhead. And you probably don't really like her anyways; you're nothing but a skirt-chasing pervert."

Although his fingers twitched as though he were about to strangle the annoyance, Ragna smirked. He knew what he was about to say would probably lead to pain... Eh, it's worth it. "Really? I think you're just jealous."

"...What?"

"All implications included."

"WHAT?"

A heart-shaped staff appeared in Platinum's hands from nowhere and shape-shifted into a hammer. It took the combined efforts of Makoto and Linhua to keep her from braining the chuckling criminal. Beside him, Tsubaki gave him a hard nudge with her elbow and shook her head as she tried to hide the ghost of a smile on her lips. "I'd really rather you not say such things, Ragna. Nor do I care for having running bets about my personal life, Makoto."

"Aw, come on." Makoto gave Luna a glare unfitting of the beastkin. "She was saying the meanest stuff about Ragna, like how he was nothing but a perverted mongoloid... whatever that means. I mean, I don't know him personally, but he can't be that bad if you like him so much, Tsubaki."

"...I appreciate the thought, but still."

"...Alright, sorry."

"Hey. Luna." Jubei limped into the room. Ragna's eyes widened when he saw Blood-Scythe strapped across the beastkin's back, despite it being every bit as big as him. "Didn't ya have something to say to Ragna?"

"Yeah. You're a-"

"'Sides the usual needlin'."

Platinum rolled her eyes, cursed under her breath and gave Ragna a horrible, mocking false smile. "Luna's sorry that Ragna's such a total careless dumbass that anyone could steal his sword."

Raising his right arm in a fist, Ragna growled as he let energy from his grimoire flow. This bitch is seriously asking for it. "And Ragna's sorry that he's about to rip Luna's face off. And wear it."

Eyes wide, Platinum took a couple of steps back. Then she shook her head and yawned. When she spoke again, a different voice sounded. A male voice, which all found disconcerting. "Huh? What's... going... on...?"

Ragna's fist clenched tighter. "I was about to rip your face off. You have five seconds to leave. Thank Luna."

"Uh... you know, I am supposed to be looking for Bang, so..."

Sena turned and raced out of the clinic. Tsubaki nudged Ragna's side with an elbow before sitting cross-legged next to him. "We're going to... talk about those kinds of threats, okay?"

"...Eh. Sure."

Jubei chuckled. Heh. Like I thought. Can't fool this old cat. "Linhua, Makoto, mind if I talk to these guys alone?"

Linhua smiled and turned to leave. "Sure. Just make sure Tsubaki doesn't do anything too, um, physical. Grim Reaper or not, he's still my patient."

Makoto nodded. "Of course. Oh, and Tsubaki? Expect lots of questions next time you step out of there."

After a groan, Tsubaki broke into laughter. "Of course, Makoto."

Once they were gone, Jubei stepped over to Ragna's other side. "So... just friends, eh?"

Ragna rolled his eyes. "Oh, shut up. A lotta shit happened after we met and you know it. Why the hell's Platinum here?"

"She got word I was hangin' 'round here, waitin' for ya to recover, n' decided to pop in every once in a while. And don't be too hard on Sena; soon as he realized what Luna'd done, he went searchin' for ya to return yer sword. Course, Luna didn't help none. She was a bit remorseful when she heard her little prank almost got ya killed, though." His smile faded and the beastkin looked down. "I'm sorry ya had to face Terumi like that. I really should'a gone with ya."

"No, it's fine. You had your own stuff to do. What happened to you, anyways?"

Jubei sighed. "Someone from my past; someone that shouldn't be here no more. I don't wanna say too much. Not until I'm sure it was her, anyways."

"Her?" Tsubaki's eyes widened as something clicked in her head. A girl from Jubei's past that should've died and was strong enough to injure him. Not to mention Rachel being trapped by raw magic... "You... think it was Nine?"

"...Yer pretty damn sharp, kid. Yeah, 'fraid so. Rachel agrees with me." He shook his head. "Pretty sure I got a good idea who's done this, too. Colonel in Engineerin' named Relius Clover. Had a hand in the Murakumo project."

Ragna blinked. "Clover?"

"Yes, he's Carl's father." Tsubaki's hand wormed back over to Ragna's and gripped it. "Um... you might want to know that Relius is working with Terumi. Right after I received my orders, I saw him enter Hazama's office."

"...That ain't good. Listen, Ragna, I'd better let ya rest. The sooner you've recovered, the better. If Terumi, Relius n'... the phantom are all workin' together, me, Rachel 'n Valk ain't gonna stand a chance. You 'n Tsubaki... we're gonna have to count on ya. I'm hopin' to get a few others, as well. Bang 'n yer brother, for starters. Maybe see if I can't wrangle in Kokonoe 'n her flunkies; she don't like me or Rachel very much, though."

"What about that masked freak?" Ragna shivered at the memory; never before had he been rendered helpless by a mere presence. "Hakumen?"

"Hakumen ain't gonna join us; he's got his reasons. He ain't no enemy, though. I reckon he wants Terumi gone just as much as we do. Probably more. And of course, whenever Tao's leg's mended, I'll send her with ya. In case yer wonderin', she's at a nearby hospital for the moment." He stepped back towards the door and smiled again. "Well, better leave ya two alone. I'll keep Blood-Scythe 'til yer better, Ragna. Don't want no one stealin' it again."

"Sounds good. See ya, master." As soon as Jubei left, Ragna moved over to rest his head in Tsubaki's lap and smiled up at her. "So, I guess we probably shouldn't continue where we left off..."

"Yeah, that probably wouldn't be a very good idea." She smiled back and ran a hand across his cheek. "Sorry about that, by the way. Totally forgot about your wound."

"The hell? Don't apologize, that was the best damn thing that's happened to me in a long time."

He closed his eyes, enjoying her touch. After a few moments, he chuckled. Tsubaki quirked an eyebrow down at him. "What's funny?"

"Nothing. Just never thought that this could ever happen."

"Thought you'd always be alone, huh?"

She gripped underneath his arms and pulled. He tensed up, but didn't struggle. "Hey, the hell-"

"Just relax."

He did and allowed her to drag him into her lap. Her arms clamped around his chest, chaining him against her, and she leaned her head against his. Ragna sank back, smiling as his eyes closed. "You know, I think I could live with this. Seems kinda, um, forward for you, though."

Tsubaki leaned forward to peck him on the cheek. "I almost lost you there, Ragna. Right now, I just want to be with you, because... well..."

"Yeah, I think I get what you're saying." He lolled his head to the side. Everything felt surreal. I'm gonna be so pissed if this is just some dream. "You know, I ain't an expert, but isn't a bit more normal for me to be holding you?"

"Maybe. But you kind of have a canyon carved into your gut at the moment."

"Canyon? Huh, guess you could call it that. Well, I'm not about to complain about this." He felt as though he were drifting away. Whether it was the comfort Tsubaki brought or the medicines running through his system, he didn't know.

Noticing his fatigue, Tsubaki asked, "Um... do you want to just rest for a while?"

"Eh. I'll crash in a bit. I kinda just wanna talk. So, um... what kinda stuff do you like?"

After appearing out of nowhere, Rachel looked up at the clinic before her. If Jubei were to be believed, Ragna rested here and had been awake for three days now. Her magic had returned at long last, a relief with Terumi's plans in motion. She had been unable to observe the on goings of the world with her sorcery bound. Quite the annoyance, indeed. If not for Jubei, she would have assumed that Ragna had perished. A battle, alone, with Terumi was one of the surest ways to be killed.

She entered, and a girl in the corner raised her eyes; eyes wrought with despair. "Um, hello. May I help you, miss?"

"Yes. I have been informed by Jubei that Ragna the Bloodedge rests in this clinic. I wish to speak with him, if at all possible."

"Jubei told you? Well, um...sure. I think he's kinda busy right now, but...well, it should be alright. He's just through that door. Um, could you make sure he and Tsubaki are being... um... tame?"

...What? "I shall."

As soon as she opened the door, several dozen questions flooded her mind due to the strange sight before her. Ragna and Tsubaki sat on a medical bed, the latter's nose in a book as she leaned against Ragna. Clad in his jacket, to boot. Ragna himself had his head resting on Tsubaki's shoulder, eyes closed. Rachel had to wonder how he could nap with such raucous… she refused to dignify what blared as 'music'. "Oh my. Words fail me."

Ragna's eyes snapped open, glaring. "You could start with a greeting of sorts, rabbit."

"Perhaps. I believe I shall start by inquiring as to why Miss Yayoi is wearing your jacket."

Ragna shrugged. "She was cold. Why is that even an issue?"

"I was merely curious." She cocked her head to the side as she examined them. "I am also curious as to what relationship the two of you share. If your current proximity is any indication, it would seem romance has blossomed, but no. It should be impossible for a vile beast as immature and petulant as Ragna to win the heart of a noblewoman."

Ragna gaped at her. "…You are in rare goddamn form today, aren't you? And as for us… well, um…"

Tsubaki put her novel away and wrapped an arm around his waist. "It's exactly as it seems."

"…This is a most unexpected turn of events. I must say, if you truly have matured to this point, I am rather pleased, Ragna." She glared at the source of the music, a small device resting on a couch right next to the bed. "And silence that hideous din posthaste. My ears are quite delicate, you know. To be frank, Miss Yayoi, I find it difficult to believe you enjoy such drivel."

"It's… tolerable."

Tsubaki reached over and shut off the music. Although she wouldn't let Ragna know, it was starting to grate on her. As Ragna grumbled under his breath a bit, Rachel turned her attention to a television resting on a table. "My, how predictable. Instead of putting your spare time to proper use, you two choose to squander it on foolish amorous activities."

"Uh, hello?" Ragna gestured to his stomach, although his black shirt concealed the wound. "I kinda haven't been allowed to leave this stupid room. What the hell was I supposed to do?"

"Besides," Tsubaki said, "we have at least discussed serious matters. In fact, we've actually been talking tactics for the next time we fight Terumi. Entirely theoretical, of course, but..."

"Surely you mean you spoke of tactics in his general direction while he gawked at your bosom."

Ragna growled, a violent sound that made Tsubaki jump. "What the freaking hell, rabbit? Are you here just to see how fast you can piss me off this time? 'Cause I'm pretty sure you're gunning for a new record here."

"Oh, dear. I was hoping Miss Yayoi would help to wean you of your profane language. How disappointing."

"Um..." Tsubaki blushed a little. "I think it's more likely that it will start to rub off on me."

"I fear so. Ragna is one of such poor manners, a lady such as yourself should make all attempts to avoid his influence."

Ragna growled. "Your point, goddamnit."

"I must inquire, have your wounds healed?"

"Will answering this make you get the hell out of here any faster?"

"Perhaps. May I ask why you insist on rushing me out so quickly? I am merely trying to hold conversation with you."

"Because me and Tsubaki got, um, plans. Plans that don't involve bitchy vampires."

"Revolting. There should be far more to such a relationship than the physical side. I must take back what I said earlier. Ragna, it seems you are destined to eternally remain a disgusting anathema. I should assume that I am fortunate the two of you remain clothed at the moment."

"Okay, seriously, what the freaking hell is your problem today? I meant we're going out to a restaurant in a bit! God damn it, you're annoying. I'd ask if you want me to kick your ass, but Tsubaki's trying to make me cut down that kind of shit." Ragna calmed himself at the touch of Tsubaki's hand on his shoulder. A little. "Anyways, the gaping canyon in my stomach is doing… okay, I guess…"

"He's just fine." It seemed to be Tsubaki's turn to rest her head on her partner's shoulder. "He's been able to do some cooking the last couple of days without complaining. Well, too much. Why do you ask?"

"Because Terumi has successfully forged Noel into Kusanagi and has destroyed the Master Unit, Amaterasu. That is, as you would say, my 'problem'."

Ragna and Tsubaki exchanged blank looks before Tsubaki said, "I... didn't understand most of that."

"Terumi's machinations have come to fruition and we must make haste to prevent any further catastrophe." She turned to leave. "We depart immediately. We shall rendezvous with Valkenhayn, Jubei and that insufferable child Platinum."

Before Rachel could warp reality, Tsubaki asked, "So, Valkenhayn's alright, then? I'm glad. We were worried about him and Jin; we hadn't heard from either since they fought Terumi."

"Valkenhayn played an integral role in preventing what transpired at the Cauldron from being a true calamity. After battling Terumi, he returned to my mansion to tend to me."

"And… what about Jin?"

"I am afraid I do not know; nor does Valkenhayn. Mr. Hero's whereabouts are an utter enigma at the moment. I understand you are upset, but now is not the time to ponder Jin's fate. We leave now."

Hazama snarled as he appeared at the top of the Kagutsuchi branch. One look at the Cauldron was all it took to confirm that yes, Kusanagi had indeed been forged. And had presumably destroyed the Master Unit by now. But thanks to the god damned werewolf, I have no idea. Seriously, teleporting both of us away just as Kusanagi awakened... such bullshit. Maybe she's at the Sheol Gate.

He vanished once more and reappeared in front of a dark gate. And next to the great Gate of Sheol... "Well, there you are, Kusanagi. Tell me, how's the Master Unit holding up?"

The girl formerly known as Noel turned to him. "Incapacitation of Master Unit Amaterasu complete; unable to proceed due to interference."

"Aww, aren't you just adorable? Who's my good little sword? You are!" He snickered as he felt a murderous gaze from behind. He turned to grin at the haggard being in white armor. "Well, if it isn't my old buddy Hakumen. It's been a while. Why don't we take a moment to catch up? I could tell you all about the fun I had with a certain girl a couple of days ago. Name was Tsubaki Yayoi, although I prefer to call her 'garbage'. I think you're familiar with her."

"Silence, devil." Hakumen drew Ookami and pointed it at Hazama. "I am the white void. I shall cleanse this world and return all to nothing! Your end has come, Terumi!"

A/N: Next chapter will probably take a while; it looks to be incredibly long. And very action-and-plot oriented. I hope to have it up in two weeks.