A/N: Happy late Easter! I'd like clarify about the last chapter, so wall of text incoming!!!

That chapter is just speculative and references. Like I said, some characters would be saying information that could be wrong. For example, Yukari herself. Though she is the type to know it all. Maybe, she can be wrong too cause she's too old, hah! Oops don't tell her that. Another one would be the past records, they are quite old just like Yukari, okay, okay, I'll stop about that. So not really reliable there. Maybe I made an error in presenting the last chapter?

As for the said armor. Again, this came from the tale and even though it does exist that doesn't mean its own power is true. Maybe it was just an advance armor and the people at that time has no means to fight it. Does this remind you of a certain people on the moon which also have advance thingies? Then some different questions would arise too about why she has that advance armor? Yeah, I was trying to lead you guys about such questions but it seems I made an error. Probably because, I can only write like every weekends. So I don't have quite the time to throughly review the chapters before publishing it. If I remember correctly I posted that almost midnight, lol.

I'll try and fix it in this chapter but like last chapter this one is a bit vague. Well, that's enough about me. Though, one final note and possibly a great hint? Rain is very much greatly nerfed even from the point she still haven't appeared in the present Gensokyo yet. She has yet to find reason about this nor have actually gotten back her true strength but instead only retained two and the hint here is that ability is almost the same as Sanae but much more potent though this is more like a passive one and guess what? She can't control it nor knows about it.

Another is her physical ability. That's about it, of course to add more salt to it. She now doesn't remember anything including those mentioned above and her only real weapon for now is her mind itself but it can also be her own enemy.

This ability is one of the explanations as to why she's so entangled with so many events. This is also the cause on why Toyohime's great luck has no effect on her or them both as it somehow cancels each other, though luck is not the end of that passive ability. This is also the main reason why, she is the biggest threat to the Lunarians. Though this one line of word is according to Lord Tsukiyomi himself and he just figured it out recently, meaning no one has yet to know this, not even those from the Earth. Rain herself is willing to go beyond, such as mixing and matching certain things not even seen nor invented. Such as magic into her weapons. This makes her like a scientist or an inventor. Well, sort of. Which raises her threat much more if they ever found out about this.

This chapter will contain a few violent scenes so just a heads up. This will also show a bit of her past. Like I said, some may appear misleading or incomplete just to throw the readers off for some speculations again. I'm also writing this chapter while I'm sick. Kind of sucks but it needs to be done. Anyways, thanks for your continued reading!

"Yo, Alice. I heard that you have a new doll, eh?" Marisa greeted her follow magician in her usual way as she slowly flies down to the ground.

This is the Forest of Magic or to be precise. Alice's house and the said owner of the house who hears this just sighed as her usual reaction. She then asked her. "Does Rain want me to come?"

It was always like this whenever Marisa comes to her house. Though, this was not the case this time. Maybe, she was getting used to it that she outright assumed what Marisa is here for.

"Nope, not today. Kind of harsh that ya think like that. If ya wanna know why, then it is because she's grounded. Heh." She gave a quick laugh.

Alice then looks at her with a face that seems curious. Even her dolls that are working on cleaning the outside house stopped. "Why?" she asked.

Marisa dusted off her hat and walks toward her. "Hooh boy, you might want to sit down as this is going take a while." She replies as she opens the house's door, making it look like she'll be staying for a while.

Alice follows her and grumbles to herself. Probably because of what Marisa just did of just waltzing into her house like she owns the place.

As Marisa opens the door, she is then greeted by an unfamiliar doll she has not seen before. It looked at her with a curious face. Somehow she felt that this doll resembles someone and then she realizes it and then reacted. "Hey! You look like Rain!"

The doll was quite startled when she said that in a loud voice, making it assume a fighting stance to intimidate but it looked cute instead of the opposite.

Alice just behind her said. "Don't scare her, Marisa." She then moves in front and extends her arms. "Come Alicia, this girl is not that scary. But you're a brave little doll for facing her, Rain will be proud." Alice smiled and Alicia happily leaps to her shoulder.

"Mama, proud?" Alicia said and her maker nods to her.

Marisa was quite shocked to hear that as she blurted out. "Mama?!"

"Yes, she'll be proud of you." Alice replies with a cheerful tone as she gives Alicia a gentle pat in the head.

Marisa could not believe what she just heard. Since when did Rain become a mother?

"Wait a minute... this dolls aren't sentient which means the one acting and talking like this is actually..." Before she could complete her sentence a sudden chop in her head made her stop. "Urk! Ow!"

"You would have been kicked out from my house if I was not in the mood for your stupid antics." Alice then gave her a glaring look.

She better stop or this might blow up into a fight that she doesn't want to have.

Being in Alice's house is sure is comfortable as it is quite cozy, just ignore the many dolls that are displayed and their intense stare. That's Marisa's view of course.

"Oh, so it's the new doll I've heard about. Ain't ya a cute one?" Marisa said and tries to pet Alicia, who dodges her by hopping to the other shoulder of Alice.

"Keh, Alice you did that on purpose!"

Alice ignored her by commanding her dolls to pour some tea and deliver snacks.

Marisa then takes some and stuff it in her mouth. She then tries to speak with her mouth full.

"Whrecthu stawrt?"

"Bad manners!" Alicia pointed at her who saw what she did reacted.

Alice nods to her and added. "I know, if Rain were to hear and see this, she'll say the same thing. So what should this no manner human should do?"

"Eat first before speaking!" Alicia said confidently.

Alice claps and replied. "Yes, that's correct! Don't mimic Marisa, she's a bad influence."

"You seem to be enjoying this..." Marisa who finally swallowed the food in her mouth retaliated. "You even tried to add Rain's personality to her."

"Of course, I'm her friend after all." Alice replied quickly and proudly.

"Sheesh, you're not the only one that is her friend you know?"

Right after she said that, a quick piercing glare was shot at her. Not just by Alice but all of the dolls. Though, it still counts as Alice herself as she is controlling them.

"Er... where was I? Oh! It's about why Rain is grounded by Reimu." She tries to avert the sudden hostility of the dollmaker by redirecting the topic, which proved to be effective.

"The flow of the wind is changing." Said by Eirin who was just outside their place. The breeze slowly moves her hair and clothes.

She felt that this is an omen. Should she tell the princess? No, that would only make her worry. It is best to let it be.

Just as soon as she's about to enter the mansion. She suddenly stops, sighs and said. "So that is why... Toyohime, what brings you here? No, I suppose I already know. You of all should understand that facing her would only cause more trouble."

"As expected of you, master." The so called Toyohime says in an elegant voice. She's nowhere to be found though her voice is clearly heard.

"We're not so keen on being here either but an order directly from the lord is something we should not ignore or disobey." She continued.

Then she emerged from the thick bamboos. She has a long, flowing, sandy blonde hair and golden eyes. Her attire consist of a dark blue dress with a strap on the left over a white long-sleeved blouse, a loose belt with a gold mirror-shaped buckle, and a white bonnet with a red ribbon on it. She is the oldest of the Watatsuki Sisters, Toyohime Watatsuki.

"What?" Eirin was baffled and turns around. It did not occured to her that they would be doing this.

If she's correct then another war would happen and this time the damage might be so devastating that it could harm both worlds. So she expressed her concern.

"Just to be clear, what did he told you?"

Toyohime pans out her fan and replied. "To either end the threat or bring her back to be studied. He believes that she holds something that could help us in turning the tide of the war against Earth."

How absurd this statement was. Eirin wanted to say but this is but a step needed to ensure the safety of the Lunar Capital.

"That Tsukiyomi, if I could come back then I would have told him myself that his idea is what would cause the downfall of the Lunar Capital itself." She gave an exhausted sigh and added. "It is a good thing you consulted me first."

"There are such beings that even I could not comprehend and even the next thing that could happen I would be able to not know." Eirin shuddered as she recalls that ominious smile that gap yokai have given her.

The fear of the unknown. This is what plagues the ever genious Eirin ever since that day. So far, she met two people capable of such insight, the worse part is that they have been working together.

"You can't outright tell him I told you that but you should also know the reason why going up against the one who you told me almost made the Lunar Capital fall is not the best course of action?" She questioned her pupil.

She does have a point. Toyohime knows that as even her great luck bears no fight against the one who is able to tear a hole in the walls of Lunar Capital. Whenever, she is near her or just her being present makes Toyohime's so called great luck is either absorb or rendered useless. Perhaps there is some explanation to that? She can't tell but it seems like it has something to do with both of their luck. That time of the invasion is the first time, she had trouble in her life. If not for Sagume, they might have lost the war as much as she hates to admit it.

Which was very different from what was being told. It is said that the yokai suffered a humiliating defeat but this contradicts to what these two are talking about. Perhaps something was in play or have happened for it to be not so clear.

"My little sister, Yorihime is not so keen to listen to that, master. Forgive if I this would have offended you."

"No, not at all." Eirin dismissed such words. "Did she come here with you?"

Toyohime nods and replies. "Only for scouting, at least that's what she told me. She's been restless lately after finding out about it. She should be here any moment now."

"Is that so? Then, about Tsukiyomi, remind him how a weapon that can kill him and everyone else is just looming around. Even if no one has seen it nor can justify it existing. Make him consider his plan once more that if it fails then he should prepare for the unforeseen consequences.

Even if they are a being higher than humans. They are still came from being humans that has just evolved. They could still be killed as what has been demonstrated back at that gruesome war. Only a few Lunarians have been killed but mostly guards and the major casualties are their soldiers or moon rabbits. This is what drastically reduced the morale of their troops. They have come to fear 'death' and even more so that they have been reminded that even Lunarians are capable of being killed and dying.

"I will follow what you advised me to do, master. Even Lord Tsukiyomi would listen to you if you were to tell him yourself."

Just as she finished talking, her little sister arrives and greeted them.

"Master, it is good that you are doing well." Yorihime said as she gives a slight bow to Eirin.

She has a light purple hair tied into a ponytail with a yellow ribbon; brown eyes. Her attire consist of a dark red dress with a strap on the right over a white short-sleeved blouse, and a loose belt with a gold sword-shaped buckle. She is the youngest of the Watatsuki Sisters, Yorihime Watatsuki.

"Yorihime, I supposed you are seeking the one who you wanted to duel the most?" Eirin asked but that was only to confirm if her pupil is indeed still attached to that lost.

Yorihime's face which was already serious, warped into an even more serious look as if she was angry.

"I would be lying if I say no, master." She puts a hand in her cheek as if caressing it. "That fool, dared to step in our pure land and even tries to taint me with her own impurity. Tch..."

"That punch really must've have hurt." Toyohime commented with a slight chukle.

"Sister! Are you trying to shame me in front our master?" Yorihime snaps at her sister.

"Well you did get punched..."

"Please stop..."

"Alright you two, settle down." Eirin said as she turns her attention to Yorihime. "Whatever you are planning, Yorihime... I'd leave you to it."

This decision shocked the two of them.

"But master, you just said that facing her would be bad." Toyohime said.

"I'd said that about you. I know that with you two going against her, she'll be no match in her current state but I doubt that the people here would just let you two do that. As for Yorihime, she won't let you do such a thing. Am I correct?"

"Yes, master. It must be a duel between her and I. No other must be involved." Even Yorihime has her own warrior's conduct, hence why she is going to decline on fighting alongside her sister against Rain.

If it was a formal duel then none would intervene not even that Gap Yokai.

"Then I'll leave that to you. Just so you know, she won't remember you nor anything else about the past. Are you fine with that?" She asked the little sister.

Yorihime then gave a short sigh as she crosses her arms.

"Even without such memories, I cannot let myself be in shame for that humiliation. Our last battle ended with a draw but I consider that as a lost to me. None of my attacks have connected nor hit her. The same goes for her but only one thing managed to hit me and that is that lowly punch." She begins to curl her own hands into a fist and then clenches it as remembers it clear as yesterday. "It infuriates me that a measly punch is the one that managed to hit me and damaged me. Not only that but it puts me into a position that I have to look up to her like I'm below her!" The last sentence she uttered were mixed with pure anger.

Simply put, that punched sent her to the ground and that she had to look up to see the person who managed to put her down looked at her with smug look.

"I'm leaving to freshen my skills before I finally face her and when I do. I'll return the shame she gave to me a thousand times fold..." With that Yorihime leaves just as how she quickly arrives.

Toyohime could only shake her head at to what her little sister just said. "I'm sorry you have to see her like that master. Whenever, that person becomes the topic, she always tend to revert like it is still at that time. I'm going back too. Yorihime needs me to actually go back, hehe." She said as she bids farewell to her master.

Eirin could understand the little sister's frustation. Hence why she agrees to let her face Rain. She believes, that a new lesson will be learned from that encounter and she hopes that Yorihime would learn how to let go of the past. She hopes that Rain will win this one. She's not rooting for her student to win as it would lead back to arrogance and nothing would have changed but if Rain wins then that would open up a new path.

'Really, she's one of the things that I cannot understand but after living here as a human then I'm starting to see why. She changed the princess and probably me too. Now, those two. There's a lot of probability that can happen and with her around, those numbers becomes a huge mess that even I cannot keep up with it. I still remember why she keeps on going forward, and that is to find Happiness. Can such a thing exist? Maybe I already found my happiness? Being here with the princess makes me happy. She once told me being loyal and being friends are different but being loyal to your friends is what makes a good friendship last happily. Maybe, she's right, Princess Kaguya is my friend and I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe and happy...' Eirin then smiles for the first time today as she heads in back inside her home with the princess.

Alice sips on her tea and nods. "So that's what happened. Knowing her, she's probably fine." She doesn't seem to be too worried unlike the last time.

"I know right? Hard to believe that she's still human after all that. Hmm, but she did say that she too is starting to doubt herself but she wants to believe that she is human." Marisa finishes her own cup of tea.

"She had it rough ain't she?" She added.

While Marisa is not present in Rain's past that doesn't mean she can't sympathize with her. She can imagine that if Rain gets her memories back and finds out that she truly isn't human then it might hurt in a way but Marisa will be there to comfort her.

"...As her friend then we'll be there for her. " Alice said.

"Thank you for telling me, Marisa."

"Sure thing, Alice. It's better than you know than be clueless about it. Welp, I'm off. Still need to do some magic prepping back home!" She said as she hops off the chair and takes her witch hat and broom.

"Careful not to do anything dangerous. Marisa." Alice said as she bid farewell to her and Alicia still on her arms also bids goodbye by waving its arms.

"Thanks but ya know me. Anything dangerous is my game!" Marisa said and then she took off from Alice's house.

She then eventually arrives back at her home. Opens the door and puts her broom at the corner. She already ate at Alice's home so she is quite full already. So she heads to her own room and retrieves something.

When she returned she is now carrying something in her hand.

"This thing is weird..." She said as she puts down a crystal like cube in the table. "That troublesome Yukari said this cube thingy contains some of Rain's memories?"

Indeed this is the sealing crystal that Reimu has back then. Which could only mean that it was Marisa who stole it and is even that same person who was eavesdropping to them at that time.

"How the heck does this thing work?" She keeps touching and poking it in many ways. She even changes her own position to see if something will happen but the sealing crystal lies dormant.

"I can't just let Reimu destroy this... Yukari is just messing with her and that she really intends to let her destroy it without having her own hands get dirty." She cups her chin in thinking what else to do.

Should she try to smash this thing open? But that would mean the risk of destroying it in the first place. She's not sure how this thing works so she can't just do what she thinks.

"Come on, think..." Then an idea came to her.

She should go to the one person who could help her and that would be...

"Kourin! He'll know what to do with this! At first I thought I should just show it to Rain and let her touch it but Kourin works too just to be safe!" She exclaimed as she celebrates her own idea.

She then grabs the sealing crystal but when she did it then started to glow! Marisa was quite surprised it did and the next thing she knew was her vision is getting blurry before fading to darkness.

No way Home

When she came to. There's something different as she's not in her house anymore.

"Huh?!" Marisa exclaimed as she quickly looks at her surroundings.

"This is..." She was left speechless as what she is seeing was a barren wasteland. The sky has turned gray with the sun nowhere to be found. There are buildings but it looks like it has have been abandoned for years. She seems to be in a village with no signs of life.

The air reeks of some putrid smell that makes her want to puke. Though she herself is fine as she still wears her witch attire but what was weird was that when she tried to fly. She can't.

"What?" She jumps but no, she can't still fly.

Then she quickly grabs her mini-hakkero and tries to fire some magic with it but it won't budge.

"What is going on? I can't use my magic either."

Then she notices a what seemed to be a yin-yang barrier just not far away from here. The first thing that came to her mind was Reimu. So she since she can't fly, she has to run or walk to go there.

"Ah... this is tiring..." It seems like she's not used to running and walking that much. She stopped midway to catch her breath. Though it was a good thing as she looks to the direction of her destination. She finally sees a gigantic being in the shape of what seemed to be a giant serpent. How could she have not seen this? Perhaps she's too focused on that barrier is the answer.

It seems like that giant serpent is fighting something or someone? There are even black beings in the ground that resembles a human figure. She tries to get close without being noticed by them.

Now that she looked but has the area turned different again? This time it seems like she is in a ruins for there are many buildings made of stone that had collapsed.

Then she could hear the giant serpent... wait it's not a snake? It has many different heads but only one remains intact. This is what she have noticed. It roars as it sweeps its tails to the ground trying to hit something.

"GRRRAAAH! Show yourself! So I could eat you!" It shouted very angrily.

Marisa watched as it blindly crushes the area around him. Then at that moment, she saw a figure jump from the debris that it'd left. Firing a what seemed to be magic and explosions occured.

"There YOU are! Susanoo!" It screamed at the figure.

"Whatever, you are delusional old snake. To mistake me for another that has killed you back then just shows how weak you'd become."

This voice... Marisa knows who this is and without thinking called out to her.

"RAIN!" She shouted with all her might.

"HUH?!" The figure who was supposed to be Rain looks at her direction and got distracted long enough for the giant serpent to recover and smack her with its tail towards the direction to where Marisa is.

"Ow, ow... gah... right where it hurts..." she said as she quickly gets up and moves towards Marisa.

Marisa was relieved to see her as it was indeed Rain.

"Boy, am I glad to see you!" She said as she greeted her like there's no threat around them.

"Who the hell are you?! What are you doing here?! I thought for sure no one is here..." Rain snaps at her.

"Huh? It's me, Marisa! Your bestfriend!" She said but Rain just laughs it off.

"And here I thought that Orochi is the only one delusional."

"Orochi?" Marisa asked.

"YES, O-RO-CHI! You must be living under a rock if you haven't heard of Yamata no Orochi. That's him though very much weaker and smaller."

Just as she said a gigantic tail tries to swat them. It must have heard her saying those things to him.

They quickly move to another spot and by that meaning Rain carried Marisa in that moment.

"Phew! Thanks! Thought for sure we're pancakes there for a moment." Just as she said this a sword is then pointed at her.

"I'm not joking... who are you? How'd you know my name?" Rain said as her expression remained serious.

"Uh? I thought I already told you? Where's Reimu by the way? I think that barrier is her work." She said as she looks at the yin-yang barrier which she looks closely there is something behind it. A rift or some sort.

"Bullshit and who is this Reimu you're talking about?" Rain was getting confused.

"Even Reimu? Fine, if you don't know then at least tell me where are we? This better be a prank." Marisa keeps poking around to see if they are real, maybe this is a dream?

Somehow Rain got fed up with her attitude and slams down the tip of her sword to the ground and said. "Listen you dolt, I'm not trying to be funny here but you better stop and take me seriously. Otherwise, I'll just leave you here to die."

This made Marisa stop as she has not seen Rain been this serious before.

"Good, you actually listened. Now, I can't just tell you all of it because that would take like a lot of time and we still have that asshole Orochi there to deal with." She jutted her thumb behind her as that is where Orochi is, still trying to find them.

"Now, I have many questions for you like how'd you end up here but I'll save those for later. Right now, our goal is to not let a single one of these abominations from passing that barrier and into the rift that would lead back to Hakurei Shrine. Either stick with me or run away from here. I could lead you back out as that seal only keeps away evil things. But I'm not coming along with you until that rift has been fully closed."

To simply put, Rain is staying here to hold off such threats.

"Don't worry, I don't need to go back." Marisa replied.

"What?" Rain was baffled. "Are you suicidal then?" She added a question.

"Hah! No, I can't abandon my friend just to save my own hide. That would uncool." She said as she gives a smile.

Rain could not figure out what this person is thinking and she claims to be her friend. Then if she is then turning her offer down would be rude so she replied while forming a smile on her face. "Well, Marisa. If you insist then. Welcome to a party of two. What can you do by the way?"

"Well... magic that is flashy is my forte but being here somehow doesn't make it work." She said as she tries to use magic again but with no luck.

"That is because this place hates magic and other things. Maybe the most obvious part would be life itself. You could still use magic but only on what you have reserved, meaning single use only magic can be used once. Try to use more and you'll end up with mana exhaustion. Here, let me give you some to let you fight back when needed." She touches Marisa's forehead with her own and begins to transfer her own mana to her.

Initially this startled Marisa at first but quickly recomposes herself. She then could feel that she is revitalized and her mini-hakerro too. But that said she asked this Rain a question. "Whoa, you could use magic? Then that means you can fly too?"

"Of course, I can. I learned it by reading books and performing countless experiments. You can do it if you put your mind and time to it." She replies which makes Marisa happy that indeed Rain is hardworking too.

Then they were finally discovered by the black humanoid figures. At least three of them and then at the same time all of it charge at them.

"Here they come... try not to get killed. Marisa." She said as she hands to her a weapon. This is her short sword. "Slash it to them and they'll die just like this..." She quickly took her sword in the ground.

She sidesteps the attack of the first enemy and moved behind its back and plunged her sword to its neck, separating it off from its body as black goo splash around.

"–Yeeck, also try not to get hit by this disgusting goo." She added as she took on another one of them and quickly takes care of it.

"What?! I have very little to no sword training!" Marisa exclaimed as she dodged a swipe attack from the third enemy. It is a good thing they are quite slow otherwise it would have been troublesome.

"That was an opening, stab it from behind!" Rain ordered her to do and she quickly did though very sloppy but still resulted in the black humanoid figure to produce pained sounds as it tries to get Marisa.

"Get the short sword back, it can't reach it but you can. Don't let it get that weapon or you'll be in trouble." Rain said as she watches their fight.

"I mean sure yeah but don't just stand there! Help me out here!" Marisa cried out to her.

Rain looks at her with a brief shaking of her head.

"Fine, at least you got what it takes to point a blade." She said as she closes in and quickly lops off the head of their enemy and retrieves her short sword.

"Eww." Marisa said.

"Yeah, ew." Rain nods.

"So how was it?" Rain asks her.

"How was what?"

"Did you get excited from all that?"

Marisa blinks at her and then replies. "If getting almost killed by this thing is exciting then I say yer the one that is crazy."

This earned a laugh from Rain and she said.

"Just asking... anyway, let's get a move on." Rain said as Marisa follows her.

They need to draw the attention of the others going forward the barrier and so they keep fighting this things and while avoiding the bigger fish or in this case a serpent like dragon.

Thankfully with Marisa acting as a bait. Their work is easy as Rain could end them with a single strike as they are clustered together.

They checked the rift and it has become so small that any second now it would close.

"You're sure you don't want to go back? I could probably like throw you there in the last second." Rain said.

"Ha, ha. Not funny, didn't laugh."

"You're one weird magician, Marisa. Though Seleine is much more weird." Rain commented.

"The same thing could be said about you. But wait who's Seleine?" Marisa asks and Rain's face expression changed to a sad one.

"She's sort of a mage. You know magic and stuff? She is a good friend of mine but sadly she's long gone."

Before Marisa could express herself the barrier begins to crack and they both saw the rift close down along with the barrier.

"Well there's that. What now?" Marisa asked.

Rain sighed and replied. "We'll deal with Orochi but... it's best if I go alone. You stay here. I'm not going to lie. Staying here with me, means that you are fine with getting trapped here. This place is cursed I can tell. I respect your decision and for that I thank you for helping me out. We just saved everyone if not the world itself."

"What? No, I'm coming with ya! This might be a dream and all, but you ain't going alone!" Marisa refused to her idea.

Rain shakes her head slowly and replies. "A dream? No, Marisa this is reality... I'm afraid that no one would come and save us from this moment. This is how reality works." She coldly stated the truth to her.

Just as Marisa is about to retaliate a word. Suddenly, a miniature rift suddenly opens and this both surprised them. The rift is able to fit a human in its size.

"What the?! A small rift?! If this also leads back then this is bad..." Rain said as she thinks of what to do next.

"I got it... Marisa, get on that rift... if this leads back then you'll be safe and even if it doesn't then it is better than being in here."

"But..."

"No buts! You remind of that spoiled moon princess. She also said the same word before we part... I got things to protect and that now includes you, my friend..." Rain said with a smile.

"Rain..." Marisa softly said, she's now sure that this is indeed the Rain she knows but she then quickly notices that something is behind them and tries to warn Rain who was occupied to her and the rift.

"Watch out!"

"!? Uck! –Aauaah!" Rain cried out as a seemingly sharp tail struck her from behind and penetrated her abdomen. "—You shrunk yourself?! What a cheap move..." She exclaimed as the tail then strings her along back to Orochi. Now they are face to face. She could see its face and body slowly decomposing and crumbling.

"Surprised? If I can't find...you by being big then I'll just allow myself...to be smaller..." He gave a terrifying slow laugh but that just means he too is close to dying as the smaller he gets the weaker he is.

"Cheh! Hehe, my job's already done. You can't do shit to them." She spurts out some blood and spits them at him. "If this is the end then I'm making sure you'll end with me. After all, we are but a relic of the past." She gave a loud laugh at her enemy.

At this point, she'll die. That's what Marisa's mind is telling her so she disobeyed Rain's instruction to her and pulls out her mini-hakkero and fires it off to the monster. Aiming with precision so as not to hit Rain along with it.

"Take this! Master Spark!" Her mini-hakkero works its magic as it quickly produces a beam of what seemed to be a light or laser but it seems that the one she just discharged is different and much more powerful and destructive. As even its color has changed into a darkish-crimson-red color.

Her magic fires off and the magic laser hits the monster as it grunted but was blown away by this eventually and his tail's hold against Rain slips off by that blast.

The recoil from her firing that much magic sents her back and straight next to the rift. Which was closing at that time. She saw Rain, who was lying prone at the ground but manages to look at her and gives a smile to her behind her bloody mouth.

She runs next to her and begins to pull her to the rift.

"You idiot... save yourself." Rain said and adds "If you have something to protect then you'll do whatever it takes to make sure they are safe... I've promised not to lose what's important to me anymore... so this is good enough...leave me."

"You're coming with me!" Marisa said as she keeps on pulling but at the same time the rift is closing. She has to hurry or they'll be stuck here forever.

"Just a little more!" She said as she holds Rain as they jumped into rift and it closes just after they did.

Everything then begins to fade to dark again.

You're able to change what happened in this memory and even bring this memory in this sealed crystal, maybe it was because you're a frequent visitor at Hakurei Shrine? Interesting... but that doesn't changed the fact that in reality no such thing have happened. What really happened was really different from this one though the ending still involves a rift.

Shadow Warrior

What came next to Marisa was now, she's no longer in a barren wasteland but a village with people in it. Though there was no sign of Rain being with her. She looks around but can only see different people who are looking at her with curious gazes. But still they all went to their usual routine.

"What happened? Did I woke up? Was that really not a dream?" She said and pinches her cheeks just to be sure.

"Ow, feels like it's no dream... then what is this place?"

Though before she could ask anyone. In a blink of an eye. The village is now under attack by bandits.

"Er? Did time just fast forwarded or something?" She uttered to herself.

What she saw next was a little girl, looking for her parents and a bandit nearing her. So Marisa quickly jumps in to protect the girl by stepping in front of her to face the bandit.

"Not so fast, bad guy!" She said as the bandit looks at her with confusion.

"Huh? Who the hell are you? Get out of my way or I'll kill you."

Marisa then rummages her pocket to find her mini-hakkero.

"Ah, here we go! Don't move or I'll shoot! Which is weird because normally I'm the one getting shot at."

The bandit though just laughs at her and replied. "What's that thing gonna do? Make me fly? Ahaha!"

"Don't tempt me or I just might do it." Marisa chuckles.

Somehow this ticks off the bandit.

"Tch, you little bitch. Too cocky, eh?"

Just as the bandit is about to make a move. A loud sound is then heard out of nowhere.

"What?"

The sounds are getting closer and clearer. What they are hearing is somehow people marching with unity.

Then in just a matter of second. A figure landed just behind the same bandit that is about to attack.

The marching eventually stops but this was enough to distract the whole bandits. Long enough but too late for them to realize who are the people they'll be facing.

The bandit turns around as the shadow of the figure looms over him.

"Tch, what kind of nonsense is–" Just before he could finish his sentence. His head was then grabbed by it.

He tries to talk but all of it was muffled and he can't even struggle at all.

The figure is wearing a heavy armor with the color of crimson-black and a helmet that no one can see who is behind it.

"Little girl close your eyes and this bad guy is going to disappear." The voice came from inside the crimson-black armor. It has a low but stern voice probably because of the armor itself which makes it hard to identify who is behind it.

The little girl did what she was asked to and slowly closed her eyes.

Crack!

There was a sound that she heard and then a loud thud. Despite that sound, she keeps her eyes shut.

But for the case of Marisa who was just beside the little girl. Who has her eyes wide opened and saw what actually happened.

The bandit's neck was snapped. Instantly killing him and his now lifeless limp body was thrown away just like a trash just beside the corner where no one could see it.

"You may open your eyes now, little girl."

What she saw next was that the bandit was nowhere to be found and the person who is responsible for this walks over to her and knelt to her level.

"Don't be scared, I'll beat up those bad people."

A hissing sound then came forth from its helmet and what emerged was a female with a different colored eyes, which is red and green. Smiling at her.

Marisa who saw the person inside the armor was shocked beyond her life.

"?!"

'R-Rain?! What is going on? Though you look cool in that armor, you might want to tell me why are you wearing that? Not only that...' She mentally said but didn't utter a single word to Rain as she looks at the direction to where the supposed dead bandit now lies.

The little girl smiles to her and nods. While Rain looks at Marisa for moment and said. "Here I thought, I'm the only one who looks weird in this armor. Keep her safe. We'll deal with this bandits." She then walks pass them and disappeared behind the house.

Soon after, the girl's parents arrived and was relieved to see their daughter safe and sound. Marisa was the one they thanked but she replies. "Can you tell me, what is happening? I know bandits came to attack but someone just arrived and said they'll get rid of them."

The father nods to her statement and said. "Those would be the 'Kage Musha' (Shadow Warriors)... they are said to be the Emperor's most elite forces that consist of just a small number. When you hear a marching sound then that would be them as they do that to announce their arrival. Their leader, is said to be the strongest of them all and you can quickly know as the leader wears an armor that is very unique and different. It was good that they are nearby to help, otherwise things would have happened differently."

The family excuses themselves as they went to be on the safe spot. They are sure that the bandits are no match and everything would be okay.

Marisa wants to follow where Rain has gone too but as she tries to move. Her vision blurs again and she knows what will happen next.

Legendary Meets Legendary

She's been to many countless memories and being sent to another. Marisa saw how Rain made herself stronger as training everyday non-stop and reading many books that she herself would not touch. Many of them includes tactics about war and martial arts. There is one thing, she have noticed and that is Rain was very much isolated. She's always alone all the time and no one has even dared to speak with her. Not even her own men. Probably, because of how she hid her identity but there is something else and that would be because she was feared. But that didn't bother her at all. Rain got stronger over time but at the cause of losing social interaction.

Everytime Marisa gets to talk and meet Rain she does not remember her and is reluctant to talk to her at first but eventually she managed to befriend her, even if it means over and over again. Marisa is convinced that even if they haven't met in the past, they'll still be friends regardless of time period.

Now, in this current memory she is in, she sees a rather familiar face. As it was none other than, Kaguya Houraisan arguing with Rain at the table.

"Kaguya!" Rain slammed her fist at the table she seems pissed about something.

"Hmm?"

"Don't you dare pretend that this fricking tea is safe to drink! This is not something that humans should consume! Last week, you charred the fish and now this?!" Rain then points at the tea which looks a bit murky and bubbly.

"What? After all the trouble I went through just to give you comfort after your work? How cruel!" Kaguya seems to be trying to be the victim here though her acting is not really that convincing at all. She even manages to let out a few chuckles.

"See, Marisa? This is why I told you not to drink first. It's a good thing I'm already immune to this crap–" Then everyone hears her stomach growl.

"But not to suffering an upset stomach." Marisa adds and Kaguya nods along.

"Shut it you." All Rain could do was grumble at them.

Kaguya gave a laugh as things are more lively with the addition of Marisa.

"So how long are you staying in the village, Marisa?" Kaguya asked as she drinks her tea which surprisingly was normal and not that murky one that Rain had drank.

"Maybe a few days or weeks?" She replied quickly, though she knows that this memory won't last long and she'll be sent to another one or perhaps wake up.

"Then, I shall keep you safe. After all, I come by to the village often. That girl from the Fujiwara clan is quite eager to be my student. Haha, I can see her burning passion and determination." Her mood shifted as she said this.

The moment Rain said that, Marisa knows who is she talking about and even made Rain do an example of what she wants by asking.

"Oh, do you teach her swordmanship?"

Rain's face lit up as if she's proud. "Well, she's getting there but I'm teaching her how to fight without weapons first and even lend her some of my own personal books about it." Then she remembers about the other part. "Oh and magic too. I can see that she's at least capable of doing that too."

"Whoa, you know magic like me?" Marisa pretends to not know about it.

"A little as I'm still learning more. Here, let me show you." She then opens up her hand into a palm and then a bright fire suddenly appears.

"This is just the basic, pretty useful as a torch, eh? Though I can curl it up and then throw it making it a ball of fire. Pretty sure, this one is just not impressive for you?" She asked Marisa.

"Oh no, I'm very impressed! You're able to do it in a short time!"

"That's just how Rain is, easily absorbing knowledge like she's a book herself. Though, she's still dumb as she can ever be." Kaguya chimed in, seemingly praised her and insulted her at the same time.

"Why you! At least I know how to cook and prepare tea properly!" Rain retorted which resulted in the two arguing again.

Marisa could only shake her head but also smile a little because of how finally Rain is able to make a friend.

Though it is about time this memory ends as she can see her own vision blurring again and the mufled voices of the two arguing.

But that was not the case. The moment she opens her eyes again. She's still in the same room but no one is here except her. Everything was seemingly silent. She then moves out of the room and just the moment of her opening the door. She saw the couple, the one taking care of Kaguya, sleeping on the floor. Did they fall asleep here or something knocked them out?

She continued walking forward. Looking for the door that would lead her out. She found the door she is looking for but beside that close door is an armed individual who looks like a soldier. He too is sleeping on the ground and besides him are what would seem a container and a letter. Marisa did not mind that as her priority is to find Rain and even Kaguya.

She opened the door and went outside. What she saw was the full moon, shining down on her with its beautiful ray of light. Trudging forward, she reached the trail of the front house but she stopped as soon as she saw bloody marks on the ground.

There has been a fight as there are explosion marks and even more so bullet holes as Marisa examines. A wave of bad feeling surges to her as she remembers that dream. It was exactly like this but this time she won't waste anymore second to find her.

She keeps on following the trails and stood still as she found a bloody body. She doesn't know who this is but based from its attire and notable rabbit ears. Marisa has encountered them before and they are called Moon Rabbits.

This dead moon rabbit cause of death was by being shot many times.

Marisa continues moving forward and found yet another moon rabbit just not far away from the last one.

This one's head is missing. Separated from its body and she could tell who did this. This means that this memory is the one Rain that had told her.

"I don't want to even know where the head is..."

She wants to hurl from seeing such a bloody mess but she keeps herself from doing so.

Moving onward, she keeps seeing two or more bodies of a moon rabbit with their weapons on the ground, broken just like their user.

Then she arrives to the final two bodies of a moon rabbit. The first one was cleaved in half that almost everything inside is visible. The other has a hole in her upper chest and Marisa could tell that something was taken from there.

This was such a bloodbath and also the reality. Her eyes then follows a blood trail leading just near and finally saw who she was looking for.

"Rain..." She uttered her name as she saw her slumped near the bamboo tree. Bloody and bleeding all over. Her crimson-black armor was pierced by the bullets and other parts of it have scattered everywhere. This just proves that her enemies weapons are far more superior but she managed to fight back. Her swords are laying on her lap but she was still alive and breathing.

Marisa quickly runs to her and said. "Rain...you'll be fine right?"

Rain slowly looks up to her and tries to muster some words. "-Marisa?"

"?! You remember me?"

"...annoying voice...yes...I...thought you left?" Her breathing was getting ragged as she coughs up blood.

Maybe it was because she's still here that Rain retains her memory with her.

"Where's Kaguya?" Though she shouldn't be asking questions but she does not know what to do next. Where can she get help?

Rain smiles and replied. "...Safe and escaped... you should go...too..."

"No! You'll be fine! You're alive after this!" Marisa exclaimed but looking at it those are grave wounds.

Marisa then has the thought that she might have altered this memory if that happens does that mean she too altered the past? Then, she's the one at fault for this scenario? How many times have she saw her friend on the verge of death?

As she keeps on thinking and about to blame herself. A figure behind her appeared out of nowhere through a gap.

"My, to think that you're able stand your ground against those people. Didn't I told you to call my name in case you need me?" The woman said.

"This voice... Yukari..." Marisa uttered but the moment she said that, the yokai turns its attention to her.

"Hmm? Who are you? A friend of hers?" Yukari's gaze fixated on her with curiosity.

"You darn right I am. What do you want?" She replied as she attempts to block Yukari.

"Well, I can't have such a person die from this. So, I've come to help her. Does that convince you or do you want her to die? Either way you're not the one making a decision here, human." She coldly dismissed her.

Thinking about it, Yukari is the only one capable of doing such a feat. Marisa could only stay silent as she steps aside and let Yukari talk to her.

"...You...yokai..."

"Yes, it's me. We finally meet though I thought for sure it wouldn't be like this." Yukari's face turns serious.

"You want to live right? Dying now would be a shame."

"...If I die...here and now... then I won't be able...to..."

As she hears Rain and Yukari's conversation. Her vision has started to dim again and can't hear them properly anymore. She hates how the timing is. But before she is whisked away. She could hear about a deal between the two though she's not sure what it is and them being gapped away from this place.

Adventuring Team Graze and Dreaming On

Marisa finds herself in an open-area but this place is like a swamp. If she's here then so is Rain. That's the rule if she is moving between memories. Her current location would be on top of a cliff and just below she could see several people and a huge monster fighting. She watches them and as expected she saw Rain, who is issuing commands to the other people.

"Gerald!"

"On it!" The man in clad armor moves in with his shield to block the incoming breath of fire from the monster.

This monster has three head. It stands 12 feet high and 40 feet long. It is able to breath fire and a single bite could end a life. This is what they call a Hydra.

"Now! Seleine! Freeze him!"

"Okay! I call upon thee, the power of the ice! 「Frost」!" This lady was dressed in a blue attire and also has a blue big pointy witch hat. She points her staff to the Hydra's feet and came forth a chilling wave of ice that freezes anything it touches.

Rain then begins to move sideways as she gives a hand signal to the other remaining two.

The one far away nods and takes out her bow and shoots a piercing arrow through one of the Hydra's eyes. This is deadly accurate as it hit its mark.

"Nice shot! Li Fei!" Seleine said as she takes cover behind a rock.

This was heard by Li Fei and gave a thumbs up in return.

While Rain joins up with one of the attackers of the team.

"Ready, Shen?" Rain said they move towards the Hydra.

"You said it, Danchou!" (Leader)

Then they both jump at the same time. While Rain uses her sword, Shen uses a naginata. They plan to cut each head and only leave one. To find out which one is the real head.

Their coordinated attacks and movements are very well sync. They make a great team. That is what Marisa have thought before once again she is taken to another memory.

She sees them again and working together to fight yet another monstrous being who breathes hell fire and has been a menace to many. The infamous black dragon "Heilong".

"Foolish mortals! None can survive my hell fire breath! Raaah!" The dragon roars as he spew black fire at them as he flew by.

Li Fei was knocked off by the cliff as the team got scattered. It was a good thing she managed to grab ahold at the edge but her hand is slipping. Rain quickly sees this and runs towards her slides through just to make it in time to grab her hand just before it slips.

"I got you!" She shouted as she tries to pull her up.

But this is what the dragon wants and attacks them by breathing his deadly black fire at them. Gerald quickly positions himself to guard them from the incoming attack with his shield. While the others attack the dragon to distract him.

"Ngh!!" He could feel the fire almost tearing through his shield and slowly eating it. He needs to ditch the shield as this fire is undying.

"We got her! Nice save, Gerald!" Rain said and gives him a pat in the back and throws away the shield as it is now useless and slowly burning away.

"Let's go and show this dragon what we're made off!" She raises her fist in the air and increased the team's morale as they all cheered.

"Yes! Leader!" They all said in unison.

Again this memory ends without showing what really happened.

"Coming through! Gigantic Lion on my ass! Ahhhh! Why do I have to be the bait?!" Shen exclaimed as he runs away.

He turns to a corner and is still followed. Just before the fangs of the giant lion reaches him, it was then bashed by Gerald's new and bigger shield which knocks it down.

The memory ends there but Marisa has seen on how many adventures they've been through and how happy Rain was with them. She also noticed that the duration where she can see and interact in the memory is decreasing. What could that mean?

She can't think about that for now as she's now in a different memory.

This place is a forest, though there is a single house here. The sound of the rain's droplets could be heard outside. But Marisa remains silent due to what she seeing.

Just beside her are the people she has been seeing in most portions of Rain's memory. They are standing still and weapons ready. For the one they are about to fight is the one in front of them and is none other than Rain herself. Who has a forlorn expression on her face. She is just waiting for them to make the first move.

"Sorry, Danchou... we broke our promise... now please, do what you must." Shen said and he too is sad from this predicament.

Rain remained silent but she slowly unsheathes her swords and equips both in her hands. She makes a stance. Welcoming their challenge.

The four looked at each other and each bear a smile on their face before starting the fight.

The memory abruptly ends there but that was not the end as Marisa then finds herself in a crowd.

"What the?" She uttered as she looks around.

She sees houses like that in the Human Village. No doubt that this too is a village but what really piqued her attention was the people chattering about something as they quickly moves toward a certain place.

There seems to be a commotion as people are gathering near the supposed village's center.

Then her eyes widen as she saw Rain dragging someone against their will and tosses him and magically binded him. This is this village's chief.

The people who became the audience of this sudden event keep murmuring to each other but none dared to actually stop her. Marisa is among that crowd. She wants to do something but she too was paralyzed from moving.

But judging from the eyes and look of Rain's face she is burning with intense hatred and absolutely angry. The question is why did she dragged this person out in the public?

The answer was quite simple and obvious. This is a public execution.

Rain remained silent as she unsheathes her two swords who then glows as she somehow merged the two to form a bigger and longer sword. The sword that was formed is now called an odachi. She raised it in the air, pointing towards the sky.

A gigantic clock face then appeared behind her, its hands indicating 12:00 and she then softly said. "[Hifuu Art: Soul Breaker]".

It then started counting down. There was nothing he could do but listen to the every tick of it, his fear increases. Her sword aligns with the clock as she gets ready to strike him down.

"Do you... have anything to say to the people... before striking me down?" He asked.

"No." Rain curtly said as she then finally performed a diagonal yet precise slash to his body. This is intentional as he'll first feel the pain and then succumb to that pain before finally breathing his last.

As she slashed him, the hour hand completed a full circuit. It faced the direction of the sky once more to where heaven is supposedly located and then disappeared.

What happened next is red blood begins to spurt out of his body. He cried out in pain and falls to the ground unable to do anything just as before. Only spasming his own body and drowning in his own pool of blood but that does not end there. He is keep from dying too easily as he felt every pain and he could something inside of him slowly burning away and dying. He felt hot, pain, and many more that he could not even describe it. No one can if they are dying. He could only cry out in pain and utter gibberish words as his lungs and throat have gave out. What currently is happening is that his soul has been cut and has been severed from the samsara cycle.

This lasted for many minutes as people could only watch him slowly die. This is his humiliation. He tries to move his eyes who is on the verge of closing to his executioner who looks at him with no emotion. He cursed her with all his might. Even if he can't muster anymore words in his mouth. His gaze says it all.

"—All of this just... for your...friends... you monster..." He managed to squeeze out these words before succumbing to death.

Rain remained still for moment before looking at the crowd. Written on their faces are the horror and confusion.

The crowd was in panic as only after he dies they could react to such violence with no clear reason at all to why their village chief was killed by the very person they have thought that would protect them. As Rain slowly walks away from this like it is none of her concern anymore.

As Marisa musters up her courage to finally move. Her surroundings dims yet again.

Though in that darkness she could a voice that is singing and she knows who this belonged to as she listens to it.

"Can you hear me now?

Cause I'm going to shout it out loud!

Even if it means meaningless...

The weight of the world is heavy without someone to carry it with me.

I wish that someway, somehow, that I could save everyone but I'm just only me.

This is my curse,

The pain of killing a promise.

I'll atone by myself.

After this, life will become my enemy,

But my love for this corrupted world is still there.

And so here I am right now.

Looking at the ominous sky,

Shouting my cries that are inconspicuous.

Even if it is meaningless...

Even so I'll keep believing and dreaming on...

Even if my prayers won't be heard...I..."

Marisa could feel the emotions in this song. Something must have happened that she didn't get to see.

As she keeps listening to it. What appears next is what surprises her.

She's at a campfire and Rain is present, along with her friends. Sitting at each side. Rain is at the center.

"What do you guys mean about me getting fat? I could eat this meat all day and not worry about that." Rain said as she bites on a roasted meat.

There was no response but Rain continues to talk as if she has just received a feedback.

"Seleine, we talked about this. We can just study a magic that can let us eat all the sweets we want without getting fat."

"Not really, should we go rest in a neaby village?"

All four seemed to reject her idea by shaking their heads.

"Ah, well if the majority votes not to. Wait, you guys just want this to be another camping trip!" She exclaimed.

Again, no one responded to her but their actions seemed to indicate that they are laughing and happy.

Marisa was confused but she has to see what really is going on. So she decides to get closer.

When she got closer, she first look at Seleina who was looking at Rain with a poker face. Then she moves on to the next, only to find out that they too have the same expression.

Then she hears a loud thud and it came from none other than Rain who was breathing heavily and is catching her breath.

Marisa then looks at the others and see that they too have fallen. Then she came to realize what was really going on. She turns her gaze back to Rain who finally recovers.

"Mana, I'm out of mana... my friends!" She looks at her fallen friends who are stiff on the ground.

One by one she sits them and said. "We really can't stay anymore at villages. Not only they will recognize me and you, but right now I'm nothing but a fugitive." She stood up and walks to sit back.

She's suffering from what they call a "Mana Exhaustion'". Why? Because she's been using magic non-stop.

Marisa has this pained expression on her face as she watches her friend look at the night sky who then begins talking to herself.

"I really enjoyed our time together. From exploring and fighting, even our bickerings. I still remember it as clear as yesterday..." She stopped for moment before continuing. "If only I'm still as strong as I was then... I could have save everyone..."

Marisa was right. Rain's friends are all but dead. There was the smell of death when she approached them and even saw that they are slowly decomposing.

"I studied dark magic for many years and kept on looking for ways to resurrect you guys. I've managed to do so but...none of you really are back, you all are still dead, you have no souls nor free will to do what you want. In other words, you are just being controlled by me. You all are but an empty shell. This is only what I call a 'Corpse Manipulation'. I just really want to make it right... in doing so I even can now do this."

She stretches out her hand and makes a palm. Then ignited a pale flame which has the color of death. She then blows it away and continued.

"I've also added a spell to reduce decomposition... You guys, do you hate me for being the one to end you or the other reason would be because I didn't tell the truth about your deaths? I'd rather be dishonored than have your names be stained. I'm fine to being called the villain instead of the hero, they mean nothing to me. If only I knew back then, I would have killed that guy from the start and never accepted that request."

Her gaze then falls to the mage of the party.

"Seleine... remember when you and Gerald revealed your relationship to us? Honestly, I was not angry but instead happy for you guys." She smiles for a brief moment before that turned into a frown.

"Gerald was a kind guy who cares for everyone, he really fits his role. Li Fei is that kind of a woman who may seem harsh but she's a softie inside and his brother Shen, that contagious idiot... if only I didn't let my guard down by taking it easy. I want to say I told you so for having that attitude but feeling right about it hurts so much."

"Seleine was soon to be going a mother and Gerald would have been a proud father. I...I took away their future... GRAAHH!!!" She loses her composture as she throws the roasted meat at the nearby tree with full force that it goes right through it. Her face in that moment was filled with rage.

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." She repeated this words many times and they all contain her regret and sorrow. "You guys were like a family to me! Why?! Just WHY?!" Her voice cracks as tears began to flow down on her eyes, her sobs then turns into a cry mix with anger. She even forcefully stomps her metal boots to the ground and left a crack on it due to her sheer pressure putted in that stomp.

She calms down shortly after this and finally utters.

"Once I've buried you all to your respective hometown. I'll make sure that 'Heavenly Corpus' cult be wiped out. All of them..." She sighed deeply as she stares once more at her friends.

"I suppose I should contact her again to ask where we'll meet and I hope my armor is already fixed so I can wear it again." She wipes her own tears as her face expression turned grim.

Marisa had learned that in reality, not all adventures end with a happy ending and that is Rain's party is going home but for Rain herself, her journey is far from over as she has many plans and things to do.

Just like that the memory ends.

Return of the Shadow

Marisa then finds herself in the middle of a battlefield. No explanations or so but there is indeed a war going on.

Though, Marisa was shocked when people called out to her.

"Hey! Who are you!? What's a girl doing out here in the battlefield?" Soldiers then runs to her and she was already surrounded by them.

It looks like she landed at the otherside of a camp. Normally, in battles there are at least two warring factions.

"Er...I don't know either. Ehehe!" She replies and the soldiers looked at each other.

"Come with us then!" She was then forcefully grabbed by two soldiers.

"Let go of me!" Marisa tries to struggle but the men proved to be far more physically stronger than her.

As she is being too loud, she is gathering too much attention.

"What's this commotion?" A single man then comes forth.

The two soldiers stopped and greeted him.

"Minamoto-dono! We found this suspicious girl with weird clothing."

"Hey!" Marisa protest.

The one called Minamoto looks at her with a curious look and said. "Young miss, if you promise not to run away. I'll have them release you. We are in war and I can't afford to have the innocent be involved."

Marisa slowly nods to him but she can't help but wonder on where she could have heard of that name before?

Of course she have, for the person in front of her is Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Though, she herself has not remembered nor realize it yet.

"I see, you complied easily." He gestures to his men to release her.

They did and they went back to their position.

"Nanbo!" He called for a certain man, to which that named individual quickly reports in.

"What is our current status?"

"Yes! We're being pushed back by the Teira troops. They have the terrain advantage and more horse."

"At this rate, we'll be forced to retreat and this will count as loss. I do hope Benkei, brings back good news."

Just as he is contemplating on what to do next. He hears a sound from behind them in a distant. As it gets nearer. He could now tell what that sound is.

"That sound and marching. She is coming... the signal." He softly said and then instructed his men. "Remember what I told you! March along with it!"

To which his men complies in a quick way. The sound of the metal boots marching in sync could be heard. Some also used their weapons to go along with.

It is like they are giving someone a huge welcome or this was done to announce the arrival of someone.

"Who is?" Marisa asked but she have already heard this sound before and knows who will exactly arrives.

Yoshitsune was silent for a brief moment before he replied with a single word. "Onimusha..."

Meanwhile, the other camp which belongs to the Teira Clan has started to attack again.

The Teira's general rushed through Minamoto's men as he plows through them and waved its sword as a sign of victory. While his men shouted along with him.

But all this abruptly stopped as they heard the march of the resounding of a metal boots and saw a mist engulfing a certain area in front of him. Everything went silent as the marching stops.

Then a seemingly large black figure which strongly resembles a demonic hand is launched out from that mist. The sound of the chains wrapped around it clinks as it flew in the air with speed.

The general's eyes widen behind his armor and helmet as it was aimed at him. It grabbed him off from his horse and was pulled back to the mist to where it came from. Soon he is then greeted by a crimson- black figure and judging from its looks it is wearing an armor that he have not seen before. Looking at it in the face, he can see nothing that would tell him if the one he is facing is even a human. Upon that realization he felt fear slowly crawling up in his spine.

As the mist dispersed, everyone could see him being pinned down. Both sides have stopped fighting just to see what would happen next or perhaps they are too afraid to do anything.

Still pinned by the black hand. All he could do was look at it. Then he saw its hands go for its sword that is sheathed. He clearly knows what would happen next if it draws it. With all his might he struggled to get away but the black hand was gripping him too tight that he could easily be crushed.

In that wasted effort. He could see that this monster's sword is already drawn, slowly raising as if getting ready to lob off his head.

Then he noticed another tall individual with it and he quickly recognized who this was. He carried seven different weapons in his back and his name is Saitō Musashibō Benkei. Who was also known as Oniwakamaru.

If this demon is here then the one in front of him must be...

Then it clicked to him, the one in front of him is said that would appear whenever there is always a big battle in a battlefield. It likes where chaos is, the foul stench of blood and death attracts it, rumors add that it is a ghost of a warrior who returned to the land of the living for revenge. The wandering "Demon Warrior!", his mind screamed at him.

Fear had overtaken him. He kept shouting and struggling like a pig that's about to get slaughtered. As he beg for his life.

"Onimusha! Have mercy on me, please!"

There was moment of silence as he can only await what will happen to him.

"Mercy? Very well then. You shall have it." He didn't expected to get a reply from this monster. He was relieved at first but what came next was his vision suddenly turning upside down.

Because he was beheaded in that instant.

"This is my mercy, a quick but painless death."

It then looks at the crowd who looks at him with fear. Be it foe or ally. They all fear the one that they are looking at. For this armor is meant for that.

It then walks towards the direction of Marisa and Yoshitsune. Marisa herself knows who is in that armor and didn't utter any word.

Every step she takes, makes a path for her. As the men makes way for her. Eventually, she reaches them and greets them. Yoshitsune, dismisses most of his men and told them to continue their attack as their enemy's morale has been reduced.

"Ushiwakamaru, how long has it been since you left the mountains of Hiei?" She was talking to Yoshitsune.

"I'm honored to finally be reunited to the one who taught me swordmanship and how to have a great mind in strategizing." He slightly bows his head in gratitude.

"Hmm, then what is it called to what I just did back there?"

"That would be the Dog Strategy. One of the Six Secret Teachings that you have imparted to me."

"Good. The enemy's morale should have been taken a huge hit now that I took their general down. Now, let's switch topics, If only I had known that Benkei and you would meet then I could have seen how your duel turned out to be in person, it would have been such a sight."

Benkei nods to her and replies. "Master, will you be leaving so soon?"

"Of course, this is your war not mine. But when you need me. I'll be there. Also, his half-brother needs to be guided. He have given rather a good proposal. Which I will meet him for after this. Hmm? Who is this?" She finally notices Marisa.

"Just an innocent civilian. Probably lost her way." Yoshitsune replied.

"Hmm, I know a civilian when I see one. This one is rather special especially with a clothing like that. Will you allow me to take her along?"

"Yes, if that is what you think is for the best. Staying here will do her no good. But under your wing. She'll be as safe as I was back then."

Marisa could feel and hear how much Rain have change in this memory. In that strike, there was no remorse, no emotions, and no hesitation. Just as she wants to have her voice be heard. The memory ends.

Vendetta

Marisa finds herself now inside a house and she could hear a commotion just upstairs. As she walks up, she stopped as she saw drips of blood slowly falling down the stairs. She then saw as she slowly go up a woman that was already lying on the ground, in the back of her head is a knife stuck to it.

What came next is a loud voice.

"You're that traitor!" It belonged to a man.

"Yes, that would be me. Tell me, do you fear death?"

Marisa was just in time to see the man then get lifted in the air by some sort of magic and was slammed on the ground repeatedly.

"Imagine, a man like you have a family? Your wife is just at the corner by the way. Too bad that she tried to knife Yukari in the back and what goes around comes around or in this case by a gap."

Then a gap appears behind her back and then emerged another woman dressed elegantly.

The man knows who these two people are. They have been warned that they are being hunted down by certain people but he didn't knew that it would be these people. Two legendary figures standing before him and working to together seems baffles him. Of course he have heard of them. One is a menace in the night and the other is the slayer in the night. Just like tonight, he's the next in line for that.

"Where have you been?" Rain asked her.

"Just made a quick check... it's a lovely house and there is a kid. What will you do?"

The man was alerted to what she just said.

"Leave her out of this! She's just a kid!"

However, these two did not like being interrupted. A single slash whoosh just beside him as he felt that he can't breath for a moment as the air around him has been cut.

"How rude."

"Tch, shut up will you? We're talking here."

The man shuts up but maybe because he was busy trying to gasp for some air.

"Is the kid awake?"

"Well, sort off. I talked to her and entertained her for a bit. Quite a cute little kid I say but eventually I put her back to sleep." Yukari chuckles for a bit.

"Ugh, I hate this kind of situations. I'll deal with the kid later but for now. This guy has to cough up what we need to know." She turns her attention back to the man of the house.

He cannot move for he is binded magically, no matter how hard he try to resist.

"Now we do this the easy way or the hard way. Tell me where are your other bases of operation. Future plans, all of it." Rain said to him.

However, the man mocked her by replying. "You think I'm scared of you?! You may have killed countless of us but that doesn't change anything about our goal in ascending!"

This did not fazed the two but rather they have expected this answer.

"Heard that, Yukari? This guy thinks he is tough one. Can you at least make him talk? I need to clean up that body you just messily left."

Rain goes outside and left Yukari with him. Marisa looks at Rain and it seems like she cannot see her.

She saw her crouch down at the body and hears her utter some words. "You people are delusional if you haven't join this crazy cult then you are still alive and might have been living happily. You didn't think how your kid would suffer from your choices? Pah! Why am I talking to a dead person, anyway?"

She then snaps a finger as a small flame that has the color of purple slowly latches to the dead body. Then it spreads to the whole body as it started to incinerate it in a fast manner. Almost as if it was devouring it. Even the blood that was spilled was so to say eaten and even the knife that killed the woman, melted along with it.

"See you in hell, wherever that is." She said as she stood up and walks back.

When she arrives back to the room. She could see Yukari still doing something to him. She could see that his head was all drenched. Did she just try to drown him?

"What's this? Did you managed to make him talk?"

Yukari shakes her head and replied. "He seems to be really eager to keep his mouth shut."

Rain is in disbelief as Yukari is not even trying, maybe perhaps she doesn't like to do this sort of thing? Well, Rain herself does so too but it is a necessity to get what they need.

"Are you even trying? I know you just tried to drown him by gapping his head to a body of water. Was it a lake you used?

"No, the ocean was better. You should have seen his reaction when he saw a giant shark almost eats his head." Yukari seems to be enjoying toying with him.

Rain pinched the bridge of her nose and replied. "So you were just having fun toying with him... step aside. I'll do it."

Just as Rain said that. The man has finally recovered from what he's been through.

"...is that all you got?" He mocks them yet again.

Rain then gives him a slap and leans in close to him. "You do realize that she's just toying with you? She's just lazy and wants me to do it. But let me tell you this, you don't want me to be the one to make you spit out what we need. I'm worse than Yukari as I know how this kind of situation works."

Just as she said that she grabs his head and forces him to look at her. Her crimson red eye seems to flicker as she said. "You actually are pissing me off by being stubborn. Do you really want this? I'm giving you a chance to take the easy route."

But the man remained firm to his resolution and gave a spit to her face as his answer. Though his own spit returns to his own face as a gap opens right before him.

"Then..." Rain takes out her short sword and it gleams right as the man saw it. The next thing that happens is that she sticks it to his right hand like it was just a paper as it pierces right through. He screamed in pain even if he tries to hold it back.

"...I'm going to show you just how cruel I can be... let's see how long can you last."

With that same sword she moves it upward as it keeps tearing through his flesh. In just a mere seconds his entire arm is mutilated. As blood gushes down and floods the floor.

Then lightning came forth on her hand and quickly trickles through her sword which then electrocutes the man.

The room flashed brightly and the sound of the electric current overpowered the man's scream.

"Well, Rain, you're not trying to kill him now are you?" Yukari asked but she just did out of curiousity.

"No, a stubborn man like this will live." She then asks the man again the same question. "Are you going to talk now?"

The man furiously shakes his head even if he took such a spell though that was just low level spell. He is very loyal to that cult or is perhaps know that if he talks then the cult will kill him. Either way he is dead.

"Fine by me, after all, I regained on how to do this."

"「Heal」" Just as she uttered these spell. The man's right arm. Regenerated back in an instant and even all of his injuries are healed.

The man's eyes widened at this. He could not believe what he is seeing. What kind of person is he facing?

But his thoughts were crushed as Rain repeats what she just did to his arm earlier.

"Kuuahh!!!!"

"Now if you don't talk then we will repeat this process again and again. I could also switch it up if you want as long as you are not dead. I may be able to heal any physical injury but your mental state or to put it simply, your mind will remember everything."

But the man yet again remained adamant to talk.

Rain gives a shrug implying she at least expected this to happen and then she faces Yukari.

"Oh well, at least I could try some experiments. Yukari you can join in too if you want?

Yukari makes a surprise face and that too quickly turns into a slight grin.

"Oooh, you're inviting me to have fun too? The three of us? My, what a fun session this will be."

"Yukari... Phrasing. You darn yokai, you are doing this on purpose are you?"

Yukari just winks at her with a hint of a smile.

The door closed behind them for a good reason. Marisa could only cover her ears as she doesn't want to know what even is happening.

The entire thing lasted for an hour as the man eventually broke and spills all of what he knows. All that's left of him now was to be disposed.

"Well that was refreshing." Yukari said.

"So, the arm that was severed, magically returns to its host even if it was severely destroyed. It is like time is reversed and it returns to its former state. Hmm, maybe I need to do more research to confirm this." Rain said to herself.

The man was so broken that he could not even utter a word. The once proud man earlier was reduced to this mentally broken and beaten state.

"Yukari, it's time for us to go. Take me to that kid after this." Rain said as she approaches the man who was unresponsive.

"You must be thinking how all if this is possible? Well let me tell you, I've spent one year trying to perfectly cut rain. Then I've spent ten years to cut air, one hundred years later I was able to learn how to cut a soul. And now, I'm trying to have a mixture of both the sword and magic, even martial arts. Next, would be time and space. I've seen how this world works and that it is made up of probabilities. Nothing is impossible and I have all the time I need to study." She stopped as she looks at him.

"Ah, did I ramble on for too long? Sorry, you have to wait. Let me think of a way on how to end you. Creativity and art also exist in the way of killing. Hmm... then magic it is. Using that sword in this cramp house would limit me. Not that it matters as death by sword, death by torture, death by magic, see? Not much of a difference. In the end, you'll die anyway." She said with a cold tone and dark expression as she stands back.

A gigantic clock face then appears behind her back and just like the last time its hands indicate the 12:00. It then begins counting down.

Tick

"For people like you, there is no mercy, no second chance, no redemption, and most importantly, no life as I pry it out of existence. Now rot until you cease to exist.「The End of Flesh」" She pointed a finger at him as magic triagrams appears and at the same time the clock has finished counting as it disappears.

What happens next is that a sharp pain has started to assault him. It was unexplainable as the pain was too much that he could pass out but he didn't. He saw his hands withering away and there was an intense pain of burning and it was mind twisting. He could see himself getting erased or rather rotting away. As his own flesh is slowly fading into nothingness like he is being erased from reality. Even his own blood is melting away along with it.

When he tries to let out his pained words, nothing came out of his mouth. As if even his voice has been taken away. But the truth is he was silenced by Rain using her magic.

These two legendary monsters watched silently as he suffers looking at him with no emotions whatsoever. They are just waiting for him to die and leave after that.

It only took a minute before his demise but to the one who was in that state it felt longer and forever, almost like an eternity. But in the end, all that's left is his clothing and nothing more.

"Good For Good and Evil For Evil. That is what I believe in. Killing you would lessen the filth in this world." She said as she gave a short sigh.

"Hopefully, next time we won't run into a shinigami. For we are like stealing their work." Yukari said.

"Well, we can't expect the shinigami to do all the work now, do you?" Rain replied.

"Fair point, also you know? You could have just used your magic on him to purposely tell us about what we need instead of going through all that?" She said to Rain who was dusting herself off.

"Huh? Oh that? Not really, it is still not reliable and I could mess it up and end up making that person's mind a jumbled mess. Though what we need to do about that kind of requires what you just said but I need your help in stabilizing and making sure the kid is safe during the process."

"Look at you. You are capable of doing horrible things but you are still kind." Yukari teases her.

"My friends would hate me if I do that. Besides, I'm a capable villain don't you think?" She gave short chuckle.

"You sure are, just as you were when you are regarded as the hero."

"Whatever, those titles mean nothing to me. I fight for myself and to what I believe in. No one can tell me what to do, not even if they are gods." She scoffs at that statement.

"As expected of a half-elf royalty, such answer is well constructed, hmm?"

Rain clicks her tongue and replied.

"Tch.. don't bring that to this topic, Yukari. True that this is indeed my current state but you still don't know that much about me. Remember we are not friends, I could exterminate you just like what I was intended to do."

However, the yokai just take that threat as nothing more than an empty threat.

"Well, we're getting there, can't wait to be drinking again with you in this upcoming full moon."

"Just shut up, you gap yokai, open up a gap and let's do what else is needed to be done."

The memory ends here as it started to dim.

Cherry Blossom Stained in Red

Marisa was quite uncomfortable after that last memory but this time what she saw next was Rain and Yukari standing together and facing a floating Yuyuko in the air as behind her is the giant sakura tree that is in full bloom.

"She's not fully dead. That tree is using her!" Rain exclaimed.

"This would be bad, if this yokai gets to do what it wants then..." She stops as she looks at Rain.

"You have to be the one to end her. She doesn't want this. I too don't want to see her suffer anymore. You too should know that."

Rain grips her sword as she nods along. "...Is there any other way?" She very much is reluctant to do it.

However, Yukari shook her head and replied. "No, all you need is to hold her down with your sword and the rest is up to me."

Rain bit her lips, there is no choice it was just like back then. "GOD DAMN IT!" She angrily shouted as she dashes forward to her former friend who retaliates by attacking them.

Marisa didn't see what happened as that moment she was somehow teleported very far away and she could see that she is but at the top of a cliff but she could see the shining light to where the fight is happening. A few moments later. A flashing white light emits brightly before fading into nothingness.

Moments later, she now finds herself at a village with people cheering. Apparently, both Rain and Yukari succeeded in stopping their friend but most of the credit seems to have fallen to Rain.

"Thank you for saving us! We thought for sure that monster is going to have our souls!" She could hear one of them approach Rain who was staring blankly at the night sky.

The crowd cheered for her but all of this does was make Rain feel more guilt and anger builts in to the point that she could just explode.

"Shut up..." She softly uttered but she wasn't heard by them.

"What did she say?"

"I said, SHUT UP!" She loudly yelled at them and they all stopped.

"She's not a monster! She's my friend!" She then suddenly grabs one of them in the neck. "Yet again I'm forced to kill my friends. Do you know how that pains me?! Yet, you call her a monster when she allowed herself to be the one to seal the real monster?!" You people are ungrateful pricks and a monster too! If she haven't reminded me that kindness still exist then I would have destroyed this village myself!" She lets go of the man without actually harming him as she takes a few steps back.

"Throwing stones at her like she is some sort of an abomination... yet she still smiles behind that pain. You do not deserve her and now, I'll leave you all to your fate. Do not expect me to come saving you people..." She angrily exclaimed all of these to them as she gives a punch to the ground and momentarily shakes it before storming off.

Marisa's vision then started to flash, which was different.

She could see Rain's memories with Yuyuko and how happy they are as they spend time with other. From drinking, to taking a stroll and bickering. Surprisingly, even Yukari is there with them.

The final image she saw was a smiling Yuyuko but her smile is with that of a blood for she was struck by Rain's sword in her chest. She saw Rain's face that is the same when she was forced to fight her old friends back then.

She then hears her voice saying many things as things have faded to black.

"At the Sakura Tree,

Secrets, lies, love, and darkness awaits."

"Bloodline yearns as it is the key to the end."

"Do I have a soul that is painted in black?"

"Do I still have a heart that can still beat?"

"Do I destroy or protect?"

"I do not hate this power but if you want it? Come try and take it."

"Dancing through the bodies of those who stand against me."

"The puppet master behind my facade just wants to go home and be happy."

"Forsakened, I am reduced to a wanderer."

"Descending misery

Present in this world"

"There's no coming home. Should I cast aside the remaining light within me?"

"No, I'll just bury it within."

"For we're about to burn chaos in the wind."

"Will I forever be alone again in this vast ocean? Drifting aimlessly..."

Marisa then opens up her eyes, they are somehow watery. Did she cried? Maybe, but what is more important was that she is now back in the reality. As she is back in her home. It seems like she lost consciousness back there.

She looks at the table where the sealing cube is located and finds that it was no longer there

"It's gone?!" She quickly gets up and just as she did she hears a voice.

"So you are awake?" This voice came from none other than Yukari herself who is now holding the Seal Crystal at her hand.

"Yukari... you old hag... I've seen her memories."

Yukari chuckles and replied. "I know, because I let you do so. You were so curious so I let you do what you want. Now that you did, I'm going to ask you. Did curiosity killed the cat?"

"What?"

"Hmm, perhaps I should use different words then? Ah, so let me tell about this seal crystal. What you saw and feel are fragments of her memories and her emotions. Now that you've seen but a glimpse of her past. Are you still willing to call her your friend? After all, you've just met not too long ago. It's not too late to go back."

Yukari's referring to what she just saw. All the things that Rain did and how she is very capable of doing things that would be considered monstrous. After learning all of this, would she still remain as her friend? Will she now destroy the sealing crystal? That's what Yukari meant by Curiosity Killed The Cat.

"...I know she did a lot of bad things but I can understand that. Unlike the yokai. She's very much a human that has feelings and emotions that could be taken advantage off. If you want me to reconsider then based from what I saw. Then, my resolve did not waver! I'm glad that I met her! I now know her pain and more than happy to help ease it! As her friend!" She said this as she held her head high and stands her belief.

"Now, give me back that Sealing Crystal so I could return her memories..." She said as she points her mini-hakkero at the yokai sage.

Yukari then slowly claps at her bravado as she steps forward slowly and said. "Relax, no need to get so work up about it." She passed by and then puts down the sealing crystal back at the table.

"Just be warned. If we expose her with this so many negative memories then she might not be able to handle it. That's where it will try and take over, you know what I'm talking about. Not only that, if she's overloaded with such negative emotions even without this sealing crystal. The same thing could happen." Yukari then opens a gap and slowly steps inside.

"So curiousity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back... remember Marisa, belief can also come from fear when you are forced to bow down to an unbeatable power. You can't help but revere it. That's how reality works..." She said before finally leaving Marisa alone again.

Marisa seats at the chair just beside the table and gave a short sigh. She remembers all the things she went through.

"Rain... even though I haven't seen everything. I'm sure that you are a kind a person..."

After all what happened, Marisa needs to rest for a while and after that. She needs to get Rain here.

Hell

"Feeling a bit nostalgic?" Hecatia asked her while she looks down on her.

"Not feeling a thing." Rain replies, looking up to the goddess of hell.

"Hmm, is that so? I've called for the Yama and she should be here any minute now. Oh, and Junko can I ask you to do what you did when we played that game with the other humans?" She asked her friend, who just casually nods to her.

"Well, I'm already here. Might as well help you out. I'd like to see if she can do better than them."

As they talked, another figure arrives as it flies to them, though rather it was kind of small and is wearing a somewhat chinese robe with unique designs to it.

She is wearing a short sleeve apothecary robe. Its colors consist of mostly black and white. Her hair color is black and wears a hat that also consist of black and white but has a gold emblem in front and red ribbons on the back. She wears a black shoes with white bow to them and frilly socks. On her hand, she carries a rod and this is called the Rod of Remorse. She's a bit small and can be easily mistaken as a child in her early teens.

"–I'm here! So sorry, I'm late lady Hecatia!" She said to her with a very polite tone.

"Emna, how are you? Still busy as ever?" Hecatia greets her.

The one called Emna nods and replies. "Yes, it is quite an honor to be called by you but what is it you called me here for?"

She's not on break though she regularly gets one. It was unusual for her superior to call for her personally, is there some kind of problem?

Her name is Emna Naraka, the Earth's hell Yama. Despite her small size, she holds the highest authority here in Earth's hell.

Hecatia smiles yet again and said. "Why don't you look down? I'm sure you be quite surprised to see her." She then returns her gaze below to Rain.

"Her?" Emna does so and her eyes widen as she sees her.

"?! You're..." She paused as she looks at Rain.

"That's right, you worked with her before at least that's what you told me in your reports. The one who helps us in fetching the expired, the part-time shinigami, known as the Legendary Yokai Exterminator but in here she is called "Certain Death".

Emna nods to what Hecatia has just said and asks permission to land and talk to her. To which Hecatia gracefully grants.

Emna lands and approaches Rain, her footsteps are all is heard throughout the silence.

"What are you doing back here? Certain Death?"

Rain was surprised to be called by that though she doesn't know why she is being called that.

"I'm sorry, I don't remember anything about my past." Rain truthfully said.

The Earth's Yama could only nod with a hint of sadness.

"Then, please to meet you, again. Certain Death, I'm Emna Naraka, this Hell's Yama. We once worked with each other in the past. You are employed with a contract to be a Shinigami and take the lives of the expired. All for in exchange of being able to exact your revenge on certain individuals and for the redemption of one of your friend's soul. We agreed on that pact and you can leave whenever you wanted."

Rain remained still and silent for a second as she process to what she has been told by the Yama.

"What's the name of that friend?" She finally asked.

However the Yama shakes her head and replies. "According to our deal, once eveything is done. Nothing should be spoken off but I could tell you that she is now in a better place. Now if you mind, let us not discuss this matter no more. As for the matter of your alias, it is just a different name born from your performance as a shinigami. You have even until now have 100% success rate of collecting the expired souls. Hence, why you are called Certain Death for they'll be meeting their death with certainty."

Somehow, Rain felt relieved that if she indeed did that there must be a huge reason and all her efforts paid off. She can't force out the truth out of this Yama and she must honor their contract. Therefore, she agrees with a nod.

"Really, it was nice meeting you again but I think you are in deep trouble for lady Hecatia to personally drag you here back. In the past, you are punished for helping out an oni and for using hell's resources for crafting a sword without permission."

Hecatia interrupts them by saying. "Emna, why don't you call her by her name? Since she is not working for us anymore. That epithet is no longer valid."

Emna was silent for a second as it seems like she is hesitating but she can't disobey such orders from her and so she did.

"I'm sorry, miss Rain. I-"

Hecatia again cuts in and said. "By that I mean her true name. That name... hmm, what did you say last time?" She tries to recall.

Junko was intrigued to what she is hearing but remains silent to just be the witness of such conversation.

"The name Rain Nanase is only the Japanese pronunciation of her true name as it is written and spoken in another language." Emna said.

"Ah, that one. Now, say it to her. I'm sure she'll be more than happy to know it. You were taught by her on how to at least pronounce it."

Rain who hears this was very much confused. What is she talking about? What's this about her name?

"I...I" She stutters as she tries to make her decision even though Rain was just a person who worked alongside her. She managed to befriend this Yama in the past and holds a great deal of respect to her.

"It's no big deal. It's just a name, it won't affect me and I'm pretty sure it won't kill me if I know." Rain managed to say jokingly to ease the Yama.

Emna sighed but it was not a negative one but rather a relief.

She then begins to utter some words. Her mouth movements are very different as she speaks. Clearly it was not in japanese. But for Rain, she could clearly understand what she is saying.

"Alteine Meran Deux Faurus." This is what she understood.