Author's note: I would like to thank the authors who have reviewed this story and had given me new ideas for the up- coming chapters.

Ragna gave the vampire a dumbfounded look. "What the hell did you say, bunny leech?"

"Do you wish for me to repeat myself, then? I said Miss Vermillion desires to fight with you to test her abilities."

Noel, now retaining and enhancing the powers as a Murakumo Unit No.12. Her confidence throughout her adventures and fights had grown tremendously. No longer the once shy girl always in a shell, she now fights proudly in hopes to help her friends in need. Mu gave Ragna a confident look. "I want to show you that I can be just as strong as you, Ragna."

The criminal was nearly taken back by the weight of her words. Still, he refused to show it. He glared at her and said, "You idiot, I don't have the time for this. I have somewhere I need to be."

Rachel gave him a teasing smirk. "Oh, must you rush to Tsubaki's side in such quick manner?"

"Wait, you know Tsubaki, Ragna?" Mu asked in shock.

"Hm?" He turned to give Mu a quizzical look. "Uh, yeah. Actually traveled with her for a while."

"Really? Did she anything about me? Or where she was going?"

"I don't know. Haven't seen her in a few days after she whipped my ass. That's why I'm trying to find her and-"

Annoyed with the idle chat, Rachel spoke up. "May we stop this foolish talk, for now? If you two wish to continue, then do so another time. Ragna, do you have any objections with testing Miss Vermillion's abilities?"

The criminal shrugged, "Eh. I've been lying around on my ass for too long. Sure. I could use a warm-up."

"A warm-up? Me? I'll make you regret that, Ragna!" Mu readied her airborne guns.

He chuckled, his large sword in his grip. "Pathetic as always, huh? Let's go, you idiot!"

The two fighters didn't notice Rachel as she stepped into her portal. She looked back and gave them a teasingly smile. Play nicely, you two.

Sensing no more intrusions or obstacles in the way, Mu started the fight with releasing the power of her floating guns, all aimed at Ragna. He blocked with his sword and dodged the remaining beams. A few still made their way to his body, grazing his skin. Ragna winced but was not ready to back down- he wouldn't display weakness to his opponent.

"My turn." With that, Ragna charged forward, his right arm coated with a familiar purple aura. While Mu retreated with a step back, he did not hesitate to extend his other arm. Dark energy emerged from the ground, taking the appearance of a head of the once Black Beast. Caught off guard, the Murakumo was thrown back. However, she swiftly rolled back on her feet.

"Chains of Fate!" Mu bent over to ready a sharp laser over her head. Without stopping, the single ray zipped around. After passing through the oldest stein to the newest, it struck Ragna in the back with intense coercion to knock him forward.

"Dammit, that hurt!" Ragna grunted as he rose. Heh. Guess this chick isn't too much of a pussy. Too much. He bolted with his sword. Striking down his challenger, he shouted, "Carnage Scissors!"

Deciding not to be hit by the crossing dark energy, Mu countered with summoning her eight swords around her. Forming a protective barrier, the darkness dissipated, sparing her life. However, the shield was also destroyed, both choices of turns evenly matched. The battle raged on, each one taking turns in landing hits. Both exchanged series of hits, kicks, and slashes.

"Alright, playtime is over now, kids" A recognizable voice was heard from nowhere. Mu and Ragna ceased their fighting and gasped.

"Terumi!" Ragna shouted. He couldn't sense his presence. A shadow?

"Captain Haza- no. Terumi?!" Mu looked around frantically.

"Whoah there, Raggy and Noel! No need to get all riled up. Unfortunately, I'm not here at the moment. Or there. Or wherever you call 'here.' " Hazama snickered. "Phantom, could you be a dear and escort Miss Noel, here, to her more desired destination, if you will?"

"Huh?" The blonde felt an invisible force around her. She struggle to resist the strong will to teleport, but to no avail. After a moment, she was gone, leaving Ragna alone.

"Terumi, you bastard! Where the hell are you?!" Ragna shouted, ire tainting his voice all over. No reply or answer was heard. Frustrated, he grunted and continued his trek forward, hoping to locate either Tsubaki or Terumi.

The wind rippled through as Rachel stepped out of her portal. Wiping part of her black dress from any unwanted dust, she looked around. Deep in the depths of the 5th Hierarchical City of Ibukido were graves, scattered throughout the floor. Some appeared to be open. Orange- like liquid goop poured out of a few of them. Wires and tubes and over- sized pipes decorated the room from the wall toward the ceiling.

Unimpressed with the scenery, the vampire sighed. "Oh my. This is a shocking surprise." She paused to look around. "If I am not mistaken, Miss Tsubaki Yayoi should be somewhere along the parameter ."

"Excuse me, trespassing in this area is impermissible. I must ask that you vacate the premises." A female voice was heard from behind. The vampire turned to look at a new, unforgettable face.

Izayoi slowly stepped into view. She halted under a spotlight formed by a hole in the ceiling, letting light to enter. Her crimson hair was tied up in a ponytail. Her red eyes glared, pierced through the air. Even in the dark her bright armor lit the caves they were in.

Rachel looked up to the girl. "Oh. So you are Tsubaki Yayoi, are you not?"

Izayoi was shocked by the level of maturity this little girl was displaying. Still, she replied, "I refuse to go by that name any longer. Who are you?"

"Excuse me. But would you be so kind as to watch your manners. I would expect to see a daughter of a noble family maintaining her status by at least displaying a level of refined social behavior. Nevertheless, I am Rachel, head of the dignified Alucard family."

This girl acts a lot older than she looks… "My apologies. As stated before, though, I ask that you leave immediately."

"I cannot perform that duty right away. I came here to talk to you. It is concerning your weapon."

"Izayoi? What about my armament?"

"You been told on a multiple of occasions to discard that blade, have you not? I believe it was Jin and Ragna who have informed you of the fate it hold for their wielders."

Izayoi gasped upon hearing both names. Ragna and Jin… "I was full aware of the risks of using my weapon, and I took them. It is because of it that I became what I am now." She paused. "May I ask how you seem to know both Ragna and Jin?"

Before responding, Rachel summoned her servants to provide her with a chair and cushion. Sitting down, she spoke, "I am an observer. An audience member in the front row of this compelling play. I only watch what I find interesting, and come to help make changes. I have tailed Ragna's trail for a while, now. As for Jin, or Mr. Hero, that foul- mouthed, ingrate does not seem to know his place for most of the time. I merely observe his actions in pity, watching as he makes the wrong decision or turn."

Izayoi, although getting infuriated with the harsh barbs thrown towards both men, kept her calm demeanor and said, "So you are working with them to help overthrow the Librarium? I see. Very well." Without second thought, she summoned her large sword behind her. After vanishing with a light flash, it materialized in her hands.

Sighing, Rachel rose from her chair. Nago and Gi warped to her side at once. "Poor soul. Perhaps I will punish you, myself. Fight me with all you have."

Izayoi began the fight by advancing forward, thrusting her purple- coated sword out. Rachel sidestepped and then delivered quick jabs of a morphed black cat. Blocking the attacks, Izayoi countered by lashing out her attacks as well. Each weapons clanged, a horrendous sound spread throughout the underground room.

Both women jumped, Izayoi advancing forward as Rachel sent out a pink plump. It collided with the defenseless red head, who hurled to the ground. With a grunt, she glanced as the plumped transformed into a long pole. Unaware of the next two being set, she rolled to where she believed was safe.

"Sword Iris!" The vampire commanded as she leaped above the fallen girl. The three set rods erupted with lightning. Her opponent had no time to move and was vitally shocked. For a brief moment, she laid on the floor, writhing in pain. Using her power of wind, she glided through the air. Gi was transformed into a spike underneath her and she began to fall.

With enough energy, Izayoi vanished in a gust of whirlwinds, sparing a possible hole through her midsection. In the next second she reappeared, sending a purple projectile at the vampire. Upon reaction, Rachel called forth a floating pumpkin. She called the wind and the pumpkin dashed forward, striking the flying dagger. They both disintegrated on contact.

Izayoi desired to end the fight quick by advancing and hurling out a great sword of blinding light at her challenger. However, her target was not in sight and Izayoi's offense was completely evaded. Unknown, Rachel was carried upward by a harsh gust of wind blowing from beneath her feet.

"Time to repent!" With that, a great mass of pink lightning surrounded Rachel. Her opponent felt a great shock all around her body. The pain lingering felt excruciating, it felt like it would never end. With the minimal strength she still had left, she could just rise from her stomach with the help of her supporting arms.

The fallen soldier huffed as she looked at the woman standing before her. "You're… You're very strong. Guh…"

Rachel, feeling hardly pain, smiled gently. "Oh my. It seems that you are still not full in use and comfortable with your newly acquitted abilities. This battle is boring me."

"I cannot lose. I must safeguard- guh!" Izayoi's panting made it difficult to speak. She fought to maintain a glare at Rachel.

Rachel sighed, "Hush, fool. You are almost as stubborn as Ragna. If you would be so kind, I wish to speak to you. Or make a request to you." She momentarily ceased. She took Izayoi's silence as a sign to continue. "Well, I sense it's the time the Wheel of Fate makes a turn. I cannot tell if it for the good or the bad. I am inquiring if you would be able to end me if a certain one dies."

"…"

"I believe I have mentioned him before; Ragna the Bloodedge."

The fallen girl gasped at the name. She rose to her knees as she clasped her left arm with her right.

"Oh, that's quite a reaction from you. You must be shocked that I am asking you for such a duty."

Izayoi could not believe it. She was just asked to deliver this girl to death's door. "Why would you ask me to do… this?"

"The battle is waging. Ragna, believe it or not, is our best hope we might have. If he were to die, at the hands of the Library or by his own corrupted weapon he wields himself, all would be lost." An image of Ragna's back came from within Rachel's memories. The memory was clear; it was the time he set off on his journey, his war. "Loathe I am to admit it, Ragna is our best gamble we have made. You, Izayoi, were built to fight me."

"I… was built…" She thought it over. Ragna can't die, not yet. He… can't. I refuse to allow it. "Would the pain of losing Ragna be too much to bear? Is that why you want…"

""I cannot answer that right now, Tsubaki." If hearing her original name infuriated her, she did not show it. "Tsubaki Yayoi, if the time comes, you must sever the ties between me and this mortal world."

Back in the forest, once again, Ragna wandered around. "Shit. I swear when I find Terumi, I'm gonna…" The rustling of tree leaves and bushes interrupted him. Sensing a strong presence from behind, he lashed around and readied his massive sword.

A tall figure walked in front of him. His silver- white armor reflected the sun's harsh rays. The White Susano'o spoke, "We meet once more, Dark One."

"You again?! How the hell do you keep finding me?" Ragna snarled.

"How I am able to locate you is not the issue here, Ragna the Bloodedge. Tell me, what does Tsubaki Yayoi mean to you?"

"Hm?" Ragna was stunned. That was the last thing he expected would come out of Hakumen's mouth. Rachel's words from days ago replayed in his head. 'As we talk, I believe that woman is clashing weapons with Mr. Hero'. Fury started to rise in the criminal. "How the hell do you know Tsubaki?"

"How I know is none of your concern. However, you cannot hope to help her. Tsubaki Yayoi must breaks the bonds between the Librarium and the Sealed Weapon Izayoi by her own free will."

"Free will? That damned weapon corrupted her mind and soul too much already. She can't do it on her own." He started to walk forward, hoping to avoid a fight and to get to Tsubaki. "Outta my way. I need to get find her now."

Hakumen did not budge. He began to unsheathe his sword, Ookami, as a threat to not let his opponent pass. "Do you honestly believe that you can save Tsubaki, Dark One? I believe you would make things worse for her. You are too weak."

"Me! Weak?! I'll kick your ass for that!" Ragna glared intensely, forgetting his objective for a moment. He readied himself holding his sword up.

As the criminal jumped to strike downward, Hakumen had his sword ready to block at the very second. The unpleasant sound of clashing metal emitted through the air. Immediately after landing, Ragna slashed upward. His opponent made a downward slash. Both blades collided once again, leaving both fighters unscratched. Both brawlers took a step forward to thrust their swords forward, hoping to stab the other.

The force of both hits was enough to drive both of them back a few feet, creating distance. Ragna roared as her advanced forward, left arm coated purple. "Let's go! You masked bitch!"

As she stood guarding, Izayoi took the time to think everything through. Rachel inquired that I kill her if Ragna dies. Ragna… She sighed at the thought of him, hinting that she may have felt a slight burn on her cheeks. I haven't seen him since… that transformation. He probably must hate me now, like Jin, Noel, and Makoto.

"Tsubaki! Is that you?" As if on cue a familiar voice was heard from behind. Izayoi turned to look at a girl with squirrel ears and a tail. "Tsbuaki, I know it's you. Come on, leave the Library immediately and we'll go together."

"Makoto…" She glared at her former friend. "I do not go by that accursed name any longer."

Makoto halted and gasped at the harsh tone given to her. "Ts… Tsubaki?"

"Makoto Nanaya! Either you return to the NOL or I will deliver the justice you deserve!" Izayoi pointed her blade at the beastkin, a threat to back her off.

Backing up in fear, Makoto muttered, "This is not the Tsubaki I know. You were always such a kinder girl Where did my precious friend go?"

"She opened her eyes to the truth, Makoto." Izayoi lowered her sword slightly. Her glare soften as well. "It is because of the Imperator I have grown up. I suggest you do the same. Return to the Library, Makoto."

"No! I won't go! Tsubaki, do you know how much you mean to me and Noel? We can't-"

"Noel?!" The red- haired woman interrupted. "If you are with her, then I have no choice to eliminate you two. Prepare yourself!"

With that, Izayoi dashed forward, preparing to slash with her sword. Makoto, acting on instinct, jabbed through with an intense fist. Their choice of weapons collided. Izayoi jumped and fired a separate dagger, coated in purple. The squirrel beastkin countered with a bare uppercut, destroying the blade mid- flight.

Backing away, Makoto gave her once friendly opponent a confident look. "Tsubaki, I'll open your eyes."

The white clad warrior delivered a low sweeping kick. Ragna was able to jump and clear some distance away. He, once again, advanced with his purple coated fist leading. As his punch closed in to strike, Hakumen spun around and kicked, hoping to send his enemy away. As the fist and foot met, both fighters immediately slashed with their swords; Ragna thrusting it upward and Hakumen slashing downward, both attacks did not land.

Ragna grunted and panted, but he was not ready to lose. "Dammit. You're strong."

Hakumen hesitated as he… chuckled? "… You have gotten stronger, as well, Dark One."

As both prepared to attack once more, a venomous voice was heard. "Alright, little doggys! Playtime's over."

"Terumi!" The second time that day Ragna had heard the damned voice. "Where's Noel?"

Ignoring the outburst, the captain chimed. "Phantom, would you be a dear and please escort our unwanted guest away?"

"What?" Hakumen felt the same strong pull Mu felt earlier. Challenging ars magus was no problem for him, but this force was harnessed from raw magic. Fighting its composure, he swore. "Bastard…!" In the next second, he was gone, leaving the angry criminal alone again.

"Terumi!" Ragna stabbed his sword in rage. "What are you planning?"

He received no answer.

"Tsubaki! Please wake up!" Makoto shouted as she pleaded for her friend to open her eyes. She sent two powerful uppercuts straight to her stomach.

A defenseless Izayoi had no time to react as she was recovering from the last hit received took the two jabs full on. Her short flight in the air was abruptly ended with a massive spike punch to her head. After landing with a crash, she had enough strength to raise on all fours, painfully clutching her head with her left hand.

Something in her head snapped. She looked at the beastkin with, not a harsh glare, but sadness and regret tinting her red eyes. "Mako… to?"

Makoto ran toward her, hoping she didn't cause too much damage. "Tsubaki?! Don't worry, we'll help turn you back to normal! Noel, Jin and-"

"Aaaaaaah!" Without warning, Izayoi hollered in pain at the sound of the names. Her head throbbed harder. The spell commanded that she strike down those who she once cherished. It seized her mind, controlling her again. Raising her sword, she spoke. "Makoto Nanaya! I have judged you for your crimes. Prepare yourself!"

"Tsubaki, please stop! This isn't like you. Would you really shed blood callously on your best friends?"

" 'Friends'? Everyone left me. They-"

"They left to fight a corrupted system. Tsubaki, if you look at the truth, I know you can and will leave."

"Enough talk." Preparing to strike down at her opponent's chest, Izayoi looked her in the eye. "This is your end!"

Suddenly a noise, loud as a crescendo, sounded through the air. Before either girls could react, Makoto vanished, without a chance to direct a word to her friend.

As she stood wondering what happened and how, Izayoi's head felt empty. The spell vanished, leaving her mind as clear as glass. Looking back at the events that transpired and hearing Makoto's words again, she felt lost and… confused. "What have I done? Is this justice? Is this what I truly desire?" She began to walk away. Where? She had no idea. She left the underground, without a glance back at the graves.

Author's Note: While writing this chapter, I honestly thought it might be one of the shortest ones in this story. How wrong I was. The next chapter will take some time to write, due to mainly the length its planned to be and events that will transpire. This story looks to be nine or ten chapters, as planned. Maybe longer, maybe shorter. We'll just have to see. Thank you again to those who have been reviewing and giving me your opinions on this story, again. Until next time.