Author's Note: Apologies for the long, long wait. Over summer break, my computer crashed and I had no time to fix it. Anyways, I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving.

"I tell ya, Rach, this mansion of yers always has some way to give me the creeps." The cat-beastkin remarked.

He was not an ordinary cat, though. He stood upright, much like a human being with two black tails. His jacket, much like in the style of the Kaka, was donned along with an eye patch covering his right eye. His sword, the Nox Nyctores: Mucro Somnio Musashi was sheathed and carried on his back via his belt strap. "Shoot. Ever thought 'bout redecorating this old place?"

"Never have I thought of revamping my home," Rachel defended as she walked alongside Jubei. Her creatures, Nago and Gii followed right behind. "I merely wish to keep its history where it belongs. In my mansion lays priceless artifacts, from the ancient history. Namely, the Dark War years. You should know, oh 'One Eyed-Lotus'."

"How many times I gotta tell you not to call me that?" With somewhat of an annoyed sigh, Jubei turned around to look at the man walking together with Rachel. "Valkenhyan, pleasure to see ya."

Valkenhyan took the time to bow before his old friend and comrade. "Master Jubei, my thanks for accompanying my mistress."

A light smirk appeared on the beastkin's face. "Heh, ain't no problem at all. Sides, all I really wanted now was to see ol' Ragna. Rumor 'round the campfire has it that you're allowing him to stay here. Ain't that right Rachel?"

"Yes, I have allowed him to stay for the past three days, along with his… special someone." Rachel's voice strained her last two words. The thought of someone feeling for Ragna as Tsubaki did was beyond her.

Jubei's smile widened. "'Special someone', eh? Hell that kid's growing up. Who is it?"

"You shall meet her soon enough. I do believe that even now is an appropriate time to see her and that fool. Nevertheless, I also must agree with you, no matter how much I despise to; Ragna has lost his bark."

Summoning the cat to follow her lead to the bed chamber, Rachel began to walk. Jubei trailed right behind. Rachel turned to her butler. "Valkenhyan, I require some tea, if you will."

Valkenhyan took a second bow. "Of course, milady. Please excuse me, Mater Jubei."

"Ain't no problem, Valk. Talk to ya later."

At last, they reached the door to Ragna's bed chamber. Rachel took a sigh before deciding it best to open the door without knocking. Inside, Ragna and Tsubaki, thankfully clothed, were found cuddling in the bed. Unnoticed by Rachel's entry, the former shared a light laugh before pecking his partner on her temple. Tsubaki sat in his lap, emotions filled with pure bliss and happiness. In response to the kiss, she nuzzled her head to the crook of Ragna's neck.

It is so rare that he gets to feel joy, carefree. However… Rolling her eyes, Rachel coughed. The sight itself was enough to tempt her to shock them to cease their actions. "Ahem."

The couple stopped at the purposely loud sound emitted from the door. Ragna's smile vanished and turned into an annoyed scowl. "Do you mind, Rabbit? We were kinda doing something. Damn voyeur."

"And I care not, given the current situation of your waging war with the Librarium. You have no time to waste on petty activities with Miss Yayoi, here." Rachel rebutted.

Deciding best not to add to the budding argument, Tsubaki's cheeks turned light red with embarrassment. "Miss Rachel. Good morning."

"Miss Yayoi, a pleasure. I do wish you would find the time to teach this petulant beast some manners and respect, here. I do hope that your noble background and social stature will influence him."

Ragna's frown did not go away. "The hell you're trying to say, Rabbit?"

"Actually…" Tsubaki turned a solemn smile his way. Her eyes pleaded for forgiveness. "…I must agree with Miss Rachel here, Ragna. You do… kind of… come off short-tempered. It… wouldn't hurt to learn some."

"What the hell, Tsubaki?" Looking at her smile, he decided to play along, half sarcastic and half serious. "You're supposed to be on my side. Since when did you ever agree with bunny leech, here?"

"Ahem." A loud cough, brash enough to cease the conversation sounded from the hallway. "Rachel, ya gonna let me in or not?"

Ragna's head perked up from the familiar voice. Master…?

"My apologies, Jubei. Please step this way." The vampire took a step to the side, allowing Jubei to enter through the door. His smile turned mischievous at the sight before him.

"Jubei?" Tsubaki raised her head in astonishment. Jubei of the Six Heroes? That Jubei? Her body shook in excitement.

"Yep. That's me." Jubei walked into the room, wearing a light smile on his face. He turned to Ragna. "Heh. Haven't seen you in a spell now, Ragna."

"Hey there, Master. Been awhile, huh?" Ragna hoisted his girlfriend a bit to put her in a more comfortable position. He gestured, "This is-"

"I'm Tsubaki Yayoi!" Zeal coming over her too fast, she almost didn't realize she had interrupted Ragna. "It's such an honor to meet you, Sir Jubei. I mean, I've always looked up to the Six Heroes. Just… everything about you. You guys were always my-"

"Whoa there! Come down little lady." Jubei put on a friendly smile. He held out his paw in effort to calm the thrilled girl. It did a little.

Tsubaki's face burned as red as her hair of embarrassment. With a sheepish smile, she looked down. "Oh, excuse me."

"Such a fangirl…" Ragna teased quietly. Hearing his remark, Tsubaki planted an elbow into his rib. With a grunt, he rubbed the area where the slight ache had produced.

"You done me nothin' wrong, Tsubaki. Hell, I'm quite pleased that there are some people out there who are fond of us. Another thing: no need to call me 'Sir'. Don't really like that formal stuff anyways. Makes me tense."

With her still on, Tsubaki just nodded. "Yes, Sir- I mean… Jubei."

Ragna and his master shared a laugh. "So Master, what you'd come here for?"

Jubei gestured at Rachel, who was simply watching the conversation between the trio. "Rachel here told me 'bout ya staying with her for a few days. Thought I drop by and help ya out with your fight. Normally, I'd hate to involve myself with others' hogwash. But, eh… this is different."

Rachel nodded, taking her turn to speak, loud and clear. "Indeed. I sense a turn in the battle." Rachel made a motion with her hand, clearly beckoning Ragna to her. "Come, Ragna. I require a word with you in private."

"Why can't Tsu here come?"

"Jubei inquired that he would talk and discuss matters alone with Miss Yayoi. After he finishes, you will relay to her later. "

After sharing a glance with his partner, Ragna at last obliged. Getting up, he said, "Hmph. Fine. Whatever, Rabbit. It can give Tsu and Master more time to know each other. I'm sure she has dozens of questions for ya, Master. You alright with that, Tsubaki?"

"Of course, I'll be fine Ragna." Tsubaki can't help but wonder what Rachel has to tell Ragna, though.

"So, what's up, bunny leech?" Ragna could feel irritation boiling over him. "Why the hell did you call me?"

"Hush, you beast." Rachel led Ragna and herself a distance from the room. It was when they reached one of the living rooms of the mansion they stopped. Ragna took the silence time to glance around the room. He looked at the ancient paintings and artifacts adorned on the walls and tables. Ignoring his curiosity of her home interior design, Rachel proceeded. "Terumi is sure to strike soon."

"What?"

"Did you not hear me? Terumi will be ready to strike at us should the chance be given to him. My next mission to you, Ragna, is to infiltrate his surroundings and cease all of his actions post haste. I sense he is in the ruins of the 5th Hierarchical City of Ibukido."

Ragna took a moment in deep thought. "Just what is so goddamn important that that jackass could be doing; anything specific?"

"I am ashamed to say that whatever Terumi is doing is beyond me."

"Got it." Although Ragna was slightly irritated by her feeble answer, he nonetheless nodded, eyes closed. Still, a question lingered in his mind.

"So, Jubei, when did you meet Ragna?" Tsubaki asked quizzically. She was still trying to contain her excitement to the fact that she was talking to the Jubei of the Six Heroes. Unwillingly, her oddity had gotten the best of her.

Jubei closed his eyes in thought. He smiled lightly and answered, "Heh. The kid was 'bout eleven or twelve when I found him…"

"Ugh… Augh…" Ragna awoke, immediately greeted by a splitting headache.

"Eh?" Jubei turned around to the source of the pained noise. "Finally awake there, son?"

"Who are you? Damn. My head feels… stuffed with lead." With struggle, the young teenager gripped his head to help ease the intense throbbing. Upon realization, Ragna looked around frantically. "Wait… Where's the sister? Where are Jin and Saya?!"

"I don't rightly know where those two went. As for the sister, she…" The cat-beastkin trailed off.

Ragna strained to lift his body off the cold ground, thinking of nothing else than to seek his predator. "Gah! Where is that bastard?"

Looking at his piteous form, Jubei laid a paw on Ragna's head to precluding him from making rash actions. "Whoa, whoa. Don't move, kid. You been sleepin' here for 'bout ten days. I don't reckon yer ready to do much of anythin', least of all seeking revenge."

When he had heard how long he had slept, Ragna's eyes widened in surprise and horror. "Ten days?! You mean to tell me it's been ten days?! Augh..!"

"Didn't I tell ya not to move?"

Ragna sighed in defeat and frustration. A rap of pain emitted from all over his body. "My body is… mangled… but my mind is as clear as glass."

"Well, I reckon that's likely the Azure Grimoire workin' its magic on ya."

"What? Azure…"

"C'mon, kid. The Azure Grimoire. Don'techa remember? Ya went ahead and stuck that thing into that body of yers. Take a look at your arm."

"My… arm. Oh god, that's right! That guy... My arm…!" Ragna looked to his right side, preparing himself for the worst. "Oh god, my arm! Wait a second… It's… it's still here?"

"I'm warnin' ya, this ain't no dream." Jubei gave the young Ragna a stern look. "Yer arm got cut off. The one you got there, people'd call that the Azure Grimiore."

The beastkin watched Ragna move his replica right arm. An onyx-colored material of some sort looked like it had attached itself to Ragna's previously severed limb. When he flexed his muscle, it moved along. His regular sense of touch was there as well. Although he found no logical explanation, he decided to just accept that this new thing was a part of him. "I guess this thing really IS an arm."

Upon realization that introductions were skipped, Ragna inquired. "By the way, who are you?"

Jubei warmly smirked with his eyes closed. "Well where are my manners? Name's Jubei."

"…And I guess some things just never change." Jubei finished with the same look he had when he introduced himself to his apprentice.

"Wow, what a great story."

"The kid tell ya 'bout his grimiore, yeah?"

Tsubaki nodded, "Yes, sir. He told me a few days ago. I am aware of the dangers of that weapon."

"Alright, good. Ya better look out for him, Tsubaki. I'm leavin' him to ya."

"Yes sir, I won't let you down, Si-… Jubei. " Catching herself, Tsubaki blushed with a light chuckle. There was no way she would let anything happen to either of them.

"That's a good girl. Now if ya'll excuse me, I should get going. Got stuff to do." As Jubei made his way to the doorframe with the hallway greeting him, he looked back. He gave a genuine wink, provoking another light laughter from Tsubaki once again. "Sayonara."

About an hour later, Ragna and Tsubaki were alone in the room, preparing themselves for the trip. Ragna stole a glance at Tsubaki who stared at the vermillion blade in her hands.

"Hey," He called out.

Tsubaki, deep in thought, jumped at the abrupt, but quiet voice. She looked over to Ragna's direction. She noticed his eyes were lacking their usual rough edge. "…Yes?"

"You know…" Ragna took a slow step closer to her. "You don't have 'ta come if you don't want to. I'm not forcing you."

Tsubaki was taken aback by his statement.

Taking her silence as sign to continue, Ragna walked closer. "Bad shit is gonna happen. Are you sure you want to tag along?"

Tsubaki nodded, "Of course. I want to help you as much as I can. I also want to make up for my previous actions against my friends. I know it will be dangerous, but…"

She closed the distance between them and enveloped Ragna around his midsection. "I have you with me. I'll be fine. Really, I didn't expect you to be so cautious and worried like this."

Ragna sighed, "Just… never had anyone 'sides Saya to look after so much. Terumi's gonna be a hardass to deal with," He pecked her on the forehead, calming down. "Promise to be careful."

Shivering to the thought of facing such an opponent, Tsubaki nonetheless nuzzled to her source of comfort she had.

"Mm... I will." The pair shared an affectionate but brief kiss.

Rachel opened the door to the duo's room and entered just as Ragna and Tsubaki ended their kiss. "Excuse me. Now is not the time to waste on such drabbling. Assuming you two are done and ready, you must be on your way. Time is precious. Should the possibility come that I must join the battle, I will do so."

Tsubaki nodded, releasing her grip. "Right."

Ragna and Tsubaki shook from the dimensional flux as they stepped out from Rachel's portal- a reminder that they would never get used to the teleportation. They looked around at what was once the 5th Hierarchical City of Ibukido.

Tsubaki remembered looking at pictures of the wrecked city in books. But looking at it in person, she couldn't help but feel a rush of sadness washing over her. She lowered he head and slowed her pace. It's… It's as quiet and empty as an abandoned graveyard.

Ragna placed a comforting hand on Tsubaki's shoulder. "Alright, now we just gotta find that bastard and-"

"Hey, hey, Raggy-boy!" An unmistakable laugh sounded from the shadow of a demolished building. The figure stepped out, a malicious smile spread across his face. He was garbed in a jet-black standard Intelligence Department uniform. A signature fedora covered the top of his unnatural green hair, to boot. "Been a while, eh?"

The criminal's composure left in a heartbeat. He snarled, "Terumi!"

"Yuuki Terumi…" Tsubaki kept a firm grip on her blade. She glared at the man in front of her. It disgusted her to address this monster by his name. She clearly remembered the story Ragna had told her- the betrayal of his brother, the abduction of his sister, the arson of his only home, the horrid removal of his arm.

The Intelligence captain regarded Tsubaki with an uneasy, genuine smile. He cleared his throat. "Ah. Major Yayoi. I see you captured Ragna the Bloodedge. Nice work."

"Unfortunately for you, that is not the case." In swift movement, her cloak morphed into her white Zero Squadron. The short blade and book shield materialized in her hands. "Ragna had told me about everything about you. I know what you are. I will no longer let your existence contaminate the peace this world strives for. I will punish you for your crimes you ruthlessly brought upon everyone. Let justice be done!"

On cue, Ragna unclipped Blood-Scythe and stood in a fighting stance. He held the sword in front of him, with the blade pointed up. Tsubaki held up her sword and shield defensively. The glint of Hazama's butterfly knives unnerved her. However, her glare remained, strong.

Hazama just laughed. "Hahahaha! Wow! Just listen to yourself. So Raggy here told ya all about me, eh? Well, no point in hiding it now! You two came at just the right moment! I still need to test out my preparations. Just in case shit goes bad, of course…"

"Quit screwing around, you son of a bitch!" Ragna roared. He swung his blade in hope to slice the man in front of him half.

Hazama's smile had not wavered. He merely sidestepped to avoid impalement. "Whoa now! Two against one isn't a fair fight. How 'bout we level the playing field! Let's start with a little heartwarming reunion~"

No sooner had his words been said, a giant familiar sword descended toward the ground. It stopped just before the tip was just a foot above the ground.

"What?!" Ragna looked paralyzed, as if he touched a barb wired fence. There's no way in hell…

A figure floated down, as well. Her hair was as white as Ragna's with a braid as long as her body. A red patch-like device covered her right eye. Her eyes remained closed. She spoke, "Loading… Loading… Loading…"

"Nu… Is that you?" A rhetorical question, Ragna thought to himself. The face he definitely remembered. How the hell could she be alive?! She died twice! Ragna made his way in front of Tsubaki, determined not to let her and the Prime Field make any eye contact.

Tsubaki stared at the mysterious girl facing them. She couldn't help but notice her face. It looks like Noel. When her boyfriend shifted in front of her, she felt discomfort and sudden tension. Tsubaki looked over at Ragna. "Um, Ragna? Is everything alright?"

"Rag… na." Nu's eye opened, getting a view of the situation. A yearning to be with the man in front of her takes over her mind. She smiled gleefully, "Ragna! It's been forever, hasn't it?"

"Shit. Bastard, what did you do?" Ragna's glare averted right back to Hazama.

"Ahahaha! You should have seen your face! I didn't do anything, per se. I present to you the Sword of the Imperator!"

"The Sword of the Imperator," Tsubaki paled. Her grasp on Izayoi shook slightly. It frightened her to some degree that the Imperator could hold so much power.

"Huh?" Nu's attention turned towards Tsubaki. The girl with red hair was not familiar. And she was with Ragna. Another girl with Ragna. Her Ragna. "Analyzing target… Target identified as the Sealed Weapon Izayoi. Threat level: A."

"That's my cue." In a flash, Hazama dashed forward and attacked with a slicing knife towards the couple. His knife met with Ragna's sword. He summoned upon a shadow from what looked like the inside of his suit.

Ragna shoved Tsubaki out of the way to catch Hazama's attack with a punch coated in a dark purple aura. Their attacks met, dissipating each other. Once again, both men raised their blades, each glistening the sun's glow at their tip.

Nu rushed forward, faster than Hazama, straight towards Tsubaki. She threw an outstretched kick, aiming for her opponent's face. Tsubaki had just enough time to block the kick with her book shield. However, she was slower, so the block could only lessen the force just a tad. Tsubaki stumbled back a few steps. Without hesitation, Nu summoned red floating blades towards her opponent.

Tsubaki once again held up her shield. She swung with her sword as fast as she could to deflect the oncoming blading flying towards her. She summoned a green defense ars in front of her, only hoping with it halt the assaults.

"Die, you son of a bitch!" Ragna bellowed as he made nonstop swinging motions wit is sword. Frustrated that he made no contact, Ragna rushed forward, covering as much distance as he can with his sword tilted to the side. "Carnage Scissors!"

Hazama waited patiently as his opponent lunged forward. His foot warped, creating a mass of obscure energy, and met Ragna's sword. "Jayoku Hōtenjin!" Both choices of attacks collided, forcing each of them to push each other back. Hazama called forth his Nox Nyctores from his suit. "Ouroboros!"

The snake-like head of the chain grasped an edge of a wrecked building. Its wielder swung out of any more harm's way and perched atop the surface. He hurled his fetter back towards Ragna, far below him.

From behind Ragna, Nu had not ceased her assaults against Tsubaki. She sent spikes, each one inching closer to her foe from the ground. Anger brimmed in her red eye. "What are you doing with my Ragna? Nu will destroy you."

Tsubaki made a desperate attempt to sidestep away from the popping blades. However, the sharp edge of the closest caught her leg. She cried out as she felt a hot sting from the cut. Losing her balance she tumbled over. Trying to ignore the discomfort from her leg and her other wounds, she rose back onto her feet.

"Benedictus Rex!" Tsubaki leapt as high as she could with her dagger piercing upward.

"Altering Space." Nu countered with a sword swung in the shape of a corner circle. Both blades struck with an unpleasant sound of ringing metal running through both girls' ears. Tsubaki fell back down with a loud bang. The force of her body was enough to create a low crater in the ground.

From where Ragna and Hazama's fight took place, Ragna glanced behind him. His eyes widened at the sight of Nu trashing Tsubaki. He released dark energy from Blood-Scythe in the silhouette of a head of the Black Beast. As Hazama effortlessly blocked it, Ragna darted towards the girls' fight. Without a moment of hesitation, using his speed as a momentum, he flew with his sword slicing in a circular motion. His attack hit Nu's armor, sending her face-down to the ground. Small portions of her armor chipped off.

When the Murakumo lifted herself, she took her attention away from Tsubaki. A portal opened infront of her. Several swords jutted through the air. She laughed maniacally, "Hehehe... ahahahahaha! Let's kill each other, Ragna! Just the two of us. Like how it should be! No one will get in our way, now!"

Ragna set up a green defense ars, much like Tsubaki's. After several hits, the ars dissipated. The last few swords struck the criminal in the legs and lower midsection. He cried out, "Gah!"

No assaults came from Nu. She spoke with the cruel recognizable voice. "C'mon Ragna. Nu wants more. That totally won't satisfy me at all~!"

"S… Shut the hell up!" Ragna raised his right hand and clenched it into a fist. Tsubaki gasped at what he was intending. Before she could shout at him to stop, to not risk it, Ragna released its activation. "Restriction 666 released. Dimensional interference field deployed. Idea Engine connected. Blaz-gah!"

From far away, Hazama gutted Ragna in the side, disrupting his activation. "Now, now. We don't need that, do we?"

Hazama's next attack was directed toward Tsubaki. An energy force taking the shape of a snake's head was launched towards her. Tsubaki shrieked upon contact. The utter force was enough to drive her several meters from the group and into a pile of rubble.

The captain was not finished, yet. He delivered the same upward kick as before. This one had successfully crashed into Ragna's unguarded chin. "Jayoku Hōtenjin!"

The power was enough to daze Ragna as he ascended high in the air- too high for comfort. Nu flew up as high as he and flipped over. She caught the crown of Ragna's head with her heel, knocking him unconscious with a last howl of pain. His body hurled into a large mass of a wall.

Tsubaki gaped in horror at the sight of such abuse. Threatening tears formed at the corner of her eyes. No… She closed her eyes, hoping this dream- nightmare- would end. No, I can't lose him. Not after what we've through together. I can't! Emotions ran wild throughout her body; ire towards her enemies; dread for her falling boyfriend. With a scream, an uncontrollable striking light surrounded her body and illuminated the ruins.

When she opened her eyes, Tsubaki looked down at her new attire. Her Zero Squadron and eye cap were gone. Instead, she saw her skintight sleeveless bodysuit with gargantuan gold plates floating on each side of her hips. Her fiery red hair was tied up at the back of her head. Her sword had transformed into a long blade, shimmered in a purple hue.

With one big leap, Tsubaki pursued for Ragna. In a whirl of wind, Tsubaki vanished and teleported next to the unconscious man. She extended her arms until she felt them wrap around him. Before the pair could splatter on the floor, she concentrated. The pair warped a fair distance away from their attackers. Tsubaki's grip did not waver, even as her body shook with pure fear.

Nu floated closer to the pair, readying her eight swords for the final blow. Hazama sauntered forward with a knife in his right hand. He chuckled, "Aww… how cute. Who would've guessed that the lovebirds get to die together?! Ahahahahha! This is too great!"

"Stay away from us!" Rivers ran down Tsubaki's cheeks as she hopelessly crawled backwards until her backside was pressed up against a cold wall. Her words fell upon deaf ears. Hazama launched his chain at great speed toward the duo. Tsubaki turned away from the mocking snakehead, trying to shield Ragna from the killing blow. It never made contact, though. Tsubaki dared opened her eyes and gasped. "…Sir Hakumen!"

Hakumen firmly held his sword, meeting the fetter and ceasing its momentum. No sooner had she said that blessed name than a field of lightning charred the ground in front of Nu. The Murakumo retreated to avoid getting charred. A gust of wind blew and Rachel appeared at Hakumen's right side. Rachel glanced back at the two wounded pair. Their clothes had been tattered and ripped and blood dripped from every one of their cuts throughout their body. She looked down at the unconscious Ragna in Tsubaki's arms. "Miss Yayoi now is the time to retreat. Mr. Hero and I will take matters into our hands. I believe that continuing to fight in your current condition would surely be a death wish."

Without waiting to hear another word of either argument or agreement, she snapped her fingers. Both Tsubaki and Ragna disappeared.

Nu began to scrutinize her new targets. "Target identified as the Sankishin Susano'o Unit. Threat level is SS…"

Hazama growled, "Dammit, you bitch of a vampire. You wanna die, too?!"

Pulling her boyfriend was a task beyond Tsubaki. With the minimal strength she had left, she trudged another foot into the mansion's hallway, hoping to find an open room. She looked at Ragna's battered face and body. "Ragna, please. Just hang on…" Tsubaki's voice reduced into just a quiet whisper. The pain increased. She couldn't hold him any longer. Her vision blurred. Tsubaki's grip lessened and finally her fingers felt nothing else. Her body slumped as she succumbed to her injuries, letting the dark void of unconsciousness take over.