Author's Note: Special thanks to my good friend who drew the amazing cover for this story. Now that this story only has about a planned two or three chapters left, I should tell you that there is a drabble series focused entirely of Ragna/Tsubaki currently in the works. It will be uploaded very soon, I can guarantee that. So keep your eyes open and look out for it.

A gust of wind blew, allowing petals of the rose bush to coast along the calm breeze. One petal descended its way into an empty tea cup. Rachel looked down at the cup and released a sigh. It had been two days since Ragna has yet to awaken. His partner had hardly left his side since she gained consciousness in the middle of the previous day. Rachel clearly remembered the look of extreme disquiet plastered on Tsubaki's face after hearing that Ragna had not yet awakened. Tsubaki immediately rushed to his side and gripped his cold hand. Closing her eyes, Rachel sighed.

"May I ask what is troubling you, milady?" Rachel's butler, Valkenhyan stood next to her, holding a hollow teapot.

"With the continuous cycle now broken," Rachel started, "A new act to this play has begun. The circle has straightened out. We now live in what transpires as an act where al endings are possible. I am disappointed to say that even I do not know what the outcome will be- exultant or not."

Valkenhyan lowered his head. "Indeed, madam."

"Valkenhyan, do you currently know the whereabouts of Noel Vermillion and Makoto Nanaya?"

"Yes, milady. Due to circumstances, they are both en route to Ikaruga in search for our guest, Tsubaki Yayoi."

"I see." Rachel turned to her butler. "I shall have you search and bring them here, soon. Right now, I require more tea."

He bowed, "As you wish."

Rachel at last approached the front of the desired room. Sparing a knock, she turned the knob and opened the door. Her eyes slightly softened at the sight before her. Ragna's cataleptic form rested under the light cover on the bed. Tsubaki, with a solemn look in her eyes, gripped firmly on his hand with hers, never wavering. He had come out of the brawl much worse than she. Cuts imprinted on his face. She was sure he had worse ones on the rest of his physique, but his clothing covered it.

Rachel went to stand by the chair Tsubaki was sitting in. "Your dedication towards that creature is admirable, Miss Yayoi."

"Please do not call him that…"

Rachel smirked. "Oh? But I am correct. Tell me, have you even left this room? I have said this before and I will, once again, repeat myself: he will wake up. You must let time, an essence, do its work."

Tsubaki sighed. "I know. He has to. I… I just can't let myself leave him like this. I know he would do the same for me."

"Whatever that beast has done to enhance such feelings towards him from a principled human like yourself is beyond me. I have never seen him so contented from the time I first met him."

"He's done… so much for me. I… haven't done very much to repay him. Without him, I don't know what I'd be doing; I'd probably be straying from who I am. I… want to help him." Small beads of tears budded at the corners of Tsubaki's eyes. The slow rising and falling of his chest and the look of his battered form only served to torment her even more.

Rachel's smirk faded into uncharacteristic sympathy. "Miss Yayoi, please take care of him."

"I will." Discomfort settled into Tsubaki. Memories swirled back when she had first fought in her armagus' true form. It felt so alien to her. She looked up. "Rachel, about Izayoi…"

"The fate of that cursed weapon is yours to decide. I cannot dictate the decision for you. You know very much of the outcome should one overuses its power. You will start to lose your light."

"I know, but my usage for the Izayoi has been entirely necessary. Besides… it's a family heirloom. I couldn't simply destroy it even if it was my choice."

"I see. However, given your relationship with Ragna, I personally would find it impossible should you attempt to see your father."

"Right." Although pain and unease sprouted at the reminder of her strict family rules about… partnering, Tsubaki turned her head all the way. Her mind drifted back to their previous talk days before. A request to… "Um… About Ragna."

Rachel spoke as she looked at the criminal, tone firm. "Given the tenor in your voice, it appears you are recalling back to my request."

Tsubaki nodded. "Miss Rachel, how could I do that? How could live with knowing that the end might be drawing near for Ragna?"

As the pair conversed, neither Tsubaki nor Rachel noticed the cringes of pain of the injured man beside them in bed. Ragna gritted his teeth as a dream crept its way into his thoughts.

Excruciating pain rushed into Ragna's body. The fire burned as hot as lava. Unable to bear its weight, Ragna fell over. He attempted to crawl away while gripping his right arm, but all he felt was nothing. Ragna looked down and blanched at the horrid sight. His eyes darted between the bloody stump at his shoulder and his severed arm in a pool of his lifeblood continuously. Ragna could hear Terumi's maniac laughter. He was frozen in place; all he could do was look up and glare as he laid at Terumi's feet.

Ragna looked down again and saw that the pool of blood had dripped until it painted a blood-red sky overhead. The criminal lost all of his color in his face at the sight. Despair, sorrow, and anguish was present. All remnants of hope, joy, and amenity swept away. A paralyzed Ragna could only watch as the scene unfolded before him.

He then saw Tsubaki, struggling to keep up. He saw her attacker and tried to rush out to her, but to no avail. Unable to stand up, Tsubaki collapsed in pain. She turned her head towards Ragna, begging for help. Her breathing had slowed into one last dying breath. A head of the monstrosity consumed her, shadows engulfing everything in its path.

The world had soon again been devoured by the Beast. One of the eight heads turned its head and looked at Ragna. At top speed, the head lunged towards him. Numb, Ragna could only witness the calamity before him. The last thing Ragna saw in the endless dark void was a green ghost form with the smile of a madman.

His eyes shot open with gasp. Immediately, Ragna had been greeted by pain surging through his body. The two girls, startled, whipped their heads to see the wounded man in bed. They stared at him as he heaved heavily. When he at last calmed down, he glanced over towards the host and his girlfriend. Memories of the vicious fight returned as he regarded the latter longer with worried eyes. "Tsubaki… are you okay?"

"Ragna…" Tsubaki released her grip from his hand and threw herself against his body, enveloping him with her arms. Tears budded for a second time when she felt him return it. She spoke, quiet enough for only them to hear. "Are you okay? I was so worried about you."

Although he groaned in pain from the sudden strain of his wounds from the hug, Ragna did not attempt to break it. Rather, he returned it and replied, "Don't worry, Tsubaki. I'm fine."

"It is of little good pleasure for me that you are fine, Ragna. I shall leave you two alone. My tea awaits me. I will check on you two later." Without waiting for a response from either of them, in the blink of an eye, Rachel disappeared, leaving a single gust of faint wind behind.

Tsubaki continued to hold Ragna for a bit longer. At last, she let go and looked at him with a fretful gaze. "I'm… I'm sorry, Ragna."

"Huh?" Ragna gave her a dubious look. "What do you mean, Tsu?"

Tsubaki closed her eyes in shame and misery. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you through all the way with that fight. It's just that… that girl…"

"Nu…" There was edge in his tone and his eyes as he began. He recalled the many times he encountered that strange girl. He remembered when she impaled him with a 12-foot long sword. He remembered when she had saved him from the killing blow Terumi had almost caught him with. Ragna thought that girl had truly died. "Strange chick keeps coming up no matter where the hell I am. No one could really take her on."

Tsubaki sighed. "Still, to devote my whole fighting and practicing… it's just hard to admit that it's not enough."

Ragna smirked, hoping to lighten the mood. He put a hand atop of her shoulder following with a reassuring squeeze. "Hey now, don't be so hard on yourself. Ain't gonna do ya any good."

"Mm." Tsubaki positioned herself onto the bed beside her boyfriend. She rested her head atop of his chest, and gently smiled as his left arm draped around her shoulders. "Are you sure you're okay? Honestly, it's not like you to smile as easily like this."

Ragna huffed, but humor leaked in his words. "Well, around you, I'm different. Are you okay? You've been too damned focused and worried about me. You need to loosen up and relax. I'm doing fine; just a little sore, but fine."

Tsubaki almost pouted. "But it's my place to worry. Please don't do anything as reckless as that."

Ragna raised both eyebrows at the choice of her words. He held the back of her head and tilted it until he felt the ghost of her lips over his. He shivered a bit, but said, "Your place, huh? And me, not to do anything reckless? Are you new?"

Before Tsubaki could respond or retort, he claimed her lips with his. Tsubaki, dazed, nonetheless returned the kiss, eyes shutting. The couple entered a state of absolute bliss. Tsubaki's hands drifted upward until they caressed each side of his face. She returned the passion Ragna had offered, and moaned in his mouth.

Unbearably gentle, Ragna parted his lips to run his tongue along her lips, begging for entrance. Lost in the feeling, Tsubaki parted her own lips, letting her tongue greet his. To get a closer feel, she rolled on top of Ragna. Ragna's body, however, did not agree with her movements as sharp pain sprouted from the wounds around his body and he gasped in pain.

Tsubaki broke the kiss at the sound. She looked embarrassed, flushing horribly as she let herself off of his body. "I'm so sorry, Ragna. Are you okay?"

"Guh… yeah." Ragna took several breaths, cringing from the pain. "Shit. I'm sure as hell we shouldn't do that for a while."

"Yeah," Tsubaki frowned, wishing she could be more useful and helpful. A realization struck her. "I know a little healing ars. I don't know how much help it would be, but… it's worth something."

"Sure it would help."

"Okay, then." Tsubaki blushed. Why am I so nervous? "I can't project the ars through clothing. I… need you to take off your, um, shirt."

"R-Right." Straining just enough effort, and with Tsubaki's help, Ragna took off his red trademark jacket. Tsubaki unzipped his shirt and helped shed it off. Ragna followed Tsubaki's focusing eyes on his cut chest and abs. He blushed as he released he just caught her staring at him. Shaking his head a bit, he allowed a wolfish grin to form on his lips. He teased, "Enjoying the eye candy, eh? Seems only fair if you'd do the same…"

All Ragna received when he said that was flick to his forehead. "Please keep your mind out of the gutter. I believe we've through this before. Now, try to stay still; it'll hurt if you move around."

Tsubaki shook her head, but a small smile formed on her lips. She gently placed both hands on his cut chest. Concentrating, she enchanted the spell and her hands glowed yellow. His grazes glowed as well. After removing her hands to move on to the next cut, the wounded skin began to mend itself. Tsubaki continued her procedure, remaining silent along with Ragna throughout the process, neither of them needing to say anything.

Later that day, Ragna opened his mouth patiently. A smiling Tsubaki, fork in hand, moved her hand and guided the last piece of her steak into his mouth. Feeling the warm piece of meat enter his mouth, he bit down. He chewed the savory piece after he felt the fork leave his mouth. He swallowed and moaned in contentment and relaxation with a small smile forming. "That was good. Being cooped up in a mansion for so damn long could actually be good for cooks. The old dog can really cook."

Tsubaki giggled. "I guess. A skill could be just as expected of one of the Six Heroes. I've tried your cooking, haven't I? Where did you learn?"

"Master Jubei taught me. He was the absolute best; seriously, he sometimes topped even some five star restaurants out there." Ragna's eyes averted upward with rare admiration.

The pair sat on the bed and just finished their early lunch. After the healing ars had been done, Ragna felt he could move more freely. Tsubaki, to be safe, requested to take it slow and remain in bed. After setting their empty plates and utensils aside on the table beside the bed, Tsubaki shifted over the bit of space between her and her boyfriend. Closing her eyes and smiling down, Tsubaki lazed her head on his shoulder and asked, "Well, what do you want to do now?"

"Now? I don't know. Anything in mind?"

"We could think of new strategies for when we will fight Terumi again. And maybe, even, that Nu girl-"

The bedroom door opened, interrupting Tsubaki. Rachel stepped through and looked at her guests. Tsubaki lifted her head off of Ragna's shoulder with curiosity as Rachel began to speak. "Miss Yayoi. Assuming you and Ragna have finished your meal, you have visitors."

"Hm? Visitors?"

"Correct, I sent Valkenhyan to retrieve Noel Vermillion and Makoto Nanaya. I believe that even they will become the benefactor for this battle."

"I-I see." Tsubaki looked down, suddenly saddened momentarily.

Ragna was surprised to hear Noel's name. "Wait, Noel's here too?"

"Did you not hear me, you deaf fool? Miss Vermillion and Miss Nanaya request to see Miss Yayoi." Rachel turned her attention away from the criminal and back to Tsubaki. "With that now in mind, they also wish to talk to you. Rest assured, they do not wish to harm you. Is this acceptable, Miss Yayoi?"

"I-I see." Tsubaki repeated. Worry wormed into her stomach. She didn't notice Ragna as he brought his arm over her shoulders. How could I talk to them? What if… "Thank you for informing me. Um… where are they?"

"They are in one of the guest rooms. Come along, they seemed rather impatient." Rachel sighed as she turned around and started to trek out of the room. "Such foolish children."

"I'll come in a minute. I… need to talk to Ragna really quick."

"Do as you wish. Take your time, as well. When you are ready to face them, they await for you in the guest room down this hall and two doors on the right." With that, Rachel walked away, giving Tsubaki and Ragna privacy.

"What's the problem, Tsu?" Ragna asked with a concerned face. A rhetorical question; he knew what was bothering Tsubaki. He mentally berated himself for the stupid question.

"It's just…" She looked up towards Ragna. Tears had budded at the corners of her eyes. "How could I face them? I've made so many mistakes regarding them. I… attacked them and almost took their lives."

Recognition struck Ragna and he noticed that she wore the same pained expression she had when they had first officially talked about her confusion and how life had been thrown at her. He remembered how embarrassed they must have looked. He remembered wrapping his arm around her shoulders, the only thing he could virtually think of to help, and she responded by pressing herself against him. "If you're really sorry for your actions, then they'll forgive you. Hell, they wouldn't have come over here to push you away again. Want me to come along and help ya talk things out?"

"No, thank you. I… need to see them on my own."

"Okay. I understand. Good luck." Ragna placed his right hand on top of her head and patted it lightly, earning a little chuckle from her.

"Thank you." Tsubaki smiled up at him and pressed her lips on his cheek, much like before. I'm so happy he's here. With effort, she lifted herself from the comfort of the bed and left the room.

Tsubaki found that she had been walking much slower than usual. Thoughts raced into her mind. What am I going to say? How could I face them? Where do I begin? She approached the closed door, knowing her friends were on the other side. With a deep breath, she opened the door.

Two girls sat on the carpet. One of them wore two new blue hair beads in her long blonde hair. The other donned a long, orange jacket with a somewhat big yellow zipper. At the sound of the opening door, her squirrel ears perked up. Both girls looked at Tsubaki, eyes wide.

After two whole silent minutes, Noel said, "Tsubaki…"

"Hello, Noel and Makoto. It's… been a while, hasn't it?" That was the universal greeting for people you haven't seen in a while, right? Tsubaki meandered over to the rug and sat down on her knees. The courage it took her to simply walk up to them astounded her.

"Um, yeah. It has been, huh?" Makoto awkwardly agreed.

Tsubaki looked down; her tears had found their ways to her eyes once again. Her lips quivered rapidly, dripped with intense nervousness and grief and shame. "I know… I know you two… must have mixed feelings about seeing me. But I want you two to know…"

Tears leaked out and Tsubaki hung her head down as she choked out the words she wished she had said long ago. "I am so, so sorry, you two. I am so sorry… and ashamed about what my actions. I-I-I… don't know h-how I would ever begin... to make it up to you. But I-"

Tsubaki's apology was suddenly halted when she felt her shirt being tugged. Makoto forced the wailing girl in her arms as he own tears fell down her face. Tsubaki gasped as she looked over the beastkin's shoulder at Noel. As expected, she had started to cry as well.

"What…? Makoto?" Confusion buzzed through Tsubki's mind. How could they forgive me like this?

"Oh God, Tsubaki! Are you okay? We were so worried about you."

"I'm doing… fine. But… how could forgive me this easily? After everything I've done to you…"

"Tsubaki," Noel finally spoke, "It's okay. Really, we know you didn't really mean it."

"Noel…" With effort, the shameful girl freed herself from Makoto's tight grip. She tried to rub her tears away, although more just descended down again. "…Thank you."

The Noel extended her arms, inviting Tsubaki into them. They embraced each other. Worry evaporated in one wave from the latter. Makoto, not deciding she was going to be the third wheel, joined in. The trio remained in that position much longer, no one wanting it to end. The room was filled with girlish caterwauling and shrieks.

The long embrace and crying died at last when Tsubaki let go and wiggled out of their embrace and choked out, "I love you guys. I… don't deserve friends like you two."

"Don't say that, Tsubaki. You've always been looking out for us, especially in school."

"Yeah, totally." Makoto cheerfully agreed. "I remember you sometimes let me copy the notes for the professor's lecture."

Tsubaki replied, deciding to go for a joke. "By 'sometimes', you must have mistaken it for all the time, Makoto."

"That's not true! Only just for the very hard lessons."

Tsubaki's tears died at last with a teasing laugh. "Hm… Oh, and don't forget those research papers I practically did for you, as well."

Noel giggled at her friends' antics. She couldn't help but agree with Tsubaki's situation; Makoto did indeed stay up late nights to copy notes. The other two girls joined her. Eventually, the chuckling turned into laughter. Tsubaki remembered how they first met; how she and Noel conveyed sincerely with the victimized beastkin for the first time down in the lower levels back in school.

A sudden thought came to Tsubaki. Something was missing. "Is… Was Jin with you?"

Noel shook her head in a brief sadness. "No. He… didn't want to see you, just yet, Tsubaki. I think… he's training with Mr. Jubei, though."

"I see…"

The sound of the door nearby clicked as it opened. Inside stepped a tall figure with white hair and a red jacket. Noel and Makoto stared at him with astonishment; the former immediately recognized him. Ragna wore an expressionless face as he held the door open with his arm if it needed to be closed again. "Hey, Tsubaki. Okay if I come in?"

"Ragna! Oh, sure. Take a seat. I'd like you to meet someone." Tsubaki smiled happily and gestured him to sit next to her. She nodded at the stunned beastkin. "Ragna, this is Makoto Nanaya. She was one of my former roommates and is one of my good friends."

Makoto gaped at the criminal. Mixed emotions arose throughout her body. Disbelief coursed through the most at not only the fact that the Grim Reaper was here, but that he knew Tsubaki so well, somehow. "What? Ragna the Bloodedge?"

"Heh." Ragna chuckled at the well expected reaction. He slipped Tsubaki's hand into his. "That's me; don't worry, Tsubaki's in good hands."

Noel held a gasp as she watched Ragna sit next to her friend. So many questions buzzed in her mind. Her mind settled on one main one. "Wait… Tsubaki. You and Ragna?"

"Yeah." Ragna smirked. "That a problem, stupid?"

"Stop calling me stupid!"

"Ragna, please." Tsubaki placed her hand on his shoulder in hopes to cease his unnecessary behavior. Is he always like this with Noel?

"Wait, wait, wait. Hold up!" Makoto pointed her finger at the couple, gesticulating between wildly. "I mean- when did this happen? How do you two even know each other?"

"Huh? Oh… we met a while back." Tsubaki paled a bit at the memory; he was too strong of an opponent. "I was… trying to apprehend him while I was stationed in Ikaruga. It… well ended up with me unconscious. I thought I was going to die. I woke up some time later, appalled by the fact that he did not simply kill me."

Makoto shot a look of unease with a frown towards Ragna. Hoping not to begin a feud, Tsubaki reassured her friend. "Don't worry. He took good care of me and we bonded. He really helped me through a lot." Tsubaki recalled all the memories she shared with Ragna- their grueling fight with the Mad Dog of Sector Seven, fighting off those lecherous men, him opening her eyes for the good.

She repeated. "He really helped me through a lot."

"I really didn't see it coming. But…" Ragna tightened his grip on her hand, but not hard enough to crush it. He blushed as he looked at his girlfriend. "I'm grateful, though. Tsubaki… really is something else."

Tsubaki's only response to what he said was a soft kiss on his cheek. Noel's eyes held a glimmer in them. She cooed her voice sweet enough to induce diabetes. "Aww... You two look so cute together. I'm happy for you, Tsubaki."

"Watch it, stupid." Ragna closed his eyes in irritation, unable to hide the creeping blush of embarrassment on his cheeks.

Tsubaki planted an elbow to his side, hoping that was enough to stop calling Noel names.

Makoto stared at the couple, mind formulating reason of just how the noble Tsubaki could get along with a criminal. Shaking her head, she smiled, knowing they had their reasons. "I'm happy for you, too. Ragna, let me just tell you something. I've told everyone who associated with my friends this."

She uncharacteristically glared at the criminal, startling everyone. "If you ever hurt her, you'll be answering to me. Got it?"

"Um… yeah. Like hell I'll hurt her." Ragna gave the beastkin a determined look.

Tsubaki giggled at Ragna's answer. "Makoto, please do not scare him."

Makoto's glare faded and morphed into a friendly laugh. "That's good to hear. Sorry, I just get this way when it comes to my friends." Her laughter died into a chuckle and she smirked at Tsubaki. "Tsubaki, you have an interesting taste in men."

"Wh-Wh-What?" Tsubaki's cheeks turned rosy as she sputtered.

"First, the head of the student council and war hero, Jin Kisaragi. Now, the infamous Grim Reaper, Ragna the Bloodedge... I'm beginning to sense a bit of a pattern, here." Makoto turned to Noel, a wry smirk edging its way on her lips. "Right, Noel? You see it, too?"

Noel nodded with her eyes avoiding their gaze. "Uh… Yeah…"

Before either Tsubaki or Ragna could retort, a knock sounded from the outside. Without waiting for anyone to open the door, Valkenhyan stepped through. "Pardon me for the intrusion, but the mistress requested that I inform everyone that dinner is ready. It will be served in the dining hall."

"Oh, yes. Thank you."

One mealtime later, the group sat at the large table and conversed. Rachel sat a distance away from everyone, hoping to get caught in their foolish talk. Valkenhyan stood beside her chair of Nago and continued to pour her favorite tea in her cup. Makoto finished her meal before everyone and questioned, "So, what are we supposed to do now? I mean, where do we go?"

"Well." Tsubaki was the first to answer. "I guess we could-"

"It is time to make another strike." Rachel interrupted as she spoke up. All voices ceased. "It has been quite a coincidence as well as a convenience that Miss Vermillion and Miss Nanaya are here."

"Finally, it's about time we'll get into some action! I'm excited." Makoto did a double fist-pump in the air for emphasis.

"Yeah…" Noel, on the other hand, shook with fear and nervousness.

Tsubaki shook her head as she regarded the frightened girl. Guess there are things that just don't change. Although it is understandable. A thought, pushed back in her head, came out. She turned her head towards the host. "Um… pardon me. But… do you know what has become of Sir Hakumen. It's been long."

Rachel shook her head with disappointment. "I apologize to say, but even I am to what the whereabouts of Mr. Hero are, at the moment."

The red-haired girl glanced down. "I see. I'm just so worried about him."

Ragna gave his girlfriend a playful, light nudge with a smirk. "Don't worry, Tsu. He and I still have unfinished business left. Bastard won't die."

"Now, enough of this drabbling. I have tasks appointed to each of you which are direly important. To begin with, Miss Nanaya."

"Yes?" Makoto's head poked up in curiosity.

"Your duty is to take out the Cauldron. Whatever machinations those brutes Terumi and Relius are planning that should involve the Cauldron must be put at end post haste."

"Dibs on Terumi. Ain't passing that shit up if I can help it." Ragna rudely called out. As he spoke, the edge of his voice came back. His right hand clenched into a tight fist.

"…Very well. Do be cautious; Terumi has proven to be one fierce opponent. Unhappy I am to say this, you are in fact our last hope, Ragna." Rachel turned to a silent Tsubaki. She noticed how unnerved Tsubaki felt as she said that. "Miss Yayoi. I instruct you and Miss Vermillion here to battle with the 13th Prime Field. Your main objective is to keep her a distance away from Ragna, if all possible."

"Yes." Tsubaki and Noel said and nodded simultaneously. Tsubaki felt ready for a rematch and her eyes held determination.

Rachel thought for a moment. "If you are likely to knock her to an unconscious state, bring her back to the mansion. I shall the professor of Sector Seven work with her."

Makoto perked up at the sound of Sector Seven. "Professor Kokonoe?"

"That is correct. Although we may not be at the best friendly terms, she had informed me that she has sent the Red Devil to the branch in our aid."

Ragna and Tsubaki exchanged uncomfortable looks. The former snarled at the idea. "The hell do we want with Nu? Every time I see her I end up getting stabbed by her damn swords."

With a glare, Rachel remained silent, not wanting to deal with his behavior. "Now is not the time, you pathetic fool. When we are ready, I shall teleport everyone to their desired locations."

"Whoa… I'm supposed to destroy this thing. It's so huge!" Makoto gaped at the large structure before her. An oddly-shaped… something hung from the ceiling. It was coated with a mix of blue, grey, and pitch-dark black. Rachel told me not to linger too close. I remember the last time I did that… Makoto shivered at the memory; the sensation of her body being flung into another timeline was… well, not pleasant. She shook her head, trying to clear it out as much as possible. "Now's definitely not the time to think about it."

At last, Noel and Tsubaki had made it up towards the alter. The former gripped her revolvers tightly in each hand. Tsubaki clenched her short sword with her right hand and her book-like shield with her left. Even with her friend by her side, Tsubaki still couldn't help but feel unease as Ragna was not by her side for this battle. She shook her head and glared head of her. Now's not the time to think about him. I need to focus and the mission, right now.

Behind them, an albino girl descended from above. Her eyes remained shut as she spoke with a monotone voice. "Loading... Loading... Loading..."

Gripping Blood-Scythe tighter than ever, Ragna strode forward through the underground level of the branch. When he came to a stop, forbidden worry seeped through his body. Dammit… What if something happens to Tsubaki, and I can't be there? That goddamn bastard's gonna have it.

"Oh, is that you, Raggy-boy?" A voice sounded from the shadow, ceasing Ragna's thoughts. He turned to glare at Hazama, who sauntered his way towards him. "Where's your little useless girlfriend? Aw well, probably wouldn't be so much help to ya, anyways. Considering the trash she is!"

"Terumi…" Ragna growled. If Hazama's words had set him off, he did not show it. Ragna forced himself to ignore whatever barbs Hazama threw. Without another word, the Grim Reaper held his sword in front of him, pointing it at his opponent.

"Well, well. You seem to be wanting to die so soon, eh?" Hazama summoned Ouroboros, allowing to encircle around, acting as a shield. "Now, I think I got some time to spare."

Not a second later, Ragna rushed forward. He swung his massive sword downward as he roared. "Let's go, you damn serpent!"