"Sweet it was in one sense, honey-sweet, and sent the same tingling through the nerves as her voice, but with a bitter underlying the sweet, a bitter offensiveness, as one smells in blood."

Chapter 7 – Death Magic

"Tch…" Ragna was annoyed. Forced to wait outside while that Doctor treated Nier and requested his leave of the area. It's not like he was going to do anything. And why was Tao allowed to stay? Surely she's not exactly good at medical treatment either?

He waited at the edge of a small lake, surprisingly pure despite being this far below the upper areas of the city. Kaka kittens passed him by, some cautious though a couple few were more daring in their approach. There was a familiarity to all of this, a memory of his old Master talking to one of their clan about something back when he was younger.

One of the kittens approached again and he watched silently before it suddenly scurried away. The presence behind him was the cause of it, intimidating as always yet somehow he felt himself getting used to her.

"A little far from- whoa! What the heck happened to you?" he exclaimed. Death was injured, even if she herself wasn't showing signs of it affecting her. But this wasn't any plain injury either. Two massive holes that seemed to have torn into her chest though there was no bleeding, at least in the traditional sense.

"A battle with a formidable foe. We fought one like it, before we met yoo…" Death replied, looking down at her own hands. "Weak, we are still too weak. Why? Do yoo know why…?" she asked him.

Ragna scratched the back of his head. "Don't really think I have a good answer for that. I've seen a lot of strange things but nothing really quite like what I've encountered in this city so far. You and Nier, that Red Devil, the Nox Nyctores that kid had…" he shrugged, "At this point I'm glad the two of you are on my side… I think."

"Doo yoo doubt our intentions still?" Death tilted her head. "My beloved has done plenty already. And I dare not risk drawing on more of her life."

Ragna frowned, looking from Death and then back towards the direction of Taokaka's house. "Drawing on someone's life, huh? Wait… I think I get it," he looked back at her, "You can heal yourself by taking some of her life force can't you? It's not that different from what my arm does sometimes."

Death nodded her head. "Indeed I can. Perhaps that is why yoor presence is soothing too…" she replied and floated towards him in an almost ethereal fashion. She reached down, suddenly taking hold of his right arm and he flinched at her touch. He wanted to pull away, but there was a compulsion not to do so now that his hand was clasped in her own.

"It is a strange feeling. We of the Arcarum were made from the cores of Fallen Primal Beasts in a war long, long ago. But with yoo... I feel a kindred. Won't yoo… accept… and love me as well…?"

"…Huh?" Ragna didn't know how to respond. What was going on and why wasn't he immediately rejecting this? It's the same thing with Nier, though he suppose that's expected given how close she and this Primal apparently was. Still…

He breathed in deep, calming himself down as Death placed his hand on her chest. Drawing on life force… she was doing it now and he had to admit, he could only watch with fascination as she drew energy from the Azure Grimoire, healing the massive injuries she had sustained.

Granted, this fascination was born from trying to distract his mind from what Death just confessed to him.

"…Won't this go against what Nier wants…?" he said nervously.

"My beloved's desires are also my own. As she accepts and loves you, then so too shall I…" Death replied.

"Let me get back to you on that. I'll wait until Nier's recovered first." He nodded his head. Was he creeped out by this? Just a little… maybe. Honestly, it didn't feel that bad having someone like Death be this direct with him. Still… this was beyond anything normal that he ever expected.

"My, oh my… you're certainly developing quite a collection aren't you?"

Ragna turned, his features immediately curling up into a frown. "Again, huh? You sure like to interfere a lot today. Is that your job now, rabbit?" he asked, staring up at Rachel who chose to grace their presence standing atop a pole.

"You jest, but there are a few people here who fall outside of any decent sense of normalcy. And my interest has been kindled."

"Shall I kill her?" Death whispered into his ear.

He shook his head and held one arm out to bar Death's path to the vampire. "Not her, no."

"So bloodthirsty. I can see why the Grim Reaper has taken a liking to this one. But Ragna, do you think it wise?"

"What do you want, rabbit? You didn't appear here just to insult and commentate. Something about this entire ordeal is important enough that you felt the need to show up. I just need to figure out why." He replied.

"I see your mind has matured just a little bit since our last encounter. You are correct in that regard, I admit." Chuckled Rachel as she gently floated down in front of them.

Something felt off though. He was used to seeing Rachel before, but not her carrying… well, nothing of import.

"Hey, did you forget something? Or someone? Your stuffed toys aren't with you tonight. Something happen?" asked Ragna.

"Why don't you ask your new companion?" Rachel responded as Ragna looked towards Death.

"She was in our way. And my beloved was quite upset during our last encounter…" Death told him.

"She does have that effect on people," Ragna nodded his head, "What'd you do, rabbit? Get on her bad side?"

"In more ways than one actually. Poor Nago is undergoing repairs thanks to her actions. But you see the issue do you not? A being like her, who calls herself Death, with the ability to threaten even my existence. It would not go unnoticed."

"I figured that much. So what are you going to do about it?" Ragna asked.

"Not much for now. Watch and wait to see what drama unfolds completely I suppose. Though I'm not certain having it wandering about trying to kill whenever it feels the need to is a good idea. It has already attracted the attention of certain unsavory individuals…"

Ragna sighed. "Is that where you got that injury of yours?" he looked up at Death.

"From a masked man with a crimson puppet. It is… dangerous…" Death replied.

"And the two NOL officers that are likely on your case as well." Rachel added. "You've caused quite the… commotion some time ago, aha…" she chuckled.

"Well, we'll deal with the NOL when we get there." Ragna replied with a frown. Doing all this with Nier not even around… it would be hard to keep track or even keep them protected either way. "Any other advice you're willing to give us then?"

"You are taking all this surprisingly well. I would have expected more surprise or something of the sort." Rachel answered, resting the top of her right hand atop her chin. "I suppose if there's any advice I can give, it would be to keep your new friends close. Loathe as I am to admit it, they are your best chance at defeating the Librarium. Provided you can help them with their issues."

"Tch, that was the plan anyway," Ragna shrugged, "You sure it isn't jealousy that motivates you?"

"Whatever gave you that idea?" Rachel smiled as Ragna passed her by. Death followed close behind him, turning her masked face to look at Rachel as if to glare only for the briefest of moments.

"Sector Seven is also, not your enemy. So try not to antagonize them, even if they act like they are deserving of it." Rachel added.

"That's on them. They're not exactly making a good impression on us so no promises on that." Ragna answered, raising one arm up as if to wave good-bye without even turning towards her.

"You would be the type to do that…" Rachel said, a gust of wind picking up before she disappeared entirely from view.

When the smell of roses vanished, Ragna let out yet another sigh. "Keep this up and both of you will start having bounties that rival mine in reward. Not sure if that's something Nier would want. Be more subdued. You don't see me killing every single Librarium soldier out in the streets." He glanced up at Death.

"No promises…" Death replied.

"Walked right into that one…" Ragna chuckled.

Death detected Nier's consciousness returning first, leading Ragna back towards the house just as the Doctor made her exit out the door.

"That girl needs plenty of rest," She greeted Ragna as he approached, "And no stressful activities. But I'm guessing that's not going to be followed anytime soon."

"I'd prefer otherwise," Ragna said, watching as Tao headed out the door as well.

"Meow… gloomy lady's awfully quiet but she still seems happy. I think." Tao said, "Well anyways, I'm off to go hunting! Take care good guy and tall lady!"

She waved a good-bye before dashing off with tremendous speed.

"A word of advice as well, Mr. Grim Reaper?" the Doctor looked at him.

"Seems everyone's going to give advice the last little while. Shoot. I'm listening." He shrugged.

"Let's just say that if you find a voice suddenly speaking directly inside your head? Don't be alarmed. Someone I know may be very interested in speaking with either one of you."

Ragna frowned. "Not sure that's the best idea with Nier right now. If they have something to say, say it directly to me. I don't need her worrying about more things."

"Fair enough. You actually seem to genuinely care about her, don't you?"

"You were doubting that?"

"Just a little bit. Given the list of crimes the Grim Reaper allegedly has, I almost expected worse." The doctor chuckled.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ragna raised a brow.

"Nothing important," the Doctor said, "Well, I should leave you to your own devices. I'll check up again tomorrow if you are all still around."

"We'll probably remain here for the next little while." Ragna watched as the Doctor took her leave. He sighed again and headed in through the door, eyes falling on Nier as she sat up on the bed. She turned towards him, features immediately lightening up before Death materialized right beside her.

"I missed you both…" Nier said, feeling Death's arms drape over her shoulders while Ragna sat next to her. She clung to his right arm immediately and pulled almost protectively.

Ragna let out a small chuckle. "Glad to see you're alright at least. Death told me everything so you don't need to explain much. Plus she's healed too, I think?" he looked up at the Primal, who nodded her head in response.

"You're getting along then?" Nier smiled.

"For the most part, yeah." He replied, his left hand patting the top of her head.

"Mmmm… have you pondered Death's offer then?" Nier asked quietly while looking up at him.

Ragna gulped and then sighed. He looked from Death and then back to Nier's longing gaze. She and Death shared memories after all, of course she'd know about their conversations.

"You should really focus on clearing your head," said Ragna, "I've known you for a day at most and you've already made things really… interesting. Screw it, why not? It's not every day a guy can claim they can enter a relationship like this. Just… be careful, alright?"

"No promises…" Nier replied with an almost sinister laughter of her own.

He felt her pull him close, reaching up with her hands to touch his face.

For a moment, Ragna reared back and looked around.

"Something wrong?" Nier asked.

"…Just making sure no one's around. At this point, I'm wary of interruptions." He said nervously.

"That's fair. Still, no time like the present." Nier replied and pulled him in once more.

He felt her press her lips against his own. Eager, hungry, and demanding the attention that she showed beforehand. His heart beat faster and faster, almost out of tune as he realized he was out of his depth on this one. He felt her tug on his lips with her own, demanding entrance while all he could do was acquiesce to her desire.

Ragna closed his eyes and allowed her to take the lead, his arms wrapping around her as the minutes passed. When she finally pulled away, he was out of breath and flushed all over. But honestly, it wasn't a bad experience…

"You haven't done anything like it before, have you?" Nier asked him, her eyes continued to stare up at him.

"…." Ragna paused, and then opened his eyes again. "Huh? Y-yeah… haven't had the time really. First time kissing a pretty girl and all that…" he replied.

"I can tell..." Nier chuckled, nuzzling in close to him. "Well, you'll have plenty of practice, I hope."

Ragna nodded his head, wrapping an arm around her as they sat there. And then his eyes stared up at Death once more. "Are you also wanting to…"

"…My affection is shown in different ways. Love us, cherish us, accept us… that's all yoo need to do for now…" she replied, both her arms stretched out to wrap around both of the two. "We are… content."