AD 2200, 9/1, Unknown Area – Noel's Church of Sister Mercury
"…that's when she left." Noel's worried eyes gaze into Ragna's. "Are you sure she was alright?"
Ragna thinks over his short encounter with Juusan. He's surprised to see her looking so… different than before.
Noel's been explaining everything that's been going on since he left her here.
From the sounds of it, she's been doing some serious soul-searching.
Ragna sighs, "She got shaky when we were talking. So, I'm guessing she had one of those fits?"
Noel's eyes widen. "W-What?"
Noel moves to rise to her feet, but Lambda grasps her hand reassuringly. Noel looks at her with confusion, but Lambda shakes her head.
With a sigh, Noel sits back down, teeth beginning to worry at her bottom lip.
Lambda turns her contemplative eyes to Ragna, "How badly was she shaking?"
Ragna hums, "A bit. Think we need to go looking for her?"
Lambda sighs and shakes her head again. "No. If she needs help, Hund will let us know."
Ragna nods, still confused about Juusan domesticating a wolf. Guess she really has started to come out of her shell.
Noel turns to Lambda, frown deepening. "But Lambda, what if we're too late this time? Wouldn't it be better to just—"
"I thought I told you to let her worry about the consequences." Jin's cool tone breaks through their conversation. Judging by the look on his face, he's irritated that Ragna's spent so long talking to their sisters instead of him. "After all, she knew the risks when she decided to run off."
"Tch." Ragna clicks his tongue, glaring at his brother. "Jin, don't be a dick."
Jin huffs, a slight pout on his lips. He turns back to Tsubaki and Makoto to continue their own hushed conversation.
Ragna turns his gaze back to the worried and frustrated Noel. "Hey, she's just working through whatever it is she's got going on her head, okay? Besides, she's probably stronger than you think. She'll be alright."
Noel looks at him, sighing, "Do you really think so?"
Ragna offers a comforting smile, or what he hopes is one. He's still not used to the whole 'comforting older brother' schtick. "Yeah. N— Juusan doesn't go down easy, remember?"
Noel blinks, then nods, resolve forming in her eyes. "Yes, you're right. I'm sorry, it's just that I don't want to see her hurt. I guess I can be a little too eager sometimes."
Ragna chuckles, "Don't sweat it, that's what makes you a great sister."
Noel smiles bashfully, and she reaches out for Ragna's hand, squeezing it gratefully.
Ragna smiles back at her, glad to see her smile after seeing her so down.
Lambda takes the chance to seize his free hand, and the three siblings pull each other into an embrace. For a moment, they simply bask in each other's warmth.
A wary voice breaks the touching moment. "Ragna the Bloodedge?"
Ragna glances up into the hard eyes of that Library girl, Tsubaki. Guess this wasn't going to be all fun and games.
Ragna sighs, shoulders hunching slightly, "Lemme guess, you wanna talk alone?"
Tsubaki nods, face stoic, "If it's not too much trouble, yes. There's something I need to say."
Ragna pulls himself to his feet, and gives Noel's hand a reassuring squeeze.
Noel softly squeezes back, looking between the two nervously.
Ragna lets go, and turns to Tsubaki, inclining his head. "Lead the way, then."
Tsubaki bites back a sigh as Ragna closes the door behind them. She's tenser than she'd like to admit around the man.
Ragna's terse tone cuts through the thick air between them. "Listen, I don't—"
She holds up a hand to cut off whatever he's about to say. She hears him click his tongue in frustration, and takes a quiet breath in preparation.
She slowly turns to face him, eyes harder than cold steel. "Ragna the Bloodedge. While I understand that Jin and the Imperator have forgiven your sins, I don't think I can say the same." She leans into his space, eyes never leaving his. "If you hurt them again, I won't forgive you."
He narrows his eyes, shoulders bunching. "Trust me, I don't plan on it. Look, you don't like me, I get it. So, what do you want me to do?"
She sighs, looking away for a moment. "Truthfully, I wish you'd leave."
She hears him take a deep breath, and feels her own body tensing further.
She turns her hard gaze to meet his. "But I know how much you mean to Noel, and even… Jin. That's why I'm giving you this warning."
His body looks rigid, and she can't read the emotion in his eyes.
They stand there for a few moments, taking in the other's stance and watching carefully.
Eventually, he sighs, running a hand through his hair, "Alright. Guess that's that then."
She releases a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Things were going much less… tumultuously than she'd been expecting.
Meeting her gaze again, contemplative. "So… What now? Are we good?"
Her expression grows pensive as she thinks over her answer to such a difficult question.
This man has already done so much harm, to the NOL, and those closest to her.
But he's also shown that he cares about those same people.
Even when Jin was at his lowest... Ragna had shown him compassion that one would never expect from a man known as the Grim Reaper.
She hums, "For now, yes."
His shoulders slacken minutely, and though she doesn't realize it, so do hers.
After a beat of silence, her eyes sharpen once more. "But I will be watching you."
Noel sighs miserably as she shuts the door behind herself. Even after all they've been through, Ragna still feels like he's an outsider.
She can't help but feel frustration creeping into her thoughts. She should've done more to make him feel welcome. This church is his home, too. If she'd only…
She sighs, raising her head. Dwelling on this won't fix it. She's got to do something.
With resolve shining in her eyes, she marches into the dining room. "Tsubaki, we need to talk."
Noel's eyes light up with building vexation. "But Tsubaki, he doesn't even—"
"Noel, have you forgotten how many people he killed when he attacked Akitsu-Kō?" Tsubaki's anger is plain to see, despite her attempt to keep her expression stoic.
Noel bites her lip, holding back a shout. Raising her voice won't do her any good. Why does Tsubaki have to be so stubborn?
Tsubaki sighs, "I'm not saying you can't see him. But I can't just let him do as he pleases."
Noel shakes her head. "That's not the point, Tsubaki. Ragna's my brother, and I can't let you make him feel unwelcome here. Can't you see how much he means to me?"
Tsubaki's frustration finally boils over her veil of stoicism. "Yes! And I can't understand why!"
Noel flinches, eyes wide.
Tsubaki freezes, then wilts slightly. She exhales, "Noel, how can you forgive him? After everything he's done?"
Noel thinks for a moment. She'd known about the Akitsu-Kō massacre, everyone in the NOL had. But it's always been a distant memory, from before… everything.
She sighs sadly, "Because I love him, Tsubaki." She slowly meets Tsubaki's eyes. "Just… Don't hurt him like that again. Please."
Tsubaki huffs, conflicted anger brimming in her eyes.
For what feels like an eternity, the two women stare each other down. Their spines are rigid, and their hands begin to clench tightly.
Finally, Tsubaki sighs, her posture faltering. She looks at Noel with disappointment tinged with guilt. "Noel…"
Noel doesn't back down, even though she herself feels guilt welling up in her heart.
Tsubaki dejectedly looks away. "…Do you know what you're asking me to do?"
It's Noel's turn to sigh, "Yes. Tsubaki, I know it's hard for you, but please… Try for me?"
Tsubaki is silent for a moment, then looks into Noel's eyes with hard resolve. "Noel. While I won't ask him to leave again." Tsubaki leans forward. "I will never forget what he's done."
Juusan sighs contentedly as she kneels before a large, freshly made stump. The disappearing sun lights up the area just enough to see as the comforting shadows loom over her.
Her eye isn't throbbing as badly as before, a faint thrum, if anything, as the tears stop.
Her heart is beginning to calm too, her fit is passing, much faster than any she's had before.
She's getting stronger.
Footsteps approach, and she lazily glances in their direction. The blade of Murakumo that she's loosely holding in her hand guaranteeing her safety.
Her eye meets the stoic gaze of Lambda.
Lambda takes a moment to eye her handiwork before frowning at her.
"Juusan, are you… alright?"
Juusan takes a moment to reflect on her feelings, her thoughts. She nods, "Yes, I'm fine." Juusan tightens her grip on her blade as she rises to her feet. "Did you want something?"
Lambda nods, "We worried about you. The sun's already setting and you hadn't come back, and..." Lambda hesitates for a moment.
Juusan narrows her eye.
Lambda sighs, "Ragna thought it might have something to do with seeing him earlier."
Juusan pauses, thinking over her earlier encounter. Her eye begins to twitch. She takes a moment to close her eye and breathe. She opens it a moment later, voice reluctant, "I wasn't ready…"
Lambda waits a moment. After another beat of silence, she hums, "Will you be alright?"
Juusan nods, "I think so." Juusan's expression becomes pensive as she meets Lambda's eyes again. "Is he still here?"
Lambda's frown deepens as she softly shakes her head, "No. He left a while ago, he said that he didn't want to cause us any trouble."
Juusan pauses for a moment, unsure of what to feel. On one hand, she wasn't sure she was ready to see him again, but…
Frustration and disappointment creep into her expression. She shakes her head, to ward off the unpleasant thoughts welling up.
Meeting Lambda's eyes again, Juusan nods stiffly. "Alright."
She brushes past her sister, fingers snapping to summon Hund.
The wolf eagerly bounds to his mistress' side.
She never notices the somber frustration marring Lambda's usually calm features.
AD 2200, 10/15, 13th Hierarchical City of Kagutsuchi – Kaka Village
After months of dwelling in Noel's church, the hustle and bustle of Kagutsuchi is almost a relief. Almost being the operative word. Juusan's lost count of the times some scandalized bystander attempted to accost her. Thankfully, most of the people in the lower levels are content to gawk and stare. Pushing her way through the crowd, Juusan continues her trek down toward the Kaka Village.
The target of Rachel Alucard's delivery is a woman named Tora, a Kaka if Juusan's hunch is correct. Juusan is thankful for the respite from the monotonous life she's had. For some reason, Noel has been more suffocating than usual.
As she spies the outskirts of the village, Juusan's eye narrows. There's something coming at her from behind, and fast.
She dodges under and to the left as a creamy blur whizzes past. Their air pressure tugs at her braid. Judging by the ears on their hood, they're a Kaka. They look familiar as well.
"Meow! You're fast, pale person!" The Kaka pivots to face Juusan, their crimson eyes wide beneath the shadow of their hood. "Wait a minute! Tao's seen you before!"
Juusan narrows her eye and reaches for the blade of Murakumo as the Kaka, Taokaka, begins to shadow box.
Taokaka's eyes narrow in concentration as she glares at Juusan. "You're that strange person who was coming after Scruffy Man!"
Juusan huffs as she remembers that loud-mouthed 'ninja.' He'd had a Nox Nyctores strapped to his back, as she recalled. So, this was the Kaka that had helped him elude her. Juusan draws Murakumo, as a precautionary measure.
Tao readies herself to pounce, swaying her hips and arching her back, when a voice cuts through the air.
"Tao, that's my delivery person, meow." From the high shadows drops a Kaka in a black hood, landing next to Taokaka with a silent grace.
Juusan blinks, then narrows her eye and readies her stance, just to be safe. "Are you Torakaka?"
The new Kaka turns to Juusan with a toothy smile. "That's right, and you must be Juusan."
Taokaka pauses, staring up at Torakaka with eager curiosity. "You're getting goodies from the pale person, Tora?"
Torakaka nods bemusedly. "That's right, meow." She turns to Taokaka with a gentle grin. "Tao, why don't you go see how Doctor Litchi is doing? I can take things from here."
Taokaka blinks, then narrows her eyes at Juusan. "But the pale person might be a bad person!"
Juusan, who has been taking them in with an unsure frown, tenses even further.
Torakaka shakes her head with a chuckle. "Tao, I don't think that's the case. Please, check in on Doctor Litchi. I'm sure she'll have some meat buns ready for you."
Taokaka perks up. "Really?" She gives Juusan another wary look, but then shakes her head and stands. "Then Tao will do her best! See ya later, Tora!"
Taokaka bounds toward Juusan, then leaps over her head and past her.
Juusan whirls around to watch as Taokaka disappears from her sight.
Torakaka chuckles again, and Juusan turns warily to face her. She slowly sheathes Murakumo, and reaches for her parcel bag.
Torakaka brightens at the welcome sight of Juusan's package.
Juusan deftly tosses it to the eager Torakaka, who neatly catches and opens it in one fluid move.
Torakaka beams at the contents, then smiles up at Juusan and inclines her head. "This way."
Juusan nods, and follows the older woman into the village proper.
"…and that's what you'll be doing, mostly. Any more questions?"
Juusan thoughtfully sips her ginger ale, eyeing Torakaka. She's been nothing but hospitable, but after her encounter with Taokaka, Juusan's guard is up. "…No."
Torakaka nods, still smiling. "Well then, I look forward to working with you more in the future, Juusan."
Juusan nods back, lips tugging up minutely. Torakaka has been a wealth of information about the world at large. She tells her things that her sisters wouldn't dare. It's refreshing.
The world is moving on from Kushinada's Lynchpin and the Embryo, but it's still early days. People are warier of travelers than they used to be. Unique people like Juusan especially draw their eyes and ire.
Still, working for Rachel Alucard can only help her grow even stronger. To prepare her for a reunion with Ra… her brother.
Torakaka sighs as she takes a swig of her own ale. "Thank you for bringing this, and sharing with mew."
Juusan nods. "Thank you, too."
AD 2200, 11/8, 8th Hierarchical City of Wadatsumi – Unknown Area
Tsubaki smiles as she sees a pair of ninja finish slotting in the final chunk of a roof. The restoration of Wadatsumi is progressing slowly, but effectively. Today has also been quiet, thankfully. The bandits and other ne'er-do-wells kept at bay by both Ikarugan ninjas and NOL forces.
Tsubaki continues her patrol around the outskirts of the biggest repair zone. Then, something bright catches in the corner of her eye.
Tsubaki turns curiously, then does a double take at what she sees.
It's Juusan, as scantily clad as she had been at Noel's, and carrying a large sword on her back. She's frowning at a weathered map. Juusan, as if sensing her gaze, turns to glare at her.
Tsubaki feels her hackles rise at the irritation welling up in that lone eye. She still doesn't trust the other woman, and her hand twitches toward her newly inherited blade. She catches herself in time, thankfully.
Taking a deep breath, Tsubaki approaches the younger woman with a stern frown. "Juusan, what are you doing here? Only those with clearance can be in this area. I'll have to escort you out."
Juusan narrows her eye frustratedly. "I can't leave. I have a delivery to make."
Tsubaki stops, blinking. "What?" Her own eyes narrow. "What delivery? To whom?"
Juusan huffs, "I can't tell you. I'm not here to interfere. Just let me go about my business."
Tsubaki scoffs, "You can't honestly expect me to let you roam around restricted areas as you please. Now, come on. You can't be here."
Juusan's frustrated frown deepens as she looks Tsubaki over. Her eye catches on the long blade sitting across Tsubaki's back. Her expression slackens for a moment, her eye growing wide.
Tsubaki glances back at the Interfectum Malus: Ookami. She then meets Juusan's gaze with renewing vigor.
Juusan returns her eye to meet Tsubaki's gaze head on.
The electricity in the air grows by the second as the two continue to stare one another down.
Eventually, Juusan breaks off the engagement with a frustrated click of her tongue. "Tch."
Tsubaki blinks at the familiar sign of frustration. Before she can say anything, though, a loud voice crashes through the air.
"HAULT!" Bang Shishigami's feet slam into the ground theatrically. He then thrusts his index finger at a now even warier Juusan. "You there! I remember you! What is your business here?"
Juusan blinks, narrowing her eye, before looking away… guiltily?
Tsubaki blinks in confusion, then shakes her head. She can't let Bang escalate the situation, as he is wont to do. "Mister Shishigami, please, let me handle this."
Bang turns his careful eyes to her with a deep frown. "Miss Yayoi, I appreciate your aid here. But I cannot allow such troublemakers to wander Ikaruga as they please." He returns his focus to Juusan, who is ruffling through a parcel bag. "What are you doing?"
Juusan glances up, her eyes guarded and expression veiled in stoicism. "You're Bang Shishigami. I have a delivery for your subordinate."
Bang blinks, caught entirely off-guard as Juusan produces a colorful parcel. "W-What?"
Juusan produces a watery blue parcel, pushing it out to Bang. "Please, give this to Aoi."
Bang glances rapidly between Juusan and the package for a few moments. He then carefully plucks it from her hand and stashes it away. He narrows his eyes at her suspiciously. "What's the meaning of this? You were after the Nox Nyctores, were you not?"
Juusan hesitates for a moment, then nods. "Yes. But that is no longer my objective."
Tsubaki looks between the two in confusion. "What's going on here? Mister Shishigami, have you met Juusan before?"
Bang nods slowly. "That's right. This woman attacked me whilst we were inside the Embryo. She was after the Nox Nyctores."
Tsubaki nods, that makes sense. She returns her hardening gaze to Juusan. "Alright. You've made your delivery. I suggest you leave peacefully, before I have to intervene."
Juusan nods stiffly, pivoting and striding away quickly without a word.
Bang startles. "W-What? Miss Yayoi, surely, we can't just—"
Tsubaki turns to Bang with a sigh. "Mister Shishigami, please, trust me."
Bang blinks, expression growing serious and conflicted. He eyes the retreating Juusan for a moment, then nods to Tsubaki. "Alright. I shall trust in your judgement, Miss Yayoi."
As Bang begins to question the happenings aloud, Tsubaki sighs again. She stares at Juusan until the younger woman vanishes from sight. Just what is she up to…?
Juusan huffs in tired frustration as she slings her bag over the bedpost. The encounter with Shishigami and Yayoi is still wearing on her. Frowning, she falls onto the bed and stares up into the ceiling. That sword, and that obnoxious man…
She shakes her head and focuses through her discomfort. That blade was the one that had given her the scar on her chest. The man, Shishigami, brought her yet more discomforting memories of who she used to be.
Back then, Rag… He had been her entire world. The meaning to her life. Things are different, now. She's gotten stronger, made connections all her own. Soon, she'll be able to see him again.
She focuses back onto the guilt she's been feeling since she caught sight of Shishigami. While the pain the memories bring her dulls with time... the emotions themselves only intensify. The more she grows, the heavier they sit in her chest.
It makes sense, she thinks distantly. Back then, she'd only had herself to think of. Now she has her sisters, Rachel Alucard, Torakaka… She's getting to know so many people. It almost feels like a dream, sometimes.
She sighs, closing her eye momentarily. When she focuses back onto the ceiling, she begins to pick away at the feelings.
With Shishigami, it's easy to see that she feels guilty. The man had been one of her targets, and she's sure she'd hurt him before he managed to escape. She'll have to face him again someday, to apologize if nothing else.
But Yayoi… Thinking of that woman, who Noel cares so deeply for, makes her frown deepen. Yayoi is strict and unforgiving, and Juusan has no idea how to deal with her. Something about that discipline, that coldness in the way she looks at Juusan, it's… bothersome.
With another sigh, Juusan begins to ponder how to approach the two, to confront her own emotions. Shishigami should be easy enough to find and deal with.
But Yayoi is constantly on the move along with the rest of the NOL's forces. Adding to that, Juusan is sure that the other woman hates her for some reason. Perhaps she'll have to wait for Yayoi to come to her.
Regardless, she'll have to be more careful when on missions. She'd gotten lucky today, but that luck won't hold for long, she's sure of it…
AD 2200, 12/25, Unknown Area – Noel's Church of Sister Mercury
Lambda hums to herself as she knits in the corner by the fireplace. All around her, the church is thrumming with life and cheer. Her sisters are busy in the kitchen, her brother with his childhood friend, and that leaves…
"What're you up to, Lambda?" Makoto beams down curiously at her.
Lambda does her best to fight off a rising flush. "I'm making some scarves."
Despite her nerves, her voice remains level.
Makoto's smile widens. "Neat! Hey, do you think I could get one? It's freezing out there!"
Lambda nods, allowing herself a small smile. "Of course. There's going to be one for everyone."
Makoto chirps, "Awesome!" She pumps a fist playfully, before her expression sobers somewhat. "Hey, do ya mind if I talk to ya for a sec?"
Lambda blinks at her change in tone. After a moment, she nods, setting aside her supplies.
Makoto hums and takes a seat next to her on the sofa. She turns to her with a chipper smile. "Alright. So, what I wanted to know is…" She leans in, "Do I have something on my face?"
Lambda blinks, then tilts her head. Confusion takes hold of her expression. "What?"
Makoto hums again and raises a brow. "Well, it's just that…" She leans in closer, smile widening. "You've been staring at me an awful lot."
Lambda's eyes widen in panic. She's been caught out. As her cheeks redden, she stutters, "I-I was just—"
Makoto leans back with a giggle, waving a hand. "Relax, Lambda. I'm not mad, honest. I just thought I'd say…" She smirks. "I think you're pretty, too."
Lambda's face turns bright red as she fidgets. "E-Eh?" She hums nervously as she tries to get her bearings. "Do you… mean that?"
Makoto nods eagerly. "Well, duh!" Her tail wags merrily behind her. "So, whatcha wanna do about this thing we got going?"
Lambda frowns softly in confusion. "This… thing?"
Makoto huffs playfully. "C'mon, I like you, you like me…" She takes Lambda's hand. "Maybe we should try getting steady~?"
Lambda softly squeaks at the contact. She then takes a moment to breathe.
Makoto waits patiently, smiling gently at the younger woman.
After a few more moments, Lambda clears her throat. "I-I would like that. Very much."
Juusan can't help the wide smile that splits her cheeks as the weak spasming in her arm fades. She's finally ready.
In front of her, Ragna shifts, his expression unreadable. "Hey… Juusan."
Juusan's smile softens as she answers, "Hello… Ragna."
The two stand there for a protracted moment, taking the other in carefully.
From the dining room, Noel calls. "Ragna! You're finally here!"
Juusan's smile dims a bit as she huffs, begrudgingly stepping aside to allow Ragna to come in and greet their sister.
Ragna takes a moment to shake off the snow before coming in and closing the door. He turns to Juusan with a more discernable caution. "So… You feeling alright?"
Juusan pauses for a moment, then smiles once more. "…Yes."
As she slots another dish onto the drying rack, Tsubaki sighs. The evening has gone much better than what she could've hoped. With Juusan's help, Noel had even managed to make an edible cake for once. But there's still a shadow looming over the night to come; Ragna the Bloodedge.
Tsubaki take s a deep breath to ease the tension in her shoulders as she thinks of that man. She'd promised Noel that she wouldn't confront him again, especially not on her birthday. But sitting idly by while he does as he pleases… it's not right.
The next dish cracks. Tsubaki hadn't realized her force was building alongside her mounting frustrations. She blinks, frowning down at the bleeding cut on her palm. She bites back a hiss and steps away from the counter.
Beside her, Noel leaps into action. "Tsubaki!" She grabs the first aid kit from the wall and rushes to her side.
Tsubaki sighs as Noel begins to get out the cleaning gear. "Noel, it's fine. I can—"
Noel grasps her wrist gently, but firmly. Her eyes harbor no room for argument. "Tsubaki, please, let me help."
Tsubaki meets her eyes for a moment, then sighs, glancing away with a light dusting on her cheeks. "Alright, if you insist…" She surrenders her arm to her friend, and lets her work.
After a few moments, Noel is applying the antibiotics.
Tsubaki draws in a hiss as the sting travels through the wound.
Noel glances up at her, then sighs, returning her attention to her injured hand. "Tsubaki… Is this because of… him?"
Tsubaki frowns sternly.
Noel huffs sadly, "I knew it."
Tsubaki remains silent, narrowing her eyes at her reflection in the cracked plate.
Noel continues, "Tsubaki, I wish I could understand why you're so angry."
Tsubaki hums, "I've already told you why, Noel. Please, let's not talk about this again."
Noel narrows her eyes, frustration beginning to show. "We have to. Bottling things up like this isn't helping anyone, Tsubaki."
Tsubaki finally looks at her, her own frustration plain to see. "And what do you want me to do, Noel? I can't ask him to leave again. And you won't understand what I have to say."
Noel's determined eyes bore into Tsubaki's. She tugs her close, until their noses brush. "Tsubaki, you know that's not true. You know how much he means to me, but that doesn't mean I don't understand what you're feeling. I know he hasn't always been the best person, but I love him. And I love you too. Please, talk to me."
Tsubaki feels her frustration grow even more at the declaration. "Noel, I understand that you love your brother, but you know where I stand." She tugs her arm free, trying to brush past Noel. "Please, drop it."
Noel scoffs as she turns to grasp Tsubaki's shoulder. "Tsubaki, you know I can't do that. Why won't you just—!"
Tsubaki whirls to face her friend, frustration giving way to anger and… something else. "Fine! I can't stand how you look at him!"
Noel lets go of Tsubaki and taking a step back, her expression conflicted.
Tsubaki pursues, voice growing deadly quiet. "Every time you see him, it's like he's given you the world! I can't understand why…" Tsubaki corners her at the counter, leaning into her face. "…can't you see what I see?"
Noel stares into Tsubaki's eyes for a moment, her expression thoughtful, yet still conflicted. "Tsubaki…" Noel lightly shakes her head, eyeing her friend sadly. "You really can't understand how I feel?"
Tsubaki sucks in a breath, then shakes her head as well. "No… I can't."
Noel exhales, her shoulders sagging somewhat. She looks down, trying to gather her thoughts.
Tsubaki leans back, looking to the heavens and trying to rein in her emotions.
Eventually, Noel looks up, and Tsubaki meets her head on.
Noel speaks first, "So, what now?"
Tsubaki frowns sadly. "I don't know." She leans in again, eyes searching. "Noel, do you really think he's changed?"
Noel nods, "That's right. He's still a bit rough, but Tsubaki, he's trying."
Tsubaki sighs, "I know. It's been months without a sign of the Grim Reaper. I just…" Tsubaki looks away, vulnerability shining through. "What if he hurts you again? What if he hurts Jin again? I can't stop thinking about it."
Noel cups Tsubaki's face, offering a firm yet sympathetic expression. "He won't hurt us. Tsubaki, I know you don't trust him, so please, put your faith in me." Noel pulls her into a soft embrace. "I don't want to lose you."
Tsubaki freezes for a moment, face flushing. She then groans and returns the embrace, pressing their foreheads together. Reluctantly, she murmurs, "…Alright." Tsubaki's eyes focus on Noel's. "But if you're wrong… I won't let him get away again."
Noel smiles as she softly exhales. "Tsubaki… Thank you."
The two remain in each other's arms for a while, relishing in each other's warmth. Their faces grow closer as the seconds pass, their eyes fluttering shut. Finally, they meet.
Ragna huffs as Juusan places the final piece on the Shogi board, holding up a hand. "Alright, alright. Geez…" He smiles. "Guess you really are better at this game."
Juusan smirks, her eye twinkling. "That's right."
Makoto laughs. "Damn, Ragna! She really cleaned clock there."
Jin scoffs, "Of course she did. Brother isn't one for complicated strategies."
Ragna huffs, feeling a stab of annoyance. "Hey crybaby, why don't you give it a shot, huh?"
Jin sneers. "And why would I waste my time on some novice?"
Juusan's eye sharpens as she scowls at Jin. "Novice? You're just scared."
Jin's hackles rise as his eyes focus on her. "What?"
Ragna looks between the two with a hint of nervousness. Maybe that hadn't been his best idea.
Juusan begins to reset the board, not taking her eye off Jin. "You're just scared to lose in front of 'Brother,' aren't you?"
Jin's sneer darkens as he stands.
Ragna feels hairs rise on the back of his neck. "Hey, I was just saying—!"
Jin glares at him, gesturing with his healthy arm. "Get the hell out of my way, Brother."
Ragna gets his ass out of dodge and joins Makoto and Lambda on the sofa. He rubs the back of his neck as his two younger siblings begin a truly intense game.
Lambda sighs, her voice tinged with disappointment. "Ragna, why did you have to goad them?"
Makoto snickers, "Yeah, not really the best idea, huh?"
Ragna groans, raking a hand over the bridge of his nose. "Hey, don't blame me. I just—!"
"Be quiet!"
Jin and Juusan's vicious dual deadpan silences the peanut gallery with a shudder.
As everyone begins to retire to their rooms, Ragna frowns. He'd thought he'd have to leave again, so he's not really sure what to do with himself now.
Juusan, still happily humming after getting one over on Jin, turns to him with a quizzical look. "Ragna, what's wrong?"
Ragna hesitates, then sighs. "So, the guest bedroom only has three bunks, right?"
Juusan's eye widens, her smile now hopeful. "Are you staying?"
Ragna, still not used to her being so expressive, looks away. "…Yeah. For now, anyways."
Juusan smiles, eye lighting up. She pulls him into a hug.
Ragna grunts in surprise at the force behind her embrace.
Juusan murmurs, "Thank you." She then pulls away, and quickly adds, "I'll get Noel."
Before Ragna can protest, she rushes off. After a moment, he huffs with a soft smile. He then winces as Noel rushes around the corner to give him a tight hug of her own.
AD 2200, 12/31, 13th Hierarchical City of Kagutsuchi – The Cauldron
As she stares down at the shaft from which she came one year ago, Juusan feels… oddly numb. She sighs, feeling some kind of weight falling away.
"Not quite what you were expecting?" Rachel's curious voice rings out in the empty space.
Juusan hums, "No, it isn't."
Ragna speaks up, "What'd you expect, then?"
Juusan turns to him with a frown. "I don't know. Just… something."
Ragna raises a brow. "Yeah?"
Juusan nods, returning her gaze to the cauldron. She thought she'd have some sort of revelation. "Ragna… Do you think I've changed?"
Ragna blinks, then tilts his head, looking at her curiously. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Juusan looks at him somberly. "Am I different?"
Ragna looks at her thoughtfully.
Rachel huffs, "Of course you've changed."
The pair of silverettes turn to her in surprise.
Rachel rolls her eyes. "Honestly…" She looks at Juusan with a raised brow. "How can you not see how different you've become? When it comes to the pair of you, you've the only functioning eye. A tragedy, really."
Ragna scoffs, his shoulders rising. "Really? We're gonna start this shit now?"
Rachel's smirk deepens as she looks between the two. "What I'm saying is that Juusan should pay more attention to herself. How else can she reliably keep track of who she is?"
Ragna pauses, glancing at Juusan.
For her part, Juusan nods slowly. "I see…" She glances back at the cauldron, frown softening. "So… What do I do now?"
Rachel hums. "Whatever your heart desires."
Ragna raises a brow critically. "That's it?"
Rachel huffs once more. "Of course. The girl has already made amends, has she not? Why shouldn't she seek her own desires?"
Juusan murmurs, "Ragna."
Ragna turns his attention back to Juusan. "Yeah?"
Juusan looks at him seriously. "Can I come with you this time?"
Ragna blinks, then smiles. "That really what you want?"
Juusan smiles firmly, eye full of warm conviction. "Yes."
AD 2201, 1/7, Unknown Area – Noel's Church of Sister Mercury
Noel smiles sadly as Juusan mounts Ragna's motorcycle. "So, I guess this is it then."
Ragna smiles back at her from his perch. "For now, yeah. But don't worry, we'll be sure to visit when the rabbit lets us."
Juusan nods, "Yes." She looks back to Noel with a small smile of her own. "Thank you, Noel."
Noel's smile brightens as she steps forward for one last hug with her sister. "You're welcome. I really didn't do all that much, though."
Juusan hugs her back tightly. "Believing in me is more than enough."
Noel huffs softly, tightening her own grip.
Ragna chuckles and wraps his arm around both of them, smiling up at Lambda. "You wanna get in on this?"
Lambda shakes her head with a gentle smile, then walks forward and joins in on the familial embrace. "I'll miss you both."
Juusan hums, "I'll miss you too, Lambda."
For a while, they bask in the happy moment, content with each other's company.
Then Ragna smells roses on the wind, and sighs. Letting go of his sisters. "Looks like that's our cue. You ready, Juusan?"
Juusan nods back, smiling at Ragna. "Yes, I am." She turns back to Noel and Lambda. "We'll see you two soon."
Lambda nods with a soft smile and confident eyes. "I look forward to it."
Noel nods as well, her eyes glistening. "Yeah. I can't wait to get everyone together again."
Ragna smirks. "Sounds like a plan." He starts the engine, grinning at the purr and warmth beneath his fingers.
Lambda and Noel back away from the exhaust, smiling as the bike comes to life with a roar.
Ragna gives them one last salute, his smile softening before he turns and kicks off down the mountain trail.
Juusan waves back to her cheering sisters until they are specks, and watches until they're gone. She then turns back to her brother, and smiles warmly. She tucks herself tightly to his back, and looks up to a smiling sun that promises new dawns.