Ragna: All that came outta last chapter was a hole in my gut.

Kagura: Jinny got to shine too, don't gloss over the details you glory hound.

Yasha: Pft, I'd love to see that gaping hole.

Noel: ...No, you wouldn't.

Celica: Do you think we're going to make it?

Rachel: We cannot fall here.

Jin: We have something to accomplish, correct? Let us make it quick.

Mu: We've been gone a long time...

Ahkahana: And to make things progress smoothly, I've picked out the person and card. Noel, get over here!

Noel: What...!?

Makoto: Don't be scared, it'll be fine. Not that what you say here will matter anyway in the main story.

Ragna: Reeally think we should stop breaking the fourth wall.

Terumi: Don't be a pussy.

Rachel: What is it?

Ahkahana: Mmm... she got off easy. My first time is the card. Now, Noel Vermillion, share with us what was a very special first exprerience for you.

Noel: Um, well, there are a lot. I don't know what to pick.

Ragna: Just pick one of them.

Noel: I guess when I finally opened up to myself.

Mu: That was a wonderful experience for me too, Noel.

Yasha: Ugh, mushy-mushy crap... just tell the truth of how the first time you kissed Ragna was the first best experience you had. I know it, the people reading this know it, and I'm pretty damn sure you know it since you're blushing like mad.

Noel: T-that's not it!

Kokonoe: Here I thought we were going to let off quick.

Nu: If Nu got more time with Ragna, then he would look over to Nu.

Celia: I think his body would be all over the place...

Hakumen: Tell us who is next so we may move on.

Ahkahana: Yeah yeah, one sec... oh. It's me.

Nine: About time. I'm drawing this time so I know you don't mess around with the cards.

Bang: I wonder what awaits?

Kagura: Who knows. I just hope that beach trip is real. Seeing beautiful, stunning women like the one's here in swimsuits is every man's dream.

Imperator: I have yet to buy a new bathing suit.

Ragna: Don't actually encourage him...

Yasha: Ragna, are you gay? Pretty sure any man would love to be around naked women. Do you have some deep relationship with Jin? Or is it Azrael? You two were going at each other pretty hard.

Ragna: The hell I do!

Saya: Brother~!

Ragna: Don't fucking believe her! Don't tell me you think I play for the same team, too!

Makoto: I mean... when women come to you, you reject them like the plague. You could be a closet homo. I wouldn't judge you.

Kokonoe: Interesting. I can run a few tests.

Lambda: Is it true, Ragna?

Ragna: Lambda... please don't buy this garbage. The last thing I need is you of all people thinking I've gotta a boner for other boners.

Valkenhayn: I hope you do. It will protect my mistress from your barbaric advances.

Amane: I wouldn't mind that at all. It would make you joining my trope that more interesting.

Ragna: Your ass is grass if you come any closer.

Tsubaki: ...Please, everyone, calm down.

Terumi: Shut it, Yayoi, you're dead, remember?

Yasha: Oof.

Bullet: We've spent enough time here, shouldn't we end it off here?

Yasha: Yeah, almost forgot we have an actual story to do. Maybe I'll finally pop up.

Ragna: Ugh... start the chapter.

Chapter 34: Raid on Sector Seven

Litchi responded to the incoming transmission the moment her communicator beeped. "Yes, Colonel Relius?"

"Have you pinpointed the location of the Linchpin yet?"

"I haven't discerned the exact location. There must be some kind of jammer, but judging by the direction it's heading, the destination seems to be Japan. No doubt Sector Seven's main base," Litchi deduced.

"I thought as much. Send me the coordinates." Relius clicked off without a confirmation and Litchi sighed. Once she sent the requested information, she resumed her previous task, sighing again.

"Ms. Litchi, aren't you tired?" Carl's voice came from the doorway. Litchi watched the young boy walk in with Nirvana and forced a smile.

"I'm ok. Besides, if I don't do this, who will?" Litchi looked back at the formulas given to her by Relius. They were very well-organized, plotted step by step, but no matter what she did Roy remained the same. All eighteen attempts ended in failure, the heavy bags under her eyes obvious signs of sleep deprivation. 'Could it be Roy himself stopping me?' Litchi had toyed with the notion many times, but it didn't make sense in the end. Roy had succumbed to the boundary, his mind altered in such a way that he didn't recognize her. It would be impossible for Roy to stop her from turning him back to his human form if he wasn't aware of his surroundings. But then… what if he was? She sighed, unable to make sense of any of this.

"U-um, Ms. Litchi…" Carl's voice drew her weary eyes to a steaming cup of coffee. "Sis and I made you this. I've never really made coffee before, but I hope you enjoy it."

Litchi couldn't help but smile at the boy. She took the cup and sipped it. Bitter. But she wouldn't dare tell him that. She wasn't a fan of coffee in general; anytime she did fancy a cup, she copied her old mentor by putting a lot of sugar in it. The former Orient Town doctor noticed the anticipation on Carl's face. "It's delicious, Carl. Thank you."

"I'm glad you think so! …And, I'm sorry," Carl bowed. "This is all my father's fault. You wouldn't be involved if not for my dad."

"Carl…" Litchi left her chair for the first time in days and knelt before him, a motherly hand on his shoulder to bring his head up. "Don't blame yourself for this. I came to him of my own volition because he could help me, ok?" She cupped his cheeks. "You're a sweet boy, Carl. You shouldn't be involved in something like this—you're still young. You and your sister should run away."

Carl shook his head. "No! If you're going to stay, then so am I!" Before Litchi could reprimand him, he leapt into her arms and held her tight. Litchi didn't have the strength to say anything as she returned the embrace. 'Is this how it feels… to have a child?' Litchi thought back to Linhua and her expression dimmed. She and Carl were innocent children whose parents were either gone or had wronged them. They'd both been hurt by adults.

Strangely, Bang came to mind. A man who fought in the name of love and justice, defender of the innocent… Just what would he think of her now? He was in possession of the Rettenjo, so he must've learned of her whereabouts and affiliation by now. Was he currently looking for her? 'I betrayed him, Tao, the kittens, Linhua…' Litchi rubbed Carl's back.

"Ms. Litchi?"

"…Get going now, Carl. Relius needs you to retrieve the Linchpin." Litchi stood up. "You know how your father is."

"Right… I'll be back." Carl's promise was the last thing she heard before the door closed, leaving her alone with her thoughts and Arakune floating in his test tube. Regret drew another sigh out of her.

"Bang, Tao, Linhua, everyone… Please forgive me."

Wadatsumi Castle: Cauldron

Two of Noel's pedals pierced one of the summoned soldiers and they dissipated, but like they always did, they came back. Lambda, Rachel, and Bang had no luck either. Defending Celica while she healed Kagura, Jin, and Ragna proved more strenuous than they assumed. "This is… bullshit!" Ragna grunted while trying to rise, the hole in his stomach closed but the pain still fully there. The effects of whatever that scientist had done seemed to have worn off, but the Grimoire's healing abilities have been drastically slowed. 'Azure, the hell is going on!?'

'I don't know, but… I feel really weak. I'm sorry, but this is the best I can do…' Azure sounded weak. Did she feel pain anytime the Grimoire itself was attacked?

"Shit…"

"Ragna, do not move an inch," Rachel ordered, summoning lightning to eradicate another Alchemy soldier. The three she defeated melded back together and wasted no time trying to strike her down, but Rachel jumped away. 'How do we get out of this? We must escape before the Linchpin reaches Sector Seven.' If Rachel was correct, they had roughly fifteen seconds before the cauldron went off. There was no way to retrieve the Linchpin in time and she had a hunch it wouldn't be destroyed by the coming eruption. What they needed to do was escape, and with ten seconds now on the clock, she needed to act fast. Perhaps it was the rush of adrenaline from this dire situation that sparked her current idea as her eyes snapped to the cauldron. Ragna followed her gaze and he didn't like it. "Ragna, activate your Grimoire."

"Miss Rachel, he can't!" Celica protested.

Ragna assumed it was something crazy or stupid, but he never guessed both. "I can barely move and you want me to activate the Blazblue!?"

"Just do it! Or do you want to see what happens when that cauldron explodes?" Rachel put Nago and Gii in front of two swords and an ax. "Do you remember what Celia told you?"

"What she…?" Ragna's eyes widened in realization. The red jewel on his glove clicked open, revealing its crimson light. "Restriction 666 released! Dimensional interference field deployed!" He forced the incantation out and swore. 'Damn it, I'm not gonna make it.'

After the Imperator and her entourage retreated, a chilling sensation sent Jubei and Nine's parental instincts into overdrive as the large group made their way toward the castle. Everyone halted when white light shot out of the ruins and pierced the sky. It encompassed all who fought in the vicinity, the blinding glow forcing their eyes shut. When they opened, the light had vanished along with the noise of battle. They rushed past the foliage to find the battlefield empty, bloodstains all that remained. Nine faced the castle her daughter and everyone else had run into, swallowing a lump as she feared the worst. Before she could rush inside to find her, a sound akin to bodies hitting the ground turned them about-face to the dogpile with Rachel gracefully landing beside the groaning lot.

"God damn that hurt!" Ragna hissed while sitting upright.

"Owie… my butt," Noel whimpered, rubbing it.

"Madam Rachel, are you all right!?" Valkenhayn asked.

"Yes, however... I regret to inform you all that the Linchpin has slipped through our fingers along with its key. ...Wait a moment, has Izanami already departed? Was she not with you?"

"Up until we fought the Imperator. She disappeared after that," Trinity informed.

"We are... outside?" Bang looked around, surprised. "Was that teleportation magic? Wait!" His surprise turned to worry. "Where is that man!?"

"Long gone," Celia answered.

"Son of a... I let those bastards one-up me. Man, my uncle would kill me for this. But at least we got outta there in one piece." Kagura groaned, then gasped, "Hey, where's Makoto and Saya!?"

Kokonoe interjected and eased their disquiet. "Don't worry about them, they're safe. Those two idiots dropped in a few seconds ago, most likely beamed here by the light. Heh, lucky them, yeah?"

"Luck, hm?" Jin scoffed.

Celica seemed normal, so Nine had no worries there, but another sparked a question from Jubei. "More importantly, y'all wanna share what happened in there?" Jubei asked.

Yabiko Branch: Kagura's Office

"Impossible!" Nine shouted. "There is no way those idiots could use Alchemy like that—it's a dead language!"

"No… Actually, it makes perfect sense why Sector Seven was able to stay off our radar for so long. Besides… this isn't the first time," Celia said.

Nine frowned. "Not the first…? Hold on, you knew about this? I was second-guessing and you knew? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Like you said, it's a dead language. I never imagined it could be utilized with such efficiency like how it was today. By them, of all people…" Celia crossed her arms under her chest.

"You seem pretty calm about it," Nine remarked. "Spill it."

Kagura interjected. "Don't give her such a hard time. I knew, too… And I guess it's time to explain what happened during our months apart."

"If I had to guess, Sector Seven is involved? If that was the case, why didn't you inform us of a threat like this the moment we got here? We could've prepared and put up a better fight. But it looks like it wouldn't have made a bit of difference," Jin said.

"Smart ass…" Kagura muttered.

"Hey, enough with the shit-talking, get to the main point," Ragna said, and Kagura nodded.

"When Kokonoe, Celica, Tager, and I arrived here, we were greeted by my uncle and taken in, working undercover in the NOL like I told you before to try and gather intel on the Imperator's movements. Thankfully Yabiko is a safe haven due to the Mutsuki family's control, so the Imperator and her lackeys couldn't move around as easily as they could in Akitsu. However… they weren't our problem as Sector Seven reared their ugly heads. For months the NOL had been keeping a sharper eye on Sector Seven after receiving reports of strange readings coming from their bases. Thanks to surveillance courtesy of Hibiki, we found odd symbols and readings that didn't correspond to anything electronic or magical."

"Alchemy…" Trinity mumbled, the room just quiet enough to hear her.

"That doesn't explain where they learned it," Nine said.

"We have reason to believe Relius Clover helped them out in that regard. Take a look at this." Celia snapped her fingers and a holographic projection of Nu appeared, focusing on her chest where a red light flickered ominously.

"What in the hell is that?" Ragna questioned.

Celia shook her head with a sigh. "To be honest, I have no idea. But judging from the wavelengths produced by it, the power of whatever the hell that light was that zapped away all those soldiers and this are a perfect match. Only Relius could pull off something like this, and knowing his curiosity streak, he decided to use those eggheads as guinea pigs." The hologram flicked off then.

"Yeah. When we first infiltrated one of their main bases, we discovered traces of Alchemy and even researchers. But it wasn't like today. In fact, I'm positive I destroyed every trace of their research…" The malicious edge to Kagura's tone startled a few of his allies, "but I guess I wasn't thorough enough, and now we have this Benkibaru guy to deal with."

"So, how do we take care of him? Charging in last time got me a hole in the gut, and I'd rather not earn another."

Celia sighed. "Honestly, I haven't figured out what makes that guy tick. From what Rachel said he's packing at least thirteen runes engraved on his body. Just one is enough to drive a strong-willed, full-fledged magus insane. Yet this asshole is able to wield thirteen without a care in the world…"

"He could be using some kind of conduit," Trinity interposed. "In some studies, tests have shown that humans can engrave more runes onto their bodies by instilling them in receptacles or conduits. However, there are risks in doing this. Unlike magic, Alchemy feeds off of the person's very soul. Misusage could send the user's soul into flux, ultimately leaving them as nothing but an empty husk or worse, but even then he would surely need a powerful conduit in order to hold so much power. Whatever Sector Seven is doing, I don't like it. We need to stop them."

"Doubtless the Imperator and her entourage are en route to the Linchpin as we speak. There isn't much time to waste," Kokonoe said.

"Alright, but how are we gonna get to where the hell they took it?" Ragna wondered.

"Maybe they're going to their main base? Couldn't we just wait for them there?" Celica suggested.

Celia scoffed. "And deal with the full force of Sector Seven's arsenal? Unless you think you have the power to annihilate what is basically eighteen NOL bases fit into one tiny ball, then go nuts. No, we stop them before they reach their base. Luckily, I found them."

Noel's eyes glimmered. "That's amazing! Where are they!?"

"Currently sailing the Arctic Circle. Due to heavy seithr levels around that region, travel there is a bit bumpy which gives them no choice but to find an alternate route, so we've got about six hours until they touch down in Japan. We need to intercept and retrieve the Linchpin without fail this time."

"We must also get Rettenjo back from their clutches," Bang added.

"Yeah. I don't know what they're planin' on doin', but I reckon it ain't good." Jubei looked to Ragna. "Can you still fight, kid?"

"What kind of question is that? These wounds are nothing," Ragna claimed. He cringed when Jubei tapped his ribs.

"Uh-huh." He then looked to Jin and just groaned. "Don't give me that sour face, kid. You ain't goin' anywhere till you can swing your swords. And I don't wanna hear diddly squat or I'll knock you both on the head. Clear?" They grumbled. "I said, am I clear?"

"Hmph. Fine."

"Yeah, yeah, I got it, Master…"

"Mission commences in an hour. Even if you aren't ready, we can't dawdle for too long," Celia said.

"Wait," Rachel cut in. "If I may make a suggestion, I believe Ragna should…" Her volume dwindled for a moment, but she quickly rebounded. "I believe he should be the one to fight against that Benkibaru man. If we cannot defeat him with brute force, shattering his soul should be our second option since it must be heavily taxed due to constant alchemic usage."

"The Dark One could not defeat this man before. I shall take up the mantle," Hakumen proposed.

"Piss off, he's mine," Ragna bit out. "Got a score to settle with him, so just keep shining your sword."

"Now, now, Ragna, play nice," Celica told him.

"Oh yeah, I'm gonna play nice with the guy who tried to kill me." Ragna rolled his eyes. "More importantly, how's Bullet? Saya and Makoto too. How're they doing?"

"They're gonna pull through with no problems," she assured.

"I believe I will take my egress to one of the free rooms until we are ready to depart. Excuse me." Rachel pushed open the doors and made her way out, her familiars swiftly giving chase. The cat and bat couldn't help but notice the look of distress clouding her eyes and contorting her face slightly out of its usual impassiveness. Rachel turned a corner and stopped after a few steps.

On March 3rd, Ragna the Bloodedge is going to disappear forever.

Terumi's disgusting voice echoed in her mind. She wanted to tune him out but failed miserably; he only got louder.

I believe Ragna should—

"You want me to stay behind? That's what you wanted to say, right?" Rachel remained silent as she faced the approaching man. He took the words right out of her thoughts. "You know?"

"…I do not want to believe it, Ragna. I don't trust anything that comes from that snake's mouth, but I think it best for you to stay back this time."

"You really think I'm gonna die?" Rachel once again said nothing. A silence grew between them, his answer received and his cue to leave. She kept her head down, unable to watch Ragna walk away.

'What is the matter with me?' Rachel held up one of her trembling hands and gripped it. Some non-evidential prophecy shouldn't affect her like this… should it? She knew it was a lie, just a ploy to throw her off her game. And sadly, it was working.

Yabiko Branch: Infirmary

Bullet lay bandaged up beside Makoto and Saya, the ticking wall clock above the only sound aside from her occasional grunting. Shame washed over her. So easily defeated by some bookworm whom clearly had no former training. His moves were all over the place, but the power he displayed trumped hers and then some. Bullet wanted to punch something but Celica had just finished healing her hand; she'd rather not inconvenience her. The door achingly opened, drawing their attention to Ragna as he surveyed the wounded lot. "He got you good," he said.

"Says the guy who had a hole in his stomach," Makoto retorted with a grin.

"Shut up, he got lucky."

"Not from what Celica told us," Bullet chimed in. Ragna winced and silently cursed Celica.

"I'm glad you're ok, brother. And I'm sorry I couldn't stop that man."

"Who was that douchebag anyway?" Makoto asked. "And what was that strange power? That wasn't any Ars Magus or magic I've ever seen."

"He's a member of Sector Seven. Apparently they've got their hands on something called Alchemy."

"Alchemy?" Saya echoed.

"I'm not too sure about it myself. All I know is it's a pain in my ass and I'm gonna bury that asshole six feet deep."

"Oh, really? I wish you good luck 'Grim Reaper'," Makoto teased.

"Bite me."

"What's our plan of action?" Bullet inquired.

Ragna kept it short and sweet. "We're gonna storm their ship and take back the Linchpin."

"How long do we have before we depart?" she asked.

"An hour."

"An hour!?" Makoto shot up and winced as a bone cracked, slowly reclining back. "Shit, shit! Ah... damn it all. And here I thought I could get something to eat. Hey, Ragna, mind fixing me up something real quick? Can't fight on an empty stomach."

"Sure. Could go for a bite myself." Ragna offered the same to Saya and Bullet and left after receiving his thanks.

An hour went by faster than any of them could even blink. Before long, everyone who could still move met in Kagura's office. Saya, Makoto, and Bullet still needed some time to recuperate and Tager was undergoing repairs, but they couldn't afford to wait any longer and began the mission briefing.

"Kagura, Rachel, Hakumen, you three are gonna be your group leaders. Ragna, Noel, Jin, you three are with Kagura. Valkenhayn, Trinity, Jubei, go with Hakumen. Konoe, Bang, Lambda, go with Rachel." Celia designated.

"Eh? We aren't going together?" Noel regarded Celia in confusion.

"Of course not. It'd be too risky for all of you to go charging in as one big group, especially now since the NOL is on such high alert. There aren't any ships for us to use to get to Sector Seven's fleet—and even if we had one, we wouldn't be able to reach them in time. Teleportation is also out. There's some strange interference surrounding the fleet. Just like beneath Wadatsumi Castle, space is heavily distorted, but just enough to render all types of spatial magic and devices useless while keeping them tangible in the physical world," Kokonoe orated.

"They are harnessing the power of the boundary, but that feat would not be possible without the presence of a cauldron. Is it possible they have one onboard their ships?" Rachel wondered.

Celia scoffed. "More than likely… or something that allows them to use a power similar to that of the boundary. Whatever it is, it's a pain in the ass."

"Wait, but… how are we going to get there? Aren't we stuck if we can't use teleportation or have a ship fast enough to get there?" Celica asked.

Jin caught on quickly. "You plan to send us into an NOL ship instead… that is why you broke us into small groups. Not only that, in the event something becomes compromised, the others teams can move freely while they act as a divergence."

"Heh, not bad kid, that's right. But once you get aboard that ship, don't expect the support of the NOL soldiers like on the battlefield," Celia warned. "These guys are still loyal to the Imperator, and while their numbers are relatively low, be prepared for one hell of a fight if shit goes way down south."

"One of my men snuck onto a few ships and planted teleporters for us to use along with jammers to block out any electronic spikes caused from its activation. Ragna… like Rachel said before, in case we can't overpower Benkibaru, you're the only one who can put him down, so don't mess up. Let's make sure his efforts weren't for nothing," Kagura said.

Bang bowed. "Ragna the Bloodedge, I ask this of you, reclaim my master's soul from their clutches. I may not have the means to retrieve it, but you do. I beseech you do this."

"Got it. I was gonna beat the shit outta that asshole anyway, so a few spoils wouldn't hurt."

"First and foremost, our primary objectives on all three of these ships are to cut communications, but even when we do, I estimate you have about twenty minutes before you're discovered, so don't prance around and make short work of them." Celia snapped her fingers as a large holographic map appeared, three traveling red beacons flickering along the Arctic Circle. "And the reason why there are three teams is because of the similar signatures I'm getting from three different ships, and they're pretty far apart, so it's not like you can hop from one ship to another."

"Makes sense. We can attack 'em simultaneously, but if Ragna is supposed to be the one to fight this guy, what happens if he gets onto the wrong ship? Could spell trouble for us," Jubei said.

"That's why you're taking these." Celia fished three small devices from her coat pocket and gave one to each team leader. "Once aboard the ships, just plant these babies and you should be able to nullify the spatial shifts in that particular area."

"Trinity, are you up for this task?" Valkenhayn inquired. "You have held your presence in that body for quite some time now and I am aware of how taxing that is to both you and the children."

"I gave my control back to the children for a while, so I'll be just fine… And please excuse their behavior, Ragna, they're still quite young." Trinity bowed.

"Whatever. Next time you wanna take a little break, do it far away from me." Ragna had earned a headache from dealing with the little shit that was Luna for most of his break. Luckily Noel was there, and after a short spat the two grew very close. Something about their fronts? Lambda seemed to understand.

"I'm still a little confused. I'm not part of any team, so what do I do?" Celica asked.

"Stay here and get Makoto, Saya, and Bullet back on their feet," Kokonoe answered. "I need to go and repair Tager as well. We're gonna need all hands on deck for this."

"That reminds me… Kokonoe, you and I need to have a long chat once this is over and done with." Nine's sharp glare zipped through her daughter's nerves. She offered that same glare to her sister, the person who gave Kokonoe the parts and materials to build the massive metal man in her basement.

"Y-yes, well um... we have more important matters to attend too!" Celia swiftly changed the topic... though that wouldn't stop what Nine was going to do to both her and Kokonoe once this was all over...

Ragna posed a final question topic. "Before we go, there's something that's been buggin' me. The Linchpin... how would activating it get in the way of the Imperator and that bastard Terumi? We wouldn't be able to fight without Ars Magus, so wouldn't that be good for them?"

Celia shook her head. "No, it wouldn't. Without seithr they wouldn't be able to use their little trump card floating about in our upper atmosphere."

"So they really intend to bring that monstrosity back down to Earth? Relius Clover, you son of a...!" That may've been the first time Ragna heard Hakumen loose his cool.

Trinity's voice was ripe with distraught. "That means they truly intend on using Nu as the core..."

"Core? What's that mean? And of what?" Ragna asked.

"Of the Take-Mikazuchi." Rachel chimed in. "My father told me that it had been put out of commission many years ago. In such a short period of time, they managed to construct a new core? Using a Murakumo Unit of all things... I see. That is why Terumi sent Nu after Noel, to gain the eyes."

Nine bit her bottom lip. 'Ahkahana... are you really willing to summon that?'

Noel's firm grip on her arm nearly cracked her bones, the name Take-Mikazuchi forcing her heart to skip a few beats. Her labored breathing roused worry from Lambda. "Noel, are you ok?"

She jolted and returned her question with a smile. "I'm fine."

"Is it that dangerous?" Celica asked.

"A single blast could vaporize an entire hierarchical city and everything else within a five hundred mile radius. Given the blasts trajectory from space, if they were mad enough to fire and with the right output, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say the entire world'd be vaporized." Celia explained.

"Ok... that's bad." Ragna understood.

Hakumen's voice accentuated the danger. "I have seen its destructive might first hand. A creature with the power to match that of the Black Beast. Be it human or god, no one has the right or judgment to command such a beast. Its continued existence is a blight."

"It is imperative we obtain the Linchpin, otherwise if and when they call that beast down, it will be nearly impossible to defeat it. Now that we all understand, shall we be on our way?"

NOL Ship: Control Room

"First we're instructed to head to Wadatsumi, then our soldiers disappear, and now we're basically at war with Sector Seven. This is too much to deal with in one day," Cole whined to his partner, Andy.

"Just be glad you weren't part of the Wadatsumi squadron. Poor saps…" Andy shook his head with a solemn sigh.

"I guess I shouldn't be complaining, then. Still… it just doesn't feel right for all of them to vanish—even Sector Seven soldiers met the same fate, so it couldn't have been them."

"Apparently the cauldron suddenly went off. Really shows how dangerous they are. By the way, did you get a yell from the squad stationed in the southern sector? It's been a while since they did their routine checkup."

"Lazy Joes are probably just slacking off!" Cole laughed while ringing the southern sector… but no one answered. "What the…?" He tried again, no response. The strange thing was it didn't even ring, as if it had been completely cut. The tension was disrupted by a ruckus, the two grunt workers growing increasingly anxious as they sensed a heavy presence and heard what sounded like fighting on the other side of the door. Before they could ring the emergency alarm the door flew open… or more accurately it was sliced in two, Hakumen standing in the frame with the bodies of their comrades littered behind him. In a single stride Hakumen closed the distance and pierced Andy's heart, contorting fluidly to drive his fist into Cole's face. The force of his punch sent the soldier crashing into a few monitors.

"Hmph, just as described," Hakumen mumbled. He then radioed his ally. "Valkenhayn, have you completed your task?"

Valkenhayn exhaled as the very last soldier in the eastern bay fell before him. "Yes, I have just finished. Things are progressing quite smoothly with Trinity and Jubei as well. We still have ten minutes to go," he said while consulting his pocket watch. After receiving a confirmation that the control room had been taken, Valkenhayn transformed into a wolf and scoured the eastern bay to ensure there were no stragglers, meeting up with Trinity and Hakumen in the central bay. "Where has Jubei gone?"

"He went to put this ship on auto-pilot," Trinity explained. "According to Lambda, we have approximately twenty-five minutes before we intercept the Sector Seven fleet. But I can't help but feel there were fewer soldiers onboard than predicted. Do you think it's the same with the other ships?"

"I would believe so. This armada deployed by the Imperator is nothing but a show to the public, though it makes little difference. Our objective has been completed. Have you already notified everyone else?" Hakumen queried.

"Yes. Both Kagura and Rachel's groups have successfully ceased communications and eliminated the soldiers. All that is left for us to do is take care of the soldiers on the front deck and that might prove to be the most challenging. We'll be out in the open for other ships to launch their attacks on, and once that happens, our cover will be blown. We go on Rachel's command."

"Understood."

Right on cue their communicators beep.

Boundary

"It has finally begun. Whether or not Ragna the Bloodedge meets his fate will be determined in the coming battle. Izanami, I implore you to help him conquer this accursed prophecy. Should he fall, the girl will be thrust into despair and this world will meet its end." Amaterasu's voice echoed through the endless void.

"Might I ask why is it imperative we save him? Is it not easier to let the world flow at its natural pace and reconstruct it once all hindrances have been snuffed out?"

"That world would be nothing but lies."

Izanami said, "then it would make no difference to the one we live in," before vanishing to complete the task bestowed to her by the Master Unit.

"...Izanami, what are you plotting?"

Arctic Circle: Skies

"All hands on deck! We have intruders in ships five, sixteen, and twelve! Prepare to intercept!"

Emergency sirens rang through the skies, several ships approaching the designated ships where communications were reported cut. NOL soldiers hoarded the ships to engage the intruders, grunts and sound of battle overtaking the booming engines and wind speeds. Ragna crashed his knuckles into an incoming soldier, blowing the soldier over the ledge and contorted to drive bloodscythe into another with a squelch. When Celia told them they'd be overrun, she wasn't over exaggerating. But it wasn't just the NOL they had to deal with, Sector Seven landed on the ships and joined in the fun. Jin slashed down a coming trooper and gasped seeing an Ars Magus cannon at the ready. "Brother! They're going to shoot us down!"

"Well, that isn't good…" Kagura winced.

"W-what do we do!?" Noel shuddered.

"We jump!" Ragna didn't wait to hear Noel's doubts and hoisted the girl over his shoulders, and with a running start, leapt over to the closest ship with a crying Noel thrown over his shoulders and Jin and Kagura behind him and not a moment too soon. He used an unlucky soldiers' face as a foothold to kick off and let Noel free, Jin cutting one down while Kagura swatted an entire row down with his Zweihander. Noel stuffed her fears down to shoot at a few who's weapons were ready to fire.

From afar Rachel observed the ship plummeting and sighed. "Ragna… you are far too reckless for your own good." She faced the last group of troops that dared to challenge her, the soldiers disoriented, the rest in fried heaps. "I would advise you abandoned ship, lest you meet the same fate as your comrades."

"This can't be happening…! How're we losing to some brat!?" A furious grunt charged her… or at least meant too, met with a vicious bolt of lightning then the ones previous by the time his foot left the ground.

Gii pitied the soldier. "Even I know not to say that…"

Nine conjured a quick fireball, blasting a horde of troops. She groaned noticing an incoming ship, and they haven't even finished up the soldiers on this one. She constructed a high-level magic circle in a matter of seconds, the heat from it ready to burn the deck they stood on. Ready to invoke the spell, she swiftly dived out the way of a torrent of wind blades. The corner of her mouth itched up in distaste when Ahkahana landed. "I thought you would be here." she groaned.

"You were a lot slower than I thought, Konoe. I thought you would head after us as soon as possible. Were those injuries really that bad?"

"No… but yours will be."

Lambda examined the sisters. "Magic output equivalent. Permission to assist in battle."

"Don't. They aren't people you can tangle with. Focus on the stragglers coming in and make sure they don't interfere with Konoe." Celia would rather avoid a repeat of Akitsu.

Kokonoe crackled in with an update. "Hey, look alive everyone, Sector Seven fleet is coming up, and judging by the reading we're getting now, the ship on the far east is where the signature is the strongest."

"That's where that son of a bitch is, eh?" Ragna gasped when the ship rattled, the engine blown and on fire. The ship began its rapid descent toward the fleet, Ragna, Jin, Kagura, and Noel holding on for dear life as the ship nearly flipped over crashing down into the water. Though that moment of relief was interrupted by incoming gunfire from above. Noel and Jin shot down the descending troops while Kagura dealt with some who managed to dodge their fire. Ragna vaulted onto the targeted ship where Kushinada's Linchpin was held. He rolled to the side met with oppressive gunfire and when he got up on his knee to rise, a barrel stared him in the face. Before he could react or the soldier could pull the trigger, Noel put a bullet in their head and Jin and Kagura came crashing in, Ragna following to dispose of the troops on the outer deck.

Jubei gasped seeing Ahkahana and Nine battling on the ship beside his. "Nine!"

Nine avoided a blade of light and sent a few of her own to Ahkahana, the barrage deflected by a barrier. "I'm fine here, I'll handle her!"

"Cat, let us go." Hakumen was ready to leap off but twisted to clash with Terumi's knives.

"Hey there, Hakky!"

"Terumi!" Trinity gasped, ready to help Hakumen with Jubei but were stopped by Hakumen.

"Continue forth! I shall cut down this serpent today." Hesitantly the two vaulted over the rails to land on the Sector Seven carriers, met with a horde of soldiers who came at them with unrestrained force. "Your head is mine today, Terumi," he promised.

"Oh, I'm sooo scared. What? Third time's the charm~?" Murderous intent arched his body away from Valkenhayn's foot, gaining a few feet for breathing room. "And here's the mutt. I knew I smelled wet dog around here somewhere."

"Valkenhayn, go. Isn't your master more important?"

"Verily so. However… the danger he posses towards my master is a vile one, and I will not yield until my fangs find this monster's flesh for what he has done. Besides, it will be twice as efficient with the two of us. Even you will have difficulty taking them all on." Valkenhayn glared at Setsuko, Yasha, and Takeshi who now stood beside Terumi.

"Hmph. Very well." Hakumen readied a stance like Valkenhayn and charged the trio.

Bang narrowed his gaze to the ship below. "This is where my master's soul has be taken." Ready to follow his team, his finely honed senses directed his attention to Relius Clover, Ignis beside him. The Ikargua ninja took his stance. "You are the one who coaxed Ms. Litchi! Where is she!? What have you done with her!?"

"You mean Litchi Faye Ling? I haven't done anything to her and I have no obligation to answer you, Bang Shishigami."

"Because of you… the innocent tears of a child—of countless children were shed! For that crime, I will show you no mercy!"

"What a loud nuisance… Ignis. Take care of him." Relius' commanded the doll as it switched into battle mode and lunged at the ninja. Bang fluidly dodged the dolls claws and swerved around for a counter strike… but had to parry Nirvana, shocked to see her and Carl.

"Master Carl, why are you—!?"

"...Mr. Bang, please forgive me."

After blowing past what seemed like hordes of NOL and Sector Seven soldiers, Rachel and Lambda finally arrived on their target's ship, Jubei and Trinity arriving a moment after. "It seems like we've made it," Trinity said.

Rachel sighed feeling a powerful presence past the entrance. "A little too late, I'm afraid. It would seem the Imperator beat us here."

"Ragna and Noel are inside. Let's go," Lambda said, and just about to head after them, Jubei's ears picked up on incoming enemies and readied his blades, Lambda, Rachel, and Trinity preparing themselves as well.

"We do not have time for this…!"

"Rachel, we'll stay out here and deal with these bastards. You head after my boys—make sure they don't do anything stupid. ...Ragna, really." Rachel gave the beastkin a nod and a good luck before continuing inside, several squadrons landing on the ship whom they swiftly engaged.

With Ragna, Jin, Kagura, and Noel, they ran through the carrier without confronting a single soldier. At first, they found it odd, figuring the main force was outside dealing with the two battle fronts. But encountering carcasses along the way, they realized that someone else had already made their way relatively deep into the ship. Jin recognized the sword engraving embedded in the ship: the Imperator.

Kagura put two fingers to his ear as a communication from Kokonoe buzzed in. "How's it looking in there?"

"Empty. Sorry, but it looks like the Imperator beat us here."

Celia swore. "Shit… that's the last thing I wanted to hear."

"How far in are we? Are we close?" Noel asked.

The communicator crackled more, most likely interference from the ship. "You're about halfway there—closing in on the central-lower bay of the eastern corridor. Make a right and a few flights of stairs should lead you to the ships' lowest level. Oh, wait a second, Rachel's coming up behind you." Kokonoe told them and they came to a halt, Rachel flying out from the darkness with the wind propelling her forward.

"Took ya long enough, Rabbit."

"Rachel, what's the situation outside?" Kagura asked.

"Chaotic. Mr. Hero and Valkenhayn have encountered Terumi, Nine is currently engaged in battle with Ahkahana, and Relius Clover has engaged Bang Shishigami. The Imperator has already made her way into the ship as you may have been able to tell arriving here." An odd sound turned them about face. From the alchemic circle that appeared spawned two soldiers. Kagura stepped forward, leaning his blade against his shoulder.

"If we keep stalling for these clowns we'll never make it. You all go on ahead. They aren't so tough without that barrier from last time."

"Try not to die," Ragna said.

Kagura flashed a smirk his way. "Don't worry, I won't get a hole in my stomach. Jinny, Rachel, Noel babe, I'm leaving that idiot in your hands. If he acts up, give him a punch in the face for me."

"I swear to god, you guys'll never let that shit go…" Ragna could beat him down later, the Linchpin and that Benkibaru bastard came first. The four continued along after a good luck, leaving Kagura to contend with the Alchemy warriors. Celia and Kokonoe directed the lot through the ship, taking care of the meagar stragglers lucky enough to be vacant when the Imperator raided them first. In no time they arrived at what seemed to be the bottom-most level, the Imperator stopping ahead hearing the group approach.

"Finally caught up to ya!"

Jin's eyes fell to slits grasping his blade. "Imperator Librarius."

Noel gulped at the gravity heightened presence she gave off, and this… strange sensation that came from her felt familiar to… the Azure.

'Noel, you can feel it too, right? The Azure's power?' Mu wondered.

'Y-yeah…'

"You all were much quicker then I expected. It is nice to see you again, Ragna. You healed well since our last encounter." She flashed him a smile, then her expression schooled. "You shouldn't have come, Ragna."

"My life. I decide what I do and don't, and some bullshit destiny ain't gonna stop me!"

"I suppose it wouldn't. You are as hard-headed as ever… you haven't changed much since back then." The Imperator spoke in a melancholy tone, her brow knitting when Rachel stepped forward, a strong hand gripping her blade. "Rachel Alucard…"

"I see Terumi has forced your hand, Imperator. How pathetic."

"That is the pot calling the kettle black, Rachel Alucard. But I have no intention of sharing a conversation with you." Faster than the eye could see her hand flicked to the right, blade unsheathed, its brilliant silver revealed for eyes to bask. Ragna, Jin, and Noel geared for a fight but were stopped by Rachel.

"You three continue on, I shall handle her myself."

"Like hell!" Ragna protested.

"Just shut up and do as I say. Remember, we only have so little time allotted to us before we reach Sector Seven. I am placing my faith in you, Ragna, and whether this fate of yours is in fact true… I ask you shatter it. Please."

"Rachel…"

"What fate?" Jin queried.

"Nothing to fret over at this moment. You have a job to do, yes?"

Noel shook her head. "But Ms. Rachel, can you really handle this alone!?"

"I will make do. Now do not make me tell you another time. Go," she commanded. Jin was the first to run off with Noel behind, Ragna a bit reluctant, going after them when Rachel smiled. The Imperator didn't attempt to stop the three. Laser-focused on Rachel, her deadly gaze fixated on the vampire, blade out for blood.

"You would allow him to continue knowing death awaits him?"

"Tis not my choice to make, it is his. And if it is true, with every essence of my existence, I will not allow him to die. ...And… you could say I am very… possessive with the few things in this world I hold dear to my heart." Electricity danced through her fingers, her malicious gaze matching the Imperators. "Care to be my dance partner, failed successor?"

Sector Seven ship: Kushinada's Linchpin

Benkibaru marveled the Linchpin, oohing and aahing the contraption kept in such mint condition even after years of abandonment. Clapping footfalls approaching behind him pierced his train of thought, facing Jin, Ragna, and Noel. The large room pulsed with red veins, sigils around the Linchpin which remained chained like how they discovered it back in Wadatsumi. "So you did survive. I grew fearful."

"No thanks to you, you son of a bitch," Ragna bit out.

Benkibaru simpered and looked at the Linchpin. "Don't you think the Linchpin is just a sight to behold—one worthy of the world's gratification? Oh, who am I kidding? You children probably don't even know how this works outside its primary function of arresting seithr usage."

"Someone loves to hear themselves talk," Ragna groaned.

"Why do you attempt to impede our progress when the goal of Sector Seven is a grand one?"

"What do you mean?" Noel asked.

"This world is drowning in seithr. No matter how much seithr we use, it will merely regenerate. The possibility of the world being utterly consumed by this deadly toxin is more than sixty-five percent. Only a select few, such as the beastkin race, can survive in area's dense in seithr. Do you not mourn the loss of the young?"

Jin scoffed at the obvious lie. "Hah, what a joke. Like you care about something like that. If you truly valued the lives of others, you wouldn't have caused the cauldron in Wadatsumi to self-destruct. Enough jokes. What is Sector Seven's goal—and where did you hear of the Linchpin and Alchemy? Relius Clover?"

Benkibaru snickered. "Professor Celia deduced that I assume? And here I thought I could get the entitled on my side—especially you three. Wielder of the Azure Grimoire." Ragna scoffed. "The Power of Order." Jin remained silent. "And the Murakumo unit, Kusanagi, granted the eyes of the Azure." Noel schooled her expression. "Such grand-sounding names when put together. Truly a blessing, is it not?"

"A blessing from you would be more like a curse," Jin cringed.

"What's the point of all this fighting!? What does Sector Seven want so badly!?" Noel demanded to know.

"What we want is simple… a world without magic, without Ars Magus. A world where we, as humans—as people of science—can experiment to our heart's content. But in a world like this, that task is impossible. A world ruled over by the Master Unit." Benkibaru's knowledge of the god elicited several reactions from the trio. His lip split in repugnance. "And to think some high school brats were told the secrets of this world before I—a scientist who spent years searching the boundary for the truth! We live in a world so wretched, so disgusting, that some immature brats try to use the power of god! You just wish to keep all the information and knowledge to yourselves…! A feeble-minded lot such as yourselves could never comprehend the mind of a scientist."

"Don't fuck with me!" Ragna lashed out. "You're telling me your beef with us is that we got chosen and you didn't!? All of this is over some jealousy streak!?"

Jin scorned. "Do you think yourself a god?"

"Don't be ridiculous. I am no god," he adjusted his glasses, "I am a scientist. All of this is what you call... an experiment. It is only fitting to conduct such a grand experiment with the most powerful of tools."

Noel gave him a confused glare. "Experiment?"

Benkibaru smiled darkly. "Yes. I would like to see if the Linchpin can be used as a weapon to completely eradicate the Master Unit."

"Wha!?" she gasped.

"I knew it… you really are a madman," Jin bit.

"Heh heh… with the Master Unit gone, Phenomenon Intervention will cease. And without its pesky observations, we can delve as deep as we want into the boundary."

"Do you have ANY idea what'll happen once the Master Unit is destroyed!? Without that thing's observation, the entire world will vanish!"

"And you don't think I am not aware of that fact?" His nonchalance roused surprised from the trio. "I think you are a little misinformed though, Ragna. Yes, observation is needed for this world to thrive, but the Master Unit isn't the sole observer. All that is required is an observer powerful enough to acknowledge the existence of 'humanity'."

"Don't tell me you intend to fill the vacant space. What drivel…" Jin shook his head in belittlement. "You should know your place stepping into a realm you are not supposed to. Tread carefully or you may lose your life… not that you were going to leave this room alive anyway."

"Strong words from the arbiter of order. You will only get so far trying to instill fear within my heart. I have sacrificed thousands to the Azure already. My heart has long since blackened."

Noel's heart sunk upon realization. "All those soldiers in Wadatsumi… those fighting…! Tsubaki too! Don't tell me you—!?"

"The soul of the Yayoi was a bit of a surprise and I happened to be in the area. She was a vital piece… such a strong soul and one gratefully appreciated. Once Phenomenon Intervention has ceased, humanity will be as it should… one governed by science and driven to explore their endless curiosities. And so begins the jubilee... A utopia crafted by humans for humans."

Ragna harangued. "Bullshit! You're just forcing your desires on others! What kind of person would be happy living in a fucked up world like that!? People wouldn't even be people anymore—just dolls for you to toy around with!"

"I do not desire a human world. I 'dream' of a world of science." He lifted his hands to the heavens as if beholding something. "I wish for a world in which I can continue my work for eternity—the endless knowledge of the boundary at my fingertips! To delve into the deepest depths of creations—into the very strings that tie our world and existence together! Operation Purification delivers a world of paradise and I will see it through until the end until the world I yearn for is built and this one is eradicated. Purification is what I seek. This will be our magnum opus."

"Self-righteousness has its limits... and you've gone way too far...!"

"...For such a reason, you used Tsubaki's soul? For such a sick… feeble dream?" Jin gained the attention of all three of them, his presence growing exponentially. Frost billowed up from his feet, hair and clothes fluttering. Yukianesa appeared in his hand. "I care little about your intentions. But you dare defame Tsubaki's soul with such petty reasoning…!?" A powerful blizzard erupting from its sheath when he drew his blade, his merciless eyes shining, his drive activated. "You are an evil that must be eliminated… and for daring to tarnish the soul of Tsubaki Yayoi, I will grant you no mercy."

'...Noel, please, let me handle this.' Mu implored. Noel nodded and handed over control to Mu, evident when she opened her eyes and revealed azure. With a burst of power she equipped her armor, eyes filled with rage. "For what you did to Tsubaki and my sister, you'll face true despair!"

"Guess story times' over, eh? About damn time. Started to get real sick of this guy's yapping." Ragna unlatched his blade from his waist, holding it out with two hands. "Hope you prepared yourself, asshole. I still owe you for Wadatsumi, and it's about time I cash in on my new nickname," his eyes glowed now like Jin's, "time to end this."

"End?" A maniacal snicker accentuated the ominous miasma oozing from Benkibaru as he removed his glasses. "This… is just the beginning…!" His voice turned bestial as his body buffed up, ripping through his lab coat and stretching his pants to its fullest, tearing through his shoes. The seals told by Rachel appeared on his body as odd markings, very different from the runes on a magic circle, but that was to be expected. His eyes glowed a devilish red, irises shrouded by the light. Fingers and toes now claws, teeth fangs. By the completion of his transformation, they couldn't even tell this man was once human having taken on a form similar to that of a demon. Not that it mattered what form he took. They were going to end this battle one way or another.

Next Chapter 35: Day of Destiny

That brings this chapter to a close and a chaotic one at that. I'm trying out a new writing style after observing Sonder (my wonderful beta who helps me just like with chapter here, so thanks Sonder!). I know how boring blocks of text could be, especially info dumping, and found it more entertaining for the characters to tell it through expositional dialogue. Sorry this took so long. I wanted to try and edit chapters but that was taking way too long, so I settled for making an AO3 account and post my edited work there. Be sure the next one will come much sooner than this. Read and review to your heart's content.