[Ragna]

Ragna The Bloodedge’s eyes flickered open, the sunlight creeping through the trees had awoken him, he groaned as he propped himself up to a sitting position. He raised a hand up to his mouth and yawned, he looked towards his companion, Taokaka who was still asleep. With her incredibly loud snoring, Ragna was surprised he had even managed to sleep at all as he listened to her.

Although it was most likely earlier then Taokaka would have liked, they needed to get moving. The two had been travelling for several days and their destination Ikaruga was close, if they got moving, they could reach there by the evening. Ragna got to his feet and walked over to Taokaka, he prodded her with his foot, not too gently as it took quite some effort to get her up sometimes.

“Hey Tao” he called to her, prodding her a few more times “come on get up, time to go”


[Tager] – [Nox]

The girls Noel Vermillion and Makoto Nanaya were sleeping peacefully while the Red Devil, Iron Tager was guarding the area. Tager was resting his fuel cells but remained alert to the surroundings. Ever vigilant to see his missions through; he would make sure that Noel made it to Ikaruga safely.

The noise of nearby bushes rustling caught Tager’s attention, perhaps some sort of animal? No, Tager’s sensors told him it was two people and he felt something familiar about their presence.

“Who’s there?” he called as he rose his arms into a fighting stance “show yourselves!”

From the bushes, two figures emerged. One was a young man with spiky brown hair and deep blue eyes and on his right arm was some kind of gadget that spiralled up the entire length of his right arm, ending in a switch on his shoulder. Tager recognised this gadget and the man immediately and Tager also recognised the second person as the werewolf Nathan, who was also with sector seven.

“Oh it’s you two” he said, lowering his aggressive stance “ah; I remember Kokonoe mentioned she’d be sending some help”

“Yeah” said Nox “ ….think Kokonoe wanted to send along a little platoon but I managed to convince her we’d be enough and well, I haven’t seen Noel since I faked my death to get out of the NOL so….she still thinks I’m dead”

“Do you think she’ll take the shock the same way Makoto did?” Tager asked.

“Ah…..well I sure hope not, I still have the bruises from that” said Nox

Tager and Nathan chuckled as he recalled the events, “She is quite spirited” he said.

“Well….no use prolonging the inevitable” said Nox “better wake them up”

Tager nodded, he stood up and walked over to where Makoto and Noel were sleeping.

“Noel, Makoto” he said, raising his voice slightly so it would be enough to wake them “time to wake up, we have some new arrivals”

[Arakune]

“GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUARGH!”

A horrible screech of pain was heard as Arakune once again attempted to attack the side of the glass cage he was trapped in with one of his talon like claws. As had happened on every other attempt; his body was zapped by electricity he collapsed down to the floor, the pain was gone quickly, it was clear it was a clever trap. It had been devised to cause incredible pain without causing any lasting effects on the victim, so that they didn’t end up dying no matter how many times they tried to break out. They clearly needed Arakune alive but the question was, for what?

“.His p… is ..rk . mus. fin. .zure ..st .ind ligh.” He muttered. He couldn’t even make out the surrounding room; it was pitch black outside his glassy prison and his black mass retreated to the center of the cage and he simply lay there, defeated for now.


[Jubei]

Jubei and Jin had already been up for several hours, at the moment Jubei was rushing ahead, expecting Jin to keep up with him. Jubei sprinted through the forest; his destination was a clearing he knew of. He had not told Jin this or his plans for what they would do once they got there.

“Hey!” he called back to Jin “what’s the matter? Can’t ya keep up with an old man?” he added with a grin.


[Valkenhayn]

Inside of the Alucard Manor, all was still except for the old butler, Valkenhayn R Hellsing. He was preparing a grand breakfast for Rachel, who would be awaking soon. Valkenhayn wanted to make sure her breakfast was ready by then, so he carried on working vigorously as he now started to prepare some tea.

[Tazuka]

It had only been a few days since the Imperator had released Tazuka from his prison in the boundary; he had spent most of these days secluded away from the others, locking himself away with his thoughts. It was likely he would be called upon soon but Tazuka only cared for meeting Rachel again and finishing what he started, once and for all….

_________________

[Litchi]

Litchi lay awake after yet another sleepless night. A deep, sickening feeling had kept her up everyday since the day she joined the NOL. Groggy, yet still capable, Litchi stood, letting out a long sigh.

After a few seconds of fighting the heavy eyelids, Litchi decided to pass the time with a book until she was given her orders.

[Platinum]

"Ugggghhhhhhhhhh" let out an obviously agitated Luna, which warranted a snappy "Sh!" in response from Sena.

Commeee oooonnnn Sena, you can't tell Luna this isn't the most boring thing we've ever done in our life, she thought to the two.

Master's orders, Luna, he responded.

You always say that. Master this, master that, when are you going to shut the hell up about this beloved 'master'?

L-Luna... it's not like that...

Hmph! was all she thought in response.

With that done, Sena and Luna both continued to sit quietly in their little hiding place, waiting for Ragna to get a move on.

_________________

[Jin Kisaragi]

"Damn cat! Until when will you cease that mocking!!" Jin yelled angrily. He did agree to train with Jubei. But all these days it seemed that all he received was just mocking, though either he really couldn't keep up. But all he could do was run and chase the cat... who's too far. Of course, his body was petite, and Jin was of normal human size. He could've tried using a faster method, like that technique 'Musou Senshouzan', but he'd rather not waste any power for that, Jubei must've been preparing something.

They did reach a clearing inside the woods. If it wasn't for the fact that Jubei was there, Jin would've clearly appreciated the serene nature there. But no. Jubei was there, and his sword ready. This could only mean one thing. Yet another sparring session.

"You really do like sparring with a tired man, don't you."

He sighed, wondering that until when will he finally be able to catch up with his dear brother Ragna. There were a lot in his mind. Tsubaki's decision, Noel's existence. And of course the fact that he couldn't beat Jubei or make any progress in training. Despite so, he moved on, drawing his Yukianesa along the way.

[Relius Clover - Phantom]

Relius Clover, always a busy man. Of course, perfection required a really tight schedule. He was walking through the hallway when he met an unusual sight. Phantom... the dark wizard, now no longer wearing the cloak she used to to conceal herself, and instead reveals the appearance of who her body used to belong to... one of the Six Heroes Nine. "Hm? Interesting. So even you can get bored with that appearance."

"Is there something you need?" Phantom spoke. It was one of the rare instances that she spoke. She was strictly forbidden to speak with her lung while conversing with someone else... except Hazama, Relius and the Imperator.

"So long as you understand your position and the consequences of betrayal... I suppose you'll do just fine." Relius noted. "I'm paying someone a visit. But when I return, I'd like to have an audience with Litchi Faye-Ling, since it should be about time I try to inquire her research as the head of the Research Development of NOL."

"Don't you have your own legs and mouth? You can do--" Phantom's words were interrupted with an electrical shock running through her body. She collapsed to her knees as a result.

"And I just told you before. Any insubordinates will receive instant punishment." Relius said confidently, "Isn't that what was decreed by Hazama?" Phantom was silent. She knew any wrong words and this would be what happened. "Just do your job."

As both walked separate ways, Phantom wasted no words but to head to where the new researcher they just recruited came in. She didn't care how she came here, she's got her orders. Opening the door to the quarters and seeing the buxom doctor just reading books, she made her look behind to see Phantom and used telepathy to communicate.

"Follow me to the office of Relius Clover. Now."

----

Meanwhile, Relius went to the underground lab from the base, accessible throughout the hallway and went through the main room. Pulling some switch he met up his old friend, now in pitiable state, Lotte Carmine, otherwise known as Arakune.

"Hello, 'Roy'." Relius greeted, "You look... pitiful. Guess this does happen when you let yourself consumed with inferiority complex. Especially when one is pathetic like yourself. You dreamed too high, trying to surpass Kokonoe or even me... and here you are."

[Kazuya Kisaragi]

The vigilante office of NOL main base. Everyday, vigilantes come and by and bringing forth criminals they captured. Sentencing which prison they go or whatever punishment they got was the job of Kazuya. It wasn't really that big, but he's doing it for the pride of his family. A pride tarnished by the betrayal of Jin Kisaragi.

"So... what's his crimes?" Kazuya asked a vigilante as the vigilante brought a fat man in chains.

"He's responsible for raiding and ruining an NOL office located at Kagutsuchi, sir!" The vigilante answered, "Saying that the tyrannical role of NOL is over or sorts!"

"Ugh, not this again." Kazuya slapped his forehead in annoyance. These days, criminals of 'attempting mutiny against NOL' has the highest rate of being surrendered to him. What the hell was wrong with NOL that they attracted this kind of crime. He then got up and approached the crime, "Hey, you. So you really don't like a world with NOL, huh? You really want a chaotic world that is so bad? Well... NOL has a special place for you." He turned to the two NOL soldiers behind him, "This guy goes to... Prison of Yomi."

The Prison of Yomi. It was a place special in NOL where the guards, while following orders from NOL, made it sure that the prison looked as if it was made without order. Chaos and staged corruption were running amok, it was made to make people who defy NOL know what it's like to be in a world without NOL. It was so bad that everyone knows being imprisoned there means instant execution. Death rate was near 100%. The criminal was screaming in terror that he's to be sent there as the soldiers dragged him.

"Here's your reward. Keep up the good work." Kazuya said as he handed the vigilante a bag of money. As the vigilante left, Kazuya sat back to his seat and yelled, "Next!"

This life... may shortly change.

[Han Xing-Long]

"WHAA!!" A jolt of from a nightmare woke the hunchback doctor is. He was having a rather continuous nightmare... of his dead wife. Dead during the experiments of the Four Gods Ars Magus. Only he survived and now he's carrying the backpack-spear package Seiryuu.

Okay, so... that's the how many times I had that dream again? Han thought, this wasn't the first time he had that dream. Ever since the disappearance of the beloved doctor of Orient Town and the death of his sister. Okay, I shouldn't be this down. I guess doing some of my old activities will do better for me. Han got up and walked forward. He's heading for Ikaruga, for some reason. He had hoped that he'd meet Litchi and tell her where she's needed... and drag her there if he has to.

But of course his journey was interrupted when he saw a strange entourage. A giant red man, a spiky haired boy, a wolf man, and two girls, one looking like human, one squirrel beastkin... of course the girls were his only focus as he hid behind a nearby trees.

Speak of the devil... and here I was thinking oogling girls would be one thing to forget all those, and they appear! The blonde girl looks cute. Flat chested, but got some charms in her...

_________________
Don't wanna sound like a hypocrite. Sig will be as gloomy as me.
Though...
http://tiny.cc/uw386

[Taokaka]

Taokaka was off in dreamland. A dreamland filled with, of course, meat buns, fish, all sort of tasty things Tao liked. She was holding a rather delicious-looking meat bun. "Tao is going to eat you, mister meat bun!"

Then she was filled with confusion as it spoke to her, "Come on get up, time to go!" She ignored it, however, and bit down on it...

Only to wake up and realize it was Ragna's foot she bit into.

[Saya]

Only a short while ago, Saya had done it.

She had destroyed the Amaterasu Unit.

Now the world was one she craved; a world of Death. Laughing for a split second, her ruby eyes gazed around the room. Pondering what she was to do next, she waited for others to report on where the traitors were.

[Nu-13]

"Ragna..." She groaned. Her body was almost recovered, but she was in pain. The robot cried, feeling the heat of the magma-like substance surrounding her. Her memories were slowly being torn from her mind, even as she tried to fight it.

"Ragna... no... I can't... I won't forget you..." Nu began crying.

_________________

[Reign]

Death. Destruction. Rage. This has always been Reign's life.

Alarms rose in a large complex as a subject escaped the 3rd Laboratory. The experimental ward. Slowly walking away from a torn apart wall was a man, whos corrupted heart and mind has become primal, and filled with thoughts of fury.

Turning a corner and breaking into a sprint, Reign focused on escape. He reached an open area, and a bright light hung over him, with a multitude of humans standing with weapons ready to fight.

"Ars Magus!!!"

Reign screamed, dashing forward straight into swords, spears, and various other magical weapons. He reached one poor soul, clasping his hand around the soldiers skull. Making a light squeeze, there was an explosion of blood as the torso fell to the floor.

Another soldier attempted to slash him with his blade, and a plethora of pitch black arms reached forth from the hole in his chest, piercing the soldier everywhere. Before he even dropped his weapon, the arms split him apart, sending flesh and organs around the room.

Continuing on like this, decimating the entire lab's troops, Reign was indulging in the destruction and sadistic massacring of these soldiers.

Finally, one man stabbed Reign. A young boy, probably a fresh soldier, had pierced his stomach. Taking a long and empty gaze into the face of the soldier, perhaps seeing something of his lost humanity, he helped the sword even deeper in. However, this still could not stop the beast. Once the sword was completely inside him, he screamed in sadness of his undying state.

The arms reached out from his chest, encasing the boy, and pulling him in. Anguished yelps and crying from the boy would go unanswered, as he was dragged into the abyss, disappearing from this world.

After each soldier was destroyed, he consumed their armagus for its power, and then ran into the forest. His destination was the area with a strong armagus concentration. The NOL Base at Ikaruga.

He crawled through the dark alleys, and reached a high point, on a high building. He sensed a being of strong magic ability. One who owned an armagus of great strength. The scent of the armagus was similiar to the sea. There were many other people inside, but he no longer cared. He had to gain more power.

Crashing through the roof of the building, he saw his prey, (Kazuya Kisaragi). Deep blue hair, a stern expression. As others screamed and ran away, he was the only one left, along with a handful of fresh blood soldiers. Immediately, Reign slashed through each one of them with the projections of his chest, spraying blood against the walls and leaving only his prey uninjured to fight against. He returned the projections, and awaited a response from his opponent.

_________________

[Yuri]
Yuri slowly opened her eyes awoke once more, roused by the bright, piercing light of the morning sun which illuminated the dull, barren landscape of the earth's surface. To think, one day this place must have been beautiful...

Stretching her muscles, brushing her soft white hair out of her eyes and rising to her feet, Yuri called out, "Bang? If you're not awake, it's about time we get moving again. Ikaruga shouldn't be much further, right?"

Ikaruga... Her long-lost home. She still wondered how she would react, traversing her destroyed home country, but she knew she should be able to handle it. More pressing, Yuri wondered how Makoto was doing. She was curious about Noel as well, but thanks to Bang, she was well aware that Noel seems to be just fine. Of course, Makoto most likely must be just fine, but it had been too long since Yuri had gotten to see her.

However, brushing those thoughts to the side, she began some quick exercises while waiting on Bang.


[Noel]
Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, Noel grumbled and yawned, sad as always to leave behind her dreams of having a chest more like Makoto's or Miss Litchi's...

"Ah~, good morning, Mister Tager... I, um... Wait..." She meekly wiped away her dribble and squinted in the direction of the other, unexpected figure near Tager.

"W-what? But, it can't be...!"

---Makoto Nanaya---

Zzz, Zzz, Zzz; that was the peaceful and abundant sound which slipped from her lips while she contently remained in that calm slumber. Quiet and happy; well, at least the `happy` part was true - the quiet could be...somewhat off as she twitched and wriggled about. "Sooo - sooo - sooo~ Wooo~"

Twitch. Twitch. Twitch.

And where, one might ask, did Makoto's wandering hands go? Why wrapped up tight around Noel, of course. An amusingly `dumb` grin spread along her lips as she squeezed the girl to her like some sort of living `plush toy`. Poor Noel. Poor, Poor Noel. Thankfully Makoto wasn't consciously aware of what she's doing, but one might have to question whether or not anything would have changed were she awake.

No, most likely not; but, for the sake of humor let's find out. As she was `called upon`, she rolled over sleepily and rested her head on Noel's chest. "Nnnyaaa~" Yaawwwwwwwwn~ Blink. Blink. "Myyuuhh wha duh, fuh whoo?" Sleepy Makoto was sleepy.

---Nathanael Lionheart---

"A broken body mends faster than a broken heart," he reminded while taking a moment to observe the `display` taking place nearby, the odd rolling and `flopping` about from the two women which couldn't be conidered `natural` by any measure of the word. But, none the less, "You should use caution, I suspect that one would accidentally clock you for rousing her too early."

Though, it seemed, the beast-like was not about to simply awaken as instructed; but, rather than strike out at the would `wakers` she instead seemed to be contorting around Noel.

Amusing. Very amusing.

---Cathrine "Flak" Johnson---

Life certainly was an interesting affair; you had your ups, and your downs. But at the moment she was idling, quite contently at that, somewhere between the two - nothing too extreme on either side of the specturm, which was nice for a woman whose life had more or less been filled with a lot of either.

She leaned back in her seat, feet up on the table. She sighed softly, shoulders squaring off and giving a gentle roll as she watched the monitors of her underlings; the room was a broadly spaced one which was the primary hub for computer control and tech-maintainance.

Just another day at the office. Not too bad.

---Rachel Alucard---

The `Princess` of the estate, having just roused from her slumber the head of the Alucard family descended the stairs tier by tier. She was in no particular hurry this morning, so upon entering the dinning hall it was with a sense of calm and poise to match her usually coy expression; her familiars were obediently - or foolishly -awaiting her arrival, she sat atop her `beloved` cat, who having transformed into a chair was graced with he sitting atop him. "What has been prepared? Yes. Yes. Most excellent, as usual. Thank you."

_________________
~We are all but slaves to Fate, Kings and Desperate men. Only those not shackled by destiny can carve out their own future~

[Carl]

A new day had awoken. A small blond child woke up to witness dawn commence as light shined through the trees, one of which he slept against. He yawned and stretched his arms, feeling a new sense of refreshment. He then gestured towards his mechanical sister. "Aah, I haven't slept that well in ages! How about you, Sis?"

"..."

By all means, Carl Clover should not have slept as peacefully as he did. After all, he recently learned that his mother had been turned into an automaton by his villainous father, in much the same way as his sister had. Carl has not restored them to life as of yet, much to his dismay.

However, not all was lost for the boy. He recently regained his trust in adults after his traumatic experiences with his father, with a little bit of help. His times spent with the fun-loving ninja Bang, and the nurturing doctor Litchi had lifted his mood considerably. He fondly remembered and even dreamed about the hug the Litchi gave him the other day. It was much like the way his sister embraced him when he was young, and that fact alone gave him the comfort to sleep well during the nights he needed it most.

"Are you ready, Sis?" Carl asked, to which his robotic companion nodded in response.

"Well, I guess it's time for us to continue to Ikaruga! "We need to find Ragna the Bloodedge...and that 'Kokonoe' woman too!"

"..."

"Yes Ada, you're right. Don't worry, I'll remember to enjoy the little things in life too. These woods are really pretty, and I hope we get to walk around areas like this more often!"

After a few minutes, Carl and Ada continued marching on to Ikaruga that morning, with a warm, refreshed smile as they continued their journey.


Author's note: I hope I'm not borrowing too much from Carl's story mode in CT too much. I plan to make Carl's story go in a much different direction from here.

[Yuki 'Hazama' Terumi]

"Hey, now, teasing the failures is my job! Eheheheh!" Hazama was leaning against the doorway leading to the holding chamber of the miniature black beast. Hazama tilted his hat back slightly walking further in and coming to the small chamber holding the blob of black. He drew one of his knives and tapped on the edge of it with the blade. If to just annoy the little pile of shit.

"Hey, Relius, do we have to worry about feeding this little pool of waste or can it just eat its own shit?" Hazama went on snickering a bit, talking rhetorically. He would then straighten himself back, up, and adjust his collar a bit. He smiled wonderfully to himself...so much had gone right, and gone so well, how could he not grin.

"Anyway, the reason I came here was to ask how the 13th subject was doing? She awake, yet?" Hazama would then lean his elbow against the chamber holding Arakune, his hand on his head, tilting his fedora once more. The chamber would only shock things within it and not outside of it, thankfully. Not only that, though, Hazama felt delighted in the thought that that thing was writhing around in frustrated anguish. Hazama was so close, and yet so far...no food for you, you little oil stain.

[Haku-men]

"Terumi...Grimakin...the Vampire...and the Beast..."

Haku-men stood atop a cliffside, having found a canyon on the path to Ikaruga. There, perhaps, he could find something that would lead him to what was left of Amaterasu. The child could not have so easily destroyed something that which is so powerful. It was not likely for those clueless scientists to be so careless as well. No doubt there was something left he could attain and help restore order to this world.

On his way, Haku-men had stopped here to think on recent events and decide on how to deal with the said individuals. Terumi and the Beast had to be destroyed, there was no question to that. However, Terumi would be first, and the Beast would have to wait. Haku-men didn't exactly need, the Beast's help, but nor could he deny that perhaps Terumi has become so powerful that maybe, just maybe, Haku-men would require some sort of assistance, as much as he loathed the idea.

"But make no mistake, Ragna the Bloodedge, once I have eliminated Terumi, you too will feel the wrath of my justice...Hmph..." Turning away now from the canyon, Haku-men walked once again on the dirt path that followed the canyon, his Ookami occasionally dragged along the ground, touching down for a moment, then coming back up.

And as he walked, Haku-men reminded himself of what he saw within the Grimakin's lab. Those nuclear weapons had to be destroyed somehow. Perhaps the Grimalkin would not need to be destroyed, despite all of the trouble she has caused him, but should she pursue in this armament of nuclear weapons, she would need to be stopped one way or the other. The world had no need for such weapons. They caused only death and destruction, and even the Black Beast, in its death, left something the world could benefit from, but these weapons would have no such benefits. They simply couldn't exist...so once Terumi and the Beast were dealt with...perhaps Haku-men would pay the cat a visit as well...

[Bang Shishigami]

Quicker than the wind.

As still as a forest.

Hotter than flame.

And more magnificent than a mountain.

Bang Shishigami, the defender, the guardian, and hero of love, justice, all else that is right with the world. He. The Burning Lightening of Justice. The extinguisher of evil! Bang Shishigami! Was on yet another important quest. He left Kagutsuchi in the hands of his trusty and always loyal subordinates. He trained them well, and their passion for love and justice was unrivaled compared to Bang's own passion. Kagutsuchi was in good hands, despite the ninja's absence.

But there were simply more important things that Bang himself had to tend to. Two mysteries had to be solved and solved quickly. So he left, his friends, his students...and for the time being his love, Ms. Litchi.

"Wait for me, Ms. Litchi! I will return to you in no time at all, My Love!"

His trained feet worked through the forest the ninja decided to traverse, his body dodging and jumping in fierce disciple, going from branch to branch. He, ducked, leaped, and landed with the grace that only one trained by Lord Tenjo could truly execute.

"My Lord...I shall solve this mystery, I have spared Jin Kisaragi, and obeyed your rightous teachings! Oh what a fool I was to think I could break your laws and kill him! He was not my enemy at all, or so Ms. Trinity has said! No...my enemy is with the NOL, and here, in my home land that they destroyed with their evil hands, shall I find the answers I seek...and there, perhaps, I shall find your son, my Lord. And I shall protect him, like how I could not you! I swear on my life, Lord Tenjo!!!"

The ninja landed with continued grace at the end of this long stretch of trees. His large fiery eyes looked on to see a stretch of...nothing. Just land as far as the eye could see. At least it was pleasantly green. No matter, this would only assist Bang in getting to his destination all the quicker!

"Watch over me, Lord! To my home...our home! Our lost home, I go...TO IKARUGA!"

Bang's feet went again, working with a blur of swiftness. His crimson scarf kicked up from the speed he worked. Bang would not rest, not until he reached his former home. And so the ninja ran. To Ikaruga.

He ran...

He ran still...

He ran and still this land would not cease.

"I get the strange feeling, I've been here before...or perhaps have never left here at all..."

The ground began to shake.

"Wha-?"

"Bang Shishigami!"

A thunderous roar echoed as the ground began to shake, crack, and split. From the depths of seemingly hell, as the sky turned a deep red, as dark clouds gathered, a figure rose. Dark, looming, eyes like snakes. But...no...it was not that strange man he saw once before! The man with green hair and a hat...it was...Ms. Litchi?!

"Bang!" She yelled, the ground shaking again.

"Wha....Miss...Miss Litchi, I-"

"Do not talk you pathetic, worm. Why are you always bothering me, always trying to claim eternal love for me! I have no love, only for evil and wrongdoing!"

"No! What?! Ms. Litchi, say it isn't so! Oh please! I beg you, do not become what I must destroy!"

"Become? I've always been evil, Bang! You were just too stupid to see it! Mwahahahahaha!"

Bang fell to his knees, tears in his eyes, his hands to his head.

"No, no, no, no, no, no! It cannot be! Ms. Litchi! No!"

"Wake up, Bang, see just who I really am! Wake up! WAKE UP!"

"Bang..."

"Ah!" Bang sat up with a start, his face covered in sweat...or was it tears. A dream...just a...terrible dream. But it felt so...ominous...

"Hnng...eh...oh...yes. We're close." Bang agreed, as he pressed a hand against the ground. The ground was cracked, not unlike his dream, but it was because of a dry spell, not because of some demon lover rising from the underworld to torment Bang. No, it...was just a sad scene...that was all. With a heavy sigh, Bang stood finally, his arms crossed as he looked off to the distance. There he could see the castle of his Lord Tenjo...or rather what was left of it. It was simply a giant pile of burnt wood and ash by now. Perhaps so brittle that if he were to just so gently touch it, it would all collapse, being the final beacon of hope for Ikaruga to fall...

And yet it stood, and no doubt would continue to stand. Or so Bang hoped...Turning away from the building now, Bang looked to Yuri, a kin of his. He felt a sting of pride to know that she so willing wanted to come with Bang and travel to Ikaruga...perhaps to help avenge it...or to at least bring justice to the injustice ways of the NOL, be it in vengeance or not. She made a good disciple, that was for sure (whether she knew it or not).

"Ah, training before breakfast, such passion! You make your master proud, Yuri! Wahahahah!" Bang laughed proudly as he stood, his hands at his hips. "But, we mustn't waste time! Off we go, Ms. Yuri! TO IKARUGA!" Laughing proudly again, despite the baren landscape the terrible nightmare, Bang turned back to the castle that could be seen in the very far distance, surrounded by equally black rubble, and once again...he ran.

_________________

[NANAMI KANNAZUKI]

No matter where she looked, nothing looks familiar anymore.

"......a-ara? "

It's not the same, at least she thinks it's not the same. It's not like Nanami disobeyed Qiang and didn't stay where she was supposed to be while he and Yun went to Kagutsuchi to buy supplies (after all, they're aware of Nana being a wanted criminal, they wouldn't want to take the risk of bringing her there, despite her protests). But disobey wasn't exactly the right word; it was more like Nanami completely forgot about it.

"Maybe I shouldn't have followed it"

As much as she wanted to deny it, she couldn't resist it. One moment, she was lying under a tree, and the next moment, she started running after a creature that she had never seen before, only in textbooks. Only an hour later had she realized that she had strayed far, far away from where she was, and now she was completely, hopelessly lost

"What do I do?" She wailed, slumping down on the grass after realizing her current situation. She can't remember how she got here, or how will she be able to get back, now there was no way she could meet back with her companions, and she's probably lost for good, and Qiang was not a person to piss off.

She dreaded the moment when Qiang realizes what happened to her.

But she was determined to find her way back "After all, Qiang-san told me I should use my head more!" She said. Standing up, she decides to look around once more and see if there was a way to help her find back. Suddenly, she thought of an idea; she could find someplace high and locate where she was with hopes to get back before the couple does. With that in mind, she decided it was best if she climbed up a tree to survey her surroundings.

Going up to the tallest tree she can find, she begins slowly climbing up, careful not to step on branches that don't look like they can handle the weight of her body. At last, she managed to reach the top. She surveyed her surroundings, though dismayed to realize that she was really quite some distance from kagutsuchi, but glad that she was still somehow able to find it. She was just about to make her way down..

"Wha-- aaaayiaa!"

Until the branch she was standing on decided to give way ,sending Nanami straight to the ground.

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