Slay the Persecution II

-Same Day-

Time: 11:30 A.M.

As the sun rose ever higher into the azure sky, Team AKARA traveled south to an area that was about 155 miles (approximately 250 km.) north of the Capital. Where they arrived was a place that was isolated in the forests leading up into a mountainous area. Hidden among the wilderness was an old concrete structure that was glossed over with plant growth with a large gaping hole on one side where a window was located. The surrounding area was altered in landscape with several craters scattered about as well as skeletal remains lying around. In the distance, a massive skeleton belonging to a large danger beast loomed by as well. This place was the location of the first base Night Raid occupied when Raizo initially joined before Dr. Stylish attacked. The remains were proof of that great battle that occurred here.

As the five individuals walked along into the area observing their environment, the Stormbringer kept his eyes forward while memories of his time here flashed in his mind. The faces of all of his former comrades from Night Raid still felt vivid as he saw their smiling expressions. When he came before the stone castle, he stopped and looked over the surface of the structure examining how much it has fallen into a state of disarray.

"Home, sweet home," the youth spoke softly. The rest of his family lines up to his left and right beholding the same sight that filled his eyes as some of them have a moment of nostalgia.

"This really does bring back some memories," Akame spoke while folding her arms.

"Agreed," Kimiko added.

"Hate to break up the sentimental atmosphere but what the hell happened to that wall?" Adena asked abruptly. At that point, all eyes turned to Raizo for an answer. The youth shifted his feet in place while scratching his cheek while he recalled the cause of that.

"That was my fault because I…well I went berserk. It was the night that Dr. Stylish attacked…it's amazing how much time has passed since then."

"So that form you took when you fought against me and the other Sapphire Phoenix members wasn't the first time?" Adena asked the boy curiously.

"Not exactly because that form was…it felt different actually. When I went berserk during this event, I didn't know the extent of my teigu's abilities nor even unlocked my trump card. But even so, I managed to beat down that insane doctor. The giant skeleton behind us is his remains. Even though I was a different kind of person during that time, this place still made me feel at home."

"Well if you miss it so bad, why don't I just fix it all up for ya so it can be home for ya again?" Akaro spoke patting his little brother on the back. The man steps forward and cracks his knuckles then with a quick snap of the fingers…

"Omnifiction."

The entire area is enveloped in a blink of light. As the sudden flare quickly fades, the bodies are all gone, the landscape is restored and the massive stone castle is fixed as if it was just finished being constructed for use. Akaro pats his hands satisfied with the sight.

"And it's super effective," the Red-Eyed Hero boasts with pride.

"You just had to be a show off," Akame criticized shaking her head. Kimiko merely let out a sigh but the older male merely shrugged his shoulders.

"Well that happened," Adena gasped blinking in surprise over the massive change that had just occurred. The redhead was still one to be amazed by the feats of this family. As for the Stormbringer, the sight in his eyes gave him a sudden warm feeling as he cast his sight downward.

"Thank you, Aniki. It feels good to have a home again," Raizo spoke. His big brother patted him on his head with a smile.

"Of course lil' bro. Why don't you head inside and check it out?" he suggested. Nodding, Raizo goes ahead to walk inside the freshly reconstructed compound. Adena was about to follow suit but she felt a tug on her clothing from behind. When she looked back, she saw Kimiko being the one who tugged on her. Akaro and Akame motioned her to stay there with them for a moment.

"What's wrong?" she asked. The trio of red-eyed individuals looked to each other then back at her before speaking simultaneously.

"""Family talk, right now."""

"Er…okay," the fiery girl responded unsure what was about to be discussed but she hasn't really had the opportunity to just talk with the group like this so she was intrigued.

"So, have you been talking to Raizo?" Akame asked folding her arms with a raised eyebrow.

"About what?" Adena responded unsure of the woman's meaning.

"Your feelings…your true feelings," the black haired woman emphasized. At that moment, Adena hesitated to respond. She felt that conflict within her heart in regards to her situation with the boy. After all, she felt like what she said to him before he left was enough so she wasn't going to pursue it any further but now the redheaded beauty was put in the spotlight.

"Well I did express myself to the best of my ability. Hell, I even told him that I basically loved him beyond all reasonable doubt; however, I'm not going to be desperate about it nor try and force him into something with me. I saw how I was in that alternate timeline and…that's not the person I want to be. I want to give him space and time to think," she explained.

"Heh, look at that; she's trying her best to take it slow unlike the last one," Akaro smirks nodding his head slowly in approval. Adena turned to him raising an eyebrow while Akame and Kimiko also nodded yielding their agreement.

"Come again? What does that mean Big Bro?" she inquired.

"Do you know Leone?" the hero asked. The fiery warrior placed a finger on her chin trying to ponder exactly who that person was. She knew the name but could not place a face.

"She had blonde hair, big tits and lightly tanned skin," Akame described trying to make the picture clearer.

"She also has an overbearing attitude and is unnecessarily promiscuous trying to be the big sister type," Kimiko added in an unimpressed tone.

"If none of those help, she's the furry of Night Raid," Akaro said trying not to laugh over his own words. Adena then clapped her hands together.

"Oh yeah, now I remember! I beat her ass once…pretty damn funny if you ask me," the girl boasted shamelessly.

"Yeah, you know that was Raizo's ex…well I don't really wanna call her 'girlfriend' but…meh details. But you know that she and Raizo had a thing right?" Akaro stated.

"Really? I mean I didn't really think about it too much and I didn't want to insult his standards but…"

"Heh heh, my bestie is savage. I approve."

"See? This is why she's the best girl," Kimiko complimented. Adena then puts her hands on her hips and chuckles in a boasting fashion but that laughter was cut short by the swordswoman.

"So it's been…how long since the Pandora War?" Akame tried to recall.

"It's November 11th right?" questioned the Red-Eyed Hero.

"So about three weeks," Kimiko swiftly calculated.

"Given that information…Adena, has Raizo sulked over Leone?" the legendary assassin asked getting back to the topic at hand.

"Not really. If anything, Raizo has been more upset by the entire Shatterpoint scenario and has not really given any thought to anything else," the redhead answers. Akaro sighs in relief.

"Whew, so he really is over her," he said.

"It's not like they were in a legitimately relationship anyways. After all, she pressured the boy into dealing with her by forcing herself on him. They haven't been on any dates at all; more than likely, she's just been having sex with him whenever it was convenient for her," Kimiko criticized in disgust thinking of the woman at hand.

"Damn," Akame calmly remarked.

"What? She's dead in our universe so not like she matters," the girl spoke with a deadpan expression.

"Anyways, before we wind up incinerating nature with all the savage burns around here…no pun intended Adena," stated Akaro still trying to contain his need to laugh over the brutal honesty going on.

"Ha, I see what you did there," Adena chuckled.

"She gets it but getting back to the discussion here, why don't you go on a date with ol'Raichu?"

"A date?"

"Ya know, just spend some time with him for the day, explore the area, talk to each other about stuff and what not," recommended the man.

"Yeah and hopefully my damn ship will sail," Kimiko says slyly.

"Eh?" Adena tilted her head.

"Oh nothing, just make sure you get that tsun…seriously. The damn tension between you two is messing with my OTP mindset."

"Don't worry Kimi-nee, I gotcha!"

The two girls give each other the thumbs-up sign while Akame merely shook her head.

"These two…Akaro, you are such a bad influence," the mature woman sighed.

"You know you agree with it babe. But regardless, go forth Adena! Don't let our…I mean your dreams be dreams!" Akaro cheered on.

"Aye-aye Big Bro!"

Adena then rushes off towards the base with a smile on her face leaving the trio of red-eyed individuals alone waiting to see the fruits of their plan. Suddenly, Akame's stomach began to churn a bit echoing a desire to eat.

"Well, I suppose it is time to raid the kitchen and see what I can use to make for lunch and dinner. Akaro, why don't you go and find something in the area for me to cook?" the woman recommended.

"Ah yes, gotta go with good ol'fashion hunting. This is gonna be a switch," Akaro replies recalling how long it's been since he's last had to hunt for meals.

"Hopefully I can still have some pancakes," Kimiko sighed.

Back inside the base, Raizo was currently walking through the long hallways within the structure as his mind trampled on memory lane. Reaching the great hall, he saw a singular chair in the middle of the room sitting alone like it was a throne with a massive red banner draping from the back wall. Upon it, he saw the black bird on the yellow moon that represented the symbol of Night Raid. He remembered the first time he stood in the hall with the members of the band of assassins around him. Tatsumi, Akame, Leone, Mein, Lubbock and Najenda gathered around him while he stood solitary with his heart consumed by grief and a thirst for vengeance.

Thinking back to the way he was then and comparing that to whom he is now, the young man felt that he came a long way since then. It was actually something he never would have anticipated given the original path he felt consigned to at one point in time. After all if he had continued the path he set himself upon, his original plan included ending his own…

No, I'm not going to think of that again. That's the past, something I can't afford to let roam freely within my mind.

The youth shook his head to snap out of those negative thoughts while he continued to venture through the hide out. So many good memories were made here even though he fought alongside them in a time of war but now, half of them were gone while the others didn't want anything to do with him. Sighing at this thought, he made his way upstairs towards the bedrooms. As he walked down the hall, he counted the doors he passed wanting to find his room. Three doors down to his right, he found the place he was looking for.

When he opened the chamber, the simplistic layout of the bedroom welcomed him arranged in the same way he had remembered. A lone bed slide against the far left wall, a wooden chest of drawers, two end tables, and a chair was all that was inside as Raizo was a minimalist. Walking inside, the male just began to disarm himself sitting his blades down on the blade followed by his Janus gauntlet that reverted into a glove. Lastly he took off his coat and laid it across the chair before walking to the right side of the room standing in front of a mirror. Around his neck he saw the necklace that matched the one his older brother war. He grabs the cross-shaped charm and twirls it around in hand for a minute thinking about how fortunate he is now.

I keep forgetting that I'm not alone anymore.

Suddenly he heard a voice echo out calling his name.

"In here," the youth responded. When he turned around, he saw the form of a girl with long, red hair.

"Ah there you are…was I interrupting something?" Adena asked walking in seeing the boy appear like he was troubled by something.

"No, I was just having a trip through my memories. You're fine, promise," he says stepping away from the mirror motioning her to come inside. As she did so, the girl placed moves her arms behind her back.

"Heh, so this is your room eh? It's a lot simpler than I thought it would be," Adena observed.

"Yeah, I'm not really one for material things. I guess that much about me still hasn't changed too much," he responded.

"So Raizo…um."

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

"Oh nothing, I was just wondering…since it seems like we are going to rest here for a while, would you like to go on a date with me?"

"A date?"

"You know like go look around, explore and stuff, spend time together; just us…alone."

Raizo instantly blushes hearing those words part the female's lips. He feels a strong thump in his chest as a result as he gazes at the ground for a second trying to calm down.

"W…well, I guess that's okay. It's not like I'm opposed to that…or anything…" he replied with a light stammer over his words.

"Good, come on!" Adena grins grabbing Raizo's hand lightly and pulling him with her.

"Wait; my weapons and coat!"

"You don't need them, let's go!"

Adena takes the youth and leads him out of the hideout. As they scurry out, Akame and Kimiko spot them but don't say anything and just give an approving nod towards the enthusiastic redhead and she passed by with the boy in tow. The girl gives them a thumbs-up sign leaving Raizo to wonder what exactly was shared between the three. After they exited, Akame gets to work in the kitchen while Kimiko just waits for Akaro to get back from his hunt but she wouldn't be waiting for long.

"Well this should work out fine," the Red-Eyed Hero stated carrying back a sack full of fish and carrying two large bucks as well. He was just heading back to the compound after taking a brief moment to score some game for tonight's meal. As he made his way to the stone fortress, he saw Adena and Raizo walking away from the home. Seeing the pair together, he gets a smile on his face but hurries back so that he wouldn't keep Akame waiting.

I'd poke some fun at the pair but Akame gets upset when she's hungry. Still, I'm rooting for ya both.

When he walks in the house with his score, he takes the back way in since he did have to complete a messy job of skinning the meat and removing the scales off the fish. He was soon joined by Kimiko who had noticed from the smell of the game that he had returned.

"Did you see Raizo and Adena leave?" she asked him looking over his catch.

"Yep, they look so cute don'tcha think?" he replied.

"Indeed."

"We should go spy on them while Akame is cooking."

Before Kimiko could even respond, the swordswoman came from around the corner holding knives in her had. Her deadpan expression was communicating intense disapproval over that idea.

"If you even think of it, you both won't get anything for lunch or dinner," she spoke.

"Babe…that's unfair," Akaro replied.

"And I didn't even say anything," Kimi complained.

"Kimiko, you would gladly partake in Akaro's scheme because of your 'OTP' vibes," the woman countered.

"Fine, but can I at least have some pancakes?" the girl asked.

"I'll see what I can do. But first, keep an eye on Akaro. Since he can be devious then he can clean the meat alone."

"Babe, really? Isn't it enough that I caught this batch?"

"Nope, you are a man so you can do the hard work. If you want to eat, I suggest you not argue back."

"Alright…fine."

Akame walked back inside with a satisfied expression while Kimiko pulled up a chair and sat down folding her arms while watching the mischievous hero. Her deadpan expression was merely reflecting boredom as if she wanted to be entertained. Akaro hung his head down but constructed a knife from thin air and began to work.

And so the date between Adena and Raizo began once they got away from the compound; however, they didn't exactly know what to do so they just went with it making the best of what they could experience together. Raizo leads Adena around the area walking through the forests as the sounds of birds and other wildlife echo from the trees. Being able to actually walk through the forest for once was something that Raizo hasn't had the opportunity to do. The last time he did that, he had to fight a bunch of demonic like danger beasts.

"Heh, I think this is the first time I've ever been able to walk through a forest peacefully," Raizo spoke aloud as he observed the beauty of the environment around him.

"Oh? What makes you say that?" Adena inquired curiously.

"Well, my usual ventures into the forest usually wind up with me fighting someone. I mean my first encounter with Night Raid was a battle between them and myself. Heh, how naïve was I to think I could take them on alone."

"Wait, what? How the hell did that happen?"

"Well, this was back during my days when I actively sought Aquilo. I was pointed in a direction to obtain some documents but Night Raid got them first. So when I followed them, I thought I could get my hands on the papers by getting the jump on them. This was when they had more members so it was me against five teigu users. Needless to say it didn't end well for me."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Mein had this teigu called Pumpkin and she always boasted about being a genius sniper. She had me sectioned off at one point while this other guy named Rabac was setting up traps using a wire teigu called Crossed Tail from the other point. Then I had to fight against Leone, Tatsumi, and Akame all at once, and keep in mind, this was before I could even really tap into my potential with Indra's Judgment."

"You must have been one serious edgelord to do something that stupid."

"Edge…lord?"

"Like…doing dark shit no matter what…don't sweat the details. You were saying?"

"Ah right. Well, I definitely was not in my right frame of mind when it came to matters dealing with Aquilo. I did a lot of stupid things and made rash decisions all the time to satisfy my own desires. Thinking about it now makes me laugh really. It makes me realize how lost I was within hatred…"

"Well, when you're in a dark place…you tend to lose sight of yourself and what really matters."

"Yeah…kinda like…never mind. I digressed a little. Another time I had a real issue with the forest was after my fallout with the Revolutionary Army. I remember when I was headed towards the northwestern territories the shortcut I took through the Nightmare Forest."

"Wait, you did what?" Adena grabbed Raizo's shoulder stopping him in his tracks for a moment.

"I went through the Nightmare Forest," the youth repeated with a raised eyebrow wondering what was wrong.

"You must seriously like to make dumb decisions. You do realize that place has its name for all the ridiculously powerful danger beasts that lurk within them right?"

"Oh yeah I know. I killed quite a lot of them. Actually, I blew up like a quarter of it or something. That was a fun exercise really."

"Hmm, so you're a bit of a thrill seeker eh?"

"Eh from time to time…didn't help that I had to fight a giant ancient dragon capable of killing lesser gods though."

"Do you not have a normal time when you're out on your own?"

"Well, right now would be normal right?"

Adena placed her hands on her hips and posed by forming an arc with her back and leaning forward just a bit. She had one eyebrow raised and a slick smirk crease her lips. Her bangs on the left side of her face draped down.

"Oho, sounds like someone is trying to smooth talk," she teased the male causing Raizo to tense a bit.

"W…what? I'm just saying that…this is nice and relaxing and stuff that's all! Wh…what are you trying to insinuate here? Don't be stupid…tch…" the dishonest Stormbringer stuttered crossing his arms looking away from the girl with a blush filling his tanned cheeks.

"Hehe, look at cha all blushin' and stuff. So cute!"

"Whatever, just…just come on already…"

"Uh-huh, now you're just tryin' ta run away~"

"Adena!"

"I can't believe how easy it is to getcha Raizo!"

The pair continued to walk through the forest until they came upon a clearing that led up to a small cliff. At the peak, the duo was able to overlook the valley which enveloped a winding river that was parted in elevation due to a small waterfall. The crisp, fresh air filled their noises as the peaceful sound of rushing water filled their ears. It was here that they stopped wandering around as indicated by Raizo taking the motion of sitting down upon the green grass underneath his feet.

"It feels good to relax like this," Raizo sighed lightly with happiness as he took in the sight of the open view before him. Adena cast her eyes out in the same direction. She never really had a chance to embrace the true beauty of nature given how she was constantly having to bear the responsibility as the leader of the Jade Dragons as well as being a general within the Sapphire Phoenix. Relaxation like this rarely came for her. In fact, the only time she could really have any time to herself was during times of intimacy with Zephyria or some other female partner. Now that she had a moment to be at peace and not be bothered with trivial stress, the redheaded woman was able to truly appreciate the world around her.

"I gotta agree with ya there Raizo, I've never really had a moment to appreciate the beauty of the world around me," Adena spoke. The boy turned his attention towards her for a moment feeling something in his chest that he wasn't sure of how to say it.

"Adena…I…um," he began hesitantly. The martial artist turned her head towards him as her cobalt eyes stared into his with expectation.

"Yes Raizo?" she says in order to encourage him.

"I'm…glad you wanted to do this…it's nice heh," the Stormbringer uttered looking down at the ground while scratching his head.

"I feel the same way. Thanks for helping me appreciate nature," the fiery princess smiled reaching out and placing her head on the youth's leg.

"So before we left the Sapphire Phoenix base, you and Zephyria appeared like you got into it or something. You two okay?" he asked with concern. Adena pulled her hand away from the youth and took a small sigh.

"Yeah, it's just…I guess you could say a misunderstanding that I was not expecting to happen. I suppose it was my own failing given the nature of our relationship for so long," she said. Raizo was quiet but kept his eyes on the girl as if inviting her to vent what she was feeling.

"Heh, I was eventually gonna tell ya this but I wasn't sure when would be the proper time to do so. Anyways back when we were kids and it was first decided that we were to be married, I don't know if you recall but I made a vow that I would not let myself be with a man that was not as strong as me. After all, being a member of the Order of the Jade Dragons meant having pride in one's strength. With me, I kicked a lot of guys' asses over the years but I'm getting off track here.

When the whole matter of the Blood Wolves massacre occurred, I remembered how devastated I felt. I mean, you saved me from myself and I was looking forward to being with you again. But thinking you were gone, I just went back to being my hardass self. I fought to keep anyone who thought they could get with me away since I was at an age to be married and the clan head. However, every suitor who stepped up got fucked up basically. So when I eventually began feeling…needs, I turned to women. From warriors who fought under me to pretty chicks at local villages, that's how I had my fun.

How I met Zephy was during the various fights that the Jade Dragons had with the Iron Monkeys. Our two orders had two different beliefs in the application of martial arts. My clan believed in strength while hers believed in balance which led to fights…a lot of them. Eventually I fought Zephy and well I grew respect for her. She was in the same position as me—a unique woman who had to take the reins of leading her clan. When we sat down, we basically forged peace. This was even more solidified when your mother came and was uniting the Conclave under her leadership. Zephy and I fought side by side and during our down time…well both being women who didn't care for dealing weak men we eventually turned to each other.

I told her that the reason why I didn't deal with men was because I had my heart set on another which was you. I believed you were still alive even though the facts seemed to demonstrate that you weren't. Until I held the proof, I remained loyal to that notion. I even told Zephy that she and I could have all the fun together but if you were alive, I would choose you over her. She told me that she understood but…I guess that didn't last long," Adena explained sighing heavily as a result.

"I see…I'm sorry if I ruined that at all," Raizo spoke with sympathy for the woman.

"No, it's my fault if anything. I should have been more careful and respected her emotions but…I just hate the fact that things were twisted the way they were," the girl scoffed with disappointment.

"Anyways, sorry for killing the mood a bit but I'm curious; what's your experience with women? If you don't mind my asking," Adena questioned curiously. Raizo blushed slightly before he spoke.

"Well, this is…kinda new for me. Being around a woman like this and all…" he chuckled.

"Oh? What about that blonde chick you got into a falling out with?" Adena inquired while raising an eyebrow. Hearing her words, the Crimson Harbinger felt the memories he had of his time with Leone come back to him.

"My thing with her was…complicated," he said unsure what to really say about it.

"Do tell. You haven't really talked about her much since well…you know."

"Yeah…I mean what can I really say?"

"Just talk about it."

"Well, Leone and I…it wasn't exactly a smooth experience. I mean how we started off was rather…unexpected. It was around the time after my first major fight with Aquilo and I wasn't feeling well. She came into my tent and kept me company but then she got in bed with me and I remember being confused about the whole ordeal. One thing led to another and…her and I um…we…had sex…

After that, she just kinda played it and well she said I belonged to her. I'm not really well-versed in dealing with women so I just dealt with it. From then on, she was well really forward during unexpected times and when I least expected it we had sex again and again. I guess I could thank her because I was able to open up but…I don't know," the boy explained as his words tapered off. He adjusted his position in which he hugged his knees. Adena held an expression of astonishment.

"Wait a minute, your relationship with Leone began by her taking advantage of you while you were sick? Like she straight up gave it to you and you were not trying to have it but being inexperienced and fatigued, you couldn't fight back. Then she just straight up claimed you and took advantage when she could?" Adena ranted in a series of questions.

"Er…yeah…basically," Raizo replied.

"Dude…that's not…she uh… took advantaged of you. She forced into a relationship with her. In fact, that's not even a relationship, that's low ball slavery. What the hell?"

"I…"

"Just hear me out. So I'm guessing as an assassin, you were never trained on how to deal with women. As such, you didn't know about seduction. In conclusion, Leone inadvertently capitalized on this fact and blatantly robbed you of your innocence during a time of weakness. That bitch…

Let me ask you a few questions: Do you love her? Do you still think about her? Does every time you hear her name stir your heart?"

"All of those questions are a no honestly. I mean I'm just over what happened with her, I don't feel anything at all."

"Then you don't have to worry about her at all."

"Yeah…"

"So, to change the subject…has there been anyone else for you? Like…with women?"

"Well…" Raizo began to think before he recalled something.

THREE WEEKS AGO

It was a night of celebration and revelry over the victory that the newly dubbed Team AKARA showcased with the defeat of Rin Hanate's forces during what was now documented as the 'Pandora War'. The Sapphire Phoenix was having a feast in honor of the new heroes as the end of the world was successfully prevented once again. The party had been going on for hours but people were still going strong drinking and eating to their hearts' content. For one weary warrior, he just longed for some peace and quiet to rest after dealing with the most intense battle of his young life.

Raizo walked over to a tent that was relatively distant from the celebration though the sounds of the harmonious merrymaking of the soldiers still echoed out. The male sighed ruffling his black and white strands of hair opening the tent to walk inside and just pass out. The moment he did so, the youth saw a girl sitting inside the tent on a bed with long white hair and rose-colored eyes. She sat alone just staring off in the distance until she turned her head to see the red-eyed male there. A moment of silence passed between the two as a result until the Crimson Harbinger spoke.

"Er…not to sound rude but…what are you doing in my tent?" he asked as he stepped inside looking around the area. Vesta pointed to a second bed in which the young man saw.

"It appears we have to share tents since there's a limited amount," the Godspeed replied.

"Oh…I see."

Silence then fills the room while the heterochromia haired assassin removed his weapons from his sides then disrobed his new coat and hung it up on a nearby rack. Raizo was unsure what to really say to Vesta and vice versa. He sits down on the bed opposite of the girl and makes eye contact with her awkwardly but quickly looks to the side. Vesta mimics his actions doing the same shifting in her seat and twirling strands of hair around her finger.

"I um…I never got a chance to thank you for earlier," Raizo speaks up breaking the silence causing Vesta to immediately pay attention.

"Hmm?" she responds unsure as to what the boy meant.

"When you showed up in the Capital and helped me save all of those people, I just wanted to say thank you for that assist. I got careless so…yeah."

"I'm glad I could help Raizo…especially after all that I've done. It was the least I could do."

"Yeah…"

Another silence washes over the room while the two struggled for a stable conversation. Whatever thoughts of sleep the pair had was gone due to the racing of nerves and anxiety. Before it got too unbearably awkward again, the Rose-Eyed Stormbringer decided to liven up the room with conversation from her end.

"You've grown significantly since our last meeting. Taking on Deus was truly a feat of major prowess. You're getting stronger day by day."

"I'm still not strong like you are though…or my family. I just got lucky once again. There's no telling if what I can do now will be enough. I'm at the bottom of the ladder looking up at all of you who are literally infinites above me."

"Don't think like that Raizo. I can feel the power within you and it's almost overwhelming. You have the potential to do great things; it just takes time to unlock it."

"Right…"

Raizo touches his chest and takes a deep breath before looking up at Vesta once again. As the two make eye contact, the beautiful Godspeed merely smiles softly which causes a hard thump to hit the Crimson Harbinger's heart. Suddenly he feels his face begin to burn up and his breathing become heavy for some unknown reason. He clutches his chest and turns away slowly panting a bit. As the girl watches him, a similar process begins to affect her as she feels a burning sensation begin in her chest and trickle down towards her lower abdomen and even below that. She tries to ignore it as she becomes concerned over her male counterpart.

"Raizo? Are…Are you okay?" she asked leaning forward watching the male shudder from hearing her voice.

"Vesta I…I feel funny…like I'm burning up or something," he muttered trying to steady his breathing. Gulping nervously, something compels the young, white-haired speedster to get up from her bed and walk over to his. Kneeling down on the soft surface of the mattress, she reaches out touching his shoulder causing Raizo to gasp.

"S…sorry, let me check your temperature," Vesta said. Raizo reluctantly turns to face the girl as his eyes seem to wash over her body slowly checking out her curvature. From her eyes down her neck all the way to her hips and back up again. This caused his heart to race as he began to feel something he did not understand how to deal with. The girl presses her forehead to his only to realize that they were both burning up. Suddenly their backs began to glow through their clothes showing the wing pattern belonging to the users of Indra's Judgment.

Vesta pulls away slowly from Raizo. The man leans back but his arm spasms and he falls back which caused the girl to collapse on top of him. Both of them stare into one another's eyes with intense passion. Though foreign to Raizo, Vesta had a feeling of what this sensation was but she couldn't believe it was happening—lust. Both Stormbringers desired the other at this point in time and neither of them could fight it off. It was like they got a hold of an aphrodisiac except this was literally natural instinct.

"Raizo…" the Rose-Eyed Stormbringer whispered.

"Vesta…" the Red-Eyed Stormbringer replied.

It was then that their heated breaths drew them closer and closer to the point in which they couldn't help but lock lips. It wasn't just a mere peck on the lips but a deep motion in which their tongues immediately began to wrestle with one another through the connection between their mouths. It wasn't just something that seemed like a one-time thing but literally a kiss between two people who passionately and uncontrollably desired the other's touch. What seemed like forever was only about 30 seconds or more before they pulled away and small strands of saliva broke between them.

"Raizo…are you sure you really want to do this? There's no going back if we do," Vesta spoke softly with kindness as her last bits of reason began to fade in favor of what her body wanted. The male's hands slinked down her body grasping her hips as a result while his logic and hesitation were dominated by his more carnal instincts.

"More than anything in this universe right now," he answered. Nodding in response, Vesta mounted him immediately as the two shared an intense night that only two beings who shared the same exact power could possibly have.

PRESENT DAY

Raizo finished telling a rough summation of the events that just ran through his mind just now. He and Vesta shared a tent, they had small talk then something came over them both which led to a night of intimacy. If he explained any further, he felt like he would faint from the vivid memories and intensity that he felt while being with his female counterpart. When he finished, his face was about as red as his audience's hair color and his heart only pounded even more. After he finished telling that story, Adena could only look at him with surprise and jealously in a small fashion.

The Scarlet Beast recalled Vesta's face and her presence thinking how the girl reminded her so much of Raizo in almost every possible way. The only difference was gender but everything else felt the same. She then remembered how they shared a brief kiss which confused her in a way but hearing that the same girl and Raizo had a night of intimacy together? That was just mind blowing.

"You banged Vesta? Willingly?" Adena asked in surprise.

"Y…yeah…" Raizo responded meekly.

"Well…that's unexpected. Was she better than Leone?"

"D…don't ask for more details!"

"Oh come on…at least give me that much!"

"F..fine…she was…big time. So…now you know…damn."

"To be fair, Vesta kissed me so. That happened but damn man; you straight up had sex with her."

"Would you stop repeating it already?!"

"All right calm down," Adena chuckled but then she scooted closer to the youth.

"But let me tell ya this Raizo, the next chick you have sex with better be me dammit. I've had dibs for a long time."

"W…what the hell?! C…come on now, you make it sound like I want to just…do that and stuff. Besides, we're not even a thing yet!" Raizo replied in a panic.

"Yet? Oho…so you do want to be with me? Ya just gave it away kiddo~"

"Tch, yeah right! Anyways, we should just head back already…it…it's getting late in the afternoon and stuff…"

"Uh-huh, sure thing Raizo whatever ya say."

The two warriors took their time walking back towards the base by taking a different path than they initially took when reaching that cliff. They decided to cut down through the valley and follow a small trail along the riverbank up past the waterfall in order to take in the sights once again. The sun had already shifted in the sky headed in the western direction threatening to set in the next hour or two. Hard to believe how much time was lost with them just hanging out together and exploring nature while just talking to one another. As they made their way towards the fortress, they took a path that led to a training courtyard that was behind the structure so they still had privacy to themselves. The familiarity of the training grounds took Adena down memory road to when she and the boy first met. It was then that she had an idea.

"Hey Raizo," she called out to him.

"Yes?" he responded tilting his head.

"Being in this training square takes me back to when we first met. You already remember that though."

"Heh, how could I forget? It's what led us to this moment."

"What do you say we go for a quick round for old times' sake?"

"Wait what? I mean, we're leagues above our strength back when we were younger. We can't exactly train and not threaten to destroy this place you know."

"I know that silly, I'm sayin' that we just spar without using any sort of power from our teigu or any other ridiculous ability. Just our raw potential you and me, whaddya think?"

"It sounds interesting to say the least."

"Why don't we spice it up with a little wager?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well let's see…if I win, you have to listen to a request of mine no matter how ridiculous or embarrassing it sounds and do it. If you win…well you'll have the honor of knowing you beat me twice."

"Sounds one-sided you know."

"At least it's not against your will…"

"H..hey, no need to make jokes on that."

"Oops."

"All right then, fair enough. But…I'm kinda unarmed you know."

"Oh come now Raizo, I know you've been taught martial arts in some capacity in case you get disarmed."

"Well yes but…it feels weird using my hands to fight if we're being honest."

"Yeah I bet, but I know you'll be able to fight me. Don't worry, I'll take it easy on ya."

"Tch, don't insult me."

"Uh-huh, so first one to fall on their back loses?"

"Deal."

The duo then takes positions opposite of one another within the square each taking a respective pose. Adena assumes a fighting stance, this time in the dragon style by keeping her legs spread apart and angled at the knee while her right arm was raised up high and her left arm coming across her chest on the low; her hands had the right hand like a claw and the other like a closed fist. Raizo assumed a stance like he was shuffling on his feet. There was about a 10 inch gap between his feet and he stood straight up. He had his arms raised up towards his chest keeping his hands open but his two middle fingers on either side were kept together forming what could be construed as shake heads for fists. In some martial arts legends, this was referred to as the Way of the Intercepting Fist.

The gaze between the two locked fiercely as the excitement of a friendly fight filled the air. The air around them whirled gently as if whispering in anticipation over what was going to happen next. They slowly moved around the stone floor of the small area that embraced them waiting to see who would make the first move. Raizo knew he was instantly at a disadvantage against the woman. One, he did not possess his weapons or even wooden swords to aide him in the fight. Two, Adena was a martial arts master by default so she would have more skill using her hands as opposed to having a weapon of her own accord. In order to win this, the Stormbringer would have to bait the former Jade Dragon Princess into attacking and take advantage of any opening she had.

Without warning, the two charged at each other at the same time. Adena's left hand lunged forth coming towards Raizo's face while the right hand of the Stormbringer sought to sweep up towards the redhead's mid-section from down below. As the two strikes sought to follow through, Raizo moved his head to the right to dodge Adena's attack while the woman cut off the male's attack with her free hand. A split second passed before they began to engage in a flurry of exchanging strikes.

Adena interchanged her attacks with combos containing punches and kicks. From that initial deadlock, she followed up by pushing herself away from Raizo then going in with a high kick using her left leg before bringing that same leg back down upon the boy's head. Raizo responded by bending himself backwards to dodge the initial motion then crossed his arms up high to block the downward attack. The redheaded female pressed her weight down trying to break Raizo's guard before using her balance to jump off with the right leg and swing the limb straight at the man's shoulder.

"Tch," the Stormbringer grunted as he was unable to block that attack which led to her foot connecting hitting his shoulder. Enough force was delivered to make him feel a sharp pinch in his upper arm. He swayed in stature causing his body to stumble back. Not trying to give him an inch, Adena immediately rushes in.

"You're open!" the cobalt-eyed fighter boasted before tossing a series of strikes at the former blood wolf. She thrust her claw like palm forward seeking to grapple the youth's left side while following up with a left hook. Trying to correct his posture as well as arrange his footwork to dodge and counter, Raizo sharply twisted his body to let her 'claw' pass through the air. As her punch came in to combo, the Crimson Harbinger forced his right hand to meet hers causing a pop in shoulder as his body fought through that annoying pinch in nerve from earlier.

Batting away her follow up, Raizo begins his counterattack by quickly jabbing his fists hitting the slightly taller female in her collar bone area before actually landing a blow to her face. Adena winced a bit not expecting that to happen but she only cracked a small smile. Now there was a little excitement in her from the encounter which only made the former blood wolf worry about this.

"Congrats on landing a solid hit. Guess I can stop goin' easy on ya now," Adena boasted as her small smile now transformed into a dangerous grin. Raizo was concerned over the clear change in attitude as he felt the need to keep his guard up even more. He bounced on his feet a bit shuffling in place to keep his movement confusing for the girl to follow but the redhead did not even waver as a result.

Adena rushed Raizo without delay surprising the male before barraging him with combos once again, this time faster and more lethal than before. The Stormbringer had to step up his own game in order to keep up with her as a result. As the fiery girl unleashed her offensive, her opponent just barely managed to block or deflect her attacks. Before he could brush away or block her attacks but this time, it was like she immediately calculated how he would block her and adjusted the angles of her moves to compensate for it.

That concept was made apparent when Adena attacked with her right hand swinging in from Raizo's left side. Seeing this, the boy brought down his left hand to block her but Adena instantly went in with the left hand. Raizo caught her fist but he neglected the fact that she still had her legs. She brought her knee up high and connected with the gut of the male which stunned him just enough to drop his guard. It was then that Adena capitalized on this by grasping Raizo's chin, tripping his legs from under him, then lifting him up and slamming him on his back. It was then that she stood directly over him with a triumphant smile.

"Looks like I win," she spoke confidently looking down at the shocked boy.

"Y…yeah…looks like you did. I thought you were taking it easy?" he asked while lying on his back.

"Oh I did but I just decided to step it up since you managed to hit me."

"Heh, well then…good fight," he said trying to sit up but Adena merely placed her foot on his chest for a second. The youth became confused by the meaning of such an action.

"Oi, we had a deal you know," Adena reminded him raising a suspicious eyebrow.

"Yeah…you're right. But, could you at least let me sit up?" he complained. The woman removed her foot and backed up letting the Stormbringer sit up off the ground then she sat down beside him.

"Thank you. Now then, what is it that you wanted me to hear?" he inquired.

"Well, I know I said before that I wanted to give you your space and that I'd be here waiting but after today…I'm not sure. I want to respect your feelings and not be a burden to you but then again, I never really asked you to begin with. So with that being said: Raizo Arashi, will you be my boy…fri…" Adena confessed but was Raizo interrupted her.

"I…I already know what you're gonna say. In fact, I uh…I figured that this was your request before we had our little bout. I've been thinking if I really needed time for my emotions to become clouded or I was just being scared. After exchanging fists with you, I realize that it was indeed fear. I didn't want to burden you or be a disappointment to you as I have been feeling that way to others. Aka-sensei, Kimi-nee, and Aniki have all made it clear that they will always be there for me as has my dad and mom and the rest of the Mercers. Though I feel their love and caring for me, they aren't here in this universe all the time but you are Adena. So yes Adena Zao Long, I accept your request and…I'll gladly be with you. I just hope I can prove myself worthy of the love you have for me as I…um…I…f…feel for you too," Raizo explained before stammering over the last part with an extremely red face.

"Dammit…you really know how to pull at my heart strings with words don't ya?" Adena chuckled as tears of joy began to stream down her face. She grins happily while crying at the same time because her emotions were just all over the place. However, one thing that she was definitely sure of was that her heart was burning with pure delight over the Stormbringer's response.

Adena stood up off the ground dusting her clothes off before leaning forward extending a hand to Raizo. As the tanned male reached up grabbing her head, she helped him get on his feet by pulling gently. When the Stormbringer stood upright, she bent forward just a bit given that she was slightly taller than the boy and grabbed his cheeks gently. It was then that she pressed her lips to his sharing a kiss. At first, the former blood wolf was surprised but relaxed soon after reciprocating the motion by enjoying the sensation. This one act sealed the status of a new relationship between them. The sun that began to set in the distance gave one last brilliant display of light in celebration of the bond that had been set in stone at last.