Alternate Reincarnation

Breaking Free

A/N: Long time no see. It's been more than a year since the last chapter, isn't it? I am sorry for that. I won't waste time telling you my excuses, just because this year is my final year in college – with all that implies – followed by working as an intern, should not mean I can be lazy.

Enough of that~ Time for Chapter 21, "Breaking Free"

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"Now then... may I help you?"

Mayuri had not expected her question to be answered. In fact, she had not intended to ask that question at all, it was not even a rhetorical question.

But when fresh blood and juicy flesh rich with Spirit mana – ones which had been harvested from her very own body for four entire years – had been returned to her... the taste, the sensation, they were so overwhelming, Mayuri couldn't contain herself.

The power which burned within her veins was a familiar, throbbing sensation. The mana flowing into her core was filling her up in waves, and its ripples had flooded into every inch of her body. It was positively delightful.

Still, it was a little amusing to see the faces of her saviors being so shocked at her little act of showing off.

Tokisaki Kurumi was, as Mayuri expected, the first one to recover her composure. Her lone crimson eye turned calculating, an obvious sign of experience. Though for the 'Spirit of Time' – it was a natural reaction.

Sonogami Rinne and the one which was called 'Tobiichi' and 'Origami' by the other two were more apprehensive though, Mayuri could sense it. That just wouldn't do; she didn't want them to feel uncomfortable with her, especially her true kin.

Luckily, Kurumi opened her mouth faster than Mayuri could.

"Mayuri-san..." Kurumi narrowed her eyes, "you should have warned us before you did that."

Mayuri felt sheepish at that glare, even though it contained no annoyance or anger. "Could you blame me, Kurumi-san? The moment I opened her eyes, I knew my body isn't what it used to be."

"All thanks to Deus Ex Machina people..."

To some extent, Mayuri felt she should thank them. Technically, they had been feeding her energy as fuel for regeneration in order to harvest her flesh – consequently, when she reabsorbed those Marinas, all the accumulated surplus mana added to her reserves.

"I am stronger now compared to the time I was captured, four years ago..."

Still, Mayuri wasn't about to say that out loud. "Naturally, after thanking you all... I must take back what belongs to me."

"Fufu." Mayuri hadn't expected Kurumi to relax and giggle in response. "I like that answer. But would you care to explain what you just did for my two shell-shocked companions?"

That moment, the other two immediately broke from their stupor. Mayuri could sense a wave of embarrassment from Rinne who averted her eyes, while a hint of shame was felt from Origami's blank face.

Mayuri suddenly felt the urge to tease them.

"I am not shell-shocked, Kurumi." Rinne defended. "I am just... surprised. I wasn't expecting that."

Origami nodded in agreement, albeit a bit stiffly. "How did you do that? What's your Angel's ability?"

For a moment, Mayuri considered her answer. Then, an idea popped in her mind.

"I am a vampire."

Origami widened her eyes ever so slightly, while Rinne let out a gasp she failed to stifle. Mayuri didn't need her ability to sense emotions to tell both of them were surprised.