Rekka: Volume 1
"When the brave Dragon and Rekka, the Sword of Flames unite, a crimson blade shall pierce through all that is evil!"
REKKA, THE SWORD OF FLAMES!
Artoria stood firm, her sword engulfed in brilliant flames-Rekka blazed like a sun in her hands.
Winged Woman: "You...!"
But before either could act further, a red magic circle flared to life behind them.
From it stepped a young woman with crimson hair and piercing blue eyes, stopping just short of Issei's unconscious body.
Winged Woman: "Tch. Time for me to go-"
Artoria lunged forward. Her fiery sword sliced through the air, colliding with the woman's conjured light spear. The spear shattered on impact, fragments dissolving into sparks.
Winged Woman: "Shit!"
Artoria: "You're not going anywhere. Fight me!"
Flames surged from Rekka as Artoria advanced. Each swing of her blade released a shockwave of searing energy, forcing the winged woman back.
Winged Woman: "Argh!"
Artoria's attacks were a blur of fire and fury, overwhelming the winged woman. Rekka's flames burned brighter with each hit, the heat intensifying.
Winged woman: 'This bad! Where did all that power come from!? This was supposed to be a quick and easy job!'
The woman created more light spears and flew up into the sky, her body smoking from Artoria's flames.
Mysterious woman: "I guess it's my turn."
Suddenly, a new presence stepped forward from the shadows.
A woman with flowing platinum-blonde hair approached the crimson-haired healer who had just finished tending to Issei.
Redhead: "Morgan? Why are you here?"
Morgan: "Oh, nothing major. I just have some business... with her."
She finished healing Issei and stood up next to Morgan.
Redhead: "The new girl? Whatever. I'm done here anyway."
With that, she returned to Issei, and in a blink, they vanished.
Back on the battlefield, Artoria batted away the incoming light spears
Suddenly, a blast of blue and black fire struck the winged woman mid-flight, interrupting her next attack.
Winged Woman: "What the-Who did that?!"
She scanned the field and spotted Morgan calmly walking toward Artoria.
Artoria: "Who are you?"
Artoria de-henshined. Morgan simply smiled and pressed a finger to her lips.
Morgan: "Hello, Raynare. Anyone else hiding?"
Raynare's expression twisted into a scowl. But it didn't mask her fear. Her body trembled.
Raynare: "Damn devil... This isn't over."
With that, she vanished into the sky, wings flapping frantically.
Artoria: "Hey! Don't run away, you coward!"
She tried to follow, but her legs gave out. The exhaustion hit all at once.
Before she could fall, Morgan caught her, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Morgan: "Relax, my King~ You'll get your chance."
Artoria sagged into her arms, too drained to resist. Morgan gently brushed her fingers through the girl's golden hair.
Morgan: "Shhh... just sleep."
Artoria's eyes grew heavy, and despite her initial resistance, she found herself succumbing to the exhaustion.
{Short Timeskip-}
Light poured through the blinds, bathing the room in golden morning glow.
Artoria stirred, her fingers curling around something soft. Her face was pressed into something... warm.
Her eyes snapped open.
She was nestled between a pair of bare breasts. A platinum-haired woman lay beside her, completely nude.
Morgan: "Good morning~"
Artoria yelped and shot upright, face burning red.
Artoria: "W-Why am I here?! And why are you-!?"
Morgan: chuckling "I usually sleep nude. Hope that's not a problem."
Morgan's eyes traveled up and down Artoria's body, taking in every detail, her gaze lingering appreciatively.
Morgan: "You know, you have quite the physique~"
Morgan's hand gently touches Artoria's right bicep. Artoria felt a fresh wave of embarrassment and quickly pulled the blanket around herself.
She reached out and touched Artoria's bicep. The contact sent another wave of embarrassment through her.
Artoria: "T-That's not the point! Why did you bring me here?!"
Morgan: "You passed out. I couldn't just leave you out there. You needed the rest."
Artoria's mind raced as she tried to process everything from last night.
Artoria: "So, all of that was truly real?"
She remembered the battle, the overwhelming power she felt, and then Morgan appearing.
Morgan: "Yes it was. The woman you fought is a fallen angel named Raynare. She was after that boy because he has a sacred Gear, and then tried to kill you because... Well it'll be easier if I just show you."
Artoria: "So... it was all real?"
Morgan: "Every bit. The one you fought is a fallen angel named Raynare. She was targeting the boy-Issei-for his Sacred Gear. And you... well, she came after you because of what's inside you."
Artoria: "What are you-"
She gasped. Morgan had gently pressed her hand to Artoria's chest.
A red light pulsed from within her.
Suddenly, Artoria's mind was flooded with visions.
A massive red dragon roared within her soul, its glowing eyes staring into hers. It radiated power and fury, yet something inside her resonated with it... responded to it.
From the darkness of her vision, a red orb appeared-fiery, alive. It hovered before her, pulsing with warmth.
She blinked-and was back in the room, body trembling.
Morgan's hand still rested against her chest.
Morgan: "What you saw is the power inside you. The Red Dragon. It's been dormant-until now."
Morgan: "While you were asleep I took the liberty of sealing off all your excess magical energy since it was constantly leaking out."
Artoria looked down. A faint glow still pulsed just beneath her skin.
Morgan: "That's why Raynare saw you as a threat. And others will too."
Artoria: "What about the sword? And the book?"
Morgan: "You'll get answers soon. Just know the sword you used-Kaenken Rekka-is a Sacred Sword. Few can wield it."
Morgan rose from the bed, completely unconcerned with her nudity, Artoria averted her gaze instantly.
Morgan: "You're adorable when you blush."
She threw on a robe and walked to the window, sunlight spilling into the room.
Morgan: "We've got school, remember? Your uniform is on the nightstand."
Artoria blinked. "School" felt like a lifetime away.
Morgan strolled toward the bathroom, pausing at the doorway with a playful smirk. She crooked her finger beaconing Artoria to follow.
Morgan: "Come."
Artoria hesitated. But followed,
the door shut behind them with a soft, magical click.