A/N: Okay all I uploaded was the prologue and it's already fucking happening. I'm only going to say this once. If your the type of person to always as "What happens next?" after every fucking chapter is over, please stop. It's fucking annoying and I'd rather not block you cause I want you to enjoy the book. I'm not going to tell you what happens next cause you gotta fucking wait for the next chapter, so for the love of everything good, stop. But if you do this again, I won't be as nice. You know who you are.

P.S. Don't go harassing the guy. If you do that, then serious shame on you.

Anyways, time for the chapter
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Date—Unknown...
Location—Unknown...

A gentle breeze blew through a field filled with pink tulip flowers. The setting was peaceful and romantic with the soft sounds of a piano and violin faintly playing in the background. In the center of this majestic field, stood a pair hand in hand; the taller of the two, a young man with slightly dark skin, neatly-done short black hair and he wore a black tuxedo. The shorter of the two however, was a young woman with a mess of elegant beautiful long pink hair, her skin tone was lighter than the man and she wore a white dress that reminiscent of a wedding dress. The duo slow danced through the tulip fields, the gentle breeze causing the woman's hair to dance along with them. Though their eyes weren't seen, soft and gentle, yet affectionate smiles were plastered on their lips. An unknown force then gradually began to bring them closer to each other...

>>Present Day<<

???: "Kyah!"

???: "Release her if you know what's good for you."

Ryu was suddenly pulled out of his deep thoughts from the collective sounds of two female voices, along with shuffling. Looking towards a specific room, he decided to go and check for himself. Poking his head into the room, he was immediately taken aback by a young blue-haired girl, running towards him before hiding behind him.

Ryu: "Seele? What's wrong?"

???: "Good timing, Ryu."  He looked in front, spotting the same blonde woman along with the gray-haired girl with the twin drill-style pigtails, lying in the bed in the room.

Ryu: "Matushka Cocolia?"  The woman named Cocolia, then looked back to the girl.

Cocolia: "What's your name, little sniper?"

???: "Bronya."

Ryu's thoughts: "'Bronya'... As in 'Armor'..?"

Cocolia: "Well, there's some bad news for you, Bronya. Ryu has neutralized the squad your people sent to assassinate me."  Bronya took a glance at the only male in the room, with her memorizing his appearance but continued to stare at him for a while. Soon after, she glanced down at her hands on the bed sheet, gripping them slightly.

Bronya: "Why take me alive as your prisoner? Why don't you just kill me?"

Cocolia: "This may surprise you. I do not kill kids."  She said firmly, her hands on her hips.

Bronya: "Are you going to become my master now? Am I your new slave?"  Upon mentioning the word, 'slave', Ryu's eyes twitched a bit as it left a bitter taste in his mouth, and Cocolia as well, who clicked her tongue.

Cocolia: "'Slave'? What nonsense is that? I'll need to meet the people who trained you and told you to shoot me. They must be taught a lesson."  But then, the blonde woman gave a warm and motherly smile to her.  "You are no longer a slave, Bronya. From now on, I'll be your 'Matushka'."

Bronya: "'Matushka'... What does that mean..?"

Ryu: "It's a formal meaning for 'mother' in Russian."  He explained, causing for the young girl to look at him.

Cocolia: *smiles* "That's right."  She then gestured to the blue-haired girl, who was poking her head out from behind Ryu.  "This blue-haired girl is named, Seele. And the this young boy is, Ryu. I've left food on the table for you. Seele and Ryu will show you to your room."

As the woman turned around and began to exit the room, she paused for a moment, glancing back to the gray-haired girl.

Cocolia: "Have no fear, Bronya. You'll no longer be sent to the battle fields."

With that final sentence, she left the room. The 2nd Honkai Eruption in 2000 destroyed Siberia and much of the Russian far-east. Ruthless warlords took advantage of the chaos and started a civil war, forcing countless refugees and orphans into their private armies. To rescue the children, "Ex-Spetsnaz Captain Cocolia" allied herself with a mysterious organization known as "Anti-Entropy" (AE) and founded "Cocolia's Orphanage".

Ryu: "Well, not that was over..."  He looked towards Bronya with a warm smile and approached her, while pulling along the girl named, Seele, who seemed to be fidgeting nervously.  "As Matushka said, I'm Aikawa Ryu. I'm not from Russia... but was taken in by Matushka aafter the 2nd Honkai Eruption. The girl behind me, is Seele Vollerei."

He gently nudged the blue-haired girl next to him, causing her to jolt and slightly yelp.

Seele: "A-Ah! U-Um... N-Nice to meet you."

(Seele Vollerei)

Ryu: "Don't be so nervous, Seele. I know she's cute, but you don't gotta freak out." He said with a slight teasing chuckle, to which Seele looked at him, an embarrassed blush forming on her face.

Seele: "I-It's not that, Ryu...!"

Ryu: *chuckles* "I'm just messing with you." He said, ruffling her hair up a bit which caused her to blush a bit more but nuzzle into his hand. He then looked back to Bronya, who was just staring at them with a puzzled expression. 

Bronya's thoughts: " I'm... 'cute'?"

Ryu: "So you're Bronya, correct?"

Bronya: "Da. Bronya Zaychik."

(Bronya Zaychik)

Ryu: "Bronya Zaychik huh... 'Armor Bunny'. Fitting."  He said with a smile before he extended his hand to her.  "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Bronya.  We'll show you to your room, right Seele?"

Seele: "R-Right!"

The girl named Bronya just stared at the two, with her tilting her head to one side. While Seele looked like a normal girl to her, Ryu was surprisingly lighthearted. She knew he was the one that knocked her out, but she didn't expect him to be a normal kid like she was. She saw the gentle and warm smile he wore on his face. Then she looked to his extended hand. She felt her body move on its own as her own hand rose up before making contact with his as she accepted his friendly gesture.

>Chapter 1: The Wolf, Swallow and Dragon<

August 2013...
Cocolia's Orphanage...

Cocolia: "Seele... use the 'Powers of Imagination' and focus your mind."

A year has gone by since Bronya was accepted into Cocolia's Orphanage. She was assigned to a room that Seele and Ryu shared. Due to them having a close "sibling-like relationship", Cocolia had always found that it was best to have the two share a room together, as to not force them around to live with others. But despite that, the two managed to befriend a lot of the other children in the orphanage. Bronya, was assigned to their room, where a third bed was; there was originally a bunk bed. While she was slightly hesitant to share the room a boy was in, Seele assured her that Ryu knew his boundaries and would respect her privacy.

Cocolia: "Sense it. Feel it... and control it..."

This day, the children were practicing the manipulation of matter with the 'Powers of Imagination'. It was Seele's turn and using the Powers of Imagination, she was shaping a liquid metal sphere before her into the shape of a scythe. However, she failed to fully construct it and it reverted to its dormant state.

Seele: "I-I'm sorry, Matushka..."

Cocolia: "Don't be. This is just a little test. Next!"

???: "You are so stupid, Seele. Watch this!"

A young girl with short pinkish colored hair, golden eyes and sharp shark-like teeth stepped up with an arrogant grin. With the liquid matter before her, she began to shape it with the powers of Imagination, with it fluidly transforming into a Wristwatch.

Orphan: "Woah! Sin turned the liquid metal into a wristwatch!"

Orphan 2: "That's so cool, Sin! Please teach me how to do that!"

Sin: "Hah! This is super easy for someone from the 'Mal' family!"  She boasted, her hands on her hips. Ryu only looked at her in annoyance as he could see her nose gradually growing and getting pointed. He never liked arrogance and Sin was basically the embodiment of it. 

Bronya: "Matushka."  Hearing her voice caused the young male to turn his head to look at her, seeing her walk up to Cocolia.  "Please let Bronya try next."  The woman looked at the little bunny, her brows raised in interest before she smiled and nodded.

Cocolia: "Go ahead, Bronya."

With the Liquid Metal hovering before her, Bronya closed her eyes and concentrated the Power of Imagination. With enough concentration, Bronya managed to form the Liquid Metal into the shape of a Bunny plushie called a Homu.

Orphan 1: "Look! It's a Homu!"

Orphan 2: "Kyah! It's so cute!"

Seele: "I knew you're the best, Bronya!" 

She praised happily, with her leaping onto Bronya's back while hugging her, taking the girl by surprise. As he watched this, Ryu smiled both proud for Bronya, but also in a sense of nostalgia as he remembered Seele doing the same thing to him at one point. With a smile on his face, he walked over to the two girls and placed his hands on Bronya's shoulders, while Seele kept smiling brightly.

Ryu: "Yeah, you did amazingly, Bronya. Good job."

Bronya kept switching between looking at him and at Seele. Seeing their smiles sent a surging warmth though her chest, a sense of accomplishment. Her lips slowly curved upwards into a small smile.

Seele: "Oh! Show her your trick, Ryu!"

Bronya: "'Trick'?"  She tilted her head in confusing before looking at the boy, who chuckled.

He stepped in front of them, with the liquid metal floating in front of him. As he concentrated, the liquid metal began to shape itself. As it stretched and waved, Bronya's eyes widened in amazement, for the liquid metal had taken the form of a small eastern dragon.

Orphan 1: "Woah! A dragon!"

Orphan 2: "That's so cool, Ryu!"

Ryu: "It wasn't that great."  He said, scratching the back of his head. However, Seele immediately latched onto his arm and hugged him.

Seele: "Don't say that Ryu! You were awesome! Right, Bronya?"  They both looked to the silver bunny who had a smile on her face as she walked up to them and grabbed Ryu's arm gently.

Bronya: "Da. You were awesome, Ryu."

Seele: "Hehe! See? She agrees!"  She said, grinning like a little child before she leaned up and a *smooch* was heard as she gave his cheek a lovely peck. In response, Ryu blushed in embarrassment but chuckled.

Ryu: "Hey, hey... You girls are gonna make me blush."

In response, the two girls exchanged smiles and Cocolia watched with a warm smile, feeling happy that the three of them got along so well. However, Sin's face displayed a nasty expression the moment she spotted Seele's intimate affection to both Ryu and Bronya.

>>Time Skip brought to you by Chibi Bronya and Chibi Seele jumping up and down on Chibi Ryu as he tries to sleep<<

After the little class session, Bronya was seen making her way down a flight of stairs, most likely heading towards her room. As she was, however, Sin approached her.

Sin: "Hey, Bronya..."

Bronya: "What is it, Sin?"  She glanced back at him, but immediately took notice of the dangerous shadow over her exposed eye.

Sin: "Bronya... You... You like the stupid little idiot Seele, right?"  She asked, her voice seething with venom while Bronya's blank expression didn't change.

Bronya: "Da. Bronya will always be with Seele. And Ryu."

Sin: "Tsk... How disgusting."  She growled before walking towards her.  "If you've nothing else to say, I'll be going back to my room."

However, she pressed her hand against the bunny's back and dealt a not so gentle push to her. Bronya's eyes widened as she felt her entire body being lunged forwards and tumbling down the stairs. As she lied there in pain, Sin ominously approached her, her venom producing a bitter aura.

Sin: "Nyet! I will not let you like her! IDIOTKA! STUPID!"  Each word she yelled, she stomped on Bronya's right leg, with each one becoming more forceful.  "YOU. CAN. NOT. LIKE. HER!"

Soon a loud crack was heard from Bronya's leg, with the gray-haired girl's eyes widening as she felt the stinging pain shoot right up her leg. The pain only got much worse with Sin assault, but she didn't stop. From around the corner, a trembling Seele sat with her back pressed against the wall, hugging herself as she trembled in great fear.

Sin: "After I'm through with you, that Ryu is next.. Stealing that idiot Seele away from me.. I'll kill him!"

Ryu: "You'll do what...?" 

A painful grunt came from Sin as she was sent flying right into the wall, cracking it. With a line of blood running from her mouth, she looked to her attacker, her eyes widening from the sight of Ryu standing in front of Bronya.

Bronya: "R-Ryu...?"  She muttered weakly, with Seele from behind the wall gasping slightly before she bolted away undetected.

Sin: "Y-You bastard... You dare-Ow!"  She grunted, holding onto her left arm. Ryu however showed no emotion to her, just staring at her silently.

Ryu: "...I'll get this across. Seele doesn't care for shit stains like you. So, if you dare try anything with her, or if you ever bully Bronya again, I will cause permanent damage to that arm. Do me a favor and save me the trouble of hurting a girl further. I hate doing that."

Sin growled, her shark teeth grinding against each other as she was about to approach but decided against it and left swiftly. With her now gone, Ryu turned his attention to Bronya. He inspected her leg, by slightly lifting it which caused her to wince in pain. Seeing the reaction, he assumed her leg was either broken or heavily injured. He picked her up in bridal style and began to carry her towards the medical room.

Bronya: "Why did you step in, Ryu...? You can get in trouble..."

Ryu: "I couldn't careless... You and Seele are important to me, Bronya and I won't sit by and let some arrogant, jealous girl bad mouth or attack you two." 

Bronya: "You didn't forget about our promise to Seele, did you?"

Ryu: "Of course I haven't. The threat I sent to Sin was only to scare her off. I won't use violence, just as Seele wanted..."  He then looked down at her and smiled.  "But it not a good look for the knight if his two princesses get hurt now, right?"

Bronya: "'Princess'..."  She muttered, her eyes slightly widening before she found herself becoming what seemed like a bit flustered as she had suddenly pushed her head into his chest. "I-Idiotka..."

>>Time Skip brought you by Chibi Bronya and Chibi Seele hugging Chibi Ryu's arms<<

In the infirmary, both Bronya and Ryu were inside, with Cocolia sitting by the medical bed while treating to Bronya's injured leg. After he had brought her here, he called Cocolia in. However, Bronya basically begged him not to tell her the exact details of what happened. It was as if she didn't want Sin to get in trouble despite, she should be. Ryu was hesitant but after some convincing from Bronya, decided to follow her lead and agree with her.

Bronya: "I slipped Matushka."

Cocolia: "...And why did you fall off the stairs? You're hiding something, 'Silver Wolf of the Urals'."  She tightened the bandages on the girl's leg, causing her to wince in slight pain.  "You didn't just slip. You were attacked. Pushed. And for some reason, you didn't break the attacker's neck. I haven't found any dead bodies... only a cracked wall."  She then looked at Ryu, who was only sitting on the bed next to Bronya with his arms crossed.  "And what about you, 'Onyx Dragon of the Abyss'?"

Ryu: "Geez, interrogating us now? Bronya said it's fine and she just slipped. What other evidence do you need, Matushka?"

Bronya: "I really did slip down the stairs, Matushka."  The older woman stared at the two before she gave up and smiled a bit while closing her eyes.

Cocolia: "Fine. I'll leave you two to your secrets. Ryu, look after her. The trial is fast approaching. I don't want your wounds to affect the test, Bronya.

Bronya and Ryu: "Spasibo, Matushka."

Cocolia: "And don't forget to talk to Seele... The trial might take a while."

Bronya and Ryu: "Da, Matushka."  With that, the older woman left the room to them. Ryu then turned his attention to Bronya.

Ryu: "So, you wanna go talk to Seele now? Need me to carry you again?"  He asked with a slight teasing grin. In response, the young girl glanced away from him.

Bronya: "N-Nyet... I can walk there myself... Just get me a crutch or something..."

Ryu: *chuckles* "Right, right. I was just messing with you."

With a crutch under her arm, Bronya began to make her way towards the room Seele was in, along with Ryu by her side. His arm was around her shoulder to assist her. Upon arriving at their destination, Ryu opened the door. But they were both met with the sound of muffled sniffling along with a fragile voice.

???: "I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." 

The voice came from the single chest that was in the room. With the two teens looking at each other, they turned to the chest and began to approach it. As soon as Ryu opened it, they were both met with the sight of a traumatized and tearful Seele.

Seele: "Kyah! Bronya, I'm so sorry! I'm really, really sorry! I... I was so scared... I don't know why Sin did that! Please! I don't know! I really don't know!"

Immediately after seeing her fear, Bronya climbed into the chest with her and leaned towards her, catching her off guard. Next thing she knew, Bronya was licking her tears away before smiling at her causing a small gasp to escape Seele, followed by a faint blush.

Bronya: "It's alright, Seele."

Seele: "I'm so sorry, Bronya... I saw what Sin was doing to you. But I was too scared to move..."  Then she looked towards Ryu.  "And I'm sorry for what she said about you, Ryu... I-I don't know why she hates you so much..."   The black-haired male only smiled softly.

Ryu: "Don't feel sorry, Seele. It's not your fault that she hates us."

Bronya: "That's right, Seele. And I like you better this way."  She leaned forwards and pulled her into a soft and gentle hug.  "I don't feel pain as long as you're here with me."

Ryu: "And I couldn't care less that Sin hates me. So long as I get to be by your side and see your warm smile again, it'll be more than worth it."  He added on, smiling as he went next to the two girls and wrapped his arms around the two of them.

Seele: "B-But... It's my fault that Sin got mad at the two of you..."

Ryu: "No it wasn't Seele. That all happened because of Sin's selfishness and arrogance."

Bronya: "Da. None of that was your fault, Seele."

Ryu: "So remember... No matter what happens, we'll be at your side. Besides you're too precious to us, Seele. Remember what I told you that one night you had that nightmare?"

The blue-haired swallow looked up at him, her eyes widening in surprise. Seeing that warm smile of his brought a full wave of flashbacks through her mind as she remembered the specific night. This night, she had a terrifying nightmare concerning the Honkai. When she had woken up, she was crying but immediately felt the warmth of another person's embrace. It was Ryu.

Past Ryu: "Don't worry Seele... No matter what happens... no matter what universe... I will always be there by your side. I'll always protect you from the monsters in this world."

Almost immediately, Seele felt her eyes burn from remembering that memory. Then she saw Bronya's smile which only made her urge to cry greater. With her unable to hold back anymore, she lunged her face towards them and hugged them tightly while crying out. This entire situation reminded her of a time shortly after Bronya joined the orphanage...

When they came to her rescue...
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