Diabolic Fate
Chapter 1: Justice
Gleaming spires crept gently over the horizon ever so faintly trailed by the harsh glare of sunrise. A grin crossed his face, childish and filled with dreams; his excitement could only be matched by his fleeting pace sprinting recklessly towards what could only be described as a bright future.
Curiosity paired with hope beguiled his thoughts, as the remnants of his smile faded to a listless expression matched equally by duty and goal alike.
The capital! Its quite a lot bigger than I thought it would be, uh-oh, I get the feeling people might stare in this outfit, gahhh I'm not a country bumpkin damnit!
Tugging upon his springy hair he found himself vexed by the stares of traders passing to and fro with smirks betraying their glaring judgment both subtle and otherwise. Gritting his teeth he fumed, the capital was no doubt proving itself intimidating in its own manner.
I was prepared for a few stares… BUT NOT ALL OF THEM! Stop looking already; I'm not that strange am I? What am I a circus act? Geeeze.
Sighing in resignation he found himself aimlessly searching the wide and overpopulated streets, understanding all too well that navigation was far from his strength.
Okay, okay, calm down Tatsumi! You just have to ask someone! I'm sure someone can tell you where to find the recruiter's office!
Approaching one after the other, he found himself met with trying gazes each appeared less patient than the moment before the question could escape his lips, he would find intimidation forming a lump deep in his throat ceasing words before they ever stood a chance. Frustration and weariness began to mount as his eyes betrayed a glimpse of hope in the form of a small girl clad in armor.
A guard? She must be…though she seems a little small to be in the guard doesn't she? But I suppose the capital is an amazing place so there must be lots of different people. In any case it shouldn't be too difficult to ask her!
Guilt made it way to his stomach at the fact of his intimidation weighed heavily upon his pride as a man.
A ray of hope presented itself in the form of a short girl clad in iron ten steps ahead.
Could she be in the guard? If that's the case then I'm sure she would know where the recruiter's office is..but are guards really that small? No no, that armor it has to be! …right?
Gulping loudly he found his approach barred by numerous glares and snickers to which sent shivers down his spine.
I-it's okay Tatsumi, you can do this, take a deep breath, you can do this..
"E-Excuse me miss!"
His voice barely broke through the rabble of the streets surrounding him. To no great surprise the girl made no notice of his soft spoken address.
One more time, come on you can do it!
Taking a deep breath he quickly shook off the intimidation and mustered all of his bravery into a single focused point.
"Excuse me miss!"
Good job Tatsumi! Good job!
He closed his eyes with a smile sending a fist to the skies. Again the brown haired girl looked about as dutiful as ever, giving him a more than subtle inkling that she was quite aloof.
Blushing heavily as he retracted his hand he placed his hands on his cheeks briskly snapping himself out of his embarrassment.
Frustration and desperation quickly mounted taking the form of a march toward the girl with a determined expression covering his face.
Noticing a breath too late, he tumbled over a wandering cat taking care not to hurt the beast he fell clumsily in front of the girl who finally gazed down at him with curious eyes.
Recovering in a moment he stood up intent on pretending the moment before had never occurred.
The girl had gold hair with unique ornaments forming two great tails upon her head. Below her dutiful expression was a cute pudding like creature with innocent dog like features, it was quite harmless looking to say the softly she posed before him.
"Nice recovery!"
I look really uncool right now, don't I? Ah, what an entrance, and to think this she may be a coworker. Can I live this down? Can I really survive here?!
"T-thanks, though I had a question if you don't mind miss."
Twirling around him gracefully the girl inspected him with a now serious expression.
"Hmm…hmm… No signs of crime, you are definitely a good egg! Approved!"
She finished the motion with a lone thumb up winking just before striking a pose resembling a sort of storybook heroine.
"A-approved? Thanks I guess, though I don't quite understand. Oh, you reminded me! Are you part of the guard? You see I saw the armor and thought you might—"
Her eyes grew with her smile sparkling and filled with gust.
"Correct! I am a hero of justice! Seryu Ubiquitous at your service! See see! Wasn't I cool?"
Tatsumi could only smile at the innocent nature of the girl before him, she was without a doubt a good person, at least as far as he could tell.
Gently his hand found its way to her head patting her with a warm smile. To his surprise she stared blankly, for a moment as her gaze trailed up to meet his.
Expecting a smile Tatsumi panicked as tears began to stream down Seryu's face.
W-what did I do? Oh no, I touched her without permission, what was I thinking, the first day and I already made an innocent girl cry. I'm the worst… I have to apologize properly!
Withdrawing his hand he quickly bowed his head low meeting his gaze to the ground.
"Please forgive me, I-I wasn't thinking, I hope you can forgive me for touching you without your permission. I just felt a lonely feeling through your smile and—"
Seryu sniffled wiping tears from her eyes as she grasped his hand flushed with a subtle smile.
"No, it's not like that, it's just—it's just my papa used to do the same thing. And you reminded me of him; p-please don't get the wrong idea! It wasn't that I was hurt or sad, but happy that I could feel special like that again."
Trying hard to regain her composure she faced him with a genuine smile more dedicated than before as the small creature that sat in her arms mirrored happily at Tatsumi as if to say 'thank you'.
"What a relief, I thought I was the worst kind of fellow making a girl cry in my very first day in the capital—"
The girl perked up quickly dropping her jaw as if she saw a ghost.
"First time?! Then it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Capital of the great empire! It's a place where my papa taught me to protect and a place where justice rules! Isn't that right Koro!"
The creature cutely replied matching her bright expression with a kind smile of its own.
"Koro? Oh so that's his name! I was wondering but I never got a chance to ask. Oh I almost forgot to mention my reason for coming here. I was hoping to become a part of the guard like you, aha, though admittedly I'm quite bad at finding pla—"
A hand briskly hovered near his face cutting off his words mid speech, the girl smiled wryly clearly needing no further explanation.
"I knew you were a good one! Koro knew it too! His nose can smell a heart filled with justice a mile away! Fu fu fu, you are a lucky one, truly lucky indeed!"
Seryu became surrounded with an all-encompassing prideful aura feeling confidence in her ability to help.
"Tatsumi, by the way, I got so caught up I didn't get to tell you my name. Thank you Seryu and please pardon my rudeness I think I have quite a ways to go before I can call myself a true man, today if anything is proof of that!"
Seryu grabbed his hand dragging him into a blinding dash as she hummed cheerfully.
He kept up but just barely, she was far more fit than her small body would betray, a reassuring fact at the worries that brewed at her innocence.
I may have come here for selfish reasons but if I can protect people like her, I think the capital might become a home worth protecting!
The brisk pace ended abruptly, leaving them both without breath standing before a building that left him with even less breath.
"Waaah! Is this the recruitment office? To tell you the truth I've never even seen one before, but even so, thank you so much seryu—"
"Uuu hu hu"
Breaking the silence her hands crossed as her eyes closed. "
You didn't really think I would take you there did you?"
The girl's expression sent a chill down his spine as she shook her head proudly.
Wait, if not the recruitment office then where? Did I misunderstand perhaps? Tatsumi you idiot maybe you weren't clear!
"No no no, I can see it in your eyes, you are confused! But, don't be, my teacher happens to be the captain of the guard here! You should know what that means!"
Scratching his head he clearly was clueless perhaps to a fault. "Aha, I'm sorry Seryu, I don't think I understand."
Tugging him quickly inside the confines of the building he soon saw many more armored figures looking at him curiously.
"Oi Seryu who is that you brought with you?"
A tower of a man stood across the room to which the voice belonged. His body was drenched with sweat as a great sword clung to his hand.
"fu fu, non-other but a fellow hero of justice!"
She raised his hand whist he froze in the moment.
W-wait a second, somehow this feels a lot like the stares I was getting in the streets. S-stay strong Tatsumi, she was kind enough to bring you to the captain of the guard, and isn't being a hero of justice kind of cool too?
Smiling he found himself behind the charismatic girl nearly matching her devotion.
"Hmph. Can he fight? I'd be willing to guess anyone Seryu approves of has at least some measure of talent. Okay, okay, I get it, what's your name boy?"
The great beast of a man stepped over through the training area, bearing scars too numerous to count.
His eye was especially scared likely gored out in a narrow victory.
"T-Tatsumi! It's a pleasure to meet you."
The man smiled fiercely as his hand met his shoulder.
"Tatsumi eh? A strong name, let's see if you live up to it."
A razor sword left his grasp dangling in the air before being grasped by Tatsumi gracefully swept out of the air.
Oi oi, a live blade for a sparring match? Isn't that too dangerous? Though I suppose things can get pretty rough here. Training under pressure? I'll give it a shot!
Seryu kneeled to the side smiling as he met her gaze, he could feel support from both Seryu and Koro that was quite refreshing to say the least in the face of his intimidating first trial.
"Prepare yourself Tatsumi!"
The man moved swift sweeping his blade downward with blinding speed meeting his own with a loud twang of steel.
S-strong, I can barely feel my hands after defending against one attack; this could be bad if I'm not careful!
Grasping his sword behind him he went on the offensive darting with his head low he moved with great speed covering distance in a blink.
The man swiftly retracted his blade summoning a loud clank of steel against steel once more.
Tatsumi lingered a moment too long and was met with a heavy kick to his midsection drawing blood from his mouth.
Spitting blood from his mouth he sieved his anger at the injuries into his form, stoking the fire within his soul.
Rushing forward he dove at the oversized man tumbling through the air with a graceful leap catching his blade behind every ounce of his weight.
The large man struggled to defend with the inertia of the strike mounting and unrelenting.
One followed the next until he found himself on a continuous offensive against the beast of a man, his body felt light and his strikes true.
His speed was a terror as the onlookers could only stare with their jaws agape. Ogre smiled brutally as Tatsumi's assault lamented for a brief moment.
"Some speed you have there, not bad power either. I haven't seen that much potential since recruiting Seryu."
Tatsumi smiled in a moment of disbelief.
Did I really do it? On the first day? Wait is he mad? It's hard to tell. Is he impressed...or does he want to kill me aaaa its too hard to tell!
His thoughts were briskly interrupted by the scar laden man, his hand quickly found his as he shook it with a crushing strength.
"I would be a fool not to recruit you, though with that potential I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't stay here long."
The bellowing laugh echoed the room as the soldiers looked on amazed and bewildered discussing between themselves with newfound smiles. "
TATSUMIIIIII! You were incredible! You fought like a shining star! You really are like my father was, a gleaming symbol of justice!"
Seryu hugged him overjoyed with the implications of his proven skill.
"D-does this mean?"
He pointed aloofly at himself only to be met with laughter of the guards. Finding himself boasting the imperial guard regalia he couldn't help but gleam with a smile.
"You two. I know this may be a bit quick but we've gotten a tip of where night raid is to strike next. What better way to test your metal than to protect the innocence from seasoned assassins."
Seryu quickly saluted.
"Yes sir!"
Tatsumi blinked twice caught within the moment before snapping out of it saluting in tune.
"Y-yes sir!"
Night raid? I remember seeing posters of them in the plaza, I wonder if we'll be okay. No we will be. I can't let them do as they please. No, we can't!
His new friend caught his hand dragging him about as they waltzed through the dimly lit streets.
"Ah, today is the best! I hope that we can stop the assassins before its too late."
Tatsumi strolled with his hands behind his head letting out a yawn.
"No slacking off, there is no rest for a true hero of justice you know! Koro would eat you if you slack off anyways!"
The head of the creature got large and mockingly nipped at the air before licking him instead.
"But we both know you are a true hero! It's clear as day!"
Seryu skipped about whimsically as they approached a great mansion complete with a beautiful garden lining the span of the grounds.
"waaah I don't think I can ever get used to seeing how the nobles live."
Seryu giggled softly shooting him a teasing glace.
"Now now, don't be jealous, justice always has its own rewards!"
"I suppose that's a good way to look at it, also Seryu I've been meaning to ask. What exactly is Koro?"
Tatsumi's hand found the back of his head as he glanced at her with a soft curious smile.
"Koro's my partner! Though I guess if you mean what he is what he is. Then he's an Imperial Arm. Particularly the cute living kind. Though they come in many different shapes and sizes. Speaking of which, I wonder if you will get a super cool one that just screams justice! No no, I'm sure of it! But don't worry I'll be sure to protect you Koro is quite fond of you too! Though I don't think you need much help for that. But we're friends aren't we? So I have to be extra sure to protect Tatsumi!"
The words she spoke were from the heart, though perhaps a little childlike, it added to her personality.
Again he found his hand gravitating towards her head insisting upon commending her genuine and warm heart.
"You really are my friend and a very good and honest girl. I'm really glad we met. I know I couldn't have done so much so fast without you!"
A gentle smile met her face in the fading light as the two found themselves in front of the great doors into the large house.
Tatsumi knocked twice upon the great wooden doors as the sound resonated within.
As if in anticipation, the doors swung open inward revealing three figures eager to welcome them.
"Ah, you two must be from the guard! Do come in!"
The warm light within the corridors was a perfect match to the kind faces that grinned welcomingly.
"We'll make sure that you are safe and sound. We are heroes of justice after all! Koro here will make sure to eat those with sinful intent! Right Tatsumi!?"
She raised her hand to the air matching Koro's paw anticipating Tatsumi to do the same.
"You bet! We'll protect you no matter what."
Tatsumi responded with a confident wink.
"Mah, mah, its nice to have such diligent protectors, in that case we shall be in your care."
Bowing low the family lead them towards a dining room fully prepared with scrumptious dishes as far as the eye could see.
"T-this. Oh! So that's it! Don't worry we'll be sure to make sure your meal is—"
The family laughed though Tatsumi didn't quite understand, Seryu quickly pointed toward two extra seats invitingly decorated with silverware.
"Oi Tatsu! I told you justice has its rewards! U fu fu. You never even considered it could be reserved for us? How honest, mhm mhm, you're a good guy to your core."
Nodding confidently she dragged him to his seat as he remained dazed.
"I-it's really okay?"
He nervously gulped, desperate to avoid drooling as his current whereabouts came with tantalizing smells and visions alike.
"My boy, you must be new to the guard! But please don't think I'm scrutinizing, but consider this our means of thanks for your protection. Trust me when I say one's life is worth far more than this. I don't know if you know, but we have quite the reputation thanks to our little angel here. She is so generous taking in strays and helpless and showing them a glimpse of hope. Not to brag or anything of course."
The man drew his napkin to his mouth coughing softly.
"That's not fair papa you and mama help too!"
The warmth of smiles slowly soothed the apprehension and guilt about the meal before him.
Is it really okay? I-I mean this looks like the most expensive meat I've ever seen! Heck I don't even know what some of this is. But it all looks tasty. I want to try. It would be rude if I didn't right? It's okay right?
"Let's eat!"
The father bowed his head as they gave a moment of peace before digging in. The flavors were incredible to say the least, each bite more intriguing and addictive than the last.
"Seryu try this one! I don't really know what it is but its soooooooo good!"
She smiled happily as the flavor met her lips, her smile was far more content than the one he saw at they met.
Tatsumi's expression began to fall serious, looking at Seryu and then to the floor.
"No matter what happens, don't die Seryu, Of course, I won't either."
"Mhm mhm, I'll be sure to protect you, I know that must sound silly since we're supposed to protect the family, I-I mean don't get me wrong we will protect them too, but I would hate to lose a friend. I only ever had Koro you see, well and Ogre of course! But I never had a proper friend yanno?"
A slight blush of embarrassment crossed his face causing a playful giggle to resound through the halls.
Time passed all too quickly as the meal drew to a close giving way to the setting sun.
"Hmph, those assassins better watch out, now I'm pumped up!"
Placing a hand on his arm he smiled wryly as if to impress his companion.
She smiled spinning with Koro gently before leaning towards him with a responsible face.
Sayo and Ieyasu, I hope you both are making friends too. You two don't have to worry I'll be okay till we meet.
"Heh, protect me, hmph I'LL be the one doing the protecting just you wait and see!"
A playful rivalry formed before the two faded to laughter fading with the sun.
The two adapted a more serious face as the moon began to rise knowing full well the potential danger it dragged behind it.
Abruptly a scream filled the air as the two dashed towards it dreading the worst.
"Damn-it, Damn-it, damn-it all! Are we too late?"
Seryu glared forward focused entirely as Koro matched her scowl toward the darkness just beyond.
"Prepare yourself Tatsu, there's an evildoer just ahead."
Drawing his sword his eyes fell closed, focusing intently upon finding a sound of movement.
After a brief moment of nothingness he could hear them like ripples upon the water's surface.
There were two shadows approaching, both of which were no doubt formidable.
My heart won't stop racing; it's more intimidating than danger beasts. I think I finally understand what those travelers meant by there were monsters in the capital. No time, I can't be afraid now.I have to protect everyone.
Taking a deep breath he exhaled gaining an eerie calm, almost as if to contrast the darkly smiling girl beside him.
Her twisted grin cut a half moon across her face filled with altruistic justice.
Two figures approached slowing their approach as they walked from the shadows.
"Hmm, looks like more guards what should we do?"
A tall slender woman approached beside a shorter black haired red eyed girl.
"Guilty?"
The shorter girl spoke without emotion grasping the long katana at her side.
Tatsumi raised his blade pointing it at the two with a grimace.
"Who did you kill?! I won't forgive you if you hurt the innceont"
"Innocent? You should really-"
"Don't say another word Night Raid, we won't listen to your excuses!"
The slender girl pulled from her back a great pair of scissors lying beside herself in a state of subdued emotion.
Gunfire broke the silence; smoke flowed up in torrents from the red hot barrels as she laughed.
The two figures leaped quickly dodging the volley as Seryu recklessly pursued.
"No sense talking to these villains Tatsu, once a sinner ALWAYS a sinner!"
A demon like smile crossed her face as she tossed Koro tumbling through the air.
The beast grew large and fierce starkly contrasting his cute nature that Tatsu had come to expect.
Woah, I guess he really is an imperial arm, I hope the lil guy is okay, err, well not so much little anymore I suppose? Regardless I have to do my part.
"I'll back you up!"
Tatsumi rushed forward keeping his head low as the two remained motionless at their charge.
Closer and closer they blitzed as time held its breath in anticipation of the clash.
Crashing forward he let out a battle cry tumbling into a sprint pressing one leg after the other forcing himself ahead.
The scissor wielding shadow dashed forward without a sound covering a similar amount of ground with an eerie weightlessness about her.
Caught in a locked stare the two met under the moonlight peeking through the great windows dotting the hallway.
Each strike was a journey meeting in light, before sparking in the pitch dark. Feeling a pain shoot up his arm, there was no doubt now that the weapon she had was abnormally strong.
The red eyed girl stood still staring at the beast rushing toward her without an expression.
Finding the beast an arm's length away she finally made her move, dashing over its back trailing her katana behind without a sound.
Koro for a moment stood still looking as vicious as ever, but soon the creature burst into a stream of life escaping as he slinked to the floor.
"Koro!"
Tatsumi forced his way past the Scissor wielding woman passing on a chance to strike her in favor of protecting Koro from more harm.
Rolling low he found his footing as he arose with a great upward slash finding only air.
The red eyed girl was swift and easily more experienced, of that there was no doubt, but the fact that he protected Koro was enough.
"Koro's happy that you're worried about him, but you don't gotta be, he's almost indestructible after all!"
Ah what a relief, I thought for sure with a wound like that he'd be a goner.
He was a fool, losing focus in the moment, a precious moment too late, feeling his instincts scream, his last line of defense.
A sharp blade cut through the air as he stumbled to bring his sword up in time.
Placing a hand upon his blade he forced it up absorbing the shock of the blade with his own flesh as his only reinforcement.
Locked in a stare with the red he struggled to overpower her, she had no expression to match his own dark expression.
Breaking from the clash he noticed an all too unsettling fact, the lack of the scissors woman anywhere to be found.
Looking to and fro there was no sign of movement in the eerie dark.
"Tatsu keep her still for a moment! I'll make sure she feels just-"
Time froze as the shadows behind Seryu came into view forming a single giant pair of scissors glistening in the puddle of moonlight flooding through the window.
"Seryu, be care—"
His words stopped as a cold chill rushed down his spine, a lump of flesh and then another fell.
No…Stop...STOP!
A scowl of hatred was born within the moment, as Seryu stood lacking appendages where her arms should have been, as no blood yet had time to escape.
"Seryu!"
The scissors slowly rearranged to meet her neck as Seryu's demon like smile gave way to a look of fear.
There's no time! I have to save her, she can't fight without her arms, I won't let you die damnit!
Rushing forward he could hear every breath as the scissors came closer and closer to drawing off her head as her lips moved softly mouthing words he could just barely understand.
"Justice never loses."
A maddening laughter prattled just ahead of his path as an even more devil like smile met Seryu once again.
A gun peeked from her wounds as she shot at the scissor wielding woman hopping to a distance.
"Koro Berseker mode!"
The Scissor wielding woman gracefully dodged the charge of the enraged beast only to be met by bullets against her shield like scissors grazing off with a loud echo.
Tatsumi stood with his face cast by shadows watching silently as Koro grew rapidly in size and ferocity; he could feel a strange attunement with the beast feeling as if something grew inside him as well.
Dragging his blade along the stone his blade sparked bursting into small torches within the thick shadows.
His expression darkened far beyond the shadows, the expression twisting and contorting as the two in front of him struggled to fend off Koro's deadly assault.
Leaping to koro's shoulder he stared down in the now wind filled darkness sweeping his coat effortlessly in the moonlight.
The two stared as if in awe for a split second as he knew his moment was now.
"Koro throw me at them as hard as you can!"
Bracing himself firmly in Koro's hand he found himself steady for a moment before flying as if a bat in the dusk.
The momentum was nearly too much for him yet his focus brought him crashing into the red eyed girl, his blade warped with the massive force behind it defying its straight nature.
He roared with ferocity crashing down as the girl stood helpless as sound could not escape her mouth.
Just before the strike the scissor girl pushed the other out of the way screaming without sound.
After a long moment it seemed as though his strike had missed, but that was far from the case as he sheathed the blade standing behind the woman as the clank echoed in the dark.
Koro and Seryu cheered in the distance as a crimson line of blood began to form across the midsection of the scissor wielding woman.
"Akame…Run away…Please.."
Sheele spoke softly but subdued as she began to fall from herself spewing blood in fountains from her mouth and wound.
"No… Sheele…Why did you…"
Akame cried with little expression as life slowly drifted ever so further away from the girl that now felt so close to him in the most surreal manner.
"Tell…..Everyone…I love them.."
Her breath drew slow and choked with blood as Tatsumi instinctively prepared to face the reeling huntress, but to his surprise Sheele gripped his leg with the strength only a dying can boast.
"I….Won't…..Let….yo….u"
Why now, why am I Hesitating now, isn't it too late to hesitate, she's already dying, why do I feel bad for the assassin of all people. Why? Why?! I...I didn't want this.. why did they have to come..
He shook as the black haired girl stumbled to her feet glaring daggers at him.
"I'll never forgive you...Tatsumi."
She spoke with a deep sorrow and even deeper hatred pooling from her wounded yet subdued heart.
"I'll kill you...I'll avenge her."
Running into the darkness Koro chased only to be met with a wall of metal wires slicing ever so deeply.
"It was all your fault! I didn't want to kill but what choice did I have?"
He spoke under his breath snapping from the moment as he rushed to tend to Seryu now laying in a pool of blood.
"Seryu! Get a hold of yourself, you've lost a lot of blood. Don't go dying on me, if you weren't here who would uphold justice?"
Faintly she looked up from her now gentle head placed upon his lap.
Koro looked worried and licked the side of her cheek making sure she knew he was there for her too.
"That's a stupid question Tatsu, it's you isn't it? You cant kill justice but, I know you'll kill the injustice in the world. You're just like papa…"
Her gaze began to become faint as the loss of blood painted her skin pale.
"Don't say it like that! You idiot, I wouldn't even be a guard without your help. Don't just think it's okay to leave!"
Fading from consciousness he grasped her weary body as he rushed through the house watching a glint of eyes matching his own.
A sorrowful and hateful group stood upon wires as if upon the moon.
"Night Raid! I'll stop you all myself, I swear you'll pay for all the lives you've taken!"
The group somberly responded in silence, without a single eye leaving his focus, he burned their image into his mind a picture he would never allow to escape.
Making his way through the courtyard he dashed into the empty moonlit streets as he ran without relent toward the headquarters for the guard.
There's no time, this isn't how it's supposed to go! Don't you dare die on me; it's our first mission that's no place to die!
A group appeared through the shadows of the darker alleys standing in his path.
"Move."
He spoke with a deathly tone making certain they knew he would not hesitate to kill them if they so much as delayed him a moment longer.
"Yes yes, quite a scary look for such lovely face don't you think?"
An eccentric man in a lab coat stood beside a rather strange human with ears easily tenfold what any normal human could expect.
" I don't have time for your snide comments, this girl is my friend and she might die if I don—"
The man fixed his glasses holding a white glove up to the air stopping his words.
"Stop right there. I think you somewhat misunderstand my intention. You see, my name is Dr. Stylish, I doubt you've heard of me by the looks of your dumbfounded expression. But you only truly need to know that. I'm here to help. Who do you think gave that girl her weaponry to begin with?"
The man shrugged haughtily before turning trailing a hand upward beckoning Tatsumi to follow.
Should I trust this guy? He definitely seems suspicious but I don't have time to waste. If he tries anything to Seryu I'll kill him.
He led his way through a door deep within a strangely shaped building littered with spinning gears and the hum of machinery.
The stairwell gave way to a much larger room filled with tubes and what looked to be numerous test subjects ranging from danger beast to human; all of which basked in a faded green glow.
"Can you save her?"
His honest concern broke the silence; shaking with worries of the worst, tears began to fill his eyes accompanied by Koro gently nuzzling his master.
The man fixed his glasses glaring off the green sickly glow of the laboratory.
"You're loud. But I suppose you do have some redeeming qualities. I can save her so stop worrying so much. Its rather distracting. While you're at it go and tell Ogre what happened. I'm certain 'Mr. Stubborn' himself would be dying for an explanation. Though, please don't mention me in all of this, I would hate to take blame of this mess."
Meeting the doctor in front of him with a gaze as fierce as a dragon's he grasped the man by the shoulder.
"I want you to promise. Promise me she'll be okay."
Stylish smiled and closed his eyes with a sigh.
"Well I can't easily turn down such a passionate request from someone so cute now can I?"
Tearing his hand away he turned feeling faint relief despite the unsettling wording of the man before him.
Walking up the dark lit staircase he noticed Koro staring at him with pitiful eyes following a step behind.
Picking him up Tatsumi managed a smile wrought with pain yet not lacking in hope.
"its okay boy, she'll be just fine. I promise. In fact I'm so sure she'll make it that you can eat me if she doesn't!"
Petting Koro he shared a moment with him before leaving with a wish.
"Protect her no matter what until I come back. If that guy hurts her then you can eat him too."
Koro barked in agreement with an expression that reminded him greatly of her cheer he had become spoiled upon.
No more excuses. I need to become stronger, just being a guard won't stop the innocent from being slain. We failed outright, that poor family. Even after they trusted us and treated us so well. To think it would be their last meal… Night raid…How dare you…
Clenching his fist in agony, crimson trails began to seep from his fingers digging deep into his flesh.
This pain is nothing; they were put through so much more weren't they? Losing an arm… what kind of guard am I if I can't even protect my partner. Damn it all!
His fist met with the wall followed by his head as blood mixed with tears.
Again he struck out, crashing against the stone, gritting his teeth how very weak he was.
Weakness. It is a sin isn't it? If you aren't strong enough to protect what you love who else can be blamed?
Running with a dizziness swelling within his skull he found himself pressed against the door of the guard house fully anticipating a punishment.
Not that he minded, if anything it would make him feel better to be beaten or hurt, at least then he could begin to atone.
"Tatsumi reporting in."
The room which a moment sooner was filled with laughter and drinking was instantly met by a cautious silence cast by the zombie like appearance of Tatsumi in the doorway.
Blood dripped from his head and hand, but he could find no reason to care about that.
Carrying himself toward his superior, he prepared to shoulder the weight of failure.
"Spit it out."
The growling of Ogre was no longer intimidating but expected.
"We fought against two members of Night raid. Killing one, however, it cost Seryu her arm. I take full responsibility for her fate."
He bowed his head low as deathly silence fell over the crowded room making it seem more like an abandoned hell than a festive hall of protectors.
Perhaps it was just that, his hell, the one that was born of his weakness.
"Tell me Tatsumi what were you expecting me to say?"
Ogre looked at him without empathy from his tower like stature.
"A punishment for allowing my partner to come to harm, some kind of atonement for my weakness."
He shook with anger boring into his soul; the angst at his failure came at such a harsh price.
"You really are too kind for this kind of work, you know, nobody would punish you even if she had died, each one of us knows the dangers and agrees to place our lives on the line to uphold the ideals of the capital. Do you really think you are weak? If you do then there is only one solution. To kill your weakness."
Every word seemed far too kind and different than how it had played in his mind along his path to getting there.
This is wrong, why am I not being punished, this is wrong, it's all wrong, yet… what he says might be true...
Snap out of it already Tatsumi, if you keep feeling sorry for yourself how will you ever get stronger?
"I have a request."
Tatsumi said with a solemn expression fiercely matching Ogre.
"Train me without holding back. I could feel it the first time we fought, you were holding back weren't you? I want to become stronger, strong enough to kill Night raid with my own hands."
His eyes gleamed with passion that forced those watching to believe his words.
"You really are an idiot aren't you?But at least you're on our side, someone spouting such madness would usually be laughed at, but with that potential you got, you might just do it someday, heh , you act just like her. Always saying such bold statements as if they're easy. Naïve…however, if you really feel that way then prove it. Come Tatsumi, if you truly wish to see it, hell awaits…"
Feeling only a cold acceptance brewing within his soul, he could find no apprehension left.
The towering man led him to a room deep within the confines of the guard halls.
It had an appearance more akin to a torture chamber than a training method, but still he could not avert his eyes.
"You see… Tatsumi, this is my room I only share with those I care about the most. It's a sort of tough love. If you can learn to endure pain and pressure, agony and madness; overcoming it all. Then you will break through your weakness. Let me ask you one last time. Are you certain you wish to take this path with your life on the line? Oh, and it may be worth mentioning that Seryu is the only one who has ever survived my training. Don't say you were not warned."
Somehow a smile painted itself across Tatsumi's blood caked face, betraying no fear, only a pure heartfelt desire for strength at any cost.
"If it will make me stronger then do your worst."
The man crashed his fist into his remaining palm smiling at his brave disciple.
"Don't regret those words boy."
"Monsters...are never born..They are made."