Hello there, my lovely readers! Hope you're having a wonderful day/night. Welcome back to this fanfiction.

Oh boy. I sure took a long time to update huh…

I'm sorry. I just became so busy with work and making my first Youtube video. Hope you guys aren't mad about the late update. At least I'm updating it now.

Thank you for dropping your lovely reasons. I enjoyed reading every last one of them, so please keep them coming.

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN ANY TV SHOW. CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHY WE DO THIS DISCLAIMERS?

Now on with the chapter.

Chapter 4: Sayo Steps Up

Another day began, and with it another normal activity in the Capital. Whether it was lavishing in one's wealth, or struggling to find something to eat, the Capital was still a miserable place to live in. Sometimes it's hard to notice until one's perspective changed.

"This is terrible…" Sayo muttered with a frown.

She was walking behind Acnologia through a marketplace in the Capital. Everywhere she looked, she could see depressive faces, struggling people, and pathetic beggars around them. Acnologia heard her well, and noticed his surroundings despite his unfazed face expression. He has seen worst things in his past life.

Sayo was still sad about the situation. "I never noticed it before when I came here with Ieyasu, but…the people here are miserable."

"That's probably because you changed." Acnologia replied unchanged without looking back. "Considering you died because of the circumstances in this world, it won't be surprising that you've noticed things you didn't see prior."

"I guess so…" Sayo looked down.

There weren't any true word to describe how she felt. Being revived was mind-blowing, and yet she hadn't felt like she died before. Yes, she still remembered the times she was tortured by Aria, and the moment where she let out her final breath of life. But when she thought about it, her mind didn't seem bothered that she was originally dead.

She shook her head to get rid of those thoughts. Even though she died, she was glad that she was brought back to life. She just wished that Ieyasu had joined along.

"By the way…are you sure it's okay that we're walking here?" She asked.

Acnologia kept walking, but turned his head to look at her. He said nothing, and raised an eyebrow like he was expecting her to explain.

"Well…I mean, you're dressed like that and…uh…you know."

Acnologia huffed and faced his own direction. He chuckled. "Anyone that has a problem with my choice of clothes can come forward. I'll just burn them to ashes right after."

"Eh?! Y-You can't do that!" Sayo informed him out of fear. She was scared of the person that would actually talk to Acnologia about his fashion choice.

Acnologia chuckled, but this time heavier. "Relax, kid, I won't do anything like that. I was just joking. Besides…these people have more problems to deal with than what I wear."

"Oh…That was an awful joke, Acnologia." Sayo sighed in relief. "So have you found her yet?"

Acnologia's face changed to a small snarl. "No, but it's clear that she has been around here a while ago. But I guess that's to expect from a high enchantress."

Sayo understood that, and wrapped her arms around her like she felt a shudder. Acnologia had told her about Irene, and the fact that she had attacked Tatsumi. Not surprising, she was shocked, and even asked if the others know about her. Acnologia chose not to tell Night Raid, mostly because he wanted to confront her without any disturbances.

Even though Irene was nowhere stronger than him, she was still a powerful magic user in her own right. Last time Acnologia had seen her alive, she casted an unknown magic that even he didn't know about. This meant that her presence in this world was a serious threat unlike any they might've witnessed. The empire won't even stand a chance against her.

"But is she really that powerful?" The fear in Sayo's tone was obvious. "To think that someone can change the very geography of a whole kingdom is…really worrying."

"Hmph!" Acnologia couldn't help but smile. "You think she's something? True, she can take over this world if she wanted, but so can I. So ease your heart, Sayo. I won't let her disrupt this world's balance."

"But she's a human, right? Didn't you say that you won't interfere with humans?"

"She's…debatable. Before her death, I sensed her in a dragon form, so it's possible that she still possesses it here. Besides, whether she's human or not, she has no right to change the course of this world."

"I see." A second later, Sayo smiled and suddenly wrapped her arms around the dragon king. "Thank you, Acnologia."

The Dragon King was a bit startled. They received some stares from people, but not enough to really bother him. Acnologia did blush a bit before she let go and walked past him.

"Come on, let's go find her!" She said while looking at him. On her face was a wide smile, which was a good show of her relief and assurances.

Acnologia mildly smiled and followed her. She really minded him of someone he once knew.

Hours went by since that moment between the two. As they continued their search, they were able to find the crucifixion ground where people were forced to stay and die on crosses. Sayo was shocked by it, and even disgusted, while Acnologia seemed unfazed by the whole thing. The sight just reminded the both of them about the cruelness of the empire.

Later that night, Najenda got everyone together for a mission from the Revolutionary Army. They wanted the cousin of the Prime Minister assassinated. Sayo would've joined if not for Acnologia, who believed that she wasn't ready to go on the mission. Najenda decided then to have her sit out the mission, much to her own objection.

Sayo was only able to hear what happened about the mission from Tatsumi when the team returned. Of course, she found it funny how he complained about Mine. It made her wonder if they might end up liking each other eventually.

The next day, Najenda assembled them for another mission.

"The target this time is the rumored serial killer that is plaguing the Capital." Najenda announced. With a solemn face, she added. "Late at night he suddenly appears and chops off the victim's head. It's unknown how many dozens of people he has killed so far."

Sayo was shocked. "And those three were part of the Imperial Guard?"

"He sounds strong." Tatsumi analyzed.

Lubbock understood who they were talking about. "Then there's no mistake. It has to be Zank the Beheader."

"A Beheader?" Acnologia questioned. Though he stood separate from the group, he still had some good hearing. "Sounds like society's nuisance."

"But I doubt you know about him." Mine stated while staring at him. "You look more of an outsider, so I guess that's to expect.

Acnologia chose not to let her comment tempt him. She was technically right. He had no obligation to act on any mission with them. Even when he left the hideout with Sayo, it was only on the permission of Najenda – not that he needed it. He would've gone out whether she allowed it or not.

"Pardon me, but I don't know him either." Sheele said, referring to Zank.

"I think you just forgot, Sheele." Mine replied.

"So what kind of monster is he?" Tatsumi asked.

Mine went on to explain. Zank used to work in the empire's greatest prison as their executioner. Due to the Prime Minister, they were always someone that had to be executed by him no matter the time or day. Zank was even known to take the heads of those that were on their knees begging for their lives.

"So all that turned him crazy huh." Acnologia finished off. Even though he deliberately cut Mine off, he ignored her glare and huffed. "Some humans' minds can be so weak."

Najenda found that comment intriguing. "I think anyone would run mad if they had to be subjected to that life. But from your comment, you're saying that you can handle it just fine. Why is that?"

Acnologia responded by glaring at her. The woman was being suspicious, and it was obvious between them. But Mine thought otherwise.

"He's just talking nonsense. Like he would know the experience of killing so many people like Zank." She simply dismissed. "Executing prisoners weren't enough for Zank, so he became a serial killer."

Bulat added to that. "He disappeared right around the time that a detainment force was sent to find him. Who would think he'd be in the Capital?"

"What a horrible guy!" Tatsumi exclaimed with his tightened fist up close to his face. "We need to find and beat his ass, right, Sayo?"

"Yes!" Sayo nodded affirmatively.

Bulat admired their courage, but decided to ease Tatsumi down. He had something to say when he approached him and placed his hand on the teen's head with a charming smile on his face.

"Hold your horses, Tatsumi. Zank stole the warden's Teigu before leaving. If you ran into him without your partner…you'd be in big trouble."

Tatsumi shuddered, but it wasn't because of what Bulat told him. No, it had to do with the fact that Bulat grabbed his chin and brought his chin closer to his own.

'I get the feeling that I'm in another kind of trouble at the moment.' Tatsumi thought.

Acnologia interrupted the moment. His movement was noticed by his footsteps, and soon by the fact that he was in everyone's view as he headed to Sayo.

"As committed as you are, Sayo, I don't think you're ready to face someone with a Teigu." He said. "Your training is still not complete."

"What?! But I can fight!" Sayo defended, and gestured at Tatsumi. "Tatsumi, Ieyasu and I trained very well! We've taken down tons of Danger Beasts before! Besides, I won't be alone!"

"But this is not a Danger Beast." Acnologia stood in front of her with a strict glare. "I forbid you from going."

Sayo grew silent and frowned. Tatsumi would've intervened, but Bulat grabbed his shoulder to halt him. The teen looked back at him, and was met with a look unlike the one the older man had given him just recently. He needed Tatsumi to stay back. Everyone seemed to agree silently as they watched what unfolded.

"No! I'm going to fight!" Sayo stated strongly. She then placed her hand on her chest, and continued. "I know that you're worried about me, but I can fight! I'm a member of Night Raid! I want to prove myself just like Tatsumi did!"

Another moment of silence took place. Now everyone was curious to see what Acnologia's response would be. Najenda could decide that Sayo would follow, but she was interested to know what Acnologia's response would be.

The Dragon King made his decision. With an annoyed sigh, he turned away and headed to a door. "Try not to get yourself killed. There's no such thing as a third chance."

Sayo watched his retreating form, and nodded with a hint of fear on her face. Acnologia was basically saying that if she died again, he won't bring her back.

LINE BREAK

Acnologia sighed while staring at the nightly sky. He could barely see the moon despite his open surroundings. While seated on the Cliffside above the hideout, he was doing some reflecting of his own while Night Raid went off to the Capital to find and assassinate Zank. Najenda permitted Sayo to go along, so she was gone too.

"Why are humans so persistent to go into danger?" The Dragon King openly wondered.

He just didn't understand. Back when he was alive in his world, most humans would evacuate whenever they heard him coming, and yet there was that group of humans that gathered the courage to face him. What were they called again? Acnologia wasn't sure he got the name before he died.

He would've reflected more if not for his senses. He could hear and smell a certain woman coming towards him from behind.

"I see you're alone too. Mind having some company?" Najenda asked.

'This woman…' Acnologia held back the urge to snare. "Do as you wish." The Dragon King said.

Najenda took the offer and sat next to him. There was still a few meters of space between them.

"Quiet night, isn't it?" Najenda questioned.

Acnologia simply sent a small glare at her. He found her attempt at small talk annoying. The woman didn't need to look to notice.

"Yes, I know I'm not good at small talk. But I find this…a bit refreshing."

Now Acnologia was a bit curious.

"How so?" He asked.

Najenda paused and took out a cigarette from her pack. Placing it at her lips, she was about to use a lighter, when suddenly the untouched end of cigarette was already lit. The blue flame that was brief became enough for her to know who was responsible.

She smiled a bit and released a bit of smoke from her mouth. "So…you don't even have to move your body to set things on fire." She commented. "Whenever the group goes off, I always have to stay back since I know they can handle it. And it's not like I have a Teigu to fight with."

"Are you sure that's safe to say to me?" Acnologia asked her. It wasn't due to any means of concern.

Najenda smiled a bit. "Even if I had one, I doubt I can win a fight against you. Besides, I see both of us as allies than enemies."

"Allies?" Acnologia scoffed, and looked to the distance. "If this is your attempt to get me to fight with you people, just give up already. But I'll give you some points for efforts. You're not even afraid of sitting next to me."

Najenda found him amusing. "You can keep the tough guy act, but I already figured at least some things about you."

That comment got Acnologia's mildly curiosity. Even though he doubted that she knew about his past, he did want to know what she figured about him.

"Tell me, what makes me different from Sheele?" Najenda asked while letting out yet another smoke. "Am I not cute enough?" At the last part she playfully winked at him with her one eye.

"The fact you can ask that with a straight face is odd." The Dragon King answered with a deadpan faced.

Najenda silently looked back at the forest and chuckled. "Is that so? So this is what it's like to have some company?"

Acnologia never answered, not that he needed too. A silence happened between the both of them, with the leader of Night Raid finishing her cigarette. The nightly wind was the only sound between them before she spoke up again.

"By the way, are you sure it's fine to let her go?"

Acnologia knew who she was referring to. She continued so he would know the point of her question.

"To say that the Capital is a scary place sounds like belittling it. If Sayo continues to fight alongside us, she might meet her death one day."

Acnologia sighed, though it was nearly unnoticeable. "I have no right to choose what she wants." He replied.

"But you brought her back to life. Anyone would feel like they own that person." Najenda persisted.

'So…that's what she's trying to figure out.' Acnologia understood her intention.

Though she came with good intention, Najenda was trying to figure out Acnologia's true nature on her own. This was just his chance to prove whether he was a good person, or a threat that should be considered.

"Try to be a bit more subtle. I know what you're trying to do." Acnologia told her with an unfazed expression.

Najenda pulled out another cigarette. The impressive smile on her face never faded. "I had a feeling you'd figure out what I'm trying to do. So, does that mean you won't answer my curiosity?"

Acnologia growled lowly, and sighed. "I've done a lot of terrible things in my past, but to own a person? I haven't gone that low, so don't put me to the likes of slave-owners."

Najenda was intrigued by that answered. Though it was vague, she understood a bit more about Acnologia. Did it make her feel intimidated or threatened? No, not at the slightest. With everything that she has heard from her assassins, it was enough for her to come to one conclusion.

"I see." Najenda said. She danced the cigarette in her fingers, and added. "I can't say for certain yet that you're a good person. But…I get the feeling that you have some good intentions."

Acnologia scoffed. "Don't act like you know me."

"You sure about that?" Najenda asked with a quirky smile. "How long are you going to stay here before going to check up on her? You're worried about her."

Acnologia growled with a low tone. As much as he hated to admit it, the woman was right. He stood up without a word and casted a short glare at her. It was clear that he'll need to be a bit watchful of someone like Najenda.

The woman winked at him. "Let's have one of these talks again, okay?"

Acnologia didn't answer. He simply leapt from the place, thus leaving her on her own. Of course, she didn't mind it, but she was surprised at what happened next. Just like before, the cigarette in her hand was touched by a bit of blue fire, to which she smiled and faced the direction that the Dragon King went.

"I'll take that as a yes." She said.

Sayo sighed as she followed Leone and Bulat from behind. She didn't know how long it has been since they've been in the Capital. So far there was no sign of the Beheader, which wasn't really the main focus of her worries.

She was worried about Acnologia. Some unspeakable thoughts were running through her mind. It also didn't help that she felt that she left the Dragon King on a bad taste. The only thing that had mildly taken her interest off was when Bulat explained to her about the history and nature of Teigu.

Sayo found it fascinating and a bit scary. Bulat had explained what each of their Teigu could do. It made her realize just how terrifying the assassins were, not that she didn't think about it before. Besides Mine, she saw all of them as friends, but now she realize that they were also deadly friends.

Leone took noticed of her mood. Though Bulat was between them, her heightened senses while in her beast form made her more aware.

"Hey, Sayo. Are you doing okay?" She asked.

This was the first time Sayo was joining them as a team. When partners were assigned, it was decided by Najenda that Sayo should be paired with Bulat and Leone. She wanted Sayo to be able to rely on them, rather than just Tatsumi whom she has known for a long time.

"Oh…uh…" Sayo found it hard to explain. She gave in once even Bulat turned to face her. She sighed and sat on a flat stone. "I'm sorry if I'm holding you guys back, but…I'm just worried about me and Acnologia."

"Oh?" Leone smirked and placed her hands on her hip. "Have you finally fallen in love with him?"

"What?! Finally?!" Sayo was completely taken aback. Her cheeks reddened, while her heart beat increased. "W-What are you talking about?! Acnologia and I are just friends! We're…" she calmed down, and looked depressingly at the ground. "…just friends, and yet I yelled at him that way."

Leone's smirk dropped. It was obvious that Sayo had no special feelings for Acnologia, which was good. Leone has considered having the Dragon King for herself, anyway.

"So that's what this is about." Bulat said, stating the obvious.

Sayo nodded. "I don't want to disrespect him, but…I want to fight too. I want to be a part of Night Raid and fight alongside everyone. That's why I'm fine with training under Acnologia, because I can get stronger with him….Do you think he hates me for what I did?"

Leone suddenly laughed. It surprised Sayo, who felt her heart jump when she did that. The blonde assassin only calm down a moment after, and sat next to her.

"Come on, Sayo. You don't really think he hates you for that, do you?" She asked. Before the girl could answer though, she stretched her arm and pulled her close. "Listen, Acnologia's not mad at you. When he spoke back there, he was just trying to tell you to be careful."

"How do you know?" Sayo asked.

"Because we noticed." Bulat answered in Leone's place. "Anyone can interpret what he said as something scary, but for assassins like us, it's a message that you should be careful."

"Yeah!" Leone's pulled her closer. "So how about this?! Impress this Onee-chan and Onii-chan here, and we'll be sure to let Acnologia know how cool you were."

Sayo gave their words a thought, and smiled. She felt a lot better now.

"Yeah, I can do that." She faced Leone with a smile.

"That's the spirit, Sayo!" Leone smirked widely.

Zank chuckled with a mad grin on his face. He was standing at the highest point of a clock tower, watching through the special headband-like device on his head. With it, he could see each member of Night Raid despite the large distance, and talk to himself while doing it.

"In addition to serial killers, now professional killers show up. My, what a dangerous city this is. Hehe…"

He began to pick amongst them. "Okay then…which neck should I go after first?" and then he saw it – or rather her. His Teigu's view zoomed in on Sayo, to which his grin widened. "I should start with…THE MOST DELICIOUS ONE!"

Sayo stepped out of a public toilet with a satisfied sigh. After patrolling for a while, she needed to use the bathroom. Leone suggested using a bottle she carried, fortunately Bulat had told her about a nearby public toilet that she could use. Now she just needed to rejoin them and continue the search for the Beheader.

"Hmm?" She noticed someone standing close by.

Her eyes widened once she got a clear view of the person. It was Ieyasu, and he was standing there with a genuine smile on his face. But then he turned back and began running away.

"Ieyasu? Ieyasu, wait!" She called out with her hand stretched out to him.

His sudden presence didn't make any sense, but she didn't care. Her mind and body chose to chase after Ieyasu without a second thought. Leone came to the spot a moment later. But by then Sayo was gone.

When she was given a chance to breath, Sayo took it well with her hands on her knees. Chasing Ieyasu had caused her to run a great distance, until now they were at an open area that was obviously far from the others.

"It's you, isn't it?" Sayo asked amidst catching her breath. "You…better have an excuse for making me run like this. So you were awake all this time?"

Ieysau stood quietly with his head down. Sayo didn't seem to care, though. She stood up straight and walked over to him, and hugged him in a warming embrace.

"Whatever. I'm just so happy to see you. Just wait till Tatsumi gets to see you again."

"I wouldn't mind that." Ieyasu's lips moved, but it wasn't his voice.

Sayo was suddenly alarmed, before noticing something very wrong. When she looked at Ieyasu again, she saw a tall and muscular man in a large coat, with a sinister grin on his face.

Her instincts forced her to jump back. "KYYAAAA! I always thought Ieyasu was weird, but not to the point of changing into an old man!"

"Good evening to you too." The mysterious man said. "Rather than call me 'old man', I would prefer that you affectionately call me Zank the Beheader."

At the last part, he drew out twin blades from his wrists and crossed them. Sayo's shock changed to a snarl, and soon she readied her bow and arrow and pointed it at Zank.

"You…" Zank gleefully pointed at Sayo. "You've been separated. If you wait, they'll eventually show up…But will you live long enough for that to happen…? Is that what you're thinking?"

Sayo's eyes widened. What Zank had said were the things she was thinking about. But she recovered quickly, and glared at him suspiciously.

'How did he know I thought of that? That eye on his forehead…is that a Teigu that can read minds?" She wondered.

Zank answered. "Bingo!" He exclaimed. "One of its five sight abilities, 'insight' can read your thoughts by seeing your facial expressions, body language, and stuff like that. Think of it as an extreme form of observation."

Sayo didn't like the sound of that. If that Teigu was as dangerous as he stated, she might really have to prolong the battle until the others arrive. Zank still continued with a question in mind.

"If I get questions about you right, can I turn you into a shrunken head?" He asked.

Sayo scowled. "You must take me for an idiot if you think I'll accept that. You talk too much, you know that?"

"Talking is one of my hobbies. Oh and by the way…the power I used to find you was 'farsight'."

Sayo saw that as her chance. While he was talking, she shot an arrow for his chest, only to then find that cut in half by Zank.

"Whether it's night or foggy, I can see you clear as day!" Zank proudly claimed. "So happy. You figured you would try something because I was talking? Useless completely!" With that, his grin widened and he pointed at his Teigu's eye. "I can see everything going on in your head, girl!"

Sayo was growing frustrated. Never did she think that someone would see through her moves in such a way. But she chose not to give up, nor did she give in to her frustration. She needed to keep her distance, thus she began running to the left while firing precise arrows at different parts of his body.

Zank simply crackled and charged at her. Even as the arrows came for him, he cleverly cut each of them as he closed the distance between him and Sayo.

"Though your arrows seem random, when in reality you're trying to hit me at different places in order to slow me down. You're also keeping your distance so you can have that advantage. But then..."

He was now close to Sayo. The black-haired girl seemed unfazed, to the point that she halted and bent her knees. As Zank came down with quick slice for her neck, she jumped over him and took two arrows from her pack to fire.

"But then…" Zank continued. "when you think you've fooled me, jump over and fire two arrows for my neck."

Sayo did just as he predicted. The arrows approached his neck, only for him to turn and rush past them and cut them. Sayo was about to land on the ground, when suddenly he came for her with his right blade. She quickly pulled another arrow and swung it for Zank's incoming grinning face.

He saw her attack coming, however, and said. "And then, just when I should think I got you, pull out an arrow and strike me in the face."

With that, he cut her arrow in half before using his other blade to cut Sayo's stomach. As blood spurt out, the young girl cried out in pain and kicked him in the face. The push had no effect on him, but it did put some distance between them. Sadly, she tumbled on the ground, while letting out some screams until she came to a stop.

"Just so you know, I saw that kick coming. I just chose not to react since it was so weak. So did I get everything right?"

Sayo winced while holding her stomach. She was fortunate that the cut wasn't serious. But as she staggeringly got on her arms and feet, she clutched the wound and noticed her bow lying on the ground far from her.

"Now you've been departed of your dear bow. Just what will you do now?"

'He's…too strong. He's on a whole higher level from any Danger Beast I've killed.' She thought.

Zank read her thoughts again. Hearing her thoughts just brought him joy as he casually approached her. "The look on the face of one whose head I'm about to take…it's just so irresistible. Most of them have this completely blank look of surprise on their face. So? What I'm saying is…WHAT KIND OF FACIAL EXPRESSION WILL YOU SHOW ME, HUH?! I'M SO EAGER TO KNOW!"

Sayo's mood changed. The fear changed to anger, which converted to a sense of determination. So despite the pain she stood her ground with just her pack of arrows with her left.

"I won't back down!" Sayo stated strongly. "I…WILL NOT DIE HERE, NOT UNTIL I'VE REPAID HIM FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR ME!"

"Him?" Zank questioned. "Oh, do you hope that he'll come to your rescue? I can look into your mind and see just who he is if you ask."

"That won't be necessary." She said and winced. The injury still hurt. "I'll take you here…with my own magic."

"Magic?" Zank was unimpressed. "That sounds just about crazy, and that's saying something from someone like me. Looks like I might've hurt you more than I intended. You see, I love hearing someone beg for their life with that sort of look on their face. So I was careful not to damage you too much. Now…"

He paused and stretched his hand out. Then he slowly tightened it while showing the most sick and sadistic look he could muster. "Now beg for your life! You may even be able to buy enough time for your friends to arrive!"

"As if!" Sayo shouted. "You must be the biggest idiot in the world to think I'll get on my knees and beg for my life! I'll rather die than to beg to the likes of you!"

With that, she closed her eyes, and began to concentrate. Zank found it amusing, and even chuckled at the act.

"Closing your eyes in front of me? Are you sure you should be doing that? Just what are you thinking?" Zank's Teigu acted and looked inside her mind. "Oh, are you trying to summon magic? Unbelievable! And here I thought I was the crazy one!"

"Don't put me in the same league as you." Sayo said, and gradually opened her eyes. "I've been trying hard for this. I can still remember what he told me there."

Her mind flashed back to one of Acnologia's training. When she was seated on a boulder at the time, she was seated crossed legged while trying to concentrate. The Dark Dragon was facing her despite her eyes being closed.

"Magic has existed in my world for centuries, even before I was born. Every type of magic, even the one I possess, comes from one original source, The One Magic. Magic is the physical embodiment of the spirit, and that spirit connects with the spiritual flow of nature, the spirit forms magic as a product of the connection."

"Does that mean Tatsumi can use it?" Sayo asked.

"That depends." Acnologia answered, and then explained. "For anyone to utilize magic, they must use the Magic Power in their body. This Magic Power is the source of Power for all Mages, and it's composed of Ethernano."

"Ethernano?"

"You can say they're invisible particles in the atmosphere." Acnologia informed her. "For you to gain access, you must concentrate and allow it to flow into you and fill in the magic container inside you. Only then will you have the power to protect your friends."

Present day Sayo's smirked. "I can feel it now, Master. I can feel it."

"Huh?" Zank was confused. "Just who was that guy, and…what was he talking about?"

He never got his response, but he did see something spectacular. Every inch of Sayo's body became covered in a snow white aura that was unlike anything seen. Along with that, the small pebbles around her began to float, before her arrows levitated from her pack and lined up straight above her head.

"What the ?!"

"DANCE MY ARROWS! TAKE HIM DOWN!" Sayo shouted and pushed her hand forward.

The arrows obeyed and flew straight at Zank. The Beheader was taken aback by the sudden attack, before quickly slashing at them. To his surprise, however, he missed due to the arrows flying right past him, and before he knew it, they went their own separate ways.

Zank chuckled, and looked back at Sayo. "You caught me by surprise there. Never did I think that such power exist. Do you think I can access this Magic Power? I can already imagine the kind of decapitations I can make with –"

"I'm not done yet." She looked up.

Zank became confused, and looked up and around him. His eyes widened once he saw the arrows. It turned out there that each arrow were a few feet in the air, each spread out in a circle formation, and pointed down at him.

Sayo stretched her arms apart, and flung them down. "EQUIP MAGIC: ARROW FORMATION! CONSECUTIVE BOMBARDMENT!"

Zank was now worried for his life. In his view, he shouldn't have fallen for such a trap, and yet there he was. As the arrows came, they came incredibly fast, thus he was barely able to escape when they reached and exploded.

He was pushed back by the explosion, before skidding back as he tried to regain his standing. Even though he had escaped, his body and clothes didn't leave unscathed. He came to a halt and panted just to recover his breathing. But then he was taken aback by what he saw next.

Sayo was with her bow again; and this one was glowing arrow with the same aura as her. Her weapon was pointed straight at him, with a deadly and concentrated glare in her eyes.

"LIGHTNING ARROW: ROARING STRIKE SHOT!"

When she shot the arrow, a small shockwave was heard and seen from her position. Zank had no way to prevent it. Just as fast as a lightning, it hit the Beheader and electrocuted him, to the point that he cried out in unbearable pain.

When the shocks ended, the arrow fell off him. The Beheader fell to the ground on his knees. His coat was badly damaged, with his body sustaining more injuries.

"Hmph…" Sayo smiled and fell to the ground on her side. "Looks like I used too much…But what do you think of me, Zank? Did you see my arrows coming?"

Zank snarled for the first time. Though he was injured, he stood back on his feet, and glared at Sayo, who continued mocking him.

"You decided to face me because you thought I was weak…when really…isn't it you that is weak? You're nothing by pathetic dirt that should crawl into a hole and die."

That was more than enough to trigger Zank's anger. Forgetting his own injuries, he charged straight at Sayo with the full intention to slice her into pieces.

"SHUT UP! I'LL KILL YOU!"

Sayo lightly chuckled. "Stupid, I told you I can't die, not because it's not possible, but…because he won't allow it. Is that not right, Master?"

Zank got close for the killing blow. He should've made it and killed her. But then his instincts went to overdrive, and he leapt back just before a stream of blue fire shot down from the sky. He wasn't the only one who was seeing the blue flames from the sky.

Acnologia's blue flames could be seen from every point in the Capital. Those who saw it were the members of Night Raid that were spread out, Imperial Guards, and enemies that became aware of it.

"Those flames…" God Serena's muttered with wide eyes.

He was in a nice room, and looking through the window when he saw the phenomenon. "That level of magic coming from it…There's no mistaking it." He smirked. "Acnologia! So you're here too!"

Irene smirked while standing at a rooftop. She could see Akame and Tatsumi rushing to the scene.

"Oh my. Maybe I should go and spectate as well." She smiled sinisterly.

Back at the scene, the flames extinguished to reveal a scorched ground. Sayo remained unharmed by it despite being so close to the flames. As for Zank, he stuttered as he gazed at the scorch ground, before seeing a dark figure rising with a deadly glare on his face.

"So…you're the Beheader." Acnologia mentioned intimidatingly.

Zank clicked his tongue in anger. He recognized the long-blue haired man in front of him from looking inside Sayo's memories. But he didn't seem to think of him as a threat. This was obvious when he turned his back at him, and looked down at Sayo.

"You got hurt." He said plainly.

"Yeah, I'm sorry." Sayo apologized. "You were watching all this time, and yet I failed to beat him."

"Don't forget about the fact that you allowed yourself to be separated. You would've been dead by now, you know." Acnologia then smirked genuinely. "But I won't lie that I'm not proud. Not only did you sense my presence, but…you were able to use magic. How did it feel?"

"It felt exhilarating and…so exhausting."

Acnologia chuckled. "First time Mages sometimes feel that way, but with enough practice you can –"

Zank appeared behind Acnologia with his blade coming for the dragon's neck. "Don't ignore me, you –"

He was cut off when the Dark Dragon moved. Before his eyes – and even his Teigu – Acnologia turned and bit down on his blade, hence shattering it into pieces. Zank was deeply shocked by it, to the point that he shrieked and jumped back in order to put some distance between them.

'I didn't even see him move! What…What the hell is he?!" Zank was further shocked to see Acnologia spit out pieces of his blade while his mouth was unharmed. 'I need to see…to see if he has any more surprises.'

With that, he shouted 'Clear Sight' in his head, and was able to look through Acnologia's clothes. 'It doesn't seem like he's carrying any weapon. So no more surprises.'

"Be careful. He's dangerous." Sayo warned.

Acnologia looked back at her. "Do you lack that much fate in me?"

Sayo giggled. "I was telling Zank. He can read your thoughts with that eye on his forehead. That's his Teigu."

"I see." Acnologia looked back at the Beheader.

Both of them remained motionless, with nothing else to say. In that period, the rest of Night Raid arrived on the scene, just in time to see Acnologia and Zank facing off. Tatsumi was the most surprised by it, before his eyes saw Sayo on the ground.

"Sayo!" He made his move to run to her. However, Akame stretched her arm out to stop him.

"Stay back. You might end up getting caught in the crossfire." She said.

"But Sayo –"

"will be fine." Leone said while approaching his side. With a grin on his face, she said. "He won't let her get hurt."

Zank's body, meanwhile, was shivering. He just couldn't figure out Acnologia by just staring at him. An idea then struck, and with his Teigu, he began to look through the Dragon King's mind in search of any memory he could figure out.

'Insight!' With this, he was inside Acnologia's memory. However, the scenes he saw completely shaken him, and yet it caused him to crackle and then laugh.

"I've killed so many uncountable people, and yet none of them…NONE OF THEM HAS EVER MARCHED TO THE LIVES THAT YOU'VE TAKEN!"

Now that statement was enough to startle everyone. Mine, who was on a nearby rooftop with Sheele, was confused.

"What did he just say?"

Acnologia genuinely smiled. "So…he dug right into my memory. Tell me, what did you see?"

"Death…Massacre, bloodshed and destruction on uncountable millions, both giant beasts and ordinary human beings!" Zank revealed.

Now that was enough to shaken the group watching them, even by a little bit. Sayo was aware that her master had killed people, but even she was shocked. Acnologia had killed that many? It was baffling to think just one person could do that.

Zank threw his coat with just one pull from his hand. He was feeling very excited about the new revelation of the man – No, the dragon in front of him.

"Say, Acnologia, what do you do about the voices?" He asked.

"Voices, you say?" Acnologia asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, the voices that never stop. The voices that drift up from hell. The moans of those who have been murdered. The ones that bear a grudge, constantly calling for me to join them in hell."

Acnologia said nothing back. He seemed unfazed by the question. Zank was in deep with his talk, and continued.

"Since my time as executioner, I've always heard them, but recently they've been louder. I quiet them down by speaking. So do you deal with them?"

Acnologia's lips moved. When they widened, they formed a smile, and then opened just for him to laugh out loud. He sounded like a maniac to the ears of those listening, including the one who asked him that questions.

When he calmed down, it was just a grin that was on his face.

"You're a bigger fool than I thought you were, Beheader, and here I thought you weren't worth my time. But you looked into my mind without permission. Don't think you're going to make it out alive."

"Eh?"

Zank's mind barely comprehend what happened next. With a flick of his dragon finger, Acnologia sent a flame slash that cut off the Beheader's left arm from the rest of his body. The act surprised those that watched, while the man grabbed the place where his arm should be. Blood was gushing out even before his arm hit the ground.

Acnologia calmly responded. "First off, I haven't heard any voices, and even if I did hear them, they wouldn't be a bother to me. Why? Because they'd be dead. And second…"

Zank was caught by surprise again, with the same treatment to his other arm. As that one fell to the ground, he could feel a sense of fear crawling all over his body.

"You dared to put me in the same league as you. " Acnologia added. "You either didn't see it, but there's a difference between being arrogant and a psychopath."

'H-He's going to kill me!' Zank screamed in his head. 'He has already thought of a thousand ways to end my life! I can see that so clearly! But there's only one way out of this!'

And so he grinned at Acnologia. "I thought that a monster like you would share and understand this problem of mine, but…how sad it seems I was mistaken."

With that, Acnologia came to a stop, before his eyes widened. He should've killed Zank by now, and yet he was standing still, staring at Zank with a face that was almost indescribable.

"What's going on?" Tatsumi asked.

"Acnologia! Acnologia!" Sayo called out.

The Dark Dragon remained unresponsive. The situation had turned dire, and Sayo was beginning to get worried for her master. Zank chose to fill in the confusion they were refusing as a maddening grin formed on his face.

"Illusion Sight. This ability finds the person most precious to you and shows them right before your eyes."

'So that's why I saw Ieyasu.' That thought dawned on Sayo. She still called out to Acnologia though. "Wake up! What you're seeing is an illusion! Don't be fooled by it!"

"It's useless, girl. For the one trapped in it, the illusion is absolute. Furthermore, no matter how strong that person is, it's impossible for them to lay a hand on the one they love. And it looks like even this monster has someone he loves."

Zank then began walking towards Acnologia. The Dark Dragon continued to remain unresponsive. Meanwhile, Tatsumi and Leone seemed ready to jump in while Mine wondered if she should even take a shot at Zank.

"He'll be fine." Akame said with an unfazed. "We don't need to interfere."

Tatsumi was confused by this, and it became clear. Though Zank had no arms, he swung his right leg at Acnologia, which motioned a blade to come out to kill him.

"NOW DIE WHILE GAZING AT THE ONE YOU LOVE MOST IN THE WORLD!"

Acnologia's lips moved to a scowl. Zank's blade was just about close to his neck, when suddenly the Dragon King grabbed his ankle and sent a strong shockwave through his fingers. Zank cried out in pain and spat out lots of blood. Every bone in his body had just been shattered by him, and now he was trapped in the grip of the monster.

"Impossible…" Zank panted while finding it hard to breath. "You're truly a monster! HOW?! YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN SEEING THE PERSON YOU LOVE MOST IN THE WORLD!"

"True, but that's what you failed to notice. " Acnologia's eyes stared at him menacingly. "The one I love most doesn't exist in this world, not because of my origin but of one reason. I'm the one who killed her in the first place."

Zank was seriously startled by this response. His heart began to beat past, and he attempted to pull his leg out of the dragon's grip. Each attempt, unsurprisingly, was met with failure. When he looked back at Acnologia, what he saw was the Dragon King in his true form, staring down at him with bloody red eyes.

"Can you see it?" Acnologia asked rhetorically. As he continued talking, he gradually raised his free hand at Zank. "Do you see the monster right in front of you? Look into my mind and guess what I'm about to do to you."

Zank could foresee, and for the first and last time in his life, he was scared to actually say what was on his opponent's mind. He could only let out a whimper before Acnologia opened his palm. The space didn't it and the Beheader's face was enough.

"ERASE!"

Zank could feel it. The painful sensation of his entire existence being wiped out. Nothing he could do could change what just happened. As he screamed in pain, the last thing he saw was the dreadful glare from the Dragon King.

"DAMN YOU, ACNOLOGIA!"

And just like that he was entirely gone. Acnologia put both of his hands down and picked up the one thing that remained from Zank. It was his Teigu.

"Hmph! Take this. I don't want it." Acnologia said and tossed it to Leone.

The battle was over, and Acnologia was done with the night. As for the Teigu, he'll leave it to Night Raid to deal with it. But then again that would be complicated due to what happened next.

Just before the Teigu could land in Leone's open hand, the thing suddenly disappeared. Everyone was shocked at what happened because it happened suddenly. Acnologia even noticed, but his expression barely shifted. He sensed something very different.

"What? Where did it go?" Bulat asked.

"Up there!" Mine pointed above them.

Acnologia sensed a familiar presence, and looked up. Everyone else did the same, and got the view of a feminine figure, who upon levitating downwards was seeable. Tatsumi had a feeling that he had seen her before.

"Have we seen her before?" He asked.

"No. Why do you ask?" Bulat asked back.

There was a dreadful feeling that he couldn't ignore. "I don't know, but…I have a bad feeling." He answered.

Acnologia turned fully to face the woman. As he did, the enchantress's feet touched the ground, before she inspected the Teigu in her hand and said.

"Quite the work this device is. I'll be certain to take my time to study this," She said.

"Irene." Acnologia sneered. "I was wondering how long you could hide. You must be either confident about something, or foolish to face me."

"Dragon King, Acnologia." Irene called subtly. "I see your arrogance hasn't changed that much. If you don't mind, I'll be taking this thing called a Teigu."

"I don't care what happens to that thing. But you should know that you won't be leaving this place alive."

"Oh? I'm guessing you want me to entertain you again." Irene smirked slyly.

Acnologia's lips shifted. He couldn't deny that he wasn't at least looking forward to a battle.

"Let's just see what other surprises you have installed."

With that said, the motion for a battle had just started. The Dark Dragon and the High Enchantress that was formerly a queen of a kingdom would do battle. Who would emerge victorious? No one in Night Raid knew, nor did they know the history between them.

Unknown to them at the time, however, the battle would be a fight between god-like beings.

Yep, shit's about to get real. What will happen next? I think that's for you guys to speculate.

Now about the reviews, there's just so much I want to say. Firstly, thank you big time for supporting this fanfiction. It means a lot that you guys reviewed and clicked on the favorite and follow.

I'll start with the guest reviewer. I'm yet to consider bringing in August. The reason is because I have to think if his death warrants his return in this fanfiction. I also need to consider what role August would have. I already know what to do with Irene, God Serena and one other character I'm thinking of bringing in (Hint: She has ice power, and has a close relation with Gray).

Another thing I should say is that I don't think it's possible for Acnologia, Irene and God Serena to bury the hatchet so easily. Gajeel may have done that with Fairy Tail, but Acnologia is very much different from Gajeel. He's the reason Irene's life went to the dark turn that it did. Also, he basically killed God Serena without letting him finish (I'm very much sure that guy would hold a grudge for that). This means that there won't be any pairing between Irene and Acnologia (Sorry, guys). But what do you guys think? Should I make that pairing a possibility? I want to know why you would want her and Acnologia to be in that relationship. I might end up changing my mind.

Anyway, I see that I might've confused some readers about the pairing. My plan was never to have a harem. It was just meant to be Leone and Sheele in the pairing as a love triangle. But what do you think? Should I include other female characters and make it a harem? Not every woman would fall in love with Acnologia though (You can see that with Sayo in this chapter).

By the way, congrats to GKBlue 92 for figuring out what will happen. Irene and God Serena will side with the empire…for their own individual reason. God Serena is still as evil as before. As for Irene, she'll be working towards changing the empire without removing the emperor.

I can hear what some of you are saying. Why can she just use her magic and change everything? Well that will be explained more in the next chapter.

Another question, but this time by keybladeknight. I think I already responded to it in PM, but I thought I should mentio it here too. Just so everyone knows, there's going to be a few hints of romance that will develop over time. Yes, it'll have to involve Acnologia, so don't worry about that.

Runningstar bloodrage asked if God Serena has PTSD from his death by Acnologia. The answer is…no. He's actually quite eager to face Acnologia again. But their battle won't happen until the chapter that has Sheele die (unless I change my mind).

I think that's about it. As for those who I didn't mention, please just know that I still appreciate our reviews. Don't think for a second that I ignored them or something.

And for those of you who actually bothered to guess who that ice user is, I'm just gonna come out and say it.

It's Ur, Gray's master.

She won't show up until the chapter with the Three Beast Warriors.

I think that's all for now. Please let me know your thoughts in the reviews. Also please favorite and follow so you can be aware of the next update. Lastly, I'll be posting my first Youtube video in a few weeks, so keep up to date so you can know the day.

See you guys next time. Have a nice day/night.