Chapter 8: Assassins are people too?

Authors notes: I'd like to think that Akame Ga Kill can have nice moments between characters more often than not. After all Character development is important too no? This chapter covered a bit more of that and still more to come.

Forest - Hill top

Tatsumi stared in awe as her target hit the ground lifeless. "But he was surrounded by people... How is that even." The pink haired girl threw her weapon over her shoulder smirking lightly. "I must have forgot to mention that i'm kind of a badass genius sniper." Tatsumi put his gear away and stood up straight. "Yeah... Anyway we should really start heading back to the rendezvous point." Mine nodded her head in agreement and the two headed into the forest. "Ugh This escape route is really annoying to walk through." grumbled Mine as she watched her step.

Tatsumi followed close behind her watching his surroundings. "Well isn't that why we picked it? By the way do you think the others finished with the guards by now?" Mine looked over her shoulder at him. "Those guards trained at the imperial fist temple, so it may not be over just yet."

"That's the best martial arts temple in the empire isn't it? I guess it's fitting that's what we're dealt with for going after the ministers family."

Forest - Entrance

Lubbock takes a step forward preparing for the battle to come. "So there's four of them but six of us how shou-" Leone dashes up before anyone could react sending her right fist into the nearest opponents mask shattering it effortlessly along with his nose killing him in the process. "Oh man, that just always feels so damn good to do!" She held her hands to her face closing her eyes happily. The remaining three guards jumped back putting some distance between them and Night Raid. ("What the... She killed him in one blow! It was so fast. I didn't even get to so much as blink and it was over. He got careless, we won't do the same.")

"Now for the other three." Leone smirked taking a step forward when Akame grabbed her muffler scarf pulling her back towards her. "You got your target already Leone. Save some for your teammates." Leone flailed her arms and legs as Akame pulled her. The three guards looked at each other deciding to the seize the opportunity charging at the group. One was quickly pierced through the chest by Bulat's spear while another was cut right down the middle by Sheele. The remaining one stopped in his tracks watching the lifeless bodies of his comrades hit the ground.

"I guess i'll take this one out then." Ryoma began walking towards the remaining enemy his hands still tucked into his pockets. "Ryoma?" Akame called out. "You can use Muramasa. There's no need to offer an enemy any advantages." Iokal's remaining guard locked his gaze onto the weapon Ryoma kept over his shoulder. ("Did she say Muramasa?!")

The black haired boy remained silent while he continued to approach his opponent. Leone stopped flailing her arms and watched curiously with everyone else.

The masked mercenary clenched his fists and entered his combat stance before beginning to run towards Ryoma. Once he entered striking distance he sent a barrage of jabs that were well above the speeds of an average humans capacity. They were however dodged effortlessly by Ryoma who countered with a right roundhouse kick making contact with the mans chin with enough force to snap his neck. Ryoma walked towards the group when the mans body hit the ground a few steps later.

"Tch, lame. I didn't even get to kill anybody." Lubbock slid his hands into his jacket pockets as he pouted. "Too bad Lubb, you didn't do any work so that means you don't get paid." Leone smirked. "Wait what?! How is that even fair? There weren't enough of them to begin with!" The blonde haired girl stuck her tongue out at him before heading to Ryoma climbing up on his back. "I knew you didn't need that thing to fight! It feels so much better to get things done with your bare hands doesn't it?"

Ryoma placed his hands on the back of her knee's holding her up smiling lightly. "I used my foot though. Not to mention I was wearing my shoes so it wasn't bare footed." He laughed lightly. "Same difference." She chuckled as she rested her head on his own. "I suppose so. Anyway we should probably go make sure Mine and Tatsumi are alright." He began to head towards their direction while everyone else followed his lead.

Rendezvous point

"Well this is it, the rendezvous point. The others aren't here yet though. We're done here at least."

"Not until we report back in remember? That's how it works right?"

Mine laughed lightly to herself. "You almost sounded like Akame for a second there Tatsumi."

Tatsumi looked over his right shoulder in order to respond to her comment when he saw a man in mid air preparing to unleash a powerful right hook to the unwary pink haired girl in front of him. He rushed to her side pushing her out of the way receiving the hook instead tumbling along the ground. "Tasumi?!" Mine called out before turning her attention to the man before her. "You're one of the mercenary guards, a fighter from the temple."

"I am actually. Assistant instructor to be precise, at least I was about ten years ago." He struck his stance his expression bearing a smug look.

Mine returned his smug expression with one of her own. "Aww and look at you now, protecting a nobody. How the mighty have fallen!" She raised her Teigu sending out a burst of energy bullets in it's rapid fire mode. They were however effortlessly dodged by the man. "Let's just say I stirred up some trouble!" He proceeded to evade her bullets closing the gap between Mine and himself. "You're going straight to the minister little girl!"

He got within striking distance and sent another right hook at her. Mine leaned her upper body backwards flipping onto her free hand bringing her legs up attempting to kick him in the chin. He however also leaned back avoiding her kicks and watched as she flipped back onto her feet preparing to send more bullets his way.

He prepared to resume his assault when he heard the sound of Tatsumi's boots hitting the ground behind him. He quickly turned about face blocking the airborne Tatsumi's vertical blade strike by clapping his hands together catching it between them. Tatsumi quickly released the blade upon hitting the ground to grab his opponent preventing him from moving. "Go on Mine! Shoot him!" Mine narrowed her eyes taking her weapon firmly in both hands. "Are you trying to get blasted Tatsumi? Get out of the way!"

The group arrived at the rendezvous point when they saw what had been taking place. "Should we do something?" Ryoma asked while putting Leone down. "Nah, I can tell they have it under control. I'll be the first to jump in the minute I see otherwise don't worry." Leone responded.

Tatsumi continued to restrain the man who fought to escape his grip by punching him in the back repeatedly. "You're a genius sniper aren't you Mine? I know you can get him without hitting me, now hurry up and do it!" Mine smirked a moment. "Are you really giving me orders Tatsumi? Oh well, I might as well give it my best shot right?"

She aimed her weapon at the man charging a powerful shot. Upon hearing it he looked over his shoulder before beginning to panic punching Tatsumi much faster and harder. Moments later Mine sent a shot piercing his back leaving a hole just above Tatsumi's head. The brown haired boy released him falling to the ground trying to catch his breath. "Y-You bastards are going t-to pay for this." Uttered the man before hitting the ground in death.

Fully impressed with his actions Mine approached Tatsumi. "Hey, you. Looks like you aren't totally useless after all. I suppose I should commend your bravery and- Aaaugh!" She was flicked on the forehead by Tastumi. "L-look at what that freaking pumpkin thing did to my hair!"

The group watched as the two bickered with each other. "So there really was no need to rush all they way over here then huh?" Leone wrapped her right arm around Ryoma. "It's not like I was worried honestly. Still I had to make sure everything was fine. Anyway it's getting pretty late let's report back."

Night Raid Hideout

"Here take this to Akame." Leone handed Ryoma a large bowl filled to the very top with nothing but meat. "How can you girls eat so much and still stay so... You know?" Leone smirked placing her hands on her hips. "So hot?" Ryoma began to head outside. "I was going to say not fat but yeah, that works too." Leone laughed shaking her head sitting down to eat her food. "Dumbass."

Akame sat quietly outside enjoying the stillness of the night carefully cleaning her Murasame. He sat down beside her holding a piece of meat to her lips after noticing her hands were occupied. The red eyed girl looked at the food for a mere moment before taking his entire hand in her mouth. His eyes widened as she slowly pulled back releasing his hand. He laughed lightly continuing to feed her one piece at a time.

Quickly, Akame went through the pieces of meat until all that was left in her wake were their bones. "Wow... " Ryoma stood up. "I'll go and get you some more Akame." She closed her eyes smiling sweetly nodding her head completely happy with the idea. He started to walk back to the entrance of the base. In stark contrast to the mission, the night was soundless, more peaceful than Ryoma had known it to be.

The distance from where Akame had been and the base's entrance was not far but Ryoma slowed down to take in the peace. This serenity wasn't an everyday occurrence. Ryoma's slow, calmed walk was cut short when he noticed a figure in the distance. It was Tatsumi sitting on the ground cross legged in front of two graves. Ryoma had seen these graves before. Upon them were two names, "Sayo" and "Ieyasu." Having his interest peaked, Ryoma walked towards Tatsumi. Once he got closer he noticed that Tatsumi's eyes were closed and his hands were together, he was praying.

A breeze brushed past them and Tatsumi's hands fell down into his lap. His eyes opened up slowly afterwards. Slowly as if he was longing not say goodbye. Tatsumi stood up and turned around. His eyes were on the verge of showering his cheeks with tears. "Oh, hey Ryoma." His tone neglected to display the cheerfulness that he bore during the day. "How long have you been standing there?" Tatsumi asked as he dusted off his pants.

"Not long at all." Ryoma was a little too quick to respond for it to seem natural. "Who were they?" The question slipped out of his mouth before he even thought of it.

"They were my friends, we lived together in the same village since before I can remember." Tatsumi stated with a solemn look as his gaze seemed to pass by Ryoma and look off into the distance.

"We left our village to come to the capital in hopes to get money for our village but we got separated." Tatsumi stopped speaking as if to regain his composure or to find his words. "There was a family that had taken them in. They killed both of my friends without humanity or even a sign of remorse." Tatsumi took yet another breath. "Night Raid had been contracted to kill this family. On that very night, I saw my friend Ieysau die before my eyes. So I killed the only one of them that was left, the girl." He looked towards the sky. "I've been here ever since."

Tatsumi turned around to look at his friends graves once again. For a couple of moments Ryoma did the same before breaking the silence. "I'm sorry Tatsu." He said softly. ("They all have had their hardships, haven't they?") "No worries." Responded Tatsumi. Even though he couldn't see his face, Ryoma could tell that he was wearing his usual smile. Tatsumi turned around slowly and scratched the back of his head. "Thanks Ryo. Good Night I guess." After Ryoma said good night, Tatsumi walked back to the base without another word.

The silence of the night took over once again. He looked back at the graves of Tatsumi's friends. ("What kind of people were they? If they were alive today, would they be with Tatsumi in Night Raid?") After a couple moments of pensive thoughts, Ryoma became aware of the bone filled bowl he held in his had. "Oh right... More food for Akame. I hope she doesn't think I forgot about her."

Ryoma's face hatched a small smile as he ran back up to the base. Once inside he dumped all of the bones into the trash. Not a single one had even the tiniest particle of meat, Akame had devoured them dry. Quickly, Ryoma filled the bowl to the brim with meat. While he doubted it would be enough to fill her stomach, it had the potential to at least hold her over until she was done cleaning Murasame.

Making sure not to let a single piece of meat fall to the ground, Ryoma ran as quickly as he could to where Akame had been. If he ran maybe she wouldn't have noticed he was gone for a little bit. Or maybe she would notice his heart was beating hard. He stopped himself for a moment to catch his breath, then walked towards where Akame had been. The spot however was now broken, save for her sword, Murasame.

He approached Murasame and sat just as he did before, his gaze locked onto the blade the entire time. He placed the bowl of meat right where she sat moments ago turning to look behind him. ("Damn, I think I took too long. I didn't see her on my way in or out though. Maybe she went to the bathroom instead then?") He turned his attention to her idle blade once more. It stood vertically beside him side by side to it's red sheath. He flashed back to the first time he saw it in action piercing the heart of a monster Ryoma once had his sights set on.

Akame approached just as he'd begun to extend his right arm reaching for the nearby blade. The red eyed girls lips parted to warn him when she instead decided to hold her peace closing her eyes. ("I'm sorry Ryoma but I suppose lessons are better learned through trial and error. Fortunately Murasame won't end you upon rejection provided you release it afterwards.") She then opened her eyes her crimson gaze widening after.

Ryoma took Murasame firmly in his right hand holding the blade horizontally before placing his left index and middle fingers upon the base and side of the blade sliding them across it's entire length. He looked into the eyes of his reflection that existed on the well polished sword. Akame's gaze soon appeared within it as well. Through Murasame the two locked eyes neither breaking eye contact until finally Akame took the bowl that stood on her spot sitting down shortly after.

Ryoma turned to look to his left at her carefully holding the blade closer to her returning it. Akame turned her attention to her right looking at the weapon he held to her. She handed him a small container she held in her left hand along with a soft cloth. "Do you have any experience cleaning swords Ryoma?" He shook his head as he reached for the things she handed him. "Well then, you'll learn to do so now. However be careful not to cut yourself. I'm sure I don't need to explain what would happen if you did."

With the way the blade reflected the moons light he was certain she had finished cleaning it until he turned it to it's other side. It didn't seemingly sparkle and shine. He applied the contents of the container to the cloth and began to rub it against the blade. Akame watched as he did this surprised yet somehow relieved at the lack of fear he showed upon doing so. "You're a natural." She stated softly. "You aren't afraid of the curse at all are you?" The green eyed boy shook his head smiling lightly. "I was fascinated with this blade the minute I saw it in your hands Akame. There's no reason to be afraid of it."

Akame ripped a piece of meat from it's bones extending her right arm holding it to his lips before taking another in her left hand feeding herself. Ryoma took her entire hand in his mouth just as she did to him previously turning his gaze to his left watching for a reaction. Akame simply closed her eyes smiling lightly eating her food. Akame took her hand back after he released it shifting her gaze to Murasame. ("It didn't reject him. He really does seem to have taken a liking to it. It is a blade in someway similar to Muramasa after all. Still it's unusual. I'll have to bring this up to the boss.")

Ryoma watched Akame silently as she ate her food peacefully. ("It's hard to believe that she's... An assassin.") "Is there something on my face?" Akame asked upon noticing he had been staring at her. "Huh? No I was just-" He then began to laugh when he noticed there had been in fact a sizable piece of meat just above the corner of her lips. "There is actually."

He extended his right arm taking it in his right hand showing it to her. He then held it to his lips ready to eat it when Akame took his wrist in her right hand leaning in close eating it out of his hand. He looked into her bright red eyes as she did this. She returned his gaze swallowing before she spoke. "Thank you for that but I've given you all that I was willing to share. The rest is mine." She then moved away going back to finish the rest of her food. Ryoma closed his eyes smirking lightly. "Fair enough."

He turned away looking at her through his peripheral vision. ("Still... Akame is rather beautiful isn't she?") His emerald gaze began to tread down her shoulders and body until it eventually met her thighs. He began to blush lightly before then slapping his cheeks with his palms. ("Why the hell am I checking out Akame so suddenly?") Akame just arched an eyebrow then held the piece of meat she held to his lips. "Fine. One more." He looked over at it and scratched the back of his head. "No Akame it's okay I was just-" She stuffed the piece of meat into his mouth.

After finishing her food Akame took Murasame from Ryoma holding it up looking around it examining his work. He watched as he awaited her opinion on the job he'd done. She seemed to have been checking it for hours until finally she sheathed it placing it at her side.

"Passable job Ryoma." She then smiled lightly. Ryoma let out a sigh of relief before laying down looking up at the sky. "Heh... Glad i could be of service Akame." She tilted her head up lightly also looking up into the sky. "I may leave the task of cleaning Murasame to you more often." He closed his eyes laughing lightly. "I'll gladly do it for you Akame."

Akame stood up taking her Murasame firmly in her right hand with the bone filled bowl in her left. Ryoma sat up as she did so. As much as he had been enjoying her company and didn't want her to leave his side just yet he knew she was going to do so. "I better head on inside and take care of the dishes before it starts to get bad."

The green eyed boy stood scratching his head lightly."I can help you with them if you want Akame." She smiled and shook her head. "It's okay don't trouble yourself. Enjoy the rest of your night." She headed inside as Ryoma watched her do so letting out a sigh sitting back down. ("That was... Nice.") Getting into a more comfortable position, Ryoma laid back and looked up towards the sky. It was clear as glass, not a single cloud in sight, everything was calm. After about ten minutes Ryoma finally stood up and stretched after spending a bit taking in the night.

Almost upon the instant he stood the silence was broken by a high pitched and piercing scream. It sounded as though it was a girl in distress. Ryoma looked towards the base, everything seemed as it should be. "Who the hell is screaming at this time of night?"

Ryoma began to head inside to see what was going on. He was however stopped just before he could get inside by someone coming outside. It was the purple clad girl with hair to match, Sheele. The two bumped into each other causing Sheele's glasses to come tumbling off her face. Ryoma managed to catch them before they could hit the ground exhaling in relief.

"Sorry about that." Ryoma said as he placed his right hand on Sheele's left shoulder a moment to balance her. "Here you go." Ryoma released her taking the pair of glasses in both of his hands. He then gently placed the ear pieces of the glasses upon each of her temples and pushed them until they softly hooked her ears. He released her a faint pink hue grew across Sheele's face as she spoke. "Thank You." Her voice was just as gentle as the care he had given to her glasses. Ryoma noticed her blush and couldn't help but smile lightly. "It's seriously adorable how clumsy you seem Sheele."

Her cheeks darkened almost instantly. "A-Adorable... ?" Sheele asked as she looked away, attempting to shield her blush. "Yeah. It's cute for some reason." Sheele regained her composure walking passed him retaining a light smile. "That's interesting. My airheadedness is far from "cute" or "adorable" though. I suppose it's a matter of opinion." Slowly Sheele lowered herself onto the ground until she was sitting with her back up against the wall of the base. Ryoma watched her a moment then turned to face the door in front of him. ("If she casually strolled out here i'm sure nothing serious happened inside.")

"It is, and my opinion is that your clumsiness is adorable." Ryoma stated sweetly as he sat down next to Sheele. She blushed lightly as she looked down at the ground. "You think that now, you may not for long though." She placed her hands at her sides looking up at the sky. "I doubt my opinion would change on the matter Sheele. I know I don't really know you well and I haven't been a part of Night Raid for very long either but I honestly find you very adorable for some reason. Sorry If i'm coming off as creepy by the way."

Ryoma smiled scratching the back of his head lightly. Sheele's face went scarlet, how was she supposed to respond to something like that? "Ryo, I... I-" Sheele was cut off by something that was ten thousand times louder than her. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH." It was the same high pitched scream that had came from inside the base earlier. "What was that?" Ryoma asked as he turned around to look up at the base. It didn't seem as though they were getting attacked. "That's Lubbock." Sheele responded as if it were common knowledge. "Oh? What did he do this time?" Ryoma asked sarcastically as he sprung to his feet.

"IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!" It was Lubbock's voice once again. "LIKE HELL IT WAS!" Ryoma could recognize that second voice from anywhere, it was the blonde haired Leone. "Oh I get it. I guess she finally decided to pay him back for earlier." Sheele stood up with him preparing to head back inside. "What happened earlier if you don't mind my asking?" She asked curiously. The boy scratched the back of his head. "Well... Lubbock came up to get us for the boss but he walked in without knocking. Leone was um... Naked and he managed to sneak a peek of one of her boobs before she could cover up."

Sheele closed her eyes holding her right hand to her lips laughing sweetly. "I should have known. He's been wanting to see those for as long as I can remember. He finally managed to do so it seems. Though it doesn't sound like he managed to enjoy it for very long." Ryoma laughed with her. "Yeah I guess not. I kind of feel bad for him though." Sheele opened her eyes tilting her head to the side a bit. "Why is that?" Ryoma once again scratched the back of his head. "Well... I was sleeping in her room with her and saw them too. We don't see me getting my ass kicked."

Sheele placed her right index finger under her chin. "No I suppose we don't. A girl willingly showing them to you and having the sight of them stolen are two diffent things though. At least I would think as such." Ryoma arched an eyebrow. "You would think as such? That isn't how you feel about it Sheele?"

The purple haired girl closed her eyes smiling. "I've never been in that situation so i'm not quite sure how to feel about it. No one's ever been interesting in seeing me in that way. People always steered clear from me. Though If I had to choose i'd say I rather only someone I cared for romantically see them." She puckered her lips a moment seemingly deep in thought. "With the way I am and this line of work though I don't see romance in my future either way so I suppose it doesn't matter after all."

Ryoma exhaled a moment turning his attention away from her completely uncertain about how to respond to her. Silence filled the air for several moments till finally he spoke. "You know Sheele... " She turned her attention to him dropping her hands to her sides stopping all gestures. "Hmm?" She responded with a hum. "You're pretty deep for an airhead you know that?" His comment managed a giggle from her. "Well I read lots of books. That could be why I seem as such." Ryoma looked down at the ground. "I don't mean to get personal or anything but... Do you even want a romantic relationship in your life Sheele?"

"Hmm." She pondered for a moment bringing her hand up to her chin again. Ryoma tried to hold in his laughter as she cutely made all sorts of faces. "Sheele? Do you really have to think so hard about it?" She looked in his direction. "Passed reading or killing i'm not good at anything at all. So I don't really know what I want or what my interests are. I could never take pride in a single thing. So yes I do have to think about my answers. I'm sorry if I take long to respond."

Ryoma narrowed his eyes a moment before shaking his head. "Could you stop that?" Sheele gasped lightly bringing her hands to her chest turning her gaze away from him. "Oh. I'm doing it already aren't I? I'm sorry but I did warn you. I'm even capable of ruining small conversations." He approached placing his hands on her shoulders. "Seriously stop that!" Her eyes widened as she turned her gaze back to him. "I'm sorry..." He sighed. "Sheele do you even know what you're saying sorry for?"

Sheele closed her eyes smiling sweetly. "For everything of course. I'm nothing but a burden to everyone and everything. You haven't known me very long so i'll tell you the truth Ryoma. The only things i'm good at are ruining peoples lives or taking them. I have to say i'm sorry. I know it won't make things any better but I have to at least try don't I?" Sheele slowly opened her eyes only to see Ryoma looking into them his face displaying a mix of emotions. Confusion seemed to stand out the most though.

"I suppose that Isn't a response you were expecting." She once again closed her eyes retaining a light smile. "I'm sorry about that." Ryoma pulled her in wrapping his arms tightly around her shoulders. This sudden action caused her eyes to open wide. Her arms moved up from her sides to his waist on their own tightening themselves around him. "Sheele... " He whispered. "What the hell happened to you?" Her smile began to fade just as her eyes closed slowly. "I was born." She responded softly her embrace tightening more around him.

"Sheele... Please stop putting yourself down like that." Ryoma whispered tightening his embrace around her shoulders. "Is that what it seems like? I'm sorry. I was just being honest." She responded softly her body beginning to tingle for reasons she didn't understand. "No. There's no reason why you should put yourself down this way. I don't care if I don't know the whole story. You're a good person. I can see it in your eyes Sheele. So please just stop it."

She parted her lips to speak but stopped when his embrace tightened around her once more. "Okay." She whispered. "Thank you Sheele." She began to feel his grip loosening around her and knew that their embrace would come to an end in just a few moments. Her body reacted on it's own tightening her grip around him preventing him from letting go. He gasped lightly a moment before returning her embrace a while longer.

Moments later a familiar scream made yet another appearance. The two began to laugh slowly releasing each other at the same time. "I should get in there before Leone kills him." Sheele adjusted her glasses and fixed her hair. "Yeah. You're his only hope right this moment. Leone will listen to you." Ryoma scratched the back of his head. "What makes you so sure Sheele?" The purple haired girl placed her hands on his back beginning to slowly push him inside the hideout also effectively hiding her blush from his view. "Just a feeling I have."