Surprise!

Eastern Sea Docks

"Damn, how did it get like this?" Neo asked as he picked himself up from the ground.

Akame didn't move at all, her sword still pointed at Hecate, who approached them casually, unshaken by Akame's silent stare.

"Neo." Akame said.

Neo looked up at the red eye assassin as she tightly gripped her sword. Hecate was drawing closer to them and it was difficult enough to even land a blow on her.

"I got it." Neo sighed as he stood up and pointed his blade at Hecate. "I guess we don't have much of a choice." He smiled, eager to start the fight.

Hecate soon stopped after noticing Neo's determination to fight. She slightly blushed before slapping her cheeks, confusing both Neo and Akame.

"I have something I want to talk with you about." Hecate said.

"Yeah right!" Neo said as he charged her.

Hecate sighed and stood perfectly still as Neo neared her. Soon, a quick flash appeared in Neo's eyes and before he knew it, he was back on the ground.

Akame tightened her grip even more and cautiously approached Neo.

"Neo, are you okay?" She asked, not taking her eyes of Hecate.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine." He replied, slowly standing up.

"Listen you lightweight." A voice echoed through the air. "Hecate only wants to talk but if it weren't for her, you both be dead already."

Suddenly Nyx appeared next to Hecate, leaning against the woman's arm and enjoying the comfort.

Neo and Akame both stood absolutely still, swords still in hands. They both knew not to trust any member of Demon's Grasp but what Nyx said was true. If Hecate wasn't there, they would've been dead.

"What do you want?" Neo asked.

2 Days Earlier

"Alright, after going through your files I've decided we must act now!" Najenda informed everyone as she slammed a large stack of papers on the table.

Juro took a small peek at what the papers said but turned bright red after reading, "How to Find a Man" on the front cover.

"Akame and Neo, you are to head to the Eastern Docks." She ordered them.

"Why?"

"We have intel that two Demon's Grasp members are there from our scouts." Najenda said as she crossed her arms. "But, since we've been silent so have they. I want you both to be careful. Understood?"

"Yes ma'am." Akame nodded.

"Next, I want Abel and Lilian to start a small search for the weapons caches. No doubt if we get rid of them, the Loyalist Army won't stand much a chance."

"Got it." Abel said.

"O-Okay!" Lilian stuttered like usual.

"And last but not least, the two uncomfortable love birds." Najenda said as she looked at Juro getting punched by an angry Iris. "Huh, I can't believe I somehow ended up pairing you both again but your mission is important and requires the two of you."

"W-What!?" Iris shrieked. "I can't be left with this...this...moron!"

"Finally, another chance with my love." Juro said dizzily before having his head slammed on the desk by Iris.

"You butt out!"

"Iris, you should really try to be nicer to him." Neo said, giving Iris a loving smile.

"Oh Neo, you're the only one I wish to be with." She said as she tried hugging him but was stopped as Neo placed his hand on her face to keep her away.

Neo sighed. "Anyway, is there anything else we should know?" Neo asked Najenda.

Najenda shook her head. "You have your orders. Move out when you and your partner are ready! If I catch anyone who hasn't left in the next hour, I will personally escort you out myself." She clenched her mechanical arm, scaring Lilian.

"Wait!" Juro shouted. "What do we do?"

"You and Iris are to find and eliminate Hywel. He's been located somewhere in Riverside Village."

Riverside Village Outskirts (Present Day)

"Ugh, I can't believe that woman paired me up with you again." Iris ranted as she and Juro walked down a dirt path leading to a small village.

"It can't be that bad." Juro said as he pointed at himself. "After all I'm with you!"

Iris collapsed to the ground, depressed about being stuck with Juro on another mission.

"I just want to be with Neo...at least once." She moaned.

Juro sighed as he looked around the area.

They had traveled at least a few days since Najenda gave them their orders. After seeing several signs pointing to Riverside Village, he thought they would be close but never expected to find themselves surrounded by thick, overgrown trees. But, if he closely looks among the trunks, he could spot a river flowing on the other side; only small portions of it could be scene but he could tell it was the river.

"How much longer?" Iris asked as she slowly stood back up.

"Not sure." Juro said. "But seeing as how the river is past those trees, we can assume we might be close."

"That's not helpful you know?" Iris said.

Juro could only chuckle before hearing something move in the shrubbery near them. Iris, confused on what caught his attention, was surprised to see Juro pull out a set of kodachi blades.

"Is that your teigu?" She asked him, unaware of the bushes being tussled.

Juro nodded his head before putting a finger to his mouth, motioning her to stay quiet.

But, just as she was about to speak again, a figure jumped from the bushes and threw a small smoke bomb, covering the area around them in smoke. It didn't take Iris long to realize they were being attacked as she adjusted her tiara and caused it to glow brightly.

The smoke around them soon vanished and her eyes widened to see Juro on the ground, unconscious. Looking around, she could see several large men, equipped with axes and swords, as they grinned at her.

"Lookie 'ere boys." One man said. "We got us a prize."

Some of the man shouted in victory as one of them tackled Iris to the ground, grabbing her arms and putting them behind her back.

"Don't worry lass." The man said as he grabbed some rope and started tying her hands together. "Tha boss just wants a quick word with ye."

Southern Mountains (Present Day)

"A-Abel." Lilian asked terrified.

"I know." Abel angrily said as he pulled out his arm blades.

In front of the two of them were Hades and Pluto. Both men seemed relaxed near the two, not viewing them as a threat at all.

"Hades." Pluto said. "Shall I dispose of them?"

"No." Hades said. "I will. But I think the I'll let the girl live. After all, we need a witness to warn Night Raid they should've disbanded when they had the chance."

Pluto bowed as he slowly backed away. Hades then proceeded to pull out a small black dagger with a hole near the end for him to place his fingers in the better grip it.

"Now Night Raid scum," He said as he prepared to attack. "Let me show you what it means to mess with a demon."

Oh boy. Oh boy. Things have moved pretty quickly. While everyone starts their missions they are already quickly met by their opponents. Man, Demon's Grasp sure does have its resources. But how will the battle play out with Abel? What does Hecate want to say? Will Iris and Juro be alright? Find out next chapter!

So I've tallied up the scores and I will be posting chapters every month. You guys seem to like that more so that's what I'll do. Thanks for voting. Heiwa!