Hello everyone, I would first like to point out that this is not a guide on how to combat wild animals. Wolves are incredibly dangerous creatures :). Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I know for a while it's been all character growth and no action, but don't worry, as the series go on, you will get battles on the scale of chapter 4, or who knows, even chapter 1!
I feel as if I should put a disclaimer in: I do not own Akame Ga Kiru or it's characters.
Akame told Tatsumi everything. He had told her his traumatising experience with Esdeath, so it was fitting that she would not hide anything from him. Time seemed to slow down as she explained what Haleolith had said; She had only spent a few moments with the spider, yet it felt like hours repeating what she had said to Tatsumi. When she was done, he leaned against the wall, eyes distant.
I never know what to do at times like these. Thought Akame. Usually Tatsumi would be the one talking. He would give his opinion on a mission, or talk to someone if he noticed they were being left out. It was what made the boy so easy to be around. But seeing him there, so silent, was troubling to her.
"Tatsumi... " She began, desperately searching for words. "I… Um…"
He looked away from her, eyes on the ground. "I should probably get my wounds treated eh?"
"Yes." She leapt at the chance to talk about something. "I'll help you to your room."
They started down the hallway, Akame helping Tatsumi support his weight. She kept his arm around her, holding him steady. The girl felt his hand pressed against her ribs, warmth seeping through her clothing as the contact between them remained firm. Even in this state, she could tell that Tatsumi was lethal, yet she knew that among friends, he was as harmless and docile as a cloud. How anyone manages to be in this bad a shape and still make me feel safe, is beyond me. At last they reached his room, after some slight blushing from the two of them.
He lay down on the bed. Akame fetched some bandages, busying herself in her work.
"Why did you tell me?" He said all of a sudden.
She tightened the bandage on his upper arm. There was no easy answer to that question, in no small part due to her not knowing the answer herself. Her mind raced to formulate an answer.
"I… don't know. I wouldn't want to lie to you, not with how honest you've been." Fortunately he didn't press her further, as if he had this sixth sense for knowing when to avoid sensitive areas.
"Akame… I'm conflicted. I should feel so happy that there is a way to free Sayo and Leyasu from death, but all I feel is dread. Why… why do I feel this dread?"
She sat on the bed next to him, looking him over. She had checked all his injuries, yet Akame couldn't deny that looking at him was kind of nice. "It's only natural to be wary of the unknown." She replied. But I will never be wary of you, Tatsumi.
"Haleolith said I couldn't be trusted with this information." He said slowly. "He knew there was some danger in telling me."
"Perhaps he was worried you would risk your life to save your friends." Said Akame. She wondered why she said the word save. You can't save people from death. Not even if you can revive them. Is revival a form of achieving immortality?
"Tatsumi," She asked hesitantly. "What will you do now?"
He was sitting up now, moving his arms around and checking out his new wrappings. "I want to see my friends again. I want to give them the lives they could never have. But I don't want to throw away everything I have if I might fail."
"Nothing." He decided. "I will do nothing for now. Akame, keep talking to Haleolith, see if you can get any more information from him. I'll ask Run if he knows anything about this, I'm sure the knowledge of revival can't be all forgotten. It's all I can do."
Akame understood his actions perfectly. She knew that though he desperately wished to see his friends again, to find someone to heal the void, that he would not gamble his existing life. In this way, she realised, Tatsumi had matured. Her lips formed a small smile.
She got up. He didn't say a word to her, the emperor left alone to his thoughts as she nodded to him, before turning to leave.
Night fell, and they went to sleep in their separate rooms.
Tatsumi watch: Run's monologue
Sometimes I wonder how things would have been if the old empire was still in power. Would a new rebellion have sprouted up, or would the corruption finally destroy the country from the inside out?
With the invasion of the capital, all hopes for a peaceful resolution went out the window. The amount of bloodshed was horrifying, with hundreds of thousands of soldiers fighting all over the Capital. It was said to be the culmination of forty years of action, the largest known battle ever fought. Let's just hope that it wasn't the most pointless battle.
In the meantime, I am continuing to track down the clown man known as Champ. I've been thinking about what Tatsumi has told me, and how he never wanted to kill Esdeath as she slept. Why? Why not take revenge on the one who dealt with him so injustly. After that, I have had some time to reflect on my goals. I will get revenge for the inhumane actions of the man who massacred my students. My convictions are strong.
But I'm supposed to be a scholar, a professor, one free from violence. So why must I sink down to the level of murder when it goes against everything I stood for?
Why?
Yes, now I know why. It's not just what he did to those I cared for. It's what he did to me. And now it's personal.
If I go to the local government, he could be taken prisoner or set free. I can trust only myself to deliver the killing blow.
My only hope is that I do not lose myself in the process.
End of monologue, Run exits
"Okay everyone! Sun guard's personal private lounge is complete!"
Tatsumi had woken up feeling great. His wounds were healed, he had rested well, and he had talked to Akame… Wait, why is that so important, I always talk to her. No, more importantly, I can bring my friends back to life!
Cheering cries from Sun Guard brought him back to the present. He fixed his eyes on Wave and Leone. The two had been working tirelessly to create a place for the ex Night-Raid/Jaegers to relax and talk to each-other. Everyone was amazed at how spacious and well decorated the place was.
"You must have spent a lot of time fixing up this place." Said Najenda.
"Haha, well… yeah. Here, let me show you the hot-tub, gymnasium, swimming pool and beer fridge we set up." She turned, barely surprised to see Akame and Najenda already at the fridge.
"Leone, this is beautiful!" said Chelsea. Everyone joined in.
"You're right!" said Mine. "It is very nice."
"Yes it's very good big sis!" Said Lubbock.
"Only Tatsumi and Akame can call me that." Replied Leone, flicking him on the nose. "But thank you."
"I think it's very nice Leone!" Said Tatsumi. "And you did a great job too!" He said to Wave, after noticing that the latter was being left out.
"Ah. Th-thank you." The seaman replied, but Tatsumi's attention was already being drawn in other directions.
"Err, Mine, can we talk?" He asked to the pink headed girl. She was instantly put off. "What is it now? Do you want to apologize for what you said or something?"
"I already did!" He said defensively. "Besides, that's not what I want to talk about today."
"Uggh fine. Well, what is it?"
"I talked to Leone. She's told me about the challenges faced by the western tribes. About how they lack essentials and how their situation has barely improved since taking the capital."
She was silent. She just looked at him.
"What I'm saying is that I want to help."
"How?" She said at last. "How do you plan to fix this problem? Send a few barrels of food and water and call it a day? That won't do a thing."
"What? No! I want to make them happy forever!" He said.
"Make them happy." She repeated in a mocking voice as the rest of the group closed around them. "I WORRY ABOUT THEM EVERY GODDAMN DAY! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT IT'S LIKE TO SEE YOUR ENTIRE VILLAGE SUFFER? TO WORRY THAT ONE DAY THEY MIGHT DIE AND NOONE WILL CARE?"
You have no idea. Thought Tatsumi.
"Jeez Mine. He just wants to help." Said Chelsea, leaping to Tatsumi's defense.
"Yeah!" Said Lubbock. "He obviously seems to care about them more than you do, so back off!"
"You back off!" She spat. "And I don't want his help!" She ran out on Tatsumi, for the second time. For a while nobody spoke. It was up to the hostess to break the ice.
"Tatsumi, I'm glad you finally figured out why Mine's been going full Tsundere, but why'd ya have to ruin the mood?" Asked a disgruntled Leone. "Anyways, don't worry about her. She's probably just on that time of the month."
"Time of the month?" Asked Tatsumi, confused. "What's that?"
All of the girls started laughing.
"Innocence is bliss Tatsumi." Said Leone.
In a village not far from the capital
Volvanox scoured the landscape. Her target should be around here somewhere. If only she could get near enough to somebody to buy a map.
After measuring it herself out of curiosity, she had determined that her forcefield repelled anyone within two meters (3 ft). Which would have made things difficult, but not impossible to get what she wanted from people. Problem was, it was as if she had a much larger forcefield surrounding her still, because whenever people saw her coming, they ran away. Shit. the closest I've ever came to human contact was yesterday when that bitch nearly killed me! She thought.
You don't need human contact. Said her friend from inside her mind. Volvanox rarely talked to real people, but she at least had mysterious voices in her head to keep her company. You don't need anyone, except me.
"Begging your pardon." Said the bald woman, after looking around so that noone would see her talking to someone only she could hear. "But I'm pretty sure I don't need you either. Not that I mind you."
"Oh but you do need me." Said her friend using her voice. It did that sometimes. "I keep you warm and protected. I feel all of your pain. I share your suffering and your triumphs."
"Hush." Said Volvanox, willing the voice to stay inside her as she ducked into an alleyway. Multiple guards patrolled the street, and as much as the woman thought she could take them, her orders were to be discrete. "What do you think would have happened if they had seen us?" She said to the voice.
It replied, this time in her head. We would have been okay. You would have fought them, while I would have come up with a plan, just like we've always done.
"If you say so." She said, exiting the alleyway and continuing down the road. "Look! There it is!"
She had found what she was looking for, a statue of a young man said to have ruled around 400 years ago. She searched the statue, finding a small latch in a corner. She inserted a special key, and it popped open. Her hands began to tremble with excitement.
Beneath this statue was a massive underground complex. And beneath that was a nasty surprise for the new empire.
Western tribe camp, at the feet of MT Fake
The refugee camp for families of the western tribes was situated at the base of the mountains. After the defeat of the empire, most of the tribes wished to return home, to celebrate victory or bury the dead. However, passage through the mountains was long and dangerous, with the caravans only arriving to pick up new passengers every week.
Tatsumi dismounted off his horse and surveyed the landscape. He was appalled. Men and women slept on the ground or huddled in tents, children crying as doctors and nurses attended to the old. Those who had strength fought over blankets, clothing, food, and other essentials. It pained Tatsumi deeply to see such a noble people brought low.
His thoughts flashed back to memories of his village, the faces of his friends and family were slowlyfading as time dragged on, yet the emotions he felt never tarnishing. There had been shortages too in his village, times when they hadn't stored up enough for the winter. But everyone was there for each other, and the hardships pulled them together. As much as Tatsumi had wanted to leave his home when he was younger, he now felt only sadness at the void in his heart.
Caring for others…. Is the only way for me to overcome my past.
The young man walked up to the nearest authority figure, a tall man sitting at a makeshift table on the ground. He looked up with tired eyes. "What do you want traveller?" He asked wearily. It seemed that pictures of the new emperor had not circulated yet.
"I want to help out around the camp." Said the boy. "Is there anything I can do?" He had asked Haleolith to sign the papers for the transfer of food and supplies to the camp, yet that would not be arriving for several days, and Tatsumi owed it to Mine to see firsthand the lives of her people.
"How do I know you won't steal anything?" Asked the man. "After all, It's not like you can expect you to get paid for this." Which was his way of saying I don't trust you.
"I just want to help." Said Tatsumi in his most honest voice, looking at the man. "There must be something I can do." What was something they would need? Ah, food! Everyone needs food! "I know, I can hunt!"
The man was quiet for a long time. "No funny business okay?"
Tatsumi began his search, scouring the area for game. He caught a few small animals, rabbits and wild birds, but nothing that would really put a dent in the food shortage problem. Until he saw the most beautiful stag. It galloped across the wilderness, taking the wind with it as the magnificent quarry patrolled it's territory.
He fashioned a makeshift spear and crept up on it. Tatsumi was very careful to be quiet, keeping down as he drew near. Just as he came within range however,howling sounds in the distance caused it to run away. Crap! He thought. He threw his spear in a desperate attempt, watching as it splintered against a large rock.
Tatsumi followed the deer for several minutes, until it got impatient and cowered in a corner, surrounded by large boulders. It was finally the mistake he was waiting for, and the young man closed in. He dispatched it with a swift blow to the head, preserving it's insides and ensuring Tatsumi wouldn't have to see the blood of such a regal creature.
He turned around, sensing danger. It was getting dark now, the sun was beginning to set. He picked up the stag, hoisting it onto his shoulders as he waded towards the ledges at the mountain's foot. It was placed on one of the boulders, out of harm's way just as several large wolves leapt out of the shadows.
They surrounded him and his catches, bearing their fangs and scraping their paws against the dirt, mouths watering at the chance to fight and devour. Tatsumi drew his sword; He knew that he could simply throw them the limp body of the stag and escape, but it would pain him to return to the camp empty handed.
He drew his sword, looking into the eyes of the wolves. They took this as a sign of defiance, and closed in.
The first to come within Tatsumi's reach was a smaller one, eager to prove himself to the pack leader. It snapped it's jaws as the others bound after it, barking madly. Tatsumi slashed it across the muzzle as it passed, leaping out of range of it's teeth and nails. It growled as it turned around to charge again, paws scrabbling on the earth as the beast fought against it's momentum.
The emperor drew his shield. The next wolf, an experienced brute with signs of age, was nevertheless taken by surprise as the instrument of protection appeared out of nowhere, slamming into it's head. Tatsumi had time to recover, leaping backwards as more wolves closed in.
He struck from above with his sword, the blade travelling in a wide arc and lopping the head off of the elderly wolf. The youngster had got back on it's feet and was ready for more, getting in the way of another as it lunged at Tatsumi.
The emperor rolled out of the way, but this time the foe was more agile, leaping on top of him, fangs bearing down as his insane hunger overcame all but it's rage. It locked onto Tatsumi's gloves, fangs struggling to get a grip on the hard leather. The boy writhed madly on the ground, trying to keep the other wolves away while he subdued this one. He locked his hand onto the beast's throat, unseaming it's neck with his blade.
The effort cost him his temporary awareness, as the might of the full pack was brought to bear. They leapt on top of him, attacking with their teeth as he hid behind his shield and arms. They were knocked aside as the pack bore down on him, trying to catch him between jaws of death as he desperately pushed them away.
Was this the end? He thought. Any moment now he would slip and they would bite into his flesh. Run Tatsumi. Save yourself. You can make it if you push them off. Tatsumi was filled with fear as he held back the assailants. One hand each repelling a wolf, while the leader received a swift kick to push it back. Still more wolves circled around, waiting for their chance to strike.
He looked up into their eyes, reflections in them and the dialation of the pupils showing the glint of the setting sun. It was disappearing behind the mountain, it's warmth fading. No. I can't make it out. I will die here, trapped under their cold eyes. He felt their hot breath on him as they wrestled. Time was running out.
Yet as he struggled, he once again began to feel the sun. As it set, it passed between the peaks of the mountains, spreading it's light upon the valley. Tatsumi could feel it, this last spectacle was beautiful. His situation made his eyes nearly well up with tears, as the impending doom of the setting made the vision all the more precious.
No. He decided. This is not the end for me. I must survive, not because I ran away, but because I fought for those who needed me. He heaved with all his remaining strength, pushing them away just long enough for him to reach his weapon.
The wolves made a fatal mistake: They went for his chest rather than his arms. The wolves were disorganized, confused at his sudden counterattack and charging in blindly. One by one he gutted them, slashing his sword left and right as they fell at his side. Eventually, only the pack leader remained.
He stood up, stretching to his full height and spreading his arms out to his side, casting his shadow over the wolf. Now that he stood tall, this enemy was not as imposing, nor did he feel any fear. Tatsumi would defeat the wolf, not because his foe was evil, but because it threatened him. The two closed in, bringing all of their strength down upon one another.
Only one could survive.
Imperial palace, great hall.
Mine was still furious, teeth grinding against each each other as she carried YET ANOTHER stack of papers to the throne room. How dare Tatsumi think he can impede on my life! Oh, what it would be like to live like him. I bet he never experiences pain or sadness. He's probably in his room right now, lying around like a moron. Yeah, he has it so easy.
I hate it. It's like he considers himself a saint. Newsflash Tatsumi, my people are not simply a problem to be solved. Nor am I a girl who can be bought with words. What's the big idea? He has no redeeming qualities.
She entered the throne room, almost hoping to see him yet grateful that he wasn't there. Well, okay. She told herself. He isn't that bad. And I don't really hate him. And I guess I have been a little harsh. She walked up to the throne, slightly disappointed that he wasn't there.
"Err," she said to the spider, off in a corner of the room. "Where is Tatsumi?"
"His highness departed for mount fake not long ago young lass."
"Mount fake?!" yelled Mine. "Why would he go there?" The spider shrugged. Or tried to. It didn't have shoulders, so it kind of just sat there, shaking awkwardly.
"This is bad." The girl said to herself, lost in thought. "What if he comes near the camp?"
"That is exactly where he intends to go!" Boomed a new voice. She turned to see Najenda. "What?"
"You told him he didn't understand the suffering of your people, so he went to see it for himself."
"Alone? Doesn't he know how dangerous the area is at night?" She balled her hands into fists. "What an idiot! I wasn't serious!"
Najenda raised her human hand and struck her so hard that the sound reverberated through the hall.
"YOU KNOW HOW HE IS!" She yelled. "AND WITH THE WAY YOU'VE BEEN TREATING HIM, I WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED IF HE CRAWLED INTO A CAVE AND NEVER CAME BACK!"
Mine fell to her knees, tears flowing to her face. "What… what have I done?"
How could she have been so naive? Mine had pushed down her problems, yet the emotions still burned within her, making her lash out at those closest to her. It was only natural that Tatsumi, reaching out to her the most, would become the target of her anger. And though deep down she new he was not at fault, it only served to frustrate her, redoubling her anger.
What would he have done in this moment? After all, She was ready to give up on herself. Worrying about the western tribes had taken all of her energy, and she had been so cruel to Tatsumi.
She remembered a quote from the young man. A quote Leone had repeated one night when she was feeling down.
" As long as a tiny bit of hope exists, that's all that matters."
The girl stood back up. She was ready to believe in him again.
"I have to go." She said, clearing her face. "And… thank you, Najenda. For the slap. It felt good." She hoisted her massive gun onto her shoulder and left the chamber.
"Say what?" Said Najenda, an expression of disbelief on her face. Even though she wasn't really surprised.
Western tribe camp, at the feet of MT Fake
The refugees and the infirmed were shocked when Tatsumi trudged out of the forest, hauling the carcass of a deer and several wolves. They crowded around, asking him to tell the story and waiting eagerly to cook the meat.
"My-, my god." Uttered the man he had spoken to. "Young man, there is so much I want to say to you. You have done so much for us. But I sense you must be tired. So allow me to brief as I speak for the tribe. You have done us a great service."
"It's nothing. I just wanted to help out." Said Tatsumi, smiling. It felt nice to be surround by all of these happy people. Then abruptly these happy thoughts faded as he remembered what Mine had said. A bit of food and water may save them for a day He thought. But what will they do when I am gone?
"Nevertheless, please stay with us a little longer." Said the man. "You have proven yourself, and are forever welcome at our humble camp."
Tatsumi stayed a little longer, telling stories to the children while he observed the men and women preparing the meat and crafting clothing with the fur. He told stories of adventure, of the monsters he had fought, and the triumphs he had endured to see. When he finished the tale of the earth dragon he had chased for several days, they cheered.
"What's your name?" Asked a small girl. She had stayed quiet throughout the tale, listening intently as she braided her hair.
"Hmmm? Oh, my name is Tatsumi."
"Tatsumi." Repeated the girl. "I like that name."
His reply was cut off by screaming. Panic caught everyone like a fever, sending a chill down Tatsumi's spine. Mass hysteria ensued as the emperor sought to figure out what was going on. People began running for their lives, feet scraping up dirt as they raced through the crowded camp.
"Get the women and children to safety!" Yelled the man over the screams. "Hashamiro, what's going on?" He continued, addressing a young boy running in his direction.
"Chief, a giant danger beast is attacking the settlement! " He gasped, clutching his chest. Tatsumi stood up, grabbing his sword and drawing it. "I'll deal with it."
"Young one, I have faith in your strength, but this foe is far more powerful than any pack of wolves." He meant to stand in his way, to block him, yet he knew he wouldn't be able to stop the brunette if he wanted to.
Tatsumi was undaunted. "It doesn't matter how strong the foe is. They are attacking people who cannot fight back, and I find that disgusting." He ran through the settlement, leaving the others behind.
He ran through the camp, charging against the tide of people fleeing the wrath of the monster. Tatsumi was knocked over, spinning into the gap between two small tents as he heard the heavy footsteps. He hid, crouched in a corner as he listened for the beast through the misty night.
There it is! And what a massive entity it was. Behold was a danger beast the size of a house, bulky and armored with dark red skin, a bulbous head swaying back and forth, using it's spindly pincer arms to sift through the camp as it walked, four eyes and four legs making short work of anything and everything.
He leapt into action, slashing along the belly of the beast as he ducked through it's hardened legs. It screamed in rage, fluid leaking from it's underside as it's massive head ducked underneath it's broad body to view the offender.
This played into the emperor's hands however. As it scanned the valley floor, Tatsumi was already leaping onto the danger beast's back. Let's see now, Bulat told me that beasts usually try to roll over and crush you when you leap onto it's back. I can take that chance to go for it's heart!
He stabbed with his sword, penetrating deeply into the monster's fat reserves. The creature felt this new piercing intensely, hissing in rage as it shifted it's weight. Tatsumi got off as it was ready to flop onto it's back. As he hit groundside he heard screaming.
Shit! He realised, noticing the same girl from before huddling on the ground, her life rapidly fading under the approaching shadow. She'll be crushed before I can stop that thing.
No more chance for a quick victory. He dived in, scooping the girl out of the way just in time as the impact flattened the surrounding area.
"What are you doing!" He cried. Tears rolled down the girl's cheeks as she pressed her arms against him.
"I had to go back!" She said, her small shaking hands opening to reveal a necklace. "This is all I have left of dad!" He pulled her in for a quick hug, then placed his hands on her shoulder. "Run away. I'll hold the beast off here."
The brave look in her eyes told him that he needn't look after her. He turned his gaze upon the monster, facing it with nothing but his sword, his intent, and himself.
Now however, His foe had overcome the element of surprise, leaving Tatsumi hopelessly overpowered. He charged forward, blade swinging towards the nearest appendage, only to be forced to break off his attack as the creature aimed a savage slash at his throat. He leapt back, drawing Aegis and releasing it's energy.
The blast was far more immense than with his duel with Kurome; Tatsumi had his emotions invested strongly in this fight. A beam of light shot from his golden shield, impacting and dispersing against the sturdy skull of the gargantuan predator. The attack was decisive, making the creature rear up on his hind legs, yet not enough to kill..
Several men came charging, taking advantage of the evident opportunity to spear the danger beast in the head. "Wait!" Cried Tatsumi, as they got in the way of his attack. "Don't get close! It's too dangerous!"
There was no helping them, Tatsumi was forced to save himself. The creature had no need of seeing, it tore up whatever it felt, claws scraping against skin and dirt alike, tearing up the earth as it showed no discrimination. Flames began as it trampled tents and dwellings.
The boy despaired. Nothing he did could bring down the monster, He had no Teigu or friends to counter this power. It was like fighting Esdeath herself. No,He corrected. She is far more powerful. She remembered what she had said.
You survived because you were able to raise your abilities. Getting stronger was, as Bulat had called it, a continuous process.
He needed to increase his abilities to take on this foe. And if he couldn't get stronger right now, he would have to borrow strength from the future, and concentrate it. He would release a slash so strong that it could not be resisted.
Tatsumi tensed his legs, raising his sword and stretching his muscles quickly. If he timed it perfectly, he might be able to transfer power from all over his body, using every major muscle to increase the strength of his strength tenfold.
He would place all of his power into one attack. A single strike so powerful it would utilize all his strength in one burst, slashing through even the most resilient of foes. The creature's eyes drew near, it's massive claws raised to the sky.
Could he do this? What if it broke him? But Tatsumi pushed down his doubts. He had see what had happened to the wolves, consumed by rage and fear, and letting it get the better of them in a fight. His thoughts returned to every moment his restraint had been tested, his assault on the wolves, him wanting to tell Mine about his village, his duel with Akame's sister. Akame. He could think about her, while he fought. Better than doubt.
No time to linger on it now. The emperor raised his sword high above his head, ducked his head, and leapt.
Air screamed by him as he ascended towards the sky. It felt so nice to him, this speed, this power. But he knew to not dwell on it, lest his will falter. He brought his sword down with all of his might in a full body arc.
His attack was so powerful that it killed the beast instantly. His exploits would eventually become a part of the Western Tribe's mythology. The boy stabbed his sword into the ground. He needed to discharge this power before it killed him.
"I did it." He said to himself, hanging his head low. His body felt numb. If he had been anything but perfect in his strike, then surely death would have pulled him down.
The peace would not last. Despair fell on Tatsumi as his eyes found the lumbering body of another danger beast, the same shade of red as the other, climbing the corpse of it's brother. There was no hope. All was lost. Wearily, he raised his weapon again, sword shaking as he prepared to make his final stand. He could almost see Akame, her beautiful face smiling as his hallucination stared back.
No. If only… I had more time.
A blast of energy enveloped the danger beast, evaporating it as the intense heat penetrated it's thick shell. The beam was so strong that it's journey would not stop, carving into the landscape. It faded at the command of the wielder, yet the light lingered on, a temporary monument to the victor.
Mine ran through the debris, locking her arms around Tatsumi and crying into his sleeve. "Tatsumi!" She cried. "I'm sorry! I never should have said the things I did."
The boy could feel life returning to him. It was as if close encounters with death brought life back itself. He looked into her eyes, and her eyes looked at the sea of destruction, and the faces of the people they had saved.
"Why?" She asked, quietly at first, and slowly growing in volume. "Why did you do all this, if all you wanted was to get through to me?"
"No, Mine." He said, looking over the falling dust. "Yes, at first I wanted only to help you. But this isn't about that anymore. I want to help these people. I want to help you."
"I don't need help. I don't deserve it." She said, turning away.
"Mine, I know you've been wronged, and you feel there's noone you can trust. But you are human, like the rest of us. And you are not alone. And There are always those who want to help you, even when you will not help yourself."
"I… I just don't understand." Said Mine.
"You don't have to." He said in return. "What's important is that we are there for each other." And his words deeply moved Mine. For once, she shut up.
Maybe she had said harsh words to him, and treated him unfairly. But Tatsumi knew that beneath her hard exterior, beneath the Mine that the world saw, was a girl worth forgiving.
"Let's go home Mine." He said, stretching out his hand.
"Yes, let's go home." Said Mine.
Woo Hoo! Lot's of romantic development between Tatsumi and Akame. Just for reference, since a lot of these chapters begin right where the previous ones left off, only a few weeks have passed since chapter 1.
I felt it was finally time to devote a whole chapter (or most of it) to Mine's story arc. I'm positively bubbling with ideas for the next chapters, expect lots of updates in the future.
I do have exams coming up soon, so I might slow down, but I'll write in my free time.