Chapter 20
Such a beautiful day.
Minosha hummed in agreement as he lay on the grass next to a small lake, soaking up the sunlight that beat onto his wet chest and hair. He was glad the heat didn't bother him much now or else his skin would be as red as his hair. While the sun wasn't overly hot, since Najenda and Tatsumi, who were not so far away, were in their regular clothes, it was still a monster when it came to eating up the water left on him from his swim from the lake.
If only we could stay like this forever. I've began to love these small moments.
He opened his eyes, a light frown on his lips, "We both knew what we were getting into when we chose this path. We'll get our time of peace. Just not in this life."
To think you would one day throw my words back at me. You have truly grown, Minosha. I'm proud of you.
Minosha grunted when he felt the air escape from his lungs. He glanced down to find Akame smiling up at him. His eyes softened as he smiled back, "Hey, you. You done with your swim?" He rubbed his hand up and down her soaked back.
Akame hummed as she snuggled into his warm chest, "Mm, I'm just really hungry now."
He moved her wet hair from her neck and placed a kiss on the now exposed skin, "Okay, we'll go back inside now." He moved his lips to her forehead, mumbling, "I'll make sure Suu whips up something real good, okay?"
She didn't respond. Her deep breaths told him that she was already out like a light. He simply chuckled and followed her example.
That night, Minosha drooled as he gazed at the wide variety of food Suu stacked in front of them all. Leone exclaimed happily, "Dayum! You went all out."
"We can worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. So let's just kick back and cut loose today," Najenda reassured them.
Tatsumi dug into a bowl of rice with gusto, Akame ate her food quietly, Minosha devoured the meats he stacked onto his plate, and Leone drank the alcohol provided to her happily.
"Hell yeah!" The blonde cheered. "This is what I'm talking about."
Najenda grinned as Suu smiled next to her, "Drink up! I don't wanna see a drop of booze left in any bottle."
"Damn straight," Leone burped.
Najenda smiled as Suu poured her a drink, "That free spirited optimism of yours. It's during times like these that it really shines through."
Leone blinked, her cheeks flushed, "What's this now? You're giving out compliments? Did you fall and hit your head?"
"It's the night before the war," Najenda responded lightly. "I guess I'm just talking crazy."
"Okay!" Leone said happily. "If crazy's how we're doing it then I may as well come clean now. I've actually been sneaking into your secret stash of booze."
Najenda's eye twitched, "I thought I was drying up rather quickly. Ah well, I can let bygones be bygones."
"I'm not done. When you sent me on missions to the capital, I'd end up blowing all the expenses on gambling."
"Well, the assignments got completed so…I can let bygones."
Leone tapped her chin innocently, "There's also that time, and oh yeah, that time. I should come clean now while I can…"
Najenda growled, "Just do me a favor and reminisce about them after the fight is over."
Tatsumi gasped shockingly when he saw Akame slowly eating, "Something the matter, Akame? You're eating so slowly. Is something the matter?"
Leone and Najenda gasped with him while Minosha rolled his eyes at the dramatics they were all displaying.
"Yikes, that's a pretty grim look she's got on her face there," Leone mumbled.
"What's wrong, Akame?" Najenda asked worriedly.
Akame exhaled deeply, "It's nothing, sorry. I apologize for spoiling everyone's good mood. But I was just reminded of everyone." A heavy silence settled over them. "Bulat, Scheele, Lubbock, Mine, Chelsea. And all of you. It's thanks to everyone that at this moment, I'm still standing here now."
Her eyes hardened in determination, "Our final mission. We will eliminate those who have rotted and corrupted this country at any and all costs. That is our sworn duty as those who have survived and are able to continue to fight."
Her body slumped as she let out a huge breath, "Now that I've gotten that off my chest, let's eat!" She grabbed a giant plate full of food and started to chow down. Minosha smiled slightly at her as he drank his beverage.
Tatsumi laughed boisterously, "Now the flood gates open."
"How very Akame," Najenda chuckled.
"It's funny, isn't it?" Akame questioned as she paused in her eating.
Tatsumi blinked, "Huh? What is?"
Akame put the plate on the table, "I'm sorry. You've always been stronger than I gave you credit for." Leone grinned while Tatsumi scratched cheek confusedly.
Najenda snorted, "Says the person whose steely resolve and unmatched resiliency was far greater than I could have ever hoped for. So make sure you come home alive too."
"Sure," Akame nodded. "When this is all over, let's all take a boat to some foreign country together. We made that promise back at Kyoroku, remember?"
"Of course I remember," Tatsumi grinned. "We said we'd go together with Mine."
Akame smiled, "By some chance…if by some chance that actually comes true, I hope Kurome would be willing to join us." Her cheeks became flushed, "If that trip actually ends up happening, it would be the most amazing trip ever."
The three smiled brightly at her and the thought of one day being with everyone, not having to worry about the Empire or Esdeath or the Prime Minister. They smiled at the thought that peace was something they could get.
Minosha averted his eyes, feeling the sting of tears. Peace; that sounded so nice to his ears, but even with all the imagination in the world, he knew he could never imagine himself doing anything after the war. That wasn't his life, and it was never going to be the moment he chose to accept Evangeline's spirit in his body. His fate was written in stone, but the only thing that settled his mind was knowing Esdeath, the Empire, and the Prime Minister would be gone while Akame, Suu, Leone, Najenda, Tatsumi, Mine, Chelsea, Wave, and Kurome got to live their lives out peacefully.
That was the only thing that comforted him. And it was because of that, the thought of his friends making it out alive that gave him the strength to fight another day.
Later that night, his stargazing was interrupted by a knock at his door. He turned his head, lightly calling out, "Come in."
He wasn't surprised when Akame walked up next to him, leaning on the windowsill. He smiled down at her, his eyes soft, "Hey, you." He put his arms on her shoulder, letting her lean into his warm body. He inhaled, trying not to let the hitch in his breath noticeable, "This is the end, isn't it?"
"Yes," Akame whispered, gripping the hand the lay on her shoulder tightly. "We all knew it was inevitable."
"Yeah," Minosha exhaled, sniffling. His hand shook in Akame's grip as he swallowed thickly with a lone tear streaming down, "I don't think I've ever been this shaken up before. It's crazy because I knew no matter what this was going to happen for sure."
Akame shushed him comfortingly. She wrapped her arms around his shoulder as he put his around her waist, hugging her tightly. She nuzzled his shoulder, "I love you, Minosha."
"I love you too, Akame," Minosha whispered brokenly. Tears fell from his eyes steadily despite his attempts of holding them back. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Akame pulled back and pulled him in for a kiss. Minosha cupped her cheek, wanting to savor this last moment he had with her. The raven haired assassin ended the kiss and gazed into his eyes, "Just be with me. This is our last moment together. Let's just be."
Minosha nodded, "Just be."
Their lips met again and they forgot about the world around them. They forgot that tomorrow, they would risk their lives for the good of the people. They forgot that Minosha was going to die fighting Esdeath. They forgot that they might lose everyone against the Empire tomorrow.
For this night, they were just two people in love, and that was all they had to worry about for now.
"Just a few more hours and the assault on the Imperial Capital will commence," Najenda spoke the next day as they waited to head out. "Upon discover of their ice cavalry, our plans have slightly changed, so listen carefully."
Leone placed her hands behind her head, processing the info, "An army of ice. Esdeath really could fight an entire war on her own."
Najenda nodded, "For starters, she's not someone we can simply ignore and push to the side. Akame and Leone will both act according to the plan thus far and that's to infiltrate the Imperial Palace. Suu and I will join the general offensive and lead the teigu troops. Tatsumi, Minosha, you'll be coming with me."
"So I'll be out and in the open?" Tatsumi questioned.
"Esdeath's overwhelming power is beyond our imagination. We need all the help we can get. And you and Minosha are the strongest we have right now."
Tatsumi nodded solemnly. Najenda sighed in slight relief, "I know this will put an even greater burden on you, Akame and Leone…"
Akame shook her head with a small smile, "No one's going to have it easy out there. We'll be fine."
"Well, if my best friend is saying, I guess I'll have to give it my all too," Leone joked.
Najenda smiled gratefully, "Right! Then it's time to go over Night Raid's final targets." She began listing off, "The Prime Minister Honest. With an insatiable desire for political power, he is the very root of all the evil that has corrupted this country. General Esdeath, a demon who delights in nothing but war, sowing the seeds of revolt. A being that cannot exist in times of peace.
"Koukei, minister of military affairs. Diverting munitions and arms through illegal channels for his own private person profit. Conspired with the Prime Minister to slander generals that opposed him then had them found guilty of crimes they did not commit.
"Saikyuu, the Prime Minister's aid and cohort in all his evil deeds. A man of great ability and even darker temperament. He was the one who thought of establishing the assassination squad in order to execute the rebels.
"Youkan, a bottom feeder sycophant obsequious to the Prime Minister. Unlike Saikyuu, he has no ability or talents whatsoever. He entertained all sorts of distractions to entertain the Prime Minister such as guessing the gender of a pregnant woman's baby and then cutting open her womb to see if they were right.
"Dousen, extorting vast amounts of money from all different regions at the cost of great suffering to the people, climbed the ranks and gained success through bribery and payoffs," Najenda concluded.
Leone grinned, "All the big players have come out to play for this final battle. My fists are itching for some action."
"It's possible the targets may possess teigu, and if you capture them alive, they might escape," Najenda said. "Therefore, bringing them alive is not mandatory. Kill them on sight with extreme prejudice. If you cannot make it a public execution, then be sure to put the corpse on display."
Akame nodded darkly, "This is the most important detail. I'll handle it."
Najenda gazed at the pictures on the table, "Even if the palace falls, these men will do anything to protect themselves and survive. We don't know what means they'll use to that end."
"If I can, I'll stop them before they set one foot off the palace grounds," Leone commented.
"Please do," Najenda clenched her jaw. "But for now, you and Akame should both concentrate on your assassination targets." She slammed her flesh fist into her metal palm, gritting her teeth, "These lowly vermin. No matter what happens, if they don't fall, the rage of the persecuted will never be quelled. If any of them escape, that's as good as defeat."
"Everything understood," Akame replied. She turned to her comrade, "Tatsumi, Minosha. After I bury these 5 people inside the palace, I swear I'll come back to help take down Esdeath."
Tatsumi grinned, "I'll be pulling out all the stoops from where I am as well."
Minosha crossed his arms, a smile tugging at his lips, "Help is always wanted in my corner."
Najenda spoke up, "Intel about the ice cavalry definitely caught us off guard but they're still without their 3 Jaegers. So until you come back, we'll manage."
They all got their weapons ready. Akame exclaimed, "Night Raid will bury all final targets."
Once they got to the Capital, they went their separate ways. Minosha stuck with Tatsumi while Najenda and Suu went onto the front lines. The red head could see Esdeath on top of the wall that cut the Capital off from the outside villages. He could feel her bloodlust and her excitement at finally getting the chance to kill them.
No matter what, she is going to die, Evangeline stated.
"Aren't we all?" Minosha muttered. He nodded to Tatsumi, "Let's move."
After watching the cannons get blasted by Esdeath's ice shards and the beasts slaughter each other, the two knew it was time for them to fight once the ice cavalry came marching in.
"Incursio!" Tatsumi shouted as he brought out his teigu.
Minosha held out his hand, letting his sword appear in a flame. He got rid of his cloak and rushed with Tatsumi. He destroyed some of the ice warriors with a balls of harsh flames. If only Esdeath fell that easily.
Cutting through the ice army was easy. Making sure no one died from them was getting a bit difficult. While some soldiers held a teigu, they weren't as strong as him, Tatsumi, or Suu, and they didn't necessarily know how to fight against an army of anything other than humans.
The red head slammed his fists on the ground harshly, letting flames burst from the ground and devour the ice soldiers. After making sure the majority of the army was dealt with, he took his sword out of the ground and searched for any other trump cards Esdeath was dealing out to them.
He cursed when he saw her riding on an ice horse, tearing through their men as if they held no defense whatsoever. He held out his arm when he saw Tatsumi approaching. His eyes turned gold as he stared at his comrade, "Leave it. I'll take care of her myself."
"But Minosha-" Tatsumi tried to protest.
Minosha snarled, "You're strong, Tatsumi, but I know fighting against her will only put more pressure on your life force. You may have 2-3 more fights in Incursio, but I can't risk you at all. Do you understand?"
At his reluctant nod, Minosha charged towards Esdeath. He slashed at the ice horse's legs causing the horse to collapse.
"Finally, you come out," Esdeath smirked as jumped into the air. "Let's get this over with, shall we?"
Their blades met in the middle. The ground broke around them as they stood their ground against each other's strength. Every slash and cut was met with opposition; neither getting higher ground as they only grew angrier and stronger with each block and dodge.
Now! Evangeline shouted urgently.
Minosha lashed his arm out quickly, catching Esdeath's arm that didn't hold her rapier. He smirked, "Caught you." Flames erupted on his sword as he propelled it forward.
Esdeath simply stared blankly, "You don't know what it means to touch me, do you?" She placed two fingers on his hand and froze him before the blade could touch her.
Minosha broke through the ice, a snarl still settled on his lips, "How many times do I have to tell you your ice won't work with me?" He breathed heavily, feeling the strain in his lungs and the quiver in his muscles.
"It's too early to feel tired, Little Mini," Esdeath commented sardonically and he knew she could feel every bit of his anger and exhaustion just as he could feel her bloodlust and the pleasure she took every time she took a life.
He swallowed dryly, licking his chapped lips. He wasn't going to fall right now, not when the war wasn't even close to being over. He gripped his sword tightly and readied himself for another barrage of attacks.
The two traded blow after blow, neither laying a single hand on the other. Esdeath, who had initially wanted to fight Tatsumi, was having a great time now that Minosha was fighting to the best of his abilities, unlike last time.
The general grinned sadistically once Minosha propelled himself at her, striking even harder than before, "Wonderful. Brilliant, Little Mini!"
Minosha gasped when he was suddenly skyrocketed into the air. He gazed down at the giant ice pillar the woman made and jumped away from it.
Minosha, watch out!
The ice pillar landed on him heavily. Luckily, Minosha had brought his sword up just before it crushed him. He broke through the ice, glaring at Esdeath. If she could still pull something like that out of her sleeve and she didn't once lose her composure, he was going to have to kick it up a notch.
The woman laughed scornfully, "Come on, I know that's not all you've got. On your feet! Entertain me more. Please me!"
Minosha growled, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword. The two were brought out of their staring match when a gong sounded through the air.
Esdeath blinked in shock, "The signal to pull back for now?" She clenched her jaw as she gazed at the city, "Damn, the Imperial Capital is a wreck." She found a flying beast and hopped onto its back. She smirked down at the red head, "Impressive, Little Mini. You managed to hold me back, but when we meet again, it will be the last time we see each other."
She took off into the sky. Minosha glared as the flames around him died down. He couldn't wait for the next time.
The soldiers behind him began to cheer as Esdeath retreated. Tatsumi walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, "You alright, Minosha?"
He gave a curt nod, "Yeah. She's still as strong as ever but I think my training is finally paying off."
"Good job on drawing her attention away," Najenda stated as she rode up with Suu. She gave him a slight smile, "During that time, with the aid of Tatsumi, Suu, and the teigu troops, we were able to completely destroy the opposition's castle gates."
"I'm glad," Minosha exhaled in relief, feeling his tense muscles shake as he began to relax. "As long as Tatsumi's fine, I can keep fighting until my last breath."
Najenda nodded, "Well, you won't have to fight now. The war's already won. Even retreating now to defend the palace, they're far too…late…" Their boss trailed off as a sickening realization hit her. She placed a hand over her mouth in horror.
"Hey, over there," One soldier called out, pointing to the capital. "Some strange looking thing."
As the fog cleared, they all stared at the giant suit of armor standing in the middle of the Capital. "By the heavens," Minosha breathed with wide eyes as the soldiers began to scream in fright.
He tensed once more when the giant's chest began to glow brightly. He turned to them, shouting urgently, "Everyone get down!"
The blast shot at them, taking a chunk of their army and the Capital with them. When the smoke died down, they all stared at the crater that was left behind and their fallen comrades' bodies on the ground.
Minosha swallowed dryly; this was something none of them could have anticipated.