"Edward."
"Yeah?"
"What do you know about love?"
"...If you're asking me for advice, you're seriously not right in the head."
"Well, it's a conversation, nontheless."-Esdeath tugged a small bag, inside is the keystone she received.
They are following a secret passage leading to the exit.
There's no traps here, so it's just a leisure walk.
"..."-The Assassin, now named Edward by Esdeath, just walked ahead.
Esdeath held no illusion to the fact that while his back was to her, he can still react against any attack.
Not that she intended to.
Silence truly is uncomfortable.
Both of them are barely social, Esdeat although having that much charisma, had never faced with someone who she deemed equal.
Jack she may considered equal, but in her mind, the guy was weaker than Edward.
It was most likely true. Jack needed more refining and training to be of equal.
Well, she thinks he needs more.
Esdeath started to think of how Jack and Edward would be like, facing each other.
Both are ambidextrous, use the same fighting principles, and both have by far show great capability to dodge as well as throw their opponent off balance, whatever the means.
Normal humans can't match up to them. Both can easily take on a teigu.
"Ah."-Edward looked at the door in their way.
"...What now?"
"..."
Using his Eagle vision, he saw a lever up top.
"Give me a momment."-He crouched down-"I do not fear death, but no one shall embrace it with open arms."
In a burst of strength, he leaped up, kicking the metalic wall and began free running up it.
"Impressive."-Esdeath commented, seeing him perform a rewrite technique.
In basic, he out bound the limit of his own using his will power and somewhat of a personal mantra. She knew of soldiers who possess such ability, but Edward can most likely sustain it for as long as he like.
Their fight on the boat, it was either tricks or sonic speed. The ability to switch from one speed to another is even more impressive.
The Assassin grabbed the lever on top of the door. He pulled it, and the door opens.
"Give me an ice spear abou-"-He immediately reacted.
BLAM!
An ice spear shot right into the lever hinges.
Edward jumped down, paid no heed to the fact it almost killed him, and walked through.
"So, where does all these lead to?"-Esdeath questioned.
"I myself thought that back doors are dumb, but well, sometime it's just like that"-Jack replied.
They saw light above them
Jack free run towards it.
He felt like it was getting incredibly vertical, and soon it was.
Seems like the exit is a small hole under the rocks. One would thought it was just something like three stones forming a small roof, where snakes and the likes lives in.
Jack dismissed his Pandemonium Cross to fit through, then helped Esdeath and her three sizes fit through.
Women sure has their disadvantage...
"We traveled from one side of the island to another."-Jack concluded.
"Well, that's good then. I see a small lake nearby. It's drinkable and the waters seems clear.
"How it stays clear is beyond me, but yes."
"There are danger beast that keeps the water clean and crystal clear, you know."
"Then don't stain their work with their own blood please."-Jack, now taking a personal name as Edward, pulled out his hooked axe.-"I'll go gather fire wood. You can go hunting or something."
"I thought you would look forward to be dominant and take the role of hunting."
"Against you? I can't imagine you gather wood, sorry."-He performed a Leap of Faith down the clear water below.
Esdeath did the same, then followed the Assassin.
But she didn't get out of the water when he did.
"I'll take a bath here. The water seems clear and refreshing."
"..."
"And to be clear, if I so much as see you looking this-"
"I admit I'm a man of earthly desire, but I value my life and I don't want you cutting anything of mine off."-He just turned away and walked.-"Just be quick."
"Good."
"Okay, I'll be forwards and and ask. Do you want me to go as far as I can or nearby?"
Esdeath pondered.
Having him go far away meant that she would lose sight of him, but that don't mean he'll lose sight of her. Just in case.
But having him nearby don't make things any easier.
"I just realized something."
"?"
"Your Eagle vision can see everything in range, right?"
"Like I said, I value my lif-"-The Assassin suddenly leaped to the side, as a danger beast charged at him.-"Whatever, I'll lead this beast away, you just enjoy your time or something!"
Well, turned out, he killed the beast on the spot. A huge chop with his hooked axe brought the thing down as easy as kicking an empty can.
"This was unfortunate for you, but there's no other way. Requiescat in Pace."-He began skinning the beast.
Esdeath watched him. They were only around 20m of each other.
She can tell for sure he resisted any urges and did not look her way.
Which was quite impressive, considering he is skinning a stinky beast while all men's heaven was just over his shoulder.
'He couldn't be using Eagle vision...but his senses are so sharp I guess he can hear any splashing I make...'
Apparently done with skinning the beast, the Assassin head for the treeline, then she can hear him chopping down trees for firewood.
"So, he had experience surviving the wild."-Esdeath pondered.
At first, she thought he could be from the tribes.
But he speak the western nation language, unlike Jack, who learned tribal language in his days adventuring.
"Gah...the more I think, the more complicated it becomes..."
Truth is Jack speak all three languages. He just used the Western Nation language to threw her off track.
"Edward!"-She called out.
"Yeah?"-The reply came from not very far.
"I'm changing, so..."
"I don't care! Just call me when you're done!"
"..."-Esdeath was abit taken aback.
Still, he didn't do anything wrong.
'WAIT!'-Esdeath just realized.
If she can get him to take a bath...
She can see his face!
A glimpse would be enough.
It would show her the truth.
But how was she going to do so?
His senses are crazy, even more terrifying than hers. His Eagle vision means she's nice and bright to him even in the dark and even if a 30cm thick concrete wall was there.
And the obvious problem remain.
"Why would I do so?"-Edward used his hidden blade to create a spark, lighting a fire.
"Because I can smell that stinky beast on you.
"Eh? Really? I know it's skin is smelly but..."
'Good! He forgot!'
"Still, I'm not taking chances."
'Or not...'-Esdeath cursed inwardly.
"I'm sure you smelled worse scent before, so endure with me abit."
"Fine, fine."
That night, the Assassin didn't eat anything.
He was fully aware that she wanted to know his idenity and would take any chances she gets.
So Esdeath pretended she was taking a quick nap.
She was 100% sure he wouldn't attack her in her sleep.
...That came out wrong.
Anyway, the Assassin stood up at some point, and turned toward the lake.
'Gotcha.'
Esdeath waited...
She strained her senses and wait for that momment.
She hears slight splashing.
Her chance is here!
Turned to look, she saw Edward washing his gear.
'...Bastard.'
He simply will not show her his face, and will not take any chances.
"Edward."-She called out.
"Hm?"
"What's so special under that mask and hood? Why do you hide it?"
"Well...I don't always hide it. But certainly I must hide it when enemies are around."
"Even though..."
"Even though, Esdeath."
That's right.
They are enemies.
This leisure time won't last.
"Hm? Is that a danger beast?"
"? Where?"
"There! The sky!"
Esdeath looked up.
"There's one passing as we speak?!"-Esdeath grabbed her rapier.
"What's your plan?"
"I'll injure it then tame it!"
Both ran to the beach.
"Take this!"-The Assassin threw her one of his rope dart.
Esdeath catches it, and launched herself up.
Still, it was too high in the sky.
Esdeath was about to create a tower of ice, but she was stopped.
The Assassin grabbed her arm, then tapping her shoulder.
Back where they were first transported here, another portal opens up.
Without another word, the Assassin launched himself forward.
Esdeath immediately followed.
They entered only a second apart.
Kakeru and Tatsumi reached the top.
Suddenly, a huge purple flash of light appeared out of no where.
From there, two figure immerged.
"?!"-Both Tatsumi ans Kakeru recognize them.
Well, Kakeru only recognize one.
It was Jack and Esdeath.
Kakeru almost yelled his mentor's name, but then, the situation made a turn for the strangest.
Jack threw a smoke bomb in Esdeath face, before grabbed both Kakeru and Tatsumi, throwing them over the edge before diving down himself, a Leap of Faith that really did took faith, because he had no idea if there's anything breaking their fall.
Using his rope dart, he anchored into a tree branch, then grabbed Kakeru by the collar, swinging them both down with a reduced and even comfortable landing.
Tatsumi summoned Incursio and landed. It was a shocking landing, but he survived intact.
...
Esdeath cleared herself from the smoke and looked down.
The Assassin and those two had already disappeared into the treeline.
She can still pursuit them.
It's easy.
But...
"..."
Esdeath merely tugged her pouch containing the keystone.
She didn't know what stopped her.
But she just stood there until she knew tracking them is impossible.
"The hell...just..."
"Keep moving. She may still be on to us."
"Jack, what happened, why did you..."
"Stuff happened, I'll explain later.
"Wait, we have to meet up with Lubbock first."
"We can see his tripwire layout."-Both Jack and Kakeru answered.
Eagle vision is just...hax.
After getting away clear, and made sure that Esdeath isn't folowing, Jack stopped.
"Okay, escape sucessful..."
"Mentor."-Kakeru finally found the time, and bowed slightly.
"Cut the respect, Kakeru."-He smiled between pants.-"Why are you here?"
"The Creed are starting to move. Assassin are blending into the country, Assassin bureaus are being set up. I'm here to aid you."
"Bureaus...we are going to war, aren't we..."
"Well, all of us are really worried you know..."
They spotted Lubbock approaching them.
"Are you guys oka-JACK?!"
"Hey, I'm back."-The Master Assassin waved tiredly.
"You're still alive?"
"That's a horrible way to welcome someone."
"M-my bad! Still! Everyone was really worried about you. We didn't know what happened!"
"It's a long story...I'll brief you all later. Now...can we please head back?"
"Of course! Chelsea may not say it, but she is worried sick!"
"...Chelsea...worried..."
It was early morning.
Besides Kakeru, Tatsumi and Lubbock, everyone stayed in.
Chelsea was the first to woke up.
More like, she didn't really sleep.
She didn't feel tired. After her old team died, she was used to losing sleep.
"Everyone!"-She heard Tatsumi's voice.
"We're back!"
Soon, other night Raid members woke up as well.
"Ah, you're back. I expect you destroyed the Danger Beasts?"-Najenda asked, a hint of tiredness in her voice. She just woke up, after all.
"Yes, but...there's something else."
"? What is it? Did you encounter the Jaegers?! Did you destroy them or something?"-Mine was excited.
"I...I guess it did count as encountering the Jaegers...but that's not it."
"There we go. Good boy, Pietre, good boy!"
...
...
That...
"That..."
Tatsumi and Kakeru stepped aside from the door, with Chelsea dashing out.
Outside, a young man was happily patting the Dark fire Griffin's head.
He wore a black robe with some demon-like armor attach to them. He has a hood and mask, but it was pulled down.
On his back was a cross that emits a faint glow.
"...Jack..."
He turned to her.
He turned to Chelsea.
Everyone else followed outside.
"I'm back, Chelsea."-He smiled. It wasn't bright, but it was kind and it had a great sense of happiness.
He was met with her full weigth diving into his arms.
She sniffed slightly.
"Where have you been?!"
"...A...alot has happened. I'm sorry I'm late. I'll buy you lolipops later, I promise."
"Do you have any idea how worried we were?!"
"I can't even begin to understand."
"Then, do you know how worried I was?!"
"...Judging by your reaction, I'll say above everyone else."-He smiled a bit.
...
...
Chelsea melted into his arms.
"Guess she can only be tough for so long..."-Leone smiled.
"Well, I don't want to say this, but this calls for a bit of celebration."-Najenda nodded.
"Che, that Chelsea..."-Mine looked away with a 'Hmph!'
Jack walked to them, Chelsea finally able to seperate from him.
"I...I'm sorry if I troubled any of you."-He lowered his head apologetically.
"Even though you aren't a member, you are one of our own. There's no way we wouldn't worry."-Akame nodded with a rare kind smile.
"You did it to save Chelsea, right? You didn't intentionally took off, so it's not your fault to start with.
"Then-then...thank you for having me again."-Jack really don't know how to respond.
Never has he received such kindness.
"Ah, now that I mentioned it..."-Najenda grabbed a girl from the group.
"...? Who is this? A new member?"
"Uhm...ano...etou...I'M SORRY!"
"She said sorry before she did anything! Am I such a scary monster?!"
"I...I am Mi-Misaki! I'm here to..."
"She does the paperwork around here."-Kakeru just blunted it.
"I...I see."-So this is how he appears to a normal girl...-"A-Anyway, I'll tell you the full story, so can we get inside?"
"Hang on..."-Chelsea gripped his hand with hers.
"...Uhm?"-Jack might've blushed, faintly.
"Welcome back."
...
...
...
Jack didn't know how to respond.
He heard it before, it's not the first time.
But...what is this happiness?
"...I'm...I'm back.."
"Can't you do it a little bit better? Even I can do better!"
But then she noticed Jack was a bit unease.
"...Jack?"
"I'm sorry that I worried you."
"..."
"Still, I..."
"...?"
"I want us to..."
"...!"
"I hope we could..."
"...Jeez...you can't wait anymore, can't you?"
"..."
"I'll tell you my respond. Later."-Chelsea smiled.
"That's right! For now, it's celebration! We clashed with the Jeagers, Jack and Chelsea clashed Esdeath, and nobody was lost! Jack and Chelsea declared it! We gained new members too! If there's no booze today, might as well never celebrate!"-Leone glomped both of them, the two suffering a lack of air from being pressed against her ample bosom.
"We declared what?!"-Jack and Chelsea responded.
"I hereby crown you..."
"LEAVE IT BE!"