Akame ga Kiru
The Imperial Saber
Chapter Twenty Seven
The stadium was filled to the brink and not one seat was left unattended as Tatsumi stood in the booth box overlooking the square rings that were apart of the main floor below. The cheers of tens of thousands filled the afternoon air with an aliveness that rarely came forth under those who ruled at the top of the Empire. For once the common citizen enjoyed a spectacle being hosted for their own entertainment without being tainted the by corruption that loomed like a scavenger seeking a free meal, but during this festivity not a single damned sign of sorrow lingered in the crowds eyes. They had a reason to cheer and smile due to a simple reason, the stadium was hosting a tournament.
A tournament that was to the public eye a generosity from General Esdeath herself and the people were eager to witness a battle royal to pass their time. Tatsumi knew otherwise as the fighting was merely weeding out competent candidates to wield the locked Teigus in the Imperial Armory. Personally, the Colonel didn't feel right using generic fighters from the populace as it would have an influx of people look out for and to fair, it became lack luster for him truly. None of the fighting had been rather exciting to consider anyone powerful enough to be interesting, well in Esdeath's words as he glanced over to see her sitting down beside him in the booth.
At first glance she seemed bored, true in a relative sense but mainly it was offset by him standing next to her once the fighting tournament had started. She smiled over at him to come sit next to her on the expanded furniture despite being in public view. Just as last nights events played over in his mind while in the shower together and he exhaled silently, "I'm still unsure if she's trying to play me, does she know about my plans with my legion and those letters? If she knows about Blue, or that offer I'm going to be in serious trouble and it might kill me. Damn it all, best thing I can do is wait it out and hopefully get the job done."
Moving to where Esdeath was seated, her legs were crossed as her eyes tracked his every movement with an amusement that seemingly confused him. She had to be enjoying see him squirm, really there was no other explanation he had to work with and that honestly frightened him. Not for his own safety but for those who had accompanied him to fight for the Empire's future. Plus his own legion was at risk if the General managed to figure out what he was planning. The odds she knew of this were currently less enough for him to keep content, for the time being.
Content enough to draw off any scrutiny if his fiancee had any such tendencies.
"I'll admit that you were telling the truth." Tatsumi gently informed her as he smiled somewhat sheepishly as the woman raised an eyebrow in bemusement, "About what, Tatsumi?"
The young Colonel gestured to the matches below them as the crowd roared for approval.
Wave had been down there announcing the competitors and had generally a fun time in doing so. The elder teen honestly felt at home introducing fighters from all over the Capital and the Empire itself, that natural friendly charm took a hold of many within the crowd who wanted to know more about the fighters. It really was a means to give the crowds a friendly feel for the sponsored tournament to find any suitable prospects for the Teigu. As much as it was thrilling, overall the results weren't worthy enough for such a thing. It wasn't a bad thing to consider in his mind, well as long as Esdeath or the Prime Minister left his Legion alone.
"These fights are boring, a shame that many people here won't witness a real spectacle to blow their minds away. So I can see why you'd want to fall asleep. Forgive my doubts." He laughed kindly while trying not to insult the competitors down below them. Don't get him wrong, he had a respect for people to sign up to win for whatever reasons and the intentions were fine. But technically, this event wasn't even interesting in the least and it was indeed boring.
Sitting on the side of him he heard her chuckle all too knowingly, "I'm never wrong when it comes to a fight, Tatsumi. Boring fighters make for boring fights, also I find your little legionaries more interesting than those weaklings down in the arena. Not it's a shame that such rabble are abundant, I pity your soldiers a little bit."
Her thoughts were on the opposite end of the spectrum and found no enjoyment in this tournament, now at least the Colonel respected people who signed up to fight for the entirety of the Capital's masses which require some courage. A strength to fight others to show the world their own progression as warriors, soldiers or icons for the people to bare witness. Although her admission about his Imperial Sabers was something kind of surprising to consider.
The Imperial Sabers were providing security for the stadium itself just in case some people got too rowdy for their own good. Alcohol and fighting never mixed well, especially when it came down to those who didn't know their own limits, Esdeath had been included in that category since last night. She had passed out once they had left the shower together and practically slept together nude, it wasn't a great night to have some much skin rubbing against each other. Those phantom feelings of temptation crossed into his blood yet again to seemingly taunt his consciousness.
His Legion had essentially been called on at that last possible moment.
As a result roughly several hundred were in attendance as the 'security' force to maintain a level atmosphere and wouldn't hesitate to remove trouble makers amongst the crowd. Their armor stood out amongst the waves of cheering people and occasionally he witnessed several people ask his Legionaries questions. They were curious from what the reports were indicating and more than once the Imperial Sabers were noticed by said people. Tatsumi had been tasked by Esdeath to listen to hourly updates whenever a runner came by to deliver the news. Tedious yet again nothing interesting had happened and it came to be a routine to watch the less than lack luster fights in the arena.
The General barely remained awake at times and had more than once slumped against him to nap, although she had a smile every time they touched.
So basically he had been the one to watch every fight and had to make gestures to Wave, to continue matches or issue draws to pass the time. A rather annoying duty that he had been managing well enough for this tournament to go on without a hitch. "At least the crowds find it entertaining, I don't think many of them have seen such an event hosted by you. So I'd assume they were excited."
The entirety of the stadium roared with approval as one fighter took down another in a head lock, bones were broken and Wave immediately called a winner. If there was one thing he had to find solace in, people of various backgrounds were enjoying an entertainment that wasn't marred by execution nor terror from then policies in place viva the Prime Minister. This entire time was one for every common man, woman or child to come experience a genuinely social gathering for fun.
"Weaklings like them always find other weaklings to thrilling to watch, I'm going to take a nap again Tatsumi. Don't try to get up or else I'll chain you to my chair."Her promise was met with him smiling warmly, the image of being chained by the neck to the extended comforter wasn't pleasant. The blue haired woman shifted to have her resting against his chest to listen to his heart beat.
He replied with a warm smile, "Well it's not like I haven't been doing anything in the mean time. If Ran or a runner returns, I promise to keep my voice down to not wake you up. Alright?"
Esdeath seemingly nodded as her eyes shut to contently ignore the world to be with her fiance, nothing else mattered than to wrap her arms around him and pull him close. Soon enough she drifted off into sleep to think of more pleasant dreams, that lured her away from the boredom on hand. Tatsumi idly stroked her cheek to keep her at peace, to keep her relaxed. As he hoped, it worked within seconds as far as he was concerned.
Inhaling deeply to maintain his gentle touch, his eyes trailed over into the crowds next to the booth to see several people stare at him in amazement. It seemed that word of his presence and Esdeath's confirmed the rumors of them being engaged. Many pairs eyes of various ages were wide at the implication of a napping General in his arms. This attention really irritated him to not consider continuing his hands motions but for the sake of keeping that teigu group of his out of the crossfire, he'd endure the attention without a doubt.
So he sat there without trying to move or wake the napping beauty, the only thing he could do was just look at the fighters to determine a winner and perhaps consider mentioning any to wield the two Teigu locked away. Again nothing really set apart one or the other, they were skilled fighters at times but nothing to impress him. Which brought about a rather awkward truth, one that kind of started to rub off on him per say and it honestly made him question.
If none of these fights were interesting to him...
Than how would they ever get Esdeath's interest?
"Just go with the flow and watch, I can't do anything else. Only thing I noticed was one or two Imperial Fists disciple, or students fighting each other. Apart from that, the rest aren't considerable candidates for the teigu. Oh what the hell am I kidding, I don't even know what even makes these things have a preference for a user."
That line of thinking made him relate to Dr. Stylish's explanation, well his theory on Teigu and it helped pass the time to really think about it. Absently he lifted to see Strafe still impaled onto his forearm, its exterior shining a bit in the sunlight to make it glint enough to identify its polished metallic surface. This teigu wasn't exactly normal by any means, most teigu in general weren't normal as far as he was concerned and its purpose eluded him. Just what did exist for, as a weapon it had potential but the information he had on it merely placed it as unique.
Unique in a bad way if he imagined right.
Lifting his arm to glance down at Strafe, the teigu itself remained unresponsive under his gaze and it still felt cold to the touch when his finger brushed along its surface. Perhaps he was feeling somewhat scared knowing that an unknown weapon was impaled on his arm. Since literally no one had seen this thing and the danger in wielding it were relatively high if he recalled that spar with Esdeath the other day. Phantom feelings of pain slithered across his frame when he remember that murky vision of seeing the world through that armor's gaze. A gaze as it was all gray and it had little light to understand what made a friend or see a foe.
Inhaling deeply the young Colonel leaned back in the chair to overlook the matches once again to pass the time.
Wave was announcing an excommunicated master of the Imperial Fist temple and another common fighter, Tatsumi's eyes drifted to the crowds to hear them cheering once again. Also as before he did notice more than a few wandering pair of eyes grow in size to see him holding a sleeping Esdeath in his arms, what's more shocking was that she had a smile implanted on her face. It honestly seemed way too surreal for his liking and having so many people watch him with was troublesome, literally.
Idly he thumbed the napping woman's face to absently notice how warm she felt.
He'd assume she'd be colder due to her teigu, that Demon's Extract but it seemed no matter what her body reacted to his touch and the heat was evident. The young Imperial considered taking a trip to the questionable Dr. Stylish for a talk on why Esdeath reacted to him like that. Now it'd be an excuse to go see how Seryu was doing since the last thing he knew she was going to get a surgery of some kind and he had yet to hear back from her. Not that he was thinking about it, just what were the rest of the Jaegers doing during this tournament?
Wave had been selected as a public front for giving the crowd an ample amount of excitement due to his own natural personality on enjoying the attention. Tatsumi had made hand motions in thumbs up or down when it came down to deciding the victor of a fight, only one required him to do that as the rest were pretty easily determined when it was over.
"This maybe a boring thing to do, but I have my Legion providing the security so I have to set an example. At least everyone is having fun, it's all I can hope for and just go with this."
The young Colonel had to visibly shift to get more comfortable with the woman leaning against him, the shade of the booth didn't give way to the sun as the beautiful day continued. It definitely was a nice day to walk around or relax upon, it was a shame he had to be managing the tedious task in this tournament but again it was a small price to pay. Glancing over behind his shoulder did Tatsumi hear the sound of footsteps approach him and he had to exhale in relief.
An ever kind Ran came to walk around the side smiling at the sight of the General napping. The youthful looking man spoke up kindly to make Tatsumi snort quietly. "I see you're taking your duties seriously enough for her to be resting, Colonel?"
Oddly enough the younger Imperial shrugged trying to best describe what he felt for the resting beauty.
"It's her tournament. She's hosting this event for teigu candidates, I should be managing my Sabers around the stadium Ran but it's been a good day, so I can't complain too much. How are you handling the day so far?" The young Colonel asked man who softly laughed hiding his mouth from view.
Despite his eyes were kind and understanding to young boy sitting down. The former teacher knew a thing or two when it came down to downplaying a tedious task for something not of their control, "Thank you for asking Colonel. I've been well and nothing has gone amiss for me to inform the General about anything of note, I just came by to check up on you two and ask if anyone has caught your interest for those teigu locked away in the armory in the Palace. The General made me her personal aide in the case you or anyone isn't around to handle the situations off our missions, it's been quite interesting to witness you two."
Tatsumi gave the man a look of interest, mainly due to his polite courteously of addressing him in public eye. Ran didn't seem to be stressed or have any grievances against him yet he continuously called him by his rank. Formality had its moments and all, but in this setting the young Imperial didn't mind if he they talked like friends. So it got him curious and he asked this, "I can imagine. But you know you don't have to call me by my rank, I understand if you're respectful and all, so its fine to say my name. I don't have any problems with it and we're technically on the same team Ran."
The response was a soft laughter yet again.
Ran had the look of a teacher who was gently correcting a student.
"Indeed, Tatsumi. It's just more appropriate when we're in the Capital, inside the Palace or when we have spare time I'm not as formal with my comrades and friends. Again its considerate of you to say that but as they say, 'There's a time and a place for everything'. However in relation to your rank amongst us, I'd say you were wrong."
The young Colonel had a look of confusion at that answer. Just what was wrong about his rank amongst the Jaegers? There didn't seem to be an internal command structure apart from Esdeath who lead them and if there was something else, why wasn't he informed of it? As far as he was concerned the woman sleeping in his arms was the one who was leading the Jaegers and every order that ever set itself within their ears was from her discretion to eliminating Night-Raid.
Or did something not add up here?
"Wrong about what?" He ventured curiously as Ran pointed to the napping General who shifted in her position to get closer to him.
"During our mission when we were destroying the bandits, I asked the General what was your place amongst us Jaegers. She didn't reply immediately as we both were overlooking the others, but she told me as thus, 'Tatsumi will be the second team lead in case we must split up into groups. I trust him to be capable enough to direct soldiers as he's clearly suited to that task amongst the rest of you. In any event when I give out my orders, he is my second I will defer too once any operations pertaining to Night-Raid are established.' That's what she told me, so in other words you're the one who outranks us outside of the General herself, Colonel." Ran ended his explanation very calmly with his polite manners, he even kept his voice down enough so that it didn't bother the napping woman next to them. Once he did Tatsumi had to bite down on his tongue to stop a yell of surprise, since when did Esdeath ever trust him to lead others in her stead? Was she trying to patronize him to test him into leading others, or was she really being that honest? Sure he had found most of these Jaegers to be decent people, he hadn't met any of them to give a negative impression nor was he uncomfortable.
"I wasn't aware she put me in such a role. I'm a bit surprised, honestly."
But in hindsight it did make sense, somewhat.
Ran did speak up at first in a bemused tone, "I beg to differ, you're the only one I can see is suited to such a position Tatsumi. You have experience clearly and to be commanding a legion at your age is nothing sort of praiseworthy, I mean it seriously."
The said commander asked a bit unsure, "Just because I've lead soldiers who I've known for a year Ran doesn't make me the immediate choice for Esdeath. I hardly know any of you people, or fully trust you yet. I mean no offense."
Tatsumi knew how to command soldiers on the fly, he could command when a battle was started and he couldn't fault the blue haired beauty to place him as a secondary leader. For all he knew, it was just a formality as he was technically a Colonel and above the rest of the people within the Jaegers officially. He tried to not think too much into it as the others within the Imperial Sabers had to come first to start doing their tasks, their jobs and missions to take out the corruption.
He almost didn't pick up on what the fair looking man next to him said.
"I have to disagree with you on that, Tatsumi. Wave and Seryu clearly have bee influenced by your words alone, Seryu more so in that case. I wasn't privy to your records when you were out in the western territories since I was admittedly curious about you once our mission was done, but I have to say." Ran had a book on his person and he absently opened it, possibly reviewing notes of kind. A pair of emerald orbs didn't dare leave the man for his interest had started to show. "You managed to accomplish feats that few men twice your age have ever done. The Empire in its western regions have not experienced such a tranquility in some time and I even looked up some old acquaintances of mine, who spoke of the stories. More so the tales of local governors who run certain territories dare not pick up where most of their predecessors left off. Killing one or two has certainly spread the message across, if I may say."
The way the man playfully said that word made his spine curl just enough to stare intently at the smile in place. No deceit or ill intentions were offered in his tone and Ran perfectly made the picture of an innocent bystander. What was this guy trying to say to him that he didn't Esdeath to overhear, he respected what he did out there in the western territories? Whatever the reason had to have been, it didn't effect him in the current time and so it left a single question.
It was here that the young Colonel again had to ask the obvious, "What stories are you talking about Ran?"
The blond merely replied in a vague manner clearly not willing to explain with so many around, "The kind that got me interested, Tatsumi."
That ended that line of their conversation as the younger Imperial seemingly looked back towards the filled stadium to see many people cheering for the fight below. Both he and Ran watched as Wave directed the fighters to their respective corners for an intermission of the round, the sailor clearly doing an excellent job handling the peer pressure in front of many people. Although a curious notion came to Tatsumi's mind as he wondered what the rest of the Jaegers were doing since not all of them were assigned to the stadium.
In fact only Wave volunteered to host the tournament just to get out and about in his new assignment.
"What are the rest of the others doing, Ran? I know Wave and you are here with me, so what gives about the others? Are they taking their time away well?"
A thoughtful look came across the blond's face as he started to recall what his comrades were doing, none of them weren't doing anything too extraordinary or out of the ordinary for that matter. Sighing lightly he took a minute to compose himself while closing his book to get a clear mind, but soon enough the words came through to inform his superior, technically Tatsumi was in charge until Esdeath woke up from her nap.
"The doctor is currently in his lab last time I checked, he wanted to perfect his experiments in a 'stylish way' and didn't wish to be bothered. Seryu was with him as well since he had equipment for her to use and wanted to study Koro, you're little talk the first day we all met has gotten him motivated Tatsumi to discover why Teigu select users." Ran trailed off warmly while chuckling as the younger officer grimaced mentally. Doctor Stylish seemed competent enough in his own field but having that man, being motivated by him didn't settle well at the least.
Shuddering internally did the young Imperial glance up at the sky to picture something more suitable.
"As for Kurome I don't know what she's doing, I think exploring the Capital or cleaning her weaponry. I'm hoping someone can help her adjust to a more casual life." The man admitted rather solemnly as Tatsumi had to ask what brought on that sorrow. It sounded like the man pitied the young black haired girl and for all intensive purposes, he connected the dots to guess that was Akame's sibling or something close to that theory. The two young girls were so similar that he'd be an idiot to not notice the relations.
He wasn't sure since he barely talked to the Night-Raid girl at all.
"What unit was she with before coming here Ran? I didn't have a dossier on you guys and I was away for most of that week when you all came together, to be fair I had no clue exactly why. If you know by any chance." He amended interestedly enough as Ran gave a small smirk, "I have my ways of finding out answers Colonel and yes in fact, I do know where she came from. It wasn't difficult since the General allowed me to brush up on what our capabilities of a unit would be on the battlefield." Moving over to the side to lean against a stone pillar supporting the small booth as it were, the fair looking man began to explain Tatsumi's questions.
They had to the time to kill and nothing was amiss in this tournament hosted by the Jaegers themselves.
"Kurome was apart of the Assassination Squad that the Empire used to train their own killers, I'm not certain to the specifics but that was where she thrived in for some time. The only thing I can say for certain Tatsumi, she's not a girl to be trifled with and I'm afraid it's all I have to say on the matter." The man seemed very sincere in expressing his own limited frustrations to not dig up any information that would have helped either of them, the Colonel nodded thankful to know about some part of the Jaeger's members history. He had heard of rumors of the Empire using their own trained killers, but he had not confirmed to go looking into them due to his prior tenure amongst the western lands.
Sighing lightly he decided to ask the man about the others, really anything to pass the time in the situation he was in. "Well at least its good to know where someone has served, gives an indication in whether they're trained to the best of their ability. So what's Bols up too? He's the only person I haven't seen around the Jaegers, is he shy or something?"
Ran had a look of bewilderment before laughing gently as if finding his assumption amusing.
"Oh heavens no, Bols is sending time with his wife and daughter. I managed to see them pay him a visit when most of us were out preparing for today, I offered my respects and good will to him as I passed on my way out to here. They're a good family from what I witnessed."
Tatsumi had to blink a few times to honestly process what had been said.
"The only person who wears a mask, the said mask man was apart of the Incineration Squad and is married. Plus he has a child? I didn't expect that, I wonder if he can answer some questions that I honestly wanted an answer for and I..." The young Imperial trailed off in his thoughts to shake his head, this wasn't the time to consider thinking about family and despite how much his heart hurt to consider having one. It wouldn't be likely if he survived when his dreams would come to pass, to have a family and be a parent too a child would too much for him to handle. He wasn't keen on having loved ones since being an orphan never helped that lingering wound, a cold wound at that and Tatsumi regretted in not knowing who his parents were in the first place.
"So he has a family, huh? I wonder what it's like to have a wife and a kid." Tatsumi asked no one quietly, that subject wasn't easy to get over.
Family.
That word lingered inside his mind a little longer than he wanted, just absently feeling the woman in his arms shift to have the top of her head press under his chin. Almost like a dream he managed to brush her blue bangs away from her framed face and that lingering regret triggered him to look over the stadium to see the crowds. What was it like to have parents? To know them or even have loved ones that were so close to a person it made the world seem meager and effortlessly bland? Tatsumi had to withhold a pained smile, now love wasn't something anyone could learn on a whim and he doubted he'd ever experience it in the way great poets described it.
Ran seemingly went silent watching the myriad of emotions floating in those emerald orbs and the fair man placed a hand on the younger boy's shoulder to comfort him. Comforting him in a manner as a teacher did to a student who felt as though what he had done was worthless, it was a kind gesture that was genuinely there in his tone.
"Now why would you say something like that, Tatsumi? Thinking of having a family is not something taken lightly nor is it meant to be a sad thing, it is meant for a happiness between two people. Is it that hard for you to have hope in your future?" The man asked very gently if not curious, both of his eyes were filled with concern akin to a teacher consoling a young student.
The Colonel shrugged indifferently not willing to go too far to explain what he was feeling, honestly he couldn't place it in words without understanding it first. Although he did speak up a bit regretful and somewhat pained knowing such a future would be unlikely, trying to do good in this world seemingly had a price and hear feared it'd be his death. So what more did he have to offer on the line when the time came to take out the Evil within his country?"
"I'm only curious, Ran and it's not that I don't have hope for the future. It's just my own that is in question, plus I never knew my folks since I'm an orphan. I just wondered what it was like to have parents or knowing your family, I've been a soldier for most of my life. That's why I wanted to ask Bols what's like being a parent, having a family to go back too."
Fortunately the man understood a bit as to why the younger soldier was acting like this, in being put in the line of duty to tackle dangers that could get them killed was understandable. Any person would want to see what they'd fight for knowing the price was their lives, if need it be. So the elder man could see that Tatsumi Saber was but a young child in his own right, yet more accurately it was something more.
This it seemed like a young man who was merely contemplating his choices.
"When the occasion comes, I can pass word along to him about such a subject and I'm sure he'll eagerly want to help you. He's a kind man as much as I've seen him so far, it's the least I can do as a personal aide to the General whose your fiancee." His gentle admission made a pain face appear as the young Imperial nodded.
Tatsumi allowed a smile to appear as well. "I'd be grateful for that Ran, so thank you. It's just I wasn't ready to be with someone who I've never met and to be engaged is still sinking in. I don't have a choice other than to have things work out between me and her."
Tenderly he shifted the sleeping women enough so that she stared to lay down on his lap and he began to stroke her hair to study her expression. It wasn't akin to the sadistic or tempting look of what he experienced when alone with Esdeath, she seemed more peaceful or relaxed for a better lack of words. Steady rhythms of her chest rose to dictate that she was indeed happy to be in his arms and for the life of him, it was a mystery as to why. A burning question that provided him with a single word to be answered.
Why?
Why him?
A redundant question to ask himself but it'd always be a mystery, no matter what.
Ran smiled before squeezing his shoulder in a comforting gripe and it wasn't unwelcome really, "Well it seems you're doing a considerable job in doing that. I haven't seen any tension or friction between you two since joining the Jaegers, Tatsumi. My advice would be taking things slow and just do what you can to be happy together, it's the least I can offer as a man in my position."
A snort of amusement erupted from Tatsumi before he could clamp down on that urge, "It's the only choice I have to get stronger and to accomplish my dream. Still..." The young Colonel trailed off looking upwards to the skies to see birds flying freely yet again. "Thanks for listening to me about my troubles and questions Ran, really I mean it."
A small bow of his head was that was required of the blond to voice his peace, all the while concealing a gleaming eye to witness an insight of the younger Jaeger and Ran smirked inwardly.
He was pleased to learn of a few things that were circulating within his mind, questions were pertaining to his own goals and this young Colonel certainly would be an excellent puzzle to solve when it came to the state of the Empire. Corruption along had made its mark, but it'd be the ones willing to change it who would be in the center of his efforts as a soldier serving the Greatest General of the nation. A nation whose foul atrocities were peaking into an open conflict on the horizon.
Their little conversation was a unique opportunity to gather information about what was truly going on between the General and Colonel, Ran found them to an endearing couple surrounded by negative influences if he wagered right. Ever since the rumors were confirmed of these two to be wed under the Emperor's decree did the public continuously gossip about the 'Imperial-Couple' as they were called, so the fair mannered man was curious about what was the truth in the political circle of the Capital. So many corrupted statesmen were in the bureaucracy managing the Empire, so was there any chance for anything to change its course?
Ran didn't find an answer yet.
But he'd certainly put a considerable amount of effort to find out.
"If it isn't a bother Tatsumi, may I ask you something about your legion?"
The young Colonel had to raise an eyebrow at that request but didn't see why not, it wasn't like the man wasn't trying to pry into anything personal. Then again it was to be expected when people heard about his Sabers did the questions follow in their wake, so he cleared his throat to explain what the blond wanted to know.
"Sure."
Glancing over towards the arena did the former teacher kindly ask, "Why exactly did you form such a group of soldiers? I understand you were given a commanding position tasked with doing something nearly impossible if what the records of your orders were, to subdue an entire portion of the Empire's lands is nothing short of tedious. So what gave them that edge to do what they did under the pretext of suppressing rebellions."
That question struck close to his heart in way that reflected the grievances within his emerald orbs, plenty of events stuck out to be influences and many of them weren't good ones either. That day when he was given command of a small army he had vowed to do something that had been denied to many under the policies in place and he'd be damned to not atone. Silently laughing in a sad manner did he realize that the core of his persistence to give out hope, he wanted to atone and do some good for his country at the expense of giving those who wanted to change to have a choice.
No, that wasn't it really.
He was selfish to atone for all the evil he had committed while a foot soldier of the Empire.
Maybe that was why if he tried to do some good in the world, then perhaps his nightmares would be content to leave him in peace. It seemed unlikely honestly and it'd barely make him sleep better at night in order to atone for things a man twice his age wouldn't be able to bare. Guilt and disgust may have plagued him as a person, but as a soldier he had a duty to stop this madness to prevent more like him to come to pass. The thoughts were meaningful in their own right but again, so did it matter if those who were clamoring for his soul to burn in hell to care?
If hell were to greet him with open arms for he had done.
Then what was the point in trying so hard?
He idly noticed Ran staring at him from the corner of his eye, merely waiting for a response.
"The Imperial Sabers weren't what they are known for today, it wasn't an overnight affair to get my soldiers to the point where they'll uphold their duties as loyal subjects to the Emperor and what I means is that, I had to do horrible things to prove a point. I had to set examples if they wanted to serve in my army than they'd better give it their all before breaking any rules I set as soldiers of the Empire." Tatsumi bitterly remembered the blood being spilled onto the ground when such examples were made, Ran picked up on the expression and asked him gently.
It seemed the serene expression paid off to make the Colonel tell a bit more into the beginnings of the Imperials Sabers, which wasn't pleasant to say the least.
"What rules? We're you trying to change something from the norm, or perhaps try to emulate something for others to follow?" Those gentle assumptions were met with a snort of amusement.
The kind of amusement that a man bitterly accepted when he did a hypocritical thing. "I refused any notions of rape, pillaging or anything of that sort to the rebellions we put down and if any were found to break those rules I set: I personally beheaded them to prove my point. If they were to serve under me then they'd follow my orders to the letter, I killed any who broke my rules and I always gave an absolution if anyone dared to usurp my command. I wasn't going to tolerate the disgusting acts of depravity I'd heard about in other Army groups and I made sure if anyone wanted to question me at that time, I took care of it. No rank or experience of a soldier would be excused if I caught them or anyone reported it."
He paused to take a breath as Ran listened intently while righting a new notes down in his book. "Perhaps I'm no different from those who exploit the Empire's laws and use their wealth to inflict atrocity upon our nation Ran but, I wasn't going to have that in my soldiers. It took months and a few hundred examples to get my point across, eventually it all clicked as I painstakingly recruited soldiers to my Legion when the time came. The Imperial Sabers are loyal men and woman who will do anything to save our country, it's all that matters. Our beginnings were marked in blood, it's no different from any army save our intention to do good."
So Tatsumi finally ended it with a rather sardonic smile that clearly wasn't forced. "If I had to do horrible things to stop the atrocities that many commit, if I had to bare that burden and responsibility to try to end it, I'd do it. I'd do it and have my soldiers carry out the good left in the world so that I can never again have someone suffer for trying to make a place in the Empire. What I'm saying is that if I have to sacrifice something for peace, I'd do it without hesitation."
Throughout his explanation a certain weight inside him lifted, in just speaking about what troubled him really did a wonder and it only made him concentrate stroking Esdeath's hair. She had hardly moved during her tenure napping on his chest and lap, personally he contributed it too her well hidden hangover with the alcohol or wine. Perhaps she just found it more comforting to ignore the world and lie there happily, he honestly didn't know what was going through her feelings. Not to mention again that single word started to appear near his consciousness, lingering like it'd be apart of him for the rest of his days.
Family.
In the end he just leaned back in his seat to watch the seemingly excited crowds cheer as the fight below ended with a stalemate of sorts. Neither fighter won and Wave had to announce to the populace attending that the next round would commence in about five minutes, an intermission as it were.
"I see. Well all I can do is thank you for telling me this, Tatsumi. You've given me some things to ponder and I can only hope that whatever your dream is, that you accomplish it with those who are by your side. You're a good man." Ran said this warmly but his belief held an effect to the person in question. It made the older Jaeger stare a bit confused yet troubled at the sincerity in the next statement made out to be heard.
A sober yet stern feature flirted across the younger Colonel looked over to stare at the fair man, "No. I'm never or ever going to be a good man. Good men don't stain their hands in blood and look forward to doing it again and that is something, I know that will always be true."
Just ending their conversation on a less than happier note, Ran couldn't help but feel pity for this young man. So really if the rumors were true in which the Colonel had a tendency to draw people in, he certainly had a way of admitting a truth in the most sorrowful manner. Only the clapping and cheering made their silence relatively peaceful for a few more moments. These moments that seemed to mask the emotional turmoil buried within each individual Jaeger.
"Oh! It seems we have a visitor, Colonel. May we help you?"
That caused him to turn around to see the ever silent Zero, hooded as always standing at the doorway with his head bowed as if awaiting permission to enter and for Ran to hear him coming indicated a well attentive attitude. It seemed that the blond man was very aware of his surroundings and it'd be wise of him to consider not underestimating any of Jaegers in the future. Tatsumi quietly started to explain to Ran when he waved Zero forward with a hand motion and did what he could to not wake Esdeath who stirred momentarily.
"He's a not a visitor Ran." Zero kept his head bowed in a mocked submissive manner akin to solidify his cover.
It was to ward off suspicion and many ignored the meager outlook of an individual when traveling in crowds, Zero felt right at home acting to be timid and merely placed a hand over his chest to further prove loyalty to dissuade any other notions.
"And who is he supposed to be, Tatsumi? I've never seen him before and it's quite troubling for him to approach you so casually." The question came very firmly and it made a reaction beneath the person in question.
Zero looked over at Ran before placing his hand on his chest and flipped over his palm outward to indicate peace towards the golden eyed blond. Ran didn't seem to be buying the courtesy as Tatsumi explained in a manner that was absolute and the truth. If the Jaegers were going to be suspicious of his soldiers, then they'd lean to deal with it on his terms or what not. "He's my official information runner between myself and Lieutenant Ottoman, my second whose in command of the Imperial Sabers. I'm technically under the Jaegers who will use my Legion via through myself and I pass down the orders from Esdeath, to my lieutenant." Ran looked at the offered hand from Zero who nodded almost animatedly at Tatsumi's explanation and the youthful man took the limb.
He shook firmly as he voiced out a legitimate danger to the hooded teigu user who started to shake with laughter. The Jaeger obviously felt the tremors and was all the more cautious asking. A bit curious he asked his fellow Jaeger, "So what's to stop anyone from interrogating him if they discover who he is?"
Now the young Colonel smiled and only had to answer that question with another in its place. "Why would you expect a mute to give away secrets if they cannot talk?"
Zero gestured to the blond with a slashing motion across his throat, indicating that he indeed couldn't speak and had to make a 'so-so' gesture with his hand swerving side to side. The two's ploy worked enough to get Ran to smile almost apologetic to the hooded man who seemingly took the next words in stride. He went over towards the preoccupied Colonel who had the infamous Ice Queen sleeping on his lap and almost had to shake his head, the two Imperials were doing this in full public eye of the masses.
Rumors and gossip would spread faster than a fire in a dry forest.
"I apologize if I seemed rude, but you must understand why. I'm merely looking out for my comrade and the General would never forgive me if her fiance came to harm and oh dear! I don't know your name, I'm afraid."
The hooded man looked over to the Colonel almost pleadingly as he offered Ran that driblet of information.
"His name is Zero and before you ask, it's what he called himself when I encountered him volunteering for my legion. I don't question his past nor do I try to make him feel uncomfortable, but he's an efficient soldier who risks his life more times than what most think in helping me in battle. Coordinating battle lines is quite the hassle without the soldiers being informed on the fly."
At that moment did the silent teigu user had off a note with hand written scribes from the Lieutenant and he positioned his body so that Ran couldn't read the contents. It was deliberate and obvious to just add more icing to the cake as it was with his cover, the mute considered this fun compared to what he had done in the past. Discreetly he managed to eye the youthful blond who had a pleasant smile on his features and immediately did Zero understand, it was a mask.
That mask for a more perceptive person, who was aware that any detail exploited could be crucial.
And the information being passed was considerably crucial.
Tatsumi opened the crisp and nearly folded corners of the parchment, its contents flooded before his very eyes. He sighed sharply knowing that someone was trying to contact him and it'd be best to check this source out, it was within the stadium's area after all. Not that wasn't strange since it was public knowledge Esdeath was hosting it along with him at her side, popularity at its worst in any case.
"Colonel we just got a missive from some person dropping this off at our doorstep, that alone got me suspicious to know we got someone staking us out. It's not the same as what you showed me, so before you go off doing anything, just be careful in what you read inside. I bet it's instructions for you to meet an admirer or something along those lines to ask for your help. I gave orders to Zero to bring this to you directly and I wish you luck, sir."
Looking over to his official messenger, Zero waited patiently for what came next and stood in a clear military positioned with his arms crossed behind his back. Tatsumi had a hunch that Roy was drilling the teigu users into at least masquerading as soldiers of the Empire, professionalism and public images were what the lessons were focused upon if he guessed. Roy Ottoman wouldn't half ass a task unless he wasn't into it, so it was definitely a boon to see the results under way.
Although one detail stood out and it made him wary when he glanced down to Esdeath's napping form.
"Admirer?" He whispered this very uncertain as what this was leading up into.
The idea that women sleeping in his arms, just knew that this letter was coming wasn't entirely far fetched but Tatsumi for sure knew he had kept the letters away from her eyes. So what didn't add up was when she admitted to allow him meeting an admirer during this tournament, last night. This wasn't the same person contacting via these letters, not so quickly and it was possible it was another opportunity to take another corrupted politician or supporter of Honest.
Not to mention there wasn't as many details entitled to this one as it was intentionally vague, if he guessed based on Roy's own assumption.
So on top of the other letter attached to Blue's parchment, that admirer was to be set to meet tomorrow and it didn't add up with this in his hand. Having a cushion for one day didn't settle well with the fact that Esdeath used that word, 'admirer' and the letters from the past day or so. There was no way she couldn't have known about this on such a short time frame.
It seemed way too convenient.
"I can't pass this up and Esdeath did technically give me permission to meet my 'admirer' during the tournament today, so why not. Worst case I have to vouch for Zero or Ran that I took a chance to meet someone within the stadium. Plus I have to move around, it's really is boring watching something you have no interest in. No wonder Esdeath wanted to have me by her side, she'd be asleep within minutes."
Sighing deeply Tatsumi looked over past Zero to see Ran seemingly watching the match, he'd be an idiot to think that as the youthful man looked over smiling politely. If he had to leave the sleeping woman, he'd rather have Ran inform her as her aide and it'd be best to take Zero along with him. All in the case to solidify the basis of him being an Imperial Saber following his commander around. Today had already been very well so it'd less of a risk to anger Esdeath, she'd probably scold him or in the worst case take him on for a practical spar again.
In the end he took one deep breath before calling over to the blond man. "Ran, can you do me favor?"
The said man kindly started to chuckle when he moved onto the side of the hooded man. A pair of warm golden eyes greeted his own, "Of course as long it isn't anything out of the question. What do you need of me, Colonel?"
It took a moment due to the fact Ran's tone was serious despite the gentle expression.
"I want you to inform Esdeath that I went to go meet with an admirer, last night she specifically would allow me to go meet them sometime today and I guess its time to find out. If she tries to lash out at you or possibly you're about to be in trouble, I'll vouch that you informed her under my orders. I'm hoping she doesn't get too annoyed with me leaving." He requested simply while preparing himself for another walk down into the unknown.
Zero shifted towards the door and stood by awaiting to give privacy towards the two Jaeger members who took note of the gesture. Tatsumi had to give the mute man credit in being a professional as a soldier, it fooled Ran to blink a bit confused before smiling all the more kindly. Tatsumi almost with a methodical care managed to slid over to the side of the seat to have Esdeath lay against flat, she barely stirred as the gentle rhythm of her chest didn't indicate discomfort.
"I'll inform her once she wakes up Colonel, so please go on ahead and do what you need to. You seem to be well guarded with your messenger, Zero was it? I'll let her know you have some of your own soldiers accompanying you to be safe." Ran assured him kindly enough as the man bowed his to the hooded person in question.
The silent hooded man nodded while placing a hand over his chest as a respectful gesture to the blond.
"Thank you." Tatsumi spoke this gratefully as he nodded to the man and added a few more words. "Hopefully I'll be back before anything happens, I doubt it's going to be anything that bad. What's the worst that can happen, right?"
Ran chuckled at the optimism even though it was overshadowed by the look of uneasiness in those emerald orbs. The teigu user merely motioned his hand to the doorway in which the Colonel took his leave with Zero following in the shadow behind the younger Imperial's back. The two walked down the hallway leading to the main junction and took a right turn, pass out of sight. Leaving Ran alone with the napping General as the crowd started to pick up in activity when Wave was announcing new competitors entering the arena down below.
A sparing glance looked over the stadium to see nothing amiss.
And that was troubling.
Before the blond man could reflect on his thoughts, he smirked to look over at the sleeping woman to notice how calm and content she seemed. It was like a perfect frame of art that masked horrors with beauty in a manner akin to a great artist seemingly working the image to perfection. It was almost too perfect as the young man started to laugh almost bemusedly to himself, his eyes skimmed over to the crowds to notice something peculiar.
One of the seats occupants had removed themselves and that alone stood out since everyone around the booth was seated.
Smiles and eyes were wide at the fighting below to keep them occupied but a few had followed the Colonel's movement to leave the seemingly sleeping General on her own. Interest in many forms were taking notice of his own observations and quickly gazed away in a hurry. Ran opened his book to write down a few notes of his own details, things were getting very intriguing when it came to the name 'Saber' and why many people were stalking him for a better lack of a word.
Interesting indeed.
"It's still too early for me to assume anything, Tatsumi has a good heart and I can only hazard a guess as to what is ailing his heart. It's a sad day to see such a young man do more for his nation then men twice his age, a real tragic shame indeed."
Although he had to address another issue that certainly provided its fair share of laughs, his eyes casually looked over to the General and he spoke up clearly amused at the woman's tenacity to seemingly act. He wasn't aware that the infamous Ice Queen would excellently fake herself to be asleep and listen in to a conversation that held its merits. A devious thing but an intelligent one when discovering more about a potential enemy to find their secrets.
"I trust your fine with Tatsumi going to check up on this supposed admirer, General Esdeath?"'
He voiced that question loudly enough to get a response within moments.
The woman stirred before yawning a bit bored and she absently rubbed her eyes to ward off the actual urge to sleep, "Of course Ran. If I wasn't I had kept him here with me and I was severely tempted to rest in his arms just a bit longer. Oh well, there will be plenty of time for that later once this little matter is settled and I can start researching that Teigu."
Stretching her arms out, she continued onwards, "How goes the search for Tatsumi's teigu? Something must have come up if you're already back from the Archives Ran."
He smiled good naturally and began to report his findings, "The name 'Strafe' from what you called it doesn't appear to have any records at all. Normally I'd say that would be suspicious but I had to dig up on an older Imperial Dialect that fell out of usage about five hundred years ago, the records pertaining to that era of conflict weren't easy to find. I'm still unsure whether there's more to it, General."
Casually flipping his book's pages did the former teacher continue while trying to put answers into a field of questions that were popping up. There was simply too little of information available regarding Teigu and exactly what kinds were out there lost, or found in the world. Many were assumed to be destroyed or lost to time, Ran didn't like the fact he had to form assumptions on the basis for facts.
"Until I'm allowed access to the more detailed sections of the Archives under the Prime Minister's orders, all I can say for certain is that Strafe is relatively unknown. It's namesake means penance but beyond that I have to report I have nothing on this weapon until more information is provided, General. So I apologize for that but I do have an observation about your fiance, well what I think of him so far." He reported those findings with a clear yet concerned tone of voice.
Esdeath hummed in thought before placing a hand under her chin to smirk, "Oh? Please share with me Ran, I'm curious as to what you think of Tatsumi. I've already heard from Wave and Seryu which I wasn't disappointed in the slightest."
Her eyes flashed a bit dangerously to have Ran consider every word carefully as he doubted she'd react to anything negative about the young Colonel. Even if there was anything negative to begin with, what he witnessed in that young boy was more likely to positive and nothing less could tear that out of his mind. So taking a moment to clear his throat and he snapped his book shut in a firm grip to begin his musings.
Ran began almost musing while placing his hand under his chin, "It seems Tatsumi has quite a weight on his shoulders. I can't say if its hindering his potential as a person or soldier and for what's it worth, he has a good heart. I don't say that lightly either which alone impresses me enough to wait and see what he becomes in the future. It's interesting for better lack of a word if I'm honest with myself."
Esdeath kept her attention on her personal aide who shifted somewhat confused while explaining his thoughts and that smile was growing yet again. She was gauging every word akin to a enraptured politician gleaming at the prospect of wealth but her fortunes effected her Jaegers as a whole.
"I've felt what draws people in around him, like Seryu and Wave who both share the same sentiment I'm describing. It's remarkable how much that Tatsumi can speak to you and you feel what pulls you in to listen to him, I have an utmost interest to watch him grow General. I want to see who he becomes and for that end alone, I do think of him as a promising young man well on his way to being strong." Ran finished on a positive note, he had a genuine smirk in wanting to know the future involving the boy.
The General remained quiet although her smile hadn't ceased, "Anything else?"
Ran seemingly shrugged either out of his willingness to not elaborate further or didn't have much else to add. He still only met the young man recently and to get a gauge on his potential that quickly was enough to warrant the explanation. However he had nothing else to say until he had more time around the young Colonel to privately assume his own thoughts. "Nothing really worth mentioning General, all I will say is that Tatsumi has a way with people. Also his heart is something else then from anyone I've ever encountered, he's a kind person and I do believe he's a good match for you."
That last part was sincere enough to fool Esdeath as she smirked all the more happily, "Now that is something I can definitely admire about him, Ran."
The two seemingly watched the match with Wave announcing a winner to the crowd who roared in approval at the sight of blood and sweat being on display. Neither of the two Jaegers were aware of what was to come that would set off a chain of rage beyond what had been experienced in the Capital in some time. An event underneath this simple task of finding a user for a teigu would draw the lines of when ignorance would spill blood to tempt those who were monsters beneath their flesh.
And monsters would never be sated until blood was repaid in full.
"Zero was there anymore information that Roy wanted to give me about this new admirer? I don't care if it was a passing thought or whatever." Tatsumi inquired to the hooded man who traveled at his side head lowered again solidifying his cover when a few people passed by them. Neither of those folks seemed to be tailing the two and they weren't Imperial Sabers who were patrolling around the stadium maintaining a secured area. So it was assumed they were regular folks attending the tournament.
The quickened yet detailed scribble of writing came forth and got passed over into his hand.
"No, the Lieutenant had the same reaction you're having now and it's all I can offer. I don't feel comfortable allowing you to go alone to meet this 'admirer' Colonel and I'll do what I can to cover your back, if need be."
Frowning a bit at the lack of information, the two moved down a hallway to pass by several windows overlooking the Capital and they noted a few buildings blocking out the sun. The letter requested that they meet within the sub-levels of the stadium where animal pens, danger beasts or anything related to an event like this tournament would be held. Overall it'd be ideal to meet with someone willing to contact him via about the corruption in the Capital but on such short notice was a bit odd. That politician's son requested another day or so to establish a secure meeting place and that was fine. But Esdeath had she'd allow him to meet an admirer the night prior and that letter showed up last night at the Imperial Saber's housing complex.
She knew something was up and that didn't settle well with him at all.
It felt like this was way too convenient for its own good, so he'd had to be naturally wary of what in the hell could happen.
"You never explained exactly what is your ability, Zero?" He inquired to the mute out of the blue.
Due to them walking with a few people around, Tatsumi didn't want anyone tipped off at the fact there was a teigu user not known to be picked up on. It was better to be safe than sorry in that case, plus it'd be a kinder gesture on his part to not compromise his own group amongst the Imperial Sabers. The hooded noted that word was akin to his teigu and quickly wrote a simple statement to reassure the younger Colonel. Tatsumi read the sentence and had to take a moment to realize what it meant.
"Where there is darkness, shadows are formed in the boundary of light and I walk amongst those lines. It's a surprise for you to find out, Colonel."
Glancing over to the muted man who seemingly had an aura of amusement, "You're just being vague on purpose aren't you?"
Zero nodded while giving a subtle thumbs up to be somewhat cheeky in his own way.
It caused Tatsumi to inhale heavily when he looked ahead to ignore the silent laughter. It seemed that the silent man had a way with people it seemed and it wasn't insulting, merely frustrating if such a word had to be placed. Still it'd be better to walk into an unknown meeting with backup just in case, he'd trust Zero to do his job and he'd get the results needed for their goals. An uneasy feeling crept around the back of his mind to make him slightly paranoid as they walked further. Taking a turn around a corner they came to a staircase leading underneath the actual foundations of the stadium itself as the torch lights were frequent to illuminate the steps easily.
Tatsumi checked the ends of the hallway junction that lead here, not a soul was around them and that seemed extremely odd as it was. A hand gripped his saber's handle to be more comforting as the young Imperial looked to Zero who stared back waiting silently, "Can you cover me when I go in? From here at least?"
Zero made a smiling motion with his finger across his face while nodding positive.
"Thanks."
The hooded man stepped under a torch as it's flames shifted the shadows underneath and Tatsumi paid one last glance over at the silent male before moving down the stairs. Each step echoed ahead to make him feel as if he were being set up, the echoing just didn't make the feeling of his stomach doing leaps any better and instincts were alive within his body. He honestly didn't enjoy being in a darkened place where light was barely visible and the probability of something not adding up was already punching him full in the face.
Exhaling loudly his eyes came to see sunlight ahead as he reached the bottom of the stairs, light from the outside funneled down through a grate of some in spaced intervals to expose empty cages and other storage crates filled with whatever they were with. Tatsumi walked in the center to see pillars holding the rumbling stands above as the cheering of the crowd could be heard in muffed orientations, basically he was underneath the stands themselves physically now.
Stopping near the back of the room did he see two routes available to him.
One hallway lead over to the left and the other straight head, possibly to another storage area like the one he was in now. Clenching his fists tightly as the directions never stated what room that this admirer or contact was supposed to be, it just annoyed him to the point where he looked back across the room where he came in the first place.
"Great. Just great." Speaking this resigned although he heard a pair of foot steps come from the left hallway.
Immediately he discreetly placed a hand on his weapon before turning to face the source and was a bit surprised really. If he expected anything or anyone to appear, the person before him wasn't what he expected too be in the first place.
"Are you lost my young friend?" An elderly voice of a man roughly fifty or so stood before him holding a book of sorts with a quill-pen, a pair of onyx eyes met his own and he replied putting his hands away from his weapon. He saw no threat as the man was clearly doing a task or his job while idly writing a few notes when he looked over a crate nearby.
Tatsumi replied a bit sheepish, "I guess I am, sir. You wouldn't happen to know if anyone was willing to meet an admirer or something?"
The older man looked puzzled before laughing a bit. "I'm afraid not youngster, but I'll keep an ear out if you want. My wife thinks I'm going senile when I talk about things other than my job and my kids just love to see me flustered. Little rascals."
Tatsumi felt himself become a bit amused as the old man seemingly went over the crates and cages taking down notes. He didn't' suspicious nor threatening in any way, so he figured that this man was working with the stadium's staff that was assisting the tournament above their heads. The subtle but thundering stomping of thousands of feet was met with roars of approval, it seemed a match had gotten interesting or something. So he asked, "You work here in the stadium? Figured you'd be above helping with the tournament that General Esdeath is hosting. If it's not personal for me to ask."
A gruff chuckle met that polite question, the old man seemed pained almost as if relating a reason why he was down here.
Alone and without help, it made the young Colonel curious since the darkness of the room seemingly closed in, "Well someone's got to keep stock of the inventory lad and I'd rather do my job right like an honest man despite the gossip my co-workers say behind my back. It's a hassle and other things to at least do my tasks to the best of my ability."
A look of puzzlement came across the younger Imperial as the man elaborated somewhat apologetic. "When your boss is the most hated and feared man in the city lad, it's a pain for the stigma to come smacking you across the face to those who think you're rotten to the core. I'm surprised you're even talking to me and I do apologize if I did interrupt your walk, it does get lonely down here. Most don't even know this place exists."
Tatsumi saw the genuine regret and sadness in the man, he smiled kindly to offer a hand to the old man who looked surprised. If there was one thing he'd do right, it'd treat another person who worked for a living with respect and just try to be friendly. The old man truly didn't seem like anyone out of the ordinary and he didn't seem to be aware of anyone down here being an admirer or something. However he was curious, who was this man's boss or superior that he worked for and he had to ask.
"Trust me when I say I do know that some places exist and many don't know of it. I'm Colonel Saber and it's nice to meet your acquaintance, Mr..." He trailed off as the old man gripped the younger boy's hand in a firm grip and smiled happily.
"Renji Fujiyama. I'm the inventory manager for this glorious place below the seats, but call me Renji, Colonel." Renji looked over the younger soldier's uniform and had to comment almost a bit nostalgic in seeing such manners in this generation. It was a shame that so few were the spitting image of what the Empire used too be under the previous Emperor and it'd pain his heart knowing if things continued, bad things were coming soon enough. Such was the burden of witnessing the younger generations fall further into the crutch of being swayed so easily like sheep.
"It's quite the sight seeing such a young man like yourself being so polite with me, it pains me to know I can't but offer my assistance to help you. Never have I seen a young man like yourself in so many years, a big shame how far this country has drained itself on its blood." Tatsumi waved off the older man's offer even though he continued to smile kindly and warmly explained to the man, "No. There's no need, I'm just searching for anyone who was an admirer of myself and they wanted to meet me. Although I'm a bit curious as to what you mean there's a stigma attached to you and your boss, right?"
Here the manager's face became slightly pained, "You would know him, as the Prime Minister, Colonel and I can already see your reaction."
Understandably Tatsumi had a look of a shock and utter disbelief that a man like this was working under Honest. It didn't make sense as to what the face of corruption and evil were at the forefront with the Minister. So why did this working man serve under his employ, or payroll for that matter? Questions were brimming at the surface of his mind and he spoke up a bit stunned.
A single word was all it took, "Why?"
Renji shrugged helplessly in a manner that was akin to a man who didn't care for what his employer did, but only did it for the best thing any man loved. He did it for his family and provide a living for his children to do honest work, ironically at the payroll of the most despicable man in the Empire if the rumors were true. It hurt knowing he was making a good amount of money by doing a simple task such as this and he had kept his head down for decades doing a silent's man job to the best of his ability.
"Go back about twenty or thirty years ago it wasn't always so gloomy Colonel. I just wanted to get a decent job with some good pay and I had to provide for my wife, she and I had my oldest on the way, so it was either this or the Army. I chose this since I had a good memory and it was close to home, so I spent time with the little ones as more came along. Big downside is that you don't make many friends being down here, so it's a price I have to pay for giving my family a chance." The old man explained truthfully, the times changed as things got worse but money was what made life a bit easier.
Tatsumi honestly wanted to assume this man was corrupt but his admission wasn't out of pity, but genuinely truthful in explaining to anyone willing to listen. It made him uneasy knowing that people like this man were working under Honest and it made him curious. Curious in a manner if this supposed family man had taken any bribes and he expected the man to lie. "You've been working this same job for that long without donations while on that man's coin?"
Renji had to take a moment to blink before sighing heavily, "Bribes? You mean bribery or being passed money on the side?"
A singular nod made the man chuckle almost sardonically.
"There's a saying I've had to say to most people Colonel and I don't fault you for questioning my integrity as a worker. But as a husband and family man, I've had to live an honest life to stay out of trouble to follow me back onto my doorstep. I once said to myself, 'If I had to work under the devil to make a living, then I'd do it like an honest man so I can sleep well, knowing I was the better man to stay true to his family's sake.' I've lived by that and watched countless of my co-workers accept the extra money, only to never be seen again or have their bodies discovered in alleyways when they were due to pay back the interest or something." Here the old man stared seriously at the younger officer who looked conflicted on whether to say something praiseworthy or keep his comments to himself. Renji placed a hand on the young man's shoulder to speak as how a father did to a son when the boy knew nothing of the world, but understood the man's reasons for trying.
It was a comforting gesture for his sake and the old man's own value to living a decent life.
"I can see that disbelief in your eyes young man, I understand why you think I'd be crazy for accepting such a monster's coin but I made a choice. I worked and I still do for my wife, kids and grandchildren who are on the way. You're young, so I know what it's like facing down something you haven't seen before and I'll offer you a little advice." The old man cleared his throat before giving Tatsumi a small shake on his arm in a fun fashion, "Live life to the fullest you can and do what you can to prove those who assume you to be your employers shadow, wrong. I may work under that man but I am not like him, nor am I in the wrong crowd as a family man."
The young Colonel stared a bit longer before visibly sighing to speak out an apology that the man took in stride, a few nostalgic memories came to the elder man who watched the youngster's expression. It was just like when the time his son found out who he worked for and almost went off on him to get away from the most dangerous man in the Empire. A shame that a decent job had to take precedent over his reputation, but a man had to put food down on the table in this nation somehow.
"Forgive me, Renji but I considered you to be a corrupt man who served Evil. I wasn't aware that you had a reasonable motive for being under that creature of a man. I'm sorry and I'd understand if you'd think of me as the rest of everyone who thought as such." Tatsumi felt a bit sick to his stomach knowing that corruption had many faces and he failed to witness an innocent man simply doing his job.
Did ignorance really blind him to the truth intent of people or was his hatred of the Prime Minister effecting what a man had to do in order to get his dreams to come true? But would the price of sacrificing innocents like this man be worth anything or change anything for that matter? The black and white of the world had met into a gray area like this person, it honestly made him uneasy knowing he'd probably think of him as a corrupt lackey under Honest without hearing the full story. It hurt knowing his own ignorance almost damned a man who was simply trying to get by.
And it hurt knowing he'd have killed him.
"Colonel Saber." Renji said his name and rank respectfully causing his guilt ridden expression to be witnessed. "Trust me when I say I've been called a far lot worse than what you're implying, my eldest son screamed black and blue in my face just calling me a monster for working under the Minister. I didn't yell or scold at him but, I understood why and that is what mattered. I wanted him to have a good life, a good home and have a loving father that I never had when I was his age, I'll always love him regardless of what was said that day. But you."
Again the old man grabbed him by both shoulders and smiled almost fatherly in nature. "You are a young man whose far wiser than any your age should be. I can respect and be proud knowing such a youngster like yourself is fighting for our country and so that men like me can raise our sons to be good folk like how it should be. And it's also to say this to a good man who will listen to an old one like myself, it relieves my heart knowing I had a good life to provide for those I love."
Tatsumi would have said something to disagree about being a good person, but thought against it to humor this old man talking with him. It never hurt to have hope to be something beyond what he was currently, so he smiled somewhat painfully knowing that having strength to hope was quite the daunting task. He inhaled deeply trying to calm his agonized heart and spoke up somewhat grateful despite masking the ghosts of his pasts clawing onto his soul. "Thank you, Renji. Maybe one day I'll consider having a family and remembering what you're telling me now. Although I have to get going, someone who admires me for what I did is waiting for me down here and I can only guess where I have to go now."
The old man laughed loudly slapping the young Colonel on his back, "If you ever stop by again I'll take you out for a drink and this old geezer can spill his life story to you next time. Though be careful on who you have a kid with, Colonel, since it's never easy raising a child for the first time. Be careful or you'll have your hands crushed when the mid-wife is pushing out a son, I'd recommend armored gloves in any case."
A wary smirk came to the young officer's face before nodding appreciatively.
As he began to walk away did the old man suddenly speak up while snapping his fingers as if a thought came across him.
It was a thought that slipped his mind for a moment and came back quickly, he spoke up just as Tatsumi turned around to get the answers he was searching for about this admirer. "Oh rats! I just remembered if you're looking for folks who were down here, head straight and take the next right into a hallway leading to the center of the stadium's arena grounds. It's where most of the cages and other things are stored for events, I noticed like a small group there waiting around. I hope you find out who your admirers are and have a good day, Colonel Saber."
The young Imperial nodded thankful to the old man, "And you be safe to get back to your loved ones Renji. Maybe next time I'll take you up on that offer for a drink, have a good day as well."
With that the old man watched as the young officer passed out of sight with a serene smile on his face.
It was an interesting day to get back home and tell his kids that he witnessed a rising legend in the flesh, every common man being it a husband or brother, or son had heard of this young man's presence in the capital. It was a shame that such a young promising man had a pain that was akin to when you had to make a sacrifice for the greater good to make those around you happier. Despite all that negative emotions that were on display.
The old manager could definitely say that the young man had a good heart and head on him.
Saber.
That name would be held on a level not seen in a long time and it'd be a hell of a day to witness him as the youngster leading the Empire into a great country yet again. Pride and respect filled his heart knowing he had a met a capable officer, it just seemed sad he couldn't have helped with him whatever the reason he was down here in the first place. So glancing down at his log book with the rest of the inventory needed to be accounted for, Renji Fujiyama looked to the ceiling to see the sunlight coming through the steel grates that made a perfected square to have a feeling of warmth hit his skin.
It was a good day to be outside.
Perhaps he'd take his two youngest to the park after work and get his wife a...
"My, my, my. Such kind words coming from the scum who works and accepts that bastard's money! I promise to be quick even though none of you deserve such a mercy."
A feminine voice coyly spoke up as Renji felt his throat being cut as his hands tried to cover the exposed flesh that released a sea of liquid warmth down his shirt. The old man wheezed trying to call out to the fading white uniform of the Colonel who passed beyond the sight straight ahead and turned right, never once looking back as the man had a few tears go down his cheeks. Any ounce of strength fled his limbs within seconds and all seemingly faded to black.
"Please look after our children my beloved, Sesame."
That cold unrelenting pain surfaced as the old man's corpse crumbled to the floor in a heap of limbs.
Renji Fujiyama was dead within three seconds.
And not a humane presence would be there to voice out their agony at the lost soul of a loved one.
"I'll hide the body, so take his appearance and get the job done. The sooner we get the money we can send it to the Revolution's headquarters and get ready again. Are you fine with this?" The lollipop in her mouth twitched as she activated her own specific skills to take the appearance of the formerly alive man. A perfected doppelganger of an imposter came to the light as 'Renji' looked over with a candy in his mouth to the hidden conspirator.
In the gloom of the light and darkness did a pair of eyes gleam almost too happily.
"Just have our back up ready and the route set, once I'm done." Her confidence was met with one last reassurance. "I'll get the other doorways ready so we can leave and not a soul will know we were ever here. I'll be waiting along with the others once you get back. Plus we do have some muscle to buy you time, be safe as always."
Within the darkness of the pillars near a wall did a piece of granite slid over as a male voice spoke up urgently as the corpse was moved into the darkness. Several pairs of eyes watched the path that they witnessed the white uniform of their target go down and the crowds above them stamped their feet in excitement over the blood being spilled in the light of day.
They would never realize within the darkness of the underground did blood spill.
A truth that was of an innocent man's life was taken, a man whose who very admission of the truth to a boy who would only realize a very horrifying reality. No matter what a man did for the best of those he cared for, ignorance ran a muck within the corruption attached to those who were honest folks and did earn a living while surrounded by the very Evil that most assumed them to be.
Ignorance did not excuse murder.
And murder was never forgiven to those who were killed to be innocent.
Within the shadows of the underground storage areas and pillars did a trembling Zero grip the base of his knives hidden under his robes. Rage long since hidden had arisen akin to a beast that wanted blood to be repaid in kind to those who would murder an innocent man. In the confines of his hood did a pair of goggles gleam menacingly as he stepped through the shadows to keep up with Colonel Saber, who would learn of such a cowardly act!
No innocent would not be remembered and most certainly...
They would not be silent if they were wrongfully killed.
Monsters were on the prowl in the cold darkness.
And only one was going to make those who fought for the 'good' of the people realize they had made a terrible a mistake.
That one mistake that would make themselves covered in blood.
End Chapter Twenty Seven.
Author's Note: Please leave a Review, I enjoy them immensely.
Oh you know what's coming people, I don't have to say it but I'll mention it: Someone is going to make a big mistake, one already being shown.
All I have to say, is that information is not an instant thing in this story and the Revolution is going to realize they just screwed themselves pretty badly. The signs in their conversations via their leadership I've dropped hints, the ignorance of teams assuming all who work for corruption are corrupt to their cores. But in this case: I present a moral gray area that is frequently overlooked in reality.
Does a corrupt government, or organization, are members who are fundamentally scum are to believed to assume that all their workers are corrupt?
This is what the manga/anime should have mentioned, or at least toughed upon. A corrupt, or flawed government does not mean every singe person is going to be morally twisted. Some are honest people, a few, but they're some like that. The Revolution didn't take the time to confirm it, they assumed who was corrupted and just judged an innocent life to be extinguished. So tell me something, if such an act of murder or the destruction of a life, is easily decided by them then how is it any different from the same broken system in place? The morality of this concept is very scary, Tatsumi is going to realize something about the Revolution it itself, so I ask you another question.
Do you trade one evil for another?
If this is what it takes, if this is what is going to happen if the Revolution succeeds in what they're attempt to do?
Find out soon, I'll say it right now, Tatsumi is not going to play the nice-honorable soldier for much longer. Trust me, the descent into what I call total-absolution of hesitation is coming and I don't have much to say on it. Things are going to get better yet a tad bit more darker, I'm not kidding. You're all invested in the story, the characters and the plot all in one. So by all means keep dropping the reviews and help me get past Five-Hundred this month if you please.
So as always, I wish you well, good fortunes and to be safe in wherever you live at.
