"Come on, you can do better!"
Tatsumi thrusted forward, his spear aiming at Jack.
The Master Assassin grabbed the spear almost with ease, before stripping him of his weapon.
Jack then unceremoniously threw the spear away.
"Hold your weapon tight! Losing them, you lose the ability to defend and attack!"
Kakeru jumped in with his Kukri Machete.
Both being Assassin, they are well trained in what's an opening and what's not.
It's not always as obvious as a defensive stance.
It could be an open stance that leaves plenty of openings, but easy to react.
Both Jack and Kakeru knew this well.
So, the idea is to break the opponent's defenses.
Learned his lesson, Kakeru held his machete tightly.
"Search for the opponent's weakness, aim for them!"
'I can't be rash...Jack would easily counter kill me..."
Wait.
Does Jack even...
The sudden realization earned him a tug on his shirt and a throw quite fitting.
"Don't hesitate. And don't think. You're an Assassin, Kakeru. Hesitation in killing means your chance might be lost, and hesitate in combat would get you killed."
"...That...that's harsh...Mentor, you're on a completely different level..."-Kakeru laughed a bit.
"Make no mistake, Kakeru. Our next opponent is Esdeath. How well prepared are you?"
"..."
Kakeru stood up again.
"Oi oi, I think we have enough training for today...pitting against Esdeath right now is..."-Najenda started.
"That's not it."-Kakeru replied.
"?"
"He's right. If I hesitate, if I spend so much time thinking how I was going to create an opening, I myself would leave an opening. I must better defend myself, before thinking of attacking."
Tatsumi stood up too.
"Let us continue."
"..."-Jack nodded.-"Akame, Mine. Join up. We'll make it 4 vs 1."
It wasn't showing off.
Perhaps, out of alll of them, Akame is the most dangerous.
Given the chances, Jack would like a 1-1 duel with her, however...
"I need to train myself too..."
"Eh?"
"Nothing. Let us begin."
...
...
...
Tatsumi has great defensive ability.
Akame swordplay is simply terrifying.
Mine has long range capability, as well as devastating close quarters.
Kakeru excels at disruption.
A fight like this sounds way too much for someone.
"Begin!"
Akame charged in first, expected.
Jack pulled out his hooked axe, and deflected her first blow.
Without a momment to spare, he twisted them, dodging Tatsumi's spear.
Akame can't seem to understand how he was able to manipulate her sword using his axe during a situation like this.
Regardless, she tried to trip him.
At first, it seems like it worked.
He seems like he lost his footing, and would fall on his back.
Seeing the chance, Kakeru swoop in, his blade bearing down.
But it failed.
Turns out, even that late into a defense break, Jack was still able to balance himself, enough to block Kakeru's Kukri machete.
He soon twisted his body, his arm grabbing Akame's neck, giving her a huge 360 flip in the air before tossing her away.
At that point, Tatsumi threw his next attack.
Jack cleanly dodged it.
Tatsumi learned that Jack would go for the joints, for best chances of crippling him in that armor.
So, all he has to do, is use his spear to corner him, not letting him get close enough for a defense break.
"Staying defense won't save you!"-Jack hooked the spear in Tatsumi's hands, before altered his center of balance, pulling Tatsumi forward. Even before he could react, Jack tapped his head a bit. That made him lost balance completely and crashed to the ground.
So far, he has been going rather easy.
He even waited for Akame and Tatsumi to get up, all the while having a huge sword fight with Kakeru.
Well, one was using a machete, and one was using an axe, but...
Seeing Akame's sword approaching him, he strafed back.
Using that opening, Kakeru leaped forward, hoping to pounce on him.
But he was put to a hault, as Jack pulled out his dual cutlasses, the blade swinging out in Kakeru's way.
"Even the act of switching weapon could be use to stop your oponent's advance!"
The idea of switching weapons means you would leave an opening.
However, if you use it to your advantage, you can both look cool and defend yourself.
Then, it was an all out sword fight.
They randomly dodged Mine's shots, while Jack was handling all remaining three opponents.
Akame swoop in, her katana blocked deftly.
Right after that, Kakeru would got blocked too.
'So...this is how you dual wields...'-Tatsumi muttered.
But so far, Jack has only been on the defensive.
Akame thought either he was pinned from attacking, or it was simply because they are sparring.
Most likely, he would look for a chance to counter-kill.
Kakeru strafed forward, his sword ready to strike.
Jack parry it with precision, altering his grip on his other cutlass, so that he could threw a left hook, sending Kakeru staggering back.
Thankfully, the younger Assassin managed to block Jack's sword coming down.
Tatsumi jumped in then, but was deflected by Jack free hand.
And, unintentionally, he got in Akame's way.
And even more amazing, he used Tatsumi as a shield and let Mine shoot her own love interest.
"Use your enemy numbers against them. This you all know."
After receiving the non lethal blow, Tatsumi got a bit dizzy from the shock.
Jack pulled out his axe and karambit again.
This time, he was going for the end.
He began a combo, starting with a swipe of the axe right in Tatsumi's face, that would leave quite a bump later, then kicked his knee.
Mine tries to disrupt him by going close quarters and crashed the ground.
But she should've knew better. The Assassins are known for being capable of retaining balance.
What's worse is that he stepp on her Pumpkin, effectively stripping her from using it. Right as she looked up, she was faced with the muzzle of his revolver.
But, threatening Mine means he only have half his body to defend himself.
Or so they think.
Because he didn't defend himself.
He was on a streak.
Grabbing Akame, who was coming at him from behind, he threw her right into Tatsumi. Kakeru, who tries to go for his mentor's gun, was met with a hand that grabbed his shoulder, twisting him to a 90 degree turn, before he was easily restrained by his bending arm, as well as the karambit's blade curving around the back of his neck.
Akame barely dodged Jack's stomping foot, only to find that very foot lodged into Tatsumi's face, the shock and dizzyness meant he can no longer control Incursio properly, and the armor disappear.
Now, Jack already restrained 3 out of 4.
Akame was, as expected, the last one standing.
"In a real life situation, you would've killed all three of them."-She concluded.
"With speed, yes. So why don't we go for a 1-1?"
"Sure."
Jack let go of all three person, and pulled out his dual cutlass again.
Akame is a tough opponent, now that she improved and learned new tricks as well as his.
A sword fight at speed close to blurring ensued.
Every strike was blocked or deflected by the other.
It reached the point that it was close to a dance.
Elegant, accurate. Everything falls into rhythm.
They both strafed back.
After a good 5 minutes, Jack and Akame has established the other's speed and matched it with their own.
"Well done. You could go into battle like this. All of you."
"But the fight isn't over yet."
"You are a capable sword fighter. Esdeath is a bit sharper, but for her to be on the defensive, with a target to protect, that is enough."
"She also has her Teigu to aid her..."
"I'm aware of it. We'll train ourselves up during the time, specially you, Akame. You decided you would go with me and Kakeru on a sailing trip, right?"
"Yes."
"Then we'll give you small tasks, but complete it with quality."
For example, instead of just killing, make sure you enter a streak, and how to not rely too much on your teigu.
"Okay.."-Somehow, she was reminded to when she trained and worked in the Imperial Assassin.
"Let us continue then. Or would you rather leave it at that?"
"...I'll probably lose, but I want to see and learn from you."-Akame nodded with a small smile.
"Then, let us continue."
They charged in again.
The sound of swords parrying resounded repeatedly.
"The idea, Akame, is reckless."
"?"
Jack suddenly slided so that he lay on his back.
Clearly a reckless move.
But it threw Akame off her rhythm.
The Assassin easily tripped her feet, before pouncing on her, his sword to her neck.
"A battle can go so many way. So, sometime, use dirty and dangerous tricks. It would get you the upper hand and save your life."
Akame did expect to be defeated.
But not that quick.
'No...he used what he learned from my fighting style and came up with that.'
That means Jack analyzed her. Both when he was on defensive and offensive. He learned and established a way to hold himself against her, and then, by breaking away from that, he threw her off her own course.
It was a dash of trickery.
But isn't it how you fight? Surprise your opponent, get the upper hand.
"Everything is permitted."-Akame muttered.
"I guess that's true."-Jack help her up.-"Well done. You all have improved since the last I saw you."
"Yeah! We're getting stronger! I can feel myself stronger!"-Tatsumi raised his hand.
"Okay. I don't intend on doing this everyday, so it's back to Susanoo for you guys."
"I think I received enough training for today!"-Mine groaned.
"Ite, my arm..."-Kakeru stretched his arm, that was bent when Jack restrained him.
"Tired?"
"Hate to admit it, but yeah."-Tatsumi nodded.
"Chelsea bought cakes. You guys enjoy yourself. I'm taking a bath."-Jack waved them off.
"CAKES!"-They charged inside, Akame being the fastest.
Jack looked after them with a small smile.
"Such a lively bunch."
"Indeed."-Najenda spoke.
"...Can I hear how the battle is going?"
"We have a few days before a chance comes and we can eliminate Borick. The plan is going in accordance, but Budou seems to be a tough case."
"...But...the men sent there must be suicidal, knowing they are walking towards him."
"..."
"Losses are expected, but still..."
"I understand. But they are giving us a chance to do what is needed here."
"...Hang on..."
"?"
"How much do we know of Budou?"
"Enough. In basic, when there's trouble, they call him, not Esdeath."
"..."
"Something on your mind?"
Najenda waited.
Jack wasn't the best strategist, however, he is incredibly capable in planning out the details of an operation. The man'o'war battle proves this.
He was capable of creating a dangerous, reckless plan and go through it.
"Do we have any leverage we can use? Grabbing his attention?"
"...We are searching, but it seems he had no known relatives, nor is he the type to be taken advantage of..."
"As of now, it is safe to assume that only an inner circle is aware of Assassins like myself and Kakeru."
"So?"
"Budou is likely to be one."
"Then..."
"If we create a small ruckus back in the Palace, Budou will be running back trying to protect his Majesty."
"..."
"Okay, we'll have the Creed intercept the line of information, then spread false information of a sneak attack."
"Budou would hurry back, we get more breathing room with Borick, and the next time we strike for real, they would be slower to respond..."
"Like the baby who cries wolf."
"Briliant. I'll talk to Misaki and have her send this idea down."
"I'll contact the Creed."
"Really though, you are truly impressive at helping out the little things in a war. Like..."
"We're Assassins. We stand behind the shroud of history. Where history marks a turn, we stood behind it. Revolutions, wars, battles, feats. It's only normal that this happpens."
"Well, if you aren't such a capable Assassin, you would still be a capable officer."
"Perhaps."-If he climbed the ranks...if he didn't run away...maybe he'll be a simple officer. His herritage as an Assassin would be lost, just like it did for hundreds of years.
"Well, enjoy yourself a bit. We're going to war soon."
"I will."-Jack nodded with a smile, before turning for the bath.-"Oh, wait."
"Hm?"-Najenda was surprised. What else does he need to talk about?
"...I have to asks...what do we know about the second emperor?"
"? Why do you ask?"
"Answer my question and we'll see."
"...He created Teigu, that everyone knew. The First Emperor fall in battle, so the rule was handed over to a son-in-law, whom he trusts greatly."
"..."-Jack's face was grim.
"...W-what's wrong?"
"I...I...need a momment to collect my thoughts."
The second emperor wasn't from the orginal bloodline.
...A shady character suddenly charge in, earning trust?
Earning trust from the Templars.
"The second emperor...was the one who hunted Assassin's Creeds..."
"He was a Templar, yes? It's only..."
"No. They couldn't have find the creeds...The Assassins hid themselves well..."
"What are you suggesting?"
"The First Emperor was placing complete trust into him...something valuable must've been offered. Invaluable."
"...You are saying that..."
"The Second Emperor was an Assassin that turned Templar."
He offered the locations of the Creeds. The reason is unclear, but it doesn't matter.
Wait, but the secret passage had an Assassin mark on it.
He was hoping the Assassins of later times would find them?
What did he saw in the Apple?
Lena decoded that it was a prophercy of somesort that involves the entire world.
What happened?
Did Those Who Came Before contacted him?
Did he even knew the contents of the prophet? What it's about?
"Jack? Are you okay?"-It wasn't Najenda's, but Chelsea's voice. She must've came out to talk about some crafting he'll do for her.
"? Ah, I'm...I'm fine."-He quickly responded.
"Both Najenda and I have been calling your name for a couple of times now. You seem like you were deep in thoughts."
"Yeah, I-I have been thinking."
"..."-Chelsea pouted slightly.-"More work?"
"...I..."
"Sigh. You really had your head deadset on a task don't you?"
"Don't worry. I'll still stay for a few days. Maybe I'll visit the library."
"Library? Didn't take you for the reading type."-Najenda laughed.
"It's rest, nontheless."
"Really, Jack?"
"W-why are you two looking at me like that? I do rest!"
Under the two's gaze, Jack faltered.
"You sure you won't just dive into a mountain of books on a particular subject?"
"...No. But it's better than free-running and cracking skulls."
"...Fine, I'll come with you."
"I...I didn't ask you to."
"I'll go with you!"
Jack had no more rebuttals to give.
"Hahah. If you failed to properly spend time with your girlfriend, that's what you get."-Najenda laughed again.
"You're the last person I wanted to hear that from."-Jack deadpanned.
Well, Jack and Chelsea did established themselves as an offcial couple now, so...
"Anyway, fine. I'll go take a bath, then we'll talk about the subject further tonight. It's a fun mystery to take on, while we had free-time..."
"Okay."-Chelsea grinned as she shifted the lolipop in her mouth slightly.
Jack didn't understand why she grinned.
"...C-Chelsea."-Jack began.
"Hm?"-His girlfriend hummed as she sat beside him.
"For what honor, or crime of mine that lead me to this?"
"What? We're just sitting together."
"Look at our surroundings!"
They were in the hot baths
And of course, they were both naked.
"So?"
"..."
"Heheh~ You act all tough and cool, Jack, but you're weak when a woman come at you~ So cute!~"
"Well, I offer my sincerest apology, since I have never been good with woman!"
"Really Jack? You charmed Esdeath, me, and Akame is getting there..."
"You, are the only one! Esdeath...just Esdeath. Akame?! Are you alright in the head?! If you are talking about trophy, talk about Tatsumi!"
"Well, Akame is just me teasing, I admit."-Chelsea isn't sure if the girl even have "love".
"Either way, I've never been good with women."
"Or you just don't spend time on it."
"That again..."-Jack sighed.
"Well, right before you here is a chance. And you aren't taking it."
"Sorry, but the mood isn't here! I'm not some crazy beast that dived in the momment a girl's bare body is exposed before me!"
"I see."-Chelsea laughed.
"Don't laugh. You yourself knew I would respond the way I did. That means, if I come at you now..."-Jack grinned as he poked her waist.
It earned a slight jolt from Chelsea as she moved away just an inch.
"..."
"..."-Jack's face just twisted in a comedic way, seeing Chelsea trying to maintain a cool look.-"Okay, I'm lea-"
"? What's wrong?"-Chelsea noticed he stopped midway.
"Lubbock! You better have a good explanation, hiding on top of that tree!"
"Lubbock?!"-Chelsea straighten herself. There's a pervert here!-"Come out you miserable wolf!"
Jack is unarmed.
But he grabbed a stone and threw it precisely into on of the tree branch.
And the view of Lubbock falling off the tree branch, with his binnocular damaged came to them.
"I should've checked my Eagle vision...relying on normal senses in the thick steam and a distraction isn't very good..."-Jack grabbed a towel to cover himself, before offering one to Chelsea.
"Thanks."-Chelsea properly wrapped herself up, then she and Jack both cracked their knuckles
"Wait wait wait!"-Lubbock flailed his arms.
"?!"- Jack suddenly turned to the door.
True to his senses, a person opened it.
"?"-Akame stared at the scene before her.-"Chelsea?"
"Ah, Akame, perfect timing. This little beast"-She jabbed her thumb at Lubbock-"Is caught peeping."
Lubbock looked around.
Jack is already gone!
"Wait wait wait! Why does Jack and Tatsumi always get the scenes! What about..."
"Kill."-Akame emotionless eyes stared at him, as she took a step forward.
Lubbock managed to get out of Jack and Chelsea's beating.
But now he gets Akame and Chelsea's beating.
"He...heheh..."-He only managed an awkward smile.
Jack panted slightly.
The momment he registered Akame, he chanted his Override exceed, and jumped up and away.
"Sorry, Lubbock, but you had it coming. Resquiescat in Pace."
Then, he laughed at his own humor.
Landing near the bath, he managed to sneak in the open door and retrieve his clothes.
"Chelsea always did wanted me to wear normal clothes..."-He decided before grabbing his newly bought outfit.
As Jack was dressing up, he found Lubbock dragging himself on the ground into the dressing room.
"You managed to survive."-Jack joked, as he closed the door, hearing Chelsea and Akame chatting.
"...Damn you..."-Lubbock only groaned
"I thought you only go when it's Najenda's turn. Are you now open for everyone?"
"My heart is always with Miss Najenda! But my desires as a man is..."
"A man would find a different way."-Jack adjusted his leather jacket.-"I don't say I'm in any position to talk...but that's my advice. Mean time, quit peeping. It's bad for your health."
"How is it that you get to take a bath with Chelsea? Tatsumi got Leone rubbing her assets at his face any given time, Mine started acting soft around him too!"
"...Mine is?"
"Yeah, after Tatsumi saved her from the explosion. She's been less..."
"Tsun? Bad tempered? Hot head?"
"Careful with your word, Jack. You'll invoke her fury."
"...T-true..."-Jack would avoid getting Mine mad.
"That reminds me! You and Esdeath! Not only the Arena kidnap, you two even spent time on a tropical island!"
"She tried to kill me multiple times! Both as Jack and Edward!"
"It would be a happy death!"
"I don't know what kind of death you are imagining, but keep your damn vooice down."-Jack felt like popping a vane.-"Well, don't lie there too long. The girls might use you as a rug. See ya."-He left the room.
Right after coming out, he bumped into Tatsumi.
"Yo."
"Yo. How's your face?"
"All thanks too you."
"My bad."
"Well, besides a small bandaid, no harm done."
"Good to hear."-Jack was just about to turn away.
"You've been restless lately. What did you find?"
"Mysteries after Mysteries, Tatsumi. It hurts my head. On top of that is the mischievious Chelsea."
"You've been sleeping in her room lately."
It was...not exactly pleasant the first day, but both were determined and so, Jack learned how to cuddle a girl.
"Heh, unlike you. We're adults. Well, close to it."-How old is Chelsea again?
She mentioned them to be of the same age, so it was about 20. His mother died early, and he never ask. Maybe he is older or younger than he thinks but...
He certainly walked this earth for more than 20 years.
'It hit me with a depression stick. I'm getting old.'
Seeing the Assassin suddenly sigh, Tatsumi retreated from asking further on the subject of Jack and Chelsea.
"You mentioned Mysteries. What kind?"
"It's best you do not know...I'm exchanging words with the Creed on the matter..."
Tatsumi opened his mouth to speak, but Jack interupted him.
"It's not that I don't trust you Night Raids. It's just that...somethings are better off not knowing."
"...You..."
"?"
"I know there are stuffs over our heads. And there are people like you and Kakeru, who keeps them away."
"..."
"Do you really plan on leaving on a momment's notice? Leaving us Night Raid?"
"Ah"-Jack nodded.
"Then-"
"But I didn't say I would do so without looking back, nor will I not try to return."
"...Eh?"
"Damn, I couldn't leave you guys alone. You're the only friends I have, other than Kakeru. And now with me and Chelsea..."-Jack just smiled as he scratches his head.-"I simply can't sever our ties."
"..."
"Who knows, maybe I'll get lost again, stuck, or the strange pull of faith might even make us enemies, but, I certainly enjoy our time, and would always cherish it, as well as trying to come back for more."
"Jack..."
"What can I say? I'm attached to you bunch."
"Hah..."
Tatsumi can't help but laugh.
Jack joined in too. It was rare of him to laugh so warmly and openly.
"That means you have your share of the work, Tatsumi. Make sure you all live. So it would be enjoyable for me to return."
"Ah! You can count on us!"
They fist-bumped.
Jack was slightly reminded of his time back in the army, where both good and bad men are sent to their death.
He used to think it's normal for soldiers to be pawns, and death is all but easy for pawns.
He had few friends back then. Not that it was surprising.
Soon, the numbers dwindled, and the day comes when he began sitting alone.
It suddenly brought it to his mind that his friends here, now, might die too.
He had done everything he could, and so far it's been great.
But...the things you want to protect...
Are always so fragile.
Above all...
'Chelsea...'-Jack gazed back at the door, where Chelsea and Akame is chatting.
What kind of delusion did he got himself into?
Losses are expected in a war...
What would happen next, god knows.
Now that Jack know he cares, he is afraid.
He is afraid of losing this comfortable warmth.
'I would always work hard, if their smiles are protected.'
But even if he tries his best...
"We'll all try our best. Together."
"Eh?"
"I mean, there's so much I can do. You can do much more, but there's a limit. Always is. So how about stop running around by yourself and start running around with friends?"-Tatsumi open a bright smile.
Jack was slightly speechless.
"Yeah. That's fine."
They'll all work to survive. Who cares if the odds are against them? He still had in his mind the resolution to find a friend in the likes of Esdeath.
At that point, it don't matter.
He just have to move forward with his best.
Everyone else does it too.
Tatsumi was able to overcome Bulat and Sheelee's death by doing so. He became strong enough to protect. Mine was a fine example.
"Oh? You're still standing here?"-Chelsea opened the doorm recently out of the bath, her hair still damp, and her scent renewed.
" 'Still' is kind of..."
"Heheh. Did you really wait for me?"
"No, I'm just chatting with Tatsumi here."
"Well, since you are in a talking mood, let's talk about you crafting stuff for me~"
"Sure."
"...Eh?"-Chelsea was slightly surprised.
"...Sure? I'll craft you what you need."
"You didn't complain. Did you forgot to?"
"Ah, so it's my role to complain before I do things for you, Sorry, I must've been out of line."-He joked.-"Well, I'll tell you a few things later still, but I'll have dinner first."
"A-About that..."
"Akame ate it."-Jack concluded before sighing.
Tatsumi and Chelsea only nod in pity.
"...Argh...I'll go hunting. I need materials to craft anyway."
"Haii~ I'll go with you!"
Jack just smiled as he brought out his cross, and took out his hooked axe.
"Let's go."
