Chapter 36: Kill the Ballad of Ice

Chelsea fiddled with the black eye patch over her left eye. After Nell confirmed her eye would never heal, the shapeshifter made it her mission to get used to having sight in one eye. It wasn't too much of a drawback, not counting how she wouldn't be able to shoot her needle gun with as much efficiency. It was an annoyance, but she was grateful she hadn't been blinded entirely.

Despite the issue with her eye, the shapeshifter was in a good mood. All her teammates gathered around as she stood over the unconscious body of Dorothea. She was tied to a chair in the middle of the conference room.

The entire team was dealing with pesky injuries they suffered from the hard-fought battle against Dorothea. However, no amount of pain would keep anything them from questioning the alchemist.

Sticking a lollipop in her mouth, Chelsea smiled before grabbing the bucket of water by her feet. "Everyone ready?" she asked. Once everyone nodded, she tossed the water—which Leone graciously procured from a mud puddle—at Dorothea.

"Ah!" yelled the alchemist, jolting awake. She struggled to break from her binds, but her strength was likely very low after the battle. Plus, the alchemist had not feasted on blood since her abduction. "Who the hell do you think you are!"

"Wakey, wakey, granny," said Chelsea. "I hope you had pleasant dreams because this will be very unpleasant for you."

Dorothea smirked. "Aww, what's wrong? Still holding a grudge over the whole eye thing? You have my condolences, so why don't—"

Her sentence was shattered as Seryu struck her in the face. "You would do well to recognize your position," said Seryu. "If you refuse to comply once more, we've agreed to let Tatsumi hit you next."

Fear was practically oozing off Dorothea while she watched Tatsumi crack his inhuman knuckles. Clearly, the prospect of becoming a living punching bag made the alchemist rethink her attitude.

"This was a bad start…" said Dorothea. "Let's try this again, shall we?" The alchemist took a deep breath before sitting up straight. "Since I'm alive, it means you all have a use for me. Why don't we make a deal?"

"Geez, how big is that ego of yours?" asked Wave. "Listen well, Dorothea: you lost. You're in no position to make deals or demands because you don't have any leverage."

"This is dumb," said Kurome, drawing Yatsufusa, a demonic grin spreading across her face. "Why not turn her into a puppet and make her do what we want?"

Dorothea's eyes widened. "W-wait a moment! You need me to assist Ubiquitous, right? Not only that, but you desire information about the Empire as well! I can even teach you all the secrets of my formula to eternal life! I will cooperate!"

Great satisfaction enveloped Chelsea upon seeing the "genius" alchemist grovel before her. It's fun playing the bad guy. "See, was that so hard? Now be a good senior citizen, and maybe this won't end up with you being fed to Koro."

Dorothea rolled he eyes when the small dog barked in Seryu's arms. "Answer me this: did any of you ask the rebellion for assistance? I'd like to know where my plan fell apart."

I guess there's no reason not to tell her at this point, thought Chelsea. "Solaris alerted them. Seems you failed to count for his prudence, eh, witch?"

It was surprising to here Dorothea laugh. "You don't say? Well, speaks volumes about you all."

Tatsumi furrowed his brow. "The hell are you going on about?"

"Think about it. If Solaris did go to the rebellion, it means he didn't believe you could overcome me on your own." Dorothea made a cocky grin. "I mean, he was right since I had it in the bag, but it must sting your pride knowing a comrade thought you were too—"

Once more, Dorothea's sentence was stopped because someone took a swing at her. This time it was Mine, who looked frustrated. "Sorry, she was pissing me off."

Dorothea sighed. "Honestly, Nocturne is too sensitive. Looking at it objectively, that's obviously what he was thinking. Why else would he notify an enemy who wants you dead too?"

Chelsea tossed aside the empty candy stick. "I choose to look at it this way: he was someone concerned with saving his sister, and in desperation—he decided it was a risk worth taking because he knew we'd be able to make it out, even with them there."

"How optimistic."

The shapeshifter bent down until she was eye-level with Dorothea. "That's neither here nor there. I'm not interested in your interpretations. What I and all of us want is information. You can start here: who orchestrated the rockslide that almost killed us?" Chelsea—along with everyone else—desperately wanted the answer to this question. They wanted a name attached to the catastrophic trap that almost resulted in their death.

Alas, Dorothea gave the most deflating response, which was, "I don't know."

"Hey, Sis," said Kurome, "what do you say we take turns taking off her fingernails?"

"It has been a while since we've bonded over a fun activity."

Dorothea gazed at her hands as if the scenario was playing in her head, the two demonic swords peeling her fingers. "I'm being serious! I could've found out if I had wanted, but it was never important. Why would I care who wanted to kill you?"

Ugh, it doesn't feel like she's lying, thought Chelsea, wishing it wasn't so. "Fine. Then tell us about what Budo said. He mentioned there being some kind of secret of the Empire and Esdeath's disappearance is related to it."

The alchemist's eyes swept across the room, her expression conflicted, which was uncommon look for her. "It wouldn't do you any good to know. Depending on what transpires, you can't stop what's already been put into motion…"

Crossing her arms, Chelsea said, "Try us."

Dorothea bit her lip. "The First Emperor had the greatest alchemist of the age—Baratelous, the creator of the Teigu—make an invincible Teigu… Will of God: Aeternia. Special orichalcum, the DNA of over ten thousand species of Danger Beasts, and the blood of the First Emperor himself was used to craft it. Supposedly, it gives the wielder the power of the world itself."

Aeternia? Throughout her time with the Oarburghs or rebellion, Chelsea never heard of such a Teigu. And she read plenty of books about them.

"Wait," said Leone, "what do you mean by 'power of the world'?"

"No clue. Even in the secret texts, descriptions of Aeternia are few and vague. The most I could discover is the First Emperor described it's intended power like that. He died shortly after it was made, and Baratelous left the Empire, so no one was able to find out its true ability."

Wave placed a palm over his mouth. "So…this is the weapon they've been hiding. If they had such a Teigu, why haven't they used it? It sounds like a power that could rival a Doomsday-Class."

"They have tried. Throughout the millennia, chosen warriors were presented to it. None were compatible. Even the mightiest soldiers fell upon coming into contact with it. Aeternia was deemed too dangerous, and was locked up in the catacombs under the Capital."

"So, it's too powerful for anyone to wield?" said Seryu. "If you are being truthful…then why did Budo say Esdeath had something to do with it?"

"Because Honest exposed Esdeath to it…" murmured Akame. Her statement made everyone gasp.

Dorothea smiled. "Heh, you got it. The prime minister chose to break the law and reveal the secret of Aeternia to Esdeath. According to him, it melted into her skin, and she's been deathly ill ever since."

"Woah…" muttered Leone, who's attitude mimicked the rest of Nocturnes. The news wasn't definitively good or bad, but very shocking. After months of the feared ice queen being absent, the truth of her disappearance had finally come to light.

Tatsumi narrowed his eyes. "Do you know where she's being kept? Hell, is she even still alive?"

"The answer to both of those questions is…I don't know. Honest never told me her whereabouts. Probably because he figured I'd try to experiment on her or something… He was right, but it still annoyed me this was one thing I couldn't get from him. I'd wager she's alive, but again—who knows? Perhaps she passed and he's kept it secret out of shame."

"So," said Kurome, "let's say, hypothetically, she was alive and she managed to tame Aeternia's power. You have any clue what the results would be, granny?"

"That's an answer I'm dying to know myself. Remember: Aeternia's intended owner died and no one has mastered it. Maybe the awesome power will corrupt Esdeath and drive her mad, grant her the power to conquer entire countries singe-handedly, or it could have a new effect entirely since the Demon's Extract runs through her veins. Truly…there are a thousand things that could happen."

"If I may…" said Seryu, touching her chin. "I don't mean to sing the praises of Lady Esdeath so much since I realize how corrupt she was…but I can't picture her not mastering it. If it was possible, I feel like she'd be the one to conquer it on pure will." Seryu cheeks were flushed red. "Oh dear, I sound so fanatical…"

"No, you're completely right," said Akame, looking into space. "This is the same person who tamed the Demon's Extract and maintained her sanity, or whatever sanity she had. Her accolades speak for themselves. She's just as much of a freak of nature as Budo was, maybe even more so."

Tatsumi rubbed the back of his neck. "I joke about the time we spent together, but I couldn't deny the strength she exuded. I know this is a crazy statement…but I feel like she could master any Teigu she wanted."

An odd silence persisted after Tatsumi's statement. It likely wasn't because everyone considered it an insane notion…but rather, the prospect of it didn't sound insane.

"Oh, crap," said Mine, "it feels like we're speaking this into reality. If she did master it, wouldn't she be an enemy? Call me crazy, but I don't think she'd be rushing to help us fight corruption, even if her subordinates are here."

Wave looked conflicted. "Maybe, but we need to consider the possibility of Esdeath taming Aeternia. Knowing our luck, it'll just be another obstacle for us…"

Giggling, Dorothea said, "I wouldn't worry yourselves too much. You have a mini-Esdeath right here in Nocturne." The alchemist turned her sight to Akame. "When in doubt, fight fire with fire."

Instead of a rebuttal or look of anger, Akame stared at the floor. That seemed to have bothered her, thought Chelsea, surprised anything got under Akame's skin. "If she ticked you off Akame, by all means, feel free to take a swing at her."

"It's just…I remember saying Run saying something similar before he passed. Am I really like Esdeath, Kurome?"

Chelsea couldn't speak for Kurome or anyone present, but the shapeshifter noticed the similarities between the two women since day one. Huh, and here I thought it was just me.

Kurome raised an eyebrow, snacking on some gingerbread cookies. "Well, now that you mention it—as someone who spent an extended amount time with both of you—there are some things you have in common. Your intensity in battle, the tenacity towards whatever mission you're doing, and a few other things."

"If I may," said Seryu, raising her hand, "the way you go from being a frightening warrior to a compassionate person reminds me an awful lot of how Lady Esdeath would act."

Wave rubbed the back of his head, clearly not wanting to pile on more. "Well, I didn't want to say anything at the time, but when I heard your response to what Budo said to me in that cell…the confidence you had did remind me of Esdeath. But just a little bit."

Akame's eyes drifted to the ceiling, finger to her chin. Her child-like cluelessness of what everyone was saying made Chelsea laugh under her breath. Heh, she really doesn't see it. Or she's pretending not to.

"Look at it this way," said Dorothea, "it's like someone created you with the intended to mirror Esdeath. You two are alike in a similar manner to how Tatsumi and Wave are alike."

"How are we alike?" said Tatsumi and Wave at the same time.

"My point exactly."

Mine pursed her lips. "Okay, we can hold an intermission for Akame later on. You said something about the ingredients used to make Aeternia included the First Emperor's own blood. You're an alchemist, so tell us what the deal with that is."

"Hmm, I wondered that as well. Maybe he was trying to increase the compatibility rate between him and Aeternia. The Teigu was originally meant for him, after all. Or, it could be something as simple as him wanting to leave his eternal mark on it."

"… I have a question for you, Dorothea," said Tatsumi, his eyes strangely serious. "I asked this when I first entered Night Raid, and it was dismissed. Is there a way to bring back the dead?"

His question hung in the air as Dorothea's expression became deadpan. "… No, that's impossible. There is one unstoppable force that strikes all without prejudice, and that is death. Once it comes for you, you can't stop it."

"But what about your elixir?"

"That is vastly different then what you're suggesting. I seek a way to prolong life as much as possible. And even then, after many years of research, I can only revert to my prime for less than an hour. What you're suggesting is something more outlandish, which is restoring life to a body that's already died." Dorothea smirked. "I did that with Cosmina and your friend, but I doubt that's the kind of rebirth you're referring to."

"I see. The reason I asked is because, well, it's odd how the First Emperor wanted Aeternia for himself. He lived a long time and died of old age, but still couldn't see Aeternia to completion. I just thought the Teigu could've had the power to bring him back to life or something."

Leone snapped her fingers. "I was thinking the same thing! Even if his DNA did make him more compatible with Aeternia, he'd be an old man by that time. Why would he want such a powerful Teigu for himself if his body was already far past his prime?"

"It could be the task took far longer than he thought," said Seryu. "Even with the massive force the Empire has, acquiring the DNA of over a thousand Danger Beasts must've taken a long time."

"I have a theory," murmured Kurome, her eyes like an eagle. "Don't know if I want to say it, though."

"Go for it," said Wave. "We're just throwing theories at the wall until something sticks anyway."

"I was thinking…Yatsufusa and Murasame have such a strong energy, we can even sense the Teigu's life force, in a way. And look what's happening to Tatsumi with Incursio. So, knowing that Teigu can have an actual life force of its own…do you think it's possible the First Emperor intended to imprint his soul into Aeternia so he could live on?"

A jolt surged through Chelsea's head like a floodgate being opened. Judging by everyone's reactions, they felt it too. Even Dorothea's eyes were agape. Kurome's theory sounded crazy, but for some reason…it felt right.

The thick silence that had overtaken the room was replaced by Dorothea's hysterical laughter. Then the alchemist made one of her fanatical smiles, like the kind she would when discussing her creations. "Oh my…to think I hadn't considered that angle before," she said. "So, that was the First Emperor's solution…"

"What are you going on about?" asked Mine.

"I just realized the true purpose behind Aeternia and the nature of the battle Esdeath must be going through." Dorothea glanced at Chelsea. "Care to clue your partners in? I know you figured it out."

Perceptive witch, thought Chelsea. "The First Emperor found a way to extend his life after all. He imbued his soul in Aeternia, he waited until a worthy suitor appeared…then he plans on hijacking their body. That's how you live forever. Instead of extended one's life—"

"He just puts himself in a fresh one," cut in Dorothea. "Utterly fascinating…"

Seryu's placed her metal hand on her mouth. "My goodness… His objective was to wait for a worthy heir to Aeternia, then he'd take their body for his own and live on. However, no one in history was never able to handle its power."

"No one in history," said Akame, "until Esdeath. We don't know for sure, but considering who we're talking about, we'll have to assume the possibility of the First Emperor possessing Esdeath's body. There also this 'power of the world' Aeternia posses that could be anything…"

"Ahh!" yelled Leone, furiously rubbing her head. "Doomsday-Class Danger Beasts, Teigu Beasts, and now this… How much weirder can this get! Do we seriously have to prepare for the First freakin' Emperor himself possessing the most feared women in the Empire's body?"

The pure absurdity of the situation exhausted Chelsea, drawing a deep breath to alleviate some stress. "These are still theories, and we could be completely off the mark… Still, yes, this could be a very real problem for us."

"Just imagine it…" murmured Seryu. "The First Emperor could return. How would the country—the world—react to such news? And if he did, would he collaborate with the desires of the prime minister like the current emperor does?"

"I doubt that," said Dorothea. "The kid was groomed by Honest since day one to be his obedient little ruler. Honest probably thinks Aeternia is just some kind of super-weapon and not a medium for the First Emperor to be reborn. Guess his supreme Teigu wasn't enough to satisfy his appetite for power."

"Another secret Teigu?" asked Wave. "What else is there?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. There's this giant robot Teigu only the Emperor can control that shoots explosive laser beams. It's really powerful, especially since I modified it myself, hehe."

"A big robot Teigu, huh?" said Kurome. "Crazy that it feels like the least of our problems right now."

Mine stood over Dorothea, glaring at her with contempt. "Anyone else think it's odd how granny here is blabbing about everything she can? For all we know, half the stuff she's told us could be crap she made up in case she got defeated by us."

"I understand your hesitance, Mine," said Seryu. "However, I don't believe that. I'm sure Dorothea never thought she'd lose the battle and her ego wouldn't allow her to think of what to do if she were to fail. Our defeat was her endgame, such as her impromptu proposal to the emperor would suggest."

Snickering, Dorothea said, "I didn't think you were such a fan of—"

"Also," said Chelsea, grinning, "there's no way you could return to the Empire, even if you somehow escaped from here. You've been disgraced, and I doubt the prime minister was happy about the whole proposal thing. Grandma here has lost her lab, credibility, and her place in the Empire. You have nothing to go back to, right?"

The alchemist's smiled vanished, her eye twitching. "Big talk for someone who needed their enemy to save their pathetic hides. How's that eye feeling, Cyclops?"

The shapeshifter's response was ramming her palm across Dorothea's face. In a stern tone, she said, "Our next order of business is you fixing up Seryu. Is it within your capabilities to do so? I hope for your sake the answer is a yes."

Blowing a strand of her hair away, Dorothea grumbled, "It can be done; although, I'll need three things: a sanitary and wide space to operate, an assortment of medical tools and anthesis, and Dr. Stylish's Perfector that in the hands of the rebellion. While I'm proficient without it, I trust you want the success rate of this operation to be high. Also, I'll need some fresh blood since my energy is low."

"I can borrow some tools and anesthesia from Nell," said Chelsea. "I might be able to get Najenda to let us use Perfector for a time, given I have a couple days. There are some spare rooms we never used that some of us can clean."

"I guess we'll have to find some bandits or something," said Leone. "We can't go feeding you innocent people."

Dorothea's face lit up before she turned to Tatsumi, her face glowing. "I could just use Tatsumi's blood in the meantime. He'll regenerate quickly and I'm sure it'll make the operation go smoother." The alchemist licked her lips. "Do it for Seryu, Tatsumi."

Understandably, Tatsumi shifted his eyes from left to right awkwardly. "Uh, well…that's—"

"That will be enough of that," said Seryu. "You will not dig your fangs into any of my comrades ever again, and that's final."

The alchemist pouted. "Ugh, you all suck…"

"If possible," said Akame, "is there any way you could halt or reverse Tatsumi's condition?"

"Akame?" murmured Tatsumi.

"Ha, are you kidding me? Does his condition look reversible to you? The Tyrant has fully fused with him down to his DNA, as his appearance would suggest. The 'Tatsumi" of old is being slowly eaten away at the cellular level. He doesn't have a hope in hell."

Akame narrowed her eyes before Tatsumi pated her should. "Like I said, Akame, I have no regrets." The former assassin responded with a wry smile.

"How about Wave and Seryu's condition then?" asked Kurome. "They have a lot of internal damage; is it possible to fix that with Perfector?"

"Hmm, depends on how much damage we're talking about. In all likelihood, if it's too serious, I'd have to do some experimenting and replace organs and tissue."

"Count me out then," said Wave. "I've been acquainted enough with your work to know I don't want you poking around in my body."

"I would also ask that you not do anything unnecessary in my body," Seryu added. "Just removing the bomb any other weaponry implanted in me will do."

Tatsumi approached Dorothea. "That reminds me..." The alchemist jumped when he directed a killing intent at her. "If we find out you pulled any shenanigans inside her body, you are dead."

"What would I have to gain by doing that at this point? Although, that does bring up a little issue I'm concerned about. After you're through interrogating me and I operate on Seryu…I want you all to swear you'll let me go."

"So you can tell the Empire about our location?" asked Mine. "You're out of your mind!"

"I was unconscious the whole trip here, and as stated—my position in the Empire is null. You're risking nothing by letting me free. I've had it up to here with this country and wish to explore other places. Honestly, if you're going to kill me anyway, you might as well do it now because unless you give me your word, I refuse to comply with your demands. Surely honorable killers like yourselves can honor your word?"

"That is acceptable," said Seryu, spurring looks of surprise. "Comply with our demands and I give you my word that your life will be spared."

"You choose now to be merciful!" yelled Mine. "After everything she's done, you want to let her free! If there was ever a time I'd be glad to see the old you, now would be it!"

The former soldier closed her eyes. "I'm aware of her actions, but I stand by what I say. Trust me, Mine, if she breaks the terms of our agreement…I'll be the first one to kill her."

"I agree," said Chelsea. "A deal's a deal. You cooperate, you get to live. Got it, witch?"

"Heh, got it, my good pals. I suppose we'll all be getting very friendly from now on. So, just untie me and lead me to my room if you will."

Dorothea's request was met with laughter from Nocturne. The alchemist looked confused before Chelsea said, "Yeah, no. Not only are you staying tied up, your room will be in the dusty attic. Koro will be your company. You know, to make sure you don't try any tricks."

"That's outrageous!" yelled Dorothea. "Are we not partners now?"

"Nope," said Wave, "you're a prisoner. Looks like the shoes on the other foot now."

"Still holding a grudge over that whole thing? And here I thought Nocturne would be bigger people than that. I have you know—"

"Just shut up," said Chelsea, pinching her own nose, feeling a headache forming. "We'll gather some blood for you to live, but just barely. I'm sure we can find some wild animals around here. Now, take grandma away."

Tatsumi easily lifted the chair, carrying the screaming alchemist away. "I cannot drink such low-quality blood!" she yelled. "I have an incredibly sensitive palette! Are you all listening to me!"

Chelsea soaked in the joy of hearing Dorothea being appalled before her voice faded. Then her mind refocused on the surreal situation of the First Emperor and Esdeath. Part of her hoped she was wrong, but with the streak her team was on, it wasn't likely. "What the hell are we going to do about Esdeath…?"

"You got me," said Wave, rubbing his forehead. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around all this stuff. How is it possible for a human to live on inside of a Teigu? Most can't use one."

Leone scratched her blond, silky hair. "What's blows most of all is how we can't do anything about it. Unless the witch was lying, we don't know where her location is. What if that bastard really does take her body and come for us? We haven't been the kindest to the Empire…"

"Whether the First Emperor or Esdeath comes doesn't matter," murmured Akame, her hand placed on Murasame's hilt. "Whoever or whatever may come, it will still be a living thing. And just like all living things, they can be killed."

Akame had an unusual tone when she said that. Chelsea wasn't sure if anyone picked up on it, but she did. Akame, especially when talking about a foe, always was confident in what she said. However, uncertainty was in her voice just now.

And Chelsea understood why. Dorothea's tale was enough to make her reevaluate things. Before the interrogation, she felt positive Honest was the biggest target left. Now, she wasn't sure. I hope that theory was wrong…

VVV

"What do you mean she will no longer awaken!" yelled Honest, red in the face from the news his appointed medic gave him. After visiting the hidden cottage he placed Esdeath, Honest had asked to see her.

"I'm sorry, Prime Minister," murmured the male doctor. "She's been asleep for two days now. The toll being put on her body induced some kind of coma. The most she'll do is toss and turn…but she won't wake up."

"Then do something, damn it! Do you know what'll happen if she dies!"

"There's nothing more we can do…"

Honest punched the wall hard enough to leave an indent, his temper reaching its boiling point. He had been in a foul mood since learning of Dorothea's defeat—though he couldn't deny feeling joy imagining the cocky alchemist being defeated—and this worsened it. "This can't be happening…"

"I'm sorry… We did all we could. If you want my professional opinion, sir, I suggest ending her suffering and giving her a painless death. I'd be ready to administer the—"

Without warning, Honest grabbed the doctor by the neck, shoving him to the wall. "You'd be wise to never utter those words again. You will do everything in your power to keep her alive, and it's in your best interest. If she dies, your whole team dies."

Fear was present in the doctor's eyes before Honest let go of him. He could hear the doctor coughing as he turned his back on him, walking towards Esdeath's room. Damn it, woman…will you really curl up and die? And because of a weapon I exposed you to no less…

He stopped outside of Esdeath's room before cracking the door open. Esdeath was unconscious and wasn't moving. The stillness of her body was akin to a corpse. The sight of his invincible hand-picked general in this condition put in perspective how bad things were going for him.

I remember the day I first observed your abilities. It was then, I knew the strongest would be you, not Budo. And I had to make you fight for me. Honest clenched his fist, feeling dread in his large gut. Recall your strength, Esdeath, and wake up!

VVV

A lone woman stood in the middle of an arena, her entire body caked from head to toe in the black blood of her enemies. She lost count of how many she had killed. The sheer amount of bodies lying at her feet in the pool of blood would suggest a number in the thousands.

Still, the figure in black robes sitting on the throne refused to face her. In this battle of willpower between them, the woman still hadn't overcome it.

I've never been here this long, the woman thought. Her eyes drifted to the dark-reddish sky, already figuring out why she hadn't awakened this time. It seems I don't have much time left…

Just as they always did, the horde of humanoid creatures appeared around her. No matter how many times she'd strike them down, more would rise. And the figure on the throne would not move an inch.

Normally, the woman loved battle and would relish this challenge with a wide smile. But know, her looming fate was getting closer. If she did not overcome the figure on the throne, it was over.

"I have killed thousands of your forces single-handedly, not even using my Teigu or a weapon…and you still won't budge."

After no response from the figure, the humanoid creatures lunged after the woman. I've never felt a despair like this… It's like my will has dwindled to nothing…

The humanoid creatures were close, but the woman was still, eyes directed at the sky. I can feel it…the hopelessness of this struggle. Could it be that I…was weak after all?

The woman's eyes widened when the creatures' sharp claws pierced her body. She was stabbed through multiple parts of her body, pain and blood erupting like a volcano. When the claws were retracted out of her flesh, she fell to the ground, her red blood mixing with the black blood. Lying on her back, her life was fading like a dying flame.

Seems this is as far as my strength let me go, Father… But, even so…

The creatures were gathering over her body, likely about the strike the final blow. It was surprising life was still flowing through her with all the wounds. One more barrage like before and death was certain.

Most would let despair consume them, and consign themselves to death. However, the woman stretched her arm towards the sky, hot blood running down her arm, and yelled, "If I'm too weak, then I must get stronger!"

Just as the creatures were about to strike, the world around her shifted. In the blink of an eye, her settings changed completely. Not only had the desolate wasteland been replaced with a snowy field, her wounds had vanished as well.

What happened? she thought, rising and scanning her surroundings. As she walked, the snow crunching under her feet as the heavens covered her footsteps with more snow. The woman was getting a faint sense of recollection. This area… Don't I know the area…?

She turned her head upon hearing the sound of someone—or something—approaching. It turned out to be a little girl who was running with a hunting knife in her hand. She was adorned in the proper warm furs for this cold weather, her blue hair had snowflakes sticking to it, and her eyes had a youthful fire to them.

Just as their paths were about to converge, the girl ran past the woman like she was invisible. But that wasn't what shocked the woman. The woman recognized the little girl…because it was herself from many years ago.

Author's Notes

1. We're at the beginning of a new thrilling arc, so it's time for some random skits!

Random Skit #8 Mediator

Run silently read his book while the rest of his comrades were busy arguing over something minuscule. The man often kept his composure, but he was beginning to lose his cool over all the ruckus.

"That's crap!" yelled Tatsumi. "I'm the one who took down the most!"

"No, I was!" yelled Wave. "I was keeping count the entire time!"

"Ugh, you all got so carried away, there was nothing left for me," said Leone.

Chelsea scoffed. "Well, at least you all didn't almost get her head shot off!"

"For the last time," yelled Mine, "it wasn't my fault! Maybe you should've—"

"Can I please have silence at once!" yelled Run so loudly, everyone paused. "Ahem, thank you." Run smiled as he sipped his tea. It's worth noting that no one said anything the remainder of the day.

Random Skit #9 Wild Hunt's Vacation

Wild Hunt worked hard the last week—at least that's what they were telling everyone—so they went to a nice resort town for vacation. Everyone, minus Dorothea since she didn't want to come, was enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and terrorizing the tourists and locales.

"Man, we really deserved this vacation," said Shula, terrorizing several women. "It's nice to kick back and relax awhile."

Enshin was corroborating with Shula's activities. "Got that right. Protecting innocent people is fulfilling, but we got to relax sometimes."

"There are so many angels here!" said Champ, doing some terrorizing of his own…with a bunch of young kids. "This really is paradise."

"I wish Dorothea could be here," said Cosmina, eyeing some young men. "She'd love this too I'm sure!"

Among the screams of terror and death, Izou sat peacefully with his sword, enjoying the nice weather. What a peaceful place.

Random Skit #10 An Emperor's Throne

Budo was in Emperor Makoto's throne room. Currently, the room was empty, but Budo had come here regardless. He was eyeing the prestigious throne.

"I should not think such thoughts… But if I were the emperor…"

Budo envisioned the Empire under his command. He'd have a strong military, all citizens would respect and worship him, and he'd have a public execution of Honest at his coronation. The general couldn't hide his smile at the vision.

"General Budo," said Makoto, appearing out of nowhere. Budo was so deep in his thought, he got careless. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing, my lord. Excuse me." The general left with his head down. Afterward, he put his men in awe after doing a thousand pushups. Though, they did not know he was punishing himself.

Random Skit #11 Wacko Witch

"For the last time," said Dorothea, walking through the hallways with Suzuka following, "you're not coming."

"Aww, but why not? You get to have fun fighting Nocturne while I stay here all bored? Hardly seems fair."

"Not my fault you got beat. You had your chance."

"What if you're defeated?"

Dorothea laughed. "How about if I lose, I'll give you my entire lab."

VVV

It was a day after Dorothea's defeat was announced, and Suzuka sat cross-legged in Dorothea's lab. "Best deal I've ever made. I wonder where she keeps the torture devices…"