Okay, next chapter is out, a more average ranting than anything.
Here we go, I love feedbacks! Let's answer to reviews!
PennyStroke: Yep, I was inspired by AC3 trailer when I wrote it. To be honest, I was at a writer's block, so I look up the internet for inspiration and there you have it. And really? Adewale? Okay, this might be interesting...And yeah, I love Arno's controled descend capablity, compared to all the AC2 fails, and have come to like his design, specially his Assassin uniform, as you could see that I copied it to Jack.
Blazedragon94: I tried to keep Jack away from using Esdeath's feelings as an opening as much as possible, so I must've did so unintentionally. If you want to, you can point them out. I'm happy to hear it so I can correct myself in the future.
Okay, enjoy the chapter! *bows*
"Get up, you!"-A kick to Jack's stomach woke him up.
Waking up, Jack was not surprised as he was welcomed by a dim moonlight through the window of his cell.
It has been 3 days since he was captured. During that period, Esdeath hasn't even bothered visiting. Which was fine, they weren't exactly at a point when a conversation can be properly held. Regardless, he was thrown into the city's prison, now also served as the torture house.
It didn't took long be before he realizes he was getting an easy treatment.
He smells blood, decomposed and burning flesh, and random people ranging from soldiers to childs being drag through the hallway outside his cell, screaming for their lives or at the brink of death themselves. Sounds of unimaginable torture devices and screams of pain echoed repeatedly. If the torture don't make a man go mad, hearing this would.
In comparison, he was left alone, although guard posts is as tight as a lady's corset. Meals were brought to him, but he refused. He heard gossips about Esdeath punishing some female officers because they were "hungrily looking at a certain prisoner and hoped to be allowed to interogate him themselves."
It has little matter now, but it still has value.
'That's how she treat threats.'
Now that he was identified as an Assassin, his idenity no longer mattered.
Groggily getting up, he was met with 6 men armed to the teeth, pointing muskets at him.
He didn't bother asks where they were leading him. He just did as told.
Truth is, he has his karambit hidden inside his graves, well enough that the guards didn't find it when they searched him for weapons.
He lost his Pandemonium Cross because he took off the ring during the shower, and had forgot to put it on when Esdeath flung that ice bolder into Jack and Chelsea's room. As such, most his gear are away from his reach at the momment.
As precaution, Esdeath had him cuffed and added huge amounts of lead bars to his arms and legs. It limited Jack down so he can't properly perform acrobatic skills anymore, although in his override exceed, he could still sprint and free run with that weight. Not that he'll try, his physical condition isn't well itself.
The soldiers lead him out of the prison and out to the street, where a convoy is waiting, with men taller than him by a full foot and armoured like an armordillo.
'Esdeath's taking no chances, huh?'
As he walks, he took the surroundings to his mind.
Bodies mutilated on crosses, blood splattered randomly on the streets, cries and screams can be heard as soldiers rushes into refuges, and public rapes.
And of course, piles of corpses.
Stepping on something soft and squishy, Jack did whatever he could to ignore it, only to felt it again.
And again.
And again.
The bodies weren't piled up. Because they were in the way, it was pushed to the roadside.
If his memories served right, this is the way to the town square. The image differs greatly, but he recognized some half destroyed signs and buildings.
Is he going to be publicly executed? A trap to lure Night Raid and Assassins out of hiding?
Then he saw a circle of ice walls.
'An arena?'-The Assassin stared at the make-shift structure created in the town square.
He can hear yelling and cheering, a real arena, just like the time he entered the tournament that ultimately lead to his meeting with the Empire's strongest.
However, it feels much more bleak and an air of despair swept over him as he is lead inside.
Entering the battle ground, he saw Esdeath standing in the middle, as the soldiers cheered for god knows what.
As he got into view, their cheer escalated, the arena booming with excitement.
Struggle a bit, Jack stepped forward, a blank and cold expression on his face.
He can see Esdeath hiding her excitment and smile as she voiced.
At that point, Jack noticed other prisoners. A lot of prisoners, once again, with a great range of variety, from man to woman, old to young, soldiers to civilians. Even deserters.
"Since 'all' of you are going to be executed, and I'm a woman of forgiveness"-Jack rolled his eyes at that-"I'll spare you some mercy, today and today only. The last person standing here alive will be free, have one wish of your choice, and perhaps, something I can 'personally' offer."
Jack scoffed. She just basically said he can bed her if he wins.
"IF you are able to kill this man."-Esdeath pointed at Jack.
Right now, Jack looked dirty and tattered just like any other prisoner, his strengths not at it's peak from refusing meals. Easily mistaken for a normal person.
Anyway, forget the 'personal' reward Esdeath mentioned, the prospect of them going free as well as wish for their loved ones to be as well fired up the group of prisoners.
That sense of wary was blinded by foolish hopes.
"Don't stand out of the battle too much, now."-Esdeath signaled, and a line of guards with muskets aimed down.
So anyone who fears death will be killed?
It makes sense, on a mad level, Jack grimly thought.
Turning to Jack, Esdeath took out a key and released him of his bindings.
"There's much to talk about, but we can do so after this."-She smiled slightly as she handed him his pair of hidden blades and bracers-"You are familiar with these, I assume?"
He said nothing and put them on.
He can threw all insults he wants, but it wouldn't matter anyway. He was in just as deep as the other prisoners.
Calmly looking over to the group of prisoners as weapons are being handed out to them, Jack nodded and made his mind.
The prizes Esdeath mentioned is a pathetic lie. Either way, those people will die.
So it's best to end their suffering with what kindness he can offer.
"What kind of sickening world is this..."-Jack muttered as he watches Esdeath getting to her perch.
Feeling her eyes on him, he pulled his hood up.
Completely unannouced, the battle begins.
Surrounded by attackers, Jack assumed a defensive stance.
They tried going all at once to kill him.
But Jack just chose a direction and kill his way out of it.
Stabbing his hidden blades from body to body, the death count increased. He did as much as he could to not go violent.
He was going to give them as much peace and kindness as he can.
Slicing open a throat, Jack grabbed the rusty sword given to the prisoner, before stabbing the guy, much to the horror of his family, also captive.
A child ran at him with a knife, but he deflected it with his bracers, and swiftly counter-killed him, much to his aching heart.
What right decided that he could live and others couldn't? Why is he allowed to survive when others are sent to die?
He decided to live on so he can meet Chelsea again.
These people are fighting for their lives as well, with their own personal reasons.
So what gives him the right to place himself above others and claim survival to himself?
As hope dies from the prisoners' eyes, despair swept over them.
Shaking like prey cornered by a predator, some dropped their weapons and ran, musket shots rang as their bodies fell.
Some begged Esdeath on her perch for mercy, to which the general just scoffed and threw ice spears down as respond.
"What's the matter? He is a prisoner, just like you! He is actually fighting for his life, unlike your cowardice! If you can't win over a single prisoner with only the will to survive, you don't deserve to!"-Esdeath shifted her legs, her boot stomping down the icy ground with might-"Unlike you trash, he is strong! Insects like you-"
"That's enough out of you, Esdeath!"
That voice interupted her.
The arena went dead silent.
That hooded prisoner just yelled back at her.
"Enough of this sick entertainment! If you don't like it, shut your gob!"-Jack openly defied her.-"Go on! Kill me! KILL ME!"
"..."-The guards with muskets looked at Esdeath for approval, but was shocked to find her just staring at the figure down the arena.
"I did not kill them to survive. They have as much reason and motive to ask for their lives as mine. I am not superior than them in anyway! They have as much right to live as I, if not more! So I don't want another word out of you for the rest of this 'fight', General Esdeath, have I made myself clear?!"-Jack badly wanted to say 'scumbag', but he refrained.
Dead silent.
Esdeath stared into Jack's eyes.
'That expression...'
It was also a nice expression, but Esdeath realized that it came from hate.
Seeing that expression means she made a mistake at handling him.
"..."-Words failed her as she just stared at him with her eyes wide and her mouth slightly agape.
Completely ignored the fact he might just piss off the Empire's Strongest, Jack turned to the remaining prisoners as he took off his hood.
"Forgive me. It was because of me that all this happened. I did not intend to rob you of your freedom. Or to place my freedom over yours."
The prisoners saw that sadness in his eyes, a pang of guilt and honesty.
"You just killed my family, and now you say sorry?"-A man glared at Jack.
"I say sorry not because I killed them. They would be dead anyway, excuse my honesty."
"What made you think so? If you are so kind as you preached on, why didn't you sacrificed yourself to trade for our lives?"
"Such noble acts would be in vain. Infact, it's useless."
"?"
"Esdeath mentioned that 'the last one standing' will get out."
The last one standing.
Meaning they didn't just have to kill the guy before them, but kill each other as well.
And the last one will still have that burden.
The guilt about living on alone.
Jack accepted that guilt. It is truly tormenting to live when people dies around you.
"...true despair...never falls within expectations, don't they?"-The man soon realized that, and collapsed to his knees.
It's true.
Jack did them a favor by ending their miserable lives with as much peace and kindness, without having to fight each other for a goal too far for them to reach. He ended their sufferings. Took as much suffering he could to atone.
The man looked over to his dead wife and child, as he saw Jack muttering some line about peace in the afterlife and closes their eyes, to that like they are sleeping.
Jack then stood up, his tears welling up, but flowed back into his heart.
"I can only do so much. Forgive me."
"Just do it."
Jack can only described the man's eyes as souless. Like they already left this world and onto the next, and this is merely a pile of flesh that still ticks.
Stepping forward, each steps as heavy as stones, Jack crouched down before the broken man.
"I am sorry. Truly sorry for all of this. May your soul find peace in the next world."-Jack then stabbed the hidden blade to the man's heart, ending his life-"Resquiescat in Pace."-He lowered the man's body and closed his eyes.
As the fight ended, and bodies are being carried away, Jack leaned on the cold icy wall as he waited.
Soon enough, the ice queen entered his line of sight.
Looking dejected, Jack didn't say or do anything. He was too tired to say anything. Esdeath can have his organs.
To his slight surprise, Esdeath helped him up.
"Jack, you're now officially my direct surbordinate."
"I refuse."-He defiantly said.-"Just...let me leave, Es. I've earned my freedom."
"That prize was for those trash. Your prize is this."
"What kind of nonsense is that? Did you plan it from the start or made it up on the spot?"
"Jack."-Esdeath said softly.
"...Just leave me be, Es."
"I won't. I'm sorry if I offended you, or displease you. Just...stay with me."
"..."-Jack inhaled, turning to her, his index finger raised as if he was going to rebute, but then he sighed.
"..."-Esdeath warped her arms around him in a hug, comforting him.
But just after a few seconds, her embrace was broken as the Assassin gently, but firmly pushed her away.
"Sorry Es. But I'll tell you a truth that would hurt you deeply."
"...?"
"I'm in love with someone else."-Jack steeled himself.-"She loves me in return as well. And...We're going out."
"..."-Words failed to describe Esdeath expression. A mixture of shock, hurt and anger, perhaps.
"Bring him to my room, maim him if he refuses and drag him here. I don't mind blood on the carpet."-Esdeath sighed heavily.
At first she honestly thought he was joking. Then she realized he was more than dead serious, 'dead' being a fine equalizer.
Esdeath recalled.
If Jack really is Edward, then...
"That girl in Night Raid..."
She recalled the girl back in the man'o'war incident.
She was there in Borick assassination as well.
Orange-pink haired, headphones with ribbons, and a lolipop in her mouth.
What was her name? She didn't quite catch it.
Either way, as Jack was led into the former city lord's room that Esdeath now claimed for herself, since the guy won't be needing it anymore, the Empire strongest bitterly watched as the Assassin stepped forward.
"What do you want?"-He asked sternly, spelling out each word, stabbing that cold tone into her.
"I haven't gave up on you yet."
"Really? That's a surprise."-He mocked, although he tone now hold less venom.
"..."-Esdeath badly wanted to ask if he really is Edward or not, but refrain herself to at least maintain a conversation-"Like it or not, you are now my surbordinate."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I would have no choice but to call Kurome over and possess you that way."
"If you think you can do that, be my guest."
Esdeath knows he's not merely defying her.
Without using her trump card, Jack-Edward can, infact, beat her, how damaging for her pride it may be.
"That's why I'm calling you here. I'm offering you a full-pardon, a position of both wealth and power. If you care to be my surbordinate.
"If you really know me at all, Es, then you know that's complete bull to me."-Jack scoffed. Wealth and power? Get off his face.
"What have I failed in?"-Esdeath asked, a slight sadness in her voice.-"What is it I failed to give you that made you..."
"No. Let me ask you a question."
"?"-Interupted, Esdeath can only waited.
"Have you ever truly given me anything?"
"?"-Her look of pure confusion said it all.-"I have given you anything a human being ever wanted! I could have made you a king in your own right, gave you my love in the process! Wha-"
"I have no interest in being wealthy, or being a king. And for your love. I have considered it more than once, but everytime, especially now, an answer I can't deny popped up. That answer made the choice for me."
"Then what..."
"I asked you if you are willing to throw everything away for me, Es. It was a stupid question if you thought it out. But love is a two-sided effort. You can't expect to possess me completely without fulfilling my wishes."
"And your wish is to take down this Empire, correct?"
"Indeed. Our goals don't align. Of course, forbidden love like fraternising with the enemy exists, but it don't apply to us."-Jack sighed-"You refused to help me, your ways of convincing me only served to piss me off, I'd say I made a fair point, no?"
"..."-Esdeath remained silent for a while.-"Then, for the meantime, act as my surbordinate. If you wish to neglect your health and continue to defy me, so be it. I have no qualms with killing you. But if you wish to live"-Esdeath paused so that the implication sinks into him-"I'll also neglect the fact that I know your girlfriend by face, and temporary stop my pursuit of both Night Raid and the Assassin Creed. So long as you comply as my direct surbordinate, Edward.
"..."-Jack's eye twitched-"Who?"
"I still had my doubt, everything that comes out both your and his mouth about idenity can't be trusted, but I'll take words over documents for now."-Esdeath nodded, the tension clear subsided the momment she gave in a few points.-"Do you agree?"
"I won't fight my friends, and will not participate in anything involving the torture chamber."
"Wasn't my intention."
"...Deal."-He nodded with slight hesitation.
In basic, Esdeath just said "If you want me to be nice and leave your girlfriend alone, serve me."
Then Esdeath heaved a huge, relaxing sigh before hugged him.
"Seems like you still have a voice of reason. I thought I lost you to a bunch of religous fanatics."
"The creed isn't a religous faction. We don't encourage sacrificing our lives to the Order."
"Then, that means you can get out. Good, because I intend to rip you away from them."
"As you will try."
"Good. Now. I'll go get you a meal. You take a short shower to rid yourself of all the dirt and blood."-Esdeath held out a collar and a chain.
"I am your surbordinate, not a pet."-Jack pushed her hands away.
"I could place guards, but I don't think they meant anything to you. And placing too much guards around my room give me a bad taste in my mouth."
"..."-He just stared at her.
"Only when I'm not around."
"..."
"Just ten minutes!"
"..."
"Fine! Have it your way! I'll place a few female officers that are just dying to meet you while you take a shower, how's that? Unlike me, they have no problem with forcing it on you."
"..."-Jack held a smug grin.-"Whatever you think best."-He strived for the bathroom.
'He's trying to piss me off.'-Esdeath rubbed her aching head.
Apparently, Esdeath decided to leave him be without guards watching over him at all.
The building's security outside is still very tight, and he'll be seen as soon as he leaves the building, no matter what way he choose. In a city full of enemies, that's very bad.
Don't like wasting opportunities, but left with no other options, Jack decided took a quick shower to rid himself of the dirt. Esdeath would've killed to join him, so that was an opportunity in itself. As he was drying himself up, he had no idea what to wear next. Getting back to his Assassin coat and suit just removes the point of taking a shower, and Esdeath don't have any...
Jack then recognized the item sprawled out on the bed.
His Coat of Midnight.
She used it as her blanket?!
Jack gulped. He had to find a better place to stay for the night.
A hot woman that loves you want you to spend the night with her.
It feels so wrong for him to try and get away, but his head isn't made of perverted thoughts alone. He is still a dignified man that knows restraint.
Anyway, that means the rest of his adventurer persona is around.
Hoping that he won't come up upon something he'll regret later, Jack opens a chest near the bed, completely out of place and looks newly placed.
Indeed, it contained his adventurer persona.
It doesn't have a hood, but whatever.
In the middle of dressing up, the door opened slightly. Only enough to peek.
That triggered almost an immediate response from the Assassin. He didn't use his Eagle sense, but things were rather laxed at the momment.
"Who's there?!"-Jack voiced immediately, his voice shown more authority and manliness than any man could hope to achieve.
if Esdeath paid a bit of attention to his voice rather than his smell, she'll find that although the voice is common, the tone and the way he spells out is completely unique.
It could had been a dead giveaway if she did.
"!"-The door snapped shut.
In a quick leap, Jack landed in the door and forced it open before the person on the other side could move an inch.
"Ow ow ow! Isn't it proper to quickly close the door when a person is changing clothes?"-A female soldier groaned as she tended to that bruise on her head.
"Not when you carefully peeked in. A person only do that when they're not allowed to enter. So don't pull that 'I was only checking' on me."
"So, what's your next course of action?"
"Ask you why."
"Only to satisfy my curiousness. You are the lover of the General, correct?"
"Wrong."
"..."
Jack saw an opportunity in her.
"I'm sure you don't want this to end up in the general's ears, so here's my compromise."
"Oh? Do you need help with anything? Perhaps I can...arrange for something."-She hungrily oggled his tall and muscular body, as he stood chest-naked before her.
"I need a sword."-Apparently, the girl failed to express her intentions to him, but regardless.
"...I can get you a sword. It'd be no masterpiece, but it will do. What kind of sword do you prefer?"
"Now I'm interested. You have a variety of swords?"
"I hold the key to the armory."-The female officer grinned.
"Then a fine claymore would do."
"Deal. I'll have it for you outside the building tomorow morning."
"Thank you."-He opens a slight smile.-"I'll see you around."
"If time permits, pay me a visit. And I'll straigthen up a different sword of yours."
"You are risking your life for it?"
"Thrill and pleasure, what else could I want?"
Throwing the best charming smile he could at that momment, he sends her off.
He was never the ladies' man, and never will. Though he couldn't deny that he could be charming if he puts his mind into it. As a persona.
"Seriously Jack, either you're born with the charm, or charm refuses to get away from you."
"Is that so..."-Jack smiled slightly at his former friends' antic.
Regardless, he quickly hid his karambit into one of the few metal bracers on his pants and finished dressing up.
Esdeath was in a bit of a bad mood.
Not because she found out her lover had been one of the most lethal killers, with both the work, the will and the wits. Not because during his ventures, he came across and began dating a different girl due to somesort of a "conclusion" he came to. Not because he could potentially be even the most lethal killer, if his idenity is confirmed as she suspected, and that they are enemies by anyway possible.
No, it was because something else.
'I forgot...'
All the tension and the prospect of having to kill him had made her forget to enjoy a shower with him.
It was only afterwards that she remembered.
But returning without the promised meal is beyond improper, so she hurried, hoping to make it back on time, and that Jack is still in the shower.
Yet she picked the worst time possible. The cook only began his work as certain times, and this, is not one of them. Of course, he frantically worked his best dishes after hearing the general's direct order, but it was still too late.
By the time she got back with the food tray, Jack had already got properly dressed long time ago, and by the looks of it, and especially his smug smile, he had done something.
Something.
Something is out of order in this room, or around it.
Besides the content of the chest containing his clothes had been opened, the room looked every bit the same.
Both Jack and Edward are masters of deception. Reading his eyes and expression can't tell anything. You litterally had to check his heart rates if you want to know the truth, in forms of yes/no answers. By far this is the most challenging opponent she ever met, and if Jack and Edward are indeed the same person, then she seriously lacked some talents compared to him.
"You didn't run."
"I could have indeed."
Esdeath eyed the temporary workdesk.
The keystone.
She had litterally been using it as paperweight eversince she obtained it.
She expected him to grab the thing and be as far as the city limits by now.
But the sound of his grumbling stomach made her realize a fatal flaw in that.
'He's still human.'
"Here. Don't reject it."
"..."-Jack nodded as he accepted the tray, however, he didn't began eating.
"It's not poisoned."
"I know it's not."-He almost deadpanned if not for the groan at the end.-"Just stop staring at me."
Indeed, she was intently looking at him with her hands cupping her two cheeks like an innocent girl watching a movie.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"That's it, I give up."-Jack set the tray down.
"? But you haven't even taken a bite!"
"Let's have a compromise then."
"?"
"I'll eat on the roof. Out of your sight."
"You would run if-"
"Then I'll give you my word."
"..."
Normally, that kind of sentence meant little, Esdeath herself go back on her words multiple times.
But back on the island, as soon as Edward gave his word, he went through with it, to the letter. The very letter.
'As soon as we left the island he ran off so fast I couldn't even throw a curse at him...'
"..."-Esdeath groaned-"Assassin's honor."
"...Of course. Can I sleep outside too?"
"...I don't even know where to begin."
"As you should. Nothing is true, everything is permitted."-Jack turned to the window.-"Good day to you."
How was he going to climb, carrying a tray of food?
To Esdeath surprise, Jack used one hand only to support and climb, all the while balancing the food tray.
He once thought it was ridichulous when his mentor asked him to do a similar exercise. Only that it was four times the height he just climbed.
He failed that for more than a month. It means no lunch for a month.
Granted, he usually go by a one-meal-a-day standard, so it didn't mattered much, but it pissed him off to no end that he kept trying again and again.
Gradually, he stops cursing and began working.
His sense of balance was being tested, and improved.
The height increased until one day, he had lunch with the eagles.
After that, everything about acrobatic just flows along like a breeze.
Speaking of the mentor...
'He had something to support him. A hookblade, was it?'
He could use that. His mentor used it because he was getting old and losing his touch, but Jack could always use an extended reach.
The way a hook saved you by clinging loosely to a tiny ledge scares the living shite out of him. But, terrified as is maybe, it still infact, save lives. Reckless lives, but lives.
Jack began thinking how he was going to make one. The hookblade isn't hard to make, but he's currently stuck with Esdeath.
Finishing the meal, he laid on the roof, watching an eagle flew by and landed in a tower not far from where he is.
"Jack, you have a momment?"-Esdeath's voice called out from the room.
"What is it?"-He asked dryly, stepping back inside.
He saw the general was holding out a set of uniform clothes.
"Here. You are my surbordinate, so it's a must."
"How come the Jaeger wears normal clothes while I have to wear your uniform?"-He rolled his eyes.
"Just put it on. With this, you can freely explore the city, and the cap meant you are a high ranking officer, so guards will listen to what orders you have besides leaving the city permit, and will tolerate any illegal acts. Even killing their own."
"And why are you giving it to an Assassin, may I ask?"
"..."
It was obvious that such a thing could not be trusted to an enemy, a deadly one at that. It gives him the right to be above the law as long as he is inside this city. For an assassin, that is simply too much of an advantage.
"Es?"
"I came to realize something."
"?"
"Keeping you captive and restricted...It's simply not working. I fell in love with the Jack that's adventurous, cunning, a fighter that uses more than his strength, and most of all, free."-Esdeath glanced over to the eagle flying outside.-"A youth that lives his life as he sees fit. Possessing you meant little if you can't be Jack anymore. Chaining you to a wall removes that spirit in your eyes. So, all I ask now...is that you would always return to my call. That's the right way to possess someone you love. Isn't that right?"
"That's a big step up from the Esdeath a few months ago."-Jack didn't hide that astonishment from his face at all.-"Still, you're giving it to an Assassin. I'll run away with it. Back to my girlfriend's side. Are you sure? Or is this your way of saying 'I gave up on you'?"
"Hardly. I just want to keep you 'you'. I'll "-Esdeath groaned.-"To be honest, I don't have a different choice. This is my first try at something like this."
"...It feels good, right?"
"Thrilling."
She didn't do this out of spite or confusion. She wasn't confident that it was the right course of action to take, but she did thought it through and decided on doing so.
"Still, that being said, I won't let you out of my sight long enough for you to run. You are still mine. And this entire city is a loose prison, in a way. So I don't have to worry about it right now. Enjoy it while you can."
"...And here I was, thinking you've changed."
Meaning, given a choice, she'll keep him chained down. But she's just so confused and unfamiliar with these kind of things that she decided to do this. and the flipside to this is that if he wears it, it means he accepts on being her surbordinate by his own will.
Still, he's grateful. Perhaps Esdeath isn't all broken as a human afterall.
But he had to make sure.
"How would you feel if I betray your expectations and run?"
"..."-Esdeath pondered-"Sad. Angered. Excited."
"Because?"
"Because I don't have you with me anymore, someone else does. You can only be mine, Jack."
For a momment, Esdeath swore on her life that Jack was genuinely shocked and disappointed.
"I'll ask this again. To be sure."
"?"-She tilted her head confusingly.
"Are you ready to come with me, and take down this Empire?"
A slap swept right across Jack's face.
He didn't react to it, just merely return his gaze back to where it was before.
"What are you saying, to a General of the Empire, Jack?"
"..."-Jack lowered his head.
That confirms his guess, and he had completely reached a conclusion.
"Just stay with me, by my side."-Esdeath noticed a cut on the right side of his lip thanks to her nails and that powerful slap, blood coming out of it, and so she licked it.-"I'll let you have whatever desire you have as a man in return."
Once again, a firm hand pushed her away.
"Sorry, but I'm sure a few men would refuse."
For example, Jack was sure that if Tatsumi or Kakeru was in his place, they would refuse it with all their hearts.
"..."-Esdeath looked at him again.
He looked dejected again, the slight hope in his eyes betrayed and lost.
What did she do?
What did that question meant to him? Is the revolution and the duties as an Assassin, his belief into the Order more important than her?
Is that girlfriend of his more important than her?
"Honestly, Esdeath, you just don't change do you?"
"? Change what? What is it that you want? What is it that you seek? I've done everything I could for you, but you still aren't satisfied?!"
"You did everything you could. As a General. But did you do everything you could as Esdeath?"-Jack retorted-"Yet you expect me to give up everything and everyone around me for you? My friends, my brothers and sisters, all I have found in the freedom outside your clutches, my pride and loyalty to men and women who deserves them, why would I throw it away for you? What could you do for me that could trade for a life? An experience? Could what you've done for me that trade for my heart? My love? Why would I betray them for a girl who don't understand the meaning beyond possession?"
"..."-Esdeath can't find a way to return that. She had no idea what he was trying to convey.
"...We're just...too different."-Jack concluded.-"I honestly thought we had something when we first met. It pains me to no end that I can't convince you. I can't make you understand. And you simply don't know me, or what I want. Not as an Assassin, but as Jack."
His 'conclusion' was spot on.
He hoped he was wrong, and was beyond excited when he first thought she had changed.
"...Do you still loves me?"-Esdeath trembly asked.
"..."-Jack silently accepts the uniform in her hands, feeling the general had been holding onto that way too long.-"To be honest, I do."
"Then-"
"But it didn't work out. So I moved on. And if it hurts you, I'm sorry. I could deserve another slap, but I'll admit to have toyed with your emotions. It wasn't my intention."
"Can I still try?"
"Where would you begin?"-Jack turned his back to her.-"I still apreciate what you've done for me. I could blame you for as much as you blame me. Love is stupid, blind and crazy. Our story could've made into a great tale later on, but we could not afford to be stupid."
Their goals were too far apart, if not completely opposite of each other.
"I won't give up. I'll find a way to make you mine."
"..."-Jack bitterly laughed-"Then, a question to finish this conversation."
"?"
"Are you ready to be mine yet?"-Jack left her where she stands, and heads for the bathroom to change.
...