Akame ga Kiru
The Imperial Saber
Chapter Fifty
The two young men who stood facing one another without speaking a word despite events leading up to their current situation. Accompanying the large swordsman wasn't without its fair perks as casual conversation wasn't too bad. Ran had learned a great deal talking pleasantly to a man who truly looked uneasy given their meeting, if anything he'd have liked to conversed more until they had reached where the Imperial Saber legion was housed. Immediately tension arose when Ran found himself being escorted past double doors where voices could heard despite being low in volume, frequent sources from different people and it seemed lively inside. But that all changed once those doors opened revealing the young Colonel personally.
They were both escorted into a separate room down several hallways and promptly locked inside. It wasn't a particularly comforting feeling once it became clear, he'd been viewed as a threat! Ran seemingly allowed himself to be at ease yet was under no illusion he had stumbled into something interestingly peculiar. You're considering to kill me, aren't you Tatsumi? That assumption came from an ever perfected face that stoned walled any belief the young Colonel was willing to talk. More so a rigid posture indicated an ever clear sign that danger wasn't too far from being exposed.
"You've been quite busy as of late, Tatsumi." Ran broke the ice pleasantly as always forgoing no signs of an aggressive to placate a younger Imperial, "I hope my intervention invoking your men to help their own is a good sign." His technical superior among their group expression hardly had changed from a stoic steel like discipline which really defined how similar the General was to him. Yet he placated any potential mistrust aside, "Please, Colonel! You have my word that I'm not here to doing anything rash."
The first sign of a positive outlook came with a simple tense question, "How much did you exactly over hear, Ran?" Smiling kindly while raising his book did the former school teacher go over notes akin to teaching a class of eager students, "Enough to draw my own conclusion! If you'd allow me too." Tatsumi's emerald orbs narrowed at first as suspicion took a hold, for it seemed far too alien on him given he hadn't seen this expression, or witnessed personally this kind of attitude since meeting the young man. Yet regardless he'd admit to be on a receiving end of a less than kind mentality was quite intimidating.
Ultimately a singular nod voiced an unspoken sign to do so as Ran cleared his throat, "You have my gratitude, Tatsumi." Flipping through several pages where various notes were written, information gathered and theories tested elegantly. The fair man didn't waste a single moment, "You have unknown teigu users underneath your employ, or in service among your soldiers." Obviously it was stated without a need to draw suspense to agitate, or make his superior grow potentially hostile yet the blond haired man frowned, "And it's no coincidence what you're doing is a sign! A sign to my understanding that you're trying to achieve something rather...significantly."
Quietly shifting through pages of extensive notes and occasional conclusions did he continue, "Whatever you're doing is actively drawing our enemy towards you." Tracing a particular name listened near theorizing in which were mainly humored questions, "Night Raid is our intended adversary as Jaegers, Tatsumi." Two golden eyes met emerald with a pointed contest to indicate questions that needed to be addressed, "I'm here underneath my own will because I am very curious as to what's going on. You've extensively, from what I've seen first hand cultivated Seryu's support to willingly help you based on observations, I noted you and Wave have been together recently once I asked around and as such it begs me to ask why."
The young Colonel didn't outright answer at first much to Ran's inner turmoil. An oppressive silence seemingly made any urge to move, or shift very dangerous to provoke a young man who clear wasn't remaining idly. You don't trust me, do you? That question alone could have its value beyond any piece of gold and was what deciding his own fate, if Tatsumi's still form remained fixated upon his own peaceful posture. Whatever was happening it needed more on his part to be convincing and absolutely fair to appease this mistrusting attitude.
"Tatsumi, I'll swear to you here and now what happens here does not reach your fiancee." Ran daringly proclaimed despite knowing the consequences if the General ever got an inkling something was wrong and he knew anything. "Is that enough?" He kindly inquired trying to quell any ill will between them as Jaegers, friends and comrades to which it succeeded. Tatsumi took a deep breath to relax himself visibly as he agreed partially, "For now."
Both Jaegers eased themselves away from instigating one another unintentionally once the young Colonel gestured for them to sit. "I'm going to be perfectly clear with you, Ran." He sat down on a provided chair to be at an arm's length from his fellow Jaeger, "You've put me in a very difficult position. Mainly on whether I should silence you, or not just for even knowing about my Ghosts." An intentional answer he'd already known signified a bridge of trust to not lie, "But on the other hand you chose to talk. It proves to me you are only curious, so talk to me."
An olive branch extended willingly gave the former school teacher confidence while placing his hand written notes up for display. Truth be told he had many questions, "Those teigu users are of your own and loyal to you?" He asked cautiously at first only to get a singular nod again, "And they're assisting your own soldiers to what end? You're obviously conducting a systematic purge! A thing I've never imagined in our era, an event I'd never believe possible considering what kind of evil infects this city itself and yet here you are!" Leaning forward Ran made himself comfortable while pulling out a small pen to begin writing on his latest blank pages.
"It's a long story, so I'll go over what lead me up to this point." Tatsumi told him quietly settling for a decent conversation as Ran nodded supportive in understanding, "We've got time, my friend." And with that the young Colonel explained in detail minus a fact in revealing names, or specifics for his fellow Jaeger to understand the magnitude of what was happening. He didn't lie at all to mislead, or outright so just to omit names based on fear but mainly of safety to which Ran complied too, doing so in favor to learn more. Inevitably it'd lead a former teacher who would become naturally wide eyed after a while.
Time seemingly passed without too much of an issue as the two weren't interrupted by immediate events. Seldom did one of two legionary sentries outside would ask by opening the doorway, if they needed refreshments, tiredly Tatsumi sent for water mainly. These pauses during their talks allowed Ran to digest exactly what his intentions were. The former school teacher turned teigu user found himself asking politely at times, if what he wanted to do was right or rather how he'd exactly attempt this seemingly colossal ambition. Throughout their exchange it became clear exactly what was more beneficial and seemingly right when he smiled slightly, "You'll have no fear of the General getting wind of our talk, Tatsumi."
They continued without interruption once Tatsumi dove down into exactly what he desired to accomplish with those of similar intentions. He revealed how worn down physically, mentally and spiritually to finally reach this point of drastic action. Ran could only watch him pitifully once realization gave light to how much a twisted nature of their world inevitably began breaking an already formidable young man. Yet there was strength to see him pushing onward! Never once faltering despite being weighed down. It earnestly struck the Jaeger how exhausted his superior seemed and yet he still kept himself to know if he didn't try, then no one would!
"Your impossible goal isn't exactly easy on you, isn't it?" Ran stated rather humorously much to his superior's thin smile of agreement, "No." Removing his beret to allow a hand to freely run through dampening hair followed the sign of exhaustion, "Every decision I'm about to take I know there's going to be consequences! No matter what if I do anything it seems like everything and plus some is trying to kill me." An overly common sardonic smile clearly shown he hadn't enjoyed being a target. Yet said person had accepted that everything involving those dangers came with what was desired to be accomplished.
Pursuing his lips into a grimace the elder Jaeger folded both arms, "Tatsumi, I..." Stopping momentarily to get some baring Ran could only look upon the younger Colonel with sympathy. If your fiancee catches wind of this event prematurely, I don't doubt she'll take it as both an insult to her trust in you and a stain upon us, Jaegers. It wasn't so much a dilemma to report back to the general yet if she knew of his own complacency about this entire spectacle? Ever so doubtful he knew escaping repercussion wasn't plausible, Esdeath's fondness for punishment wasn't appealing despite harboring sympathetic motives for this young man to succeed.
A hesitant question escaped him, "You're asking me to withhold this from our general?" The young Colonel shook his head negatively which startled Ran internally, "No! If I did I wouldn't have been talking to you." Those eyes which were once full of vibrant fire and emotional passion were tired shells of a man who was asking for a lot more, "I'm asking you to trust me, Ran." Owlishly blinking did the former school teacher process how much trust this younger man asked, so it'd require quite a fair amount to put it mildly.
Although thinking back to their conversations beginning he allowed a wry grin to slip, "It seems my efforts were against me unknowingly." Tatsumi's equal smirk of encouragement followed his shrug of acknowledgment, "Well...you wanted to know why." Despite feeling slightly bemused he did point out rather cheekily to force that grin off Ran's expression to become an accepting smile, "And you'd keep what's been said between us? I'd consider it as a test on your part, if it were so but really her not knowing isn't a problem especially when she's given me permission to do what I want." That revelation made his fellow Jaeger stare disbelievingly to such an extent he was at a loss for words for once.
Leaning forward he voiced out an ever natural exclamation, "She's letting you?" The fiance of said woman merely nodded again confirming it, "I've got expectations to live up too." He joked flatly while drinking down a mouthful of water from one partially filled mug. Figuring to give his technical subordinate within the Jaeger's a bone he remarked, "It's why I'm going all out now! I've got everything on the line Ran, I'm tired of pretending people will do anything so it's on me to show them and I have to impress her which is more than possible. Yet I just need people who will back me up, to stand beside me and more importantly to not hesitate to show things are different."
Processing only so much forced Ran to considerably lean away since he was taken back by the sheer scale alone. You'd throw yourself to the wolves for the people of this country, this city and put all this effort for them? Tatsumi you're either insane, or mad! That thought morbidly sounded amusing in hindsight given neither option looked good yet to see a spark of what made this young man uniquely stand out? He'd admit it was humbling to realize an offer had been made! If anything there's such a stark contrast between how fiance and fiancee treated others beneath them, in hindsight Ran swore alone they'd be a pair to make any enemy tremble for different reasons.
However you're not just doing this for them alone, are you? Questions lingered which he'd admit were of a selfish nature to be answered. They were ones that would decide upon whether supporting his superior willingly as opposed to be a silent benefactor, Ran took a moment looking away to bring a precious memento visible. Taking the pin holding back his own hair he stared at me reminiscing of past memories that held a painful recourse. I haven't forgotten you all my students, but it seems my own ambition is very near without myself sacrificing anymore and yet it's why I wanted to change this despicable nation.
Fondling remembering a time when teaching was it's own happiness Ran softly spoke drawing Tatsumi's attention, "A long time ago I once taught children inside a town called Joyou." Fondness crept into his next words for unmistakable affection for said students, "They were some of the most bright children you'd have ever imagined. They were so full of eagerness, hope and innocence to learn to do so much more it was...heart warming to see a young generation willing to prepare themselves to do more." His hand idly flipped over a meager feather like hair pin as though he'd done so on numerous occasions in private.
"You can't imagine what joy I held for them even though they weren't my children." Clutching the feather pin made a man close his eyes remembering every face, "But I loved them as would a parent would do to their own, Tatsumi." The young Colonel schooled his features since children as a whole invoked mix reactions internally. Many experiences weren't kind based on his circumstances, for a few were beyond outright horrifying in his time as a soldier and being an orphan certainly didn't help when it came to an aloof understanding of family. But there was no mistake in that pain he recognized all too well.
Ran's smile absolutely bitter once he revealed, "But one day I came back to see them all brutally dead and tortured disgustedly by some foul monster beyond recognition. You couldn't tell who from what, or what from who." Lightly setting down the feathery hair pin Ran casually flipped his hand, "I'd been away running errands for someone inside town that weekend. Usually I allowed my students on their free time to use the school, I should have stayed...should've." Breaking off to deal with old demons didn't help knowing it wouldn't have made any difference without a teigu, a grim reminder yet human nature involving guilt became bind to fact itself.
Tatsumi interjected quietly respectful asked an inevitable question. He pointed out a bit wary, "You're telling me no one inside this town wanted to know who killed an entire school of children? Their own kids, no less?" He'd figure at least outrage would've exploded said populace, or blatant calls for hanging a supposed child killer wouldn't go unnoticed. Although it was a moot point to consider since few would do anything, or could do something rather. But it still didn't mask his own disgust if there wasn't any reasonable doubt as to why.
Ran chuckled merrily which sealed a fleeting hope, "Oh, no!" His fingers tapped rather vigorously against a wooden table's once unbeatable surface, "Prestige for such an elegant city as ours, for it is above such petty fates of those in having lesser, blood." He quoted rather scathingly despite having an utmost polite tone which caused the younger Colonel to resignedly accept that heart wrenching truth. It was his entire reason for becoming a teigu user after all, "It's safe to say when I hear of pride and witness such blind hubris of those wielding power? I can say without a doubt it is surely known they are not my favorites among people as you understand yourself, Colonel."
An understatement to which said person replied rather blandly, "You're saying old news, Ran." Their bantering needed to avoid deflection from what had to be addressed, so Tatsumi finally decided he wasn't in any mood for games or vague assurances. Laying down an offer cemented a fact even his fellow Jaeger to know this wasn't lightly given. "If you're so curious then you're welcome to follow me into that room we passed earlier." A tempting truth garnered the reaction he wanted through the man's raised eyebrows, "You know you're not going to be the only Jaeger inside that meeting. Personally I'm gathering everyone who I trust just for them to understand what will happen and how it's going too, Ran."
Neither one sitting refused to look away as temptations became rampant due to personal goals being achieved. Seryu, Wave and I? You're dividing us as a team, if push came to shove who'd support who and stand next to what? Whether it seemed unintentional on his part, Tatsumi's insatiable drive to push impossibility towards reality could cause a schism between the Jaegers. If Esdeath wasn't appeased by her fiance's efforts, she'd have a plausible sense of punishment in a light sense of someone taking a hammer and slamming it down on their hand. But if she had already approved then impressing her wasn't entirely impossible either...
"You'd risk our friends in this endeavor?" He referred to both Seryu and Wave who were those other Jaegers in question as Tatsumi harshly rebuked, "Not willingly." Also leaning forward baring teeth which indicated barely suppressed fury, "I wouldn't endanger Wave, or Seryu! Unless they knew about it which is my reason for calling them in on this meeting because it's the whole point!" One hand dipped below the table to possibly draw a sword, "Understand carefully, when I say I won't force people to follow me. But since you want to think otherwise?"
The table began to lightly be tapped by something metallic and Ran concluded precisely it was indeed a sword's pommel. Your heart is always in the right place Tatsumi, I can see why Bols and you got along very well regardless of your history. It'd been a genuine regretful feeling to no longer see the eldest of Jaegers among them alive. It hurt seeing that man's family when he'd been with the general herself explaining why Bols hadn't returned. Yet an oddity had suddenly become clear now that he thought about it carefully.
Why didn't Esdeath have her fiance with her when telling the family of his death? Frowning internally did several oddities begin to place themselves as strange coincidences intentionally masked. You've been incredibly active, busy and yet no one has told you of their reaction? The funeral is going to take place soon and yet you're working as though... Ran stopped mid thought once a clarity broken through everything and he felt rightfully guilty. Tatsumi hadn't been told of Bols's funeral because Esdeath had wanted him to proceed with impressing her over others entirely.
"Can I ask you something personal, Colonel?" Ran inquired hesitantly by actively showing his natural confusion to which Tatsumi tensely nodded as a tapping ceased, "What then?" His fellow Jaeger winced before explaining, "Forgive me for doubting your feelings on this matter Tatsumi. But has our dear general informed you of Bols and his family's...funeral yet?" Silence reigned long enough for that answer to be realized as he hadn't know at all. It was arrogance on his part to question this young man's drive to protect others, Seryu and Wave's survival were examples.
But by not attending a funeral of their comrade appeared incomprehensible to say the least. I've made a terrible mistake thinking you're using us to your own ends Tatsumi, I shouldn't have used Bols to gauge your intentions. Our dear general it seems is quite cruel to deny you closure at her expense, selfish beyond expectation it seems. Seeing this young man's expression change from hardened to sorrowful only further added evidence he hadn't been aware yet a bitter guilt and relief flooded Ran's thoughts regardless though. Oddly enough the next question he uttered sounded painfully happy which caused him to blink several times, "She informed Bols's family, personally? What exactly was her reaction to them?"
Initially expecting resentment of some kind for denying closure in a failure to protect comrades was he'd been prepared to witness. But the young Colonel's tone sounded happier for her doing an intended duty? I'm missing something here, aren't I? Tatsumi looked away allowing both of his shoulders to slump signifying a weighted decision yet a thin smile cynically destroyed any notion it was a kind gesture. He almost misheard another request, "Ran." The former teacher looked up to see two emerald orbs all but pleading to hear his account, "Tell me how she honestly reacted to Bols's wife and child, please."
An elder Jaeger softly placed both hands to hide anxious tendencies to tap fingers against the table's exterior again. Taking a moment to compose himself he began slowly, "The family was very devastated if you can imagine." Tatsumi's face hardly changed which made these next details both damning intriguingly and guilt defying, "The General seemed confused, if I had to guess. Especially when his child grabbed her leg crying and shaking,'Why her daddy died underneath the strongest person, ever' as she said very distraught, truthfully I almost wanted to hug the poor thing." Ran admitted quietly feeling a similar reaction to whenever children were exposed to such harsh realities.
It wasn't exactly a good memory to relive given how the man's widowed wife could only close both eyes tightly. She nearly broke down but only withstood such emotional distraught because her child needed her most. Ran sighed heavily continuing his account, "It seemed Bols had told stories about us Jaegers, Colonel and the little girl believed every word of her father." The blank face couldn't hide fresh wounds which reopened when a young man's fist clutched itself so strongly knuckles popped, "She begged your fiancee to bring him back. I believed I thought I saw her frown a bit unsure, I mistook it for irritation yet that little girl cried and asked why someone like the 'awesome' Colonel Saber didn't help her daddy..."
An entire mug suddenly found itself smashing into dozens of tiny pieces as Tatsumi's arm lashed out violently! Ran withheld his tongue forgoing any desire to continue due to how strong of a reaction this story had just provoked internal fury. My god I see it now, I know you're blaming yourself. There was an expression so full of anguish, so full of hate and it was beyond frightening to realize it was all aimed at internally inside this young man. Hair loosely fell bereft of a beret holding it back, Ran found himself regretting for even obliging as partially obscured gnashing teeth which were baring themselves openly coming close to cutting flesh.
Yet an order was bitten out harshly, "Continue!" Two golden eyes didn't dare to disobey despite a pleading conscious telling his mouth otherwise, "As you wish, Colonel." Settling back in took only a brief moment until his tale continued solemnly, "Your fiancee seemed awkward by placing her hand on Bols's child trying to...comfort her? At least, I think so." He paused momentarily trying to find an exact intention given Esdeath wasn't familiar to dealing with a child's tender mentality, "She spoke indifferently at best before telling his family that any funeral costs were to be covered by her own funds, I was shocked to see such generosity given her...tendencies."
Between the Colonel's reactions to his telling and Esdeath's own peculiar acts of humane will it didn't make sense. Ran quite frankly found himself at a loss whether these incidents were related either indirectly, or they had a correlation binding them. There's something I'm missing, I know something happened between you two, but what exactly? Trying to think back to when their groups had reunited did a particular interaction stand out, "Your fiancee's actions are very puzzling to me, Tatsumi." Admitting that honestly thought had managed to bring a gaze upwards partially, "So as such I'm wondering." It'd be a considerable leap if he dared to assume anything yet curiosity to understand this enigma, "I'm wondering if you or her have something at stake considering both of your...circumstances, if I'm not offending you."
The Jaeger wondered if he'd encroached upon a line given his sense of anxious awareness witnessing the younger Colonel. He merely stared not even humoring that he had indeed stumbled upon a very personal boundary, "She and I have our conversations which are best left to just between us, Ran." Tatsumi thinly managed to to allow a fair warning to slip past making his comrade raise a hand passively in surrender, "My fiancee and I do have our differences." Neither Jaeger disputed a fact which was widely known among their team. Yet Tatsumi made it abundantly clear he wasn't going to betray his, or her own personal matters.
"So do well to remember I am still engaged to her! As such what we discuss on our time is privately on our time." Ran stiffened slightly realizing he'd indeed almost crossed a line, "Do you understand me?" Their might have been conflict between them yet her interaction indicated she had humored his request. In turn he'd still oblige his current footing with Esdeath, for now if anything she deserved he'd acquiesce to keep their relationship private. This was due only to given her attempt to actually realize what their lives meant.
Ran nodded curtly due to being currently satisfied and respectfully made it clear, "Yes I do, Colonel." Reaching down into a pocket he pulled out an ordinary enclosed parchment, "The family sent you an invitation to attend their loved one's funeral. I'd been advised to leave you without having you stumble into any distractions." Delicately he left an invitation to which Tatsumi reached over almost numbly running a finger along the border's edge to lift it gently. His eyes read over very simple hand written lines from a woman whose husband deserved to return too.
Bols willingly chose to stay in order to save him and it created a hole inside where one heart beat heavily since it desired to say it's goodbyes. Despite a brief tense moment it was brushed aside to remain civil, "Thank you, Ran." A former teacher wisely drank down his drink to place his own inner desire to seek out more information. Everything he'd been observing about the younger Colonel, to his actions, to his own personal army marching into a city and undertaking an almost suicidal task of removing all what was so wrong. This young man was doing it all when no soul, or spirit for generations had ever dared to think of such a thing.
Fighting this temptation is only fueling myself to commit to my goals Tatsumi, I hope you forgive me for what I'm going to ask of you. It wasn't just easy to admit in feeling excitement yet alone daringly over eager to ponder his next words. The extent of his superior's dedication to over turning all twisted, depraved and monstrous form which was an Empire had been surpassed. His own meager attempts which held mild success as a lone man simply were overshadowed. If anything his own personal ambitions were well within reach just through Tatsumi by proxy alone, an irony he realized of which so many had expectations on this young man and he himself felt it all.
"Did you know I once thought I'd be able to change this nation by my hand alone." Ran plainly spoke looking down to idly flip through pages upon pages of personal notations, "I do it for selfish reasons, Tatsumi." Placing an emptied cup down lightly he reached forward to flip towards into a series of dedicated pages meant for one purpose, "I will kill whoever I have too in order to see my children have justice enacted." He smiled pleasantly making the younger Colonel stare openly to which a fair man's smile turned deviously deceptive, "Yes, I do it for the most selfish of reasons and I cannot accept anything less, I will accomplish it. I tell you this out of respect, out of desire and willingness to know helping you will grant me opportunity kill the beast that did this to them." Perhaps it'd been rash to reveal so much yet like his comrades Seryu, Wave and Bols before him, Ran could see why so many of them found themselves standing with their friend.
"Tatsumi, I will enjoy every moment when it comes to pass." He promised kindly forgoing any deception that such a thing would be merely fact. Both men found themselves gauging one another for one reason, or another yet it lead to the same conclusion. To trust one another required an even exchange of significant value to overlay their intentions. Ran had told everything of his own will and discretion for an opportunity which needed to be agreed upon, Tatsumi knew inwardly he needed all the help he could get.
Speaking quietly yet optimistically he inquired by partially raising a hand, "What are you offering me, Ran?" Two golden eyes gleamed rather innocently but there wasn't any belief they were so, "Insight into your fiancee's intentions, I'll admit despite having you in charge of us she genuinely keeps me around as an aide." He pointed mainly out of honesty but there was an even more clearer exploitation coming forth, "But more importantly I'm very efficient when it comes to investigating. I've followed numerous leads which brought me into my tegu..." He paused momentarily to allow the younger man to take that information, "I've also attached myself into rumors about people themselves, our fear General is simply the latest one I've taken interest in gathering information about her, if you'd ask me too."
An over bearing sense of chills went down a young man's spinal cord when a single word described exactly what his fellow Jaeger hinted. Spy! Internally trying to avoid leaping at a chance for someone to effectively gather information without drawing suspicion, Tatsumi calmed himself by breathing in deeply. He's telling me he can spy on Esdeath, or anyone really? Already their conversation was leading into too many possibilities, too many what-if's and he hadn't a damn clue whether to believe everything would be credible regardless of Ran's intentions. Why now and why so suddenly he'd wish to help him?
"You'd spy on my fiancee?" He stated more incredulously than warily, "Why risk your life for mine so quickly?" Those questions weren't without their consequences given Ran appreciated an unspoken concern which granted clarity to the Colonel's mentality. Caring for others despite staring down potential exploitation indicated morals, or rather a stable foundation for any person to approximate their own value. Being selfish as opposed to a selfless was akin to night and day, to which it only seemed natural to believe in such things.
Ran refuted both of the younger colonel's questions with a sly humor, "I'm already spying on her, Tatsumi." Casually flipping to a marked chapter's worth of notes he presented an all too bemused hint, "I only do it for my own reasons." He'd been well aware there was considerable risk if their general found out yet his ruse of becoming an aide were effectively to dissuade any notion altogether. Genuinely speaking Ran did look to the young Colonel's fiancee as a fascinating individual to observe mainly out of curiosity, plus an incentive in only to see how she and him would do together given their stark differences.
But now, I have another reason to watch her more closely. Smiling kindly to which Tatsumi pegged as a wary reaction to his actions, "You're sure she doesn't suspect you?" Another gesture of humane concern which the former teacher gently refuted, "Nothing last's forever and my actions haven't been scrutinized by her yet, Tatsumi. But yes, I'm very sure." The differences between their leadership seemingly reflected intent, personality and it turned out to very likable given the Jaeger's role to act as a secretive group. They were supposed to be a steel front yet divisions had formed so rapidly, it almost seemed doomed to fail.
Tatsumi looked away as though he were unsure what to specifically ask of a person who wasn't afraid to take risks. It's been bugging me ever since, but that man told me I was a pawn, he screamed it to me that I was a tool to them. He knew Esdeath's leniency and humor of him conducting these purges were to her whims alone. Yet he wanted specifies to fully understand, or at least make an attempt to see how far this supposed cage ended. A cage he'd exploit until finding it's border, if possible to slip through the bars out into the world.
Slowly he gave both an order and a request which wasn't ignored, "Can you keep an eye on Esdeath and Honest's meetings for me, Ran?" The blond teigu user merely smiled eerily as though such a request had been expected, "Of course, Tatsumi." Several moments later a former teacher began earnestly writing down notations as one were studying for testing, "I'll forward any details worth noting from our dear general as well pick away at the Minister's foundations for supporters. Weaken a foundation and even a mighty fortress can destroy itself underneath it's own weight." Ran advised humoring a more militant metaphor causing the younger Colonel to smile bemused since it was technically standard doctrine.
I guess I'll hold up my end of our bargain, if you spy for me. Clearing his throat Tatsumi offered a hand towards his fellow Jaeger who looked pleasantly surprised to see him grinning, "You give me your word and I give you mine, Ran." An overly deceptive hand seemingly delicate gripped an equally rough hand in a powerful grip, "And in turn I will give you my trust, Colonel." He partially lowered his head respectful both of a friend, superior and comrade who nodded back looking tired. The only thing left do to was introduce him to those he'd summon to witness a declaration.
"Follow me." He stood up carefully placing a looser blade back into it's properly tethered position on his waist, "I've already sent runners to gather Wave, Seryu and those who are going to hear what's going to be done." Moving to a locked doorway he banged on it twice as both legionaries opened it wordlessly, Ran quietly gathered his meager belongings to smile pleasantly stand just to the right hand side of the young Colonel. An internal excitement turned fiery blaze wormed it's way up into his chest as expectations rose sharply with what was said.
Too many possibilities were running a muck inside his head yet they all pointed to one thing. You're accomplishing another seemingly impossible goal, others before you have failed, but I see why Bols held you in such high esteem and you may not know it yet. Nodding politely to each legionary who'd been cautiously close to cutting him down earlier did the Jaeger's gaze fall onto his superior. Those green emerald orbs seemed so tired at first sight, they were truly exhausted but they weren't defeated despite shouldering a great weight. Great men more often than not stand out among us, for they never realize their destiny's until those standing next to them witness how far they'll go to achieve an impossible dream, Tatsumi.
Seryu Ubiquitous wiped away sweat racing down her face in an attempt to relax herself from exhaustion. She'd been constantly leading soldiers in their bid to rid evil itself, "My soldiers." Whispering tiredly with a smile as Koro nudged her leg trying to ease his teigu wielder's attention away from stressful thoughts. It'd been an anxious time since Tatsumi had allowed her to lead without interference. An irony since she felt more comfortable with him around and without any sort guidance it made decision making nerve wracking.
However a legionary on horseback whose very appearance startled Seryu since she hadn't seen many women in an Imperial uniform yet alone legionary armor. But to her immense shock she'd learned that majority of their legion had women on horse's many because of their lithe builds to have their animals maintain longer endurance. Apparently their lighter builds were far more effective in faster charges against an enemy, lighter weights meant a greater efficiency for them to ride longer distances and most of all every cavalry rider was downright vicious in combat by blade. Their brief exchange was very enlightening despite orders had come down for her to return to headquarters, Tatsumi had personally sent word for her to return immediately.
There's so much I've got to learn about being an Imperial Saber, it's different from being a police officer isn't it? This constant march of purging evil from house to house, street by street and going late into the night managed to have her constitution tested. Yet incredibly enough she'd been over viewing her own legionaries conducting said raids, Seryu honestly pegged them to be very familiar with this aggressive pacing. They were tired, they carried themselves with rugged grace, they were a seemingly unstoppable sense of achievement and not one of them complained despite dealing with so many prisoners.
Several raids had devolved nearly into openly conflict as sporadic crowds attempted to get in their way at times. But none dared to get close against lines of shielded legionaries whose expressions bordered outright anticipation to draw blades. Even Seryu herself sported a similar grin due to the fact they were stopping them from removing corrupt monsters. Occasionally rocks were thrown but fresh memories of a previous slaughter had ideally deterred those attempting to provoke them. So apart from that they were making good on their time.
"You think something big is happening, Koro?" She asked her companion by lifting him up onto a shoulder as said teigu rubbed affectionately, "Yeah, yeah! I know, I know." Absently rubbing the dog like teigu's face warmly she looked up to see a road leading to where majority of the Saber's had been housed. The young woman stopped immediately realizing something was extremely out place, it'd been a relatively quiet and unassuming main road yet that was utterly destroyed now. Activity had all but been visible now.
What the hell is going on? Legionaries numbering in the sheer hundreds were bare of armor, or had lightly covered torsos were in motion pulling lumber? The entire street was such a scene of constant movement it almost looked akin to a wall of bodies. Seryu blinked owlishly noticing armored forms of their fellow legionaries overlooking entire areas as though on guard duty. Some were using common looking axes, or possibly well maintained tools to chop away at sections as a person instructed them by marking sections.
Occasionally horses bereft of their armored platting pulled small carts filled with sharpened timber sharpened into spears. Several legionaries started marking boundaries before pulling aside shovels, or some sort of pick axes to start digging down into the stone road. She looked towards buildings adjacent to said activity to see windows being bordered up? Ladders and ropes were used to stabilize men who were nailing wooden planks, Seryu also became aware of similar but smaller spear tips were being aligned along the roof's edge. It looked like they were building a fort, or some kind of makeshift structure based on what she understood.
"What in the actual hell is going on here?" Seryu literally jumped when she heard Wave of all people's voices come from behind! Yelping mainly out of surprise, "Damn it, Wave! When did you..." Her voice stopped itself when her fellow Jaeger rubbed his eyes tiredly while yawning widely. His face looked utterly drained mainly due to being awakened suddenly where he'd been living by a contingent of Imperial Sabers. They had provided him a spare horse to ride which was a kind gesture given the urgency of said circumstances.
The former sailor gave his fellow Jaege a tired grin, "Just before I saw you get here, Seryu. Sorry, I'm kind of tired." He laughed lowly trying to shake exhaustion aside which proved difficult as he explained, "I was up most of the day with Kurome." Seryu tilted her head curiously due to that little piece of information finding it rather sweet, "We went out for lunch. Ice cream mainly and I kind of...well, I really needed to get my mind of from what happened to us yesterday! Plus we had fun, I promised her we'd go about again whenever she wanted and I honestly just got to sleep like an hour ago."
Wave's expression improved modestly finding he'd enjoyed spending time with their quieter comrade who found herself being spoiled. Truth be told she'd listened to him about Bols and their encounter with Night-Raid as a whole, Kurome much to his surprise wanted him to explain everything to listen mainly. He'd brought them both lunch, or mainly ice cream to his companions desire and sat there talking about what he experienced. His fellow Jaeger whose sibling was apart of Night-Raid took in every word and spoke her mind, "She's very talkative once you get past her obsession with hogging food, Seryu. It was nice to see her smile when I mentioned I got blind sided, I agreed I was an idiot for not expecting it."
Seryu voiced an opinion more emphatically, "Wave you, or I couldn't have known they'd do that..." The elder Jaeger raised a hand patiently smiling bitterly, "I know." Yet he still spoke earnestly making the younger woman understand, "But I got careless." As an assassin by profession Kurome effortlessly tore apart his understanding to have him feel brutally reprimanded for such careless actions, "I'm responsible for leaving you, Bols and Tatsumi against an enemy which overwhelmed him. Looking back I can only imagine that he simply fought like absolute hell, he was dead on his feet and I mean it's a damned miracle we all got out alive. Kurome was very specific about her sister, Akame's sword since it just takes one cut to kill anyone."
Getting off a horse which nickered loudly Wave absently patted it's neck to seemingly come to terms with his own inability. He genuinely made an effort in keeping a smile in place regardless of how morbid his words sounded, "I know what happened can't be changed yet it doesn't mean I don't feel responsible for Bols dying, Seryu." Pulling the horse forward gently he motioned for her to move alongside him respectfully, "All I can do is improve myself. So next time when we encounter Night-Raid I'll be ready, I won't fail protecting my comrades and watching Tatsumi's back because he'd do the same for all of us."
The younger woman smiled passionately agreeing to that truth as well, "Yes, he would." Wave also mentioned rather upbeat, "Kurome pointed out that if I didn't start training, or getting into habit to be less of an idiot she'd...consider me something, better." He chuckled good naturally causing his fellow Jaeger to roll her eyes in response, "Better?" Even Koro tilted his head confused at the young man's doubt to which his wielder giggled, "I hate to say it Wave but you're already a good man. I mean you're a bit of a bumpkin but you're alright."
Wave shook his head mainly out of honesty, "Good people are ones who are aware of others and do what they can to be better." Staring upwards lazily staring to see distant stars he reflected after experiencing loss of a close friend, "But I'm just an idiot whose just discovering what kind of place he's walked into. Kurome mentioned that even idiots like me were just apart of this place, I think she's trying to tell me that I shouldn't be down too hard but I couldn't tell." He immediately chuckled near the end actually coming to an epiphany, "Still she did tell me if I tried anything dumb I'd live to regret it, plus she liked getting free ice cream."
That piece of information certainly made his younger comrade giggle softly, "Any girl likes being appreciated, Wave." Raising an eyebrow he rebuked that claim soft of confused, "Not the ones I've met back in my village. No offense Seryu, I don't get how you women think half the time and I just try to be a nice guy, I think?" That admission made even a newly minted legionary lieutenant cover her smile of fondness for such a person. For her comrade's faults, or hidden fears he had a good heart just like the Colonel and both weren't afraid to admit such things. More their acts gave voice to kindness which harbored a desire for good itself.
"I think she cares about you enough." Seryu guessed fondly making the elder man shrug helplessly in return, "By tearing me down and pointing out what I did wrong coldly?" The former sailor certainly could understand Kurome had a strange way in showing consideration, "But I guess I kind of liked someone me telling it is what it is. Yeah without trying to pity me, I know it helps me see what I can do better and not feel so damned powerless next time." He smiled widely as a positive reinforcement garnered enough momentum to actually see there was indeed a kindness in his time with her during their time out. Now if anything it proved even men of the seas needed their alignments adjusted occasionally.
"Still sounds like you both had a good time." Seryu pointed out smiling to which Wave gave off a nervous chuckle, "Yeah, I'd think so." He reflected to one point where he'd swear Kurome smirked when offering to them both out again, "Or maybe she likes me paying for her food. I'm going to take us for some actual sea food, I kind of miss having fried fish and oysters dipped in butter..." The young man trailed off sighing whimsically remembering childhood dishes that certainly alleviated any personal doubts. Yet they continued on with their walk towards the building where they'd been requested to see the Colonel.
Both Jaegers moved together trying to kindly as possible avoiding running into an influx of soldiers doing their tasks. As they moved past the initial place where makeshift fortifications were being built Seryu and Wave found themselves floored at the sheer scope of what was occurring. There was maybe hundreds upon hundreds of men and women working together cleaning out buildings where they were stationed in as a quarters. Chairs, or broken tables which had to have been inside at times were used as scrap and some groups were hammering away to create what seemed to be heavily scrapped together walls? Occasionally riders came around delivering barrels full of water, or possibly ale itself for some to drink plentifully.
"Why are they on the roofs?" Wave questioned honestly baffled to see lines of armored riflemen caution looking out, or even dispersed bowmen who ever stood vigilant. Seeking an answer he turned towards Seryu with a perplexed expression, "Are they expecting an attack, or am I missing something here?" The young woman frowned stopping mid step trying to gauge what kind of mood most of her fellow legionaries were displaying. All of this was relatively new to her understanding yet it couldn't hurt to ask for some information given the rank she'd been granted. Shrugging somewhat confused she replied, "Let's just ask."
Coming across several men who had relieved themselves by drinking mouthfuls of either water, or ale seemed appealing to approach. Their axes were leaning against a nearby stack of lumber and at first sight were of a rugged make. Yet their tools did an overly effective job in cutting down pieces of lumber into thinner stakes. Seryu schooled her expression as best as she'd be able to manage with Koro hanging over a shoulder, "Excuse me." They looked to her eying naturally curiously as realization came upon them knowing she was a newly minted officer, "What exactly is happening? My friend and I recently came back here, so could you tell me what's going on?"
Both legionaries avoid slaughter her mainly out of convenience given one man spoke rather formally, "Orders from lieutenant Ottoman and the commander personally, mam." His fellow comrade and brother in arms filled her in somewhat apologetically, "Forgive us for the informality mam. But we're underneath an impression we have enemy scouts looking to pick off our line leaders and officers." Both Jaegers were puzzled by this sudden frenzy of paranoia, or perhaps urgency to be aware of their surroundings. It'd explain why so many guards were posted above them, if anything it served a serious indication.
"Did something happen?" Wave questioned a bit hesitantly trying to understand the situation as one legionary replied, "One of our patrols was ambushed and hit intentionally by rebel forces. Our forward cavalry units were alerted to the area and sent in to route them out." Seryu and Wave glanced at each other utterly amazed to be so unaware yet it was particularly more startling to the younger woman. Being apart of the very person she'd been out conducting raids to which a reflex kicked in, "Was there anyone hurt?"
The slightly taller legionary simply gave a placid smile, "Our brothers did more to them than they'd do to us, mam." A hearty hand from his companion clamped down to reassure them all, "A few bruises and battered bones, but so far no casualties on our own. Should hear how an entire squads worth held back three times their number, I owe a friend an ale now!" To both Jaegers who were puzzled as similar chuckles from an unseen joke went over their heads. Seryu in particular found she'd have a lot to learn about their internal quirks as a legion apparently.
"Don't mind him, I put up with it because no one can." Again the slightly taller man stated somewhat resigned, "But it's kind of our tradition to celebrate whenever we're up against superior numbers, to be outnumbered against all odds and refusing to yield by coming out with a victory?" His eyes seemingly looked upwards reliving a distant memory smirking eerily content, "Let's just say we Sabers don't forget our best moments. We cherish each victory, we savor each moment and we're always hungry to see our brothers and sisters become something truly amazing." He sighed aloud as though he'd been saying such things for a long time making both of the Jaegers understand.
What's scary is that I can see a lot how Tatsumi influences these guys. Wave stared seeing these particular legionaries shove each other playfully despite having eyes of a veteran whose slain numerous foes. He'd often forgotten what exactly these soldiers had accomplished as an entire legion itself over armies who had superior numbers. But it also translated for him to realize expectations were beyond high for those considered to be Imperial Sabers, if what these guys were trying to imply. Simply put these legionaries just wanted to put themselves in a situation where many would have outright given in to their despair.
Seryu voiced an otherwise similar opinion to these veterans, "I know for certain that's good to hear." Both men nodded accordingly, "Yes, mam." Koro nudged her face silently whining for either attention, or perhaps in agreement to their words alone. Gently caressing the canine teigu's face she let them get back to their assignment, "Thanks for filling us in. Guess my friend and I need to pick up the pace, sorry if we inconvenienced you two." Neither man seemed bothered but gave nods of appreciation regardless to which the two Jaegers moved onward. It was rather strange seeing them acting rather friendly like given their reputation.
Continuing on their journey towards possibly the most central building did both friends realize how much activity had been concealed. Hundreds upon hundreds of legionaries without armor, or weaponry were hauling lumber from horse pulled carts whose drivers occasionally shook hands with said soldiers almost disbelievingly. Groups occasionally rushed over to assist unloading undermanned carts and designated leaders among said groups marked down periodically where said lumber needed to be sent off towards. Seryu and Wave hastily avoided people rushing either to where they'd been gone initially, or somewhere opposite. Yet low chatter was met with random bouts of laughter to dignify many among the legionaries were enjoying their time to move around.
"Man it feels like I'm walking into a dock yard again!" The elder sailor commented rather stunned when rope from higher points on buildings were utilized to haul them upwards. I haven't seen this many people working together since my village had to build an Imperial warship once. But these guys are on par with my old man and his crew, I can't believe but these guys are just workaholics to the extreme! Idly wiping away stands of sweat which were forming many due to how quick these men were pushing themselves, hell he almost wanted to believe that this was some sort of a dream because many of them were gruffly grinning.
Glancing over since his fellow Jaeger's silence Wave asked, "You alright, Seryu?"Several moments passed before the person in question responded, "I'm...confused." Her voice sounded conflicted oddly enough much to a former sailor's concern, "It hurts to see all these people working together. I wanted to do these kinds of things when I was an officer of the law, Wave." The girl's voice seemingly wavered before her sleeve wiped away tears of a bitter origin, "I tried getting other guards, or officers to build things for the very people here and yet I couldn't. Many of them just didn't care to try and made up excuses."
She took Koro to lightly stroke his cheek in a bid to remain calm, "But to see people who weren't even born inside this city just working together so easily?" Wave cautiously watched to see Seryu look over and he almost went completely still. She was smiling so happily her eyes were tearing up as though a long awaiting dream had appeared, "I wanted to build things for the people who I was supposed to protect and these soldiers...my soldiers are doing it without question." The young woman lowered her gaze momentarily before declaring, "And I won't hesitate! I won't hesitate to do what's necessary to have people look at us as one who knows they'll always be safe!"
Koro whined softly in response to nuzzle against his owner's face as she giggled in response to said motions. Yet her elder friend blinked realizing something rather familiar in the way she'd just smiled. For a second I swore I saw you, Tatsumi. There was a time when he saw the younger Colonel smile so kindly and so earnestly, it seemed so long ago. It certainly seemed disturbing and rather morbid to know such an expression required time to think about. I'm starting to wonder whether we both swore is actually going to help us, or hurt you more least from what I fear.
Regardless of what he'd think he still gave a grin matching his younger Jaeger's smile, "As a man of the sea's I can't refute that goal either, Seryu!" He gave a slight fist pump showcasing an excitement despite putting aside lesser thoughts, "Guess being a working man really shows how any person's got the heart and guts to keep moving forward." Memories of his family, friends and life itself bled over due to their mentality to work hard regardless of what was thrown at them. It never failed to make any man feel worthy to know he just worked through problems, or challenges lesser people would have given up at first glance.
Walking through dozens upon dozens of either legionaries, or civilians manning which only grew denser. Both friends found themselves in high spirits as they made way through more and more hectic looking areas of construction. Entire lines of fully armored soldiers marched past with horses pulling emptied, or full prison carriages where sporadic shouts of help fell upon deafened ears. Wave and Seryu particularly were well aware of what kind of prisoners had been taken, if anything not once did they look over to see once twisted representations of monster who begged for mercy. Too long they'd been allowed to flourish, too long to be allowed to believe they were untouchable and now it was time to thin the herd of it's lesser selves.
As they progressed deeper into the legion's housing quarter did a particular detail stand out. Every side alleyway had been fortified with makeshift walls, or were in the process of being blocked off entirely to collectively create a perimeter. Men and women on occasional hammered away while holding them steady due to legionaries above on rooftops using rope to keep them in place. The most activity seemingly just only thickened frequently when they came around a street filled with thousands at this point, "Holy...shit!" Wave whistled loudly seeing such a sight as their destination was utterly and surely blockaded to prevent anyone from entering a building where they'd seen the Imperial Sabers conducting their purges.
Entire lines stood at attention before expertly turning on an about face marching towards an opening with a prison carriage behind. Three makeshift walls held together by either rope, or twine dominated to prevent any physical means to approach the building except for one entry point. An entrance surrounded by hundreds of Saber lines who either receiving orders from their own, or had begun drilling almost casually to hone themselves. Clouds partially obscured the moon yet what little light managed to gleam off armor giving a fair amount of soldiers an unearthly appearance. An entire legion had just been mobilized based on these numbers alone, an entire bastion and the city itself was completely unaware. But it all came down to a simple fact that the entire street was completely taken over.
"And this isn't even one complete army!" Wave muttered mainly in disbelief since an Imperial army officially amount to tens of thousands on any day. Larger ones were based in hundreds of thousands, if a general could muster that much support and scarily enough they'd had such an individual leading the Jaegers. Sometimes by the heaven's I forget Tatsumi lead this many people, shit I mean once you really get a look at their sheer size and realize it's my even a fraction of other armies. It's god damned frightening to see so many battle hardened soldiers in one place, to still grow larger and I can't even imagine if these guys had over a hundred thousand men.
The young man witnessed legionary cavalry vigilantly guiding entire caravans of lumber from across the way. All too easily the riders themselves were mainly smaller in physique than their heavier and bulkier comrades on the ground. Seryu noticed Wave's stare before smiling rather amused, "Most of their horseman are female, I asked about it from one of them when they found me earlier." Lightly nudging the sailor forward she playfully told him, "Close your mouth or a fly will get in and make you lose your voice, Wave. Now let's go, Tatsumi's waiting for us!" Her chirpy movement and attitude alone just got the sailor out of his brief amazement to hurry along as well.
Bypassing smaller groups of men who had started up sparring rings with makeshift swords did both Jaegers realize an oddity. Most were playfully lunging, or whacking each other as though they were passing time lazily. Inside said groups a small fire from makeshift timber, bins and hastily dug out circles were used with stories being shared by raised mugs of ale. Yet these groups were closely aligned to buildings in which men systematically moved in and out, a few makeshift pieces of furniture had been set up to fully feel at home. Wave and Seryu still passed on through without incident much to their awareness they'd been recognized instantly.
They were allowed to pass through makeshift checkpoints where those off loading from their carts were told to wait. Organization became all too obvious when reaching the base of a building where they'd been directed to meet their superior. Small groups of people who weren't from loading carts surprised both Jaegers. Kids in ragged clothing with scuffed up hands, dirtied faces and less than savory footwear were handing notes to fully armed legionaries who smiled kindly at their efforts before giving them pouches of coin! Almost a dozen of these beggars had faces of pure disbelief when handed enough coin beyond their imagination, Wave and Seryu particularly noted a few were crying almost joyfully.
Seryu stopped to see the small group as one little girl became bold enough to shock enough people besides herself. One lone legionary knelt down since said child spoke something at first, a gloved hand gently placed itself onto a shoulder providing comfort. Absently raising an arm to stop Wave who noticed this as well could only feel a growing sensation of happiness. The ragged girl looked up before lunging to hug a total stranger who could only blink owlishly before trying in an awkward sense consoling a child who'd never experienced such kindness and reward. It was a tender moment among nights of bloodied events and more than several other legionaries smiled in their own ways as attended their tasks.
"It's terrible when you see a kid smile so happily and it's the fist time you've ever realized it." Wave commented rather bitterly understanding that this was indeed wrong. To see children smiling inside a city such as twisted and maddening was an achievement to undo that wrong, "Yeah." Seryu softly agreed to linger on watching that moment until she motioned for him to get going too, "Tatsumi will change everything. I believe he can, I know he will because he's someone who isn't going to back down when people need something to be done. If he can do it, I can do it and then I'm going to change what I can too! Something has to be done, Wave!"
The elder man nodded silently finding strength knowing they were doing a lot of good. He watched that scene for a little bit longer before smiling to himself. Funny, I thought I'd be able to do something when I left home and I believed I could change something despite being only one person. Having Grand Chariot is great, I've got no regrets when I was chosen to wield it but I'm realizing it takes more than one person to really push something, especially something just incredibly impossible on people who don't know any better. Softly chortling he knew if anything it just proved their friend's actions remained true to their intent.
"Yeah something will be done." He agreed nodding seeing more legionaries moving past them as several had instruments in their hands. Flutes being polished were tested as drum beats allowed powerful notes to be circulate underneath them to send off rumbling. Smaller groups began playing together leisurely around several fires built closest to where they'd been established, it filled an already active street towards a festive mood. Wave had shivering sensations running up his spine, "I can feel it inside my blood." Seryu turned around to partially hear him more clearly while avoiding anyone in the meantime, "You know I have to admit it's strange."
Wave absently looked upwards feeling to be at peace, "Somehow I just know something is going to happen! It'll be something incredibly important." Dropping a hand to where Grand Chariot remained in it's idle state as a blade did he pat it gently, "I know without a doubt it'll be something that one has ever done." He chuckled good naturally realizing an almost amusing fact about their friend, "But we both know Tatsumi just has a way. He gives an impression that even for you to really know, he's not going to settle for anything less, he'll do it without even a second thought to prove it and by hell's grace I can't wait to see it."
Both Jaegers shared similar smiles when it came to their younger friend who had already done incredible things. They moved until reaching the base of an incredibly packed building where a mix of legionary, civilian and others unloading materials came to it's apex. Bypassing entire columns of men who either marched, drilled or made use of their time to assist unloading lumber under watchful eyes of leadership. Neither Wave, or Seryu personally witnessed such rugged pacing as their familiarity of campaign attitude within an Imperial army body could be stated obviously. The two were fascinated, if not downright amazed to see such activity right in the middle of their nation and it also painted an ideally uneasy sense of why.
"You there! Jaegers!" Wave and Seryu looked over hearing their namesake from a pair of legionaries who were guarding an entrance, "Inside, now!" One of them was jerking his gloved thumb with a stern expression. His compatriot had already opened on set of double doors eying them while keeping enough space for them to pass. A few of their comrades moved from inside carrying parchment bereft of their armor. Yet an almost impatient request came from the two guards who weren't in any gaming mood, "Hurry along, now."
Seryu nudged Wave smiling kindly to get them both moving as they managed to avoid lingering outside. Both soldiers gave respectful lowered nods towards their lieutenant who politely accepted an unseen salute. One armored sentry told them informatively once they were past them, "Head up stairs to meet a Ghost. You'll be escorted to where the commander's gathering those who've been summoned as well." And with that a pair of double doors closed shut muting any noise from outside leaving both friends shaking off any last minute nerves. It'd been quite a walk just getting into this place only to know they had some more to do.
This place feels like a fort, or maybe I'm thinking too much into it! The elder sailor remarked internally noticing how tightly compact security inside seemed. Seryu lead the way eagerly getting slight nods from fully armed and armored soldiers who were attentively keeping an eye on every nook and cranny inside the place. If outside seemed secured than inside this building alone it came almost absolutely ludicrous how many men were keeping guard. Definitely feels like a fortress alright, but is it because whatever is happening requires so much secrecy?
Regardless of what he imagined they moved upwards around a corner to see even more security in place, "Gods damn!" Whistling a bit surprised as they passed unflinching eyes, "Seems like overkill to have so many people looking out for what is ever happening." Before his friend could respond to an earnest opinion a sudden voice interjected gruffly bemused. Leaning against a doorway looking rather bored despite holding an ale full of liquor Matthew Almaric mock saluted, "Evening Jaegers! Enjoy your walk?"
Wave's form went completely still once his mind clicked into place who exactly stood before them. He's the same guy who saved my skin that other night, holy shit! I'd recognize that huge ass sword anywhere! It shouldn't have been a surprise given how the younger colonel had been aware of events on that night. Yet he gave a thin nod making the monstrous sized man grin, "Is your would healed up, kid?" Taking a large mouthful of liquor contently he spoke up idly, "Cause last time you looked a bit banged up by that Night-Raid chick."
Despite trying to appear somewhat curious the Ghost came off as a bit of an ass. However Wave ignored the man's gruff tone to reply somewhat kinder, "I'll live, but thanks for asking." Walking forward he looked upwards making a swordsman look down lazily, "Who are you?" It was a question long overdue to be said given their circumstances of meeting anew. Unlike before where secrecy had been vital it'd been decided to key in these Jaegers about their little entourage underneath boss's discretion as the big man took a moment to answer.
"Depends on whose asking, kid." An overly growing leer indicated both warning and amusement much to a Jaeger's guarded look, "To some I'm a hired blade looking to earn his gold, drink a bit and maybe get a whore for a nights work." Gruffly chuckling while getting lost in older yet simpler memories hardly caused Wave, or Seryu for that matter to look pleased. Matthew couldn't have cared less while waving them off, "Who is a thing I have several answers for, Jaeger. It's nothing against you, or your friend but if I had to pick one?" He mused aloud picking an ear clean as if discussing old news which had been decided years ago.
After several moments the large monster of a man brazenly looked at them both before smirking, "I'm just ash and bone." The massive blade's tip began tapping against a wooden door causing it to shudder due to the excess weight. Matthew did it a favor by standing upright gesturing for both Jaegers to follow along, "Boss told me to get you two." Stretching an arm to pop a bone back into place made him exhale in relief. It'd been a tedious waiting game even while drinking to his stomach's content yet boredom wasn't exactly easy to be a supplement.
"You got a name at least?" Wave retorted unhappily as Seryu stood next to him equally wary which caused the Ghost to raise a hand dismissively, "Matthew." He said it while walking away sounding off to them again rather pointedly, "Hurry it up Jaegers." Not even turning around fully he spoke partially from over a shoulder, "You need to realize I meant it when I said boss wanted you where he's gathering a bunch of people. He made this very clear to get you two, quickly." The two friends looked to one another at first before complying since it seemed Tatsumi really wanted them to be wherever this meeting, or gathering now rather importantly.
The small group traversed around several corners yet guards were still posted at intervals giving off little room to doubt about security. So many people guarding a gathering? Just what the hell are you planning now, Tatsumi? Wave scrutinized trying to make sense of it all as his gaze traveled to see a massive weapon sheathed in front of him. There wasn't seemingly any wrong with its' appearance despite being bandaged yet for some reason a tingle went up his spine. It just seemed completely too normal given there wasn't a sign of wear, or tear on it's edge and importantly it's cleaned appearance definitely threw off reasonable doubt it'd seen combat.
Yet he knew it'd been in use given his brief encounter! Something isn't right with this guy, or that weapon he's carrying around. Gives off an impression he's been through some serious battles, so why lug around a weapon that hasn't been minted in a fight? Everything about their supposed guide screamed something was just off, an act or possible deception for whatever reason had done it's job against average every day folk. But instincts long been honed were screaming within his gut to be wary of that blade and it's wielder all too cautiously.
They turned around another corner to notice it lead to a singular pair of double doors were two legionaries stood outside. Both armored helms perked up before each man had a hand settle on the door's knobs. Their guide raised a half emptied mug towards them as though he'd been seen numerous times, "Open up boys! I got'em." And with that said Matthew disappeared inside the room to which Wave and Seryu followed. It seemed their presence would spark enough attention to where they knew things were indeed changing.
The entire room quieted once it's last two occupants walked through a pair of closing double doors. Easily over a dozen, or more people had already taken spots either sitting and leaning against walls passing their time silently. Seryu and Wave found themselves being centers of attention which was alternatively an usual thing yet they soon understood why. To their combined shock they noticed Ran waving gently at them who'd been discussing topics with an elder gentleman and it turned out to be Julius Caevelt himself. Whatever they'd been speaking about must have been quite a topic given two partial cups of tea long since cooled were displayed between them on a table provided, an ever obvious sign they'd been waiting.
"Ran?" Seryu exclaimed honestly in shock seeing her fellow Jaeger politely smiling as though his presence wasn't an issue, "Why are you here?" Tucking Koro underneath her arms she walked over hearing the youthful blond reply rather playful, "Why? Possibly it's for the same reason you and Wave came I'd imagine." An opened book closed itself by a casual glance as it's owner sat up straighter despite interrupting the conversation he'd been investing into too, "I have to say congratulations are in order for a newly minted officer of Tatsumi's legion. Our friend told me personally and I'm happy you're moving forward with your goals, Seryu."
That compliment alone caused a young woman to cough to hide her smile despite feeling an urge to celebrate. She made an effort to remain steady even though a tiny grin refused to die, "It's a good feeling Ran. I...uh, I mean it's wonderful to actually do something meaningful." Thankfully her friend understood all too well by reaffirming confidently, "Indeed so, I agree." Comfortably leaning back the former teacher did point out an obvious fact, "I underestimated exactly what you and the Colonel were up too. I also didn't realize you were interested by what Tatsumi is also trying to accomplish Wave, if I may boldly assume?"
Both Jaegers turned to their former sailor of a comrade who smiled rather resigned at being caught red handed. He joked rather dramatically, "Am I going to be arrested for saying I was forced here against my will?" Seryu snorted by nudging his arm flatly reminding him in an equally dramatic fashion, "I'd see you hang before arresting some cowardly excuse of a seamen." Wave covered his chest pouting almost childishly finding some relief in their banter, "You wound me Seryu! How can I ever redeem myself as a man of the seas in your eyes, oh I'm going to faint!" Their conversation finally drew an inevitable outcome as all three Jaegers chuckled, or chortled so hard they found it beyond liberating to know they were all enjoying themselves.
They were completely comfortable to gather together even in a place where tension had arisen significantly. Wiping a stray tear Wave regained some bearing to ask simply, "So what's exactly happening here Ran? Since when did you and Tatsumi do to have him to convince you to show up like us?" Jerking a thumb back towards a doorway did an intentional gesture make sense to the former teacher who smiled kindly, "He and I talked, of course!" Seeing his fellow Jaeger's expression certainly provided ample entertainment to joke, "It was rather enlightening if I had to say."
A chortling across the table from their friend agreed all too kindly, "Your young friend certainly can do that to any person, if I may state boldly." Julius complimented while sipping on lukewarm tea as Ran politely interjected by introducing his fellow Jaegers, "Oh! My apologies as you've never met my comrades." Kindly pointing to them in turn the former teacher had an impression of a person who kept their friends in some very positive regards, "Wave, Seryu! This is one my unexpected pleasant acquaintances who I've come to enjoy conversing with..." Before he got any further it seemed that the person in question had risen a hand up to introduce himself all too humbly much to Ran's hidden amusement, "I'm merely a man named as Julius Caevelt."
The elder man held himself proud if not outright deliberate on his formal mannerisms, "But you all may call me Julius. I must say this is quite an impressive array of friends that your superior has requested, Ran." An impeccable question lay within those words enough to warrant a kinder explanation on a Jaeger's part, "We all have our reasons for coming at our friend's word, sir. More so some of us have trust in each other despite these circumstances we've all come to find ourselves standing together, or am I wrong?" He questioned rather deliberately coy to make an old man chuckle all too easily finding no merit to pretend to be underneath an illusion of disinformation. It was certainly very kind to play wars of words against another who found it enjoyable as well.
"Excuse me, sir?" Seryu spoke up a bit earnestly flustered, "Who exactly are you?" She referred to a pleasantly smiling old man who informed her all too easily, "I was once the minister of foreign affairs for our previous Emperor's administration, young lady." Both younger Jaegers were ideally stunned as Wave blurted out a bit too loudly, "Wait! What?" He was staring at the well dressed man as though it were an endangered danger beast, "You served on the previous Emperor's cabinet, so why the hell are you doing here if you're not on his son's presently?"
Julius's expression turned slightly bitter pointing out a fact, "Let's just say difference of opinion with the one who truly pulls the strings and I were too great." Ran's gaze narrowed slightly while asking somewhat curiously, "How great of a difference are we talking about?" It was an interesting piece of information to understand given how his hand idly wanted to write down observations. The man shrugged not entirely giving away old history that was best left to remain buried, "Enough for my life to be endangered, Jaeger and until recently I'd had lost hope. But now I've seen that things have so drastically changed for myself to journey here, despite outside and internal forces blatantly seeking to crush it in it's infancy."
The entire group of Jaegers held similar expression of varying degrees of curiosity as a sly smiled further kept them entertained. Seryu in particular asked another question that stood out most to her as Koro shifted in response, "Forces?" The man looked over to her carefully evaluating when her next words clearly made it known she wasn't ignorant, "You mean our enemies like Night-Raid and that damned Revolution that are using internal methods in trying to kill us, right?" She looked right into the eyes of an elder person who wasn't fooled by an obvious claim, or rather the truth when it came to an even greater problem extending inside the city.
"I imagine you'd ask such a thing as one of the colonel's soldiers." He stated simply trying to relate yet remarkably Seryu shook her head silently stunning both friends listening, "No, not just that, sir." Tired lips pulled into a smile as fresh memories of slaying evil in a place shook her to the core, "I know because Tatsumi has shown me that our people need us to show them there's more. I've only seen a small fraction of what he's endured but it's enough for me to ask if hope will be enough, if it isn't then we have to act and show everyone we're not tolerating it anymore." She held enough composure to showcase a steel like gaze that would become more and more familiar to withstand against those unable to see why.
Julius eerily witnessed a similar expression staring at him despite commenting, "You take after him already." Ran and Wave simultaneously looked over to their friend who went still, "Despite being so young and it's painful to see how striking your resemblance is." Seryu blinked owlishly unable to gather what the man meant as he smiled soberly reliving an older time when hope had all but eroded, "Your father was a name I've come across, Miss Ubiquitous." Sighing aloud he finished the last of his tea before leaning back to explain a bit, "It's rare for anything years ago to come from this city of rumors and less so when it's a good thing. But I heard about your father being an outstanding police officer inside this city, a shame when I heard about his death and it wasn't surprising since many from inside and outside wanted him...removed."
Seryu swallowed trying to stem away silent pains from old wounds that hadn't been healed. Taking a breath in front of sympathetic eyes she did ask quietly, "Did you know my dad?" The former foreign affair's minister merely shook his head, "Not personally." The man slightly amended to reveal a little known altercation, "But I did meet him once when I was at the end of my tenure as a minister of the Emperor's council. He'd been digging up a fair bit of uglier truths involving changes between our administration back then and to now of those in young Emperor Makoto's..." Julius trailed off suddenly as though not to relive a painful truth, "But suffice to say it was rare for any man to uphold his oaths to safeguard the public since he left an incredible impression."
Too many old memories forced an old man to fall quiet to avoid thinking too much of those darker days. Nearly two decades ago did people disappear in open view on the street, for many had lost themselves in despair as present day nightmares had all but revealed themselves in the forms of monstrous humans. Those who'd attempted to stand against it were either killed, or made examples off and perpetuated despair for those looking on to realize they were at the mercy of beings who cared little for life. Julius looked at a young woman whose very parental sire had served to be a beacon of good briefly and was snuffed out so easily by those he'd consider as friends. It wasn't a pleasant memory to relive who the man had been...removed, as well.
"Oh." The young woman said rather solemnly hoping to at least hear stories about her father, "It's just...not many people talked about him." Again sympathy arose in a man who offered an ideal praise in response, "Many have already talked about you more so, Miss Ubiquitous." Julius chuckled good naturally by pointing out, "Your presence among those standing up to this madness isn't to be spoke lightly, if I may it's just startling to see old memories come to an old man whose beyond pleased to see such a sight." Seryu smiled briefly finding a sense of gratefulness for this person who went out of his way to reassure her. If anything it was certainly strange to hear that everyday people were already talking about her presence among the Sabers.
Ran had preemptively raised a hand to have it gently settle on his younger friend's arm, "He speaks truly, Seryu." It hadn't been a mistake either on his part while observing from afar, "People have noticed you in particular despite being a Jaeger, I do believe many are learning that justice is not a fantasy to those seeking your aid." Rumors were spreading akin to a plague into those who were seeking information, or were growing absolutely anxious with so many soldiers raiding those who had dark secrets to hide. It'd been quite entertaining to hear how they as Jaegers were being levied into assisting the legionaries on their purges, Ran found that absolutely ironic given they were technically allowed to arrest any person within the capital.
"Explains why a few people ran from me when I was walking over here." Wave revealed by stretching a bit to shake off some urge to nap, "I thought people here were just skittish at night." It made sense if they were being labeled into helping Tatsumi's soldiers on their objectives and some found that absolutely distressing. But they were a policing force based on what the general had stated in their own formation, so it wasn't too shocking given his understanding of how people were starting to see them in that light. It certainly made him feel they were accomplishing something despite suffering a defeat at the hands of Night-Raid recently.
Recognizing the sheer amount of compliments made a young woman's cheeks burn while she smiled happily. Yet their conversation got cut short when the doors opened widely, all eyes and body postures shifted into an anxious state once it was clear. Holding both doors open were two legionaries who were at attention as a white uniformed young man stood between them. Wave, Seryu and Ran could only stare in their various forms of surprise to see how stern Tatsumi's facial features were set, if anything they had only seen a glimpse previously. But now his eyes were gauging every single person in front of him as though deciding whether to address them now, or simply giving it a few moments to allow everyone to know their wait was over.
He walked hand on a blackened blades sheath comfortingly refusing to speak a word to anyone. Trailing behind came forth two more of his soldiers, Roy and Lee who silently closed a separate door with similar stern expressions. Seryu and Wave noticed strained gazes among both legionary soldiers before looking to their commanding officer's back, Tatsumi seemingly stared ahead even though there wasn't a window to the outside. Standing dead center of all who gathered, or had been summoned to witness something extraordinary began focusing all effort to quiet themselves. It was an exemplary variety of people given how Jaegers, Ghosts, political dissidents, rivals and including a recent former subordinate of Honest personally.
Several dozen in total including three Jaegers and Mez who'd been leaning a chair against some wall smirking excitedly. Julius along with his entourage of advisers, friends and allies alike situated themselves giving the ever quiet Colonel their full collective attention. All conversation ceased after a few tense moments, any movement had been stilled and nothing but of Tatsumi's own will would dictate their purposeful gathering. Both legionary elements kept themselves at attention awaiting as an unseen signal finally kick started their anxious moods, for the time had come for all to hear of their intentions.
"Normally I would apologize for waking everyone here up rudely, or seem sympathetic to rush you here but I'm afraid that's no longer an option for me." Tatsumi began by looking over everyone in turn with eyes of a man that were of steel itself, "Tonight everyone here will have to make a choice. A hard choice, a decision that will make you both an enemy, or seen to be one and it will potentially mark you as a traitor." He said softly near the end breathing out lightly, a curving grin formed afterward though. It was an expression of sardonic amusement.
Lifting a hand to have it gently settle on his blade's sheathed pommel the young man clarified with that grin openly, "Perhaps traitor is too weak of a word, I confess I don't seek to destroy our Empire, or my people." Slowly walking in a circle to get an even closer view of eyes and faces of those who were set in either grim determination, or caution which he noted, "And I suspect no one inside this room wishes this so. Among everyone who hears my voice, I spoke with three specifically and they alone know what I will say next, if anything it is beyond the definition of traitor and treason itself." His voice turned into an almost gleeful tone to unsettle a few who found it naturally eerie. But to the Jaegers they understood it was their friend who they knew was simply being absolutely confident.
"You all have your reasons for seeing things for what they are, I make no illusion to deny that our people are facing destruction." Coming to stand in front of several political dissidents who weren't just mere critics of the Prime Minister, but were rivals akin to Julius and had followed him specifically. The young Colonel told them pointedly, "This destruction is caused by those who were alive before my time. I'll confess I do partially blame older generations for allowing this diseased wound to fester, but the fact you came here seeking change through me?" He chuckled openly trying to avoid sounding far too cynical yet failed partially by shrugging both shoulders, "Well I do believe it must mean I have done something right to garner such an opinion."
Moving past he came onto the Ghosts who were either grinning, or curious in among themselves for what was said. They were people who also had reasons and motives mostly unknown to his understanding, but still they had done more than most without question. It proved they had reasons to fight despite him not knowing specifically why, Tatsumi still could accept their hand and as such he made it clear to them. All four teigu users stood loosely in a group as Yumi's bandaged form stood in between them all showcasing her safeguard. An overly redundant gesture yet still one of an internal agreement for those overseeing the former feral girl.
"Others who hold strength and power beyond men and woman conventionally to turn tides of battle stand with us." He addressed these four with an honest intention despite sounding guarded, "I don't know why, or who has told you to come to stand with my soldiers and I, but I won't turn away those who are willing to fight." The largest man standing inside among this small crowd raised his mug in a cheerful gesture. Rose winked all too amused nudging Yumi who scoffed briefly before settling down as Zero tipped his hood respectfully in muted silence. All the Ghosts made it clear they weren't to reveal why yet they were sure of their intentions.
The young Colonel hardly blinked in solidifying his own resolve, "And there are even those who'd never have been considered." His eyes trailed towards Mez who leaned forward over from where she'd been sitting and grinned rather widely, "In normal times good and evil rise to meet one another as history has taught us. But these are beyond times in which that word has lost all of it's meaning, for we face calamity at it's absolute fullest." Moving past several politicians who gulped openly due to how frigid Tatsumi had painted their situation. A situation beyond dire for people to gather in secret, a secret no longer and as such almost everyone felt that crushing sense of looming opposition for daring to stand against it.
"We are not traitors to our people, we are not traitors to our nation and we are not betraying our very blood!" He swept an arm back declaring loudly in standing directly dead enter of those listening in tense anticipation, "We are not seeking power in a bid to usurp the Emperor, for all that matter is what is needed." He eyed them all for any signs of disappointment but only anxious uncertainly, "We cannot afford to be viewed when we declare it, or easily branded as traitors seeking to destroy what little semblance of order in place. Because by my word neither I, or anyone here has any ambition to do anything less but uphold our oaths of loyalty, to remain true that doing the right thing is irrelevant to what need's to be done."
Among the Jaegers assembled watching their superior speak did their eyes widen significantly due to the sheer passion on display. It was a far-cry from when they entered battle at his side, a difference of sheer contrasts of a young man who held cold fury and brutal methods in keeping alive over this sight presently. Seryu clutched the saber at her side tightly seeing what Tatsumi was saying, it hurt knowing there was something beneath that fire and it was something she'd been closely mirroring in darker days when it became all too consuming. But she kept silent because this what was being hidden away yet more importantly it was what was needed to let their people know, they weren't forgotten and they weren't useless against the evil in this world.
Wave noticed his friends expression turn from composed to a heart felt smile as he unfolded both arms unsure whether to say anything. What the hell are you saying Tatsumi, am I hearing you right? You're going to do something incredibly insane, aren't you? He looked over to see the younger Colonel gauging all their expressions with a cold yet eager smirk, Wave earnestly felt as though he were being judged to stand by convictions that were morally damning. He hadn't seen such an expression since told of a tale by his father about his late grandfather who had been infamous of feats on the ocean so drastically, it'd been unreal to imagine. Yet he felt compelled to steel himself because every man underneath his grandfather had never questioned him, ever.
"Traitors are those who are the very people that have given up their right to be our people." Wave broke that train of thought by glancing over seeing his superior and friend looking at them all, "They want to destroy everything that made us...us, or am I not wrong?" He dared them to question that factual truth since the Revolution had initiated assassinations and move against them, "Those traitors fled from their posts, from their duty and from our people who now have seen that so called monsters are being exposed for what they are." Pausing momentarily by innocently gesturing to the sword on his own person tapping it's pommel did he chuckle rather bitterly amused, "Monsters who breathe and can bleed red...like everyone else!"
Heads shifted uneasily by that crude and blunt truth which was shared by Mez giggling silently finding it cute. However Julius and Ran both began to smile rather excitedly once Tatsumi's tone hardened into a harsher mans, "And yet it's not enough! Traitors who fled to fight back against these monsters abandoned their oaths, their faith and their own sense of hope to think they needed to destroy everything! All for what?" He prompted to ask these questions firing off in quickened sessions of disgusting disbelief, "Freedom for a people who they extort to save for gold? To have them pay for their own families to flee into their cause? To become the very monsters who they claim to stand against and yet they make us as their enemy?"
These were all accusations that weren't easily said to be false, nor were they technically proven to be absolute. But everyone single question pierced those who listened because it exposed a weakness of hypocrisy for lesser people to think they didn't have a chance. Tatsumi's jawline tightened when he hissed out an answer for all his own experiences, "Monsters that are so powerful to them and so they flee to fight them from afar? Monsters that we've exterminated so quickly both here and across our Empire's greatest lands, I ask have we fled when we've purged them? Or have we found about them to realize we're not so weak enough to bow to them, of course not and yet we are here still forever loyal to our people's future!"
Seryu and Wave found themselves both looking on in a stunned fascination to see emerald eyes glaring hatefully at an unseen foe. They each had shivers running up spinal cords to feel that sense of righteous fury dipped in clear purpose and understanding it wasn't so easily understood. They were looking at a young man, a child who'd enlisted through his life dedicated to fighting for good and to see his expression now showed how far an ideal icon had fallen. An icon many on the outside couldn't understand because Tatsumi's voice showcased what he had lost, already sacrificed and learned about the truth in which they in turn began to see finally. Neither Jaeger saw this passionate cry of rage, of fury and of truth in the one who lead them, it was an entirely different stark difference of their leaders who held their lives in vast perspectives.
"I'll take a thousand cowards to stand with us over a million traitors who will." Tatsumi spoke quietly stunning an entire room far various reasons, "Cowards to me are worth, a lot more." Another smile appeared this time far more warmer and absolutely sure, "A coward will try to run yet they will stand when someone tells them too. To face their fears, to face a terror they themselves cannot hope to face alone and yet they'll always stand with you." He told the entire room based on experiences, based on what he had learned and what had to be learned. It was startling to most because they themselves didn't understand how far the young man valued a thing called loyalty.
It was more than an ideal in one young man's eyes and voice, "Traitors however will flee and run, to leave you alone and with nothing else." He declared snorting in disgust at actions to him and done to those who were supposed to be fighting for, "Loyalty among friends is worth more than any price of gold today, to cherish your comrades who are your friends is beyond anything and in seeing ourselves standing against odds a traitor will run. But a coward will stay as long as you tell them it's okay to face their fears, or am I wrong?" Not one soul inside the very room made to counter act his words, or yet alone try to disprove such a view.
Inhaling deeply to compose himself a bit more comfortably he spoke louder, "No one is coming to save us from what's already been done to our people, to our nation and to our Empire itself!" Having a gaze of those who already perished underneath the vast sickness of their land did his word carry weight, "For generations we were the greatest envy in this world, we were an envy none dared to imagine otherwise and we were better than never before seen to earn that right!" Yet he flippantly tossed his hand away so easy to shatter such a claim, "And now look at where we are at! Fractured to where traitors are our so called future, diseased disillusions due to stale inaction for so many generations who never understood what we were and as such have degenerated into this...cancerous state all due to of our people's fearful complacency to maintain themselves to be at the mercy of monsters who masquerade as us."
Heavy silence met those words yet again in an all too common reflex which he pointed out. Sighing tiredly he told the group, "It doesn't matter why, or how it got to be this way. All of what I said has happened before I, or anyone mostly inside this room was born." Another fact needlessly stated, or perhaps needed to be understood given how Tatsumi's expression turned incredibly exhausted to startled gazes, "I often asked myself why it has to be like this. But again it doesn't matter because this is our last chance to stem the tide, to stop all of this insanity and madness because there is no coming to save us. Does everyone understand what I'm saying?"
He looked up to view them again telling absolutely, "We are the saviors." People shuffled in place unable to understand those simple words yet only a few knew the extent, "We are the last hope of our nation and people so it's on all of us to get it done. And I'm going to tell you all what I intend to say soon enough." Unsheathing a blade which smoothly came to settle right in front of us his face did both tired eyes see their reflection. Tatsumi looked into them seeing both horrors of ages past, a future's dimming hope and within the present had found a solid yet twisted resolve to further his beliefs to know every action held consequences. Nothing would be easy regardless today.
"Reformation." He utterly tensely viewing those emerald orbs which glinted off reflected light to reveal the shedding shell of a man, "If traitors desire revolution through destruction of our nation and people, I say to hell with them as they are our enemy." The Revolution sought an easy way out of despair to justify their need for treason unable to face an even more daunting path. Unable to uphold their duty, loyalty and love for the very nation that birthed them by it's people, "To their so called monsters who play God and Devil with our own people, they think they're justified to abandon family and blood because they fear them?" He barked out a particular word finding it beyond disbelievingly because it wasn't hard to make a man bleed yet they ran in the name of 'freedom'.
Glaring absolutely disgusted at those he called traitor and treason itself Tatsumi asked those inside in front of him, "Is really so clear that cowardice and treason are one in the same?" No one seemingly wished to answer so he spoke it again, "Is it really the same? Because if you people are cowards yet are listening to me, I ask to you my friends..." The Jaegers straightened themselves accordingly before he moved to the various people who had their own reasons, "...to you people, the ones who sought me out and believed they had a chance to change our path of destruction as an Empire? Are we so disloyal to our nation that we've come to this, or are we simply people who for whatever reason have not the heart, soul to abandon our hope for it?"
After several minutes of silence one among an entire room moved to answer these questions by unsheathing a blade. An instrument once wielded by friend, admiration and now superior in all but blood itself. A young woman walked forward with her canine teigu in tow who wordlessly moved by his wielder. Seryu only took one breath preparing herself as Tatsumi watched with an expressionless face awaiting for anything. Too much had happened for her to not simply do anything, a vow and promise made to the fallen friend who had with her fought and died doing the right thing. Brave and good men always died first, but greater men arose because they refused to allow good people to keep dying needlessly.
Raising a blade overhead she impaled it right between herself and the young Colonel clasping both hands around its pommel. Seryu grinned ever so excitedly, "I fight for justice and for those who stand against evil, Tatsumi and I'm never abandoning...my goal." She struggled internally switching a word for two due to another conflict burning inside her heart. I'll never abandon...you Tatsumi. Koro raised his own miniature arms into a mimicking salute in response to his owner's declaration as it's sight spurred others to make their choices. This meeting was more than simply words and questions, it marked conviction until an end occurred.
Another Jaeger merely looked to his hand to have clench into a fist remembering past members of family pushing themselves further beyond others. Damn it old man, I think you and I are going to have a lot more in common when I get back home! You're going to demand Tastsumi, you and I in that crusty tone of yours to get drunk all to hell together. Wave smiled warmly already needing less than significant motivation to hear his father giving him a kick to the ass to do what was needed. Reaching over he grasped Grand Chariot's bladed sword to unsheathe it as well uttering under his breath, "Love you ya salty old bastard."
The sailor didn't entirely agree with what his friend said yet he had an idea why. But presently things were bad and he'd seen that despite living in a relatively peaceful countryside port town. We are who we are, I can't say it's wrong because I haven't been through what he's done. But friendship is something we do agree on, so consider me on your side Tatsumi, I'm no coward who runs from any fight coming our way. Walking over with a proud smile he too stabbed his teigu's bladed form in similar position of his fellow Jaeger, In playful response Seryu elbowed him grinning to match his smirk of agreement as they waited together for others to act.
At first no one seemingly wished to follow two selfless acts of genuine belief until the most unlikely of persons did so. Hobbling towards the trio a bandaged yet stern face Yumi who'd been raised in a forest of feral beasts, animals and lack of humane understanding felt her blood race in apparent rush as instinct took a hold. Despite being heavily injured every wound healed remarkably efficiently well beyond a normal human body was capable of any day. Being covered in bandages covering partially her face she rasped out words slowly trying to utilize them correctly, "I want to become...stronger to learn who I am." A feral grin tiredly, if not painfully lifted to showcase will which overrode physical pains to endorse genuinely gleeful impatience.
Eying the former feral girl Tatsumi gave a snort of disbelief before chortling, "I've seen strange things but you're officially the most strangest yet, Yumi." Seryu and Wave had to stifle their laughs because the girl tilted her head curiously replying rather innocently, "I...don't understand." The courage of such a person whose very history was of a mystery to others, or at least not for those who were considered to be Ghosts. The remaining members who had completed missions, objectives and taught in part daily tasks with aid provided by tutors of an Emperor, it'd been absolutely startling to see how quick Yumi had acquainted to those with an intellect.
Among several of an entourage who were transfixed by what mere words had unleashed did a man of an elder generation come forth. Julius Cavelt could only blink away a vague sense of nostalgia which nearly broke what little hesitation that lingered within his own soul. Utilizing a cane did the man come to stand just before the small group which held more courage and determination then thousands out in the world beyond. Between the four younger did they all stare over either curiously, suspiciously or stoically due to their misunderstanding questions. The older man only kept his gaze focused on one who they gathered around and for one fleeting moment, a surreal sensation seemingly appeared before dissipating as he blinked heavily.
"It's said every man often contemplates what he views and knows as truth, Colonel." A sentence filled with regret yet held enough strength to indicate something more genuinely remained, "I've seen many men fall to the powers at be, to fall when they couldn't remain true to their principles and many of us including myself have failed to realize something." Julius's strained tone surprised most who were used to seeing such a man never show what many could believe as weakness, especially to those not familiar to his own life. And yet the man hardly flinched, "We are the one's who've allowed our children to bear the weight of our sins. Sins that we've damned ourselves to shame our people, their safety and I honestly for a long time I believed the past couldn't ignite anew to make me atone for actions...I hesitated upon."
Raising his free hand into a fist to be placed over the heart which beat calmly within flesh itself. Twisting slightly to have it flush thumb first against his clothing before extending arm with an open palm Julius proclaimed, "I will no longer hide in the sins of mine and my generation's past." The man smiled widely finally seeking what he'd been unable to believe, unable to imagine and yet it all came together in one unbelievable sense of irony. Irony so surreal it seemed like a miracle to his eyes, "Reformation is something far more dangerous then in choosing to simply rebel. Rebellion is merely a traitor's cowardice unable to face themselves when true men call on them to stand together, for their people, country and loyalty to their perseverance to remain true, for I am a coward whose answered your call and I seek change again."
Throughout this man's convictions Tatsumi found himself unable to make sense of passion being excluded. It seemed strange to him for total strangers to pledge themselves to him, or rather those he'd not been acquainted too willingly. But regardless of whatever reasoning, or goals he'd accept help mainly because it was needed most in an hour of dire uncertainty. Initially he'd planned to rally those who'd stand up if given a choice, but a mere choice without power or backing of strength was merely empty words and broken promises. The young Colonel understood why those he'd consider friend, ally and brother in arms couldn't be allowed to know why he had to do what was needed. Because he knew if they understood...they'd probably kill him out of mercy's sake alone.
Soon enough thoughts pertaining to his original plan had all but been destroyed due to this man's input alone. People being rallied alone won't be able to cut it, without any strength and power behind words they'll be ineffective to get things drastically changed. They have a part to play, but I overestimated how large they have and yet without them supporting me, I might as well just be screaming into a mirror. He'd believed it'd have been so easy, to simply go out and rally thousands to demand a change to their country while managing that momentum. Yet the young Colonel greatly found himself a reality check when the true scope of what he desired to see required something a lot more powerful to move that movement alone.
Giving Julius a terse nod while replying lowly, "Then we'll put what you say to the test." Wave and Seryu exchanged glances before looking together towards their friend who smiled grimly amused, "Julius and I had a rather...well, shall we say an informative discussion." Raising both hands he placed one on each of their shoulders signifying it wasn't anything morbid given how kindly he praised the man, "What I had initially planned wasn't going to cut it. But now it's given me an idea to requires my friends to pull it off with me, our soldiers to do their part and getting everyone inside this city to awaken themselves."
While this was happening nearby the last Jaeger was diligently writing notations inside his book keeping track of details that hadn't escaped attention. Ran had observed ever so intently jotting down whatever seemed incredibly off, or perhaps interesting most to his internal thoughts. It's strange to see you lying for a change, Tatsumi. An interesting piece of that assumption stood out when he noticed his superior's smile in place finding it eerily stiff. Or rather it lacked a natural uplifting sensation at least from his own experiences when mimicking joyful facial expressions, so the former teacher knew something seemed off.
Your eyes are flickering between Seryu and Wave constantly making an effort to seem he's alright, but in all likelihood you're...not. Humming briefly he crossed his legs in a bid to feel more composed to make an accurate guess as to what was going to happen. Despite acting suspicious Ran couldn't have been more pleased and fascinated to witness an extraordinary event taking place right before his very eyes! Whether the young man realize it or not, history would be made soon and it'd be remembered by those who'd witness the birth of a new power within the Empire. The former school teacher's lips pulled into an intrigued grin since another potential danger emerged.
The Jaegers as a unified team would all but be erased after what would occur soon. There wasn't any doubt in his mind it'd be them against Esdeath, if only in name. Stylish and himself would be considered neutral entities considering they had no grievances, or closer bounds while Kurome would side with their general based on his predictions. Yet it also provedan ever more daring assumption, Tatsumi was planning on either usurping her command and authority on grounds of their deceased team mate being so carelessly thrown aside. I can only imagine what you went through fighting tooth and nail to get them out alive, perhaps it's why they follow you and trust you so much it's because you almost sacrificed yourself just as needlessly...Tatsumi.
Then again Ran considered himself not exactly neutral given his own actions in supporting the Colonel's endeavor. Too much already had been revealed to him, it honestly made it clear what was needed and that lead to one inevitable decisions. He'd support them all, to do all in his power and will to see through a birth of a movement within their Empire. An entirely new movement formed from the ashes of good, if not misguided and ultimately stubborn people who weren't going to allow their nation to fall into ruin. It was simply too much to ill afford to have them fail, Ran knew why because everything he'd ever worked towards lead right into this moment. Too much to gain, too much to lose and insanely dangerous if either outcome came to pass.
Whether they'd work together as a team to go against adversaries like those of Night-Raid, or any group their dynamic would change. It'd be subtle, or not yet so at its core Tatsumi's trust among them potentially overrode their general's established obedience personally. If a battle broke out between you and her, I or anyone of us will be hard pressed to make an impact. With what I know now, I don't think those two would give a damn about the consequences and I myself am partly reluctant to remain idle in such a scenario. Modestly ceasing writing down his thoughts did he notice something particularly odd about a pair of people. Frowning lightly his gaze settled on the two legionaries who'd been standing rigidly and quietly next to the doorway.
Both soldiers held tightly composed facial expressions trying to hide an internal struggle which made Ran immediately wary. Each man seemingly accepted his fellow Jaegers admissions to stand with a friend, to do what was right and yet something wasn't exactly right. That sergeant keeps looking over to his lieutenant as though he wants to speak, or is there something else? Disagreement perhaps, or maybe...maybe they're worried? Several theories started to formulate themselves based on what he knew and when it came to the soldier who'd been underneath the young Colonel's command since their legion's inception? He only could speculate what personal attachments those men and women held to Tatsumi at best.
"Curious." He whispered tapping the writing utensil against a book's page pondering in quiet resolution, "There's more behind you than you'd either admit, or wish to tell to others." Between two legionaries and two Jaegers it became clear some sort of unseen rift, or perhaps a newly birthed conflict began emerging due to actions undertaken. He honestly couldn't pinpoint whether the soldiers were just worried about their commander whose very acts had placed him on hostile grounds, to be attacked from essentially the city itself and rebellion, it forced Ran to internally sigh aloud due to such pressures being immense to withstand mentally. I have to gather more information, I need to research more into my theories and if what I fear is true, I'll possibly intervene if anything gets clear involving our mutual 'goal' it seems.
However much he thought about all of these conflicting details it was clear for one certainty. They had reached a turning point long believed impossible! Ran knew exactly by heart in pinpointing when such events had long ceased to exist and never were attempted again. Being an advent teacher of history regarding their millennium old Empire had perks when invoking old texts yet being allowed access to scrolls harbored beneath their Imperial administration yielded rewards in itself. As a Jaeger and personal assistant to the arguably strongest person in their nation it provided a lot of unhindered privacy. So much was left to rot in dark, dusty and distance places it'd been beyond damning to know not shred of knowledge would leave those shelves.
"Do you think we'd be able to start sparing and training together?" Blinking absently did the youthful blond return just in time seeing Seryu asking Tatsumi almost eagerly, "I need to battle stronger people to learn my weaknesses, I can't do it by thinking I know everything." It seemed their latest encounter against Night-Raid had matured Seryu's outlook as Ran deciphered rather sympathetically given a friend had fallen. He witnessed the elder sailor simply pouting rather childishly in an obviously mocking hurtful voice, "Hey what I am here? So you're forgetting I arrived and saved you guys, am I that worthless?"
Peering attentively due to Tatsumi laughing warmly patting both of his friends shoulders succeeding in deflecting an internal indecision, "It wouldn't hurt." He gave Wave a firm shake telling him bemused, "No one's saying you're worthless Wave, it's just you aren't that effective in being a hero and doing some good." The elder sailor barked out a laugh punching his younger friend's shoulder roughly, "Next time I'm leaving your unconscious ass to drown in a puddle!" Wave further added as though a once in a life time opportunity had been lost, "And I'm not giving you mouth to mouth, so consider that opportunity lost...sir."
Seryu snorted in response to her friend's jokes since they were all in good faith, "Least neither of us got kicked away like a rag doll." And from there on their bantering cast over a kinder feeling to ease an entire room into comfortable conditions. Various people began moving forward murmuring to each other as Julius waved his fellows over in a commanding signal to have them say their words, Tatsumi found himself at the center of numerous lowly spoken questions. With Wave and Seryu easing themselves to stand behind a small line of impaled swords, Ran noted it was willing solidarity to forever have them back their friend up. In one fleeting moment he believed a relived grateful expression soften once tightened guarded eyes.
Almost a dozen people obscured all three Jaegers from their lone comrade who sat quietly by himself observing. You're able to hide behind masks so well when pressured, Tatsumi. To see such an effort maintained rigidly to keep up a masquerade of civility started to dawn upon his internal theories pertaining to why. It was equally fascinating and terrifying to see how a young man burdened by such impossible weights chaining him to ambition coped with it. Ironically he questioned whether sanity would be efficient to stem anything as trauma's from childhood had all but demolished it, Ran shuddered involuntarily due to an eerie comparison. It was ideally close to someone who relished in destroying another being's sanity altogether.
"He's a wonderful match for you indeed, General...in hell." Bitterly saying those last two words wasn't lighting considered since it started to make sense somewhat. Based on all his observations pertaining to Esdeath's personality, actions and history she'd had never allowed any being of blood to get away with permitted disobedience. No one in their country would have been allowed to live, to be given freedom and deliberate action to undertake a possibility for her authority to be challenged in any manner directly, or inadvertently. The truth began to dawn on him whether it was prematurely induced by anxious confusion, or possibly crushing pity that for such dreams meant for good of many would be drenched in sin's weighted price.
One admission from his superior about this entire gathering despite it not being technically allowed was underneath Esdeath's blessing. She'd rather kill, or eradicate any threat to her beliefs yet why is she allowing you as an exception? It makes sense for that woman to think you'd do anything, but to challenge her presence unless... Ran widened both of his eyes when something incredibly odd stood out among what was happening. Staring attentively noticing how the young Colonel kept smiling speaking quietly yet firmly with both of their friends standing beside him, he'd take a sharp wager to believe everything now was an unseen test. Tonight's meeting was literally a test for him to gauge what had to be said.
Our conversation earlier just proves to me you're hiding something away. Something you've accepted that causes even people who served you, loyally and more to feel uneasy yet I can't exactly guess what it is specifically! Thinking intently going over every little detail he'd been able to muster Ran's hand twitched dangerously when it tapped against the small open book. Everything he knew about the young man standing front of a small group of people smiling openly was for sure a lie, an exquisite crafted lie yet not undecipherable since this one was starting to show cracks. You're not afraid of your fiancee, I think you should be terrified but you're happier! Normally anyone should be catatonic yet because you defended her despite all what she'd done? How can you trust such a woman whose done such horrifying and hellish acts?
Mysterious acts of a person who trusted their loved one couldn't have been so readily accepted between these two. Their general alone couldn't possibly understand any humane emotion akin to love, or empathy yet her immediate lover was happier than before! Ran blinked in frustration due to easily believing he'd gotten a gauge on Tatsumi's goals and whether it assisted him personally. In hindsight he should have backed away remaining ignorant because now throwing his support behind the younger colonel's ambitions, it had become a literal double edged blade. Either way, right or wrong it'd damage the user and target, in solidifying blood being spilled. Now how could such people exist in a twisted resolve of mind and soul, for he dared to wonder in pity.
I've heard of hearing a match made in hell, but to actually see it? The former school teacher frowned deeply watching Tatsumi's kinder expression before glancing to his supposed subordinate of a lieutenant. Despite not knowing either legionary he saw right through a disciplined face to see an internal struggle of pain, confusion and hesitation in allowing something terrible to go on. Yet Ran sympathized with such a gaze due to him being in a similar position since it was necessary for goals to be attained, or rather in this case to achieve an impossible one. In an ideal world he'd have stopped you Tatsumi, or possibly kill you for doing something increasingly reckless I'd wager.
The lone Jaeger remained sitting in place with legs crossed and arms tensed not daring himself to humor half truths. I've been played like a fool, I expected myself to trap a person and yet I paid more for it like an eager fool it seems. Ran warily accepted an unseen lose on his part due to genuine truth used as a weapon, an ever incredible stroke of genius itself and to see it equally damaging a truth just to glimpse an ever shrewd madness. Madness long since honed in use to justify pain to one's mind, in order ironically enough to tolerate an unseen consequence of acceptance and paying sin's price for inhumane resolve. To actually catch a glimpse of another side of a person they'd come to accept, trust and love was both horrifying and awe inspiring. Few men could attain such perception yet use it effectively.
However one man existed birthed of horrid conditions of their world to fill him with a terrible resolve to correct it. You wanted me to see this didn't you Tatsumi? Silently asking that question turned absolutely bitterly amusing due to it's conflicting intention. Trust being used as a lie whilst in managing it to remain genuine for a friend? You lie using truth, not to spin it or twist but using it to mask your lie itself for one to trust in you. I'm beginning to see partially why Esdeath is allowing this madness to flourish, I think she either doesn't see it...or maybe she does so, I believe that more and you're warning me to just keep my mouth shut for all our safety.
Staring stoically he looked over towards both rigid legionaries yet unlike before Roy Ottoman caught his gaze. Neither man deflected in favor to instead convey unseen questions and details that forced a former teacher to nod simply once. The former aristocrat whose years of upbringing to recognize subtle suggestions merely grimaced in return understanding why, when they returned their gazes on a smiling young man who looked so at ease. Nothing appeared so simple at first glance, nothing appeared to be clear cut and for what it was worth? Ran understood once what was coming to head came to pass, no person in their country would doubt the word of a young colonel who stood at a forefront of madness itself to be able weather the storm. There would be not a single soul who saw through this masquerade, not one soul close to him and up until today, he'd believed Esdeath was the sole monster which scared him to hell.
The lack of any noise even in a nocturnal setting caused a frown to appear on Doctor Stylish's face ever so openly. Although the meager dull nature of reconnaissance wasn't so stylishly flashy in his habits to flaunt yet he knew something wasn't right entirely. Several members of his privatized created army from various experimentation, dutifully pain stake crafted works of art and perfected achievement felt unnerved for how quiet an entire forest remained. One of his creations with an abnormally long nose to stylishly supersede any danger beast's ability to sniff out scant traces of scent reported, "Night-Raid is everywhere, doctor. All trails lead to that fortress yet they've been here so long it's impossible to tell where fresh and old meet."
Overlooking an entire valley full of lush greenery provided enough of an insight whether their foes had warning. With a sheer cliff face leading downwards did the doctor hum lightly pondering on which stylishly devised strategy would be most effective. The entirety of forest remained unmistakably quiet despite wind occasionally brushing through unhindered. Stylish formulated that such densely packed forests were suitable for defenses yet he gave Night-Raid credit in establishing themselves so far out of the way from most of civilization. There wasn't much left to imagine given his search of fruitless abandonment gave way to such results.
Dozens upon dozens of similar his beloved creations crept from their positions awaiting commands to infiltrate and kill their supposed enemy. But Stylish withheld that all too gloriously stylish command due to inconsistencies on hand. Not one animal moved, or called despite being eternally at the height of night yet no signs of humane habitation stood out in those fortifications. Another creation with eyesight gifted beyond the natural beauty of nature noted quietly, "No candle lights, or signs of anyone sleeping comfortably as well, doctor. All windows are either boarded up, or locked effectively leaving everything in darkness."
Stylish lightly began nibbling on the edge of his thumb to ward off an ever humane emotion known as anxiety. Without looking back he called out to another beloved creation of his perfected hands, "Mimi! Would you be a stylish dear of mine and tell me what you hear?" If there was one creation perfected to keep them above scrutiny of their enemy it'd have been her, Mimi's ability to pierce distance with sheer sound and being able to decipher voices were simply exceptional. More so it made any potential adversaries realize in a stylishly delighted horror to know they weren't too subtle, Stylish still however felt uneasy regardless.
A breeze gently met their backs deceptive in its natural attempt to dissuade those who found themselves alone. Twigs loosely fell from trees onto darkened forest floors which made a being whose hearing surpassed any creature naturally to wince, "I...I can't tell." The sheer silence magnified any noise being detected by ears so hypersensitive, a hand folded an overly large ear comfortingly. Mimi held both eyes tightly closed in a bid to focus on where she'd been needed to observe, "There's no sign of voices around that fortress, so far." It'd been notoriously difficult to traverse so far into the greatest density of forests, it'd been absolutely taxing to find Night-Raid's scents and by being distracted by so many minuscule details had been nauseating.
The lack of any signs of their quarry was both equally irritating and disappointing as Stylish exhaled frustrated. Perhaps my assumption of Night-Raid retreating to nurse their wounds was far too stylishly naive, a trivial flaw I must overcome! Snapping his fingers did all three of his beloved creations center themselves in front kneeling obediently, "Me, Hana!" The two looked up awaiting their creator's word, "Take Toby and Troomo with you towards Night-Raid's hideout, please be subtle and verify if they indeed have fled." Those four would be ideal in their ability to work cohesively, if they weren't alone yet he woefully felt disappointed due to a simple fact.
Stylish wasn't exactly going to eager to report back to his perfect general and dear colonel for taking an initiative. Opportunity never faded for one such as he, a fabulously stylish man of vision and genius of science to undergo an ever grandiose task of eliminating Night-Raid. A group which had harmed comrades who he held in high esteem, in particular the ever loving Seryu and her ever so innocent affection for a young man who'd pushed his own genius to perfection. They'd learn the folly of harming those perfected underneath his hands, a lingering humane empathy for those who volunteered and offered their services to his ambitions were far more critical to be heightened right. Hence of his motivations to track down this group of ruffian dissidents.
"Doctor...doctor!" A sudden urgent haggard like voice broke Stylish from his thoughts rather strangely in hindsight. Another creation of his perfected genius sounded winded, or rather panicked and he turned to address this person. Only to cease immediately in seeing a brutalized form of a man who once looked human in appearance. Stylish felt a tingle crawling up a spinal cord as a single arm raised itself weakly with an entire jawline crushed inwards, "...horns...one...flee, please..." Several garbled words followed buckling lungs unleashing reddish dark liquid as a man once created by his very visionary acts fell over dead.
Kneeling down inspecting a freshly minted corpse the stylishly perfected Jaeger sucked in one harsh breath of surprise. Excessive trauma inflicted by hands easily capable in crushing reinforced bone and muscle! Pushing glasses back into their original position he swiftly recalled everyone in ear shot, "My beloved creations, pets and lovers I do believe we've been...expected."Distant screams of dying men, or women who once were alive began in earnest and quickly got cut down in abrupt thuds of muted agony within the silent forest. Stylish smiled brightly externally even though within his mind began calculating deaths of beloved creations at such an accelerated rate and realized all too easily a somber possibility.
Within the depths something incredibly deadly and oppressing made its way towards where the mad genius doctor stood. His most powerful of creations stood in a loose circle guarding him with their lives and yet the man earnestly found himself confronting danger. Constant screams erupted within mere seconds before being snuffed out just as quickly, if he were not so intelligent to figure out a trajectory he'd have been fool hardy to leave sooner. But alas he understood there wasn't going to be a moment to flee back to his beloved friends, comrades and superiors based on preliminary details. It seemed Night-Raid had been expecting someone to follow them.
"I can only hear one set of foot steps." Mimi whispered straining to block out screams of her dying compatriots as Stylish laughed all too assured, "My, my, my." Based on who exactly was out there butchering his private army so easily and effectively. It contributed to assume this was the same being that nearly killed their young yet passionate dear colonel. Seryu's testimony during her brief interlude underneath his private care resting her battered body, he'd say it certainly revealed a lot of details to which he commented rather calmly, "How...stylishly morbid."
The lack of any other signs of Night-Raid members indicated that this single individual had been intentionally left behind. Left behind to annihilate any foe daring, or in his case stylishly shrewd to decipher their hideaway. I owe you an apology my dear Seryu, I don't think I'll be able to perfect your desires and dreams to my hands. Taking off his glasses to pocket them neatly while using both hands to clear hair away to reveal a calm yet grim smile of condensation. Spiky black stylized hair swept back underneath his teigu's touch into a short yet devilishly handsome ponytail, a sign of genius to never look sub-par even on the battlefield of war itself.
Glancing to take stock of his beloved creations he told them all too bemused, "Alas it seems none of you will spend the time in these arms of a stylish beast of genius." They hardly seemed disappointed given most shifted desirably to humor such a reward, "And it seems I won't be able to take you all. It's a pity, I'd have found it stylishly...lovely." Breathing in deeply to feel far more at peace and surely ready to tackle what adversary came forth Stylish flexed both hands. His teigu was named Protector as an instrument forged by the hands of men in sheer damned testament to be ideally considered the Hands of God.
Several slanted armor plates covered each forearm towards an elbow perfected to be used by it's wielder. I've got few options, less so stylishly favored that I must act upon rather prudishly. Between any option he looked towards his beloved creations each in turn readily set to give their lives for him personally. However if he were to face death it'd be favorable to those who he held dearest inside his heart and to have them mourn him simply seemed...unacceptable. Stylish casually reached into his jackets pocket for a simple notepad of appearance as one elegantly looking pen readied itself for hands to nimbly begin writing in earnest.
The teigu itself vibrated purely of an unseen bliss in being utilized as fingers were speeding along at paces no man alive could imagine. Words normally would have taken minutes became perfected scriptures in scant seconds, a modest if not outright stylishly humble feat. All men of science know when their odds are slim they prepare for the worst, normally but those of my stylishly standing never allow said odds to be determinants to progression itself! Occasionally screams of dying creations from his private army lasted several moments yet they couldn't stop such a foe wiping them away. The five surrounding Stylish personally tensed up preparing themselves.
Overlooking them one by one wondering which would be suitable as a parting gift to never allow his legacy to fade. If there was one thing a man of his caliber ordained by stylishly humbled hopes! It'd be that he never forgot those who were kind to him and acknowledged his genius by listening like attentive students. Yet always putting the future above any problems Stylish doubted none would forget his contributions to those of a passionate dream. Seryu in particular stood out as a diligent young woman he come to admire. Writing down several more thoughtful details he eyed the forest which had gone eerily silent, a pity so many were thoughtful in their protection despite being reduced to such an atrocious roles of cannon fodder.
Lightly tapping the perfected letter he called out rather kindly, "Mimi! Would you be a dear and humor my request?" Despite having a stoic expression the large eared creation felt apprehension when Stylish smiled warmly, "Would you please deliver this stylishly beautiful letter to our ever so thoughtful Seryu, I do believe she'll be reporting to that handsome Colonel of ours as well." One of many perks in being allowed free reign to indulge his fancies came to those of lesser stock living on streets of such an eccentric city. It seemed both of his wonderful comrades in arms had plans which were quite stylishly ambitious to attain.
"Doctor?" The young girl questioned uneasily finding his smile perfectly amused at a beloved creation, "Why me?" Her ears twitched visibly as a pair of eyes darted into darkened depths of forest as Stylish knelt down to place a comforting hand over another. Nimbly tucking the precious gift for safe travels he told her rather simply, "Because I can ask anything of my beloved creations, Mimi. Your gifts I leave to the stylishly whims of fate itself and I shall not be forgotten, if the worst comes for us as you'll be my contribution to...defy it logically." He chuckled merrily brushing hair out of her face which reddened enough to find it stylishly adorable in his view. Not so distantly branches snapped underneath something rather heavy.
Unusually concerned with how her creator in all but name appeared Mimi looked down to see the neatly folded bundle. Stylish playfully patted her hand comfortingly, "Don't look at me with such concerned eyes, my dear." Standing up fully he guided her to the edge of a cliff face gently turning to have them both view an expanse of natural beauty, "I'll leave not a stylishly poor legacy as men of my caliber and talents always prepare for our best, or worst. Complete this task for me, Mimi." Telling her simply to smile fondly as a pair of large ears twitched again. It seemed their foe wasn't too far ahead of them it seemed.
The girl nodded asking somewhat timidly realizing something odd, "What will happen to me afterword?" Stylish laughed openly brandishing his hand over a strong breeze palm extended outwards as if unveiling a prize, "What else? It'll be your absolute free will of choice!" Applauding himself stylishly pleased he informed a shocked girl that life itself was ahead of her own whims, "Serve who you wish, live as you please and if you cannot accept this grand gift of I? Then I'll ask of you to stylishly assist my dear little Seryu, if you need a purpose to get your bearings of such things my dear sweet Mimi!"
Disbelief clearly stood out on the normally stoic and composed girl's face as a tear began trailing earnestly in shock. Stylish eyed his creation sympathetically knowing they were devout and willing individuals who'd undergone surgical marvels. Marvels done on his hands to which they endured ever so diligently, valiantly and not one of them regretted pledging themselves to his stylishly perfected hands of creation. And to ask them to leave his side? The poor girl thinks I'm sending her away, so fret not my little creation for I'm sending you to a grander purpose! A purpose that I know sweet Seryu will accomplish and you'll be hers to propel my last legacy into the echelons of greatness itself, a fear worthy of I!
Mimi's expression wavered as several more tears ran down her cheeks when he wiped them away, "Will you do what I ask of you?" He prompted kindly to which she nodded again much to his internal pleasure, "Simply stylishly splendid!" Standing upright again to dust himself off he began humming thoughtfully looking back to where a wall of flesh and loyal minds dedicated to his hands stood their ground. Cupping his own chin he wondered aloud, "Now let's see...oh, I've got the most stylishly thought out surprise!"
Weaving intricate designs his teigu began working in earnestly creating absolutely the most sturdy of materials forged by a genius. Fingers literally blurred at speeds no mere humane eye could witness as it seemed his very hands were two globs of greyish shapes. Mimi blinked owlishly before something settled over her body as strands of seemingly comfortable yet steel like strings, "Please tell my dear little Seryu this, Mimi." Stylish intoned all too happily smiling proud as he placed a hand directly on her right shoulder, "Become stylishly strong and never forget you have the tools to be stylishly perfect for your goals."
The man smiled widely, "And do forgive me." Before she knew it the girl screamed out in shock as Stylishly shoved her over the edge! Falling in a mix of panic and terror she saw ground immediately as air whisked past her ears. Screaming out in panic her eyes closed reflexively yet those strings tightened rapidly slowing a descent. Breathing heavily she cracked an eye open to see grass not even several inches away. She was dangling lazily momentarily before lightly falling face first into the ground, Mimi muffled out a cry of surprise and turned around inhaling loudly. It'd been a long way down, if not a quick and sudden moment to which her fear of heights was well known.
High above she saw the doctor waving enthusiastically for a few moments until disappearing due to sounds of metal clashing against metal. I have to hurry! Getting to both knees which shook violently due to being exposed to fears long since ingrained Mimi pulled up her cloak to cover large sensitive ears. She ran, hard and fast in a direction where they'd first came clutching the small yet detailed words of a man she'd lived for. Dashing in between trees her ears could hear a faint voice baritone and flat speaking very clearly, "You will not live to see the next sunrise, for my master and I have decided to cease in humoring of taking prisoners."
Stopping dead in her tracks did the girl look back with wide eyes focusing unintentionally hearing clear sounds of her friends. Clenching them shut she desperately tried to run yet a part of her refused to leave due to hearing Stylish's voice distantly amused, "How stylishly morbid of you Night Raid. I do believe you're that humanoid teigu, if my sources are to be correct?" There was a pause, a lull and the next thing she knew an explosion sent her reeling backwards! Yelping naturally in response covering sensitive ears her eyes returned to see an entire cliff face slanting downwards right onto the valley floor where she was!
Not even daring to remain she sprinted with all her strength to quickly gain some distance as tons of granite smashed down! Tremors rocked the entire valley sending miniature quakes which inevitably caused her to stumble into a heap and tumbling face first. Coughing out of sheer shock she just looked up to see a wave of dust speeding forward, Mimi instinctively curled into a ball and tucked her ears away. In sheer moments a huge powerful stinging wave of air sent her vision into a brackish mix unable to decipher details. Her panic only increased when an inhumane monstrous roar of glee and joy echoed as it belonged to Stylish.
He already resorted to that serum? But without me, it'll not be enough! Standing up she continued running avoiding barely noticeable tree trunks and trying desperately to not trip on once easily seen uproots. Damn it, damn it, damn it! Monstrous quakes pummeled as abrupt shocks countered them creating an almost natural earthquake itself. The sheer force even felt where she'd been fleeing was simply unimaginable to believe as a battle served its purpose. She was the victory that her doctor wished and was fighting for her too!
Pain racked her heart both physically and metaphorically when it was clear she wasn't going to see her doctor again. Her creator, her friends and a life devoted were essentially gone. For every step lead her to believe logically she'd been spared, chosen or maybe simply picked out luckily to follow through on what had to be done. It hurt, it hurt so much and yet her eyes stared ahead blocking out emotional impulses to return to Stylish...but she didn't. Her loyalty and love to a man who made her weren't going to be dissuaded as he'd asked her to get back to that Jaeger. If anyone could avenge, or set things right she knew someone who'd provide that chance.
That Jaeger girl, I hope you kill these bastards who killed him! Mimi gnashed her teeth together running as far as she'd be able too. Her hearing ever so naturally picked up screams of painful agony and flesh on a form her doctor designed, it couldn't have been anymore painfully clear as her time was running out. She had to keep running, to keep fleeing and get to the person who she only knew would avenge her beloved creator! He had sent her away to get word to them, to her and more importantly granting her a privilege she never desired, or sought out!
Ducking underneath several low lying branches she kept up heading further into the forest as dust began clearing up gradually. Explosions distantly faded away little by little until a sudden explosive boom echoed across an entire valley. Mimi froze as that echoing boom sounded like a scream from someone crying out. Tears flowed freely drenching a shirt as the young girl ran rapidly trying to avoid breaking down because her beloved creator's voice wouldn't be heard again. It hurt, it hurt so much and only her last request from a man she'd ever love was gone. The forest itself ceased to tremble as a terrible swift silence resumed ever so innocently chilling. She was alone...for the first time in her entire life.
Get to that Jaeger girl, Mimi just like Stylish told you! She told herself this grimly steeling what little emotion which demanded to unleash itself. She withheld all urges to cry, wail and grieve until her task was done yet it hurt so much that tears refused to stop. There was nothing left to say, to imagine or dare to hope as it was clear. She was Stylish's legacy to stand alone, a testament to his genius and belief to carry out a gift as she'd swear to avenge him. Slowing down to a light run before walking Mimi looked upwards to see clearing skies and could only understand what happened. No one besides two people were going to mourn a man who deserved so much more.
End Chapter Fifty
Author's Note: My, my, my. It has been a while folks, can't say I haven't been side tracked and ultimately lost in the rhythm of working life. So much to cover, so much to find out and so little to really understand what's going to happen next. Still let's kick this little explanation off, shall we? I mean I'm sure most have their opinions, thoughts and predictions as to where this is all going. Rest assured, I'm constantly evaluating options and they are not so simple. I guess I'll answer some questions that are generally being asked, more or less.
Some have questioned Tatsumi's mentality, or rather his hostility to those who do want to help him. This blatant alienation is just a natural reaction, I mean in this setting and current climate politics haven't exactly persuaded people to find those wielding such power helpful. Between Honest, his corrupt cronies and those beneath them in a lone systematic bedrock of madness it's not exactly welcoming people with open arms...so far. To be fair, I haven't taken into account everything pertaining to that aspect because I never really made Tatsumi as tolerant towards those sitting in bureaucratic positions since most of the administration in the Empire have been severely ineffective responsibly. Virtue is practically dead, if anyone hasn't picked up on that and I don't say that as sarcasm, I'm genuinely asking do you really think anyone in his shoes would like politicians asking for his help?
I have my flaws when it comes down to clearing up a lot of issues, some aren't so clear cut and others are just paradoxical in nature. I want to explain logically speaking as a person, Tatsumi should be well aware and very welcoming of people assisting him. The problem is he never wanted to be the person leading something far more dangerous, chaotic and something incredibly foreign to him. He's an excellent commander if not very self-aware of his deeds, an accomplished one with triumphs to his name and is arguably the best model officer the Imperial military (in this interpretation of AGK) that is true to his self-respect. Yet this doesn't make him perfect when it comes to matters of state, if it's any consolation I'm very shaky when it comes really splitting apart what makes him...him without seemingly doing whatever is right perfectly, I mean all great leaders had their faults.
It's a constant struggle on my part to really give everyone an idea, great leaders have great support and foundations of those who are willingly doing all in their strengths to make things better. In this case, Tatsumi is great at being a leader but not a politician which is something he extremely dislikes given his actions, deeds and experiences. If I'm bold enough, I'll say he's a walking paradox of a man who gets things done but logically speaking it doesn't sense yet it happens! Perhaps I'm trying to make things too complicated, but I don't really see the problem because in the end this is a fictional story, so leeway is kind of self-explanatory. But really I'll leave the answer to you in this form of Curry's Paradox: "If this sentence is true, then Santa Clause is real."
I'll also be very clear, I'm no genius nor am I anything really anything save for an average-Joe who writes for fun. There's no ego, no superiority or inferiority at work but I do have a preference for making stories seem more than they appear. Or maybe really I'm just a man who likes what he does, writes what he wishes and just happens to see what his readers think of what they see. It's fun, it's harmless and I find it enjoyable to read people break down what's going on. It's so refreshing to see people dissect what makes a character...unique.
Moving on to Ran, I'll just say it's a real train wreck trying to make him appear subtle as I'm severely terrible at it myself. The conversation with Tatsumi and him has quite some writing on the wall, if anything I may have tipped my hand when it comes to his ability to psychologically deconstruct a person. The goal of that was to really see something that even Ran as a person who in cannon wasn't truly flushed out (in my opinion), so I had to take some gambles on whether he was trying to fish for answers at the expense of truth. Yet the greatest thing of all is what if Tatsumi himself is just naturally capable of masking lies with truth, a stroke of madness or genius given your opinion since he's been progressing towards something. Something far more dangerous, something only one other person has seen and made efforts to coax out of it's metaphorical restraints.
Ran recognizes something extremely wrong yet it's doing more than those who are clearly good. The thing I'm trying to pull off, it's very contradictory because it shouldn't make sense yet it happens so naturally! Tatsumi may be a good man, questionably, but he's not good enough to were he hasn't been warped or twisted by the very world he's experienced. Objectively speaking Ran realizes that Esdeath and her willingness to allow her fiance to do what he pleases is simply utilizing illusion of belief he can't do anything unless proven to break that restraint otherwise. It's all a game, at least to Ran whose desperately figuring out there's a lot more danger between the Empire's most iconic powers.
Like I said previously, I think I'm going way over my head and to many people you'll think I'm just absolutely bat shit crazy to try something...different. But hey, it's all for fun on my part and sometimes it gets rather passionate of me to explain everything. This is the beauty of imagination, to create and simply do what you need to do to achieve what you're aiming for. Ran's character, I feel is going to either impress people or perhaps you'll be turned off by it, I can't say really for sure. We all like what we read, we choose what we do and I'm no exception honestly. It all comes down to what is needed to be done, Ran knows on some level he can trust Tatsumi because his actions have done so much good, give or take.
But on the flip-side he's absolutely wary due to a simple fact. Tatsumi and Esdeath together truly are the match made in hell, at least in this iteration for obvious reasons. Both are powerful figures, both are strong individuals yet each have a different outlook on what their goals are for those around them. This is the truth in which Ran has seen, if push comes to shove and Tatsumi reveals what's within? Truth be told, sheer cruelty versus absolute brutality isn't exactly a heart welcoming face of a friend who hides in plain sight. So, forgive the wordy explanation but it's the best I can do without coming off as shallow.
Moving onto Stylish's moment of glory, or part. Honestly, I didn't know what to do at first and I initially planned out some sort of battle with him. But I realized I didn't need to because the best thing about Stylish in whole is that I wanted to make his impact not for Tatsumi, or at least a personal responsibility. This is for Seryu, for her development and rather it's going to bring an interesting...moment, if I play this right do those who've noticed a lot about her progress. In cannon Esdeath comforted the girl despite her unfamiliarity with loss, so what do you think will happen when the aftershock hits then? While I'm on this topic, I'll mention why I chose Mimi of all characters to...live.
Truth be told, I'm winging it because I do want something meaningful to come out of this event. Another person, another route and another complete deviation from canon in which Seryu ironically enough becomes someone more to another. Or perhaps I'm just making convoluted sub-plots as Mimi's own unique abilities do come in handy for shall we say, espionage? Yet this leads to a simple thing I'm trying to keep in line with, an organic flow in which things happen and there's nothing you can do but brace for it. Unexpected, no but intriguing to those who see what this means, yes indeed! Overall I'm just moving the plot forward, Stylish's death is just another death in the grand scheme which kick starts the events we see later.
Either way, what's done is done and I hope everyone just enjoyed reading this chapter. I got nothing more to say, it is what it is and I'm looking forward for reviews from you folks. If you say it's a good chapter, could please tell me why though? I'm always eager to see people really just pour their thoughts and understanding what you see from it. If that's selfish, so be it but hey, at least I haven't stopped writing because it's a hobby I have passion for! Nonetheless I wish you all a safe week, to be safe as well and I'll see you next time.
