Something Ends, Something Begins
Chapter 1
A New Beginning
A young man, 19 years of age, the colonel of his legion, was sitting down in his office, gazing at his journal he has been keeping with ever since he was recruited to serve the empire.
Recollecting memories while he was serving, both good and bad memories.
This journal was everything to him. Almost every moment he had to endure and experience was written in that journal. At times, he would often go back and imagine those memories again in his head when he had time.
It had everything in it, his accomplishments, people he met, places that astonished him and took his breath away, new foods he tried that filled his stomach with joy, it had everything. However, it did contain bad memories, very bad ones.
He began reminiscing the moment he was brought to the Empire by his former sensei, Great General Budo, to now being a colonel for his legion. He remembered when he was being taught by his former sensei.
Oh how back then everything seemed to be in order and the Capital seemed to go through peace and love. That was during the time when the former emperor reigned the Capital and the empire.
Ever since the former emperor died, his son, now known as Emperor Makoto, controls the empire in place of his dead father. Well, that's what most citizens in the Capital pondered. Ever since he was deemed as the "emperor," that monster-disguised-in-a-human Prime Minister Honest was the one who was controlling, commanding, and behind everything.
It was because of him that this magnificent and admirable Capital was now waiting for its impending doom, its ultimate downfall, it's thousand year history worth of glorious victories, it's impressive discoveries, the happiness that its people were experiencing, all that was coming to an end.
Tatsumi has faced numerous opponents, more than he could ever remember, but he still does not know who would take place as the man who deserved to meet death and hell the most more than that monstrosity.
It was miserable for him to imagine that the Empire was now corrupted. No, everything about the Capital was a total corruption. It was so corrupt that people now have to rob, kill, torture, rape others in order to survive.
Honest's pets were also a resemblance of corrupted men and women who only cared for the riches while the poor die, die in a slow and very harsh death, without them even knowing that they were destined to die.
The Imperial Soldiers, these so-called people that were being recognized as the ones to stop and fight against crime, who are supposedly responsible for spreading justice, were no different than the criminals or the bandits. No, in fact, he considered them even worse.
One would rather be already viewed as a villain and act like one rather than seeming to be someone who fights crime, only to reveal their true colors and do the very same actions you swore to brawl against.
All of this happened in just seven years.
Considering the standard living lifestyle people were experiencing before and after the former Emperor died, the difference was significant. The margin was so large, all of this happened in just a short period of time, it was incredible at a point where Tatsumi admitted that Honest has accomplished something that no one has ever even thought about.
None knew such a person can be this evil, to be this evil-minded. Tatsumi wouldn't be surprised if he turned out to be the devil himself.
By the time Emperor Makoto took "control" over the empire, Tatsumi was recruited to become a soldier for the legion that he now commands six years later.
13 years old at that time, his 3 years of being a soldier, was the worst 3 years he had to endure in his time in the Capital.
The amount of times Tatsumi could remember where he had to kill many people, most of them where they were either innocent or didn't deserve such an ending to their precious lives. The amount of times where he was forced to go to battles with bandits or enemies, perceiving the shouts and screams coming from innocent men, women, children, especially women and children who were raped by those soldiers. The number of times he had to look at people who were shedding tears as they either knew that their death awaited them or their close ones. Ponds and lakes full of red color on the ground he had to inspect, making him shiver terribly. All of that and more to add on he had to face.
What made this even worse for him was that he was forced to do such common actions. The fact that these amiss activities were viewed as common is really a major evidence that this Capital was experiencing it's last sweet moments before it becomes fully corrupted.
Tatsumi remembered the former colonel at the time when he was just a soldier under him. He was ruthless, in every way, how he spoke and how he dealt with people. His way of speaking and making his underlings comply with his order was by slashing at them with a stick if a soldier did not agree with him on something or coming up against him.
There were a few occurrences where Tatsumi had to feel the pain and torture coming from that degenerate who had no feeling whatsoever towards those under him, for refusing to do these war crimes.
Tatsumi never really fathomed as to why he had to be under the man, or even go to serve for that legion in the beginning.
Apparently, rumors were spreading during his second year in serving for the legion that many were spectating Tatsumi's determination in changing the empire and his exceptionally talented skills when setting his foot in a battlefield, learning and assimilating from his former master Budo.
Honest was mildly troubled by the fact that he might one day in the future have to face a potential threat to him and his works, slightly afraid he might become the next Budo. It did not really trouble him as he then somehow was able to convince nobles and General Budo for Tatsumi to serve for the legion that he now had absolute control of.
His sensei saw this as a great opportunity for him to rise and climb up the ladders through the empire ranks, hoping that Tatsumi could become a general like him, or when he used to be a general.
Honest, on the other hand, just sent him there to get rid of him as soon as possible, as he knew that the former colonel had little to no respect held towards his underlings, hoping to break the boy physically and mentally if he was viewed as a potential threat to him, so that he could be used as a valuable asset for himself.
Also, the legion at that time wasn't all that important and their greatest achievement at that they've achieved was conquering a fort that was consumed by bandits. Hence, he never really cared what happened to that legion, as he had much more important things to set his eyes on.
It was because of that monster and the former Colonel that Tatsumi had to endure pain, sorrowness, depression. He was suddenly sunken into this darkness pit internally where he thought he was done, that he was broken.
He had no faith in anyone that could save this Capital from its imminent demise. Even he knew that his former master couldn't save the Capital from Honest. He was ready to just leave everything behind, ready to leave the world and just let it go.
The world and the gods treated him harshly, putting his life at risk on various times, punishments coming and chasing after him, it was as if this world wasn't meant for him and for those who all they craved for was just an endless amount of happiness for everyone to experience. Guess it was too much to ask for.
However, at last, as if the gods granted him a favor.
The former Colonel he used to work under now retired from serving the Empire and his legion.
Most people did not know as to why he suddenly left "helping" the empire, as many pondered that he really loved his job and his position. It was indeed quite strange, however some heard rumours that apparently his wife, whom Tatsumi wondered who would ever dare to marry such a corrupt man, wasn't acting normal at all and needed immediate help.
People wondered what did that mean, but most nobles didn't spend too much time on it since they didn't care about the legion that was considered weak and frail, they would just let the soldiers and those higher-ups decide which of the candidates would take over the former Colonel's place as the next Colonel.
When it was the time to decide who was going to be the next Colonel, the nobles and the prime minister decided to arrange a meeting to elect a candidate.
The nobles and Honest couldn't really give too much crap, they rather wanted this meeting to end quickly to plan out on other more important matters and discussions.
Normally, the obvious outcome would be that those who serve the legion choose which Sergeants would become the next Colonel, since that was the rank right under the rank of Colonel and the more logical outcome.
They couldn't hide their jaws that were dropped when they decided that a certain soldier who served for them for just 3 years, a soldier who was regarded as the most talented fighter amongst them, with the greatest skills utilized in battlefields and fighting arenas between them.
All of them came to a conclusion that Tatsumi was to be positioned as the next Colonel, which not all of them agreed, as some of them were greedy enough to put an effort to persuade others that they were more capable of handling such a job and task rather than the young boy. The Sergeants, of course, tried with all their might and best persuasion skills to disapprove the vote, claiming that he had no experience in commanding those under him, and it didn't make sense for a soldier to precede through two or more ranks so suddenly.
Obviously they thought that the Prime Minister would be behind their back and deny the young boy to become the next Colonel.
Surprisingly enough, the Prime Minister actually approved Tatsumi to become the next Colonel, much to the nobles' and Tatsumi's surprises.
He made an assumption that the boy was already broken mentally and physically by the hands of the former Colonel, assuming that the boy has now learned his lesson and became obedient to those above him, and become a new puppet for him.
Especially when he denoted the happy expression and the approving tone displayed by most of the soldiers of how incredibly powerful and potent he was.
Tatsumi could've sworn he saw a hidden smirk that was quickly washed away from the Prime Minister's face. He gazed at him with a disgusted look and a frightened one as well, knowing that there were going to be a lot of challenges ahead of him.
What he did not know was that Honest imagined Tatsumi to be like General Esdeath, both crushing any enemy Honest viewed as a nuisance to his plans. He can already imagine both of them being his ultimate trump cards, oh how unstoppable he will be as he knows that no one can get rid of him and delete his future plans.
To him, this imagination was so magnificent and wonderful as if a man imagined marrying his crush. Little did Honest know that this decision was going to be the biggest mistake he has ever made.
Immediately after his promotion to a Colonel had been announced, Tatsumi was more than sure that some altars were needed to be made for the empire to change, now that he has much more authority and respect.
However, he knew that he stood no chance against the Prime Minister and his pets, yet.
Contemplating further on what to do, he decided that he needed to build an army so strong as well as remove anyone who wanted to continue performing these "normal" actions such as torturing others and soldiers raping women and children during battles.
And so throughout his time period as a Colonel, with the help of his comrades now working towards that one goal, those who nearly lost hope and faith in humanity and were almost broken but never spoke about it, their goal was to free the empire from this corruption and madness and bring happiness to everyone.
It was then when he started to realize that not everyone in the empire was evil as he used to believe. Soon he would build and command an army that was exceptionally stronger, more skilled than the army prior to his promotion, and most importantly, an army that fully believed and supported his ideals and beliefs, an army that terrified Honest.
"Sir Tatsumi, sorry to disturb you, but we have our orders received recently from the Capital. His Majesty would like for you to return to the Imperial Palace along with a portion of your army to arrive at the Capital," interrupted one of Tatsumi's lieutenants, causing Tatsumi to be brought back to reality and closing his journal, realizing that he had left his door open and apparently the lieutenant patiently waited for his Colonel while knocking a few times at the door.
"Very Well Lieutenant. But did his Majesty inform us as to why we are needed back there? Seems as if it's an emergency call," added Tatsumi, who was sure that this had something to do with the Prime Minister, foreshadowing an upcoming disaster upon him.
"His Majesty recognizes all of your previous accomplishments and feats that helped the Empire become more potent. His Majesty thus decided that you should be promoted to being a General serving the Imperial Army...after you complete a final assignment. I must say sir, my friends and I have no notion as to what this final assignment is. Please forgive me if you are feeling annoyed or disappointed."
"No need to be let down. It seems that this final assignment is rather very important and secretive. And please, all of these accomplishments were thanks to us, not just me, so give yourself as well as the rest of the men credits. Feel proud that you are a part of this as well," answered the Colonel.
"Thank you for your kind words sir. Your words are just one of many reasons we are grateful to be with you," commented the lieutenant while clenching his right fist and placing it slightly above his heart.
"Very Well, you are dismissed then. And inform all soldiers in unit C that they will be the ones arriving at the Capital. Also tell them if they need to say their goodbyes to their close ones. It seems that all of you aren't needed there immediately unlike me, so once again, good luck to all of you."
"Roger that," exclaimed the lieutenant, later leaving and closing the door behind him.
The news that went through his ear wasn't all that surprising to him, as he was expecting his promotion to being a General.
He was not arrogant, but his results and his army were two strong proofs that he does indeed deserve this promotion.
What is eye-catching however was how fast and unexpected it was.
He acknowledged that he had become a potential threat to Honest and his plans, making the Prime minister immensely annoyed. He attempted many different ways to deteriorate the relationship between Tatsumi and the Emperor, as the only thing that was standing between Honest and the full control over the boy was Tatsumi's relationship with the Emperor. All of his attempts however were a result of a failure as mostly Budo would back him up as well as the Emperor himself at times.
"Huuh… Very well. Let's see what life has to offer more," whispered Tatsumi to himself with a bit of a worried look before donning his helmet. Aligning his fingers on both hands to touch each other, then waited for a few more seconds with his eyes closed, a portal appeared out of thin air in front of him, and Tatsumi went through the portal, waiting for what lies ahead of him, and disappeared along with the portal that was shrinking till it was gone.
(5 seconds later)
Another portal emerged, now in a small building next to the Imperial Palace, where those who were extremely talented with magic enter it often, with Tatsumi coming out of it.
Those few seconds for him made his body feel heavy, all body parts encouraging him to just sleep for a few hours right away, but Tatsumi eventually awoke himself for a while to meet the Emperor, intrigued by what this final assignment is all about.
Now strolling past the Imperial gates, while being currently at the gardens, many guards and nobles around began to notice him.
Almost all nobles that gazed at the armoured man had face expressions of enragement and disapproval.
Those were Honest's pets, those who without him they would be long extinct from this world. All of their crimes and the advantages that have sided with them were all thanks to the Prime Minister's power and influence towards the Emperor.
Most nobles obviously did not welcome the young warrior, as he was eyed by them as a potential threat to their plans, just like he had become with the Prime Minister.
However, there were a few nobles that admired and respected the Colonel for the incredible turnaround he has accomplished. No one ever thought someone with so much inexperience and with so much kindness could actually oppose the Prime Minister and the Capital's corruption. Despite that they couldn't, unfortunately, aid him at all, they were silently pleading with him to change the Empire for good.
Now standing before the door that would lead him to the Emperor, he quickly released a heavy sigh before one of the guards opened the door for him.
Scanning the area around him, he saw several guards around him, unable to inspect their reactions due to them wearing helmets. He then looked forward and saw the young Emperor with an excitement and an anticipation expression shown in his face. Same could be said by the man spotted next to him, smiling at the approaching Colonel, which was shocking and disturbing.
Now kneeling before the Emperor and the Prime Minister, "Good evening your Majesty. It's so good to see you, especially when you are in a happy mood. I received from my men that you wanted a portion of my army and I to arrive at the palace. They will arrive in about a week or so."
"Excellent. And it's so good to see you as well Colonel Tatsumi. I have heard of your latest feat of wiping out the bandits located in the East that have been trouble for us, another one to add on your list full of victories and accomplishments," hinted the Emperor, with a cheerful tone.
"Your Majesty, your compliments are appreciated. I do all of this in hope of making the Capital a better place for everyone." It was true. Tatsumi did not chase towards that goal for glory or fame, no, he did it to make people's lives happier, unlike most Imperial Guards and nobles who only prize for glory and fame.
"Yes, yes. Now it seems you are tired and need a bit of rest from that teleportation trip of yours. We will begin our discussion tomorrow about your final assignment. Your Majesty, could you please lend to our dear Colonel more information about it?," grinning the Prime Minister, with a tone that hinted anticipation hidden well.
"Ah yes. We have decided that there will be a final assignment that will test you out and determine whether or not you qualify to become a General. Colonel Tatsumi, with all my heart, I believe you have all the necessary capabilities to achieve the role of becoming a General for this great Empire! However, I know that you just teleported here and you need some rest, so we have decided to discuss such matters another day."
The Emperor knew about how teleportation can so much physical and mental strength away from the Colonel.
He craved for an opportunity to experience what it felt like to just teleport from a place to another. However, the Colonel warned him about how these portals are very dangerous, especially for those inexperienced with magic.
The Emperor recalled when the Colonel stated that it could kill someone if the portal was not set up correctly, as even those who know a bit of knowledge about teleportation could end up dead as well, filling the Emperor's mind with disappointment.
The Emperor admired Tatsumi for his dedication in helping the people of the Capital happy as well as being filled with satisfaction when Tatsumi would display or discuss magic to him, learning many things from the young Colonel.
That good relationship between them however wasn't like this at all when Tatsumi was promoted to a Colonel.
When he first laid his eyes on the newly promoted Colonel, never having a chance to look at Tatsumi, he was seen wearing armor with a helmet to conceal his face identity, as well as masking his voice. He couldn't understand the reason behind it, but he wasn't going to lie to himself when he was slightly afraid of him.
However, that all changed when he started to hear praises and tributes from different soldiers as well as the Great General Budo regarding the Colonel.
This was eventually the starting point of a new friendship, which exceeded even more so when the young Colonel would often display magic spells and casts alongside some of his men for the Emperor to observe.
To him, it was simply magnificent, his eyes wide open, the spells seemingly taking his breath away. Never had the Emperor seen such power that was totally different to a teigu.
It was all new to him.
No in fact, it was all new to everyone in the palace.
He often questioned himself with high curiosity where did all that magic suddenly come and originate from. He was sure that before Tatsumi became a Colonel, he had never 'seen' something called magic in the Capital or even anywhere. He never heard of something called magic, so to him it was all new, in a way that made his body excited and would clap at them as if he were in a theatre watching and enjoying a play.
Of course, Tatsumi wouldn't unveil powerful spells to him, but rather simple spells that any mage or sorcerer can create while still being a beginner, such as healing, a small shield, shooting fireballs, etc.
"Which is why Colonel Tatsumi, we would like you to come to the Party tomorrow during the evening! Us three will accompany General Esdeath and dine together to discuss your final assignment. General Esdeath will observe your skills and decide whether or not you have the necessary skills to become a General. Oooh! I can't wait to meet two of my most favorite warriors," bursted out the Emperor with an euphoric tone. A wide smile could be viewed upon with glowing eyes could be spotted on from the naive emperor.
"Oh no. This is definitely not looking good. Why is she even attending the Party tomorrow? She's usually not the type in the mood to attend parties. Screams from the torture chamber was her type of party and fun. I don't recall she ever came to a gathering unless it was like an award ceremony where she would receive medals and more gifts for serving the Empire, despite not even caring such awards colored with the color gold and silver. Damn it! It probably has to do with that food-eating fucker. Hmmm. What evil plan are you organizing this time? Even after all that power you contain and could have used it for good you still desire for more? Wait, what's this Party all about anyway?," thoughts entered into Tatsumi's mind as questions kept coming in at him, feeling intensely curious, and sensing trepidation that was overflowing around him at this point.
"Deepest apologies your Majesty, but I must ask. What is the reason for summoning this Party? No one informed me of this," questioned the Colonel, having no idea what it was about.
"Ah yes! Please forgive me for not telling you about it. You see, the Prime Minister's son has been granted the Teigu Shambhala. This is due to his incredible achievement of defeating many strong martial artists in many different tournaments and countries, including beating several highly skilled disciplines of the Imperial Fist, and defeating 2 Revolutionary army Teigu wielders without even equipping a Teigu himself. Hence, we decided to reward him for everything he has done for the Empire," explained the Emperor having seen him as a good man serving the Empire, not realizing that he has been raping women, torturing and killing innocents for his own pleasure as well.
"Huh? That doesn't make any sense honestly. I will give him my respect for being a strong warrior, unlike his vile old man, but still, why would the Emperor summon a party just for this? He hadn't gone promoted or anything, and his son also is not the type to go to parties in the palace. I'll have to keep an eye out and try to gather information, for it seems sketchy," thought the young Colonel, with a face of disgust and annoyance forming as he was pondering how such an imbecile individual like him gets past all the punishments and yet no one is standing up opposing him and his amiss acts.
Unknown to Tatsumi, whose head was facing down the ground in front of the Emperor, he dismissed the murderous gaze the Prime Minister displayed for the audacity to ask that question.
The prime Minister was never the expert when it came to masking their anger from others. He was heavily infuriated by the fact that there were a number of times where the Colonel had done wrong things, well at least in the eyes of Honest, without receiving some sort of punishment.
Anyone at Tatsumi's shoes had asked that to the emperor, then that day they would be concluded from this world.
Unfortunately for him however, he now couldn't find accusations or excuses to get rid of his so called "greatest enemy."
"Very well my Emperor, I shall arrive at the party. I look forward to it."
"Well now I can sense that your body is wanting to get some rest, you may leave now Colonel. And please, take as much rest as you possibly can for the upcoming days, you will need it for your final assignment, albeit I am confident you will succeed in the mission."
And with that, Tatsumi turned around to head to his quarters. So confident, so supportive, with the innocent smile on his face, Tatsumi would never admit it publicly, but he was somewhat excited that someone like the Emperor would treat the Colonel so well.
While Tatsumi has made a great deal of "friends," well according to them, he did also create for himself enemies, enemies that sided with the Prime Minister.
It's rare to find someone that actually treated the Colonel with kindness and supportiveness. Very few people outside his own Legion had become acquaintances with the Colonel, treating him with full respect and showing no signs of hatred towards the young man at all.
However, fear took over him as well. While Honest couldn't take him down, he did to some of Tatsumi's men.
Yes, even with how great the Colonel's relationship is with his emperor, even he can't bring Honest down.
He still blamed himself for not protecting them, often reminding himself how reckless he can be at times. He would then just promise to himself to cast out the darkness that has been lurking beneath the capital for his dead friends and for everyone else.
An Hour Later:
Just after an hour did Honest arrive in a chamber. Not just anyone owns this chamber. The person who owned this was someone Honest could never thank that person enough. The amount of times he's been saved by that person. It was as if the gods sent him this as a gift. Entering ever lightly till a voice was soon heard from a woman that was sitting, focusing on a few papers while simply enjoying the taste of the wine.
"I hope you didn't disappoint me, Prime Minister."
"Don't worry General Esdeath, he has agreed to come to us and you will have the privilege to see the Colonel."
"Oh I am indeed looking forward to this. Oh I am," claimed the blue-haired woman who's mouth soon formed a terrifying grin, one you would see when a predator toys with its prey before enjoying the wine, before letting out a soft but a disturbing laughter that even Honest freaked out a bit.
First fanfic I've ever written! Hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter and thank you for having some time to read my story, it really means a lot to me. I would like to give my thanks to the following AGK fanfics: "Imperial Saber," "Tatsumi of the Autha-Gaulir," "Bent but not Broken," and "Alliance." Those four fanfics inspired me to write my own fanfic, so I suggest you also read them which are written by writers far better than me.
Please do leave a review of whether you liked it or if you think I should improve or pay attention to something. PLEASE! I would rather take in a constructive criticism than just a simple compliment. I'm trying to improve my writing for you guys as well as I. I hope my writing isn't all that bad since this is my first story I've ever written on FFN and English is not my first language. Anyways, I do hope you enjoy this journey that I've just started.
Now addressing, most likely you won't see sex scenes or lemons. For sure there will be kisses or romantic scenes, but yeah, most likely there won't be sex scenes or lemons. There won't be a harem, as Tatsumi will pair with just one. There will be other pairings as well, not just for Tatsumi. I put the storytelling and character development for each as my top priority. Yes, while Tatsumi is the main character of the story, I will (hopefully) focus on every character on AGK, even those such as Budo, Champ, and so much more characters that could have had more dialogues and scenes.
Now I know what you are thinking, what's this magic stuff all about. Well an idea came up with the idea that Tatsumi does not own a Teigu but rather is a master at magical arts, just like in the other fanfic "Tatsumi of the Autha-Gaulir, (A fanfic I believe deserved more attention and inspired me the most, probably my favorite AGK fanfic)," but it will be different in ways. Don't worry, he's not super OP, but he definitely is powerful enough to head on against Teigu users. Further on in the story, you'll learn more about magic and what abilities Tatsumi has, how magic is related to Teigus, and learn more about Tatsumi's past. Trust me, if you don't understand the part where the Emperor says "he had never in the palace heard of magic before," I understand you. Just bear with me, everything will make sense as the story progresses.
For instance, when Tatsumi uses teleportation, one of his abilities, he can instantly teleport from one place to another but only if the distance was short. For example if during a fight, he can instantly teleport himself to be right behind his opponent. However, if his destination is far away, then he must make a portal to teleport there. Teleportation also requires a lot of physical and mental strength, so don't think it's an OP move that he just relies on constantly.
Just for clarification, not all moments in this story will have happy moments, as there will be many moments that might be tragic. And yes, there will be characters who will die, so sorry if you expected a story where basically everyone lives, but this is the way I chose and thought of it as the best way the story could go on.
One more thing, if you want to know what the armor that Tatsumi is wearing looks like, you can search on Google "Arkham Knight Armor" then click on images. The first images should basically tell you what his armor looks like in this story. And NO! This is not a crossover with Batman or anything related to him at all. Only AGK. I simply decided this because the armor honestly looks sick AF. You will also learn why he hides behind the mask and masks his voice.
One more thing, don't forget about Tatsumi's former Colonel. Later on, he will have a huge impact on Tatsumi's life, so don't overlook him.
Once again, thank you for having some time to read my story.