Akame ga Kill: Days of Future Past
A/N: Hello everyone. It is me, colossalblackening. I am here to present you my first attempt at a Akame ga Kill fanfiction. Akame ga Kill has been one of my favorite series since the anime premiered on Toonami, which inspired me to read the manga. As you have read from the title, this story the "X-Men: Days of Future Past," one of the franchise's famous storylines. This fanfiction is mainly inspired by the 2014 film of the same name (also my favorite X-Men film next to Logan).
So, without further ado, enjoy. Oh, and I do not own Akame ga Kill.
Chapter 1: Kill the Dark Future!
The Capital. The once enormous city of the Empire that stretched for miles, now laid in smoldering ruins. The walls surrounding it were reduced to nothing but rubble, with a couple of makeshift barriers surrounding the perimeter. Houses, mansions, storefronts, and businesses had crumbled to the ground, and those that had not were burned to nothing but ash. Even the Imperial palace, the once famed heart of the Empire that towered the city, collapsed from within, utterly decimated.
From a good distance of the Capital, the land was covered in nothing but ash with hundreds of small skulls laying above them. Suddenly, a large metal foot crushed several skulls like glass. The culprit was none other than a large, humanoid machine. The machine was over 22-feet-tall and looked comprised out of various steel metal and a purple core at the center of its chest. Two red eyes were the only things found on its face. It was armed with a single Gatling gun mounted on each wrist. This was called a Sentinel.
And it was not alone. Dozens of these Sentinels were ruthlessly sweeping the dead terrain. Above them were several Sentinels, only with wings that resembled air drones, each with searchlights blazing down at the field. These strange machines appear to be marching straight towards the ruined Capital. While they lacked facial expressions, it was clear through their glowing, red eyes, that they had one objective:
Destroy everything they see.
Ahead of them were rows of trenches, with groups of ragtag guerrilla soldiers waiting beneath them. The expression of these soldiers was that of fear and dread. Nonetheless, they had no plan of surrendering either.
The commanding officer observed the machines through his binoculars, observing their every movement. He kept his hand up, signaling his men not to fire, as he continued watching the machines, waiting for them to get closer to where they were. Then, once they were in range, he dropped his hand down.
"FIRE!" The commander roared. On que, the humans fired rounds of heavy metal-piercing bullets at the machine army. While they succeeded in taking down a few Aerial Sentinels, unfortunately, the ground-type Sentinels received no damage at all as the bullets merely bounced off their hard, metal bodies.
The Sentinels glance down at the human group with their piercing red eyes. The humans gulped as they began sweating in fear, some evening peeing themselves. It was as if they were staring at the face of death.
"FALL BACK MEN! FALL BACK!"
They all began to retreat however, the Sentinels raised their arms forward and then fired a rapid barrage of bullets from their mounted Gatling guns, killing many of them. In retaliation, several soldiers from the trenches fired at the machines with rocket launchers. The resulting explosion damaged a few of their guns and a few of their eyes. Though more and more kept coming.
A lone gunner dashed across the battlefield, carrying a bazooka behind his back. Coming to a halt, he then fires the large rocket at a pursuing Aerial Sentinel, destroying its right propulsion system. This resulted in the aerial machine crashing into another air drone, bringing both crashing down on the ground in a fiery explosion. Several more rockets were launched and struck the Sentinel's legs, damaging the large machines, and toppling them down.
A team of guerrillas make to hide behind several make-shift barriers, currently getting into in intense firefight with dozens of four-legged robots with a cat-like skull for the head, a metal skeleton with assault rifles mounted on the spine. Like the other two machines, they also had bright red eyes. Three of these Sentinel Crawlers advanced, firing rapidly at any human getting in their way.
Four Sentinel Crawlers begin to overrun a human firing position. The soldiers tried to stop them but ended up getting gruesomely shot down or mauled as the beast machines ran pass them. Fiery explosions then begin to light the ranks of the advancing machines. The Sentinels suddenly stop as they analyze the trenches near them. The domes on their backs then opened and then fired large missiles at the trenches. However, these missiles did not explode on contact, much to the men's confusion. Suddenly, the missiles then begin to release a large amount of green gas.
One of the soldiers was too close the gas and saw that his veins became visible and turned green. The man started screaming in agony as he turned to his comrades, who all recoiled in horror as they saw that his flesh was rotting. The rest of the men tried to run but the other missiles began to release their gases, causing many of their flesh to be ripped open. The gases were so powerful that even small weeds began dissolving away.
"Sir, our numbers are dwindling! And it seems the enemy is advancing faster than we had expected." A troop informed his commanding officer.
The squad leader gritted his teeth in frustration. This cannot be happening. They could not afford to lose this battle. If they did then what would become of the survivors? Or humanity? He looked back at his men.
"You there, try to hold them off for as long as you can! I'll try to contact General Najenda so that she can send-"
Before he could finish, they heard large footsteps. Turning around, they all gaped in horror at the sight of these new arrivals.
God help them all.
Meanwhile, in the capital, the people began running with all their strength as the machine army began advancing on them. What they began doing next was something that could have come out of a nightmare. In just a matter of minutes, homes were set ablaze, buildings came crashing down, and the people screamed in horror as they were either blown apart or mauled to death by the machines. Many of the human soldiers that attempted to fight back were ruthlessly killed one after another. The streets were now a river of blood from the numerous corpses that remained.
(Najenda speaking): The future. A dark and desolate world. A world that has been plunged into eternal darkness. Ravaged by a never-ending war, suffering, and heavy losses. All caused by an enemy we cannot defeat. Life has become a struggle and people live in fear, without hope."
As the citizens ran for their lives, a young four-year-old boy was wailing heavily as his nine-year-old sister was desperately shaking their mother's body. However, the large quantities of blood that continued to spill from her showed that she was no longer among the living. As she continued shaking her, she stopped as a large shadow covered both her and her brother. Looking up, she saw a figure that stood 5 meters tall and was humanoid, but more slimed compared to the Sentinels.
While the boy kept crying, the girl did nothing but stare lifelessly, not even covering her eyes as an immense bright flash covered the two siblings.
"Are we destined to fall down this path, destined to destroy ourselves, like so many of us before? Or can we make a change? A change fast enough to save ourselves…from our fate?"
From a distance, the area where the two siblings were, was engulfed in an intense focus beam.
"Is the future truly set?"
In the City or Kyoroch, the once flourishing metropolis and former headquarters of the Path of Peace, was now in the current condition as the capital. Trenches and makeshift barriers surrounded the outer parameter. There were also four watch towers in each corner of the city.
In one of those towers was a female with black tied-up hair and a scar on her face. She wore a sleeveless skin-tight shirt with a zipper that covered the lower torso but left in a V-shape. She also wore black tight pants, boots with bladed heels, and dark-gray gauntlets on each arm.
This is Suzuka, former member of the Rakshasa Demons.
She was currently observing the area for any of the machines. She saw until a mild breeze blew past her. Suzuka's ears then picked up on the sound of large turbines.
Looking into the sky, Suzuka used her immense eyesight and spotted six large five-story air pods. Based on their location, these pods were about eight minutes away from arriving.
"This is bad." Suzuka said, with narrowed eyes. She could already tell what those things were carrying. She then hopped off the tower and landed on the ground.
"I gotta warn the others." She said before rushing off to inform every one of the situations.
Meanwhile, in the ruined city, many soldiers were running around frantically. Some were loading up their weapons while others began planning their attack strategy.
In the outer layer of the former shopping district, there were dozens of huts that looked to have been made from the rubble of the buildings. Inside these huts were men, women, young, and old. They wore ragged blankets around them and were covered in dirt. They appeared to have been refugees, taking shelter from the intense battles that usually took place. As several soldiers began passing out rations, many children held on to their mothers tightly, obviously afraid.
A man began walking pass the refugees, taking note of their hopeless expression. He appeared to be in his early thirties with spikey dark-blue hair, eyes, and a small beard. His clothing was a black modified version of the Revolutionary army's uniform. Attached to the side of his pants was a short black sword with a handguard and a chain link tassel on the hilt, and on his back, were two gold disks. They were both Imperial Arms, the former being Grand Chariot and the latter being Mastema. This man is known as Wave, former member of the Jaegers and a commanding general of the freedom fighters.
Looking at the despair of the citizens, Wave gritted his teeth in anger at his inability to help these people.
"Don't lose your head over it Wave." A feminine voice said from behind.
Wave turned to see a woman in her late twenties with long black hair in a twin tail style that reached her midback. She also has black eyes. She wore a black sailor uniform with a long dark trench coat over it. She also wore red gauntlets. She had red belt with a sword attached to the side and had a red side skirt cover. She also wore black stockings and gray shoes. She was none other than Kurome, another former Jaeger and assassin of the old Empire. She also had a ring in her finger, signifying that she and Wave are married.
Wave sighed. "I know Kurome. I just wish I could do something for them."
"I know how much you like helping people, but you can't really say anything to them in this case." Kurome said, understanding her husband's feelings. "The entire world has gone to hell. Every day we fight just to stay alive. If you really want to help them, then start by getting rid of those metal bastards."
Wave nodded, though before he could move, a soldier hurriedly ran over to where they were.
"General Wave!" He said, stopping in front of the two.
"What's the matter?" Wave asked, noticing the soldier out of breath, as if he ran all the way from his post.
"I'm afraid we have some terrible news!" He exclaimed.
"What's going on!?" Kurome asked.
"We have just received word from the defense troops we stationed outside the ruins of the Capital." He informed. "It's the Sentinels, they're on the move."
"What!" Wave exclaimed. "Do we have a status report?! Connect me to them right now so I can hear for myself!" He ordered but the soldier just stood there with his head held down,
"Unfortunately, the men we assigned to watch the capital…have severed all contact!" He reluctantly informed, causing Wave and Kurome's eyes to widen in shock. "From what we have gathered, we fear that they have been wiped out."
"All of them!" Kurome shouted in disbelief. What was going on? Standard Sentinels they could moderately handle. Could they have all been killed by the-
"This looks bad." Wave muttered to himself, snapping his wife out of her thoughts before facing the soldier. "Send word to the rest of the troops and the Imperial Arm users. Tell them to defend the wall and instruct the refugees to get below ground."
"In afraid that is the least of your concern Wave." They turned to see Suzuka running over and stopping in front of the three.
Wave sighed. "Suzuka, you know you have to address me as General."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." She causally waved off. "But we have other problems!"
"What's going on!?" Kurome asked.
Suzuka's expression turned grim as she handed Wave a telescope. "They're here."
Both Wave and Kurome's expressions became that of horror when they heard what she said. She could not mean they were coming.
Gulping, Wave took the telescope and looked at the direction Suzuka pointed him to. Sure enough, Wave spotted the pods flying over the other machines and towards their location. By the size alone, Wave had a good idea what they were carrying.
"Wave." Kurome said, looking over at him. "Don't tell me they're sending…"
"Sentinels. And from the design of the carriers, it's the MK. X type." Wave said, confirming Kurome's concerns. He then looked over at his wife. "Kurome, go to Mine now and get to the altar. You know what to do."
She nodded but looked at her husband in concern. "But what about you?"
"Don't worry. I'll try to buy you guys some time." He replied. "Hurry! They'll be here any minute!"
Kurome still looked unsure but complied. Though before she left, she rushed back and gave her husband a kiss on the lips. It last for a few seconds before they backed off. "Good luck." She said before running off.
Wave watched her go before he ran off towards the wall, many soldiers following suit.
"Attention all personal!" a person announced on the speakers. "This is a Code: Red! We Repeat Code: Red!
Upon hearing that, the inhabitants all knew what it meant. The soldiers hurriedly rushed towards the refugees. "ALL CIVILIANS! HEAD INSIDE TO THE UNDERGROUND BUNKERS! DO NOT COME OUT UNTIL WE GIVE THE ALL CLEAR!"
They did not need to be told twice as the refugees quickly ran inside, where several manholes were revealed under carpeting. They quickly went underground for safety.
Meanwhile, Wave and Suzuka ran inside a tent, where five individuals, wearing the same uniforms as them, were inside, gathering strange items.
One of them was a girl with long blonde hair with a white bandana wrapped around. She was carrying a giant pair of scissors behind her back. This was the Shears of Creation: Extase.
Another was an overweight man with a black mask covering the upper half of his face. On his right-hand finger was ring shaped like a dragon with a blue stone. This was the Water Dragon Possession: Black Marlin.
The third one was another female with dark-skin and long blonde hair. She also has a muscular physique. On her back was a double-bladed axe, also known as the Double-Bladed Axe: Belvaac.
The fourth person was a male with bowl undercut brown hair with long wavy strands. In addition, he has grown a small amount of chin hair. He was currently holding a flute that was Military Music Dream: Scream.
The final one was another overweight man wore a panda-like mask that covered his whole face, though some black strands of hair appeared from behind. He had six orbs floating by his side, which was known as Ace Solution: Big Leaguer.
"Time's up, guys." Wave informed.
"Sentinels are coming our way." Suzuka stated. "The MK. X types."
Everyone could see how grim the situation was.
"We could take those machines with our Imperials Arms." The Black Marlin user, Wasser, said. "But how can we stop the Sentinels?"
"We can't, Wasser." Wave said to him. "That's why I'm having Kurome go after Mine."
"Mine?" The Belvaac user, Regine, repeated. "Is she even ready for this?"
"It has been a few weeks since the last time she's used it, Regine." The Extase user, Nellie, said to her friend. "Besides, with the way the situation is, we have no other choice."
"Nellie's right." Wave agreed. "That's why we need to buy them as much time as they need."
Wave then stood of the six Imperial Arms users and former Rakshasa Demon. "Here's what we'll do." Wave looked over at the first three. "Wasser, Regine, Nellie, and I will try to hold them off from the wall." He then looked over at Suzuka, the Scream user, and Big Leaguer user. "Suzuka, you take Pan and Kugel and protect the altar." He said to each of them, respectively.
"Same song and dance, huh?" She quipped.
"Basically." The general replied.
Everyone else nodded in compliance. "Then let's go!" Wave declared as they marched out.
Inside a small hut was a female in her late twenties with long pink hair. She was none other than Mine, former Night Raid assassin. She was currently kneeling in prayer in front of a board with six wanted posters attached. Each of them had the names Sheele, Bulat, Chelsea, Susanoo, Lubbock, and Leone. A single tear fell from her eye as she could hear the screaming from inside her hideout.
"Mama." Mine gasped as she turned around to see her daughter walking over to her. She looked to be about ten years old and was a pocket-sized version of her.
"Why are you crying." He daughter asked.
Mine smiled as she wiped the tear away. "It's nothing Nova." She assured, hugging her daughter, named Nova. "Nothing."
"Mine!" Kurome burst inside to see the two pinkettes breaking apart from there hug.
"Kurome! What are you doing?" The older pinkette asked.
Kurome narrowed her eyes in seriousness. "It's time."
Mine's eyes slightly widen before she heard explosion going on. Understanding the situation, she grabbed her daughter's hand. "Then let's hurry."
Mine lifted her shirt, revealing a silver belt with a round buckle. There appeared to be a blue button on the center. She pressed the button and suddenly she was surrounded in a pale-blue aura. The aura quickly spread her daughter as well.
"Kurome grab on!" She instructed. The black-haired girl grabbed her friend's shoulder and she too was enveloped in the same aura. Without wasting time, Mine lead the two straight towards a wall. One would think they would crash, but shockingly, they phrased right through it.
"Launchers! FIRE!"
Several men fired barrages of missiles at the carrier pods that contained the Sentinels. Unfortunately, while the missiles impacted on the surface, they merely left scorch marks. No damage had been inflicted on them.
As the men prepared another round of ammunition, they were halted by a voice.
"Everyone, fall back!" They turned to see Wave donned in a black, full-body armor with a phantasmagoric defensive film. This was the armor of his Imperial arms, which he had activated in preparation for the battle. Wasser, Regine, and Nellie followed behind him; their Imperial arms also brandished.
"Half of you go and assist Suzuka and protect the altar. The rest of you go and see the evacuations of the citizens." Wave ordered.
"And what about you sir?" The solider asked.
Wave remained silent before saying. "We'll hold them off. Now go!"
As the men followed suit, the Imperial arm users got together and looked at the approaching carrier ships. As they waited for the oncoming assault, Wave could not help but contemplate his chances of victory and survival. He had already witnessed the carnage and destruction that was left from the paths they walked, and with the number of people they have slaughter with few numbers made their situation grim.
Yet, Wave could not back down now. He made a vow to see all these people to safety and lead his men to victory against these…metal monster. With so many people having died throughout the years, he hated leaving people to die by their cold, metal hand.
"General!" Wave turned to Nellie, who gawked as the carrier ships opened their hatches. Which made one thing clear.
They were here.
Everyone readied their weapons, Nellie holding Extase in a reverse grip, Wasser equipping Black Marlin, and Regine holding Belvacc over her shoulders. Wave brushed his thoughts aside. If he could and the others could not beat them, then they will stall them long enough for Mine and Kurome to do their jobs.
From underneath each carrier, six Sentinels dropped and flew towards their destination: Kyoroch.
Four of them landed in the front gate where Wave and the other three were while two more flew within the city.
At the gate, the four warriors looked upon the machines with close inspection. They were all five-meters tall and had a slimmer, humanoid designed compared to the other Sentinel models they faced. They were all jet-black in color and pupilless, heat glowing eyes. (A/N: The same design as the MK. X Sentinels from X-Men: Days of Future Past.)
These were the Sentinel, MK. X models. While their origins remained a mystery, one thing they did know about these deadly machines was that they were designed specifically to destroy Imperial Arms users.
"All of you defend this point with your very lives!" Wave shouted, charging ahead. Everyone followed suit and charged at their respective opponents.
Wasser noticed a Sentinel near two water tanks. Smirking at his lucky find, Wasser raised his fist. "Black Marlin!" He shouted, activating his Imperial Arms. The Sentinel turned as saw the water tanks break apart, the water swirling in the air. Wasting no time, Wasser launched the large torrent of water at the Sentinel, as it raised its arms to protect itself from being doused by the high-water pressure.
Wave as he activated Mastema's black wings and glided at high speed, ready to strike at the Sentinel at full force…
BAM
…only for the machine to knock him with a single punch.
"AHHH" Wave cried. Even with Grand Chariot, he still felt the force of that attack. Looking up he saw the Sentinel ready to strike again, only for him to roll over, dodging each attack.
Regine turned, seeing Wave in trouble, hurried over and raised Belvacc and swung it with full force, sending the blades flying that the sentinel. The blades struck the machine hard, causing it to double down, giving Wave the opening to leap high and perform a drop kick.
"GRAND FALL!" He shouted, striking the Sentinel's head hard.
As Nellie ran to defend the gate, she was stopped by an approaching Sentinel, the machine looking down and giving her an analytical gaze. Nellie gulped in shock before mustering up all her nerve to ready herself for battle.
"You bastards aren't getting to the city on my watch!" She declared before charging towards her opponent, ready to protect the city.
Mine, Kurome, and Nova start running across the city, with Mine using her newfound powers to phase through all the buildings and walls that stood in their path. As they ran, they passed through all the fleeing civilians as the soldiers prepared their defenses.
Nova began to tremble at all the screaming she was hearing. "Mama, I'm scared!"
"It's okay sweetie, we're almost-"
CRASH!
The trio stopped in their tracks as a Sentinel broke through the walls, towering over the three females.
"Mine, Nova, get back!" Kurome ordered as she took out her weapon, with was a giant broadsword with distinctive foldouts. Using two hands, Kurome's blade gave off a blue glow as she jump high and slashed the Sentinel from the head to the torso.
"How'd you like that!" Kurome said, smirking at her work, only for it to be short-lived when strange threads began to wrap around the Sentinel's wound. Within seconds, the threads managed to undo the damage.
Kurome jumped back in surprise while Nova held her mother in fright, all while Mine could not help but see some similarities with those threads. However, before the Sentinel could engage, it was suddenly engulfed in flames. The girls looked to Kugel standing behind, having thrown one of Big Leaguer's orbs.
"Kugel!" Mine exclaimed.
"No time! Get to the altar! I'll hold him off!" He informed. Mine nodded as she grabbed on to Nova and Kurome, phasing through the wall.
Kugel looked at the Sentinel and, to his shock, was causally walking through the flames, not having been damaged at all from attack.
"Too hot for yah?" Kugel quipped as he grabbed an orb. "Well let me cool you down!" He threw another orb that incased the Sentinel in ice upon contact.
"Alright men, give that bastard everything you have!"
"YEAHHHHH" Everyone shouted with renewed resolve as they launched several rounds of ammunition and explosives at a Sentinel, who was slowed down due to the constant blast waves.
From behind the men, Pan smirked as he held Scream across his face. "One of the benefits of my Imperial Arms is that it raises the moral of anyone who hears it's melody. Not that you machines would know as you feel nothing" Pan gloated.
Meanwhile, Wave continued launching several of Mastema's feathers at the Sentinel, only for them to bounce of its armor, much to his irritation. "Let's see you handle this!" Wave flew high into the sky, positioning himself above the Sentinel.
"Grand Fall Flügel!" He shouted, performing a powerful dropkick from the altitude he was on. As he made his way to attack, the Sentinel reared its fist as it flew towards. The opponents flew towards each other at high speed, with Wave's kick and the Sentinels punch collided in mid-air. The force of their attacks created a powerful shockwave that sent them both flying.
"AAHHHH!" Wave rolled across the pavement several times before he stopped to regain his composure. As he attempted to stand up, he yelp in pain as he collapsed on his right leg, which was the one he used to attack the Sentinel. Upon inspecting it, he saw that the armor was cracked and blood leaking. He could also feel throbbing from the swelling, which only meant one thing.
It was broken.
Before he could tend to his own injury, Wave looked and gasped in horror at the Sentinel walking towards him, seeing that his attack had done no damage its arm at all. Hearing screams, Wave turned around and, to his horror, saw the decimation of the troops that were stationed outside the city's gate. Smoke clouds rose over the area, several trenches were engulfed in flames, and many soldiers were being gunned down by the low leveled Sentinels and other machine drones.
Returning his gaze to his opponent, Wave realized he was fighting a losing battle, with no hope of him making it out alive.
"Part of me hoped that there was a way to beat you monsters and free the empire." Wave lamented as he shakily stood up, noticing the MK X Sentinel closing in on him. Underneath his armor, Wave gave the machine one last look of defiance, not wanting to give it any form of satisfaction (if it could even feel any).
Wave gave one last look at the church where the altar was, before glaring back at the Sentinel. "At the very least, even if it cost me my life, I will make sure that my friends keep our hope alive!" Spreading out Mastema's wing, Wave soared towards the Sentinel with his right fist reared back, ready to deliver a powerful punch on the machine. However…
…the Sentinel caught it with his left hand. Wave looked in horror as the Sentinel gripped his fist tightly before twisting it.
"AAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHH" Wave screamed in pain before looking at a site that shook his very core. The Sentinel's body was morphing, forming an armor around its arms, shoulders, and head. The armor was all too familiar with Wave.
It was Incursio.
"It can't be!" Wave mentally exclaimed but had no time to dwell on the matter as he noticed the Sentinel raising its arm, its hand turning into a fist.
Wave suddenly felt time slowing down for him. At the moment, he realized that this would be his end. Even though he knew the risk of facing the Sentinels, the thought of death still scared him. If he was going to die, he did not to take any form of regret with him. The last thing that flashed into his mind was Kurome.
"Kurome." Wave muttered as the fist drew closer. If there was anything that he regretted was that he could have had more time with her.
SSSPPLLAAHHH
The Sentinel slammed his fist down on Wave's head, shattering it until it was nothing but mush. The Sentinel observed Wave's corpse before confirming that he was dead. With its work done, it stood up and moved on to find new targets.
Kurome, Mine, and Nova entered the church and arrived at the altar. Without a moment's hesitation, Kurome laid down on the platform as Mine hurried over to the end where the black-haired girl's head hung.
"Alright, I'm gonna start the process now." Mine informed as Nova came to her side. "For this to work, you have to-"
"I know the details already!" Kurome snapped, impatiently. "We don't have no time to waste. We have to hurry before the Sentinels get here!"
Mine nodded as she spread her hands to either side of Kurome's head. A blue aura formed between her head that connected with her temples. The former assassin grimaced in uncomfortableness of the process before her expression became more peaceful as she drifted off to sleep.
Meanwhile, Nova flinched as she continued to hear screams coming from the outside. The sound of gunfire, explosions, and stomping made her tremble in fear as she was on the verge of crying.
"Mama!" She panicked, covering her ears to drown out the sounds. Mine looked at her daughter with empathy as she could not blame her for feeling the way she is. However, she needed to maintain a strong demeanor…for her sake.
"It's okay Nova." Mine assured her daughter. "Everything will be okay." She repeated before looking down at Kurome, still unconscious.
"Kurome…you better hurry."
The remaining Imperial arm users were not faring much better against the MK X Sentinels compared to Wave.
Wasser continued to bombard the Sentinel with heavy torrents of water, hoping the water pressure would be enough to rip the machine to pieces. Unfortunately, the Sentinel proved more durable than it appeared as it got up the second Wasser ended his attack.
The Black Marlin user gnashed his teeth in frustration. "Let's see you withstand this!" With a wave of his hand, a water tower burst apart, ten streams of water shot towards the Sentinel, taking the form of a dragon.
"This ends now!" Wasser declared as his attack dowsed the machine completely. From inside the water, the Sentinel appeared to be struggling to stand its ground as it was slowly being pushed back. However, the water surrounding him slowly turned to steam as the Sentinel turned red, as if it were heating up.
"Extase: Blinding Light!"
Nellie activated Extase's Trump Card, releasing a blinding flash of light that briefly stunned the Sentinel. This gave Regine the chance to jump from a nearby rooftop and attack the Sentinel's head while Nellie delivered rapid jabs at the machine's torso, trying to slice it off. However, the Sentinel was undaunted and grabbed Regine's arms, hurling her off while Neliie jumped back to catch her.
"Are you okay?" She asked as the Belvaac user got up.
"I'm fine." She replied, grabbing Belvaac as the two females faced off against the machine menace. "These bastard just won't go down easily."
Nellie nodded while gripping tightly on Extase. "I know. But we should at least by time for Mine and Kurome."
Regine huffed out a chuckle. "True, but I at least want to take one of these things down. Ready for a high-and-low maneuver?"
Nellie smirked in response. "I'll take the legs; you aim for the head." With that, the two women took a fighting stance as they glared at the Sentinel (that remained motionless throughout their conversation), vowing to destroy it no matter the cost.
"RRRRRAAAAAHHHH!" They charged with their battle cry as the Sentinel remained still. Regine leaped high with Belvaac raised over her head, ready to swing it down. Nellie dashed quickly as she swung Extase at the machine, raising her blade and prepared for a clean cut. However…
CLANK!
…the Sentinel to block Extase with its left arm that had taken the form of Extase's blade, matching said weapon. Its right hand suddenly shook until…it separated into tiny threads, which tangled itself around Belvaac's blades, stopping the attack.
Nellie and Regine looked at the sudden revelation in shock and horror. "No…that's not possible." The former stammered.
"W-What the hell j-just happened!?" Regine shakily asked. Just what were they dealing with?
"Fire! Ice! Thunder!" Kugel roared as he shot the three elements from Big Leaguer's orbs, not giving the Sentinel any chance to advance. The machine seemed to be struggling, much to Kugel's pleasure.
"Have some of this!" A whirlwind shot from the fourth orb, striking the Sentinel directly and caused it to go down on one knee.
Kugel chuckled as he was sure victory was his. "Time for me to end this now!" He then raised another orb, aiming it towards the machine. "Now, rot!"
A black miasma shot out of the orb and struck the Sentinel, with the surrounding areas also beginning to erode from the rot orb. The Big Leaguer user smirked at the sight, sure that the Sentinel had crumbled away to dust.
"Keep firing!"
Dozens of Scream impowered soldiers fired bombardments of cannons, missiles, and bullets at the Sentinel. The machine raised its arms high to block the attack, which seemingly seemed futile.
Pan looked on with a mocking grin, believing the Sentinel was as good as dead. "Machine such as yourselves wouldn't be able to comprehend the tenacity we human are capable of showing. The resolve we carry outweighs any form of calculations you have had on us. And you will experience it firsthand."
He raised scream close to his mouth as he stood up. "Of course, it never hurts to be cautious. With my Trump Card, I'll dispose of you myself."
He took a deep breath as he prepared to activate his Trump Card. However…
WWWHHHEEEEHHHEEEHHHEE!
Straight from the Sentinel's chest, an ultrasonic wave shot out and shattered numerous windows, decimated buildings, and caused the ammunition to implode prematurely.
Pan's eyes widened in horror as he saw many of the soldiers drop dead from the sound wave. He endured long enough to recognize the sound wave was like an Imperial Arm his late lover once used long ago.
"N-No! I-It…can't…be…ARRRGGGHHH!" It was too late. Before long, the insides of Pan's body suddenly burst.
The Sentinel ended its attack and saw Pan remains standing for a few seconds before collapsing to the ground, blood pouring out of his ears. The Sentinel observed the body and confirmed that Pan and his soldiers were dead.
Its work down, the Sentinel advance towards the church.
Wasser roared as he continued firing his attack on the Sentinel that continued to endure it. Unknown to Wasser, steam had been coming from the center of the water dragons and continued to grow.
"It's over!" He declared as he sent one more water dragon towards the Sentinel, ready to destroy it. Until…
FFFFWWWWOOOOO!
A great flame erupted from the center of the water dragons. It burned intensely that it evaporated the water in seconds.
Wasser looked in fright that his attack failed. But he had no time to react as a hand shot out from the flame. He was lifted high in the air until he came into eye contact with two glowing red eyes. Wasser trembled in fear. These were not machines.
These are demons!
"AAAARRRRHHHHH!" He screamed before Sentinel engulfed him in flames. After a few seconds, the flames receded, and the Sentinel saw that his body was reduced to nothing but ash.
As the ash fell from his hand, the Sentinel turned around and continued marching towards its intended target.
"GGGAAAHHH" Regine gasped as the Sentinel lifted her by the neck. The Belvaac user desperately breathed for air as the machine slowly began to crush her throat.
"REGINE!" Nellie cried as she looked in horror, before regaining her composure. She grabbed Extase and jumped towards her friend.
"LET HER GO YOU BASTARD!" She roared in fury as she brought her Imperial Arms down on the Sentinel's arm, slicing it off and free her friend.
Regine coughed madly as she messaged her throat, inhaling all the oxygen she needed. Nellie landed beside her friend as she looked at her worriedly.
"Are you alright?" She asked.
The Belvaac user nodded. "I'm fine. Thanks!"
Nellie smiled but before she could react…
SSSSSHHHHHWWWWWOOOOO!
…layers of metallic threads wrapped around her throat. Regine's eyes widened in dread as Nellie slowly turned her head to see that the threads came from the slump where she had sliced the Sentinel's arm off. The quick force of the threads caused her to drop Extase and before she could free herself, the threads began moving and then…
SLICE
…her head was slice clean off.
"NNNOOO!" Regine screamed as Nellie's headless corpse fell, her severed head tumbling away from them. The Belvaac user saw the Sentinel's thread's shoot towards its own severed arm, the threads connecting towards each other. Then, the wires reeled backed with the arm attached as connected back with the slump. Steam came from the area before dissipating, showing the wound was now gone. The Sentinel has affectively reattached its own arm.
"…no." Regine whispered as she realized the hopelessness of the situation. They were fighting a losing battle against these machines that seemed unstoppable. Even if Mine and Kurome succeeded in their mission, what was to stop this from happening again, and again, and again. It was over, for both humanity…and the world.
She did not try to move, did not try to defend herself, did not pick up her Imperial Arms as the Sentinel bisected her with its arm blade.
The Sentinel saw both its target dead and moved on, callously stepping over Nellie's head, crushing it.
Suzuka hoped off the rooftop and landed in front of the church. As she was about to make her way in, she stopped when she saw Kugel walking over towards her.
"How'd it go?" she inquired but was given no response. "Well!?" She repeated. Again, unresponsive.
She frowned her brows in irritation and was about to walk towards him, until…
THUMP
…Kugel collapsed face forward. Suzuka racing towards him and flinched when she saw that his back looked like it was clawed off, blood still seeping from the wound. She checked his neck and confirmed that he was dead.
"Shit." She whispered. Before she could retreat into the church, she felt the ground rumbled slightly. The former Rakshasa Demon looked up and found the source of the sound; the Sentinel that murdered Kugel was standing before her. However, the Sentinel was now covered in golden fur from head-to-toe. Its hands has also taken the form of lion claws.
Before Suzuka could react, her senses activated and she turned to see the Sentinel that Wave battled appearing, stilling donning its armor. She slowly moved back until she was blocked off by the two Sentinels that killed Wasser and Pan. Leaping over a building was the Sentinel that had killed Nellie and Regine.
Suzuka came to a halt as she realized that there were two things standing between her: the church and the five Sentinels.
There was nothing she could do now. If she fled, that would give the Sentinels the chance to attack the church, killing Mine and Kurome. However, if she stayed then…
…it already dawned to her that this was the end. Regardless of what choice she made, she was facing death at this point. Even though she had face death countless times throughout her services to the old Empire and the Freedom Fighters, she did not want to die like this. If she wanted to die, it would be in battle. Not trying in vain to fight these soulless monsters that were impervious to all their attacks.
However, Suzuka thought of her final orders; to protect the church no matter the cost.
After recollecting herself, Suzuka let out a chuckle as she thought of the two that were in the church behind her.
"I never thought I'd die protecting someone I worked with and someone I once tried to kill." She grinned wildly as her nails grew longer. "If I am gonna die, I'll at least go out in style. Whatever happens, make sure you don't let this all be for nothing!"
The Sentinel's faces opened, revealing orbs of concentrated energy. All of them were aimed at Suzuka.
Even though her death imminent, the martial arts woman smirked as she reeled her fingernails back. "I've endured some pleasurable torture all my life. Hopefully, you freaks won't disappoint me!"
"RRRRRAAAAHHHH!" She roared as she charged forward, making her last stand. She leaped high and extended her fingernails to pierce the Sentinel's armor.
BBBAAAAWWWWOOOOOMMMM!
...only to be struck down as the five Sentinels fired continuous beams of energy, decimating her and the ground beneath her.
Mine and Nova gasped as they heard the explosion coming from outside the church. The older pink-haired woman looked down at Kurome, relieved that the connection was not severed yet. But knew that they were running out of time.
Outside, the Sentinel saw that the doors had been reinforced with steel, which would make knocking it down more difficult. However, the Sentinel ignited its arms with flames and slammed its palms on the doors.
Inside, Mine saw a red spot on the door. Upon closer inspection, she realized that the Sentinel was attempting to melt its way through the doors.
Nova saw her mother's expression and grabbed her waist tightly. Mine flinched slightly at her daughter's sudden gesture before feeling that her body was shaking with fear. "Mama! Are we gonna die!? Mama!"
Mine looked at the door, then at Kurome before looking back at Nova. "Don't cry Nova." She said with a confident tone. "Stay close to me. Don't leave my side!"
This did help relax Nova a little bit. Mine was relieved as she stared at her unconscious friend. "C'mon Kurome, don't fail us now!"
BBBOOOOOOMMM!
The mother and daughter looked to see the Sentinel had melted a hole in the door. They made contact with the Sentinel's glowing, red eyes before its face opened once more. Mine's eyes widened when she saw the orb of energy that was charging its power. She knew full well what that beam was charging.
It was the beam from Pumpkin, her former Imperial Arms.
"Time's up!" Mine mentally noted as she prepared to sever the connection. She gave the Sentinel one last glare. "Too late, assholes!" She said before severing the connection, just as the Sentinel fired its beam to kill the three of them. But suddenly…
WWWHHHOOOPPPHHH!
…the three girls and Sentinel just disappeared from plain sight.
From in outward point of view, across Kyoroch, everyone; the humans, machines, even the supplies; everything had vanished. What was also strange was that the destruction done during the battle had disappeared as well.
It was as if none of the events that transpired ever happened.
"Run! RUN!"
"NNNNNNNOOOOOOOO!"
"MY BABY!"
"MOMMY!"
"YYAAARRRRHHHHH!"
"Help! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP US!"
All those voices rushed into the mind of a woman in her late thirties with short silver hair and a purple eye, though she wore an eyepatch over her right eye and has notable creases around her eyes. She wore a black suit with a Kevlar vest that showed off her cleavage. She also has a mechanical right arm that resembled her old one, though was blue and had glowing joints. She also wore a white travel cape.
She was Najenda, the former leader of Night Raid and the current leader of the human survivors. On her forehead was a headpiece with a large eye attached to it. This was the Imperial Arms, Omnipotent Five Sights: Spectator. It became her Imperial Arms after the Sentinels rose to power and murder its user. After a decade, she had mastered her Imperial Arms to the point of hearing the minds of everyone from a certain radius.
As such, she used Spectator to listen to the surrounding areas of their location. All she could hear were cries for help, screaming in fear until it all went silent.
The former general closed her eyes in angst as she lowered her head in reverence.
"My God. So few of us left." She lamented until someone put their hand on her shoulder. Najenda turned to see a young woman in her late twenties with black hair in a long Bob hairstyle and red eyes. She also has faded red scars all over her body, though was hard to see given her clothing. She wore a bulletproof bodysuit, fingerless gloves that reached her elbows, a belt that held her sword, and black boots with metallic soles.
She was none other than Akame, former assassin of the Elite 7 and Night Raid.
"Don't worry. If your hypothesis proves true, we may have the power to undo this world." Akame assured. Najenda nodded, knowing now was the time to remain composed.
"Right. Tatsumi, what's our status!" She called out, which revealed the two were riding on top of a large, armored dragon with piercing red eyes. This dragon was Tatsumi, who still had the form of Tyrant, the beast used to create Incursio.
"I've found them, boss!" He roared as they looked to see the northern fortress where Prince Numa once resided up ahead.
"Then take us down!" Najenda commanded, which Tatsumi followed, flying down to the palace at the center.
At the ground, the scouts spotted Tatsumi flying closer, also seeing Najenda and Akame riding on his back.
"It's her! General Najenda!"
"Don't just stand there, flag them down!" The scouts raced to activate the searchlights, flashing them high in the sky. Tatsumi saw this and knew exactly where to go.
The dragon flapped his wings and slowly descended right in front of the palace, where everyone gathered around and watched as Najenda and Akame dismounted.
"Sis!" Akame turned to see Kurome walking over to her. The two sisters shared a quick embrace before letting go. Even in their adulthood, they were as close as ever.
"I'm so glad you're alright." The younger sister confessed.
"As am I." Akame said, "I'm surprised you managed to survive the Sentinel invasion in Kyoroch."
"Well, that's a long story." Everyone turned to see Wave, who is miraculously alive. Behind him were Regine and Nellie, who were both alive and well.
"General Najenda!" The three saluted her. The silver-haired woman raised her metal hand, assuring there was no need for formalities.
"Wave." She greeted. "It's good to see that you were able to lead everyone out of Kyoroch alive."
Wave rubbed his head sheepishly. "It wasn't easy, I'll tell you that. Even though we had the escape route planned, it took us a couple of days to get here."
"And that's not taking the weather into account." Regine said, sarcastically.
Nellie chuckled. "I'm just happy we suffered no causalities."
As everyone got reacquainted, Tatsumi raised his head as he looked all over the area, searching for someone specifically.
"Tatsumi." The dragon looked to see Mine, slowly walking to him with a loving expression.
"Mine." He said as he gently lowered his head down, Mine slowly touches is nose before caressing his face.
"Papa." The two looked to see Nova, making her way towards them, smiling.
"Nova." Tatsumi said as Mine gently picked their daughter up. "You want to say hi to daddy?" the little girl nodded before hugging Tatsumi's face.
Everyone else were watching and smiled at the touching family reunion. Even in these dark times, they always did best to make the most of these moments.
Mine then turned and saw Najenda. "Boss, you made it."
Said person nodded. "I have. And I have a lot to explain."
"Is it about that expedition you three took?" Said a now alive Suzuka, walking towards them.
"It is." Akame confirmed before turning to Mine. "And before we explain in further detail, we'd like to know more about your Imperial Arms."
They looked at the belt Mine was wearing around her waist. It is an Imperial Arms; the Space Belt: Tangea. It gives the user the ability to pass through any form of matter, by passing their atoms through the spaces between the atoms of the object of which the user is moving through.
Mine looked over at Wave, who nodded to assure that it was better that they knew the truth. "Come inside, I'll explain everything there."
A few minutes later, Mine, Wave, Kurome, and Suzuka lead Akame and Najenda inside the fortress. Tatsumi, who was too big to fit inside the fortress, had flown around back and stuck his head through a window to listen on the conversation.
"It's like this." Mine began to explain as she gently cradle a sleeping Nova on her lap. "Whenever the Sentinels attack, Suzuka spots them. When she does, that is when I activate Tangea's trump card and send one person back in time to warn us about the attack before it happens. Wave and Regine scout out the exit site…and then we leave before they ever know we were there-"
"Because we never were." Wave finished.
Tatsumi was still confused. "What do you mean you were never there?"
"You see Tatsumi," Kurome took over explaining. "Mine projected my mind back in time, about a couple of days ago. That way, I was able to warn the others about the attack and got everyone out on time."
"So, Mine was able to send you back in time?" Akame asked, curiously.
"Not really. She didn't send her back physically, however, she did manage to send her consciousness back." Najenda corrected. "With Tangea's Trump Card, Mine can send a person's conscious mind into the body of their older or younger self."
"Wow." That was all the human/dragon hybrid could say.
Najenda smiled at his astonishment. Even though he was a dragon, he was still the same person she had known for the last thirteen years. She then turned her attention to the pinkette. "And I believe this might just work."
"What might work?" Mine asked in confusion.
Najenda looked towards everyone and decided to explain. "Listen closely everyone, while we were away, Akame and I stumbled upon in old Imperial army outpost. There, we uncovered the archives that were stored. That's where we learned of the origins of these machines."
Everyone's eyes widened at this announcement. They were able to discover the source of where these machines were coming from.
"All of them were created through a fabrication machine, known as the Master Control, which also programs and controls these weapons." Najenda explained.
"Do you have any idea who created it?" Kurome asked, to which everyone agreed.
"The Master Control was originally conceived by a scientist named Dr. Julius Bergeron." Najenda explained. "Many years ago, he came from another country where he was considered by his people to be a renowned scientist and a master alchemist. Having utilized alchemy to create inventions the likes of which Dr. Stylish could never even hope to create." She took out her cigar and blew a smoke. "He was found by an Imperial Army scout and was brought to the Empire about fifteen years ago, in the year 1023."
Akame took over from there. "From what we have gathered, due to revolutionary army's uprising occurring at the time, he was brought to the Empire and ordered to construct a device that could help to support the Empire in their goal for quelling the revolution and bring peace to the Empire."
Mine scoffed at those words. "Bring peace my ass."
"That's why he built this Master Control." Wave said, putting the pieces together.
"Precisely." Najenda confirmed. "He presented his device and demonstrated its abilities. Needless to say, he accomplished what would be considered difficult, no, impossible to many of us."
Taking out her cigar, Najenda's expression turned grim. "However, he never got the chance to see its potential, as his superior turned on him and forcefully took away the Master Control so that it could be used as a Fabrication Machine to build weapons and war machines for the Empire. So, that he could not only decimate the Revolutionary army but wipe out all those who opposed him and use them for conquest." She then gave them a dead serious look. "And we all know the one person vile enough for such ambitions."
Tatsumi's eyes narrowed as only one person came to mind. "Honest!" He growled.
Najenda nodded stoically. "Yes. It all happened on July 24, year 1023, at 8 o'clock, at Iokal's private mansion. That was where Dr. Julius presented his machine. It was there that Honest hijacked the Master Control for his own nefarious purposes. He had asked the scientist to join him in his plans and when he refused to assist him…he killed him."
Everyone visibly scowled at the news. Of course, it was not surprising at all to hear the fat bastard killing someone good just because he would not follow him. But another thought came to their mind; if Honest had the Master Control in his possession, then why didn't he ever use it?
Najenda let out another puff of smoke as she continued. "But before he killed Julius, the doctor managed to destroy the talisman needed to activate the machine. Without a way to activate it, Honest had it hidden underneath the palace," She said, seemingly reading everyone's thoughts. "…where he would spend about two years trying to piece the talisman back together. Only to die before he could."
Mine huffed. "And good riddance."
"However, it didn't end there." The boss elaborated. "It turns out several of Honest's loyalist had fled the Empire with the talisman and machine when the old Empire fell. Once they were hidden, they continued his work until two years later, they were able to repair the talisman."
"That's when it happened, right?" Kurome asked.
Akame nodded. "Honest supporters had hoped to use the Master Control to forge weapons, so they could reclaim the Empire in his name. However, it did not have the outcome they had expected."
"While it was in storage, the Machine had actually been in standby mode, watching and learning from its surroundings." Najenda continued. "It had been witnessing all the apathy, greed, corruption, everything plaguing the Empire. Soon, the Master Control became corrupted as well. It began believing humanity was the source of all evil in the world. That was when it began fabricating the machines that have killed so many of our kind. And then, after six years, it eventually created the Sentinels, all models ranging from 1 to 10."
"We were actually wondering about that." Wave interjected in. "Did you two find out what the MK. X models were made up of?"
Najenda looked at Akame, who nodded and took over. "This will sound hard to believe, but the Sentinels are made up of the data of numerous Imperial Arms."
Everyone's jaws dropped upon hearing the news. "WHAT! You mean those things are made of Imperial Arms!?" Mine shrieked.
"As difficult as it is to believe, that is the truth." Najenda confirmed. "It's how they've been able to best any Imperial Arms users that stood up to them."
"What Imperial Arms were used to make them?" Tatsumi asked.
"The blades that they conjure were made from the same blades as Extase. It must've analyzed it when the Imperial army had it in their possession." The silver-haired female answered. "The armor that surrounds it is made from the remains of Incursio, also allowing them to adapt to any environment and to other Imperial Arms. Lionel's strength and regeneration ability were also included, with Cross Tail's strings enhancing it. The flames of Rubicante, the soundwaves of Heavy Pressure, the optic beams of Pumpkin, and much more."
"In less than ten years, the Master Control and its machines have destroyed so many of mankind. And if this continues, we may have less than a year before we are all wiped out." She finished.
The tension in the room began to grow. They had been fighting for so long but to hear that their extinction was imminent generally terrified them.
Mine clenched her fist. "Great. Even after his death, that fat pig still managed to screw us all over!"
"We've been fighting just to barely stay alive. But in the end, we just can't beat those machines. They're unstoppable!" Kurome exclaimed.
"Look I know things same bad but it's not over yet." Wave said, trying to rise the other's morals be a little. Though it was more like he was trying to assure himself. "We know now what made them. So, that just means we find the Master Control and if we destroy it then the machines will shut down."
"It won't work." Akame disputed. "The records we found didn't contain any information on where the Master Control was activated. And even if we did know where it was, it must be heavily guarded by a battalion of Sentinels, preventing anyone from attacking."
"Crap." Wave said indignantly. If that was the case, then…what can they do?
"I don't think all hope is lost." Everyone turned to where Najenda stood. "While it is true that we have no way of stopping the Master Control here, we at least know when and where it originated. On that day in year 1023, the day it was created and the day Honest killed the scientist and corrupted the Master Control."
She finished this while looking over at Mine. The pinkette looked at her for a few seconds before her eyes widened in realization. "You're planning on going back in time. Back there, at that moment."
"If I can just go back in time and stop the assassination…and destroy the Master Control…then we can stop the other machines, including the Sentinels, from ever being created. And end this war before it ever begins." Najenda declared.
While everyone remained skeptical on the plan, one person voiced their objection.
"Except there's one problem." Mine exclaimed. "I can send a person back a couple weeks. Maybe a month at most. But we're talking about going back fifteen years!" Mine emphasized. "The mind can only stretch so far until it finally snaps. I'm sorry boss, but you would never survive that trip."
Najenda gritted her teeth as she looked down in frustration. She hated to admit it, but Mine had a point. She tried to think of an alternative solution but so far, nothing came to mind. However, just before anything could be said, Akame stepped forward.
"I believe I may know someone." She informed, causing everyone to shift their attention to her. "Someone who's mind, and body have developed a strong immunity. From the poison they've been fending off for many years."
The others looked at her for a moment until they all realized what she had in mind. Kurome was the first to voice their thoughts.
"You can't." She said, pleadingly.
"I was able to fend off Murasame's curse for many years until I was cured." Akame stated. "As you can guess, my immune system was greatly enhanced from surviving such pain."
"Let's not forget that you needed a strong mind and heart to embrace the responsibility of the lives you have taken." Najenda said, who appeared to be considering it.
"But still-" Kurome choked on her words, not wanting her sister to go through this.
"It's a risk." Wave stated, noticing Kurome's feelings.
"A risk that we have to take." Akame declared. "If we want to ensure our survival."
"Well," Suzuka said, leaning against the wall. "…glad to see you're so gung-ho about this. But let us not even bring the fact that you'll be changing history.
"Isn't that the point." Tatsumi said.
"Maybe not for you, but what about us." She said, referring to herself, Kurome, and Wave. "Here's a memory refresher; we were still serving the Empire around that time. If you're gonna go after the minister, then the you on the other side will be declared an enemy. Obviously, we're gonna have to stop you."
The two former Jaegers looked down. Truth be told, Suzuka was right. Wave remembered that he had been serving as a cadet in the Empire's navy fleet 15 years ago. And he didn't earn Grand Chariot until his second year. Of course, he would be far out at sea to stop Akame, but Kurome.
Kurome also had similar thoughts. She remembered Akame first offering her the chance to defect with her. However, she said she would not and would hear no more of it. If she was prepared to kill Akame when she defected the first time, then she would do again. It had been several years, but they were finally able to reestablish their sisterly bond. And Kurome would not let that bond be destroyed again.
"Some of us could end up dying in the other side. I'll admit, even though I'm masochist, if there's one thing I favor more than torture, it's my life." Suzuka said.
"We can manage on our own." Wave said. "I'm sure if we try hard, we can find the Master Control in this era and destroy it. We just need more time until-"
"Until what!?" Najenda asked, having grown agitated by their hesitation. "You have a choice to make now. You can keep having Mine send Kurome back to past to warn you, until one day she doesn't."
"You want us to give up our lives? Sacrifice ourselves for a future we might not even live to see?" Suzuka rhetorically asked.
"We're already sacrificing our lives to buy Mine and Kurome more time. Now, I am asking you to do the same with Akame, so that everyone that gave their lives in this war, can have a future worth living." Najenda declared.
For a moment, the former Imperial soldiers remained silent. Until Wave stepped up.
"I'm in." He spoke. "If it means giving everyone a second chance, then as a man of the sea, I'll gladly give up my life for it."
Tatsumi smiled a Wave's resolve. Even after decades, he was still the same guy he met when he infiltrated the Jaegers.
"Sometimes, I wonder why I joined you guys." Suzuka said with a mock sigh. "But, if it means getting back at those metal bastards, count me in."
Akame, Wave, and the others turned to Kurome, who was still in deep thought. Wanting to ease her sister's worries, Akame placed her hand on her shoulders.
"Kurome, I know this is asking for too much. But I am asking you, as a sister, to give me this chance to set things right, and create a future where we can finally be together." Akame said, smiling reassuringly.
Kurome bit her lips as she contemplated her decision. She then looked at her older sister. "We'll end up meeting each other in the past, will we?"
"We most likely will." Akame replied, knowing her sister's location at the time.
Kurome began reminiscing about the past. "I remember when you first invited me to join you when you said you were joining the revolution. I said I would never betray the Empire or my comrades. Indoctrination is a powerful tool."
"It wasn't your fault." Wave interjected, overhearing the conversation. "It was those drugs that messed up your mind, along with Yatsufusa. You couldn't have left even if you wanted to."
"And I should have shown more resolve when I tried to convince you to join me." Akame said, her voice in sorrow. "But I didn't have the strength or courage back then."
Kurome then lifted Akame's chin, looking her in the eye directly. "Now, things are going to be different this time. When you see me again, please…take me with you, no matter what."
Akame recoiled as her eyes shot open. Kurome could not mean for her to do what she thought wanted her to?
"Please, promise me." Kurome said, both determined and softly. Akame stood motionless, until she looked at her sister.
"I will." She said, no hesitation in her voice.
Outside the northern fortress, Wave and Suzuka informed the others about their plans to send Akame back fifteen years into the past to avert the dystopian future. While many were skeptical, and hesitant like the two, they ultimately agreed. Now, they began arming themselves and their weapons, fortifying the wall, and standing watch to protect Akame as she goes back in time.
"Okay, spread out." Suzuka ordered the soldiers.
"Take your positions. We got to be ready in case the Sentinels attack." Wave commanded, as the soldiers marched toward the wall.
Kurome walked down the streets, standing before the refugees.
"I need everyone inside their homes, now." Kurome said. "Head underground and don't come out. This place won't be safe for long."
They all scampered inside as Kurome looked at the old northern castle. Wishing are big sister the best of luck.
Inside the castle, Akame approached the stone bed, preparing for her trip to the past. Najenda stood by her side, offering her aide.
"When the process begins, I'll wake up in the past in my younger body. What do I do then?" The red-eyed girl asked.
"The first thing you need to do is find me." Najenda informed. "I would have been living in Night Raid's first hideout, which originally served as a revolutionary army safehouse. Once you find me, I need you to convince me of all of this."
As Akame nodded, Najenda decided to inform her of something else. "There's one more thing you should know, Akame. I was a…very different person back then. You are going to have to do for me what I once did for you. Lead me, guide me, and most of all, be patient with me."
"I will do whatever I can to help you." Akame replied.
The silver-haired female smiled before looking serious. "One last thing, the mission you'll be doing will be filled with difficulties. As such, you and I will not be enough. You'll need to put together a team." Najenda's lips formed a smiled. "And I think you know just ones to do it."
Akame's eyes widened as she quickly learned what the boss was implying. "What? Boss, are you sure?"
"It may be a change in history but given the circumstances, they're the only ones we can count on." Najenda said as she and Akame glanced over at the memorial of the fallen Night Raid members. "It's going to take all of Night Raid, side by side…at a time when we couldn't be further apart."
Akame agreed with Najenda but was still unsure. "I'll do my best. Tell me, where do I find everyone?"
"Sheele, Leone, and Mine should be living at the capital at the time. Lubbock, you won't have to worry about searching for him." Najenda assured before her expression fell. "As for Bulat…well…it's complicated."
As Akame and Najenda were talking, Mine stood near the window where Tatsumi's stood outside. The dragon had a look of concern on his face.
"Are you sure about this?" He asked for a final time.
"Don't worry, I'm sure Akame can hold her own out there." Mine assured.
"It's not just her that will be tested." He corrected. "I've seen what this does to you. It takes an immense concentration to send someone back a few days. Who knows how much it could take to send someone almost a decade?"
Mine understood his concerns because at times she would suffer from slight fatigues and fever during each process. Nonetheless, she smiled and placed her hand on Tatsumi's nose, gently rubbing it.
"I can do this." Mine reassured him with determination, "After all, I was a badass sniper genius." Tatsumi chuckled at that.
"And besides…" Mine turned over to where Nova slept. "Even if the odds are low, I still want to take that chance. So, that our daughter can have a future worth living in."
Tatsumi glanced at his daughter. Seeing her sleeping face made him smiled before narrowing his eyes in determination. With his wife and daughter here at his side, that was all the strength he needed.
"Okay. I'll see you in the next life." Tatsumi said, causing Mine to chuckle.
After finishing her conversation with Najenda, Akame sat down on the stone table and began to lay on her back. As she did, Mine approached her.
"Comfortable?" she asked.
"A little." Akame replied.
"Try to stay that way." Mine advised her. "Anyways, here's how this works; your body will be asleep while your mind travels back in time. While you're there, past and present will continue to coexist. But once you wake up…whatever changes you've made will take hold and become history. And for the rest of us, it will be the only history we'll know. Basically, it will be like the last fifteen years never happened. And this world, and this war…you'll be the only one who remembers it all."
"I suppose it will be difficult to adapt. But if it will create a peaceful future, then I will make that sacrifice." Akame said with resolve.
Mine smiled at her friend's words as she then activated her Tangea, the white aura enveloping her. "All right, Akame…I need you to clear your head and to stay as calm as possible. If your mind gets rocky, it'll be harder for me to hold on to you and you could start to slip between past and future."
"And you won't have much the time in the past." Wave said as he and Kurome walked over to the girls. "The Sentinels will find us. They always do."
"And this time, we won't be able to run." Kurome warned. "We'll have no escape. This is our last chance! It's all or nothing."
Hearing of their situation made Akame slightly nervous. The fact that the survival of mankind rest solely on her was a lot of pressure. However, she also remembered that she faced off against the strongest person in the Empire and fought Murasame's curse for many years. Even when the odds were against her, she fought hard and overcame everything in her way. So, she will continue to fight on and see her mission through the end.
"How long will I have?" the former assassin asked.
"Here, I'd say three or four days." Wave said.
"But, in the past, you'll have more time. Kurome said she was there for hours while it was only minutes for me here." Mine added. "So, I think you'll have seven days to save that scientist and destroy the Master Control."
"Leave it to me." Akame assured. "I will complete the mission and prevent this future from ever happening."
The others nodded in encouragement, except Kurome, who looked down with a slight downcast expression. Akame was the first to notice this.
"If you are worried about me Kurome, then don't." Akame assured with a small smile. "You know I will always come back to you."
"Yeah, but…" Kurome said before venting her concerns. "You remember how I was back then? About what they did to me that drove us apart?"
It did not take them long enough to know that she was referring about the time she served the Empire, specifically, the Group of Terror.
"We were just starting off as assassins. Even after two of our comrades died, we continued believing that everything the empire did was just, and that people were benefitting from our sacrifices." She lamented before looking at her palm, "By the time I figured it out, we lost so much."
The other could not help but sympathize with Kurome, especially Akame. She could not blame her sister since it was the empire's inhumane experiments that brainwashed her and the others into blindly following the empire.
"Thing will be different this time Kurome." Wave tried to reassure his wife.
"He's right." Najenda assured the younger sister. "Akame's abilities haven't failed us before. I have faith in her and you should to."
"It's not her I'm worried about, it's us." Kurome corrected. "We were young. We didn't know any better back then."
Akame's expression hardened. Even after so many years passed, her greatest regret was not taking Kurome with her when she defected from the empire, even if it meant by force. She remembered how she did not have the strength or courage to follow through with her plan. But now, things were going to be different.
She grabbed her sisters' hand, causing her to turn and stare directly into Akame's eyes. After a second, she could she the raw conviction emanating from them.
"We will now." That was all she said. Kurome looked at her for a while before nodding firmly, some traces of doubt vanishing. That was more than enough for her.
With everything said, Wave and Kurome backed away while Mine returned her attention towards her friend. Seeing that it was time, Akame closed her eyes and cleared her mind.
"I will see you again." Akame said, which might as well have been her final words.
"This might sting a little." Mine warned. She then placed her hands between Akame's temples and formed the link to Akame's consciousness.
"AAAHHHHHHH!" The process caused her scream in pain as her body was filled with bright aura. Soon, everything around her turned white as her eyes began to close. With the link established, Akame was sent to the past…
…on her mission to save the future.
To Be Continued…
A/N: I am glad I got that chapter finished. As I said before, this is my first attempt at a Akame ga Kill fanfiction. This will loosely follow the premise of the Days of Future Past storyline. As for where this story takes place, in the future timeline, it takes place 13 years after the whole series. As for where Akame will end up, about 2 years in the past, before the start of Akame ga Kill! Zero (before Akame and Tsukushi infiltrate that circus group). It was never stated how far in the past AgK Zero took place, but this is what I believe the timeline is:
(Akame spent 6 months with the Elite 7 before defecting to the Revolution, then a year of training with Night Raid, and the events of the main series was about 6 months to a year before the ending). That is how I see it at least.
Though the story is based on X-Men, it is more of an Akame ga Kill story. The Sentinels are basically the only X-Men characters you will see, though the way they were created is much different. Speaking of which, if you have not noticed, then I will say this; the fabrication machine and the scientist who invented it are taken from the animated 2009 film "9". It is another movie that focuses on how humanity was driven to extinction by the machines they built.
When I was thinking of how to introduce the Sentinels, I wanted them to be a mixture of science and alchemy. That was when this film came into my head. It was said in the wiki that the scientist also used alchemy when he created his inventions. Alchemy has also been shown in Akame ga Kill, mainly by the Wild Hunt member Dorothea. Besides, the world of Akame ga Kill is not technologically advanced compared to the X-Men world, which is way I thought of a different method from how the Sentinels were built. As for the name, Julius Bergeron, that is also his name, but it was never said in the movie.
I have actually had this story shelved for almost four years, mainly because I was too focused on my Kingdom Hearts/Bleach crossover, plus a lack of motivation. However, since the pandemic, I have found some time to make this story. I have also been writing some other stories in the meantime, but I rather finish this story before moving on. And just to let you know, I am aware of the sequel "Hinowa ga Crush!". Unfortunately, I never got into that story, so the events of that story never happened in this fanfic. Besides, I developed this fanfic before I knew it came out.
I also want to say that I have been keeping myself healthy throughout the pandemic. I also received my second vaccination last week (and the following day was not pretty). I have currently working right now and helping my family, so I won't be able to update this fast. But I intend to keep writing more chapters when I get the chance. In the meantime, all I ask is for all of you to be patient. Please review but do not flame.