Something Ends, Something Begins
Chapter 2
A Warm Welcome
"Name?" A guard asked.
"Colonel Tatsumi."
"I need to see your face. Pull that mask off of your face or else you won't be entering the grand ballroom."
"Oh? Not only are you threatening an individual who is basically your superior in the army, but also at a time and place where we are supposed to fill our stomachs with foods and drinks and enjoy the melodies. Even more so, not only that but your response towards me seems as if it wasn't a question but more as an order. Have I done something that caused you to raise your hatred towards me? And to answer you, no. Everyone here knows that my identity shall not be revealed to anyone, and our Emperor approves and fully supports my decision."
Tatsumi wasn't going to lie to himself when he felt a miniscule of anger that centered around his head, feeling it. Seeing the man in front of him unable to respond for a few seconds, he gave out a fragment of his aura.
Everyone that lined up behind the Colonel, waiting to enter the grand ballroom were surprised by how the conversation between the two progressed. Their faces displayed a great sense of fear when they realized something radiated towards them, and it wasn't a pleasing one.
One would think the guard's soul had just casted away from him. His pupils were basically no longer to be seen, having not felt such menacing aura aside from two others whom they also had that same kind of intimidating ambience, if not even more than the young Colonel.
Having realized he was probably just meters away from facing death, exhaling heavily, he could do nothing but simply abandon his act of toughness in front of the frightening man.
"I...I..Am sorry for the wrong behaviour I have shown to you. Believe me Colonel, I truly respect and admire your work that you're doing, but you must understand that I'm just following orders. Again, I deeply apologize and I hope you forgive such a rash act."
The Colonel's eyes kept tracking basically his every muscle and emotion displayed, trying to pin down if the guard was just straight up lying to him.
Surprisingly, the man was but sincere and true to his words, it seems he is indeed feeling bad for what he had done. So much so, the guard's eyes just stared down on the ground, almost in shame, which was enough to end the Colonel's "investigation" upon the man.
"No need to apologize. While you did indeed cause me to let out a portion of my will, really I just cannot accept this. Rather, perhaps you can rectify your mistake by just giving out to everyone your respect and love to them. Whether you view them as superiors or weaklings, in the end, we are all the same as all of us will die. So I ask you as well as most of your friends to give out respect to those who deserve it. You people honestly should behave yourselves. Anyway, let's pretend none of this happened. So, may I please enter? I have a rather urgent meeting with the Emperor."
"Y-Yes. Yes. Of course. Ahhhh...Colonel Tatsumi...Colonel Tatsumi….Ahhhhaaa! Your name is on the list. You may enter," said the guard, after taking a big gulp before answering the Colonel's question then nodding his head several times as he soon felt that aura diminishing little by little. His eyes tailed the Colonel who was now heading to the grand ballroom as something came up in his mind, "Seriously? You're telling me that was just a portion of it. Can hardly imagine what it would feel like if he used the full extent of it."
"Following orders? What?," pondered the Colonel with arousement for a while before letting down the thought, dropping it off.
Looking around the atmosphere he placed himself in, after opening the main huge door, he immediately took notice of the massive ballroom that only a couple of people were dancing in the decorated gold-colored dance-hall. Expensive paintings were found on both sides of the massive main hall, the luxurious smell coming from the exorbitant beverages and meals. Even more people were spotted in the main hall, but he could not find the Emperor at all. Perhaps he's still hesitant to show up.
Even with a kid that had too much power, he was still a boy, so it was understandable that the boy must've felt a little taste of hesitance.
After a considerable amount of time has passed, Tatsumi was yet to discern where the Emperor is amongst the huge crowd. He decided to just enjoy himself before stepping into the impending doom that was awaiting from him.
Such a feeling that contained in him for some time now, and it was turning into a nuisance that needed to be removed.
He had second thoughts of whether the Emperor might've landed himself into a dangerous situation, but soon that eeriness vanished as he thought that was not the case. The place would have been in chaos if that happened.
Turning his head left after climbing down to the last steps of the gigantic stair leading to the main hall, immediately he took notice of all the gossiping that had been suddenly filling the hall.
Nobles, politicians, and high-ranked soldiers, nearly all began to mumble to one another about the presence of the Colonel. They didn't even try to conceal it from him as their faces were evidence of how they just despised the man, the man who in most cases, stood in their paths.
This type of mumbling when focused on him isn't all that surprising and so his reaction to it wasn't all that surprising.
Ever since he became a Colonel, it seemed hatred grew exponentially at a fast pace towards him. Not once when he locked his foot onto the palace did he not receive insults and backlashes. Almost all types and forms of negativity were present, all by those who saw him as a dangerous enemy.
They would usually make fun of him or try their best to irritate him, mostly them telling him that he's "nothing without that mask." Their futile attempts in forcing the masked man to unmask himself were cute, but soon lessened once they realized it's pointless at this rate.
Often at times, they would also call out names for his legion, sometimes it would just slip out of their tongue during a meeting or so, almost as if it became a tradition in the palace, or having the full audacity to say it in front of the Colonel and his people. Likewise, that also happened to be lessened when they realized how potent and robust his army has become, becoming a key figure in helping the Empire immensely.
Walking past his haters, he decided to ease his mood by going to the bar that was just located in the corner.
He soon saw a green-haired man, two years older than him, who seemed to be in his own world at the moment. Sitting down on a bar stool, his right hand resting just below his right cheek, seeming to keep his body from tripping. The blushes were so darkened with red color the Colonel let out a little laugh. The Colonel saw the man's eyes, half-opened but anyone can tell it was an intense gaze, as if looking at something that has grabbed his attention, grabbing it so well he seemed to be living in his own world.
Ever curious Tatsumi, his eyes tailed off to the direction of where it was, wondering what could cause him to be away with the fairies.
"Mhmmm!"
"Those gorgeous eyes. Just everything about her is breathtaking. I owe her everything. No wonder I fell in love with her, the woman who has stolen my heart, the woman wh-."
"It's nice, isn't it?"
"Yeah…. Wait! Wh..Wha..What is?" spoke the green-haired man, disappointed that he was brought back to reality, but moreover had a look of wariness he might have been found out.
"Oh come on. Don't act stupid. You know what I am talking about. You and N-"
"N..No! No! T..Trust me it's noth-," stuttering and lying to the Colonel, he was sure that he had been caught and there was no escape from it, for he'd been paused for a few seconds before addressing, letting his male instinct get the better of him. Anxious started to take over him, perturbed that something that only he should know of would turn into news that reached into ears that never should be reached to.
"I would alert you that she's not that type of woman looking for a relationship, at least as of now. You clearly saw how she rejected all of her men who basically offered themselves to her; yet I realize now my advice seems futile to you, just go ahead and confess to her. Seriously, what's the worst thing that could happen? If she rejects you, yeah you'll be sad at first; but it'll get better eventually."
Tatsumi could tell that the man in front of him did not concur with him as he saw his feet pointing in a different direction, vexed and patiently waiting for the conversation to end to depart.
"You make it look like it's an easy process; and what do you know about love or relationships? Like what if I get rejected by her? You probably have no idea how it feels like to be rejected."
"You don't know the half of it."
"Huh?" said the green-haired man with a perplexed expression. Certainly he wasn't expecting an answer from someone such as the Colonel.
He wouldn't consider him a friend, yet, as it's infrequent of them meeting each other and even more so exchanging words with each other. Despite this, he was shocked about the Colonel's latest comment. "Did he perhaps get rejected in the past? I certainly never expected someone like him to be interested in love? Maybe that's why he seldom presents his emotions." These thoughts would eventually end when Tatsumi spoke again.
"Just forget what I said," adding the Colonel with a sigh following it.
Unbeknownst to the man in front of him, the Colonel widened his eyes in disbelief, as he was about to reveal things no one should know about, only for the mask to hide his expression.
Soon, without turning around, he was able to detect a person approaching them with an aura filled with cruelty and disgust.
"Well well if it isn't the famous Colonel and that General's bitch. We meet again, Colonel. I've always wondered who's behind that mask. Can't help it," interrupted the spoken man.
Tatsumi turned around to pinpoint where the voice was originating, only to notice the man with tan skin, green eyes, and white hair. He looked like a man who had lifted over a million hefty objects, as his massive arms clearly indicate that. You don't often see a man with that kind of muscular structure that was so well-built and defined.
"Oh I do hope I'm not interrupting your conversation, imbeciles."
"Ouch. Was it really necessary to describe us using such a strong word?" replied the Colonel with a calm tone while Lubbock's expression displayed immense enragement on how he addressed him. Anger flooded his veins and was about to explode with anger. Syura saw his teeth being clenched, clearly relishing his reaction.
"Ha! You hide behind that mask of yours like a coward and you don't even own a teigu which proves you're nothing."
"He might have not acquired a teigu, but the reports and papers suggest that he is more than skilled enough to brawl with experienced teigu users. Give him more respect Sy-."
"That's The Great Syura to you both," corrected the man who was known as Syura with pride but also hinted with anger and disappointment. "I am my father's son, all of you to me are considered nothing more than pets and toys. Fine, even though he can fight experienced Teigu users, he's still nothing but a coward. If you want to argue, then open that stupid mask and come face me like a real man. Or are you just nothing more than a coward without it?"
A few seconds passed but silence reigned the atmosphere at the moment. Now, with Syura's voice, it had gotten loud enough so that most of the people nearby would hear what was going on. A terrifying grin for most suddenly formed on Syura's face and only widened when the Colonel didn't let out words. It was so wide his teeth were now showing.
Obviously, most of those who now could hear the conversation, were clearly showing their own grins that could almost match Syura's, siding with the smiling man.
Lubbock hesitated, as if he wanted to say something. The Colonel however, ever stood calm, his posture unchanged; but Syura thought that the Colonel's thoughts were some sort in a conflict.
"Ha! Gotcha now cretin! Either you fall for my trap or embarrass yourself even more. My my, this is much more enjoyable than I have imagined, perhaps attending this party wasn't all that bad. I won't fail you Pops. I won't," thought Syura with his eyes closed. He desperately wanted for the Colonel to strip that mask away and see who's behind that infamous mask.
He hoped the Colonel would actually take the bait, just to make his father proud.
Lubbock was about to reply when the Colonel abruptly raised his hand to make him fall silent, which was when Syura's eyes opened up again.
"Perhaps I am what you call me a 'coward;' but if there is one thing we both can agree on is that you are below me. You see, I only reveal my identity to those who I consider them as strong opponents and actually respect them. Unfortunately for you, I'm afraid you can't be even mentioned amongst these men and women I have battled that have actually given me a challenge. If I recall correctly, we both participated in a professional martial arts tournament years ago. I think it was during a semi-final round where we met each other. Your cockiness and that arrogant attitude of yours still remain the same. You wanted to impress your father; yet you lost against me in a very humiliating way. I wouldn't even call it a challenge, more like a practice session. To answer your question, maybe I am a 'coward;' but no matter where my status or my position lies, you will always be below me," answered Tatsumi, who's voice also grew louder so that everyone could hear his response.
He lied. He never intended to get rid of the mask. He never wanted to reveal who he is and he won't. That part where he said he only showed it to strong opponents was nothing but a simple lie. Only intention in doing so was to backfire at the annoying, sadistic, cruel son of a whore.
It was now the Colonel's turn to enjoy the atmosphere and the tension between them. Now that he has utterly embarrassed Honest's son, he could feel how rage seared through him. Eyes widened like a mad man while his fists clenched, hearing bones being broken. If not for the mask, everyone would have seen the Colonel's grin get wider and wider. It was then after a few seconds did he start to feel that disgusting aura that radiated more and more towards him.
"What do you mean you defeated me easily? I almost beat you back then! You want a rematch you son of a-."
"Stop at once!" Immediately Tatsumi, Syura, and pretty much everyone else nearby were frozen once they heard those three words. Those words held so much power that it sent extreme shivers down their spines.
They all knew who was responsible for such power only through their voice.
Rightaway Tatsumi noticed a murderous aura that focused on both of them. Tatsumi struggled for a bit before letting it flow past him, relaxing more and more as time went on and was now able to open his eyes. As for Syura, his reaction didn't really alter, which surprised Tatsumi, adding that perhaps he took the situation too far against Syura. He still had that angry expression on his face.
"What is this nonsense? You realize where we are? I will not stand tolerance for you to fight in the Imperial Palace! If you wish too, then I will unleash my teigu on you to protect this palace in the name of the Emperor! Understood, both of you?" It sounded more as an order rather than a question, which in reality it was otherwise they'll face his wrath if they wish to.
"Yes Great General, I'm sorry and I shall not cause further damages within the palace," both said in unison, albeit one of them said with sincerity in their voice.
"Good," his voice returning back to his usual voice instead of that roaring voice. Really it was strange for Tatsumi for one to have that kind of power only through his voice.
"Understand that we are all on the same side and we both go up against the same people we want to battle against; so don't kill or cause too much damage otherwise.." stopped midway when he suddenly looked at both Syura and Tatsumi. Both were a bit frightened by the intense gaze the Great General gave away, his widened eyes hinted that he was not joking.
"Yeah yeah. We get it Lightning geezer. We won't fight each other...for now," claimed Syura, saying that last part while turning his head to look at Tatsumi eye to eye. "Be relieved you have that old geezer, otherwise I would have finished you on the spot. If I were you, I'd be shitting my pants right now."
And with that Syura left while the other nearby guests that had experienced a series of different emotions decided it was best not to try and intervene now that the Great General is present.
Now left with Budou and Tatsumi, the atmosphere around both was filled with silence, neither of them wanting to talk till Bodou broke that silence.
"Long time no see, Tatsumi. How was your latest mission?"
"Uh..Greetings Sensei. It's always good to see you, not when you're this mad though. Speaking of my last mission, it was a total success. We took out a huge fortress consumed by bandits as well as experienced teigu users. As of this moment most of my men are settling there. We're handling everything there and try not to get it directly in the hands of the Prime Minister. Total casualties on our side were just nine, a new record I am personally proud of if I do say so myself. Now in the next few days some of my men will be arriving at the Capital."
"Good, you don't know how proud I am for all your accomplishments."
"Awww old man. You're gonna make me cry."
Just then when Budou was about to respond, a servant lady approached them, "Greetings Great General and Colonel, I send my apologies if I have disturbed both of you in any way; but the Emperor is waiting for you Colonel. Please do follow me if you are ready to go."
"Ah yes. Just one moment. I'll talk to the Great General before I accompany you." The woman complied with a simple nod.
"You got this. I have faith in you to become a General. Just don't overthink it, you've been put in many situations, I'm sure you'll be fine," said Budo who tried to ease his former mentee.
He can already notify how slightly uncomfortable and worried Tatsumi was.
He knew that this was just some kind of plan schemed by the Prime Minister.
What makes matters worse is the fact that General Esdeath will be present. He never liked her due to her extreme stubbornness and her obtaining a weird obsession of battling and waging wars against others, seeing no value in life other than through battles.
Still, he does respect and holds her in high regard as she is very loyal to serving the Empire, even if it were for the wrong reasons.
"Thank you. Hey, can't you come with me? I have a bad feeling about this. Never would I have ever imagined eating with the Prime Minister or the General."
"The Emperor didn't inform me; so no I can't accompany you."
"Dammit! I love you sensei for how loyal and devoted you are to the Empire, but sometimes I feel like you take it too far."
Then, as if Budou read what was in his mind, "Tatsumi listen, my family have lived for many years for the purpose of serving the Empire and its emperor. This position means everything to me. If he didn't tell me then I can't go with you. And no, I have no idea what that assignment of yours is."
Replying with a deep, long sigh, Tatsumi looked at the servant who was still waiting for him. She didn't show it, but he can very much tell that she was becoming annoyed and impatient, though not blaming her at all. He decided to conclude the conversation between them and head on to this final assignment.
"Well, I don't want to make her wait for too long; so wish me luck," declared Tatsumi, hugging his former mentor, who gladly with a smile placed on his face complied. It was rather an intense hug that lasted about 10 seconds, but for both they felt the duration of it was too short. Thereafter, the Colonel left and walked by with the servant.
Everyone was surprised at the sudden change of attitude and personality the Great General just had. Known as the man with extreme loyalties to serving the Empire, a hardened man, and one with a stoic personality who barely smiled, smiling at the Colonel was quite a thing to look into. Apart from his wife, no one had the privilege to receive a smile from the Great General except Tatsumi.
The relationship between both had become so intriguing that there were speculations that were circling around the palace at one time that the Colonel was in fact the son of the Great General, but soon those rumors were put down when the Great General assured them that he had no son or daughter.
Most people were sure that it was because of the Colonel's utter desire to fix the Empire that the Great General treated him like a son with kindness, despite his harsh training and words.
This actually caused a lot of people to be jealous that the Colonel received lots of respect from Budo despite not directly aiding the Prime Minister. Others were just right down pissed at how Budo had Tatsumi's back on many occasions, occasions that if it weren't for the Great General, then the Colonel most likely wouldn't be part of the Empire anymore.
"Did I keep you waiting for too long?" asked Tatsumi, even though he knew the answer to his own question.
"No sir, not at all," informed the servant to him, obviously lying.
Tatsumi never realized that Budo could never be more proud of him. Committed and devoted in helping people in any way, wanting nothing more than peace and happiness for everyone.
He was so proud of him, he even considered him his own son, despite Budo not actually having a son or a daughter.
It was rare to see a soldier who was devoted to doing good for the Empire. Unfortunately, you don't see these things anymore, no longer a common trait, and it was all because of that filthy degenerate Honest. He prayed that Tatsumi wouldn't be manipulated by him.
After all, Budo was the reason why Tatsumi joined the Empire.
Flashback Start:
"Dammit. How did the unit get instantly killed? Who'd have such power?" Thoughts began emerging through his brain, trying to decipher what the hell had he found out.
"I was doing my usual routine, training my own soldiers to be most loyal to the Empire and to serve it with all of their heart; and suddenly I received news from our new Prime Minister, Honest, that a unit has been utterly eradicated, along with their General, Fuun.
"The new Prime Minister seems like a good man, devoting in doing good for his people, just like the previous Prime Minister, Chouri. Good thing Honest isn't much different than Chouri. He-"
Just then a sound out of nowhere popped up, alerting Budo and his troops, who were also tasked to eliminate whatever danger caused such damage to the unit. That sound terrified the troops, not used to dealing with such an opponent, even though they didn't even know who or what they were about to face. It was so loud, it looked like it echoed across the country, all had to cover their ears, as if they were about to bleed due to how powerful the voice was.
Budo, ever the stoic man, kept calm and composed himself after hearing that voice. "Whatever did that might be our target, what caused everyone in the unit to be killed." If the reason that his soldiers now composed themselves because they believed with their leader and his robust teigu would eliminate anything in his path, then praise goes to Budo for hiding his feared expression that only lasted a fraction of a second.
"Surely that roar came from a danger-beast. Perhaps an SS type? Nonetheless, whatever that thing is, it's certainly very powerful and never have I faced a danger-beast with that mad-growling-of-a-voice."
They heard the roar again, this time however was louder than the previous attempt. Albeit, that wasn't the only sound they heard that came from a distance, as a man screamed as well, so loud that it made the troops shiver in fear, sending it all the way down their spine.
Abruptly tailing themselves closer to where the sound originated, their horses were running at a stupendous pace, hoping to end this creature quickly before it harms more people. Passing through the slim trees, in which Budo recognized that more and more of them were destroyed as they got closer to their destination, Budo could not believe what he had just witnessed.
People, there, lying on the ground, with the most horrific ways leading to their deaths. Budo could almost imagine how each soldier died. Some of them a sword would split their heads from the rest of their body, with brutal force put into it. Some burned, utterly flamed with fire so strong they were nothing but ashes. Budo could go on and on but he'd rather not because he didn't want to imagine anymore what creator of chaos would do such a thing. Red color, everywhere on the ground. Rooftops that were on top of houses now ended up on the floor.
Extreme chaos flooded this place.
The scene was absolutely horrifying for the troops as well as Budo.
One of the troops couldn't hold that desire to vomit that he tried holding back for so long; but he couldn't hold it anymore and unleashed it.
The rest of the soldiers sheathed their blades at a terrifyingly rapid pace, holding their blades with two hands and extreme firmness in it. Even after pulling out their blades, their hands were shaking violently subconsciously. All this time Budo's jaws dropped instantly the moment he saw this petrifying scene.
Then their focuses and thoughts were all shifted and put down when they heard a sound. This time, it wasn't a roar but as if someone is mumbling something. Shifting his gaze Budo, he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
There, in the middle of a land that once had people and happiness and not this chaos madness, a boy was lying in there, sitting on his bent knees. Both of his hands were on top of the rear of his sword, sword completely covered in blood. Inspecting the cause of this madness closer, he soon realized that the boy was inhaling and exhaling with difficulty and at a slow pace, with his tongue even out.
Getting ready to activate his Teigu, "All of you, stay out of here. If you see anyone nearby, help them and escort them from this place. I'll deal with this. Everyone got that?" Not wanting to obey their leader's command, but also more importantly not wanting to risk their lives and leave everything to the hands of their leader, hoping that with his teigu he can actually come out of the place alive, they simply nodded and ran away to the opposite direction at a rapid pace.
Steps closer to the exhausted boy, he noticed the boy had emerald eyes along with a medium length brown hair.
As he got closer, the boy kept mumbling something. At first Budo couldn't decipher what the boy was trying to say. Soon, after attempts of hearing him, the mumbling soon turned into words put together that he could now connect it together.
"No good, no evil, only pain."
Those six words were repeated a few times since Budo could hear them. Not only did it send a mild shiver down Budo's spine of fear of how he couldn't fathom the meaning of this, but also the fact that his tone was one mixed with complete rage. While those words contained enragement within it, he also said it in a low voice.
Budo questioned himself whether the boy might have been broken mentally and as a result was driven with a madness force. Really he couldn't think of any other explanation for this.
Just then when Budo was closer and closer to the boy, immediately, the boy rose his head at a horrifyingly speed it made Budo back down a bit and steadied with a fighting stance, shaping both of his arms as an x-shape. The boy pushed himself back up laboriously, standing on his feet.
Next, Budo saw the boy's eyes that were once colored with emerald were now turning into color red. Not just "a color red," but one that resembles colors of blood you see in battles and wars, so dark-red. A terrifying grin would soon form on the boy's face with his teeth now showing.
Flashback End:
Tatsumi soon arrived in a separate room that was filled with guards, standing with a straight posture. He noticed a rounded table with six chairs. When the servant that was accompanying him stopped her tracks to this room, she informed him, "Sir, we have arrived. His majesty will shortly arrive along w-."
Just then she was interrupted and the whole atmosphere apparently has changed. Tatsumi noticed the guards that were once standing comfortably were now completely frozen in fear. Tatsumi felt the disturbing but harsh aura of madness and bloodshed.
The servant that was next to Tatsumi was now paralyzed to the spot, as if the menacing aura held all in the room in a tightening grip, unable to move at all due to the extreme fear that has taken over their very bodies and souls.
Tatsumi now realized the source of which felt like death within their grip.
"Oh no...it's her."
Thank you for reading another chapter of this story. Again it really means a lot to 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.
Wanted to clarify a few things. When Syura and the guard wanted Tatsumi to take off his mask, they were doing it because someone told Honest that they needed to see the mysterious Colonel's face, who then ordered them both. Do you think you know who ordered Honest?
If you got confused on the part where Tatsumi said he only reveals his identity to those who are strong fighters, that was just a lie. Tatsumi will never reveal his identity to anyone, except Budo, since he's the only one who has seen Tatsumi's face. He only said that part to annoy and embarrass Syura.
Also, if you didn't get the part where Tatsumi mentioned that he beat Syura during a tournament match with Syura despite Syura disagreeing, Syura is right, he did in fact almost beat Tatsumi, but there is a reason as to why the fight between both were close. It will be revealed later on.
I hope that flashback part got you intrigued, cause it will be about Tatsumi's past and how he later joins the Empire. Later on, you will understand more and more of his past. Don't want to spoil too much, but let's just say Tatsumi had a harsh and rough childhood to live through.
Next chapter will be Tatsumi's first interaction with Esdeath. I hope you guys are excited about this. I can't wait to put on dialogues and scenes between both.
Once again, thank you for reading another chapter of this story.