Boredom.
That was what I felt, which is not often, considering I'm usually doing something productive enough for me, or as others would say, inhumane. Eh, I wouldn't know, school wasn't exactly my top priority in my life, mostly because I had to make sure that I wasn't beaten have to death by the brutes of school.
Shit, I forget to introduce myself didn't I?
Name's Psy Nicholas, a wild child as the old man would put it… I'm not listing any names, but he is such a pain in the ass. I don't even remember his name long enough to care anyway, not like I should care for the identities of my victims.
I'm getting off topic… So to recap, I'm currently dying of boredom. I don't know why I'm this bored, because I've never been this bored in my whole life…. Looks like I'll have to have another chat with the old man.
I get off my bed and walk out into the hallway, searching for that certain old man…. Ah, there he is.
"Did you need something, Psy?"
Right in front of me was a man who was 7'11, had medium length light blue hair, wore a black fur coat that reaches to his knees, black pants, and blue boots. His skin was extremely pale, and his eyes were black, with his irises being blood red. He was practically towering over me right now, because I mean, I'm only 6'3.
"Hey old man, I'm bored. Do you know something I can do?", I asked with a slightly whiny tone.
"I've told you multiple times that my name is Vendetta, not 'old man', Psy.", he replied back to me.
"I don't give a crap about what your name is or not!"
The next thing I know, I'm being pinned to the ground, with the old man, or Vendetta I guess, looming over me.
"Ah ah ah, if you want me to do something for you, ya gotta say pleeeaassee.", he mockingly said, stretching out the word 'please' to annoy me.
"…Sonofa bitch…", I muttered under my breath, cursing the old man for making me do shit I didn't want to, "Fine, can you please tell me what I should do…?"
"Much better!"
Finally the old man got off me. That was getting annoying.
"But in all seriousness, I thought you would be trying to kill someone right now.", he remarked, a bit curious.
I'll admit, my hands are not exactly..clean to be honest. What the old man said was right, I do try to kill people. And yes, there's a story behind this. Since I was 11, I may or may not have developed a form of cannibalism. How it happened? It's a long story I'd rather not bore ya with, less ya want me to be like Genos from One Punch Man. To summarize? I become a serial killer and a cannibal at age 11…. Yeah, hate on me all you want for doing something like that.
"Well, if you're bored, why not travel to another world that interests you?", the old man suggested. I've already forgotten his name.
"Huh… well I guess I never thought of it.", I replied, slightly intrigued by the old man's suggestion. "Do you know any that would interest me?"
"Hmm… I do know one…"
"Really?! Tell me it!", I shrieked impatiently, as I was just about willing to do anything to seek entertainment.
"Dude, you gotta chill out. Sheesh, can't even let me finish.", the old man mumbled, annoyed before continuing, "It's a world filled with dangerous monsters and people… not so nice either. And it that world, it's kind of like what Flowey says in Undertale, it's kill or be ki-"
"I'm in!"
"Eh?", it seems I reacted too quickly, 'cause the old man was actually taken aback by my sudden decision.
"BoyyoubettersendmethererightnoworI'llknockyourskintonechickenboneleavemealoneasstothegroundandthenI'llyeetyouallthewayto…!", at this point, the old man can't even understand me with how loud I'm speaking.
"Have it your way." was the last thing I heard before being knocked out, but not before I cursed at the old man. Can't help it.
Ugh, who the hell ran me over with a battle bus? My head is throbbing like crazy! Well, whatever, because the moment I woke up, there was forest all around me, but I heard some rumbling around the area. Now that I was aware of a potential danger, I clutched my sword and walked out of the assemble of trees and into a walkway that led somewhere. And that's when I saw it.
Two merchants were traveling on carriages when something came out of the ground. A giant cockroach-like monster with super long antennae, giant claws and red eyes. The main color of its body was brown.
Holy Shit. That shit looks fucking sick! Now I'm really pumped. Though I kind of chuckled, seeing the merchants shit their pants over the giant bug.
"It's an Earth Dragon!", I heard one of them shout.
An Earth Dragon? That giant bug looks NOTHING like a dragon, but whatever I guess. Anyway, time to act. I pulled out my sword, ready to attack-.
SHING!
Only to see someone beat me to it. It was a boy of average height. He had medium length brown hair with a cowlick that fell with his hair's height. He was wearing a white, high collar jacket over a tan sweater-vest, a pair of black pants, brown gloves, and combat boots. He was also holding a sword, that looked really sharp, I'll be truthful. The boy had chopped off the supposed Earth Dragon's arm before I could do squat. Goddammit, I wanted to do that for crying out loud! … Yes I'm a battle maniac, get over it.
Once the boy stood up, I could see that he had emerald green eyes, which honestly suited him because I could see the fight in his eyes, or at least that's what I thought.
"Class 1 Danger Beast… right! An Earth Dragon! This should be fun!", the young boy said to no one in particular, wearing a cocky smile.
Danger Beasts? That's what they were called. Jesus Christ, the name was so basic, I'm actually getting OCD.
Ah, I'm getting off topic. It seemed that the Earth Dragon was pissed and was about to go for the boy.
"Aw, don't be mad.", the boy remarked, which actually made me laugh a bit. I don't know why.
The Earth Dragon attacked the boy with its left arm, but missed as the boy vanished without a trace. I was about to crack a whole "dOoOoOoH, i MiSsEd" joke when I saw him right above the Earth Dragon.
"I'll take care of ya!"
In an instant, the boy had hacked and slashed through the Earth Dragon, which caused it to bleed out and die… I must say, the boy is skilled. A bit slow, but skilled nonetheless, I won't deny that. Maybe I should stick around, he seems interesting. I then saw the two merchants running towards him with a Surprised Pikachu expression.
"That was incredible, kid!"
"You took down a Class 1 Danger Beast all by yourself!"
Again, who the hell came up with the name 'Danger Beast'? It sounds so plain…. Nevermind.
The boy sheathed his sword and didn't respond to the two merchants, until…
"Aaww, it was nothing! Kinda like taking candy from a big scaly baby!"
It was kind of funny how he went from being badass to looking like a guy who's obsessing over a girl moments later. Even the merchants were dumbfounded.
"Oh yeah, and the name's Tatsumi by the way. The whole capital's gonna know my name before too long, so you might wanna remember it!"
So his name is Tatsumi, huh? And what's this capital he's talking about?
"…So you're going to the Imperial Capital to seek your fortune?", one of the merchants asked, to which I was a bit confused by why his tone got dark at that moment.
"Yup! Where I come from, everyone dreams of making it big in the capital.", the boy, now Tatsumi, answered.
"Look kid, the Imperial Capital isn't some perfect dreamland.", the merchants explained, "Sure, it's the big city, but it's been overrun with monsters even more vicious than this Earth Dragon here."
Oh, this is what the old man was talking about when he said the people weren't so nice in this place…. Wait what is this world again…? Eh, I'll figure it out later.
"I don't get it. How can the city be full of Danger Beasts?", Tatsumi inquired, confused. I'm beginning to see the conversation darkening a whole lot more.
"Not those monsters… They're humans, but with the hearts of monsters. Damn place is crawling with them.", the merchants finished.
Hmm… that sounds a bit familiar… Um….. oh, I think I get it now! This is the world of Akame Ga Kill! That's why this sounds familiar!
Back where I was, the old man introduced me to an anime called "Akame Ga Kill!" The name of the anime was what got me to watch it, and then low and behold, I was obsessed with it. I mean, it fits someone like me, who's a murderer and cannibal… I'm actually surprised he didn't remember that he's shown me this already, then again, the old man's memory can be as good as dogshit.. Hm... I wonder if the old man will let me kill the rotten eggs here.
Anyway, Tatsumi didn't really seem to care about their warning, because he was more fixated on his mission that his friends were aiding him in, to make a fortune, and save their village.
Well, I might as well follow along now. As Tatsumi walked off to finish his journey to the capital, I followed and let my presence be known by speaking first.
"Nice job on killing that Earth Dragon, kiddo! I was about to jump in, I guess ya beat me to it!"
Tatsumi, now aware of my presence, turned around and looked at me in confusion.
"Huh?"
But before he could inquire further, I interrupted by saying.
"But, you should REALLY heed the merchants' warning. They're not lying when they say the Capital is plagued with corruption.", I warned with a toothy grin.
It should also be noted that I myself look intimidating as hell. I mean, it's not everyday you find someone with blood on them. To clarify, I'm 6'3, horned man with medium length spiky black hair with hints of dried blood on it. There's even dried blood on my face and black scarf, in addition to me having crimson red eyes that sometimes glow in the dark. I also wore a dirty grey shirt underneath my dark grey, bloodstained assassin jacket, which is styled to look like Ezio's Jacket from Assassin's Creed, with grey pants and black sneakers. Pretty much you'll find dried blood on just about every part of my clothing, even on my hair… Don't ask how I never get hot wearing my attire.
"Who are you?", Tatsumi asks.
"Just a traveling swordsman. Be on your guard, kid.", I reply before turning the opposite direction.
Oh, I forgot to mention that I have powers that are beyond this world. Though, this world is not like my own, where us Pseupira are in everyday life. Oh, and before I forget, a pseupira is a person with otherworldly powers. The old man was the first pseupira, and I'm another who obtained powers similar to his. In this world, there are weapons called Imperial Arms, or Teigus if my memory isn't failing me. Well, since I'm here, I might as well pretend that my powers are part of my 'Imperial Arms'. And I think I'll call it… Contamination of the Unholy: Muslihat Iblis.
(And for those who don't know, Muslihat Iblis means "The devil's tricks" in Malay.)
I arrive at the Capital, keeping an eye on Tatsumi as he walks through the gigantic nation. I can tell he's flabbergasted by the size of the place. Though, truthfully I'm hungry, and I'm really in the mood for flesh. Don't really care who it's from. Oh, yeah, now he's gonna go to the barracks to try and sign up for the Imperial Guard. Though something catches my eye… Oh yeah… her.
In the corner of my eye, I spot a young, curvaceous woman that had short blond hair with two long tufts that framed the sides of her head and golden eyes. She also wore a rather revealing outfit with a black tube top, detachable sleeves, pants, boots, and a scarf around her neck. Her name was Leone. Personally, I did not really like her character all that much.
Well, turning my attention back to Tatsumi. I peaked through a window and saw Tatsumi conversing with someone.
"So, you'd like to enlist, would you? Alright, just fill out the form and bring it back to me."
"Wait wait wait wait wait.. This says I'd be starting as a private."
"You think you're special?"
"I'm not starting from the bottom!", Tatsumi shouted before pointing his sword at the man, "I'm way too good for that! I was thinking something more along the lines of a… say, captain!"
Turns out Tatsumi would regret saying those words, because he's thrown straight out of the building.
"Get the hell out of here!", the man shouted at Tatsumi as he got back up.
"Hey, come on! Can I at least take the test?!", Tatsumi demanded.
"There's a depression going on! I already got more applications than I can handle! I'm not gonna waste a spot on some stupid kid!", the man quickly responded, very much angry.
Aaand this is why you should never asked for something you haven't earned yet. It was funny seeing Tatsumi being thrown out like a rag doll. And the look on his face is fucking priceless!
….Yeah I swear a lot.
"A depression?"
"Now get outta here, beat it!", those were the man's last words to Tatsumi before slamming the door.
It's funny how the kid who took down a Danger Beast, a Class 1 mind you, gets thrown out like a rag doll by some guy moments later.
Tatsumi groans and contemplates his next few decisions.
"Maybe I could stage like, a kidnapping and save the day just in time…. Eh, that's too obvious-.", he thinks before his thoughts were interrupted by a certain someone.
"Hello!"
"Huh?"
Tatsumi looks up to see a certain haired woman. I personally found this scene funny with how much he was staring at Leone's chest. I don't know why.
"What's with the long face, little guy? It'll be alright, big sis is here to cheer ya up!"
Predictable, Tatsumi went all Surprised Pikachu just upon looking at Leone's chest. Again, I don't know why this is funny, though the old man said Tatsumi's face was priceless when I first watched Akame Ga Kill with him.
I could hear Tatsumi mumbling about how much he loved this place. Well, we won't in just a couple of days.
"Try to focus here, buddy.", Leone captured his attention.
"So let me guess, you came in from the countryside in search of fame and fortune, didn't you?", she guessed, and she was right because Tatsumi stood right up and asked, "How'd you know that?"
"I lived here for a long time. By now it's super easy to spot a new face. Hey! I know the secret to becoming an officer in the army super quick."
Aaand he fell for it. Sometimes I wonder how this didn't trigger a bullshit alarm for Tatsumi, but I guess when you're desperate, you're desperate.
"Tell me!"
"You really wanna know?"
Tatsumi nods his head frantically. Jesus Christ is he desperate to make some cash.
"Well, first ya gotta treat me to lunch."
Oh boy. Not this scene. I'm just gonna, you know, not look. This scene disappoints me to no end by Tatsumi's naive self. I wait until the scene finishes, and Tatsumi realizes that he was scammed.
"Ah, this totally sucks! That was every penny I had! Damn that barrack! No way, better yet damn that girl! I guess that was my educational experience!", Tatsumi complained out loud before silently trudging along the streets, "Not even people back in the village are such liars."
Tatsumi then sat down on the streets and put on a winter coat, deciding he was gonna sleep. Guess I ought to appear again. I jump down from one of the buildings and walk to Tatsumi's direction.
"Having a rough time, kid?"
Tatsumi opened his eyes to see me. I smiled down at him.
"It's you!", he realizes.
"Noooo, it couldn't possibly be me. It's the emperor-! Yup it's me kiddo.", I reply with a derpy face, and with a hint of sarcasm.
Tatsumi looked at me like I was on coccaine. Can't really blame him. I don't even trust myself to be sane either.
"So anyway, how'd your whole 'enlisting in the army' thing go that it lead you to sleeping on the streets?", I asked, feigning curiosity though I already knew what happened.
"Wait, how'd you know that?", Tatsumi eyed me with suspicion, to which I replied, "I couldn't help but hear your conversation after you killed the Earth Dragon. So come on! Spill the beans already. I'm curious."
He just stared at my funny before he actually answered my question, "It was horrible! Not only was the guy in the barracks rude, I got scammed out of my money!"
I couldn't help but chuckle at his despair, which did not go unnoticed by Tatsumi.
"Don't laugh at me!"
"Can't help it. You fell for one of the oldest tricks in the book! How am I not supposed to laugh?!"
Tatsumi then kicked my leg, clearly annoyed at my comment, making me stumble a bit. He's strong, I'll give him that.
"Anyway, enough joking around.", I said as I then sat next to Tatsumi.
"What're you doing?", he asked.
"Like you, I don't have a place to go, so I might as well hunker down on the streets, right? Oh, and by the way…", I held out my hand for Tatsumi to shake, "Name's Psy. Nice to meet ya, kid."
Tatsumi looks at me for a moment before hesitantly shaking my hand, "Tatsumi's my name."
I couldn't help but chuckle at his hesitance. "I bet you're probably intimidated by the blood on me, right? Don't worry about it. It's not I intend on killing you or anything."
"That doesn't make it any easier.", Tatsumi replied, shuddering a bit.
I told more about myself to Tatsumi. And to say he was scared shitless was an understatement. I mean, I guess I could understand. It's not everyday that a serial killer that can kill up to 2 billion people in mere moments. Fortunately, I was able to assure him that he would be safe around me.
And then I heard it.
The sound of a carriage. I knew who was coming next.
"Stop right here!", I heard a young female voice from the inside the carriage.
Once the carriage stopped, one of the guards riding the carriage immediately ask whoever was in the carriage, "Are we really doing this again, my lady?"
"You know I can't help it! This is just the way I am!", I heard the female voice speak up again when the owner of the voice came out of the carriage and approached us.
It was a young girl with shoulder-length blond hair topped with a fluffy blue accessory and blue eyes. She wore a white long-sleeved shirt, with a light blue ribbon on her neck. Above her shirt was a sleeveless light blue dress, with a black bodice and white frills. The girl also wore a pair of white boots.
Just to clarify, this bitch was on my Top 20 hit list, and that's saying something since I do almost the exact same thing as her family does, but I was never so petty. As much as I'd like to rant about how much I hate this kid, I'm gonna keep silent. Ain't trying to get unwanted attention on myself.
"Excuse me."
I see Tatsumi wake up turn his attention to the girl.
"Um, if you two need a place to rest your head tonight, you're welcome to come home with me."
Tatsumi looked at her with a dopey look. I'll admit it got me chuckling the first couple of times.
"Uuh, thanks but I'm broke.", Tatsumi bluntly responded.
"Got the same situation here. Ain't got a single penny.", I say in unison.
The girl only chuckled, which annoyed me a bit. She ain't fooling me of all people with that 'innocent' smile.
"Well if you both weren't, then you wouldn't be here, would you?", the girl responded, smiling 'sweetly'. I paid no real attention to it though.
"Lady Aria has a bit of a weakness for helping those with no where to go.", one of the guards said.
Bullshit, you just want to kill us.
"You really should accept her offer."
Tatsumi was now interested. I took notice of this and whispered into his ear.
"Tatsumi, you sure you want to go with these hooligans?", I whispered to him.
"Well, it's a lot better than sleeping outside I guess. I mean, what could possibly go wrong? They seem kind enough."
"MANY things could go wrong."
I sighed and just accepted it. Tatsumi probably doesn't care much about what I said anyway.
"Fine, but if we get fought up in some horseshit, you're responsible."
I then turn my attention back to the girl, now known as Aria, who was waiting for our answer.
"Fine, we'll bite, but you better not pull anything.", I respond with a scowl on my face.
"Great! Let's go home!"
Can't believe I have to do this. Honestly, I'd rather die than be around Aria, but I guess this is the only way to meet them.
"Oh, it looks like Aria brought home two more guests.", Aria's father said.
"Oh my! So it would seem!", Aria's mother followed up.
I can practically smell the blood on the two bastards. While I won't deny I enjoy the smell of blood, these two are still the parents of that little bitch.
"How many does this make?", Aria's mother spoke more.
"Mother!", Aria whined.
Tatsumi was too busy looking around, but he then turned his attention back to the family and bowed.
"O-oh! Thank you so much for having us.", he gave his gratitude.
"…..", I did not say a word.
Meanwhile, Tatsumi looks like he's having the time of his life in this house. I'm just gonna go incognito and not speak.
As usual, I was not amused. I can tell Tatsumi's having a field day over here.
"Psy?"
"Yeah, Tatsumi?"
"Are you okay? You haven't been talking since we first got here."
"…"
"Um…"
"I don't trust this family. They seem… suspicious. You should be on your guard."
"I don't get it. How could this family possibly be suspicious?"
"You tell yourself that, yet it's usually whenever someone says that shitty things happen. Just… don't trust this family too much, kay kid?"
"Um… right."
I can see why he'd doubt me. This family's been kind, too kind might I add, but I already know of their secrets. Unfortunately, I'll just have to wait.
But before I go to sleep, I go to a sleeping Tatsumi and my hand starts to glow, as so does he.
"A little something for you to use when things get rough."
I wasn't necessarily concerned for him, but I decided to give him some of my power because… he was worthy.
The very next day, Aria took us on a hardcore shopping spree, the bane of my very existence. I mean, Jesus Christ, I forgot that she literal raided almost every goddamn shop in the area. She's practically created a whole mountain of presents on a little cart. How the hell does that shit even fit?
I suddenly overheard Tatsumi's conversations with one of the guards who stuck around to ensure their safety most likely.
No One's POV
"The young lady does enjoy it, but I assume all women behave this way, yes?"
"I don't know. I have this other female friend and she just kind of wears whatever she has."
"Oh, and Tatsumi?"
"Yes?"
"You see the castle over there?"
Tatsumi turns face a giant castle that towered over the whole of the Capital.
"That is the center of the entire empire. It's where everything happens."
"Whoa! I've always wanted to see where the Emperor lives and makes decisions for the whole country!"
"Well, not exactly."
"Huh?"
The guard leans in and whispers to Tatsumi, "There is an emperor, but he's only a child. Our land is plagued by corruption. It's the Minister who controls the Emperor from the shadows."
"The Minist-?!"
Tatsumi gets a hand to his mouth, as to not say anything out loud. It's probably best not to speak ill of the empire after all.
"Do not let yourself be heard! Those who oppose are beheaded."
"…So, he's the one who ordered all those heavy taxes on my village."
"The entire capital knows.."
Tatsumi grits his teeth in anger. Who wouldn't after hearing that the ruler of the empire, the one who is supposed to protect and serve the people, is the reason for the starvation of their village.
Psy's POV
I've had enough of the conversation so I just stare off into space. Well, that is until in the corner of my eye, two guards are having trouble carrying a giant package. Come on, this is getting ridiculous. The girl's practically bought all of the stores here, this is WAY too much!
"Ugh, you guys are wimps! Let me show y'all how the steroids do this shit!", I expressed my annoyance before walking over and carry the whole thing with just one hand. Got some priceless reactions out of it as well.
I can't wait for nightfall.
It's night, and I predict they will be here soon. As Tatsumi was sleeping, I left the room in anticipation. As I wandered down the halls, I could hear the mother speaking from one end.
"Well well, now I can add another entry to my diary. What an addicting little hobby this is!"
Those were the last words she said…
SHING!
…because her body was cut in half. She could only watch in disbelief and shock and she saw the bottom half detach from her body before everything inevitably went dark.
As for who was responsible for her death? It was a slender young woman with long purple hair, purple eyes, and glasses, along with a miniature hat. She wore a slightly revealing sleeveless cheongsam with detached lilac arm sleeves and white boots. In her possession, was a giant pair of scissors
She stared down at the corpse of her victim, bowed, and said, "I'm sorry."
Once I saw her, I knew.
NIGHT RAID WAS HERE.
Though I had no reason to attack her, I suppose I could pretend to care that she killed Aria's mother.
"Hey!", I yell to grab her attention.
"Hm?"
I immediately sent a swift punch to her abdomen. Wow, what an entrance!
The purple-haired assassin was caught off guard by sudden appearance, which gave her little time to react to my punch. She gasped for breath before being sent flying back a few feet. I stare back at her, my crimson eyes glowing.
I needed no introduction to this girl. I already knew who she was. She was Sheele of Night Raid.
Sheele paused for a moment before focusing on killing me. This was one of the things I liked about her character. Can be a total airhead one moment, a merciless killer another. She lunged at me, ready to split me in half like she did the mother, but I dodged.
Well, I didn't just dodge. I sprinted around Sheele, creating about 5 afterimages around her. She didn't know where to strike when I suddenly appeared behind her and clocked her in the face, knocking her out.
Huh. I wonder how Tatsumi is right now.
No One's POV
Tatsumi ran through the halls frantically, having just woken up moments before. There was a aura of malice nearby, which put him on alert. As he ran through the halls, there was one thing that got him more worried. There was no way… It couldn't be them… It just couldn't b-!
But it was them.
NIGHT RAID
When Tatsumi looked outside the window, there were multiple threads hovering in the air. And of them? Night Raid.
There were a total of 5 people he saw among them, excluding Sheele, as she was knocked out by Psy.
One of them was a young girl with long black hair that reached down to her knees and red eyes. She had a sleeveless tank top with a white collar and a red tie, with a red belt that had a red-side skirt cover over a black, pleated shirt that was covered by a long dark coat. She wore it with long black socks and black shoes. She also wore red gauntlets and black gloves.
Another was a girl of below average height. She had very long pink hair in twin-tails on the right and left sides of her head, with pink eyes, a pink outfit, consisting of a tied shawl with a high collar, a pink long-sleeve shirt, a gown, and black stockings with pink shoes.
The next one was a tall man who wore silver armor with a spear on its back. There wasn't much to describe about them.
The next one was a young man with shoulder-length green hair that covered his left eye, green eyes, and red goggles on the top of his head. He wore a long green jacket with a fur-trimmed hood over a white and red ringer shirt and blue jeans and brown shoes. On his hands were red gloves with metallic fingertips.
The last one was a certain curvaceous woman, only that her hair had increased, and she had grown lion ears, a tail, and claws, but Tatsumi didn't recognize her, at least not yet.
'It's Night Raid!', Tatsumi thought.
"What do they want? I can only assume they've targeted this family because they're rich. What do I do? Help the guards fight, or protect the family?"
Psy's POV
I watched from the windows, seeing the scene unfold before my eyes. I'll admit, it was pretty damn satisfying to watch them kill the guards once by one, though I kind of felt bad for the guy who warned Tatsumi of the corruption and Night Raid. Oh well.
Tatsumi's probably rushed outside already, but I'm pretty sure Leone's already entered the mansion.
And right I was, because I turned a corner, and saw Leone choking the father.
"P-please spare me! Please, I have a little girl!", the father pleaded as he gasped for air.
"It's okay. You won't for much longer.", Leone remarked.
"No, please don't kill her! I beg you, have mercy on us!"
"Mercy? I'm not sure I'm familiar with that word."
Leone finished choking the old guy to death. Amusing, I must say… What, I already told y'all I like killing don't judge me.
Though I forgot my presence wasn't hidden because Leone spotted me a moment later, but I don't say a word and just walk away, slowly quickening my pace.
"Hey!", I hear her call after me. I could also hear her following me close behind.
I immediately speed up and turn a corner, making sure my aura was hidden and that I was no where to be seen.
"Where'd that guy go?", I could hear Leone think to herself.
Time to go find Tatsumi and Aria. I've got something I need Tatsumi to do.
No One's POV
"Hurry milady, this way!", a guard said, holding Aria by the hand as the two run through the trees.
"What's happening?!", Aria asks, anxious.
"Just get to the shed for now, you'll be safe there!"
"There you are!", came another voice.
Tatsumi had finally managed to catch up with the two. He was sweating, and he was trying to catch his breath, though that wouldn't stop him from springing to action should the need arrive.
"Tatsumi!", Aria cried, relieved to see him.
"Okay, great, you made it. I'll hide the young lady and wait for the guards. See what you can do to stall the enemy until then! Got it?", the guard demands of Tatsumi, who is taken aback.
"?! You really expect me to take out-?!", Tatsumi immediately paused his sentence, detecting someone behind him.
When he turned around, it was the black-haired girl. She looked very much ready to kill. Tatsumi drew his sword, though it would honestly be futile. Given the display of Night Raid's members' power, Tatsumi knew he wouldn't stand a chance. But he had to! Lady Aria was depending on him! He watched in anticipation as Akame ran towards him. Tatsumi was ready to strike until…
"You're not a target.", the girl said in a monotone expression.
"Huh?"
The next thing Tatsumi knew, he was falling to the ground. The girl used his head like a trampoline in order to get to the guard and Aria. Tatsumi regains his footing and turns around to see the girl about to kill them both.
"Dammit!", the guard cursed as he began to open fire, though he missed every shot due to the girl's speed.
"You are.", she said, her voice still monotone.
Time seemingly slowed down as Akame got close to her target and was ready to strike.
"Eliminate."
That was the last thing the guard heard before being cut in half by the girl's blade.
Aria steps back in fear. She didn't want to die, especially not at the mercy of this assassin! But it's not like she could do anything to stop her. The girl walked up to her, about to slash Aria.
"You deserve this."
"Stop right there!"
But Tatsumi interrupted her by swinging his sword at her, prompting the girl to jump back.
"I told you, you're not a target. You don't have to die.", the girl warned.
"Yeah well I can't let you murder a helpless little girl!", Tatsumi shot back, which prompted the black-haired assassin to nod, much to Tatsumi's surprise. At least try to sugarcoat it!
"So you won't step aside?"
"I'm not gonna back down now!", Tatsumi yelled, waving his sword at her.
"Then you've made your choice.", she replied, making Tatsumi gulp.
Psy's POV
I seemed to have arrived just in time for Tatsumi and Akame's fight. Though it is kind of one-sided. I sense another presence around, realizing it's Leone….. Eh, who cares. I'll step in once Akame tries to behead him. For now, I'll just stay hidden.
Tatsumi and Akame rush at each and clash blades. He then tries to slash her horizontally, but she jumps up and kicks his shoulder. He tried to regain his footing in time…
"What the-?!"
But then Akame 'stabbed' him in the heart, prompting him to spit out some saliva and collapse.
"Tatsumi!", Aria shrieked, while Akame was pointing her sword at him, looming over the poor guy.
Luckily, Tatsumi was not actually stabbed in the chest, because he ended up getting back up with a slight smirk.
"Why'd you back off all of a sudden?", Tatsumi asked.
"Because it felt like I hit some kind of armor", Akame replied.
In response, Tatsumi takes out a small, brown idol.
"I guess the villagers were looking after me after all."
I smiled. Couldn't help it. Tatsumi has that devil luck on his side.
I turn my attention back to Akame, who then says, "She must die."
Tatsumi stammers in surprise and worry, "Hey, wait a minute lady! You just want said you wanted to steal this girl's money, don't you?! You don't have to kill her! This isn't a war and there's no reason to kill innocent people! Please!"
But his pleas fell on deaf ears as Akame moved in to behead. Looks like it's my time to step in.
Without warning, I moved, faster than intended, stopping in front of Tatsumi and pushing him out of the way, and blocked Akame's blade with 2 of my fingers.
Akame wasn't expecting me to show up, much less block her blade with 2 fingers, so she was only slightly surprised, but quickly regained her composure.
"You're not a target. Step aside.", she commanded.
"No can do. You were just about to kill my pal. I can't exactly let you off without at least some sort of punishment, no?"
"...Eliminate."
And with that, Akame vanished from sight, but I already knew where'd she strike. Instinctively, I moved my arm and grabbed Akame's blade before tossing it with her to the side.
I could see her eyes widen slightly as she was tossed aside like a rag-doll, before she narrowed her eyes and charged at me again. Time slowed down, though in truth, my perception of time just wasn't working I guess. I ducked before sweeping out her leg and kicking her in the gut with my right knee, sending her flying.
I then close my eyes and raises my arm at her, and a red ball of energy appears in my hand, opening my eyes again, and fired it in Akame's direction.
Akame sure was surprised. I guess she wasn't expecting me to have such power.
No One's POV
Akame was dumbfounded.
This man... It was surprising enough for him to be able to block her attacks, but now he's using a power she's never seen before.
'He must wield an Imperial Arms, but I don't see one on him.', she figured.
Nevertheless, it didn't matter. She will complete the mission, and the target will be eliminated.
So, she put more effort into her attack and rushed at Psy. He didn't even realize what happened until suddenly...
SHING!
Akame had successfully struck him by the side of his stomach.
Psy's POV
Damn, I was not expecting that. She got me pretty good, as but I tried to move again, I was paralyzed, and I knew why.
Flower symbols began to emerge from my wounds and cover my body, and I suddenly felt on the verge of passing out. It hurt like hell… but I'm gonna have to deal with it..
But goddamit, this fucking hurts! I don't know how much more I can take!
Looks like I'll have to use that form again.
I suddenly roar, but it wasn't a normal one. It sounded like a demon's roar. Tatsumi, Akame, and Aria were all flabbergasted as I roared in pain… but I got up nonetheless.
Black lines formed on my face, stretching down to my chin. A grey face mask then appeared on my mouth, and my eyes were black with red irises.
I eventually spoke up, but not in a voice that was mine. It more or less belonged to a demon.
"What a mistake you have made. Now, you will suffer the consequences."
I stretch out my right arm, and a giant red and black spear made out of pure energy appears. If I'm not mistaken, I guess the spear has a hint of black because of the poison of Murasame.
"Your death is certain."
The energy within my spear begins to increase as the spear grows, and I stabbed the ground, and lightning struck the ground, knocking Akame back. I can feel Tatsumi and Aria looking at me in bewilderment.
I turn my attention back to Akame, who was struggling to get up. I hold out my arm, which causes chains to appear and chain Akame's arms and legs.
"You calm now?", I asked, earning a look of confusion from the black-haired assassin.
"I just needed some answers, and I figured you would have them for me."
No One's POV
While Psy had his attention on Akame, nobody had noticed Leone watching intently.
She never expected this guy to survive Murasame, and to make it even more impressive, he managed to make a spear out of nothing but pure energy!
Needless to say, she was interested in who this guy was.
But one question still lingered in her mind.
'What kind of Imperial Arms does he use?'
Psy's POV
I retract the chains, thinking that she wouldn't attack any more, but I was wrong. Akame immediately got up and tried to kill me, but I ducked again, only to get kicked by Akame and knocked onto my back.
Just as she was about to kill me…
"Hold up!"
A yellow paw pulls her back
"What are you doing?", Akame looked over her shoulder. It was Leone. I had almost forgotten she was here.
"We got some time left, and I kind of owe one of these guys a favor. I'm pretty sure he'd like to cash it in now! Besides, killing them would be a waste!", Leone remarked, winking at Tatsumi.
Tatsumi, upon realizing how it is, yells at Leone.
"Hey, you're that girl with boobs!", Tatsumi shouted.
"Yup! That's what they call me!"
Tatsumi grumbles in annoyance, until Leone spoke up again.
"Listen, earlier you were concerned we were here to kill innocent people.", Leone said, which got Tatsumi's attention, but notably cause Aria to go pale.
"I told you, kid…. You didn't listen to me… But I guess if words aren't enough for ya… this will be VERY convincing.", I added on as the attention went onto me and I got up, walked over to the shed and punched it open. I'm pretty sure Leone seemed just a tad bit more interested in me.
"Well, here's your proof. Welcome to the hellhole known as the Capital.", I told Tatsumi. To say he was mortified was understatement.
Inside the shed contained multiple dead bodies, some hanging, some in cages, some with their limbs dismembered. To say it was disturbing was an understatement, but I was actually more amused than disturbed, which luckily, no one noticed.
"What… is all of this?", Tatsumi asked in horror.
"We learned that they fancied picking up out of town newcomers from the countryside, and then torture them to death for their own sick, twisted entertainment. That's the reality of this poor, innocent, happy little family.", Leone explained.
While Tatsumi was mortified by the amount of corpses in the shed, nothing could've prepared him for what was next. Hanging in front of him was a young girl with long black hair with a white flower hair accessory. She was completely naked, and looked ever so beaten up. Instead of amused, I was disgusted, because I knew how it felt having someone close to you be murdered with no reason. Why do I say that..?
"Sayo…? No.. that's…. that's Sayo!", Tatsumi managed to sputter out, horrified at seeing his friend dead.
"Do you know who that girl is?", Leone asked, while Aria tried to sneak off, but failed after Leone grabbed her again.
"Oopsie! Didn't really think we were through with you yet, did you sweetie?", she spoke in a dark tone.
"These people really did this….?", Tatsumi asked.
"Yes they did, and their guards are just as guilty for keeping it hid-."
"She's lying! I had no idea anything like that was going on! Who would you believe?! These..these murderers, or the one who saved you?!", Aria asked desperately.
But unfortunately for Aria, a new piece of evidence for her crimes was found, as someone else in the room began to speak.
"Tatsumi.."
"Huh?", Tatsumi turns to his left, to see another person who had somewhat unruly dark brown hair and brown eyes with a white martial arts headband. He was covered in blood. It was Ieyasu!
"Is that… is it you?", Ieyasu asked weakly, reaching for Tatsumi within the cage, which had an already mortified Tatsumi become more mortified, "It's me…"
"I-Ieyasu?", Tatsumi asked.
Damn, I can't help but feel bad for the kid. He has to see his two friends die for no good reason at the hands of corrupt nobles.
"She invited us to stay at her house… She gave us something to eat… and then everything went black..! Then we woke up here..! And… and then that girl… that girl tortured Sayo to death..!" Ieyasu weakly explained with tears in his eyes.
"Fine! Fine! So I did it, okay?!"
Aaand here comes an annoyingly long monologue about Aria's worldview and her going absolutely crazy.
"THESE TRASH ARE JUST WORTHLESS FILTH! THEY'RE NOTHING BUT…BUT LIVESTOCK FOR ME TO USE AS I SEE FIT!!! GARBAGE LIKE HER DOESN'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO SUCH BEAUTIFUL HAIR! MINE IS ALWAYS GIVING ME TROUBLE, SO I TREATED HER EXTRA SPECIAL!!! SHE SHOULD BE HONORED THAT I GAVE HER SO MUCH ATTENTION!!!! UNGRATEFUL PIIIIIGGGG!!!!!!!!!"
I approach Tatsumi, put my hand on his head and whisper something into his ear.
Tatsumi's eyes suddenly went bloodshot red. It's working…
"I'll be back soon, Tatsumi…. When it's just the two of us, I'll be there…", I promise him before disappearing.
No One's POV
"...I know how you feel currently... Your friends dead... your hopes crushed... But... your concern as of right now, the current source of your suffering, is that poor excuse of a girl... So embrace it...", was what he heard Psy say to him.
Tatsumi's eyes slowly began to flicker and change color, Psy with a mild smirk.
"That's it... just like that! Embrace the anger! Embrace it! Let your rage be what drives you to fight, to keep going. Let your sorrow of being unable to help your friends be what makes you stronger!"
And with that, Psy's words pushed into the young man's brain, and Tatsumi's eyes went bloodshot red.
He was absolutely ready to kill.
The brown-haired boy turned around to face Akame, Aria, and Leone.
"I'll kill her.", Akame declared, before being stopped.
"Wait…", Tatsumi said loud enough for them to hear
"You're kidding! You're still going to defend her?", Leone asked in annoyance.
"Wrong…", Tatsumi replied lowly as he unsheathed his sword, his breathing becoming louder and… more demonic?
"It's my friends she murdered, so likewise, I will tear her to shreds."
And with that, he saw red.
Tatsumi seemingly vanished, which confused both Akame and Leone, until they heard the screams of pain from Aria, to which they look over to see Tatsumi beating her into the ground, throwing a never-ending flurry of punches into her abdomen and skull before kicking her to a tree. As he walked over slowly to a brutally beaten Aria.
"P-please! Mercy!", Aria pleaded, but it fell on deaf ears as Tatsumi then began to cut off her arms, little piece by little piece.
Akame and Leone were shocked. Never have they ever seen someone kill another person with this much brutality before!
By then, Tatsumi had already cut off Aria's arms before cutting straight into her stomach, tearing apart her dress and revealing her inner organs and then cutting open her chest and removing her heart.
"This is for Sayo and Ieyasu, you monster."
Did he really not realize how ironic that was? He was straight up mutilating her for fuck's sake! In addition, the way he was acting was more akin to a monster if anything.. Leone almost gagged seeing Tatsumi rip out Aria's heart before kicking her the screaming girl into the air, jumping up and with a quick few slashes of his sword, completely obliterated Aria, slicing her into a million pieces, before crushing her heart with his hand, it's remains splattering all over the ground.
Tatsumi's eyes finally go back to normal upon sheathing his sword. Whether he realizes what he just done or not, it didn't matter for him. All that mattered was that the bitch who dared to put her hands on his friends was dead.
'As gruesome as it was to see, he didn't even hesitate… Granted, she was pretty heinous. Come to think of it though, his skill suddenly increased when he killed her... while when he fought Akame, he was nowhere near that level of skill.. Maybe it has something to do with how his eyes turned red...', Leone thought as Akame just watched.
Tatsumi's ears picked up a weak laughter coming from Ieyasu, who had witnessed the whole massacre Tatsumi performed.
"Thank you Tatsumi… I needed to see that..", Ieyasu said, grateful that Aria was now dead, but then he coughed up blood.
This did not go unnoticed by Tatsumi.
"Ieyasu!", Tatsumi rushed over and tore the cage open, freeing Ieyasu and setting him on the ground.
"No…."
"It's the Lubola Virus.", Akame interjected, making Tatsumi turn his attention to her, "The mother enjoyed poisoning people with different medicines. She even kept a diary detailing each victim's reaction. It's too late for him."
"Tatsumi…"
"Ieyasu!"
"You should know… that Sayo never did break. She never let herself give in… She was incredible… So… I wanted to… to go out…….. a hero……", were the last things he said before finally succumbing to the virus.
"His strong will was the only thing that kept him alive.", Akame commented.
Tatsumi began to sob, and brought Ieyasu close to him.
"What the hell is wrong with this place…?", Tatsumi asked in grief and disbelief.
Akame stood there before turning around and saying, "Let's go."
"Hey. Don't you think we should bring him with us?", Leone reasoned, 'Though, where did that other guy go?'
"Hm?" Akame wondered.
Leone grabbed Tatsumi by the back of his vest and dragged him along, but he is reluctant and tries to squirm his way out of Leone's grasp.
"We could use an extra pair of hands. Plus he seems to have potential and a little luck on his side.", Leone reasoned.
I waited for Night Raid to leave before I re-entered the shed. I turned my attention to Sayo and Ieyasu…. What, did you think I actually leave? Nah fam.
'They didn't deserve this.', I think to myself before I use my power.
"By the god's will… you two shall be reborn!", I chant, pumping my power into both of their bodies until I exhausted myself. I opened my eyes to see the results.
Well, their bodies are healed. Now… I need to check their pulses…. Yes! It worked! They're alive! Phew… that's a relief. Oh, I bet you're probably wondering why I decided to come back to revive the two of them. Well, to be honest. They reminded me of my siblings… what happened to them, you may ask?
…They died… and I was powerless to do anything.
…
Well no point in grieving about my past so back to what I was doing.
I pick up Ieyasu and let Sayo down and pick her up before leaving with the 2 of them.
Tatsumi… you'll be in for a wonderful surprise when you see these two again…
End of Chapter 1