Sup' you beautiful people! Hope you've had a fantastic day! I am so sorry for the late update! I've gotten an internship, so I've been so busy. I've also been updating my other fanfictions that needed attending to.
So before I begin with begin with the chapter, I just want to say a big thank to you guys for your reviews. Seeing there are much of you still interested in this fanfiction is enlightening.
On another note, from the next chapter onwards, the way I title chapters will change. You'll see what I mean in the next chapter.
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN ANY OF THESE SHOWS I'M WRITING FANFICTIONS ON!
Now on to the chapter!
Chapter 30: Briefing, Sheele's moment and…a mission?
A briefing was going on in the gardens of the Imperial Castle. The gardens were known to have the most beautiful flowers and plantation soil in the entire Capital, thus a great place to have a small breakfast at.
General Esdeath was known for her cruelty, but she did have her sweet side. It was even with that fact that she organized a small lunch for her and Sunny just for the two of them. At this point, some adequate and delicious delicacies were on the table, with some of them being sweets. Sunny enjoyed it in particular, but she couldn't keep her mind at ease due to the latest news she heard just a while ago.
The Three Beast Warriors had returned from their mission yesterday. However the news they brought wasn't so fulfilling. Esdeath was back to her stern and strict self as she faced her bodyguards bowing at her in their usual respective manner.
The briefing soon came to an end before a small silence took over. Esdeath was acknowledging the information she recently received. It was unexpected, but at the same time intriguing since it concerned a certain teenage boy with an alien watch.
She turned to Sunny. "The Ultimatrix…Do you know anything about that?" She paused again and then spoke. "Prior to coming to the Capital, you informed me certain things about your cousin. The Omnitrix, you said is his Teigu, but now I'm hearing he calls it the Ultimatrix?"
Sunny smiled a bit. "Hmm, so he really has it back." She muttered. Her voice was loud enough for them to hear before she licked a lollipop and smiled at the general. "Yes, I've heard of the Ultimatrix. Think of it as the Omnitrix, but with its own Trump Card that allows him to evolve his Danger Beasts."
'So that's what happened…' Liver concluded. He recalled the time with Ultimate Big Chill.
Esdeath was now further intrigued. She took a sip of her tea and stared at Sunny with interest. "Then how did he dispose of such a 'Trump Card'? No one has ever tried to tamper with their Teigu, less actually remove their Trump Card."
"He calls them Ultimates." Sunny said. "But I'm not the right person to ask. Ben is cute and incredible, but he also lives a life of idiocy. Maybe he just thought having the 'Ultimates' was too powerful, and so he got rid of it."
"I find that had to belief." Esdeath replied with doubt. "The Black Scare, when he caused a worldwide epidemic that placed a number of people in barriers, clearly showed he has that kind of power. You refuse to tell me how it's possible. I'm getting impatient, Sunny."
Sunny was unfazed by the last part. Esdeath was scary to many, but Sunny was different from the people. Thus, even when Esdeath gave a glare that would scare any easy heart, she just giggled at the woman.
"Aw, Esdeath-sama, don't give me that look. It won't attract any good men." Sunny said joyfully. She then reached her hand to a slice of cake and held it close to her mouth. "Speaking of the Black Scare, I was there and in one of those barriers, and I know for a fact it was by accident. Something probably triggered my cousin, so knowing him he probably locked that ability away somehow. You guys and the empire don't have to worry about that anymore."
"I see." Esdeath said suspiciously.
Sunny was still a mystery to her. In a way, a person could say the ice general didn't trust her completely. It was the reason she's been reluctant to accept Sunny's offer for Ben to be the man for her. But that is a matter for another time. Esdeath turned back to her men whom she then stood before.
"I never predicted Ben Tennyson would intervene in your assignment. Perhaps, I should journey with you on your next mi-"
"Please no, Esdeath-sama!" Liver refused.
The oldest of the Three Beast then regretted his action. General Esdeath didn't like being interrupted, as shown when a scowl formed on her face. Liver was quick to apologize.
"Accept my apologizes! However, I beg of you to not waste your precious time with a mild setback caused by your subordinates! I swear on my life that if the boy comes, we'll deal with him without haste!"
"I am uncertain." Esdeath said, walking over to Liver. Before the man knew it, she placed her high heel on his head and forced his face into the ground. "You talked out of turn, but I shall accept your apology. However, I have one last thing to add. Bring the boy alive if possible. If you can't, then you have my permission to end him."
Sunny gulped down the cake she just finished eating. She had something say.
"Actually, Esdeath-sama, Ben won't be there." She said.
Esdeath turned to Sunny in curiosity. She wanted to know why Sunny said that, but it seemed to the girl knew her question.
"I have…something planned…" Sunny said, licking her lips mischievously. "Trust me you'll be meeting him face to face very soon."
Esdeath paused and removed her high heel from Liver's head. There was something about what Sunny said that intrigued her. But Esdeath said nothing on it as she turned her back to her men and extended her arm from her side.
"You have your mission! Go and deal with the next target and come back alive!" Then she titled her head at them. "I will never forgive any of you if you prove to be weak!"
"Understood, Esdeath-sama." Liver said with complete absolute. His hand was at his chest as he added. "Your request shall be carried out without fail!"
The Three Beasts then stood up and walked away. They didn't say a word nor did they look back at their mistress. But then Sunny stood up and called out to Nyau. In response, Nyau turned to the girl slightly confused until she planted a kiss on his lips.
Nyau was surprised. This was the first time that a girl had kissed him on the lips. Sunny's action made him stutter and stare at her with his cheeks blushing. However, the Anodite thought nothing of it as she smiled at him and blinked one eye at him.
"That's for good luck! Come back safe!" She said.
Nyau took a short breath and nodded. He hadn't spoken to Sunny, but he did feel better after turning from her. Her action, however, caught Esdeath's curiosity as she (the general) sat back on her seat.
"You've taken a liking to my 'dog'? I'm a bit surprised. You're quite bold, Sunny. It almost makes me jealous." She said.
"That wasn't love." Sunny replied. Her pupils then flashed pink. "That, Esdeath-sama, was a 'good luck' charm."
Nyau's pupils also flashed pink. The teen somewhat noticed it and rubbed his eyes. He was confused at the brief change his eyes had experienced until Daidara called him. Thus, he ran to meet up with his comrades, ready to engage in their next mission.
_(LINE BREAK)_
Following the incident with the Three Beast Warriors, Ben, Aria and Spear had stayed with Satou for the night. Their reason for the unexpected stay was to help Spear recover both emotionally and physically from the attack. Fortunately, Satou didn't mind their visit and they left the next day for Night Raid's hideout.
"That's Night Raid's hideout?" Spear asked. A part of her was intrigued, but also troubled. "Are you certain I should follow you? I hear they kill any intruder that dares to seek their hideout."
"You're the one who wanted to come with me." Ben said plainly. A smirk then formed on his face. "Relax, the people here love me…after trying to kill me on numerous occasions."
"Thanks…I feel so relieved." Spear replied with doubt.
Just then, a rustle from a bush was heard. It startled Aria, Ben and Spear as it caught their attention. But before any of them could say a thing, a certain green haired young man walked out of it, revealing who he is.
"I had a feeling it was you, Ben…" Lubbock said. Then his eyes glared at Spear with killing intent. "But we never said you could bring guests other than Aria."
Spear responded by gripping her spear weapon. The teenage girl had brought it along with her following her departure from the site caused by the Three Beast Warriors. It was the only thing other than her clothes that she packed that was left. The clothes were left in Satou's home for the time being.
Back at the situation, Ben could sense rising tension. Fortunately, he intervened on the matter by standing between the two.
"Calm down, Lubbock. The girl right behind me is the former Prime Minister's daughter." He said.
"His daughter?" Lubbock questioned with obvious surprise on his face. He was then quick to shake his head and then point at Ben with an accusing finger. "Why did you bring her here?! Her father is a well-known popular and rich man in the empire! Bringing her here even if he isn't sided with the current prime minister is bad for us!"
Ben was about to retort Lubbock's claim. However, the teen was stopped by Spear's hand on his shoulder. The girl then went forward and stood before Lubbock with a brave face.
"If you must know, my father is no longer with me!" She stated boldly.
Lubbock was surprised again. He could tell Spear wasn't lying to him, as there was no hesitation in her voice and eyes. But the girl went onward with conviction.
"Do not get it wrong! I am not here to join your band of thieves and murderers! I am here to serve Ben Tennyson! If it weren't for him, I would've been dead with my father! Esdeath's bodyguards, The Three Beasts Warriors, must pay for their actions on innocent lives!"
"The Three Beast Warriors?!" Lubbock's eyes widened in shock.
"I take it that you know them?" Ben asked.
"Not in person." Lubbock answered. His killer intent was completely gone as he then turned away. "Come on! Let's get to the hideout! Najenda would want to hear about this!"
"Actually…" Ben suddenly said. He placed his hand into his pants' pocket and brought out a flyer. "Can you take Aria and Spear and give this paper to Najenda? Tell her I'll explain myself about Spear. There's…someone I want to see again and I don't want to be disturbed with questions."
Lubbock stared at the paper in Ben's hand and took it. He also didn't say a word as he looked at the content on the paper and expressed surprised.
"We never made this." He said in realization. "'Heaven's judgment'? What the hell is this about?"
"Night Raid is being framed." Aria answered. "The Three Beast Warriors sprayed these things before we left. We then tried to pick up all of them, but it's possible we forgot some. We had to leave the scene when we noticed some merchants coming."
Lubbock groaned in annoyance and stuffed the flyer into his green jacket's pocket.
"This just gets better and better huh." Lubbock said sarcastically. "I'll send your request, Ben, but don't take too long. Najenda won't be happy if you make her wait too long. She'll probably have everyone apart from Sheele come for a briefing."
"I'll be there." Ben assured him.
Lubbock felt relaxed and turned away. He was then about to lead the girls with him, but something came to mind and made him stop and turn to Ben.
"By the way, Sheele has been asking of you…Be careful with her. Something about her has changed…" He said.
Ben frowned. "I know."
The teen hero said nothing else. He activated the Ultimatrix and slammed on its core and became Big Chill. He then used the alien form to fly to the direction of Night Raid and become invisible.
"I guess that's that." Lubbock said with a sigh. He then looked back at Spear and Aria. "Come on, let's get going."
The two girls complied and followed him.
_(LINE BREAK)_
As Big Chill, Ben was able to phase through the walls and ceilings of the hideout. He didn't want to be seen, so he made sure he stayed invisible. Thus, by the time he got to the front door of Sheele's room, there was no sign of anyone at the hallway. This then gave him the chance to change back to normal and knock on the door.
"Come in." Sheele's voice was heard.
Ben complied and did as she said. From there he closed the door behind him and called out to Sheele, who seemed to be in her own world. Sheele was in a wheelchair and staring outside through her window. She heard Ben enter and turned to him with a slight confused face.
"Ben, you're here?"
"Uh, yeah. Lubbock said you were calling for me. I was going to meet you anyway without the others knowing, but - " He said.
"I did?" Sheele questioned, turning to face Ben. She sheepishly smiled at Ben. "Sorry, I'm still an airhead. I guess I forgot."
"It's fine." Ben smiled.
Sheele was being in a good mood despite her condition. By using the wheelchair, it was obvious that she really couldn't use her legs. The complication on that fact could make most people feel some depression, especially if they found out about their condition just this morning. But not Sheele; she seemed calm.
"Ben…" Sheele called out. She tilted her head to the window. "It's a lovely day outside, isn't it?"
"Sure, I guess it is." Ben answered with a bit uncertainty.
Sheele said nothing else but giggled a bit. Her mood never seemed to shift for even a second. She seemed peaceful outwardly as she continued staring outside.
"Before the fight with the Imperial officer, I never really gave life much of a thought. Weird, isn't it? Sheele thinking, it sounds unreasonable."
"No, it's not." Ben said. "Everyone once in a while experiences such thoughts after going through an ordeal."
"Ordeal…I guess so." Sheele replied. "But really I'm grateful to everyone and to you. You should've seen them, Ben. They were so happy to see me…I never once gave a thought about others' feelings if I suddenly disappeared. I guess I knew they would miss me, but because I'm such a screw up I just thought that I wouldn't matter. Just get back to the way things were like it never happened, is what I thought if I died."
"Sheele…" Ben called out in concern.
Sheele's tone had become depressing at her last sentence. She even noticed this and looked to her lap.
"I'm fine. I really am." She assured him. Then she looked at Ben. "I guess you could say I've changed a bit. I don't know what it makes of me now, but…maybe I'll figure it out in the future. Ben…, Mine told me what you did ever since I was unconscious. You don't need to blame yourself for what happened anymore. I'm grateful to what you did for me…Honest."
"Y-You're welcome." Ben replied.
The teen hero didn't know much about Sheele. Apart from the time she defended him and Aria from getting killed by Mine, the girl was a mystery to him. But rather than focus on that, his attention was taken by Sheele who patted at her bed's edge.
"It's fine. You can sit." She said. "There's actually been something else I want to talk about…if you don't mind."
"Sure."
Ben did as she told him. He felt there could be some turmoil in Sheele even if she wasn't showing it. But rather than say anything, he faced her while sitting on her bed's edge and listened to what she had to say.
"About that night …I need your honesty." Sheele said.
Ben nodded. He had a feeling on the topic Sheele wanted to bring up. She was the only person who hadn't been comforted about that night.
"Ieyasu…did he really die that night?" She asked.
"Yes." Ben answered.
Sheele became quiet. She didn't cry nor did her emotion shifted. It was just dull and slightly depressingly, like she was trying to be strong in front of Ben. The teen hero could guess the latter was the case.
"I never doubted it, but I just needed to be sure." Sheele said. "To be honest with you, Ben…I really blame myself for what happened."
"It wasn't your –"
"I know that…at least that's what I want to believe." She stated with doubt. "During that battle with Seryu, I allowed Ieyasu to deal with what I thought would be a deciding blow, but…now I think it was a bad decision. I wanted Ieyasu to have some experience…But now I feel it just fell flat on my face…I was gun down, Mine had to carry me to safety and he…he died trying to protect us. I can't help but think that…if I had just joined him in that moment then that woman would've been dead and maybe…maybe he wouldn't have to die. That woman would've taken his place and I won't be feeling this much burden in my heart."
Ben didn't say anything. He wanted to, but it didn't seem like Sheele was done yet. He could tell by the short pause before she continued.
"About last night, thank you. You kept my condition from me and his death so I could feel better."
'Lubbock was right…' Ben thought. 'I don't know much about her, but it's pretty obvious she's not who she used to be.'
The teen hero decided then to speak. "Sheele, you shouldn't let yourself feel this burden. Knowing Ieyasu, I don't think he would want you to feel responsible. I mean I'm at fault, but I'm beginning to come to terms with what happened that night…and thanks to you I'm feeling better about it. So don't be sad. I promise I will get you back on your feet."
"Thanks…" Sheele said. She gave the teen a small smile. "But that won't be necessary yet. I'm in no rush."
"What?" Ben was surprised.
"All my life it has felt like a screw has been loose in my mind. I never cared about who or what I killed; it never really impacted me. But I feel like that screw is slowly getting tied on me. I'm beginning to question if I can go back to being an assassin and continue what I used to be…For me, being an assassin was the only useful thing I had…but because of what happened that night, I don't know if I can go back to those days."
Ben was silent in response. In a moment like this, he would've spoken back. However, he felt a contradiction that Sheele then picked up on.
"I don't want to guilt you. I know it isn't your fault…You're a hero and I think that suits you, so it's fine if you hate assassins. I mean…a hero can't encourage someone to go back to killing. I mean, it's what you did with that blonde girl, right?"
"Yes…" Ben finally responded. An idea then struck him and he stood up. "Then how about joining me?"
"Joining you?" She questioned. She was confused.
"You don't know this, but I just saved the former Prime Minister's daughter from Esdeath's goons. I didn't think much on it then, but you're situation made me realize something. I could put a team together. I still kind of have a team back in my world, but they can't help me here."
Sheele was beginning to understand what he was saying.
"That means…this team would be made up of you, the former prime minister's daughter and Aria?"
"And Eunice." Ben added.
Sheele was confused for a moment until she remembered who he was referring to.
"Eunice…A girl with blonde hair that answered that name visited me along with the others. She said she's related to you."
"That's her. But I also think you could join us."
The teen hero then went on one knee and placed his hand on Sheele's lap. Sheele could see his concern for her as they made eye contact.
"Me…? But I can't…I'm not good at –"
"You don't have to be good with killing." Ben stated determinedly. "What happened then doesn't define who you can choose to be, Sheele. You're a skilled fighter and you're kind and compassionate about other people's feelings. I know right now you're trying to mask how you truly feel, but it's okay. I didn't know for sure if I knew you well, but I know I do now."
Sheele was astonished by Ben's confidence. His eyes held a strong will that she hadn't seen in anyone before. But she felt hesitant to speak back.
The teen hero stood up. His tone became softer than before. "I've been in rough times where I've felt helpless too. But I've come to learn that if you want something done, even if you feel held back, it only becomes as bad as you think when you let it happen."
"I see…" Sheele muttered. Her head turned to the window again. "But what if I kill someone again? The impulse might still come…"
"Then we'll deal with it together."
Sheele smiled. A tear went down on her cheek before she wiped it with her hand.
"I'll think about it." She said.
Ben nodded and turned away. He was about to walk out the door, but he had one last thing to say.
"I'm not trying to separate you from Night Raid. If you decide to go back to being an assassin, I think it would be better than doing nothing."
"I know." Sheele responded without turning back.
Ben huffed a bit and smiled. Sheele sounded better than she did before. He just hoped that as he walked out the door and closed it behind him that the young woman would choose to take action than just sit things out.
_(LINE BREAK)-
In the briefing room, everyone was gathered before Najenda as she sat at her usual place. Spear was standing directly in front of the woman while everyone else stood separate from each other, having heard and seen what their superior had to say. It was a moment after that Ben came in and attracted everyone's attention.
"Tennyson, nice of you to join us." Najenda said with a hint of sarcasm. "Lubbock told me what you said and I've heard Spear's defense. However, I don't condone inviting any stranger into Night Raid's hideout. We do not run a safe haven for people in distress."
"I'm not someone in distress!" Spear stated strongly. "I'm not a fugitive! I'll rather die than be a coward!"
"I'm aware of that." Najenda stated. "Your resolve earlier said it better. Such a shame you do not want to work with us, but I won't force you. Ben is in an alliance with us, so you shall be treated well. But be warned…" Her eyes became something scarily narrow. "…betray any of us in anyway and it won't give you immunity over the consequences, understood?"
"Yes."
Ben then stepped forward. "Speaking of consequences, there's something I want to say."
Everyone's attention came on Ben again as he walked towards Najenda. There was something was on his mind as he even seemed offensive towards Najenda. Najenda was curious to know, thus she said nothing.
"Leave Aria and Spear out of this!" He stated strongly. "They're under my protection, so if you have anything to say about them then say it to my face!"
Most of the people there didn't like his tone. Leone could sense that a part of it was due to what she said about Aria, but she wasn't certain.
Ben continued. "I appreciate what you guys have done for us! After that close fiasco in the Imperial Castle, you welcomed Aria, Eunice and I into your hideout! However, I won't stand back and let anyone here threaten the life of any of them! I was too focused on Sheele that I failed to realize just how Aria would be treated by the very people who probably still want her head the moment I'm gone."
"What's your point?" Najenda questioned. A part of her was intrigued by Ben's bold statement while another part of her felt threatened. One wrong move could lead to the termination of their alliance.
"My point is this! Never, ever, threaten their lives! I understand there maybe be squabbles and disagreement, but never cross the line to execute them!"
The teen hero then lifted the Ultimatrix to his chest level. "You're aware by of what I'm capable of! But I'm going to go ahead and tell you! I'll tell you now! Don't underestimate me, because if you guys ever push me to the wall, I'll make sure you regret it!"
A moment of silence took over. Tatsumi was completely surprised by Ben's statement. The teen hero hadn't threatened anyone before - at least to his knowledge. But here he was, threatening a woman like Najenda while her people (including him) could decide to attack Ben at that very moment.
Fortunately, there was no need for violence. Najenda understood this, but she was still offensive towards Ben despite seemingly calm.
"You have a strong will. I guess I shouldn't underestimate the young man responsible for the Black Scare. Tell me, Tennyson, what would you do after all of this is over? When the revolution happens and a new country is formed, what will you do then?"
Ben didn't respond. Najenda was trying to lure him into a trap. Thus, he remained silent as he glared at her threateningly.
Najenda used that chance to stand up and walk over to Ben. She wasn't scared of him in the slightest as she continued.
"Being a hero sounds more like a fantasy in this world, if you must know. Perhaps in your world it's all roses and daises if a former psychopath killed hundreds just for her amusement, but not here." Then she stood and exchanged glares with Ben. "I have no intention of killing your friend; I can assure you about that. But you should start thinking about what would become of her after the revolution. She and her family's actions have been made public. I doubt she would be let go with a slap on the wrist and live happily ever after."
"I'm quite aware, Najenda! Aria will stand trial!" Ben said back at her.
"Hmph, and if she gets the death penalty?"
"Then I guess we'll just have to cross that bridge when we get there!"
Tension was becoming high between the two powerful individuals as they exchanged with one another. Both of them didn't want to show fear or intimidation in front of the people who mattered in their life. But the moment somewhat broke off when an impressed Najenda nonchalantly turned from Ben and went back to her seat.
"For now we'll comply with your demands, Tennyson. In exchange you comply with ours when the time comes." She said. Then she changed the subject as she faced everyone. "With that out of the way, I have two pieces of bad news to relay. Listen well and this includes Ben's little 'team'"
Ben said nothing in response. He was curious on what Najenda had to say.
"First, I can no longer contact the local team." Najenda said. Her attitude changed to a heavy one as she added. "I intended to call everyone in today, but our new 'guest' took some priority. However, with that settled, I believe our main problems must be addressed."
"I see…" Tatsumi said. He was curious on one thing. "There's a local team?"
Akame answered. "We specialize in carrying out assassinations in the Capital, but there is another team that handles the areas around it."
Najenda continued from there. "It's currently being investigated, but the likelihood that they are dead is high, so be prepared for that, everyone…"
"Do you suspect anyone in the empire that could be responsible…?" Eunice asked. "I haven't been in this world for long, but data from the Omnitrix archives states certain individuals Ben engaged in battle with such as Seryu, an ape Danger Beast, the Tengu Mercenary, Ogre the Demon and some others, so I think it's possible that if this local team was equipped with Teigu then they would've been taken out easily."
"You're right, Eunice." Najenda said. She was impressed by Eunice's analysis, but didn't say anything on it. "However, we have no suspicion on the matter. We just have to wait and hear the results from the investigation team."
With this, the air in the briefing room felt more intense. The team composed of Night Raid and Ben and his new friends and Eunice could tell the news was only getting worse.
"Then I guess it's necessary to strengthen our security around the hideout." Lubbock said as a suggestion. "Yeah, I'll increase the range of my threads."
"That would be best." Najenda commented. She then said the second piece of bad news. "Secondly, there has been a string of murders in the Capital. The targets have all been civil servants."
Spear felt like there was a lump in her throat. It had been over a night since her father was killed. Her father was still considered a civil servant despite being the former prime minister.
Najenda continued. "The deaths include four officials and sixty-one bodyguards. The problem is what was brought before me by Lubbock."
Spear, Aria and Ben knew what she meant. They then watched with everyone else as Najenda pulled out a familiar flyer. It had a drawing of a specific breed of a bird with the words underneath saying 'Heaven's Judgment (Night Raid)'.
"From what you just heard when Spear testified, we're being framed for killing her father." Najenda stated. "This crime isn't the first and it likely won't be the last. In the first and second cases, I thought it would be unbelievable for the masses if we started taking responsibility for these crimes. However, after each incident, the officials have increased security; even so they were still killed. The last incident which happened yesterday, the former prime minister and thirty highly skilled guards were massacred. Even Spear, a disciple of the Imperial Fist's Temple Master, was no match for them."
Ben looked over to Spear. 'The Imperial Fist Temple…I heard that this world's topnotch place to learn martial arts. But the fact Spear is a disciple of its master is –'
"I am no longer a disciple of the temple." Spear said, cutting off Ben. Though it seemed like she read his mind, her tone sounded a little down as she continued. "We have a code of honor in our ranks. The Prime Minister would likely relay to my…former master that I assisted Night Raid to kill my own father. I won't be welcomed back anymore."
Tatsumi called out to her. "But wouldn't they think you escaped or got captured."
"For me to escape is likely, but since I couldn't be found they won't believe I it." Spear said. "I also took my belongings with me knowing full well of the consequences. To them, it would seem I deliberately joined side with you people, thus shaming the code we live by." She then turned to Ben with a glare. "Besides, you people are assassins. I have doubts that you capture your victims anyway."
'She has a point.' Tatsumi thought.
"Now do you understand, Tatsumi." Najenda said. She had a cigarette in her mouth. "No one but us could've done the deed – is the popular opinion."
"The criminals are the Three Beast Warriors, correct?" Akame questioned. "They are powerful and possess Imperial Arms like the rest of us."
"Yes." Najenda said. She had a liter in her hand and turned to Leone. "With General Esdeath and Sunny back in the Capital, we can't be certain of their next move. Currently, it seems the general herself is being quiet and only visiting the government's torture chambers. I want you to go to the Capital and observe her movements Leone."
"I don't know about that, boss." Leone said. "I'm excited for it, but Sunny would probably notice me the moment I get close to the area."
"Sunny?" Spear questioned. "She's from another country?"
"Not really." Ben answered. "We'll explain everything when this is over." He then turned to Leone. "I think you should go. Sunny is psychotic, but she's smart enough to avoid drawing too much attention to herself. Eunice can go with you and deter Sunny from doing anything crazy."
"Hmph! Then it's fine with me!" Leone exclaimed happily.
"Be on your guard, Leone." Najenda warned. "Esdeath is a homicidal maniac who enjoys slaughter."
"Alright, alright." Leone replied calmly.
Unknown to the others, however, the young woman had a mischievous plan. A smirk also formed on her face as she cleverly thought about her position and that of Esdeath.
'Fufu…and then…I'll be a good person and take her out if the chance comes up! All I have to do is get Eunice on my side and together we can take her on! After all, if Eunice can touch Esdeath, she'll be on par with her, and with our combined strength we could take her out. The extremely sadistic general known as the empire's strongest…Taking her out would have the same impact as killing the Prime Minister! I'm looking forward to it!'
Najenda lit her cigarette. Like the others, she was unaware of Leone's mischievous plan. The gravity of the situation may have masked it, thus she continued.
"The civil servants killed were good people who wanted nothing to do with the Prime Minister. They were people who made the Prime Minister fell ill at ease. When one of them finally decided to do something, he was executed right on the spot. Chouri was a very good man; we can't let his attempt go in vain. Night Raid shall not allow the Prime Minister to get rid of his enemies and blame us."
Spear was impressed even though she didn't show it. However, there was a lingering problem which Bulat pointed out.
"Could it be a trap to lure out the real Night Raid?" Bulat asked.
Ben answered. "I think it could be. If I was framing someone and I knew them, then I would expect them to show up to stop me. In the case of the Three Beast Warriors, it's basically killing two birds with one stone, am I right?" He paused and tightened his fist. "But they made the mistake of running away with their face open. I'm going to make sure they regret it. I know how they look and the type of Teigu use, so you guys will be one step ahead of them."
"Good work, Ben." Najenda said. She was impressed. "The likelihood that it's a trap can be overturned to our advantage." She then took in a bit of smoke from her of her cigarette, removed the small object and let out a puff of the smoke. "The officials who were killed were all highly skilled people who opposed the prime minister and would have nothing to do with the rebel army scouts. They cared only for their country. Isn't that right, Spear?"
"Yes." Spear answered confidently.
Najenda continued. "People like these officials will be essential in creating our new country. We cannot afford to lose any more of these talented people! I think we should head out and crush the Three Beast Warriors once and for all!"
"I agree." Spear stated strongly. Her determination became obvious when she twirled her spear and pierced the sharp tip into the group. "Please, Najenda! I ask to join in your mission! I am not a part of your group, but I wish to take vengeance for my father and ensure these three never kill again! I feel sick staying behind, so I ask for your permission!"
Najenda looked over to Ben. "What do you say, Tennyson? She is under you."
"I think…" Ben said with hesitation. Spear hadn't fully recovered from her injury from Daidara. But after another thought, Ben placed his hand on the girl's shoulder, facing Najenda. "If you're fine with it, let her go! This is something that she has to do! But I want her to be with the best skilled. No offense."
"I'll allow it." Najenda replied in approval. "In exchange I hope she doesn't hold any of them back! She was a disciple of the Imperial Fist Temple's master, so I expect great things from her."
"Thank you, Master Tennyson." Spear said. "I shall not disappoint you."
"Uh…okay?" Ben said with uncertainty. Being called 'master' was weird to him, but he was quick to recover. "Just to be safe, I want you to have this." He handed her a circle device.
Spear took a look at it with a confuse expression. She could tell the device was metal, but the fact it resembled Ben's Ultimatrix symbol; was odd.
"It's a badge and a communicator." Ben explained. "If you guys get in trouble, just press the middle and it will send a distress call to my Ultimatrix that would lead me to you."
"Outstanding." Spear commented. Her eyes widened with astonishment as she stared at the device.
Her reaction was expected, as it was also shared by the others minus Najenda. Aria decided then to tug on Ben's shirt, catching his attention.
"Ben, I would…I would like to go on the mission too." She said.
Everyone was surprised, with only Tatsumi and Leone loudly expressing it. They knew Aria's fighting capability was small compared to everyone else. It was even something Ben knew.
"You can't, Aria!" Ben opposed strongly. "Do you know what you're saying? You saw what the Three Beasts can do! You won't stand a chance!"
"But this is something I feel I have to do!" Aria shouted back.
Her response surprised Ben a bit. The look in her eyes was more serious than she had ever been. Clearly, this moment was different than the last time she had requested something from Ben.
"It's just that…it's my fault…" Aria said with hesitance. Her harsh tone from earlier also seemed to die out as she continued. "The youngest one of the Three Beast Warriors is Nyau…He was my childhood friend until I said something I shouldn't have…Please allow me to set things right. I want to stop him from continuing the path he's on."
Najenda smiled in amusement and mockery. "Isn't that touching? You want to set him on the right 'path'. I guess that confirms Tennyson's influence on you."
"Th-thanks." Aria said.
"That also confirms how naïve you are." Najenda scowled. "The Three Beast Warriors are a group known to be ruthless in Esdeath's arsenal. From the start, they've been taught rigorously to dedicate mind, soul and body to her alone. If you're so bent on playing 'redemption', then you might as well stay out of this. The Three Beast Warriors must pay with their lives for crossing us."
"But –"
"Just stay out of this, Aria!" Tatsumi interrupted. His reaction was strong and serious as he went and stood next to Spear. The conviction in his voice was then revealed. "I don't understand stuff like politics, but…" He tightened his fist and raised it to his chest level. "…using Night Raid's name to commit these crimes makes me sick!"
Bulat smirked. He was impressed with the teen's response. The same was also for Najenda as she stood up once again. Her metal arm gripped her long black coat over her shoulder.
"Okay, then it is decided!" She stated. "What should we do with the fools who used our name?! Let's go teach the Three Beast Warriors the law of assassins!"
Spear felt a slight hesitation to it. Najenda had purposeful said what she just said before looking at Spear.
"Fear not, Spear! You are simply accompanying them and taking action! What you do with your weapon is up to you in the end!" Then she looked back at everyone. "This shall be a three-person mission!"
"Three-person mission?" Eunice questioned. "But Mine and Sheele are unable to fight."
"I am quite aware, Eunice!" Najenda replied and pointed at Aria. "You want to take part in the mission, then find a weapon and prepare for the journey!"
"What?!" Everyone apart from Bulat shouted in shock.
Aria's offer and Najenda's approval was suddenly in doubt. No one showed it as Najenda's past experience with Night Raid was still remarkable enough to keep away any bad thought. However, it didn't stop Ben from retorting at the woman.
"What's the meaning of this, Najenda?! Aria can't fight in an actual battle!"
"For her to become worthy to fight against the empire, she must gain experience!" Najenda said with a grin. "Besides, she won't be alone! But I won't approve of her holding the others back willingly!"
"You just want her to get killed!"
"This is what it means to fight alongside Night Raid, Tennyson!" Najenda retorted. Her grin didn't change. "You either fight and come back alive or die! The dark reality in this world is what separates ours from yours!"
Ben growled in response. Najenda was purposefully trying to get on his nerve. He wasn't certain if it was due to his threat earlier or if it was something else. Whatever the case is, Bulat intervened by calmly placing his hand on the teen's shoulder.
"Take it easy, Ben." He said. "If you want, I'll try my best to limit the amount of danger. I can't say the same with Tatsumi though."
Ben looked over to Tatsumi, but the latter refused to look back. Tatsumi could tell Ben's gaze was on him as he let out a rough huff. Aria was someone the teen rather not talk about with Ben.
Najenda took that chance then to break the small silence.
"Now that we've settled down, here's what you should know about the mission." She said. "There are about five officials who we suspect are being targeted. Of those five, only a few have plans to leave the Capital soon. We have narrowed it down to two officials. Akame, Lubbock and Spear…Tatsumi, Bulat and Aria will provide protection for them! We are not fully aware of the Three Beasts Warriors identity, so Ben will give us Intel about them and their Teigu! This is our chance to cleanse the earth of these fakes!"
"I'll do my best." Ben said in response.
"Thanks, Ben! I'm glad we can count on you!" Tatsumi smirked at Ben. He then turned to Najenda. "Where does the official we need to protect plan to go?"
"The outskirts of the Capital." Najenda answered. "He plans to board the ship that is anchored at the start of the Grand Canal. The massive luxury liner, Rysuusen!"
"Rysuusen? I've heard of it." Aria mentioned. "It's a liner where nobles and upperclassmen and women attend."
"It's also a possible good target." Ben deduced. He turned to Aria. "Just in case, I'll hand you a replica of the communicator I gave Spear. Just…try to be careful if they do show up."
"I will." Aria nodded firmly.
_(LINE BREAK)_
With time, the location changed to the docks. Najenda had decided that the civil servant boarding Rysuusen would be the team with Bulat. But considering this was Tatsumi's first time going to the docks, he was surprised at the massive size of the ship.
"H…HUUUUUUGGGGGEEEE!" He exclaimed.
"Keep it down, will you?!" shushed a female voice.
Tatsumi recognized that voice as it came from behind him. He still didn't like the idea that Aria would be coming with them, thus he sharply turned back to yell at the girl.
"I WASN'T TALKING TO – Huh?"
Tatsumi was taken aback when he noticed a different girl behind him. She had black hair with two sides of it shaped into a bun and the rest of her hair reaching her back. She also wore a blue fancy dress with purple stripes around the waist and shoulders.
"I'm…sorry. I thought you were someone else."
The girl smiled. "Then I guess it really works, Ben." She said to herself.
Tatsumi was confused. He looked around for Ben until he felt a sudden shiver on his hand that made him to shriek a bit.
"Relax, Tatsumi. I'm using Big Chill to stay invisible like Bulat." He said.
"R-Right." Tatsumi muttered. Then he pointed at the black hair girl. "So that is…Aria?"
"Yup! But try to act like we're not here! You already look like a crazy person talking to air."
Aria giggled while Tatsumi took offense to that. Later, both he and Aria stood facing the ship, not wanting to drag attention. Big Chill and Bulat were also there and standing with the person they looked out for. In other words, Big Chill was by Aria while Bulat was with Tatsumi.
"I'm impressed." Bulat said. "She looks completely different."
"I know, right?" Big Chill replied. "She's wearing what is called a DNAlien Mask. It disguises her body, clothes and voice. I found them in the Time Cycle when I was looking through it earlier today. If you want I can hand you one."
"No, I'm fine." Bulat refused politely. "Let us see how the mission goes and then I might ask for one of the masks. It can change a person's sex, right?"
Aria, Tatsumi and Big Chill were dumfounded by that question.
"Uh…sure." Big Chill said uneasily. He was then quick to change the subject as he turned to Aria. "Your whip is hidden within your dress, so try to be careful."
"I will. I promise."
"Then I'm off." Big Chill said, spreading his wings. "See you guys later. Best of luck."
"You too, Ben." Tatsumi said back.
Big Chill flew off soon after. He left Tatsumi, Aria and Bulat to themselves and headed straight for the Capital. However, his absence only brought silence between the three until Tatsumi turned to Aria with a short glare.
"I don't want to work with you, so try to stay out of my way." He said.
"Likewise." Aria said, glaring at him. "I know I can't be forgiven, but I'm going to do what I came here for. Don't forget that, Tatsumi."
'This might not end well.' Bulat thought, referring to Tatsumi and Aria. 'The both of them have never seen eye-to-eye ever since that night. Let's just hope it won't be something both of them will regret. Besides, I have my own problems to deal with…If HE is really a part of the Three Beasts and HE comes on that ship, then I will have…to face him.'
With that thought, the three could only prepare for what was to come.
"Come on, guys. Let's get on board." Tatsumi said.
Unknown to him and the others, their targets walked by them wearing long cloaks. The hood of the cloak covered their faces from their surroundings, thus allowing them to escape detection. But soon it would not matter. The obedient 'dogs' of General Esdeath were grinning and ready for their next kill.
_(CHAPTER END)_
That's where I'm going to stop! Yes, it had no action, but this is just in preparation for the next chapter! They'll be lots of fights and some interesting things going on, so I ask you check out the next chapter.
You may be surprised that Ben isn't joining Bulat, Tatsumi and Aria on the boat. Well considering he had fought them before, I thought it would be better if he takes part in another thing. Believe me, what happens to him will be very interesting to read, especially for all those EsdeathXBen fans.
There's much I would like to say, but I'm just going to stop here. Thanks for taking your time to read this. Please review your thoughts on this chapter. Your support really means much to me, so please also favorite and follow if you haven't. Bye!