Hello there!
No, your eyes aren't deceiving you! Almost two years later and I have a fresh new chapter for you all.
I deeply apologize for this long wait. A lot of things got in the way. I'll reveal them at the end of this chapter.
Yes, I do plan on keeping this fanfiction alive.
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN FAIRY TAIL OR AKAME GA KILL, NOR DO I WANT TO OWN THEM! SOMEONE, PLEASE TELL ME WHY WE DO THIS THING!
Now on to the chapter!
Chapter 12: The Road Ahead
New day, a new fresh outlook on life. So much has happened in the past two days. One member of Night Raid, the infamous assassin group, was dead. Another member was in a coma, while the third member was on her way to recovery.
Everyone was on the path of recovery, especially Tatsumi. He was growing; Acnologia could see it. From that night that he made that promise to Akame, he had unknowingly opened a new chapter for himself. He stopped letting the past burden him. Now, the past and the present were motivations for him to make a straight path for himself and everyone around him.
Acnologia couldn't help but feel impressed. Certainly, Tatsumi's promise was easier said than done, but the Dragon God still sensed his determination from him. The young man was very resolved to make that goal a reality. It wasn't just big talk.
Perhaps, I should consider it. Acnologia contemplated.
For a while, the Dragon God had been hesitant on teaching Tatsumi magic. The young man still had so much to learn. But now he was showing so much promise. Acnologia needed more proof of his determination, though. He needed to be certain, with his own eyes, that Tatsumi was fully carved the path he wanted for him and his friends. That was why Acnologia was heading to the Practice Field within the hideout.
Located at the east of the hideout, Night Raid members used the area to hone and perfect their fighting skills. Here, there was no ceiling or roof to keep away the fresh morning breeze. In fact, anyone could watch them from the outside corridor. But not spies. Due to being located in a mountainous area, it would be nearly impossible to see them from outside.
Acnologia drew closer to the area. That was when he began hearing sticks being slammed against each other. He made it to the corridor and looked to his side. Then he soon saw the source of those sounds. Both Akame and Tatsumi were practicing their swordsmanship with long, hardened sticks known as practice swords – though anyone could see the difference in skill.
Akame barely needed to move away from her spot in the middle of the field. She was an expert swordswoman, unlike Tatsumi. The teen was good with the sword but nowhere as skilled as Akame. He was a novice in comparison to her, and each second showed it.
While Akame's legs were firm, without throwing much weight into her strikes, Tatsumi did the exact opposite. That might be because he was on the offense, while she was on the defense. But if this was a real fight, she would undoubtedly kill him with two swings of her blade.
Tatsumi remained determined, however. He was aware of the difference in strength. This practice was just to help him improve. So he charged at Akame, with one hand on his practice sword, before swinging it against her.
Akame stood as reserved as ever. She moved her right leg forward and easily deflected his attack. Tatsumi's hand, much less his body, couldn't withstand the blunt of her swing. With just one strike from her, she easily pushed him several feet back.
Tatsumi could barely stop his body. Akame's defensive swing caused him to skid back, across the field. When he did come to a stop, it was with one knee on the ground, practice stick in hand, and his face and clothes covered in dirt caused by dust from his boots dragging across the ground.
He seethed, not out of anger, but with a fiery determination. Acnologia could feel it, even though he couldn't see his face because the teen's back was facing him. Tatsumi then raised his head and glared straight at Akame.
"A-Again, Akame!" Tatsumi said strongly.
Akame stood in silence. She understood the burning conviction within him. Tatsumi wanted to be strong, just like the rest of them so everyone can be happy in the end like he promised. But the pace he was taking was rough and unclean. He was pushing himself too hard, and she didn't like it.
"Shouldn't you take a short break, Tatsumi?" Akame asked.
Tatsumi pushed himself off the ground, with the aid of his stick. With the back of his hand, he cleaned a smudge on his left cheek and whipped his practice sword toward his side.
"Why would I want a break?" He asked rhetorically, "I told you, didn't I? Come at me as if this is a real life or death fight."
Akame's eyebrows wrinkled a bit; she was worried. Tatsumi didn't seem to mind his own limit. In a way, it was admirable. But it was also a bad trait for him.
"Let's go!" He bellowed. He charged with her, with both hands on his practice sword.
Tatsumi closed half of the small distance between him and Akame. He even leaped at Akame, determined to swing his practice weapon against her again. He probably would've made a hit, but that wouldn't be seen. Night Raid member, Bulat, got in the way in the blink of an eye and punched him right in the forehead.
"Uguwah?!" Tatsumi cried confusedly, while his body was knocked back.
He saw Bulat's fist before hitting the ground on his back. Fortunately, the impact wasn't bad. Tatsumi easily shrugged it off as he sat up and angrily glared at Bulat.
"Wh-What the hell, Aniki?!" Tatsumi yelled.
"Shouldn't you mind your surroundings in a real fight?" Bulat asked rhetorically. Despite Tatsumi's state, he remained calm and cool-headed as he looked down at his junior, "After all, you never know where an enemy may attack you from, right?"
Tatsumi clicked his tongue against his teeth in mild frustration. He knew Bulat was right, but that didn't mean he was at peace with it. It only reminded him of the large gap he needed to cover. before he can become an actual valuable member of the team.
"You're more fired up than usual, eh?" Bulat asked, smiling genuinely, "What's up?"
Tatsumi stood up with a sigh, "Nothing..." He replied, "I just want to hurry and level up my abilities. I made a promise to Akame...that I would definitely survive."
Tatsumi's impactful words resonated well with every ear that listened. That included the somewhat stoic Dragon God, Acnologia. He couldn't help but smile a bit. Tatsumi was indeed growing into the man he hoped that he would be. It'd take some time, though, but he might get there eventually. Acnologia could only hope that he would stay on that path alive.
He wasn't the only one who thought of this. Leone, the blonde member of Night Raid, went and stood next to the Dragon God. She heard the conversation between Bulat and Tatsumi and crossed her arms under her chest.
"That Tatsumi...He really knows how to get to a girl, huh," She said, seemingly out of nowhere.
Acnologia cocked his head to her. He made brief eye contact with the blonde assassin. She then nudged her head toward Akame. Acnologia followed her lead and saw it. Tatsumi's words resonated with Akame too, in possibly more ways than one. She had a heartfelt smile and a small blush on her cheeks.
"So it would seem," Acnologia said with a small huff. He even smiled a bit.
"Woah, is that a smile I see?" Leone asked rhetorically. She raised a snarky eyebrow, "So, care to explain why you're here? I didn't take you for the type to watch us practice."
"I grew curious," He said simply.
Leone stared at him puzzlingly. She wished she could ask what he meant, however, now wasn't the time. She may look calm, but on the inside it was weird seeing Acnologia the same way. She had seen her fair share of weird and outright bizarre incidents, but nothing could've prepared her for what she had witnessed.
Curious huh? I can't say I don't feel the same way about you. Leone thought.
For a moment, her mind flashed back to a certain night. She'd never forget how she felt that night. Sheele returned with Mine's dead body. Indeed, seeing her friend's corpse was heartbreaking, but she remained composed. Little did she know that it was just a small treat of something beyond her comprehension at the time.
And here I thought there wouldn't be any more surprises. Leone said, mildly annoyed.
She looked back at Acnologia, just in time to see him leave. The Dragon God's blue cape stood in her view, along with the rest of his backside. With all the crazy things that happened last night, it was almost hard to believe that this man with dark skin, long spiky blue hair, and blue markings was an actual dragon.
Leone's thoughts then drifted to her confrontation with Acnologia. It was another night, actually when she and Leone first met. She knew he was holding back on her when they fought. She just never knew how much he was doing that. The blonde assassin also remembered the huge explosion and the ripple on that other night. Back then, her instincts were telling her to run away. No doubt, they were right. If Acnologia wanted, he could wipe out Night Raid in the blink of an eye.
A thought like that actually scared her, truthfully. She just knew how to mask it well, even as she stood there. But the feeling changed when she remembered another personal time she had with Acnologia.
Acnologia once saved Sheele from a Danger Beast. He could've ignored the problem like his cold exterior made him out to be, but he didn't. If that weren't enough, he also went out of his way to heal the fiancée of a man that was falsely accused of a crime by the Capital's Garrison. He even gave the woman some money so she could leave the Capital. Even Leone had mentioned once that she didn't think he was a bad person. Acnologia's tone at that time was heavy. She still remembered the gloomy face he made when she told him.
She frowned, 'Even he has some demons to deal with huh. Well, I still think he's not a bad guy.'
She smiled before facing the practice field. Both Tatsumi and Bulat were gone. It was just Akame standing there. She seem to notice her, as she approached her.
"He was here, wasn't he?" Akame asked vaguely.
She was referring to Acnologia. The Dragon God had surprised her too on that certain night. Akame did her best to hide her feelings. If there was any comfort, it was the fact that she was beginning to understand what type of person Acnologia was.
"Yeah, he was," Leone said, before nudging her head the other way, "Come on. Let's get something to eat."
The prospect of food immediately washed away the stoic look on Akame's face. She puffed her cheeks a bit and nodded excitedly. Leone chuckled in response and led the other. Akame followed from behind.
Great officials – both current and retired – were known to have some level of security. That included the former Prime Minister of the Empire, Chouri. His escort consisted of twenty of his best bodyguards, a huge boar that kept pulling his beautiful metal carriage, and a wagon that carried things such as gifts and supplies.
Chouri was known across the Empire as a powerful political figure. It was through his efforts that the Empire experienced some of its best years. Thus, when he retired, he carried on the assumption that his legacy would continue through the current Prime Minister, Honest. He just never knew how wrong he truly was wrong about Honest.
Reports about the Empire's downward economic spiral reached his ears a few months ago. Chouri hoped for the best, however, he did not deem it necessary to rejoin the political world yet. He was a humble man, which was why he sent several letters to the Emperor to inform him of current problems outside the Capital. Unfortunately, those letters were easily intercepted by Honest and swiftly destroyed.
Chouri soon made his choice. He would journey to the Capital to meet the Emperor personally. Honest would, obviously, be there too, however, due to the political influence Chouri carried, even the obese prime minister would find it difficult to stop him. After all, Chouri was the best man with enough political sway in the Empire.
Of course, there was still some danger in this endeavor of his. That was why his daughter, a disciple of the Imperial Fist, was coming along. Initally, he was against it, however, his daughter, a teen/young woman named Spear, has grown into a persistent, determined young woman. Qualities like that made him proud of her, and so he let her come with him.
On their way to the Capital, the escort picked up a beautiful middle-aged woman. She possessed quite the curvaceous figure, black irises, and dark purple hair at chin length. For some reason, she has been hitchhiking from one transport to the next, with no actual destination in mind.
Spear opposed picking her up. Even the woman seemed to agree. But Chouri stood his ground, regardless. He simply couldn't let a woman be on her own, especially after she told him of several encounters she had with kidnappers and slave traffickers.
"Forgive me for not asking first, but what is your name," Chouri asked.
"My name..." The woman smiled, "It's Ur Milkovich. But you can just call me Ur."
And that was how they began traveling together with an Ice Mage from Earthland.
Spear remained unchanged about her feelings toward Ur. Her past opposition was purely due to suspicion. She and her father were about to venture into the 'belly of the beast'. By now, word of their journey to the Capital would've reached the ears of enemies in the Imperial Castle. So Spear couldn't help but feel that Ur was a part of a massive plan to stop them from coming to the Imperial Castle.
Of course, Spear's suspicious glare didn't go unnoticed. Ur easily sensed them, even without facing her. It actually made her feel a bit awkward, while a bit at ease that it was coming from a fellow female. Most of the enemies she encountered in the past were male, and they ended to stare at her lustfully – whether she was in her underwear or fully clothed.
Speaking of males, she did appreciate Chouri's generosity. He was one of the very few gentlemen who offered her a ride in this new world without some hidden agenda. He wasn't even staring at her. He was just minding his own business.
Ur's gaze at the window. Soon, her mind began to drift to the past. The time of the year was still winter, which meant the presence of snow everywhere. The snow actually reminded Ur about a lot of things. Snow and ice were similar in the fact that both were cold. But that wasn't the exact reason her mind drifted off. Rather, it had to do with activities she used to have with two 'sons' of hers.
Gray...Lyon... She thought.
Ur closed her eyes to reminiscence the good feeling in her heart. A memory sprang up, except it was not a memory. Memory was something a person has experienced in the past. But this 'memory' was not something Ur had experienced for herself. Yet, she was in this memory, specifically back in Earthland and facing off against an older Gray and Lyon in battle.
The ice mage smiled. Gray and Lyon had grown into fine young men like she had hoped for them to be. Best of all, they were fighting side by side while looking out for each other. When one faltered, the other picked the other up. And when they combined their attack, it was in perfect sync.
Ur wished she had gotten the chance to praise them. She felt outstandingly happy to see them recover from her demise. After all, she never blamed any of them for her death. Even the Ur in this 'memory' recognized that, with a genuine, proud smile as proof as her 'sons' defeated her.
"So, where are you from?" asked a familiar voice.
"Huh? What?" Ur uttered confusedly.
Spear's voice had pulled her out of a good time. The ice mage didn't seem to mind. She hardly heard the question as she faced the young woman.
The suspicious look on Spear's face hadn't changed. Not even once. She had only gained the confidence to question Ur.
"I asked you where are you from," Spear said, her voice very demanding.
"Spear, you –" Chouri said, before being interrupted by Ur.
The ice mage raised her hand, with a calm smile.
"I'm fine. Please, let me speak," Ur said.
Chouri lowered his guard. Truth be told, the question had been on his mind. A wanderer like Ur had to have come from somewhere. She seem to understand that too, as she lay her back on the soft cushion.
"I'm from a place very far away. Obviously, I'm not from the empire," Ur said.
"Well, this place must have a name, right?" Spear asked, growing even more suspicious.
"It does," Ur answered genuinely, "But it's not a place you can find."
"That's oddly suspicious,"
"It is, isn't it?"
Ur's smile never changed. Spear was a bit nervous about it. She had hoped to see Ur crack a bit, but the woman was too good. She didn't even know if that smile was a good mask to hide her secret or if she was actually being genuine with her.
"You do not have to tell us," Chouri said. He got a reaction from his daughter, but he ignored it, "Everyone has a reason for having a secret. I take it that you're starting afresh then?"
"You could say that," Ur said, "But to be honest, I don't know how to do it yet." She paused and looked out the window again, "My home was very...warm. I left two boys and a bunch of good people behind."
"Oh...how unfortunate," Chouri said nervously. Ur's confession caught him a bit off-guard, "We sincerely apologize for –"
"No, no, it's fine," Ur said, shaking her head subtly, "Sure, it was cut short, but I don't regret what happened."
She paused and looked down at the floor. A warming smile formed on her face. For a moment, it seemed like she forgot the two people in the carriage with her. There was an image on her mind, and it was Lyon and Gray grownup.
"They're doing okay," said the ice mage. There was this motherly tone in her voice that was easy to notice, "They're good kids. I brought them up myself."
Both Spear and Chouri were mesmerized by Ur's words. She brought about a near-silence in the carriage, with the only sound around them being the wheels of the carriage on the snowy path and the bodyguard's boots marching on the snow.
"I..." Chouri uttered before coughing into his fist, "Well, if it's alright with you, I quite agree. Your words kind of remind me of my wife."
Spear glanced at her father before turning to Ur. Both of them made eye contact until the former looked away. She had nothing else to say. She tried to hide it as she looked outside the carriage but she was embarrassed by her past attitude toward Ur.
"Thank you, sir," Ur replied, bowing her head respectfully.
Chouri chuckled warmly, "Oh, please don't thank me yet. I kind of feel guilty for bringing you with me."
"What do you mean?" Ur asked, puzzlingly looking at him.
"Ah..." The Former Prime Minister sighed. Gone was the smile and positive vibe. Both were replaced with a grim mood, "I am sorry for changing the topic into...this. But if your journey has taken you this far, I am sure you've noticed the dire state of many villages."
Ur's composure changed. She understood what he meant, thus she nodded. One would have to be blind to ignore the severe state of things.
From the day Ur woke up in this world, she had witnessed some terrible things. So much despair, so much death, poverty, and a lot of inhumanity. Her home in Earthland may have dealt with demons like Deliora, but for the most part, life was peaceful. Government institutions such as the Magic Council maintained justice and order, along with laws that enabled magic guilds to lessen the burden on the average person.
Unfortunately, there was no balance in this world. The Magic Council did not exist in this world. Guilds existed here, but there were too few and greedy and corrupt to compare to the ones she knew. As for the laws, there were either fixed to benefit the rich or simply ignored. Government officials and Imperial Army cared only for what would fill their pockets. That was how they were able to turn a blind eye to many things such as child trafficking and slavery.
Ur could feel her stomach turn. She had done a lot since the time she saved a town from troops from the Imperial army. She had saved a lot of lives since then, reunited a lot of good people with their families, and punished the greedy and useless. But it was never enough. She knew that, yet she kept trying to at least lessen the load in this world. As far as she knew, she was the only one with magic in this world.
Chouri easily saw through Ur. The grit of her teeth, the tightening of her fists, and the visible strain on her forehead were too obvious. It confirmed to him and Spear that the woman was authentic when she mentioned her past encounters. She never explained how she escaped them, but at least they knew she actually came across some horrible things.
Chouri sighed again. Fog escaped his mouth, but no one seem to care. It had been that way from the start. The escort was heading toward another village. No doubt, they were about to witness more horrible things.
"Since you know, I believe you should be aware of my status," Chouri said.
"Father, but –" Spear said, only to stop. Her father's hand was up.
The bald man put his arm down and gripped the top of his walking stick. He had no idea how Ur would react to what he was about to tell her. He never told her who he was or what he was going to do. Contrary to his past kindness, he was at least cautious to not be fully open to someone he didn't know yet. But the weight on his heart was real, and he felt that he deserved to confess to the woman who had seen the horror of what he felt was partly his fault for handing power to Honest.
"I am the Former Prime Minister of this empire," He said straightforwardly.
Both Chouri and Spear waited to see Ur's reaction. They were unsure of what her reaction would be. Would she be shocked, angry, or upset? Either way, Spear was ready if it somehow turned violent. She tightly gripped the spear in her hand, just in case.
"You are?" Ur asked rhetorically. She huffed and looked over her shoulder, specifically the huge window that showed the road ahead of them, "Then I take it you're about to do something very dangerous."
Chouri opened his mouth to ask a question. He wanted to know how and why she came to such a conclusion. She only knew that he was going to the Capital. But then a realization dawned on him. Ur had figured out everything in just those few seconds.
She's smarter than I thought. He thought.
"I see you already knew," He said solemnly, "I may not be in my youth anymore, but that doesn't mean I can't do something about the way things have unfortunately become."
Ur silently agreed. Chouri was clearly speaking from the heart. No one said a word about it, though, as the escort finally arrived at the village. They wouldn't be making a stop here. But that didn't stop them from witnessing the terrible condition the villagers have been forced into.
During Chouri's time as Prime Minister, it was regularly common for villages to be subjected to the harsh whims of winter. The empire was great, however, they were never perfect. But the Imperial Court, with him involved, would at least ensure that villages, towns, and cities were economically efficient to survive the passing winter.
Sometimes the right measures worked and other times they did not. The Empire wasn't always right, nor did it try to be at times. But the Imperial Palace would at least approve and enforce any humanitarian aid to the affected towns and villages. That way, many people would be able to survive the winter in the best way possible.
Unfortunately, Chouri had come to the sad realization that those old effective measures have been scraped by Honest and his corrupt goons. Like the other villages he has been forced to witness, the people were left by their own government to suffer and die in the winter.
Some people stood outside their homes, wearing worn-out clothes and wrapping their arms over their bodies in a futile attempt to stop their shivering. A lot of them looked malnourished, which was an obvious sign that they have been deprived of their food. Based on her experience, Ur wouldn't put it behind the empire placing heavy taxes on the people as they robbed them of their harvest. She had already seen a few cases of it.
It was a terrible sight to witness. Logically, these people should be in their homes, protecting themselves. But it would make no difference. There was no fire to keep them warm, thus it was just as cold inside as it was outside. The three of them even noticed that some houses lacked doors and a board to close the windows, while others were boarded up – clearly by someone else's doing.
"There are other villages like this," Chouri said, catching the attention of Spear and Ur.
He was not facing them, nor was he looking outside. He had seen more than enough. It was quite obvious by the solemn composure and look on his face.
"I cannot sit back in the comfort of retirement while our people suffer," He continued strongly, "There's a saying 'A nation is made up of its people'. Now, it looks like we're trying to destroy what's left of this nation. Does that sound right to any of you?"
"No, no it does not," Ur replied, matching his tone.
"These poor people..." Spear muttered. She looked away from the window, shaking her head, "We really have to do something, but...Father, you know you're heading into a nest of vipers, right?"
Chouri heaved a sigh and straightened his back. He replied, "I am more than away, my daughter. But one has to act to clear out the palace of these vipers. If not, this country the late emperor and I struggled to maintain will be doomed."
"But you would be facing the current prime minister," Ur said, "I doubt he'll back down simply because you're coming."
"So be it," Chouri replied with unhindered determination, "If it comes to it, I will fight that minister to the bitter end."
Spear openly smiled, "And I will be there to protect you."
"So will I," Ur proclaimed.
Both Spear and Chouri faced Ur, not expecting her to join in. But they had heard her right. The confident smirk on her face was visible in their eyes. She was willing to fight alongside them.
"Maybe my appearance deceives you, but I'm very capable of dealing with the worse," Ur said. There was no boasting; just pure honesty, "Whoever this Prime Minister is, we'll set things right and make him pay for what he's done to these people."
Chouri's face relaxed as a warming smile came upon him.
"Then I hope you don't mind if I rely too much on you," Chouri said.
Ur assured him with a warming chuckle. A lot had changed from that moment they met on the road. The escort and carriage were soon moving out of the village. As for Spear, she could see through Ur and come to a good conclusion. The ice mage was indeed a good person. But there was one thing she wanted to know about.
"Hmph, then I hope you won't mind a sparring match with me," Spear boasted as she confidently held up her weapon, "If you want, I'll go easy on you."
Chouri was a bit surprised by his daughter's remarks. He was worried that it might've crossed a line. But Ur didn't seem to mind. A chuckle from the ice mage was enough to put his mind at ease.
"Are you sure you wanna do that?" asked Ur rhetorically.
Spear matched the woman's confident grin. She replied, "We can stop by an open field and do it right now."
Ur and Spear seemed tempted by the opportunity. The escort's current location was in a snowy clear field. Such a place would be more than enough for both women to have a good sparring match. All it would take was for Chouri to give the go-ahead.
The Former Prime Minister chuckled, "Ah, Spear, you've grown to be such a fine woman. I guess that gallantry is the reason you have yet to become a bride...?"
Ur's cheeks puffed up, with her fingers on her lips. She was holding back a laugh. Chouri's comment had come from seemingly nowhere. But based on Spear's embarrassed reaction, it was probably common.
"Ah! Th-That doesn't matter right now, does it?!" Spear said with her cheeks blushing red.
Chouri's comment really dealt a blow to his daughter's self-esteem. Soon, the young woman entered a reclusive, lonely ranting about her current relationship status.
Ur found the scene amusing. Chouri and Spear were the perfect father and daughter in her eyes. She would've intervened on the current issue, however, she stopped herself short when she sensed something. Spear and Chouri hadn't noticed it; it was hidden to their senses.
Some dangerous level of magic was heading her way. Ur could sense it in the air. It alarmed her enough to look over her shoulder again. The source of it was barely a mile away. When she looked, she saw the same partially snowy path as before. But soon that changed when a single silhouette slowly came into view.
Whoever this person was, he made Ur feel a bit troubled. Something about his magic was different than any magic-user she knew in Earthland. It was almost like it was coming from a magical construct than actual magic. The best she could describe it was a Lacrima. But it wasn't as close to it.
Ur doubted that this person meant well. As the escort got closer, his killing intent leaked out. Even Spear sensed it as it snapped her out of her funk. She looked ahead, noticing Ur already staring outside.
"Who is that?" Spear asked.
"A bandit?! Again?!" Chouri stated with a frustrated face, "So public order has fallen this badly!"
Ur's eyebrows furrowed on them. This incredible magic couldn't come from a mere bandit, even at her old home. It was growing increasingly clear that there was more to it.
"Stop the carriage!" Spear ordered.
The rider stopped the ride. By now, the escort was already aware of this odd individual that was standing in the middle of the road. They already had their swords drawn out, even before Spear got off her seat and opened the door.
"Exercise extreme caution!" She warned as she began stepping out of the carriage, "He might be a distraction by other bandits!"
Chouri's bodyguards listened. Spear never mentioned it to Ur but she was a disciple of the Imperial Fist, a top martial arts academy where some of the best warriors were truly born. As such, she knew how to fight and act as a commander.
Unknown to the young woman, however, she was about to walk to her own death alongside her men. Ur was the only one who knew it, which was why she got up and gripped Spear's shoulder with her hand.
"Hold on, something isn't right," Ur said with caution.
"What do you mean?" Spear asked, looking over her own shoulder, "I know there might be other bandits lying in ambush. We're ready for that."
"That's not it. I don't think there are others." Ur replied.
"That's impossible," Spear rebuked lightly, "Facing these many men on his own would be suicidal."
"For you, yes."
"What?!"
Spear took offense to that comment. But the look on Ur's face was unchanged. She was dead serious, at this point. No one but her could sense the powerful magic aura coming from this man. It was very unnatural, even to someone like her.
Before a word could be said by either female, one of the bodyguards called out to Spear.
"How should we advance, my lady?" He asked.
Spear puzzlingly looked at the bodyguard and then Ur. She could brush off Ur's warning since she only recently began to know the woman. But there was something about Ur that made her feel like the woman might be right. At the same time, however, Ur could be wrong.
"Listen to her," said Chouri from inside the carriage, "She might be on to something."
Spear looked at Ur. The woman's face was still unchanged. Both Chouri and Ur were waiting for her response. Fortunately, it came when the young woman bowed her head with a sigh and moved aside for Ur.
"Please, be careful," She said.
Ur confirmed with a simple nod. With Spear out of the way, she could figure out who this mysterious person was.
"Stand down, men! But remain alert!" Spear commanded.
Every bodyguard took the order well. They did not know what was fully going on, nor did they dare to question it. From some of the men who bothered to look at the carriage, they were simply witnessing a mildly tense conversation between two women.
"Right now, your only priority is your father," Ur instructed with her back facing Spear, "I have a strong feeling this...person is here for him."
Spear opened her mouth, only to hesitate. She wasn't sure of how she should respond. Of course, she would protect her father; she cared deeply for him. But she had a strong sense that Ur was saying it because of something that was yet to unfold.
"He's my dad...I'll protect him no matter what," Spear said.
"Spear..." Chouri mentioned. He was a bit baffled by his daughter's commitment. She meant it with love, of course, but ultimately, if it came down to the worse outcome, he would prefer it if she lived and he died.
Perhaps, I made a grave error bringing her with me. He thought.
There was no time for regrets now, for there was an agent of death in their way. Though not in the literal sense, this mysterious person was there for blood. Ur would not allow it, thus she made her way toward him. All the people she left behind had their eyes on her. They anticipated seeing what would happen next.
"Ah, this is unexpected," said the mysterious man. His voice possessed some level of mannerism, like the tone you would expect from a gentleman, "I doubt the former prime minister would reduce his image by sending a simple woman. That is, unless...there's more to you."
Ur made no move to reply to him. She was too focused on his appearance, both physically and in the magical sense. He resembled a man in his late twenties, dressed in a black and white uniform. This uniform consisted of a white shirt and black tie underneath a black jacket, alongside black pants and boots. The man also possessed broad shoulders, muscular arms, legs, and abdomen, as well as a long blonde ponytail that reached the middle of his back.
"Just what are you?" asked Ur with a focused glare.
"Mmh?" The man hummed, raising an eyebrow.
Ur clarified, "You're no human. No mage would radiate the kind of magic you have."
"Oh? Certainly, this is an unexpected turn of events," replied the man, "Who would've expected that the former prime minister would employ the assistance of an actual mage? Perhaps, the mistress who gave me life."
"Mistress?" Ur questioned.
"Yes..." He said, "Mistress."
Within a blink of an eye, the mysterious man crossed the gap between them. Ur was taken aback due to the incredible speed. She never expected it, nor did she know that his right hand could morph into the blade of an axe. But that happened too, with him swinging that arm against her.
Ur would've been a goner if not for her quick reflexes. She swiftly crossed her arms over her chest and created an ice shield. It saved her life, but couldn't prevent the man's strike from forcibly sending her back to the others.
The ice mage grunted as her back slammed against the ground. Everyone was shocked by the brute power, especially as it came from one person. Tension soon grew when the mysterious man casually began to walk toward them.
"Pardon my rudeness, however, I am on a job right now. My mistresses won't be pleased if I take too long. I'm sure you all understand," He said politely.
Spear gritted her teeth as she sneered at the enemy. She hated how he was approaching them. They clearly had the number, yet he was nonchalantly acting like he already won. The young woman hated that, which was why she got out of the carriage and stretched her forward.
"Making light of us?! We'll make you regret it! Get him!" She commanded.
"No, don't!" Ur shouted.
Her warning came too late. Even if the men listened, it was game over for every one of them. Spear and Ur were able to confirm that with their own eyes when the mysterious man dashed toward the bodyguards and cut through every one of them within seconds.
Barely any of the bodyguards were given a chance to scream before their bodies were cut to pieces. The scene was a true, bloody massacre. Blood painted the white path that was snow as limbs were sent flying everywhere. No bodyguard was able to lift their weapon, much less use it. The mysterious man just cut right through them with so much ease.
When everything was settled, the entire area was like a sea of blood and dismembered body parts. Spear was incredibly horrified at the scene before her eyes. This mysterious man managed to chop off the bodyguards' bodies as if they was nothing.
'Wait, how did he –' Spear thought before being interrupted.
The shock on her face only intensified as she briefly noticed the man's blade just inches away from her face. She barely processed what just happened. But the moment Ur intervened and kicked his axe-like hand upward into the air, it became clear to her. Spear's head would've been split in two, if not for Ur.
Spear's body shook as she took a couple of steps back. She stared at the mysterious man with wide eyes. That arm of his had elastically stretched toward her. He was still standing in the midst of what used to be living people. As for Ur's kick, it barely phased him as the arm retracted back toward him.
Im-Impossible. She thought sacredly.
Ur suddenly grabbed her by her dress and threw her into the carriage. Spear's body slammed against the metal floor, catching Chouri's attention in the process. The man had seen what just happened to his men. He was shocked by the sudden turn of events. But his main focus was on Spear, whom he went to attend.
Spear pushed her father aside, not thinking straight. She saw Ur's back facing her as the ice mage was about to face off against the mysterious man.
"What are you doing?!" Spear shouted, "He'll –"
"Stop worrying about me! Remember your promise!" Ur yelled, not even turning her head back to face Spear. This mysterious man had chosen just how fast he can be if his opponent lowers his or her guard for even a millisecond.
Spear remembered the promise she made to Ur. Though the word 'promise' hadn't been used, it was clear by Spear's tone that she really meant to keep her word. However, she would not get the chance to speak with Ur just yet. The ice mage quickly slammed the door closed before creating an ice whip in her right hand.
With this creation from her ice make magic, she whipped the behind of the huge boar that had been moving the carriage. The beast shrieked like a pig would before rushing out of the scene, with the carriage still tied to it.
"Oh, I can't allow that," said the mysterious man.
He made a massive leap toward the carriage's door. Both Chouri and Spear gasped in shock as his face was within view. They witnessed both of his arms become axe blades before Ur came into view.
The ice mage kicked the mysterious man right in the gut with enough force to knock him back. He landed on his feet, while the carriage rode away from the scene. There was no one to ride the carriage. The coachman had been killed at the same time as the bodyguards. Now, it was just the mysterious man and Ur that stood in that snowy battle of blood.
"Ah, I supposed you'd be in my way then," The mysterious said before standing upright, "This was unforeseen, but adapting to the unexpected is what I expect as a loyal servant to Esdeath-sama."
"You're being weirdly calm for someone who just failed his mission," Ur said with a straight face.
"My dear, I think we both know that's not true," He replied.
Ur shuddered a little when she noticed a split change in those cat-like eyes of his. They were inhuman, and at the same time very intimidating. Ur could even sense his heightened murderous intent to catch up to them. Indeed, if it weren't for her, the father and daughter would've been lying dead with the rest of their escort.
The mysterious man coughed in his left fist, "All that has happened is a simple hiccup. Once it's taken care of, I'll catch up to them and complete my mission."
He just called Ur a 'hiccup'. In other words, he didn't see Ur as an actual threat.
"You're a monster," Ur sneered.
"Yes, indeed I am,"
The ice mage clicked her tongue out of spite. Nothing was fazing the guy, no matter what she said or did. He stood there with that manneristic tone of his. If Ur didn't know better, she would've guessed that he was mocking her with it.
"Oh, excuse my manners. It seems I haven't introduced myself," The mysterious man said. He pressed his palm to his chest and did a small bow, "I am the reincarnation of the formidable trio known as The Three Beast Warriors. One of my mistresses, Esdeath-sama, bestowed me the name of Gyakusatsu-sha. You may call me Gyaku."
"Well...Gyaku. You won't be achieving your goal," Ur said strongly as she moved into her ice mage stance, "That girl loves and cares about her father. There's no way in hell I'll let that girl become an orphan."
"Oh, that won't be needed. I've been ordered to exterminate the target and any witnesses," Gyaku replied calmly. He even crack a small sadistic smile as he tilted his head slightly, "So you could say no one is going to be an orphan, because there won't be a child alive for that to happen."
Ur was taken aback by the comment before an unyielding rage almost overcame her. She couldn't let her emotions get the best of her. Gyaku was playing her; she could sense it. Still, she deeply sneered at him as she gritted her teeth at him.
"You're going to pay for that," She replied.
For a brief moment, the ice mage experienced memorial flashes of Gray and Lyon. Both of them were a part of the reason she was about to engage this monster in front of her in a fight. She didn't want another child to grieve the loss of their parents.
'Gray...Lyon...' Ur thought solemnly.
Though her eyes remained focused on her enemy, her heart went back to the motherly love she always possessed for those two boys.
'I'm sorry I was never there to protect your parents.' She thought. 'You boys didn't deserve what happened to you. That is why I stand here because I have been given that opportunity to save another child and her parents.'
Gyaku huffed mildly. He easily saw the determination in the woman's eyes. It was a bit admirable, however, it ultimately wouldn't deter him in the slightest.
"Esdeath-sama's orders are absolute," He proclaimed, "That is why, the moment you got in my way, your fate was sealed."
"The only fate that has been sealed is your end," Ur replied determinedly.
Gyaku chuckled, "We'll see about that."
Ur's face perked a bit when she noticed a sudden change in the environment. Pieces of snow began to rise from the ground while converting themselves into pure water. Most of it was around Gyaku, and it only worsened as they gathered together to form large water-shaped spikes.
"Die!" Gyaku exclaimed.
With a simple push of his fingers, he sent dozens of them straight at Ur. The ice mage responded by placing the top of her fist in the palm of her right hand. In an instant, misty ice began to leak out as she stared down at the deadly constructs coming for her.
"ICE MAKE:..."
And with that, the battle officially begun.
Ah aha...wow. That was a lot to write. When I started, I didn't even know if I had it in me. But I did...somehow.
The last time I updated this fanfic was on December 2020. So it's been nearly two years since then. I apologize for that and can assure you that I'm so happy to get back on this fanfiction (along with other ones).
Maybe some of you have noticed that there's been a few changes I've made to this fanfiction. Nothing serious. But you can probably see that this chapter is more expressive and clearer than the previous chapters.
Past chapters kind of feel cluttered with their dialogue and general format. Of course, the story was still good. But I felt they could've been done better – which was true.
I always wrote fanfiction chapters at 'face value', while not going into detail unless necessary. And when I do the latter, sometimes it can come off as half-baked. So I decided to switch to a novella style. I hope you like it.
About Gyaku, I made some small changes to his appearance. On my first introduction to him, I hadn't given it much of a thought. At least now he sounds more entertaining.
Fun fact: Gyakusatsu-sha is Japanese for Slaughterer.
Another fun fact, that moment Ur was seeing Gray and Lyon as grownups was through the apparition form that Gray and Lyon fought in the anime's final arc. Neinhart of the Spriggans had 'resurrected' Ur through the memories of Gray and Lyon with the aid of his magic.
So why did I take so long to update?
The simple answer is...I just lost the motivation.
There's really no other way to say it. Even I was shocked by how long it took me to update this fanfiction.
My lack of motivation had nothing to do with you or the way I handled this fanfiction. Deep down, I always loved writing these fanfictions for you guys. I just couldn't remain consistent with it while focusing on my online job, my YouTube channel, and other interests that I have picked up. So if you tried PMing me, at least you know why I tended to reply late.
Another reason was my father's passing last year (2021)...
I already explained this in another fanfiction I updated.
Here's a copy n' paste of it.
-()
On Christmas Day, my father was struck with an unexpected illness. I won't say what it is. Talking about it here is sensitive enough for me. I can tell you, unfortunately, that he did not make it. He passed away only a few days later.
You can understand that this had a heavy emotional impact on me. So whatever thought of returning to fanfiction was further pushed aside.
-()
I, originally, didn't want to copy n' paste, but at the same time, it spares me the emotions of recounting that moment every time I'm updating old fanfics. So I hope you don't mind.
Don't worry, I'm fine now. Everyone has to move on, eventually, including me. So let's move on to something kind of important.
Remember when I said I took "other interests"?
Well, I am working on an original web comic/manga called "Craft ur Destiny: A New World Upon Us", and I may need your support to get it out there.
Don't worry, I won't be asking for much. More details on it will be revealed in the next chapter. I don't want to make this author's note long. Besides, I don't feel comfortable talking about it in the same place as mentioning my father's passing.
Trust me, if you love this fanfiction, I bet you'll love the original story.
I have more plans for this fanfiction and others. So please, let me know what you think in your review. Continue to follow and fav the fanfic. The next chapter is going to be action-packed as it involves Ur and Gyaku. So I'll see you then. Bye for now.