Maximus Ga Kill

by domgk115

Two years after tragedy took away his family. Maximus returned to his village, to his Cousin Tatsumi. But... what he saw that day continues to haunt him, the flames of his past are on his tail, and soon Tatsumi and their friends wish to head to the Imperial Capital. Max knows the truth, and he WON'T lose anyone else, especially the ruby-eyed swordswoman he falls in love with.

2. Kill the Fear

Maximus Ga Kill!

Episode 2: Kill The Fear

Tatsumi

"Sayo… Ieyasu… why didn't we listen to Max?" I asked the two graves, knowing painfully I'd get no response, before closing my eyes with a shaky sigh. "And Max… what is it you've been hiding from me? We're supposed to tell each other everything…"

I knew there was a real possibility, he got whatever that weapon he had was, during that horrible year he had been missing. I'd never forget that day he stumbled back into the village, half-dead with nothing but a bag, his pants and a pair of socks… telling us my aunt, uncle and cousin Jean were all dead. No matter our asking, even a year after he had returned… he had never spoke about it.

Just what happened to you Max? And… was it really so horrible, that you couldn't tell me? I knew the answer, but I didn't know what hurt more, the fact my cousin had gone through something so traumatizing, or the fact I wasn't there to help him.

I turned around to the base I'd been dragged too. Night Raid hadn't tried to kill me yet, and I'd visited Max each day in the room they'd placed him in for the last three days we'd been here. They had treated him, and promised me he would be okay, the stress and exhaustion of the bow he'd used had gotten to him.

I couldn't leave without him, and I had no idea what he'd say when he woke up about being in a base full of assassins. I had so many questions for him, what was that weapon he used, what had it done to him, they had called it an 'Imperial Arms'. The thing had caused a massive explosion of fire, I'd seen it from where Leone had dropped me back off. Could Max have really done that?

Leone had told me how they met, him following her to try and find me, his cryptic words he'd said to them. I'm not clean either. What had he meant? No matter what I was stuck there, they'd been bugging me to know if I'd join their group the whole time, but all I could do was worry about Max… and visit the graves.

"We'd make enough money to save the village…" I said, looking at the two grave markers in front of me before sighing. "But Max… he warned us... warned us how dangerous it was… and because we didn't listen, me and him are the only ones left. And… and there's so much I don't know about what happened to him. Max… why couldn't you tell-. GAHH! OW!"

"What do you think you're doing?" Leone said, as I turned around rubbing the arm that she had punched. She scoffed and smirked. "You can't mope around forever; it's been three days already!"

"I know, I know!" I argued back, narrowing my eyes at her. "Has Max woken up yet?"

She shook her head and rolled her eyes. "No, but he's fine like we've been telling you. Akame was changing his bandages an hour or so ago last I saw."

That girl with black hair, who'd almost killed me. I'd noticed how she had been looking at Max, but she had saved him, and brought him back with her on her back to the group that night. Still, I didn't like the idea of him being alone with any of them yet.

"Gee," I said with an eye roll. "That makes me feel so much better about his chances."

Leone laughed. "Ha, it should! I've never seen Akame take such an interest in someone so quick before, looks like she's got a little crush on Maxy boy."

"Don't call him Maxy," I said shaking my head. "He doesn't like it, and I'm sure that's an exaggeration. But…his condition has improved?"

"It has, his breathing is normal, he should be up soon," She said cheerfully. "But it's already been three days, have you made up your mind about joining Night Raid yet?"

My eye twitched, annoyed as I could be. "Now you look here! I-. GAH!"

She grabbed my and tucked my neck under her arm. "I think you have what it takes to kill. I guarantee it!"

I tried to wiggle away but I couldn't, and the words sent a chill up my back. "I'm not worried about having what it takes or not… it's just… killing, I don't know. Besides, I still need to talk to Max and figure out what he wants to do now!"

"Oh I think Maxy will love the idea!" She said, starting to drag me away despite my protests. "Either way let's get going! I'm showing you around the base today!"

"OW, easy that's my neck!" I protested as she drug me towards the base.

She scoffed. "Oh, stop whining, Maxy's gonna get the same treatment when he wakes up, I think you'll make great additions to the team! Come on!"

I groaned and accepted my fate. The least I could do while I was stuck waiting for Max, was see what Night Raid was all about. None had tried anything violent so far, and they had taken care of Max.

Still… I needed to talk to my cousin, to see how much I truly didn't know.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Akame.

"The Bow of the Immortal Fire Phoenix," The boss said, tilting and examining the black piece of metal that had transformed into a bow for Max. I saw an impressed, almost wonderous look in her face. "Ignation… I never once thought I'd see it in person."

"So, you have heard of it?" I asked her, poking the dead bird to make sure the meat was cooked, before ripping off a large chunk. "I couldn't recall the name myself."

"That's because it's not in the book we all studied Imperial Arms from," She said, taking a drag of her cigarette, squeezing her hand around the black metal. "Akame, do you realize what we've stumbled upon?"

I shook my head. "No, but if you're reacting like that to it, I'm assuming it's powerful?"

"Very much so," The boss said, looking at the meat in my hand. "Can I have some?"

I nodded, and pulled her off a chunk, tossing he bone over to her. She bit into it, but by the time she was even a few bites in, I had already finished my second leg. Strangely enough, even something as precious to me as the meat from the evil-bird couldn't fix the odd feeling in my stomach. I could see Max's eyes, feel the aura and heat radiating from him as I sat there in front of the fire.

I would keep my guard up, I couldn't trust him completely yet, or his cousin Tatsumi, not until they agreed to join. After that, I would treat them as I would any comrade. Still, while I wasn't sure yet about Tatsumi, I saw it in Max's eyes, that look when he grabbed the Imperial Arms, when he fought, he'd have no problem translating.

And if his Imperial Arms was rare or powerful enough to make the boss look like she was now, I knew it would be invaluable in our fight.

The boss finished her meat and tossed the bone aside. "So, is there anything else you can tell me about the boy after his Imperial Arms activated? After the flames spread, and parts of the armor appeared?"

I nodded, and recounted the events in my mind, remembering the names he said… the person he seemed to think I was. It still nibbled at my mind who they could have been.

"Well, it came after we found his two friends killed by the targets as I said," I told the boss. "He was angry, very much so, I could feel the power of his aura grow leading up to when he activated his weapon. After that… I already told you of his abilities."

Najenda nodded. "Yes, but what was he like? Did you notice anything strange about him after he had transformed in terms of how he acted?"

I hesitated for a moment, feeling guilty about revealing the information. It was clear to me that whoever 'Mio' was meant a lot to him.

'I'm living the life you gave back to me'…that was what he had said. I couldn't help but wonder what it meant.

"Well, it was clear to me at least that he must not use his Imperial Arms often," I said with a shake of my head, looking at the new bone of meat in my hands. "When I spoke with him before, he was kind, composed… he treated an injury I had, even after learning I was a part of Night Raid. His eyes were blue, instead of red, and he-."

"My oh, my," The boss said with a smirk. "I didn't know you paid that close attention to him Akame, you sound interested in this boy."

"I am, I found him kind," I said honestly, not knowing what she could be referring too. "And… his eyes, I saw something in them boss. They were the eyes of a person weighed down by heavy burdens, thoughts of the past… like my own. From my short time speaking to him, and seeing him fight, I believe he'd be an excellent addition to Night Raid."

"Oh, are you sure that's it?" She said again, still smirking, and I braced myself for a bad joke. "Is it that look in his eyes and his skill at fighting that has you interested? It's not the fact that he's… smoking hot?"

She smiled, looking incredibly pleased with herself. When I didn't respond she shook her head. "Get it? Smoking hot? Because he was on fire?"

"Yes boss, I understand," I said, shaking the confusion from myself and biting into the meat I had in my hands. "To answer the question, no. His physical appearance has nothing to do with it. It's for the reasons I listed, but… I should tell you about something else."

Unaffected by the fact I didn't find her joke amusing, the boss tilted her head. "Yeah? What's that?"

I looked down at the meat and shook my head. "After he had used it to fight off the guardsmen, he… seemed to be delirious. He thought I was someone else. Called me her name, before we fought off the last of our targets."

"I see… it could have just been delirium, it's clear from his condition the strain of using his Imperial Arms was high. It's like we already suspected, he must not use it often," She said, looking down at the weapon in her hand.

"Could it be he has a poor affinity?" I asked, sucking on the bone and ripping another off the dead evil-bird. "Even using Murasame for the first time, it never affected me like that. The same with the others, their first few times using their Imperial Arms never had this affect."

The boss smiled and held up the black weapon. "That's because Akame, this small piece of metal is one of the most legendary Imperial Arms in the Empire's history, also one of the most powerful. The strain of using it, of mastering it takes a great toll, and takes years. Surely you felt his aura and how powerful it was when it activated."

I nodded, tingling at the thought. It had been ages since I felt power like that. He felt on par with much of Night Raid, and the pure energy and heat the Imperial Arms emanated was high, even for someone using it for the first few times. It obviously came at a price, considering Max was still asleep… but I could sense the power.

"I did, yes… I still find it hard to believe I've never heard of the weapon," I told the boss, going for yet another piece of meat off the bird, I wasn't anywhere near full. "If it was so powerful, why do you say it's rare? Surely the Empire would have kept track of it."

"It's a long story," She said, placing the metal on her lap and meeting my eyes. "I'll explain it all in a small while when we have a meeting," she laughed. "Ha, I almost forgot. Tell me, what did he say when he was delirious, you said he mistook you for someone else?"

I nodded. "Yes, he said the name Jean, I overheard him talking with his cousin, I believe that was the name of his brother who's no longer alive. After that, he said the name Mio, that's who he mistook me for."

"Mio…." The boss said, her face suddenly one of shock, before she looked at the weapon again. "Did he say anything else about Mio?"

"Nothing else, no," I told her, still feeling guilty telling the boss about what was clearly a private moment for Max, still… she was my commander. "Except he did say when he thought he was talking to Mio… I'm living the life you gave back to me. I don't know what it meant."

But it was clear to me, the boss did. He one eye widened, and she squeezed the weapon. I wanted to ask more, but my stomach was rumbling, and I knew it would only lead to me having more questions. I would settle for figuring out more when the boss held our meeting, and when Max woke up.

If he was going to become one of my comrades, I'd learn what I could about him, in order to protect him like I do the others.

"Ha… that just confirms my theory," She said, smiling up at me. "So Akame, after you finish eating, I want you to-."

"Is that an evil bird she's eating?" The voice of Tatsumi said. "Did she kill it all by herself."

I turned my head around, a bone of meat still in my mouth to see sure enough Leone had brought Tatsumi with her like she said she would do. I had heard their distant footsteps, but the meat took priority of course.

"Akame's our resident wild child you could say," Leone said, and I ripped off a leg for her.

"Here, have some Leone," I told her, before throwing it back.

"Thank you!" She said, catching and chewing into the meat right away, and I couldn't blame her, it was delicious.

I looked over at Tatsumi, and I saw what I saw that night. Yes, he'd killed the target without hesitation, but that had been from a place of anger. He had innocent eyes before, but something was different now. It was still a stark contrast to Max's. He could have a hard time adjusting if he were to join, which could lead him to being in danger should he chose to join us.

Of course, I knew that before he decided anything he was more then likely waiting for Max to wake up. Mine had complained about having to change a stranger's bandages, Sheele didn't know how to wrap them properly, so myself and the rest had taken turns being sure to keep them fresh. After I had gotten him back to the base, we discovered small burn marks along his already scared arms and chest, so out of caution we wrapped them.

And then Leone had gone to get him actual clothes from town, since he his shirt had been singed off by the end of the fight.

Tatsumi had been fretting over his cousin naturally the last three days, he was a good person, which could have a hard time translating to our line of work. Still, if he decided to join us, I'd treat him like I did all my precious comrades. I noticed him staring at me with a skeptical, slightly scared look. I was used to that, he probably had just gotten finished meeting the others as well.

"Have you decided to join our team yet?" I asked him, holding up another bone of meat.

He stammered. "Um… no, not yet."

"Then I cannot share any of this meat with you yet," I said, biting into it myself. I hadn't expected him to say yes yet, it seemed many of us were waiting for Max to wake up.

"Uh… I don't need it," He said, rubbing the back of his head, the weary weirded out look in his eyes.

I shrugged, it was his loss, evil-bird was delicious. All meat was of course. I could feel Tatsumi looking at me wearily again, I didn't need to look back at him to know. I also knew why. When I had learned he was actually Max's cousin, I had felt bad myself. I had tried to repay Max's kindness by helping him find his cousin and I almost killed him.

So, I could see why Tatsumi was a bit weary. I'd apologize later if he agreed to join.

"Jeez Akame," Leone said coming up next to me. "Aren't you splurging a bit much today?"

"It's because the boss is back," I said as I chewed, cleaning the bone as best I could.

"Boss…?" Tatsumi asked.

"Yo, Leone," The boss said from the other side of the bird, a smile on her face. Leone looked excited, and I almost laughed myself remembering what the boss has said she needed to talk to Leone about earlier.

"Boss!" Leone said, excitedly. "Welcome back! Did you bring us anything?"

"No, but more importantly Leone… about that job three days ago…" She said, and Leone smartly seemed to understand where this was going. "Is it true it went into overtime?"

"Crap!" Leone yelled, turning to run away, but nearly making Tatsumi jump out of his skin, I saw the boss's arm shoot out and grab Leone to drag her back.

"It's not good to enjoy fighting powerful opponents too much," The boss said, as Leone screeched when being pulled back towards them. "We need to do something about that bad habit of yours."

"I know, I know!" Leone yelled, trying to pull the hand off her shoulder. "Just stop pulling!"

I smiled doing my best not to laugh, while Tatsumi next to me looked absolutely horrified.

"By the way," The boss said, after finally letting Leone go, looking over at Tatsumi. "Who's this boy that we have here?"

Tatsumi tensed, but Leone shot back to her feet and threw an arm around him.

"Right boss! I'm nominating this talented guy!" Leone said with her regular smile coming back, squeezing around Tatsumi's neck. "Him and his cousin, I'm sure you saw him in the one room all wrapped up."

"Hey!" Tatsumi yelled, struggling in Leone's grip. "Where do you get off-."

"Yes, Akame just finished telling me about the one we're treating," The boss said, looking over at Tatsumi. "I didn't hear much about him, does he show promise?"

Leone looked to me first, smirking and smiling like a madwoman. "Aww Akame! You were telling the boss all about Maxy, weren't you? You've taken quite a liking to him just like I thought, haven't you?"

I looked at her confused. Of course, I liked Max, he had done me a favor I was hoping he'd join Night Raid. Why did it sound like she was referring to something else?

She didn't wait for an answer before squeezing a squirming Tatsumi again. "As for Tatsumi here boss, I believe he shows promise yes. Very much so."

Tatsumi finally groaned and wriggled his way out. "I thought I told you already! I can't do anything until Max wakes up!"

Leone chuckled and shook her head. "Like I told you, I think Maxy will jump at the idea too. You should just give it a shot!"

Tatsumi didn't know what Max had said to Leone and I when he first met us. Max had told us 'he wasn't clean either'. I knew Leone could probably tell what I could. If it was Max's desire, he wouldn't have any problems becoming a murderer for Night Raid, to bring about a better country.

"You make it sound like a part-time job!" Tatsumi yelled back.

"It pays well," I noted to him.

His eyes widened and he sighed in annoyance. "So, it is a part time job!"

"Akame," The boss said, getting up, and I noticed her grabbing the black metal that was apparently a powerful Imperial Arms. She walked over to Tatsumi. "Gather everyone in the meeting room. I want to hear in more detail the outcome of your last mission, and about this boy as well," the boss smiled, before holding the weapon out to Tatsumi. "Here, Akame tells me this belongs to your cousin."

Tatsumi's eyes widened, he looked at me, then to the weapon. "This… this is the weapon that Max was using. You called it an… Imperial Arms?"

"Yeah, a powerful weapon," The boss said, holding the weapon with her mechanical arm. "I'll explain more about it at the meeting. Do you know anything about how your cousin acquired it?"

Tatsumi shook his head. "No… I've never seen it before, or heard of Imperial Arms at all. Max he… he was like a different person after he picked that up."

"Interesting…" The boss said, looking at the weapon again, before holding it out for Tatsumi again. "That gives me another theory, here, why don't you hold onto it for your cousin."

Tatsumi shrugged. "I guess. He didn't seem-."

Something else that happened rushed through my head and I shot up. "Wait! Don't touch-."

"OWW! It's hot to the touch!" Tatsumi yelled, dropping the weapon to the ground. "What the hell is that thing?!"

The boss used her metal arm to pick it up again and scoffed. "It seems the rumors are true… Akame, you brought it to me, did it burn you?"

"At first," I told her. "But after picking it up a second time it was fine."

"Could it just have a poor affinity to anyone but Maxy?" Leone suggested.

The boss shook her head. "No… the legends say this weapon is alive to a degree, like Incursio, it was created from a very powerful legendary danger beast. This beast… just was much pickier than others."

"Pickier?" Tatsumi said, rubbing his hand.

"I'll explain at the meeting," the boss said, handing the weapon back to Tatsumi again, and like with myself, it didn't burn him the second time. "This could be a very big day for the revolution."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"I see… I believe I have a grasp on the situation now," The boss said from her seat, looking out at all of us gathered, then at Tatsumi. "With all that being said… Tatsumi, how would you like to be a part of Night Raid?"

I leaned against the wall next to Bulat, who watched with interested. I did as well of course, but my mind was elsewhere, particularly on the Imperial Arms, the black bow weapon that was in Tatsumi's hand. Max still hadn't been awake when Lubbock had gone to check on him, so Tatsumi still had it.

I didn't know what Tatsumi would say, I was having a hard time gaging his reaction.

"If I don't, I die right? And so does Max?" He said, looking skeptically at the boss.

"No, it's not like that. You and your cousin won't be harmed if you both refuse," The boss told him. "But we very well can't let you leave. You'll both be put to work as staff members at the base. Akame and Leone tell me your cousin is a physician."

"Yeah, he took over for his father after he returned to our village last year," Tatsumi said, seeming to have a hard time bringing the words up. "He's good, really good, can fix almost anything."

"That's good then, still, I hope no matter what he decides he'll lend us his skill," The boss replied, leaning back now in her chair. "Either way, you and he won't be harmed. That being said, you know now, no matter if your cousin decides to join or not, he'll be here. You can make your decision on your own, for yourself. What do you say?"

It was good logic from the boss. Without and Imperial Arms, Tatsumi had lasted for a time against me, that in itself was an indicator of his skill and potential. Max as well, when I had first spotted him in the street, very well could have killed me. Of course, I had been hurt and surprised he fought back, but still… Imperial Arms or not, both of them were very talented.

After losing so many, I was always hesitant when new comrades joined… still if they did, I think it would make me happy.

I watched, as Tatsumi looked down at the weapon in his hands. He squeezed the black metal and shakily sighed.

"I… I had planned on being successful in the Capital. My friends… my friends, us and Max we… we wanted to make enough money to save our village, it's starving," He said, his hand shaking as the memories seemed to be horrid. "But… but Max. He knew, he knew what the Capital was like and tried to warn us. He told us it wasn't what we thought, somehow, he knew but we didn't listen… I didn't listen. What happened to them was my fault… mine… and the Capital's for being just a bad."

"Tatsumi, the rot is in the center, the Capital, that's why the countryside is so poor," Bulat said from next to me, smirking as he liked to do. "Don't you want to rip out the rot from the center? Like a man?"

Bulat had a way with people, and it clearly influenced Tatsumi. A look of intrigued crossed it, and it made me hopeful. He truly did have skill, I could tell just from our short fight, that was in addition to his determination… it meant he had a great amount of potential.

I would have hated for it to go to waste.

"Bulat used to be an Imperial soldier," the boss explained. "But when he learned about the Capital's corruption, he joined our side."

"Our job is to dispose of the Capital's bad guys," Bulat said, meeting Tatsumi's eyes. "It's easier when you're not in the middle of the corruption."

That was a lesson I learned as well, when Najenda offered me my place.

"Yeah… but killing bad guys little by little, isn't going to change the world in any big way is it?" He said, balling his fist and looking at the boss. "It sure as hell won't help towns like mine in the more remote regions. My… my cousin used to tell me… when you're stronger, you have a duty to protect those weaker. My friends… Max, we were the strongest in the village, we're out to save it, that's our goal."

"Aw that's true and inspirational, Maxy said that?" Leone joked from the other wall.

Tatsumi shook his head. "No, my Cousin Jean. He… he was Max's older brother, our hero. He died… about a year ago now. Max never talked about how but… but we do all we can to do right by him! It's like I said, just eliminating bad guys little by little won't do anything for remote villages like mine!"

So… I was correct, I thought, remembering the name Jean. Max's older brother… I couldn't help but wonder what he looked like. Max had said his brother's name in his delirium. To lose a sibling… I knew that one day soon I'd know that pain. It was one pain I knew that I wasn't ready for.

There was also the possibility I had already lost Korome… her condition having already taken her. I wasn't looking forward to figuring out.

The boss nodded at Tatsumi's words. "I see your points Tatsumi. In this case, joining Night Raid makes all the more sense for you. A perfect match."

"Oh yeah?" Tatsumi asked. "And why's that?"

The boss leaned forward and smiled. "Far south of the Capital… is the headquarters of the Revolutionary Army. It stands in opposition to the Empire."

"The… revolutionary army?" Tatsumi asked, sounding mystified.

"What started as a small movement, has grown into a full-scale organization," the boss said, pointing to our banner above her. "As it grew, they needed to create a branch for gathering information, assassinations and other unmentionable jobs. That's us. Night Raid."

Tatsumi squeezed the black metal Imperial Arms in his hand and looked at it. "So… did Max know about you too?"

"He knew who we were, heard of us," Leone chimed in, shaking her head. "But while Maxy I'm sure has some secrets, I don't think he knew anymore then who we were."

"Right now we're exterminating the ticks in the Capital, but…" The boss said, slamming her hand against the arm of her chair. "When the army moves, we're going to join the turmoil and crush the corrupt Minister with this very hand!"

The thought of his head rolling, of all this carnage finally ending… it was why I was here. I wanted Tatsumi and Max to help.

"Crush… the Minister," Tatsumi said, looking at the Imperial Arms again. "Max… whenever we talked about the Capital, he… he'd get this look on his face, like he was afraid. I bet he would want this."

"I believe he would, if my theory about him is correct," The boss said, nodding. "I can't talk much about the specifics of plans in place, but when the time comes, we have a winning plan in place. And when that time comes… this country will surely change."

Tatsumi finally looked back up to the boss. "This new country… will it be kind to its people?"

"Of course," The boss said with a new smile.

"I see…wow," Tatsumi said, a smile finally growing in his face as well. "So right now, the assassinations you're doing are only bad guys, to take out the trash! You're like an assassination order on the side of justice!"

I almost cringed at the words and felt my stomach churn. If he kept that attitude… it would be harder for him to adjust.

Like I expected however everyone else started laughing hysterically.

"Bahaha, justice," Mine laughed, clutching her stomach.

"Huh, what?!" Tatsumi said, his face growing flustered. "What's so funny?!"

"Tatsumi… no matter what name you give it," Leone said, getting his attention her tone growing darker, "what we're doing it still murder."

"There's no honor in that," Sheele said, her voice soothing as usual.

Bulat nodded next to me. "Every person here… could get what's coming to them. And die at any moment."

"Everyone has their own reasons for fighting," The boss cut in. "But they're all prepared for the worst… does that change your opinion?"

Tatsumi recovered from his embarrassment and looked down at the bow. "And… you're extending the same offer to Max when he wakes up, right?"

"Of course," The boss said, looking at the weapon herself. "An Imperial Arms is a powerful weapon, invaluable in our fight. He'll receive the same offer."

"And… we receive compensation right?" Tatsumi asked carefully.

"Of course," The boss told him. "If you do a good job, between you and your cousin, you can probably save your hometown."

I noticed Tatsumi's eyes start to glow at the words, but soon I heard something else, the distant sounds of heavy footsteps.

"If that's the case… I'll do it! I'll join Night Raid!" Tatsumi said with a closed fist, his eyes narrowed with determination. "With such a goal in mind… I'm sure it's what Sayo and Ieyasu would have wanted. And I'm sure when Max wakes up, he'll agree!"

"We can ask him now," I said, gaining everyone's attention and walking towards the door. "I think he's awake."

"Huh?" Lubbock asked. "How can you tell-."

The door to the meeting swung open, and I noticed the falling body just in time, dashing over and catching the groaning Max before his face could smack into the ground.

"Max!" Tatsumi yelled, rushing over to join me.

"T…Tatsumi…" Max groaned, as he got to his hands and knees, Tatsumi knelt at the side opposite me. Max blinked, first at Tatsumi, then at me. "A…Akame? What… where-."

"Heyyy nice of you to re-join the land of the living Maxy!" Leone said coming over to us again, and smirking down at the dazed Max. "Your cousin just signed you up! Welcome to Night Raid!"

"Huh… wh…what?" Max said, hopelessly confused, rubbing his eyes with his bandages hand and arm. "What… what happened?"

"Allow me to explain," The boss said, smiling as she got up from her hair and joined us, along with the others. She gestured for Tatsumi to hand her the Imperial Arms which he did. "It's nice to meet you, Max. Welcome back to the fight, wielder of Ignation."

Max looked at the Imperial Arms in the boss's hand, and his face didn't morph to one of confusion any longer.

No, he looked at the bow, and at the rest of us, absolutely terrified.

And after that, his eyes shut again, and he went limp.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Relax your shoulders, you're too tense!" Jean commanded, knocking my sword away and smacking his on my back. "You need to be loose to flow with the battle and adjust. That's hard to do when you're stiff as a board."

I had my hands on my knees, the wind was intense, and I could barely breath. I looked at the wooden sword in my hand, my palms were chaffed, Jean had me out here for hours. We were leaving for our trip south tomorrow and I still had to pack, I also hated using a sword as it was, so this wasn't helping my anxiety any at all!

So, I yelled out and rushed, lunging forward in an all-out attack, I was fully convinced I'd finally get him.

"Whoops to slow," He said, stepping back and knocking my sword into the dirt, stepping on it and smacking his sword across my hand.

"OW! Dammit Jean!" I complained, dropping the sword and rubbing my hand. "That hurt, take it easy!"

He laughed, moving his longer black hair from his eyes. We were practically identical, messy black hair, blue eyes, his hair was longer than mine, he was also taller and more muscular. However, he was twenty-one, six years older than I was, so it wasn't surprising.

"Haha, in an actual fight," He said, reaching down to pick up my sword, "your enemy won't take it easy. How can you hope to defend yourself if I don't go all out when we train?"

"I hate using a sword anyway," I pouted, in my fifteen years, I found few things I was less naturally gifted at then sword training. "I'm much better with a bow, you know that."

"I do. You should train with Tatsumi, he's a natural," Jean noted, small droplets of snow starting to fall in our backyard. "You can't rely on your bow all the time."

"I don't even know why this is necessary," I complained again, catching the sword as he threw it to me. "I'm just going to be a doctor anyway, what do I need to know how to fight for?"

Jean laughed again, coming over and messing up my hair. "Ha, you should always know how to protect yourself little brother. Empire's a dangerous place. And contrary to what you think, you are naturally gifted, and not just with medicine either."

I scoffed, turning my back to him. "Either one doesn't matter… I'm not as good a fighter as you, or Tatsumi…. And I'm not even a better doctor then you. You'll be the one to take over here for father anyway, not me…. I'll be left behind."

It was Jean's turn to scoff. "Don't say that Max. You're invaluable in the operating room, father and I wouldn't know what to do without you."

"Yeah… I go and fetch new bandages and rags," I muttered, looking down at my shoes, the uneasy feeling rushing through me again. "I don't even know why you, mother and father need to bring me south with you. I don't know what good I'll do that village… I-. OW!"

Jean had smacked me in the back of the head, and when I turned to look at him he sighed, kneeling and holding a hand on my shoulder.

"Max! You need to stop talking like that. You're an excellent physician," He said, shaking his head and looking me dead in the eyes. "And you'll be an amazing fighter. You have natural talent, a gift Max. And you remember what father's always saying, don't you?"

"Yes… yes, I know," I said, unable to meet the look he gave me. "I… I just don't know why I try. I won't be any better than you are, and… if I'm really going to help people, I need to be as strong as you are."

He shook his head again. "You don't need to always compare yourself to me Max. You should never live your life measuring it up to others. You were born with gifts, talents, strength, just like I was. Our duty as people who were born strong, are to protect those without power, from those who have it and abuse it. How are you going to do that, if you don't even recognize your own strength?"

"Because… I'm not nearly as strong as you seem to think…" I said with a sigh. Dreading the trip ahead. "I… don't know if I'll even be much help to a sick village. Not like you or father will be anyway."

Jean like he always did, smiled. He nodded and shook his head. "Well, I believe that you will, not matter what you may think yourself."

"Huh? You're always way too optimistic," I said with a sigh, but he just smiled and messed up my hair again.

"If you don't live life thinking that it'll get better you may not be disappointed when it doesn't get better, yes," he started, getting to his feet, "but when it does get better, it'll be all the sweeter if you believed that it could, because you'll have been proved right!"

I sighed again, trying not to smile at the words. "You sound like mother…"

"Our mother's a brilliant woman, I'll take that as a compliment," He said with a sigh and a smile, turning to the house. "No matter whether you believe in yourself or not Max, I want you to always remember something."

"Oh yeah?" I asked, walking up next to him. "What's that?"

He turned with a goofy grin. "That I believe in you."

I stammered, my face red, which only made him laugh. He messed up my hair and patted my head again.

"Yup, always remember Max," He said, his grin growing even cheekier. "No matter what, when you feel at your lowest, or feel you can't do anything, remember that your big brother believes in you!"

"I… I…" I stammered, completely and utterly embarrassed by the projection of affection… but still, I managed a smile. "Thanks Jean… I promise I'll live up to what you believe in!"

"Good, good," He said yawning and stretching out his arms. "Alright, now that all the mushy stuffs over, let's go eat, then father will probably need us to help pack a few more supplies, we'll need enough to help a large group in the village. Father's old teacher sounded urgent, so we'll need to move quick. What do you say we go save a village?"

"Yeah!" I said, suddenly excited. "Let's go!"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"MIO! MIO WAKE UP! COME ON WAKE UP!" I yelled, ignoring the flames, the ice, the death, the screaming around me as I shook her. No matter how much I did her eyes stayed closed. "MIO! MIO THIS ISNT FUNNY WAKE UP!"

"MAX! MAX YOU NEED TO MOVE!" Jean's voice echoed. I couldn't tell where he was, he could have been a mile away, or a few feet.

I didn't even feel the heat around me… but I felt it inside me, crawling up through my throat, through my chest, up my arms…. It slowly chewed and chewed at my mind; the heat was more intense then any fire I'd been around. The worst part… was it wasn't from actual fire; it was from what I saw in front of me.

Tears came next as I shook her. "Mio… Mio what… what… how… what did you do?! MIO!"

One minute I hadn't seen anything, hadn't felt anything… nothing but a dark, empty, endless void of nothingness.

Then… here I was, alive, in the middle of carnage, bodies and limbs strewn about, people fighting in the distance. Akeno… her corpse was nearby, and I had woken up right next to Mio's her arms around me as her limp body had laid over my chest.

A shard of ice had been sticking out of her back.

"Mio… Mio come on… come on…" I said, pulling her close… but nothing I did moved her. Her red hair was caked in blood, a large gaping hole was in her stomach.

I heard the screams get louder in my ears, I heard Jean screaming for me.

But all I could do was scream, scream and cry. "MIO! MIOOOOOO! GAHHHHHHH!"

"Take up arms… Maximus," A voice said… but this one was loud, powerful, and inside my head, it reverberated through my skull, and I looked around frantically with Mio's corpse still in my arms.

Another screech came from my left. I ducked down when gunfire passed overhead, I realized I was in the town square, the statue and fountain had been destroyed, with me, Mio and Akeno's corpses in the center of it.

I saw other revolutionary soldiers rushing by, chased by soldiers in white, soldiers of the Capital… of that general they sent.

"The Capital… the Empire…" I hissed, my hands digging into Mio's arms as I screamed. "THEY DID THIS! MIO! MIOOOOOOOO!"

"UNLEASH YOUR ANGER MAXIMUS! AVENGE THOSE YOU LOST! I WILL GIVE YOU THE POWER MAXIMUS!" The voice again. This time it was more demanding, more powerful.

"I'll kill them… I'll crush them, I'll BURN THEM ALL!" I screamed, my throat burning as I squeezed ahold of Mio tighter. "I'LL END THIS! YOU HEAR ME, I'LL KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!"

"MAX! MAX COME ON!" I heard Jean yell, and I could tell he was getting closer.

"Yes… take up my power Maximus, unleash me upon your foes!" The voice in my head said again. "I will help you, together we will crush them, BURN THEM!"

I moved my head to the right, and noticed it just out of the reach of Mio's limp hand.

A longer piece of black metal. I had seen Mio activate it hundreds of times.

Now, I could tell where the voice was coming from.

THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. "UNLEASH ME UPON YOUR FOES MAXIMUS!"

"I'll burn them all…" I said, gently placed Mio's head back against the stone, and reaching my hand for the weapon.

"MAX! MAX WE NEED TO RUN!" Jean's voice said again… but I had made up my mind.

"I'll kill them… I'll kill her," I hissed, my hand wrapping around the black metal. It was hot to the touch, scalding… but I barely felt a thing. A massive spear of ice shot past my head, impaling a fleeing revolutionary, and my anger surged again.

Did she really think a little ice would be enough?

"Burn… burn… ALL OF YOU BURN!" I yelled, getting up to my feet, and pressing the button I'd seen Mio press a hundred times.

"MAX! MAX WAIT!" Jean yelled again, but I already had the weapon drawn, and activated.

"YES! LET'S BURN THEM ALL MAXIMUS! AVENGE MY OLD PARTNER! AVENGE YOUR FRIENDS AND LOVE!" The voice yelled, matching my anger as I felt my arms, my chest, my neck begin to burn.

I heard footsteps, and just had time to see Jean just to my right, rushing for me.

But I already knew my goal. I saw her, coming from the flames just down the street, blue hair stained with blood, icy mist forming around her.

She had killed them, that was all I needed.

"MAX! WE CAN ESCAPE!" Jean yelled, getting closer. "WHAT ARE YOU-."

"I'LL BURN YOU! I'LL KILL YOU ALL!" I screamed, just as I saw a massive spear of ice forming down the street. "IMPERIAL ARMS! GRAND BOW OF THE IMMORTAL FIRE PHEONIX! IGNATIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!"

"MAX NO! MAX-." The last thing I heard was Jean screaming, before flames engulfed my vision.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Max.

"Max! Hey Max come on wake up!"

"HUH?! WHAT?" I jumped, wincing right away as my heartbeat was so quick that it hurt, breathing becoming hard. I blinked as the light burned my eyes, until finally my vision fell on Tatsumi. "Ta…Tatsumi? What… what happened?"

"You passed out again," A voice said from my right.

I turned, to see a pair of bright ruby eyes… that were oddly calming as I recognized them. "A…Akame?"

She smiled. "I'm glad to see you awake, and that you remember me."

I scoffed, and winced, rubbing my head, and my sweaty black hair. "Ha it… it would be heard to forget you, Tatsumi where… where are we? I… I remember waking up in a bed, hearing your voice and… following it."

"You interrupted our meeting that's what you did!" A condescending voice said, and I looked up to see a whole host of people looking at me. "Did you really think it was smart to leave your bed? Honestly, we'll just bring in anyone nowadays it seems."

Tatsumi shot the person who spoke, a shorter girl with pink hair, eyes and a dress, a glare. I looked at the girl with my dazed vision, and noticed the host of oddities looking at me, all did so with curiosity. I had no idea what was going on… until I saw the banner hanging over what had to be the commanders chair of the room, a woman with silver hair sitting in it.

"Night Raid…" I said, sitting forward, realizing what happened now. I looked at Tatsumi, "We… we're in Night Raid's base?" I turned and looked at Akame too. "I'm guessing you took me here after I… well… I lost control in the Capital?"

"I did yes," Akame said with a nod, a small smile coming to her face. "You've been out for three days; we've been seeing to your wounds… the burns."

I suddenly realized I had nothing on my upper half except bandages up and down my arms, and over my chest. My face suddenly got red, most of the people looking at me seemed to realize and turned around, except of course for Akame and Tatsumi, the former seeing me like this only raising my embarrassment. I didn't like anyone seeing the burns across my arms, let alone a beautiful girl.

She didn't seem to realize how embarrassed I was, and just looked at me oddly, but thankfully Tatsumi pulled off the sweater he had on over his shirt and handed it to me.

"Thanks…" I said, pulling the sweater over my own head, letting out a sigh of relief, before realizing Akame was still looking at me. I shook off the embarrassment and looked to Tatsumi. "Okay… so, care to tell me what's going on?"

"You're back in land of the living Maxy!" A voice said, and I looked to see Leone smirking over at me from next to a girl with purple hair, and the pink haired girl who had been complaining. She wasted not time in coming over and clamping a surprisingly strong hand on my shoulder which almost knocked me out of the chair. "You and Tatsumi here got an all-expenses paid chance to move here and join Night Raid! Lemme introduce you to the gang! Hey! Turn around people, he put a shirt on unfortunately."

I scoffed and rubbed my shoulder, still a bit dazed. "Please don't call me Maxy…"

"Okay, so you already know Akame," Leone said, dashing to put an arm around the black-haired assassin. "She's been the one fretting over you the last three days."

I looked at her, her ruby eyes trained on me. "I… should thank you, for that and for bringing me back here."

"It was no problem," She said with a small nod. "It's my hope we'll be comrades after this."

There it was again, someone mentioning joining Night Raid. By the look on Tatsumi's face, who was next to me with an anxious look, I could tell they had already asked him. It didn't take much thinking for me to realize Night Raid had to be a branch of the Revolutionary Army. Mio always talked about an organization that 'did the dirty work' for them. Until I had learned about Night Raid researching for our trip to the Capital, and then heard more about their deeds, meeting Akame and Leone, I had wondered who she could have been talking about.

I already knew what Tatsumi had said, it was why he was having a hard time looking at me now. He had been convinced the same way Mio had convinced me two years ago.

And if he already knows his answer, then I already have mine… never thought I'd be back in the fight… but I guess there's no better way to thank you Mio… then carrying on your work. I managed a smile at the thought, as Leone went down the line of assassins. Doing what she did… it was the best way I could honor her.

"This purple haired beauty here is Sheele!" Leone said, smacking the girls back. "She's a bit forgetful but we love her nonetheless."

"Leone!" The pink haired girl complained.

Sheele smiled and shook her head with her eyes closed. "Oh, it's quite alright Mine. I'm well aware. It's nice to meet you Max."

"Likewise," I said with a tiny wave, my head starting to pound again.

The pink haired girl scoffed again. "You're way too nice sometimes Sheele, I can't believe you're all ready to accept someone else without consulting me!"

Leone rolled her eyes but smiled at me. "Don't mind Mine too much, she's like this with everyone, it's her way of showing affection."

"I knew someone like her…" I muttered, managing a small smile.

"Mhm, I doubt that!" The girl-Mine-said, stepping over to me in my chair and leaning forward to glare at me. "There's only one of me in the world. Your cousin doesn't seem cut out for this line of work; I can't say you seem any different."

Tatsumi fumed next to me, trying to hold back what I was sure was an insult, but I just laughed in my head.

Not the first time I've been told that, I thought, managing a small laugh. She's pretty tame compared to how you were with me Mio.

"Ha… I look forward to getting to know you better, Mine," I said, not backing off of her glare.

She seemed extremely put off by my calm tone. It almost made me chuckle; she probably was used to people shrinking under her attitude. Mio had been the same way, using her attitude to shield people from the person beneath it, scared of what people would see.

I wasn't going to be put off by Mine's attitude, because I knew more then likely just like with Mio, it was a façade, just like how the real Mio was different from what I first met, I was sure it was the same way with the pink-haired girl.

"Mhm, good, finally someone who knows talent when they see it!" She said, turning her head away from me.

"Huh?! How'd you do that?!" Tatsumi demanded, but before I could answer Leone scoffed.

"Okay… moving on," She said, smirking as she threw an arm around a green haired boy who couldn't have been much older than me. "This little guy over here is Lubbock, be careful, he will have tendency to peek on you in the bath."

"Huh?! No, not someone like him!" Lubbock said, glaring at her before turning to me with a tired look. "Nice to meet ya, welcome to the base and all that-."

"Is that Crosstail?" I said, seeing the device on the back of his hand, remembering the studying that I did with Mio. "The World Severing String, that's a top-class Imperial Arms you have there."

The entire room seemed stunned, but it honestly felt a bit good, finally being able to speak on the knowledge I'd obtained in that year. I had stowed it away, never thinking I was going to use it again, never wanting to use it again.

I had kept it a secret from Tatsumi and my friends, the revolutionary army, Ignation, what really happened in my year away, what happened to Jean… I didn't want them to get any ideas that could get them killed.

That couldn't be helped now, Sayo and Ieyasu were dead, and Tatsumi I knew wouldn't change his mind on Night Raid now. Still, I could see Tatsumi's eyes on me, the anxious, apprehensive look. It was that damned piece of metal that had ruined my life. I saw that woman with the mechanical arm with it, surely Akame and Leone told her what happened, and the figured out it was an Imperial Arms.

If they knew that, then it made sense why they were offering Tatsumi and I places in Night Raid. However, Mio had told me the history of that damned weapon, if Night Raid knew what it was and had heard the rumors too, they would have been able to piece together some of what happened to me.

Which meant Tatsumi did as well. I'd have to talk to him about it.

"Ha, you got a good eye," Lubbock said, a smirk on his face, pulling out his string to show it off.

"But if what Akame tells us is true, you got an eye for Imperial Arms yourself kiddo," The tallest person in the room said, a handsome guy with a wide smile. He winked at me and gave a little wave. "Names Bulat. If you need any help with your armor-type Imperial Arms, i can give it to you."

I nodded but felt a chill run through my body. My arms tingled, and I tensed. Thankfully nobody seemed to notice my discomfort… except of course for Akame who stood on my right opposite Tatsumi on my left. She titled her head, and I was beginning to realize, she picked up on everything with those analyzing eyes. She reminded me of Akeno, Mio's older sister always had an eye for people.

"Now that you've been introduced to the team, I should introduce myself," A voice said, and I finally looked to the silver haired woman in a suit sitting beneath the banner. "I'm the commander of this unit. General Naj-."

"You're general Najenda… I heard of you, you're a legend," I finished for her, remembering Akeno's stories. I tensed even more, when I noticed what was still in her mechanical hand. "It's an honor to meet you…"

I spoke honestly. I had learned from Akeno, that Najenda was instrumental in the Revolutionary Army's formation and movements. If there was ever any hope for Akeno and Mio's dream to come true, it would be with Najenda.

"The honor is mine," The general said, holding the black piece of metal in her hand as she looked at me, before she turned to Tatsumi. "As you guessed from your being here. I wish to extend to you the same offer I made Tatsumi, the chance to join Night Raid. Akame had high praise for your skills."

"And she is not easy to impress, believe me!" Leone noted.

I managed a nervous smile as I looked at the ruby-eyed assassin on my right. She just nodded to confirm what the general said.

"Well, thanks for that," I said, sighing and looking to Tatsumi. "I take it you already made up your mind then?"

My cousin's eyes lit up and he nodded. "You won't believe it Max, they take out the people corrupting the Capital, we can save the village this way! They told me there's an army to the south, a Revolutionary Army, that-."

"I know Tatsumi…" I said, the guilt eating me as I turned away. "I know all about the Revolutionary Army. I… I was, well… I was apart of it, for an entire year. So… so was Jean."

"What?" Tatsumi said, a hurt look coming to his eyes. "That… that's where you were? Does… does that mean Jean he… he…"

"Yeah… that's where he died," I said, the dream flashing in my mind again. I didn't have to tell him the specifics… not yet. "I fought with them… it's where I got that cursed thing."

A silence fell over the room, as all of the eyes went over to Najenda, who held up the black piece of metal, her green mechanical fist held between the wings in the middle. The damned thing was probably hot to the touch like usual.

I was just thankful I couldn't hear the voice in my head at the moment. It made me wonder what the damned spirit was up too. The thumping had died down too. I didn't know if it was due to how fatigued I was, or perhaps it just wasn't talkative at the moment.

"Yeah, from what Akame says that thing was pretty powerful," Mine said, her arms crossed as she looked at the weapon. "You've been looking at it like it's one in a million boss, what's the deal with that thing?"

If only you knew…. I thought, as the boss smiled and placed the Imperial Arms down on the arm of her chair.

"I will explain in a moment, first, Max," She said, her hands settling in her lap as she met my eyes. "You say you were a part of the Revolutionary Army before yes?"

"That's right," I said, my hands tingling.

Najenda nodded. "Right, who were your commanding officers, if you don't mind my asking?"

I chewed at my lip, I didn't want too… but if I was going to fight with these people, it would come out eventually anyway.

"Akeno Hanjara…" I said, remembering her kind smile and brilliant heart. My mouth went dry, as I said the next name. "And… and her younger sister, Miosana Hanjara."

At the mention of the name, I saw Akame shift on my right.

Tatsumi spoke before I could think about it. "Max… how come you never told me, Sayo or Ieyasu about all of this? The Revolutionary Army, that… thing? I thought you and your family left to help a village in the south?"

"Yes, I would like to know as well," The boss spoke, her hand under her chin. "You don't have to go into great detail, I just wish to know how you came to meet Akeno and Miosana."

The tingle ran up my arms again, I hated having so many eyes on me. That would probably suit me well becoming an assassin. I sighed and turned to Tatsumi, well, looks like that it comes out now.

"I… I'm sorry Tatsumi, the truth is well… It's hard to talk about. I also never wanted you to get any ideas… after what I saw," I said, seeing his face fall before I sighed and met the boss's one good eye. "My father was a skilled physician, and one day two years ago his old mentor in the south called for his aid to help a village that was supposedly sick, more than just he could handle. So, my father, my mother, older brother and I all went to help."

"And how did you end up in a revolution after that?" Leone asked from the left side of the room.

I shook my head. "At first we weren't. My… my family got there, only to discover, there was such a large number of sick and injured because well… it was an entire village helping the Revolutionary Army. There were hundreds, probably thousands of sick or dying Revolution soldiers."

"And… Uncle Hans still didn't think twice before helping them I bet…" Tatsumi said, his voice small but able to be heard.

I nodded, trying to focus like I was just telling Tatsumi, trying to ignore the other eyes. Sucking in a breath I went on. "Yeah… my father said it was our duty to help the sick no matter who they were. I… I met Miosana Hanjara first, set a broken leg of hers. She was… a bit standoffish at first but we became… close after, she introduced me to her sister."

"I believe I remember the incident in the south," Najenda said with a nod. "Is… it true that the Empire sent Dr. DeCastro and his men, and then… they sent-."

"Yes… they sent her," I spat out, "but first it was just that man. He killed all the wounded, captured my father and mother. Luckily for me and my brother… Miosana and Akeno, both helped us escape. They… they were determined to liberate the village from the Doctor."

I didn't add the other parts… no, I couldn't relive that now.

"Mio trained me, Akeno let me and my brother into the ranks," I said, remembering it like it was yesterday. "I… I learned to survive, to fight. I fought alongside Mio and Akeno for almost a year before well… she came. In that final battle Mio and Akeno, they… they didn't make it."

I balled my hands into fists and looked at the black piece of metal. "After that well… it's when I first picked up that cursed thing."

All the eyes went back to the Imperial Arms, which Najenda picked up.

"Come on boss!" Leone complained. "You clearly know a ton about that thing. I saw it in action, it was powerful as hell, spill it!"

Najenda met my eyes, seemingly asking for permission. I nodded, and looked down at the ground, I knew more about that damned thing then I ever wanted too.

"The Bow of the Immortal Fire Phoenix… or simply known as Ignation, an armor type Imperial Arms, which this bow is the key for, the bow itself can also be used while the armor is active," The boss said, holding out the piece of metal for all of Night Raid to see. "This my comrades… is one of the most powerful Imperial Arms ever forged, only a handful could be considered more powerful."

Yes… it's powerful, but also deadly to all around it, even the wielder, if that someone is like me… unworthy, a coward, I thought, sucking in a quick breath again.

Mine scoffed from the right. "Seriously, a bow? That's one of the most powerful Imperial Arms? Please, nobody uses bows in actual combat anymore. Why use something like that, when you could use a sniper? I bet Pumpkin could blow that thing out of the water."

"Bet I could outshoot you with that thing," I muttered, unable to keep my mouth shut, which earned me one of Mine's glares.

Before she could give me an earful, thankfully Najenda went on.

"You'd be wise not to underestimate it Mine, all of you would be," She said, all eyes in the room except my own on the black piece of metal. "Ignation was created from the materials of one of the three Immortal Phoenix's, three S-class Danger Beasts, said to be immortal, and so powerful, even the first Emperor couldn't defeat them."

"Then how are there three Imperial Arms made from them?" Lubbock asked, meanwhile my hands twitched, I remembered Mio telling me this story.

"The three Phoenix's were Danger Beasts yes, but they were also incredibly intelligent, not interested in harming humans, the first Emperor was able to make a deal with them," The boss said, earning wide eyes from the group. "He swore their materials would be forged into weapons only for the purpose of protecting the Empire. Since theoretically the Phoenix's are still alive to this day, it's rumored a part of each of their spirit's inhabit the Imperial Arms made from them."

"He's there and he's annoying…" I muttered under my breath, only one or two of them hearing me.

"However, due to the Spirit's of the Phoenix's being in the weapons… it was very difficult to find people with the affinity to use them," Najenda went on. "The Spirit's inside the weapons only selected those who they sensed were worthy, which, after the Empire began to decline became rare, and the weapons were thought to be lost."

"But… we have it right here," Leone said, smirking over at me. "Looks like Maxy over here is special."

"Far from it…" I said with a sigh.

The boss nodded. "It seems that way. I don't know the whereabouts of the other two Phoenix weapons, but I did hear of this one. It's last wielder… a young commander in the Revolutionary Army, by the name of Miosana Hanjara."

"Your commander…" Tatsumi said looking at me with everyone else.

"Yes…" I said with a nod, my chest aching. "After… after Mio died I… I don't know how or why. I'd seen her use it a bunch so… I picked it up and used it myself. It's how I escaped."

Najenda nodded. "I see… now if I may ask Max, how many times have you actually used the weapon? After using it, Akame tells us you passed out, and you were unconscious for three days."

"Only… three times," I admitted, unable to meet any eyes. "Once that day, once more a few months ago when I was attacked by bandits on my way back to my village… and then three days ago."

"I see, that explains much then," The boss said. "With such a powerful Imperial Arms, the strain on the body is great. With training I'm sure you'll be able to advance the armor further, training we can provide."

I choked on my own spit. I knew what that thing was capable off. I'd seen Mio achieve the full armor plenty of times, saw her fly, shoot arrows of fire, swing a sword of flames, create whirlwinds, the possibilities were endless. That combined with the power it gave my eyes, the ability to see things in slow motion, and see vital organs, it should have been the ultimate weapon.

But I knew what else it was capable off, the destruction it could bring, especially when I wielded it. I was about to tell Najenda to throw the thing off the cliff, but before I could, others cut in.

"Okay, okay that's all well and good, but what can it actually do!" Leone said, sounding almost excited. "I saw Maxy's arms catch on fire, his eyes go red, what do we got on our side now? Is it another sort of like Bulat's Incursio?"

Najenda met my eyes, seeming to ask for permission again. I nodded, it was better than them all pestering me to find out later.

"It's an armor-type Imperial Arms yes, near impregnable defense," The boss started. "However, it also gives the user control over fire to a degree, the power to use it in their attack whether it be firing arrows or swinging a sword."

"Fiery explosive arrows," Bulat said with a handsome smirk. "Sounds like it'll come in handy."

"Indeed, but that's not its only ability," Najenda went on. "It also grants the user the eyes of the Phoenix. The three great Phoenix's all poses tremendous eyesight, it allows them to see things in slower motion then the rest of us, and see the bones and joints of an opponent, sort of like x-ray vision. However, it's dangerous, the legends say previous users of Ignation, have gone blind from trying to push the ability too far. Either way, it's perfect for recon and scouting, I believe you'll make an excellent team together Leone."

"Alright!" She said, rushing over and almost knocking me out of the chair with an arm around my shoulder as she poked my face. "It looks like me and you are going to get to know each other real well Maxy boy!"

"Max…" I muttered, catching Akame out of the corner of my eye with her eyes trained on the back of Leone's head.

Najenda chuckled, and rose from her seat, coming to the center of the group in front of me in the chair. "Yes… I believe this is a big day for Night Raid. Max, I'll ask you just like I asked Tatsumi… how would you like to lend your strength to the Revolution once again?"

I sighed and felt my skin crawl with all the eyes on me. If there was one thing I always hated even before my year fighting the Empire, it was people staring at me. I looked over at Tatsumi, I knew he already made up his mind… and I had as well, it would be whatever he decided.

He was all I had left after all.

"So, I take it you already decided?" I said to him, our eyes locking. "Are you sure this is the path you want to go down?"

Like I expected, he nodded, a look of determination in his eyes. "It is… you've apparently been down it before. Is it something you want to do again?"

I looked down at squeezed my hands into fists. The dream came back to me again, The fire, the ice, the death… Akeno, Mio… Jean. It had been my fault they were dead, all those people, that entire village.

If I could do anything for them now… I would. I eyed Ignation in Najenda's hand however, and a chill went up my spine.

"Alright, so long as you're ready," I said to Tatsumi, before groaning and getting to my feet. I looked around at the group of assassins gathered around me. "I'll join Night Raid; I look forward to fighting with each of you."

"We're happy to have you as one of our own," Akame said from my right, even managing a small smile, which I thought was probably rare.

Why does that make me feel so good, I thought with a smile. Before Najenda smirked and reached out her hand, Ignation in its palm.

"Well then," She said, gesturing the weapon to me, "it's like I said, welcome, wielder of Ignation, back to the path of carnage. I'm sure you and Tatsumi will-."

"No, first, you're mistaken about one thing," I said, looking to that cursed piece of black metal and then back to Najenda. "I'll join Night Raid, I'll be your physician, I can cook pretty well, I'll fight or assassinate whenever you ask… but I will never touch that thing… ever again."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Jeez… this place is a mess," I muttered, coughing when I ran my hands over the dusty cabinet. "Antiseptic and other creams smell out of date, no crutches, slings, bandages are all old, scalpels and other supplies look rusty… you'd have a heart attack seeing this father."

After my declaration in the meeting room and listening to a few of my new comrades argue about how stupid my decision was, thankfully Najenda had calmed them down. She, Akame and Tatsumi had been the only ones not to voice an objection to me leaving the room without that cursed Imperial Arms. Najenda had then told me where their 'infirmary' was, if you could even call the room I was in an infirmary.

It had two beds for patients, cabinets lining the walls above counters, a washbasin, plenty of storage space for all the 'medical supplies' that they had. From what I saw, it was a miracle the bandages they'd wrapped around me hadn't caused any infections.

You'd think a group of assassins would have better medical equipment… I thought, looking at my bag which according to Akame, her and Leone had retrieved after I passed out. Even what I had in my box of supplies in that bag were better than anything here. Still, even what I had was lacking, I knew Night Raid was good, but I had to be prepared for anything with the missions I knew we went on, ready for any injury or illness. Of course, I'd be a part of those missions myself, but making sure everyone stayed alive would be my main purpose, on and off the battlefield.

I'll need to have some of them go with me for supplies soon, I thought with a sigh, rubbing my hands along the dusty counters, before I felt my skin tingle. I'll also need some new clothes myself…

I still only had on Tatsumi's sweater, along with pants and boots that would probably walk by themselves soon if they weren't washed. Yes, if I were going to turn this infirmary into a functioning surgery room, and settle in so I could fight, I'd need a few things first.

Still… I can't believe I'm really back in the fight, I sighed, falling to sit on the bed, dust shooting up as I did. Mio, Jean… I hope you'd be proud… I'll do what I can, I'll make this country better like you both wanted.

Jean hadn't hesitated when Mio and Akeno had asked to join the revolution… I'd like to think he would approve of my decision.

Despite what happened last time I had them… it felt good to have a team again, comrades in arms. It wasn't just Tatsumi I had anymore, it was just like when I first joined with Mio and her army… I had more reasons to fight now.

A few of them, mainly Akame and Leone had helped me move some stuff into the infirmary. Bulat had come by to introduce himself again and offer any help in training-Imperial Arms or not- to get back into the fight. Even Sheele-who I still couldn't believe someone so kind and softspoken could be an assassin- had come to talk, asking if she could do anything to help me get the infirmary back in order.

She then of course proceeded to drop the bandages everywhere, but I still appreciated the thought.

Tatsumi had been by as well, before he had gone off to settle into his room for the night. We'd both even gotten our first training assignments for the next day. Tatsumi would be going with Akame, and despite the fact I was jealous, it made sense. Akame was clearly the best… I could see it, and Tatsumi I knew, despite his gung-ho attitude and determination, would have a hard time transitioning to a life of assassinations and Revolution. Yes, she'd be the perfect person to train him first.

Meanwhile, I'd be going with Leone, for what kind of training I didn't know, but when I made an offhand comment about needing new supplies, she mentioned how going into town would be perfect for training. I knew only Akame, Najenda and Bulat had wanted posters, so that gave me some hope I'd get to restock some of theses shelves the next day.

Overall… my first few hours in Night Raid could have gone worse.

"Ah, good, it's about time we got this place cleaned up," A voice came, and I realized it was Najenda who had come into the room, her hands behind her back. "I must apologize for the state it's in, we had a medic, but he died in the field a few months ago. The rest of us as I'm sure you can gage, are able to cure simple wounds, but…"

"The more complicated stuff is a bit tricky for yous, I can tell," I said with a sigh. I knew exactly what she was here for, as I walked over to the cabinets. "I… hope you don't mind me asking for it right away, but to get the supplies I'll need, I'm going to need some money. I think Leone is going to take me into the Capital tomorrow to train, I can buy what I need then."

"There's no need to worry, I'll provide the funds necessary," She said, sitting down onto one of the two beds. "Also, Mine will be joining you and Leone as well, she needs to get shopping done as well, it's her turn to buy food. I hope you don't mind; I know some people find her grating to begin with."

I laughed, and turned, sitting on the bed across from her. "No, I don't mind. I've met people like her believe me, I'll be fine. We're comrades now, all of us are, I'm prepared to do whatever I can for them."

"A good attitude to have," The boss said, still smiling.

I shrugged. "Akeno and Mio always preached that we're more then an army, we're a family. You fight stronger, harder when you do it with ones you care about around you."

"That sounds like Akeno… I'm sorry to hear of her and Miosana's death," She said with a nod. "Akeno was a fantastic commander, Miosana a brilliant warrior. This country lost two pillars of hope for the future when they died."

"We did…" I said, my stomach churning as I looked down at the ground between my feet. My fists clenched and I sighed. "So, forgive me boss, but I'd appreciate it you could cut to the chase… I know why you're here."

"You're smart, I can see why Akeno and Miosana let you join them," She said, as she uncurled her mechanical hand, revealing Ignation on its palm. "I won't treat you as I do a new recruit Max, if you really fought under Mio and Akeno, I consider you almost a veteran. Do you realize what you're giving up? How much good you can do with this weapon?"

I sighed and looked down my arms. I stood and rolled up my sleeves, revealing the bandages. Najenda looked confused for a moment when I pulled the bandages off and revealed the burn scars up and down my arms.

"I'm sorry if I sound disrespectful boss, I really am, but frankly I'd appreciate it, if you didn't waste your or my time," I said, holding out my arms. "Yes, I'm aware of what the weapon can do in the right hands… but those hands aren't mine. I did this to myself the first time, and I'm sure Akame told you what happened three days ago, I almost lost control, then passed out after a few minutes. It's better if you give that to the revolution and let someone else use it."

I pulled Tatsumi's sweater back over my body, shivering as I did. I hated showing any skin at all, but my head was currently throbbing and despite having been asleep for three days I needed more. The last thing I wanted then, was a lecture on what I could be. I knew what I could be, I knew what a wielder of Ignation could be, I had seen one up close for a year.

I had fallen in love with the last one… I knew exactly what that weapon could do in worthy hands.

But those hands weren't mine.

"You and I both know Max, that finding another with an affinity will be near impossible. Ignation has chosen you, so unless you die or we get lucky, nobody else can wield it," She said, leaning on her knees with her elbows. "As for your control, that will simply come with training. We can provide that to you. Bulat is a veteran of an armor type Imperial Arms, I'm sure he will be able to help you control it. Akame is the most brilliant assassin and swordswoman in the Empire, she can show you combat. Mine is a genius sniper, Leone a master of recon. We have the tools to help you do great things with this weapon."

I shook my head again, remembering Mio's words. "I don't doubt the skill of Night Raid or the training I'll receive… you just don't know the true way to master Ignation. Mio always told me, to master it, you need… to want to. You need to respect the weapon; you need to master your mind as well as your body… and I can't do that boss… I can't."

"What makes you believe that?" She asked, as I sat back down across from her. "I knew Akeno personally. She didn't let just anyone join her ranks, it takes extreme mental and physical fortitude. She took on only those she knew could handle this path… and I trust her judgement. If anyone can take Miosana's place and wield Ignation it's you. We can help-."

"It killed my brother…." I said, not knowing why it came out of me.

My head sank to look between my feet again. My socks were wet, my body ached, and now I felt my heart ready to leap up into my throat. I could feel Najenda's eyes on me, but I ignored them. I had become good at that over the last year… ignoring the looks I had, when I'd suddenly fall over and hide at the sound of a bang, when a massive fire was lit in town and I didn't attend, when the sound of swords clashing made me freeze.

Yes, I learned to ignore the looks people gave me after all of that. Here I was, joining a group of assassins, and I still couldn't even speak the name of the dead, remember them without my arms tingling.

It had all been that weapons fault.

"I… I see," Najenda said, shifting and looking down at the weapon. "I believe the report said, the village was burned to ash. I know that Esdeath was sent there. I expected to read it had been covered in ice."

"She tried… was trying," I whispered, unable to look up at her, the day playing over and over in my mind, my chest tight. "DeCastro called the Capital for help… they sent Esdeath. She came with her army and… and she was the one to kill Akeno."

"And… Miosana?" The boss asked.

I nodded, my voice still barely above a whisper. "Yeah… I… I woke up in rubble, Mio she… she was over my body, an ice spear sticking out of her back. I… I heard the screaming, I saw the men dead, dismembered, hanging by spears of ice against walls, I saw her three beasts cutting down our men… villagers, men, women, children they cut them all down. Then… then I saw her."

Najenda shook her head. "Esdeath leaves no survivors when she decides to eliminate a village. Her three beasts are just as sadistic."

"They are… and you're right, she was out to kill them all," I said, reluctantly looking up an Ignation in the boss's hands. "I… I saw Ignation. I heard a… a thumping sound, I heard its voice, the Spirit of the Phoenix calling out to me. I… I picked it up, that… that was when I saw my brother. Jean he… he rushed to get to me but I was just so, so angry I… I remember screaming, screaming until my throat bled. I activated the bow and… and the flames they… they…"

"It's alright," Najenda said, a grim smile on her face. "I believe I have a grasp on the situation… and I understand it."

I shakily sighed and willed the water to stop that had been welling up in my eyes. Crying wouldn't do anything, it wouldn't bring Akeno, Mio or Jean back. There was no point, especially now, I needed to be strong, I needed to make sure Tatsumi could make it through this, I wouldn't lose another unit like I did before.

But I could see the determination in Najenda's eyes. She was a hard woman, Akeno had told me enough. I knew what she would say next, it would be like what I had tried to tell myself the previous year I'd spent back in the village.

"You understand," I sighed, meeting her one good eye. "But… you're still going to ask me to pick that thing up again, aren't you?"

"It was a terrible tragedy what happened Max," She said with a shake of her head. "I won't deny that, but it was not your fault."

"I couldn't control it, the fire came from me," I said. "Not just my brother… but all of those innocent people and soldiers who were left… they're dead because of me."

"They would have died anyway, Max," She said back, holding the weapon out to me. "And do you want to know how I can say that? We just mentioned it before."

It was like a shockwave ran up my chest. My annoyance was replaced by anger, and I could hear the distant thumping as I looked at the bow.

I thought about it every night, when she showed up. And I also thought each night… about the promise I made to my brother the day after he died.

I would kill DeCastro, and I would kill Esdeath, in doing so, I'd avenge all of those people, and recognize Mio and Akeno's dream. The only problem? I was horrified of what would happen if I lost control again.

"Esdeath…" I said, her name like venom in my mouth. "She… wouldn't have let anyone survive anyhow."

"She's still out there, with her three beasts," She said, her purple eye narrowing as she kept the weapon out for me. "And… so is DeCastro. They are out there right now, committing atrocities for the Minister, ruining the lives of the innocent in this country. Don't you wish to do something about it Max?"

At the mention of DeCastro… my blood boiled. I knew he had to be alive, same with Esdeath, but it was reported he was gravely wounded, I looked enough. But if he is alive… and conducting more experiments… I won't let him.

I had heard DeCastro had been wounded after that battle, after I unleashed the Phoenix's fire. However, the same reports said that he was too injured to see battle again, but if Najenda was right… and he was experimenting on more innocents… that didn't help my blood stop boiling.

Both of them… they were both right within my reach.

I hesitantly reached out my hand but stopped myself. "I do… but… but what if I lose control again? The last time I did I… I killed my brother, burned a whole village. If I did the same to Tatsumi… to the rest of Night Raid…"

She shook her head. "We will take the precautions. Everyone in Night Raid, even Tatsumi I'm sure, knows the risks Max. Nothing worth it in life, is ever easy to obtain, this is the risk we must be willing to take to save the people of this country. I'm sure you had to listen to Miosana and Akeno's speeches. This new country we will build… it will be one where atrocities like the one you saw will never happen again… but it needs your help, your power to be built Max, just like it needs all of Night Raid."

My hand curled into a fist and shook. Thump… thump… thump…. "Yes… Maximus, take up your destiny."

I almost jumped hearing the voice. Najenda clearly knew what was happening, because she smiled.

"I will not lie and tell you, that by tomorrow it will be fine, that you will even be able to pick up and train with this weapon," She explained, a steely look in her one eye. "It will take time. You will see that day; you will feel the same fear and pain you felt that day again. However, you cannot run from it, don't put it from your mind. Instead… make it your strength."

I did jump, sucking in a breath… when she placed the weapon in my hand, and closed my hand around Ignation. The thumping came steadier now… but the metal was cold to the touch.

She nodded, and smiled at me. "It will take time… but we will be here to help you, all of Night Raid. You're our comrade now. You will fall, but we will be there to pick you up… you will master this weapon Max, and the first step? Is to simply hold it. What do you say? Will you use your power to fight with us… Max?"

So, what do you say Maxy boy? Wanna join me on this path of carnage that leads to a better world? Mio… her words echoed through my brain like a drumbeat. Her kind, happy green eyes, tiny nose, large smile, long red hair. As I closed my eyes then, it was as if she was standing in front of me.

It's our duty to as those born strong, to protect the weak, those who can't. That was what my father had always said whether it be with a sword or a scalpel… that was our duty.

No matter what, when you feel at your lowest, or feel you can't do anything, remember that your big brother believes in you! Jean… I would never forget that day before the both of us had left. I'd like to think… that despite what happened, he still believed in me now.

He'd believe I could take the first step… and at least hold the weapon in my hand.

I sucked in a calming breath and met Najenda's eyes. "Okay… I… I don't know how long it'll take but… but I'll do it. I only have one thing boss that… that I have to ask you."

"Of course, what is it?" She asked, crossing her arms.

I let out the breath I was holding, and felt my eyes grow hot. "DeCastro… General Esdeath, do you think that we'll run into them?"

Najenda's eye grew hard, and she nodded. "Yes… I believe that we will."

"Good…" I said, looking and squeezing Ignation. "Then when the time comes… I can kill them both. Whether I master Ignation or not… I will put them both into the ground."

Najenda scoffed, and patted my shoulder. "Ha, so long as they do, I don't care how you do it… good job Max, you've taken the first step."

"The first of ten-thousand," I said, remembering the words. "But it doesn't matter how many steps there are, the most important one in life, is always the next one forward."

Najenda smiled and walked towards the door. "One of Akeno's favorite sayings… I believe her and Miosana would be proud of you."

"I…I hope that they would be," I said letting out a sigh as she waited in the door with her back to me. "I'll be sure to do all I can. Tomorrow I'll have your infirmary stocked boss."

"Good, a skilled physician is certainly nice to have. Leone will show you some of the ropes in town, along with Mine… good luck Max," She said, taking another step out the door.

I had turned away, ready to clear out some of the cabinets when she spoke again.

"Max… one more thing, if you'd please," She said, still with her back turned to me.

I stopped and looked at her back. "Yeah… what is it?"

She stiffened, and her tone worried me.

She opened up her box and lit a new cigarette. "I wanted to ask… are you familiar with Ignation's trump card?"

My blood ran cold, and I found it hard to move.

"I… I am," I managed to stammer out. "Mio told me everything there was to know about Ignation. Sometimes I… I think she always meant for me to one day have it… with what she did."

"I see," She said, taking a drag of the cigarette. "So… did she tell you how many uses of the trump card are left? The legends vary."

"Two," I said, my voice quiet again. "Mio she… saved my life with it. I never knew something so powerful could exist."

"Mhm… that's why there are only a limited amount of uses," She said, turning to look at me one more time. "I will not tell you how to use your trump card Max, don't worry."

"I don't even know if I could use it," I said, my skin tingling again. "Even if I master Ignation, Mio she… she was more powerful then I'll ever be."

"Either way… I will not tell you when to use it's final two uses," She said, turning away from me again. "However, I'd recommend against telling others about it… even Tatsumi. If the others knew such a powerful ability was on our side…"

"It could cause them to become lax, lose focus," I finished for her. "Mio only let a select amount of people know for the same reason. Don't worry boss, I planned on keeping quiet."

"Good… I look forward to working with you, Max," She said, finally walking out of view back down the hall.

After she left, I let out a breath I'd felt I'd been holding the entire conversation. I looked down at Ignation in my hand again and sighed, placing it down on the bed. Even seeing it now… my stomach felt hot.

I sucked in a breath, each journey begins with a single step, a journey is not a journey unless it has a beginning Akeno always said. Tatsumi, Akame, boss… Night Raid, no matter what happens… I'll do everything I can to see us through… to see our dream realized.

I looked down at Ignation on the bed again. "It's the least I can do… for you… Akeno… Mio… Jean… I'll fulfill my duty, I'll protect my comrades, hopefully my new friends…"

The image of ice, and a long needle appeared in my mind. "And most importantly… I'm going to kill them both, and finally finish our mission… Jean, Mio."

Yes. By the end of this war, by the end of this fight, whether I mastered the Imperial Arms before me or not… I was going to bring the peace to this land that those I love died for.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

The Imperial Capital, a burned estate in the Western Market District.

"Damn animals…" I muttered, trying to not throw up at the sight of the country folk who had been lured into the family's trap.

The call had come late at night, and I had just gotten back to the Capital an hour or so earlier. It was around six in the morning, only a few hours after the last Night Raid attack. I wouldn't shed any tears over the degenerates who had been the targets, especially after what I saw in the shed before me. It was already half burned and destroyed from gunfire, but I had half a mind to bring lightning down on it anyway.

However, if the assassins of Night Raid weren't stopped soon, it could put my own plans in jeopardy. And no matter what I thought, if that were the case, Night Raid would die just like any others who stood in my way.

I took a stroll around the area where a fight clearly had taken place. Trees were still smoking; the ground was scorched with black soot and the charred bodies of guardsmen. The smell of burnt flesh was all too familiar to me, and not in a good way. I was starving after my campaign out west, but it seemed every other solider in the Capital was just as incompetent as I thought. I already had to report to the fat ass minister soon, this wasn't helping my mood any.

I knelt and pressed my fingers against the soot. My white coat had become specked with ash and soot. I sighed and retied my boots, fixed the longsword on my back, and ran a gloved hand through my hair. I didn't even have my full uniform on, only the long coat, a black shirt underneath, my boots and sword.

But it wasn't like anyone would complain, besides, my armor could be ready in seconds.

I sucked in the smell of the soot and sighed. "Welcome home I guess… still, I haven't seen a fire do damage like this..."

"Since that day… the day that lingers in your mind," A deep voice said in my head, but still it made me jump. Thankfully none of the men around me saw anything.

"God above Albion!" I said back to the voice in my head, kneeling to the soot covered ground again. "How many times do I have to tell you? Give me some warning before you speak bird-brain."

"I'm a voice inside your head," Albion said back, and I could hear him reverberating from the sword on my back now, "it is impossible for me to, 'give you warning'."

"I know, I know, just try your best," I said back, sighing again, the realization of what happened here setting in as deep down, I knew there could only be one explanation for what happened at the family's mansion. "Albion… I only know one thing that could cause such distinct fire damage… you do too, don't you?"

"Yes… I can sense his faint presence," Albion said in my head. "He was here… Ignation was here. What will we do… Jean?"

I shook my head and rose to my feet, dusting off my coat. "We proceed as planned; we've worked too long for this…"

"Are you certain?"

"I am," I said, shaking my head as I looked at the ground. I spoke quietly under my breath so none could hear me. "What the hell are you doing here… little brother?"

I had always known he survived that day. It had just been my hope he and Tatsumi simply stayed in the village.

"Well Albion… we knew this wouldn't be easy," I said to the spirit inside my sword, turning away from the shed of death and torture. "Will you still stand with me?"

"Until the end Jean…"

"Thank you… friend," I said, clenching my fist, trying to keep my cool. "What did you do Max… and how the hell did you end up with Night Raid?"

"Commander Jean!" A voice said behind me and turned to see one of my soldiers standing at attention.

I gestured for him to relax. "At ease, what is it captain?"

"Sir!" The soldier said, bowing again. "We've completed our sweep; Night Raid left no survivors or any signs of what happened. Your orders now sir?"

Oh, the signs are everywhere my good man… my little brother killed all of these men, and apparently, he has new friends.

I nodded and pointed to the shed. "I want every body drug out of that barn for identification, after that, we'll build a pyre, to give them a proper burial."

The soldier faltered. "Sir… we'll do as you say of course, but you're aware many of the victims are country folk? I doubt we'll be able to identify many."

"We'll identify as many as we can, if any," I said, walking towards the door of the shed. "Any who are still alive, we'll treat if we can. Any we identify we bring back to their families… the rest, we'll build a pyre for. It's the least we can do for them. Am I clear solider?"

"Sir!" The man saluted, before going out to distribute my orders.

I turned to the carnage and sighed, looking down at the ground just inside the shed. "I bet it was Tatsumi, Sayo and Ieyasu who wanted to come to the Capital. You followed them, didn't you Max?"

My eyes fell down to something on the ground… a white and pink flower. It made my fists clench for a moment as I picked it up… I hated that I recognized it.

"Well little brother, if you're going to join up with assassins," I said, crushing the flower in my hands and getting to my feet, "I sure do hope you've been practicing."

Nothing will stop me from accomplishing this mission… not even you Max.