Hey guys, I'm finally back with another chapter. I sincerely apologize about the long wait for this chapter, but school and life in general kind of got in my way. But I've updated my other fics, so now I can finally focus my attention on this one for a bit. So expect a few quick update chapters to make up for the long wait. This chapter will have Tatsumi's escape from the Jaegers and his return to Night Raid. Before I get to the chapter I want to thank you all for your continued patience and support. This fic is inching towards 1,000 followers, 900 favorites, and 550 reviews. That's quite incredible for an Akame ga Kill fic, which this site lacks a significant amount of. So again, thank you all for your support and reviews. Well that's all I wanted to say, so let's get to the fic!
P.S. I recently finished a Gurren Lagann oneshot titled Exploring New and Old Feelings. So check it out when you finish this chapter.
"Speech"
"Thoughts"
Teigu
"Incursio"
Disclaimer: I don't own Akame ga Kill, or any of its characters.
(The Next Morning: Esdeath's Bedroom)
"Ugh..." Tatsumi groaned, as light began to filter in through the nearby windows. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, Tatsumi slowly sat up on the edge of the large bed. As Tatsumi's grogginess gradually began to fade away, he realized that Esdeath wasn't in the bed with him anymore. The way Esdeath had been using him as a body pillow last night, Tatsumi was quite surprised that she had managed to get out of bed without waking him. Tatsumi was quite used to Akame and Leone cuddling up to him at night, so he wasn't too uncomfortable when Esdeath did it, but it did make him feel kind of awkward since he still barely knew her. Hopping off the bed, Tatsumi noticed that the door to the room's balcony was slightly ajar, letting in a cool morning breeze. Tatsumi walked over to the door and poked his head through. He quickly spotted Esdeath leaning against the balcony's railing. The capital's most feared general was still dressed in the half-buttoned white shirt she had slept in, as she stared at the rising Sun. Tatsumi couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful Esdeath looked framed against the Sun's early morning rays. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Tatsumi walked out onto the balcony next to Esdeath. Esdeath finally took notice of Tatsumi, as he leaned on the balcony beside her. "Beautiful morning isn't it?"
"Yes it is." Esdeath said, a small smile spreading across her face, as she simply enjoyed Tatsumi's company. Despite Esdeath's smile, Tatsumi could detect a hint sadness in Esdeath's voice. "I'm sure my Three Beasts would have enjoyed this view." Tatsumi's shoulders stiffened slightly when Esdeath mentioned the Three Beasts. Luckily for Tatsumi, Esdeath was so focused on the horizon that she didn't notice his reaction. "It's a pity that they were all killed...but that's what happens to those who are weak. Only the strong can survive in this world, all the rest will be left behind to die."
"Right..." Tatsumi muttered, as he tried to find a way to change the subject. He wanted to try and bring out Esdeath's good side more and more, no matter how deep it was buried inside her. "So...what are you doing out here so early in the morning?"
"Thinking." Esdeath replied, turning to face Tatsumi. "I was thinking about what you had said last night...about how the minister is making the empire weak..." Esdeath was quite amused when she saw a flicker of hope in Tatsumi's eyes. "But I should let you know my mind hasn't changed. I'm a general for this empire and I have no intentions of turning against it."
"We'll see about that..." Tatsumi said underneath his breath, as he turned his head away from Esdeath. "I'm not gonna give up so easily."
"Since you're so determined to try and get me to leave the empire, let me inform you on why I truly stay allied with the minister." Esdeath said, cupping Tatsumi's chin and turning his head so that he was looking her in the eyes. Tatsumi felt a chill run down his spine when he saw the sadistic glint in Esdeath's eyes. He hated seeing her eyes like that, because he knew that there could be light in her eyes, he had seen it himself. "While it's true that you bring up some very valid points Tatsumi, I still think that the empire is much stronger than the revolutionary army. However, the main reason I have stayed with the empire is because..." Esdeath leaned in close and whispered hotly in Tatsumi's ear. "The minister allows me to do as I please as long as I follow his orders. He allows me to kill, torture, and wage war to my heart's content. The minister doesn't care about how brutal my methods are, or how many bodies I leave behind, as long as I get the job done." When Esdeath pulled away from Tatsumi, she smirked when she saw the hardened look in his eyes. "Unless the revolutionary army can provide me with similar liberties, and can prove that they're truly stronger than the empire...then I have no reason to even consider switching sides." Esdeath quickly leaned forward and kissed Tatsumi on the cheek, before she walked back into the room. "You better head downstairs, I'm sure Bols is preparing breakfast as we speak."
"I'll have to talk to the boss when I get back." Tatsumi thought, as he tightly balled his fists. "I know she won't like it, but If she's willing to make some...exceptions...I might just be able to convince Esdeath to join our side. But first we need to make the revolutionary army look stronger to her." Tatsumi sighed and began to make his way downstairs. "After what Esdeath just told me...the only way we'll be able to make her switches sides...is to allow her to satiate her bloodlust. Now I just have to figure out how to do that..."
(Five Minutes Later: Jaeger's Dinning Room)
"Yo." Wave greeted with a smile when he saw Tatsumi walk into the dining room. "Did you sleep well last night?"
"I slept fine I guess." Tatsumi said with a slight blush, as he remembered how Esdeath had been holding him the previous night. It was then that Tatsumi took noticed that there was another person in the room. Sitting at the table in front of him was a dark-haired girl who looked to be in her mid-teens. The girl was quietly munching on a bag of what looked like candy. Tatsumi remembered seeing the girl a few times since coming to the palace, but he never had gotten a really good look at her. Now that Tatsumi got a good look at the girl, he couldn't shake the feeling that she looked quite familiar. Then Tatsumi spotted the name on her bag of sweets, and his eyes widened considerably. "K-Kurome?! That girl is Akame's little sister?! She's apart of the Jaegers too?! Damn it...I'll have to tell Akame when I get back to base." However, Tatsumi had made the mistake of staring at Kurome for far too long. The dark-haired girl suddenly eyed Tatsumi suspiciously. "Shit does she suspect something now!?"
Tatsumi's heart thundered in his chest, as he watched Kurome's eye slowly narrow. But to Tatsumi's surprise and relief, Kurome grabbed her bag of candy and hugged it close to her chest. "I'm not giving you any of my candy! I totally saw you eyeing it!"
"Oh thank God!" Tatsumi thought, discreetly sighing in relief. "She only thought I was staring at her candy. If she had suspected something, I would have been in big trouble."
"Kurome, give it a rest will ya?" Wave said, as he took a sip of his coffee. "It's the first thing in the morning, and you're already eating candy."
"Mind your business." Kurome said, popping another piece of candy in her mouth. "I'll do as I please."
"You should eat more seafood." Wave suggested, as he smiled at Kurome. "It's really good for you."
"If I did, I'd stink like you Wave." Kurome said, causing Wave to panic.
"What?! Really!" Wave said, as he began to sniff his clothing. "I stink!?"
"Eh, you smell fine man." Tatsumi said, rubbing the back of his head. This seemed to calm Wave and he smiled appreciatively at Tatsumi. Once again Tatsumi glanced at Kurome, and she hugged her bundle of sweets again.
"What?" Kurome asked, as she slightly glared at Tatsumi. "You keep staring at me...it's kinda creeping me out."
"Oh uh...sorry about that...I'm not trying to be rude or anything." Tatsumi said, chuckling awkwardly. "It's just that...you look a lot like that Akame girl that's on all the wanted posters."
"You know I've thought the same thing." Wave said, as he rubbed his chin. "You two do look awfully similar."
"Yeah...that makes sense." Kurome said, a dark gaze filling her eyes. "She's an extremely valuable asset, even though she turned her back on the empire. I really hope I get to see her again soon. I'll find her...and execute her with my own hands. After all...she's my precious older sister."
"Shit...Akame wasn't kidding." Tatsumi thought, as he stared at Kurome in shock. "They really are trying to kill each other."
Just then the door to the dinning room burst open, and Esdeath hurried into the room, now fully dressed in her uniform. "Tatsumi! We're going hunting today. We'll be heading to Famo."
"This is my chance to escape!" Tatsumi thought, a small smirk spreading across his face. "We'll finally be leaving the capital! This might be my only chance to get back to Night Raid! So I can't miss this opportunity!"
"You're coming too, Kurome and Wave." Esdeath said, as she adjusted her cap. "Famo is the perfect place for an ambush. We'll search for bandits while hunting danger beasts!"
"Roger!" Kurome and Wave said simultaneously.
"We'll separate into two teams until nightfall. When we arrive, Kurome and I will go east. Wave and Tatsumi will search the west side." Esdeath explained, turning to face Wave and Kurome. "I don't know what Kurome is truly capable of yet. This will be a great opportunity for me to get a full idea of her skills."
"So you've already assessed my skills?" Wave asked, as he pointed to himself.
"You had a fantastic teacher." Esdeath complimented, tipping her cap to Wave. "You're already as strong as you can be. So be proud of yourself."
"So I'll be with Wave, huh?" Tatsumi thought, as he glanced at Wave out of the corner of his eye. "From what I've seen of him so far, he probably won't keep too close of an eye on me. He'll be a hell of a lot easier to lose than Esdeath, that's for sure."
"At night we'll switch teams. Tatsumi and I will together." Esdeath said, a slight blush dusting across her face. "The danger beasts that come out at night are far more dangerous. This will be my chance to really show him my strength!"
"Oh, you're leaving already?" Bols asked, as he walked into the dining room, carrying a tray of tea. "I was just about to finish making breakfast."
"Thanks Bols, but we'll have to pass." Esdeath said, beginning to walk out of the room. "We'll get something on the way to Famo." Esdeath walked passed Bols and stopped in the doorway. "Alright everyone get prepared! I want you all ready to leave in ten minutes!"
"*Sigh* I better go get changed." Tatsumi muttered, as he made his way back towards Esdeath's bedroom. However, as soon as Tatsumi exited the dining room, he ran smack dab into Seryu. The auburn-haired girl was quite surprised, and rather flustered, as she stood in front of Tatsumi.
"H-Hello Tatsumi..." Seryu said quietly, beginning to fidget slightly. "Nice morning isn't it?"
"Yeah." Tatsumi said coldly, as he glared at Seryu. "Could you please move out of my way? I have to go get ready."
"O-Okay..." Seryu said, stepping to the side. Giving the auburn-haired girl one last piercing gaze, began to Tatsumi walk past her. However, Seryu bit her bottom lip as she watched Tatsumi walk by. She knew that Tatsumi was still very upset with her, and she couldn't really blame him, but she had to say something to him. "Wait." Reaching out, Seryu grabbed Tatsumi's arm, causing the young man to go stiff.
"I thought I made it very clear that I don't want you touching me." Tatsumi spat out, not even turning to face Seryu.
"Please just hear me out." Seryu pleaded, as she gently squeezed Tatsumi's arm. "I just want to say one thing...then you can go."
"Alright, you have one minute." Tatsumi said, shaking out of Seryu's grasp and turning around. "So make it quick."
"Okay...that's all I need." Seryu said, as she took a deep breath to calm herself. "I've been thinking about what you said to me the other day. You may have been really harsh to me...but I can't help but feel like what you told me possibly had some truth in it...I don't know..." Seryu rubbed her arm nervously as she avoided Tatsumi's gaze. "I'm just really confused right now...and I just wanted to let you know, that what you said has sort of affected me...and I plan to reflect upon my actions and my view of justice..."
"Is that all?" Tatsumi asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Because it's good that you're thinking about all the horrible things you've done, but that still doesn't change the fact that I want nothing to do with you."
"I understand..." Seryu said, as she hung her head in shame. "But there was one other thing I wanted to tell you."
"Well spit it out then." Tatsumi said, releasing a light sigh. "Esdeath wants me ready to go in like eight minutes."
"Yesterday, after we attacked that bandit fort...that's when what you said really hit me..." Seryu said, which caused Tatsumi to quirk an eyebrow. "We had wiped out most of the bandits, and I was searching through the ruins for any stragglers...I came across one survivor...he was covered from head to toe in blood and most of his left arm was missing...when he saw me...he began to back away in fear...I had grabbed a discarded sword as I approached him. He began to cry and beg for mercy when I raised the sword...he told me how he was forced to join those bandits after they raided his village and threatened his family...he told me about his wife and two young daughters, and how he was sending any money he could gather to his starving family..."
"Why are you telling me all this?" Tatsumi asked, not understanding the point of Seryu's story.
"Well you see..." Seryu said, as she glanced around to make sure no one else was there. "I spared his life." This caused Tatsumi's eyes to widen for a moment. "I don't know what came over me, but...as I listened to that man beg for his life...I could faintly hear you calling me a monster in the back of my mind...that made me hesitate...so I ended up giving him some basic first aid supplies and then I let him go..." Seryu gently grabbed Tatsumi's hand, causing a chill to run down his spine, similar to the one he had felt when Seryu had first grabbed his hand when she had led him through the slums. "I still don't fully understand why I did that...I guess what you said really has affected me in some ways...Man, I don't know what the others would do if they-"
"Sparing one life doesn't atone for all the evil things you've done." Tatsumi said coldly, yanking his hand free of Seryu's. "You still have a very long way to go before you can even begin to cleanse your tainted soul." With one final glare, Tatsumi turned his back on Seryu and made his way back to Esdeath's room.
"Cleanse my tainted soul?" Seryu repeated quietly to herself, as she watched Tatsumi walk away. "Have I really become some type of monster?"
(Several Hours Later: Famo a.k.a Fake Mountain)
"Man...I know water danger beasts just fine..." Wave said, trailing slightly behind Tatsumi. "But I'm at complete loss in these damn mountains..."
"Well the danger beasts on this mountain launch surprise attacks using mimicry." Tatsumi said, as he studied every rock and tree he passed to try and spot any possible danger beasts. "You have to be wary of every stone on the path."
"Damn it...I knew it...I couldn't avoid it..." Tatsumi thought, tightly balling his fists and gritting his teeth. "Coming back here...makes me think of Bro..."
"I know it's painful partner, but you must focus. This will likely be our only chance to escape for some time. We must not miss this opportunity."
"I know...I know..." Tatsumi thought, as he hung his head. "I've got to get back to everyone...to Sayo...to Mine...to Leone...and to Akame...I have to get back and tell them everything I've found out...and to tell them how I plan to deal with Esdeath."
"Ah, so you've made up your mind?"
"Yes, I'm going to do everything in my power to save Esdeath and bring her over to our side." Tatsumi thought, briefly stopping in his tracks. "I know she's done some truly unforgivable things in the past, and she will have to pay for her crimes, but...there is some good in her. Esdeath will be an invaluable ally if we can turn her against the empire...I want killing her to be our last resort."
"I agree that convincing Esdeath to join the revolutionary army will be a massive boost to our power, but don't underestimate her for a second partner. I know you've seen the good that is inside her, but that good is buried beneath countless layers of evil. So you best keep your guard up."
"Don't worry Incursio..." Tatsumi thought, a sad smile spreading across his face. "I'm doing this for Ieyasu, Sheele, and Bro...I don't want their deaths to be in vain...so I definitely won't fail. I will change this country and make sure all of my comrades survive."
"There's that fiery determination that burns brightly within you. You'll do it partner, I believe in you." There was a long pause before Incursio spoke again. "Since you've decided to try and save Esdeath, what do you plan to do about that Seryu girl?"
"What are you talking about?" Tatsumi thought, as he quirked an eyebrow.
"Well after what happened yesterday, and earlier today, are you going to try and save her as well? It seemed like she could possibly be swayed to our side."
"No." Tatsumi's response was immediate and without hesitation. "I have no intention of sparing her. She's too far gone and her mind has become twisted and fragile. One second you could be having a pleasant conversation with her, then the next she's stabbing you in the chest with a smile on her face...I don't see any way to redeem her."
"Then why do you wish to save Esdeath? Isn't she a truly wicked person as well?"
"I'm not gonna deny that Esdeath has done some truly despicable things..." Tatsumi thought, lowering his head. "But I've seen the good that is within her first hand. Esdeath doesn't have the same vile and revolting aura Seryu has. She just has some seriously messed up views on how the world should work and a massive bloodlust. However, if I can somehow change her perception of the world and quench her desire to fight and wage war, then I think I can truly change her. It's just gonna take a hell of a lot of work and some time, but I'm pretty sure I can do it...Seryu on the other hand...I don't see something like that happening with her...but who knows? Maybe she'll prove me wrong and take what I said to heart...maybe she'll change her ways too and even possibly consider abandoning the empire...if that happens then I'll spare her life...I won't be happy, having to treat her as a possible ally, but I won't kill her...however, I doubt anything like that will happen. Something deep within Seryu has been broken and I don't think it can ever be fixed. If she wants to contemplate her actions then that's great, but I'm not going to push her anymore. She needs to come to her own damn conclusions, because I want nothing more to do with her."
"Alright, I understand your reasoning partner. I also sensed a rather frightening aura inside that girl. But enough talking for now, your companion is starting to become rather concerned."
"Oi Tatsumi, you okay?" Wave asked, placing at hand on Tatsumi's shoulder. "You spaced out for a minute there."
"O-Oh yeah...I'm fine." Tatsumi said, as he rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry about that, I was just lost in thought."
"Ah don't worry about it." Wave said, chuckling lightly. "Y'know I couldn't say so in palace...but it seems like you've got it pretty rough...especially with what happened between you and Seryu...damn that was pretty messed up." Wave said the last part underneath his breath so Tatsumi wouldn't hear him. "Anyways, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm always willing to lend an ear."
"Thanks Wave." Tatsumi said with a small smile. "But I'm fine, trust me. I'm quite used to all this by now."
"I think I know where you're coming from." Wave said, as he let out a light sigh. "I actually think we're quite similar in a lot of ways."
"Similar?" Tatsumi repeated, quirking an eyebrow as he turned to face Wave. "How so?"
"Hmm, how do I put this?" Wave pondered, as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I just feel like we've been through the same hardships. And are only in for more hardships from here on out."
"Yeah...I think I get it." Tatsumi said with a light chuckle, imagining Wave having to deal with the Jaegers on a regular basis, just like how he had to deal with Night Raid's members. "You don't have to say anymore."
"Well since we're in the same boat, let's get along." Wave said, as he offered his hand to Tatsumi. However, Wave was surprised to see that Tatsumi was reaching to grab something that was in the of his back waistband. Wave's eyes shot open when Tatsumi suddenly pulled out a pistol. "What are you-" Wave was cut of when Tatsumi fired the weapon, the bullet grazing his ear. Just when Wave was about to yell at Tatsumi, he heard a horrible screech come from right behind him. Turning around, Wave was shocked to see a danger beast, disguised as tree, dead on the ground, a bullet hole right through its large eye.
"Oi! Get your head in the game!" Tatsumi yelled, firing at several approaching danger beasts. "There's a lot of these things coming!"
"You saved me! I'll return the favor!" Wave exclaimed, as he pulled out Grand Chariot's blade.
"Don't worry about!" Tatsumi said, quickly reloading his pistol. "Just help me kill these things..." A few danger beasts managed to close the gap, so Tatsumi was forced to use Incursio's blade to cut them down. "And then we'll be even!" Ducking underneath a danger beast's attack, Tatsumi slashed through another group of mimics. "It's strange...I save Wave without even thinking...but that doesn't matter now...this is the perfect chance to make my escape!"
"Damn there's so many of them." Wave said, as he and Tatsumi quickly found themselves completely surrounded by danger beasts.
"They aren't that strong." Tatsumi said, firing an entire clip of ammo into the ever-growing group of mimics. "Their only strength is their sheer numbers."
"Here goes nothing!" Wave said, as he charged forward with Tatsumi by his side. "Let's finish them off for good!" For almost thirty minutes Wave and Tatsumi cut and shot their way through the massive group of danger beasts, eventually managing to whittle their numbers down until the last few survivors retreated. "Phew...what a mess." Wave sighed in relief, as he wiped the sweat off his brow. "Well that outta do it." With a confident smile, Wave rested Grand Chariot on his shoulder. "Looks like we're done here, Tat-" Wave stopped dead in his tracks when he noticed that Tatsumi was nowhere in sight. "H-Huh? WHAT!?" Quickly beginning to panic, Wave ran further up the mountain in search of Tatsumi. "That's weird of Tatsumi...Where the hell did he go?" Wave stopped in his tracks and his eyes widened in fear. "Don't tell me...he ran away?!" A chill ran down Wave's spine, as he envisioned Esdeath's reaction to the news, and it didn't end well for him. "OH NO! I can understand why you did it man, but I seriously can't let you! Esdeath will fucking kill me! And I'm too young to die!" Wave grabbed Grand Chariot and gazed at the teigu. "I guess I have no choice then." Gritting his teeth, wave slammed the teigu into the ground. "Grand Chariot!" A shockwave of energy exploded off Wave, as a dark blue dragon-like danger beast, similar to Incursio, appeared behind him. Then in a bright flash of light, Wave's body was encased in sleek dark blue armor. "Alright Tatsumi, where did you run off to?!"
(Same Time: With Tatsumi)
With a slight crash Tatsumi, now donning Incursio's armor, landed in a small clearing. "I should be safe this far away, right?" Tatsumi rose to his feet and scanned his surroundings. "There's no way he could've followed me-"
"Look out partner!"
Reacting quickly, Tatsumi dove to the side, just as someone crashed into the ground where he had been standing. Tatsumi came to a sliding stop and was surprised to that his pursuer was wearing armor similar to his. "Who is this guy? He's got the same type as me...and armor teigu."
"Be careful partner...that man possesses a very powerful teigu on par with me."
"Shit...then I'm really gonna have to watch my back." Tatsumi thought, as he glared at the man stalking towards him.
"Wow...I came across quite the whopper here." The stranger said, pointing at Tatsumi. "I definitely recognize that Incursio...it's the prototype for my Grand Chariot...and what's more...the fact that you're wearing it means, you're with Night Raid right? I get it now. Shifty people...hide in shifty mountains!"
"His way of talking..." Tatsumi thought, as he sweatdropped. "There's no doubt about it, that's definitely Wave."
"Alright I have a new objective." Wave thought, sliding into a fighting stance. "Since he's right in front of me, I'll take this Night Raid guy out, then I'll loke for Tatsumi."
"I actually think we're quite similar in a lot of ways."
"Damn it..." Tatsumi thought, as he grit his teeth. "I don't want to fight Wave. He may be with the enemy, but he was really a nice guy."
"Then I suggest you make a break for it partner."
"Right!" Tatsumi thought, leaping away from Wave without warning, surprising the dark-haired man.
"O-Oi! Where ya going!?" Wave exclaimed, as he reached out towards Tatsumi.
"It's not just that I don't want to fight with Wave..." Tatsumi thought, glancing back to see Wave chasing after him. "If I take too long Esdeath will catch up with us. This is my only chance to escape, so I can't have her trailing me!"
"You're not going anywhere!" Wave exclaimed, as he suddenly appeared in front of Tatsumi, blocking his path. "Fight me like a man damn it!" Leaping into the air, Wave attempted to hit Tatsumi with a diving kicking. But the trained assassin easily dodged the attack.
"Stop! I have no reason to fight you!" Tatsumi yelled, trying to back away from Wave.
"You may not, but..." Wave said, as he cocked his fist back. "I do." All the breath was knocked from Tatsumi's lungs when he barely managed to block Wave's powerful punch. The attack sent Tatsumi crashing into a large stone wall that was behind him. "Night Raid!"
"Damn...that was a strong hit." Tatsumi thought, collapsing to the ground. "Even with your armor...that really hurt."
"I told you to be careful."
"I've read all about you guys." Wave said, as he placed his hands on his hips. "You commit assassinations at random...you're the villains eating away at the capital's peace...and I hear you're affiliated with the rebel army." Tatsumi grit his teeth, every word Wave said filling him with rage. "I will not permit people like you to exist."
"You're wrong..." Tastumi growled, struggling to stand back onto his feet. "Sure, we've killed people...but...I..." Tatsumi stopped for a moment, as he remembered all of his comrades, both alive and dead. "We're not villains!" Wave immidiately fell into his fighting stance when a monstrous burst of energy exploded off Tatsumi. "Incursio..."
"Yes partner?"
"Can you perform a temporary evolution?" Tatsumi thought, tightly balling his fists. "I don't want to fight Wave, and I need to get out of here now. If we evolve now we should be able to escape him, right?"
"I suppose so, but you must be cautious partner. With your current energy level, and the damage you took from that punch, once the evolution wears off you'll be severely drained, and I won't be able to perform another forced evolution for quite some time."
"That's fine..." Tatsumi thought, as Wave began to approach him. "Just do it."
"Alright, but be prepared to escape as soon as the evolution is finished."
"You know, if you don't want to fight..." Wave said, leaping into the air above the Night Raid member. "This is going to be a really one-sided-" Wave was cut off when a blinding, golden light encased the Night Raid member's entire body. The ground began to shake, as the assassin's power levels suddenly spiked. Wave's eyes widened when a silver dragon-like monster sprouted from the ground behind the assassin. "W-What the...hell is going on!?" When the golden light began to die down, Wave was shocked to see that the Night Raid assassin's armor had changed drastically. Incursio's armor was now gold and sported dragon-like wings, the armor seemingly exuded raw power. "N-No way...his armor evolved!?"
"Now partner! This is your time to escape!"
"Right!" Tatsumi thought, as he rocketed into the air, sending out a powerful shockwave.
"You think you can run away?!" Wave exclaimed, trying to keep up with the fleeing assassin. But despite Wave's best efforts, the assassin only seemed to get farther away. "Damn it! How is he so fast!?" Then to Wave's surprise, the Night Raid assassin seemingly disappeared into thin air. "W-What now!? I was just looking at him!" Landing back onto the ground next to a river, Wave quickly began to scan his surroundings. "Shit! Where did he go!?" Wave turned his head and spotted the flowing river next to him. "Aha! He must be following this river! If I follow it, I'm sure to catch up with him eventually!" Leaping into the air, Wave began to follow the river few north. However, if Wave had only waited a few more moments he would have seen Tatsumi reappear and crash into the ground where he had just been standing.
"Damn it..." Tatsumi groaned out, as he coughed up a mouthful of blood, Incursio's armor fading off his body. "You weren't kidding when you said that evolution would drain me...I can barely move right now." Tatsumi's breathing was heavy and labored, as he rested on the ground. "We'll have to be careful around Wave...that punch was insanely strong...if I didn't put all my effort into blocking it...I might have died." With a slight grunt, Tatsumi rose up onto his hands on knees. "But I can't worry about that right now...I escaped...I can go home now."
"Partner, you really should rest for a little while longer. Your body is still recovering from that forced evolution."
"No..." Tatsumi thought, clutching a hand to his stomach. "Everyone is probably worried sick...and I have valuable information to tell them...I can't waste a single moment."
However, before Tatsumi could get back onto his feet, he heard a low growl. Raising his head, Tatsumi's eyes widened when he spotted a massive lion-like danger beast stalking towards him. The danger beast sported three slitted eye and large horns on both sides of its head.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me..." Tatsumi thought, as he began to panic. "This couldn't have been timed any worse...there's no way I fight this thing..." Just then Tatsumi remembered the pistol in his waistband. Tatsumi quickly grabbed the firearm and aimed it at the danger beast. "Please be loaded." But Tatsumi's heart sank when nothing happened when he pulled the trigger. "I guess I really did use all my ammo against those mimics..." Tatsumi dropped the pistol and lowered his head, tightly balling his fists. Gritting his teeth, Tatsumi fought back tears. "Akame...Leone...Sayo...everyone...I'm sorry...I couldn't keep my promise." Tatsumi closed his eyes and waited for the danger beast to strike. Time seemed to slow down as the danger beast leapt at Tatsumi, ready to sink its teeth into the young assassin. However, Tatsumi was surprised when he suddenly heard three dull thuds, then the danger beast whimpering in a pain. Tatsumi cracked an eye open and was shocked to see the danger beast lying the ground several feet away, three arrows in its side. "A-Arrows? It...It can't be..."
Then Tatsumi heard rustling coming from the woods in front of him. A sudden flash of gold burst from the treeline, followed closely by a red and black blur. A second later, Tatsumi heard the danger beast bellow out pained cry. Tatsumi turned to the danger beast and was shocked to see Leone and Akame. Leone's heel was slamming into the danger beast's back, instantly snapping its spine. Akame straddled the beast's neck, her Murasame piercing its skull.
"Akame...Leone...?" Tatsumi said, a few tears of joy falling from his eyes.
"Don't forget about me." Sayo said, as she hopped out of the trees and landed next to Akame and Leone.
"Sayo too...what are you all doing here...?" Tatsumi asked, all three girls rushing towards him.
"We were all watching different areas." Akame explained, as she took the medical supplies that Sayo offered her. The red-eyed assassin quickly began to patch up Tatsumi's wounds. "I was in charge of watching the capital's front gate. When I saw you leaving with Esdeath's group, I rushed to get Leone and Sayo, and we started to tail you. We just managed to catch up now."
"I see..." Tatsumi muttered, hanging his head. "You guys did all that for me...I'm sorry." All the girls quirked an eyebrow when Tatsumi said this. "Again...you were forced to save me." Tatsumi was caught off guard when he was suddenly slapped in the face. Turning his head back, Tatsumi's heart ached when he saw tears forming in Leone's eyes.
"You idiot." Leone said, before she hugged Tatsumi's head against her breasts. "We'll always come and save you."
"Because we're comrades." Akame finished, as she kneeled down next to Tatsumi and gently squeezed his hand, leaning in close to whisper in his ear. "And because we love you."
"And I can't have my best friend dying on me." Sayo said with a small smile, before she covered her face to hide her sudden tears. "Don't you ever scare me like that ever again, you moron."
"I'm sorry for worrying you all." Tatsumi said, as he looked at the three girls.
"You better be." Sayo said, wiping away her tears. "When I heard Esdeath had captured you, I was afraid that we'd never see you again."
"I'm just relieved to see your faces again." Tatsumi said with a weak smile.
"Welcome back Tatsumi." Akame said, as she and Leone helped Tatsumi back onto his feet.
"Oi you guys!" Lubbock exclaimed, bursting out of the treeline behind them. "We gotta get a move on! Follow me this way!"
"You heard the man." Sayo said, as she slung her bow over her shoulder. Walking up to Tatsumi, Sayo briefly rested her head against his, causing the young man to slightly blush. "It's good to have you back Tatsumi."
"It's good to be back, Sayo." Tatsumi said, allowing Akame and Leone to help him walk.
"Look at the ladykiller." Leone said with a teasing smirk. "Are we gonna have another girl joining us soon?"
"S-Shut up." Tatsumi said, as his blush intensified. "Sayo and I aren't like that...she's like a sister to me."
"Whatever you say." Leone said, shrugging her shoulders.
"You know...Lubbock was really worried about you too." Akame said, which got Tatsumi's attention. "He felt so guilty after you were captured."
"Going to that tournament was his idea, so he kinda blamed himself for what happened." Leone said, releasing a light sigh. "That idiot, there's no way he could have predicted something like that would happen."
"Lubbock..." Tatsumi thought with a smile, as he stared at the green-haired man in front of him. "Night Raid...this is where I truly belong."
(The Next Day: Capital's Palace)
"U-Uh...I don't know what else to say..." Wave struggled to say, excruciating pain shooting through his entire body. The dark-haired man was currently tied to a post, while kneeling on top of wooden plank with several pointed protrusions, each of which were digging into his legs. Adding to the pain were four stone slabs, which were placed on top of Wave's thighs, further pushing his legs onto the sharp protrusions. The intense pain caused tears to sting Wave's eyes. "I really am truly sorry. I deeply repent for what I have done." Standing before Wave were Esdeath, Kurome, and Run. Esdeath had a menacing scowl on her face, and a dark look in her eyes, as she rested her head on her palm.
"Your lack of vigilance resulted in my precious Tatsumi's escape..." Esdeath's voice was low and filled with barely contained rage. "And what's even worse...you allowed a member of Night Raid escape. Kurome! Another stone!" Kurome grabbed another stone slab and rushed over to Wave, dropping the stone on top of the others, causing Wave to scream in pain. "If it was Incursio you saw, that must have been hundred-killer Bulat. The member of Night Raid that we must be most cautious of. That's why it's so terrible that you let him escape. Now because your blunder, they'll probably move to a new hideout...Kurome! Fire now!" Wave hissed in pain, as burning hot wax began to drip onto his back. Esdeath suddenly let out a deep sigh. "Wave...you've truly disappointed me today...I was a fool to think you had reached your full potential. I fully regret my error. But just this once I'll let you off the hook with a little game of waterboarding and a light whipping."
"T-That's a game!?" Wave thought, as his eyes widened in terror.
"However..." Wave's entire body when stiff when he heard Esdeath's dark and menacing tone. "Fail again...and I will personally...punish you...and I like to get very 'creative.' So don't you forget it."
"Y-Yes ma'am." Wave stammered out, his heart thundering in his chest. Just then the door to the room burst open, and Seryu ran in.
"Captain!" Seryu exclaimed, as she saluted Esdeath. "I searched fake mountain high and low, but found no signs of Tatsumi or the bandits. Not even Coro could track them."
"It's fine." Esdeath said, releasing another sigh. "Hecatoncheir specializes in combat, not tracking. How about Stylish? He was also searching, correct?"
"Yes...but he seems to be acting on his own at the moment." Seryu replied, as she set Coro down. "So I haven't hear anything from him yet."
"Well...I'm not gonna hold my breath." Esdeath said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "That man...tires me."
"Captain...about Tatsumi." Run said, as he walked up next to Esdeath. "From what you said earlier, it's possible that he intends to join the rebel army. You said so yourself." Seryu's eyes briefly widened when she heard this.
"Yes...he even asked me to join him." Esdeath said, lowering her gaze, appearing to go into deep thought.
"If...he were to stand against us an enemy...how should we proceed?" Run asked, as Esdeath raised her head to look at him.
"To be honest...I still really like Tatsumi...and I still think he's the one for me...when I can't have something, it makes me want it even more." Esdeath said, tightly balling her fists. "But...the lives of my underlings come first. I do wish for him to be captured alive...but if there's no other option, bring him back dead."
"Understood." Run said, as he nodded his head.
"If...you're killed, it just means that's all you amounted to." Esdeath thought, getting out of her seat and walking out of the room. "But you're not weak Tatsumi...I can tell that you're far stronger than you appear...and that you're hiding a dark secret...you definitely have the strength to overcome and survive in this world...it's quite odd...I can't help but feel like...I'll be able to see Tatsumi again soon...or I should say...that I will make sure I see him again...and when that times comes, there will be no doubt...I'll unleash my feelings on him! Brace yourself Tatsumi, because when we meet again I feel we will have much to discuss!"
(That Night: Night Raid's Hidden Base)
"And that's the extent of the Jaegers' combative force..." Tatsumi said, as finished explaining in great detail everything he had seen from the Jaegers.
"So they really are all teigu wielders..." Leone muttered, gritting her teeth. "This is gonna be fucking tough."
"I can't be believe Kurome is one of their members." Akame muttered, as she hung her head.
"Akame...if you don't mind me asking..." Tatsumi said, getting the red-eyed assassin's attention. "Why didn't you flee the empire with Kurome?"
"When I was leaving...I invited her with me of course..." Akame said, as her eyes filled with sadness. "But my sister chose to stay with the empire...as far as she's concerned...I'm a traitor."
"Akame..." Tatsumi thought, he hated seeing Akame look so sad.
"Hey Tatsumi, was Kurome eating the same thing every time you saw her?" Akame asked, as she locked eyes with Tatsumi.
"Yeah, now that you mention it..." Tatsumi said, rubbing his chin. "She was eating some type of candy every chance she had."
"I see..." Akame muttered, as she tightly clasped her hands. "Kurome...you really are already..."
"Akame!" Mine exclaimed, snapping Akame out of her thoughts. "I know I've said this before...even if she's your little sister, if she attacks us, I'm putting a shot right between her eyes." Mine huffed in annoyance, as she crossed her arms over her chest. "And I'm pissed that you didn't bring me along to rescue Tatsumi...I wanted to help save him too."
"I'm sure Kurome is quite away of that." Akame said, as she released a light sigh.
"Damn it...I wish I had more information on these teigus." Lubbock muttered, scanning over a book on all known teigu and taking notes. "Seryu's had some enhancements made to her personage, is that right? Rubicante's famous, but it'll be difficult to devise a counter measure for it."
"That flying Mastema is mentioned in that book as well." Sayo said, as she leaned over Lubbock's shoulder to gaze at the book.
"But we have no idea what secrets it could hold." Lubbock said in a frustrated tone, scribbling out some of his notes.
"That reminds me..." Tatsumi said, as he turned to face Akame. "What's Kurome's teigu?"
"March of the Dead: Yatsufusa." Akame replied, causing Tatsumi's eyes to widen. "Those it slashes...become her personal zombies. The curse can affect up to eight people at once. It can also use the skills her puppets had when they were alive. When the control over them is released, they revert back to corpses."
"Man, that's the last way I'd want to die." Lubbock said, as he leaned back on the couch he was sitting on. "So that leaves Grand Chariot, the armor type teigu, and Perfector."
"And I can attest to how strong Grand Chariot is." Tatsumi said, rubbing his sore arms where Wave had hit him.
"If they have a doctor, I'd want to take him out first." Mine said, as she crossed her arms over her chest. "It'd be very beneficial to have Perfector on our side."
"Yeah, that teigu sounds super useful." Leone said, looking over all the info that Tatsumi had provided.
"If that creepy doctor heard that, he'd be ecstatic." Tatsumi thought, as he sweatdropped. However, Tatsumi was surprised when he felt someone patting his head. Looking up, Tatsumi saw Leone smiling at him, before she pulled him in between her breasts.
"All your hard work really paid off Tatsumi!" Leone cooed, holding Tatsumi tightly against her chest. "Just knowing who are opponents are is a big help! Well done Tatsumi!"
"I-I'm just glad...the information I provided was useful..." Tatsumi said, his muffled by Leone's ample bosom.
"Alright Leone that's enough, you're gonna suffocate him." Mine said in annoyed tone, her brow twitching ever so slightly.
"Mmm, I think you're just jealous that you can't do this with him." Leone teased, as she released Tatsumi, the young man quickly catching his breath. "What with those nubs you call breasts."
Mine's face burned bright red in both embarassment and anger, and she was about to chew the busty blonde out, but she bit her tongue and took a calming breath. "Anyways...Tatsumi, after seeing these 'Jaegers' up close, how strong are they?"
"As far as Esdeath goes..." Tatsumi replied, as he scratched the side of his head. "She was off the charts..." Tatsumi suddenly clenched his fists. "To be honest...even with a forced evolution with Incursio...I don't think I could beat her."
"Damn it, and we have no idea what her teigu is truly capable of, right." Mine asked, tightly gripping her elbows.
"Nope. We have next to no information on her teigu." Lubbock replied, as he flipped through the book on teigus. "This book has nothing on how far or how thoroughly she can freeze something."
"It's true that Esdeath is strong...but she has one weakness..." Akame said, standing up from her seat.
"And that is?" Sayo asked, as she quirked an eyebrow.
"She's alive...she has a beating heart...and so..." Akame said, raising her Murasame. "I will cut it out. Even if she is the empire's strongest!"
"About that..." Tatsumi said, as he rubbed the back of his head. "I want killing Esdeath...to be our last option."
"What are you talking about, Tatsumi?" Lubbock asked in a surprised tone. "Esdeath is the empire's most dangerous weapon, she has to be taken out."
"I know she's dangerous...but I still think she can be convinced to join our side." Tatsumi explained, which shocked everyone in the room. "While I was with Esdeath, I saw a different side of her. You all know her as some sadistic mass murderer, but I saw a different part of her that I doubt many others have. Esdeath does have the ability to be kind and caring, there is light inside her. Esdeath believes that the empire is powerful, and the minister let's her do as she pleases, that's why she stays with them. But while I was captured I managed, if only for a moment, to convince Esdeath that the empire is weak. I saw it in her eyes, that I had planted some doubt in her. I'll have to talk with the boss, but if we're willing to make some...exceptions...I believe we can convince Esdeath to join us."
"You must be joking?" Mine asked in disbelief. "Because that's the craziest thing I've ever heard."
"Do you understand how beneficial it would be if Esdeath joined our side?" Tatsumi replied, as he locked eyes with Mine. "Not only would it massive boost to our military power, but it would also boost our morale. If the empire's strongest joined the revolutionary army our troops would get a huge confidence boost."
"That is true..." Mine admitted, turning her head to the side. "I just don't know how the hell you're going to do that."
"If I can just talk with Esdeath again, I'm sure I can make some headway." Tatsumi said, as he tightly balled his fists.
"Wait, you want to meet that witch again!?" Sayo exclaimed, not believing what she was hearing. "We just rescued you from her!"
"I'm not gonna try to seek her out." Tatsumi said, as he clutched a hand over his heart. "I just can't shake the feeling that I'm going to meet her again...and very soon."
"Why are you so adamant about this Tatsumi?" Leone asked, scooting next to the young assassin. "Why do you want to save her so bad?"
"Because Esdeath isn't as bad as everyone makes her out to be. Yes, it's true that's she done some truly unforgivable things, and she will have to pay for her crimes, but it's just how she was raised." Tatsumi explained, as he clasped his hands and looked down at his lap. "Esdeath believes in survival of the fittest, and that the weak must be rooted out and eliminated. She also has a massive bloodlust. But if I could convince her that her way of thinking is flawed, and at least partially satiate her bloodlust, then I'm sure she would join us."
"Tatsumi..." Akame said, walking up to her lover and cupping his face. "Are you sure that you can convince Esdeath to abandon the empire?"
"No..." Tatsumi replied, before he paused briefly. "But I'm not willing to give up. I will do my absolute best to convince her...but if we have to...we will eliminate her."
"Okay." Akame said with a small smile. "We'll try your plan. When the boss gets back, you try and work out a plan with her. But if you can't convince Esdeath, I will take her out."
"I understand..." Tatsumi said, as he flashed Akame a smile of his own. "Thanks for believing in me Akame."
(Same Time: Just Outside Night Raid's Hidden Base)
"Haha, they worked very hard to cover their scent and footprints...I'll praise them that much." Stylish said with a smirk, adjusting his glasses. "But you cannot completely erase scent. Once I put my man with surgically enhanced olfactory sense on the trail..."
"Master Stylish, the scent continue this way." One of Stylish's creations, with a massive pointed nose, said as he pointed forward.
"Thank you Nose." Stylish said, resting his head on his hand. "For your first time in the field, your abilities are exceeding my expectations."
"There is an array of threads up ahead." Another creation, with grotesque enlarged eye, said as his eyes darted all around. "I will find us a path clear of them."
"Good job Eyes."
"I can also faintly hear people speaking up ahead." The final creation said, a woman with massive bat-like ears, said as she pointed her ear towards the sound.
"Haha, I thought there was something suspicious about that kid." Stylish said with a small smirk. "His ability to adapt to his situation was far too great for a simple blacksmith." Just then Stylish's eyes caught a strange formation carved within a nearby cliffside. Snapping his fingers, Stylish pointed towards the cliff. "Bingo. A queen's hunch is never wrong. It's a long way from fake mountain but...Night Raid's base...has been found!"
And done! Next chapter will pick up immediately where this one left off, with Night Raid having to defend their base. Next chapter will have Sayo finally being a true badass, and she'll be receiving her teigu, so look forward to that. Remember to follow/favorite if you enjoyed, PLEASE REVIEW (I NEED YOUR FEEDBACK!), and PM me any ideas have for any of my fics. A quick little fyi, I will down in Texas for a few says for my cousins wedding, so I won't be able to write during that time. So the next chapter won't be out for a little bit. But I promise that I will write two more chapter for this fic before I write anything else. Also don't forget to check out my Gurren Lagann fic. So until next time, I'm outta here.