Hey guys, I'm back for the final successive update for this fic. After this chapter the next one won't be out until I've update my other two fics, so you'll just to be patient. Well I'm glad to see that most of you enjoyed the last chapter, and are happy to see Mine paired up with Tatsumi. This chapter will pick up right where the last one left off, and will have Tatsumi reuniting with Esdeath. We're also creeping up on 800 reviews, so let's see if we can pass that with this chapter. Well that's all I wanted to say, so let's get to the fic!
"Speech"
"Thought"
Teigu
"Incursio"
Disclaimer: I don't own Akame ga Kill, or any of its characters.
(The Next Morning: Night Raid's Temporary Base)
"God damn it..." Leone grumbled, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes as she made her way towards Tatsumi's room. "Why the hell do I have to wake Tatsumi up at this ungodly hour? A girl needs her beauty sleep." Suppressing a yawn, Leone stopped in front of Tatsumi's room. "I get that it's his turn to go out on patrol, but why couldn't Akame wake him up? She's always up this early to train." Reaching out, Leone gently knocked on Tatsumi's door. "Oi Tatsumi, time to get your ass out of bed. You've got to be out on patrol in twenty minutes." After several moments of receiving no reply, Leone groaned in irritation. "Damn it, now I'm gonna have to drag him out of bed." Leone released a light sigh, as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Alright Tatsumi, I gave you a chance to get up on your own. So don't complain when I dump your lazy ass on the floor." Opening the door to Tatsumi's room, Leone was immediately shocked by what she saw. Scattered across the room were various articles of clothing, not all of them Tatsumi's. Turning her gaze to the bed, Leone finally spotted Tatsumi, but she was more surprised by the other person sleeping in his arms. A mischievous smirk spread across Leone's face when she saw, a very naked, Mine sound asleep as she cuddled up next to Tatsumi. The pink-haired sniper had a content look on her face, as she rested her head against Tatsumi's chest. "Hoh...now this is very interesting. What an intriguing sight I've stumbled upon. Looks like Mine finally stopped suppressing her feelings for our lovable idiot." Leone made her way over to the window and threw open the curtains, letting in a bright stream of early morning light.
"Ugh...what the hell?" Tatsumi groaned in an irritated tone, as he raised an arm to cover his eyes. "Who the hell opened the window?" Turning his head towards the window, Tatsumi's eyes shot open when he saw Leone's smirking face only a few inches away. "GAH! L-Leone!? W-What are you doing here?!"
"The question I should be asking you is, what's 'she' doing here?" Leone asked, pointing at Mine as she sat on the edge of the bed. "And she's completely naked as well. Tatsumi, what did you do to this poor, innocent girl?"
"Oi, what the hell is all the racket for?!" Mine exclaimed, as she sat up in the bed, not happy that her sleep had been disturbed. "I'm trying to sleep damn-" Mine stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted Leone. The pink-haired sniper simply stared at Leone for several moments, before a fierce blush spread across her face. "KYA!" Pulling up the sheets to cover herself, Mine quickly hid behind Tatsumi. "Why the hell are you here, Leone?!"
"Mmmm, why are 'you' here Mine?" Leone asked, teasingly poking Mine in the nose. "From the looks of it, you had a little late night rendezvous with Tatsumi, then the two of you bumped uglies."
"Please don't phrase it like that." Tatsumi groaned, as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Nooooo..." Mine moaned out, hiding her face in her hands. "I didn't want anyone to find out like this. I wanted to let you and Akame know later today."
"Well it's a little late for that." Leone said with a smirk, as she leaned closer to the flustered sniper. "So Mine...how was it? Did you enjoy your 'alone time' with Tatsumi?"
"Oh my God, I want to die." Mine whined, as she pulled the sheets up over her head.
"Leone, why are you really here?" Tatsumi asked, rubbing the back of his head. "I know you like to sleep in, so I doubt you got up this early just to mess with us."
"Ah, I guess I've teased you guys enough." Leone said, as she shrugged her shoulders. "I just came here to let you know that it's your turn to go out on patrol."
"Damn it...that's right. I guess I need to get going then." Tatsumi grumbled, sliding out of the bed and starting to get dressed. "Man, it completely slipped my mind."
"Hmmm, I wonder why?" Leone hummed, as she glanced over at Mine, who was still hiding underneath the covers.
"Okay that's enough Leone, give Mine a break." Tatsumi said, grabbing Incursio and walking over to the busty blonde. Leaning forward, Tatsumi planted a quick kiss on Leone's lips. "She already gets teased enough by Chelsea, so please don't make things even harder on her."
"You know I can't say no to you." Leone said with a small smile, as a light blush spread across her face. "Alright, I'll go easy on her for now."
"Thanks Leone." Tatsumi said, giving Leone a kiss on the cheek, before he quickly climbed back onto the bed. The young assassin stopped next to where Mine was hiding and gently pulled the sheets away. The pink-haired sniper was still quite flustered and avoided Tatsumi's gaze, her cheeks tinted the same color as her hair. "I've got to head out Mine, but I'll be back later. If you want we can spend some time alone together when I get back."
"Really?" Mine muttered, as she slightly turned her head back towards Tatsumi.
"Of course." Tatsumi said, patting the top of Mine's head. "Let's make it a date."
"Okay...I'll hold you to that." Mine said, unable to stop the large smile that spread across her face. "So stay safe out there."
"How about a kiss for good luck?" Tatsumi asked, suddenly sliding in front of Mine, which surprised the pink-haired sniper.
"Geez, you're lucky I love you." Mine said, before she leaned forward and gave Tatsumi a deep kiss. When the pinkette broke their liplock, she gently grasped Tatsumi's hands. "Good luck."
"God, this is so sweet it's making me sick." Leone said, as she stood up from the bed.
"She's just jealous." Tatsumi said with a light chuckle, giving Mine one last kiss on the forehead. Hopping off the bed, Tatsumi made his way out of the room. "Alright, I'll see you guys later."
"That guy." Mine said with a small smile, as she got out of the bed as well and started to get dressed.
"Hey Mine..." Leone said quietly, sliding closer to the pink-haired sniper. "You never told me how you're night-"
"Don't finish that sentence." Mine said, as she turned to glare at the busty blonde assassin.
(Several Hours Later: Village 10km Away From the Capital)
"*Sigh* This has been a very uneventful patrol." Tatsumi said, taking a brief break by leaning against a large tree. "I haven't even seen any danger beasts, which is really weird." As he rested against the tree, Tatsumi inspected the pump-action shotgun he had brought with him. "This whole area used to be packed with them. That's why all the villagers around here carry weapons like this to defend themselves."
"It is quite strange...aside from danger beasts...we haven't seen many normal animals either."
"You know now that you mention it, you're right." Tatsumi muttered, as he rubbed his chin. "Something doesn't feel right." Reaching into his pocket, Tatsumi pulled out a handful of incendiary shotgun shells. "I'm glad I grabbed some of these before I left base, cause I have a feeling that I'm gonna need them." Tatsumi quickly loaded the special shells into the shotgun and pumped the forestock. "Okay let's get back out there." However, Tatsumi hadn't taken five steps before he heard dozens of screams coming from the nearby village. "What the hell is going on over there?"
"You don't have to investigate partner. You're only job is to keep an eye out for the Jaegers and imperial guards."
"I know that, but I have to at least check it out." Tatsumi said, racing towards where the screams had come from. Quickly reaching the edge of the village, Tatsumi was shocked to see that most of the homes were on fire.
"Partner, why don't you use the Akuma Raifuru?"
"Because it's not really suited for close range fighting like this, it's much better suited for mid to long range fighting." Tatsumi said, as he slowly began to make his way further into the small village, but he was unprepared for what he was about to find. Turning a corner onto the village's main road, Tatsumi stopped dead in his tracks. Littering the street were dozens of mutilated corpses, most of them missing their heads and various other limbs. Large pools of blood seemed to flood both sides of the road. Forcing back the urge to vomit, Tatsumi carefully stepped over the dead bodies. "What the fuck happened here?" Wading through the sea of bodies, Tatsumi eventually crouched down next to the corpse of a small child. The young assassin fought back tears, as he stared at the horrific scene in front of him. There was a body on both sides of the child, most likely the parents who had died desperately trying to protect their kid. Turning his head away from the grisly display, Tatsumi spotted a blood-stained stuffed animal nearby. Unable to stand anymore, Tatsumi turned his back to the appalling scene. "Son of a bitch...I can't look at this any longer. Whatever did this was killing people indiscriminately and without mercy."
"AHHHHHHHHHH!" Hearing a woman's bloodcurdling scream, quickly followed by two gunshots, Tatsumi instantly shot to his feet. "STOP! PLEASE NO! NOT MY STOMACH! STAY AWAY FROM ME!"
"Fuck! I have to move!" Tatsumi thought, as he grabbed the shotgun off his back and sprinted towards where the screams had come from. Without even thinking Incursio materialized on Tatsumi's body. Spotting one of the few homes left intact, Tatsumi lowered his shoulder and crashed through the front door. In a split second Tatsumi scanned the building and analyzed the situation in the house. On the floor in front of him was yet another mutilated corpse. Then on the other side of the room was a pregnant woman, who was backing away from two large, hideously disfigured humanoid monsters. With no time to think, Tatsumi immediately sprang into action. The young assassin raised his shotgun and fired two rapid shots at the closest monster. The incendiary ammo exploded out of the shotgun in a spray of sparks and fire. Tatsumi's shots were on point, hitting the monster in the head and upper chest. The hideous monster howled in pain, as its body instantly caught on fire. Before the other monster even had a chance to react, Tatsumi tackled it to the ground. Shoving the shotgun's barrel into the monster's grotesque mouth, Tatsumi fired a point black incendiary shell. The monster's head was blown to pieces in shower of blood and fire, painting Tatsumi's armor crimson red. Taking a few moments to compose himself, Tatsumi slowly got back onto his feet. "Jesus, what the fuck were those things? They looked like deformed people or something."
"W-Who are you?" In the rush of fighting the monsters, Tatsumi had momentarily forgotten about the pregnant woman. "A-Are you going to kill me?"
"If I was I wouldn't have stopped those creatures." Tatsumi said, slinging the shotgun over his back and turning to face the frightened woman. "Do you know if there are any more of those things?"
"I-I don't know..." The woman replied in a shaky voice, as fell to her knees, tears falling from her eyes. "Those two...things...just burst through the back door out of nowhere...my husband tried to fight them off..." Choking back a sob, the woman hid her face in her hands. "But they killed him...they tore him to shreds...if you hadn't showed up they would have killed me and my baby."
"Ma'am..." Tatsumi said in a soft voice, crouching down next to the crying woman and placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know that you've just experienced something horrible, and you're under a lot of stress, but we have to get out of here. We have no idea if more of those things are lurking nearby."
"I-I know...you're right..." The woman said, as she wiped away her tears. Using Tatsumi as leverage, the pregnant woman got back onto her feet. "It's not safe here anymore."
"I'll give you a few minutes to gather up any belongings you want to bring and to say goodbye to your husband." Tatsumi said, before walking back out the front door. Releasing a heavy sigh, Tatsumi sat on the home's front steps. "I'm glad I managed to save a least one person."
"Two people partner. You saved that woman's child as well."
"Heh, I guess you're right." Tatsumi said, as a weak smile spread across his face. "I hope that by the time that kid is grown up we'll have finished this war. I don't want anymore children to be robbed of their childhood by all this senseless violence."
"I'm sure this war will be over soon partner."
"I sure hope so..." Tatsumi muttered, staring down at his lap. "All I want to do is keep my friends and loved ones safe."
"Don't worry partner, no matter what happens I'll stick by your side."
"Thank you for waiting for me." The pregnant woman said, as she slowly walked out of the house with a small pack on her back. "Where are we going now?"
"Do you have any relatives nearby that you can stay with?" Tatsumi asked, standing back onto his feet.
"Unfortunately no..." The woman replied, as she shook her head. "I do have a sister, but she moved to the southern countries years ago."
"Damn it..." Tatsumi muttered, stroking his chin as he thought. "Alright, it's really risky for me to go there, but I can escort you pretty close to the capital's front gates. You'll be safe from these monsters there."
"Absolutely not." The woman said firmly, as she looked at Tatsumi with hard eyes. "Me and my husband moved out here to get away from the greed and corruption of the capital. I will not return to a place we worked so hard to escape."
"You're not leaving me a whole lot of options here..." Tatsumi said, releasing a light sigh. "I guess there is one thing we can do. There's a revolutionary army outpost not too far from here. It's hidden within a small village. I can speak with the rebels there, I'm sure they'll take you in and protect you. Once you've rested and recovered, I want you to get in contact with your sister and then you need to go stay with her for a while. It's going to get really dangerous around here soon."
"How do you know about hidden revolutionary army bases?" The woman asked, as she gave Tatsumi a suspicious look.
"Let's just say I have a lot of connections." Tatsumi replied, causing the woman to chuckle lightly.
"You're a very strange man." The woman said, as she walked up next to Tatsumi. "By the way, you never told me your name."
"My name's Tatsumi." The young assassin said, shaking the woman's hand.
"Tatsumi..." The pregnant woman said with a small smile, as she rubbed her swollen stomach. "That's a good name. Oh, and I'm Jessamine by the way."
"Well Jessamine..." Tatsumi said, grabbing the shotgun off his back and pumping it. "Let's get you to safety."
(Two Hours Later: Within the Imperial Palace's Throne Room)
"Thanks to the Jaegers almost all the rebels within vicinity to the capital have been wiped out." The emperor said with a bright smile, as he sat atop his throne. "You must have Night Raid quaking in their boots General Esdeath, because they haven't made any moves in the past month. These are truly spectacular results."
"Thank you sir." Esdeath said, bowing her head to the emperor. "And once we find Night Raid's hiding place...we will swiftly destroy them."
"I'm quite glad, but...I'm sorry that I haven't been able to find a man fitting your criteria." The emperor apologized, as he rubbed the back of his head. "If you still refuse the minister, then perhaps his son? I believe he has a very promising future."
"Your highness." Esdeath said, raising her head to lock eyes with the emperor. "As I've previously reported, I've already found the man that my heart desires. I'll be quite fine once I find him again."
"But hasn't he disappeared?" The emperor asked, as he tapped his chin. "Yo've lost your love."
"I keep the hope alive that I will recapture him." Esdeath said, bowing her head once again. "I can't shake the feeling that I'll be meeting him again quite soon."
"How moving!" The emperor exclaimed, as he jumped off his throne.
"It's not that moving." The minister muttered underneath his breath, rolling his eyes.
(Five Minutes Later: Palace's Dining Hall)
"It's seems that you've been a large influence on his highness. He's become very interested in love lately." The minister said, as he glanced at Esdeath, who sat on the other end of the table. "But once he's older, it'll be a full course meal of debauchery, from drinking to women to gourmet...heh heh. I'm getting giddy just thinking about it."
"And he'll still be your little puppet." Esdeath said with a hint of venom in her words, slightly glaring at the minister as he gorged himself. Tatsumi's words still echoed in the back of Esdeath's mind, and she couldn't help but feel slightly disgusted by the minister's actions. But Esdeath knew that she had to keep these thoughts to herself, so allowed a small, fake smile to spread across her face. "Then you can continue to bend the government to your will."
"I'll give his highness..." The minister said with a twisted smile, as he put a few cubes of sugar in his tea. "Sweet, sweet memories."
"This man is such a pig..." Esdeath thought, resting her head on her palm. "I can see the lust and corruption in his eyes, as he continues to plot and scheme. Desiring to fully put this country under his boot. What a pathetic bug."
"Now then...I have another favor to ask of you, general." The minister said, as he took of his tea.
"Alright, let's hear it." Esdeath said, leaning forward in her seat.
"It's about a new species of danger beasts that have been spotted on the outskirts of the capital." The minister said, as he set his tea cup down. "I want you capture and subdue them."
"Oh that!" Esdeath said, perking up a little bit. "I've actually been looking into that myself. At first, they were only appearing in the deep forest and in the mines...But just this morning they slaughtered the inhabitants of a small village nearby." However, Esdeath's eyes narrowed as she remembered the report of the incident she had read. "But it's strange...among the dead in the village were two of those danger beasts. Both of them were covered in severe burns, and one even had its head completely destroyed. So there may have been a survivor who managed to fight off the beasts and escape."
"Hmm, how intriguing. We'll have to try and find this person. Maybe we'll be able to 'coax' some information out of them." The minister said with an evil smirk, as he stroked his beard. "But back on topic. Apparently these new danger beasts are very humanoid. Don't you think they'd make very entertaining toys?"
"I'd much rather just hunt them all down to extinction. I don't have time for your silly games." Esdeath thought, discreetly releasing a bored sigh. "Besides, when I'm hunting I don't enjoy toying with my prey. I enjoy the thrill of the fight much more, and would rather go in for the kill."
"I've already ordered General Budo to eradicate them all." The minister explained, as he leaned forward in his chair. "But, I want you to look more into it."
"If that is your wish." Esdeath said, adjusting her cap and rising from her seat. "Ever since I heard about these danger beasts I've had a burning desire to hunt them. I'll try to capture two or three alive for you. You can thank me by sending extra supplies to my soldiers in the north."
"You're as dedicated to your men as ever." The minister said, as he took another sip of his tea.
"The better you treat your soldiers, the more they'll respect you. Then they'll fight even harder for you, and be more willing to throw themselves into the fight." Esdeath said, a smile spreading across her face. "Although, that's not something you'd know about." Deciding that it was best to leave before she said anything rash, Esdeath turned her back to the minister and began to make her way out of the room. "That's one of the reasons why my men are know as the strongest fighters there are."
(Several Hours Later: Outside the Gates to the Capital)
"Hurry the hell up man..." A merchant hissed to his partner, as he trembled in his seat. "We need to reach the city while there's still some light out!"
"I know God damn it." The carriage driver grumbled, urging the horses to go faster. "The sooner we're out of this hellhole, the-" The driver was cut off when a group of freakish monsters walked out of the forest in front of them and blocked off the road. "FUCK! T-T-T-THERE HERE!" Both merchants screamed in horror, as the group of danger beasts rushed towards their carriage. However, before the danger beasts could reach the cart a large man in a gas mask slammed into the leading monster.
"Man, I got here right on time!" Bols exclaimed, just as another danger beast began to charge towards him. Easily dodging the monster's attack, Bols grabbed the beast around the waist and smashed it head first into the ground. Bols released the dead danger beast and grabbed Rubicante. "Time to take these freaks down for good!" Brandishing the imposing flamethrower, Bols unleashed a wall of fire that instantly incinerated most of the danger beasts. The surviving monsters quickly turned tail and fled into the surrounding forest. Releasing a light sigh, Bols turned to the two merchants. "You guys can rest easy now." However, both merchants squeaked in fear when they got a good look at Bols' menacing gas mask. "Uh...I defeated the danger beasts for you..." Confused as to why the merchants were still scared, Bols began to slowly approach them. "What are you guys still afraid of?"
"Don't worry about him, he's harmless." The carriage driver nearly jumped out of his boots when he felt a hand land on his shoulder. But he was relieved when he saw that it was an auburn-haired girl. "Everything is alright now. The flames of justice of have annihilated the wicked."
"O-Oh! I see now..." The carriage driver said, as he rubbed the back of his head. "You're all soldiers from the capital! Then we're totally saved!"
Back in the forest, the escaping danger beasts hadn't made it very far before ice began to encase their feet, eventually covering their entire body. Emerging from a nearby cluster of trees, Esdeath and Kurome approached the trapped monsters.
"Just as I calculated..." Esdeath said, approaching the closest frozen danger beast and tapping the icy shell. "Looks like we managed to capture all of the ones that ran away." Walking around the frozen monster, Esdeath began to inspect the strange beast. "I see...I've truly never came across this type of danger beast before." Releasing a light sigh, Esdeath placed her hands on her hips. "Alright Kurome, let's gather everyone up and get these things back to the capital." However, Esdeath sighed once again when she spotted Kurome staring at on of the frozen danger beasts, a thin line of drool spilling from the corner of her mouth. "And don't even think about eating them."
(One Hour Later: Back at the Imperial Palace)
"Wave. Kurome." Bols announced, as he walked into the Jaeger's meeting room, carrying a small tray. "I've made us some tea."
"Thanks for always going to the trouble." Wave said, looking away from the game of chess he was playing with Kurome.
"Yeah, thanks." Kurome said with smile, as she ate one of her candies.
"Oh it's nothing." Bols hummed, waving dismissively. "I actually enjoy doing things like this." But, Bols stopped when he saw that Wave appeared to be quite frustrated. "Is something wrong wave?"
"I...I just don't like it..." Wave muttered, as he tightly balled his fists. "You're such a good guy, Bols...but everyone just acts like those merchants from before...they just judge you by your looks."
"If I remember right, you weren't too much different." Kurome pointed out, causing Wave's face to flush red in embarassment.
"That was then damn it!" Wave exclaimed, as he slammed his fist onto the table.
"Wave." Bols said, setting a cup of tea down in front of the flustered, dark-haired man. "I believe I already told you this. I'm not a nice guy...I've incinerated whole villages that were plagued by disease...burned men at the stake who pleaded their innocence..." Bols stared down at his hands, envisioning the countless people he had killed. "That's why I think so many people hate me..."
"But you were only following your orders as a soldier!" Wave exclaimed, as he suddenly stood up from his seat.
"Even if somebody had to do...I did what I did..." Bols said, releasing a heavy sigh. "And that frightened reaction I get from those I save...is what I deserve."
"Bols..." Wave said, as stared at the floor. "Don't talk like that." Exhaling, Wave sat back down into his seat. "Look man, if you ever-" However, Wave was cut off when the door to the room suddenly opened. Turning his head, Wave was surprised to see a beautiful woman holding a young girl in her arms. "Who are-"
"Hi honey!" The woman said with a large smile on her face.
"Daddy!" The little girl cheered, as she reached out to Bols.
"Whoa! What are you two doing here?!" Bols exclaimed in shock, walking up to both newcomers.
"H-Hold on a second!" Wave thought, as he darted his gaze between Bols and the two girls. "That's Bols' wife and kid!? What the hell?!"
"Oh you silly." Bols' wife giggled, holding out a small, neatly wrapped box. "You were in such a rush this morning that you forgot the boxed lunch we made you."
"Oh shoot, I really messed up now." Wave said in an embarrassed tone, as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Daddy, you're so forgetful!" The young girl laughed, handing her father his lunch.
"Is this really happening?" Wave thought, as he sweatdropped. "This scene is like it's straight out of a old sitcom."
"You have such a tough job honey." Bol's wife said, gently rubbing her husband's cheek. "You need to keep up your strength."
"You're absolutely right!" Bols cheered, as he wrapped his arm around his wife's waist. "I promise I'll be more careful in the future."
"Daddy, give me an uppy!" The young blonde girl cheered, tugging on Bols' pant leg.
"Of course, that's my good girl." Bols said, as he picked the small girl up. Hoisting his daughter onto his shoulders, Bols turned to Kurome, and the still shocked, Wave. "My wife and daughter know all about what I do, but they still support me! So now matter how tough I may have it...as long as I have my family I'll be fine."
"OH GOD!" Wave thought, shielding his eyes from a blinding light that seemed to be emanating off Bols and his family. "It's so bright! There love is too pure!"
(Same Time: Forest Just Outside Night Raid's Temporary Base)
"Damn I'm tired." Tatsumi groaned, as he trudged on back towards Night Raid's temporary lodging. "After fighting those fucking monsters and escorting Jessamine to that revolutionary army camp, I've gone way past my deadline. I was supposed to be back hours ago." Releasing a heavy sigh, Tatsumi ran his fingers through his hair. "Boss is gonna be so pissed at me...and I probably worried Akame and the others."
"You did a good thing partner. That woman and her child will survive thanks to you intervening. I'm sure they'll all understand."
"I know I took another risk leading her to that camp, but I just couldn't leave Jessamine alone...not after what happened to her husband." Tatsumi muttered, tightly balling his fists as he remembered the grisly displays he had seen in the small village. "There's no way I could abandon her in such a horrific place."
"I'm glad to see you're still as compassionate as ever partner."
"Did you say something Incursio?" Tatsumi asked, not fully hearing the demonic dragon.
"Oh it's nothing. I just said that we're nearing the cottage."
"I don't care damn it! He was supposed to be back four hours ago!"
"That sounds like Akame." Tatsumi said, as he walked up the cottage steps. "Shit I better get in there before I worry her anymore."
"Don't try to stop me! I'm going to look for him!" Tatsumi stopped dead in his tracks when the front door suddenly swung open and he came face-to-face with Akame, the red-eyed assassin almost crashing right into him. Both assassins simply stared at each other for a few moments, Akame's eyes open in shock. "T-Tatsumi?"
"Sorry I'm back so late." Tatsumi chuckled weakly, rubbing the back of his head in embossment. "A lot of things happened and I got side tracked for a while." However, Tatsumi was instantly slammed by a wave a guilt when he saw tears forming in Akame's eyes. "Oh no, I'm so sorry Akame, I didn't-"
"You asshole!" Akame exclaimed, as she lunged at Tatsumi, embracing him a bone crushing hug. Tatsumi could feel hot tears, as Akame buried her face into the crook of his neck. "I was so worried about you! I thought you were hurt...or that you had been captured again!"
"I'm sorry for worrying you Akame, but there was something that I had to do while I was out on patrol." Tatsumi said, pulling Akame closer and doing his best to comfort her. As Tatsumi embraced Akame, he looked up to see Leone and Mine glaring at him. Grinning nervously, Tatsumi mouthed that he'd get to them later. "Now if you let go of me I can explain why I was gone for so long."
"Okay..." Akame muttered, as she wiped away her tears. "I already feel better knowing that you're safe."
"Well get to explaining Tatsumi, because I would like to hear why you went over your deadline by almost four hours." Najenda said in an irritated tone, drumming her fingers on her mechanical arm. "It better be a good reason, because I'm quite upset right now."
"It is a good reason boss." Tatsumi said, as he stepped forward and clasped his hands behind his back. "While I was out on patrol I passed by a small village near the outskirts of the capital. When I stopped to take a break I heard screams coming from within the village. I quickly went to investigate and found most of the buildings on fire. The streets were also littered with blood and the mutilated bodies of the villagers. Before I had a chance to leave the village I heard another scream. I rushed towards where the scream came from and found a pregnant woman about to be attacked by two humanoid looking danger beasts that I had never seen before. After defeating the danger beasts I escorted the woman to a nearby revolutionary army base to ensure her safety."
"Well I guess that is a pretty good reason." Najenda said, rubbing the back of her head and releasing a light sigh. "You did good saving that woman Tatsumi."
"I don't know about that." Chelsea said, as she appeared from around a corner. "I think you took a big risk Tatsumi. What if that woman reports that revolutionary army camp to the capital?"
"There's no way she would do that!" Tatsumi exclaimed, taking a step towards Chelsea. "I know she won't do anything!"
"And how do you know that?" Chelsea asked, as her eyes narrowed slightly.
"Because she told me that she and her husband left the capital to get away from all the corruption and greed." Tatsumi replied, causing Chelsea to scoff.
"And you believed her that easily?" Chelsea said, as she rolled her eyes. "Maybe I misjudged you Tatsumi. You still have a long way to go as an assassin."
"HEY!" Tatsumi yelled, finally losing his cool. "I can fucking guarantee that Jessamine won't betray the revolutionary army! You weren't there Chelsea! You didn't see the awful things I saw! That poor woman was pregnant and had to watch her fucking husband be eaten alive by two monsters! If I hadn't done something she would have died as well! She's lost pretty much everything! She's just grateful that her and her child are still alive! I don't know about you Chelsea, but I can't just idly stand by and let innocent people die!" By now Tatsumi's face was flushed red and his breathing was ragged. Locking eyes with the auburn-haired girl, Tatsumi saw that Chelsea was staring at him in shock. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Tatsumi began to speak again in a much calmer voice. "Look Chelsea, I understand where you're coming from. You're worried about losing anyone else close to you, and you're just looking out for your comrades. But you can't let that fear make you distrust everyone. Not everyone in the world is evil, there are still lots of good people out there." A small smile spread across Tatsumi's face when he remembered Wave and Bols. "Hell, even some of the people working for the capital are good at heart. They just got caught up fighting for the wrong side." Tatsumi walked over to Chelsea and placed his hands on her shoulders, a smile on his face. "I'm sorry about yelling at you Chelsea, it's just been a long day for me. I want us to all to get along and not fight anymore."
"Tatsumi...I...I...you know..." Chelsea stammered, as a slight blush began to spread across her face. "You know I didn't mean-"
"Listen Chelsea..." Tatsumi said, tightening his grip on the auburn-haired girl's shoulders. "You don't have have to be scared about any of us dying. I made the same promise with Akame and Sayo, and now I'll make it with you too. Chelsea, I promise you'll never have to bury me or any more comrades ever again. I'll do everything within my power to keep everyone safe, and you have to do the same." Chelsea's eyes widened once again, tears threatening to fall. "And in exchange try to trust people a little more." Chelsea stared at Tatsumi for a few more moments, before a smile spread across her face.
"Heh heh...HAHAHA!" Chelsea chuckled, be she burst out laughing, wiping a tear from her eye. "You really are an interesting guy Tatsumi." Brushing Tatsumi's hands off her shoulders, Chelsea stuck out her pinkie. "Alright Tatsumi, if you promise that no more of our comrades will die, then I suppose I can try trusting other people more."
"It's a deal." Tatsumi said, locking pinkies with Chelsea, solidifying their promise.
"Okay, you know what's gonna happen if you break that promise, right?" Chelsea said with a sweet smile, as she snipping motion with her fingers. "I'll cut them off, even if I have to find you in hell to do it."
"M-Message received." Tatsumi said with a pale face, covering his groin with his hands.
"Tatsumi, you said the danger beasts you fought were humanoid, correct?" Najenda asked, which caused Tatsumi to nod his head. "Well those might have been the vary danger beasts I've been receiving reports about. Apparently extremely aggressive humanoid danger beasts have been popping up all around the capital and attacking people. We've actually been tasked with stopping them."
"Great! When do we get to work!?" Tatsumi asked enthusiastically, punching his fist into his palm.
"Well I also just got word that our new base has been finished. I'll brief you all once we get there." Najenda said, as she lit a cigarette. "Alright everyone get packed! We leave in ten minutes!"
"Guess I should get ready." Tatsumi muttered, rubbing the back of his head. However, the young assassin was stopped when Sayo walked in front of him. "What's up Sayo?" Having a pretty good idea of what was going to happen, Tatsumi wasn't surprised when Sayo suddenly punched him in the arm quite hard. Chuckling lightly, Tatsumi rubbed his sore arm. "Yeah, I guess I deserved that one."
"Stop worrying me like that you dick." Sayo said with a slight blush on her face, before she turned around and stormed off.
"I guess I'll apologize to her too later." Tatsumi said, turning to go pack his things. But Tatsumi stopped when he saw Leone and Mine staring at him. "*Sigh* Alright, I guess it's your turn. Come here you two."
As everyone left to gather their belongings, Chelsea hung back and ducked out of sight. The auburn-haired girl had darted around a corner; a fierce blush on her face as she clutched a hand over her pounding heart. "Damn it...why does my heart race whenever he's around?"
(The Next Morning: 15km Northeast of the Capital)
"So...this is our new base?" Tatsumi asked with a sweatdrop, as he stared up at Night Raid's new base, which was almost an exact replica of their old headquarters. "It doesn't really look like a new hideout to me."
"Yeah, when you consider how hard it is too find and how easy it is to flee from, it's a lot like our old base." Akame agreed, discreetly hugging Tatsumi right arm.
"I don't care how it looks..." Mine said with a grin, as she rested her hands on her hips. "I'm just glad this place has a hot springs."
"We should have some drinks there when we finish work." Leone said with a mischievous smirk, leaning over Tatsumi so that her large breasts rested on his shoulder. "Maybe you'd care to join us Tatsumi? I wouldn't mind washing your back..." Leaning in further, Leone whispered hotly into Tatsumi's ear. "And your front too."
"Oh, sign me up for that." Chelsea teased, which caused a massive blush to spread across Tatsumi's face.
"Najenda!" Lubbock exclaimed, running up to the group. "I just finished putting up the barrier around the hideout!"
"Nice work Lubbock." Najenda complimented, just as Susanoo returned, with a shovel resting on his shoulder.
"I've finished digging the emergency escape passage." Susanoo said, stopping in front of Najenda.
"Oh! That was really fast. I knew you could do it Susanoo." Najenda said with a grin. "Now our new hideout is pretty much up and running."
"Damn it..." Lubbock growled, as he grit his teeth, storming over to Susanoo. "Don't think you've won!"
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Susanoo asked in a confused tone, quirking an eyebrow.
"Man, he's got some really insecurity problems..." Tatsumi thought with a sweatdrop, as he turned back to the new base. "So this is our new base, eh? It might might not be too different, but I guess that'll make it feel more like home."
(Ten Minutes Later: Night Raid's Meeting Room)
"I know we've only just settled in..." Najenda said, taking a long drag of her cigarette. "But our target is a new variety of danger beast. It appears that Tatsumi has already fought two of the monster and can attest to their strength." Taking the cigarette out of her mouth, Najenda released a light sigh. "In most instances they've been moving around in large hordes. And they exhibit slight signs of intelligence. They're also physically very tough and have given even the most skilled fighters a run for their money. They've been lurking in the caves and mines south of the capital...eating people and livestock with a seemingly bottomless appetite. It seems that the Jaegers and imperial guards have been driving them back during daily raids. But these monsters must be quite plentiful, because they're still being spotted all over the place."
"Well, if the empire has their hands full with them, then it's likely not a trap." Mine deduced, as she stroked her chin.
"I know it seems like we'll be aligned with the empire..." Najenda said, putting out her cigarette and lighting a fresh one. "But will you still help out?"
"Of course!" Tatsumi exclaimed, as he tightly balled his fists. "After seeing what happened in Jessamine's village, there's no way I can just stand back and do nothing"
"Tatsumi's right." Akame chimed in, resting her hand on Murasame's hilt. "This is not a band of beasts we can allow to wander around freely."
"And I've been dying to release some built up stress." Leone said with a wicked grin, as she cracked her knuckles.
"We really should just be leaving this all to the Jaegers. These guys are way too optimistic..." Chelsea thought, leaning against a nearby wall, arms crossed over her chest. However, a small smile spread across Chelsea's face when she glanced at Tatsumi. "But I guess a little optimism isn't such a bad thing. If I said anything he'd just go on about how we're all assassins, but we're also on the people's side...and that we need the sooner we stop these things the more lives we save. So I'll just keep to myself this time."
"Tatsumi!" A sudden exclamation from Susanoo snapped Chelsea out of her thoughts. "I have something dire to tell you!"
"What's up Su?" Tatsumi asked, as he cocked an eyebrow in confusion.
"Your fly is open." Susanoo replied, pointing to Tatsumi's open zipper. "It's distracting me, so please fix it!"
"GAH! What the hell!?" Tatsumi exclaimed in embarassment, as he quickly zipped up his fly. Afraid to raise his head, Tatsumi could tell that all his friends were desperately holding in their laughter. "Please be gentle."
"BWAHAHAHA!" Leone bellowed in laughter, holding onto her sides. "After you sounded so brave and cool! I'm sorry Tatsumi, but that was so lame!"
"Hey, hey!" Lubbock cheered, as he danced around Tatsumi. "How's it feel buddy!? How's it feel!?"
"I can't believe I fell in love with this idiot." Mine thought, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Damn it...I've never been so embarrassed in my life." Tatsumi thought, as his entire face burned bright red. Turning around, Tatsumi saw Akame and Sayo standing side-by-side. "Sayo. Akame. You two aren't gonna make fun of me, right?" Both girls stared blankly at Tatsumi for several moments, before they both started to giggle simultaneously. "Oh my God, I want to die right now!" As Tatsumi lowered his head in shame, Lubbock continued to dance around and mock him. "S-Shut up damn it!"
"I-I'm sorry Tatsumi..." Akame managed to say, doing her best to stifle her giggles. "I'd noticed before Su, but I thought you were trying to make some kind of fashion statement."
"I'm not that outrageous!" Tatsumi exclaimed, as he waved his hands dismissively.
"Don't worry Tatsumi." Akame said, crouching in front of the young assassin and staring directly at his zipper. "From now on I'll be much more diligent about keeping my eyes peeled for it."
"NO! STOP IT AKAME!" Tatsumi screamed, his embarassment shooting through the roof, as he instantly covered his groin. "Screw the future! I want to my life to end!"
"This is how my men are." Najenda said, as she walked up next to Chelsea. "Don't let them bother you too much, Chelsea."
"It's fine...but I'm worried...I saw the records. Sheele and Bulat were like that..." Chelsea muttered, watching Tatsumi with a sad look in her eyes. "I'm afraid that someday, that optimism will get Tatsumi killed."
(Same Time: Imperial Palace's Garden)
"Run...I wish to speak with you." Esdeath said, as she carefully inspected the array of the beautiful flowers that filled the palace's garden. "According to what the minister found out, those new danger beasts used to be human."
"As I thought..." Run muttered, stroking his chin. "I figured their physical characteristics were too close. Men transformed into monsters...Only the power of a teigu could do that. It's more than likely, that those beasts are the results of Stylish's experiments. They only started appearing shortly after he went missing."
"Do you have any other ways to support your theory?" Esdeath asked, as she turned her head to glance back at Run.
"Well when I searched the doctor's lab...I thought it was far too clean." Run explained, crossing his arms over his chest. "Even though he was supposed to be researching a wide variety of things. The inside of his lab was quite immaculate and undisturbed."
"So, you're suggesting he had a secret lab somewhere else?" Esdeath asked, which caused Run to nod his head.
"Yes. Perhaps the things he'd been keeping there managed to get out." Run replied, releasing a light sigh. "It's also possible...there's a completely unrelated third-party teigu involved. But that's too outlandish to even consider."
"Just a I imagined..." Esdeath thought, as she gently plucked and twirled it in her fingers. "Run is quite handy off the battlefield as well."
"That strongly suggest that the doctor didn't encounter the enemy to find Tatsumi." Run explained, closing his eyes and lowering his head. "Rather after discovering the enemy's hideout...he engaged them with the hopes of gaining more materials for his experiments, only to be wiped out in the process."
"Damn it..." Esdeath muttered, as she crushed the flower in her hand. "Perhaps he was even crazier then I thought."
"But there must be some limit to these danger beasts." Run reasoned, raising his head. "Even as we speak, Seryu and the others are working to take them out."
"That's not what I'm really concerned about." Esdeath said, as she stood back onto her feet. "The real question is, did those beasts get out on there own? Or did someone release them with a key?" Run's eyes momentarily widened when Esdeath said this.
"I see." Run muttered, regaining his composure. "I will look into this matter further."
"I leave it in your hands then." Esdeath said, as she rested her hands on her hips. "This problem may extend even deeper then we think."
(That Night: Mountains to the North of the Capital)
"Man, I can't believe I got paired up with a damn dude." Lubbock grumbled, trailing slightly behind Tatsumi with his hands behind his head.
"Will you stop bitching about it Lubbock, this is the fifth time now. What's done is done." Tatsumi said in a slightly irritated tone, as he glanced back at Lubbock. "Besides there's no way I'm leaving you alone with Akame, Leone, or Mine."
"Oho, so you and Mine really did hook up?" Lubbock asked with a mischievous smirk, quickly catching up with Tatsumi and nudging him the arm. "So...tell your buddy, how was she?"
"Not happening." Tatsumi said without missing a beat, as he completely ignored Lubbock's question.
"It was worth a shot." Lubbock said, shrugging his shoulders. "I just hope we don't run into any soldiers camping out here."
"The reports I read said the soldiers retreat back to the capital at night." Tatsumi said, as he climbed over some fallen rocks. "So there's nothing to be afraid of."
"For someone not expecting any soldiers..." Lubbock said, spotting Incursio and a shotgun strapped to Tatsumi's back. "You sure are packing a lot of heat."
"I wanna be prepared in case we run into any of those things." Tatsumi said, as a chill ran down his spine. "The reports don't lie, they really are tough bastards and they're extremely dangerous."
"You seem to be quite fond of that shotgun partner."
"Well it was really useful the other day and it's great for close range fighting. Plus those incendiary rounds were very effective against those danger beasts."
"I see...that gives me an idea for a new weapon I can create, like the Akuma Raifuru."
"REALLY?!"
"Yes, but it will take some time partner. I need time to work out the finer details and gather up the necessary amount of energy."
"Take your time Incursio." Tatsumi thought, trying to envision what type of weapon Incursio had in store.
"I'll take your word for it..." Lubbock said, as he clasped his hands behind his head. "But you know...a certain amount of cowardice is necessary if you want to survive as an assassin. Najenda said so herself, so don't you forget it."
"You know, that reminds me." Tatsumi said, turning his to look at Lubbock once again. "You're the only one who refers to the boss by her real name." Tatsumi was surprised when a slight blush suddenly spread across Lubbock's face. "Oh, what do we have here?"
"W-Well yeah..." Lubbock said, as he scratched his cheek. "She and I have known each other since back in the imperial army." Lubbock shoved his hands into his pockets and stared up at the night sky. "I was the fourth son of a local merchant. All my life, I had received whatever I wanted. I was good at whatever I tried my hand at. I was completely bored with the world."
"You have no idea how much I hate you right now." Tatsumi said, narrowing his eyes at Lubbock.
"Shut up! It's about to get really heart wrenching!" Lubbock exclaimed, before he returned to his story. "That was when Najenda was posted in my region. It was love at first sight. So I immidiately signed up to be a soldier. I used my natural prowess to quickly rise up the ranks and become her righthand soldier."
"So the reason you going Night Raid-"
"Was out of my love for her...you could say." Lubbock said with a smile. "When she left the empire, I falsified my records to show that I died and I followed her. Heh, I amaze myself sometimes. But my efforts will never be rewarded. It really is sad...so did my tale bring a tear to your eye."
"Lubbock..." Tatsumi said, placing a hand on the green-haired man's shoulder. "If what you said is true, then you should stop trying to peek on girls when they're bathing!"
"HUH?!" Lubbock yelled, as he whipped around to glare at Tatsumi. "Don't you try to preach to me, Mr. I Have a Damn Harem! Having a crush and wanting to see other cute girls are two separate things, okay?! You have no idea what you're talking about!"
"If you keep thinking like that, then you'll never win her love!" Tatsumi exclaimed, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Tch, just you wait. I'll woo her one of these days." Lubbock said, as he turned his back to Tatsumi.
"When that happens I'll treat you to whatever you want." Tatsumi said, jabbing his finger at Lubbock.
"*Sigh* This isn't the time for this..." Lubbock muttered, as he rubbed the back of his head. "I still haven't seen any danger beasts around here. Maybe they were hunted to extinction, or something? I've set up a bunch of threads, but I haven't caught anything yet."
"That does it." Tatsumi said, grabbing ahold of Incursio's hilt. "It seems safe down here, so I'll use my teigu to scope out the summit real quick."
"If anything happens come right back here. I'll wait right over there." Lubbock said, as he pointed to a pair of bare trees. "We'll take it on together."
"Got it." Tatsumi said, Incursio materializing onto his body. Briefly crouching low the ground, Tatsumi suddenly sprang high into the air. "I'll be right back."
(Five Minutes Later: Mountain's Summit)
"Hmm, there's nothing here either." Tatsumi muttered, scanning the entire summit of the mountain. "Not a sign of life in this whole place." In a cloud of smoke Incursio disappeared, and Tatsumi hopped of the large rock he hand been standing on. "Maybe they're all asleep." Releasing a light sigh, Tatsumi stared up at the full Moon overhead. "I wonder how everyone else is doing...I hope they're all okay." As Tatsumi stared up at shining Moon, he failed to notice the large danger beast silently soaring through the night sky, and the woman riding atop it.
"I know I'm supposed to be out patrolling..." Esdeath said, as she stared brilliant Moon before her. "But the Moon's light is so lovely, I thought it'd be nice to take the scenic route...even I have to admit it's not very like me to do something like this..." Closing her eyes, an image of Tatsumi's smiling face appeared in Esdeath's mind. "It's all your fault...I'm acting so weird because of you, Tatsumi." Opening her eyes, Esdeath glanced down and something happened to catch her eye. "A silhouette? Is it perhaps a danger beast?" A smirk spread across Esdeath's face, as she unsheathed her sword. "Heh, in that case...he's quite unlucky." Without hesitation, Esdeath dove off her mount and plummeted towards the silhouette. "He caught me when I'm in a bad mood."
"Why do I get the feeling that something very dangerous is flying towards me?" Tatsumi said, mere seconds before crashed into the ground behind him. The young assassin quickly raised his arms to shield his eyes from dust and debris. "W-What the hell?!" As the dust began to settle, Tatsumi began to make out a human-like figure.
"You will face me..." When the debris fully Tatsumi's eyes widened when he saw that it was actually Esdeath, pointing her sword at him. "And I'll test out some new torture on-" Esdeath stopped dead in her tracks when she realized that it was Tatsumi who was in front of her. A fierce blush spread across Esdeath's face, as she once again came face-to-face with the man she loved. "H-Huh? Tatsumi?"
"Okay..." Tatsumi thought, gulping audibly. "I guess it's do or die time now." Steeling his determination, Tatsumi tightly balled his fists. "I have to convince Esdeath to leave the empire!"
And done! Once again this chapter took way longer than I originally intended, but I finally managed to get it finished. Well Tatsumi has finally reunited with Esdeath, and the next chapter will pick up right where this one left off. Will Tatsumi be able to convince Esdeath to switch sides? Unfortunately this will be the final update for now, I have to update my other fics first, so the next chapter won't be out for a little while. But just be patient and it will be out eventually. Remember to follow/favorite if you enjoyed, PLEASE REVIEW (I NEED YOUR FEEDBACK), PM me any ideas you have for any of my fics, and check out my profile and other fics if you haven't already. So until next time, I'm outta here!