Hey everyone! I'm back with the final update for this fic for now. After this chapter I have to work on a new chapter for my Pokemon fic, then after that I'm going to work on my Fairy Tail fic, so this story will have to go on the back burners for a little while. Plus, with me starting college again soon, I don't know exactly when the next chapter for this fic will be out, but I'll try to not make it too long. Well anyways I'm glad that you all seemed to enjoy the last chapter and what transpired between Tatsumi and Esdeath. From this point on I hope to start making some other changes to the original story, fingers crossed that everything works out well. This new chapter will pick up right where the previous one left off, and will have Night Raid dealing with the fact that Esdeath is now on their side.
P.S. (PLEASE READ, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE A FAN OF THE AKAME GA KILL! MANGA) Apparently there's a continuation to the Akame ga Kill! manga being written by the same author, but with a new illustrator (TBH I'm not a huge fan of the new art style), called Hinowa ga Crush! From what I've seen so far, it's pretty much all completely new characters and setting, but Akame is definitely in it as either one of the main characters or as a very prevalent side character. I've done some light searching and I have been able to find a few of the translated chapters on reddit, and I do know that it's being simupublished in English by Yen Press. Now before any of you ask, no I don't plan on expanding this fic into this new manga once I'm finished with the main story. I however might reference this new series and some of its characters in the epilogue chapter, but I'm not 100 percent sure yet. So please don't bombard me, asking me to continue this story into the new manga, because this story is already going to be very long by the time it's finished and I don't want to be writing it forever. Plus, if I do start writing content for this new manga I might eventually run into the problem where I have to actually wait for new chapters to come out before I can update the story. So yeah, as of right now I have no plans of continuing this fic into the new manga's storyline. Once I finish the main Akame ga Kill plot this story will be finished, I may however tease the next manga somehow but not fully dive into it. As for whether or not I'm going to read this new manga I'm not entirely sure yet. From some of the first impressions I've read online from other people it seems to be generally positive so far, but we'll have to wait for more chapters to come out. But on the whole I was okay with the way the Akame ga Kill! manga ended, it wasn't all sunshines and rainbows, that would have ruined the dark tone the story had, but it wasn't a complete shitfest where literally everyone died like in the anime. If I do end up picking up this new manga, I just hope they bring back more old characters other than Akame, because apparently one of the things Akame is doing in this new story is looking for a way to remove her curse from Murasame and to possibly cure Tatsumi of being trapped in his dragon form. It would be awesome to see Akame reunite with Tatsumi and Mine in this new manga, and be able to return Tatsumi to normal.
Well, that's all I wanted to say, so let's get to the fic!
"Speech"
"Thoughts"
Teigu
"Incursio"
Disclaimer: I don't own Akame ga Kill, or any of its characters.
"Well here we are." Tatsumi said, as he gestured to the stone fortress in front of them. The Sun was just beginning to rise, bathing the large building in early morning sunlight. "Welcome to Night Raid's base."
"Hmmm, it's quite the hideout." Esdeath said, staring up at the large building, impressed by it's design. "It's hidden away from the capital and is easily defensible. Aside from the royal palace, I don't think I've seen a better location for a base of operations."
"I guess we should get inside and introduce you to everyone." Tatsumi said, as he rubbed the back of his neck. "It's gonna be kinda awkward and tense at first, but I'll do what I can to calm everyone down."
"Wait just a moment, Tatsumi." Esdeath said, grabbing ahold of Tatsumi's jacket. "We need to discuss one thing real quick."
"What is it?" Tatsumi asked, as he stopped in front of the hideout's front entrance.
"I know I agreed to leave the empire and fight for the revolutionary army, but you have to understand I can't leave right away." Esdeath said, resting her hands on her hips. "It would be suspicious if I didn't return. The minister would probably send out search parties to look for me, putting your comrades at risk. So you'll just have to wait a little while, until I can find the right time to get away."
"I suppose that makes sense." Tatsumi said, as he nodded his head. "I also appreciate you looking out for my friends."
"I also want to try and get some of my Jaegers to come with me." Esdeath said, as a sad smile spread across her face. "I know most of them won't listen, but I want to try at least."
"Well we'd be welcome to new members." Tatsumi said with a smile, as he reached out and squeezed Esdeath's hand. "I know how much you care about your men."
"That's all I wanted to say...so I suppose we should be heading inside." Esdeath suggested, staring at the door ahead of him. "I'm looking forward to seeing what the legendary Night Raid has to offer."
"You hang back a bit, I'll call you once I'm ready." Tatsumi said, which caused Esdeath to nod her head in understanding. Seeing that Esdeath was ready, Tatsumi opened the door to the hideout. As soon as Tatsumi took one step through the door, he was met with Leone and Mine's angry screams from down the hall.
"God damn it, Lubbock! How could you let this happen!" Mine's voice echoed down the hall.
"If Tatsumi got captured again, I swear I will castrate you!" Leone exclaimed, followed soon after by a scream from Lubbock.
"Uh...I should get in there before this gets out of hand." Tatsumi said, turning to face Esdeath.
"That would be best." Esdeath said, as she ushered Tatsumi forward. "Now get in there."
"I'll be right back!" Tatsumi exclaimed, before running down the hall. Coming to a skidding stop, Tatsumi stood in the doorway to the meeting room. Tatsumi gazed into the room and saw all of Night Raid's members, minus Chelsea, gathered there. Mine was still chewing Lubbock out, while Leone held him in a headlock, his face turning blue as he frantically tapped out. Across from Leone and Mine were Akame and Sayo, both of them looking quite worried. Lastly, Najenda sat in her usual chair, an annoyed look on her face as a cigarette hung between her lips. Tatsumi stood in the doorway for several moments, no one noticing his presence. "Did I miss something?" Instantly all eyes were on Tatsumi, and just as quickly he was tackled by three girls.
"Tatsumi! Thank God you're okay!" Akame yelled, as she buried her head into the crook of Tatsumi's neck. "I was so worried you had been captured again!"
"I thought that idiot had let you hurt!" Mine cried, wrapping her arms around Tatsumi's neck.
"Don't you ever worry me like that again!" Leone exclaimed, as she hugged Tatsumi's head between her breasts. "I was ready to go out and look for you!"
"You really scared me there, you idiot." Sayo said with a slight blush, breathing a sigh of relief. "Next time you worry me like this, I'll kick your ass."
"That bastard..." Lubbock growled, gritting his teeth, as tears formed in his eyes. "Why the hell does he get all the girls?"
"Nice to see that you're okay, Tatsumi." Najenda said with a grin, getting out of her chair and walking over to the young assassin.
"It's good to be back boss." Tatsumi said with a smile, as he managed to get his head out of Leone's breasts.
"You probably have quite the-" Najenda stopped mid-sentence when she sensed an ominous presence from out in the hall. "Tatsumi...were you followed here?"
"No, but I did bring a guest. Now don't freak out right away, I promise she won't do anything." Tatsumi said, turning to the doorway. "You can come in now!" Everyone turned to face the meeting room's doorway, hearing the sound of heeled boots echo in the hall. However, no one was expecting the person that appeared in the doorway, all their eyes wide open in shock.
"My, my, Najenda it's good to see you again." Esdeath said with a mischievous smirk, as she crossed her arms underneath her chest. "It's been quite some time, how have you been?"
"E-Esdeath..." Najenda breathed out, her cigarette falling from her mouth. "W-What the hell are you doing here!?"
"Is that any way to greet an comrade?" Esdeath asked, as she waltzed into the meeting room.
"Comrade?!" Najenda exclaimed, tightly balling her fists. "You're the one who took my right eye and cut off most of my right arm!"
"Sorry about that." Esdeath said nonchalantly, as she waved dismissively, taking a seat at the table. "But we were fighting you know? So you can't really blame me. Besides you've got such a fancy mechanical arm now and a cool eyepatch, I'm kinda jealous." Najenda looked like she was about to retort, but Esdeath's head had turned away, denying her any chance for a rebuttal. Gazing around the room, Esdeath rested her head on her fist, a smirk still plastered on her face. "I must say Najenda, you have quite a nice place here."
"Tatsumi!" Najenda hissed, whipping around to face the young assassin, her one good eye clearly showing that she was upset. "Why is that woman here in our secret hideout!?"
"You remember how I said I was going to convince Esdeath to join the revolutionary army." Tatsumi said with a nervous smile, as he gestured to the blue-haired general. "Well...surprise...I guess."
"You're joking." Najenda said in a deadpanned tone, her mouth hanging open in shock. "You seriously...convinced her to switch sides?"
"Yeah, when Lubbock and I were scouting the mountains for danger beasts, Esdeath happened to be on patrol too, and we met by chance. Then some creepy guy showed up out of nowhere and used an unknown teigu to teleport us to some deserted island to the southeast. We were trapped on that island for half a day, and during that time Esdeath and I talked quite a lot. We managed to get back her using-"
"Oh Tatsumi..." Esdeath cut the young assassin's explanation off, a faint blush on her face. "Why are you leaving out the part we made long, passionate love?"
"Oh shit..." Tatsumi thought, sensing three sets of eyes drilling holes in the back of his head. Slowly turning his head around, Tatsumi felt a horrible chill run down his spine when he saw Akame, Leone, and Mine fiercely glaring at him. "I'm so fucking dead..."
"He was simply amazing." Esdeath gushed with a small smile, as she released a content sigh, remembering her pleasurable night with Tatsumi. "He was so gentle in certain ways, but also knew how to completely dominate me."
"Shut up woman!" Tatsumi thought, feeling as if he'd suddenly catch on fire, because of the looks his girls were giving him. "You're making things way worse!"
"God! Damn! It!" Lubbock exclaimed, as he slammed his head onto the table between every word. "Why! Is! It! Always! Him!"
"Tatsumi..." Najenda said, her brow twitching in irritation. "You have a lot of explaining to do."
"Yes, Tastumi." Leone said in a menacing tone, as she grasped the young assassin's arm so tightly that he yelped in pain. "Tell us everything."
"Don't leave out any details either." Mine said with barely contained anger, digging her elbow into Tatsumi's side. "Because I'd love to hear what you have to say."
"And don't you dare try to lie to us." Akame said, as she glared at the man she loved. "Because I'll know if you're lying."
"Yes, I'd like to hear all this too." Sayo said in an annoyed tone, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Ah, what's this..." Esdeath said with a devious smile, as she slowly got out of her chair and walked over to Tatsumi and the other girls. "Why are you all getting so upset with my little Tatsumi? Are you perhaps jealous?"
"Jealous! Your Tatsumi!?" Leone exclaimed, getting in Esdeath's face and locking eyes with her. "You know, I've got a bone to pick with you!"
"And why is that?" Esdeath asked, as she rested her hands on her hips. "Because I don't believe we've met before."
"Leone please calm down..." Tatsumi said, trying to defuse the very tense situation. "Don't start anything right now."
"No!" Leone growled, as she stomped her foot down. "This bitch seriously pissed me off, so she needs to learn her place!"
"It's okay Tatsumi." Esdeath said with a smirk, seeming to taunt Leone, which only angered her more. "I'll humor her. So...Leone was it? Tell me, why are you so upset with me?"
"Because..." Leone replied, as she tightly balled her fists. "A few months back...when you had that stupid fighting tournament in the capital-"
"Oh yes, I remember that very well." Esdeath said with a smile and faint blush, resting her head on her hand. "That's where I first met my beloved Tatsumi."
"Yeah, it's also where you slapped a damn collar on my man and tried to steal him away from me!" Leone exclaimed, as she glared fiercely at Esdeath. "If he didn't escape that damn palace I was ready to bust in there and rescue him."
"Your man?" Esdeath parroted, quirking an eyebrow in amusement. "Ah, I get it now. Tatsumi mentioned that he already had a girlfriend, you must be her."
"Hey, I'm his girlfriend too!" Akame chimed in, as she grabbed ahold of Tatsumi's arm.
"Me three!" Mine added, hugging Tatsumi's other free arm.
"Oh now isn't this interesting." Esdeath said with an amused look, as she crouched in front of Mine and Akame. "So you two are Tatsumi's little girlfriends too?" Both girls glanced at each other before nodding. "Well now, I didn't expect Tatsumi to be such a player." Tatsumi gulped when Esdeath gently ran her hand across his cheek. "Oh don't look so scared Tatsumi, I'm not mad at you."
"Y-You're not?" Tatsumi asked, not fully believing the blue-haired general.
"Of course not." Esdeath said with a sweet smile, as she ruffled Tatsumi's hair, before standing back onto her feet. "Because many great and powerful men throughout history have had their own harems, and the fact that you managed to snag three Night Raid assassins only further proves how special you are." Seeing that Akame, Mine, and Leone were staring at her, a devious smile spread across Esdeath's face. "Besides...I love a good challenge...and you girls may prove to be worthy competition."
"What the hell are you babbling on about?" Leone asked in an annoyed tone, crossing her arms underneath her impressive bust.
"I'm not a heartless woman, I'll allow you three to continue your relationship with Tatsumi, but..." Esdeath said, as she licked her lips. "I won't just sit idly by, I will become the main girl in Tatsumi's heart. He will love me above all else."
"Like hell he will!" Akame, Leone, and Mine all exclaimed simultaneously.
"Well then, let the battle begin." Esdeath said with a mischievous smirk, before turning to Najenda. "Now then Najenda, I believe we have much to discuss. Shall we continue this conversation in private?"
"Alright, follow me." Najenda said, as she released a light sigh, lighting another cigarette. Taking a quick puff, Najenda began to make her way out of the meeting room. "God damn it, I'm getting too old for this shit."
"I'll see you later, Tatsumi." Esdeath said, placing a soft kiss on Tatsumi's cheek, before she followed after Najenda. However, Esdeath stopped in the room's doorway and turned back to Tatsumi and his girls. "One last thing before I go..." Esdeath briefly made eye contact with Akame, Leone, and Mine individually. "I will not allow any weaklings to be with Tatsumi...if I think you're holding him back or your inability to fight puts him at risk..." Esdeath's eyes narrowed dangerously, causing a chill to run down the three girl's spines. "I will deal with you personally, and trust me...you don't want that." With those final words, Esdeath exited the meeting room.
"Who the hell does that bitch think she is?" Leone snarled, as she tightly balled her fists. "Coming in here and saying that she's going to be Tatsumi's main girl. Doesn't she know Tatsumi's not like that. He loves us all equally." Releasing an agitated huff, Leone began to storm out of the room. "I'm gonna go train, I just really need to hit something right now."
"Leone wait!" Tatsumi called out, wriggling free of Akame and Mine's grasp. "Hold on a second!"
"Tatsumi you don't have to worry...I'm not really mad at you...I was shocked more than anything..." Leone said, as she stopped in her tracks and turned back around to face the young assassin. "I'm just a little...annoyed. That Esdeath chick...UGH! She just rubs me the wrong way." Sighing, Leone rubbed the back of her head. "Anyways, I'll see you later Tatsumi." A toothy grin spread across the busty blonde's face. "We'll have to have a few drinks to celebrate." With a wave, Leone exited the meeting room.
"I'm gonna go too." Mine said, following Leone towards the door. "This whole Esdeath thing has really wound me up, so I'm gonna head down to the firing range and blow off some steam." Grabbing Pumpkin, Mine walked out into the hallway. Mine stopped for a moment and turned back to Tatsumi. "It's just like Leone said, Tatsumi. We're not really mad at you...this whole situation is just gonna take some getting used to...plus...I don't trust Esdeath yet." Mine flashed Tatsumi a quick smile, when she saw him nod in understanding. Slinging Pumpkin over her shoulder, Mine began to make her way down the hall. "Maybe I'll join you and Leone for that drink later!"
"How about you Akame?" Tatsumi asked, as he turned to his red-eyed lover. "How do you feel about this?"
"I can't say that I'm too happy about that woman showing up out of the blue and attempting to claim you as her own..." Akame muttered, before a small smile spread across her face. "But I am proud that you managed to accomplish your goal and convince her to join our side...I can only imagine the boost our military power will receive because of this." Reaching out, Akame gently cupped Tatsumi's cheek. "Sure, I would have liked some warning that Esdeath was going to be here...and I would have preferred to learn about your relationship with her in a little more subtle manner...but I suppose that was unavoidable given your situation." Akame gave Tatsumi a brief kiss, before she released his arm. "I may have been upset for a moment, but I could never stay mad at you Tatsumi, I love you too much." Akame grabbed Murasame and began to walk out of the meeting room. "I think I'll join Leone and do some training, and if you guys do end up getting together for a drink latter I might join you as well."
"I'd like that." Tatsumi said with a smile, watching Akame disappear down the hallway. Once Tatsumi was sure Akame was gone, he groaned and hung his head. "*Sigh* At least they didn't end up killing each other."
"Aw, is the harem master having a tough time?" Lubbock teased, as he slapped Tatsumi on the back. "Man it must be so brutal banging four extremely hot chicks."
"Shut up Lubbock." Tatsumi said, running his hand down his face. "I seriously thought they were gonna break out into a fight and hurt each other. Esdeath is really unpredictable, so I had no idea what she was going to do."
"Esdeath wouldn't do that." Lubbock said, which caused Tatsumi quirk an eyebrow in confusion. "From the impression I got from her, Esdeath really cares about you Tatsumi. It looks like she really wants to protect you and is looking out for your best interests. You heard what Esdeath said before she left with Najenda, to me it seemed like she was testing the other girls to see if they would be intimidated by a challenge. I don't think she has any intention of breaking you guys apart."
"I...never thought of it that way." Tatsumi muttered, gazing in the direction Esdeath had went. "I guess Esdeath cares about me more than I imagined, I need to thank her when I get the chance."
"That being said..." Lubbock said, as he suddenly lunged at Tatsumi and put him a tight headlock. Growling in irritation, Lubbock gave Tatsumi a painful noogie. "You're just too lucky Tatsumi! Why do all the sexy babes flock to you!?"
"Get the hell off me Lubbock!" Tatsumi exclaimed, elbowing the green-haired assassin the stomach. Free of Lubbock's grasp, Tatsumi put some distance between them. "I didn't ask for this to happen. But I care about those girls and I want them to be happy. If I'm what makes them happy then I'm not going to deny them. I love each of them and I want us all to get through this war together."
"Always the sensitive ladies man, aren't ya?" Lubbock asked with a grin, as a clutched a hand to his stomach. Walking over, Lubbock patted Tatsumi on the shoulder, before he made his way towards the door. "I hope you know I'm just playing with you man...I really am happy for you and those girls...and I hope everything works out well for you guys..." Stopping and leaning against the doorway, Lubbock turned back to look at Tatsumi. "But stay the hell away from Najenda! I swear to God if you start making moves on her, I'll kill you!"
"Lubbock, I know you feel about the boss." Tatsumi said with a small smile, crossing his arms over his chest. "I would never betray you like that."
"Good, that makes me feel a little better." Lubbock said, as he breathed a sigh of relief. "At the rate you were going, I was sure you were gonna go after Najenda next." Waving to Tatsumi, Lubbock walked out into the hallway. "I'll see you later man, I have to go check on the traps along the perimeter."
"That guy really needs to hurry up and tell the boss how he feels." Tatsumi muttered, rubbing the back of his head. "If he doesn't do it soon, he may never get the chance." With everything that had been happening, Tatsumi hadn't sensed that a pair of eyes were on him until things had calmed down. Turning around, Tatsumi saw that Sayo was staring at him with wide eyes, clearly in shock. "You okay Sayo? Cause you look kinda spooked."
"I'm...I'm just trying to process all the shit I just learned." Sayo replied, as she ran a hand through her long, black hair. Releasing a deep breath, Sayo placed both her hands on the table. "So...let me see if I've got everything straight. You're apparently not only dating Akame, Leone, and Mine...but also Esdeath...the most feared person in the empire...and you somehow managed to convince her to join our side."
"That about sums things up." Tatsumi said, shrugging his shoulders. "Things have been so hectic lately, that I can barely keep up with what's going on myself."
"You've changed so much Tatsumi." Sayo said, as looked down at the table and clasped her hands together. "You're so much stronger than you used to be...and you're more mature...sure, you still act like a stupid kid sometimes...but after everything that's happened since we joined Night Raid...I feel like I barely recognize you anymore...you're not the same scared, little boy I had to protect when we were kids..." A sad smile spread across Sayo's face, as she unclasped her hands. "And...I can't help but feel like you're keeping a secret from me...a very big secret."
"I had no idea you felt this way Sayo." Tatsumi said with a hint of guilt in his tone, walking over to his dark-haired, childhood friend. Sitting down next to Sayo, Tatsumi placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry if I've been making you worry, it's just...things have been so crazy recently...ever since we arrived in the capital it's been one thing after another...it's been pretty much nonstop training and fighting since I joined Night Raid." Releasing a light sigh, Tatsumi wrapped his arm around Sayo's shoulder and pulled her closer, much to her embarassment. "And you're right...I have been keeping a secret from you...from pretty much all of Night Raid...the only people who know are Akame and Leone."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Sayo asked quietly, as she turned her head to avoid looking at Tatsumi. "I've known you longer than anyone else here."
"That's exactly why I couldn't tell you Sayo." Tatsumi replied, releasing a light sigh. "You're my best friend Sayo, and I knew that if I told you my secret you'd start to worry and ask me to give up on being an assassin." Hearing this, Sayo turned her head back to look at Tatsumi, her eyes full of curiosity. "Sayo...just before I came to the capital...something...happened to me...something that I can't run away from. I have to face this challenge head on and work hard to change the future for the better...and I can only do that if I stay with Night Raid."
"Why can't you just tell me?" Sayo asked, as tears formed in her eyes. "Don't you trust me? Whatever it is, I'll understand."
"Of course I trust you Sayo, you're one of the people I trust most in the world." Tatsumi reassured, placing a comforting hand on top of Sayo's. "And I will tell you...I'll tell everyone very soon...I just have to make sure one thing is ready first...once that's done I'll tell you all...I promise."
"*Sigh* Alright..." Sayo relented, as she pushed her seat back and stood up. "I don't like you keeping secrets from me, but it must be really important for you to hide it like this...just...you can talk to me if you're ever confused or something..." Tatsumi yelped when Sayo suddenly punched him in the arm. "And slow down with the damn girls, I won't have you turning into a pervert like Lubbock."
"If that ever happens, I'll gladly let you kick the shit out of me." Tatsumi said with a grin, earning a light chuckle from Sayo. "There, I knew I could make you smile."
"You're such an ass." Sayo said with a smile, as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "Well, I'll see you later. I need to get some archery training in, then I need to work in some practice with Extase."
"Are you getting used to using Extase?" Tatsumi asked, trying his best not to upset Sayo, because he knew that Sheele was still a touchy subject with her. Sayo stopped in her tracks when she hear this. "If you don't want to answer I totally-"
"No it's fine." Sayo cut Tatsumi off, as sad smile spread across her face, while she rubbed her arm. "I am getting better with Extase, but it's still gonna take some time before I can use it as effectively as Sheele could. I'm used to using daggers and short swords, so with a weapon that has such long blades...it's gonna be a tough adjustment. But I'm confident that I'll be able to master Extase soon...I'm so happy that Mine and the boss allowed me the honor of wielding Sheele's teigu...I can't betray the trust they put in me."
"You won't, Sayo." Tatsumi said, getting out of his chair and walking over to Sayo. "You're one of the strongest people I know...I mean you endured having one of your freaking legs cut off and ended up became a badass assassin! I could never do something like that."
"Well I am pretty badass." Sayo said with a smug smirk, as she rested her hands on her hips.
"Calm down there, and I thought my ego inflated quickly." Tatsumi said with a light chuckle, causing a frown to spread across Sayo's face. "Aw come on, don't give me that look." A grin spread across Tatsumi's face, as he suddenly grabbed ahold of Sayo's hand, causing the dark-haired girl's face to flush red. "Let me practice archery with you! We can even have an accuracy contest!"
"W-What?" Sayo stuttered out, as she stared at Tatsumi in surprise. "Are you serious, Tatsumi? You were the most abysmal archer in our entire village. In fact you're so bad, I'm pretty sure you somehow managed to shot yourself in the foot."
"That was years ago!" Tatsumi exclaimed in defense, his face burning red in embarassment. "And I didn't have a good grip on the bow...and...and...GAH! I want a rematch! I've gotten better, I swear!"
"Okay, you're on!" Sayo said with a wide grin, as she grabbed her bow and quiver, which were leaning against a nearby wall. "But don't come crying to me after I crush your sorry ass!"
"I'll show that I'm a pretty damn good archer now!" Tatsumi cheered, running towards the door. "Last one to the shooting range has to help Susanoo clean up the base later!"
"Hey no fair! Get back here!" Sayo yelled, as she quickly ran after Tatsumi. "You cheater...and you've had more speed training with Akame than I have!" As both assassins sprinted through the halls of Night Raid's base, a hidden smile graced Sayo's face. "I can't thank you enough Tatsumi...you always make me feel better when I'm down."
(That Night: Hall Outside Tatsumi's Room)
"Hmph, Najenda just doesn't know when to let things go." Esdeath said with a frown, walking through the halls of Night Raid's base with her arms crossed underneath her chest. "Well at least we managed to come to an agreeable deal." A slight blush spread across Esdeath's face as she pressed a hand to her cheek. "I get to slaughter the minister's lackeys when the revolutionary attacks the capital and before then I get to personally interrogate any prisoners we capture." Esdeath licked her lips as she imagined trying out a few new torture techniques she had thought up. "Then once this war is over, Tatsumi and I will explore this vast world together. I can see it now, we'll never stay too long in one place, and we'll spend our time hunting down danger beasts...Oh, I'm getting giddy just thinking about it." Stopping in front of the room she was searching for, a smile spread across Esdeath's face. "Well as long as Najenda wasn't lying this should be Tatsumi's room." Esdeath's smile widened as she reached for the doorknob. "Now that we're lovers, I can't have my precious Tatsumi sleeping alone." Slowly opening the door, Esdeath stealthily slid into the room and made her way towards the bed. However, the blue-haired general stopped her tracks when she saw that Tatsumi wasn't alone in his bed. "Oho, what do we have here?" In the middle of the bed was Tatsumi, who was snoring softly, knocked out cold. But Esdeath was more focused on the three other people in the bed. On Tatsumi's left side was Akame, the red-eyed assassin was using his arm as a pillow, as she snuggled close to him. Across from Akame was Leone, the busty blonde hugged Tatsumi's other arm between her breasts and buried face into the crook of Tatsumi's neck, occasionally letting out what seemed like low purrs. Lastly, Mine was lying between Tatsumi's legs, resting her on his stomach and wrapping her arms around his waist. All three girls had smiles on their faces, seeming to enjoy sharing a bed with the man that loved and shared. As Esdeath stared at the odd display, she couldn't help but feel like she was being left out. A frown briefly spread across Esdeath's face, before it morphed into a smirk. Deciding not to disturb Tatsumi's slumber, Esdeath quietly left the room. Once Esdeath was back out in the hall, she closed the door behind her and leaned against it. "Enjoy that while you can girls, because eventually I will be the only one sharing a bed with Tatsumi...you can all be content to sleep on the floor beside us."
(The Next Morning: Night Raid's Training Grounds)
"Harder!" Leone exclaimed, as she blocked a kick from Tatsumi that was aimed at her waist. "You need to be more aggressive Tatsumi! Don't hold back at all! Come at me with everything you've got!"
"It's kinda hard to do that! AGH!" Tatsumi exclaimed, quickly ducking underneath a swing from a wooden sword that came from his right. Whipping around, Tatsumi spotted Akame charging towards him.
"You've been attacked by multiple opponents at once before." Akame said, as she took another swing at Tatsumi, who managed to jump out of the way just in time. "So you need to be able to attack and dodge effectively simultaneously."
"Easier said than done!" Tatsumi yelled, darting to the left to dodge another attack from Akame. Turning on his heels, Tatsumi surprised Leone with a sweeping kick, knocking her off her feet. The busty blonde assassin grunted in pain as she fell onto her back. Before Leone had a chance to get onto her feet, she felt someone straddling her waist. Opening her eyes, Leone saw that Tatsumi was on top of her, his fist cocked back. "Do you yield?"
"I'll yield to you anytime big boy." Leone said in a sultry tone, as she winked at Tatsumi, causing his face to flush red.
"Don't forgot about you other opponent!" Akame exclaimed, leaping into the air to strike Tatsumi. Grunting in annoyance, Tatsumi rolled off Leone and put some distance between himself and Akame. "Get back here!" However, as Tatsumi backpedaled away from Akame and Leone, he misstepped and stumbled. This gave Akame and Leone a chance to retaliate. Both female assassins charged towards Tatsumi, Leone with her fist cocked back and Akame's wooden sword poised to strike.
"Shit!" Tatsumi yelled, as he raised his arms to shield his face from the incoming attacks.
"That's quite enough!" A new voice proclaimed, causing AKame and Leone to stop in their tracks, both their attacks mere inches away from hitting Tatsumi. Turning around, Akame and Leone were surprised to see that it was Esdeath who stopped their sparring match. The blue-haired general was across the training grounds, casually leaning against a railing. "Impressive work you two, I can tell that you both work well as a team."
"What are you doing here?" Leone asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice, as she unconsciously stepped in front of Tatsumi.
"And you interrupted our training." Akame said, releasing a light sigh and lowering her wooden sword.
"I thought you were heading back to the capital today, Esdeath?" Tatsumi asked, as he poked his head out from behind Leone. "Did you need something before you left?"
"You could say that." Esdeath replied cryptically, a smirk spreading across her face as she walked towards the trio. "I decided to wait a little longer before I returned to the capital, because there's one thing I need to test before I leave."
"Test?" The three Night Raid assassins parroted in a confused tone.
"Okay, why the hell did you call me out here, Esdeath?" Mine asked, as she suddenly appeared and walked into the training grounds. "I was about to take a bath damn it."
"Good, all three of you are here." Esdeath said, clasping her hands behind her back. "You three girls are all Tatsumi's lovers and are Night Raid assassins...that alone proves to me that you all have some strength and aren't just pathetic weaklings. However, I have never seen any of your fight, so I have no way to truly tell how strong you are."
"Get to the point already." Mine said, as she rested her fists on her hips.
"Assertive...I like that." Esdeath said with a smirk, her devious smirk widening. "Well for me to properly gauge your strength...I want you three to fight me. All at once, no holding back."
"You're joking right?" Leone scoffed, as she rolled her eyes. "We don't have to prove ourselves to you."
"I stated this earlier, but you must have misheard me." Esdeath said in a menacing tone, that a chill rushing down Leone's spine. Leone trembled slightly when she saw the fierce look in Esdeath's icy blue eyes. "I will not allow any weaklings to be with Tatsumi, I won't have you endangering him with your weakness." Esdeath made her way over to Leone and got in the blonde assassin's face. "I know Tatsumi cares about you girls...so I'll personally whip you into shape if I have to."
"Esdeath, ease up a little." Tatsumi said, as he stepped between her and Leone. "I can testify to how strong these girls are. You don't have to worry about them endangering me or anything."
"I trust your word Tatsumi, but I won't feel at ease until I personally test how strong these girls are." Esdeath said, gently pushing Tatsumi to the side, locking eyes with Leone. "So...are you going to fight me...or back down."
"You're not giving me a whole lot of options here." Leone growled, as she tightly balled her fists to stop her hands from trembling. "Fine, I'll fight you, but complain when we beat you."
"Bold words coming from a girl who is shaking in her boots." Esdeath said with a sadistic smirk, before turning to Mine and Akame. "Are you two in or out?"
"I can't let my comrades fight alone." Akame said, as she pointed her wooden sword at Esdeath. "We'll prove to you just how strong we all are.
"Oho, I like your determination. I just hope you're at least as half as strong as my reports make you out to be." Esdeath said, before focusing her attention on Mine. "And you?"
"*Sigh* I think this whole thing is really stupid, but I can't back down from a challenge like this." Mine said, as she rubbed the back of her head, before a grin spread across her face. "So, bring it on!"
"Excellent, let's not waste any time." Esdeath said with a smile, clapping her hands together. "Show me the strength of a Night Raid assassin."
(Five Minutes Later: Middle of Night Raid's Training Grounds)
"Tatsumi, you will officiate this fight." Esdeath said, as she stood in the center of the training grounds, surrounded by on three sides by Akame, Leone, and Mine. The blue-haired general had a delighted smirk on her face, as she crossed her arms underneath her chest. "We'll stop once all three of them are unable to fight, or when they can successfully land a hit against me."
"How did I get roped into this?" Tatsumi muttered, releasing a light sigh, as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "I just hope they don't end up hurting each other."
"The rules are simple." Esdeath explained, as she rested her hands on her hips. "You three will come all come at me at once, and you have to do to win is land a single hit on me. Since we're all friends now you'll only use nonlethal attacks and weapons, and I'll only counter and defend against your attacks. You can work together or go lone wolf, I don't really care." A sadistic smile suddenly spread across Esdeath's face. "You girls have five minutes."
"Let's just get this over with." Mine huffed, loading a training pistol with small plastic rounds that were full of paint. "I have other shit to do today."
"We need to work to-" Akame was cut off by a sudden exclamation from Leone.
"I'm gonna wipe that smug smile off your face!" Leone roared, as she recklessly charged towards Esdeath. Leaping high into the air, Leone cocked her fist back and rocketed towards Esdeath. However, the busty blonde assassin's attack was easily blocked by a dome of ice that shielded Esdeath's entire body. "Damn it!" Leone grunted in pain as he fist cracked the thick ice.
"Hmmm, it seems that your attacks are fueled by your emotions." Esdeath deduced, the ice dome collapsing all around her. "While I do admire your passion, but that recklessness might get you killed one day."
"Shut up!" Leone exclaimed, as she tried to hit Esdeath with a roundhouse kick.
"This is what I'm talking about." Esdeath said, casually stopping Leone's kick with her bare hands as if it were nothing. "You have incredible power behind your strikes, but they lack focus." Leone's eyes widened when Esdeath suddenly lifted her off the ground and spun her around by her leg. A split second later Esdeath released Leone, sending her flying across the training grounds. The busty blonde grunted in pain when she collided with something a few moments later. Hearing a pained groan, Leone looked down and saw that she was lying on top of Akame. "Not bad Akame, trying to hit me with a sneak attack while I was occupied with Leone." Without missing a beat, Esdeath clenched her fist, causing a wall of ice to form in front of her. "You too Mine." A smirk spread across Esdeath's face, as she listened to the paint rounds Mine had fired hit her wall of ice. "Not a bad idea, but it's just a tad predictable."
"She didn't even have to look." Mine said in a shock tone, as her eyes widened. "What the hell is this chick?"
"You okay, Akame?" Leone asked, offering a hand to the red-eyed assassin. "I smashed into you pretty hard there."
"Yeah, I'm fine." Akame replied, as she took Leone's hand and got back onto her feet. "All stories we've heard about Esdeath are all true. She's just as strong as we thought."
"This is gonna be tough." Leone said, watching as Esdeath continued to easily blocked Mine's attacks. "She was able to read through all our attacks like it was child's play."
"Then we need to stop with the tricks and start attacking her together." Akame reasoned, as she tightened her grip on her wooden sword. "She won't be able to stop all of us if we attack at once."
"An all out assault...I like the sound of that!" Leone cheered with a toothy grin, punching her fist into her palm. "We'll hit her with unrelenting force."
"Then let's get to it." Akame said, before she charged towards Esdeath.
"Right behind you!" Leone exclaimed, following closely behind Akame.
"So you decided to work together and attack me simultaneously." Esdeath muttered to herself, as she spotted Akame and Leone out of the corner of her eye. "That's probably the wisest choice to make right now, but it won't be enough." Taking her eyes off Akame and Leone for a split second, Esdeath focused back on Mine. "First I need to deal with the sniper, I can't have her taking pot shots while I deal with the other two." Raising her foot, Esdeath smashed her boot back onto the ground, causing the ground in front of her to become covered in ice. Mine was so focused on trying to hit Esdeath that she started to develop tunnel vision, so she didn't spot the ice on the ground expanding towards her. When Mine went to reposition to get a better shot, she yelped in surprise when she suddenly slipped. The pink-haired sniper grunted in pain as she fell onto her ass, sliding on the ice covered ground. All this happened in just under two seconds, causing a smirk to spread across Esdeath's face. "Now for the other two." The blue-haired general spun around just in the knick of time, as she caught Akame's wooden sword mid-swing. The red-eyed assassin watched in shock, as Esdeath grabbed the wooden sword with both hands and the hilt rammed it into her stomach, while at the same time ducking underneath a powerful punch from Leone. "Good girls! Very good!" Esdeath's smirk widened as she slammed her palm onto the ground, causing another wall of ice to form behind her, covering her back from another volley of paint rounds from Mine. "You're really starting to get my blood pumping!"
"Damn it!" Mine cursed, getting back onto her feet. "It's like she's reading our damn minds!"
"You better make a move fast girls." Esdeath said, as she leaped away from the trio. "I'd say you have about a minute left."
"A minute-twenty to be exact." Tatsumi corrected, checking his stopwatch.
"I think I have an idea." Akame said, as Leone and Mine gathered around her. "But we need to be in perfect synch." Leone and Mine looked at each other, before they leaned closer to Akame. Leaning in too, Akame relayed her plan in a hushed tone. When Akame was finished, she looked at Leone and Mine for approval. "What do you guys think?"
"It's not a bad plan." Leone replied, shrugging her shoulders.
"Not like we have any other ideas." Mine added, as she checked how many paint rounds left. "So let's give it a shot."
"30 seconds ladies." Esdeath said with a smirk that seemed to taunt the Night Raid assassins, pretending to tap a watch on her wrist. "This is probably your last chance, so hit me everything you've got."
"This bitch's arrogant attitude is really getting on my nerves." Leone growled, as she cracked her knuckles.
"Let's shut her up then." Mine said with a determined look, earning nods from Akame and Leone.
"Charge!" Akame exclaimed, as she sprinted towards Esdeath at full speed, Leone and Mine tailing slightly behind her.
"A forward attack, that's the best you girls could come up with?" Esdeath said, slowly shaking her head. Slamming her palm onto the ground once again, the dirt in front of Esdeath began to rapidly freeze over. "I have to admit I'm kinda disappointed."
"Don't count us out yet!" Akame yelled, as she leaped into the air, her wooden sword raised over her head, prepared to strike Esdeath.
"Yeah! Don't underestimate a Night Raid assassin!" Leone roared, suddenly appearing above Akame.
"Are they both going to attack me at once?" Esdeath thought, as she quickly analyzed the situation. Out of the corner of her eye, Esdeath spotted Mine quickly advancing from her flank. "They tried a similar strategy before, but it didn't work...are they just desperate?" Knowing that Mine would likely try to hit her with a few shots while she was distracted, Esdeath tightly balled one of her fists, creating a preemptive wall of ice to shield her. However, Esdeath was caught off guard when Akame suddenly tossed her wooden sword away. "What are they-" Esdeath's eyes widened when she saw Akame catch the practice pistol Mine had been using, the firearm flying over her ice wall. "I see! They switched weapons to throw me off! Not bad girls, but it's still not good enough!" Making a quick gesture, Esdeath began to form a dome of ice to protect herself.
"Now Leone!" Akame exclaimed, feeling the blonde assassin's boot roughly press into her back, sending her speeding towards the ground. Flattening her body, Akame landed on her back, using her momentum to slide on the ice covered ground at an incredible speed. Akame grit her teeth through the pain, nearing the rapidly closing dome of ice. "Get there!" Akame slid underneath the dome of ice in just the knick of time, as it closed behind her. When Akame felt her boots hit the opposite of the ice dome, she raised the practice pistol, spotting a shocked Esdeath staring down at her.
"Clever girl." Esdeath said with a smirk, just before a paint round hit her in the stomach. Snapping her fingers, the ice dome collapsed around Esdeath and Akame. "What's the time Tatsumi?"
"Uh...two seconds left." Tatsumi said, glancing down at his stopwatch.
"Just in the knick of time." Esdeath said, as she turned to Leone and Mine, both girls' faces lighting up when they saw the paint splatter on the blue-haired general's stomach. "You may have cut it close, but you girls did it...looks like I won't have to personally train any of you."
"We did it!" Leone and Mine cheered simultaneously, bright smiles spreading across their faces, as they hugged each other.
"That was quite the impressive display of teamwork." Esdeath said, as she helped Akame back onto her feet. "I haven't been thrown for a loop like that in a while."
"Thanks." Akame said, taking Esdeath's hand and dusting herself off. "And you're just as strong as everyone says you are. I would have really struggled to if I had fought you on my own."
"Well we'll have to test that theory out one day." Esdeath said with a smirk, as she locked eyes with Akame. The red-eyed assassin was surprised when Esdeath stuck out her hand. "I'll fight you again any time you want, because you're an opponent who's definitely worth my time."
"I might have to take you up on that offer." Akame said with a smile, reaching out and shaking Esdeath's hand.
"Well they seem to be getting along."
"Well they say that warriors bond through fighting." Tatsumi thought with a small smile, as he watched Esdeath and Akame walk over to where Mine and Leone were. "They still might not be comfortable with Esdeath being on our side now, but at least they've managed to break the ice."
"Partner, I know you were planning on telling your comrades everything soon...so I just wanted to tell you that 'it' is ready...and that I'm ready whenever you are."
"Wow you finished that faster than I expected." Tatsumi thought, quirking an eyebrow in surprise. "Well I guess I can't put it off any longer. I'll tell everyone when Chelsea gets back from her mission."
And done! Now before any of you jump to conclusion, the thing Incursio was referring to isn't some crazy new power or weapon, it's just an ability that will allow Tatsumi to more easily explain what's been happening to him. Well I hope you all enjoyed the interactions in this chapter and the small fight at the end. As stated above this will be the final chapter for now, I have to work on my Pokemon fic next, then my Fairy Tail fic after that. So please just be patient until the next update, because it will come eventually. Remember to follow/favorite if you enjoyed, PLEASE REVIEW (I NEED/LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK!), check out my profile and other fics if you haven't already, and PM me any ideas you have for any of my fics. So until next time, I'm outta here!