Warhammer 40k and Akame Ga Kill belong to their respective owners.

[X]

He watched from the balcony as the masses cheered at the sight parading over the capital's principal avenue.

Thousands of imperial guards, as he had been informed, marched over the street in a perfectly disciplined fashion. Right before them were those interesting vehicles the foreigners had brought with them. It was a long parade and he could see how the civilians cheered at them. Petals fell from the roofs and songs were played. They were all directing to a place already prepared for them.

This had been already decided a month ago. They had finally finished the alliance treaty. They would act as a host world for the Imperium's forces and in exchange they would fight for the empire and would share some of their technology.

Empire, Imperium. Both words resonated through his mind.

Rumors and whisper, gossips among the imperial guard talked about annexation. This world would fall under the rule of the imperium. Something called the Administratum and the Adeptus Terra were coming, records about a new religion spreading slowly. This just would mean a single thing.

They were indeed about to be annexed to a galaxy spanning empire. Many would find this idea interesting, lovely even. To belong to a greater, powerful and stronger empire. Yet, others would demonize such idea. Even calling to take arms against this new enemy.

Fools.

It was obvious that they had lost a war the moment those three ships arrived above the capital.

However, he didn't feel apprehension. He was calm, expecting even.

Because if the annexation was inevitable, then he would work to make it happen even faster. After all, what kind of favors and prestige would await for him once this world was under the Imperium's rule.

It was obvious. With so many worlds ruled in a galactic level nation it would be impossible to rule all the worlds at the same time. The amount of functionaries and officials would be impossible. The burocracy would be so slow that for the moment the main government noticed the calls for help from a world, this planet would be already gone.

It was just politic laws and logic.

So that would mean someone would have to rule the world while the Imperium's eye was too occupied with other more important matters.

He grinned widely and ate another piece of meat.

The Prime Minister was happy.

This nation was already too expended. They wouldn't last another generation. Soon the revolutionary army would rise to a considerable power and they would be unable to stop them.

From the information he had got from the ambassador in their multiple meetings he had been informed with The Tithe. A tax this planet would have to pay. At first he was not so interested in that, however, after hearing more and more he couldn't help but start plotting how this would work for his favor.

They didn't exactly need money. The tithe could become anything useful for the Imperium. Food, minerals, water… Even human lives.

That is right. He could pay the tithe with humans, and he would choice the troublesome humans as a tribute for the Imperium. It would be an easier way to control the population.

Soon the Child Emperor would be useless for him and would take care of that.

It was such a great future awaiting for him.

However, to rule a world, they had to rule this world as a whole and this empire didn't had that requirement.

He looked at the troops marching.

It was just a matter of time.

They soon would attack Wakoku and conquer it.

[X]

She watched at the soldiers marched on the principal avenue.

They walked in a well disciplined and ordered way. They had different uniforms from the Empire's soldiers. Half of them were dressed in a brown almost yellow trench coat. Their faces hidden before a mask. Red lenses as eyes and a strange tube coming from an unknown device behind their backs.

Others had a more bluish uniform with a mooted pattern. In their backs they had strange things, almost looking like wings. Their helmets were also different, these covered their faces but it was smoother and less intimidating.

And some even had a heavy armor. Blue and black. The tick plates looked sturdy enough to block any sword, and a strange looking eye-thing in their shoulders watching everywhere.

All of them had those new weapons. Gossips had told her of these guns being far more powerful than any gun created by the Empire.

Could those be Teigus? Which kind of nation would have such powerful arsenal and could be used by any soldier?

She shuddered for that.

She shuddered and trembled at seeing the powerful engines and vehicles coming with them.

Armored cars as she had never seen. Intriguing even how these didn't use horses to move. And their guns were even more massive than the ones used by the soldiers.

She was afraid, yes.

But she also was hopeful.

Her husband had died, killed by some madmen murderer. The Empire justice had done nothing.

She now was alone, she and three children she had to raise.

Without any other option she had decided to sell her body.

She chastised herself every time she did it. The feeling of wrongness was too hard. She would get the money, but it disgusted her to touch it.

But what could she do?

She had resigned to a life of misery and pain. She wondered if some day she would even recover faith.

And faith she got again.

Not with the Empire, not with her people.

But with the new arrivals.

{-}

It had been one night. She would usually walk the streets in the red district. That night there was quite the commotion. There were whispers of those sky soldiers coming to the capital. Some kind of day off and R&R. It was a rumor. But that rumor turned out true.

Under the permission of the emperor they had let them in for some "cultural exchange". And many people was actually curious to meet them. Merchants wished to make deals, even trying to buy their weapons. It was said that some had managed to. The prostitutes had their own expectative too. They were curious, curious about what kind of men they were. Some even claiming they could make good money off them. Sure with those weapons and rare equipment they should have quite the wealth.

She had to admit she was curious too, what kind of things they would have with them. And for that, the day they arrived she was among the first to meet them.

There were many other prostitutes too. As fast as they could they snatched the first ones they found. She tried too, but most had ended going to other places.

She then noticed a group. These were those blue armored men. They looked everywhere, too alert, always vigilant. She noticed how the other imperial guards tried to avoid them, even mocking them.

She tried her luck. What could she lose?

"H-hello… good gentlemen."

They immediately focused on her. Their helmets so intimidating. They had no weapons, just a pistol connected with a tube to their backs. All of them had swords thought. She gulped when she saw some of them grabbing the hilts, she tried to get over her fear and spoke again. "I see you all alone… I-it is cold tonight indeed. I… I was wondering… if you would consider to fight the cold with the heat of someone like me… Y-you see… I'm new… so I am not so used… I don't have any illness I swear you… so…"

The soldiers looked at each other, looked like they were communicating in a wordless way. Then one of them turned at her and spoke. "Do you have a place?"

"Y-yeah! There is a love hotel nearby. I can take you there."

She started to get worried when the five men followed her.

{-}

She breathed heavily as she lied over the now ruined bed. Looked like it had broken. She had no strength, all her lower parts were numbed. Her bare breast moving heavily as she tried to recover some air. She felt all sticky, but she couldn't mind. She was done. Exhausted.

The sun rays were entering through the window. She noticed her clothes lying on the floor as also armor plates ordered on the side next to the walls. It was the last set, the other four had gone down to eat something.

A door was opened and the last one got out, freshly bathed. He gone direct to get his armor, he sat on the bed as he started clothing. His muscles were also marked with scars, she noticed that, she wondered what kind of fight he had been in to get such skin.

Something fell on the sheets making a metallic sound. It fell close to her hands, it was bright, and she tried to grab it.

She studied the necklace. It was a gold chain with a golden twin headed eagle. She noticed the glimmer and small words written over it. She didn't understood it, but she felt those were some kind of religious words.

"You like it?" The men spoke. "I got it from a dead preacher a pair of years ago in Prex-III"

"What is Prestree?" She weakly asked. The men laughed a little.

"Right… It is another planet. My company fought there against heretics. It was a hard fight, but we made it."

"I see." She said as she looked again at the necklace. "It's beautiful."

The soldier finished to don the last piece of armor and spoke. "You like it? You can take it. It is an imperial Aquila. It could give you some luck if you pray to the God-Emperor"

"God-Emperor?"

"Yes. The God-Emperor. The savior of humanity and our guide. His light illuminates the darkest days."

"Can he help those who are desperate?" She asked in a begging way.

The soldier looked at her for some seconds and lifted her so she could sit. He picked the Aquila from her hands and hanged it around her neck. "When we are in a dire situation or we feel afraid we always say… The Emperor Protects. Because we know he will be watching after us."

She touched the Aquila feeling its metal words among her fingers.

She felt a heavy bag over her legs. When she looked she found a bag filled with coins. After opening it she found it filled with gold coins. All had the Aquila and the face of a man on a side of the coin. She wondered if he was the God-Emperor.

"I hope that is enough." The Man said as he opened the door to exit. "We may come back to see you again."

She counted the coins, it numbered twenty. She was too late to notice it was more than triple of what would be supposed to cost even with so many.

With this she could treat her children to a good meal.

But first she had to take a shower.

{-}

"The Emperor Protects." She said as she grabbed the Aquila tightly.

Finally it was time.

Finally salvation would come. People would finally be free and will be able to walk without fear. The corruption of the empire will be eradicated.

She was happy.

She felt the smile in her lips.

"Mommy look! Look at those big carriages" Her youngest son said. "They are so cool! They will punish the evil with them."

She smiled at the parade. Certain of a bright future.

"Yes… yes, they will."

[X]

"Tell me why I cannot just squeeze these mortals between my hands? Why are we playing politic when we can search for the relics? I can smell them, they are here, I'm sure of that."

The Charcarodon said as he ate the meat being offered by the maid attending the occupants of that room. She was afraid, as much as she tried to hide it, the details wouldn't escape from a space marine's sight. It was small, but she was trembling, trying her best even after hearing him even if he wasn't wearing his power armor. He wouldn't pay more attention than that.

"Because we cannot start a war in this world when the real enemy could attack us in any moment. You received the message, didn't you? That means others could have heard it." The Inquisitor said as he was sitting on a couch covered in a red fabric. He thanked the maid as he grabbed a cup of liquor. "Besides, even if we can win we would end destroying the infrastructure from this world and would take decades to fix it."

"This world isn't even pacified. The humans at the other continent are still contemptuous with our emissaries. They claim we are members of this empire and want us dead." The space marine with black robes signaled.

"War will come soon upon that continent." This time Dravastis was the one to voice his thoughts. "Compliance will soon arrive upon them once we have organized the logistics."

"Talking about logistics…" The inquisitor turned to his right. "Do you think you can give an estimate of time the regiments will take to assemble a correct formation? Are they combat ready?"

General Brasken stopped from flirting with the maid at his side and straightened. "Ah, Yes Milord! Given the situation we are currently into, the regiments can be deployed in one week. Of course, that is without counting the locals and their armies."

"Let's give them three weeks." Dravastis said. "What about the revolutionary army?"

"Let's crush them." Captain Hectorus commented as he made a fist taking his sword. "My company shall be enough to take care of them."

At that moment the door opened and three persons entered. One was the Prime Minister, his clothes clean and proud, he seemed like having a good day. The other was an official, probably a servant of some kind. And the third one was a woman, her blue hair and white uniform were recognizable for the inquisitor. General Esdeath, one of the strongest generals in the country.

The Prime Minister sat on a richly adorned couch. The maids were fast at attending him and his servant. Esdeath, in contrast, tried to decline most things from the maids limiting herself to get some wine.

"Are you feeling comfortable, honorable sirs?" Was the Minister to talk. "I can arrange some more pleasant activities if you wish so." He continued, his words making the maids blush and feel awkward, some disgusted.

"That won't be necessary, Prime Minister." Chuckled the now ambassador.

"Your soldiers surely are something, Aragorn." Honest commented. "I still have to understand how they don't wish to take advantage in many of the treats given to them."

"We have no necessity on that." Hectorus, the black Templar, spoke. "Mortals may fall on the pleasures of flesh, food and drink. Yet, we are Astartes. Such temptations are ephemeral for us."

The Minister simply swallowed a piece of meat and drank a glass of wine. "Such a shame. You have to enjoy the things in life while these are fresh, that is what I think. Thought, I can say that is just the human side."

He was treating them well. Maybe too much well. The best liquor, the best food. The best women and great numbers of poetries and juglars. Yet, for an Astartes such things would be useless. If there was something the Prime Minister could offer them would be battle and a challenge for them to pass.

"So," The Prime Minister continued. "I think we still have to talk about annexation to your Imperium. Am I wrong?"

"You are correct, Prime Minister." Aragorn answered. "But, while I can accept your petition for this planet to join the great Imperium. We still must wait for the Adeptus Administratum to arrive to this world. We have established contact and they are already on the way but they may take weeks or even months." He sipped some wine. "And there is also the issue with the land of Wakoku."

It was almost imperceptible. But Akainu, the Carcharodon, noticed a glimmer in the eyes of General Esdeath who only at this moment she had started paying attention to the meeting.

"We have confirmation about the terrain and we can provide intelligence with the region. However, given the size of the continent and having so many island we still lack numbers to hold control on Wakoku if we don't want to exterminate it." Dravastis Fane continued. "We would expect you to aide with enough numbers to keep these islands into submission."

Honest was not to talk this time. Esdeath had moved in an instant to the front of the space marine. Normal humans wouldn't have been able to follow and read her movements, but that was no problem for an Astartes. But still she was able to move as fast as an Eldar, something they wouldn't ignore.

"General Esdeath, you have something to tell me?" Asked the Imperial Fist.

She raised her head and smiled. Amused how the Astartes had no reaction of fear, not even surprise. She also noticed how his fist was now holding a small knife, in what moment had he got that?

"It would be a pleasure to do, Captain." She said. "My army is always ready. I had to deal with the northern tribes quickly so I could be able to come as fast as possible. Now I find it was worth it. For now I have a new war to fight and an enemy to destroy."

"How many men do you have under your command, General?" The Astartes questioned.

"Three hundred thousand. They were trained personally by me."

"Very well, I shall add them to the main forces to attack after my brother-"

"No." She interrupted. "Actually, I was expecting to join the vanguard. It would be quite interesting and we also wish to show you our capabilities."

A bold statement. Astartes would find such idea laughable for many times they would find mere mortals as obstacles instead of capable warriors.

"With all due respect, General. But I think the vanguard would be more suited for us Astartes."

"You think my men aren't worth the challenge, Captain?"

"They are mere mortals…" Hectorus was the one to answer that. "We Astartes wage war in a very different way compared to your world. Battles that no normal human would be capable to achieve and return in one piece. Taking your men with us would be a detriment for our forces, it would obligate us to slow our attack and lose impulse. The main formations are a good place for your men."

"Oh? You talk as some kind of demigod."

"We are…" Dravastis continued. "We have fought battles that no normal human would be able to triumph."

"Hmmm… you just made me quite curious." Esdeath said with a grin in her lips. "But I understand you. As things are now only I or my Three Beast would be able to be on par with you… Then… How about a small team? I'm sure you can handle that."

Dravastis was still hesitating. He still had to measure this woman's abilities. Even her words had been subtle, he would have to find a place where she could be able to make a good threat for the enemy.

"Let her go…" Those were the words of Akainu. "If she speaks so highly about herself I'd like to see her prove it."

"Very well…" Aragorn spoke then. "Then I guess we will have to delay the invasion for a month. There are some things to do during that time." He then directed to Honest. "That is why we still need to talk about a treaty. That would make the work easier and faster for the Adeptus Terra once they arrive."

"Ah! Fantastic!" The Prime Minister laughed happily. "That is the reason I brought Malton with me, you see, he is a splendid delegate and administrative. Has wrote dozens of books and is a well-known figure in poetry and tales."

The small and thin man saluted, yet his figure was trembling. Was because he was in the presence of Astartes? No, this was different, and the reaction escalated when the Prime Minister embraced him in a hug. "This gentleman has offered himself to write our treaty, the first step for this world's prosperity!"

Malton couldn't smile. While he did his best effort to hide it and keep on the conversation at hand, he was still worried for his wife and children.

He had not wanted to come. He had not wanted to become the executioner who will doom the people of this country, no, this world. He would have voiced it, even if they would rape and kill his family. But deep down he knew their deaths would be useless for Honest would find a new replacement.

At the end of the day, he was making a treaty where Honest would become ruler of this world. A power backed by the Imperium and which would bring hell over countless innocents.

He lamented and asked for forgiveness to the lives who he was about to destroy.

[X]

"Leone… I really expect you have an explanation for this." Najenda growled as she saw the metal-made man-thing surrounded by a group of more mechanical soldiers. "Otherwise I will start breaking each one of your bones…"

Leone wanted to run, she already had no idea how to explain she had conducted part of those who came from the skies to Night Raid's base.

For a moment Najenda believed the empire was coming for them with the help of their new allies. She was ready to fight and escape, she was sure those giant warriors would be formidable enemies, and probably some of them would die.

"Well…" Leone started so nervous. "…You see… I just happened to be kidnapped by these guys and then I was taken to some frozen mountain. They investigated my Relic and I had no other option than to spill the beans. But I managed a deal, and now they just want the part of their share for helping us."

"And that would be?" Said Najenda not wanting to imagine what she had sold out.

"The relic… we… just… found…" She almost didn't heard, yet the commander reflected her emotions. A mechanical hand was launched and it caught Leone's neck strangling her with a considerable force. At the same time Najenda started lots of insults and yells.

"Wait! … I swear…! This is for the best!" Leone implored. Her commander sighed and released her, she grabbed a cigar and lighted it.

"You have ten seconds…"

"Alright… ok… these guys are pretty powerful, and they told me they would aid us if we give them that new relic. They also are willing to help us if we help them to find more of that black stone thing! It's a really good deal as things are right now, don't you think?"

Najenda puffed a cloud of smoke and then looked at the metal being. "Is that true? Will you help us?"

The magus directed his eyes to her. And with a cold and mechanical voice he spoke. "If you are willing to pay…"

Najenda searched into her clothes, she was nervous, almost don't wanting to do this. But at the same time, what option did she had? These mechanical guys could be a great ally. If they came with the Ambassador in that massive ship, then they may talk for them in the empire.

"Here…" She said as she showed the relic.

With the outmost care, Magos Arch held the relic with his mechadendrites. He looked at it, like a man finding a piece of precious metal. He grabbed it and put it inside his garments.

He then motioned to his transport. He chanted and a binaric call was released. Someone got out from the craft, a female figure. Her robes the same red color, her face hidden under her hood. Her arms were pieces of metal.

"My apprentice." The Magus said. "Lina-rho 47-25. She has been with me for ten terran years. She will be the bridge between both sides."

Lina bowed making the symbol of the Mechanicus with her fingers.

"Now…" Magus Arch continued. "About the black stone…"

[X]

"Tell me. Why should we name Planetary Governor to that minister? He is obviously the main reason for such corruption on this city." The female asked as she accompanied her master and mentor. Her glasses fixed again, her white silver hair fixed to don't bother her.

"He is not really a planetary governor, Gina." Inquisitor Iturbid Aragorn answered. "The document isn't even availed by the Adeptus Terra. It's just a treaty. We made it because we need to keep the country working, the Tech-Priests have decided to stay apart and conduct their own works. Besides, Honest holds many contacts and controls this country. Tempting him with honey is a better option than killing him. What secures no other corrupt politician doesn't ascends to power once we kill Honest? We also would need to kill the Child emperor and install a new leader. However, doing so could accelerate the civil war it's already going through this country, and we need this planet as intact as we can."

"Can't we just take over this country? I'm sure we have many individuals more than capable of the task to rule."

"We have the strength, yet we don't have the support of the humans on this world. We may make them obey us, but the seeds of resentment will be still there waiting for another revolution to rise."

"We could get the support from the generals. As far as I see it, Budo is more than willing to betray honest and join us."

"And there is still Esdeath who has turned neutral over this. She only responds when war is to be declared. She will be more than willing to start a war against us."

"Do you think we won't be able to defeat her?"

Aragorn looked at her and smiled. "I just think we shouldn't waste so many lives for something we could gain with a diplomatic mean."

They had walked for a long time. Soon they started hearing music as they also saw lights adorning the streets. They realized they had arrived to the red district in the city. A place filled with taverns, casinos and prostitutes. The streets were filled with rich people, luxury and beautiful women.

It remembers to those pleasure districts into the highest spires of hive cities. Filled with nobles high and lesser. Places like these were full of diverse acts, acts close to excess, yet imperial nobles know very well the punishments for such acts.

Slaves brought from exotic worlds, Amasec of the finest quality. Luxuries only the richest could ever buy.

And this place was not different.

Lord Iturbid noticed a figure moving among the crowd. "Isn't he Captain Ogre from the imperial military police?"

Gina adjusted her glasses. "Yes. He is indeed. He is being followed thought."

Aragorn noticed someone following the captain. After a moment he was reached by the strange and both of them directed to a deserted street outside the red district.

"Oh? Interesting. Let's go, Gina. This could be some fruitful training for you."

"Understood, Milord." She said as she followed her master.

{+}

Captain Ogre knew this had been a trap from the very start.

Yet, this young had managed to wound him and was capable of fighting him in equal terms.

And he was winning.

The loss of blood would be fatal, he had to end this quickly. So he shall go all out this time.

But he had committed a fatal error.

He had lost his cool and his wrath had taken over him.

So it was no surprise when he felt the sword bite his flesh and reap his organs.

Ha had failed, had been defeated. And now he would die.

{+}

Tatsumi had managed to accomplish his first mission.

It had been hard, even if he had trained and was a capable swordsman he had barely got out of this alive. Now Ogre was dead, justice would finally fall over this corrupted monster.

He sheathed his sword, it was enough for today. He must now return to the base. He wondered about those metal beings who had visited them.

However, he felt something. Some kind of aura, a blood thirsted aura just getting close and close. He withdrew his sword and stood ready to face this enemy.

Yet, he barely managed to see projectiles flying towards him. Flying steel balls, the size of fists. As fast as a bullet he managed to block them with his sword.

"Who is there?!" He yelled, his sword ready.

Then he noticed, a faintly pair of steps closing to him. Whoever is this new foe is capable of throwing steel at really high speed. Must be a really strong guard.

However, what he sees is different.

A woman walking to him. Her cold gaze penetrating his being. She reeks of killing intent. What surprises him more are the steel balls floating, no, rotating around her body. Fist sized spheres travels and spins at high speeds. Dozens of them.

But there is something else. He feels freeze. Cold air, as cold as if he were in winter. He realizes this is not his imagination. Water accumulated on the street had been frozen, turned into ice.

She carries clothes unlike none he has seen before. There is a weird looking gun attached to her hip.

He then realizes.

They are not imperial soldiers.

These are the outworlders. Those who came on those giant ships. Allies of the empire.

His enemies?

The female signals at him. Then three balls are launched. This time these are faster, he dodges one, pulverizes another with his sword. But the last hits him in the chest.

He feels two of his ribs shattered. The impact, delivered in such a small area, is enough to cause serious damage. He feels blood in his mouth. Burning pain, breathless. His sword loses his grip. He is now in a bad spot. He knows another attack would be dangerous, if she launches all those steel spheres at him it would be his end.

How can she do that? Some kind of device? Something similar to a Teigu? He feels dread as she gets close.

However, he manages to see a shadow moving at her. He knows that shadow, and he remembers.

Akame.

The assassin moves at great speed. Few warriors would be able to see her. So many times she had killed with such speed. Her cursed blade able to kill at one touch.

She has a good angle, she can severe her neck and save his companion. There, a blind spot, it's impossible to that woman to see her, even less with her speed.

However, Akame manages to see her pupils move. Her instincts scream at her she has noticed.

However, she cannot let Tatsumi die here. She must take this chance. If she can kill one of the outerworlders she could make a difference against this new enemy.

She is close enough. The woman doesn't have any chance of blocking her attack. She will die.

Yet. Her sword is denied its new prey.

The world has stopped around her. Her body has been trapped in the air. She cannot move. Her mind even, she feels it wandering.

Just what has happened?

{+}

Tatsumi can feel failure and horror in front of his eyes.

Akame, her senior and a powerful warrior. Now trapped inside a bubble of unknown energy.

She is just there, just caught midair. Like if time itself had been trapped around with her.

And now he hears a new voice.

"Good, you have been improving." He told to the woman spinning the steel balls.

"My thanks. But I still think this is not enough."

The man, now stands in front of him. Calm and serene. He has a wicked smile as he observes him. Like a predator measuring his prey.

"So this is Night Raid…" He says as he looks at Akame. "Quite talented, but not enough. A Death cult assassin would have done it better."

He turns to Tatsumi as he gets down to look at Ogre. He closes his fingers near to him, almost touching him. Then Tatsumi gasps at seeing Ogre's wounds healing and merging. Flesh reknitted at a molecular level. "You got a strong one. This guy is quite dedicated to his work, with flaws of course, but still useful. So I would prefer him not to die for now."

He walked away. "We are done here." The woman also retired as she followed him.

"Don't worry. My work is not to hunt small fries like you. Your group is not that dangerous enough to bother me. So I won't speak about you." Both of them walked to the alley slowly fading in the night. "And don't worry for your girl. The Stasis field effect will fade in some minutes." They walked away while an unconscious Ogre was carried by an invisible force behind them.

[X]

Tatsumi held her as she vomited for the third time. Her body was shivering and cold, as if all heat had escaped from her body. She barely could walk, he had to support her as both escaped from the capital. The man had made his promise, no imperial police had gone after them.

"Why did you come?" Tatsumi asked his partner as they walked at the forest.

She coughed a pair of times and spoke. "I just… had a very bad feeling… now… I can say it was true…"

"Your face is known in the capital. They could have caught you."

"It's not… the first time… I … sneak into the city… like that… Besides… I was right…"

Tatsumi lamented himself. Lamented for his weakness, for his inexperience… and for his luck.

But above all, he was sure those two had let them live on purpose. What were their reasons? He had no idea. But he would use the chance.

Still, he couldn't believe what had happened in front of him. Those two had nearly killed them, they had abilities never seen before. How such things could they do? Where they really humans? Or just some kind of unknown technology? He feared for Night Raid. Fighting them wouldn't be a suicide, but it would be extremely hard to do.

Both of them continued through the night until arrive to their base in the mountains.

[X]

Coronel Torenze watched the ground as her regiment did the exercise. A military show both as practice and propaganda. Elysians descended from the atmosphere using their grav-chutes maneuvering through the clouds, going faster and slower, sometimes turning them off, others hiding inside clouds.

Once in the ground they deployed and raised defense points. Some were normal infantry, others explorers and reckon teams equipped with snipers. And others were heavy teams using heavy bolters or autocannons.

They weren't really training. They had been tasked with a mission which would help all parties.

Kill Danger Beasts.

Killroders, some kind of giant rat with a skin filled with spikes and needles. They were known for being weak and easy to scare in small numbers, but numbers is where their strength would shine. Little more than one meter tall, these could become such a problem if ignored. They were vermin, and this was their migration season.

Normally, imperial soldiers would deal with that. But it had been suggested for the imperial guard to get this job done.

Lasbolts flew burning and killing the Killroders, heavy bolters covered a great kill zone as the mass reactive projectiles ripped the beasts apart even if these didn't hit immediately. Huge chunks of rock flied as the rounds devastated the field.

She wondered if the Valkyries should enter. It would be way faster, but could also hinder the work for the guardsmen. It had been months since Vigilus, they needed exercise.

"Amazing! I had never seen such way of fighting!" An energetic voice yelled with emotion. "What are those? Those weapons are amazing!"

A small dog-thing accompanied her, watching in silence. It was also watching from the tall city walls protecting the capital.

"Coronel! You still sure you don't need help? Killroders can get pretty numerous"

Sanya stopped using her spyglass. "No. They are ok like that. If things get troublesome we will use the Vultures waiting upside."

"Killroder's hordes can also bring other danger beasts, like Crockdoms and Reaptors. Both are thrice bigger than a human, and can bring down officers easily." Suryuu spoke. She petted her dog-thing. "When imperial army does this we usually have some dead. Your weapons do the work far easier."

"I have seen your stubbers. Are you still using spears and swords?" Sanya asked.

"We have box-guns. Though they aren't really helpful to deal with so many numbers. Oh! There they are!" She signaled, and dozens of roars were heard. Sanya adjusted her spyglass and saw many reptilian beasts running towards them. Saurian, thrice bigger than a human. Jaws filled with edged teeth and arms filled with muscles. Then another growl appeared, this lower and less loud. She saw a black ape running as it carried many bones over his thick fur.

"Skywall, you copy?" She motioned at her vox.

"This is Skywall leader, I heard you coronel." A voice answered.

"Captain, low you're Vultures. We got some annoying vermin ready for you."

She saw the men react in an according training. This kind of situations was normal for the Elysians. Valkyries descended taking with them the soldiers. They would have to evacuate the front if they didn't wanted to end roasted.

The vultures descended and with them came their Hellfire missiles. Each one filled with incendiary warheads. Marvels of war created to decimate hordes. These were fired and in seconds released their inferno.

Walls of fire disintegrated the danger beasts, their bodies incinerated by the promethium. Growls of pain heard over all the valley lasted just some seconds as the tide fell to ragging fire.

"Incredible!" Was Suryuu again praising at the scene developing in front of her. "You guys are Amazing! I've never seen so many danger beasts killed so easily."

Unbeknownst to her was Sanya thanking the vultures. The birds moved their wings in a signal of good will and elevated again hiding into the clouds.

"Yes." The colonel finally answered. "We bring the wrath and justice of the God-Emperor over His enemies."

"Justice…" That word resonated with Suryuu "It's a beautiful word, don't you think?" She smiled wickedly. "Justice is always true, don't you think?"

"… I do." Was the response she gave her. At least the one she think she should give her at that moment. Something on the girl told her about a side she didn't wanted to deal with. "The Emperor's justice is always true."

"Hmm… Then if I give justice in that Emperor's name nobody will doubt it?"

"… The God-Emperor's will… Cannot be wrong, neither doubted… Those who deny Him are heretics which must be purged."

Suryuu stared at the burned remains of the beasts slowly disintegrating with the wind. "Heretics…" She mumbled.

"Kill heretics… Would be such a good thing…"

[X]

Najenda puffed a cloud of smoke as she pondered on the situation. The pack again half empty. She was smoking too much lately, she thought.

"Are you sure of what you saw" She asked again, how many times had been until now?

"Yes… I wish I was joking… But I really saw them heal Captain Ogre with just touching him. Then was that strange field of energy which had stopped Akame. I tell you, boss, these guys are some kind of witches. They got me and Akame with such easiness it scares me."

While she wouldn't doubt Tatsumi and much less Akame, she was truly concerned about the recent events. And while she wouldn't believe in magic, really few would be able to leave Akame in such state, she was still recovering.

"This is concerning… We have failed the assassination and now Ogre is probably being protected with a heavier security. But what I'm most wonder is why they let you live."

"Could have it been to send a message?" Suggested Bulat.

"What kind of message?" Was the question Mine gave. "If they really forgave them that means they may not totally be in the same side of the minister?"

"Maybe they are just… good people?" Was Scheele word. An innocent suggestion indeed.

"What do you think, Lina?" All of them turned to see the newest member of Night Raid. She had remained completely silent and apart. She inclined her head at the question.

"Affirmation. They are a strong force and you should be careful with them. I cannot give much information, but those probably were high ranked officials. The probabilities of you encountering them were indeed a coincidence. Based on your reports I can only guess those individuals may be Psykers."

"Psykers? Leone asked at the unknown work.

"Beings tainted with skills and abilities no other normal human would have. They are considered mutants and as an Imperial citizen it would be wise to report any unregistered psyker." She answered with her unfeeling and monotone voice.

"Can you tell us more about these Psykers? What are they? How do they work? Are they dangerous?" Najenda questioned the newest member of her group.

"I cannot tell you much." Lina answered again with her unfeeling tone. "Even that information is out of my database. However, they are dangerous, be sanctioned or unsanctioned. Psykers use a power that can create Havoc. I advise; for your own safety. Don't try to instigate much on these mutants."

Najenda puffed more smoke in a defeated sigh. She wouldn't have enough info about those two individuals. She wondered if they could be as dangerous as how Lina described them.

"But still, we have lost our target. It will be even harder to get him in the right spot." Bullat noted referring to Captain Ogre.

"I will get him! I swear I will kill him next time!" Tatsumi exclaimed "He was lucky this time, next time surely-"

"That won't be necessary." A voice interrupted him. The rest turned to see the one who had talked, Lina."

"Considering the situation I have already sent Regus-112. He will end the job."

All of them asked themselves who was this Regulus-112.

[X]

Lubbock saw those strange man-machines work as they excavated the ground. His mind still uneasy as he watched the huge machines drill stone and those machine-zombies working dangerously close to the blades caving the soil and rare energy beams cutting the earth. He had seen a pair of those slaves die crushed under the weight of gargantuan wheels as the excavations advanced. No one cared for them.

It unnerved him, all of this. Ever since that dark stone he discovered things had gone out of control. He was having headaches lately. All the uncaring work of the machine-slaves, all the extreme sound, all the extreme pollution so condensed. One girl had got her lungs ruined with all this fog. They wanted the dark stone, and they wouldn't stop until get it.

With disgust he saw the machine-skulls flying attending to the demands of those 'priests'. The same ugly and scary priests being more machine than man. Looked like they loved machines so much they wanted to form part of said machines. Such was their devotion they did rituals which looked more like some religion rather than science. Yet, at watching closely he could see them realizing maintenance and repairing damaged equipment.

"Lubbock, we are ready to depart now." Said a man in the uniform of the revolutionary army. They had been working around too, packing everything and all their equipment. After all, this place had already been bought by the Machine-men. In exchange of the excavation place they would give supplies and medicines. The revolutionary army had also asked for weapons, but they would have to pay a higher price in exchange of those.

"Right… let's get this done then. I'm sick with all this smoke." He picked his pack. It was time.

[X]

The slums, places filled with scum. Riddled to the top with unwanted criminals. Just where dead was the only justice left in such site. Any sane mind would choice to never enter this place unless they had a death wish. If corruption was rampant in the common streets, here it was as natural as the stinking air they breath.

And as any day spilled blood is common, it would be even rare a day without that. Yet, the air is charged with the acrid smell of blood. Its been spilled again, and in great amounts.

But that is just natural in a place like that.

Even when the imperial assassins are on it. They wouldn't waste time selecting who would be guilt and who not. Everyone had guilt here, what could they lose then?

But there is a problem.

This was not made by imperial hands.

Kurome inspects the body of a dead woman. Her body dismembered and her organs missing. She also looks at the other cadavers, they are as such. A butchery made in such livid way only the twisted ill would do. All made with blades, extremely edged too. A perfect clean cut, armor is not even blunted.

Without much more to do she sits on nearby debris and opens her bag to eat its content.

"Quite the bloodbath, don't you think?" She hears her partner talk. The young man holds a small dismembered hand, and then threw it at the ground. "Not even children spared. The same state. We counted at least three hundred and nine bodies. Looks like every people in the town were snuffed."

"Some clue to follow?" Kurome asked as she ate another cookie.

"Not much. This was a clean work. This town had hidden revolution supporters. It was OUR work to purge this town. Yet someone came before us."

"Maybe a work made by another country. They don't really like us that much."

"That is the most likely scenario…" He pulled a flask and got a black pill, he gulped it. Then he felt his body relax. "We got new orders; we will head to the capital. Looks like the empire is planning a new war against Wakoku and wants us there ASAP."

"Wakoku, huh? Never been there. What kind of food they have there?"

"Certainly something different indeed. However, an invasion at such scale at this point is a luxury for the current empire. You think those space-men have something to do about that?"

"Who knows…" As carefree answer the sound of munching was only present in Kurome. "They seem pretty strong if you ask me. They could easily conquer Wakoku with those huge ships. Just destroy the whole area!"

"If you destroy all you won't have anything to conquer, Kurome…" He deadpanned. "But still… I wonder too. If we are going to war there will be plenty of targets to kill. It will be indeed funny!"

"Hmmm…mmm…" The munching in her mouth was still present with a nod.

Then she tensed, her body ready to kill, her hand already at her sword. She turned as she felt that. A presence so small and silent she just felt it for a millisecond. Yet it was enough to make her feel a killing intent as intense as that. It was now gone, as much as she scanned she didn't feel a thing anymore.

Was it her imagination, she looked at her partner, he was just looking at her with a curious eyes. He was indeed intrigued for her attitude.

"You ok?"

She left the hilt of her sword. Was she getting paranoid? Maybe she needs more cookies.

{+}

All had happened in less than a heartbeat.

The drone lied there, sliced in half. Its IA had barely managed to register the slash, but not enough to realize any evasive action. The monomolecular blade had cut it as it slices the water, no resistance at all.

The Death Cult Assassin had made sure to register the area for any survivors left. She was sure they would come again, they are annoyingly stubborn spreading their beliefs. But still it was enough to come to a conclusion.

They were here. Xenos hiding in this world.

How they had kept hidden it is unknown. No ships, no signals. Just a rumor which had brought her here. A whisper about a better life where everyone can work for a better future. It sounded awfully familiar. And had just been confirmed after finding that symbol at this town's head. And the order had been simple, purgation.

Was it coincidence? That group had just arrived. At first she had considered them some investigation force. However, their actions didn't seem like that at all. At the end they had choice to burn the bodies and call it a day.

Let them be. Burn this town! It will erase any proof of her or any xeno here.

She grabbed what was left of the drone. She escaped.

She had to deliver her report to her lord, Iturbid.

[X]

The next day a commotion had startled the city, the imperial police. Elements of security where already on the place, doctors taking samples and studying the crime zone.

The body of captain Ogre was still on the bed. A river of blood had escaped from his head. All coming from a small point, a hole, caused by some gun. Or at least that is what the doctors had said.

His brain was shattered, he had died while sleeping. The prostitute who had been with him was also dead; the same hole in her head, as if she had been caught running for her life.

People were reunited to see. Curiosity, could be good or bad.

Someone broke through the cordon. A girl was running at full speed with tears on her eyes. Her desperation fully shown over all her face as she moved everybody out of her way.

She didn't care about the crime scene. It was obvious who is the culprit: Night Raid.

And as she saw the dead body of her mentor something snapped inside her and screamed with cries. Promising deep in her heart she would avenge his dead.

And yet. Out into the streets a pair of figures watched. Hidden among the people yet still visible for anyone with enough skill. They watched as a pair of silver skulls with an intrinsic 'I' reflected under the moonlight.

The Adeptus Mechanicus had started their part, now was their turn to stir the strings even more.

[X]

Well, here I'm again. This may be smaller but I kinda wanted to make some exposition before entering into the fire.

I will answer some reviews.

Tsunashi777: Thanks for the review. But I won't present any primarch unless for some necessary apparition. Also don't want to be so cruel.

xXNoOneKnowsXx: Thanks. Primaris with some Principia. Dravastis is a Rubicon.

SS Oberfuhrer: Thanks a lot.

logros13: Well, yes and no… while the general lore could be accepted like that… There are multiple BL authors writing literally Billions of worlds. Amd yes, they may sound already defeated. But Imperium cannot just destroy part of a world when it's way easier to convince them and Honest is willing to sell the empire for tyrant points. Let's just say conquer isn't the finale of this.

Many thanks to other reviewers. I appreciate your critics.

Now. I think I finally wrapped this and I can start some good battle in the next chapter. And as I said before. Imperium isn't here as heroes. Things may get messy on next chapter.

For now I will just let end this one. Hope to see you back. Don't forget to review, it's a great help.