Late evening. Path of Peace HQ...
Rak strolled the moonlit hallways with a wide smirk on his face. He is on his way to all but certainly get laid by a cute yet insane woman who happened to be in love with him.
Well technically his brother is the one she fell in love with, but they share the same body so it's all good.
After a few minutes Rak reached his destination. He stood before the room Seryu chose as her quarters, still a smirk on his face.
"Let's see how Seryu's cooling off." He mumbled before crouching down.
Rak peeked through the key hole, glazing through the small hole.
It took a few moments to find Seryu, the latter wearing only her plain green panties. The orange hair girl stood before an open window, probably looking at the night sky in a drunken daze.
'That's a very literal way I suppose.' Rak thought with a sign. 'And here I thought I'd catch her masturbating.'
He stood straight, cracked his neck and smiled.
"Time for the main event."
Rak knocked on the door.
"It's unlocked~" Seryu's drunken voice replied.
Rak casually opened the door, quickly meeting Seryu's warm glance.
"Drake." She said, smiling like she's drunk on happiness.
"Hey," Rak replied with a smirk. "Kept you waiting huh?"
Seryu quickly passed over to him, pressing herself on his chest.
"It's fine.~ You're here now after all."
Seryu picked herself up, Rak meet her half way and the two kissed.
As their lips were locked, Seryu moved one hand down towards Rak's sensitive parts. She casually rub her hand back and forth, feeling it grow inch by inch.
Seryu pulled her head back, smirking at Rak.
"Looks like we're both happy to see each other huh?"
Rak grinned his teeth in a smile.
"Damn Seryu. Who would've guess you were this kind of girl?"
Seryu showed her teeth in kind.
"I've always been straight forward with anything I do."
"I can see that..." Rak replied, rubbing Seryu's breasts. "I can be like that too."
Seryu let out a low laugh. "You such a perv."
"Coming from the lady in nothing but her underwear?"
Seryu moved both her hands, touching Rak's chest.
"I've been thinking about something since we spoke earlier." Seryu said, shifting the mood.
Rak stopped moving his hands for the moment. "Oh?" He replied with curiosity.
"You told me you think of me like the daughter you never had." Seryu started. "If you still think that way, do you want me to acting like we're related?"
Rak raised his eyebrow, honestly confused at what this girl was saying.
"How exactly do you plan on doing that?"
Seryu paused for a few moments to gaze into her love interest's eyes.
"I could start calling you Papa, unless you don't want me to."
Rak felt his heart skip a beat. However the cause of it wasn't from him.
'Struck right at the old heart strings eh brother?' He thought, calling out to Drake.
The latter replied with silence. Seems he aimed to stay true to his word.
"I wouldn't mind." Rak replied with a smile. "Though it might be awkward if you call me that in public."
"Maybe, but does that really matter?"
Rak laughed. "So long as you don't get embarrassed on me."
"Enough talk." Seryu said, holding a finger up to Rak's mouth. Slowly she walked backward, heading for her bed urging Rak to follow.
The two climb into the bed, Seryu leading the old solider in.
She smiled, rubbing the side of Rak's face before letting out a lustful, drunk laugh.
Rak smirked in response. Seeing his brother's number one fan in such a way proved far to enjoyable for him.
Seryu leaned backwards, spreading her legs out. She smile as she reached out with both arms. "Come, Papa."
Rak smirked widely enough to show his teeth.
"With pleasure." He replied, eager to arrive at the point of pleasure he and Seryu would soon reach.
Elsewhere...
Tatsumi looked at the city through the inn window. He, Walker and Leone managed to borrow a room for the night thanks to the old merc's connections.
The latter two were sitting across from each other. Walker's long jacket hung over a coat rack closer to the door.
"We have to leave by the morning, so get some rest while you can." Walker said as he searched through an old wooden box given to him by the inn's owner.
"Hopefully we'll meet up with boss and the rest tomorrow and go from there."
He paused, pulling out a set of gauntlets.
"With any luck, the others are infiltrating the city as we speak." He continued, quickly inspecting the items before placing them on his arms.
"What you got there Walke'?" Leone asked, throwing in her thought up nickname for the merc.
"Some of my old gear." Walker replied, adjusting the old gauntlets. "Thought I'd stash it somewhere safe with someone I can trust in case I ever need it again."
"Oh? Is that old junk really that useful?"
"Saved my life on more than one occasion, so I'd say so."
Walker glanced at Tatsumi. "Something caught your eye?"
Tatsumi blinked, but didn't turn to face him. "No. Just a feeling is all."
Walker felt a cold drop of sweat run down the back of his neck. "What kind of feelin?"
"Just..." Tatsumi closed his eyes. "Never mind. Forget I said anything."
"No need to be shy Tatsumi." Leone cut in. "If there's something on your mind, we're all ears."
The young man let out a sigh.
"We've come so far now. One last act from us and the revolution will begin, yet I can't shake the feeling that...what we're going to set in motion won't be what we've expect it to be."
Tatsumi turned to face his comrades. "That we'll come to regret ever doing this in the first place."
Walker closed his eyes. "Too late to drown yourself in doubt now boy." He opened his eyes, looking into Tatsumi's. "We already set things in motion."
"I know. I'm talking about what comes after." Tatsumi replied with a sad smile. "Over the past few months, I've been starting to think the Revolutionary Army won't bring peace and prosperity like they promised."
"I'm only a part of this so I can help make the world a better place. So if the Revolutionary Army decides to make things worse you can rest assured Big Sis Leone will be the first in line to clobber those lying sons of bitches!" Leone cheerfully added in.
"Just know that no matter what happens I'll always have your back Tatsumi!" She finished with a wink.
Tatsumi smiled. "Thanks sis. Good to know I'm not alone if it comes to it."
Walker let out a sigh. "Unfortunately I can't exactly say the same thing. I'm a mercenary, my loyalties go to whoever pays me the most and I don't think you can afford my help."
"That said, I try not to kill those I've come to like."
Leone sneered at the latter. "Oh so I have to feel bad if I need to beat you up Walke?"
"Like you could." Walker smirked. "You haven't seen half of the tricks I have up my sleeve."
Tatsumi chuckled.
The young man knew that sometime after this -depending on if the leaders of the Revolutionary Army would answer his questions or not- he may leave the cause then and there.
From that point, he might be declared a enemy of the revolutionaries. If it came to that, he'd probably have to fight his dear friends.
He didn't want to think about it, but acknowledged the possibility nonetheless.
Either way, Tatsumi had to find out the reasons behind these detestable orders.
He had to know if the leaders of the army he pledged himself to are truly men and women who wished to create a better world or those whom only wished to replace the current corruption with a version of their own.
Meanwhile, in the outskirts of Kyoroch...
A fair distance away to the north of Kyoroch laid a series of ancient ruins predating the founding of the Empire.
Many a time have these ruins played host to archeologist expeditions, many of which failed to discover anything about the civilization that once called this place home or how old these ruins actually are.
The only relevant find was a single large carving.
Detailed upon this surprisingly intact tablet is several circles carved within a larger one. At the north, south, east and west points are four carvings of completely different Danger Beasts or what is assumed to be as two of these drawings are questionable.
To the North a Dragon.
To the West a One-eyed Giant.
To the East a Lion-headed Chimera.
To the South a Giant Serpent.
In the center of the circle is a single hooded figure, presumed to be human, holding a sword in one hand and a wooden staff in the other.
Numerous theories spawned from this carving, none of which could be confirmed due to lack of evidence.
Hidden in a section of ruins lay members of the Sons of Nores. Most gathered around in a circle chanting low in a language even older than the very ruins they find themselves in.
Below these cultists glowed a pulsing blood red circle similar to that etched inside the table carving.
Raven watched his followers carry out their work. This is but the first major step in his grand design, to unleash the Corpse Garden and bring the Empire to its knees.
"How these fools fail to realize the importance of these holy grounds." He muttered, for he along with every member of the Sons of Nores understood the origin of these and other ruins spread across these lands.
"If only they understood the mighty civilization that once stood here, perhaps the need to be purge these heathens would be nonexistent."
"My lord." Said a cloaked Son of Nores as he neared Raven. "It should only take 2 days at the most before this seal is unlocked."
Raven smiled. "Excellent! Once it's done split up into three groups and head towards the other seals. Leave three men behind as I need them to preform some important tasks here."
The cultist nodded in response. "Your will be done."
Passed midnight. Imperial Capital, in one of Clockwork's safe houses...
Pyro laid in bed next to his wonderful girlfriend. Both naked beneath the covers as they rested from their...first time bonding.
He had one hand around his girl, the other beneath his head. Chelsea rested her head on her lover's chest, her eyes closed.
"That was amazing." She said, half tired.
"Yeah. Now I know what I've been missing out on." Pyro replied with a chuckle.
Chelsea looked up at her lover. "You mean that was your first time ever?"
"Yep, same as you."
"Well obviously." Chelsea replied, snuggling closer to Pyro. "What sort of girl do you take me for? I wouldn't let just anyone take my chastity."
Pyro let out a short laugh. "Lucky that I ain't just anyone huh?"
Several long moments of silence passed. Pyro frowned as he reminded himself of what he had to do soon.
He took a deep breath. "Tomorrow I'll be setting off for Kyoroch." He said, pausing long enough for his lover to look up at him once more. "It's a big job. I don't know when exactly I'll return."
"So you're finally leaving me huh?" Chelsea said half playful like. "What, not enough sex for you?"
Pyro let out a laugh. "Of course not hon, just my duty to clean up this cesspool we live. Nothing so important as not enough sex."
"Well it's perfectly fine then." Chelsea said with a smile.
A few minutes passed before a thought passed through the Night Raid member's mind.
"I might not be around when you get back, especially if you take too long you know."
Pyro took a few moments to slowly feel Chelsea's back. The scar he gave her mostly healed up by now, save a few scabby areas here and there it felt like new skin had set in.
Unable to heal any wound my ass.
He'll be sure to rub it into that masked guy should the two of them meet again.
You know, before turning him into a pile of ash.
"Maybe, but I think we both know what you'll do in the end." Pyro replied with a smirk.
"Oh?" Chelsea replied with a smirk of her own. She sat up, moving herself so she sat onto of his stomach.
The young assassin moved her right hand to her mouth. She lifted her tongue up and with two fingers pulled out a needle she hid underneath it until now.
"Good thing that didn't poke me before." Pyro said thoughtlessly.
"Funny." Chelsea said with a smirk, slowly twirling the weapon between her fingers.
She laid forward, basically onto of her lover as she slowly pulled her needle beneath Pyro's neck.
She pressed it in enough to make him bleed a little.
Chelsea pulled her head above Pyro's, the latter could feel her light breath on his face as the two stared intermittently into each others eyes.
"You know, I can kill you at any time the way you are now." She said in a cool, seducing yet frighting way.
Pyro eyed his dark blue jacket with red flames thrown carelessly upon the floor.
"Yeah, you could." He replied casually, returning his gaze to his lover. "I'm as helpless as any normal man right now."
Chelsea gave her lover a cool, sadistic like smile.
"Then you know how foolish you've been. I could've been playing with you this entire time, giving you my body as I've waited for this very moment to finally put a hole in that pretty face of yours. I am under orders to kill you, or have you forgotten?"
"No, I haven't." Pyro smiled, slightly tilting his head. "You've been known to remind me of that little detail at least 3 times a day."
"It's a good thing to know you listen then." She replied before frowning. "Seriously though, you understand I'm in the perfect position to kill you, leave with the information I've learn and return to Night Raid to help them kill the rest of your comrades right?"
"Like the location of one safe house is really going to help tip the scales in Night Raid's favor." Pyro said, closing his eyes.
"Besides, killing me won't help any. Sure you take me off the board and yes I am a valuable piece but it'll only delay our plans for the Empire. That and make Night Raid a target."
"I think you underestimate us."
"No I'm not. Did you forget when I spied on you while you guys were training in the Margue Plateau?" Pyro reopened his eyes. "Between what I saw and the limited intel Serpentine received from Shi we have a pretty good idea what you guys are capable of."
"On the other hand, you haven't even begun to see our full power let alone the resources at our disposal." He smiled, grinning his teeth. "We can launch a coup against 5 Empires while fighting off 12 Revolutionary Armies and still win."
"Besides, you and I both know you're not going to do it. Playing me my ass, I've learned all I need to know about manipulating people from those I work with. Just who the hell do you think I am?"
Chelsea let out a sigh, closing her eyes as she smiled. "You're not making this any fun." She said, tossing her weapon aside before reopening her eyes. "You drained any hopes I had of hearing you beg for you're life. Such a disappointment."
Pyro chuckled. "Sorry, but I've come to know you a little too much to get away with something like that."
"You could've humored me though." Cheslea said with a smirk. "Seriously, would it kill you to let me have some fun toying with you every now and then?"
She clasped her hand around her lover's face, smiling like the cheery, trolling girl she truly is.
"Just promise me you'll come back in one piece ok? I rather not have another person I care about dying anytime soon, you hear me?"
Pyro placed one hand on the back of his lover's head.
"I promise I'll come back to you." He said with a smile. "Besides, I need to see if you learned how I do that one trick of mine."
Chelsea let out a laugh. "The one about how a guy gets a girl's panties off without lifting a finger? Yeah I think I know how that one works."
The two lovers locked their lips together for a brief but passionate kiss.
Chelsea locked her eyes with Pyro, giving him a serious look and smile.
"Don't you go dying on me Pyro. If you do I'll kill you, understand?"
"I do hon." Pyro said with a smile. "And you can call me Jean, least when we're in private."
Elsewhere, at the Imperial Palace...
Jast sat behind his desk, back slightly hunched over as he wrote upon a single piece of paper.
He let out a sigh, the last bit of resistance before finishing up the letter.
Folding it up, he place it in an envelope, sealed it, and place it somewhere he would easily see.
The senator heard a knock on his door, followed by said door slowly opening.
"It's past midnight you know." A red haired shinobi said as he quickly moved inside. "Don't you have a busy day tomorrow?"
Jast smiled at Serpentine's host. This one's name was Teden, his specialties lay in infiltration and intel gathering.
As for fighting strength, he's rather weak compared to the other ninjas. Long range combat is the only effective method to use him, or so Serpentine explained.
"This is rare, for you to come visit me." Jast replied, placing a hand under his chin.
"Indeed. Fuyu asked I check in on you." Teden replied, crossing his arms. "What were you doing just now?"
"I was writing a letter to the Polar Knight Kingdom." Jast said, eyeing the letter. "I believe that if we are to have them aid us in our plans after the coup they'll need some convincing."
The Polar Knight Kingdom is the proper name of the Northern Kingdom. They are a collective of clan run independent city states, each ruled by a prince or princess whom are descendants of the founders of their nation.
Hero Prince Numa Seika was only the most famous of these princes, as well as the most foolish given how he planned to invade the Empire without the backing of the rest of his nation.
Thanks to him the Polar Knight Kingdom is in a particular bind as Esdeath's army occupies the Seika's fortress city, serving as a possible staging ground for any future invasions the Empire could carry out.
"How do you plan on doing that?" Serpentine's host asked.
Jast leaned back in his chair. "I have to tempt them with something valuable. Something well worth the risk of involving themselves in this war."
"I'm offering their fortress city back, though they need to reclaim it themselves from Esdeath's army. Also I intend to offer an alliance between the Kingdom and our Empire along with open trade agreements."
"It'll take more than that to amend the grudge between the Empire and the Kingdom." Teden cut in. "They might even think it's some cleaver ruse to deceive them into sacrificing more lives and land."
"I've come to the same realization, which is why I fully explained our planed coup along with a brief list of reforms we plan on carrying out to help convince them this isn't a well thought out trick." Jast continued.
"Normally revealing this in the context of a letter is a major risk, but I trust whom I plan on given this message to with my life."
"In any case, to improve upon the relationship between our two nations I've proposed a political marriage. My hope is to show that we Imperials and the Northerners can truly get along if we are simply willing to try."
Teden raised an eyebrow. "Assuming they accept your proposal, who would end up marring who?"
Jast gave the shinobi a half smile.
"For this political marriage to create the statement I desire, I plan on marring myself to Princess Akihiko Seika; younger sister of the infamous Hero of the North."
7:00 AM Imperial time...Imperial Palace, Fuyu's mansion.
Fuyu watched the sun rise in the East from his back deck.
With a cup of tea in hand, he basked in the warmth brought from the sphere of light slowly moving higher and higher in the early morning sky.
Standing by his side was, rather than a young teenage maid an older more mature one.
A surprise to all who knew of the Chairmen's tastes.
She stood over 5 foot tall, with green mid-length hair, light greenish blue eyes and a beauty mark off the corner of her left eye.
One somewhat thick lock of hair rested on her right shoulder.
She wore a more formal, short skirted maid outfit with a red bow, a dark blue bracelet on her right arm, black stalkings and matching shoes.
"Ophelia," Fuyu spoke, calling out to his servant. "Why is it that whenever I am with you, I feel at peace with the world?"
Ophelia smiled. "Perhaps it is due to how attractive I appear to you."
Fuyu laughed. "Come my dear, if it were that simple then I would feel the same with all my lovely maids."
"Indeed." Ophelia closed her eyes, still smiling. "I can't tell you how many times I've heard how much of an impression you've left on the other maids, my lord."
"Oh I'm sure." He replied, turning his head to Ophelia. "One of the perks of being my head maid I suppose."
"One of mainly, my lord." She replied, opening her eyes. "It is one of the more repetitive perks at that."
Fuyu chuckled in response. He paused a few moments before taking a sip from his cup.
"Well go on," He said once lowering the cup. "What other possible reasons are there to explain why I feel so calm around you?"
Ophelia raised one hand to her face, smiling at her master like anyone would smile at a naive yet adorable puppy.
"Perhaps it is thanks to my maturity, as I am not as easy to become undone by emotions as the other maids."
Fuyu smiled. "I won't deny that. You are always a challenge to tease Ophelia, in fact I recall a few times when you played with my own emotions."
Ophelia chuckled. "Oh the days of my youth. Such grand times they were."
"Nonsense, you have plenty of youth remaining my dear Ophelia." Fuyu said with a half smile. "30 years old and you haven't look a day over 26."
Fuyu's head maid playfully waved her hand dismissively. "You flatter me my lord. I do not deserve such complements."
"You are far too modest Ophelia." Fuyu replied, turning his head back to face the sun rise.
"You aren't wrong, but you aren't exactly right either. One more chance, I'm sure you can guess my dear Ophelia."
Ophelia slowly paced to her master, wrapping her hands around Fuyu.
"I suppose the real reason why you feel so calm in my presence," She paused, lowering her head to Fuyu's left ear. "I's thanks to the fact that you always thought of me as your mother, Lord Fuyu."
Ophelia kissed the side of her master's head once she finished, standing straight soon after.
Fuyu closed his eyes, smiling. "Cleaver girl." He simply said, taking another sip of tea.
It is true, Fuyu had always thought of Ophelia as a mother.
Soon after coming to the Capital, the young Patas survivor meet this cleaver, kind and seductive creature.
Ophelia would always comfort him like a mother to her son, though there were times that they wouldn't comfort each other in the usual mother-son method.
The two had been nearly inseparable, practically becoming a married couple in the eyes of all whom knew of their relationship. (Never officially mind you, as Fuyu compares marriage as a commitment to stay tied to one woman. Which it is for the most part.)
"As much as I know how you loath that creature," Opheila said, snapping her master back into reality. "It would be rather improper to keep Prime Minister Honest waiting any longer."
Fuyu let out a low grunt. He nearly forgotten the fat bastard showed up at his mansion this early.
His maids gave Fuyu time to collect himself as most knew his secret deep loathing for the corrupt aristocrat, so they gave the excuse of Fuyu's daily morning ritual assuring the Prime Minister that disrupting said ritual would ruin his entire day.
Pretending to be courteous or not, Honest agreed to give the Chairmen all the time needed to complete his "ritual."
It had been at least an hour since, no doubt even a man as deceiving as Honest would start to lose his patience.
"Very well, let's meet with the creaton." Fuyu said with a sigh, standing up from his chair and following his head maid.
It took a few minutes to travel from his back deck, make sure he looked presentable, and finally arrive at the room Prime Minister Honest was waiting in.
Opheila left her master a few moments before, bowing politely before heading off to one of her daily tasks.
"Apologizes for the wait." Fuyu said once he set eyes upon the man.
"Nonsense," Prime Minister Honest replied once he fully turned towards the Chairmen. "I have been assured your morning ritual is a necessary process for starting off your day. I would feel horrible should I interrupt such an important routine."
Fuyu took a mental note that he'd have to reward the maid(s) whom came you with that cleaver little lie.
"And I thank you for leaving me uninterrupted, for if I was my entire day would be filled with nothing but unpleasantness."
Honest replied with a nod, turning his head to one of Fuyu's maid standing nearby. "I must say that your tastes in woman are most profound Chairmen."
"So many young, beautiful girls. It's little wonder why you are so cheery staying at your mansion."
Fuyu chuckled in response. "What can I say? I just can't get enough of my girls."
Honest chuckled as he turned to face Fuyu once more.
"Oh yes, I've been meaning to thank you for that gift the other day-Luna I believe her name was. Such a talented young one, a shame things didn't go nearly as far as I intended. Still it was a refreshing experience, do send her my way once again should you feel generous."
Fuyu mentally laughed, suddenly remembering Luna complaining about that job.
"I'll keep that in mind the next time I meet with her, while passing on your words of praise of course." He replied with a smirk.
"Hows that new maid- oh what was her name again? Air, wasn't it?" Honest asked with some peeked curiosity. "I believe she along with another called Fal are childhood friends of Luna or so I'm told."
The Patas survivor closed his eyes, silently admitting once again at how impressive the Prime Minister's spy network truly is.
"Yes, she's doing quite well. One of my favorite maids actually, all thanks to the pure innocence of hers." He answered, reopening his eyes.
Afterward, Fuyu slowly paced to Honest casually whispering in his ear.
"Between you and me, I actually convinced her to have a threesome with another maid named Diane. It was rather adorable how she acted throughout the whole ordeal."
Honest let out a low, hearty laugh as he stroked one hand through his beard.
"How typical of you, savoring the moment when you take the chastity of such a pure and innocent girl." He looked Fuyu directly in the eye, giving the man a half-smile.
"You have no shame my friend. Yet neither do I."
Fuyu smiled, hiding his disgust that he was -yet again- reminded that he and his bastard shared something in common.
"Hahaha, it is one of the finer highlights of life after all."
"Oh I agree, but before we get too involved in such a discussion there is something I must discuss with you."
The Prime Minister took a step back from the Chairmen before continuing.
"You see, I've received word from a number of guests that my son is expected to return to the Capital from his trip to the Eastern Islands."
Fuyu remembered the man; Syura, known as a mostly undisciplined, spoiled brat. The kind of child expected to be raised from a man like Honest.
He also took a mental note to find out about these aforementioned guests.
"I remember the boy." Fuyu replied. "So he's coming home huh?"
"Indeed. I hope he has done some growing up since we last seen him." Honest continued.
"I sent him on that trip so he can see the world and understand its true nature. That said, I've come to warn you ahead of time since the two of you never did seem to get along."
That is perhaps the greatest understatement Fuyu ever heard uttered from Honest's mouth.
"I thank you for the warning." Fuyu said with a cheerful smile. This was one of the few times the latter felt truly thankful to this sick twisted monster.
Syura has and always will be one of the greatest annoyances Fuyu had the displeasure of encountering.
While he could stay his hand with the father, Fuyu had to stop himself on more than one occasion from slaying this bastard's son.
As such, he tired to limit any conversations he had with Syura to five short minutes assuming he couldn't avoid contact in the first place.
"You are most certainly welcome." Honest replied, returning Fuyu's smile with his own. "Furthermore, should my dear Syura cause you trouble in anyway please inform me at once. I am the boy's father after all and as such the one responsible for keeping him in line."
"Now, if you excuse me I have other business to attend to."
Honest turned a full 180 and proceeded out of the room.
Fuyu smirked once the man had vanished from eye sight, clenching his fist in both joy and anger.
"Well...At least I don't have to worry about hunting the little bastard down now."
Several hours later...
General Esdeath, along with her Jagears Run, Seryu, Drake and Wave stood before Boric; High Priest of the Path of Peace religious order.
The latter sitting upon a simple, yet exquisitely designed chair.
They were in a room exclusively for Boric's personal use. As such, it was spacious and rather nicely designed compared to the rest of the rooms the Jagears have seen thus far.
Scattered through the private room mingled various members of the organization, along with woman serving drinks and food to them.
The High Priest had wild brown hair with a single rain drop like clunk in the middle of his forehead, sideburns and a short cut spiky beard with two pointed ends.
Boric wore a reddish brown robe loosely worn as it showed half his chest, a white and reddish brown hat decorated with the Path of Peace's emblem; a red cross with four dots set between each line, gray-khaki pants and light khaki pointed shoes.
The latter was quick to accommodate Kyoroch's saviors with shelter, food and whatever other worldly desires they possessed, gaining some personal praise along with overall praise for the Path of Peace.
Of course being Prime Minister Honest's secret agent who's sole purpose is to control the organization, keeping it in the good graces of the ignorant masses served his over all goal.
On a separate note, Esdeath couldn't help but notice Seryu wrapping her arms around Drake, clearly the two have bounded far better than she originally thought.
As much as she dreaded it, perhaps she'd have to ask Drake for advice relating on building relationships.
Another thing that bug the general is that his eyes seemed to be red, were she clearly remembers them to be dark blue.
Further more, Wave and Run were disturbed by the number of woman around the High Priest and further by those scattered within the room.
They were dressed like erotic dancers, some with val masks, all in different colored clothing.
Boric held two such women in his arms.
They felt up his chest like some sort of pet, one stood behind him, genially messaging the High Priest's shoulders while a fourth licked the tips of his shoes like an animal in heat.
"When I, along with various other sent for aid from the Capital I never would have guessed General Esdeath, said to be the strongest warrior the Empire has to offer, along with her Jagears would come to help us in our time of need."
Boric said, showering his guests with praise.
"Rest assured that only those loyal to myself are in attendance here, so feel free to speak your mind without hesitation or consequence."
General Esdeath took a step forward, bowing slightly in response. "I would like to personally thank you for the rooms you have lent us."
"Say nothing of it," Boric cheerfully replied with the wave of his hand. "Such an act doesn't even begin to repay the debt this city owes to you."
"I see..." Esdeath smiled. "Well then, if you truly mean that how about arranging a meeting with those four spying on us from the ceiling?"
Once she finished, her Jagears quickly turned their gaze towards the ceiling trying to spot the four their commander mentioned.
Boric let out a laugh. "Good, good! You noticed them. I expect nothing less from the famous Ice Witch."
The High Priest snapped his fingers, four figures dropped from the ceiling to an open spot off to the forward's right side.
As Esdeath and her Jagears drew their gaze to these four figures, Boric spoke once more.
"Allow me to introduce my bodyguards; The Four Rakshasa Demons." He said with a wicked smile.
The Four Rakshasa Demons, otherwise known as Prime Minster Honest's personal execution squad.
Ibara, Mez, Sten, and Suzuka are the current four as members of this famous group. Members of the Four Rakshasa Demons were often transferred to other positions depending on their skills.
Gozuki, a key member of the child assassin project and the commanding officer of the Elite Seven is one such example.
Ibara is a stone gray skin, muscularly built man with dull purple hair and long bangs framing the sides of his face, green-blue eyes with black sclera(an abnormality as it's usually white.) and red tattoo lines appearing to be stitched into his skin.
He wore fighting shorts, armor plating on his forearms and lower legs, and a thin headband like item that looked like a chain of stitches.
Mez is a tan, petite, blonde haired girl with pigtails decorated with horseshoes that doubled as weights.
She has green eyes and wears long leggings underneath a robe held by a black belt she wore so loosely the sleeves were the only parts covering her upper body showing off her khaki bikini top.
Like Ibara, Mez wore armored plating on her forearms and lower legs.
Sten is the tallest of the four, with a heavily muscled build, a large bushy beard and mustache with matching eyebrows and four black hair spikes sticking out the far sides of his head. (Otherwise, he is bald.)
He had yellow ringed eyes outlined by dark circles and wore a half ripped robe held together with a black belt, pants, a large iron pauldron on his left shoulder, armored plating on his forearms and lower legs, red bandages covering the armor on his legs and a gourd canteen tied to his belt.
Suzuka appears like an average mid 20 year old woman. She has black hair and a scar on her right cheek stretching across her nose.
She wore a set of cloths similar to a shrine maiden, though she wears her kimono loose revealing her small sized cleavage. A single black breast guard worn on her right breast is the only thing holding her kimono in place.
Otherwise Suzuka wears the same armor plating around her forearms and lower legs as the rest of the Rakshasa Demons.
"Ah, so here you all are." General Esdeath said. "I've been wondering why I haven't seen you at the Capital."
The Four Demons smiled in response to the general's statement. Otherwise, they never uttered a word.
"Prime Minster Honest was kind enough to loan these four to me as I infiltrated the order and have been invaluable in my efforts to obtain my current standing." Boric said, explaining to the Patas survivor why these four were sent to Kyoroch in the first place.
"An verbal example of how mighty these four are is the fact that they are some of the few human beings who can fight an Imperial Arms user and win."
"I find that hard to believe." Drake (or rather Rak) said with a smirk. "True that I can hold my own against an Imperial Arm user, but beating them is quite a stretch for a non-user."
Ibara smiled wickedly, vanishing with the blink of an eye.
Rak squinted his eyes, quickly drawing one of his swords with his free hand as he turned backwards.
He and Ibara stared eye to eye, the forward with his sword poised to pierce Ibara's throat while the latter extended his right arm out aiming to do the same.
Seryu gasped, barely seeing how Ibara suddenly vanished from one spot and reappear where he now stood.
Rak smirked. "Not bad, though I know someone much faster."
"You're quite good as well." Ibara chuckled. "We defeated Imperial Arms users before with our bare hands, yet very few can ever trace our movements."
"I try." Rak smugly replied.
"We've already delivered 5 Imperial Arms to the Prime Minister thus far." Suzuka chimed in, holding up a hand for emphasis.
"While everyone can agree that Imperial Arms are powerful, their users are only human." Sten cut in with a smile.
"Which means that there are countless ways to defeat a user," Mez added, raising her finger like she was a teacher answering a student's question. "Especially when they lower their guard thanks to overconfidence."
"True enough." Rak said, lowering his sword. Ibara lowered his hand in kind.
"Too bad for you I rarely let my guard down."
Ibara smiled. "Shame you are a man. With that attitude you might have made me fall for you."
"Sorry, but I already have my love interest here." Rak replied, pulling Seryu closer to his chest. The latter smiled, blushing as she gaze into her lover's eyes.
"So you can take you're flirting ass elsewhere freak."
Ibara smiled wider before returning to his fellow Rakshasa Demons.
"Now then," General Esdeath said, drawing attention to herself once again. "My Jagears and I will be remaining in Kyoroch for the next few days collecting information on the possible culprits responsible for yesterday's attack."
Boric frowned, he waved away the girls around him.
Now free to move as he pleased, the High Priest crossed his right leg over his left.
"You believe the fiends who launch such an audacious and evil assault against our fair city remain within her walls?"
"That, or in the surrounding area." Esdeath replied. "I believe there are a number of ancient ruins within a few miles reach of Kyoroch that could make an excellent hideout."
Boric scratched his beard with a free hand. "Yes...That would make sense as they have been abandoned by archeologists and historians determined to reveal their secrets long ago."
"I'm glad we've come to the same conclusion." The general said with a smile. "So I hope you can put up with us until our investigation is finished."
"Of course, I'll even aid you with several capable men under my command." Boric replied with a smile. "Use them as you see fit."
Esdeath closed her eyes, smiling. "I must thank you once again High Priest Boric." She paused, reopening her eyes.
"Hopefully with more able bodies our investigation will become so much simpler."
'Allowing me much more time to search for Tatsumi.' She mentally concluded.
Noon, Imperial time. Outside the Capital's Eastern Gate...
Jast and Fuyu, both on horseback, faced each other. One last exchange of words before the two set off on their respected journeys.
A fair distance behind both politicians waited several Imperial soldiers, their escorts as far as anyone was concerned.
Among Fuyu's escorts laid General Nouken whom looked as stone faced as usual, though the lack of any concubines within the entourage might raise suspicion to those who knew of the General's habit.
"Hopefully you won't come across any zombies on your way East." Fuyu teased with a smirk.
Jast let out a laugh before replying to his friend. "If fate demands it, I'm sure I can handle any trouble a walking corpse can pose."
Both knew Pryo and Raryu would protect Jast should the need arise. The forward two already set off ahead, awaiting Joker at a point away from any prying eyes.
"In any case, you get to enjoy a nice trip to the country side while I have to travel on business." Fuyu said with a sigh.
"I plan on visiting the various castles and fortresses between here and the Revolutionary army to confirm the allegiance of the lords stationed at each one."
Jast knew all too well what that meant.
"I wish you good fortune my friend." He replied with a smile. "Before I forget, there is one matter I wish to share with you."
The senator paused a minute before continuing.
"I've tasked Norman with delivering a message to the Polar Knights Kingdom, one that will ensure our allegiance with them at the desired time. He shall depart the Capital within the week, assuming his wounds are fully recovered."
"You're making secret dealings behind my back?" Fuyu asked with a smile. "Careful now, I might get the wrong idea old friend."
"Rest assure any such dealings I make are only for the benefit of our shared ideal." Jast replied with a chuckle. "We need to convince the Northerners of our intent. I aim to do just that."
"Any particular details I should be aware of?"
"Well..." Jast slowly rolled his eyes before smirking at his partner. "I may have to get married."
Fuyu blinked a few times before bursting out into a loud uproar of laughter.
"By the gods, it truly is a disease!" He yelled between laughs.
The Chairmen calmed down after a few minutes, catching his breath as he wiped tears pooling up in the corners of his eyes.
"Political marriage huh?" Fuyu asked, half chuckling. "Never thought you'd pull that card, at least not at this point in time."
"I can assure you that because it is such a time that I've chosen to play such a move." Jast replied. "Best to make our hand soundproof than risk it on faith."
Fuyu tilted his head slightly, smirking at the senator. "You truly impressed me friend. I have to say, you learned so much from me in such a short amount of time."
"I thank you for your kind words." Jast replied with a bow. "And with that, I think it's best we head on our respected paths."
"Of course, safe travels Senator."
"To you as well Chairmen."
Fuyu watch for a few moments as Jast turned around and left.
The Patas survivor was honestly surprised, sure Jast had learned a great deal from him over the years but to plan and commit to such a move free of anyone's influence for the sake of their shared goal.
Perhaps there is a third candidate suitable as his successor after all.
Meanwhile, in Kyoroch...
Wave sat beside Kurome, as he had been most of his time here at the Path of Peace's HQ.
He smiled at her unconscious body, firmly holding her hand as he truly believe that if she knew she wasn't alone then Kurome would wake sooner than expected.
The man of the sea heard a knock on the wooden door behind him.
"It's open." He said aloud, turning his head far enough to keep an eye on the door.
Run swiftly entered, making sure he closed the door behind him.
His golden eyes seem cold, distant even. Giving the completely opposite vibe usually sent from the young man.
Run quickly paced to Wave's side, staring down at him with his cold eyes.
"Is this a good time?" He asked.
Wave gave the man a sad smile, noticing how his friend wasn't the same as he remembered.
Perhaps this is his true self, hidden beneath a warm smile all along.
"Good as any."
Run nodded. "Before, you asked what sort of ideal world I want to create." He paused long enough to crouch down, glaring at Wave at eye level.
"I want to create a world were those who commit atrocities like those I've witnessed done to people I care about are given what they rightfully deserve. A world were justice is delivered to those who carry out unspeakable evils and their victims are avenged."
"A world were those in power don't sit idly by while those they are sworn to serve suffer with the knowledge that those who robbed them of their loved ones are walking free when they should be imprisoned or executed for their crimes."
"That Wave, is the world I want to establish."
Wave stared silently at Run for what seemed like an eternity.
He was right, something had happened to Run before all this. Something terrible for him to desire so much more than simple vengeance.
"What exactly...happened to you Run?"
The latter gazed into Wave as if looking into his very soul.
Just as Wave started to regret asking in the first place Run began to tell his story.
"I was once a school teacher in a peaceful, wealthy town called Joyou. I taught children, mostly between 8 and 12 years old."
"They all loved and admired me, cheerfully calling my name every morning before our lessons began. Each one full with such potential, such joy. It made me proud to be their teacher, to help mold them into better human beings."
Run's eyes seemed to regain some of it's warmth before it vanished, replaced with an even colder gaze than before.
"One day, I had to run an errand before classes started. When I arrived, I found my students...Every last one laid butchered before me. The room covered in their blood still warm upon the floor."
"The town officials prioritized the reputation of Joyou over justice for the families of those children, so they covered it up. Just like that. No investigation, no justice, only a small compensation to those whose children had 'disappeared'."
"Unsatisfied with the actions taken by my town's officials, I seduced the governor into assuring my enrollment in the military. After everything was set I secretly released incriminating information that ruined her and her associates ensuring their resignations and effectively ruining their political careers."
"As I served within the Imperial Army, I began to see that the tragedy I lived through was not uncommon. Corruption spread throughout the Empire like a disease ravaging the land devastating the meek, innocent and powerless."
"I swore to myself then and there that I would work my way up in the Empire and begin to cleanse this corruption piece by piece."
"Of course I plan on finding the one behind the slaughter of my students and bringing him or her to justice as well. I simply want to insure no one will go through what I've experienced ever again first, personal justice for myself and the families of those children comes after."
"Since my arrival at the Capital, I see now the source of all this evil. Prime Minister Honest is the one to blame for he is the one chocking the life out of the Empire."
"Now all I need to do is bide my time, obtain enough power and influence to eliminate him swiftly and restore the Empire to the way it should be."
Wave blinked a few times. It was a lot to take in at once, yet part of it he heard once before.
He never would've guessed Run experienced such a tragedy, especially cause of how well he hid all his pain and anger behind such a warm smile and polite attitude.
"You've been through so much pain." The young man said with a sad smile. "Honestly, I'm surprised you managed to mask it all up till now."
"Of course, I know better than to let my emotions run wild." Run soundly replied. "How else can I remain determined to change a powerful nation?"
Wave chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, I guess you have a point there."
"Now that I've told you all this," Run said, his voice cold and distant. "I wonder what you will do, knowing I basically plan on committing treason against the current Empire?"
He paused to stand, glaring down at Wave. "If so, you know what I must do."
Wave smiled. He knew fully well what his friend was saying, even if it an unfounded accusation.
Try to report me and I'll kill you where you stand.
"I guess my apparent change has disturbed you that much." Wave said, more to himself than anyone. "That said, I thought you'd know me well enough by now. Guess I have to spell it out for you."
Wave slowly stood up, smiling at his friend eye to eye.
"I have no intention of reporting you, nor do I want to stop you. I can agree with what you are saying Run, and wish you the best of luck in your endeavor."
Run raised an eyebrow at that reply. "You mean you don't desire the same?" He asked, honestly confused by his friend.
"I agree that the Empire is corrupt and the Prime Minster is the source of that corruption, but I want to bring about something that involves the whole world rather than just the Empire."
Wave replied with a honest smile.
"My ideal world is simple, but quite the challenge to bring about. I haven't quite figured out how I'm going to do it yet haha."
"And what exactly is your ideal world?"
"A world of true peace."
Run stared at Wave for the next few moments before closing his eyes and letting out a few laughs.
Reopening his eyes, Wave noticed they regained the usual warmth they held before.
"That's such an idealist answer, no wonder you can't find any solutions." Run said with a smile. "Honestly, I'm surprise someone as simple as you changed in such a way."
"Yeah, normally I'd chew you out for calling me simple." Wave replied with a laugh. "Now I don't mind such insults."
"Just goes to show how much you've grown up Wave." Run closed his eyes, smiling. "You have truly surpassed my expectations."
"Thanks, I guess." Wave said, rubbing the back of his head.
Run laughed, opening his eyes.
"By the way, who is this man who asked you such a question in the first place?"
Wave gave him a half smile. He wasn't exactly sure if he should tell Run that Chairmen Fuyu of all people was the one how helped open his mind, especially with his planed coup in the works.
On the other hand -given what Run had just told him- Wave couldn't help but admit the Chairmen may provide Run with exactly what he desired.
If it wasn't for the uncertainty that Clockwork might be allied with General Esdeath's brother he would've almost immediately suggest Run should see the man.
"Truth is-"
"-Nap time's over." Said Kurome as she sprung herself forward like a 6 year old fresh after an afternoon nap.
Both Run and Wave turned to their friend, blinking in surprise.
"Kurome?" Wave sat down, still in awe over how simply Kurome woke. "Are you feeling alright?"
"Never better now that I got some rest." She replied with a smile, stretching her arms and upper body in various ways.
Wave squinted his eyes, he didn't believe for a second Kurome was 100% better after only a day of rest.
Kurome blinked a few times, a tad unnerved by Wave's constant staring.
"I fine, really." She said, trying to reassure her friend. "No need to trouble yourself over it Wave."
"She's from the Assassination Squad, Wave." Run cut in, picking up on the young man's suspicions. "They probably gave her certain drugs and enhancements that improve her recovery time."
"Yeah, it's just like Run said." Kurome added with a smile. "I'm perfectly fine Wave. Trust me."
She shifted herself to the end of the bed, swiftly raising to her feet.
"See? Nothing to worry abou-"
All the strength in Kurome's legs suddenly left her. She began to fall when Wave quickly caught her in his arms.
"I knew it Kurome," Wave said, pulling the latter upright. "You need to take it easy until you're fully recovered."
Kurome puffed out her right cheek. "I can still fight."
"Maybe, but that doesn't mean you need to push yourself." Wave replied, smiling at her. "Don't you worry, between myself and Run we can carry you're responsibilities till you're better."
Kurome closed her eyes, shaking her head several times back and forth.
"I can't just stand idle like this Wave!"
"Why can't you?" Wave said, his grip tightened as he gave Kurome a serious look. "Is there something wrong with you resting till you recover your full strength?"
Kurome tilted her head up, looking at Wave.
If she wasn't drowned in terror of what she knew would happen if certain individuals knew of her inability to fight she might have felt shocked at how Wave's eyes held such a glow of confidence that never seemed to be there before.
"In the Assassination Squad, if someone can no longer fight they're disposed of." Kurome said after a long period of silence. She closed her eyes, tears starting to pool in the corners of her eyelids.
"I wasn't born into this world just to die like some animal! If I'm going to die, I'll die fighting like my friends before me!"
Wave felt his heart sank for a minute. He glanced at Run beside him, the latter's face returning to that coldness from before.
'He's right.' Wave thought, turning his head back to Kurome. 'This Empire truly is corrupt to form an unit of child assassins, let alone dispose of them like tools when they lost their value.'
"I'll never let anyone dispose of you Kurome." Wave replied with a brave face, he wrapped his arms around Kurome. The latter jumped a bit, surprised by the act.
"You're my precious friend, I rather die than let anything happen to you."
"Wave..." The young teen replied, slowly moving her arms around Wave. Kurome closed her eyes, smiling. "Thanks for that, but I can handle myself once I feel a little better."
"You can count on me as well." Run cut in, suddenly regaining his usual self. "Though I might not share Wave's feeling exactly, I too will insure no one tries to dispose of you Kurome."
It took Kurome a few seconds to realize what Run meant by "Wave's feelings" before quickly pulling out of the latter's arms. She looked away from her two friends, slightly blushing as she remained silent.
"What do you mean by exactly, Run?" Wave replied with a smirk.
The young man let out a laugh. "I believe the two of you already know what I mean." Run glanced at Kurome before continuing.
"Best to leave it at that for now and see how fate chooses to handle it from here."
2:00 PM Imperial Time, Kyoroch Market District...
Tatsumi, Walker and Leone walked side to side, acting as casually as possible while moving with the crowd.
The three unanimously agreed to walk among the townspeople both to gain intel on Kyoroch and to let their teammates easily spot them, assuming they arrived within the city last night as they hoped.
"This place is pretty lively huh?" Leone carelessly asked, eyeing the vendors lined up with at least a half dozen customers each.
"All thanks to their distance from the Capital," Walker answered. "Imperials tend to turn a blind eye to places so far away, so long as they pay their taxes of course."
"Thanks to that, the merchants here can sell items otherwise outlawed in other parts of the Empire. It also helps that there's a series of valuable mineral deposits around the area, so the city's rich off selling those valuables to the rest of the nation."
"Kyoroch is called the Eastern Capital of the Empire for a reason after all."
"It's impressive no matter how you look at it." Tatsumi added. "Guess you can say this is what the rest of the Empire might look like if the government wasn't so corrupt."
"I wouldn't go that far Tatsumi." Walker replied. "More like unsupervised, given how blessed this town really is."
"Yeah." Tatsumi agreed.
It is true, given Kyoroch's distance from the Capital and how there are numerous mineral deposits around the area it's little wonder why the city is so wealthy.
Well wealthier than most settlements along the Eastern territories, all credit due to the Empire's ridiculously high taxes.
The trio continued on their way without a word between them, on alert for any signs of friend or foe without drawing attention to themselves or seeming too tense about it.
Time passed on without any sign of known enemies or allies when a particular group of three came into view ahead of them.
The first and furthest one out wore a dull, dark green hooded nobleman's cloak, matching black pants and shoes and a pair of thin gray-blue gloves.
The second wore an elegant black dress decorated with many red bows and frills, like one of those morning dresses nobles would wear, along with a small black bonnet equip with a vale covering her face.
She (assuming that it is a woman) also wore black stalkings, long black boots and long black lace gloves showing hints of her ghostly pale skin.
The third was strapped up in a black nearly skin tight full body straight jacket, black leather gloves and shoes, and -perhaps the most disturbing item of his outfit- had some sort of twin jaw like bone that covered his whole face giving the appearance of a closed mouth of some sort of Danger Beast. (Or a venus fly trap)
Obviously thanks to this odd...phenomenon, the full attention of just about all the people nearby drew to these three.
The strange trio walked toward the members of Night Raid.
As they began to pass nearly side to side, Tatsumi couldn't help but turn his head toward the three.
If he blinked, the young man would've missed the world's quickest head turn preformed by the cloaked stranger.
He caught a brief glimpse of pale gray skin and could've sworn that the man was smiling.
The moment these three passed the members of Night Raid, each felt an unexpected pressure of dread wash over them.
A chill ran down the back of Walker's neck.
Leone's instinct screamed at her to run.
Tatsumi felt as if the devil himself just took an interest in him.
The three froze, petrified by these mysterious and obviously not human beings.
Almost in complete unison, the three members of Night Raid turned their heads around glazing as the strange trio walked further into the crowd.
Each expected something, something other than these three walking like they were taking a lovely stroll through town.
Yet that is exactly what they did.
At least until they faded from view.
Walker felt a cold sweat drop down the side of his face.
Leone gulped, feeling a mix of surprise, fear, and relief.
Tatsumi looked down at his hand, it trembled uncontrollably until he grasped at it with his other hand.
The young man had never felt this sort of dread before, not even from General Esdeath.
"What are they?" He said, asking the question on everyone's mind.
Seconds passed as these three members of Night Raid tried to process and dispel the aura of dread plaguing their minds.
"Turn back around." Walker said as calmly as he could given the fear he is currently fighting with. "They have no business with us or they would've done something when they passed us."
"You think they would attack in broad daylight?" Leone asked, glancing at the man.
Walker turned back around before offering his reply.
"I think they're too strong for anyone to stop them should they want ta."
Vlad chuckled as he continued walking along his two comrades, ignoring the gawking humans as they passed.
Stitches followed distantly behind.
The tall, intimidating figure was in his custom, yet questionably looking restraining vest made specifically to contain his true self.
Victoria, his younger sister, paced ever so close to his side. She hesitatingly tried to move her arm around his, pulling herself back before she could full carry out the act.
Vlad knew all too well the unhealthy love obsession she had with him, but paid little mind to it.
In fact he humors her from time to time. After all incest is a trivial concern to an endangered breed such as they.
"What is so amusing?" Stitches spoke, his voice both terrifyingly distorted and muffled.
"Life my friend." Vlad replied without so much as a glance towards Stitches. "Life and how it throws the most unexpected of events at oneself."
"You took a interest in that boy." Victoria cut in. "Tell me, what is it about him that deserves the notice of one so far above these humans?"
Vlad turned his head slightly.
"My dear sister, I'm disappointed. I thought you of all among us would have noticed how similar that boy is to one extraordinary human we all come to know as of late."
Victoria pulled her head down, once again overreacting at any even slightly negative comment or response her brother says to her.
Vlad smiled, turning his head forward.
"He has the same smell as Apex. The very same man who treated you so well last time the two of you meet."
Sunset, outskirts of Kyoroch...
Drake and Seryu sat together by a campfire made by the both of them, they looked over a vast series of ruins hidden in the canyon walls.
The latter smiling as she leaned on her lover as the man held her with his arm.
Earlier today, Esdeath assigned her Jagears to investigate areas of interest in their goal to find out those responsible for the undead attack.
Run and Esdeath patrolled the city. Though she didn't admit it, she mainly wanted to search the city for any sign of Tatsumi as the young man possessively been spotted entering Kyoroch the other day.
Wave and the recently awakened Kurome searched the near outskirts of Kyoroch, though the two had some rather persuasive arguments over whether the young assassin could handle such a task so soon after just waking up.
The argument ended with Kurome agreeing to take it easy and let Wave do all the fighting should something go amiss.
Drake and Seryu investigated the outer rim outskirts, mostly ruins and canyons. They swept all but the ruin areas, deciding to search the less obvious locations first since sometimes that is what anyone is looking for ends up.
Now the two took a much needed break as they debated on finishing up the search now despite the sun setting over the horizon or saving it for tomorrow.
"It'll be best if we hold off searching the ruins till tomorrow." Rak stated. "Especially since it'll be dark soon, there's no telling if we'll get jump."
"That's true Papa, but we have a responsibility to purge all evil without mercy." Seryu cheerfully replied. "Besides, if we leave now we might not find anyone tomorrow."
"That's if they know we are searching for them, assuming they haven't done the smart thing and ran for it by now."
"We won't know till we find out, so why not now?"
Rak let out a sigh. "You're so eager Seryu. You need to learn patience, besides if anything were to happen to you..."
He slightly tightened his grip around the young woman.
"I can't even think of what I would do."
He let out an inner laugh as the split personality found it amusing how well he kept this act up.
Of course, no one knew his brother quite like he did and the same can be said of the reverse.
Seryu leaned her head on Rak's chest.
"Alright Papa. We'll hold off the search till tomorrow, then we'll exterminate any evildoers we find."
Rak playfully rubbed the top of her head. The latter smiled, blushing ever so slightly as he did.
"That's my girl." Rak said with a smile.
The two sat in mostly silence as the sun slowly disappeared over the horizon.
"Mind if I join you?" A voice called from behind the two.
Seryu and Rak turned around in response, only to see a dark purple haired man standing a few dozen feet from them.
This man wore a sleeveless black shirt, dark green pants and black shoes.
"Who are you?" Rak asked, though he already realize who this man is.
"Just a simple traveler making his way to the city of Kyoroch." He replied with a smile. "If you won't mind, I would like to warm myself up by the fire you so conveniently built."
Rak's eye twitched. 'This guy is fucking with us...'
"We don't mind, right Papa?" Seryu thoughtlessly answered.
Rak let out a disappointing sigh, yet he expected this since she had no idea who this guy is.
"Right, right. Come rest awhile." Rak added. "We're about to leave anyway."
"Oh?" Raven smiled, tilting his head slightly as he closed his eyes.
"That's too bad, I was hoping to partake in some conversation with the two of you. It has been so long since I've talked with another human being that I'm afraid I forgotten how to properly speak."
'Yeah right you goddamn lying sack of shit.'
"You're doing great so far!" Seryu cheerfully replied. "I think we can spare a few moments before we need to head back."
'Stop talking Seryu! You're only making it worse!' A cold sweat ran down the back of Rak's neck. 'I doubt I can take this guy without my Imperial Arms. We need to get out of here as soon as possible.'
"That's very kind of you." Raven said with a slight chuckle. He began to walk towards the two of them.
The dark haired man sat directly across from the two, choosing a flat rock as his seat.
"Where are you traveling from?" Seryu asked with honest curiosity.
"From the Eastern Islands." Raven replied. "A chain of islands referred to as the Crescent Moon to be precise."
"Never heard of it." Rak added.
"That's surprising." Raven answered. "Though I suppose only those along the coast would know why Crescent Moon is so infamous."
"You see, Crescent Moon has a number of villages built around it's moon like form. Among them is one of the most formidable pirate nations ever seen."
"I've left my home to flee those same pirates, hoping I can plead with some higher official within the Empire to help suppress them so everyone can live without worry over when the next pirate raid."
"I heard some of the same pirates allied with this nation committed a few raids along the Empire's coastline, so I can't see why the Empire can't at least consider my request."
"I'm positive someone in the Empire will listen to you!" Seryu said, holding her arms up to her face. "There's no reason why they should turn away someone like yourself!"
"You forget, the Empire's on the verge of a civil war." Rak said, countering Seryu's reassurance. "I doubt anyone can send aid with all this tension in the air."
"I see..." Raven replied, given the two a sad smile. "Looks like I choose a bad time to look for help."
"That's not a problem! I can-"
"Seryu!" Rak whispered, holding the forwards mouth with his hand. "We don't know if this guy can be trusted or not, so don't say anything until we know for sure!"
'Though I already know this guy's as untrustworthy as he is dangerous.' He finished mentally, glancing at the purple haired man.
Raven smiled, though Rak all but knew the man was starting to catch on.
The sun fell at that point, darkness quickly spread over the maze of canyons.
At that moment, Rak noticed Raven's smile turn into a wicked smirk as he glared at the forward.
'Damn it!'
Rak let go of Seryu, ready to spring to his feet.
"My, my, how odd it is to find so many out partaking in conversation over the once famous ruins of old." A new voice cut it, perhaps saving Rak and Seryu from fighting this monster of a man if not giving them a few precious seconds.
Rak, Seryu and Raven turned to see a group of about 14 guards dressed in the Path of Peace's uniforms and three other similarly dressed men.
The one standing furthest out from the group, most likely the one whom spoke out before, was a long slender looking man with long white hair, purple-blue eyes, and a necklace with a golden cross around his forehead.
He was dressed like a priest with a white and red robe. The emblem of the Path of Peace portrayed in the center of said robe he wore.
The man standing close to the first's right had slicked back brown hair with side burns, a thunderbolt like scar under his lower left jaw, and dark purple eyes.
He wore a black lined shirt underneath a white-yellow vest, a blue tie, light gray pants held up with a black belt, leather finger less gloves and black shoes.
The third notable man had a similar figure to the first. He had brownish blond hair with two bangs that curved halfway down his face, wore sunglasses, and currently had a cigarette in his mouth.
He wore a white suit with red collars, a black undershirt, matching white dress pants and black shoes.
Additionally, this man held a scythe which currently hung between his shoulders.
"Apologies for any interruption, I'm afraid I'm quite used to speaking without permission." The priest dressed man said, placing his right hand on his chest. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am the lord of the Path of Peace religion."
"The same movement located in Kyoroch?" Raven asked, his focus shifting to these newcomers. Specifically at the scythe held in the sunglasses wearing man shoulders.
"Correct, though calling it a simple movement is rather inaccurate." The priest replied. "It's a way of life, one that allows those who choose to follow it what they deserve based upon deeds carried out on an individual level."
"Basically if you preform good deeds, good things will come to you in return. Preform more unsightly deeds and the same will come in return."
"How...utterly simple." Raven said.
"Of course, which is why it is so easy to become a believer of the faith." The priest replied with an innocent smile, completely oblivious to the fact the forward insulted him.
"Oh yes, grant me a moment to introduce my fellow followers of the path." He continued, extending his arms to the two other notable figures beside him.
"My name is Rook," The brown haired man said, slightly bowing in the process. "I serve my lord as his most trusted and loyal bodyguard."
"The name's Holimaca." The sunglasses wearing man said with a frown. "I serve as commander of the forces entrusted to High Priest Bolic's administration."
"Bolic's commander?" Seryu asked aloud. "Why are you here?"
"The High Priest likes someone he trusts watching the lord whenever he goes on these scenic walks and given the attack on Kyoroch the other day he wouldn't settle for anyone less than his top man."
Holimaca smirked.
"Guess you can take it as a sign of flattery."
"There you go again, showing your ego." Rook cut in, rolling his eyes. "That overconfidence of yours is going to end up biting back at you sooner or later."
"I'm sorry mister mercenary, we can all be professional contract killers now can we?"
"That was years ago Holimaca," Rook snapped back.
"Just because I was once making dirty money as a part of one of the finest crews the North had ever seen doesn't mean I can't be a man of faith willing to change my ways."
"Calm down you two." The lord said with a laugh. "We have guests before us."
He turned his head toward Rak, Seryu and Raven.
"Apologies, these two never have seen eye to eye."
"It's fine, not everyone can get along with everyone else." Rak replied, his mind racing to find an opportunity to leave.
"Mind if I ask what you're true name is?" Seryu asked suddenly. "I find it hard to commit to calling you 'The Lord' all the time."
The priest smiled, letting out a short laugh.
"Truth be told, my name is Lord. Lord Fairchild to be exact. I suppose my loving parents knew of my destiny and name me accordingly."
He extended his arms out to his sides.
"Honestly, I find the whole ordeal a bit unnecessary as we are all equal in the eyes of our god. Yet I've been assured time and time again that such titles are a sign of faith from those who follow the path."
Rook leaned closer to Lord's right side. "Sorry to cut you short, but we are on a schedule today sir." He whispered in his ear.
"Of course." Lord lowered his hands as he closed his eyes. "How could I forget to tend to the faithful?"
He opened his eyes, smiling at the three before him.
"And now I most leave you. Thank you for the conversation, I hope to see you all at a later date."
A moment after the members of the Path to Peace began to leave, Rak sense this as the best opportunity to escape.
He smiled as best he could manage, staring at Raven.
"We best be leaving as well." He said, quickly standing up and turning to leave. "Come Seryu, we need to make our report."
"Understood Papa." Seryu cheerfully replied as the forward began to walk away.
She hopped to her feet, smiling as she turned to Raven. "Best of luck with your quest!" She said with the wave of her hand before running after Rak, dragging Koro along behind her.
Raven watched as they left, smiling but otherwise stayed silent and motionless.
Rak waited till they gained a fair amount of distance before turning around to face Seryu.
Rak's breathing picked up as sweat fell from his forehead.
Seryu gasped, quickly running to her lover.
"What's wrong Papa?" She asked with a mix of concern and terror.
"You don't know who that guy was, but I do." Rak answered. "That's the masked man who ambushed us with the rest of the Sons of Nores. The same guy who fought Kurome, Akame and three other fighters all at once with ease."
Seryu's eyes widened, she quickly turned her head around. "He's the evildoer that Chairmen Fuyu had to fight?"
"Yes. He's someone out of our league."
Seryu turned back to face Rak. "Why didn't he attack us when he had the chance?"
"Maybe he thought we didn't know who he was so he decided to toy around with us." Rak answered. "I'm smarter than that, I never forget anyone who leaves that big of an impression."
"He might have caught on near the end though, if it wasn't for those Path of Peace bunch showing up we might be dead right now."
Seryu nodded in agreement. "We should thank them next time we see them."
"I'm not sure about next time."
"What do you mean Papa?"
Rak let out a deep breath. Honestly, he never expected to risk his life so soon after he took control.
"Listen to me Seryu," He said, gazing into the forward's eyes. "You need to go to Kyoroch and tell the commander all this. Understand? We can't handle this guy on our own if he comes after us!"
"You really think he'll follow us this far?" Seryu asked, somewhat panicky.
"Can't be sure, which is why I'll lag behind and make sure he's not following us."
Seryu's eyes widened. She grabbed Rak's chest.
"No Papa! I'll stay behind and you go to the commander!"
Rak grabbed one of her hands. "We don't have time for this Seryu!"
"But-! But-! I can't risk loosing you too!"
"I have a much better chance staying alive than you Seryu." Rak tried to stay calm explaining to this troublesome girl though his patience is thin thanks to the current situation.
"Besides, you are faster than I am. Just don't stop and get help as quick as you can."
Seryu shook her head, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
"You don't understand! I can't leave you Papa! I won't let you die like all the others I care about, especially for my sake!"
"LISTEN TO ME AND GO DAMN IT!" Rak snapped, his grip around Seryu tightened to the point the latter flinched at the pain.
"WE'LL BOTH MAKE IT OUT ALIVE IF YOU STOP CRYING YOU EYES OUT AND GET THE COMMANDER! STOP WASTING TIME AND GET YOUR ASS MOVING!"
Rak half pushed her away as he finished. He raised his hand, pointing in the direction of the city as his eyes flared with anger.
Seryu frowned, showing her teeth as tears began to fall down her face. She paused for a few seconds, breathing heavily as she cried.
Finally, with her eyes closed Seryu sprinted pasted Rak with tears falling behind and Koro flailing about as she ran.
Rak let out a heavy sigh, nearly slamming his right palm in his forehead.
"Stubborn girl." He said under his breath.
"Agreed. Takes far too much effort to convince her to leave those she clings to."
Rak nearly jumped at the voice. He spun around, coming face to face with one of Serpentine's shinobi hosts: A silver-haired male with sharp iron claws. Shikee was his name, assuming Rak remembered correctly.
"Goddamn it Serpentine!" He shouted. "Don't sneak up on me! Not now, not when I'm tensed up like this!"
"Forgive me, but I failed to find another opportunity to present myself." Serpentine replied. "Especially since I've been keeping an eye on that so called traveler you're had the pleasure of meeting."
"Is he coming this way?"
"No, he traveled into the ruins last I spotted him." The shinobi replied, crossing his arms. "Seems he isn't interested in hunting you two down."
"That's good news." Rak said with a sigh. "Honestly, it's just my luck to run into a tough fighter without my Imperial Arms."
"About that." Shikee continued. "We are thinking it's time we gave you back your Imperial Arms."
Rak raised his eyebrow, crossing his arms. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that between what my hosts have reported and discussions between the rest of us we've decided to pull you out. No more need for you to play double agent, or for you're brother to suffer any more emotional pain."
Rak smirked, he knew this would happen sooner or later though he was hoping for later.
"And I was just starting to have fun too."
Several minutes later...
Rak followed Shikee to an all together different section of the canyon maze.
They stopped near a lone, long ruin building with ancient columns scattered about that were either mostly all together, half or so missing it's original form or laying broken about the rock floor.
The two Clockwork agents stood a dozen or so feet from one another in the center of what was most likely a tilled road now mostly covered by the sands of time.
"Before I explain how we plan to extract you, let me share what intel I've gathered since you've arrived in the city." The shinobi host said.
"First; it seems that the Sons of Nores were behind the undead attack on Kyoroch. Though none of my hosts witnessed how these fanatics summoned so many walking corpses, several have spotted a number of their members overlooking both you and Night Raid assaulting the horde."
"Soon after, one of my ninjas heard two of them speak about an experiment and ask to 'drop the spell'."
"And the undead dropped soon after huh?" Rak cut in.
Shikee nodded in response.
"It all but confirms they were behind it."
"Second; The members of Night Raid have successfully infiltrated the city and are currently gathering intel to stage their assassination attempt on High Priest Bolic."
"Bolic huh?" Rak remembered the scumbag, him and his four bodyguards.
Depending on the timing, Night Raid might have to deal with the Jagears along with the Four Rakshasa Demons.
"So they want to free the Path of Peace from Honest's influence."
"And thus allowing the religious movement to freely rise up in rebellion against the Empire, which in turn will begin the revolution." Shikee crossed his arms. "It'll be a tough job, especially with Esdeath in the city."
"True, but Night Raid has an advantage: No one knows they are here nor their goal."
Shikee nodded in agreement.
"Lastly, my hosts have spotted some peculiar individuals within the city." He continued. "One of my ninjas are currently shadowing them as my instincts scream at me to keep an eye on these three."
"What's so special about them?"
"Well...Let's just say that I strongly believe these three aren't human."
Rak blinked a few times. 'Not human?'
He didn't dwell on it for long however, as he trusted Serpentine to inform he and his comrades should these particular three individuals pose a problem for their plans.
Serpentine's host looked to his left.
"Now as for how we plan on extracting you..."
A cyclone of fire appeared of the shinobi's left, revealing the all too familiar form of Pyro once it dissipated.
"We aim to kill you, mister double agent." He finished with a smirk.
Rak raised his eyebrow in confusion. "Huh?"
"We're gonna fake you're death stupid." Pyro replied with a laugh. "It'll be such a show no one will believe you're still alive!"
"Pyro's gonna try burning me to death ain't he?" Rak asked, glancing at Shikee.
"Partially." The shinobi replied. "We hope to take advantage of Night Raid, given their plan on assassinating High Priest Bolic as we assume they will strike within the next two days."
"If they do attack so soon, the Jagears will most likely be caught up in the conflict."
"And thus the opportunity to extract you shall present itself as we will make an appearance during the assassination attempt."
Rak frowned. "This plan is one big farce if you ask me. Hell I wouldn't even go so far as to call it a plan since it seems to be running on blind hope."
"Relax Rak, everything will work out in the end!" Pyro added with a smile. "Sides' good old Joker and Raryu will be hear tomorrow so I'm sure we can bang out the particulars."
Rak let out a sigh. He raised his right hand and scratched the side of his head with his index finger. "Well if Joker's gonna plan it out, I guess I have nothin to-"
A single, blood boiling roar echoed through the canyon walls cutting the double agent off. One that sounded all too familiar to the double agent.
Words followed the roar, confirming Rak's suspicions.
"I TRUSTED YOU!"
The blue haired man turned around, glancing at dozens of missiles and a single cannon round racing toward him.
He knew or rather his brother knew this would happen one day. That the one he cared most about would discover the harsh truth.
A single word uttered from Rak's pale mouth, yet he swore he heard his brother's voice say the name aloud.
"Seryu."
And here ends the latest chapter to Akame ga Kill Clockwork!
Lots and lots happening in this one eh? Also let me let out a sigh for FINALLY COMPLETING THIS AFTER 2 MONTHS OF WORKING ON IT.
Working at a resort man, never get as much free time as you want to do things. Especially since we're in our 'Summer mode'
Anyway let me start by pointing out what hasn't happened.
1. The Rakshasa Demons are still at full strength, meaning they along with Esdeath and her Jagears will more than likely fight Night Raid when they strike Boric.
2. Mine and Tatsumi didn't have their lovely little date through the city, but don't worry I still plan on given them some nice sense together.
As you can see, here is where the story truly starts to split off from the anime/manga.
Speaking of, I decided to change Run's backstory a bit to honestly make more sense.
I mean, why name a city if you're not going to use it in the long run?
That and I change Holimaca's position in the Path of Peace a tad.
I mean if he remained commander in chief of the order's military might then assassinated by Night Raid it wouldn't make much sense in my opinion.
Like if the Path of Peace KNEW NIGHT RAID killed him along with Boric, wouldn't they be hesitant to join the Revolutionary Army in fighting the Empire?
Even if they didn't find out Night Raid killed them, just loosing their top officer would cause some issues with organizing their forces.
So simply having him as the commander of the forces specifically under Boric's command makes waaaaayyyyy more sense, at least to me.
Back to Run, I thought it best to show him when he drops his warm, polite act as he is a skillful manipulator.
Usually those types either are emotionless or trolls like Izaya from Durarara. Oh or as assholes but those are usually villain types.
...
Guess I should address the LIMITED, UNDESCRIPTIVE AS I COULD MANAGE scenes at the beginning.
You know what I'm talking about.
I felt those sort of scenes are necessary in a story such as this. Even so, I didn't provide any DETAILS on such actions carried out during the dead.
So no reporting please :)
Hell wait till we get to Wild Hunt, they rape and murder people indiscriminately on a daily basis. Manga shows it all, mostly.
Moving on, let me touch on three new and important characters.
Stitches, Vlad and Victoria; three beings who are in fact not human.
What are they you ask? Well I can give you a hint.
Remember that subplot point about Lord Fairchild (as I'm going to refer to him as instead of THE LORD cause that's stupid) were they established he's part Danger Beast but never expanded on it at all?
Yeah? Well guess what I'm gonna be doing starting from the next entry. :)
Speaking of, how will Rak or rather Drake manage to keep himself together now that Seryu knows his secret? Will Esdeath find Tatsumi before the planned assassination attempt on High Priest Boric? And what are our three mysterious strangers up to in Kyoroch?
Find out this and more on the next entry!
