Tatsumi looked on as the fellow members of Night Raid prepared themselves for what was about to come. They were scattered about in the open field located near the cemetery located near the western wall.

Tonight, on the night of the Path of Peace's anniversary, the corrupt priest and Imperial spy Bolic would die.

Assassinated by the hands of those gathered here, and thus allowing the Revolutionary Army to finally make their move once the Path of Peace organization rises up in rebellion against those slowly rotting away the Empire hiding away in the nation's capital.

The plan was for each of their members to focus on one of two roles:

The first; assigned Leone, Lubbock, Tatsumi and Bulat would pin down any troublesome foes such as the Rakahasa Demons or the Jagears if any of the latter are still within the city, while the second role; assigned to Akame, Najenda, Susanoo, and Walker would focus on the overall goal: Eliminating Bolic.

Mine had a specific role, to stay aboard the Air Manta and provide support for both teams when necessary.

The 1st team will be approaching the Path of Piece HQ on foot while the second team will be approaching via the air.

This operation relies on speed and precision, they can't afford to have everyone pinned down in enemy territory. That said, there wasn't exactly a set exit plan.

With the elimination of many of the Revolutionary Army's local spies, they simply couldn't find a sound exit route outside of using the loaned Air Manta. If it went down, it'll be hell to try and escape.

This however, was one of many risks any assassin should be willing to take on a mission as important as this.

Now that the hour grew late, the Air Manta that Najenda requested arrived some time ago and any final preparations swiftly being dealt with the group of assassins only waited upon their leader to give the word to begin.

Tatsumi took these few moments to stretch a bit. He was in the middle of rolling his arms with Mine nonchalantly strolled up to him.

She still hadn't explained why she got angry the other day, nor apologized for it either.

"So..." Mine started, crossing her arms behind her back as she looked away. "How are you feeling about all this?"

"Honestly? A bit nervous." Tatsumi crouched down, extending his left leg out in a stretch. "What we're about to do will officially start the civil war. It's one of those key moments in history you know?"

"Yeah, it's pretty big." Mine replied, causally glancing up to the sky. "It'll be fine, as long as you don't do something stupid like get Susanoo angry at not eating all your food again."

What she was referring to was dinner a few hours ago, where Susanoo made all of Night Raid's favorite foods. Being the nitpicker he is, the organic Imperial Arms couldn't help but point out that the young assassin had left a single grain of rice on his plate and made a big deal out of it.

Tatsumi let out a sigh, closing his eyes. "He'd be perfect if he wasn't such a nitpicker."

Mine giggled "Yeah, but that's what makes Susanno, Susanno."

She turned to face Tatsumi, face blushing slightly as she took in a deep breath. "Hey Tatsumi," She started, grabbing the young man's attention. "When this mission is over, I have something I wanna say to you. So make sure you come out alive ok?"

Tatsumi blinked a few times before smiling, thinking he figured out why the pink haired girl was blushing. (He's wrong of course:) "Sure, that goes for you too Mine."

Mine smiled, spinning around as she let out a huff. "Naturally! I'm shocked you had to say something so obvious Tatsumi! Clearly I need to up my game if I'm worrying you of all people."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"Alright everyone, gather around!" Najenda interrupted with the clap of her hands. She waited as the rest of the team drew closer before continuing.

"Everyone here knows what needs to be done. Our only objective is the assassination of one corrupt priest, everyone else is but an obstacle to avoid or overcome. We will succeed and soon after, the revolution will begin."

Najenda took a moment to glance at the faces of her subordinates, each filled with determination. She was proud of everyone of them, promising to herself that she will do everything she can to make sure none of them die tonight.

With a smile, she turned a full 180 and headed off to the Air Manta.

"Let the operation begin."


Elsewhere...

General Esdeath read a book as her subordinate Run played a game of shogi with High Priest Bolic, humoring him by creating a "hard fought" match; an act that would end in the young man's defeat.

She had to hand it to him, Run knew how to throw a match and made his opponent feel like they earned it at the end.

Esdeath allowed Wave, Kurome, Seryu, and Drake to partake in the festivities currently taking place outside a few hours ago and had recently returned. The four were taking the time to refresh themselves before reporting to her for further orders.

Tonight was to be their last night here in Kyoroch after all, so there is no harm in letting her subordinates have fun now that they time here is coming to an end.

Having spent a little more than a week here after starting the investigation into the necromancy incident, hoping that those responsible would show up once more. In a way, she had been rewarded with the two individuals that attacked her in broad daylight whom were most likely individuals related to the attack.

Unfortunately, the following autopsies provided little in the way of new information. These people were professionals, whomever they are.

"High Priest Bolic!" Shouted the brown haired man known as Holimaca as he barely stepped though the doorway. "We have a situation!"

"What can it possibly be tonight of all nights?" Bolic causally replied, turning an eye to the commander of his personal forces.

"Something took all those in the Second Inner Courtyard hostage and it killing anyone that tries to escape!" Holimaca replied in haste. "We just learn of it after someone else passed by and saw a whole bunch of vines pierce though a few followers' skulls! The whole place is in alert now!"

"What did you say?!" Bolic raised from his seat a bit too fast, bumping the shogi board and scattering the pieces. "That's close to Lord Fairchild! If whatever this creature is causes harm to him-!"

The corrupt spy left out the unspoken truth: That is Lord Fairchild somehow dies before Bolic could credit himself as the man's oracle all his efforts here will be in vain.

"Show yourselves Demons!" Bolic shouted, turning to his side and cutting the open air with his left hand. A moment after, the Four Rakahasa Demons appeared kneeling before him.

"I need you four to go-"

"-Belay that order." Esdeath cut in, closing her book. She took her time to rise from her seat, placing the book in her cleavage as she placed her free hand on her side.

"There is a chance that this creature is related to the attack from the other week. Even it it isn't, this almost screams distraction."

She turned to face the four demons. "That said, I suggest you don't send all of your bodyguards on what is obviously a ploy to divide you forces."

Bolic swallowed hard, turning to face the cunning general. "O-of course...General Esdeath, I shall defer to you battle harden wisdom on this matter."

The latter smirked, closing her eyes for the moment. "Thank you High Priest." She reopened her eyes, pointing to two of the Demons; Suzuka and Ibara.

"You two, go to where the lord of the Path of Peace resides and insure his safety. We can't have him dying prematurely."

"What about this creature?" Bolic asked, causally holding his hand to his side. "You don't intend to ignore in do you?"

"I shall investigate that personally. After all, it takes a monster to fight a monster." General Esdeath said with a smile, choosing to let spy's rude interruption slide on this occasion before turning to face her subordinates as she addressed them.

"Wave, Drake, Seryu, you three shall stand guard outside. Run, serve the area from above and provide intelligence. I want to know what were up against. Kurome, stay here and guard Bolic. I might not seem like it but he is important for the Prime Minister's plans for the region."

Bolic glanced at the girl in the highschool uniform, nodding with a stern face. "Sten and Mez, I want you two in the hall just before this room. Intercept any intruders that may come."

Sten chuckled in acknowledgement as Mez simply threw two fingers across her bow.

Bolic turned his gaze to his trusted commander. "Holimaca, have your men double their patrols. Anyone suspicious pop up, alert the Jagears outside and provide assistance." He paused before adding. "Also, lead the Jagears some of our comm units. It will make passing information all the more easier."

The priest turned his head to the infamous Ice Witch. "Will that previous order conflict with what you have planned?"

"I was actually thinking of the same, and thanks for the communication line. Don't bother leading one to me of course, I suspect it would be damaged in the upcoming fight." She replied with a smile. Esdeath nodded once more to her subordinates, before heading off to do what she always loved: Pick a fight with the strongest opponent she can find.

"This may prove to be an enjoyable evening after all."


Meanwhile...

"We came for you Lord Fairchild. We came for you, our brother."

Vlad Farblood said, holding his arms out like a man preaching the word of god.

The half-human priest and leader of the Path of Peace religious movement, Lord Fairchild, stood bewildered by the pale skinned creature's last words.

"I'm...sorry? You came for me?"

"That is correct." Vlad replied, lowering his arms. "My associate and I have come to bring you home, to the place you truly belong."

"I have no idea what you talking about, but my place is here." Lord placed a hand on his chest. "I have a duty here, one to guild the faithful through these turbulent times."

"Of course, and that currently involves staging a rebellion against the corrupt government."

Lord's eyes narrowed, briefly showing a sign of anger before relaxing as he smiled innocently. "I have no clue as to what you're suggesting."

"Come now brother, even the foolish humans in the capital see what you and your followers are aiming to do in the near future." Vlad held a hand out to his side.

"Your simple religion states that those whom do good shall receive good karma and vice versa, yet those in the government conduct must unspeakable evils on a daily basis remain as of yet unpunished for their actions."

"Thus, you and your followers are duty bound to rise up and stop this corrupting pledge from claiming any more innocent lives."

"While you numbers swell with many talented and connected individuals, many are not as discrete as you believe they are. The Empire knows your plans, this is why they sent Bolic. He is to be you replacement, after the greedy agent assassinates you in an act to make yourself portrayed as a true god and he as your oracle."

The room felt to silence for the next few moments as the two humans in the room took some time to digest this news. The one behind Vlad let out a hushed curse, mumbling something along the lines of "he knew it".

"I see...that would explain the seemingly coincidental timing..." Lord Fairchild glance down, his eyes trembling at this betrayal. He knew, all along, that Bolic wasn't the most pure of his followers.

Time after time he received reports suggesting the high priest's corruptive ways and time after time Fairchild ignored them, for he believed there was good in everyone, but this...

"I know you are taking this hard, my brother. Bolic has trampled over you good faith and that is only the start of his transgressions."

Vlad said, taking a few steps forward before placing a hand on the man's shoulder.

"Humans can be many things; deceitful creatures with no set limitations. They can become anything they desire, and that makes them a threat. United, and they are a force far greater than all other races that have come before."

"Take heart, for a response has been prepared to deal with the traitor. The infamous Night Raid plots to strike tonight, aiming to take this corrupt priest out of the picture and remove the only real obstacle your movement has to begin your revolt."

Lord Farblood mostly ignored what the man said, instead turning his gaze toward his bodyguard Rook, whom was being constrained by a wilder looking form of Vlad himself.

"Rook, if this is true and these assassins aim to strike tonight, I wish to spare as many of the faithful as possible."

Rook nodded as best he could with the familiar's fingers wrapped around his neck. "I understand."

After he spoke, the human turned his head to Vlad. The latter shrugged before giving off a subtle gesture with his hand.

"No tricks human. It doesn't take much to set my familiar off."

The familiar released it's grip on the bodyguard, then took two slow steps backward.

Rook took a moment to massage his neck before pulling out a communication device. Quickly, he relayed an order for all those outside of Bolic's jurisdiction to discreetly vacate the priest's personal section of the HQ. Such an order should be easy to complete, for tonight's festivities should provide the perfect excuse.

When the act was done, he turned to his client and nodded.

With his mind at ease, Lord Fairchild rose his head locking his gaze with his "guest."

"Now then, Vlad von Farblood. You have called me brother on more than one occasion. I do not recall us as biologically related, nor are we bond by a shared religious belief. That said, I wish to be enlightened on what connection we share that warrants such familiarity."

Vlad closed his eyes, chuckling for a few moments before refocusing his gaze upon the half-breed.

"As you wish. Our connection is but a simple one."

Vlad extended his arms out once more, smiling wide enough so his fanged teeth were showing.

"The origin of your birth comes from a time long forgotten by all but a handful of individuals."

"Brother Fairchild, whether you know of this or not, you are the descendant of a mild kind of high-class Danger Beast. One known to aid the other humanoid species in times of need. One faithful incident lead a human female meet the particular creature that makes up part of your genetics and the rest is but chemistry. You are the most recent descendent along that genetic line, which is why you are so very different from all those whom you surround yourself with."

"There is no way that a Danger Beast can mate with a human." Fairchild replied with the shake of his head.

Vlad frowned. "No? Such a shame that the humans have grown so ignorant over the years." He took a moment to take two steps to his right before continuing.

"Different species can be inbreed with other humanoid races. Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Vampires, Danger Beasts, Orcs and so on. Humans are especially compatible with nearly all the many other intelligent races that have or are currently walking this planet."

"Many hybrids have been born from the womb of numerous human females. Most detested after birth, thrown away like trash or secluded from the rest of society for being born as 'monsters'."

"If you don't believe me, take a look at yourself!" Vlad pointed a finger toward the hybrid. "You ability to see the fate of mortals, you power to heal, surely these supernatural talents provided some hint at how different you are from other humans."

"Those are but the gifts of god." Fairchild placed a hand upon his own chest. "I was chosen to lead the faithful through these dark times."

"Perhaps, but it was not from god where these powers came from." Vlad quickly countered before pressing the issue.

"You are like many of my fellow comrades. The Children of Z are what they call themselves, for rarely non-humanoid Danger Beasts outside the higher classes can ever reproduce with any other race. They, like you, are descendants of Z and S class Danger Beasts and they too share supernatural powers of those ancestral creatures."

At that moment,the room shook with a low rumble. The sounds of something rising from beneath the ground plagued the sounds of joy and song from the festival below.

How did Vlad know it was the sound of something rising underground? Simple, he heard it many times before.

Vlad causally walked to the window off to his left side, smirking as he quickly spotted an all too familiar tree standing in a not so far off courtyard. Shards of ice shot into and around the courtyard followed by a massive ice chunk popping out on the roof.

"How ecstatic." He said, waiting as the hybrid priest turned his gaze to the same sight. "Lord Fairchild, I believe that tonight's festivities shall be extra invigorating on this joyous night."


Several minutes earlier...

Within the first 10 minutes of his arrival, Stitches had killed 17 of the humans gather in the courtyard. Most of these humans attempted to flee, quickly slaughtered by his various vegetation. 5 of those now dead were brave souls attempting to slay Stitches, only to end up dead for their efforts.

Now the rest lay in the far corners of the courtyard, most cowering in fear while others pretended to be brave by standing before those huddled in the dark in a pitiful show of protecting the weak and helpless.

It mattered not if these humans died or stay still in their corners. He was here to draw their eye, and thus far he was succeeding. Stitches was aware that others outside the courtyard know of his presence here. It was only a matter of time before they would act in such a foolish manner that would only accomplish their deaths.

Stiches felt his plants pulse with hunger and allowed them to emerge to feast upon the dead. This act caused panic amongst the human ranks but he didn't care.

These humans were only good as a food source anyway.

"My, my, haven't you created quite the mess." A new, female sounding voice said, shattering the dreadful and mostly silent atmosphere.

Stitches turned his head in time to watch a pair of ice spikes rush toward the carnivorous plants still feasting upon the dead. They shrieked as the ice pierced though them before settling into ever lasting silence.

The plant hybrid severed the connection to these now dead plants, turning his body to the elegant beauty of a human standing a top the roof overlooking the courtyard.

Her light blue hair seemingly glittered in the moonlight, her white clothing a perfect backdrop to this and her blue eyes.

"So you're the creature that has everyone's fretting over." The radiant human spoke, placing a hand on her hip.

"That is correct, human known as General Esdeath." Stitches replied, extending his arms out to his sides as a set of seeds fell from his sleeves.

These seeds bounced a few times before suddenly stopping and stood up straight. In the next moment, the spun rapidly in an unreal amount of time and dug themselves a path through the tiles of the courtyard and into the underground.

"It speaks!" Esdeath joyfully replied, smiling wide enough to show her teeth. "And it knows my name! I guess my reputation as exceeded to the far reaches of the animal kingdom!"

"There is not a sole individual in the Empire or those nations at you boarders whom haven't heard of you oh fearsome Ice Witch."

The ground started to rumble slightly, bits of tiles began to pop up as something slowly started to push through them from underground.

"My name is Stitches, one that creates fear equal to your own in my country."

The rumbling intensified, brown and green roots began to push themselves through the tiled floor and swept this way and that to make room for other roots.

Stitches lowered it's head for a moment. "Human members of the Path of Peace, I advice that you not move from your current places. Otherwise, the tree taking root before you shall stomp you out like the vermin you won't admit you are."

Soon after speaking, a massive tree trunk shot up from underground being pulled out by the roots spiraling around the courtyard. These roots dug in as the tree shot up further and further.

Branches and multicolored leaves grew out from the trunk as it continued to climb. Shortly after these branches formed, massive acorn-like objects formed on these massive limbs.

The pace of the tree growth slowed, the top canopy began to form as it started it's finishing touches.

Vine-like appendages shot down from the top of the tree's "hair", slowly tying themselves together as they descended low to the ground.

This same vines began to twist in abnormal ways, forming arms, legs, humanoid body shapes. Once these bodies formed they detached themselves from the vines they grew from and landed upon the courtyard. These forms twitched as the rose to their feet, staring at the blue-hair general with dark gaps in their heads where their eyes would be.

At that moment, several of the large acorn objects dropped from the tree hitting the ground in a matter of moments. Similar to actual acorns, these did not break upon impact. Instead, they morphed into humanoids: figures that appeared like wooden armored humanoids.(Their heads look similar to a Nobushi's helmet/facemask.) "

"They extended their hands, wooden spears emerged from their palms. They snapped off their hands and soundly grasped them in their hands.

"Impressive." Esdeath smiled, snapping her fingers. Ice shards formed around her, one at a time. "You formed an small army in a matter of moments."

"Indeed. The Tree of Banyan is a powerful organism. Shame you only see a fraction of it's capabilities now."

Stitches extended his arms out, slightly above his head.

"Now, feared General of the Empire, let us see how you fare against a prestige member of the Children of Z."

The creature lowered his arms, taking a moment to address the other individuals in the courtyard.

"Take note humans, if you value your individual, meaningless lives, I suggest you head my sound advice: Run for your lives."

There was a momentary pause as the Path of Peace members glanced at one another before stampeding out of the courtyard. The two monsters waited for the crowd to dissipate before adding anything further.

"Ah, and now that they are gone-"

"-not one will get in the way with out battle."

General Esdeath chuckled as she released the ice shards around here. The Acornmen snapped into action much like skilled warriors. The swung, pierced, and dodged the falling ice in elegant motion.

Then the Vinemen stepped up, extending both their limbs at the Partas survivor. The vines that made up their hands extended outward at a rapid pace, all toward the fearsome general.

Maintaining her smirk, Esdeath easily dodged the incoming vines. She drew her sword, cutting some of the nearby vegetation as it retracted toward their hosts.

Two of the Vinemen walked off to the left standing side by side. These two combined into one bigger form and extended its hands out. Vines shot out and latched onto the roof overlooking the courtyard. Without missing a beat, the bulk of the Acronmen used this path as a latter to climb onto the roof and rush after the commander of the Jagears.

Thrilled by the prospect of a challenge, Esdeath threw ice shards at the incoming warriors. Like before, these too were dealt with in an elegant manner. Unlike before however, this attack was but a distraction.

The general froze the legs of the first half dozen Acornmen, shattering them soon after. These fallen men were soon passed over, however Esdeath noticed brownish wood spurt out from the fallens' broken legs expanding quickly to fill the gaps in their limbs.

'So they have regeneration...' Esdeath thought as she decapitated the lead three Acornmen and clashed blades with the fourth. She spun around, stabbing the woodman in the back before stepping back to dodge a coordinated blow from two others.

The General snapped her fingers, ice engulfed the Acornmen before her. Esdeath turned back to the courtyard, narrowly avoiding a wooden spear aimed at her face.

She smiled at the sight before her; more Vinemen and Acornmen spawned from the tree, some making their way up the path the others used, some climbing up different paths recently made by other combined Vinemen.

General Esdeath let out a laugh. This was certainly more than she expected for sure.

"This will be an entertaining night for sure."

Stitches jumped upward, landing on one of the branches of the massive tree.

"I assure you human, this night has only just begun."


Meanwhile...

The two Rakahasa Demons Suzuka and Ibara soundlessly moved across the roof of the Path of Peace's HQ, swiftly making their way to where the leader of the religious movement stayed.

They could see glimpses of the battle between General Esdeath and the creature known as Stiches, but knew better than to let it distract them from their task.

Suzuka and Ibara landed upon above the section Lord Fairchild uses as his personal study. The two quietly walked forward for a few moments before their instincts screamed at them to freeze.

The two scanned the area without moving their heads as they settled into a battle ready stance. Everything was quick, aside from the noise of the nearby battle and the distance sounds of the festival. Moments passed, nothing happened and yet the two knew someone or something was watching them.

"You feel that too?" Ibara asked.

"Yeah, sends a chill down my spine." Suzuka answered with a half smile. "It's kind of exciting."

"Maybe, but it doesn't feel quite right." Ibara replied in kind. "Let's just get this done and get out of here."

A full two or three minutes more passed before the two dared to take a step when a voice called out to them.

"I'm sorry, but Lord Fairchild is quite busy at the moment. Perhaps you should come back at another time?"

Suzuka and Ibara snapped their heads toward the source of the voice; a swarm of red eyes bats circling on the other end of the rooftop.

Out of the swarm, something formed. The bats gradually disappeared, fading into the figure of a thin, pale skinned woman in a black, frilly dress.

She smiled at the pair as spoke once more.

"You see, my dear brother already has an appointment with the man. They'll be very busy, for the whole night in fact."

"That's a shame." Ibara replied with a smile. "We were hoping to pop up quick, make sure he's ok and maybe watch over him for the night. Least till your brother leaves anyway."

The woman laughed, placing the back of her hand over her mouth. "How amusing, you concerns are rather misplaced however. My brother has no reason to harm the leader of this simple religion."

"Yeah, well, we got orders."

"Oh yes, orders orders orders. You humans love your orders. I won't say this again, come back later. Otherwise, things may get messy."

Suzuka smirked for a brief moment, thinking her usual thoughts. Ibara chuckled as he cracked his neck.

"Well then, it looks like you don't know how you're dealing with."

"On the contrary human, I know all about you Rakahasa Demons." The pale woman closed her eyes as she spoke the last few words. When she reopened them, her eyes seemingly glowed red. She opened her mouth in a smile, fangs showing as she chuckled.

"The fact of the matter is, even with your unique bodies, you two have no idea what your getting yourselves into."

A chill ran through Suzuka and Ibara, the forward enjoying a bit more than any normal person should.

"I just got goosebumps." Suzuka let out a single, short laugh. "This might be like fighting Esdeath."

"That bloodthirsty gaze, that cynical smile, that pale skin, blood red eyes...Yep I think I found her." Ibara smiled.

"Found..?" The pale woman frowned. "Oh...I see..." She tilted her head. "This is why you human males disgusts me. You lust over beings far out of you league thinking you have a chance or might struck lucky. It's a pitiful as it is frustrating."

"Enough talk then." Ibara ran forward, extending his arms back. His arms extended farther back than normal, thanks to the special training her received. This is what made the Rakahasa Demons unique; they have the ability to manipulate their bodies into nearly anyway they see fit.

The creepy looking man's arms flew forward much like a slingshot or a rubber band, increasing the force behind the two palmed blow. Ibara aimed dead center at his target, only to hit nothing but the night air.

He only had enough time to show confusion on his face before he couldn't feel...well pretty much everything. The demon's gaze shot upward, in that moment he though he was flying. It was only when Ibara saw his headless body as his gaze flipped full circle that he realized that it was his head that was flying.

"Heh...I think I fell for her Suzuka…." He smiled just before what looked like long white fingernails pieced though his head, then retracted as fast as they came.

"You're not the only beings who can retract and expand their body parts at will you know." The ghost pale woman stated, shacking the few drops of Ibara's blood from her finger tips.

"While it's certainly impressive for you humans to carry out, it is a rather common practice to many other races I am familiar with."

"You killed Ibara in an instant." Suzuka said, eyes shaking from anticipation as she gave the beast before her an ill concealed smile.

"Yes, and I'm easily tempted to kill you in the same matter." The red-eyed woman said, licking the tips of her fingertips.

Suzuka's masochist nature took over her judgement as she spread her arms wide with a teeth, showing smile.

"Oh? Are you offering me the first strike?" The pale skinned monster asked with curiosity. With a chuckle, she extended her arm and pierced Suzuka in various, nonlethal areas with her expanding nails.

The assassin let out a high pitched yell, blushing as these white nails retracted from her body.

Suzuka's breathing intensified, she never felt so much pleasure from pain. It excited her to no end! Any more of this, and nothing else would satisfy her.

"More...I WHAT MORE!" She yelled, placing her hand above her right breast guard.

Her opponent blinked a few times, then closed her eyes as she let out a low laugh.

"Oh how adorable!" She said, reopening her eyes. "A masochist huh? Then I suppose my attacks are an exotic treat to you."

The pale skinned woman grinned sinisterly as she placed her right hand against her check. "While I've been asked by my dear brother to make sure no one disturbs him until his business is finished, it is dreadfully boring. That is, until you two showed up. So as I wait for him, let the two of us play in a game only a masochist and a sadist can enjoy. How does that sound? Doesn't that just tickle your fancy, human?"

Suzuka let out a lustful chuckle as she felt the heat rise to her checks. "I think that sounds wonderful!"

"But of course." Her opponent replied with a cheerful smile. "It is a rare honor to be treated as a plaything by I; Victoria von Farblood. Do enjoy every moment of it as if it was your last, for I cannot say for certain that you shall survive."

Before Suzuka could reply, Victoria vanished from her sight. The next thing the assassin knew, she felt blood gushing from her nose and herself falling flat upon the ground.

She hit the roof hard, barely having time to raise her head when Victoira's foot slid underneath her chin. She rose the masochist's head slowly, chucking as she studied her broken nose. Her face had a hit of confusion, but as her mind caught up to her Suzuka's face twisted to that comparable to an animal in heat.

"I think I may make you my new pet." Victoria spoke, quickly sliding her foot out from under her new toy's chin then pressed down on the top of her head. She pressed her shoe down, laughing as the human moaned in pleasure.

"I want to hear you beg. Beg for more like the filthy, lustful animal you humans always turn out to be. Beg, and I shall ensure you're continued pleasure for as long as it entertains me."


Several moments later...

"Looks like someone beat us to the punch." Walker stated, rolling the end of his cigar with his tongue.

He, Akame, Najenda, Susanoo, and Mine watched from the skies above the Path of Peace's HQ building as General Esdeath and the Child of Z Stitches fought one another in the distance. Of course none of them knew this in whole, only that whomever or whatever caused the tree to spring out from that courtyard was fighting a being whom could control ice and that was a dead give away for the fearsome Ice Witch.

"Can you tell who's fighting over there?" Mine asked her self-appointed rival as she fiddled around with her own (totally not a Scouter) sight device.

"Barely, looks like a small army but I can't make out any details." Walker replied. "I'll beat good money that Esdeath is over there in the thick of it. Seems her style to take the biggest and baddest threats head on."

"Esdeath's distracted which means this is the best chance we have to infiltrate the grounds and assassinate Bolic." Najenda said, allowing herself a half smiling. "Let's stick to the plan, hopefully things will go a bit more smoothly from here."

"I'm afraid you're quite mistaken, Night Raid." An unknown, cool sounding voice replied. The members of Night Raid all turned their heads in near unison, coming nearly face to face with the winged Run.

Both parties stared at one another for a moment before the blond haired man spoke once more.

"I must admit, this is a surprise. I failed to note your arrival into the city Night Raid. That said, it is rather foolish of you to infiltrate using such a method."

Walker and Mine both whirled their long range weapons toward the young man, but by the time they were brought to bare, Run already maneuvered ahead of the Air Manta.

"The sky is my domain." He stated, launching a storm of feathers at the Danger Beast. The creature let out a mown as these feathers pierced through it's skin, hitting several vital areas. With it no longer able to hold itself up right, the Air Manta along with it's passengers began to fall rapidly towards the ground.

"A poor strategy on your part." Run said, twirling himself around as he came to a stop. He took a few moments to watch his enemies fall, mentally stating how he expected better from the group that cause his comrades so much trouble.

Run placed his thumb and index fingers upon the communication device hanging around his neck.

"Everyone, this is Run." He said, watching the Danger Beast fall.

"It appears Night Raid is here to assassinate Bolic. I have taken down their aerial transport; an Air Manta, it will come crashing in front of Wave, Seryu, and Drake's position soon. There are members not among those aboard the Air Manta, I suspect a second team in play. I will continue my patrol over the skies and see if I can spot them."

The young man took a breath before continuing. "Stay alert everyone. We may have to fight on multiple fronts. Run out.


"So you've come Night Raid..." Wave rested the physical key of his Grand Chariot over his shoulder. He closed his eyes in silent acknowledgement.

He knew that each member of the assassination group fought for their view of an ideal world.

That they fight to bring their vision of said world to pass, by taking down those corrupt individuals within the Empire.

There was no doubt in the young man's mind that they intend to strike Bolic, and while he would have no problem if it was only that spy whom would die by his foes' hands someone he cared deeply for stood guard as the last line of defense for the corrupt priest.

Wave reopened his eyes, tightening his grip around the sword within his hand.

"I promised myself that I wouldn't let anyone else I care about die." The young Jagear said, quickly twirling around the sword as he moved it to his side.

"While I accept the fact that I cannot prevent everyone's death, that doesn't mean I wouldn't allow it without giving it my all to protect those I love."

Images of Wave's family flashed in his mind's eye. He half-smiled as he recalled the last words each individual member shared with him before he set off to the capital. What would they say to him now, after he changed so much?

The young man glanced up at the night sky, quickly spotting the falling Air Manta soon to come crashing into the grounds before the Path of Peace's HQ.

The faces of his fellow Jagears, both alive and otherwise, filled his mind's eye. The image of Bols lingered for a few extra moments with the added appearance of his wife and daughter standing beside the timid man.

The image of their smiling mostly faces -cause Bols face mask- faded to reveal the three he cared for most in his unit; the old man Drake with his face filled with arrogance confidence, the young adult Run whom revealed to Wave the heavy baggage he hid behind that causal, warm smile, and the young assassin Kurome whom had the worst upbringing the young man had ever heard and yet still manages to retain such a normal-ish personality.

The form of Kurome shifted, now giving Wave a wide smile before these three images faded from his mind.

"We all have our reasons to fight." The latter spoke, taking a few steps forward until the guard rail before him was a single step away. "We all act and fight according to what we believe is right."

"When those reasons clash, we have no choice but to fight it out or succumb to the other's ideals. While I'm willing to talk things out, I know that neither my fellow Jagears or you assassins have any intentions of backing down from this."

In a flash, Wave activated his Imperial Arms. Now surrounded in his black suit of armor, the young man clenched his fists steeling himself for what was to come.

For what needed to be done.

"To that realization, I only have one thing to say:" Wave paused long enough to bring a fist up to his face.

"Do your worst, Night Raid. For I will do everything within my power to stop you."


And here ends another entry to Akame Ga Kill Clockwork!

Before I get into the usual overview, we officially hit over 11,000 views! Thank you everyone whom as stuck with me thus far! Maybe I'll luck out and find someone who may make this a fan-manga now hahaha.

Ideas and dreams aside, how'd you all fancy this entry?

Lots happening again in this short amount of words. (Short by my standards anyway)

We know why Vlad and his companions are interested in Lord Fairchild, as well a glance at their powers.

Esdeath vs Stitches is happening, as well as Victoria showing the true side of herself.

Not only that, but how bout Wave's bit at the end huh? He's really coming out of his naïve state, gotta look forward to how that shapes in the future.

Now you'll notice that the route here is more aligned with the manga, which is far superior to how the anime turned out as I'm sure I've said before. So you may have an idea of how things may go, but I assure you it'll be a bit different.

Night Raid's plan already begins to fall apart at the start, will they have a chance to succeed or even escape now that their Air Manta is taken out? What will Lord Fairchild's reply be to Vlad's offer? Will Clockwork make an appearance? And how will the fight between the two monsters Esdeath and Stiches conclude?

Find out this and more text time, on Akame Ga Kill Clockwork!