Chapter 4 – Getting to work.
Arthur/Emperor Constancious 'Connie' Augustus the 23rd – The Capitol over the next three days
Over the next two days, the three got to work on cleaning up the capitol of corrupt politicians and military officers. This was increasingly easier due to the efforts of the Arthurs group, as their activities over the past year were not just focused on getting rid of Honest but also gathering information on all his dealings and past relations. This made locating and convicting most of the minor allies of Honest simple. All Arthur had to do was find them and bring them to the palace and then the Emperor with the assistance of Felix would convict them and have them either demoted, imprisoned or in extreme stances execute them. Luckily most of Honest 'allies' worked for him out of fear rather than loyalty meaning that most were simply demoted or sent for community and social services. While there were a minority of executions in somewhat higher positions such as the dungeons Warden and head torturer. They were executed due to their resistance and later on the evidence accumulated against them found in their personal quarters. Especially the head torturers room as body parts were hanging all around the room, arms, legs, heads and an abundance of internal organs were scattered around, some framed or just hung to the wall with a rusty nail. However, the smell was the worst, enough so that most of the men threw up when going through. Arthur eventually found the man's diary and read through the gruesome details of some of the tortures ' favourites' it made him feel a sense of guilt and sadness as some of the victims were just normal people. Some hadn't even committed any crime and yet were sent to a terrible death due to Honest.
Eventually, after the Emperor had to see what had happened here, Arthur hated it but he knew that the boy must know what happened to these people. So, Arthur showed the diary and the room to the boy and his face was one that Arthur would never forget, as it was one of pure horror and fear as he saw the mutilated bodies. The boy threw up on the floor a few moments later and started to cry "how could this happen?" he cried "what kind of human being would do this? Let only take pleasure in it?"
Arthur knelt to the boy, and said with a heavy heart "some people are just sick, they have no sympathy for others and take pleasure in their pain." Arthur hugged the boy close and turned him away from the scene "but there are still good people out there, a lot of the ad we have to protect them, protect them from monsters like Honest and the Torturer but also we must try and save those from themselves."
Connie sniffled "what do you mean by that?' He asked quietly.
"This difficult to explain, but not all evil people are truly evil and can be turned back to the right path," Arthur said to the boy "some of them- no most of them are just lost or scared and need love and compassion, not more pain. Those people we have to try and pull back to the side of humanity and one day just maybe they'll be the ones to save us."
Connie still looked a bit puzzled but slowly nodded and said, "I think I understand… but how can you tell that someone can be saved and when someone can't be?" he asked.
To that Arthur responded "to be honest sometimes you don't and you just have to try, hopefully, you will be able to feel that their a good person deep down and that there is a chance to change them. But the real question is whether or not you are brave enough to try and to take the chance in the first place."
With that Connie looked up at Arthur and then hugged him tighter, "come on" Arthur said
"let's go, I'll take you to your room your highness" he then picked up the boy and left the torture chamber with an even greater motivation to change the empire in both their hearts.
Later that night, Arthur was once again carrying Connie as the boy had fallen asleep during his last meeting. Yet Connie actually wasn't asleep he just wanted to go to bed so he pretended to, of course, Arthur knew that and said he would take the boy to bed. Even though Connie had only known Arthur for a few days now, he felt that he could rely on him more than anyone. Arthur has been nothing but honest and straight forward to him since they meet, unlike everyone else in his life. Connie was sure that he could trust him as ever person he came across seemed to brighten up when around him, the guards all respected him and laugh with him, Felix seems relaxed whenever he is around and most importantly the people love him. Connie ever really went outside when Honest was around yet the first thing Arthur asked him after their first interaction was to come for a walk with me. Connie at first was hesitant yet he encouraged him and told him that it was important for a leader to walk among his people as it showed them he cared and most importantly showed what the Empire truly was liked.
Connie was thankful, as it was the first time in a long time he left the palace without any pressure or for some official business, I was just free to walk the streets even though Arthur said it was probably best if I didn't wear my usual clothes and that I didn't refer to myself as Emperor Connie thought but I didn't mind too much.
Connie then looked at Arthur and said "Arthur… will you stay with me for the night?" Connie asked sheepishly "I don't really want to be alone right now…"
Arthur responded kindly "of course kiddo" as they continued down the hall towards the Emperor's room. He opened the door to the massive room and placed the emperor in his bed, he then turned and grabbed a chair and sat down near the boy making sure that he could see him.
Connie tossed around in bed for a minute until he got comfy he then said "Arthur… instead of calling Emperor can you call me Connie?"
Arthur looked down at the boy and said "ok… Connie." The boy smiled at him and then said, "good night Arthur."
"Good night Connie, get a good night sleep," Arthur said as the boy slowly drifted to sleep.
On the third day, Arthur began to prepare to face Esdeath. He knew that it would be difficult to restrain her army if he cannot get to her first so he left the palace to the care of Felix and Petrocles as he trusted them with the safety of the Emperor.
As Arthur hypothesized that if the news were to reach her she would send her army out to burn and pillage everything in her path while she returned to the capitol and then most likely attempt a siege. This would not necessarily be a disadvantage to Arthur, but he would not tolerate any kind of unnecessary deaths of innocent people.
To make sure Esdeath would arrive at the capitol without knowing of Honest's death, Felix suggested that it would be best not to tell the people of his death and make sure no left the capitol without their knowledge and if they did to steer clear of going anywhere near Esdeath and her subordinates. So, they can make sure Esdeath doesn't go on a rampage, and wait until she had returned with her Yeager's. Luckily, it appeared no one in the capital knew of Honest death, either than the higher-ups making things easier as the citizens were unaware of the situation and not many had left the capital unless for official business due to the civil war. This was good as Arthur now could focus all his attention on the confrontation.
Arthur was simulating the confrontation ahead and felt confident, if I got Esdeath alone I believe I should able to restrain her however things will get difficult if she is with her subordinates so I should focus on them first or challenge her to a one on one duel. He thought as he walked the stone road leading north, as that was the direction that Esdeath was currently returning from her hunt. He was currently travelling to intercept her party but a thought struck him hmm… that might just work…
Esdeath/Wave/Run/Bols – North of the capitol
Not far off from the capital, Esdeath and her party rode. They had been riding on horseback since morning and was making good time towards their destination, Esdeath herself was in a slightly annoyed mood as she had discovered the death of Dr Stylish the days prior. However, what really had her in a foul mood was the fact that Dr Stylish had discovered and engaged Night Raids headquarters alone, instead of falling back and reporting to her so that she could wipe them out herself.
She sighed out loud, what a wasteful trip at least we discovered Stylish body and his personal army. But Alas I will find you night raid and once I have I can refocus all my attention on bringing back my Tatsumi she thought bashfully. As the thought crossed her mind, the other Jaegers were also thinking of their lost comrade particularly Seryu as she was infuriated at the death of another mentor and friend.
They continued to ride for a while until Esdeath noticed something, a presence was approaching she thought it was most likely a trader or some traveller. But as they neared the figure, the other Jaegers began to notice.
"Captain, someone's coming," Bols said as he noticed the man more clearly now, he was large in size and wore a cloak that covered his body and face. He appears to be walking straight to us Esdeath thought and then signalled the Jaegers to dismount and approach the man on foot.
As they did the man seemed to notice as well, but continued walking anyway. "That's far enough" Run stated as he got a strange feeling about this stranger. "State your business with us"
Esdeath herself was also slightly intrigued about the stranger as he seemed completely at ease with his situation even though he was alone. The man had stopped at runs request and was about 10 meters away from them, he then removed his hood and revealed a brilliant gold helmet that dazzled in the sunlight.
"Hello there" the man called out "General Esdeath and the Jaegers it's an honour to meet you all," he said with curtesy and a slight bow.
Now Esdeath was really intrigued by this stranger, as he knew exactly who they are and yet remained completely calm and at ease. This should be interesting she thought and then replied to his call "Well meet stranger, what brings you out here on this day?"
The man replied casually "I am a messenger from the Emperor, I am to inform you that Prime Minister Honest has been executed for high treason against the Emperor and the empire and I have been asked to escort you back to the capital."
This stunned Esdeath and the Jaegers, "Honest has been executed?!" "How is this possible?" "The emperor would never have done this as he relied on him for everything?" Some of the Jaegers mumbled to themselves. Yet Esdeath remained silent for a while with her head lowered, then she began to giggle.
The Jaegers looked at their captain with puzzlement as she started laughing louder now "Excuse me," she said hysterically "is this some sort of joke?" she said through her laughs "the fat man is dead? Is that true?"
The armoured man looked her in the eye and said calmly "yes he was sentenced for high treason as there was a large amount of evidence behind some of his illegal dealings and also the assassination of the former Emperor and Empress."
Esdeath was still recovering from her laughing fest "that fool I can't believe he got himself killed, well that's one way he could've gone I suppose."
"Now that this is out of the way, I am to escort you and your Jaegers to the capitol where you will judge by the Emperor for your actions on the battlefield and off the battlefield, if you would be so kind I would appreciate your cooperation and that you come quietly." The man stated after Esdeath had calmed down, this shocked the Jaegers as wave tried to protest "but we haven't done anything wrong we followed ever order that we were given?! What's our crime?!" he demanded.
"The Jaegers for the most part have not been accused of any crimes except for a few exceptions that will be handled at the capital, however, your captain General Esdeath has committed multiple atrocities over her time as general and must answer for them." the man said, "so I will say this again please do not resist and accompany me as I do not wish to engage you but I will if you refuse to come peacefully."
Esdeath and the Jaegers at this point knew that this guy was kidding around, even if the Prime Minister is dead that doesn't mean that the emperor isn't being manipulated by someone else in the shadow Esdeath thought. Is this man the one that killed Honest and is possibly taking his place to control the empire? If so he must wish to either strike a deal with me to control me and my army for himself or eliminate me here and now. Whatever the case I'm not sure if I should let him live. Esdeath thought of her options but then she relaxed and laughed, what am I saying this man is a fool to come alone and to think he can take me on alone? What arrogance.
"I'll say this much stranger you have guts I'll give you that," Esdeath said casually "but a fool if you think I'll come quietly, I know you just wish to control me but I don't care what you say I do whatever I please!" Esdeath yelled as she suddenly kicked off the ground towards the man and raising her right leg for a powerful high kick towards the man's head.
The kick connected and the ground cracked underneath the force, however, Esdeath looked at her opponent and noticed that he had brought up his left arm in defence and had blocked the full force of the kick with relative ease. Impressive she thought as she jumped back, the Jaegers were both in awe of the Generals speed and strength but more so of the defence of the armoured man. As they now saw the rest of the man as the force of the strike revealed his armour as it covered his head to toe in golden plates.
"Impressive stranger but I'm not-" Esdeath suddenly stopped as the man jumped forward at an alarming speed attempting to strike her with a powerful right-handed hay-maker punch. He's fast, I'm not going to be able to doge she thought as she brought her arms up in defence of the punch, however, it was a mere fake and the man suddenly grabbed out with his left hand and caught the general. She tried to get free of his grip but he was so strong and fast before she could react he had her pinned.
"Esdeath I do not wish to fight you right now so sorry about this," the man said as he suddenly strikes Esdeath behind the ear knocking her out cold. He then grabbed the women and gently laid her down on the ground, then turned towards the rest of the party.
The Jaegers who had just witnessed the short confrontation were not only blown away at the man's speed and strength but were terrified. He just took down the empires strongest in an instant, Wave thought in a panic. He looked around at the other Jaegers and they were just as terrified as him, Seryu was shaking and her Teigu Koro was actually… whining and shaking? Wave had never seen that before and didn't like what it meant.
While Bols was calmly looking at the situation but couldn't help himself but be frightened of the man in front of him, my Teigu won't be very effective at dealing with this man if that armour in fireproof and even if we do attack him as a group but I don't think we can win. But what was really bugging him is what he said about the Jaegers crimes, the Jaegers haven't been accused of any crimes with some exceptions? I have a feeling he means me.
Run was thinking of ways to deal with this monster at the same time, I don't think we can beat this guy if he can take down Esdeath that quickly he thought I think our best option is to try and communicate and strike a deal of some kind. He did say he didn't want to fight.
But as the three were thinking Kurome jumped in trying to get the upper hand while the man was turning to face them. "Kurome wait!" Wave yelled out, yet it was too late, as she got close to her target she raised her sword in a skewing stance the man simply raised his hand and caught her Teigu March of the Dead: Yatsufusa in his left hand. "Kurome Sutoikkuhāto your Teigu is cursed and should not be used, I'm sorry" he stated as Kurome widened her eyes as then proceeded to shatter the Teigu in his hands.
As the weapon was shattered the energy that was stored within to reanimate the dead exploded out, the backblast sent Kurome flying back into her comrades. "Grand Chariot!" Wave yelled while he donned his armour, he ran towards Kurome and managed to catch her before she hit the ground. Wave then checked if she was alright, she's breathing thank god but unconscious he thought. He then looked back at the man and Esdeath to see if they had been blown away too, but what he saw surprised him as the man had moved to protect Esdeath from being blown away from the explosion. Holding her in his arms he gently laid her down again about 20 meters back from where Yatsufusa had shattered.
Run, Bols and Seryu had all been blown away at the scene as they felt the impact of the blast and had jumped back a few feet themselves. Run had activated his Teigu Thousand-Mile Flight: Mastema, while Bols prepped his flamethrower Teigu Purgatory's Invatation: Rubicante for combat as he wasn't too affected by the blast while Seryu was protected by Koro. Run yelled out "wait we don't want to fight him" to his comrades as he knew it was pointless.
The man looked at the Run, "I don't want to fight any of you either but that Teigu your comrade was using is cursed, I was doing her a favour by destroying it" he stated, "now I think it would be best if we stopped the fighting for today and you accompany me to the capital."
The Jaegers that remained conscious were in a predicament. As they did not trust this man yet he had given them no reason to believe that he was a liar, however, Run was the first to react "fine we shall accompany you to the capital and hear what the emperor has to say."
"What!?" Seryu yelled out in rage and surprise "are you serious Run! This guy just took down our captain and Kurome and where just going to go along with him? We should be fighting to our last breath!" she yelled out at Run.
"Seryu that's exactly why we are going with him, you saw how easily he took them out what chance do we have when the captain is stronger than all of us combined?" Run said calmly while looking at Seryu.
Yet the look on her face said that she disagreed "I'm sorry vice-captain but I can't let this injustice against us go unpunished" she said then yelled out "Koro number 4!" The dog then suddenly changed and four missiles came from its mouth heading towards the stranger and collide with him.
Seeing an opportunity, she then yelled out "Koro number 7: Taizan's Cannon of Justice" then Koro unloaded a round of the large anti-tank rifle stationed in its body towards the smoke where the man was standing.
"Careful now, you don't want to accidentally hurt your captain" A voice stated behind the Jaegers. The group quickly sped around and saw for the 2nd time today the man carrying their captain away from harm, "Seryu Ubiquitous I understand your thirst for justice but serving Honest blindly and killing anyone you deem evil is not true justice."
"Shut up!" she screamed as she lunged at the man with number 3 from Koro which was a large sword. "What do you know about justice?!" she screamed while bringing down the large blade against the man not really caring that she could have injured her captain that was still being held by him. The armoured man however simply jumped out of the way, but Seryu continued her attack with Koro now in position behind the man ready to devour him whole. But in that brief moment before Seryu could push them into Koro the man suddenly counter-attack and grabbed the girl throwing her to the side with his right arm holding Esdeath in his left. Then he spun around to face the Dog Teigu and unleashed a powerful right-handed punch to the dog to explode into a pile of blood. "Koro!" Seryu screamed as his core fell to the ground, the man then bent down and picked up the core and started to walk over to Seryu with Esdeath still being held in his left arm.
"Seryu I do not wish to fight," the man said, "I believe you have a good heart but your mind is damaged and I intend to try and make you see that your view of justice has been corrupted." The man stopped in front of the girl who looked up at him with tears in her eyes, "But you have to learn to trust me" he said as he then handed Koro's Core to the young girl allowing it to regenerate slowly.
The man then slowly turned the rest of the group and stated, "now then are we ready to leave?"
Run/Arthur – Return to the capital
The journey back to the Capital was quiet, as the Jaegers were still processing what happened. Wave was carrying Kurome while on horse-back as she still hadn't recovered from the shattering of her Teigu. Bols was quietly riding next to Seryu and seemed to be deep in thought as he hadn't spoken either, while Seryu also seemed to be in the same predicament holding Koro core close to her chest as he hadn't regenerated yet. Well, our morale seems to be at an all-time low after being crushed by one man Run thought I am curious though, what makes him so strong? and what is his relationship with Emperor?
Run looked at the man ahead of their group, still holding Esdeath in his arms while on her horse he also warped his cloak around her. He said that he would carry her, after all, he knocked her out and also if she woke up he rather have her close by so she won't escape. Who is this guy? Run thought it's just where the hell did he come from and why did we not know of him?
Then Run finally mustered up the courage to speak "so now that we're returning to the capital with you what happens when we get there?"
"Don't worry, none of you will be harmed or anything we're just going to have an audience with the Emperor and the new Prime Minister" the man replied rather casually "the Emperor is actually quite excited to meet you all again."
That somewhat calmed Runs nerves however he did notice that the man hadn't really answered his question, as all he said is that we're meeting the Emperor and the new Prime Minister. So, Honest did kick the bucket good riddance that man deserves to rot in hell Run thought however this still could be a ruse but I don't think he is lying.
"So, you said that we weren't accused of any crimes except Esdeath and a select few, may I ask who they are?" Run said trying to get more information out of the man. Bols seemed to perk up at this and was looking at the man too.
"Very well the ones that have been accused are Bols Poenitet and Kurome Sutoikkuhāto, due Bols involvement in the incineration squad and Kurome's involvement as an assassin in the dark squad, the elite seven and the group of terror." Bols head sank after hearing this and sighed heavily "I knew this day would come… I just hope my family will be alright."
"Don't lose hope yet Bols," the man suddenly said and Bols looked up, "the emperor has not set your sentenced in stone yet and most of the things that you were involved with were the orders of your higher-ups so it is they who should be punished."
This seemed to have lifted Bol's spirit a little as now instead of slumping his head he held it up high. "Look were here," the man said afterwards and the imperial capital walls came into view "were almost at the palace now."
They continued to the gate and the guards positioned their called out "hey look he's back! Open the gate!" As they got closer a few guards ran to them calling "Hey look the tins cans back!" "How'd your mission go?" "No trouble I hope," they asked.
The man simply waved back and said his hellos and that the mission was a success, wait the guards know him? They didn't even notice that he was carrying General Esdeath in his arms! Run thought now really puzzled. Run thought that it wasn't that strange that they hadn't noticed the Jaegers as they were still relatively new but Esdeath!? Maybe it's because he wrapped her up in his cloak but still!?
The guards then led the group through to Runs dismay and they rode into what seemed like a new capital. The entire atmosphere had changed in the 3rd, circle people were everywhere doing their day to day tasks but everyone seemed to be smiling and laughing. They all seemed so generally happy as if they had gained a new motivation to live. The last time the Jaegers were at the capital it seemed always so down and depressing in the 3rd circle on most days, especially when soldiers walked by on patrol. But whenever there were soldiers on patrol they smiled and waved at the passing citizens and they waved, back some even stopped and had conversations with the patrolmen for a short while. While children ran around without a care in the world laughing and smiling as they played with each other and some of the adults even joined in. Run was amazed and so was the others, even Wave perked up and began to smile as he looked around which he hadn't done since before the fight with the stranger. Then out of now where a bunch of kids came up to the group giving them flowers and treats, even Bols received some and the kids weren't afraid at all of them.
This is amazing Run thought, the whole capital has changed so much in just a few days, is this because of the death of Honest? Or something else? Run then looked over at the man that had brought them here and then began to notice. It's him he thought their all smiling because of him. Run noticed that the people's faces lit up when they saw him coming through. They waved, smiled and even gave him gifts, the kids, in particular, seemed to love him as they ran circles around him and tried to gain a glimpse under his helmet. While others simply nodded in respect as he rode on by and he reciprocated by shaking the men's hands, accepting the gifts of the women and laughing with the children. He looks so at peace Run thought, what has he done to do this? How has he done this in such a short time?
Before Run even realized they had arrived at the palace, and the head of the Throne Room guard had come to greet them. "Captain Petrocles," the man said as he dismounted and brought the General with him.
"Master," the Captain said with a bow "it's good to see you, it seems your mission was a success." Master? Run asked himself the throne room guards teacher?
"Petrocles how many times do I have to tell you, you don't have to call me that and yes the mission was successful thank you" the man replies, "however if you would be so kind to escort the Jaegers to the throne room I would like to report to the emperor quickly as there are some light injuries."
"Of course, Jaegers please follow me" Petrocles stated as he walked off towards the palace. The Jaegers did as they told and dismounted, they walked to the throne room in relative silence until Petrocles spoke up. "Sir what shall we do with general Esdeath?"
"Don't worry about her I'll take her back to her chambers in the palace and deal with her there" the man said, "however I do wish to speak with Felix after we have spoken to the emperor."
"Very well sir," the captain replied as the group arrived at the giant throne room doors. The Guards opened it and welcomed them inside. The Emperor was currently sitting on his throne was discussing something with Mr Albatross, he then looked up at the newcomers and his face shifted into a large smile.
"Arthur!" the boy yelled out as he hopped off his throne and ran to the group hugging the man. What!? The Jaegers all thought at the same time, and their faces showed it as their jaws hit the floor. "Woah, easy kiddo you don't want to wake up sleeping beauty here." The man replied while catching the boy.
Sleepy beauty? Run thought as he looked at the man you really are insane, and his name is Arthur huh? Good to know that he has a name.
The Emperor then looked up and noticed that he was carrying another person in his left arm. "Sleeping Beauty? Oh! You brought Esdeath with you and the Jaegers…" the Emperor finally realized. He panicked for a moment in embarrassment as he realized that he was acting like a spoilt child in front of the most elite fighters of the military. Steeping back and composing himself he said, "Jaegers it is good to see you again, I was looking forward to speaking with you," the Emperor than had a better view of the group who had begun to kneel before him "but it seems that you're a bit tired right now and need some rest, so how about we speak tomorrow?"
Run replied "yes your majesty, that would be most appreciated as some of our members are decommissioned right now" as he looked at Kurome and the general who was still out cold.
"Very well Petrocles if you would, please show the Jaegers to the temporary rooms," the Emperor said. With a nod, Petrocles escorted the group off, excluding Arthur who was still holding Esdeath.
"I gotta say they are an interesting group," Arthur said to the boy "but I gotta get sleepy here to her room, I only stopped by to say hello."
"What? But you just got back" the boy whined.
Arthur than put his free hand on the boy's head and said, "don't worry I'll be back soon, but I do need to take care of the lady, Felix I do wish to speak to you about the Jaegers but we shall speak later."
"Of course, my friend," Felix said as Arthur than hugged the young emperor one more time then left the throne room heading towards Esdeath's room.
