The darkness faded and light came through and before Tatsumi knew it, he was standing on the other side of the Gate and he was sure as hell glad he was still invisible. There was an entire encampment on the other side of the Gate, hundreds of soldiers stationed at the entrance no doubt in preparation for an attack if it came. But what drew Tatsumi's attention was the sheer amount of soldiers in waiting a respectable distance from the Gate itself, it was a full scale invasion force ready and waiting. Tents and camps as far as the eye could see, littering the surrounding fields. He couldn't even mentally fathom just how many there were, but a guess from him would be that the force was over fifty thousand, easily. Budo was still gathering the Empire's forces that were scattered throughout the Empire on numerous battlefronts, if this force had come through the Gate, it would have been likely that they would have taken the Capital if Esdeath hadn't been present and the situation might have been worse.
No doubt Esdeath's actions had led the invading army to regroup and assess the situation and were now trying to figure out a way to breach the wall of ice that blocked them from the rest of the Imperial Capital. Reports from the soldiers present that day had stated that the enemy had strange dragon like creatures not unlike some Danger Beasts, trained and armed for battle, no doubt it was the trained Danger Beasts that acted as a natural protection over the Imperial Palace that kept them grounded. At least some of the Palace's defenses were still in effect. Some reports stated that the Danger Beasts were picking off enemy soldiers to feed with nobody there to fulfill the duty. Trained they might be, but they were still Danger Beasts.
With his invisibility still in effect Tatsumi stood to the side of the entrance by the large column of the Gate itself, waiting for the contingent of soldiers with Chelsea to come through. It was hard to gather information like this as the language was incomprehensible to them but perhaps if they could find some documents they could decipher the invader's next course of action and Budo could lead the force to retake the Capital. Najenda had been absent a lot during their return to the Capital dealing with the politics of the new found treaty of the situation, mostly Night Raid was given the time off to try and discover more about the situation at hand.
Lubbock, himself along side Susanoo had joined one of the Revolutionary Scientists who simply went by the moniker, Doctor. One of the only members in the Revolutionary Army to know the true identities of the members of Night Raid. He had been given the Teigu Perfector after it had been retrieved after Dr. Stylish's defeat at Night Raid's old base. His skill with Perfector had been immediate having prepared himself well in advance in the chance that they were abale to claim it from the Empire, and in the time spent with him, the things he had wanted them to help build just seemed out of this world.
With their knowledge in blacksmithing and Susanoo's talent in all things, the three were tasked in helping Doctor with his new creations to aide them in the coming conflict, but Doctor also made it clear that he wanted to help the Empire to grow after the conflict was done. Tatsumi while competent as a Blacksmith was learning a whole lot under his time with Doctor. All that Doctor and his three 'assistants' were doing was under Imperial Guard in the Capital city, they after all were making Military advancements to help them subdue the invading force on the other side.
There was even talk of mass producing guns for the Imperial army, at the moment Gun's were still a newly adapted technology to the Empire, but highly effective even after a small amount of training. Tatsumi had to wonder that if the Empire wasn't constantly at war, whether with itself or it's neighbouring countries, how far advanced the technology could be just for the simple civilian. Coming from a small no name village on the Empire's outskirts, the Imperial Capital seemed almost like another world.
Their position as simply blacksmiths also allowed for Lubbock and Tatsumi to check on several issues that Najenda passed onto them during their time in the Capital. So far nothing had come of it, but there were rumours about a group acting in the city in the Shadows, none of which were good news in the slightest, it seems the Empire still had it's own bout of trouble to deal with. Just because a treaty had been signed didn't rid the Empire of all it's troubles. Not in the slightest.
In truth they hadn't discovered much about the unknown group yet, but they were certainly enough to garner Najenda's attention, which had them in the sights of Night Raid. From what they had heard, Budo was pulling in all Teigu users across the capital to use the weapons should they be needed, he seemed to want to quell the new threat as soon as possible... that only left what was going to happen afterwards. It would only be a matter of time before Najenda handed down their orders and they would be back to work.
The first of the soldiers began to make their way through the gate and it wasn't long before Tatsumi spotted Chelsea coming up from behind in her disguise, she hid it well but it was clear that she was surprised by what she saw here. Just like him, she was no doubt grateful for the wall of ice surrounding the upper district. He watched her cast a weary glance around before quickly sneaking away into the darkness. When he found her she was already out of the disguise and back to her usual self.
"So what's the plan?" Tatsumi asked as he deactivated his invisibility and knelt down beside her, they had a clear view over the tens of thousands of soldiers camped and waiting.
"Work fast." Chelsea told him, her tone no longer holding an ounce of humour as it did before they had crossed the gate. "This is a much more sizable force than what we were expecting, whoever they are their force is immense." Tatsumi had to nod their head, whoever it was that these invaders were, they had truly entended to occupy the Capital, who knows how worse it could have been had Esdeath not done as she had. "Find the command tent, find anything that you think will be useful, you'll have better luck then me."
"Right." Tatsumi nodded. "And you?" He asked.
"I'm going to cause a little diversion." Chelsea stated. "Najenda said not to do anything risky, but we have to know what we're up against here." Chelsea caught the look behind the mask, despite not seeing Tatsumi's face. "Don't worry hero, I won't get caught." She winked at him. "Go." Tatsumi nodded before he was gone from sight as Chelsea sighed softly to herself. She had to figure out just what they were dealing with, so far she'd been less then impressed in the solider's armaments and hadn't seen anything extrodinary for them to be worried about. From what she had seen of Tatsumi's growth on the Marg Plateau, he alone could cause a serious dent to the enemy forces. So why hadn't Esdeath done anything to stop them?
For now, she didn't have time to worry about that. All she needed to do was give Tatsumi a distraction to get what he could while she figured out just how capable these soldiers were.
"Now... just what exactly would bring the attention of weary soldiers..." She mused with a smile to herself as she pulled forth Gaea Foundation.
A soldier rushed past Tatsumi in a hurry, the assassin easily maneuvering out of the way to the shadow of a tent out of any flickering flames nearby, Chelsea was right the armor might cover his physical form but there was still enough that was easily discernibly to a trained eye to give away his presence. The soldiers rushed into the largest tent where Tatsumi had been making his way.
"..." A shout came from the tent causing Tatsumi to shift his weight as he leaned closer against the fabric of the tent as half a dozen heavily armed soldiers marched out of the tent followed by another, no doubt the General in charge given his rather intricate armor design, not the lack luster of the other soldiers that Tatsumi had seen on his way here. The General seemed beyond annoyed as he marched out of the tent, no doubt Chelsea's distraction was in the works, whatever she was doing seemed to be working. As the General passed him Tatsumi moved, quickly heading towards the tent entrance, carefully he peered through to see if anyone else was inside, seeing no one he entered.
Inside was obviously where operations were being held. There was a roughly drawn design of the Imperial Palace and the surrounding ice wall, several flags were raised but other than that there wasn't much to go on. Scanning the rest of the room, it was clear that this was the General's tent, a cot had been set up. His eyes narrowed at what he saw chained to it's side. A young woman, naked and chained to the ground beside the bed. She was covered in bruises, having undoubtedly been beaten, the manacles around her wrist had cut into her skin. Gritting his teeth he moved over to her, she didn't respond her eyes were open but they were completely lifeless. Moving his fingers, he pressed them to her neck trying to find a pulse but as soon as he touched her, she screamed, thrashing about.
"Get away!" She pulled at the chain's even when they started to cut open the old scabs that had slowly healed as she kicked out at him, even in this state she was still fighting for her life. "DIE! DIE! DIE!" Tatsumi saw it in her eyes, he didn't know what she had gone through, but she was gone her mind broken. She wasn't phased by the pain in her wrists as she screamed, even with her eyes open she couldn't understand that there was nobody in front of her. By how she spoke and that Tatsumi could understand her, it was clear that she had been dragged from the Empire, taken as a slave. "HAHAHAHAHA!"
The flap of the tent flew open as the woman's attention turned to the new arrival.
"...!" The voice of the general was rough and hoarse but he marched forward into the tent, Tatsumi instantly saw the attack coming as he rose his boot up to stomp on the woman, to drive her down to the ground but as the General kicked out, Tatsumi reached out gripping the man's ankle in his grip stopping the attack. "...!" Even the woman was surprised that the attack didn't come before she lost it, lashing out at the General but he was still out of her reach, her arms bound behind her as she maneuvered her body to kick out at him even baring her teeth trying to bite, to get at him anyway that she could. Tatsumi's grip increased it's hold before he heard the metal armor crack under the added pressure.
"!" Tatsumi winced as his ear began to ring at the shout, but it wasn't from the scream that had come from the General, it was something else... through the ringing and the screaming of pain... Tatsumi recognised a few of the words but couldn't quite place them. Was it the Tyrant's ability adapting to the language? Was that even possible?
Tatsumi finally let his grip on the man's ankle go as he rose to stand, deactivating his invisibility. The man looked up to Tatsumi in horror, the intimidating armour having appeared out of thin air now bearing down at him through the yellow lenses of Incursio. This man had broken the woman, and who knew how many countless women before her, perhaps even more from the Empire, more than likely others from this land. Gripping his hands into fists, he acted. Turning he broke the chains of the girl, knowing exactly what would happen.
She didn't even hesitate, as soon as she was free she leapt onto the downed General, barreling her fists down onto him. The General tried to defend himself raising a hand up before Tatsumi himself moved and stepped on it, breaking the fingers below his boot, and with his impeded ankle the man was writhing in agony and he barely had time to register the attack before it came. The woman, unleashed her fury throwing her fists into the man's face over and over until it was a bloody mess until she couldn't any longer. When her strength was gone she took in deep breaths, Tatsumi saw that the General was still alive beneath her, his face a mess as he wheezed heavily through his now broken nose.
"... thank you." In the moment she spoke, she quickly moved, grabbing the dagger that was at the General's waist drawing it from the sheath in a wide upward slice across the Generals throat cutting shallowly causing the General to cough and splutter as blood seeped from the wound, it wasn't an instant kill but it would kill him. But Tatsumi watched on as the woman quickly switched her grip on the knife, before angling it and driving the blade deep into her own neck. Tatsumi frowned as the woman fell atop of her aggressor.
"I'm sorry." Tatsumi apologised, as he knelt down beside the two, removing the woman from atop the General and placed his hand over her eyes to close them. During his time in Night Raid, just how many times had he come across the same situation? The victim so broken and distorted that the only way for them to escape, was to end their life, ending the pain of everything that they had endured, believing that there was no other way. He didn't know why, he had heard the reports of slaves been taken, but somewhere deep inside he had hoped that they were different, that they weren't the same as those in the Empire. He had wished they were better, but it seemed that there were those on this side of the Gate that were just as morally corrupted as those he fought against as an Assassin of Night Raid.
Figuring that the General wouldn't be the only one to having heard the shouts of the women, Tatsumi stood back up and turned his attention back to the documents spread out over the table. Every bit of detail that he could get here could aide in taking on the enemy. Moving to the table he began to pile the papers up before rolling them and placing them in a small leather bound bag that was on the table before attaching it to his belt beneath the cape of Incursio.
"...!" Hearing the shout come from outside he activated his invisibility before making his exit from the tent.
They were all enraptured, not just by the appearance she put on but by the display of dance and song. Having served as a member in the Oarburgh she had been trained in all manner of techniques to skillfully deceive and distract her targets, usually it wasn't so many but the effect was the same. Having taken the form of a rather busty brunette in revealing dancer attire, it didn't take long before her dance drew a crowd and then hundreds of soldiers were gathered around causing a commotion only drawing more attention. She could even see those in more intricate armor gathered meaning it was likely that Tatsumi had his chance to sneak into some important tents and get what they needed. The only problem now was...
As she danced around, men reaching out for her only to her to sway just out of their reach, she caught the sign of several of the soldiers in those intricate armor chatting in hurried tones, she wasn't able to pick up the slightest hint in what they were saying, the language was too serficated to simply pick up on. She witnessed one of them turn and march off as she twirled away from the side of the circle that had formed. As she spun she saw that the march had turned into a run, something was going on.
"..." A break in her song and shouting was heard causing everyone around her to stop and glance at one another, before more of the soldiers in the intricate armor ran off after the first.
"Time to go." However as the sound of a sword was drawn it was clear that some had their suspension as one of the men broke through the line and entered the stage where she had been dancing.
"...!" He shouted at her, no doubt an order of some kind and immediately she had one of her needles in her hand, not generally used for combat but it would be enough to kill any attacker that was stupid enough to get in close. Seeing the needle the man smirked in triumph as he began his march towards her. A plum of smoke erupted around Chelsea as she dropped her disguise, using the smoke she dashed forward towards the man, caught amidst the cloud before she simply pricked the needle into his neck with routine precision, he fell to the ground beside her in a heap. The problem now was that all the soldiers around her were wary after the man's shout and action of drawing his sword. Once this smoke cleared, it was going to be bad she could already hear the drawing of swords.
However before she could make her escape, the smoke around her burst outwards as Tatsumi landed behind her fully decked out in incursio. She didn't know where he had come from but was glad he was here.
"We should go." Chelsea nodded knowing there wasn't an argument to be had here and immediately she was hefted into his arms, she was starting to enjoy being carried around like a princess.
Tatsumi crouched as soldiers charged inwards before Tatsumi took to the sky, Chelsea wrapping her arms around Tatsumi's torso as they cleared the encampment, Tatsumi having judged the distance between where they were and the Gate and landed amidst the guards that were on duty. Tatsumi however didn't hesitate as he with Incursio's power and speed shot them both towards the entrance of the Gate, heading back into the darkness all the while activating his invisibility and cloaking himself, pulling the cape around Chelsea so too would be shielded by the ability so they wouldn't be seen on the other side, the palace itself was still full of guards.
Najenda looked over the papers that had been retrieved, she'd never seen a language like this before. She was honestly surprised that they had gotten anything in truth, unsure just how literate the enemy force was that they were dealing with. They had no information in the slightest about them, until now that is.
"You say fifty thousand at least?" Najenda questioned as she pulled out a cigar and lit it as she looked to where Chelsea and Tatsumi stood on the other side of the table, the inn she was staying at was no secret base, that was for sure.
"More." Chelsea nodded recalling the numbers she had seen. "We didn't leave the main encampment and what we saw might only be the advanced force, we have no idea of the real size of their military." She concluded getting a nod from Najenda, no doubt they would be keeping a reserve force just encase something went wrong, any such military organisation would do the same.
"Good work you two." Najenda smiled as Tatsumi and Chelsea stood before her, for them to have infiltrated the Imperial Palace, made their way through the Gate and then gotten the information that they had, they'd done more then a good work from their report it was starting to look like good news. "We'll get this translated and hopefully we'll find something out in the papers you brought back."
"Boss." Tatsumi began as Najenda frowned, Tatsumi's hadn't left out the incident with the woman from his report.
"I know Tatsumi." Najenda began. "If in time negotiations take place, we have to be sure to act rationally and calmly. We already knew that they had taken slaves, it's just a fact of how many and if it's possible to bring them back to the Empire. But until such a time, our focus is on regaining the Upper District, the Palace and claiming the Gate." She explained getting a nod from the young assassin. She, like Tatsumi had been hoping that their foe wasn't like those they fought here in the Empire, but it seems like Night Raid's job wasn't done yet.
"You two should get some rest." Najenda continued. "Doctor wants you, Lubbock and Susanoo at the workshop tomorrow, he's had an idea that he wants to run by you three." She told Tatsumi who nodded. "Also..." She breathed out, smoke filling the room from her cigar. "In a few days, Night Raid is to gather at the Imperial Compound where the Emperor is staying, I'll have more on the exact date when everything is confirmed."
"Boss?" Tatsumi questioned.
"It's not fancy dress, so don't get too dolled up." She chuckled however the serious looks in the eyes of her subordinates caused her to sigh. "Night Raid is going to reveal it's members to Budo and the Emperor along with the Jaegers. Budo has a plan, which I've agreed too." She admitted.
"You can't be serious." Chelsea started. "We'll be hunted by every group in the Empire claiming the bounty on us, not to mention the bounties in other nations!" Najenda frowned, but she had already committed to this. There was a big risk here, if this didn't work then Night Raid no longer had the upper hand, but it was a risk she was willing to take, she just hoped that those under her command would follow her judgement. If it came back to bite her on the ass, then she'd take the full brunt of the responsibility.
"I need you to trust me on this." Najenda spoke. "What comes next, will not be easy for any of us. But it needs to happen. Night Raid cannot stay a shadow force if this treaty is going to hold." She explained. "I've already spoken to the others, they're agreed."
"Reluctantly I bet." Chelsea sighed with a nod of confirmation from Najenda, they hadn't easily accepted it. "But I'll go along with it."
"I trust you Boss." Tatsumi added.
"Good." She breathed. "Because if everything goes to plan, Night Raid and the Jaegers, are combining into a single unit that will operate on the other side of the Gate."
Tatsumi walked through the streets of the Industrial Zone where Doctor had set up his workshop. He had already passed several patrols of guards but they didn't pay him no mind, his face familiar having been working here since the negotiations had started. His eyes felt heavy and he feel like he had gotten very little sleep it had been late when Chelsea and himself had made it back, not to mention the bombshell of what Budo and her had discussed. That Night Raid and the Jaegers would be teaming up on the other side of the Gate.
While he and Chelsea had been on the other side, Najenda and Budo had discussed the details, before they had returned Budo had already set up the meeting between the two teams, with Esdeath's approval of the arrangement. He had no idea if this was going to work, being in the same room as the Jaegers was going to be tough enough, Najenda, Esdeath and Budo were all going to be present, not to mention the boy Emperor. But the others were going along with it, Leone and Lubbock probably already had a betting pool going on the chances of it turning into a fight.
Those of the Capital were still wary of the known members of Night Raid such as Najenda, Akame and Mine those that actually had Wanted Posters and identities had been revealed. Najenda herself had been surprised when the Emperor himself asked for her to be a member of his new council, no doubt Budo had a say in that. Even among the soldiers of the Revolutionary Army, Night Raid was a seriously sensitive subject, they had been an unwanted necessity. Whenever Tatsumi caught sight of Mine and Akame it was clear that others were keeping their distance on purpose not wanting to have anything to do with them, luckily their current status was of Najenda's personal guard with Susanoo's absence from her side so they were mostly left alone.
He often heard people talk in hushed whispers about how they were just hired killers only in it for the gold, he wanted to defend Night Raid however Najenda had made it clear that if people didn't know they were apart of Night Raid it would be better at least that was how it was going until Najenda gave them the news last night, maybe they wouldn't reveal their identities to the public?
It wasn't long until he reached his destination. Up until now, Tatsumi had never really headed into this part of the city, no targets or such being here. In truth, there was still a whole lot of the Empire that he hadn't seen before. If all this peace actually worked out, maybe he would finally get the chance to do some sightseeing. Going around shopping and being Mine's pack mule doesn't count.
It seemed, despite the early morning, the workshop was already open. No doubt Susanoo was already here working. If he didn't need to return to Najenda periodically he'd probably work throughout the whole not, Tatsumi and Lubbock could slack off. But that wasn't the case and Tatsumi enjoyed working a simple job like this. The large Teigu he had only met a few short weeks ago had become a rather close companion to both Tatsumi and Lubbock, while nobody could replace Bulat, Susanoo had become like a big brother to Tatsumi too, despite him being a Teigu.
Finally Tatsumi reached his destination, a large warehouse he had been assigned to due to his skill set as a blacksmith. Susanoo and Lubbock were already there waiting for him along with a large group of others that had been pulled into the workforce. The large Teigu he had only met a few short weeks ago had become a rather close companion to both Tatsumi and Lubbock, while nobody could replace Bulat, Susanoo was like a big brother to Tatsumi too, despite him being a Teigu.
"Yo Tatsumi." Lubbock greeted the green haired assassin was sitting on a stack of crates wearing his white and blue bandanna, while just as expected Susanoo was at work already, although he was just sweeping up, he really didn't like a messy workplace he must sweep at least a dozen times a day, sometimes even more. It was hard to work when the one suppose to be helping is off chasing dust bunnies because of his inbuilt OCD. Kinda a design flaw.
"Sorry I'm late, late night." Lubbock nodded knowing how he and Chelsea had been on a mission, the first to go beyond the Gate. "Najenda said that Doctor has something for us to do today?" Tatsumi asked.
"Apparently." Lubbock waved the question off as he leaned forward. "What was it like over there?" Tatsumi's face grew grim as he recalled the women in the tent, causing Lubbock to frown. "That bad?"
"We're not suppose to talk about it, specially in the open like this. Najenda will give a report later."
"Guess you're right and no doubt I'll find out soon enough for myself." Lubbock sighed. "But yeah, apparently Doc has some ideas he wants to run by us, he didn't say just that we should be prepared to work our assess off, the guy's a slave driver I swear." Tatsumi nodded as he took a seat beside Lubbock on the crates. "Hear Najenda's great idea?"
"Oh yeah." Tatsumi nodded. "Think Budo tricked her into it?"
"Nah, she's too smart for something like that." Lubbock shrugged. "But you gotta wander why she's pushing for it, from what she told us we'll be stationed over in the Special Region."
"Special Region?" Tatsumi asked, confused at the name.
"Saying 'over there', 'beyond the Gate', and 'the other side' didn't sit well, so a few names were thrown about and that's what they ended up with." Lubbock shrugged. "At least you'll get the life of your dreams." He chuckled.
"Eh?"
"Didn't you hear? Esdeath is going to be over there with us." He grinned leaning in as Tatsumi paled somewhat, it hadn't even crossed his mind if he was being honest, hell how the hell were the Jaegers going to act when they found out that he is a member of Night Raid!? "You know what that means, she's going to make you share a tent with her and you can get all up close and personal with her! Gah! You jerk! I'm so jealous!" By the end Lubbock was gripping Tatsumi by the collar and shaking him. Breaking free of the hold Tatsumi stepped off the crates, fixing his shirt.
"Damn it Lubbock! It's not like that!" Tatsumi shouted at Lubbock who was now gripping his black and white cap, chewing on it as he glared daggers at Tatsumi through tear filled eyes. "Gah! Forget about it! There's no arguing when you're like this!" He groaned as he ran a hand through his hair, he really wasn't looking forward to meeting the Jaegers again now he was even more paranoid about what was going to happen.
"Morning, I see that you're all rearing to go." Doctor stated with a bored tone as he walked into the workshop, the man was serious to a fault the three assassins had come to realise, however Susanoo just dealt with it in stride. "We've got work to do, so let's get to it."
"Right." Tatsumi and Lubbock nodded.
"You have something for us today." Susanoo stated, Najenda having told him what she had relayed to Tatsumi and Lubbock.
"Right." Doctor nodded. "We're going to be outlining the details of mass producing guns and armaments to the other workshops, we need this done quickly because I doubt I'll have you three for much longer, the more we can do here the better." He explained. "All we're waiting on now is our resource."
"Resource?" Lubbock questioned, sharing a look with Tatsumi but by the look of it Tatsumi didn't know either. Doctor headed over to his work desk, Tatsumi and Lubbock following to where Doctor had sheets upon sheets of designs laid out.
"Did we find a manageable power source for the engine?" Doctor questioned.
"Hard to say." Lubbock frowned. "They way that it was built, it requires a surge of electricity to run, the only thing that can put out a charge like that is probably Budo's Teigu, Adramelech." He frowned. "I can't see the big guy agreeing to be a generator."
"Wait, back on the Marg Plateau weren't there Danger Beasts that released an electric current?" Tatsumi questioned. "The military is already sending troops up there to capture Danger Beasts and train them, can't we just put in a request for the electric ones?"
"Yeah, but the output would be too low." Lubbock explained. "We'd have to reduce the size of the engine for it to work." Doctor frowned as he looked over the schematics before him.
"No, keep the engine the same size but if we reduce the size of the conductor, placing more that one power source..." He theorised. "It's possible that we could get it running. I'll put in a request for the Danger Beast from the Marg Plateau and see if we can't get it stabilised." Lubbock and Tatsumi shared grins with one another, they'd been working hard on Doctor's first idea since they got here, creating an automotive vehicle, a self propelled device. They had thought about creating something on tracks, but the Special Region didn't have anything like that and it would take time to build. With the hopes of the new engine they could create faster modes of transport that horses and trained Danger Beasts.
A knock from the entrance of the workshop caught their attention.
"That'll be our resource." Doctor stated. "Don't do anything stupid, remember we're all on the same side now." He lectured them causing Tatsumi and Lubbock to share a glance, why would he go so far as to say something like that? "I'll greet them, see what you can come up with decreasing the size of the power source and how we can charge it with electricity." He explained as he headed over to the door, the two turning back to the schematics before them.
"Susanoo, the roller door." Doctor ordered, the large Teigu moving to the door and easily lifting it up above his head as it rolled up into itself. On the other side was a contingent of Imperial Guardsman on the other side dressed in uniform. Susanoo simply stood, his height and appearance causing the guardsmen to look somewhat concerned.
"Take the weapons inside." Susanoo glanced to the one giving the order and frowned. He'd been given a full dossier on all members on the Jaegers and he immediately recognised her to be one, Teigu Hekatonkheires by her side with a lead attached to the collar around it's neck. Seryu Ubiquitous, former guardsmen, her actions during a patrol led to the death of Sheele, a member of Night Raid since then she had been recruited by General Esdeath. Susanoo glanced to where Tatsumi and Lubbock were, he didn't know how the two would react upon seeing her. He had to trust that they would follow Najenda's orders, remain calm and do their duty.
"Susanoo, this is Seryu Ubiquitous, apart of the Special task force, the Jaegers." Doctor stated as Seryu glanced over at him, feeling his gaze. "She is our resource, General Esdeath has ordered for us to replicate the weapons the late Dr Stylish had implemented into her arsenal."
"I see." Susanoo stated as he stepped to the side, allowing for the guards to wheel in a large cart of a range of different guns that were no doubt to be replicated as well.
"Doctor, it's good to see you again." Seryu began with a small smile. After it was revealed that the Empire and Revolutionary Army had come together under the treaty of peace, Doctor had met with Seryu several times in the past week. With Stylish gone, Doctor had been given all fo Stylish's notes and former experiments, most of which he trashed considering the unethical nature in which they were created. It hadn't been easy to forge a working relationship with Seryu considering he now had the Teigu that Stylish had and Seryu's anger towards Night Raid because of it. Seryu's inaction was only under the threat of death by Esdeath herself.
Doctor had been ordered by Esdeath herself to handle Seryu's upgrades and repairs, since he had perfector now he was the only one capable of making such adjustments to the impressive weaponry that was available to Seryu. This led to the order that Doctor was to create the schematics for the other workshops to mass produce some of Seryu's weaponry for the military.
"You too Seryu, are the adjustments more comfortable now?" He questioned, for whatever reason, Stylish had given her the metallic arms but had made them in such a way that they were severally uncomfortable to the young woman, even painful at times.
"Yes." She beamed at him with a smile. "Um Doctor..." She began as she glanced down at her clipboard with the paperwork she had with her. "Sorry if this sounds a bit strange, but it says on my work order that there is a worker here by the name of Tatsumi, is that correct?" She questioned looking up to the man.
"It is, he's a capable blacksmith and his mentor brought him along to help him to learn more about the trade." He explained as Seryu smiled.
"May I met with him please? There is someone that the General has been looking for someone that goes by that name, with the same blacksmith background I thought that there might be a high possibility that it was him." Doctor inwardly frowned, he heard the reports that the Revolutionary Army had on the situation, that a boy had been picked by Esdeath to be her lover. At first it had been a joke among the soldiers before the events had been confirmed by the leader of Night Raid herself.
"Of course." Doctor nodded as he gestured for her to enter the workshop, the guardsmen having placed the cart of weapons in the centre before making their way out, no longer being required and their duties were still waiting for them, Susanoo was already organising the weapons. Doctor led Seryu into the workshop where he gestured over to where Tatsumi and Lubbock were still looking over the schematics of the engine.
"Tatsumi." Doctor called out for the teen causing him to look up and over his shoulder, the moment he did Seryu's face exploded into a glee filled grin as the look of absolute horror and shock came to Tatsumi's at the sight of her. Seryu rushed forward dragging Koro on his lead behind her, Tatsumi tried to take a few steps back trying to gather himself but it was too late.
"It is you Tatsumi! I saw your name on the work order but I had no idea it would actually be you!" She cried happily before leaping at the last moment and Tatsumi barely had time to brace himself before metallic arms wrapped around him and the full weight of Seryu along with Koro fell on him causing his legs to give out and for him to end up on his back. Lubbock in surprise jumped back ready for anything as Tatsumi let out a grunt as his head bounced off the floor, Seryu's grip tight around him.
However as Lubbock now saw what was happening ripped off his cap once more and began chewing on it, Seryu might have been someone both of them hated but damn if he wasn't jealouse at the fact that despite everything, her slender body was currently pressed extremely tight up against Tatsumi's! Susanoo having caught the act just tilted his head at the action not sensing that Seryu was a danger at the moment, his eyes focused on Tatsumi's strained face, the cheerful face of Seryu as she now straddled his waist looking down at him as if she was the luckiest girl in the world, Koro meanwhile was chewing on Tatsumi's pant leg.
"The General will be so happy to know that I've found you Tatsumi! It's was really rude how you just ran off like you did! I know it wasn't the most proper way of going about things, but the Generals a maiden in love, you can't fault her for that can you?" Seryu continued on, Tatsumi watching her awkwardly from where he lay beneath her.
"S-Seryu! Seryu!" His voice didn't seem to reach her and he quickly shot a hand up and covered her mouth causing her to stop speaking and look down at him with glittering eyes. "C-Can you please get off me." Seryu blinked as she looked down at him with an innocent expression however seeing his embarrassed red face a tinge of pink came to her own face realising their position as she quickly got off of him, now kneeling by his side as he sat up.
"I'm sorry!" She bowed her head. "I didn't mean! I mean you're the General's! Sure I may have met you first and thought you were cute but I shouldn't be so forward!" She cried clasping her hands to her cheeks to hide her embarrassment.
"What!?" Lubbock shouted jealously shining in his eyes as he glared down at Tatsumi.
"Eh!" Tatsumi was floored by the sudden confession.
"Lubbock, Tatsumi." Doctor stated as he approached. "Although there might be no need for introductions for you Tatsumi, this is Seryu Ubiquitous. Under the order of General Esdeath we've been tasked to work with her to replicate the designs of the weapons from Dr Stylish." Seryu smiled as she stood up, offering a hand down to Tatsumi to help him to his feet. Tatsumi frowned as he shot a glance to Doctor and then to Lubbock.
"It might only be a short while, but I hope we can work well together." Seryu smiled happily with her hand outstretched. Tatsumi's first instinct was to slap her hand away, but they were suppose to be allies now. They would be working together in the future, sooner than what he had honestly ever been expecting. Slowly he reached out and took her offered hand as she helped pull him to his feet.
"Y-Yeah, glad to be working with you." Tatsumi stated as she turned to Lubbock with a smile, Lubbock followed suit and they shook hands. Both assassins glanced at Doctor with the glare that said 'a little warning would have been nice' but he paid it no mind. "Ah... Seryu." Tatsumi began snapping the girl's attention to him causing him to awkwardly scratch at the back of his head. "A-About Esdeath... can you, maybe not say anything about me being here?"
"Eh!? Why not!? She's missed you so much!" Seryu cried out.
"Tatsumi has a lot of work to do." Doctor stated bringing Seryu's attention. "We're on a tight schedule, I'm sure the General can be patient for a little while longer." He suggested.
"I'll... I'll see her, I promise, I just have a few things to do before I can." Tatsumi tried to explain, it wasn't a lie, he'd see her at the meeting between the Jaegers and Night Raid in a few days. What a shit show that was going to be. Seryu seemed to contemplate it for a few moments before locking eyes with Tatsumi.
"Promise?" She raised her metallic arm up, offering her pinky. Tatsumi blinked as he looked up at Seryu who seemed a hundred percent in on the idea of the offer of a pinky promise.
"Promise." Tatsumi nodded as he wrapped his pinky around the metallic one. "I'll see her."
"Okay, it's a promise." Seryu nodded with a large smile. "I won't tell her, but you have to go and see her when you have time, the others were really worried too you know." Tatsumi nodded his head. "Oh Doctor, I um, I'm also supposed to relay from the General that you need to deactivate all my active weaponry." Lubbock and Tatsumi's eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh?" The doctor seemed just as surprised at the order.
"The Jaegers are meeting with Night Raid in two days with the Emperor and General Budo. General Esdeath want's all my weaponry deactivated." She slumped over. "I'm sure she'll order for them to be reactivated after the meeting." She assured. "If Night Raid tries anything to disrupt the peace we have made, I want to be ready!" She declared.
"I best get to work then." Doctor stated as he glanced at the shocked looks of Lubbock and Tatsumi. "You two, start dismantling the weapons and creating the schematics with Susanoo. The sooner we can get the schematics to the other workshops the sooner we can outfit our soldiers."
"Oh, Koro." Seryu turned to the small Teigu that looked up at her. "Weapon's maintenance." The small dog like creature suddenly grew in size exponentially before it spewed up the weapon's that Seryu equipped, the Ten Heavenly King arsenal. "These are the weapons that Dr Stylish made for me, they're to be replicated too." Tatsumi and Lubbock nodded as Doctor led Seryu away leaving them to get started.
"Guess we have work to do." Susanoo stated as he walked over, Koro glanced up at him as he approached, Susanoo crouched down by the small Teigu. "Nice to see you again, Hekatonkheires." He placed a hand atop the small dog's head causing him to let out a small 'yip' in response.
"You know that thing?" Lubbock questioned.
"Indeed." Susanoo nodded. "We're not that different." Tatsumi and Lubbock shared a look before shrugging.
"Let's just get on with it." Tatsumi sighed.