Disclaimer: The usual, I don't own AgK, etc, etc. Please let me know what you think! Help me become a better writer! :3 I think I've found a format I like too.
Tatsumi
Tatsumi's eyes slowly cracked open, his vision groggy as he slowly stirred. Blinking he tried to clear the sleep from his eyes. His head lifting slightly as he glanced around, peering at unfamiliar and new surfaces and objects. This… Doesn't look like Max's house, he wondered. His hands pressing onto the exquisitely soft sheets, pushing himself towards the edge only to find himself reeled backwards suddenly by a firm, powerful grip around his midriff. Glancing down in confusion his eyes would widen as he spotted a pair of pale, slender arms snugly wrapped around his abdomen. Those definitely aren't mine either, he thought, slowly turning his head to the left, glancing over his shoulder to be greeted by the sleeping features of Esdeath. Her beautiful features lit by the moonlight streaming into the room. His entire body jerking slightly in shock and confusion at the sight, the involuntary move making the general grip down tighter on her newfound body pillow. The strength of her surprising Tatsumi, both of his hands pressed down towards Esdeath's arms, a gentle grip taken as Tatsumi gave a small shove. Only succeeding in making Esdeath mumble "Mine." That followed by the woman reaffirming her grip. He glanced down, exhaling in relief as he saw he was still dressed. His sweater gone alongside his boots and gloves, his attire consisting only of his loose-fitting white shirt and the black trousers he wore.
What the hell!? he screamed internally a moment later. How the hell did you get yourself in this situation, he wondered for a few moments until the events of earlier suddenly came flooding back. One of his arms rising, wriggling his wrist free from Esdeath's tight, sleeping grip. With his arm raised he reached to his neck, fingers brushing against the cold buckle of the collar he recalled she'd latched around his neck. I guess that wasn't a dream… But what the hell, why did she even do that? And why is she hugging me in her sleep? Tatsumi thought, confused, turning his head to look back at the pale beauty behind him once more. He let out a heavy sigh, he already knew any attempt to try and wriggle free would probably end up with the woman squeezing the life out of him if rumours about her strength were true. A resigned sigh left Tatsumi, his head hitting the pillow as he glanced around the room, curious to take in his new surroundings. Anything to take his mind off the many swirling questions that filled his head.
Tatsumi peered around the room, getting a better view of it now he had some idea of where he was. It was spartan that was for sure, one could even say it was barely furnished. The massive room was dominated by the huge four-poster bed, currently occupied by one slumbering Esdeath and a painfully awake Tatsumi. He noted with a small frown that the bed was directly opposite the entrance, hardly private. A large wooden desk was set against the right-hand side of the room, he couldn't see much due to the angle but from the one glance he did get it was strewn with papers and letters. No doubt Esdeath's work correspondence. The left side of the room wasn't even furnished, and that was the side he was facing in his current predicament. Staring out through the utterly colossal, room-sized window that led out to a small balcony. Moonlight filtering in through the hundreds of small panes that formed the window.
Once more letting out a heavy sigh Tatsumi tried his best to relax. He tried to settle down into the soft, welcoming sheets and the warm embrace of the pale woman spooning him, but that was pretty much the main reason he couldn't get any sleep. Hours later into the night sleep eventually took him.
Tatsumi was rudely awoken and it wasn't by a pale digit poking or prodding him, no it was the fault of the bright sunlight drenching the room as morning rose upon the empire. He glanced around the unfamiliar room once again, a slightly bitter smile on his features. So it wasn't just a dream last night, he sighed, pressing his hands back against the sheets he lifted himself up, turning to glance towards where Esdeath had been during the night. His eyebrows show up in surprise, she's gone?
The generals side of the bed was neatly made, tucked at the corners even. Tatsumi sat for a few moments, propped on his hands behind him, considering his situation. "Just how the hell did this happen?" he said to himself, bringing his hands up to rub at his eyes.
"Because I made it." came an unbidden response, the sudden voice making him jump, Esdeaths soft voice reaching him through the door that led to the bathroom. Glancing to the desk that sat at the side of the room he saw the door that was beside it suddenly press open. Esdeath stepping out into the room, clad only in a towel that was wrapped around her tall, slender figure.
Tatsumi immediately flushed, his eyes averted the sight before him, pointedly staring through the windows. "Why…?" He asked in confusion, his hands dropping to the sheet, fingers curling into them.
Tatsumi's eyes were inadvertently drawn to the towelled Esdeath, seeing a small smirk on her lips only made him glance away once more. "Why? I wanted you." she simply stated in a matter of fact tone, walking to the wardrobe by the entrance, starting to pull out her usual uniform.
"What do you mean?" a shocked Tatsumi questioned.
"It's very simple Tatsumi, I wanted you, and now you are mine. I said as much in the arena. From this day forth you'll be my lover and my subordinate. You'll have my protection and not a single person will dare raise their hand against you." Esdeath explained, her tone soft but it was clear from the glance that she shot Tatsumi that she would brook no disobedience or arguing about this.
To him that sharp look had screamed 'I dare you to argue with me.' He just sat, immobilised, on the bed. He swung his legs out to the side of the bed a heavy sigh leaving him, her answer had only stirred up more questions that swirled through his mind. His head lowered in contemplation as he pondered his situation; Can you even own someone? And why did she pick me? And did she say lover!?
So lost was he in his own thoughts he hadn't noticed the now dressed general moving over to him, dragged out of his reverie as two booted feet planted themselves on the ground before his eyes. He didn't get the chance to raise his head, Esdeath's arms wrapping around the back of his skull as she dragged him forward. Resting Tatsumi's head against her abdomen, she gazed down towards the unruly mess of brown hair with a small smile.
"You can't own me." he dejectedly stated into her abdomen.
Esdeath smirked confidently, her voice taking on a sweet, teasing tone; "Who is going to stop me Tatsumi, you?"
Incensed, Tatsumi raised his hands. Pressing them flat against Esdeath's midriff as he suddenly shoved her with all the strength he could muster. It turned out to be a futile endeavour. His shoulders dropped as he saw how he'd barely managed to shunt her back a single step. Her arms unwrapping from his head, her right hand coming to gently run through his hair until it suddenly curled into a fist. Tatsumi glanced up at her, gulping faintly as he was met with her dominant gaze staring down at him, her characteristic sadistic smirk. His instincts and senses screaming at him to run from the woman as she leered down at him. Tatsumi knew he shouldn't have pushed her, he shouldn't have fallen for the taunt, he shouldn't have raised a hand against her. The look she was giving him was all he needed to know that.
With her forceful grip of his hair she dragged him up off of the bed, her other hand gripping Tatsumi's chin with her thumb and forefinger, forcing him to look directly at her. She leant forward, her lips possessively pressing against his as she held Tatsumi close, Tatsumi could feel his heart beating faster and faster as his lips were sealed against Esdeaths. He tried to resist, he tried to press back against her. Though after a few moments he simply fell into it, shoulders slumping as he relaxed and let her do as she wanted, there was no way he could stop her after all.
Seemingly Esdeath had noticed him letting go as she pulled back, her forehead resting against his as she leant over him. "I see you won't settle for an explanation Tatsumi, but showing you your position seemed to work. Now get a shower and then get breakfast, you only have fifteen minutes before we have to leave." she stated. Walking towards the centre of the room, her hands still having a hold of him as she dragged him behind her. Only letting go as she shoves him in the direction of the bathroom. Her arms folded over her chest as she smiled brightly. Stumbling slightly, a dazed Tatsumi wandered over towards the side door. Esdeath watching him from behind, he could sense her gaze piercing into his back. He could feel the predatory aura emanating from where she stood in the centre of the room. Not for the first or last time that day he considered his situation; How the hell did you get here Tatsumi?
Esdeath
A little rebellious, but that's alright, he'll come to learn his place is at my side in due time. He's pretty cute though, Esdeath thought to herself as she stared at the doorway to the bathroom, her right hand reaching up to tap at her chin thoughtfully, it only having just struck her that she could have awoken him earlier and dragged him into the shower with her. A small sigh escaping her smirking lips, one opportunity lost but there'll be plenty in the future, she mused.
And what would the future hold, she thought, raising one hand to her chest as she felt her heart warming at the thought of Tatsumi, already she was feeling a need to have him close by her again, and he was only in the second room. She was almost annoyed at herself as she felt the urge to step into the shower after Tatsumi, a frown knitting her brow as she admonished herself internally, though her scolding over the unbidden feelings regarding Tatsumi soon lost as her thoughts turned to his body pulled up against hers in the bed.
She let out a heavy sigh as she felt another presence approaching the room, interrupting her thoughts about her body pillow, Esdeath glanced over to the door as she watched the latch turn down, door silently opening as a well-trained maid started to enter the room.
Esdeath shot the maid a death-glare for daring to interrupt her thoughts. The poor maids confused and terror at the mere glance shot her way by the general showed she hadn't a clue what she'd done to upset Esdeath. She hurriedly placed down the bundle of clothes, dropping them on a small table by the door, bowing her head as she retreated out of the room, not once showing her back to Esdeath. The general smirked faintly at the maids terror, though one part of her mind was wondering what had brought on such anger within her over the maid doing their job, not that she particularly cared about the maid.
Eventually Tatsumi got out of the shower, though he'd taken longer than Esdeath would have liked. Something he no doubt noticed as he looked up to see Esdeath staring straight at him. She immediately noticed him flush, looking flustered as he started making his way to his old clothes. "No, not them. I'll not have my partner look like rabble." she stated, lifting her right arm to point at the bundle of clothes the maid had deposited. "I'll be in the dining room, dress quickly, have breakfast and then we'll be going to the throne room."
The entire throne room stilled as Esdeath entered, her menacing presence rolling over the huge chamber in a wave that stilled conversations in their tracks and drew the furtive, nervous glances of ministers. No one dared to say a word in objection to her as a smaller figure followed along behind her, though plenty of surprised stares were thrown towards Tatsumi's direction. Tatsumi had dressed in what the maid had left, now clad in a black shirt with a white jacket thrown over the top, a pair of white trousers and military-style boots. His feet dragging, a resigned sense to his movements. Esdeath paused mid-stride as she felt the presence that'd been so obediently following along behind her stop, casting an eye over the many ministers peering in the couple's direction, a simple glance that had them instantly turning to one another in hushed conversation.
Her head tilted back over one shoulder to glance back at her partner, seeing the bright red features of Tatsumi as he flushed at the stares and glances. Her bored expression broke out into a wide, pleased smile at the sight. She couldn't help herself when she saw him like that, he just looked so vulnerable, feeling an urge she turned on one heel and stepped up to Tatsumi, her right hand raising to his chin and lifting it. His abashed expression staring up towards her, a faintly pleading look to his eyes. It lit a fire within her, a fire that everyone within the room noted as people saw her eyes sadistically staring down needily towards Tatsumi. He wasn't given the chance to complain as she leaned down and once more sealed her lips against his. Though this wasn't like the earlier kiss, she filled this one with dominance, towering over his smaller form and putting on a show for the ministers. It was a statement to them. He is mine.
After a few tense moments she pulled back, Tatsumi's expression hadn't improved, if anything the intense public display had only made him more embarrassed. Cute, Esdeath reflected, letting her hands fall from Tatsumi as she turned around once more, walking over towards her position with the rest of the generals. Grinning from ear to ear, not only from having had the chance to establish herself over the younger male but also as she felt his presence following along behind her once more. Good, she said to herself.
The chamber itself was a fairly modest room when it came to size, buried in the centre of the palace it was nowhere near as large as the many ball and event rooms. A huge, arched set of golden double doors served as the tall entrance to the room, trailing from that entrance all the way up to a set of stairs was an exquisitely made deep crimson rug, trimmed with an elaborate criss-cross of gold cloth. Opposite the imposing doorway was the emperor's throne, sat metres above the floor itself, a set of marbled stairs radiated out from the throne in a semicircle. The left-hand side of the room was dominated by a huge, room-length oaken table, behind which sat at least ten ornate, high-backed chairs, plushly inset with crimson cushioning. Only three of the chairs were taken. The generals table, positioned so that it was to the emperor's right side, representing his strength. The other side of the room was far more packed, a triple-layered galley filled that side of the room, ministers from all shades of the government were packed into the poor wooden construct that looked set to collapse under the combined weight of the ministers.
As she seated herself into one of the generals chairs she took a moment to peruse the room, glancing down the table she was seated. Noting Budo was as usual sat at the centre of the table, to his left was positioned General Fenn. Esdeath's lips pursed, trying to remember what the achievements of that particular general was, nothing came to mind so she simply glanced away over to the seating gallery opposite. It was unusual to have so many ministers packed into the throne room she mused to herself. Looking over to the prime minister standing beside the emperor, she sighed at the sight of the huge, rotund man tucking into a haunch of meat. He's going to kill himself before long if he doesn't try to control his blood pressure, Esdeath mused.
What followed was, as far as Esdeath was concerned, nothing but a mind-meltingly boring hour of introductions, pleasantries and pomp. She understood why the insignificant needed these things, she knew that it made them feel big and important when they approached the court and listed off their titles and achievements, frankly she didn't care for it, to her the droll proceedings however were finally beginning to reach a point of interest. A small smile reached her lips and she felt an urge. Her hand extending out to her Tatsumi sat in the chair beside her, she placed a hand atop his head, gently ruffling his hair, simply enjoying the contact with a pleased smile.
"Garol Yano, Baron of the Northern Region, Your Majesty." came the clear call from the announcer. Through the doors came a dishevelled wreck of a man. Dragged along by an imperial guard, his feet dragging on the pristine red rug. Esdeath's fingers gently brushed through Tatsumi's hair as she watched the scene of the man being dragged before the court, once she realised who it was she just rolled her eyes and turned to look over towards Tatsumi, one eyebrow arching as she saw the impassioned, angry glare in his eyes. Her grip slowly tensing on Tatsumi's hair.
Honest
They really did a number on him in the dungeons, Honest contemplated when he saw Yano being dragged into the room. He glanced over the ruined man, not an ounce of pity in his eyes.
While his clothes were tattered, fouled and stained with blood and other fluids everyone looking on could tell that they were once just as elegant as the rug the man was now thrown on to. The imperial guardsman grabbed the man's long, bedraggled hair and yanked harshly, bringing the man's eyes to look at the emperor.
"Ahem," started Prime Minister Honest, "Garol Yano, you are charged with treason against His Majesty, Emperor Makoto. How do you plead?" he questioned.
The crumpled heap at the foot of the steps drew in a shuddering breath, a fit of hoarse coughs following. Managing to get control of himself Garol, his head lifted for him by the guardsman gazed up at the emperor. Speaking with a quivering lip, "Your Majesty, you know I would never betray you. I- I've been framed. I refused one of Honest's bribes, I refused to let him raise the taxes on my region for the second time this ye-Ahh!" he yelped out in pain as the imperial guardsman delivered a swift kick to his side.
"Your Majesty, you must ignore these outrageous allegations against me. The words of a traitor trying to manipulate you, great Emperor." Honest stated, leaning down towards the child sat upon the throne as he spoke. "We have plenty of evidence that points to this man, this traitor, working with Night Raid." he spoke, sparing a glance towards Garol. The cruel grin crossing his features set the poor man to whimpering pathetically.
Garol started, even placing a hand down onto the first step as he leant forwards exclaiming; "That's not true Your Majesty! I would never work with Night -"
"Quiet dog!" came the response from the guard who held his hair, savagely yanking on it and pulling him away from the steps. "No one approaches the emperor without permission."
"He admitted his guilt while he was being interrogated." Honest slyly interjected.
"What do you think we should do with him Prime Minister?" came the emperor child's quiet voice.
"There's only one good punishment for a traitor Your Majesty, death." Honest simply said. Leaning back up from the Emperor he waited for the child to give the sentencing, reaching to the small table at his right. Plucking a haunch of venison he raised it to his lips, beginning to gnaw on it as he watched Garol break down into a pitiful fit of crying. Good, he shouldn't have tried to stand in my way. This will be a good example for the rest of those rats in the gallery, Honest thought as he chomped down on the haunch of meat, chewing away greedily.
Emperor Makoto nodded. "You're right, we can't let people like this corrupt the country." he said with a calm tone, glancing up towards Honest who only nodded in agreement.
"Excellent judgement Your Majesty." he mumbled, his mouth full.
"Baron Yano, I sentence you to death for the crime of treason against the Empire. This is to be carried out tomorrow in the grand arena." the emperor said it was a practised ease, this was obviously one of many times he'd sentenced someone to death.
Tatsumi
I haven't been comfortable since I left her damn room, Tatsumi thought to himself, silently fuming in the chair besides Esdeath, and now she's just casually petting my hair like I'm a pet or something! He'd tried to argue with the general, he'd pleaded with her to remove the embarrassing collar as she'd made mention of her plans to take him to the throne room. It hadn't worked, he reflected bitterly, his right hand lifting to press against the cold metal of the buckle at the front of his neck. She'd just chuckled at him and told him 'when it was time'. While he didn't forget the shameful collar latched around his neck he did eventually drop his hand, turning instead to inspect the room, curious at the huge gathering that was packed into the gallery opposite. The one glance he'd spared at Budo had only made the huge man glared back at him. Tatsumi must've spent at least a good five minutes watching the emperor and the prime minister, he had no idea that the emperor was such a young child, to Tatsumi's eyes the emperor barely looked to be in his teen, if even that!
Not to mention the stares he'd gotten after her little display, the memory of the stares he'd seen out of the corner of his eyes, not to mention the snickers he'd heard from the ministers had his cheeks reddening once more. And what's more, why did that kiss have to feel so good? He reflected, the unbidden thoughts and memories of that kiss, and the residual thoughts only doubled his guilt moments later when he recalled the poor man that'd been dragged into the hall.
The sight of it made his hands clench into fists. To see someone degraded, tortured, it set his blood afire with anger. Seeing the helpless ministers tattered clothes and bloodied appearance had brought back horrifying images of Sayo's destroyed, ruined body. Not to mention the sentencing, Tatsumi had to use every single piece of willpower he had to not stand up and shout out in shock as he'd heard the emperor so casually throw out an execution. How could he just condemn a man's life to death like that, Tatsumi had thought to himself. How could the person who was supposed to uphold justice in the Empire have just so casually sentenced a man to death on suspicions of treachery? To Tatsumi what'd happened reviled him, there had been no court, no inquiry to see if the man was truly innocent. As far as he could see Prime Minister Honest had simply stated the man was guilty and so he was. Tatsumi could even swear that he heard some of the ministers in the gallery opposite talking of 'planted evidence'. The large group speaking in hushed tones to one another with each sentence the emperor or Honest spoke.
Tatsumi couldn't bear it, he turned his head to Esdeath, flushing as he noticed that she was just staring at him. How long had she been staring, he questioned himself. He leant over towards the general, speaking in a soft tone as he spoke; "Esdeath, how can you- ow." Frowning as her grip of his hair tightened to a painful point, her clenching fist pointedly turned his head to face the shell of a man being dragged away as she pushed him back over to his chair. Only then did her hand relent, going back to stroking through his hair. Well I don't know what that was about, he thought, but it definitely seemed unnecessary, bristling in his chair as he cast a glare at the woman from the corner of his eye. He folded his arms across his chest as he leant back in the plushy chair normally reserved for other generals.
His gaze drawn once more to the massive doors as they creaked open again. The announcer hurriedly declaring the latest visitor in a loud call; "Coren Toyne, Chief Administrator of the Northern Region." Tatsumi laid eyes on a tall, slender man walking into the room, he must have stood at least seven feet, towering over most within the room. His skin was as pale as Esdeaths, instantly marking him out as a northerner. Garbed in an elegant, snow-white robe that reached down to the floor, the hem fluttering with each step as the man approached the base of the steps. Toyne's right hand raising to press a fist against his chest as he knelt down before the emperor. "Your Majesty, you summoned me." he questioned in a light, gentle tone.
"Ah yes, Toyne. We have decided to appoint you Baron of the North." The prime minister stated. "I trust that you will do better than your predecessor?" Honest inquired. Tatsumi had to grit his teeth at the obviously planned display. Some small flecks of meat sat within the prime ministers grey beard.
"Of course Prime Minister, I will do my best to ensure that the Emperor's will is enacted." Toyne smoothly replied.
"Excellent, taxes will immediately be raised by five percent, you understand?" Honest said.
Tatsumi was surprised to see the emperor chime in, he'd never seen the boy actually ask a question of Honest that wasn't worrying if he was doing the right thing. "Prime Minister, why are we raising taxes again?"
Honest immediately turned to the emperor, smiling warmly as he leant down. "It is necessary Your Majesty, to fight against the revolutionary army" he craftily replied.
The emperor only nodded in response, looking down towards Toyne who dutifully bowed his head. "Your will is my command, Emperor."
Tatsumi tilted his head curiously as he saw the Prime Minister scowl at that last word, he didn't understand what'd made the rotund man angry, but clearly something had achieved that.
Toyne soon stood up, a bow cast in the direction of the emperor before he turned smartly and started to make his way towards the door. A flash of anger crossing his features now that he'd turned around, one that Tatsumi did not miss.
Esdeath
That was about as boring as I had suspected it would be, Esdeath thought. Letting out a pleased sigh now that proceedings had finally come to a close, the only interesting moment of the entire session had been the shell of a man being dragged in. Well, that and the fact that she was to keep Tatsumi close to her, his mere proximity having assuaged the usual anger such boredom brought about.
With both the emperor and the prime minister having left the many ministers opposite were arguing, Esdeath sparing them another small glance before she rose from her chair. "Tatsumi." she stated, about to turn and make for the door only to be blocked by the huge frame of the armoured Great General Budo.
"General Esdeath, would you care to explain why your latest toy is sat in one of the generals chairs?" Budo asked, his voice taut.
"He is not my toy, he is my partner." she replied matter of factly, fortunately having the patience to deal with the great generals insufferable ways.
"These are seats reserved for the generals of this great empire Esdeath, they are not for whatever latest pet you've pulled off of the streets during your campaigns."
"What is the matter Great General? Are you upset that I have managed to find love and you have not?" she taunted, she didn't really care for the man, but she did enjoy teasing and poking at him if only to alleviate her boredom.
Budo grunted in annoyance at her petulant question, answering curtly; "I do not wish to see him in one of these seats again Esdeath." Budo swiftly turned on one heel, marching towards the back of the room, towards the small door that led to the emperors private chambers.
Esdeath watched Budo leave with a bored expression, he always cut her off before she could really have any fun with the huge man. Shaking her head softly she glanced over at Tatsumi, her left hand soon raised. Curling a finger and beckoning him to follow as she started towards the large doorway, leaving the chamber. "Tatsumi, I'm sure you remember the way back to my chamber. You are to go back there and wait for me, I must attend to the Jaegers. I will be two hours. Do not stray and ensure that you are there for me." Heading left out of the door and down the hallway she adjusted her cap on the move, calling back to Tatsumi. "And do not even think of trying to run."
Tatsumi
Tatsumi thought back on the last words Esdeath had called out to him as she'd left him. Don't think of running, really? Like I have anywhere that I can even run to, Tatsumi bitterly reflected. He'd set off back down the path he'd thought she used, trying to retrace his steps through the winding palace, wandering up marble staircases. Past great tapestries, busts and elaborate paintings. It took an hour before he admitted to himself he was lost, and he'd only admitted it since he found himself standing on the edge of a large open area towards the top of the palace. It was a place he'd -never- seen before, he'd never seen such a large training area, and he'd never have believed there was such a thing in the upper levels of the palace if anyone had told him before he saw it.
He looked upon the stone slabbed yard, his eyes glancing around the edges as he saw that the corridor he was stood in fact followed the perimeter of the large yard. What would have been a wall cutting off the corridor and the yard was in fact multiple pillars, spaced apart so that people could observe or watch anyone training. He wasn't sure how long had passed but he was sure he wasn't near Esdeath's time limit, and besides it wouldn't hurt to get any training in - in fact he looked forward to the opportunity. This will be the only normal thing I've done all day, he openly chuckled to himself.
There weren't any practice swords from what he could see to use, only quarterstaffs. Not exactly my preferred weapon, Tatsumi thought with pursed lips. Opting to ignore them entirely as he walked over towards one of the wooden training dummies, noting that all of them looked battered and well used. The heads and chests of the dummies covered with a grain-filled sack. He let out a small sigh, dropping down into a stance and relaxing his body. Tatsumi's eyes darting open wide as he set to work on the dummy, fists a flurry as he mimicked blocks from an imaginary opponent while darting in to deliver powerful blows against the dummy. Setting into a rhythm.
Tatsumi lost track of the time, letting himself slip into his usual training rhythm of simply hammering away until he collapsed from exhaustion, his concentration suddenly breaking as he sensed something approaching. His calm features breaking out into panic as he realised he'd probably long overdue his stay in the large training yard. And now that he wasn't busy he focused himself on the presence approaching, a chill tingling down his spine as he felt a solid wall of violent intent rolling over the yard. Slowly turning to his right to see Esdeath standing at the far end of the large arena. The look she gave him made him shrink back slightly, gulping nervously. She didn't look angry, no as far as he was concerned it was far worse. A broad, sadistic grin on her face, her eyes icy cold as they bored into him glinting at the prospect of violence as she cooed; "So this is where you are Tatsumi, you chose to practice rather than wait for me."
Tatsumi took a step backwards, almost tripping over himself. Crap, he panicked, you should have just returned to the damn room Tatsumi! Raising his hands towards Esdeath as her overwhelming presence filled the room, hell, he was sure the people the floor below could probably sense her murderous aura. "I didn't know how to get back to the room and- and I figured I'd like to train so."
Esdeath prowled a few steps towards Tatsumi, closing the gap between the two to twenty feet or so, plucking one of the wooden quarterstaffs of the stand as she did so. Continuing to speak in that sweet tone; "So you'd like to train Tatsumi? Why didn't you just ask me to spar with you. I'd love to spar with you."
Tatsumi snatched half of the quarterstaff she threw towards him out of the air, after he'd watched her effortlessly snap the thing in half like a twig. I don't think she's going to treat this like training, he thought to himself.
Authors Note: Wooooooo… Well that's chapter 4 done guys! We finally got to see some true Esdeath/Tatsumi interaction. I hope I was able to deliver on it! I was really nervous about writing Esdeath, I was afraid I wouldn't quite be able to get her right, not sure, I think I did alright! Hah.
Still trying to get the hang of this perspective thing. We also see the introduction of an OC who'll become more prevalent as this continues!
A massive thank you to anyone who reads, follows, faves or reviews! Sincerely thank you! I'll try to keep them coming.