Disclaimer: I do not own AgK.

Esdeath

Esdeath stood in the centre of the yard, trying her best to stifle her wide grin as she could clearly see Tatsumi was unsure about their sparring match, trying to smother the urges that were overtaking her, demanding that she truly show him her strength. The thought of showing Tatsumi just how utterly outclassed he was sending her heart fluttering happily. Her animalistic instincts coming to the for as a need to show Tatsumi where the two of them stood bubbled up within her.

She took a few paces forward, noting with approval as Tatsumi dropped down into a defensive stance. She twirled the broken quarterstaff in her right hand, testing its weight and determining its reach before suddenly darting forward, not even moving at half of her full speed. Reminding herself that she was trying to test Tatsumi.

Wood clacked against wood, one half of a broken staff colliding with another, Esdeath broke out into a warm smile as she saw Tatsumi's now resolute eyes staring towards her, noting the sudden concentration the younger male was now putting into the match as she threw out the first attack. A wide sweep of the practice rod that Tatsumi effortlessly block. She didn't even move back to dodge Tatsumi's incoming attack as he aimed a thrust towards her midriff, Esdeath simply dragged her own weapon back, knocking Tatsumi's off course before driving her own into his ribs harshly.

Grinning widely as she heard him let out a pained grunt and saw him stumbling back from the blow. "Don't leave yourself open Tatsumi, your enemy will take advantage." she cooed out towards him, her voice still sweet.

Tatsumi didn't respond, he just grunted, much to Esdeath's approval. At least he knows not to waste his energy, she nodded. She continued to survey Tatsumi, her head tilted to one side slightly as she looked over his posture. Nodding at his lowered stance, the guarded way in which he held the weapon slightly outstretched, the grounded position of his feet. She was using the time waiting for him to attack to make mental notes of just how much she'd need to train him, and where she'd need to start.

Esdeath couldn't help herself, taunting Tatsumi; "What's the matter? I thought you wanted to spar Tatsumi?~"

After a few tense moments Tatsumi charged forwards, his weapon brought up higher, aiming for a chopping attack down towards Esdeath, something she easily dodged by simply stepping aside with lightning speed. The wooden rod whistling through the air where she had been stood, she couldn't help but bite her lower lip at the confused, annoyed look on Tatsumi's face. Not that she gave him long to recover as she spun on her right heel, her left leg extending to throw a vicious kick against Tatsumi's back. The force she'd put into the kick sending Tatsumi hurtling a good few metres through the air. Collapsing on his front a good distance away. "Tatsumi, what did I just say about leaving yourself open?" she questioned, her tone slightly mocking.

Esdeath patiently waited for him to get to his feet once more before darting out, her sword swinging high just as Tatsumi's had and aimed down towards his head. He swiftly raised his own up, using two hands on the wooden rod to block Esdeath's incoming attack. She smiled faintly, her left hand now powering from her hip, an uppercut aimed towards Tatsumi's midriff, which to her pleasure missed entirely. Tatsumi canting his staff to one side, letting Esdeath's slip off of his as he stepped to Esdeath's right side. Tatsumi's left fist coming around in a hook towards Esdeath's head. Good reflexes, she thought, once more effortlessly dodging as she pulled her head back. Tatsumi's fist sailing by, catching his wrist she then turned and simply launched him over her shoulder.

Tatsumi

Fuck this, Tatsumi fumed as her flew through the air, I can see why people call her a monster now! He was sure he'd had her with that punch, then she'd seemingly teleported backwards and he was suddenly flying through the air! Who can even move that fast!? He screamed at himself, letting out a cry of pain as he slammed into a wooden practice dummy a moment later.

Laid over the now toppled dummy, wriggling on the spot as he rolled his shoulders lightly. And she's not fucking around either, every time she hits me it feels like a boulders landing on me, he considered, trying to think of some way to mitigate the damage he'd no doubt take in the upcoming spar match. He heard her voice calling over from the centre of the yard; "Do you intend to stay there all day Tatsumi?"

Why does she seem so happy about this, another unbidden thought entered his mind. Exhaling heavily as he got to his feet, picking up his half of the quarterstaff as he did so. Soon standing he'd look over towards Esdeath, her look freezing him on the spot. A lascivious grin, a dangerous glint in her eye.

Steeling himself he charged forwards once more. I'm not going to let her toss me around like a ragdoll, he thought to himself as he ran straight at Esdeath. Rather than swiping or thrusting the rod at her however he instead dived lower. Falling onto his back and sliding forwards, chopping towards her legs.

Esdeath once again surprising him as she stepped over his attack, not throwing out any counter however he quickly jumped to his feet, turning to face her and letting his arm swing out as he did. Wood rebounding off wood as she, in the blink of an eye, raised her own staff to parry his.

Tatsumi barely managed to stop her next attack, a terrifyingly fast thrust towards his chest, stepping back and sweeping his weapon across his chest to deflect her.

And now a flurry began, each of them darting an attack to their opponent, the other blocking or dodging it only to snipe out a counter. Tatsumi could sense it, not the overwhelming aura of dominance radiating off of Esdeath, the fact that she wasn't putting her all into the fight, and that infuriated him.

"Do you think I'm a joke?!" he shouted towards Esdeath, his brow furrowed in anger as he simply let her counter hit him, the wooden baton hammering into his side as Tatsumi secured his own with two hands and swung it in a vicious arc towards Esdeath's left side. He hadn't wanted to hurt her initially, but seeing that she was just toying with him angered him. Launching an attack that would surely break bone.

If it ever connected. Esdeath's baton vertical as she slashes it to the side, harmlessly knocking Tatsumi's baton aside, sending it spinning away across the yard, stepping within his guard. Tatsumi stared up at the general towering over him as her hand raised, taking a grasp of his chin as she only smirked before speaking; "I know you can do better Tatsumi, so show me your strength."

Suddenly shoved back he stumbled, almost tripping over his own feet before he righted himself. Tatsumi leaning down, plucking his baton up off of the ground. Hefting it before he charges once more.

Their 'sparring match' had gone on for an additional two hours. Tatsumi had endured, for two gruelling hours he'd desperately attempted to go toe to toe with the general. He'd tried sneaking past her guard, he'd tried feigning and combinations. Nothing had really worked to break past her, he'd managed to get close at one point. An hour and a half of him being effortlessly thrown and kicked around the yard, being taunted and teased had eventually brought out an inner rage in him. He'd savagely thrown himself at Esdeath, desperately throwing powerful attacks at her with a speed Tatsumi had been shocked at, and yet still she'd avoided all of them but the last.

Instead, the wooden baton had been stopped by a sudden block of ice the size of a shield appearing out of thin out above her shoulder, his weapon just bouncing off it harmlessly. She's a monster, Tatsumi had thought right before she'd ended it. A single, frankly cruel, roundhouse kick snapping against his chest had sent him hurtling across the floor, somewhere during that tumble he'd fallen unconscious.

Esdeath

Esdeath beamed a broad, happy smile as she carried an unconscious Tatsumi through the palace towards her quarters, her young partner thrown over her left shoulder. She was overjoyed at Tatsumi's efforts, of course he hadn't been able to land a hit on her, but he had consistently kept getting back up and trying. He had shown enormous stamina and potential with his adaptive combat style. You're exactly what I was looking for, Esdeath mused. Her heels clacking against the tiled floor, ignoring the confused looks of the maids and attendants.

The spar had also had the bonus advantage of taking the edge off of her bloodlust, the urge that she'd felt rising ever since the start of that damn waste of time in the courtroom.

While the fight with Tatsumi had alleviated some of her baser emotions it had awoken her lust, the sight of his defiant, angered face rushing towards her as he swung at her having sent little flutters through her heart. She squeezed down gently on his back, the action eliciting a groan from the senseless Tatsumi. She smirked faintly. I may not understand this 'love', she thought, but it is enjoyable.

Soon enough they reached her chambers, Esdeath carefully laying Tatsumi down onto her bed. She took a few moments to remove most of his clothing, leaving him in only the black trousers he'd acquired early in the day.

Tatsumi

Tatsumi let out a groan as he awoke in Esdeath's bed. His entire body felt sore, he felt as if someone had used him as a punching bag. Stretching his arms out before him, a move he instantly regretting as pain seared up along them, reminding him of the beating he'd taken the day prior. I don't believe her when she says she held back, he grumbled to himself. He slowly moved to sit up on the bed, his legs swinging out to the side of it, wincing in pain as the sunlight beaming through the paned windows struck him directly. One arm raised with a hiss of pain from the intense aching, shadowing his eyes as he glanced down.

Tatsumi sucked in a small breath as he looked over his body. Naked from the waist up he could see dozens of bruises and contusions covering his body from the many hits Esdeath had landed during their 'sparring' match yesterday. Gritting his teeth he pressed one hand down into the soft cover, pushing himself up onto his feet with another groan. Tatsumi pulled in a shuddering breath, one that sent pain flaring across his battered, athletic chest.

He started making his way towards the shower, being stopped midway as the door to the room suddenly slammed open. Slowly turning his head towards Esdeath who stood in the door.

"I thought I sensed you moving." she said.

Tatsumi nodded faintly, starting to speak; "Yeah I thought I'd get a showe-."

"No, you will lay back down in the bed." Esdeath responded, cutting him off mid sentence. Tatsumi bristled slightly at the order but he didn't protest as she swiftly made her way over the room and, to his surprise, effortlessly plucked him off of the ground. Esdeath easily pulling Tatsumi off of the ground, one hand supporting his back, the other his legs. Hauled over to the bed it wouldn't have done him any good to protest anyway so he just let her lay him back down onto the bed. "I won't have you damaging yourself out of pride. You will stay here for a few days and recover, do you understand, Tatsumi?"

"You do realise you're the one that put me in this situation right?" Tatsumi questioned, his brow furrowed into a frown at her words.

"And I won't apologise for it, you did want to spar after all.~ On the bright side, you made me proud - you have as much potential as I thought you did." Esdeath smiled warmly down towards Tatsumi, the sight of her caring for him bringing a small flush of red to his cheeks, and though he couldn't place it, he felt slightly uneasy about her smile.

"Well, I guess I can stay here for a short while. Resting wouldn't hurt." he reasoned. Letting himself lay back in the bed, resting his sore body. When she's looking down at me like, she hardly seems like the beast earlier, he thought, sparing a glance towards Esdeath as she seated herself down beside him on the bed. "Esdeath, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, any time Tatsumi." she responded.

Tatsumi leant up slightly on his elbow, a furtive glance cast up at Esdeath. "You keep calling me your partner to people, and you may love me I don't know, but I… I don't even know you, I certainly don't love you."

"You don't have to worry Tatsumi, Bol's has told me to be patient, and so I will be. Eventually you'll return my affection." Esdeath simply replied. "Now rest, you'll need your strength for your training."

Bol's, who's that? Tatsumi asked to himself as he laid back once more.

Tatsumi rolled his neck as he stood in the training yard that Esdeath had previously beaten him in, he'd found to his shock that it was actually only the floor above Esdeath's room. The surprising find was both gratifying and also incredibly annoying to him. One flight of stairs. I went up one flight of stairs and got my ass handed to me for it, he mused. Stretching out his arms as he finished off his warm off stretches. He'd spent the past hour doing some light training, it had been five days since Esdeath had forced him to stay in her bed and in the meantime she'd had meals brought to him, a masseuse and had ensured that she didn't grip too hard when sleeping, he'd grimaced the first night as he realised she had no intention of staying her hand when it came to spooning him.

The thought alone had him sighing, bringing a knuckle to his forehead, after the fourth day she'd let him start moving around again and he'd immediately set to, painfully, doing some light training.

"You managed to actually keep to the time table this time, good job Tatsumi." Esdeath's voice called out across the yard, causing him to turn on the spot. His eyes widening in surprise at the entourage following her along, Tatsumi's eyebrows shooting up curiously. They certainly looked to be an extremely odd bunch, not to mention the huge hunk of muscle with the cloth mask. He looked like he belonged in the lower reaches of the dungeons, not Esdeath's side!

"Well you did say one hour." he replied, the troop stopping a few metres from him. Esdeath continuing onwards as she stepped up to Tatsumi and then continued. Positioning herself behind him. He immediately flushed in embarrassment as her arms wrapped around his neck from behind, her hands lacing together at his front, pulling Tatsumi back up against her tall form.

Esdeath spoke with a clear tone; "Jaegers, this is Tatsumi. He is not a part of the imperial army, and as he is my partner you are to treat him with respect. Anyone who does not will feel my wrath, do you understand?" Tatsumi felt a chill running down his spine at the last few words, he could see from the scared expression on the blue-haired one that Esdeath's wrath was clearly not something he wanted. Is everyone scared of her, he question

"Tatsumi, these are the Jaegers, my own special unit. I'll introduce them to you." she said, giving him another small squeeze. Tatsumi looked to the person at the end of the line, slightly shocked to see what he initially thought to be a child. The young man had a shockingly small build, a shock of shoulder-length blonde hair and green eyes, though what struck Tatsumi most was the cold, slitted eyes staring back at him. To Tatsumi, Nyau's suddenly warm smile seemed forced and fake. "We'll start with Nyau, he's been my subordinate for longer than the others after all."

Nyau raised his hand, throwing Tatsumi a cutesy wave. His cat-like appearance no doubt helping in disarming many people. Tatsumi noticed the small horns atop Nyau's head, not to mention the spaded devil-like tail. Okay, so he's definitely not normal, reflected Tatsumi. "Heya! So you're Esdeath's newest pet." Nyau exclaimed.

"Not a pet," Tatsumi swiftly responded, deciding there and then he didn't like the Jaeger.

Esdeath's right hand reached up, gently cupping Tatsumi's chin and directing his eyes to the next Jaeger. "To Nyau's right is Run. He's the latest addition to this little group." Run took a step forward, one hand raising to his chest as he gave Tatsumi a little bow. From what Tatsumi could see Run seemed like an ordinary person. With average height and the same shoulder-length blonde hair as Nyau.

"A pleasure to meet you Tatsumi, I saw your fight in the arena last week. It was an excellent bout." Run said in a calm, polite voice. Tatsumi nodded towards him in gratitude at the praise. Sure he dressed a little oddly in a flowing white robe, belted to his frame with a large leather cummerbund.

Tatsumi's head was then guided to the next one, his eyes settled upon the frighteningly large man, whose naked chest displayed intense musculature. "This is Bols." Esdeath stated.

Tatsumi gulped, this guy must be strong, he thought to himself. Only to recoil slightly in shock as the huge man raised both fists to his own chin and leaned down slightly towards Tatsumi. "N- Nice to meet you Tatsumi!" the large man stammered out in a shy tone.

Huh, was all Tatsumi could think as he stared at Bols. The stare only causing the large man to lean back and try and hide behind the other Jaegers, a futile effort given his well-built frame and tall stature. This guy doesn't act at all how he looks, said Tatsumi. "Good to meet you Bols." he hesitantly offered, somewhat afraid he'd scare the large man just by talking to him.

Kurome stood staring at Tatsumi. She looks similar to one of the posters in the capital, he considered. Tatsumi cast his eyes over her again, she didn't look to be that strong to him, though her casual stance indicating a certain confidence. At the sight of Tatsumi peering at her Kurome's right hand tucked the cloth bag of sweets she'd been holding against her side. Her left hand dropping to the sheathed katana at her side, her thumb pressing the blade free an inch threateningly. "You can't have any." her soft voice surprising Tatsumi. He pursed his lips, thinking; This is one weird bunch of people.

Before Esdeath could introduce the last one he stepped forward, the blue-haired young man offering his hand towards Tatsumi who reached out to grasp it. "Good to meet you Tatsumi! I'm Wave, I'm sure you recognise me from the fight too, I was the announcer." Wave said, a warm smile on his face. He pumped Tatsumi's hand a few times before dropping it. His hand raising instead to give the young man a thumbs up. "Glad to see you're doing alright, I trust the Generals not giving you too much trouble!" Wave chuckled out.

Tatsumi blinked in surprise as all of a sudden Wave's happy features changed into a panicked look. The other young man backing off quickly to his side of the line, an admonished look on his face. Tatsumi wasn't sure what had caused it, though he had a slight suspicion Esdeath was probably staring at the Jaeger.

With the introductions done Esdeath lifted her head to the Jaegers. "Stylish and Seryu are on a mission, so you'll meet them at a later date Tatsumi. And now that you're all introduced, you'll have the same duties and patrols today as you did yesterday, with one exception; Run. You are to take Tatsumi with you on your walk today." she ordered, her tone formal.

Run bowed his head in acceptance of the order. "As you wish, General Esdeath." The other Jaegers began to filter away, wandered towards whatever duties or patrols they were assigned to. Run even turning to walk away, though at a slow pace to wait for Tatsumi.

Tatsumi was about to try and follow the man when he felt Esdeath tug on him once more, head head lowering down till it was beside his. Hot air washing over one ear as Esdeath spoke. "And you Tatsumi, are to return to my chambers after the patrol. I don't want to find you've disobeyed me again, understand?"

He swiftly nodded in response, straining slightly to pull himself free from Esdeath, an act that only caused her to bite down on Tatsumi's ear lobe. Tatsumi continuing to struggle, gritting his teeth at Esdeath's public display. After a moment's struggle he was allowed to slip away. He could feel her stare boring into his back as he caught up to Run and continued on at a brisk pace, until he was around the corner. Tatsumi glanced back at Run, exhaling sharply, his cheeks still red. "So what's the plan?"

After following Run out of the palace, the two walked mostly in silence they eventually stepped out onto the large plaza that sat before the main palace gate. Run taking off in a northern direction as he stepped one of the main streets.

Tatsumi glanced at the robed man as he walked, noting the nods that Run gave passersby and the warm smile he threw at children. Both of Run's hands before his chest, each one hidden within the other arms sleeve. "So, Run, you work under Esdeath right?" Tatsumi broke the silence.

"Indeed, initially I was hesitant to be her subordinate though she has been very fair." Run replied.

Tatsumi considered the reply for a few moments, falling into step alongside Run as they walked down the main street. "Why were you hesitant?" he questioned.

"Well, I'm sure you've heard the rumours about the 'Empire's Strongest General', no? How she enjoys torture, how she enjoyed breaking the prince of the northern frontier lands?"

"Well of course, I had heard tales about her, but wouldn't you be happy to work under someone so strong? So you can learn?" Tatsumi queried.

"It's not her strength that worried me, it was her apparent propensity for violence. Though, as I said, she's been nothing but fair."

"What do you mean her violence? I know she can get a little carried away in the spar, and she seemed to be a complete monster, but otherwise she seems nice." Tatsumi stated.

"Of course she does to you Tatsumi, she loves you, I doubt she'd ever intentionally harm you. At least she appears to be deeply in love with you at least." Run responded.

"She's said that before but…" Tatsumi sighed before he continued on, his tone resigned, "What if I don't love her back, doesn't that matter at all?"

"I imagine it doesn't to the General."

With that said the two of them continued to walk in silence. Run glancing around, watching the streets as they patrolled. Tatsumi within his own mind, focused inward as he considered his situation with a slowly sinking heart. -thoughts about esdeath, situation, max, sayo, village-

Suddenly Run stopped, Tatsumi only noticing a few metres on when he no longer felt the other man's presence beside him, stopping he turned to see Run staring into a shop through the window. Tatsumi followed his gaze, spotting two imperial police guards within the shop, seemingly locked in discussion with the owner of the shop who appeared to be protesting against something. Run turned and headed towards the shop, Tatsumi following a moment later as he glanced around. When did we reach the mercantile districts, he thought to himself as they entered the shop.

"No! I have already paid you this week, you can't expect me to pay again just because you need drinking money!-" the shop owner exclaimed, quietening himself as he saw Run and Tatsumi entering the shop, lowering his hands to the counter and brushing it idly. The two imperial police officers turning to see Run staring at them.

"Eh, shops closed. What do you want? Can't you see that we're busy in a conversation here." the first officer said.

The second officer took a step towards Run; "Aye, we're just trying to help this guy keep his shop open, asking him if he's had any trouble lately"

"Are these two harassing you?" Run asked the shop owner, pointedly ignoring the two officers. Entirely uncaring of their protests.

The shop owner responded with a shake of his head, his voice however was timid and shaky itself; "No- Not at all."

Run gave a glance to each imperial police officer, each one given a hard stare. Tatsumi hardly understood what was even going on between them all, though he could sense the tension, he just stood to one side his arms folded over his chest.

"Very well, you two may leave this to us, we shall talk to the proprietor."

"Who do you think you are telling us to leave? You do understand we're Imperial Police right?" the guards exclaimed.

"If you don't wish to leave, perhaps I should report your insubordination to General Esdeath?" Run countered.

Tatsumi glanced at the two men, seeing them instantly blanch at the mere mention of the general had him feeling somewhat conflicted. She seems so nice, he thought, why is everyone utterly terrified of her? Tatsumi glanced over at Run, noting how the man simply stood there waiting for the guards, who eventually relented, unwilling to risk the fact that it could've been a bluff. The two of them walking out with bitter glances shot over their shoulders and a slam of the store door.

"You idiot, all you've done is make it harder for me the next time around. Now I'll have to pay them more!" the shop owner blurted out in anger. "I could barely pay them this time and now you made it worse!"

Tatsumi glanced down towards the ground, he hadn't even said anything and he felt slightly admonished by the store clerk. He saw Run step up to the counter out of the corner of his eye, the man placing upon it a small pouch of gold. "My apologies." Run muttered before turning to leave, his right hand patting Tatsumi on the shoulder to indicate they should leave.

Back out in the street Tatsumi turned to Run. "What exactly was that back there? Why did you argue with the Imperial Police?"

"Because of what they were doing Tatsumi, my job isn't just to stop citizens from committing criminal acts, but also those in positions of power who think they're above the law. Those two back there were extorting money from the shop owner, I imagine they do it from every shop on the main street."

"What do you mean? Didn't they say they were just asking if he'd seen any trouble?" Tatsumi queried.

Run gave a small smile at that; "You definitely come from the country. It's very simple, they ask the owner for gold and if he provides it they'll leave, if he doesn't they'll start to make things bad for him. They'll smash his windows, beat his patrons, destroy his good, and then they'll go back and ask for more gold than before."

"Surely they can't do that, people wouldn't let them do that."

"Of course they do, who is going to stand up against the Imperial Police? It is easier to simply pay them."

"What about the ministers, the emperor? Surely they wouldn't let such a thing continue if they knew it existed."

"Tatsumi, everyone in the empire knows how corrupt this capital is, surely you were warned before you came no?"

Tatsumi's thoughts fell back to that time he'd been on the road, of the many merchants who'd warned him of the capital, of how it was a nest of vipers. Though he hadn't actually believed them, should I have just stayed in the village, he thought to himself.

"The ministers, generals, police, populace. They all know it occurs, the emperor perhaps doesn't I am unsure of that. But why would they stop it when the capitals corruption allows them to get richer and sate their otherwise insatiable greed?" Run continued in a calm voice, though one glance at his face revealed to Tatsumi that the other man was filled with angry, his eyes stormy.

"How can an empire, that is as corrupt as you say it is, continue to exist?" Tatsumi questioned.

"Because no one tries to change it, because no one tries to counter it. The revolutionary army is a result of the corruption, but what they don't understand is that they only cause more bloodshed and pain. They do not lessen the symptoms of corruption, they simply cause more as the people are crushed under heavier taxes, food shortages as the army needs it and perhaps; eventually we may even see conscription if things continue to escalate." Run calmly stated, by now back to his usual refined self as the two walked down the street.

Tatsumi considered the response, it seemed logical. "Don't you think the revolutionary army is fighting back because it's the only way they see to kill the corruption?"

"Perhaps, but they aren't considering the ordinary folk. What is needed is not war, it is peace; stability. Though I fear that even if we should have that, the Prime Minister will not so easily vacate his throne."

Tatsumi turned to look at Run once more as they walked, confusion across his face as he spoke; "The Prime Minister?"

Run nodded solemnly; "Mhm, although I doubt you've seen it, you may have heard how he has almost the entire court in his pocket. He is the root cause of this corruption in my eyes, he sits by in the palace gorging himself on the finest of foods and wines, hiding the world from the emperor while saying all is well. I truly believe he may be one of the root causes of this sickness in this city, and in the empire." he let out a heavy sigh, turning to Tatsumi; "For now let us continue with our work. Esdeath wouldn't want you back late." he chuckled.

Esdeath

Esdeath sat in one of the plush chairs that surrounded the large oval table in the war chambers. Her feet extending out beneath the table, leaned back against the chair she was sitting in, essentially lounging. She was one of only three generals actually in attendance, the two absentees busy with other work. She glanced at General Fenn, not for the first time since walking in. He looks weak, she thought, his left arm hung slack at his side, no doubt from some sort of shoulder injury, and the man looked to be at least in his fifties with greying hair and a scraggly beard. The thing she hated most about him was his beady eyes, a set of brown orbs that glanced around fearfully.

So far there had only been talks about supply columns, promotions and awards; so in essence nothing that she even slightly cared about. Her thoughts turned to Tatsumi, a sudden smile crossing her features. Fate has delivered him to me, to think there was someone with such talent in the capital, he will be thoroughly enjoyable to train, she mused, perhaps he'll become strong enough to challenge even me. She was soon torn out of her thoughts however, Budo hands pressing onto the table as he addressed Esdeath and Fenn.

"The revolutionary army, the western reaches and Night Raid. We must address these issues." Budo suddenly said with a stern voice. He was not a man to relax Esdeath knew, Budo had a reputation as a straight-laced man. Incorruptible, rigid and a mighty warrior. He wasn't Great General for no reason after all, though the one time they had sparred Esdeath had beaten him. The only reason she didn't go after the title was that it would mean unnecessarily more work for herself.

"And what is it about those three things you need to talk about?" Esdeath replied.

"The revolutionary army has decided to come out of their hidden encampments in the southern region and has marched north. While they haven't moved towards the capital, nor have they really advanced within the heartland they have taken control of two border forts that watch over an important trading route to the southern region. They do not appear to be trying to take advantage of this but we cannot allow this; the rebels must not be shown any mercy." Budo proclaimed. His words stirred Esdeath, though not out of any sense of oratory prowess or desire to do good.

No; she was pleased with them since it meant that she could move south and destroy the revolutionary army, a chance to crush yet another force beneath her boot heel and let her own army run rampant. The thought brought a sadistic grin to her face. One that Fenn and Budo must have seen, Fenn glancing off to one corner, Budo not even trying to hide his look of disgust as he spoke once more.

"However, we shall not be sending you General Esdeath. We shall be sending Fenn in your stead."

Esdeath let out a loud hum, her right hand raising up as she propped her cheek on it. Staring across the table towards Fenn. The man immediately beginning to wilt and sweat under her gaze. She glanced him up and down, thoroughly unimpressed. "And why would you send him instead of me?" she queried.

Budo right hand curled into a fist on the table. "I have heard of what you did in the northern frontier and I will -not- allow you to do such things once more. Defeating their army in one move was admirably, but burying four-hundred thousand people alive is a heinous act unbefitting a general of the empire."

"Why do you care, you never knew them Budo." she responded with a bemused tone.

"We don't even know how many civilians you killed in their capital Esdeath, I will not have a monster like you decimating our southern border." Budo stared over towards Esdeath, his jaw taut.

Esdeath gestured over towards Fenn. "And you think that this man can deliver you victory? He looks like he's about to surrender and he hasn't even left the table." she taunted.

Fenn finally sparked into life at the taunt, raising his eyes to Esdeath. She watched him raise a fist and half rise out of his chair. "How da-" he began to say. Throwing a confident smirk at the man she noted with amusement as he stopped and slowly lowered himself back into his chair.

"See?" Esdeath simply stated, her arms raising onto the table before her as she leant forwards slightly. Hands knitted together. "He'd likely spend a year besieging each fort only to return citing supply issues."

"ESDEATH!" Budo voice reverberated around the room, his fist slamming down onto the table. "You are a general in the imperial army, you will act accordingly! General Fenn has earned his position and you will treat him with respect!"

"I respect those who show strength Budo, you know that, not those beneath me."

"Perhaps that explains how you treated Prince Seika. Yes Esdeath, the entire empire knows about that episode, you didn't quell anything there, you just made the people in the northern frontier embittered and angry."

"Oh, did you not like me executing the man who dared raised a hand to us?" Esdeath asked with a raised eyebrow, she was enjoying toying with Budo.

"Chaining a man and torturing him until he was licking your boot is not executing him General Esdeath, it is humiliating and belittling him." an exasperated Budo shot back.

"I simply showed him his place on this earth, beneath the boot of the strong." Esdeath responded.

The Great General sighed, Esdeath smirking as she knew he wasn't going to continue arguing with her. "We will not talk about this any more.

"Very well, send Fenn. Though I will mock you relentlessly if he comes back to this capital empty handed." Esdeath dismissively stated, leaning back in her chair once more. More time to train my Tatsumi, she thought to herself, though it would've been nice to see him after a real battle.

"I thank you for your support." Fenn acidly hissed from across the table, though he didn't dare meet the woman's gaze. Pathetic, she mused, he'd probably break within an hour in the torture chambers.

"Now that is settled, continuing on. The western region. We've heard reports of Night Raid activity within that area, apparently they attempted an assassination on the baron." Budo reported.

"He survived?" Fenn asked, awestruck at the idea someone could survive an attack by Night Raid.

"Indeed, he was cut by the One-Cut-Killer apparently but survived, his guards amputated his leg on the spot and one of them dragged him off through an escape passage. Though he reports that his entire garrison is dead, bar the one guard who helped him."

"Clever guard." Esdeath quipped, looking thoroughly bored with the report. "And why does this matter to us at all?"

"The stability of the region is always important Esdeath. But being attacked by Night Raid. Are you not supposed to be tracking them down. You are hunting Night Raid are you not Esdeath?" Budo accusingly questioned.

"Of course, the Jaegers respond to every reported sighting, patrol the streets actively and as you know full well one of them has already clashed with Night Raid before." Esdeath responded cooly.

"I see, I was afraid you were perhaps being distracted by the newest pet you seem to have acquired." Budo openly taunted. Fenn's face blanched at the taunt, the poor man sinking into his chair and seemingly trying to make himself as small as possible. Clever man, Esdeath mused as she turned to stare at Budo, fixing him with a cold glare as she slowly stood up. The entire rooms temperature dropping instantly, she smirked with open satisfaction as she saw even Budo's usually infallible expression crumble for just a moment, his teeth gritting as Esdeath's violent intent rolled over him.

Esdeath suddenly sighed, flashing Fenn a glance that had the man wishing he could hide behind his chair. "Good luck dealing with the rebels General Fenn. I eagerly await your triumphant return." she said derisively as she turned, walking towards the door. "This meeting is over Budo, there's nothing more to discuss."

I hope Tatsumi's done as instructed, I'd hate to have to punish him again, she said to herself as she left the war room, starting to make her way to her own chambers. We wouldn't want to delay his training after all.

Authors Note: Heya guys, well, that was much harder to write than I thought it would be. xD Dialogue really is a pain to write! Hopefully this chapter is good. :p It's sort of an interim chapter and forunately I believe the last one I'll need to write to set up the main plot point of this fanfic, thank god. xD

As always; reviews, faves and follows are all really appreciated! Thank you for reading. :3

(next chapter when Ciri? A couple of days or so. _)