Chapter 6...
"..."
Tatsumi was silent, waiting in a tent looking at a book while sitting on a chair. It had been about a month since Night Raid had to leave their hideout due to the fact they were attacked by the Imperial Army. They found refuge at one of the rebel force's camps and decided to stay there until they found another location. Tatsumi was getting treated there for his lack of limb. He wasn't sure how, but they managed to replace his arm with a prosthetic one. He was the only one who was at the camp, for Night Raid was out setting up their own hideout. They occasionally popped in once a week to see him, but it wasn't much of a conversation. Tatsumi was silent and didn't talk to anyone that much, unless it was important.
He was still trying to figure out whether what he saw before from his attacker was a real or not. He was prideful in the fact that no one was able to scratch him, let alone severing his arm.
"..That moment." Tatsumi thought as he flashed back to a moment during his duel with the cloaked figure. "No..it's impossible." He shook his head believing it was just a coincidence. But those moves, he was certain they belonged to a certain person. And only one other person he could think of was better than him, and that person was dead. He looked at his black prosthetic arm. He flexed it a little, and was annoyed that he couldn't feel anything. The material was rather light and strong, but he covered the fingers with a black, leather glove. He lowered it and just sighed. He closed the book he was reading, and just put it on his bed.
"Tatsumi." He turned to the mention of his name. It was Akame who was holding a tray of food for him.
"..Put it on the table." Tatsumi said who just put on a shirt. He wore black cargo pants and a green, long sleeved shirt. Akame did what he said and her hair covered her eyes as she approached Tatsumi.
"Hey, Tatsumi.." She said as she untied her red tie. "I was really worried about you. I thought you were about to die." She said as she came towards him with a blush.
"..." Tatsumi was still quiet as he looked away from her. Akame suddenly pulled her shirt up to reveal her black bra and well developed chest.
"Can we...make love?" She asked as she reached for his hand gently. Tatsumi then lifted his prosthetic arm up toward Akame, and a hidden blade popped out, and was at her neck.
"I don't know what your trying to accomplish, but stop using all the women in Night Raid to seduce me, or you're going to find out what its like to drown in your own blood." He threatened in an annoyed tone. Akame then smiled. Not a warm, but amused smile.
"Can't blame a girl for trying." She said as she suddenly was enveloped in a cloud and changed appearances. It wasn't Akame, but a auburn pink haired girl with pink reddish eyes. She wore a butterfly headphone accessory on her head. She wore a vocalist-like clothing consisting of a white long sleeve shirt with the collar tied with a red ribbon under a black vest a red checkered mini skirt, and black leather below-the-knee boots. "How'd you know it was me this time?" She had to ask while she popped a lollipop in her mouth.
"Akame is not that assertive. And you overplayed your part. Plus Akame would bring only meat." Tatsumi said as he switched the blade back into his arm.
"Hey now, i'm not one to toot my own horn, but I actually did pretty well considering everything I read on her." She huffed.
"Like I give a rats ass." Tatsumi said as he sat down at his table and began eating.
"You are so weird. You've been here a whole month, and you still haven't left. I heard the doctors say you're fit to go. So why are you still here?" She asked as she sat on the table.
"I'm waiting on something." He said while he ate.
"Waiting?" She repeated.
"Yeah. I wanted to know where the Three Demon Generals were going to pop up."
"The Three Demon Generals huh?" Chelsea said. She kicked her feet back and forth slowly.
"You hear about that rumor about Night Raid attacking people en route to the capital?" She nodded.
"Yeah, I heard about that. Apparently you guys are now devolving bandits, than assassins." Chelsea smiled.
"I intend to rectify that." He said as he took a drink. Chelsea looked at him in surprise.
"Wait, you mean YOU'RE gonna kill them?"
"I'm sure the boss is thinking the same thing. And if i'm right, she should be sending some of them to deal with them." He took one last bite before standing up and taking one last drink. "In the mean time, i'm gonna go check out the capitol." He grabbed his black coat and Teigu and tied it right on.
"Eh? You mean you're leaving?" Chelsea asked.
"I need to figure out who the hell it was who attacked us last month. If they found us just like that, they can find us again." He began putting his boots on and began tying them. "I need to find anything I can about them. Plus that one guy.." He narrowed his emerald eyes as he remembered the fight. "..Mmm, it doesn't matter. I need to find out who this guy is."
"Hold your horses Tatsumi." Chelsea said as she held a hand up to him. "I'm in charge of supervising you. You can't just up and leave without letting commander know. He'll be back tomorrow, so you can-"
"Then you tell em. I can't spend all my time cooped up in this tent." He said as he attempted to walk past her.
"Just Waaaaiiit!" She said once more blocking him. "Wait, I have a better idea."
"This idea sucks." Tatsumi said in annoyance. He was walking down the road with Chelsea.
"They said you could go because you don't have a wanted poster. But you ALSO have to have me go with you." She said as she popped another lollipop.
"Why? You'd be absolutely useless in combat." Tatsumi asked , stating the obvious.
"Hey! Not all wars are fought with seeing who can swing their sword faster! Gaining the trust of your enemies, and then striking when their guard is down is just as effective." She explained as she leaned forward.
"I'm not an idiot Chelsea, I know how infiltration works." He said while keeping his stoic expression. "And it takes too damn long. I prefer speed and precision to take out a target."
"...You know for a guy such as yourself, you seem to know quite a bit about assassinations and how to kill to people." She noted.
"It's so I can stick the Prime Minister's head on a pike." He said with much detest.
"Oh yeah, that's right. Your village got purged didn't it?" She said, recalling the report she read on him.
"You're well informed."
"I make it my business~!" She responded with a smile.
"Hold up." Tatsumi said while putting his arm in front of them. He was completely focused while looking around. Suddenly a bunch of danger beasts that looked like a cross between a lion and a porcupine walked out of the brush.
"Danger Beasts?!" Chelsea said while backing up a little.
"Grigors."
"What?"
"Spined Lions." Tatsumi said as the two got closer to each other. "Don't let them hit you with their needles. They cause you're body to go limp, and you're basically a helpless rag doll."
"Good to know." Chelsea said as she eyed around them.
"Watch the one on the right. I think he's the leader." Tatsumi unsheathed his Teigu. The Grigor growled threateningly. " Three in the back...two in the front..and one is still in the brush." Tatsumi looked around and analyzed their situation. "Alright..lets do this." Tatsumi said as he readied himself.
"GROOOWWL!" The Grigor signaled the three behind them to attack. They all pounced at Tatsumi, but he slashed in several different directions so fast they couldn't even move. Next thing they knew, the Grigors were decapitated in mid air. Blood spiraled in all directions as Tatsumi was still in motion. He then charged toward the ones in front and slashed the top of their heads off. They fell opposite of each other as blood shot out of the top of their heads. Chelsea was surprised at how good he was.
"He killed the other three in like seconds..and took out these guys at the same time.." She thought with her mouth hung open. She was then snapped out of her trance when she felt a pointy object shoot into her chest.
Gah!.." She was about to gasp, but she was unable to move. She dropped to her knees and could see the Grigor rushing to her. She could barely move, let alone get away, for the beast was already upon her. But just before it could devour her, two small knives struck it's eyes, blinding it, and made it flail around in distress. Suddenly a gust of wind kicked up and it remained frozen. It then split in half, spilling it's entrails and blood all over the ground. Tatsumi whipped his blade of the blood, sheathed it behind him once more. He walked up to Chelsea and bent down in front of her.
"I give you one thing to do..." He grumbled.
"I..can't.." She said as she laid back.
"Hold on." Tatsumi said as he yanked the needles out of her chest. "This is a type of toxin that makes the victim paralyzed, and then works it's way throughout the blood stream. Luckily though this wears off after about a couple hours, so I don't have to worry about treating you. But this is going to be a pain because it got you in the chest."Tatsumi said as he examined the needle.
"In that case, lets just go wait it out-"
"Ain't that simple." Tatsumi said as he stood up and looked around. "These kills are gonna attract some other beasts if we wait out here. We're gonna have to find cover." Tatsumi said as he picked her up. "I know a little spot that happens to be around here where it's safe. We'll stay there until you can walk." He then began walking with as she nodded. As he carried her, there was silence as the two kept moving on. She wasn't sure what to talk about.
"You know, you're kinda different than what I imagined."
"Meaning?" Tatsumi said.
"From what I read up on you, you don't tend to play well with others, and you try to do everything on your own."
"More or less."
"So why are you even bothering to help me out? You could just leave me and say I got killed by those danger beasts."
"Don't get the wrong idea. I don't bring you back in one piece, who's gonna believe me? You're just an inconvenience is all." Tatsumi said normally as they walked on.
"That's mean. But I guess that is a good point." She said as she shrugged with a huff.
"We're here." Tatsumi said as he put Chelsea down against the back of an old tree trunk. They finally arrived at the spot Tatsumi was heading too. It was a giant oak tree with an open base.
"This looks like the kind of place you'd live in." Chelsea said with a slight disgust.
"Shut up." Tatsumi retorted. He took a look outside once more to make sure they weren't followed. "Looks like it's going to rain." He noted as the sky was rumbling, and grey clouds encircled them. He went back inside and bent down and unbuttoned Chelsea's shirt.
"O-oi!" She suddenly began to protest. When Tatsumi undid her shirt, her bra was exposed along with her chest. Tatsumi took a close look. Bluish veins were spreading out from the small pricks on her chest.
"Tch, damn. ." He took out one of his knifes and held it at the center.
"This is going to hurt a little." Tatsumi said as he smiled a little. It creeped out Chelsea as she nervously sweated.
"HUh?!" What are you-uuUUUUUugh!" Chelsea demanded, but she was cringing from the pain from him cutting at the center of the veins. He then put his knife back on his belt and reached into his satchel. He then pulled out a small vile. "Alright, hold still." He sounded a bit happier for some reason.
"Eh?...EEEYYYAAAAHHHHHH!"
A voice in pain echoed throughout the forest. Chelsea was gasping for life as she felt her chest. Tatsumi was sticking his finger in his ear, trying to recover his eardrum.
"Geesh, you don't need to scream in my ear." Tatsumi grumbled.
"W-(cough), what the hell did you pour on me!?" She looked and strange bluish liquid was pouring out of the needle points on her chest.
"Oh, just a little something I had the camp alchemist whip up. It's the fastest way to expel poison out of recent wounds. Stings like a fucking bee though." Tatsumi said while breathing a sigh of relief. "
"You could have warned me at first, you jerk!" Chelsea shouted, and stood up to point at him.
"Didn't feel like it."
"You suck!"
"You can move though right?"
"Ah..." She realized she wasn't numb anymore.
"How troublesome." Tatsumi sighed. He looked out the opening. It was pouring suddenly and a roar of thunder could be heard throughout the forest.
"Well, what now?" Chelsea asked while buttoning up her shirt.
"Who knows?" Tatsumi said while looking up at the sky. He furrowed his look like he was thinking of something.
"By the way..." Chelsea began to say which averted his attention. "Thanks again for saving me."
"..Sure." He blankly said.
"What's with that half-hearted response?" Chelsea wondered.
"Before, when I lost my arm.." he said as if he was recalling something. "That guy...was good. Maybe even better then me."
"Is it that surprising to find someone who's actually a better fighter than you?"
"No. I definitely stabbed his hand. But when he came at me again.." He narrowed his eye at the memory. "It was perfectly healed, like I never even scratched him."
"Rapid Cell Regeneration perhaps. I heard the empire has had some of their best soldiers experimented on to exceed their fighting level." Chelsea pointed out.
"Yeah, I've heard that to, but if it's something like that, why didn't the others have that? And they got a damn good tracker if they found a way through Lubbocks traps." Tatsumi could only speculate.
"It wouldn't be surprising if someone like that exists. Sure, Esdeath is the strongest, but there might be a person or two out in the empire who are just as dangerous." Chelsea shrugged.
"No, I think she's stronger." Tatsumi recalled.
"Huh?"
"Nothing, c'mon." Tatsumi stood up and began leaving.
Capitol...
"Doesn't look like much has changed." Tatsumi noted as they walked through the slums.
"This place will never change with the way the empire is now."
"These people are nothing but petty thieves and drug dealers. If the women aren't selling themselves in prostitution, the sons of families are being sold just to keep their homes." Tatsumi said as he kept a stern look.
"I guess you aren't oblivious to your surroundings." Chelsea was surprised every step of the way with this guy.
"Tatsumi?" The two turned and they saw a familiar green haired assassin waving them down.
"Lubbock?" Tatsumi recognized.
"Been a while since I last saw you." Lubbock walked up to them.
"A month to be exact." Tatsumi said while crossing his arms.
"You seem to be well considering you lost an arm." Lubbock noticed his black gloved hand.
"Yeah.." Tatsumi looked down and closed his hand. "But what are you doing here? I thought Night Raid was lying low for a bit." Tatsumi asked him curiously.
"I'm here gathering info on the three demon generals. Miss Najenda wanted to make a move, once we got a bead on their next move...By the way Tatsumi, who's this?" Lubbock asked as he eyed Chelsea.
"My babysitter." Tatsumi deadpanned.
"It's Chelsea, I'm with the revolutionary army." She introduced herself.
"I see...Hey Tatsumi!" Lubbock quickly put his arm around him, and had him in lock. "What's the deal!? You had this hot girl servicing you while you were recovering!?" He silently ranted.
"She's just shadowing me you idiot." Tatsumi was getting annoyed by his fellow assassin's grip around his neck.
"Why is it always you!? First Leone, then Sheele, and Akame! And You were hanging out with the boss to boot! What kind of sick twisted magic are you worki-"
(Snap)
"YOOUUUU DIIIIIIIIIIIICK!" Lubbock screamed in pain from his appendage once again being dislocated.
Royal Palace...
"The situation is most dire! Would it not be wise to have General Esdeath return to the frontlines?!" A soldier bowing before the young king begged.
"It's that bad?...But, I thought-" The young boy was stammering for a solution, but an overweight middle aged man interrupted him.
"Your highness, the situation is not as bad as this man claims. It is simply a matter of how much effort he, and his men are putting into it. Simply telling us that they cannot accomplish a simple task of over taking the north, instead of actually making an effort to, is a sign that people in the kingdom will look down on our military, and you as well." The prime minister reasoned.
"I beg of you! With General Esdeath on the field, the men's morality is stronger than ever, but with her gone, the Imperial arm users of the rebel faction are decimating us!" He protested.
"Are you telling his majesty that you would rather have General Esdeath fight in your stead?"
"Wha-!? Don't twist my words! I merely am-"
"Excuse the intrusion." Esdeath made her entrance behind the large doors leading into the throne room.
"General Esdeath!" The young king said with glee.
"Greetings your majesty."
"Miss Esdeath!" The soldier quickly bowed. "Please allow me to speak!" He begged.
"What is the situation on the front?" She asked with a stern look.
"Hai! Shortly after you left, the Imperial Arm users of the north faction deployed, and are proving to be a formidable force!"
"Hoh? The cowards show themselves right after I arrive back in the capital. They must truly think I am unbeatable." She scoffed. She then walked up and bowed. "Your majesty, I do not know what my commander has said, but please excuse his blunder, and send reinforcements to the front-lines to assist in ending the savages of the north. " She politely asked.
"Of course! I'd provide anything for you miss Esdeath! Do you require anything else?" He asked eagerly.
"You heard the king. I have given you a second chance at defeating the enemy. Do not return until you have driven those weaklings to the edge of extinction, or I will personally escort you to the torture chamber." She demanded in a cold tone.
"At once!" He quickly bowed and ran out of the throne room.
"Also, your majesty, I have one other thing I need you to do." She smiled.
"Name it! Wealth? A piece of land of your claim? Tell me and its yours! " He wanted to grant her wish if at all possible.
"Then.." She looked up with an amused smile. "I request that you lift the charges on the assailant who attempted murder on your life."
"..Huh?"
"(Spit), (cough)!" Honest choked on a chicken bone at the sound of her request.
"But..may I ask why?"
"A-ARE YOU INSANE!?" Honest finally outbursted.
"No, my mind is quite level."
"The assassin who tried to kill me-No, take the king's life!? Have you gone mad!? We could never allow such a thing!" Honest retorted while spilling wine all over the floor.
"The reason being why, your majesty.." Esdeath completely ignored Honest.
"DON'T IGNORE ME!" He yelled with a tick mark.
"..Is I have fallen in love with him." She said.
"..." The king put a hand to his mouth in astonishment.
"...WHAAAAAAT!?" Honest's jaw hit the ground at her sentence.
"Love? You have fallen in love with this individual?"
"I have. We crossed paths while I was heading north. His skill could be well utilized if I brought him to the kingdom's side." She explained. She felt her cheek where a faint scar could be seen.
"WHAT!? Why didn't you kill him!? It's heresy! It's treachery! It's MADNESS!" He yanked his hair while freaking out.
"But, if its General Esdeath, i'm sure she can turn any man to our side when she puts her mind to it!" The king said while standing up.
"UUrrrgh...this might be a mistake your majesty. I mean, if he were allowed one step in the capitol-"
"I would personally take responsibility for whatever actions he may take in the capital. You have my word, I WILL bring him to our side." She emphasized.
"Well..if this is truly what you want...very well, the man matching the description of my assassin, is cleared of all charges as of this moment. Let the imperial guards and the guards in the kingdom know!" The young king said while holding his hand out. Honest, was biting onto a steak and stretching it with widened eyes like he was about to lose his mind.
"I think I agree with General Esdeath." A robed figure with a feminine voice said while approaching from the shadows. "I to can vouch for the assassin's skill."
"Ah, you have returned!" The king said with glee.
"Your highness." The figure bowed. "I have completed my mission. I have scouts dispatched to the following areas that the rebel army is using for smuggling routes."
"As expected of our best agent in the empire." The king said in amazement. "And you to, have come across this man?"
"Indeed, I severed his arm myself." She smiled. "But his tenacity was commendable, even being poorly armed."
"..." Esdeath was leaking out killer intent while the temperature in the room was dropping. She wasn't particularly fond of this agent. Especially when her interests crossed.
"Then, when miss Esdeath brings him in, I to shall keep an eye on him."
"WHY THE HELL IS THIS HAPPENING!? IF THAT BRAT COMES HERE HE'LL TRY TO KILL ME FOR SURE!" Honest was mentally having a panic attack. His safety was assured by the kings side, but if Tatsumi made his way that deep in the capital, he was screwed.
"What do you require to find him?" The king asked.
"Simple. If word spreads throughout the capitol he is no longer a threat, then he will attempt to investigate. It will be as if I am calling him out." Esdeath explained.
"I see! That sounds like a plan."
"Hmhmhm." The robed figure chuckled. "If you need me your majesty, I will be staying in the palace. Oh, and good luck general, I really hope you bring him to our side. I would very much look forward to...being able to meet him as an ally then an enemy." She remarked.
"He is my responsibility. I will have him with me at ALL times. So do not hope to meet him alone." She hissed through her ice cold teeth.
"Promises, promises." She chuckled.
A day later...
A day had passed, and Tatsumi was staying in the capitol. Lubbock had to leave due to some contract he had with someone. Chelsea left with him because she wanted to 'observe' the state of the capitol. He was hearing rumors all over town about the assailant that had attempted to take the king's life was lifted of the bounty on his head. He was unsure, but he assumed that this had something to do with Esdeath.
"Damn. She wasn't kidding. What the hell did she tell the king?!" He was clueless how something like the crime he committed was swept under the carpet by just a few sentences by the empire's strongest. He was certain that he was going to run into her sooner or later, so he was cautiously keeping a low profile. He ate with the people, he walked with the people, and even helped with small odd jobs. He had gotten a bit of money and was looking for a place to stay for a bit. He was looking around and he caught something in the corner of his eye. He immediately disappeared from everyone's sight. He was then shown a few moments, peeking from a distance. He saw the ice cold sadist sitting happily on a bench enjoying a cold delicacy.
"Son of a bitch." Tatsumi thought while trying to find a way out of the district. But she had a clear view of her surroundings, if he drew ANY unnecessary attention, she would be on him faster than he could get out of there. But something else was weird, he sensed killing intent from the roof of a building in front of Esdeath. He looked up and narrowed his eyes.
"Is that...Leone?"
Hope you're enjoying this so far! I just want to let everyone know, this is not a cannon following story. I like to mix up the originals in order to suite my writing style. Everything may not happen in the order that it did before, but it will happen. Anyway, Hope you liked this chapter, and I'll see you all in my next update!
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