Chapter 7...

Tatsumi wasn't quite sure what to do. He wasn't in a position to really take any action...well, not without major blowback. He just watched from his corner of the street. He was wondering if Leone was going to make a move.

"Don't do it." Tatsumi kept mentally saying over and over. Esdeath would put her on ice in every sense of the word if she tried to attack her right here and now. Also...

"That ice queen is actually WAITING for her? I don't know whether to draw her attention, or wait to see if Leone takes the bait." A humorous smile slightly cracked on his face. He found it rather funny for some reason. If Leone actually went for it, she really was all tits and no brain. The killing intent she was leaking appeared to be baiting her into attacking. He was gonna have to intervene at this point. He looked over to the ice witch and was grunting uncomfortably. She may have tried to kill him...but she didn't seem to want to take his life. No actually, she seemed to like him...at least the impression she gave off. Leone was looking like she was going to attack. He had only a few more minutes to decide

"...Gahh,.This better not bite me in the ass." Tatsumi thought. He gave in and decided to head over to Esdeath's bench and give Leone time to escape. Leone was surprised to see Tatsumi and was wide eyed.

Is that...Tatsumi!? W-wh-what's he doing there?!" Her mind was racing with questions. She and Tatsumi made eye contact. Tatsumi made a few gestures with his hands that said.

"GET. YUR'. ASS. OUTTA. HERE. What's up with that?!...Although he's right. Any more longer here, and I'm gonna lose it. Thanks, Tatsumi!" Leone then slowly retreated. Esdeath was glancing toward the roof and was a bit disappointed.

"So they retreated huh? That's a shame. I had many techniques I had wanted to try out. Oh, well." Esdeath sighed in a disappointed fashion. Someone hooded then sat down next to her.

"May I help you?" Esdeath asked the person.

"I think you've done enough." The person said. Esdeath's eyes then widened.

"Tatsumi." She then suddenly smiled. "I knew you would come back to me eventually."

"Don't get the wrong idea. Your still on my shit list." Tatsumi said annoyed.

"I think you sitting next to me proves otherwise." She said as she sat closer to him.

"For all you know I could be hatching some scheme to kill you at this very moment." Tatsumi said while twirling a throwing knife in his hand.

"Big words. But that is what draws me closer to you." She she said while licking her lips of the snack she just ate.

"You got problems Esdeath." Tatsumi sighed and put the knife back in his coat.

"In that case you would be the answer to them." She said while putting a arm over him and leaning on him. "I lifted the charges so that you may be free of any crime you may have committed. Now all is left is to make you mine." She smiled while squeezing him tighter.

"I ain't your play thing Esdeath." Tatsumi groaned.

"I never said play thing. I said you'll be mine."

"Same thing."

"Fufu, you're quite cheeky." She smiled. "Shall we walk about the city?"

"..." Tatsumi was hesitant, but he got up and crossed his arms. "Fine, but if you try anything.."

"Then lets go." She began leading him down the street. Tatsumi glanced back and saw a little girl with a lollipop in her mouth. She smiled and waved.

"Is that supposed to be 'good luck' Chelsea? Cause I doubt i'm gonna have any at this point."

"So what brings you to the capital today?" Tatsumi asked curiously.

"Oh, I felt like I should patrol the city for anything ominous. Specifically, those annoying flies in Night Raid." She said while they walked through the streets.

"Well that'd be dumb. I'm sure no one would try anything out in this crowd."

"As a matter of fact.." Esdeath then tilted her head. "..There happened to be someone leaking killer intent above the very building I sat in front of, before you came in."

"Gee, sounds like a hassle." Tatsumi thought. "Observation maybe?"

"It would be rewarding actually. I wanted to try out some new torture techniques I learned while I was up north." Esdeath sighed.

"Torture is stupid. If you're going to kill someone in the end, there really is no point." Tatsumi said with a frown.

"How else would you attain information about the enemy? We thwarted many attempts on the lives of many innocent people."

"You mean the snakes of this twisted capital." Tatsumi corrected her.

"You have quite the disdain towards the empire."

"Oh I have more than disdain." Tatsumi said while walking with an angered look. "I'd end the very existence of those who would sit on their highhorse and step on the other people like bugs."

"It just means that those people were too weak in the end." Esdeath shrugged.

"Weakness is not worth you can place on someone Esdeath. You say that because you haven't met someone who could dethrone you on the battlefield." Tatsumi stopped and looked at her with a narrowed look. "But i'm sure at some point that's bound to happen."

"Hmph. You're mettle is intriguing. I must say, you do have an extraordinary mind." Esdeath bent down and rubbed his head like a dog. "But that sort of talk is quite dangerous in the capital. If you were with a different person, they might get the wrong idea." Tatsumi then brushed her hand off him and walked on.

"I'd look forward to that." He said as Esdeath smile still remained. She was getting happier by the second.

"I will make you mine Tatsumi." She walked next to him and put a comforting arm around his shoulder.

"You're annoying."

"Hmm. I wonder if this is what is known as 'playing hard to get'?" Esdeath wondered.

"Screw you!" Tatsumi said angrily.

"Come on now, don't be embarrassed~." She just leaned on him more as they walked.

"URASAI!" Tatsumi shouted. Chelsea was watching them from a distance in disguise. She couldn't help but laugh.

"Hehehe~! Those are some rather interesting expressions you have there Tatsumi." She pulled out her lollipop and smiled. For the remainder of the day she shadowed them. Tatsumi was dragged all over the place. First stop was a market place where they got offered free samples. Esdeath kept trying to feed Tatsumi over and over again.

"I DON'T WANT IT!" Tatsumi kept trying to push her away, but her superior strength was about as one sided as a child trying to hold back a giant.

"It would seem I need to fix your manners as well." Esdeath was amused by his resistance. People were just staring with confusion and disbelief. That kid was refusing the most powerful soldier in the army, still living to tell the tale. Afterwards, they stopped by a smith shop. Tatsumi had bought some more throwing knives that were higher quality than what he had before. Probably because Esdeath asked 'Politely' if he could have them at a discount. Tatsumi was examining one of them and stared at the blade with interest. He then lightly cut his finger purposely. He nodded in a bored fashion and flicked it around a little. He then stopped and put it in his belt straps.

"I see you have a fascination for weapons." Esdeath noted.

"Anything that can kill swiftly has my attention." Tatsumi said while sucking his finger.

"Tell me Tatsumi. How did you come across that Teigu?" Esdeath asked curiously.

"Found it in the mountains. Not much of a story." He said with a bored tone.

"You seem to be quite proficient in it's uses." She praised.

"And?"

"You certainly are stubborn to compliment." Esdeath chuckled.

"Using a Teigu isn't something I would consider a compliment. I prefer using my own skills to overcome everything." He said while stopping.

"I see. You truly are one of a kind." Esdeath smiled. "But skills alone won't get you anywhere."

"Oh I think you'd be surprised." Tatsumi said while almost cracking a smirk. "But enough about that. I think it's about time you told me what it is you want." He walked a few meters away before asking her. "Why did you rescind my charges?"

"Because I want to make you mine Tatsumi." She smiled. "And i'll do whatever is necessary to achieve my goals." She said while putting her hand on her chest.

"I'm sure there are a lot better guys out there-"

"There isn't." Esdeath said which made Tatsumi surprised. "To be privileged enough to be my partner for life, one would need to not be from the empire, like me. And is strong enough to hunt danger beasts with me. Also, someone I can train to be at least on par with a General."

"Training? Don't make light of me lady. I have no desire to learn from you." He said firmly. "I'm not really one to toot my own horn, but I had to kill a lot of guys to get to the Prime minister."

"I am well aware." Esdeath nodded.

"Well, did the report also go to mention I didn't even use the abilities of my Imperial Arms?" He said with a hint of pride.

"No. But It's expected of you." She said with a proud tone. "Teigu or not, you do possess skill enough to scratch me."

"You think just because I scratched you, that I should feel accomplished? If I was proud of the fact I could measly cut my opponents instead of killing them, I would have been dead a long time ago. And what pisses me off more than anything..." He walked up to Esdeath and stared her coldly in the eyes. "Is that I can't kill you yet." Esdeath merely returned his glare with a smile and a cold gaze of her own.

"I look forward to the day you can stand on the same level as me." Everyone around them were cringing at the killing intent they were leaking out.

"Second I am..." Tatsumi walked away. "..if you get in my way, yur' dead meat." He then stopped and looked up at the sky. "Well, as fun as this little 'date' has been, I gotta go."

"And just what makes you think I will let you go?"

"Someone is watching us." Tatsumi said while walking away. "I prefer meeting with you when there aren't any prying eyes about." He glanced over in a random alleyway. A hooded figure showed themselves. They appeared to be smiling.

"Tch." Esdeath was getting annoyed by said person. "I apologize Tatsumi. I did think she would interrupt us."

"Well, I gotta go."

"Again what makes you-" Esdeath was interrupted by a sudden flash after Tatsumi threw something on the ground.

"I won't let you!" Esdeath charged and attempted to grab him before he ran. But she grabbed air instead. She sighed. "You are a slippery one Tatsumi." She then turned with a stone-cold glare at the hooded girl. "You spooked him you wench."

"Oh please. I purposely let him notice me. He really is skilled." She smiled and she licked her her lips.

"Your intervention is completely unnecessary. Next time you do that-"

"You'll what, War Whore? Kill me? Don't forget our positions." She said before dodging an ice blast from Esdeath. She appeared on the roof.

"I don't care about that, you do this again I will kill you without a second thought." She threatened.

"Promises, promises." She giggled. She suddenly disappeared.

"I hate that girl." She snarled. "...I look forward to our next meeting Tatsumi. And when you appear again..." She walked away with a smile and determined look. "I won't let you escape."

Outskirts of the capital..

Tatsumi was walking back and yawning.

"Chelsea!" He called out. As if on cue, Chelsea showed up...as a cat anyway.

"..When did you get your Teigu back?" Tatsumi asked. Suddenly a flaky smoke screen appeared and suddenly the cat vanished and in it's place, Chelsea.

"I brought a select few things from it just in case." She said with a smile. "So what was the deal with Esdeath? I didn't know you two were so chummy with each other." She teased.

"Not. a. word. She dragged me along like a dog on a leash. Which would not surprise me if I see her next time." He said with a weird mental image.

"I can't argue with you there. So now what lover boy?" She asked with a teasing grin.

"I'm gonna head back to Night Raid." He said while stretching.

"So you're gonna leave so soon hm?" She smiled while putting her hands behind her back."Well alright, as thanks for letting me some interesting expressions, i'll pretend this never happened."

"Err.." Tatsumi was little embarrassed he lost his cool while with Esdeath.

"Well, lets go." She said with a giggle.

Some time later...

Tatsumi had reached the general area where Night Raid had set up shop. He was certain he was getting close to the hideout...at least he was sure it was a few miles around the area he was in. He was tired so he stopped and sat up against a tree.

"..Man, when they pick a hiding spot..." He was starting to think he was lost. But he was sure he'd be close to a spot that Lubbock would set traps. He sighed, stood up and continued walking through the forest. All of a sudden...

(Snap)

"Whaa-!?" Tatsumi suddenly came crashing down into the bottom of a pit. He groaned and then sat up. He looked up and he had a large tick mark on the back of his head. "A FUCKING PITFALL!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? AT LEAST PUT IN SOME SPIKES! WHO DOES THIS SHTICK ANYMORE!?" His voice bellowed. He growled and stood up. He stretched and felt his body aching a little.

"I gotta get out of here." He took out his Teigu and then stabbed the ground and he suddenly was blown straight up. A blast of wind impacted the ground from where he launched himself. He then landed on the surface and then sheathed the sword.

"This is way to stupid to be one of that guy's traps." He looked around. "..Hmm?" He looked back down and he saw something in the hole. He hopped back down there and he bent down and look. There was something buried in the dirt. He dug it with his hands until he uncovered something.

"A container of some kind?" Tatsumi hypothesized. It was like some sort of lock of some sort. It was shaped like a cylinder that was locked by some mechanism that clicked every time he twisted it. "Well this is interesting." He thoroughly looked at every part of it, but whatever was inside was locked in securely. "I'll fiddle with this later." He put it in his satchel and continued to press on. He had walked for well over an hour, and it was getting dark. He was gonna have to find a place to rest that was safe from the danger beasts at this rate.

"Got to be around here somewhere." He said to himself. He stopped and and he narrowed his eyes. Something was there stalking him. He slowly reached for the throwing knives on his belt and tried to figure out where they would strike.

"...Not above me. Definitely ground level. Only question is he going for my back or sides?" He wondered.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..You're move." Tatsumi said while gripping his sword. Suddenly it came out in front of him. He drew his sword, but then stopped to look at his attacker. "No way." He said to whatever it was in disbelief. "YOU'RE the thing that's following me?" He shook his head confused. It was a little wolf pup. It had dark grey fur with a strange white stripe going from it's tail to it's head.

"RRrrroof!" It yelped at him defensively.

"Well aren't you a little full of yourself?" He bent down and offered a hand to it. It looked up with it's bright blue eyes at him confused. It was hesitant as it approached him.

"Now i'm warning you. You bite me, I bite you." He said while narrowing his eye at the thing.

"MMmmmfff..(lick)!" It began licking his fingers like a puppy.

"Glad we understand each other." Tatsumi cracked a smile. He looked around and was in thought. "Well, usually your kind sends the pups as bait to make the target lower their guard, and then going at ya' from all side's at once. But you my little furball.." Tatsumi picked up the pup. "..are long way from home."

"Arf!"

"(Sigh), out in the middle of nowhere with limited amount of cover, no idea where east or west is...and now i'm talking to a wolf pup. This is great Tatsumi, juuuust great." He shook his head while putting the welp down. "Here you little beast." He handed out a piece of meat from a deer he killed earlier. The pup started nibbling on it and then eventually began chewing on it with some effort.

"Where's your pack pal'?" He asked.

"Aroof!" It barked at him constantly.

"What?..." He wasn't sure but realized it wasn't barking at him. He turned around and he just barely grabbed the pup, and rolled out of the way from a swipe that would have took his head off.

"Damn it! That was too close!" He turned to his intruder, and it was a giant bear.

"Of all the times to run into a King Bear." He grunted in annoyance. "...Is what I would have said. But right now.." he unsheathed his Teigu. "..You're just a giant, meatbag." He swiped the blade down and an arc of wind jetted through it's arm and cut off one of it's arms.

"GRRRRRROOOOAAAWW!" It got pissed in a hurry after that. It charged him and was about to maul him. But Tatsumi threw a knife right in it's throat, and it suddenly flailed around violently.

"Die!" He shouted while shoving his sword up it's head. It suddenly died instantly and fell over. Tatsumi breathed a sigh of relief. "Never gets old." He sheathed his sword looked to the wolf pup who was biting it's ear, as if it was in the fight.

"Sorry little guy, but the shows already over." He yanked it off...along with the bear's ear in it's mouth. "Now why would you do that you little nasty, bastard?" He got blood on Tatsumi's arm. "Well, we can't stay here. Bigger the kill, the smaller it is to the one who smells it." He shrugged and he and the pup walked deeper into the woods.

Morning...

Tatsumi was in a tree covered in a heavy brush that he used to sleep on. It was actually pretty comforting despite anyone would say. He was lucky he found a branch to make a hammock out of. He yawned and opened his eyes.

"Morning already?..." He looked down and the wolf pup was sleeping soundly on his stomach. "...Oh yeah..last night.." He yawned once more and wiped his tired eyes. He then climbed down the tree with the pup and the two set foot on the ground.

"Okay. Now to find that hideout. " He walked on and the wolf lead him. "This little guy is leading already? No wonder he got separated." Tatsumi chuckled. After about a few hours, they made their way to the top of a clear hill. He looked out and he could see the capital in the distance.

"That's about 16..no,18 miles. A bit of a walk, but not too far. Less conspicuous, a perfect spot for an outpost..."

"GRA-!" A grigor came out of no where and was about to attack Tatsumi, but suddenly it's head was slashed in half and it dropped dead before it hit the ground. Tatsumi wiped the blood from his sword.

"And the absurd amount of danger beasts in the area to discourage the curious." He scoffed. "They gotta be here somewhere." He looked at the wolf pup and it was again nibbling at the dead danger beast.

"You got a fondness for danger beast meat my little friend. " He noted. "Guess that book wasn't just a waste of a read." He nodded. He then looked below the hill and the side of a mountain had a strange terrain feature that piqued his interest.

"There they are." He smiled.

Night Raid...

"Eeehh!? I did it last time!" Mine argued while sitting on a chair with her feet propped up.

"You did not! You clearly put all the laundry in the dirty baskets!" Lubbock fired back.

"I don't want you washing my laundry anyway! It's my clothes, i'll take care of it!" The two sparked tension while Akame sat in another room sharpening her blade. She finished up and sheathed it.

"When are the others returning?" Akame came to ask.

"Who knows? They said it could be a week before they return from the front lines." Lubbock shrugged.

"I'm getting tired of just eating vegetables. I need meat." Akame stated.

"You just emptied the store house two days ago!" Lubbock protested.

"Hmm, perhaps I should go hunting." She was in thought.

"Do you ever get full?" Lubbock and Mine said unison.

"Perhaps we should-"

(KNOCK)

(KNOCK)

They all suddenly froze and then turned to the door. They thought they had returned, but didn't want to take any chances. Mine was standing at the ready to shoot in case it was trap. Akame approached the door cautiously. She felt no killing intent, but she was on guard.

(KNOCK)

(KNOCK)

They braced themselves and they waited to see what the person's response was.

"OI! Akame! Sheele! Boss!?...Flatty?" He called out.

"I know that voice!" Akame suddenly had wide eyes.

"WHAT WAS THAT!?" Mine accidentally fired a shot out of reflex and blew down the door. Tatsumi suddenly peeked out from the side and looked at the spot the door landed. He looked back and saw three surprised familiar faces.

"You fucking idiot! Watch where you're aiming! 'Best Sniper' my ass!" Tatsumi shouted angrily.

"Tatsumi?" Akame walked up and looked all over him to confirm it was him.

"What the hell is your problem!? Do you shoot anyone that comes through your door?!" Tatsumi was still upset.

"Eh? I-I just...by reflex." Mine sweated a little from the surprise.

"Reflex!? BULL-SHIT! confirm who you got a bead on before you take the shot you fricken' lollipop!" Tatsumi lectured.

"L-lollipop?" Lubbock sweat dropped.

"You're alright." Mine said as she turned away and put her Teigu down.

"Errrghh..." Tatsumi shook his head. "I spent two days trying to find you guys, and looks like you found a pretty nifty hideout." He looked around and the rooms were much larger. Suddenly Akame grabbed him from behind and he turned around and he was wide eyed.

"Wh-what?" He asked curiously.

"Please.." She sounded pretty desperate which made him listen more intently.

"What is it?" He asked.

"I.." She seem to be blushing a little. "..need more meat."

Tatsumi and the others practically fell over after the atmosphere changed in an instant.

"I JUST GOT HERE!" Tatsumi protested.

"But it's only noon." Akame reasoned.

"You're missing the point!"

"Hmm..Okay, think of it as training." Akame said seriously.

"She clearly wants to eat." Lubbock and Mine said in unison again.

"Right. Of course that's what it is." Tatsumi had blue lines of depression running down his head. "I need a bow an arrow and two hours." He walked off. They all just smiled and were happy that he was back.

"Looks like nothing has changed." Lubbock chuckled.

"No.." Akame suddenly said. "He seems..different." She smiled warmly.

Tatsumi was cleaning dishes in the sink with Akame and was getting tired.

"It's like I never left." Tatsumi sighed in disappointment.

"Not true! We missed all your food." Akame reassured him.

"Nice to know my cooking was missed." He rolled his eyes. It was a bit quiet and Akame just glanced at his arm.

"..I was worried."

"..."

"When we brought you to the Revolutionary Army's camp, they were hesitant to operate on you. I thought you were gonna bleed out on Bulat's back. But after explaining the the situation, they finally got to it." She said with a frown. "I don't know what it feels like to lose an arm..but you looked to be in pain...a lot." She gripped her dish rag harder. "Please Tatsumi.." She leaned her head on his shoulder. "..Please don't leave us."

"Tch." Tatsumi scoffed. "I doubt i'm going to be rid you guys anytime soon. Next time i'm taking my sword with me. That bastard just caught me by surprise. It won't happen again." he said plainly while grabbing the dish towel from her and began wiping down a plate. He then leaned on the sink and leaned his head on hers. "You're not gonna tell me something stupid like 'i'll protect you from now on', are you?" He shifted his eyes to her.

"Is it wrong to keep each other safe?" She asked.

"I'll tell you what then." Tatsumi and her then faced each other. "I will promise you that I will stay alive until we take down the Prime minister. That fine with you?" He asked with a strange smile.

"..Mm." She nodded.

"It's a deal then." He then focused back to the sink. Akame then followed suit and continued helping him. Suddenly her stomach growled.

"Really?" Tatsumi sweat dropped. Akama unknown to him was feeling happy inside.

And...

Something else.

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(Next update is I'm only Human! Keep your eyes open for it ;).)