Disclaimer: All characters from Akame ga Kill that appear in this fanfic rightfully belong to Takahiro. I do not own anything; I have Takahiro to thank for that.

Author's Notes: A big apology for the delay but the chapter took way longer than expected. I had to redo the draft three times until I got something I'm somewhat contented with. I'm still not completely satisfied but with how the plot is progressing, I figure that this chapter is as polished as I can make it.

I would like to give a huge thank you to Commonwealth for the unfailing support in the review section.

Commonwealth: Again, thank you for the review. You do ask interesting questions and I appreciate the amount of details you pay each chapter. For your first question, the story is mostly based on the manga with some content thrown in/removed. But the story itself will eventually branch off and become more distinctive as Akame and Yukio influence changes. As for your second question, Tatsumi has indeed been added since he will be playing a bigger role in the future. Also, I did temporarily remove the pairing bracket, since it feels like I'm endorsing the shipping. I don't want that; instead, I want the relationship between the characters to develop naturally, rather than for the plot's sake. But don't worry, because there haven't been any major changes to the story plot.

Anyway, please bear with me if I make any mistakes or errors, especially in terms of the language (spelling, grammar, etc.).

With all that said, I now present chapter 13.

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Chapter 13—Kill Unification

"Even if there is nothing waiting for me tomorrow,

I still have hands that can make something,

I can even change the fated path,

Now I build up my strong feelings."

- Aozora no Namida (Blood+ OP 1)

Location: Imperial Palace. Time: Unknown. Year: 0015.

The boy held his breath. The test tube he held contained a greenish liquid, a sample of blood from a rare species of Danger Beast. Six months of hard work had been put into searching for the required material, so nothing could make him more exhilarated as he carefully poured the liquid into another mixture. A crackle of spark shot out and his emerald orbs narrowed.

Wait? That was all?

He was expecting something more dramatic.

'Did I do something wrong? Man… I followed the instructions to the letter. I don't see much happening. Is this why those alchemists gave up? Was I wrong to hope that I could create the 48th Teigu? Man, I just want one that can rival Yami no ha: Muramasa. A Teigu that can restore life… Call it being hopeful, but if a miracle l—huh?'

There was a sizzling sound coming from the mixture, and was quickly followed by wild columns of smoke.

And then—BOOM!

The test tube exploded, with the boy having ducked for cover a second prior. An earsplitting clamor ensured, one that travelled through the palace hallways and into the ears of everyone inside the building.

"What is the meaning of these constant disruptions? Answer me, Yukio!" A voice filled the corridor, its authoritative tone silencing the alarmed cries from the servants and evoking greater awe than the earlier explosion.

Moments later, the door to the laboratory flew from its hinge and a man in his thirties, dressed in elegant royal robes, stormed in. His uncompromising green eyes narrowed as he tried to find his disobedient son from the mess. Seeing only scattered scrolls and broken test tubes, he then poked a head under the table.

"I refuse to converse with someone who cowers under a table. Stand Yukio, and come out this instance. I demand an apology from you and an explanation to these senseless experiments you're carrying." True to his status, the First Emperor was a man of discipline. His voice cracked like whip and held authority that couldn't be overlooked.

"I… I was trying to create a new Teigu, father." Crawling out from his hiding spot, the miraculously unscathed twelve-year-old boy avoided the spilled contents on the floor, coughing and spattering as he gave his protest. More disappointed than hurt, he muttered something incoherent and dusted his royal attire.

"This is the eleventh time in the span of three weeks. Rather than devoting yourself to ineffective alchemy, you should focus on your education. I heard from your brother that you skipped recent classes and went out on a selfish hunt for a Danger Beast, allowing only Susanoo to accompany you. Your irresponsibility is wearing me out. You are my heir. Do you not understand the responsibilities involved?" the emperor criticized, unmistakably displaying his hidden distaste for Yukio's hobby. In spite of the young prince's talents in politics, he seemed to revel it more than most things. On top, the boy had a strong curiosity when it came to Teigu, apparently fascinated by the relics that could bend the nature's laws.

From a father's standpoint, the First Emperor knew he should encourage his son to pursue his interest. However, he was not an ordinary father; he was also the father of the country, the founder of the Empire. His responsibility as a ruler came first and just as he had to abide to his own rules, Yukio would have to follow his footstep as his successor. 'One way or another, I'll make him understand his role. The boy is more quantified to become my heir than his brother, but... his lack of interest is a problem. Not to mention that he is somewhat quite stubborn in his own right, quite so like his mother.'

"Father, I… I've been getting this kind of talk from you a lot lately, about succeeding the throne. But I don't understand. Why me? I am your youngest child. By birthright, Yuudai onii-sama should be next in line. And yet… you've cast off his title to me. Why?"

"Because you are more suited," came the blunt reply that irked Yukio.

"That's what you believe, simply because I resemble mother more than Yuudai onii-sama! But that's just appearance alone; I do not have the confidence, charisma or the intelligence you claim mother had. Don't you know… about the… rumors going around these days? The council members… they are whispering about how I am ill-suited for the throne. The only reason why they tolerate me is because of your persistence. Besides, I have little interest in obtaining the throne. You legacy… it's too great. I'm n-not someone who can bear the responsibilities… So please, just please renounce my current title and let Yuudai onii-sama have it again."

The effect was immediate. The First Emperor's eyebrows dropped to a dangerous level and his composure melted away. Without warning, he seized his son by the collar, hoisting him up to his eye-level. They were father and son, but nothing could've been more different than their height. Compared to Yukio, who inherited his mother's petite physique, the First Emperor was a towering giant.

The emperor bored his gaze into Yukio. "Do not argue with me, you insolent child! Are you that ignorant? If you truly know of my persistence, then you will respect my hard work. I build this country from scratch, and my legacy is not something that can be passed around so offhandedly. I know what is best for the country and your brother just does not satisfy my criteria."

Yukio pursed his lips and bit the tip of his tongue. He wanted to retort that if Yuudai, who resembled their father greatly, was deemed inapt, then the chances of him being seen competent was slim at best. Still, he wisely held back the thought, knowing that his father was unforgiving to those who dared to argue with him. Instead, he listened as his father continued.

"He is far too ambitious… has always been, and always will be. His desire is to unite the continent under his own name and trample everything else under his feet. He is so egotistical that he does not care about the lives he has to throw around to accomplish his farfetched dream. But you, on the other hand, abhor the existence of war. Just that alone convinced me that you understand and value the lives of other people. This is why I have done everything I can to persuade the council and have you acknowledged as my next successor. You need to appreciate my work. So finish your studies by the succession ritual this summer. You have my blood running in your veins, so I am certain that you will be compatible with Successor's Pride. Now, do I make myself clear?"

"…Yes." Yukio swallowed and averted his gaze. In his opinion, his father was the sternest and most frightening human in existence.

"…Yukio, I am counting on you." The First Emperor released Yukio and pursed his lips. "Along with the throne, I am passing on the Imperial Arms. Most of them already have users, but they will all swear their loyalty to you—I'll personally ensure that. As for the rest, find appropriate wielders. Find those who you trust to care for the country. However, avoid the twin demon blades that will soon be born from Muramasa at all cost; the power residing within them are… inhumanely disastrous. Keep them close to Successor's Pride: Royal Scepter, if only for some reassurance. I do not wish to see this country ruined. Promise me this and remember that our people are your first priority. I am leaving the future of this country in your hands. You are the only one I trust for this task. Do not disappoint me, my son."

"I'll… do my best." A meek response came from Yukio, nothing like the typical reaction from a child being praised by his parents. Yukio knew that he should be flattered, as his father was not one for sentimental acts. However, he could already see the insufferable responsibilities that would become the hurdles in his path. They drained out whatever glee he should've felt.

Something about what his father said replayed in his head, and Yukio's initial plan to stay quiet was forsaken due to curiosity. "Um, father. You mentioned the demon blade again… I find it strange that it seems to be constantly on your mind. Please tell me, what is so different about the blade? And why did you feel the need to split its form into two?"

'Because no matter what sealing containment I find, none of them has successfully sealed the cursed aberration! At this point, I'm left with no other alternatives.' The First Emperor visibly paled and mentally berated himself for nearly letting his tongue slip. Recovering from his blander just in time to escape his son's observant gaze, he whirled his body so that his back was facing Yukio. "You need not concern yourself with it. I simply abhor the blade's ability to toy with the forbidden fruit called death, nothing more and nothing less."

That was far from the truth, but it satisfied his child's curiosity. In reality, what the First Emperor was adamant in hiding was his fear. He was afraid of his own creation. Since the day he had ordered the Imperia blacksmiths to forge the Imperial Arms using the materials he specified, he was haunted by reoccurring nightmares that showed the eventual downfall of his Empire. Every night, the First Emperor would enter a seemingly blessed dream, only for it to distort into an unspeakable nightmare.

…

Bitter cold. It was the only sensation he could feel worming through his body. His senses were reduced to that of a newborn and yet, he could still feel the wintriness of his current setting. Was temperature this low even possible? Even the harsh environment in the arctic seemed more practical for life as he studied the frost-covered grounds with chattering teeth. The wretched landscape was supposedly his land. As difficult as it was for him to acknowledge that at first, repetitive visions confirmed that his Empire would eventually fall, imprisoned in an unbreakable layer of ice created by the Demon Blood.

He found himself turning to his left, taking in what horrendous sight that was to come. There were no words to describe the ruin before him. The glorious and beautiful fortress that had once stood as his home was now nothing more than a pile of wreckage scattered on the hard slippery ground. Standing on top of the rubble and surrounded by pillars of ice was a male donned in the Demon Armor. His majestic golden wings fanned out behind him, giving him exclusive seraph-like features. It was truly a remarkable sight, befitted for the day of reckoning. Blood was smeared on his protective covering, but the male paid little heed to his exhausted state as he stared at him with indecipherable eyes that had seen too much anguish in his teenage life. The armored male's lips, visible from the cracked headgear, would then part to tell him something, though he would never hear it as the background transited and the male faded into the howling blizzard.

Then the worst part came, along with a heavy stench of death that clogged his nostrils. Littered around him were his descendants in tattered but still distinguishable royal clothing, all lifeless on the ground. Their eyes, which were of a variety of green, were opened, forever frozen with terror at the sight of their merciless killer. Their bodies were covered with blood and dark scriptures that ran thin lines towards their heart.

And that was when he saw it—the distinct outline of his kingdom's flag flailing feebly in the air. For the shortest of moments, he felt some hope rekindle within him. The Empire's crest was still there, just an arm's length away. But it was gone before he knew it. A sudden flash of silver and the insignia was pierced by the Demon Blade. The katana stabbed right through, deriding him for his incompetence as its wielder manifested with her back towards him. Her long black hair framed her slender body, before slightly parting into two long streaks towards the end as if having a life of their own. Feathers that matched the blackness of her tresses fluttered about. They were unaffected by the howling winds and gave an impression of a wingless fallen angel that had been banished from heaven. Seemingly bent on tormenting him further, the woman—no, the devil—would always rotate her head to the side, allowing him to get a glimpse of the murderous smirk on the tattooed face and the demonic red eyes that glistened with strong bloodlust.

Exotic red eyes…

He would always taste the true form of despair from the daunting gaze, where his hope was completely quenched like feeble flames. Without doubt, he knew it was a forewarning from the demons, the hellish creatures that he should have steered far away from…

…

Regret came with every precognitive dream. The First Emperor, being the willful person he was, decided to take immediate action. In his endeavor to rectify his mistake, he ordered two of the demon's incarnations to be sealed and split the most baleful Imperial Arms apart into two.

Hence, from Muramasa, Murasame and Yatsufusa were created.

Location: Dr. Takito's House. Time: Night. Year: 1024 (Day 67).

"Hey guys. I think Yukio-kun is coming about."

"About time! Quick, grab the relic."

Voices, Yukio could indistinctly make out several voices from the darkness. He thought he ought to recognize them but they were indistinguishable amidst the constant buzzing noise in his head. Wanting to discover the owner of the sound, he tried opening his eyes and instantly regretted it as the lights hanging from the ceiling glared straight into his irises. His vision was blurry and unclear but he could just make out three silhouettes in his line of sight. His eyelids fluttered to adjust to the light. The image became more focused and he could faintly identify the heart-shaped pompadour, short blonde hair, and pink twin tails.

"Aniki, nee-san… and Mine?" he whispered softly and was stunned by how raspy he sounded. Lost, he scanned the background and saw shelves stacked with books and medicines in pots of all kinds. The scent of blood and disinfectants hung heavily in the air and in his disoriented state, it took him a while to realize that he had been here once.

He was inside Dr. Takito's abode.

"Heh. Welcome back to the world of living, young man. How're ya feeling?" Leone asked gently as she leaned closer towards the patient's bed.

"Terrible. The world is spinning." With his eyes closed, Yukio's uninjured hand made for his temple and he placed it there. With blood pounding into his throbbing brain, he could only recall vague images of his fight with Zank. He remembered blood; the bright red that seeped from Akame's shoulder was vividly painful in his memories. He also remembered Akame killing Zank before he was consumed by darkness and pain. He couldn't remember anything that occurred afterwards.

"Well, that tends to happen when you lose a lot blood, you know," Bulat commented. Surprise was an understatement in Bulat's opinion when Leone had barged in, carrying the unconscious Yukio in her arms, only minutes after he had arrived with Sheele and Mine. The young man's eyes were covered in blood and sweat trailed his brows. For a split second, Bulat thought that Yukio was dead. So with such notion, the Hundred Man Slayer was very stunned to see the blond regaining consciousness. If not for the current situation, then Bulat would've deemed that they were graced with a miracle.

"Let's just cut to the chase… Yukio, tell us how to use this," Mine interjected, gesturing towards the item that Leone held in her hand.

"Hmm?" Yukio opened his eyelids to a crack, surprised that the sniper would address him by his name. Normally, he would expect something along the lines of newbie, commoner, or imbecile. And that was only when Mine was in a good mood.

His surprise soon transformed into astonishment and his eyes widened. In front of him, Mine stood shaken and frail, as though a simple gust could cause her to crumple. Her left hand gripped onto her unattended arm, dangling at an awkward angle. "Mine, your arm! You're hurt!"

"I know, I'm not brainless… but Sheele's got it worse, so…" For once, all of Mine's characteristic arrogance was missing, leaving her exposed and susceptible. Deprived of her customary trait, she looked like she was on the brink of tears. The usual Mine would never have put on such feeble façade, and at once Yukio knew that something was wrong.

"Sheele-san!" the young man shouted. Painstakingly, he pushed himself up with his elbows. He shifted his sight from Mine to the other side of the room and took in the indistinct form of Dr. Takito beside the unconscious occupant on the other patient's bed. Even though the doctor's back blocked Sheele from his view, Yukio knew that woman's condition was deteriorating. Dr. Takito was preoccupied with cutting up fresh wrappings to replace the old blood-spattered ones. Beside him, the metal washbowl was filled with blood-stained dressings.

Yukio's scrutiny ended when he grimaced at the emergence of a throbbing headache. Feeling lightheaded, he lowered himself back onto the pillow.

"Easy there Yukio-kun," said Bulat, easing Yukio back into a resting position. Pulling the sheets back to cover the young man, Bulat exhaled a long breath, unsure where to begin. "…Sheele's body was nearly torn in half by a biological Teigu. She's still holding on… but she's not going to last. The doctor is trying everything he can, but with that kind of wound, he doesn't think he can do anything for her…"

"I… no, we don't want to lose her," Mine rasped with gritting teeth, her palm fisted into a shaking ball.

"None of us do, Mine. But we're ready to face the worst scenario… Well, that's until we got mumbles from Yukio-kun when he was still unconscious. About this." Leone's words added a glimmer of hope that stopped Yukio short from a mental breakdown. She was pointing her index finger at Hirasaki, dangling from her grasp. "Yukio-kun, you need to tell us how to use this thing. Do you know what you need to be compatible with it? We asked the old man to try already, but this bloody necklace sure is fussy. It's a healing Teigu, but not even a doctor fits the bill."

"Hirasaki?" whispered Yukio, the outline of his mother taking form in his mind once again. Out of the 48 Imperial Arms, Angel's Revival: Hirasaki was the one that Yukio had mixed feelings for. It was a relic that had once belonged to the First Imperial Empress. While he never got the chance to see his mother use it, the fact that she was its former user drove him to learn more about it. The traits that the Teigu sought in its wielder gave him clues about what kind of person his mother was. It was also then that he discovered the bitter truth about Hirasak's powers. 'Maybe this theory is just an excuse to shift the blame that Yuudai onii-sama forced on me, but I think mother didn't exactly die from an illness… She died young because she was ill during the laborious childbirth, that's what they all say. But I think the real cause is that she was weakened from the continuous use of her Teigu. Father always told me that mother was very kind-hearted and couldn't bear to see other people suffer. So she must've willingly given up some of her life force to heal people with Hirasaki. Yes, the healing properties of Hirasaki require a heavy price… Can I really tell them that? If I phase this wrong, then I'll crush their hopes.'

"Yukio-kun? Yukio-kun? You there?"

Bulat's questioning voice dragged Yukio away from his thoughts. Realizing that he was getting sidetracked, he redirected his attention to the matter on hand. There was a moment's silence as he selected his words carefully, understanding that his seniors were all restlessly waiting for an answer. "Um, one thing about Hirasaki is that… that it can heal its wielder with its trump card with an equivalent exchange. So in other words, even if we're all incompatible with it, as long as Sheele-san is, then there is still a chance that..."

"We should test it out then," said Mine, "I guess that's one good thing about leaving behind Extase. Under normal circumstances, that alone won't sever the bond between Sheele and Extase, but I think the distance between them combined with Sheele's weakened aura should suffice. Here, it should count as Sheele having renounced her position as Extase's wielder… hopefully."

"So she's free to test her compatibility with Hirasaki. Let's pray that she has what Hirasaki is looking for," Bulat commented pensively, looking grimmer than the clouds gathering outside.

"… Maybe she does. Benevolence and generosity are the two primary characteristics of a previous wielder. I think Sheele-san is caring and kind. More importantly, Hirasaki prefers a wielder who is affectionate, even to strangers. But usually that alone isn't enough. The person must also understand the significance of a human life. Only when a person comprehends the meaning behind bestowing life and taking away life will Hirasaki truly acknowledge them."

"It sounds like Sheele, but we can't be sure yet. Enough guesswork, it's time we get started." Leone's face reflected nothing but solemn, though she decided to place her faith in Yukio's words. At a snail's pace, the woman held Sheele's head steadily and looped the necklace around her neck.

Then Leone stepped back and watched. Nothing was happening from an outside perspective, although the blonde herself knew otherwise. Just like all the other Teigu users crowded around the bed, Leone could feel it. It was the same sensation as when Ieyasu received Senpu, the one that told her that Hirasaki was making its way into Sheele's soul while trying to form a possible connection. 'Finding whether or not a user is compatible doesn't usually take this long, but I guess it's hard when the soul is fading away… Please Sheele, hang in there.'

Location: In the Capital (Downtown). Time: Night. Year: 1024 (Day 67).

Akame ran.

Thump, thump, thump.

Her heart rate picked up pace as she rounded the next corner. The surrounding buildings past like blur and her legs took her as fast as they possibly could. Looking behind her shoulder, she perceived the growing distance between her and her pursuers.

She wasn't sure how long she had been fleeing but her aching muscles told her that she was breaching her limits. Regardless of her regular training, a continuous marathon was not something that her body was built for, especially after sustaining injuries.

As soon as she believed that she had brought her comrades enough time, Akame took flight. A loud clasp of thunder had distracted Tatsumi and she quickly used that to her advantage, slaying two policemen in her way. From there, she took an indirect route where she carefully avoided Dr. Takito's house as the Imperial policemen persistently gave chase.

'Just a little more.' Silently encouraging herself with a promise of rest, she pushed her body further. Another increase of velocity should dissuade anymore pursuit. With that in thought, she nearly missed the approaching projectiles. The silencers on the barrels effectively cancelled out any resonating noises, and it was only instinct that saved her.

Tsew! Tsew! Tsew!

She rotated on her heels and flicked out Murasame. A tiny spark lit with each contact and she cut down two bullets. Her feet pivoted to her left as she sprinted around another corner, the third shot whizzing just past her right leg. That was close. A little to the side and she would be limping.

Still on the run, she directed a careful glance behind her back and noted with a hint of exasperation that the Imperial officers were still mad on her trail. Her mind spun frantically, trying to deduce the best means to throw her opponents off course.

Tsew! Tsew! Tsew!

Another wave of bullets, all dodged with a sharp turn to another alleyway.

'They're aiming far too low for the bullets to hit a vital spot… I see, so Tatsumi wants me alive and conscious.' While the realization did nothing to alter her current situation, it did help her predict incoming attacks.

Her assassin's instincts spiked abruptly, warning her of a potential threat. Her eyes darting to her right, she noticed a figure ricocheting off the wall like the bolt that flashed across the sky, as if synchronizing with the lightning. On impulse, she guarded with her arm as a bone-crashing kick descended on her. Her red gauntlet cracked and the force hurled her across the alleyway.

Bam!

"Gah!" Akame felt the wind knocked out of her as her back crashed through a wooden plank in a rain of splinters and blood, her form disappearing behind the human-shaped hole created.

With his foot lowering back down, Mamoru assessed his deed. The impact of his attack had sent the assassin ramming straight into an old shop. Based on the strong aroma of fresh bread, the Silencer presumed that it was a bakery. Well aware that this particular assassin wouldn't be killed by a mere kick, he slowly drew near the hole, wary for any surprise attacks. He peered through the gap with squinted eyes and was surprised to find it vacant. Only the scattered bread rolls and the collapsed table told him that the assassin had indeed suffered from his vicious assault. But apart from that, nothing seemed misplaced and he could detect no killing intent either.

Where did she go? He scanned the vicinity. The windows and even the doors were all firmly shut and locked. They couldn't be opened without a key. The only exit possible should be through the hole he made. Puzzled, the general was prepared to enter for a thorough investigation when a voice halted his steps.

"Mamoru-sensei, you're here! Akame of Night Raid was last spotted in this alleyway." Tatsumi, slightly out of breath, finally caught up and was relieved to see his mentor. Not surprised by his sudden appearance, he was more disturbed by the killer that was still on the loose. He appraised his surrounding and his eyes fixed on the splintered timber wall. "She's in there, right?"

"Tatsumi, gather the men. Check the backdoor." The Silencer left a simple command behind as he stepped into the building. His sapphire orbs shifted around to find any clues, before landing on the fireplace. Churned logs were arranged in a disarrayed manner on the stone formation and there was an upturned pot lying beside the blackened mess. Taking small steps at a time, he drew near the fireplace. The silver shield behind his back clicked and parted from the centre, splitting the hexagon-shaped metal into two wing-like components.

A gust of wind heeded his call and came through the hole, playing and dancing around him as his eyebrow rose a millimeter above its resting position. The assassin was desperate, he thought knowingly. Professionals like her don't usually leave such obvious trail behind. However, knowing the girl's attire, he had the courtesy not to sneak a look at the chimney's opening. Instead, he raised his right hand and made a slicing motion with his arm.

'Desperate times call for desperate measures.' That was what Akame told herself as she struggled up the chimney. Soot caked her body from head to boots as she scaled the vertical surface, her fingers clawing at the uneven greasy stones that protruded out from the walls. Using only one arm, she half-push, half-pulled herself towards the crack of light above her. In addition to her earlier wounds, the surprise attack had been injurious. If not for her gauntlet, she was convinced that by now, both her arms would've been rendered useless, making her current feat infeasible.

'Who is he?' she wondered. The short exchange alerted her of the man's unspeakable power. Although not exactly on the same level as Esdeath, the man unnerved her more than an ultra-class Danger Beast. Never had one managed to sneak up on her as effortlessly as he did.

"Storm Cutter."

Akame's musing ended there as the cold monotonous words drifted into her ears. Before she could comprehend anything else, a gale-like force slammed into her, sending her sprawling into the air and up through the chimney. She felt the invisible force enclosed around her, cutting into her flesh like hundreds of scythes. Thin jagged lines marked her skin red and the assassin bit back a cry, compelling her eyes to open as she surveyed the situation.

As disbelieving as it was, she was suspended in midair, vulnerable against the air that had trapped her within a tornado-like cage. The cutting winds were held back to a certain extent, leaving her in no doubt that the caster of the technique wanted her in one piece.

Even so, she knew she wouldn't last at this rate. Her consciousness was ebbing away and her body was crying out in agony. It was only desperation that responded to her inner hysterical pleas and her hand inched painstakingly for Murasame, grasping onto the hilt as though it was her savior. She whipped out the blade with all her might, putting every ounce of strength she had residing within her.

Ringe Wind. It was a technique that she learned when fighting the late Taeko from the Oreburg clan. Akame could not perform it as proficiently as the deceased female assassin, but she still managed to incorporate it into her own style and, just barely, blew apart the untamed current around her.

Landing on the tiles of a roof on all fours, Akame got no more than three quicken gasps for air before she was forced to move again. Another series of gunshot rang in her ears and she slid down the triangular rooftops, dropped down the roof's edge and… found more guards in her dimming vision.

With a startling hiss, a bullet grazed her leg as she planted her boot in the man's face. Pressing her foot down, she then leaped back onto the next rooftop. Angry shouts followed from behind her, but she ignored them. Crossing four more buildings, it was then she felt a slight tug on Murasame.

'Lubbock's threads! Down there?' Her vigilance unfailing, her mind processed the signal and she made a rapid turn, jumping down into an alleyway without a moment to spare.

"Stop! Come back here!"

Tatsumi shot down seconds after, glancing in every direction of the narrow street. The assassin was nowhere to be seen. Rather skeptical of her sudden disappearance, he warily inspected the wooden crates that were stacked at the side. He checked behind each one, even going as far as opening the lids, but furrowed his brows when he saw only fruit. The crates were filled to the brim. Hiding inside was so impracticable that he didn't bother rummaging through.

"People aren't meant to just disappear," he muttered as a gentle breeze caused him to look up. He gawked in awe as Mamoru descended from the heavens, the wing-like components of his Teigu defying gravity. 'So this the Teigu that Mariko-san was talking about before. Storm Protector: Furontogarasu, huh? An elemental Teigu that controls the wind itself. Out here in the open, that's when Mamoru-sensei is invincible!'

Mamoru landed, his feet lightly touching the ground. As soon as he caught sight of his apprentice alone, he knew that the assassin had managed to escape. Although his face revealed nothing, his mind was replaying the scene when he had the female assassin trapped inside his caging wind. Despite the seemingly helpless situation, she managed to rip apart the currents with one impressive strike. Involuntarily, he found himself impressed. With the exception of Esdeath and Hidou, he had yet encountered another that could nullify his Storm Cutter. All things considered, the assassin was not a mere opponent that could be taken down effortlessly and for that, he felt he should at least acknowledge her abilities.

"She's fast," he admitted.

"A little too fast for my liking," muttered Tatsumi as he placed the lid he was holding back. "I could've sworn she took cover in this alleyway, but the blood trail just ends."

"Hmm?" The general ignored Tatsumi and instead stared at the crates with critical eyes. In one swift motion, he hoisted his right arm and pointed an index finger towards the stacked boxes. A draft heeded his summons. The invisible air whistled past Tatsumi's ear before dividing the crates clean in half. The inner contents leaked out and round fruit rolled around on the ground, some stopping beside the general's sandals.

"Tatsumi, we're leaving," Mamoru commanded in an authorized tone, the annoyance in his voice barely noticeable. The Silencer felt certain that he was being spied on but no attackers came from behind the crate as he had anticipated. Did his acute senses just fail him? 'Unfeasible.' Even so, what he was presented with contradicted his reassured thought.

"Huh? What?! But Mamoru-sensei, she could still be around here," Tatsumi protested, despite being a little unsettled by the display of precision and power from his mentor.

"It's a fruitless chase. I'm going." As soon as that left his lips, the Silencer crushed the nearest apple with his foot and vanished before the next breeze, conceding the assassin to be the victor. Despite his calm appearance, he was unnerved. The weather was getting worse and he was certain that a storm was brewing.

While renowned for their powers that could rival Esdeath's, both Mamoru and Hidou ironically shared the same weakness that had once made the Ice Queen scoffed. As a general who commanded the flames from hell, the Wildfire naturally despised the rain. So he had a tendency to find shelter prior, regardless of what mission he was on. Similarly, Mamoru also avoided being outdoors during a stormy weather, but for another reason. His winds would strengthen considerably in a storm, and controlling the untamable gale was strenuous. It was not uncommon for him to lose control of his own Teigu at times like this. So the Silencer opted to retire from the search. Besides, without any leads on the assassins' whereabouts, he decided to regroup and confer with Hidou. He wasn't going to deny it; the Wildfire was always the better schemer.

"Ah! But—" Left alone in the alleyway, Tatsumi heaved a tired sigh. All that time and effort went to waste. The assassin eluded him while several of his coworkers had perished in the skirmish. On top of everything, Seryu lost both her appendages, Mamoru resigned from this chase, and Hidou was nowhere to be seen. Some commander he turned out to be, Tatsumi thought tiredly.

But most importantly, the new sergeant thought he was on his way to be reunited with Ieyasu and Sayo. When questioning Akame about his childhood friends, he noticed how her lips parted slightly before closing. He was convinced that it wasn't a coincidence; Akame knew something about Ieyasu and Sayo. Therefore, it was all so infuriating since letting the assassin escaped meant losing his only clue to finding his childhood friends.

'Darn all this! They got away! In the end, people died and I'm no closer than I was before!' Cursing the unfavorable outcome, Tatsumi balled his hands and spun on his heels. He took one last long look at the empty alleyway before leaving with a disgruntled huff.

Nonetheless, what both Mamoru and Tatsumi overlooked was the tiny movement as the threads from Cross Tail retreated into a man-made hole underneath the broken crates and spilled fruit.

Directly below, Lubbock was grinning as he confirmed the departure of the two. In that instant, he couldn't be more thankful for the Empire for inventing the underground water channels. Due to the flourishing population of the Capital, the underground channels were made for sewage transportation. Nonetheless, it was managed so poorly that there weren't any detailed maps and barely anyone knew of their existence. As someone who was constantly scouting in the Capital, Lubbock took advantage of the channels for emergency.

"Phew, almost too close for comfort. They're gone now," Lubbock informed as he handed a white handkerchief to Akame. In one quick glance, he studied the girl's disheveled state and couldn't help but be unnerved by how powerful their pursuers were. After all, this was only the second time he had seen the red-eyed assassin so battered and exhausted. The girl's coat was tattered and cuts covered her body, though many were undistinguishable due to the soot. It was safe to assume that her coat would be unusable after this. At any other times, Lubbock would've made jokes about Akame resembling a lump of coal, but the severity of the situation brushed off any playful remarks.

"Glad you got the signal from Cross Tail, Akame-chan," he said, retracting all his strings back into his Teigu. "But you might as well have send elephants on a rampage in the Capital, with what looked like an entire division going after your head."

"Hardly the truth. I simply acted as decoy for Mine and the others, though I didn't expect the results to be so… unfavorable." Akame searched for the appropriate word as she gave herself a brisk wipe down with Lubbock's gift. She gave a sharp hiss of pain when fabric touched split skin. Just the mere contact made her feel as if she was rubbing salt on it. It didn't take her long to comprehend that they were no ordinary wounds; the stinging aftereffect was possibly attributed to a Teigu's ability. 'That man… I didn't even get a glimpse of his Teigu. He's an anomaly in this timeline…'

"Akame, you need a hand?" asked Ieyasu, placing down the oil lamp he held on the ground.

"No, I'll manage. These wounds are minor. Right now, our precedence is to find the others and ascertain their safety." Removing most of the filth off her face, Akame reminded her comrades of more pressing matters.

'I must find them.'

The last time Akame saw Yukio and Sheele, both of them were wounded and powerless. The raven-haired assassin felt desperation yet again worming its way towards the pit of her stomach. 'Where are they? How are they? Did Mine and Bulat make it? Is Yukio safe?' So many qualms forced her body to take some sort of action, though inwardly every joint and muscle begged for a good rest.

Tired as she was, she took no more than two steps before her knees buckled under the stress. Determination offered little aid as she found herself lacking strength and adrenaline. She would have collapsed to the ground, had Ieyasu not stepped in punctually and caught her.

"Whoa! You okay there?" said Ieyasu, steadying the female assassin with an arm carefully looped around her waist. "You should take it easy. You look drained, like someone who just ran a marathon or something."

"Yeah, state the obvious," said Lubbock, rolling his eyes. As much as Ieyasu's ignorant bemused him at times, he cast aside his planned retort and instead said, "Akame-chan, relax. I know you're worried about the others. But it's all okay now. We ran into Leone nee-san a little while ago and she told us that the others are all safe at the old doctor's house. No one got captured, just that Sheele nee-san, Mine-chan, and Yukio are hurt. That's why nee-san is out to grab the healing Teigu from the base."

"Is that so? I'm relieved." Akame heaved a soundless sigh that came out more like a fatigued puff. Never one to express emotions freely, she merely closed her eyes and leaned her head on Ieyasu's shoulder. Sleep would most likely elude her for the majority of tonight, but for now, she took the opportunity for a short rest as Ieyasu guided her through the underground channels and towards their refuge point.

Location: Dr. Takito's House. Time: Morning (Past Midnight). Year: 1024 (Day 68).

By the time Akame, Ieyasu, and Lubbock finally bypassed the tight security and arrived at Dr. Takito's house, the sky was shedding tears. Dark gray clouds covered the heavens, not even allowing a glimpse of the stars behind. Lightning and thunder ruptured and rain pounded nonstop on the rooftop. Everything was bleak, gray, and dreary, a perfect reflection of the atmosphere on the second floor of Dr. Takito's dwelling.

Huddled around the bed, the tired members of Night Raid were dour as they waited for Dr. Takito's final assessment. Regardless of the physician's best efforts, Sheele was still ghastly pale. Her blood-stained outer layer was removed in favor of applying the dressing to her wounds, leaving her clad only in her undergarments beneath the sheets. It was a sight that should have gotten Lubbock worked up and drooling, but the severity of Sheele's injuries cast aside his perverted ideas. The purple-haired woman's brows were knitted tightly together and her laborious breaths came untimely as feeble puffs. It was clear to the strategist that Sheele was suffering, badly in pain.

Dr. Takito finished his examination, taking up what the assassins all believed was an eternity. They held their breath as the doctor whirled around and cleared his throat. Despite his decades of experience as a physician, Dr. Takito was still reluctant when it came to delivering solemn news. But it was inevitable given his line of work. "I've done what I can, but this is beyond my league. The wounds are fatal and in all honesty, it's a miracle that she has survived this long. However, even with my help, she will not be able to make it past the hour. I'm terribly sorry."

"Damn it!" cursed Ieyasu, taking his frustration out on the wall with a brutal punch. His knuckles ended up red and sore but he cared little about them. "That means we've little time left to make up our minds."

"That's why we should just stop wasting time and let me do this. I've got this!" Leone clumped her jaws tight and growled in frustration. "The recovery ability is Lionelle's ace in the hole! I'm The Undying Lion!"

"No. Nee-san, that won't work. Lionelle's regeneration ability is powerful, but this is something on another scale. It's your life force after all, and no amount of regeneration can reclaim the years stolen by Hirasaki. A-and looking at how seriour Sheele-san's wounds are, it's likely that you're giving up… many decades," added Yukio softly. The young man was held in Bulat's sturdy arms as he looked at Sheele with pain-ridden eyes. His wounds still hurt a lot but he knew that they were nothing compared to what Sheele must be enduring. 'I can't believe this. Sheele-san is dying and none of us can reach an agreement!'

The moment that Yukio told the others that Hirasaki required someone's life force to activate its trump card—Life Exchange—the assassins all broke into a heated debate about the one suitable for the role. Nobody questioned how the young man knew about the repercussion and immediately trusted his words. Then again, they were all too concerned for Sheele's wellbeing to care about how he was, as Lubbock stated, a walking encyclopedia for Teigu.

"If that's the case, then I'm the only one up for this. As a man, I've the responsibility to settle things when push comes to shove. Giving up some of my life force ain't gonna dampen the fire blazing within my soul. I've got enough passion to keep me alive," announced Bulat, his dark orbs flashing vigorously to reinforce his determination. Even after Yukio's pessimistic comment, he believed that he had enough willpower to cope with whatever price Hirasaki demanded.

"Not cool, dude." Noticing that Bulat intended to grab Hirasaki to begin the life transfer, Ieyasu growled at the larger man for the first time and grabbed him by the edge of his black coat. Wrapping it around his fist, he tugged it with adequate force that diverted Bulat's attention from the necklace Teigu and towards him. "Aniki, this one is mine. I'm younger, so I'm the one with more to spare. I'm not gonna die. That's' why you should leave it to me."

"No. I'll do it."

Akame and Mine both voiced their opinions simultaneously. Then realizing how their speech overlapped each other's in an uncanny manner, they exchanged a look of surprise and furrowed their brows.

"I am the youngest," commented Akame coolly.

"Tsk, we're born in the same year, Akame. So is the new newbie, come to think of it," Mine snorted, for once unfazed by the intimidating glare that the raven-haired assassin sent her. "But you've already gone and took the decoy role, so now it's my turn to be on stage. Ah, don't argue. You're about to collapse yourself. You should really get those wounds properly treated and just leave the rest to me."

"I don't want to hear that from you, Mine. Your arm," Akame coolly pointed out, making a small gesture with her chin to prove her point. Truly, she was beyond exhausted and it was taking every ounce of her stubbornness to hold onto her consciousness. Mine's offer was indeed very tempting, although she refused to give in. With her past failures fresh in her mind, Akame was keen to start anew in this timeline, and saving her friends became her priority.

"Hmph. It's nothing too serious." There was an unusual pause from Mine as she cautiously hid her wounded arm behind her back, away from Akame's intense gaze. "A-and besides… Sheele is my partner. So naturally, I have the responsibility to help her!"

"You guys are joking, right? You know this is just like trying to win in a lottery, right? It's your life we're talking about, and you guys all seem bent on throwing that away. I'm not saying that it's wrong to do it for Sheele nee-san's sake but think about this. Yukio said that there's no guarantee that it'll work out anyways. Hirasaki could just troll us and leave us with two dead teammates." At the same as his desperate words, Lubbock was inwardly ridiculing himself. Excluding Yukio, who was pensive, his other teammates gave him a look that reflected sheer resolve. There was not a trace of the slight hesitation he felt; they were all willing to put their lives on the line for Sheele.

'Now, what would you do in a pickle like this?' Briefly, Lubbock wondered just what Najenda would do. But even while he contemplated, he knew that the answer was always obvious. With a smug grin, he stuffed his hands into his pockets and said, "Argh, screw trying to be logical with you guys. Just count me in on this."

"Your conviction isn't strong enough, Lubbo. If you hesitant one bit, then Hirasaki wouldn't work. Yukio-kun already said it. You can't have the tiniest bit of doubt," commented Leone, almost like she could interpret the uncertainty that had just plagued Cross Tail's user.

"Yeah, but that was before. Who can say that my resolve isn't as good as anyone else's in the room right now?"

As the Night Raid members continued their discord while trying to keep their voices to the minimum level, Yukio's body trembled like a leaf. He shut his eyes, restraining the tears that would've otherwise flowed out. The series of events was proving too much for him to bear. His mentality was delicate and he could do nothing but lament.

He was pathetic.

It was because of his carelessness that he lost to Zank. It was because of his fragility that Akame was hurt. And now, it was because of his cowardice that he kept quiet the entire time. He was the only one who didn't volunteer their own life force, and the shame was digging into his conscience. Night Raid was the closest thing to a family he had now, and despite each member's willingness to risk their lives for each other, Yukio could not proclaim that he could do the same. That would be an obvious and pitiful lie.

In a way, it was ironic that he was prepared to perish in his fight with Zank, and yet was so frightened by the idea of offering some of his life force. Really, the only difference was that he was given a choice. The stake was actually higher this time, but because alternatives presented themselves to him, he could not find the same resolve as before. 'Options were non-existent in my fight against Zank. He was going to kill me, and I was going to die regardless. So I thought the least I could do was take him down with me… But now, everyone is volunteering themselves for Sheele-san, so maybe I can j-just… Man, I can't believe this! This shameful relief! This terrible notion! I'm pathetic!'

Pathetic. He was absolutely pathetic!

All his pessimistic thoughts were halted when he saw Dr. Takito kneeing in front of Sheele, his palm placed on top of the relic. That also caught the other Night Raiders' attention, for they halted their dispute and turned to look at the doctor with a confused expression.

"Enough is enough. At this rate, all my neighbors are going to complain about the noise. Let me propose a solution," the physician chuckled dryly. "None of you gets to do it. I will."

"Are you freaking serious?" exclaimed Leone. The fact that the old doctor, who she treated like a surrogated father, was going to sacrifice himself did not bode well for her. "This is Night Raid's problem. An old man like you doesn't need to get involved. You'll die!"

"I know. But like it or not, I'm a part of this too. What kind of physician am I if I let my patient die on me? Also… this deprived country is sick, rotten to the core. Not even a doctor like myself can cure this country. But you young assassins… you can, in the shadows. You lot made me believe that. That's why I want to help you guys. I want you guys to change the future for me. And I'm more than ready to save someone who strives for that better future." Dr. Takito tapped the rim of his glasses with a finger, his face serious. Then to Yukio he said, "There's little time left. Sheele-san is slipping away. Tell me what to do."

Yukio bit his bottom lip. Like Leone, he abhorred the idea but had sufficient rationale left to realize that this was their last chance. Somehow, seeing the doctor's resolve was the catalyst he needed to muster his courage. If an acquaintance was willing to give up his life for his family's sake, then what kind of wimp would he be if he simply watched? As Dr. Takito said, he was also a part of this; he couldn't simply detach himself from the group whenever he felt uncomfortable. 'What options? There was none to begin with. I'm knee deep in this already, and I can't shrug off the responsibility. Come on, grow a backbone, Yukio.' There was still a lingering uncertainty stemming from his heart, but he forcefully shoved it down and summoned his needed courage.

Yukio's listless eyes regained its vigor. For the second time since becoming an assassin, his orbs shimmered with a majestic verdant green color found only in the most polished emerald. He was a lot weaker because of his blood lost but he managed to remain upright and straight as he approached the doctor's side. "Thank you, doctor. Please grasp your hand around Hirasaki and close your eyes. You… need to focus and show the sincerity in your heart. So long as your will to save Sheele-san remains unwavering, then Hirasaki will surely claim your life force and active its trump card. It will make an effort to save her, who it recognizes as its new owner."

"So I just need to focus and project my feelings," Dr. Takito asked for confirmation.

"Yeah, but nee-san is right. You're going to die if you do this… alone. It's a heavy price, so I'll be sharing the burden. With me offering my own life force as well, then the compensation should be split in half…. I think."

"Wait, you can do that?" gawked Mine.

Surprised gasps came from the Night Raid members and they exchanged apologetic glances. If only, they thought concurrently, that Yukio had told them earlier. They would've been less stressed and wouldn't have wasted so much time arguing with each other.

Yukio must have realized it too, for he flashed them a sheepish grin. "I'm sorry… it um, slipped my mind. Still, I'm not sure if the compensation is really split equally. But… even so, I can't sit around idly anymore. I'm a part of Night Raid. If a member is in trouble, then I too will risk everything to save them. If I can't even muster enough courage to sacrifice something, then what good am I in this upcoming revolution?"

Akame, despite her weariness, cracked a smile upon hearing that and drew near Yukio. Her soundless reaction resulted in a few bemused frowns from the others, who couldn't decipher the hilarity that had made the serious assassin express mirth.

"I agree." Ignoring the concerned look Yukio gave her—one that plainly told her to reserve her strength—Akame instead squatted down and set a hand on the young man's. "Sheele is a precious friend and is a part of our big family."

"Yeah. Both Akame and the newbie are being way too mushy. But it's not bad in this case. We're all share the same feeling here. We all want to help Sheele."

"So we're all in this, huh? It doesn't sound very assassin-like... but heck, who cares? I'm fine with it."

"Let's do this. We'll alleviate the burden together."

"Alright, man up!"

"Cool!"

There were shuffle of boots as Mine, Leone, Lubbock, Bulat, and Ieyasu joined the circle around Sheele's cot. They formed a semi-circle, their hand placed on top of each other to have a form of contact with Hirasaki.

"Everyone is ready, right? Okay, relax and let your energy flow. Don't resist the pull and don't break contact," instructed Yukio, closing his eyes. Everyone followed his example and a pure white glow emitted from the Teigu.

In that instant, the doctor and the Night Raiders were hit with a knife-like chill, causing them to shudder. There was a strange jerk, accompanied by the feeling of having their souls shredded into fragments. Invisible claw-like hands reached forth and enveloped them with a sheet of white glow, rendering them paralyzed.

"Argh! W-what is t-this? C-can't m-move… I'm f-frozen," Ieyasu managed to grunt out. Painstakingly, the boy rotated his eyes to the left and saw that the other Night Raiders were in a similar state.

"T-this is problematic. If the guards... find us in here, we're goners." Bulat let out a dry chuckle, somehow faring better than his fellow assassins. He was the only one who could spare a thought at something that was not the unbearable pain he was currently enduring.

"Ahh! I-it hurts," Mine hissed and squeezed her eyes shut as she tried desperately to remain conscious.

"D-don't l-let it… beat y-you. F-focus... Ack!" Partly encouraging himself also, Yukio cracked open an eye and watched meticulously as the wings on Hirasaki shimmered in black and white. The two contrasting lights engulfed the bed as the opposing forces, representing life and death, fought tooth and nail.

Then the feathers were swallowed by a cover of blackness…

'No! Come o-on. Please, please turn white. Don't fail me! Please! I beg of you! You're mother's Teigu, so please! Just work!' In his predicament, Yukio could merely pray for a miracle inside his head.

Whether or not a higher being actually heeded his plea was questionable, but a moment later, specks of white spewed out from the relic, until it gradually swallowed the feathered wings, cleansing them with a warm glittering light.

The abrupt change must have startled Dr. Takito, whose hand was at the bottom. It shifted a little to the left. Instantly, Sheele puckered her brows but did not wake. Seeing that, Yukio quickly steadied the physician's shaking hand. In spite of the overwhelming discomfort and the sweat that soaked his face, the young man allowed his trademark grin to show as the gruesome wounds on Sheele's abdomen closed with the skin knitting themselves back in place.

"It's w-working! Life Exchange worked! S-she's healing!" he cried out.

That was all the Night Raiders wanted to hear. They breathed a collective sigh of relief before a few of them released their hold and collapsed onto the floor, completely drained.

Author's Notes: As I mentioned before, I'm not too satisfied with this chapter, mainly because it doesn't quite reflect the mood I want to convey. Instead, it projects too much… How should I put it? Let's just say, Fairy Tail vibe; the entire part with Sheele just screams that friendship and family can overcome all obstacles. Mind you, I'm not saying that it's bad, but the seriousness and sober I want to describe in a story set in the Akame ga Kill verse seem lacking. Anyhow, I know there's no point complaining further. But I'll really appreciate it if more readers can post a review and leave an opinion about this chapter.

Remember that reviews, questions, feedback, opinions, and even criticisms are welcomed.

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Now, this section is dedicated to recapitulating the relevant plot events. Here are some things that can be reviewed over or considered for this chapter:

-Now that the cursed blade, Yami no ha: Muramasa, is introduced, the vision that Najenda had back in chapter 9 should make more sense. Just remember that Murasame is a half of what was once a whole.

-Mamoru's shield-like Teigu is called Storm Protector: Furontogarasu. Currently, it's only known move is Storm Cutter.

-One of the reasons why Night Raid managed to outsmart the Imperial Police is because their generals, Hidou and Mamoru, are hindered by the weather.

-Quick trivia: Wounds inflicted by Mamoru's wind will continue to deteriorate so long as it is exposed to air, as Akame herself experienced. Apparently, bandaging the wounds removes the effect.

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Preview-Chapter 14—Kill the Menace: While Night Raid tries hard to recuperate after their confrontation with both Zank and the Imperial Policemen, 'Detective' Hidou searches the Capital for clues that the assassination group may have left behind.

Hidou: "I don't go pointing a finger at people without any evidence,"

Leone: "Boss, I… I saw the old gee—I mean, Dr. Takito this afternoon when I was out. He has been…"

Najenda: "When the time comes, I'll let you act accordingly."

?: "Capital, I'm home,"