Hope you enjoy the chapter, Readers!

"I have the balls to say things that nobody else have the balls to say. Like how corrupt the councils are" "You think I would respect them? I have no ounce of respect for them. I respect the Satans and the good councils, such as the Gremory, Phenex, and Sitri." "That council room is filled with a parade of ass-kissers and you are one of them".

Those words echo around the dark room. Three shadowy figures are sited far from the television, all of them watching Nawin Makasha closely, listening to his words in silence. Their red eyes glows brightly in the dark room, reading the emotion of annoyance, displease, anger, and intrigue in them.

"He is proving difficult to deal with. We may have the change our plan" the one in the middle speak first, in his rugged and deep voice "Agreed. He won't join willingly... we should take a more drastic measure" the one in the right answer in a more soothing and light tone. The right one sensually licks their lip "It will just make more satisfying to have him" a voice comment, surely belonging to a woman, light, vexing, and smooth.

"He should be punished for speaking such words in public. Lambasting us like that… I should forbit him from participating the tournament" the middle one said, sternly. "That's unwise" the left one insert "We will face a huge public backlash if you go with that plan. The people of Vesarima are eager to see him participate… his popularity is equal to non-in this current generation of devils. Also, the Satans will be very displease, especially Sirzech, who is very fond of the Makasha".

The woman stares at the screen and twist her index finger to rewind the video. The video stops at when Nawin stare toward the camera with his stoic, but powerful eyes "Do I have your attention now?" "You certainly have, Nawin Makasha… You certainly have".

Gremory Estate

"Nawin… we need to talk" Sirzech state out, seriousness emanates clearly in his voice as he shuts the door gently. The two stands in a spacious meeting room, where a long wooden table is place at the center and houses ten chairs for each side and two for the front and end.

Nawin didn't bother taking a seat and just lean on a wall, crossing his arms "Is it about my comment on the council?" "Yes," Sirzech turns around and leans on the door, crossing his arms as well, while staring calmly at the teenager. Nawin sigh and stare forward, to a beautiful painting that shows the whole of Vesarima "If you expect me to make some grand apology, then you have another thing coming, Sirzech" "Why do you despise them so much, Nawin?" Sirzech question "You hate them more than even Serafall… she thoroughly disgusts the 'three old bags' as she calls them".

"I've seen what life is like outside Vesarima… I see how much people have to struggle when they aren't in Vesarima. The old council imprint this idea that if you want to live a normal and peaceful life… in peaceful time, then you either leave here or become the peasants that's living below us right now. Nobles all live up here in the hills while the peasants are living down there. Though, the peasants down there might as well be nobles like the Gremory compare to the peasants outside the Vesarima walls. Peasants from outside aren't even welcomed back here if they decided to leave" Nawin speaks his mind out, and Sirzech is listening his every word in silence.

"I've not a good guy, Sirzech. But seeing that kind of injustice… pissed me off immensely. Seems like the word 'council' is tainted, even the same thing is happening in Shigemi" "I can understand where you are coming from, Nawin. But, do you know not all the peasants living down there are as inn—" "I know" Nawin cuts in "The reason why the old council still have such power of authority is because of the civilian's clans support and handful of nobles. Those clans are all from old time like those three and share their ideas, but I bet my life that some of them don't share the old clown's vision, until they were whispered with promises if they continue to support them. Corruption is clear in that room".

"You think bashing them will help?" "You think staying silent and act like nothing is happening helps?" Nawin shoots back at the Satan "I'm showing that those civilians should wake up and smell the roses, see the old clowns true color. Like I said, I have the balls to say things that nobody else have the balls to say… some of the civilians probably want to fight back, but fears them" "You are thinking that your bold statement would give them the courage to fight back the old council?" Sirzech question, impress.

Nawin shrugs "Wasn't the first intention in my mind, but it's one of the reason I said that. My intention was to let the old council knows that I won't be controlled… no one controls me. Not you, not Rias, not even my parents…" he said. Sirzech feels concern when he heard the ominous tone from the Makasha when he mentioned his parents. "Are you alright, Nawin?" Sirzech questions, staring closely at the boy's eyes to see if he lets anything out "I'm fine… nothing to worry about" Nawin reply in his ever calm and blank tone, his eyes stay strong and stoic.

Sirzech nod and let it go, but he knows that there's something troubling the young Makasha. "Is that all?" Nawin ask, leaning out of the wall and turn to the door "Yes… Nawin-kun" Sirzech calls out, his tone is now gentler. "If you have any trouble or need someone to talk to. You know I'm all ears, right?" Sirzech ask, worry for the young boy "You've done so much for this family. You and Issei change Rias to the loving girl that she is today. Don't hesitate to ask help from any of us, it's only right we return the favor".

Nawin let out a faint smile "I appreciate your offer, Sirzech. But… you can't change the past" he utters, solemnly and leaves the room. Sirzech stare at the close door, his eyes hold great concern.

Leaving the room, Nawin is greet by Akame leaning on the walls by the hallway, patiently waiting for him. "Akame" he calls out, softly while walking towards her "Where are the rest of the group?". Akame opens her eyes and look up at her king "They left to explore Vesarima. Akeno wanted to stay, but Rias dragged her along" she informs "I see" Nawin reply and release a chuckle at his girlfriend's action.

"You waited for me?" Nawin questions with a smile "That's sweet of you" he comments and gets a faint blush out from the usually stoic Knight. "I-I don't know the group well yet… I feel out of place" Akame stutter out, before quickly regaining her composure 'Make sense… she hasn't got the chance to deeply bond with the group, even after the beach. Both Misako and Wendy can't be here, so she only has me' Nawin notes.

The Makasha smile and start walking down the hallway while gesturing the red-eyed girl to follow "Let's have a walk and catch up, Akame".

Vesarima: Eeth Street

"Stop being so grumpy, Akeno!" Rias exclaims, smiling brightly and sling her right arm around the Himejima's neck "You just dragged her away from her lover, who she hasn't seen for two weeks straight… I think she has the right to be grumpy, Rias-chan" Issei reply, chuckling "You are talking some sense! Oh, my hell! The world is ending!" Xenovia jest in overexaggerating frighten tone that gets a laugh and giggle out from everyone.

Issei pouts and glare at the Knight "Why you always mean to me?!" "I kid because I care, Issei" Xenovia reply, holding a smirk and taps her shoulder with the Hyoudou's "It's good to see you again. The school has gotten a bit dull without you" she said, surprising Issei, before he smiles "Hehe, thanks! I missed you all too! It's been a bit lonely for the past two weeks".

Riser send a skeptical look at the comment "What about your teacher?" "She's… not a very talkative type" "What is she like, Issei-san?" Asia ask, walking close to the group while holding Koneko's hand, so she wouldn't risk getting lost. Issei chuckle and scratch his head "She's a very interesting sensei. A very mysterious person, I mean I don't even know her real name and just go by as calling her Hunter" "Hunter?" Rias questions, confuse at the name "Yeah, it's what she told me to call her. The name really fits her, since some of the story I've heard about her is that she's a part-time monsterslayer that takes billboard contracts and complete them for gold" Issei reply.

"An Archdevil doing that?" Ravel utters out in surprise "That must be some sort of hobby for her. A status of Archdevil would guarantee them a huge sum of gold just by completing one contracts given by their Satans. She doesn't need to be meddling around with those type of contracts" she informs. "Oh, maybe she does for a good cause… helping villages that are in need of a monster problem" Rias insert her opinion "That seems reasonable. Archdevils usually roam around the world, awaiting for when they are in need by their teachers, the Satans. So, your teacher must be doing this just to pass some time and as Rias said, for a good cause" Akeno joins in.

"Is she as strong as Sirzech says?" Kokoro questions "Respect, Kokoro" Rias quickly insert in and gets a blank stare from the Hyoudou's Queen "Don't bother, Rias-chan" Issei said and pets his Queen shoulder "When it comes a lack of honorifics, Kokoro-chan is just as bad as Nawin". Kokoro cross her arms and give her king a look "Oh right! Hunter-sensei certainly lives up to her reputation… she beaten me without even trying and honestly she scared me so much in the beginning that I kind of… fled" Issei slowly said, the last part with great embarrass.

Riser shake his head "You could have kept that last part a secret, now you just look like a wuss" "Don't be harsh, Riser" Rias defend her lover "It's good Issei is this honest and is not afraid to share, even if it is a bit embarrassing" "I agree. Thanks for sharing that, Issei" Elise said, sending a comforting smile to Issei, who returns it and nod.

"She must be scary if she is able to make you fled, Issei-san" Asia comment "She certainly can be, but these past two weeks has been great for me! I've learned so much from her… I hope I'll be able to be trained by her again" Issei said in a hopeful tone.

"Pardon?" Yuuto said in confusion "Isn't she officially your sensei now?" "I don't really know… her parting words were 'I don't know if we will meet again. I completed Lord Sirzech's wishes on preparing you for the tournament, so this is the end of our time, Issei' with that said she left" Issei answer, and everyone can sense the sad and depress tone from him.

Rias place a hand on Issei's shoulder "Don't be so sad, Issei. I'm sure you two will meet again" "Yeah, you might be right" Issei reply, wearing a smile again. "Wait…" Xenovia speak up, causing everyone to halt and turn to her "What's wrong?" "… Where's Lucy?" she questions. Everyone look around to find the blonde Makasha "Weird… wasn't she with us?" Yuuto ask, noticing now that the young Makasha is missing "Yeah… maybe she left to meet with Sona-san?" Issei said "Why wouldn't she inform us that instead of just disappearing?" Asia insert, concern for her sister sudden disappearance.

Rias and Akeno share a look, both hold serious expression.

Unknown

"Uhh" Lucy groans and slowly sit up "What the hell happened?" she utters, opening her eyes to find herself in a dark prison cell. Instead of the typical iron bars, it's a complete metal door with a small open sliding lid on top, the walls around are also solid and made of the same material like the door. Lucy look down to find herself laying in a small and stained bed "Great… I'm going to need to shower and clean my attire" she grunts and stand up.

"I must have been knocked out" Lucy state, rubbing the back of her aching neck and walk to the door. "Hey! Anyone out there! Why the hell am I in a prison cell?! I did no wrong!" she shouts out, banging the solid door. Silence is all Lucy hear, not even a footstep can be heard on the other side. "I'm guessing that this isn't a normal metal door that I can break" Lucy said and send a right hook, her fist causes a small dent, but that's it "Damn! That's one hard material" she cusses, feeling her hand goes numb for a second.

The lid on the door suddenly slide open to reveal Lenna, someone Lucy did not expect to see "What! Is this your doing?!" she shouts "Believe it or not, it wasn't my doing. I was too trapped in one of these cells" Lenna reply, calmly "Really?" Lucy ask, still skeptic "Believe whatever you want" "Fine. What is this place?" "A small abandoned prison that was used to house dangerous criminals in Vesarima. They build a new and bigger one and this place was abandoned" Lenna reluctantly answers.

The Grasher turns her head to the right "Huh… I see the exit… I'll take myself out" she said and is about to slide the lid close "What?! Aren't you going to unlock this door!" Lucy shouts, enrage. Lenna throw an apathy glance at the blonde "You are my opponent… why should I help you?" "I don't know! Fellow contender honor reasons! Or so we can actually fight tomorrow! That can't happen if I'm trap here" Lucy reply, sarcastically "If you can't escape these cells like I did… then you aren't worthy to even be in the tournament, Little girl" Lenna retort, sharply and slid the lid shut.

Lucy snarl and glare hard at the door "I'LL GET YOU LENNA GRASHER! TOMORROW I'M GOING TO BURN YOUR ARSE!" she shouts and slam her fist at the door again, which didn't do much. Lucy walk back and take a sit on the ground "I will get out of here, just a matter of time" she whispers.

Lucy slowly close her eyes; her body eases and her breathing rhythm goes steady. The Makasha slowly enter a deep meditation state.

Outside Vesarima

Nawin and Akame are currently walking side by side, through the forest that surrounds the west side of Vesarima's wall, outside. Akame cast a stealth glance at her king, she knew that something is troubling him. The way his face holds more coldness in them than usual, his stiff body language that is usually more at ease though always in full alert, his stoic eyes hold confliction in them.

Akame turn forward and spot a beautiful pond in the distance 'That's where we must be stopping' she notes and continue following her king, while wondering what to say to him to ease his mind. Akame swear on her life that she will protect her king, and keeping him in a happy or at least normal state is one of her jobs, though she isn't exactly equipped to deal with this sort of situation.

When they reach the pond, Nawin takes a sit on a large boulder, then proceeds to stare at the clear pond that shows variety of colorful fishes swimming gracefully around the water. Akame stare at the Makasha, before taking a sit next to him and look at the lively pond.

"… I'm guessing you want to know what is wrong with me?" Nawin utters, after a moment of silence "You aren't hiding it… if you are, then you are doing a terrible job, Nawin-kun… which is unlike you" Akame points out, calmly. "I have lots on my mind. The last two weeks I've spent my whole time and focus on training, but now that's over… it dawned on me again" Nawin utters, laying back on the even surface boulder and stares up at the clear sky.

Akame turn her head to look at the Makasha's face, giving him a curious look "What's dawned on you?" "… Doubts. I have begun to have doubts in my family" he said, softly. Akame is shock by this news, speechless even, when hearing this from a person who would risk his own life to protect his family, and now he holds doubt towards them.

"Has something happened to have you start doubting them, losing trust towards them. It must be something big… family is the most important thing to you, Nawin-kun" Akame said, after a moment of silence "I… I have begun losing trust towards my mother and father. Lucy and Asia are innocent, they are not in the factor" Nawin answers with difficulty. It's clear to the Knight that this thought is hurting her king and he needs someone who he can fully trust to share.

Akame notice Nawin isn't saying what is the reason that's causing him to start having this distrust toward his parents. "Do… do you trust me, Nawin-kun?" Akame hesitantly ask, afraid of the answer "… Honestly, Akame," Nawin slowly speak "I don't completely trust you" he said. Akame stoic expression creak slightly and her eyes widen in shock and hurt.

"You are still a mystery to me, Akame. I know you are no normal girl that holds a plain background. I know this fact after we completed that mission to save Misako from Schnyzel" Nawin start off, and the Knight is listening closely "I was fully prepared that day to comfort you, after you were going to inevitably have your first kill. I was caught by surprise when I saw the coldness in your eyes and just how many guards you have slashed down without hesitation. At that moment I knew you were special and not an ordinary girl that I have to keep my eyes over".

Akame stare at her hands and clench them from the pain. The pain isn't anything physical, but mental, it hurts her more than she thought when finding out that the person she cares most and sworn to protect doesn't fully trust her. "… If… if I told you about my past… will you trust me?" Akame questions in stoic tone, hanging her head down that cause the front bangs to cover her red eyes. "You don't ha—" "Please answer my questions" Akame quietly begs, gripping her hands tightly that her knuckles turn white.

Nawin start to feel a bit of regret, but he doesn't let it bother him. He would rather tell the truth then lie about his feelings "Yes. The more I know about you… the more I can trust in you" "Alright…".

Nawin sits up, when seeing Akame's clenching her hand so tightly that blood start leaking down her palm. "Akame, please don't hurt yourself" he whispers, grasping one of her hand and gently hold it. Akame welcome the gesture and feel more at ease.

Akame glance at Nawin and give him a very faint smile before it turns stoic. "I was an orphaned… my parents dumped me in an orphanage when I was around three-years-old… not just me, but they also dumped my one-year-old little sister" she starts off, and already, Nawin learns a big secret 'She has a little sister?' he notes.

Nawin gives his Knight's hand a soft squeeze to show his support. "I never knew their reasons on abandoning us, but I didn't care. The only thing at that time that was important to me was protecting and raising my little sister. The orphanage we were put in wasn't the best, the kids would have to fight for their foods since it was very minimum, barely anyone wanted to share. It gotten so bad at times that I had to resort in stealing food from the markets to keep myself and my sister fed. The orphanage people barely cared, though when people come for adoption, they would finally pay attention to the kids and make all of us look as desirable as possible for adoption".

"Did anyone wanted to adopt you?" Nawin question "Yes, some family did want to adopt either I or my sister, but it's always either one of us instead of both. I always threatened the adopters and the orphanage workers, saying the two of us won't get adopted unless both of us does. Which quickly earned me a punishment and never getting adopted" Akame answers.

"My sister was the only thing I had and there's no way I would ever let anyone separate us. She was so fragile and clueless of how harsh the world was, because I protected her from the cruel world". Akame smile, as tears start to slowly form around her eyes "She would always be in our room, playing with dolls while waiting for me to return with food or any presents I could scavenged. We were inseparable… we slept together, shower together, eat together, and help one another."

Nawin eyes sadden at hearing this, and release Akame's hand to pulls her in closer by the shoulder "Doing whatever it takes to keep our sister safe… I can whole-heartedly relate with you on that, Akame" he whispers, softly. Akame slowly nod and continues "Our life was hard, but we had a roof over our head which helped immensely… but that doesn't last forever" she said, and let out a shaky sigh. "When I turned ten and my sister just turned eight... we were kicked out of the orphanage because they were getting sick of my rebellion attitude. It makes sense, all of the group of kids that were there when I arrive had already been adopted, only us remained, which angered the Orphanage's owner".

Akame stare at the pond with sad eyes "It was very hard for us since we didn't saw it coming. For a few days we were just roaming the streets and begging for some food while sleeping in a carbon box at night. For a week we were fortunate enough to get some food, thanks to me stealing and some generous folks that gave us small amount of money".

Akame's eyes suddenly harden in rage, remembering something from the past that left a scarred on her, but also changed her. "Our whole life changed in one night. About a month passed since we were kicked out of the orphanage. We were starving badly, so I left my sister behind at a quiet alley that we spent a few days living. I head to the market and was running around it, trying to find the right opportunity to steal anything to keep us going for the next day. Hours passed, and I was able to steal enough for us. I didn't know how long I was really gone, until I spot it was already dark in the sky".

Nawin feels the Knight's body tense a bit, making him pull her closer and gives her arm a squeeze. "… I walked back to the alley and suddenly, I heard my sister screamed for help. I quickly dropped everything and sprint toward the alley… when I reach it I saw a disgusting man trying to… t-trying" "Don't say it" Nawin utters quietly, his voice holds hidden rage in them. Akame slowly nod and continue "In pure rage… I killed the man with a pocket knife I stole a while back, just in case I ever needed to use it. I mutilate the man corpse with stab wounds, I was completely consumed by anger… I only stopped when my sister pulled me towards her and whisper to me, thanking me and said I made it in time".

Akame looks down at her hands, her mind remembering it being soaked in blood from her first kill. "We ran… we ran out of Tokyo until collapsing out of pure exhaustion and the immense pain in our feet. I would have lost my mind if it wasn't for my sister… she was able to still smile brightly and encourage me to keep moving… she was the only sunshine in my dark world" Akame utters.

Listening to all of this, Nawin is beginning to understand just how dear Akame cares for her little sister and would do anything to protect her, just like him. "We passed out in the woods in exhaustion. I woke up the next day and I was no longer in the cold woods, but instead in a warm and spacious room with nice and clean blanket over me and my sister" Akame said with a faint smile, though it quickly disappears just as it appears.

"I thought that some kind folks may have found us and took us to their home… but that can't be further from the truth. We were taken by… an organization of assassins" Akame said, surprising Nawin. "One of their member must have witnessed you killing that man" he states and gets a nod "Yes… it's the only reason why they took us in".

Akame lean her head on Nawin's shoulder, not caring anymore about boundaries and the Makasha didn't complain and allow it. "One of the men took me to the leader of the organization and he made me a deal… They will trained me to become an assassin and if I lived up to their expectation and work for them. They will promise shelter over my sister's head and give her whatever she desires… foods, rich desserts, and countless toys." "You took it" "Yes… without hesitation. If my little sister could live a healthy life without needing to worry about being in danger or starved to death, I would accept the deal without caring what happens to me" Akame answers.

"They lived up to their promise?" Nawin question "Yes. For a whole year they trained me day till night. All of the most experience assassin in their ranks would take turns to trained me about the art of assassin, skills in sword, using the terrain as advantage, and controlling your feeling… becoming a cold and deathly weapon" Akame said, remember all the countless time she would passed out from the excruciating pain from each session.

"Even though I would return to the room covered in bandages, bruises spread everywhere around my body, feeling like it will break at any time," Akame smile faintly "It's always worth it when I returned and see my little sister sited on her bed, greeting me with her bright smile and a warm hug. It reminded me why I'm going through those heelish training and why I would continue to succeed it, no matter what".

Akame takes a deep breath and continues "When I turned fifteen, I have already accumulated a fearsome reputation and respectable kills record" "Which are?" Nawin ask, curious "One hundred and fifty-five" she answers, shocking the Makasha, but it gives him a more understanding on why killing no longer fazes Akame 'It becomes just another number to her…' he thinks.

"I became the strongest assassin in their rank. I defeated my former masters in a dual and once took all of them on and got out victories. I become a precious weapon to the organization… I knew I was nothing but a weapon, I wasn't falling for their kindness and deceptions" Akame said, strongly and hatefully, clearly showing her distrustfulness and loatheness toward her former colleagues.

Nawin listen on in silence, knowing the end of the story is near. "For two years I was so focus on completely every task that was given to me that I forgot the most important thing… being with my little sister" Akame utters out, softly, her tone holds much regret and sadness that Nawin's heart ache a bit and pulls her close to his chest, in comfort.

"She has this annoying habit of never telling me what's bothering her… she always hides these things to make me worry less. I'm always departed away in assignments, so I never got the time to figured out what's bothering her… I spend the little free time I had to just talk or play with her. I took those assignments to protect her, but what I didn't see is that doing these missions senselessly, caused me to start neglecting my little sister, who is the sole reason why I am even doing these assignments and became an assassin" Akame utters, fresh tears begin flowing down her sorrow red eyes again.

Akame holds Nawin's hands tightly and bury her face on his chest "She was so lonely! She had no friends in that room! No one to talked with, no one to played with, no one to share happiness with! I would be gone for a month and she was there all alone! Having nightmares and had no one to comfort her! I hurt the very person I've sworn to protect!" she shouts out in pain, letting her tears flow out freely, along with her emotions.

Nawin holds Akame close and stroke her hair "Let it all out, Akame" he whispers, softly. "You have been holding all these emotions for so long… just release it all. I'll stay here with you as long as you want" Nawin utters, staring solemnly at the pond, listening to his Knight's soft sniffs.

The two stay close to each other for a couple of minutes. Nawin notice Akame's start to calm down, no longer crying though she doesn't release her head from his chest "Do y—" "Yes," Akame pulls back and look up at him "Let me finish the story" she said. Nawin gives a supporting smile and cup Akame's right cheek to wipe away the remaining tears "I'm listening" he whispers.

Akame return a smile, though a very small one, before continuing "I returned back from a month-long mission that sent me to china to eliminate a powerful drug dealer. I was aching to see my sister again after being so long apart… when I arrived at our room… she wasn't there… instead on a bed there was a note, written by her" she tells and let out a shaky sigh.

"The note was short and simple, but very ominous" Akame pulls out a note from the pocket of her black skirt and pass it to Nawin, who nod in thanks and open the small paper. "You left me, Big sister. I decided to leave this lonely place with my new friends. I hope one day you can join me too, if you can find me! It will be like old times, just the two of us! Love… Kurome" Nawin reads out.

"New friends…" Nawin repeat, slowly, while Akame nod "Yes, that's the part that I find concerning. She never made any friend in the assassin's base, so it must be someone from the outside, which I find alerting since Kurome never leaves the base unless it's with me" "You think someone took her?" "I have no doubt in my mind… and that note is written by Kurome… These friends must have taken advantage of her weak mind and ask her to fled with them" Akame said through her gritting teeth, anger holds in her tone.

Nawin circles his index finger around the girl's back in a comfort manner, which seems to calm her down a bit. "You must have went looking for her?" "Yes. I looked all over Tokyo to find her. Three days and nights I searched for her nonstop, but there was no trance of her… it was like she disappeared through thin air" Akame reply, solemnly.

"After finding nothing, I head back to the base to ask for my resignation. Kurome was the only reason for me staying there and now that she's gone, there was no reason for me to be there anymore. I needed to travel all over japan to find her and I can't let the assassins hold me back" Akame explains, and Nawin can see where it's going "They refused" "Yes. They said once I joined them, I was bound by their code for the rest of my life, serving them till I die. I knew this was the case, so I nod along and waited until night… late that night. I slaughtered all the assassins in that base, not leaving anything or anyone behind… I didn't want any unfinished business left".

Akame rest her forehead on the Makasha's chest "For the next two years I spend looking for, Kurome. I traveled all over japan just to find a trace of her, but nothing showed up. I thought it's already too late and she is probably already killed by the kidnappers. I gave up after two long years of grueling search. I came to Kuoh, since I heard it was a small and peaceful town and try to live a normal life, something my sister and I couldn't experience when we were young. Then," she looks up at the Makasha, smiling and her red eyes shine in happiness.

"I met you, Nawin-kun, and you give me a purpose to live my life once more… my bleak and dark life now has light again" Akame whispers, staring at the Makasha's warm brown orbs. Nawin smile pulls the Knight's head to his chest "I'm glad I could help you, Akame… after all you've been through, you truly deserve happiness. Also," he pulls her back and smile "I trust you… with my life" he said, whole-heartedly.

Akame smile brightly, which Nawin find both breathtaking and adorable 'If she smiles like that every time, she would be one of the most popular girls in the school' he notes and chuckle. "Something wrong?" Akame question, when seeing her king suddenly let out a chuckle "You have a beautiful smile, Akame" Nawin comments.

Akame blush a bit at the compliment "T-thank you" she stutters back, but quickly regain her composure. "Will you tell me what's bothering you now, Nawin-kun?" she asks "Of course, it would be wrong of me not to after you told me all about your past" he reply.

"… It happened during I was out in the training trip with Azazel. I was forced into a detour with another person tagging along… Sayomi Dracul" Nawin start off and Akame immediately turn serious when hearing the pureblood's name. Nawin spend the next few minutes telling the Knight about his time with Sayomi at the island, but he keeps the information about recovering his past a secret since it's still something that he doesn't fully understand himself.

"When we were about to leave… she left me with an advice. Be wary of those close to you, because if they choose to believe taking certain actions would protect you in someway, then they won't have trouble hiding behind lies and lies, acting like demons if need be" Nawin repeat the Pureblood's words.

Nawin let out a hollow chuckle "I know it's something that shouldn't bother me, because it came from an enemy and her intention could be getting into my head, but… I can't help but find truth in her words. I know for a fact that my parents are hiding something from me, Akame, and I believe Sayomi's words indicates toward that" he said.

"What would your parents be hiding?" Akame questions "… My pa—" Nawin stop when he senses an enormous magic signature spike in Vesarima. He shoots up to his feet, when sensing a familiarity in the signature. Akame gets up and turn to her king "Nawin-kun," "It's Lucy… let's move" "Right". Akame grabs Nawin's wrist, while the other concentrate "… I can't teleport to her" Nawin snap his eyes open in shock "Something is blocking me. Looks like we need to go by feet" "Understood" the two immediately takes off in blinding speed.

Vesarima

"Where could she be?" Issei jump over the house's roof, one after another, his eyes darts to all direction, searching for the blonde Makasha. "You really think she got kidnapped?" he asks, and glance at the right, to Akeno "Positive. I should have been more focused instead of sulking over such a silly thing" she said, silently cussing at herself "Don't blame yourself, we all should have noticed her missing" Kokoro reassure, from Issei's left.

"Yeah. The whole group is looking for her! We'll find Lucy in no time" Issei promise with his bright grin, which Akeno return with a smile and nod "Thanks. Hopefully Koneko, Gasper, and Asia-chan will find Nawin-kun quick and inform him. He can teleport to Lucy in a flash and save her".

"Issei, Akeno!" Kokoro calls out. The three stops on top of a roof made of rock, and look ahead to see Taiki, standing on another roof, staring at them from behind his mask. "You," Issei whisper, glaring at the man with his brown and emerald color eyes "What do you want?" "The tournament isn't until tomorrow, can't you wait?" Akeno question out in a stern tone, not in the mood to deal with detours.

"… A spar is what I want" Taiki suddenly speak and lift his right hand to point at Issei "To see if you really have become stronger in the past two weeks" he states, calmly. "Sorry, but I don't have the time" Issei said, his lips twitch into a smirk.

Akeno and Kokoro gasp in shock when they see another Issei appear behind Taiki. A rotation already forms on the boosted gear palm. "MOVE!" he yells and slam the rotation on the back of Taiki's, sending him up and flying away with the spinning orb. The Issei that's standing between the girl's creak and shatter to crimson shards. "Let's mo—" Issei pause when a massive magic signature wash past him.

Akeno and Kokoro sense it too, and all their heads turn to the hills in the distance. "That's… Lucy" Akeno utters and disburse into lightning that shoots up to the sky and charge toward the direction. Issei turn to Kokoro, who nods "Let's move" he said. The two release their wings and follows the Himejima.

Abandoned Prison

The dark and tight hallway in the prison is overflowing and cover in blue flames, along with the other cells. The intense and boiling heat produce from the flames turn the metal and concrete walls into bright liquid, except for one cell that the young Makasha is currently residing.

Lucy stare intently at the door with her eyes glowing in gold and blue. The blue flames swirl in front of her and slowly form into a shape of a wolf, that roars at the door. The solid door burst open in flames and Lucy walk out of the cell, hands in her jacket's pockets. Slowly, the Makasha turns to the exit. All the rooms in the prison is completely overwhelm by the flames, everything in the building is melting away by the intense flames.

The entrance door flies open, and Lucy emerge from the smokes, her eyes glows brightly and intensely. The blonde continues walking away from the burning building. She stops just a few meters away from it and turns around to face the prison. Lucy stretch her upper body back, then stand straight, triggering blue flames to explodes around her and shoots up to the sky.

Lucy stare calmly at the large building and slowly bring both her hands out of the pocket and stretch them to the side. Blue flaming sphere form on her palms, then she brings both hands in the air and pulls them back to release a massive wave of pure fire from her whole body.

The flames speed toward the building and impact it, creating a gigantic and thunderous explosion that erupts to the skies. The people of Vesarima halt when the thunderous boom fly past them. All of them turn and see a large mushroom cloud in the distance "What in the world?" "Did one of the contender cause that?!" "I-impossible, that kind of destruction?! Can they even have that kind of power!" "They might do…" "Only Lord Sirzech should have that kind of destructive power!".

Yellow lightning shoots to the ground and form into a slender figure. The lightning disburses into electric sparkles, showing Akeno. The Himejima look on in speechless, seeing the young Makasha standing a few meters away from the mushroom cloud 'S-she really did that?!'. Akeno stare at the humongous mushroom cloud that completely towers over her and a large part of the hill.

Issei, Kokoro, Rias, and along with others arrive. All of them stop and stare on in utter shock at the destruction that is cause by the blonde Makasha.

Nawin and Akame appear in black flash, standing in front of the group. Nawin expression holds stoic when looking at the back of his sister. The amount of mana he can feel surrounding her is intimidating and fierce 'Lucy… you have grown strong… perhaps even surpassing me' he thinks.

The flames surrounding Lucy, dissipates with the wind. Slowly, she turns around to face her brother. The two sibling eyes clash with one another, brown clash with blue. Lucy lips break out in a foxy grin while Nawin smile happily and proudly at her. Both knows the tournament tomorrow will be an unforgettable one.

Elsewhere

"You trained her well, Serafall" Sirzech commend, standing on one of the tallest hills in Vesarima that overlooks a large portion of the nobles' land. Sirzech stare down at the now destroyed prison that is envelope in smokes. "Perhaps too well" Azazel grunts, standing on Sirzech's right while looking closely at his godchildren.

Serafall walk toward the two men and stop beside Sirzech "Hope you prepared Nawin-kun, Azazel, because I know my student is ready" she said with confidents and send a smirk at the Fallen Angel, who rolls his eyes in response.

Serafall looks around and turn to Sirzech "Where is your prized student?" she asks "Oh, she's probably also watching this, but elsewhere" "That girl is a lone wolf to the bones… I'm surprise she could successfully trained, Issei. The boy has grown well" Azazel comment, moving his gaze to the welsh dragon user, who's staring at the Makashas, wearing a small smile.

"Indeed." Sirzech speaks "He was able to get the jump on Taiki, which is something to be commended for" "Taiki wouldn't be pleased, though those two definitely have business to settle tomorrow. Hopefully luck sides with them and allow them to battle in the first round" Serafall comment.

Azazel push his hands in the coat's pocket and turns around "Well, I still got some business to finish in Grago. See you two tomorrow" he said in his ever-carefree tone and disburse in black feathers. "Did you had to do that?" Sirzech ask his friend, sending a glance "Kidnapping both Lucy and Lenna like that" "It was just an experiment" "Experiment?" "To see how the two would interact with one another stuck in that kind of situation… and it went as I expected" "That's all?" "Mm-hmm. I also wanted that prison to be destroyed, it's just been abandoned there for a decade now." "You also want the other contenders to take note, don't you? You want them to be wary of Lucy" Sirzech adds in, and sees a smirk form on Serafall's face.

The pink Satan turn around and walk away "Even if she is a younger sister of Nawin-kun… they shouldn't overlook her. I've seen some of those looks casted at her during the conference, and it annoys me deeply… this was a showcase for them to see that my dear student isn't someone they should think lowly of" she said and shatters into shards of ice.

Sirzech let out a chuckle "That's a new attitude from her. Looks like my decision to make Lucy as her student turns out well" he comment and gaze back to the group, seeing them gathering around the Makasha sibling "This tournament will surely be a memorable one".

Next Chapter: Tournament Day! Welsh Dragon Unleashed!