A/N: Hi, it's been quite some time. This is my second time vanishing from writing, my apologies. I can give excuses such as being in Barcelona for shadowing, and being back on campus for research after finals, but that doesn't excuse me for how long I was gone. Other people also have other obligations yet still find the time to write so I should try harder as well. I say that, but this is a slightly shorter chapter than usual xP. Gonna try to write more is basically what I'm saying. This little project of mine has reached over 1000 followers which is freaking insane, so thank all of you so much for your continued support. Here's the chapter.
It took me a moment to process what Leone just told me. With her arm still hanging around my neck, her enjoyment of my stunned look was apparent on her face. It was so surprising that it took me several moments to process her request.
I brushed her arm off, and turned my attention towards Najenda. "She's not joking, is she?"
Najenda answered by pinching the brow of her nose, a gesture I couldn't stop mimicking. We sighed at the same time, and just with that simple action alone, I felt as if the two of us understood each other just a little bit better.
"Well, there's no point in having all of you stand out in the courtyard like this. We can discuss the reasons for your request inside. I have some new recruits in need of training and they'll need this space, so follow me," I spoke before heading inside, signalling to one of the residents that I spotted on one of the outside balconies. A brief nod from their end informed me that some small snacks and refreshments will be brought to the living room.
The brief walk to the living room was uneventful. Everyone, barring Mizuko and Susanoo, had already been here, and the two newest additions to Night Raid seemed perfectly content to just observe the inside of the building, or in Susanoo's case, train his vision on the back of my skull. I still could not come up with any sort of idea as to why the biological Teigu seemed to hold some form of slight aggression towards me. At the very least, he was cooperative with me during Dr. Stylish's raid, so I decided to let it slide and observe him for now.
"Please take a seat, you're all guests. For how long... will have to be discussed," I told everyone once we reached the living room, taking my own seat in the process. As expected, some simple refreshments and fruit to snack on have already been laid out.
"Mou, no need to be stiff like that, Shirou! We all know that you're not actually going to kick us out!" Leone replied, grinning, sitting herself down in the sofa next to me.
My right brow rose ever so slightly. Was that what she really thought? How cute.
"I may consider myself your ally, and even friends with some of you, but as of this moment we are now in a business transaction. Of course, because of our relations, I won't be unreasonable, but you can't expect me to house you for free."
A soft snicker from Mizuko caused Leone to glare at the blue haired girl, before a cough from Najenda caused the two of them to sit up straight. Tatsumi sheepishly smiled and sent an apologetic glance my way. I couldn't help but smile at the innocent gesture from the young man. He's definitely grown, the battle we participated in just a couple of days ago has shown me his growth, but he still held his own unique sense of innocence in him that just made it so people liked him.
"Disregarding Leone's opinion, we of Night Raid do not expect you to provide us aid for free. We are willing to pay you for the duration of our stay, but we both know you don't care much for simple payment," Najenda quickly said, placing her chin on top of her hands.
"Very correct," I responded cooly. "So let's hear your part of the negotiations, since you seem to already have some suggestions in mind."
Leaning back into my couch, several further types of condiments were brought out in the form of some sandwiches and glasses of cold tea. Faster than her own quick draw, Akame adorably reached forth and started indulging herself on the small delicacies brought forth, her cheeks bulging like a fat hamster.
"What I can offer you is simple, yet something I feel like you will greatly appreciate." Najenda's next words were accompanied by a knowing smile. "Experience."
I knew exactly where she was steering her offer with that one word alone. She wasn't talking about me, afterall.
"No one can doubt your skill and ability. Anyone who would do so after witnessing what you're capable of is no more than a fool, but…" Her gaze trailed outside to where Spear, Yoru, and Chelsea were training their respective students.
"You've steadily been increasing the amount of skilled combatants on your side, but many of them are still green, too fresh and inexperienced in the arts of assassination and plain combat. And although you could try and train them all, it's obvious you don't have the time to do so. Why else would you be having your more senior members training them?"
She was spot on with her observation. It's true, I couldn't train Air, Fal, and Luna. It would take too much time, and my own research and dealing with future operations has taken the majority of my recent hours. The time I spare to be with Yoru and the others is a luxury I indulge in, partially so I don't get completely submerged in my own work. A leader has to make time for those that follow him.
I couldn't help but praise her verbally.
"Very keen observation, even though you've only seen the three girls for the first time. So, tell me, what can you offer to help with some of my comrades' inexperience?"
Again, the question I asked was just a formality. I already knew what she was going to offer, and she knew that. It didn't change the fact that she was smiling the very next moment.
"As you already know, Night Raid is an elite assassination force. If you let us stay in your care for the time being while we relocate our own base of operations, then we will recompense you in the form of helping your own forces become more combat ready. The ability to learn from trained assassins, as well as fight against Teigu users, outside of lethal combat would be great training for your newer members, and even beneficial for some of your senior members."
It was honestly a deal that was primarily in my favor. Spending a bit more on food for Night Raid would be of no consequence to me, but would it be possible to perhaps squeeze a little more out Najenda?
"A very gracious offer. It would definitely ease some of my worries if my subordinates could train with competent individuals as I focus on some of my new research. I've recently acquired a very skilled alchemist on my side and it's proven to be quite fruitful. However, I wish to ask for just a little bit more."
Najenda narrowed her eyes at me inquisitively, "What is it you wish to ask for? I feel as if our offer has been generous."
"And I'm not saying it hasn't. Just a couple simple things is all I'm going to be asking for." I replied, lifting a lone finger in the air. "First, I would like to know of any operation Night Raid may be performing while you are under my roof. I don't need precise details about your missions, only a notice if any of you are going to perform some sort of action and the risk level involved so I may prepare on my end in case anything goes south."
A second finger followed my first. "And I would also like to be able to research some of the Teigu under your possession, mainly Incursio, Lionel, and Black Marlin. Honestly, I would love to look at Susanoo as well, but he doesn't seem to like me very much. Of course, this would only be done with your approval and the approval of the Teigu's respective wielders."
Najenda's arms crossed over her chest and she leaned back in her seat. Her brows furrowed in thought. "I can concede to your first request, but you're asking for a bit much with your second one. Why would you need to look at our Teigu and those specific ones? If my knowledge is correct, you should have some Teigu in your possession, and the Shingu as well."
I caught how Akame stilled at the word Shingu. It was brief reaction, and even I almost missed it, but she definitely knows something about them. Interesting... Maybe I could pick her brain about them? Figuratively, of course. That tidbit of info will be filed away for later.
"Two out of three Teigu in my possession are incompatible with those under my jurisdiction. I can still research the Teigu, but it hasn't been as effective as I want it to be and although Chelsea has been good help with her Teigu but that's only one sample and I need more for my research to bear fruit. Also, the Teigu I asked about are more than mere weapons, no? They either morph, alter, or allow the control of forces outside of the grasp of the wielder. Seeing how they interact with their wielders intrigues me." I answered with complete honesty.
"Only if they consent to it, I believe that to be fair," she conceded.
"Perfect! I believe that should wrap up everything for now." I clapped my hands together and some of my associates arrived. "My friends here will take you to your respective living quarters. Feel free and to eat and drink what you wish." Once the words left my mouth, I realized the error of my ways. "Except for Leone. If you wish to drink any modicum of alcohol, then you must ask me first."
The look of betrayal she shot me almost caused me to snicker, but I was able to keep my unimpressed image, just barely. That did not stop Mizuko and Tatsumi from sharing their own small fit of laughter. Even Mine, Akame, and surprisingly Najenda also held small smiles on their faces. Maybe this arrangement will work better than I expected.
"So, from the look of things, Night Raid's going to be staying with us for the foreseeable future?"
My right hand lazily swirled the wine I was drinking as I gazed over how Night Raid was interacting with the rest of my entourage.
"Indeed they are. A little unexpected, but I can't say I dislike the arrangement we have made." I took a small sip of my beverage before looking at the girl who was talking to me.
"They'll be able to offer you good advice and training, Spear. Something I haven't had as much time to do as of late, which I apologize for."
I rub the small of her back as I apologized, which caused her to squirm and avert her gaze uncomfortably. If I went on the offensive, it put her in an awkward position to due to her inexperience with the opposing sex. However, that look on her face had little to do with my affectionate gesture. She herself had mentally acknowledged my shortcomings on my leadership, especially the parts where I was supposed to train her and the rest. As a leader, they put me on a pedestal, which didn't help either, but as impressed as they were with my charisma and skills, so too they're left dissatisfied with the amount of attention I was granting them.
"If you wish to say something, then say it, Spear. You don't need to mince words with me. I'm not just your leader, but also your friend."
Spear straightened up a little bit and looked at me with her cheeks slightly flushed.
"I just... Look, you have no need to apologize for anything. I know that, at least for myself, you're always doing your best for us. I won't be where I am right now, with warm food and a safe roof above me if it wasn't for your kindness and leadership. My father, too, is grateful for everything you've succeeded in accomplishing. You've saved us, and so many others as well. When we look at you, you're like a blinding symbol of our hopes and dreams, the future we desire!" She finally managed to force out.
It was just as I thought. I leaned back against the railing which was the only thing separating me from falling onto the ground below.
"Spear, I recognize that I have a role to play as your leader and not just your leader, but as the leader of everyone who has decided to rally under me. I will never forsake that duty." A deep sigh exhaled my lips and I looked up into the sky, observing the clouds as they drifted freely in the sky.
"The truth of the matter is that sometimes I don't want to be your leader." When I looked down, the shock and fear in Spear's eyes were obvious to see.
I smiled, and repeated myself, "I also just want to be your friend. It's selfish of me, I know, but it feels as if there's a distance between us at times because you're not completely comfortable around me. You fear that you're going to mess up and do something that would displease me." My feet took me forward and my right hand found itself on on Spear's shoulder.
"That's okay. We make mistakes, I make mistakes, there's no such thing as a perfect individual. I see you as one of my closer confidants, but is it wrong of me to wish for more than just that? There may have been a time I would have thought so, but no longer." Memories of my time in the Great Holy Grail War surged through my head, the only person that I let myself be relaxed and vulnerable around was Semiramis, as she was my only friend during that time. But here, in this world, I have Yoru who has somehow ended up being a little brother to me, and that sly fox Chelsea has somehow weaseled her way close to me. Hell, it might even be her fault that I was trying to open up a bit to Spear right now anyways. I didn't always have to be alone.
"I used to only have my long term goals in mind, Spear. If I'm to be completely honest, some people back where I'm from would consider me a bad person, and they may have been right. Plans and conspiracies constantly shifted through my head and there was only one person that I would allow myself to be vulnerable around, keeping a careful eye open, and ear always listening. I don't want to have to do always do that here."
My hand fell of her shoulder and I extended it to her, it was an obvious invitation for her hand, a genuine smile on my face. "So Spear, will you be my friend?"
The young lady reached out tentatively at my outstretched hand. This was Spear's chance at being able to act more naturally around me, to get to actually know me as her friend instead of her leader. I knew it was something she desired. So when she let her hand fall I was confused, unsure as to what was going on in her head.
"Spear, if this isn't what you want I-"
The blonde lunged forth and wrapped both arms around me, her face nuzzled into my left shoulder.
"You said you wanted me to be your friend, well... This is how I would treat my friend," Spear mumbled, her face still buried into me. I could actually feel her cheeks heating up from her embarrassment, but I was happy she did what she did.
My arms wrapped around her gently, returning her show of friendship and affection.
"Thank you, Spear."
Our tender moment wasn't meant to last. The sound of footsteps tapping along the tiled floor in the hallway connected to the balcony informed me of the arrival of another individual, someone that I knew would seek me out eventually. I thought she would take more time to think over this decision first.
I slowly pulled myself away from Spear. She, in turn, noticed my gaze and was curious as to why a certain raven-haired swordswoman was making her way towards us.
"Hello, Shirou, I was asked to talk to you about a delicate mission that Night Raid is planning," Akame informed me.
"Is that all?"
The subtle shift in her posture and the brief millisecond her shoulders tensed up was clue enough that she wanted to say more.
"No, I also wanted to talk to you about my sister." The tenderness in her voice was something I never experienced from the usually monotone assassin.
"Very well."
I looked back towards Spear. "Thank you for earlier, but it seems like my day isn't over just yet."
Spear looked disappointed and dissatisfied, though as to what was unclear to me.
On that last note, I followed Akame out into one of my many hallways. We didn't travel very far, in fact, we just traveled to the end of the adjacent hall, our backs pressed against the wall as we stared at each other.
We stayed in silence for the next couple of minutes, which was fine with me. Akame was nervous. The red-eyed assassin hasn't told anyone outside of Night Raid about her sister and the situation involving them, and it must be a tender subject for the otherwise stoic killer. When I quietly whispered to her, back when Night Raid was splitting up to see the rooms they would be staying in, that I might be able to help cure her younger sister, the assassin's ever-present mask peeled off and the caring sister that I hoped lied within Akame showed. She quickly hurried off without a word, but I saw her face, and knew she would come back eventually. So, waiting for a few minutes for her to gather her bearings would be the least I could do. I was prepared to wait weeks, even months if need be, for her to approach me.
"Shirou…"
My eyes made contact with hers, she knew I was now giving her my undivided attention.
"I'm not going to ask how you found out about my relationship with Kurome. I just want, no, I need to know one thing." Tears started to pool around Akame's eyes, it almost made me uncomfortable seeing the dam she has built threaten to break. "You said you could help Kurome recover from all the drugs that she has taken while under the Empire's service, but do you even know what that all entails? How hard it would truly be to do that?" Her voice cracked and the last words that came out of her mouth went up an octave.
"Yes, I wouldn't make a false promise for such things. For the longest time, all I ever hoped for was to bring about humanity's salvation. It would be cruel of me to give you hope, only to tear it away." My voice unconsciously took a more sympathetic tone, although I doubted she wanted anyone's sympathy. "I have acquired an extremely skilled alchemist, and with her craft and my own resources, I'm sure we could reverse the negative side effects of whatever drugs she has been taking."
"You haven't made this cure yet?"
It would have been impossible to not notice the skepticism in her words, but I didn't falter.
"Of course not, just because I have the means to do so, doesn't mean that I have already done so. If you want me to save your sister, you have to have the resolve to save her as well." My voice turned cold, and with a slight release of magic energy, the ambiance around us instantly grew more tense. "You've already decided long ago that you would kill Kurome if it came to a confrontation between the two of you. The younger sister you abandoned, murdered by your own hands..."
Akame shivered slightly at my words, and I took a couple steps towards her. My gaze has hardened, and the way I looked down at her showed my contempt towards the decision she thought she had to made.
"It would be one thing for you to hate each other, but from what I understand, you love your younger sister. You love Kurome. Why would you ever accept that you have to kill her? You should be the person who wants to save her the most," I reprimanded the girl in front of me. It was honestly a surprise I've been able to keep my voice level through this part of our exchange.
"Do you not think I know that? I want to save her more than anyone, that's why I have to kill her!" Akame choked out. Her hands closed around themselves so tightly that I could see small beads of blood leaking through her clenched fists. "I tried to bring her with me when I left, but she couldn't leave due to her dependency on the drugs. She even fought back against me, even after I was able to discover a spring that could help her rehabilitate, but I wasn't able to be to convince her by that point. It was already too late. In her eyes, I betrayed her by leaving." Her frustration was evident through her erratic speech, the way every word came out faster than the last. It was completely unlike her.
The tight grip she held on her hands loosened and she reached down towards Murasame. "Shirou, I have thought long and hard about this, I can sleep peacefully with the thoughts of those I've killed, but this is something that will always haunt me for the rest of my life. My inability to save Kurome will forever be my greatest regret. But if I can't save her life, I will save her soul. The Empire will use her until her body can't handle the drugs anymore and she will be disposed of. I know this more than anyone. I was a member of the Elite Seven... Our worth was determined by our ability."
She was trying to apply that mask again, to hide her emotions once more behind her resolution to kill Kurome. I refused to let that happen.
I nodded, and to her it looked as if I may have conceded to the fact that she has tried everything.
"I understand what you have told me."
"Good. Then-"
"You have given up on her. It's truly a shame... I thought you were a better person than that."
Akame looked as if I slapped her across the face. No, actually slapping her across the face probably would have been kinder than the words which left my mouth mere moments ago. I took a couple steps past the stunned assassin.
"My initial thoughts when I reviewed the Jaegers was that it would be best to kill Kurome originally, but when I found out she was your sister, so I did my research. It was hard to get the necessary info, and I loathe to admit that I lost some good agents getting it. But in the end I'm glad I did, because doing so informed me of something important." My body turned halfway towards Akame. "Kurome is a victim. She's been drugged repeatedly over the years she has worked for the Empire and now they're her only lifeline. Those drugs and her desire to be of use are her only lifeline right now, and the worst part of it all... is that it's your fault, Akame."
Rage overtook the red-eyed assassin's face.
"How dare you!"
She unconsciously unsheathed Murasame partway out of its sheath.
I was in front of her in an instant. My right hand slammed down on the handle of her blade, forcing Murasame back into its sheath.
"Shut up, and listen. I'm not even going to go into how you almost pulled out your weapon while you and your entire organization are staying under my roof, under my protection. Do not direct your anger at me," I growled.
"Kurome's situation is, once again, your own fault. You tried to take her with you you said, but how hard did you actually try? I know for certain you were definitely stronger than Kurome the moment you defected. If you were to ask me I think you were scared. Scared that she would hate you, but do you know what probably hurt her so much more than you leaving? The fact that you didn't take her with you. Even if you had to carry her away kicking an screaming. Can you imagine the pain she must have felt when you left? You abandoned her, Akame, do not mistake that. Therefore, you cannot kill her. You should do everything in your power to make things right, no matter how hard it is, because that's what siblings should do."
The anger in her body slowly left her body in waves, but it was replaced with regret... regret due to her neglect. Kurome was in such a dire situation due to her abandonment and Akame seems to have finally reached that conclusion. Maybe she always knew, but needed someone to outright throw the facts in her face. Luckily for her, I was perfectly capable of doing so.
"Then what do I do? I doubt she would just take my hand and leave the Empire if I asked her," Akame softly said.
"You're right. Someone else needs to be her way out of the Empire."
Akame's left hand rose up and grabbed onto her bare right shoulder. The way the light shined down through the windows, covering her gently, painted her in a somber light. It fit the current situation very well, not to mention her natural beauty.
"Are you saying you could be her way out?"
"Me? Possibly, but I believe there is a much better option," I reached into my left pants pocket and produced a couple pictures.
Once Akame saw the contents of the pictures she quickly snatched them from me, observing them with a critical gaze. Her eyes widened before they once again narrowed onto my form.
"What is this supposed to be?" The assassin asked me, a hint of skepticism once more laced her voice as she flipped the pictures in my direction.
Each picture presented Kurome, but Akame's younger sister wasn't the only one in the pictures. Alongside the petite girl there was a raven-haired man that gave off a friendly vibe by the way he smiled in most of the pictures. The blue jacket and anchor on his scarf showed his affiliation with the Empire's Navy. His name was Wave, another member of Esdeath's Jaegers, and if what Tatsumi said was true, then he was a man that valued justice and kindness. How the Empire had kept a man like this in their grasp confused me, but maybe there were parts of the Empire that weren't full of scum.
"Look at the pictures carefully. I'm sure you've noticed."
Akame glanced at the pictures once more and her stern grimace softened slightly. The reason was that Kurome had a genuine smile on her face in all the pictures that we were able to acquire when she was with Wave. A very small smile, but it was there, and that was enough for me to believe that Wave may be the key to saving Kurome from the clutches of the Empire.
I reclaimed the pictures and put them back in my pocket. "That boy, Wave, I feel as if his heart is in the right place, but he's just on the wrong side. Somehow, he was able to get past Kurome's cold exterior and the two are always seen together. I think he's the one you need to put your faith in."
"He works for the Empire! He's an enemy!" Akame hissed immediately.
"And you also once worked for the Empire, once of their elites. You still defected. Why can't he also do the right thing?" I immediately countered, which did a good job at stopping any verbal arguments that Akame may have.
"Also, I'm pretty sure I've made this clear…"
Faster than Akame could have reacted, my free hand slammed into the wall behind her, effectively trapping her between me and the wall. "You've lost the chance to decide her fate. Let someone who may want her to live try and save her."
I backed away from the wall, and ran a hand through my hair. "I know we had more to talk about, but I'll grab the details from Najenda herself. All though I believe this conversation to have been necessary, it has also been draining for the both of us, so I am going to retire for the night. Please consider what we talked about and think about whether you're truly right or not. I bid you goodnight."
With a small bow, I let my feet swiftly carry me to my quarters. It might have not been too late, but my decision has been made, I needed time to myself. Maybe I'll bring out some of my stronger liquor? That could be nice.
'Maybe grab Leone to accompany me as well… scratch that, there's no telling what could happen if I do.'