Tatsumi
Tatsumi smiled as he watched a big bon fire in the middle of the camp. The men sang drunkenly off key passing various meats from the Danger Beast hunted. Esdeath herself was back in her tent and Tatsumi was to join her in a few. But she insisted he enjoyed the festivities while he could because they would be working hard the moment they arrived at the capital. So Tatsumi sat with a sharpened stick and some dragon meat skewered through it. After a few bites Tatsumi had to admit, it wasn't half bad in his younger days he mostly got to eat white Bear as they were the abundant Danger Beast near his village. Well it was better than the crappy army rations he was used to. Though as a member of the Three Beast or four now he supposed, he got some officer privileges.
The log he was sitting in was mostly empty Daidara was leading another drunken singing round with two huge mugs of ale on each hand. Tatsumi shook his head grinning as someone sat next to him, turning to him Tatsumi was met with General Liver himself.
"General!" Tatsumi said excitedly. Liver offered a dry chuckle at Tatsumi.
"I haven't been a General for some years now son, so how is Bulat?" Tatsumi smiled glad he did remember his father.
"He's like always all energetic and obsessed with his crazy hair style" Tatsumi chuckled. The older man relaxed his shoulders with a wry grin.
"The last letter he sent he told me of his pompadour style, I never did understand his quirks" spoke Liver fondly.
"Uhm sorry about asking but, why aren't you a General now? Dad always said you had your own command" Tatsumi asked not wanting to offend a man he wanted to know so eagerly.
"Ah, that is what is wrong with this empire" he said eyeing Tatsumi carefully. Tatsumi could only assume he was being tested for any sort of dissidence.
"Well the empire has its troubles but what nation doesn't?" Tatsumi said shrugging casually. The older man made a thoughtful hum and shook his head.
"No son this empire has been rotting since your father left it, did he ever tell you why he left?" Tatsumi had asked on several occasions and all the time his father rebuked him.
"He never told me" Tatsumi admitted his eyes staring at the dragon meat for a second.
"Well that is a story for another day I suppose but to answer your earlier question, I was framed for not siding with the Prime Minister" Liver said. His fist closed and his bones popped from the sudden tightening of muscle.
"I wouldn't play ball and I was called a traitor that cost me my command and my men. Even my own son" he lamented. Tatsumi felt his anger rise thinking of his own situation with the dead nobles. Liver looked by his shoulder to look at Esdeath's tent.
"But the General saved me from the gallows and to this day I follow her faithfully and without question." Liver said closing his eyes Tatsumi wondered what he could be thinking as he opened them again and placed a hand over his shoulder.
"Tatsumi the General sees great potential in you, it would be my greatest honor to help you reach it for her sake, and even your own" Tatsumi felt his chest fill with emotion as the man his father looked up was offering to be his mentor. Closing his right fist Tatsumi grinned with new found vigor, as Liver looked on him.
"I want to learn from you like my dad did, no matter what I want to be a real soldier!" Tatsumi said. Giving the shoulder a reassuring squeeze Liver took his leave standing up to find his tent to retire for the evening.
Liver
He's so much like you thought Liver glad that the boy was indeed the one Bulat saved all those years ago. For a man who had forsaken everything in that cell that General Esdeath found him in he could only find relief that even in this dark world there could be souls like Tatsumi Blackwall. Involuntary thoughts of Maximus his own son came to Liver suddenly making him pause before his tent. Sighing the old man smirked shaking his head wondering how his son was. His wife had written to him before he was to depart to the capital that their son had been promoted from Lieutenant to captain. Despite everything Liver could not help but feel proud of his son even if he only saw a traitor when he looked on his father.
In his tent Nyau was sitting on Livers cot swinging his legs kicking his feet. Liver raised a brow at finding him in his private quarters Nyau for the most part liked keeping to himself. "So you like that new guy a lot eh?" He said in a sing song voice grinning at Liver. The old General shrugged casually walking to a small counter in his tent with a water basin to wash his hands and face.
"Tatsumi has been chosen by General Esdeath, it is only given his strength is to be admired" Liver said. Nyau made a humming thoughtful sound before responding to Liver.
"Is he really the type to roll around with us though? When we get to the capital you know we will be doing that man's bidding again" Nyau said leaning on his knees. Liver felt his face pull to a snarl just thinking of the fat bastard that cost him everything made his blood boil. Well almost everything, he still had Willma and he could only be thankful his son lived yet still. Being part of General Esdeath personal guard meant her protection extended to the familys of her subordinates. For that reason Liver's loyalty was stronger than any steel in this planet for his General.
"Tatsumi is a soldier he will follow his orders, the General means to make him into her equal. We should only help her so in this endeavor which would mean showing him how twisted the world works" Liver said finally turning to look at Nyau. The young man that looked like a child grinned snickering as he stood stretching his legs.
"If you say so, I just hope he doesn't mess with what we do" grumbled Nyau, Liver was well aware how he and Tatsumi didn't get along too well in part to Nayu's habit of taking the skin of his enemies something Liver found appalling but was not fazed by. He had seen worst his countless bloody battlefields Nyau's tendencies where trivial to a man who had seen the worst mankind had to offer.
"He will not I have faith in him now. How about I cook up some of that Dragon meat we still have left iv'e been meaning to try a new recipe" Liver said suddenly closing his eyes and stroking his chin. When he opened his eyes again Nyau had fled for his life. Everyone is a bloody critic thought Liver sighing.
Tatsumi
A few uncomftarble nights of being Esdeath's body pillow later and Tatsumi was glad to see the huge walls around the massive metropolis that was the capital of the empire. When the gates to the city opened Tatsumi was surprised to be greeted by the people lined up their yells loud with praise. Tatsumi meekly waved at the men women and children lined up in the streets. Esdeath looked at him with a sideways glance before stoically looking forward. Tatsumi noticed lots of their men that marched behind them had plenty of girls run up to them giving them tokens and a few bold ones kissing them. On the two story houses Tatsumi watched children and girls alike wave tossing tokens at them. One such token landed on his shoulder and Tatsumi noticed it to be a pair of lacy underwear. He quickly just left the thing on his shoulder ignoring the men laughing seeing him act like a prude. Well it wasn't his fault Sayo was the only girl his age in their village and she was like his sister! Grumbling at the much older men marching behind him Tatsumi enjoyed the rest of the trip up to the Palace that towered over the capital city.
Once entering palace grounds the fan favor died down and the court yard Tatsumi and Esdeath rode into had other palace stationed guard going about their business. "You are dismissed men! Report to regular duties with your commanding officers in the morning you may do as you please until then" Esdeath ordered dismounting her horse as a stable boy took her horse. Tatsumi dismounted as his horse was taken care off too.
"Tatsumi come, I am to report to the emperor and I wish to introduce you as my lover" Esdeath said as if she had just said the most casual thing ever. Tatsumi blushed from her words and as always his snickering comrades and now he was going to meet the emperor?
"Am I dressed for this? My uniform is still dirty and unkempt" Tatsumi while not the biggest follower of military decorum he still understood the need of it.
"You are returning as conquering warrior Tatsumi, you look like one and should look so, when you meet the emperor!" Esdeath declared spreading her arms as Tatsumi walked up her. "Now come" she said and Tatsumi fell behind her and he could have sworn the added sway to her hips was for him. Blushing Tatsumi tried not to stare thankfully her long hair helping on that manner. Tatsumi's home had been pretty big in his village it was easy the biggest of the village. However nothing compared to the great halls of the palace. Intricate designs on the walls, expensive paintings of people Tatsumi never heard off. Some who should think of adding a vowel or two to their names in his humble opinion. Servants bowed to them as they passed by them a few guards saluting them from their post and even some nobles bowed to Esdeath. She ignored them all with an air of aloofness while Tatsumi watched them give disapproving looks to his half haphazard appearance. Man I should have washed my uniform before I got here, but I don't trust Esdeath around me when in my underwear. Tatsumi just kept his head forward as they went to the throne room to be received.
The hall they walked in suddenly expanded to a huge door with a good ten guards on each side leading to it. Imperial guard if one could guess with the armor they wore which was decorative and white. Reaching the big doors Esdeath placed her palms on the gates and pushed them opened with no effort. The doors swung open and Tatsumi followed her through the decorated throne room. More guards where in the room but no one else aside from a really fat man and a child sitting on the throne. Our emperor is just a child thought Tatsumi as he walked behind Esdeath through the ridiculously big room. A few stairs led them up to be leveled to the Emperor sitting on the way bigger than him throne, and Esdeath gracefully knelt before the emperor. Tatsumi followed suit albeit with less refinement, as he knelt Tatsumi noticed the curios eyes of the child emperor on him. I'm probably the only person he's seen that isn't an old politician Tatsumi thought.
"General Esdeath we received news of your victory over the rebel Numa Seika, the empire is indebted to you again" the emperor said in a speech that seemed rather practiced.
"You flatter me emperor I simply do my duty to you" Esdeath replied with what Tatsumi guessed was fake reverence.
"Ah my emperor I think a reward is in order for our esteemed general" the prime minister began throwing his arms out with a big smile. I don't like him something just rubs me the wrong way about this guy Tatsumi thought but kept his head low and mouth quiet.
"I agree, I believe a good ten thousand gold pieces would be well for the General" Tatsumi nearly choked on his own spit. Ten thousand pieces!? That would keep my village going for generations! Tatsumi thought. Esdeath let a throaty chuckle and responded in that practiced voice again.
"I thank you for your generosity but I would prefer that money is spent on my men, please do make sure it gets to them" Esdeath said. Tatsumi wondered if he counted in that part. He needed to find a reliable bank courier place here in the capital now to send to his village.
"General? May I ask who this is?" the emperor said with child like curiosity. Tatsumi tensed wondering if he should introduce himself or wait for Esdeath. She made the decision for him and introduced him.
"Ah forgive me, this is Tatsumi he is part of my personal guard now as well as my lover!" Tatsumi nearly tipped over from his knelt position blushing thankful his hair covered his face. Man that still sounds so embarrassing! The emperor spoke again addressing Tatsumi.
"Ah it's an honor to meet you then Tatsumi" Tatsumi looked up now getting a good look at the emperor. He had green hair and light green hair. Huh mother said I had hair like that when I was a baby Tatsumi smiled in a friendly manner at the emperor.
"It's my honor my emperor, I never thought I'd get to meet the emperor after leaving my village" Tatsumi said.
"Ah you aren't from the capital lad?" asked the prime minister who looked at him with curios eyes. Ugh I don't like him looking at me Tatsumi scratched the back of his neck embarrassed at being the center of attention between so many powerful people.
"Yeah I've only been here a year but I guess I lucked out" Tatsumi said.
"Nonsense lad! I have worked with General Esdeath for some time now she wouldn't have chosen you if you didn't deserve it. Be proud of your skills" the prime minister said. Charming words but as the saying went a wolf in sheep's clothing.
"Thank you sir" Tatsumi replied bowing his head.
"Ah General would you and, Tatsumi like to join us for an afternoon meal" the emperor asked excitedly. "I want to know more about him! I never met someone close to my age" the emperor said.
"I would be honored to accept my emperor but, I'm afraid we have to start working soon on this revolutionary army." The emperor deflated a little.
"Ah yes, I don't see what they are doing! I'm doing my best am I a bad leader minister?" the emperor asked at the prime minister. Tatsumi felt his hands tightening remembering the words of Liver, the Prime Minister was what was wrong with the empire. Tatsumi could tell the Emperor genuinely wanted to do what was best for his nation but with the fat bastard whispering in his ear, everyone was suffering for it.
"Not at all my emperor some people just want power" he said with a sad sigh.
"Don't worry my emperor were going to end this rebellion" Esdeath turned to Tatsumi with a raised brow as he said this. The emperor blinked before offering Tatsumi a boyish smile nodding at him.
"Thank you Tatsumi I hope you serve the empire well" he said Tatsumi bowed politely.
"Tatsumi why don't you go to our room? One of the servants will point you the right way" Esdeath said.
"Sure, I could use some rest" Tatsumi smiled and turned and left without a dismissal.
Esdeath
Honest had the emperor be excused and motioned for Esdeath to follow him. Nodding she followed out into the gardens by the throne room. They walked in silence for a bit as she wondered what the fat minister wanted this time. Their relationship had always been professional he wanted favors she wanted more rope to her leash and he would gladly oblige. So after turning into a gazebo with a set up table and some wine. Esdeath joined Honest to sit down and take a drink and he raised his glass with a smirk at her for a toast.
"To our victory" he said. Esdeath would call it her victory but politicians would always call it 'ours' as if they bled for it with her men.
"Indeed" she said and they clanked glasses and took a drink. Oh? My favorite brand he must be trying to butter me up the empires strongest thought.
"As you said in the meeting room I believe we need to address this rebellion at our door step" Honest said swirling his glass.
"So the revolutionary army is giving you trouble?" she asked.
"Not quite that, more their little assassin group targeting powerful allies and disturbing my…enterprises" smirked Honest. Esdeath hummed taking another sip of her glass, politicians and their schemes where not her business nor did she care for them. However Honest would provide her with an interesting challenge, Night Raid. If she remembered correctly her former comrade Najenda commanded the assassins group. I look forward to finishing what we started Najenda Esdeath put her glass down and stood up.
"Very well I will be hunting down these rebels myself" Esdeath said readying to leave.
"Thank you kindly, oh do make an example of them the rebels need to be put in their place. For our dear emperor" Honest said with a rather twisted grin. The child was controlled by Honest and Esdeath wanted nothing to do with politics but she was sure she could she could take control of this empire quite easily.
"Yes for the emperor" smirked Esdeath and walked off to find her Tatsumi and spend some time with him before they had to return to their duties.
Tatsumi
Great, he was lost why couldn't the servants just lead him to the actual room!? No just told him to take the stairs up and go right after that? Well Tatsumi was sure he was somewhere else entirely from the guest rooms as he passed imperial guards. Tatsumi didn't feel too comftarble asking them for help so he decided to just keep trying to find his room. "Stupid palace" he muttered looking around the three corridors before him. Before he was going to turn back a loud booming voice spoke to him.
"Who are you?" turning to the right passage Tatsumi saw a big man arms crossed wearing a cloak wrapped partly around walk to Tatsumis direction. He looked military so Tatsumi saluted him fist across his chest.
"I'm sorry sir I seem to be lost, I just arrived here with General Esdeath" Tatsumi said. The man paused assessing him.
"Shouldn't you be with her?" he asked suspiciously. Oh man I'm going to have to tell him Tatsumi blushed closing his eyes and resigned to explaining the embarrassing situation.
"S-sorry sir I was supposed to go to…our room but I got lost" Tatsumi explained but to his credit the big man didn't react besides a humming thinking sound.
"General Esdeaths quarters are assigned to the right tower you, are on the opposite side of the palace.
"I am!?" Tatsumi asked incredulously.
"Yes. Now turn back and take the stairs up you should find your way" He turned to leave him.
"Ah thank you sir…uhm" Tatsumi thought.
"Grand General Budou" he said not turning to him and walking off. Tatsumi looked stunned for a second, his father had told him of General Budou respected across the Empire by officers and enlisted alike. Tatsumi regained his composure and followed his instructions to find the living quarters assigned to officers of importance. Tatsumi approached a servant asking for help that was mopping the floors.
"Excuse me is General Esdeath's quarters here?" he asked.
"Ah yes sir just walk up those stairs they lead straight to her rooms" Tatsumi nodded his thanks and found the room. He should say rooms the main room was to the actual bedroom to the left a small hall led to a few rooms. Next to the opened hall was a door leading to the bathroom as it was opened slightly. Removing Incursio from his back Tatsumi sat on the bed placing his sword by the counter beside the bed. Sighing he felt the fatigue of long days of travel finally get to him removing his boots Tatsumi laid on top of the sheets for a second before sitting up and taking his coat off. He placed the coat over Incursio and he crawled under the sheets and sleep finally got to him and he slept soundly.
By morning Tatsumi woke up to the sound of the shower running in the bathroom. Must be Esdeath Tatsumi thought rubbing the sleep out of his eyes throwing his legs over the bed he stood up stretching his bones popping with satisfaction.
He walked by the bathroom and noticed the door was slightly adjar and Tatsumi paused. Should I peek? Blushing he shook his head wait where did that come from!? Deciding it was hunger Tatsumi walked into the hall and found one of the doors led to a small dining table and found food set up for him already on the rolling tray was an empty plate that looked used. Tatsumi took this as esdeath had eaten and he dug in into the food. Bread some mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs, something he might have found in his village. After finishing his meal Tatsumi walked back to the room to talk to Esdeath about their duties this morning. Walking through the door he found her standing there glad in a white towel wrapped around her body as she had her uniform set before her along with underwear. She turned to him noticing his prscene in the room and gave a smirk his way.
"Ah Tatsumi I hope you slept well when I got to the room you were down under" Quickly Tatsumi turned blushing madly.
"I uhm s-sorry I didn't know you weren't dress" he stammered suddenly feeling very uncomftarble. Damp hair tickled his cheeks as he felt Esdeath hug him from behind her chin resting on his chestnut hair.
"Ah Tatsumi we are lovers now you shouldn't be embarrassed lovers should be able to look on each other without shame" Tatsumi gulped. She's trying to kill me here! Tatsumi thought feeling her assets pressed to his neck and knowing only a towel separated him from it just made his pants uncomftarble.
"W-we should really get ready Esdeath the others are waiting for us!" he stuttered managing to remove himself from her embrace without turning to her.
"I need to use the shower so don't wait up!" Tatsumi said going in and locking the door behind him. Granted he was sure this lock wasn't even a nuisance to her. Still it was more for his sanity than anything else removing his clothes turned the water on. He looked down to his waist and blushed making the water cold for good measure. After a quick cold shower later Tatsumi stood before the mirror in the bathroom looking at himself a faint scar was on his right cheek from that spear attack of Numa Seika. Man why am I being such a prude with her Tatsumi didn't quite return the romantic feelings of his commanding officer. Well he couldn't deny she was beautiful and even with her sadistic nature he enjoyed her company. Maybe I can change her a bit Tatsumi thought surprising himself with the thought. He wasn't opposed per say to a relationship with Esdeath but more so he found himself overwhelmed by her will. She dominated him in every aspect he could possibly think of, and with her rather sensual body he didn't doubt that she would dominate him during sex too.
"Man I sure know how to pick em. Or they pick me I guess" he grinned wryly. So he decided perhaps he can try being a little more open to the idea who knows? Something might come out of it. His father did say he did love his mother because of her strong will and commanding character. I guess it runs in the family eh? Tatsumi grinned. Feeling rejuvenated Tatsumi exited the room in a towel to find a neatly folded black uniform on the bed. A letter with elegant hand writing from his self-proclaimed lover read; Tatsumi there is a meeting soon dress in your uniform and join us as soon as possible Love Esdeath. Tatsumi cringed a little, even if he was more opened about it he still got embarrassed by her rather openness with her affection to him. The uniform was that of the Three Beast four he added in his head. So he put it on. Black pants a white button up shirt and a black long coat for him with the black sign of Esdeaths army. Looking himself in the floor mirror in the room Tatsumi decided he looked good in black. Grinning Tatsumi turned and left the room slinging Incursio across his back. Thankfully the assigned rooms where they would operate from wasn't far from his and Esdeath's room. Finding the meeting hall he entered to find the three Beast ready for a briefing. Tatsumi took his seat between Liver and Daidara Nyau sitting on the other side. Esdeath entered the room looking to her subordinates.
"Alright as you may have guess we are now in charge of bringing down Night Raid" Esdeath explained.
"To do so I propose some bait, A few political enemies to Honest are due to arrive in the capital in a few days. So you will take these adversaries out and blame the assassinations on Night Raid" Esdeath said. Tatsumi frowned not liking the sound of that. Killing innocent individuals just to lure out Night Raid?
"Tatsumi do you disagree with this plan?" Esdeath questioned. From the tone he knew this was the general speaking not just the woman.
"It seems excessive to kill these people just to bring out Night Raid" Tatsumi said.
"Oh? What do you suggest Tatsumi?" Esdeath said crossing her arms. The three beast looked at them, a look passed between Liver and Nyau that Tatsumi noticed.
"I…I don't know but still" he muttered. Esdeath sighed shaking her head, though she liked his innocence he needed to learn how things worked in the empire.
"Tatsumi you will follow the mission I have given you, if you cannot provide an alternative there is none" Esdeath said.
"Y-yes General" he said his shoulder slacking. I thought I was a soldier not a cut throat Tatsumi thought sadly.
"Right Liver, you and Tatsumi will take out the former Prime Minister Chouri, on doing so leave a replica of the Night Raid symbol behind" Tatsumi raised a brow at this.
"How do we know their symbol?" Tatsumi asked.
"They have left it before this wouldn't seem a strange outcome" Esdeath responded.
"Now prepare and head out when ready" Esdeath dismissed the meeting and Tatsumi and Liver departed to kill their target.
Leaving the capital riding south they set up and ambush on the road. They were a good distance from the capital. Hiding up on a tree Tatsumi watched the road with a heavy heart. It's for the greater good to stop the rebellion and more deaths, like Numa Seika. I need to end this as soon as I can. Tatsumi tried to convince himself in this manner.
"Tatsumi this is the truth of the empire" Livers voice made him look behind him. The old General was propped up on a branch leaning against the tree trunk. Tatsumi gritted his teeth at his truth he spoke about.
"So we kill our own just because they disagree?" Tatsumi said bitterly.
"No we kill them because those in power tell us to" Liver said and Tatsumi looked into his old war weary eyes.
"Remember Tatsumi the strong will always rule and command over the weak, those who cannot fight back have no choice but to follow" Liver placed a heavy hand on Tatsumis shoulder.
"But this isn't right! Why shouldn't the weak be allowed to seek out their own happiness? Why can't they be defended by the strong! Whats the point of killing the weak and having the strong remain! Didn't we became soldiers to defend those who couldn't?" Tatsumi banged his fist on the tree trunk. He was frustrated, he didn't want to kill some old man who didn't have anything to do with Night Raid. Worst he was a good man who opposed that fat corrupt bastard in power.
"Those days are long gone Tatsumi you saw our men in the North, most join to feed their families and survive, so is the way of the world the strong must survive" Liver explained trying to get Tatsumi to understand.
"The more weak who die the more strong are left and end up being the new weak, we keep this up there won't be anyone left to call weak" Tatsumi said. Liver looked at Tatsumi though he was right to an extent Tatsumi knew Liver would not understand. He gave up on his ideals as a soldier a long time ago, Tatsumi however will be damned if he can't get him to believe again.
"There it is, that's his carriage" Liver said. Tatsumi swallowed steeling his resolve to do the deed, it was now or never. Incursio was firmly in his grip and Liver was ready to pounce the cart passed under them and they both dropped. Tatsumi dropped to one knee on the roof top the cart drive turned reaching for his sword. Tatsumi drove Incursio through his face killing him. The doors opened and guards came out. Liver from a pouch of water hidden in his waist brought some water out. He concentrating the water into a thin blade he cut his way through the guards on the left. Tatsumi hopped down and parried the guards who attacked him. Turning Tatsumi parried the sword of the man attacking him from behind delivering a kick to his groin he doubled over and Tatsumi gutted him. Turning Tatsumi parried the incoming attack and backed up ducking under a swing for his head. Tatsumi stabbed Incursio through his stomach. Dropping the body pulling Incursio out he heard Liver shout from the other side.
"TATSUMI!" running to the side of the cart the old man had thrown himself at liver holding him down and a girl wielding a spear ran out of the cart.
"Run spear! Hurry!" the girl with tears in her eyes ran to the forest.
"Tatsumi don't let her escape!" Liver roared trying to free himself from the surprisingly strong old man. Then again his father told him a cornered rat may pull strength from beyond if provoked. Running through the woods Tatsumi tried to catch up to the girl as she ran trhough the forest. Chasing girls through the forest…damn it. Tatsumi cursed over and over in his head it wasn't right! None of it was bloody right! He didn't join the army to kill old men or girls! Far enough into the forest she turned and swung her spear at Tatsumi who slid dropped and slid pass her. Standing Tatsumi brought Incursio to bare. Tears where in her eyes as she faced Tatsumi.
"You bastard!" she cursed and attacked him. Damn it just kill her! Tatsumi thought but only parried her attackes. She was good but not the Northen Prince not even close to that mastery of the spear. However she was angry wild and just trying to kill him I have to end her…just disarm her and kill her already! His mind screamed but his body wouldn't follow.
"HYAAH!" she yelled and swinging down on Tatsumi, catching the attack Tatsumi swung Incuriso snapping the spear at the shaft. The spear broke and Tatsumi swung Incursio halfheartedly managing to injure her stomach.
"Damn it" he cursed standing before her as she stared defiantly at Tatsumi. Do it….do it come on! Her death means less in the future do it! He kept trying to rationalize it. But he wouldn't budge his arm wouldn't move. Taking Incursio underhanded he raised it. She still didn't take her eyes off his. Come on damn it! Complete your mission! Tatsumi roared bringing the sword down.
"RHAAA!" Incrusio stabbed her through the heart. Tears in his eyes he cursed his weakness, cursed his inability to come up with a better plan where he didn't kill girls in the wrong place at the wrong time. He killed her she had nothing to do with anything and he killed her. Her death was meaningless like so many in war. This is war isn't it father? You told me you never killed again, is this why? Is this why you couldn't continue to be a soldier? Damn it, damn the empire damn Night Raid just damn it all!
Liver
Running through the woods he cleared some trees to find the sad sight before him. Something he had seen plenty of times before in god forsaken battlefields. Green boys forced to kill innocents something Liver never cared for and abhorred but today he was more personal. He watched before him as Tatsumi held the girl's body close crying his eyes out. He heard him repeat in anguish 'why?' A question he needed to make sure the boy never asked himself again. Soldiers had been undone and lost to that very same word 'why' was the bane of a soldier's existence. He would make sure Tatsumi would forget that word less he end up broken and like so many before him he might even end his own life in his own hell of his own making.
"Always remember Tatsumi this is the truth of the empire so long as the people in power remain" Liver turned.
"No" Tatsumi said Liver sighed and turned to the young lad. He gasped surprised. Tatsumi had a fire in his eyes a fire he had only seen from General Esdeath herself.
"I'm going to change it! You'll see no matter what I'm going to find the twistedness in this empire and I'm going to cut it out!" Tatsumi growled. Liver watched Tatsumi retrieve the sword from the corpse flicking the blood off. He sheathed Incursio and walked past Liver, turning Liver watched the determination in his walk the sheer will Tatsumi was emitting. This is what the General must have seen…Bulat, you really rubbed off on him. They threw a red flag over the corpse of Chouri with the Night Raid Symbol. Walking back to the horses they hid further up the road Liver watched Tatsumis back and couldn't help but seeing himself a good twenty years ago. Maybe you can do what I couldn't son, maybe you can save this empire from the cancer that has taken it. Liver followed after Tatsumi feeling an old part of his heart that had died the day everything he believed had betrayed him. Liver could see one thing in that young man that had been raised by Bulat. Hope.
This chapter doe on to a lesser note I had thought about having Tatsumi let Spear escape her ending up with Night Raid, would have made an interesting turn of events but I needed Tatsumi to go through this change. He needed to experience the corrupt part of the empire at its fullest not just half ass it. He needed to take that innocent life to start the transformation from naïve Tatsumi to the soldier Tatsumi.
Anywho! Please read and review as always I enjoy hearing your thoughts and I try to reply them as best as I can!