Chapter 2: Vicious Opposition
"Sometimes breath itself is a sin."
Crossing the windswept streets a lone figure stood silent behind a cowl of midnight black. Slinking swiftly from view the figure escaped unwanted glares from the scum infested back alley. Finding his path he stepped through a similar door leading to an even more similar room filled with machinery and gears alike.
"How is she? And what's more why did you call me out in secret? What exactly is the point anyways? Is there really something wrong with a guard out upon the streets? Sheesh."
Tatsumi tugged off his cowl revealing his normal, albeit, fiercer face.
"She's doing quite well actually, all the more with your support I assure you. As for the disguise…"
Stylish spun about twirling in an almost unearthly manner as if a great misplaced ballerina.
"It's a S-e-c-r-e-t."
Tatsumi at once felt an eerie chill despite no doubt anticipating the strange antics of Stylish.
Does he ever tire of teasing me? It's been nearly two weeks since we met, you think this guy would get tired of…Wait no…he can't be THAT way can he?
Instinctively Tatsumi guarded his butt never again trusting the man with his back. Noticing almost instantly the man took offense to his defensive manners.
"Oh, please, you're so defenseless in some ways Tatsumi but with that said, you are cute, nothing further."
Somehow those words provided him more relief than he could quite make sense of as he let out a long sigh.
The two meandered towards the back of the room where a figure sat up from an operating table.
"Tatsu Tatsu! You came to visit again! The doctor says I might be able to leave later today after some tests."
Her charismatic nature was bursting from her already energetic recovery. Her arms now looked almost the same as before, though he knew that the inner working of it were likely far less normal.
"So how are you feeling? Any pain? Any strange advances from the perverted doctor? If so…I think Koro might be the least of his fears."
Cracking his knuckles he looked at Dr. Stylish with the eyes of death.
"Must we always recite the same lines? I am not interested in illicit relations with my patients. And what's more, I happen to be good friends with this mademoiselle, she is quite good company, I dare say you couldn't quite understand her, no not like I do."
Stylish began to make a strange pose falling to his knees without a second thought, he then bloomed upward regaining his stance in a surreal moment.
"Tsk tsk, Tatsumi you really are hopeless when it comes to understanding the delicate flowers of humanity."
Tatsumi shrugged unable to fully pick out what the madman said half the time, though he could tell his intent wasn't all that bad.
"Leave me alone, I at least understand how to fight! Unlike Dr. Harmless here."
The man bowed forward fixing his glasses with a serious expression.
"Oh? What is that you say Tatsumi? You wish to volunteer yourself for my next experiment? Oh how BRAVE of you! Such a paragon! Bravo!"
The imminent threat beyond his grasping fingers lined with his imperial arm was several times more intimidating than intimidating.
"I get it! I get it, so you can be a little scary, but I would prefer to rely on my own strength for now. B-besides don't you think that style suits me more Seryu?"
He gazed to his side only to be met with a Seryu deep in thought likely imagining him with rockets and lasers beneath every inch. Her expression gained in awe as she began to sparkle.
"Uhh, Seryu?"
His words never quite made it past her immense imagination, stopping somewhere between the heroic pose and the eye lasers. Drool began to fall down her completely overtaken delusion as he sighed shaking his head slightly. The doctor smiled with a smug expression, one that for some reason pissed off Tatsumi quite a lot.
"Ready to admit you are cherry boy? If you do I might be tempted to give you a copy of my legendary limited edition book! 'The thousand folds of a paper crane: a guide to the understanding a woman's heart', or if you prefer…I could give you a more…personal lesson?"
The man sat seductively pulling off his tie slightly as his bare chest began to show. Tatsumi began to back up terrified for his life, or more importantly, his chastity.
"No, stay back! I don't swing that way! You hear me! Stay back!"
Somewhere in the exchange Seryu came back to the real world falling into a silly laughter that broke the heavy atmosphere.
"Tsk, looks like she saved you this time Ta-tsu-mi"
Chills turned to a full shiver at the dodging of such a bullet as he twitched slightly in shock of the close call.
"Seryu…You really saved me, in more ways than one...aha...I think I owe you one."
Her inspective gaze met his face moving close with a serious expression gazing precariously all about.
"Hmmm… then if you really mean it then treat me to ramen; we'll eat it on our patrol!"
Tatsu nodded as Koro made clear his demands as well, he was practically wasting away. Stylish looked into his mirror making endearing faces to himself.
"You two can leave, though don't forget Seryu, the new weapons will take some field testing to properly calibrate. Might I suggest taking the dangerous route? I'm sure that whatever's left would make for lovely test materials!"
Tatsumi put his arms behind his head sighing with a tired expression.
"You know, you both are a bit extreme, is that really normal?"
The two looked at each other confused pondering his words before looking back to him with a more confused look.
"And you aren't?"
The two said in unison pointing at him with a dumbfounded look.
Hmm, they do have a point. I did kill that girl without feeling anything until long after it was too late. Hmm… but I wonder if that's really normal?
"Fine fine, you win I guess I'm not that different, but make sure to only take care of the villains. Got it?"
Reaching her arm to her forehead she smiled a toothy grin giving off a mixture of childish pride culminated with her side of absolute justice.
"Yes sir!"
Tatsumi laughed as they walked to leave the green lit laboratory gradually cascading into the pale light of the moon.
"Wait Tatsumi, take this with you. I've been meaning to field test this lovely specimen too. Its more or less my take on a modern imperial arm, a 'Neo Teigu' if you will. Though I fear it lacks the finesse of the classical models, with that said... it has some interesting and 'fun' properties I think would suit you. Consider it a good luck charm in case you face a strong opponent. I would hate to never see your cute face again so do come back in one piece. Or at least enough that I can sew you back together."
A small black blade glinted in the dark lined only with green veins of light flowing through its length. He inspected it unsure of how to feel about its small size yet its weight was pleasant in his grasp.
"Thanks, I'll let you know how it is."
A smile crossed Tatsumi's face as the two made their way to the dark lit night.
"ooo It seems like it's been forever since I've seen the moon, being cooped up without your arms makes a hero antsy to punish evil doers…But first! Let's eat!"
She hopped into the air with a cheer as Koro mirrored her leaping cutely in her grasp.
"Oh, that's right we'll have to make sure to be extra alert, Koro is really really hungry, and he can only eat those with evil hearts! Besides it's impolite to eat before your friends' right? We'll eat like a family all at once or not at all!"
Tatsumi lead the way with a brisk pace towards the patrol as the three moved as one through the deathly quiet night. A disturbance crossed the air first manifesting in a rotting smell of death lingering nearby. The next was a scream within the block, no more than a couple moments away. Without a word the group moved quickly searching for any sign of the source. Abruptly a shadow much larger than most cast down from a church just within sight. A strange shape dangled from his hand not surprisingly dripping a crimson stream falling for a moment lingering in the damp moon soaked air.
"I think we found Koro's supper." Tatsumi spoke with a serious expression.
Seryu crossed her arms with a content smile at the choice designated by Tatsumi.
"Koro, go eat the villain!"
The large figure smiled leaping away from the beast predicting its movement's one after the other gradually fading from an arm back spryly Tatsumi stretched into the moon light revealing still healing wounds along his arms.
"Tonight might just be a little fun." Tatsumi spoke revealing a half shadowed expression.
Seryu cocked her head to the side thinking for a moment.
"Wait a sec, Tatsumi you were doing secret training without me weren't you!"
Tatsumi smiled smugly patting her on her head tauntingly.
"I can't let myself fall behind, and besides its all fair isn't it? You already went through this type of training, or at least that's what Ogre said. Ahaha, I'd be lying if I said it was easy, but it really opened my eyes to things…you'know?"
Tatsumi glared forward with a mixture of expression covering his features, caught somewhere between madness and hope.
"Hmph. "
A firm pout broke his tenacity brining a more guilt driven expression out, as her arms crossed and her eyes refused to meet his.
"Okay okay, I get it already! I'll buy you the super deluxe all you can eat ramen special…"
"Hmph!"
She seems really angry..this isn't the time for this, but I guess I have no choice…
"I'll do whatever you want I promise, so won't you forgive me already, besides you were in recovery, I didn't mean to hide it or anything, but I had to get stronger. Much stronger."
Sighing she shook her head breaking from her pout.
"I suppose I was being a bit too harsh, but leaving out your partner is still a no-no, so no more of that! But to tell the truth I'm really bad at staying mad at good people, so let's go get em!"
Leaping up to the roof of the building they both froze taken aback at a sound of a scream piercing the night. The two nodded to each-other moving silently towards the source once again. Tatsumi's eyes grew cold as he noticed an all too familiar girl standing above a fresh corpse of a large man with a strange head ornament. Biting his teeth together he scowled as her gaze met his with a glare to match.
"So, how shall we take this, Night Raid doing the job of the guard a change of heart? Seems a little late for that."
Tatsumi snidely leaped down from the building as he drew his great sword slowly putting his rage to rest, for the moment.
Wait a second…Where is Koro?
The thought dawned on him as the girl seemed to smile as if reading his thoughts.
"Looks like you noticed."
Looking back up he saw Seryu surrounded by two figures, one male, clad in the thickest of armor motionless and staunch. The other was a blonde woman with a feline grace swift and fierce; both were but a step away from Seryu who struggled to form a plan.
"Looking for this?"
Akame tossed out a thoroughly beat up Koro bloodied and motionless sliding to the feet of Tatsumi. A weak sound not unlike Koro's whine broke the silence as the air of the night was much heavier with each and every breath.
"Oh scary you look angry, but I hope you don't think this makes up for what you did. You bastard."
The feline woman spoke with a fire in her voice burning up more as her fist met firmly in her hand with an echo.
"You killed our friend, all of you are the same, and do you even understand what you fight for? Not that it matters now, heh like we would forgive you."
The armored man spoke with a soft tone filled with more sorrow than hate but it was clear his intent. Exhaling he found a moment of clarity composing himself without an ounce of hesitation left.
"Koro didn't do anything wrong. So why did he have to suffer? What did that family do wrong? You know, at first I didn't even want to kill her, I felt bad until I realized how close she was, how close she was to killing my friend. Then the feelings of guilt went to someplace far away. So if you wish to avenge her I'm right here. But if you touch my friends, I'll slay every last one of you myself."
Taking a moment before the madness he ripped his cape wrapping Koro putting him a safe distance away. To his surprise they remained still watching alongside Seryu who for a moment glanced innocently with a smile toward Tatsumi before glancing to her sides with her demon like smile.
"I suppose I owe you thanks for allowing me to tend to the wounded."
"Oh? Then toss aside your weapon and let us kill you."
The feline girl mentioned with an animalistic grin. Tatsumi scratched his head laughing softly.
"Sorry, but I can't grant that one."
Rushing forward he dragged his sword heavily across the ground raining sparks dancing across the moonlit ground. A painting of red flashed as he met Akame in a clash as they both mirrored a calm expressionless mask hiding their inner most feelings behind the weight of a blade. No words were spoken as the two clashed with mounting speed and ferocity yet remaining deathly calm with every impact. The two broke apart with a resounding echo as Tatsumi noticed a rather uncanny scene to his side as Seryu flipped across the rooftops keeping the two melee specialists at quite a long range laughing gleefully. Another startling fact broke the moment's distraction; his blade was barely able to hold its shape as it clashed against the unscathed blood red blade.
Damn, I really liked this sword, its all I have to remember that old geezer by, but I guess I have no choice but to trust Dr. Pervert with this knife…I hope it can at least hold up against her sword… or this could turn ugly fast.
Tossing his sword to the side he pulled from his coat the small black and green blade striking a more nimble pose.
"I'll give you points for guts kid."
The armored figure said just behind him. Dodging a spear blade aimed at his heart he found a gaping gash just beside his shoulder. The pain was minute in comparison to the agony he had endured just days before. Smiling with dark eyes he lashed out toward the armored man finding a void somewhere within his heart fueling his strength. The small green blade lengthened and grew dozens of times in a fraction of a second tripling his own size at the peak of its thrust. The weight was immense but if anything, it fueld his swing; matched by adrenaline exploding into maddening rush. The armored man was caught off guard by the strange attack; he braced his body unable to stop the thrust before being tossed hard against the wall as it shattered behind him.
"Bulat!"
Akame approached without another sound striking fast aiming at every opening. Parrying with the weapon was no easy task but the necessity of the moment was just barely enough to avoid a nick from the otherwise deathly weapon. Seryu darted in the distance making her way through the madness at Koro who was gradually recovering. Managing to re unite the two hugged in the air as the woman behind them cut their reunion short with a strong punch dashing her from the air meeting the ground with a crater.
"Koro…Number 1!"
The still settling dust gave way to a spatter of blood crunching into the night. A great flail cast the smoke aside hitting the helpless Lion dangling in the air. Spitting blood she reeled for a moment, caught with concussion before glaring in a focused rage. The lioness retorted with gravity crashing down with a kick meeting Seryu across the face. Within the breath of a moment Seryu fired a shot from her mouth piercing her foot before taking the crushing heel to her exposed face. The force of the attack was deterred by the hole sticking from the woman's foot, however the exchange was far from equal. Seryu smiled dripping blood from her bleeding head. Koro burst from the cloud of dust in a mass of teeth looking more as a demon than any sort of living creature. Leone motioned to leap, but was cut short by the deceptively strong grasp of Seryu binding her in place for a half second longer.
"Shit!"
Leone cursed knowing she could not avoid the oncoming barrage of teeth now a finger's length away. Her arm disappeared from view as blood sprayed the night red curdled by her scream. Kicking Seryu across the face she managed to escape the full brunt of the attack, but not without a price. Her arm was no more than a bloody stub seeping with agony. For a moment it seemed as if the damage was done, but after another, the truth came to light as the dust settled in the radiant moonlight. Her arm regrew inlike a sprout casting aside logic and reason in favor of madness. Seryu glared like a wounded animal desperate yet scared; Koro panted hard showing sign of his injuries permeating through the inner workings of his plush body.
Damnit, I don't have time to waste with these two I need to help Seryu she and Koro are both wounded.
Taking a more offensive posture he dashed forward matched by Akame and trailed by Bulat.
"Two against one? I see you really don't have any honor do you? Suit yourself!"
A voice rang out from within the armor as if to defend itself.
"And you do? Don't make me laugh."
Tumbling into a roll Tatsumi kicked at Akame's legs risking his own. Her sword fell catching his hair as she now fell forward towards Bulat in full charge. Kicking back Tatsumi tumbled high into the air swinging his blade with massive force as it grew larger by every passing rotation. The weight and momentum grew as he descended toward the two with blade that fully blotted out the moonlight casting a shadow as black as dusk.
"This is the end! Night Raid."
The massive blade began to fall as put all of the force he could muster into the crushing assault. For a moment silence and darkness swept the back city street as time stopped as if intimidated by the massive straight sword a moment from the ground. The black bade crashed in segments exploding in a massive burst of dust and stone cleaving houses and shops in its path before retracting to its small dagger like appearance in what seemed to be the same instance. Dust began to clear as crumbling stone and the echo of the burst resounded through the capital.
I have to give it to that pervert doctor; he knows how to make a weapon.
For a brief moment his smile remained soon being replaced by a similar calm scowl. What remained was the armored man standing above Akame who seemed to be unharmed. His heavy panting was met equally by the trickling blood from his hands cut deeply from the massive blade. The man smiled despite the shaking and bloody limbs that plagued him reminding Tatsumi faintly of his training once again.
"Hah, you are a tough one, Its quite a shame you aren't on our side. I'm afraid I'm in no shape to fight you so we'll be leaving. So long, Tatsumi."
"I won't let you!"
Tatsumi charged the cloud only to find Koro tugging on his leg. The dust swept up as the three faded into the veil of darkness gone as seamlessly as they had appeared. Seryu walked up punching him lightly on the head.
"You can't be reckless, remember?"
Tatsumi sighed tired from the stressful fight.
"You're one to talk. Taking on two at once from the start. And without Koro."
Breaking from the moment he found himself feeling a dangerous gaze from far above the scenery reaching toward the sky.
The belltower? I swear there was someone there… Night Raid again? No… it was far different. Am I imagining things?
Seryu looked deep in thought as she placed a finger to her chin making a faint hum. "Hey Tatsu." Yawning he shot her a look curiously.
"How are we going to explain this to Ogre?"
She looked somewhere between dread and honesty.
I…I didn't think that far!
He grasped his head nearly falling over in distress; the Ogre was far from kind when it came to trouble and without a corpse of Night Raid he was sure to be put through a new kind of hell all too soon.
"I-I guess maybe we went a lil tiny bit overboard."
The two shared a nervous laugh broken by the glare of red eyes piercing their backs.
"H-hey Seryu you don't think that's…"
She shook holding Koro close.
"No, no he wouldn't be here right? Ahaha.."
"Who wouldn't be here?"
The two froze at the all too familiar growl of a voice as they found themselves held up each dangling from a gigantic hand dangling them helplessly. Breaking the silence of the night their screams were heard by every ear across the capital. After what seemed to be a small eternity the blood stained night of punishment ended for the two dedicated guards allowing them some much needed rest. Or so Tatsumi found himself hoping as he tried desperately to avoid a dream involving either the frightening Ogre that haunted him, or the slightly eerie doctor which threatened his chastity without second thought. Across the bedding quarters of the guard there was the faint figure of the two companions which now felt equal in family only to Sayo and Ieyasu, of which he couldn't wait to find.
They must have made it to the capital by now, I can't wait to introduce them to Seryu and Koro, though I wonder if they will get along… but I suppose it would be pretty hard not to get along with such a nice girl right?
Those two were definitely strong, though he couldn't help but wonder if they were safe, the plagued thought could not gain ground in his mind; he believed in them, more fiercely than perhaps anyone else. A childish smile crossed his face as the sweet lullaby of crickets sang him a song as he drifted away. Finding himself lacking a dream, he considered it more a blessing than not, as lately he had mostly nightmares of Night Raid. Yawning he noticed the familiar peace filled scene across the room as the two companions rested without defense. He cautiously tossed a pillow across the room curious to see what response would mount. The pillow seemed to disappear in a blink as Koro munched on the feather filled sack still deep within a dream.
Remind me…not to sleep near Koro…
The grogginess of the morning began to subside as the crisp morning air met his nostrils. The beacon like rays of light cast the room in a prism of colors dancing by the ornament sitting just beyond the window. Cautiously he approached the sleeping once more this time determined to wake them wishing to avoid unwanted attention from the Ogre now of all times. His feet met the floor with a creak as he slowly put on his armor over his usual garments. The simple combination of the two lead to a slightly unique combination that suited his honest character; he still had some growing to do but for now he felt he'd made a respectable amount of progress in his first month. To his surprise midway he found an unexpected pair of eyes gazing at him still enchanted by sleep.
"Mornin' Tatsu."
She rubbed her eyes tending to Koro as her face lit up into a smile holding him up like a babe gently and lovingly. She was the spitting image of a mother so different from her darker side, yet both sides had their part and made her all the more fascinating to be so close to.
"Mornin."
Seryu let a yawn escape as Tatsumi remained one step ahead fighting the urge to follow her into a yawn as well.
"YOU TWO GET DOWN HERE! NOW!"
Both of them leaped blinking haplessly at each other desperate to make sense of the thundering yell seemingly filled with anger.
W-What now? Is it more torture? I don't know if I can keep up with this…
"Tatsu… are we gonna die?"
Tatsumi put a hand to his forehead sighing loud as they both tried desperately to be ready before the wrath of the Ogre came to them. There was an unspoken run within the guard barracks, making the Ogre wait, was a death wish without fail.
"Good thing I was prepared for this!"
Seryu pulled the covers off to reveal her fully armored self, though the fact that she had slept in armor was a peculiar one Tatsumi could not complain.
"Hurry hurry!"
The two dashed down the steps only to see the gaze of the beast man crossing his arms lined with guards on either side with listless expressions all the way across.
"You two…."
Both of them saluted blinking with an uneasy chill casting itself down their spines.
"Y-yes sir?"
The Ogre moved close pacing between them and then behind.
Am I going to die here? Already? No that's not right at all, I won't accept this, if I need to ill kill him and run but then what… making an enemy of the capital is just asking for death… Not to mention I can't exactly side with the opposition either..
Closing his eyes he tried hard to sense a killing intent waiting for the absolute last moment desperate to believe he was not to be executed. But then again why would they be executed? They only destroyed a block of the city, defending against Night Raid of all things. An object found its way to Tatsumi's hand as he gazed to Seryu noticing an object making its way to her small grasp as well. After what seemed an eternity in anticipation a massive hand found its way to his shoulder and the other mirroring to Seryu.
"Congratulations!"
The deep bellowing cheer of Ogre was mirrored by a hundred awe struck faces smiling and filled with glee. The two blinked even more confused than before, what was going on?
W-wait a second… Is this a form of punishment? Are we being fooled into a feeling of safety before—
His thoughts were cut short by the giant of a man picking them both up and placing them on his shoulders. This was far from characteristic of the massive fierce and cruel man who seemed as harmless as a great circus bear in the breath of a moment.
"Why don't you two open the letters? You won't believe it until you read it, and besides I already read it."
Already read it, sheesh he can be such a nosy guy, but I guess he isn't so bad after all…
The solid gold letter was lined with precious stones and likely worth more than his life, or so he couldn't help but think. Folding back the letter he grasped the silken paper lying in wait. Unfolding it further revealed a regal and spidery text elegantly sprawling the length of the letter.
"Due to the events witnessed upon the previous eve, among observations by General Esdese herself. You have been conscripted to a personal task force under the general herself. Known as the Jaegers. The primary objective of forming this group is to end the threat to the capital, Night Raid. And furthermore the dissension of the rebel army. You are to report to the Royal castle meeting room within the hour. Be late only if you are brave. I look forward to meeting you all. －Prime Minister Honest "
The two remained in a state of disbelief looking at each other with dumbfounded expression, as they were hurled around until the moment of realization as it hit them both. Climbing down the two celebrated with their companions one last time as they knew it would be their last moments as guards. The moment was made sweeter by meeting another side to those they served by feeling comradely and support in their efforts. The two left forward towards the towering Castle which sat proudly at the center of the city reaching higher than any other tower.
"I can't believe we'll be serving under the strongest in the empire, I never thought a country boy like me would make it this far."
Scratching his head again he shot a toothy smile towards Seryu who seemed ecstatic and filled with a burning in her eyes of excited and awe.
"Tsk tsk, Tatsumi, you are quite the modest one, of course you would make it this far! You're awesome! And an inspiration to me and Koro to do our best!"
Koro and Seryu leaped up giddy and childish but the two trudged on gaining in nervousness and overflowing with hope. Meeting the gate they were instantly approached by guards with spears at the ready placed at their throats. Koro instinctively ate the spears out of the soldier's hands as they fell to the side in fear. The pair flashed their notes and were instead met by frightened salutes begging them not to hold a grudge. Though the two were in far too good a mood to let such trivial things phase them, it was a bright and clear day shining with sunlight creeping in from the many windows within the entranceway to the castle, scribes and nobles staggered busily across the wide steps and long carpets lining the lush lap of luxury cast from every angle. Stepping up they found a unique trial in the form of the many rushed footsteps barring their passage at every turn. Stumbling Tatsumi found himself falling into a tower like individual clad in blood red armor.
"Ah, sorry, sir."
The man looked seriously with a firm grasp of the situation and said no word passing him by. Tatsumi was unsure of many things, but there was one thing that was clear beyond any shadow of a doubt, that man was monstrously strong.
"Psst, Tatsu, that was the grand general you bumped into, his name is Budo and he's really really strong!"
Seryu's eyes sparkled again as she looked back like an adoring fan to a hero in a comic.
Damn, I don't think I made a very good first impression, but at least I apologized right? Here's hoping he doesn't hold a grudge.
Tatsumi crossed his fingers as they walked ascending every flight of stairs gaining in height meeting the clouds now as Seryu led the way.
"Ah! Here it is!"
Seryu pointed at an unassuming door plastered in plain sight among the almost empty halls of the floor.
"Are you sure? Doesn't it seem kind of out of place?"
Seryu opened the door before he could finish revealing a group of unique individuals sitting at a table peering out at the two with curious glances.
"Um…Excuse us, this wouldn't be where the Jaegers are meeting would it?"
Tatsumi looked in expecting to have one of the strange group to deny or confirm the question. But instead they remained silent.
"No, no, no, I can't be late on the first day! Look out!"
A blue haired man of similar stature to Tatsumi struggled to stop midstride as he tumbled into them sending them reeling into the room. It wasn't so much that it hurt, but more the fish that squirmed that made it unpleasant. A great sack of fish now rested firmly on Tatsumi's back, it was almost enough to ruin his day but the fact that it was an accident calmed his fury.
"Sorry, are you two okay?"
The man looked nervously visibly distressed by the accident and desperate to make amends. The moment of calm was broken by yet another chaotic incitement in the form of Koro snacking upon the fish one by one.
"H-hey wait! Those are a gift!"
Still struggling he stuffed as many fish into his bag as possible before keeping a safe distance from the now drooling Koro.
"Stay away! Wait a second, am I even in the right place? You guys couldn't be…Jaegers could you?"
He asked reluctantly visibly expecting his assumption to be wrong, growing progressively more reluctant at the lack of a denial. Tatsumi couldn't help but see a repeat happening to their entrance, perhaps giving a reason as to why the others did not speak up. Slowly he reached inside his pocket revealing a familiar golden tint gleaming in the sunlight.
So does this mean we're really in the right place?
Tentatively Tatsumi revealed his letter followed by Seryu a moment later mirroring nervous smiles. The fish smelling man pointed in disbelief at first, fading to a more awe struck look. His expression turned to glee as he quickly introduced himself grasping them both by a hand with a wry smile crossing his face.
"The name's Wave! Nice to meet you both, let's get along."
His smile was adventurous and highly reminiscent of Tatsumi when he first entered the city. A strange sound came from the sack of fish upon his back as Koro was nowhere to be seen.
"Don't tell me…"
Wave opened the bag with a look of dread, freezing at the horrors his eyes now laid upon.
"A-All of them… no….way."
Falling to his knees Wave became silent clenching his fist hard in a somber moment of remembrance. An aura of rage swept the air as Wave stood up.
"Mutt…you better be prepared…"
Koro sensed danger running back toward Seryu with a yelp. Seryu glared towards Wave making sure he knew to keep his distance from Koro but it was not quite enough to stop his pursuit.
"Leave Koro alone! He was just hungry!"
Wave reached trying to grasp the small Koro from Seryu's hands but each time he would find only air, Seryu getting progressively more frustrated.
"Stop, Stop! Koro just didn't know better okay? I'm sure we can arrange something…"
Tatsumi Slid between them now fully glaring as if their spirits took form, a bear verses a tiger ready for a death match.
"We shouldn't fight among ourselves right? I'll apologize on Koro's behalf he is a hungry little guy, he didn't mean any disrespect to you Wave."
Closing his eyes as his hands separated the two he was met by silence beyond the dark.
Was it not enough? Why does it feel like the calm before the storm…
As his eyes peeked open he noticed the two turning from the other crossing their arms in a rebellion of the other. The worst part of it was they both seemed to want his company and egged him to follow one way or the other. But the choice was not really one he wanted to make between comrades, though of course if he had to choose Seryu was practically his best friend so it wasn't too tough. But on the other hand Wave seemed somewhat lonely sitting in the square table across from the strange man with a mask and a small girl eating candy.
Someone hurry up and break this tension! I'm not prepared for this!
His wish was heard from a very strange source as a familiar face walked through the door causing Tatsu to forget about the newfound rivalry in favor of an all-encompassing surprise.
"Wh-Wha?! Dr. Stylish here?!"
Tatsumi remained frozen pointed at the door way as the man stood gallantly showing off to his new companions.
"Tatsumi…Tatsumi… When will you learn. I am a genius, AND have the looks of Adonis, Don't be surprised by such unnecessary developments. You should be more surprised if I wasn't here."
The man placed his hand through his hair smiling bright with the sun at his back. Seryu and Wave continued to glare at each other like a two rival cats offended by the other and moving throughout the room, Seryu finding her place behind Stylish.
"Oh, no no, Seryu that face doesn't suit you one bit. And who is this? A new cute face to meet me? Don't be afraid my boy, I won't hurt you, unless you want me to."
Miraculously Stylish managed to calm the raging beasts in a fraction of a moment with two very different methods.
He really is a genius! H-How!?
Wave crept behind Tatsumi shivering with fear at the newest member of his team.
"Hey, Tatsumi you know that guy…Is he…you know…?"
Somehow the repeat of history was almost entirely the same as the weeks before, though he couldn't help but feel lucky not to be the one in the doctor's gaze. Whilst the two discussed the situation whispering in the corner, Seryu sat deep in thought beside Stylish who posed several times each moment switching in a blink.
I suppose this group really is scary, for all the wrong reasons…
After a moment of peace the room again met a visitor, this time a reserved looking gentleman with an angel like appearance.
Finally someone who looks reasonable, though with those looks I wonder how he'll handle Stylish…
Stylish looked in awe as he fell to his knees in a dramatic moment, tossing roses from his pockets. The angelic man blinked twice before offering a hand accompanied by a smile to the doctor before him.
Ah…Not good…that poor guy…rest in peace.
The doctor blushed acting more or less like a small girl in a rather unsettling manner as he clasped his cheeks in giddy joy. The angelic man simply smiled in response moving swiftly to the table unfazed.
That's some willpower he's got, he didn't even break a sweat.
Shrugging peacefully Tatsumi made his way toward the doorway content and rather curious still.
Heh, looks like everyone got here early somehow, good to see they are taking things seriously... maybe?
Somehow within the thought he caught himself wondering if he was taking things seriously enough as his feet strode in a path towards the open door. Abruptly he bumped into a tall woman with blue hair and a look somewhere between cruelty and intrigue.
"Aha, sorry I was lost in—"
His apologies were cut short by a lightning fast kick stealing his breath. Rolling to the wall he found himself again lost for breath as the momentum of the kick led to a second hit as he came to a stop. Climbing to his feet he felt his head quite dizzy remaining focused through instinct alone. "Sorry would mean nothing in battle. You would do well to remember that." The figure faded as he blinked causing him a moment of disbelief as she stood half an arm's length away from him.
Am..I…really this weak? Or..
Gritting his teeth he took on a more focused air, glaring calmly in preparation of a counterattack. Swinging forward he sank low meeting her guard with mounting force, his raw and unrefined style suited him and caused the mysterious woman to smirk.
"Oh? We have a brave one do we? Don't worry I like your determination I'll only half kill you" The notion of liking or not somewhat broke his focus as he found himself quite confused for a moment.
"Cute."
The woman spoke as she grasped his arm with a peaceful smile before kicking him hard drawing his body to the ceiling with a crash. His consciousness was in a haze and his body exhausted, meeting the ground again in a strange pinball like moment. "S-some kick." He coughed in a subtle rebellion with a now more cautious smile, as an outstretched hand found its way into his vision.
"You must be Tatsumi? I've high hopes for you, don't disappoint me."
The manner of which she spoke was commanding, and at the same time brimming with kindness, yet her eyes, they spoke legions for her ferocity, like a wild beast tending to its companion. Grasping her hand he smiled appreciatively of the sparring, yet at the same time looking at her as if a rival someone he wanted not to serve under, but to stand beside her someday. Though that day was still far off, he felt more motivated than ever to protect his new home. The somber atmosphere was broken by her massive presense as the jaegers made their way to their seats, not an eye wandering from the godlike leader before them.
"I have called you here, for a simple purpose, to sever the head of the rebellion that threatens our great nation. You have been chosen by merit and potential, each of you making up for what the other lacks. While the purpose is clear, I won't tolerate infighting among you. I suggest you consider this your new family. For now at least, let us toast to the end of Night Raid."
A confident smile filled with excitement encased her soft and beautiful features leading the charge with every word and notion. The group had a quiet strength behind each gaze as they all now faced towards the center drawing their glasses into a victorious ring that filled the room.
"Tomorrow will be the first mission. Get some rest and prepare yourselves."
Esdese smiled again this time in a much more nurturing manner reveling in the moment with a deep love of those under her, though somewhat lonely as if there was none whom she could truly call an equal. Tatsumi found himself gazing curiously into a stare entranced in thought. To his surprise Koro blocked his vision being held up by Seryu with a somewhat concerned face.
"Tatsu! Don't look so seriousp! It's ah paaaarty, shee shee, even Koro wants you to have a good time!"
Seryu and Koro both seemed in sync in a half drunken manner yet as cheery and kind as ever. Tatsumi managed a smile trying in his own way to bring them all together. After a moment of much needed rest the group gradually retired for the night. Making his way through the hallway he felt a hand grace his shoulder, turning curiously he felt a warm and soft sensation on his lips...