Chapter 4: Kill The Justice
He could faintly hear footsteps as he awoke from the husky sleep. Finding it hard to breathe in the morning air, then he realized Esdese was still asleep naked atop him, he felt blood trickle from his nose, her large breasts pressed against him. He was pinned, his naked body unable to move without waking her. The footsteps were approaching louder now, not a single pair either. Sudden urgency and panic filled him, they were heading this way. He looked down, remembering how naked they both were and feeling bright red embarrassment climb across his entire body. The clock in the corner read Eight O'Clock, early morning, the servants weren't to start routine cleanup until Nine. Which could only meant ...
"Jaegers ... Oh shit shit shit!" He whispered
He reached for their clothes, they were piled across the room, far from reach. He cursed their sexual ignorance and her lack of consciousness. He gently poked her cheek, whispering her name, urging her awake. The footsteps moving closer, almost at the hallway outside. Tatsumi blew on her face, she grumbled but did not move. He had to wake her up fast! The doorknob twisted and ceased. He grinned, realizing that the door was locked, they would not be able to get in without staff keys which were only given too-
The keys jangled in the key hole "F...FUCK!" He hissed
"Oops! Which key was it again ?" Bols exclaimed nervously
He would only need a second to escape the room with Esdese, he both gladly and regrettably grabbed Esdese's right ass cheek and squeezed, She exhaled sharply. Her eyes darting open, wide and amused. Her lips pulled back in grin, his hand still clutching her as the door swung open, the two naked denizens openly in view of the Jaegers, whom had only meant to relax and eat their morning cereal.
Times up. Tatsumi froze.
The room then suddenly filled with exclamations, dual streams of blood coursing from the noses of Wave and Run hit the floor like waterfalls. Kurome stared blankly, appearing to eat more snacks as if the spectacle were a movie on display. Their eyes darted over their comrade and superior, taking in the right hand still clutched to Esdese's butt. Bols shielded his eyes, his sexual desires saved for his wife it seemed. Seryu blushed brightly, not sure to look or look away from her superior, was it rude.
Tatsumi flailed about "I...I..IT'S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE !" He yelped
Run smirked "I'd like to know what else it could look like ..."
Esdese didn't seemed embarrassed in the slightest "Morning everyone, the day is rather cold wouldn't you agree ?"
Kurome tossed her the blouse she had discarded last night "Perhaps it wont be with clothes on"
Esdese nodded "Ah yes, where are my manners? Tatsumi, Apologize to your fellow comrades!"
"EHHHH ?!" Tatsumi shouted, his eyes blazing
She pinched his ear hard. "Well you are naked after all" Esdese said amusingly
Tatsumi gasped in a feminine manner, cupping his privates with both hands, his skin turning as bright as Bols flaming Teigu. The Jaegers smirked and snickered. Esdese, whose shirt was now buttoned shut, left the room with Seryu and Kurome to relax in the mansions bath house. Tatsumi was left naked and nervous with the Jaegers judging, jealous and Jesting male combatants. Moments later he was swarmed with questions, of which he most definitely would not answer.
"I'm going to take a walk ..." Tatsumi said, leaving the room with his junk covered with his clothing
The long dirt road came to an end, a small patrol building with an arm barrier greeting their arrival to the Revolutionary Camp. Earlier they had received word of a slightly burned and mutilated body being sent to them from the capital, Night Raid immediately deployed to the base, hoping it was not one of their own, Tatsumi. They had been on edge all night, except Susanoo and Chelsea however, one was too thick skinned to let it show and the other was an organic Teigu. Boss passed papers to the card, they had brought a cart with them if a coffin was needed, they would see their friend off properly if they could, even if it meant driving for a few hours more. They stepped into the large medical tent, a white tarp pulled over the body that was sent.
Boss turned to Night Raid "I don't want us all going in ... Myself, Susanoo and Akame will go first. Okay ?"
They all nodded, Chelsea cocked an eyebrow "Why the Teigu ? It's not like he had any bond with Tatsumi"
Mine shot her a sharp look "Have some heart would you ? Bitch." he voice filled with venom
Susanoo shook his head "I may not have had a deep bond, but Tatsumi said we were Nakama. I'll respect that bond, even if I don't understand it"
"Susanoo will help with the medical examination, I trust his training"
Akame nodded gravely 'I'm afraid of what I'll see ... another comrade gone...No...Another man I love, Gone..."
They pulled open the tent flap and stepped inside, inside to greet them were four army medics. Boss nodded and stood as the medics raised the tarp. Boss tried not to let her shock and sudden surge of grief show. Akame clutched her arms, her nails digging into her skin, her eyes glassy but refusing to weep. Susanoo squatted down, examining closer. Tatsumi stared blankly back at them, half of his body was burned, the skin blistered and darkened. Deep lacerations across his mid section and limbs, they could clearly see the torture he had endured. His pale green eyes staring at them through his damp brown hair. His lips lightly crusted with dried blood, no doubt he had lost his fair share.
Boss covered her mouth "God dammit ... It's him"
The medics bowed their heads "You have our condolences"
Akame turned and strode out the tent, her head bowed "I can't bare to look at him anymore ..."
Susanoo leaned in, sudden curiosity filled him, he had no idea why "May I take samples ? Boss ?"
She nodded, turning to leave the tent after Akame "Learn all you need to Susanoo, I want to know what the fuckers did to him..."
He cut a lock of Tatsumi's hair, sliding it into a class tube, corking it shut. He then, grudgingly, removed one of Tatsumi's burnt fingers. He stood and slid the tubes into his shirt pocket. Outside the tent, Akame stared blankly to the mountains, the other members of Night Raid receiving the news. Leone shook her head in disbelief.
"What I feared most, all true ..." She walked away, she had not completely cried himself
Boss turned to the guard posted at the door "Does this place have a bar or a recreation room ? I could use a drink.." The guard nodded and pointed across
"I..I think I could use one too" Lubba said
Najenda cocked an eyebrow "Can you handle your liquor ?"
"Don't really care whether I can or not ..." Lubba replied.
"Very well ... anyone else ?" she asked the rest, they shook their heads
Akame was already walking off into the forests, the guard looked alert "Uhh there are danger beasts out there"
Mine nodded "She knows that, it relieves her stress ..."
Chelsea looked to Susanoo, whom sat atop a crate of boxes, staring at what looked like a strand of hair "What are you doing ?"
Susanoo did not seem to hear her, his mind focused on the sample.
'It feels familiar ... as if I'm some how related"
Esdese sighed, the hot water tingling her entire body like small brush bristles. Seryu had finished up before them and went to walk Koro, leaving Esdese and Kurome alone to the luxury of a bath house. She couldn't help but feel his touch, climbing over her body again and again as she remembers the night before, how he felt, how they felt. She sunk lower in the bath, now the water rode up to the ridge of her nose, their face blushed again. Kurome looked bemused, spilling crumbs into the water. Esdese could not help it, she started to giggle
"Something wrong, boss ?" Kurome mused
"No no no ... Just ..Everything is soo right" she beamed
"With Tatsumi ?"
"Yes ..."
"What was it like ?"
"It was painful at first. But ... it became more and more enjoyable, by the end of it my fists were clenched tight and my body throbbed for more"
"Too much detail captain ..."
"Right..sorry" She said snickering
Kurome's expression went cold and serious "Your 12 o'clock clients are awaiting, if you wanted to go in earlier"
"How many today ?" Esdese asked, a light smile touching the corners of her mouth
"three men, two women. All caught stealing from the markets, all unrelated crimes to one another if you were wondering"
"It matters not, the punishment will be the same ... Then death will follow soon after, those are our orders from the minister" She smirked
Kurome cocked an eyebrow "What will your beloved think of it ?"
Esdese's smile disappeared, she did not answer.
Tatsumi walked through the mansions gardens, the high hedges like green herbal walls that locked him in, shading him from the afternoon shade. His mind dwelt on the amazing night he had spent with Esdese. The intimacy and sheer passion shared between them far surpassed anything he had ever felt before in his entire life. Bliss, happiness, pleasure and a little exciting pain still fresh on his mind. He wanted to have her again and again until his legs melted away like wax candle. Her blue hair he could now see among the patch of violets at his feet, her pale skin among the lilies surrounding the pond, he slapped his face slightly, feeling like he had become a foolish poet. But in a way, he had, true love had its thorns about his throat and there was little he could do to resist it, not that he wanted to resist. the small sound of crunching footsteps, followed by the small patter of paws
"Heey Tatsumi!" Seryu called out cheerily
He felt liquid steel burn his chest and eyes "Hi Seryu.. Koro..." He tried to warmly reply, the hatred in his voice only barely masked
"Is something that matter ?" her eyes narrowing, only in worry however
Tatsumi gritted his teeth and shook "No ... Everything is fine"
Koro barked merrily, Tatsumi wanted to plant his boot right in the fake mutts snout. He turned to leave and Seryu grabbed for his shoulder. The artificial hand pressing lightly, but enough to make him spin around and scream aloud
"DON'T TOUCH ME !" He roared
Koro growled at the man speaking so to his mistress "What have I done to offend you ?" She asked timidly "I thought we were friends ..."
Tatsumi lowered his head, his own teeth bared "You killed me friend ... You killed her..."
Seryu's eyes widened "Who ? The only people I have killed are evil doers ..."
"SHE WAS NOT EVIL ! Sheele was kind, caring and she let me weep when I felt the most weakest"
Seryu's face darkened "Sheele ... The girl from Night Raid. What are you saying ? You were allies with her ...?"
He saw no use in holding back now "I'm an Ex-member of Night Raid...She was one of my best friends"
Seryu sneered "I OUGHT TO KILL YOU RIGHT NOW, YOU'RE A SPY!"
Tatsumi shook his head "Esdese knows who I am, I'm a Jaeger now. Whether you like it or not"
"I can understand that you are trying to atone for your past evil ... I can understand that"
"I'm not atoning for anything, I believe this capital is evil, and Esdese and I will change it"
her fists tightened "Do you speak of treachery ? That gives me full right to execute you here and now ..." He grin was devilish and venomous
"Kill me and Esdese will kill you and your little Teigu, I would not speak of treachery to one as blind as you ..." he spat back
They both stood back and took a deep breath, their emotions now out on the table and their anger subsiding, for now. Koro stood between them, now panting indifferently. They looked away from each other then back, guilt in their eyes. Seryu went to speak first, Tatsumi went the same. They croaked, laughed lightly and gestured for the other to go first. It was Seryu who decided to go first
"I'm sorry Tatsumi, I can only apologize for the grief Sheele's death gave you ... I wont apologize for the path you and her chose"
Tatsumi nodded "I'm sorry for killing some of your comrades ... I won't apologize for the corruption they serve ... that's that"
She smirked "We might fight again, perhaps it will come to blows. But you are on our side now, right ?"
Tatsumi paused then nodded "Some what ... yes"
They both timidly shook hands and turned their backs. Hatred still blazing in their eyes. knowing full well that they would clash again.
Hours later Tatsumi was walking down the capitals market district, whistling cheerily. He wanted to rush back and spend more time with Esdese, he had entered the market looking for a present for her, he thought he had found just that. Behind a display case was a lone blue rose, said to have been plucked from a cave guarded by high level Danger Beasts. He cared not for its rarity or the extent it took to harvest such a flower. He was transfixed by it because it reminded him of Esdese's sapphire eyes. He swapped a coin for the gift, not stopping to pick up his spare change, he felt like a million coins, what was one mere coin to him anyway ? The shop owner bowed and thanked him for his generosity. Tatsumi continued down the main street towards the Jaeger HQ, expecting to find Esdese waiting for him.
Moments later he was walking through the vast hallways of HQ. He could not seem to find her anywhere and it seemed the other Jaegers were out on patrol or relaxing in their own quarters. Here decided to look a level below, descending the stairs into the sub levels that contained supplies, intelligence and safes containing unthinkable materials. He did not want to call out to her, he wanted to surprise her more than anything, the flower tucked into his back pocket. He thought he heard loud groaning sounds down the hallway, sealed behind steel bulkheads. As he approached he could hear more voices, muffled and panicking. He wondered if someone had fallen over or was trapped, the good Samaritan in him shone through, he rushed to the door and swung it open the light piercing through the dim room, his eyes widening, her eyes widening as they turned to him.
Five people knelt on the ground, their hands bound and black sacks over their heads, the thin puddle of water beneath them was bloody, the lash marks on their backs oozing, the bloody whip in Esdese's hands. The General only looked shocked at Tatsumi, her surprise more obvious than the bloody floor. Tatsumi felt his heart sink, two of the people were women, one almost as old as he. He lifted a finger and pointed, his words sounding hollow
"Esdese ... what's going on..." He murmured
"I'm torturing them, they are criminals and are to be punished by the capital before hanging"
Tatsumi looked frantic "What ... I don't believe that these people are criminals ...what crime ?"
"Thievery"
"Since when was Thievery punishable by death !?" Tatsumi cried out, the sharp anger in his voice stung her.
"They could not pay the price for food so they decided to steal it instead ... It's weak"
"THEY ARE JUST PEASANTS! They hardly have enough money to buy food ... You can't torture them, let alone Execute them!"
She snarled "WHY NOT ?!"
"It's wrong ! What you are doing is not justice and it's wrong!" He yelled
Esdese turned her back "What would you know ... fool"
Boiling rage overcame him, He strode forward and pushed her against the walls "A FUCKING LOT !"
Her face broke its stern mask, she looked hurt "T...Tatsumi..."
"MY FRIENDS WERE TORTURED TO DEATH BY NOBLES LIKE YOU, ONE OF MY FRIENDS WAS STRUNG UP AND FLAYED, JUST FOR BEING A TOURIST !"
She pushed him away, regaining her composure "What would you have me do ? Let them soil this city. How weak!"
Tatsumi shook violently "jail them ... community service, give them a warning ... Anything but stand there and whip them before they are sent to their deaths! You can't treat people that way, it is not justice ... It's evil!"
"There is no good and evil, there is only strong and weak!" Esdese spat
Tatsumi had heard enough "HOW COULD I LOVE SOMEONE SO HEARTLESS AND CRUEL AS YOU ? I MUST BE A FOOL TO BELIEVE YOU COULD CHANGE!" He roared, slamming the bulkhead behind him.
Esdese's lips quivered, his last few words had hurt her more than any whiplash she had ever received or dealt. She at down against the chair hard, balling her hands into fists and striking one of her temples in both self loathing and agitation. She let the whip slip from her hand and clatter to the floor, wiping foreign wetness from her eyes, what were these tears ? She had not seen them in years. Tatsumi stormed down the hallway, tears stinging his eyes likewise. Would he pack up and leave ? He did not know the answer himself.
Susanoo stood at the head of the table, the other members of Night Raid eating their late lunch quietly and solemnly. No one laughed or burped their compliments, only the chatter and squeaking of forks and knives could be heard. He coughed aloud, gaining their attention, pulling the small test tubes from his pocket. Boss, whom sat on the opposite head of the table, looked up from her cigarette and cocked an eyebrow.
"Learn anything, Susanoo ?" Boss mused, she knew there was little to learn, Tatsumi was dead and that was all that had mattered to them.
Susanoo nodded "I studied the samples I collected from Tatsumi, something is off ... It feels like a Teigu was involved with his body"
Lubba rose a finger "The body was burned, Bols, the executioner had a flamethrower type Teigu ... Are you picking up residue from that ?"
Susanoo shook this time "No ... Nothing on or around the body. But the body itself ... For a second I thought Tatsumi's body was somehow connected to me, as if he were an organic Teigu"
Akame looked up from her food, often a difficult thing for her to achieve, her eyes wide and proud "His body was a fake, which means he could still be alive!"
Susanoo raised his palms "I do not know that yet Akame, but this lock of hair and this finger ... both inhuman, close but not perfect"
Leone leaped from her chair "I'LL TAKE IT ! WOOOHOOO TATSUMI COULD BE ALL RIGHT !"
Mine found her hand creeping to her Teigu "Which means the Jaegers still have him ..."
Boss nodded "Let's not get ahead of ourselves ... but this is splendid news indeed. Good work Susanoo, as expected of my Teigu!"
Lubba blushed "Pfff I thought the same thing!"
Najenda smirked, she liked hitting Lubba's jealousy bone, she had no idea why.
Akame stood "What is our plan then, under the impression that he is still alive ?"
Boss puffed a ring of smoke out, musing "We keep quiet and begin preparations, we need to confirm if he is alive or not ..."
"An operation to the mansion ?" Leone asked
"Perhaps ...I know who could get inside safely" their boss smirked
They all turned to Chelsea
"What ?" she groaned.
Tatsumi watched the sun sink closer and closer to the mountains at the horizons edge. he wanted the last of daylight wash over his down gazed face, warming him in preparation for the cold night ahead, not only temperature wise. He had sat on Esdese's bed for hours, running over the scene in his head, the bloody floor, the shivering prisoners. He found himself shivering at the thought, his mental eyes meeting the dying stare of Ieyasu, his last best friend dying before him after the grueling torture that took Ieyasu from him. Tatsumi clenched his teeth, walking to the window, a lone tear coursing from eye to cheek to ground. He heard a small knock at the door.
"Tatsumi ..."
He did not reply, at that moment he had no idea what to say, the woman he loved had committed a great offence to his heart.
"I'm coming in" She said shyly, creaking the door open calmly.
He could hear her slowly approach, stop for a few steps, no doubt spotting a lone tear drop upon the marble floor like a hawk to prey, then continuing her slow progress towards him. Her hands trembled and found his waist, locking around him as she buried her head in the small of her back. He could feel her tremble like frightened child, her breath some what ragged and shaky as if she had run a marathon He did not move his hands to clasp hers, only looked out emptily at the sunset. She raised her head and whispered in a breaking voice.
"I..I'm sorry you had to see me that way Tatsumi ... I know you feel differently about the capital than I" Her fingers lightly caressing his ribs.
"I was sorry to see you that way too..." He said
"I didn't know about your friends ... I'm sorry it happened to them"
He let out a long sigh "You and I both have strong opinions on what is wrong and what is right, Esdese" He stated coldly
She nodded against him, her voice lowering "I..I don't want there to be, my love..."
She pointed to the window overlooking the courtyard and main gate. Tatsumi's eyes widened, five limping people walked in single file towards the main gate to the Headquarters, their faces hurt but smiling in relief and theological praise, tears streaming down their faces as they walked to freedom as Wave held the gate open for them, a broad smile on his own face. Tatsumi felt a lump in his throat, he turned to her with eyes full of question, she timidly nodded
"Pardoned ... They won't be executed. I let them live, because of you." She looked hurt
"Thank you, Esdese ...this means a lot to me, and us" He whispered gratefully
He ceased her around waist and pulled her head to his, kissing away the strange tears that sat in the corner of her eyes. She smiled lightly, returning his kisses as sweetly as he gave them. Her hand caressing his cheek, feeling the warmth against her cool skin. She felt wrong however, what she had done felt foreign to her hands, foreign to the Beast blood that flowed within her, she wanted to torture them, but she wanted his love more.
She turned her gaze aside "I was supposed to change you ... Now look what you've done, tell no one of those tears..."
He nodded "You have changed me too.." He trailed off, feeling guilt like curtains "Esdese, I must apologize ... The things I said to you this morning hurt you"
She slowly nodded "I've never felt love like this before, which means newer forms of pain are to be discovered ... It's not your fault, Tatsumi"
He shook furiously "No it was my fault, I was careless with my words ... I don't think my love for you will ever change. Please forgive me, Esdese"
"You are forgiven Tatsumi, will you forgive me ?" She asked, shuffling her feet
He smiled and pulled the Blue rose from his back pocket "Better.. I bought this for you in the market today. It is very special, it reminded me of you"
Esdese blushed, she moved her hand to her mouth and giggled "You do realize it's a fake right ?"
Tatsumi gawked, a little ghost of himself trying to fly free "F...Fake..." recalling the high price he giddily pissed away on it.
She cupped his hand to her breast and slipped her tongue into his mouth, pulling back she smirked "It's beautiful none the less, thank you Tatsumi"
"I still feel bad for the things I said ..." He pouted glumly
"Do you want to make it up to me ?" Esdese smirked greedily
"Yes mam!" he saluted
"Let's sleep together, you can make it up to me by being my body pillow for a few hours"
"Sounds easy enough, of course I will Esde-"
She cut him off "Naked and on a leash"
He gawked "L...Leash ?!" He babbled wildly
She prodded hard at his chest "I heard that you and Seryu had an argument today, you must be kind to your comrades, even her little Teigu"
The irony was almost laughable, he was mean to Koro, now he was about to be treated like Koro. Before he could refuse, the collar closed around his neck and he was dragged across the room, his clothes some how cut from his body with a lightning speed he had never seen her use, he figured it was a speed he would only see in battlefield, not that of a bedroom. He blushed wildly and gulped, the blue rose tucked between his teeth as if it had grown there.
"What have I gotten myself into now ..." He cried, disappearing into the covers of her bed.
Authors Note:
Thanks again for the wait, I recently got Destiny and boy oh boy ahs it slowed my pace.
Gomene! forgive me XD
What did you think ? Please let me know what you liked and stay tuned for more!
The more reviews I get the more I understand how much you guys enjoy this fic, it helps me alot so please Review :) even if its just a thumbs up or down, I'm very grateful
Thanks guys :)
~Phillip