Okay I'll explain a little in this chapter alright? hahaha reviews and pm's as always enjoy xx also... whats the best night core song everyone? I've been addicted for a while now and yeah...tell me! Also Tatsumi has been 19 since the start of the story, and lets just say 20 is the adult age limit okay in the Akame Ga Kill world?

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So what was he going to do now? Cower in fear like a miserable child or fight stupidly like an oaf? His vice grip around the leather blade hilt tightened, clenched into a painful fist willed by the rage and fear he simultaneously felt inside, boiling, stirring like a dragon threatening to awaken and devastate it's opponent, or was it an innocent, young kitten ready to flee the scene without a moments notice? Either way Tatsumi stood strong, for the time at least, with his head ducked down and eyes fixated dead straight on the green mist spewing from that insidious-looking black coffin.

This terrible figure with eyes devoid of life and colour. Tatsumi recognised this voice, anyone from his village would. I was one that belonged to a wicked, greedy bastard of sort. a traitor, but once a friend. Just uttering his name made Tatsumi feel sick. That particular tone was possessed by no other than Arata Shinji, or more commonly known as Astaroth, a wanted professional assassin, and the Hero's childhood friend, or at least was. What he did, violated, was unspeakable, unbelievable, despicable.

Not only was he a corrupted, disgusting person, but was nearly viciously invincible in battle due to his abilities. Of course it had been very long since they last battled, but Tatsumi could sense the influence of his power exuding from his presence like the rank smell of death that hung in the air. Astaroth would kill for purpose only, but commit murder in the most heinous, brutal way he could. He considered it art. Mentally unstable psychopath.

Just blankly staring at the horrid casket cause grim memories to resurface, flooding through his mind once again like a tape set to reply the most demonic, evil scenes he had previously had the unfortunate luck to experience. Stabbing, slashing, ripping through bare flesh, watching fountains of red erupt form bodies. Before the Night Raid, before the revolutionary movements of the New Empire and before the death of his friends. The incident happened right when he had decided to set out for the capital, the commitment to raise funds for his village had been delayed for two crucial days.

He could definitely recall now, as if the 'occurrence' was forgettable. Nothing would relentlessly haunt him more if it weren't for the village elders and their 'methods'. a shiver escaped his nerve centre, running through his whole body like a train course of worry and doubt.

"Two days."

xxxxxxxxxx Years before xxxxxxxxxxxxx (age 16)

Slice after slice, tedious strike after strike, tiring jab after jab, only to be graced with a painfully numbing strike to the side of the head in quick succession. Hit after hit landing it's deadly mark, centimetres away from the fatal target. His fist clenched around the oddly comfortable iron hilt, feeling the crack of his brazen, beaten knuckles tighten. Slivers of grass shot up form the ground at the location he had just arced his blade over a split second ago, followed by a heavily placed foot. "Where are you aiming?" His taunts rung in the back of Tatsumi's head like a persistent, incessant echo that would recede into the depths of his restless mind. Training wasn't even liable to start describing the process he was bearing, and his mentor knew very well that the fool would lazily fall at any moment.

Every movement of his blade was just carelessly parried by his nonchalant enemy, avoided by the tip of his long robe. The beige, silken fabric would hang in the air just for the slightest amount of necessary time before it would somehow majestically find it's way to wrap around the devious razor's edge and drag the rod down, also pulling Tatsumi's bruised body with it. The material did not tear nor loosen while being manipulated in such a way that it became a lethal weapon, capable of downing Tatsumi with the help of his own lack of agility and speed. The rankness of perspiration and cedar oak polluted the summer breeze, complemented by the sounds of battle grunts and yells of utter frustration. "Again, hit me this time!" Complaints arose form his opponent, but Tatsumi just drove himself more, determined to land at least one wound upon his enemy.

Two separate concealed blades flew forth at blinding speed from Tatsumi's sleeve pocket sheath, definitely travelling towards it's victim, but with his superhuman speeds, he was able to dodge them without trouble. Finally, putting all his left over power into one single strike, Tatsumi leapt forth high in to air with his blade raised above his head, his intention to bring the hilt down in a devastating chop. As he carried out the movement, just slicing the sword down wouldn't do anything, but instead he feinted and rolled to the side, collecting the impact and charging forward to thrust straight.

Just as he thought the fierce strike had made contact, Tatsumi's opponent just pulled his arm out and mercilessly whacked him right on the nose with the flat of his wide palm. In that moment the pupil fell onto the dirt, clutching his bruised face in agony and yelling swears left to right like a barrage vulgar curses. His 'mentor' was not so forgiving. His left hand shot to his ear, pulling the poor boy up to face him mid-eye level and glare right into his face.

"What did you say you little brat?" Tatsumi just gave him a dirty look before averting his gaze. "Sorry I didn't get that?" He rubbed in, raising the younger boy's face to his ear while twisting hard on his lobe. Arata was clearly not impressed by the lack of ability, not to mention his attitude. "Gommensai!" Tatsumi finally admitted before being let to pathetically squander on the ground, shuffling madly on all fours like a dog. "You know you really to need to practice more If you ever want to leave this place..." He started. That made the teen fume, steam whirling from his nostrils. "Ayora will be counting on you..." At that comment Tatsumi immediately blushed, trying to shade his flustered face from the scorching sun.

"C'mon you guys have already done all sorts of perverted things right! You probably saw her naked the first night we all went out to fishing..."

"Shut Up! I'm not perverted like you Arata!" He was usually not one to think of such naughty ideas, due to his innocence as a full-fledged virgin, where as Arata on the other hand, was lucky not to be. "Can't believe you slept with someone before me..." He mumbled.

"Righhhhhhhhht..." He just laughed on while annoyingly flicking the young boys head. "You promised to take care of her little man." He declared, ruffling the defeated youngster's hair. "I will..." He vowed once again. "Then get stronger!" Arata yelled out, running away and beckoning him to follow. "Training is done! Race you back to the village!"

"Oh you're soooo on!"

Ayora weaklyleaned against the kitchen basin, polishing off a silver spoon until it was slick shiny, then reaching for more cutlery wares to dry off. The tiny unpopulated village she lived in wasn't far from Tatsumi's ively sanctum, rather close as a matter of fact, which was highly convenient for her. A glint of the iris reflected from her flawless work, but that still didn't satisfy her. Pink, scarlet locks shaded her eyes, getting in the way of her vision by obscuring her clouded orbs.

"I'm probably going to have to attend practise later...but training and exercise on this day? In this heat?" The temperature truly was searing around her area, as evidence by er loose clothing. She only wore a frilly white skirt, blouse and all-purpose apron, same as usual but this time not accompanied by her fashionable velvet coat.

The beautiful, shy young woman had a slender figure, not as developed as most teens her age, but just enough to be visible. reddish pin hair, though artificial, looked weirdly all natural cascading down her back, reaching the bottom of her lower back. Ayora was an incredibly playful girl, with pretty feminine features. Her body was not curvaceous nor completely flat, but she didn't really care how she looked to other people, just as long as the one's she cared for thought she was fine. That was enough for her. This was one of the reasons she believed plastering make-up all over her features and jewellery weren't necessary, except a smooth silver ring her elderly mother had gifted her. She was the flawless illustration of beauty and youth.

Her mother and father were out, again. Pop was most likely collecting firewood, but her mother was no where to be seen. "Wonder where she went...maybe fishing again...or in the garden." Honestly, she was far too lazy to journey outside, and remained in her place. House chores were mostly her work, not that she didn't enjoy doing them, which she didn't, but her other siblings were always travelling to wondrous, mysterious new places while she remained at home. She didn't complain though, even though on the inside she yearned for chance to see the outside world rather than being enclosed in the tiny dwelling she stirred in. As long as she had her brother and Tatsumi, everything was cheery and fun.

She at least had time to reflect on the past while she laboured away in front of the sink, drying dishes to perfect cleanliness. The relationship she had with her step brother was sweet, loving, caring. Arata was always there for her in times of need or hardship, like her own life supporter. When people were mean to her he would stick up to them and fight, usually verbally but...when the situation called for it, things got messy. Shinji Arata was a fierce underling, considered an early warrior and intelligent teen, far brighter than his age group as shown daily with his smart-mouth comments towards others in a hostile, condescending manor of speech.

He was the reason she possessed power. One that she had to keep secret from the world, one that was capable of destruction and threat, but also able to bring the realm she knew peace and harmony. Ayora, was the only one in the village that possessed a real teigu, which luckily only her and her family knew about. It's actual raw ability was re-animation, similar to the fabled Yatsufusa, bur in a sense where dolls weren't kept. It's secret however, was one that surpassed all Imperial Arms by far, forged in a mix of magic and technological advancement. Even Ayora herself didn't know of it.

The connection she had was...complicated. There parents had always been close friends, even during the first war in the capitol they supported each other through tough times, trading supplies and working together to provide for their desperate families. At the mere age of twelve an arranged marriage was decided and agreed upon, much to there surprise. At first they weren't very acknowledging to each other, always ignoring the other's existence when something would pop up between the two families. Oblivious to it till the age of thirteen, the two kept on living separate lives. When they found out the two became furious, wildly angered. Over time they grew closer, being pushed towards each other under pressure from both houses, but also going out of there way to see one another and become proper friends, even develop other hindering emotions.

Time went on as they started to see eye to eye on most things, having fun out more and more together. Tatsumi's life was solely based around her, being with her, looking out for her, keeping her safe. He definitely cared for her, but he was unsure of what her really wanted from the pink-haired girl (just like any other stupid teen and I can say that cause I am one).

The problem with seeing him, was that sometimes his friends would tag along. Sayo and Ieyasu? She didn't mind the guy, probably because he was pretty funny and stupid, but the girl drove her nuts. She was really clingy and always ruining her time with Tatsumi, as if Ayora couldn't tell she liked him as well. Luckily, he assured her that he and Sayo were just friends, thank the heavens. He was rarely seen without them though, which was a major hinderance.

Ayora's affection grew taller and taller for Tatsumi everyday until the point where it became impossible to harbour any longer, and she confessed to his stupid face in a floury of feeling and embarrassment. He shared her commitment and emotions, returning them and starting an official relationship, putting the arranged matrimony aside so they could bask in one another's caring. She really did love him, which was maybe too early to say and expect something back, but the truth was that she did, and couldn't deny it at all.

The couple was supposed to meet after his training, but now it seemed like he was late...again "Mataku...Tatsumi no baka..." (That may not be right but I used google so...) She mumbled, setting down the rest of the dishes and ambling to the door. Opening it, Ayora was hit with a refreshingly cool breeze, like a massive fan. The sunset hung over the horizon like the top half of a radiant, orange umbrella, only much more stunning. "The meeting is soon..."

Tatsumi struggled to keep up with his friend, lagging behind while Arata went full speed sprint ahead. "How do you have the stamina?!" He yelled out furiously, puffing while he did. He thought about the scolding he would receive if the Military trainer saw him now.

"Cause I just spent the last hour doing nothing except babysit your slow butt! Plus I'm super fast and agile anyways, unlike you!"

"Shut up! You're not helping bakaaa!"

Ayora saw him running in the distance before Tatsumi could even perceive the cottage. "At least they aren't with him," She sighed out, running to get the door before the two idiots crashed through it in a heap of stupidity and clumsiness. Just as she pushed it to the side, they ran past her into the home, and as she thought, fell over onto the carpeted ground. With arms wide open she greeted the two, hugging both immensely while feeling the strong heat both radiated. Just making contact with Tatsumi's body made her excited, like butterflies fluttering around in her stomach, begging for an escape route. He received a quick peck on the lips as compensation, which was a fantastic feeling for both of them, regardless of the short, sweet time.

"Hey! How are you?" The end of his sentence was met with a fist to his stomach, which was half to hurt him, and half an excuse to feel his tensed abdominal muscles. "hhhmmm still pretty good..." Ayora mumbled, not audible to the other two.

"You're late baka! I got so bored! We were supposed to meet after your training, which you said would end an hour ago. I have to go do my routine as well dummy! What the hell?!"

"It's Arata's fault! He's the one who decided we keep sparring!" Tatsumi pouting was honestly the most adorable expression in the world, but this time she was unforgiving, ruthless, ready to de-man him for sticking her up again. He pointed to his friend, which was replied to by a roll of his eyes."Get ready to be p-"

Their reunion was short lived due to the sudden intrusion of her parents, which greeted Tatsumi with as much warmth as she did. Ayora vainly smiled at her mother and embraced her father before glancing at her boyfriend. He gave an urgent cringe and a cute shrug. "You'd think a stupid, hopeless spud like him could be so devilishly handsome... just...ahhhhhh!"Her rage would have to wait until after the meeting.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx After Village Meeting

The monthly meeting with the elders was, as always, uninteresting and tedious. The sun now had dropped, giving way to the luminescent Moon's shift, followed by a group of bunched, glistening stars in the eternal distance. The couple had strayed from the village group, sneaking off into the forest for a quick walk. They followed a dirt path, leading to the hidden spot they had found. Snow lightly dotted the grass round them, remnants of the previous winter and the luscious pine trees above towered over, bearing large piles of the pure white substance.

Speaking with the Village heads was like stepping over lava with stones embedded into the sinking ground. They were all smart and cunning, like they knew everything and could dictate the outcome of any situation with he flick of the hand. They were all war veterans, heroes that stood for justice, for right and for liberty, but as of late, the oppressive government they fought for was nothing comparable tot he standard they believed it would be, especially since it gave nothing to it's citizens, apart from malice and sorrow.

Holding hands, the two caught up, conversing over things happening at home and what they planned for the future. All Ayora really wanted was to run away, run away with her lover, but Tatsumi was more hesitant, believing that one should slow down and enjoy life while they were in the moment. Nothing could compare to this moment, it was like they were the only two people in the world, and what they shared was all that mattered.

"Don't wonder to far, you might get eaten by a monster!" Tatsumi joked in a teasing tone.

"I'm starting to think you'd like that!" Ayora laughed back, running forward, beckoning him to chase. The teen donned a devious face, before running after her, through the forest like children past tress and bushes. Ayora squealed the whole time while Tatsumi just laughed until his tight stomach hurt. Eventually he tackled her to the ground, assaulting her bare flesh with his skilled fingers, tickling his way up and down her body as she giggled and chuckled furiously. The two ended up with him on top, hunched over her blushing face.

"What are you all red for? Why so hot?"

"You. Stupid."

"hahha really? Thats so cute darling!"

"Shut up and kiss me before I slap you!" With that statement she puled him down into a deep, meaningful kiss, so tender she felt as if her lips would melt from the pressure and unadulterated arousal that was building up inside of her burning stomach. Pulling away she breathed into him, staring into his green spheres. She swore the galaxy and beyond could be measured in them.

"Tatsumi..."

"Yeah..."

"Stay with me forever?"

"Anything for you Ayora."

"I love you."

"I love you more."

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FLUFF FLUFF EVERYWHERE MWHHAHAHAHA I'm really sorry for the long uploads school is kicking my ass right now so yeah. Stay tuned alright? We haven't reached the good part where we find out her teigu's powers and how she is alive and all! All will be revealed. If you don't like this present to past, flash-back stuff then feel free to tell me but for the time being please keep reading!