Update! Filler chapter? Meh sort of sorry guys I'm pretty busy cause of school...again. Far out this extracurricular stuff in combo with my mass amounts of homework are literally kicking my ass. But enough about me! enjoy and leave your reviews. Thank you for all those wonderful people who are leaving you're thoughts on my work, really appreciate you're support and constructive points.

xxXXxx

Akame peered down past the ledge to see the regional town bustling with colour and business, where produce and imported goods were being traded and sold to any weary eyed customer willing to pay their share. No signs of criminal activity or delinquency even fluctuated throughout the whole busy hour, just citizens walking and going about their daily jobs with happier, relieved expressions written on their dim faces. the ice as beginning to slowly erode into sparkling fragments, then eventually transparent glass dust that gleamed in the gentle sun. The crisp breeze still ensured like any other day, but softer and carrying a tiny hint of relaxation and serenity.

Her two crimson eagle eyes gazed upon the shops, some stalls flaunting great fishes and catches worthy of prizes, others selling exotic cheeses and wines fit for gods, and lastly corners of vast wealth and pristine crafted jewels. It was a wonder how no theft or muggings took place in the market square. The added interaction of foreigner threads had improved the social fabric of the community for the better. Ever since the assassination of that self-absorbed information broker, the welfare of the city had seemed to be healing, though slowly, but recovering surely.

Now people were rallying to fight for their freedoms that they so rightfully deserved, but had been forcefully extracted from them by the oppressive government they lived under. Nearly each day there were protests, and even the town guardsmen couldn't keep up with the coordinated teamwork that held them together. Soon, the head of the snake would have to be assassinated.

then she felt it again. A sharp, piercing pain in her lower abdomen that seemed to linger for a few crucial, searing minutes. It was curious and strangely abnormal. she had never experienced such soreness. Of course in the past, as a result of intense training she felt hurt, but not like this. Something was happening inside her.

High above on the clock tower, Akame sat perched, still silently observing and reflecting upon the past events. Tatsumi had left on a scouting mission for the sub-contract they had picked up from the boss, and now she was on a much needed rest. The kind man insisted that he went i her place, so now she was stuck with nothing to do until the appointment she booked. The clinic wasn't far from her current location, so she sat for the time being, enjoying the morning air. Even though she had gained the maximum amount of required sleep necessary to function correctly, her body felt fatigued at every turn she made.

"Nearly time." She stoically muttered, before letting her body fall from the cliff, straight down. She landed gracefully on her two feet, not stumbling with precision. Monotonous even reflected in her blunt movements. Again the stabbing in her stomach radiated, like a curse. It made her flinch, or rather wince out of staggering clutch at her insides, like her own betraying body was pulling herself into a Akame-sized package.

She grunted before continuing to walk out of the alleyway and into the crowded streets, passing each person who would hit her shoulder. Murasame hung loosely strung upon her skinny back behind her waterfall of raven black hair, some strands hopelessly tangled. She hadn't bothered with her prideful appearance in days, and now since stakes were raising and the frustrating battles were becoming increasingly harder, she had no time left to deal with small things like combing.

The only chore she really took care in was polishing her blade, but only because it was hazardous not to. One clean slice would mean instantaneous death, painless, but no less terrifying. Death by her own sword sounded pathetic, but was definitely a working precaution that she had to risk every time a cloth was but to the steel.

The night before was horrible. It evidently took its toll upon Akame, and between her emotionless, blank face, she was distraught. It had been what seemed like an eternity since they could properly enjoy their company together, and the coupe was interrupted by her 'condition'. The night that was supposed to be filled with passion and un-restrained love ended by her feinting and having to sleep in until she regained the strength to walk. Shameful she thought. Tatsumi had four days until he supposedly was to face his ultimate battle, and the challenges kept stacking.

Soon, after a long pace, she arrived at the clinic, and entered to arrange her seating. The doctor was a shrill, elderly fellow with grey hair poking form his messy cut. He wore a faded white coat and unbalanced spectacles that made his eyes look like they were protruding form their sockets. He motioned her to follow him, in which she complied without question, quietly following the professional.

xxXXxx

The check-up revealed more than she was ready to process, and it took her completely off guard. Akame wasn't able to believe it, skeptical at first, but after reviewing her actions, there was no other possible variable that could sway the idea. all the symptoms and weird bodily happenings made sense after she realised.

"I-I'm w-w-what?"

"I think you heard me before Miss."

"I-I can't even. Just...how is this possible."

"Well...an old man like me wouldn't want to offend, but have you had intercourse in the last couple of months without protection, not counting anything in the last week as you told me." He asked, tapping two fingers to his cheek and reviewing her files.

"Well...I well-yes I mean. But I-"

she was lost for words. That wasn't right.

"Well than there is no further explanation young miss. Thats all there is to it. you are indeed, pregnant."

Endless scenarios played out in her head, filling it with a tremendous collective of both dark and joyful thoughts. this would hinder her agility in battle, unable to fight when she was needed the most, stop her from carrying out daily tasks, relying on others, and most of all, she was unsure on how he would react. Would Tatsumi be mad? Would he be distraught or panicked? It killed her inside to think of what could potentially happen if he were to lose self-control.

No surely he wouldn't act brashly, or become angry. Tatsumi wasn't that kind of person, but instead loving and supportive. Maybe too protective, but still he would definitely lead her through this. She was going to be a mother, every woman's dream, yet she felt, indifferent. Was it that fact that now her boundless freedom had been grounded and a new directive had risen? Or maybe it was a pressuring sensation spiralling in her aching stomach. Before Akame couldn't care less about dying, but since he came into her life so coincidentally, and now...Tatsumi was going to be a father. A role model, which suited nobody else but him in her eyes. It made her feel bubbly and warm knowing that a little girl or boy would be spoiled and nurtured by the most gentle, caring assassin in the world.

"I'm-I'm an assassin...I can't just...be pregnant. I-I-"

"I'm sorry miss. Truly. But that is the truth... there is a way to get rid of the baby though, but it is horrific."

"What is it?" She asked, her curiosity peaked.

"Abortion."

xxXXxx

Just as Akame was having her day off, her significant other half was busy at work. It was supposed to be a simple contract; trail the target, interrogate, eliminate quickly, hide body and relax information back to the capital. It was never easy to make honest money.

Tatsumi stalked his prey, climbing and running over the top of buildings, vaulting each obstacle easily while keeping both eyes fixed upon his tag. The target was a small arms dealer, harmless to society nowadays with his secret business, but a menace before Tatsumi's time, still possessing connections to superiors in Esdeath's established government over the Northern Borders. The figure was leisurely pacing through the winding streets, mindlessly walking into a new district. One that most people would dread. In the distance, above all the man-made housings past the many ghettos and market districts sat the iron walls, held up to attention straight by turning cogs and mechanisms that worked the city gates. It was a masterpiece only found in works of fantasy and magical stories, like it was too amazing to be fiction.

"This guy...walks fast...shit."

Overhead glaring grey clouds painted the depressing horizon with shades of lead, threatening to rain down woeful tears at any moment, right onto Tatsumi's unprotected mane. He mentally cursed and bit his tongue as the late teen forced himself to enter the red light district.

The area was surprising more alive and colorful than any of the others he had visited, with the walk ways and roads filled to the brim with civilians and patrons, mostly drunk and violent, along with indecent courtesans and slave traders. Inns and shops lined the paths filled with outbreaks of fights and arguments from temperamental people mixed in with rowdy fools drinking themselves to death with stolen money robbed from beggars so innocently praying for coin. It was sickening to watch such a disgusting view. Everything in the damned location arose a disdainful consonance upon the young mans face, still spying over the ledge.

His target had disappeared into the endless sea of people, so he was impossible to spot from high above, even with Tatsumi's enhanced perception. Dropping down into the shrouded embrace of a abandoned alleyway, the assassin continued onto the streets pushing past pedestrians and sleazy trash, trying to re-locate his tag. Then he saw a scene so horrid it made him shudder.

Two men had grabbed onto a young woman, maybe around the same age as him with ruby eyes and blondish brown hair, which was currently being violently pulled on his right direction, into a faded brick building. the other man had wrapped his arms around her legs and dragged her into the door while she helplessly clawed at the ground, scrapping up dirt and grime in her fingernails. In disgust, Tatsumi looked over his choices conflicted on whether to advance in his mission, or save the victim. As the good-natured force of justice he was, the young man rushed over to the entrance, squeezing through the gathering crowd and closing in on the terrified screams and shrieks.

Through the door beheld a sight not work seeing. the woman was held against a stone pillar by her head nose bleeding and lip bruised, while the two men struggled to unbuckle their belts. Both eyes shone fear, but weakly moved into his direction, and widened when she saw him. Tatsumi stood defiant, both fists balled and clenching furiously in a fit of anger and resentment. His breath was shaky, and in turn his voice suffered from the outrage strung through it. The two assailants gawked at him, staring at each other cautiously first before daring to speak.

the first on his left was a fat, old man with a deformed, ugly face and hairy mouth. His hair was thinning ungratefully and his face reflected pain. The other who held the lady in place was younger, with a permanent punkish scowl. He had a military buzz cut and wore tattered, old winter clothes that had definitely seen better days. Behind the two the woman quivered in fear, whimpering in her spot. She had pretty feminine features, excusing her bruises and wore rather revealing clothes. She was most likely a courtesan working around the district.

"Who the hell are you?"

"Step away form the girl. Both of you. I'll give you ten seconds to run right now if you do" He warned, cracking both knuckles to emphasise his point. The courtesan eyed him wearily, still utterly scared out of her mind. From the looks of him, he was strong and determined she thought.

"Like shit we're gonna listen to-" He was cut of by Tatsumi's brutal hand wrapping around his arrogant, insolent mouth, and his throat being torn.

xxXXxx

"Tadaima." Akame sighed out, returning to their in room and lazily throwing her coat across the room onto the sofa, which she then collapsed onto tiredly. With a quick rub of her face, the fridge was raided hastily to no avail. The raven-haired girl was far too exhausted to even think about her many problems and queries, and even Tatsumi. all the pressure and worry she was supposed to be dealing with had just upped and left momentarily.

"He's not home yet huh." She wondered aloud, face down on the cushion. She turned over on the spot and once again bellowed, calmer than before.

"Tatsumi no baka."

xxXXxx

When he slowly shuffled over, she let out a small yelp, trying to hide her face in her drawn knees until she realised it was him. Looking up behind him she only saw death, yet when facing the actually figure in front she saw someone more lively than the whole city. He was so handsome and strong. "Who is this guy..?"

"Are you alright?" Tatsumi questioned, reaching out his bloodied hand to be grasped by the squandering woman, who gladly took it and rose, unsteady on her feat. She toppled over on the account of shaky legs and post-trauma, getting caught on his sturdy body.

"Ah-Ah- Yeah..." The assassin held her steady, observing her for injuries. He reached into his white jacket pocket and pulled out a red handkerchief, wiping the crimson from her facial area and cleansing her dirty bruises. A tiny blush appeared, but her expression as still fearful, which was oddly cute in the young man's opinion. looking closer, he could tell she was familiar, like they had briefly met long ago, but wasn't able to remember.

"Wh-Who are you sir?"

"Just a nobody helping a somebody." Tatsumi stated, emotionless.

"What makes you think I'm a somebody?"

"You're not me. Thats why." Unfortunately, the handsome man was complicated.

"Can you stand?" The hero asked, setting her to stand with his help. He watched intently as her hair fell from her shoulder down to her hips. She looked timid and still shaking, not over the situation she was just in.

"Are you alright? I mean you look, not...great."

"Y-Yes thank you. I'm fine...I think."

"Whats your name?" He asked, smiling warmly at her, eliciting another blossoming of red upon her fair complexion. "She's so shy!" He inwardly chuckled. Her reaction slightly reminded him of Akame's adorableness that she barely portrayed.

"M-My name is...Serena."

xxXXxx

"Why isn't he here yet?" she asked herself, getting a tiny bit worried by this point. Akame was spread on her bed, skimming the pages of a old, dusty novel. thoughts and ideas of what she would say to him the moment he walked through the door popped into her mind, each seeming reasonable. Would she skip right to her abrupt pregnancy? Or question how he felt about children? "Children..." She whispered to herself, remembering what he had said the previous night. Quickly enough, her stomach reminded her of the little food intake she had throughout the whole day.

"Maybe I should go buy some meat..."

xxXXxx

"I-I don't really know how to repay you apart from-"

"NO NO! ahhahaha you really don't have to I'm just happy to help! I'm with someone anyways ahhaha" Tatsumi nervously laughed out, scratching the back of his head. He glanced over to see the two bodies, the fat one faced down in a pool of his own gore with gash marks sliced open on his back, and the other with a steel dagger buried to the hilt in his spleen and his neck hung from the ceiling by a thick rope. It didn't even take two minutes.

In the time that he averted his gaze, Serana followed, trying to hide her embarrassment and control her body. She was still shuddering tremendously, and her will to command her limbs was denying. this mysterious man that appear out of nowhere both intrigued her and made her feel secure, strangely.

"How did you...beat them so easily? they were so rough and violent. Didn't they scare you? You could have gotten hurt...on my behalf. Why?"

"Practice...yeah practice lets leave it at that. And no they didn't, I mean If I'm doing it for another person, I can't really afford to be scared right? I need to be brave for their sake, and fight for the people who can't." The young man admitted, crossing his arms.

"I-I guess." He was curious about her, and decided to dig in deeper.

"What was their problem with you?"

"They tried abducting me from the brothel down the street. I'm...an escort, and they hired me, drawing me out of my room with a lie and dragging me from my home. you're the only one who even gave it a second thought. Thank you again." She whispered out, still blushing and shivering. Her appreciation made Tatsumi smile and feel happy rather than barren inside. He removed his coat, wrapping it around Serana and leading her out of the bloody scene.

"C'mon. I'll walk you home."

"T-Thank you for saving me."

"H-H-How can I ever repay you?" She pleaded, tugging at his sleeve before his hand pressed against the oak door, about to push it to give way to the northern wind of Red Light. He grinned over his shoulder, shooting her a friendly wink.

"Keep in touch and owe me one!"