Kill the Temptation: Tatsumi 6
"What?!" Akame exclaimed, slamming her hands onto the meeting room's table, "What do you mean he was kidnapped by Esdeath?!"
"When Esdeath came down to give Tatsumi his reward, she slapped a collar around his neck and dragged him off...not before she knocked him unconscious though..." Leone said, as she hung her head and balled her fists, "I'm sorry Akame, there wasn't anything we could to stop her. We were in the middle of that arena...it would have been a disaster if we tried to rescue Tatsumi."
"*Sigh* You don't have to apologize Leone, you made the right call." Akame said in an understanding tone, tightly clenching her fists on top of the table, "The last thing we need right now is someone getting hurt when we're already undermanned...Plus, Tatsumi would never forgive himself if you had gotten hurt trying to save him."
"Thanks Akame..." Leone muttered with a small smile.
"So did Esdeath possibly suspect Tatsumi was a member of Night Raid?" Mine asked, as she leaned against a nearby wall. The pinkette appeared to be calm and collected on the outside, but inside she extremely worried about me and was trying her best not to panic. Mine had to suppress her urge to grab Pumpkin and go save me herself. She wanted to save me badly, but now was not the time to make irrational decisions, "Because if she does know, he'll be in a lot of trouble."
"I doubt it...but I wouldn't completely rule it out." Lubbock said, as he rubbed his chin, "But Esdeath did say something that was kinda strange. She said that Tatsumi 'belongs to her."
"What?" Akame asked darkly, her left eyebrow twitching as her anger slowly grew, "First this woman steals Tatsumi, now she intends to treat him as some sort of plaything? I won't let that happen..." Everyone was surprised to hear the growing in Akame's voice. The red-eyed assassin was usually the most calm and collected member of the group, but the fierce look in her eyes showed that she was upset, and getting was getting angrier with each second that passed. A low growl escaped Akame's lips as she suddenly grabbed Murasame and made her way towards the door, "Excuse me everyone, I have to go kill Esdeath now. I'll be back in a little bit."
"Hold on a minute Akame..." Leone said, as she grabbed the back of Akame's shirt. With a light sigh, Leone dragged Akame close and whispered into her ear, "Look, Akame, I understand better than anyone here how you feel right now. I want to run out there and rescue Tatsumi too, but we can't just rush into this without a plan. We're talking about Esdeath here and her new squad of Imperial Arms users. We'll be slaughtered if we act irrationally. Also..." A slight blush spread across Leone's face as she locked eyes with Akame, "I don't think Esdeath wants Tatsumi as a pet or plaything." Akame quirked an eyebrow in confusion when Leone said this. "I don't really have anyway to prove this, but...the way Esdeath was treating Tatsumi, aside from knocking him out...she was so gentle and careful with him. And when she spoke to him...her voice was so passionate and maybe even loving. Plus, she was blushing like crazy when she carried him off. I hate to say this Akame, but Esdeath may like Tatsumi."
"Esdeath may like Tatsumi..." Akame repeated, lowering her gaze and relaxing her grip on Murasame, "This...we could possibly use this to our advantage."
"What are to talking about, Akame?" Leone asked in a confused tone, "Cause I'm not following you right now."
"I'm not sure how yet, but we might be able to use Esdeath's feelings for Tatsumi to manipulate her somehow..." Akame said, rubbing her chin as she thought, "But it won't be easy, because Esdeath is loyal to the empire and it will be very difficult to make her devotion waver. And it will be extremely dangerous. If Esdeath catches on Tatsumi will be in trouble."
"That's not a bad idea..." Leone said, as she nodded her head in agreement, "But let's wait until Tatsumi is safe and hear from him before we-"
"Hey!" Ieysayu exclaimed, butting his way in between Akame and Leone, "If you two are done chatting, my best friend has been captured by the most dangerous woman in the empire and I'd like to know what we're gonna do to help him!" His sudden outburst had momentarily shocked both assassins.
"I need to help too!" When Sayo wasn't around me, she was usually quite quiet and reserved, so she must have been quite upset for her to raise her voice like that(After Ieysayu), "Now, Akame, you're the acting leader right now, what are we going to do?!"
"We do know that he was taken to the palace..." Lubbock added, as he crossed his arms over his chest, "But aside from that we don't have much info to go on."
"Tatsumi..." Akame muttered, clenching her teeth and tightly balling her fists. The red-eyed assassin couldn't help but remember the promise that I had made, "He promised that he'd always come back safely...I know he won't break that promise. He will get out of there safely and come back to us."
"Akame..." Mine said, as she walked up to the red-eyed assassin, "I hope you aren't gonna suggest some ridiculous idea..." Mine glanced at Pumpkin out of the corner of her eye and released a light sigh, "Like that we charge in their and recuse Tatsumi." Mine closed her eyes and crossed her arms over chest, "The palace is full of traps and guards, especially those new Imperial Arms users that the whole capital is talking about. We couldn't get in even, even under normal conditions. And Tatsumi's real identity likely hasn't been found out, so he should be fine." Mine reopened her eyes and smiled at Akame, "Don't worry Akame, Tatsumi will be fine. He'll definitely come back to us."
"Mine..." Akame said, returning the pinkette's smile, "Okay, we can't make any rash decisions right now, so we all need to take some time to calm down and collect our thoughts. For now we'll temporarily move our base deeper into the mountains.
"That's a pretty good idea. We could be found here, and with Tatsumi captured, I'd hate to think that someone followed us back." Lubbock agreed, as shoved his hands into his pockets, "Speaking of Tatsumi...what are we gonna do about him? I know he'll make it through this...I don't want to think the worst but..."
"I know..." Akame said, intently staring at the map of the capital in front of her, "But like I said, we can't just rush in there without a plan...but, Tatsumi is our precious comrade! We'll do everything we can to rescue him!"
"I don't like this..." Sayo said, as she angrily slung her bow over her shoulder, "I want to go save Tatsumi now...but you're right. We'd get shredded if we tried to get him out of there now." Sayo made her way towards the door, but stopped in the doorway, "Akame...we better get Tatsumi back. If he doesn't make it through this I'll never forgive you."
"He'll come back Sayo..." Akame said with a small smile on her face, "He did promise to survive and always come back to us, didn't he?"
"He did..." Sayo muttered, as she lightly chuckled, "And that idiot has never broken a promise before...He better not start now."
Same Time; Capital's Palace:
"And so..." Esdeath said, presenting me—tied up—to the rest of the Jaegers, "This young man will be our new backup member. His name is Tatsumi."
"Um, you just brought a random civilian in here? Just like that?" Bols asked, as he rubbed the back of his head in confusion, "Isn't that a possible security risk?"
"He'll have everything he could ever want here...he'll never want to leave." Esdeath said sweetly, gently caressing my cheek. I simply kept my cool and glared at Esdeath, "And he's not only our backup member. I'm sure I felt it. Tatsumi is going to be my lover..." my eyes shot open when Esdeath said this. Had I heard her right? Did Esdeath, the most feared woman in the empire, really want me as a lover, again? I couldn't wrap my head around why she would want that. We had only met a fews hours ago, and had barely spoken to each other. Now she wanted me to be her lover all of a sudden. I gasped slightly when Esdeath caressed my cheek again and whispered hotly into my ear, "He's perfect...everything I could want in a man."
"If he's supposed to be your lover, why does he have a collar around his neck?" Wave pointed out, as he gestured to the collar and chain binding Tatsumi.
"Because I like him..." Esdeath replied nonchalantly, shrugging her shoulders, "I didn't want him to run away, so I slapped it on him without really thinking."
"Uh, if you want a real lover and not a pet..." Ran said, as he chuckled nervously, "You might want to take that off."
"Hmm...I suppose you're right. Alright, I'll take it off." Esdeath muttered, walking over to me and removing the tight collar. Once again, I was surprised when Esdeath gently caressed my head and smiled at me, "I'm sorry about doing that you, dear. I wasn't really thinking, I hope I didn't hurt you."
"Why...the hell did I smile like that?" I thought, as I stared at Esdeath in shock.
"While we're on the subject of love..." Esdeath said, untying the remaining ropes that bound me, "Have any of you been in a relationship or married before?" Everyone was shocked to see that Bols was the only one to raise his hand, except me. Esdeath couldn't help the amused smile that spread across her face, "Oho, isn't this a surprise. Is this true Bols?"
"Yes..." Bols replied shyly, as he began to fidget in embarassment, "I've been married to my lovely wife for six years! She's such a wonderful person and I don't deserve her love!"
"U-Um...excuse me..." I said, nervously raising my hand, "I'm honored that you like me Esdeath—Oh, and by the way, way to go, Bols!—but...I have no desire to serve the empire...and I already have a-"
"Heh heh." Esdeath laughed, as she smiled at me, "I'm going enjoy doing something about your disobedience." I blushed hotly when Esdeath whispered seductively into my ear like an archetypal femme fatale, "I know many 'pleasurable' ways to make you obey me, but..." I gulped when Esdeath's smile became sadistic, "I also know many painful ways as well."
"Hey!" I suddenly exclaimed, face beat red and breathing heavily, "Listen to what I have to say!"
"Now, now." Seryu said, as she pushed her way towards the front of the group, "This is all been so sudden, he must be having a hard time adjusting right now." My eyes slowly widened when I spotted Seryu. Within seconds, my surprise was replaced by white hot rage.
"She's...she's the bitch who nearly killed Sheele! She's the reason Sayo almost had to mercy kill her!" I thought, gritting my teeth and tightly balling my fists. Without thinking, I reached for where I normally kept Incursio, but I stopped when I remembered all my weapons had been confiscated, "That's right...I'm pretty much defenseless right now. I could maybe take one of them in a fist fight, but not all of them at once." I lowly growled and lowered my head, "Dammit! This was my perfect chance to kill her and recover Extase! If only I had Incursio!" I was shaken from my thoughts when I felt someone gently rubbing my head. Looking up, I felt a wave of disgust wash over me, when I saw that it was Seryu, "This bitch...I don't want her hands on me!"
"It's going to be okay..." Seryu said with a small smile, as she continued to rub my head, "We're on the side of justice, so you don't have to worry anymore. Do you remember me? We met once-"
"Get your fucking hands off me!" I roared, furiously slapping Seryu's arm away. I was panting with anger as I glared at Seryu. The other Jaegers stared at me in shock, while Esdeath had an amused look on her face. I knew that Bulat had told me that I couldn't act purely based on emotions, but...I had to let this girl know...she had to know that I didn't like her, and that I wanted nothing to do with her, "You speak of justice, but you know nothing of true justice. Your view of justice has been twisted and warped into something foul. I've heard about you...most people in the capital know about you." I clenched my fists as I continued to glare at Seryu, "I can't let them find out who I really am, so I'll have to keep up my act. I have to make them believe I'm just some random guy that lives in the capital. I'm sorry Bro, but just this time I'm acting purely based on my emotions." I suddenly chuckled darkly and locked eyes with Seryu, "I've heard all the rumors, that you use your twisted sense of justice, to kill anyone you deem a criminal. Even if they only committed a minor crime, you wouldn't show any restraint or mercy. But the worst and most disgusting thing is that you feed that little dog of yours people. From people stealing some food just to survive, to death row inmates who would likely have received a much less painful death if they had simply been publicly executed." my harsh words seriously stung Seryu and tears were pooling the corners of her eyes, "How many people has that little monster eaten? How many wrongly imprisoned people have you fed that thing?"
"But-" Seryu tried to speak, as tears streamed down her cheeks. However, I cut her off, deciding to put the final nail in the coffin. I would tell a half lie and hopefully drive home that I wanted nothing to do with Seryu, but at the same time keep my real identity a secret.
"A friend of mine was close to being killed by you. She simply stole a loaf of bread from a bakery to feed her family. Now, because of you, she's crippled. Your intentions on doing these things is good, but in the end, you're just one of the villains. Now you understand why I don't want a monster like you touching me."
"I-I don't even remember..." Seryu cried, as she chocked back a sob. The way I had so casually called her a monster really struck a cord within her.
"That doesn't surprise me." I said coldly, continuing to glare at Seryu, "With all of the people you've killed, why would you remember an innocent bread thief? Killing others is never justice, no matter how noble the cause."
"I...I...I'm sorry!" Seryu exclaimed, before she sprinted out of the room, with Coro following closely behind her.
"*Sigh* I'll go calm her down." Ran said, leaving the room to follow after Seryu.
"I apologize for that outburst." I said, as I turned to face Esdeath, "But now you know why I can't work for the empire."
"It's quite alright Tatsumi..." Esdeath said, waving her hand nonchalantly, "I don't much care for you upsetting one of my subordinates, but I do admire the fire and passion that burns within you...That's actually one of the things that drew me to you in the first place."
One Hour Later; Lake Gyogan Bandit Fort:
"We've all memorized the base's layout and enemy's locations, but what is our strategy?" Ran asked, staring at the sprawling fortress before them.
"Justi-...We'll fight them fair and square." Seryu said, as she caught herself before she could say anything about justice. She needed time to think after this mission, time to reassess her view on justice, "So we'll take them head on. They won't expect it and it will allow us to take advantage of their confusion."
As the Jaegers went over their battle strategy, Esdeath and I observed from a nearby cliff. Esdeath sat close to me, but not close enough to make me feel uncomfortable. I nervously glanced at Esdeath as I tightly gripped my pant legs. "This is another possible opportunity to escape, but there's no way I'd make it very far. Without Incursio, Esdeath would catch me in no time...plus, I have to get a good read on the Jaegers power, so I can report back to everyone when I do eventually get out of here."
"We'll watch the battle unfold from up here." Esdeath said, crossing her legs, "It should be quite the show."
"I can't help but feel bad that I'm the only one relaxing..." I said without thinking, as I looked down at my hands. However, I was stunned when Esdeath reached over and squeezed one of my hands. Looking up, I saw a small smile and a bright blush on Esdeath's face, "Aw Shit! I'm really screwed! She looks just like a normal lovestruck girl right now...I don't get this woman. One second she acts like this, then the next she's a heartless killer...I still don't know what to think of her...Anyways, I'll have to do my best while I'm still with her to draw out this side of her more often."
"Watch closely Tatsumi." Esdeath said, spotting the Jaegers as they approached the bandit camp, "This is going to be quite the show."
The bandit fort was quiet in the night, most of the men already asleep. A few guards were the only ones still awake at this hour. The guard that was watching the front entrance was doing his best to stay awake, but it was ultimately a losing battle. However, just as his eyelids began to droop, he spotted several figures approaching the front gate. Shooting to his feet, the guard sounded the alarm, "We've got intruders! Everyone get your lazy asses up!" At once the camp sprang to life, as bandits raced to grab guns and other various weapons. After barely a minute the entire camp was gathered at the front gate. When the bandits had finished assembling they were all surprised to see only six intruders. However, none of the bandits had any idea just who they were up against.
"Hey! Do you idiots know where you are!?"
"Yeah, you've got some serious balls to just waltz up to our front door like this!"
"There's no way we're gonna let you live to tell anybody about our hideout!"
"Hey boys! They got some serious hotties with them!"
"Hell yeah! Let's finish this quick and have some fun with 'em!"
"With the help of the doctor's Imperial Arms, I will clear the path for us." Seryu said, as she began to advance towards the group of bandits.p, "You villainous scum are a cancer on this country and I will take you all down. Coro. Number 5." Seryu extended her right arm, just as Coro enlarged itself. Then, to my and the bandit's shock, Coro sank its teeth into Seryu's arm, "In exchange for both of my arms...I gained a new power from the doctor..." As Coro released Seryu's arm, the appendage was replaced by a massive drill, "Judgement of the Ten Kings!" Leaping into the air, Seryu began to feel the familiar rush of adrenaline as she prepared to attack the bandits, "Justice: King of Hell's Spear!" Seryu rocketed forward, her drill decimating everything in its path. Blood and body parts rained down as Seryu tore through the bandit's ranks. Any enemies Seryu missed, Coro would sweep through and mop up, devouring any bandits in its path.
"Shit! This bitch is really bad news! We have to alert the boss! Hurry up and get those damn gates closed!"
"That won't help you." Seryu said, a twisted grin spreading across her face as she extended her arm once again, "Coro! Number 7, now!" This time Seryu's drill was replaced by a large cannon, "Justice: Towering Mountain Cannon!" With a maniacal laugh, Seryu blew open the gates, along with any bandits that were in the way.
"She...really is a monster..." I thought, staring at the massacre before me in horror. The front of the fort was covered in blood and littered with dozens of bodies, "If all the Jaegers are as strong as her...we might have a serious problem on our hands..."
"Heh, I created those weapons she's using." Stylish said with a smirk, adjusting his glasses. Raising his hands, Stylish showed off his Imperial Arms. "The Glorious Hands of God: Perfector; It increases the dexterity of my fingers several hundred fold. It's the ultimate stylish Imperial Arms!" Stylish snapped his fingers and pointed at Run and Wave, "No matter how grave your injury is, as long as you're not dead, I can fix you up perfectly! If you want I can even throw in some stylish cyborg weapons!"
"Haha, I think I'll pass on the weapons." Ran said with a nervous chuckle, as he sweatdropped.
"I'm all gung ho for the healing..." Wave said, standing protectively in front of Stylish, "But if you've got a support-type Imperial Arms, you'll need to be protected."
"Heh heh, save that sweetness for when we're alone." Stylish said, as he poked Wave's cheek.
"If he touches me like that one more time, I'm going to be the one killing him." Wave thought, his brow twitching in irritation.
"Um...I hate to interrupt, but..." Ran said, pointing towards the demolished gate behind them "While we were sitting here chatting, Kurome already went in."
"Damn she's fast." Wave commented, as he placed his hands on his hips.
"Tch, that little brat should have been listening to my stylish explanation." Stylish said, crossing his arms over his chest in irritation.
Inside the fort, Kurome had separated from Seryu and began to cut her way through any bandits she saw. Eventually Kurome found herself in the center of the fort, a trail of bisected and headless bandits in her wake. However, when Kurome stepped into the courtyard she was immidiately encircled by a large group of bandits. But Kurome wasn't worried, she merely counted the number of bandits surrounding her and added them to her growing body count.
"Th-This girl..."
"She may look cute, but she's deadly!"
"We have to take her out quick!"
All of the bandits readied their weapons and prepared to attack Kurome at once. But in the blink of an eye, Kurome had leaped out of the circle of bandits and landed behind them. Before anyone could even react, Kurome struck with Yatsufusa. In an instant the bandits fell to Kurome's blade one-by-one. Blood stained Yatsufusa and the ground, and severed limbs littered the the courtyard. Kurome smiled as she sheathed Yatsufusa. "I didn't even have to use any of my abilities...what a shame." Kurome said, as she crouched down next one of the dead bandits. "If I cleaned you all up and rearranged you, we could play together forever...my cute little dolls." However, as Kurome continued to inspect the dead bandits, she apparently didn't notice a single survivor that had hidden around a corner. The bandit readied his pistol and took aim at Kurome. But before the bandit could fire, Wave flew in and kicked the bandit in the jaw. The bandit fell back and smashed his head against a wall, killing him instantly.
"There's no need to thank me." Wave said in a cocky tone, placing his hands in his pockets as he walked up to Kurome. The dark-haired man thought he couldn't look any cooler right now, but his hopes were dashed when Kurome next spoke.
"Uh, I already knew he was there." Kurome said in a bored tone, as she pulled out a hidden throwing knife. "But because of you I didn't have to waste this...so thanks I guess."
"Oh, Yeah, Right...!" Wave said in a dejected tone, hanging his head in defeat.
In another part of the bandit fort, Bols was dodging a volley of arrows as he sprinted towards one of the outer walls. Bols dove behind cover once he was close enough and prepared his flame thrower Imperial Arms, Invitation to Purgatory: Rubicante. Taking a deep breath, Bols leaped out of his cover just as another wave of arrows was fired at him, "Someone has to do this job." As soon as these words left Bols' mouth, a searing stream of flames erupted from Rubicante. The arrows that were flying towards Bols were instantly burned to ashes and the entire wall was encased in flames. Soon the air was filled with the screams of the bandits that were unfortunate enough to be caught in Bols' flames. All of the burning bandits began to scramble around, searching for anything to douse the scorching fire, "It's nothing personal."
All of the surviving bandits began to make their escape out of the fort. But they had barely taken five steps, before something pierced their skulls. Two of the bandits collapsed to the ground dead immidiately, but one managed to spin around and catch a glimpse of his killer. All he saw was what appeared to be angel framed against the moon, before his entire world went black. The bandit's attacker was actually Ran, who had used his winged Imperial Arms—Thousand Mile Flight: Mastema—to kill the bandits with razor sharp feathers which were as deadly as any blade, "I'm sorry, but I cannot allow anyone to escape." Ran said, beginning his descent towards the ground.
The bandit fort at Lake Gyogan lay in flaming ruins. Countless bodies littered the ground and the air reeked of blood. The Jaegers had fallen back to regroup after their first successful mission, all of them except Seryu. The auburn-haired girl walked through the destroyed fort, searching for any surviving bandits. Coro lazily followed behind Seryu; the Imperial Arms was stuffed from eating dozens of bandits. Seryu searched through the fort high and low and came up with nothing. However, just when she was about to call off her search, she heard the sounds of soft whimpering. A twisted smile spread across Seryu's face, as she prepared to kill one last evildoer. After rounding a corner, Seryu spotted a blood-covered bandit sitting on the ground. The bandit looked to be in his mid-twenties, he was crying softly as he clutched the remains of his left arm, which was severed from the elbow down. When the bandit spotted Seryu he screamed in terror and frantically began to back away from the Jaeger. As Seryu stalked towards her prey, her smile seemed to grow wider and more twisted with each step. Seryu only briefly stopped her advance to grab a discarded sword off the ground, she would use it to chop apart this villain piece by piece. Eventually the bandit backed himself up against a wall. Eyes full of fear, the bandit desperately searched for anyway to escape, but his heart sank when he found none, "P-Please...please don't kill me...have mercy..." The bandit pleaded, as he raised his one good arm defensively. However, Seryu wasn't swayed by his words, and raised her blade. Seeing that he was about to die, the bandit began to sob as he curled up into a ball. But just before she swung, the bandit said something that made her pause "Please...I didn't even want to join these guys...they dragged me with them after they raided my village...they threatened my family..." This time the bandit's words seemed to affect Seryu and her grip on the sword loosened, "Please...I have a wife and two baby girls...my girls aren't even two yet...I was sending any money I could scrape together to them...if I die they'll starve...please...if I die my family will die as well...please let me live...I won't say a word to anyone...I'll return to my family and we'll leave this country...you'll never hear or see me again...please just spare me."
The bandit's words seemed to have touched Seryu's heart, the part of her heart that longed to protect the innocent. The auburn-haired Jaeger's hands began to shake as she grit her teeth. Seryu glanced down at the defenseless bandit before and her heart began to waver. She knew that the bandit could easily be lying just to save his skin. But something about his tone spoke to Seryu and told her that he was telling the truth. This was only strengthened when a note from them fell out of his pocket. As Seryu stared back at the bandit with ever softening eyes, my words from earlier ran through her mind.
"With all of the people you've killed, why would you remember an innocent bread thief?"
"Now you understand why I don't want a monster like you touching me."
"A monster like you."
"Monster."
After a few more moments of thinking, Seryu made up her mind and decided the bandit's fate. The begging bandit yelped in surprise when the sword Seryu was holding fell to the ground in front of him. Hesitantly, the bandit looked up Seryu. The auburn-haired girl was shaking slightly as she tightly balled her fists. She was hanging her head, her bangs covering her face, "Get out of here."
"H-Huh?" The bandit said in a surprised tone, "W-What did you say?"
"I said get the hell out of here!" Seryu exclaimed, pointing towards an exit that would allow the bandit to escape without being seen, "I won't say anything to my teammates, so leave before I change my mind!"
"T-Thank you!" The bandit yelled, as fresh tears formed in his eyes, "I can't thank you enough! You just saved my family!"
"One last thing..." Seryu said, digging through her pockets. After searching for a few seconds, Seryu pulled out a small first aid kit. "Here." The bandit looked absolutely stunned as he carefully took the small medkit, "It isn't much, but use this to patch yourself up before you head home. You'll still need to see a doctor though, but this will help stop the bleeding and let you make it back home."
"Thank you...thank you..." The bandit repeated several times, as he shot to his feet, "We probably won't meet again, so I wish you the best of luck miss."
"Just get out of here..." Seryu said, turning around and walking away. Once Seryu was far enough away, she leaned against a wall and sank to the ground. With a heavy sigh she clutched her head, "What the hell is going on with me?"
Up on my vantage point, I stared at the destruction that lay before me in a mix of awe and terror, "W-Woah..." I breathed out, just as an explosion rang out from the bandit fort, "This is bad...really bad. Those guys are all extremely strong. I have to get out of here and warn the others. We have to get stronger, so that we can take these guys on. But..." I pulled out the amulet, and sure enough, all the Jaegers, except Stylish and Bols, was on it, "You have GOT to be kidding me!"
"Tatsumi...I'll personally train you." Esdeath's sweet voice pulled me from my thoughts, "And then you'll be able to do things like that."
"It's funny..." I said, turning to face Esdeath with a small smile on my face, "You're actually pretty nice...and it's really confusing me."
"Oh..." Esdeath said with an amused smile, as she rested her head on her hand. The empire's most feared general had a slight blush on her face as she leaned toward me, "Am I different from the stories you've heard about me?"
I didn't answer for a few moments, I simply stared at the horizon. Eventually, I turned to look at Esdeath again, I figured now was a good time to try and start winning her over, "Actually yes." Esdeath seemed rather surprised by my reply, and quirked an eyebrow in confusion, "From what I've heard, I expected you to be some heartless monster who just goes around killing people." Esdeath appeared to be unfazed by my rather rude thinking of her, but on the inside my words stung her just a little. "But...now that I've spent some time with you...I think my opinion of you is starting to change. I can tell that you still have a sadistic side, but I've also seen your sweet and caring side, at least when you're with me. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't like that side of you." With each word I spoke, Esdeath's blush seemed to darken, "Time to go in for the kill...again." I suddenly pretended to be flustered and began to rub the back of my neck, "Plus...you're a beautiful woman...one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen..." It wasn't a lie, Esdeath was a stunning woman, and if she wasn't working for the empire—or if I didn't have pre-existing feelings for Mine—I was positive I would have fallen head over heels for her. My acting seemed to have the desired effect. Esdeath released a slight gasp and clutched a hand over her thundering heart.
"I...I've never felt this way before..." Esdeath said with a growing smile, her blush darkening once again, "I've never loved someone like this before...it's strange...but it's not bad."
"Elder Gods help me!"
"Tatsumi? Are you okay?" Esdeath asked, standing back onto her feet, "You've been quiet for a while now."
"O-Oh, I'm fine! Sorry for making you worry!" I exclaimed, as I nervously chuckled, "I-I was just wondering where I'd be staying from now on."
"Oh that's easy..." Esdeath said, walking up to me and running her hand down my cheek, "You'll be staying in my room."
"Shit..." I thought, as my eyes shot open. "This either going to be really good...or really bad."
Two Hours Later; Esdeath's Room:
I nerve-wrackingly sat on the edge of Esdeath's bed, the sounds of a running shower filled the room. My heart was racing, as I tried to think of what to say to Esdeath. "Why did I ever agree to this?" Tonight would be my best chance to start convincing Esdeath, I had to plant some seeds of doubt within her mind. But I couldn't seem to concentrate, because my mind kept wandering...envisioning what Esdeath would look like in the shower right now. However, I told myself, "Snap out of it, man! Alright, just convince her to join the revolution. Do it...take control...take her down like a tomcat! I must not let her intimidate me!" I was shaken from my thoughts when I heard the door to Esdeath's bathroom open. When I turned to look at Esdeath, I expected her to be dressed or in a robe, hell even just a towel. But I did not expect her to walk into the room wearing just a white button-up shirt, one that barely reached down below hips. Esdeath had left the top several buttons of the shirt undone, exposing her upper stomach and cleavage to me. I gaped as I stared at Esdeath's barely clothed body, mainly her large breasts which looked like they were about to pop out of her shirt. Esdeath was very well endowed, almost on par with Leone's, and I bet Ieysayu and Lubbock wouldn't help but appreciate that if they had the chance.
"Sorry for making you wait." Esdeath said, brushing some still damp hair out of her face.
"I-It's no problem..." I muttered, as I turned my head.
Esdeath thought my flustered face was very cute. With a soft chuckle, Esdeath sat down next to me, "Would like anything to drink."
"N-Nope! I'm totally fine!" I exclaimed, feeling my nervousness rise.
"You seem awfully nervous Tatsumi. Are you feeling alright?" Esdeath asked, as she decided to tease me a little. My face burned bright red when Esdeath pressed her forehead against mine, "Hmm, it doesn't feel like you have a fever or anything."
"I-I'm okay! You don't have to worry about me!" I said, frantically waving my arms.
"You're so cute when you're nervous." Esdeath said, as she cupped my cheek, "Well I don't know the proper etiquette for these kind of things...but if we follow our hearts everything should work out just fine, don't you think?"
"Uh...there's something I wanted to ask..." I said, getting Esdeath's attention, "You said you liked me, didn't you?" Instead of answering, I was completely caught off guard when Esdeath lunged forward and captured my lips in a passionate kiss. Every instinct told me to push Esdeath off me, but I couldn't muster the strength to do it, and if I was gonna be honest, I didn't want to. Esdeath's lips were incredibly soft and she was surprisingly good kisser, despite having no prior experience.
I would deal with the consequences later, for now, I would simply enjoy this kiss. When Esdeath broke off the kiss, she was straddling my hips.
"If I didn't..." Esdeath said, as she gently stroked my cheek, "I wouldn't have done that."
"Now's as good of a time as ever." I thought, taking a breath to calm my raging hormones, "Can I ask you another question?"
"All right, go on ahead." Esdeath said, as she sensually rubbed my chest, "Ask nice and loud so I can hear you."
"Why do you serve the empire?" I asked, causing Esdeath to quirk an eyebrow, "I hate the current empire and I can't understand why you would work for it. Like I said earlier I have no desire to work for the empire, and if I do fight it's going to be with the revolutionary army."
"Well I'm not too surprised, most people these days tend to hate the empire." Esdeath said, as she rubbed her chin, "But the reason I serve the empire is quite simple. The empire is incredibly strong and I only cooperate with those who are strong. Weaklings will only slow you down and need to left in the dust to die."
"But the empire isn't strong! It's falling apart!" I exclaimed, sitting up on my elbows. Esdeath was slightly surprised when I got right in her face, "This country is ruled from the shadows by the minister! He uses dirty tactics and fear to keep control! He's nothing but a big, fat coward! Those who are strong don't use tricks like that! They face their foes head on and defeat them with their own skills, not underhanded tactics! You're strong Esdeath, so you should be able to see that the minister is making this country weak and that he will lead it to ruin!" It was only for a brief moment, but I saw doubt flicker through Esdeath's eyes, "I'm asking you just think about what I said and take it to heart."
"Tatsumi..." Esdeath muttered, before she slapped me across the face, "You're talking to a general in the imperial army, don't forget that."
"I knew it wouldn't work right away, but I know I saw it..." I thought, rubbing my red cheek, "I know I got through to her, if only for a moment. She doubted the empire for a second and that's all I needed. I've planted the seeds of doubt in her mind all I need to do now is nurture them and make sure I don't ruin the trust she has in me. Heh...I had to at least try..." I joked, as I smiled softly at Esdeath, "But Esdeath, if you don't think about what I said, we might end up as enemies one day and I'd hate for that to happen. Because I am starting to like you, Esdeath."
"Oh Tatsumi..." Esdeath said, hugging me close, "You don't have to worry about that. You can just stay here with me forever. I know you've lived a boring life so...but from now on, you will live in comfort. And I don't don't have a lover, you're the only person I regard as a man. You won't ever feel lonely."
"That's another thing..." I said, as I nervously scratched my cheek, "My life has involved fighting demons, sorcerers, even an evil god bent on poisoning the world. And...Uh, I already have a girlfriend."
"Oh?" Esdeath said, perking up with a sadistic smile on her face, "I'll enjoy the competition then. But know this, I will win and you will be mine."
"Don't think it'll be that easy..." I muttered underneath my breath, "Anyways, it's not right that only I should get to be happy."
"What? Do you have a family?" Esdeath asked, as she placed comforting hand on my knee, "I can arrange for them to be heavily guarded, it will be quite easy."
"No, it's not that..." I said, tightly gripping the bedsheets, "For one thing, my birth parents are dead. But, more importantly, I want a country...where everybody can live happily. That's why this corrupted empire needs to go. I know that you believe in survival of the fittest and that the weak needed to be weeded out, but I can't accept that!" I stood onto my feet and looked at Esdeath with eyes full of determination and passion, "I'm sorry, but can't like someone who thinks like that! If you care about me, even a little, then please reflect on everything I've said and think about what's really important!"
"I...also love this look...but..." Esdeath thought, as she stared up at me with a growing blush. I knew that Esdeath wouldn't fall for my little speech, but I was surprised when she didn't speak immediately. Esdeath appeared to be in deep thought for a few moments, as she bit her bottom lip, "I can't..." Esdeath got off the bed and pointed at me, "Don't get the wrong idea Tatsumi! I'm not going to be influenced by you! You're going to be influenced by me! There will be no other way!"
"Well, you're welcome to try, but you won't change me...even if you torture me." I said, crossing my arms defiantly over my chest, "I've been through near-impossible odds already, and I don't give up very easily."
"Heh, my you're quite stubborn." Esdeath said with a small smile, "But I guess that's why..." Esdeath's smile softened as she closed her eyes, "You can smile like that..." Esdeath looked down at her chest and clasped both her hands over her heart, "I want to see that innocent smile of his again...that spirit...I want to support all that Tatsumi is...in that case!" I was surprised when Esdeath suddenly sat back down on the edge of the bed, "Well, you must be tired from all the excitement today. We'll continue this conversation later. For now, let's get some sleep."
"U-Uh, okay...I'll sleep on the couch over there..." I said, as I began to make my way towards the couch on the other side of the room. However, I was stopped when Esdeath grabbed my wrist.
"I promise I won't try anything tonight, so please just sleep in the bed!" Esdeath pleaded, locking eyes with me.
"*Groan* Fine, I'll sleep in the bed..." I said, which caused Esdeath's eyes to light up, "But I'm gonna go take a shower real quick."
"Just so you know, if you cause any type of commotion in the palace..." Esdeath said, stopping me in my tracks, "And try to run away, it'll only end in your death. This place was built specially...to be safe for only those who excel in self-defense. General Budo's guards are everywhere. So forget any funny ideas you might have."
"Don't worry, I wasn't planning anything." I said, as I opened the door to the bathroom, "Everyone in Night Raid said that the inside of the palace was really dangerous. I guess there is really no way for me to escape while I'm here. And I have no hope of defeating Esdeath one-on-one, I don't even want to right now. I'd rather try to sway her towards our side, fighting her will be my last resort." With a light sigh, I walked into the bathroom.
"Hmm..." Esdeath hummed, tapping her chin, "I probably should have joined him...ah well that will come in time. There's no need to hurry." Taking a calming breath, Esdeath lay back against the bed, remembering what Bols had told her earlier in the evening.
"The way to win Tatsumi's heart...is by not giving up. I was rejected twice...but I made my move when I saw my chance and won her heart. Just remember that it will take some time."
"Bols said so, too." Esdeath thought with a smile, as she began to relax on the bed, "First thing tomorrow...I'll have Tatsumi join me on a danger beast hunt...then I'll show him what I can really do." A light blush dusted across Esdeath's face as she stared at the door to her bathroom, "I'm going to make you fall for me, Tatsumi...no matter what I have to do...Heh, this way of doing things is very exciting for me. Wait, did he say he fought a god? Hmm...perhaps next time, we should hunt gods...it should be thrilling."