Chapter 26: Facing the Past Part 3: Loyal Friendship

Title means those loyal to their friends

Leone is greeted by Sanji along with Nami, Robin, and Franky. "What you guys doing here?"

"We saw a stream of flames from a far distance, then Usopp saw three figures running in three separate directions, send your presence running in the right direction," Franky explained. "So, Luffy had us split into three groups."

"Anyway, what's going on, Leone?" Nami asked. "Did you meet up with Akame and Chelsea or at least any other of the Fairy Tail wizards?"

Green, Natala, and Cornelia didn't expect this. "Who are they?" Green asked.

Natala had one guess. "Don't know, but, those new people mentioned Akame's name, so, we can assume they're also friends of hers too."

Cornelia saw Franky's attire and was completely flustered. "Eek! That big guy isn't wearing any pants!"

Gilberda was disgusted at the indecency sight. "Such an indecency attire, men are such beasts." But, on the other hand, she was smitten by the two females she was seen licking her lips once more. "Though, those two girls are so hot."

Guy had to agree. "Yeah, their clothes are revealing most of their skin." Cornelia elbowed her teammate in the chest which took him by surprise and he held his chest in pain. "Ow..."

Green shook his head and few another step forward. "Hey, what's going on here, who are you guys?"

Leone and the others looked in his direction. "Right, you asked a question, before I give my answer, what's your name?"

Green pushed his glasses back. "My name is Green, and these guys..." He was pointing at his former teammates. "They're my former teammates of the group the Elite Seven and so you know, I'm rank five."

Guy stepped forward. "My name is Guy, I'm ranked second, and this is my Shingu, known as Rare Suit and I must say, I didn't expect to see more lovely young ladies here." He grinned at Nami(who felt a chill go down her spine)and Robin(who just stared with an emotionless expression).

Sanji gave the muscle man a nasty glare. "I know that look!" Leone immediately grabbed the cook before he did anything reckless.

Franky gazed at the man's suit. "Hmm...interesting suit, I wonder how it works."

Cornelia stepped forward next. "My name is Cornelia, my rank is three, and as you must know, we have other members, Pony is rank four, Tsukushi is six, and Najasho is our number one rank. As you probably guessed, Akame was rank seven and lastly, I'm Akame's big sister."

The Straw Hats were surprised by that last detail. "Akame's...big sister."

Leone had to admit she was surprised though, for another reason. She thought at least, Akame's rank would be higher. "I never knew Akame had a low rank, but, yet she's a good fighter." In all the time she and her best friends, she didn't know much about her.

Natala stepped forward. "I'm Natala, I admit, I wasn't a member of the Elite Seven not at first, but, I did encounter them on different missions. Then sometime after the Elite Seven lost some members, Gin, Kurome, and I joined the group, during a mission to take down the Oarburgh Clan, and I was captured." He glanced at Gilberda for a brief moment before looking back at Leone and her new friends. "I was tortured by the enemy and rendered unable to fight during the major battles of the conflict. Then sometimes I recovered and decided to return to my duties as an assassin among the Seven, however, when Akame defected from the Empire and the death of Gozuki, the adopted father of the Elite Seven, Kurome and I were relegated to the Dark Squad after the Elite Seven after the disbandment alongside Group of Terror."

"Adopted father, are you saying that this old geezer Gozuki was Akame's adopted father?" Nami questioned.

"Yes..." Cornelia answered still remembering the news of what Akame did. "According to our other teammate Tsukushi, she and father confronted her about her choice, but, Akame managed to escape only for father to catch up with...her." Small tears began to form in the corner of her eyes. "But, in the end, father was killed by Akame's hands."

"I remember that," Natala spoke. "After I found Kurome, later, we learned of what happened to Tsukushi, eventually, I decided to stay by her side, but, during a mission to raid a Revolutionary Army base, I was fatally injured by one of their soldiers, and that's when Kurome decided to use her Imperial Arms on me which is known as Yatsufusa." His teammates were puzzled but before they could ask him, Natala looked at them seemingly knowing they were going to question him. "It's a long story, but, I enjoyed seeing Akame again for a brief moment."

Leone was having other thoughts after hearing Cornela's story. It was on that night she found Akame unconscious and eventually learned of what happened after she woke up. Then, that's when she started to cry but decided not to due to choosing the path of an assassin. Regardless, Leone was able to convince Akame to cry while she had the chance which she did and she soon became best friends with Akame.

Sanji took out a cigarette and lit it. "Sigh" He inhaled softly and blew smoke out. "So, did you guys meet up with Akame again?"

Green decided to answer that. "Yes, I admit, it was an honor to see her and from the looks of things, she is able to smile still..." He had a small smile on his face. "Also, we learned of what happened to her sister."

Guy grinned. "Yeah, I didn't expect the little squirt to have a boyfriend, and considering that Akame was protective of her."

Cornelia giggled. "Yes, I know our reunion had ups and downs, but, at least, we know her sister is safe and healthy too."

Sanji closed his eyes seemingly acting cool and calm. "Is that so...anyway..." He began to twirl around with hearts in his eyes in lover-boy mode. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Cornelia, my dear!" That was unexpected at least for the Elite Seven, though, Nami couldn't but facepalm at Sanji's demeanor change.

Guy was looking at Sanji with envy. "That...bastard..."

Sanji then saw Gilberda. "A maiden... incredibly beautiful..." He then twirled over to Gilberda. "A maid like you makes my heart beat like a drum...what is your name?"

Instead of giving an answer, she delivered a punch into Sanji's stomach sending him crashing across. This took most by surprise as she glared in Sanji's direction. "I don't answer questions to such pigs like you."

Nami would agree, but, she was mostly distracted by how strong the maid was. "Whoa, that punch looked strong."

Franky was taken aback. "Yeah, but, I have a feeling that was just one small part of her strength."

Leone recalled this kind of strength like the alchemist, Dorothea. "Damn, how strong is this chick?"

Gilberda then smiled creepily at Nami and Robin. "Anyway, I will give my name to such lovely young ladies like yourselves."

Robin didn't react while Nami was a little creeped out. "Excuse me?" She asked with an awkward look.

Gilberda cracked her knuckles. "My name is Gilberda, I'm a member of the Oarburgh Clan."

Robin was a little curious. "I see, what about your strength, does that come from Imperial arms or something?"

Gilberda was delighted to get a question from a beautiful woman. "Oh no, I was always been strong since I was born. Then after my parents saw my superhuman strength, they sold me away."

Leone took in the details that Gilberda explained. "So, she's not an alchemist."

Franky began to wail. "Oh, such a sad tale, being sold away by heartless parents!"

"What's his deal?" Natala asked with a sweatdrop.

Nami covered Franky's mouth to shut him up. "So, Gilberda, what happened after your parents sold you?"

Gilberda smiled brightly. "I was eventually found by Madame Merraid who allowed me to join the Oarburgh Clan. Since then, I devoted my heart, body, mind, and soul to her, serving her in any way I can. When I say in any way, I mean in any way." Nami felt a chill go through her spine while Robin didn't even react.

"Whoa, she's not too shy." Franky joked.

"Don't encourage her idiot!" Nami barked with shark teeth as the shipwright cyborg flinched.

Natala and Green couldn't help but feel a slight chill due to the navigator's outburst.

Guy grinned. "Ooh, scary."

Cornelia cleared her throat. "Anyway, shall we begin the fight?"

Green adjusted his glasses. "Indeed, though, there is a total of five of us while the enemy has five...so, that makes us even."

Sanji smirked getting up from the punch. "Well, I'd prefer to take on guys, I'm not interested in fighting against girls." He put out his cigarette. "Why you may ask, because a man shouldn't hit a woman."

Cornelia had to admit she was impressed. "So, this guy is a gentleman, despite he hits on girls like some kind of prince."

Gilberda hated to admit it, but, Sanji's statement kind of reminded her of Merraid's butler, who had mild manners but mostly what surprised her that Sanji was able to get back up from the punch she delivered, though she dimissed that thought. "Well, I have no problems of fighting against men...though, I hope I to get fight you three lovely ladies..." She licked her lips. "I hope you can give me a nice fight."

Nami was getting more annoyed. "Stop being creepy!"

Robin didn't have any qualms with Gilberda's suggestion. "If that's what you want, then, shall the three of us ladies take you on at once?"

Leone cracked her knuckles. "I'm game as long as long as I get to crack some skulls."

The maid was aroused and delighted. "Well my pretties, shall we dance?"

Cornelia decided to join in. "I'll join in this girl fight, it should make things interesting, but, I'll defend my team too."

Guy grinned. "Yes, I'll assist my comrades like when we were still alive." He glanced at Cornelia as he slightly blushed. "I will protect you...Cornelia..."

Natala smirked. "I have to admit, I never fought against pirates, so, this should be good."

Green pushed his glasses back to his face. "I will take on any one of you."

Franky punched his robotic fists together. "Sweet! We get to fight assassins again, feels like our fight back at Enies Lobby!"

Leone put her arm out. "Before we begin, I have one thing to say to him." She was looking in Green's direction and he looked back at her. "To answer the question you asked earlier, I met Akame a while back. She was given orders to kill Najanda but my friend Bulat eventually stopped and fought her. Then after an intense fight, the two eventually called off their fight."

Green narrowed his eyes. "Go on."

"Bulat and Najanda then told Akame that she was just like them." Leone continued.

Cornelia was puzzled about what the blonde meant by that. "What do you mean that Akame was like them?"

"Like Akame, Najanda, and Bulat realized what the Empire was really like and defected. After a lot of talking about the Empire's darkness, Akame was starting to get the idea and the next day, during the night, I met up with her and she told me she was finally going to leave the Empire but would try to get her friends from the Empire to leave."

It didn't take too long for the four former Elite Seven members to realize that it was probably on that night that Tsukushi chased after Akame with father.

Leone lowered her head. "I'm sure you guys can imagine how that went?" She gritted her teeth. "Eventually, she managed to get Kurome out of the Empire only to be confronted by her adopted father. I'm sure you guys probably know how that fight turned out." She saw the four members of the Elite Seven give her a slow nod. "Lastly, Akame was chased by Imperial soldiers and was shot in the pursuit, though, she fell off a cliff and fell into a river."

Natala remembered that he heard of Akame falling off a cliff after being by the Empire soldiers. "I guess that's when you found her afterward."

Leone nodded. "Yes, I learned of what happened with her friend, She was on the verge of tears but she decided not to cry. However, I convinced them to do so while she had the chance." She had a sad smile on her face. "I remember like it was yesterday, she cried so much like a sad child."

Green was surprised to hear that, he remembered seeing her cry for the first time when Cornelia died though she held back. "Akame..."

Guy was having the same thoughts. "What is possible she would've cried the same way she did when Cornelia died."

Leone had a serious expression. "Well, that's all I need to say for now, so, why don't we start this fight, right now!"

Robin noticed Leone's arm that was stitched. "How did her arm get like that?" she then quickly dismissed the thought. "I suppose, I'll just hope that arm of hers will heal soon."

Both groups got prepared for the battle coming ahead, the ones that had weapons readied them. "GO!"

Green threw Sidewinder straight at Leone at a fast speed. Sanji stepped in and kicked the tip of the whip. This, of course, took the glasses-wearing guy by surprise. "He kicked my Shingu?!"

Sanji smirked. "Like I would let you lay a finger on a lady." Green, however, wasn't worried. "You may want to open your eyes."

Sanji wondered what the slim man meant by that until the headpiece of Green's weapon wrapped around him and tied itself around Sanji's leg he used to kick. "What the hell?!"

"Cora!" Green pulled his weapon toward him expecting Sanji to follow suit, however, the pirate cook wasn't budging an inch. "What...how he is not moving?"

Sanji smirked. "Like I'd let some whip pull me, I'm Black Leg Sanji, and you're going to see why!"

Green suddenly remembered Sanji's weakness. "Cora, attack him, he won't fight against a girl!" Wasting no time, Cora dashed towards Sanji and stopped pulling her right arm back. When Sanji was close, she threw her right arm forward. "PULVERIZATION KING!" Her punch struck Sanji in the stomach and it was devastatingly powerful. Sanji let out a loud and painful cough as a loud shockwave appeared from the attack. Green undone his weapon tying and Sanji was blasted back.

"Strong Right!" Franky launched his much bigger right fist at the girl which seemingly hit her.

Sanji was stunned. "Hey Franky, how could you hit a lady like that?!"

"Hey, Sanji, who's side on you on!?" Nami barked in question.

Franky was about to say something until he felt something off where his right fist hit. "I won't let you hurt Cora..." A voice said which belonged to Guy, his suit was seemingly strange looking like it was made of rock-like armor. "Holy crap, where'd he come from?"

Leone made a note of Guy's outfit. "Seriously, what kind of suit is that, it looks similar to Incursio's armor, are they Imperial Arms?"

Franky, however, was greatly impressed. "Wow, that's quite the armor suit you got, tell me What is it?"

Guy smirked. "This Shingu known as Rare Suit, I can freely manipulate earth and rocks in multiple different ways for various uses in battle and what you see my suit became a suit of rock armor."

Franky was starstruck with amazement. "Wow, that's so cool!"

Guy was a little weirded out. "He's so strange, perhaps, we overestimated the Straw Hat Pirates."

"No, it's obvious that these pirates are no ordinary ones, so, be on your guard," Natala warned.

Franky put his left hand out revealing gun barrels in his knuckles. "Weapons Left!" He shot out explosive cannonballs where Guy was creating an explosion and a dust cloud appeared.

"Alright!" Nami cheered.

As soon as the dust cloud subsided, Guy was nowhere in sight. "Where'd he go?" Franky asked, he also noticed no blood was around.

Robin carefully observed the spot where Guy was and noticed a large hole. "Where'd that hole...come-" She gasped and realized something. "You guys, be careful, that guy went underground!"

"He's underground, how is that possible?" Nami asked.

Leone knew she wouldn't be able to sense his aura since he was undead. "I must be prepared." She raised her arm. Take-Over: Lionel Partial Beast Soul Combination!" Her good arm changed with a white fur. "Primal Lunar Beast!"

"So cool!" Franky shouted in amazement.

"This is hardly the time to be impressed!" Nami barked comically.

Suddenly, Leone felt the ground beneath sprang up in a box shape and she was launched into the air. "What the hell!?" She caught a glimpse of Guy with both hands on the ground. "Cora now!"

Before Cora could make a move, she felt something wrap her legs. "What the hell..." She felt strange hands grab her legs. "Where do these arms come from?" She knew they weren't Guy's legs. "Dos Fleur!"

Nami saw her chance and took out one of the three segments of the Clima-Tact and pointed at Cornelia. "Gust Sword!" A small bubble formed at the tip facing the girl which then burst and shot a gust of pressurized air at the girl at high speed.

"Cora!" Guy shouted as he went over to catch his crush.

Green was wondering if the orange-haired pirate unleashed a powerful gust of wind. "How did that chick do that?"

Natala was impressed. "Not bad."

Leone put her good arm out. "Lunar Gleaming Light!" A strong gleaming flash was emitting from her right arm. Guy saw this and turned around then he slammed both his hands on the ground a large wall of earth emerged in front of them and Leone's attack struck it.

Dust kicked up and Franky decided to act quickly. "Franky Rocket Launcher!" He pressed the line crossing his orb-like shoulders, he opened it and a small slot was seen with three rockets he shot the missiles out from his left shoulder destroying the earth-like wall.

Green was astonished at the strength. "Perhaps, they're worthy opponents after all." He had a confident smile on his face. "However, we won't go down that easily."

Guy rushed out of the dust cloud created by the explosion and was encased in an armor created out of earth and heading towards Franky. "Like that's going to work, bro!" Once Guy was halfway, Franky launched his Strong Right fist which landed a hit against Guy's entire body, however, he immediately felt something was wrong and his feelings were right when he saw Guy's entire body crumble into bits and pieces. "Holy crap, what was that?"

"Eek, he's been destroyed into pieces!" Nami yelled freaked out.

Robin thought otherwise. "No...that's obviously a fake."

Natala rushed towards Leone and swung his weapon from the left side.

"Hold it you bastard!" Sanji appeared before him and blocked the spearheading with his foot to Natala's surprise. "I see...that must be the reason you're called Black Leg..."

Sanji narrowed his eyes at the other male. "Is that so, but, I couldn't care less of what you think of my title or what the reason I'm called that, I won't let you harm Leone!"

Guy looked back at Leone. "I have a question, that arm of yours, you wouldn't happen to be from the Gravekeepers, would you?"

Leone raised an eyebrow at the questions. "Grave-what...I never heard of them before?" Nami was a little intrigued by this. "What are these Gravekeepers you speak of?"

Guy was surprised to hear that coming from Leone, but, had no qualms in answering the two girls' questions. "I asked because the Gravekeepers could do what you can do blonde, which was they can turn their bodies into animals." This of course surprised Nami and Leone(the most) and Guy wasn't done explaining. "Our mission was to kill them all because they stole from the Empire and recover the gold and jewelry."

"Did you say gold and jewelry!?" Nami squealed with money signs in her eyes.

Ignoring the unique reaction from Nami, Guy continued on. "Some of the members from Gravekeepers weren't tough, but their leader was on a whole other level, he's the reason I died in the first place."

Leone was surprised. "So, this Gravekeeper boss killed one of Akame's friends." She felt slightly disheartened to know some people could do what she could do with Lionel. However, there was something she was sure of from what she heard from Guy. "Stole from the Empire, huh...no doubt that was a bullcrap lie they were fed with." She had one additional thought. "It's possible, that Akame found out that but her former team never did."

"Alright, that's enough reminiscing! Time to get back to the fight!" Guy lifted his right leg and slammed his foot on the ground.

The ground beneath began to quake and tremble. "The hell, an earthquake?!" The moment of distraction, Guy decided to attack Leone since she was the closest enemy and he managed to knee her powerfully in the stomach. She let out a cough before Guy grabbed her face and slammed the back of her head into the ground. "Nighty-night, kitty-cat."

Leone smirked. "Take-Over: Lionel Partial Beast Soul Combination!" Her arm was covered in a spiky red fur. "Pyro Lion of the Flame!" She rolled around and swung her foot landing a hit on his heel knocking Guy off balance. "Crap, I didn't have time to react!"

Leone put her good arm out. "Spiky Pyro Thread!" Her fur wrapped around Guy's body. "Inferno!"

Guy's eyes widened as his body was covered in flames. "Guy!" Cora yelled in shock.

Leone had a cocky smile until she saw Guy was seemingly moving. "Nice try!" Guy rushed toward and threw a punch at the blond's face knocking her to the ground.

"Hope you're ready for a super steamy smackdown!" Franky came soaring toward Guy with his right fist in front. Guy threw his fist and collided with Franky's robotic fist.

Sanji's foot was pressed against Natala's spear. Green saw his chance and tossed Sidewinder but Sanji sensed it and jumped into the air. But, Green wasn't too worried, knowing the headpiece would wrap around Sanji's legs. "Sorry, but, I won't-"

To his surprise, Sanji was walking in the air. "Sky Walk." Green and Natala were in disbelief, they'd never seen anything like that. "He's walking on the air!"

"How the hell is he doing that?"

Cornelia dashed towards Leone and delivered a punch right in her face. "PULVERIZATION KING!" Her punch struck Leone again, due to her injuries. "That's for hurting Guy!" Leone was seen on her back in pain. "Damn bitch...she's stronger than she looks." That's not what made her worry, she was sensing magic from her from the beginning including her teammates and the one Oarburgh Clan member.

Robin and Nami saw the blonde's situation wasn't getting better. "It's time for us to step in."

"S-sure..." Nami stuttered nervously.

Suddenly a figure approached in front of them and landed on the ground.

"Oi, oi, oi! What about me?!" The others have their opponent." The rest of the Elite Seven even the Straw Hat pirates looked back to see Gilberda walking up to Robin and Nami seemingly bored out of her mind. "I have to say, the Straw Hats are more formidable than they look and the famous Elite Seven are having trouble against these monsters."

She threw Nami and Robin an egotistical grin and lowered her body. "I'll enjoy fighting you both one-on-two, It doesn't matter, I'm more powerful to take you pirate chicks by myself." Robin didn't react and Nami couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. Gilberda glanced at Leone. "Leone, you're also a hot lady, once I'm done with these two, I'll come after you next."

Leone knew she had to warn Nami and Robin. "Hey, you two, be careful, I can't sense her aura, but, her superhuman strength tells me that she's stronger than she looks."

Robin had to agree. "Agreed, she's clearly unlike any strong woman we've ever seen."

Nami gulped. "Yeah, but, that's not what worries me."

"Here I come!" Gilberda dashed forward towards Nami.

The navigator quickly took out one of her Clim-tact's segments and pointed it at the crazy perverted maid. "Gust Sword!" She unleashed a pressurized gust of wind at the maid. "I know this won't be enough to take this girl down, so..." She had a faint smile and then she put her three segments together and swung her rod.

Gilberda quickly recovered. "Nice attack, but that barely tickled." She then punched the ground which shook violently and countless cracks spread throughout the huge crater she'd created.

Robin could tell she was stronger than she thought. "This girl is able to create quakes like Guy did, she's more powerful than she looks."

Nami was trying to keep her balance. "Damn, this chick is so strong, she could take out a navy ship with one strike." In a brief moment of disbelief, Gilberda closed in distance between them and attempted to grab Nami. "Come here, cutie!" However, the moment she tried to grab Nami, her hands went through. "What the hell...?"

The Elite Seven members couldn't believe what they just saw. "Holy crap, that maid went through the pirate navigator!" Guy pointed out.

Cornelia was stunned. "How did that happen, rather, how did that girl evade from being crushed!?"

Natala sensed something was off about the navigator and his eyes widened as the girl began to vaporize like a fog, rather mirage. "Hold on, that's a mirage!"

Sanji pushed Natala back. "Don't be surprised, Nami is the best navigator on our ship!"

"That's right, she's quite a tactic and the clever girl on our crew, along with Nico Robin!" Franky beamed with a huge grin.

Robin giggled.

Gilberda began to search around for the navigator. "Damn...I almost had her...or-" She quickly sensed Nami's presence and turned around to the left. "There you are!" Dashing where she was sensing Nami, she felt a pair of shoulders.

"Oh crap, she must have the aura sensor too!" Nami cursed knowing that she got a little careless.

She struggled to get free from the maiden's grip, but she couldn't get free from the girl's grip. "Damn, how strong is this woman?!" That wasn't the thing she had to worry about, her face was close to Gilberda, who smiled while licking her lips. "I wonder how your lips taste." Before the navigator could do anything, her lips were captured by the maid. Nami's eyes widened with shock as she felt the maid's tongue slip into her mouth. The navigator's face was beet red, never in her life she thought of getting her first kiss from a girl, she wanted to pray that she was having a bad dream. Though, clearly, this wasn't a bad dream, she was being kissed by a maid, and it was a nightmare more than a bad dream. It was getting worse when the maid slipped her tongue to the navigator's mouth making her face more red as steam emmited from her head.

Robin lowered her eyes at the sight. Franky's jaw dropped in surprise.

Leone whistled while blushing red and Cornelia looked away yet glancing at the sight.

Sanji was in awe but, then a pair of hands covered his eyes which was because of Robin's powers. "Don't look..."

Green avoided the scene by looking down, same with Natala while Guy smiled lecherously seeing two girls making out(Sorta, since Gilberda is the one doing the kissing).

Nami had enough and took a dial shell out of her jeans pocket. "Impact Dial!" She pressed the dial against Gilberda's midsection and unleashed a strong shockwave through her body sending her flying away with incredible force releasing Nami from her grip as she crashed across several inches away.

"Take that you crazy witch!" Nami barked while wiping her lips though she felt intense pain in her arm she used to activate the dial.

"Quite the interesting weapon," Natala said seemingly interested.

"Yes, I never seen a sea shell like that before," Green commented clearly impressed.

Gilberda was able to recover slightly. "What a dirty trick young navigator." She sound more delighted than angry. "Though, I admit you caught me off guard." She brushed off the dirt of her maid outfit. "Not only that, you're quite a feisty one, perhaps, if you live, we'll can get to know each other better and I'm sure Lady Merraid would love to you know and Miss Nico Robin."

Nami scowled at the maid. "Like hell we will you crazy maid diva!" She shook her head at what she said. "Damn, I can't believe I said that out loud, this more than I can handle!" She wailed comically.

The Elite Seven sweatdropped at the navigator's drama act.

"You resist the same gender, almost like Akame did," Upon hearing this, Leone had a sickening feeling as soon as she heard that. "Hold on, what do you mean-"

"I see," Robin spoke getting everyone to look at her. "You mentioned that you fought against the Elite Seven, and I presume that you encountered Akame before your enemies infiltrated your base."

Gilberda giggled. "That's right, we were on a mission to kill a group of spies. My beloved Mera ambushed three Elite Seven Members, Akame and that guy was one of them," She was referring to Natala, who remembered he was struck from behind by Merraid. "Merraid eventually decided to explain the Empire's corruption, and Akame was able to understand it, however, her sister Kurome was badly brainwashed."

Nami had a bad feeling about what the maid was going to say next. "Kurome was badly drugged and withdrawled when she didn't get her medicine." Gilberda continued.

"Akame's sister was addicted to drugs?" Leone thought in question. "Mine did say something about Kurome after she tried to shoot her down only that the former Jaeger managed to evade her gun's blast with ease, that, Akame mentioned her condition, but, she didn't know much about what those Empire bastards did to her."

"Yes, Merraid was being forward with Kurome, however, Akame was clearly protective of her sister, so, we made a deal," Gilberda continued. "The Oarburgh Clan including myself took advantage of exploring every inch of her body, we took turns and..." She shuttered and her legs quivered while grabbing the bottom of her skirt and moaning. "God, even thinking about it still gets me revved up."

"So, she and her Oarburgh Clan pals raped Akame," Nami commented with disgust.

Robin was disturbed by this but didn't show it.

Leone couldn't imagine what craziness Akame went through. "Damn, I knew this chick was into girls, but, she's most likely obsessed with them." The maid's face became a serious angry one. "I hope to kill her friends and once I do, I'll deliver the corpses of her dear friends which will be the revenge for betraying Madame Mera!"

"Is that so," Nami spoke getting Gilberda's attention. "I can tell that Akame didn't realize what the Empire was like until it was too late."

Leone had to agree. "She's right, I can tell she's regretted a lot of things." She approached the Elite Seven. "Listen you guys, I admit, we don't much about Akame's past even though I didn't know much about her despite I'm her best friend and big sister!" They were surprised to hear that. "But, I know that she must've shouldered all of the heartache she experienced before meeting me and the rest of Night Raid. The fact that you all are dead must mean she took your deaths heavily. I know she must've gone through some tough times and that it wasn't easy for her to keep going. Regardless, she still was able to smile, she was also able to make up with her sister, and seeing how happy that made her feel was something that'll never be forgotten."

Nami had another thing to say. "She's right, I admit, she's quite a unique girl, I can tell her past isn't something to brag about, however, her past doesn't matter to us, who Akame is now is more important than who she was."

Sanji smirked. "I couldn't agree more, Akame is a cute girl but an even greater friend, she has cooking skills that are equal to mine."

Franky grinned. "Yeah, our girl Akame is super, no matter what she did, as long as she keeps moving forward, she'll be fine. No doubt, she thought of you guys once and a while, she probably dreamt of a day that she could see you guys again."

Robin giggled. "Yes, I admit her past is similar to mine, I mean losing friends I made when I was a child was more than I can handle and there were even times that I got betrayed by the people I made friends with. Honestly, how she defected from the Empire reminds me of an old friend of mine." An image of Jaguar D. Saul flashed in her mind and then she looked at the Elite Seven. "However, I found new true friends that'll stay by my side despite my bad history."

Leone gave the Elite Seven a determined look. "There's one more thing I need to say to you guys." This got Akame's form team's attention. "Despite whatever you guys thought towards the Empire and what Akame was thinking of doing, she still hoped that you would leave the Empire, even though you didn't want to fight against it, she still wanted you guys to leave not to fight, but probably to be somewhere safe until the Empire was peaceful one!"

The Elite Seven was surprised to hear that and Leone had another thing to say. "Kurome had her reasons for not wanting to fight against the Empire and I can understand her reasons, no doubt, Akame did too! So, as Akame's best friend and big sister, I'll make sure she lives through this war and moves forward with me along with everyone else in Fairy Tail!" She grabbed her sling and ripped it away from her. She then tossed it away. "Neither of us plans on dying here or anytime soon, right guys!"

"Yeah!" Franky, Nami, and Sanji minus Robin(who just smiled) roared in agreement.

Green was impressed by Leone's words but what also got him was her opinion of Akame's reason for wanting him and the others to leave the Empire. "When I think about it, I suppose Leone has a point, I mean all this time, Akame was worried about our safety despite that I along with some of the others including Father didn't accept her way of thinking, but Akame kept trying to persuade us to leave the Empire."

Guy grinned and had similar thoughts. "Akame...all this time you looking out for us, despite the others had reasons of not wanting to fight against the Empire, I wouldn't...but you still wanted us to leave so we can be safe."

Cornelia couldn't help but feel a little bad about her outburst earlier. "Akame...you were always a caring person like me, honestly, I realize that you were just looking for us...our safety. I wish we could've seen that before."

Natala chuckled lightly. "Akame, I always knew you looking out for us, no doubt, Kurome knew that deep down too, but, our stubbornness and loyalty to the Empire blinded us, so, I suppose we got no one to blame but ourselves for our deaths."

Leone felt her left arm beginning to recover a little. "Alright, my arm is better." She smiled and looked at the Straw Hat Pirates. "Robin, Nami, Franky, Sanji...what do you say we finish these jerks off now?"

They liked the sound of that as they looked at the Elite Seven and the last remaining Oarburgh Clan member. After Leone and the Straw Hat's speech, Gilberda wanted to kill them even more. "I'll enjoy finishing you off now!"

Leone smiled. "Now that my arm's all healed up, I'll show you how strong I really am and I have the perfect thing in mind...now..." She slammed her hand on the ground and dust blew out around. Her body began to glow and then shined brightly. It was bright enough for Gilberda, Green, and the others to shield their eyes from the light. The light dimmed and they lowered their arms to see Leone in a completely different form. Her entire body was clad in dragon titanium metal-like scales and the scales covering both her cheeks, her hair became dark green, spiky, and long enough for the end tip to reach the ground. her lion-like claws became that of dragon claws, same with her feet. She had a long green dragon-like tail that its tip reached the ground. Her eyes became that of a dragon's. She let out a low and dangerous growl. "Take-Over: Lionel Legendary Beast Soul Combination! Metal Titanium Dragon Beast!" Leone then let out a powerful, beastly dragon-like roar that echoed throughout the sky.

Nami was perplexed by what she was seeing. "Whoa, no way!"

Robin just giggled like she was impressed. "So, this is the power of her Imperial Arms and Take-Over combination, impressive."

Sanji was completely swooned by the blonde's appearance. "I don't care if you look like a monster or dragon, you look so hot!"

Franky was starstruck. "So cool, I heard of your transformation forms, but, this is...SUPER COOL!"

As soon as she finished roaring, she smiled confidently at her allies. "I'm sure you're wondering where I got this form...well, as you probably know, there are job requests that require different wizards such as S-Class wizards, who are capable and allowed to take high-ranking jobs called S-Class jobs and this was back when I was training and member of Lamia Scale."

Franky was getting more excited. "This is getting good, I can tell!"

Nami wasn't as excited as her cyborg companion as she placed her hands on her hips. "So, let me guess, you took on an S-Class request without your guild master's permission."

Leone rubbed her head nervously. "Yes, but, I wasn't alone, I went with Akame and Chelsea. We encountered the dragon beast in an underground cavern that had different metal materials within the walls of the cave. We saw countless skeleton corpses, and after observing them, we can conclude that other wizards tried to find the creature but none prevailed."

"Where did you find this metal dragon's lair?" Nami asked.

"It was lurking in the deep cavern that had a colosseum within the center of the lair, we fought against the beast with all our might, but, no matter how many times we attacked, it wasn't phased and we couldn't even scratch it either." Leone continued. "Akame observed it had metal titanium-like scales too."

Robin was intrigued. "So, this metal dragon's scale is made of titanium metal, that's the kind of material that is stronger than ordinary metal."

"I used my flame stream on it, but to no avail, considering flame doesn't harm metal, however, by luck or miracle, my flame went into its mouth and seemingly felt pain inside," Hearing that logic intrigued the Straw Hats including Robin. "I see...so, it's stronger on the outside but-"

"It's weaker on the inside," Leone concluded Robin's sentence and the blonde smiled at the other woman. "Akame had Chelsea and I got it to open its mouth. It took quite some time to open its mouth, but, after delivering a strong hit from the chin, it finally opened its mouth and Akame went inside the mouth."

"Wow, I didn't think Akame was crazy enough to do that!" Nami exclaimed in surprise.

Leone chuckled sheepishly at that comment. "It was risky, I wouldn't deny that, however, once she got inside and saw the flesh inside was soft, she used Murasame to cut the inside flesh and then it died in a few seconds. Akame came out safe and sound, then, I used my magic power to absorb the beast's soul and took it as my own."

Franky grinned proudly. "Quite the story, girl."

Robin agreed with a giggle.

Sanji cupped his hands with heart-shaped eyes. "Leone, I never doubted that a woman like you could pull off such a task!"

Leone then looked at Akame's former teammates. "Now that story is over, I say let's these guys and meet up with the others, what do you say?"

The Straw Hats nodded in agreement and faced their opponents' direction.

"Where were are, right, we're about to kick your asses," Leone stated with a grin while punching her fist into her other hand. She then turned to Gilberda. "I'll make you pay for what you did to Akame..." She glanced at Robin and Nami. "Nami, Robin, I'll need your help." The two pirate women nodded.

Gilberda only grinned and didn't feel the least bit threatened. "Oh, is that so? You may have a new form and have me outnumbered but I fought against giant Danger Beasts before and you along with those hotties aren't going to be any different. In fact..." She grunted and roared as the sleeves of her maid outfit suddenly burst to reveal muscular arms. "Oarburgh Technique: Limit Removal!" She kept that same grin and felt she was bursting with power. "This is my absolute strongest! I'll show the difference between assassins and pirates!" She launched herself right at Leone.

As the maid drew near to Leone, she suddenly stopped as a feeling of dread was dwelling on her.

The Straw Hats felt the same thing. "What is going on?" Franky asked a little weirded out.

"This feeling...it feels familiar..." Nami quivered, though a faint smile was shown on her face but no one noticed.

The former Elite Seven felt a sense of dread as they looked in the direction and saw a demonic figure sprout from the ground that shared the resemblance of Nico Robin. However, a pair of bat-like wings was seen on her back with shaded skin, fangs, and horns giving it the appearance of a traditional devil. "Demonio Fleur!"

Gilberda was taken off guard by this new form and she felt herself get turned on and scared at the same time. "What...is...she...?" Robin's Demonio copy sprouted long arms to latch onto the maid and pull them towards itself and held the maid in a grappling hold lock. "Damn...I...can't...move...how...can this be...my limiter removal is able to overpower anything..."

"You shouldn't underestimate the Straw Hat pirates!" Robin's Demonio copy spoke in a demonic deep tone. "I feel bad that we have to fight someone that was once a personal acquaintance of Akame, but, this has to be done." Her hold on the maid was getting tighter and tighter. "Grand Jacuzzi Clutch!" A clutching-like sound was heard snapping the maid's spine and dropping her to the ground gently.

The maid was seemingly done for a while until she started to get slowly despite her injuries. "Figures...she wouldn't go down." Nami took out her Clim-Tact.

Just then several black clouds. "Black Ball: Raiun Rod!" The black clouds were in a long chain. "Storm Cloud Rod!" Thunder roared from the clouds and electrocuted the maid finishing her off as she fell over with her body burned to a crisp. "Checkmate...pervert...maid," Nami spoke as she looked down at the barely conscious maid.

Gilberda was seemingly delighted despite she was on the verge of death. "Such...power...I feel...so...happy...though, it's a shame...that such a navigator like you...put me the heartbreak...hotel..." She laid her head to the side and was down for the count.

Nami quivered weirdly after hearing the last comment from the maid.

Robin's Demonio copy was soon gone. "She seemed to like you, Miss Navigator."

"Yeah, but, I'm not into girls like she is!" Nami barked comically her face beet red.

Leone laughed. "Wow, Nami, Robin, your powers are out of this world!" She clapped proudly. "Perhaps, later, I'll give you massages for your hard work!" Robin had no qualms with that. "Thanks, but, I'm fine." Nami turned away.

Green and the others looked at each other for a brief after witnessing the power that two pirates just used. Leone noticed this and laughed. "What's the matter, you guys got cold feet now?"

Despite the mockery comment, Green and his team looked at each other once more, They knew they had to use teamwork and they knew their opponents had to be at their limits, if they take out the weaker ones they'll be able to focus on the stronger ones. They all ran together at the same time and had a perfect plan to take down Leone, which the blonde assassin saw coming. "So, that's their plan..." At closing the distance halfway, Leone disappeared and struck them all simultaneously which caused them to be separated from one another. They were each sent away from each other and felt great pain course through their bodies.

Natala wasn't as damaged as the others so he stood up and narrowed his eyes at the enemy. He twirled Trisula around before dashing right back at her. Before he got near, he felt something stop his weapon. "How sad...a former assassin striking a lady, that's something I won't tolerate even if you are an old friend of Akame's..." Sanji glared angrily. "Time for me to kick you into next week!" He kicked the tip of Trisula and broke the blade off, then he pulled back his leg and kicked the former assassin under his chin sending him flying into the air. "Time to finish this!" He began to do his Sky Walk Technique once more and was covered from head to toe in flames. "HELL MEMORIES!" Natala kicked right in the face his body scorched into burning flames of hell as he dropped down.

Cornelia raised her head in time to see her teammate's scorched body land on the ground. "Natala!" She quickly stood up and ran straight towards Sanji, Cornelia jumped with her right arm pulled back. "PULVERIZATION KING!" Knowing the cook wasn't the type of guy that wouldn't strike a girl would give her an advantage.

However, Leone saw this attack coming due to her new Observation Haki. "Got ya!" She caught Cornelia's attack. The air reverberated from the attack hitting her palm and everything remained still until blood spurted out of Cornelia's arm. Leone grinned as she closed her hand and crushed Cornelia's Shingu. Cornelia screamed loudly in pain as she dropped to the ground.

Blood dripped from Cornelia's arm and panted heavily and frantically. Scales are stronger than the strongest castle, power greater than the greatest armies combined, and teeth sharper than any blade forged by fire." Cornelia looked up at Leone. "That's the story saying how strong this beast was and that's why I wanted to add to my collection and it certainly proved those stories to be true. If all of us combined couldn't scratch that thing, your weapons won't do a damn thing to me." There was one more thing that Leone liked about this form. "Plus, thanks to this form, Lionel can finally start healing me uninterrupted while I'm impervious to damage. The strongest defense plus awesome regeneration makes one hell of an unbeatable combo." Leone glanced at Sanji. "His kicks were something too, I can see how strong that Red Foot guy was and that Sanji was able to surpass him, at least, that's what I think."

Leone looked back at Cornelia and raised her other hand readied her claw. "Sanji was right, I do feel bad that we have to finish off Akame's old friends, if the circumstances were different, I'm sure we could've been friends." Those were the last words Cornelia heard before Leone slashed her across the chest diagonally and blood spurted out.

Nami and Robin turned their heads away for a moment.

Sanji took out a cigarette and began to light it. "I agree, Akame must feel the same way, but, it can't be helped."

Green and Guy recovered just in time to see Leone's attack finish off Cornelia and her lifeless body was seen on the ground. "Cora!"

Guy growled as he quickly stood up and was enraged. "YOU BITCH! I'll MAKE YOU PAY!"

"Guy, wait!" He knew Guy would rush headfirst to his death and before he could throw Sidwinder, Franky inhaled his breath and blew a flames out. "FRANKY FIREBALL!"

Guy was unable to create a new earth armor due to being in mid-air not to mention he was in close range of his enemy and was soon scorched from the burning flames. As soon as the flames subsided, Guy was shown to be standing but barely. "I won't...give...up..." He groaned.

Franky dashed towards the former assassin. "Sorry, this pains me to hurt you, bro, especially since you're an old pal of Akame!" He pulled back his arms. "But, I'm afraid I have to end you!" He began to throw a barrage of punches at Guy. "FRANKY IRON BOXING!" The punches were dealing massive damage to Guy's entire body and it was more damaging since Franky's hands were made of metallic material and his fists were large.

An image of Cornelia smiling sweetly was flashed into Guy's mind, the times he spent with her and how beautiful she was to him. He also remembered when it was too late for him to confess his feelings. "Cora...I...I'm...sorry...once again, I failed...to protect...you...I didn't get the chance to tell you...how I feel..." His eyes were growing dim as he looked at the cyborg man and a faint smile formed on his fac as an image of Akame to his mind. "Akame...you made...some interesting...friends...I wish we...could have more adventures...with you..." Tears formed in his eyes as he fell over motionless with a badly mangled body covered in blood.

Franky looked at him and noticed the tears in the corner of his enemy's eyes. "You're quite a mess, bro." He crouched down near the man. "What is making you hurt...like that." He looked over at Conelia's body, remembering how the girl reacted when she elbowed him for hitting on Nami and Robin, he then put two-two together. "I see...well...I'm sure you'll see her again...in the afterlife." He wiped away Guy's tears and stood then walked away, but stopped for a brief moment. "If we meet again in the afterlife, let's have another round." He walked away to join the others.

Leone figured something out about Guy's armor. "It seems that the guy can't make those damn armor things while in mid-air." She looked at Green as well did the Straw Hat Pirates. "I guess it's just you against us, Four-Eyes." Green wrapped Sidewinder around his hand and stretched it strongly across his chest. His opponents proved to much more powerful adversary than he originally thought. He couldn't help but be a little impressed by their strength. "Akame...you made a lot of new interesting friends...I can see they have more faith in you and your choices than we ever did."

He smiled at them which got his opponents to look at him in confusion. "I admit that you guys are powerful. Perhaps you guys have what it takes to look over Akame." The Straw Hats and Leone were surprised to hear that from him. "One thing I feared is what would happen to Akame if I died...I wanted nothing to protect her and make her smile." A look of regret was shown on Green's face. "She was everything to me and if you all should know, I saw the bad things that the Empire was causing, I could understand Akame's way of thinking, but, I didn't what good would come out of it. Though, after hearing what happened to the Empire and that peace was finally happening, makes me wish that I should've had more faith in her way of thinking and I'm sure my teammates were thinking the same thing."

Green took a deep breath before looking at his opponents once more. "Despite the circumstances, I was...happy seeing her again and she was still as beautiful as I can remember. It was also good to know her sister is doing fine, I couldn't be more happy for Akame. So, I hope you guys can continue to look after Akame for me and know that whoever she loves in the end is up to her and more importantly as long as she's happy that's fine with me...so, protect her at all costs."

Like Green, Leone had a different opinion about him. She could tell how he truly loved Akame. If he was given a second chance at life, perhaps Leone would accept him to be Akame's man, but, sadly, that can't happen.

Franky was sobbing with joy. "Oh...Akame's so lucky..."

"They're not a couple." Nami sweatdropped.

Robin just giggled finding Green's declaration sweet and she had some respect for him.

Sanji inhaled his cigarette and blew smoke out. "Well, I admit, you got the guts to make the declaration, but, your right, whoever Akame loves is up to her, but, just be glad that you were able to see her again."

Leone had her piece to say. "Green, was your name, right?" The glasses-wearing guy nodded. "Alright, as Akame's big sister and best friend, I can assure you that we'll look after her."

Green lowered his weapon and smiled peacefully at Leone. "Thank you, also, be sure that red-haired teen with the Gaea Foundation doesn't do anything to her." Those were the last words he spoke before Leone vanished and slashed the side of his neck before reappearing behind him. She remained as he heard Green's body drop to the ground.

What was once a difficult battle for Leone, silence quickly followed. She looked up at the sky and envisioned Chelsea's temper tantrum on Akame. She was indeed worried despite she was able to convince Chelsea to back off.

"Leone," The blonde turned around to see the Straw Hats pirates looking concerned. "What did that guy mean by "be sure that red-haired teen that has Gaea Foundation doesn't do anything to Akame'?"

Robin was curious but came up with one answer. "I presume, he was talking about Chelsea considering she had the Imperial Arms that Green spoke of, right?"

Leone clenched her fists knowing she wasn't going to get out of this situation. "Sigh...alright...I need to tell you guys something important, but, I want you to keep this between us for the time being."

Far away from the battlefield.

Jackal, Syka, and Goliath approached the battlefield. "So, we're here."

Jackal cackled with a manic grin. "Yes, we're here, those humans are dying once I blow them all to hell."

Syka growled with delight as venom dripped from her lips. "Yeah, I shall unleash my venom to make them suffer until they beg for death."

Just then, Slither, Rachena, Aquaius, and Shino were approaching them.

Slither cracked his knuckles. "Not so fast, I want some action too."

Rachena had a creepy smirk on her face as she licked her lips. "Yes, my insect children shall feast on their flesh."

Shino giggled with a darkened expression. "Fairy Tail will taste death soon enough."

Goliath grinned creepily as he sprouted his wings out. "In a matter of moments, the humans will fall before us."

Aquaius took off her mask revealing her mermaid demonic face. "Yes, Fairy Tail and those Alvarez lowlives shall taste the sea of doom."

Syka began to look in different directions. "Looks like Mard Geer and Lamy didn't show up yet,"

Jackal scoffed. "Forget about them, let's just start and fight!"

For once, Slither agreed. "Yeah, let's show those humans and their friends a true living hell!"

That's it, Leone and the Straw Hats Nami, Robin, Franky, and Sanji win the fight. Some of the Tartaros demons have arrived, their attack will be two chapters away. No bad reviews, that won't be tolerated.

End of chapter.