Interlude: Those Worth Saving


Edit: Minor text changes and formatting as of 5/10/2020 8:25 WST


Akame PoV

Age 5

Western Coast of Anima


Martha.

She was the first friend I ever had outside of the Elite Seven. Back in my world, I killed her because she was a revolutionary spy. Even today, I refused to believe she wasn't manipulated to be part of a sick-twisted test. A spy would've run instead of backstabbing someone who they successfully convinced of their innocence.

"Yeah!" She cheered, "It looks perfect on you!"

She put me in a white dress with blue-lining and violet frills. The skirt length is above my knee and on my feet are cute white ballet shoes.

Nanny Martha.

Martha Kuro.

At least that's the alias. She never admitted her real last name but told me it was a curse to have.

She isn't the same Martha from my world, but the resemblance is uncanny.

She sounds the same.

She has the same quirks.

She treats me with the same kindness.

Yet, I can sense the hidden side of her. The Martha of my world is a civilian forced to be sacrificed for a mere test.

This Martha has the eyes of a weary veteran. There have been times she would stare off into the distance and time when she looks at Umber and me with utter sadness.

As if she wants to tell us something but couldn't.

Martha's last name hurts my heart even more. In Valish, Kuro is only two letters off from spelling Kurome. In Mistranese, it is only one め away.

I help her with the chores within the camp, especially cooking. When I stared into her eyes, I can't stop thinking about the headless corpse with her back on a tombstone. I can barely bring myself to look at this world, Martha. My heartaches being near her again.

Martha was the real mother I never have. I truly loved her. Raven gave birth to me but she only acted as my mentor and I can somewhat remember my mother in my past life. My mother died of illness shortly after Kurome's birth. I can vaguely recall what she looks like. A beautiful woman with long, black hair, and fire red eyes. She always held me in her arms when I slept and whispered soothing words into my ears.

It has been a lifetime but I can remember my mother's name.

Her name was...

"Akame...Do you not like the dress?" She eyes me with concern.

I didn't know how long I was staring at myself through the 3-panel mirror. A simple wooden chest stood nearby with assorted clothes. I was thankful that it was Martha's hand me down instead of loot from another village.

"Dresses are lame," Umber rolls her eyes.

"Young lady," Martha wagged her finger at the girl. Umber lay on her stomach and looked at us like we're rancid meat. Martha stood behind me adjusting the laces on the back.

I try my best to shake off the pain on the small of my back. It is as if her soft, gingerly hands will materialize a cold steel knife. I breathed in and out hoping that the pain was my imagination.

"Akame don't like it."

"I love it!" I beamed.

The blue-eyed girl looked at me with a hint of betrayal but ultimately shrugged it off.

"I knew you would! This belongs to my niece," Martha cheered," But since I didn't want you wearing stolen clothes and your mom can't sew anything that isn't a wound. I decided to lend it to you and Umber. Besides, I have no use for them anymore."

A small pool of sadness dripped into her words.

Martha...What happens to your family?

Martha is an enigma. I could never understand why someone as genuine as her would choose to travel with bandits. My mother and her tribe treat her with utmost respect even if I never heard of her committing banditry. She hunted animals and from the bullet wounds, I can tell she never misses.

Flaxen, on the other hand, is an open book. I know that the Schnee's and Altas have something to do with Nanna Flaxen turning to crime to survive based on her drunk/sober rant. A woman that works hard and honestly, as she claims, only to be pushed back down by the ruling elites and societal biases.

Although, I need to confirm the intel myself to see how awful the world is. Shady business dealings and slavery of a race shouldn't be left unattended now that I'm reborn. Assuming the world out there is as bad as the bandits claim it to be.

Which I doubt is as awful as my original one.

Plus, I also need to understand the hidden meaning behind my mother's speech all those years back.

'But I need a powerful warrior to avoid an unwinnable war.'

An unwinnable war?

Is there something more to this world or my mom delusional? I can sense the fear in her words. For a woman preaching strength, She was weak when she uttered those words.

'Thus, when their precious society falls, We shall reign uncontested.'

She spoke as if it was as certain as the inevitability of death. Death these bandits grant to innocent people.

Why must Martha and Flaxen be associated with these monsters? They all must be eliminated.

But how will I kill Martha again? It isn't her and I'm a hundred percent certain Flaxen isn't Leone either. I'm sure the same can be said for Yang.

Even if part of me feels comfortable from the very start. It feels as if I can reach out and touch her.

Yang isn't Leone.

I wish she was but nothing suggests awareness beyond a normal baby as I recall.

Even if Flax is Leone but drunk 24/7 even when sober.

It must be a cruel comedy to retain my memory and force my hands to kill the people I love all over again.

I can do this easily. Aura doesn't protect an unaware body. A quick stab to the neck, separating the vocal cord, and the arteries are all I need. No one will suspect a five-year-old.

A thousand methods and contingency race through my head telling me how I can put a stop to them.

Divide them.

Tear them apart.

Sow the seed of doubt.

I will destroy them by letting them destroy themselves.

"Nanna. Are we going fishing soon?" I asked as I twisted my body in her direction.

"Dress like that? Absolutely," I was soon disappointed, "Not."

I felt like a deflated balloon.

"Next time?"

"No, I talked to your mom. We are heading into town for some shopping, "she answered," Umber, You are coming along too."

"Are we going to scout out the town?" Umber asked with a smile, and my heart dropped. It isn't only the people in the town but how far gone Umber will be," It is far from the capital right?"

"No, Myrtle isn't going to be raided," She responded," Their too many law enforcement even with Grimm issues. Plus the attention afterward even if we do succeed would be too much."

A red portal opens within our tent. My mom steps out of the portal with her body language suggesting a relaxed guard.

I find this subtle interaction proof of how much she trusts Martha.

"I have done my reconnaissance. It's safe for all of you. When you enter, pretend to be travelers from a nearby town. Akame and Umber, act your age," Raven proposed.

Behave our age?

Umber is overly aggressive and a troublesome child but that isn't anything odd about it.

"Why aren't you coming with us?" I asked my mother.

"Because I have wanted posters," She responded," Fortunately, I know how to get in undetected."

"Akame...Umber," She spoke slowly, "I understand you will meet kids your age. If you do and they try to bully you. I give you permission to dominate them for their insolence."

"R-Right, What she really means is you must play nice with the other kids."

"I mean you can break a leg."

"You can't teach them to break bones!"

"Breaking bones is the preferred method. Because once it mends you can come back and...break it again."

She reopens the portal and disappears into it.

Umber and I look at each other and back at Martha.

"Shopping?" We both said at the same time.

"Partially," Martha confessed," We haven't taken you, girls, to a real town that hasn't been raided. Being surrounded by our kind for years on end will make it impossible to blend in for both scouting and supply runs."

"Nope," Umber popped the p," I don't care for anyone outside my family."

"Umber," I uttered her name armed crossed," When would happen if you can't count on the tribe? What if Grimm breaks down these walls one day or attacks us in the middle of our journey? It is dangerous to live in a forest forever. Eventually, you will need to head to civilization."

"Well duh! We are unbeatable because of our leader, Raven. So long as Raven cares for us, She'll always be there to save us," Umber reasoned fanatically," And you are the same as her."

I will never be like her.

I haven't betrayed anyone! I never ran away from my family.

Why did you leave me, big sister?

I recoil as memories enter my mind. It felt unfamiliar but real.

Pain, suffering, grief, and resentment.

I survived…

So I must continue to bear on my shoulders the feeling of those who've passed. I can only kill but that doesn't mean I have no future. I have faith, that is why I continue to walk this path.

I recollect an odd dream. It felt real yet different.

Kurome is dead.

Night Raid is dead.

Wild Hunt is somehow nonexistent.

The rebellion won but I'm all alone.

I was traversing a desert collecting missing Imperial Arms instead of finding a cure for Tatsumi and my curse in Wakoku.

I compare it to my new life.

The bandits are scoundrel feeding off the bottom of society. My mother abandoned her family to be with another that worshipped her like a savior. She raised me to become the heir to a once-powerful nomadic tribe; in her own words. I will have people following my every whim.

As if I want to settle for the lifestyle of a common killer.


We walked for 15 minutes before we came over a hill and I got a good look at the town. It was a coastal settlement on western Anima that sits on a trade route from the Kingdom of Vale to Mistral. If I were to get an estimate, it is around ten thousand people.

Martha wore a casual blue-black dress with a wide sun hat. A bolt action-high caliber rifle is strapped to a harness alongside her messenger bag filled with essentials and two extra magazines. She also has an array of knives hidden within her inner thigh.

There was farmland in the distances and near the town itself. The smaller farm near the town is protected by a thick but short marble wall with arm guards patrolling the top.

Once we have gotten closer to observing their uniform, I notice two different variants.

One guard has a green patch on his shoulder with two single-handled axes over a crown and the other is the blue Mistral seal reminiscent of a lamp.

I saw a few of the farmers outside their residence and so far, all of them are Faunus. Even the majority of the militia are Faunus.

When we reach the blue wall of light. I thought about touching it and instead opted to throw a rock at the strange barrier.

The result was Umber getting struck in the face, knocking her over. The damage was light brushing that was cushioned by her passive aura.

"AKAME WHAT THE HELL!" She leaped up with fury in her blue eyes.

I know her aura could heal those skin-deep wounds in minutes. I wish I had my aura unlocked, but my mother believes I must earn everything. In short, I will be placed through physical and/or mental trauma until my aura activates itself. I'm disappointed that I won't receive it so soon and would have felt betrayed because Umber has one.

Granted, I can see her logic. If you give a baby or a small child aura and Grimm attacks. There is a better chance the Grimm would go after the aura source. Plus, if the baby or child develops a semblance that causes harm, it would be a danger to everyone around them. Especially when a temper tantrum turns the child into a Grimm magnet.

It was a horrific war crime committed during the Great War. It was an interesting tactic from the history book. I can imagine a sadist like Esdeath would endorse that horrible tactic.

Which means Umber is the sacrificial pawn for my escape. Umber has even been brainwashed by the tribe to believe her life is through servitude. The tribesmen chant how much of an honor it is to serve the Branwen family. How I haven't helped the situation by showing how capable of a fighter I am further proving it part of some destiny. How impressionable someone her age is and how I can't do anything about it besides downplaying the compliment. Which only makes me look modest.

I wonder if her loyalty will hold if I told her the tribe killed her parents.

"You have an aura. Albeit a weak one," I answer bluntly," Why didn't you set it to active?"

"Because I don't want to attach Grimm!" She responded.

"It is a learning experience to set it to active before the rock hits and turn it off just as quickly, Umber," I lectured, "It can save your life one day."

"It came out of nowhere!"

"So will a surprise attack."

I felt sorry for accidentally hitting Umber, but I can use it as a learning experience for both of us.

Aura.

If aura existed in my world, I would have to put in more effort to kill someone with Murasame plus the unpredictability of an unknown semblance would act as a secondary trump card.

There is a reason why not everyone can become as powerful as my mother or the top tier tribe members. A person belonging to a bloodline of warriors is more likely to unlock higher aura leveled which is measured in how long one can keep it active under unstressed situations and/or how much punishment it can take. Umber could barely last a minute before it flicked back into a passive state. According to a book on Aura studies, A single minute converted into how much damage one can take is equivalent to taking a bullet from a low power pistol. Anything higher than that will outright pierce through the defenses.

A low aura level can come in handy but compared to my mother, who was once a professional huntress that once took high impact dust rounds to the chest and barely flinched.

Umber aura level is equivalent to a body armor made of leather while my mom is equivalent to the armor of Incursio. At least, if I plan to break her aura I don't have to strike the same area repeatedly.

I know this because she allowed me to fire an affixed high caliber Mistral "Alpha hunter" sniper rifle to show off aura and proper aura controls. If only the gun wasn't affixed, I can blame it on amateur aiming while the supersonic bullet takes her head off while all her aura is gathered at her chest.

Even so, I doubt that will kill her. As evidenced by the next demonstration. She ordered half a dozen bandits armed with assault rifles to fire at her. She either evaded or blocked all the bullets in a short period.

My mother explains through bloodline and experiences one aura could be built up and trained. In doing so, it would be easy to find your semblance. Because aura is linked to your semblance and a low aura level makes it nearly impossible to find a semblance.

The few advantages of a low aura level are that it is easier to manipulate and recharge faster. But the same effect can be achieved with training for those with higher reserves.

At a minimum, A person needs to keep their aura active for over an hour to even catch a glimpse of a semblance and the semblance itself could be completely useless or highly conditional. But on occasion, Someone could end up with a permanently active semblance that couldn't be controlled.

If a person's aura breaks, their semblance is greatly weakened or unusable. But it also depends on the semblance since my mother mentions the Arc family is known to replenish their aura at an unusually fast rate. While briefly mentioning a drunk crow with a curse. My mind wandered to the kind uncle that smelled like a bar.

"How would you know you don't have an aura," She folded her arms.

"I can't give you pointers on how to better serve me and the tribe?" I question her.

Umber, She isn't strong enough to even scratch me in our spar. Mainly because emotions tend to cloud her judgment, but what could I do? She's six-year-old and I'm an adult in a child's body. All I can hope for is to subtly train my designated follower, and bring her over to my side when I inevitably betray my mom.

It shouldn't be too hard. She was ingrained from birth to be loyal to the tribe and the leader. Which in turn also means the future leader that is me.

"Don't be mean Akame," Martha smiles," It takes time to train one aura. Even for Umber who is at a civilian level. I, myself, could barely pass the minimum requirement if I wanted to be a huntress. But my semblance is very strong."

Martha currently keeps her aura passive since between the three of us, the creatures of Grimm are more likely to attack those with aura and even more so if a person's aura is in an active state.

We continue walking alongside the strange wall of light. I can barely see inside the town since the wall of light gives off a blurry blue hue. The town itself has a safe space of 50 meters from the light wall itself and another layer of defense consisting of a solid wall with barbed wire fencing on top further inside. From the outside, I would have thought this was a prison camp.

"Nanna," I pointed at the wall," What are these?"

"Force field," She answered, "Those black poles contain hard light dust which powers the shield wall. This is normally an Atlas only usage but this rich town could afford it. Just be careful not to touch them."

"Why?"

"I doubt the town has it on that setting but sometimes, it is set to lethal shock."

Umber gulped and I nodded at the information. True to her words, I saw leftover markings. A claw mark here and twisted trees there.

I haven't fought any Grimm nor see them die. I spotted them from a distance and can hear the howls and roars of these creatures of darkness. Sometimes I even hear gunshots as the tribe members go out and deal with them. Even Umber gets to fight a nevermore chick after unlocking her aura.

"Nanna, Can Grimm be eaten?"

"No."

"But do they have bone marrow?"

"Akame, We've been over this. Do not attempt to eat the creature of Grimm. They disappear into nothingness anyway."

"But did anyone attempt to eat Grimm before?"

"Akame, No eating Grimm."

I pouted at the disadvantage of this world danger beast. I know that not every danger beast is edible like the Kaiser Frog if you don't remove the acid sac or the man-eater earthworms. But the Ursa Major in the books looks so big and meaty.

It's such a shame.

We found a sidewalk as cars and trucks passed by on the roadway leading to an open double gate. I observed how a trading town isn't as busy as it should be. If it was busy, there would be bad traffic congestion and have more people on the sidewalks beside us and some security guards.

As we approach a large gate. It has a checkpoint and an archway with red light passing over each vehicle. A time-efficient means to search for illegal contraband.

A man and woman stopped us at the sidewalk with weapons at their side.

I was told how to identify a huntsman and huntress by the way they dress. They tend to be more outlandish with added accessories and fashion quirks that make them stand out. Plus, many of them carry exotic weapons that would be confused for Teigus in my old world.

The man dresses like an armored knight who has a fur cape. The huntsman has orange hair and a broad shoulder. His weapon is a mace and round shield.

The woman is timid with indigo eyes. The huntress wore a red blouse with a leather corset and cargo pants. Her weapon is a gun-knife and a rapier with segments cut into its length.

The man looks at us briefly. Martha grabbed Umber and my hands. She reinsures us the man isn't out to harm us as he circles around. I clenched my fist hoping he didn't have perverted intent. As I caught a glimpse of his eyes, I realized he was examining us for specific features; or lack of features.

When we locked eyes, he recoiled as if he had seen a room full of corpses.

"This little girl scares me, Alice," the man's expression froze.

"Poor thing must have seen a lot," the woman cooed, "Where are y'all from?"

"The next town over," Martha answers," So, I heard this town is restricted to outsiders at the moment, why?"

"Most of the town huntsmen and those within the surrounding areas are dealing with a Hydra Grimm. It's a high rank to destroy missions and everything. Plus, we have to deal with some bandits setting up shop in the countryside," the woman dropped her head, "I would love to fight the Hydra or mop up some bandits but rules are rules."

"Besides that," the man added," Even if the Grimm have been dealt with, the protesters would come in soon after. White Fangs and traitors alike."

"Rules?" I uttered without thought," What kind of rules?"

"Glad you ask kid, the common moral consensus is that if two hunters marry and have kids, they are forbidden to partake in dangerous missions together. My wife and I are originally from the Kingdom of Vale and our contract is guard duty. We brought our son along to keep a close eye on him."

"Plus, the surviving merchants said it's the Branwen tribe in the area this time around," the woman explained, "The self-proclaimed bandit queen is worth millions of liens alongside hundreds of thousands for the bandits."

Self-proclaimed? I'm sure Raven never proclaims anything. It was the tribesmen that said it and the news decided to pick up on it.

"Understandable," Martha agrees while trying to hide a snicker," Raven semblance makes her nearly uncatchable and unbeatable so long as her trusted allies are nearby. Even if none are near, She can easily escape or bring her people to help. One of Beacon's top students gone rogue deserves a high bounty."

She said it with too much glee.

"How high?" The man asked.

"Add 2 more zeros and it will reflect how dangerous she is."

"And what are your views on her?" The huntress narrows her eyes. Martha pauses for far too long.

An awkward silence descends between us.

Martha? Are you trying to get us caught? You're fortunate she can do exactly what you just said.

"That's a nice rifle by the way. Any special functions?" The huntsmen asked.

"No, it's just a gun. Isn't yours just a mace?"

"Ha! It's actually a family heirloom from the Great War. Cracked more skulls than Grimm if I'm being honest," the huntsmen laughed dryly, "But that rifle isn't meant for small game is it? I bet it can break someone's aura in a single shot."

"Safety is my top priority for my child and her friend. Whether it is Grimm or humans."

I understand completely," the female huntress joined in," But I have to ask ya. Do you have any more weapons?"

"I do," She answered without missing a beat.

"May I see them?" The male huntsmen requested.

"It's hidden somewhere private sir. Around my inner thighs are some knives," She answered with slight hesitation.

"Oh," He retracted knowing the implication, "Can I get your scroll number?"

The huntress looked at her husband with bloodlust.

"Oh um...," My nanny cheeks turn crimson.

"Huh?" I look at him with confusion. Then I look around to locate the ruffling of feathers and the sound of a raven cawing madly. Raven? I swear there is always a raven near me.

A raven…

Raven Branwen?

Impossible, My mother has a portal base semblance.

The man's eyes widened knowing he worded it in the worst possible way with his wife next to him no less.

"Sorry! I ask because we are waiting on a few jobs shadowing huntsmen's to relieve us," He held his hand up defensively," So we can show you around town and introduce you to our son, Cardin."

"Cardin?" The wife looked into the husband's eyes.

I can read her expression as 'what the hell are you thinking?!'

"Okay," Martha recited her scroll number," 81-674-8545."

It's the number belonging to a disposable and untraceable scroll model. She is using an old model called a flip-scroll that is only capable of basic talk and text.

"Thank you, Mrs.-," the man asked, "Sorry, we never ask for your names."

"I'm Martha Kuro and this is my daughter and her friend, Akame Kuro and Umber Karolina," She answers. I felt my chest heat up hearing Martha refer to me as her daughter.

"Beaufort Winchester," He smiles.

"Alice Winchester," the smaller woman responded, "I hate to keep you waiting longer but we will catch up to y'all once our replacement swings by. There is a directory next to the welcome center."

"Thank you, hope we catch up soon," My nanny walks past them and we wave back. While Umber needed to be coerced into waving back with a forced smile.

We walk to the directory and notice how the town is set up in a way that the harbor has large roadways leading toward the town center and out a single large gate at the front. There are also huge tracts of land in and around town labeled 'under construction'. The town itself is very nice and clean with buildings barely reaching past 3 stories. The roadways aren't filled with as much activity as expected of a trading port but there is a hydra Grimm off the coast and my mother tribe is currently plaguing the land route.

"What's first?" Martha asked us.

"Akame what do you want?" Umber turned to me without a second thought.

"Food," My stomach agrees.

"Ya, I guess I'm a little hungry," She concurs even if she ate before coming here.

Once we reached the food court, I did my best to not salivate at the pure variety of cuisines on display. The area wasn't busy since most food stands and restaurants lack a long line. That's good enough for me.

Bacon-wrapped, deep-fried corn dog.

The meat lover burger slathered with honey.

The greasy heart attack special.

Newt Yorton famous deep dish pizza.

Extra Chili and cheese hotdog the size of a wiener dog.

Lasagna theme dessert.

The Whirlpool Ramen Special.

The lumberjack 24 stacks pancake trees.

The best part is I can finally eat them! I no longer need to drool on my scroll when I watch videos on the dustnet. All this delicious food I have never in my own world is within my grasp.

I grabbed Martha's hands and tried dragging her to a food stand with chicken legs the size of my head.

"Akame, I would like to direct your attention from the unhealthy side of the food court and toward the healthy alternative."

While I sighed on the outside, I screamed internally.

"But you said if I can burn calories faster than I can gain. It's alright!" I pouted.

I quickly undid the pout when I realized what I just said out loud. Obviously, I was referring to Raven who said those exact words. But I have to keep the impression that Martha is my mother and she knows that too.

"As your mother," She put an emphasis on mother, "I have to undo that rule."

Martha's phone buzzed. She looks at it and sighs in defeat. My mom and I never see eye to eye, mostly of my accord, but I do respect her decision to let me eat what I want as long as it provides me ample energy and nutrients for training.

Umber knows exactly where to go and grab my hand as we walk to the nearest fast-food stand with no line. Martha lagged behind us quietly complaining about the unhealthy eating style. I studied the menu as if it was a valuable enemy intel.

Once it was our turn, Martha orders a kid's meal with a small drink for Umber and salad specials for herself.

"Akame, Please don't bankrupt me," She mused.

"Fine, I keep it to a minimum," I promise," I'll have two number 9s, a number 9 large, a number 6 with extra dip-"

"By the holy maiden," Martha mumbled.

"-A number 7, two number 45s, one with cheese, and a large soda."

What? This is a light meal and well within Martha's price range.

The man at the register simply looked at me and shrugged. The order went through without a hitch and we found an empty table. A few people gave us odd looks but I chose to ignore them. I look at the greasy delight in front of me and dig in.


Town Harbor

Normal PoV


"I don't care if the boss women tell me this town is anti-Faunus," Flaxen muttered to herself as she swam out of the harbor and sneaked past port security, "I'm not missing my chance to steal some rich merchants fat wallet."

She stealthily stole a fedora to hide her ears and proceeded to walk into a clothing store and pick out new clothes. (Read Steal)

"Let see what I can wear to make those rich boys go nuts," the Faunus purrs.


Back at Camp


"Alright everyone, set up the chairs, and get the fake priest to the altar. We have a funeral to attend," A bandit commanded, "How's progress on the tombstone?"

"Here lay Flaxen Leo Nell, Death by...I'll chisel the cause of death later. Any bets on how she dies?" the tribe stonemason directed the question to everyone near him.

"Lynching?" A Faunus with bear ears asked.

"Vale militias and huntsmen wouldn't allow that!" Another member shouted.

"But aren't those goody-two-shoes idealists either on the outskirts or fighting off the Hydra? What about Grimm?" The stonemason noted.

"We killed all the Grimm in the area," A man with a ragged scar across his face confirmed.

"STDs?" Another bandit gave her input.

"That's just mean! Flax isn't some prostitute," The stonemason rolled his eyes.

"Martha's homing sandal?"

"Now we're reaching the top three."

"Alcohol poisoning?"

"Close."

"Raven?"

"Sounds legit," the stonemason inscribed Death by Raven. Everyone hopes it's the latter because Flaxen tends to make physical punishment the most uncomfortable experience for their typically stoic leader.


Umber PoV


Weak.

I know I am weak compared to her. There is no doubt that Akame birthright will guarantee a strong aura reserve. It is the same for well-renowned families like the Arcs and the Schnee's. The older the generations of aura-user, the more likely they would have a higher baseline when their aura is activated.

That's just the way it is. I immediately knew I was an outsider to the tribe if all my family had far higher aura reserves. My aura reserve wouldn't get far even with training. I may never unlock my semblance but I don't care as long as this body, mind, and soul are capable of serving the tribe, the leader, and Akame. I can take on a bajillion huntsmen when I grow big and strong!

I watched my future leader scarf down a burger that she could barely wrap her fingers around like a ravenous wolf.

I rolled my eyes and muttered 'fatty' under my breath.

"Wazs sum?" She spoke with a greasy mouth. Who am I to refuse the future tribe leader?

She tosses over a sandwich, and I accepted it.

Even if my aura reserve is nearly nonexistent, I have been feeling a bit hungrier.

"How are you able to eat like a full-fledged huntress?" Martha looks at Akame.

"Huh?/*chew*chew*" Akame ate and I looked at her.

"Oh right!" Martha poked at her salad, "Higher tier aura users tend to require more vital nutrients to maintain their intensive fighting style as well as recover lost aura reserves more quickly."

"Oh!/*swallow*."


Once we finished eating, Nanny got a text from those huntsmans. We are going to meet the Winchester family at the local park on the west end of town. We hitched a ride in a cab since it was a 20-minute walk.

The park was small with kids near our age playing in the-the...

"Nanny? What are those?"

"The monkey bars," She answers.

Monkey bars? Weird name for an obstacle course. It is not as weird as seeing all these kids doing whatever!

What am I supposed to do here?

When I'm around Akame, All we do is train, spar, maybe talk, do chores, and enjoy each other's company. Even when we talk to one another, she mostly listens. I don't mind it. I look to Akame for guidance but even she seems to be uncomfortable.

I chew on my lips and watch those huntsmen bring their son. I'm hoping he isn't a weakling.

He looked at me and I tried my best not to...be myself I guess?

Whatever that means.

I want to go home. I am in my rights to break his leg if he tries to bully me. Because the weak should fear the strong.

"Be on your best behavior," Nanny Martha said to me in particular," Do not break a leg."

I'll break both legs!

"Yes," Akame smiled.

I groaned.

How is Akame rolling with this so easily? Uncle Aoki mentions Akame is anti-anti...Anti something with an S!

I think it was anti-soso. Uncle Aoki Mistranese accent is hard to understand.

As we walk over to the boy and his group of friends. I look over my shoulder to see Martha in between the two huntsmen.

Okay, I must remember not to say anything about us Branwen!


Akame PoV


What entity did I enrage? Am I supposed to feel happy that I could enjoy the mindless 'fun' of being a child? I did have my moment of childhood fun in the elite seven but it only within the elite seven.

Not a bunch of strangers I don't know.

I exhale and accept my fate. The boy in front of me with the wide grin doesn't look all that threatening and this park isn't out of the ordinary besides a strange lack of Faunus. If the Winchesters catch hints of Martha's involvement with the tribe, my mother's semblance would teleport us away from trouble. It isn't likely huntsmen would kill her on the spot either.

Compared to my world and this one, there exists such a thing as 'Due Process', especially in a major town. As long as Martha doesn't intend to get herself killed before they can get arrested, I didn't need to worry.

"Very well then, Tag or hide and seek?"


This isn't as bad as I thought. It's still odd relearning how to be a kid again but after a while, I learn to let go. I'm grateful that no one from my past life can see me now.

I would die of embarrassment if anyone saw me act so harmless and naive. Only, this isn't an act, When I was five in the old world, I was running through the forest of death in rags while carrying my sister on my back.

Now I'm-

"RUN CARDIN RUN!" Umber sprinted as fast as her legs could carry her.

-chasing a bunch of children through the monkey bars.

"YOU SAID SHE WAS AURALESS!"

According to mom, the differences between an aura less child and a child with aura is minuscule. I don't understand their failed attempt to loath over me. It has already been established that Grimm will target an aura user and one sweep from even a Beowulf will leave a kid vulnerable while their fear would fuel the surrounding Grimm even more. It only with both family bloodline and age does aura play a huge difference between an auraless civilian and licensed huntsmen.

A lethal difference.

Cardin slid underneath a swing set as my hand intentionally missed him.

Apparently, An auraless person has a lower physical attribute compared to even the weakest aura reserve. The half dozen or so kids who decided to join us were also doing the same. All eight of them were running away from me and even making an even poorer attempt to hide.

If they understood my intent, they would know I plan to tire them out. But kids will be kids.

It is as if I'm the predator and the kids are my prey.

The game ended when everyone but I was too tired to continue.

It was a lot of fun. I briefly forgot all my burdens and felt at ease. I should have more moments like these.

"Blurgggg," I heard someone vomit behind me.

"Argh gross!" Cardin reeled back in disgust as his white shirt was smeared with breakfast and lunch.

Poor Umber.

She pushed herself too hard trying to reach my standard again. I half expected the boy to either cry to his mommy or act like a bully.

Instead, I saw a momentary flash of disgust before he removed his soiled shirt and tossed it aside. She was still dry heaving when Cardin patted her on the back.

"It's fine Umber," he spoke as Martha and Mrs. Winchester came over to see the commotion.

What a nice kid. I hope he grows up to be a decent person. So far, Cardin is as innocent as any human being at birth. A natural-born monster is a rarity even in the damaged world I came from.

Although, I know the mother and father have their own biases. This entire town seems to have a stigma against a certain group of people.

"What's going on here?" Cardin's mom asked us.

"We were playing too hard and Umber threw up again," I answered truthfully.

Martha eyed Umber with concern and sighed.

"Umber, Are you trying to outdo Akame again?" She lectured.

"Yes!" She replied," I must be as strong as Akame one day!"

"Seems like these girls have a rivalry with each other," Cardin mom grabbed the ruined shirt by the collar and tossed it into a nearby trash can," Cardin, be a gentleman and escort Umber home. I have medicine and you need to get dressed."

"Yes Mom," he answered.

Are you okay with that, Mrs. Black?" She smiled," Our hotel is one block down. Once I have Cardin change, we can go shopping together as promised."

A hint of suspicion hits me.

Mrs. Black?

Kuro means black in Valish but why would she say that?

Martha hesitates for a moment and answers.

"Of course, but I'll come too."

I suddenly felt a strong weight on my heart, and my body tenses up. This feeling is all too familiar.

We are walking into a trap.

My eyes dart from left to right. Every single fiber of my body was begging me to fight or flight.

I looked around and noticed all the kids and civilians are slowly being replaced by militias. Then I saw Mr. Winchester come from behind Umber and his son.

"C'mon," He spoke artificially," Let's go."

Martha swung her rifle around and had her hand on the trigger but not yet pointed. Meanwhile, the militias already aimed their various small arms at her.

Umber looked on with fear and Cardin with confusion.

"You're under arrest for 34 counts of 1st-degree murder, robbery, destruction of private and public property, and countless other crime that I don't have the time to list out Martha Black," She declared as she drew her sword.

Martha? This Martha committed all that? It's above average compared to most trained assassins like myself but still, 34?

The same Martha that flat out refused to raise a gun against anything besides Grimm and wild animals for the last 5 years of my life. Who acts as a kind mother, not to myself and Umber but everyone within this bandit group.

"I won't deny my crime now that you know who I am. But before we get started," Martha sighed," Tell Cardin to scurry along."

"Cardy dreary," the mother said in a sweet voice," I want you to head home with Akame and Umber."

"I can't allow that," She hissed, "Akame and Umber are my responsibility."

"I feel sorry for what you put these little girls through, criminal scum," the Huntress fires back," And to think I actually liked you. But you have to answer to all your murders. Maybe even child abuse base on the way Akame acts."

"Acts?"

"Those aren't the eyes of a child," She answered grimly," Those eyes belong to seasoned veterans and cold-hearted killers."

"You insinuate I mistreat Akame. I love her like my own child!"

"And I can see some scars on her body ," She answered back.

Those scars belong to my training with my mom.

The training is my own desire to become as strong as soon as possible. Which excel even beyond the already brutal standards of the tribe members.

"Now you're dead. You should know how my semblance works, Alice," Martha yelled," I refuse to let you get away with that slander you racist whore."

Martha words warp with cold anger and I knew where this was heading.

"Kids leave now," Mr. Winchester commanded with a firm tone. When the two didn't respond, he screamed at the top of his lungs, "NOW!"

Umber and Cardin ran hand in hand as they disappeared behind trees and the militias.

I guess this may be the last time I saw her.

"It is," the huntress sword segmented into a whip," If you come peacefully. You might get-"

"You and I both know that's bullshit."

That's the first time I hear nanny cursed. It doesn't feel like her anymore.

"Atlas and Vale want me dead and it doesn't matter if it is now or later," She spoke coldly," So to save time blood will be spilled here."

I sense killing intent from all around us.

If the militia's shoot, I will be caught in the crossfire. If I attempt to leave, my mother would rescue me and Martha would die. I scoot closer to Martha.

"Girl!" The huntsmen yelled," Stay away from her! Come with me! We'll take you away from her."

Take me away? My mother will not let go of me that easily. Even if I wanted to escape. I have to break the bonds that link us.

I remember the fearful figure of Umber. But I can't say the same for her. She is nothing more than a child raised to be my follower. Letting Umber be taken is the best choice considering the lifestyle of killers. My mother will not risk herself to save someone she could easily replace.

"Akame," She paused," I can't promise my return home."

I felt my eyes burn up, and I didn't know why. Why am I crying? My mom can save her, right? Martha is too valuable to let go. She does most of the work taking care of me and Umber.

No, I'm being irrational. Martha is replaceable. This is the end of the road for killers right? I should know, death by the blade is all I deserve in my past life.

It was that moment the park became a battlefield and someone grabbed me by the collar. Before I felt my back hit something hard and solid, I saw my mother's eyes filled with anger and worry through her mask.

Nanna Martha follows soon after.


Raven Pov


I yanked Akame through the portal at my last known location, an attic of some random store.

Then I kicked Martha with enough force to send her rocketing into the portal. I must have come close to breaking her aura but she deserved it.

I allow you to take my daughter and her carry-on to learn how to integrate into society and this happens?

But I will admit, I'm shocked people still recognize Mistress Death after 8 years of inactivity. She barely even operates in Mistral. Atlas must really want her.

I could run this instant. Akame and Martha are safe for the time being while Umber isn't worth my time.

If she was willing to run hand in hand with some boy instead of sticking by her nanny and master, I fail to see Umber being a worthy investment.

It is the only logical conclusion.

Yet, I need to send this town a message about what happens when you put my daughter in harm's way and I'll start with them.

The huntress swung her sword-whip in my direction while the huntsmen raised his mace.

I already know who they are.

The benefit of having a mutual agreement with an information broker.

Alice Winchester is a huntress with a weak telekinesis semblance and slightly above average aura reserves. Despite her weaker semblance compared to Glinda's, She found an effective way by using it on the whip sword to the point where her secondary weapon, the gun-knife is rarely used. She's an Atlas graduate.

Beaufort Winchester is a huntsman from a long line of warriors/war criminals with a semblance called impact. He could increase the power of his strikes and can use the same semblance to leap great distances or dash with fast ground splitting bursts.

I think I recall him as one of the upperclassmen, 3rd year when I first went to Beacon, and almost won the Vytal Festival.

The sound of a sniper rifle boomed from a nearby building.

The huntress barely evaded the first round.

The huntsmen in a cocky demeanor block the bullet only to be knocked back by a fiery blast.

I'm given breathing room to counterattack. Only, I want to even the odds even more.

I tossed a vial of ice dust in the air.

The third bullet struck the ice dust as fire and ice bathed the park in a burning smokescreen.

I will admit, it hurts like hell. But the mask helps filter out the worst, unlike the huntsman couple who are inhaling the scorning air.

At least I no longer needed to worry about being fired upon.

I heard the sound of men dropping from beyond the steam and knew Martha was doing her part.

All that is left is my end. While the couple is still distracted I attack the weakest link.

The woman didn't even defend herself as I crashed a heavy strike onto her skull.

She fell backward. Her aura flickers but didn't break.

I instinctively duck under a mace and get low to the ground.

As he finished the swing, I swept at his legs and he came crashing into the ground. In the same instant, I resume targeting the weak link. I leap from my low stance with Omen ready. She barely brought her whip-sword to defend herself.

For several seconds, she successfully deflected all my strikes despite the blood gushing out of her head.

She's less weak than she appears.

I predicted the huntsmen would've picked himself up by now.

I stopped the relentless attack.

I used part of my aura to backflip. His scream of rage fills my ears as he bursts past me.

If we were to connect, I would lose both my aura and my back.

I landed perfectly on the sidewalk as I looked up to see the Huntsmen help the injured Huntress.

The smoke finally started to clear out and I can clearly see the carnage around us.

You still got it, Martha.

"Beaufort!" She panicked," Everyone died."

"That shouldn't be possible," He scanned the park," We have 24 men station here. She shouldn't even be able to take out all of them so quickly."

"You said it yourself, Her gun is meant to kill Alphas. How do you think a human body, aura less or not, will react if a single bullet hits?" I taunted," Your Militias are an insult to the real professionals. Now how could you fight her and me, who has killed big game Huntsmen better than you two ."

"They were only doing their job!"

"And I was enjoying family time. Maybe if you didn't stick your nose where it didn't belong, We could have gone our separate ways."

I weave around the couple as they attack at once. Then I avoided the whip as it attempted to hold me in place.

Only for a shield moving at lightning speed to ram full force into my face.

I flinched.

He kept attacking me and all I hear are sonic booms.

Black spots fill my vision and blood leaks out of my lips. I came to my senses enough to block a left swing. Even as the mace barrel passed the speed of sound, I reacted. My blade snapped and it hit me right in the stomach. My knees weakened and I felt his shield rapidly rising to meet my chin.

I didn't feel the ground beneath my feet for a few seconds. As I fall the tight embrace of thorns surrounds and slams me into the ground. She pulled out the gun-dagger and pointed it at my face.

"If you struggle, I'll tighten the bound."

Well, I guess they caught me.

Martha, A little help?

"By the name of the Winchester family-" Martha helped to shut him up.

He deflected the single round.

"Hun! Find the other bitch!" The huntress ordered," I got her under control."

Another round fire and she moves her head out of the way.

I'll take that back. You-

The bullet ricochets off several surfaces and into the back of the huntsmen's head. He was knocked out cold with a depleted aura.

-are a valuable asset to the tribe.

The shards dig into my last amount of aura the longer I'm held down. I know how to break out of the bound but I would have to kill this wretch.

I focus on that damnable curse.


Martha PoV


Oh look, Raven turned into a raven. I hadn't seen that in a while. And I'm still waiting on an explanation because I'm sure Raven isn't some weird breed of Faunus, I think?

I looked behind me and saw Akame set at the back of the room. Her hands trace the wood floor with a bored visage.

She didn't even seem to react to intense gunfire or the scream of people dying. She just sat in the same spot I told her to stay, waiting for this to be over. Maybe Akame is more than just a prodigy.

I refocus on the fight as Alice was taken off guard by Raven transformation. I then killed the nearby guard because I didn't want anyone to witness her transformation. Sorry, Alice. But you saw Raven transformation and that alone means you have to die. Only the trusted and the dead should know.

The fight carries on with Raven dominating Alice. A quick chop at the hand holding the gun-knife knocked it to the ground and a pommel to the chest sent her flying back.

I slow my breathing and focus.

I pull the trigger.

I focus on the bullet as it leaves the barrel.

I can feel part of my aura becoming linked to the bullet.

I become the bullet and time slows.

I adjusted myself to aim at one specific area of the opponent.

I roared past Raven by mere centimeters.

I disarmed the huntress.

I felt myself return to reality as if I just came out of a car crash. It's a powerful semblance for a sharpshooter but the whiplash is annoying to deal with and impossible to use for guns with a high rate of fire.

She disarmed in a literal sense. I removed the sword and everything below her elbow. I couldn't catch the exchange between Raven and Alice but I assume she begged for her life before she was painlessly killed.

I surveyed the damage we caused and surpassed the image of those dead bodies. For those I love, I must forsake my vow. Because the tribe has given me everything.

Almost everything since no one is insane enough to go after him even with all the lien in the world. I already accepted the futility of seeing my son again.

Assuming he is still alive.

"Are we done yet," She asked dryly.

Yes, I think we are," I scan the park to locate any more hostiles and sighed.

Umber.

How can I explain to Akame that Umber is never coming back?

"Nana, Why are you sad?" She asked curiously.

"Akame, I must tell you the bad news. Umber may never come back."

I waited for Akame to ask further or deny it. Umber and Akame relationship is one-sided but they got along. Akame kept her usual aloofness while Umber goes over the top.

"That's fine. I wish Umber the best of luck," She said without hesitation.

I raised a brow. She's too accepting of the situation.

Before I could press her for clarification, Raven arrived out of a portal.

I can't see her eyes but it bore into me.

"Martha Krystal Black, Get in the damn portal," She opened another portal after closing the first one.

"Yes ma'am," I ran into the portal without hesitation.

As I look around, I notice the campground.

Why is everyone in their best funeral attire?

Raven walked out of the portal with Akame in her arms.

If I wasn't too focused on the funeral proceeding, I would cheer for Raven finally holding her own child in her arms. The last time I saw Raven hold Akame like a real mother is back when she was still two. Nowadays, if Raven ever holds Akame is when she is learning how to grapple.

"What is going on here!?" Raven voices with malice. She quickly composed herself.

"A funeral boss!"

"Shay, Why is there a funeral?" She asked the ashy blonde.

"Flax wanted to swindle a whole town. There is a betting pool going on right now on whether she succeeds or dies trying," Shay chuckled," I betted 50 liens she got caught and escaped."

"If you didn't notice the blood on me and Akame, The whole town is now alerted," She reasoned," Her survival is her own responsibility."

Raven gently put Akame down as I sweatdropped. She's still going to save Flax regardless. Flax has been saved on multiple occasions despite the 'one save rule'. All she needs is a workaround like Flax just so 'happens' to be in the area and the stray sword swing 'accidentally' cuts the noose.

But unless Flax could pull a million lien out of thin air, I doubt punishment could be evaded. The downside is that Flax has a particular method that gives the whole camp the wrong idea.

Besides, Flax and I help run the tribe on Raven's behalf. Flax was a manager who dealt with rowdier and more disrespectful employees. She manages the day to day operations from relocation to maintenance. Even if she's drunk which is impressive since I never met an alcoholic that retained high cognitive functions. While I handle chores and cooking because, without me, we might end up eating rocks and contracting cholera.

"I'll clean Akame up," I volunteered.

"No, You have done enough," She turns towards me," Go do something else."

There is a silver lining to what happened today. Raven becomes a mother when Akame is put in direct danger.

"Shay."

"You are in charge of watching Akame."

"Yes, great leader!"

Shay!? That pervert that won't stop flirting with anything remotely feminine!

"Hey! I know that look! I don't mess with dangerous games," Shay waved his fist in the air," Especially not underage."

I don't care. I feel insulted that he's watching over Akame.

Shady Man! Of all people.

"Raven, but-"

"I trust Mann with my child more than you right now," She hissed back," Go to your tent and think about what you did. I have a funeral to attend."

"WE SHALL THE SAME TENT!" I yelled back.

"Leave!"

I stormed off and grabbed a handful of ammo for my sniper rifle. I open the wooden gate and wander into the wilderness.

Akame doesn't deserve to be with a mother like her.


Several hours later

Qrow PoV


I finally found one. I slowly shifted along the branches as I observed one of Raven's tribe members go on a Grimm hunting spree.

It took me a while and many false leads to find them.

I flew away and found a clearing for me to transform.

I open my scroll and dial Oz.

"Oz," I called," I found Raven."

Three simple words and I can bring her home. Hell, Even Glinda wanted to save Akame by any means necessary.

"Good, Where are you? We must contact nearby Authorities before they move again," He responded promptly.

"Well, that's going to be a problem. I'm in the Myrtle region and the locals, as well as the entire region, are on lockdown," I sighed knowing that there was zero chance that I can just walk in and snatch Akame.

"Qrow, Summer is en route to deal with the Hydra in a few hours. I want you to keep an eye on the tribe until the Grimm is dealt with and we can rally the local huntsmans," He ordered.

"Understood Oz," I hung up and got back to spying.

I haven't seen Akame in years. Whenever I come close, Raven is always there to stop me. Last time, I caught a hint of a small girl with black hair before that lady chased me off with those extremely accurate rounds. When I gave it another shot, Raven chased me away with a handful of criminals shooting at anything that resembled a blackbird.

Figure she has a crew of loyalists that would slit their own mother's throats if asked to. I did recognize Aoki and Shay from before we left for Beacon. They definitely know about our transformation.

What would I kill for a drink right now? But gotta stay sober for this one.

You know when you think about it, where do my flask, weapon, and human-size apparel go when I'm a crow. Screw it, Magic doesn't make sense.

That lady finally let off some steam once she ran out of bullets. I could use her to get inside the base, it was obvious some bad blood happened inside.

I decided to forgo waiting for backup and talk to the lady. She doesn't look half bad anyway. A bit of my old charm should do the trick.

I landed behind a tree and changed back. I slick my hair back and checked my breath.

I then step out and sidestep a knife.

She drew more knives from underneath her skirt and was ready for me.

Great, I got a fiesty one.


Myrtle Town

Normal PoV


"Any last words animal," Beaufort tried his best to subdue his anger.

He was the one that saved her from the angry mob but now he felt that he would be the one to tear her in half with his bare hands for being a scummy animal and being part of the tribe that killed his wife. He has the key to her cell around his neck. The Faunus is auraless and no threat to him as she leans against the far wall of the cell.

"What wrong big guy," She smiled through broken teeth and swollen lips," E-ever heard what happens when you cross a corvid. You get murdered."

"..."

"Tough crowd, No need for unkindness or crazy conspiracies. It was a bad omen trying to fight her," She laughed dryly remembering the fight," And a bad omen for your town too."

"Do you really want me to test if you have nine lives?"

"Pry those bars open and give yourself a good time big boy. Your wife is dead and now you're single," She insulted him while eyeing the key around his neck," Meow meow~"

"I have standards, you filthy beast," He roared," You are going to die."

"What if I don't?"

"I'll dedicate the rest of my life to eliminating your kind and your tribe. Just like what my ancestors have done," He promised.

"And how long has that been?" She got up and grabbed the bars. Enticing him with her smirk.

He rushed to the ceiling door and yanked both arms toward him. Flaxen face slammed against the bars, fracturing her cheekbone and knocking a few teeth's out.

She falls back. Flaxen lay on the dirty concrete floor unmoving.

"I'm done here," The Winchester stormed out the room looking for the magistrate to relieve him.

Flaxen lies motionless on the floor until she cracks a pained moan and pulls herself up.

She could hear the heated argument between the huntsmen and the magistrate. Flax knew she must make it quick.

Five minutes later, The town magistrate and the huntsmen ran into the cell room to find the prisoner gone as well as her belongings.

Barely a minute later, the whole town was alerted.

Ten minutes later, A body of a militia captain was found in an alleyway with her uniform gone as well as her scroll. On the scroll was the address to where all the hired huntsmen's are staying.

Five minutes later, the Winchester hotel room was broken into and set on fire with the son barely escaping alive. Shortly after, witnesses and first responders spotted a woman in uniform saving a little girl from the fire.

Another five minutes past and Flax carries an unconscious Umber out the now unguarded front gate of Myrtle as the original gate security, huntsmen-in-training were racing to save the town people from false reports of Grimm in the harbor.

Flax destroys the captain scroll as she heads to the nearest farm. She knew for sure that the Faunus outside the town would hide her.

'People of similar struggle must stick together after all,' She smiles.

In under 30 minutes, Flaxen escapes the town with several thousand liens, Umber, and more reason for the town of Myrtle to despise Faunus.


A chance at a pardon?

Rescue her son?

Put an end to an infamous assassin.

Give Akame a better life.

All with the backing of her sworn enemy and a shady provider?

All she had to do was betray Raven and the others.

It all seems too good to be true. Especially since the man that told her is Raven's brother.

Raven and Martha had her disagreements before but betrayal isn't something she is willing to do again.

'Yet, the opportunity is enticing. If I do this and I'm doublecross, I can at least save Akame,' Martha hopes.

Martha can't explain it but every fiber of her body wants to help the girl. She doesn't feel the same deep affection with Umber, but Akame is special to her.

'No,' She thought to herself,'I can't tell Raven about this. If things go south, I will need a backup plan.'

She walked into the campground as it was being dismantled. She shook her head at the tombstone with her best friend's name on it. The former assassin knows that no one can get rid of Flax that easily.

Martha scans the area until she lays eyes on her leader watching Akame having an eat off against Shay and Akame winning.

"I deserve an apology," an irritated Raven demanded. Martha turns around to come face to face with the bandit leader who has her arms folded.

"An apology?"

"Yes, An apology. I allow you to do whatever you think will benefit my child and she almost got taken away."

"This is the most you ever care for her. You always acted like she was a tool for you. Your daughter doesn't even put any affection into calling you mom."

"I do care about Akame!" She yelled, gaining the attention of the whole camp.

The former huntress beckoned the former assassin to follow her somewhere private.

The two arrive outside the gate where Raven told the guards to help pack up the camp while she spoke with Martha.

"If you just apologize for acting like a drama queen, I'll forgive you for endangering Akame."

"I'm sorry Rave," She answered," But my point still stands. I don't think Akame should be part of all this."

"What I want from my daughter is part of a tradition. She is strong and will one day become stronger than me," Raven retorted proudly," The strong survive and the weak dies. The day Akame proved to be worthy of leading the tribe is when I'm too weak."

"Really? That wasn't the tribe's original motive was it?"

"Old motives are long gone when we were betrayed almost 70 years ago. Except for maybe Vacuo, the other kingdoms and schools can burn in its hypocrisy," Raven recalled," If Akame isn't going to be leading us. She will be a pawn for others. The Branwen will never be pawned for others ever again."

"Rave, What are you talking about? I can get a straighter answer off a maze compared to you," Martha complains," What other people? What bigger war?"

"They are forbidden knowledge I wish I never learned. It's better if you never know and no amount of alcohol can erase it," Raven spoke cryptically," I can not afford to have Akame getting killed for this useless world."

"Ignoring your delusions."

"They are not delusions."

"We are nothing more than criminals."

"And you're acting like you have a moral high ground. When you are just as awful as us."

"Not anymore."

"Those bodies in town say otherwise."

Silenced reign between the two for a few moments.

"Rave, There is more to life than this. I gave up that life because of it and you ran right back, " Martha pleaded.

"I have a responsibility to the family that raised me and you have a responsibility to the tribe that took you in and respect your wishes. So I want you to respect mine," Raven turned her head at a particular bush.

"And I am grateful for it," She crosses her arms and breath in.

"I'm keeping secrets because your life is better off not knowing. The original goal of our tribe was too ambitious, too naive, and most of the original Branwen is dead because of it. We die for the sake of others with no benefit to us," Raven recollects the tribe history," We never dealt in human trafficking nor look down on our Faunus brethren because we work to end slavery decades ago. We kept the vast majority of the Mistral army on the continent because we are willing to do anything for the end result during the Great War but at the cost of my people. Our home region has been burned down and our name forever tarnished! Yet, When the war ended, Vale...No, He pretended to never make any dealings with us and as a result, we got nothing out of it. He made his choice to cast us aside for our enemies' cooperation. Now we aren't given much of a choice but to lash out. I fear that Akame and I are the only ones left to uphold the family and avoid a war bigger than ourselves. Kindness and charity did nothing but get more of us killed but survival and strength is the reason why this tribe still exists."

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"Because I can smell Akame from here," Raven noise twitched," Beef noodle has a distinctive smell, my daughter."

Akame stepped out of the bush.

"Sorry mom, I'll try my best not to get caught next time," Akame nodded. She walks into the gate as her mind swirls with more questions than answers.

'It still doesn't excuse her action of harming the innocent and taking me away from my sister,' Akame thought to herself,'Even if the tribe were once morally right, their actions now are pure evil. My plan remains the same. But there are people worth saving from that fate.'


Meanwhile, A bloody but bandaged Flax jumped off a wagon with Umber in tow.

The farmer counted the lien in his hands and waved them off. He grumbled under his breath knowing that the lien is barely enough for him to escape with his family.

"Thank you for sticking it to that town lady! Hey! If your people need to burn Myrtle to the ground, Give us folks a heads up," He smiles.

"Sure! Fuck those humans garbage am I right?" She tries to smile knowing that all her stolen lien is now gone. The man rode away in his horse-drawn cart filled with hay.

"I-I'm a human nanny."

"You're not garbage."

"Oh, Are you still hurt?" The girl asked," Why don't you have an aura?"

"And get eaten by Grimm? I'm not meant to be a fighter. Besides, Aura could make trained professionals sense me and my intent easier. Plus, Someone without aura would be taken less seriously."

The two continue their walk back home.

"But nanny, What the point if my aura is weak?"

"To die for the tribe," Flax said honestly," Weakness is a mindset. Dedication and hard work can get you far so long as you keep trying."

Flax's voice shook and her hand tightened.

"Umber, Our leader will have a talk with you. Try your best to keep a strong face. I'll leave out the part where you save that little runt ass," Flax sighed heavily," Next time, If you have a choice, always choose the tribe, Raven, and Akame in that order. Never go against it ever again. If you weren't still a child, She would have killed you for breaking all three."

"I-I-", the Girl stuttered," I'm sorry."

"I know you are," Flax rub Umber head," But prove it with action from this day forth."


Later that day


"YOU ARE A FAILURE!" Raven stood over a sobbing child," I saw everything, Karolina. Loyalty comes first! Family comes first! The tribe comes first!"

Umber was warned but she wasn't prepared for the malice displayed by the women she idolized. The tribe members who were packing the last of the essentials onto vehicles give Umber a sympathetic look.

"If you were so quick to run off with strangers, You should never be part of this family!"

Raven made no attempt to physically harm Umber but the verbal assault was enough to frighten the child. It was even enough to make the older adults shiver.

"You are no longer allowed near Akame until I deem it so," She yelled.

"B-but I'm sorry," Umber trails off.

"I'll give you a deal. I will never allow you to return back to the tribe if you pull something like that again," Raven retorted coldly," Get out of my sight."

She turns her back on the sobbing girl. The Faunus nanny scooped up the child despite her protest and carried her to a nearby trunk.

She set Umber in the backseat and buckled her seatbelt.

"Give it time, She'll forgive you."

Flaxen tried her best to stay conscious as she drew ragged breaths. She set in the passenger seat with a painful grunt.

"Need another dose?" Shay D. Mann, the driver, asked.

"This isn't the worst beating I had Shady," She said as Ketamine and other drugs meant to ease the pain flow through her body.

"You look like an unsexy mummy Flax," He joked.

"Oí! You comedian," Flax yawned," Say I look like crap next time when a kid is on board fucking pervert."

The tribe was given the go-ahead to move. Trunks, cars, and various motor vehicles roar to life as they speed down the road toward their new destination.

"Right, let's get out of here before they retaliate," Shay informed," Just sleep you two. You both have a long day."

He looks over to see the child and caretaker have fallen asleep as the sun has yet to fully set.

Meanwhile, Raven opens a portal to the next destination.

She focuses her semblance and opens a portal large enough for the whole tribe plus Vehicles to pass through.

"Akame, How do you feel about Umber coming back?"

The former assassin stared at the vehicles as they entered the portal and spotted the sleeping form of her follower.

"She should never return," Akame monotone.

Akame hid her true emotion knowing that agreeing with her mother is the best course. She doesn't feel anger or disappointment toward Umber. She only pities her.

"There are three types of loyalists you should trust. Loyal from the very beginning. Loyal because they have nowhere else to go, and the third is questionable but loyal because you have what they want."

"Umber is loyal from the very beginning?"

"And that is why I'm deeply disappointed in her. One of these days, She will be your responsibility to command. Whether she dies or lives is up to you and either decision she would be happy to follow," Raven explained.

Raven looks toward the tree line and tense. Flocks of birds flew into the skies and the forest became deadly quiet.

Akame can sense it herself. She knew what it pointed towards.

Intruders are fast approaching.

Raven picked up Akame in an instant and ran into the portal.

"Hurry it up! They're coming!" She ordered and the rest of the tribe raced into the portal.

It wasn't a moment too soon as dozens of Bullheads appeared over the tree lines with a handful of huntsmen coming out of the forest.

The first huntsmen to arrive was a woman in a white hood. She caught only a second of the portal before it closed, leaving behind scraps and tire marks.

"I miss her," She whispered," I miss them."

"I bet there are three different meanings," Qrow places a hand on Summer shoulder," We miss the chance to capture them and I miss my little niece."

"I miss Raven too."

"A lot of people miss their friends and loved ones. And her criminal gang made sure that a lot of people are going to miss a lot more. Raven is gone and she is never coming back," Qrow spoke truthfully," I already accepted it."

Summer didn't want to speak.

"Let's head home, Sum. The kids and Tai are waiting for us."


The tribe has made a temporary camp for the night. The larger vehicles form an eclipse around the smaller vehicles and tents in the center.

Raven spoke with the tribe member originally stationed near Argus while her daughter sneaks away.

Akame wasn't planning to run away from the tribe. It was too early to do that. Instead, she grabbed a warm blanket.

The cold northern wind bites into her skin. While the snow underneath crunched with each step. But she didn't care even as blackbirds circle above the camp, barely out of sight in the star-filled skies.

She remembers the finer details of the trunk and the license.

"Hey, Akame! Isn't it past your bedtime?" A bandit keeping watch asked.

Akame ignored him and found her target.

She found the door unlocked and quietly opened it. The inside of the trunk was nice and warm with 2 out of the 3 occupants having a blanket.

Shay used a leather jacket as a stand-in cover while he snoozes rhythmically.

Akame looks at the blanket she intends to give Umber. She briefly considered what she could do before wrapping the blanket around the man.

She then quickly made her way to the back.

"Umber, Get your head up," She said softly," It's bad for your neck if you don't have a pillow."

"W-wha-?" The girl yawned as her head was lifted up, and Akame scooted closer. Akame lay Umber's head on her lap.

"Sleep," Akame began to rest her eyes.

"I'm sorry for leaving you," Umber squirmed.

"I'm happy you left," She responded to the now teary-eyed Umber.

Akame realized she was about to make Umber weep hurry to think of anything to calm her down before she woke up the adults. The former assassin cursed the still apparent lack of people skills.

"What I meant is that I want you to choose what your heart wants."

"Serving you is what I want."

"I want a friend," Akame responded," I don't want a subordinate, I want someone capable of making their own choices. You have a mind of your own, use it."

Umber digressed the words. She wasn't sure if Akame even answered why she wanted her gone.

"Sometimes, I think you are older than me even if I'm the oldest," She wondered.

"Maybe I am," Akame smiles as Umber finally falls asleep," All the more reason to get out of here."

Akame wanted nothing more but to return home. She wanted to live a normal childhood void of killing and war. But as she creates an obedient, prodigious persona for her mother, She will patiently wait for the right time to strike.

It is the same as any assassination.

Prepare beforehand.

Remove all emotions.

Focus on the target.

Be aware of your peripheral.

Avoid unnecessary collateral.

Pick the right time.

Eliminate.


A/N: Jesus, That has been a long time since I last updated. Basically, I lost my drive to work on my fanfic and only quarantined the reason why I continue. Luckily, I do keep a file specifically for story planning and even then I changed a lot of things if I were to post this months ago. One of which is that I decide to give the Branwen tribe members personality beyond being bad guys. Especially the OC's like Martha and Flaxen. Again, Martha isn't a reincarnation. I already hinted why Martha cares so much for Akame.

Akame will have her own team and I have revealed who they are. Fun fact, I originally wanted Neo to be on Akame's side so the name could be AKNE. Then I decided against it because Neo is having plenty of screen time and importances to the canon while characters like the Malachite twins, Vernal, and the spring maiden already serve their story purpose and out of those four potential team members, one of them will die and it even possible for another to take their name. Example is Umber renaming herself Vernal to match up with the canon story, stuff like that.

AkamexJaune. I can see it happening but unlike Tatsumi who is naive and ignorant of the evils in the Capital, He is still strong as proven by his fight against the Earth Dragon. Jaune is an untrained Tatsumi with the possible advantage Jaune has is his leadership skill.