Chapter 15: From Darkness

A/N: Sorry for the long wait, I don't have access to my laptop. I'm still very disappointed about that. I can't properly edit and post right now. At least until I get my new laptop next month.

I'm going to keep A/N brief. I notice I needed to end the arc now since I'm nearing 100k words and get what my point across ASAP. I wanted to redo the whole chapter but I realize I been setting up this reveal since the arc started.

I thought about keeping the mystery on Akame purpose but feel like it would drag out for too long. I needed to get to the real meat of the story which is Akame interaction with the world and the clash of ideals. Where different ideals has merit and flaws as well as other subtext.

My plan is to write a story first and foremost.At this point, The plot of RWBY is now within Alternate Universe territory with some events still destined to happen but some aren't.


The world remains frozen in time as the being of darkness stares down at me.

"I don't think I need an introduction," He pointed out. The God foreboding dark aura encompasses his entire body.

That's right, I already know who he is.

"The God of Darkness," I uttered," This feeling. What am I?"

A wave of memories hit me.

They were unorganized scenes, snapshots from someone's eyes.

"Outsider, You're not allowed to interfere in this world's problems," A Golden serpent stared down at me. I look at my hands to see it disintegrated.

Another scene ended with a golden sword in my chest.

It switches again to a castle in flames.

The scenery changed again and I witnessed a duel between the two divine beings.

I watch as two dragons, one gold and one violet, fight one another, threatening to tear time and space apart. The clouds would part with each clash. Every beam of magic would leave trails of vaporized ozone. The sky switched from morning to night at a moment's notice. Natural disaster ripped through the landscape and I stood on top of a grassy hill witnessing all this chaos.

They charge toward each other one last time and the resulting shockwave reduces the landscape into a barren wasteland.

Why am I seeing all this?

"Remember your purpose," He said to me," It's what we agreed on."

What we agreed on? I-

My purpose is—

Follow the plan—

—Bring an end to—

" Enough of this brother," I heard a different voice," I'm here to erase her, one last time."

Erase me? Again?

It felt like I was burning away as heat penetrated my skin and into my bones. I look up to see a golden light. In the context of a God erasing my existence, I should be scared. I'm just annoyed. As if this has happened far too many times for me to feel anything but irritated by a divine tug of war.

"No brother," the God of Darkness roared and I felt chills replacing the heat," You always set the balance in your favor. Let me have a will of my own."

"She's an outsider."

"AND YOU GONE BEHIND MY BACK NOT ONCE BUT TWICE," the world around me returns to normal," You brought back humanity and resurrected Ozma with the means to call us back. All without my input."

"Humanity deserves another chance to prove themselves," He reasoned," They are still our creation. Aren't you the one that always praises the resourcefulness and triumph of humanity? Why are you bringing an outsider to this world?"

"What about your 'interference'? And what of Salem? Her curse is what we both agreed upon and leaving her alone in a failed world is punishment enough," The God of Darkness countered," I know you lied about that false Grimm upsetting the balance of the world. I know through her Grimmified form, Salem has been spending her immortality hidden from the humanity you created, long before your champion even arrives."

The God of Light refused to speak and kept his eyes? No, He doesn't have a face or any features but his focus was on me.

"Outsider," He addressed me," Do you want to return to your old world?"

"W-What?" I uttered in shock.

"Your old world," He clarified," The one my brother took you away from."

"Don't you dare take my champion from me!" A dark aura burst out of the God of Darkness body," Do not listen to my brother, human. You're needed in this world."

"I will free you from the shackles of my brother's contract," He offered," I'll fulfill the offer without any gimmicks."

"Contract?" I blurted out," Wha-"

I remember now.

I was on a boat heading to Wakoku, the Eastern lands. He descended from the skies during a star-filled night. I was going to attack him but found myself in a black void.

The Dark Lord asked me to work for him. I was skeptical at first believing that he is an illusion or even a fraud. Those kinds of people are often in the Empire and I didn't rule out the possibility of an Imperial Arm.

Logically, I declined his offer and drew my sword against this 'God'.

It wasn't until he brought me back to reality did he display his divine power. He teleported me around my old world as I watched mountain ranges turn into sand and reform the next minute. I watch an entire lake freeze and boil away before a rainstorm quickly refills the lost body of water. A desert burned so hot that the sand turned to glass. He kept showing off his divine power until I told him to stop. The God of Darkness returned me to the boat as I took a moment to take in everything that just happened.

I realize this thing is the real deal. In those moments, I knew I'm powerless against a divine being.

Of course, I wasn't going to prostrate myself to anyone, God or not.

So I did the next best thing and turned the sword on myself. He somehow pulled my sword out of my hands without even touching me. He crushed it into scrap metal with his bare hand and in response, I threatened to bite my tongue off instead. He seemed annoyed by my resistance but before I could commit the act he gave me an answer about what he wanted from me.

"Human," He announced," I want you to become my champion and end the eternal war of another world. In exchange for your loyalty, I'll heal your sister's mind, repair your body, turn that dragon back into a human, and offer you one wish."

He snapped his finger and my body felt lighter. I look down at my arms in shock. Right before my eyes, I saw Murasame curse fade away and the lingering pain disappeared.

"Are you going to keep your word?" I recovered from my shock," You're asking me to save another world? Why me?"

"Because you caught my attention when you killed that woman. The one who wields enough power to freeze time and create a blizzard covering half a continent. If I didn't see it with my own eyes as well as awareness of how this world works, I would've assumed a local...lowly goddess has unleashed her wrath," He explained," From there all I needed to do was request permission to view your life and claim you."

Permission? Why would an all-powerful God need permission to kidnap me from my own world? Other deities perhaps? It seems like that is the case considering how he fixes the mess he left behind. As well as conducting his power in place void of human life. Actually, When I think about it, I didn't see birds in the skies, animals fleeing in fear, or insects crawling on the ground.

"I need a strong individual both mentally and physically for the task ahead," he continued," And you have the will to continue no matter what hardship or loss comes your way. As well as the means to adapt and sacrifice. That is what I admire about humans even if you're not the same human I created. Which is also another reason why I choose you."

"What if I say no?" I asked the deity.

"You will not remember this conversation and would never be offered a second chance," He answered," What do you choose, human?"

Yes...I said yes.

It was a decision made in the heat of the moment. In my mind, I'm simply moving from one war to the next. Looking back now, It was a foolish decision. How could I end an eternal war? I never got an answer or remembered it from these fragments of memories.

The memories fade and now it was a white void with a golden man standing before me.

"And you must be the God of Light," I uttered," Here to finish me off?"

"I want you to listen," He stood with his arms crossed," I have no vendetta against you, everything I do is to ensure this world solves its own problems. This is why I come with my own offer. Either go back to your old world and I'll fulfill your wishes, give you a happy ending with your friends and family or l destroy you. Only this time, there wouldn't be a single fragment of you left for my brother to savage."

I sighed and wondered why I put myself through this. I should've said no to the Dark God offers. To say this is a step up from dealing with the big players on Remnant to Gods is an understatement. I have shot past the scattered moon after learning about my very existence in this world.

Honestly, I'm completely done with all this crap.

I recall the argument the two brothers had.

"God of Light," I stared up at him," Humanity has been wiped out before? Why?"

"This isn't something you need to know."

"I need to know what is going on," I explained. I think I have enough puzzle pieces to solve the mystery. But gathering more evidence makes the job easier.

"You don't need to involve yourself in the conflict of Remnant," He deferred," Leave this world."

"And abandon this one," I said sadly," And everyone in it. Just let fate decide whether peace is achieved, the cycle continues, or this world is annihilated."

Go home and leave all this insanity behind.

Why should I trust these fallible gods?

They seem to argue and bicker like any humans given too much power. But the offer is tempting. I want my eternal war to end. I keep killing for the greater good or what I think is the greater good and the sake of others. I never think about myself.

Going home isn't such a bad idea either.

Why do I need to push on to the next war?

"When you lost your memory of the contract, it was your heart that spoke what it wanted," The God of Light persuaded," Listen to your heart, outsider. This world will be remembered as a dream and you shall live out a peaceful life back home."

"I-I," I couldn't even speak. I felt my chest tightened and my whole body was shaking. I want to believe this is true upon seeing what the brothers are capable of. Even if they go back on their word, I can't do a damn thing about it.

A dream that exists beyond bloodshed and war.

If I leave, I would escape the consequences of my actions. I will leave behind a father and sister I never met. I would leave the people I befriended behind. Of course, it's probably best if I leave now. The longer I stay the more it will hurt them when I'm gone. It would have been better if I never formed a connection to this world.

People tend to go missing on the battlefield after all.

"When I'm gone," I kept myself composed even as I could feel my inner turmoil," Would my imprint on this world be gone, too? All the people I killed, Would it be undone like I never existed?"

I thought about the people I killed directly and indirectly. The chain reaction that led up to all this chaos was all because I let my emotion slip once. Now, peace is falling apart. Maybe my reincarnation is a mistake.

"No, Time is a part of the balance," He explained," Once it's been set, Changing it could create a ripple effect. Even a miracle would require another sacrifice. That's why you shouldn't exist in the first place. People who could've lived have died and people who should've died have lived. The longer you stay the more disruption you cause to the world."

"Finally found you," Another voice entered the void," Good, You haven't erased her, yet."

"Perfect brother," the God of Light turned toward a mass of shadows taking form," I have given your 'champion' the gift of choice. I'll fulfill your offer on my own accord and that will be the end of it. Follow your heart, outsider. You don't deserve this destiny."

"You're a hypocrite who thinks your way is always the right way," Half of the white void turned black as the Dark Lord raged," And I'm not backing down...but I don't want to fight you. Think, human. If you accomplish your mission to end this war, You'll get your wish and stop this foolish endeavor. More importantly, I'll prove my brother wrong and be spared from dealing with failed experiments. You only get one life to do it. Spend it wisely."

"Only one life? Do you have that much confidence she will pull it off?" The God of Light quipped.

"More so than Ozma," He fired back," How close is he to world peace? How closer is Salem to reaching her end? Where is my involvement in all of this?"

Only one 'life'?

"What if I die?"

"Then you die without achieving the peace you desire and Remnant will continue on its path," They both answered in sync," What is your choice?"

I'm given choices that are bigger than anything I ever faced.

What should I do?

Leave Remnant and live happily ever after?

Stay on Remnant and fight tooth and nail for a happy ending on both worlds?

Fail miserably and gain nothing from it all?

"Is my annihilation still your priority, God of Light," I questioned the golden man.

"He wouldn't dare," the God of Darkness appeared behind me," I shall rip this planet to shed if he keeps acting like this. By the time he stops me, Remnants will be no more."

"Brother, I'll recreate Remnant in its entirety on another world and we'll be back at where we started without your pawn," The God of Light reasoned," Humanity must prove they can live peacefully together. Otherwise, we will destroy the planet, together, if humanity doesn't improve."

The way these Gods speak of humanity disgusts me. People's lives aren't experiments and shouldn't be treated so lightly. We are just pets to them. These Gods are the same as the nobles of my old world with their twisted motives. They haven't even referred to me by name as if I'm just some chess piece in their game.

I hate these Gods.

"You coddle these humans too much," He sneered.

The blinding aura the God of Light emitted felt like the weight of the world.

I look behind me to see the dragon form of the God of Darkness. His dark, destructive presence was filled with rage and envy.

"No," The God of Light calmly said," I won't go back on my contract. I'll give you some time to consider my offer, Outsider."

The God of Light dissipated into thin air and we were left alone.

"I haven't made your choice, yet," I sighed as I watched my curse mark fade," What is my real purpose?"

"The key to my victory over my brother. Besides, You and I both know why it must be you," He analyzes," I even set your birthrights to be directly involved in the conflict of this world."

"I hate you," I growled," For everything."

"Blame me? Pathetic," He snapped," Whatever you did to this world before my arrival is entirely your doing. I already have enough humans cursing my name from life's misdeeds."

"It isn't about what I've done but what you and your brother are putting the people of Remnant through," I snapped. He continued to stare at me until he finally spoke again.

"I never wanted Humanity to return to this world," He explained," What my brother is expecting is an equilibrium for flawed creatures. Humanity will never reach a state of peace by design. Same as your world, don't you think?"

"Peace has been achieved for the Empire," I countered.

"What about elsewhere? You were heading to another war if I recall," He pointed out," Now what about this Empire? Wasn't it once a land of peace and prosperity in its early inception? How long will it take until this new Empire falls into deprivation? And how bloodied are your hands in the name of peace?"

I didn't give him answers to his questions because as much as it hurt me to admit it, He has a point. I see good in people as well as the darkest sins that make me question if these monsters are people. Even now, I'm not sure if I'm causing more trouble in this world than good.

"Let's put this in perspective," He snapped his fingers and in a blink, the vibrant sea of green and morning light assaulted my vision.

I no longer stood in the middle of the battlefield surrounded by death and destruction or the God of Light domain where my soul was screaming for me to run. Even the air smells different.

This place seems familiar.

I watch as the world slowly resumes. The birds are singing and the calming breeze caresses the tree branches. It was a vibrant landscape under a pristine blue sky.

I look further down a sandy, dirt road to see a two-story log home.

"There's no place like home," He stated.

I still refuse to say a word. But if he could hear my heartbeat it would give away what I'm thinking.

I closed my eyes and reopened them. I briefly saw images of different locations and people. It's gotten worse now. As if I'm peering through multiple memories all at once.

"God of Darkness," I always wanted to ask this question. I need to know the truth," Did you bring anyone from my world here?"

"No, Only your memories of them," he answered," I had teleported you directly into this world before but my brother wasn't too happy about it."

Only memories? What could he mean by that? What about that woman I saw during my captivity with Salem? Is he lying? Is she my sister who's also trapped in this world?

I felt a headache pounding against my skull.

"Kurome," I uttered out loud.

"That's simply another failed attempt to bring you to this world. It's a shell of a person who used the name of the person she cared for most, her little sister. The only way for me to smuggle you into this world was to break your essence into fragments and sprinkle it across Remnant," he sighed," It took time for those fragments to reform and with a little nudge, I was able to gather enough of you to reform you into someone who would be recognized as a natural denizen of this world. It was working perfectly until Salem's involvement. That false Grimm did something to your body and, by extension, your soul."

It's sickening to think that women's blood is coursing through my veins. About as sickening to know I was used as a pawn by this God.

"Isn't this a little convoluted?"

"My brother didn't allow any outside interference and wanted everything on Remnant to stay on Remnant. It's likely the same reason why Dust doesn't work outside of this planet," He revealed.

"I see," I uttered, fully believing this complex story," I think you should stop explaining the story."

My headaches are getting worse the longer this story goes on.

"Wise choice," He announced," If I get into further details, I might give you an existential crisis."

"More so?" I deadpanned.

"My brother will not give up that easily," He claimed," Enjoy the peace and comfort because, in due time, You shall make a decision."

"Outsider," I recalled," That's what your brother keeps calling me. Why does it have to be me? Why not someone in this world? Why not someone from other worlds? I can't be the only one that fits your goal."

"Because it is simply another layer of insult to my brother," He spoke mischievously," That 'our' humans are incapable of saving themselves so an 'outsider' must come in and end this eternal war. From a mortal perspective, It isn't easy finding a single ant on a planet, who is both capable and at the very least, listen to me. Now let's get you cleaned up."

My clothes, the spider-Lily yukata, and black leggings stitched themselves together. All specks of blood, dirt, and sweat disappear from the outfit. Even the scars from my intense training over the years fade away leaving behind clear skin.

"You forgot this," He levitated something toward me; My sheath for the unnamed sword.

"Thank you," I couldn't help but be suspicious of what he was doing," I still can't believe you are going this far."

I'm not going to dilute myself into thinking I'm some kind of 'chosen one'. I'm just a chess piece in his little game. There is a possibility he would search the cosmos for a replacement if I fail or return to my old world.

"I invested a lot into you and expect results," He slowly disappeared," Do not disappoint me."

"For a God of Darkness," I stared at the disappearing deity," You're not as evil as I expected. Unless this kindness is an act."

"Darkness doesn't always equal evil and Light doesn't mean it is good. Light and Darkness are two sides of the same coin," He uttered," It's all part of the balance. Something my brother forgets about."

The God of Darkness is now gone and the only thing left is to follow the golden path home.

This is it.

I'm going to walk toward my home after everything that happens.

Minutes ago, I was on a battlefield filled with the horrors of a battlefield but now…

Everything seems so peaceful.

It is so normal that it is unnatural to me.

The scenery is just picturesque.

This doesn't feel right.

This contrast between the battlefield and here is almost too abstract to me.

I can't make sense of it.

I feel like I don't deserve this after what I've done. I was scheming on ways to return home but I never expected it to be this simple. How am I going to explain to my dad how I got here? Tell him a God sent me?

My mom dropped me off? That isn't possible, I killed my mom. What if she's here? What if she told him who her killer is? I just screwed up my chance to live a normal life. Maybe I need to scout around the premise first to make sure that isn't the case.

If my father knows I killed her, maybe I should take up the God of Light offer.

No, That isn't an option. If I start now I'll-

"Hey! What are you doing here?" A little girl called out and I gripped my sword tightly. I curse myself for being distracted. I spun around to see two girls in elementary school uniforms.

One has silver eyes and a red hoodie.

The other has lilac eyes and long, golden hair.

The blonde girl eyed me suspiciously but before she could open her mouth to speak. The little girl with silver eyes pounced and spoke up first.

"That sword!" She bounced up and down happily," It looks so cool!"

I realized I had my sword pointed at them and thought how rude it was. I place it back in the sheath which strangely excites the hyperactive girl even more.

"She even does it so smoothly," The girl cheered.

"You have red eyes," The blonde hair girl's eyes changed color.

"You do too," I took a moment to catch myself.

Yang Xiao Long, the sister I wanted to be reunited with for the last 10 years, and this girl must be Ruby, the one Uncle Qrow mentioned.

Uncle Qrow! He's still where I knocked him out. There were still plenty of Grimm in the area when the God of Darkness teleported me away. He should be okay, right? If something happened to him in his vulnerable state while I was gone-no-I must have fate that he got rescued once I disappeared.

I know what I must do right now. The words should roll off my tongue with ease. I will not break down or cry in joy. I already shed enough blood and tears in the last few hours. The weight of my sword means nothing to how heavy my heart feels. After fighting through hell, I deserve this. I want to believe that's the case.

"Yang," I said perfectly," I'm your sister, Akame."

"What is her name?" Yang closed her eyes and waited for my response. I looked over to Ruby who looked at us with confusion," Your mom's name."

I took note of how she said 'your' mom instead of 'our'.

"Raven," I attempted to say the rest of her name but couldn't bring myself to do it.

"Raven, who?" Yang still kept her eyes closed expecting me to disappear.

"Big sis?" Ruby meekly said," Is everything okay"

Big sis? That would imply Ruby is my little sister.

"Raven Branwen is my mother," I managed to reply as the aching in my heart became painful. It feels like I'm the one that got stabbed in the heart.

As fast as the wind but slow enough for me to see the intent, I let Yang hug me.

"I-I can't believe it," She tightened her hold on me as I awkwardly moved one arm across her back," You really do exist."

"Huh?" I sounded out even if I saw it coming," What?"

She broke off her grip and looked me in the eyes. Yang's eyes color switch back to lilac.

"Akame?" Yang choked out," It's good to finally know I have a twin sister."

Hold on?

"Yang," I said softly," You don't know me?"

Damn it, Did I word it right? This is embarrassing. Maybe it would be a better idea to fight an army of Grimm, again.

"Akame," She smiled brightly and leaned over to whisper in my ear," We'll talk a little more but with Dad. I'm glad you're home."

She's right.

I look over to see Ruby pout at us.

Cute.

"Ruby," Yang turned toward the little girl," Akame is my twin sister. She's our long-lost sister."

She looked confused at first before easing into a smile. The smile on Ruby's face was blinding as a warm sensation spread across my chest. I have a little sister.

Does she like sweets?

"Ruby," I stared at her cheerful expression," Do-"

She has silver eyes.

Two words pounded in my skull like the rapid beating of drums. I immediately force those strange thoughts down.

Silver eyes.

"Do you like sweets?" I ask my little sister with a smile.

"Yes," She nodded," Do you have some?"

She likes sweets just like Kurome.

"Sorry," I sighed," I'll remember to bring some next time. But let's go home together."

I reach out and grab both Yang's and Ruby's hands. We locked fingers together and for once I felt safe.

"Your hands are cold," Yang mentioned and I nearly pulled away from the realization. Instead, Ruby squeezed my hand in affirmation.

"Then let's warm it up!" She reasoned as she held on tightly.

"Yes," I paused," That will do."

Thus, The three of us took our first step forward.

~~~~~

I stood at the front door as a feeling of nostalgia hit me. A memory long forgotten resurface. It was when my parents didn't leave each other and I was still a fragile baby.

Ruby and I chatted for a bit on the way over. Ruby was asking all the questions with most of it being about my sword and if I like cookies. Yang stayed quiet as she held my hand more tightly than Ruby. As if she expected me to disappear into thin air.

Ruby reaches out and opens the door.

"Dad! We're home!" the two sisters yelled out in two different tones," And we bought someone."

Ruby's voice was cheery and existed; Unaware of the drama that would unfold. Yang has a hint of frustration and anger; Fully ready to give our dad an earful. They both let go of my hand to set their backpack at the doorway.

"Welcome home, girls," I heard him call out as my sisters beckon me to fully enter the house.

That voice…

It isn't the fake actor hired by Ironwood nor a memory reconstructed and corrupted by Salem. That's my dad's voice. It's really him.

I wanted to copy what my sisters said but I found myself grasping for words.

"Girls, We need to talk," He turned around uttering those words. Across from him is a little girl eating cup noodles. I locked eyes with the girl with light blue eyes.

Umber! She's alive! A feeling of relief and happiness welled up inside me. I feared she died alongside the townspeople but here she is in my father's care.

"Akame!" Umber jumped up and made an attempt to hug me. She collapses back onto the couch wincing in pain. She placed a hand over her stomach where the soldier shot her.

That's without a doubt, My missing friend. The closest person I would consider my sister growing up in that tribe.

"Akame?" He spoke tentatively. It took him a second to register my name. We locked eyes and he couldn't believe it was me. I don't blame him. I'm still coming to terms with whether or not this reunion is real.

"Dad," I uttered with a raspy voice, barely able to contain my emotions," I'm home."

My limbs feel weak, my mouth is dry, and my heart pounded in my chest.

I forced a smile but my eyes started to water.

Damn it, I'm not crying in front of my dad, not in front of my sisters and best friend. I could hear footsteps. I felt a warm embrace as a pair of arms wrapped around me and pulled me close. My dad is holding me.

I gave up on resisting.

I cried into his chest after everything I went through. I cried because of what I've done. What I must do in the future.

But for now, I'm home.


"They're sound asleep," Yang came back downstairs.

I asked Umber to sleep in Ruby's room while I stayed with Yang. The sleeping arrangement was a sudden one for the household so we have to share beds. For now, We need to talk to our father about why he's hiding me from the rest of the family.

My eyes already scan all the picture frames around the house after the afternoon tour and even assorted photos next to hand drawn pictures and grocery store coupons pinned with cutesy magnets on the fridge. None of them has a picture of my mother or me. The scrapbook on my lap immortalizes photos of a past I didn't grow up with. On the living room table are a few more scrapbooks with the same result.

Even the photos that should exist when I was still home are nowhere to be found. It was clearly intended to hide my existence.

Yang sat next to me and continued chatting about what I missed.

I didn't get to celebrate special Holidays.

I didn't attend a public school with Yang.

I wasn't around for family gatherings.

Even small things like eating at a dinner table would've been nice.

Summer Rose is Ruby and Yang's mom. I vaguely remember the woman with silver eyes from my early years and she did love me too. What could have been if I grew up here.

Yang was wearing a yellow pj while I could fit Ruby's pink nightgown. My dad brewed another cup of black coffee as its aroma reached us from across the room.

"So Dad," Yang called or with a hint of anger,"Is it time?"

"I owe an apology for what I did,"He bowed his head and sighed,"Akame, I don't expect you to forgive me if I tell my side of the story. Same with you, Yang."

"Oh! Of course dad," Yang barely contained her own disappointment," I get my 'mom' is a ruthless, bloodthirsty bandit and I should stay away from her but what about Akame? She's your daughter and my sister. Don't you love her?"

The tension was palpable as silence reigned between us. Yang glared daggers at our dad while he walked over to the couch with coffee in hand.

I didn't want any more drama in the household. I was about to speak up until my dad spoke again.

"I still love Akame as much as I love you and Ruby. I know what I did is unforgivable but it's because...," He trailed off," I'm scared. That one day, You will find out..."

He turned pale upon looking at us.

"Spill it out old man," Yang said disrespectfully.

"I'm afraid of the past repeating itself," He explained,"I figure it would hurt less for all of us if you kept your distance from Akame and the day you meet your sister again, if you meet her, You wouldn't feel as attached to a-."

He choked on his words but continued on.

"She would be raised to be a killer," He finally admitted,"That lifestyle forced on Akame will never result in anything good. The person she wi-could become isn't someone you should search for. I came to accept it when your mother took her away to be her successor. At least with your mother, I know she would never be a pawn."

"Hurt less?" Yang nearly yelled but kept her voice down to not bother Ruby or Umber," Where is the proof that Akame would become like her? And what does chess have to do with this?"

Yang stood up and stared down at her father.

I could feel the intense sadness and regret from the way he slouched his shoulders. He slowly lifted his head to look at the both of us.

The dullness in his eyes is familiar. It reminds me of Kurome after the war was over. My dad went through a lot. He's right. I'm an assassin whose only goal in life is to kill and move on to the next target, the next mission, and the next war.

More than anything, that life my mother bought me into is a cover for the killer I once was and still am.

"Yang," I reached out to her hand,"I don't want any more drama. I'm just glad I'm home and I'm not leaving. We need to put this behind us."

"And forgive him!?" Yang clenched her other fist while the hand I was holding heats up," Don't you understand he pretended like you didn't exist?"

Yang's hair glowed a vibrant yellow and her eyes turned red.

"And he has every right to," I admitted to the shock of my sister and father.

"Akame," He mumbled.

"I want a family and to live peacefully," I begged," I know what I am and he's right. But I want a new beginning. Let it go Yang for my sake and even Ruby."

"But-"

"Please," I was now holding her hand tightly.

I could see her flaming hair start to fade back to gold while her eyes changed back to lilac.

"Fine," she huffed and sat back down,"I'll do it for you."

"Thank you," I nodded.

"I promise to make up for the 11 years you were gone," He slowly smiled and looked at the clock as it struck midnight," Starting now."

"Huh?" I voiced in confusion.

"It's my birthday," Yang realized before I did,"which means it's also yours!"

"My birthday," I echoed.

I watched as joy returned to my father's eyes.

"I didn't get you a present but I'll make it up to you," He said.

"Home is my present," I answered with sincerity.

I just don't know how long this peace and happiness will last.


I wish I was having a dream instead of a nightmare. I expected the God of Light to reappear but didn't expect it to be my dream.

"I shall offer you one last deal. A compromise that shall work for both of us. I'll allow you to remain on Remnant but you must never get involved with the greater happening of the world."

"It's a little too late don't you think?" I argued.

"There is a way out," he indicated,"Akame Branwen has died fighting Grimm and the body has not been recovered. Tragic for someone who shines so brightly but in the end, She burned out just as quickly."

I gritted my teeth waiting for him to end my existence right on the spot.

"Meanwhile, Akane Xiao Long woke up to a loving home with three sisters and a caring father," He continues,"From childhood to old age, Akane lived a simple yet peaceful life. Doesn't that sound like what you always wanted? The past can't be changed but for the future and the rest of your lifetime, I can give you what your heart desires."

"And upon my death," I took several breaths to calm myself," What will happen to me? And what will happen to Remnant?"

"I'll send you back to your old world and you can spend another peaceful and happy life while this world will choose its own path," He revealed,"This is my last offer, Akame of Night Raid. Do you want to start anew as Akane Xiao Long?"

Damn it. He's offering a personal paradise and even refers to me by name to sweeten the deal. It could never be an easy decision but I need to make one. Even if I don't know what the end result will be.

"God of Light…"


I snapped awake and set up after the ordeal. I looked out the window to see a forest softly swaying in the wind. I noticed an indent belonging to Yang. She woke up first.

I looked around the room and saw my unnamed sword in the corner. I didn't name my sword yet but after what I went through, I finally figured it out. I never needed to name the swords that I wield since it either already came with a name or too mundane to be given one.

The sword is Shūsen, End of War.

"Good noon!" I saw my father walk in with a tray of breakfast. It was bacon, eggs, peas, and mashed potatoes with a tall glass of orange juice," Glad you are finally awake, Akame."

Yes, That's who I am.

He set the tray down on the counter.

"Sorry for not waking you up," He apologize," I thought you needed the rest."

"Thank you, dad," I responded and he looked directly into my face.

"Akame," My dad spoke with sadness and worry," Are you okay?"

I felt something wet slide down my cheek. I bought a hand up to wipe it away and put on a smile for my dad.

"Yes," I smiled to obscure my true emotion," I'm glad all this is still real."

I intend to enjoy it until one day, one certain day, I will leave and never return.


A/N: That last line isn't in the same context as Raven leaving. It has a different meaning.

I'll admit. The story does take elements from the Gacha games I play. If you look closer, I do draw some inspiration from Arknights, FGO, Houkai, and now Genshin. Granted, the sibling fighting each other part was inevitably anyway.

While trying to keep a sense of realism with fantasy mixed in. And still keeping it RWBY mixed with Akame ga Kill.

Like the town of Myrtle back in the interlude chapter was named after a cute little DP printer I happened to set as a assistant at the time.

And due to FF . Net App. I originally had the Gods dialogue in bold whenever they speak. I'm not going back to redo it.

Despite it being the end of the Arc. I was going to make it longer with other PoVs. I decided to reveal everything from Akame perspective the vast majority of the time.