Chapter 37: Her family
A/N: It does seem like I'm leaning toward Sun x Akame more. Even if they don't get together, She would still care a lot for him. For example, If Akame sees Blake slapping Sun (vol 4), Akame would knock a few teeth out within seconds of the slap.
In actuality, Akame inherited the Taiyang Xiao Long charm genes.
Normal PoV
Outside of Akame residence
Sun made his way toward the gate of Akame's home. He peeks inside to see Akame being hugged by an adult and two kids near their age. There is also a dog circling the family. She seems relaxed. He couldn't hear what they were saying from across the yard nor were they paying attention to his presence.
The faunus scratched his head at the scene. He tries to figure out who these people are until it finally hits him.
They're Akame's family.
Sun felt happy for his dat-uh-friend. He got help tricking Akame to go on a date with him. Unless she makes it official, Girlfriend is too strong of a word to describe her.
The boys and Vernal pulled off the scheme. Umber would object to any romantic advance toward Akame. Thus, It was Fox's mission to mislead Umber for as long as he could. Vernal gives tips on how to impress Akame. Copper was giving him advice on how to conduct himself. Finally, Brawnz convinces Night Raid to prevent outside interference from ruining the date.
They planned together for a week while she was doing survival training in the desert. None of them expected it to work because of the type of person Akame is. Fortunately, the stars align and the cautious Branwen is caught off guard.
Besides some awkward hiccups, It went well.
Yet, He couldn't muster up the courage to be direct with his feelings. It was clearly a date and they enjoyed it. He's into Akame but is Akame into him?
Sun couldn't tell and didn't want to make her uncomfortable. He can still remember those radiant red eyes hiding hope and hardship. Akame's visage seemed cold and uncaring until she smiled. It makes his heart skip a beat, a lethal weapon on its own.
'I wonder if her lips are soft,' Sun immediately shut down that train of thought.
It is different seeing it in person compared to wanted posters and TV. She's a completely different girl from the Shinigami of Mistral, the Grimm child, or the infamous prodigy. He didn't care if he'll never get the full picture of what Akame goes through. As long as Akame can move on, he'll be happy, too.
It's decided.
Sun felt heat on his chest and decided to meet the rest of her family. He is going to crash and burn once the conversation gets going. Sun didn't care, he's going in!
He took one step forward before several hands grabbed him. The red, aura-constructed arms held his ankles, wrists, forearms, and shoulders. He looked back to see a woman with a serious expression on her face. Sun was about to fight back until he saw who was behind her.
"Copper? Brawnz?" He questions as he lifts off his feet and carries away to a waiting car," Let me go, guys!"
Brawnz held a scroll toward him.
"Abort the mission, lover boy," A familiar voice came through the scroll," Militia leaked the date and now Umber is on the way here."
"Vernal?" Sun relaxed," Long time."
'Ah, Militia. She's either an overprotective best friend or competition,' The blonde sighed.
He was tossed into the backseat with Brawnz joining him soon after.
"Oh dang, I wanted to meet her folks," Sun slouched.
"Sorry bro," Brawnz patted his back," But you suck at talking under pressure."
Copper shifted the car into drive once Cali entered the passenger side.
"Next time," Cali added," The family visit is a huge surprise for all of us. My name is Cali Devi. A Branwen-aligned-huntress hired on a whim by Brawnz."
Sun tilted his head at the woman. He suspects Akame has side-businesses like secretly running the tribe. The faunus would object to it if it didn't improve the kingdom's living situation. There has been a large drop of Grimm attacks outside of the city within recent months. By some miracle, The west coast of Vacuo has become more green.
It isn't all sunshine and rainbows despite how it sounds. There was a lot of fighting and disappearance in the countryside. Some are confirmed but most are rumored.
He knows of one. The Ghar tribe wasn't the nicest of people in northwest Vacuo. They feud with a lot of people in the area, a bunch of bullies. Sun's tribal buddies, Starr Sanzuang, were spying on them. Starr wanted to make sure they weren't moving against their tribe. She scouted ahead to watch them and kept herself far enough to comfortably sleep.
Starr woke up to find a lush oasis where they once were. She took the initiative and explored the oasis. Starr is a brave warrior who faced many battles against Grimm and humans, nothing should have phased her. Hence, No one was concerned for her well-being.
She came back to the tribe trembling like a lost child with skin a sickly pale. It took several days for Starr to recover enough to tell the story.
The story still gives him chills. He wanted to call bullshit if he didn't stumble on it himself. The oasis is real and he wasn't messing with it.
Sun doubted Akame had anything to do with it. Even if her accomplishment seemed supernatural. However, She did sound angry when Sun told her about the story.
It shouldn't surprise him. Sun knows Akame is from Patch when she mentions being born on an island. Patch has zero Grimm activity which is unprecedented in Remnant history even if every single Huntsmen in the world came to the island to exterminate Grimm. The Grimm will reappear within months. That isn't the case for Akame's home island.
The car sped away from the house. They didn't have a destination in mind but getting as far as possible.
"I hired Cali to make sure the date goes off without any issues. Technically she's my superior," Brawnz paused. She is appointed the leader of Night Raid based on seniority and skill.
"Service to Akame is the least I can do. Now, Make sure you treat her right or I'm cutting off a banana," She spoke with an intense glare, playing with one of her knives.
The boys gulped in fear.
"You did okay," Copper pointed out," But meeting the family is a whole different battlefield. The dad wants to interrogate you."
"And Umber will kick your ass and come for the rest of us," Brawnz sighed," Good news is, Drunkle is cool with you."
"Oh," Sun moped in silence. He wondered if he had a chance in the first place. That's three people that want him dead if he screws up.
"If it makes you feel any better. It is unlikely Akame would let anyone else near her," Vernal spoke through the scroll.
"Oh, I forgot to close the call," Brawnz lifted his scroll.
"If I know my bestie, She rarely lets strangers into her life unless she trusts them and even then it takes a while for her to open up. I doubt anyone in that city can get with her. I'm kinda jealous. Have you seen her mom? Quite a sneak peek of Akame's future. The entire family is attractive like what the hell? Dad pulled two wives. Qrow casually sleeping with barmaids. Ugh! Give me those genes! I'm still growing and I am lovely if I do say so myself. But Akame! Why can't I find hot guys as easily-"
"Focus, Vernal," Brawnz interrupted.
"I'm making a sale here," Vernal complained.
"It was until you started talking about yourself," Brawnz countered.
"Sorry, I got carried away. I can count the love interest on one hand and two of them would never work," She paused," Brawnz, She isn't into you and never will be. Drop it."
Everyone in the car wasn't surprised by Vernal bluntness. She is very straightforward.
"I know…," He whined.
"Copper, Fox isn't interested. Leave both of them alone."
"Love makes you blind and my nephew got a head start, ha!" Copper laughs.
"Who else?" Sun asked but Vernal immediately hung up.
West Vacuo Coast
Harbor
"Little Miss. Jealous?" The Spring Maiden winked at a flustered Militia. The green-eyed girl stood over her friend.
"Same to you."
She laid on top of cargo containers and was far from earshot of the workers below. They know they're up there but no one is worried or complaining about the two teens. Vernal is their new leader after all.
"I'm direct with what I'm thinking," Vernal chuckled," What about you?"
"You want me to admit it to the world?"
"Only to Akame-chan. Unless you want your mother to fast-track disowning you," Vernal set up and crossed her legs.
"Is it because I like-"
"She wouldn't want you to be with Akame. Milly could twist the truth into making it seem like you got Stockholm Syndrome," Vernal quickly corrected," I can see why. As a girl, I'll admit my bestie is growing into perfection; Kind, strong, very pretty, and dependable. If I was a guy, I would have asked her out."
Vernal doesn't know if Militia's mother would approve of such a relationship. Regardless, It isn't a concern the Spring Maiden wants Militia to dwell on.
The Spring Maiden looked out at the ocean.
"If I was a guy, I would've been at the bottom of the ocean," she shuddered," You need to come forward with your feelings. The worst she could say is no."
"Could I?" She bit her lip.
"You become a hostage to see her again. That's the real motive," Vernal pointed out," I'll help anyone who wants to be there for Akame, not just Sun."
Militia wanted the tribe and her mother to settle it peacefully. She didn't want to see friends and family kill each other. It's still true. The Prime Minister's daughter wanted to be with the girl she respected and fell in love with.
Vernal didn't piece the clue together by herself. Umber was the one to figure it out by observing how Militia acted around Akame. It is hard to tell since Militia hides her feelings better than Sun. Only Umber picked up on it.
She talks to Vernal over the scroll about what she knows and then Jinn confirms it.
Sorta.
The genie thought it was cute and rooting for her. Vernal figured with Jinn all all-knowing knowledge, Militia got a chance!
"But you shot down Brawnz."
"Brawnz would have been an awful match. He is attracted to her power only and fraternizing with underlings is a bad idea," the blonde explained.
Vernal doesn't know if Akame has a preference. She seems to be uncaring about romance. They knew each other for years but felt as if there was more to her.
"How are you going to pull it off? I can't, like, leave your protection, remember? Akame wants you to stay here."
"I am the leader of the Branwen tribe and future Queen of Vacuo," She raised her voice in a boastful manner," I just need it to go public. As a leader and your friend, I'll find a way to make it work."
"Really?"
"I promise," Vernal raised a hand in affirmation," You'll see Akame again in under a week."
"Thank you," Militia clashed into Vernal in a tight embrace, knocking her back on her back.
"Aargh!" She panicked," Too much contact! Unbefitting of a Queen!"
Akame PoV
I felt safe and comfortable in their embrace. They don't mind hugging despite my body temperature. My icey, cold skin is a portable air conditioner according to my friends.
I heard a car race away from my house. I didn't bother to look because I already knew what happened.
"He got away," I could hear my dad whispering.
My sisters and dad hugged me for a little longer until they finally backed away. Ruby and Yang are still holding my hands in theirs.
"It's been so long," Ruby squeezed my hands," You look different."
It's been barely over a year. I change my look a lot but my current one only has slight waves. I haven't dyed my hair any vibrant colors in a month. They faded away into highlights.
Maybe I should get a dye that stains my hair.
"Yep, You're dolled up for some reason. A date perhaps?"
"What date?" I asked. Technically, yes. I was on a date with Sun but that was because I got tricked into it. Which is an achievement on its own. I wiggled my hands out and crossed it across my chest," I can't make friends?"
"So…Did someone else make friends for you?" Yang smirked," It can't be Umber? Qrow?"
Right, They don't know about the twins and Vernal. Now that I think about it, my life in Vacuo feels the most normal besides the hellish training five times a day. I had my life in control, Especially the last few months.
It didn't feel like a civilian was going to report me to the police while I shopped for fresh fruits. Nor am I going to be ambushed by hostile forces except for May Zedong. But I sanctioned that one. May attempts to kill me feel nostalgic and keep me from being complacent. She never succeeded even in my sleep.
A flash of light caught my attention. She needs to work on that.
Oh, She is aiming for my head but wouldn't shoot. She can't risk collateral damage otherwise I'll lose my patience with her.
"Sorry for doubting your story but you never seem like the type to approach people," Dad expressed," I understand with your previous upbringing."
"Dad, I have friends even in Mistral. I never talked about them," I told them.
An awkward silence permeated between us.
"And you never told us who they are?" Yang leaned in," You and Umber!"
"What?" I blinked," How did you all think I lived?"
"Under a rock?" Yang joked," That's how y'all be acting at home."
The more I thought about my words the more I realized I messed up, badly.
I never told them about the Malachite twins because of their mother. They could get themselves mixed up in criminal business. I accepted the possibility of the twins becoming my enemies and needed to be taken down or out. I didn't want to complicate it further with family getting involved.
While I was honoring Vernal's wish to escape and be forgotten. The tribe would have fallen apart without leadership. Which would leave me without an army to fall back on and no leverage against my enemies.
It didn't pan out that way for better or worse.
"Where is Umber?" Ruby asked.
"Desert survival training…She got lost but don't worry, Qrow has people watching over her from afar," I revealed," Let's get inside before the heat fry us."
The family gathered in the living room. Ruby, Yang, and I sat on the couch and Dad took the chair.
My uncle got new furniture. There is a distinct lack of duct tape and superglue on them. Qrow needs a long vacation after this. He's overworking himself for not just me but the entire family. All the more reason why I shouldn't fail the exam.
Speaking of my Uncle, He finally arrived with Umber. She must've gone to the compound and cleaned up. The constant and very public visit to the tribal embassy must be an insult to Theodore. I told him I'm not involved yet I use the place like a second home. The compound is a lot less busy now the war is over.
Qrow went to the kitchen and started cooking. I asked if he needed help but told me he got it covered. Umber came over and sat on the armrest next to me.
They talked about what life has been like on Patch. It improved overall. The lack of Grimm allows for more real estate and more investment into the once-quiet island.
Besides increased crime, certain job sectors going out of business(Huntsman-related), rampant illegal immigration, and my enemies' espionage, My home island has been viewed as a paradise. The local government handled the situation very well. I have no reason to interfere with the decision-making of Patch.
I look over to my dad. He's working two jobs to cover expenses. My sisters might be lacking in hands-on training due to not having Grimm. I'm sure I made the right decision. They should stay in Patch and live a peaceful life.
It is either that or showing them the cruelty of the world. But if they still insist on becoming huntresses, I show them hell.
Patch is safe and I'll protect them if any non-Grimm forces come after my family. Besides, I'm still trying to get the names of those that spied on my family. It is their job but it is also my job to protect my home.
And then it was our turn to talk about our time in Vacuo.
Umber was disappointed in me for falling for a date and telling them about our Mistral friends. She has a point. I've been caught off guard more often over little things.
"I wish I could meet them and see their weapons," Ruby said. Speaking of little things, Ruby grew an inch. I would be happy if it wasn't for the fact she is getting closer to my height and I'm two years older.
Yang is taller than me and we are twins! Where's my growth spurt?
Vernal weapons didn't change much besides getting a new spearhead. It's a naginata mixed with a rifle. The rifle is calibrated to both snipe and burst. Vernal is a decent sniper but compared to Ruby and May, She isn't even half as skilled.
Maybe I can set up a training day with Rube.
Militia got three metal claws, with the middle claw being straight instead of curved, on each arm with knife launchers. The knife launchers are to compliment her semblance. She can still throw it with her hands since the length of the claws is shortened to allow it. It also has a form where the left and right claws turn and connect with the middle claw forming a double-edged blade. It allows for less air resistance when spinning to throw a knife.
The downside is her fighting style would rely more on punching than slashing from now on. Maybe there is a hand-to-hand fighter that can train her better than I can.
Luckily, I'm looking at her. Yang is the junior boxing champion of the island.
Unfortunately, That won't happen until after my exam is over.
I describe their weapon to her as well as the recent upgrades to them. I know she would love it. She is such an adorable weapon nerd. I just want to pinch her cheeks.
"Your Mistral friends are loyal without a doubt. A prime minister's daughter throwing away luxury and risking her life to stop a war is admirable. Much more admirable than that Vernal," Yang scoffed and I could understand why.
Vernal isn't a pacifist. She brutally killed hundreds of Atlesian during the war, four years ago. Of course, it was Flaxen controlling her body but that doesn't mean anything. Even if it becomes publicly known, Vernal is capable of killing and has done so without my consent.
We are no different from one another.
I told her to stop yet I have ended a few tribal lives for the sake of preserving my plan. She hid the bodies. Vernal goes after outside threats and makes it look like natural causes. She pretended it wasn't her doing. Afterward, We act like nothing happened. Umber and my Uncle would be livid at our behavior if they found out. Which is why we cover each other's traits.
Our friendship has become quite morbid when I think about it.
"She's a bad influence," My dad worried," Vernal isn't a good person to be friends with."
Vernal doesn't have much media coverage but word of mouth reveals the truth if listened closely. All the deaths and murders have been blamed on me when someone hears a young girl is killing older and more experienced soldiers and Huntsman. That has happened for three years while I was on Patch. It's why my bounty went up over rumors that aren't true.
It sits at 15 million liens, which is pretty high for a teenager. Meanwhile, My mom, a self-proclaimed bandit queen, was around 50 million before her death. The highest amount in recorded history even adjusted for inflation. I wonder if the traitor was after the high bounty. There should be a paper trail leading to them.
My dad applied critical thinking which is something not everyone has. The media thought Vernal was one of my code names. Vernal is a code name since her real name is Ver Veritas but Vernal feels easier to remember.
I told him Vernal is part of the tribe.
1+1=2
Ver is an active combatant of the tribe.
"I can't abandon her. I will try to have her walk the right path with me," I defended," It would be like losing hope of bettering myself. Dad, She needs as much guidance as I do."
"She has a point, Tai," My Uncle added," Umber was a fanatic before you talked some sense into her."
I don't know what my dad talked to her about that day but it might have prevented a worse outcome of our relationship. I was planning to manipulate Umber to save her. I'm glad he intervened. Umber is over-competitive and always wants to prove herself to me.
If I do 500 push-ups, She'll do 1000. If I run a marathon, She'll run across the continent. If my uncle told me to survive in the desert for one week, Umber doubled it.
I don't want to imagine the sort of trouble she'll get into with fanaticism.
"Because I was sick and tired of seeing death," Umber huffed," Sorry you have to hear that Ruby, Yang. It's not a life worth pursuing."
Ruby smiled and Yang nodded.
"She killed hundreds, Akame," My Dad tapped his finger," I can forgive a few like you because you're my little girl."
A few.
Aaron Schwarz was publicly executed in a fit of rage. I caused a chain reaction that got out of hand by the paranoid and opportunists.
That Atlesian soldier deserved it for shooting Umber. Ironwood agrees otherwise he makes a big deal out of it.
My mother died being betrayed by the daughter she loved. The knowledge is between me and Salem. She's going to blackmail me with it.
And the one my Uncle knows about, The lowlife giving the Branwen Tribe a bad name. My uncle didn't talk to me for an entire week but I earned the respect of the Kenyte tribe.
I moved on from all of it. Yet, It didn't end there.
I kill selectively. If there aren't any assets nearby or the target is too strong, it becomes my responsibility to eliminate them. I don't feel joy or rage, only the desire to finish my mission. Maybe, I haven't changed at all?
A dozen lives are buried in the depths of the desert with Vernal help. I haven't killed anyone since she left but I didn't need to. The tribe and our allies have fallen in line after enough growth and pruning.
"She has been in a warzone for three years while I lived in paradise. Did you expect sanity to come out of war? Umber and I have known her since we were six. She wasn't born like this," I didn't want to admit Flaxen possessed Vernal.
My uncle is on my side while Yang and Dad have their own opinions.
How would they understand? Dad is a Huntsman but he only takes missions on the island and Yang is a civilian. They don't understand what it means to survive or what it's like to be in a war. It's a nightmare brought to reality. Human nature at its best and worst. Either there isn't a choice or the choice is made for you in war. No one comes out the same after it's over.
I may have wiped my memory of the old world but war is ingrained into my soul.
It isn't like fighting Grimm. You need to convince a soldier the enemy isn't human for them to perform their duty. Vernal is scarred by war and my dad is telling me to abandon her. I would never do that.
Ruby and Umber aren't getting involved for different reasons. Umber doesn't seem to care and Ruby is conflicted.
Until she spoke up.
"Enough fighting, Dad, We should get to know Akame's friends. Dad always said to never ever judge a book by its cover," Ruby pouted," I trust my big sister. Can I meet her? I want to compare sniper rifles!"
Okay, I can't resist.
"Gahh!" I reached over and pinched her cheek," I'm not a marshmallow!"
My Dad relaxed in his chair.
"Sorry, the Conversation went south. Now, Tell me about the friends you made here," he stared into my eyes," Especially that date of yours."
Friends…friends…We are friends…
"His name is Sun and we are just friends," I revealed," We were supposed to hang out with Copper and Brawnz-"
"Those sound like boys' names. You've been talking to boys now?"
I'm being interrogated. Umber! Help me! I nudged Umber and she flicked my ear. She wasn't going to help.
Why is my dad so overprotective? I'm fourteen and capable of making my own decisions. It is a miracle I even made friends. He makes it sound like holding hands will get me pregnant.
"I have girlfriends too. Drew and-," I paused. I don't know Gwen Darcy enough to consider her a friend and I tolerate May Zedong. While Cali Devi is my employee. It is strictly a professional relationship.
"Gwen?" Umber pointed out.
"She isn't a friend until I get a complete reading," I countered.
Yang bonked me on the head.
"What was that for?" I brace myself for another hit.
"Make more friends!" She raised her voice.
"More fake friends?" I narrowed my eyes, "I would rather have friends that have my back at my lowest point than those that would use me."
"You got a point," She gave up and wrapped her arm around my shoulders," At least you're not as anti-social. You cold-blooded lizard."
"Thank you?" I didn't know how to respond. Yang called me a reptilian in a loving tone. Am I supposed to get offended?
"Akame is handling the heat pretty well compared to all of us," Umber smiled. She looked at Qrow and back at me," Is there some reptilian Faunus trait in you two?"
"Nope, Just bird-brained!" Dad shouted before either of us got a chance to respond.
"HEY!" Qrow and I shouted.
This is a family. No, This is my family. I wish my mother was here to see this. I don't understand why she left them. My tribe is a tool for me to use for my mission. While my family is the closest to paradise after all I've suffered.
What fool would leave all this behind?
I thought about it for a few seconds and came to the truth. The finality of my mission. The Gods offered me a way out but I didn't accept it. I need to see it through for the future.
I guess I'm that fool.
"Big sis," Ruby leaped off the couch," I got a gift for you!"
She reached underneath the couch and pulled out a small briefcase. Ruby walked to the opposite side of the coffee table and set it down.
I observed the box, Simple, black, and polymer/plastic.
She fidgets with the locks and opens it up. But the content is still a mystery to me. Umber perked up to get a better look and in response, Ruby lowered it slightly and wagged her finger.
"It's a gift I worked on for months!"
Umber and I looked at each other and silently agreed on what it was.
'It's a gun.'
The size of the case means it's either a handgun or a compact SMG. Alternatively, it could be a larger caliber rifle folded in on itself. But I find that unlikely.
"Umber, be quiet," She stared at her and smiled at me," Akame, close your eyes, hold out your hands, and no peeking!"
I did as she asked. Umber promised to stay quiet while Ruby lifted a metallic-sounding object. She placed it on my hands and I held it tightly.
"Don't open your eyes yet. First impression from the feel," She said," It's unloaded so don't worry about shooting someone.
The cold metallic slide is on my palms and fingers. The grip is polymer from how I scratched it with my nail. This is a handgun with the overall profile but with one unique feature. It's front heavy in material. It doesn't feel detachable. My hands move over the barrel and the empty mag well.
If I have to guess the type of ammo. It must be a 9mm or ACP, the number of rounds per magazine: unknown.
Then I wrapped one hand around the grip and aimed it up toward the ceiling. I kept my finger off the trigger even if unloaded. The gun is well-balanced despite how front-heavy it is. There is a counterweight at the back.
Rube knowledge isn't just a hobby. She knows how to make guns and it feels professionally made. I still have to fire and stress test it but blind impressions already give me confidence.
I trace the groove and lines. I traced the back of the handgun, where the hammer is, and came across a small opening. It's too small to be a mag well and too big to be a design flaw.
What could it be used for?
Weapons tend to have a second form. If Ruby made a weapon specifically tailored to me then it must be usable alongside my sword.
"Do you want to open your eyes now?" Ruby asked.
"Yes," I nodded. My eyes fluttered open to see the weapon in my hand.
It's large yet feels light in my hand. I'm not a good benchmark for getting an accurate reading on weight so I toss it toward Umber. She grabs it but slides off the couch and slams face-first into the floor.
Confirmation: The gun is heavy.
"Ruby! I told you it's too much weight," Yang yelled and laughed. She jumped off the couch and came over to my side to help Umber up.
"Yang! It's only 10 pounds, unloaded," She explained. Yang handed the gun to me. I twirl it around my finger like it was featherweight. The overall look is less like a classical pistol and more like a blocky hand cannon with a longer barrel. Lines are running vertically along its length with only a single horizontal line down the middle.
Ruby started explaining the ins and outs of my handgun. She was very thorough about it to the point she lost the material used in making it. She mentioned that it's unpainted so I can add my colors later on.
I checklist the important information in my head.
-Caliber: 9 mm
-Integrated Suppressor.
-Magazine: 17 rounds.
-Stainless steel slide with high heat resistance polymers.
-Durable enough to hit people with.
-Hairpin trigger.
-Semi, Burst, and Auto settings.
-Sights can be interchangeable.
And more importantly.
Ruby showed me buttons below the ejection port of the gun. She told me to push it when I have enough space to do so.
I held it up with the muzzle pointed at the floor. She told me to push the buttons at the same time. I did as told and watched in surprise as the grip of the handgun turned upward while the barrel extended out in segments like an accordion and curved slightly.
So that's what the lines are for.
It took me a moment to take in its shape. The handgun turned into a scabbard for my sword. There is a separate slot for my sword and the magazine.
"Ruby, This is amazing," I smiled widely.
"Thank you! Sis! It isn't fireable in scabbard mode but you can draw your sword quickly with a pull of the trigger," She proudly expressed," There is also a last-minute mode I put in. I don't think you would use it but a backup melee weapon is nice to have. The downside is that it would remove scabbard mode and you can't sheath your sword until you switch back."
"Another mode?" I examined the scabbard. The hammer has disappeared into a compartment leaving a hole for me to slide my sword into. Which means the gun barrel becomes my sheath.
I understand why Ruby said it isn't fireable.
"Twist the grip and hold the button at your pinky," She motioned. I did as told and the scabbard straightened out and the segments twisted in opposite directions of each other. The grip also extends enough for me to hold with two hands.
I pointed it upward and got up to do a few test swings.
A bat? Club?
"It's called a Kanabō in Mistranese," My sister added," I got you a gun, scabbard, and club all in one."
I need to learn how to shoot a gun and swing a club. I twisted the club handle again and held down the buttons. The Kanabō becomes a scabbard again and pressing the buttons below the ejection port changes it back into a gun.
Ruby put a lot of love into this weapon.
I examine the gun further.
"Got a name for it," Yang wondered," You can still repaint it."
Name? I'll think about it later.
Umber handed over Shūsen and I sheathed it in my new scabbard.
"Thank you, Ruby, I love it," I reached over and hugged both my sisters followed by aggressively wrapping my arm around Umber's neck before she left.
"Hey! Why am I involved in the hug pile?!" Umber tries wiggling out.
"Ya!" Yang complained.
"Accept it," I squeeze them tightly. I need to call some of my forces on the West Coast back early and crush anyone who comes to harm my family.
Normal PoV
Mistral Capital
Prime Minister Milly Malachite is pissed.
She should scream and curse the headmaster in front of her. The soundproof walls of her office would prevent anyone from hearing it. She still has an image to uphold. Ozpin resists the urge to smile after getting under her skin.
'She is planning something. It seems my intuition is right,' Ozpin thought to himself,' It must be agonizing for her knowing her usual trick of targeting the opponent's family and intimidation wouldn't work here. I doubt I could keep Qrow on a leash if anything happens to them. She had no leverage against me either.'
Malachite knows all the power and money in the world won't work on Ozpin. She could kill him but that would make her enemy of the inner circle. Plus, Ozpin can reincarnate and come back to ruin her day.
If she is being honest with herself. Ironwood isn't at her fingertip either. Yes, Milly has control over the affluent and politicians of Atlas but not the military, Academy, and development involved with them. All it takes is Ironwood to declare martial law and the strongest army in the world would cut her off. A high-risk but high-reward decision.
"W-what do you mean they're in Vacuo?" She calmly smiled even as her eyes twitched," Professor Ozpin?"
"Vacuo is rather nice this time of year," He innocently smiled from across the table," Why are you concerned with a family vacation?"
"You send them to die."
"Vacation equals death? Now, I expect James to say it but not you," Oz chuckled," Did I interfere in something I should know about? The Xiao-Long family are VIPs with the promise of Academy protection throughout their stay in Vacuo."
"Of course, They're innocent civilians after all," She nodded with barely concealed resentment.
Sure, She defeated the Branwen tribe on her territory but she wishes she kept them around. The voters and Atlas wanted them out and an unfulfilled promise could threaten her reelection. Malachite isn't close to the absolute power she desires, yet. Thus, She enlisted Atlas "mercenaries" to help clear out the south as soon as possible.
It could have worked if Akame had an ego like her ancestors. The 'strength will triumph' mindset ended the lives of many of her people. She could have destroyed the tribe, and the information of their imminent demise was kept under wraps. She even got the Winter and Fall Maiden involved if Vernal showed up.
But the plan didn't work as intended.
Akame has seen through the trickery and prevented a crippling defeat.
Afterward, She tore through the prime minister's connection in Vacuo with extreme speed and precision. As if, Akame has experience in counter-espionage and assassination. Malachite initially thought she was a mere warrior in her past life but that isn't the case. There is too much finesse and dishonor in her tactics. Lessons in banditry don't teach you how to weed out spies.
Akame lost the war in Mistral but won in Vacuo.
Worst of all, Akame is doing all of this in the shadows and making a fool of the Academy which is trying to catch her in the act. There isn't any dirt she can find nor an excuse to justify intervention in the shit hole of a kingdom.
She lost almost a hundred agents and dozens of hideouts in Vacuo. That damn Spring Maiden, Crowns, and the Atlas defectors are being a pain in the ass. But, She has an ace up her sleeve.
If she can execute it without hurting the Xiao-Long's in the crossfire.
The venture isn't entirely a failure. She knows how not to fight Akame. The girl is a surgeon in how she operates. A contrast to Ironwood who hammers through obstacles.
"Whose side are you on?"
"Humanity," He leaned forward tapping his cane.
Akame, Ironwood, and Malachite are keeping their territory under control. Ozpin suspects they are hiding the darker aspect of their rule under wraps. Malachite is keeping an eye on her people and fortifying her territory. Ironwood is building an unstoppable army by any means.
Meanwhile, Akame is the hardest to uncover her involvement. She and everyone outside of Shade Academy is covering her tracks. If she murdered someone, the entire kingdom would take the blame for her.
The certainty is increased patrols and disappearances in the countryside after the Branwen tribes and its sympathizers settled down.
"It didn't feel like it after the mess you left Mistral in."
"A heavy-handed mistake to deal with the rotten underbelly. Your people are quite adaptable when faced with overwhelming odds," He complimented.
"If you haven't done it. I wouldn't have to fear for my life, my livelihood, my DAUGHTERS! I wouldn't have climbed to the top to stop this madness," She didn't bother hiding her anger anymore," I would still be an information broker on the lowest end of threats to your world order."
The immortal wizard has made countless mistakes. It's the struggle between doing nothing or doing too much for the sake of leading humanity on the right path. So when judgment day comes, Humanity can carry on and he can pass on.
"Your story isn't going to garner any sympathy from me, Ms. Malachite. You chose this path and brought your daughters along for it. You're directly and indirectly responsible for a lot of deaths and hardship throughout your career both before and after your ascension to politics," Ozpin snapped back," You can stop this and become a proper leader of Mistral. This thrill, excitement for crime, is only going to hurt the longer you keep this up."
The Prime Minister shook her head.
"Power is what is going to keep me alive in this world where two immortals are fighting for impossibility. Humanity will never fall nor could it be good."
"It is possible and starts with a change of heart from both top-down and bottom-up."
Malachite found the idea ridiculous. Ozpin is trying to convince her to be a better person. She is telling him it's not possible. People are naturally selfish. Ms. Malachite believes she is following the turbulent flow of life and must adapt to it. Sinking to the bottom or lagging is inexcusable.
She has climbed to the very top and won't surrender it.
"I do enjoy our philosophy talk and view of the future but you lived longer than me. I feel sorry for whatever happens to you, the infinite man," She mocked," Just a man, and not even a good one. Why did you choose death knowing what will happen to your followers? Did you expect those warriors to have mercy? A bit foolish don't you think? Either you're wise or more naive than anticipated. What will happen to us when your back is against the wall? Will you turn on us like you did with Kurome Branwen?"
Ozpin has seen this pattern before. He believed eliminating the blood-thirsty tribe would secure peace in the coming years. It only festered generational hatred that seemed to gather into one child. Now, he faces the aftermath.
He could try to eliminate the tribe once again, Let them run rampant, or a third option. He can't bring back the long peace of the Great War. Instead, Ozpin must create a sense of balance among the major players.
"I will react the same as any general on the battlefield. I will examine my failure and optimize my next move. All those fairy tales have a lesson behind them. And it's not to focus power on one man," he countered," Or in your situation, One woman."
"That's it!" Malachite laughed," You took the wrong lesson from your lives. Say what you want about the Emperor of Mistral but he controls the entire continent. Sometimes, A centralized power is needed to rule vast lands."
"Your idea of power is self-satisfaction."
"Your ideals are putting too much faith into humanity. The same humanity that turns on each other with the words of their leaders."
"The people will see the truth behind the mask of yours."
"Now! Now! Don't you preach that a leader should be a perfect paragon in your academy? Hmm? Aren't I doing the same? Ozpin, There will always be fanatics that will reject reality and view me, us, as infallible."
"It isn't going to last with enough missteps. You're going to break once it becomes too much for you to handle. I've seen kings go mad for less," He argued.
"Tell that to your students first. Those children aren't winning any war. People in power like us are the deciding factor. We just send them out to fight and die for our ideals. Except for my little girls. They will stand above their peers," Milly's eyes twinkled with pride.
There is that nagging feeling in the back of Ms. Malachite's head if all of this is worth it. Yes, She is one of the richest and most powerful women but it took far more work compared to running an information network out of a rundown bar. Milly isn't poor by any means even before the purge on crime. She could have walked away years ago.
Now she sits at the very heaven and an abyss awaits her if she falls. It is frightening yet thrilling.
"You gotta remember this is yours and her fault. Push me into the corner and I'll either break through the roof or bring the floor down with us on it," She articulated," Thank you, For offering me a world where I flourish."
"The world isn't yours," Ozpin stood up," What were you planning against Akame? You seem upset about her family being near her."
"Nothing, I just care for their safety in the presence of a wanted criminal," She lied," They tend to be surrounded by bad people."
She would have ransomed or killed Akame's family by now. The prime minister didn't care they were innocent and separated from her feud with Akame.
Leverage is leverage.
The Xiao-Long is an unfortunate exception. Qrow has collapsed entire organizations overnight and Akame fought a swarm of Grimm. Trying to kill one Branwen is a herculean task.
The wizard understood how dangerous the entire family could be. Several reincarnations have been killed or close to dying by their hands. It's to be expected of a clan that lived on the Grimm continent thousands of years ago. The names change often but the immortal wizard never forgets them.
"You're going to send assassins after her?"
"No, That would be a waste of resources sending liars and killers into Vacuo and against Akame. It would be like throwing perfectly good food at a brick wall," She clasped her hands together," I'm not a wasteful person."
Akame destroyed most of her assets. Ms. Malachite's final move isn't going to defeat the tribe. She only needs to win once to prove a point.
She wasn't going to send assassins after Akame.
A/N: Akame handgun/sheath is based on a Maxim-9. Which I found by accident since I wanted her gun to be used single-handedly and relate to her assassin's past. Thus, A handgun with a suppressor came to mind. After more digging, I got the Maxim but a much bigger version that can double as a club, Kanabō.
There are still a few more upgrades available for her weapon.
Story details:
In my old draft, Umber was supposed to be the devil on Akame's shoulder while Vernal is the angel. l decided to switch it up the more the story progressed. Umber was meant to become an antagonist in a similar role to Melanie, a die-hard loyalist, while Vernal was filling in the story role of Militia, someone who is scared of war and wants peace.
The main reason for the change is logic. Taiyang and Qrow, especially, would catch on to Akame manipulation. The mental gymnastics to pull it off would make those two look like Luffy and Goku.
Vernal on the other hand is close to having a mental breakdown and coming to grips with what she has done. Ver watched hundreds of people being tortured before her very eyes and the worst part is, She could have stopped it but didn't.
I also decided the sequel is going to be around the RWBY trailer timeline. It's a great way to tie in team AKME and RWBY connection to each other.
Team AKME are more on the grey and bounty-hunting side of things so there are going to be bounty numbers thrown around like it's One Piece.
Fun Fact: The highest bounty ever issued is 50 million USD by Russia for information on the bombers of metrojet 9268. Lien is likely comparable to USD because Roosterteeth is in the United States. Raven is scaled at 50 million liens. It is easy to see why. Raven caused lasting death and suffering on a continent.
Once again, I try to stay close to canon. I suspect Yang is the strongest member of Team RWBY. They chose Yang to be the finalist of the Vytal Tournament for a reason. Qrow is mentioned/implied to be a world-class Huntsman. Raven and Vernal (canon) are carrying a bunch of weaklings on their backs. The entire family must be strong and Vernal comes off as an honorary(Branwen) daughter in canon.
The next chapter should come out a little quicker. It is a side story explaining what it's like being on the receiving end of Vernal semblance and maiden powers.
