Chapter 13: Curse of the Past

A/N: I'm changing this to M rating soon.

Ozpin had made many mistakes throughout time.

Betraying an ally was one of them.

When he had the fortune of reincarnating as the next heir to the Throne of Vale, He thought peace would be a simple matter of diplomacy and appeasement. Now he realized how foolish he was.

This wasn't the first time he wielded absolute power. He and Salem were worshipped by early men as divinity. But He didn't want to be seen as a God, unlike his former wife.

He desires to be nothing like Salem that he fails to realize his own failure as a King. A proper ruler of a great kingdom. History books spoke of a great Warrior-King that led Vale to victory but they never mention how close he was to abdicating before the war.

The Great War had taken a huge toll on the world and Ozpin needed to ensure peace no matter the cost.

The Branwen clan are great warriors that lead an insurrection that kept half of the Mistral Imperial army on the continent. Ozpin doubted Vale could survive being outnumbered by Mistral and outgunned by Mantle in the early years. He owes them for everything they have done.

Sadly, He was faced with a dilemma at the end of the war.

Choose between an ally that will not stop until they get what they want or a surrendering enemy that wishes for peace.

He thought he could talk them out of their ambitions but he was wrong again.

Now those mistakes have come back to haunt him again and again.

Ozpin is merely a man that makes mistakes like any other.

Akame PoV

After all the near-death experiences, I'm still alive.

Did Salem finally give up on me?

"Akame wake up!" I could hear a faint female voice," We're heading—."

A loud symphony of roar and growl

blocked out what she was trying to say.

"Come any closer and this girl gets it!" He threatened.

I could hear a small grunt from another person. Wait? A man and woman's voice? Why do they sound familiar?

He's holding someone hostage?

Heading where?

Did I hear that right?

"Raven!"

"Too hard for you to focus?" The young women taunted.

"How the fuck aren't you feeling it?" The man spoke with a tired and pained voice.

"Because I'm given her gift," She revealed," A gift that allows the Grimm to recognize me as their ally."

I tried to take a breath but ended up with a violent coughing fit.

"Akame!" I felt her embrace me tightly.

"Shit!" The man cursed," Raven, W-Why is it black?"

"No," She whispered softly," Not you too."

Damn it! What the hell is going on. I need to open my eyes. Why can't I wake up?!

Qrow and Raven.

They're still alive. I was expecting them to be executed already. Let see, I'm no longer in that nightmare and those two are with me. It seems I've been rescued.

"You saw it?" She chuckled," This girl has been given a gift as well."

I couldn't see it but I feel the disdain etched onto her face.

"I got a sword press against your neck," Qrow threatened," What the fuck are you talking about?! What the hell happened to my niece."

"And if you go any further all of my Queen's Chimera will tear both of you to pieces," She sneered," You didn't think this through didn't you? My Queen made such to cover her bases the last time she dealt with you Branwen's."

"Wh-why the hell can't I use my semblance again," Raven held me closer until her erratic heartbeat became clear.

"Defeat is certain regardless" She added," Salem creates a new kind of Grimm that keeps your mind unfocused. It's akin to an Apathy Grimm tailored to you. But I figure the despair and pain that child was going through was enough to override it momentarily."

"Akame," I heard Raven plead," Wake up."

"You mean those twitchy little demons? Do I need to kill those Grimm?" Qrow pointed out but got no responses," You will tell us."

"Cut me down then!" The women yelled? No, she sounded like a young girl," I won. Mistral shall be in ruins and you will behave if you want to live another day. One of you at least."

"You bratty little bitch," Qrow hissed," Raven, Forgive me for what I'm about to do next. Tell Ruby and Yang, Uncle sorry."

"Qrow don't," I felt something warm land on my cheek. He's going to sacrifice himself," You idiot."

Good.

Wait.

He should die for...Die for what?

I still need an answer from him. Is Qrow a blind follower of Ozpin's? Is he actually reuniting me with the family? And did he love Martha?

Maybe she was just a puppet to him.

Yang...Ruby? Who's Ruby?

"Wait! What?! You're not really going to kill me!" The girl panicked," Don't you care about your life!?"

I could hear a chuckle from my uncle.

"Huh? Nope," Qrow said while popping the p," I already feel like a walking corpse even since I lost those I hold close to my heart."

Uncle Qrow...

"So if I kill those things my sister could concentrate on an escape?"

"How about you don't dig deeper into my neck first," The girl wheezed.

"Oh no sorry. What happened to that smug smile?" He sounded calm as if accepting his fate," Scare to die? That sucks cause I'm not!"

I could hear two pairs of footsteps walking forward.

I gathered what's going on. I'm without a doubt inside the town encased by nevermores. We are surrounded by Grimm with a select few being able to disrupt your focus. Uncle Qrow is holding someone hostage; one of Salem's pawns.

Raven held on tightly.

Now he's going to use the hostage to get in close and kill the Grimm affecting Raven's semblance.

Why? Why can't I do a damn thing? This is a perfect time for me to end her. She wouldn't see it coming.

I'm not sure if I still have my sword with me but I know how to kill without a weapon.

Snapped neck.

Strangulation.

Going for the jugular.

I could use her own sword to stab her. But, This is all talk if I can't commit. I still need to break her aura first to achieve most of that.

'Child...You still wouldn't submit to me,' Salem stated,' How about a temporary partnership?'

"Throw yourself into space."

Great, It's Salem. I still can't escape her, could I? As if my own soul was resonating with hers, I sense her presence. Fortunately, it isn't as perverse. This feels more like a drop of rain compared to the crushing weight of the ocean.

'I will be honest with you, child. You forced me to retreat,' She confessed,' You have crippled my army and resisted my influence...for now.'

"And I'm proud of it."

'Of course, you are. You have two options, Let your uncle die or I can spare him and kill your mother. I'm willing to compromise, Akame.'

"Monsters like you are never to be trusted," I snarled.

'I know Ms. Malachite send you on a suicide mission with the express condition to not kill your uncle and mother. But my subordinate's life is her responsibility,' She added,' I could see what he's planning to do and he will succeed at the cost of his own life.'

"Uncle Qrow," I didn't want him to die. I barely know anything about him besides the smell of whiskey and faded memories. I still needed to know the truth.

There has to be someone on Remnant with a truth-seeking semblance.

'But don't you agree stopping your mother is the right thing to do? This woman took you away from your sister and father. She ended so many innocent lives all for selfish reasons. What about all the hardship she put you through to raise a perfect heir to a gang of murderers?' Salem persuaded,' I know about the conditions for the mission placed on you.'

Another one of Salem manipulations. Damnit, I wouldn't admit it to her but she's right. I can't kill Raven because of Malachite's ridiculous limitation. I remember Salem removing the mask that held the recording devices. It now easier for me to get away with her murder but I also know my armor is bugged and Qrow will be a witness.

Another problem is not making it seem like I'm working alongside Salem even if it's a mutual agreement. We both want her dead. But I'm also given an order to kill the subordinate which I wouldn't mind. Would Salem be okay if I kill her pawn?

I'm not sure if the General is aware of Salem minion but I do know he also wants Raven dead. At the same time, He didn't want a black mark on his career if he sent me out to do it.

Maybe I could work something out with him?

"Salem, What do you want me to do?"

I can sense a smile creep on her pale face.

'Here what you will do.'

My eyes slowly open and I see the blackened sky and the teary eyes of Raven Branwen.

She was supposed to be my mother. I'm saddened by how it pans out and would've accepted her otherwise. I shouldn't feel regret. I slew hundreds if not thousands in the name of the Empire and the Rebellion as well as my own personal grudge.

All I know is how to kill.

I still can't feel anything but at the same time, I feel like crap.

Even when she tries everything to appeal to me. I reject it. No matter how much she wants to be my mother, I refuse to get close. Now ten years of waiting has led to this moment.

She's right here and I could sense a weak aura level. I felt the handle of my sword on my palm and knows a quick strike is all it takes. Sadly, I need to stick with the agreement. If someone or something else spilled her blood it's still a victory.

It didn't take long for me to get noticed by Raven as I was wrapped in an even tighter hug.

"Akame? Why do you feel so cold?" She sounded like she was on the verge of crying," I promise I'll be a better mother."

You're way too late.

Besides...Don't make this any harder on me.

I hugged her with no love in them. I held on tightly enough for me to hear her heartbeat.

"Akame!" My Qrow shouted with happiness," Finally, I'll get you out of here I promise."

I gently push aside my mothe-Raven and turn my head in his direction.

He's surrounded by Grimms of different amalgamations. It would take me forever to individually describe the molded horror. Many of them are leaking strange black tar. I involuntarily coughed and raised an arm to cover it. On my cursed marked arm are black droplets.

"Akame," My mother-Raven embraced me from behind and whispered softly," Everything will be alright. I'm not letting you...You…"

She sounded like she was in a lot of pain.

"Won't end up like...Like...fall-like," She trailed off," What were we talking about? Damn those things."

What did Salem do to me?

Damn it! Why do I keep falling into a deeper mess?

I took a deep breath to calm myself and stood up.

"Akame, Stay down," She protested.

I took a moment to scan my dimly lit surroundings.

I could barely see the bodies and limbs of townspeople's and bandits with many piled together. What is more interesting is that most of the wounds are man-made weapons. I look further around to see lanterns illuminating a field. My eyes wander to see bleachers and chain link fences in the barely lit darkness.

A gladiator fight? I concluded from the limited visibility.

She's the ringleader.

I observe the girl with short black hair, amber eyes, and a butterfly mask. She wore tight khaki pants, combat boots, a white sleeveless shirt, white bandages wrapped around her hips and arms, fingerless gloves, and had two swords strapped to her lower back.

Immediately, I recall the code word Cinder and Glass Unicorn.

I looked toward the direction Qrow and the girl were heading. I squinted my eyes at the figures in the darkness. Besides all the monstrosities Salem created, the ones that stand out are the humanoid creatures with thin limbs, spiked back, and a goat head.

Those are the Grimm preventing Raven from using her semblance? Those things seem easy to kill. The limbs seem fragile like the apathy Grimm I read about.

I know my semblance is still active.

I could already picture how I'll handle the situation.

I rush toward those Grimm.

Eliminate.

Grab Qrow and slash the girl's neck.

Tackle Raven and demand she opens a portal immediately.

Narrowly avoided enraged Grimm.

Arrive at whatever destination Raven had in mind.

Most likely losing my opportunity to kill her because I doubt we would be alone.

Successfully saved both the Branwen's and fulfilled the mission.

Save Raven and go home. Malachite promised a chance for me to see my father. She has to keep her end of the bargain or else I'll make her life a living hell.

I could feel the soft sunlight, the gentle breeze, and swaying trees. A small trail leads to a 2 story log house with a man tending to his garden. I approached the man and he turned toward me.

A wide smile appeared on his face and he answered," Welcome home."

The marking on my arms started to retreat and I realized what was happening.

I clenched my fist.

No, I must stop her from taking more lives.

The Images of villagers slaughtered, smothering ruins, and travelers ransacked of their livelihood flash before my eyes.

I can't allow this suffering to go on.

The marking returns. Giving up isn't an option. I won't waste this perfect opportunity to kill her and cover my tracks.

"Well, What do we have here?" Salem's voice came from behind me. I didn't expect her to be here in person and got a floating Grimm orb with red strings/tentacle at the bottom instead.

"Salem," the twins uttered in disgust.

"Your majesty," The girl gulped," Please save me."

"Save you? Why would I save you when you can't even keep two birds in their cages. They even interrupt my conversation with Akame," She refers to the Branwen twins," I should kill all of you right this instant."

Dozens of eyes move closer to Raven and me. The goat-headed humanoid Grimm retreated further back into the darkness while its other Grimm brethren took its place.

"Damn you," Qrow cursed," I'm sorry Raven, Akame. At least I'm taking this sadist with me."

"Go ahead," Salem dismissed," She's now a worthless pawn."

Worthless, If you're able to recruit me.

"B-but, I can still serve you!" The young girl panicked.

"Prove it," She commanded," I offer a deal. This gladiator fight you've been hosting Ella Glass. I want you to be in the grand finale and your opponent shall be Akame Branwen, the Shinigami of Mistral."

Salem's plan has been initiated.

"Who?" She questioned," You mean that little girl?"

"Fuck you, Salem," Qrow cursed," You won't keep your word."

"I'm not lying. Qrow, You currently stand to lose everything including her," She advised," If Akame successfully defeats my pawn, I'll let all of you go. If not, Well, You witnessed how my new creations operate."

"I still call bullshit," He raged. 'Ella Glass' neck started to leak a small trickle of blood.

She still has her aura active but the sword has already pierced her skin. Even if 'Ella's' neck is protected by aura, Qrow is focusing his aura on the edge of the sword.

"No one is coming to save you," She emphasized," My horde is currently en route to Mistral while most of your people are focused on a small rebellion to the south. Either way, You'll die unless you accept my deal. Do you lack confidence in your niece? Are you afraid to lose her too? Hurry and make a choice Branwen's. Time is a premium."

She's lying to them. Otherwise, She wouldn't give them limited time to make a choice. I didn't bother to keep track of how many Alpha Grimm I killed but I know I made a dent since it was getting hard for me to find more Alpha's before I collapsed. Plus, the fact she isn't here personally means she's retreating.

Of course, the Branwen twins wouldn't know what was really happening outside of this town.

"Qrow," Raven gritted her teeth," Akame can do it. I have fate in my daughter."

"Uncle Qrow let her go," I got into a stance and took a step forward.

"Akame," Qrow hand shook," I can't risk losing you. I promise her."

Promise who?

"I promise to make it out alive," I spoke with determination.

The lack of light makes it hard to see his expression. Yet, It felt like he had given up living.

"Qrow, If this is our only chance to survive," Raven begged," Let my daughter fight. Trust me, She will kill that little brat."

A few seconds later, He releases his hostage and kicked her in my direction. He stood expecting to be ripped apart by Grimm but none came.

"See?" Salem promised," Now stand back least you want your semblance to hurt your family, again. I'll even make room. Sadly, It would open the chance for you to escape. In that case, Akame, Please step forward toward your opponent. Qrow, Stay where you are until I tell you to move. Now, for the sake of fairness, remove the armor Akame Branwen."

She's testing both of us.

"Witch," Raven roared.

I set my sword down to remove all the armor pieces that have been bugged to record my heart rate, temperature, and voice. Then, I walked forward as instructed. I cautiously pass my opponent as she uses her aura to heal herself.

Qrow never letting go of his weapon kept looking at the ground. Once I got close I noticed the dry blood on his weapons and clothes. He has bags underneath his eyes, a 5 o'clock shadow, and looks as if he was going to fall over at any moment.

"Kiddo," He whispered," Good luck. Uncle Qrow loves you."

The way he said those words felt real. I was trained in my past life to detect lies and understand someone's true intentions. If I could feel my heart, It would be pounding faster than heavy rainfall on a metal roof. He isn't looking for me because he has been ordered to. Uncle Qrow wanted to bring me home because he loved me.

No.

Stop.

I can't accept his words yet. I won't believe him until I have absolute proof. Besides, I have been proven wrong before when I trusted General Ironwood. In my old world, I almost died because of that mistake.

"Step forward without any sudden movement or else you're all dead," Salem commanded with slight urgency in her voice.

Briefly, I pictured his sword entering my back and out my chest. It seems ridiculous but this is an experience from my old life. A life I don't want to repeat.

Uncle Qrow did as told and made his way over to Raven. He sat next to his sister with arms wide open.

"Do you want to kill us now?" He exclaimed," Free meal right here!"

The creature of Grimm retreated further back until their eyes became small beads in the darkness.

"Promise made and kept," the witch said," I'll allow for final words if your niece fails you. But, I'm feeling merciful today. Both of you are free to leave. My lunacy Grimms are too far to affect your semblance."

She is testing Raven's cowardice. I could see my mot-Raven shaking with anger. If she runs away, it's to be expected of a cowardly bandit who preys on the weak.

"I'm not leaving my child behind," She shouted," Kill that brat, Akame. So we can get out of here together."

Ignore it.

I can't have any mental interfere.

I waited for my opponent to get up as her aura healed the last damage to her neck.

"You don't seem like much," She taunted," What are you? Salem's pet?"

I should be asking her the same question.

I offer no reply.

The way she acts has already sealed her fate. Cinder's arrogance shall be her downfall.

"Say something little girl," She sneered," Fine. If you don't want to speak how about I make you scream."

I decided to lower my sword and place it in its sheath. I wanted to give the impression that I didn't consider her much of a threat. My opponent is utterly livid by my action while I kept one hand on the handle ready to redraw my sword in a flash.

She charged.

I sidestep.

A frenzy of strikes and stabs meet air.

From my perspective, all this is child play.

I wouldn't consider my opponent unskilled. She's clearly strong and trained by a professional huntsman but with my semblance still active the duel is heavily skewed in my favor. All the more reason to cling to my conviction.

30 seconds had passed and I counted half a dozen fatal flaws.

The height difference between us ensures she will only hit empty space. In her anger, She struck down several lamps that illuminate our battlefield.

"Fight me you coward!" She raged and threw one of her swords at me. I dodge it and keep track of where it landed while noticing the sneaky maneuver of my opponent.

Thank you, Cinder. You save me the trouble of having to disarm you. I'm going to need that sword later.

The plan is going along perfectly. I need to keep her from retrieving the sword. My opponent was fuming with rage but far from tired.

She kept both hands tightly gripped on two different items, a sword, and sand. In the darkness, I wouldn't be able to see the hand holding the sand. Plus, the hand is turned away from me.

As expected she throws the sand at my face after a fakeout. What I didn't expect is the sand turning into molten liquid. I duck underneath the melted sand and step inside her defenses.

Another fatal flaw, She overreached.

I slash across her body with one smooth motion. I did it again while I'm bringing the sword down. I could go for another stab but held back.

I didn't want to end the match yet.

I disengaged and she stumbled back.

"I'm losing to a child," She hissed in disbelief.

"Stab her in the heart!" Raven cheered on.

"Keep it up, kiddo," Qrow joined in.

'Could you-' Salem paused,'-Hurry? I need your mother dead now.'

'Humanity giving you too much trouble?' I countered,' How's running away working for you? Your majesty? Goddess of Grimm? The unstoppable force of nature?'

'Don't belittle me, child or our contract is over,' She snapped,' There outside the town. I suggest you stop humoring your opponent.'

I waited for Ella, whose real name is Cinder, to strike back. She is now cautious. I closed my eyes and turned my back to her. I tune my ears to isolate every small sound she makes. I lower my sword until the tip touches the sandy ground.

She growled at me. 'Ella' knows this is another bait and is planning to work around it. She's taking me seriously. Perfect.

I turn to face her again. None of us want to be the first to strike. Instead, We circle each other waiting for an opening. The Branwen twins are now behind me. I could easily run back and escape.

"Ella," I prepared what Salem told me," You wouldn't want to burn out like cinders."

The expression on her face is filled with shock and disbelief. I need to subtly drive in the plan without telling her directly. She looked at me with suspicion. In silent agreement, We rushed at each other and locked blades.

"Glass Unicorn. Cinder, If you want to make it out alive," I quietly whispered," Knock out all the lights and obscure our match."

We disengaged and she immediately got to work without question.

She snuffs out every source of light while I chase her in the darkness.

It's a convenient way to mask my plan from our audience. The only way for me to track her is the occasional flicker of light from her semblance? I assume it's her semblance by the way her free hand occasionally glows and the molten sand from earlier.

Raven and Qrow do care about me. It's only a matter of who cares for me more. I will use this to my advantage and separate them. I mentally backtrack to where Cinder's missing sword landed and made my way to it.

"Who are you? Are you the reinforcement?" Cinder whispered as I grabbed the missing sword," And give me back my weapon."

"It isn't worth the effort telling you who I am," I explained and waited for her to stop approaching me," Thank you for destroying the lights."

In an instant, I turn Cinder's sword inward and stab myself.

Normal PoV

The sound of clashing swords came to an abrupt stop.

"Akame," Raven uttered in shock. She knows something isn't right as her connection to Akame weakened. She didn't have to wait as a little girl stumbled into view.

The tip of a sword protrudes from her back as she falls sideways, unmoving. Blood soaks the Spider Lily dress.

Raven Branwen felt like her whole world shattered. She promised Summer and Martha that she'll be a good mother to Akame. What a pathetic joke that turned out to be. Crippling pain overtakes her but before unbridled anger sets in, Qrow Branwen charges into the darkness. He instantly switches harbinger into scythe mode and with an angst warcry, searches for his niece's killer.

Cinder was just as shocked. A girly squeal escaped her lips when a scythe nearly bisected her. She didn't have time to make a smug quip or counterattack. She is still recovering from the fact her 'ally' just stabbed herself in the chest!

Cinder is panicked and all she could think about is survival. This battle is far different from her battle with Rhodes, her old mentor. Victory against Rhodes was by luck and using his own compassion against him.

This was completely different. She isn't fighting to avoid capture. Cinder is fighting for her life.

Cinder forced the drunken man to fight in her makeshift arena out of boredom. She thought she properly gauged how strong he is. She's completely wrong. The only thought that crosses her mind is that she's going to die surrounded by Grimm that refuses to help her.

Did Salem abandon her?

None of the Grimm are coming to her aid. The creature of darkness appears to give the two fighters more room for the one-sided duel. A sadistic sense of enjoyment is hidden in the glint of their red eyes.

Normal Grimm would be in a frenzy because of the negative emotions from the Branwen twins but these aren't normal Grimm. They know that their prey would be much easier to kill when exhausted. The older creatures, even with the primal instinct for humanity's destruction, know that attacking now while Qrow is in a drunken state of vengeance would result in their own demise.

Meanwhile, neither Qrow nor Cinder could see in the dark but somehow the huntsman can track her through the smallest sound and the slightest mistake. She felt a painful sting across her back as she ran away.

'I'M GOING TO DIE!' She mentally screamed.

*BANG*

Light flashes in the darkness.

*BANG*

The reaper continues to hunt his prey.

Akame PoV

Crying.

She's crying over me again.

I need to block it out.

Seal my heart.

Remove my emotion.

Kill her in one quick move.

I can't do it with my own weapon or else the wound would reveal I'm the killer.

Even if Malachite and Ironwood know of my intention, I need deniability.

Cover up and deniability.

It's the best friend of politics and the military.

I need to use the sword stuck in my chest.

I need to make this quick for both our sake.

She doesn't have much aura left. I could sense it. If I could catch her by surprise and blunt force it, Raven's aura would break instantly.

I'm sorry. If only things turn out differently I wouldn't have to do this.

I snapped my eyes open and grip the sword with one hand. I felt nothing as the sword slid out of my body.

"Akam-" Raven choked out with surprise, joy, and finally shock.

The sword met resistance against her meager defenses but hit its mark. It slid deeper until it was buried at the hilt. I didn't want to look at her in the eyes but I could imagine their confusion and betrayal. It wasn't a climactic battle. I didn't give her a warrior death. We didn't talk about our motives or reason with each other. She knows who her killer is in her dying breath.

"I'm no longer your daughter," I unintentionally uttered. It doesn't sound like my voice because it's a voice I humored myself with imitating after spending what felt like several lifetimes and thousands of deaths in that mental hell.

It's Salem's voice.

'I'm proud of you, child,' Salem's presence was a faint whisper in my ear. Almost like a breeze that couldn't even knock autumn leaves off a tree.

"Akame...no," She breathed out.

I could feel her body tense and then loosen.

I need to finish this. I could pull the sword back out and behead her. Instead, I froze and let her slide off it.

I refuse to look at her directly. Damn it. Why am I acting like this? She's just a bloodthirsty bandit.

Time slows to a crawl.

Finish the job or else...She opened a portal without her sword.

She's gone.

I stared at the blood-soaked ground where a red void took her away. Most of it is my blood mixed with a bit of hers.

It doesn't matter who she runs off to. Raven isn't going to survive the wound I give her. I stabbed her heart. She should be gone within minutes.

It doesn't matter unless she runs off to see…Dad.

I purge that possibility.

I didn't want to consider it.

I didn't want to consider Raven's final moments telling him who her killer is.

I stared at my arms as the cursed marking retreated. I finally notice how stained my hands are. I'm reborn into a new world with the hope to start again.

What a joke.

I'm deluding myself for what I have done.

I just killed my own flesh and blood mother for a selfish reason.

Even when I know my semblance could be turned off if I just stop.

Killing is killing no matter the motive. And a killer will have to face retribution for what they did.

Foolish, no, Naive of me to think I could change when I don't know how to in the first place.

She's never coming back. My loveless hug was to make sure I didn't miss her heart.

All that is left now is to keep moving forward and carve out my own path.

Taiyang PoV

Patch

Morning

"Yang," I called out," Remember to stay out of trouble!"

"Not a problem, old man!" My little sun dragon yelled back," See ya later, Umber!"

The older girl waved back with an awkward smile.

Ruby looks back with a joyful expression and waves.

"Bye Ruby," Umber yelled back happily.

Once my kids turned their back and walked down the trail to school, I headed back home with the girl Raven dropped off.

"So...That's what a school is?" She asked with curiosity," Why would you need to go to one?"

"Not all of us could afford private tutors," I explained, wondering how well educated this girl is despite Raven's situation. Maybe she's kept somewhere safe and stable while Raven set a kingdom on fire.

"Aren't you a teacher?"

"Yes, But I'm taking a day off."

"Why?"

"Because we need to talk, alone. Are you feeling better?" I worried as Umber struggled to drag her feet across the ground. She wraps an arm across her abdomen.

"I'm fine. I need to stay stro-"She hunched over and I couldn't help but sigh.

"Let me carry you," I chuckled," Don't resist."

"Screw that! I could-" She hunched over again," Please carry me."

I shook my head and picked her up. We began our trek back home with the girl in my arms.

Eventually, We arrive at a park and I noticed how she shuddered at the sight of it.

The way she reacted to the park isn't a coincidence.

The massacre at Myrtle.

I remember that one.

Supposedly, The Branwen Tribe attempted to infiltrate the town with an assassin and two kids as well as a serial killer entering from the harbor. It ended in the death of dozens of law enforcement lives, a few civilians, and a huntress. The nerve of that woman dragging Akame and Umber into one of her raids/extortions.

At least that's according to the news on the event. Now I could learn what really happened. That's why I took a day off. I need to know the truth.

Umber eyes seem to scan for threats at all times as well as the skies and tree line for birds. She's expecting to be picked up soon yet at the same time, I could see the doubt behind those blue eyes.

As we got closer to home, She requested that I let her walk the rest of the way and I obliged.

"Umber," I place my hand on her shoulder," You don't have to push yourself too hard."

"I have to," She responded without hesitation.

"Is it for the tribe?" I questioned and she froze.

"It is my duty to her and Akame," She muttered," Any moment now, Raven will…"

She trailed off and changed the subject.

"Mr. Xiao Long," She slowly walked down the dirt trail leading to my home," Why does Yang look so much like her?"

"Raven? Because Raven is her mother."

"Then that would mean," She realized," You're the man she talks about."

"What does she say about me?"

"That you were the best thing that ever happened to her but lacked the will to do what needed," She smiles," So I guess you're trustworthy if Leader Raven sent me here."

Raven, Complicated as always.

"Huh?" I'm surprised by the revelation," You seem to have a decent head on your shoulder, Umber. Sorry if I'm going to offend you but Raven and the tribe aren't people you want to be loyal to."

"You're just like her," She huffed," Akame told me the same thing."

Akame? Why Akame? I would think she would be the most indoctrinated at this point. I paused to think while I searched my pocket for the keys.

We just arrived at the front door.

"Umber, Tell me everything about her," I look directly at her," I want to know about my daughter. Please, I don't want lies or half-truths. I'm tired of hearing them."

That's why I walk away from Ozpin and his group. I just wished Summer would do the same. Qrow could do whatever the fuck he believes in and Raven should've stayed. I tightened my grip on the keys on reflex.

"Fine, I will but I want a fair deal too," She pouted.

"What is it?"

"I don't know," She revealed," Maybe...just maybe you could clear up some of my suspicions."

"Suspicions?"

We step inside the house and I lead her to the living room.

"All these pictures on the wall. None of them have either Akame or my leader," She scanned every portrait and frame," Why? Yang or Ruby aren't even aware of either of them."

I sat across from Umber.

"You're a perceptive girl."

"Thank you," She nodded and then bowed her head," Akame taught me to always observe my surroundings. If I follow her teaching we wouldn't be in this mess."

"Akame," I spoke calmly," Is she a good person?"

"Yes," She responded immediately," She cares for her friends and would do anything to help us. Even take on the world if she has to."

"Would she really do that?" I analyzed her words and wanted to believe she's being truthful.

Umber nodded again.

"She's the best," A beaming smile spread across her face before she quickly dropped it," Which is why I find it strange that you're hiding her from her own sisters."

This is going to make me look bad no matter how I explain it.

"Because I'm afraid of what might happen to her," I explained," What she'll become when raised by people you call a tribe."

"Afraid?" Umber inquired," She's your daughter and someone I look up to."

"I would never stop loving her as my daughter," I calmly added," Raven probably brainwashed her to kill the specialist on live TV."

Either it was under Raven's instructions or something far worse.

Four years ago, I had a dream.

A young woman stood against two opponents.

Red pupils with black sclera stared at them without emotion. Markings of unknown origin curve around her body.

Her red sword flicked to life as an oppressive black and red aura surrounded her body.

Another woman with flaming blonde hair stood ready with two golden gauntlets. An expression of determination and rage etched onto her face.

Finally, The last woman has silver eyes and a red cloak pulled over her head. She appeared apprehensive of the fight but stood battle-ready.

Their battlefield is what appears to be a meeting room with large windows overlooking red skies and darkened dust crystals over a barren landscape.

Finally, the two women charge their adversary.

The dream ended abruptly and I immediately ran to Ruby and Yang's room. They were fine and I dismiss the dream as a nightmare.

It was already morning and I needed to make breakfast for the girls.

The day started normal like any other until I turned on the TV.

It was the same cold-blooded emotion I saw in my dream.

At that moment, Akame wasn't human.

"She regretted it," She revealed," Akame did it because someone she loved-We love died that night. I saw her die and all I could do was hide in the closet."

Umber eyes got watery but blinked it away.

Poor girl.

She shouldn't be living a life like this. Maybe I could find her family. Assuming Raven didn't kill them already. I could hand her over to someone I trust. Maybe there's another way.

"Umber, You are welcome to stay for as long as you like," I smiled," Children should never be involved in a war. Especially with criminals. When Raven comes to pick you up, refuse her offer. If she forces it, call out to me. You need to live for yourself."

"Mr. Xiao Long," She stared directly into my eyes," It must be nice for Yang and Ruby to have a father. When I get better, I'm going to leave whether my leader comes to pick me up or not. Akame needs someone by her side. A lot more than a father who tries to hide her existence. I could tell you even went as far as cutting off the internet and blocking any channels that could risk them finding out."

"Yes," I exhaled," You're right. I even went as far as going on extended camping trips until the news and gossip die down. Luckily, the island of Patch is isolated enough to keep it hidden."

"You can't hide the truth forever."

"I know."

I could turn her over to the authorities but I didn't want to sour the mood. Sadly, She got a point. What kind of father am I?

I doubt I could hide forever with how Yang is. She's always adventurous and stubborn. Yang is already making preparations to search for her mother more logically and at some point, she will find out.

"I'll tell them about Akame," I accepted," When they come home. We will sit down and have a conversation."

"Are you going to make up a lie or tell them the truth? Maybe something in between?" She pointed out," You might as well tell them about me. My connection to Raven and our war with Mistral, Atlas, and Vale."

"There are many things in the world I wish I never knew about," I sighed," It was simpler times."

Magic, Maiden, Relics, and Salem.

Just to sum it all up.

"Same here, Mr. Xiao Long," She nodded," I know Leader Raven could turn into a bird. I even know about the Maidens and a greater evil that can't be beaten."

She knows the secret of the world at such a young age.

"Umber."

"I see countless deaths and destruction by Grimm and humans," Umber revealed with a low tone.

"And you don't have to go through it anymore."

"That isn't my choice. It is a path I have to choose alongside hers. It's the golden path I must take no matter the cost," She repeated with determination. I figure if I push any further I would end up arguing with her.

"Then I hope her path is back home with us," I concluded and went to another topic," How did you get hurt?"

"I'm going to need some water," She requested.

"Not a problem, Umber," I went to the kitchen and fetched her some water. I can't help but wonder what kind of situation this girl got herself into.

As I sat down and handed her a glass of water, I couldn't help but be worried about my daughter.

I can't imagine the hardship she's going through but Akame my daughter as well as Raven's.

I want her to come back. Because tomorrow is Yang's birthday. It will also be her birthday.

Akame PoV

There was once a book Lubbock recommended to me about a man cursed with an incurable disease that sold his soul to a demon lord for a selfish wish and upon his death, he would be eternally tormented.

Instead of accepting the term of his contract, he decided to work around it.

The man secretly made deals with two other rival demon lords.

Now he owes his soul to all three of them.

When his death finally came, the three demon lords came to claim his soul but were shocked to find each other in the same room.

Out of pride and reputation, The three demon lords refuse to let the other gain the prize. They would have to wage an all-out war with one another but in doing so would leave them weak for a greater enemy to wipe them out.

Unwilling to risk everything for one man, They brought him back to life, cure his ailment, and renegotiated the contract. All the while the man taunted the three demon lords for being outsmarted by a mere mortal.

It was an entertaining fictional story.

Lubbock tends to have very interesting books in his bookstore. Despite his perverted antics, He was a valuable member of Night Raid and a good friend.

That story sums up what I must do.

Instead of demon lords, it's Ozpin, Ms. Malachite, and General Ironwood. While the Greater enemy that threatened to wipe them is Salem. While I also need to outwit the greater enemy.

I sighed.

I can't even begin to comprehend how lopsided this is. They all have resources and manpower far beyond my capability while I'm at a further disadvantage because I can't kill any of them. Adding to the issue that all of them have experiences and specialties I can't overcome alone. I have to take them on alone. I have no one to fall back on. All the advantages are in their favor.

I can't give up now when I come this far.

My battle is far from over.

A/N: when I said it's going to have a similar ending to Akame ga Kill (Bittersweet), I meant by the Manga ending. The manga ending has a lot more survivors besides Akame.

Anyone gets that Constantine reference because it's the simplest way of explaining the plan.

Okay, I need to stop making promises like this chapter is meant to be the last chapter of the Arc. The reason why I cut it short again is that the next part is going to be hard to write and I'm already behind enough.

The reason why it's going to be hard to write is that it would require Akame to pull off a Lelouch/Light Yagami level of thinking, scheming, and subversion. The issue isn't that I can't write it. It's that Akame at best is a soldier that prefers to eliminate a target in a clear set goal.

Also, I would like to go on record and say…

First: Raven is 100% dead but she will leave parting words and her role would still echo throughout the story. This decision is honestly hard for me to make.

I toy with the idea of the stab being nonlethal but that would be a disservice to Akame if she failed to kill from that close.

Second: No one has followed Akame to Remnant. Kurome isn't the same Kurome of her world but a stranger. It ties into Akame loneliness and her denial of it. This Akame is based on the manga ending so she still has her sister, Wave, Tatsumi, Najenda, and Mine. People she left behind when she's reborn onto Remnant.

Luckily, I'm planning out the next story arc. The downside is that I accidentally planned out Star Wars: The Original Trilogy plotline. Describe it on discord and facepalm after noticing the similarity. But the Old Trilogy are great movies so at least it's a good inspiration.