Chapter 26: Veritas Vanguard

The city of Vacuo is an interesting sight. The outskirts are filled with a mix of both ruined and functional tents, huts, mobile homes, and mudstone houses. As we head closer to the city, the traffic gets more intense and the roadways are more narrow. There are more permanent buildings the deeper we get into the city. While Shade Academy dominated the skyline.

I looked around my van to see people eyeing us suspiciously.

"I was warned about this but did you know I got a tattoo with the tribe insignia? It was the double-wing variant," She smiled. I stared at her, and Umber wanted to smack her. I shook my head at my Umber antics.

"Are you insane?" My uncle glanced back," You just branded a target on your back."

"It isn't on my back!"

Umber slapped anyway.

"Ouch!"

"It's an expression dummy," Umber explained.

"Stop abusing her," I ordered.

"What's wrong with tattoos? I want one too. Like, look at Akame's semblance. It is an artwork on her skin," Militia reasoned.

"No, That doesn't count because it's temporary," I countered," Where is it Ver?"

"My chest."

Milita unbuckled her seatbelt and turned around to look at Umber. I sighed in disappointment and my uncle held a laugh.

"Behave," she pointed.

The van slowed down and found a parking spot near a jewelry stand. He parked the van and stepped out.

"I'm going to run a quick errand. Don't kill each other while I'm gone," he said before disappearing into the crowd outside.

A few seconds of silence followed. Umber and Militia were staring intensely at each other. I looked at my scroll and continued my investigation of Vacuo for my mission.

"What? It's an identifier when I'm walking the streets. I wanted to put it somewhere that is very noticeable," she reasoned.

"How about you put it across your face or your neck?" Umber countered," Why your chest? You idiot."

"Because It's hot and humid down south and I usually dress light for convenience. And concealable when outside of my territory," Ver explained," My arms are a no-go because I wanted to copy Akame markings."

"Excuse me?" I looked up from my scroll.

We are getting that laser removed if she goes through with it. Dad got a tattoo on his right arm, but it isn't anything this stupid. My markings aren't some cool cosmetic. It's a curse.

"…You know that's kinda cool," Umber thought about it.

"No, it's not," I said," No one here is getting those tattoos."

"If it makes you feel any better Akame, My mother banned it in Mistral, and civilians are liable to be arrested and put on a watchlist if the ink is displayed," Militia explained.

I don't know how to feel about that.

"Is it that much of a fad?" I asked Militia.

"Yes, especially after that video was released. I'm surprised I haven't seen-no wait look," Militia pointed at the jewelry vendor," He got a full sleeve."

The man's right arm is covered in it. It isn't accurate, but very close to what I have. It's irritating to see those markings but it's now easy to spot people who align with me and/or the tribe.

If only I can activate my marking at will.

We waited another 5 minutes before my uncle finally came back.

"Time to go," My uncle buckles his seatbelt," A friend of mine gave us a safe house. It's on the outskirts."

"Who is the friend?"

"An ally from the academy," he promptly answered," And don't worry, As long as you two don't get into any major trouble, She wouldn't care. Although, Vernal and Militia are not something I can pass off as internships."

"We got a place. The tribe got a compound near the business district to take my bestie to," Ver said while holding Militia's hand," We should hop off here anyway."

"Are you treating her well?" My uncle backed out of the parking lot," Akame and I are friends now, but we will come after you if the tribe causes issues."

"Yes, We are guests of Vacuo," Vernal proclaimed," And I would never hurt my friends."

"Ahem."

"Will you forgive me already?"

"I'll take a rain check," Umber huffed.

"So you'll forgive me when I make it rain," she smiled.

"Stop being literal."

"See you later," Militia leaned over and hugged me. She held my hand momentarily and I felt a piece of paper on my palm. Militia wanted to keep it hidden. I played along.

Militia was the first to open the door.

"Let's go, Ver," She beckoned," We are holding up traffic."

"Bye-bye, Aka, and Umbra," Ver waved and double-checked to see if they got all their weapons and belongings. I quickly hid the paper in my glove while my uncle looked at my friends. I waved back at them as we drove off. Militia and Ver disappeared from view once we rounded a corner.

Five more minutes of driving and silence before my uncle spoke up.

"I'm impressed my semblance didn't screw us over yet."

The van vibrates violently and stalled. A moment later, it stopped moving completely as smoke pillow from the front.

"You jinxed it," Umber said in disappointment.

"How far is the hideout?" I sighed.

"Ten Minute walk but we need to take the van with us," he said," It's gonna be stripped bare by the time we turn back."

"I'll help push it," I stepped out of the van.

A walled-off house sitting on top of an elevated landscape. We force the last bit of strength to get the van uphill and toward an entrance. The gate was a large, wooden double door with sandstone walls surrounding the premise. My uncle pulled the doors back and revealed a relatively nice house, especially considering the kingdom. A single-story, white wall house with clay tile roofing. It has glass windows and a lot of open space. It looks structurally sound and can withstand the local weather.

There are varying types of training equipment on the premises that have not been touched.

We pushed the van inside and parked it adjacent to the wall.

"This is nicer than expected," I observed.

"Oh, Don't worry," He cracked his back," We are still heading into the wilderness. A safe house is where you can relax and take off those disguises."

"I had gotten quite comfortable with the contacts," I shrugged.

"I doubt you can take it off and on every time," He explained as we walked toward our new home," Sand tends to get everywhere in Vacuo."

"What do you suggest? Shades? Glasses?" I questioned," Or I could walk around Vacuo and see how long it takes for people to recognize me."

My uncle took a key from under the mat and opened the door.

The inside looks normal. We continued to look around the house while we talked. A living room, two bathrooms, a kitchen connected to the living room, two bedrooms, and an extensive basement. It isn't as luxurious as Malachite castle or as cozy as my home in Patch. But, it's better than what I have with the tribe or 99% of Vacuo civilians.

Which is odd. Who lived here?

This is a massive outliner of a home even if it's normal in other kingdoms. Maybe there are similar places closer to the Academy.

"I'll allow you to walk the streets as Akame when we are near the date of your exam," he answered," It's going to gather a lot of unwanted attention."

Umber jumps onto the couch and falls asleep.

"I'm kidding. I'm sure I can ask them kindly to keep it quiet if I get recognized," I winked," The people here love me, and even the tribesmen in the city won't go against me."

I have seen several Vacuan with curse markings on their bodies.

"What do you mean by that?" My uncle asked.

"Vernal is the leader, and I never betrayed the tribe," I pointed out," I'm a neutral party at worst and a deep undercover spy at best."

"I thought we renounce our allegiance to the tribe?" Umber woke up and looked at me like I had gone insane.

I sat next to Umber on the couch.

"We did it in private but this is a contingency plan," I clarified," The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

I simplified it as best as I could. There are more nuances to what I mean, but I don't want to over-explain it.

"I see what you mean," My uncle said with relief," If Malachite or Ironwood stab you in the back again. I could understand why you still want to keep the tribe at arm's reach. I wanted to do the same."

"What changed?"

"When you got kidnapped, I wasn't in the mood to play nice."

The same logic also applies to the backstabber. I'm willing to work with them under certain conditions or against Grimm, but I will never trust them. At least I know when Malachite is scheming against me. While Ironwood is the worst person at subtlety, and he knows strong-arming me into doing anything is going to cost him dearly.

"I'm worried for Ver," I said out loud," I still think it's not too late to put her on the right path.."

"Go get some rest, Akame," he exhaled," Both of you can do some sightseeing for a few days with Vernal and Militia. In the meantime, I'll look for and spy on the tribe compound and handle some missions before we get started. First, I call dibs on this room."

He was about to retire to his room, but I wanted to ask one more question.

"Before you go," I asked him," Why is this house different from the rest of Vacuo? Would it attract unwanted attention?"

"On this place," He chuckled," A gift from Theodore and Rumpole for my hard work. The locals here know it's a reward from a few missions back. I earned my respect in Vacuo."

"I thought people here wouldn't like that?" I questioned.

"And there isn't supposed to be a foreign compound for the tribe nor should Vacuan reinforce the tribe in Anima," he referred to reports of Vacuo mercenaries and huntsmen fighting for the tribe.

"What did you do?" I asked curiously.

"Nothing major, Just dismantle a criminal organization," he shrugged nonchalantly," We still have to watch out for Grimm attacks and any damage is going to be on us to fix."

"Oh," I blinked," Nice work."

Did my uncle just do my job for me?

"Yep, This place is officially Branwen territory, and we are the few outsiders who are liked and respected. We just have to put in work once in a while. Besides, This place isn't out of the ordinary in well-put-together villages or inner cities. It isn't all mud huts, RVs, and tents out here."

I figured being betrayed after the Great War tends to make Vacuo and the tribe share a common hatred. The tribe is the underdog fighting off three kingdoms and winning. That's what it seems like to the civilians of Remnant.

This is starting to make me question my mission with Fang.

Am I helping Vacuo or handing the kingdom to Fang?

"If you don't mind me asking, Who were they?" I held my breath wondering if Fang knew.

"Some assassin ring called SilverBaller," he explained, "Just a bunch of Valean making their move on Vacuo. Now rest."

"No problem," I stood up and bridal carry Umber to our room," Have a nice night."

I closed the door and thought of a plan. I'm going to start when my uncle goes on his mission. I need to locate the Mirage, first. I won't enter the place but will scout its perimeter. I'll use tomorrow and the day after to complete my mission and find what secret the site is hiding.

Hmm, it just hit me. What should I do if the situation is dire?

I don't have any backup. I can bring Umber to help me but that would put her at risk, too.

I removed her shoes and tucked her into bed.

Or better yet.

"I'll be right back Uncle! I left something in the van."

"Be back soon!"

I left the house, walked toward the van, and sat in the backseat. I took out my scroll and dialed Hui Fang. I need him to do me a favor.

At the same time, I removed my glove to find the piece of paper. I looked at it and realized it was a scroll number. I put it back into my glove for later.

"I'm glad you made it out," the call connected and he answered," Are you in Vacuo?"

"Yes, and the mission is still ongoing?"

"Of course it is."

"Good because I'll have it done in two days," I said," I need insurance if this goes badly. Who can I trust in Vacuo?"

"I have no control over the city," he revealed," If you don't call back in five days, I'll just alert your uncle and Theo. But the contract will be voided."

"Why?" I wanted to argue with him.

"Because your uncle wouldn't allow the money transfer because it's illegal," He explained," This mission is meant for you only. If it does turn out to be something bigger, Look for your own reinforcements."

"I need to know the location of the Mirage."

"It's located outside of town and in the district called the Pit," he revealed," It's a 5 story building once belonging to the Mistral Trading Company. They are active at night. Anything else?"

"That's all," I responded and hung up. I wanted to shout profanity at him but decided it wasn't worth it. I need more people. I hopped out of the car with my bag thinking about who I can count on.

I need Ver and Militia's help.

It's nice of Uncle Qrow to give us some time to take in the city. I can see why. The whole place is a confusing mess of alleyways that look the same. It isn't planned like the other kingdoms but sprung up wherever there is space. It's a pain to navigate but I've been trained for this. The sun is the best indication of our way back home.

"So hot," Umber complained," How aren't you burning up under that cloak and gloves?"

"It insulates the sun," I explained," And I'm a freezer, remember? You want to snuggle up to me?"

"No," she shook her head. It would have been suspicious if Umber was hugging me underneath my cloak.

"Over here," I pointed to an ice cream vendor.

It wasn't exactly ice cream but crushed ice with flavor syrup and condensed milk on top. I ordered two strawberries for Umber and me.

The two of us found a place to sit near a palm tree. We watched the people of Vacuo go about their day.

"Umber, I'm going to need some help," I requested as I finished my ice cream.

"What is it?"

I took out the piece of paper from my glove. I got ready to call the number.

"We are about to go on an adventure with the girls."

"Hey."

Umber jumped.

"I figured you found us," I welcomed her and she sat next to me," That special friend of yours giving you direction?"

"Yes," Ver confirmed," And that's a nice cloak. It makes it that much easier to find you, Aka."

I looked up and watched Militia approach us. She stopped in front of me and smiled.

"Hello everyone," she said," So, um, What are we, gals, gonna be doing today?"

"Is this your scroll number?" I held up the paper.

She nodded awkwardly.

Wonderful, All four of us are here and will be using alternate names.

Aka Kurono.

Umbra Kalypso.

Ver Veritas.

Melty Pyrtle.

Funny enough, Ver is the only one using her real name and the rest of us are aliases. I ask them to follow me to a secured area to talk about what I wanted us to do. I found an alleyway to have our talk.

They didn't believe it at first.

"So like…let me get this straight," Militia messaged her head," You and the headmaster of Haven suspect there is a grand conspiracy going on in Vacuo. He has a hunch it is something serious and you can see the same colors?"

"Yes," I answered.

"And you need the tribe to help gather intel on the Mirage?" Ver scratched her head," I mean…I guess I can order them if it's an immediate threat to our holdout."

"And we all get a 25% split of the reward either worth 10k or almost one million?" Umber stares intensely at me," I think Hui Fang is screwing you over."

"I mean ya," Militia agreed with Umber," If the people at the Mirage came after Hui even as he ran off to Patch. I think he deserved it. People hate the guy."

"Ten thousand lien is far beyond a simple recon mission!" Ver raised her voice," How about you give him a call and tell him to go shove it."

"I owe him for saving our skin back in Patch," I explained," I don't trust him either but I'm trusting my instinct and experience. I'll find out if the Mirage is a threat or a potential ally. But I wouldn't know unless we go through with it. We will pull out immediately if it gets too intense."

The girls moved away from me and huddled with each other. They started whispering and deliberating. I have no issue with it. This is the most civilized they have been and shows they can think deeply about an order.

The girls broke apart and approached me.

"We decided to help out," Militia stepped forward," With strings attached."

"I don't mind," I shrugged," The quicker we get this done, the quicker we can do our own thing. Ver? How long are you going to stay in Vacuo?"

"I don't know actually. Whenever Militia feels homesick," Ver turns to Militia," Or whenever your mother threatens to execute prisoners."

"I'm not leaving anytime soon and it would be counterproductive to why I got captured in the first place," She revealed," I want to settle this peacefully for everyone's sake."

I scanned the surroundings to make sure no one was eavesdropping.

"I don't want to fight either," I answered truthfully," I would love to live an everyday life but that's not who I am."

I rejected the chance for happiness. I could live a lifetime on Remnant without worry or go back to my old world where everyone is happy. But It would mean abandoning this world either way.

This mission is for the world and everyone I cherish. I can't bring myself to not care about the people suffering.

"I would love a peaceful life, too," Ver concurred,'' But Aka and I have the world against us. We are at an impasse. The rogue kingdom of Anima threatens the stability of Mistral. Either the Mistranese reconquer Anima or other provinces will declare independence. That doesn't sit well with Ozpin's current system, does it? Either way, I refuse to give up my haven without a fight."

"And you're doing it by destabilizing the world," Umber sneered.

"I'm doing this to defend my new home and keep my enemies off balance," Ver narrowed her eyes," You should love how powerful the tribe is now."

"I'm not like that anymore!" Umber screamed.

"Enough you two," I got in between them," We need to set aside our differences and calm down."

"Sorry," Militia apologized," We just got back together and now we're breaking apart. I shouldn't have said anything."

"It's fine," I sighed," I need to talk to Vernal in private."

Militia and Umber wordlessly left the alleyway. It was only Ver and I left.

"I understand your situation completely but Militia is right. This must end peacefully and with as little collateral damage as possible," I begged.

"What about Malachite? Are you okay with her staying in power? She wants you dead at all cost," She brought up a valid point.

"She will be dealt with but not the way you're handling it," I called out," No more raids, skirmishes, or inciting rebellions. I will defeat Malachite as a proper huntress."

"Could you even pull it off?" The spring maiden crossed her arms.

"Let me tell you a secret I learned from my uncle," I leaned in," Ozpin's inner circle hates her but can't do anything to stop her without Mistral falling apart. That is where we come in. The reformed huntress Akame Branwen arrested Ms. Malachite for her crimes and the liberator, Ver Veritas maintains order in the kingdom until a proper replacement is elected."

Ms. Malachite is right about me. I won't let a criminal run the kingdom as long as I'm still breathing.

I have a grand plan to take down one of my enemies. If she is going to play the role of the infallible Prime Minister, I'll become the hero of Mistral. It will be my duty to uncover corruption and stop crime. She can't prevent me from doing my job or it would seem suspicious. Eventually, My effort will close in on her treachery. My mistake gives you a seat of power, and now I will take it from you.

You can send assassins and slander me all you want. I will be strong enough to fight them all and too influential for harsh words to damage.

The spring maiden looked at her bandaged arms.

"I lost too many of my comrades," She trembled," I did a lot in a few years. Do you think they will let me walk away knowing what I've done to them?"

"You can stop the violence before it consumes you. I don't want to see Ver Veritas becoming someone unrecognizable," I said softly," It's not too late for you to change."

"You want me to pretend to be a hero?" She growled.

"I don't want you to pretend," I explained," I want your trust in me and I'll make sure we get through this alive."

Ver pause to think but from her expression, she wanted to believe my words.

"This is a ridiculous idea but I'll give it a shot," She promised," As long as I don't abandon the tribe in pursuit of 'heroism.'"

"Do you need it to be recorded for authenticity?" I realized she needed my voice and image to convince anyone that doesn't believe it.

The only reason why the tribe follows her is because of her power. But in reality, they are waiting for me to return. I doubt people think I'm dead.

I'm a little girl capable of surviving unbelievable odds, with no proof of a body, and with a mother capable of teleporting her away. There is too much evidence suggesting I'm alive rather than dead.

"I have a friend from Mantle who is visiting me. She has a truth-seeking semblance," Ver revealed.

"I'll pre-record the message just in case."

"Thank you."

"Then you will have my blessing as one of the last Branwen to lead the tribe," I congratulated and hugged her," And the 1st outsider to do so."

"Would it even be the Branwen Tribe without a Branwen?" She asked and slowly rubbed my back, trailing a finger on my spine.

Ver is making this awkward. We should let go now. I tried breaking away but she held on tight.

"That's up to you to change the name," I said embarrassed," Can you let go now?"

"No," She chirped," Umbra is staring at me with killing intent."

"Next promise is to stop antagonizing each other," I flustered," LET. GO."

"A little longer," She held onto me tightly. I'm tempted to crack her spine when I felt her hand tenderly trail my spine again.

The heavy pounding of Umber's foot can be heard. As well as Militia being dragged across the ground.

"I'm running!" She dashed away.

Umber sprinted at full speed while Militia held onto her waist.

Why am I always dealing with touchy blonde girls?

I cover my face with my hands.

"COME AT ME UMBRA! A chameleon girl is faster than you!"

"Does she hit HARDER!"

"Okay! That's it!"

I remove my hands to see Militia suplex Umber. She lay on the ground, rolling in pain.

Next up is Ver attempting to pat Militia on the shoulder. She steps back, grabs her wrist, and flips her over the shoulder. She hits the ground next to Umber.

She stared down at them in disappointment.

This team needs a lot of work.

A/N: This is the last Vernal-centric chapter. She goes on her adventure while Akame was with the family in Patch. The chance of her becoming Esdeath is always there but with different core principles. Survival of the Fittest vs. Fighting to Survive.

The Vacuo arc isn't just Akame gaining her licenses but also exploring the team's motives and development. This takes place six years before the book and the Crown is nowhere near as powerful. The next one should focus on the other member of AKME.

I finished at 2,900 words but it ended up being over 4000 words instead. I may be behind on updates now due to needing to catch up with the book.