Chapter 27: Facing the Past Part 4: Path and Apology

Earlier ago

"I'm your new family, you can even call me 'Father'."

"Your heart doubts the Empire, but your upbringing won't let your heart accept it. In short, you've begun to listen to the voice in your heart."

The wind blew softly through Akame as she looked at the ghosts of the people she fought in the past. It was still surreal to her to see their faces once more. Some more than others. She looked at each of them carefully and thought of the fights she had with each of them. "Zanku..." Her fight against the former Executioner wasn't one of the most difficult but one of the trickier ones thanks to his Imperial Arms and how Gajeel and Tatsumi went toe-to-toe with him.

"Ibara..." She knew Ibara back when she was still a member of the Elite Seven and part of the operation that wiped out the Oarburgh clan. Their next encounter was brief as she easily killed him.

"The Gravekeeper Boss..." Weneg was one of the first difficult opponents Akame faced and had to be wary of his ability to transfer all damage to him into her. Not to mention he was the Guy's killer too.

"The twins..." Loris and Meela, the twins that were members of the Retribution Group and former members of the Oarburgh Clan too, then died one by one.

"Marshiro..." The woman was also a member of the Retribution Group and a former member of the Revolutionary Army. She was a tough opponent and was able to shoot Tsukushi before her teammate was able to use her Shingu leaving her vulnerable. However, Tsukuski was able to injure her later due to her carelessness. Then in the final battle against Mashiro and the rest of the Retributation Group in a trap that was made by the Elite Seven and Group of Terror. Mashiro used her strength to grab Green's Shingu and draw him closer then quickly disarmed him and broke his neck. In the end, Akame finally killed her.

"Merraid..." Merraid is who Akame considered one of the most important people she'd met. From training her to showing her what Empire was doing to people, and the other things she'd rather likely forget. She'd be one of the more difficult opponents to fight since she assumed Merraid would have all her insects to use, unlike the last time she fought. Other than that, she somewhat regrets that she didn't listen to Merraid's advice on the Empire earlier.

Gozuki..." Gozuki was the main where it all started. Buying her, Kurome and other orphans put them all in a forest littered with deadly Danger Beasts, and they both made it out, only to be separated and not see each other for a long time. She could list the countless things that Gozuki had done to her but it was because of all of that is the reason that she is the person she is now and he would be a difficult opponent to fight.

Though Akame has fought these eight people before, they all have one thing in common; she'd defeated them before and she will do so once again. They were nothing more than mere obstacles in her path and she determined to break through. With that in mind, she readied Murasame and charged right at the other group. Gozuki couldn't decide if the decision was interesting or foolish. "A frontal assault, an unusual choice, Akame."

"Yo, Akame!" Akame turned to where the voice was coming from and saw Luffy coming in her direction along with Brook, Rena, and Jula.


M

Sanji's group was going to the battlefield, though, most of them had something on their mind which Leone told them.

F


Leone explained the situation between Chelsea and Akame, which shocked the Straw Hats. "Are you serious?"

Leone had her back turned. "Yes, though, I managed to convince Chelsea to back off by reminding her of the war and that Master Mavis is in danger." She had her arms crossed and her hands placed on her arms. "Though, Chelsea wants to settle things between her and Akame after the war is over."

Nami was frightened. "That's horrible, but, can you talk to her again?"

Leone's hands gripped her arms tightly. "I did what I could, I can only hope that Chelsea will find it in her heart to forgive Akame."

Franky wasn't convinced. "Even so, we probably need to inform the other Fairy Tail wizards?"

Nami had to agree. "Yes, if we talk to the other members of Fairy Tail, maybe, they can talk some sense into Chelsea."

Nami and Franky began to run in the direction of where the battle was happening. "Hold it!" Everyone minus Robin and Leone looked at Sanji. "We shouldn't tell anyone of the situation, the last thing we want to do is cause a riff within Fairy Tail."

"But...Sanji, at this rate, Chelsea will surely try to kill Akame if she's still angry!" Nami argued. "Besides, some of the Fairy Tail wizards might have a solution!"

Sanji turned his head with a serious look on his face. "I understand how you feel, but, for now, we can only have faith that Chelsea will reconsider and spare Akame's life."

"He's right," Robin spoke who had a serious expression on her face. "We need to help our friends in the war, no doubt, Alvarez's reinforcements including the surviving Demons of Tartaros will show up."

"Anyway, you guys go on ahead, I'll go find Akame and Chelsea then bring them both to the battlefield." Leone then vanished and the Straw Hats left in the opposite direction.


F

Sanji was looking in the direction where Leone went. "I hope she finds Akame in time before Chelsea does, though, Luffy is surely there with the others." He had additionally thought. "Akame be safe."


B

Akame turned to see Luffy's group. "Luffy, Jula, Rena, Brook, what are you guys doing here?"

Before Luffy could get a word in, Brook approached the former assassin. "Luffy sensed the direction you were running in, so, he followed you, Sanji and Zoro went to Leone and Chelsea's directions."

"Yeah, Thorn, Aquapad, and Angela went to assist our friends on the battlefield, but we decided to tag along," Rena commented.

"Anyway, we managed to find you here," Jula added as she gazed at other enemies. "Looks like we got company."

Ibara snickered creepily at the two female creatures. "Ooh, such intriguing interesting creatures..." A smirk formed on his face as he observed Rena. "Do my eyes deceive me or, is that mermaid?"

Merraid smiled playfully. "A mermaid...on land...where did Akame find such a beautiful creature...rather..." She was also gazing at Jula with lustful eyes. "Where'd she find two beautiful female creatures...they have a strong aura...they seem to be equal to Cassandra."

Zanku smiled devilishly. "Delightful...I never seen a real mermaid, I thought those sea divas were supposed to be in the ocean." He also observed the Straw Hat boy. "He's got an interesting aura...those eyes...are one that's ready for battle...such ferocity...and will..."

Loris and Meela were swooned by the two female creatures. "Sis, a real live mermaid and beautiful one too!"

"Yes, though, I don't know what kind of that eight-armed creature is, but, she's so beautiful!"

Gozuki was intrigued with the two female creatures, but, what got him transfixed was the talking skeleton. "A talking skeleton...is that a dangerous beast." He threw that thought aside. "No, skeletons nor Danger Beasts don't speak human." He sensed the aura from Brook. "His...aura is...mysterious...yet strong." He observed the Straw Hat boy. "This boy's aura...is a mystery...but, shows the one of a real man...I...I...don't know what to think of it."

Brook saw the female enemies before him and the others, he was quite taken with the females, mostly, Mashiro. "Oh my...such lovely young ladies..." He approached the former revolutionary Army soldier and bowed slightly. "Such a pleasure to meet you...umm..."

"My name is Mashiro...and...you are?" She began to ask.

"My name is Brook, I'm the musician of the Straw Hat Pirates." Brook lifts his head taking off his hat. "I must say, your beauty is breathtaking it makes my heart beat fast...if I had a heart...yohohohohoh!"

Jula and Rena sweatdropped at the forward introduction.

Mashiro was a little uneasy about talking to a skeleton regardless that he was being nice. "Also, Mashiro..." Brook's voice sounded serious, at least, it seemed. "May I ask to see your panties?"

There was an awkward silence in the air until the sound of a punch on the head was heard. "Pig!" Mashiro took a swing at the skeleton sending him crashing across the ground.

"Shishishishi..." Luffy laughed. "Brook is funny as always!"

"You think that was funny!?" Rena and Jula comically barked.

Loris and Meela didn't find the perverted question funny at the least. "Sis, that skeleton is a total pervert!"

"Yeah, such an inappropriate question!"

Merraid protectively embraced the twins. "Don't worry, my dears, I'll be sure that skeleton doesn't do anything perverted to cuties like you!"

"Lady Merraid!" The twins cried in delight.

"Uhh...what's going on with her?" Rena asked at the unusual scene.

"Guess she's like protective of them like a sister. " Jula guessed.

Akame begged to differ. "Hate to freak you two out, she's like that towards girls."

Rena and Jula were still a bit puzzled. "Okay, why is she acting so physically nice to those twins?" Rena asked.

Akame was silent for a moment, so, she gestured to the two Fishman islanders and whispered in their ears(sort of speak)and as she did, widened expressions of uneasiness appeared on Jula and Rena's faces.

Luffy yawned. "Anyway, so, are we going to fight?" He cracked his knuckles. "Because I'll give it to ya."

Gozuki unsheathed his own Murasame. "Yes, the time for talk is over, I shall take on Akame."

Merraid let go of the twins and stared in Akame's direction. "I shall join in, though, I hate working alongside men."

Akame gave the two a cold, but, before she do anything, Mashiro approached the the other girl. "Hold it, I call dibs first, I have to make her pay for what she did."

Gozuki gave a cold stare at the former revolutionary soldier. "Like hell you will, I'm going to fight her."

Mashiro glanced at the former Demon Rakshara with a hatred glare. "Don't think I won't kill you. I didn't forget...for what your...children and yourself did to me." Images of her lover flashed in her mind. "So...once I kill Akame, I'll come after you."

Loris and Meela agreed. "That's right old man, we remember you Elite Seven meanies killed our friends too!"

"Yes sis, we want to kill her and her former team too!"

"Hold it!" Rena and Jula approached the three Retribution group members. "We'll fight you instead!"

"That's right, Akame is our friend, we'll help protect her."

Luffy grinned with a slight chuckle. "Yeah, you jerks want to get to Akame, then you'll have to get past us."

The three Retribution group members could put in a word, and a laugh was heard from Weneg. "Such daring approach...all three of you are willing to fight us."

Ibara didn't seem to have any qualms. "I suppose I can join in, we outnumber you anyway."

Zanku grinned widely. "Delightful, it's been so long since I took on new opponents, let's see what you got."

Mashiro could disagree however, she decided to take this opportunity but for different reasons. "Your bravery is something, I suppose I'll accept these terms, perhaps more, once we kill you all, Akame's spirit will shatter leaving her vulnerable."

Loris and Meela were all game for this. "Yaay, then let's fight!"

"Yeah, we call dibs on the two female monsters!"

Jula and Rena readied themselves. "Bring it on little squirts!"

"Requip: Samurai Cloth!" Jula's clothing transformed into a female Japanese samurai outfit wielding eight swords. "I use eight swords."

Merraid was aroused at the outfit. "A female samurai outfit...such a fitting for a divine creature like her!"

Mashiro had to admit she was quite impressed. "This should be good."

"She's not the only one with magic!" Rena declared as her mermaid tail began to glow brightly. "Transformation: Human Legs!"

Gozuki was a little impressed by what he saw. "So, a mermaid can transform her mermaid tail into human limbs, not bad."

Loris and Meela dashed toward the mermaid with their dual dagger knives. "Let's get her!"

"Yes, and if she's still alive, we'll have some fun with her!"

"Sorry, but, I have no intention of letting you twins do such a thing!" Rena put her left arm out and water began to gather before her hand. "Mermaid Water Magic: Water Shot!" She hurled a droplet of water at the twins.

"Look out sis!" Meela warned as she and her sister dodged the water attack.

"I ain't done!" Rena swung her arm. "Mermaid Water Magic: Marine Slicer!" A single wave of multiple blades that resemble scythes.

The twins were taken by surprise as they dodged again, but barely. "That attack almost got us, sis!" Loris said catching her breath.

"That mermaid is tougher than she looks!" Meela commented. "Not only that, her attacks are so fast too."

Rena giggled. "I'm flattered, I can tell you both are fast, the way you run with such speed helped me figure out you were trained in combat and I have a feeling that I haven't seen your full strength yet."

Mashiro was stunned. "So, she's quite observant, not bad."

"Hey, if I were you, I wouldn't take my eyes off your opponent." The former Revolutionary Army soldier saw Jula running towards her.

Mashiro quickly drew her handgun and fired a bullet. Jula saw this and deflected it using one of her swords. "Beat that!"

Mashiro was taken by surprise. "She deflected my bullet!?" A small smile formed on her face. "Well, this should be good, it's been so long since I fought a formidable opponent." Her face became a serious one. "Once I kill you, Akame's anger will skyrocket and that'll blind her which will allow me to strike her down."

Zanku was getting more riled up for a fight. "Delightful...let's begin, but, I'll take out Akame!" He dashed towards Akame preparing to slash with his hand blades, however, in a flash, Luffy appeared out of nowhere and blocked the two blades with both of his fists. "Fast, but, blocking will surely cut your hands..." But to his shock, Luffy's hands were metallic. "Armament...Hardened..."

Gozuki, Weneg, Mashiro, Merraid, Loris, and Meela were all shocked to see Zanku's blades blocked.

"How did he block it so easily!"

"And without getting his hands cut!"

Gozuki gazed his eyes closely at Luffy's hands. "His hands...their...metallic...how did he do such a thing?"

Merraid had to admit she was impressed. "Akame...it seems you made some new interesting friends while we've been dead." She then giggled playfully at her former plaything. "Either way, it won't matter, once I've killed you, I'll go after your little friends."

Akame giggled which was unlike her. "Kill them...not a chance." Merraid was stunned to see Akame smiling, which she had never seen before even when she was trying to persuade her into joining Oarburgh Clan. "Luffy isn't someone you should take lightly and includes Fairy Tail."

Gozuki chuckled. "Is that so, well, we'll see about that." He pointed his Murasame at his former daughter. "This shall be where we bury you, Akame."

Akame took out her katana and Murasame. "Let's do this!" She charged toward her opponents.

Luffy pushed Zanku away causing him to fall backwards slightly. "Now Gum Gum!" He pulled back both his arms. "Bazooka!" He palmed both his hands right into Ibara's chest sending him flying away with great force.

"His arms stretched out!" Ibara exclaimed with slight shock before it was replaced with a sinister smile. "He might be a worthy opponent than I thought."

Zanku landed on the ground as his boots skidded against the dirt though he was in pain. "Damn...that attack was strong." He felt his chest and his ribs like they were almost crushed. "This boy isn't some goofball ass." He raised his blades and had an insane smile on his face. "I'll use my Imperial Arms to confuse you!" The area became dark as Luffy looked around frantically.

"What is this?" He asked.

"Luffy..." A familiar voice was heard as the straw hat captain looked over to where Zanku was standing, only that his opponent wasn't there instead someone he had lost, someone he saw die before his eyes at Marineford. "Hey there little brother."

Luffy was stunned and in disbelief. "Ace...it..can't..."

Akame sensed Zanku's power and was about to call out to Luffy, when to her surprise, Luffy pulled back his arm. "Armanent Hardening..." A look of anger was shown on Luffy's face. "Gum-Gum..." He threw his fist forward with was surrounded in flames. "Red-Hawk!"

The darkness covering the area soon vanished as it was shown that Luffy delivered his attack right into Zanku severely damaging his mid-section and fire exploded from the former executioner's back as blood was coughed out of his mouth.

Zanku was sent flying away until he was no longer seen. "My brother is dead...also, thanks to my Haki, I knew my brother wasn't here!" He declared with a serious voice. "You dare try to fool me with that crap, you bastard!"

Ibara was stunned at the boy's power. "This brat is tougher than I thought." He felt a chill breeze blow slowly past him and heard a faint humming sound. "You guys are called the Rakshasa Demons back in your world and strong ones, right?" Ibara turned his head as he saw Brook. "Well, don't underestimate the Straw Hat pirates and as a fair warning, this will be cold." The former Rakshasa Demon was perplexed by how his opponent got past him so quickly. "How did you get past me so fast?"

Brook slowly began to sheath his sword. "Solid Scratches Blizzard Slice!" With one clang a large gash of ice appeared on Ibara's torso severely damaging him.

Ibara fell over and died instantly with his tongue sticking out.

Luffy narrowed his eyes as he cracked his knuckles. "Looks like we win."

Gozuki was far more impressed than he ever was. "So, these pirates are more powerful than they look."

Despite the Ibara and Zanku being no more, Weneg was delighted about it. "Not bad, I have to admit your strength is stronger than I thought." His smirk grew wider. "I must thank for you getting rid of those buffoons, I would like to go up against an opponent who is worthy of challenge." He glanced at Akame. "I was going to go after Akame, but, your strength is nothing like I ever seen before. So, I'll take you two pirates."

Luffy glared at the former Gravekeeper leader. "I don't care if there is one or two of you, I'll kick your ass for messing with my friends!" He glanced at Brook. "Brook, go on and assist Rena and Jula."

Brook was a little surprised but he nodded. "Right, kick that guy's butt!" Luffy smirked. "You bet I will!"

Weneg laughed. "Quite the noisy bunch one are you." He began to transform, his face became form and his human teeth were replaced with canine-like fangs and sharp claws.

Brook was stunned. "Whoa, he became a dog!"

Luffy was amazed. "Wow, so cool, did you eat a devil fruit or something?"

Weneg was puzzled at the question, but, shook it off. "No, I was able to gain this power of the Gravekeeper's secret arts allowing me to transform a part of my body into that of a dangerous beast called Nubis. I'm the former leader and the only one capable of doing other things that my former team can't do."

To his surprise, Luffy was yawning as if he was bored. "Yawn...are you done with that chat chat?"

Multiple anime veins appeared on Weneg's head. "Hey, listen to when people are talking to you!" He recollected himself. "If you want to me fight then come at me."

Akame was worried. "Luffy!" The Straw Hat captain turned to the former assassin's direction. "Be careful, he's also got regeneration ability, strength, and a powerful curse that reflects physical damage he received back to his opponents!"

Luffy didn't say a word which Weneg noticed "What's wrong boy, are you getting cold feet already?" Another idea came to his head. "I also can see you have combat skills, which is bad news if you inflict massive physical damage on me, because like what the sister of my lost bride said, any physical damage is reflected to you which I can ensure it'll be quickly and painful enough to kill you."

Brook was worried. "Not good, I know my captain is strong...but this guy seems to have-"

"Do you think that'll scare me?" Everyone including Weneg was surprised to hear Luffy ask that. "I don't care what crazy power you have, I ain't backing down from this fight especially since you want to kill my friend Akame!" A look of determination was shown on Luffy's face. "SO BRING IT ON!"

Weneg was impressed. "If you think you can survive my curse, then go ahead, come at me with everything you got Straw Hat Luffy!"

Luffy cracked his knuckles with a glare. "With pleasure!" He bit his right thumb enlarging his left hand. "Third Gear!"

Weneg was stunned by this. "What the hell, his arm is gigantic!"

"I ain't done!" Luffy declared loudly as his other arm enlarged now. "Armament Hardening!" Both of his hands were covered in a metallic material. "I'll take down here and now!"

Weneg gritted his teeth. "Like hell, I'll let you boy!" He dashed towards the Straw Hat.

"Gum Gum Elephant Gatling!" Luffy began to punch rapidly with great force.

Weneg was stopped by the punches getting massive damage to his entire body. "Crap... these attacks are so strong..." However, he knew his curse would take effect and kill the Straw Hat pirate in one blow.

Luffy's Observation Haki was able to foresee the fatal blow that would possibly kill him. "So, his curse would kill me, not if I have something to do about it." He unleashed the Conquerer's Spirit.

Weneg felt the intense spirit energy that was blown over to his side like a massive strong breeze. "What was that?" He had a strange feeling. "What is going on...why am I dizzy."

Luffy kept up with the punches dealing a lot more massive damage to Weneg's entire body. "It's only a matter of time before my curse kills you." After a few seconds, Weneg became impatient that his curse didn't start taking effect. "What the hell is going on, my curse isn't affecting this bastard!"

Akame felt that power that Luffy just used. "The Conquerer's Spirit, did he use that to somehow deactivate Weneg's curse, but, how did he do that?"

Gozuki also felt the spiritual energy from the Straw Hat boy. "That boy has quite the unusual power, I never seen anything like it."

Merraid giggled. "So, the monkey has some unusual tricks, not bad."

Luffy continued his assault on the Gravekeeper leader. "This is for trying to hurt my friends you jerk!" With one more punch, he stopped his attacks returning his arms to normal.

Weneg's body was on the ground completely banged and broken with his eyes rolled up. On top of his head blood was dripping.

Rena's fight against the twins Loris and Meela was still on.

Rena put both of her hands out and two water masses formed in front of her hands. "Mermaid Water Magic-" The two water masses took the shape of tridents. "Posiedon Trident!"

The two water-like tridents were sent towards the twins. "Dodge it, sis!"

"Don't need to tell me!"

The twins dodged the two water-like tridents and dashed towards the mermaid preparing to swing their knives. "Time to crave you up, mermaid!"

"Yes, pity that a lovely creature like you has to die, though, if you're still alive perhaps we can have some fun!"

The twins neared to the mermaids as they swung their knives which drew near towards the mermaid's neck. "Mermaid Water Magic-" She put her hands out in front of the twins' faces. "Mermaid Water Magic Combination: Marine Mermaid Style: Double Nebula!" Two strong torrents of water appeared in front of her hands and pushed the twins with huge force.

"Time to finish this!" Rena declared. "Mermaid Water Magic: Water Serpent!" A large mass of water appeared and took the form of a giant sea serpent which roared.

"What the hell is that?" Loris exclaimed with a shaky finger.

"Never mind, distract her while I get in close!" Meela decided to use her suicide move.

Loris was puzzled until she remembered her twin sister's hidden move. "Wait, sis, you can't, you'll die!"

Rena overheard this. "Wait, what does she mean..."

Loris didn't even look away from her sister. "I don't want you to do that again, I can't lose you like what happened during that mission!"

Meela was silent but, her twin wasn't done. "Please, if we're going down, then let's go out with a bang together!" A small smile formed on her face. "Getting soft are you sis." Loris' eyes twitched in confusion. "Very well, as long as we die together, then nothing else matters."

"You are close I can see," The twins looked at Rena, who was giving a sympathetic look. "I admit, you both seem to care for your friends and want to kill Akame, though, I must ask why?"

Loris narrowed her eyes. "Well, since you asked so nicely and the fact that you're a girl, we could give you an answer, Akame and her former group killed our beloved Merraid along with the other members of the Oarburgh Clan."

"Yes, but, it seems that Chelsea is still alive," Meela commented.

Rena was surprised to hear that. "Hold on, you two know Chelsea?"

Loris decided to answer the question. "Yes, it might've been a short time, but, Chelsea was a new member when we were still members of the Oarburgh Clan."

"Yes, though, we transferred to another group for a mission, only to find out that the Oarburgh Clan was no more, but we didn't expect that Chelsea was alive," Meela added. "Though, admittedly, we were surprised that Akame and Chelsea were part of Night Raid."

"Night Raid..." Rena thought. "That's the group that Leone was from and Fairy Tail was with them too."

"At any rate, we'll have our revenge once we kill you!" Meela declared with determination.

"Yes, after that we'll kill Akame, though, if we don't, then perhaps our beloved Chelsea will kill Akame!" Loris added

Rena gasped at the last part. "What do you mean Chelsea will kill Akame!?" She yelled in an angry tone.

Meela gave the mermaid a creepy smile. "If you live then you can ask Chelsea yourself!"

Rena lowered her eyes for a moment which Meela noticed. "What's wrong dear mermaid, are you getting cold feet?" She asked almost in a mockery tone.

"I didn't think mermaids could get so easily scared." Loris giggled teasingly.

Rena glared at the twins. "I don't what kind of crap you're going on about Chelsea killing Akame, but, I don't intend to die here!" Her water-like serpent roared once more. "Take this!"

"Limit Removal!" Loris declared as her speed and strength increased within her body. "With this new power-up, I'll be sure to kill you, mermaid!"

The twin dashed towards the mermaid with incredible speed. "This is checkmate..." Rena whispered with a faint smile.

The sea serpent roared and slithered against the twin with the same speed. As soon as they neared each other, Lori took out her dual dagger knifes swinging both on the sea serpent's head.

Rena could tell her serpent was struggling against the newly powered twin. "She's gotten stronger I see."

"Get her sis!" Loris commanded.

"Right sis!" Meela wasted no time and dashed towards the mermaid. "You made a mistake of not leaving any defense!"

Rena's faint smile was back. "I begged to differ..." She whispered as the sea serpent stretched out its water-like tail and bound the twin tightly. "No way!"

"Arggghhhh!" Meela screamed in pain as the serpent's tail squeezed her tightly.

"Slam her into the ground!" Rena commanded.

The sea serpent slammed its tail with the twin in its bind with a powerful impact to the ground. "Meela!" Loris cried in despair.

"Sorry to do this to an old comrade of Chelsea, but, I have no choice!" Rena stated. "Sea Serpent finish off our other opponent!"

The water-like sea serpent unleashed a torrent of water. "Sea Water Pump!" The sea torrent pushed against Loris sending her flying away.

Rena knelt as she smiled slightly. "Looks like I win." However, Loris' words echoed in her mind. She clenched her hands tightly. "It can't...be...true...Chelsea and Akame are friends..."

Mashiro and Jula's fight was underway.

Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang

Mashiro fired five bullets at the Squid Fishwoman.

"I don't think so!" Jula deflected all five bullets.

Mashiro wasn't getting impatient and annoyed that her opponent had the upper hand. "She's so strong and fast to deflect bullets like that." She narrowed her eyes. "Tell me, what is your reason for protecting Akame?"

Jula wasn't expecting to hear a question from the enemy, though, perhaps she needed to know about her enemy's history. "She's my friend, she's also a hero for saving my home island."

Mashiro's eyes twitched at the hero part as Jula continued. "Akame is a member of Fairy Tail, a guild that helped save my home." She lowered her head. "I might not know Akame that much, but, I can tell she's a good person no matter what she did in her past."

She lifts her head giving the former Revolutionary Army soldier glaring at her. Akame is my friend and I can't let you kill her!"

Mashiro giggled lightly. "So naive...well, I should tell you that she's the reason my lover is dead, she worked for the evil empire that caused poverty and despair for the weak and the poor!" Tears of anger and sadness formed in her eyes. "Despite that, the Empire has finally fallen, it doesn't change the fact she killed my man and that we both won't be able to see peace! Nevertheless, I will kill Akame and whatever Elite Seven members are left!"

Jula was silent for a few seconds. "Utterly childish..." A small gasp was heard from Mashiro seeing Jula's determination didn't budge from her face. "It's obvious that you don't see how Akame changed."

"What do you mean?" Mashiro asked tears still falling down her cheeks.

"Like I said, I may not know Akame that well, but, I can tell she regrets not seeing the Empire's corruption sooner. If she did, perhaps things would've been different between you both." Jula replied. "And, the fact that you see how she survived means she was able to move forward and bring the peace that the Revolutionary Arm had longed for with the help of Fairy Tail!"

Jula then had tears in her eyes forming at the corner of her eyes. "You think Akame has forgotten about what she did to your lover, she probably still remembers and regrets what she did to him and to others who only wanted to bring true peace." A sheer determination was shown on her face with tears falling down her cheeks. "My point is that I believe in Akame and I still do, she's my friend!"

Mashiro was silent as her hand that was holding her handgun trembled with her face lowered hiding her eyes. "And, I'm sure if Akame were facing you, she would apologize for what she did to your lover! I know apologies can't bring back your man, but, at least, your man didn't die for nothing, and the Empire is finally a peaceful one!"

Mashiro was silent as she remembered her lover Kouga. "Kouga..." She remembered her days in the Revolutionary Army. Meeting Kouga was a blessing and he did whatever he could to gather evidence against the Empire for the Revolutionary Army. She learned that Kouga and his troupe members tried to convince Akame and Tsukushi to join their cause, but got killed in return.

Mashiro didn't know why but she felt a sense of joy. "Do you honestly Akame would apologize if she were facing me instead of you."

Jula nodded. "Yes, I can tell she regrets a lot of things and feels bad for the people she killed were good people hoping to destroy the corrupted Empire and bring a new era of peace!" She smiled nicely at the human woman. "That has come true, Akame and her friends the Revolutionary Army along with Fairy Tail and their allies brought peace!"

Mashiro giggled. "I see..." She began to laugh but it was not an evil laugh. It was a laugh of joy and happiness, though, it was uncharacstic of her. "Akame seems to have met people that have strong belief and loyalty." She set her handgun to her side. "Well, I have no reason to fight, so, if you want to finish me off, go ahead, I want to rejoin my lover Kouga."

Jula nodded at her request as her Samurai Outfit began to change. "Requip: Empire Imperial Soldier Armor!" She requiped into Empire Imperial Soldier Armor wielding eight swords. "I know this unfair since I have more swords, however, I ain't done."

Jula's figure began to change drastically giving off a shining glow which made Mashiro cover her eyes.

Then when the shining light was gone, Jula's appearance changed. "Transformation: Human Form!" Jula smiled at her new self, she didn't have eight arms only two, and she had a 2 muscle pack though her chest size was still the same. "I wondered what it would be like to look like a human. I know I can't wear this human face to hide my true form from humans. The meaning of this is to show my faith in my human friends and that I will fight alongside them still!"

She wielded two swords that were two silver swords. "Two-Sword Style: Double Sword Slash!" She swiftly went past Mashiro with her arms apart and left a double slash wound on both sides of her enemy's waist.

Mashiro fell backward as she coughed blood out when she lay on the ground. "Cough...cough...to think I would encounter such opponents." She chuckled weakly though she had a small smile. "Perhaps, Kouga truly didn't die for nothing." Tears formed in her eyes again. "I wish we could've stayed alive to see the peace we fought for."

Jula turned around as she reverted to her original form and clothing. "At least, you got to know the Empire become a peaceful one. Also, if it makes you feel better, when you go back to the afterlife, be sure to tell those who died that the Empire is a peaceful one now."

Mashiro giggled sweetly which was unlike her. "Right..." With that last word, she died with a sweet smile on her face.

Jula turned around fully looking at the dead woman. "Rest in peace."

Akame's fight against Gozuki and Merraid was about to begin. "Oh, Akame. I can tell you've gotten stronger since the last time I saw you!" Akame said nothing and gave her a cold stare. Merraid whined and pouted. "Aw, don't look at me like that. I know I told you not to wear your heart on your sleeve, but you can at least show me how happy you are seeing me again."

Gozuki wasn't as hurtful as Merraid. "You may have become stronger but you're up against your father and the former leader of the Oarburgh Clan. On top of being...enchanted, that red-haired woman mentioned, do you think you have a chance of winning against us?"

"I do." Akame's reply surprised Gozuki. "This magic that summoned you back to life is similar to Yatsufasa's ability, and you may have become stronger but they share the same weakness. Time has stopped for both of you the moment you died and you don't have any new techniques while I have become stronger since your deaths. With that being said, there's something I would like to say to you both." She closed her eyes and bowed to them which they didn't expect her to do.

Merraid and Gozuki were slightly confused as to why she was doing this. "Gozuki, you put me through the worst kind of hell that I've ever experienced, but, without you, I don't know where Kurome and I would be if you hadn't bought us. It was because of you I began down this path. Merraid, you were the one that showed me what was going on with the Empire and I questioned what I was fighting for. I also want to apologize for my failure of not seeing the full truth of the Empire sooner. If I did, perhaps we could've been friends and allies despite that the Oarburgh Clan didn't have the ideals that the Revolutionary Army had."

Merraid's eyes were hidden as she lowered her head at those words and Akame wasn't done. "Merraid, thanks to your advice, I took upon a new path and that led me to meet new people."

She thought of Night Raid, Bulat, Najenda, Leone, Lubbock, Sheele, Mine, Tatsumi, Chelsea, and Susanoo including Gray and his friends who came to her world. "And as I continued walking down this path, I met many more people and had all kinds of adventures to places that I never dreamed of." Images of the Straw Hat pirates, the four minks, and the Fishmen Islanders flashed in her mind and she finished her bow and opened her eyes. "Now, I'm here now and I will continue to walk down this path I believe in and you two will not stop me."

Gozuki couldn't help but chuckle at his former daughter's speech. "You think so, do you? If you believe in that so strongly..." He leaned slightly forward before launching himself right at Akame. "Then it'll be cathartic crushing that belief into dust!" He quickly approached Akame and she put both her swords to guard his incoming attack. When he neared her, he disappeared and reappeared behind her with his Murasame pulled back. He swung his Murasame at Akame. "Shave." She quickly disappeared in a flash.

"Wow, quite the new technique." Gozuki praised as she reappeared behind him as he did, but, he blocked her two swords causing a small boom to occur. Their weapons made more booming sounds as they clashed against one another again and again.

Since Gozuki had his own Murasame, Akame knew that if she got cut by it, she would die, and couldn't afford to let that happen. Gozuki's hair grew long which Akame saw and she jumped back. The end of his hair became pointed and stabbed the ground where she was standing.

Gozuki's hair pursued his former daughter trying to impale her. "She's gotten faster than I thought." His hair kept going after her and Akame kept avoiding the sharp ends of her father's hair.

When Akame made one more jump, she noticed something off and a large explosion occurred. Merraid smiled at the sight since the explosion was caused by her explosive ants. She then saw Akame jump out of the explosion and was in the air. Merraid pointed her finger at her and swarms of insects surrounded her. "One thing you had forgotten, Akame is when the last time we fought I'd given most of my insects to Cassandra and I didn't have much to use giving you an advantage. However, this time, I have more insects at my disposal!" She closed her hand and tremendous explosions occurred. She was quite proud of what she saw but that quickly went away when she and Gozuki saw a black wall surrounding Akame, who had her hands apart. "Shadow-Make: Shadow Wall!" The shadow-like wall wasn't even scratched by the explosion.

Merraid blinked a few times before laughing a little at what she saw. "Impressive, using a wall like that was a good strong defense...but..." Akame's Observation Haki flared up and turned to the side thus blocking a surprise attack by Gozuki. She pushed him back but he quickly recovered and resumed his attack. Akame kept defending while trying not to get cut by his Murasame.

"How long can you keep fighting both of us?" Merraid threw her arm forward and large swarms of her beetle Wrigglers at her. Akame's Haki detected the incoming danger knowing she had to get away from her father. With that many insects coming at her, she couldn't hope to fend them all off plus fighting against Gozuki. While currently engaged with Akame, Gozuki's toenails ripped through his shoes for a sneak attack. Akame quickly moved her body back to avoid it but that left her open for a second as he swung his left leg and it stretched to where Akame was. His elongated kick struck his daughter's right side and a terrible pain went through her body. The injuries she got from her last team were almost catching up. She landed on the ground and trembled slightly in pain before she felt something wrapping around her ankle tightly. She looked to see it was a part of her father's hair.

Gozuki chuckled at Akame. "As if I'll let you escape." He sent more of his hair at Akame and they wrapped around her other ankle and both her wrists. "And I'll be damned if let that woman be the one who'll kill you!" He stretched out his arm holding Murasame right toward her.

"Multi-Shadow Surprise!" Several shadow blades erupted from her shadow beneath and one of them struck her father's Murasame while other blades severed his hair. As soon as she was back on the ground, she retreated into her shadows before the swarms reached and flooded the spot she was previously at.

Akame moved away from the swarm and emerged from the shadow. As soon as she did, she quickly noticed Merraid approaching her and thrust her right hand forward. She moved to the side and luckily avoided it. She couldn't risk Merraid stabbing her with her hands because if she did, she'd implant Wrigger eggs inside and they hatch inside her, killing her from within. She did manage to gain distance from her but felt something off. Merraid wasn't chasing after. She took a closer look and saw that her left hand was pulled back and closed. She then looked up to see a huge swarm of bee Wrigglers descending upon her.

Akame was about to move again when she felt a sharp pain around her ankle and fell to one knee. She looked to where the pain came from and saw a single beetle Wriggler that cut her above her ankle. Using her good foot, she put all her strength into it and jumped away from the swarm before it struck the ground she was previously at. Merraid moved her hand again and her swarm followed and they surrounded Akame. She was about to retreat into her shadow when Merraid coyly smiled. "Gotcha." She snapped her fingers and the ground underneath Akame exploded. The explosion took out a large amount of the swarm but it was worth it as it sent Akame flying in the air and dealt massive damage to her. Merraid pointed her finger at her and what remained of the swarm and they flew to Akame.

Akame miraculously recovered and turned her body around to see the remaining Wrigglers. "Crap, I barely survived that. My Observation Haki still needs work, if it was even stronger, I would've been able to see that trap coming." Upon seeing the remaining swarm flying towards her, she impaled her blades into the ground and brought her hands together. "Shadow-Make: Gatling Gun!" She pulled her hands away creating two shadow-like Gatling Guns. "Shadow Gatling Bullets!" She fired multiple shadow-like bullets at the swarms, though, she took most of them down, a few managed to fly past her and sting her in her abdomen, right leg, and left arm. Feeling the insect's poison was taking effect. Though she was resistant to the poison it was enough to slow her down and she dropped to the ground with a thud.

Akame lay on the ground heavily injured but mostly due to the poison slowing her body down. "I was able to save some energy thanks to Luffy and the others taking care of the others." She struggled to stand and her body felt heavy like lead. "You're still going to fight?" She looked ahead to see Merraid standing across from her. "I must admit, you lasted much longer and you seem to have a little more energy thanks to those new friends' interference." She put her hand up. "But I believe I'll end this now." She snapped her fingers again and multiple caterpillar Wrigglers emerged from the ground. They spat out silk from their mouths and encased her in a cocoon. Several seconds later a crack appeared on it and it unfurled revealing a Merraid in a form Akame hadn't seen in a long time. The form of human/butterfly Wriggler hybrid. "I won't be holding back anymore. Be grateful as I'll be killing you in my strongest form."

Akame was already weakened from her previous encounter with the Elite Seven when the Oarburgh Clan entered the battle. Despite the little energy she still had thanks to Luffy's group interference, she knew she had to think of the situation and come up with a strategy to ensure victory. Though, Merraid's form was going to make things difficult. "It's over, Akame." She looked over to the side to see Gozuki again. "Your path ends here, but, I'll be sure to tell your new family and friends that I am still honored to see you."

Akame was nearly out of options. Her body had taken a lot of damage due to her previous encounters with her former team and the poison was making her feel sluggish, she felt heavy despite the little energy she had left. In this dire situation, for some reason, she remembered a certain conversation.

F

"I see. So, you've chosen Maker Magic and it's Shadow at that. What made you choose that?"

In the Lamia Scale guild, Akame was sitting at a table with Lyon sitting across from her. "I thought it would prove to be the most useful to me. Having to make anything in any situation I'm in sounds very helpful."

Lyon lightly chuckled at that. "That I'll agree with you, so, what do you want to talk to me about?"

"I thought you could give me a few pointers and tips about this magic considering that you and Gray are so well versed in it."

Lyon felt rather flattered being asked. "I see, wel, it's true Make Magic can create what we need to use in any given situation but there's also the element itself to consider."

Akame blinked a few times and had a confused expression. "What do you mean?"

Lyon held a finger up. "Take my magic for example, you know I specialize in Ice-Make Magic. I specifically, activate Ice-Make Magic where my ice cane moves. Gray's, on the other hand, is Static Ice-Make Magic where he creates stationary ice in the form of weapons." Akame nodded quite understanding Lyon's words after she saw his power for herself. "On top of that, our magic uses ice magic where it's strong and sturdy but there are some things we can't create such as a moving armor of ice. I admit that's one thing that Esdeath woman can pull off successfully with those ice soldiers of hers. But then we have your Shadow-Make magic. Shadow-Make is more interesting because the element due to being more flexible and can be just as sturdy as the object you're creating it to be. You can change the size and shape to your specifications. Does that make sense to you?"

Akame closed her eyes and thought about what Lyon explained to her. "I believe so. I may need to experiment to get a better understanding."

Lyon couldn't but smile at her. "I'm sure you'll understand the basics easily since Gray told me that you're quite smart." Akame was flattered now and Lyon had one more piece of advice to share. "Remember this, there are no limits to what you can create."

F

"There are no limits to what I can create." An idea finally came to Akame's mind and additional thought came to her mind. "I remember when Gajeel that Shadow-Iron Dragon form." She looked at her hand, remembering one thing conversation she had with Rayleigh.

F

At Shakky's bar, Akame was sitting at the bar counter with Rayleigh sitting on the right side.

"Do you think I can combine magic with Armament Haki?" Akame's question took Rayleigh by surprise. "You mentioned that Haki be used as a weapon like you did when you faced Kizaru."

Rayleigh cleared his throat. "Honestly, I never thought of that considering that magic is known to our world." Akame almost felt a little down. "But...I suppose it could be possible, just remember when using Observation and Armament Haki, keep your focus. If you learn to control both, you can do all kinds of things with it, in Armament Haki's case, you can become stronger and use it as an invisible shield."

F

Her eyes opened with a new resolve in them. "You're wrong. My path doesn't end here with you." She sheathed her katana sword. "I alone will decide when it'll end and I'll make to see through this path to the very end!" She put her hands together and took up her stance. "Shadow-Make...!" As soon as she spoke those words, both Gozuki and Merraid vanished and appeared from both sides surrounding Akame. Gozuki swung his Murasame while Merraid's right arm transformed into a monstrous scythe claw and attacked at the same time. Before their attacks could reach her, strong spiraling shadows erupted from underneath Akame and blocked their attacks. They were pushed and saw the shadows completely covering Akame. Once finished, the shadows began to take shape with large wings spouting behind her back and began to look what seemed like armor that had metal-like material. She moved her arm to the side and a strong gust of wind came out. "Shadow Imperial Arms Demon Armor; Incuriso...Armament Hardening Formation!"

Merraid stared wide-eyed at what she was seeing before her. "What is that?!"

Gozuki narrowed his eyes at the sight. "I recognize that armor but it looks different than I remember. That armor is metal...I sense such tremendous power coming from it, it's unlike I've ever seen or felt before."

Merraid growled out of anger at Akame. "Armor or not, it won't help you!" She put her left arm forward and large swarms made of her beetle Wrigglers carrying the ant bomb Wrigglers appeared and surrounded Akame. Once they did, she snapped her fingers and a tremendously powerful explosion occurred. With that smoke now covering her, Merraid and Gozuki rushed at it and swung their weapons at Akame once they were near.

When they did, the force behind their attack blew the smoke and saw that Akame wasn't there. They both had the same thought. "Where did she go?"

"Shadow Fall Cornu!"

They looked up and saw something crashing down on them. A large column of dust shot into the air and Gozuki and Merraid were blasted out of it. They both groaned as Akame shot from the column and flew straight for Gozuki first. He saw Akame coming at him quickly and stood up to prepare his counterattack. He stretched out his hair right at her as it increased in both volume and size. As soon as she encountered her former father's sharpened hair. she swung Murasame and took out her second sword to cut through them as she advanced toward him. When his hair didn't work, he put his left hand forward and his nails stretched out next. The nails did reach Akame, but, they failed to pierce through her shadow metal armor and broke. He felt a sting of pain through his fingers as if the nails were broken and he groaned in pain.

Akame smiled that her new Armament was able to stun her former father giving her more time as she proceeded with her attack, though, Gozuki put his Murasame as a final act of defense despite knowing he wouldn't be able to cut her. Once Akame reached him, her other shadow magic surrounded her swords and crossed them in front of her delivering a devastatingly powerful slashing attack. "Shadow X-Cution!" The attack went through Gozuki's Murasame with ease and destroyed it in the process while a large boom occurred. He screamed out in pain as blood spurted out of his freshly made wound Akame was now standing behind him.

Gozuki let out a weary pained groan as he fell backward slowly. His fingernails were broken completely and the tip of his fingers bled out. He felt Murasame's poison coursing through his body, he had one last thought about Akame before darkness took him over again. "Akame...I don't know where you got your new power...but...it's made you so strong since my death...I'm...so proud...my daughter..." Akame saw his eyes close with a small smile.

As silence filled the air, Akame looked at her armored metallic hand. She was surprised where this newfound strength was coming from. The feeling she had inside was familiar to her. "It's like when I first fought Merraid." This familiar feeling Akame was having was her releasing her limiter once more as the Oarburgh did. Speaking of the Oarburghs, she sensed something was quickly approaching her and turned around to a massive swarm, long, thick threads of silk appeared and wrapped around Akame's right arm. Her Observation Haki was getting stronger and she was able to sense this. She then remembered something about Green's death. She flew right at Merraid, which her enemy didn't expect to happen and she was already approaching her. When she swung both her swords at once at Merraid, the older woman jumped over the attack and delivered a swift and powerful kick to the side of Akam'es armored head. Normally, an attack like that would be enough to incapacitate or knock out a person but all it did was send Akame back a small distance away from Merraid. She knew with her scythe arm covered and her midsection with a beetle shield Wrigglers had proven to protect her from Murasame in the past wielded by Gozuki and Akame's previous Shingu weapon.

Suddenly, Merraid felt a strong pain in her leg as she knelt while holding her injured leg. "Ughh..." She groaned in pain. "That armor...felt like heavy strong metal..." Her leg felt dislocated and she couldn't move right. "I guess...I'll have to-" She was about to snap her fingers to create an ant explosion, but she noticed Akame had vanished and felt her scythe arm was cut off along with blood suddenly spurting out from a large upward cut on her right side. "Shadow-Magic: Silent Shadow Slash!"

Merraid's transformation became undone as she fell backward to the ground. Akame also dispelled her shadow armor and turned around to see Merraid once more. Merraid sighed one more time as she gave Akame a loving and sweet smile. "You're just as beautiful as I remember. Even if it was a short time, I was happy to see you again, Akame." She closed her eyes and still kept her smile. "It's a shame I'm going to die if I were given a second chance at life...I would make you mine...I love...you." Those were the last words she'd speak to her.

Merraid then vanished and Akame closed her as she sighed looking at her hand. "Rayleigh...thank you...I know I've learned to control Haki and I intend to make both Haki powers stronger." She began to think about Leone and Chelsea including that Luffy's crew went into their directions. Mostly, she thought of how her relationship with Chelsea would be from here on out. She still considered her a close and dear friend and she'd hate to lose that friendship. However, as she said, they would settle things after the war. She also hoped that Fairy Tail wouldn't find out about her situation knowing what kind of impact it would have. Suddenly she felt a terrible pain wracking through her body, she managed to kneel but she was almost on the break of falling over and losing consciousness.

"Akame..." Akame turned around to see Chelsea with a predatory look in her eye.

Chelsea felt the anger boiling inside her. "Chelsea, I'm sorry..." Hearing that somewhat surprised the other girl. "I regret what happened to the Oarburgh Clan, I even apologized to Merraid, I realize that if I should've seen the Empire Corruption earlier before. If I did perhaps your previous team would still be alive today." She lowered her head in regret. "I know my apology isn't probably enough to ease your pain, but, I am truly sorry about what I did." She felt her body tremble. "I probably don't deserve your forgiveness."

Chelsea took out a single needle seeing her chance, though there was a hint of hesitation in her eyes. Taeko's words echoed in her mind. "The person responsible for killing me is none other than Akame and it was her group that killed all of the Oarburgh Clan." Though, Taeko's other words echoed in her mind. "I told Akame that if we met in a different world, we could be friends."

She was about to stab her teammate until she felt a hand grab her wrist. "What the hell?" Akame saw this and saw a young man with a Straw Hat with his eyes hidden.

"Luffy, what are you doing...and how much did you over hear?" Chelsea asked surprised that the rubber boy suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"I heard enough...but, that doesn't matter right now, what matters is that she was apologizing. It's probably not the best time to kill her." His words were enough to get Chelsea to back off as her needle disappeared.

Akame was partly glad to see Luffy. "Thank...you..." She lost consciousness.


Luffy's group won their fight and Akame had won hers. Chelsea tries to kill Akame, only to be stopped by Luffy's words. Luffy is an idiot, but, he can be serious when he needs to be. What will happen next, find out in the next chapter.

End of chapter.