Chapter 45: Absolute Victory

A/N: Okay, What the hell. As I was about to post, the site wasn't working. But the mobile app which I just redownloaded is working fine. I'm also giving my updates from other authors and follow/fav/DMs again. I swear, this site.

Countdown: 1 Month, 2 weeks, 5 days until the exam

The first thing I noticed upon waking up was the starry night sky, the sleeping bags, and a campfire.

I set up and looked around. I immediately recognize the location even in the dim light. This is a plateau and underneath the plateau is a hollow-out chamber leading to our battleground, the Crystal Valley. Vernal sealed the entrance after every session to avoid discovery.

Now I have even more questions…

Why are we here?

I look around more to see snacks, a picnic blanket, and recently eaten food on top. There are also extra sleeping bags, chairs, and mattresses.

My family and I were sleeping around a campfire. I could see a few more campfires off in the distance. My gut feeling is telling me someone is aiming a rifle at my head. Night Raid is here. I should tell May not to do that when my family is near. I trust her aim, but explaining it to my sisters and dad is awkward.

Next question, Why aren't we in our home?

I took a moment to think. I've been fading in and out of consciousness. I caught bits and pieces of what happened.

Night Raid mentions needing to smuggle me out of the city. Qrow talked about a picnic and bringing the food with them. After that, it was a blur. I think…I was awake but also dreaming about eating. It was delicious too.

How did everyone get up here and why did Vernal lead them to our secret battleground? The walls are steep and roughly a hundred feet high. A good huntsman could scale it as easily as a normal person scaling a fence. But my sisters would struggle unless they were carried up.

I search my fragmented memories for more clues. The sounds of snoring and the crackling of the fire stopped.

"EHHHH?! We are talking now?!" Vernal freaked out.

I closed my eyes and counted down to calm myself. I couldn't express my true feelings over a call nor did I want to do it backstage. I want to tell Vernal in person how livid I am with her.

"I made stairs beforehand and said it was an old tourist spot," She whispered. I turn my head toward the Spring Maiden and her blue roommate.

"Am I able to get your name now?" I asked her.

"I could but no," she smirked.

She could?

"Ms. Veritas is surprisingly brilliant when applied to certain intelligence paths," the relic commented," She made the most out of the last two wishes."

"What is the last wish?" I asked the genie.

"Why would I tell you when all three wishes are used up?"

"So it's pointless talking to you," I sighed.

"We can still talk because of our friend. Ver has wished for me to speak my mind," She smiled happily at Vernal," It doesn't violate the preset rules by my creator nor is it asking for all the knowledge in the world."

"That means you can reveal anything you want to us," I stood up knowing how amazing this is.

"Again, no," she pointed at me," It may not seem like it but knowledge about others, major revelations, or future events isn't allowed. I can speak about myself and my personal feelings. My creator would be enraged if he finds out I'm helping an enemy."

"He's gone," I revealed even if Vernal listened intently. She shouldn't be hearing this but I'm about to give this girl an earful for the crap she did today and to that tribe.

"He? Creator?" She looked confused. The cat is out of the bag now. Now I have to be honest with her about the truth of the world. I'm hoping it doesn't break her will.

"My creator is watching from outside the solar system. I refuse to tell you information on important intel because if he comes down and finds out," The relic face darkened," We are all doomed or in the best case, I cease to exist."

"But I-"

"He won't interfere with your mission as agreed but if I violate his rules, well, there will be little wiggle room for me left," She explained.

"You'll only reveal minor details, your personal opinions, and what is going to happen regardless," I summarized," Why? Why are you helping me?"

"I love the endless pursuit of Knowledge," She revealed," Think of it like this. If all of humanity ends, Where does that leave me? My purpose would be voided and that would be the death of me or worse, a stagnation of knowledge. Sure, the animal kingdom could birth evolution into something unique but that can be hundreds of thousands of years."

"You fear death," I said under my breath.

"Humans are unique. You're a proactive bunch always seeking more. You have given me more knowledge and development in a short period," She spoke with glee," Seeing the past and present is a gift. All I see in my creator's plan is stagnation."

"You can reveal your nature and limitations. Those aren't violations of the rules," I analyzed.

"I'm omnipotent yet not. I know all in the past and presence as an observer. I don't know the secret of the universe because Remnant's humanity doesn't extend beyond this planet. I can't read minds thus an action of short-sighted passion isn't known to me until the present becomes the past. My wishes are only thrice every century."

She has given me a major hint but I doubt it is usable now that all the wishes are used up. The best way to circumvent the relic of knowledge being used against us is not having a plan or not saying it out loud and introducing random factors.

I'll keep this to myself because Vernal sure as hell didn't understand it. I doubt I'll live long enough for wishes to reset. If I lived that long and still haven't accomplished this vague mission, I'm doing something wrong.

Why would she tell me how to counter her power?

"As a spirit of knowledge, I want to know more."

I look up at the stars.

"I need an explanation. What's going on?!" Ver screamed.

"She can't explain it but I can. Are you sure you want to know?" I revealed.

"Yes! Are you about to tell us our lives are part of some greater plot beyond Salem and Ozpin?"

We stare silently at her.

"I think I should have been a hermit," She exclaimed.

"You think," the relic and I said at once. I also considered living life as a hermit and leaving all of this behind.

The truth of the world can drive the populace to despair. I almost wanted to give up, too.

"If I tell you the truth, promise you won't lose your mind," I explained.

She raised her hand.

"I promised."

I took a deep breath and began.

"I'll tell you everything I know about this world. First, let's start with Gods; they don't deserve followers."

What followed was an hour of explanation and storytelling. The relic nodded and confirmed my story while Vernal listened, asking a lot of questions.

"There is one plot of the story that confuses me," She rubbed her head," A Dark Lord hires you and you are a creation of Light. If that is the case, Why are you so friendly to each other? Aren't the forces of Light and Dark always in an eternal struggle?"

The relic winked. She knows that I know the answer. It is true in most cases, especially in fiction and polarization of reality.

"I've just told you I'm not his follower," I corrected," I accepted a mission from him and will see it through. I don't have reverence for the Dark Lord but understood his viewpoint. Listen closely next time!"

Vernal nodded at the information and apologized for forgetting.

"Where does my friend fit in?" She motioned to the blue woman.

"I initially suspect your roommate is whispering lies, attempting to turn you against me. I didn't know what to do besides eliminating you if she was a spy and a manipulator. That wasn't the case. I observe how you act to see if there are any changes or doubts about my orders. You follow through with all of it without an issue. More importantly, You are still you." I stated," The God of Light is a being that honors his words, or else his brother will fight him and destroy this planet in the crossfire."

"But I have-"

"Your actions contradict the supposed benevolence of a God of Light. The same should be extended to his creations," I stood up and raised my voice," Your aura tree experiment is more proof. It's an evil that would have been stopped if the God of Light watched through her. Even I would have killed you right this instant over such inhumane experiments."

"Why would you be certain of it?" She asked. Vernal is unfazed after I admit to wanting to kill her.

"The Great Blizzard of Solitus is his creation and my planning," I told her. She was mildly surprised," If anyone needs to die first is me."

The God of Light cares about humanity. He is also controlling. There is a chance he's bluffing about wiping out humanity if we fail to live up to his absurd expectations. Maybe he will restart humanity and try again.

"They deserve it," Ver huffed," Those people attacked me when I came to them unarmed. I listened to you and engaged in diplomacy first. It's the truth."

I sighed and sat back down. Vernal has always been honest and straightforward with me. She is a bad liar. Whenever she lies is only small stuff like a surprise gift or minor secrets like Militia having a crush on me. There were also times when I eavesdropped on their conversation while the world was frozen. The way Vernal speaks to the relic is genuine.

There are also strange coincidences. She captured Militia by sheer luck, kicked start my departure of Patch, AND SOMEHOW…caught up to us at a random stop in Vacuo. The relic purposely reunited us. It would benefit the God of Light and my enemies if we stayed apart. Vernal would have slaughtered more people for a tribe that didn't respect her.

I closed my eyes and imagined what would happen.

The Spring Maiden wept on top of a mountain of bodies. She looked around to see no one left, no one who praised her, no one she called friend or family. Ver Veritas drew her last breath on that hill taking down two out of three maidens sent after her.

The tribe continued its path of anarchy under new leadership. The Queen of Grimm praised the sacrifice of her favorite pawn.

That vision was vividly real. Vernal would have embarked on that path if we didn't find each other. This relic was working within its limitations to reunite us.

How could I see that future?

Between Umber seeing her death in another timeline and knowing about Mercury…

Someone or something has been drip-feeding those images.

"The relic has reunited us while guiding you, nudging you in the right direction. We may be working on two opposing paths but we aren't blind," I answered," Relic, how do you feel about what Vernal has done?"

She shook her head.

"Ver project is impressive from a scientific standpoint but there are better ways to handle it, child," She folded her arms.

"That isn't an answer I expected from you," I didn't believe her.

"Studium scientiae, The pursuit of knowledge isn't tied down by morality but as a creation of light, I am," She expressed, slightly offended.

"Your existence is a contradiction," I analyzed.

"So are you. We wouldn't be having this conversation if my essence is closer to a machine following a set of rules. There isn't a rule against me asking you questions or casual banter," She winked again," What do you think about the experiment? Are there any benefits and what future could it create? What would the Huntress of Hope think?"

What do I think? I went to shut it all down and pretend like it never happened. I'm desperate but not that desperate. But the future could make me regret not having such power when I have the chance.

"I will admit supplementing aura, preserving a soul, manifesting a dreamscape, and turning plant life into weapons against Grimm is valuable," I admitted," But violating the lives of others isn't what I want."

The Huntress of Hope…

I need to fully immerse myself in that role. Failure to do so would taint that title and everything I worked for.

"Fine! I'll find a safer way to handle the experiment," She exclaimed.

"I need full detail on what you're working on and how you're going to accomplish it," I ordered," I'm willing to funnel more resources into both your terraforming and this newer project if you keep it moral."

"Yes, Akame!" She saluted.

"Anything else we need to talk about?"

They both shook their heads.

"Good," I look over at the picnic," It's unfortunate I didn't get to eat with them."

The relic laughed.

"Umm actually you did eat," She pointed at my blanket. There are food stains on one edge of it.

"You were sleep-eating," the relic added.

So I was that hungry…

"Vernal, Go back to wherever you were at," I sighed," Talks over. I'm going back to bed."

"After blowing my mind you just gonna nap again," She growled.

"Yes, stop dragging it out," I moved the stained part of the blanket away from me.

She didn't move. I turn to look at her. She bites her lips and clenches her fists. Vernal opened her mouth but only noises came out. I was about to interject until she gathered the courage to speak.

"What if it doesn't work out? Isn't playing heroines going to limit us?" She bought up.

"Playing?" I mumbled," We aren't 'playing', Ver. When I want a second chance, I mean it. This extends to you, too."

She shook her head. What's going on? Vernal is disobeying me over what we always wanted.

"The final contingency plan ...If becoming a Huntress failed and the world collapsed into all-out war," She mentioned.

Contingency…Oh…That one.

"Scorched Earth is the last option for a good reason!" I expressed," I could never face my family if we commit to it."

That plan is what Vernal and I came up with together. It is simple on paper. I'll eliminate the leaders and Vernal annihilate armies. The two of us together with accurate intel and the elements of surprise could cripple a kingdom. We will hit them hard and fast.

The faster a war ends the less resources spent and suffering the world will go through.

"One more final…final…last question," she glanced at the sky," What is the God of Darkness like? Why doesn't he have followers?"

"I don't know nor care," I sighed," But if I have to take a guess, no one wants to follow a deity that only grants death and destruction."

"But is there more to him? There gotta be another side to the story," She beamed," He can't be the lord of all that is bad. You exist after all and you're not evil! And he sounds like someone that is alone and has been dealt a bad hand."

What the hell has gotten into her?

Vernal, please don't do what I think you're doing.

I'm glad he's far from this planet. Vernal shouldn't be devoted to him. The Dark God implies he never had a follower of his own because of what he embodied. Which is quite surprising and impossible the more I think about it. There are always humans deprived and/or desperate enough to call for darkness, destruction, and evil to be done.

My most fanatical loyalists are exactly that. It is hard to control them when many believe another 'me' is waiting for them on the other side. They're lunatics who are pariahs even in the tribe. They're also my most loyal soldiers. Cali is one of them.

For our Home.

The chant of Vacuan and the exiled from Mistral who want revenge against the world.

For Branwen.

The rebels turn into bandits that refuse to surrender after countless defeats.

Death is with Us.

The one that seeks my approval and praise.

Maybe he had followers but the result is self-destruction.

"Go back to bed," I snapped my finger.

"Good night, Akame," She hurried off.

I let sleep take over for the second time.

The air felt cooler than normal in the early morning. I got out of bed to stretch my limbs. Vernal lay on Militia's lap and hid her glowing eyes behind a sleeping Spring Maiden using her ability to lower the temperature so we wouldn't sweat under desert heat.

She discreetly controls the temperature in her sleep, impressive.

Everyone was still asleep except for my dad. He smiled but there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes. I mentally prepared myself.

He beckoned me to follow him away from the group. I walked with him until we were close to the edge of the plateau.

Once we got far enough, He started to speak.

"I know everything that is going on. The question is, do your bodyguards know?"

"No," I explained, " Know what exactly?"

"That Vernal is a spring maiden, the overarching war with a Grimm queen, all the nitty-gritty details," he crossed his arms," Team STRQ is Ozpin's favorite, after all. I know what you've been doing in Vacuo."

I couldn't look him in the eyes.

"I understand why you're doing all this but we talked this over already," he said softly," You can't claim one thing while doing something else in the background. You're doing too much for your age. How old do you think you are?"

"I'm fourteen," I answered quickly.

"How old do you feel?" He pointed out.

I was at a loss for words.

"I found white hairs," Those four words were enough for my dad to recoil in shock.

"That's horrible!" He shouted.

"You're old," Umber said.

Wait? Umber? She snuck up on me and Dad.

"Good, You're here too. I've already spoken to her over your 'extra-circulatory activities'", he coughed," Both of you girls are in so much trouble."

"I mean…what kind of punishment you could give to get your point across," She shrugged.

"I killed a few people, broke laws, overthrew and controlled an organization. I don't think grounding or standard parental punishment is going to apply," Those are just crimes I committed directly and under my orders.

What I did to Atlas might as well be considered genocide. It's wrong but Atlas has been set back and that is all that matters. That is the secret that shall never be known. Even more than the death of my mother.

Salem did it, not me. I'm sure that's what happened.

"You're not allowed to eat meat and Umber is gonna make sure you follow through," he revealed," Akame, You're going vegan."

"Dad!" We both shouted.

"That cruel and unusual punishment!"

"You're starving me to death."

"Ground me, take my scroll away, anything else but that!"

"Meatttt!"

NONONO! That's horrible! That's bad parenting!

And that's right when I need extra energy for my upcoming exams.

Meat is nutritious and more importantly, it is delicious!

"Why am I involved?!" Umber yelled.

"And no candy or processed sweets," he added.

Dad doesn't love me anymore. I collapsed to my knees, holding back tears.

"Akame, It's not that bad," he motioned," I heard your maiden friend doesn't like meat."

"What am I supposed to eat?! Cooked water?!" I felt hungry already. Does eating Vernal count as vegan?

I can hear a faint sneeze.

"Fruit, vegetables, bread?" He listed out," Anything that grows from the earth. I make exceptions with milk, cheese, and eggs but that's it."

That still doesn't improve the situation.

I growled.

"She wants to be disowned instead," Umber translated my growl.

"She didn't say that…right?"

I didn't want to move or speak.

I growled again.

"She said you don't love her," Umber sighed. Well, That's enough speaking on my behalf.

"I didn't say that," I mumbled.

"You thought of it," she countered.

"Shut up, Umber. You know too much," I complained.

"We both know this is going to suck for you more than it is for me." She laughed," Now go eat grass."

Dad laughed alongside Umber.

"It's only temporary, around a year," He revealed.

"That's too long!"

"That's how long you've been playing mastermind. I know it is going to be hard to enforce and I doubt Umber is going to keep track of everything you eat," he bends his knees. We were now eye to eye," This is a lesson in integrity and honor. It is also a lesson for Umber to follow."

"Babysitting Akame? Shouldn't that be focused on Rube?"

"You're the oldest sister. I want you to take responsibility for her action and guide her to a better end," Dad lectured Umber and then focused on me," If you can't honor one simple lesson then what do you believe?"

"I believe in setting everything right," I answered.

"And I believe she could do it," Umber added.

He didn't look convinced.

"When does it start?" He motioned.

When…

"When I told the world I'm the Huntress of Hope," I announced," I meant it."

He closed his eyes in deep thought.

The silence was deafening. It's the same feeling as public speaking. Even the punishment is teaching me a lesson. I'm a fish out of water. I've been relying on what I know best but that won't work now. I need to set a good example and begin anew.

"What does it mean to be the Huntress of Hope? Umber told me you thought of it on a whim," he motioned.

"A desire to keep pushing forward searching for the light in the darkness," I answered," I don't know what comes after."

"You'll need to find the answer yourself," he stepped forward and hugged me, one hand cradling the back of my head," I know you will."

He let go of his embrace while I stood stunned by the contact. Dad slowly walked back to the rest of the family as they woke up, one by one.

I stood with Umber for another minute before she spoke to me.

"Are you going to be okay?" She worried while brushing a few strands of hair out of my face.

"I can't eat meat, How do you think I feel?" I groaned.

"Really?" She chuckled," That's all you can think of?"

I shook my head.

"You knew about the people I killed," I sighed," Why didn't you belittle me over it? You haven't done so until Vernal…"

I didn't understand why Umber wasn't more direct.

"There is only so much Qrow and I could say to keep you on track," She said," We brainstormed what all these cloak-and-dagger operations are going to accomplish. We concluded it was going to bring more good than harm."

I sense my uncle approaching us from the side.

"Yep," He said, popping the p," A goody-two shoe would look at your actions as vile and against the law. How I see it is a girl mitigating a worse outcome while killing only when it serves a purpose."

He continued to speak.

"Remember that guy you killed in the Kentye tribe?" He recalled," I was pissed that you went against your vow. I still am."

"The outcome outweighs my vow," I defended.

"There was a better option and that's bringing him to justice," Qrow narrowed his eyes.

" I could have gagged him and have the tribe disavowed his every word but the people wanted him dead. It wasn't wrong by Vacuo standards. They wanted him dead and, as Branwen tribe head, I wanted him dead," I reasoned," It is a death easily swept under the rug and even if it's been discovered, It isn't illegal and I got more loyalists."

"What if you forsake your oath to be a Huntress of Hope?" Umber asked," What outcome outweighs that?"

I know it is hypocritical like how I vowed to annihilate the Branwen tribe. Maybe that's just how I operate. Vernal has a point. We need to plan for failures also.

"If someone can be a better Huntress of Hope than I ever was."

My next business is with Night Raid plus Sun.

"Ladies, gentleman…and Sun," I blinked upon seeing my date," What happened?"

They fill me in on what happened after I fell unconscious. Night Raid hid me in the back of a truck while the family grabbed all the essentials for our picnic. Vernal leads them to our secret location.

I'm now the most famous girl on this planet. My words and actions will be scrutinized and praised. It took a while for my bounty to freeze because all the kingdom's council members needed to deliberate first. It stopped at around 21 million lien. Lil' Ms. Malachite decided to be petty and use her fortune to raise the bounty.

The Vacuo government and Theodore must hate me for leaving them with a mess. I heard there is now open hostility between the two. It isn't going to escalate into civil war as long as I mediate the situation. They don't want the other kingdoms to come in for peacekeeping.

There are naysayers in the tribe, but most support my action. I've done a lot for this tribe both directly and indirectly. I properly handed my authority over to Vernal but I'll still watch their every move. It is obvious that despite becoming a huntress, I will still go after our enemies but with justice by my side. I'll need to build up goodwill and trust with the world to do so. Which is easier said than done. The game plan of those two is to be too useful and a good Public Relation.

"What's next boss?" Cali asked.

I've won.

I got my family back.

I'm reunited with my friends.

I got an army willing to defend me.

A swarm of supporters for my cause.

I have wealth and fame.

Atlas and Malachite could no longer touch me.

They could blackmail me for killing my mother but I could lie again.

I said whatever to get me out of interrogation and gain an opportunity to rescue my mother. That was my true plan the entire time.

That's right.

The only witness is my uncle and he is an unreliable source. The tribe could confirm the wounds were from a thicker blade and there was no way I could have escaped without my mother teleporting me away. I'm a liar. Cinder killed my mother.

She did.

Salem's words can't be trusted.

I lied to Ironwood.

Ms. Malachite can't confirm it without confirming our old alliances.

It's unbelievable to think. I was willing to throw myself into a horde of Grimm just to find and kill my mother. If I wanted her dead, I would have assumed the Grimm did it and left her be. I went in to see if I could find a body or if she somehow sheltered from the horde. I came to save her.

They…have a reason to lie. We are enemies.

I didn't kill my mother. I'm sure I didn't.

I'm honest.

It's my words against theirs.

"Akame!" Sun yelled, catching my attention," Are you alright? Do you need to rest some more?"

I've won.

Normal PoV

If there is one thing that made the entire plateau go silent and wake up Vernal and Militia is laughter.

The most uncharacteristic laughter from a stoic girl who never emotes beyond a smile.

It started as a small chuckle, followed by a futile effort to stop it. Then she placed a hand over her mouth to stop it even further, but it didn't work. The third time attempting to stop her laughter is walking away, but she didn't make it far.

The laughter is now coming from the very depths of her soul.

It wasn't a villainous laugh, forced, or someone going insane. It was a relief and happiness. A moment of catharsis for a girl who has been fighting for so long.

Understandably, Everyone is disturbed.

"Boss? Are you okay?" Cali asked. She moves Sun in front of her, hands on his shoulder.

"Umm, Why me?"

"You're her boyfriend, do something," She pointed at Akame," Use your charm, boy."

"What charm? I've been listening to y'all yesterday," Sun complained.

"It's not my fault you fumbled the speech check," Copper said behind Cali.

"Foolishness, Did you even kiss her?" May hid behind Copper," We're just there to make sure the date goes smoothly. The fate of the world depends on it."

"Why are you aiming your gun at me?" Brawnz laughed nervously.

May aimed her rifle at his forehead giving him very little time to evade. He knows at this range it's going to hit. Even if she isn't looking at him. It isn't going to kill him but it will hurt a lot.

"I'm here to prevent shameful displays of affection at an inappropriate time," The sniper reasoned," Consider this a bonk stick."

"You little runt. It's called loyalty!"

"It's called being a simp," Cali added.

"No, That isn't it. Brawnz is more of a fanatic, otherwise, he wouldn't help us with Sun date," Copper pointed out," A simp could barely function around Akame without being a weirdo."

"There a distinction?" May questions.

"Yes," Copper deadpanned," Please demonstrate."

"Exactly! Whatever makes Akame happy makes me happy! Akame is a goddess. The death that guides us. She-"

Bang

"Huh?" May looked back, noticing she wasn't the one to pull the trigger.

Not too far away, the barrel of harbinger is smoking.

"Tai, You just shot a kid," Qrow snatched his weapon out of Tai's hands," Again."

"Fatherly reflex," He shrugged," So what did that boy say to make her laugh that hard?"

"I dunno? A second date?"

Mom once said laughter is the best medicine. Ruby and Yang wanted to laugh with Akame. They don't know why she's laughing but want to join in.

Umber stood nearby watching Akame slowly whine down her laughter.

"Did you hear? Dad banned her from eating meat and candy," Yang nudged.

"Oooh, So she isn't laughing to feel happy. Big sister Akame is now crazy!" Ruby beamed proudly," I would do too if I can't eat cookies."

"Let's just go with that," Yang threw her head back and laughed along with Akame.

Ruby follows suit.

The oldest sister tilted her head in confusion and annoyance.

"Huuuh? What the hell is wrong with you three?" She muttered.

Vernal didn't care. She went back to sleep on Militia's lap while the girl in question smiled. She is glad Akame is being more expressive.

Militia sighed.

"I can hear your heartbeat," Vernal voiced," The window of opportunity is closing, make a move dummy."

"I know, keep it quiet," the Malachite hissed.

"Grow a spine," Vernal huffed.

"Find a moral compass," She countered.

"Freeloader."

"War criminal."

Akame PoV

Haha!

This feels wrong but right at the same time.

I felt free.

My laughter died down only to hear two familiar aura signatures laughing alongside me.

I look left and right to see my lovable sisters. Before I knew it, They both put me into a tight hug. I attempted to wiggle out but found it to be pointless.

We enjoy the embrace for another moment before they let go.

"You seem happy," Yang attempted to touch my hair. I slapped her hand away.

"How else am I supposed to feel?" I chuckled.

Ruby skipped in front of me with a starry expression.

"Who are you and what have you done with grumpy Aka?" She pouted.

I pinched her cheek and patted her head. That's my adorable silver-eyed sister.

"And you're too tall," I teased.

"Well, umm, well!" She leaped back," You barely grew!"

She is ridiculous. Of course, I…

I should have noticed sooner.

"How old are you?"

"I'm twelve," She puffed her chest.

The realization hit me the longer I looked. We now see each other eye to eye in a literal sense. What the hell? Ruby got a growth spurt in a year. How is Yang even taller than me?! She was only slightly taller before I left. Now I would have to tilt my head upward to see her eyes.

I know they are my sisters. I checked their aura colors. Why did they grow so much?

"How? How are you both taller than me?" I blinked.

"We drink milk," Ruby and Yang said together.

"It's only been ONE YEAR," I emphasized.

The girl laughed at my annoyance which slowly subsided. I miss them so much.

It was small talk about what Patch is like now and how Vacuo has been treating them. Then I introduced them to Night Raid and Sun. The members of Night Raid are on paper and officially my private security. I am now world-famous after all. I could defend myself from any threat but it would be beneath me to deal with overzealous fans or smaller targets.

Sun, on the other hand, is being scrutinized. He can't catch a break. That's why we aren't getting too close or touchy for his safety. My dad is watching him like a hawk.

Night Raid.

I know it has a historical significance within the tribe but why does it feel significant to me? They are the rebel's espionage and assassination branch during the Great War. Night Raids only take orders directly from their leader, the head of the tribe. They were wiped out along with rebels who wanted to continue the fighting against Mistral. Recently, They came back briefly after my mother's recruitment.

They were also wiped out down to the last member.

The entire branch is a curse with survival being a luxury.

Night Raid…Night Raid…

It's going to be different this time. Their duty isn't to be my killers. The public saw them in action. Their intentions are simple. Night Raid are my bodyguards and keeper of the peace.

It is the main reason why even the most hardline tribe members aren't up in arms. The writing is on the walls. Vernal is the official tribe leader but the elite guards belong to me. I could simply point out that the foundation of the tribe is rebellion against the monarchy. A Branwen being the requirement to lead the tribe contradicts it.

I never once betrayed the tribe besides my mother…

The murder I got away with.

I see a Raven in the distance.

I blink.

It came closer.

I blink again.

It perched close enough for me to see its red eyes.

I blink again and it is now a few inches away. Why? How isn't anyone seeing it?

Could this be my guilt?

"Akame," I felt someone touch my leg.

I look down to see Militia sitting up with her back on a pile of luggage and a small umbrella over her. A sleepy Spring Maiden laying her head on her lap. Ver was awake the whole night keeping watch over everyone. Even Night Raids are well-rested despite their job to keep me safe.

"Sorry, Did I almost step on you?"

"You did," She deadpanned," You stepped on a finger."

"Sorry, I-"

"Zoned out again," She finished my sentence," I understand. You're constantly scheming, observing, and reacting. You're like a stage performer, a warrior, and a general. Meanwhile, Here I am, Lil Ms. Hostage sitting pretty."

"The alternative is your mother declaring war," I explained," Openly this time. Besides, I don't want you to get hurt. You're too important to me."

Vernal rustled slightly in Milita's lap. The Spring Maiden just woke up and eavesdropped on this conversation. I decided against calling her out. It would ruin the flow of the conversation.

I hope she didn't take it as flirting. Militia's cheeks turn slightly red. My friend needs to control herself. I'm struggling to navigate a relationship with Sun. I wouldn't mind remaining single but apparently, my uncle was on board with giving me the teenage girl specialty.

This better not turn into a love triangle or rom-com. I never wanted to date or get into a relationship in the first place. But I don't have the heart to break hearts. I swear, if my Uncle tries to set me up with someone again, I'm kicking his shin.

"Youreimportanttometoo," She said quickly as if slowing down would be an admission of her true feelings.

She's never going to get it off her chest at this rate. The worst part is I would act like this if I were in love. I need Mil to decide the inevitable. It is going to hurt in the long run if she doesn't admit or fully let go.

"I will miss the time we spent together. You and the girls make life here feel normal," I smiled.

"I could just stay a hostage, a trade-off to ensure peace," She voiced.

"You can't be with us forever. I promise the world we will change for the better and keeping you against your will reflects poorly on us," I refer to the tribe and me," You could come back to us of your free will but it will call into question your allegiance."

She clenched her fist and couldn't keep eye contact with me. I felt sorry for Militia. She is a child watching her loved ones fight and doesn't know what to say or do to stop it. She's hurting inside.

I look at Vernal fake snoring. I could hear my sisters teasing each other.

Life has not been kind to all four of us. But we try to make the best of it. My family and friends give me the normalcy I crave even if it's fleeting in the end. I did the same for Vernal by keeping her off the battlefield and toward the noble goal of terraforming this kingdom. Umber realized the error of her fanaticism and strived for a better future.

Militia deserve some happiness too. I wish Melanie didn't follow her mother's path. I would love it if all five of us could hang out like in the old days. I sighed mentally. How am I going to articulate my next words?

"Militia, I want to make time for you and only you," I kneeled, putting my index finger underneath her chin and gently guiding her to look at me.

The result was instantaneous. Militia figuratively melts into a puddle.

That declaration caught both girls off guard. I ignore Ver's obvious grasp. I have Sun and I enjoy the time I had with him. Militia need this mostly because there is a chance we may never see each other again.

It isn't a date. It's just friends hanging out and I know a perfect place. If I call it a date, I would be cheating on Sun. I'll give him a heads-up when the day comes.

"But-"

"Forget being a hostage we're going to an amusement park," I put her hands in mine," I can put in a call to allow you to leave for one day and night. I've been on good terms with the Schwarz family long before my public apology."

"I-I-you," She couldn't comprehend what I was saying. Militia must think she has fallen asleep and dreaming all of it.

"I'll rent out the place just for us," I pulled her into a hug," I'll give you some time. You're not dreaming by the way."

I let go and stood up. I give her a quick smile, pace back, and walk aimlessly away. I could hear Vernal talking/squealing with Militia.

I sighed.

I've been talking a lot this morning and it's barely even 1 pm. We will have to leave eventually but the city is still chaotic. There isn't any more food left. Maybe we'll stay in a nearby town or contact a friendly tribe to take us in.

That was the plan until Vernal dropped a bombshell after 'waking up'. My army is coming. They've been driving overnight with little to no rest just to come see me.

I talked to Vernal about leaking this location. I asked her why she did it. She wanted to show the world how much power we hold. She even got that silver-haired journalist from Vale to join in. I believe her name was Lisa Lavender.

The final reason is Atlas. They are tracking my army from the sky. Vernal has been busy scouting out their airships. We debated on whether to take them down or not. We eventually came to a compromise. She is allowed to handle the situation if Atlas gives enough justification.

Fortunately, A fleet of Atlesian airships being deep inside the kingdom instead of over the coastline sealed their fate.

My army should be approaching from the west plus smaller factions coming from all directions. I need to spend my family away for the time being. Dad and Uncle Qrow understood the situation the most. They didn't want to be caught in the limelight.

I kept her familiar bond secret for a reason. The same for Dad and Qrow hiding Ruby's eyes. Yang and my medical records don't list us as twins. It's to protect the one we love.

"Umber is a known member of the tribe and a target for recapture," I explained," She is an Atlesian citizen by birth. She is still a member even if she swears off association with them."

"Aren't you good now? We can vouch for how-"

"Stop it," I interrupted Yang," I'm going, to be honest, I want family and business to be separated."

I took a moment to calm my emotions. I don't think they're trying to ride on my coattail to fame. Drew is like that but not my sisters. Ruby and Yang want to be openly supportive.

"I'm world-famous and it comes with burdens. Those burdens are going to be transferred onto both of you," I argued.

I wanted to tell them the truth. But revealing Salem would cause unnecessary pain. Especially with silver-eyed warriors being hunted down. I wanted them to stay in Patch for as long as possible while I dealt with the problems of this world.

"You are all going to die if you follow me," I foretold," Either I babysit you and you won't get any stronger, always being compared to me or you can grow into your person without special treatment because of me. The latter option doesn't mean you'll be unprotected. I'll have some of my men watch over you but we have to keep our connection hidden."

They dealt with members of AABU and the MIA spying on them. No one revealed my familiar connection because it's political/career suicide. It wouldn't be worth the risk even if a third party does it. Vale laws against bothering or harming the family of Huntsman are harsh. Team STRQ is respected for their duties even if my mother has undone some of them.

The girls somewhat accepted my answer.

"Fine," Ruby put her hood up," When I become as strong as you, I want you to acknowledge us."

"Ya sure," Yang shrugged," Let's go Rube."

I watch them from the top of the plateau after we say our goodbyes. They walked down the artificial steps into the family car. My dad warned me not to do any more morally questionable acts while I handled the tribe.

I'm not but Vernal has her plans. I only set limits and advised her.

Before they left, I ordered Cali to give up her motorcycle and let Sun use it for the time being.

He's in charge of getting my family to a friendly village up north.

The plateau offers a high vantage point to see what's coming and leaving. I watched the small dust cloud disappear into the horizon. I hope they get there safely. Meanwhile, the western skies are filled with several dozen black dots accompanied by dust clouds below.

"Cali and Copper, Go talk to our comrades. May and Brawnz, stay downstairs and make sure no one except for the faction leaders and lieutenants makes their way up here," I commanded.

They followed my orders immediately.

Good, Vernal is now free to do her part. She nodded to me and I nodded back.

"No more killing," I told her," And safe landing."

The Spring Maiden flew straight up searching for our unwanted observers.

Ironwood must know that Vernal is capable of reaching those airships. This means Vernal needs to stay under the radar and hit them quickly. I suspect the Winter Maiden is onboard. But with her advanced age, She either got a replacement by now or is near the edge of death. It's a gamble whether or not someone is strong enough to stop her up there.

I'm going to put my fate in her.

Umber put a hand on my shoulder.

"Second time a charm," She encouraged while Militia couldn't even look at me.

"Good luck," the prime minister's daughter shuddered.

I watch the dust clouds become vehicles of various sizes and brands. It's a strange mismatch of civilian cars turned into technical and military assets both stolen and bought off the black market. The black dots become transport airships, bullheads, and smaller civilian ships.

I estimate half of my forces are here.

God damnit, Vernal.

NOW EVERYONE KNOWS OUR SECRET SPOT!

I doubt anyone would realize the plateau is hollow inside. It's too late to complain now. I got an army to talk to.

I have another 30 minutes before everyone arrives, longer for them to settle down. That should be enough time for Vernal.

I still need to set everything up for her down here.

I had no material prepared nor know what I should talk about if a delay happened. I'll wing it. My anxiety isn't as bad now compared to yesterday's. I felt beyond euphoric. I've won. I can stop hiding and exist as myself.

The army approaching the plateau is no longer mine. I look up into the skies. They belong to Vernal Easter or Ver Veritas.

I handled Mistral so now it's your turn to take on Atlas.

The stage is all yours, Queen of Vacuo.

A/N: The story was supposed to be only 4K words. But I kept adding and now it's double that. The scene with Akame laughing wasn't originally planned, same for Akame asking Militia to a Not Date. I was hesitant to write both because it was out of character for Akame. But it only OOC if it was AgK Akame and without context. The laugh was what she needed the most at the time.

I put Akame through so much suffering that I turned away some readers. But I mentioned in my early ANs that Fate, Arknights, Honkai Impact 3rd, Punishing Grey Raven, and stories with darker settings are my inspirations but within all of them is a ray of light no matter how bleak it is.

It is the final arc next and I've been building everything up for it. Akame at this point has every advantage compared to everyone against her. That isn't going to last because Malachite and Ironwood would work together to stop her. It's the cycle Ozpin created to make sure none of them gain too much power. A check-and-balance system.

The ban on eating meat and candy is going to set in real soon when Akame is hungry. It is like telling Luffy and Goku not to eat too much or Naruto to quit eating Ramen. Taiyang hit her where it hurt most. I didn't know what kind of punishment would hurt Akame the most but this one might/will take the/her cake. It is going to have an unfortunate implication when Akame still isn't eating meat when Huntress of Hope starts.

The difference between Cali and Brawnz fanaticism is Cali would kill a baby if Akame ordered her to. Brawnz would sing his praise and hype Akame up like he's Sanji from One Piece, Copper is the most normal member and May wants to surpass Akame one day. Sun, an unofficial member, genuinely respects and likes Akame.

There is yet to be more tragedy in the finale.