Chapter 7: The Great One
Central Ruins
As Hinowa generated flames to block the oni's generated smoke, Laggie would dodge Suzuka's elastic body as she attempted to molest her.
Leone would dodge the energy blasts of pink energy fired by Dorina who was now flying.
"The forest. the seas. the sky. The beasts. The Birds. The sea life. Over 5000 years ago, they all were on the verge of the contamination brought on by the hands of man in their vainglorious attempt to find sovereignty via the technology that is now only beginning to resurface. So nature responded to the animal that evolved too haughty. But it was also cruel to make protectors for them as well as to make things harder for us to eliminate them. Some of us tried for coexistence and learned to harness our evils for enlightenment to better cooperate with humanity, but in your fear, you turned on them and continued your destructive ways. We cannot live with humans who seek to destroy the world while we also gradually die from the cages you inflict on us. It's not like all humans seek to destroy nature either deliberately or by ignorance- even trying to restore it in your own way. But their actions are a small ripple that doesn't affect the wave of fate as the majority are ignorant. With the extinction of mankind, the planet would be restored to its former glory.," Elm explained as they generated massive roots to ensnare Mursaki.
"I don't care about your reasoning. I won't let another nightmare befall the world. It's seen too much already.," said Murasaki in Akame's voice as she generated ice to freeze the roots. From the ice, generated curse marks heading towards Elm. They dodged it by generating a mushroom that went sky-high, farther than the marking could reach.
It seems like they've been melded with their Teigu to the point that it's impossible to tell where one begins and the other ends., thought the tree entity.
In a flash of a blizzard, Murasaki appeared behind the Evil Being and began to kick them down.
Blunt-ended Branches burst from Elm's forearm as they used it to strike Murasaki and the two landed on the ground.
The blunt ends then sprouted into green leaves that projected out yellow spores that entered her body's pores. Suddenly, she felt dizzy.
Elm used this opportunity to pummel Murasaki causing her to bleed out as they seeped into Elm instead. The marking of the Demon Extract began to dissipate. This caused Murasaki to be paralyzed.
What the?, thought the fusion.
"Break. Rend. Steal. Commit Sin. Kill. Sever. Harm. Perish. Degrade. Corrupt. Mutilate."
This cacophony of voices rang in the Evil Being's head.
"Enough... Fiend.," Elm said as they vomited out an inkish, black substance.
Leone looked in shock at the sight, which distracted her from a pink sphere that collided with her, knocking her on her back.
Yomihime fired flames from her sword at the ninja, but each time, it hit a clone generated by smoke.
"I was once a ninja named Hanzo. But now I've transcended into one of the true inheritors of the world- Shinzo.," the ninja said as he generated his own fire breathing at her.
Suzuka had managed to constrict Laggie.
"God will punish you for this act of treachery.," said the rabbit.
"I learned a lot of things and I still don't know everything. One thing I do know even before this is that the Heavens have and will always turn a blind eye to what they consider not worth it.," replied the former Rakasha Demon.
Unknown Heavenly Location
In a heavenly cloud location, several people were frolicking and overall living peacefully as winged warriors in sky-blue armor watched over them. A young man with short black hair with a white martial arts headband was confronting one of these individuals.
"Why aren't you guys doing anything about what's going on down there?" the young man asked as he clenched his fist.
"We give humanity who live a righteous path its bliss when they pass on and answer their prayers when it is the darkest point. But it's not reached that point as of recently. And we can only fight Evil beings," the winged soldier replied.
"Ieyasu. That's enough.," begged a girl with long black hair and eyes wearing a white butterfly or flower hair accessory dressed in pale robes.
"I'm not smart Sayo, but even I could see there was corruption, genocide, and all kinds of evil down there. And how people just died to those demons," argued Ieyasu.
"It was caused by humanity's tendency to ignore its righteous calling and cause harm against itself. It is hubris to consider one's fellow man demons when actual demons exist though normally they are well-hidden. At the same time, humanity solves its own problems. If we handled everything. How would humanity grow and stand up for themselves?" the winged warrior questioned.
"I guess. Sounds like an excuse," Ieyasu mumbled.
"Humans fight each other, the losing side is replaced- only known through tales told by historians. The players change and the stories vary in length in terms of tragedy or harmony, but humanity as a whole ultimately pulls through to find its peace. And if an invasive force comes in to wipe out the original, they will be accepted if just or overthrown if unrighteous. And we don't play a part unless...," the soldier elaborated.
"But there's a condition," Sayo noted.
"Right, young miss. If Evil Beings rise in power, they would wipe out humanity and that would be a problem for all parties, so they would pray for our aid and we'd answer. However, humanity's not on the brink of extinction due to the Evil Beings not being on the same tier as their heyday and could potentially be wiped out by humans. We would get involved because they are inherently destructive who would wipe out all life because they can till they just starve from also killing each other, but more importantly, once they're too much for Humans. Compared to Humans who kill each other for self-interest or wars to amuse themselves, we do nothing because all Humans want the worship of Gods, let alone aid because they believe in their own might."
"What makes the Great One I hear about from the older residents here- so dangerous?"
"How did you...," he replied with a stance that hinted shock before resuming his collected nature.
"He was intelligent enough to unite the Evil Beings to be less antagonistic towards one another to form a collective- a military force united under his cause to reshape the world to apparently a natural paradise based on strength alone. It requires His- Primus Imperator being used to defeat him. And since then, the leaders have been not as charismatic yet alone competent.," the warrior said.
"What would be like if they went about it a different way?," asked Sayo.
"As if Evil Beings could be that.," said the soldier skeptically.
Berli
Corridor
The bob-cut-haired woman and the bored-looking ruler were walking out of the corridor as they observed the dim lighting.
"Those petting zoo geezers always give an earful.," the woman remarked.
"It seems like one of the zoo animals killed Stein.," the ruler noted, which made the woman scowl.
"Damn, they act far too willfully. What's with our Great One and not scolding his freeloader for not teaching restraint to his lackeys?," she complained.
Suddenly, they felt an earthshaking tremor as they realized-
"Tch, what's making him get up?" asked the woman.
Suddenly, it stopped.
"Oh, it stopped.," the man said.
The woman then proceeded to grab the collar of her partner and say-
"How's HE gonna take this? That oaf is supposed to be kept here? What's going on?!"
"Maybe he's finding what he's looking for?" the man asked.
The prime minister listened in from behind one of the pillars as he sensed that Shadi had died.
Central Continent
The mummy had been cornered by Tatsumi who generated a familiar lance of the Incursio- the basis of the Teigu he combined with.
"Looks like the Tyrant is superior.," the mummy noted.
"I'm human. At least more than you.," replied Tatsumi.
Suddenly, they looked up to see a massive...thing suddenly appearing from a purple portal bellyflopping into the heart of the capital to the bafflement of everything present. It caused the buildings to dissipate from the collision as the stronger fighters along with Tatsumi carrying Najenda and the Lord managed to get of the way of the impact.
It rose up to reveal-
A giant dark-blue obese monster about the same size as the Giant Teigu of the Emperor. He has skin textures of scales, metallic segments, feathers, fur, rune-covered flesh, etc- constantly shrinking/expanding in mass, and 90-degree red horns on its round head. His legs and forearms are colored dark purple His eye sclera is red, and his rounded eye irises and pupils are black. He also has a large tail ending in a mace, two stubby toes, and large wings on his back.
The Evil Beings bowed in reverence as the leader said-
"Your Eminence. This should not be something of your concern. we can handle this."
Tatsumi looked in disgust at the devastation of the countless lives who had been killed by the impact. Najenda looked in horror, but it wasn't the sheer fear of god that the Lord was exhibiting at the sight.
"The Great One of the Center here? Could he be after-," the pale-haired man said as Tatsumi lunged at the being. His spear readied to strike. The being glanced at him
The fat being giggled as he swatted the young man like a fly several kilometers away.
"Tatsumi!," Najenda shouted.
Impossible. I knew it would be lopsided from my vision, but not this much...he must've absorbed the malice of the Empire generated over the last 20 years along with the evils of Wakoku and the other nations that have managed to eclipse the malice of their predecessors., the Lord thought.
Damnit. If only I had Susanoo around. But still, that being is radiating such power and viciousness...damnit., the silver-haired woman thought as she bit her lower lip.
"Lily. Evie. Down there. Brain down there too.," said the being in an appropriately childish voice booming due to the size as he reached to the ground and with oddly cartoonish sound effects, expanded a large hole to look down.
The being's face became instantly enraged as he reached his head inside and was immediately appalled at the sight only he saw. He pulled out to reveal a massive brain in his mouth and two caskets hovering around his body. He swallowed it whole as his shadow expanded upwards and the being proceeded to grab and eat the shadow and brain. The being then glowed with an intense light that blinded the onlookers.
As the light dimmed, Najenda and the Lord opened to see the creature, and the Evil Beings were gone.
"Shit. What's going on?," asked Najenda.
The Lord then gave her an uncharacteristically stern look.
"This is no longer a mortal affair. What comes next may decide the fate of the nation...no, the world...no...of all existence.," he said to her confusion.
Outskirts of Southern Forest
The dreadlocks elder closed his eyes.
"So he's taken action? It seems like the malice of the humans caused his will to finally act. In any case, I don't need to bother with these pretenses.," he said as he began to greatly expand in size.
The masked individuals and the nobles looked in horror at the shadow of a horned and multi-legged figure now looming over them.
"You basked in debauchery and decadence for your era. Now once again, this is our era. Our reign.," said the elder as he began to stomp on them.
The lieutenant hid under one of the rocks out of fear of being killed.
Underneath the Empire
Free had returned back to his normal form, looking infuriated.
10 Seconds Earlier
In his shadowy form, he managed to corner and pin down all of the invading parties. They were inches away from a pair of caskets hovering above and a massive pink brain levitating in the middle of the open space of the underground, generating a black aura that was seeping upwards to the surface.
"Don't think you can get away with this.," said Whala.
"I can and I will. You might be royalty, but accidents will happen. Say if the Incursio user had you all killed and I was unable to save you.," the man replied.
"Why are you so insistent about preventing us from saving our kind? Is it because they threaten your ill-founded claims of leadership?," asked Monstrosity.
"Yup. Once you all die, I alone would rule over mankind as its Demon Lord. It's me who should be the boss, not hum. Now to kill you messily and hide it. I've never been good at being a perfectionist like some OCD dolt I knew...," the man said before seeing the massive head of the Great One barge in.
Present
"Shit. When did he get smart enough to do this?" he cursed as he punched a wall as it cracked.
He then smirked.
I can turn this in my favor., he thought.
Mu Ruins
Elm was about to land the finishing blow on Murasaki as they coiled their branches around her when they paused. They had noticed that the black gooey mass that they had spat out had vanished.
It seems like Fiend is going to do their own thing., thought the tree entity and readied the killing blow till they sensed the Great One appearing.
"The Kodoku is no longer necessary. Give praise. Soon all will cower in the return of the Great One.," they said as they phased into the ground.
Dorina vanished in a puff of pink smoke and Suzuka released Laggie as she clung to Shinzo as he vanished while doing a ninja sign gesture in a puff of gray smoke.
Yomihime sighed as she pulled Laggie to her feet. She looked and saw Leone looking distraught at a seemingly comatose Murasaki. She sighed-
I have the worst luck., she thought.
Abandoned Beach
Wave was panting as Kurome looked on. Necron was about to land another punch when suddenly, they sensed the Great One.
"You are fortune blessed by fate. We will face each other again in another field of battle.," he said as he dissipated into darkness.
Tatsumi then landed next to a shocked Wave.
"Tatsumi.," he said as he got Tatsumi to his feet as the latter scowled.
"Shit.," he cursed at his weakness.
Berli
Berli is a nation that like the former Empire, abuses its lower class in favor of the elite. Starving them and having them live in horrendous conditions while the elite exploit the middle class for resources.
Several gaunt and almost skeletal individuals looked up as they saw a light race from the end of the continent to the capital.
It hit the massive mountain next to the capital as a large, but much smaller Great One obscured in shadow gave a sinister grin as he had two caskets follow him.
1 Hour Later...
Capital
Using a Shingu version of Shambhala, the remaining forces of the new government gathered together. Laggie and Yomihime sat away from the main group.
Kurome and Wave were on the periphery of the group as Mine clung to Tatsumi. The other generals were killed by the invaders, so it's just Najenda's who was left of the high command.
"Where's Free?," asked one of the Captains.
Najenda bit her lower lip.
He's never here when you need him., she cursed.
"Ak-I mean Murasaki and Tatsumi are our best chances against this enemy. Plain is working hard to have her condition fixed.," she explained.
"I heard word they're monsters? One of Stylish's experiments?," asked one of the soldiers.
The Lord shook his head.
"This was something that I didn't see as possible and for a while, I thought they were extinct. But now, this fight will be much higher in scale than the nation's liberation. It will be the survival of our species and salvation of our souls.," he explained.
"You're kidding right?," asked the fate lieutenant as he tried not to remember the spider monster he barely got away from.
"This is a nightmare that is truly real, but with the right aid, this can turn in our favor. For now, we must turn to the Gods we believe only as tales to please aid children.," the Lord explained.
This caused a clamor within the group. Some were on board out of desperation while others denied it.
Tatsumi and Wave looked in shame.
Plain's Lab
Leone oversaw Plain work on Murasaki on an operation table with a look of concern for what was half her friend. Once Akame thought she was dead and now Leone was potentially bracing herself for that possible eventuality.
The door began to knock Leone was suspicious as she readied for combat.
The door burst open to reveal a man covered in fur, a light-green man with fish gills, a woman with a beehive with a white lightning streak in her hair, an invisible man wearing white gloves/glasses/top hat/suit, and a masked man in a maroon tailored suit.
They must be invading assassins from another country that tailed those Freaks., thought Leone.
"You seem to be lost. The masquerade is that way.," said the doctor.
"Stein was killed by those Freaks. If we come back empty-handed, we'll never hear the end of it.," said the beehive woman as she generated static
The invisible man grabbed Leone and the masked man generated organ pipe enhancements as they played a sinister tone, which paralyzed the doctor.
The beehive woman proceeded to inch toward Murasaki as she pulled out one of her bolts in her neck the end sharpened.
"Sorry, but I'm not a combat junkie like those Freaks!," she yelled.
Leone closed her eyes as the strike almost hit.
Suddenly, the space turned dark blue. Everything was frozen in place including the people as if they were statues.
Two mysterious figures cloaked phased into the room and walked to Murasaki.
The first carried her bride style off the table.
"It's been years since I held her in my arms.," the first figure said in a feminine voice that was sullen yet resolute.
"A regret I share.," said the other with a feminine voice that was sweet and gentle.
Suddenly, bursting into the room, was Tatsumi.
"So someone can use Mahapdama as well? And it's that boy...," said the second cloaked figure.
"I have experience in that. So who are ya?," asked Tatsumi as he readied to attack.
"You can't help her with the current resources you have.," said the first one.
"Sorry, but I can't just trust you!," shouted Tatsumi as he lunged at the first one, causing her hood to fall off.
His eyes widened as he realized the identity of the person. Reluctantly, he nodded.
The two arrivals then faded into the floor as time resumed.
Tatsumi immediately took the opportunity to slay the invaders with ease.
"Tatsumi!," Leone yelled as Tatsumi turned around to see the surprise- his cormade alive.
She hugged him in her bosom.
"You're now back to a manageable size again.," she said as he reluctantly laughed.
"How long have you be-," he said before Leone asked-
"Where's Ak-"
Tatsumi shook his head as Plain took a smoke.
"These guys seem to be from Berli. Those guys are infamous for their mad science and overall depraved behavior.," the man observed.
"It also seemed like the Freaks are from there too. So we have more motivation to stage an assault on them for their national declaration of conflict. ," he added.
Tatsumi then looked at the ground.
Unknown Location
Murasaki awoke to see familiar and unfamiliar locations- a polar village and a humble house in a forest split down the middle.
And more significantly-
"You're outside my body!," said both Akame and Esdeath at the same time.
They turned around to see the figures that had brought them here.
"Is this an illusion?," asked Akame as she looked around.
Esdeath sniffed them.
"You have a familiar scent. Who are you?," asked the woman.
"It should be obvious..," said the first cloaked figure as she removed her cloak as did the other.
Both of them were surprised.
They looked like an older version of Akame with some of Kurome's features while the other looked like Esdeath but with softer features. Yet something was inhuman about them that couldn't be immediately recognized.
"You're...," said Esdeath as she began to uncharacteristically walk towards her.
"Who are you?," asked Akame.
The first woman replied as she crossed her arms-
"Your mother-"
Akamne gave a skeptical look to the woman's shock.
"No, my parents sold me and my sister into the Empire. And you don't look like her., She was really filthy looking." Akame said bluntly.
The woman flicked her forehead, which Esdeath was also affected by to her shock.
How did I feel that?, thought Esdeath.
"That was just my ungrateful sister and her husband. You were taken from me when you both were too young. And I was in a coma till recently.," explained the raven-haired woman, but the girl continued to be skeptical.
"Aren't you dead?," asked Esdeath to the blue-haired woman.
"Is that what he told you? It would seem that, but I was asleep for a long time. And by the time I woke up, you were gone and were led to indulge in your nature instead of being tempered into being something tolerable.," asked the woman.
Esdeath uncharacteristically blushed.
"It's just body warmth.," said the General before the other woman glomped her.
"Essie. Don't be so shy.," the woman said as the other woman glomped her as well.
Akame pushed her away.
"What's the point of this?," asked Akame.
The raven-haired woman sighed as she answered-
"To get over your egos and work as one yet as two coexisting. The Most High has given you an important role. To be the Savior of the Human race."
Akame and Esdeath both spat at the same time.
"That's going too far. I admit it wasn't a choice, but she's-," Akame said before being tapped on the shoulder as she turned around-
A young girl with amber eyes and short light brown hair. She also has a curvaceous figure and is dressed in a white-brown dress. She was corpse-like with blood pouring out of every orifice.
"You're far from being morally superior you traitor.," said the figure as Akame began to cry as other figures began to appear behind of which she was close to.
Esdeath noticed the countless corpses clinging to her but with far less guilt.
The raven-haired woman then sighed as she explained-
"This is to explore those demons you know and don't know in order to reach a higher understanding. And to locate the True Teigu- which one calls the Demon's Extract. When you potentially get back, you'll be more than capable of being their Savior."
"Looks like we don't have a choice to act on their whims.," said Akame as Esdeath nodded.
"Can't you just acknowledge the parentage?," the blue-haired former General remarked.
They both began to walk through their respective paths as the women looked on.
"So she's going to find out. I hope she doesn't get too mad.," said the blue-haired woman.
"Her current temperament is too wild for Hell to torture because no one wants to sink to her level and act like her. Too aggressive for rebirth as punishment. And erasing her would give validation. The truth is harsh...for both of them.," the raven-haired woman said.
She then held herself tightly as she thought-
I hope you can forgive me.
Next Chapter: Skeletons In The Closet- Akame and Esdeath begin their path to learn their pasts and the awful truths that lie within
Author Notes: The Black substance and the True Demon Extract will be explained in later chapters. The identities of the women are clear, but they'll be more obvious by the next chapter.
The Evil Beings' goals are made apparent with their motives being well-intentioned at least in their own words. I gave the Great One initially a Majin Buu appearance to belie his danger. And Free might be more fiendish than initially depicted. And it's apparent that this fight is more than just people facing demons, but an existential battle of a classic battle of good and evil.
Berli has obvious classic horror monster vibes to it, but they're not as big of a threat as the Evil Beings by a mile.