Chapter 34: Akari Efnysien

Flashback

Mortal, You will cut off my divine intervention if something happens to you. Do you want to go through with it?

Yes, Atlas is the Goliath I could never overcome.

Your brother is the ocean a single candle couldn't extinguish.

And how will you get his attention?

My Grimm blood isn't adapted to the cold. I will be in intense pain. I need you to teleport me to Solitas.

Ice will dull the pain. You should know what it's like to be in an icy landscape.

Atlas will suffer next if he doesn't come down.

It's killing two birds with one stone. We prevent your brother from interfering and increase my odds of success.

Whatever happened to those fragments, my echoes, leave it behind. I want it tossed aside like trash to get the point across that you are done with me. He should fall for the bait. Even if he doesn't fall for it, I no longer need my memories, and losing a third of my soul isn't a significant loss. I can train harder to make up for it.

You truly are insane. What if he knows you're buffing?

He's too kindhearted to not fall for it and he needs a counter against me. Please, leave everything to me and I'll get it done.

From henceforth, the fate of Remnant will be in your hands. Good luck, mortal.

At the age of 10, a few days after saving Mistral, Akame condemned ten of thousands of people to an icy death and thousands more to civil unrest and the claws of Grimm. The winds were strong enough to sway Atlas, itself. A few airships have been knocked out of the skies due to unexpected turbulence. The chaos has forced Atlas to focus on itself for the next few years.

Akame was there to experience the storm and died many times over but didn't react to it. Death has no meaning to her. It doesn't compare to the pain she bought on Atlas. She set a bait using her soul and the agony of an entire kingdom.

Only the Gods and herself will know of her crime.

She didn't bother to activate her aura.

The God of Light understands why Akame is chosen by his brother. She is no longer a mere mortal whisked away from her world. She's his creation after Grimm.

The God of Light knows they're playing mind games with him. His brother wouldn't toss aside his creations no matter how flawed it is and Akame is far from flawed nor has she reached the crescendo of her purpose. But he must go along with it unless he wants the world to suffer untold agony and be destroyed in the crossfire.

He could create another world and repeat the trial but what's stopping his brother from finding and destroying that world?

It would be another cycle of creation and destruction but this time, his brother won't fall for the same trap.

So he accepted his brother's offer to leave the planet until they were called upon.

Akame 'died' and part of her soul is left behind, discarded like a broken toy. The God of Light couldn't tell how much was left behind but knows what to do with it.

There is a girl nearby. He gathered all the echoes and found a mortal holding off nearly fifty Grimm in subzero weather.

She took her last breath but before the creature of Grimm could tear her to pieces, he intervened.

The storm came without warning and took their home away. Then the Grimm came and took her people. She stood her ground against them until the weather subsided, even if her aura was being broken and reformed just as quickly. She didn't stop fighting until her blade hit the ground, her heart stopped, her body frozen to the bone, and a golden being descended on her.

The next thing she remembered was being on a hospital bed. The room was empty and sparse. There was a mirror in front of her and a TV in the upper corner.

She looks into the mirror to see silver eyes.

Did she have silver eyes? She couldn't remember. Her entire body is wrapped in bandages and a heated blanket.

"Everything. Hurts," she spoke to herself with broken vocal cords.

Footsteps.

She can perfectly hear them coming down the halls. She snapped her eyes to the door waiting for the strangers to enter. Suddenly, She felt a horrible migraine and thousands of images flashed before her eyes.

The context didn't make sense. Who are these people? It became a rapid blur of nonsense to her. But out of all those images, several become prominent.

An icy lens-like effect coated her vision. A woman stood in front of her with a rapier pointed directly at her face. The image glitched and instead of staring down the blade of the rapier, she was holding it.

The girl's red eyes stared hatefully at her. A cold, foreboding presence emulated from her.

Who is she? Who am I?

She couldn't control herself and stabbed forward.

Reality returns to normal.

A tall man in white with a 5 o'clock shadow walks into the room. He paused upon staring into her eyes.

"You have silver eyes."

"…"

"Your vocal cords are still damaged," he found a chair to sit in," We weren't able to find anything on record about who you are but you're a nomad of the tundra. I doubt record keeping is a priority out there."

She shifted in her bed.

"And the tribe you were with are all dead along with most people on the western border of Solitus. We recover their name, they call themselves the Efnysien. By tradition of the lone survivor, You can claim the name as your own," he revealed with deep sadness in his voice," Young lady, I came here to personally give you an offer for a better life and service to your home, this kingdom. I'm not forcing you to choose this option but I will let you know, I need strong individuals like you for what is to come."

"…"

Silence.

The girl couldn't speak but moved her head and eyes.

"I'll come back once you recover," he got up and excused himself," You—no, This world has been through a lot. You need to see it for yourself. Good night, Ms. Efnysien."

The girl was left to her thoughts.

Who is she? Why her? Why are silver eyes so special?

The weak are destined to lie beneath the boots of the strong.

Those words disgust her yet are familiar. The white-light blue hair girl drifted back into sleep. She will start by understanding this world and herself.

Present day

1 AM

Akame PoV

Qrow set on the roof of the house while I stared at the stars. I wonder if my old world is out there among the billions of lights in the sky. I just care a lot about them if I'm willing to go through all of this.

How much time has passed since I came here? There must be other unique worlds out there. I want to travel to them if possible.

"I can't believe you let us drink," I tried speaking clearly.

"I'll allow it as long as there is a responsible adult," he said.

"You're responsible? Don't you drink and drive?"

"Vacuo niece, Vacuo," he repeated," It's the only reason why I can let you teens drink. Vacuo rules are lax but don't take it as an invitation to get wasted every chance you get."

"That's reasonable but can I ask why?"

"I'll allow you to drink on special occasions. Otherwise, Drinking every day loses its meaning and purpose," he explained with seriousness in his voice.

"I see," I stared at the stars.

"How many fingers am I holding?" Qrow poked me on the shoulder to get my attention.

"I'm not drunk," I looked over and focused on his hand," Four."

My eyesight shifted and I squinted to see his finger in the dark background.

"Three."

"This is going to hurt in the morning," I put my hands on my face. I must have drunk too much. I only have around 6 drinks and a few shots.

"Haha! We keep this night a secret. Tai is going to gut me if he finds out. I'm here to make sure the teenagers don't do anything stupid. A few of them have a crush on you," Qrow handed Akame a water bottle," Drink some dust-free water."

"They're my friends. I don't sense any romantic feelings from any of them. What are you talking about?" I waved off. If I ignore it long enough, their feelings should loop back to platonic.

"How dense."

I drink half the bottle.

"It's such a contradiction on how I'm still alive," I change the topic.

"Yep, Have you heard the fairy tale of the Grimm Child or the Nightmare Grimm?" He asked," What are they?"

Of course…

He gives me a pop quiz while I'm under the influence.

"The Chill isn't as lethal as the story suggests as long as you have an active aura, it takes days before it can kill you. It is those without an aura and weak-willed who die first," I remarked without missing any information," Aura amplification of the victim, physically restrained, and an exorcism via dust injection to purge the creature. The takeover is biological but this is if you get it early on or mid-stage. Later stage infections are near fatal."

Qrow smiled in satisfaction.

"The nightmare is the opposite. They're attracted to people with strong Aura, a sensitive personality, and the potential to become stronger," I listed out," I don't think I have to worry about either of them."

"Go on. What do we need?"

"Nightmares are rare and even fewer people specialize as Nightmare Hunters," I continued," The best one is Shion…Shion Zaiden? She has a semblance to allow people close to the victim to enter the dream. Otherwise, It's communicating from the outside and hoping the victim can find inner strength to fight back. It is their dream and it's up to them to purge the nightmare."

"You did your homework," he nodded proudly," Even the ones you would never face. What about that Grimm repellent you have?"

"I tested my repellent. There is a 10 km radius around me at all times. A Grimm would rather run off a cliff than face me and there is an upper limit on the repellent. Enough emotional distress will overpower the protection."

"So much for hunting Grimm if they don't want to fight you," he handed me his flask but I pushed it away.

"No, the 10 kilometers is the head start before I catch up," I half-joked," I caught up to an Alpha once and it stuck around to fight if I attacked first while the grunts ran away."

"Akame, How confident are you about passing the exam? From 1 to 10?"

"I'll give myself a nine," I brought my knees up to my chest.

We silently watched the stars together until he spoke up again.

"Akame, You're making a throne that has never been done before," He said," There are heroes who stood above their peers, and accomplished great feats that are written in stories of legends. Still, there has never been one like you. I could only name Ruby's mom and the Grimm Reaper coming close to that level of fame."

I heard of the Grimm Reaper before. She is an inspiration to even my uncle and a legend of the past. She disappeared during one of her missions. I assume Salem killed her. The difference between me and her besides not dying is my infamy. Ruby's mother and the Grimm Reaper are undoubtedly heroes. Far more heroic than even I can be.

"Because all other feats are legends from the past with no proof of it happening or not," I responded," What difference is the entire world witnessing an impossibility from someone so divisive."

Sure, I saved Mistral but it is partially my fault the world is in this state of chaos in the first place.

"Only the mentally insane can doubt your accomplishment," He nodded," You saved my life and the Kingdom of Mistral. Even letting the Grimm destroy the Capital would help the tribe in the long run."

"That's what heroes do," I insisted," I didn't want to come off as the world's strongest. I don't think I can defeat everyone and everything on my own."

"But there is a downside to what you do and the sort of people you attract. Akame, You embodied what your mother wanted," he claimed.

"Couldn't you tell me this when I'm sober?" I growled.

What the hell Uncle Qrow? I was having a good time, too. I don't need to hear this.

"It's the truth, Akame," He said," Ozpin, Ironwood, and even Bitch to an extent need to worry about public image and politics. On the other hand, You and Theodore are power through strength. Being seen as a strong warrior is your strength. People would need to challenge you in combat to take that throne away."

"I think you should go to bed, old man," I remarked," You're getting philosophical at a party."

Hurry and get to the damn point.

"If you are going to make a throne, make it embody the right ideal," he explained," I know it feels like the world is against you but never lose sight of the person you want to be and become that role model for others."

I-I wanted to agree with him but I wouldn't be honest with myself. I understood what he meant.

"I'll try."

"Don't try, Do it."

"Sure," I hop off the roof," I'm going to bed. Vernal and Umber can sleep with me if we need extra room for the guest."

My uncle wants me to be a hero with every action I take. That sounds nice but the world wouldn't let me be one so long as evil exists. There are corrupt and evil humans that are nonnegotiable, death would be preferred. I won't call myself a hero like those shows Ruby watches on Saturday morning or the bedtime stories of righteous hunters saving the day. I would be living a lie.

Once I become a huntress, I'll keep my work under the table instead of a public spectacle.

Sorry, Uncle Qrow.

I'll make the world a better place but sacrifices need to be made. I won't limit myself to a set path.

I took off my shoes, entered the house, and crawled into bed.

Normal PoV

Atlas

Countdown: 5 Months until Akame Exam

A flash of silver light turned a room full of Grimm into stone. They broke apart into nothingness seconds after.

Akari stood in front of a one-way mirror with a proud smirk and a bunky helmet with a visor on her head.

"This is amazing," Mr. Pollendina stares with starry eyes," I wouldn't think the legend of silver eyes to be a real thing. It is even more impressive that we have one capable of easily using it-its unique properties."

The wheelchair-bound scientist didn't want to say magic. Magic doesn't exist otherwise Aura and semblance would remain shrouded in superstitions and traditions. Pollendina understood why an engineer like him was part of this unknown field of research. He made a breakthrough in harnessing souls and will make another one with silver eyes.

They must succeed in deciphering the mystery behind silver eyes for the sake of humanity. It's a project he can get behind compared to the other major research branch. Project Phoenix is an affront to human morality and an attempt to play God. It's a copy and bastardization of his work. But Project Light can pave the way for humanity's triumph over Grimm.

"Mr. Pollendina, How was it? Did we learn anything new?" She asked with enthusiasm.

"Not yet but it is connected to brain wave activity," he explained," And no aura is needed to activate it."

Akari removes the helmet and opens the door to a room full of researchers studying the result of the recent test. The project has been going on for barely a month. It only takes Akari a few weeks to use it at will after being brief over her power. It's through intense positive emotion and the presence of Grimm that can bring it forth. Luckily, Akari is kind and helpful to everyone around her.

"I'm sure we can figure it out," She smiled cheerily," Can I leave now?"

"Of course, sweetheart, Just sign off at the entrance," Pietro grabbed the helmet from her hand and placed it at his desk," And don't forget to put on your contacts before leaving this building."

"Sure, Mr. Pollendina," She nodded.

She waved goodbye to the researchers and left the facility.

Akari.

Light.

That was the name given to her by the AceOps. At least the name they thought was her own. It sounded like a good fit especially since she was being admitted to Project Light.

She walked by several wanted posters near a bus stop. One of which is a girl with intense, red eyes. There is a 15 million lien bounty for information or capture of Remnant public enemy number 1. Akari always stops and stares at the poster every time she passes it.

There is something about the girl in the poster.

She lives near the R&D facility and closer to Atlas Academy. Ironwood has gifted her a penthouse with a great view of the city and a sizable allowance to live off of. He has plans for her after she accepts the invitation to work under him.

Ironwood watched from his office as cameras tracked her movement from the R&D district of Atlas to a five-star hotel near the Academy. He and his people have access to all the cameras except for inside the penthouse. He needs to make sure nothing happens to Akari and dozens of undercover specialists and soldiers are ensuring the nomad has a good experience living in Atlas.

"How was her performance yesterday in combat class?" Ironwood looked up from his monitor. Winter Schnee stood straight with arms behind her back.

"She is talented, General," Winter revealed," Ms. Efnysien already surpassed my younger sister's swordsmanship and is equal with dust manipulation."

"Interesting, Did she unlock her semblance, yet?" He asked.

"No, General," Winter said," Akari is strong but she's also reckless. She does adapt quickly and has the determination to push past her limits. An admirable trait."

"But what about her tendency?" Ironwood turns his monitor around to show a video of Akari torturing a Grimm by slicing pieces off of it.

Winter wasn't surprised by the sadistic behavior. She has seen grief-sickened individuals becoming vengeful and going the extra mile to eliminate Grimm. It's a foolish behavior that risks losing limbs or life if the Grimm gets lucky with a counter-attack.

Akari has such an intense hatred for Grimm that she ends up drawing more toward her. The kind-hearted girl smiles gleefully at the challenge and wipes them all out.

"I'll talk to her about it. I've been her mentor for only a week and she has proven to be a handful," Winter sighed in disappointment," If I may speak my mind, Why are you doing all this for the nomad? This nobody from the tundra? I can't see why we should waste taxpayers' money on a single girl."

Winter wouldn't care about the money being spent if Akari was placed into an orphanage or given a regular apartment with a livable allowance. Ironwood was sparing no expense in making sure Akari stays on their side.

"Thank you for your concern, Specialist Schnee. We must foster Akari's growth into what Atlas, this world needs, A guardian," he revealed. The idea of giving her maiden powers, if Fria passes away, has crossed his mind. He will need to check her mental aptitude and loyalty first. He didn't want another Spring Maiden," She is destined to become a great warrior. I can see it in her eyes."

"Her eyes?" Winter blinked.

"It's a metaphor," he motioned. Ironwood didn't need Winter to know about the silver-eyed warriors. Just finding one nowadays is nearly impossible," Akari wants to repay Atlas for saving her. In exchange, Atlas will ensure she reaches her full potential. I did the same for you and now you're the war hero of Atlas."

"I understand now," she puffed her chest proudly.

"You are free to leave, Schnee," he saluted," And welcome back home."

Akari might be the best weapon they have against Grimm, especially the one currently hiding out in Vacuo as a normal girl. He failed to convince another prodigy but won't make the same mistake twice. He acted brash and heavy-handed with Akame. James isn't sure if Akame is still human and salvageable after what happened.

She should have died many times over.

Once Winter left his office, He began to check in on the various military projects and programs currently being funded.

Project Light isn't making much progress but it's in its infancy. Akari is the only member so far but Ironwood has prioritized finding more Silver-Eyes warriors, if they are still alive. They did successfully locate the genes of a silver-eyed warrior and ran it through the kingdom's medical records.

Project Phoenix has had a string of successes with animal testing. Although the process of transferring a soul into a metallic body tends to turn the animal insane. The solution is to make the body as anatomically correct as possible. But lifelike robotics is also in its early stages and Pietro refuses to share his work.

The council has approved the reform and expansion of the military. Ironwood is promoted to commander-in-chief of the Atlesian military. He will have more Generals helping him run the military to aid with increasing troop counts. There are also various other R&D departments focusing on different projects.

Ironwood hopes all these measures will be enough to save Remnant. Because he could only accomplish it by lining the pockets of the affluent. He shook his head at what he did, enabling corrupt businessmen and politicians like Jacque Schnee and Ms. Malachite to gain more influence so long as the money flowed into Atlas and by extension, the military and Academy.

"No, Once I deal with the enemies of Atlas, I will focus inward and save my city before it's too late," he promised himself.

May the Light of Atlas never Fade.

Akame PoV

Countdown: 4.5 Months until Akame Exam

11 pm

Night

I look through all the lists of names, summaries of the person, and pictures of them in varying quality. It took a whole month since I gave the order to compile all of them into an accessible folder on my scroll. My uncle shouldn't know this exists because of the implication.

I didn't need to tell the tribe my reasoning for it because they assume it was for assassination or blackmailing purposes.

It's the names of potential threats to the tribe and by extension, threats to me. They range from military officials to brilliant researchers, outspoken civilians, and huntsmen. There are thousands of names I need to scroll through but my main focus was finding one person, if they exist.

The part of me I left behind.

I thought about it logically to filter out my main target.

If I was the God of Light and wanted to create the perfect counter against his brother's latest creation, what traits or ability would I give them?

It could be something entirely new or an existing piece on the board.

I did a quick search on what can easily defeat Grimm/vanquish evil.

Several results came up but one keyword caught my attention. The Legend of Silver-Eyed Warriors.

I research the topic. The legends of it state they're warriors of unprecedented prowess who are capable of killing thousands of Grimm in a single glance. I don't know if it's metaphorical or literal. Ruby does want to be a Huntress and protect the people. But She is far from defeating thousands of Grimm on her own. I could, potentially, defeat one thousand but I would be exhausted after unless I use my semblance.

While her mother, Summer Rose, is famous and considered the best in her career. I still remember my mother worrying about Ruby's mom finding them and destroying the entire tribe on her own. Mrs. Rose is that fear among criminals.

Even in recent history, It always seems like the best of the best have silver eyes.

They all die on the job or disappear from the spotlight. I haven't read an article, interview, or account of a silver-eyed warrior making it to old age. Is Salem actively hunting them down?

The Story of the Warrior in the Woods ends with the girl's disappearance.

She has silver eyes.

There was a famous Huntsman in eastern Mistral recently. He was a fox faunus and got eaten by an Alpha Beowulf.

He has silver eyes.

Maria Calavera retired after losing her eyes and disappeared from the spotlight.

She has silver eyes.

It's unclear what eye color she has but close friends mention it being gray. I suspect it's a cover-up and her eyes are silver.

Summer Rose's body was never found.

She has silver eyes.

I dig deeper into the fate and legends of silver eyes. A frightening pattern started emerging from my research. All legends and fairy tales have some truth, and the truth is death.

Ruby…

My sister is endangered!

I looked at the time and my eyes widened in shock.

It's now 4 am.

Well crap, I swore it was 11 pm an hour ago. I got too invested in my research. I wasn't planning to find details on Silver Eyes. I was trying to locate my other self in Atlas. I got sidetracked.

I came close to ordering the tribe to gather some soldiers and sending them to guard my home. But my father will take it the wrong way and potentially expose my family.

Damnit! I need to talk to my uncle now!

I didn't bother knocking on his door as I barged into his room. I didn't care about manners, I needed to tell him.

My uncle got up with a stir.

"Ugh, wha-," he yawned.

"Silver eyes," I uttered," I know there is something special about them. I need to know for her safety."

He got up immediately and turned on the light. He didn't look surprised when I confronted him. My uncle figured how in-depth I am with the truth of the world it would only be a matter of time.

"Close the door," he whispered and I gently closed it.

"Why are you still awake?" He stared into my eyes and sighed. I have bags underneath my eyes from staring at a small screen all night. Once again, I'm glad all these tales and legends are researchable. Albeit, They're all surface-level knowledge and unproven theories in forums. It saves me time but I will still need to do on-the-field research and questioning to get a clearer picture.

"For Ruby," I lied. It wasn't the main reason why I'm awake," Now talk."

The talk needs to happen sooner or later. I always have that feeling of resentment toward Ruby's eyes that I couldn't understand. But it always gets overshadowed by my love for her. It's hatred with no basis behind it.

He sat down on his bed and put his hands on his knees.

"Ruby's mother has gotten us through many hopeless situations with her power. It's a generational trait," he revealed," And a great equalizer against the creature of Grimm."

"What does it do?"

"Do you want to take a guess?"

"Could it enhance their combat prowess above normal Huntsman, especially against Grimm? Maybe make their attack slice through Grimm as if they were paper and turn aura into an impenetrable defense against darkness," I theorized," It could even be conceptual like how your semblance manipulates the world around you for a favorable outcome."

"Haha, I ask Summer the same questions and she wishes silver eyes can do that," he chuckled," Nope to all of it but damn do those sound cool."

"So what does it do?"

"Grimm-Annihilating Eyeballs magic," He answered to my surprise," A flash of silver light and most Grimm goes poof. Those that can resist it, higher tier Grimm, end up being petrified and easier to take down."

"I see," I nodded," It sounds underwhelming at first but depending on the area of effect, it could purify an entire area of Grimm with little to no effort."

Another frightening thought crossed my mind.

"What would happen if I got caught in the blast?" I asked.

"I don't know because nothing like you existed before. I'm not sure you and Salem are the same. You're still too human. If I take a guess, there are three options," he listed," Silver eyes kill you from the inside out, you're petrified, or the Grimm crap is protected due to it being inside your body. I don't know if it's true nor do I want to risk it."

"Qrow, You just give me another reason to fear Ruby," I said and yawned. My nightly five hours of sleep is starting to catch up with me.

"What's the first?"

"The power of cuteness," I blurted out," Highly effective and heart attack inducing."

"Lethal," He laughed," I doubt you need to worry. Summer doesn't turn it on whenever she likes unless there is Grimm nearby. Which sucks because the team would love to carry her around like a flashlight."

"Or she lied because you would do that," I countered.

"Heh," he smirked," Summer doesn't lie."

"I don't feel like a Grimm besides a lower body temperature. I'm still human. It shouldn't affect me," I convinced myself," But I will keep my eyes on her just in case she uses her eyes."

The matter of Ruby's safety still needs to be addressed.

"Can I spend my men to protect my sisters?"

"NO! Are you crazy? Besides, The locals got it covered by keeping a police force, and home-grown Huntsmen protecting our home. Patch has been strict on immigration and tourists as a result of what happened half a year ago," He revealed," I forged Ruby's medical documents and didn't tell anyone about her eyes. I lied to Oz and my colleagues for her safety. I may be Oz's right-hand man but family comes first."

His words are the truth. My uncle has been risking everything for me and working overtime to make sure I get the best education. This is why I trust my uncle completely.

"I get it. Ruby silver eyes is a magical Grimm annihilating beam," I nodded," I'll be careful if we end up on the battlefield but day-to-day interaction is safe."

"Did I answer all of your questions?"

"I got what I need," I said with relief," I can't wait for my exams to be over so I can see my family again. We could frame my certificate in the living room once we get back."

"Yep, We'll throw a big party for you once this is over," He smiled happily," All you can eat?"

"I'll love that," I laughed," I believe the Schwarz are covering the expenses at their eatery?"

"Old man Schwarz getting it prepared for ya," My uncle continued," Now get to bed. You still have four more months to go."

I opened the door and took a step out of the room before my uncle called out to me again.

"Akame, Make sure everything you do is on the side of good. Even if you don't feel like a hero or believe that goal is too idealistic, Just try to walk that path," he finished off," All eyes will be on you for the rest of your life."

Why does he keep reminding me of it? I get it.

"I already gave you my answer," I closed the door and went back to bed. I will never feel like a hero for my action, Both hidden and known. I kill and will kill again. But maybe I can create heroes.

A/N: This is tough to write because Akame in canon would never give an order even if she can get away with it to target innocent lives. But from everything this Akame has gone through, She needs to weaken Atlas because they're hellbent on eliminating her. Thus, She did what she has to do but also experience the suffering herself. She has always been an assassin/soldier from her mindset.

Yes, Atlas is now a competent military. I would like to think the reason why they're awful in the canon is the lack of reasons to get stronger. Which came back to bite them in volume 7. Akame laments about being the cause of chaos and destruction but in reality, She's the antibody that strengthens humanity. But that's unintentional. Akame's primary mission was straightforward until she complicated it by existing. Her semblance and other abilities are supposed to be for that one goal.

Akari is Esdeath but raised differently. Less sadistic but isn't above torture if needed and fiercely loyal to her comrades. It also made me realize I wrote Akame's POV for so long, I'm not used to other POVs with different personalities.

Funny enough, I haven't watched Bleach or One Piece. But the Aizen comparison is surprisingly close even if it wasn't my intent. Akame did manipulate the Gods and those around her for a desired result. Akari, herself, is Akame's Ichigo which has the potential to mess up her plan. Since her entire purpose is to climb the rank and be killed/farmed for information/weaknesses on Atlas. It's high risk and high reward.

Extra

Akame meets Maria in the future

Akame: I can't believe it.

Maria: Believe what? That I have silver eyes? That I'm the legendary Grimm Reaper?

Akame: You're old.

Maria: Oh screw you, youngster. I was a beauty in my younger years! The talk of the kingdoms. You're going to look like me when you're older. That if you can make it to my age. Enjoy it while you can.

Akame: I mean that you survive to old age as a silver-eyed warrior. I didn't think it was possible, I thought you died.

Maria: Hah! Can't keep me down.

Akame: My uncle is a fan. He once said he thinks about you at least several times a day whenever he looks at your poster.

Qrow: AKAME! YOU AREN'T SUPPOSED TO SAY THAT!

R&R