Chapter 35: Retreat
Countdown: 3 Months until the Exam
I got called back to the Academy for what's happening on the west side of Vacuo.
"Refugees are pouring into the west coast from the southern tip of Mistral," He eyed me with a blank expression," What did you do?"
"How is it my fault?" I denied. I ordered the retreat because staying would be a waste of resources and manpower. I didn't want to turn it Into a last stand," I'm studying for my exams and guiding my friends away from that lifestyle. If you want to get an explanation, Go talk to Ver or Leaf Wicker. They're in charge of the tribe."
The air around us is tense but unless my uncle ratted my operation out, Theodore has no proof I did anything wrong. I know what I'm doing when it comes to spying and counterintelligence. It's a branch of knowledge back when I was an assassin. My uncle wouldn't risk sabotaging my goal as long as I keep it moral. I am going to hand over my control to Vernal once I get my Huntsmen license.
He approves of my decision.
"Ever since you came to Vacuo, The kingdom became more divided yet peaceful," he half-congratulated and half-growled.
"Again? How am I responsible for it?" I stared indifferently. How is that even possible? Divided and peaceful?
"What do you know of the Crown?" He leaned forward.
"A bunch of mercenaries and a handful of your former students," I answered," Most of them are born and grew up in Vacuo and have a relatively clean record with legal business throughout the kingdom. They're also hired by the council for civil defense."
"How did you know that?"
"Why wouldn't I know about a group of interest that can be used against me?" I smiled," Ask your councilors why they're hiring a small army for dirt cheap. Is it because they no longer trust your ability to protect the people and themselves? They can only vote on maintaining the city proper and enforcing local laws with the police department. The council only has as much power as any kingdom mayor."
"Are you saying they're planning to gain more power?"
"I don't know. You got the resources to find out yourself instead of interrogating me. I only hang out with my friends, admittedly linked to all the above, but whatever the other factions do isn't my concern," I lied," The Crown isn't affiliated with me, the tribe isn't my responsibility, nor is the government worth caring about."
Vernal and the Vacuo branch are heading westward to meet up with the refugees and survivors. The tribe has held on long enough but sustains a causality rate of roughly 40%. The tribe lost a lot of good warriors. The situation is horrible and morale is at an all-time low.
Vernal can use this as an opportunity to rally the tribe and rebuild the ecosystem on the west coast.
Unfortunately, I'm not going to see Militia or Vernal for a while. Brawnz Ni needed to leave too but he felt more like a subordinate than a friend. I'll miss them but we need to stick to the plan.
I still have a few friends near and in the city. Drew isn't aware of it but I'm using her to get in contact with her father who is part of the government. I don't mind being her friend and a helpful guide around the city. Fox and his uncle come and visit once a week. Sun promised to swing by later this week. Overall, I don't feel alone while Vernal and Militia are away.
This isn't what I expected. I thought this entire stay in Vacuo was going to be solitary. I have friends here and they accept me for who I am.
Thank you, Uncle Qrow.
"I know they caused a lot of problems but they need help, Headmaster," I pleaded," The war is over. They are wounded and dying and in need of assistance. The Branwen never cause trouble in Vacuo and will be hunted down elsewhere. It's desperation and overreaction that causes all this mess. I don't like them but you can't turn your back on those people. They're human after all."
He relaxed his expression and nodded.
"You made a valid point, I wouldn't call myself a huntsman if I abandon those in need," he agreed," But the rules still stand. The tribe and those south Mistranese are guests in this kingdom. I don't want the land of Vacuo to turn into a staging point for another invasion."
"Tell the tribal leaders," I rolled my eyes," I'm not the messenger. Can I leave, please? Or is there an actual point to this meeting?"
The Crown had prepared a stockpile of rations and medical supplies for the inevitable retreat. That was the whole point of 'liberating' the west coast from Cartels a few months back besides cutting off the MIA.
I resisted the urge to smile.
Theodore said he doesn't want 'the land of Vacuo' used for us to regroup and invade again. But there is a sizable fleet of ships coming to the coastline that can be transformed into an offshore community. It would be much harder to get spies into a floating village without swimming or being detected by a closely-knit community.
I don't have to worry about Grimm or a violent storm sweeping the floating village away either. Vernal is there to prevent it from happening. While there patrols keep watch underneath and on top of the water. We hired aquatic faunus to work for us. The higher-ups can have a meeting in safety inside a ship.
Overall, The evacuation is going smoothly and Atlas nor Mistral would dare fire on fleeing civilians even if my forces are hidden among them. The Grimm are kept at bay and Theodore has to let them land. It would be on his conscience if he is denied entry and some of them die.
"It's disgusting how the Tribe are using civilians as meat shields," Rumpole scoffed from behind me," We should filter out who is a civilian and who's a tribe member and deny them."
It isn't one of my proudest decisions but it is either that or risk my men getting picked off from the air or sniped from afar. Even if air presence is minuscule compared to what Atlas has at its height. Besides, Embedding fighters into civilian ships also allows them to intercept Grimm attacks coming from below.
"That isn't going to work," I shook my head," Tribal support is still at an all-time high even with a defeat. Sending huntsmen to invade those wary civilians' personal space would rile them up. How about you give them the aid they need and let them make a new home on the west coast? The war is over. Let's give peace a chance."
I can feel Rumpole's intense eyes on the back of my head.
"Spoken like a sympathizer," she murmured.
"I could say the same for everyone in this room. Allowing the tribe to make an embassy isn't a good look nor could you reject those refugees. Maybe you could throw the people and government under the bus and say it all on them," I smiled innocently," Again, Do you think I'm still in charge of the tribe or are we talking about my future?"
Theodore can't turn against his morals. The firestorm that would happen if he made any move to oppress or reject those desperate civilians would cause a lot of chaos and mistrust.
The stockpiles of food and medical equipment would be wasted. The Crown could argue he refused to let them aid the helpless. They would help their true employer regardless of whatever order Theodore gave resulting in a favorable view of my Vacuo proxy.
A win-win situation either way.
Of course, I can't keep this lie forever. The truth will come out eventually the more I interact with the tribe. I'll keep this under wraps until my exam is over. I'll reveal myself but only on my terms. I need to be wary of my men.
There is a traitor(s) among the tribe.
I suspect someone set a trap for my mother and uncle. That town was the epicenter of Salem's Grimm Horde and someone knows about it beforehand. This means they're working for Salem.
The question is why?
Why did they betray my mother?
What are their motives?
I don't know whether to thank them or execute them for what they did.
"There has been a slight change to your exams. It was originally going to be a 1v1 against yours truly," he revealed and pointed both thumbs toward himself.
"Why did you change it?"
"Because it's too obvious and ruins the fun of a spontaneous fight," he narrowed his eyes at me," You better scrap all those notes because it isn't going to help you this time."
Damn it.
I revolve my preparation around countering a hand-to-hand fighter. I looked at his ruby-red gauntlet on top of the desk. I need to readjust.
"Who is my new opponent?"
"We aren't telling you who it is but you're more than welcome to take a guess," Rumpole added," Otherwise, You should focus on your study and only your studies."
They are onto me but can't do anything about it. I wonder if my uncle is allowing all this to happen because he's genuinely interested in how I'm pulling this off. It's unlikely for a fourteen-year-old to display the leadership qualities and forethought of an adult.
"Of course," I nodded," Is there anything else?"
"Almost done," He said," We need to talk about your semblance and why you refuse to use it."
I hate it. I remove memories of the past yet my semblance is the embodiment of it. The constant reminder of who I once was.
"The risk of trying to control it outweighs the benefits," I explained.
"You didn't kill-"
"KILL WHAT," I interrupted the headmaster. I compose myself and apologize. I made a mistake.
"Your semblance has been confirmed to claim one life. Plus the cover-up for that soldier you killed aboard the airship. The latter is justified and the reason why Ironwood isn't holding you accountable for it," he explained. Well of course he wouldn't because that would make the military look immoral and incompetent," Yet it reactivated from what Ms. Malachite revealed and won't turn off."
"It's more proof of why I don't want to touch it."
"And that mindset is why you will never master your semblance. My opinion is that you didn't kill them but your lack of control over your semblance and everyone acted like paranoia idiots over it," he shot back," Akame, A semblance is a reflection of a person's self. If you view your semblance in a negative light, what does it say about you?"
I didn't kill them? That's a unique way of looking at it.
My composure almost cracked at the revelation. I can't use dust and my only hope is to focus on my combat skill and aura. I even removed a third of my soul to bait the God of Light. I can handle it.
"Do you want bloodshed? Because that's what it's good for," I reasoned," I won't use my semblance, end of discussion."
"We are trying to help you," The headmaster sighed heavily," There are many students, staff members, and ordinary civilians who have gone through hardship. It doesn't matter if it is comparable to yours because saying who suffers more is narrow-minded. They all suffered in life. We all suffer one way or another."
"You should figure this out on your own and make peace with yourself," Rumpole spoke up," Theo and I can only tell you but you need to take the first step. Here is a hint on your opponent: They mastered their semblance to a powerful degree."
"…," I silently nodded. They want me to use tribal resources to uncover my new opponent. That wouldn't be easy. I moved most of my tribal assets to the west coast. Even then, I would prove them right if I prepare against them.
"Good luck, Akame Branwen," He smiled," Try to be a good kid."
I left the headmaster's office with a lot on my mind.
The road home is peaceful with no one in earshot of the conversation. My uncle perches on my shoulder in his crow form. From afar, it would look like I have a pet bird that I talk to.
"Oh a crow," I blinked and stared at its red eyes," I can cook this tonight."
"Oh no, you aren't!" Qrow poked my cheek," What kind of person eats an animal that approaches them?"
"I haven't eaten Zwei," I countered," Anything that isn't a pet is fair game."
"Go eat Grimm," He cawed.
"Okay," I shrugged," But, They taste awful."
My uncle flapped his wings and started hovering in front of me.
"Excuse me? You better be joking little lady!" he said.
"I'm kidding. I don't eat Grimm, Too dry," I smiled," Although, There are a few things I want to ask you."
He perched back on my shoulder.
"What's up?"
"The final part of my exams was going to be against Theodore but I have a new opponent. Any idea on who it could be?"
"Even if I knew, I won't tell you," he explained," And don't use your network to find out. Theodore would shuffle your opponent at the last minute."
"It's not like I could use the tribe at the moment. Only a skeleton crew is left at the compound," I told Qrow.
We stopped talking until we got closer to home. When a realization hits me.
"Why are you still on my shoulder?"
"Don't think. Just be my taxi."
"And why are you a bigger asshole in bird form?" I open the gate and close it behind us. I walk with my uncle still on my shoulder and step over fragments of the wall. The front yard seemed different but my attention was toward the loud-mouth feathered fiend. Were they digging?
"Because I'm a birdddd!" He shouted," A birrrdddd."
"And how does that excuse you?"
"Because I'm as free as a birrrd. I can shit on Ironwood's car without him knowing," He cheered, wing smacking me in the face," A free birrrrd!"
"Bird brain," I pinched his beak together to shut him up," I'll defeather you one day."
Qrow squeezes out of my grip and leaps off my shoulder. He transforms back into a human.
"I'm a birrrrd," he dramatically posed. The thick sense of alcohol made my nose burn. He doesn't smell like a bar, he smells like the whole brewery. But why is it hurting me?
"What did you drink?" I asked, covering my nose. He calmed himself and chuckled.
"Everclear and fine dust," he revealed.
I reached for Shūsen the instant I felt danger. I twisted my body and drew my sword in a flash, slicing through a plastic ball. I see everything in slow-mo.
The content of the ball was fire dust. I close my eyes and mouth to prevent any of it from getting inside. Yet, despite my reflexes, I wasn't fast enough to avoid the second attack from behind. My uncle's shoulder checked me in the back. I gasped in shock, inhaling a mouthful of dust.
It felt like fire running down my mouth, throat, and lungs. I recovered and rolled into a fighting stance. I glance over to see Umber standing next to me with an apologetic look. I didn't sense any fighting intent so I didn't bother turning my blade against her.
I focus on my uncle who took out Harbinger.
Suddenly, the entire front yard erupted with different colored smoke coming out of the ground.
"What-What are you all doing?" I coughed. Now my eyes are getting teary. Crap, Some of it got into my eyes.
My uncle stepped back and disappeared into the multicolor smoke.
I did get an answer with his blade coming from the left side moments later.
This is another unscheduled sparring session. There are no build-up or honorable rules of engagement. It's sudden and violent. My uncle decided to spice it up with a dust attack and obscuring my vision. I prefer it this way.
A battle isn't always going to be on your terms. A smart enemy can ambush and a trusted ally could backstab you. I must be ready for both.
We exchange strikes, feints, and blocks. My face still felt like it was burning and the smoke clouded my vision but I pressed on.
Our blade locks together.
"If you somehow fail to become a huntress, You can always become a CEO of a major company or rule over the west coast," he pushed me back.
"I will pass the exam no matter what," I countered by rushing at him. He sidesteps and lets me pass. He should have struck downward because I use one hand to grab his waist and spin both of us around.
I use the momentum to launch myself 10 meters into the air while Qrow barely stops himself from falling on his back. He pointed Harbinger into the sky and fired 5 shots in under 2 seconds.
The shotgun rounds are hard to dodge. I change trajectory midair but it isn't enough.
I dodged four but the fifth hit me in the chest, face, and neck. The pellets felt like dozens of punches hitting all at once but I ignored the pain.
I came in fast like a meteor. Our sword locked once again but with enough force to create a crater and push all the smoke away.
I'm using all my power and gravity, yet he's only using one arm.
Damn it! How is he still stronger than me?
At least it is his dominant hand and somewhat struggling to keep his sword steady.
I focus my aura on the point of contact between our swords. I wanted to bury him in the ground. The result wasn't what I expected.
His foot sank a few inches into the ground. Qrow countered by reaching into his back pocket and throwing a whole dust crystal in front of my face. It grows a light blue hue.
My eyes widened and I pushed off of his blade.
Crap!
"Aarrgghh," I grunted in pain as ice covered most of my body, immobilizing me. One of my eyes got sealed shut while the other eye was half open.
He got behind me-It felt instant. I was encased in ice while still in the air and the next moment, I hit the ground like a ball, the ice scattering on impact.
I rolled away as my uncle's sword impaled the spot I was at. I stood up and wasted no time pressuring him. I kept light on my feet and attacked him in any direction.
I bounce right, left, attack his back, and even leap over him. He's physically stronger and more experienced. I can't let him leverage it against me. We both were able to land solid hits against each other.
I took a risk and charged directly at him. My uncle stepped back in response to my boldness.
I have more aura than him. I can use it to my advantage. I sliced across his torso and he stabbed me in the back as I passed by. I stumbled.
In an instant, My opponent was upon me. He swings upward with an aura slash. I rolled away and dodged more aura slashes. I slide on my knees to avoid a horizontal slash and redirect another with a precise parry.
He threw more slashes while I dodge and countered with my slashes. I got closer and closer to my target until he was within arm's length.
Suddenly, He stops attacking and spreads his arms.
I stopped my advance because of how unexpected it was. I didn't want to attack him, Trick or not.
"Akame, Why did you stop? Attack me with everything I taught you."
The burning sensation finally subsided and the battlefield was clear of smoke. But I doubt our home can take any more abuse. The front yard is filled with battle damage over the months while the house sports countless holes and slashes, most of which aren't patched up. The walls are useless since part of it collapsed or has human-sized imprints in it.
Opening the front gate is a formality at this point when we can step through the new entrance a few feet to the left.
It's going to cost a lot of money to fix.
"I am," I responded," You're the one not fighting me."
"You are holding back to avoid destroying the house," he nodded," Let's take this outside."
Dead silence and time crawled.
It's all in my head and has nothing to do with magic. I see it happening and I can't do anything about it. I could have NEVER seen it coming.
I felt palms pressing against my right side. One is on my upper arm and the other is on my waist. A single glance at the perpetrator is all it takes for me to know who did it. My uncle wasn't expecting it either.
The sneak attack shocked both of us.
A powerful burst of aura sent me flying over the wall and skidding across the desert. I came to a stop 50 meters from my home.
"Umber," I exhaled and stood up. I felt blood trying to come out of my throat and my insides were in unbelievable agony. I swallow the blood back down and refuse to topple over in pain.
She got me. It hurts, agonizing pain. I'm so proud of her. She got strong enough to sneak up on me and land this crippling hit.
Umber must have used a particular technique against me. It's an effective technique against Grimm by forcefully sending aura into its body and causing damage from within. It is less effective against others with aura unless it's me. My insides aren't protected.
Why am I cursed with so many weaknesses?
My semblance is unusable, I can't use dust, and my insides don't have aura.
Am I meant to be susceptible to aura attacks, dust, and silver-eyed warriors?
There got to be an advantage to what Salem gave me. Otherwise, I'll never reach my full potential.
Umber ran toward me while equipping her weapons.
"Change of plan! Your opponent is me!" She raged and jumped high into the air.
"Show me how strong you become, Umber!" I screamed. The pain subsided and I got ready for my next opponent.
The battle commenced-
"WAIT!" My uncle came sprinting toward us.
"What?/WHAT?!" Umber and I asked/yelled at the same time.
He circled me and checked every part of my body, especially the spots I had been hit. He looked frantic as if Umber did something she wasn't supposed to.
"How? That should have killed you!" He freaked out.
Oh right.
In theory, I should have exploded in a display of blood and gore. Especially with that technique. Interestingly enough, Gillian Asturia confirmed pumping aura into Grimm would make them go into a frenzy. But sending an offensive pulse would damage them from within. It's the difference between feeding someone meat and throwing meat at lethal speed.
Umber is making me feel like a proud mom.
"STOP SMILING!" My uncle poked at my cheek.
"What? Why are you surprised when I always say 'Fight me with killing intent?'"
"I didn't think she could pull off killing you," he said.
"You doubted me?" She put her hands on her hips. I meant her wrists on her hips since she's holding Scatter and Reform. They are chakrams with shotguns attached to them. Interesting names for her weapons.
He looked between us with disappointment.
"Combat training is over before someone seriously gets hurt," Qrow ordered," I can tell either you're getting impaled or you're getting a fist size hole in your chest."
Umber and I stare at him.
"Why?" She asked," It was just getting better."
"Umber Karolina, There isn't anyone close to Akame's age that can keep up with her except for you," he praised," The problem is both of your mindset borders on suicidal. It's going to cost you dearly when you're older."
"In this line of work, Old age is a luxury. You're pretty old yourself Uncle Qrow," I pointed out. Umber had come a long way from a mindless follower to an equal.
"And? I'm telling you, girls, to take it easy. There will be no more 'fight with killing intent'," he pointed his finger at both of us," I'll keep watch."
Umber and I nodded.
"Can we fight now?" Umber growled.
"Go ahead but if your aura is low, stop," He stepped away," And no more aura technique that can kill."
Umber learned an effective move against me. Pulse is only used if you're planning to kill someone and their aura is down. It is an effective move against Grimm. No one, outside of those that know about my blood, would use that move against me. I should have died.
I could easily kill her too. Especially since I penetrated Gillian's dense aura during our battle. Umber would be sliced like butter. But she would see those kinds of attacks coming. It requires aura to be concentrated at the tips or my mastery, the entire edge. She has been trained to detect aura density and exploit the weakest area.
I need to run a test later. I may have a regeneration factor. I have been cut and wounded in training and the damage fixed itself before a single drop of blood leaves my body. I assume passive aura heals surface-level damages. Now that isn't the case with the internal damage Umber inflicted on me. It is an attack that should leave people dead or dying if hit without aura.
Umber killed me. I feel…impressed.
The battle commenced again.
We were both on the offensive. Chakram meets sword in a display of sparks and metallic clanking. We didn't relent from one another nor get tired. Our attack increases in speed and intensity the longer we keep this going. Sparks become explosions and sand is pushed away with every strike.
Then, My blade is held in place by both chakrams and pulled back. I see through her trick and let go of Shūsen. Umber's left foot came close to uppercutting my chin. I block the front kick with my palm and elbow her shin with enough force to break concrete.
She landed on her back clutching her shin in pain. While my sword was sent flying into the air. I unlatch my sheath and walk away, perfectly catching the blade.
"Damn, Still wasn't enough," She breathed heavily," I can still-"
"AKAME NO!"
I rush over and lightly tap her on the head, scattering her aura. She fell back as if invisible strings were cut.
"You won and killed me," I bend down and reach my hand out," If it wasn't for my handicap, that strike would have done nothing but send me flying."
She took my hand and I pulled her up.
"That's enough training for today. I'm hungry."
Salem PoV
"Akame Branwen is in Vacuo," Hazel reported.
"I already know," I stood with my back turned to him and glazing in the southwest direction through the windows of my castle.
She is out there in the desert. I should despise her for ruining everything but this new normal she is creating is volatile.
I told her the truth. People will turn on her if they find out about her betrayal and my gift. My blood coursed through her veins and successfully adapted to her body. It isn't a surprise when I sense his influence in her soul.
The time will come one day and I'll be ready. Indeed, my forces are severely weakened but pawns are easy to find under desperate conditions.
"She still hasn't contacted us," Cinder complained as she rechecked her scroll," It's been 5 months now."
"Ironwood must've caught her by now," Tyrian chimed in," Ah shame! I love her work."
"I would like to add, She isn't on our side," Hazel brought up," But has far too many connections for us to cut her off."
"There would be a grand spectacle if she were caught or killed," I turned around to face my pawns," She wanted to destroy Atlas and advance the tribe. Her goal aligned enough with ours. Ms. Del Nel is allowed to do nothing because she did her part and you all will do yours. Cinder, You need to get stronger and locate the Fall Maiden."
"Your majesty, Isn't the Spring Maiden easier to find? She's out in public all the time," Cinder asked me.
You idiot. Weren't you paying attention?
"Spring is too powerful, Summer could risk conflict with the tribe, and Winter is deep inside Atlas. If you go through with your plan, You will die. I don't can't stress that enough and you will be replaced," I commanded," I'll reiterate to everyone that we will aid Akame forces and her allies even if she isn't aware of it. You are all dismissed."
All my underlings left the meeting room, leaving me to my thoughts.
I had kept most Grimm from attacking the evacuating civilians. I can't decipher Ozma's plan for this changing world and I'm at a disadvantage. They hold all the cards and I'm empty-handed.
I saw this build-up of humanity's strength before, A prelude to war.
Backing Akame has its advantage if the connection is revealed. It would make her seem like an untrustworthy ally in the eyes of Ozma's group.
The majority of my plan for the future has been derailed because I didn't expect Akame to withstand me. That willpower is unbreakable.
Ms. Malachite has proven herself to be a clever adversary. She set massive bounties on all my underlings and revealed Lionheart's traitorous nature in one move.
While Flaxen isn't loyal but useful. She asks for more work and support while sneaking in a 'go to hell' in the same request.
Which brings me to my current plan. I can blackmail Akame and turn the world against each other.
I have her precious nanny at my mercy. She and her killers are alive because my Grimm is keeping them safe. Atlas would never expect White Fangs to be deep in Solitus Grimm territory.
There is also her mother's death. Those that have interacted with Akame know the truth yet no one is making the truth public.
I smiled at the realization.
A bit of a lie and a bit of truth.
Raven's death is orchestrated by Akame and Flaxen to take control of the tribe, place a puppet leader, and bring an end to the war on their terms. Flaxen collaborated with me to set up the trap and Akame finished off her mother. They are my army but not directly. Their victory also benefits me.
They aren't my pawns but have a connection to me. I keep Grimm off their army and provide any monetary or information support I can offer.
I have my own legal and illicit businesses. Besides, I'm immortal with bank accounts collecting hundreds of years of compound interest with the occasional cash injections. I have liens to throw at them.
They're going to need my help whether they want it or not.
Akame PoV
Countdown: 2 Months 1 Week until the Exam
I can't believe it. I'm holding a check worth 1 million lien from Fang Hui. He left a note apologizing for his late payment with a foreboding message simply reading, 'I know you're lying but keep doing what you're doing.'
He didn't contact me for almost a year and his first action is to change our contract and give me the full amount.
What the hell is going on?
I'm genuinely confused. I'm okay with a 10,000 lien as stated in the contract but why the full amount?
Meanwhile, The tribe was secretly wired 25 million lien from 'Ms. Taylor'. It was untraceable despite the massive amount of money. It was done through a shady banking service in Atlas.
It's hypocritical of me to accept it but…
The tribe is low on cash after the evacuation and defeat in South Mistral. The food and medical supplies are being rationed as weeks go by. The Crown and Vacuo can only do so much without starving themselves.
The money is great but it's a fraction of what Atlas and Mistral can fund. Atlas can throw one hundred billion into its military. Mistral is harder to define due to the corruption but far exceeds the funding of the tribe and the entirety of the Vacuo economy.
Ms. Malachite and Jacque Schnee's combined net worth is more than Vacuo's GDP. It's an unfortunate disparity between the richest man and woman vs. the poorest kingdom stripped of all its resources. That isn't right.
Fortunately, the Schwarz Foundation sent aid and opened a charity service despite protests from Atlas and Mistral. If I'm being honest with myself. The refugees and tribe members were close to falling apart as everything ran scarce. I'm surprised the refugee camps aren't swarming with Grimm.
I expected them to die first before a semblance of order and sustainability is achieved. It's the necessary cost of my plan. But it seems aid came in time for more people to make it through the crisis.
I sigh in relief as I set down the newspaper.
"It isn't easy being a leader," My Uncle examined the check," But what you're doing is beyond a team of four."
"I know and it's stressful," I message my head with both hands," I'm not leading three classmates like everyone else. I'm overseeing ten of thousands of people and hundreds almost die from my order."
The purpose of a mass evacuation was to preserve as much of my forces as possible. The civilians coming with us are our meat shield, giving us a heroic image of caring rebels, and more manpower for later. It wasn't a blind decision. I prepare the land beforehand.
My uncle handed me a cup of iced tea.
"I thought I planned for it but it still wasn't enough," I lamented.
"You're taking it in stride," He smiled," I tend to go lore wolf but once in a blue moon, I find myself leading an entire village to safety or barking orders to local Militias. No matter how many right decisions you make or how hard you fight, There will always be losses."
I look at my reflection in the cup.
"I don't approve of all your decisions but at least you are thinking it over and delegating it," he praised," You age fast, Akame. Far faster than I'm comfortable with."
"I have to grow up," I told him," Let my sisters have their childish dreams."
"Akame, Don't lose yourself to the cruelty of this world," he warned me," I want you to take a step back and live life the way you want instead of a need for this or a must be done for that. Vernal can lead in your stead."
"Sure, But if my enemies come after me or those I care about, I won't hold back," I promised.
The conversation ends as I continue my studies.
"Aftermath of the Great War," I read out loud. Suddenly, A piece of the ceiling fell next to me.
"It was such a beautiful home, too," he sighed.
"Uncle Qrow, Can we blow up the house? After we are done with it?"
"Hell yes."
Extra: Vernal Multiversal Adventure
Noncanon
"I don't know if I made the right call leaving you by yourself to house sit," My uncle sweatdropped at the explosives packed into the house.
"What? As if I miss this occasion even if I'm occupied on the west coast," Vernal shrugged and pulled out a large poster with pictures and signatures on it," I didn't stick around to watch the house. I figure it's best if I…eh…look for some fireworks myself to shorten our time. "
"Kay," Umber deadpanned," How did you get so many explosives then?"
"Here Klee," Vernal pointed to the top left corner," She's a sweetheart that handed me some cute-looking bombs."
It was a girl with pointed ears? Huh? Are those real?
"This blonde is named Deidara 'Art is an Explosion!' never got his last name. He gave me some tips and explosions of his own," She pointed to a young teen with weird tongue hands.
"He has a nice cloak," Militia chimed in," Very fashionable."
"Who is this?" Umber tapped on a picture of a green-hair swordsman.
"Roronoa Zoro. We chatted and got lost together and somehow, we ended up in a city we don't recognize," She told us," I think it was New York?"
"Never heard of it and now you're making stuff up," Qrow crossed his arms.
"Anyway, A magic man sent us back home after we fought some purple guy. Zoro wandered off looking for his captain after saying goodbye," She recounted," Uuuugh, Why didn't I take pictures of the city and the Avengers? I swipe a purple gemstone before and left it in the living…room…oh. Eh, It probably wasn't worth much."
"We still think you're lying," Umber nodded with my uncle.
"No no, Let her keep going," Militia encouraged while I remained impartial," Let her cook."
"Here is Megumin and her friend, Kazuma," She pointed at a girl with a witch hat and a boy in green," She was too tired to cast explosion magic but told me about someone with the world's biggest bomb. I think it was called an Adam bomb. This scientist guy and the military didn't look happy when I ummm…stole it."
"Scientist? Military? Ohohohoh," Qrow laughed deeply," Aight, Tell me where it is so I can scope it out."
"Ummm, You wouldn't believe me. It was still in the desert and the military guys were wearing ugly khaki colors," She lied?
"Nevermind," He shook his head in disappointment.
"There is also this man calling himself a demoman," She shows an older man with an eyepatch and a grenade launcher," He always talks…yells about a place called Scotland. I could barely understand him but he drinks and curses as much as you. So many sticky bombs."
"Oi, I'm not that bad," Qrow defended.
"How are you even doing all of this? WE LEFT YOU ALONE FOR HALF A DAY," Umber raged and started drilling a finger into Vernal's head.
"Ow ow ow! I swear it's the truth," She retreated while holding her head," It was a crazy day. They either found me or I found them."
"Who is this then?"
"The Crimson Alchemist. He gave me a tiny shard of fire dust."
"And this grenade arms weirdo?"
"Bakugou," She chuckled," He's like the male version of you. Loudmouth was trying to arrest me over all the bombs I have."
"Screw you!"
I scanned the poster when suddenly a single picture stunned me. How in the F-
"How-Who-who?" I pointed at the image.
"Bols and his family," she smiled," They baked me cookies for my trip back to Vacuo."
What the…How the…When did…I can't even form complete sentences in my head.
How? What?
Bols…
I can tell that he's from my old world even if I wipe my memory. It's an innate instinct like seeing a familiar face.
None of this is making any damn sense and I'm slowly going insane over it. Salem nor the God of Darkness wasn't even able to pull it off. But listening to Vernal bizarre adventure is…is… indescribable.
I'm going to let this insanity run its course.
"And here is Yoshikage Kira. He's a creep but this guy with a hat that turns out to be his hair got in between us. Feel like I dodged a bullet."
She went down the entire poster of all the unique characters she met.
"This is Crash Bandicoot. He handed me a few crates of TNT."
"Fuse got me some cluster bombs."
"This weird guy bumps into me while mumbling about power and motivation."
"Bomberman came by and said hi."
"I was digging through a trash can with a girl named Stelle."
I'm starting to comprehend what's going on. Vernal has somehow defied logic, time, and reality by walking into other worlds. This makes zero damn sense because we left her alone for FIVE hours. This doesn't seem fair. I arrived on Remnant for barely a second before my existence got erased repeatedly. The God of Darkness needed to work a loophole for me to even be alive.
Vernal ends up somewhere else in the universe. My uncle and Umber must think this is a grand delusion. Militia is being supportive of it and I'm losing my sanity. Why is the universe messing with me?
"Bambietta tried to kill me when I wanted to be friends with her. But my semblance allowed me to slip away."
"Then, I took a quick nap and woke up to see this adorable, yellow mouse on my shoulder. It keeps repeating pika pika!"
"Here is Actually Satan? I think?"
"Somehow, I ended up in a warehouse watching some lady in armor beat up a bunch of guys in armor. I think her name was Tex."
"Are you sure you met all of them on Remnant?" I asked," Specifically, the kingdom of Vacuo and Vale?"
"Positive!" She beamed.
Okay.
What. The. Hell.
"Let's get this over with," I lifted my hand and Ver handed me the remote trigger. I don't care if this kills us, I want this to be over already.
The house was hundreds of meters away. We should be at a safe distance from whatever multiversal explosives Ver found.
We put on our shades and I started the countdown. I removed the safety switch.
"5…4…3…2…1," I counted down.
I press the button thrice and-
Ash and soot blanketed the horizon and the desert around us. In the sky is a mushroom cloud and directly beneath it is a crater where our house used to be.
The five of us looked at each other in silence until one of us spoke up.
"That was awesome!" Vernal cheered.
"Heh, Theodore is going to love this," Qrow laughed.
Meanwhile
Patch
"Why is the Sun out at 1 am?" Ruby woke up from her sleep. She looked beneath her at the bottom bunk.
"I don't know. I don't care," Yang covered her head with another pillow," Bed."
A/N: That extra bit was written on a whim and no planning. It has no rhyme or reason and is just something I wrote for fun. I haven't done an omake/extra in a while. It's in Vernal character to find people by coincidence. She has been doing it this entire story that I realize it's a plot convenience.
It's Vernal adventures in other worlds and poking jabs at Crossovers collapsing onto Remnant. Poor Akame, She can't comprehend the impossibility of it. I could have easily made it way longer but this extra is roughly 1130+ words already. I made all the references obvious.
Akame is going through therapy and training. She is ignoring the therapy part and assumes everyone is trying to annoy her or get into her head. The rest of her family is coming to support her. I won't get into further detail but her entire family must be with her to prevent a worse outcome. Salem and Ozpin are helping her become a huntress for two different reasons. The divorced couple isn't aware they're agreeing on something. That's going to be fun to write.
It just hit me. Akame, Jaune, and Ruby are the socially awkward team leaders/trio. Akame awkwardness is constantly being interpreted as being a stoic badass that's more action than words. Ruby and Jaune would look up to her and ask for guidance. Akame even suffered like Ruby and Jaune in the show. Salem trapped Akame for 40 years(Jaune) via time dilation in a nightmare and attempted to break(Ruby) her.
She suffered much worse but like Theodore said," It doesn't matter if it is comparable to yours because saying who suffers more is narrow-minded."
That's enough rambling from me. This chapter was done last week but I kept on writing.
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