Chapter 39: Figurehead

Countdown 1 Month, 2 Weeks, and 6 days until the exam

I got off a call with Drew's father, a councilor of Vacuo. Theodore is spending his loyalists out to escort me into the Academy. They're asking around for my whereabouts.

It crosses my mind that my luck is bipolar. Yes, I was born and granted powers that put me above my peers. But I'm still a slave to a higher being and my mistakes. Sometimes, I wish I was born a nobody in a remote village, far from all of this madness. Maybe I should have lived life as a hermit.

I walked back inside the abandoned house to start planning. There are so many unknown variables.

How much does Theodore know?

How did they obtain the intel?

Why aren't they making my crime public?

What can I do to mitigate it?

I don't want to fight the Academy. Even if by some miracle I pulled off a coup d'etat, my forces would lose international aid, the chance to redeem myself would go up in smoke, my family wouldn't talk to me again, and the other kingdom could invade.

I'm honestly surprised it took them this long to figure it out. Theodore suspects my involvement but never has the proof. The people have been doing a great job of letting us do what we want. That's why they are peacefully searching for me.

The Academy is the one on their backfoot and doesn't want to stir the hornet's nest. People die in Vacuo all the time. The concept of vigilante justice and the constant reality of death is ingrained into this society.

Why should I be singled out for eliminating those who squandered their second, maybe even third chance? What about the foreign agents that want to manipulate this kingdom? Or the crime bosses that carve out territories outside of Shade's control?

Theodore will need to release the proof if they accuse me of being a serial killer or a conspirator biding her time to rule this kingdom. I kill but that comes with the responsibility even as a huntress. That is what I came to conclude. By Vacuo standard, I kill what the people want dead. It's that simple.

There is no need to kill anyone today. No one needs to get hurt. Theodore and his people aren't my enemies. This is why I won't contact my people for backup and focus on assets in the cities starting from Night Raid and the government. I contacted Night Raid about the situation and briefed them on what to do next.

Vernal could come to help but after what she did to an entire tribe, absolutely not. I still have to worry about the Summer Maiden and I'm not taking any risks. I have bits and pieces on the Fall and Winter Maiden but Summer is nonexistent. This is unsettling.

I want to de-escalate the situation starting with the source of the problem.

"You want us to break into the Academy?" Cali uttered," While most of them are looking for you?"

"Yes, They must have gotten evidence somehow and held my Uncle hostage. Night Raid will check into Precinct 4 and tell the clerk you're looking for Ms. Red," I ordered," The police chief will guide you next. I'll meet up with all of you soon."

"Yes, boss!" Cali responded," Be careful out there."

"Dismissed," I hung up and looked outside to see a small dust cloud approaching me. I got ready to hide but paused when the vehicles became clear.

There were a few trunks and a handful of police vehicles heading my way. This would be concerning if I was in any other kingdoms. In Vacuo, The law is with me. The vehicles created a defensive barrier around the abandoned home, forming a dust cloud. Police officers dressed in Vacuo yellow and a red slash across their torso jumped out with guns drawn but not pointed at me or the house. I step outside. They scan the area, look me over, and beckon for me to enter the back of a cargo trunk.

I thank them and follow their instructions.

Upon entering I'm met with a crushing hug from Dew.

"Miss me," She hugged me tightly, her dark blonde hair preventing me from breathing properly, or else I ate a mouthful of overly fragrant hair. I gently push her back.

"Of course I do," I smiled and leaned over to nod at the man at the back of the cargo trunk.

The man is dressed in a simple gray shirt, white jacket, and white shorts. He has dark, blonde slick back hair and violet eyes like his daughter. There is a duffle bag on his lap. The man has a serious expression on his face.

"Akame Branwen."

"Councilor Gayl."

We nodded again and wordlessly agreed on the next move.

"Dew, sweetheart, Stay with your aunt for a bit. I got business talk to attend to," he told his daughter.

"No problem, Daddy," Dew beamed," You owe me, Akame."

"Movie night, Got it," I deadpanned. She hopped out of the trunk and headed to a nearby police car. Half a minute passed and the convoy started moving toward the city.

My home is likely raided by now and the temporary hideout would be searched soon. I needed to keep moving and enter a place Theo wouldn't expect. Theodore either has most of the school or his most trusted allies hunting me. This means the number of huntsmen can range from several thousand to a hundred.

Now that I think about it, Theodore wouldn't send the whole school after me. It would cause the public to be suspicious. It is a disproportionate response if he's looking for a lost fourteen-year-old girl.

"Would you like to take a seat?" He asked. The ride was bumpy as the wheels hit every single rock and pothole on the road.

"No, I'm going to run if we're stopped," I crossed my arms.

'That won't happen because those students wouldn't dare stop a government convoy. That would be an abuse of power. A fourteen-year-old girl skipping out on a meeting isn't search-worthy," He assured and tapped on his seat," There is a hidden compartment here. You can sneak out the bottom of the trunk if some idiot forces their way in."

"Good, I'll keep that in mind."

"Are you sure you want to break into Shade Academy? We, no you, could easily leave Vacuo," he noted," Whatever evidence they got you could fight it. This isn't the first time the tribe dressed a little girl or boy in a black wig and told them to stab someone for the camera."

Thank you, Mom, for raising my bounty even when I'm hiding in Lil Ms. Malachite's home. They did get debunked but the damage was done. My bounty didn't even lower.

"I don't know how and what information they gain to warrant my arrest," I explained,'' Worse case, They know you're on my side, the killing committed, and the extent of the network. Best case, This is a bluff."

My uncle's text isn't enough. He could've been forced to send it against his will to lure me out. All of the MIA agents should be dead. How could Theo know about my activities?

"The former would divide this Kingdom even more. It could even invite foreigners in for more 'peacekeeping and investment'", the Vacuo native spoke disgustingly.

"All the more reason to preserve the peace," I explained my plan," I have kept my promise thus far."

"You have," he nodded in agreement," I'll head in with my entourage and storm the office. That should be your opportunity to sneak in."

"Theodore is likely in the streets so your cops can delay him. Once I confirm and hopefully destroy the evidence, We move on to phase 2," I continued.

"Is it worth it? If the evidence is destroyed then why reveal yourself?" He questioned.

"So I can offer an olive branch on public TV. I've been aiming for this," I explained my goal," We all were betrayed, left to die, and even hunted down. The world is a messy place and won't get better unless we unify and stop the violence."

"You're not what I expected," He called out," I expected someone more vengeful, an anarchist even. Atlas and Mistral have taken so much from your tribe."

An anarchist? Creating a bigger mess is the last thing I want. I don't want a power vacuum endangering innocent civilians.

"Here we go again," I sighed. I ignore the history that happened in the distant past regarding decision-making. I don't care if there is a family feud lasting decades or ancestral land settled hundreds of years ago. They're excuses to hold onto hate," And? My priority has nothing to do with ancient history."

"This kingdom will hold off the foreigners that will come after you," He finished off," And the Academy will decide its fate. Either stand with the people they are sworn to protect or support the world that turned on us."

"Exactly, You got the reporters ready?" I added.

"They will be at the front gate in half an hour." He showed me his scroll. It has the names of several news reporters and the network they're associated with.

"This will work," I shook his hand.

"You need a speech written out or are you going to wing it?"

A speech?

Ugh, Damn it.

I have to publicly speak in front of-of many people. I don't even want to imagine how many will attend my little stunt.

"You never spoke publicly before?" Mr. Gayl presumed.

That is somewhat of a dumb question. In what scenario would I expose myself to that many people?

I shook my head in defeat. This is going to end horribly, I could just feel it. I want to drop dead even imagining it. The most unnecessary attribute for my line of work. I'm not outgoing like Yang or Vernal nor do I have charisma. The reason why I have a presence is my infamy.

What if my voice cracks after the first sentence? I'm still going through puberty (again) so that possibly is certain.

What if I freeze up and forget everything?

Or worse.

I could sound like Ruby. I don't want to sound like I'm speaking five deciphers above normal. All the while having run-on sentences and barely comprehensible Valish.

It's funny.

The most frightening part of this operation isn't being hunted down by hundreds of trainees and professionals, it's public speaking.

You know what? I should turn myself in and beg for forgiveness. It's quick and easy.

"Oh gods, You're giving up," the politician facepalmed.

How does he know? I look down to see my foot incessantly tapping on the metallic floor of the trunk.

"I'm not giving up. I decided the best course of action is a coup d'etat."

A dense silence reigns inside the cargo trunk and for a moment he considers the option before shooting it down.

"We aren't doing that you coward," Gayl frowned like a disappointed father.

"Repeat that."

"Seriously? Here I thought you were a competent mastermind comparable to the top leaders of this world. You're just a berserker who fumbled her way into greatness," he insinuated," My men are going to deflect if asked to fight the elite warriors of this kingdom."

I open my mouth to speak but he interrupts me.

"And don't think you can handle the entire school on your own. You know it and the school knows it," he points accusingly at me. This is the first time we talked face-to-face and one-on-one. He is blunt.

I took a moment to think and yes he's right. Shade Academy still has a few aces like the Summer Maiden and the Relic of Destruction. They can call the other Kingdoms for help. I'm not even getting into the logistics of such an operation. My forces are all in the west and law enforcement is doing nothing to the Academy in the long run. It would result in a Pyrrhic victory that wouldn't last.

There is a detachment of Atlas mercenaries, the Exiled, outside the kingdom's borders. My intel suggests Cordovin is still loyal to Ironwood despite being dishonorably discharged and waiting for an excuse to cross over. I would have no choice but to surrender or fight a long, bloody guerrilla campaign.

"I delegate my responsibilities to people who are experts in the field. I don't know everything but ask questions and learn along the way," I sighed," I'm a soldier, not a general nor a ruler. So what I'm asking is for your public support in my plight."

"What more can you offer me other than increasing government power? This is my reputation and freedom on the line," He spoke in a low, foreboding tone.

"It's an all-or-nothing gamble. I believe Vacuo would need a face to stand against the commander-in-chief and the Prime Minister on the political battlefield," I watched as he lowered his guard.

"My colleagues won't like this," He worried.

"The details will be worked on later with your colleagues but you will be the first and the leader of the new government," I articulated," Cooperation between all factions is key in surviving against the world that watches us rot."

I have zero interest in becoming the face of a third power.

I can't put all my bets on Ver after what she did. She could still become Queen; I can't stop her if she reveals herself without my consent. I'm glad Veritas doesn't realize it yet. My prime minister can be a counterbalance against a mad monarch. I still want to give Veritas a chance. She is still a child given too much power and witnesses grotesque violence.

Mr. Gayl is a well-rounded adult with political experience albeit only at a city level. I know what his ulterior motive is. He wants power for the good of his kingdom but to the detriment of the world. I'll make sure there isn't going to be another Ms. Malachite in Vacuo. I won't allow it as long as I live.

He nodded in satisfaction.

"We only got 5 minutes. The key is to have a hook and structure that encapsulates your main points…"

He began lecturing me until we reached our destination.

I wish it would never come down to this. I promise myself not to get Sun and Drew involved but they're in the middle of the crossfire. I could try keeping him in the dark for now. Drew is fully committed to being a part of the mess.

I still have to deal with Sun's cousin after this.

I suspect her father is the main reason behind it. Drew and I got along just fine but if she gets hurt, the repercussions are on both of us. And I'm still scratching my head about how Sun got Night Raid on his side. Copper and Brawnz make sense but the girls? The Chūnibyō and the only brain on the team?

The convoy came to a slow stop and so did my heart.

"The show is about to begin," He leaped out of the trunk and tossed me the duffle bag," Get change quickly. My daughter is going to pretend to be you and vice versa."

I look inside the bag to see a blonde wig and a green dress with a pair of colorful shades. There are also rounded shades and an ID inside it. He closed the flap behind him and told me to hurry. I took a deep breath and began the mission.

Normal PoV

A vacation is nice.

Glynda Goodwitch reclines on a lawn chair with a nice book on the rooftop of Shade Academy. An open bottle of whiskey in an ice bucket, courtesy of Qrow, is to her side. A sun umbrella is keeping the intense heat of Vacuo off her face and body. She is far from the students and the noise of the city below.

More importantly, she is far from work.

The combat instructor understands her duty to keep the peace and train the next generation but the years have been tiring.

Akame is secretly doing what?

Ironwood unveiled that.

Malachite just did this.

They are the most powerful public figures codenamed Olympus, Arachnid, and Fiend. Or in her opinion, The three unholy migraines. It's interchangeable when referring to the organizations/groups they lead. Because no matter the time of day, One of these three is up to something.

She has a gut feeling that Akame is causing trouble. The red-eyed girl has been suspiciously quiet in recent weeks. Theodore couldn't find any dirt on her beyond lying about not working with the tribe.

It isn't a deal breaker because the tribe has been behaving themselves ever since the evacuation, even rejuvenating the ecosystem. Which is fine and dandy.

Yet, the feeling persists.

Glynda got up when she felt her scroll vibrate in her pocket. She looked at the whiskey bottle and took a huge gulp before checking her scroll.

The woman already knows it's bad. She felt like a mother of three kids but two of those kids are adults that should know better.

Glynda read the short story-size text from Ozpin and finished the rest of her drink. She is going to ask for another raise after this.

She gently set down her book. It's the same book Ozpin claims to never exist even if everyone on Remnant and their grandmother knows the story.

Flashback

Beacon Headmaster Office

Before leaving for Vacuo

"Glynda, I know I sound insane but this version of the Girl Who Fell Through the World never existed," He frantically flips through the pages.

"How could it be? This has been written by Lewis Carol and that version is written by Alyx Carol," the professor looked confused as her boss acted irrationally over trivial knowledge.

"I met Lewis in one of my past lives and offered him an answer on his ordeal," the wizard closes the book," His sister is dead. There has always been one Fairy Tale and Alyx was the only protagonist of the true story."

Ozpin put his hands on each book. He looked back and forth between both of them.

"How could this be?" She shook her head in disbelief.

"I don't know," he quivered," The Rusted Knight was a man and the Curious Cat wasn't evil nor did the Jabberwalker aided them."

Lewis's story according to Ozpin is the lighthearted adventure of what is supposed to happen. Alyx's story is cold-hearted, with realism bordering on a biography.

Ozpin started scrolling through his computer and absorbed detailed comparisons of the two books. Glynda watches silently as the headmaster scrolls through paragraphs upon paragraphs in rapid succession as if he is procrastinating a project like some of the students.

"Lewis lived to old age. Alyx disappeared without a trace, almost as if the world was trying to correct something that shouldn't happen," Oz spoke robotically," And besides conspiracy theories that die as quickly as it appears, The world goes on like nothing happened."

It is as if the world is a living body constantly eliminating a virus, a parasite, that keeps coming back and adapting.

"Oz…"

"I started noticing the phenomenon during the Great War. When I met Kurome Branwen."

A/N: I'm going to cut this chapter short today. It is the setup for the next part. Fanfiction. Net needs to fix its mailing system. I have been missing notifications from anyone I follow and readers following me.

Vacuo is the safest place for Akame but one of the worst to prevent her assassin persona from slipping out. It's the same reason why Akame isn't capable of helping Vernal. It is essentially child soldiers going from one war to the next. They can't dream of peace until the war is over. Akame wants to reform but the environment wouldn't allow her.

The lore of the alternate Girl Who Fell Through The World was written last minute. The update may slow down due to holiday hours.