Chapter 41: The Uncrowned One

A/N: Okay, I'm back. I was moving home in late January, suffering from a few illnesses, again. I didn't have the time or energy to write.

Glynda's fight is difficult to write because I can't go too overtop. After all, that's how Vernal fights. The problem is the most she had ever fought was in season 1. Glynda's fighting style comes off as maiden-like. It's telekinesis yet I could mend objects to the point it's like time-reversal.

There is still a battle happening up ahead. According to May, She should be the only one left.

This isn't right.

How is she still fighting?

May isn't strong enough to stall Glynda for so long. The professor doesn't seem like the type to toy with her opponent. I leaped down a set of stairs spiraling downward and landed in a crowd. I gently push people aside.

Gunfire and metal clashing.

I heard the sounds first, then, the battlefield.

The courtyard had become an arena. The once lively social area is filled with violence and destruction. The media, students, and civilians keep their distance behind windows, walls, balconies, and rooms.

I looked down from the second story. I took my time observing the battle and listening to the commentary of the people around me. I needed to scout my opponent first before the battle.

Glynda is fighting against two professionals, a huntsman and a huntress. I recognize the huntsman from somewhere but can't put my finger on it.

I started making my way through the crowd and the bottom. I need to get a closer look.

"Sun lasted longer than expected," A young teen laughed," I heard the guy is a premier Academy recruit for his age."

"That foreign girl is still shoot'in," A woman pointed at May. She perched on the roof firing as fast as a bolt action physically can", Ain't half bad."

"She lasted long enough for the huntress to get back up. Lady got some guts taking on Goodwitch," the young teen said.

Cali was a royal guard to the Crown. She posed a challenge when I first came to Vacuo. Cali is now a valuable member of my organization. Compared to now and back then, I've gotten stronger than her already.

Sun is my…good friend. He could keep up with me in combat and it's a visual treat to watch him fight. It's flashy and filled with misdirection. Even I get lost in his movement. He still has much to learn despite his combat prowess.

I didn't expect Brawnz to last in the straight fight. He is the weak link in Night Raid thus far but what he excelled at is his loyalty. He is also a great spy.

I observed the fight from the balcony.

Cali isn't going to keep up much longer. That's a fact.

Glynda Goodwitch is strong. Possibly one of the strongest Huntresses I have seen so far. She doesn't look tired or sporting any damage to her body or clothes.

That man is holding out against her even with Cali dragging him down. I need to hurry.

"But who's the new guy? Recognize them?" The conversation started fading away behind me.

There are still several people I need to push past.

There were two types of caliber being fired. It doesn't pop and crack like a hypersonic sniper bullet. It was one loud boom after another.

Shotgun…

I shook my head. There's no way he's here. I can't understand why he would join the fight against Goodwitch.

"Why the hell is he here?"

"Sky's good. He's damn good."

"Bro fought the freaking Shinigami and survived a million Grimm. Always bet on Sky."

Sky is a legend through his efforts. I checked in on him through the news and Qrow. He's dedicated to his duty and has gotten over the past grudge.

The way Glynda fights is quite a spectacle. She controls the battlefield like a conductor in a grand orchestra. Chunks of rocks and rebars flew in the air. It appears chaotic and disorganized yet the opposite of that. As if each pebble and fragment is an extension of her body. It is chaotic but none of the chaos reaches the audience.

I got to the front row of the audience.

Cali eyes were the first thing I saw.

I ducked.

This is the second person Goodwitch sent flying toward me. She must be doing this on purpose.

She flew into the crowd. I look back to see students catching her. They slowly set down her battle-damaged form. Dirt and minor bruises cake her body with most of her knives gone.

She tried standing back up on wobbly legs. A knife in hand and a few still strapped to her left thigh. Cali took a few steps before collapsing. I rushed to catch her.

"You did enough, Cali," I whispered," Rest."

She relaxed in my arms and I gently set her down. I assume Sun and Brawnz are in a similar state and pulled to safety.

This wasn't part of the plan. I didn't want to expose myself to the media even with a disguise but Goodwitch can't be left alone. She will come looking for me hence why I struck first. I don't know if Sky could defeat Goodwitch. He is likely to leave her too weakened to continue.

But, She is causing chaos and destruction. I need to get the point across that this isn't allowed while I'm here. Plus, I can't, in good conscience, leave him to handle my mess.

I have a reputation of a warrior to uphold in front of Vacuan. I couldn't care less but I need their support. If flexing combat prowess can get them onboard, so be it. There is still one more concern I need to address.

Why the hell did my uncle leave?

I sent Night Raid to aid him. It was going to be a moment to use the media to show off my power and influence. While getting my message across through action that I don't tolerate meaningless violence. Especially from a foreigner tearing apart the Academy.

My reveal is imminent. I'm going all out before Theodore arrives and tries to arrest me.

Tires.

Sky saved us from utter defeat.

What compels Sky to help me?

Sky Schwarz, age 25, used to have a vendetta against me for killing his uncle. The Schwarz family was against revenge but Sky didn't listen. He succeeded in capturing me four years later, but the following event cost his entire team.

The whole situation was a tragedy for everyone. I avenged my nanny out of love and damned myself to the consequences. Sky saw me as a monster despite my age at the time of the murder.

I can understand the perspective.

I've always been an odd child growing up with my numbness to violence and cold expressions. The only time I would smile or show other emotions besides contempt is around Martha and Umber.

What kind of six-year-old is capable of killing?

They would have a twisted upbringing or mindset to achieve such an unspeakable act. From Sky's perspective, I'm a monster that shouldn't be left alone. I killed with seemingly no remorse and have a semblance that makes me Grimm-like. My connection to the God of Darkness and Salem's blood may as well make me one.

Martha committed suicide by running into Aaron Schwarz's sword. Umber told me the truth. Martha belongs to the Schwarz family who still loved her even after she ran away. Even after the crimes she committed. She was a foolish girl chasing after a bad man who was too old for her.

Why the hell can't one side be completely in the wrong? Completely evil? Completely unreputable?

This is why I don't want to consider my enemies' feelings. Seeing the world in black and white makes an unsavory duty easier.

Damn it.

I can't even put all my blame on Marcus Black. Martha was once a selfish person and chose to end it. She left her son behind, she left us behind. She never owns up to her crime and continues to travel with bandits.

It's hard to come to terms with the fact that my nanny isn't exactly sunshine and rainbows.

Eight years later, I'm still not over it. Why does it still hurt so much? Did I know her in my past life? Did I kill her?

I wouldn't even be surprised if she was my mother in that life. This love I have for her surpassed the love I have for my actual mother, Raven. Yet, I miss both of them.

I must become a huntress. I need to track that man down and save Mercury. It isn't going to undo the damage but this will be the right step toward closure.

It is a side mission to my ending in this world.

I took a step out of the crowd.

Goodwitch's head snapped in my direction in an instant.

I weaved left to avoid spikes, sliced through steel beams coming at me like missiles, and was upon the professor. She flicks her riding crop, launching a dozen violet beams of light.

Shit!

I tried to dodge but I was too close to her. I could only evade and block a handful but those beams of light move independently. The rest impacted my body, sending me back into the air. Each beam felt like grenades impacting my aura.

It happened so quickly. I was flying into the air and suddenly I was on the ground being gently set down by Schwarz.

Goodwitch is further away from us. She undid my progress.

"Akame, It's you this time," He spoke in a low tone to prevent anyone from hearing.

Why was he looking for me?

'Why are you here? And why are you helping?" I kept my eyes focused on Goodwitch.

"I wanted to check up on your well-being and notice you're in trouble," He explained," I wanted to repay you."

"Thanks," I smiled," But this isn't a good look."

"What do you mean? Some crazy lady tearing up an Academy for no apparent reason and the headmaster abusing his power to look for a child?"

"Good point," I blinked.

I'm destroying the evidence that would unify Vacuo against Mistral. It would help my cause but ruin my partnership with the Schwarz Foundation and my chances of becoming a Huntress. I can't afford to misstep.

"Now, shall we be dance partners for this duel? Here is a little lesson, "If Glynda's riding crop glows purple, fall back," he revealed," Aka Kurono? Is that the name?"

"Hmm, I welcome working together again," I said. We stood next to each other prepared," Please use my last name."

Goodwitch tilted her head away from another shot from May.

"It seems I have another interloper," Goodwitch sighed," I could never have a nice vacation."

Normal PoV

Sun felt like his body was made of lead. He started by opening his eyes, looking around, and seeing Drew wrapping Brawnz's right arm in a sling. The young teen was leaning against the wall of the trunk.

"You did your best," Drew patted the boy on his shoulder," Glynda Goodwitch is a pro among pros."

Akame gives them a direct order to fight someone that far outmatch them. They could clone themselves five times over and still lose. The team was counting on Qrow being the equalizer. They could have won even if Qrow wasn't using his signature weapon.

The old drunk left the battlefield yelling,' I NEED TO GO MAKE DINNER!'

What followed was a severe beating. They FELT the reason why no one was stepping forward to stop Glynda. Despite how hurt he feels, A show of gratitude from Akame would be enough.

Drew noticed Sun regaining consciousness and made her way toward him.

"You're alive," The councilman's daughter stared blankly and mumbled under her breath.

Sun could tell she was upset with him but couldn't understand why. His and Drew's relationship is just an acquaintance with a common friendship with Akame.

Drew typically doesn't act this cold until recently. He searches for the reason why. It was when word got around that Sun wanted to take Akame on a date that Drew's hostility became obvious.

The councilman's daughter leaped out of the trunk and took off her black wig and contacts.

I wouldn't be needing these anymore. You four, Night Raid, put up a good show for the media," She smiled and bowed. Sun knows she is only being courteous because Brawnz is here," Rest up you two-Huh?"

Sun didn't want to say it out loud. He is sure Akame picks up on the cue that Drew is a fake friend. Drew wanted to worm her way into being Vernal, Militia, and Akame's friend.

Drew took a step back, allowing the platinum blonde huntress to stagger into the truck.

"Ms. Devi, What happened out there? Where is that one-eyed weirdo?"

"Haha, She must be serious about plot armor being on her side," Brawnz chuckled dryly, imagining the dramatic, verbose performance," She should be limping back here now that all of us are down. Let's hope the boss finishes what she's doing."

"There's still one more, right Cali?" Sun pointed out.

"Yes, A huntsman in black and gray came out of nowhere and aided us," Cali coughed.

"Was he a handsome man? Tall, dark, and mysterious with broad shoulders, a chain sword/shotgun with grappling hooks?" Drew still wasn't finished," Voted Wanderer magazine, hottest huntsman of the year. Sexy scar on his abs and chiseled chi-"

WHACK!

"You're underage, you brat!" Cali smacked the back of Drew's head," We get it! A celebrity came and helped us."

The smack failed to bring her back to reality.

"He thought I was Akame," She put the palm of her hands on her cheeks," He touched my arm. Why is a guy like him here? Is it scandalous? Why herrrr?"

Cali backs off leaving Drew to daydream.

Brawnz wanted to speak but Cali shut him down.

"This is what you also sound like," She roasted.

The fake one-eye sniper rushed over with barely any damage on her.

"Boss *huff* is fighting *huff* ammo out," She spoke exhausted. She didn't bother to get verbose in her words. May found an empty seat and relaxed.

"Aren't you going to reload and help Akame?" Brawnz questioned," The cops got some rounds in their trunk."

"Our great lady bequeathed me an order to observe the dance of life and death from afar," She announced animatedly.

Brawnz had his scroll out secretly recording her. The boy knows the regret is going to hit harder once May gets older.

May continue to mouth off.

Normal PoV

Glynda was being pressured by two competent fighters. Sky Schwarz fought alongside a blonde teen in near-perfect sync. The alcohol is mostly out of her system now and her anger subsided once Qrow and her had a chat.

They agreed upon a plan and made an explosive pre-show for the world to see. Ozpin needed a distraction, rescue Qrow, figure out what was happening, and find a method to draw out Akame. She is disgusted with Qrow for enabling Akame to do whatever she wants until she learns the truth. Vacuo would have become a puppet kingdom.

She can't even be mad at Akame or Qrow anymore if it means sticking it to Malachite. It is even more impressive how it took Theodore this long to discover the secret war on his turf. She wonders if there are other forces at play keeping Theo in the dark. Akame's cover-up is nearly flawless.

'These two had fought together before,' Glynda interpreted,' Who could it be?'

Goodwitch hoped it was Akame. Qrow didn't bother staying to throw the match. Maybe he didn't want to be a willing punching bag for her anger. She was completely on board with rag-dolling the drunk until his niece came to the rescue.

Maybe she is already here?

It isn't perfect teamwork but they understood each other's mindset.

Sky has preferred to work alone ever since his team died. It is understandable for fourth-year teams. It is next to impossible to find a replacement member at that stage. He only trained within his team and fought together like one unit. She knows all this because Fang suggested recruiting him into the inner circle.

The girl fighting alongside him held the sword somewhat awkwardly. She swings the double-bladed longsword like a one-bladed sword. Glynda spotted a hint of Mistranese-style sword fighting.

'Could it be?' Glynda thought and defended her left side with a wall of concrete.

Sky fired into the defense while Glynda kept another eye on the new arrival to her right.

She blinked and a blur took the girl's place.

"…!"

The concrete slab scattered like paper mâché and she felt an intense pain shoot through her ribs.

The professor grabbed hold of the girl's ankle and blocked a spin kick aimed at her face.

Sky shot his grappling hook at Glynda. Glynda predicted it and countered by yanking the girl forward, taking the hit for her.

Goodwitch then slammed her into the ground. She followed up by kicking Kurono in the stomach, knocking her several meters back.

"Sorry Kurono," Sky apologized.

The professor planned to encase her in rebar and bury her in the ground. She froze momentarily.

'Kurono' blonde wig fell off her scalp, confirming her suspicions. The girl's long, dark hair is tied back to fit the wig. The girl picked herself up and leaped away from Goodwitch.

"I barely felt it," She nodded to Sky.

The girl's eyes widened seeing the wig on the ground.

The crowd murmured and the news outlet started focusing on her. A few in the crowd knew immediately who it was.

"It's-"

"Shh, Not here," A Vacuo-born student hushed his teammate.

Sky charges forward revving his chainsword. A flurry of slashing and parrying ensued. Akame joined the battle soon after.

Left, right, blindspots, every angle. Glynda controls the battlefield but they control the flow of battle. It isn't perfect but enough to keep the professor on her toes.

Goodwitch uses everything around her in the fight. Yet, They still got in close and landed a few solid hits.

"Enough of this," Glynda changed her tactic.

The Schwarz and Branwen stop in their assault when the ground beneath them rumbles. On cue, Water pumps out of the ground.

"Water?" Sky stared at his boots. The pipelines underneath them broke and leaked out of the cracks.

Sky found it odd. Water could come out of the ground but not this quickly. He looked at Goodwitch. She stands sideways pointing her riding crop at them while the other hand is facing downward. She also stood above the rising water.

"Eyes up," 'Kurono' kept her blade pointed at Goodwitch," Stick to pressuring and wearing her down."

"Kuro-", he didn't have enough time to warn her. Glynda Goodwitch was holding lighting dust in her hand facing away from them, "Jump!"

Sky saw it coming and leaped out of the water and onto higher ground.

Electricity courses through the water in the blink of an eye.

Akame wasn't as lucky. She took a solid second of shock before forcing herself out of the water.

"That fire dust would come in handy, Kurono," He pointed at the large red crystal at the hilt of Laevateinn.

Akame didn't want to tell him the reason why she wasn't using the flaming sword. It isn't a big deal if someone's dust manipulation is subpar. The problem starts when a prodigy like her with a massive aura reserve can't even light a small spark. She has a theory on why that's the case.

"I can't. This isn't my sword and dust is expensive," Akame lied. Sky believes it.

The electrified water coated the battlefield. It won't last long once the lightning dust burns out. They will wait.

"Stay on high ground," Sky glanced at Akame.

"Evade!" She yelled and leaped to another rock. The electrified water came alive and rushed at them like tendrils.

"When could Goodwitch water bend!" Sky raised his voice as he moved to avoid the tendrils.

"Telekinesis, young man," She casually waved her riding crop and created more electric tendrils. It isn't perfect telekinesis as water rapidly falls out of the tendrils," You two are strong but I fought stronger."

Sky and Akame looked at each other wondering if they made a mistake fighting her. She made walls of concrete protecting her flank Goodwitch reached into the fanny pack behind her and dropped more lightning dust into the water.

Dust normally isn't activated unless it's by mechanical means or via aura/semblance. Goodwitch is using her semblance on the water and in turn, is activating the dust crystal without touching it. The electrified water will hurt her if she isn't careful.

Goodwitch offensive capabilities are overwhelming. Anything and everything inorganic is coming to kill them. She could easily create defenses for herself on top of that.

'There is a weakness. Glynda's fighting style is stationary. It can be exploited,' Akame and Sky came to the same conclusion.

Unfortunately, they're both proven wrong.

The professor gathers aura into her legs and rushes at Sky. The speed caught them off guard. Glynda uppercut Sky and started throwing body shots like he was a speed bag.

At the same time, Akame was forced to evade the tendril of water coming toward her. Until one caught on the left arm and electrocuted her. She slices the tendril before it can cause more damage.

"Crap!" Akame shouted. The professor rushed over while Akame was still fighting off the tendrils.

Glynda kicked her side and launched Akame toward Sky. The huntsman reacted by weaving and letting Akame fly past him.

She caught herself and slid on her feet.

"Did you feel that one?" Sky teased.

"I thought she wasn't good at close quarters," Akame huffed.

"It always prefers to have variety in one fighting style," She pushed up her glasses," I doubt I can pull the same trick twice so have this instead."

Goodwitch bought out more dust crystals. What follows almost reminds Akame of what it is like to fight Vernal.

Vernal…if she was going easy on her.

It takes a lot of effort to fire several bolts of lightning from a raw dust crystal. Vernal effort is a lightning storm accompanied by hail, rain, and a sandstorm all at once.

Akame knows it isn't a fair comparison. The difference is being stabbed by a dagger vs. blown up by a bomb. It's going to hurt either way.

The battle lasted another few minutes until a brief reprieve. They stood like predators waiting for each other's next move.

The crowds of students, civilians, and media had swelled from a few hundred to thousands pushing their way in for the show. There were comments and bets on who would win.

Glynda was using pipes and columns like swords and bats. She used heavy concrete slabs as shields—all manner of loose materials are used as ammo.

Yet, her opponents lasted against the onslaught. The crowds are impressed, enamored with the two. They expected it from Sky Schwarz especially. He has his reputation and lives up to it. A solo act that never fails or disappoints.

The girl on the other hand is a bigger mystery. Those who figured out her identity are keeping their mouths shut out of respect. Those who don't know think Kurono is a Schwarz. A few noted her sword belonged to a fellow student.

The girl heard a distinct ring on her scroll.

"Cover me," Akame got behind Schwarz and tapped his back. She checked her scroll briefly and swung back around to face Glynda.

'Good, Everything is destroyed. Greatwork, Copper.'

"Remember that trick I used against you," he whispered.

"Trick? Which one?" Akame had no clue what it was. Schwarz and his team pulled every single team move and tactic to keep Akame on her toes.

"That trick where I launch a teammate," He nodded," Silver specifically."

Akame thought back. She remembered Sky batted one of his team toward her. It works and she ends up being elbowed through a tree or two.

"I remember but we don't have two additional teammates to run interferences," The Branwen countered.

"We do. That sword belongs to an intern and a fan of yours. She is part of team SMSR, Samsara, and in the crowd right now," He shifted his eyes to a balcony," They got a cool team name but left much to be desired as fighters."

She did my best not to make it obvious and see them there with Copper. Good, They got here quickly.

"It will cost them everything," Akame answered. She could lie if asked about the sword.

'I stole it from Sinmara.'

"You're using her flame sword. We have eyes and brains. Everyone will connect the dots. Aka, I know you've been doing-" he sidestepped as Goodwitch threw a bench at us. I slashed it.

"Are you two done talking?" She narrowed her eyes.

"-questionable deeds. We are only going to call Sinmara. Whatever happens next, She will be taken care of by my family and your faction," He promised," Let's call her over."

'Is she crazy enough to leap into certain defeat? Would her team come to her side? Will they get in trouble for helping us?' She worried,' Yes to all. Schwarz and I will have to bail them out and offer compensation if Theodore decides to expel all of them.'

Fame and influence could be a powerful tool. Team Samsara isn't the only student on Akame's side.

The Crimson bird has many feathers working to keep it in flight.

"That's right, A crimson bird needs its feathers," Akame raised Sinmara's sword in the air and shouted," I'm going to need Shūsen back! Team Samsara! You know who I am. You're being called forth to fight alongside me. You'll be rewarded for your actions as the world as my witness."

The crowd didn't expect the declaration. The majority wondered why this unknown girl was demanding a Huntsman-in-training team to join. While those who uncovered the teen's identity are also willing to jump into the fight for her.

Goodwitch was ready to strike them down if they listened.

Akame spoke with confidence and authority. In return, There was no hesitation from team Samsara. They leap out of the balcony and run across the battlefield, dodging Glynda's renewed focus fire on them until they're next to their idols.

Sinmara presented Shūsen while on her knees. She held it like a holy relic to her leader. The rest of the team pressed their attack even as Goodwitch beat them back.

Akame took her sword and handed Lævateinn back to its owner. Sinmara rushes to join her team who are faring poorly against the seasoned Huntress.

Team Samsara risked their future as Huntsman/Huntresses for this one girl. They're going to be branded as spies and traitors once Theodore returns to the school. He's only five minutes away. It didn't matter to them since they believed they would get stronger by joining Akame. Far stronger than if they stayed with the Academy. Team Samsara is the bottom tier of their 1st-year class.

Samsara is utterly outclassed, yet they fanatically persist for no reason other than the order of a fourteen-year-old. That's what it seems like to those watching the news. By now, it is being broadcast worldwide, but the fight is minuscule as to what will happen next.

Fame and influence.

There is one advantage Akame can pull off compared to her enemies. She refuses to capitalize on it because it can lead to the death of innocent lives. Akame can radicalize people, opening a rift in communities. People idolize a legend. They also despise her.

She is well aware of her image. A powerful, beautiful warrior capable of the impossible. What is holding her back is her anxiety and morality. She hates being a public figure. She doesn't want to sacrifice the innocent.

It was never in her character to begin with.

Akame isn't a social butterfly nor has a silver tongue. Those are learned skills she adapted even when it was uncomfortable for her. She wants to be free.

But the crimson bird needs feathers.

The distraction was enough for Akame and Sky to gain the upper hand.

Sky lifted his chain shotgun like a bat and Akame leaped. He swung with great force while Akame planted her foot on the shotgun.

She darted at Goodwitch after the woman defeated the last member of SMSR, Sinmara. Team Samsara barely lasted half a minute against Goodwitch.

The Branwen slides into Glynda's defense and slams her knees into the solar plexus. The professor gathers all of her aura to soften the blow while focusing on the tip of her fingers.

"You still have much to learn, Branwen," She uttered.

She looked down to see two fingers poking at her chest.

'This attack!'

It felt as if her lungs were compressed and shredded. A mouthful of blood and a bit of lung were held back through clenched teeth and sealed with her hand and lips.

She swallowed her blood and pieces of lungs, fighting through the pain.

Akame then sloppily retreated. She nearly tripped on her legs to get away.

'Glynda let me retreat,' she noted,' She still has this much fight left. I need to find a way to defend against it. All my enemies must know how to perform that move. Qrow warned me about countermeasures against my strength. I should have prepared when Umber did it to me, but Glynda somehow hurt even more.'

Akame continued to think.

'It unlikely everyone can hit me with it. Qrow, Umber, and now Goodwitch are strong enough, crafty enough, and/or fast enough to land that hit. I still need to defend against it.'

"Hey!" Schwarz threw a small canister at Goodwitch.

She froze it midair and was about to flick it away. A loud bang and white flash blinded her momentarily.

Sky ran around and got behind Glynda digging the chainsword into her back, causing her aura to spark and flicker.

He fired his shotgun. The cluster shot scattered across Glynda's back, launching her forward. Akame recovered and thrust with Shūsen followed by several slashes across the front of her body.

Akame disengaged when a pillar nearly crushed her.

Sky intercepted rebars coming at him at Mach speed and leaped away from concrete spikes.

Glynda flicked her wrist up. Suddenly the ground beneath them floated into the air. It happened quickly. Akame didn't have time to react as the G-force pushed her down. By the time she adjusted, The two combatants were far into the sky.

Schwarz attempted to find a stable platform among the floating debris, quickly escaping gravity.

"Kurono!" Sky yelled as he misstepped and fell back to Remnant.

The two combatants rocketed up into the sky and past the highest point of the Academy. Another moment had passed until they were high enough for the thousands of people below to seem like specks of sand.

The smaller arena floated far above the city of Vacuo, far from prying ears and eyes.

Taiyang knows Akame is causing trouble when a few academy students ask if Ruby has red eyes. They are now watching a live news report about the fight at Shade Academy.

"Dad? Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Yang turned to see pieces of the Academy float into the air.

"A chunk of earth going the wrong direction," he shrugged," Yes."

"She is up," Ruby cheered," Beat that old hag up si-"

Yang rushed over and clamped her mouth shut.

"Yes she is," Tai deadpanned and thought to himself,' This young lady is in so much trouble.'

"Dad? Should we go to the academy or…" Yang trailed off.

Tai suspected Akame was doing more than training activities. The people in Vacuo City tend to be rude to outsiders even with Academy protection. Vacuo is rated the worst place for tourism unless you go to fancy resorts on the coast.

It isn't true for everyone but walking down the wrong alleyways tends to get hushed tones and side eyes. These same alleyways suddenly accept them with open arms.

Even Yang is picking up on the tonal shift.

It came to an explosive reveal today. He pieces together enough clues on what he thinks is happening. Akame and Theodore are in a power struggle for control of Vacuo. Qrow and Umber will have to explain themselves once they get there.

He wonders if he's even a good father.

He worries for Akame all the time and what path she'll end up taking. She is too mature and intelligent for her age. Almost as if she had done it before.

Yet, there is a desperation in Akame's eyes that wants to be childish, wants to be free, and wants to be happy. He can't tell if she's just like that wizard, or a deeply traumatized little girl.

"No, We are going to their house," He motioned for his daughters to follow.

"What about her? Do you think she can win?" Yang walked beside him.

Taiyang thought about it for a moment. Glynda Goodwitch is a powerful opponent but Akame has a chance. She has an ally who is comparable to Qrow in his younger years. Schwarz is a formidable opponent.

He smiled and focused on the platform in the sky. Glynda can't keep it up forever. There has to be an ulterior motive to be out of sight and sound.

'They must be chatting.'

Taiyang knows who to bet on if they come back to the ground. Even if it becomes a one vs. one.

"She got this," Taiyang pushed her daughters ahead,' But that young lady is in so much trouble when she gets down.'

Tai heard people running down the alley and stood ready just in case. Headmaster Theodore and Professor Rumpole ran past the family trio without glancing at them. They are in a rush to get back to the Academy.

"She can handle them, too," Tai muttered.

Akame PoV

It was peaceful up here. The wind gently blew through my hair and the heat was manageable. I look over the edge to see the crowd look like specks and buildings as small pebbles.

I lowered my shūsen. The setup is working against her. She can't keep a chunk of land up forever while having very little of it left for offensive or defensive usage. More importantly, I can throw more sword waves without worrying about hitting someone. More importantly, I can jump off the floating arena and leave.

"I was expecting a bit more with Samsara," She adjusted her blouse," You called on them like they're your trump card."

They have a cool team name and are on my side. Unfortunately, most of the strongest fighters in the Academy are on Theodore's side. I doubt telling everyone/anyone to jump in and fight Glynda is going to end well. I would seem weak and cowardly.

"Why did you put yourself at a disadvantage?"

"To tell you I'm not your enemy," Glynda crosses her arms," We need to talk."

A/N: Akame erasing her memory and keeping the combat experience is a huge mistake the more I think about it. She doesn't want her memories to distract her from her goal or cause issues.

What ends up happening is a void in her memory that she can't understand. Akame doesn't remember but can feel the pain she inflicted/felt (keeping her combat experience).

I'm aware the story is a bit convoluted. It is factions becoming enemies one day, allies the next, and backstabbing each other moments later. For example, Salem and Ozpin are indirectly helping Akame against Malachite. Akame is gradually becoming just as awful as the people she is against.

It doesn't mean everyone is shady. Just like in real life, There are genuinely good people. For example, the Schwarz is written as the antithesis of the Schnee family. One is a happy, extended family from a vile past but improved themselves to be who they are today. The Schnee family is broken but came from humble beginnings.

Sun is a good person whom Akame fully trusts even when she tries to find reasons not to. Ruby, Taiyang, and Penny are other examples. There are a few more people but I won't reveal who.