Chapter 46: Goodbye, Militia.
A/N: I had 4 versions of this chapter alone. There was a lot for me to resolve before getting to the main course so I ended up cutting back a lot including other story arcs. For example, The showdown with Marcus Black and Beaufort Winchester was supposed to be its own Arcs. There are arcs involving the Schwarz family and more sisters' fluff.
I am weakened even further but it all to further my cause.
My aura is still visible. It is my calling card. I would still be famous even if I didn't slaughter all those Grimm or killed Aaron. It's a big deal after all, especially for someone my age. All four Academies would be fighting to get me to join them in this alternate timeline. Instead, They are scrambling to find their own 'heroes', cutting corners and bending rules to do so.
I started an arms race because of my strength. I'm powerful but still reachable. I'm both the inspiration and the threat. The one to break the ceiling for the rest of humanity to follow.
Yet, The title of Huntsman/Huntress of Hope isn't just about strength. It upholds the core values of heroism and hope. You can't just be strong but also heroic. It isn't just about finding your strength but giving hope to others to keep going.
This is how I interpreted it during an interview with Lisa Lavender.
But the exam tailor-made for me isn't going to show it. They want a spectacle. I have to show those qualities once I get in the field.
My scroll rang. I read the wall of text about someone I wanted tabs on. My connection has confirmed a person of interest.
Akari Efnysien is a prodigy several years older than me. She is currently attending Atlas Academy at the age of 16. I didn't think much of her until I had a sense of…hate and disgust.
Silver eyed. Silver eyed. Silver eyed. Silver eyed. Silver eyed. Silver eyed. Silver eyed. Silver eyed. Silver eyed. Silver eyed. Silver eyed. Silver eyed.
Those damn eyes.
Only one eye is silver while the other is light blue.
This feeling of hate isn't just her one eye. Why do I feel it toward her?
Is it her light blue hair or those icy eyes? Maybe it's that smile that gives hints of a sadist? The white military uniform? She looks like me but mixed with someone else. Someone I used to know. It is such a deep feeling of hatred.
It can't be because she is Atlesian. Akari isn't from that floating island; she is a nomad from the tundra. The inhabitants I doomed for my plan. This hatred of the light must carry on from him.
Akari, the future hero of Atlas, is set up to be my rival.
Semblance, unknown.
Ability, Silver eyed.
Weapon, A great sword with an unknown function.
Overall, I could see her as the greatest threat and gamble. I want her to climb the rank but there is a chance she is going to be too much for me to handle.
I took a moment to consider the downside. I have a lot of skeletons in my closet and a lot of philanthropy in the last month and a half. If those skeletons ever get released, my goodwill should balance it out.
It should, right? Maybe I need lawyers and a PR manager when I get my finances settled. I should start after my exam is over.
Countdown: 4 Days until the Exam
The high I felt on that plateau carried on for a long time.
To make a long story short, Vernal's semblance evolved into making her the center of attention, like a celebrity entering a venue or a monarch demanding respect. The leadership transfer went extra smoothly, especially with her gifts.
She dropped 3 mostly undamaged Atlesian airships out of the skies. The tribe fully agrees to follow Vernal soon after. I stayed out of the short battle because this wasn't my fight. Vernal and the higher-ups were enough. She already took down most of the crew on board all three vessels and fought off the Fall Maiden. A feat I didn't know she was capable of.
The Spring Maiden's true strength is guerilla fighting and leveraging her semblance in crowds. This limits Amber further because she can't go all out without exposing herself. She never fought Amber in the open skies. She fought her in corridors and used soldiers as shields. When Amber is distracted, Vernal flies to another ship and repeats the process.
It ended with Vernal sitting on the bow of one of the ships with a pissed-off Summer Maiden slowly approaching her. Ver told me she was going to destroy my army even if it would reveal the existence of maidens.
Vernal peacefully approached her and pointed at me. We locked eyes and Amber knew immediately she had lost. The Fall Maiden became the tribe's prisoner alongside hundreds of Atlesians.
Vernal, herself, changed a lot. This scared, idiotic little girl is now a confident intellect with a knack for research. Of course, there are moments of stupidity but not everyone can be a genius in every topic.
She isn't a strong fighter without her maiden powers or a master manipulator planning far ahead. She never considered the consequences of her actions. This led her generals and me to fix the problem. I have to tell her what is right and wrong. She isn't as book smart or a skilled orator like Militia. Neither her street smarts nor general knowledge are close to Umber's. Vernal being a scientist and having great emotional intelligence was never on my radar.
More importantly, She's my personal chef making my transition to an almost no-meat diet easier.
I don't know how she does it but she makes going vegetarian taste bearable.
She explains it as certain fungi and legumes could imitate the texture and flavor of meats. However the 'fake meat' has too much of an earthy taste and doesn't have the same nutritional value. It keeps me from going insane. My dad knows what hurt me most.
I never felt completely energized or full.
I've already sacrificed part of my soul plus memories to trick the God of Light, and handicap myself by not using my semblance. Salem injecting her blood and giving me a regen faction is good on paper but now I need to avoid bleeding. My blackened blood would be impossible to explain. Finally, The inability to gain protein outside of eggs, cheese, and milk.
I'll make it work.
I felt my stomach growl even after finishing a large meal.
I still have over 10 months to go before my ban is over.
I could sneak-No. Don't.
A promise is a promise. He has a point about lacking integrity. It's easy for me to get away with it too.
Some bacon pieces in the salad.
A late-night hotdog run.
A steak in between veggies.
I could get away with it yet, I didn't want to disappoint my dad.
I deserve this punishment.
I put the dishes in the sink and offered to wash them myself. Vernal assured me it was fine and that I should focus on tomorrow. I've been spending a week and a half making time for those around me.
I just got back from a camping trip with the last person on my list.
Miltia Malachite.
I looked around the unfamiliar kitchen large enough for a crew of cooks to work in. I could see the living room from here with the TV on. Militia is lying on a couch watching a soap opera. Beyond that is a balcony with a view of the ocean. The Crown seized this mansion from a once powerful cartel boss. It's a nice home whose previous owner had poor taste in aesthetics that doesn't extend beyond gold and loud.
Thus, No one would expect me to be here.
"It was fun," I said without glancing at the girl in question.
"It was, I'm sad it's going to be our last," Militia sighed.
"Did you two kiss yet?" Vernal butted in.
Militia immediately started speaking gibberish.
"Eh-WHNo! Akame got Sun and so it like-would-likebe cheating. Akame isn't like that! Like no!" Militia waved her hands animatedly.
"No, it was mostly hand-holding, snuggling, and a peck on the cheek," I uttered.
Vernal looks smugly at Militia.
Militia deflated.
Sun and I went a bit further. If I were a normal girl, I would be lovey-dovey at the thought of a cute boy being interested in me. I just…can't bring myself to feel romantic even when Sun kissed me.
"Harem life," Vernal proclaimed. A hint of jealousy behind her words.
"Shut up, Ver," I sighed.
"Shut up, Relic," Militia growled," I don't need your input."
"I get it! You need a third love interest," Vernal cheered.
Vernal received a text from one of the overwatch. Lil' Ms. Malachite just landed in one of our airfields.
Wordlessly, We look at each other. I wish we bought Umber along for final goodbyes. Unfortunately, She is dealing with Atlas bureaucracy with my dad and uncle.
"I can try kidnapping you again," Vernal smiled.
I briefly thought about letting it happen. I don't want to give up my best friend.
"No," I voiced.
"But she's just gonna be treated like crap when she gets home," Ver pointed out," Mel doesn't like her at all now."
'Well, She's an awful twin sister who can't see beyond her ego," I argued," I know what will happen. She knows too."
Melanie is the cause of all this. Militia did switch souls but it was the other twin that did the reveal. I don't want to blame Vernal either.
"We treat her better than her own family. You know Militia was going to be living in her sister's shadow as a glorified secretary and media prop right?" Ver countered.
"I know," I raised my voice," But what could we do about it? Break the damn law when we promise not to?"
"What if Militia becomes a body double taking the shots for Melanie? Doesn't sound like a good life does it?"
"Malachite loves her daughters. She wouldn't purposely put Militia in harm's way."
"She also cares about her reputation! Who do you think she's gonna love more? The one carrying on her position or the girl that ran away?"
"You're reaching."
"I'm not sure if bitch didn't care about finding Mil for almost a year until Mel forced her to care," Vernal put a hand on her hip.
"She knows we can protect her."
"Stockholm Syndrome exists, Akame. Mil ran into my arms and told me to take her away. That's a betrayal and bitch hate traitors," She said, unfortunately making a lot of sense," Imagine Umber running to the nearest Atlas outpost asking them to take her home. She'll be enjoying the high life. Now imagine she somehow comes back, SOMEHOW never revealing a single secret. Would you still trust Umber after what she did?"
"I trusted you after you ran back to the tribe. Hell, I have a reason to suspect all of you of double-crossing me but one year later we're still friends," I called out.
"Why?"
"Because if everything goes to shit, I have you three and ONLY you three," It felt like a relief to admit.
Militia sinks deeply into the couch. I could barely hear,' Girls, please stop.'
Crap.
"Vernal, We need to stop now."
"Why!?"
"Because we are arguing like Militia isn't in the room!" I yelled.
She glanced over at the couch, hiding Militia's frame. We know she's sobbing but trying her best to keep it down.
Vernal and I shared a look. A whole conversation took place in the silence between us. Neither of us blames the other for the mess. We moved to comfort Militia.
Before leaving, Vernal and I went to the basement of this mansion. A sizable room with a hidden entrance to an even bigger room. It's less of a sterile lab and more like a botanical garden with heat lamps, extra ventilation, and an irrigation/pumping system.
Vernal handed me a large bag of frozen blood-red leaves from a mini-fridge. It is my enhancement for the exam. It isn't doping or illicit drugs. I would argue it is all-natural.
Source: Myself.
I broke off a percentage of my soul for Ver's experiment. I forbid her to use humans and Vernal refuses to experiment on animals. Which is hypocrisy.
Fine…sure…
I'll honor it.
We negotiate and decide to use mines. It was an uncomfortable experience but we figured out how to extract some of my soul. I imagine the nature of my soul makes it possible because Vernal mentioned it was extremely painful for everyone else, whether she dissolves them or not to get to the main essence. Painkillers and any numbing agents wouldn't work when your soul is getting violated.
She tried dividing her soul but nearly killed herself in the process. She took just enough for the drop in my aura level to be barely noticeable, Around 10%.
What we found out is rather shocking.
The Trunk twisted like vines and curved like a bonsai tree instead of growing straight upward. The branches spread like veins. The blood-red leaves are long and thin,feather-like. It gives off an ethereal shine.
It looks nothing like the standard aura trees Vernal described. I hypothesized my soul, and aura, are fundamentally different from the rest of Remnant.
Those aren't the most shocking part.
We both heard it speak.
It sounded childlike. It sounded alive. An unintentional result of a field of research never done before in Remnant history.
Vernal ran another test and discovered the fragment was forming a will of its own. Fortunately, She didn't detect a body in the tree.
I wanted to end the experiment but Vernal stopped me. She didn't want to terminate whatever was forming without giving it a chance to live.
I'm starting to regret continuing this experiment.
As disturbing as it is, We came too far to stop. I allowed it for now. Vernal is strong enough to handle whatever abomination comes out. I don't know if burning it down would return my fragments to me or will it linger waiting for me to claim it. I hope it is the former. I rather hunt down the Atlas fragment.
The leaves are densely packed with aura. Vernal tested it on herself after I depleted her aura. The light green hue of her aura becomes obvious after only 6 doses. I assume with the nature of my aura, It wouldn't attract Grimm.
That's a trial for another day.
Is it cannibalism if I'm eating what was a part of me?
Would this be considered eating meat with extra steps?
Regardless, This tree is the key to victory. I can give it to a vanguard force and use it for myself. If I'm forced to eat plants only. I may as well give it value.
"All this constant nerfing of your power isn't gonna help you know?" She shrugged.
"That just makes you look worse," I countered while looking through recent data on her tablet.
"How?"
"I'm barely above half of my full strength, no semblance, you never got me to bleed, and we are still 'equal'," I pointed out while shaking the bag of red leaves," I don't even need to eat this to deal with you."
"W-what? T-That's not true," she regretted.
"You're right. I propose you simply lack skills," I smiled.
We moved on to the next topic.
"That's your responsibility. I want you to deal with whatever brewing inside of it gets out," I pointed at the tree," I don't want to see a spawn of the devil."
"Isn't that you in there?" She countered.
"That is exactly the reason why I'm concerned," I complained," I know myself enough to know a younger me would be trouble."
"From a certain perspective, That's our child."
I narrowed my eyes.
"I'm not paying."
"Akame!"
I feel anxiety over losing Militia to that bitch but that's my personal feeling. In terms of the overall effect on my organization, It is better to let her go. I could argue the same logic for Umber and my sisters. I can't have those three running around too much in the future.
Malachite won't harm them because she isn't an idiot. She could turn them against me by exposing my crimes. She could bribe them with kindness and money.
It isn't going to be easy taking her down legally and dismantling her empire.
"We'll be okay," She smiled weakly.
"No, We screwed up whatever happiness Militia was feeling before leaving," I sighed," Why were we even arguing like that?"
"Stress?"
"..."
"Go give her a kiss, maybe that will convince her to stay," She nudged. I shook my head.
"I'm not using a kiss to manipulate her to stay," I rubbed my eyes," I'm not a seductress."
"That's good because you're already lethal enough as is without trying," the Spring Maiden winked.
"You too," I complimented," Just stay confident and you'll find your king."
"Ya…Let's head up," She grabbed my wrist and rushed me upstairs.
We rolled out the red carpet for our guests as they exited a luxury craft. Lil Ms. Malachite's entourage dressed in purple flanked her side. I noticed Melanie a few steps back in a green and violet dress strutting down the carpet like her own personal runway. Fang follows further behind them with a suitcase containing the lamp.
My forces stood further back watching the scene intensely, waiting for an excuse. Militia stood in between Vernal and I. Militia was ready to signal for the relic to come out and freeze time.
"Militia, If your family is mistreating you, please give us a heads up and we'll come and rescue you," Vernal leaned over," We fake your death this time and eliminate anyone in our way."
"What she means is that we will be by your side," I reached over and softly tapped Vernal's arm. In private, I would have punched her.
"T-thanks."
Vernal transferred the spirit to Militia a few hours back. We negotiated with Lil' Ms. Malachite and she's going home today. Militia will still be around for my exam but under the watchful eye of her mother faction. I tried to delay it as much as possible but was running out of excuses. I will miss her.
I contacted Fang to bring the lamp to transfer the spirit back. I know the relic is lying about needing to hurry back and wanting to take Vernal away on the exam date for unknown reasons.
She is on my side, somewhat, but I can't see the benefit of having my best asset leave on an important date. Thus, I resolved the issue with a compromise. The relic sounded disappointed but kept her mouth shut. It is her rule not to tell me why but I can take a hint. I told Vernal to be extra careful this week. Our enemies are going to target her.
There is a rumor that the Summer Maiden is active and has a falling out with Shade Academy.
Malachite motioned for her entourage to stay back while we met in the middle, far from our people. There isn't much room for our private dealings because the media is nearby taking pictures and videos behind fences.
I noted one of her entourage being a little too eager to join the trio. I'll remember her face.
Only one minute elapsed.
The camera stopped clicking.
The wind froze in place.
The world stood still.
Militia's eyes glow blue as the spirit materializes behind her.
Melanie, frightened by the sudden appearance of the spirit, trips over. Fang didn't react at all.
"Ah, So that's what you look like. Sweetheart, Pick yourself up," The prime minister folded her arm and looked between Umber and me.
"Sorry, mother."
"Neat trick," She reached back and grabbed the lamp presented from behind her. Fang is careful not to move from where he's standing. We don't want to look like we seemingly teleported when time unfreezes. It was once again ruined by Militia. Nice work again…
Although, I could get away with it if I do it….
"Ozpin wasn't amused. Whose idea was it to return the lamp without the content?" Fang looked at the spirit.
"Vernal," I answered," Good luck getting the spirit to speak, We used up all two wishes."
The spirit moved her hand in a zipping motion over her mouth.
"Let's get this over with," She growled," You are the most useless spirit among the four. Three wishes every 100 years? What a joke."
The spirit leaned forward and touched the lamp.
"I am limited by rules not set by me," She revealed as she slowly dissolved into the relic," Time will resume in 5 minutes, get your final, secret words in."
"I'll start first," Malachite tosses the relic back to Fang who put it back inside the suitcase," You didn't win this secret war. I merely underestimate Vacuan's resolve."
"The woman with the greatest spy network couldn't see it coming," I mocked," You never send thieves and killers against thieves and killers. You're people treat it like a job. Vacuan made it their livelihood."
"There's nothing left for you to pull on my turf," Vernal said," The last of your agents are being rounded up."
"I know about your assassins, the Blacks and Mr. Winchester," I brought my scroll up to show three individuals illegally entering Vacuo and fighting off my soldiers," They escape but it is only a matter of time."
Marcus Black came right to me instead of having to search for him. Mercury is here, too. I can rescue Mercury. The Schwarz never attempted to go after him but they would be happy if I caught the man. He caused too many deaths throughout his career for me to pardon.
Meanwhile, I do feel sorry for Beaufort Winchester. Yes, I understood his hatred of the tribe but his brutality toward innocent Faunus can't be ignored. He recently got pardoned by Ms. Malachite. I'll offer him a chance to leave Vacuo, and go back home to see his son.
I found it odd that no one died when they entered the kingdom.
"There goes my leverage," Fang shook his head, a ghost of a smile spread across his face.
"Excuse me?" Ms. Malachite looked over her shoulder," Do you mind sharing with the class, sweetie?"
"You ask for my suggestion and sending the greatest assassin was a clear choice," He chuckled," Pardoning Akame's biggest hater was your side course."
I put two and two together.
"I refuse to believe you of all people are making this many mistakes," I eye her suspiciously.
"I'm surrounded by enemies."
"But mother-" Melanie attempted to speak. She recoiled in fear when her mother stared down at her.
"As I was saying. You didn't win," She turned back to me with a tired expression," Because the other factions carried you to victory while I was left alone. EVEN sabotage by my own blood."
We started feeling sorry for Melanie.
"Atlas stood inactive, even withholding their mercs. Salem seemingly directed the Grimm to harass my people. Ozpin gambled world peace for some balancing act. Fang is funding you. Shade didn't react quickly enough to stop you and now you're pulling their strings!" She listed out, her tone raising every word," You're a fraud and a liar. Just like how you keep lying about killing your mother."
The bombshell elicited a shock gasp from both twins. Fang didn't react at all.
"Vernal? You saw the body right?"
"Y-yes," She answered, recalling bad memories. She looked ready to attack Malachite.
"The tribe carried out the autopsy and my uncle can confirm what happened. The blade doesn't match and my rambling about ending the tribe, and killing my mother, is just that. Ramblings."
"Do you think you can get away that easily?" She gritted her teeth. I dare you to release it. That's only going to upset the tribe even more.
"Are you done?" I motioned," It's been more than 5 minutes. The relic is enjoying the drama a little too much."
"Guilty," the spirit said nonchalantly.
"A great defeat will come soon but it won't be by me," She said ominously.
"I can say the same for your Empire. You won't succeed," I threatened.
"There is no chance of you bringing me down, fake hero," She sneered.
"Time will now resume," the spirit spoke from within the relic.
The bird chirps and the clicking of the cameras continues. We wore fake smiles and shook hands. Our actions are all rehearsed, and clinical.
Militia steps over to the other side and embraces her sister in a tight hug. Melanie joyfully smiled with crocodile tears. It's all an act.
Ms. Malachite's emotion isn't faked. She restrained herself from being too emotional. Militia is given the same look my dad gives me when I return home for the first time. It is also the same look Uncle Qrow gave me when I made progress toward my goal. She is honest about her happiness.
Once all the formality has been said and done, We turn back around giving our farewells and best wishes.
I locked eyes with Militia one more time as she entered the luxury aircraft. It felt like time stopped for a second time.
Maybe I should have kissed her.
If she loved us, especially me, enough to run away from home. Maybe I should have pressed for romance to get her to stay.
How long will it be until we see her again?
The security is going to be even tighter around her. She can't go anywhere without extra escorts. We won't have privacy if we meet again. It would be closely monitored.
I closed my eyes and wished life was simpler.
Four more days.
I'll get through it.
The aircraft departed and I could do nothing but watch it leave.
Goodbye, Militia.
A/N: I wrote 4 versions of this. Version 1 and 2 got combined and reworded a lot. Version 3 got deleted and version 4 is the next chapter.
My writing of Akame and her friends made me realize how much chemistry these four have. It's almost like I'm building it up to something important. By the way, I've finally got around to watching Jujutsu Kaisen, maybe Re: Zero later. Akame would probably kill me immediately with what going to happen. I'm thinking about making the chapters shorter for every major event. It is the final arc and it going to be dense.