Chapter 47: Hypocrisy

A/N: This chapter came out quicker because I was already working on it. I just got lazy.

We don't know the Summer Maiden name yet so I substituted a fake name for now. I want to stick to the show when VizMedia gets around to it.

I realized this was the final Arc and so much needed to be covered—the planning stage/bullet point involved everyone.

In other words, I'm juggling a final arc encapsulating every major faction and character. It gives me insight into how complex everything is.

All the strengths and weaknesses.

Individual goals.

I decided to split it up into smaller parts so it is easier for me to write.

I had a lot of fun writing Amber's scenes. It is generally Akame's mindset even if she pushes it down for moral reasons. It is always there in the back of her head. It is in character for her long-term goal to cut off pieces she doesn't need.

She did it with the Gods by getting them to back off. The God of Light will keep trying to get Akame to fail even with the God of Darkness's support. He will throw plot devices and Deus Ex Machina's to Akame enemies.

This entire fanfic is Akame trying to stack the cards in her favor before everything goes down.

Countdown: 1 Day until the Exam

It felt like I was on top of the world. I may as well be at this height. The city is barely indistinguishable from the desert background. The desert curving in the distance. I'm standing with Vernal and the captain on the bridge of one of our new Atlas airships.

Vernal ordered all three of them and a fleet of smaller ships to Vacuo. Down below are several armies patrolling the streets, setting up checkpoints, and clearing Grimm. They are all on my side.

They are the Branwen tribe.

They are the Crown.

They are local militias and law enforcement.

They are Academy students.

They are mercenaries hired for certain tasks.

They all work for me even if by proxy.

The civilian population is even happy to report anything out of the ordinary.

Even the forces that aren't under my command are friendly to me. Schwarz Enterprises got its security firm while Fang ordered a lot of his students to join up. There are also the Happy Huntresses keeping an eye on Atlesian guests.

I won.

Those two words were repeated in my head for a month. It's the truth.

Once upon a time, I was whisked away from my crib and away from my family, my twin sister. The next 14 years of my life were running from the authorities and trying everything I could to survive. Never in a million years could I see myself with this much power. This much control over my destiny.

The original exam was supposed to have more courses but got reduced in favor of turning it into a grand spectacle. The wilderness survival test was too long so it was cut off.

The civilian rescue and Grimm annihilation are removed. Grimm annihilation is pointless since that video exists. The civilian rescue was due to time constraints.

The written and morality tests are done behind closed doors. No one wants to see me stare and occasionally write on a test. That isn't entertaining. I could fail the test and still move forward.

What remains is an obstacle course and combat against opponents from each kingdom. They announced it as a gauntlet-style battle.

Shade: Team RRED

A four-girls team is in their fourth year with average strength but masterful teamwork. I could handle them with relative ease as long as I didn't give them a chance to adapt.

Haven: Pyrrha Niko

Pyrrha Niko, the Invincible Girl, is a matchup that everyone wants to see happen. I studied her fight and some oddities. There is some kind of semblance that misdirect weapons. I'll win but it won't be easy.

Atlas: Akari Efnysien and Winter Schnee

This is a grudge match I'm happy to take part in. Winter is a war hero who damaged my forces in Mistral and wiped out the previous Night Raid. I have no clue how well they work together. I can't guarantee a victory.

Beacon:?

What is Ozpin planning? He could send another professor or anyone connected to Beacon. I could demand Beacon candidate(s) to come out sooner.

That ain't getting to the worst part. I can't lose more than once. It sounds like a strategy I can exploit. I could forfeit on a tough opponent but it would look bad on me. I have a reputation to uphold.

Yes, I trained extra hard to make up for it but training can only get so far with a weakened stamina. My aura is still dense enough to be seen but there is a noticeable dimness if comparing my speech 1 month in a half to now.

I've been pushing hard to rebuild those lost aura reserves. It is easier said than done. If a soul was a factory, the goods produced would be less because part of the factory is gone. The part that is left would need to be produced/trained more to make up for lost goods.

I learned how to use Ruby's gift. The kanabō is great for stunning and defense-breaking. Pistol mode is useful for distraction and distance control. I finally gave it a name, too. Rosetta sounds lovely.

They are Rosetta and Shūsen.

The first business I needed to attend was talking to the Fall Maiden. We left her in a holding cell deep inside the ship with extra security. She could easily break out but Vernal is on board. Plus, The captain commanding this ship knows about the Maidens so he'll take her breakout seriously.

"How's the responsibility feeling?" Vernal nudged the Captain.

"It's weird but eh, new start, sure," Shay D'Man shrugged.

He had on a black overcoat with red threads and a plain white shirt. The tribe insignia stitched into the left arm including rank and a few emblems. For pants is baggy cargo with combat boots. Plus, A few pistols on his hip and a baton.

It isn't exactly formal military wear but resources are tight. We needed to adjust due to most gears being stolen or bought off the black market. Even the clothes the crew of the new airships are wearing are repurposed Atlesian uniforms dyed black and red.

The higher-ups agree to use the same command structure as Atlas with some adjustments. Namely retaining the cell structure and autonomy if a unit or branch can't get in contact with the higher-ups. The cell system works fine embedded behind the enemy line but a large force needs structure.

Shay and the crew got a crash course on airship control and proper maintenance from a few defectors. We traded hundreds of Atlas soldiers for them. Shay was more than happy to step up for the tribe. It's the same for the others. There is a larger goal that I want accomplished and they follow through.

"Whatever makes the boss proud," He looked at me.

"I'm not your boss anymore," I uttered.

"We still take your orders."

"Just don't say that in front of the media or outsiders," I motioned.

"Aye aye, boss!" Shay saluted. I shook my head.

"I'll be back and remember, our guest is another Vernal," I commanded and left the bridge.

Every soldier I passed saluted me on the way there. Wicker and his unit did a great job whipping undisciplined vagrants and outlaws into an actual army. I treated him well with bonuses and promotions. It is the least I can do for what I did to half his people. He just doesn't know it.

The 30 or so guards patrolling the vicinity were having casual conversations or doing their job. They immediately snapped to attention when I walked in.

"I'm here to talk to our prisoner alone," I asked the commanding officer.

"Yes, Lady Branwen," The commanding officer bowed.

"Thank you," I read his nameplate," Second Lieutenant Rowan."

They vacated the area without question or concern. Many of them bow or salute on the way out. I'm still not used to this degree of respect even now.

I quickly located the cell. Atlas put me in one of these cells before putting me in a luxury suite to sweet-talk me into joining.

I used a keycard to open the door.

Amber was sitting on a bench on the other end with arm folded and anger across her visage. I double-checked my surroundings before leaving the door halfway open.

The fall maiden tensed seeing how nonchalant I was. She could easily melt the door, wipe out the guards, and make a run for it. Amber knows even now and back then she had no chance. She originally stayed because of the perceived threat I would execute everyone if anyone escaped.

It wasn't true but propaganda was telling her it was in my character. I was just going to restrict freedom and keep a tighter leash on them. An Atlas soldier in the middle of the desert is going to die out on their own. Either the Grimm or wildlife are going to pick apart their corpses.

I sat down on the bed to the right of her.

I blinked once.

I foresee three bad ends for her.

In one bad ending, she did nothing wrong, I decided to kill her.

The second bad end is when she tries to attack me. I killed her in self-defense.

The third bad end is where she makes a run for it. The Fall Maiden left the cell and failed to leave. Amber's head rolled back to my feet.

I only needed to use one move for all three endings.

My hand reached for Shūsen faster than a sharpshooter reached for his six-shooter. The blade left the scabbard like lightning. All my aura concentrated on one portion of the blade, the edge making contact with her neck.

It bit into her flesh and went in between the cervical spine. A cut so clean, it defies logic.

In the 3rd end, Amber lost her head mid-stride.

In the 2nd end, She landed beside my leg, body falling back, and sliding off the bench. Her glowing eyes slowly dimmed and finally rested.

In the 1st end, the Maiden stood rigid wondering what the hell just happened. She locked eyes with my blade and whatever action she wanted to take next became meaningless.

Fall met a merciful, painless death.

I'm the last person she sees.

I blinked a second time.

The deed would have been completed by now if I had gone through with it.

"Are you here to kill me?" She stiffened.

"Three deaths in a blink," I said, confusing Amber," All at once."

"Eh-Excuse me?" She uttered before feeling my sword against her neck. I retracted Shūsen and put it back in Rosetta.

"I give you a small cut that can be healed with aura," I told her," You don't mind if I sit next to you right?"

I got off the bed and sat next to her on the bench. Amber was still too stunned to deny my request.

"Y-You are-are-"

"Spit it out," I sighed.

"How dare you claim to be some paragon and still do this?!"

"Strategically, I could kill you and claim that power of yours."

"I-I won't have you be the very last person on my mind."

"Could you say that as your consciousness fades away while looking into my bright red eyes? Do you want to take that risk?"

"I'll turn this entire cell into an oven and take you down with me," She hissed.

"You didn't have maiden powers for long compared to Ver and I spar with the Spring Maiden. Whatever you throw at me won't break my aura in time," I invaded her personal space. She leaned back uncomfortably," I'm not here to kill you. You're going to leave this place alive but I want to offer you a deal."

If I recall correctly, She got it before she entered Beacon Academy. But training didn't start until her 2nd year. On paper, She should be easy to get on my side. A girl thrust into a lifestyle she isn't used to. Amber is forced to cut ties with teammates and family to keep them safe.

She has been wandering Vale for several years after school.

"I'm not joining your faction," She scooted away.

That's unfortunate. She knew what I was going to ask her. I can still try to persuade her.

"I'm not asking you to be a weapon," I held Shūsen up," I'm asking if you want to feel safe. I would rather you stay in Vacuo enjoying the rest of your life as an honored guest and Vernal second hand in rebuilding the ecosystem."

"Rebuilding the ecosystem?" She became interested," That can't be true? Áine has been working on it and failing."

Oh my-Did this woman just…

She revealed the Summer Maiden's name…

I've been trying for months to gather intel on her. The best-kept secret from me fell right on my lap. I needed to play it off. I don't want Amber to realize her mistake.

"It's a code name by the way."

I closed my eyes to compose myself. I got excited about getting crumbs of information on the Summer Maiden. It's like the universe is refusing to give me even the hair color.

"Tell 'Áine' she can join too," I spoke with clenched fists.

"So I can join your army and bring Remnant to its knees?"

"My reputation is that bad?" I shook my head," What do you think the tribe is going to use these airships for?"

"Reverse engineer and use it to conquer Remnant," She bluntly said.

That is so illogical and an overestimation of Vacuo and the tribe. Meanwhile, the narrative also paints us as backwater criminals. Which one is it?

"I am done with fighting. It's a horrible cancer not worth throwing the young and innocent against. Especially when it plays into Salem's hands," I told her," Listen, The public has a different perspective on me but at the end of the day it suits a purpose: profit, sensationalism, or an ideal."

"You expect me to believe you're some misunderstood saint," she shook her head.

"I'll be offended if you believe that," I said.

I have fans who think I could do no wrong. That everything I do is right. I hate that generalization.

"Look," I stood up and turned to her," I want to help the other maidens because I understand what your lifestyle is like. More importantly, I want to put all of you under my protection and work toward rebuilding the most damaged kingdom of this world."

"Protect? Understand us?"

"All the kingdoms got their way of protecting their maidens which isn't any different from either being a caged bird or a paranoid rabbit looking out for predators. I dealt with both ends of the spectrum," I motioned," You specifically are just a wanderer keeping a low profile. It isn't until Ironwood demands your involvement and a nice sum of cash that you switch to his side."

"And? I need to get paid and eat too."

"How about normality? You could relax with the protection of my forces, more freedom of mobility, and being among peers. You could learn to get stronger with Vernal's help, she did use a relic to gain all the knowledge," I revealed to Amber's surprise," I'll make all of you an honored guest."

"She used a wish? Is that why Vernal is successful but Áine isn't?"

"The Summer Maiden has been using her ability wrong without the knowledge of environmental restoration. You can't water a desert and expect life to grow from it nor could a Maiden generate enough power without the right setup."

"Does this mean the massive amount of Dust is a part of this restoration?"

I nodded. Amber looked interested as she took a moment to think it over.

"I'm going to say no. We, us Maidens, are on standby for the promised day of Salem's defeat or defending our home kingdom if a large attack were to happen. Sure, It may not be today or my generation but it will happen when that witch sticks her head out-"

"Stop," I raised my voice.

"What? You're suggesting we do nothing but play gardener," She folded her arms," I'm a huntress. I must protect the people."

"You are still protecting the people," I expressed.

"Only one-fourth of the world," She shot back, "You just complained about us being treated like cage birds but now you want to do the same?"

"Ozpin and the others haven't told you the truth?"

"What truth?"

There it is. The truth frightened Vernal to the point of running away and giving up on the idea of being a guardian.

"Salem is an immortal, unkillable, unrelenting monster that can't be contained nor reasoned with. Any dialogue with her is simply an attempt to divide and search for weaknesses," I let the words sink in.

"Unkillable?" She gulped," But I was told-"

"He told none of us the truth," I stepped back," I fought her. I know what kind of monster she is. Amber, I want to protect all the Maidens. Whatever problem comes up will be talked over."

"Tempting but I won't leave my home. I get that Vernal originally belonged to Vacuo. Áine is livid over her being here but they both belong to their homeland," She sighed," Immortal…This is shocking information but again, I won't hide away when people are in danger."

"You'll be hunted like prey," I argued," As strong as we are, One slip-up can cost us everything. I'm not immune to being overwhelmed. What about Patch? Grimm-free and a nice place to live. I can send a voucher for you to move there."

Immigration is limited in Patch, more so now when I reveal it's my home. I'm viewed favorably on the island. The island mayor and I are on friendly terms.

I want to tell my sisters the same thing. They're my vulnerability and thus, keeping them safe is the logical conclusion. They're never going to be strong enough to handle what's out there.

"My duty will remain the same. Ms. Branwen-"

"Akame, You can use my first name."

"Akame, I believe you are trying your best to save the world. Everyone is but through different means," She analyzed," You, Ironwood, and even Malachite are taking a proactive role in it."

"You're going through with it even after everything I revealed? What if you get ambushed and killed? That freedom to wander is going to come back and bite you," I said.

"Yes, because it is the right thing to do. Even if Salem doesn't die, every battle is worth it if we see another tomorrow," She announced," In a way, You inspired that mindset. The impossibility becomes possible."

I did? That's ironic if she knew what happened. I wasn't thinking about heroism when I risked my life to kill my mother. It was a suicide attempt. I can't even die properly.

This world is in good hands if people like her exist. It would be a shame to lose Amber in the fighting. But she is determined to resist me almost like my existence has given people a greater, tangible calling.

"Anything else you want me to talk about?"

"No, Is there any accommodation you need before I leave?" I failed to get her on my side. I didn't need Amber to fight alongside me but instead off the board completely. That's what I've been trying to pull off.

Ruby and Yang aren't the weakest. Umber and Militia are too close to me. Sun is exploitable. My family could hold me back.

I'm setting up the game for this world in my favor before it truly starts.

"Your soldiers have been treating me nicely, playing card games through the door. How about a scroll for me to play on?"

"Sure, I'll grab you one without outside communication," I nodded and closed the door behind me," One more thing. I won't give the same mercy if you become too troublesome."

"If you become a threat to peace then why should I get out of the way?"

"Likewise," I agreed.

I ordered my soldiers to head back in and give her one of the scrolls with games on them.

This is unfortunate but I did warn her. I want to keep this as bloodless as possible. All unnecessary pieces and wildcards need to be off the board.

My scroll rang again.

I looked at the caller ID and noticed it was from Sky. It took a while for the signal to connect because of our height.

Sky, the media frenzy from even being in the same room as him is annoying. We are 10 years apart so whoever is spinning the enemies-to-lovers story needs to be put in prison. The most unsavory rumor is even calling him a gr-

"Akame, We have a *static* problem. Team *static* is held hostage. West lane *static* Mail office," I listened intently to his voice. The height of the airship and these metallic walls aren't helping the situation.

I need to hurry down.

I sent Vernal a quick text to stay onboard but lower the ship's attitude. There may be a major incident down below and we need to rectify it. I put my scroll away and made sure it was secure. I did a quick weapon check, ate a few aura leaves, and picked up my pace.

I got to the top deck of the ship and without delay, I leaped over the edge. The height is equivalent to skydiving off the highest mountain on Remnant.

It is the quickest way down.

The wind whipped through my long hair and black dress. The desert heat gets negated by the cold winds.

The buildings become more pronounced. The miniature dots slowly form into people. The clouds are now behind me. I aimed my fall toward a district in Vacuo.

The West Lane Mailing office.

I could see police officers forming a perimeter. A crowd of civilians even further away. I could barely see what was happening inside the mailing office but will find out once I land.

A minute until impact.

There is a clearing inside the perimeter for my descent.

I threw my sword down first, loaded with aura, to disperse the air. Then, the resulting burst of energy should push anything out of the way and slow me down enough for my famous entrance.

It went smoothly as most of the officers, barricades, and civilians were knocked down while Sky and the Happy Huntresses barely moved.

I stood on my sword long enough for people to recover and start snapping pictures. I leap off the sword and sheath it. The act was also rehearsed.

I look around to see team RRED recovering from a fight and several dozen Huntsman ready to take their place. Sky and Robyn came to my side.

"What a trademark landing," Robyn attempted to ruffle my hair. I slide back.

"The bastards you were looking for are here," Sky spoke with venom in his words," They got hostages."

"Who?"

My question was answered immediately as an old man with short hair and a red sleeveless shirt stepped out of the front door. He smiled as his gray eyes linger on me. I knew who it was immediately.

Marcus Black, the once greatest assassin, is here. I see twin swords on his back, gauntlets, and greaves with spikes on them.

My hand reached for Shūsen immediately. I was ready to rush toward him before he got a word out.

I wasn't in the mood for dialogue or talking him down.

I'm taking Marcus down right this instance. Sky reacted the same way. We were both in silent agreement.

Another man steps out of the front door wearing a fake wig and oversized shades.

We paused.

Another millisecond too late would have turned this standoff into a two vs one.

The man took off his fake wig and shades. We all reacted in shock upon learning the man's identity. It was obvious if I focused on his clothing but the wig and shades took the attention elsewhere in that instance.

Headmaster Theodore walked with purpose as he grabbed a microphone tossed to him from the front door. He tapped the mic and cleared his throat.

"Ladies, Gentlemen, and everything in between! Due to a surprise guest, Akame Branwen's first battle will start today! The other three and the obstacle course will still begin tomorrow!"

What the hell is going on?! This isn't part of the schedule. Damn it!

"Headmaster Theodore! What are you doing?" Sky gritted his teeth.

"Mr. Black answers your call for a second chance as promised in your speech," he nodded," I believe an old assassin wants to make his case heard."

Damn it…

"We talked it over and since he didn't kill team RRED. There merits to his words," He explained and handed the microphone to Marcus.

"The legendary shinigami, it is wonderful to meet you in person. You inspired me to get off my crusty ass and get into tip-top shape," he chuckled dryly," Say, I am willing to answer your questions and pledge my service to you if you beat me. Will you accept my proposal?"

Like hell.

"Akame, Sky," Robyn placed a hand on our shoulders," This is why I was called here. Theodore didn't tell me the exact details. I could see why now. He wants me to use my semblance to verify the truth."

"This is a breach of trust. I would rather fight both the headmaster, Marcus, and his accomplice," Sky argued," That assassin caused so much pain to my family and now the headmaster is-"

"Ahem, If it makes you feel any better, I could just turn myself in," he sighed," Second chance for thee but not for me."

The crowd whispered in agreement. Great, it now the public trust on the line. Those are my promises to those seeking redemption. A home to begin anew. My forces carefully vetted all those coming into Vacuo for their second chance and warned them that breaking it would result in extradition or worse.

Marcus technically did nothing wrong yet. I didn't make his forced entry into the kingdom public nor did anyone get seriously hurt. It amazed me how he got in this close before finally revealing himself.

It speaks of his ability as an assassin and Theo's treachery.

I regret not publicizing it now. I wanted to silently put down Mr. Black without the public knowing. No one will miss a killer nor would anyone know of his son. Mercury is undocumented and through Salem's torment, I found out.

How did Salem know?

Why did she show it to me?

That reveal made no sense and the mystery is going to haunt me.

It seems the Headmaster collaborated with Malachite to sneak Marcus into the capitol.

I stared hatefully at Theodore. I should take this man's job once this is settled. How dare he pull this stunt.

"Schwarz, Stand back," I unsheathed Shūsen and stepped forward," I accept this duel."

"Akame," Sky uttered," Please watch your swing."

Shit, This is bad. I can't throw aura slashes with this much-limited space. I could still fire my gun because a few bullets never killed anyone. It's common sense to have your aura up even when you're not involved in a street fight.

It's just that my aura slashes are far beyond the damage output of small arms. I can kill or seriously injure someone with below below-average aura.

I watch as the 'hostages' stick open the windows and come out the sides. It was all a setup from the start. I glance behind me to see Sky, Robyn, and most of the crowds just as surprised as I am.

"You heard it here first! The first round of Akame Branwen exams starts now!" He hyped up the crowd and everyone cheered," Here are some ground rules for this match and this match only! It is going to be a test of combat skills and battle IQ. Certain moves are forbidden lest we put the good people in harm's way., So no aura slashes from either of you or excessive ground damage."

"Ah, damnit!"

"Excuse me?" Theodore snapped his head toward the aging man.

"Nothing," he growled.

"All right everyone! Get your camera rolling and your bets set!" He roared," The first battle shall begin now!"

Theodore stepped back into the front door and watched from there.

"Good~Good, Now tell me, Ms. Branwen. Are you capable of change when I see who you truly are," He taunted.

Why does he have to say this in front of the media?

For the entire world to hear.

"Shut up and fight me," I hissed, getting into a stance.

"Assassin recognizes assassin," he took two pistols/swords out of his back," Let's see if you can give this old bone a good fight!"

There were no further words exchanged between us. We attacked immediately.

A/N: Quick and easy because I already got most of it done.

I was originally going to make Marcus only a martial artist but then Deadpool happened. I thought Double the Swords plus lethal kicks was a cool combo.

Again, Marcus and Mercury's role was supposed to be its own Arc. Akame was going to send a small army after him while the other kingdoms(Atlas and Mistral) rushed to stop her kicking off a massive skirmish. This all happens on Vale territory causing Vale to intervene leading to a 3-way battle with the Grimm appearing to disrupt all three sides.

Marcus was supposed to be firmly against Akame. Until I realize Marcus can be a good challenge to her ideals of redemption. They're both assassins, one is retired and the other is reborn. Akame is making an effort to improve herself and everything around her. Marcus is an abusive husband and father with no redeeming qualities.

To the reader/audience, He deserved no redemption. In universe, The people don't know Marcus is an abuser and he'll keep his behavior in check. Mercury still has his legs in this story. He is a man asking for a second chance and hasn't killed anyone after retiring. Mercury would lie about his father's treatment because the current Marcus isn't a drunk mess.

It isn't like the situation with Rhodes seeing Cinder abuse because Marcus isn't abusing Mercury at the moment. There is nothing Akame can do without coming off as a hypocrite. The entire final Arc is going to test Akame both mentally, physically, and emotionally.