Aoi Hyoudou: Thank you for your continued support. It's always great to see readers enjoying the additional scenes and content added to a story. This chapter will focus on the conclusion of Ash's visit to the Empire's Capital which will feature some major battles including the Heartless and Honest who himself will also gained a Heartless form thanks to Young Xehanort. Night Raid and the Jaegers will band together to help Ash fight against Honest, despite their difference. It will have some funny moments in the chapter as well. Also, Ash's skills will be showcased against Honest.


XXX

The Empire's Capital - III


"What?! What do you mean Ash is getting engaged?!"

The walls of the Night Raid HQ practically trembled as Leone's voice boomed through the room, leaving everyone momentarily stunned. Mine, Lubbock, Tatsumi, Akame, and the other members of Night Raid flinched, covering their ears in a futile attempt to block out the sound.

Lubbock winced, rubbing the side of his head. "Could you maybe not shout so loud? My ears are still ringing from the smack Mine gave me earlier!"

Leone ignored him, pacing back and forth like a lioness on the prowl. "Engaged? To Esdeath?! That psycho?! How did this even happen?!"

Mine crossed her arms, glaring at Lubbock. "Why don't you explain, genius? You were the one gawking at the announcement like a fanboy."

"I wasn't gawking," Lubbock protested, though the sheepish grin on his face suggested otherwise. "Okay, maybe I was a little impressed. I mean, Esdeath? That's next-level crazy!"

Akame's voice cut through the commotion. "This isn't the time to joke around. If Esdeath has Ash, he's in serious danger."

Tatsumi nodded. "Yeah, we need to figure out where he is and get him out of there."

Leone smirked, cracking her knuckles. "Finally, a chance to knock some sense into Esdeath. I've been itching for a rematch with her anyway."

Mine sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This isn't just about fighting, Leone. We need a plan. Esdeath isn't going to just let us waltz in and take Ash back."

Lubbock leaned back against the wall with a sly grin on his face. "Well, if anyone can handle this mess, it's us. Besides, it's not like Esdeath can keep a guy like Ash locked down forever. He's too slippery."

Leone's grin widened. "Guess we'll have to remind her that Ash is part of our family now."

Najenda raised her hand, signaling for silence, which immediately drew everyone's attention. "Enough," she said firmly. "We can't rush into the Capital without a solid plan. Esdeath is unpredictable, and if we make one wrong move, it could cost us dearly."

Bulat, who had been standing with arms crossed, nodded solemnly. "Najenda's right. As much as I want to rush in and save Ash, we have to be smart about this. Esdeath doesn't play by the rules, and neither can we."

Tatsumi's shoulders sagged. "But if we wait too long, who knows what she'll do to him? We can't just sit here and do nothing!"

Sheele, standing quietly by the side, finally spoke up. "I agree with Najenda. Rushing in recklessly could get us all killed… including Ash."

Mine crossed her arms, siding with Sheele. "Exactly. I don't plan on throwing my life away for a fight we can't win. I'd rather take the time to plan and make sure we come out on top."

Lubbock sighed dramatically, running a hand through his hair. "Fine, fine. But can we at least make it quick? The longer we wait, the crazier Esdeath is probably getting."

Tatsumi turned to Bulat with pleading eyes. "Come on, Bulat! You can't seriously agree with just waiting around!"

Bulat placed a comforting hand on Tatsumi's shoulder. "I don't like it either, Tatsumi. But I trust Najenda's judgment. If we're going to save Ash, we need to do it the right way."

Tatsumi groaned in frustration, and even Leone frowned, clearly unhappy with the slower approach.

Najenda let out a heavy sigh, rubbing her temple. "We'll rescue Ash. But we'll do it cautiously, with a solid plan. That's final."

A collective wave of relief spread through the room, though some groans of discontent still lingered. Akame stepped forward. "I think Ash would appreciate that. Also..." She reached into her bag and pulled out a familiar white cape. "I still have his cloak. I'm sure he'd want it back."

Leone's curiosity sparked as she leaned closer. "Oho, let me see that for a sec."

Mine raised an eyebrow. "You just want to sniff it, don't you?"

Leone grinned. "What if I do? Can you blame me? The kid's got a unique scent."

Mine rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."


Meanwhile...


The atmosphere in the Emperor's throne room was tense, despite the grandeur of the setting. The massive double doors creaked open with a deep rumble, revealing General Esdeath leading the Jaegers, with Ash walking hesitantly beside her. The young Keyblade wielder glanced around, his awe at the opulence of the room tempered by an unsettling sensation.

"Whoa... This place is huge," Ash murmured. His wide eyes roamed over the towering pillars, intricate gold accents, and high ceiling adorned with elaborate chandeliers.

The Jaegers seemed far less impressed, having been in the throne room many times before. Kurome casually popped a piece of dried meat into her mouth, chewing nonchalantly, while Wave gave Ash an encouraging nudge to keep moving forward. Esdeath walked with confident strides.

Ash, however, couldn't help but notice the soldiers lining the room glaring at him. Their expressions ranged from disdain to outright hostility, though none dared speak. He tried to ignore it, instead focusing his attention on the two figures at the end of the room. At the far end of the throne room stood a boy in royal garb, seated on an ornate throne—clearly the Emperor. Beside him was an imposing man with a large frame. Ash's eyes lingered on the Emperor briefly, noting the young ruler's almost doll-like innocence. But as soon as his gaze shifted to Honest, his eyes widened slightly. His power of heart stirred up, and he could sense something... wrong.

"What is this?" he thought with his eyes narrowing as he instinctively focused on Honest. The Prime Minister's presence seemed to radiate a dark, oily aura—something vile and oppressive. "I see...now."

Honest caught Ash's subtle scrutiny and chuckled. He leaned towards the Emperor, whispering something that made the boy nod slightly. "Your Majesty, General Esdeath and her... guest have arrived," Honest announced theatrically, stepping forward with a sly grin. His eyes swept over Ash, who instinctively braced himself under the man's gaze.

Esdeath halted a few steps before the throne and knelt, gesturing for Ash to do the same. He hesitated briefly before following her lead, though his movements were far less practiced.

"Your Majesty," Esdeath began, her voice cool and commanding. "As promised, I have brought Ash. He is my chosen fiancé." The room fell into stunned silence, broken only by the faint rustling of Kurome reaching into her snack pouch. Honest's grin widened, though his eyes gleamed with something sinister.

"So, this is the boy who has captured the heart of our esteemed General Esdeath," Honest said, dripping with mock sincerity. "How fascinating."

Ash remained calm under Honest's scrutinizing gaze "His heart is full with...darkness..." he thought. .

The Emperor tilted his head, studying Ash with curiosity. "So...you're the one he spoke off."

Ash blinked. "W-Wait...who's he?"

Honest chuckled again, ignoring the question. "We're honored to have such an extraordinary guest from beyond the stars I trust you'll find the Empire... accommodating."

Esdeath shot Honest a brief glance with narrowed eyes. "Ash is under my protection. Ensure he is treated with the respect he deserves."

"But of course," Honest replied smoothly, though his grin never faltered. His dark aura only seemed to grow heavier, and Ash could feel its intensity. "Shame, however," Honest sneered with his voice dripping with disdain. "I expected much more from a brat who supposedly wields a weapon as legendary as the Keyblade."

Ash's eyes widened in shock as his heart skipped a beat. "What... Who told you I had the Keyblade?!" he demanded.

Honest smirked and waved off the question dismissively, refusing to answer.

"Answer me!" Ash shouted, standing abruptly. His fists clenched at his sides, and his intense gaze locked onto the smug Prime Minister.

"Ash!" Esdeath's voice was firm as she grabbed his hand. She attempted to pull him back down to kneel, her own concern growing. "Don't provoke him!"

But Ash shook her off.

Honest sighed a feigned expression of disappointment crossing his face before he snapped his fingers. "Guards!" he barked. "Seize this boy!"

The room erupted into chaos. Soldiers poured in from every side, their spears gleaming menacingly as they surrounded Ash. The Jaegers tensed, only to find themselves held back by additional guards.

Esdeath saw the soldiers closing in.

Even the young Emperor turned to Honest with a look of confusion on his face. "Advisor Honest, what is the meaning of this?" the Emperor questioned.

Wave, meanwhile, stepped forward angrily. "What the hell is going on here?" he shouted, trying to push through the soldiers, but they roughly shoved him back.

"Shut up and stay quiet," one guard barked at him.

Ash stood in the center of the encroaching soldiers. His amber eyes flicked from one spear tip to the next with his body tensing up as he prepared for a fight.

Esdeath, for the first time in years, looked truly startled. She fixed her sharp gaze at Honest. "Explain yourself, Honest! What is the meaning of this betrayal?!"

Honest turned to Esdeath with a condescending smile, clearly enjoying the chaos he had orchestrated. "Betrayal? Hardly, General," he replied smoothly. "My sources have informed me that this boy, before setting foot in our glorious Capital, was seen associating with none other than Night Raid."

The room fell into a stunned silence. Gasps echoed from the Jaegers, and Esdeath's lips parted in disbelief.

"That's absurd!" she retorted, stepping forward. "He had no idea of their crimes or our laws when he arrived here!"

Honest shrugged, clearly unimpressed. "The law is the law, my dear General. Harboring or aiding Night Raid is a crime punishable by death. And this boy must face the consequences of his actions."

"This is madness!" Esdeath shouted. "He's under my protection. I will take responsibility for him. Spare his life!"

Honest's grin widened with his eyes gleaming with malevolent delight. "I'm afraid my mind is made up, General. This boy must serve as a prime example that no one, not even outsiders, can make fools of the Capital."

Ash sighed deeply, his gaze locking onto the guards surrounding him. "Guess you guys leave me no choice, then," he said with an air of finality. His calm confidence seemed to irritate the soldiers.

"Please, kid," one guard sneered. "You don't scare us."

"Yeah, just shut up and accept your death already," another mocked, eliciting laughter from the group.

Ash smirked. "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you."

The Keyblade wielder subtly shifted his stance, rolling his shoulders and flexing his muscles. His fists clenched tightly, and the air seemed to grow heavier as tension filled the throne room.

Before anyone could process his movements, Ash disappeared from sight in a blur of speed, leaving both the guards and Honest visibly startled.

"What?!" Honest exclaimed.

A split second later, a loud crack echoed through the chamber as Ash reappeared, his fist connecting squarely with a guard's jaw. The unfortunate soldier was sent skidding across the throne room, crashing into the wall with a groan.

The remaining guards froze in shock. All eyes turned back to Ash, who stood casually cracking his knuckles, a smug grin on his face.

"Who's next?" he challenged.

The soldiers hesitated for a moment before charging forward. However, Ash's movements were swift and precise. He ducked, weaved, and struck with calculated precision, each punch and kick sending guards flying in various directions.

Wave couldn't contain his excitement, cheering loudly. "That's what I'm talking about, Ash! Show them what you're made of!"

Seryu, however, scolded him. "Wave, you shouldn't encourage this kind of behavior!"

Wave shot her an incredulous look. "What? Aren't you happy he's actually using what we taught him?"

Seryu crossed her arms and sighed dramatically. "You're hopeless."

Meanwhile, Esdeath's icy demeanor cracked as she leaned forward with her eyes gleaming with fascination. The smug smirk on her lips betrayed her growing admiration. "Magnificent..." she muttered under her breath, completely enthralled by Ash's display of skill.

Run adjusted his glasses, observing intently. "His progress is remarkable for someone so young."

Bols nodded in agreement. "He's clearly a quick learner."

Dr. Stylish clapped his hands together. "Oh, I simply must analyze this boy's abilities later!"

Kurome munched on her snacks with her usual nonchalance, but the subtle glint in her eyes betrayed her pride. "Not bad, Ash."

As more guards were sent flying across the room, groaning in pain, Honest's frustration mounted. The Prime Minister's smirk had completely vanished, replaced by a furious scowl.

Ash landed gracefully after flipping over a guard's head, planting his foot firmly into another's chest and sending them sprawling. He stood tall amidst the chaos, his stance calm but commanding.

"Told you not to mess with me," Ash quipped, dusting off his hands.

The remaining guards, battered and bruised, groaned in defeat as they struggled to crawl away.

Soon, Ash found himself yanked into a firm, suffocating embrace, his face pressed against the softness of Esdeath's chest.

"My brave, talented fiancé!" Esdeath cooed, holding him tightly as if he were her most prized possession.

Ash flailed his arms comedically, muffled protests escaping from somewhere in her embrace. "Mmmph! L-Let me go!"

The Jaegers, as well as the few remaining guards who were still conscious, sweatdropped at the absurd scene.

Wave scratched the back of his head. "Uh... should we do something about this?"

Kurome, still munching her snacks, shrugged nonchalantly. "She's having her moment."

Seryu sighed and rolled her eyes but seized the opportunity. "Let's finish off the rest of these traitors."

The trio quickly dispatched the remaining guards with practiced efficiency, clearing the way to regroup with Esdeath and Ash. By the time they approached, Ash had finally managed to wriggle free from Esdeath's ironclad grip, stumbling backward and gasping for air.

"I need oxygen!" he exclaimed dramatically, hands on his knees as he caught his breath.

Esdeath, however, wasn't deterred in the slightest. She leaned in close, her icy blue eyes sparkling with mischievous intent. "Ash, you've earned a reward. Allow me to—"

Ash immediately straightened up and waved his arms in panic, sidestepping her advances. "H-Hold on a second! This really isn't the best time for that!"

Esdeath pouted slightly."You're such a shy boy."

Ash exhaled deeply, relieved that Esdeath had finally taken the hint and stopped trying to cuddle him. He turned his gaze back to Honest, who was now sweating bullets. "Alright," Ash began as he took a step forward. "Who was it that let you know I had a Keyblade?"

Honest's lips curled into a snarl with frustration. How dare this brat demand answers? The Prime Minister's teeth ground audibly as he struggled for a response. But before he could sputter a word, a new voice sliced through the tension like a blade.

"That would be me," the voice declared, echoing throughout the throne room.

Ash, Esdeath, and the Jaegers immediately shifted their attention upward. Above the Emperor's throne, where Honest cowered, a swirling vortex of darkness materialized. The air grew heavy as the portal expanded, and from its depths emerged a figure clad in a black coat. The newcomer stepped into view with his silver hair glinting ominously under the flickering lights of the trembling chamber. His sharp features bore a confident smirk that sent a shiver down Honest's spine.

Ash blinked. "Who are you? Another one of those weirdos who keeps popping up out of nowhere?"

The man chuckled. "You may call me... Young Xehanort," he said smoothly.

Ash's brow furrowed. "Young... Xehanort?" he repeated with confusion. The name tickled at the edges of his mind, faint and distant, like an echo from memories that weren't entirely his. His Nobody's fragmented recollections stirred faintly, but the face in front of him didn't align with anything familiar.

Young Xehanort's smirk didn't falter as he casually raised his hand. "And as for who I am..." A flash of light erupted from his palm, and a Keyblade appeared in his grasp.

Ash's eyes widened. "Wait... you have a Keyblade too?" he exclaimed with disbelief.

Wave, standing a few feet behind, whistled. "No way! Another guy with a weapon like yours? This keeps getting crazier."

Ash shook his head. "I've never seen this guy before. Not once."

Young Xehanort chuckled as he dismissed his Keyblade in a flash of light, returning his hand to his side. "You wouldn't have. I exist beyond the constraints of your linear understanding of time."

Honest glared at Young Xehanort. "What about our deal, Xehanort? You promised me my own Keyblade!"

Young Xehanort turned his cold gaze on the Prime Minister with a look of disdain. "Your greed blinds you, fool. You were merely a pawn in a much greater game." Before Honest could protest, Young Xehanort snapped his gloved fingers. The sound reverberated through the room, and the floor beneath them began to tremble violently. Cracks spiderwebbed across the walls, and dust rained down from the ceiling as the throne room descended into chaos.

"What's happening now?!" Wave shouted, bracing himself as the ground quaked.

Young Xehanort observed the incident with a sly smirk. "Consider this a lesson, Keyblade wielder. Darkness will always find a way. Let's see how you handle it."

Ash suddenly noticed a black mass coalescing in the center of the throne room. The swirling darkness took shape, growing larger and larger until it formed a towering figure. Its massive, round body was encased in armor, glinting menacingly in the flickering light. Its small, pitch-black head bore jagged teeth, glowing yellow eyes, and short gold horns. Gold boots, red-violet gauntlets, and a silver breastplate completed its fearsome appearance, with the Heartless emblem emblazoned prominently on its belly.

Ash's expression darkened. "It's a Heartless," he said grimly.

The Jaegers, unfamiliar with such creatures, tensed up at the sight. Wave's brow furrowed as he tightened his grip on his sword. "What kind of monster is this?!"

Esdeath narrowed her eyes with a small smirk playing on her lips. "So this is the darkness he spoke of. It doesn't look so threatening."

Ignoring Esdeath's dismissive tone, Ash stepped forward, summoning both the Oathkeeper and Oblivion Keyblades in a flash of light. "I'll handle it. Stay back!"

"Ash, wait!" Esdeath called, but Ash was already dashing towards the Large Armor.

He delivered a flurry of swift, powerful strikes with his Keyblades, but each blow bounced harmlessly off the Heartless's impenetrable armor. The sound of metal clashing against metal echoed through the room. The Large Armor retaliated with a slow but devastating punch, which Ash deftly dodged, flipping backwards to put some distance between them.

Wave and Kurome rushed in to assist, their blades flashing as they attacked from opposite sides.

"Let's see how you handle this!" Wave shouted, but his sword, too, was deflected by the Heartless's thick armor.

Kurome's strikes fared no better. She growled in frustration. "Its armor is too strong!"

The Large Armor suddenly grabbed Kurome with its massive hand and, with a surprising burst of speed, hurled her straight at Wave. Both were sent crashing into the far wall with a loud thud.

"Wave! Kurome!" Ash shouted.

Seryu and Kuro charged next, determined to bring the Heartless down. Kuro's claws swiped at the creature while Seryu swung with righteous fury. But the Large Armor weathered their onslaught effortlessly and counterattacked, sending both of them flying back across the room.

Bols stepped forward with his flamethrower already aimed. "Stand back, everyone!" he bellowed. A searing blast of flames roared toward the Heartless, engulfing it in a wall of fire.

But instead of faltering, the Large Armor raised its massive palm, absorbing the heat into its gauntlet. The flames vanished, leaving the Heartless unscathed.

Dr. Stylish adjusted his glasses, scribbling notes furiously in a small notebook. "This creature's resilience is extraordinary," he muttered.

Run nodded, observing the battle with sharp eyes. "Its armor has no visible weak points... or does it?"

Stylish smirked. "Even the strongest armor has a limit. Its body can only handle so much damage before it begins to crack."

The Large Armor's attention snapped back to Ash, its yellow eyes glowing brighter as it charged toward him with surprising speed. The ground trembled beneath its heavy steps, and Ash braced himself to intercept it.

Before the Heartless could reach him, Esdeath intervened. Her hand raised gracefully as a wave of ice erupted from the ground, encasing the Large Armor in a solid block of frost.

"Enough," Esdeath said. "This pitiful thing isn't worth your time, Ash." The Heartless was frozen mid-charge, its massive form trapped in Esdeath's icy prison. She crossed her arms, smirking confidently. "See? Dealt with it in seconds."

Ash frowned. "Don't get cocky. Heartless don't go down that easily."

As if on cue, the ice around the Large Armor began to crack, glowing yellow light seeping through the fissures. Esdeath's smirk faltered slightly as the Heartless shattered its icy prison with a powerful roar.

"What?!" Esdeath exclaimed, slightly taken aback.

The Large Armor roared and swung its massive fist at Ash with crushing force. Ash tensed, ready to dodge, but the sudden speed of the attack left him vulnerable. Esdeath's instincts kicked in as she darted forward, intending to scoop Ash into her arms and pull him to safety. However, someone beat her to it. The Heartless's fist smashed into the ground where Ash had been, sending debris flying and forcing Esdeath to skid backward to avoid the impact.

Ash blinked in surprise as he felt himself lifted off the ground, cradled in a strong yet gentle hold. Slowly opening his eyes, he was met with a teasing grin.

"Leone?" he asked , blinking in surprise.

The woman holding him nodded with her signature wild grin in place. She looked slightly different, her golden hair now accompanied by sharp cat-like ears atop her head—a result of her Teigu, Lionelle, which enhanced her strength, speed, and senses.

"Took me long enough, but I finally found you, kid," Leone teased.

Ash's face turned red as he realized he was being carried like a bride. "Uh... you can put me down now."

Run, observing the situation from a distance, adjusted his glasses. "Who is that?"

Dr. Stylish smirked knowingly. "That, my dear Run, is Night Raid."

As the words left his mouth, reinforcements arrived. Bulat, clad in his Incursio armor, charged in with a battle cry, delivering a powerful strike to the Large Armor. Akame followed close behind, her blade gleaming as she slashed with precision. The coordinated strikes staggered the Heartless, causing it to stumble slightly.

Tatsumi leapt into the fray, his blade glowing as he joined Akame in a series of synchronized attacks. Together, the two delivered a devastating combo that cracked the Heartless's armor.

Kurome, who had just recovered from being thrown earlier, watched her sister in awe. "Akame..." she muttered.

The Large Armor stumbled back with its movements more erratic as it struggled to maintain its balance. It fell into a trap of tightly wound strings set by Lubbock, who appeared perched on a ledge with a sly grin.

"Now, Mine!" Lubbock called out.

Mine stepped forward, her weapon already aimed, ignoring the glares from Seryu and Kuro as they recovered nearby.

"Eat this!" she yelled, pulling the trigger of her massive rifle, Pumpkin. A bright, concentrated blast of energy erupted from the barrel, slamming into the restrained Large Armor and engulfing it in an explosion of light and heat.

Bbbooooooooommmm

As the smoke cleared, the Heartless was still standing, but its once-imposing armor now bore deep cracks, exposing the vulnerable darkness beneath.

Mine turned to Ash, glaring in irritation. "Now's your chance, you idiot! Finish it off!"

Leone chuckled as she set Ash down. "You heard the young lady. Go get 'em!"

Ash nodded as he gripped Oathkeeper and Oblivion tightly. Dashing forward, he crossed both Keyblades in an X formation. With a final, swift strike, Ash slashed through the Heartless, his blades cutting deep into its core. The Large Armor let out a distorted roar as its form dissolved into dark particles, vanishing entirely.

Ash stood there, sighing in relief as he dismissed his Keyblades. Leone clapped him on the back, grinning widely. "Not bad, kid! You've got some fight in you."

Esdeath, who had remained silent throughout the final moments of the battle, narrowed her eyes at Leone. "I could've handled it myself."

"Sure you could've," Leone replied cheekily, unfazed by Esdeath's icy glare.

The two women exchanged an intense stare down.

"To think I would see the day when the great General Esdeath would actually accept help." Esdeath flinched as a familiar voice cut through the tension. Turning to the source, her eyes narrowed at the sight of Najenda, the smug leader of Night Raid, stepping into view.

"Najenda..." Esdeath spat. "To think I'd see you again, and so carelessly bringing your little band of misfits here."

Najenda's expression remained neutral as she met Esdeath's gaze. "We're not here for you, Esdeath," she corrected firmly. "Our priority right now is Ash."

Esdeath's icy glare intensfied. "You think I'd just hand him over to you? Over my dead body."

As the tension between the two women thickened, Honest observed the escalating situation from his vantage point. Night Raid's arrival was an unforeseen complication, and one he hadn't prepared for. His gaze darted to Young Xehanort, his so-called ally, who stood silently observing the unfolding drama with an air of indifference.

"This alliance was supposed to guarantee my success!" Honest growled with panic lacing his words. "Now Night Raid's here to ruin everything! What do you intend to do about this mess?"

Young Xehanort, growing visibly annoyed with the man's incessant complaints, finally turned his piercing gaze towards him. "You've outlived your usefulness," he stated coldly.

Before Honest could react, Young Xehanort summoned his Keyblade and plunged it into Honest's chest. Darkness surged from the wound, engulfing Honest in a malevolent aura as he let out a guttural scream.

The Emperor, standing nearby, watched in horror as his trusted advisor staggered, clutching at the darkness spreading through his body. "Honest! No!" the Emperor cried out.

Honest fell to his knees, wheezing as his body convulsed under the corrupting force of the darkness. "You... you traitor!" he gasped in disbelief.

Young Xehanort smirked faintly, unfazed by the accusation. "Consider this plan C," he said flatly, before vanishing into a swirling vortex of darkness, leaving the scene in chaos.

"Honesr!" The Emperor's anguished scream drew everyone's attention. Both Night Raid and the Jaegers turned to see Honest collapse onto the ground with a sickening thud. For a brief moment, there was silence as everyone processed the sight before them.

But then, Honest's body began to twitch unnaturally. The malevolent aura around him intensified, swirling violently as his form began to change. Ash's eyes widened as they gleamed faintly, sensing the overwhelming darkness pouring from Honest's corrupted soul.

"No... he's becoming a Heartless," Ash muttered.

Confusion spread through the ranks of both Night Raid and the Jaegers. "What's happening to him?" Kurome asked, gripping her blade tightly.

Dr. Stylish adjusted his glasses. "Fascinating... but also deeply concerning."

As the darkness consumed Honest, his laughter rang out—low, guttural, and filled with malice. He rose to his feet, his body now transformed. His skin had darkened to a reddish hue, and his once-rotund form had become unnaturally muscular and imposing. The Heartless emblem now burned brightly on his chest, and his eyes gleamed with a fiery, malevolent red. Tearing off the remnants of his shirt, Honest threw his head back and roared with a newfound sense of power.

"Who needs a worthless Key when I now wield the power of darkness itself?!" he bellowed.

He slammed his fist into the ground, unleashing a shockwave of dark energy that sent everyone stumbling backwards.

Ash gritted his teeth as he steadied himself, resummoning his Keyblades within his grasp. "This isn't good," he muttered as he prepared for the battle to come.

Honest stood tall with a twisted grin spreading across his face as he eyed both Night Raid and the Jaegers. "Let's see if any of you are worthy to challenge the darkness!" he roared with his aura flaring wildly.

Ash's heart pounded as the Oathkeeper and Oblivion reappeared within his grasp with his eyes locked on Heartless Honest. He charged forward, ignoring the protests from behind him.

"Ash, what are you doing?!" Esdeath's sharp cry of concern echoed.

"Don't attack him alone, Ash!" Leone's frustrated yell boomed.

Heartless Honest met Ash's charge with a manic grin. As Ash unleashed a flurry of combo strikes, each attack precise and swift, Honest merely deflected them with mocking ease. Using just a single finger, he parried each blow with the metallic clang of Keyblade against darkness ringing out through the throne room.

"Is that all you've got, boy?" Honest sneered.

Ash gritted his teeth, refusing to back down. He feinted with a wide slash and spun into a swift kick aimed at Honest's neck. The blow connected, but Honest barely flinched. Instead, his grin widened, as if reveling in the futility of Ash's efforts. Recognizing the need for a new approach, Ash leapt backward, putting some distance between himself and the towering Heartless. He crossed his Keyblades in front of him with their tips glowing with fiery energy.

"Fira!" Ash shouted, unleashing two blazing fireballs that hurtled towards Honest at high speed.

The Heartless crossed his massive arms in front of his chest, bracing for impact as the fireballs struck him. A deafening explosion erupted, engulfing Honest in a swirling inferno. The shockwave from the blast rocked the throne room, sending cracks spiderwebbing through the floor and shaking the massive stone pillars.

Bbbooooooooommmm

Smoke billowed around Heartless Honest's form as the flames dissipated, and Ash held his breath, his eyes narrowing to catch any sign of his enemy. For a moment, there was only silence, save for the faint crackling of lingering embers. Then, a low, guttural chuckle echoed through the room. As the smoke cleared, Honest emerged, his dark aura flaring wildly, his corrupted grin as menacing as ever.

"Is that supposed to impress me?" he mocked, his deep voice reverberating like a drum. His skin was charred in places, but the damage seemed superficial, only fueling the malevolent energy radiating from his body.

Bulat, Wave, and Tatsumi charged at Heartless Honest from behind. Their strikes landed, but the dark aura surrounding Honest absorbed the blows effortlessly, rendering their attacks useless.

"What the—?!" Tatsumi gasped with disbelief. Bulat and Wave exchanged grim looks, realizing the depth of the danger they faced.

Heartless Honest uncrossed his massive arms with his grin turning into a twisted snarl. "Pathetic. You think your little toys can harm me?" he mocked before retaliating with devastating force.

With a single swipe of his arm, he sent Bulat crashing into a stone pillar, shattering it into rubble. Wave lunged forward in a desperate attempt to counter, but Honest grabbed him mid-strike and hurled him across the room like a rag doll. Tatsumi, seething with anger, leapt at Honest with everything he had, but Honest intercepted him with a brutal backhand, sending him skidding across the floor, unconscious.

"No! Bulat! Wave! Tatsumi!" Ash cried out.

Before Ash could rush to their aid, Akame and Kurome sprinted into the fray, their blades gleaming with lethal precision. For the first time in what felt like ages, the two sisters fought side by side, their movements synchronized like a well-oiled machine.

"Kurome, flank left!" Akame ordered.

"Got it!" Kurome responded.

The sisters unleashed a flurry of rapid strikes, their blades slashing at Heartless Honest from multiple angles. The precision and power of their attacks would have brought down even the strongest foes they had faced in the past.

But Honest was no ordinary foe.

His dark aura repelled their blades with ease, each strike bouncing off as if they were hitting solid steel. Honest let out a booming laugh, clearly amused by their efforts.

"Cute. Did you really think the likes of you could harm me now?" he taunted.

With a single sweeping motion, he swatted Akame and Kurome aside like flies. The sisters crashed into the ground with heavy thuds, their weapons clattering away as they struggled to get back up.

"Akame! Kurome!" Ash's heart sank as he saw the two warriors sprawled on the ground, barely conscious. His fists clenched as a surge of emotion welled up inside him—anger.

Honest turned his glowing red eyes towards Ash with his grin widening. "Your little friends are nothing. You're next, boy."

Lubbock darted behind Honest with his wires whipping through the air as they coiled around the massive Heartless. "Gotcha now!" he shouted, pulling the wires taut with all his strength. The dark energy radiating from Honest crackled ominously, but Lubbock gritted his teeth and held firm.

Heartless Honest snarled, flexing his bulging muscles against the wires. "Foolish pest! You think these strings can hold me?" He strained against the bindings, but Lubbock planted his feet and pulled tighter.

Sweat dripping from his brow, Lubbock glanced over his shoulder at Mine and Bols, who were positioned and ready. "Now! Hit him with everything you've got!" he barked.

"Gladly!" Mine shouted with her weapon charging with a bright, pink glow.

Bols gave a firm nod, aiming his flamethrower. "I'll assist you, young lady!"

Both fired simultaneously, a brilliant pink blast and a roaring stream of flames hurtling towards Honest. The room shook as the combined attack engulfed the Heartless in an explosion of light and fire. The shockwave rocked the building, sending dust and debris cascading from the ceiling.

Bbbooooooooommmm

For a moment, silence hung in the air as the smoke cleared. Then, a low, guttural chuckle echoed from the flames. Honest stepped forward, unscathed, brushing soot from his chest. His crimson eyes gleamed with annoyance. "Was that supposed to hurt me? Pathetic." He raised a hand, summoning dark spheres crackling with malevolent energy. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled them at Mine and Bols.

"Look out!" Ash shouted, but the blasts connected, sending the two flying backward with cries of pain. "Mine! Bols!" Ash's voice cracked as he sprinted towards them.

Honest turned his attention to Lubbock, who was still holding onto the wires. "And now, for you!" he growled, sending another dark sphere barreling towards him.

Lubbock tried to block it with his wires, but the force was too great. The impact threw him across the room, his body skidding to a halt near Najenda.

"Lubbock!" Najenda rushed to his side.

Honest's grin widened as his eyes landed on Akame and Kurome. The two sisters stood ready with their swords drawn, but Honest moved faster than they could react. In a blur of motion, he dashed towards them, closing the distance in an instant.

Leone leapt in, claws bared. "Not so fast!" she roared, swiping at him with all her might.

Honest barely acknowledged her, swatting her aside like an insect. Leone hit the ground hard, groaning as she struggled to get back up.

Reappearing behind the sisters, Honest raised his massive hands, a dark aura swirling around them as he prepared to crush them. "It's over for you!" he sneered.

Akame and Kurome spun around, eyes wide as the shadow of Honest's attack loomed over them. Before they could react, Ash darted in with his Keyblades as they intercepted Honest's blow with a deafening clash.

"Ash!" the sisters gasped in unison, stunned by his sudden intervention.

Ash grunted under the weight of the impact with his arms trembling as Honest bore down on him with unrelenting force. His feet slid back slightly, but he held his ground, glaring up at the Heartless.

"Leave them alone, you monster!" Ash spat through gritted teeth.

Honest scoffed with his grin twisting into a sneer. "How noble. But bravery alone won't save you, boy."

Ash's grip tightened on his Keyblades. "We'll see about that!"

Heartless Honest staggered back a step as Ash pushed him away, but his grin only widened. "You've got some fight in you, boy. I'll enjoy breaking it."

With blinding speed, Honest's massive hand shot out, grabbing the front of Ash's light blue sleeveless shirt. He hoisted the teen effortlessly into the air, Ash's feet dangling helplessly.

"Let's take this elsewhere," Honest sneered, leaping high into the air.

"Ash!" Esdeath shouted in worry.

Honest descended like a missile, drilling Ash straight into the lower floor of the throne room with a deafening crash. The impact sent shards of stone flying, and dust filled the air.

Bbbooooooooommmm

Before Ash could even catch his breath, Honest yanked him up again and began slamming him against the ground repeatedly, each strike leaving cracks in the floor. "Let's see how much punishment you can take!" Honest growled with sadistic glee. With a final heave, he hurled Ash across the room with a dark sphere following in his wake. The sphere struck with a thunderous explosion, embedding Ash into a crumbling wall.

Ash groaned with his body slumping into a pile of rubble. His face was scraped with cuts, his shoulders and arms bruised and bloodied. His light blue shirt and black pants were tattered, riddled with tears and holes from the relentless assault. Panting heavily, Ash pushed himself up slightly. He glanced forward and saw Honest striding towards him with his crimson eyes glowing ominously in the dim light.

"This guy is tougher than he looks," Ash muttered. "But I'm not done yet."

As Heartless Honest approached Ash with a menacing stride, the temperature in the room suddenly plummeted. Frost formed on the ground, and Honest halted, his crimson eyes narrowing in suspicion. Soon, a massive ball of ice plummeted towards him—a signature move of Esdeath. Honest growled and raised both hands, bracing himself as the colossal ice ball slammed down. The impact sent a tremor through the floor, cracks spider-webbing beneath his feet as he struggled to hold the crushing floor beneath him gave way, and the massive ball of ice crashed down with a thunderous rumble, engulfing him in a cascade of frozen debris. Esdeath wasted no time, leaping down to the lower level and dashing towards Ash.

However, a sharp cracking sound behind her froze her in her tracks. She turned to see the icy mound shatter into countless shards as Honest broke free with his powerful frame emerging from the wreckage. Frost clung to his shoulders, but he brushed it off with an almost casual motion.

"Is that all you've got, Esdeath?" Honest taunted. "For the so-called Empire's strongest General, I expected more."

Esdeath's cold blue eyes narrowed with her blade materializing in her hand as she scoffed. "You dare harm my Ash? You'll regret it."

The two clashed as their battle shook the room. Esdeath unleashed a flurry of attacks, summoning frozen constructs and creating blizzards to slow Honest down. Her movements were precise and relentless, forcing Honest to stay on the defensive.

Honest smirked, clearly impressed. "No wonder they called you the strongest. But strength alone won't save you."

Gradually, Honest's overwhelming power began to take its toll. Esdeath's defenses crumbled as he struck her with a series of brutal blows, breaking through her ice barriers with ease. She staggered, her body battered and bruised, and Honest seized her by the neck, lifting her off the ground.

"It's over, Esdeath," he sneered, his grin widening as he prepared to end her.

Before he could strike, a bolt of lightning streaked through the air, striking Honest square in the face. The powerful Thunder spell exploded on impact, causing him to recoil and clutch his eye in pain. Esdeath fell to the ground, coughing as she tried to catch her breath.

Enraged, Honest snarled and turned to face his attacker. His single glowing eye locked onto Ash, who stood defiantly with one Keyblade extended, its tip still smoking from the attack.

"You little...!" Honest hissed.

Ash dismissed his Keyblades, standing his ground. His voice was steady as he met Honest's gaze. "You're not laying another hand on anyone. Not while I'm here."

Veins throbbed on Honest's forehead as his rage boiled over. "You insolent brat!" he roared, charging forward like a freight train. His massive arm reeled back before thrusting forward, landing a devastating blow square on Ash's chest.

The force of the impact echoed through the room, but Ash held his ground, skidding slightly but refusing to fall. Honest's triumphant grin faltered.

"What—?" Honest began as he noticed Ash's body starting to emit an intense, radiant light.

The mysterious aura surrounding Ash intensified, pulsing with an overwhelming energy that caused Honest to stagger backward involuntarily. The light was so strong it seemed to push against the darkness in the room, casting Heartless Honest in sharp relief. Sweat began to bead on his forehead as his bravado gave way to a flicker of unease.

Ash's eyes locked onto Honest with an otherworldly intensity. For a brief moment, his pupils morphed into the shape of hearts, glowing faintly before his eye colors shifted—one becoming a vibrant light blue, the other a deep crimson red.

From the shadows, a figure watched in silence. Young Xehanort observed the unfolding scene. "So, this is the true potential of the prince," he murmured to himself, a sly smirk forming on his lips. "No wonder the Organization sought him out. Such raw, untapped power..."

Heartless Honest, now visibly unnerved, instinctively stepped back, his confidence wavering. In desperation, he raised both hands and began firing a barrage of dark spheres at Ash.

"Take this! And this! Die already!" Honest bellowed with desperation as the dark projectiles shot forward with explosive force.

Bbbooooooooommmm

Bbbooooooooommmm

Bbbooooooooommmm

Each sphere struck Ash dead-on, causing explosion after explosion to erupt around him. The blasts rocked the throne room, filling it with smoke and debris. The cacophony of destruction grew louder and louder, but through it all, Honest's frantic attacks seemed almost frantic, as if he was trying to smother something he could not control.

When the dust began to settle, a faint glow pierced through the smoke, growing brighter by the second. Honest's jaw tightened as he realized the light had not dimmed—it had grown even stronger. "Impossible..." he whispered.

Ash emerged from the smoke unscathed, his figure glowing with an almost divine radiance. He strode toward Honest, each step deliberate and unyielding. Heartless Honest instinctively backed away, his confidence crumbling with every step Ash took.

"Stay back!" Honest barked, his voice tinged with fear. In a desperate move, he leaped backward, summoning all his dark energy into a massive sphere, pulsating with chaotic power. He hurled it at Ash with a roar, the sheer force of the projectile causing the air to tremble.

Bbbooooooooommmm

A deafening explosion rocked the throne room, shaking the walls and ceiling. Honest landed, panting heavily as he observed the smoke-filled aftermath. "Finally," he muttered between breaths with a wicked grin spreading across his face. "That should—" Before he could finish, a sharp impact struck his back. "What?!" Honest stumbled forward, spinning around just in time to meet Ash's fist slamming into his jaw. The blow sent him reeling, his body lurching backwards.

Ash didn't stop. With blinding speed, he unleashed a relentless barrage of punches and kicks, each strike landing with brutal precision. Honest flailed helplessly, unable to track Ash's movements.

"Too slow," Ash muttered, vanishing and reappearing in an instant behind Honest, delivering a powerful kick that launched him into the air. Honest's body hurtled upward, only to be met mid-flight by another strike from Ash that sent him crashing into a line of ornate pillars, shattering them like glass.

As Honest lay in the rubble, groaning in pain, Ash summoned the Oathkeeper and Oblivion, their combined brilliance almost blinding. Holding them together, Ash merged the twin Keyblades into the Ultima Weapon.

Honest's eyes widened in panic as Ash began charging for a final strike with the Ultima Weapon glowing with a vibrant energy that seemed to pierce the very fabric of the throne room. "No... NO!" Honest shouted, scrambling to his feet. Desperate, Honest fired a flurry of dark spheres, each one larger and more frenzied than the last. "I WON'T LOSE TO YOU!" he screamed, pouring everything into his attacks.

Ash didn't flinch. He finished charging the Ultima and launched a massive projectile of pure light. The beam shot forward with unstoppable force, cutting effortlessly through Honest's dark spheres, dispersing them like shadows before the dawn.

"No! This can't be!" Honest cried,. The beam struck him directly, engulfing his body in an explosion of radiant energy.

Bbbooooooooommmm

His screams of agony echoed through the throne room as the overwhelming force consumed him with the darkness within obliterated by Ash's final attack.

When the light faded, the room fell silent. Ash stood amidst the rubble with the Ultima Weapon resting at his side as his aura slowly dimmed with a steadying breath. Amidst the settling dust and debris, Honest groaned weakly with his body reverting to its original bloated, corpulent form. However, tendrils of darkness continued to seep from his frame, writhing as though reluctant to release their hold on him. He struggled to rise, but his strength had abandoned him entirely.

Ash dismissed the Ultima Weapon as it vanished into particles of light. He walked up towards Honest. Extending a hand, Ash began channeling his energy with a soft glow radiating from his palm.

"It's over," Ash muttered.

A warm, purifying light enveloped Honest's body, forcing the lingering darkness out in wisps and streams. Honest groaned and writhed as the light worked its way through him, expelling the corruption that had taken root deep within. Slowly but surely, the darkness coalesced into a small, swirling sphere hovering above Honest. Ash guided the dark sphere away from the man's body. Holding it firmly in his grasp, Ash observed the pulsating sphere for a moment before it began crackling and disintegrating into nothingness, consumed by the purity of his light.

In the shadows, Young Xehanort observed with quiet intrigue. "The potential of the prince is indeed promising," he mused to himself. As Ash destroyed the sphere, Xehanort let out a faint chuckle before vanishing into a swirl of darkness, leaving the scene unnoticed.

As the last remnants of darkness disappeared, Honest slumped unconscious on the ground. "It's... finally done," Ash whispered before his knees buckled. Unable to support himself any longer, he collapsed onto the ground with his vision fading to black.

Moments later...

A soft groan escaped Ash's lips as he stirred with his eyelids fluttering open. His blurry vision gradually cleared to reveal Esdeath leaning over him with her icy blue eyes filled with an uncharacteristic relief.

"Esdeath...?" Ash muttered weakly.

"You're awake," Esdeath said softly. Ash then realized he was resting on her lap. His cheeks flushed slightly, and he quickly sat up, glancing around to take in his surroundings.

Nearby, Honest was restrained by sturdy binds with his expression one of utter defeat. The Emperor sat bound as well, looking both concerned and disillusioned with Honest's actions. Najenda, Leone, and Lubbock stood near the two captives.

Despite the aftermath of the intense battle, the room carried an odd sense of camaraderie. Mine and Seryu were bickering but oddly civil, though Tatsumi and Wave stood between them, trying to prevent any escalation. Bols and Bulat were deep in conversation with their laughter adding a surprising levity to the scene. However, Run and Dr. Stylish were notably absent, adding an undercurrent of suspicion.

In another corner, Akame and Kurome were awkwardly attempting a conversation, their strained relationship evident. Ash's gaze softened as he watched the sisters try to bridge the gap between them.

Esdeath gently helped Ash to his feet. "You did it," she said, her voice filled with pride. "You defeated Honest. I'm proud of you."

Ash scratched the back of his head, clearly embarrassed as Esdeath leaned in closer, trying to cuddle with him. He took a step back with a flustered face. "P-Please, I just woke up."

"Fine," Esdeath said with a slight pout.

The commotion drew the attention of the others, and a wave of relief swept through the group as they noticed Ash was back on his feet.

"Hey, Ash! Glad you're okay!" Leone called out, stepping forward with open arms.

"Not so fast," Esdeath said coldly, blocking Leone's path. "He's mine."

Leone groaned in frustration while Ash chuckled nervously, unsure how to navigate the tension.

Akame approached Ash with his white cloak cape folded neatly in her hands. She offered it to him with a small smile. "You dropped this. Here."

"Thanks, Akame," Ash said, smiling as he draped the cloak over his shoulders once again.

Seeing this, Kurome's eyes narrowed slightly, and she stepped forward, offering Ash a small package of snacks. "Here, I thought you might need some energy after all that."

"Uh, thanks, Kurome," Ash replied, taking the snacks with an appreciative smile.

Wave and Tatsumi watched the exchange from a distance, their envy palpable.

"Man, how does he do it?" Tatsumi muttered.

"It's part of his charm," Bols joked, earning a chuckle from Bulat.

However, the lighthearted atmosphere shifted when Esdeath's gaze sharpened, her attention refocusing on Najenda and her team.

"Now that the battle is over," Esdeath began, "There's still the matter of Night Raid."

The air grew tense as Najenda stepped forward, her team immediately on high alert.

"Esdeath," Najenda said firmly, her eyes narrowing. "You can't be serious."

Esdeath smirked as her Jaegers moved into position behind her. "Dead serious. I may admire Ash, but Night Raid remains my enemy."

Ash stood frozen, glancing between Esdeath and Najenda with confusion etched across his face. "Wait—what's going on? We just worked together!" Ash stood between the two groups with his hands outstretched in a desperate attempt to defuse the tension. He looked at Esdeath and Najenda, hoping they would listen. "Please, there's no need to fight!" he pleaded.

Esdeath, however, simply scoffed at the suggestion. "I'm sorry, Ash, but my loyalty lies with the Empire. I have no intention of abandoning my cause."

Najenda didn't back down either. "The Empire has both the Emperor and the Prime Minister as prisoners," she pointed out.

Esdeath glanced at the two men with a faint smirk on her face. "And yet, Ash would be the best suitor for the Empire, wouldn't you agree? The Empire needs someone with his strength." She looked at Ash with pride.

Leone couldn't hold back any longer. She spat on the ground in disgust with her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Yeah, that's real great, Esdeath. Ash's 'strength' isn't going to fix your warped views!"

Ash tried once again, "Please, Esdeath. Najenda... can't we all just—" But the hatred between the two sides was too deep. The tension in the air thickened as neither Esdeath nor Najenda would back down. Ash, desperate for a solution, quickly thought of something. "If you guys don't work together and put aside your differences, then... then... the wedding is off!"

The words tumbled out of Ash's mouth before he could stop them. For a moment, there was a stunned silence, everyone processing his declaration. Then, Esdeath's eyes widened as she stared at Ash in disbelief. "The... wedding?!" she repeated.

Ash stood firm, even though his heart was racing. He was determined. "Yeah! The wedding!"

Esdeath, clearly upset, tried to get him to listen. "Ash, you can't be serious. I need you to understand—" But before she could finish, a new voice interrupted, one that made Ash freeze in his tracks.

"What's this about a wedding?!" Aqua's voice rang out, cutting through the tension.

Ash's eyes widened, and his stomach dropped. "Oh no..." he muttered under his breath.

He turned slowly, nervously glancing at the source of the voice. A dark portal opened behind him, and through it stepped a very familiar—and very displeased—group: Sora, Ventus, Goofy, Donald, and, of course, Aqua.

Goofy rubbed the back of his neck, clearly awkward. "Uh... hope we didn't interrupt anything..."

Donald was cackling, clearly finding Ash's predicament amusing. "Looks like someone's in trouble!"

Aqua stood at the center of the group with her arms crossed and a fierce glare locked onto Ash. Her eyes narrowed in on him, and Ash could feel his face going red from embarrassment. He tried to stammer out an explanation, but his words caught in his throat.

"A-Aqua..." Ash began, but Aqua's gaze was enough to make him sweat bullets.

"I swear, Ash... if you don't tell me what this is all about, you're going to be in big trouble!"

Ash knew he was in way over his head. His usual ability to stay calm was nowhere to be found. The only thing left to do was to run. Without another word, Ash turned on his heels and bolted, shouting over his shoulder. "You know what? You guys can fight it out. I'm leaving now. Bye!"

As Ash sprinted toward the nearest exit, the others stood frozen for a moment, but then the sound of laughter erupted from Donald. "Ha! He's running away!"

Sora shook his head with a grin tugging at his lips. "Guess we'll have to chase him down."

Aqua, on the other hand, was already moving on the fleeing Ash. "Ash Ketchum, you better not think you're getting away that easily!"

"Help!"


Run Ash, run! XD And just like that...the conclusion to the Empire's Capital is over. We can resume with the KH3 plot for the time being. And Ash will travel with Sora, Donald and Goofy moving forward to some of the KH3 worlds until eventually Aqua and Ventus joins Ash on a few travels. Also, I will take a brief break from this series to refocus on Aura Traveler of Teyvat.


Extra scene: Carry me


Ash was lounging in the Jeagers' common area with Wave and Kurome, enjoying a rare moment of peace. Kurome sat nearby munching on snacks, while Wave was animatedly recounting a story from his past missions. Ash listened, laughing along, until the door burst open with dramatic flair.

"Fiancé!" Esdeath's commanding voice filled the room as she strode in.

Ash flinched, nearly spilling his drink. "E-Esdeath! What's going on now?"

Esdeath crossed her arms as her icy blue eyes fixed on him. "We need to practice for our wedding. I require you to carry me like your bride."

The room fell silent for a beat before Wave doubled over with laughter. "Oh, man! She's really serious about this! You've got yourself a very demanding wife, Ash!"

Ash's face burned crimson as he shot up from his seat. "We're not getting married!"

Esdeath ignored his protest, tapping her foot impatiently. "Stop stalling, Ash. Carry me."

Ash stepped back, waving his hands frantically. "There's no way I can—no! I mean, you're taller than me! It's just... physics! Yeah, physics!"

Kurome quietly extended a snack to Ash. "You'll need this for strength."

Ash gave her a desperate look before turning back to Esdeath, who was clearly losing patience. "If you won't carry me, then I'll just have to show you how it's done," she declared.

Before Ash could react, Esdeath swooped him up in a perfect bridal carry. Ash yelped, his face somehow turning even redder. "P-Put me down!"

Wave was in tears from laughing so hard. "Look at you, Ash! A princess in her arms! How romantic!"

Kurome offered another snack, but this time to Wave. "For endurance. You'll tire yourself out laughing."

Esdeath held Ash effortlessly, leaning in with a smirk that sent his heart racing. "See? It's not so hard. Now it's your turn."

Ash squirmed until Esdeath finally set him down with her hands on her hips. "Well? Carry me."

Grumbling, Ash rubbed the back of his neck. "Fine! Just… give me a second."

On his first attempt, Ash barely managed to lift Esdeath before wobbling and nearly falling over. "Y-You're… a little heavier than I thought!" he blurted out, immediately regretting it.

Esdeath raised an eyebrow. "Are you implying something, Ash?"

"N-No! I mean, you're strong and tall, that's all!" he stammered.

After a few more failed attempts—and Esdeath's increasingly pointed looks—Ash finally managed to lift her properly with his arms trembling slightly. "There! Happy now?"

Esdeath's smirk returned as she wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning closer. "Almost. A kiss would make it perfect."

Ash nearly dropped her with his face practically steaming. "K-Kiss?! No way!"

Wave, now fully sprawled on the couch, gave him a thumbs-up. "Hey, man, you're doing great. Real husband material!"

Ash groaned in embarrassment as Esdeath tilted her head, clearly enjoying his discomfort. Despite everything, he held her steady, muttering under his breath, "Why me…"

Kurome offered him another snack for consolation. "You'll need this for morale support."