Chapter 3:Arc 1: Traitor in the Mist p3

A/N: You are probably going to hate me. Final part of the story Arc and a time-skip right after.

Flashback

4 Months ago

Ice...cold...pain.

"We need to head in."

I need to get stronger. I want to go home.

"Akame," Her voice barely registered in my numb ears," That's enough. I can't allow you to kill yourself."

"I-I can do it," I don't think she could hear me. I need to unlock my aura. I need every advantage I can get.

I can't even move my body.

"You truly exemplified being the rule of nature," She complimented," The strong survive and the weak perish."

I am nothing like you, Esdeath!

Esdeath? My mother is just a poor copy of that monster.

I can feel the weight of frost on my eyelashes. I didn't know how long I had been meditating in this damn cold. My limbs feel like solid ice.

"But no matter how strong you are, the arrogant and the fool dies first," She recited," Let's head in or I'll knock you out. I can't have you freezing to death."

I felt a warm coat cover my body. I didn't remember much besides a strange feeling of something flickering inside me. It has to be my aura. I can sense it but it keeps disappearing. Yet, if the memory of Esdeath doesn't awaken it, I don't know what will.

Traumatic events?

I have seen the deepest depravity humanity can create. I'm used to it and at the same time, I'm not. There is nothing that could surprise me. Even the vile acts these bandits brag about are child play compre to the true monsters.

I doubt trauma could unlock my aura.

The next day, The skies are cloudy with the sun occasionally taking a peek. The worst of the blizzard subsided and the bandits were able to leave for some fresh air. I was forced to wear more clothes since I came close to losing toes last night. Even my mom with all her intense training regiment knows when to stop my will to be strong. It was the same warm-up routine only this time, Umber forced herself through it.

The next training exercise was silly from a certain perspective. Umber picked up a stick and had to bat away some snowballs thrown by a few tribe members. She didn't last long but Umber was having a lot of fun.

I did something similar. My mother threw rocks at me and I blocked all of it. It was only when Martha got involved did my stomach drop. It isn't right to compare Martha to Mine because Mine bullet doesn't curve and change direction on the fly. Eventually, I got the hang of it to the shock of my nana. I even sent a few in my mother's direction to my enjoyment.

Once the sun hung high above our heads, The tribe gathered for lunch. We didn't have to do much hunting due to packing extra rations beforehand.

The bandits talked and laughed joyously. Martha, Umber, and a few others worked on cooking and serving the meal as the dense smell of fry food and BBQ meat filled the air. As well as fine beer stolen from a mountaintop brewery a week ago. The camp is even nice and toasty with a handful of dust-power heaters set near each table.

My mother retreated to her tent slightly drunk. Which is a great thing because the last time she was wasted, She would act lovey-dovey and I would become her teddy bear. She apologized the next week. I'm fortunate that was a one time thing. Nowaday, if she became ridiculously drunk my mother would keep her distance or send me to sleep in another tent.

Flaxen was sent far from camp just in case we needed to evacuate. I felt sorry for her but I'll ask Martha to reserve a few beers when we meet up again.

But I wasn't in the mood to eat. The food wasn't poisoned or badly cooked. I felt like I was being watched.

It's a different feeling altogether.

This is the same feeling honed through years of experience.

We are located on a high elevation with the vast expanse of flat snowy terrain surrounding us. If anyone were to approach the camp, the tribe would know ahead of time. Even the mountains in the distance are too far for snipers to take aim.

I look up toward the clouds and say it shines. I didn't know what it meant.

But as the clouds parted, I saw a distinct shape. Those shapes became larger and arrow-like. Finally, I witnessed something I have never seen before.

"It's Atlas!" A bandit yelled.

"Crap! They got an airship!"

But it was too late, Atlas already started their bombardment.

I saw people instantly evaporate before my eyes. The calm and happy occasion became a nightmare as they are the ones being hunted and I'm caught in the crossfire. My senses were thrown into utter chaos as I was blinded by a bright flash. My body was flying from the table and onto soft snow.

In the commotion, I saw a different type of projectile,black capsules, landing all around the camp followed by smokescreens. The bombing stopped and we finally got our bearings only to be disrupted by humanoid machines emerging from black capsules and charging right at us from all sides.

I picked myself up and weave through the chaos as the remaining bandits fought off the intruders.

Wooden tables are flipped over and turn into covers for armed bandits to fire back at the machines. While those without guns ended fighting them in close-quarter and losing. I scanned the battlefield and didn't notice my mother anywhere.

A third wave follows suit, This time its aircrafts carrying human soldiers and what appear to be huntsmen. They fire on the bandits below with rockets and machine guns. Any bit of organized resistance was crushed as men and women fell right and left.

There was too much going on for me to find Martha or Umber.

An explosion from a trunk sent shrapnel everywhere. A piece of it hit my left side. I dropped to the ground as the smell of burnt flesh invaded my nose. I can feel it in the depths of my own intestines.

Am I going to die here?

I remember blacking in and out of consciousness when the snow itself numbed the wound.

Yet, I could have sworn I stopped hearing the scream of men and the roar of guns long enough to catch a glimpse of the scream of seagulls and roaring waves. The cold snow suddenly felt like wet sand.

Once I open my eyes to see the battle dying down and those soldiers coming to my aid. I also remember my mom with her mask on grabbing my hand in her bloodied ones as she opened a portal.

"Akame stay with me!" Her voice lacks the usual calmness," I'm going to activate your aura."

She must have abandoned the idea of awakening it through my own effort. Of course, She didn't want to gamble on me activating it on my deathbed.

I could barely breathe and my heart kept hammering rapidly. I was lying on my side as she held my hands.

I didn't even know where I was besides seeing trees outside a lit window.

I saw a red shadow flicker in my eyes before it moved to the rest of my body. I felt refreshed.

"Akame," She tried to sound calm but I could see the fear in her eyes," Your aura will make this more bearable. Remain strong."

She opened another portal and walked me directly into a hospital. She handed me to the nearest doctor, who was stunned by my mother's appearance and before I knew it she disappeared.

They rushed me to a room and placed me on a medical bed. Moments later I was under anesthesia as a nurse calmly told me I was going to be alright. When I opened my eyes again, I was back with my mother and nana Flaxen.

My left side was numbed and I was in a hospital gown. I lay on a dirty mattress with an old blanket covering me. I got up with difficulty. I saw her lean on the doorway hiding her face from me.

Next to her but looking directly at me with puffy red eyes was Flaxen.

"I almost lost you Akame," my mother spoke somberly," I'm sorry."

Flaxen held a downcast expression. She wanted to speak but couldn't. Instead, she opted to bury her hand in her face and weep.

Sorry for what? Having me be part of your lifestyle? Sorry for taking me away from a safer home into a life of unpredictability?

Which one are you sorry for?

I almost died. A near-death experience just transpired before my eyes and it only felt like mere minutes.

I need to break away from her. If I don't, the next close call might be my last.

At least, I now have an aura.

Present Day

Vernal was an interesting girl and I can see why Flax took an immediate liking to her. Even my mother for some odd reason. Which is very bad.

My mother doesn't like having kids traveling with the tribe. She told me if a female tribe member is pregnant, they have to leave the tribe along with the man responsible and seek a safe city or village. The tribe members that left due to maternity reasons can come back so long as the child is kept safe back at home. Even the child could join when they're the right age.

I could understand the reasoning. Kids and infants are Grimm magnets even without aura to amplify their emotions. And a tribe full of bloodthirsty criminals are already difficult to control.

Which brings me back to my point, Why is Raven interested in Vernal? I can sense her aura already unlocked but there has to be more to it.

She paid an informant to look for her but I never understood why? She doesn't look strong. She just seems like a normal 6-year old. If my mother wanted to replace Umber, She could kidnap any random child or request one from her tribe members instead of going on a mission worth millions of lien.

"Child," My mother approached us and Vernal respectfully bowed," Are you Vernal Easter?"

"Yes, I am."

"Good," Raven got down on one knee," You will be safe with me."

Vernal froze and she suddenly changed her cheery attitude.

"No-no ma'am! I think I should get going!"

"Listen, child, We are one and the same. They are after me and my daughter Akame too. I'm not here to capture you," My mom continued the conversation," Come with me if you want to survive."

"I-I…," She trails off," I'm not sure about this. I might end up hurting you. I can't control my power."

"Trust me, child," Raven lifted a hand towards her," If you intend to leave. I doubt you survive in the real world."

"But my powers…"

"Need to be refined as well as your ability to fight," My mother spoke sweetly," Please if you want to live life the way you want. Follow me."

"Help me then."

This conversation doesn't seem right. My mother never acted this nice to another child. It is almost motherly.

Live life the way you want?

That's 100% bullshit. If you truly believe that, why am I forced to be a bandit? Why is Umber forced to be an obedient follower? And why are you ruining other people's livelihoods?

"What are you two talking about?" Flaxen asks on my behalf.

"We will have a group meeting later," She answered.

We step out of a portal and onto a large courtyard. I looked around to see the courtyard was filled with western foliage lit by Vale style lamps.

My mom stumbled as she followed behind us.

"Easy boss," Flaxen held my mom's shoulders.

"I'll be fine," My mother straightened herself," It's only minor injuries."

"This place is huge!" Vernal shouted.

My eyes continue to take in the new scenery. It was a mansion situated on the side of a hill. The mansion doesn't have the same design as Mistral. Even calling it a mansion is a stretch because it feels more like a castle with marble columns and large murals. I look further out to faintly see hilly terrain against the moonlit night. If I look further down, I can see Mistral, the city built on twin peaks, beyond the horizon.

"Welcome to Castle Malachite," The same information broker welcomed us," It's been a long time since you set foot here Raven."

My mother kept silent.

I notice men and women wandering the premises wearing expensive suits with purple accents. They carry around exotic weapons unlike the thugs in the bar who are more mundane.

"Ever since the kidnapping, I immediately hired professional huntsmen and fired the old ones," the larger woman said.

"Was the severance package shift?" Flaxen asked.

"Yes, Only for the underlings but the sleepy guard captain early retirement needed some time to process," She answered coldly. I picked up on the implication that she had them killed. I have to come back and deal with her one day.

"Where are they staying," Raven voice," It's too damn late for a tour Malachite."

"You can call me by my first name when in my humble home, Raven. I'll let my guards bring you to your rooms. The only tour you need for now is to know where the bathroom is," She assured," But first!"

Her eyes shifted to Vernal.

"Thanks for letting us stay here," She squeaked.

"And you must be the root of this insanity," Malachite directed with hidden distrust," Tomorrow morning, You and Raven are going to explain what both of you are running from. Understood?"

"Yes ma'am," Vernal gulped.

"I think I need to train you also, tubby," The surrounding huntsman's stop in their tracks at Raven words.

"Shut up," She growled lightheartedly," If you want me to lose weight, I can teach you how NOT to be a deadbeat mom!"

"You little-"

" Ms, Malachite, Ray Ray," She countered with a nickname," That's my work name bird brain."

"You have no right to say that name!"

"Of course, Only your Ex-girlfriend can call you Ray Ray!"

"Ex...girlfriend," My mother was stupefied," It never fucking happens you waste of space. We were on a mission and one of us needed to dress like a guy."

Meanwhile, just kept a wide smirk.

I saw Flaxen shaking her hand at the immaturity.

"Everyone! Get back to work! Nothing to see here!" She gestured.

The huntsmen got back to wandering the premises and making small talks with one another.

"Also, tell the kids to turn in their weapons."

I looked over to Vernal who got my pistol in a hostler while I made sure my dagger was still on me.

"The kids are allowed to keep their weapons," My mother said," It is their own personal teddy bear."

"Sure why not," rolled her eyes," Please don't shoot yourself in the meantime."

The larger women directed the warning to Vernal.

She dismissed us and we found ourselves following a nicely dressed man armed with a spiked paddle. My mother stayed behind to speak with Lil who is clearly the head of a criminal syndicate.

"I don't think that lady likes me," Vernal shivered.

I figured Ms. Malachite partially blamed Vernal for her daughter's kidnapping.

"Once everything gets sorted out she might come around to liking you," I smiled at her,'Or hate you less.'

The interior was just as impressive as the exterior. Only it's a bit more diverse with expensive paintings and sculptures from all around Remnant.

Which got me thinking. How could the head of a criminal syndicate be this wealthy but conduct business in a rundown bar? I suspect she has more side businesses and the bar is only a front. Unless I could investigate myself, I should try asking those daughters my mom briefly mentioned.

Melanie and Miltiades Malachite.

Our rooms are just as impressive. They were fit for nobles and I felt overwhelmed being here. This is far more comforting than constantly moving with the tribe or sleeping on that damn mattress. The bed looked nice and soft. I wanted to just bury myself in it. But I have a mission.

Vernal and Flaxen are sharing a room while I'm currently alone until my mother arrives.

I look around for a means to sneak out. But first I grab some extra pillows and set them in a way that looks like I'm in bed. I saw that we have a balcony with an impressive view of Mistral in the distance. It's light glistening like the stars in the night sky.

I opened the balcony door and just took a moment to admire it all. This kingdom is a beautiful place. I haven't seen a city in my world like Mistral. The overall style of the architecture compliments nature instead of disrupting it. It was a city in harmony with the land itself. I wouldn't mind living here but this isn't my true home.

I checked if my dagger was still by my side and proceeded forward.

I scanned for any guards and didn't notice any within the immediate vicinity. I closed the door behind me and picked a spot to climb.

I refuse to believe that would be this charitable. I have seen countless unfortunate souls falling for the kindness of wealthier people. Only to end up like toys in their sadistic pleasure.

Tatsumi friends lost their lives following a demon dress as a kind girl. If my comrades arrive so much as a day late, We would find his body in that shed.

I'm not falling for her trick.

I put my foot on one ledge and scale a gutter. Even if my timid child body lacks the vertical reach for some areas, I found it less tiring than if I was older.

I finally got to the roof and watched a large section of the mansion. I stayed in the shadows and kept my distances from the guards while eavesdropping for any incriminating intel.

So far, I didn't hear anything out of the ordinary. The only oddity was a pair of male huntsmen guarding the hallways leading to our room.

They were as odd as two Lubbock talking about their "cultures taste". I decided it wasn't worth listening to them. I rolled my eyes when one of them commented on my mom being...hot and another m-word. I was starting to feel uncomfortable listening to them.

I kept scouting and eavesdropping.

I know there has to be something incriminating. The women admitted to killing the last guards the first moment we arrived.

Maybe their basement is a sex dungeon?

No luck there. It is apparently a meeting room.

Or does the meat locker have human bodies?

I found the kitchen and these Kobe beef are divine. I have to restrain myself from eating it raw.

There must be a torture chamber behind a bookcase.

No, It's just a small safe. I don't have the time to crack the code on it, mainly because it's a digital number pad.

I used all my experience and skillset to locate any incriminating evidence. Yet, I have no luck.

How can this be possible? I doubt I cover all the rooms or any hidden passageway. The mansion is huge and an impromptu search might last a whole night. The section of the mansion I search isn't locked or filled with too much security. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong area.

I'm starting to think any shady dealings are done off the property.

I found another eavesdropping opportunity and hid behind a curtain.

"Chelsea," A name I haven't heard in a long time called out," I'm sorry that this is your last day."

"Better fire then dead," Chelsea responded," At least boss lady was kind enough to forward the remaining monthly check."

"Poor Bleu," The second lady spoke with sadness," He was probably taken over by a mind control semblance. How else would you explain the sudden change in guard rotation?"

"You never know Saria," Chelsea pointed out," He could be a willing collaborator."

As the two women left the room, I slither out of the curtain.

This Chelsea is probably going to die soon.

I stiffen a yawn and rub my eyes. I looked out the window and saw a raven. When I blinked the raven was gone.

I reminded myself if my mom found out I wasn't in bed, She would open a portal and yank me by the collar. And knowing my mother she would congratulate me on not getting caught.

It has been over an hour now and the aforementioned portal hasn't taken me away yet. Neither is the alarm going off meaning none of the guards are aware.

Maybe I should head back to the room. I looked around a poorly lit shortage room and took a step forward.

Curse this child's body, It is screaming for me to go to bed. I was too drowsy to even notice a portal beneath my feet.

When I push myself up. I saw my mother's eyes. It was ice cold. She stood over me with her arm crossed.

"Why were you sneaking around the compound my daughter?" She questions with a frown.

"I don't trust that women, mom," I said truthfully," They might turn on us."

"We wouldn't need this sleeping arrangement if the traitor didn't leak our location," She revealed.

"Traitor?"

"Last year, One of our tribe members contacted a dusty old crow," She spoke cryptically," And out of everyone in the tribe, She follows the definition of ones who are loyal because I have what they want. She admitted to talking to that traitor."

I took the time to notice we aren't in our room.

It was a hotel room and a nice one.

I looked out the window and saw how close we are to Haven Academy. I can hear police airships flying outside. As I took in more of the room, I saw her.

She lay motionless with a sword in her chest.

A graveyard overlayed the room. I didn't hear the sirens of the law. I heard the cold, harsh void of a woman on her last breath. I held my hands up to my mouth.

The sword was red like blood. I step back as my heart hammer in my chest. She can't possibly be dead!

Martha.

You were my real mom in both worlds. My light in the darkness. You taught me how to be normal.

"Go ahead and cry Akame," My mother, no Raven, spoke with her back turned to me.

It was at that moment I was struck with a feeling of overwhelming sorrow. I collapse to my knees. I finally noticed my tears and grief bursting out. I couldn't control myself.

"Who killed her?" I needed the answer. I felt my hands tremble and my body hot," Did you kill her?!"

I'm going to end her life this instant if she killed Martha. I don't give a damn anymore. You have crossed the line and I will eliminate you!

No matter what it takes.

"I didn't," She approached a window and slightly moved the blinds," That man did."

I blinked away tears. The sword in a chest doesn't match the sword held in my mother sheath. It looked like a straight sword with black and gold trimming. At the pommel is a crest with the symbol being two olive leaves.

I tried to control my emotions by breathing but it always resulted in small hiccups.

I stood up with my hand tightly gripping the dagger.

I got up and saw a man in white uniform holding an empty sheath five stories down and in the middle of the street. A sheath that seemingly has the same aesthetic as the sword was in his right hand. I studied his clothing even more and spotted two olive leaves on a shoulder pad matching the design on the pommel.

He was surrounded by Mistral Militia's, Law enforcement and a small detachment of Atlas soldiers. I then saw him walking toward a crowd of people as they held microphones and cameras.

My mother steps away from the window while I still look down at the scene.

"Any more proof that you need," She gritted her teeth," Akame, I wasn't able to make it to Martha in time and I hate myself for it. I wiped out the cops investigating the scene and retrieved Umber. The only thing I ask of you is...kill that man."

Kill him?

I want to start my new life without any more pain and hardship. I wanted a happy family and an escape from my bloody past life.

She made her point more clear when she turned on the TV. I turned to watch the news.

"Sir sir!" A reporter pushed a microphone inches from his lips," Is it true you're the one to kill Mistress Death?"

"Yes, ma'am," He chuckled," I did! And Remnant can rest assured an evil monster like her will no longer terrorize its people."

Evil.

Monster.

She is the kindest person and I don't deserve her.

Martha was once an assassin who wanted a new life. She only fought back when cornered.

Why did she have to die when she deserved another chance?

I deserve another chance!

You should die for what you did!

I didn't even get a chance to tell you who I once was. Maybe if I told her I learn I'm not alone in this world. She might have been reborn with me. Now I will never know the truth.

"Akame," She sighed," We don't have much time before they notice all their men are dead."

I look over at the other end of the room. My mother split a man's head open as his shocked eyes stared into mine. The radio on his shoulder buzzed.

"Nagata!" A male voice came through the radio," Check-in! What's going on up there! Why is everyone radio silenced?"

I wanted to convince myself she had something to do with it. She has a semblance that could have saved her.

I heard my mother cough and blood came out of her mouth.

"I had a run-in with an old acquaintance," She turned towards me," I fixed my relationship with one but too weak to save another. What kind of cruel trade-off is this?"

My mother's eyes were void of emotion but I know she's hurting inside.

I recall how beaten up and bloody my mother was when she came to pick us up. She got into an intense fight with someone as strong as her. With what I know about aura and semblance, She was far too exhausted and injured to use her semblance properly.

I should just leave. I don't need to do this. This isn't worth forsaking my resolution to end the bloodshed.

I took one last look at Martha before my vision went red. Memories of the time we spent together blended from the old world and the new one.

I didn't want to do it. But I can't get over seeing her death. She was my family and I avenge her in my old world. I will avenge her here.

"Eliminate," I heard myself utter.

Then I charged at the window before my mother even realized what happened. Before the window shattered into tiny pieces, I saw my reflection and the white of my eyes became black.

I held the dagger in a reverse grip as I jumped down five stories and landed on a car.

My mind has never felt more clear. The crowd of reporters and civilians faded from my vision while my target and inferences remained. All I saw was a singular goal to achieve and those that pose a threat to it.

A hundred possibilities ran through my head in milliseconds and I took the best one. I launched toward him.

"Eliminate," My child's body made it impossible to tag. I slip between small openings in the crowd of polices, militia, and soldiers.

A few officers fire guns and tasers but by the time it reaches the spot they perceived me to be in, I'm within arm's length of my target. I thought he was weaponless until he bought his sheath which suddenly transforms into another sword.

"Eliminate."

I adjusted to the sudden addition by blocking the sword with my dagger. I proceeded to head butt him. He was taken off guard and while he whipped his head back, I attacked his Achilles' tendon.

The man's aura causes the dagger to slide off harmlessly. I keep forgetting a personal shield exists in this world so I needed to adjust.

He didn't know where I was but I kept up my unrelenting assault. I focused on stabbing him in any unprotected areas until his aura broke.

He didn't have time to panic when barely a second after his aura flickers, I found my mark.

I looked directly into his eyes while my dagger was buried in his heart. I was practically hanging on the handle of the dagger. It was only a matter of seconds before he lost consciousness and minutes before he's brain dead.

"Y-you're just a kid," He staggered back.

I jumped off of him pulling my dagger out. I repay him with the same wounds. I felt a sense of accomplishment when he fell back, dead.

"Target eliminated," I heard myself confirm and place it back in the sheath. I stood in the same spot a few seconds before someone broke me out of my trance.

"H-hands up!" A horrified police officer screamed with guns pointed.

The world returns to normal. I twisted my body around to see countless guns pointed in my direction with both reporters and civilians watching in absolute horror.

I just killed a huntsman. The crest and the weapon transformation give it away. I was fully aware of what I did and there is nothing I could do about it.

My emotion was gone.

I no longer felt sleepy.

I didn't even feel tired.

They were all too afraid to come near me. Fully grown adults didn't want to risk their lives arresting a six-year-old girl.

I must seem like a Grimm to them. I look down to see the huntsmen sword/sheath. It was nice and polish enough to act as a mirror.

Impossible! How could a curse follow me here? How could it even activate without Murasame?

My sclera is bleach into a shade of black darker than any void and my iris a blood red. The pupils are shaped almost reptilian-like. I looked at my face and saw red markings similar to Mistral/Wakoku kanji.

I blinked again and my eyes returned to normal and the marking on my body disappeared.

My skin returned to a pristine white while my eyes became more human. When I first used Murasame trump card, I recall feeling like I was carrying iron underneath my skin.

But now, I felt refreshed.

I look down at my blood-soaked hands.

The curse has become my semblance. Even with this new life, I'm reminded of the old one.

I did it, I failed.

My mother's hands heave me away from the scene. Every armed person fired as she closed the portal behind her. And like that, I'm back at Malachite mansion.

"AKAME!" She screamed at the top of her lungs," WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!"

I remained seated on the floor. I pulled my knees up to my chin and wrapped my arms around them.

"When I said I want you to kill him! I didn't mean in front of all those people! I can't even think of what kind of punishment to discipline you!" My mother lashed out and threw her sword near my head. I didn't even care at this point.

I could hear footsteps outside our room as one of the guards opened the door.

"Get the fuck out!"

He slammed the door fearfully.

Raven PoV

I thought today was going to be a good day. I found the spring maiden, got funds to rebuild my tribe, a safe house, and mend my relationship with Summer.

I can't think of a punishment for my own daughter. She has fucked up her life beyond repair. If she didn't kill that academy dog, I could have disposed of him in a way that doesn't trace back to my daughter. She only starts accepting responsibility for her kills once she is old enough. Now Ozpin and his little cult could be more direct in coming after us.

I stared at Akame for a solid minute. She didn't react to my presence so I decided to leave the room.

I never yelled at Akame in the 6 years I had her. She may backtalk me from time to time but she is obedient.

I came across Umber in the now vacant hallway. Milly knows that family problems shouldn't be interfered with or spy on. It doesn't offer her any advantage beside pissing me off.

She fidgeted beneath my glare but soon she stood tall.

"Please Leader Raven,"She stared fearlessly,"I need to go see Akame."

It is great that Umber is finally growing proper backbones.

"Go to her," I walked past her and made my way into Milly's private quarters.

Upon reaching Milly's room, I ignored her complaint and the guards posted upfront.

"Raven what the-" She stood in her nightgown with facial cream in hand.

"I'm commandeering the sofa," I ordered,"Good night!"

Milly decided it wasn't worth complaining and went to bed.

"Mommy, It's that lady that saved us," The voice of one of the twins spoke with wonder,"Can we see her mommy?"

"Shhh, It been a long night for all of us," She spoke softly as I rolled over on the sofa,"Just go to bed. Mommy and Raven will be here to protect both of you."

Protect? I just want to be away from my daughter.

Qrow PoV

A Bar in Mistral

2 AM

"Another!" I raised an empty mug to the bartender and slid over some more lien.

Why am I so damn cursed?

I finally found a woman I liked. A woman to move on from ever since Summer got engaged.

Now I just got word that she died.

Summer is still knocked out from her fight with Raven and I'm glad for it. I don't want her to see how much of a mess I am.

I can't even feel happy that the Atlesian snob responsible for executing her is dead.

Not when the killer is the niece we were searching for. I down another mug worth of liquid gold. I wanted to see her again but not like this.

Her cold remorseless expression with those eyes. Those inhumane eyes filled me with dread and I have seen many unspeakable things. I don't even know where she got those markings from but it isn't a language I recognize.

How am I going to explain this to Sum when she wakes up?

How the hell is Tai going to feel when this hit the international news?

Raven, What did you do to her?

"Ahem," the bartender folded his arms as he looked at my mug.

"Sorry, I'll pay for the cup," I didn't even notice I turned the handle into powdered glass.

I need to put an end to this insanity. I decided to put off investigating the Spring Maiden and find my family.

The next morning

Akame PoV

I woke up with Umber snuggling next to me.

"Thanks Umber," I whisper to her.

I got up and stretched my limbs wondering if what I did last night was a dream. I was about to open the door when a maids walked in with several large trays of food.

"Morning Lady Akame," She bowed respectfully and backed away,"I hope the meal is to your satisfaction."

My stomach growled intensely. This isn't a random assortment of meals and delicacy. They are food that I have taken a liking to since I came to this world.

Umber woke up with a stir.

"Want to eat?"

She looked at the fast food on the table and nodded.

After we finished, the maid came to pick up after us and said requested us.

They even handed us a new pair of clothes to change into and pointed to the personal bathroom.

I saw what I had to wear and the hole in my heart suddenly reopened. It was the white dress with blue-lining and violet frills. I held it tightly to me and wordlessly went to the bathroom.

After we washed ourselves and changed, We were escorted by a hired huntress to the basement, the meeting room.

There we saw Ms. Malachite at the head of the table flanked by four bodyguards. My mother is by her side with her arms folded staring at me.

Vernal set in a chair with Flaxen braiding her hair.

"Take a seat, you two," She took out a newspaper and tossed it toward me.

Attempted Arrest of known Assassin, Martha Black has Ended in Disaster!

Below the headline it read:

12 Law enforcements officers and One Huntsmen Fatality: CHILD AND MOTHER WANTED FOR MASS MURDER!

12 Law enforcements?

I look at my mom.

"They think you are partially responsible for those kills," My mom sighed,"It doesn't even matter at this point. We are going down together."

My hands gripped the edge of the table at what I've done. And just like that I lose my chance to start anew.

Maybe I will be reincarnated again. There is no chance for me here in this world. Umber placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder and I banished those thoughts.

"In order for us to help each other, I want to know the undiluted truth," She offered us.

My mother was the first one to start.

"What is your favorite fairy tale?"

Tai PoV

The morning starts with my normal routine, A cup of coffee and checking on the kids. I would then make ourselves some breakfast and call Summer. Later, I would tend to the garden and watch TV. Right before I drop Yang off at school, I'll call Summer again and let the kids speak with her. Finally, I get ready to go to work.

Even if Summer tries to hide it, I could tell she had a run in with Raven. I decide to take my mind off of it for now. I have to ask her what really went down when she comes home. I decided to turn on the TV with a nice cup of coffee in hand.

"Breaking news," The reporter, Lisa Lavender opened up," We have received shocking news from the Kingdom of Mistral. Casualty mounted as the hunt for Remnant's most infamous Bandit group,The Branwen, turns tragic as the head of Atlas Anti-Banditry Unit, Specialist Aaron Schwarz has been assassinated."

Raven, whenever you end up on the news, I flip to another channel. I don't care about you anymore, I only care about you dragging Akame into the life of crime.

I blow on my coffee and reach for the remote. I pray she isn't in the spotlight anytime soon.

"The assassin has been confirmed to be the daughter of Raven Branwen, Akame Branwen."

Impossible.

Akame is still a child! How could she take down an elite huntsmen. This is fake news!

Yet, The news reporter shows a still image of what is unmistakably a girl with long black hair and red eyes. She stood over the blurred body of a huntsmen.

The reporter continues the segment by showing pictures of Raven and several more Branwen tribe members.

"The general public and freelance huntsmen are advised to call your local authorities if you spot any of them," One of the pictures was Akame's," They are armed and dangerous. You are advised not to approach them."

Raven Branwen: 25 Million Ⱡ.

Akame Branwen:1 Million Ⱡ.

The most lien's place on a child. Possibly the highest in Remnant history.

I set aside my coffee and rushed to the sink as the content of my stomach went into the drain.

1 million Ⱡ.

This can't be happening?! I turn off the TV and collapse onto the couch. I put my head in my hands not even sure what to do at this point.

A/N: First story Arc done. And this story Arc is basically everything goes right for Raven and wrong for Akame. I honestly think it decent.

Raven will have a way to turn a bad situation in her favor. Hence, "We are going down together." She already a wanted criminal and now Akame wouldn't have a choice in the matter.

Akame really going to be needing people like Ruby and Jaune in her life.

I have straight up destroy my own summary. And I feel great about it! I try my absolute best to explain how Akame just snapped and killed someone.

About Akame semblance. I wanted a teleportation or portal related but realize how easily some of the plot points could be resolved.

Yang about to get her arm chopped off? Suddenly Akame.

Phyrra about it die? Cinder exhausted from fighting Phyrra and Ozpin had to face Akame after her warm up with Adam.

A lot of plot points can be resolved if Raven wasn't such a deadbeat.

Akame semblance is slightly different and condition so don't expect her to use it every single time. Even between the Manga and Anime, Murasame trump card is activated differently with one killing those she hold dear and the other cutting herself to take responsibility for her actions. Her semblance isn't something that could be easily trained with more usage.

Even if grammar and spelling continues to be my worse enemy, I did my research into how to make sure everything else work in sync. For example, One of the best way to write a good story is write what you know. And the dynamic between a family member (Raven/Akame) doing the unspeakable and how to handle it as a relative would hit close to home for me. Hence how Summer, Qrow, and Tai opinion differ on Raven.

Now leave a review so I can keep up a consistent update.