Chapter 49: Mercury

Mercury PoV

6 PM

So soft…so cold…I have no clue what I'm lying on but it's the best thing ever. It beats the floor or paper-thin pillows. Whatever this is, I could get used to it.

What exactly happened?

I remember some weird girl materializing next to me and firing her gun to get the crowd to calm down. Then she snapped a collar on my neck while…Akame, damn, she's more beautiful in person.

She made that asshole look like an amateur. She moves with grace even when getting hit. That girl…never took the fight seriously.

Everything was a blur afterward.

That weirdo put a leash in Akame's hand, skipped over to some other guy, and suddenly everything went black.

I winced. My head hurts like crazy. It felt like I was bumping into things at high speed.

I moved one of my hands over the ground. It is warm and coarse.

Sand?

I reached for my face but felt some fabric over it.

Now, Come to think of it?

This is my jacket.

Okay? What the F is going on?

I'm lying in the desert with the world's most comfortable pillow. My jacket is over my face and my head is killing me!

It took a while to grab my jacket off my face. I pulled it down quickly and-

-Red eyes and a beautiful face. I slammed the jacket back where it belonged.

Nahhhhhh, No way.

I'm dreaming or dead.

"Mercury," That voice was unmistakable. It is soft yet commanding. The kind that can sing a nice lullaby while your life fades away.

If she's up there then that means I'm laying on her…thighs.

She's an angel and a goddess of war all in one. I can't explain how I feel because this is my first time seeing anyone like her.

Okay, I'll admit. I hadn't seen the opposite gender in a long time. I know they exist because I still get occasional trips to civilization. I lived in the mountains for so damn long. It's just unexplainable how I feel. It was like a weird feeling in my chest.

Life suddenly changed for me.

It is because of her. My father suddenly became more sober and training/torture became less of a hassle. He mentioned a job that needs both of us. I didn't care who or what it was, I just wanted to get out of this damn cabin.

When he showed me the picture of our target, my heart skipped a beat and I forgot how to breathe.

The bastard backhanded me back to reality and told me to abandon those feelings. I wish it was that easy. He mumbled something about hormones but I ain't got a clue what those are.

"Do you want to get up?" She asked calmly.

Do I want to get up?

It's nice down here but I don't want to abuse her kindness. I got to my feet and looked down at her.

There she was wearing all black.

If I didn't know her background, I'd just assume she is some rich girl. There's no way she was once having it rough in the wilderness and still coming out lookin' like a porcelain princess. She didn't have a single blemish on her perfect skin. Those bright red eyes have both gentleness and intensity.

It honestly is not hard to figure out why a lot of people fall for her, like damn.

Akame Branwen is just one big mystery after the other.

"You slept well on my lap," She pointed out," Four hours to be exact."

I could see the sun slowly setting on the horizon. I can't believe I've been KO for that long!

It felt like the heat was rushing to my face. I tried to cover my face with my jacket. There is no need to add fuel to the fire. I have no clue how she would react to my blushing but I swear she better not tease me.

"Four hours?" I echoed.

She nodded.

"Let's get down to business, I'm sorry for choking you to near death and I'm here to save you from your father. Did you recall that girl that put a collar on you?" She asked.

"That weirdo? Ya? What about her?"

She looked down in deep thought.

I think I heard her mumbling something about a perception semblance.

"Her name is Vernal Easter," She revealed, the name somehow being a blur in my memory. This is odd? I know she should be important but can't get the exact details.

"Vernal?" I lowered my jacket, the blush finally subsiding.

"I need your help catching her so I can teach her a lesson. To make it quite simple, I didn't intend to have you recover on my lap after almost killing you. That girl is playing matchmaker with not just one but many potential suitors," She explained.

"Wow, Little Miss. Popular aren't you?" I teased, and she didn't react to it," So the next part, What do you mean by save me?"

"I wanted to save you from your father."

She was trying to save me?

"How did you know?"

"A few ways. Your mother, Martha Schwarz, told me horror stories about her time with her abuser and how she was forced to leave her son behind," She narrated, sadness in her tone," She died during a raid eight years back, the same raid that made me infamous the world over."

I remembered the news that day. I couldn't believe a six-year-old could be that strong and scary. He had always been told my mother was mentally inept and cowardly. I always wanted to meet her myself. I want to know what she's like with my own eyes.

"She's dead," I turned away.

Damn, Just when I started caring.

"And she never stopped thinking about you," Akame said," Mercury, I swear on my life that your mother loved you. She did raise me right when my real mother was absent."

"You're not my sister or anything?" I awkwardly questioned, facing her again.

"No, I'm aware of my genetics. I'm a Branwen and a Xiao-Long," She placed a fist over her chest. I recognized the first surname but not the second," I'll tell you more about your mother. She's a wonderful person who tried her best. Even if you never came here, I'll search Remnant for you, to give you a better life."

"A better life?" I shook my head," That shit exists?"

She stood up. She isn't tall but her aura is imposing all the same.

"You haven't killed anyone yet, have you?"

"Just my dog," I held back tears. I miss Buddy.

The desert is still scorning hot but the chills on my body made up for it. I can't tell if it's guilt or Akame reacting to the information. I couldn't read her emotions because she kept the same soft expression. It's eerie.

"All the more reason for you to come with me," She reached out," You won't be under your father's control any longer. I'll make sure of it."

"You're going to kill him?"

"No," She answered," I'll give him a place to retire again. If he doesn't comply, He'll be kicked out of this kingdom and into the arms of authorities."

"What about me?"

"No matter what choice you choose, I want you to be free," She smiled," It doesn't matter if you come with me or not as long as you can live life free from trouble. That is what your mother would have wanted and what I want."

"Free to live a good life," I echoed. It sounds weird but also nice. A few weeks back I was learning pressure points and what veins to cut.

"What do you want? Mercury?"

What do I want? I never thought of it myself. Like shit…I am trained for one purpose and that is to kill. What am I after today? Who am I supposed to be tomorrow?

"And he won't come after me?"

"Vacuo is firmly under my influence. Ms. Malachite doesn't take kindly to traitors. Vale have their morality and Atlas won't risk it," she listed," Your dad is too weak and old to give up his peace. You have too much potential and youth to give up yours. You won't have to see each other again."

Akame is more than just the strongest. She has been raised right by a mother I wish I met before she passed. There is a heart of gold in that girl.

It's just so damn overwhelming. I'm sure as hell not crying. I ain't a softie, especially in front of a cute girl.

"Sure, why not?" I reached my hand out for a handshake but felt her arms wrapped around my back. She pressed her cheek against my chest and held on tight.

I just stood there unsure how to respond or what to do next. How am I supposed to respond?

I feel weird.

She let go shortly after and we took a moment to look each other in the eyes. She was holding back tears, a far cry from the warrior who fought a horde of Grimm and powerful opponents. Akame looked vulnerable yet relieved. This girl really is something special.

"Let's head back to the city," She spoke with joy, almost laughing," The chaos should settle down. Have you been to Vacuo before?"

"Never, This is the first time I'm here," I rubbed the back of my head. We shipped ourselves in crates so we could enter the mailing office.

"Good, Let me show you around," She grabbed my wrist and dragged me to Vacuo.

This sounds like a-

"It isn't a date. You happen to be someone valuable to me," She expressed joyfully," There is so much to do tonight and the rest of my exam is tomorrow."

Thus, I was dragged through Vacuo.

After she contacted one of her people, she flew up to an airship and handled some business. I'm sure it's that Vernal girl.

Akame PoV

7 PM

"Oh hey Ak-AAAAAAAA!"

"Kabedon!" I slammed my fist into the metallic hull of the airship," I believe this is a trick you've been teaching my suitors."

"Here!" She slowly handed back my scroll. I got 99 missed calls and Vernal is the problem.

"We have been over this. I don't need a date to make me happy. Sun and I kissed. Militia got the most intimate-Not sex, Stop snickering," I growled," It's just whatever."

"Tall and handsome?"

"Age gap and the law dumbass."

The bright side is that Vernal isn't shipping me with every guy I talk to. Copper and Fox are my friends. Even Copper stopped the act months ago. Meanwhile, Brawnz is a respectful fanatic.

"I'm helping to propagate the Branwen Bloodline," She laughed, and I punched the wall," Eek!"

"My uncle is a Branwen. How about you bother him? You can play wingwoman with him. I heard that old bird used to look for barmaids in mini-skirts before Martha."

"What about Yang? She seems like the bold type."

"She thinks you're cute so no 'propagation' there," I removed my fist from the wall.

"Ah," She sighed, disappointed.

"I wish she were your brother instead," I caught Vernal mumbling.

"You're the only royal blood I know. The need for you to find that special someone is far more important if you want your bloodline to continue," I explained," I'll look around for someone. Maybe give you one of my admirers."

"That's nice but I won't stop until I see you happy," She smiled.

"I am happy," I looked out the window and toward the city below, its lights dazzling in the night," I have money, power, influence, family, and loyal friends. I am happy."

I don't know why, but despite all I accomplished, there is an empty feeling. I couldn't understand it but I suspect it has something to do with my missing memories. I could only get them back if I killed that girl. But then it hit me.

What if everything goes well for me?

Would I even need to kill Akari?

"You can be happier," We stood side by side.

"I don't want the happiness you want," I sighed," Can you just knock it off?"

"Nope," She puffs her chest proudly

"Damnit," My scroll buzzed again. I got another voicemail. This is gonna take me a while to get through.

I'll show Mercury around Vacuo and go to bed after I tell everyone I'm alive. I have a busy day tomorrow. I still have to do an obstacle course and three battles back to back.

Normal PoV

Vacuo's sudden adjustment is either a blessing disguised as a curse or vice versa.

Marcus failed to defeat Akame but the result was valuable information and time to adapt. Mistral and Atlas especially are drafting plans to take down Akame or deal as much damage as possible for the next challenge.

Mistral was in it for the spectacle at this point. Lil Ms. Malachite tried everything in her power to influence the matchup. She knows Pyrrha Niko isn't strong enough to win. The girl is going to face a well-rested, combat-ready Branwen. Unfortunately, she had no power when Fang made the decision. The whole final section is determined by the headmasters only.

Pyrrha debated on whether she should go all out with her semblance. The four-time Champion entered the Mistral Regional Tournament much earlier than originally planned. She fought teens years older than her and never lost once. But Akame Branwen is in a league of her own. No, She shouldn't go all out, at least not publically. If she goes all out and loses, The next opponent will know her semblance and plan around it. Regardless, This battle excites her.

She views Akame as a kindred spirit pushed to fame like her. Maybe they could talk about being forced into the spotlight by their family/tribe. Pyrrha loves her dad but he could be too much sometimes.

Malachite would have thrown everything at Akame until she bleeds at the very least. It is a gamble whether Akame will be revered or viewed as a pariah. Bleeding black isn't normal after all. The Prime Minister would love to see how this demon would spin the story without saying Salem exists.

Atlas wanted Akame to lose at all costs. She needs to lose twice to fail the exam. They know the fiend will pass the obstacle course and Ms. Niko is just an appetizer. This means either Vale or their two fighters need to put her down.

The floating city is fearful of Akame's faction because they should be the sole military power on this planet instead of a bunch of bandits and criminals. They didn't believe her words of wanting peace and cooperation.

Winter considers defeating Akame as setting a score and duty for all the comrades she lost. The Schnee isn't sure how much influence the fiend had in south Mistral but it was a meat-grinder even without her confirmed sighting. Nature itself was fighting against them at every turn.

Akari has nothing but respect for Akame. She felt phantom pain on her left arm and across her torso. It felt familiar, like they fought before.

Akame PoV

8 PM

Maybe I should put a leash on him.

On one hand, it is cute how he wanders off when he sees something interesting like a curious child. But at the same time, he's going to get lost and I'm trying not to draw attention to myself.

I'm wearing a disguise again; a blonde wig, blue contacts, and shades. I even borrowed some of Yang's clothes. I took her white sneakers with a yellow accent, black stockings, shorts, a yellow blouse, and a brown jacket. I look like a better version of her!

My family now knows the situation with Mercury and was supportive of it. It did take a while for my dad to connect the dots since all he heard was 'I'm showing a boy around town' initially.

Admittedly, it was my fault for the miscommunication.

"What's that?"

"A boutique."

"What now?"

"A place that sells clothes and accessories."

"Why does it gotta sound fancy?"

"Because it sells fashionable, high-end stuff."

"Oh…So a clothing store?"

"Yes…"

"Why doesn't it just call itself that?"

"It sounds fancier and proper."

"That's dumb."

5 seconds later.

"Mercury, Get back here. It only sells women's clothes," I felt his aura disappear.

When I looked in his general direction, he was already gone. He did it again.

He is still walking around with that collar and I still have the leash in my handbag.

No, Don't.

That's demeaning. Vernal does this crap all the time too and somehow she comes back with wild stories. The last time she did this, Ver was rambling about sorcerers, one of which looked like a Schnee, fighting in a Mistranese city. She won the bet apparently but they didn't accept lien.

Maybe Mercury will pop back up.

5 minutes later.

I called a few supports to drag Mercury back to me. I wasn't going to put in the effort when I suspect my people are watching from afar, again.

I waited at the cafe snacking on some fruits and water. The place somehow being aware of my sweets ban.

How did words even spread?

I now have street vendors telling me they can't sell kebabs to me anymore.

"Is this your dog?" A woman approached me.

"Hey Cali," I smiled as she shoved a growling silver-haired boy.

Night Raid working at night independent of my orders.

"Who else is here?" I asked the NR leader.

"Just me and Copper, boss," she confirmed," Everyone else is asleep."

"Sun too?"

"Yes, boss," She nodded.

I told him about Mercury before we dated. I assured him it wasn't romance but saving someone like me. It's just going to be awkward showing him around the city like what Sun did for me all those months ago.

"You are dismissed," I ordered and she disappeared into the crowd.

"Sit down, Mercury," I motioned to the chair in front of me," I ordered you some cake and iced coffee.

"I swear it wasn't my fault," he defended.

"Huh?"

What the hell did he do in five minutes? I'm not even gonna ask.

"Never mind."

I watched as he poked the cake with his finger like it was a dead animal. He tried to pinch a piece off with his finger before I corrected him.

"That's what a fork is for," I gave him an example with my fruit bowl. He followed awkwardly as if it were an alien tool. Mercury eventually got the hang of it.

He ate a dozen slices of cake in a short period. It was as if he never had anything this sweet. I started noticing more of him. He had dirty fingernails, scarred knuckles, stains on his clothes, matted hair, and a lack of table manners.

"Poor girl," I overheard a conversation from another table.

"I'm guessing she's charitable to the homeless."

"What an animal!"

"Is that a dog collar?"

"Where did she find him? The dump?"

I got up and dragged Mercury away while putting a huge tip down. We weren't welcomed there. Mercury isn't deaf. He heard some of it too.

"I wasn't done yet," He complained.

"We weren't welcome anymore," I dragged him to the nearest alleyway, double-checking we were alone.

I know he stinks and is unkempt.

"Aren't you the big shot?"

"I could demand respect by revealing myself but that would open more issues. The media and fans would hound me. It wouldn't solve the core issue," I argued.

"Which is?"

"You lack social cues and basic hygiene," I bluntly said," You need a change of clothes and a shower."

I didn't care how horrible he looked. I was just happy to save Mercury from an assassin lifestyle. I know he stinks but I didn't care until it became an issue for everyone around us. I can't bring him home until he's presentable first.

"No, I don't," He shrugged. Mercury recoiled when I bought out the leash.

"We are going to the Tribal compound to prepare you for the rest of the night. It's also going to be your temporary home," I put the leash away," You got that Mer-"

I looked away once to put away the leash.

Is he gone ag-Oh? I found him.

Mercury was at the other end of the alley sniffing the air.

"Food?" He turns innocently.

"Food later," I can smell it from here. Those are some delicious-smelling BBQs. I want to eat meat so badly," Follow me. Copper is bringing you a new set of clothes and Cali is getting the cleaning product."

9 PM

I yawned.

Mercury is taking a while. I should have worded my intent better. I wasn't aware of how explicit I sounded until Copper and Cali teased me. Even with context, it sounded bad.

'Mercury? Do you want me to be in the shower with you?'

I never saw anyone run away from me so quickly before.

I'm guessing I made it worse when I removed my jacket. It is not my fault Mercury and the others have a dirty mind. I was just taking off my jacket! I wasn't going to scrub him down or peek. I certainly wasn't jumping in with him. I was threatening Mercury with force.

I succeeded, end of discussion.

"You're right, You have the seduction skill of a dead rat," Copper smirked.

"Hey. That's my joke!" Cali shoved.

"There is a difference between your joke and being the joke-" Copper weaved. Cali threw a rolled-up paper ball at him.

"I don't bother to put in the effort," I deadpanned," It just happens naturally…I'm heading to the east wing. Mercury must not know."

"Understood ma'am," they bowed solemnly. The joking nature was immediately replaced with professionalism.

He doesn't know his father is under my care. I got an update that his condition is stable and he is wide awake. That bastard is demanding I visit him. I would rather let him rot in a cell for the rest of his life but I would be going against my promise.

I had the usual respect given to me on the way there. The place is packed more because it is one of the main headquarters. Since our growth, we have made several more strongholds in the city and countryside. This place is smaller compared to the newer locations but it holds a special place in my heart. As the middle ground for us girls to hang out.

I also handle business here. The work of making sure no one accidentally executes tourists or takes advantage of Vacuo's kindness. It's like doing my homework and making sure Zwei doesn't eat a thumbtack. It is exhausting.

I'm glad I put out a simple order when I'm here. That I shouldn't be talked to or approached unless I speak to them first. The exception is work-related talk. I'm not never able to hold conversations or meaningful interactions even with my forces.

It wasn't because I viewed them as beneath me. I explained the reasoning behind my order long ago. I'm working and training all the time.

The walk to the intensive care unit was short but felt long due to the reverence from the crowd. A brief word of congratulations and occasional gifts. I smile and thank them as I hurry into a hallway filled with only my most trusted soldiers.

"Clear out the nurses and doctors," I ordered the commanding officer," I need to speak with him alone."

No questioning and no delay. They cleared the halls in seconds.

I took a deep breath and entered the room.

It was a second-floor room with only one window that he could easily escape out of. The ledge even offers an easy route to tip-toed around the edge. The person outside would agree. The window leads to a winding street with people going about their night. There are plenty of places for him to slip away and hide but he knows that.

I'm hoping he did because I want an excuse to persecute him. Of course, he isn't in the shape to run anyway. I could see wrappings along his arms and legs from my assault on his limbs. Plus, The wires from a machine connected to his chest.

The IV bag is half empty with a tube running through one of his arms. There various medical equipment surrounded him. His gray eyes glared at me menacingly.

"That was impressive," he coughed," Is that why you're holding back?"

"If I didn't, my finger would stab your heart," I explained," A bit more effort and I'll turn you into a donut."

"You truly are a monster. You could even take this old head spot as the greatest assassin of this world," he chuckled," Instead you want to play hero."

"The world doesn't need another villain or scum."

"I know there's something off about your insides," He pointed at me," I pierced plenty of flesh and even ripped out hearts…in a literal sense. I mastered internal destruction enough for me to feel every individual organ and vein being ruptured. Or like the move you did, target what needs to be targeted. You aren't built like us."

"I'm human," I defended.

"Liar," he roared," When I punched you, it felt like I was punching Grimm."

It was hard for me to keep my calm. The more he talks the more I want to kill this man. I could have him secretly assassinated but it will go public if he mysteriously dies under my care. I can't kill him after he's on his best behavior on his second retirement. I got a promise to keep.

"Describe it," I stepped forward," Because I can feel my heartbeats and other normal functions."

"As if every organ is an imitation of humanity," He revealed to my shock," Cut yourself open and you'll see. Unless you know deep down, You're not a human, maybe, oh just maybe, you're humanity is surface level."

"That's ridiculous."

"I learn to master the ability of aura to the point people think I have multiple semblances," he lectured," I don't understand why your soul is outside your body but I theorized everyone can have a visible aura if they lack a medium to cling to, to support. You know it takes decades to get aura to be visible yet you did it. I don't know when but it is too soon. It took me a decade of harsh training to pull it off."

"I'm gifted and I trained hard."

"Even if you started when you were taking your first steps, You would still be in your 20s."

I thought about it and it still didn't make sense. If my soul is outside my body and my aura breaks, would I die? Or will I somehow carry on as a soulless corpse?

I need him to keep talking. This is valuable information I didn't know.

"Your soul is currently inside your body but in battle, it is like seeing an astral projection coming out and coating your frame," he continued," My theory is somehow, you're some kind of new breed of Grimm with a soul."

"I'm human," I almost wanted to leave. It can't be true, could it?

"Light and darkness working symbiotically like yin and yang," He raised both hands," Your existence is truly an anomaly demon child. Your innate abilities could take over this world. Yet, You want to be some hero."

He started coughing violently.

Salem's blood and the God of Darkness's blessing did this to me. They worked together to change my body into what it is now. Am I even genetically close to my family anymore?

Am I still Akame?

I should be. I'm still here. I still have the memory-

I'm still Akame Branwen.

"Believe whatever you want," He added," You're not here to accept my offer?"

"You're beyond your prime and a toxic element to add to my ranks," I shook my head," I'll offer you my deal."

"I'm listening," He cleared his throat.

"Retire again. I'll set aside a plot of land for you to die of old age" I showed him a map of Vacuo and tapped on the northernmost region," I'll send you money as a retirement bonus but under a few conditions."

"Can I take a guess?"

I motioned for him to go ahead.

"Let's start with being on my best behavior, every single piece of information I have on that fat bitch, and you want my son," he listed out with extreme accuracy," Sure, Make him your son, plaything, I don't care!"

"You were never planning to come after me were you?" I was half-expecting a battle where I needed to throw all my resources to take the once-greatest assassin.

"You insult me," he scoffed," Even going after you at the age of six going to be suicide when your mother was still around. If an entire division of schemers, assassins, and spies fail to break Vacuo what chance do I have?"

"What about Mr. Winchester?" I added," Where is he?"

"Hell should I know? All I remember is he was upset. I forbid him from killing any of your men and he ran off into the desert," he laughed," Idiot went north for some damn reason."

"North?"

"Ya, my boy spotted some Grimm in that vicinity," he lifted one palm and put another over his heart," This is the truth."

Grimm? Why would he throw himself at Grimm and head in the completely wrong direction to the capital? Salem has been quiet for years now. I haven't talked to Ozpin even after my grand reveal. There is so much machinery moving around I could never fully predict everyone's next move. Neither could they predict the full extent of my actions either.

"About my boy, What are your feelings toward him?"

"It isn't complex. You're an insult to parenthood and I'm taking him to a better home. He is coming with me whether I have your blessing or not," I quickly said," There is enough evidence on his body and his testimony if you dare to force the issue. I don't want him to become you or make my mistake dooming his life to bloodshed and violence."

"You're faking it. I know when the chips are down you're betraying your vow," he laughed dryly," You've been told this before haven't you?"

"And I've been told I'll make it," I countered.

My enemies want me to fail but my friends and family want me to be better. That's all the proof I need.

"Does it hurt knowing I'm walking free after everything I've done? All that I killed and hurt? Eh? I will regret nothing while I sip margarita by the beach," he made a hand gesture like he was holding a wine glass.

"It does but killing you now or later would violate my vow. But if you break yours, if you so much as kick a stray dog or become a public nuisance, My people will end you," I narrowed my eyes. He stared back unfazed," Enjoy your second retirement once you're healed."

"Enjoying living a lie," He taunted.

I left the room, not sparing a glance back.

It didn't take long for me to find the interloper. Night Raid had cornered him when he tried slipping back into the west wing unnoticed.

"You were at the windows weren't you?" I tapped Copper and Cali's shoulder. They jumped in surprise at my arrival. Those two apologized for losing track of Mercury but I didn't care. I dismissed the two for the night and told them to sleep. I need them at 100% tomorrow.

It's just me and Mercury alone. The west wing of the compound isn't allowed to visitors citing it as private property. He washes up nicely. He even got the dog collar off.

"We have two more hours," I lifted my hand, beckoning him to reach for it.

"Am I going to meet your family?" He asked.

Mercury's callous hands slowly touched mine, unfamiliar with what he was supposed to do next. It's sad to think Mercury doesn't understand the gentle gesture. He recoiled at a hug and now doesn't know what hand-holding is.

You deserve a better life.

My delicate hands firmly grabbed his. I sidestep so I can twist my palm around for a different grip.

Dainty fingers hide scars that should exist interlocked with damaged fingers which shouldn't happen.

A breath caught in his throat and a soft hum escaped me.

Maybe it is true that I will relapse. My only wish after is to save those I love from being affected by my fall and to walk a better path. Mercury is one of them. Martha must be smiling from the afterlife knowing her boy is here with me.

She didn't want to see future generations fail and become like her. My uncle must be overjoyed too. I want Mercury to see my family but I wanted to know him better. Old man Schwarz is well aware now. I could see a penthouse and upper-class life shortly. This boy lived like a feral animal and could now thrive in this new life.

The more I think about it the more the feeling in my chest swells.

"After we get to know each other," I gently guided him to the exit. I still needed to give him lessons on proper behavior before introducing him to the family, both families. Sky has been constantly calling and texting me.

"Are you human?" he asked, hand tensing.

"You heard a lot. I'll answer your questions later but if I keep certain knowledge hidden, it's for your safety," I slowed my steps," I'm human and always will be."

Before we fully left the compound, I turned around, the light of a scattered moon to my back. He stared at me transfixed. As if I suddenly removed the disguise I was wearing.

I made three deals today. Another Maiden and former professional assassin would boast my power base. One failed and the latter is neutral. Mercury is a success but won't make my forces stronger nor do I plan to use him.

"Thank you for saving yourself."

A/N: I worked 6 days last week. My posting got delayed. Long ago in a cringe idea, I thought about pairing Akame with Jaune. I don't hate the guy but there are better options the more I think about it.

Black Sun used to be good until I realized how abusive Blake is. Sun did kiss Akame but I never wrote a short passage because Akame didn't feel much from it. A kiss is the most important part of a romance story but she never reacts to it. The romance is just the subplot in this story.

Meanwhile, Mercury has always been her main interest and is someone she sees the most of herself.

Sky is an afterthought but I have no issue with it once Akame is an adult. For example, My parents have a 20-year age gap and met as adults. Sky and Akame have the same personality and profession. They hit it off well.

Jaune and Akame would just be a more toxic Arko because she would despise him. I'll go into detail in the next story.

I read a lot of romance fanfic but am not confident I could pull it off. Especially since it's Akame. The challenge is having her finally feel a sense of love.

I'm actually on the RWBY and Akame ga Kill discord, fanfiction section if you need to talk to me. Especially the AgK discord. You can find the discord links via Reddit. r/ akamegakill and r/ RWBY.

The next chapter might take longer because it's going to be the obstacle course and Pyrrha's fight. I need to get it right even if the result is obvious.

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