Chapter 50: Schwarz

A/N: I did say this was gonna take longer. I didn't expect it to be this long.

Qrow PoV

Lounge somewhere in Shade Academy

11:30 pm

I'll be damned.

Martha's kid is being auctioned.

Mr. Schwarz promises he'll never need to worry about expenses for the rest of his life. Meanwhile, Akame is promising the same deal. I could tell there are no hard feelings between the two and the decision is ultimately up to Merc.

I know Akame is rich but the Schwarz family are the one percent of the one percent. Akame ain't outbidding them but it balances out nicely. The boy is blushing every time Akame pulls his arms toward her. Merc is definitely having the best ending of his life. The boy is winning either way.

He can go with infinite wealth or be spoiled rotten by a cute girl.

I needed to remind Tai not to adopt another kid. The paperwork and lawyers for Atlas alone were a pain in the ass. Umber doesn't even have an immediate family but the bureaucracy was dragging its feet over a simple process. That's probably why you rarely see Atlas kids at an orphanage, especially in other kingdoms.

The girls were accepting of him. It was a little awkward at first but introductions went smoothly. We forgot to fill Ruby in on what's going on.

Akame almost pinched Ruby's cheek off when she thought it was a new boyfriend. Yang and Umber played along making the situation much more hilarious. Of course, it was kinda her fault hanging onto Merc's arm.

Now we are relegated to watching these two list out reasons why they deserve Mercury more. Sky and a few other family members are behind the old man, who is seated in a leather chair. Akame and Merc are across from them sitting on a couch.

"I offer meals from the finest chef in the world."

"I can perfectly imitate his mother's cooking."

"He'll be privileged and protected."

"And he'll become a legend under me."

"Legally, he belongs to us."

"Legally, I got his father's permission and he doesn't exist."

"You did?"

"Yes."

I'm not a lawyer but that is a good enough reason to keep him. I know these two aren't going to take it up to court because this entire auction is a setup. They wanted to show how much Mercury meant to them.

"That's truly unfortunate but my family would still take responsibility for his well-being. I'm certain our families are both capable of giving Mercury the love and care he deserves."

"How about we share him?"

"That could be arranged," he chuckled," Mercury?"

The poor kid is trying to disappear into the couch. I didn't know Akame was this loaded. I know she has a share of profits but didn't think it was in the multi-millions. I assume it is also untaxed.

"I want to go back to the mountain," he covered his face.

"Mercury!" Akame softly shoves his arm. Old Man Schwarz laughed even harder. Merc ain't gonna be able to talk back or defend himself at this point.

I'm not gonna lie. I went through the same crap in my youth. I needed to take a whole class on finances and budgeting—another class on social behavior and random courses I didn't need.

"I take that as a yes," he smiled," Speaking of mountains, I believe we also need to share the responsibility of making him a proper member of society. I heard from a birdy that your manners were less than desirable."

"Proper?" He echoed.

"And that's where I come in," I stepped forward," It's nice seeing a few good Atlesian."

"There are more of us, even in the city," he said.

"Doubt," I patted the boy on the shoulder," Hey kiddo, I'll be helping you."

"Who are you again?"He looked me in the eyes.

"Qrow Branwen," I handed him a picture of his mother and me. He stared deeply at the picture," I'm glad you're finally home."

"Ya, I'm glad too," he muttered.

Mercury PoV

Now I'm just confused. I came by to talk to these four real quick before bed but there in the middle of the dumbest argument I ever heard.

"What do you mean you're not gay?!" Umber slammed her fist into the table. The three girls didn't finish their meal before going off on each other.

"Who said I only liked one gender?" Yang's eyes darted between Akame and Umber.

"Akame did!"

"Akame! You suck."

"Sexual harassment isn't a joke, Yang," She said seriously," You can't go around groping girls even if they're your besties."

Excuse me? What?

"That's normal! I was just curious!" Yang defended herself.

"Bullshit, I don't act out of control like you."

"Bruh, You killed people!" Yang exclaimed.

I stopped myself from gasping. What the hell was that? It's a touchy subject Akame doesn't want to talk about yet…She didn't seem bothered by it.

"Shut up you bimbo," Akame shook her head.

"Dad's gonna kill you if he sees those posts on Scrollin," Umber raged," We aren't covering for you."

"Dad, an old head stuck on Mybook. He'll never find it."

Ruby and I sat at the other end of the room while those three argued.

"Is this normal?" I lean over.

"Yep."

"And are you four, sisters? For real?"

"Yep."

"But none of you look alike."

"Big sis, Umb is adopted. Yang and Akame are twins from the same mother. Yang looks like dad and Akame looks like her mom," Ruby explained.

"And you?"

"The normal one from a different mom."

"Different mom?"

Suppose I'm getting this straight. Mr. Xiao Long has two wives. I know one of them is Raven but who's Ruby's?

Zwei softly snored in my arms. I want to ask why I haven't seen her. It's because Akame mentioned her entire family is here. Yet, Where is the mom?

Should I ask Ruby?

"She went on a mission once," Ruby said monotone," She never returned."

"Sorry," I decided to shut up.

"No it's fine, I've gotten over it," She smiled," I'm just happy to still have a family that cares about me. Now you have two of your own."

We silently watch those three having a court case over Yang's sexuality. Suddenly, Akame told everyone to hush as she started walking around the room, seemingly looking for something or someone.

Without warning, Akame's arm shot out like a viper and snatched air.

The air started to shimmer creating a clear outline of someone's neck. I stood up ready to engage the strange intruder and then sat back down in disappointment. It's that weirdo.

"Can I be the judge?" She coughed as Akame squeezed slightly.

"No, You're not impartial," She deadpanned. In an instant, the weirdo got tossed out of the room.

"Bye, Your Majesty!" Ruby and Yang waved.

"Majesty? What?" I did a double-take.

"Ignore it, Vernal liked to play princess ever since being given power," Akame sighed," We need a judge, juror, and executioner."

"Rube is coming to my side because I'm not fighting a 1v2 against these fiends!" Yang complained.

"Yannnnng," She whined. Yang dragged her by the hood.

"Nope," I attempted to leave, gently setting down Zwei. I was right at the door until I felt a hand on each shoulder and hands on my ankles.

I paused to reflect.

Why am I considered the weird one when the crazies are dragging me to be a judge?

Heh, At least I'll never have a boring day again.

"Objection!" Ruby yelled, pointing an accusing finger at Akame," If you are what you eat, why isn't Akame a plant."

"Ruby, We haven't started the case yet," Akame shook her head.

"And that has nothing to do with the case!" Umber raged.

Yep, Never a boring day.

"Ver, If you don't back away, I'm going to commit regicide," Umber kicked the door. We could hear loud shuffling and giggling from the other end.

Followed by Akame throwing her sheath through the door like a missile. A panic squeak and the sound of a thud later, I look through the hole. Vernal is pinned by her jacket on the other end of the hall.

This is going to be a long, interesting night.

Late night

The verdict didn't matter because Mr. Taiyang stopped the trial early. I was underqualified to be a judge. I watched the girls go on a tangent on other topics for 5 minutes before realizing what they were arguing about. Vernal sneaked back into the room just to hand me her scroll number. She, for whatever comical reason, sat back down and impaled the sheath back into her jacket.

Now it's 3 in the morning when I woke up. I wanted to sleep but didn't want to miss the meeting.

There is one important detail Akame wanted to talk to me about. She mentions it was a secret she never told Yang and Ruby.

I made my way to the rooftop of the Academy. It was quick and easy to find. A few of Akame's men pointed to where I was supposed to go. I felt my heart thumping in my chest.

I opened the simple wooden door and deeply breathed the cool, desert air.

A sea of stars twinkling in the night sky of a scattered moon. I had seen it many times over in the mountains and it became the few joys of my life. I can identify the stars and see patterns. It is a survival lesson drilled into my skull if I ever get lost; the few lessons I didn't mind.

The stars are different here.

The arrangement shifted slightly and the lights drowned out a few stars. Vacuo isn't a massive city giving off a lot of light pollution but it is still a city nonetheless. The sky is still beautiful, all-encompassing, and mysterious. It's comforting.

It took me a while to snap out of one daze and fall for another.

She sat with her back against a stone column and on top of the stone railing. One leg outstretched and another with arms pulling her knee up. The scattered moon's light made her appearance ethereal.

A calm visage watching the street below; long, raven hair, perfectly straight swaying slightly in the desert breeze. The simple white nightgown hugging her lithe form gives Akame a regal, refined aura. This is ironic because she hates being called princess. Qrow warned me.

I waited for her to notice but she was too focused on the street below.

I coughed to get her attention.

"Mercury," She turns toward me with a smile," Are you curious if I'm still human or not?"

"You feel human, you act human," I paused," How aren't you, human?"

"Simple, I fought until I died, and a powerful Grimm came by to turn me into one of its own," She revealed," It tried but fought off its influence and kept my sense of self."

"So my dad's theories are true, It's like the story of the Grimm child," I gulped," How are you even alive? That was four years ago!"

There are Grimm that can infest humans all in their unique ways. The Nightmare infests your dreams and the Chill infests you physically. Akame definitely has Grimm in her, maybe even a new species. She should have died many times over.

It got even scarier the more I thought about it.

Patch has no Grimm. The epicenter of that grand battle no longer spawned Grimm and only a blackened landscape. The contradiction of Akame not being the beacon for Grimm with her aura level makes no sense. It goes against the fundamental rule of this world yet, She is the exception.

"You can absorb Grimm," I froze," How?"

"I can't say but it is true, I am the key to saving humanity," She looked at the stars and then focused on the moon," It is my destiny."

"Why tell me all this? We just met today," I attempted to move but felt frozen in place.

"Rumors can be more damaging," She turns her body so her legs are now dangling off the edge of the railing," Merc, I know you won't throw this newfound life away. Your father already pieced together most of what happened. Afterwards, You will investigate my affliction."

"How?" I asked. It seems like her deduction is coming out of experience.

"You will research, search, and bargain for intel, rope other people into your investigation, make deals, and at worst, come up with a conclusion that's helped no one," She listed and echoed again," Rumors are damaging."

"I-You're right," I uttered, completely shocked by the accuracy," I have too much to lose."

"Exactly," She confirmed," You have intimate contact with my body for four hours straight and on a couch."

"Will you not word it like that?!"

"Calm down Merc, We aren't talking about sex," She nonchalantly waved me off," You would feel something is off by now, a cold feeling in the pit of your soul and body."

She laid both hands over her heart. The air became colder than usual and suddenly black mass started to materialize.

"Holy shit," I stepped back.

A small nevermore begins to take shape. It perched right next to Akame before quickly disappearing. I have gotten over my shock at such an implication. It can't be real. She must have an evolved semblance or something. My father said it makes her vulnerable to attacks but nearly invisible to Grimm. An illusion tricking people and maybe Grimm seems like a possible route.

It didn't look like a typical Nevermore. The bone plates were red instead of white, and the eyes glowed violet. The rest of the body is the same black shade.

"I recently found out about that ability but couldn't find the time to practice," She yawned," Busy month."

"Why are you so honest? Trust can get you killed with someone like me!" I yelled. Now I have a reason to distrust her.

"Someone like what?"

"An assassin, a killer-I-I-"

"You never killed anyone. Merc, I want to tell you all this because I see a bit of me in you," She sighed," I did just bind you to the truth."

I get it now. She has used the truth to prevent me from searching further and show the trust she has in me.

Trust…

If I told anyone what I had seen, it would ruin everything. But knowledge will put a target on my back unless…

Why me?

I barely even know her.

"No one knows of this nightly meeting besides your men," I realized," Even my father's ranting is met with disbelief because it is too far-fetched."

"They are on a need-to-know basis and sworn to secrecy. Plenty of intel is floating around, but there are not the right questions or methods to reach it." Akame swings her legs and body around to face me." Please, don't dig any further or get involved with secrets."

"Will you still be human?" It's the only question I can think of," What if you lose yourself?"

I didn't want to offend her but that can't be healthy. A Nightmare and Chill incubation takes about a week at most. She should have died if not on the edge of it. It sounds delusional.

"Whenever I reach my goal for this world. I hope so," She smiled sadly.

"What…"

Did she just admit world-scattering information?

"I am Death," She hugged herself," I'm meant to bring finality to what is endless."

That goal of hers seems impossible. She wants to free the world of Grimm. It is an impossible task even Atlas struggled with. The creatures of Grimm always come back no matter how many humanity put down. They don't appear to reproduce and spawn out of nothing.

How would she pull it off even with how freakishly strong she is?

She is an anomaly.

My father mentioned the world is changing in massive ways. I couldn't understand it at the time because my contact with it has been limited until now. All the more reason for why I shouldn't cross her. Akame has power, resources, strength-Everything.

Even beauty.

"Then thank you for saving me," It's the only words I can utter before she rushed over and hugged me again. My body leaned forward as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

Oh Gods, she's too close.

She is too close!

"You smell nicer this time," she buried her head into my neck.

"Um, thanks?" I awkwardly stepped back, arms raised.

"Keep this secret between us," She walked back to the balcony," You can head back down now."

"It all seems so unreal, Consuming Grimm…"

"Anything is possible. Merc, Please live the life you deserve."

I never questioned why she had given me a nickname already. I didn't mind it. I don't know what I'm feeling but Akame is beyond words. She is my light in the darkness. The first person that ever made me feel...loved.

Loved...Love?

Is that what I'm feeling?

Akame PoV

I waited another 3 minutes once the door closed. I could sense Vernal, no, they could feel her essence.

"You're playing a dangerous game giving away your secrets like candy," She shook her head, materializing from the left side.

"I don't reveal every piece of information. What Militia knows as a close friend isn't the same as what you know."

I didn't tell Mercury about Salem. It was unnecessary information that was going to cause stress. I technically didn't lie. That witch is a powerful Grimm.

"What's the difference?"

"You're not just my friend but my business partner," I answered," Umber knows a bit more but that's because she's my moral compass and family."

"Have you told your family about your genetic-"

I shook my head.

"I'll never tell my sisters and dad. They don't need to know about my ability," I proceeded to point out her mistakes," Besides, I'm not the one that introduced herself as Queen of Vacuo."

"Problem resolved itself," she chuckled innocently.

"I covered for you dummy," I flicked her forehead. She feints in pain," Mercury has too much to lose and I shut down a potential rogue element for good."

A smirk slowly spread across her face.

"Y-You sly villainess," She laughed," Akame! You seduced him!"

"Excuse me?"

She attempted to reach toward my skirt. I slapped her hand away. She sent a gust of wind, I frantically pushed down the nightgown.

I countered by kicking her shin.

"Argh!" She hopped back.

"I was not attempting to 'seduce' him."

"It is short and transparent!" She pointed.

I felt my face burn.

"I-it's not! I'm wearing it because it's comfortable," I raged.

"I swear to the Dark Lord," I narrowed my eyes as she brought out her scroll," LOOK AT THIS! This is one hundred percent on you!"

She turned her scroll around.

Oh no…

ENEMIES TO POTENTIAL LOVERS?

Akame Branwen has been spotted giving Sky Schwarz a victory kiss!

…The angle…

THE DAMN ANGLE.

I collapse to the ground, hand covering my face. I didn't read beyond the title and the first sentence. This isn't going to end well—poor Sky.

"I hate the paparazzi," I growled, barely able to stand back up.

"Face it, You're the protagonist of the Ninja of Love novels," She put her hands on her waist.

"You're reading filth," I lifted my hand, changing the subject," I want my cut."

Vernal walked over to a backpack and tossed it to me. I checked the bag to see it was full of lien. I didn't care to count whether Vernal gave me a fair cut. I trust she split it properly.

The Fall Maiden was a large ransom that seemed disproportionate to the public. She's a nobody who was underqualified to guard an airship. Behind closed doors, The higher-ups negotiated with Ironwood and Ozpin for a price out of their pockets. We never told my people why it needed to be done, only they would get a cut too. They vaguely threatened to execute Amber. That isn't true but they fall for the bluff.

Amber is a nobody. We could easily absorb the media firestorm because we treated the other prisoners humanely and returned in perfect health. Even if Amber power goes to someone else, random or not, it would be years of training gone.

Oz and his little group must be livid.

Amber rejected my offer so whatever happens to her next isn't my concern.

"Akame, Do you want me to leak details about the Beacon match?" Vernal leaned against the balcony.

I nodded.

"Rumor has it team RRED is upset over being shafted from their fight against you and requests a temporary transfer to Beacon Academy."

"Did it go through?" I asked.

"Yes," She nodded.

A transfer requires both headmasters to agree on. Those two are working together to minimize my chance of victory as much as possible. They aren't giving up even now. I could've sworn Ozpin was allowing me to become a huntress.

"Is there a catch?"

"I'm sure there is," She said.

I closed my eyes and started thinking about what this entailed. Ozpin wouldn't hand me a victory like Fang did. I tried predicting their plan but failed to do so. I could only lose once. It throws my plan out the window to let Akari win just to build her fame up. This is unfortunate but I'm not gambling my chances. I'm going to crush Atlas's spirit in our match.

"Thanks for the intel," I walked away," I'm heading back to bed."

"Good night, Akame."

As I descended the stairs, I thought about how I closed one of my main missions. I'll still be happy even if I fail to become a huntress. Mercury Schwarz sounds better. I saluted back at my men as I walked the halls. Rows upon rows of paintings, pictures, and structures of the past.

A few students making last-minute prep in the courtyard waved at me and I waved back. The headmaster was watching me from across the campus but could do nothing. One wrong move and he'll be my next prisoner. I have a backpack full of lien as an insult to his authority.

I sense a strong aura signature nearby. She was wearing a maroon hoodie and sweatpants. She ran past me and our eyes locked. The champion's green eyes widened. The girl stopped running and leaned forward, hands on her knees. She took a few deep huffs before straightening herself out.

"Isn't it a little too late to be training?" I asked her.

She looked me up and down, wondering why I was walking the courtyard in sleepwear and a backpack.

"And you can't sleep?" She noticed, noticing my oversized bag," Me either."

I wish there was an option to digitally transfer the money. The under-the-table ransom money needs to be off the books and quickly accessible. This money is partially mine while the rest is to pay off key elements in the morning.

"I was running some errands," I explained," My people need quite a bit of guidance."

"Akame Branwen? I'm glad to finally meet you," The girl with red hair reached out her hand.

"It's great to finally meet you, Pyrrha Niko," I shook her hand, noting how callous they are,"Do you want to talk for a bit?"

"Gladly," She grinned.

Extra: Letter at a Grave

Dear Martha Schwarz…

Your son has come home. The family you left behind forgives you. That piece of shit husband better stay out of sight and out of mind. I know you'll ask about Akame and Umber. They're home too and better than ever. Even the tribe is walking a better path. I miss Rave but not enough for it to affect me.

I can't believe it is even possible either!

I'm sorry I couldn't make it in time. I tried talking your brother out of it but the ball was already rolling—a damn tragedy for everyone. No one wanted you to die but yourself. If only I were a second faster. Suppose I didn't fall for a decoy. Suppose I threw my life away to save you.

But the past shouldn't haunt me any further. I'll stop drinking and step up for your boy. Maybe I'll smile some more?

Wherever you are in the afterlife, Thank you for everything.

P.S. I don't know why but even my luck turned around.

Extra (Joke): The sister's text

Yang: I've been thinking.

Yang: I think I'm bi.

Akame: which one?

Yang: Wdym?

Ruby: bisexual? bipolar? billiugal?

Umber: I know

Umber: A bitch.

Yang:…

A/N: Did no one notice? I foreshadowed Akame's ability to absorb Grimms long ago.

I made some canon changes. Mercury is no longer gonna be on Salem's side. Qrow isn't as miserable or an alcoholic. Fun fact, I wanted to do a court case subplot with Akame crimes but thought it would be too boring. The final chapters are adding references to scrap ideas over the years.

There is one idea that I accidentally wrote and didn't realize until now. RWBY has plenty of references to folktales, historical figures, mythology, and of course, colors. Ruby is Red Riding Hood, Weiss is Snow White, Blake is Beauty and the Beast, and Yang is Goldilocks.

Akame in this fanfic is loosely based on Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. She is Princess Kaguya if she is also a powerful warrior, not loved by everyone, and serving a dark power. I haven't planned for her to be a reference to it but it makes thematic sense. She has long black hair, used to be nicknamed criminal princess, and comes from another world. Akame will have to make an ultimate decision later on in life. It also means I'm limiting it to only 5-6 love interests. I only revealed 3 of them and a few false flags.

The story of a girl from another world, connected to the moon or what scattered the moon. The plot points even in other renditions are relevant to the plot in this fanfic.

The next chapter is going to focus on Akame and Pyrrha. I decided each fight is just going to be mini-story arcs. Those two were supposed to meet in some of the oldest drafts. I'm going to breeze through the obstacle course stuff because it isn't as interesting.

Next Chapter: The Invincible Girls