Chapter 53: AvP

Pyrrha PoV

I could throw infinite blades, but it wouldn't even work against her.

It started with a slow ascend the spiral staircase. I tried my best not to misstep and kept the pressure on her.

I launched the swords from the front, back, above, side, and even below! I slowed down, sped up, changed directions, and alternated between stab and slashing.

It didn't matter to her. She walked up the steps like it was her own home. There isn't a change in her blank expression.

I feel inadequate.

She blocked everything with her sword and sheath/bat. I'm shocked she hasn't tried to get behind me. I know it's narrow but she could wall run over me.

A glistening of silver, I ducked on reflex.

She batted a sword right back at me.

I flinched and suddenly my back hurt; Four slashes from behind and a kick to the back of my knee. It felt like all those motions happened in an instant.

I stumbled forward but what stopped me from rolling down the stairs wasn't my effort.

It was the back of Akame's sword pressed up against my throat.

"Wh-what?" I looked up at her and noticed the telltale sign of her unnamed semblance. The white of her eyes is red and her skin is blemished by black markings.

Akame blinked and her entire body returned to normal. The red in her eyes returned to white. The markings on her neck and face faded away from her porcelain skin.

"Pick yourself up, Ms. Niko," She removed the sword from my neck," It's a shame I can't go all out but you should push even harder against me."

She slowly paced back in front of me. Akame never took her eyes off of my kneeling form.

"I am," I panted.

"Not quite-" She gasped as I knocked her off balance.

I almost launched the sheath/bat out of her hand but she caught it in time.

I began to take the initiative and barreled toward her with Miló (javelin) and Akuo(shield).

She swung her bat downward. I angled Akuo and bent my knees.

The impact came down hard. It felt and sounded like an explosion went off. The bat slid off my shield instead of dropping me a few stories. The stairs cracking under the strain.

Miló was in the prime position to stab her in the belly. I enhanced my thrust with my semblance. It should have hit her but yet, she swung her sword around and parried it.

I didn't panic. I disengaged, sending swords her way.

It was back and forth, a pattern between us. Neither of us can make a major move. The spiral staircase and my shield are limiting her options. If this was an open battleground, she could outmaneuver me. She tried to get behind me but I used my semblance to deny any attempts.

I stood against a worthy opponent slowly pushing me back.

Even the hundreds of blades are worthless as they get bent and scattered over repeated failure to skewer her.

She cut through swords with her sword. She smashed tempered steel into odd shapes with that bat.

We kept fighting and fighting.

I never came close to hitting her once while she got a few hits in on me.

It felt like forever when we were almost near the top of the tower. The hundreds of swords are now reduced to a handful with broken tips and dulled edges.

I huffed deeply, sweat dripping down my head and onto the stairs. Akame kept her passive expression but I knew she was drained. She put away her bat a while ago. It must be tiring to swing that thing around with one arm. Akame is even taking it easy on the steps to conserve energy.

She isn't making unnecessary moves.

I wasn't going to win. I'm not lowering her aura more than Goodwitch or the next contenders. Marcus Black dealt far more damage to her insides with attacks I don't have time or proficiency to learn.

I'm none of them. They're all more experienced, better than me.

"Tired yet?" I straighten my back. My shield arm felt tenderized from all the strikes. My entire body aches from constantly keeping pace with the intensity.

Akame didn't respond. She took one step forward and several steps back. She used one hand to balance herself against the wall. There is no guard railing to hold on to.

"Not yet," She lied.

"Do you want to take a breather?" I lowered my shield slightly.

"I-I can work with that," She slid down to her knees.

I gritted my teeth. This is an underhanded tactic but the staircase is at its limits. The intense battle let me discreetly weaken them. The entrance below has been blocked off once we made it to the halfway point.

I'm sorry Akame.

I'm really, really, really sorry!

"Ummm, excuse me but I'm going to wait at the top while you rest! Sorry, " I apologized. Akame caught on that something was wrong. She couldn't dwell on it any longer as I slammed my shield into the ground and leaped back.

Akame's eyes widened and she attempted to escape. I switched my javelin to rifle mode and fired. I aimed at her legs and got one lucky bullet in her shin.

It still wasn't enough as she kept rushing forward, an arm's length away. The few swords left inside the tower have already fallen into the darkness below. The swords in the arena aren't gonna make it in time nor make a difference.

She's going to make it!

I switched Milo back into its javelin form, prepared for close-quarter combat, and stepped forward. I felt adrenaline pump throughout my body in a renewed burst. Yet, it felt like I was at my limit.

I'm not going to last any longer in this state.

A strain of hair fell in front of my face. I must look like a mess instead of the picturesque victor in every battle.

I'm going to lose and I couldn't be happier.

Then the sunlight hit her face.

She briefly winced and it became an opportunity.

I pulled my arms and body back, throwing the javelin dead center at Akame's chest, and knocking her back. We locked eyes. I expected her to stare back with anger and betrayal etched across her face. It may not destroy our newfound friendship but the trust between us is gone.

She smiled.

There wasn't a hint of disdain in her eyes as if she was proud of my trick.

The moment between us didn't last as I pulled Milo back with my semblance and she fell into the darkness. I took several steps back.

I couldn't believe it worked!

I relaxed. Akame is going to find a way back up and our bout will resume. It gave me some time to reflect. I forced down a chuckle.

My body aches. I'm feeling pain in places I didn't know could hurt. I felt more fatigued than the most intense training. I could feel my heart pounding like gunfire in my chest.

I spar against my father but this is different.

This tower is such a nice change of pace, a chance to strategize. A chance to realize how outmatched I am. That I have to use my semblance so openly. How I have to use the environment to my advantage.

This feeling is euphoric.

It isn't like she is impossible to defeat either. I got one hit in. People far greater than me have gotten more. The difference is I still have room to grow. I'll reach a point one day.

I'll get stronger.

I put Milo and Akuo on my back. I walked over to the center of the arena and levitated the swords at the same time as my next trick. She is heading up right now.

Akame, I'm bringing this arena and myself right to you.

I crossed my arms and concentrated on my targets; the tower beams.

It was like an earthquake. I rapidly uncrossed my arms and the sound of ripping reached my ears. It was a horrible metallic squealing as I bent and twisted the beams supporting the tower.

It all came down yet I was able to slow my descent with my semblance. I used polarity on my armor, weapons, and even the swords. I slowly float down.

A massive dust cloud blocked my vision.

How am I going to find her?

I saw a flicker of red in a sea of yellow dust clouds.

I found her and she found me, too.

The dust cloud disperse with a single swing of her sword. She has white powder from the limestone in her hair and outfit. Akame dusted herself off and pointed her sword toward me.

I landed and continued our battle.

I threw swords at her. She shot them away. A few bullets pinged off my shield as I got in close. My xiphos clashed with her katana.

I pushed against her katana with all I had, yet it didn't move. I reinforced my strength with my semblance, yet it didn't budge. Even as I use polarity on her katana.

She didn't move.

It was like I was pushing against a mountain.

"I'm going to wager dropping the stage wasn't a part of the script?" She deadpanned.

"It was last minute," I discreetly fired a few swords from the sides, and she slapped them away.

By the Gods, how far is our disparity?

I yanked a sword from behind me and launched it toward the back of my head. I moved away at the last second. She unlocked our blades and recoiled back. It was a direct hit to her head.

I did it! I got another-She snapped her eyes back at me.

The sword was held in her mouth. She bit down on it until it snapped in her teeth Akame quickly spit out the fragments.

"Im neve doin thut a gain," She messaged her mouth. She could hardly hide her pain.

"Doesn't that hurt?" I was concerned.

I'm surprised that's what hurt her.

"Huw did Uncue Crow dewit?" She groaned in pain.

"YOU DID IT WITHOUT YOUR AURA, DUMMY!" Someone's voice echoed from afar.

"You didn't use your aura either!"She yelled into the sky, somehow fully recovered from scattering a sword with her mouth.

"I'M BUILT NORMALLY!"

Eh? This is an interesting turn of events. I looked at one of the large screens on top of a roof. It was focused on a man with a megaphone at the Academy gate. Akame noticed the screen at the same time as me.

Akame's eyes twitched as if realizing the fault in her logic.

"Sorry Pyrrha, He's special," She quickly bowed.

"SAID THE GIRL WITH IRON DEFICIE-" His yelling suddenly cut off. I look over at the screen again. A shorter woman, I think it's Ms. Rumpole(?), is smacking him on the back like he's a troubled child.

Akame and I looked at each other, back to the screen, and then back to each other again.

We shared a quick laugh. This will go down as not only my most intense but also the most hilarious fight ever!

It just hit me. Akame isn't protecting her insides for some unknown reason. Marcus Black, no, the Headmaster gave up his round for this purpose.

I have given up on using that aura technique already.

But there is one trick I can pull.

I glance over to another board keeping track of my aura level.

50% left.

And Akame's…

Huh? I need to step it up.

She entered with 60% of her aura left and is now down to 55%. Of course, one or two percent of that is her semblance. The three percent is likely mine.

This is almost demoralizing.

This implies it would take dozens of me to beat her. But from my experience in the arena, numbers on the board are only one factor.

Akame is beyond exhausted from fighting Goodwitch. She's using me to recover some energy. I understand her reasoning but I still wish she would finish me off asap.

I'm going to set a goal. I'll lower it to 49% and weaken her enough for Atlas and Vale. Akame is my first real friend but in honor of a duel, I won't go easy.

The battle commences on the ruin of the tower.

Vernal PoV

Backdoor of a nearby shop

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaggggghhh!

I MESS UP!

I knew I shouldn't have listened to that weird Scorpion Faunus. I still trust the guy. He said the right code words meaning he's within my inner circle.

Although, I don't remember Akame or Shay initiating this guy.

Okay! I can resolve this. This guy and his crew know our code. They more or less dress the part in white and Grimm masks. We need to kill Peach. Finally, We blame it on the White Fang.

Ya! That could work.

Akame is going to be proud of me. Maybe she'll be upset at first but once her aura regen comes back it makes her battles easier.

"The problem is they change their flight path," A large man walked forward," If you fly in that direction you'll find nothing."

"That makes sense. So how do we suggest we find them?"

"Hehehe, A friend on the inside gives us the flight path," The Scorpion Faunus beamed happily, showing me a scroll with a tracker.

" He put a tracker on it before it left," A young woman/girl(?) added. I could have sworn we met somewhere before. I couldn't tell with that Grimm mask.

Now isn't the time to press for answers.

They know the code so why should I distrust them?

You know what? Just in case…

"So who initiated your group? A select few know my status as a Maiden," I look between those four. A girl with green hair is watching the door.

"Your aunt up in Solitus did," The huge man motioned.

"I'm just glad we aren't freezing our ass off in the tundra," The Faunus sighed," Gotta throw some respect on your auntie's name. That woman's work is amazing~"

"Auntie Flax!" I laughed," Well let's not waste any more time! You all got your ship and I'm faster. We'll intercept the transport before it leaves the Vacuo. I'll knock it out of the sky and you'll make sure no one survives."

We left the shop in a hurry.

? PoV

Seconds after that child left, I approached my minion as they were about to take off.

It felt odd. I had on a thick layer of makeup, a blonde wag, contacts, and my body was hidden in a large cloak. It felt like centuries since I wore a disguise in public. It's degrading how I'm forced to get my hands dirty.

The man next to me has orange hair and a heavily scarred face. He wore a cloak of his own hiding the armor underneath. Beaufort is working for us but only this once.

"You are to aid her, Cinder," My eyes lingered specifically on her," She is far too valuable and powerful for you to backstab."

"That girl? How could she be this strong? The last I saw of her, she needed two boys to defend herself," Cinder sneered.

I fought Maidens plenty of time. They're often weak compared to my magic and lacking in experience. Vernal is no exception but that girl is still powerful and shouldn't be underestimated. Akame and her actions make my goal stronger by default.

"You both go to the same orphanage, use it as a bonding moment or what is left of it," I commanded.

"She is nothing without her power," Cinder smirked, "She is only powerful because of the relic."

"Unfortunately, all the wishes are used up thus making it pointless to even steal," I added," If we are kind, she'll tell us the name."

I could have attacked the air convoy transporting the Haven Headmaster and the relic but I will gain nothing from it. I don't know the Spirit's name and would have to keep it guarded for a hundred years before the next usage. My effort is needed in Vacuo.

Merlot has already deployed his experiments. They're fewer in numbers but make up for it in individual strength. That madman fanaticism is only seconds to Tyrian.

Beaufort rallied his cohorts. They live and die for this moment. They are fewer in numbers but I only need them for a mission.

I guided a small Swarm of Grimm currently digging deep underground. They're deep enough not to cause any tremor but coming up is going to take a while. I needed to create a special breed of blind worms with extra plating to stand temperatures that high. Once they get near the surface, the humans are going to detect them.

Ozpin's people are far from unified. In their scheme to one-up one another, Fang leaked a plan to Vernal's auntie. They're going to ambush and kill Spring Maiden.

I couldn't understand why Fang chose to tell my proxy instead of Ozpin or Akame, they would have put a bloodless stop to it. He must be setting a trap for all of us. I'll lose a powerful pawn if I don't act. The intel I gathered from Mistral and Atlas supports a hit squad for Vernal.

Flaxen, as rebellious as always, begged us to save her.

Now? Why would I disagree with a mutually beneficial plan?

"Ironwood is using two Maidens in the battle and an unknown number of soldiers," I added," I'll send some reinforcements but they're only a distraction. Be cautious of this mission."

It's hard to gather wild Grimm. The locals are adamant in their hunt that my best chance is discreetly bringing over my own.

"He can't be foolish enough to attack over international borders?" Hazel stepped forward.

"He isn't but I like to believe his Exiles are," I warned them. That mercenary army led by that Specialist is under no obligation. I deduce they're our main opponent in that battle," Beaufort, Merlot, and I will handle the battle here. The rest of you, especially our newest member, will handle yours."

"I'll make sure your orders are followed to the letter, my queen," Tyrian whispered and bowed," Isn't that right, Cinder?"

I didn't need to tell her the consequences would be dire.

Hazel and Cinder bowed as they boarded their ship. My minions will have to fight a faraway battle. Meanwhile, I turn my head to the Academy. There are so many important players here but I only care about one.

I gritted my teeth and calmed my rage.

He's here.

I'll destroy this peace, Ozpin. Your strongest warrior and Maiden will propagate the suffering on my behalf. I'll turn this new peace against you.

By the end of the day, I'll set the seed for another Great War.

A large explosion went off near the city walls but it wasn't my doing, yet.

Ozpin PoV

I can't stop shaking. There is something deadly wrong. I trust my gut instinct that despite Akame's security measures, there is a chance bad actors must have slipped through the cracks.

Akame's forces are heavily autonomous and held together by her strength. I had experience with such a leadership style. The moment the strongest is gone, everything falls apart. I know it will happen.

I was the infinite man.

This is why I have pushed against creating the concept of the top huntsman/huntress ever since the formation of the academies. I refuse the idea of a leaderboard or a top-ten ranking. It would turn altruism into a contest for popularity.

There shouldn't be the strongest yet Akame is creating that concept.

She is creating a tower built on one pillar. The foundation had been laid the day she fought that horde of Grimm. I could only hope to steer it and make her realize she shouldn't be the lone star.

I didn't have much of a choice once the floodgates were open.

I look at the players on the board and hope Salem isn't one of them. The players are Fang, Theodore, Akame, Malachite, myself, and Ironwood. More gears are moving here than there are in my office. Even now, Fang is up to something but I couldn't put my finger on it.

I got a new plan. I'll call all of them to a meeting and tell everyone to take a damn vacation.

Completely uninterrupted.

No scheming.

No mental or physical battles.

ESPECIALLY no work talk.

Someone is going to suffer an aneurysm at this rate. I bet on Ironwood going down first followed by myself. Unfortunately and fortunately, I can come back from it unlike him. Which leaves the world in the most destructive cat fight with Fang and Theodore caught in the middle.

There are too many gears turning…

I leaned back on the chair and got on my scroll.

"Glynda, Heal up and get everyone ready for combat," I ordered. She didn't question my intuition," Humanity won't be caught off guard."

I know she is here. There is no proof but I know Salem.

I looked down at the city.

A large dust cloud formed at Akame and Ms. Niko's match.

Akame PoV

She did it.

I put a hand over my heart. Quickly, wiping the dark red blood running down my mouth. She launched me into a building that fortunately didn't have any cameras or people nearby.

She pushed my endurance far enough for my body to slow down the healing process.

My muscles felt like it was set ablaze. The pain overshadowed the intense exhaustion from trying to end the match quickly. That was my mistake.

I have regenerative healings capable of pulling back blood leaving my body. It can reverse wounds like it never happened. My bones mend themselves albeit painfully.

Umber once dislocated my shoulder in a spar and it fixed itself soon after.

My regeneration is based on my stamina. I could keep fighting far beyond that with my aura and willpower but the body is done for. I pushed myself that far once.

It was as if I was a puppet on a string. This is another abnormality of my body. As if I'm piloting myself once I reach that state. The aftermath never takes hold until the battle is over.

"THE WINNER IS AKAME BRANWEN!" The announcer screamed.

Winner? It doesn't feel like it. I would have failed If this was a time-sensitive mission. The champion kept on the defensive until the very last strike.

Akame Branwen: 48%

Prryha Niko: 0%

I dragged myself out of the ruin of this building and walked into the light. The crowd was shouting my name. They rush from all directions beside the wreckage and congratulate me for an eventful fight.

Huh? She didn't throw me through one building. I've gone through a whole block. I could see Pyrrha. She is on the other end of these holes in people's homes and businesses.

She lost but still stood like a warrior defending her post. I waved at her but she didn't wave back.

I was confused but then it dawned on me.

Pyrrha Niko is unconscious. The spear is the only thing keeping her standing as she leans on it. Her shield has been split in two by one of my slashes.

You put up a great fight, Pyrrha. If I was cursed/blessed by the divine we would have been equals. I hope you still strive to get stronger after today.

It's boring being alone at the top.

The rancid flavor of my blood is still in my mouth. I can't afford another slip-up like that, especially now. I'm going to get myself a mask.

A bullhead descended nearby and Shay hopped out ready to transport me to the next match.

I didn't want to put it on because I'd start being compared to my mother. The tribe is going to love me even more for it but wearing it to an Atlas match may get the bullhead shot out of the sky.

Damn it.

"Shay, I need you to make a quiet detour before the match starts. I need to put on that mask," I board the craft.

"Why the sudden change in mood, boss? Ya hated it," he asked.

"It gets Atlas angry," I lied.

"Hehe, Understood," He slid a box toward me. I picked it up and held it.

He closed the door and began ascending to the Atlas airship. I crashed onto a nearby seat. My men were kind enough to leave refreshments and snacks for me to eat. I ate all of it within seconds. I barely got a few minutes to rest.

I open the box and stare at the skull with ram horns. The inside of the eye socket is violet. The skull of the mask is blood-red. The crevices and jaw are black as ink.

This is the first time I've seen it. I dismissed it as trash when Vernal told me she made it. I didn't want to acknowledge this. Ver mentioned seeing the mask in her dreams and quickly commissioned the abomination.

This is concerning. Vernal saw the face of the Dark Lord. More like a version of it adapted into a Grimm mask. Is she this far gone?

Maybe I shouldn't have told her the truth about the Gods.

The mask is well made and the material is damage-resistant. I'll only wear it for today.

The mask of the God of Darkness.

A/N: Akame and Vernal are intrinsic to each other. I have big plans for these two. Akame hates the God of Darkness and Vernal is going to be his first worshiper. Yet they're still willing followers. They're both the main characters of Reincarnated Huntress. Vernal is going to get a redesign in the same way Atalanta got an Alter.

I'm building up this final arc because almost everyone is involved. People will die and that's a fact. Akame will face dilemmas on what to do next—the choices she has to confront. The real trials are still to come.

You know, Akame wearing a mask isn't that significant. She got two already. I change her outfit around a lot so it doesn't mean it is a part of her character. I just like describing different outfits and looks. People would see it as Akame being edgy/dark. On the other hand, Salem(mostly) and Ozpin would go into shock. I can't make it any clearer to them who she works under.

The balance of power changes often. It's how I view the concept of the strongest. Strength isn't everything and both Akame and Vernal are going to learn it the hard way.

Please leave a review too. It's been dropping as of late and I know my views are decent. I am trying to hurry to the sequel but I wrote myself into a web that needs to be untangled first.