Chapter 54: Entropy
Normal PoV
Ozpin knew Fang was up to something. He didn't expect it to be this.
"He told me to give you this," Professor Peach exhaled, a briefcase in her hand. She handed it over to him.
"Ms. Peach, I didn't issue you an order to board and jump off a transport," Ozpin calmly said," I only told you to lock Akame's regen and get over here."
Goodwitch stood nearby fully grasping what happened in that battle with Akame.
"That wasn't you?" The combat instructor leaned over.
"Why would I make such a convoluted plan just for the off chance I trick the Spring…Vernal's people?"
"To be fair Oz, There are more operations, contingencies, and opsec than we can keep track of. You have done this exact tactic against Fang," Glynda messaged her temple.
"Who was on that transport?" Ozpin asked.
"It was only Fang and some dummies in the passenger seat."
"By the Gods," Goodwitch clenched her riding crop," We were played."
"That's mean…no," the wizard stared at the briefcase, hoping it wasn't empty," Y-you're dismissed."
Peach should never be on a transport, nor was Fang heading back to Haven.
He put in the combination and quickly opened the case. Ozpin breathed a sigh of relief seeing the Relic of Knowledge still inside. He feared Fang would give the relic over to Salem.
"Sorry for doubting you."
Ozpin felt ashamed, thinking Fang had betrayed him. He had already confirmed his loyalty despite being lied to. The secret of Salem's immortality is hidden even from Glynda.
Yet, why?
Why is he working with the enemy?
Port and Oobleck spotted him with a large man with tan skin. The professors didn't know Fang wasn't allowed in Vacuo. It even slipped their mind that the men he was speaking with looked suspiciously like Hazel Rainhart. Someone who has a vendetta against him. They thought nothing of it as they escorted Peach to the transport ship.
Akame factions are filled with criminals with active bounties. Even if the professors recognize the man, out of dozens or hundreds of wanted posters, it would be written off as a man seeking redemption.
The old wizard reflected on the conversation he had with the Haven Headmaster.
'Once upon a time, There was a child from a defunct royal family. He looked around and saw evil, inefficiency, and corruption. So he tries to change it peacefully.'
The headmaster of Beacon felt guilt in his heart.
'But evil doesn't listen.'
Everyone but Akame's faction was unified to achieve this one goal. They led Vernal away from Vacuo.
"Glynda! Prepare to stop them. I'll get a ship for you after I call a meeting with our troublemakers," He stood up," I'll put a hold on Akame's Atlas match."
He didn't know where the attack was going to take place. The headmaster needed more intel before acting out his plan, and then he froze in his step.
"Come out foul monster," He spoke, addressing the entity hiding at the ceiling.
Glynda scanned the ceiling and noticed a few small nevermores. They slipped through security and dropped off a seer. The Grimm birds retreated out the vents.
"Vernal must not die."
The room temperature dropped further upon hearing the woman's voice. Ozpin knows it too well. The ceiling darkened and a red orb with tentacles descended.
Goodwitch raised her riding crop, ready to destroy the Grimm.
"Stop," Ozpin placed a hand on her arm.
"It's been four years since we last talked. I'll cut to the chase, I also want Akame forces to succeed and I'll offer up an accord."
"Oz, We shouldn't listen to her," Goodwitch warned.
"I'm willing to parlay. It is a rarity for us to agree on something, right?" Ozpin referenced. The old wizard wanted to add a few more words after, "If you want to keep Vernal alive, why send her to her death?"
"The entrapment was bound to happen eventually. Akame knew this sort of situation would happen, hence, the Spring Maiden's disappearance from the South Mistral front," She recollected," Ironwood and Malachite kept a joint strike force around for this occasion. They plan to take her down over the borders."
'A location!' Ozpin shouted in his mind,' But that isn't specific enough for me to send Gylnda away.'
"Even after I told them to abandon it," He muttered.
Ironwood has been preparing anti-maiden tactics and training his elites. The Aceops, several special units, and Winter are aware of Maidens. Now that he thinks about it, The Aceops aren't guarding the General.
"Now you know how your future strongest Huntress feels dealing with that incompetent child," She said mockingly," I'm not sending her to her death. Your allies are sending Maidens and their best operatives to theirs."
"You're sending your pawns to fight alongside her," Ozpin tightened his grip on his cane," Mind telling me the exact numbers?"
"You know that wouldn't work," She seemingly held back a laugh," I heard you were planning to tell Akame."
Ozpin understood a part of her plan. She needed Vernal to be outside the city to enact her schemes. The witch would be able to prevent it in the first place but simply hijacked a part of Atlas and Mistral's plans to further her own.
"She has a right to know her friend and closest ally is in danger," He stood firm.
"And if you do? She'll forfeit the match and become one step closer to throwing away her redemption. Worst of all, You'll cause a frenzy among the tribe and its allies. The tribal leader disappearing does look suspicious," She warned," Now that does sound like the perfect brewing ground for some chaos, doesn't it?"
There is also a risk of the bounty being back on, thus trapping her in Vacuo until the next attempt.
Ozpin has the right to delay Akame's final match indefinitely. He would have to release her regen lock if she's off to fight Maidens and Aceops. Atlas wouldn't let it slide. They either ask her to fight or forfeit.
"You're bluffing," Goodwitch said," The city is well-defended against your hordes."
"And? You're ignoring the human factor. What would happen if Akame left the city to save Vernal or send some of her people to help? What would happen if words got around that Mistral and Atlas are at fault? What if the overwhelming presence of Akame's leaderless army starts believing rumors," She persuaded, fully aware of the volatile nature of Vacuo," A meeting with your troublemakers isn't going to resolve it."
Akame would abruptly leave the city. Even if she comes back, She'll be questioned but burdened with answers. Best case, She comes back pulling Vernal and Fang by the ears.
The worst possible future is Akame coming back with Vernal's body in her hands, Eyes lit ablaze.
"What about Fang? Is he working with you?" Oz needed an answer.
He knows Fang wouldn't be a traitor after everything he told him. There isn't even a molecule of fear when faced with the prospect of an endless war.
"Yes and no. He is on the same side of the coin as Ms. Flaxen Del Nel. They both love Vernal but deep down, their twisted nature is imprinted on her," The witch explained," The annihilation of evil or whatever that opposes them."
"How could Atlas and Mistral lead her away? This sounds like a collaboration between you and Fang only," Goodwitch didn't believe the story.
"There are a few bodies, now eaten by Grimm, belonging to the MIAs who were originally tasked with misdirecting Peach and the Spring Maiden," Salem explained," Fang found out, forced the answer out of them, then contacted Flaxen, who contacted me."
"Flaxen is here," He shook his head. The plan became clearer," I thought the MIA branch was wiped out."
"They're a part of Malachite's security details," The witch answered," We merely took over their role."
"It seems like all factions are converging in Vacuo," Glynda sighed," Even the White Fangs are here."
"AABU (Atlas Anti-Banditry Unit) are staying out of trouble," Ozpin pointed out," And it is just Flaxen Fangs coming over, not Sienna's."
"There are two paths I see happening. She is either going to indulge in darkness and help her auntie wipe out the army coming her way."
"What's the second?"
"She'll kill my pawns. Fang coerced her into being an Arbiter of Justice like him. She'll be fast enough to flee the oncoming strike force."
Both their blood ran cold.
Ozpin knows what will happen if the plan goes through. He knows the location must be a prime spot for an ambush. It is either remote or over international territory.
The wizard also caught on to her comment about Fang. The Haven Headmaster would land the transport further away from the rendezvous point and set his trap. Fang feints betrayal to destroy all their enemies.
"You're willing to sacrifice all your force?" The combat professor spat in disgust.
"Vernal will become an integral part of the future even at the cost of my current pawns. There is always more in these desperate times," The Grimm Queen spoke with no concern," The third path is her death. I don't need to spell out what will happen if the power goes to Akame or someone else."
A catalyst for another Great War.
"We're going to tell Akame," Ozpin finalized.
He never once changed his mind on doing the right thing. This talk was to delay him and force doubt into his decisions. It's Salem's calling card.
"Did you just hear what I said?" Salem raised her voice.
"Yes, and you believe the girl is a brash, emotional teen. Akame is a young woman tempered by a harsh life. We'll handle this like adults," The wizard motioned for Glynda to destroy the Seer.
She flicked her riding crop and the Grimm imploded.
"I'm heading to Ironwood and Malachite right this instant," Ozpin looked at the balcony," Tell them to delay the match for an emergency meeting before it's too late:"
He grabbed the briefcase, ran forward, and jumped over the railings.
"No time to lose! Landing Strategy Glynda!"
Goodwitch rolled her eyes and followed Ozpin to the ground.
Akame PoV
Atlas should have only one airship over Vacuo. The other three belonging to my forces are currently training guns on it just in case of suspicious behavior. This is my domain. I can't have them misbehaving in it when the family is around.
I felt the bullhead hover, waiting for the clearance to enter and land.
Shay told me there was another box underneath one of the seats. It wasn't anything too crazy. A hand mirror, a hairbrush, lipstick, wet wipes, medical supplies, and perfume.
I didn't need most of it but I decided to freshen up a bit. There is nothing I can do for my damaged outfit besides wiping off dirt and dust from the last battle. My hair is a mess but a quick brush solves the issue.
They're taking a while…
They could blow up this bullhead right this instant. Immediately removing their greatest threat. It isn't guaranteed to work with my healing factor and reflexes. The moment I see a shell enter this chamber, I'll rush to the pilot compartment, rescue Shay, jump through the windshield, and then the bullhead explodes.
I could smell the hostility before we got inside. It must wound their pride when they're not even the second-strongest army in this kingdom.
Atlas still has special permission to send airships to fight Grimm but Vacuo can now protect itself. My presence guarantees a safe zone. The Grimm are still hiding out in remote locations. They would need proof and a distress signal for them to enter.
Which is going to be hard to acquire because the people would contact my forces first and foremost.
"You ready boss?" Shay's voice came from a speaker.
"Yes but why are you here?" I asked him," This is far below your rank to escort me."
"I know," he answered," I thought ya should know how proud us OGs are. We came far because of you and crybaby."
"Show some respect to Vernal. She cries less now."
"Heh, We're in private. I'll talk like how I knew you girls growing up. I still can't believe how I went from shittin' in the woods to livin like kings!"
"As long as you act like a decent human being, Shay. I don't want any of that criminal crap," I sigh.
"I wish your ma was here to see you," he trailed off, sadness in his voice.
"It's the life we live. Death did come to her. It will come to all of us eventually," I stared at my hands," But she died as my mother."
"You're clear to land," A woman ordered from over the speaker.
"That took a while," I relaxed.
They were thinking about shooting us down.
"Back to our talk. Do you want her ashes?"
"Yes," I answered before he even finished the sentence. My hand went to my mouth, partially covering it. My fingertips tapped on the hard exterior of the mask. Oh right, I put this crap on.
I didn't know how to feel at that moment. I answered too damn quickly as if I was desperate for one memento of her.
"Good because we don't have it and it's not worth the risk of smuggling it out," he said solemnly," The retreat was so messy that the crew who were supposed to bring her home were killed."
I understand why. It's hard to smuggle goods to the splinter cells in South Anima or bring people out because of the checkpoints. The whole southern region is under strict martial law. The ashes of my mother might be ransomed or desecrated by the enemy. Those are risks no one wanted to take.
"Where is it?" I steadied myself.
"The town of Chiang Mai keeps it under a different name, Pretty good people," Shay continued," Huntress has more freedom to travel. They'll know immediately it's you."
"What if they are passing laws to limit my movement?" I sighed.
"I don't believe anyone is yet? But just in case, You should make a beeline to Chiang Mei the moment you become a huntress. Please do," Shay paused," It would help all of us if Rave could finally come home."
"I'll do it," I promised. I'm grateful that this mask hides my emotions," Besides, I can always sneak in through the back door."
"You're really putting points into pissing off Atlas," he gulped.
"Open the top hatch and get close to the ceiling," I smiled as the top hatch remotely opened.
This bullhead is custom-made for this exact reason. It's an excuse to make sure I don't die in the lion's den. Thus, I made sure to perform a quick audit of Atlas's welcome party.
"Don't get them too pissed off. I'm cool with dying but maybe we should um…avoid it," He chuckled nervously.
I jumped out of the bullhead, closing the hatch behind me, and started moving silently through the rafter of the ship.
My dark outfit aided in bending into the shadows above them. The hangar bay was void of crates and military crafts. There were a platoon worth of soldiers lining the perimeter of the hangar, and walkways, and three near the landing spot.
Winter Schnee is to the left.
Ironwood is in the middle.
Akari Efnysien to the right.
I located new crews gathered in different corners and vantage points to record the fight. There are several levels of these catwalks with some being half a story and the highest almost touching the ceiling. They were constantly snapping pictures and reporting in low voices while the military remained silent.
There is one particular group that caught my interest. They were on a catwalk at the highest level and far enough from the soldiers and other crews. They're also the closest relative to my position.
The most interesting part is they kept quiet, unlike the other crews.
I was wondering where Lisa and her people were. I've been giving her exclusive interviews since that day. Lisa's career has been taking off because of me.
The bullhead landed in a designated location. All eyes were focused on the bullhead. Once again, These professionals didn't notice me on the catwalk.
I removed my mask in order not to spook Lisa too much.
I gently tapped on her shoulder. She looked over and smiled. This lady and her cameraman were expecting me.
I came in close and hushed them.
"I'll announce your presence once the doors are open," Lisa winked.
I turned to the camera, winked, and hushed the audience. I picked up that habit from Yang whenever she was about to do something devious. My home kingdom must be going crazy right now.
This is the ultimate test of trust.
All it takes is a text from a family, friend, or colleague of one of the new crews below us to ruin the surprise.
The next minute passes by slowly. The longer this goes on the higher the likelihood of my cover being blown. Fortunately, Everyone was too focused on the bullhead.
Our cameraman was mostly focused on Lisa and me watching the scene below. He occasionally switches between the Bullhead and us.
The doors open and the clicking of cameras intensifies only to be met with disappointment.
"WHAT?!"
"Where is she?!"
"How?"
"Our princess is in another castle," Shay joked on Bullhead's speaker.
I facepalmed.
I glance over to see a sly smile on Lisa.
I smiled back but spoke with my eyes. She better not say it.
"I'm here with Princess of Vacuo, Akame Branwen!" She shouted into her microphone, catching everyone's attention.
Even when I'm winning I'm still losing.
We felt dozens of guns aimed at us yet we carried on.
"It's in jest," She smiled and we continued the interview.
"Such disrespect," Winter Schnee muttered, "Branwen! Come down here and fight!"
"What are you going to do? Shoot us?" I yelled down.
Ironwood shook his head, Akari held in a laugh, and Winter was seething.
"Great another Qrow," Ironwood sighed.
The other news crew must be punching air over a pre-battle interview. I have plans for Lisa. She's my ticket to exposing my enemies and winVale's Vale hearts and minds. So of course I need to keep a good relationship with her.
Now that I think about it, I never bother to ask for the cameraman's name.
We had small talk and I answered some questions for the next five minutes. I wasn't in any rush. I'm using this opportunity to recover my stamina, build up support, and annoy Atlas. Malachite is somewhere on this ship, too.
Maybe if I slander her enough, she'll show herself? I decided against it at the last minute.
It would be easy to pull off. I could refer to her questionable politics, her health, and that I'm dating her Militia. While I inhabit Militia clone(Melanie) mind rent-free. She would be rushing over to shut me up. Melanie could come over if I start embarrassing her.
I have no clue where the twins are but I assume they're with their mother.
Suddenly, the roof over us creaked violently.
For a moment, I thought my weight joke manifested itself.
I looked down and noticed Ironwood had already left the area. Meanwhile, Winter was giving me a nasty look and Akari was chatting with some journalists. That Schnee must hate me.
The sounds of footsteps and one of the side doors open with a loud bang.
I recognized the man immediately. This is the first time we see each other in person yet I met him many times before.
Professor Ozpin locked eyes with me. We haven't spoken much to each other and the few times we do is over the scroll. It had mostly been brief business-related. I couldn't understand why but there was always an air of awkwardness and sorrow keeping him from fully speaking his mind.
He must think I'm Kurome, my last incarnation. Salem is purely immortal. Ozpin reincarnates through a different body upon death. Meanwhile, I'm merely fragments scattered through countless years until most of it comes together. I never considered them another me.
The God of Darkness was right in calling me a parasite. Upon their death, I ripped and transferred a bit of their soul into my collective. It makes me feel like a cancer cell disrupting the balance of humanity. An insult to the concept of death despite the title given to me by my enemies and followers.
I leaped down without delay.
I know this isn't the time to antagonize Atlas or question Ozpin.
I walked past the annoyed and enraged visage of soldiers. I ignored the questioning of reporters and journalists. I needed to hurry out of this hangar.
The hallway seems empty as if the entire ship crew are in that hangar.
"I need you to call Vernal now," He sped ahead.
What is that dumbass doing now? There's no way she's doing something stupid now.
There is no signal. She isn't picking up. I felt my heart racing but I took a deep breath to calm down. This could mean she's busy or worse, flying in an area without coverage. I need to relax, overreacting may trigger my semblance and that's the last thing I want.
I still can't shake this oppressive feeling in my heart.
Vernal! Please be safe.
"No signal, Is this sudden meeting about her?" I asked," I already told you, She is in charge of the tribe."
He ignored my comments.
"Ironwood ordered the route to his office to be cleared. We can talk in peace, Kurome," He uttered.
It confirms my suspicion. Ozpin kept all our interactions brief because he wasn't sure what or who I was. Kurome lives her life without guidance or blessing/curse from the God of Darkness. None of my incarnations/hosts are indebted to that bastard.
He thinks I'm Kurome.
"Is it Kurome or your original name is long gone?"
I see.
He doesn't have the full story. Salem likely has her theories on what I am but she never revealed it even during that torture. I could reveal more information about myself and my purpose but it seems Ozpin is making his conjunctions.
"Does it matter, You fool," I hissed.
I embodied Kurome's feelings toward the King of Vale. I hold no grudges against Oz for tossing the tribe away, I understood both sides of the story. Everyone was done fighting but the rebels demanded retribution.
I played along with his belief that my reincarnation was the same as his.
"I'm sorry," he uttered sadly," Your people sacrificed so much. Vale would have been crushed before Vacuo could join the war. For that, I am thankful."
I must become an actress and improvise. It's unclear even in history what happened to those two. The King went on a hunting trip never to return and Kurome Branwen disappeared when the tribe needed her most.
Hatred and distrust come to mind.
I followed him down the long halls, making several turns.
"You sacrifice us, Ozymandias," I used the King's name. Ozpin's grip tightened on his cane," I can go on a tirade over your failure. My kingdom is suffering another dictatorship because you thought a council was enough to run it."
"And let entire regions of Mistral break away and form their own Kingdom?" He shook his head," It would weaken all of us. Those splintered regions would be too weak to support themselves."
"They weren't given much care when the Empire had the authority to impose itself and now, though an incompetent council, they still aren't. Malachite just made the whole oppression come full circle," I fired back.
"I can point out what's wrong with your methods. If I die now, the Academy and Vale go on. If you die, Your world falls apart," He countered," That's his face, isn't it?"
Who said anything about dying? Ozpin could be removed from his Headmaster seat through the insistence of the people or the council. I still command my forces even when I let go of power. Ironwood is so ingrained in their duties that a replacement is impossible. Malachite is the closest in terms of absolute power.
He glanced at the mask in my hand.
"Don't change the topics," I snapped back," Your passiveness borders on cowardice. At least I fight for my belief. Maybe you're so afraid to become her that you shun any semblance of her actions. Even if it's beneficial."
"If humanity were to unite it shall be together through mutual goals and not by force. That's what the God of Light would want," He explained.
What a valuable piece of information you granted me. It helps fill in the inconsistencies of why he never became a conqueror. Such a goal would require humanity to let go of its uniqueness.
Why make all of us different and expect a singular mindset?
Why should humanity follow a singular mindset for a long period, no, an eternity of time?
Humanity isn't Grimm.
I(?) scoffed at the notion.
I scoffed?
"And? How is that working?" I tainted, somehow it struck a chord with him, "I feel sorry for you. I truly do. Those are ideals from a God that doesn't understand his creation."
It felt as if we were going to fight right then and there.
"We are here," He was about to knock on the door.
I stopped him.
"Wait."
"What is it now?"
Kurome and him don't seem to have the best relationship. I'm not helping either with what I've done.
"I should apologize for being too harsh early. Thank you for trying to make up the past and protecting my family," I closed my eyes. I didn't feel like myself when I was channeling Kurome.
Kurome is a name I heard before. It belongs to someone else who wasn't a Branwen tribe leader. It must be someone precious to me. My memories are gone but the feeling remains.
"Which one?"
"Both of them," I answered. The mood softened and it no longer felt like we were going to kill each other. The undertone of hostility is still there.
"I would like to apologize, too," he sighed.
"How much do you know about me?" I crossed my arms.
"I can't tell if your situation is like mine or Salem's but one thing is clear, You're an agent of Darkness," he whispered.
"And what does that entail?"
"Entropy."
The gradual decline of order into disorder. That's quite a way to describe my actions like I'm a force of nature. What does that make Ozpin or Salem? The witch must be destruction incarnated while the wizard is creating equilibrium.
Ozpin knocked on the door and it opened automatically revealing Ironwood at his desk. The General has one hand over a dark gray gun and another hand seemingly at his waistband.
Ms. Malachite is suppressing a smirk as if she just told the general an awful joke.
Ozpin sighed in disappointment.
I scanned the room for any more occupants. It was only gonna be us four. The big four of our respective kingdoms and we all hated each other.
I lifted my hands slightly over my shoulder to defuse the situation.
"I'm not going to knock your jaw off," I deadpan, staring directly at Ms. Malachite," The situation is too dire for personal grudges."
"I told you there was nothing to fear, James," The wizard chuckled.
I lowered my arms.
"Let's begin the questioning on why Exiles and MIAs are crossing the border," Ozpin added.
I got my scroll out and started making calls of my own. I told the Crown to be on standby for deployment once I get enough info out of this meeting. The majority of them are outside the city anyway.
"You all better pray Vernal gets out of this alive."
Rogue elements…
That's bull-
I stopped myself from cursing even if it was in my head. This is the stupidest thing I ever heard. Ironwood even dares to say the Aceops are standing by in Vale. He has to be aware he has zero chance of escaping Vacuo alive now.
"There is a report of a Grimm swarm to the north and we all know what's beyond that," Malachite smugly said.
"Atlas still has special permission to aid in the defense and the north is lacking. We aren't sending our own but a few selfless units are going of their own accord. Those same units are no longer a part of Atlas," Ironwood added with an unreadable face.
I looked over to Ozpin who was just in shock at the scheme they made together.
They're using Salem's interest in keeping Vernal alive to justify her 'heroic sacrifice against a horde of Grimm.' They would have kept trying to assassinate Vernal. The Grimm swarm makes it seem more justifiable.
"Are you aware the person leading Vernal away is Headmaster Fang?" The headmaster closed his eyes, tapping his cane.
"What!" The stone-cold visage of the general dropped while Malachite bit her lips with a joyful gleam in her eyes.
"Oh noooo," Malachite pretended to feel sorry," Some of my *cough* expendable*cough* Agents must have leaked it."
"You're awful," Ironwood looks to his right at his conniving 'partner.'
They shared a look like there was one more secret that hadn't been told.
"MIA is a catch-all term," She rolled her eyes," Not everyone is a top-of-the-line secret agent."
"Because most of them have died?" I raised my hand like a student in a classroom.
"Shut it, Demon Child," She growled.
The longer this goes on the more I learn everyone is self-serving to various degrees.
"You already sent your people up north?"
"Yes, and Glynda is heading there too?"
He nodded.
There is not much I can do now but have hope Vernal can handle herself and…Salem forces win that battle. It seems like an uphill battle for Mistral and Atlas even with the Maidens' support. There must be another layer upon schemes to this scheme.
"I'm heading back," I slipped on the mask and hissed the general name," Congrats, James. I won't show your Specialist mercy."
I leaked my killing intent and walked out of the room even with two guns pointed at my back.
They called out to be but it was too late. The lights of the airship flickered and dimmed all by itself. Each sound of my steps was the only sound permitted to exist.
I'm barely keeping my semblance in check.
I'm barely holding myself together.
I want to kick Vernal's ass for causing this much trouble. Yet, I want nothing more but to see her safe.
Even if she dies and by some misfortune, her power doesn't come to me.
I.
Will.
Eliminate.
All.
I'll bury Winter but hold back against Akari.
She is my seed in this war.
I'll do more than win.
As if an unseen force came to my aid, the doors opened on their own. I never drew Shusen or Rosetta.
The camera and crowd go silent. The soldiers were preparing to shoot yet couldn't. My opponents become wary, possibly having second thoughts.
The hatred from within me. It should have been enough to call forth every Grimm on half this planet. I want to go to save her. I want to crush the Exiles, the Aceops, Maidens, everyone coming to kill her.
I'll wipe them out. I clenched my fist and stared down my two opponents—no words needed to be exchanged as they circled me.
I must have faith. It will work out because Ver Veritas is a strong girl. Salem wants her to survive. I instructed the Crown to keep contacting her and pinpointing her location.
You have my permission Ver and her Crown Guards.
Eliminate them all.
There were no formal announcements.
They attack at the same time.
And so began the 3rd match.
Atlas War Hero and the Prodigy vs. My Patience.
A/N: I was planning to write Vernal parts in and then set up what's going on on her end. But the tonal shift would be too much. I'm trying my damndest to show how pissed Akame is. I don't hate Winter but I feel like apologizing for what will happen next.
However, what Vernal is about to go through is much worse.
I wouldn't lie. It's sometimes hard to track everyone's movements and motives but that's the point. I'm one person making a world that is always reacting and developing. It is difficult but fun to work with. I still remember Akame's promise to break Ironwood's jaw and Malachite bailing her out if needed.
Entropy and Equilibrium become the word that sums it all up.