Chapter 7: Kill The Extract
Kasumi and [Name] sat on their couch in the main living room as Rom stood skillfully swinging [Name]'s obsidian blade around to show off.
Rom: See what I can do? This thing can cut through damn near anything.
[Name]: I doubt through anything. But it's a damn good sword.
Kasumi: How long did it take to make?
Rom: No time really. I'm a natural at this stuff little girl.
Kasumi's cheeks puffed and she turned red but immediately calmed down. She hates being called a little girl namely because [Name] and Rom knew that. As a thirteen-year-old girl she felt like she was coming into her own as a woman, but instead of debating it she fired back. So she crossed her arms and smiled.
Kasumi: I'd figured it'd take you longer. Considering that you're an old man and all.
Rom stopped being jovial and lashed out.
Rom: IM IN MY THIRTIES!
Realizing how loud he got, he settled himself.
Rom: It's just all the stress of being the best blacksmith on the entire land.
Kasumi: I never asked. Why did you become a blacksmith?
The girl inquired. Rom stood and thought back to his youth. His upbringing was less than favorable, but he made do and made out with his talents.
Rom: It's kind of a long story. When I was a boy I'd love to carve sticks into daggers for fun. Since I was a runaway I had to make money somehow since I didn't go to school. So my go to was a blacksmith shop. I was the number one blacksmith cus my blades' edges were like to no other and I got paid. But I wanted a larger sense of worth so enlisting was my next move.
Kasumi: So that's why your blades are so good?! You're ex-military.
Rom: I was good before that! So as I was saying. I got greedy and sold weapons to the black market to get some extra money. Got discharged and was gonna get executed for sure. So I went awol. They haven't found me since. Throughout my life, I felt my craftsmanship was what made me valuable. And since it is; I want the worth of my work to last longer than me. I screwed myself up in the end but hey.
[Name]: Hey, you make souvenirs and self-defense weapons for me. So, I guess that counts for something right? Your weapons and tools are awesome.
Rom's dimpled and somewhat handsome face frowned. He tossed [Name] the sword and replied.
Rom: Gee thanks, I really appreciate that. . . but I'd really appreciate it more if you paid me.
[Name] stood up from the couch, stretched arms out and yawned before he continued.
[Name]: Don't worry, I'll just pay you in love and admiration for your craftsmanship.
Kasumi: Jeez Mr, How much money did you promise him?
Rom then unlocked the door and right before he left out he stated.
Rom: A lot, Keep on messing with me. I'll have general Esdeath come after you.
[Name]: Good luck.
Kasumi: You really gonna pay him right?
[Name]: Yeah, It'll just take awhile. Okay Kasumi, I've got to go. And since you're such a grown lady you can fetch some items from the store today.
[Name] said in somewhat of a mocking tone. It was all in good fun Kasumi knew but it still annoyed her. [Name] gave her list which gave her all the items needed.
Kasumi: I'll go as soon as I can. Oh and before you go can you tell me who that Esdeath is? Is he strong?
Saying her name struck a nerve in [Name]. He goes to work almost every day in hopes that he never has to see her. She's eerie yet serene. A beautiful woman yes, but extremely scary. Kasumi doesn't and will hopefully never see her to really know.
[Name]: Well, Esdeath is the most powerful general in all the empire. She's an incredibly unsettling but beautiful woman.
Kasumi: IT'S a she?!.. I bet she doesn't scare you.
[Name]: I wish she didn't. Oh and that extract.
After he said this he placed his finger on the list he gave her. He specified on the demon extract at the bottom.
[Name]: Be careful of that it burns. .A lot!
Kasumi: Oooh scary.
[Name] then disengaged the conversation by rubbing her head, ruffling her hair and rushing out.
Kasumi: Don't fall asleep on guard duty again!
Alone in the small home, she looked at the list. So she put on clothes fit for the clement weather and left for her journey. The streets were rather filled, people were shopping all around the area of food, clothes, and tool stands.
Imperial Palace Honest's Office – Late Morning
Honest stood looking out at the city as his stomach rumbled. He had called Esdeath to his office to discuss the current Night Raid situation. They've gotten Dr. stylish as well as the three beasts. The group had proven to be of the elusive sort as well as the shadow that lurked around the capitol. The greedy prime minister couldn't wait for lunch even though he had a massive breakfast. But Esdeath's arrival put a stake in his thoughts of gluttony. The entire room was surrounded by windows and all of the blinds were open. There wasn't a shadow in the room.
Esdeath: You wanted to see me, prime minister.
Honest: Oh yes Esdeath. This is regarding the night raid. That bothersome group has taken the lives of multiple important personal. Your Jaegers group still haven't found the hideout and they've been silent for quite some time. So for today, you are granted personal leave time.
Esdeath: I appreciate your generosity Prime minister, but it really isn't necessary.
Honest: Nonsense Esdeath, you've worked hard and deserved it. As of now, it is an order.
Esdeath: Oh well, I will make maximum use of this time and still look for clues on Night Raid's whereabouts. And Honest?
Honest: Yes Esdeath?
Esdeath: Why are all of your blinds open to this extent?
Honest began to sweat and his tone reeked of fear. Esdeath put her cap down to shield her eyes.
Honest: Because Esdeath, rumor on the street is that the Capitol shadow ghost is available to any imperial personal where ever a shadow is present.
Esdeath let out a sigh of shame as she still had her cap down.
Esdeath: It's just a myth prime minister. Trust me, you'll be safe from any intrusion from a mere human vigilante.
She stated with annoyance. Honest, let out a jolly laugh as he then reassured himself of her words.
Honest: Yes yes. You are right. Now you'd best be going now.
She left and then Honest then smiled as he mentally said to himself.
Honest: Yes only a myth. Once Esdeath is outdoors for a long enough time. She'll meet that spirit and when she does. I will win as either the shadow is defeated or we'll be less one general that are enslaved by their own bloodlust and not loyalty to this empire.
Capitol Streets – Afternoon
Kasumi throughout the entire late morning had everything on the list. She got just about all of them with no difficulty at all. However, this last thing was that demon extract.
Kasumi: Where's that stupid demon juice? None of the stores have it, they're all sold out.
Then in her dark moment of despair saw a store that sold nothing but extracts. Excited, she ran into the store however she saw a woman already at the front desk.
Esdeath: I'll take the last vials of demon extract.
Store owner: You're lucky. Those'll probably be the last ones coming in for a while.
The two exchanged parting words as the blue-haired women strode past a hidden Kasumi with her sack full of them in which she carried behind her. She hid behind a small stand of other extracts.
Kasumi: Darn it.
She then mentally spoke to herself.
Kasumi: She's military yeah. But maybe I can speak one out of her bag.
She then smiled.
Kasumi: Yeah, this one should be easy.
So, she stalked Esdeath until she got the opportune time to strike and snatch one out of Esdeath's bag. This shouldn't be too hard. So she followed and followed until Esdeath had stopped for some reason. Kasumi thought why not finish this with a burst of movement. So with a surprising amount of speed, she dashed up to Esdeath and the larger woman turned around. Thus causing Kasumi to smash into Esdeath's chest.
Esdeath: You were following me?
Kasumi: Um, No mam I was just going-
Esdeath: I saw you the entire time from the store until now with my peripheral vision.
Kasumi: Oh.
She blushed in embarrassment and put a finger to her mouth.
Esdeath: You're most likely intending to pickpocket me as you appear to be of lesser means.
Kasumi then sat up and lashed out.
Kasumi: That's not true! I have money! Just because I'm not some imperial personal doesn't mean I'm broke! You imperials make my stomach churn.
She stated with malice in her voice. But then her stomach rumbled.
Esdeath: Would you like me to treat you to lunch?
Kasumi: Yes, please.
Imperial Café – Evening
The two young women had finished dining on select cuts of very large danger beasts. The meat was of the best the empire had to offer to the people. The atmosphere was nice, one Kasumi had never in her life been in. Her village was of lower means but kids like her were still able to have as many meals as they needed. Something like this was still new to her.
Kasumi: You have my thanks for this meal.
Esdeath: It's nothing, I live to serve citizens of the empire. Especially the children.
Kasumi: I'm happy to see that there are still some well-rounded people who work for the imperial army that aren't bad people.
Esdeath: I wouldn't say they're bad people. I'd say they're just taking advantage of natural selection. The strong thrive while the weak perish. It's a simple concept.
Kasumi: Hm? But how is it fair that people get treated like dirt by their own protectors? I mean, they don't even get a chance to fight back.
Esdeath had just swallowed a tender bit of meat and retorted.
Esdeath: From the perspective of the weak. If they truly feel mistreated they should revolt. And if they succeed all is well, if they fail it was just the natural way of things.
Kasumi: But my caretaker tells me that the weak are to be protected. And I agree. So, one day I'll do something that'll help the empire.
Esdeath: My my. You have quite the vision. You've been raised well by your caretaker. Tell me about them.
Kasumi: Well, some time ago my parents died in a horrible incident. And luckily for me, someone was looking after me from the shadows and saved me. Since that day some really nice man about your age is taking care of me.
Esdeath's mind nearly imploded as she put the dots together. This young girl was being taken care of by the shadow himself. Whether or not the girl knows isn't important to Esdeath but if she can get his name then she may be able to get her way.
Esdeath: Tell me more about him?
Kasumi then lit up with glee while talking about [Name] to Esdeath.
Kasumi: Well, he's smart, he's cool, and he's not afraid of anything. I think. He thinks about others more than himself sometimes and he's a great fighter who can use all kinds of weapons.
Esdeath blushed and held her cheeks.
Esdeath: Fascinating, he seems like a very interesting man.
Kasumi: It seems like you know a guy who seems a lot like that. Am I right?
Esdeath: Yes, in fact, I know two who are-
She then stopped her tracks as she mentally kicked herself. She made a vow to Tatsumi that she'd never even look at another man. But as of late that [Name] guard has really has caught her eye. But why she thought. He hasn't done anything to spark her. But maybe it's time see why for herself.
Kasumi: Are you okay?
Esdeath: Oh yes, I'm alright.
Capitol Streets – Late Afternoon
The two females then stood outside of the eatery and walked around the city while still speaking about morals and family as the orange sky was above them. Kasumi reminded her of herself to an extent. She was raised by a father figure, in a smaller village, and found herself to be the only surviving member of a massacre.
Esdeath: Tell me, What is your caretaker's name?
Kasumi wagged her finger.
Kasumi: That's a secret, If I'm gonna set you two up on a blind date; I'll have to see if he's alright with it first.
Esdeath looked down and smiled.
Esdeath: Fair enough, By the way, what were you doing out here by your lonesome?
Kasumi: I was looking for some demon extract for my caretaker.
Esdeath's cheeks burned with curiosity. Why would the shadow use demon extract? Her mind burst with excitement to capture him. But as of now the least she can do is make his adopted child pleased. She reached into her bag/sac full of them and presented one.
Esdeath: Here.
She gave Kasumi a few vials of the extract. This shocked and made Kasumi extremely overjoyed.
Kasumi: Wow! Thanks a bunch! Say? What do you use the extract for? I hear it burns a lot.
Esdeath: For torture of course. I read that placing them in the eyes permanently damages the eyesight of its victims.
Kasumi then sheepishly laughed and backed away slightly.
Kasumi: Okay
Esdeath: Farwell little one.
"Little one!"
Kasumi mentally shouted. She then mentally kicked herself to keep from lashing out once again. But she did have a nice day today so she snapped back into a happier mood.
Kasumi: I'll see you around okay?
She extended her hand for Esdeath to shake it. This took Esdeath aback, as she never expected this amount of professionalism from a mere child. This warmed her heart.
Esdeath: I do look forward to seeing you once again.
They separated and Kasumi pondered in the semi-empty streets, hands behind her back. She spoke to herself mentally as she neared home.
Kasumi: Well, today was a cool day. I got all the stuff on the list and even had an extremely long lunch with an imperial. Maybe they aren't all that bad. I hope I see. . .
Then it dawned on her. She neglected to get the long blue haired female's name. However, to Kasumi, it doesn't matter all that much. She'll meet her again someday and who knows? Maybe her and [Name] might actually go on a date one day.
Night - [Name]'s Home Roof
[Name] and Rom had sat together on the roof contemplating the future.
[Name]: I don't know if I can kill him. I went and visited a lot of the jailing institutions and that guy was right, they all went to shit. It's like all of the officials either don't care or are too scared to upset the people in charge.
Rom: I'm pretty sure that's the case. Maybe seeing the night raid is our best option.
[Name]: No one reserves the right to take another human life.
Rom: You may be right but we all have to make sacrifices [Name]. All of us. Killing the Prime Minister's son might help out moral for the revolutionary army a great bit.
[Name]: I know. It's just... .If Kasumi finds out what I do and I start slaughtering, I'll just bring another innocent soul into all this madness.
[Name] thought back to a conversation that he had with Kasumi, some time ago.
Flashback
While he was training her with staff weapons in the backyard, she threw her down and ask with an annoyed tone.
Kasumi: Can't I just have a gun.
[Name]: No, If you use one you'll be no better than the scum lurking about. The same about killing, you'll be no more than just another murderer.
Kasumi: I'll be nothing like them
She said as she grabbed her staff and charged at [Name] again.
Present Time
Rom: Well you've already made one hell of an impression of that little one.
[Name]: I'm just doing my part to make another normal productive member of society.
Rom: Well you seem to be doing a good job. I'm proud of you for using my lessons.
[Name] chuckled a little and retorted.
[Name]: What lessons? The only thing you taught me was to know who to lie to get some good weapons around here. To take advantage
Both: of someone to get what you need!
Rom: See! You're learning.
They shared a laugh and Rom laid back on the hard roof and let the moonlight bathe him.
Rom: You'll be fine. Know why?
[Name]: Why?
Rom: Because whenever I make a good blade. I leave a little bit of me in every one.
[Name]: Man, You're so right. I'll be so safe.
Rom: Believe what you want, just have that thing with you everywhere and you'll be. . . uh?
[Name]: Not dead?
Rom: Yeah that, I can't promise. .but somewhat less dead is something I can.
The men shared another laugh as they lay in the roof. [Name] thought to himself.
[Name]: I haven't known this guy very long. But I think he might be someone I can count on.