Chapter 8: Kill The Past
Imperial Palace - Morning
[Name] stood in his usual post guarding this particular floor. His usual boring job of walking around the halls was really annoying. Over the past few days he worried about continuing what he was doing. Why go around and save the city only for the imperial system to create more. He's hit a dead end, the only way to create a difference is to kill. He wasn't going to betray his own morals, the morals he's already taught Kasumi through figurative winks and nods.
He can't have her figure out what he does. [Name] is surprised that he's kept a secret as long as he had. As things seem he might have to hang things up. The sun bathed the maroon rugged hallway as one of other guards walked up to him. He was taller than [Name] and more handsome with his short blonde hair. In his sleek imperial sentinel guards, he spoke.
[Name]: Hello?
Guard: You've been summoned to the meeting room on the fifth floor by General Esdeath.
[Name]: ME!?
Guard: Yes you. You've been summoned at once.
[Name]: Am I in trouble?
The guard smirked and scoffed.
Guard: Quite possibly. She didn't seem upset, but what I don't get is why you. Members of the Jaegers gravitate all around you as though you like you're a friend.
[Name]: Maybe I am to them.
[Name]'s muscles loosened and his shoulders dropped. He then walked away and had begun to walk to the stairs to leave this section.
Guard: I wonder what the hell they see in you. You're no better than any of us.
[Name] felt those words as the bounced off of the walls and into him. Feeling it not only through his ears but into his skin.
After walking down several flights of stairs and reached the hallway of his destination. He reached the door and opened it revealing all of the Jaegers sitting at a table and looking at him. Esdeath was standing in front of the table, hands on her hips, looking at him as well.
Esdeath: Greetings [Name].
[Name]: Good morning General and . . .Jeagers.
He hesitantly said and bowed.
[Name]: I was summoned?
Esdeath: Why yes. You'll be accompanying us out to Deadman's valley. Our spies detected a hidden revolutionary base within the area.
[Name] was shocked, But then he realized that she was kidding.
Esdeath: Prepare yourself we're departing within the hour.
But she wasn't kidding. [Name]'s mind was blown. He thought to himself whilst the room was silent.
[Name]: Why me! What did I do to get to go!?
There was a mixture of confusion and happiness to this announcement. But in the seconds in which he thought he had to say something.
[Name]: Excellent, It'll be an honor to fight by your side!
[Name] said with a hint of excitement. However, there was an issue. He'll be attacking revolutionary soldiers. Rom is supplying them weapons in an attempt to aid them. He'll be squashing Rom's and his own efforts to make the empire a better place. This is an incredibly tough position to be in.
Esdeath: Well then, someone seems eager.
She stated while smiling with her arms now crossed. All of the Jaegers walked by and exchanged pleasantries with [Name] especially Bols. Bols stopped and shook [Name]'s hand.
Bols: It's good to finally work alongside you [Name]. It'll be interesting to see how you fare an environment like this.
[Name]: I agree.
He then and the rest of the Jaegers had left the palace on horseback.
Kurome: It sucks that we have to kill low level soldiers at this point.
Wave: Come on Kurome, these aren't low level soldiers. They're actually pretty tough.
Kurome: Nah, I'm pretty sure I've beat more dangerous bandits than these soldiers.
Run: You just haven't run into the right ones yet.
Kurome: On second thought, you guys could be right.
She smiled.
Kurome: This sect must be bothersome for us to be called out. That means I can add some strong new toys to play with.
Wave: That whole corpse puppet is really messed up Kurome. It weird's me out with you just mentioning it.
Kurome: Or could it be you're just jealous. If that's the case, it's never too late for me to play with you.
She said as Wave blushed and exclaimed
Wave: NO! Don't even joke like that!
The Jaegers continue to converse as the flee from the capital's walls and out toward the valley. As the morning grew later, [Name] grew to ponder his future. Is he supposed to fight, beat, and arrest the Jaegers? That's certainly isn't possible.
Then as [Name] continuously bounced up and down uncomfortably on his blonde stead they stopped. They stopped at a fork in the roads nearing the valley.
Esdeath: Hm?
She pondered the terrain before her and group.
Esdeath: This wasn't on the map. No matter, The rest of you head to the right and spread out. [Name] and I will survey this left side of the valley. If you come in contact a few of them, slay most of them and save two for interrogation
[Name]'s body went numb and as he was filled with even more shock and confusion. The Jaegers had gone the other way as Wave and Kurome waved at [Name], probably for good luck.
Esdeath: Come along now, we have lots to do.
[Name]: Yes Mam,
[Name] wagged his head and followed her, as both horses took them far along into the lush valleys ahead. Unbeknownst to [Name] and Esdeath there was a hooded figure stalking them on their journey.
[Name] and Esdeath with no speaking continued forward to their destination.
[Name]: Where are we headed General Esdeath?!
[Name] had to yell, the speed of the horse brought massive gusts which affected [Name]'s speech. She replied with practiced ease.
Esdeath: To a suitable scouting location around the perimeter of the hidden base. Don't worry, we're nearing the position.
She said it loud enough so that [Name] heard her with no problem. [Name] had still wondered though, why him? Still why bring him alongside her alone?
They were now deep into the rich greenery of the valley's forestry. They had come to a stop after a long time of horseback travel, getting off the horse was very relaxing and pleasant. He did a little stretching to revitalize himself and the nice warm temperature only helped.
It's been a while since [Name] had come out this far for any reason. It was refreshing to be here, but that nice train of thought was interrupted. Esdeath had already dismounted her stead and began walking up to [Name]. She was stretching with her arms and back to loosen her body. [Name]'s eyes widened as Esdeath's full breasts had bounced around with each step.
[Name]: I. .I would have us split to survey the area for better results.
Esdeath: I concur, We'll begin immediately.
She said with a bit of a smirk. They then departed from one another and searched the valley far and wide. [Name] came across several danger beasts that were grazing, and slid by. Esdeath did the same, but on her side. She goaded them to fight and slaughtered them. [Name] had even come across pastures of skulls and bones with swords. The foul smell of death reeked in certain parts of the forest. He found very unsettling sights as well. Human bodies in massive globs spider webbing, and strange dangers beasts skulking about.
But there were some pleasant sights also, like various colored ape-men danger beasts. Some red, purple, green, and the standard black walking around. And the sky being filled with numerous colorful birds and harmless insects as well.
Afternoon – Deadman's Valley
[Name] and Esdeath had met back up and they reported the findings.
Esdeath: Nothing on my end. It's a real shame, I was hoping to run into some patrolling soldiers at the least.
[Name]: Same here.
His stomach rumbled as he and Esdeath reconvened at a nearby clear watered stream.
[Name]: Darn it, General do you have our ration pack?
Esdeath: No, I left it at the capital intentionally.
[Name]'s head dropped in sorrow and retorted.
[Name]: What would possess you to do such a thing?
Esdeath: Well, in order to become a more capable hunter, one has to be able to live off the land in order to survive. It keeps my skills sharp.
She finished off.
[Name]: Damn it.
He wanted to yell damn you straight to hell at the woman. But that would've ended in his death. So he bit his tongue in favor of a more objective stance.
Esdeath: Here's a stream, we can catch fish. The fish in this area are bountiful. Follow my lead.
She then knelt beside the cold, fresh watered stream and placed her equally as cold hands in the water. She relaxed her hands and allowed the flow of the water to guide. In an instant she caught a fish the length of her forearm.
Esdeath: See? It's easy.
[Name] smiled a little and gave it a shot. He seemingly followed her movements down to the letter. After a minute or two, he yanked his arms out! With nothing.
[Name]: Of course.
Esdeath chuckled a slight bit and kneeled directly behind [Name]. She then brought her body to [Name]'s back to reach his hands. She placed her hands on his hands, guiding them along the current. [Name]'s head rested in Esdeath's chest. Her incredibly warm breasts covered [Name]'s ears and completely obstructed his hearing. [Name]'s blood was rushing all around his body as he was unable to hear anything. He didn't know what to think. His thoughts were like a tornado, as he was unable to collect them.
All he heard were murmurs and grumbles amongst his hot and smothered ears. Before he knew it she then used his hands to catch a fish and it squirmed for life as they held it up.
Esdeath: I'll be excepting you to catch more.
The hooded figure then snickered and used a purple energy portal on his hand.
?: How cute, let's see how the general and her new pet do against these terranians!
In moments, [Name] had caught a few more fish. But then there was a massive rumble as several purple flashes made rounds in all of the foliage. From the tree's emerged several twenty foot bolder like danger beasts. They were basically massive golems made from stone.
Esdeath: Finally! Something worth our time! [Name] stay behind me!
She then sadistically smiled as [Name] quickly bolted past her. In the blink of an eye he sliced a few of the golems into smaller hand sized bits. One of them knocked his imperial grade sword out of his hand and backhanded him, he was sent flying but landed on his feet as they dug into the grassed and dirt.
Esdeath shouted an incantation and a massive log of ice smashing one of them to oblivion. [Name] then recollected and twirled his sword like a whirlwind, a force that moved omnidirectional. The force in which he stabbed it into one of the beast's rock gut made it explode to pebbles.
The rocks filled the ground as Esdeath and [Name] turn the numerous golems to gravel. [Name] sword snapped on one of them and he was left weaponless. [Name] then picked up one up with ease. [Name] knew from the weight that these weren't made from stone at all. It had to be glue and tough cardboard like material as he threw then around and broke them apart with little effort. Esdeath and [Name] finished fending off the rest of the golems and stood back to back.
Esdeath: Oh my, you're very powerful indeed. Just as I suspected you to be. Smashing solid stone with your only a sword and your bare hands is no little feat.
[Name] didn't reply out of shock. They were made from stone and rock. Even he never realized the depths of his power. This didn't make sense to [Name], it's as though he's becoming stronger as his emotions fluctuate to immense highs.
This power, it's still not enough to be the Jaegers or Esdeath. He needs more. But now it's time to recollect and advance to find the revolutionary hangout. He pulled his map out and looked past the lake in front of them.
[Name]: Now Ms Esdeath let's push up. The encampment is another mile ahead. I think. It'll be a lot longer since we have to circle the lake.
Esdeath then flashed a gleeful smile and walked towards the lake ahead. She then placed her five fingers gently on the surface, and instantly encased the entire body of water to ice. The day was waning after the fight with the golems. The Sky was dusk and was morphing to dark.
[Name]: That works too.
He stated with a half-smile. The pair had then begun to traverse the shining sheet of ice. Esdeath stopped dead in her tracks ahead of him. Esdeath then unsheathed her sword with lightning fast efficiency and placed it to [Name]'s throat.
Esdeath: [Name], You and I aren't out here solely for the revolutionaries. I can have no more interruptions.
[Name]'s blood ran cold as this happened. Why is this happening? Did her imperial arms allow her to read minds or something? This is it [Name] thought, in his moment of death. No matter, [Name] will proudly fight to the death no matter how futile. [Name]'s eyes met Esdeath's icy blues. She began to speak and it broke the silence.
Esdeath: Enough of your enigmatic ways. You simply provide too much mystery to be considered a reliable comrade.
[Name]: But I don't understand.
Esdeath: Starting now, you're going to tell me everything about you. From birth to now. Start or I'll have no choice but to torture it out of you.
[Name] then relaxed, he was in the clear.
[Name]: Fine, I'll tell you my life's story. It's pretty long.
Esdeath: It's okay, I'm a good listener.
[Name]: Here it is.
The Past
[Name] as a little boy was like most, carefree, kind, and fun loving. But the only ones to enjoy those qualities were his parents. Other villagers, adults and children alike were taught to hate [Name] for the myths that his soul was not of his own. Deep down he was from somewhere else. He was tortured everyday by the other children and even adults from all over the entire village. Throughout his young life was ostracized from everything by the village officials. Though, [Name]'s breaking point to his torment was a day long ago.
A sweet girl by the name of Mari. She was smart and pretty. She wore the nicest dressed and everyone at school knew her. So at school he finally asked her if they can spend any sort of time together.
[Name]: Hi Mari.
He stated sheepishly. She then looked at [Name] with an awkward expression.
[Name]: I just wanted to know that, I think you're really pretty and that I'd like for us to be special friends.
He then presented her with a flower and she took it much to his surprise. His father always taught him to be direct with everything. Never to be afraid of doing something he wanted to do or what others would think. So he asked Mari out and lots of other children were around to see this as well.
Mari: Um. . .No. I mean, you seem like a nice boy but the elders say your soul is barrowed and marred with imperial dirt. And they are never wrong. So-
Other children then chimed in.
Kid: You're a freak, don't you know?
Others laughed and Mari backed away and wiped her hands on her dress, dropping the flower on the floor. Some of the teachers peered from the rooms and just watched. Utterly humiliated, and crushed [Name] cried and ran from the school grounds. He ran, and ran out of the village entirely. He ran for as long as he could and he dropped to the dirt out to the desolate plains.
Tears flowed freely from his eyes as he yelled.
[Name]: I hate those kids! I hate the schools! I hate the teachers! I hate the people! I hate the village! I hate everyone!
With the last statement he smashed his fist through the hardened dirt and cratered the ground. He stopped and stopped crying and noticed what he did. But [Name] also noticed he wasn't alone. A dark nomadic figure on a red eyed black horse was watching him.
Shadow: It appears that you're lost. Come I will take you back to your village.
[Name]: NO!. . Never, Only my mother and father care for me. I hate everyone and thing. They all abandoned me! I just want all the hurt to go away.
Shadow: I will help you with your plight.
[Name] didn't return to his village. He lived and trained with this figure for years and years honing his skills and senses to be the best he can be.
He returned to his village to see all of his former fellow villagers. Memories warmed his heart as his presence illuminated the village. [Name] then proceeded to slaughtered the entire village in short order without a second thought. Not solely for revenge, but to test his new power. The warriors were no match for his sheer skill. He cut down every soul, everyone who condemned him. His hatred consumed them all the men, the women, the children, and the infants were annihilated. Mari was dispatched without hesitation, she begged and plead for her life but to no avail. With his parents being the only survivors he urged them to come with him. Out of disgust and shock of his actions they refused. They were then slain as well.
Present
[Name]: I killed them all. Every last of them. I regret every second of it. I miss my parents but that's beside the point. That dark robbed man taught me everything I know. After the massacre he disappeared completely as though he never existed to begin with. So I wandered for some years on my own and found my way to the capital. I supported myself a little and here I am. I vowed to never kill again, and that's one life isn't to be taken.
Esdeath: It's to be expected, you were powerful and proved it. They were all weak and deserved their fates at your hands.
[Name]: How could you even say something like that? That's horrible, no people deserve to lose their lives because of their mistakes. Not, the bunches of innocent people.
Esdeath: That doesn't matter at all, the strong thrive while the weak die out, it's how things are. And, since you shared your history it only fair I share mine.
Esdeath gave [Name] the entire run down of her life. The massive full moon was out and was flanked by thousands of blue stars, as they sat on the sparkling ice floor. They sat together, and [Name] resting his hands on the cool ice behind him as he was relaxed. He spoke to himself mentally for a moment.
Esdeath: It's as I stated earlier. The strong gorge on the bones of the weak. That's the law that governs this land.
[Name]: Man, she had it rough too. Her whole life basically as a killer. This is more than likely what warped her mind this way. But maybe, just maybe I can get her to serve for the good of man.
He then spoke aloud and raised his voice at her.
[Name]: How can you live in a land like that?! Even those less capable deserve to experience the best parts of life too!
Esdeath blushed and placed her hands upon her cheeks. This took her back to her bedroom discussion with Tatsumi. [Name] and Tatsumi are such blissfully unaware fools in her eyes. But they are such adorable fools at that she continued to think.
Esdeath: You sound just like him.
[Name]: Uh. Who?
Esdeath: Tatsumi. The young man whom I share feelings for.
[Name]: Where's he now?
Esdeath: He fled from me, my ways drove him away and to join the revolutionary army.
They still both sat on the cool ice floor in the middle of the frozen lake, letting the full moon light bathe them. [Name] thought to himself. Maybe he had the right idea. But [Name] remembered Tatsumi, he saw him with Esdeath once, and he even saved him from Zanku. He was from Nightraid, maybe if worse comes to worst, he'll consider joining them. But right now his main focus is to get going. However, before they do [Name] has to know.
[Name]: Esdeath?
Esdeath: Hm?
She looked over to him with a smile already etched on her face.
[Name]: Why do you treat me the way you do? It seems like ever since we first met, you single me out. Sending me on deadly missions, letting me speak to you like a friend, and plenty of other things.
Esdeath: Oh yes that.
[Name] sat with his hands supporting him from behind. He waited a few short moments for an answer. But he looked up to the beautiful moon above, and he didn't get one so he spoke again.
[Name]: It's not that I really have a problem with it. I can handle it, I'm just curious is all. I mean it's almost like we're. . . .bonding a lot right?
He tried to get a laugh out of her but he got no such thing. So he waited, and a moment later he felt a warmth on his hand. Esdeath had placed her hand over his as her face retained her blush.
Esdeath: It does seem that way.
[Name] didn't know what to say or do. He was incredibly flustered.
Esdeath: And once we find and kill the revolutionary scum I—
[Name] then snatched his hand back.
[Name]: There is no we, I won't kill anyone.
Esdeath: For your sake I hope you do away with that wayward moral. If you don't by time we reach them, you'll be executed for treason.
[Name]: Then I'll die with my morals intact.
She then stood up and closed her eyes.
Esdeath: Of course you will, You and Tatsumi are so alike it's almost frightening. Oh well, let's continue our mission.
Esdeath then instantly placed her hand on the icy floor and created a massive platform. This scared [Name] being up so high this fast. Esdeath then quickly spotted the encampment and pointed.
Esdeath: There!
[Name]: WHAT?! You mean we could've done that all day!
After a getting there in mere minutes. The Jaegers had all but cleaned up the entire installation. The small area was littered with weapons and bodies. The smoldering flames, and scorched flesh filled the air. Seryu walked up to Esdeath and [Name] whilst dragging a captain and a grunt behind her.
Seryu: The camp has been extinguished, so justice has fully prevailed. And just as you ordered I ensured there were at least two survivors.
Esdeath: Great job Seryu.
Wave: You guys didn't find any on your end?
Esdeath: Negative. Over the trip I realized that I'll only need the captain. He'll provide the most information through torture. The other one will die.
Wave shuttered, he never wanted to see any more bloodshed than necessary. Especially when it was discussing the ill fate of a man in front of him. Esdeath picked up a stray sword and handed it to [Name]. He took it and recognized Rom's craftsmanship.
Esdeath: [Name], this kill is yours. Kill him and earn your place in the Jaeger reserves.
All eyes were on [Name] in anticipation to see what he was to do. [Name] walked forward and looked into the tired and beaten man's eyes. He looked into his sword as blood, excitement, and hatred for evil burn through his veins. He raised it above his head as the man waited for the end of his life. [Name] yelled and stuck.
[Name]: NEVER!
He slashed at Esdeath who blocked his blade with great strain.
[Name]: What did I tell you before?!
Esdeath's blood ran hot. [Name] and Esdeath locked eyes and she immediately blushed. She only had one thing flowing through her mind. She then took advantage of [Name], broke the sword lock and elbowed his jaw and sent him to the ground. She much like earlier aimed her sword at [Name]'s throat.
Esdeath: You're more of a fool than I would've ever thought. [Name], I hereby sentence you to death. And It will be carried out first thing tomorrow, so make your peace tonight.