Chapter 9: Kill The Lie
Morning - Imperial Palace Courtyard
The blueish orange morning sky doused the beautiful palace courtyard. The very green grass was wonderfully trimmed as several white stoned sculpture fountains occupied the yard. There were numerous white stoned walk ways that gave the yard somewhat of a maze like design that was comforting all that walked them.
Esdeath and the Prime Minister had walked down the outdoor corridors. The corridors were shadowed slightly because of the yard's tall walls and the corridor's curved ceiling.
Honest: The tariff was raised on the import for foreign spices, so I'm going across the land in order to negotiate reasonable prices. And since I will be leaving soon, We'll have to make haste with our discussion unfortunately.
Esdeath: Thank you prime minister.
She paused as the two traversed the beautifully constructed outer halls.
Esdeath: The Nightraid faction has been rather careful with their tactics of late. Since that's the case, its significantly harder to pinpoint an exact location for their hideout. However, since Nightraid are few and we are many at the rate of losses on each side Nightraid will not be a problem for much longer Prime Minister.
Honest: I've also noticed the "shadow" has failed to appear for several nights. What do you believe is the cause?
Esdeath: I still can't begin to theorize, if the terrorist is anyone of any importance I'd know. But if he shows up in any capacity, we will meet.
Honest chuckled and placed both hands on his hardy stomach.
Honest: Esdeath, you and I aren't out here only to go over a mere skirmish update with the rebels? Or for a higher purpose? What seems to be troubling you my dear?
Esdeath hesitated, she was easing him into a conversation that made her uneasy. Just thinking about her feelings for romance flustered her, and it did no favors to ask for advice. Although she'd done so before in order to snare Tatsumi's heart, now lies a larger issue. One so large she felt that she can't handle it alone.
Esdeath: It's more so my feelings for love. They're strange.
Honest: How so? You've found a suitable mate in the boy you clamored on about who'd managed eluded you twice. Surely the chase will boil your blood.
Esdeath: The second time he must've been teleported to another location, but besides that my feelings are trickling over to another.
Honest: WHAT?! I would've imagined only one could ensnare your heart. But you to tell me there is another?!
Esdeath: I don't quite know just yet. I just feel gravitated to him, as though it's natural.
She adjusted her cap and fixed her tone from a gentle one back to a more callus one.
Esdeath: Unfortunately for he, his execution will take place in a short time from now.
Honest: Are you referring to that lowly sentinel who guarded the 8th floor?
Esdeath: Yes, that is him. But you're mistaken prime minister. He's not a mere sentinel, he's more than that. He's different from anyone I've seen even from Tatsumi.
She said with a noticeable passion to her voice.
Esdeath: He has an unmistakable aura and a wit about himself. Most of which I haven't been able to understand because he won't open himself to me. But there's something drawing me to him.
Honest: Could it be love Esdeath?
Esdeath: It couldn't be! could it ?
She mused further with a hand to her chin.
Esdeath: Prime Minister this must be wrong. I promised to Tatsumi I'd never even look at another man. I wouldn't be faithful if I fell for another.
Honest: Well Esdeath, your morals and feeling are all your own. The boy from your account appears not to return your feelings.
Esdeath: And your point is?
Honest: My point is if true love is what I think it means, then it would surely not include chasing after another's affection who clearly doesn't share the sentiment.
Esdeath couldn't say anything to refute it, nor add to it. She is still very new to finding love, but will do everything she can to find it her way. But as of now, her way doesn't seem like it's working. And things that don't work in Esdeath's eyes, needs to be cast aside.
The busy, yet disgustingly snide, and insincere Prime Minister began to walk backwards. Away from Esdeath while he spoke.
Honest: Love can be a tricky thing my dear. However, I theorize that pointing your affection where your true heart's desire will be your best option.
He said as she now stood alone as numerous flower petals flew past her.
Morning - [Name]'s Home
Kasumi had gotten up from bed not only to breakfast, but no [Name] as well. He hadn't come home yesterday evening. Something had to be wrong she thought. So she went down to the secret cellar in which [Name] kept his combat and shadow gear. Luckily [Name] disguised everything already so that way even if someone found it, they'd never know what's there.
She saw Rom sharpening [Name]'s obsidian sword.
Kasumi: Hey.
She shouted but he couldn't hear her. So she ran up to the swordsmith who was wearing equipment to protect him from the sparks. In an instant she ran up to him and got a face full of sparks and felt nothing.
Rom: Jeez kid!
It charred her face, but she was none the wiser.
Kasumi: Where's Mr?!
Rom: He's out at work.
Kasumi: But he didn't come home yesterday. He could be in trouble.
Rom: Woah.
He thought about it for a few seconds. But then he continued sharpening the sword.
Kasumi: WHAT?! You're not going to look for him?!
Rom: [Name]'s a big boy, he can handle himself. It's not like they're going to execute him or something like that. Or better yet, night raid's going after him.
Simultaneous – Night Raid Fortress
Najenda: Well it's official! We're going shadow hunting to find him and have him work for us! Once we get him we'll be even more powerful. Nightraid will be at its apex. I have a feeling that Bulat and Sheele would approve of our new editions of Chelsea and Susanoo.
Najenda stood up and proudly announced to the rest of Night Raid as everyone else clamored in excitement.
Morning - Holding Cells Lower Levels – Imperial Palace
[Name] sat on the dark and cold stone flooring in his cell. He was sitting within the shadows with only his legs exposed to the light whilst his hands were chained. There were numerous other cells here as well, some empty, others with emaciated and broken people in them. He hadn't slept over the night. It was hard to considering last night's events.
[Name] pondered the thought of death and what it might mean. Kasumi would grow up hopefully into a decent young woman, and Rom would own the house. Which is a horrifying thought as [Name] is the only person who cleans up. But would things go the same way with him gone? His thoughts were interrupted by the heavy clash of the door's iron against the concrete wall. Someone was coming, maybe it was time. It was wave who walked forward through the darkness.
Wave: [Name]?
[Name] didn't respond to wave.
Wave then grew a worrisome look and he grasped the bars.
Wave: [Name], I know you don't want to speak to me. But please, you're an awesome person and one of the sanest level headed guy I've met. Please take her offer.
[Name]: What offer?
[Name]'s voice seemed a lot calmer than he expected. More combative and graveled. [Name] voice seemed deeper and more garbled, as though he weren't even human. Wave gulped in uncertainty.
Wave: I think, Esdeath is going to come in here and give you one last shot to join the Jaegers. Please take it.
[Name] refused to say anything. Wave stood there trembling for minutes waiting for [Name] to respond. Wave really does care for [Name] like a friend, but he can't seem to make [Name] to want to save his own life.
Wave: Then I promise, I will for justice in your name!
[Name]: Silence. You know what "this" is!
He gestured at the entire capital with his arm.
[Name]: The very injustice you fight, is caused by the very people you serve.
Wave place his head against the bar and somewhat teared up for feeling so helpless to save another life. But [Name] quickly got up and went to the bars and began to yell at Wave.
[Name]: YOU KNOW THAT WAVE DON'T YOU?! DON'T YOU?!
[Name] then sadly sat back down in his cell and continued to talk to himself and then yelled one final time.
[Name]: But you act like too much of a coward to do anything about it. EVEN IF IT MEANS DEATH!
However, moments later someone else had entered and headed towards his cell. But this time he knew who it was. It had been pretty obvious given the fact that the heels clacked against hard floors toward his direction. It was general Esdeath, and she began to speak.
Esdeath: [Name], I will give you one last chance of immunity from punishment. Join us. . .Join me.
[Name]: I won't compromise my morals for the empire. I'll face death with my morals intact.
Esdeath: I question your mental health. Perhaps instead of execution, you'd be better suited in an institution. You refuse to live than to sacrifice your own morals. But tell me why you lied to me regarding your family.
[Name]: I assure you it was the truth.
Esdeath: When you return from one of your first missions. You told me your family fled from your village once the water supply was poisoned by the empire.
Her gaze stayed on [Name]'s shadowed body.
[Name] Oh?
[Name] then slowly emerged from the shadows, and gazed back at the beautiful Esdeath. He then thought back and wondered how she remembered that. He smiled and laughed slightly at being caught in the lie.
[Name]: Oh right, I did say that. I didn't really think I had to tell you anything true about me then.
Esdeath looked upon [Name]'s tired but lively face and blushed. She smiled as well and mentally stated.
Esdeath: That face.
She then spoke aloud and tried to inquire once more.
Esdeath: Before you die in my throne room is there anything else you want to tell me? Something you and I should only know?
[Name]: Nothing.
Esdeath then shook the bars with a strong shake and asked.
Esdeath: Do you not fear death?! I attempt and get you to join us. I promise you safety and immunity and you yet still refuse!
[Name] then smiled and snidely stated.
[Name]: You are a fool Esdeath.
Esdeath then smiled and walked away.
Esdeath: You might just be right.
After a few more minutes [Name] was escorted by legions of his former palace guards into Esdeath's throne room, with all of the Jaegers flanking her throne. Since [Name]'s arrival there has been a massive surplus of newer guards replacing the posts of [Name]'s former classmates. Twenty of them had massive sword staffs as they presented [Name] many meters from Esdeath's feet. She seemed unhappy, she didn't have that blood lusted smile on her face when someone meets their end because of her.
Wave was bumped on the shoulder by Kurome in order to get his attention.
Kurome: Calm down, there's nothing you can do. Even if you wanted to. He made his own decision. I know, It kind of hurts me a little too.
Wave: I do want to. But you're right, there is nothing I can do.
[Name] was placed on his knees and one of the soldiers, the blonde one was the one who said he was nothing special was going to be his executioner. Esdeath sat, hand supporting her chin, and legs crossed and stared at [Name]. Then finally she gave the okay to sever [Name]'s head.
[Name] thought again about his life and what it means when it's gone. Would the empire win with him gone? Would the revolution succeed without him? Right now, screw the empire, screw the revolution as everything will go one way or the other whether his life ended or not. But right now, only his new family matters and he will not die now.
As the blade came slicing downward, [Name] ripped away his shackles like nothing and grabbed the staff. He snapped it with the sheer force of his grip. The other guards swarmed [Name] and he jumped over them all and clawed one of the men down. [Name] kicked away every single slash and jab with the staffs and nearly knocked some of their heads off with the same kicks. He trapped and broke several of their staffs and arms with his own hand trapping techniques at various points, and threw several of them across the entire room.
The remaining guards quickly attempted to surround him but he elbowed, back fisted, and out maneuvered several attacks while delivering his own. He then used ground fighting techniques and snapped a few arms and a legs with arm and leg bars. He then began pounding one of their faces into the ground repeatedly. Esdeath was filled with nothing but wonder and excitement as this progressed.
The last guard stood up from the ground, and took of his helmet to reveal his handsome features. His blonde locks drenched with sweat and his face with bruises. It was his executioner and the same one who demeaned him before. However, [Name] found that one of them had a side arm and quickly got it and the guard already had one trained on [Name].
Guard: I am Sheev, the next imperial prodigy. Face me hand to hand and we'll see who the true prodigy is!
[Name] disarmed his gun and crushed it in his hand and threw it behind him. The two men circled each other and traded light jabs. Sheev's jabs were extremely powerful, and [Name] weren't as strong. [name] the spoke to himself mentally.
[Name]: Fighting him blow for blow would be a bad idea. I have to be conservative.
Sheev's nearly immeasurable strength sent [Name] smashing into a column. [Name] sprung back up and dodged a few more of his punches and fired off lightning fast punches to his steel like abs and jumped back.
Sheev however, was amazingly fast and battered on [Name]'s defenses. So [Name] started using hand trapping techniques and began to turn the fight in his favor. [Name] and Sheev spent seconds trading hand trapping techniques and using leg defenses from each other's kicks simultaneously.
Alas [Name] came out victorious and sent stone crushing punches to Sheev's chest. The guard and ex guards fought and the ex was winning. [Name] blocked, attacked, and wore him down. [Name] then threw a low kick and nearly broke his adversary's leg much to Esdeath's unspoken excitement.
[Name]: Not even worth my time.
[Name] said as he lifted and dropped the man to the red rugged floor.
Sheev: Finish me.
[Name]: No.
He said with annoyance and smothered fury.
[Name] then looked at Esdeath and pointed at her.
[Name]: Esdeath! I will fight you to the death if I have to!
He said with almost no breath. Spent and starving he was prepared to lose his life against her now.
Esdeath was flustered like never before. Esdeath knows that not even Tatsumi had done such a thing in seemingly insurmountable odds with what they were given. With no imperial arms, starving, tired, and upset fought against and defeated the best trained sentinels. After doing so is prepared to potentially fight all of the Jaegers at once, whilst not even trying to kill them.
[Name]: I have something to live for. . .I have a fearless little girl and a grown man to look after! They're are my family and if there's anything worth killing for, it's them!
This made Esdeath think. A fearless little girl? Just recently she met a girl who mentioned a man who was without fear who was her caretaker. She deduced that this girl was saved and is being raised by the shadow. This man in front of her has the ability to use different weapons similarly to what the child said. The child stated "he's not afraid of anything and can use lots of different weapons". Esdeath's heart rate sped up, her skin became hot, and she knew why. She was in an instance shock. The parallels between these men weren't a coincidence.
She then gasped and this caused all of the Jaegers to dart their attention to her.
Run: General?
Bols: Uh oh, I think I've seen that look before.
Wave: Ar- Are you okay General?!
Esdeath sat up and walked towards [Name] who stood firm and bleeding. He grinded his teeth as she approached.
Esdeath: Yes Wave, In fact I've never been better.
Esdeath's heart burned with desire and intrigue. Her heavily flushed face was covered by her hat as she made her way to [Name]. She finally reached him and spoke.
Esdeath: You are the shadow.
[Name]'s muscles stopped tensing and his eyes widened. She found out, and there's nothing he can do. By the look on his face, she knew she was correct. [Name] froze with a perplexing expression and dropped his guard completely. What does this mean, he'd never imagined the very enemy he's hiding his motives from, now know.
However, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a metal clinging noise. Before he knew it there was a metal collar around his neck and the blushed and smiling Esdeath was his captor. He tried to move but before he could react, Esdeath hit a vital pressure point on [Name]'s neck area and knocked him unconscious. Esdeath caught him and held tight before he hit the ground. She then spoke to herself mentally as her hat adjusted itself to cover her face.
Esdeath: Rest well, my love.