Chapter 10: Kill The Note
Mid-Day – Dirt Plains
The clouded sky was filled with battle cries and screams. The lands were of dirt and blood. An extremely well-armed group of military troops for another settlement battled the empire. A massive factory building lied in the middle of the field as troops on both ends fell to arrows, slug rounds, and incredible sword play. The battle was neck and neck as the two sides fought over this neutral arms factory. Whoever won this skirmish was sure to have more guns in their possession, a hot commodity around the globe.
Esdeath stood behind the enemy lines and with arms crossed spoke aloud to herself.
Esdeath: This opposing force really does seem to be of the belligerent sort.
One of the soldiers chimed in and asked.
Soldier: But you can defeat them right General?
He asked with noticeable concern.
Esdeath: Don't be a fool, of course I can. Come to think of it they've actually already lost.
Soldier: I don't get it General. How?
Esdeath: To insure the capture of the factory, I explored every option. So spies had informed me that their naval force isn't much to speak of. So our amazing fellow naval admiral Starch decided to attack them from the sides and crush them from the sea. Once conquered, even if my forces are wiped out to none. The Naval force will disembark and pick from what's left of them.
The young soldier boy was in awe to see her explain to him her seemingly easy Tactic and mindset.
Esdeath: See boy?
She said now looking at him. As he replied she looked back at the bloodshed hundreds of yards away.
Soldier: Yes.
Esdeath: Every military structure no matter which one, has a weak aspect of some kind. It's up to find the opposing side to find weak point to strike and win. It's simple.
Soldier: You're amazing General.
Esdeath smiled and replied.
Esdeath: No need for the flattery. I already knew that.
She finished and after that she blushed and held her cheeks. She thought of this as practice for her training [Name] to be the strongest General in the empire. She imagined that while she was talking to this lowly soldier that she was talking to [Name]. She got deep in thought and spoke mentally.
Esdeath: I wonder if my sweetheart woke up yet. I hope he's enjoying his slumber at his new home. And I can't wait to rush home and smother him with my love.
She was then interrupted from her trance making the blush disappear. As she was called at by the soldier.
Soldier: General!
Esdeath: What?!
She said with a deep irritation that made the soldier cower.
Soldier: We need to go down there and help out general. Why aren't we going?
Esdeath: To be honest, I like to see the blood.
Soldier: Please General! Those men are dying and we need to help them.
Esdeath sighed in submission with a smile and saddled her horse.
Esdeath: I suppose you have a point, Let us go!
She said as her legion of soldiers trampled the dirt beneath them.
Night – Imperial Capital Streets
The dark blue sky filled with glistening stars covered the vast capital's homes as a smaller woman ran for her life. In a thin, damped, and gross alley way the woman's feet never stopped. She was running from someone. A dark figure traversed the deserted alley ways with the practiced ease of a predator. The woman tripped and the figure was on top of her within moments. The woman shouted at the top of her lungs. The dark dressed figure hovered over her for a short while. The woman's face turned from fear to annoyance. The woman ripped off her wig revealing her pink locks.
Mine: Damn it.
She snorted.
Tatsumi: I guess he was really going to let you die.
The brunette boy removed his disguise.
Mine: Maybe you weren't convincing enough rock head!
Tastumi: ME! How?
Mine: The guy probably knew you weren't coming after me like a killer.
A green haired male circled around the dark corner of the alley and removed his hood as well.
Lubbock: Shoot, he didn't take it I guess.
Tatsumi: Man, I would've thought he'd come to rescue Mine. I wonder why he didn't, is he off duty?
Lubbock: Doubt it, night time is when he comes out to play. Especially in these areas.
Tatsumi: I think he knew about this. And I think you might be on to something Mine.
The two other Nighraid members gave bewildered looks over to the other member.
Tatsumi: I say that because as skilled as my movements were, he would've known with ability like that I would've caught you ages ago Mine. You shouldn't have needed to trip for me to get you.
Lubbock: Damn, I don't put it passed that guy to be that good either.
Mine: It does make sense.
Lubbock: I guess we head back to our inner city post and head out in a couple days.
He said as Mine still sat on the on the ground and Tatsumi stood in indifference.
Tatsumi: You can get up off the ground now.
Mine: I was already doing that!
Tatsumi then snapped his fingers.
Tatsumi: I got it. I know why didn't show. He knew Mine was so annoying that she's the only person he'd let die!
Mine: Oh piss off!
She got up and yelled as Lubbock chuckled on the side.
Night – [Name]'s Home
Rom was laying down on the couch whilst counting a large stack of credits obtained for the black market from selling to the revolutionary army. Kasumi was pacing the room whilst her arms were folded and as anxiety filled her blood. The black haired man with sliver streaks then looked over and spoke to her.
Rom: Can you go lay down or something?
Kasumi: I can't! Mr. is out there and we have to do something! I don't see how you could sit and count money while he's out there missing?!
Rom figured a night was something that could be considered something negligible with [Name]'s occupation. [Name] has been gone for two nights now and something isn't adding up. A flow of concern made the man sigh.
Rom: He'll be home soon. Don't you have some studying to do?
The girl spoke back with distress and irritation.
Kasumi: Yes, I have the books that he bought me but I can't concentrate. We have to do something please?!
Rom: No I'm not leaving you here by yourself-
Kasumi: Then take me with you. I can help, he's been training me.
Rom: No!
She interrupted. The girl then ran up to him and stood over him and gave him an extremely saddened look. Her hazel eyes twinkled with desperation as they seemed to swell with tears. After a moment of the two staring down one another Rom sighed again in submission.
Rom: Fine.
He said with an irritated tone and sat up from the couch. Kasumi's saddened look instantly disappeared as she jumped in the air and exclaimed.
Kasumi: YES!
Rom: But you're staying here.
Kasumi: Awe..
Her expression dropped as Rom got up and fixed his hair into a pompadour, put on his trench coat, and armed himself with a powerful pistol that he spun around and put in the back of his pants. He then gestured that he was watching her using his fingers and left out. Kasumi then quickly ran upstairs to put on her combat garbs and headed out right after him.
Capital Saloon
Over in the worst area of the capital was the capital saloon. It was one of the largest of bars in the entire capital and one of the most popular. The inside of the saloon was actually very nice despite the reputation. Leone was just beginning her good time in the city as she began to drink and laugh along with a lot of the other people. However, one of the drunken men groped her and she in turn elbowed the man's face nearly restructuring that man's face's bone structure.
Leone: You know what they say around here. Don't touch Leone unless she touches you first.
Drunk Patron: Hey Bitch! That was one of my boys!
One of the men charged at her and she with little effort put him and several others down. Destroying glasses and tables in the process, the music band had stopped and everyone's attention went to her.
Leone: What a damn buzz kill. I'm out.
Leone then walked out into the somewhat deserted streets. Imperials never come in this area of town, simply because patrol in such a bad area would be useless. She would be safe here. With there being a slight chill in the air, Leone threw her poncho on and stood outside upset, leaning against the place in which she'll no doubt return into to get a buzz.
?: Hey.
She ignored the call and continued to sulk. Leone then felt a light tap on her shoulder and she prepared to attack.
Leone: What the hell is that rule I-
She immediately ceased her attack effort and a blush washed across her face.
Rom: It's been a little while hasn't it?
Leone: Oh yeah, hell yeah it's been a minute. How'd you find me?
Rom: Well, I was looking for someone around this part of town and I found a little lady of by her self.
Rom: Bet you don't even remember my name.
Leone: Don't be an ass Rom. How could I not? You're the only one night stand I like to remember.
Rom: Aye, same here. I'm not surprised Leone. What've you been up to lady?
Leone: Eh stuff, nothing I can really tell you about.
Rom: You're with the Revolution then. I'm glad you're trying to make a difference in this shithole of a city. You must to be in that splinter group Nightraid.
Leone then cupped his chin in her hand and then playfully pushed on his face.
Leone: Look at you being the detective. You're really smart when you're not wasted. What are you up to?
Rom: I make and supply weapons and you guys pay me. It's a good gig.
Leone: Say why don't you and me go talk more over some brain cell altering on the inside.
She gestured a thumb to the saloon. The two former friends got closer to one another and let each other into their personal spaces.
Rom: Not now. I'm looking for my roommate, they're also a good friend of mine. He hasn't been home in a few days. He's an imperial guard.
Leone made a disgusted noise with her mouth and gestured throwing up.
Rom: He's one of the good ones, I promise you. And to tell you the truth, I'm a little worried about him.
Leone scoffed.
Leone: You worried?
Rom: I'm serious, I need find him and you don't need to be out here. You don't want to give yourself up to the empire.
Leone: Oh relax, the imperials never come over to this side of town. Plus, I need to be out here. I have a few buddies out here looking to recruit that shadow guy.
Rom's eyes darted open and he grinned.
Rom: Well if I may ask, why are you guys looking for him. So you can kill em?
Leone: No, we need him to join us. We could really use a guy like him.
Rom: In that case, I guess I can tell you that. . .He's my roommate.
Leone's eyes darted open and she shouted.
Leone: WHAT!? You're shitting me?!
Rom: I make his weapons and stuff so no. And I'm sure you know that he doesn't kill, but he needs to start. I have a killer lead on Syura the prime minister's son. So maybe you guys can bring him round the bend.
Leone's eyes twinkled and she smiled.
Leone: I think we can persuade your guy.
Rom smiled in reassurance, the two got even closer to one another. Their speech became more sensual in tone toward each other as they'd began to nearly whisper. Rom took Leone's hands in his as the chilling air grew hot between them. As dark, but the buildings lantern's did a great job of illuminating the streets allowing each other's features to become clearer.
Rom: I really hope so; this place could really use a guy with his talents.
Leone: And I could use a guy with yours.
Rom: Course you can.
He said as the two shared a kiss as they tenderly held onto one another with a hug. They met each other some time ago at this actual bar while being still sharing similar life styles. The kiss was released and Rom backed away and turned around as he walked away.
Rom: Wish I can stay but I can't. I'll have to find him and bring him to you.
Leone: Cool.
She retorted and both of them gave each other a two finger salute. After this Rom then walked off into the night.
Night – Imperial Palace/Esdeath's Quarters
[Name] had just began to wake up. He felt wonderful, as he awoke the surroundings were highly unfamiliar but relaxing. He awoke surrounded by mountains of covers. The fluffiness of the comforter and sheet set was unreal, they felt as though they were woven from heaven itself.
The smell was just as pleasant. The room was showered in the luminescence of the stars and he sat up to realize it was night.
[Name]: What? How long was I out?
He almost hated getting out this godly bed but he had to find out what was going on here. After he got up and stretched he became extremely vigilant as he realizes he must've been captured. He looked out of the window and saw some familiar building from this point of view. He's still in the imperial palace.
[Name]: This is too weird. What the hell is going on?!
He then noticed a note on one of the nearby dressers. He cautiously went over and picked it up. The note read.
Dear [Name],
I'm not here with you right now. I'm currently out on a campaign to retake a crucial weapon's refinery taken by dangerous outlanders. As skilled as I am, it'll take some time before I'm able to return by your side. With you being my lover now, you'll be retrained into a lethal machine oiled by war and hardship. I know you must be thinking "this is too good to be true", but I assure you everything now is as it seems. You are to only leave the room if told to by your new fellow Jaegers members. So please keep in mind if you are caught attempting to escape you may be harmed. And in the event that you somehow managed to do so, I will come for you. I'll elaborate more on your new life upon my return. Sit patiently my love, I'll be home shortly.
Love,
Esdeath
[Name] sighed and put the note down. He then began to search for more and more things like weapons but found nothing. But actually he did find a diary underneath her mattress. He opened it and began to speed read. He'd read the name Tatsumi at least a few hundred times if not a thousand. Somewhat sickened, he closed the book before getting towards the end.
This woman was clearly stringing him along for something. Her feelings were obvious. She still loved Tatsumi. This was good, he doesn't need some love sick, war mongering general seeking for his affection. He scrambled around and found a pen and wrote his own message of his own. Declaring he is leaving because he can never hope to be loved by a woman who loves another man.
This was a mocking joke to the general. Maybe cruel and hurtful but a joke none the less. He dropped the book to the floor.
He nearly flinched as the door to the room cracked open. It was Bols and he nervously greeted [Name].
Bols: Hi there [Name]. Glad to see that you're awake. You were out for quite a bit; so you must be famished. The spread is going to be finished in a few minutes. A lot of it's for you.
[Name]: Thanks! I'll be down in a moment.
Bols: Awesome, I'll uh. . .see you down there.
He said as the half of his body faded from sight and the door was closed once again.
[Name] wasn't lying when he said he'd be down. He means down and out of this palace to back home.
So he opened the window and began to scale the building to get out and almost reached the ground. When at this point an insane growl and pain yanked at his mind and stomach.
[Name]: A spread huh? A lot for me? And I haven't eaten since yesterday morning. Screw it.
So he climbed all the way back up nearly from the ground where he would've been scot free. He reached the room again and went down stairs. And went to see all of the Jaegers sitting at the table filled with foods. Large cuts of roasted and fried meats. Fried rice, sautéed vegetables, and numerous drinks of sweet origins.
The Jaegers exchanged pleasantries with their new member as he began to tear apart the feast. Plate after plate, bowl after bowl, and [Name] couldn't get enough. Kurome and Seryu push their plates away in a lack of hunger as [Name] ate more and more. Run and Wave watched in amazement as [Name] ate.
[Name]: Bols! You are the greatest man ever to step foot in this universe.
Bols chuckled and waved [Name] off.
Bols: Oh stop, I'm sure you've had better. Thank you.
He said as he sat back and picked his teeth. After helping out doing the dishes with the rest of his team [Name] then went to the training room and his strength increased several fold. He destroyed several punching bags and dummies unintendedly. Upon leaving the room as Wave met [Name] in one of the luxurious hall and they spoke.
[Name]: Hey Wave? Do you think the General actually likes me? Because it seems like she's using me more as a replacement for Tatsumi than genuine love.
The dark blue haired male mused and answered.
Wave: Well, when you put it that way. I think you could be right. But then again when I see the way she looks at and talks to you, to be honest I think she does like you a lot. That's something you should probably take up with her when she gets back.
Phrasing it as more of a suggestion more than anything else.
[Name]: Guess I will, this whole thing is so weird. I'm glad I have another semi normal guy I can talk with about things like this.
Wave: Me too, I'm glad to have you here [Name].
[Name]: Agreed. I was a bit apprehensive at first but I am too. All the stuff I said when I was in the cell I meant it you know?
Wave: I know, and I understand every bit of what you said. But how can we even hope to change for the better?
[Name]: By just doing what we think is right. . .And hope has a lot to do with this stuff too.
Wave smiled and extended his hand to shake it. [Name] then shook it.
Wave: Please, you aren't going to run are you?
[Name]: I give you my word.
Moments Later
[Name]: I hope she likes the little note I wrote her. Time to go
He said was already out of the window and down to the ground. He then ran out to the main courtyard and stealthy moved his way out of the main courtyard's walls and passed all of the imperial sentinels.
He was finally out, and he saw a very familiar face walking down the road and toward him.
Rom: Oh, there you are.
[Name]: Hey, what were you doing out here?
Rom: Looking for you.
[Name]: Worried about me?
Rom scoffed and turned back walked back the way he came. [Name] and he walked together and fist bumped.
Rom: No.
[Name]: Yeah you were.
He said in a teasing manner. Then out of nowhere he heard a female exclamation of joy come from behind him. Kasumi had run from a nearby alley and hugged [Name] and Rom.
Kasumi: You found him! I knew you could do it!
Rom: Yeah I guess I- Wait? Didn't I tell you to stay-? Were you tracking me?!
Kasumi: Of course I was. You were a bit hard to follow. But I found you.
[Name]: I'm glad to see you guys.
He said as he hugged her and half hugged Rom. Who groaned in embarrassment and wasn't even trying to engage at all.
Rom; Okay, let's hurry and get home.
Kasumi got in between the two and held [Name]'s hand and reached out for Rom's. Rom just gave her a gnarled look and didn't move. But she insistently continued her great big smile. Rom rolled his eyes.
Rom: Oh what the hell.
He then took her hand as the trio walked down the cobblestone road to home. Throughout the sparkling night and on the way home, Kasumi and Rom had struck a conversation/argument that made him even happier to be home.