Chapter 11: Kill the Heat
Imperial Palace – Morning
Esdeath had entered the palace's yard with pure excitement, she was running, her steps heavily influenced with determination. Her cheeks filled with blood as she smiled. Speaking mentally to herself she nearly turned into a rocket to back into their room.
Esdeath: Yes! I'm finally home, I spent too long up in those damn mountains fighting. I need to be here nurturing my love.
She then stopped dead in her tracks as the Jaeger's team stood directly in front of her.
Wave: Hi there General! Promise you won't get mad?!
Esdeath's Quarters
Esdeath ran to her quarters with a heavy heart. She then entered her room to find the bed remade, and her diary on the floor.
She ran in and crouched down. She looked at her diary and saw a paper. She took it out and it read it.
Esdeath
You're an amazingly captivating and beautiful woman. Any guy would be extremely lucky guy to have you. I know you may have feelings for me or something but It's evident that you still harbor strong feelings Tatsumi. My heart can never lay with a woman who loves another man. So maybe you and I should dial it back to known associate for a while. Don't worry, I'd be totally fine with that.
Bye
[Name]
Esdeath spoke to herself mentally as reading this shattered her ambitions like glass. Staying in those disgusting, unsanitary, and inhospitable lands was made bearable by thinking of [Name]. To come home and cuddle with him, cook for him, and love him. She even hoped that when she returned, [Name] would finally make her a woman; unlike Tatsumi. But now she can't have any of that, [Name] ran and he took her heart in tow.
Esdeath: [Name]'s fled from me? He thinks I still love Tatsumi. [Name], my love for him has emptied. But my love for you is unconditional. And I promise when I see you again, I'll prove it.
Esdeath then melted to the thickly carpeted floor and cradled the book in her arms and warmed it with her chest. Wave then quickly ran into the room and begged and pleaded.
Wave: Please don't torture me General! Ple-
She spoke with a soft and relieved tone.
Esdeath: I'm not going to harm you Wave.
Wave: PLEASE! Plea-. You're not?
She said nothing as she rose and walked past the still kneeling Wave and the rest of the Jaeger's outside of her room.
Outskirts of the Imperial Capital – Morning
The sky was a beautifully sunny as [Name] and a few members of Nightraid spoke. They walked along a dirt path surrounded by legions of trees and other greenery outside of the Capital's walls.
Lubbock was whispering to Leone as they walked back to base with [Name].
Lubbock: Are you sure this guy is the Shadow?
Leone: Unless my guy is lying, then yeah.
She stated while whispering back whilst having her hands behind her head relaxing as they walked.
Lubbock looked at [Name] as he spoke. [Name] was talking with Mine and Tatsumi as they walked and he wasn't even bothered on what the heck they were talking about. He was more concerned about [Name]'s allegiance. Was [Name] going to join them and kill or decline and-Lubbock didn't really want to think about it.
Mine: And so, you swoop around the city at night and snatch up criminals?
[Name]: Easier said than done. But yeah it's pretty much what I do. But the imperial guard job got a bit strange as a late. General Esdeath took me along on a mission to wipe out a revolutionary outpost. I didn't want to kill anyone so when she tried to execute me for treason, I fought back and I think she likes me now.
Tatsumi was overcome with a large sense of relief. It's a though an extremely debilitating affliction was passed from him to another poor soul. Tatsumi put his hand on [Name]'s shoulder.
Tatsumi: Good luck with that man.
[Name]: Thanks, but I'll be fine. I'm sure she still likes you more though. I read her diary and she mentioned your name at least a thousand times.
Tatsumi smiled.
Tatsumi: I don't know whether to be flattered or creeped out.
Lubbock: First she takes Tatsumi and then this new guy. I'm actually starting to feel unlucky with girls at this point.
Leone smiled and begun to tease Lubbock.
Leone: Awwwe, looks like someone's getting a little jelly that a certain psycho general chick isn't trying to force you to eat her blue carpet!
Then both [Name] and Tatsumi yelled back at the same time.
Both: Hey, she didn't go that far yet!
Tatsumi then doubled back and rephrased.
Tatsumi: Though I'd like to think she was trying to make me at one point.
Mine: HEY, YOU NEVER TOLD ME THAT!
Tatsumi blushed and put a finger to his mouth, he spoke incredibly fast and low.
Tatsumi: Oohh yeah, I may have forgot to include that part when I told you.
[Name] then heard rustling in the nearby bushes and held a hand up gesturing for silence. The wind nestled the trees and created additional noises. At this point the ambient noises of the forest were beginning to lessen as too many individual noise patterns arose. They were footsteps that crunched down on leaves and dried out twigs.
[Name]: We got company.
Leone: Yes! I was hoping for some action before we got back home.
She stated with pure excitement as she extended her claws in a half-crouched fighting position. The rest of Nightraid got into a fighting positions as well. [Name] then unsheathed his black bladed sword and prepared himself.
At that moment, numerous men all clad in red armor burst from the bushes and surrounded them all.
[Name]: I think I have yet to make any of your acquaintance.
Leone: These dudes are the Knights of the Red Sun.
[Name]: Any more info?
Leone then shushed him as the tall formidable red soldiers closed in.
Red Guard: Our master told us you would come.
The man stated as the mask provided a distorted version of human speech. It was deep and formidable.
Tatsumi: Oh really?
Red Guard: Indeed, drop your weaponry and surrender yourselves Nightraid. Lord Valron may consider granting you immunity from your sins against the order.
Leone: Eh, we'll be straight.
She then nearly instantly decapitated two of them and the heads fell with a thump. Lubbock then also in the same amount of speed turned a few of them to mincemeat with extremely powerful threading. Mine was shooting pumpkin as she rolled around and fired extremely focused beams of yellow light. It cracked and blew the men back and into the greenery. Tatsumi and [Name] stood back to back did basically nothing as the three of them already handled the band.
[Name]: Lord Valron? There must be more them somewhere around here.
Leone: Of course, there is silly, we're in their territory.
[Name]: What?! Why the hell are we here?
Mine: We're surveying the area. We're gonna bring these guys down.
[Name]: What? Why?
Lubbock: We'll brief you when you get back to base.
[Name] then grimaced in annoyance. Tatsumi then put a reassuring hand of his shoulder and smiled.
Night Raid Base Perimeter – Morning
The remnant of nightraid then arrived at their base of operations. Leone then proudly presented the structure.
Leone: It's home sweet home buddy!
[Name]: Wow, it looks more like a home than a base for terrorists.
Tatsumi: That's what I said at first.
Then a few women and one man walked up from the home. One of them was another girl with orange red hair in a school girl's outfit; appealing. Then a woman with short spiked white hair, an eye patch and a robotic arm prosthesis; interesting. Following closely behind her was a blue haired man, tall, imposing, and with a white trench coat. He seemed off kilter. And finally, there was another young woman, long black hair, black school outfit, and red eyes? Alluring. She was beautiful.
Najenda: Hello there. Welcome to our home!
She said with enthusiasm.
[Name]: Nice to meet you uh?
Najenda: The name's Najenda. I'm Nightraid's leader. I've heard much about you and your work.
[Name]: So, I've heard.
Najenda then listed her companions with a thumb behind her and stated their names.
Najenda: That's Susanoo, Chelsea, and Akame.
[Name]: Nice to meet you ladies and guy.
Chelsea then gave a light wave, Susanoo gave a polite nod, and Akame did nothing with a stoic expression. It kind of unsettled [Name]. With still a noticeable distance between them the leader of Nightraid then spoke again.
Najenda: So I trust my team have given a decent rundown of what we do?
[Name]: Yeah. However, I don't know how well I going to conform with my policies intact.
Najenda then thought to herself with a smile.
Najenda: So, this is the infamous shadow. He doesn't look like much, but I'm sure he's powerful. I must see for myself.
Leone: Oh come on. You got to learn to break a few eggs make an omelet.
[Name]: Don't know if I'd use breaking eggs as an analogy for killing hum-
Then [Name] then seemingly felt the pressure of one thousand pounds' smash into the side of his face. It was a green metallic fist bolted and clobbered [Name] in the face. The chain linked fist sent [Name] flying and smashing into the dirt. The gross taste of dirt and blood filled [Name]'s mouth as he slowly dosed off.
Night Raid Home – Afternoon
[Name] groaned as he awoke with a slight head ache to his surprise. He was on a couch that faced an open threshold that led into the kitchen and into a subsequent dining room.
At the feet of the couch he saw a threshold that led into a smaller room that more than likely had a staircase in it. In the kitchen Najenda and a few other of the Nightraid members talked and laughed. They didn't notice that he awoke. They must trust him, if they viewed [Name] as a threat someone would be watching him. Either that or they are damned fools.
[Name] was enraged, why was he attacked? Were they capturing him? Maybe they were, to torture him and get all his information on the imperial palace.
[Name]: I should sneak out of here.
Still groggy from his nap he rolled out of the couch and crouch walked across the soft carpeted floor to the dark room in front of him. There he saw the stairs he expected to be in the small room. At the very top of the staircase he saw a light illuminating the level above with great radiance. This was excellent, [Name]'s ticket was the window he couldn't see. So, he began to climb the stairs and occasionally looked back through the threshold in which he came to see if any of night raid saw him.
He then climbed and joy filled his heart and he smiled as he looked one final time through the threshold. But then his soul nearly left his body in fear. But then that was replaced with uneasiness and arousal? He stopped dead in his tracks as he crawled to freedom.
He was met at the top by the dark-haired girl Akame. He still crouched was also met with a viewing of underneath her skirt. Her white undergarments tightly hugged her pubic area. [Name] was stunned, he'd never been in a situation like this.
She stared at him in a stoic form of aggravation as she was holding a large bin of clean clothes. Yet, he still had the smile on his face from before, but she no doubt probably thought otherwise.
He then quickly crawled backwards as fast as he could and went back to the couch.
Sometime Later
[Name] was on the couch and Najenda herself was sitting next to him legs crossed. As she spoke she was gently rubbing [Name]'s head with her human arm and with a smile.
Najenda: I'm sorry for what I did earlier. I thought you had superhuman reflexes and wanted to test them.
[Name]: Yeah, of course I wanted that.
Tatsumi: So how are you feeling?
[Name]: Well being caught between an assassin stronghold, the empire, and maybe an extreme concussion. I'm feeling as good I possibly can be.
Mine then crossed her arms and scoffed.
Mine: Don't be such a baby. With all the crazy things, we've heard about you doing. You've been in worse situations.
[Name]: Guess you're right.
Najenda: In that case-
[Name] interrupted
[Name]: Wait, do you mind explaining why we went through deadly territory just to get here. We got attacked on our way here and I want to know what I'm getting myself into when I'm heading back. Those guys weren't here in this area before.
Susanoo: They are called the Knights of the Red Sun. It's a massive settlement completely west from the Capital.
[Name]: Okay?
Susanoo: They worship the descendant from the remnant of the defunct Red Sun clan.
Lubbock: Those guys worshipped the sun that one time it turned red about 500 years ago.
[Name]: Sorry but why's all that exposition necessary?
Susanoo: Because when that happened a man from the imperial bloodline grasped unimaginable power on the same day from an imperial arm. The weapon's abilities hold nearly 2x the power of an S class danger beast abilities. It uses a highly concentrated flow of nitrogen compounds and combines it with the power to manipulate earth.
[Name]: Which means?
Susanoo: He had the ability to create super volcanic activities, cause spontaneous human combustion, lots of other things.
[Name]'s mind had begun to flood with questions as it seems nearly impossible for him to have never heard of these abilities.
[Name]: So? That was 500 years ago. What relevance does it have now?
Najenda: He passed the weapon down to his descendant. His name is Valron.
[Name]: With all that power, why wasn't the empire swallowed up?
Najenda: Out of respect and compassion for his relatives that ruled it. And as of now the Red Sun are set on expansion and the revolution are paying the price heavily. So, we need to kill the head and holt them at least until the empire is the overthrown.
Tatsumi: So right now, we're kinda fighting a war on two fronts.
He pounded his fist in one of his hands.
Tatsumi: But that ends tonight!
Najenda: Team this is a massive gamble. We must be efficient. So Lubbock and Leone swarm the armory and the closest base of military operations. Mine, provide demolition to all the buildings of the governing bodies. The new bombs the Revolution gave us will be sufficient. Akame, go to the main senate tower and eliminate anyone of any judicial or executive governing importance. Today is a massive gathering to discuss the spending of tax payer's money. They won't expect us at all. Susanoo, destroy all infantry attempting to interfere with Tatsumi and [Name]'s part. You two have the privilege of dealing with Valron.
[Name]: Wait wait wait. Team? I never agreed to anything.
Najenda: Fine.
While she was rubbing his head, she lightly grabbed the back of his head and pulled him close. So they were face to face.
Najenda: Okay this is going to be simple. You either join us.
[Name]: Or?
Najenda: We just kill you.
[Name] then just sat and considered. Live and start killing, versus dying and not finishing his quest for peace. This was incredibly hard, the light bathed the room as all the team was looking at [Name] and waiting for an answer. He had to capitulate.
[Name]: Just know Nightraid, I'm not doing this out interest or fear of you. It's so that my family can live without an oppressive and crumbling empire.
Tatsumi: YES! Another guy in the group.
He ran over and put [Name] in a headlock.
Tatsumi: We're gonna be awesome with you on the team.
Najenda: Now that we're all in agreement, let's map this out!
She said as she whipped out and unraveled a massive map. That sight nearly turned everyone bone white in sheer shock except Susanoo who only nodded his head in agreement.
Crimsonic Imperial Lands (Valron Manor) – Night
The entire settlement was lit up with lights as the lively citizens of the Crimson Empire lived in luxury. Men and women with lavish clothing doing anything to their hearts content. Plays, Operas, Sporting events, eateries and plenty of other wonderful things were going on later that night. In the center of the city lied a massive manor owned by Valron himself.
Within the main throne room, there were many tall and imposing guards some standing at 7 feet tall. With face concealing helmets and all red garbs flowing to the floor. They each held massive glistening red double edged scythe. Everything from the carpeting, flooring, walls, ceiling, and columns were a mixture of bright and dark reds.
Down the aisle way as hooded somewhat hunched figure walked also in red garbs. Behind him was Syura. He strode with a smile as he walked along the red aisle. At the end of the room behind where the throne would sit is a was a massive red tinted circular window.
The throne was up a considerable flight of stairs and In front of the stood Valron himself. Tall, imposing, black haired man with a comb of over and a curl hanging in his face. Hair neatly trimmed around his head and his facial features were nigh unimaginable masculine. Strong jaw structure, and shoulders spanning a few feet across.
This man's form was the epitome of perfection for a male. His eyes burned a radiant red and they seemed sunken in giving a shadow around them. As if his eyes were stars shining at the bottom of a dark well. Syura gulped and somewhat began to sweat. Due to nervousness and the sheer heat of this room.
The room's temperature was burning and Valron walked to meet Syura and his servant in the middle. Along the seams of the carpet they lit on fire with each step and the columns did as well.
Syura: Holy shit!
Valron: Son of the Imperial Prime Minister.
Syura: H- Hey There Lord Valron. Your spies reported to us from that you Nightraid is somewhere near your terr-
Valron: The Nightraid's facility is now entering our capital's fore coming territory. Within the next few days the empire's intelligence will snuff out the organization and they will be crushed by our hands.
Syura: Our? But Valron? Your representatives and ours agreed that you'd hand them over to us! I need this. If I get the credit for their deaths, then I-
Valron: Your concerns are of no consequence. The prophets and I have foreseen the fall of the empire for decades. Assisting you now will only hamper our advances.
Syura: What advances?! It won't fall if I'm at its helm. I'll rebuild it if I get the credit. I will tell father and he will see me worthy to overthrow that little shithead of an emperor.
Valron: Your aspirations are of no meaning to me.
He said with a pointed finger. Syura covered in anger, fear, and profuse sweat clenched his fists. He then continuously wiped his head and face clear of sweat.
Valron: Whether the empire survives this war with the Revolution or not is inconsequential. However, the result of where the remaining imperial arms will fall following the conclusion of the conflict is topic of contention worthy of negotiation. That I refuse to discuss with you. Out of my sight.
He then turned, cape waving the fire, walked back toward his throne as Syura refused to leave.
Syura: Fine, If the empire falls and I make sure you keep all our imperial arms what will happen to me?
Valron: Offspring of the prime minister. You have been dismissed. Now run back to father in the capital. . .Before I cut you in half.
His voice boomed throughout the entire room as he demanded Syura to leave.
Outskirts of the Crimson Empire – Same Time.
[Name] accompanied his "new team" to go on to this mission. They stood atop a grass ridden mountain and stared at the luminescent lands.
Najenda: Well team, are we ready?
All except for [Name] replied yes.
[Name]: I have a bad feeling about this.