Chapter 12: Kill the Flame
As the night grew longer, the skyline view of the Red kingdom grew fuller aswell. Akame and the rest of the Nightraid factions moved alone the grass valley. Approaching the city, [Name] went to start conversation with Akame.
[Name]: A nice night to topple an empire huh Akame?
She stood silent as she continued to move. With absolutely no expression on her face. She seemed aggravated or annoyed. It was probably the up-skirt incident from earlier that day, [Name] thought. She'll get over he also thought and right before he said something else she responded.
Akame: Keep your head in the game. There isn't a need to talk to me unless it's for strategic elaboration.
She stated somewhat coldly. [Name] mentally gave her a side eyed stare that indicate his disturbance. He thought she was beautiful the first time he saw her, a ugly personality will remove that instantly and for [Name] it did for Akame.
He backed away and let her walk on her own. Mine then walked over to him and began to speak in her place.
Mine: You ready to do this? This is your first time, right?
[Name]: In a way. But don't worry about me Mine, I'll do what I need to when I need to.
She punched him in the arm and smiled.
Mine: I know.
Night - Imperial Palace Esdeath's Quarters
There was no moon in the sky for this night. Although there no moon, there was a gorgeous array of blue stars numbering millions. It was so nice that Esdeath was kneeling with arms on the windowsill and face frowned. She was sad, it was her ineptitude that led to her one and only true love to flee from her. The thought of him still thinking that she still loved Tatsumi churned her stomach. Tatsumi was weak, and Esdeath feels a fool to fall for a man so easily.
Tatsumi didn't take advantage of her like a large majority of men would've. So he still had some of her respect. While Tatsumi is a unique young man and still intriguing, that's all he is. [Name] is the one who's captured her heart permanently. A man who will face death than change his morals. A man still bathed in mystery. But [Name] ran because of a misunderstanding, she was gone for a few days and she returned to find him gone. How dare he? She makes sure his life is spared, he is fed and pampered. Yet, he shows no appreciation by waiting for her in return?
Esdeath was fuming with rage. She only dressed lightly in her very short white night gown she stood up. She then made fists and mentally proclaim.
Esdeath: I show you my love and when promised with more, you flee due to your own idiocy! [Name] I will find you and when I do you'll regret doing what you've done to me.
She then fell back into her soft bed filled with mountains of sheets. She then smiled, with the sweet taste of revenge on the tip of her tongue; getting to sleep was made that much easier.
Crimsonic Imperial City – Congress Hall
Dozens of wonderfully dressed and older men squabbled. In circular formations of desks and seats they men argued. This was a very pressing matter. It's about costs and spending. Lord Valron soon wants to skin the empire clean from the bone. Weapons, builders, materials, land, food, and other resources is wanted.
A raid like that will be probably one of the most expensive endeavor this crimson empire has ever faced. Many pro-lobbyists think it one of the best options given the circumstances. The revolution is taking the fight to the empire. When the empire falls, the crimson empire will pick from the bones. The opposing political side opposes this expansion 100%. More space, more food, and more economic opportunities.
While it is possible the empire falls. The number of funds it'll take to arm and aid hundreds of thousands of soldiers, excavation, construction, and travel costs alone could be devastating to the crimson market. What if they'd fail? Surely the empire's leading generals Esdeath and Budo will prove to be extremely formidable foes if they are still alive. But if Valron himself were to go then Esdeath and Budo may need to put differences aside and work as one. Regardless, If they failed to capture the empire, this will more than likely result in the greatest economic collapse ever experienced.
Congressman 1: Again, I will say that we have yet to come to a reasonable outcome for Lord Valron and the rest of the empire. If we don't move forward with the expansion effort, then we run the risk of spending up what we have now to maintain our trade agreements to the Loft Dynasty and the Artican Tribunal.
Another one of the men spoke up. This one was against the move against the empire.
Congressman 2: Damn the Dynasty and the Tribunal! We are already late on our payments to the Grand Confederation's loan they gave us! They've threatened to attack! Forget about the expansion efforts fortify for an attack.
The congressman who initially spoke in retort to this comment. He made crying noises to mock the other man.
Congressman 1: Don't be a fool. The Grand Confederation's military is no match for our Imperial arm holders!
Congressman 5: Fool! Do you not understand that nearly every massive settlement in the hemisphere has decent set of imperial arms? All we need is that one broken or overpowered ability to topple our entire land! We cannot afford to go to war with the potential losses we might suffer. We will hold funding for the expansion until our ambassadors find a reasonable pay rate.
Numerous congressmen shouted in agreeance. Then one of the pro expansion congressman chimed in with dismay.
Congressman 3: We have Lord Valron! We will fight against the Empire and the Grand Confederation at once!
Congressman: 6: Think of the civilians! We'll be digging in heavily into the education and tax payers' credits costs to spend on defense?
Congressman 4: If we do not find a conclusion within 40 days then Lord Valron will commence the invasion regardless of our decision.
Congressman 2: It'll be just like him. He could care less of the people.
One the Imperial loyalists stood up and smashed his hands into the desk.
Congressman 1: Fool! You'll be executed for heresy!
Then out of nowhere Akame cannonballed straight through the massive windows. The shattering glass spread throughout the room and destroyed the lights darkening the room. The standing congressman was instantly without a head as she made haste and ran across the desk. The men quickly began to run and headed to the doors.
They were looked and on the other side was Chelsea. She was finishing a lollipop whilst looked down a hall filled with royal guard bodies.
Back in the room man by man had limbs flying and blood spurting across the room and drenching important papers. Some of them begged for mercy but with long cross cuts disemboweled or severed their throats. Dozens of these men were finished. Unknowingly to these men amongst their arguing Akame and Chelsea had slain every soul in the entire building.
Chelsa: All the screaming stopped. Are you done?
Akame: Hmh. We better go!
She opened the door and the two girls fist dumped as they ran into the room and jumped out of the window. When they did, a massive BOOM! Overtook the entire land as several buildings all judicial houses, city hall, capital hall, banks, and Senate tower were sent into dusted piles of grey rubble. The tiny pockets of the buildings puffed with smoke and they crumbled like sand.
Many blocks away
Mine: Pays to be thorough.
She said with a smile.
Crimsonic Imperial Armory – Simultaneously
Lubbock and Leone on the deserted stood as many soldiers neighboring the hundreds laid in blood heaps and pieces.
Leone: Hey Lub? You know what that sound is?
Lubbock then walked away and adjusted his gloves.
Lubbock: The sound of a job almost done Leone. Now let's get outta here before the rest come. We're good but not that good!
He said as they bolted out of the area.
Valron Manor – Moments Later
Susanoo walked up the stairs to the massive Manor. After he ascended the stairs. He entered huge acres of grass statues and fountains.
Royal Red Guards then descended upon his location. The gargantuan males yelled.
Red Guard: Halt! Cease hostility!
Susanoo didn't move. Instead he with the blink of any eye batted them away with his spinning bladed staff. They were turned to mush and were sprawled throughout the yard. Feeding the grass with human remains instead of water. Several more guards emerged and received the exact same treatment. They stood not a chance at all.
[Name] and Tatsumi already clad in his Incursio armor stood from atop the very close building. [Name] was in utter awe of Susanoo's speed and power. With his mouth open in surprise [Name] turned to Tatsumi and spoke.
[Name]: He's putting in the work.
Tatsumi: Of course, He's an imperial arms man!
[Name]: WHAT?! You mean he has an imperial arm imbedded in him?
Tatsumi: No, he is an imperial arm!
[Name]: You mean like infused with one?
Tatsumi: No! HE IS AN IMPERIAL ARM.
[Name]: But, it doesn't make any sense. He's a man though.
Tatsumi: I know what you mean.
Then [Name]'s attention was drawn toward the Manor itself and not the action. He looked so fast that Tatsumi feared he'd broken his own neck.
Tatsumi: What's over there?
[Name]: I don't know. Something's
He paused for a moment of thought and confusion.
[Name]: Drawing me to it. That part of the Manor I mean.
Tatsumi: Try to stay focused man. Susanoo's bringing all the guards out and all the attention to him. When they throw something huge at him then we know to go around and kill Valron. Then out of nowhere a massive harmony of deeply garbled electronic sounds resembling communication. From the entrance of the manor emerged a twenty-foot-tall knight made from stone. A cloak fully surrounded the golems body and its eyes glowed a neon purple. With a massive stone axe, larger than it, the thing engaged Susanoo.
[Name]: That thing can't be human.
Tatsumi: It isn't.
Susanoo jumped up and smashed his staff into the ribs, back, and head with several THRAK! noises. With little pebbles chipping off , the old knight swing with it's axe. Susanoo blocked with practiced ease, but was sent smashing through the concrete walls and out of the property and into the ground.
Susanoo rose and dashed back to the old knight with immeasurable speed and should blocked the large figure and all it did was stagger back and plant a solid stone foot into the grass and dirt.
Susanoo attempted to throw a few more blows with his staff, the knight moved with technique and blocked the shots, performed some of its own. Susanoo's heels were dug into the dirt while blocking each blow. The knight then smashed Susanoo into the ground and drove the staff's bottom into Susanoo's back.
The sound was like thunder and [Name] and Tatsumi shuttered.
[Name]: Oh damn! We have to go help him.
Tatsumi: I'll help him. This put a whole wrench in our stuff. We don't have any time to waste, if you don't go and kill that Valron guy now we'll be screwed. Go man! I believe in you.
He said as he jumped on to the field. He confronted the old knight as it continued to speak an unintelligible electronical garbled language.
Tatsumi: Yeah whatever, come and get me!
He shouted as Susanoo rose from the dirt with a stoic expression ready to fight and destroy that golem.
[Name] then jumped off the building as well made his way around the dueling group and into the manor.
Manor Interior
Inside the manor [Name] walked slowly and carefully. Preparing for any more guards that will come his way and some did. These men were very large, but that wasn't much of a problem. He leaped over then and smashed their heads together. Took his blade that was held on his back and slashed his obsidian blade with an underhand strike and slashed the guard's staff and knocking the man out with his hilt upon his chin.
[Name]: They must be filtering out and heading into the city through another exit. Why is it so hot?
The air of the room thickened to an unbelievable height, nearly choking [Name]. A tall cloaked man was standing a level above him looking down at him. He was watching the entire time.
Valron then jumped from the high level and when he landed it nearly shook the entire Manor. He disrobed to reveal a blood red armor mixed with a silver and obsidian finish to the hardened mineral armor.
The heat was smoldering as though he were face to face with an open oven. Neither of them had said anything. There isn't a reason. [Name] then skillfully twirled his sword and held it in his signature stance. Not bringing any of his tools was a bad idea. He can only rely on pure skill and conditioning. Without it he'd be dead.
He rushed Valron and they began a flurry attacks and defenses. [Name] was spinning and twirling his blade, coming down with a mixture of light and strong slashes. Valron blocked them with heated gauntlets with protruding daggers with insanely sharp blades. He had a stone wall defense.
The room had begun to seemingly glow red. The red columns, carpets, and ceiling did nothing to help. It appears everything was red. [Name] was sweating profusely and it was getting in his eyes. Valron then went on the offensive, using boxing techniques that will kill with each blow. Valron's strength was insane.
[Name] couldn't afford to use a stonewall defense as Valron had, given the air is so thick that using high effort moves would render him exhausted. He had to parry until his found an opening to exploit, which he'd have yet to find. Valron was on the offensive, a one track killing machine. He finally landed a blow onto [Name], a massive front kick to his chest that sent him flying backwards.
"This isn't good", Name thought as he mentally assessed his situation. As Valron's shin guard had blades sprung forth. At this point, almost any form of serious attack from Valron could seriously hurt or kill him if he even lets a hit pass his guard. Valron moved forth with a wave of flame throwing kicks. Each kick spurted a flame blast and [Name] had to dodged and disengage.
The punches he threw had the same effect and were scorching the air around him, making the air unpleasant to even breath in. [Name] had to do something, so he did ran at Valron and threw a flurry of extremely power sword strikes that severed each of the blades on his gauntlets. He threw another and that severed Valron's arm down to the elbow.
Valron growled in pain as blood showered the area and sprayed forth. Valron super-heated the floor and seared the wound shut while still looking at [Name]. It was the blade, Rom's blade. This weapon was remarkable; it's as though the blade can slice through near anything it cuts at.
Valron screamed and shouted fired a massive fire wave and as name jumped out the way and ran away. The wave was melting the walls like candles along with everything else in the path of the fire.
Valron: Impressive.
[Name] then ran around the corner of the hall. A massive fire ball headed towards [Name] but he ducked it and ran across the room to another corner.
Valron: Most impressive.
[Name] looked again as the thing calling to him was much farther away now. This was a benevolent being whoever it was. Valron then attacked [Name] by throwing kicks at him and one shin-kick connected and deeply stabbed [Name]'s calf and then another to his ribcage.
The adrenaline kept [Name] standing but he jumped back instantly. They circled each other until [Name]'s back was facing where he initially entered the room.
Valron: This ends now.
He then raised his arm and then a massive earthquake had begun to occur. The ground began to shake violently; the manor began to crumble. All over the land lava had begun to emerge through the streets and stream into the city all over.
[Name]: What are you doing?!
Valron: In Nightraid's pathetic attempt to cripple my empire, I realized that in my defeat that Nightraid will also pay and do so with their lives. I don't know why, but during our fight I could not kill you. Not because of your skill, but because you were protected. I was unable to kill you, you could wound but not die. The prophets spoke of you, stating that your spirit is not fully your own.
[Name] could leap over and kill him now. He just admitted to holding back, if that's true then he could save all lives of innocent people in the city. Taking this man's life will save more. But then out of nowhere he saw a black form speed past him and slice into Valron!
It was Akame, she landed behind him and sheathed her sword. Valron's flesh was being covered by work like tattoos and sprawled over him. It overtook him.
Valron: I see it now. The reason the why I couldn't kill you. I knew it the whole time and denied it. . .. It was because I knew I wasn't supposed to.
He finished off before his death.
[Name] couldn't speak. Akame did however.
Akame: Susanoo and Tatsumi destroyed that "thing". You aren't fit to be in Nightraid. You'll collect your share of the reward and leave us.
The entire city was utterly decimated, left in tatters by the Nightraid and this is one empire that won't be a problem any longer. From afar the Wild Hunt watched as the city was burning.
Syura: That must've been his trump card. What a goddamn shame. Well thank god that guy got put on ice. You guys don't know how relieved I am.
Cosmina: I think I have an idea.
Syura: Whatever.
He then spoke mentally to the Nightraid with a sadistic smile.
Syura: Keep on killing Nightraid because with each person you kill, you take one step closer to the ones who'll kill you.
[Name]'s Home – Same Time
Kasumi was sitting on the couch as she and Rom had a fierce argument.
Rom: It's not a pie!
Kasumi: Yes it is! It's a Pizza pie.
Rom: How is it a pie if It's a pizza? It's just a pizza!
Kasumi: It's a variation of a pie, that's why!
Rom: So then by your logic a cake is a pie too huh?
Kasumi: A cake is a cake! A cake is a cake because it can come in many shapes or forms!
Rom: But it's a cylindrical shape so then it's a pie when it's in that shape then?!
Kasumi: Name some various types of pie that aren't in cylindrical shapes.
Rom had no answer.
Rom: Aren't you supposed to be in bed?!
Kasumi: SEE I GOT YOU! I'm right and you know it.
She said as she laughed.
?: [Name] COME OUT!
Kasumi: Who was that?
Rom: Don't know.
He'd gotten up to peak out of the window. There was a small battalion of imperial troopers fronted by a larger blonde man without a helmet. They were all armed with lance like weapons. This wasn't good, [Name] must've gotten into some trouble with these guys. Or probably the guy in the front. He wouldn't have his helmet off for no reason.
?: I SAID COME OUT! YOU MUST BE ABLE TO HEAR ME, THE LIGHTS ARE ON!
Kasumi: Do you see them?
Rom: Yeah. This could get messy.
Rom knows what this could mean. If the empire is on your trail, they will continue to do so with no end. [Name] isn't here now and he needs get them both to the cellar. Quickly and easily. As Rom had stood up he grabbed Kasumi and went to guide her to the cellar. However, before he knew it. The man had kicked the door open and entered the home.
Rom: Woah!
?: Where is [Name]?
Rom: He's not here.
?: Where is he?
Rom: Out, he'll be back soon. Why the hell are you here Mr uh?
Sheev: Sheev. [Name] will pay for what he did to me. He embarrassed me in front of General Esdeath and the Jaegers. He single handedly stripped away all my opportunity to move higher up. So in retaliation I will show him hell, but in the meantime; I'll be taking. . .
He looked to see Kasumi behind Rom. He smiled and looked back at his other cohorts who also smiled in turn.
Rom turned around and whispered to her.
Rom: In the back, there's a cellar, it has grass on top. Feel around and stay there.
Sheev: We'll be taking little sweety-pie, She'll ransom her for [Name].
Rom shrugged his shoulders.
Rom: Eh, Take her. She's anno- GO!
She ran into the kitchen and before Sheev ran after her Rom tripped him. Rom twisted around the few soldiers who struck at him and they missed. Rom grabbed a powerful hand pistol from underneath his reclining chair, spun around and blasted one of the soldiers in the chest and sent him flying through furniture.
He quickly shot another in the head and left massive hole through their head. Another was shot through the chest again and before he could continue the gun was knocked out of his hand by Sheev. Then he was smashed against the wall and then Rom was sent crashed him through the window leaving him lying on the cobblestone road.
Rom grabbed a shard of glass and did a roll backwards. Sheev was large enough to step out of the window and walk to him and not have to mount the windowsill. Rom charged and attempted to cut the larger man. Sheev easily disarmed him, dislocated his arm, and smashed him to the ground with a spine busting slam.
He got up and placed his boot on Rom's right arm. Sheev was smiling as he revealed that before he left the house he picked up Rom's gun. He then took it out and aimed it at Rom's heart. The other surviving imperial guards emerged from the home without Kasumi.
Guard 3: She's gone sir, she must've jumped the fence out back.
Sheev: Well, scum at least if you are his friend; then killing you will make me one step closer to getting my revenge.
Rom: Eh, he'll be fine.
Rom smiled and raised his left arm, made a gun with his hand and slowly pretended to pull the trigger as Sheev did.
Rom: Your move cowboy.
A massive BANG! rang loud as birds flew away in the disturbance of sound.
Even in death Rom thought that [Name] might have to go through things before anything get better. But things will get better, it always does. He hopes that helping little Kasumi will make her life better, and make him feel better too. And through doing that he also left [Name] with a parting gift, one less person to look after. [Name] still owes him though, and him helping Kasumi put a little more on his bill. But he'll let that last one slide. Somethings he just did out love for the only two people in his life he can truly call family.
Night Raid Base – Night
The entire nightraid sat in the same living room they briefed the mission in. [Name] stood somewhat dejected as Akame was pointing out that [Name] hadn't killed Valron when he had the chance.
Akame: He not only could've gotten himself killed but he endangered Tatsumi and Susanoo who could've been killed as a direct result. He stood there and listened to Valron monolog rather then finishing him off.
Najenda: Anything to say in your defense.
[Name]: There isn't any need for it. You're right I did fail to kill Valron and I probably didn't out of apprehension. But your business is now your own.
[Name] then grabbed his sack of coins and put it on his back and began to leave.
[Name]: I appreciate everything you guys have done for me. You are all good people.
He looked back and smiled.
[Name]: But maybe I'm not cut out for this kind of thing.
Tatsumi stood up in protest.
Tatsumi: Come on! Don't say that. We can help you!
[Name]: Thanks, guys.
He said as he left. Tatsumi was going to go after him, but Akame stopped him.
Tatsumi: Akame?! Why are you being-
Akame: He's an adult Tatsumi. He can make his own decisions.
[Name] walked along grass plain and a shadow like horse with red eyes emerged seemingly from nowhere.
Akame: [Name]?
[Name]: What?
Akame: You're a coward. You don't kill out of fear. You must be afraid that you'll come under supernatural scrutiny or maybe you probably just can't live with yourself. It's selfish really. We save lives by doing what we do and all you do is beat and lock them up. Then the corrupt system can spit them out so they do it again.
Her false words burned him. He wanted so badly to lash out and punch her in the face for her words. But that would be unbecoming and he wants to be the bigger person. So, he'll bite his tongue, and give her the half-truth just to shut her up.
[Name]: You don't have a clue of the immense darkness that dwells within me. Its pull is so powerful that I will never do anything to provoke it enough to grip me again. When it grabbed me once, I earned eternal damnation. And the part about fear is right. I am scared, scared of what happens if the darkness does grab me again. For if it does, even hell won't let me in. Goodbye Akame. May our paths never cross again.
The dark horses maim flew freely in the air as it zipped by and [Name] was already nearly out of sight due to the incredible speed of the dark stead.
Imperial Capital
[Name] finally made it back to the capital, home. He then noticed that there was a small black cloud over by where he lived. Thinking nothing of it he continued at his normal speed until he saw multitudes of people group up and look at that direction. So, he hurried a little, people should be sleep now of night. He began to run and brush past people. His heart raced as he descended upon a nightmare. The home he lived in was burned to a crisp. But he even brush past more people to see something in front of the house.
[Name]: What happened?
Rom's corpse was left in front of the home. At first there was a sliver of hope that he was unconscious. Tears welled in his eyes as he ran to his body. Rom died from a gunshot wound to the heart and with a smile. He cradled the cold body of his friend and ground his teeth to prevent from shedding tears. He let was small crack in his voice to exit his mouth.
[Name] sat cradling his friend and let out a pained scream that shook the stars.