Chapter 15 - Kill the Fate
Morning – Dirt Plain Ouskirts
The blue haired general rode along dirt plains. The sky was a clouded grey as the woman rode to her destination. The prime minister tasked her with the mission to a place called Galease a western tribe. The place was a settlement a few miles away from the capital. Esdeath was there to assist in the mediation between the two settlements.
There was an economic sanction placed on them due to the empire believing that Gelease provided support to the Revolutionary army. It's a small settlement; who's exports are very good. The statesmen were very cordial and so were the imperial representatives. She mused on how the negotiations went well and things were resolved although things were still in the Empire's favor, only using the accusation of terroristic support just to implement a more stringent trade barrier as punishment. A good tactic to use to ensure more economic gain.
She voiced her opinion to the prime minister on how they could just attack them but not only would it damage what goods they can salvage, but they've also managed to find powerful Imperial arms and suitable users so attacking wouldn't be very easy. But she loved that fact, if the day came to fight them she'll be in the front lines. Regardless, that's far out of the realm of possibility right now. As the good prime minister and the imperial council won't spend the money to get it done anyway.
Recent news also swirled in her mind. She'd read in the Daily Imperial that there was a horrible massacre at the Celestial Commonwealth. All the notable royalty was killed during what was known as a Queendom ceremony. Though it must've been an uprising of sorts, she wondered what man or women could've done such things. She'd love to meet them. It almost kind of reminded her of the report she filed on the Wild Hunt for their utter lack of humanity and insubordination by releasing the Danger beasts of the late Dr. Stylish, raping, and pillaging. The slaughter she could understand, she engages in it from time to time. But it's the rape that disgusts her, good riddance to them.
As her beautiful blue hair blew, she neared her new destination. Wave told her that there is a fortune telling witch out near the outskirts of Gelease. She had to find her and ask very important questions. If she is a true witch, she'll be able to tell her what she wants to know.
She rode on her blonde stead in her new ice blue battle outfitted to look like her white one. She then spotted a large palace nearby, reached it, and dismounted the horse. The place was massive and elegant resembling a large school? The place was arcane and she got the feeling that were also elements of the paranormal as though lots of female attendees were there, and as it turns out it is girls only witch school. After becoming bare footed, she entered the and spoke to a silver haired woman in a green old western dress with pure white eyes. She stated with a bright smile.
Esdeath: I've come for a telling of my fate.
Morning – Night Raid Fortress
The sky over near the Nightraid was a bright blue and orange as she looked out the window. She stood at the counter wearing an apron whilst cutting several vegetables. Several meats were already in the oven and almost done as was the rice was boiling in a near pot.
Two horsemen flew past on the outside of the hill on the road. She noticed Lubbock sitting out on the small hill overlooking the road meddling with his imperial arms but she was interrupted. Tatsumi came from down stairs already dressed and ready to depart.
Tatsumi: Hey Akame!?
Akame: Good morning Tatsumi.
She stated with her somewhat stoic toned expression as she continued cutting.
Akame: Where you going?
Tatsumi: Oh, to pick up some things from that vender over at South Gelease.
Akame turned to look at him.
Akame: Aren't you going to eat breakfast first.
Tatsumi: Not really, I gotta get out of here so I can catch that new manga chapter before it's sold out.
Akame: Okay, see you soon.
As she said that she withdrew from the conversation and turned back to cooking. Tatsumi then remembered before he ran out of the house. He still must ask her about [Name] and that was still something that ate away at him. He then spoke aloud.
Tatsumi: Hey Akame?
Akame only turned her head to acknowledge him.
Tatsumi: Did [Name] rub you the wrong way or something? I kinda got the feeling that you didn't like him all that much.
She turned her head back to the pot in which she dumped the chopped vegetables in.
Akame: It was a few variables.
She paused as she began to stir the pot. She then spoke again.
Akame: Though I may be wrong about him in one of them. I'm sure he'd appreciate your concern. But It's nothing you should concern yourself with Tatsumi.
She put extra emphasis on "yourself". Tatsumi could tell at this moment as adrenaline ran, that she with her words wanted him to butt out of the situation. She pretty much stated in the nicest way possible to "mind your own business". He didn't get an answer and really Akame was right. It wasn't his business. Somewhat dejected he replied.
Tatsumi: I know. I respect that but if you aren't going to tell me then I'll make a judgement. The way you treated him was pretty messed up, he didn't do anything to you and you treated him like a jerk.
She didn't say anything for a moment, but she replied a moment later after wiping her hands clean.
Akame: And while I respect your "judgement" It makes little difference to me of what you think about the situation.
Tatsumi: But how can you do that?! Just treat a good guy like a bad one?
Akame: I have my reasons and I don't feel like sharing them to you now. And I'd also appreciate if you minded your own business Tatsumi!
She then raised her voice to a noticeably high level.
Tatsumi: How you treat our teammates is my business.
Akame: I'm not going to tell you and that's that.
The brown-haired male then sighed and walked towards the door.
Tatsumi: Whatever, forget I even asked. I'll see you when I get back.
He said under his breath as he opened the door and ran out. As Tatsumi ran out he must've shouted Lubbock's name as he turned his head and held a hand out. Tatsumi ran and they clapped hands as Tatsumi ran to his own hitched horse down the hill, while Lubbock continued what he was doing.
Akame felt challenged by Tatsumi's attempted interrogation. She's very defensive about this subject and won't release her "negative" feelings as she feels [Name] is gone and there won't be much benefit to doing so. Maybe in the odd chance that [Name] returned, she'd reveal it. That's extremely unlikely though. But to her one thing is for certain, she truly doesn't dislike [Name] at all.
Simultaneously - House of Majikkuhausu
Esdeath sat on a small pillow in front of a crystal ball, as did the Witch. Her name was Nora, she and Esdeath conversed on numerous topics such as beliefs, current events, and even fashion sense. Nora took her hands and swirled it around the clear sphere and then again asked Esdeath.
Nora: Now specifically, what do you want to know about your fate? It'll make it easier once you narrow it down for me.
Esdeath: For starters, I'd like to know whether my Lover and I will end up together for certain and when I'll end up with him again.
Nora: Close your eyes.
A smiling and excited Esdeath did as she was told and Nora did the same, immediately surged and probed through Esdeath's brain. Her mind was a cosmic space like dimension filled with purple, blue, and pink clouds and stars. She flowed through Esdeath's mind and felt a deathly chill, toppled with suppressed grief held since she was a child, slight insecurities, deep obsessions, love and madness. She then saw a green eyed young man with brunette hair and a joyous smile.
Nora: Tatsumi I presume? He's the one.
Esdeath abruptly opened her eyes and disrupted the deep trance for both. Though she could've easily spoke aloud and communicated that way, she chose not to.
Esdeath: No, not anymore. The memories you see are only cinders of something that once was.
Nora: Then I'll try again.
The two women repeated what they'd done moments earlier.
Nora: Esdeath What is your favorite color?
Esdeath's chuckle echoed as Nora flew through Esdeath's mind space. She then followed up with a response.
Esdeath: Isn't it obvious? It's blue.
Nora then floated through green, pink, and purple cosmic clouds. The pink was where all her more tender and gentle memories and emotions lied. The green clouds were occupied by her more abrasive, bitter, and nastier sides. The purple was where her everyday complacent memories resided which contained a bits and pieces of everything and Tatsumi now resided there. He must've been deposited here after Esdeath took to someone else.
However, she floated towards the bluest section of the mind. Her favorite section. There Nora saw what she was looking for, she found a massive visage of a male. This male occupied a large portion of the blue space, this place in her mind was also the warmest of all.
Nora: [Name], is this him?
"Yes", Esdeath replied. Nora could tell that yes was filled with compassion. Nora felt the love filtering into this section of her mind unconditionally at that. After barely dipping into [Name]'s mind she'd read darkness in its rawest form. Though it was much like a cake, iced with bright complacency to cover up it's dark layers.
But something else shocked her, his soul didn't appear to be his own. It was much like his soul had been used numerous times. Not only this but this spirit had a very familiar presence. As a Witch, a being who dwelled with magic, she knows that all living things carry various amounts living essence that magic comes from. There is one source however, that all magic items gain power from to manifest, The Tree of Infinite Life. A human's direct link to the source is very thin to begin with. It needed to be in such away due to share such mass energies to support plants, environments, danger beasts, animals, and many other organisms.
The original Emperor had found some way to siphon considerable amounts of the living energy directly to inanimate objects which is how Imperial Arms came to be. However, this makes even less sense given that the Tree of Infinite Life was destroyed during the Great Sovereign War one thousand years ago. Once the tree was destroyed, the use of imperial arms or magics at all for that matter shouldn't have been possible. But it resumed, that shouldn't be unless something had taken the essence of the tree and somehow managed to contain it before tree's destruction and still holds it to this day.
The Imperial Arms come directly from the source line and it appears [Name] is also in that direct line as well. Although that makes no sense to Nora at all, because humans and animals cannot be tied to the line directly. He can't be a living Imperial Arms although she knows they do exist. He also isn't a danger beast as they share in the direct line as well. He was born like any other human but something didn't add up. How could a living flesh and blood human be born with such a massive output of magical essence? The two women exited the deep trance as it was time for Nora to give Esdeath her answers.
Nora: You'll see him again for sure. But whether you'll end up together isn't very clear to me yet. And If I may ask when you do see him again what will you do?
Esdeath closed her eyes and didn't smile. After opening them again she spoke with her voice deepening.
Esdeath: I plan to punish him for leaving me.
Nora was shocked. She didn't feel that type of malice while she was inside Esdeath's mind.
Esdeath: Also, I assume since you've attached yourself to his mind to an extent. Would you mind giving me his location?
Nora then quickly made up an excuse to hide this. She and the other Witches needs to find and get to [Name] before Esdeath does. If she finds him this time he might not be able to escape a second time.
Nora: I cannot. I don't yet possess the ability.
Esdeath: You mean there's no way we can find him?
She said with noticeable concern and her face twisted into a frown.
Nora: I'm sorry.
Esdeath looked down and closed her eyes in grief.
Evening – Dirt Plains
A dejected Esdeath didn't ascertain the information she required and went about her way. At that moment Nora let out a sigh of relief. Numerous emotions flowed through the general. She went in with the high-octane excitement and left with a simmering disappointment, rage, and sorrow. Maybe she isn't meant to find him now, and if that were up to the gods; she'd have no say in the matter. The only thing she can comfortably do is go home. But then she smiled as she brought something to mind that'll soothe her.
Esdeath: Well, I suppose it's time to kill something.
Unbeknownst to Esdeath, the very experienced Witch knows exactly where [Name] can be found. She hated lying to Esdeath and seeing her so sad didn't help, but she can't risk Esdeath reaching him first. She also now knows [Name] is perhaps closer to that spiritual source tether than any living being or known object whether it be danger beast or imperial arms. Nora doesn't know how or why; she'll have to research further. After all who'd be a better person to ask other than her brother The Lord.
Simultaneously – Dirt Plains
[Name] rode as the dirt flew furiously into the air behind and around him. He needs to and wants to find Kasumi as fast as he can. Now he knows she's alive and more than likely she's out there somewhere. However, she can't be saved unless [Name] can find this "calling" and deal with this. This isn't something that can be held off. "What if it's a fountain of more power? What if it's a evil spirit seeking to possess his body?" He thought. Anything is possible at this point. Then again what if Kasumi is being chased down as of this moment. If that were the case she should be his priority. He let out a groan out of anger from his indecisiveness.
As he rode he noticed someone else riding to his far left. He surveyed closer and he saw Tatsumi?! [Name]'s stead rode ever faster and once [Name] was noticed Tatsumi slowed down. After the two males dismounted and exchanged pleasantries.
Tatsumi: How've you been?!
[Name]: Not so great actually but I'll live.
Tatsumi felt a gloom come over him. He knew something was slightly off when he saw [Name] with dried blood on his attire. It clear that he tried to wipe it off but just said screw it and kept going.
Tatsumi: I'm sorry to hear that. If you come back with me, we can talk more about it.
[Name]: I don't have any time for that right now. I have to go do something.
Tatsumi: Like?
[Name] grabbed at his face in stress and confusion.
[Name]: I just don't know. My home got raided by the empire and I lost my friend. Also, the little girl I was caring for just up and vanished too. I just. . .I just need help.
[Name]'s voice was somewhat beginning to crack. Tatsumi was the only one he told about the situation thus far and if anyone can relate it'd be him. [Name]'s throat began to burn with grief and a feeling of uncertainty washed over him. Tatsumi clenched his fist and put a hand on [Name]'s shoulder.
Tatsumi: I know how it is to lose people that you love and care about. Even if you've been with them for a short time. I know I'm too young to be a wise guy, but if there's anything I know for a fact is that love and death are as essential to life as water. That's something that helps me get through every day, and living each day to fight for the ones who I love is what keeps me going! You need to feel the same.
[Name] was bewildered by Tatsumi's words and how relatable they are to even him. [Name] needs to keep going on. As much that is going on, he needs to keep on going to do something to still accomplish his mission he started when he first came. To make sure he can live a life where every day strife isn't caused by monocratic greed or a tyrannical rule. To try and atone for what he did when he mercilessly slew his own parents and the innocent people of his village, men, women, and children.
Tatsumi: You got me?
[Name]: Yeah. Thanks, Tatsumi. Oh and by the way. Why are you even out here?
Tatsumi: Oh.
Tatsumi smiled and opened a sack full of manga, drinks, and other pleasantries.
Tatsumi: Pretty neat huh?
He said chocked full of excitement.
[Name]: Cool I guess? Very assassin like of you.
Tatsumi: Oh yeah there's something I needed to ask you.
[Name]: Hm?
Tatsumi then put the sac back on his horse and raised his fists with excitement.
Tatsumi: I want you to fight me with your full power! Can you do that for me?
[Name] kind of winced at this idea. "Why would Tatsumi want to fight me"? "I bet he didn't ask to fight anyone else on Night Raid," [Name] continued to think. None of that mattered right now. Tatsumi wanted a fight and since he asked he's going to get one. [Name] removed some of his armoring and stretched and Tatsumi removed his trench coat and did the same.
[Name]: It's a bit weird that you want to fight me.
Tatsumi: I'm an assassin don't think I'm some push over. Plus you seem like a guy who'd give an awesome fight.
[Name] quickly readied a fighting stance and it startled Tatsumi. Tatsumi then smiled at that. They stood in the same spot as the wind tussled a tumble weed over behind [Name].
Tatsumi went for the first strike! [Name] blocked his hook with his elbow and side kicked Tatsumi in the gut with incredible force. Tatsumi flew back almost ten meters leaving a long trail of dirt where both feet had been. He keeled over and his knees went to the ground. Tatsumi asked for it and he got it.
"INCURSIO!"
Tasumi shouted as not only did he grow after a flash of light but he was now clad in silver armor and had bright yellow eyes. Tatsumi also had a staff of sorts which he twirled around with noticeable precision.
Tatsumi: Ready for round 2?
[Name]: That fast?
Tatsumi then lounged at [Name] with Lightning speed however, he stopped midway. [Name] heard a monstrous growl come from Tatsumi's stomach. Tatsumi felt it, extreme hunger made sure that Tatsumi stop and moan in annoyance. Tatsumi's normal form returned.
[Name]: Your stomach saved you.
Tatsumi: Yeah food at the table. Akame can eat a hell of a lot! Oh man and dinner's usually done by this time!
The green eyed young man then mounted his horse.
Tatsumi: Come on [Name] at least have dinner with us. We'd love to have you.
[Name]: Not all of you I'm sure.
Tatsumi: If it makes you feel any better I confronted her about earlier today.
[Name] put his hands on his waists and tilted his head.
[Name]: Really? Today? About me? Now I know for certain you're trying to sucker me in. It's fine that she hates my guts and I know why too.
Tatsumi: Really? Why? she didn't want to tell me.
[Name]: I think it's because I got a sneak of her undies.
Tatsumi turned red and exclaimed.
Tatsumi: OH MAN HOW COULD YOU!?
[Name]: Relax, it was a total accident okay? But any way it's getting late and I don't want you starving out her talking to me.
Tatsumi sighed and said his goodbyes to [Name]. Tatsumi even said before he left "I can't wait to see you again", . [Name] watched as Tatsumi rode off to go to a nice warm home, hot food, and loving friends. Something [Name] wasn't in abundance of in any way. [Name] had already stopped pitying himself, it's time to live for someone else. He'd tried to make a life for himself and he'd failed. It's a toss up to know whether to find Kasumi or whatever is calling out to him.
However, as [Name] was getting ready to mount his own ghostly stead several pink flashes filled his peripheral vision. And as he looked back he saw six people. He saw a lean muscular man with black triangular bob cut hair. Another was a strangely overweight obese looking clown with dark skin compared to the rest. One to his left was a tall man with black hair in the style of a ponytail. An individual on the right was a sweet looking woman in a mini dress and bunny accessories. The other female was smaller and had blonde hair with a turquoise dress. Finally, a tan skinned male with markings on his face and white hair bore a sadistic grin.
The female with the rabbit accessories was the only one who spoke. She stated with a loud squeak of excitement and a slight dance.
Cosmina: I call first dibs!