Chapter 17: Kill the Lust
[Name] stood in anticipation with what will happen next. Esdeath standing across from him with her mouth open in excitement. [Name] knew this would be a massive setback for his own plans. She stated in her note that she would come looking for him, but he'd never anticipated that she'd actually find him this soon if at all.
Esdeath: This has to be some sort of elaborate mirage! [Name] is that really you?!
She said with a breath of disbelief. [Name] then quickly decided to play along. Pretending that he isn't [Name] at all is his best bet. He slightly altered his voice and began to speak.
[Name]: [Name] mam? I'm sorry you must have me mistak—
In an instant Esdeath wrapped him into her arms with a vice like hug. His face being buried into her full breasts; his vision was heavily blurred and he was without air. He struggled to break free whilst she spoke.
Esdeath: Oh [Name], I shouldn't have been so foolish. Of course it's you.
[Name] couldn't break free, he began to furiously tap out on her back. She then realized what she was doing and released him from her chest. [Name] backed up and took a massive breath of fresh air with a hint of scarce dirt and he promptly coughed.
Esdeath: It's moments like these that makes me believe in destiny. With that being said, what brings you out here all by yourself?
[Name]'s eyes watered from lack of air and coughing struggled to speak.
[Name]: I was coming back from Commonwealth.
Esdeath snapped a finger and remembered what she'd read in the paper earlier this morning.
Esdeath: That's right there was a massacre at the home of the monarch in which the entire royal family and that imperial guard were killed. Have any details since you were there?
[Name]: I was the one who did it.
Esdeath for a moment didn't know how to respond. She knows, [Name] must've been coming around. Or maybe he's only saying that to impress her. But as she was going play along and pretend to believe him, she'd noticed. He has a different look in his eyes. Those weren't the eyes of a somewhat meek and softer person she'd met before. He has the same eyes he did when she was going to have him executed, the same eyes that made her fall in love with him.
He had the eyes of a merciless killer now. He was the one who committed that mass murder and killed that guard Sheev. The guard had destroyed a home and killed someone; it must've been [Name]'s home, not to mention Sheev must've still felt raw about his defeat to [Name] and sought revenge. So for Sheev, it was poor timing that led to his death.
Esdeath: Indeed, you are. Then this means you're already changing for the better.
[Name]: You mean you don't care?
Esdeath: Why would I? If they couldn't defend themselves; it only confirms that they deserved their fates. I also smell another woman on you why is that!?
She said with a noticeable venom in her voice. Esdeath had grabbed [Name]'s scalp and had a great grip. [Name] winched in pain as her filed nails dug deep into his skull.
[Name]: Let me go!
The general's death grip only tightened and it seemed as though she was scalping him. By her voice [Name] could tell she was incessantly annoyed, as she had stated.
Esdeath: Not until I receive my answer!
[Name] while slightly crouched; painfully grabbed his neck and revealed the bleeding teeth marks to Esdeath.
[Name]: Some woman from the Wild Hunt bit me. They jumped me while I was out here just to get to you.
She released her grip and she instinctively began lightly massaging his head with her fingers. She spoke with a hand to her chin and looked to the side being in deep thought.
Esdeath: I'll kill them. Every one of them. Since the Nightraid hasn't made any moves for a time, the timing couldn't be better. So, I'll place my efforts there. But for right now even that can wait. I distinctly remember telling you not to leave, did I not? And since you defied my wishes. You deserve to be punished!
She then raised her voice and [Name] prepared to fight her as his feet shuffled in the dirt. She then charged at him and as [Name] tried to block whatever she threw at him. But she immediately hugged him once again in a tight grip.
[Name]: Not again!
Esdeath: But I love you too much to inflict you any large amounts of intentional pain.
She smiled and held [Name] snug and smothered him with love. She then released him.
[Name]: Love me? Esdeath you can't be serious. You can't just love Tatsumi and then go to another guy just like that. I'd hardly believe even you can do that. This has to be some sort of displaced physiological whatever thing that you have for me. Tatsumi is the one you should be chasing after.
The blue haired woman's demeanor soured. "Why would even mention him again?" It's true she did love Tatsumi at one point, but that was at one point.
Esdeath: I assure to you that my love for you is true.
She said as she placed her hands on her hips.
[Name]: Sorry, but I don't believe you. I think you still love Tatsu-
Before he finished his sentence, his head was rung. His hearing went for a moment and his face stung. His inner jaw had been cut, he tasted iron as his mouth had blood flowing though. He staggered back a little and he felt his balance go. Esdeath had slapped him.
Esdeath: Enough of that, I won't have you try and dismiss my current feelings by using my past.
[Name]'s mind was blown. That was his real intention, to try and turn her off him. For all [Name] knows, she could actually love him which does seems pretty likely at this point, or he could be her subconscious Tatsumi replacement. Never the less [Name] will keep trying to make her see. Hitting her back now would instantly result in his death, so that wouldn't be in his best interest.
Esdeath: I apologize for hitting you, I'll make it up to you once we get home and shower. As for now I'd strongly suggest we vacate this place as soon as possible.
She said as she mounted her horse who'd just arrived.
[Name]: Why?
Then the dark blue night sky was filled with incessant buzzing. A fierce throng of danger beast insects were stirring around this location.
Esdeath: That's why, a few million spider locusts will converge on this location and head south towards the capital, we'll be safe; they only graze in plains. They're very carnivorous. So hop on, unless you want to be nourishment.
She stated with a smile. As he began to mount along with her, he heard a metal clang noise around his neck. She placed a collar around his neck once again.
[Name]: Oh man! Again with this?!
Esdeath: It's only for the trip, just to ensure you don't escape again. I'll release you once we get home, I promise.
[Name]: Do you just walk around with this thing?
Night – Imperial Palace Esdeath's Quarters
[Name] stood under a shower nozzle with the pleasant feeling hot water. The much needed shower was making [Name] feel good. The water washed away lots caked on dirt, crusted blood, and salted perspiration. He saw the dirt flow into the drain, and along with those he tried to let a lot of his current worries wash away as well. There isn't much he can do right about now, so the best thing to do is to let the flow of this metaphorical water stream carry him along. Finding what's calling out to him as well as Kasumi will have to sit on the back burner for the time being.
Luckily [Name] also had a full stomach as he'd gotten something lite to eat on the way here. [Name] didn't see any of the Jaegers on his way here. They must've all went home by now, however he did receive a few glares of imperial guards who clearly remembered him from his time there before. Much to his surprise he got lots of nods of approval from the lot of them for whatever reason. But he would've escaped a second time had it not been for Esdeath's stern warning. As the two had walked down a large marooned themed hallway filled with imperial statesmen, she had said "There's important business I must to attend to, go to my quarters and don't leave unless otherwise specified".
She then turned to look at him, with her cap down and only revealing one eye. It glowed a deep yet radiant blue as her pupil dilated. It was almost inhuman. "If you do, the consequences could be dire" "But don't worry I'll be up shortly" she stated before leaving with the rest of the important people, [Name] thinking about it chilled his blood even through the steaming hot water. After soaping himself up his bones nearly froze to absolute zero in fear. Some hands lightly wrapped around his chest and something licked his neck wound with the bite marks.
Esdeath: The wound seems to be healing nicely.
[Name]: ESDEATH! What are you doing!?
Esdeath: I'm showering with you, what else does it look like?
[Name] wondered how she could sneak up on him so easily. Maybe he was so deep in thought he couldn't have noticed. She is in the shower with him! She was nude but she was covered by a sash of bubbles and soapy water. [Name] didn't need this right now, so he immediately grabbed his eye and yelled.
[Name]: I got soap in my eye!
The woman said in a caring, yet curious tone.
Esdeath: Hold on, let me see.
[Name]: Nope, Nope. I got it.
He said as he exited the shower and out of the washroom with a towel. He then held the door behind him as though it would actually do something. Esdeath must've still been showering. [Name]'s heart was racing; he'd never been in a situation like this before.
He went and sat on the well-made bed. But air dried him off as he realized that he had no replacement for clothes. "This sucks", he thought. He's stuck with a towel until Esdeath comes out. [Name] heard the water stop and seemingly so did his heart. It was only a matter of either seconds or a minutes in which she would come out. The anticipation was killing him. He spoke to himself mentally.
[Name]: Come on, what the hell am I scared about? This is easy, just be a man about it. It's that easy.
The doorknob turned and the door opened gently. A wave of fog, flushed out of the room as the voluptuous woman's silhouette emerged. Her frightening yet alluring blue eyes locked onto [Name] as she walked toward him. She was only wearing loose fitting button down shirt, only it was unbuttoned. [Name] gulped.
Esdeath: Is your eye okay?
[Name]:. . .Yeah. . .Uh Esdeath?
She sat down beside him on the bed and gave him a curious look as if to answer his question.
[Name]: What is it that gravitates you to me in the first place? What do you want?
Esdeath: Well that's simple to answer. It's your drive and will to survive is that gravitated me to you. Ever since I first saw you, there was something about you that peaked my interest. You're courageous and driven to defend your morals. Also, there's a certain darkness about you, a darkness only you have. And what I want is for you to return my feelings and continue to serve under me.
This sent a shock-wave through [Name]'s body. He radiated darkness, but he already knew that. Though he had no idea it could be read by someone who he's never displayed his dark capabilities around. But it doesn't matter, there will be no mercy moving forward, there will be no survivors. Leaving them alive only caused him trouble in the end. Serving her and the empire is more or less the same, but he'll do what he does best and that's play the part.
Esdeath: And I promise, I will be faithful. I won't even as much as look at another man. I will cook for you, clean for you, and grant you anything to your heart's desires. So now that you and I are all alone with no interruptions. I'm all yours, go ahead choose your fate.
Romancing Esdeath
A. "My fate lies with you, Esdeath" (Flirt)
B. "I am new to this, Let's take things slow"
C. "Esdeath, I want you and I to grow old together" (Flirt)
[Name] contemplated on what he should say. If he want's something that'll turn her off, he knows exactly what to do and what to say. So, he grabbed Esdeath's hands, cupped them close to his chest and looked in her eyes.
[Name]: Esdeath! Bear my children!
[Name] was shocked at what he just said. At first he couldn't read her face for any emotion in particular. She then snatched her hands away, turned around and held her cheeks in what seemed to be embarrassment. "Mission success" [Name] thought.
Esdeath: Oh my, how bold of you.
She said with noticeable astonishment.
Esdeath: Very well, I accept.
[Name]: WHAT?!
Esdeath: We shall begin tonight.
[Name]: Now? We can't, we're in the middle of a small-scale war.
Esdeath: So? I can fight while pregnant you know; I assure you it'll be no issue.
He realized at this moment, that maybe this woman was insane. There is no possible way that any sane woman would risk that, let alone even genuinely consider having it be done; even in the extreme case that it could be.
[Name]: How many did you plan of having?
Esdeath: Oh I'm a practical woman. Maybe seven or nine. I am a fan of odd numbers.
[Name] at this moment of time knew for sure and without a shadow of a doubt; this woman is indeed fully insane. To have children during war on the front lines of war, one after another, and the sheer number of them as well. It's utter madness. There's no way he could have this happen. It was time to steer the conversation to a different direction.
[Name]: You know what Esdeath? This still doesn't feel right. You should be going after Tatsum-
Esdeath within seconds had grasped [Name]'s cheeks, and before [Name] could react she planted a tender kiss to his lips. She moaned in ecstasy and as she held the kiss, she let no air escape from her mouth. [Name] was then pushed backwards and felt Esdeath who had just mounted him.
Esdeath: Enough of that. This is only between you and I.
She then stated in a slow and seductive tone. There were very few women whose voice could pull that off and tickle his spine. She had that voice; that lovely voice. Esdeath placed her hands firmly on [Name]'s exposed chest. She felt [Name]'s heart racing and nearly beating out of his chest. She smiled as a pink tint began to cover her face.
Esdeath: Your heart is racing.
She paused.
Esdeath: Mine is too. See? Look.
She said in a fascinated and soft tone of voice. She grabbed one of his sweat covered hands and placed it over her racing heart. [Name] was surprised to find her heart was going just as fast.
Esdeath: These feelings, I've never had them before until now. This must be true love. The purest and most righteous feeling in the cosmos. I'm not sure on how I should deal with this avalanche of new feelings. How should I express them?
As she was mounted upon him. Her body superheated, much higher than her normal temperature. [Name] felt this and his body do the same, his excitement level was higher than almost anything he'd ever felt. His abdomen had become wet he'd noticed. This was from Esdeath's southern region. Upon realizing something else, Esdeath seemed to notice the same thing.
Something had hit her from behind. Esdeath saw a mound, it was covered by the towel. She had looked back in astonishment.
Esdeath: You must feel the same way. Is that right?
[Name] struggled to speak back.
[Name]: I think it might've been involuntary! Esdeath! I'm going to need clothes!
Esdeath: You won't be needing them right now. And I won't either.
She said as she ripped free her own shirt. [Name]'s eyes darted open, his mind was a tornado of incomprehensible thought. Esdeath had just revealed all her glory. Her immaculate and full breasts had stayed firm yet hung freely. Her breasts had beautiful pinkish red bulls-eyes in their centers, and [Name]'s eyes were the darts. She had without warning taken the towel around [Name]'s waist and threw it aside. [Name] stood as firm as a well forged blade ready for blood.
Esdeath: To solidify your trust in me, I'll have you know that no man has taken my virtue.
[Name]'s mind nearly went blank from sheer disbelief of what was happening. Esdeath had risen herself slightly and grabbed [Name]. She then promptly guided [Name] to his where he belonged, soon to be in her tight, warm, and loving embrace.
Esdeath: Well my love, are you ready to experience passion in its rawest form?
[Name] didn't say a word. As Esdeath had begun to proceeded. After his mind finished its mental tornado, it had shut down. His vision had left him as well, and with it his consciousness. His arms had fallen limp and he'd begun to sleep. He had been up for a few days straight and no rest, although he could've stayed up longer; it was the mental exhaustion that got him. She hadn't even done anything.
Esdeath's demeanor had dropped only slightly. She tilted her head, as she sat back down on his abdomen. She placed a hand to his face. After she rubbed his face and played in his hair a slight bit, she'd begun speaking to herself mentally.
Esdeath: Well I could continue, but it wouldn't be much fun if I did. Very well. Another time then. You did already seem tired.
She leaned forward; hands still pressed against his chest, and kissed him on his motionless lips. She lied next to him, wrapping one arm around him as she too eventually drifted off into a pleasant sleep with a loving smile.
Morning – Kyoroch Church of Peace
The Lord and several of his followers packing numerous things. Relics, artifacts, statues, and other very important things. He had a big smile on his face as the numerous followers listened to what he said when he did bark an order. From the entrance of the church came a woman. It was Nora she saw her twin brother and he saw her. They embraced as she had ran to hug him.
Nora: What's happening?
Lord: It appears that the Path of Peace's corruption spread too far to be stopped in this particular town. Recently a few extremists from the group have been interrupting our gatherings or just out right attacked the temple. So rather than stay and fight with them. We'll leave.
Nora: No! But the path is all one group.
She protested.
Lord: Not anymore, it broke into several splinter groups.
Nora: We hold a lot of power us witches and so do you. You're far more powerful than all of us combined, why not stop them from infighting and keep them together?
Her brother smiled.
Lord: It's not so much about power right now. It's more so maneuverability. We must start from scratch and rebuild, only the loyal and devote will follow. The others will stay and wallow amongst those who sin and accommodate themselves with filth. Bolic doesn't and won't know we're gone. He could care less, he's corrupted the word so badly that he'll fill his time by defiling women. So we'll just go with the flow and let them burn themselves down. But I know you aren't here to check up on me. How can I help?
Nora: I'm sorry, it's just that I had General Esdeath drop by and look for this one called "[Name]". I sensed and felt his presences. He's not-
Lord: Normal. I know all about it already. His soul really isn't his own, but that's fine too. You'll see.
Nora: Really, can you tell me more?
Lord: Well it's a lot of explaining. It has a lot to do with multi-dimensional causality, interdimensional doings, and few other things. But really you shouldn't worry yourself or the girls with it. It's out of our hands right about now.
Nora: But we can't let this slide, can we?
Lord: Well I mean we could intervene, but doing so could only fiercely complicate things or even worse, potentially disrupt the natural order of things. Therefore, I'd strongly advise against it. There isn't much we can do now. [Name] will know what he's here for soon. So just wait.
Nora: So will everything be alright? Will lives be spared? Is it something dangerous?
Lord: More or less, yes and no. We kind of just have to sit back and let things play out without jumping in. More than a few things might get jumbled around and what not because of his being here but it's nothing you should stress over.
He put a hand on her shoulder.
Nora: Please can you be a little less vague?
Lord: I would but you caught me at a bad time. Listen Nora, just relax I'll explain everything in due time.
Morning – Imperial Capital
The entire Nightraid faction had stood in their briefing room, Najenda the mission specs operator and commander was breaking down their next mission.
Najenda: We're allied with the tribe in the west that is set to begin their invasion the moment the religious uprising is on the move. When they do the empire will be forced to defend itself on both sides of the border. But that won't be enough to bring it down. So for the finishing blow, the revolution will stage a riot to the south. As soon as we reach the capitol, we'll bring the empire to it's knee's.
Tatsumi: I get it, we're planning a three way offensive.
Nejanda: The empire has a long history of underestimating us and now they're grateful to the revolution for bringing all of their enemies into one place. It should be quite as sight our forces will storm the capital without spilling a drop of blood, though the empire could respond by sending out General Budo and the royal guards.
Akame: Making it a perfect time to assassinate the head of all of this. We'll charge in full power and kill the prime minister. Rip the empire apart from the inside.
Lubbock: The prime minster is pretty slick, so 'm sure he'll try to sneak away at the last second.
Leone then put a claw up and interjected a point of her own.
Leone: Not if I can help it, this is his mess. And I'll make sure he pays for it with his face.
Najenda and the rest of the team then continued to converse regarding strategy upon the empire's eventual fall and what comes next. Also the leader of the group explained Bolic's complicated involvement with their plans and why he needs to be eliminated. Tatsumi then declared that he will do whatever it takes to keep innocent people safe, much to the rest of his comrades' approval and delight.
Simultaneously – Imperial Palace Communications Room.
[Name] stood and flexed in his new sleek, sturdy, and powerful imperial battle armor. The clothing was dark and had traces of blue. [Name] had woken up that morning next to just covers. His eyes had somewhat burned as to the right of his head the blinds opened and revealed the bright and radiant sun. Esdeath was smiling and had opened the curtains. zno doubt taking in the view that the window provided over the capital. She said "good morning" and other things about how they had so many things to do. She'd retrieved these garbs she even remarked about how she had it tailored herself.
He couldn't believe what he went through last night, with the empire's fiercest general. He got somewhat embarrassed at how he acted and how he should've been more domineering with her. His mind just wasn't into it, but now wasn't the time to think about that.
He stood as he heard the female general walked up behind him as he was looking out of a window in the communications room several floors up, displaying how vast the capital truly is.
Esdeath: Are you liking the outfit I tailored for you? How does it fit?
[Name]: Actually really good. Thank you.
Esdeath: Oh it's nothing, just remember to test it's blade resistance yourself before going into battle. If I happened to make any miscalculations it could be your life.
She stated it so causally as if it wasn't a possibility, although it is very likely to happen at some point or another. Her callousness bothered [Name] somewhat, but there was nothing he could do about that right now.
[Name]: I'll keep that in mind.
Esdeath: On another note, did you eat well this morning after I left?
[Name]: Yes, and you didn't tell me you had five different personal chefs.
Esdeath: That's hardly impressive. The prime minister has around twenty, all of whom specialize in different dishes. But enough menial chatter for now, the reason I ask is because we're going on a potentially long campaign. Run has informed me that the Nightraid has resurfaced.
[Name]'s heart sank. It's like his world is becoming darker and darker by the day. There is no respite, or peace anymore. Things are heating up and he's in the thick of it now. There's no way that Nightraid knows where is now and what he's going to have to do if he confronts them again.
He liked Tatsumi, Lubbock, Susanno, Najenda, Mine, Chelsea, and not so much that Akame girl. However, there was something about her that peaked his interest. But like most other things in his life, that will to take a backseat as well.
Esdeath: It's highly possible we could be gone for days.
[Name]: I'll be fine.
Esdeath: Very well, let us go.
As he and Esdeath had left the building they were met with sun light, but he was also met with familiar faces. Wave, Kurome, Bols, Seryu, and Run himself. Kurome had smiled upon seeing him again, so did Run and Wave's eyes lit up with seeming aggression.
Wave: Hey Commander you actually found him!?
Esdeath smiled and looked down whilst tilting her hat.
Esdeath: Well he is here isn't he?
Wave then stomped up to [Name] and bit his tongue to keep from yelling at him. Which would in no doubt trigger General Esdeath to some extent and automatically come to his defense. Wave's face was red and he smiled which anyone could tell was faked. He spoke through his teeth.
Wave: Hey man?! Where have you been?! You almost got me tortured!
He broke out in faked and nervous laughter. [Name] smiled and tried to calm him down.
[Name]: I'm sorry Wave, In my defense I was kidnapped. I ran for the hills any chance I got.
Wave: Great to know!
After exchanging pleasantries with the other Jaegers members. Esdeath had debriefed the strategy they will employ. They all mounted their own horses and headed off to the location in which the Nightraid was reportedly spotted. [Name] was highly uncertain about what happens to him or anyone of his new friends on either side. But for [Name] one thing was certain, whatever happens when the Nightraid and the Jaegers meet will define him for the rest of his potentially short life.