Chapter 20 – Kill The Call
The morning had finally arrived, multiple imperials of numerous occupations in the capital building wore their best garbs for the summit. A large circular room was readied as several statemen, generals, and representatives from the numerous nations who took part were walking around. The empire's five senior military leaders were to be in attendance. Although a few of them have yet to arrive each one of the important leaders
General Esdeath - Central Imperial General: The title is given to one who's jurisdiction is omni directional within the Empire's capital, as well as the perimeter.
General Law - General of the Imperial West: The title is presented to those whose position are stationed far westward of the outside of the Empire's capital. This general is the successor to the late General Liver.
Marshal Faid – Polar Field Marshal: The executor of any operations ranging from the subjugation of small foreign colonies to pacifying any potential foreign military transgressions. Far north or far south of the Empire's borders is under the jurisdiction of the title holder. Although on one occasion General Esdeath was assigned to one mission in the north.
Grand Admiral Starch – Fleet Admiral: Supreme naval officer whose job is to oversee all waterborne affairs including; control of the sea ports and areas deemed to hazardous for civilian navigation. The title holder's jurisdiction encompasses all sea's or oceans under Imperial rule.
Grand General Budo – Grand Imperial General: The highest possible rank in all the empire's military. Over sees operations of all land dwelling subordinating military leaders. Missions comprise of smashing massive uprisings; and their rule encircles the entirety of the empire's outside; though title owner is always stationed primarily eastward of the empire's territory. The far east is desolate and absent of every world nation due to its uninhabitable nature.
The meeting was spawned due to some of the neighboring nations becoming more and more unsettled by the Empire's current affairs. The other dominions have also taken issue with the Empire's predicament to not be able to repay loans given to them by those nations, namely the Grand Confederation.
As for Galease, they were annexed decades ago and since then the Empire has bullied them through years of harsh economic sanctions, and removal of basic human rights in some cases, they see this as a perfect time to end it. The crimson empire's governmental structure was struck extremely hard by the Nightraid, but they are aware of the perpetrators and holds the empire accountable. The Celestial Commonwealth has voiced concern over the deaths of the royal family and how they suspect that the murderer is of imperial origin. However, other than those circumstances, they fully support the empire. Loft Dynasty also fully supports the empire. The Articans have no problem with the empire though they do not support the empire either.
Esdeath had walked into the still somewhat vacant room. She looked around the room and saw a few foreign representatives entering and sitting at various seats that they designated for the various nations. Marshal Fadie had walked into the room and to Esdeath who saw him coming and turned to him. His distinguishing features was his two-meter height, with his pale skin, and wet black hair hanging stringy. He reeked of extremely lavish cologne which almost choked her up.
Esdeath: Marshal.
Faide: General. I'm still rather upset with you.
Esdeath: Why is that?
Faide: Well because you were able to fight that hero of the north and I couldn't. I swear whoever let you jump on that mission had it in for me.
She smiled.
Esdeath: Maybe, but don't worry. If push comes to shove and these foreign relations go south we'll have lots of so-called heroes to battle.
Faide: Well I hope so. How is this region so far?
Esdeath: The revolutionary army is losing base after base thanks to my regiments being deployed everywhere. So I'm still strengthening my grip in and around the capital just the way I want it. But the true danger lies with the Night raid; soon I'm heading to Kyoroch to the Path of Peace headquarters.
Faide: You still haven't caught them yet?
Esdeath: The Night raid is the most dangerous adversaries of the revolution. However, individually I'm far more powerful than all of them. It's just proven rather difficult to catch them.
Budo had just arrived as well as a few other reps from other nations. He then walked up to the two after spotting them in this very lavish room.
Budo: I see that you've arrived, Marshal.
Faid: Wouldn't miss this for anything Budo. If there's any sliver of a disagreement, I'd love to be there to mediate it with violence. I always have an urge for it
Budo: Don't be a fool, You'd best pacify those urges during the summit.
He said after placing a hand on his chest.
Esdeath: Have you spotted the Admiral?
Budo: My informants have informed me that his arrival will be slightly delayed.
Before Esdeath replied she'd noticed that the Prime minister had worked his way through the doorway. He then walked over to them and greeted them all.
Esdeath: Prime Minister?
Honest: Esdeath my dear. I trust you and the Jaegers will be heading to Kyoroch very shortly?
Esdeath: Affirmative.
Honest: Remember, keeping the Path of Peace's leader Bolic alive is of vital importance.
Esdeath: Understood. If the Night raid will be there we'll make sure to draw them out. Now since the summit take place this evening, I'll be missing tonight's discussions.
Honest: Very well. If there aren't any changes in activity be sure to return in time.
Esdeath: Thank you Prime Minister.
She said as she walked away and out of the room.
Morning – Koroch Outskirts
The Night raid was on a cliff overlooking the prosperous town. The sky was a bright yet dark morning blue with surges of the orange sunlight above. Tatsumi had just come from a small tent that he and the rest of his comrades had set up a few hours back for preparation. As he wiped his eyes and emerged Mine was already barking orders at him as if he'd done something wrong.
Mine: Come on! Get it together! We gotta go! It's path of peace time.
Tatsumi: Yeah okay okay I know.
He said whilst slapping his own face to wake himself up further. The annoyance he was facing was paramount to the pain his body was facing from exercise and mal sleep. He still wondered whether or not his interaction with Bulat was real or not. From what he did know, it was eerie on how accurate in detail some of his statements were. Especially about how he should "give in" to Incursio in order to unlock enough power to save the capital and his friends. Chelsea was supposedly meant to have died, that was unsettling as well, and made no logical sense to have been a dream for such a thing to be said. All the other things he said made some semblance of sense as well as none at all. But for now, all he needs to do is tap into Incursio's true mountain load of potential. He spoke to himself mentally after these thoughts flushed out of his mind.
Tatsumi: There's no time to dwell in the past right now. I have to overthrow this disgusting empire. This madness must be stopped at the source.
Simultaneous – Imperial Capital Outskirts
Kyoroch wasn't the only place being cascaded in the light. The beautiful border had a beautiful cobblestone bridge overlooking a glistening creek only a few meters below. It was best for them to get out early Esdeath and the prime minister had decided. The healthy steeds they walked with were packed with numerous essentials for the trip with Seryu had finished packing on her own. The remaining Jaegers were moving out and Esdeath had just finished conversing with the border patrol on small talk.
Wave: Commander?
Esdeath: Hm?
Wave: Do you think [Name] was killed?
Esdeath: No I don't believe so. I believe he's still out there and fate will bring us back together. We'll see him again in due time. As for where he may be now, I couldn't begin to tell you.
Morning – Unknown Location
[Name] had been rendered unconscious due to the sheer shock of what he saw in this cave. He then remembered that he was coming awake and that was, in fact, a dream. He woke up on a hard surface. The looked around to see that everything was in place as it was as he went unconscious.
[Name]: This is one hell of a dream. I just woke up into another dream.
[Name] then turned over and saw the massive beast looking at him as it was before.
[Name]: Oh come on. Why me?
?: Are you done?
[Name]: You can actually talk?! You're a danger beast, you can't talk!
?: All evidence to the contrary right about now.
[Name] had then sat up and cupped his face in his hands. He then looked up at the beast of incredible size speaking to him.
[Name]: Fine, since you can talk you can help me out. I need to get down there. It might sound crazy but I can feel something calling to me and your right in the way.
?: What will you do when you get there?
The beast inquired. The male then threw up his hands and shrugged his shoulders.
[Name]: Learn from them, what else? They have to be strong in order to call me and for so long spiritually. I can use that to help make the empire a better place. And I'll do anything I have to. Even if it means cutting people down like trees along the way.
?: Of course. I'm not going to let you pass because the thing calling to you is me.
[Name]'s brain was filled with curiosity. How could this be? This is just a mere danger beast. There's no way that he can call out to [Name] in any way. But then again, there's no way that this beast should be able to talk yet it is.
[Name]: Wait. So you mean to tell me you called me? Here?
He said while pointing at the ground to place more emphasis on his current location.
?: Yes.
[Name]: Then give me something to fight with like an imperial arms.
?: No.
[Name]: No?
Beast: Allow me to elaborate. The primary reason I called to you is that of the extremely high capacity of your spirit energy. The spirit energy I speak of resides in every living thing. Danger beasts, humans, plants, animals, and even objects are included.
[Name]: So…Why can't I have an imperial arms then?
Beast: I was getting to that. The sheer amount of spirit energy that an imperial arms uses up will immensely drain yours along with it's own. That normally wouldn't be an issue. Though in this case, for you to grasp the power you need to save the empire; using a maximum of five imperial arms would be your best bet. But that isn't feasible. Your body will be destroyed ten times over due to the sheer power you'd need to use them all to optimal efficiency.
[Name]: What about one? Can I just have one? Surely there's a lot of good I can do with just one. There's plenty of people running around out there with one who is doing a ton.
Beast: True, but there isn't one that can't be trumped by another. When all forty-eight of them were designed, they were to be able to defeat one another if it called for it. If you want to save the empire or anything else. You can't afford to be hampered down with one.
[Name]: So do you expect me to just go out there with just a sword and some tools!? Come on now.
[Name] then threw his hands up in annoyance. The beast then blew a large amount of warm smoke at [Name] from its nose. The breath was hot and acrid like steaming garbage. [Name] did his best to wave the stench from his face.
Beast: Not exactly. You have this high amount of spiritual energy output allows you to do plenty of things that are exclusive to you.
[Name] thought, when the shadow figure trained him years and years ago; he'd noticed that power, dexterity, and over versatility in battle was nearly unfathomable at his age. When he was with Esdeath a while back he fought and shattered lots of rock golem danger beasts with his bare hands. Not to mention the multiple times where he fought against throngs of men and came out on top. This monster that's speaking to him might be on to something.
[Name]: So is this why I'm so strong? The spiritual energy?
Beast: Precisely. There is a spiritual tether that connects every living thing. As I said before, all living organisms are also on this plain, but at various lengths to the source. Imperial arms and Danger beasts are very close to the source that gives everything life. The knowledge to manipulate this energy allows beings to use that life essence to create what is known as magic.
[Name]: So, witches know how to use that energy to make magic happen? I guess the emperor did something similar to imbue things with that energy and made the imperial arms. Ooooh, I get it now. But I still don't get why am I so "powerful".
He said with finger quotes.
Beast: The reason why your spiritual aptitude is so potent is that your place on the tether is very close to the source that gives everything life. Which is very strange as humans aren't anywhere near the source. You're as close as a powerful Imperial arms or an S class danger beast. The only reason why witches are so apt to use magic is that they've spent centuries passing down teachings on how to use the energy through schooling.
[Name]: So what can I do? I need something.
Beast: Simple, I'll train you to use your spiritual capabilities offensively. Since you're so strong in that department, I'll teach you to able to access the abilities of the imperial arms. Though I will warn you, this will take time.
[Name]: I can care less how much time it takes. As long as I get stronger.
Beast: Under one condition.
[Name]: Name it!
Beast: You stopping the empire won't at all mean everything will be alright afterwards. I need you to promise me that you'll keep the peace for the empire for as long as you can.
[Name] then stabbed his blade into the ground and he knelt before the massive beast.
[Name]: I have people to protect there. I'll do everything I can to keep them safe.
Beast: Then your training begins today.
[Name] had fountains of questions. Who was this? Why are they a danger beast? Why can he talk? How does he know so much? All of those things mattered but at the same time, they didn't. [Name] needed the power to defeat the empire with force and find Kasumi, when he's finished with this training, he won't be so powerless.
Afternoon – Kyoroch Path of Peace Temple
The Jaegers were standing in the extremely lavish room amongst a slew of people. Most of them concubines of Bolic, Bolic himself seated at his thrown swarmed with them. The Four Rakshasa Demons were in front of the Jaegers explaining to them how defeating an imperial arms user is actually easier than one would think. Esdeath then quickly formed an ice dagger to Ibara's neck and pointed out a fatal flaw that presumably each of them carries.
Esdeath and the rest of the team finally left the room. And as they went down the halls Seryu had stopped the general.
Seryu: General Esdeath. I have something to ask of you!
Esdeath: Okay, I'm listening.
Seryu: Can you allow me to spearhead the rest of the mission?! Night raid needs to pay for what they've done. To Dr. Stylish, and Captain Ogre, even one of our comrades Bols.
Esdeath: You are talented Seryu, very much so. However, I'm not entirely sure leaving the mission to you would be within our best interest.
Seryu: General, I assure you with my life! That the Night raid will fall if you allow me to lead the mission.
After careful consideration, Esdeath then capitulated in the argument.
Esdeath: Fine, the mission is yours. I'll return to the capital and attend the summit. This mission is of vital importance to the prime minister. Just remember Seryu that I'm sticking my neck out for you on this one. So, I'm giving you this mission with the utmost certainty that you'll see it through.
She was elated at this and a smile stretched across her face from ear to ear. She bowed to her superior as Esdeath then turned and went to go down the rest of the hallway.
Wave: You're not coming commander?
Esdeath: The mission is being led by Seryu now. I'll be attending the summit, so this evening Listen to her every word while on this assignment. I will return tomorrow morning for a progress report. Also Seryu please try to calm yourself, you do need a change of pace now and again.
Seryu: Yes commander! I'll do just that!
She said with a smile as she waved to Esdeath who was leaving the same way they were headed. Wave did like Seryu, but even felt that she wasn't mentally fit for this battle. He's pretty sure that the general only gave in as a reason to go attend the meeting, as there had to be strong generals there as well and she'd love to meet them in case a war actually does break out.
Wave: Hey Run?
Run just responded by looking over to him as he was reading a book.
Wave: What do you think is going to happen Run with the whole summit. This is big. Our international relations aren't too great and I don't think the imperial senate can mediate things.
Run: If them knocking buildings in the squalor district just to ensure the homeless have no place to live is any indication of how cruel they've become then I wouldn't put it past them. Since they have the inability to mediate with their own citizens, I highly doubt they'd be able to do the same with another nation.
Wave: Do you think it's going to end up in war?
Run: It's likely.
Fear had rushed through Wave's body. The feeling was very comparable to that of the fear of an impending storm. Kurome sensed this and asked him.
Kurome: What do you have to be afraid of? It just means more fighting. We do that for a living.
Wave: It's all the suffering that'll come from it. People are going to end up injured, poor, and dead. And what's worse is that the only thing we can do is just wait to get deployed.
He said as he banged on to a wall in frustration. Kurome looked at wave with worry and thought. Why is he even in the military if he's such a flower about people losing their lives. She from a young age had gotten rid of those feelings and she's thrived from the rush of combat. Wave thrives off of peace, and it looks like he won't be having it anytime soon. If Seryu does well and finds the Night raid, she'll be getting more of what she wants. To fight and to kill her beloved sister Akame, but one thing she doesn't want is to see Wave hurt in any capacity.
Twilight – Imperial Meeting Room
The sky was becoming a dark contrast to its morning self. Dark blue and the only thing illuminating it was all of the bright lights from the capital buildings below.
Inside the room was a massive slew of senators and senatorial observers. The circular room as filling up as Esdeath had finally arrived and to see the other comrades speaking amongst themselves. The grand admiral Starch and General Law were sitting together. She too then arrived and silently greeted them both as she took her seat along with her comrades.
So far it seems that these three nations have no love lost for the empire. In Esdeath's mind, these nations will be the belligerents if they went to war. She'd taken note that in the hours it's already taken of debating and defence, the Loft dynasty, Articans, and the Celestial commonwealth fully support the empire. Possibly only because they also reek in the benefit. Esdeath had looked around the room and spotted different men and women who were military leaders themselves representing these countries. She even got somewhat excited at the thought of fighting these people.
She felt like a child in a candy store to see strong opponents like this. After the thinking about this, she'd lost interest in the moment. Talk, talk, and more political talk. She should've listened to Budo about his philosophy of not mixing war with politics, although that didn't save even him. It was so boring even to her. As she sat with a hand to her face. Then finally, she heard that the empire is on better terms and will pay more for foreign goods.
After nearly everyone had left, the rest of the imperial Personnel stood together to speak.
Honest: Our relation with the other nations has been somewhat healed and now we can rest easy once more. Now our main focus should be the revolution so we can bring about true peace.
Emperor: I concur this rebellion has to be quailed at once. Our effort should go there.
Esdeath was enthralled that she can finally go back to the battlefield she felt it was about time. But still with less vigor. She'd lost her lover again, and that had hurt her. She knows he didn't die, and it hurts her deeply to know that he is not by her side. After explaining the current situation regarding the path of peace, and how she'll head back first thing in the morning. As for now, she headed to her quarters to go to bed alone. But if history is any indication of what's to come, she will see him again and this time she knows it'll be sometime soon.
Night – Kyoroch Outskirts
Both Mine and Tatsumi were sitting on the dusty outskirts of the city. They sat looking out at the brilliantly lit skyline of city in contrast of what they did earlier that day. .
Tatsumi: We covered a lot of ground today. But we still need to check all the backstreets, byroads, and everything else.
Mine: This city is way too big.
The girl had said with noticeable irritation to her voice.
Tatsumi: Yeah, but isn't that why we're searching it?
The girl sighed and responded.
Mine: This would be a heck of a lot more fun if we included some shopping.
Tatsumi was then hit with a massive wave of discontent slammed into him. He remembered all of the horrifying memories of him holding mountains of clothing boxes. Those bags tearing apart the ligaments in his arms, not to mention losing the power to even stand while she tried clothes on for long periods of time. It was a nightmare.
Tatsumi: Maybe for you.
He said with a sluggish tone which reeked of irritation of it's own.
Tatsumi: It's a nightmare to have to be the one to follow you around.
Mine: Arg! You got a problem with it?! If a man who can't appreciate a lady's retail needs he has poor character.
Tatsumi then sneered and retorted.
Tatsumi: And I think that a woman who comes up with stupid reasons for calling a man's character poor have poor character. How bout that?!
Mine: NOW YOU'RE ASKING FOR IT! DO I NEED TO REMIND YOU WHOSE IN CHARGE HERE?! YOU NEED TO REMEMBER YOUR PLACE!
Tatsumi: JEEZ, WHEN ARE GONNA GET IT THROUGH YOUR HEAD, YOU'RE NOT IN CHARGE OF ME; WE'RE THE SAME RANK!
Lord: Please end this mindless squabble.
Tatsumi: Uh. Who are you?
Tatsumi and Mine looked behind one themselves to see a man in very noble white garbs. He had purple eyes and flowing blonde hair. He was flanked by a small division of soldiers to guard him.
Lord: Pardon me, I know it's none of my business; but I simply had to intervene.
Mine: By any chance are you with?
Tatsumi: The Path of Peace?
The male finished.
Lord: Aye, and since I'm the founding lord, I take regular voyages to and from the city. But I've had a vision. I see you two joined by the red string of fate. Cast off your differences and confess your love!
He said with open arms. The two were dumbfounded beyond belief at what they just heard.
Lord: Upon forming your bond the occasional healthy disagreement can be quite beneficial!
Both: WHAAAAT!?
Mine: Like I would ever marry a jerk like him!
Tatsumi: Oh yeah, like you're the ideal trophy wife!
Lord: You truly are made for one another.
He said quietly as the two bickered endlessly as the night rolled on.