Chapter 27 – Venom of Love
20 days until Night Raid's Assault
[Name] stood in utter awe. Fear and uncertainty filled [Name]'s blood and chilled it. There's no way to get out of this situation. Unless, maybe just maybe he could get away with a lie. The blue haired general smiled, opened mouth and all. It's as though she'd seen an angel. She'd put a fist to her mouth and had begun to walk forward.
In an instant, [Name] placed his hand out! As if telling her to stop where she stood. Putting on his most convincing voice he treated her.
[Name]: This cannot be real!? I've found General Esdeath in her personal quarters, now killing her will be much easier!
Her expression warmed even more. After placing her hand on her hips, she retorted.
Esdeath: Oh? . . . Then If your goal is to assassinate me, be forewarned. Killing me will be no easy feat.
[Name]: As if that really matters. Your head is priceless to the revolution and they promised me a handsome reward if I bring you in.
Esdeath: Then by all means, claim me and complete your mission.
[Name] then readied his fighting stance as Esdeath zipped across the tent with amazing speed. [Name] punched forward and did so continuously, to which the General parried and blocked each one.
She shifted strategies, rather than blocking his attacks she'll be aiming to knock him out. She then used her immense strength and kicked [Name]'s leg and buckled him. She aimed for his head next, but [Name] blocked and headbutt her stomach, not budging her an inch.
The two then traded blows but as they did so [Name] noticed something. Esdeath was smiling as they did so, she was having the time of her life. [Name] could find no opening in her defences as she circled around and blocked and while returning fire.
She then grabbed his neck. Attempting to break free he'd forgotten about his lower defences. She used her strong legs and swept his own legs from underneath him, leaving him on his back. Esdeath in less than a moment's notice mounted the downed [Name].
Esdeath: Well that was fun.
Before [Name] could react, the woman ripped the mask from his head.
[Name]: Oh man. . .
Esdeath's face then went somewhat stoic. This was strange, he was under the impression that she was playing with him; knowing [Name]'s identity. Had he truly fooled her? She'd glared at him. There was no escape from her icy wrath as she grimaced, brandishing her teeth slightly. He felt what seemed to be her anger radiating from her as if her blood was filled with hot magma. She still hadn't said a word.
The fear [Name] felt intensified. There was nothing he can do, he wasn't strong enough to fight her and he knew what was coming. But maybe with one more attempt to explain his absence; he can side step her fury. She then grabbed the side of [Name]'s face, digging her filed nails deep into his skin.
[Name]: Esdeath please, I—
[Name] was silenced, suddenly he was unable to speak. His plea for mercy was stopped. Esdeath had kissed him, her hands now wrapped around the back of his head. Her head slowly moved from side to side as she moaned in ecstasy. Her heat turned to a sensual warmth with [Name] still being shocked.
Being foolish, he tried to speak. Only mumbles emanated from him. She had him locked within her grasp and she wouldn't stop. [Name] had begun to struggle. [Name] looked upward as seeing an imperial soldier enter the tent. [Name] reached out to him, desperate for help.
The soldier was in awe, he looked at [Name] being kissed by the fierce general who'd mounted him as he reached out to be saved. The soldier didn't know who [Name] was, but all he did know was that he had seen nothing. He'd then slowly crept out walking backwards out of the tent. Esdeath had then released the kiss.
Esdeath: I was fully convinced you'd left me again of your own volition. I was incensed and was bent on punishing you when we crossed paths again. But when I saw you, all of the vitriol and pain I harboured left me.
His heart rate slowed and he'd begun to catch his breath.
[Name]: Could've fooled me.
He said snidely, murmured underneath his breath as he struggled to catch what has left it. She then arose while reaching her hand out for [Name] to grab. He then used her assistance to stand up.
Esdeath: While I'm ecstatic that we've managed to meet back up again, there is still a campaign in progress. So, with that said; What happened to you and where you've been all this time is inconsequential, for the time being.
[Name]: Why are you here Esdeath?
He asked after dusting himself off from being on the dirt flooring of the military tent.
[Name]: I read the reports, they said that you were stationed at the Tobashi fortress.
Esdeath: It seems that either the prime minister or another military director most likely had a hand in changing our posts at the last minute. I can't even fathom why.
[Name]: Maybe you were more needed here in the desert. Where there's nothing to kill.
Esdeath: Very funny.
She said playfully. She then walked out of the tent while grabbing onto [Name]'s wrist with great power. She went on to drag him outside and into of the encampment of soldiers he tried evading.
The well-armoured secondary imperial commander took notice and looked at [Name]. Esdeath dragged him to the man as he'd just finished briefing a group of battle-ready fighters before releasing her grip on his arm.
Esdeath: Commander Telos?
He stood immediately in attention to his superior.
Telos: General!
Esdeath: We have another colleague enlisted from my sub-faction the Jaegers, here to join us in this mission. This is Private [Name] of the Jaegers.
She then gestured at [Name], as if expecting him to go along with what she said. After a brief pause, he saluted and gave his introduction.
[Name]: It's an honour to serve alongside you Commander.
Telos: As with you private. Now, General, none of our reconnaissance have reported any signs of revolutionary soldiers nor of the Nightraid. The lands beyond Kyoroch are completely devoid of any insurgency.
Esdeath: Well that's disappointing. I was hoping to at least do something interesting today.
As [Name] saw her talking further with the Commander, he attempted to ease back to maybe get out of sight and eventually away from her without making a scene. He inched a foot aside as slowly and gently as possible. He then felt her firm grasp tighten around his wrist yet again, which was strange as she was still in mid-conversation. She finished her talk with the commander and immediately turned her attention back to [Name].
[Name]: A private? Why am I a private?
To cut off her current thoughts she might have right now, he brought up how he was made a private. He couldn't care less of his rank. It was just something to sway her attention into another direction to maybe make his daring escape easier.
Esdeath: As smart as you are I'd figure you'd at least know the way military ranks work. Since you are technically a new enlistment in this branch army, you would need to be a private before moving up through the ranks to become something more favourable.
[Name]: But I'm a Jaeger too, we're the elites, aren't we?
Esdeath: True, we are an elite fighting unit but that doesn't disqualify us from having rank amongst ourselves. Have you taken issue with my decision?
After a moment of contemplation, [Name] had decided to be defiant. She's a woman who admires the strength of her adversaries and subordinates. Conversely, if he'd coward down and said no; he'd likely cement his place as her slave. That to [Name] is something he couldn't take.
[Name]: I do. I should be a higher rank.
A smile grew onto Esdeath's face and she looked at [Name] more intently after a pink shade rushed to her cheeks.
Esdeath: I see. Then your only viable option is to impress me enough for me to promote you. But knowing you, that won't be much of a problem. Now go and get yourself acquainted with the rest of the camp. You'll likely be working closely with most of the soldiers at some point or another.
[Name] then nodded his head in agreement before beginning to walk away. Although he was a few meters away she continued to speak and stopped him in his tracks.
Esdeath: Remember [Name], If I'm informed of you attempting to escape in any capacity; you will be executed on the spot. Is that clear?
[Name]: Understood.
He didn't turn to address her. Instead, he found a tent filled with soldiers, some of them sitting and talking, and others eating food rations.
He then greeted some of them. He expects to be scoffed at but was instead welcomed which was rather strange. He'd just known these imperial soldiers would be awful people who love to slaughter and even thrived off of doing so. Although they still could, he doesn't in any way get that impression from any of those men or women.
He thought most of them were like Esdeath, but with none of the redeeming qualities. Esdeath herself is a perfect example of someone who is perfectly willing and able to commit genocide. Starting conflict without need only to quench her thirst for blood. She seems nice on the outside but on the inside, she's no different from a danger beast at times.
After [Name] was done musing about his current situation, he'd noticed that a soldier was rummaging through a crate. Curious, [Name] had then gone to the woman to see what she was doing.
[Name]: What are you looking for?
Soldier: Apparently nothing, like a goddamn idiot!
She said after throwing her hands up and letting them smack the sides of her legs. She then placed one of her hands on her head.
Soldier: Sorry, but we were just supposed to have several gallons of venom that we brought with us. We douse our weapons in it so we can get a guaranteed kill from any cut to our opponents. I can't seem to find any of them.
One of the other soldiers from the outside of the tent stuck his head from the outside and into the well-lit tent.
Soldier 2: Hey, did you find that venom?
Soldier: No, we must've run out.
Soldier 2: What the hell am I supposed to tell the commander?!
The woman had gone out of the tent and [Name] stuck his own head out of the tent to see what they were doing. After the went to speak to the commander, the woman had gone back to the tent to approach [Name].
Soldier: Quick, what's your rank soldier?
[Name]: I'm a private.
Soldier: Good, go make yourself useful around here. We need you to go into Kyoroch and get us a few canisters of that venom.
[Name]: Fine.
He said after sucking his teeth in dismay.
Soldier: Break a leg!
She patted him on the back and pushed him forward to leave out of the tent and then the encampment. [Name] mind momentarily almost shut down in fear, he needed to tell Esdeath before he left. If he forgot and didn't she'd probably freak out and kill him as she said.
After jogging across the encampment, he reached her tent. He found her writing something inside the said tent, he grabbed her attention.
[Name]: Hey Esdeath?
Esdeath: Yes?
She said in a jovial tone and looking back at him.
[Name]: I need to go to the city and get some supplies. I'll be gone for a little bit.
Esdeath: In that case, I'll go with you.
He then smiled and tried to wave her off.
[Name]: No, no no it's alright I got this.
He said chuckling lightly.
Esdeath: I won't harass you on the way there if that's what you think.
[Name]: Trust me! It's fine!
As he tried to walk out of the tent but she'd already gotten up and grabbed his wrist yet again.
Esdeath: But I need something to do. Won't you let me come with you?
She looked into his eyes with a great gaze. Her blue eyes glistened with an ice blue radiance that only she had. She'd had a finger to her mouth in a meek manner, whilst a light pink tint spread across her face. With her pale skin turning pink, her true beauty stood out. It almost looked as if she was going to cry. He'd forgotten how bewitching she was. There was almost no way he could say no now.
[Name]: No.
He ripped from her grasp and had begun to run away. She removed her femininely innocence disguise in place of a more serious one. Esdeath's demeanour dropped now onto a more level headed one.
Esdeath: I'm still coming with you.
[Name] stopped running mid-sprint.
Esdeath: I can't afford to have the possibility of you running away again. As I'm almost certain you'd try it if I don't come along.
[Name]: What'd make you think I'd do something like that?!
Moments later she'd tell the commander about her trek with [Name] to get the supplies. The two then left the encampment and went about walking down the long hill below.
Esdeath: Oh Wow! It's such a stunning view!
She said with awe and amazement. The city's lights were illuminating the entire landscape beyond as they stood there ready to traverse to the bustling imperial settlement. The scenery beyond was filled with many yellows lights. There were some bright reds, neon greens, and fluorescent blues, and even pinks and purples.
[Name] looked while taking in the view himself. He smiled as it was quite beautiful, especially at night.
[Name]: You're right. It is nice.
She'd somewhat startled him; as she immediately hooked onto his arm with both of hers. She glued her body to his. Leaning her head on his shoulder as she hugged onto his arm; while they walked together.
Esdeath: This is perfect! Now we have something gorgeous to look at while we take our nightly stroll. Isn't it romantic?!
[Name]: Yeah, I guess.
He said in somewhat of a mal-interested tone.
Esdeath: Oh, lighten up.
Simultaneously – Hidden Nightraid Fortress
The female members of the Nightraid all sat around the living room table. Each of them sharing stories and doing everything they can to take their minds off of death and drinking.
Chelsea: So leone, what are you going to do when we free the empire's people?
Leone: Me? I'm gonna hit up every bar I can until I pass out. What about you?
Chelsea: I might open up my own cosmetics shop. Someone like Mine could definitely use one.
Mine: Ggrr! You take that back! Or else when you get to sleep I'll give you a makeover of myself with Sheele's scissors!
Chelsea: WHAT DID YOU SAY YOU IRONING BOARD?!
Najenda: Oh, relax Chelsea. Susanoo might be able fix your hair up if anything happens. He won't have much else to do once this is all over.
Leone was the flag bearer of the discussion, talking about times where she'd blacked out drunk, stole, and swindled men.
Chelsea talked about how she'd pranked her fellow house mates in the past. Using her tricks to put others in awkward pseudo sexual situations. Mine spoke of her foolish arguments with both the deceased Bulat and fun with Sheele. "The boss" as Leone would say, Najenda had few tales to tell considering how she was usually all business. Akame on the other hand had none to tell at all.
Leone: Yo Akame? You mean to tell me you don't have anything to add?
Akame: No.
Leone: Well there has to be a thing that must've happen to you that's raunchy or something.
Akame: No there really isn't.
Chelsea: No sexy stories?
Akame: No.
Mine: Not even a drinking one?
Akame just shook her head from side to side as a negative. There wasn't really much that she'd done to be put in such positions. However, the women persisted at prodding at her to see is there was anything of value for her to say.
Leone: Geez Akame, you really are a tough nut to crack. There has to be something we can have you talk about.
She then placed one of her bare feet on the coffee table to think. She then with insane quickness had gathered all of the women together in a group huddle and left Akame out. They were whispering and giggling to each other and purposefully looking back at her.
Akame: What are you all whispering about?
She asked before taking another sip of her own drink.
Leone: Oh nothing. Just that a little birdie told me that you might really have the hots for that new guy.
Akame's red eyes shot open and she nearly choked on her beverage. She punched her chest and responded.
Akame: Whoever told you that is lying. He's just a loose affiliate of our team.
Leone: Oh really. Like that time, you shared your food with him?
Mine: She would've stabbed my hand off if I even touched her plate.
She said nudging at Leone's arm.
Akame: That was a onetime thing.
She said dismissing the case completely.
Leone: Or after that when you went up to go check up on him and you two talked it up?
Akame: I went to see if he wasn't doing anything suspicious.
Chelsea: Or what about that time he wanted to talk to you alone?
Akame: That was nothing at all. You girls are reading too much into things. The relationship we have is strictly professional, plus I don't even know anything about him.
Chelsea: I don't know, it really looks like you'd make a good couple.
Mine: Yeah, I'd ship em.
She made a statement to which all the women present nodded to in the agreement.
Night - Kyoroch City Hunting Guild Store
Esdeath and [Name] had finally reached the town. Upon doing so they wandered around until they found the place they were looking for. They had found the Hunting Guilds' market where they could find just about anything they need to hunt both people, animals, and danger beasts alike. Upon entering [Name] asked the cashier for the venom.
[Name]: We're looking for your venoms.
Cashier: What kind are you looking for?
[Name]: Damn it, I didn't even ask what kind of venom we needed.
Esdeath: It's Hebi venom.
She chimed in from right next to him.
Cashier: Sorry but we're out of it, for the time being, if you can come back around spring we'll have some in stock for you.
[Name]: Why are you guys out?
Cashier: It's mating season, so they tend to group up in mass. It'll be far too hard to get some around this time of year.
[Name]: So, what now Esdeath?
He asked looking at his superior.
Esdeath: We'll just have to extract some on our own.
After leaving the store, the two stood outside of it. While they were there, [Name] had bought canisters to be able to hold the venom they need.
[Name]: Okay, now which way do we go?
Esdeath: As the cashier said, it's mating season. So, a majority of the reptilian type danger beasts are in the far south. Therefore, we must go far south.
She said pointing in the direction in which they needed to go.
[Name]: Say Esdeath, why'd we even walk here?. . Where's your dragon?
Esdeath: He's likely in the same place as the rest of his kind. If we're lucky, we might see him and he'll give us a ride back.
Night – Kyoroch Southern Outskirts
Once out of the public vicinity, [Name] summoned his dark steed; much to Esdeath's surprise. He then hitched the canisters to the red-eyed horse and the two mounted. [Name] headed in the same direction in which Esdeath had stated earlier. Esdeath held on to [Name]'s waist, and she blushed as then asked [Name] ask a question.
Esdeath: This is fascinating. How did you get a hold of such a beast like this?
[Name]: I don't know where he came from, but shortly before I came to the empire I just took him. The guy who I told you trained me had him. When he disappeared I just took him. He's been with me ever since.
Esdeath snapped her fingers as if remembering something.
Esdeath: That's right you rode this during your time as the shadow. That's rather odd given that this species of danger beast has been extinct for at least a thousand years. What's even more interesting is that historians taught that the first emperor owned one just like this.
[Name] shuttered at the thought of such a thing. He'd figured that this thing had to be a ghost by from that far back in time? When he sees his beast teacher again he'll have some questions for him regarding it. But as of now-
He was interrupted as he felt a hand nearing his upper leg, the warm hand then moved upward to his crotch area.
[Name]: Esdeath!?
Esdeath: Sorry, my hand slipped.
It clearly didn't. Especially since she said it in such a teasing manner. So much for her not messing with him as she said. Regardless of that, they're nearing the site of the Hebi. There should be throngs of them around, more than enough to extract venom from.
Hebi Forestry Grounds
There were the white tree's scattered everywhere and they'd seen multiple of them in various small sizes and colors. The most dangerous and most potent venom comes from the ones with white pigment. Those are usually around forty feet in length and five feet in width. They are large enough to swallow any human whole. This isn't something that Esdeath would be afraid of, [Name] either. All they have to do is kill one and drain it of it's venom. It shouldn't be too hard.
They dismounted, the ground beneath them was caked in a crunchy substance, it was their shed snake skin. A lot of the shed around this area and it was truly disturbing to be here.
[Name]: Where are they now? I don't see any of them.
Esdeath: Look.
She pointed to a massive white snake was the exact height and width as they are said to have. The beast slithered and made its way through the trees.
He unsheathed his sword which made a high pitch ZING!
The noise had gotten the creature's attention. It hissed as it neared [Name]. Being alone this snake probably sought-after food on its lonesome, [Name] was that meal. He readied his blade as he ran toward the large reptile.
[Name] jumped for a downward stab as he hollered in the air! The blade smashed into the ground and the creature's body moved over completely! It left somewhat of an afterimage of sorts and had it's mouth open ready to devour [Name].
He with great speed rolled out of the way and was scratched and stabbed with an assortment of snake bones. [Name] didn't feel it as he instinctively slashed upwards and it cut the snake vertically, killing it. [Name]'s heartrate returned to normal and he got up. The snake had almost killed him.
Esdeath: I didn't expect any less.
She walked over and went to work on ripping the venom sack from the guts of the fallen reptile. While she'd drained the monster of its poison another had come hissing with furious speed! It had gone straight for the preoccupied general.
[Name]: Esdeath look out!
He thought instantly, "Why did I say that? She's the enemy." Her survival is completely detrimental to everything [Name] is trying to achieve.
Within seconds a series of ice blades had pierced from the ground. Upon doing so it impaled clean through the bottom of the snake's head. The snake was dead in moments. After he lamented on his poor decision making [Name] had assisted with the extraction. The two searched for the last one they needed. After around an hour of scouting they found nothing.
After a short while; they sat on a rather large stone together. [Name] sighed as he looked up in the beautiful night sky.
[Name]: Where can that last one be?
Esdeath: Don't forget [Name]. This land stretches for miles on end. We could possibly go hours without seeing another.
[Name]: You sure know a lot about this place.
He said while now looking at Esdeath, who at this point, was also looking up into the night sky.
Esdeath: Well of course I do. I come here every other year to hunt them.
[Name] mused at how much of an anomaly this woman was. She'd hunt people, danger beasts, and even torture people for fun. She really is a strange character. It's only a matter of time before she does something to make him break and attempt to kill her himself. That time seems rather far off if even possible. He has to find a way to escape her first and or find a way to kill her in her sleep. That seems hard, for some weird reason, he was becoming more fascinated with her.
She's stunning, kind to him, and willing to do almost anything for him. If what she says about loving him is true, then killing her maybe be the hardest task he'll have to do. He then without much thought found himself lying back first on the flat stone. Esdeath had pushed him back and mounted him. Her face almost pinker than he'd ever seen it. At first [Name] was without words.
[Name]: Esdeath? What are you doing?!
He said while clasping the hands she had upon his chest.
Esdeath: What does it look like I'm doing? The last Hebi likely heard all the commotion and will come to find us first. So, why not just pass the time together?
[Name]: Esdeath there's no way.
Esdeath: I don't see why not. No one will see us, besides the snakes are out here doing the same.
[Name]: Esdeath. . .. In case you haven't noticed, we aren't snakes.
Esdeath: Oh, come on that doesn't matter. Besides I'd like to get this over with before we must head back.
She then leaned in the for the kiss. However, before the kiss can hit its target a gargantuan body slithered by completely interrupting her. She then sighed and jumped off of him to which he took a sigh of relief for.
Esdeath: Looks like our friend is here already. I guess an interruption of this magnitude couldn't have been helped.
She said with great displeasure. Esdeath being extremely irritated unsheathed her rapier and walked to the source of the noise. [Name] then jumped off of the stone and skillfully swung his blade around. He teased her by saying something she'd probably like to hear.
[Name]: Don't worry Esdeath, we'll finish up when we get back to the palace.
Esdeath smiled.
*She will remember this.
They both then saw the head of an incredibly large snake's head starring back at them with glowing yellow eyes from the shadows of the forest. This creature's size was like none other, the head alone has spanned several feet wide.
Esdeath: Well you certainly grew a bunch.
She said to the creature that stared them down. Her tone almost mother-like as [Name] looked at the both back and forth.
[Name]: Hm? Do you know this one?
Esdeath: Yes, I saw how big he was as a hatchling and so marked him that way I could hunt him when he grew up.
[Name]: What luck.
The beast was of incredible size, a beast probably [Name] couldn't defeat on his own. Within seconds the venous creature darted through the tree's and towards them. It charged with a loud hissing noise.
[Name] had rushed in and kicked the snake on the side of its head and sent it rolling. The beast arose and attempted to smash [Name] and Esdeath cratering the ground. They'd jumped around and flipped around to avoid the creature's massive frame.
[Name] slashed at the serpent and cut a chuck of its skin with a THWAK!
Esdeath had then thrown a hard hook kick, shattering the jaw of the creature. [Name] responded by doing the same kick to the other side of its mouth. They teamed up and let the monster have it. They kicked and thrashed the large snake without mercy.
The snake with the last of its strength had whacked [Name] away with its tail. He'd bounced up and ran towards the beast.
[Name]: Esdeath, Boost me!
Esdeath: I was already about to. Perhaps we are destined to be together!
She yelled as she placed a hand on the ground. An ice platform then arose from the ground and catapulted [Name] far into the air. He grabbed the hilt of his sword and pointed it down as he fell. [Name] slammed his blade down into the skull of the snake with a sickening Splack!
[Name] sighed as he jumped off the now deceased snake's head. His hands bloodied with the bile and brains of the Hebi, he looked at his hands in disgust and wiped it off on his armour.
Esdeath: Good job dear.
She said with her happiness fully renewed.
[Name]: Thank you very much. Now, let's get this thing drained.
After draining the final Hebi snake of its venom they'd met up with Esdeath's dragon who'd smelled Esdeath by total chance. They were able ride her dragon back to the encampment. As they flew high in the air. They traveled over the city's amazing lights as [Name] again was caught with a moment of introspection.
[Name]: This isn't good at all. Faide was supposed to be here and he wasn't. Now I'm caught again. There has to be a better way to go about killing the generals of the empire. Maybe killing them all one by one isn't the best idea. Especially since I'm nowhere near done with my training. I need to get myself out of this mess and back to Nightraid. Joining them is my only true option at this point. Even getting away from her again won't be as easy as it was before. But then again, spending a few days with her might not be so bad.