Chapter 28 - Kill The Defiance
The following day of [Name] and Esdeath meeting up, [Name] slept rather comfortably. Being undisturbed, quiet, and with dreams vivid as well. [Name] had slept in a tent and had just awoken as the light pierced through the flaps of the tent's entrance. The commander was the one to awaken just about everyone as per his job description. Waking up in a military encampment was accompanied by a slew of required jobs. Weapon's tallying, taking account of soldiers, role assignment, taking watch of the perimeter, and making scouting teams.
Esdeath hadn't slept with him as she was assigned to a scouting assignment the morning of their return to the compound. She'd probably missed the opportunity to steal him away to her own private quarters and attempt to act on her carnal urges. Regardless of that, [Name] needed to escape and find the Nightraid.
[Name] was assigned to help take inventory of the weaponry. He decided not to do that task at the moment as told and walked out into the middle of the encampment. After standing in the middle of the commotion that was daily work [Name] stretched his legs and his arms.
[Name] sighed.
He bolted with amazing speed to run out of the encampment! Esdeath wasn't here so escaping wasn't going to be an issue. The dirt flew in the air as tens of soldiers shouted for others to get him as [Name] ran furiously.
He yelled as he nearly reached the outskirts of the compound before four soldiers intercepted him. They tackled him to the ground with quickness, their bulky armor squeezing him in their tight hold. They then realized that they in hadn't moved at all and [Name] was already far away. [Name] had used an advanced form of the imperial arms Spectator. He used it once against the wild hunt and his training with Nora really helped him hone the ability. Thanks to that Ethereal Life Seal.
He waved at the disillusioned soldiers as some of them readied on their horses to pursue him. As he became ready to run even faster a gigantic crater formed in front of him. It did so as if a mortar strike landed before him. His ears nearly went deaf with incessant ringing as dust clouded his vision.
[Name] now on his hands and knees looked up to see flowing blue hair, quite long in length. The dust cleared as the person looked down at him.
Esdeath: Hm? [Name], what are you doing out here?
She mused with genuine curiosity. She looked down at her lover panting on the floor and looked ahead of her as a multitude of soldiers rushed to her.
Soldier: General. .
He paused as to catch his breath.
Soldier: This one tried to desert milady. We'll incarcerate th-
Esdeath: No. I'll deal with him myself.
Shortly Thereafter
She hadn't said a word to him the whole walk back. She'd also had an extremely firm grip on the back of his collar, her nails pinching at his skin. They returned to the compound around fifty yards back and [Name] was taken to Esdeath's private quarters. Once they'd gotten back she'd rough housed him by tossing him into her tent. She'd tied him very tightly to a chair and left. She did so all without saying a single word.
He sat there by his lonesome waiting for Esdeath to return and "punish" him. Five, ten, and then fifteen minutes had passed. She must've been completing a progress report of some type and or debriefing the soldiers within the encampment.
He'd begun to sweat and become hot. If he broke out and tried to escape, he may run out what little patients Esdeath would have and end up killing him. He had to endure Esdeath for a much better opportunity in the future to escape. What perfect timing that he'd literally run into Esdeath cannonball out of the sky at random.
Just then the flaps of the tent unzipped. He'd seen Esdeath enter the tent as a silhouette, the sunlight highlighting her curvaceous body. [Name] sighed as he tried to ready himself mentally. She zipped up the tent's flaps, preventing anyone from interrupting.
She walked over to him. Esdeath's radiant blue eyes shooting deep within the eyes of [Name] as she neared. She stood over him; she did so for a time.
[Name]: Esdeath I-
A vicious slap sailed across his face. The back of her hand felt like a hardened weapon rather than a real hand. He was hit so hard, he'd almost forgot what he was going to say.
Esdeath: For now, only speak once I've asked you to do so.
The strong taste of iron filled [Name]'s mouth as he looked up at her in disdain.
Esdeath: You've been clothed, fed, and has been promised, my unconditional love. Yet, defy me?
She said with less of an angered tone and almost one of introspection. As if to ask herself why he continues to flee or attempt to do so. After she placed her hands on her hips ready for an answer, [Name] spoke.
[Name]: Because I have goals of my own. I can't achieve them being with the empire or with you. Plus, I thought that you told me that you'll grant any wish that I wanted. So why won't you let me go?
Esdeath: And that I will. So long as it's in line with the beliefs of the emperor. You're an incredible asset to the empire; Furthermore, it'd be foolish of me to allow you to slip away and provide no use at all. It can't be all that hard of a concept for you to grasp [Name].
She sighed, pinched the bridge of her nose, and turned around in irritation.
[Name]: I-
Another vicious slap collided with the side of his face and this one by far overpowered the first. He winced. Some of the skin of his inner jaw hung freely in his mouth; his own teeth cutting him.
Esdeath: I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU NOT TO SPEAK!
She snapped at him. He'd never seen her like this before. Her voice changing to a much more domineering and harsher tone than she'd ever imposed onto him before. True fear coursed through his veins as her eyes beamed through his. She closed her eyes in irritation as she'd walked over and released [Name] from the chair.
She'd jerked the rope free rather than cutting it, scraping the skin free from his wrists and arms.
Esdeath: [Name], If you truly wish to get back in my good graces; you'll behave yourself from here on out.
[Name] stood up and felt his skinned wrist and arms. He also stretched a little as he did earlier. He was scowling at the woman who was now looking at him as she turned around to face him.
Esdeath: The encampment is going to be turned into a phase three stronghold. A position in which a location of little importance is placed into higher strategic importance. As of right now, we aren't needed here anymore, our talents are going to be used elsewhere. For now, I want you to aid the rest of the soldiers to complete any tasks asked of you. After which you're to immediately report to my quarters. Is that understood private?
She finished with somewhat of a condescending tone. [Name] then only looked back at her with a side-eyed glance.
[Name]: Yes. .General.
He said as he left her tent. After leaving the tent, he noticed throngs of soldiers that were looking at him. They were all doing various tasks to assist in the transition, but what befell of [Name] seemed to be more important. As he stood and looked everyone just as quickly got back to work. Doing so to make sure [Name] didn't know. He knew of course, how could he not?
Morning - Hidden Nightraid Fortress
Tatsumi and Lubbock did their early morning exercise. Both shirtless to not have their tops from absorbing their sweat. Tatsumi with his one red eye did as many pushups as his pectorals could handle. He was becoming more and more powerful with each day. After the eradication of Seryu of the Jeagers and Suzuka, Tatsumi felt more empowered.
Lubbock himself honed his skills with his Cross tail. Growing more powerful himself he'd also pondered how many he'd have to kill, since it's was never something he wanted to do.
Lubbock: Hey Tatsumi?
He said after finishing his own reps of pushups himself and sitting on the grass.
Tatsumi: Yeah?
Lubbock: I never asked but what's up with that pink eye you have?
Tatsumi: It's not pink eye! Okay! I used some of Incursio's true power to save Mine.
Tatsumi replied.
Tatsumi: Looks like bro didn't even know how to tap into this power himself.
He said while looking at his hands and opening and closing his fists. He did so as if to grasp something not there.
Tatsumi: I intend to use this power to smash the empire into the ground.
Lubbock: What about Esdeath and Budo? You sure you can smash them too?
Tatsumi: Pause. Yeah and I think I can beat them too. But. . .
He looked over into the vast lands beyond. He didn't finish his sentence. Lubbock took notice to this and asked.
Lubbock: Tatsumi?
Tatsumi: I have to test my strength! And I know just the thing.
Tatsumi then got up and ran into the house with great speed.
Lubbock: Oh boy.
He said as he lied back against the grass.
Sometime Later
Tatsumi and Susanoo stood facing each other several yards away. Tatsumi had asked to spar with Susanoo. He wanted to test his strength by challenging the most powerful member of the Nightraid.
Susanoo: So Tatsumi, are you sure about this?
Tatsumi only nodded and readied his fighting as Susanoo did the same.
In a blinding display of raw speed Tatsumi dashed over to his adversary for massive punch. Susanoo caught it! Tatsumi's speed already had him to Susanoo's side. Susanoo's own speed let him kick Tatsumi and sent him flying backwards!
Tasumi landed on his feet again charging at Susanoo who now knows his strategy. Susanoo immediately dodged this attack because it was much faster than he anticipated. Tasumi hadn't stopped with his momentum and went for several more attacks of his own.
Susanoo and Tatsumi sent flurries of attacks towards one another as Susanoo used much less energy. The dirt flew around in a tornado-like fashion of attack and defence from both parties.
Tatsumi yelled and threw an incredible kick as Susanoo blocked it with some strain. The two went on for several more minutes as the members of Nightraid had begun to watch. Susanoo spoke to himself mentally.
Susanoo: His attacks have become much sharper, more powerful. His aura has changed aswell. It's as if he's absorbed Incursio's adaptive abilities into his base state. There's something a bit off though. I feel another presence bolstering his strength almost tenfold.
He swept and sledgehammered Tatsumi to the ground, Tatsumi sprung back upward and landed a massive strike on Susanoo's face. As he staggered back Susanoo kneed Tatsumi in the gut with amazing force.
Tatsumi folded in half and stumbled backwards. He recovered nearly instantly and stood up straight, his posture undisturbed.
Tatsumi: Is that all you've got?
Susanoo: I'm amazed that any human has shrugged off such an attack. You truly are remarkable Tatsumi.
Tatsumi: Let's keep going.
Najenda: Enough!
She shouted from afar.
Najenda: As much as I enjoyed this smackdown, go any further and Tatsumi risks injury. That's something we can't have.
Tatsumi: It's fine.
He said clenching his fists.
Tatsumi: It's like my body is overflowing with more and more power whenever I fight.
Susanoo: That's good. Just be mindful.
He looked over to Susanoo.
Tatsumi: Of what?
Susanoo: Incursio.
Evening - Imperial City Hall
The sky had darkened as the lights of the seemingly infinite city shined bright. One of the tasks [Name] had been given was mission report delivery. Esdeath herself had gone to the Armory to conduct business regarding soldier placement in the upcoming campaigns.
[Name] considered running away yet again, but Esdeath has more than likely acquired spies to oversee [Name]'s journey back to the municipal building. It's probably best to lie low for now and play along. After he finished the equipment movement, he was assigned to the mail rooms to finish his day off.
He walked all the way up several floors to eventually find the mail room. Upon doing so, he looked around to see where Marshal Faide has gone. He found his box and read through his mail. He was redeployed to Tobashi instead of Esdeath. What luck.
He heard the hard wood floor creak outside of the room door and he saw green hair. The hair had rushed back if not to be seen. He then crept to the door and looked. The female he saw jumped at being discovered.
[Name]: Are you one of the general's spies?
Normandy: A spy? No.
[Name]: Then what are you doing?
Normandy: I saw you go into the mail room and I don't recognize you. Who are you?
[Name]: I'm "private" [Name] of the Jaegers.
She gasped as if a shocking revelation hit her hard.
Normandy: You're Esdeath's partner! It's so good to finally meet you!
She said whilst grabbing his hands.
Normandy: She and I are friends. She's told me so much about you! You're a capable fighter, raised outside of the empire, a few other things that I can't remember. But oh! You even promised her children! I have so many questions!
She gushed.
[Name] then waved off the notion while almost blushing himself.
[Name]: Wait wait wait hold on a minute. You're her friend?
Normandy: Yes . . .I am.
She said with a high level of proudness added to her voice.
Normandy: We met years back when I was just a recruit. We bonded over our love of combat. Though I do think she'll take it a little too far sometimes. So, what brought you to the capital anyway?
[Name]'s mood somewhat diminished.
[Name]: It's a long story. I have to get going but I have to ask. Do you have any Idea on what the plan is for the revolution?
Normandy: The revolution? Well from what I've heard, that Koukei had a hand in having Marshal Faide head after the Nightraid once the assault on Tobashi is over. When he gets back we'll have a better idea of what we're going to do.
[Name]: Koukei did?
He thought and asked himself why would Koukei swap the roles of Esdeath and Faide? What would he have gained from doing so? This must insinuate that he may have more confidence in Faide's abilities than Esdeath's.
[Name]: How strong is the Marshal?
Normandy: He wields the imperial arms called Deva Hands. It manipulates gravity and he has a move he calls the Heavenly thrust. He and Budo are a close second to Esdeath in my opinion.
[Name] sighed.
[Name]: Great.
Normandy: I'm Colonel Normandy by the way.
She held a hand out for [Name] to shake and he did so.
[Name]: I look forward to seeing out there on the field Colonel. Now I have to get back to my mailman job before I get skinned or something.
He said this as he carried the now almost empty mailbag across his chest and ran down the hall. She waved to [Name] as he hurried to get back to the palace.
Night - Imperial Palace Halls
[Name] ran across the busy city at night. He ran past extravagant stores that sold things of all kinds. Some of these people walked around shopping in these stores as if a full-scale war isn't about to breach the inner walls of the empire.
He finally made it to the palace and as he ran he'd ran past Kurome and Wave. He stopped in his tracks to speak to them.
Kurome: Yo [Name] what's up?
[Name]: Just finishing my mail duty. I'm a private now and so I should do private things now.
Wave: Awesome. They finally gave you rank?
[Name]: Unfortunately.
Wave: [Name], I wanted to say sorry about when we spoke last. I know I came off a little abrasive but I did because I was scared that you might've been working for the revolution.
[Name]: It's fine Wave. It's not like I haven't yelled at you or anything. Remember that day when I was supposed to be executed?
Wave: Yeah.
He said rubbing the back of his head and chuckling.
Wave: At least you're in a better spot now. I mean look who you get to go home to after all.
[Name]: That's debatable. Enough about me, where are you two off to?
Kurome: To the bar. Wanna come?
[Name]: Can't. I'm a mailman for tonight. After I'm done she wants me back here.
Kurome: Oh well, have fun.
[Name]: HOW CAN YOU BE SO DISMISSIVE!
Wave smiled nervously and slowly inched over to Kurome who was already leaving the main entrance.
Wave: Sorry!
He said as the two left, leaving to complete his job.
Sometime Later
[Name] finally finished his job as he closed the last mailbox on the upper floors. He then sighed and left the room and walked passed an extremely unlikely foe.
[Name]: What. .Are. . .you doing here?
Syura: Oh, it's you. Esdeath's boy toy.
[Name]: Answer me.
Syura: I live here dipshit.
He said in a very flippant tone. He'd let his arms rest behind the back of his head and stopped walking.
Syura: Isn't it passed your curfew?
Syura walked by without saying much more. This left [Name] stunned. Syura and [Name] have fought nearly to the death on two occasions. Syura fled and now they're together again, however, Syura not doing anything at all to instigate a conflict.
[Name]: Hey! Where are you going?! Aren't we gonna fight?
Syura: No. Why? Yeah, I hate your goddamn guts and want to kill you which I might do later, but I don't feel like it now. I mean why fight now? It's not like you can do anything to me here. Esdeath has you pussy-whipped and I'm the Prime minister's kid. You kill me here and you'll get killed back.
[Name]: But you and the rest of your gang are murderers. That means I'm professonally obliged to kill scum like you. The Jaegers can just deal with you like we did before.
Syura: Newsflash jackass, those guys aren't the prime minister's kid. I'm Scott-free. If I'm killed now for literally no reason, the prime minister will have you killed too. I'm straight!
He said throwing his hands up to signify his freedom. The Syura smiling walked off in the same direction he was going towards. [Name] could only clench his fists in agitation. Seeing this disgusting excuse for a human being walk off without recourse really got under his skin, but there was nothing he could do.
Syura: I hope that crazy blue vag is worth it. Lord knows you could probably use some right about now.
He snickered as [Name] took a deep breath to calm himself.
Night – Imperial Palace Esdeath's Quarters
[Name] slowly opened the door of the private quarters and peeked in. He saw nothing. Esdeath wasn't there and she hadn't appeared to be home just yet. He noticed how he'd begun to reek of perspiration. Now [Name] considered taking a bath. He made his way into the bathroom to remedy this.
He gazed into the mirror, his visage seeming hardened. Bags grew underneath his eyes as the stress seemed to be taking over. Not paying too much attention to that he made his way over to the bath and readied the water. He stopped it, the tub full. [Name] left to find a change of clothes.
He left her room closing the door behind him and found her wardrobe room several rooms down. Esdeath's living quarters encompassed the entire floor so finding the right room was a pain. He stayed there quite a bit and went back to the room. The door was cracked open which it wasn't before.
[Name]: That's weird.
He shrugged it off and went into the bathroom yet again and bathed.
He sat in the soapy hot water and lied back. The dirt cleared from his skin as he'd begun to wash himself. Something didn't feel right however. He felt another presence nearby. Esdeath must be home. He took a deep breath to release the anxiety. She was likely going to dog him out yet again as she did earlier. That's just something he'll have to endure for the time being.
Then something happened. [Name]'s eyes darted open. He felt a hand slithering up his chest from beneath the hot water. The pale hand started to caress his face as another one did the same from the other side. He then saw blue hair slowly float upward in front of him.
Esdeath's head eerily rose from the bubbles with a grin on her face. His veins froze over with fear worse than they did earlier that day. She emerged from the water like a predator in preparing to snatch up its prey.
[Name]: ESDEATH!?
He asked out with almost no breath.
[Name]: What the hell are you doing?!
She floated to him and hugged him close. Her breasts squeezing firmly against [Name]'s own chest. They'd neared [Name]'s neck as she now straddled him, her face above his but mere centimeters apart.
Esdeath: I'm bathing with you silly.
She said with a red tint covering her face, her eyes squinted. He did everything he could to prepare his mind for her further reprimanding him. He in no way was prepared for her to shift gears in such an abrupt way. His mental preparations were utterly futile as he was unready as one can be.
[Name]: How'd you get in here?
Esdeath: I walked in of course. How else could I have gotten in?
He remembered that when he came back the door was cracked. In the small time he went to fetch some items after he'd ran the water, she'd returned and made her way into the tub unbeknownst to him.
[Name]: So, you just waited under-Nevermind.
He looked to the side as if to make like he's now ignoring her. Thinking of earlier when she'd demeaned him the way she did earlier.
Esdeath: What?
She asked with a worrisome tone.
[Name] replied with silence. Although he was faced to the side he can still see the concern on her face.
Esdeath: Surely you aren't upset with me about earlier, are you?
[Name]: How could I not be? You knocked me around and belittled me.
Esdeath: You left me no choice.
She retorted in a defensive manner but in no way aggressive.
Esdeath: [Name], understand that when we're in amongst cohorts I must operate within my job's description. Typically, I'd reward desertion attempts with lengthy torture sessions followed by swift execution. In fact, you got off rather easy considering.
[Name] still didn't reply still not pleased with his treatment at her hands. She continued.
Esdeath: If I hadn't scolded you the way I did, you'd likely've tried to run away again. Just know that I simply cannot let my feelings for you impair my judgement during my duties. If I did, the soldiers may begin to question my ability to lead effectively. That's something that cannot be tolerated.
[Name]: Won't you just kill them if they do?
Esdeath: Why do that? All soldiers regardless of their rank; can still be quite useful. Take yourself for example. You're only a mere private.
[Name]: Ha ha.
He used mock laughter in very clear distaste.
[Name]: So, you mean to tell me you're not still mad at me?
Esdeath: I've told you before that It's proven exceedingly difficult for me to stay upset with you.
The woman snuggled further onto him. Her hands found their way to his chin. She used her hands to guide his face to match hers, their foreheads touching. [Name] felt his protests on her romantic advances on slipping away. The Esdeath's warm body against his felt amazing. Her feminine features that rubbed against him also felt very nice. The hot water and the silky-smooth soap formula only added to the feel of her body.
He felt as though he was losing control of himself. Her scent and her touch were nearly overwhelming to his senses.
Esdeath: Now let's get down to the business at hand. Do you intend to keep your promise?
[Name]: Promise?
As soon as he questioned her words her demeanour dipped.
Esdeath: Don't tell me you've forgotten.
He then pondered exactly what she'd meant. "Promise?" he wondered. He didn't really remember promising her anything up until now. He then traced back to any potential lies he's may have told her and this took some time. Esdeath appeared to be losing her patients, her smile fading.
Esdeath: How could you have forgotten!?
She said as she released [Name] and splashed the water with a fist of anger.
[Name]: I don't know what you're talking about!
Esdeath: You promised that we'd share each other's company in bed once we've returned to the palace!
[Name] then thought. He remembered when he'd said that jokingly to her the other day. [Name]'s mind raced to look for an excuse to get out of this situation. As much as he'd like to, he can't do that with her. To him, in the moment he does, it'll signify a betrayal of everything he fights for.
[Name]: I remember now.
There was a brief pause.
[Name]: Maybe some other time.
She then crossed her arms in clear discontent.
Esdeath: But you promised.
She sulked.
Esdeath: That's hardly fair. And here I was almost beginning to think you were a man of integrity.
[Name]: I am. I just didn't say exactly when.
Esdeath took mental note of this exact moment and spoke to herself. She'd folded her arms and turned away from him to show her disappointment.
Esdeath: It's strange really. The more he repels me, the more I'm attracted. I guess it can't be helped. I've waited this long, I suppose I can wait a little longer.
+12 Esdeath Affection
[Name] then closed his eyes in relief. He's diverted her once again. He needs to find some way to be able to keep doing so, but when she gets this close it's almost impossible. He felt himself almost wanting to desperately to give in to her temptations. In that moment he felt a wave of warm water cover his face.
She'd splash him with water. He opened his eyes to see her smiling passed her supposed anger. She couldn't even hide that she was still in a playful mood.
He then took his hand beneath the water and doused her as she did him.
Esdeath: Fine, I accept your challenge!
She then used the same motion as he and did the same thing in return. He returned fire and the two splashed each other in the water. Esdeath was in clear delight as she'd begun to laugh. [Name] couldn't hide his smile as he was genuinely having fun as well. It was very jarring to see such a sadistic and maniacal monster like Esdeath behaving like a normal carefree person. The same person who as of even as recently as a few hours ago he hated.
As of this morning she'd beaten him. Esdeath seemed to also be on the verge of torturing him, to now bathing and cuddling with him that same night. It's very weird to be in a relationship like this. Even If it is with her, its sobering to have some semblance of fun in a time like this.
Same Time – Tobashi Warzone
The revolutionary battalion was decimated. Only a total of two hundred soldier remained alive. The empire suffered minimal losses however. As for the rest of the battalion, they had no work to do. Marshal Faide stood in front of the mass of revolutionaries the stood ground of their own.
Faide: An imperial lead has informed me that Nightraid's fortress is nearby. If one of you confirms this information their life will be spared.
The men tightened their grips on the sweat-soaked hilts of their blades. They'd moved beyond the fear of death. They knew that the Nightraid's fortress was near, but they would not reveal its specific location.
Faide: Fine then.
Heavenly Thrust!
In seconds, a massive pressure sent the men flying backwards. The men however were no longer such. The sheer force of the wave cratered the ground. The flesh of the men was wiped away as their bodies were in nigh unrecognizable pieces. The sheer force of this wave had warped the air pressure and destabilized the ground beneath. The red mist of blood filled the air as the wind readjusted itself with a swirl and crack! As the cut air repaired itself.
He then turned and made one leap. With that leap, he traveled eloquently and slowly through the air as if gravity hadn't existed. He landed in front of the awe struck imperial soldiers. One of which had asked the Marshal.
Soldier: What are we to do now Marshal?
Faide: Do as you like. There isn't a threat any longer. Tobashi is safe even if it did take a day to get here.
He said as he flicked his back length and stringy hair, smoothed by the most lavish and expensive hair relaxer the empire can provide.
Faide: However, I do suspect that the Nightraid fortress is somewhere around the area. The mission file has stated that the path may lead to them. I shall move forth and will obliterate the Nightraid.