Chapter 34: Kill the Love
Upon the next morning [Name] had made his way towards the mail room. He was doing so to gather more intel regarding generals so that he may give it to the Nightraid. Esdeath hadn't come home that night as she was on assignment. She only told him the previous morning that she was rooting out potential revolutionaries outside of the capital.
This left him free to roam the palace unhindered. Many of the important personal weren't at the palace as they also had their roles to fill especially during the waning times of the war. The typical guard catching him here or there didn't matter as they all knew about his relationship with Esdeath. None of them but that "one" Sheev would dare to question him in fear of him telling Esdeath.
Regardless of that, he walked his way into the lilac scented mail room. It's a nice inverse of the Squalor District's Police stations scent of urine. [Name] went and looked for numerous people of importance for the revolution. He went through a few rummaging through papers and papers.
He spent some time and found a few pieces of info that'll surely aid Nightraid. After beginning to look for more he heard something. He then immediately closed the mail box shut as slow and as quiet as possible. [Name] then hid behind one of the shelves and he slightly peeked around it to see who came in.
Then he saw the door open and in peeked the beautiful green haired woman who he'd seen before. It was Colonel Normandy. As his head poked out, hers went inwards to hide herself; and vice versa.
They were essentially playing tag but with seeing one another. [Name] decided to end this little game.
[Name]: Colonel?!
She then eased out and revealed the rest of her body.
Normandy: Private [Name]?! It's very nice to meet you again!
She said as she'd begun to bow over and over.
Normandy: I see you're here looking for your mail too. I'm sorry to interrupt you.
[Name]: Don't worry, it's fine.
She then nervously walked past [Name] and went searching through her own mailbox. [Name] made sure not to continue his own search while she was there. In the few moments of silence, Normandy decided to break it.
Normandy: So [Name], Are you enjoying your role in the imperial army?
[Name] paused before giving his response.
[Name]: Although I can't really say I'm enjoying it; I'm trying to make the best out of it. How about you?
Normandy: I feel torn. I love the empire, as they saved my family in the past but now it's just not the same. There's so much senseless brutality and slaughter on both sides. It hurts.
She said as she clutched her heart. He could tell by the inflection of her voice that she was deeply impacted by something.
[Name]: But you're Esdeath's friend. I figure you'd be just like her.
Her green locks swayed from side to side as she shook her head.
Normandy: She's an amazing woman really. I wish I could have her tenacity and strength. She's beautiful, smart, cunning, and has a wonderful fighter like you. She's far above anything I could be. I'm too foolish and weak to reach her.
She pronounced with a somber tone. She also looked down to the carpeted floor rather than looking upwards.
[Name]: I wouldn't say all that now. Don't be so down on yourself like that.
Normandy: No! It's true…She told me so after I was being insubordinate on our last mission and so I was dismissed.
[Name]: Why? What did you do?
Normandy: Esdeath ordered us to eradicate a whole village. I didn't do anything and was scolded for it.
[Name]'s eyes shot open and his heart dropped. He was hoping that Esdeath had changed at least a little. He felt that her heart was softened by their bond. Her cold demeanor warmed by their relationship that he now felt fully engaged in. But as it turns out, there was no change at all. She was in fact the same Esdeath as before.
In a way, he was probably just wishing for her to change rather than believing he saw actual progress.
The colonel had begun to tear up as she spoke. Her voice cracking whilst describing the gruesome scenes she saw.
Normandy: The people were begging her not to.
[Name]: You didn't do anything wrong. I'm glad you didn't do anything.
Normandy: But she told me that if I don't change then my fiancé will one day leave me for another woman after being so weak.
She said as tears streamed down her rosy cheeks.
[Name]: Normandy Relax! Don't buy into any of that. You're fine just the way you are.
Normandy: Do you really think I should stay the same?
[Name]: You're fine. If anything, you should leave the empire. It's going to fall before you know it. And I don't want someone like you getting caught up.
Normandy: Thank you [Name].
She said as she wiped her face clean.
[Name]: Good talking to you colonel but I have to get going.
As [Name] left the colonel then noticed the files he'd had in his hands and realized that the names on the papers. [Name] didn't realize that she was as observant as she was. She'd noticed this quite well and with that she knew something was amiss.
Morning – Imperial Palace Corridors
[Name] with a small bag hanging off of his shoulder walked down the hallway and contemplated whether or not he should give out Esdeath's information. Even though he'd heard that she'd committed an atrocity he still felt as though there is a way to reform her.
If she could be turned, she would be arguably the greatest asset of the war regardless of her alignment. He then noticed Kurome walking down the opposite direction and the two greeted one another.
Kurome: What's up [Name]?
[Name]: Oh, nothing. Esdeath has me running around doing errands. How about you?
Kurome: I'm fine. Though, my dear sister won't be after tonight.
Immediately he felt a rush of dread. Did she know something about an impending attack on the Nightraid? This isn't good at all.
[Name]: Why? How?
Kurome: Some of my old friends from the Dark Squad managed to find a revolution hide out.
[Name]: And?
Kurome: When we moved onto the location her and some of her Night raid friends caught us. They fought us back and told me to meet her tonight. It's going to be a one on one. A fight to the finish.
This isn't good [Name] thought. Kurome and or Akame could very well kill one another. Akame is one of the greatest assets of the revolution and she can't be killed like this. Also, he's grown to sort of like Akame as opposed to hating like he did before. She was cold hearted and nasty to him when they first met and now as they got to know each other better, she's warmed to him.
[Name]: I should come with you.
Kurome put her finger under [Name]'s chin and smiled.
Kurome: Nah ah uh. This is family business.
[Name]: But Kurome..
She began to walk away. After she did she stopped momentarily.
Kurome: Don't try and stop me [Name].
And with those final words she left.
[Name] stood there with his bag in hand to give them to the Nightraid but it looks like there's been a change in plans.
Afternoon – Imperial Palace – Esdeath's Quarters
He'd finally gathered as much info as he could regarding key members of the empire. The very last one was Esdeath. He pondered on whether or not he actually should do this. If Esdeath truly loves him then if he betrays the Nightraid and gets them killed, his new life will've begun.
Kasumi will have been released from the hospital and she'll live with him like old times. Esdeath would eventually train and promote [Name] to a higher rank. As long as he kept on his p's and q's he'll be living it up with his new family lavishly. But then he felt utterly disgusted at the sight of having them all killed like that. They trusted him, fed him, and even saved him on their mission to the Red Imperium.
He walked through the clean smelling room he'd woken up from earlier today. The carpeted flooring seemed weird underneath his boots as he walked towards Esdeath's vanity where her diary lies.
He opened her drawer and moved a few things aside before finally picking up her diary. The the light from the window on his right nearly blinded him. The curtains wide open; gave him a stunning view of the vast capital beyond where he stood.
The silence was very eerie as the ringing noise of silence made him hesitate. He opened the book to today's date and read.
Last night was wonderous. [Name] and I finally shared our first intimate night together. [Name] wanted to be in control, how cute. Although we did this, I felt as though something was still holding him back from him loving me with all of his being. Whatever the case maybe I'll find out what it is in due time. Still though, I haven't uncovered the source of mysterious that mark on the back of his neck. It's very strange but nothing to be alarmed at.
In the future after the revolution is crushed, I look forward to testing him for the duration of our time together. I'll both regularly and irregularly send assassins after him to test his strength at all times. If he is killed then his usefulness as a potential father and a lover is very minimal at best. Although he cannot be replaced, I will always remember him as a weak man and as the strong man that could've been. I hope that fate for him never comes as I love him deeply. I digress.
Currently, many of the settlements outside of the empire are set to be erased and the entire squalor district is to be as well before the month's end. The prime minister states that with the potential of treason being so high, every precaution must be taken to ensure the total annihilation of the revolution comes to pass. The cleansing begins today and I refuse to wait any further.
A massive pit entered [Name]'s stomach. [Name] was completely disgusted by what he'd just read. There is no way [Name] could ever love a woman like this. Esdeath was absolutely deranged and needed be stopped. [Name] was wrong, this will not work out. Esdeath seemingly hasn't a semblance of empathy or concern for anyone. Thousands upon thousands of people were to be murdered just to eliminate the probable chance of conspiracy within the capital. The entire district was going to be wiped out!
Only the high class and middle would remain. After reading this, [Name] knew that the empire must be stopped at all costs and everyone who's loyal needs to go. Unfortunately, that even means Kurome, Wave, and Run if they don't turn a leaf soon. He's going with Kurome and she will not know. Someone will not be walking away from that encounter and it won't be an imperial.
Not Long After – Imperial Palace Halls
[Name] went running around the building looking for either Run or Wave. It was now or never for him to tell them about his true alignment. Esdeath isn't here, therefore word won't get back to her before [Name] could make a get-away. Just then he saw Wave struggling to walk.
[Name]: Wave?! What happened?
Wave: Oh nothing. .I just fell is all.
He struggled to say as he used the wall to steady himself.
[Name]: You were attacked.
Wave: Doesn't matter. Kurome's in trouble. . .We have to save her.
"Don't try and stop me, [Name]."
[Name]: She told you too? I bet that's why you're like this. She knew you'd follow her anyway! Wave, I need to let you know. . .that my loyalties don't lie with empire. They never did.
Wave didn't answer for a moment. He then started to increase the speed of his breathing. Wave's hair covered his face now turning red with anger. [Name] could tell that Wave clearly didn't like was he was hearing.
[Name]: The empire is going to kill all of the people in the outer ring of the capital. Esdeath said it herself in her personal logs. There's no way I could ever support that. And there should be no way you do either!
Wave unsheathed his blade of Grand Chariot!
[Name] readied his own obsidian blade as Wave stabbed his own black bade deep within the wooden flooring. The chains jingling upon his side as the blade sunk into the floor.
Wave: I agree.
Wave didn't want to fight. He wanted to make a declaration; a statement. [Name] calmed and sheathed his own sword.
Night – Gyou Forrest (Outside of the Capital)
Akame sat and with murasame laying in front of her. Kurome then landed after using a massive jump to reach the location from nearby. The two sisters locked eyes for a few moments and Akame stood up. Akame lamented on how she and her sister were separated and there was nothing she could do. Kurome says the same.
They both also reminisce on old times they had together. They've missed each other. Akame's mission is to put this mentally sick dog known as her younger sister. Kurome's mission is to kill the no-good traitor to the empire known as her older sister.
The two young women unsheathe their blades and clash! They closed a massive several meter gap and sparks went flying as they clashed blades. Kurome broke the blade struggle and slashed up, down, left, and right. Akame easily blocked all of the multi directional strikes, sending more sparks as the metals scraped and smashed together.
Kurome did a massive air backflip and threw a large volley of sharp throwing stars.
Akame dodged some with one grazing her cheek and she cut the rest in two. Akame ran after her sister as Kurome attempted to zone her.
They ended up in the forestry and as Akame tried to close the gap, she cut down several trees. The lopped down wood shaking the grounds as they fought through the green.
Kurome jumped upwards into a tree and slashed several branches and sent them flying at Akame. Akame jumped upwards using the fallen branches mid-air!
The older of the two kicked Kurome and sent her down and crashing through several trees. Kurome quickly recovered and stabbed her blade into the last tree. Kurome used her momentum and flung back towards her sister and double kicked her far into the air.
Akame went smashing into the hard ground below with spine shattered crunch! Akame rolled backwards and stood back up. Her ribs still deeply injured after the attack on their base. Akame regained her composure and saw nothing but darkness amongst the trees and no kurome.
Silence over took the area. Akame closed her eyes and listened.
The two guns shots fired!
Akame easily dodged them. A reanimated Doya came running from the forestry and fired more shots that were deflected. Natala then two used his enhanced speed to attack from behind and Akame bisected him without issue.
Doya then tried to zone Akame with countless shots but the gap was closed and Doya was beheaded with Murasame.
Kurome then immediately attacked and added the pressure to Akame's guard. High pitched metallic noises sounded throughout the night as the two women clashed repeatedly!
Then it happened a lapse in both of their defenses. Kurome went for the hips and Akame went from the neck. It was over in one more second both will be dead.
[Name]: WAIT!
They two stopped both panting as the fight was continuous and without end.
Both: [Name]?
Wave had also accompanied [Name] and he ran to Kurome.
Kurome: I TOLD YOU TO STAY BA-
She was silenced by Wave's hug, her shouts muffled by his chest.
[Name]: Akame. . .
Akame: How did you know about this?
[Name]: Kurome told me and I had to come to make sure neither of you died.
Akame: You know…You really need to start minding your own business!
She spouted with venom in her voice.
[Name]: Hey, I did this to make sure you stayed alive for the revolution!
Akame: I can stay alive without your help!
She yelled back at him.
[Name]: I knew that. . .I just didn't want to you to die. And if given the chance to do this again. I would, to make sure you're safe.
Akame calmed. Her eye brows evened out and she relaxed her muscles. The two locked eyes. [Name] gazed into her wide red eyes. Akame stared into [Name]'s [colored] eyes. She mused on his words. [Name] risked his own life to save hers despite knowing he would've been asked not to. Despite her voicing her distaste of him doing so, he didn't back down on his convictions. She came to the realization that she would do the same for him.
Wave had declared his love for Kurome. She is stuck and conflicted. Wave still has her locked tight but she isn't trying to move.
Kurome: Wave. Do you really?
Wave: Yes.
Kurome became more active in the hug and dropped Yatsufusa.
A pink tint rushed to Akame's face as she saw Wave and Kurome shared a close moment of their own.
Akame: Thank you. . .[Name].
[Name]: Anything for you, Akame.
Akame gasped. [Name]'s eyes shot wide open and he began to blush as well. [Name] wasn't sure if he actually meant what he'd just said.
"This is quite the occasion". A voice called out.
Then all four of them looked ahead as a voice had deterred them from what they were doing.
Faide: How nice. It looks like we have both Jaegers and Nightraid in the same spot. Care to explain why blood isn't slathered all over the grass?
Wave: I've heard about what the prime minister and the viceroys planned! The empire is sick and I had enough.
[Name]: Wave said it best. The empire's gone way too far. It can't stand any longer.
Faide: Well, I allowed you Nightraid to live believing you'd be able to kill Esdeath but I see I was wrong. Hmm..Seems to be only one of you here but at least it's the infamous Akame. Surely the revolution will be dealt a fatal blow with your death.
Akame: Allowed us to live? It was you who destroyed our hideout?!
Faide: I thought that maybe crushing you to death. Allowing you to be skewered by thousands of splinters, allowing you to have the life squeezed out of your own home, would be a more humane death than what Esdeath has planned for you. But, in reality I spared you all on a whim. Now, I won't be as gracious.
Akame: You'll wish you killed us!