Chapter 38 – Kill the High Ranks
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.
Susanoo, Akame, and Tatsumi stood atop a small hill overlooking small seaport. Several massive ships primed for combat. The deployment information that [Name] had gotten from the imperial palace was a big help to the revolution. Tatsumi, Leone, and Susanoo decided to take the Admiral. Leone and Lubbock went after General Law, while Mine and Chelsea look after [Name].
Tatsumi: Look at the size of those ships.
He said while he shaded his red and green eyes from the light of the sun's light glistening off of the vast sea.
Akame while using their binoculars, was scouting for soldiers out on the deck. She was also looking to see the admiral but he's more than likely in the captain's quarters or somewhere else one of the ships.
Susanoo: This looks to be a bit problematic.
Akame: Yeah, if this was one ship there wouldn't be any problem at all. There's three so taking down men on either one will attract attention and alert all three in the process. Each of us need to take one. We'll scramble them and draw out the admiral that way.
Tatsumi: Each of us can take one out no problem but we don't know if the Admiral has an imperial arms or if anyone else does.
Akame: That's just a risk we'll have to be willing to take. I'll take the middle ship.
Tasumi: Right.
He finished as Akame sprinted down the hill with Tatsumi and Susanoo following.
Morning – Imperial Military Base Indoors
Kasumi was tasked with doing menial tasks at a military fort near the end of the Imperial High Class ring; the first ring. It was large and with the size of the base being so large she had a lot of things to do, being a private and Esdeath's apprentice.
Kasumi wanted to find someway to save her friends. She's heard rumblings around the palace, and at city hall that the third ring is going to eradicated. All lives, homes, and pets will be destroyed. Turned to ash by the empire to flush out the Revolutionary Army's Nightraid. She'll have to find a way to talk to that "gross, fat, and ugly" prime minister to stop it from happening, but she doesn't even know if that's possible.
As she was holding numerous weapons to put them away, she saw a lieutenant running up to the just arrived as General Esdeath, her master had Normandy behind her. The three were flanked by numerous agents who looked to be prepped for specialize blade combat. Fitted with sleek black garbs they'd all made way for an operations room that Kasumi could see down on the other side of the hallways. They had to pass her first.
When they neared, Esdeath's serious expression had stayed the same even as she spotted Kasumi. Normally she'd be blushing with happiness, but this must one of "those instances" where she was all business. She must've found something out about [Name] perhaps.
Esdeath: Kasumi, follow us. I want you to see what planning in the military is like. Give those to her.
She gestured a nod to a trooper behind them meant to take part in the meeting. Kasumi then quickly gave the weapons to the female trooper and walked with them. They hadn't stopped walking at all, and Kasumi had to catch up.
Operations Room
Esdeath had a country wide map of the Nation sprawled out in front of her.
Normandy: Our spies had told us that there aren't any other Revolutionary bases of substantial sizes within our jurisdiction.
Agent: So, the revolution is finished?
Esdeath: They said of substantial size within our jurisdiction, not none. I don't believe for one second, that the attack on Tobashi was a last-ditch effort by the Revolution. I suspect that they still have a sizable encampment of troops somewhere outside of our jurisdiction. The unexplored or disused routes beyond the Emperor's rule are extremely harsh so there would be their best option. Even if that is the case, I can care less where they are.
Agent: Why is that General?
Esdeath: Because, the troop regiments there aren't our main concern, it's the Nightraid.
The room was silent as a few people had begun to murmur amongst each other.
Agent 3: But they're way harder to find and with all due respect General, I don't think finding a splinter cell faction amongst an entire army would be better than finding all of them.
Esdeath: That would only be true if you haven't done any research. First, let's look at their recent moves.
She looked at the continental map that had every location that the Nightraid have traversed through. It also had every nation on this side of the land.
Esdeath: After their victory at Kyoroch they decided to test the waters by attacking and killing an integral imperial official. Case and point, the Marshal's death. Much to their credit this likely wasn't or rather isn't a short-sighted plan. If they were able to succeed in killing the marshal, then they would now know that the empire's officials are vulnerable. This tells me that they plan to attack the other officials very soon with those being myself, Budo, Law, and the admiral.
Agent 6: General Esdeath? How could you be sure they don't plan on doing this for the long term? They'll have more men are can make a guerilla assaults or use other; easier methods. They'd know that after they killed the marshal that we'd all be on guard.
Esdeath: That sounds foolish. So much so that I'm almost tempted to skin you here and now.
The Agent winced and apologized frantically.
Esdeath: No smart leader would reach a successful campaign only to stop and wait for another opportunity while your days away from being found. To put it simply, they know it's only a short matter of time before we find them; hence them realizing that immediate action is of the utmost importance. They're acting out of desperation.
The blue haired woman took a red marker, tested its marking capabilities before she wrote on the map.
Agent 2: But how do we find them?
"I'm getting to that". She immediately retorted. The male agent apologized immediately as his tone sunk.
Esdeath: The base around here was the furthest from the capital.
She gestured at the circled point. She made several more markings and continued.
Esdeath: That was the base Dr. Stylish found. Then this one here, only a suspected base, but let's assume it was. It had been destroyed not long ago. This one was considerably closer to the Capital's borders and close by Galease. Now, I suspect that they are hiding somewhere very close.
Normandy: How could you be so sure? . . .If I may ask.
She finished with a much more respectful one.
Esdeath: I have a hypothesis. With the battle with my Jaegers and Faide being so close to Capital itself. With there being no bases for miles, I believe they would've had to have been close to the third ring to be either followed and found by Faide or to follow and have found Faide not to mention my Jaegers. Akame and whoever else was with her were either cornered by them or Akame saw her time to strike there. Either of those means Nightraid was within or at least extremely close to the third border.
Normandy: So, either way you spin it-
Esdeath: The Nightraid is within the Capital's perimeters.
She was marking plenty spots on the map as she described all the directions.
Esdeath: This is coupled with the fact that the evidence trails uncovered by the forensics team didn't go outwards away from the marshal's body where the fight had ended. The trail instead led past where the initial duel started and back towards the capital. Although the trail ended not far from the third ring; I have every confidence that they are inside these walls.
Kasumi: So, the nightraid is here then. Could they be in the last ring?
Esdeath: I believe, though this isn't one-hundred percent; that they are living somewhere within the second ring.
Normandy: The middle-class district? Shouldn't our informants have told us? We have them everywhere the squalor district and the middle class.
Esdeath: Remember, a lot of our best spies are in the last ring; the squalor. We'd suspect them to be there of all places. Meaning, there are not only far less but less trained spies in the middle. Plus, all it takes is a convincing disguise and they can go almost anywhere. They're hiding in plain sight.
Agent 4: Then if I may ask, with all due respect. What are we waiting for?
The general took a seat and let her cheek rest on her wrist.
Esdeath: Before we make any moves. I want to test my theory first. As I said earlier, if what I'm saying is true, then they know time is of the essence and they will push to kill starch, budo, law, and myself before they're found. They may make a move either today or tomorrow, but that's just a guess. In any case, we can't act on my assumptions right now. That would be a mistake. If I end up being right and we fortify the second ring before they do make a move, they'll just make another plan and it will throw us off entirely.
Kasumi: So, then the other Generals are in danger?
Agent 5: We need to tell them about this as-
Esdeath: No. We will not. The Nightraid operates in highly effective small teams. If one of them survives and makes it back to Najenda, or a lieutenant like Akame then our plan will be thrown off as they'll know that the official had anticipated the attack! They will scramble and run off like the cowards they are. Besides if the other Generals are worth their salt; they will've come to the same conclusion that I have and will be ready regardless. If the other generals die, they die. Am I clear?
She finished with a stern confidence. A radiant deadly blue eye shined through her hair as she looked towards the group.
All: YES GENERAL!
After some time, everyone in the room had dispersed to perform the various things that had been assigned before the meeting. They had also been told to keep real information about this meeting was not to be put on record as to not place more intention to Esdeath's assumption. Esdeath then taught Kasumi how she came to her conclusions and how to do things like this herself one day.
Esdeath: Kasumi?
Kasumi: Yes Master?
Esdeath: I expect you to be able to take on cases like these in one year from now.
Kasumi: One year? I can't do all of this. I still need to-
She lightly cupped Kasumi's cheeks with her hand.
Esdeath: Don't worry, I'll teach you everything I know and everything you need to know. Though of course, you'll have to willingly accept my teachings. Something is still holding you back.
She released the young girl's face. Kasumi still protested this and tried to bark out a bold request. Being difficult is something she figured that [Name] would do. If she's going to imitate him, she'll at least try to get something out of it.
Kasumi: Fine, but if I'm going to do this then I'll need a favor from you.
Esdeath: Name it.
Kasumi: There's a band of orphans I need you to find homes for. Can you do that for me?
Esdeath: Consider it done.
She said without hesitation.
Esdeath: I'll see to it that every one of them is accommodated.
The amber eyed girl was in awe. She couldn't believe it. Kasumi was in a loss for words. Esdeath had really approved of her demand.
Kasumi: Really? You'll do it?
Esdeath: I'm no heartless monster. Loved ones of your and [Name]'s are ones of mine. As I said, I'll make sure each of them is placed with loving families looking to adopt. Those families living within the second ring of course.
The orphans mostly were from the squalor district. Most of them truly not knowing much about living in any other conditions. There are toddlers, kids, and few older teens. Most older teens were either killed or enlisted in the army. Esdeath was truly a kind woman and Kasumi assured herself that she will never forget this. Kasumi then hugged Esdeath and squeezed. Esdeath returned the affection and smiled deviously.
Afternoon – Westward Military Outpost – General's Quarters
General Law had turned around to block and parry several attacks from Lubbock. Lubbock had snuck into the room attempting to kill him but that had failed. In the background, Lubbock could here Leone fighting off what seems to be an encampment filled with gun wielding soldiers. Numerous gun sounds filled the entire lands like a battlefield.
The General had used all his might to send Lubbock crashing away through a table. Lubbock had hopped right back up, but the General was immediately on him with a dagger stabbing him straight through the shoulder, missing his throat by inches! He stabbed and stabbed as Lubbock's eyes widened and he flailed his arms around in a desperate attempt to break away.
He brought his knees toward his own chest and drove his boots into the general's chest off him. The man didn't budge as Lubbock fought the man's arm to prevent the sabre from entering his throat. Again, he cocked his knees up to his own chest and kicked! Law finally flew back as he kicked off. However, he didn't fall backwards, he only staggered.
Law: Is this what you call an assassination attempt?! How could the marshal have fallen to this?!
Lubbock stayed there and didn't move. He then slowly stood up. Blood seeping from his shoulder muscles.
Lubbock: Maybe because we're smarter than you think. People who just sit here and yell at people without fighting yourselves.
Law: Just because I don't fight, that doesn't mean I'm not deadly!
The General quickly dropped his blade and brandished a small hand gun! Strangely enough, he was stuck, and he couldn't move. The man had become panicked as he'd now realized that he was entangled.
Lubbock: Gotcha.
Outside
Leone in her beast form was running from tent to tent and ran behind all of them. She was close to being cornered by all of the soldiers. A think hail of horizontal metallic rain showered each area she ran from.
Leone: SHIT!
She yelled as several men cut her off coming from another direction. They anticipated her running ahead. Her heart beat sped up as her breathing intensified. Before the men could think, she quickly disarmed them, and took a gun for herself.
She then ran out in the massive barrage of a thousand bullets and fired while using the men as shields. Blood sprayed the air as the men screamed. Leone blasted several men away as she then threw the bodies into the sea of men firing on her.
With the men down, Leone quickly ran in the crowd and went to town. She broke arms, clawed faces, impaled men, kicked through men, shot men, and went on to create a massacre. She'd won, most of them were dead or had run. The air was thick with blood. A coat of the red iron was all over the compound floors on Leone.
Indoors
When it had looked like Lubbock was flailing while on the ground; he was wrapping his cross-tail's thread around the General, not to mention the traps that he'd set throughout the room while they were wrestling for control. Law had fallen into his traps while Lubbock made sure to be careful not to fall in his own.
Law: Let me free from here, so that I may cut your face off!
Lubbock: Don't think so.
Shortly after this exchange, Lubbock had brought the General outside to the bloody heaps of his men. A revolutionary commander had made their way this compound. Lubbock and Leone had stopped to the western tribe that the Revolution had taken over not long ago.
The commander had dismounted her horse and greeted the Nightraid members.
R. Commander: You two really did a number on the place.
Leone: You mean me. Lubbock was in the General's quarters playing grab ass with Law over here.
She said with a snide smile as she thumbed a finger at them both.
Law: Shut it you uncouth, ill mannered harlot. I have half a mind to break these binds and rearrange your facial structure.
Lubbock: What he said.
R. Commander: This is all good news, Marshal Faide is dead and we now have General Law.
Lubbock: Were you thinking of ransoming him off to the empire?
R. Commander: We thought of it, though we tried it a year ago with someone close to Prime Minister Honest and it didn't work.
Law: Of course, it didn't your foolish donut. The Empire will never admit an impasse. It will never bend for a pitiful band of rebels.
R. Commander: I think he's right.
Pap!
She immediately whipped out her sidearm and blasted the contents of the General's head over the ground.
R. Commander: At the tribe, we concluded that if we have his logs then having to interrogate him would be a waste of time. If we tried to ransom him and they say yes, it would likely be a trap and that'd be risking to much. He's better off dead anyways.
Lubbock: Well hey, you're the commander.
Leone: I wonder how Akame and the rest of them are doing.
Imperial Ship Yard
Imperial Arms - Chaos Throw: Big Leaguer
The seas where in an excessively large uproar. A colossal sea serpent that was created from wind, fire, lightning, and ice balls was hovering above the ship year several hundred feet in the air!
Admiral Starch: Here it is! My final ace in the hole!
Susanoo: Tatsumi!
Tasumi: Susanoo!
Tasumi's body had begun to change. His armor had grown to a large size. Wings had grown and both eyes had turned to a glowing red. His armor had begun to evolve.
Imperial Arms: Incursio's Second Evolved Form!
Tasumi: This is Incursio's second evolved form.
The massive serpent had when to attack. The boats were nearly being melted and frozen over due to the sheer volume of multiple elements made through the power of the Admiral's imperial arms!
The massive elemental beast had tossed several balls towards Tatsumi and Susanoo. Tasumi leapt upwards and smashed the flooring of the ship as he did. He then batted at aside the balls thrown at him.
Tatsumi: YOU'RE FINISHED!
He'd used his incredibly power staff and blew the elemental monster's form away in a massive explosion that raised the waters and through the multi-ton ships onto the lands. Susanoo had grabbed the Severely injured Akame and leapt off the ship as the numerous dead bodies of the crew flew everywhere.
BOOM!
An incredible light shows of great proportion had filled the skies. Flames shot in every direction, icicles stabbed into the ground, metals hit the ground, and water showered the land. Tatsumi was flying in the air where the monster had been as he still held the Admiral by the throat.
Tatsumi's armored grasp on the admiral's neck tightened. Tatsumi's glowing red eyes stared into the fearful ones of the admiral. The cartilage began to snap and break, his neck cracked as Tatsumi crushed his throat. Tatsumi had broken his neck. Starch had gone limp and Tasumi threw him down as his body smacked the water below hard like a stone. Tatsumi went over to Susanoo and Akame as he released his powerful form in favor of his human one.
Night - Middle Class District – Hidden Nightraid Base
[Name] sat up in his bed. His bandages turning brown from the dried blood flowing out of his grievous wounds. They didn't hurt anywhere near as badly. He is using his life seal to heal himself slowly. However, he isn't anywhere near fighting condition although he must be for the foreseeable battle at the capital.
Akame had been dropped off as the rest of the team minus mine had left to brief the Revolution commander at the western tribe. Tatsumi's enormous pressure was the first thing he'd noticed when they dropped her off. Tatsumi was a bit different, a bit colder. He just didn't feel the same.
Tatsumi felt like [Name] felt some time ago when he was swallowed by the darkness. That time was when he massacred his village. Back then, the warm blood felt wonderful on his skin. Everyone felt his cold steel cut deeply into them as he felt they had all deserved. And to this day, [Name] still somewhat felt the same. Most of them treated him differently because he was different. As the night light had shined through the window above him, he pondered his future. what was going to happen when everything goes down. He lied back and aimed to head for sleep. But he also thought about his lover Esdeath. His own dark side spoke to him.
Why exactly should he care that she was slaughtering villages of people? They've done nothing for him and wouldn't. Esdeath gives him food, warmth, passion, and security for him and Kasumi. Anything beyond that is just moral business. Business that seemed to get him into more trouble than he needed. But he needed to fight these thoughts back. It might make him do something that he'll regret.
After some time, he nearly drifted off to sleep. He felt someone else enter the room. This someone was the red eyed woman named Akame. She initially stood at the door and called to [Name], to see if he was awake. [Name] of course didn't respond, but she walked in any way.
She sat beside him on the bed and did so for some time. [Name] had felt his heart skip a beat as he felt her hand glide over his face gently. After a moment, she'd stopped and finally spoke.
Akame: When I first met you, I thought you were just some coward. A coward who was afraid of doing what needed to be done. I chastised you for it and shamed you. But I never knew the reason why you didn't was because you cared too much. You didn't want to be like me. I can understand that. You didn't want to be a person who had a hard time trusting and loving others. Having you guys, Tatsumi, Lubbock, Mine, Chelsea, Leone, you; taught me how to do that again. It really helped me realize that there is a life outside being a murderer for hire.
She looked over to him.
Akame: Maybe, when this is over; I can be like you were before you joined us. I know you can't hear me, but I'm sorry for us dragging you into this.
She removed her hand and got up. Instead of leaving, the injured woman stood there for a few moments. [Name] still somewhat awake noticed that she hadn't left. It was a bit strange that she hadn't. But after a few moments it made sense to him.
She'd came over to him once again, this time much closer. [Name] had felt her hair touch him as she closed in. [Name] used every fiber of his body not to shoot his eyes wide open at this feeling. Akame had kissed him. The red eyed woman adjusted [Name]'s cover more to aid him in his sleep before she had left the room. He couldn't believe it.