Chapter 40 – Kill the Calmness
Night - Imperial Fort Andrac – High-Class District
Kasumi's eye was swollen severely. Her lungs burned desperate for air. Her mouth was filled with the strong taste of iron as she spat numerous mouthfuls of blood as she continued her training. Her face was scratched and bruised; her knuckles skinned white.
Three men in imperial garbs rushed her as she ran and slid underneath them. She reached back, grabbed, and snapped one of their ankles and kicked one in the back as she lied down.
She hopped up and fought with the two that still stood up. One quickly grabbed her from behind as she immediately smashed his rib cage in with a swift elbow and flipped him over. The remaining one who was going to attack her while she was held went in for a front kick. Kasumi parried his leg with her own and forced him forward as he split and shattered his femur.
The dark-haired girl dropped to her knees gasping for air. Her hands were swishing around on dry and crusted blood as over the entire day she was fighting groups of enemies at irregular intervals only providing her only brief moments of rest over time. Kasumi hated fighting, especially like this. She's been doing menial tasks like cleaning up different buildings, stocking weapons, mail delivery to military personnel, and shadowing multiple military personnel to familiarize herself with these jobs.
However, she was also to work out regularly and complete a stringent educational curriculum activity to make up for the "lackluster education" as Esdeath had called it; that she'd received while she grew up in a poor village.
These combat challenges wore her down significantly. Kasumi was tired and battered. She heard someone approaching her. The clacking of heels sounded throughout the moans of the defeated as her master Esdeath had entered the training room.
Esdeath had walked in with something behind her back as she greeted her apprentice.
Esdeath: It looks like you're quite the warrior.
Kasumi's lungs sucked in air like a vacuum. She was unable to speak. She let out pained wheezes as one of her eyes stayed shut. Kasumi, however, could still see that Esdeath was hiding something behind her back. The blue haired general saw that this had piqued her interest and smiled.
Esdeath: I'm giving you this.
She said as she handed Kasumi something that she'd never hold again. It was the shining, yet battle wore obsidian blade that [Name] had used. Kasumi took it and hugged the blade with both arms and knelt to the ground.
Esdeath: I recovered it from the battle site. I was going to have it as a keepsake, but it would be better suited in your hands. This is your reward for passing.
Kasumi: Thank... .you.
She struggled to get out as she marveled at Rom's craftsmanship. She remembers the one time where they fought over the blade in the living room because she wanted to get a closer look at it. Kasumi's breath began to stabilize as she began to question Esdeath.
Kasumi: I thought. . . you'd keep it for yourself master.
Esdeath: Well, I kept his blood for myself, so the blade isn't necessary. Now, bow your head.
Kasumi did as she was told and she felt Esdeath place something over her head, roughly trying to place it over her hear. Kasumi felt it and didn't know exactly what it was.
Esdeath: It's my original Partas clan headband.
Kasumi smiled as she felt the cross design on her forehead.
Following Morning – Galease Outskirts – Polaris Academy
Once again, [Name] found himself back at the female only magic school.
He came to her to see his future. He had so many questions. How this would this night end? Would he seduce Esdeath to the point of vulnerability so he can kill her? Would he even have the heart to kill her? Nora answered them. As they sat in a special meditation room where procedures like this needed to take place; Nora opened her eyes and shook her head from side to side.
Nora: I can't see it.
[Name]: Why not?
Nora: It's because there's no resolve in you at all. You yourself aren't even sure you want to go through with it. So, I can't see anything. What is it that you must do?
[Name]: Tell this to no one. I'm going to assassinate Esdeath tonight.
Nora flinched and put a hand to her mouth.
Nora: I don't understand, shouldn't you be ready to do that…unless.
She remembered the one time where Esdeath had come here to see of [Name]'s whereabouts. Her love for him was immense, so much so that in [Name]'s situation it's impossible for her feelings to not be contagious.
Nora: You love her too. Don't you?
[Name]: Tch... ..I'm not sure yet.
Nora: You'll need to be if you gonna complete your mission. This is big. . .
She placed a hand over her hear and got up. She paced around the room spoke.
Nora: This'll decide the fate of... the entire country. [Name], you can't fail.
After some while of them talking, [Name] eventually found his way to the entrance of the massive school where he was to depart.
[Name]: Nora, this might be the last time I see you. And because of that, I want to thank you for helping find what it is that I need to do in life.
Nora: Well, it's not like you didn't help me find mine.
[Name]: Before, I wasn't so sure if what I was doing was even going to bring about any real change. I guess now it turns out my choices matter far more than I thought. Thanks. Now, there's one last person I must see.
Imperial High-Class District
The high-class district was always as it usually was. It was bustling with people everywhere. The sky was a brilliant blue and the air was becoming more and more clement. Kasumi and Normandy were returning to the capital after completing a few assignments that they were assigned earlier. Normandy was going to leave and go back to her posting after the final stages of the war were over. Kasumi's facial injuries were nearly completely healed thanks to the advanced medical care that imperial personnel.
The two young women people watched as they traversed the busy streets and conversed on numerous topics ranging from music to current events and politics; most of which they agreed on.
Normandy: I had no idea at all that you and I were so similar.
Kasumi: It seems like we're similar in more ways than one. We both want to hurry up and get this war over with so we can get back to the ones we love.
Normandy: I wish I could do that as I wanted. I can with my soon to be husband, but my family is gone. I lost them some time ago when a rogue Imperial Commander wiped out my whole village.
Kasumi's eyes shot open. The amber eyed girl nearly broke her neck looking to her superior.
Kasumi: We're from the same village?! I never saw you!
Normandy: Really? Well, I was recruited when I was young. I never got to see my family after I left.
Kasumi: I'm sorry to hear that. I myself was adopted by distant relatives; I never knew my parents either. They were the only family I knew before the massacre happened. That's when Mr found me. He took me in and gave me everything I needed. He'd saved so many people and children, but he chose to keep me. . .
Normandy thought to herself as the conversation had gone silent. As Kasumi had talked [Name] up, she'd already committed a deed that will affect Kasumi's feelings towards her. She's sure nothing happened yet and probably won't for several weeks, but when it does happen; she hopes that she can forgive herself for what she did.
Afternoon - Unknown Location Rocky Plains – Caves
[Name] had taken his dark steed to the dark caves of the drylands. He hadn't been to this place in what seemed like forever, he was supposed to stay here for some time learning how to harness the Teigu energy but he was too caught up in trying to make a difference in the empire by helping out the revolution as much as he could.
He traversed the dark and rocky tunnels of the cave and walked carefully as to not fall down a bottomless chasm. He moved around using the remnants of light from the outside as he could feel he was entering a familiar spot.
Almost instantly a blue aura lit up the gave as the beast revealed themselves yet again. It's size, incredible. His eyes a vibrant blue; the beast blew a massive gust of breath [Name]'s way and nearly made a miniature hurricane in the cave.
[Name]: I've come for your guidance master.
Beast: I'm not too pleased with you [Name]!
His voice bellowing throughout the cave.
[Name]: I'm sorry for not coming back when I should've but you told me I was fine where I was at.
Beast: Because there's not much you can do at this stage to advance! You took too long to return to me and now you've plateaued.
[Name] pointed a finger at the massive ghost.
[Name]: Couldn't you just have taught me through my head?!
Beast: That takes too much Teigu energy for me to use. The more I use, the more that gets siphoned from our link. Remember, since you're my partial reincarnation so we share the same link to the ether.
[Name]: I still don't get it.
Beast: You've been sealed off from much of the ether. That means the more energy I use communicating, the less you're able to use while you're training. THAT'S WHY I TOLD YOU TO COME BACK!
[Name] was at a loss for words. He truly was sorry, but this means worse for him. If he's plateaued in strength that means he's stuck not being able to hang with the strongest members of the empire. If he enters real combat with Esdeath or Budo he's guaranteed death.
[Name]: Well, I need to do something, and you need to help me. Get this seal off me and let me help the revolution topple the empire!
Beast: So, you can level a whole street and die of your heart exploding?! Accomplishing nothing?!
[Name] GIVE ME SOMETHING HERE!
He yelled through his arms out, trying to reason with his master.
[Name]: At least loosen the seal so that way, I can at least be a strong as the generals of the empire.
Beast: That would be impossible. Loosening the seal that much would be akin to me taking it off. But I suppose if you need more power to make a difference as I wanted you too, then I'll take the risk. I'll loosen it but not by too much.
[Name] smiled and then immediately stopped as he felt an insanely cold sensation at the point of the seal. [Name] felt like a blast of cool water hit him all over his body. A stream of Teigu energy rushed through every one of [Name]'s veins.
[Name]: I promise to not let you down.
Beast: I wish I had more faith in you but as of now I still don't. Maybe if you stayed and trained, I'd be a lot more satisfied.
[Name]: At least have some faith master. I feel like I can accomplish anything now. Don't you have some?
Beast: A little. But remember, it's not all about you. It's about you are playing your part in the revolution's victory. As I said before how far you progress from here is all based on your own performance.
[Name]: I know, but I have one more question before I go. Is Tatsumi's huge pressure caused by his imperial arms?
Beast: The Tyrant beast alive within his imperial arms allows for him to unconsciously draw upon enormous amounts of Teigu energy. You have to let nature take its course and then take the tyrant out.
[Name]: What'll happen to Tatsumi?
Beast: I'm not sure. Regardless of what happens to him, you need to make sure the Tyrant is taken out once it emerges.
[Name]: I'll do what I can. Thanks, for everything.
Evening – Imperial Middle-Class District – Night Raid Hideout
[Name] reached the end of his list of people he needed to see before he completes his mission. He needed to one time brief with Najenda, on what needed to be done and what'll happen once he does successfully kill Esdeath.
Najenda had let [Name] in through their secret alleyway entrance. After exchanging pleasantries, they finally got down to business.
Najenda: This is our best possible option to take when confronting someone like Esdeath. It's good that we've had you on the team for as long as we have. I and the rest of the revolution are grateful to you.
[Name]: Same here, Najenda. You and the Nightraid saved my life too. I wasn't sure what happened with Lord Valron during our fight but I'm sure he would've killed me. Even though you forced me on the mission.
She patted [Name] on the back and smiled with glee.
Najenda: You forgive us, though right?
[Name]: Can't really say no, can I?
Najenda: No, you can't. So... As you know, I've set it up so that way once we all have word that you killed her and you've made it back here tonight, the attack will commence. [Name], if you don't come back the attack will commence regardless. The only difference is that you wouldn't be there and that'll stifle our plans a good bit. You just like every single member of the revolution are extremely valuable so it's majorly important for you to come back to us alive.
[Name]: Understood. But you make it seem like Esdeath isn't the most powerful person alive. I know it sounds easy but what if she suspects something?
Najenda: Then you have to flee immediately. If you think she's on to anything, you take the best opportunity to kill her as covertly as possible. [Name], you're our only shot at this. This will tip the scale in our favor.
[Name]: Okay. I'll do what I can. But if you don't see me again.
He held out his hand for her to shake. She smiled and shook his hand with her cold metal one.
[Name]: It's been an honor.
Najenda: We'll see each other again. I have no doubt.
With the last exchange of words, [Name] had left. Night had begun to fall and [Name]'s moment of truth was drawing near. He neared the Imperial Palace as he'd almost prayed that Esdeath wasn't there. That she was out on assignment. The cityscape behind him was beautiful. He looked back to see the entirety of the lands. He saw what seemed to be millions of lights as he looked on to what could be his final view of the city.
He kept forth and smiled. Knowing that whatever came after was meant to be. Whether he or Esdeath had to die to help the people all over the world then so be it. He only hoped that no matter which one of them died that some modicum of change was instilled.
Night – Imperial Palace Entrance
[Name] reached the palace after some time. The dark had overtaken the sky and the light pollution had made it so that way the stars weren't as available as he would've liked. He sat there on the long stone staircase on the entrance of the several thousand-foot-tall structure. He had asked the main desk operator if Esdeath had been through yet. As it turns out; she hadn't.
He sat there for what seemed to be an hour. He looked at his hands and much to his surprise they were shaking. The power that Esdeath held was awe-inspiring, her beauty breathtaking. The gravity of the situation crushed him entirely. He decided to get up and go inside the palace finally. However, [Name] for some reason stopped in his tracks as the hairs on the back of his neck stood up.
He turned around to see the bottom of the staircase that he'd turned away from moments ago. His skin nearly whitened. He did his best to keep his composure as he'd seen his target. The blue haired woman stood at the bottom of the stairs seemingly without expression.
She clearly saw him and the two stood, the street was empty, and it seemed as though time stood still as they stared at one another.
[Name]: Esdeath. . .
He let escape from his lips. Esdeath not taking her eyes off him as she walked the stairs to reach him. With each clack of her heels hitting the stone stairs his heartbeat twice as fast. He couldn't read her emotions and she neared him with each step.
Finally, she reached him. They stood face to face. [Name] did everything he could to keep his composure and not show her any hint of fear. She didn't speak nor did her face blush. She was nearly unreadable, and he didn't know what to say or do. He had no choice, but you allow her to make the first move.
She slowly raised a hand as if to reach for him; He let her. Then, in a moments notice; she reached both arms around [Name]'s neck in a tight embrace. Her warm body stimulating [Name]'s senses. Her feminine scent and her touch set him off. He hugged her, reaching around her waists.
Esdeath: Why?
She asked.
[Name] hadn't answered.
Esdeath: Why won't you stay with me? I've tried everything to keep you to myself and yet you still refuse me.
Never in [Name]'s life would he have ever expected this. The love she'd had for Tatsumi had somehow transferred over to [Name] of all people. He'd somehow gotten the love of the most powerful woman on the planet through sheer. .luck? Or was it destiny? [Name] had no idea why things ended up this way.
[Name]: To tell you the truth. . . I've missed you.
Esdeath sighed. She immediately put her face to [Name]'s and shown him how flushed her face became.
[Name]: I know I haven't given you all of my devotion but I'm ready to now.
The general didn't say a word; she only looked upwards.
Esdeath: Look, can you see it? There.
She pointed upwards as they stood underneath the star-filled sky. She pointed at a cluster of stars as she continued to speak.
Esdeath: If I'm not mistaken that's the constellation of the Goddess Organa. Legend has it that those who see her stars together are intertwined by fate.
[Name]: Do you believe it?
Esdeath: Well of course. You and I are here, together aren't we?
She stayed latched onto him as they both looked to the shimmering multicolored heavens above.
[Name]: Well, yeah. By the way, Esdeath, is Kasumi here too?
Esdeath: No. I have her spending a few nights at a few of the imperial forts to get her accustomed to wartime preparations and drills.
[Name] was furious at this. Of all the times for Esdeath to deploy Kasumi to a fort. Why now? [Name] shook off the concern as best he possibly could and placed his attention back to Esdeath.
Esdeath: [Name], I'm ecstatic to have you back. And us seeing Organa together proves that the universe put us together. So, just know that my love for you is boundless and infinite…Even if your intentions are to kill me tonight.