Slay Your Guilt

Year: 1025

            "Son of a bitch," cursed a panicked Tatsumi while carrying his wounded friends—Leone and Akame—in his arms, running as fast as he possibly could back to the hideout.  Incursio was still covering his body but he was reaching the time limit on his armor.  There were numerous cracks and holes along his figure from the fight he was in against Zephyria.  He didn't think that a random stranger could be so strong but considering how the entire group was powerful in their right, he knew that there was a force that could pose more of a threat than those under Esdeath's banner.

            "Raizo, you better make it back in one piece man," he sighed heavily.  His mind then flashed back to just mere minutes or hours ago; however long it has been since that skirmish.  Time became skewed in his mind due to the amount of adrenaline rushing through his body but nevertheless, his thoughts dwelled on his comrade.

"I've never seen him like that before.  That wasn't just anger…" he thought. Images flashed in his mind of Raizo's glowing red eyes and darkening aura.  Never has he seen such a form taken by the male ever since they started fighting together on the field.  Sure, Raizo had moments where he had gotten pissed off and he went off and there was also his Fury form.

            A chill then ran down the spine of the armored youth.  He felt that surge of energy even now from when he first took off running.  Did Raizo really fight against all four of those guys and win?  He looked down at Leone who was sleeping under his arm still weak from her battle. I don't think I could face Leone giving her bad news.  Just come home safe, he said mentally before pushing himself to his limits to try to reach his destination.

            Suddenly, a bright flash of light appeared near Tatsumi's location causing the male to slide to a halt.  A loud blast then ensued from the impact of the beam of light causing a brief gust of wind.  Shielding his eyes and turning his body to protect the two girls from the resounding gusts, Tatsumi took cover behind a tree.  As the wind settled and the lighting of the surrounding area returned to its normal hue, a male figure enveloped in a luminescent blue aura walked toward him.

            "Tatsumi," the figure called out, "It's me, Raizo."

            Turning his head, the Incursio user was relieved to see his friend alive and well.  Raizo was currently engulfed in his trump card state which augmented his movement speed greatly.  This made sense as to how he caught up so fast from being what Tatsumi figured was hundreds of miles away.

            "Jeez man, don't scare me like that.  You managed to get away from those guys?" he asked as he set down Leone and Akame for a brief moment to give his arms a rest. Raizo nodded slowly in response, his mind filled with thoughts.

            "Yeah…I honestly don't remember much after you left.  My mind just blacked out the moment I sensed you guys were safe but enough about me.  How are the girls doing?"

            "Leone passed out from the pain shortly after I left and Akame has been in and out of consciousness.  I expect that she'll wake up…"

            "I'm…already awake," interrupted Akame, rubbing the left side of her head while blinking rapidly to shake off the grogginess.  Tatsumi's helmet disengaged, giving him a chance to breathe as he and the Stormbringer crouched down to check on her.

            "I'm fine you two, just a bump.  What happened?"

            "That's something we can get into detail later but for now, we need to keep moving so that Leone has a proper chance to rest and regenerate from her wounds," Raizo explained, casting his gaze over the blond.  She looked to be at peace despite her abdomen having a massive gash in the middle where her opponent landed a solid blow.  Seeing his expression, Akame couldn't fathom what was going through his mind but she felt as though something bad had happened.

            "How far are we from the base?" Raizo asked, refocusing on the task at hand.

            "Considering how fast I was running non-stop, I'd like to say at least halfway or something.  We could make it there before nightfall if we hurry fast enough but that could put Leone at risk if she suddenly takes a turn for the worst," Tatsumi explained.

            "I should be able to keep up with you guys just fine," Akame added.

            "Alright, then I'll carry Leone and Tatsumi.  Let's get everyone home in one shot," he said standing up while his blue aura began to grow once more.

            "What are you thinking?" Tatsumi questioned.

            "Exactly what I just said."

            "Um…how?"

            "You can hold Leone under one arm right?"

            "Yeah, I can."

            "Then you grab Leone and hold my left hand. Just whatever you do, you may want to try and close your eyes. Also, if you wind up feeling sick, hold it in until we get there."

            "You have got to be kidding me."

            "Tatsumi, we don't have time to be standing around. Those guys could be on my trail so grab Leone and let's go!"

            Adhering to his plan, Tatsumi scooped up Leone once more and held her over his shoulder then took Raizo's left hand.  Squeezing tight, Raizo gave his hands a little jolt so that their nerves would grip his hand as tight as he could.  Facing the direction in which their base was located, Raizo crouched and began to focus his energy.  As the energy around him grew, he leaned forward and took off in a flash with Akame running alongside him.

            Far to the northwest at the base belonging to the Order of the Sapphire Phoenix, Hestia and her members were inside her cabin trying to come to terms with the aftermath of their fight.  Zephyria was located in another room resting in bed from her injuries while the rest of the team was standing inside the War Room.  Silence enveloped the entire corridor, so much so that the quartet could probably hear the dark-skinned female's steady breathing in the medical chamber.  It wasn't until Adena slammed her hand down on the table did the speaking begin.

            "What the hell was that?  We had the advantage, the strength, just everything yet here we are with one of our own out cold in the other room!" she exclaimed in frustration.

            "Calm down Adena. Not everything goes according to plan," Genesis spoke calmly.

            "Bullshit! We had all the information we needed on Night Raid; their teigu, their strengths, and even notable weaknesses.  We were tactically prepared and we were winning, then that shit happened! How the hell did Raizo become that way?  There's no explanation for it after all the surveillance we pulled!"

            "That's enough, Adena.  Being frustrated about the way a situation has turned out is understandable, especially when someone close suffers for it but ranting about it like a child is pointless," Hestia spoke authoritatively giving the fiery redhead a glare that almost suggested killing intent.  Adena immediately closed her mouth gritting her teeth trying not to press the matter forward despite her growing rage.  As she backed down, Hestia took a deep breath before speaking her mind about the matter.

            "I realize that the situation was not as expected but such are the ways of war.  I was not even prepared for Raizo to turn out the way he did so there is no blame at all.  It was an unfortunate turn of events to have Zephyria injured but she will make a full recovery.  She's strong as are the rest of us.  We shall adapt and overcome this mishap," she stated with a strong tenacity to make sure her words hit home for each of them.

            "I have to admit, your son is something else," expressed Orion.  He was somewhat of a battle maniac.  Fighting was in his blood and how he grew up in the environment of the Order of the White Tiger but that level of insatiability was suppressed for good reason.  If it wasn't for Hestia, he would more than likely be spreading mass chaos across the land by himself.

            "Indeed he is but fortunately you and the others held back. Most of the land would probably be destroyed and hundreds of thousands of lives would be lost if the fighting escalated any more than it did.  Then again, it's impossible for any of us to truly fight at our fullest without doing significant damage to the world…and beyond," Hestia added forebodingly, "But there is one thing I would ask of all of you."

            Orion, Adena, and Genesis all fixated their gazes upon Hestia's soft yet serious face right now like she was choking on her next words.  To them, it must be a nearly impossible task for she was not one to hesitate when she wanted to state something.  Taking a moment to regain her composure, she reaffirmed her resolve and then spoke once more.

            "Please do not hold any animosity toward my son and his deeds toward you all."

            Silence enveloped the room as the other members of her team looked at one another before looking back at her.  They were at a loss for words.  The only one to hold a grudge at this point was Adena but even she was conflicted due to having an obvious connection to the boy.  Genesis and Orion were both indifferent to the matter.  Genesis only held Hestia's best interests in mind so he would obey her without question; as for Orion, he could care less so long as he got to have his fun.

            "Lady Hestia, we were acting on your orders.  Each of us knew that there was a risk going into this mission.  Sure we may not have been prepared for the outcome but nonetheless, it was going to be a tough fight as far as Raizo was concerned.  I think I am safe to speak for us all that none of us bear any ill-will toward your son," Genesis explained.  The others nodded in agreement with the man's words but Adena had something more to add.

            "I still have to kick his ass just a little bit though at least for sake of reminding him of who I am," she smirked.  Hestia couldn't help but chuckle as well given the way the girl had spoken her words.

            "Just be sure to remember our agreement and that you are his betrothed," the commanding woman added, now smiling.  Adena's face flushed about as red as her hair when the woman said that.  Despite her obvious behavior and affection for Zephyria, she knew that she had a promise to fulfill on her end.  Eventually, she would have to give herself to the Red-Eyed Stormbringer for that was something that was cemented in her past a long time ago.

            "I know milady, I haven't forgotten my promise.  After all, it's something that I don't particularly mind," she replied scratching her cheek nervously.  To change the atmosphere, Orion then asked a very important question.

            "So what's our next move then?"

            "For now, we wait.  Raizo will come to us soon enough.  Besides, events have already been set in motion on the Revolutionary Army side to all but assured that my son will come looking for me.  We just have to be active without our monitoring and bide our time," she spoke with surety.  Her primrose eyes glowed in reaction to her words like she was absolute in her position regarding her son but what did she do?  This concerned the others at the table but they knew that they could trust her.  It seemed that the future would have a very surprising twist.

            Meanwhile, Raizo and the gang had reached the Night Raid base within a mere second or less than that.  It was impossible to tell for the passengers he was carrying but one minute they were in the middle of nowhere and the next minute they were at home.  Though they were a bit wobbly from the ride, Akame and Tatsumi shook themselves off before rushing inside to get Leone to a room to lie down.  In the meantime, the lighting-wielding assassin was caught in a daze looking up into the sky as the sun slowly cascaded toward the western sky.  The blue aura around the youth faded as he gradually made his way inside the large structure to think about what was going to happen next.

            "Leone is resting in her room. Her regeneration has been taking effect so she will make a full recovery after a good night's rest.  As for Akame, she didn't want me patching her up.  She said something about going to make a bite to eat and then going to take a bath and rest.  How are you holding up Raizo?" Tatsumi approached wearing his usual wear of a vest and jeans shrouded by a gray coat.  Looking at his friend directly in his eyes, the youth had no idea how to respond for he didn't even know the answer to that question but he didn't want to leave him hanging.

            "To be honest, I don't even know. I'm still trying to piece together what all happened.  In addition, I think I saw someone there that I thought was dead…" Raizo said, his voice trailing off.

            "Who did you see?"

            "My mother," he replied, "But I don't see how it's possible after so many years."

            "That…does sound pretty intense to remedy.  I'm sorry man."

            "It's all right.  Listen, I'm gonna go in my room and meditate then sleep.  You good to go?"

            "Yeah, I can watch things around the base.  Hopefully, the boss comes back soon.  She's going to want to hear everything about what happened."

            Nodding in agreement, Raizo simply patted Tatsumi on the shoulder before taking his leave.  As he went up to his room, the male unhooked his swords and sat them down in the corner.  He would then take off his haori and his undershirt exposing his torso before assuming a meditative stance in the middle of his floor.  Raizo took a deep breath and closed his eyes letting his mind clear out so that he could bring his soul to peace.

            [Boy, can you hear me now?] Spoke a phantasmal yet familiar voice.

            Indra? Raizo called out.

            [Ah about time. I've been trying to call out to you for hours now.]

            What happened?

            [I see, so you don't remember after all? It seems like your synchronization with my power runs deeper than I imagined.  You took a form that not even I thought was possible.  It seems like you have more potential than I previously anticipated.]

            What the hell are you talking about?

            [You will find out in time.  Just know that I plan on taking your abilities to the next level.  You have the ability to reach levels that will greatly transcend what you can do right now with my power.  After all, I chose you for a reason and your growth seems to not have any limits.]

            Is that right? Well, I guess I'll be counting on you to show me the way, Indra. I'm not sure what will happen next.

            [You'll see in time but for now, you need to keep that anger of yours in check.  That power you unlocked is something far beyond the realms of my control.  If you use it too much, your sanity might not come back.]

            With that, Indra's voice gradually faded away leaving Raizo alone within his consciousness.  Suddenly, the youth began to see visions of his mother and the last time he saw her face.  

            "Now you're alive…after so long.  Can it really be you mother?" He asked himself that over and over.  The face of the familiar woman appeared in his mind as her primrose eyes were filled with tears and something else.  Despite that lingering warmth coming over him when he regained his sense of self, she was almost like a foreign object to him.  It was just too hard to comprehend.  Just what did it all mean?  All of this was too taxing to think about.  After a few hours of meditating, Raizo soon drifted off to sleep.

            The next day soon came and with it, the unexpected return of Najenda and Chelsea.  As they entered the halls, Akame and Tatsumi were already awake and greeted them despite a lingering look of sadness on all parties' faces.  Tatsumi gave the eye-patched woman a brief report of what happened and how the mission was a trap.  He also told her what happened with Leone but left out the details about Raizo's mother, feeling like maybe the red-eyed male didn't want that part to be repeated to anyone just yet.

            "Where is Raizo now?" asked Najenda, looking around for the boy.  The young man in question was dressed in a white shirt and black pants descending the stairs after having checked on Leone—who was still sleeping.  Raising an eyebrow, he walked up to the group of four wondering what exactly was going on.

            "Hey boss, it's good to see you back.  Did your mission at headquarters go well?" he asked nonchalantly.  Tatsumi and Akame stood to the side, turning their faces toward her.  Chelsea had been quiet the entire time looking down at her face with a grim expression.  The same expression had been reciprocated on the silver-haired beauty's face.

            "Raizo…I…um…" she began but she didn't know what to say.  The former blood wolf, Akame, and Tatsumi all looked confused at the situation.  It was then that a small group of about 10 guards dressed in the garb belonging to the Revolutionary Army appeared.

            "We'll take it from here commander," one man said as he walked past the woman.  He would then direct his attention on the Stormbringer as the guards surrounded him.

            "Raizo Arashi, by the power invested in me from the Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Army, you are hereby under arrest under suspicion of espionage as well as conspiracy to commit treason during the time of war.  You are to come to headquarters immediately to stand trial."

            With those words spoken, four guards closed in to restrain the male placing him in handcuffs.  Tatsumi and Akame went to intervene but another four guards held them back.  Najenda and Chelsea couldn't do or say anything against this act like they were forced to do it as he was restrained.

            "What the hell is this? Hey, get your hands off me!" he cried out. Just when he was about to fight, Leone called out from the top of the stairs.

            "Raizo!" she yelled which caused the male to freeze. He turned to see the woman barely maintaining her balance at the top of the stairwell.  He didn't want to cause a scene in front of her because she was still weak. Seizing the opportunity, the men took him away.