Slay the Blame I

Year: 4250 A.D., 14th of October

Time: 00:00 A.M.

Location: Mifune Research & Development Center

Just outside the industrial area of Mifune stood a building that was around ten stories tall with five subfloors. It was the center of medical research and scientific development projects in which all kinds of advances in biotechnology and other subfields were pursued at great length. Deep within its concrete and titanium confines on the seventh floor of the building was a medical ward where autopsies were carried out, in addition there were surgical rooms equipped with expensive state-of-the-art machines that were used outside of the hospital in extreme and unique circumstances. Within the room labeled "Eta", the body of a certain male was kept under surveillance over the past month lying docile, devoid of life until now.

"Kuhhh!" the gasping breath of Raizo Mercer echoed out within the silent domain as his eyes shot open for the first time in the living world.

His vision was clouded after being physically inept for so long. He could hazily perceive the white, fluorescent lights beaming down on his body overhead whilst his muscles stung heavily from lack of usage for so long. Upon hearing the sound of the youth's sudden awakening, a person standing a few feet off to the side jumped in surprise before rushing over to his side.

"Welcome back, young one," a female voice echoed out to Raizo's ears. His vision slowly coming to him perceived the silhouette of the person in question before he identified her.

Alabaster skin, blood red eyes, and lavender hair braided into a ponytail whilst wearing a dark red sweater with a white lab coat overtop. The female clacking around in black high-heeled shoes was none other than the Berserker-class Heroic Spirit the youth first met at Chaldea.

"N-Nightingale?" he uttered in a dry, broken tone of voice desperate for water.

"Good of you to remember my name, that is a positive sign that your memory is seemingly intact. Worry not; I'm monitoring your vitals now to ensure everything appears normal. Try not to make too many unnecessary movements," the combat nurse explained before turning her gaze to another part of the room.

"He's awake, come give me a hand," she called out.

In that instant, another individual came running over as the echo of flat shoes clacked across the cold, tile floors. Turning his vision to the other side, he could see yet another silhouette looming over him.

"You…really are alive? How joyous of an occasion this is," the other woman expressed with a sigh of relief.

She had long, black hair, pointy ears, and creamlike, flawless skin with bedazzling yellow eyes. Like her colleague, she also had on a sweater, though dark brown in color with a white lab coat. The youth recognized this woman as well.

"Semi…ramis…" he muttered weakly.

She nodded happily, the sting of tears welling up in her eyes.

"Yes, it's me Raizo-san…welcome back," the Wise Queen of Assyria said before motioning to wipe her eyes as the waterworks began to flow.

"Aah…g-good…back…to see…be you…to again," the male responded in a broken pattern of speech.

"Um…what?" the raven-haired beauty tilted her head with slight confusion.

"His speech patterns are off due to the lack of activity from the central nervous system. I require fresh water and an I.V., we have to get his body hydrated and pumped full of nutrients," Nightingale instructed.

"R-Right, just hang in there Raizo-san and try not to move," Semiramis responded before doing what her partner instructed.

As he attempted to rise off the table, everything seemed to spin all around him as a high-pitched ringing noise echoed within his ears. He felt his body go numb as he was unsure whether or not he was moving or lying still. A mind-numbing pain gripped every nerve in his body causing him to struggle with even lifting his hand in protest. His breathing became ragged as he desperately gasped for air. With his body and mind lying lifeless for so long, the soul coming back into the equation caused an imbalance that was trying to correct itself.

With every attempt to move, his muscles reacted differently. When he tried to lift his arm, his foot twitched. In an attempted to wiggle his leg, his right hand's fingers began to tap the metal table he was lying on. His sense of touch was off as he found it difficult to perceive whether he was cold or hot. Suddenly, his head began to ache as if someone was trying to crush it whilst his mental vision became consumed by memories. The trials he endured whilst spending time in Purgatory from the mental torment, meeting the Cardinal Four, Lilith's Incursion, the training he received, as well as the confrontation with Conquest among other memories assaulted him simultaneously. The wealth of experiences and muscle memory from everything he learned had overtaken his senses.

"His vitals are all over the place. Blood pressure values are skyrocketing, heartbeat and respiratory levels are exceeding the projected values," Nightingale observed in a calm yet alerted tone of voice.

"Perhaps I could craft a sedative using one of my elixirs," Semiramis proposed but the combat nurse shook her head disapprovingly.

"It is likely that his immune system would simply adapt to it and negate its effects. This child isn't a regular human being. Try to comfort him as best you can while I secure him."

"Right…"

Semiramis quickly stood over Raizo gently caressing his gaunt cheeks whilst carrying a concerned look in her eyes.

"Try to relax, Raizo-san, it's okay…you are safe. Breathe," she tried to assure him even though anxiety was gripping her heart. In the meantime, Nightingale began to hold his legs in place while massaging his weakened muscles in order to stimulate his rattled nerves.

It was at this point, a random yet soothing voice played in the Son of Mercer's head:

<<Recalibrating…Updating physical data.>>

"Wha—what?" he shouted aloud.

<<Downloading Transferred Data, Full Synchronization enabled.>>

His vitals instantly returned to regular levels as his sporadic behavior seemingly ceased. With eyebrows raised, the two females attending to his health backed away for a second in order to see what would occur next. The youth's body was relatively skinnier. The lack of a conscious soul, sustenance, and activity had caused his body to enter a slight state of decay as his muscle tone weaned and his bones jutted out visibly. However, given the Primordial DNA running through his veins, this was apparent only by a miniscule amount. That current physical state would now be washed away.

His body became enveloped in a translucent white and blue aura. Raizo's body was being altered on the table as the core of his being was updated to match the ethereal body he possessed in Purgatory. His build became a little more muscular and defined as his height began to change a bit. In addition, his hair grew in length draping past his shoulders towards the scapula region of his back. The pain was annoying for the male yet bearable; after a few seconds, the aura faded away thus allowing the youth full command over his body. His current state matched the vigor and fortitude he had achieved in Cocytus.

<<Synchronization Complete>>

"I guess Alexis really did thing of everything," the male thought to himself before he sat up from the metal table.

"Well that's a lot better," he said whilst stretching his arms and rolling his head around on his shoulders. He looked down at himself to see that he had no shirt on, yet his legs were enraptured in long, blue, cotton trousers.

"Hmm, not the weirdest way I expected to wake up but oh well," he shrugged.

Hearing his quirky words gave the two women great relief as they sighed simultaneously.

"I suppose if you can crack little one-liner jokes then you are doing well," Nightingale expressed in a slightly upset tone clearly indicative of her concern.

"Yeah, I feel great now. Hope I didn't startle you too much, I'm not a conventional patient I guess," the boy chuckled.

"So you say, but that does not mean you are permitted to get up and walk out. I still need to ensure your vital levels are normal after your brief performance. Hang on a second, I'll get you the water a certain Queen forgot to grab."

"Well excuse me for being caught off guard by our patient's little episode…goodness, how rude," Semiramis folded her arms with a puff of air blown out of her mouth. She then stepped closer to Raizo's side.

"Nice to see that you are back to normal though, it was strange observing you for quite a while."

"Hmm? What do you mean?" the boy asked.

"Your body was in some sort of a stasis period where you could not be classified as either alive or dead. Hence why you were never buried when everyone thought you died on that fateful day. You were brought here to this facility to be monitored by Nightingale and I every day. With your soul absent, your body and mind became isolated. The hibernation of your vessel was probably a defense mechanism created by the body and mind as an effort to adapt to the absence of the soul. I surmise this was due to your Primordial Heritage," the Wise Queen of Assyria explained.

"I see…a reactionary effect in order to keep balance," Raizo deduced whilst recalling the teachings of how energies work together from Garuda.

"Yes, that is an excellent way of putting it."

In that moment, a brilliant flash of crimson light bursts inside the chamber as four silhouettes materialize: Akaro, Esdeath, Hikari, and Morana. The unwarranted interruption caused the normally calm and collected beauty that was Semiramis to nearly have a heart attack as she lets out a high-pitched yelp before jumping up on the table with the youth and clinging firmly to his side. Nightingale, on the other hand, merely looked up from her mini-fridge with a bottle of water in her hand and a virtually deadpan stare.

As the radiance subsided, the four individuals searched around for a second before witnessing the sight of a pointy-eared female pressed somewhat salaciously against the half-naked body of the resurrected child.

"It seems my Master keeps getting more and more popular," Morana reacted with a raised brow whilst folding her arms.

"Hmm…" Hikari raised an eyebrow whilst containing her thoughts on the sight at hand.

"The boy just wakes up and already has a girl in his arms…how cheeky yet familiar," Esdeath commented.

"He is my lil' bro after all!" Akaro expressed with a witty remark.

"Try not to damage my lab with your excitement, thank you," Nightingale sighs with a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Ya really are enjoying all your new toys, aren't ya Nightingale?" the Envoy smirked.

"Indeed, break anything and you'll be the next one on the table," she declared fearlessly.

"I like this one," Morana nodded approvingly.

"Indeed, we share a like mind in that regard," Hikari added.

"You know…wouldn't it be hypocritical for a medic to intentionally cause injury?" Esdeath pondered trying to throw a subtle insult.

"Should you not be taking your place on one of these tables considering how I thoroughly incinerated your dignity already in Cocytus?" Morana responded.

"We're not in your house anymore; must I draw my blade in such an elegant space?"

"What blade? Weren't you emasculated by Akaro already?" Hikari quickly inserted a comment.

"They have a history so I am quite sure it has been more than once," the Sovereign responded.

"Oh yeah that's right…she's one of those that just falls to her knees for it on instinct when you dangle her favorite toy in her face. Esdeath, you are hereby a Snowflake," the Devil Queen pronounced

"Yes a Snowflake who has not learned how to let it go…" the Celestial Goddess nodded approvingly.

"Oi, was that a motherfuckin' Frozen reference?" Akaro raised an eyebrow in perplexity.

"You bastards…" Esdeath twitched in irritation.

"There is Aloe Vera in the closet over there and bandages, you will need both to adequately treat the burns you have suffered," Nightingale proposed.

In the midst of the exchange, Raizo merely scratched his cheek whilst smiling wryly before turning his attention to the female beside him on the table.

"Hey uh…Semiramis…you mind letting go now? I appreciate the warmth but there's no need to be alarmed."

"O-Oh…r-right, sorry Raizo-san," the female with the long black hair blushed before relinquishing his arm and stepping down from the table. She dipped her head downward as her cheeks were filled with a reddish hue across her cheeks. To alleviate her embarrassment, the boy reached out and gently patted her on the head.

"There, there, no need to worry about it," he chuckled softly but the action only caused the girl to blush more.

"Yo calm down over there lady killer, ya might make others jealous," Akaro teased with a sly grin.

"Eh? The hell are you on, Aniki?" the youth expressed innocently.

"Goodness Master, is your appetite so voracious for a woman's touch upon re-entering your body? Was Garuda and I not enough?" Morana sighed heavily.

"Oi, wording like that will give people the wrong idea! Adjust that right away, silly scythe!" the red-eyed male pointed with a slight hint of fluster in his voice.

"Whoa hold up, I wanna know the details about this one. The red-head curvy chick, you and my lil bro did what now?" the Envoy expressed with keen interest.

"Young one, you wish a lady to spill such confidential secrets? How absurd," the woman turned her head away elegantly.

"The wording again! Stop!" Raizo cried out.

"Wow, I didn't know the kid had such a side to him; most intriguing," Hikari raised an eyebrow in subtle surprise.

"I am definitely seeing the brotherly relationship with each passing second," Esdeath commented from the side.

"Raizo, your heart rate is elevated," Nightingale casually spoke as she turned to the monitor.

"Raizo-san, what exactly were you doing outside of your body? The mysterious woman has spilled some interesting details I am most interested in," Semiramis questioned.

"I'm telling you, it's not what it sounds like! Dammit…"

The light-hearted banter continued for a few more moments before the doors slid open audibly causing everyone's attention to be drawn at the threshold. Standing at the entrance was a man with long-black hair and a black suit. As he walked in the room ignoring the stares he was receiving, the male peered past everyone locking his sights on the youth sitting on the table.

"Dad…" Raizo spoke in astonishment as his eyes beheld the sight of his father.

"Son, you're…" Mercer attempted to speak, but his heart was overcome with emotion.

In that moment, the male walked past all of the individuals in the room before standing beside the table looking at the youth in his eyes. Before anyone could say anything or take a breath, he wrapped his arms around him tightly. Raizo did the same. The two male figures were caught in the moment for a good bit. Two generations of a legendary family lineage recorded in the Akashic Records. Even though their time spent together has been rather miniscule, there was a bond firmly established between them. Mercer was an emotional wreck over the past month, his wife kept in a coma and his son thought to be lost to the embrace of death. With the latter being found again, a semblance of joy crept into the tired warrior's heart.

"I had fears that I would lose you forever, Son," the man said whilst pulling away from the youth.

"Heh…I thought I'd never get to see you or anyone I cared about again. Fortunately I had someone watching back even beyond the realm of the living," Raizo responded thus indicating his partner to step forward.

The Sovereign of Cocytus sauntered over towards the duo whilst making her presence known to the father of the boy.

"Greetings, my name is Morana. It is an honor to make your acquaintance," the dark-skinned female bowed respectfully.

"Morana…as in…the weapon that Alexis forged for you?" Mercer questioned in surprise.

"Yep…that's her. Remember when she said the spirit within had awakened, Dad?"

"I see…so the legend has been reborn as it were," Mercer commented.

Raizo tilted his head when he heard his father utter that word. Before he could ask about it, the conversation at hand continued.

"My name is…"

"I know exactly who you are, Alexander Mercer. One of the great heroes of the Primordial War, the King of Elysium and the famous God Hunter…yes, I know all about you even down in the confines of Purgatory," Morana nodded with a smile.

"Yes…and the story of the great Celestial Goddess of Death is recorded in the Elysium archives; though some details are rather obscured for some reason."

"Indeed, it is quite a long story that shall be revealed in due time."

"I do hate to interrupt the reunions and introductions, but I do have tests and final checks that I need to clear with my patient. If all of you would kindly hold off on the emotions for now…" Nightingale nonchalantly and unapologetically cut in causing silence to waft over the room.

"Yeah…we got plenty of time to catch up. Let's give the woman her workspace back everyone," Akaro suggested whilst scratching the back of his head.

"Indeed, it would be best to withhold idle discussion until everything is clear with Master," the Queen of Cocytus nodded in agreement.

"Good, I despise these kinds of moments," Esdeath sighed heavily.

"I do recall seeing a version of you obsessed over some kid named Tatsumi," Hikari pondered goading the Ice Queen.

"You confuse me with trash from an inferior world…"

"I mean just because you have a different brand of bags doesn't make trash stink any less," the Devil Queen swiftly responded.

"You are truly testing my patience."

"Yeah, yeah, come along Snowflake. Morana-san, don't leave me alone in tossing one-liners at this chick."

"I dislike the idea of beating a dead horse, then again when the horse keeps coming back to life…" the witty scythe responded.

"Lucy would be enjoying this right now," Mercer casually shook his head.

"I'll escort the group to the waiting area and attempt to keep an eye on them," Semiramis proposed whilst walking out of the room behind the quartet leaving only Akaro, Nightingale and Raizo behind.

"Hope you don't mind if I stick around, Nurse-chan."

"I would prefer to be left alone with this boy, though I suppose I do not mind your presence since you are not annoying."

"Oof, Nightingale, that savage upfront demeanor never ceases to amaze me."

"I am merely stating honest observations."

Akaro merely shook his head amused by the mannerisms of the female before turning his attention to his younger sibling. He strolls over to his side and observes the youth's physique for a second. Raizo looks up and tilts his head.

"Um…something wrong Aniki?"

"Look at you growing up. Whatever training you were doing down in Cocytus really managed to bulk your body up a bit. Anyways, a few alterations in the measurements shouldn't be too bad here and there. Your dad wanted you to wear these when you had the chance so hold still for a sec."

"Eh?"

The Envoy held his hand out towards the youth as a subtle flash of crimson light emanated from his palm.

"Clothes beam!"

In that instant, Raizo's body was enveloped in that glow of energy as his body became covered head to toe in his latest threads. It was a jet black suit with a formal white shirt underneath and a black tie complete with black combat boots tailored for his feet. After the light faded away, the male jumped up off the table to evaluate his appearance and get used to the threads.

"There ya go, one tailor made Novice Hunter's outfit fresh out of the dry cleaner's," Akaro nodded proudly.

"Hmm…this is different, but I kinda like it. Eh…hang on a second, I need to tweak the look just a bit," Raizo responded.

The youth unbuttoned the blazer in the front to let the flaps swing freely whilst rolling back the sleeves a bit. He unbuttoned the very top two buttons of the shirt and loosened the tie to accommodate in order to feel a little more relaxed.

"There we go…"

"Hmm yeah that's about how I imagined ya. Can't have you going around shirtless or Yukine might just have a stroke…among others," the male chuckled.

"Aniki…"

"Hey man, I'm just sayin'. You got them Mercer genes and you've been hangin' around me. Like I said, you're becoming a bit of a lady killer. Watch and see what I tell ya when everyone sees you alive and well."

"Hey…I didn't ask for any of that…it just happened. But…then again, I'm slowly getting used to it I guess."

"Better, because I know you're lookin' like a mighty fine snack to some people."

"I spent a year literally between Morana and Garuda…I think I'll be fine."

"Oho…look at Raichu evolving over here."

"Hey man…what's that…guh…" the young hunter was about to protest before his mind became consumed by a horrific flashback.

Bodies wading all around him crying out trying to grab hold of him, the rotten scent of decaying flesh coupled with the strong iron smell from pools of blood, and finally the mutilated walking husk of Akame looming near him devouring his focus. To top it all off, there was the looming sight of his brother floating overhead casting a judgmental gaze as the male struggled to move from the grasp of death around him.

["He hates you…

You're nothing to him….

You're a monster…

TRAITOR…TRAITOR!!!

Liar, thief, and disappointment to everything you touch!"]

The whispers wrought open wounds deep within his heart as he felt himself drawing in that memory once again. The corpses of those he slain were dragging him down with Akame diving in to deal the finishing blow. He felt the concept of air being robbed from his lungs as he struggled to stand for a moment. It wasn't until Akaro placed a hand on his brother's back that the youth snapped out of it.

"Hey…you alright?" Akaro inquired concernedly whilst patting the boy's back. As the male's senses returned to him, he felt a cold sweat creep down his face.

"Yeah…I'm fine, just not fully used to being alive again, I guess…"

"Right…well uh there's one more thing you need to complete your look," Akaro said whilst reaching into his pocket to pull something out.

"You're missing this."

Raizo reached out as his older brother dropped the mysterious object in his hand. As he opened his hand, he saw the cross-pendant necklace that he had in his hand before he departed from the world of the living. It was a part of a matching set with that of the man standing before him symbolizing their bond as brothers. Setting his crimson eyes upon the object again brought peace to a heart that was stirred by fear. In that moment, he felt like something was dispelled inside of him. As he put the necklace on and tucked it in his shirt, he felt that much closer to being whole again.

"There we go," Akaro nodded in approval.

"Alright you two, break it up. I have my last few tests to perform," Nightingale stated whilst walking over between the two with a stethoscope in hand.

"H-Hey Nightingale, it's not really necessary to do all that. I'm fine…honest," Raizo professed.

"A patient has no right to talk back to their physician especially after said patient was clinically dead on the operating table for an entire month."

"….A month…" Raizo sighed before pondering the time he spent in Cocytus.

"So the flow of time really is different after all…" he thought to himself before being interrupted by the cold device touching his skin.

"H-Hey!" he gasped.

"I was going to warn you, but laying half naked on that table didn't seem to bother you so I let it slip from my mind. Now hold still," she said.

"Yeah, yeah…" the male relinquished.

Nightingale did not hesitate to press the cold device against the male's more developed physique. She ran her hands across his bare skin underneath his shirt as she moved the device around on him rather intimately. As she moved to his back, she directed to him almost in a sensual whisper.

"Breathe in and out slowly."

To which the youth did as instructed. The female was not shy about pressing herself closer to him as she attempted to inspect every bit of him. She pressed her forehead against his to take his temperature, held his face in her hands to observe his bone structure, and she squeezed on his arms and legs to check his muscle health. The rather invasive, unorthodox and intimate inspection would have normally set the youth over the edge in embarrassment, yet he hardly reacted at all.

"You're good to go. I would prefer to run more tests, but I figure you have earned some leisure at this point in time. I shall analyze the data I've acquired, but I will most likely rendezvous with you all at the hospital to check on another patient. You're dismissed for now," the Berserker declared.

"Right, thanks," Raizo nodded.

After that, the brothers took their leave. Upon stepping down the hallway, they are reunited with the group that exited the room before.

"Raizo-san, you're up and walking around? That's a relief," Semiramis smiled happily.

"Master, it is good to see you up and moving around on your own. And I believe that attire works well with you," Morana complimented.

"I see you've given him the Novice Hunter attire," Mercer remarked with a casual nod.

"Yeah, can't have the kid walking around half naked. He'd definitely be drawing a crowd," the Envoy shrugged.

"Hmm…not bad I suppose. An appearance I was not expecting," Hikari commented off to the side.

"Oh…yeah thanks," Raizo replied not expecting words of approval from the female.

"So where to now?" Esdeath pointed out.

"To another part of town to meet up with other friends, gotta spread the word and all and give everyone a chance to breathe," Akaro directed.

"Nightingale is staying behind?" the female servant answered whilst turning her gaze down the hall.

"She said she'd meet us later, so I guess that means you're coming with us Semi-chan," the hero responded.

"Shall we then?" Mercer inquired.

"Hmm…I know not of the world and its people. Perhaps I should change into something less flashy," Morana pondered.

"Well…yeah that armor would definitely get you a lot of unnecessary attention. Need a hand getting some more modern threads?" Akaro proposed.

"No need, I have a basic understanding of what would be acceptable looking at all of your outfits. Plus I wish to match Master to a degree."

"D'aww that's just too cute."

"Silence child before I send something of yours to Ashura Gozen in a box…"

"Hey uh…no need to threaten my goods… Hey Raichu, control your scythe man…"

"Don't look at me for help on this one, Aniki. She's got an attitude that's a hybrid of Onee-sama and Aka-sensei but even more savage…" Raizo sighed.

"Akaro, you still have a habit of inserting unnecessary remarks where they don't belong from time to time," Mercer criticized.

"Hey, hey, now is not the time for the whole 'Like Father Like Son' routine man."

"Are these antics just a regular occurrence around here?" Hikari inquired curiously.

"No, this is just a small taste unfortunately," the novice hunter sighed once more.

"I see…" the Devil Queen pondered whilst raising an eyebrow.

"Anyways…hmm ah I have the perfect design in mind," Morana decided in that moment as a dark crimson and black aura spiraled around her body. The light consumed the area around the woman for a split second as her outfit seemingly shifted. After a few short seconds, the display faded away.

Standing before the group was the stunning beauty in a different outfit. She wore a cold shoulder burgundy shirt with long, dark blue jeans, and black heeled boots. Layered overtop was a black leather blazer with patterned golden trim along the shiny silver buttons and the sleeves complete with a wolf's head against the mysterious tree from her throne room engraved on her back. Her hair was brushed down and completely straightened out as she tilted her head to the side.

"How do I look Master?" she asked nonchalantly.

"Heh, it suits you. That outfit definitely gives off your personality," the boy nodded in approval.

The others in the room all nodded in approval as well before Mercer led the group through the exit. Following suit, the entourage made their way into the streets of the city. As they step out, the liveliness of the metropolis came into the sight of all present as flying cars whirred about overhead; pedestrians wandered the streets enjoying the night life as the crisp cool breeze washed over everyone. Coupled with the great neon lights, the full moon glowed in the air as if smiling down upon humanity.

"Wow….the last time I saw this…everything was in shambles. Now look at it. This is even more spectacular to behold than what I saw in your world, Aniki…" Raizo stared in amazement.

"Yeah…we managed to fix up Earth and restore humanity to a certain degree. There's still more work to do, but at least mankind has a second chance here," Akaro stated with curt nod.

"So this is what civilization is like now? Human ingenuity has certainly come a long way. Who knew that such marvels could be achieved? Truly astounding," Morana analyzed.

"You don't seem all that surprised. Considering the tundra in which you hail from, I figured you'd be much more astonished than the boy over here," Hikari questioned.

"To a degree I am, yet all at the same time…let us say I have observed mankind from afar."

"I do wonder how long you have been stuck down there," Esdeath injected a thought of curiosity.

"Longer than any of you can imagine…it is a long story that I will tell in due time. For now, where shall we go?"

"We're off to the hospital just a few blocks down the way. Time to rally all the troops," Akaro spoke as he began to walk down the concrete pavement to which the group followed suit.

After not even five minutes of walking, the group reached the massive steel fortress-like tower that was one of the city's hospitals. Given its location near the research center, the hospital was equipped for many extreme cases that exceeded regular parameters conventional to standard care. Therefore, not many people perused the inside except for the staff and family members of the extreme case patients. As they made their way through the front entrance, an unexpected trio of women was standing in the reception area.

The first had on a pinkish red sweater and dark red miniskirt possessing purple eyes and short white hair whose lengthier bundles were tied behind her thus draping down her back. The second was wearing a white summer dress with a silver mini-hoodie over her shoulders, her long pink hair flowing behind her with vibrant blue eyes. The third was wearing a punk rock outfit: a green tank top with a fishnet leather jacket, leather skirt, and green and white striped knee-socks with black flats coupled with a pair of emerald eyes and blonde hair.

"Yo Yukine, Maria, and Rika-chan, guess who's back?" Akaro smirked devilishly as the girls observed the group walk through the threshold.

"Eh? What the hell are ya talkin' about?" Chris asked whilst folding her arms. Maria and Kirika merely looked at each other before turning their attention to the group filing in.

Mercer and Semiramis were already familiar faces. Hikari, Esdeath, and Morana were not; though they were intrigued to determine the identity of those individuals, they could not have been the person the male was referring to. As the group filed in, one particular individual made his way in last. His silhouette caused Chris and Maria's hearts to stop in their chests for a brief moment until his likeness came into view.

"R-Raizo?!!" Chris and Maria gasped in unison, their hearts sent aflutter upon sight. In that instant, the two older females rushed over towards him before wrapping their arms around him.

"You're alive! You're really alive!" the red Symphogear user cried out before she began to sob in his chest.

"It's truly a miracle, this isn't a dream right?" the maiden in white questioned in disbelief before she too sobbed against his other shoulder.

"Raizo…is alive, desu?" Kirika stammered in disbelief before she ran into the group.

"Sensei, it's really, really you! Kirika is happy desu!" the blonde shed tears as well.

People in the waiting room watched with curious stares as they witnessed the heartfelt reunion to which Raizo began to notice.

"Yeah girls…I'm really here. Now uh…can we cut the waterworks here? People are watching us and it's kinda embarrassing…" he chuckled nervously.

"Heh, lil bro you might as well get used to it. Ya got a lot more big reactions coming your way," Akaro warned.

"Indeed, but for now we should head upstairs; we'll be keeping the others waiting if we keep dawdling too much longer," Mercer surmised.

"Right…come on everyone, we're taking the elevator. And uh…don't worry, no silly weight limits to cause concern for all of us present."

In that moment, every woman in the little group swiftly yielded a death stare at the Envoy.

"Oh shit…um…" Akaro paused.

"Not again," the father-son duo sighed whilst slapping their palms against their foreheads.

At that point, the group made their way over to the entrance of the nearest elevator stepping inside one after the other. Disapproving glances were being thrown at the Red-Eyed Hero from every direction making the ride up awkwardly silent.

*****

The party reached the reserved floor up on the 7th level of the hospital. It was quite possibly the longest three minute ride ever due to the somewhat awkward tension after Akaro's 'joke'. During that time, the atmosphere was broken up when the three Symphogear girls introduced themselves to Hikari, Esdeath, and Morana. Names were exchanged courteously, but no conversations were to be had due to the subtle tension. As they filed out of the elevator, Raizo nudged Akaro in the back.

"Aniki, are you trying to get me killed after I just came back from the dead? Seriously man, ain't no way I could control those attitudes after that crap you said."

"It was just a joke man, I already apologized…hell at least Akame wasn't here. I'd probably be stabbed already," the Envoy smiled wryly.

"You're making me scared of Aka-sensei that much more…"

"Yeah she's terrifying but I love her nevertheless," the older sibling nodded firmly.

"You better, I'm quite certain she would be cutting off a certain tool of yours if you didn't," Mercer interjected as he brushed past the two males to walk in front for a bit.

"Oi John Wick…you hush with that commentary over there. Don't you have a Matrix to protect or something?"

"You're getting your films crossed again. My wife would slap you over that."

Before Akaro could even utter another word, three more females were spotted down the hallway. The first was a female with blue hair tied up into a ponytail on one side. She wore a jean jacket with matching jeans, a white t-shirt underneath, and black heeled shoes. The second female was a girl with brownish orange hair wearing a stripped orange and white t-shirt with khaki shorts. The last one was a petite female with twin-tailed style black hair in a white and pink casual dress. The trio's expressions were solemn and quiet until they spotted the advancing group. The one to immediately enter their sights was the Crimson Envoy.

"Told ya I'd be back soon," Akaro remarked with a smooth grin. Instantly, Hibiki was the first to take advantage by running up to the male and giving him a great big hug.

The other two females had unique looks upon their faces as they saw their friend getting the attention. Both of them held silent, but deadly expressions of envy over what was taking place. In the meantime, Chris, Maria, and Kirika stepped over to them.

"Oi, what's the matter Senpai? You can't possibly be jealous of that blockhead over there now, could ya?" Chris teased with a grin.

"What? I don't know what you are talking about Yukine…do not be foolish," the girl with the blue hair remarked.

"Tsubasa-san, jealousy is unbecoming of a woman blossoming into her beauty," Maria casually expressed whilst teasing her friend in a formal tone.

"Not you too, Maria-san!" Tsubasa echoed in embarrassment.

"Shirabe-chan, you're staring awfully hard them-desu…" Kirika raised an eyebrow upon seeing her friend staring hard.

"Impossible…I am just happening to be gathering information from an intensely visual front," Shirabe responded.

"Relax ladies, there's plenty of me to go around. Bring it in, I gotcha," Akaro invited as he released Hibiki from his embrace to open up his arms for the other two.

"That's not very genuine Akaro, it feels like you'll just be giving them sympathy hugs at that point," Mercer pointed whilst walking past them.

"You really are burrowing yourself further in the hole," Esdeath commented from behind.

"Truly I did not expect the famed Crimson Envoy to be such a lascivious individual," Morana observed from the side.

"There is never a dull moment," Semiramis sighed.

"Definitely an enlightening experience," Hikari nodded.

"This is…really a tough crowd," the male in question scratched his cheek.

"Alright everyone, let's not injure my silly Aniki's ego too much. It's my first day back, try to dial down the punches eh?" the voice of Raizo echoed out as he stepped forward.

"SENSEI?!" Hibiki, Tsubasa and Shirabe shouted out in disbelief before rushing towards him.

"Ah shit…here we go again," he muttered before he was blitzed by friendly hugs from the trio.

"It's really you, you're really here!" Hibiki cried out joyfully.

"Welcome back, Raizo-sensei," Tsubasa spoke happily.

"We missed you," Shirabe included.

"Yeah…I missed you lot as well," he said before managing to separate from the trio whilst giving each of them a pat on the head.

"You look different," Hibiki pointed out upon observing the physical appearance of the youth.

"Yeah well…a lot has happened, it's a long story," he shrugged.

"Oh…I bet Chris-chan was super happy over seeing you again," the wielder of Gungnir chuckled.

"W-What? The hell is that supposed to mean, idiot?!" Yukine responded with a flustered expression.

"Maria-san perhaps reacted the same way," Tsubasa proposed.

"I-I don't know whatever you are talking about," Maria blushed whilst turning her face to the side.

"I was super excited-desu!" Kirika cheerfully displayed.

"Jiiii…." Shirabe eerily observed her blonde compatriot's expression over such words.

"Master, this is quite the lively bunch. They are much more eccentric than I was previously anticipating given the memories I hold," Morana stated whilst walking up to the male's side.

"Yeah well…you never really know how someone acts until you see them act in person," he shrugged.

It was then that the trio unfamiliar with the woman stopped to examine her.

"Ah, this is Morana…she's uh…well she's the spirit inside one of my weapons come to life. She also protected my soul in Purgatory…it's complicated," the young hunter explained.

The six females could only afford to relinquish perplexed expressions.

"Perhaps I should explain?" Morana suggested.

"As much as explanations and proper introductions are needed, I believe it to be best to save such sentiment for a later time. Son, come with me. There's someone you need to see," Mercer expressed.

"Oh…right Dad," the male nodded as he walked away from the group of women.

"I got this lil' bro, don't worry," Akaro reassured as he brushed past the male.

"Just try not to piss them off even more, Aniki."

"Yeah, yeah, I gotcha."

With that, Raizo left the formalities of introductions and such to his brother whilst entering one of the rooms where his father stood. The long-haired man turned the knob to open the doorway before he and his son entered.

Inside the room that was at least 12 feet by 16 feet in area was a myriad of state of the air monitoring devices and life support systems to regulate the vitals and distribute nutrients into the body of one particular individual. Lying quietly on the queen-sized hospital bed was a lone blonde figure in white robes remaining completely docile. The echoes of her breathing radiated through the oxygen mask as the machine beeped in tandem with her pulse.

"M-Mom…" Raizo uttered as he slowly walked over to her position to kneel down beside her.

His eyes scanned over her petite frame taking note of her physical condition. When he last saw her, the effects of Goetia's Noble Phantasm rendered her motionless thus causing the youth to fear the worst. Reaching down, he took hold of one of her free hands and held it in his own. Her body was warm albeit lower than normal. Squeezing it gently, the youth pressed his forehead against her skin as he felt the sting of tears instantly well up in his eyes.

"Mom…I'm back…I thought I was a goner….and I'd never see you again, but I made it back in one piece. So…please wake up. We have so much to talk about," he begged before his chest sank heavily from the pain in his heart.

"Don't worry, Son," Mercer reached out whilst patting his child on the shoulder, "We're going to fix everything, and when we do her eyes will open again."

"Yeah…I'm sorry I left you alone too, Dad."

"Nonsense, you can't blame yourself for situations you have no control over."

"But if I didn't get cocky…if I hadn't rushed in when I did…"

"The circumstances would have been the same. Goetia would have found a way to resurrect Indra and send your soul to Purgatory regardless of who managed to attack him first. That underhanded play was inevitable. What matters now is that you are here, alive and well. Now it is time to take the next step."

"Right…then whatever it takes," the male spoke as he wiped his tears away and stood up on his feet. As he turned to face his father, Raizo had a glint of fierce determination within his eyes that exhumed confidence he never showed before.

"Whatever it takes for the sake of the Omniverse, for humanity and for us to go home together…I'll do it," he declared.

"I know you will," Mercer nodded in approval before pulling his son into a warm embrace, "That's what lives in the Mercer blood."

"I'll be sure to live up to the name, Dad," Raizo responded.

"I…" the male was about to say, but he quickly held back his tongue. He wanted to tell him more about his ancestry and about the path of a God Hunter. There were many things he had to discuss with him, but the time was not right.

"I know, but for now…there's someone else you should go and visit across the hall."

"But…" the youth was about to say as his gaze returned to Lucy's docile body.

"Your Mom will be here, besides she would definitely be urging you to do the same thing. Go on, Son."

The male nodded ever so slightly before turning on his heel to do as instructed. As he exited the room, he immediately faced the doorway that was offset to the left on the opposite end of the door. It was then that he made his way over to the entrance. Just down the hall, Morana was standing by whilst the conversation between the Symphogear users and the other females present went on. Upon seeing her Master in the hallway, she elected to slide away from the chatter to investigate what was going on.

The boy went to grasp the doorknob. In that moment, his mind was consumed with visions. He saw the familiarity of a certain tent during the night after the Pandora Conflict was resolved. In that tent, he shared a night with the Rose-Eyed Stormbringer. At the peak of their intimacy, he saw her hand penetrate his chest as she began to drain the essence of power from his body. To that end, he heard mysterious whispers again.

["She's going to kill you…

You will always be her enemy…

You are nothing but a meal in her eyes.

Run…run away while you still can!

She is the death of you!

Vesta is going to devour you, run foolish child!!!"]

His hand trembled as he pulled away. That horrific despair gripped onto his heart as every orifice of his body was shaken with the cruel chill of fear. Just as he felt the need to walk the other direction, a soft touch caressed his shoulder.

"You must not flee, Master. The girl within needs you more than you could ever realize," Morana spoke earnestly in order to alleviate his concerns.

"R-Right…" he said with a small nod whilst reluctantly turning the handle to enter the room.

As he entered the doorway, there was a lone woman lying on top of a bed similar to Lucy's. She had a few leads in her arm to keep her body hydrated as well as a heart and blood pressure monitor on the other side. Unlike the previous room, this one had a medium-sized window on the opposite side which allotted for the luminescence of the moon to cast its gaze inside the room. That radiance washed over the skin of the sleeping beauty as her soft skin was illuminated by the light. Even though she was in such a state, the visage of Vesta's body in this moment was like something out of a fairy tale. All of Raizo's fears were dispelled in an instant thus giving the youth a sense of peace.

"So you're the Raizo I've heard so much about huh?" an unfamiliar voice called out. Sitting in the shadows on the opposite side of the room near the resting Stormbringer was a young girl.

As she got up and walked towards the male, she was revealed to have shoulder-length black hair, deep purple eyes and was dressed in a lavender summer dress. With a warm smile, she focused her attention on the male.

"My name is Miku, I'm Hibiki's best friend. Thanks for saving her so many times by the way," the girl bowed upon introducing herself. Caught off guard by that formal yet polite tone, the young hunter in training only relinquished an awkward nod.

Around this time, Akaro and Hibiki came walking into the room behind Morana. As the enthusiastic hand-to-hand fighter leaned against the taller male with a happy blush on her face, Miku was quick to call her out noticing the difference in her behavior.

"Boy you become a love-struck dummy when Akaro-niisan is around don't you? Hibiki-chan, you should have some form of decency being a young woman and all," the girl chastised playfully.

"E-Eh? Miku-chan, what's that supposed to mean?!" the Gungnir user cried out, but Miku was already caught off guard by the elegance that was the Sovereign of Cocytus.

"Hello," Morana politely bowed her head upon feeling the stare of the young girl.

"Oh forgive me for staring, hello to you as well," Miku bowed once more.

"Hey don't ignore me!" Hibiki groaned whilst running over and gently nudging her bestie's shoulder.

In the meantime, Raizo approached Vesta's bed side. He was captivated by her peaceful expression as he gazed at her beautiful face with longing in his eyes. He inadvertently reached out and grasped her hand gently. The visions tried to dissuade him, but her peaceful expression shattered that projection of the power-hungry killer in his mind.

"I'm home, Vesta-chan," he uttered warmly over her.

The voice of the male reverberated through the air and traveled like lightning as it dashed inside the ears of the girl in question thus triggering her neural receptors. Instantly, the girl's eyelids shot open as her consciousness came back to her. A loud gasp of air escaped from her lips as her mind became mixed with a whirlwind of thoughts.

"Don't take him from me!" she sat up thus crying out as the visage of Raizo's lifeless body dropping to the ground replayed before her eyes.

"Vesta-chan, shh…calm down, look…" the boy called to her as she turned her chin to face him.

"I'm right here."

"R-Raizo-san? Is that….really you? Y-You're alive?! You're really alive?!" she spoke in disbelief as the tears welled up in her eyes.

"Yeah…I'm alive. I'm back…this is not a dream, I have truly returned."

"Raizo-san! Raizo-saaan…" she began to sob uncontrollably as she turned her body to embrace him tightly.

"I thought I lost you…"

"You almost did…but…that doesn't matter anymore…"

Akaro, Morana, Miku and Hibiki watched the reunion between the pair, the latter two beginning to shed tears of joy over the touching moment. Behind them, Tsubasa, Maria, Kirika, Shirabe, and Chris all peaked around the corner of the doorway to see what was going on. Behind them, Semiramis, Esdeath, and Hikari were simultaneously shaking their heads.

A series of heartfelt reunions and touching moments took place one after the other as longtime comrades, close friends, and family were able to see the youth who made an impact in their lives return to them once more. It was truly something that could have been celebrated for hours. However, the wholesome atmosphere would be shattered in a flash.

Morana's eyes widened as the feeling of a familiar presence appeared on the horizon; however, before she had the chance to investigate, an audible explosion resonated in the air causing the entire structure to shake. Outside of the window through the neon lit town, a spiral of dark fire was summoned over a nearby building which caused an entire city-block to vanish.

"What the…?" Raizo muttered in disbelief as he slowly pulled away from Vesta upon the disturbance. There was something familiar about this energy signature…it resembled something he sensed during the nightmares of Purgatory.

Mercer came to the doorway looking to the Crimson Envoy as if reaffirming the action that needed to be taken.

"Everyone...we need to go in that direction now," Akaro commanded prompting all of those present to ready themselves for battle.

"I'm going too…" Raizo spoke up which caused a few heads who knew about the intimate details of the youth's current state to turn.

"Master, you are still recovering," Morana tried to reason with him, but the boy shook his head.

"I have to do this, Morana," he determined.

"I understand," she nodded solemnly.

"Hang on Vesta-chan, I'll be back soon enough," he reassured whilst dipping down over her body.

"I'll be here waiting for you," she said with a soft smile. In that moment, the two shared a quiet yet passionate kiss.

To that end, the Symphogears, the Wise Queen of Assyria, the Devil Queen, the former Horsewoman of Death, the God Hunter, the Crimson Envoy, the Sovereign of Cocytus, and the Son of Mercer all made their way out of the hospital leaving only Miku, Lucy and Vesta to continue to recover in peace.

*****

15 Minutes Earlier…

The streets of Mifune bustled with activity. The noises from the electronic advertisements running overhead to the clamoring of hover-cars whirring the air lanes was just a small part of the commotion going on throughout the streets. It was almost as if humanity never left the face of the Earth in this era as people continued on with their night lives. The sidewalks and designated roadways had some small crowds of people walking in all different directions looking to enjoy whatever they were into at this time of night. Some were rather jovial over such a blissful night, while others were just tired trying to escape the thoughts of work in the morning. A wide variety of personalities spiraled about, but only one person could stand out in this crowd.

It was not because of their visible happiness, outspoken behavior, or wild actions that could get this person into trouble that made them easy to spot. It was their silent and somewhat emotionally distraught demeanor. This person wearing an iconic red blazer wandered alone through the streets caught up in her thoughts. Her heart was torn over recent events as she sought to find peace.

Kimiko Hanate, the One-Cut Killer and Goddess-Above-All, was currently perusing the streets in complete isolation as she closed her heart off from everything around her. The death of Raizo Mercer, her beloved, and the undisputed wrath she wrought unto the Demon King—Solomon—whom caused his premature demise still vividly played through her mind. That unrestrained fury that she unleashed reverberated through her bones. She still felt the foul beast's blood dripping from her fingers, hence why she kept her hands in her pockets. As she traversed the illuminated alleyways, some of the words of her mentor—Akame—echoed in her mind:

"Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king…"

"I have to come to terms with myself…and embrace everything about me," she mumbled to herself whilst continuing her path of solitude. She had an ideal to chase after which would allow her to achieve the mastery she sought.

She continued to skulk around the vibrant city restored by the Holy Grail until she happened upon a byway that was filled with laughter and music. The scent of hot food and tinge of alcohol filled her nose thus causing her curiosity to be piqued. She turned down the narrow path and happened open an outdoor tavern. The structure had a modest array of yellow and pink neon lights that crafted its sign: the 7th Heaven. The open bar had several stools arranged like a ramen stand except it could accommodate at least 20 people at once. From the sounds of things, it was a full house tonight.

As Kimiko casually strolled down the narrow area to investigate, she heard the boisterous laughter periodically soften before erupting into harmonious uproar of drunken joy as the people had a good time. There were several men gathered around of a variety of ages with glasses and mugs full of alcohol as the drinking incessantly flowed. The centermost point of the noise was the area in which a few young men sat with an interesting woman in the middle.

She was a pale-skinned, blue eyed female with lotus-colored hair obscured by a red and blue ball cap. Her body was rather athletic, yet curvaceous at the same time as she sported a crimson tank top that greatly adhered to her shape with blue jeans and white and grey tennis shoes. With a tall glass of alcohol in her hand, she sat with a plate of meat and vegetable kebabs. She was challenged to a drinking contest by one of the male's sitting beside her to which she downed an entire half-liter mug in five seconds before eating the kebabs happily.

"Hic…You're payin' fer mah next round right?" she chuckled whilst patting him on the back.

"Another round for the lady over 'ere!" th man called out.

"D'aww what a sweetie pie ya are. Look at ya," she teased with a subtle caress of his cheek causing the man to blush like an idiot.

"Oi, oi, don't drink that cheap ass pisswater that douche is givin' ya. Try something more exotic!" the other male beside her jeered whilst sliding a shot glass full of brown liquid in it.

In that moment, she took the male up on the offer before downing it faster than he could think.

"Oyaaa…yeaaah that's the good stuff. Keep 'em comin' stud~"

"Damn gurl, ya gonna wind up breakin' me at this rate!" he whined.

"Well don't threaten a girl with a good time then fall short of her expectations," the mysterious woman chuckled.

Causing the crowd to laugh from her confidence, the woman turned away nonchalantly before making eye contact with Kimiko whom was merely observing absent-mindedly from afar.

"Oi fellas, why don't ya gimme a break for a bit? Lemme get my thoughts together before I really drink ya under the table. Keep the free food comin' tho! Gotta get my fill of this top quality food before I leave town~"

Little groans of disappointment were emitted before the guys reluctantly did as the female requested. As she turned back to face the gaze of the red-eyed girl, the drunken female waved Kimiko to join her. Upon seeing this, the female in the red jacket was relatively entertained and elected to do so.

"What's a pretty girl like you sittin' all alone on such a fun evenin'?" the cheerful female asked as Kimi nabbed a sit beside her.

"Just got a lot on my mind, not really one for the antics anyway," the Goddess responded.

"D'aww come on now, when yer troubled, a glass o' liquid encouragement is sure to take the pain away…even if it's a moment," she said as one of the female bartenders topped off her mug with another plate of kebabs.

"If you say so…but I'm not sure I could pack it away like you are…"

"Haha, well…in my life, moments like these are a dime a dozen. I come and go like the wind after all. Anytime I got peace like this is the perfect time to indulge on drinks and food…especially when there's cute young men out and about willin' ta spoil a girl like me…hic…"

"Sounds a little loose if I'm being honest…"

"Nah…I just like ta play around. It may give 'em a little bit o' false hope but…this lady ain't the type to just give the goods away over a pretty face hehe…" she paused in order to take a sip of her beverage before sitting it down.

"Already had mah heart broken enough in my time…then again, it's my fault for fallen so easily in love with the wrong ones I suppose."

"Is that so? I guess you keep moving to prevent your heart from digging roots then?"

"Ya could say that…but it's a bit of a curse honestly. I don't mind seein' the open world and indulgin' in what life has ta offer, but the loneliness of it all occasionally sets in. Maybe I'll find the right one someday…but it'd have ta be someone who keeps it interestin' so there's never a boring night with him around."

"I see…"

The girl took another gulp of her drink before speaking again.

"You have someone special in your life?"

Kimiko paused for a moment hesitant to answer as a barrage of visages filled her mind.

"It's a little complicated…but the shorthand answer is yes. Well…I did. He was…taken from me recently during an incident. I…thought I had the power to stop it but…the choice was removed from me. His sudden passing caused me to just snap to the point where I felt like a part of myself was lost with him."

"Loss is a multifaceted phenomenon that has many different layers to it. It's different for all o' us. We can't control how we react, especially when it be someone we love and stuff…regardless, gotta remember that whatever part o' ya was lost…a part o' that person will always live on inside ya. That's some comfort that'll make the grievin' a lil' easier," she uttered.

Kimi was taken aback by those words. She admittedly wanted to just dismiss whatever was going to be said to her by this woman due to the flowing of alcohol in her veins; however, she couldn't. Instead…she felt like there was a deeper relation that was shared between the two. If the red-eyed girl had to be honest, she was fascinated by her alongside the wisdom this stranger spewed.

"If I may ask, what is your name?" the girl inquired curiously to which the lotus-haired woman smiled.

"I have quite a few, but around these parts, I'm known as Bennosuke….or Ben-chan for short," the lady grinned happily whilst introducing herself.

Kimi was rendered speechless for a brief moment thus allowing 'Ben-chan' to lean in and examine the girl's eyes for a second. The woman stood up and patted the girl on the head before leaning down to her ear.

"You did well stopping Solomon, but you look lost now. Remember—Today is a victory over yourself of yesterday. Do not regret what you have done. Kimiko, you must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain. After all, that's what Rei-chan taught us, isn't it?" Ben-chan chuckled before pulling away and gave a casual wink. The girl stretched her arms and adjusted her hat for a moment as her buzz began to wear off a bit.

"Anyway, I should be on my way now…but hey, when I'm back we gotta have ourselves a good old fashioned duel, little Goddess-tan~."

The sudden words of wisdom spoken from a sober heart combined with that last statement resonated in Kimi's mind causing her heart to jump up in her throat for a brief second. She blinked in disbelief as she had not even relinquished any details about herself to the woman.

"You, who are y-…"

As Kimi went to focus her gaze on the female, the presence of the woman was nowhere left to be seen. The Red-Eyed Goddess was left alone to mull over her thoughts. Yet now she had the words that Bennosuke uttered to meditate on. In that instant, a sudden explosion vividly echoed out shaking the ground in which the girl stood upon. Following that, the shrieks and cries of hundreds of people rang out as they began to run in different directions.

Kimiko ran out of the alley and gazed down the way to see a large pillar of black fire rising up in the distance. Springing from it were skeletal warriors and mechanized machines that killed anything that dared to move. Upon contact by the phantasm blades, their bodies were turned to dust. The burning of steel and flesh permeated the air as sirens began to wail in response.

"Kimiko!" the voice of Akame filled the girl's ears as she suddenly dropped down from the sky landing beside her pupil.

"Is this them?" the girl questioned as she quickly grabbed a hold of the twin knives in her pockets.

"It would appear so. Come on, we need to find the others."