Slay the Family

Year 1025, 16th Day of October

-12 hours after Raizo's escape-

-While Raizo was at the village-

It's only been a day since Raizo's escape from his execution but the effects had already taken a toll on Night Raid. Since their ultimatum was delivered by the hands of Fujitora, the assassins had no choice but to take appropriate action. The group after that fateful meeting had used the giant manta to fly back to base and from there took up their designated actions. Akame and Tatsumi were the first to depart, making a speed-run to Old West Town to investigate the lost village for any clues as to where Raizo would go and if there were any traces of the Sapphire Phoenix that could be used as breadcrumbs to find them. Given the urgency of matters at hand, the team hoped that they would be back in half a day or so.

Najenda and Chelsea were busy in the base going through stacks of paperwork and old intelligence reports as well as files that pertained to the Stormbringer to get an idea of how he would move. The sooner they could find Raizo, the sooner they could get some sort of damage control underway. Regardless of Fujitora's ultimatum, Najenda was not going to let one of her own be thrown to the wolves for the sake of self-preservation. Right now, they needed to band together and figure out a way to make that ambitious bastard pay for what he has done. The eye-patched woman could only hope that her compatriots were of a like sentiment, specifically the blonde assassin who was considered to be Raizo's lover.

Upstairs in the bedroom of the former blood wolf was a distraught Leone. She was unsure of how to feel after recent events in regard to the man that she held affection for. Walking around the room, she saw that it was virtually spotless. There wasn't anything on the bookshelves nor were there hardly any clothes that she could use in the open closet. She opened up and looked around every nook and cranny of the room for something that belonged to the male. Raizo wasn't a very materialistic person and did not fret over anything that he couldn't carry on his back. In fact, she recalled that Raizo washed all of the clothes he wore regularly every night before bed. Sure, he had a few raggedy pants and a spare shirt to wear when he was training or just lounging about but aside from that, he didn't own much.

"Damn it all," she sighed heavily flouncing on his bed and falling out. To her exposed skin, even the sheets felt like they were washed recently and were too damn clean. She leaned her head back on the pillow and then turned over. Taking a strong whiff, she managed to pick up a trace of the male. Smiling softly, she was relieved that there was a small bit of him left that smile soon faded away. A sudden pain arose in her heart causing her to curl up in a ball. She began to remember everything that was said during the trial and recall Raizo's behavior over time since he's been with Night Raid.

Fujitora's words about how the male would drop everything for the sake of dealing with his family affairs suddenly weighed heavy on her mind. Raizo was relentless when it came to the memory of the Blood Wolves and his once main goal of vengeance. She remembered how fiercely he fought over those documents pertaining to Aquilo when they first met; honestly, she thought she was going to die that day. Then the memory came of what happened when Raizo and Aquilo came face to face for the first time in years at the Valley of Ruin. Immediately after that, the incident at Old West Town happened instead of the boy joining the group for the mission with the Path of Peace. After that was the battle in the Capital, the Crimson Annihilation Crisis, and the 10,000 soldiers' incident.

Dealing with his other friends from another world seemed to create concern. She felt like after that event, Raizo changed. He focused more on training himself and aspiring to reach greater levels of strength so that he could eventually stand with them. That and he wanted to protect those he cherished with his own hands. Yes, that was nice and all but it felt like she would eventually lose Raizo to that cause. Sure she wanted to pursue greater strengths but what if the Stormbringer reached a point where Night Raid…no…where she would only be holding him back? Then there was one more thing.

About a month ago, she remembered when Raizo came home from being in the field supposedly training. All of that blood on him was ridiculous. She recalled asking him about it and he said that he was fighting danger beasts. At the time, she wanted to resist her instincts but she got a stronghold of that scent; it was human blood. She hated to realize it but Raizo lied to her without a single bat of his eyes. How could he lie to her of all people? They should have been able to share anything but for some reason, there was always some sort of emotional distance. He never knew what he was really thinking and it felt like every time she turned around, he'd drop Night Raid for the sake of his family affairs.

"Raizo…do you even care about us? About me?" she asked softly, her eyes swelling with tears. Nuzzling that pillow even closer, the scent of the male burned even more in her nostrils before it was ingratiated in her head. She knew that the only way to find out how to feel about everything was to find Raizo and bring him home. From there, she would confront him to see just what he says about it. Besides, if he can be brought back then perhaps everything could be fixed.

Leone got up from the bed and walked out of the room. Heading downstairs, she began to pack a small bag of some items that she would need for her journey. The scent of the male was burning strongly in her nostrils so she immediately wanted to act upon it. As she shifted into her Lionelle form, she saw Najenda and Chelsea in the meeting hall still going over documents. She knocked on the door to interrupt.

"I'm heading out. I got Raizo's scent so I'm going to track it down as far as I can. If I can't get close within 2 to 3 days, I'm coming back," said the blonde feline.

"Be careful out there. If you find him, bring him home," Najenda replied.

"Come back safe Leone," added Chelsea.

"I will."

"Good luck and Godspeed," spoke the boss. She noticed that Leone tensed a bit before she departed but didn't dwell on the thought too long. She also noticed that there was something wrong given the way Leone looked in her eyes but she didn't want to press too much. Meanwhile, Leone headed outside and turned toward the general northwestern direction from whence the scent pointed to.

"Let's do this," she spoke with some resolve. She then took off with breakneck speed not wasting a second more; however, despite having decided on what to do, she still had the heart of a maiden. Though she did not want to admit it to anyone, not even to herself; that heart was already broken.

Year 1025, 17th of October

Present Time: 6 A.M.

Dawn broke over the eastern horizon as the different colored hues of the sky gradually became a lighter shade of blue thanks to the emerging presence of the sun. Walking side by side in the forest were two individuals led by a demonic, black dog resembling an undead manifestation of a wolf danger beast. One was a female and the other a male, both was in unfamiliar territory but they were on a personal mission that would benefit the state of affairs in the Capital.

"Man, I'm so glad we ran into that pack of demon dire wolves. Their keen sense of smell is really helpful for finding who I'm looking for," smiled an energetic Kurome carrying her teigu—Yatsufusa—in her hands. Sighing in response was her partner Wave. He knew exactly what she meant but 'whom' hence why he didn't want to leave her alone. His aim was to try and get Kurome and her sister to reconcile without fighting but that was just a silly dream that he felt was not going to come true.

"It certainly beats wandering aimlessly for miles on end like we've been doing by going off dead-end leads. Who knew that we would have found a piece of Akame's clothing in that old hideout that used to belong to Night Raid a few days ago?" commented the male rustling his hair casually.

The pair had been traveling for what like seemed like days and days without end looking for any clues pertaining to the whereabouts of Night Raid. Their lack of activity was only one side of the problem; the other was the fact that the Sapphire Phoenix has occupied most, if not all major missions carried out by imperial forces. The only real lead they had was the old base that Dr. Stylish discovered a long time ago which led to Night Raid and the possibility of Old West Town. Thinking that there might still be traces of her sister there, Kurome wanted to check that old base out first before even thinking of hitting Old West Town. Sure enough, it was then that the black-haired female discovered that piece of cloth that she immediately identified as part of Akame's garb; he knew that something went down.

"Since we have one of these things, we should be able to find your sister with ease right?" he asked. It was then that the demon hound whined slightly looking up and staring off into the distance.

"Of course but it looks like we don't have to wait that much longer. Look up ahead! There's a massive structure built into a mountain. That is totally a hideout. Come on Wave!" cheered the energetic female as she moved faster toward the stone structure in the distance at a faster pace.

Meanwhile, Najenda and Chelsea had just woken up respectively after dealing with what felt like barrage after barrage of stress from the past few days. Sleep seemed like a luxury. With all the problems that were going on in the world, it felt like Night Raid was better off just hiding in a hole somewhere until the war was over rather than facing the problems head on but that couldn't happen. That won't happen. Not now, not ever. There was no point in complaining about the problems that they faced because their lifestyle was always meant to be a path of struggle. They just had to keep going forward as a whole and deal with whatever trials came their way.

After taking the time to get themselves cleaned up and fresh for the day ahead, the pair sat down quietly in the dining area eating some leftover stew that they had last night for breakfast. Since it was only the two of them here, it felt extremely empty. It was tragic that Night Raid had become so broken up by recent events. Being here in this base may be home but it just did not feel right to stay here. Luckily, they would not be home alone for long since Akame and Tatsumi were expected to come back today from their scouting mission at Old West Town. However, Chelsea just couldn't feel right about being at the base.

"What's going on Chelsea?" asked Najenda before she grabbed a cigarette to light. The first bit of tobacco for the day was always the best as it stimulated the eye-patched woman's nerves and energized her for the coming day ahead. As she lit up the tubular item taking the first puff, she began feeling herself being re-vitalized though opinions try to state that they'll kill you. Oh well. The world was shit anyways and she knew she'd die eventually so no use in being caught up over such frivolous details. Chelsea took a deep gulp of warm tea before responding.

"I don't know how to say this but, I just don't feel right being here. It just doesn't feel like home anymore. I know that Night Raid has suffered casualties in the past but this level of quiet isn't because of the burdens of fighting in a war. No, this is because someone broke apart our place of solace with wild accusations and baseless rumors. We may not be able to change the past but Fujitora ruined our home," the girl confessed trying to hold back tears. Chelsea wasn't the sentimental type and she knew in her heart that this was not like her but being a part of Night Raid was currently the happiest moment in her life. Regardless of the war and the fact that they have a lingering death sentence looming over their heads because of their lives as assassins, as long as they had each other nothing else mattered.

"I'm sorry Boss, I know this must sound selfish of me but I can't just sit here and wait for the others to come back. I want to be out there with them doing something. I want to contribute anything that I can to bring Raizo back but I know that I'm not fit for fieldwork. But there just has to be something that I can do!"

Najenda took a long drag of her cigarette. Puffing out a small cloud of smoke, she shook off the dangling ash into a nearby tray before turning her attention to Chelsea. Taking a moment to reminisce, she had to admit that she felt the same way. Being inside this hideout really did feel lonesome. It didn't feel like home without everyone here even if Night Raid was dwindling in number. Night Raid wasn't whole without all of the remaining teammates together. At this point in their lives, the only way they could find peace was by having moments where they could all laugh and enjoy one another's presence without having to worry about fighting. It seems like that joy had almost run its course.

"I have to agree with you Chelsea, it doesn't feel like home. But at least Akame and Tatsumi are supposed to be coming back today so hopefully they will have found something in regard to Raizo's whereabouts. If not then we also have Leone to rely on. However, waiting can be quite a drag so why don't we take the manta and head out to meet up with Akame and Tatsumi? That way we can get some fresh air and we won't have to be stuck in this place," the female recommended wanting to get out of the base as well.

"That sounds like a plan. Let me go make sure the beast is awake then and I'll feed it too," nodded Chelsea in agreement. As the girl finished her cup of tea, she proceeded to head outside toward the area where they kept the flying beast sheltered. As she exited the room, Najenda gave herself time to finish her cigarette letting her mind wander off to think whatever it wanted to. The moment she did, her mind instantly focused on Raizo. That boy has come such a long way since they first met about a year or so ago. Honestly, she didn't think that the youth would become such an integral part of the family of assassins but she was glad that he did. Regardless of all the trials that were bought their way, he still remained with them through it all. However, the woman knew that eventually, he would become more than just a mere assassin. After all, that day was still ingratiated in her mind when she felt like the world was truly going to end.

"I guess you'll be leaving the nest soon. You have a family that's way stronger than any of us. I just hope you won't forget us at all," she said to herself in a saddened tone. She logically understood that Raizo's power was going to take him far beyond this civil war. In fact, after learning about even stronger individuals existing out there, there was no doubt that Raizo would have to step up and fight a new fight; it would be one that would not only be for the safety of his allies but for the entire benefit of this world and beyond. Najenda couldn't help but wonder if the others have come to this realization or were they just too focused on getting the youth back.

"Just how long will we have you around Raizo?" she asked herself as the reflection of the boy's face came to her mind. Trying not to get too caught up in being sentimental, the woman then proceeded to head outside to join Chelsea.

The lollipop-loving girl had been busy making sure the flying danger beast that they tamed had been properly fed and suited for flight. She felt a weight being lifted off her shoulders since the Boss had agreed to get away from the base for a while. The girl didn't want to feel dramatic but she just wanted to be able to do something to contribute to the situation. Taking a deep breath, she tried to alleviate her frustration with thoughts about something else. It was then that Tatsumi's face flashed in her mind. She could really use a shoulder to lean on or at least his smile to look at it. That smile of his was so reassuring to her making her feel like everything was alright. It also did something else to her that made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside causing her cheeks to become red at times like now for example. She felt the heat radiate from her skin as a result, her heart pounding inside of her chest. She tried to shake that feeling off but it grew more and more until…

"Hey Chelsea," called out Najenda suddenly approaching from a close distance. The sudden echo of her name caused the girl to jump and freeze in place. Her arms locked in front of her body clutching both sides of her face. Her heart felt like it leapt up into her throat causing her to cease breathing for a split second. After a pause, she hesitantly answered.

"Ye…Yes?" she spoke meekly turning carefully to face the woman that was coming her way.

"You ready to go?" Najenda asked tilting her head to the side and observing Chelsea's weird posture. Before the eye-patched woman asked her what was going on, the maiden took a deep breath and exhaled calming down her nerves. However, before she could answer, something horrific then happened.

It was seemingly out of nowhere but a silhouette that was filled with malevolence and sadistic desire swooped in on the grounds like a plague. Such evil should have been felt from a mile away but it managed to infiltrate this base like it was nothing. The saddest fact of the matter was that neither Chelsea nor Najenda had noticed it. The latter still wasn't aware of it and before the former could warn her, the world seemed to grey out for a moment in time. Suddenly, Najenda had a blade puncture her from behind piercing her vital organs without as much as a sound. The woman's eye gaped open widely when she felt her breath taken away from her. Blood spurted out in the next moment from the stab wound. Standing behind Najenda was none other than Kurome of the Jaegers.

"Well, well, well, it looks like this turned out to be the right place after all. And what do you know? I managed to get the Boss of all people! You're gonna make a fine addition to my collection Najenda~" the insane girl taunted in her ear. Najenda turned her attention back to Chelsea uttering her final words.

"Chel…sea…run. You…must…live on…" she said faintly before her eye rolled back and her body went limp. Kurome slowly pulled her blade out of the General's body as the corpse slowly fell over. She began to laugh as the weapon glowed with a dark foreboding aura. Najenda's body was then outlined in the same color of that aura beginning to move of its own free will. Chelsea watched in horror as tears welled up in her eyes before cascading down her cheeks. When she saw Najenda's face, she could see that there was nothing but an empty void in her eye. Najenda was gone even though her body was right there standing before the auburn haired female.

"NOOOOOOOOO!" Chelsea screamed loudly. Her shriek echoed throughout the entire area causing the birds in the trees to stir and take flight.

"Oh hey, you're the girl who tried to kill me before and failed. It seems like that Raizo guy isn't here so that means I can kill you myself," she chuckled. Snapping her fingers, Najenda's husk began to move independently. Step by step, the undead body of the former leader of Night Raid moved toward Chelsea. Frozen by both sorrow and fear, the girl was unable to move. Laughter occurred in the background as Kurome mocked Chelsea's inability to cope with her reality. It was almost like a comedy was being played out right before the black-haired girl.

"Oh my god, I just can't believe your expression right now. It's so hilarious! Tell me, how's it feel knowing you're about to die by the hands of your beloved commander? It's ironic right? The very person you fought under and obeyed orders without question is about to take your life! I could cry from laughing just because it's so fucking poetic!" Kurome exclaimed clapping her hands joyfully. Though Chelsea did not know it but her partner—Wave—was in the background looking away. He felt it was cruel but this was something that they had to do for the Jaegers' sake.

Najenda stepped closer and closer to the girl. Chelsea tried to back up but she stumbled back against the body of the air manta. She couldn't use Gaia Foundation to escape and there was no way she could outrun both the enhanced corpse and the assassin behind her. Suddenly, she felt something cold and metallic grab her throat immediately gripping it tightly. The air she inhaled was being cut off. Looking ahead, she noticed that Najenda extended her arm and fired her hand to grasp the female. Najenda walked closer and closer until the forearm was locked firmly back into place then she began lifting the helpless girl up in the air. Kicking, she couldn't even scream for help. Was this really how it was going to end?

-Moments Ago-

"Damn it all," Tatsumi sighed heavily in annoyance while racing through the woods back to headquarters. Partnered with Akame, they were on their way back from Old West Town after failing to find any clues that could lead to Raizo's whereabouts since his big escape from the Revolutionary Army base. All they found was just wreckage and debris from when he and the other members of Night Raid battled with the Sapphire Phoenix about a week ago. It wasn't completely unreasonable to think that their comrade would have backtracked to that place; after all, Raizo was most likely going to want answers so why not stop there along the way?

"You can't get frustrated Tatsumi. After all, Raizo probably figured that if he had any pursuers that they would check in that place first. For now, we just need to focus on getting back to base to come up with a new plan," stated Akame being the voice of reason in this situation. Tatsumi sighed once more before replying.

"I understand but part of me was just hoping that we would have lucked out on the first attempt."

"We can't always be that lucky. It's just something we have to deal with," Akame spoke once more, her voice trailing off. Suddenly, she felt her heart leap and a jolt of pain come from the side that Murasame was hanging on. Tch…what the hell? She thought casting a glance to her side. A dark miasma began to faintly radiate from the cursed blade. She didn't understand why because Murasame never acted this way before unless…

No…it can't be…

The last time Murasame behaved this way was when she last crossed blades with her sister, Kurome. As she recalled the face of her only living relative, she recalled how Murasame acted when it clashed with Yatsufusa. Like the two females, the two blades were also like siblings yet they were also like bitter rivals. She could only surmise that Murasame had a grudge against Yatsufusa yet the blades were always bonded together by fate much like her and the black-haired female. However, why would her teigu be reacting the way it is right now? It didn't make any sense but then it hit her as a loud scream was heard coming from the approaching fortress in the distance.

"Hurry Tatsumi!" she yelled bursting forth at a ridiculous speed approaching the speed of light. In an instant, she had left Tatsumi in the dust as the male had to take a moment to re-engage Incursio. Though she didn't mean to ditch her partner, that cry was coming from their home meaning that someone had dared to violate the serenity of it.

Akame reached the base not a moment sooner scaling the walls of the structure and jumping into the air over the area. Drawing her blade, she saw three individuals by the giant manta pen. Diving downward, she went straight for the one choking her comrade, Chelsea, which she easily identified from the air.

"Get away!" she shouted dropping down on her target. Hearing the shout, the assailant kicked away from Chelsea releasing her from the choke hold. Akame then stood in front of the girl with her blade drawn ready for a fight. Her long, black hair blew in the gentle breeze while the dark, red-headed girl coughed trying to reclaim air into her lungs.

"Are you alright Chelsea?" she asked in a quiet tone as she glanced over her shoulder. Gradually, the female stood back up nodding in response but Akame noticed that she had tears flowing down her face. Was she that scared? No, that wouldn't make sense because Chelsea has been a longtime assassin so no situation would make her break. What could she be crying over?

"Yes…I'll manage but…Akame…the Boss is…is…" she stuttered slowly lifting her arm to point ahead of her. Turning toward that general direction, Akame gazed in astonishment at the sight of Najenda holding a dead stare at her. She had a massive blood stain coming from the right of her breast area. To make matters worse, she had a deep, ominous, violet aura around her. Chuckling in amusement, the puppeteer, Kurome, came forth as if mocking the whole situation.

"Well then, isn't this quite the family reunion? Hello dear sister! I'm so glad you were able to join us!" Kurome said in a sinister tone, "You're just in time for the show!"

"Kurome…you…" Akame began to speak but her mind was too blanked out by the need to scream out in horror and grief from seeing her longtime friend and leader becoming one of the undead puppets under her sister's control.

"Isn't she a wonderful addition to my collection big sis? Don't worry! I'll be sure to add you and your little friend so you can all be together in my happy little family! Isn't that great?"

Akame felt herself wanting to give into sorrow but she pushed those thoughts down. She instead felt an intense fury overwhelm her senses. Clinching her sword tightly in her hand to the point where her knuckles began to crack loudly, she only said in a whisper.

"Chelsea, take the manta and get out of harm's way. I don't want you to be in danger when I fight. Tatsumi is on his way so don't worry about me," she recommended softly. As Chelsea saw those red eyes turn toward her, she saw the cold resolution harder than steel reflected in them. As though her breath had been seized again, the female only nodded and hopped on the back of the manta patting it to wake up so it could take off. The beast then stirred and slammed his wings down instantly responding and taking off. Akame's hair whipped violently in the sudden gust of wind but she did not move once from her spot maintaining her stance like an immovable mountain. It was then that Wave decided to dart from his hiding space to try and attack Chelsea to prevent her escape.

"You're not getting away!" he yelled out fully engulfed in the armor of Grand Chariot. Suddenly, he was felt a sudden impact occur sending him flying down into the ground. All that he saw was the figure of Incursio floating for a brief moment in the air before it descended back to the ground.

"Tatsumi…" he muttered before his collision with the Earth. The male in question landed swiftly off to the side of Akame turning to see that Najenda was now a husk being controlled by the black-haired female.

"No…it can't be…" he gasped trying to deny what he was seeing as reality. How could this have happened? He didn't know but he wanted to cut down that smiling bitch in two for what she has done.

"Tatsumi, I'll take care of Kurome and her puppets…you deal with him," she uttered.

"But…"

Akame then glared at the armored male showing her seriousness about the matter at hand. Once he saw that expression that could not even be described by mere words, he immediately backed down and began walking toward Wave's location. With that being settled, the matches were officially set up.

"So it looks like you and I finally get to have our little showdown right big sis?" Kurome asked tilting her head. She then raised her blade high into the sky as black and purple, miasmic jolts of what seemed like lightning struck into the ground. In that instant, the figures of some unknown puppets as well as the dire wolf, Natala, and Doya appeared alongside Najenda.

"Let's get started!" Kurome shouted with hype. Akame looked down at the ground grasping Murasame. She took her stance aiming the blade in her sister's general direction suppressing all irrelevant motions gradually. As her crimson hues glanced over Najenda's body, time seemed to slow in her vision while the puppets went to take their respective positions to defend their master.

Forgive me Boss, I'll say words of remembrance for you later but at this moment, you're an obstacle in the way of my target. I have no choice, please understand.

"Drop dead…" muttered the red-eyed killer as shut burst forward at blinding speed going through all of the puppets in the blink of an eye charging right at Kurome. The girl barely had enough time to react sloppily deflecting the oncoming strike before jumping back. As she got away from her sister, she saw that all of the puppets she had under her control immediately dropped to the ground motionless including Natala, Doya and Najenda. Wide-eyed, she did not know what to think. The last time they fought, Natala and Doya gave Akame significant grief. Sure the other puppets were expendable, even Najenda, but for all of them to be batted down like that? It didn't make sense at all!

"If you want to have the showdown with me that you've longed for, then do it by your own hands. Don't use someone else's especially not those of my beloved comrade that you murdered. There is no redemption for you Kurome, I have to end your life here," Akame uttered coldly snapping the blood off her blade before gradually approaching her sister. Now that all the puppets were out of the way, all of Kurome's strength would return to her and there would not be any unwelcome additions into their fight.

"So much for having fun, but let's finish this once and for all my dearest big sister!" Kurome shouted out as Yatsufusa began to glow with its own miasma as if restless to clash against its nemesis, Murasame. The cursed blade began to glow as well on Akame's end itching to clash with its rival. As the sisters charged at one another, their duel of fate had finally begun.

On the other side of the field, Tatsumi stood before Wave as the male slowly recovered from the initial surprise blow that he had taken. The two armored males now stared at one another not saying anything. Both of them had more in common than they openly admitted but they were just on two opposite paths regardless of sharing similar ideals. They both did not wish for things to come to this point but there was no other choice in the matter.

"So, here we are then," Tatsumi spoke first breaking the seemingly long silence which had been broken by the occasional clanging of steel from the girls fighting in the background. Wave tried to look past the Incursio armor before him but Tatsumi was not trying to have his opponent distracted.

"This was an inevitable encounter between you and I Tatsumi, I only regret that we have to be at this point in order to move on with our lives," Wave spoke.

"It wouldn't have to be this way if you would just side with the Revolutionary Army!"

"You know I cannot do that!" shouted the Grand Chariot user pointing, "Regardless of what the Revolutionary Army is trying to accomplish, I cannot overlook the fact that you are with Night Raid. You are nothing but a band of murdering criminals that tries to justify your actions against the law by saying it's for the good of the country!"

"Cut the bullshit Wave! How can you sit here and call us criminals when the Capital is corrupt?! You call us lawbreakers yet the very people you take orders from are holding their citizens hostage!"

"I know that the Capital is rotten and I know that the rebels are trying to fight for the people but I cannot condone their methods or Night Raid's actions! This is why I am a soldier so I can rise up through the ranks and change the Capital from within."

"How many years is that going to take Wave? Do you really think that the people can wait until you reach a position to where you have some influence on what goes on within the Empire? The Prime Minister would never allow it and Esdeath would not even think to end this war for the people's sake. Stop being stupid and think!"

"I'm sorry Tatsumi but regardless of how much I'd like to think of us as similar, we are just on opposite paths. This is our one and only crossroad. In order to move on, one of us must fall here."

"So be it, but I'm not going to hold back. The empire has taken way too much for me to fall here. If I were to die, then I couldn't look at the faces of Saya, Ieyasu, Sheele, Bro, Susanoo, Mein, and Lubbock in the afterlife!"

"Bring it on, Tatsumi!"

""HAAAAAAAAAAA""

BOOM!

The two armored males collided with fist striking against fist, the resulting impact breaking the sound barrier. As they began their duel, Chelsea could only look down from high above the giant manta in the skies as two separate battles took place in the same general area. Feeling helpless once again, all Chelsea could do was watch and pray that her comrades would make it through this. No, praying was a stupid thing to do. She believed they would win; there was no reason to doubt them. She knew that Akame and Tatsumi were more than strong enough to take down their foes. This was just a distraction that they had to simply dispose of.

Back on the ground, the battles were heating up between the two sisters and the two armor-bearers. The sounds of steel crashing against steel irradiated harmoniously in the composing a symphony of deadly melodies filled with murderous intent. A clash between sisters and rivals took place as the home that belonged to Night Raid became a war zone like the Capital City all those months ago. What they believed in, what they fought for, everything that defined who they were was on the line right now as the warriors fought with their all. At the end of this battle, two would be standing and two would fall.

Tatsumi and Wave collided fists with one another almost interchangeably as the battle between Incursio and Grand Chariot took place. Both staked their pride in their fists as they punched each other with more than enough force to shatter the bones of an average human being completely. Tatsumi's upgraded Incursio was proving to be more than enough to take each blow that Wave delivered as he felt that he was far stronger now than he was the last time they fought. The green-eyed male cloaked in the silver armor was not afraid to show his opponent just how strong he had become either as he began to get the upper hand on Wave.

"Take this!" he shouted delivering a sharp blow to Wave's gut before following up with a right hook to the Grand Chariot user's face finishing with a swinging roundhouse kick that sent Wave flying into the air. Thinking that he would be able to win this easily, Tatsumi watched as Wave went soaring through the air slowly about to hit the ground but in the next instant, his entire demeanor would change.

"MASTEMA!" Wave yelled while in the air. In that next moment, two giant angel wings sprouted from his back which allowed him to regain his balance. Now floating in the air was a black armored individual with white wings causing a dangerous gaze at the Incursio wielder. Two teigu at once? Was it really possible for a normal human being to achieve this? Did Wave really know the risks behind this? Was he mentally and physically prepared for the burden? It seemed like it didn't matter at this point since this situation was life or death.

"Now Tatsumi, I'll show you what lengths I've gone through in order to gain my strength," he said spreading the wings wide up. Ran, I'll be sure to make use of your teigu to the fullest in order to defeat my enemy.

"Show me what you're made of then Wave!" Tatsumi yelled summoning the red bell-shaped spear, Neuntote. Readying himself, Wave then climbed high into the sky before dropping in with his foot.

"GRAND FALL FLUGEL!"

Dropping down like a bomb, Wave dove straight for Tatsumi's position without any further delay. Wave was betting everything he had in these next few instances. He didn't want to use Mastema so early in his battle but he had no choice. Truth be told, Grand Chariot could not hope to match with Incursio at this point. The evolution feature of the armor was something that he was not counting but even if Tatsumi was drawing more power from it, then that meant that there was probably more strain on his body. Maybe this was why Grand Chariot was developed to be the final version so that it would have the same prowess as its predecessor but with less risk to the user. It still didn't make sense as to why Grand Chariot was inferior to Incursio at this point but there was no use complaining over it. He had to finish this fight so he could help Kurome. She wouldn't last for long in battle even without her puppets sapping her strength.

Tatsumi stood there with his guard up holding Neuntote ready to take on the full force of Wave's attack. Though it would be wiser for him to dodge, accepting Wave's attack head on was a sign of respect acknowledging a fellow warrior's full-fledged potential. Time seemed to slow down around them as Wave closed in faster and faster with his impending attack. Steeling his nerve, Tatsumi took a deep breath as the memories of all of his past struggles came to him mentally reminding him that he's been through a lot and that this blow would not cause him to yield whatsoever.

3…

2…

1…

WHOOOSH! GADOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

Wave's kick swooped down and collided with the body of Tatsumi's weapon. The resulting force caused a massive explosive that thrust a geyser of air pressure directly into the air causing the manta that was circling to waver from getting any closer than necessary. A massive plume of dust covered the area that caused the sisters' fight to halt in order to get out of the way. The wind from the aftershock blew away the dust leaving a massive crater where Tatsumi was holding off Wave's strike but just barely. The pressure was still enough to cause the mask of the youth's armor to break exposing his face but the same shock back tracked to Wave doing the same.

"That was quite the powerful attack Wave. Had Incursio been in its original form, I'm sure I would not be able to hold you off the way I am right now; however, this fight is over. I'm sorry, but you've lost," Tatsumi declared. Before Wave even had a chance to reply Tatsumi began using his strength from his legs. The Incursio user then sent the force up to his arms thus pushing forward with Neuntote to get Grand Chariot off of him. Surprised by this, Wave's body was manipulated by Tatsumi's motion. Taking advantage of the situation, Tatsumi then spun his weapon around and sliced Wave across the chest with all of his might.

"Gyaaahh!" Wave cried out. The cleaving strike rendered by Tatsumi went through cutting the dark armor open searing the flesh beneath as the blood gushed from the resulting wound. As Grand Chariot listed in the air before hitting the ground, Tatsumi finished the job by bring the spear downward appearing to slice Wave in half which slammed the male into the ground. Mastema disengaged from Wave's back sliding onto the ground. Tatsumi stood breathing heavily with some signs of fatigue but he was the victor while Wave was left in shock as death began to loom over the male.

Tatsumi walked over to Wave's side collapsing down to one knee as he saw that Wave still maintained some consciousness. He didn't know how long his opponent had left but it appeared that he was trying to hold onto whatever strength was left in order to see how Kurome's match would turn out.

"Tatsumi…please…help me watch the end of that match. I have to have closure with Kurome's fate before I...leave this world," he spoke weakly. Nodding in consent knowing that Wave held no malicious intent, Tatsumi helped Wave sit up in a position in which he was not in nearly as much pain so he could see his love's fight to its conclusion.

While the boys had finished their match in what seemed like to be mere minutes, the sisters had been largely undisturbed the entire time clashing blades with one another. After taking cover from the sudden onslaught of wind and dust, Akame and Kurome were back at each other matching blow for blow with blinding sword strikes. As red eyes focused on black eyes and vice versa, Murasame violently clanged against Yatsufusa in this death battle.

Memories of when the two were little seemingly flashed between the minds of the girls at the same time. Times when they smiled and times when they were scared; growing up being dogs of the Empire being forced to train as assassins. One went on to become one of the greatest assassins to walk the Earth while the other became a product of modern medicine becoming a super soldier with a very dwindling life expectancy. Though Akame wished that her sister would have joined her in being a rebel, she was already far too lost believing that the Capital was the proper path which eventually led to this moment.

"I bet you still wish you could have saved me dear sister!" Kurome smirked while swinging her blade downward forcing the edge of Murasame to scrape the ground beneath their feet. Being the superior skilled warrior, Akame staved off the strike by holding her blade locked in place forcing a deadlock with her sister. Taking the opportunity, she kicked the girl in her abdomen sending her stumbling back.

"I gave up trying to save you a long time ago Kurome. You're too insane to be left alive. The little sister I loved is dead; the one standing before me is just some monster that happens to share the same face. The very same monster is the one who killed a very close friend of mind and tried to injure the other. For that, I have no words left to say to you only my blade to deliver instead," Akame ranted launching toward Kurome with great speed, "Drop dead!"

"Heh, you think those trigger words will really help you to deny the pain that you feel inside your heart?! Don't make me laugh Akame!" Kurome yelled bearing Yatsufusa in a guarded position ready for the next attack. However, the girl's body was at its limit. She felt her nerves no longer responding and her motor reflexes slowing down. Despite having her treatment and her cookies, it wasn't enough to prevent the inevitable. This fight would be ending soon and she knew it. She had to end this once and for all. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she kicked off the ground charging at her sister once more.

Yatsufusa and Murasame glowed respectively once again, the auras of the undead and cursed blades mingled together as they struck one another. The teigu shared a rivalry much like these girls did both being swords that people felt an ominous presence from in the past. They were the teigu that personified the fear of death in itself. Who was the stronger of the two? Some would say that it depended upon the wielders while others often stated that the curse that Murasame held was more to be reckoned with than the necromancy effects of Yatsufusa. It was inevitable that these blades would be brought together.

Akame and Kurome testified to the legacy of those two blades as neither one relented in striking at the other. They appeared evenly matched because neither could afford to be cut by the other's weaponry; however, Kurome was weakened and fast. She didn't want to show that opening to Akame but the perceptive killer could see through it all. Backing off from her younger sibling, she brought her blade up into her signature stance readying herself to deliver the final blow.

This is it…

Both girls said this in their heads. Bracing for that moment, silence covered the entire area while the battle continued to rage on within the minds of the females playing out 1,001 possibilities of how this next move would end it all. Time passed begrudgingly slow as fortune would have it. Tick, tock, tick, tock, seconds passed and after about 10 counts, it happened.

Akame charged forward right at Kurome at light speed faster than the girl could even remotely react this time. The world went silent as Tatsumi, Wave, and even Chelsea watched the girls conclude their bout. In that instant, Akame stood before Kurome as Murasame penetrated the girl's abdomen completely up through her vitals and out her back. Resolute and silent, Akame stood the victor unmoved and unscathed. The marks of the curse that seeped out from Murasame then took hold of Kurome's body as she reached the end of her life.

"Looks like…you win…Akame," Kurome said in a reminiscent smile seemingly at peace with the outcome, "I only wish…I could have…won so we would…be together…"

As Akame was about to say something, her red hues peered up into the sky gazing directly at the figure belonging to Chelsea atop the flying manta. It was in that moment that her mind flashed to some sort of alternate scenario where Chelsea was killed by Kurome. In this vision, Tatsumi was the one describing what he saw when he went after the girl. Her head was mounted on top of a pole in the middle of a town. The details were vivid and clear as if it actually happened right before her eyes. Rubbing the side of her head, she exhaled snapping back to reality as that last sentence lingered in her mind. Suddenly, her anger welled up once more.

"I don't wish for a damn thing from you. As I said before, my sister is dead. You're just some monster that happened to have her face," she uttered ruthlessly. Pulling the blade out of the dying girl's body, she swiftly turned and sliced off her head. As the body part tumbled helplessly on the ground, Akame grabbed it looking at the sickening expression that her former sister had.

"You're done," she whispered before tossing it high into the air in which the object landed swiftly on top of a metal pole nearby much like the way Chelsea's head was mounted in that mysterious vision. This did not bother the red-eyed killer in the slightest. She stabbed Murasame into the ground next to where Yatsufusa laid. Little did she know; something unexpected would happen.

"No…this…ack…dammit…" Wave coughed up blood trying to move being dissatisfied with how he saw that fight finish. How could one kill their own sister then finish her off in such a manner? Where was the honor in that? Wave was extremely angered by this as he fought with all his might to move but what was the point of it all? He had no strength left to fight. Why waste it in anger? At least he would get to see Kurome's face on the other side.

"Tatsumi…" Wave whispered tapping his chest. Grand Chariot then disengaged going back into its key state appearing like a black sword with a chain on the hilt. Sliding it from under him, Wave passed the key to Tatsumi looking into the eyes of the man. The armor of Incursio also disappeared from the youth as he focused his attention on the dying adversary suddenly being handed the key.

"Take Grand Chariot…and promise me…that you'll see the Empire free from…corruption. Promise me, you'll save the people and protect the innocent," he uttered. Grabbing hold of the metallic object firmly, Tatsumi nodded in acknowledgment; though he did not know how he would make use of Grand Chariot.

"Thank you…" Wave said before closing his eyes. He took one last breath before his body went limp. The young man who aspired to be a soldier and change the Capital from within died. He was free from this world left to go to the afterlife side by side with the woman he loved.

Tatsumi laid the man down taking the second armor key and headed back toward Akame's location. Feeling that it was safe, Chelsea took the manta in for a landing to rejoin her comrades but they weren't out of the woods yet. In that instant, something insane happened that would forever change the lives of both Akame and Tatsumi.

Murasame radiated a powerful and sinister miasma as it "stood" triumphantly over its rival, the Yatsufusa. The dark and demonic aura poured out from the blade surrounding the sword that was left in the dead hand of its former master. The curses inside the dark fog corroded the flesh and bone of the corpse dissolving it with ease until the blade was free. It was then that incoherent monstrous screams could be heard radiating from the blade.

"What the hell is this?" Akame said stepping back from it as Tatsumi dared not to get any closer. Chelsea was also unable to land the manta for the beast knew something wicked was going on. The energy from the demon blade reached out and grabbed hold of Yatsufusa literally lifted it up into the air. Suddenly, the blade began to dissolve becoming a liquid that dripped onto Murasame in which the blade absorbed. Was it really possible right now? Murasame was literally devouring Yatsufusa!

The incredulous sight continued on for a few more minutes before the miasma faded away. As Akame looked back at her sword, she saw that Yatsufusa was completely gone and her blade had evolved into something else. The blade of Murasame was completely blacked out with a dark trail of crimson going down the middle. The hilt was mostly the same but now bandaged in red and white trim. Purple pulses of what looked like mist twirled around the blade. Slowly, Akame reached for it and grabbed the hilt.

"Akame, wait!" Tatsumi called out but it was too late. Akame lifted the blade out of the ground and observed it carefully. It appeared to widen by about a quarter of an inch and thickened as well. In addition, the handle seemed longer as well as the blade itself. It added a little more weight but none that made using it anymore cumbersome. Swinging it gently in the air to get a feel for it, Akame felt significant power flow into her as a result. She felt a rush of energy like she was being energized by something. Suddenly, a name echoed in her mind.

Scourge of Death's Door: Murasame

Looking around trying to figure out where that voice came from, Akame turned her attention back to her new found blade before trying to sheathe it; however, it would not fit. It was then that the blade's contact with the scabbard caused it to change as well becoming a new black and white sheath which had a red ribbon adornment. The blade then slid into place neatly. Before she could say anything else, something then happened behind Tatsumi. The two armor keys he had flew out of his possession and hit the ground.

"What the…" he was about to say as her turned around. Suddenly, the figures of Incursio and Grand Chariot appeared from both keys. It didn't make any sense but then the sight turned gruesome. Incursio began to show signs of its original form—the beast known as Tyrant—and reach for Grand Chariot. In that next instant, one was devouring the other in which Incursio stood the victor. Suddenly, a brilliant flash of light occurred in which black, blue, white and red all combined into one. Incursio was once again evolving but this time, it was as a result of devouring Grand Chariot.

After a few seconds passed, the beast faded away and there was a lone key lying on the ground. Walking up to it, youth saw that it was different than before. It was a crystal colored blade that was completely transparent like it was made of glass with a light blue stone in the middle. Observing it carefully, a slow yet radiant crimson aura maneuvered around it. When Tatsumi touched it, the blade became ash gray. It was then that words popped into his head much like it did for Akame.

Chariot Armor: Incursio Asteria

"INCURSIO ASTERIA!" yelled the male as those hues appeared and different shape of what used to be Incursio appeared. Instantly enveloping the boy, the beast that was known as Tyrant covered him cloaking him in a new armor that one would think made him look completely evil. It was a sleek black armor with a weird bluish miasmic aura. The helmet looking like it belonged more to a knight that had a red visor and was trailed by a gray phantasmagoric veil. This was the result of Incursio devouring Grand Chariot. A new armor that was stronger than both.

"Holy shit," he said looking at his hands. Akame tilted her head observing her companion. Meanwhile, Chelsea finally managed to reach the ground and join her comrades.

"You guys alright?" she asked running up to them taking note of the new weapons they hand on. In an instant, the helmet flipped open showing Tatsumi's friendly face relieved that the girl was safe.

"Yeah, we're fine but more importantly are you okay?" he asked worriedly looking over her physical condition for any abrasions or injuries. Fortunately except the slight bruising around the neck, she was good to go.

"I'm fine," she smiled happily hearing his concern over her. In the background, Akame walked over to Najenda's body saddened by the sight.

"Akame…" mumbled Chelsea as she watched the actions of the red-eyed female; tears began to well up as result before pouring down her cheeks once again. She knew that Najenda was gone and that she couldn't help the situation be she couldn't help but to blame herself over the entire situation.

"If only I didn't act so desperate to get out of the base because of the fact that it was so weird being here. If only I was strong enough to fight," she began blaming herself. Tatsumi reached out patting her on the shoulder. His armor disengaged slowly with the new key on his back safe and secure. He turned the girl toward him and hugged her tightly.

"Don't blame yourself. We just weren't prepared for this. All we can do now is bury her and try to move on," Tatsumi whispered. However, Akame stood up now firm in resolve.

"We don't have time to linger over this tragic event. I hate to sound cruel but all we can do now is just burn the bodies and continue our mission. Najenda would have wanted us to continue on no matter what."

Despite the harshness of it, she was speaking the truth and they knew it. Doing exactly what she said, her and Tatsumi gradually moved each corpse into that crater that was caused by the fight between Wave and the green-eyed youth. While they were there, Tatsumi picked up Mastema and handed it to Chelsea as the girl had brought along some oils that would aid in the burning process. Grabbing Najenda's eyepatch for a memento, Akame and the others got out of the pit and set a fire to burn the corpses.

"Let's go find Leone. We'll figure out what to do afterward," Akame said walking off to get on the manta. She looked at that pole where Kurome's head was mounted and didn't bat an eye. Tatsumi was about to remove it when she called out immediately.

"Leave it! I'll remove it myself at a later time."

Tatsumi quickly backed down and then continued walking behind Akame with Chelsea in tow. As they all got on the back of the beast, the trio was hoisted high into the sky taking off toward the direction that Chelsea believed Leone was still heading…northwest.