Tatsumi felt the ground rumble as the Air Manta crash landed in front of the target area. Though he didn't see by what, the Danger Beast was clearly shot down.

The young assassin, along with the rest of the second team, managed to exploit a hole in the patrol lines. The blood spots on the ground a clear indication of why.

They approached the HQ building without much incident until just a few moments ago when a patrol appears out of nowhere.

"What just happened?" Lubbock asked, snapping the neck of the last of the enemy patrol unit they ran into with his threads.

"Something shot our ride out of the sky." Leone stated, holding a hand above both her eyes. She stood transformed on a pile of three dead guards, the bulk of the patrol unit.

"That's not good." Bulat, whom stood near the impact crater created with the guard he slammed into the ground. "The Air Manta was meant to be our ride out of here."

"We knew there was a chance of improving on our escape plan." Tatsumi stated. "Right now, we got to help out the others."

Leone let out a low whistle. "Wow, look at you calling the shots! I gotta admit, that's kinda hot Tatsumi."

Tatsumi closed his eyes, blushing a bit as he took a moment to refocus. He glanced back around to his friend.

"Lubbock, head on inside and scout it out! The rest of us will check out what's happening!"

"What, and abandon my friends?!"

"You have an advantage fighting in close quarters." Bulat cut in. "Besides, you might be the only left to help clear any obstacles out of the strike team's way."

"Yeah, so get to it you nerd!" Leone teased with a wide smirk. "We'll be busy throwing whoever's chasing Boss off their backs! It's up to you to clear the way forward!"

A few images of how the green haired man thought Najenda would thank him for such an act flooded the young man's mind.

"Understood!" Lubbock gave a sharp salute. "I humbly accept this order!"

Without another word, the four split up to try and salvage the plan crumbling around them.

Meanwhile...

"Is everyone alright?" Najenda shouted, glancing around her. They came down hard, almost like a meteor. If it wasn't for Susanoo cushioning the blow with his own body at the last moment...

"I'll be fine in a moment." Susanoo reported, his body regenerating from the impact.

"Fine." Akame replied simply.

"I'm good." Walker stated, transforming his Imperial Arms into its machine gun combination.

"I'm OK, just super pissed!" Mine chimed in. "I mean goddamn it! That was our ride out of here!"

"I know, but there's nothing we can do." Najenda replied. "We'll come up with another way out of here." She turned toward the building behind her, staring at the top of the citadel shooting out of the center of this wing.

"For now we just focus on getting into that tower."

"Sorry, but that's not gonna happen." A new voice called out. Everyone from the strike team turned, approaching them in his armor was the lone Wave.

"A Jagear..." Akame stated.

"Just one? I thought there be more of you rushing to the crash site by now." Walker added.

"Seryu and Drake are gathering the guardsmen. They'll be here soon enough." Wave settled into a fighting position, raising his fist up like a boxer. "I'll hold you all here till then."

"You think you can hold off 5 high class enemies by yourself?" Mine shifted her gun into her shoulder. "I can't tell if you're brave or an idiot."

The young man simply shrugged off the insulting comment.

"I made a promise to myself. A promise that I won't allow anyone I care about die on my watch." Wave replied. "Don't underestimate my determination!"

The young man charged forward, dodging shots from Walker and Mine. Akame meet his charge, her sword clashing off against Wave's fists.

"I can't find any openings in his armor." Akame stated, using the last blow to push herself up to fully takin the Imperial Arms Grand Chariot.

"It doesn't matter how many of you are!" Wave shouted, jumping forward and landing a hit in Akame's stomach.

The latter flew back at an alarming rate, only to be caught by Susanoo. Yet the blow did some damage, as shown by her coughing up a smidge of blood.

Najenda circled around the Jagear, firing her extendable fist once she was in position.

Without so much as glancing back, Wave managed to catch the fist behind his back surprising Night Raid's commanding officer.

"It doesn't matter what tricks you try to pull!" The young man said, spinning around before pulling on the iron rope connecting the fist to the rest of the prosthetic arm.

The force was too great for the former general to react in time, before she could do anything Wave delivered a left kick into Najenda's gut.

As the latter was sent upward, Susanoo charged at the young man. Wave spun to face him, ready for the heavy blow he knew was coming.

"I'll fight as many of you as I have to!"

Wave blocked the opening blow, barely staggering back and partly surprising the humanoid weapon.

The Jagear followed up by rolling around his foe and kicking him in the side. Susanoo staggered a few feet, then swung his weapon at Wave's side. The latter jumped aside, then dashed back as Mine tried to shoot at him once more.

"What the hell? Was he always this tough?" She said, cursing as Wave kept dodging her shots.

"He's like a force of nature..." Akame stated.

Najenda, having recovered some time ago, let out a tisk.

This was taking too long. Speed is the key in an operation like this. They couldn't waste anymore time with a powerful foe like him.

They simply didn't have the time.

This is why she established two teams to deal with situations like this in the first place, but the team assigned to delaying the enemy was nowhere to be seen.

"Scatter!" Najenda yelled. "It doesn't matter who, just get to the citadel!"

Most of her subordinates complied, with Susanoo focusing on occupying the Jagear. Wave quickly caught on and moved to intercept, but the humanoid did his job well in pinning down the young man.

"So we're playing the hard game huh?" He said, kicking the oni-looking man in the chest.

"I will carry out my duty to my master." Susanoo replied, catching his foe's leg. "No matter the task, I shall fulfill it to the utmost of my abilities."

"So you fight for your friends' sake too huh?" Wave concluded, settling into a battle stance. 'Something else we have in common...' He mentally finished.

Wave eyed the other members of Night Raid speeding towards the citadel, worried that Drake and Seryu wouldn't make it in time when he heard the sound of machine guns firing.

Najenda jumped aside while Walker kept rushing forward. The forward let out a curse as the latter turned his head back.

"I'll get the job done!" He said, continuing his way forward though sporadic gunfire.

Off on the other side, Akame was intercepted by an all too familiar figure. Seryu, grinning eagerly, crashed head long into the assassin. Mine stopped, face morphing from surprise to anger in a matter of seconds.

She had a score to settle with this Jagear.

Hoards of guards under Bolic's payroll pored in from the left and right being ordered by Drake or Holimaca.

"Well done kid!" Drake shouted as guards rushed pasted him. "Reinforcements are here, so no need to push yourself anymore!"

"Thanks, but I'm going to keep up the pressure!" Wave replied. "I have people to protect after all!"

Drake give out a laugh. "Sure thing kid. Just don't get killed."

Ahead, rows of guards formed up to block the way of the only member of Night Raid still moving towards the citadel.

"Stop right there!" They vainly command.

"Get out of my way!" Walker replied, opening fire without losing his stride. The guards fell without a hassle, clearing the way forward for the merc.

"After him!" Holimaca screamed after the man passed over the fallen.

"Belay that!" Drake countered, turning his head to meet the commander's eyes. "It's just one man, let him go. Besides there are plenty of others inside that can deal with him."

The Jagear turned his head back around. "We need all the help we can in order to subdue these enemies."

Holimaca let out a tisk, he didn't like people undermining his authority. He gets that enough from Rook...

The guards formed a battle line around the remaining assassins, those with guns stayed in front of those wielding swords, spears and other similar melee weapons that made up the bulk of their numbers while those with bows stayed at the rear.

"I'm giving you one chance Night Raid!" Holimaca shouted out to the assassins. "Surrender now or face annihilation!"

"Like we'll surrender in the face of weak minded fools like you!" Najenda replied. "We were given a job to do, and we'll carry it out regardless of the cost!"

"Well you heard her folks!" Bolic's number 2 guy said, twirling around the scythe in his hand once with a smirk. "Give it to them boys!"

With a yell, Holimaca's subordinates charged, fired, or both at their enemy in a bid to overwhelm Night Raid with their numbers.

A ploy used foolishly in the past by many a foe till this very day...

Meanwhile...

Lord Fairchild, Rook, and Vlad von Farblood took a few minutes to bare witness to the battle between General Esdeath and Stiches in the courtyard beyond.

They watched as ice shards glistened in the night sky, what appeared to be forms made of wood and veins fly to and from these very ice formations, and the creature that also watched it all from the massive tree that sprung up from the courtyard.

"Stiches, one of my most loyal subordinates." Vlad spoke for the first time in many moments. "He is one of our more...indiscrete and rather harsh members."

"And yet you brought him here?" Rook asked, his voice dipped in distain.

"In order to draw the eyes of those whom would be obstacles to our meeting, yes." Vlad soundly replied. "I hate it when someone interferes in a conversation they have no business in belonging."

"I can understand that point of view." Lord Fairchild added with a smile. "Still, I find it hard to be persuaded on your goal here. You say you wish to provide me a home, a place I belong, and yet how is it that someone like me can life in harmony with rather...disturbed I suppose, individuals?"

Vlad let out a sigh, closing his eyes. It's not that he hadn't heard of this argument before, it simply due to the fact that he was tired explaining such things.

"Yes, I admit that many of our brothers and sisters despise, even fear humans. This is mostly due to the fact that our kind has been hunted down like animals since humanity first took it's accession and became the 'masters of this world'."

"Many of the Children of Z have seen their loved once die before their very eyes and some nearly killed themselves by humans. As such, one can hardly blame their opinions on the human race as a whole."

The monster turned to face the demi-human and his bodyguard, reopening his eyes. Vlad raised his hand up and slowly balled it into a fist as he spoke these next few words.

"This is one of the core reasons why we are gathering up all whom are willing to band together. To survive and protect ourselves from those that would do us harm, human or otherwise."

"That is the honest and plain goal of the Children of Z." The monster opened his hand at this point, and held both out to his side.

"There are no hidden agendas or meanings. Not even a plan of revenge. We simply wish to be somewhere we belong...as a family if you will."

Fairchild closed his eyes, smiling. "I see..." He muttered, taking the next few minutes in deep thought.

"While I am truly honored by such an offer, I simply cannot turn my back on my responsibilities." The lord of the Path of Peace finally spoke, reopening his eyes.

"I do feel sympathy to your companions. I wish there was something I could do to aid their suffering, but alas I have a family of sorts here. A flock that need my guidance through these trouble times."

RooK's gaze settled on his employer, even muttered an "My Lord" before Lord Fairchild continued.

"There are those that need me here." Fairchild smiled, glancing at his bodyguard. "Lost sheep that need a shepherd to guide them through these dark and trying times."

"Again, while I do appreciate the offer, I respectfully decline."

"I understand completely, my brother." Vlad answered with a smile. "I too know what it means to be relied upon. I do not wish to force the issue, simply to extended it to you. Just know, that no matter what happens, you always have a place to call home with us."

Lord Fairchild closed his eyes as he smiled. "Thank you. Out of curiosity, how would I be able to contact you should such a need arise?"

"Oh we'll know. Our group has various ways to watch beings similar to ourselves." Vlad said with a chuckle. "Should such a time come, we shall be there when you need us."

Vlad bowed, extending his right hand over his chest. "I shall now take my leave, brother Fairchild."

As Vlad turned to leave, the lord of the Path of Peace though of something rather important. A bit of information dire to the credibility of his guest's story.

"One question...Vlad was it?" Lord Fairchild started, waiting for the pale skinned man to turn around."What is your opinion on humans? Do you hate them like your comrades?"

The latter blinked a few times, caught off-guard by the question. Very rare did he ever hear it uttered. Most simply assumed his opinion after he explained everything.

As such an unexpected move, Vlad had newfound respect for Lord Fairchild.

"I...accept what it is to be human. I accept what humans are, what they can become and aspire to be." Vlad said, raising his hands to his sides. "I admire the potential of the human race and know better than to underestimate them. As for hating them...I haven't hated humans in quite some time."

"But you have before?" Lord asked with the tip of his head.

Vlad place a hand on his chest, his fingers clucking at something that was no longer hidden underneath his shirt. Something precious to him, left at a place of great importance. He held a sad smile on his face that gave even the stoic Rook pause.

"Oh yes, quite livid with them in fact." Vlad answered after what seemed like several silence, dreadful minutes.

"The last time I was so that furious, so consumed by pure rage, that I resorted to utilizing several taboo rituals and allied with rather unappealing members of my race. I raised an army unlike any of which your eyes have ever seen and completely covered the nation home to those responsible for my anger red with the blood of her people."

"It was a wrongdoing unspeakable to the eyes of humans, yet equal to that which they had dealt to me firsthand."

"I have never raised my hands against humans in blinding fury every since that day hundreds of years ago. Defended myself and my fellows yes, but never taken the life of one out of spite or cold blood. Only out of necessity to protect those I care for and to insure my own survival."

"So my brother, my dear Lord Fairchild, any anger I felt towards humans has long since felt me. If anything, I am amused by the average mortal, and both find in laughable and regrettable what humans do to generally everyone, especially amongst their own kind."

"Apologies if I seem to ramble, it is a subject I have rarely spoken about outside of my fellow kin."

"No, no. In fact I know have a better idea of the kind of person you are." Lord said with a chuckle. "In a way, you and I are alike in how much we care for those around us."

Vlad smiled at that remark, but gave no reply. He simply bowed once more, closed his eyes, and uttered these choice words:

"With that, I bid you goodnight."

And as he finished, Vlad von Castiban Farblood seemingly vanished before the pair, along with his familiar, without a trace. This left the two baffled, but with everything else happening tonight, the shock didn't last for too long.

While these two had played their part in this festive night, there was still much to come before this act would come to a close.

Victoria stood, licking the fresh blood off the tips of her fingers.

After she finished, the monster glance below at the human below. Suzuka, or so she said, sat on her legs panting in pure bliss. With her face red as a cherry and wounds covering just about every inch of her body, the Rakahasa Demon's clothes were torn to bloody ribbons.

Still, the masochist sat eagerly awaiting her next taste of pleasure.

"Oh you are such a treat~" Victoria stated with a laugh. "I love humans who know their place!"

Suzuka's face lit up, panting much like a dog, then leaned forward to lick her own blood off Victoria's boots. The latter chuckled at the sight, her mind thinking of what sort of technique she should try on her new toy next.

This human is surprisingly resilient after all.

It was at this moment that her otherwise still heart skipped a beat. A swarm of bats gathered next to her, forming into the all too familiar form of her brother.

Victoria's face blushed by the sudden appearance of her one true love.

"Oh, dear brother!" The monster nearly screeched with overwhelming joy. "I take if you business has concluded?"

"Indeed it has." Vlad began, closing his eyes.

"Unfortunately, Lord Fairchild sees his place is here, leading his flock through the trials this country shall place before them. However, I have extended the invitation should he ever have a change of heart. Whether he takes up on this offer or not, only time will tell."

At this moment, Vlad reopened his eyes. His gaze falling upon the human enthusiastically licking his sister's boots.

"I see you have kept yourself quite entertained in the meanwhile."

"Oh yes my dear!" Victoria smiled wide, removing her eyes from her brother long enough to give a proper explanation.

"This human is one of the Rakshasa Demons, Suzuka I believe. I made her my new adorable pet! I must say, I am quite surprised at her stamina, she's been able to withstand all my efforts at inflicting the pain she seeks a pleasure. In fact it seems she's fallen head over heals for me."

"A Rakshasa Demon you say?" Vlad placed his hands behind his back. "My dear sister, your hobby has provided us with a rather useful asset."

"Truly?" Victoria's eyes lit up at her brother praise.

"Yes indeed. However, explaining that will have to wait." Vlad walked past the two, taking a few steps toward the end of the roof.

"How has Stiches been fairing?"

Holicama stood, gasping, at the sight before him.

A part of the group of assassins known as Night Raid were engaged with a force of many soldiers and several Jagears. The soldiers, his subordinate gifted to him by his boss Bolic, were being torn through like tissue paper by these rebels.

He clearly underestimated his opponents. A problem he quickly have to rectify if he was to save face.

Holicama glanced at the various battles before him:

To the young Wave fighting off against the humanoid Imperial Arms and the mechanical armed woman whom probably served as its master,

To the pinked hair pipsqueak and the swordswoman in a black school dress fighting off against Seryu plus her dog-like Imperial Arms while each enemy easily dispatched any of the guards that rushed to fight these members of Night Raid.

Bolic's number two closed his eyes, thinking about which one of these foes to strike at first. It took several minutes, and the effort to tell Drake to shut up when the latter was barking orders at him, to make up his mind.

"I'ma take care of this mess." Holicama stated, shifting his weapon unto his shoulder as he smiled wide. Without another word, and ignoring Drake's calls, the commander of Bolic's forces rushed at his first target: The pink haired sniper.

Holicama wasn't a fool when it comes to fights. He had plenty of experience as a mercenary before being recruited by Honest and Bolic to play this commander role. He knew that long range types are prime targets in a close quarters fight such as this, and he knew when to exploit any weakness found in the heat of battle.

A weakness such as being blinded by rage.

You see, Pinky here had been trying her damnest to hit Seryu and her dog. Now while she managed to maintain herself enough to fire accurately and perfectly support her sword welding comrade engaging the Jagear head on, Pinky was completely absorbed into this small part of the larger scale battle.

A flaw that was surprising ignored up till now.

As silently and as swiftly as he can, Holicama rushed towards the Night Raid member. It was only after he reached striking distance had Mine finally noticed the man's approach. Her eyes went wide as she swung her Imperial Arms toward the charging foe.

"Too late!" Holicama shouted in glee, raising his own Imperial Arms and quickly swinging it down. "You're already-"

Something fast and grey appeared between the two, blocking and repulsing Holicama back a few dozen feet.

"Wha-what the hell?!" The latter yelled, completely taken by shock as he flew back. Once settled, he focused on whatever the hell it was that interfered. "Who the hell are you?!"

Before him stood a towering figure dressed in light grey armor with a white cape. He had yellow, pupiless eyes and wielded a large red tipped lance. This man stood facing the foe he just blew off, hiding Mine behind his seemingly muscular figure.

"Sorry we're late." The new arrival said to the pink girl behind him. The latter smiled, blushing a bit as she called out her companion's name, then quickly turned her face to the side and said something rather rude to the man.

Holicama couldn't hear the two at this point, but they seemed to be quietly exchanging a few choice words that made them annoyed with one another.

At that moment, the commander of Bolic's guardsmen heard several of his subordinates shout out. He turned, quickly noticing a cat-featured woman and an armored man with a ridiculous hairstyle smashing their way through the corrupt soldiers.

"Enemy reinforcements huh? Well that's fine." Holicama placed his Adayusa in both his hands. "Best to gather you all up in one place before I cut your heads off!"

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" The armored brat replied, taking his own weapon in his hands.

Both warriors dashed off after the other, each moving their weapons into a striking pose. The two clashed, exchanging blow for blow, sparks flying with each strike.

"You're not bad assassin!" Holicama claimed as the fighting continued. "I'm impressed!"

"Doesn't take much to impress then does it?"

Holicama flashed his teeth. "Trying to get me riled up huh!?" He shouted, rising his scythe above his head.

"Well it worked!"

Before the blow could be brought down, Tatsumi smashed the long side of his spear into Holicama's chest. The latter coughed up spittle as he flew back, flipping and bouncing twice before landing on his stomach.

The man clenched the dirt, spitting up some blood as he struggled in pain.

"I'm not done yet." Holicama said, slowly rising up to his feet. "Far from it! I won't stop ti-"

A spear, flying out of seemingly nowhere, pierced Bolic's number 2 man with such force that it sent him spiraling back towards several guards several dozens of feet behind their commander.

Everyone nearby paused in shock and awe, as did everyone watching these events. The only one witnessing and not frozen in place was the only man whom knew who it likely was that threw the spear in the first place.

"Oh no, Holicama has died. Who could've seen that coming?" Drake muttered under his breath. "Always like those shocking entries don't you?"

Bodies of Bolic's men in the direction of where the spear originated flew into the air, left and right like rag dolls.

Emerging from the scattering and flying corrupt soldiers was an all too familiar figure to the eyes of Night Raid and Drake. Casually, with barely a glance, the massive tribesman blew aside any of the brave, foolish Path of Peace troops that dared approach with but a single blow.

Raryu slowly walked towards Tatsumi, through the fight between Seryu, Koru, Akame and Mine with little care or acknowledgement of their fight.

He walked passed the young assassin, nodding as he passed by before stopping in front of him.

"Seems our paths cross again, young warrior." Raryu said without turning his gaze towards Tatsumi. "We members of Clockwork shall dispatch with the forces here so you can carry on with your mission."

"Our debt to you just keeps growing huh?" Tatsumi soundly replied.

"Perhaps. And one day you will make a choice that'll determine if said debt is repaid or cast aside."

Tatsumi paused. He knew that after this mission he would confront the leaders of the Revolutionary Army. From there, it will determine if these leaders are truly righteous in their goals with the answers he seeks.

Raryu continued onward, adjusting his path towards a different direction and approaching Bolic's paid men that barely had the will to hold their ground.

"We all have choices to make. I choice to follow the path of vengeance. These men follow the path of greed. Let us see where our choices have lead us."

Meanwhile...

Wave glanced at the arrival of the tribesman as he continued to fight Susanoo. 'So...these guys are on the move.' He thought.

"Seems Clockwork has arrived master." The humanoid Imperial Arms repeated. "Your orders?"

"Do not engage." Najenda, a former Imperial General that Wave now recognized, answered.

So she is the owner of this Imperial Arms...

"Perhaps they can help us get of this bind. After all, they always seem eager to assist us in situations like this."

"That's one way of putting it doll." An all to familiar voice, one that drove a chill down Wave's spine.

A spiral of flame burst out of the ground between the two combatants, forcing them to either step back or risk burning.

From the spiral came an all too familiar form.

"Yo! How you all doing this fine night?" Pyro said with a smirk, holding one hand up to his head at an angle. "Doing well I suppose? Least from all the things I've heard, you seem to be holding your own."

Wave shook with new found anger. This man, the man whom killed one of his dear friends, the man whom left a woman without a husband and a daughter without a father, stood so casually, so carefree, before him now.

It made his blood boil.

"You." Wave said, trying to suppress the anger in his voice as he tilted his head. Slowly, Wave walked towards this man, the architect of so much pain and suffering. The young Jagear wouldn't stand for it.

Not now. Never again.

Pyro smirked, focusing on the Jagear approaching him.

"Heh, sup there kid. Looks like you've grown a bit huh?" He placed a hand on his chin before continuing. "Yeah. I can tell. The way you carry yourself now, that look in your eyes. You've really matured."

"I won't let you take another one of the people I care about from me." Wave stated once he settled to a halt nearly in front of Pyro, blowing off the Clockwork agent's attempts to bait him as the young man raised his fists up to a fighting stance. "I do everything I can to stop you."

Pyro let out a laugh, loud and mocking. "That's rather grownup of you..Wave was is? Whatever, point being I'm impressed. You're a lot cooler headed now. Too bad I'm not your opponent..."

Wave raised an eyebrow that no one could see under his armor. Before the young man could ask, his opponent appeared before him. Slowly, with each step heard as the man made no attempts to mask his presence, the tribesman approached the Jagear.

Wave turned his head toward the muscular man, clearly remembering him.

Raryu stopped between Pyro and Wave, glaring at the latter. "Apologies, but my comrade has a role to play tonight. You shall not interfere. I will see to it personally."

Meanwhile, in the courtyard...

General Esdeath slashed through another two Acornmen, sent ice shards at another 3 and a single Vineman. She spun around, blocking and piecing through a 6 Acornman then froze 2 other Vinemen.

As much as she enjoyed picking apart this army singlehandedly, this was starting to get annoying.

She needed to deal with the root of the problem. Soon.

"Stitches, was it?" The general called out, facing toward the massive tree sticking out of the courtyard. "Aren't you bored sending these pawns against me?"

"I laugh at your mongrel methods to goat me into hand to hand combat human." The creature replied from atop its high branch. "Foolish. Combat with me is earned, not given."

'So that's the way we are gonna play it...' General Esdeath licked her lips.

She dashed forward, weaving her way through countless numbers of Acorn and Vinemen as the infamous Partas survivor pushed across the tiled roofs and toward the Tree of Banyan.

Stitches body twitched once before the creature threw one hand out towards the Ice Witch. From this flew out several spiked ball vines and one carnivorous plant.

Esdeath let out a single laugh as she jumped over most of these spiked balls, slashed through another, and stabbed the plant filled with ice shards.

The plant shrieked once, then died. General Esdeath jumped upon the outstretched vines, running head long to the monster they were still attached to.

"Foolish." Stitches detached the vines with a casual wave of his arm.

Esdeath jumped, rolling once and stopping on one knee. While she failed to rush head long into the monster, the distance the infamous general gained was enough to get her into the courtyard, and that was enough for the likes of General Esdeath.

Even as Acornmen and Vinemen quickly surrounded the Ice Witch, she let out a smirk knowing her true prey was near.

"It's time to end this game." Esdeath muttered, launching herself towards Stiches. Minions threw themselves at the general, only to be causally cut down slash after slash with her sword or ice shards.

In a matter of moments, the fearsome human reached the base of the massive tree. Esdeath, without losing a single bit of her speed, began to ran up the tree.

"YOU DARE?!" Stitches roared, throwing both hands forward. Large numbers of vines, carnivorous plants, bright colored flowers, and even a sort of dragon make of vegetation emerged from the creature's straight jacket sleeves.

Esdeath dodged or parried the vines that came her way, pierced the carnivorous plants with various ice shards, cut through the multi colored flowers that were spewing some sort of spores from the tips of their pedals -probably poisonous- and laughed as she faced off head on against the green dragon-like being.

It roared, similar sounding to her own personal lesser dragon like Danger Beast. The green dragon opened its mouth, eager to swallow the general whole. And so, Esdeath let it. She dived head long into the beast's mouth, the latter snapping its mouth shut.

Moments paced, the dragon seemed to sparkle with ice fragments suddenly appearing around it. Massive ice spikes popped out of it's body one by one.

General Esdeath emerged through the "back" of the dragon, sword leading the way. The dragon was consumed by ice a moment after, falling to the ground with the rest of the decaying vegetation.

The fearsome Ice Witch continued towards Stitches, the latter taken aback by this act of defiance, of monstrous strength, from a human of all things...

Only one such being had crossed paths with the Children of Z before, one that damaged an esteemed member of their family so gravely that she faced near death.

It was this hesitation, this mistake in judgement, that allowed General Esdeath to strike a clean cut across the monster's chest.

The blow cut clean through Stitches's straight jacket, revealing layers upon layers of various, pulsing and active greenery moving in all directions.

Swamp green blood -or what is assumed to be- squirted out of the opening. Bits splashed on Esdeath's face, to which she gleefully licked off some that lander on the corner of her mouth.

Stitches shook, far more than out of pain or anger. It alarmed the general for a moment, but otherwise she held her ground.

"I'm becoming...UNRAVELEDD!" The creature shrieked, its body starting to twist in unnatural ways.

General Esdeath jumped back at this point, landing on the ground. All around her Acorn and Vinemen dropped like flies. The massive tree began to lose its color, seeming to rapidly wilt.

Everything happened so fast that when the shrieking suddenly stopped everything seemed to stand still for the briefest of moments.

The infamous Ice Witch looked up, eyebrow raised as a completely different figure now stood where the creature known as Stitches once was.

This man, a pale skinned, silver haired being with blood red eyes and wore an outfit befitting a noblemen, stood rolling something small in his right hand.

Upon looking at it further, it seemed to be a glass ball of some sort. In it was something pulsing and green, moving far to fast to be made out without getting closer.

"How about we end things here?" The man said, holding up the ball before continuing. "After all, my companion is no longer in any condition to fight you further. Besides, our business here has long since concluded. Apologies, but the two of you must continue this on a later date."

"What makes you think you can simply walk out of here?" Esdeath countered, taking two steps forward.

The pale skinned man narrowed his eyes at the general, with it pressure unlike anything she felt before threatened to crush her.

The chills sent down Esdeath's neck was unlike anything she ever experienced.

For the first time in her life, the respected and loathed Esdeath, slayer of armies, sadist, warmonger, and most powerful general in the Prime Minister's pocket, felt for the first time something she never had before: Fear.

"It seems your body knows what the mind does not." Vlad spoke. "I applaud your efforts against my comrade, however I shall not allow any human to slay any member of my family. Not again."

"I bid thee goodnight General Esdeath, fearsome Ice Witch of the Empire. Pray that we never meet again. For if we do, I shall slay you with my own hands."

The man, or rather monster, transformed into a swarm of bats and flew off into the night.

General Esdeath simply stood there in shock and surprisingly relief. She simply didn't know how to process these feelings. It was unknown territory for her. These feelings...they were felt by the weak...

And now she knew, if only a little, how they felt...and that changed everything.

Wave slid back several feet. He cursed, unable to fathom how a normal, well extremely buff but normal man was able to fight evenly with him and his Imperial Arms!

In the last dozen exchange of punches, the young man was sure he felt this tribesman's bones break every so often only for them to seemingly be healed for the next blow.

It was like this guy was some sort of monster.

"Not bad young warrior." Raryu stated, flexing his right fist. "You are every bit of a challenge as I've come to expect."

Wave let out a tisk. "You're not so bad yourself. In fact, I'm surprised that someone without an Imperial Arms can keep pace with me."

'Which is like what the Rakshasa Demons said.' He mentally finished.

"Yes well, there are beings in this world that surpass even these prized artifacts." Raryu answered. "There are always those whom are stronger than you. This is a natural fact in this complex world of ours."

Wave couldn't help but agree. Instead of speaking this however, the Jagear once more glanced at his surroundings.

Already four of the seven members of Night Raid pinned by their assault have slipped inside the citadel. The only ones left were the infamous Akame, the pink haired sniper, and the man using Incursio.

This trio were fighting Seryu and Kuro, whom were only managing to keep these three at bay. Just barely.

Drake was off somewhere gathering the remains of Bolic's personal army, what few remained anyway, and positioning them before the citadel to act as a buffer should the remaining assassins attempt to make a break for it.

It would be strange of course to do this rather than attack the remaining, unoccupied enemy Pyro if the latter haven't proved to be practically invulnerable to physical attacks.

Speaking of, this bane of Wave's existence simply stood off to the side of the other fight going on. Given how his comrade was doing everything he could to stand in his way, it was rather counterproductive for Pyro to simply be inactive in this situation.

Wave turned to his attention back to Seryu's fight. She and Kuro were doing their best against three opponents, but he could tell that wouldn't last.

He needed to help them, but he can't get around this obstacle in front of him.

As if sensing his thoughts, the tribesman spoke once more. "That fight will soon end. According to our plan, none of those gathered there will die tonight."

Wave looked back at Raryu. "What do you mean? What plan?"

Raryu lowered his arms. "Simply watch. Watch and let happen. For even with your remarkable growth, that which is destined to be shall come regardless of your actions tonight."

"For such is the nature of the world."

Seryu dodged a blow from Tatsumi, while he was armored and his strikes were far more powerful than any of the three she fought, it was a far better choice than fighting Akame and her one-shot kill or dealing with that sniper Mine.

Koru kept both of them at bay, and played the part beautifully. As Serpentine knew how to utilize this Imperial Arms efficiently. Far more than this host ever knew. One prime difference is he knew how to move Koru's core around at will.

It was an almost universal trick most organic Imperial Arms shared.

And so every time the clever Mine figured out where the core was by briefly revealing it with her beam shots, Serpentine moved the core to a completely different location within the beasts body.

Now this did come at a cost of efficiency on Koru's part, as with organic types their cores are always located where it would be both most protected and where they can provide the most output towards their functions.

In a way, it was like turning a machine from 100% to 80%, then 90% and sometimes as drastically as 55%. Of course, Koru's key factors are its regeneration skill and great stamina.

These two traits mostly made up for this constant up and down of efficiency.

Tatsumi thrusted his spear forward, and Seryu parried with her sword arm. She smiled, sliding her blade down across the spear. Tatsumi did the only logical move he could think of; he let go of the weapon and dashed back.

Seryu grinned her teeth in a wide smile, she dropped her sword arm with the spear letting it roll off. Seryu dashed toward Tatsumi, moving her free hand to her eyes. She jumped the rest of the distance, opening with an obvious knee strike.

Tatsumi grabbed it, skidding along as he put his armored feet down. Before the young man could do anything like throw her off, Seryu pulled back her hand covering her eyes. Tatsumi's head flinched as he recognized those all too familiar yellow serpent eyes.

Serpentine's host narrow her eyes and smirked, placing the color contacts back in place. "Now you know." She said. "So lets keep this act up for a time."

Seryu jumped away, sword hand above her head. She landed, twirling around the blade into a striking pose.

"Evil assassin! Ally of darkness! You shall fall before my blades of justice! Prepare yourself!"

Tatsumi rose his fists in a boxing stance. He replied in kind, and the moment after two walls of fire separated the members of Night Raid and the Jagears.

"That's enough time wasted." Pyro called out to the group. "Go help the others. They'll surely need it."

Tatsumi smiled underneath his helmet as he called out to Mine and Akame. The trio moved toward the cathedral, passing Pyro without so much as a glance.

They charged through the thin like of guards that stood in their way, assisted by a barrage of small fireballs. The trio ran full speed towards the target building as other guardsmen gave chase.

Another figure came into view, one they all seen long ago.

A masked man with a tight black body suit. It pulled up both it's hands, revealing a number of throwing knives.

"I will hold off these minions for you." The man known as Joker said once the three members of Night Raid drew closer.

"Go. Start your revolution. We can settle things between our groups at a later date."

And so, though one was very tempted to, Tatsumi, Mine and Akame passed Joker by without incident.

The very next moment Joker started throwing his weapons into the heads and hearts of the guards that chose to follow the intruders.

All fell within a matter of minutes.

And so the members of Clockwork held the line so Night Raid could do the very thing they set out to do: Assassinate Bolic.

Twenty minutes earlier...

Lubbock stood with his back to a pillar he had been using for cover.

In front of him, standing in the center of the room where two of the Rakshasa Demons: A tall, muscular, angry looking man with a long beard, a scar across his face, and massive yellow eyes. The other a small tan girl with pigtails and barely wore anything up top.

He cursed himself for being talked into coming in by himself. He just wanted to scout it out if nothing else, clear the way of any guards and secure the place for the assassin team.

While Lubbock knew there would be high level individuals guarding the corrupt priest they were here for, he didn't expect some of them to be here so early on.

Here in the staircase lobby right at the entrance.

It was absurd! I mean, who puts high level bosses on the 1st floor anyway?!

While the green haired assassin was brooding over his situation, four other of his comrades came rushing into the lobby.

"Oh looky there Sten!" The tan girl said with a bit of glee.

"Ah, finally. Some souls to free." The big guy: Sten, answered. "You can have half Mez."

"Ha, yeah that's fair. Let's kill them!"

As this dialogue went on, Lubbock turned his head around to look at the four whom just arrived.

Najenda, Susanoo, Leone, and Bulat.

Since it was the love of his life among this group, never mind his friends, made him do something out of his usual character.

"Hold it!" Lubbock dashed out from the pillar, placing himself between the two Rakshasa Demons and his friends.

"Lubbock?" Bulat said.

"Well where have you been hiding?" Leone asked with a smirk.

"I've been waiting for someone to show up!" Lubbock announced, ignoring the obvious question. "I'll do my job and hold these two here so the rest of you can carry out the mission."

"Appreciate the determination Lubbock." Najenda said, crossing her arms. "One question though: Have you seen Walker come though?"

"That cowboy?" Lubbock answered with some spite. "No haven't seen him. Why? Did he come in before you?"

"By a few dozen minutes at least." Najenda placed a hand on her chin. "He might have gone a different route."

"Yeah maybe. Whatever, who cares." Lubbock spread his arms out. "Just go on ahead, I'll hold these two off."

"Oh? Confident are we?" Sten cut in with a wide grin. "I'll enjoy freeing your soul."

"Sten why do you always call killing people 'freeing their soul'?" Mez asked, turning her head back. "I mean its weird. Killing people is as simple as that, why pretty it up with words?"

"Hahaha, Mez it's not that simple." Sten answered, crossing his arms. "You see, freeing one's soul is a sort of enlightenment-"

"Quick, go now while their chatting it up." Lubbock whispered as the one executioner explained his views to his comrade.

"Agreed." Najenda quickly answered. "Isn't there a side passage through one of these doors?"

"Yeah, should be one on the left." Bulat said, pointing one finger in the given direction.

"Let's go then."

Lubbock didn't so much as look as his fellow assassins headed off. He took a moment to gather himself, closing his eyes, as he thought up how he'd get out of this one.

"Stumped Lubbock?"

The green haired man quickly opened his eyes, whirling his head around to the source of the voice.

"Bulat?! What are you still doing here?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Bulat replied with a smirk. "I'm part of the distraction team too or did you forget?"

Lubbock frowned, it would damper his plan to defeat these two and get all the glory...But this way he wouldn't have to almost die pulling it off.

"Fine...whatever." He said, agreeing to Bulat's help.

"OK, I'll take the big guy. You get the tan girl." Bulat said, taking a moment to crack his knuckles.

"I can agree with that."

The two stepped forward until they where at the base of the staircase. Their opponents were seemingly wrapping up their conversation.

"-and that is the reason why I refer to killing people as freeing their souls." Sten said with a slight smile.

"Huh. I mean that was a lot of philosophical stuff that I don't quite get, but you know it really makes you think." Mez replied, placing her hands on her hips. "Hey weren't there like, more intruders?"

"Must have gone through that side passage." Sten quickly concluded. "We told Bolic time and time again to seal it."

"Yeah well, paranoid people like their exit routes."

"We're your opponents Rakshasa Demons!" Bulat announced. "Come, fight and die!"

"Oh I like that spirit." Sten smiled, grinning his teeth. "Let me have the honor of freeing your spirit."

"Guess I get green hair then." Mez crossed her hands behind her head with a smile.

Lubbock let his wires loose, preparing to set up his usual wire traps. "Yeah, and don't you go underestimating us."

"Ha! Its you guys that shouldn't be underestimating us!" Mez smirked. "We fought and defeated Imperial Arms users before! You two won't be a challenge."

"Well, you obviously never fought a member of Night Raid before." Bulat countered with a smile.

The four settled into whatever battle stances they personally choose. They looked at their respected opponents for several long, dragging moments before launching themselves forward.

Thus beginning the battle between two members of the Rakshasa Demons and Night Raid.

Meanwhile...

"Really. Trusting a girl barely out of her teens to guard me. What is General Esdeath thinking?" The High Priest Bolic muttered, taking a sip from his cup of wine. "Out of all those she could assign to my guard, it had to be the most incapable looking one."

Kurome rolled her eyes, hearing but trying not to respond to High Priest Bolic's complaining.

She stood at the base of her charge's throne. To her left and right stood Natala and Doya respectively, the latter recovering just recently.

She held Apeman in reserve just in case. Two puppets are enough for simple guard duty.

Though she doubted Night Raid or anyone would get passed her comrades in the rooms ahead.

She doubted it, but didn't rule it out. Her enemies were slippery creatures, ones that can't be underestimated.

And so she waited for that possibility, suffering from Bolic's constant nagging.

On the balcony above on the second floor, far from the watchful eyes of Bolic's guard detail, a figure moved quickly and quietly between the shadows and pillars.

Walker placed his back against one such pillar. He gripped Lock-On tightly with his two hands, letting out a breath before taking a peak to the floor below.

The mercenary quickly eyed the corrupt priest, sitting upon his throne without a care. Then, his eyes settled upon his daughter.

Walker's anger rose, and he suppressed it as best he could. It was painful, seeing his own blood disgraced after death. To be used as a plaything on the whims of some twisted girl.

Speaking of, the merc laid his eyes upon Kurome. He flashed his teeth before turning his head back around. Walker reconfigured his Imperial Arms into rifle mode.

Walker closed his eyes. "This one's for you Doya." He muttered, quietly and slowly moving around the pillar. He took aim at his intended target-

-and pulled the trigger.

Pyro chuckled, amused at the efforts of what remains of Bolic's loyal men. Those that had rifles fired wildly at him, screaming at the seemingly immortal man.

The melee fighters threw themselves spatially and in between reloads at the Clockwork agent, passing through a seemingly intangible figure. Much like a mirage.

Eventually, this meager amusement dulled on Pyro and so he began to kill these corrupt souls one by one. He grabbed those whom drew close, igniting them the mere moment after. He threw fireballs or swallowed up those with guns in infernos.

All the while Pyro was slowly approaching the man whom was directing these fools: His old partner Drake.

While he made his way towards the former engineer, Seryu-Serpentine rushed to the man's side. The parasite knew how to play this host well.

Pyro looked to his left, spotting Raryu keeping the young Wave at bay. It was inspiring how the Jagear fought against the tribesman. If the latter was any ordinary, or even uncommon man, Raryu would've died or at least been incapacitated long ago.

Yet no matter what Wave can do, Raryu would keep him in check. For the secret behind the tribesman's stamina and resilience is rather...astonishing.

Finally, the last of Bolic's soldiers perished. Disappearing into sparks and ashes.

Seryu, along with Koru, stood in front of Drake with a look of absolute wrath.

Expected, as Pyro did kill Dr. Stylish - a person of note whom this crazy bitch respected.

"I won't let you take another person I care about!" Seryu screamed, madly charging at Pyro with Koru.

"Oh you foolish girl." Pyro closed his eyes, smirking. "Did you already forget? Physical attacks don't work on me."

Despite this words, Seryu pressed on. She extended her sword arm, and Drake, equipped with his electrical gauntlets, fired a bolt of lightning.

However, it wasn't aimed at Pyro. Instead, it was aimed at Seryu or rather, her sword arm.

The bolt hit, electrifying the blade. With a wide, terrifying grin, Seryu swung her sword down at Pyro.

The blade itself passed through like any other physical blow, but the electrical current coursing through transferred to Pyro briefly electrifying the man.

He staggered back, surprised, flashing his teeth at the fleeting feeling of pain.

'Cleaver little bastard.' Pyro thought, amused. 'You've given me an excuse.'

"Hahahaha! How does that feel evildoer?" Seryu boosted. "Not so invulnerable now are you?!"

Pyro let out a laugh of his own. "Clever! Very clever of you!" He extended one hand out. "I'll admit, that hurt. You figured out a loophole in my defenses. So now I must rid of the source of this annoyance."

Drake gulped, knowing what was coming. He knew the timing for his "death" would be tricky. So, he gave his partner an opening.

Still, this was gonna suck.

Seryu's eyes widen, realizing what was to happen. She turned around, only to witness her lover swallowed up by a spiral of fire. The Jagear let out a scream, running towards the fire.

The scream attracted Wave's attention, and he knew exactly what happened.

"No..Not again..." He took a step toward the sight. "Why? Why did-?"

"Drake!" Seryu yelled, stopping a feet before the vortex. Tears rolling down her face as she cried out once more. "DRAKE!"

"Old man Drake..."

Everyone dies, no matter how strong someone is there's always going to be some person that they can't protect. That's just the way of the world.

These words echoed out in Wave's mind, but it didn't help in the slightest. Especially once the vortex faded without the slightest trace of remains.

Seryu dropped to her knees, screaming and crying in such a spectacular fit that it made Wave blame himself even more.

He extended his hand out, cursing his own helplessness.

'If only I had more power.'

'More power!'

'The power to protect those I care about!'

Then...why don't I grant you what you seek?

Wave gasped, who's voice was that?

Before he could say a word, Wave felt something change.

His body went numb for a moment, then he felt tingly in his right hand.

He looked down, eyes widening at the sight.

Water.

A sphere of water surrounded his fist in a spiral.

"What the-" Wave blinked, shocked at the spectacle. "What is this?"

Power!

The voice from before echoed in his mind.

Power to defeat the one you despise most!

It took a moment for Wave, in his shock, to piece together what this meant.

"Water...Water is the natural enemy to fire."

Wave turned his gaze toward Pyro. The latter focused on Seryu crying her eyes out over the ashen remains of Drake.

"The power to defeat the one I despise most huh?" Wave let out a harsh laugh, raising his water fist up to his chest. "That sounds fine by me!"

Wave charged as fast as he could towards the Clockwork agent before the man could notice his approach.

While he didn't turn his gaze, Pyro did notice the young Jagear coming at him. Expected, as he just "killed" another of Wave's friends.

"Heh. When are you gonna learn-"

Wave threw his water sphered fist at Pyro's chest. For the first time, after all these attempts, Wave's fist connected.

Mist resulted from the mix of water and fire, filled the air between Wave and Pyro. Pain purely portrayed on the latter's face as he bent forward from the blow.

"What the-?"

Wave followed up with a kick to the same spot as before. Pyro staggered back, clenching onto his chest. Once he stopped, with pain still aching from this blow, he flashed his teeth in anger.

'How did that punk hurt me?!'

Pyro glanced to his left. "Raryu what the hell!?" He shouted towards the tribesmen. "You were supposed to keep Wave busy!"

"Correction, I was to occupy him until you dispensed with a member of the Jagears." Raryu soundly replied. "I have fulfilled my assigned task and now, I shall attempted to accomplish another step in my overall revenge."

With those final words, the tribesman headed off into the tower the rest of Night Raid were currently active.

"Tsk. Whatever."

"Pyro!" Wave called out. "I have the power to defeat you now. So come! I'll take my revenge for all the friends you've taken from me!"

"Oh spare me the heroic speeches." Pyro rolled his eyes. "So you can damage me now. CONGRADS! You have a chance in a fight against me, a small one at that. But that doesn't matter. I've done what I've came here to do!"

Pyro raised one middle finger at the young man. "See you asshole!"

The Clockwork agent vanished into a swirl of fire.

Wave waited a moment before relaxing his guard. The water surrounding his fist dispersed as mysteriously as it came.

He let out a sigh. Disappointing, but at least he managed to force such a threat to retreat.

Wave turned around at the sound of Seryu's sobbing. The young lady was holding herself, laying on her knees, crying and shaking from the overwhelming grief she must be feeling.

Wave dropped his hands, cursing at himself for failing once again to protect someone he cared about. And it wasn't just a friend, it was someone he though of as an uncle.

Someone he could come to for advice or support.

Someone he knew he could rely on.

But now...ashes...

Tears ran free from his own eyelids, but he didn't cry out in sadness. He needed to stand strong.

He needed to protect those he cared about...

As many that remain anyway...

Run circled around for the courtyard for the 3rd time since the unknown creatures had left. His concerns growing with each pass.

General Esdeath had been holding her position for quite sometime. At first, Run through she was injured fighting that plant controlling monster. However, since that other pale being appeared, and with it that rush of twisted, blood chilling pressure, the general remained frozen.

And now, with what he heard in the reports via his comms unit, it seems that Night Raid and Clockwork had appeared.

It was long enough. He decided to land. Run swooped in, taking two steps upon his landing when he stopped after noticing something.

General Esdeath's shoulders were moving up and down. A small noise low enough to be barely picked up by Run came from the fearsome Ice Witch.

She was laughing.

This concerned the young man, and while this appeared to mean she is fine physically, her emotional state came into question.

He called out to the commander. The latter raised her head a tad, turning it so she could see her assistant.

"Ah Run." Esdeath spoke, smiling. "Where you watching?"

"...Yes." Run gave his commander a serious look.

Esdeath closed her eyes, turning her head back around. She raised her right arm up, shacking all the while.

"Look. My hand won't stop trembling!" She said, amused. "This is the first time something like this has ever happened!"

She let out several laughs before continuing.

"Never had I ever though there was a creature that much stronger than I." Esdeath placed her right hand on her forehead, briefly covering her eye as she chuckled. Her eyes twitched, still filled with fear, but the rest of her face portrayed a look of amusement.

"It goes to show how vast this world really is. Heh heh...Hahahahahahahaha!"

Run frowned. He didn't quite know how to take all this, but from a mental standpoint this was far from ideal.

Not that the general was the most stable person to begin with.

"Night Raid is here. The rest of the Jagears are engaging them as we speak." Run decided to throw out there, seeing if he can drag General Esdeath's focus toward a different topic.

"Is that so?" Esdeath said with a wide smile. She thought on this for a few moments, relaxing her mouth before speaking once more.

"Very well, have the others fall back. I shall handle this personally."

"Shall I relay the same order to the Rakshasa Demons?" Run waited for a reply.

"...No, let them stay." Esdeath answered, turning around to face her subordinate. "Their job is to protect Bolic after all. I'm simply cleaning up the mess now. No need for further effort on you, my direct subordinates', part."

"Very well." Run said, watching the general turn and walk off toward the tower where Bolic lay in wait.

The young man waited a few moments before activating his comms unit. After relaying the message, Run received a quick reply from Wave stating he had Seryu with him.

No reply from Drake however.

And it sounded like Kurome tired to say something, but was cut off midway.

Something much have happened. Night Raid might be closer to Bolic than he thought.

For now, orders were orders. Plus the commander was on her way.

It would surely work out.

Regardless, Run flew off into the night sky to link up with his fellow Jagears and await further orders.

Still thought, he couldn't shake off this sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Walker pulled the trigger, an energy beam shot out from his configurated sniper rifle.

Bolic, Kurome, Natala, and Doya all turned toward the shot. The corrupt priest rose from his chair, startled.

Kurome dodged the shot, jumping away as Natala moved to guard her.

Doya countered with two shots, narrowly missing. Walker rolled, deforming Lock-On and reforming as he went.

"So you're still fast enough to dodge my sniper rounds at this distance huh?" Walker shouted, rolling to his feet and firing his twin pistols as he ran across the balcony.

Doya responded in kind, however her target's aim was at her puppet master.

Natala preformed his role, deflecting each round.

"I won't let you have your way Night Raid!" Kurome yelled. "You won't assassinate the High Priest!"

"I'm not after Bolic!" Walker yelled, taking cover behind a pillar as he configured his Imperial Arms into something he rarely used. "I might be a merc, but right now I'm not on the job!"

He rounded the corner, hefting a grenade launcher-like weapon in his hands. He pumped one round in the chamber, aiming at the young assassin.

"Tonight, it's personal you bitch!" The merc yelled, firing a round off. A green, football shaped energy round lobbed its way forward.

Doya shot at it mid-flight, succeeding in the attempt. The round exploded in a force matching that of a heavy explosive.

"You'll pay for what you did to my daughter!"

Walker fired off three more rounds before reconfiguring his weapon into a shotgun. These rounds too were shot by his daughter, exploding prematurely.

Like his gut told him, Natala -extending his weapon into a spot ahead of the merc- rushed toward his master's enemy soon afterward.

Before the corpse could land two feet on the ground, Walker blasted the man with his shotgun. The corpse blew back from the force. Walker pumped another round, twirling around when he heard a roar.

Apeman, a simple Danger Beast, charged at the mercenary. The latter fired, but only slowed the beast a tad. Given his choices, Walker cursed as he jumped off the balcony, quickly reconfiguring his weapon into a machine gun.

He rolled, catching himself on one knee. Walker looked up at the barrel of Doya's twin magnums, and his daughter's smirking face.

"Daughter huh?" Kurome spoke, walking a little closer toward the mercenary. "It's this you daughter then?"

Walker didn't reply, not to the Jagear anyway. "Heh. Looks like old times huh?"

Doya flashed her teeth, smiling. "Like...old...times...Walker..."

The old man let out a chuckle, then his face flashed with rage.

"This Imperial Arms o'yours is messed up. Toying around with the dead, don't ya'll have any respect?"

"Of course I have respect for the dead old timer, that's why I put them to good use!" Kurome countered. "When a person dies, normally they're gone forever. That's not the case when I use my Yatsufusa though!"

"Like Natala for example! He's my best friend, but he went and died during a mission. But now he can stay with me forever and ever."

"That's why I'll do you a favor. I'll stab you with Yatsufusa so you can be with your daughter for as long as possible. You should be thankful!"

Kurome smiled so innocently as she said that last bit. Just like a pure, school girl.

It made Walker's skin call.

"There's something damn wrong with ya'll." He said, shacking his head. "Do you even hear yourself? The only thing more twisted than your logic are the bastards that turned you into this..."

Walker raised an arm, aiming his free hand up toward the ceiling. A small grappling hook shout out of the gauntlet around his arm, it latched on and pulled the user up.

Walker, firing his machine gun one handed, yelled at Kurome.

The latter dashed back, dodging the bullets. Doya opened fire, turning around as she did. One of the rounds hit Walker's lower knee, just below the knee.

The merc twitched, but otherwise didn't show any pain he might've felt.

He reached back up to the balcony, landing and immediately opening fire on Natala whom laid by. The puppet sung his weapon in a wide circle, twirling it fast enough to block most of the rounds coming his way.

Behind this corpse rush another puppet; Apeman. The beast was charging along the railings, seemingly on its way to crush its ally to similarly smash into the mercenary.

Walker let out a curse, keeping up the fire as he reached into a utility pocket attached to his belt.

'Looks like I have to use my last resort.' He thought.

However, the need for such a method would soon vanish.

The wall around Apeman exploded outward as Susanoo pushed through, the forward roaring as the force of the blow threw him off the balcony.

The organic turned his head toward the only other opponent on this floor, and he in turn meet his gaze.

Walker stopped firing at that point, taking this time to address the wound in his leg and watching Natala and Susanoo clash blow for blow.

During the exchange the organic Imperial Arms managed to get around the puppet. Susanoo step back far enough so the whole of his being took up Walker's field of vision.

"You ok?" The organic asked in his usual cool manner.

"Bought time you guys showed up." Walker said with a tisk.

At that moment, the double doors to the chamber burst open. Stepping through the breach were Najenda, leader of Night Raid, and Leone, in her lioness form.

"So more members of Night Raid have stepped out to play." Kurome stated, turning to these new arrivals.

"Well now, that makes us even in numbers."

Najenda quickly looked around the room as Leone moved forward, cracking her knuckles. The Danger Beast Apeman moved itself in the lioness's path, growling at this hybrid.

Doya stood off to Kurome's side, whom stood at the center of the risen platform leading up to Bolic's throne.

Walker, Susanoo and Natala squared off on the balcony above.

While she had words with the mercenary, they would have to wait until after this mission.

Which brought about a major concern.

"...Where is Bolic?"

Kurome let out a laugh. "What do you mean?" She said, turning her face around "He's sitting right th-"

The young assassin's eyes widened. The throne was empty. She didn't even notice the priest slip away, let alone where he could've gone!

"Wh-what?!" She exclaimed in a calm-ish matter.

"Seems the coward took off on you!" Leone added, smiling wide. "Guess he didn't trust you to protect him!"

"Damn it." Kurome muttered, turning back around. Of course this would happen.

Bolic clearly didn't trust her in the slightest, he made that abundantly clear. Still to up and run away was insulting.

How was she gonna explain this to the commander? Especially if he turns up dead?

Not that these members of Night Raid seemed to know where he went either.

Oh well.

It's the Jagears' mission to defeat those like Night Raid anyway. So this is just her slipping back to her original objective.

Still had to wonder though, where did Bolic go?

Underground, in the maze of catacombs stretching across much of Kyoroch.

Bolic ran, nearly out of breath, passing by various marks he had his men mark ages ago.

The path he followed lead to an exit to a far off church with a vast graveyard in the countryside. After, he can send a signal to one of his men to fetch him a carriage and lay low until this situation blows over.

As a spy, and a rather paranoid one at that, Bolic had various escape plans prepared. Including one hidden behind his throne.

Now he just needed to round one last corner and-

A figure stood blocking his path.

Bolic flinched, yelling in fear, about to run back the way he came when he came to a realization.

He knew this man standing before him. Granted his outfit was a tad different and he had a big metal thing on his back now, but he knew the man as a Jagear.

"You surprised me." Bolic let out a breath, placing a hand on his chest. "I didn't know any of you Jagears knew about the hidden passageways underground."

"Heh, well fortunately our intel network is pretty solid. Even out here."

Bolic smiled, chuckling. "Quite so! Quite so! Now then, you may escort me out so I can escape until this whole endeavor calms down."

"Fraid I can't do that, oh High Priest Bolic."

Bolic raised an eyebrow. "Why not? Don't you know how important I am? How important I remain alive to carry out the Prime Minister's plans?"

"I have a different task tonight."

"Ah." Bolic closed his eyes.

"You must be here to stand guard. Well I assure you that I noticed no members of that accursed Night Raid follow me down. In fact I doubt they can find the entrance to the tunnels anyway. I had them designed to blend in perfectly with their surroundings!"

"That's good then."

Bolic waited for the man to add any more. Minutes of awkward silence passed before Bolic gave up.

"Well, I must be on my way-"

The man held out one hand, blocking the way Bolic attempted to go. Bolic frowned, looking up at the man.

"Why do you block my way?"

"Oh that's simple really." The man said, only now did the corrupt priest notice twin big, metal baton-like object in the man's hands. These objects sparked occasionally, pulsing with electricity.

"See, I never did liked you. Plus, you need to die in order for the Revolutionary Army to start their move."

"But- But you're a member of the Jagears!" Bolic yelled, taking a few steps back. "You are suppose to protect me! Protect the interests of the Prime Minister!"

"See, that's where you're wrong." Drake said, smirking and chucking at the priest's expense. "I'm a member of Clockwork."

Several dozen minutes later...

Raven waited several minutes to pass after the last of the Jagears vanished from the fields in front of the tower where the corrupt priest Bolic before making his move.

A fire started to rage out of the tower some time ago, clearly the assassination attempt by Night Raid had turned sideways.

A shame for them, but a trivial matter to the Sons of Nores.

With the way seemingly clear, and nothing but corpses around, the dark purple haired man stepped out in the open. He walked forward, passing the still remains of numerous Path of Peace soldiers.

Raven pressed on, walking this way and that, searching. It took a few minutes, finding what he sought among the scattered bodies and weapons.

He picked up the only prize worthy of his time here: The teigu known as Adayusa.

"Finally, I have the key to the first phase of my plan." Raven stated, coming to a stop before the scythe. He bent down and grabbed the weapon.

Slowly, he rose up, placing the weapon in both hands. He gazed upon it, smiling.

"Teigu given a false name by those ignorant of your history, rejoice as I am one of the few that know you're true name!" Raven held the scythe above his head. "Now obey my will as I speak your name aloud!"

And so, the purple-haired man said the teigu's true name.

The Imperial Arms falsely called Adayusa truly awakened for the first time in hundreds of years. The skull-like part attaching the blade to the stock started to glow crimson red. The "eyes" lit up with a aqua blue as it let out a low roar.

Raven laughed, feeling power surging within him.

Finally! Finally, after all this time! This item, this teigu will grant him the power to usher in a new age!

Now, at last, he can bring this world to its knees!

And thus ends this long awaited entry to Akame Ga Kill Clockwork!

Its been a whole year huh? Damn.

I apologies for taking this long. My normal was bout 3 months.

Unfortunately, this extended delay was mainly due to my sister and her eldest son moving in with me for many months. Only recently had they managed to find a new place to stay and they are quite happy there thus far.

This and I started a new job a few months ago, one in my trade of choice. So I'm happy about that so far.

Anyway, now that I'm free-er I can actually focus of my stories.

Just so everyone knows, the last bit with Raven is a teaser of sorts of what will happen in the next entry. You get a hint of what will happen in the near future after Bolic hightailed it out of the throne room.

We also have Vlad's group concluding their role in this event (as well as a bit of backstory). These guys are gonna sit on the backburner for the time being, but they'll come back into play at a later date.

Also, how bout Wave huh? Taking on half of Night Raid by himself and holding his own. Oh, and about his new power. Its like Aqua Fist. Water forms, surrounding the fist, and adds water element to the attack.

Simple, but deadly to fire element foes like Pyro.

How he got this power you ask? Well what is the difference between Incursio and Grand Chariot? That's your hint of what's happening.

With Kurome all by her self -aside from her puppets-, how will she hold up against the members of Night Raid? Will General Esdeath arrive in time to save her? Or will she become the next victim of tonight's madness? Find out this and more as this night of festivities reaches its epic conclusion on the next entry of Clockwork!