Akame ga Kiru

The Imperial Saber

Chapter Fifty-Three

One lone question was asked almost stunned when the eyes of an emperor read parchment found on burning streets, "Where did you find this notice?" Makoto looked up right at a palace guard who'd been observing and awaiting until an order had reached his ears. As the sole insider within the Empire's palace it'd been placed onto his shoulders. More so when fires had broken out as a metaphorical powder keg had been ignited. And now the Emperor of a burning city had watched flames rising through most of a night, it couldn't be hidden with various hordes of inhabitants refusing to die down as dawn approached.

"It's everywhere, my emperor." The observer stated almost casually while remaining fixed at attention allowing the Empire's puppet ruler to read it over. It'd been a flyer which many of his own order had been hoarding and had spread once they'd been confirmed to do so. Every street, every block and tens of thousands in their unleashing fury had picked up on it. Many had begun chanting rallying cries and demanded blood for everyone of their own which had been toyed with, as if an entire generation had begun rising up in unrestrained masses.

Makoto's eyes were wide when distant screaming arose over wind and smoke clogged skies in wafting it's presence even towards his own private quarters. There's too much yelling, too much noise and yet the Prime Minister reassured me. It's just the peasants and rabble acting up, but it's gotten louder and louder. Why aren't the police, or even...military doing anything? Questions kept circulating as hours dragged onward when he sat from his bed in seeing an opened balcony where an entire city illuminated in an eerie orange and yellow at times.

"Why hasn't it been quieted yet?" He asked softly of a palace guard whose loyalties were obscured due to clothing yet replied ever curtly, "I cannot say, or do not know your majesty. We are your guardians, we are your shield and as such we of the Palace Guard cannot leave these grounds. You know we cannot venture out unless..." The man caught himself abruptly pausing momentarily as Makoto's eyes flashed brightly when he hopped onto his bed despite wearing less than casual clothing yet seemed eager.

An observer's stoic expression almost cracked into a subtle smirk at his mouth's corners, "I'll go out! If the people see me, then they can calm down and I can get some sleep finally!" The youth proclaimed almost assured when his internal guard wisely kept up appearances to dissuade that course of action entirely, "My Emperor, I'd advise caution immensely. You don't know what the people will do, I suggest abiding by your Minister's orders and allow the crowds to dissipate. We may be your guard, but we don't have numbers to quell..."

Makoto interrupted in a stern manner despite frowning childishly, "No!" His voice shrilly rose up in silencing a Palace guard obediently as he'd been trained, "I'm tired and I can't get any sleep with all this yelling going on! And this notice is what is causing it!" A piece of simple parchment which had directions and notices asking all to converge on the colosseum at dawn. It was a public event being hosted by one name who he all but demanded to be sent to come to the palace. Too much noise and someone would end it, as he needed sleep after being disturbed.

"Send for Colonel Saber, immediately!" The Emperor commanded crankily standing up to rub his eyes tiredly when moving to dress himself into more formal clothing, "If the police can't quiet down these people then I'll use my Palace Guard and his Sabers. And alert Prime Minister Honest, I'm going down into the city tonight to quiet them all down." With his back turned he never noticed an observer's sly grin uplift almost daringly despite seeing a puppet ruler trying to dress himself sloppily. But again advice was entirely ignored practically.

"Your majesty, I wouldn't advise risking your personal safety." He began smoothly despite seeing a boy glaring angrily which was a rarity, "May I suggest an alternative? In summoning the colonel to your private quarters, to discuss a course of action without risking yourself?" Makoto frowned visibly when looking out in seeing rising fires licking their way past distant buildings. That's a lot of smoke, maybe running down there isn't as good as I'd think. But one way or another, I need sleep and if Colonel Saber can make it happen?

Regardless he kept on dressing himself in Imperial robes and looking towards his crown while placing it firmly at top of his head. Looking in a mirror to keep his own appearance did little to appease his impatience, "Send word for him! And get enough Palace Guards to accompany me!" If an observer seemed troubled, he never showed it outwardly. Yet in a casual grace he bowed before departing to do as he was instructed to do by the Empire's puppet-ted leader.

Walking towards a balcony where he picked up his scepter which had been a sign of authority passed from Emperor to Emperor. It'd been one of the few pieces of his own childhood which still carried memories of his father. And even if he'd been too young to remember him? It provided comfort knowing he had something which still stood with him. The Prime Minister had helped him, guided him and trusted above all else despite looking anxiously in seeing fire's rising across an entire city's view growing intensely.

"Why?" The young boy muttered when hearing more and more noise growing when chants began distantly into echoing towards him. Hang them all? Just what was happening in the city tonight out of all nights? He'd been in lessons mainly throughout an entire day, learning and being tutored with the Prime Minister handling daily affairs. So what had happened to rile up some many peasants and commoners to this extent?

Lately it seemed as if the Minister had been busier than usual. Far too busy, if their time together had been affected and every time he'd ask? He reassures me, if it's just another bunch of commoners and peasants acting out. Yet why is it so much louder? Where is the military, police or anyone doing anything to quiet them down! He furiously started stomping his feet when distant screams arose over gusts of wind with smoke being overtly pushed all over an entire area. It'd grown so much that it created a distant haze creeping through buildings and partially made orange gloom boiling in a shimmering fog.

If no one is going to quiet them down, I'll have the Colonel and my Guard do it. Though I'm wondering why General Esdeath, or my minister, doesn't do it themselves? He pouted due to them being due to be married, he'd admit that he was partially envious of having someone as famed as her being his wife. Yet the two were the best of his Empire and seeing them together would only strengthen that they together could accomplish everything if he'd ordered it done.

Outside down below on the palace grounds were armored figures mobilizing into neat formations as Makoto nodded happily, "Now where is he?" The Palace Guard hadn't set foot on streets for possibly longer than he'd been alive, if he could remember when in time they'd ever marched or accompanied him down with the lower peoples. But he wanted sleep, it'd been a long day and if quelling rabble acting out required him to do so? He'd get it done, if only to have enough of the loud noise growing continuously throughout an entire city itself.

Time seemingly passed much to his growing anxiety as armored guards drilled in accordance into strict columns making him pleased. The Imperial Palace sported from what the minister had said in discussions past, the Empire's most dedicated and unrelenting soldiers who came from any army said to be chosen by himself personally. And truth be told? He'd been modestly surprised at how Colonel Saber's own men mirror them in similar fashions. Maybe I'll ask him, I swear it's all everyone talks about and I'm happier knowing they are soldier's who thrive under my reign despite having problems seemingly happening.

As an hour passed, relatively in a tensed up anticipation did the Emperor peer down below in seeing a lone horse riding up the Palace's paved marble archway. Makoto recognized the figure wearing white as a cape flapped through gusty winds. It was a lone soldier he'd spot anywhere due to white amounting on his head as he witnessed Colonel Saber being assisted by Palace Guards. He got off his mount to be escorted under armored Palace Guards. They were still forming into thin columns awaiting commands to begin their march through immense gates, for many among them hadn't set foot outside in possibly years, or far longer in memory.

Turning on his heels he rapidly departed from his quarters where two palace guards looked down sharply in seeing him. He didn't need to say anything as they followed wordlessly remaining behind to loom over any who'd get too close. Finally I can put an end to all this noise, I'm getting tired and staying up all night isn't going to help me sleep. Beaming quite happily did he traverse hallways and corridors almost second nature to come towards staircases which seemed eerily quieter, all due to being so far from any open entry points.

"Your majesty, may we voice ourselves to your intentions?" One guard inquired resolutely as they followed behind a youth who looked back questioningly since it'd been the second person among his guard to ask, "Don't be worried. Once the people see me, they'll quiet down and I can get some sleep. The police and military aren't doing anything, I trust my palace guards do what I want and with the colonel it'll be easier."

Neither armored behemoths for men seemed to agree as one cordially advised, "It wouldn't be wise without consulting your adviser and tutor, your majesty. Your wise minister, Honest will handle it, if you simply order what needs to be done." Another nodded slightly despite their insistence which was all but ignored by a youth who pouted tiredly, "The Minister is busy handling my Empire's affairs. Besides it won't take long, once we march and tell everyone to knock it off. My Palace Guards and the colonel's soldiers will be enough for these commoners to stop."

Both looked to one another briefly as one stated less than happily, "We're merely looking out for your safety and well-being, your majesty. But we're not so sure it's incredibly wise to leave your wishes in the hands of those legionaries who've had longer time to watch your city burn." Makoto frowned when turning to stare larger armored guards who straightened accordingly when being addressed, "Why wouldn't they? They're loyal soldiers, well trained and Colonel Saber is General Esdeath's fiance whose fame alone is enough."

The Emperor's surreal ignorance managed to keep gazes from narrowing out of sheer exasperation as they heard footsteps approaching. Ahead from one corridor armored plates clinked together when figures emerged as they escorted a lone white dressed officer. Makoto smiled brightly when striding forth greeting an elder youth who seemed almost indifferent. Yet the guards behind quickly managed to flank an Emperor who spoke genuinely pleased that a soldier had responded to his summons quickly enough, "Colonel! Forgive me for disturbing your night, but I have the need of you and your soldiers to help the Palace Guards."

Tatsumi's gaze didn't waver save for looking down as he went onto a knee obediently when addressing the Empire's puppet politely in a facade of humbleness even smiling tiredly, "There's no need for an apology, my Emperor." Makoto smiled brightly when settling on telling him warmly, "You can stand in my presence, colonel. Your legion and the Palace Guard have to quiet down those commoners and peasants, I don't know why the police haven't done it yet. And as such, I need you to accompany me down there so I can get a good night's rest."

The youth noticed gloved hands settling onto a blade's hilt despite seeing green eyes looking over towards two guards who subtly placed their own weaponry closer. Regardless of seeing them do so, did the officer quietly inform him, "My Sabers will march, if you will it my Emperor. But right now we have mostly monitored the mobs growing, but by morning they'll have calmed down. They're angry, but they'll listen to what I have to say once dawn breaks at the Coliseum since everyone can attend to hear what needs to be said."

Makoto frowned deeply questioning exactly what had caused it, "Why are they angry?" The colonel's placid smile seemingly mirrored his fiancee's own expression which he'd seen numerous times whenever she visited the palace, "If you want to know?" Tatsumi's smile turned almost daringly towards several palace guards who bristled underneath a full face helmet, "I can have my legionaries and I escort you so you can see why. If we interfere with them now, it'll be worse since I know they won't listen and as such it'd be best if we contain as much as possible. Presently there's more dangers than our people being angry at the moment."

The Emperor hummed at first until asking quite earnestly, "Won't they calm down if I'm seen? My guards and your soldiers would be enough." An elder youth tiredly suggested in response, "It's not them who I'm referring too, my Emperor. Members of Night-Raid and revolutionaries have been spotted instigating our people, it'll cause you more danger if you're seen with myself or any of my Sabers garrisoning choke points to keep these mobs at bay. We're well aware, but at dawn they'll be gathering for us to say what needs to be said."

A parchment was showcased as a puppet ruler questioned impatiently, "And what is this supposed to mean, Colonel?!" Tatsumi wordlessly accepted when reading over what was being stated as a smirk graced his features to fold it away. Behind him several palace guards placed hands around pommels of swords, or grips of pole-arms. Yet despite being surrounded he looked right at a younger child who seemed to be glaring petulant. This disruption is going to end tonight, I'm tired and I'm not taking no for an answer.

"I'm putting an end to this problem, Colonel." The fiance of General Esdeath once more appeared indifferent even when his eyes trailed upwards towards armored figures, "Either you mobilize your Sabers into putting down these ridiculous issues now, or I have another who'll do it. Your fiancee would do so, but I prefer to have someone with an army to help my guard and the police put these animals who are burning my city down." The Emperor's childish tone tinged on sheer annoyance when he stood slamming a specter's end down thunderously echoing in a quieted corridor when his own guards moved closer in blockading a soldier's path.

Tatsumi's smirk curled upwards into exposing teeth akin to a leer, "I'll obey as it's my oath to serve my country, my people and for the Empire, my Emperor." He bowed despite suggesting once more which made Makoto beam happily, "If it's your will, I shall arrange you and myself to be escorted. But I'm strongly advising you to remain close, I cannot say that they'll be pacified right away and as such I have to entrust myself for your safety."

An emperor waved his hands to his guards who reluctantly lowered halberds, or swords briefly when gesturing for him to lead the way. Tatsumi stood aside until he moved just behind the younger boy in accordance with his ranking and station alone, "What is happening down there? Tell me, colonel and why is this 'event' as you know is happening? Is this the reason why they're all being noisy and causing fires tonight?"

Green eyes narrowed coyly behind him as the elder officer negatively responded, "No, my Emperor. They are angry because not enough has been done, if I had to understand this is all of them finally having enough." Makoto's youthful face looked over, staring right at an elder youth's face who seemed outwardly relieved. Yet his entire complexion seemed paler, tired and made him appear far more older than intended to his gaze.

"Enough of what?" The ruler of a burning city demanded as a group descended down staircases leading to a main internal portion of the palace itself. However Tatsumi never answered directly when palace guards opened a doorway extending outwards where smoke and burning stone met their senses far too keenly, "I'd suggest asking them. It's not my place to say, nor is it safe for you to hear them from me and I'd rather not endanger you further. My legionaries will safeguard us, but it is not our people who I'm concerned about."

Ahead were nearly a hundred palace guards formed into five columns as a horse lay ready to be mounted by the Empire's youthful puppet. Tatsumi went to his own, which had been held loosely by a guard who returned to his compatriot's formation, "Stay close." He said those two words in a warning to smile again which exposed teeth akin to a blue haired woman, "Or those who'd do me harm will try something. We've been attacked, as Jaegers and more by others who are determined to say the least, my Emperor."

Makoto was assisted upwards with several palace guards adjusting straps and securing the Empire's leader wordlessly. Even so an elder colonel lightly maneuvered his own mount amidst distant chanting and voices calling out for blood, "Has it gotten really that bad? Wouldn't General Esdeath do something if they harmed you, or I?" The young Emperor nervously found himself looking ahead as orange gloom's seemed to be growing in number exponentially . A sheen of orange and yellow struck them gradually which made green eyes glower partially due to Tatsumi's face angling away to face a youth who shivered involuntarily.

"Esdeath and I know." He left it at that quite unbothered to smile pleasantly when idly adjusting his arm as a sheen of metal caught an orange gloom. An entire procession began moving as Makoto gestured towards a palace guard who waited diligently, "Then let us put an end to this madness, colonel. Thank you for helping me, I'd have asked the Prime Minister but I'd rather not disturb him with running the Empire's daily affairs." Explaining somewhat sheepishly to an elder soldier whose expression seemingly focused ahead where flames were rising above multiple building lines and sending smoke churning upwards.

His voice carried over marching guardsmen whose eyes gave nothing except for strict discipline that rivaled others wearing armor as well, "You need only to order me and I shall answer." If the ruler whose very puppet rode next to him couldn't foresee what madness lay ahead, it'd have been far more crueler to allow it willingly. Yet Makoto witnessed an almost annoyed expression flirt over in a rarity he'd never seen on the elder officer ever. He couldn't help but blink several times when a horse nickered aggravatingly from being steered too stiffly.

"Colonel? Are you well?" The puppet of an Empire questioned concerned as emerald orbs trailed over when they seemingly glowered due to orange gloom's of light striking them, "You seem...different." He said that word somewhat curiously which drew a soft chortle of bemusement. Tatsumi's face sharply turned fully towards flames which arose in earnest distantly, "I'm tired, my Emperor. For once a weight is off my shoulders, but I am more tired and unable to rid myself no matter how much sleep I try to wish it was gone."

That drew an earnest worry from a youth who never noticed gloved hands slipping down onto the blade's pommel again. A grin wormed its way forth into an almost savage leer which exposed far more than what appeared, "And still I cannot rest. I cannot stop, if only to push forward when I have given everything for a chance." He finished laughing under breath to exhale loudly into guiding his own horse just ahead while looking to rooftops frequently. Eyes darted between both sides of a narrowing street which would take them towards bright flames spreading from building to building swiftly due to strong winds.

"What chance, colonel?" Tatsumi's gaze swept back towards him which seemed far too predatory since it mimicked someone who'd done it effortlessly, "To be heard. For my people, my family and all of them to be heard. Everything for others who've come, to my soldiers and to all friends who've placed themselves in harm's way...for me." Every word had been laced with sardonic wonder yet it came off entirely uneasy for a youth who shivered again. It had seemingly been so long since he first saw the elder teenager swearing an oath of loyalty in a ceremonial event which was for the Imperial military to show it's best candidates.

In that moment a young teenager who'd attained enough after commanding so little had become the most memorable. Loyalty unto death. Despite being long ago, he'd remembered that vow and it had been incredibly striking. And after all that time? An Emperor looked to an elder soldier whose face seemed far too pale, too sharpened and his eyes which had shown with an mistakable light fading away gradually in an orange gloom.

As a procession marched past buildings they could hear audible chants growing and becoming far more savage in their unleashed fury. Makoto couldn't help shivering when the colonel noticed him shrinking away from brighter gloom's threatening to consume them all, "Don't be frightened because of them being heard." He said those words smoothly which seemed quite mocking considering what came next, "It's myself whose more in danger, my Emperor. Our people have finally had enough, I don't blame them for demanding justice."

Leading ahead did one palace guard raise his hand immediately due to rumbling approaching from their immediate flank. Tatsumi hardly seemed to mind when glinting armored helms marched rapidly coming in tight yet rigid formation with shields raised. And similar formations appeared opposite with legionaries awaiting word silently. Their expressions were utterly stoic, or similarly indifferent amidst rising flames with heat boiling air freely. Beyond between buildings a shimmering wall kept boiling as those it was in-tune with those who'd set them earnestly.

"Justice?" Makoto blurted out disbelievingly when formations of legionaries fell behind wordlessly flanking larger palace guards who eyed them distrustfully, "They're being a nuisance tonight! What is wrong with these peasants and commoners, they're never like this colonel. Surely you've seen them and this isn't normal." He argued childishly shaking his head when hearing portions of a building crumbling into a cloud of debris due to an intense heat.

Tatsumi's smile turned cruel when staring over to simply state, "When our people grow weak do they finally shed away what has made them so. Is it true that our Empire is not the strongest of this world and yet enemies continuously hound at our countrymen to bleed out?" The puppet ruler frowned pouting when reaffirming from what another who'd been ruling without obstruction, "The Minister tells me everyday that it's fine! We have you, General Esdeath and others who can crush these problems as other countries fear us."

An elder soldier laughed coldly, finding that quite amusing considering otherwise, "Oh really?" Fire hissed above them when it snaked and slithered feeding off anything flammable as occupants came screaming out in shock. Makoto couldn't help except freeze when halberds from the palace guards leveled glaringly. Tatsumi's eyes glinted underneath an inferno which started to shroud the very street in a thick ash cloud and churning swaths of darkened smoke. But his eyes remained glowering subtly even amidst a darkening environment.

"Help us! Please!" Scores of would be citizens who clutched at each other begging and in most cases falling to their knees begging palace guards who made no move. Where's the fire brigades who put them out? An Emperor thought panicking when blurting out hastily to an elder youth who seemingly raised an eyebrow, "Where are the police?!" It was a demand which couldn't stop when more and more occupants rushed towards legionaries crying out for them to aid them. Minutes passed until nearly hundreds of crying families were reaching out towards indifferent armored soldiers who retained discipline to stare forward.

None would move, or act without being commanded despite several idly brushing shields to ward off too many hands. Yet among hundreds who were all but begging to save their homes from ravaging fires that spread wildly, "The police! You mean those damned looting bastards!" A man screamed out even when several palace guards roughly shoved him down, Makoto couldn't help but freeze outwardly in seeing so many eyes damning him endlessly. Glares, sneers and near enraged expressions were rapidly forming before him.

"That's the damned bastard Emperor!" Another man screamed, realizing as a crown and scepter glinted in golden metals which caused an immediate riot. Dozens tried rushing forward demanding in unending bouts of desperation, "Do something you damned child! Use that fucking fat bastard of a monster Honest and do something for gods's sake!" Voices arose which made a puppet ruler fearfully move his own horse closer towards an elder military officer who seemingly remained where he sat. He and none of his legionaries moved an inch despite witnessing palace guards furiously shoving, or nearly slaying those who got too close.

Tatsumi's voice turned sly when mentioning, "Tell them, my Emperor." He gestured back to burning buildings which pieces of loose wooden windows and portions of flower beds burned in orange reddish embers falling above them, "If you wish for them to return home, my legionaries and I will send them on their way back in doors. You need only to command it, if you so wish." A smirk grew unable to resist when city inhabitants heard him as they lunged forward screaming, demanding and came close to being cut down by palace guards who were losing patience.

And yet his own soldiers remained in formation with gazes honed ahead only awaiting despite numerous pleas asking for their help. What is happening to them! They're never like this, they've never tried attacking me! Makoto's expression faltered when he all but begged an elder officer unable to understand why so many were enraged, "Can you help them? What is happening inside my city, colonel?!"

Tatsumi shook his head mildly if only reaffirming what he'd sworn, "I cannot tell you what you should do, my Emperor. You need only say it." Makoto tried feebly telling a mob which grew ever enraged due to his voice breaking, "Find the police and get them to put them out. Please stop burning..." Hundreds surrounding them in an already clustered space howled in sheer disbelief as rocks were thrown freely, or anything within hand's reach. And the young puppet found himself shielding himself as Tatsumi placed himself just in front to allow debris to smack his jacket.

Ironically most tried avoiding a soldier staring back at them almost impassively not even flinching when one object hit his face. Those who'd thrown it froze in sheer shock as a gloved hand raised itself accordingly, "Enough!" His sharp commanding voice thundered into silencing many especially when legionaries broke ranks into lines streaming into pinning crowds aside with shields raised. Blades were drawn in perfect unity as metal scraped shrill with heavy armor clanking to form two solid walls. They all just advanced wordlessly in making space between themselves and those behind them in silent warning.

"Gather what you can and head to where my legionaries are stationed." Tatsumi's stern demeanor bordered on strict patience which ran thin, "And in the morning go towards where everyone shall hear what you all are saying. Until then safeguard your families, or else I will have my soldiers cut you all down for threatening the Emperor's life. Am I understood?" His voice bellowed near an end due to dead silence and stillness with blade's glinting from wielders who hardly seemed to breathe yet their gazes narrowed into glaring.

None within a crowd on both sides answered as his voice arose snapping them into movement, "Am I understood!" His own countrymen looked down either in grief due to them striking him, or outright were gnashing their teeth due to a building burning. It was their homes, it was their lives and all of it was burning because no one dared to do what needed to be done to save it. Tatsumi could see every expression from his horse's saddle yet made no move, it'd only be a wasted effort and containing most who'd arise in righteous cause would have to be diverted towards a place where an entire capitol would mass in greater numbers at dawn.

"Tell others that at dawn the colosseum will be a place where everyone will be heard. I will be there, so will my soldiers and you all will see what is happening." The young man's voice remained steeled if only barely to grin sardonically as pieces of burning debris fell off to their flanks. It made many jolt away terrified when he gestured to several legionaries who sheathed their blades, "They'll guide you to a place where you can rest and be safer. Don't make me, or our Emperor, regret in showing you mercy when clearly you'd have all been...cut down."

Husbands moved to wives who clutched frightened and trembling children when they looked up teary eyed at a mounted officer. Tatsumi's white uniform's cape flapped sharply as wind fueled flames in having orange fizzling embers burning past his exposed cheeks. Makoto looked on in stunned disbelief when groups began forming around a small contingent of armored legionaries who lightly made attempts to alleviate their suffering. Some offered small pouches of water to trembling people who gladly accepted, even if they wept begging for their forgiveness as some smiled partially understanding their frustrations.

Those remaining returned to formations awaiting an order to move forward even as an inferno blazed bathing all in sheer skin blistering heat. Ahead flames kept extending upwards clawing at darkened air as crackling debris fell freely. Portions of the streets were amounting to hazardous pools of ember and coals which refused to die in flickering reds, or orange colorations. Why did they listen to him? Makoto looked up at an elder youth who stared back plainly, if only wincing when staring behind at a building being engulfed. Green eyes glowered partially in light when he suggested quite indifferently in marching forward through more induced husks of a city.

"Once we get past these flames, I can assure you mobs and lynching will be common place. Most of my soldiers have choke-points in place, if you wish to see more." The boy who believed himself to be master of an Empire choked out words, "Will...will we be safe?" A colonel's cold laughter mirrored another who'd find that question adorable. Yet unlike another he'd speak plainly since it provided an opportunity to show what has happened.

The colonel's words never lied despite cruelly grinning in saying, "Safer than those who deserve what many have finally wished to see. I can assure you, my Emperor, that what you see is just only our people rising up to throw off those who've been monsters. Lynching, rape, murder and so much is what is beyond those flames." He gestured to a burning street where distant chanting and bellowing seemingly grew in numbers beyond counting. As time passed more and more were joining those fueled by momentum which swept an entire city into crying out which hadn't happened in generations past, it was all coming to an eruption of fury.

"What?" Makoto choked out trembling even with his scepter of rule trembling open in sweating hands, "How can you be so certain?" Tatsumi's face shimmered due to a darkening outline which made a boy blink owlishly. His forearm raised itself when blackened metal glinted before he exhaled sharply in motioning them both forward, "Because far worse has already been in place longer than you, or I was born to have known. And I've seen enough to know it's only being done because our people are sick and have finally cast aside being considered toys for monsters."

The colonel's horse nickered lowly despite a hand lightly patting her neckline soothingly due to ash causing irritation. Again some sort of shimmering outline kept appearing as Makoto couldn't help but ask nervously, "Colonel? Are you...okay?" Emerald eyes dipped towards his forearm momentarily before a soft smile swiftly dispelled anything remotely doubtful, "It's only my teigu. It's only trying to be used, a friend theorized it's only trying to be more compatible and it's nothing to worry about considering it's doing what it wants. Strafe is quite difficult but I'm slowly coming into my own about how to approach it all."

If he seemed at ease despite sitting not too distant from flames ascending above them it never showed outwardly, "Teigu are powerful weapons, but they aren't like a sword or shield when they themselves have their own...will." The youth followed an elder despite palace guards cautiously eying side streets as legionaries moved in between them and those they encircled. They were only screening what could potentially strike, if those who were foolish enough to tempt their own lives as a puppet never noticed due to his attention focused on their sole purpose.

"Are you used to seeing all of this?" An Emperor asked of his soldier who merely nodded almost comfortably in hearing distant screams, "Yes." It was all he'd say on that matter when they rode past burning buildings that fell gradually into uncontrollable swaths of flaming tendrils which grasped into higher elevations. Figures skirting through streets seemingly hollowed with unbridled joy, Makoto and Tatsumi halted immediately due to the latter grasping his blade's hilt in warning. But soon enough it became apparent as hundreds were marching with torches held high praising one name, due to their ravings it made a child shrink into himself further due to sheer potency.

"Hang the dogs! Hang the dogs!" It was a rallying cry for this particular mob of city inhabitants who violently circled around several who were yelling out in terror. Robes and clothing of higher upbringing were swarmed with fists, or make shift clubs as faces were smashed inwards without mercy. A few savagely in gleeful anticipation threw a series of torn rope and tossed them upwards over posts meant for lighting, "Blood! Blood, blood, blood!"

Tatsumi idly noticed several people clutching themselves as they screamed in sheer earnest, "Kill these bastards! They took my brother, my sister and my mother! Kill them!" Bodies were strung up when hollowing cheers arose in genuine glee when struggling monsters, if they'd called themselves were left to rot. Flames licked closer and set them ablaze in throat torn pleas for mercy, yet they burned within their own doing. It seemed those who'd flaunted their so called power, or wealth to treat everyone around them as toys were given their just reward.

"Those...those are the minister's friends, colonel!" Makoto couldn't help but cry out when seeing faces in their twisted tears gasp for breath. And yet flesh seared endlessly when being thrown towards burning husks for buildings while hundred's cheered wildly. All the better for them to burn, it's to be expected. Those who are monsters find themselves being prey to those who've taken their need for retribution to come full circle. It's what I wanted to see, it's what happens when no one does anything for our country.

Regardless he merely motioned for them to move past strung up figures being burned alive, "Then tell them to cease and let them go." A soldier only suggested mildly over roaring voices as some turned in seeing an entire procession of armored men. Most immediately broke out into bellowing cries, "It's Saber! It's Saber!" Their incoherent babbling of cheers was met with torches and people crying out in asking him for his praise. Yet almost all were stunned when halberds belonging to palace guards leveled into a wall of serrated steel.

The mob itself started backing away when even as burning figures screeched hoarsely with flesh burning wafting over them. Makoto stared upwards in horror once streaming liquids from darkening lids practically were boiled alive. What is this damned madness! He couldn't stop trembling when looking back towards an elder soldier who casually stared up at burning men and women while placing both hands on his mount's reins. But it was a lack of concern that struck him too keenly for it to be mistaken as familiar.

"Ask them why, my Emperor." Tatsumi once again suggested towards quivering members of a mob who were being forced away. People who'd relished in attaining what had been taken from them were realizing who sat beside him. A crown, scepter and robes belonging to a youthful figure couldn't be imagined as anyone less than who sat upon in the Palace looming above behind them. It'd been obscured by sheer density of smoke yet remained in place, if only making them all widen their eyes in seeing the Empire's ruler out on these streets willingly.

Some outright ran fearfully away in droves with people dragging each other until a small group remained pinned due to palace guards. Tatsumi never once intervened to stop them, or remotely blink save for gesturing to those entrapped by steel serrated edges, "Ask them." Makoto refused to speak up even when among his palace guards looked to their most senior, if only to stare at those who'd strung those who they were loyal to. And without warning a signal was given even when he screamed unable to stop their actions, "WAIT!"

Two dozen armored palace guards lunged forward cutting down what little remained of a lynch mob who cried out. Halberds sliced through limbs without effort, heads and abdomens were torn asunder in showers of gory efficiency. Tatsumi hardly blinked yet again despite lowering his face gradually in which legionaries quietly backed away. Will you do nothing!? Do something for our people for once since it's in front of your eyes! His face remained chiseled in sheer rigid posture into a gaze leveled onto a child ruler who gasped sharply in sheer astonishment when screams were cut short. Gasping corpses were immediately beheaded if a hand rose trying to stop their demise.

Several figures coldly impaled chests, or foreheads before ending any chance of survivors entirely. The Emperor's shaking couldn't cease when he shrilly demanded towards one palace guard who'd been in charge of his fellow protectors, "Why did you do that! I gave no order!" Despite being an incredibly powerfully built soldier who'd been selected, a pair of eyes indifferently answered speaking less than blandly. It only appeared they were looking for an excuse, or rather just simply cared little in regards to their interest.

"They were threats to you, your majesty." The senior palace guard only overlooked seeing his younger compatriots leave no surviving subject of his breathing. Makoto couldn't stop himself shedding tears in seeing one gasping woman look up in quiet terror until a halberd's tip sent her skull rolling away when it got kicked aside, "I gave no order to guardsmen! Understand if I say you kill, then you kill but not until I say so!"

Decorated armor embedded with silhouettes of Imperial dialects and molding with symbolic intentions for unshakable belief was obscured by flickering shadows. A man turned fully at first until a muffled voice snorted, "Your life is far more than peasants who strike at you and the Prime Minister who keep you safe." The child screamed right back in a man's face who seemed to be losing patience, "They are my subjects! Not yours and there must be a reason why they'd do that to the minister's friends! Unless I decide who lives, I will not have you act until I say you do guardsmen."

At first he said, "It's irrelevant what you decide as per your Minister's mandate..." Abruptly he sharply looked over as Makoto followed until his eyes widened. What is happening! Rows of silver armored legionaries stretched into a horizontal line. Shields were raised accordingly with glowering gazes of men whose exposed mouths were faintly snarling. Four, or more ranks stretched into lines as palace guards met them in similar fashion.

Tatsumi had subtly maneuvered his mount Noburu to where he stood between drawn weaponry with a hand resting on his own blade's pommel. Only crackling flames became audible as not a single man on either side of tense loathing spoke. And only metallic clanks of legionaries shifting into lines for supporting their front managed to snap a boy out of his shock. Nearly hyperventilating he demanded hoarsely to an elder officer who simply grinned cruelly in seeing palace guards leveling halberds at his direction intentionally. Not a soul spoke, or could imagine the surreal sense that something terrible was happening.

"Colonel, what are they doing?" Tatsumi's smirk partially exposed teeth to leer quite pleasantly to reveal casually, "Doing only what is sensible against monsters." Another shimmering outline seemingly formed around his face before fading inwards and struggling to remain in place. It was akin to shadows struggling to solidify yet they were withheld through an unseen will refusing to break. However his eyes were growing far more in emotional awareness considering they seemed to be glinting far too frequently to be considered humanely natural any longer.

"Unlike those who seem to care about your life, my Emperor." The elder youth seemingly peered at armored guardsmen whose expression seemingly grew harder as a mirroring formation reacted accordingly. Despite numbering less, they were far more heavier and bulkier to form an almost solidified series of parallel lines. Tatsumi's tone tinged with bemused wonder, "We'll die, if you order it and it's all it would take for myself as well. Obviously, I'm only suggesting you order me to protect your life from those who clearly slaughter our own people as if they were nothing...which is absolutely unacceptable to allow."

Raising a hand which signaled legionaries to level weapons as they took one step forward jointly in creating an audible thud. He never broke his gaze continuing sternly, "Will you do nothing?" Lowly growling out when his hand shook with internal fury as those who were fresh among dead looked upwards in vacant expressions of horror. Knuckles popped loudly even though he sat on his horse a fair distance away, "Will you do nothing for those who didn't deserve to be cut down outside their home after destroying monsters who used them as if they were worth absolutely nothing to be considered less than what our people are!"

Makoto trembled involuntarily in seeing green eyes utterly fixated with an mistakable cruel glee which seemed unnaturally potent. After several moments he seemingly allowed himself to exhale slowly to speak far more plainly, "If you wish to go further anywhere beyond this street. To see what our nation has become, or rather what it needs most? I'm asking you, my Emperor to please tell your guard to return to the palace, or you can continue on your own with them to place yourself in even more danger. Because if they're not listening to your commands now?"

The boy found himself being encircled by those who seemingly wanted to blockade his view of a soldier whose voice remained sincere. It remained honest despite hearing a sense of exhaustion to state something that made himself go still, "What chance do you have to understand and see why our people are finally deciding their destiny? A future which is over for those who were just slain because others refuse to accept that everything...is changing."

An Emperor's gaze trailed downward briefly in looking over at seeing dead expressions looking vacantly ahead. His scepter which had been comfortable seemed extremely heavier, colder and offered little warmth. This...this is crazy! What is happening! This can't be happening! His personal protectors refused to listen, they refused and outright ignored his command as dozens lay hacked to pieces who couldn't have fled. Many had yet those few were unable too and had been slaughtered for simply...what exactly?

The Prime Minister's friends who'd he recognized if only barely, they'd all been hung into burning corpses which swayed stiffly. Neither were recognizable except for charred faces with gaping jaws frozen in agony. Struggling to remain upright he looked to guardsmen who ignored his frantic gaze despite him screaming, "Stand down! All of you!" They were words backed only by sheer desperation as they went unheeded, if only ironically upheld by legionaries opposite of him when they simply ceased moving.

Almost every single man behind Tatsumi's grinning face stood upright, if only reluctantly allowing their blades to point harmlessly at a gravel road. But embers kept fiercely dropping between two lines of soldiers who stared at one another in silent gauging. Why aren't they listening! Makoto frantically looked around to see advancing palace guards who didn't pay him even a scant glance, as if they were only doing what they perceived. In a fit of frustration the boy kicked a horse into riding forward past armored bulks to place himself just out in front. Disbelief was flowing from him when using his father's specter to point at them furiously, "I said stop! What has gotten in you all, I said enough is enough!"

However hulking men who'd safeguard him simply paused when the most senior stated quite irritably, "Your majesty, get behind us. Do you not see a danger to yourself?" Amidst burning husks which had once housed hundreds of people, a boy practically bellowed shrilly into pointing around them visibly distressed. He couldn't stop from showing anxious fueled panic, "You slaughtered my subjects before I had a chance to ask what the hell is happening! Does it sound like I'm joking around guardsmen, now stand down!"

They slowed to a grinding stop, if only just when his palace guard's senior most lead gestured to those closest to him. And before he could scream out in shock, a pair of hands literally plucked him off from a horse! Being pulled downward roughly nicking and flailing wildly, the puppet ruler shrilly demanded trying to fight off an iron clad grip which couldn't be broken so easily, "Unhand me! Do you hear me! Enough!"

Grips not so firmly secured him into being wedged behind the backs of armored men who continued to march forward. And yet he squirmed, if only out of sheer anger smacked hardly with his father's specter into making a man hissing. It had nicked padding just enough where he darted underneath hands which missed due to his short height. Panting and nearly vomiting from adrenaline for the first time in his youth life he shrilly screamed again.

"Why are you doing this now of all times!" His clothing had been ruffled when sweat went down cheeks as men who'd been hand picked by his trusted Minister and tutors didn't reply. They simply kept their gazes locked onto him, who backed away from them quite aggravatingly. Slamming a scepter's metallic end onto gravel, "I want answers as to why my city is burning! Why, my minister's friends are being strung up and you killing those who I'd demand answers from without me deciding is something I am not allowing!"

Laughter quietly made him freeze when it came from the elder officer who sat on his mount, "Because they're following orders, my Emperor." An armored frame seemingly shimmered into existence encasing and contorting gradually until only sewn eyes focused on him personally. Makoto couldn't genuinely imagine how, or what appeared possible. Small droplets of ichor lightly appeared on corners on exposed flesh, flawlessly giving Tatsumi's smile a far more eerie macabre like appearance, if only illuminated by an orange inferno shadowing portions.

"They're sick, I can see those who are next to them." Shadowed figures reminiscent of dozens were clawing at them in obvious silent rage. Wisps of blackened mist solidifying thick and fresh, Tatsumi could only smile placidly when raising an arm partially. Wings extended outwards into nearly brushing against flames which made them appear akin to mirages, if only just as a horse nickered underneath him in discomfort. The teigu called Strafe seemingly bound itself tighter in giving an elder officer as he glanced ahead absently.

None of the armored legionaries were afflicted as an Emperor saw his palace guard's suddenly swaying dangerously. Some outright collapsed onto their knees loudly heaving out a slew of mixed fluids, "Sick?" He uttered that word bewildered as Tatsumi lightly jumped off his horse's saddle into guiding it by reins forward. Hooves slightly clack into stone and gravel consistently despite embers whizzing past ears which were shaken side to side in a bid to rid themselves of painful reminders of being near blazing infernos.

"This teigu is far more dangerous and I can only accept it'll do what it wants." The young man spoke almost resigned when standing right in front of a boy whose eyes were wide. Behind weapons were drawn into rigid readied in every legionary, thickened shields were locked and formed an imposing wall without needing to be told. Despite everything a soldier knelt down offering reins to a puppet ruler while merely suggesting, "I will safeguard your life, if you order it. My legionaries will not hesitate to give their lives even though they are needed for others, but I'm asking you to let us show you what is happening."

Tatsumi couldn't even remotely humor it as loyalty, if only it being a necessity to accomplish when a new dawn would break soon. Whether abiding by his own oaths maintained what little remained, it'd only serve what needed to be done. And for the Empire to hear what would be done, "Why is my guard not listening to me!" He all but whispered shrilly as sewn eyes looked over towards others who struggled to stand, as if they were being dragged downward. Some of their exposed gazes were almost scathing and furious even to their blackened forms in his present state.

"If they won't, my soldiers and I will." The elder youth promised indifferently while giving reins to a frozen limp that gripped it tightly, "We're not traitors, never to our country and people." He stood up brushing swiftly past an almost catatonic ruler who himself stunned. Blackened wings which rippled akin to metallic scales folded inwards, if only shielding their origin reflexively. Tatsumi's voice despite being warped did convey an earnest sense of assurance, "If you don't trust me, that's fine. So then trust my legion, those who've given everything because I can no longer give more and for those who aren't afraid to kill."

His face turned revealing a shadowed leer which only accented when yellowish and orange coloration's made it far too joyful. A blade was drawn sharply with metal tingling as it rang due an overt force scraping roughly from it's sheathed rest, "Sabers!" Legionary formations thundered forward howling in one defiant and thundering bellow, their steps were together and within gleeful expectation. Shields were angled firmly when slowly trudging past. Although unlike previously gloves didn't roughly, or wildly try yanking him aside.

Helmet wearing men only gently moved past a stunned boy who had several sheath blades, if only to offer hands in uplifting him back on a horse. They didn't speak, nor did they sneer and merely waited for Makoto to snap out of his near mind numbing shock. This can't be happening! This...this is crazy, what in the hell is happening! He never found himself being lifted firmly while reins were pulled further behind them as lines solidified in plugging up gaps made by those who'd assisted wordlessly. Heavy plated armored boots and clanking pieces of armor standing shoulder to shoulder were met with angled blades perpendicular to edges of shields which protected most, if only allowing slits within walls to lunge forward at will.

Purple capes swept past forming a mixed coloration which gradually pulled away moving towards stumbling palace guards. Some tore off helmets unable to stop themselves as they spewed out stomachs full of bile, "No mercy!" Tatsumi's voice cut through fire and air sharply into yelling out an order which seemingly appeared, "Show these monsters, no mercy! What do you say to those who dare to kill our people!"

Legionaries bashed their blade's pommels resoundingly into thundering as they responded in a near roaring word, "DEATH!" It echoed seamlessly into rippling flames, it lingered traversing down an entire emptied street. And figures emerged from just ahead marching eerily parallel into boxing in halberd wielding adversaries. Horses with glinting plates of armor clutching spears that were longer than most men readied themselves. Capes flapped furiously due to gusts when more columns cycled through seamlessly.

Formations stretched and met shoulder to shoulder equally when a horseman who sported the lone green plum upon his helm just stared absolutely stern. Roy Ottoman raised his hand in accordance to his commander's mirroring gesture, "Swords!" The man barked out when legionary sabers drew upwards with two steps being answered by one opposite past enemies. Tatsumi's leering expression utterly seemed to extend further, if only when advancing with his teigu's armored form shimmering constantly when potent flames licked closer.

No more will anyone do nothing, no longer will this keep occurring as far as I live! Too many have died voiceless, but no longer are they quiet. I will not see those who seek our end, we will no longer give our enemies the joy in seeing us savoring our blood! Fingers tightly popped knuckles when they clenched as he moved forward unable to quell a growing sense of euphoria. Heavy and near lightened limbs were constantly striving to go further, Tatsumi's spine had a tingling sense of sharpened pain followed by swift relief for each step cracked against earth unable to withstand it. Strafe's metallic exterior groaned in audible rigidity when chains emerged slithering lazily from around en-locked wrists, for they trailed scrapping with wings folding inwards.

Whether the Emperor failed to understand, or simple remained locked frozen didn't matter considering he would have stopped willingly. But those who'd assisted him, if a lone Observer whose hand written intentions weren't intended, it'd unleashed what lay within. All will listen to our people, all will hear what they have been crying for generations and now, I have heard them. And it begins with these excuses who won't see the next dawn. Those who lost their families, homes and loved ones will know I will no longer accept it!

Legionary formations of his soldiers moved in step behind slamming their blade's pommels against shields thunderously. It was constant, it was deliberate and it signaled an end to many had been shown would no longer remain in place. And they would hear it, they would see it and none would be able to deny that somethings changed when it would no longer be denied. Only to his ears a silent ringing emerged when armor contorted tighter and refused to give breath when his expression turned murderously enjoyed at last.

The street started to tremble when impressions from armored steps grew deeper, they split earth and sent piles of fire rolling downwards. Smoke and burning embers were swept aside by rows of legionaries following behind, for not one man among them refused or dared to think otherwise for they'd seen what would be cut down. And as they moved past alleyways in between buildings did huddling groups of those who'd fled look up at them in stunned wonder. Tears streamed in glistening streams as most knelt crying out in their raw grief to end monsters who'd taken more from which had been claimed.

Halberds were leveled by those capable to withstand unseen horrors and couldn't stop quivering due to cold fleeting sensations tearing into them. Tatsumi's gaze swept frequently in seeing darkened shapes familiar and alien in clawing at those whose very figures were shrouded. Wisps of blackened lines were cut and emerging, they were freshly formed and swept rapidly with a flick of his hand as all were sent streaking towards himself. They collided into briefly obscuring an already murky gray world as his smile kept widening when crunching steps deepened. And he didn't shy away from it, he'd only accepted whatever Strafe desired...it'd do whatever it's purpose to do in making him unable to resist using itself.

Wings spread accordingly when he leaped upwards as two swift and powerful movements sent him reeling forward. His blade cut through air as a weight sent everything screaming, "None of you shall see the new dawn!" Roaring did gravity's pull send a serrated edge tearing downward and sent two halves of a stunned palace guard splitting apart. Reddish splattered more blackened to tar washed over his gaze as wisps flickered away ramming into him wildly. Streams spun and kept circulating endlessly in quickened frenzies when a wing sharply angled immediately away.

A weapon's tip was literally engulfed as wings akin to metallic razors sent it into pieces. And it's wielder cried out when being stabbed through an exposed throat, "As one!" From behind calls rang out when armored infantry collided furiously in ear wrenching squeals of metallic forces and as a result sent an entire line of opposing palace guards reeling back in one powerful movement. And the same occurred further opposite, if only to wedge them closer and tightly compacted what little space remained.

Blades struck swiftly impaling legs, or plunged into the abdomen which forced those to hunch downward screaming out. As one legionary retracted did another from his flank finish off, or further pushed with shields being battered in fist stinging strikes. But gradually they were cut down where they feel, or were finished off by those behind who advanced in effectively silencing any hope to endanger their compatriots entirely. Two entire formations rigidly slammed a wall of shields in forcing back larger and heavier adversaries, if only enough for them to rapidly try sending longer weaponry overhead to stop their advances.

Yet only ducking partially behind just scraped aside armored helms whose very intention diverted fatal strikes were well prepared. Tatsumi found himself deflecting spears, or far thicker blades as wings covered him before they slithered and tightened into metallic flesh tearing coils. He side stepped one palace guard who tried an overarching sweep, as another came from behind and a smile just remained in place. A blackened blade parried one way, as a free hand simply grasped an extended pole-arm to squeeze down into having it simply shatter. Wood gave way immediately and pieces of metal shattered dangerously with flakes lightly nicking his exposed face freely.

"Push!" Calls rang out from behind and ahead of him when a wing curled sharply until he parried another strike. The once rigid feathers hardened into shimmering, rippling and seemingly tightened scales which held glinting surfaces as an entire length of spiraling tore through an armored guard. And only splattering warmth running down his face signaled a gaping hole with the wing hooking into an inverted tip. A blade sent an opening gash with one head sliding off shoulders as a fresh corpse sputtering out crimson fell backward leaving him to stand upright.

Screaming soldiers worked together in cutting down those who'd been considered the pinnacle of their country's stock. Those who'd given themselves all and more, if only to be revealed as nothing less than adversaries who couldn't realize they'd been dead in name. Halberd shafts were split asunder whenever one legionary locked, or parried a blow with those behind him effectively slicing downward. And gradually backs of guards met each other when from ahead rippling fire from firearms whisked overhead into sending figures slumping over.

"First volley, reload and prepare for a second!" Roy's bellowing command washed over as Tatsumi absently looked down in seeing a bloodied hand trying feebly to reach a weapon. Underneath pools of darkening liquid were met when he raised his leg accordingly. And without hesitation, he found his limb growing heavier if only to be nearly weightless into crushing an entire face inwards. Not one would live, not one would be spared and it was only another reminder that his countrymen would never change through such worthless things called words.

The ground quaked briefly shaking those who'd been on their knees as a gored induced hole left little imagination. Another round of firearms from those on horseback slammed true, if only hearing scattered ricochets due to shields doing their assured purpose. Turning around did he move past walls of flesh and steel which parted ways wordlessly once again, he moved with wings flapping upon his armored back into a more reserved manner. They melded just behind shoulders with their dripping tips leaving a trail when approaching an almost petrified child who watched everything, even though two lingering streams of liquid ran down a murky grey face.

"This is nothing, if you think this is the worst." Condescending pointing just beyond a freshly minted battlefield which wouldn't be forgotten ironically, "But honestly compared to what I've done? Or have you seen inside our country's heart, with how many who you don't know? Do you have any idea what has happened to our country and people, my Emperor?" There was no lie, or even willing desire to mince words into telling a far younger boy whose graying silhouette of a specter which fell from numbed hands. He followed it idly as it clanked loudly before rolling side to side just in front of himself.

Kneeling down into grasping it by an end did he simply inspect it, if only momentarily humoring what little remained to his growing thoughts. But after seeing only blackened wisps twisting and spearing through an object did a placid smirk emerge, "Do you want to see our people?" Looking upwards despite nearly crushing the seemingly fragile scepter, he earnestly questioned a boy who could only shake in a saddle. His very horse who'd been with him since acquiring her during times when he'd believed the words of another, if only to be broken over and over until only actions would be able to make what words appeared as...powerful.

The street was littered with palace guards, or rather what little remained,"What...what have you done, colonel?" Makoto whispered stunned with tears streaming down from both eyes, lung clogging smoke wafted and lazily settled while he was unable to take in as fighting grew fainter and had become delegated into legionaries swiftly leaving no surviving guardsmen. Some were immediately impaled through chests, or skulls ruthlessly giving any mercy as opposed to what they'd shown to another pile of fresh dead just off to his right. As a battlefield among burning ruins and blood soaked streets, they were akin to rivers of red flowing once it became no more less than a slaughter did figures emerge from alleyways.

Commoners came pouring while clutching smaller children, or were supported by those who'd lost even more as Tatsumi eyed them all. They rushed over dead with his own soldiers who idly were making way, or assisting those who stumbled crying out their grieving rage in kneeling among those who couldn't have expected their demise. None looked at him specifically, but only stares of boiling emotion so strong and palpable he'd found his stomach lurching violently. And more looked over in seeing his quivering expressions as teeth were bared when dozens upon dozens of lower born subjects of his bellowed out in earnest defiance.

"WHY DID YOU LET THESE MONSTERS DO THIS!" Wives, husbands, children and others all soon devolved into near frenzied accusations. Tatsumi merely placed himself in between an almost incited lynching mob of people, if only barely with his blade pointing sharply off to the side. And even though they were enraged, less than a few stopped to glare with tearful gazes demanding he do something for this massacre. Too many were torn on grieving, or outright charging past to tear into a boy who couldn't imagine such blatant intentions.

Absently twirling a specter's end until did an elder youth merely toss lightly back at an Emperor who gripped it involuntarily tight. Although after a minute he answered even though it was difficult to hear him over groups crying to the skies, "I did what was needed. But it doesn't matter, I've done this so many times that it's just...what it is. Everyday this happens, nothing changes and why are you asking me when I've done all I can?"Makoto never answered remotely while Strafe's armored form started dissipating slowly, as if it were struggling to remain until Tatsumi's white uniform followed by him walking past Noburu's flank.

He pulled a horse along with an unresponsive rider, if only barely to smile far too naturally at ease with such sights. Legionaries moved in formation past as Roy's own mount slightly pulled nickering in irritation due to smoke just off to his side, "We'll clean up this mess, sir. Please take care of his majesty, we don't need anymore...dead." The acting commander of a legion only nodded lightly to Makoto who shrunk away due to a helm hiding away a mirroring grin. But that wouldn't be enough for others to get themselves prepared.

"Put all their heads on display, lieutenant. Tell all other patrols to bring everyone they have and begin securing the colosseum. We're on a schedule, as far as I'm concerned." Tatsumi's tone tinged on sheer bemusement when a salute acknowledged those orders all too easily. Behind several voices called out as corpses were shifted aside in clearing a road, blades were drawn and heads were severed with on-lookers cheering them somewhat hollowly. It'd been due to some holding the dead closer to them, as they screamed to do more to their killers.

It didn't take long when spears which had been used as weapons became stakes when they were mounted equally on each side of a street. They'd be seen with headless corpses being tossed aside corresponding to their own, if only as a means to identify what could be buried. As much I wish to burn them to ash, I'd rather have them be on display. Word will spread by those who witnessed it, I made it clear as it'd ever get. Tatsumi's smile grew overtly unable to resist drowning in a sense of gibberish amusement into warding off arrogance through provocation.

Whether wealth, or status among those who believed they'd treat his countrymen as nothing short of worthless ended tonight. And regardless of who among Honest's supporters believed the capitol's streets were their personal playground? The Empire does not show mercy, or hesitate to kill monsters who've thrived for far too long. I guess your advice, Julius in striking without risking the Emperor is going to be put to the heavens and hell's test. Glancing upwards into murky skies did little to alleviate screams growing in numbers across numerous streets, or spreading rapidly into housing quadrants joining others.

"Colonel." A pair emerald eyes momentarily flickered over his shoulder when slowing down into allowing a horse to move past. Despite preparing himself to smile, he answered plainly, "Yes, my Emperor?" Makoto's expression looked utterly devoid of willingness which only would be lessened, if their journey continued further. But mercy, or what else he'd hoped long ago were no longer necessities when he'd done all he could.

However a question surprisingly made his eyes narrow immediately, "Are you going to kill me?" Even if he'd humored that intention it wouldn't change anything when replying absolutely clear, "No." Both soldier and ruler were being escorted behind by two thin columns of soldiers who'd be joined by their own comrades down their path, "Why would I do that, my Emperor?" The boy shivered unnaturally when partial glinting green eyes partially looked over a shoulder narrowing almost coy. It wasn't natural, it didn't seem right and Makoto earnestly started to feel an incredible natural sensation akin to concern.

Along his shadowed face it was constantly alight due to flames that made him appear cruelly amused, "If I had wanted to kill you, or whatever you think I'd do?" A soldier explained plainly, "You'd have been gunned down, or I'd have done it when you had your back turned. I told you that I'm only showing you that I am not a traitor, or to see our nation destroyed as do not I want to usurp our people. Whether you think so, or not I assure you I didn't lie despite seeing another slaughter, for I am loyal to our nation, to our people who will no longer allow this to happen and if you ordered it? Then myself and my soldiers would die for you...for the Empire who are our people."

Unknowingly words belonging to Julius returned despite him fighting against an urge to do away with what had flourished in this child's supposed rule. Reformation, if that is to happen? The Emperor must see, he must listen and whether he agrees only serves to diminish Honest, colonel. Great men know where and how to defeat enemies outside a battlefield, if there's any opportunity do not hesitate to take control since you have everything in place! The former foreign diplomat had been completely serious to a degree in which made him gnash his teeth unconsciously. What little he had to hold onto, inevitably it would have to be given up like everything he had sacrificed as always to make what had to be done possible.

"Why are you so frightened of me?" Tatsumi's voice tinged on sardonic amusement considering blood dripped off his blade's tip lightly, "Please, tell me why." The boy's eyes flickered towards burning buildings where huddling groups of his expected subjects, all looked utterly defeated or some starred in seeing him with legionaries marching behind. Some glared hotly in outrage, others were weeping brokenly in caressing dead and most just stared stonily almost voicing their anger directly at...him personally.

Control of what? The young colonel hissed internally into sneering quite unconvinced even as he raised a lone hand signaling to halt them all. Another formation of his own soldiers moved past with carts full of captives who were howling to be released. Wealthy burcreats, merchants, slavers, city guard and whoever dared to think they were monsters. They were demanding, begging and outright howling to the skies to be released from internal fears in which they would all learn wouldn't be accepted any longer as long as he breathed.

There's only one person who'd allow this all to change, Julius. A soldier smirked far too bemused since power was needed, even if Makoto in his opinion were to see everything. And yet it was only another piece to show that person, he'd be willing to do more for it. And you're wrong, but also right because everything has to be in place to start something impossible. Necessity is what needs to be done to make those shed aside this weakness, to be strong requires power and the Emperor has neither except for being what is required in name only.

Wiping out the palace guards didn't seem remotely enough, it'd only been an earnest cleansing and purge of those who were Honest's tools. But tools would continually be bought, they would be used regardless and he'd had such an arsenal entirely. Frowning privately to himself so it simply came down to time itself. How long would it have to wait? Or rather how much longer would it finally reveal itself when enemies were literally in all walks of life. Something had to give one way, or another for things to shatter any hope it'd return to this degeneracy.

"You scare me." Eyes rolled partially when glaring particularly unimpressed, "Is that it?" Tatsumi lowly retorted to laugh quietly, "You're scared because men who were your guard, disobeyed and killed a group of families for doing what they needed against those who took their loved ones? Loved ones who were tortured, raped, murdered and damned to go through hell until they lost their lives because no one did anything?" Every word was grounded out to where his expression turned undeniably loathsome which never appeared normally.

"Scared because you're seeing what is really happening after generations!" The young colonel turned around furiously bellowing in having his voice echo. That was the Emperor's reasoning when his arms trembled into gripping a solid internal rage, as if a teigu's outline kept appearing when he was continuously battling unseen decisions. If the puppet child found himself frightened, Tatsumi had all but succeeded in making him freeze in that saddle. Why do you not do anything, or care to walk among your people who are outside the palace!

Smiling far too cruelly in mirroring another who'd find a natural joy in seeing such sights, "You have no reason to be afraid, but everyone else has lived with it. And more...every single god's damned day, my Emperor!" Gesturing sharply to empty burning husks for buildings which had been evacuated recently. Behind legionaries halted accordingly yet made no move to silence, or step foot in front of a boy who shrank back naturally. No one in memory had treated him with such verbal damnation, or outright treated him to teeth jarring concern.

"Did all those tales about myself, my soldiers and those who we'd let live get to your head?" The elder youth demanded almost cynically laughing to reveal an old deception he'd done numerous times to give others a chance, "I was ordered in those days, to slaughter and burn every single damned enemy who rose up against you and the Empire. But I chose to risk my life, my soldiers who I broke time and time again to prove that we are not the monsters who destroy our own people...I killed every armed rebel and let their families go! I found a way out from becoming the hell which is all around you, I did it so I had a hope by the god's, I'd have fucking chance to ask you why!"

Beneath his feet gravel started crackling into numerous splinters, he stepped once and earth trembled underneath unseen weight. Of course those answers had been answered many times in his experiences, or rather there had been no need for it. And despite what little remained? If no one else will tell anyone, I'll do whatever it takes to make sure everyone is finally going to be shown. No more of it, but you just stare at me as if I'm the cause of monsters when you already let them flourish because you did absolutely nothing.

An Emperor weakly whispered even though he tried moving a steadfast horse away, but it didn't at all listen to instead nicker irritably. It wouldn't adhere to one it knew little to steer itself, "Aren't you a soldier whose a hero?" Those words proved to be an absolute calamity inspired, as Tatsumi's face twisted into undeniable disbelief. Did he hear those words coming from a boy who still believed in fantasy tales!? Unable to quell an internal desire no more, an elder youth bared his teeth when both feet cemented themselves into having gravel shatter.

"THERE ARE NO HEROES!" Armor came too damned close into appearing forcefully when it nearly wrapped itself around his face freely, "NONE!" He couldn't stop finally bellowing to point with a blood soaked blade towards growing fires, "DOES THIS LOOK LIKE A HERO'S HOME? OUR COUNTRY'S HEART IS BURNING, IT IS DYING AND YOU TELL ME THAT, I'M A HERO! FOR WHAT? Not one syllable seemed to be stretched, or remotely keen on allowing such insanity to remain in place. Everything which had been their people's legacy, their greatest achievements and like many born before them had no longer mattered to hide behind pretty lies. For the truth was simply what it'd been deafening, more so the boy who seemed to be a ruler could only whimper.

Turning abruptly away seething to clench both eyes tightly in fighting off an ever growing temptation to end this child's life. He'd done it numerous times well before in commanding an army, yet it was the last vestige of control he had left to keep in check. Because you swore your oath, regardless and killing him just makes everything you fought for...worthless. Inhaling deeply to breathe in burning mixtures of wood and those not as aware who'd died in their homes. Those fortunate who his soldiers tried getting out when the mobs had grown too volatile, it'd only grown further and soon enough tens of thousands were gathering in multiple areas unleashing their pent up fury.

"Heroes do not exist, my Emperor." Glaring tiredly when he lightly clicked his tongue to have a horse follow somewhat eagerly as legs were willing to move out of small indented holes. While containing an unstoppable momentum in making the entire capitol's populace rising, Tatsumi knew raids and what little time they had were rounding up as many as possible. Their allocated time for a purge was coming to a close and it wasn't enough, or rather it'd stirred up too many as he'd been warned to simply accept it'd been overdue.

Striding along did small figures of ragged children who'd been delivering messages literally come up beaming while covered in blackened soot. They'd been looting apparently which just made his eyes indifferent yet nodding slightly, "Go to my soldiers. They'll deliver what you've found out." Makoto could only stare wide eyed in seeing little more than rabble happily thank him, if in an almost fervent glee when they sprinted past approaching armored men. He watched transfixed when a lead legionary knelt down smiling warmly.

Words were exchanged and they openly embraced a less than comfortable veteran who gestured beyond to get to safer grounds. Half charred trinkets of metallic glints were carried as praises were yelled back all too happily in sheer joy. Not one paid him any glance, or seemingly knew who he was given they played catch with their new found rewards. Coins in pouches along with their looted treasures were almost surreal, "A...arrest them!"

Makoto shrilly tried speaking up as Tatsumi ignored it in favor to continue moving forward, "Why would I arrest those who risked themselves for me?" That question stunned a boy yet again who couldn't understand that that was the least of their problems. Arresting children, is that what you think I'd do willingly? When I gave them a purpose, something for them to do to help others who've died for simply running into monsters who play as Gods? Teeth were gritting incredibly tight to a point where he'd nearly bit off his own tongue.

"Is that an order, or is that you trying to think?" The colonel's tone tinged on absolute cold wonder when distant cheers and chanting gradually got closer. If it hadn't been for his legionaries blockading off keep sections of streets, they'd have marched and possibly tried breaching the Imperial Palace which would have been absolutely detrimental to his purge. Too many were growing with ideas bordering on arrogance, if anything their swift responses kept mobs in check and they tended to avoid them not willing to risk being driven back.

Cheers ran louder and wilder when it became apparent when Tatsumi absently explained, "They're cheering because my soldiers are making monsters beg for mercy." It became almost routine in seeing a smaller estate of Honest's supporters who were being dragged kicking and screaming through mobs who threw rocks, or anything remotely suitable. Shields were used to push back far more eager, or overly zealous individuals who'd wanted to do more. Yet he looked further in seeing glinting forms breaking open another structure.

"Did you know whenever wealth makes a monster think it's untouchable? They'll take whoever they want to do with what they'd like?" Turning to stare with a lone eye as an adjacent building started to crumble violently. Embers whisked past them both in earnest, as a few slammed into his exposed face and he barely flinched. It spoke volumes alone since he'd been accustomed to far worse pains to smile quite pleased, "I can only wonder, but let us see how many were taken this time, by those who are your minister's friends and used to be tortured. How many children like those you'd want to arrest...lay dead inside a hell of our own doing."

The boy clutched a scepter tightly biting out disbelievingly, "What are you saying?" Tatsumi's physical expression vividly bordered on a conflicted sense of aggravation. Rigidly tightening his jaw where teeth were crushing due to losing patience, a soldier didn't bother trying to mince words. Or rather he simply gave up giving obvious signs. There was no reasoning with delusions as he'd finally snapped to move sternly where an outline of armor desperately trying to manifest came stronger, Makoto almost fell off a saddle due to how shrouded said face of an elder youth seemed to leer quite absolutely pleased.

That damned sensation to lift a blade got crushed immediately. Even if his words were low and utterly on the cusp of becoming far more tempting, "Don't you get it?" Tatsumi's smile curled into gesturing with said weapon behind them, "Your trusted friend is the monster who all other monsters cry out to help them when another monster proves them wrong. He's responsible for all of his friends who act like they're untouchable, they kill, they torture and rape everyone who's our blood because they simply can...because he keeps you blind."

He deliberately kept himself in check mostly because what he'd say now to the boy wouldn't do much on it's own. Yet it'd matter when many others would be listening. But our priority is maneuvering these mobs to the place where everyone's going to gather. Ahead formations spotted himself along with their own number as signals were given to stretch across an entire road. They were blockading it, if only to keep desperate loved ones or hollowing jeers to see those being dragged roughly into prison carriages and prematurely ending them.

As a contingent behind immediately paused until signals were made swiftly to keep an eye behind as two sections of a street were enclosed. Tatsumi lightly journeyed up a well built path towards an estate where his own soldiers broke off locks, or outright pulled open doors to the smaller building which would house yet again horrors of familiarity. He could smell lingering traces of dead, or rotting flesh that caused the boy on his horse's saddle to cough loudly. He never bothered to ask since it'd be far more effective to simply have him observe the fruits of trusting those who he considered friends and reap the rewards of it naturally.

"What is that smell?" Makoto's hand covered his entire face trying to avoid coughing even as he shakily gripped what little leather reins to ward off internal fears. If the elder colonel heard it visibly, it never showed despite them passing a lone legionary lightly running. The Emperor watched him make a gesture to indicate to bring gradual numbers of anxious people forward through lines of armor and shields which kept them back. And whistles sounded off, if only in firm hands pointing towards an estate's entry way.

Groups were streaming forward frantically running past as Tatsumi absently mentioned, "Take a look for yourself and see, my Emperor." Sheathing his weapon which made a prominent noise of metal and clasped tightly, he crossed both arms only taking in various family members who were forcibly told to wait a fair distance away. Not many are going to be pulled out alive, or what's left of them will be recognizable. Seems like many of these monsters are trying to rid themselves of others finding out, or rather avoiding even more mobs. Dead men speak nothing, they only add misery and hopelessness to keep them distracted.

Makoto shakily brought himself to peer past armored legionaries who were guiding frantic commoners and lesser people forward. They were screaming endlessly, names and prayers begging the heavens as the first of gruesome figures emerged. No, no, no! An Emperor found himself when rotting smell of human flesh infected with sickly coloration's were too obvious, lashes and scarring where it all rolled over due to numerous torture. Bodies of near skeletal people, so thin that they an arm snapped causing a rasping shrill of air to mimic screaming. But the one whose arm was so fragile, their throat had been literally cut out not far too long ago.

Imperial legionaries wordlessly started separating those who weren't capable of living beyond minutes from the ones barely alive. Fingers, or what was left of stubs showcasing rotting flesh with flecks of white indicating bone weakly gripped those who'd carried them. Eyes so sunken inwards seemingly were tearing up, if only out of sheer joy and seeing rescuers akin to living deities that made their last moments at peace. Loved ones, mothers, fathers and numerous others rushed weeping loudly in embracing those unable to live beyond the night. And not one soldier among them shed a tear due to seeing too many similar sites routinely.

"Go inside." Tatsumi's voice sharply taunted when dismounting to have his horse attended to by one legionary, "Let's see what your minister's friends have done to all of them." The Emperor sucked in a breath when an elder youth smiled pleasantly to say expectantly, "Wait until you see the worst, your majesty and maybe you'll finally understand something about tonight. Our people have been told that their voices no longer matter, they're used and I am no longer going to remain silent until I see every damned monster bleed for treating those who built this Empire as worthless toys for their own enjoyment."

Bodies of half mangled men whose genitals were cut off, crushed or more so women whose very anatomy were so heavily cut open it'd been impossible to wonder what they looked like. Lidless eyes stared blankly upwards, half torn off jaws which were stitched shut and numerous other smaller perversions paled in comparison to what lay within. They were toys to those monsters as Makoto saw every detail with eyes of his subjects finally recognizing who'd been on horseback just behind legionaries assisting them. And the first of many yells began in earnest despite Tatsumi coldly dropping a hand onto his blade's pommel.

"It's that fucking bastard's pet!" One woman whose rage and fury could no longer be contained just shrieked at the top of her lungs. She clutching what was once a man whose half torn apart face was melded together by various objects, "NOW YOU SHOW YOUR FACE!" Various commoners and peasants, all together started surging forward hell intent on tearing an ash colored boys face as they damned him openly. Imperial Sabers quickly halted many in response, or outright formed an enclosed wall with almost steeled expressions giving little away.

Remains continuously were being pulled out from an interior as it managed to quell some from attacking in a surreal turning of events. Tatsumi simply walked up glaring, "Get off your horse and see what the hell you've done by allowing all of this to happen...my Emperor!" Makoto flinched openly gasping for air as tears were trickling down his face. Yet he complied out of sheer desperation to avoid being seen as more bellowing came from ahead of legionary lines. Some weren't hesitating in shoving grieving victims back, or seemingly cared to do more except make it clear that harming the Empire's puppet wouldn't be tolerated.

"WHY DID MY SON HAVE TO DIE!" A man who clutched an almost amputated corpse roar furiously at a boy not much older. Some of those shouting were begging soldiers to enact their rightful claim for vengeance, "Let me tear that bastard fucker up! If it's not Honest, to hell with it and I'll make that monster piss himself!" Several fell to their knees reaching upwards clutching at legionaries, whose drawn weapons begging them out of sheer grief, a lifetime of frustration and anger despite some firmly trying to comfort them in an awkward appeasement.

It was here in plain view Makoto witnessed peasants seemingly cry into shields of soldiers who refused to break ranks even if some were wincing visibly. They're all angry at me...aren't they? Tatsumi's hand firmly gripped his shoulder into literally dragging him past veterans who eyed him less than concerned in silent discipline. They were treating him as a necessity, not out of reverence or loyalty to him yet only to those who were screaming for blood to be repaid. There was no sense of loathing, but only steeled tolerance for holding those who were being reunited with those who'd been tortured until they longer breathed.

"Look inside, now!" The elder youth all but sweetly mocked him, "Take a look for yourself and ask just whose friends did you know?" An unworldly stench capable of making him almost gag hit him directly without warning again. Makoto covered his mouth as he walked forward in seeing a simple gravel staircase as darkness gave way to dim lights along walls. Ratting sounds akin to chains being broken off, or unlocked echoed below as an Emperor found himself standing in a little piece of deliberate hell.

Cages overhead were stuffed with rotting corpses as hands weakly reached out through bars, eyeless men and women jointly suffering. Some had wooden blocks wedged into them, others had pieces of metal speared through and many were sewn together in twisted manifestations akin to what many considered art. He quivered violently as below half burnt children whose life had ended long before he, or any soldier, arrived were only being covered by tarps. Or anything close enough to spare an agonized expression with eyes being closed gently. It didn't take long to check if any lived, they'd been deliberately boiled alive.

Intestine were hung as decorative pieces around several piles of sewn together corpses as some wheezed out words. Most only said one word, "Help." And similar words begging for a simply thing known as, "Water." Two sewn together men couldn't move an inch, or risked tearing apart seams welding their spines together. It was all done in such a manner, as if one were appraising their work and relished in being akin to monsters that even hell would welcome them happily. No amount of disbelief was done due to the heavens refusing to offer peace, for it'd be brought down by one who stood behind him smiling.

"Isn't this wonderful?" Tatsumi's voice quivered pleasantly, impressed in standing beside a boy who fell onto both knees whimpering, "This is what our people have been reduced to after so many damned years. To be playthings by those who have too much gold, they taught themselves that this was their life to be as worthless and submitted to suicide in thinking this was normal. Not a single damned person, or anyone did anything to stop this until... I decided to do it." Makoto looked up horrified at seeing a warm smile looking back at him as green eyes once proud, dedicated and unrelenting were partially obscured by a torch light. Shadows flickered violently in seeing a glimmer of absolute joy, it sent rippling sensations along his arms due to armor forcibly trying to manifest again.

Half formed wings were appearing just behind Tatsumi's back as they shattered into rippling shimmers with him speaking happily, "What do you think, your majesty?" He leaned forward smiling so genuinely it almost invoked a nightmare reminiscent of a woman whose very reputation seemed far too distant in comparison. But...but, I...didn't know! His mind splintered trying to feebly beg for forgiveness in seeing children no older than he was, grasping at air as armored men gently released them in cradling them to walk past them outside.

"I...didn't know!" Makoto whispered trying to make sense as screams of shock came behind due to various parents trying to struggle past ranks of soldiers. Tatsumi only hummed finding it all far too meaningless despite saying, "That's an excuse." Inhaling deeply to ward off an urge of lashing out did he settle on descending to move towards a locked cage. Skeletal and pale figures arose trying to reach out to him pleading weakly to save them from a hellish existence. And he stared right back before immediately allowing armor to manifest openly.

You didn't know, is that right? What would it take for this child to open his eyes? Tatsumi's jawline twitched consistently, even though adrenaline started pumping inside veins when his eyes stared right into an entire room full of the dying. Their gazes were blankly staring back, they didn't react except for weakly grabbing at air at those who uplifted them over their shoulders. And not once did their gazes trail to a quivering child, but only at him as there was no chance for said boy to do something for once for their people's survival. I didn't know, they didn't know and you use that damned excuse to do nothing!

An armored gauntlet literally snapped forward crushing metal and he yanked it backwards snarling faintly. A mangled door clanked loudly as sewn eyelids turned to pin him with but one solid look of utter contempt, "Imagine something you didn't know would happen, your majesty." His voice alone turned bitterly coy, "I want you to just simply imagine being several years older, like I was and being ordered to kill an entire village's worth of people by heading them...to spare them from being used like that right here." One armored index finger rose swiftly pointing to various dead, or dying corpses which couldn't even move to form words of joy in seeing legionaries moving inside to get them out.

Walking powerfully where every step broke stone as it strained to endure against an unseen weight finally snapping itself free. Makoto backed away just trembling, trying desperately to stand yet his stomach churned violently. Please! No more…I don't want to see anymore! No more, please Colonel just no more! Internally screaming to stop as yelling outside came too much, hundreds of moans for those pleading to escape a living hell and crying of dozens to nearly hundreds kept cycling in an unending spiral.

"Excuses are not acceptable for this madness, my Emperor!" Unwillingly a boy coughed out spewing out a mixture of an entire day's worth of meals and comfort, it spread due to him heaving endlessly for a minute. And despite feeling utterly sick inside he looked up numbly. Tatsumi's teigu seemingly rippled with wings folding sharply behind at an angle akin to having him being skewed alive! The murderous near infuriated gnashing of teeth topped it off with a sense of lingering danger, he was going to die inside in a place full of absolute hell.

Stone tiles cracked protesting underneath armored limbs as he came within inches just to get right into the boy's face, "You will listen to your people, you will listen to us and I can promise you one thing once you get it through that skull of yours!" Only stunned disbelief made the Colonel stray his hand in drawing a blade's length temptingly, "At dawn you'll watch what I will do, what is necessary to save our nation. You will learn what it means to order a man who's no longer going to pretend that hero's are only in some child's delusions. Our country's heart is burning right in front of your eyes, it is burning because my enemies are the ones who want us all to die because we stood up against a world that refused to forget us, we fought as our ancestors of our past to remain in this world and now we've reached the point of being idle because no one has said this to...you."

Strafe's armored form dispersed with Tatsumi inhaling deeply to resist it's internal pull once again through sheer will. Looking up behind a pair of soldiers who were returning did he order them curtly, "Get his majesty on his horse, get him to the coliseum under guard and no one is allowed to sit next to him unless either I, or in any case my fiancee does so." Two sets of eyes steeled accordingly as they saluted into firmly getting a boy back onto his feet. If he couldn't force the Emperor to admit something was wrong, then showing him did more than anything that a monster called Honest would dare believe was impossible.

I don't care if Honest sends an army, if he learns of what I'm doing. As far as I'm concerned, Esdeath is the only one who can order me to stop it. Until them I hope you try and I'll enjoy every moment. He laughed to himself to look back into a disturbed torture pit where those who would survive would play an important role. As soon as they were found, Tatsumi could smile pleasantly in seeing something truly beautiful. It was time for their people to take back a nation that no one could take from them, nor would the world beyond their borders be given mercy until the Revolution would be annihilated back to hell where it spawned and that was something many believed to be an impossible goal.

Sitting outside overlooking a growing amount of reddish and orange gloom did Esdeath swirl wine within the glass lazily. It'd been an interesting night to believe mildly, if hearing a battle close by being swiftly cut short. Her smile grew impeccably fond for only admitting, "My, my, my. Forcing the boy to see these weaklings for what they are behind the Minister's back?" She only speculated despite looking down at an opened journal recounting her lover's past exploits, ironically even after drinking such fine liquor it still left her mystified considering it only hid what lay beneath Tatsumi's warm exterior to those captivated by a smile.

"Bold, lover...very bold." Esdeath chuckled quietly finding it all quite entertaining knowing he wouldn't harm the child even if she'd tortured him. None of his guards have returned and I can smell blood being spilled even over this sweet scenery. I guess his safety is assured, I just hope the dear minister doesn't get ruffled by your recklessness. Fire started spewing upwards in a fitting display of grace and screams from those caught within structures were being offset by chants over winds fueling an almost growing disaster.

The reddish haze bled over with sweltering blasts of heat giving an entire city line a shimmering effect for her to enjoy. It was certainly pleasant, but knowing her lover was out there causing many to scream for mercy and begging for freedom from his own soldiers? Simply wonderful, it'd be a shame in not toasting to this beautiful display of you letting go. And here I thought it'd be more challenging, but you proved me wrong since you wanted...to do it. You're becoming what I saw in those eyes when I first saw you proclaiming yourself to that child, Tatsumi.

Fondly reading over hand written text did she appreciate such detail in announcing he'd do it again and again. Yet she looked up hearing chants of her lover's name, "The weak cry out for the strong. They cry because only those who are strong rule over them, but you already knew that, Tatsumi." It wasn't chants of fear, or terror but of devotion. The weak were many, too many and all of them were bellowing out her lover's name in sheer unrestrained joy. And it hadn't died down over time to her internal disbelief, on the contrary it only grew further beyond spreading infernos with those taking to the capitol's streets.

They're ripping the strong right out of their homes, no fear and no hesitation in these weaklings! So why are they all actually doing something I didn't expect entirely, it's strange watching them claw their way out of the good minister's supporters. And more of them are crying out for him to save them, to save them from my lover. She narrowed both eyes seeking an answer within her lover's journal, a hint or some sort of possibility he'd been lying! Weaklings amassing on his word alone, they were destroying and taking back something that should have never been given to them as they'd grow tiresome to put down.

"The Empire and it's weakened people as a nation are our...family, huh?" She mused testing out that claim from her fiance who would relish in this so-called spectacle. Absently sipping down wine again to look back over an inferno consuming buildings, "Mother…and you, father." Memories unwillingly were brought back over a pleasant buzzing sensation as it made her fingers stiffen into gripping a meager piece of fragile parchment. Yet the woman who conquered an entire country, simply never relinquished in preserving it above all else despite instinct daringly clear in taking what she'd cherish.

This wine is far too appeasing, but I think it's making me humor you too much. Claiming that child who was being dangled by his very neck, it'd be considered an act of treason in hindsight. Although he wouldn't harm him physically, it couldn't be said he'd treat such a puppet weakling who supposedly ruled over them all. Ah, I think I understand why you chose to act now. You're showing him what the Minister loves above all else, if his word is seeing Chaos providing opportunity for those to test their power in a grand game.

Exhaling deeply to allow laughter clearly to follow made it almost applauding sly, "You're challenging the Minister aren't you, our enemies and anyone else who dares to threaten the weak who serve as prey for all who are strong. And despite knowing it'll affect me? You're going to do something to make it all completely...worthless." She mused trying to gain some sort of hinting glimpse due to eying a distant horizon where dawn would break soon enough. It certainly became exhilarating that her lover was completely at ease with so much scenery.

Though will so much activity, I wouldn't doubt you're aware that your enemy will be among those weaklings. They've already begun scurrying around, panicked because this city is becoming your battlefield Tatsumi. She hadn't been ignorant of possible expectations for stirring up so many, in so little time and mostly it was endearing he'd be drawing them without so much torturing others yet it was efficient. But also reckless enough to have her install contingencies in place, least once these events concluded inevitably.

Even if Tatsumi's enjoyment and her own were well on their way, it'd have to come at a price. And that which one she'd prepared to alleviate any worry, or possible excitement from the Minister who'd been keeping ears open. Their recent conversation indicated he'd allow all of this chaotic turmoil, if only for his own ends and games. And they all revolve around you, Tatsumi. You and your little legion who have drawn your enemy close enough to be cut down, all for meager coin to spoil them in believing you're willing to tolerate it.

Absently sipping on liquid again constantly did she lightly sway to distant screams of those who'd been strong. They were growing shrilly due to being burned alive, "So kind of them. I'm actually enjoying weaklings killing each other, when my lover is going to turn them into something worthy to have me consider otherwise." Quietly chuckling to herself when reading over events during her lover's childhood did something appear interestingly enough. You wondered why your mother, and father died leaving you to fend for yourself in this world. Though they were weak it's true, they are critical for children to be taught who to survive and become stronger...as you've said to me, but I'm not convinced enough for others.

Already events were being set in motion to curb any potential surprises due to her own ambition in seeing Tatsumi capable of becoming an equal. Her equal in both power, strength and now it seemed for a future family where their children wouldn't inherit a disgusted reality. Indeed such weak people are prey for those who'd sink their fangs into them. Those thoughts alone caused Esdeath blinking owlishly in just realizing she couldn't admit that simple truth. If her family, if she and Tatsumi's children were raised such then it'd be certain they'd die.

"No." She told herself, smiling cruelly, "Mother and father...you died, as prey." Nothing would change that harsh truth in which they were dead, rotting as well as her old homeland. None survived, none lived and none could claim they were strong to endure like she'd had. How would my daughter, or son see if either of us... Her heart thundered despite gripping a chair's handle tightly in having it nearly break out of sheer desperation.

Casually leaning an enclosed fist against her own face did she exhale frustrated, "Your persistence for those weaker than us, is starting to grow on me." Simply closing her eyes did a pair of emerald iris's just happen to stare back clearly. Perhaps I've grown bored in slaughtering weaklings, I've had no challenge appear before me and yet I hate how you've gotten me to humor topics. Tatsumi, I may actually spice up the stakes if you manage to antagonize the good minister, he's not one like myself to ignore good sport.

Again an image of her mother's corpse staring blankly while torn apart as food for predatory danger beasts emerged. Her father, a strong warrior and leader of her tribe being skewered while smiling resigned in simply being overwhelmed. Telling me, it's because he was weak and they perished when I was away hunting. I wanted to love you, father...but you loved only just mother! It's been years, but I remember exactly what you said over a fire among warriors when I was apparently sleeping. I remember you wishing I hadn't been born.

Gritting both sets of teeth did little in warding off old skeletons as a chill went through her body far too swiftly. It was an emotion known as anxiety, a doubt and it lingered like some festering wound that refused to heal. Will my children say that to me, if they die among a weakened country? She asked herself humoring a younger youth's question which certainly rationalized why those who were strong needed quality prey. Prey, known as people who allowed themselves to become so pitifully weak that it actually enlightened herself to see it grow further.

"It must be this drink, I'm developing a bad habit." Muttering sardonically in refilling another glass as pleasant sensations allowed her to hum happily. My blood, my children and my legacy will not die among weaklings. I have you, Tatsumi and you only have me to do what's necessary. I think I see what you're trying to do...and I have to admit.

Esdeath raised a glass towards growing infernos that were spreading over powerful winds, "I'm impressed." Her lover wouldn't lie, or pretend to not see if things were to develop further? He needed power above all else, to show the weaklings that if they wanted to survive those who'd consider them prey? You need me, you trust me and now I'm forced to ask myself? Do I trust you, to do what's necessary for our children's future?

Her smile curled deviously when pondering a simple answer because it was too obvious. He'd promised, if she allowed it. Clever, aren't you lover? You've been telling me, but only now when I see this beautiful scene does it all make sense finally. We need each other, above all else and everyone else will learn to fear power when it's worthless. Power is what keeps these weaklings cowered, but you're giving them a taste until you take it away for them to do what? She honestly didn't believe for a moment Tatsumi would allow these raving mobs of miscreants to remain unchecked, he was using them to prove a point.

"Taking the boy, none of his guards have returned and therefore you're showing whose power is weak to do what you think is necessary." Trying to understand her lover's immense drive was an endearing wonder in it's own right. And I allowed him to do it, I'm enjoying seeing the real you after hiding it away. Her heart raced in simply imagining what he'd do to the child Emperor, it'd be too cruel for him to not showcase the minister's supporters having their fun. Yet knowing he'd directly force an issue was too damned sweet to imagine horror.

Although a firm series of knocking made her gaze narrow out of sheer annoyance. Looking over her right shoulder to speak up irritably, "What is it?" A door opened revealing one palace guard who had something in his gloved hand. She noticed any sort of reverence, or wariness as he spoke rather plainly despite these circumstances. Odd, he's not panicked or anxious about the boy Emperor. Now isn't that a strange thing considering most of them don't like my lover, or his soldiers since choosing to antagonize the good minister.

"I've been sent word pertaining about our majesty's circumstances, General." She eyed him seeing little concern which certainly provoked a question on her part, "Is that right? The Minister must be fairly pleased if he's not having your fellows collect him." The guard seemingly remained composed yet she noticed a lack of concern entirely. It was particularly interesting to see her lover's actions afflicting those who'd sworn to guard the child with their lives. Or rather kept themselves in place with the good minister's opinion remaining alive.

Perhaps some among them are getting close into humoring a little challenge, I've never seen one of them act so indifferently. Boredom in this palace must be tedious, I'd imagine. Smiling naturally bemused, she witnessed this palace guard ask formally, "May I leave your correspondence, general? I have a letter for you from your fiance, he sent a rider to the gates. And I was told to give only to your eyes and ears, but another came just an hour ago." Esdeath lazily waved to have them placed on a small table where a half emptied bottle wine remained. At least this particular palace guard had manners to treat those above their station it'd seem.

I guess things will change, I can't let you have all the fun without someone keeping an eye on your soldiers after tomorrow. Regardless if something happened at dawn, she decided it'd be time to take a trip somewhere, to begin formally and push Tatsumi's body to newer limits. Spending time away from this city would do them some good, it'd be just them and only them. The Jaegers would be stationed here with one of them managing the others, but perhaps getting them experienced before finding Najenda's little band would simply be suitable.

Two pieces of parchment were dropped in her peripheral as a palace guard quickly vacated himself out without prompting. Shrewd one, I think the minister's picks are quite aware when they're not liked by anyone capable of ending them. As the door closed did she reach over nimbly unfolding one letter written simply by Tatsumi's hand. She could smell trace bits of smoke as well as blood which heavily remained in place. It seemed forcefully absconding with the boy ruler had been expected of her to laugh quietly.

"His majesty is safe, he'll be attending my event. If you're worried, or concerned I will safeguard him until you arrive to verify his well being." She read aloud unable to resist fondly grinning in seeing an act of power being tentatively undertaken. Taking a puppet, it's not what I'd call difficult but you're on the right path. I'll certainly attend, if only to keep the minister's good graces and those who'll be fearful of your actions.

Overall Makoto wouldn't be harmed despite seeing such lovely sights in that city tonight. She savored seeing his expression for once without being routinely coy around him. Tatsumi was many things to most, but assassinating the Empire's figurehead? Too reckless, far too reckless and it'd cause too many problems from others. I'm surprised that old lightning geezer hasn't returned, but I suspect the Minister has kept him busy mainly for good entertainment. It must have cost quite a fair bit of gold to muster so many to cause a ruckus down south.

Lightly placing one letter aside did she open up another which had an Imperial seal from the army she'd left up in the northern kingdom. Her own men were eager to see blood, victory and indulge in spoils which was a responsibility she'd uphold. The strongest of them fed on their enemies in mind, body and soul jointly. And unfortunately if she, or Tatsumi both were away after these events longer than necessary?

"Then I need someone who I trust to keep an eye on our games, until we come back my love." Unfolding a letter did she muse over smiling pleasantly surprised, "Oh dear, I knew they were bored in ravaging those northerners. But I suppose you'd be happier in getting a chance into coming back home!" Exhaling exasperated did she note they'd be inside the capitol within the week at least, or if leadership had to be planned with their absence. Nonetheless it would be interesting to see how one of her own mingled with Tatsumi's own competent legion.

She'd made a rare mistake in listening to over exaggerated rumors pertaining to Tatsumi's small force in making remarkable progress. They weren't rabble which her own army had been ruthless cut out when taking command years ago, she had ample time to refine and hone in what made soldiers effective in achieving victory. But in a sense he'd done an equal amount, if not more despite being vastly under-strength. What separates good soldiers from great ones, is whether they'll ask where they die or do it without hesitation. And they'll follow you regardless if you declare war on everyone else without question.

Devotion and love were two separate concepts yet each were alien to her immensely. Looking back out over at a burning city did chanting ignite more deeper within. What do you know about love, Esdeath? She heard her lover's voice softly question amusingly, he'd been truthful in admitting he didn't understand it yet did she honestly? Admiringly instinct demanded to have him submit, to hold her close and she'd never allow anyone else a chance. To claim for only herself, to have him be at her beck and call to which would happen inevitably.

"Fine." She whispered delightfully, eager in seeing exactly what her lover was going to do, "Let's see what you'll accomplish, if I allow it. You want me to watch, Tatsumi and I for one cannot help but be curious." Giggling suddenly after downing another glass did she raise towards fires that were burning without control. More structures set ablaze were illuminating an entire view to where it blended into a swirling mixture of orange and yellowish gloom.

You're becoming who you wanted to be, Tatsumi. Beneath that warm smile is a predator finally emerging to prey upon whoever it desires, I can see it finally. She couldn't stop giggling fondly in lightly swaying to rising screams of those who'd preyed upon weaklings in droves. They were being hung, burnt or outright given to those who'd make them worthless despite allowing it all to happen, she couldn't deny it certainly became enrapturing. It was a symphony of a predator's stalking ground, a field where it'd plot and consume whoever it wished without mercy, doubt or hesitation as it rightfully stood naturally.

Tracing a glass's rim with one lone finger until dipping it beneath did she suckle lightly enjoying the taste in a fuzzy warm. Whose blood will boil first, mine or your own lover? Will you shed that smile for the one I've dreamed in seeing you express? A smile full of potential, life and strength that would make my knees bend! Unlike her campaign in which hundreds of thousands fell to an army, it got tedious to evolve into boring as opposed to this spectacle. She only needed to push a young man just enough, as a result to witness him emerging freely into the powerful predator that would be her equal for children to whisper in awe.

"Unlike you father, I will be the strong one who raises my legacy to do more than just survive." She whispered happily to feel liquid running down her face as a smile widened further, "I as a mother will be there for my children, I will not let them have an excuse to blame me if their father lives. We'll become more, we'll be there and if these weaklings need an incentive to make my child's father become powerful?"

Her eyes gleamed with an internal flicker of absolute joy as fire's kept on rising further and soon reached past even the tallest of buildings. Then perhaps the strong will show the weak what it means to have a taste of power. So I'll humor my lover's ambitions, I refuse to be bored when he's doing so much to keep my smile warm. Tatsumi trusted her despite losing several of their own, but he refused to loathe her to instead push ahead to quell nature's cold truth. The weak died, but the strong survived and he'd make them stronger to simply...endure a bit further to spite them all. He loved the Empire's fickle populace enough to where they called out for his name, to be embraced as he led them into death's opened jaws.

They love you all because you fight for them, but it's only a means to an end. For your impossible goal, it requires you to do it and therefore they ignore what you've become for them to survive. It was simply beautiful to begin piecing together clues he'd unwillingly, or actually gave for her to come to one genuine conclusion. You're giving me a choice to believe in us, a chance that you will submit yourself to me for everyone else because nothing is worth more. Or am I not seeing it, yet? It certainly became frustrating in pinning what he'd wanted to accomplish, but generally it involved her because Tatsumi knew who held power above all.

"Power does not lie within that child ruler, it is not in words nor is it earned." She mused bemused in understanding he'd figured it out but refused to accept it. At least until losing several of their own with him being targeted to be captured alive, "It is forged by the strong who rule the weak." There was no other way for nature to weed out such outcomes, it was in the blood of strong beings and she laughed happily due to him accepting her belief. And ironically she'd been humoring his own to finally reach a challenge after years of mundane routine.

Force is only natural to make the weak bend, or break. She smiled daringly to stand upright into walking as sporadic pieces of ice started forming around stone. It crackled sharply into existence as her eyes closed inhaling such wonderful scents over winds. Smoke, blood and an electric like sensation caused a shudder violently rippling underneath flesh. Change was indeed in that very air, she felt it and blood within veins burned repeatedly to continue instinctual urges alive in order for these events to showcase a beautiful birth.

It was an awakening not seen in centuries as the Minister foresaw it during their talks. He welcomed the challenge of power, he loved struggle and Tatsumi provided such wonderful entertainment in order for it to flourish. This was the goal for herself, Honest or any who wished to play a grand game in becoming stronger to devour all. It was nature, it was fair and there was no hope for mercy to be spared to any who stepped outside their homes. The Empire's capital city became a fiery maze of absolute chaos all for order to emerge.

"Perhaps I should reassure that child, it's only kind for you to keep an eye on him." She mused whimsical to chuckle delightfully. And as a result she placed an emptied glass onto the table to begin preparations. Whether dawn provided answers, or clarity for her to see everything. Esdeath didn't deny that what came after, it'd be priceless and utterly empowering to see what would happen once consequences caught up to be paid in full.

The colosseum's darkened interior showed signs of being prepared as Lubbock sat on an overview welding wiring from his teigu. No it's not good enough, still too steep of an angle. If he's going to be in that arena, it has to be fast enough before that damned teigu appears. He stood absently above a pillar that was systematically a part of many which were above the most furthest of seats, "Can't just use my own weight. Trajectory and speed are key in killing him, but distractions would give me time to prepare to skewer him alive."

Below hooded figures were preemptively placing firearms, home brew cocktails and various other throwing weapons underneath seats. Each saboteur had fished out every possible object, or used their connections into amassing enough disruption. They'll make the crowds panic, legionaries will be forced into them and be occupied with Tatsumi standing alone. Although there's a big possibility that everyone inside the capital will be watching, including Esdeath and the Emperor. Lubbock inhaled heavily in trying to work around directly coming into conflict with someone who they avoided intentionally, but they had to get rid of this madness somehow.

Glancing behind in seeing raging fires racing across various buildings did he snort disdainfully, "Damned idiots are going to burn everything at this rate. My store was the first place they hit, because everyone knows who we are on those streets." Lamenting quietly in losing what little peace he'd found in being a deep operative within the Empire's populace, it'd been almost too damned insulting to know that could've ended this weeks ago. Tatsumi's neck had been right there for him to end it, but as a result this was on him to clean up.

All of a sudden we're the monsters to them, to Honest's goons and if we can't get them under control. We'll lose more resources with us unable to muster enough forces, or weapons to march on the Empire's weakened state. That damned bastard who'd been an idealistic fool, an absolute lunatic for waiting and hoping for this country to change had done it. He'd set off a powder keg of a city and it was going to ruin everything for their movement to finally sweep away the corruption into establishing a new country.

Frequent screams erupted within those flames as time seemingly crawled closer towards a distant horizon growing faintly brighter. Raving mobs were lynching anyone that were known Revolution supporters, they were hunting down Honest's cronies who were once potential paydays for gold and police were being driven away in droves. Every street falling into this madness expanded towards others who joined from an initial march of hundreds, it'd grown to number tens of thousands as every hour increased more to do so daringly. Lubbock earnestly believed he wouldn't ever see such a shift in his life-time as a result.

"Assassin." Glancing down as one revolutionary reported eagerly with a smirk, "We've got word that the damned Emperor is being escorted to this location. It seems we might be able to kill two birds with one stone." He resisted shivering mainly out of stunning surreal understanding, he'd been right as to which that demonic ice bitch would be attending. Tatsumi's little 'purge', if he could ever call such wild insanity, had been noticed. And he was being used like a pawn, as any soldier had been with those ruling over them.

The entire group of operatives were savoring a chance in striking down an Empire to its knees in assassinating two valuable targets. If we do manage to kill them, Esdeath and Honest will raise hell on a scale I can't believe is possible. No, it just means we're either losing our heads for someone to mount, or we'll be tortured until hell is a paradise. Neither option appealed yet it was too late to turn back, if they didn't stop this wave of momentum then the Revolution's overall strength would fade unless foreign allies were begged to send them everything else besides promises.

"Wait until this location is packed, Saber is the priority and that kid is secondary." Lubbock made it clear to the operative who looked less than pleased, "If there's an opportunity to take Saber out first, do so and expect to be pursued. Just taking him out while drawing something else in hunting us down, Esdeath will most likely be attending. If the Emperor is outside his place for once, I don't think being greedy gives us better chances." Wiring from his teigu lazily weaved into some sort of shape akin to a spear while he adjusted tension to use pillars for increased pressure. He'd make the shot in cleaning up this mess before anyone had time to blink.

Regardless he was given a curt nod before the operative went back towards others who were ideally keeping watch for legionaries. Lubbock relaxed momentarily to tighten strands of wiring until it formed an almost symmetrical like tip, "Air and distance." Smiling out of resignation in falling back on basic lessons during his time as an Imperial officer, it'd been one of many skills in assisting the woman who his own heart craved for a mere smile. Using everything and anything to improve an army's effective capability from bureaucracy, to efficient tactics or simple information were what he'd strove to hone expertly.

Though my old rank wasn't always known so well, speaking of how… He glared towards a junction that led inwards as someone remained leaning against an interior wall. Blue robes stood out with some sort of metallic glint akin to an amulet which got masked by the cowl obscuring a pleasant expression feigning friendliness. These guys, I thought they were just rumors and crazy yet they're not just spreading rumors. Certainly not one of Honest's, or Esdeath's little followers despite them being somewhat close to the Empire's in terms of habit. I don't like them, hell I think they're only enjoying the show.

Blue as he called himself spoke conversationally, "Did I not keep my word, captain Lubbock?" It wasn't provocative yet his tone sounded incredibly coy, "I did say I could get you and your group into this place without being seen. These legionaries of the colonel are a little stiff, but once you start recognizing their routines does it seem effortless." He hinted slyly implying that revolutionary operatives were starting to fundamentally switch their efforts, it'd been too obvious due to some viewing patrols on an exterior perimeter.

"Why are you still around?" An assassin questioned sharply to an observer who shrugged rather casually at ease, "Because I'm curious, captain." Lubbock's fingers clenched which nearly ruined a delicate process of creating one specialized spear-tip for Tatsumi to inherit, "Stop calling me by that rank! It's not common knowledge in records about an army defecting away from the Empire, so something tells me you're well aware to fish for information. What the hell are you and your people supposed to be?"

The cowl covering mostly a face snorted amused before replying vaguely, "We observe as we've been mandated, assassin. Your revolution is getting incredibly uneasy, or so I heard given your leaders are sanctioning assassinations with those inside this city...who'd normally be your gold." Glaring far too clearly caused more laughter quietly enjoying the sights. As distant fires started to burn away into buildings beyond a coliseum's gated entrance, it had been getting apparent some structures weren't going to last past dawn at this rate.

"Like I've told you, Lubbock." Blue's coy tone tinged on fond enjoyment, "We listen, I listen and we simply do what we do." Wiring subtly started unraveling to which an observer got off from where he stood in order to lightly step back. He can see them? If he weren't outright alarmed, then it became too obvious when a pistol exposed itself.

Blue's nonchalant voice tinged on a playfully warning, "You ever see what a ricochet bullet does to someone's skull assassin? Your teigu isn't without faults, if you can't predict someone who already knows how it functions." Interior walls of granite were condensing wiring into glimmering underneath a partially exposed moon. Glints kept sweeping forward, if an observer took one step back in visibly pinpointing the general movement.

"The greatest trick for you?" The man's voice curled into a low mocking praise, "Is not seeing an enemy you've never known, if they believe your act. But someone who believes is entirely different from someone who knows to act as well." He kept gradually stepping backward until wiring started scratching against granite, Lubbock retracted them scowling as a result. These guys know teigu, they're prepared to deal with them and that's just insane. How would they know what mine does, or anyone else's to beat them by...walking away.

The fact these robed people were aiding Tatsumi indirectly made him bark out, "What's your gain involving him down there?" Blue seemingly cocked an eyebrow, "The kid?" Referring to a youth whose very actions instigated an out of control inferno and riot, "Probably just as much as you hope to gain from him, assassin. Night-Raid and the Revolution are tied together, so I'd imagine you'd stand to regain a lot of things...if he dies."

A pistol's handle got hidden underneath loose clothing despite smiling pleasantly, "But if you're asking me whether I'll interfere with you?" He prompted teasingly to raise both hands plainly in gestures of indifference, "My answer is no. Whatever fate and destiny lay ahead, it's been changed for those who know better to allow its course. Everything happening is something new, Lubbock and regardless if you wish to kill me...it can't be stopped anymore."

The way he spoke made even an information gatherer stare shrewdly to imply, "Have you and I met before?" Blue didn't verbally respond at first, more so in favor of looking upwards towards an Imperial Palace mostly obscured by swaths of blackened smoke. Fire rose upwards greedily feasting on anything possible to keep itself bright and destructive. Yet he remained quiet with an assassin anxiously flexing fingers until laughter echoed due to being within an interior tunnel.

"It's possible." He only revealed chuckling good naturally to exhale partially resigned, "But you wouldn't have recognized me back then, nor would I for my own sake." Staring sternly did a hand dip below towards one pants pocket where some sort of circular shape had been tucked fondly away. Weapon, perhaps? No movement from him to draw anything remotely dangerous went by tensely for several moments, it'd have been longer at least until distinct sounds of marching troops outside drew attention immediately.

If you think your people will remain hidden, I'll do my job well to make sure otherwise. Whoever these men, or women were they weren't friends to their cause. They weren't defending the Empire's power, nor would they intervene to stop this madness induced situation. They were simply doing what they'd done since he'd come across them, they watched and decided to act for their own goals that intertwined in his own attempt involving Tatsumi's life.

"It seems the stage is being set, one way or another." Blue called out, turning around to speak over his shoulder grinning widely due to said expression being visible, "I do wonder about what you'll do, not because I'm curious about the cost for preparing Lubbock." As the observer kept on walking did he ask questions that sent the lone Night-Raid member into transfixed shock. So sudden and damming in coyness, it almost appeared as if he were being granted humorless disappointment out of sheer resignation to meet his consequences.

"Will this bring a smile on your face, or is it for someone who you wished to see? Why seek a smile spoiled by tears of grief, when your own will make tears for regretting it?" The former Imperial officer jumped down snarling just to see wisps of a blue robe disappear around a corner. Rushing forward intent on ripping this coy bastard into pieces, he came around to see nothing but an empty corridor leading to other sections of seating. There was nothing, no sign and it angered him to such a degree he smashed a fist into one lone wall.

His heart thundered furiously as fury caused fists to tighten against solid granite. How the hell do you know about what I feel, or think! Who the hell are you, to say that you fucking bastard? To hell with waiting for information about these observers. Najenda had to know immediately, they weren't just bystanders in these events. Instinctual warning and older experiences dedicated to being viewed as an enemy were completely in view.

"These guys are just manipulators and string pullers, but they do it in secret because they're just like...him!" Whispering harshly did he quickly start scribbling out a warning for one of these revolutionary operatives to get out of the capital immediately. If I can't clean up a mess, then at least I did my duty and I'm sorry, Najenda. Inhaling shakily to ward off anxiety did he neatly fold up everything he'd discovered. Assumptions, opinions and certainties would assist them for a future to endure the monster rising from their own mistakes. A monster that wouldn't stop, or hesitate to destroy everything for madness itself.

Whistling sharply in getting one operative's attention did he walk over quietly whispering, "Get this to Najenda! Either we succeed, or not we're not going to leave them all blind." Shoving a grimacing operative who wanted to linger in favor taking out key targets, Lubbock had no humoring patience to snarl angrily, "That's an order! Not a request, so get it done and pray to the Gods you don't fail like you've done so previously."

Already nerves were tingling when various cloaked figures hastily deployed hidden caches underneath seating that would be marked. Whether supporters of their own mingled with the populace, or not it'd be effective enough to cause disruption. Once he signaled them to begin, he'd do what was necessary and do whatever it took within his ability to kill their prioritized target. Tatsumi, I hope you rot in hell and never know peace. I made a mistake in believing you were someone different, but you're no different from those monsters who caused us all to swear to rid ourselves of an Empire that's rotten to the core.

The teigu's wiring tightened impeccably without him even moving as a quivering sensation ran through them drawing outward. What in hell's name? Looking at them closely did he witness every strand vibrating in constant yet subtle tremors. Lubbock froze momentarily whispering a bit stunned in processing that his own teigu seemingly reacted so overtly for once in his grip, "Is it broken? Impossible! Oh what the hell am I thinking, everything's fine and maybe it's just my nerves getting to me in being stressed out."

Cross-Tail's wiring kept vibrating strongly even when his hands dipped into pockets walking back towards his original position. Staring between various pillars that rose around did he muse quietly in selecting key angles. Wiping out huge lengths did they begin wrapping themselves into tightening a trigger, once spears were formed would he use everything to skew Tatsumi alive. And once that opportunity presented itself on his decision alone? They would crush the Empire's rising mobs, deliver a blow to Esdeath and Honest all the while retaining justice for those who were murdered by this latest monster's unmasking.

Whether you gave up, or finally decided to drop that warm mask you wore? Lubbock smiled painfully, aware he'd fallen for that trick because it was also true. Tatsumi Saber knew how to be a monster, all the while masquerading as a good man. Because they weren't lies, but of truth and that was more dangerous to allow in being left alone. Good men were impossible to understand, because they were impossible and yet when a monster became a good man? Only a nightmare emerged due to the fact speaking truth alone made them both dangerous to exist in a world where only monsters feared them above all else.

End Chapter Fifty Three

Author's Note: This is it, folks. The beginning of the end game, it's taken me considerable time to set up what it means for reformation. Whether you believe it, or not but we're seeing the gears turning in what it truly means to do what is necessary. There's no more 'good' when innocents are intentionally set up to be in a cross-fire, Lubbock and the Revolution have showcased this with their disregard to strike first.

They can't allow anymore to deteriorate, also the question I will be asked? Why is Lubbock staying behind to finish a suicide mission? Because it's guilt, it's his choice and he damn well knows everything up to this point was on him. He let Tatsumi live, he let him live earlier and as a result whether you agree or not? Everything that has happened was influenced because of him deciding to let this insanity a chance to flourish.

Note his perspective, calling this madness or insanity! Why? Because they (Night-Raid), or the Revolution can't believe it is really happening. It's a surreal horror, why again? Because they are traitors who abandoned their oaths, but Tatsumi has stood by at great cost and has done more for the Empire's people...his people, then they or even the present standing state couldn't do willingly or wanted too for that matter.

Regarding Lubbock and Blue, I bet some will notice a little peculiar detail. I won't say anything except there's an underlying foreshadowing, I tipped my hand to you readers because he's not just walking literal exposition. Funnily enough, it works and it also confuses you to the point where this corny cliche at first is to deceive you. I'm being honest, because this is the joy I'm finally reaching where this story's conclusion set's up the inevitable sequel.

Be warned, the next chapter or two leading to an ending will not be pretty. I intend to do quite a few things, as a preview: speeches, details and there's no mercy for either side in a time where the powder kegs have been ignited. The Empire's capital is in flames, the people have snapped and they're allowed to do what they've long thought was impossible. To take down the monsters, to hunt them down and regain so much all due to one man...one soldier, Tatsumi, who kept some order in sending clear warning to these mobs.

He's keeping them in line, maneuvering them and they're not arrogant to take on soldiers who've helped them without being asked too. The populace may be fueled by this adrenaline rush, but they're still doing what they can to either help, or unleash generations of fury in being considered as little more than playthings for Honest's supporters. Or himself, to which the Emperor is finally shown the real face of what's outside his door step.

Makoto's bit, I had a grand old time because I was savoring that moment to finally allow all of us to enjoy the reality of this kid's ignorance. The sheer obnoxious fairy tale we all saw in canon, again I'll say AGK is by the numbers (formula) to me. What is horrifying is him realizing, Tatsumi's loyalty isn't to an Emperor but of his people, to his Empire...to his country, nation that he'd fight the entire world to save from it's own self.

And guess who saw something in him over their time together? Esdeath, arguably the most powerful teigu user whose notoriety established itself above all. No one wants to tangle with her, except Tatsumi who knows all too easily, if you can't beat a monster? Then become one, if you've already known it's within you...to do what's necessary where only monsters exist. It's not the question of coming back, it's the question of you accepting whether you have the heart, soul and will to keep yourself within a monster to use it's strength for good.

Her little piece of self-reflection, it's coming full circle as I dropped a few bomb shells in terms of adding depth to her character. You're seeing her view things, slightly different but well within her core of being a sadistic cruel person. She understands that strength alone isn't enough to survive in the world, for you need power and she has both because of surviving above those who were weak in her eyes. And yet for a family to become strong among such a fractured nation, to inherit so she'll be remembered by her own children?

Something has to give, it can't go both ways when nothing is left. Tatsumi and her are the key, they're the only ones who could even in the most far out possibility, to do something together that is considered a beautiful dream. Or impossible goals, to be together to do things no one in their right mind would dare imagine. Because they can, if they choose too and that is the greatest of achievements when you finally reach that point because it is...necessary to develop them into something very few don't put effort into.

It's taken me years, but here's the result. We're seeing them, agreeing on something that is considered impossible in canon. She's enjoying this madness sweeping over these weaklings, he's showing her that power in 'wealth' and 'Honest's pocket' isn't saving them from being prey to the masses who damned well know who they are. They're cattle to them, they toyed with them for generations and accepted over time that this is the only way they know how to survive...to live, to endure it but if something happens to say otherwise?

You're seeing the chaos unleashed, rightfully so. Honest and Esdeath enjoy it for selfish reasoning, but as a result they'll allow it because it's the challenge. Challenge of power, of an old status and it's the best thing they have besides allowing the Revolution at this stage to fester. They're not at canon strength where they marched after events in the source material, this is well before and everything is going to hell in their view due to this one person...standing up, refusing to give in and it's a young man who smiles at monsters.

The teigu are living weapons, they're not sentient but they're aware to an extent. Strafe is evolving in the only way to be used, to become the user as well as its user becoming it. Symbiosis, or whatever the source called it, compatibility swings both ways for becoming an effective conduit for output to be reached efficiently. And therefore, when a living super weapon made up from beasts or other sources that required the world's 'greatest' of everything, to contain, to mold as well as defeat to become their weapons?

Greatness can be considered horrifying, if you can't see it or accept that being a great man is doing things considered impossible. Once you begin, everyone will panic or be terrified because it destroys what already was in place...for them. I've been called many things as an author, 'Evil...crazy, insane or everything you can imagine as negative. But also, plenty have called me some sort of mad genius, passionate and everything at that point."

Hell I bet some of you would be shocked, I've been threatened over this story because it dives into the concept of a nation. Of what is a nation of people, of why blood matters within it and what makes us...us. Nationalism, Patriotism, Loyalty, Duty and Integrity, as well as so many other things I've been private messaged: 'Improve, or die...you're a sick fuck...go to hell.' These are the tamest of things, I've seen and I won't say much more about other rants I've been privy to see, because it's a fictional story proving a point. And if everyone is so scared, or concerned...what the hell do you think is happening around you?

Riots, murder, rape and looting? To my readers, who don't live in the states, ignore this since it doesn't apply to you.. Because you're already aware, more so it's easy to accept. But for those who are blinded by this beautiful lie? People like me exist, because you created this lie causing others to wake up to it. This shoddy ass manipulation and circus of a less than sloppy trigger event for some 'false' martyr. You. Are. The. Joke.

I am fed up, plain and simple. But as they say, let an idiot hang himself with his own rope and these riots have secured your noose (metaphorically). Yet I'll leave off on a good note, I'm not afraid of saying why I write. I write because it's my passion, hobby and it's what sets me apart from most who can't do it. Even though I struggled, I improved and I did my best: you can't accept the fact I can do things you refuse to learn yourself.

I hope you my readers, who waited are thrilled and I'm hoping your thoughts on this story's overall journey is heard. Critics as always, show me the good, bad and ugly even if it's older chapters to which I've come far from those days. Let's end this tale on a note everyone wants, hopes and simply enjoys because it's a unique experience. It's not the best, but I guess after some people keep hounding me to say it's alright...fine, let's enjoy the time we have together.

Leave a review, it's all I ask for readers. I always love to see that message box blow up with your thoughts. Stay safe, more now than ever, as we all know things are insane. Stay strong, be alert and protect your friends, or family because clearly others wish us all harm. Have a good weekend, I know I will since I'll be out fishing with friends and smoking cigars.