Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters nor do I own any part of the AgK universe, it is all the property of the respectful author.

„Sir! It's time to wake up. We do not have much time. Tatsumi, sir!" somebody called him through his closed bedroom door. Tatsumi muttered something, he himself didn't know what, and covered his head with a pillow. The person continued calling him and banging on the door. Tatsumi cursed, removed the pillow and opened his eyes. The sun was so bright that it almost blinded him. He hated those damn large windows.

„Why did I choose this room out of all the rooms in this damn mansion for my bedchamber?" Tatsumi asked himself as he got up. He recalled why. He liked the view. Tatsumi cursed his stupidity and started getting dressed. He put on the clothes which were nearest to him without looking at them and unlocked the door. Through it came a young man with blond hair, a year older than Tatsumi. He looked around the room before grabbing Tatsumi and draging him behind. Tatsumi just followed. As they walked Tatsumi cursed the mansion for being so big.

„Should have bought a smaller one. Less walking." he muttered but he didn't mean it. They needed the mansion for their operations. If it was any smaller then he couldn't have made a secret bunker under it. Not without the neighbours noticing.

„Run, slow down! I slept only for an hour." Tatsumi complained. Run looked at him and slowed down some.

„I apologize sir. It's just that if we don't hurry me and Wave might get in trouble with the general. We need to make arrangements for tonight and we do not have much time." Run said. Tatsumi knew who he meant when he said 'general'. Soon they got to a bookcase and Run pulled a book. The bookcase slided to the side and behind it was a secret passage. Tatusmi and Run descended, Tatsumi using his Teigu's fire powers to illuminate the dark passage as he created a ball of fire in his hand. At the end of the spiral staircase was a large room, looking like a bunker, well lit with all the necessary equipment a small group like theirs required. It was only four people who were supposed to bring change to the Empire but at least they were more than well armed with weapons of all kinds displayed on the walls, ready for use. Most of them were made from orichalcum, the smae material from which some Teigu were made. They spared no expense on equipment. As Tatsumi entered Wave, the third one in the small group, saluted. Tatusmi did something which resembled a salute before grabing a cup of steaming hot coffee. He was a Brigadier General for three months and he still hasn't got used being such a high ranking officer with most of the military personal saluting him. Run chuckled at Wave's formality.

„We are basically committing treason and yet you still care about formalities. Admirable, Wave. Very admirable. But I think it is time we get to today's business." Run said as he pulled two dossiers from a drawer and threw them to Tatsumi and Wave who looked them over. In the dossiers were pictures of a young girl with blond hair and blue eyes and an bald elderly man who looked to be her father. Under the girl's picture was her name. Her name was Spear while the man was named Chouri. Wave whistled.

„Run, are you looking for a bride for Tatsumi or what? If you alredy want to play matchmaker why not try to find someone for General Esdeath. She is looking for someone. Maybe you could even hook up Tatsumi and her? Or is this perhaps for you? You know we would gladly help you get a girlfriend." Wave said and laughed. Nobody else did, the room was as silent as it could be. Not a mouse could be heard. Wave soon quited down, looking very uncomfortable. Run resumed not sparing one glance to the sailor.

„This is the former Prime Minister and his daughter. From what we know they are coming to the Capital to try and stand up to Honest. We have recived confirmation from one of the palace servants that Honest will dispatch someone to deal with the two before they reach it. Chouri, although retired, still has some political power and was a kind Prime Minister who thinks of the common people, while his daughter is, from what I heard, a skilled fighter. Perhaps a bit stubborn but that doesn't matter. We could use them both." Run explained. He was right, they could use them. Hell, they could use just about anyone willing to join. They consisted only of Run, Tatsumi and Wave along with some informants here and there. Tatsumi was a respected Major General which gave him some degree of free time when he was in the Capital along with a big paycheck but Run and Wave were under General Esdeath, and part of her special unit in charge of capturing Night Raid, the Jaegers, so they didn't have nearly enough time. They needed more members if they wanted to achieve anything.

„So do we send a message?" Tatsumi asked, thinking much clearer thanks to the coffee.

„No. It would not reach them in time. We need to send someone to warn them ASAP. Me and Wave are on patrol tonight though."

"What about her?" Tatsumi remembered the last person who was in their small group. Tatsumi completely forgot about her. He attributed it to the lack of sleep.

"She is still on the mission we sent her on. She isn't coming back soon so that only leaves you." Run said and flashed Tatsumi a smile.

„No...no way! You can't be serious. I got a meeting today and I still need to check on my troops after that. In the last five days I have barely slept ten hours. I can't!" Tatsumi protested. Wave put a hand on Tatsumi's shoulder as if saying that there is no other way. Then he pulled Tatsumi so they were face-to-face, only a few inches away from each other. Wave's eyes were bulging out.

„How dare you?!" Wave screamed, „I am stuck on a night patrol with Seryu. She is fucking ax-crazy! And I mean ax like in axe. As crazy as they get and I am stuck with her! One moment she is sweet and cute and the next she smashes a criminal's head to a bloody pulp with her bare hands while laughing like a maniac! And yet you complain because you haven't got enough sleep?!" By the time he was finished Wave was pale, sweating as crazy and also hyperventilating. Run rushed to Wave's side and calmed him, explaining to Tatsumi that Wave just had a panic attack and that it was not that uncommon since Wave had one every time he was paired up with Seryu. After a minute Wave was okay and Run turned to Tatsumi while Wave crept into a corner to cry.

„Sir... Tatsumi... if you don't go, innocent people might die." Run said, knowing well that Tatsumi couldn't allow anyone to die unecessarily. Tatsumi sighed, cursed Wave and Run and he went to bed to try and get some rest. Soon his second in command, would come and get him but as soon as he hit the bed he fell asleep forgeting all about his worries.

Later that day...

„Sir. Sir, are you listening?" Colonel Shinji asked Tatsumi and awoke him. Although he was standing, Tatsumi managed to fall asleep.

„Just one of my awesome abilities." Tatsumi thought. He shook of his sleepiness and focused on his second in command. A middle aged former cavalry officer, the Colonel's attitude was reckless to the point of foolishness but with the skill to back up that recklesness he has proved a capable leader. His appearance gave away a long military career but Shinji still had a kind heart outside the battlefield. Not unlike the man who recruited Tatsumi. Tatsumi was reminded of that day. Although not the best time to remember old times Tatusmi's mind drifted off not caring for Tatsumi's consent.

4 years ago...

„Hey, Tatsumi!" Ieyasu yelled as she approached Tatsumi who was alone in the forest hunting animals and low class Danger Beasts. But now Ieyasu, careless as he was, drove off all of Tatsumi's potential prey. Tatsumi sighed and looked over to his friend who was smiling, not even realizing what he had done.

„What is it?" Tatsumi said smiling as he was alredy used to Ieyasu behaving like that. He just couldn't be angry at his best friend.

„Forget hunting! There are recruiters for the Imperial army in the village. They say that they accept anyone. Even minors. Let's join the army like we talked we would." Ieyasu said and pumped his fist in the air. In it was Ieyasu's axe.

„Serisously? What are we waiting for then?" Tatsumi said and started running towards the village. He, Sayo, and Ieyasu had been dreaming of joining the Imperial army as long as they could remember. They also all were skilled in combat thanks to the daily training. Sayo with a bow, Tatsumi with a sword and Ieyasu with an axe. When Tatsumi and Ieyasu got to the village center Sayo was waiting for them with her bow in her hand and a quiver full of arrows on her back. When she saw them she smiled. That was enough to make Tatsumi blush and look away. Tatsumi had a huge crush on Sayo, since she was the only girl of his age in the village, but he never made a move. He was just too scared and he didn't want to put their friendship on the line. Sayo was too precious a friend to risk it.

„Where have you been? They have alredy started. Ah, doesn't matter. Let's hurry." Sayo said. Tatsumi did as she suggested without a second thought. They signed up but the recruiter laughed at them. He said that they were too young. The two soldiers behind the recruiter laughed too.

„What does that mean?! Let us join! We can beat any of you!" Sayo yelled, while Tatsumi and Ieyasu distanced themselves from her. Sayo was kind but when she got angry she could be... difficult.

The recruiter seemed unfazed by her threats but he did laugh. „You are funny. Alright, here is the deal. I will take each of you one on one, who manages to hold out three minutes against me can join. Hell, I might even give you the rank of Corporal right away if I feel like it." he said, with a gruff voice, looking more than confident.

Ieyasu agreed without thinking, he always was first do and then think, while Sayo and Tatsumi looked at each other and nodded before agreeing.

„We will do it." Tatsumi said.

„You." the recruiter said and pointed towards Ieyasu, „You are first."

„Alright." Ieyasu said with a confident smile. The officer stood up and grabbed his sword, a big two handed sword, and strolled into a grass field where he drew a circle in the ground. A small crowd, most of the village, gathered to watch and cheer. Ieyasu stepped in the circle. Tatsumi's friend raised his weapon while the recruiter didn't even bother looking at Ieyasu. Tatsumi's friend charged at the soldier who just sidesptepped the attack and tripped Ieyasu like Ieyasu was not worthy of a true fight. Ieyasu fell, tried to get up but was held down by the recruiter's boot on his back. Like that, in a matter of seconds, Ieyasu was defeated.

„You lost because you were too reckless and didn't think. You are next, girl." he said and pointed towards Sayo. Sayo first helped Ieyasu get up and then got into the circle. Ieyasu looked wounded but had no injuries, except the one to his pride that is. Sayo started shooting arrows but the recruiter either dodged them or cut them down with his big sword. Sayo was an excellent archer but she was nervous after seeing Ieyasu so easily defeated and that threw her aim off. Tatsumi could see her hands shaking slightly. It also didn't help that the recrutier was really good. After a while the recruiter stoped blocking and dodging, closed in and he swung with his sword but Sayo ducked it. Tatsumi smiled as she had entered the recruiter's guard. Before Sayo had any time to counter-attack though she was greeted by his fist which hit her in the face and sent her flying out of the ring.

„If you get out of the ring you have lost. And you lost because you were too scared. How do you think will it be on the battlefield when there are hundreds of enemies and your friends die all around you?" the recruiter yelled out to Sayo as she hit the ground. Tatsumi ran to her side. She was crying. Tatsumi looked her over, she had no severe injuries. Tatsumi realized that Sayo was crying because she lost. He wanted to comfort her but first there was the fight with the recruiter. Tatsumi was not planning on lasting three minutes in that ring . He was planning on beating the recruiter. Tatsumi gripped his sword as he got up, whispering to Sayo that everything will be alright.

As Tatusmi entered the circle he was scowling and he glared daggers at the recruiter. The recruiter laughed. „You got some guts kid. And anger too. I really love that look you are givin' me. Come at me! Show me what you got!"

Tatsumi did as told. He darted towards his opponent. Tatsumi swung his sword high aiming for the head. The recruiter raised his sword in defense but Tatsumi then stopped his sword swing and hit the recruiter in the stomach with his free hand. That made the recruiter lower his guard and Tatsumi used the chance to hit the recruiter in the head with his sword's pommel. That sent the man to the ground. He tried to get up but Tatsumi put his sword to the recruiter's throat.

„You..." he started sounding angry, Tatsumi suddenly felt scared even when he was holding the sword, „...were awesome. It still hurts me! What is your name? Whatever it is you are now part of the Imperial army. Welcome!" The recruiter extended his hand. Tatusmi stared at it, not knowing what to do. Some tiem passed and he slowly shook it still confused.

„I'm Tatsumi. It's great that I am in the army but what about my friends? Can they join too since I beat you?"

The recruiter looked at Sayo and Ieyasu who were coming towards Tatsumi. "Sorry kid. They would just get killed. I am doing them a favor by leaving them here."

„Then I am not going either." Tatsumi said and crossed his hands over his chest. Ieyasu came to Tatsumi and hit him on the head harder than usual. Tatsumi looked at Ieyasu in wonder.

„You are so stupid! You are going. You have dreamt this your whole life. If we cannot go that doesn't mean you can't, idiot!" Ieyasu said, the anger in his voice obvious.

„No! I'm not abandoning you." Tatsumi protested. Then Sayo slapped him.

„You go the Capital and become a General, alright? Do it for us and for the village." Sayo said, but she didn't look angry.

„But..."

Sayo shut up Tatsumi by kissing him. On the lips. Like lovers do. Like Tatsumi wanted to kiss her for a long time. Tatsumi didn't know what to do and so he clumsily returned the kiss.

„Please. Live your dream for us." she said after she broke the kiss.

„Alright. But as soon as I become General I will come for you and we can all be soldiers in the Capital so you better train hard!" Tatsumi told them with new found confidence.

„Alright then. Say goodbye to your friends and gather your belongings. Since there don't seem to be any more recruits we are leaving in twenty minutes, Corporal Tatsumi." the recruiter told Tatsumi.

Present...

Thinking about them Tatsumi realized he really missed his two best friends but he couldn't go and face them after all the things he did. All the terrible things he was forced to do. And worse yet, all the terrible things he was forced to order his men do. He sent some of the money from his substantial pay to the village but it was anonymus. He didn't see Sayo and Ieyasu in four years. Tatsumi wasn't sure if he wanted to see them. Would they treat him differently after all he had done? Would they hate him? Tatsumi certainly did not love himself. But Tatusmi shrugged off those memories and focused on the man in front of him.

„Of course I was listening. You were talking about the new soldiers." Tatsumi said to Shinji after a while of starring into a wall, reminiscing about old times. Tatsumi started walking towards a cup of coffee which was on Tatsumi's mahogany desk. Coffee had become Tatsumi's best friend. He was exhausted and so he didn't see the stack of papers on the floor. Tatsumi fell face first. It hurt more than he expected it to hurt. Or maybe it was just the exhaustion. Shinji helped him up and dusted him off like a fateful servant.

„I was talking about how you need to take care of the paperwork. Now you know why. Sir, is everything alright? You seem kinda tired. More than usually that is."

Shinji didn't know about Tatsumi's nightly escapedes. He didn't know that Tatsumi had spent the last night battling gangsters and trying to find out something with which he could blackmail an important politician.

„Yeah, I'm just tired but forget that. How are the new soldiers? And more importantly, how are they fitting in with the rest of the unit?" Tatusmi asked as he took a sip of coffee and seated himself.

„They stink, love to drink and they certainly won't win any beauty competions. They also are as vulgar as someone can get not to mention that some of them would lose to a tree in a battle of wits. But they don't enjoy inflicting pain on others. Just how I like them. And as for them fitting in, they are more than satisfied here. None of the normal Empire brutality, nor too bad officers and we have a great reputation too. I even gave them one of my famous inspirational speeches. What else could they possibly want?" Shinji responded and smiled. He was responsible for the state of their troops almost as much as Tatsumi was and they both knew it.

„Good. Better that than them turning revolutionary." Tatsumi commanded five thousand troops, a brigade. Each of his soldiers was a capable fighter and more importantly didn't like the way the Empire army usually ran things. They didn't like the Empire that much but they didn't want to or weren't sure about joining the Revolutionary army so Tatsumi picked these men and offered them to transfer to his brigade. Some of the men were on the bad side but SHinji took care of that with endless drills. Tatsumi was seventeen and was the youngest officer in the army but he had been pretty famous in the Capital for he had won against almost impossible odds more than once. But what mae him popular with the common people made him very hated among other officers.

„Since you mentioned the Revolutionary army, Sir, there have been some news. The seized Night Raid Teigu, Extase, has been given to the winner of the martial arts tournament which was held recently." Shinji said.

„Nice." Tatusmi said pretending to be glad but he mourned the death of the Night Raid member who had died a few weeks ago. He was glad too, at least to some extent, that Night Raid had recived a blow because that meant that they would be more careful for some time and be less careless. If Night Raid murdered too many important officers or politicians that meant that they were giving courage to the people. Not a bad thing in itself but that also meant that the Revolutionary army was more likely to make a move or get more fresh recruits. So far there have only been small skirmishes but if the Revolutionaries got enough courage they would launch an all out attack against the Capital. The other Generals underestimated the Revolutionary Army but Tatsumi knew their true power.

„Indeed. Anyways, I am going to take care of some of the less important paperwork for you and you should try to get some sleep. With all due respect, you look worse than a dead man walking." Shinji said and picked up a stack of papers. Tatsumi liked Shinji not only because Shinji was a good man but also because Shiji had a nick for doing paperwork. Shinji could forge Tatsumi's signature so good that Tatsumi could not distinguish Shinji's forgergy from the original. As soon as he heard the word 'sleep' Tatsumi was alredy snoring in his comfortable general chair. It cost a pretty penny but buying it was the smartest thing he did in years.

That night...

Tatsumi yawned while he was riding through the night. He wanted to close his eyes and sleep but he couldn't do that. He had people to save. He always has people to save. It was two hours past midnight and Tatsumi was dead tired when he saw the coach which was supposed to transport the former Prime Minister Chouri and his daughter Spear. The coach was surrounded by guards in steel armor. It was both good and bad that they were traveling by night. Good, because Tatsumi worked in the dark and bad because enemies would probably be doing the same.

„Not nearly enough." Tatusmi said out loud as he counted twenty guards and approached. He remembered what Run told him.

„The person put in charge of the assassination is General Esdeath. She will not go herself but probably send her Three Beasts. She doesn't give work like that to us Jaegers. The Beasts are extremely powerful and sadistic so be careful. Do not underestimate them."

As Tatsumi approached the guards raised their weapons. Tatsumi was wearing black clothes, with a mask over his face to conceal his identity in case of a fight. He also had a sword on his back so it was no suprise that the guards were alert. A blond girl stepped out of the carriage carrying a spear. Spear.

Tatsumi stopped at a reasonable distance but didn't reveal his face.

„Go away bandit and I will not kill you!" the girl said. Tatsumi smiled under his mask. Even tired he wanted to fight her and see if her confidence was backed by strenght but they had no time.

„I am no bandit. I came to warn you. The Prime Minister has sent assassins after you. I am here to help you." Tatsumi raised his hands to show he meant no harm.

„And what makes you think that we need your help? We can take care of them." Spear said and puffed out her chest.

„Let me help you. I am also working against Honest. A woman and twenty guards can't fight against the Three Beasts." Tatsumi said annoyed. He just wanted to get it done with and get some sleep. Just thinking of sleep made him drool.

„No way. Just because I am a woman doesn't mean I need your help! Me and these fine guards can take care of ourselves. Why don't you show your face you sexist?" Spear said and pointed her weapon accusingly at Tatsumi. Tatsumi put his palm on his face and sighed. Then one of the guards tapped Spear's shoulder saying that he has something important to say.

„Not now! Can't you see that I am defending the honor of all women along with your honor?" Spear yelled.

„But...it's really important. There are..." before the guard could finish an axe split his head open. Along with the heads of ten other guards. Spear would have died too if it weren't for Tatsumi who jumped on her and saved hear head. Literally. On the road futher ahead were standing three man. One was an old man with long grey hair, the second a man with a big belly wielding an axe and the third a small young man wearing shorts.

„The Three Beasts." Tatusmi said and started crying.

„Why are you crying? Weren't you going to help us big macho man?" asked Spear.

„I just wanted to get some sleep! Am I asking for too much?" Tatsumi sobbed as he got up. He had wanted to fight Spear but fighting the Three Beasts was a totally different thing. It would take time. Lots of it. Spear got up too but Tatsumi pushed her down shaking his head. Spear stayed down when she saw the look in his teary eyes. He was ready to kill and he didn't need her help for that. He had plenty of experience in that area. Tatsumi drew the sword he sued for the kinds of circumstances he was in right now.

Author's note: Hope you enjoyed it. Please tell me what you think, I am interested in your opinions. The plot will losely follow the plot of the manga but with many alterations on my part. If you have any questions feel free to send me a PM or ask in the reviews and I will glady answer. As for speed of updates... I would rather not limit my time but I think you can expect them once or twice a month but it all depends on my free time so I am not making any promises.