CHAPTER 24: KILL THE JAEGERS PART 3

(3rd Person POV)

The battle continued with Najenda dodging whip strikes from Rokgough, all the while keeping an eye on the downed Mira just in case anyone tries to attack her or take her Zodiac.

Najenda's thoughts: "Because of the wound Esdeath inflicted on me, my current strength is about 40%... I can move more than I expected!"

She leaped into the air, just as Rokgough struck the ground with his whip, causing it to shoot upwards towards Najenda.

Najenda: "Earth shaker, huh!?" she narrowly dodged the attack, though it seemed to slightly singe her mechanical arm a bit. "You're moves are ingrained in my flesh and bones from training!" She launched her mechanical arm at him, thought he dodged and it struck the ground. "Reel Assault!"

He was surprised to fine Najenda reeling herself in with her Arm Mechanism, before dealing a powerful kick to the side of his head, which completely blew the entire thing off. However, when his headless body fell the to the ground, it twitched and began moving again. Though upon seeing it, her eyes widened and her anger flared up.

Najenda: "Ju... JUST HOW MUCH DO YOU INTEND TO DESECRATE PEOPLE WITH THAT TEIGU AND ZODIAC!?!?" Filled with her rage, she kicked Rokgough's headless body into the air, before leaping up to it and punching it so hard that it exploded.

Susanoo dodged a blast attack from Destaghoul although he lost his left arm in the process while Saber managed to move out of the way from Fafnir's massive tail, which swung downwards, destroying a cliff entirely before he flapped his boney wings, creating a gust of wind caused the Zodiac-Spirit to fly backwards to Susanoo's side.

Saber: "What formidable opponents..."

Susanoo: "Yeah..." He said as his arm grew back immediately before he grinned, noticing his master finishing off her opponent. "Looks like we're all pretty tenacious."

Najenda: "Even if they're rotting, they're still Ultra-Class... As expected, it's difficult."

Saber: "That too... I'm not sure if us in this state can defeat them quick enough to assist Dairoku and the others."

Susanoo: "But look." He pointed to the right shoulder of Destaghoul. "That protrusion over there is really bothering me. That part is asymmetrical."

Saber: "Are you serious Susanoo...? Is that why you failed to fully evade that attack..." She deadpanned and sweat dropped and looked at him as Najenda did the same.

Susanoo: "Yes. I took an attack just now when I was paying attention to that."

Najenda: *sweat drops* "...You... There's no way you can say that after acting so cool in those opening color pages..."

Saber: *looks at Najenda, confused and bewildered* "Wait... Did you say opening color pages?"

(A/N: "FUCKING DAMNIT!! STOP BREAKING THAT DAMNED WALL!!!")

Najenda: "Looks like the number of casualties will only increase if someone doesn't get to Kurome and Akaruime soon. If that's the case, then... Susanoo. As your master, I authorize the use of The Trump Card!!!"

Susanoo: "Understood."

"MAGATAMA MANIFESTATION!!!"

The Magatama on Susanoo's chest released blazing energy as he began to evolve, his top being completely blown off to reveal artificial man made muscles and abs as his pants turned black. His horns became black and a large ring like object appeared floating on his back.

Speed of Lightning-Susanoo
Trump Card: Magatama Manifestation

"Susanoo's Trump Card, like Koro's, is an increase in physical strength. However, while Koro uses his tremendous core strength, Susanoo sucks the life energy of his master into the Magatama in his chest and manifests that power. In exchange for causing his master to die after being used three times, the power gained is immense."

Upon seeing his transformation, Saber was surprised and impressed but then decided that she could not let him do all of the work. She looked at her left hand before clenching it tightly

Saber telepathically: "Dairoku. Can you hear me?" Dairoku who just side stepped out of the way of Maraud's blade thrust, was alerted from hearing her voice in his head.

Dairoku telepathically: "Saber?? How are you-"

Saber telepathically: "No time for explanations! Please, authorize me to use my Trump Card."

Dairoku telepathically: "Wait... You have a Trump Card?? Like Suu??"

Saber telepathically: "I do. Please command me to use it so I may swiftly dispatch of Fafnir so I may assist you."

Dairoku telepathically: "...Alright... Saber, I command you to use your Trump Card, King's Fury!"

Saber stabbed Excalibur into the ground, entering a knightly pose as her eyes glowed a bright green.

Saber: "Understood!" She erupted in a green and blue energy, taking the weakened Najenda by surprise.

Najenda: "So it is true... Saber also has a Secret technique..."

From within the pillar of energy, there she stood, Saber, with Excalibur stabbed in the ground in front of her. However, she looked completely different; her armor looked completely more mechanical and her green eyes was replaced with mechanical ones that glowed brightly with determination.

King of Knights-Artoria Pendragon
Trump Card: King's Fury

"Much like Susanoo and Koro, Saber's Trump card is also like a significant physical enhancement. However after usage of this Trump Card, Saber will be put on a timer. She would need to defeat her opponent before her timer runs out and she reverts back to her normal form. When she'll collapse and won't be able to fight or move for a few days, maximum being a full week."

Meanwhile, Tatsumi leaped into the air, preparing an over head spear slash to the Apeman.

Tatsumi: "Eat This, Monkey Bastard!!" However, before he could land the strike, Hentarr came in from the side and lunged his blade at his face, though Tatsumi caught it in between his fingers. "...Gh. This guy again!"

He flung the red faced foe away before barely blocking a punch from the Apeman, knocking him back.

Tatsumi's thoughts: "Letting them cooperate is bad. If attacks from either of them could stop even a little...!" The Apeman leaped towards him, ready to strike again. *out loud* "If it's you alone... I've already seen though you!"  He yelled as he slashed across the Apeman's chest, knocking down him down to the ground.

Dairoku: "Ugh, that's enough!" He growled in annoyance as he dealt a powerful slash to Medusa's abdomen with Yoake in Scythe mode, before leaning out of the way of a blade thrust from Maraud. Dairoku, in response to this attack, threw Yoake into the air, causing it to spiral around in the sky before he shouted. "Vengeful Dragonic Rook!"

"Change Solid Impact!"

His armor significantly bulked up, becoming heavily armored before he landed a devastating jet-powered punch to Maraud's face, pinning him to the ground before nailing the percussion hammer in his elbow, creating a powerful impact that cracked the ground significantly and exploded Maraud's face, killing him.

Tatsumi: "Ooh! That was so cool, Aniki!"

Dairoku: "Eh, it was nothing."

His armor reverted to its normal state, though unknowing to them, Hentarr was grinning as he readied to strike again, but upon spotting a masked, barely clothed man revealing himself from behind a rock, his eyes widened.

Man: "Don't... attack..."

Hentarr: "Al... ly...!?" Immediately, the man took out a needle and stabbed it in Hentarr's forehead. Soon after, the man was revealed to be Chelsea, who deactivated her disguise.

Chelsea: "It's just as Akame and Kuraime said. The corpse puppets controlled by Yatsufusa and Himitsume don't have any will of their own, and are unintelligible. But the habits and emotions ingrained into their bodies remain. I'm sorry to say this, but I'm not one of your allies that were wiped out..."

Hentarr: "Guh... Uh-" Immediately after, Tatsumi leaped in and slashed Hentarr completely in half, killing him instantly

Chelsea: "Nice. He probably won't move anymore with that."

Tatsumi: "Thanks, Chelsea!"

Dairoku: "Pains me to say it, but that was actually pretty smart..." She grinned, before noticing the Apeman and Medusa challenging the two armored Assassins.

Chelsea: "I'll leave that Monkey and Snake to you two!!" She yelled as she retreated.

Tatsumi: "Oh!? Yeah!!"

Dairoku: "Let's go!" As Chelsea ran, she began to blush from Tatsumi's smile.

Chelsea's thoughts: "But still, that was a bold plan even for me... At this rate, I won't be able to call Sheele or Bulat failures as killers anymore... I'll have the person who's making me feel this way take responsibility after this." She stopped behind a rock, pressing her back to it. *out loud* "After supporting my allies... Let's finally move onto the main course."

Meanwhile, Kurome and Akaruime watched the battle from their vantage point, with their respective weapons lying next to them. They shared the same cookie bag they've always had, eating sweet after sweet.

Kurome: "...Ahhh, the time between snack times sure has become short lately..." Natala and Pyro just silently looked at her.

Akaruime: "Hey... have you've ever wondered... if Wave's alive after taking those attacks?" Kurome looked at her, falling silent as she too began to think of their ally.

Kurome: "...He seems tough, so he's probably alive."

Akaruime: "Yeah... you're right. But the only reason he isn't here is because he took those hits for us... If it weren't for him, we would have ended up being blown away, or worse..." She said, a small pink blush appearing on her cheeks.

Kurome: "Yeah..." Suddenly, their eyes widened upon feeling something off. They both got up to see Hentarr and Maraud's bodies. "Huh? Following Rokgough, Hentarr and Maraud aren't moving either?"

Akaruime: "Crap... I guess it can't be helped... We'll have to attack again."

Kurome: "Yeah. And the eighth unit will probably move soon. Let's go."

With Kurome and Akaruime on the move, Mine and Levi were still battling Doya and Alec. Mine got under the female gunslinger and blasted her abdomen with Pumpkin, sending her flying off the side of the cliff.

Mine: "You were pretty skilled... But you chose the wrong opponent. I'm a genius marksman!" Though as she said this, a large frog appeared behind her and picked her up with it tongue. "Eh!?"

Akaruime: "Oh, he's here!" She looked over as Kurome and Akaruime arrived with Natala and Pyro.

Kurome: "This is the newcomer, Kaiser Frog. A dangerous frog that can dissolve anything with the acid inside his stomach."

Levi slashed away the bullets Alec were sending her way, before she dashed up to him and struck his abdomen with Ventus, causing blood to splatter before kicking him off of the cliff.

Levi: "Sorry, but you're no match for a super awesome ninja, such as myself." She smiled under her helmet, though she knew something. *thoughts* "Though because he's a puppet that's summoned, Ventus' permanent wound capabilities won't work on him..." Her attention however, was immediately brought over to Mine struggling to free herself from the Kaiser Frog's mouth.

Levi: "Oh my......"

Mine: "S-Stop..."

Kurome: "We heard from Seryu, but we heard that your partner was nearly eaten by Koro? Then, with this, you'll be able to be ended in the way she was supposed to be ended." Mine's eyes widened as she was enraged from her mockery.

Mine: "L-Like hell... Like I'm gonna die IN A PLACE LIKE THIIIISS!!!" Were her last words as she was gulped down by the massive Kaiser Frog.

Kurome: "Endings are to be short by definition. Bye-Bye."

Akaruime: "Ehehe... It would suck to die like that..." She sweat dropped a little as she rubbed the back of her head, while Kurome pets the Kaiser Frog's nose.

Kurome: "One down. Now then, like this we'll get everyone..." She stopped herself upon the Apeman and Medusa being launched up to them and crashed down next to them. Dairoku and Tatsumi soon followed after, landing in front of them. "Huh?"

Akaruime: "Oh my." She turned to the two downed Danger Beast Puppets. "Come on you two. Keep trying." With their last strength, the two Danger Beasts got back up, a bit weakened before they slowly approached the Armored assassins.

Tatsumi: "Using the dead as toys... what a disgusting Teigu and Zodiac... I'm not gonna go easy on either of you because you're Akame and Kuraime's sisters, Kurome, Akaruime." The two just smiled at him. The Apeman rushed at Tatsumi for one final strike. "Rest already."

He dealt a flurry of punches to the Apeman before dealing one final on to his head, completely decapitating him.

As for Dairoku, Medusa spat her acid at him, however, he just slashed it with Yoake before he dashed to her and wrapped the scythe blade around her head, before.

Dairoku: "Return to the ground."

"BOOST!"

He decapitated her by ripping her head off with the scythe before he sighed and twirled Yoake around, as it consumed the blood.

Tatsumi: "We've reached you, Kurome, Akaruime."

Akaruime: "Ooh, impressive."

Kurome: "You're both pretty good. But, just so you know, Natala and Pyro's ten times stronger than that Monkey and Snake" She said as both puppets in question stood in front of them, on guard. But when Kurome's eyes landed on Barbatos, she was brought into deep thought. *thoughts* "That person in the Black and Red armor... They call him the Death's Harbinger... but for some reason, I can't help but feel like I have a strong connection to him... Hmm..."

With Susanoo and Saber, they stared glared at Destaghoul and Fafnir, who both began charging their beam attacks before unleashing them upon the biological relics. Susanoo just held out his hand, causing the ring on his back to hover in front of them.

Susanoo: "Yata no Kagami!" The ring completely blocked the two beams before reflecting them back at the two Danger Beasts, disorienting them significantly.

Najenda: "Complete reflection of all projectiles... an ability expected of a Trump Card!"

Soon after, Saber leaped into the air towards the two, dealing a heavy punch and kick to their faces, which managed to knock them off balance. The now mechanical-knight's black glowed a pure white as Angel feathers fell from her and she sprouted four large Angel Wings, allowing her to fly up higher into the air just as Susanoo dashed towards Destaghoul.

He held out his left hand and a massive sword materialized before he slashed down.

Susanoo: "AME NO MURAKUMO!!!" With a single downwards slash, Susanoo had completely sliced the massive Destaghoul in half, ending its life.

Najenda: "Attack power that cannot be disrupted... as to be expected from the Trump Card of my Teigu."

As for Saber on the other hand, she hovered above Fafnir, her wings spread open as she gripped Excalibur with both hands and raised it above her head.

Saber: "Ex..." Suddenly, the blade of the mystical blade erupted in golden magic-like energy before... "...CALIBUR!!!!!" One single slash of her Zodiac blade was all it took to not only kill Fafnir, but completely vaporize whatever was left of it.

Najenda: "Such amazing offensive power from Saber... I expected no less from the first and only Zodiac-Spirit... Truly amazing..." She complimented as the two landed by her side, and helped her up.

Susanoo: "We can beat them now, as long as there aren't any interruptions."

Najenda: "No need to worry about that. We should be able to continue like this."

Saber: "Then lets us move forwards, towards the puppeteers."

Back over with Kurome and Akaruime, they watched as Tatsumi and Dairoku do battle with Natala and Pyro respectively. However, even if the two armored Assassins were using special weapons, the puppets were easily able to keep up and eventually overwhelm Tatsumi.

Tatsumi's thoughts: "They're a match for me, even when I have my Teigu Equipped, no... they're both stronger... And even Aniki's having trouble! As expected from two people from the assassination squad Akame, Kuraime and Dairoku were in...! They're the real deals!!"

Dairoku: "Hmph, you've gotten stronger the last time I remembered, Pyro. However..." He ducked underneath a left hook from Pyro before striking him in the gut with a punch of his own, causing his eyes to widen. "I was No. 2 for a reason..." With Pyro losing conscience and falling to the ground, Dairoku immediately turned his attention to Kurome and Akaruime. He began walking towards them, spinning Yoake around. Kurome had a feeling about him, as if she knew him.

Kurome: "Akaruime, let me fight him alone."

Akaruime: "Huh?? Are you sure??"

Kurome: "I am." She said that just in time to narrowly redirect the War-Scythe thrust with Yatsufusa that Dairoku sent flying at her, before she backed away, seeing his scythe blade revert back to its curled position.

Dairoku: "Shall we dance?" Hearing that catch phrase, shook her on the inside but she smiled.

Kurome: "We shall."

As the two engaged in a powerful battle, Akaruime was busy shaking Pyro awake.

Akaruime: "C'mon Pyro. Get up." She said in a slightly pleading manor as he slowly began waking up, before she heard strange noises from behind her. She looked back, only to see the Kaiser frog seemingly about to throw up. "What's wrong?? She's struggling inside!? But there's a powerful acid inside the stomach... How is she... Ah..." She spotted a hole in the side of it. "Seems like Kurome forgot to patch you up after killing you... Wait..."

The Kaiser Frog jolted as multiple slashes were made along its body, taking Akaruime by surprise before she covered her head as Pumpkin's spiritual energy blasted a hole through the top and the entire Danger Beast Exploded. Mine had escaped, wearing her Pridwen Armor as Levi appeared next to her, deactivating her Camouflage.

Mine: "That... was the WORST experience I've ever had!!!"

Levi: *whistles* "Imagine being eaten by a frog of all things."

(A/N: "I know right?")

Mine: "Shaddup!"

Tatsumi: "Huh? What were you doing?"

Mine: "It was TERRIBLE! Support me, Damnit!"

Levi: "Oh, we've got company." They looked over to their left to see Doya and Alec, getting ready to open fire, before Susanoo and Saber kicked them out of the way with Najenda in the former's arms and the unconscious Mira in the latter's arms.

Tatsumi: "Woah, what!? Suu, Saber, you're awesome!!" Immediately after arriving, Susanoo, dashed towards Akaruime and jabbed his fingers at her, only for her to dodge and slash his abdomen, not really being effected at all.

Akaruime: "Oh? I might want you in my collection as well."

The blades of Yoake and Yatsufusa struggled against each other as Dairoku and Kurome glared into each other's eyes, black ones into mechanical red ones, before the tail of Barbatos lunged forwards, aiming for the onyx-eyed girl's heart. She noticed this immediately and broke the weapon lock to dodge it, however, she ended up tripping on a rock, making her lose balance. Dairoku saw the chance and charged her, with Yoake's scythe blade glowing ominously. Kurome landed on her butt, gasping as she closed her eyes, ready to feel the blade meet her, but nothing came... She slowly opened her eyes, to be shocked to see Yoake's scythe blade stabbing the ground next to her, mere inches from her head.

Dairoku: "Damnit... I'm too soft... I can't do it... Even though I promised myself I would... when I get the chance..." He just stood there, gripping Yoake tightly as Kurome stared up in confusion, not even bothering to counterattack since he was wide open. However, her eyes widened as she backflipped out of the way of Excalibur's blade, aiming straight for her head. Saber had landed next to her master, gripping Excalibur with both of her mechanical hands. "Saber..."

Saber: "Don't worry, I'll handle her."

Leone: "Here I come!!!" Akame, Kuraime and Leone were still in battle with Bols, Woll and Verde. They charged the man with the flamethrower, aimed and fired at them, only to be shocked to see the three assassins leap into the air to dodge it. With Leone grabbing the legs of Akame and Kuraime she launched the two towards him. "Go, Akame!! Kuraime!!" The two flew towards Bols, only to have Woll and Verde get in the way again.

Kuraime: "Not this time!! AJAX!!!" She glowed a bright purple as her gothic Zodiac-Armor covered her and she sped up in front of the Scarlet-eyed assassin and sliced the legs of Woll and Verde off completely. But she noticed Bols aiming for her and Akame, so she grabbed her best friend and used her >Raven Blitz<, allowing them to move out of the way in midair.

Seeing the opening from Bols being focused on Akame and Kuraime, Leone leaped in and prepared to attack him, however she felt a sudden pain in her right arm, seeing two harpoons in it, that came from Woll and Verde.

Leone: "Wha-A hidden Harpoon!? My arm...!" She began to fall towards Bols, who was still aiming for Akame and Kuraime who have became stationary, however she roared loudly as she crashed into him, biting and ripping off the muzzle of Rubicante before crashing down to the ground and spitting out the chunk.

Leone: "As expected, I can't eat it..."

Bols: "You bit of my Teigu..." Akame and Kuraime swiftly decapitated Woll and Verde of their arms before turning their attention to Bols.

Leone: "With this, you can't use your Teigu, can you?"

Bols' thoughts: "She's right. My Teigu's become useless... Then!!" ......... *out loud* "Trump Card, activate!!!" Immediately from the bluff, the trio went on high guard, but were confused to see Bols take of the cylinder on his back and hurl it into the air before taking out what looked like a detonator. "I will destroy you."

Leone: "Wait, no way...!" With the click of the detonator, Rubicante erupted in a brilliant fiery explosion that leveled the entire canyon. It even reached the others on top, with Susanoo and Tatsumi shielding Najenda, Mine and Levi respectively while Saber used her wings and folded them over Mira's body to protect her.

Dairoku tanked the explosion while looking around for Kurome and Akaruime, who were nowhere to be found along with Natala, Pyro, Doya and Alex.

Dairoku: "Tch... I know they're drugs are wearing off... But... could I really bring myself to do it...?" He looked down at Yoake who glowed ominously in response before gripping it tightly and spreading his Barbatos Wings and taking to the skies. "I can feel Akame's life force from here... It's still going strong, with no signs of fading away... Good..." He said to himself as he flew off in the direction Lubbock was in. Away from the explosion, Bols managed to escape barely, though not without bruises.

Bols: "Fuh... Fuuh... Looks like I outran it... I did something terrible to Woll... Verde... and to Kurome and Akaruime... I hope they're okay..." He continued his way through the fields outside of the canyon, until the sound of a crying girl caught his attention. "Oh dear! This is terrible! What's wrong?" The girl looked up at him, but upon seeing him, she became fearful.

Girl: "UWAAAAHHHH!!! A GHOOOST!!!"

Bols: "I-I'm not a ghost! Don't worry, don't worry!" He reassured her before noticing the bruise on her left leg. "Oh you're hurt." He took out some bandages and began wrapping her wound, though she began to scream again. "Don't worry, just calm down! Don't worry! The pain will be gone soon, and you'll be all better!"

He finished wrapping the girl's leg. She immediately cheered up.

Girl: "Thanks mister!"

Bols: "Don't worry about it!" But then...

Chelsea: "...But mister... the places that you burned... won't become better." She stabbed him in the back of his neck, causing his eyes underneath his mask to widen as the girl turned into Chelsea.

Chelsea: "That girl just now was a child from a village that you burned, because they were suspected of assisting us Revolutionaries. Although I'm sure that because you burned them all in bunches, you probably don't remember each individual..." She removed the needle and began walking away.

Bols' thoughts: "I had always known... that one day... I would receive punishment for all I had done... but... But even so...!!!" He remembered the moment his wife gave birth to their daughter.

Bols: "I have... to... return home... because they are... both... waiting..." Tears ran down his mask as he reached his hand out, seeing the image of his wife and daughter smiling at him... "I have to..." However, his hand fell lifeless and be was silenced... Permanently...

Chelsea: "...Really, fights between those two work in the background are repulsive..." She sighed before using Gaea Foundation to transform herself into Bols. *thoughts* "Next is Akaruime and Kurome! I'll finish them off before they meet up with Esdeath!!"

Teigu Destroyed:
Purgatory's Invitation—Rubicante

Jaegers Remaining: 7/9

To be Continued...