(A/N: "Another different song for the intro. I think y'all will like it. I think it fits Akame and Dairoku's relationship and how Akame feels about Dairoku")

Dairoku: "What the...?"  He asked himself, looking around as he somehow ended up in what looked like a graveyard. With an eyebrow rose, he looked around before kneeling before one of the tombs, reading what it said. However, his eyes widened when he saw the name...  "Tatsumi..!?"

Startled, he backed away slightly before looking at the other tombstones, his eyes widening in horror. They all had the names of his teammates, his family.. Najenda, Leone, Saber, Levi, Lieselotte, Mira, Mine, Chelsea, Lubbock.. However, upon looking at two more, he became completely mortified... They displayed the names of... Air and Akame..

Dairoku: "N-No..."

???: "Do you see it, big bro?"  He gasped before slowly turning around, spotting...

Dairoku: "K-Kuraime...?"

Kuraime: *gestures to all the graves* "This is the result of the war. Everyone dies but you remain. Do you understand why that's the case?"

Dairoku: "S-Stop it..."

Kuraime: "That's right. YOU were the one who did this.. Massacred everyone you held so dear to you, just like with what you did to all of those innocent people in the past."

Dairoku: "N-No..."

Kuraime: "Even your beloved Akame and your adopted daughter, Air, you killed them too! Air was begging for her loving dad to come back to her. She was crying her heart out for you to come back. Akame on the other hand.. She didn't cry, beg or anything... she just accepted her fate, all because she loved you that much. She even prayed to God that he'll spare your life. She was even pregnant with your children; twins!"

Dairoku: *looks down and clenches his fists* "Stop..."

Kuraime: "So in the end, not only were you too slow and weak to save me, Sheele and Bulat.. But you ended up turning on your own friends, family.. Lover."

As she said that, multiple bodies began rising around from the graves, the majority of them being from Night Raid, but the ones that frightened him the most, was the ones of the innocent people he killed and of Akame and Air. They were all just chanting

"Death is calling for you, Harbinger! JOIN US!"

***********************************

With a loud cry of despair and agony, Dairoku shot up from his bed in an incredible panic. Immediately, his yelling woke up the sleeping crimson-eyed beauty next to him as she looked up at him, shock plastered all over her face.

Akame: "Dairoku!"  Immediately, she brought his head into her chest and hugged him tightly yet comforting.  "It's alright! It's alright. I'm here.. Everything's okay.."

Slowly but surely, the Vampire King calmed down and just remained silent for A few seconds before...

Dairoku: *frail* "A-Aka...me...?"

Akame: "It's me, darling.."  He slowly looked up at her, with she taking note to the tears in his eyes. Wiping them away, she placed a gentle kiss on his lips.  "You were screaming.. Is it another nightmare...?"

He said nothing and just looked away, nodding slowly. Dairoku's told her about the nightmares he has of those who fell victim to his blade during his time with the Empire. However, this particular time, the nightmare was drastically different and Akame could tell just from his reaction. When he'd wake up from a nightmare, Akame found him with small tears in his eyes or would just see him jolt up suddenly, but no screaming. This was the first time she heard him scream in terror like that.

Akame: "That didn't seem like a usual nightmare..."

Dairoku: "That's because... it wasn't..."

Akame: "Do you want to talk about it..?"  She asked, but he shook his head.

Dairoku: "No... I don't want to worry you with this.. Besides, we already have enough on our plate right now..." He said as he began to get up, revealing him to just be in his boxers, while Akame was just in her underwear as well; the two had gotten comfortable sleeping in their underwear next to each other.  "After cooking breakfast and writing a letter to Air, we'll have to bring flowers to Kuraime and Akaruime.. After that, I'll need to give Mira and Chelsea their annual check up to see if things are getting better for them; the boss' order of prosthetics for Chelsea should arrive soon. Then figure out what to do with Ketsuekime."

Akame just watched as he got up and began getting ready. He was trying to stay strong but she knew underneath, he was a broken mess. Kuraime's death had.. impacted him the most out of everyone, but add onto the fact that his nightmares have gotten worse, he was pushing himself to move forwards. But one thing remained clear in her mind... The thing that happened to Dairoku at the aftermath of Kuraime and Akaruime's battle...

(Flashback)

Akame: "Everyone, get back, now!!" 

Alarmed, the Jaegers looked at her, but then noticed the dangerous energy radiating around Dairoku. But it was too late as suddenly, he yelled out, bursting into dark red energy that knocked the group of five back.

Wave: "What the hell!?"

Lauren: "His power is rising quickly!"

Run: "Hold on.. look."

He pointed up at Dairoku, who was floating in mid air with his energy skyrocketing. However, Yoake began flowing and aimed its blade right at his chest before shoving itself into him, stabbing him in the chest, catching everyone by surprise and a look of horror on Akame and Kurome's face.

However, instead of him dying, Dairoku remained there, fully alive, though Yoake suddenly dissolved into his chest before the vampire exploded in energy, causing everyone to shield their eyes.

Afterwards, they all looked back at him, they were surprised to find.. a demonic figure standing right there, panting heavily as dark energy raged around him before calming down slightly.

Wave: "W-What is he..?"

Lauren: "No way.."

Akame and Kurome: "...Dairoku...?"

There was nothing but silence, before he suddenly released a loud demonic roar into the sky, forcing them all to cover their ears.

Dairoku: "RAAAAAARRRRR!!!"

(End of Flashback)

Akame was just completely puzzled. Whatever it was, seemed to have been activated by Yoake but fueled by Dairoku's rage.

CHAPTER 38: KILL THE DEPRESSION

Night Raid had finally finished their roundabout retreat and returned to a hideout near the capital. Since Kuraime's death, the group's spirits had been brought down a bit but they were doing their best to keep their heads high so that her and their other comrades' sacrifices wouldn't be in vein. Slipping on her long coat, Najenda walked into the lounge to find Leone and Tatsumi there.

Najenda: "Lieselotte and our spies are investigating the capital for more information, hopefully more about this Wild Hunt. Until we receive a report from them in a few days, don't leave the hideout."

With that she exited the room, shutting the door behind her. As soon as she left, Leone let out a long sigh.

Leone: "If that's how it is, all I can do is drink and recharge from this tiring trip."

Tatsumi: *sweat drops* "I'm pretty sure there's other stuff you can do.."  She just waved him off carelessly.

Leone: "Make me something light to eat."

Tatsumi: "Yeah, yeah. Why don't you get Dairoku to do it?" 

Leone: "He and Akame are out doing their usual thing. Couples being all lovey dovey."

Rolling his eyes and slipping off his coat before hanging it up, Tatsumi began to make his way towards the kitchen. However, Leone caught eye of something about him and hummed in curiosity before getting up and going after him.

Leone: "Tatsumi, did you get taller..?"

Tatsumi: "Huh? Did I?"

Soon the green-eyed male would be taken by surprise to find that the lioness had embraced him from behind, bringing a slight blush on both their faces.

Leone: "I... When I was being cut apart by Esdeath back at the Cathedral... I was scared.."

Tatsumi: "N-Nee-San...?"

Leone: "It's kinda late, but can I... return the favor to you?"  She asked, pressing her breasts against his back, causing the brown-haired teen to panic a little.

Tatsumi: "Wait! W-What do you mean by returning the favor...!? I have a girlfriend!!"

Leone: "Huh? So? That doesn't matter~"

Tatsumi: "What!?!?"  Immediately catching their attention was the door being slammed open by a very angry Mine.

Mine: "I thought I heard something!! You two!!!"  Next to her was Mira, who was wheeling into the room with a deadpan on her wheelchair.

Mira: "Such impurity... Here I though you'd at least try to prevent this from happening, now that you're in a relationship, Tatsumi.."  She said, shaking her head in disappointment  *thoughts* "How did someone like Kuraime-Senpai even fall for you..?"

Mine: "What do you think you're doing, sticking to each other like that!?"

Leone: "Well, I thought Tatsumi had grown more manly lately, so I wanted to tease him a bit."

Tatsumi: "Wha-Nee-San!!"  Immediately, the pink-haired sniper began to push the blonde lioness out of the room.

Mine: "Tatsumi is mine! You go play with Akame!"

Leone: "She's out with Dairoku, so I can't even if I wanted to. Meanie!"  Seeing where this was gonna go, Mira decided to exit the room along with Leone, leaving Mine and Tatsumi alone. Mine then immediately turned her attention to her boyfriend.

Mine: "And you! Stop being such a pushover and getting embarrassed! You need to refuse that kind of stuff firmly!! You act like you don't have a girlfriend!!"

Tatsumi: *sweat drops* "S-Sorry.."  Soon, she hugged his arm, blushing a bit.

Mine: "Geez. I can't let you out of my sight for a moment, so I'm going to have to stay by you side."

Tatsumi: "O-Okay..."  However, his eyes slightly widened as when he was looking down at her, a brief flash of Kuraime, smiling at him while doing the same gesture appeared in his mind.

Mine: "Hey. What are you staring at like that?"

Tatsumi: "O-Oh. Sorry."  He said as he looked away. The pink-haired sniper seemed to have caught on before she looked away.

Mine: "You're... still thinking about Kuraime..."

Tatsumi: "I'm sorry... I know we're in a relationship and all... but I can't help but feel bad... Dairoku told me Kuraime had feelings for me all this time... But I was oblivious and completely ignored her.. And now that she's dead, I..."

Mine: "Stop it."  He looked at her, to see Mine staring at him. She too was sad, but had to be strong like she always had been.  "Stop being all regretful. Yeah, you turned a blind eye to her feelings. But Dairoku also said that, Kuraime said she was happy for you, that she didn't hold any hard feelings towards you, or me. She's happy that you're with someone. You letting your regrets show like this is going against her wishes for you. *smiles* So quit being so somber and be happy that you actually have a beautiful girlfriend!"

The green-eyed teen just blinked at her, sweat dropping a bit from the way she worded that, but laughed a bit.

Tatsumi: "You know when you say it like that, it sounds like your slandering Kuraime's appearances."  The pink-haired sniper pouted and was about to retaliate.  "But I get what you're trying to say, and you're right. I'll go by her wishes, and make sure to make the most of our relationship, Mine."  He said, smiling at her, causing her to blush a little.

Mine: "Y-You baka.."   She said but smiled a bit as well.

Outside of the room and in the hallways, a sigh from the wheelchair-bound blonde caught the lioness' attention. 

Leone: "Any progress, Mira on your... you know."

Mira: "Mm?"  She glanced up at her before looking down at her legs. She attempted to move them. Surprisingly however, she caught sight of her toes moving.  "It seems like I'm on the way to recovering. I have slight feel."  She said smiling, causing for Leone to smile as well.

Leone: "That's nice to hear!"  She said with a big grin before slowly it faded and she looked away.  "I'm sorry.. I was the reason you're like this." 

Mira looked at her before wheeling over to her and hugging her to the best of her ability.

Mira: "Talk like that and there will be consequences. I chose to take the hit for you Leone. It was my decision and I don't regret it. So stop acting like it's your fault already. Besides."  She pulled away and gave her a bright smile.  "Once I'm back on my feet, I'll be working twice as hard and will be there to support you and the others to my fullest. You can count on it."

Leone blinked before smiling and suddenly stuffing the shorter blonde's face into her chest.

Leone: "Ahaha! Thanks, Mira!"

Mira: "L-Leone..! Can't breath..!!"

They were soon interrupted by the sound of the front door opening but not closing. With Leone letting Mira out of her death hold, the two went over to see if it was Akame and Dairoku, who should be back from hunting and they were right.

Leone: "Hey, Akame-" 

However, she stopped herself upon seeing that Akame was just staring out of the door, a worried expression plastered over her face. The two blondes went over to her before spotting what she was staring at; it was Dairoku. He was just standing outside, with the large Danger Beast they killed lying on the ground next to him. He was staring into the sky, not moving or saying a single word. Mira and Leone understood what was going on, well for the most part. Since Kuraime's death, Dairoku would be like this a lot more often, spacing out at random times or just straight up not talking to anyone. He's also been more paranoid lately and seemed to have been getting more protective of people like Akame and Mira.

Deciding to try and bring him back out of his daydreaming, Mira wheeled up to her former teacher before grabbing his sleeve.

Mira: "Senpai? Are you-Kyah!"

She yelped as suddenly, Dairoku had pushed her away, knocking her out of her wheelchair before blades made of pure hell flames were pointed directly at her neck. Leone and Akame's eyes widened in horror as they ran over to them.

Leone: "Mira!!"

Akame: "Stop, Dairoku!!"

Slightly panicked he looked at them, his eyes glowing a bit before he noticed their expressions. He looked back at Mira, she having a look of fear and horror on her face. His eyes widened as the fire blades vanished completely.

Dairoku: "M-Mira I..." 

He stuttered, stumbling back before suddenly transforming into his Hellhound form and running off into the forest. Akame watched with a look of sadness before Leone's voice caught her attention.

Leone: "Go."  She looked back at her, seeing the lioness helping Mira up, with a small smile.  "I'll handle her. Go get your man back."

Akame looked a bit surprised but smiled and nodded before dashing off in the direction Dairoku went. The ravenette wandered through the dense forest, surrounding her team's hideout, looking around hoping to find her mate. The only leeway she had, was the fiery footsteps that were left in Dairoku's wake as he ran. Following them, she was thinking along the way. That was the first time Dairoku had attacked any of his teammates..

The only explanation she had for this was, his paranoia was getting to him. Those nightmares he had was driving him more insane than he already was. What made this all the more frightening for the assassin however, was the fact that if this continued at the level it started at, Night Raid would be forced to consider Dairoku a threat to them and keep him locked away. Akame wanted anything but that, which is why if it came to that, she'd go down with him, to the very end.

Stopping at the entrance of a cave, Akame heard nothing but silence, but could feel the presence of her boyfriend in there. When she walked inside, there he was, on his knees, clutching onto his head, trembling as he was mumbling these words under his breath.

Dairoku: "No... No... Please... I'm sorry... I'm sorry...!!" 

It was clear just from those words alone that the voices in his head, the ones of the victims he killed, were haunting him terribly. And it seemed as if Kuraime's death amplified the voices significantly. Taking a deep breath to brace herself just in case he attacked her, Akame with a resolved expression approached her boyfriend. Hearing her footsteps caused for the vampire to swiftly turn around, Yoake in hand.

Dairoku: "S-Stay away!! I'll kill you if you come any closer!!"  He yelled, showing that he did recognize the one approaching him. Akame wasn't fazed by this, rather more determined than ever. She ignored his warnings and kept moving forwards.  "I'm warning you!!!"

Immediately upon stopping in front of him, Akame kneeled down to him. She wasn't afraid of the threats he posed. She knew how strong he was, that he could kill her instantly if he had the chance to. But what made her fearless, was that if she died by his hands, she'd be happy. There is no one else in the world Akame would rather die to than Dairoku and Kurome. So to her, this would be more like a gift more than anything. Slowly, she leaned forwards and wrapped her arms around his torso, embracing him warmly as he froze completely.

Akame: "It's okay.. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here for you, Dairoku... Always have and always will. So don't be afraid to lean on me every once in awhile."  There was a brief silence before...

Dairoku: "A... A-Aka... me...?"  The ravenette smiled and tightened the hug a bit as Yoake fell from Dairoku's grip and onto the floor of the cave.

Akame: "Yes, it's me, darling... You're one and only.."

Dairoku: "I... I'm sorry... I-I-"

Akame: "Shhh... It's alright.. It isn't your fault."  She said before pausing for a moment. She closed her eyes before continuing.  "We all miss Kuraime... and there's no doubt that her death is causing these nightmares and voices to haunt you worse than before. You've been so strong, enduring it all for the past years... But, it's okay to break down and cry every once in a while.. It's okay to be weak, Dairoku, because I will be the strong support you need. That's a part of being a good girlfriend, after all."

Dairoku: "...A-Akame... B-But why...? I attacked Mira... I nearly attacked you... How could you still say all of this stuff after everything that happened!? I'm dangerous... I'm a danger to you all, especially to you!"  He yelled, tears streaming down his eyes. Akame remained silent before speaking.

Akame: "I love you, Dairoku. I always have, I always will... And nothing in this world will stop me from ever loving you. I will always be by your side, and will always support you... Even if you become our enemy, I will still love you."  She hummed and tightened the embrace a bit, pressing herself against him a bit as if to show that she wasn't going to let him go any time soon.  "If it's a sin to love you, then I will happily become a sinner."

That finally line did it. Embracing her back, Dairoku let all of his emotions just roam free as he began to sob, each one getting louder than the last. Akame just smiled, tears streaming down her face as she dared not to let him go. In this moment, no one could separate them if they tried. The bond between the Vampire and the Red-Eyed Killer had just strengthened, and will continue to grow, even into the afterlife.

END