The next morning after the ambush of the Dark Squad, Night Raid was in the dining room, having breakfast. Tatsumi wasn't exactly happy about sitting out of assassinations and so was Lubbock, Mira and Chelsea.

Tatsumi: "Man, this sucks... by the time I woke up, the mission was already over."

Leone: "Even if you were awake, Tatsumi, we would have left you behind."

Najenda: "You're not to engage in any combat until the actual war."  Then she looked to Chelsea, Lubbock, Mira and Saber.  "That goes for you four as well. Saber, your strength and trump card are two valuable to us and same for your elemental support, Mira. And even though you can help us in normal missions, Chelsea and Lubbock, I'd rather have you save your strength and train as much as you can for the final battle."

Saber: "Understood."

Mira: "Right. I'll do my best."

Lubbock: "Right, right... don't gotta tell me twice.."

Chelsea: *sighs* "I don't like the idea.. but I understand."

Tatsumi: "It just feels like, everyone else is busting their asses out there while I'm sitting here, relaxing..."  Najenda leaned over to him and patted his head while giving him a warm smile.

Najenda: "Do not worry. When the war comes, we'll work you good and proper."

Levi: "Haha, that's putting it lightly!"

Leone: "You hear that Tatsumi? We're gonna 'work' you good and proper!!"  She pushed his head into her breasts as usual as Mira sweat dropped while Lubbock was grumbling under his breath.

Mira: "If Mine was here..."

Lubbock: "Lucky bastard..."

Akame: "Tatsumi and Lubbock played a huge role in our efforts at the execution grounds. So it's only natural that they'd still be recovering from it."  She got up with her plate and entered the kitchen.  "Thanks for the meal."

Everyone stared in concern as Akame haven't spoken once during Breakfast and nor has Dairoku who got up and followed after her in silence. It was clear, since the previous night's mission, both were suffering emotionally from what they were tasked to do, more so Akame.

Saber: "Hmmm... Both Akame and Dairoku seemed more quiet than usual."

Leone: "Well of course, they went through a lot last night. But for Akame it's more personal as she's meeting her little sister tonight."

Tatsumi's thoughts: "A battle between sisters... is it?"  *out loud* "She's doing this with the boss' approval, isn't it?"

Najenda: "Kurome and Akaruime were our original targets. Since Akaruime's dead, we'll have an easier time. If we can remove Kurome from the empire, then their ability to assassinate our key players falls greatly. Although to be honest, I don't think Kurome's presence in the actual battle will be a defining factor in victory or defeat and nor would be Akaruime if she was still alive. We simply cannot allow our supreme commander to be assassinated. So we've got to force this situation to eliminate her... That's the reality we find ourselves in."

Mira: "Then why..?"

Najenda: "The conditions Akame gave when she joined the Revolutionary Army are as follows. 'I want to be allowed to act according to my own discretion regarding anything involving my little sister.' And it appears as though the time has finally come. So I gave her my blessing."  Tatsumi then glanced at Leone.

Tatsumi: "And you?"

Leone: "Let Akame do what she wants. Whether she wants to kill her.. or save her. I'll do anything and everything I can to help her."

Lubbock: "Same here. I want to help Akame any way I could."

Najenda: "And in the case that the Empire is no more, and Kurome is spared... the Revolutionary Army will not pursue her for looking over her.. that was officially approved last night and the same would have been for Akaruime if she was still here. This is also in accordance to Akame's wishes for her sister. Akame has been diligent working for all this time just to have these requests met."

Tatsumi: "Then Akame..."

Najenda: "...Isn't going to a battle tonight... but a one-on-one match with her sister. This way she's able to remove sides from the equation and just make it just between the two of them. And ultimately, give herself a chance to search for a way to finish this, without killing her."

Leone: "Like I said, even if she tries to save her, we're okay with that. And after... Kuraime and Akaruime... Akame's been rethinking the thought of killing her younger sister.. So she's gonna do everything she can to avoid killing her. But Tatsumi.. you should go into this assuming that her sister will refuse any type of aid and that they will be left with no choice but to try and kill each other. If Akame really could have persuaded her that easily, she wouldn't have needed to go off and meet with her sister on her own."

Chelsea: "Makes sense cause if she was willing, there would be no use for this conflict."

Najenda: "Exactly. All we can do now is support her no matter what outcome. That's exactly what we're prepared to do, and we already know Dairoku's gonna be by her side, no matter what."

Mira: "Considering Senpai also had a strong friendship with Kurome, it only makes sense that he'll be there as well. And if Akame-Senpai... falls in the battle, then he'll finish it for her."  Tatsumi seemed to have been in deep thought as he just listened to what they were saying.

Chelsea: "You're in quite deep thought... You probably got a lot of things on mind, huh?"

Tatsumi: "No, that's not it... I share the same feelings as you. Whatever Akame has decided on.. no matter what the outcome, I'm going to help her in any way I can. This is the path Akame has chose."  Leone, Lubbock, Mira and Chelsea seemed surprised at his tone, considering how willing he was to go along with this. Najenda thought the same thing..

Najenda: "I see..."  *thoughts* "The Tatsumi of old... if he had been faced with the prospect of these sisters killing one another, especially after seeing what happened to Kuraime and Akaruime, he would have started shouting about how we should stop her and how we need to talk her out of it. But now... he's come to the conclusion that this course of action was inevitable. I guess... this is what you call maturing or so they say... I just wish to hurry and bring this all to an end... this entire era."

CHAPTER 56: KILL THE LITTLE SISTER PART 1

On a cliff outside of Night Raid's hideout, sitting under a lone tree was Akame. She leaned against the bark, with Ketsuekime lying next to her, completely dormant as its eye was shut. It was the day of the confrontation she'll eventually have with Kurome, which will take place in the oncoming night. Thanks to her enhanced senses, she could tell that someone was approaching.

Dairoku: "You know, when you're not dragging me to our bedroom so you can have your midday nap, it's honestly concerning." 

Hearing his soothing voice sent a wave of calmness through Akame as she smiled and giggled before glancing back, seeing her vampiric boyfriend leaning against the tree, his hands in his pockets.

Akame: "Dairoku.. Well, thinking about tonight just makes me too restless." 

Dairoku: "Ha, welcome to my world of restlessness."  He joked as he sat down next to her while leaning Yoake against the tree as well. Akame leaned her head against his shoulder before the two gently held hands.

Akame: "So what are you doing out here?"

Dairoku: "Well besides coming to spend time with you, I wanted to talk to you about tonight. We already know Kurome's not gonna be persuaded so easily and that you two will eventually battle. So I'ma tag along.. well you probably knew that already."

Akame: "I did. But you said it yourself that you won't interfere."

Dairoku: "I know and I'll stick by it... But, you know I care just as much about Kurome as you care about her.. Getting a chance to spend time with both you and her in a peaceful setting for possibly the final time, is something I can't pass upon... Not after..."  He stopped himself from mentioning the two names Akame knew he was going to say. She pecked his cheek lightly and squeezed his hand tighter.  "I just hope it doesn't come down to that..."

Akame: "Me too.."

Dairoku: "But besides that... You may had told Kurome that you two would be alone.. well now that I think of it, she's probably expecting to see me. But back to what I was saying, there's no guaranteed Kurome will be the only one there. If what you told me about your conversation with Wave is true, there is a very good chance that he'll follow her whether or not she likes it. But I doubt he'd be able to convince Esdeath to come since she doesn't care about this stuff. But if Wave or anyone else shows up, you'll need back up. That's why you've got me."

He smiled at her, causing her to smile a bit, with a tiny blush.

Akame: "Yeah, you're right.. Thank you, Dai.. I don't know what I'd do without you. Not sure if I'd survive this long without you.."

Dairoku: "Oh don't say that, Strawberry. Even if I wasn't lucky to be saved by Yoake and Athena.. you'd still have me. I'd be right here." 

He tapped the ruby necklace she still wore to this day. Akame blushed a bit but nodded with a smile before she got up, picking up Ketsuekime in the process. Dairoku watched as red lightning began sparking around her a bit before she turned around and faced him, presenting Ketsuekime to him.

Akame: "Remember when I told you that Murasame had a secret ultimate technique that I couldn't use as I was, Dairoku?"

Dairoku: "Hmm? Yeah."  He stood up, picking up Yoake in the process.  "But Murasame was destroyed so what's you..."  He paused as he slowly began to realize what she was saying. It was written all over her face.. and in the book of the Zodiacs...  "Don't tell me..."

Akame: "Yes... Well, from what Kuraime told me and what the book says, Ketsu also has a secret ultimate technique that's similar to Murasame's. However... to use the secret technique of a cursed scythe such as this, I need to discard my Humanity. Become a Demon. Like how you did when using Yoake's Trump Card."

Dairoku's thoughts: "Become a demon... Just like me..."

Akame: "Ironic enough considering that we're both Vampires but you get the point... Slaying, carnage and bloodshed... only when your heart embraces the demon inside, can this technique be wielded. At least, that's how I had always interpreted it. I think the time for that may be near. Wave told me something before leaving..."  Dairoku hummed and crossed his arms as he listened to Akame quoting what Wave told her.  "He's probably right... That's probably why I was able to wield Murasame and now Ketsuekime.."

Dairoku: "You're still gonna try and persuade Kurome, right?"

Akame: "Of course. But... If I am unable, I will not hesitate to kill her..! That possibility also exists..."  She then turned to look at him.  "I have a favor to ask..."

Dairoku: "What favor..?"

Akame: "I learned another thing about Ketsu... Since it was created by DEATH like how Yoake was, there would be consequences if I used this technique... DEATH's soul still resides within this scythe and I fight the demonic urges of him since becoming Ketsu's wielder... I won't hear him like you do, but can feel his conscience tugging on my heart and mind... and each day it's getting more difficult... So please Dairoku..."

She slowly walked towards him, dropping Ketsuekime as she gently pressed her hands against his chest and pushed him against the tree, causing him to drop Yoake as well. She pushed herself against him, her chest pressing against his as she stared into his eyes.

Akame: "If my heart should become to embrace DEATH's influence and should I lose sight of myself, then I would become Night Raid's target. At that time, I want you to promise... Promise me that you'll kill me. Dying at the hands of... the one I love the most in this world... would be more than an honor."

At this, the vampire's eyes widened in surprise and he was slightly taken aback but managed to calm himself down.

Dairoku: "You know.. I can't do that, Akame... I've done many things in the past to hurt you... But to physically kill you.. I.."  His arms would soon find themselves around her waist, pulling her closer as her hands slithered around his neck. He stared back into her eyes, as both began glowing their dark red colors.

(A/N: "Just in case anyone forgets... The Clock Eye Dairoku gained only appears in battle. Not outside of it.")

Akame: "I know it's unfair to make you promise this... but please Dairoku... I would never trust this task to anyone else besides you.."  She gently pressed her forehead against his, staring deep into his eyes as their eyes glowed a bit brighter, as if they looked into each other's souls. Dairoku stayed quiet before making his mind up.

Dairoku: "If that's the case... You already know my situation with Yoake... and DEATH. I can only use Sinful Harbinger one last time before DEATH has the opportunity to take over... Which is why I wanted to ask this of you... Should DEATH succeed and take the reins over my body, I want you to be the one to kill me right then and there."

Akame: "Dairoku.."

Dairoku: "You're really unfair you know that right..? To even think of the thought of killing you... you know that's the last thing I want to do... you're too precious to me, whether you're a human, vampire or demon.. and Air is as well..."

Akame said nothing and just stared at him. Their noses were basically touching at this point before the need and instincts took over and they clashed together. This embrace wasn't anything like their previous ones. The amount of passion and love in it was almost overwhelming and at the time, nothing could have broken them apart. Soon however, the two Vampires broke away from the kiss slowly but remained pressed against each other like this.

Dairoku: "But... I promise.."

Akame: "And I promise you as well.."  Her eyes were glistening as there were small tears in the corners of her eyes.  "I don't know if I'll make it out of this alive... so... can we spend the rest of the day together, just the two of us..?"  To that, Dairoku smiled and slowly moved his hand up before gently stroking her cheek.

Dairoku: "Of course... Any time with you is special.." 

He said, his eyes starting to glisten. Soon the two found themselves engaging in another rich and powerful kiss. Though this time, running down both of their cheeks, was tears... They knew this fight could end four ways...

1.Akame lives
2.Kurome lives
3.Both Sisters live
4.Both Sisters die... Like Kuraime and Akaruime...

>>Meanwhile<<

In the capital, Kurome and whatever was left of the Dark Squad returned to their Director, who was, to the most part, not very fond and happy about them. They looked in shame as he expressed his anger to them, yelling at them as if they were just animals.

Director: "What!? You all dare come back here without killing a single soul!? You fucking scum!! You call yourselves an assassination Squad!? Worthless!! All of you!! I sure as hell hope you vermin are ready to face the consequences! You're all going to be held account for this!!!"

???: "For something like this to have taken place... Indeed, someone will indeed be culpable."  Everyone looked behind the man, seeing General Esdeath approach them with Lauren closely behind her.

Director: "Ooh! General Esdeath!! Well then, let's march these pathetic weaklings to the torture cha-"  She cuts him off by snapping her finger, which signaled Lauren to dash towards him and grab him by the neck before lifting him up.  "Y-You brat...! Who do you think-"

Lauren: "Just die."  Was all she said as she tossed him into the air and unsheathed one of Rerumukattā's blades from her back and threw it up, causing the boomerang blade to accelerate quickly and slash the director completely in half. She caught her Zodiac blade and sheathed it on her back.

Esdeath: "The old senile fool who ordered a suicide mission with zero chance of success has been put out of his misery."

Kurome: "Captain!! Laruen!"  She along with the other Dark Squad members run towards her, with her giving Lauren a hug which surprised the blonde. But she smiled a bit and hugged her back. The other Dark Squad members were completely stunned, getting to see General Esdeath in person.

Lauren: "Hey Kurome." 

Esdeath: "I never imaged that your leadership was lacking to such a degree. It must have made your jobs all the more tougher. The supervision of the special operations force's shall now be under my watch. I will relay all of this to the Prime Minister. Until the war, you are free to do as you please."

She said as she gestured towards them before walking away. They all smiled gratefully as they watched her leave while Lauren watched in silence.

Kurome: "Lauren..?"  She looked at the ravenette, whose face displayed a bit of regret.  "I'm... sorry.. for what I did to Run... I thought I-"  Lauren cuts her off with a warm hug, bringing her face into her chest.

Lauren: "Don't apologize Kurome... I understand what you were going through... Just please promise me.. after all of this is over, release Run's soul and let him rest. Please..?"  Kurome looked up at her, pondering on her words before she nodded.

Kurome: "Okay.."

>>Time Skip<<

Night had fallen upon the Empire and Kurome was in Wave's room, explaining to him the massacre of the Dark Squad, done by Dairoku and Akame. The seaman could see how hard this was for her as they were her precious allies and she had a bond with them.

Wave: "I see... That sounds awful."

Kurome: "But I fell so worthless... Even though it was a hopeless assignment, I still wanted it to succeed... If I could have come through, we would have been all the more acknowledged.."   Seeing her less than desirable mood, Wave stood up before walking over to her and picking her up bridal style. Kurome blushed quite heavily as he smiled at her.  "W-Wave..?"

He said nothing and brought her over to her bed before setting her down. Her blush only grew more as he hovered over. She clenched her eyes shut, bracing herself for what would come next.. only for Wave to put the blanket over her, as if he was tucking her in.

Wave: "Don't focus on all the negative aspects.. for now, get some sleep. Night battles have a tendency to be very draining."  Kurome stared at him, but internally she was beating herself up for thinking such lewd things. She glanced away.

Kurome: I can't. With what's happened, there's simply no way I can get myself to sleep..."

(A/N: "C'mon Wave. Perfect opportunity to help her release that stress buddy...")

Wave: "Well then, would you like to hear a lullaby they sing to children in a little fishing village?"

Kurome: "Huh? You going to sing, Wave?"

Wave: "Yup! I'm pretty atrocious... bad enough in fact to make you pass out. But that's why they call it a lullaby, right?"  At that, Kurome snorted and laughed before he bean ruffling up her hair, causing her to smile and giggle happily.  "C'mon, cheer up! I may suck, but I did get 8th place in a singing competition once!"

Kurome: "Ahahah..! Lemme guess, it was only out of 8 though wasn't it?"

The fun moment however was ruined upon Wave lifting his hand, only for his eyes to widen in horror. In his palm, was locks of Kurome's hair that had fallen out. Seeing this, Kurome smiled somberly.

Kurome: "You know.. it seems.. I've nearly run out of time now..."

Wave: "D-Don't talk like that! Once the war is over, we're going to quit the Dark Squad and get you off those damn drugs you hear me!? We've given up so much and worked too hard not to!! We'll devote ourselves to finding a viable treatment... we'll go pay a visit to all best doctors there are! Once we do that, then we'll surely be able to increase your life span!"

Kurome: "Wave..."

Wave: "And if anyone has a problem with it, I'll open up a large can of Whoop Ass!! That's the only reason why I'm distinguishing myself in this war! If I have my merits and medals to stand on, nobody will dare say a word against us!"  Kurome looked away.

Kurome: "But... my only reason for even living this long has been to fight.. if I get taken off these drugs, then the Commander will no longer look at me as a battle asset anymore.."

Wave: "Even without those drugs, you're already plenty strong! If your commander tries to remove you from Military Service, then I'll just have to get promoted until I can be your commanding officer and watch over you. Don't make me beg... just at the very least... try to give yourself a reason to live..."

The onyx-eyed female gave a small smile and giggled lightly.

Kurome: "Fufu.. I can't ever imagine myself serving under you, Wave.."  She taunted, sitting up as Wave looked at her angered.

Wave: "What's THAT supposed to mean!? I'd let you eat whatever snacks you wanted whenever you wanted to eat them! You could do anything you wanted and I'd never say a word about it! It'd be totally awesome!!"

Kurome: "Just maybe it would.."  She said with a small pleasant smile."

Wave: "Right!?"  However, his demeanor turned sour upon seeing Kurome's expression slowly darken and her smile become unsettling."

Kurome: "Sis and Dairoku can be in charge of cooking.. but they'd probably go and blow something up... so being my aide would be best. Natala can be charge of cleaning and tidying up and Run can be in charge of bookkeeping and such... that sounds just about right... And maybe if I try hard enough... Akaruime and Kuraime-Neesan could also be there... Yeah, that sounds like it'd be a fun work place."  She slowly began to get up off of the bed.  "To tell you the truth, Sis called me out so I'm gonna be heading over there soon, for a one-on-one match. Dairoku will probably be there too, so I'll get to see him too."  She got up and began walking to the door.

"I'll kill her with Himitsume, then I'll kill Dairoku too and drag their corpses back"

This caused Wave to grit his teeth before immediately getting up and stepping between the door and her.

Wave: "You can't. Don't go."

Kurome: "Why..? Step aside. We're comrades, aren't we?"  She questioned, her voice becoming dry.

Wave: "We are... and that's exactly why I'm stopping you. If you leave, I'm going to report this to the commander! And then we'll all leave together! I'm GOING to protect you!! I WON'T let the same thing happened to Akaruime happen to you!!!"

Kurome's expression softened up, with her looking like she was about to start crying as her eyes glistened and her mouth trembled, but she held her tears in and gently cupped his cheeks.

Kurome: "Wave..."

Wave's eyes immediately widened as Kurome leaned up to him and had planted her lips on his. He couldn't process what was happening.. Kurome kissing him. He knew of the crush Kurome had on Dairoku and couldn't understand. Did she get over him? Or was this just some sick trick?

It wouldn't matter however as Wave felt the wind get knocked out of him, with Kurome punching his gut, causing him to fall to the ground and slowly began to lose conscience.

Kurome: "I'm sorry... But if you really are my comrade... Then as far as my sister is concerned, let me do as I please. I want to fight it out with her, one-on-one, and settle this once and for all."

Wave slowly began to blacken as he reached out for her. The female gave him one last glance before leaving the room and shutting the door behind her.

Wave: "Kuro... me..."

Outside of the room, Kurome leaned against the door. She gently touched her lips, her face displaying one of somber. She had finally moved on from her one sided feelings towards Dairoku.. but now wasn't the time for that.

Regaining her resolve, she dashed to her room, grabbing a small tray of enhancement drugs and Himitsume before putting on her light gray coat. She exited the Palace, devouring one of the pills as her eyes sparked in determination and her pupils began to glow green. Himitsume also began glowing green, as Kurome heard a familiar voice emitting from the scythe on her back.

"Kurome... My best friend..."

Kurome heard it.. it was the voice of Akaruime. It was as if she was speaking through Himitsume. Hearing her voice only made her move determined to end this as she dashed off into the distance, outside of the capital.

It was time for the second set of sisters to duel...

To Be Continued...