(A/N: "Perfect Theme song for this chapter")

Lauren found herself making however way towards Wave's room as she remembered Kurome telling her that she'd be there and she wanted to check on her. However, she wasn't expecting to find what she did. When she entered the room, she saw that Wave was on the ground unconscious and Kurome was gone.

Lauren: "What the... Wave??" She crouched down to hi and began shaking him gently. "H-Hey, wake up." With a groan, Wave slowly began to wake up. It seemed that his gut was in quite a bit of pain as he was holding it dearly.

Wave: "D-Damn it... Kurome.. Where's..."

Lauren: "Um.. I don't think she's here.." She said, scouting around the room. However, upon hearing that, Wave's eyes widened as he jumped up suddenly, almost knocking her down. "A-Ah! What the-"

Wave: "Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck! Kurome!!" He yelled, grabbing Grand Chariot's Key before he bolted out of the room. The blonde female slowly got back to her feet, looking startled.

Artemis: "Seems like its time, Partner." The female looked back to see Bael's purple energy wings on her back, flashing as Artemis spoke.

Lauren: "What do you mean, Artemis??"

Artemis: "The duel between sisters. It's happening."

At that, Lauren's eyes widened slightly. Now she understood why Wave was so frantic.. he wanted to stop this battle so that both sisters would live.. He didn't want this situation to repeat itself again. With her eyes narrowing, she flew out of the window and saw where Wave was going; He as in his Grand Chariot Armor, meaning that he was going as fast if not faster than her. That showed how desperate he was to get to the battle ground and end things once and for all..

CHAPTER 57: KILL THE LITTLE SISTER PART 2

Hand in hand, the vampire couple of Night Raid walked through the Gyou Forest, which was located on the outskirts of the Empire. It was night time and in the depths of this forest, is a section known as the habitat of the Dangerous, where none of the citizens dare tread. Tonight was the night that Akame and Kurome would face, one-on-one. During the rest of the day before this moment, Dairoku was by Akame's side, per her request and per his own will. She knew that if the previous night was that emotionally exhausting to her, than tonight if it ended up going the way she didn't want it to go, would be much worse.

She squeezed his hand a bit more tightly, for reassurance and comfort as she was still having trouble processing the situation. Dairoku, feeling this, squeezed her hand in return. No words needed to be exchanged between the two as their actions spoke for them.

Soon, they found themselves in a clearing which had some ruins. Both could feel Kurome's presence here, telling them that she was waiting. Stopping, Akame turned to her vampiric boyfriend, looking up at him as her red eyes began to glow again, as did his. It was as if they could read each other's hearts as the two shared a gentle kiss before breaking apart.

Dairoku telepathically: "Ready..?" She slowly nodded.

Akame telepathically: "Ready.."

He nodded before letting go of his hand. She looked at him confused before she yelped slightly from him gently pushing her in front of him. He didn't need to say anything, but this was a sign that she should go first and he'd join in after. He gave her a thumbs up before transforming into a Hell Hawk and flying up. She watched him before smiling slightly, then it faded as she proceeded forwards, to find Kurome sitting on top of a pedestal. Feeling her presence, Kurome turned to face her and smiled.

Kurome: "Yo, big sis!"

Akame: "Kurome.." Immediately, the younger of the two began looking around warily.

Kurome: "Hmm? This presence..."

Akame: "Forgive me. Three of my comrades are tailing me. But I've told them not to interfere with our match. If anyone interferes, they'll intercept them and handle things. They understand our resolve and our decision to do this." Kurome looked at her a bit suspicious but could just tell by the look in her eyes, that she was speaking the truth. With that, she jumped down.

Kurome: "So they've come to make sure we settle this on our terms... fine. As long as you say so, sis. But... Where's Dairoku?"

Akame: "Well..." As if in cue, a hawk's caw was heard, causing both sisters to look up to see the Hell-Hawk diving down to them before landing on top of Kurome's head. Upon feeling it, she smiled.

Kurome: "Hey, Daiku." Seeing that she immediately recognized him, he flew off of her before transforming back to his human form and stood behind Akame, giving her a small smile and a wave.

Dairoku: "Hey, Blackberry. Long time no see. Sorry if I'm interrupting things."

Kurome: "No. Actually, I'm more than happy to see you here too with sis." She said as she took the bag of cookies she had and took out some before offering them to her sister. "I brought these along with me. Want one, sis?" To that, Akame smiled and took it.

Akame: "Sure." Kurome then turned to Dairoku apologetically.

Kurome: "Sorry, Daiku.. I would have offered you one too but.."

Dairoku: "No it's alright. I've gotten used to it. Though Strawberry here should be grateful that her sense of taste still is intact." He said, patting his girlfriend's head, causing her to blush a bit.

Akame: "D-Dai!"

Dairoku: "What?" He said with a small chuckle as Akame pouted a bit. Kurome looked confused.

Kurome: "What do you mean, 'sense of taste still is intact'?" She questioned as Dairoku explained to her.

Dairoku: "Well... long story short.." He said as he walked towards one of the walls and hopped up onto it, sitting down. "Due to me taking blood from Akame all the time, she began to take my genes and became a Vampire herself. Show here, babe."

Kurome's expression displayed shock before she looked at Akame, who opened her mouth to expose her vampire fangs. Kurome was surprised but then she noticed something else.. not only the significantly stronger aura her elder sister now had, but her hair. She was starting to see a bit of red hue in the blackened sea that is her hair and her ears were slightly pointed, like Dairoku's. It seemed that her body was also changing more and more by the day. Kurome however smiled.

Kurome: "That's so cool! I bet you two are unstoppable now!"

Akame: "Y-You're exaggerating Kurome.." She said with a slight giggle as she rubbed the back of her head. Dairoku chuckled.

Dairoku: "Still as childish as ever. Care to join me? He offered to which the two smiled at him and joined him on the wall. *telepathically* "Athena. Tatsumi and Leone should be the only ones around... Keep your senses up for any interferences... I can tell Wave might show up..."

Athena Telepathically: "Gotcha Partner!"

A few minutes went by and the three were sitting on top of the wall, with Dairoku in the middle while Kurome sat on his right and Akame on his left.

Akame: "This really takes me back.."

Dairoku: "Yeah.. Good times.."

Kurome: "When we would meet back up, we'd always come here to train.."

Akame: "We were inseparable back then..."

Dairoku: "That's an understatement. You two were like magnets stuck to each other. It felt almost as if I was the third wheel in a relationship or something." He said laughing while Akame looked at him.

Akame: "Hush. When you and Kuraime reunited with Akaruime, you were stuck to them all the time. It was as if you had left me behind."

Dairoku: "Hey, hey. You deserved to spend every moment with Kurome, especially the lengths you went to save her in that Gravekeeper temple." At that, she smiled before giving him a peck on his cheek at which Kurome hummed in interest before smiling as well.

Akame: "I also remember you'd drag me along to bathe with you as well."

Dairoku: "Pretty sure you followed Blackberry whether she liked it or not, Strawberry." He said as his girlfriend blushed out of slight embarrassment while Kurome laughed.

Kurome: "Right? I hardly dragged you, sis. That was mostly you just wanting to tag along. You even went to bed at the same time I did. We had the weight of the world on our shoulders back then.. but even still, having you there alongside me made it all worthwhile sis.. And same goes for you, Daiku.. and for Kuraime-Neesan and Akaruime." She gave them both a sweet smile, causing the two vampires to look at each other and smile before looking at her.

Akame: "Yeah.."

Dairoku: "Aww, look at you being a big softie."

He teased, as he began ruffling up her hair, causing her to laugh happily and lean against him. Akame watched the encounter with a warm smile. In her eyes, they seemed like brother and sister and she couldn't be happier at that. But the one thing that she noticed was Dairoku's smile. She haven't seen him smile in such a carefree manor since Kuraime's death, and it was truly refreshing to see his smile returning, even with the thought of DEATH taking him over. Both sisters gently rested their heads on the male's shoulders as they just relaxed within each other's embrace.

Kurome: "Mmm... Reminiscing like this sure is calming.." She leaned off of Dairoku before taking up Himitsume and holding it up. "Let's stay together from here on out as well.. Sis.. Daiku."

Akame: "Fine by me.. *gains a serious expression* "If you come with me... with us. We can go back to the way things used to be." Seeing this, Dairoku sighed, knowing where this was gonna go.

Kurome: "You never cease to amaze me, sis. In your current situation, you're in no position... to be making demands. If you prove yourself worthy, no matter how strong we may be, I still may be able to find a place for you here! Then we can continue fighting for the empire!" Her expression then turned somber. "Otherwise, the remorse I feel for everyone who's already died would overwhelm me... Just do the right thing and come back to the empire, sis. You too Daiku.."

Akame: "You know we can't do that."

Kurome: "I figured as much." She said, hopping down from the wall. "Even thought I knew that you'd say that, I still find it funny... Just how stubborn your will is... to the point that you'd forsake everything, even your own sister."

Akame: "Kurome..."

Kurome: "But.. fighting to change the world for the sake of others... I've always loved that serious, thoughtful side of you too, sis. And you Daiku.. despite everything that happened, you still managed to keep that demeanor of yours up and be that knight in shining armor any girl would love to be." The vampires looked in surprise, then in worry upon seeing her scratch her head a bit roughly, causing some locks of her hair to fall out. "I can't forgive you... neither of you.. but I love you both.. those two opposing thoughts keeps going 'round and 'round inside of my head. I don't want you to kill anyone else but me."

She un-holstered Himitsume, which became surrounded in a thin green aura as her onyx eyes had a slight white shimmer in them. Her pupils soon began to flicker green before glowing brightly and she bursts into green energy that slowly turned red. Akame's eyes widened while Dairoku just gritted his teeth, knowing what this was...

Dairoku: "Hades..."

Since wielding Himitsume, Kurome's never been able to use Himitsume's Zodiac-Armor, Hades. However, recently, she was training a lot to the point she managed to unlock the Zodiac's armor's powered up stage, like how Ajax has. However, her body still wasn't strong enough to hold the form for long on its own. Now Kurome stood before them, clad in a black and red organic-like armor with silver armor platting on the head, chest and arms. Around her hips was two large skirting-like fabric that were in the shape of wings colored in black and red with pink glowing bits and her eyes, which were under the silver mask on her face, were glowing green.

(The Undead Manifestation—Hades V2)

Kurome (Hades): "Ever since bonding with Hima, my body was too weak to use the Hades Zodiac-Armor. But now I was able to unlock it and even gain its V2 form. But even then, I wasn't able to stay in it for more than a minute... So before I came here, I took a potent version of a powerful enhancement drug. Not only does it enhance my physical capabilities significantly, but now I can stay in Hades' armor for much longer now. You won't have the luxury of holding back and taking it easy on me like you did when you pulled out of the Empire."

Dairoku said nothing and looked at her with a stern expression. Then he slowly looked at his girlfriend, who was gritting her teeth out of frustration and hesitation. It seemed like she wasn't even mentally prepared for this type of outcome, where Kurome's mind would be so warped from everything that not even the own words of the two she loves the most, can change her.

The male Vampire slowly placed his hand on her shoulder, causing her to glance at him, her eyes darkened. She looked into his eyes, seeing a look that said, 'this was bound to happen. It's time..'. The light briefly returned to her eyes as she looked down before looking back at him, red lightning sparking in her eyes with resolve. With a nod, she dropped down from the wall, Ketsuekime in hand and her red eyes glowing, with her pupils glowing purple and red lightning sparking around her as she bursts into blood red energy.

Akame: "As of now, we're nothing but mutual enemies. When we battle..." Ajax's armor equipped onto her, with her blue mechanical eyes glowing brightly.

Akame (Ajax): "...I will show no mercy. If you wish to stand down, speak up now... Otherwise, Kurome I WILL Bury you." Kurome only grinned behind her helmet from that.

Kurome (Hades): "Looks like you've flipped your switch for me.. Fine then, let's do this, Big Sis." The two got into a standoff, their Zodiacs in hand. "When I defeat you, we won't only be together again.. but I'll also restore your honor... which means I'll be able to have 'our' existence even further acknowledged by the Empire. Then, I'll do the same to Daiku." Hearing that caused Akame's grip on Ketsuekime to increase.

Akame (Ajax): "I won't let you take him too."

Kurome (Hades): "Haha. Good. Let us see whose resolve will win out!"

Akame (Ajax): "Then come, Kurome!"

With that, the ground broke underneath Kurome as she blasted herself towards her sister, with Akame growing surprised that her sister was choosing not to activate Himitsume's ability. However, she quickly refocused upon her raising Ketsuekime to block a strike from Kurome. Each attach the two traded would shake the area, with their aura growing more and more intense. Dairoku narrowed his eyes as he watched. He noticed that Kurome's power was significantly higher than previously, even more so than the drugs she took could give her. That only meant that Hade's power was significantly boosting her to the point that she was on par if not stronger than her elder sister.

Akame knew this too as she was being pushed back and it wasn't long until Kurome landed a successful strike. It created a shallow wound on her left arm that caused her to grunt and step back. Even in its V2 upgrade, Ajax's armor was still extremely thin, therefore, an attack with a Teigu or Zodiac could bypass its thin defenses. Blood flew out from the wound on her left arm as she gritted her teeth while Kurome looked amazed under her helmet.

Kurome (Hades): "So this is the potent super enhancement drugs combined with Hades V2, incredible!! The way I am now, crushing you isn't farfetched, sis!!"

Akame didn't even have a chance to recuperate as her younger sister was already on her, moving so fast that it almost seemed like she teleported. And soon enough, she found herself grunting in pain as another shallow cut was made, this time right under her chest.

Kurome (Hades): "Did I graze you again? Does it hurt, sis? Don't worry, I'll put you out of your misery with this next attack."

Dairoku watched as Akame held her wound, with her gritting her teeth under her helmet. But this just seemed to anger her as she immediately gripped Ketsuekime tightly and got into a stance, Ketsuekime's blackened aura surrounding her.

Akame (Ajax): "I can't let it end like this. I've been wielding Ketsu just as I would an ordinary scythe and same for Murasame... because if my own ability falters for even a moment, with this Zodiac, it means certain death. But this is the eleventh hour. Ichizan Hissatsu. I must push my Zodiac's power to its limit."

Her tone startled Kurome who narrowed her eyes under her helmet. It was evident. Akame was done playing games and was not going to aim for vital spots like she'd normally do. Now she was aiming to kill; aiming just to scratch her with Ketsuekime's blade which would guarantee her the win. Seeing this new form of danger, Kurome backed away.

Kurome (Hades): "Fine then! If you're gonna rely on your Zodiac, then I will too!" She rose Himitsume into the air, its blade pulsing in green soul energy. "HIMA!!!"

The ground shook violently as Natala, Doya, Run and three more puppets rose from the ground and went into battle immediately. The three unnamed puppets charged the vampiric ravenette who stood there before dashing forwards, with red lightning sparking around her. Then as he made a horizontal swing with Ketsuekime, a wave of crimson lightning blasted out, electrocuting and vaporizing all of those nameless puppets.

Kurome (Hades): "W-What!? How is she...!?"

Dairoku: "Lightning... That's her element...??"

Athena: "Heh, talk about an elemental combo. Fire and Lightning."

Soon she found herself in a confrontation with her childhood friend, Natala and the western-style girl, Doya. Akame was getting tired of seeing these two's bodies be used for combat. Natala suffered so much damage both back when he was alive and now as a puppet while she only could imagine what Doya went through. She wanted to put them out of their misery quickly.

Akame (Ajax): "Eliminate!!" She yelled, slashing the two's limbs off, rendering them immobile. "Now... you can finally rest." And once again, she encountered Run, who hovered above her, launching blackened feathers from Mastema. However, already fighting him once when he was alive, Akame already prepared herself to counter his Teigu. "Sonic Typhoon!!"

She yelled with the turbines on Ajax's wings rotating rapidly before launching a sonic wind blast from her wings, completely overpowering Run and Mastema, causing him to be pushed back and for the feathers to fly towards Kurome, who quickly slashed them away.

Kurome (Hades): "What!?" Before she knew it, her elder sister was already in front of her, rapidly striking at her, to which Kurome blocked but got pushed back and ended up tripping, leaving herself exposed. Akame was about to make the final strike, only for Run to step in between the two and take the slash to the back. "Run..."

It was a shocker to her... She didn't even had the time to order him to protect her or anything. He just did it out of his own free will. It just went to show, even while being reanimated as a puppet, Run's desires for the protection of his comrades and friends still remained. Spotting Natala's dismembered body as well, Kurome held out Himitsume to it. It was clear to her that neither could fight anymore.. and their souls' powers were exhausted. Himitsume glowed darkly as it released both Run and Natala's souls from it, but took any strength they had left, powering up Kurome who stood up, a dark green aura surrounding her.

Kurome (Hades): "Thank you, you two... It must be hard for you to even move any more... I'll handle the rest." She turned to Akame, who's glare never left her. "You used the threat of Ketsuekime to goad me into activating Hima..."

Akame (Ajax): "Instead of trying to overwhelm me with the 6 members of your Himitsume, you would have been better off fighting with your own dulled movements. The immediately threat was that man with the wings... but he was already dead. Unlike me, who was capable of training countermeasures against his feathers, a corpse cannot evolve or progress. That is Himitsume's weakness."

Kurome (Hades): *smiles* "I knew it'd come to this.. But I have one more skill up my sleeve. My Trump Card." Hearing those words startled both Akame and Dairoku as blue energy erupted behind Kurome and a familiar crystallized feminine figure with gold outlining and a white cape-like accessory on her back.

Cendrillon has been re-summoned.

Dairoku: "That's Himitsume's Trump Card...!?"

Kurome (Hades): "Now... Cendrillon and I will destroy you, sis!"

She looked up at the summon before getting into a stance, though in reality, her body was burning from the pain of forcing the use of this Trump Card, and Cendrillon noticed too as she said nothing before getting into a stance. Akame gritted her teeth but soon rose Ketsuekime to block a strike from the stance. Cendrillon had conjured up a blade on her hand which she slashed with, to which Akame blocked.

Soon she found herself battling the summoned, who unlike the other puppets she fought, seemed to have been getting stronger throughout the fight. This showed that Cendrillon was her own person, not just a puppet or a summoned, but a living being. Akame grunted as she was pushed back before making a horizontal slash to which Cendrillon caught Ketsuekime's blade in her hand.

Cendrillon: "I will not be defeated by such an attack twice now."

Akame's thoughts: "Twice...? Does that mean Kuraime fought her before..??"

Akame however had no time to react as she gasped from Cendrillon yanking Ketsuekime out of her hand, causing it to stab the ground behind her. She was about to go and retrieve her weapon before Kurome took the chance to attack her while she was weaponless and it paid off. Akame turned around as Kurome made a downwards slash that slashed her right down her chest.

Dairoku: "Akame!!!" He yelled out. He was about to get down there before..

Athena: "Wait! Look.." Dairoku was confused until he looked at Akame's body which had fell limp... His eyes only widened as he saw her slowly began to disperse into black hell crows and fly away, taking him, Cendrillon and Kurome by surprise.

Kurome and Cendrillon: "What!?"

Dairoku: "Don't tell me..." His suspicions were proved correctly as the Hell-Crows flew past Ketsuekime, picking it up before flying into air, reforming into Akame who crashed down on Cendrillon, who tried blocking with her blade only for it to shatter and for her to be pushed back.

This ability known as Hell-Dispersal, was one of Akame's newly gained abilities from her becoming a Vampire.

Kurome (Hades): "H-How...!?"

Akame (Ajax): "It seems becoming a Vampire has its quirks, dear sister."

She said, looking at her hand. Her chest, where the slash was made, was completely unscathed. Besides the two shallow wounds Kurome made, no more were present. Kurome growled and was about to charge before Hades' armor flashed briefly and she hunched over, leaning on Himitsume as blood fell from the mask area of her helmet.

Kurome's thoughts: "D-Damn it..!!"

Cendrillon: "Kurome, you've already lost this fight. Your body's physically reached its limits. You cannot keep Hades on while having me out simultaneously for much longer."

Kurome (Hades): "N-No..!"

Akame (Ajax): "Listen to her, Kurome. You've lost."

It seemed as if Kurome wasn't listening as she clutched onto her head before she slowly glared up at her sister, her armor's green eyes glowing brightly with fury. However before anything could continue, everyone's attention was brought to the sky where they hear a voice. Looking up, they saw Grand Chariot diving down towards them, only meaning...

Wave had arrived.

Wave (Grand Chariot): "Kurome!!!"

Dairoku's thoughts: "Wave..."

As the seaman clad in his armor dived down towards the armored sisters only for Tatsumi to intercept him, wearing Incursio as he threw a kick to his side, which Wave blocked.

"Vengeful Dragon; Balance Breaker!"

However, he soon was met with a fist to his face by Dairoku who had joined Tatsumi's side. Wave was sent crashing through two pillars and into the building in the area as Kurome looked up at him while Akame looked to her armored mate.

Kurome (Hades): "Wave..." Standing side by side, Tatsumi and Dairoku watched Wave exit the building and glare at them through his armor.

Tatsumi (Incursio): "You came to stop their duel, didn't you Wave?"

Wave (Grand Chariot): "That's right."

Dairoku (Barbatos): "Well good luck trying.. You'll have to get through us first..." He said with flames coating his arms into a shape that caused Akame's eyes to widen; Pulverization King. But there were two on his arms.

"Spiteful Dragon; Balance Breaker!"

Hearing that startled Dairoku and Tatsumi as dropping in between them and Wave, was Laruen, Bael's armor equipped and with her arms crossed.

Lauren (Bael): "Hurry Wave." She simply said as disappeared in a golden blur, sending a knee right into Tatsumi's gut as she threw a punch to Dairoku who dodged under it before his jets pushed him away from her. Wave looked surprised before nodding and dashing towards the sisters, only for Dairoku to appear in front of him.

Wave (Grand Chariot): "Out of the way, Dairoku!"

Dairoku (Barbatos): "Make me."

Wave (Grand Chariot): "Damn you!!!" Charging each other, the two smashed their fists together, shaking the ground roughly. "I'm gonna protect Kurome!!!"

Dairoku (Barbatos): "Protect her!? How could you even possibly protect her if you can't even beat me or Akame!? Stop butting your head in her business!"

That only angered Wave further as he lunged himself forwards, throwing a kick towards Dairoku who simply caught it before throwing a devastating uppercut to him, sending him high into the air. Soon he fell, barely able to move just from that one strike while the dual fire Pulverization King disappeared from Dairoku's arms.

Wave's thoughts: "S-Strong...! He's way stronger than I remember him being.. and he's not even boosting his power...! Lauren what about..." He weakly looked up only to be surprised to see Tatsumi pushing Lauren back. She grunted as he yelled, throwing a punch right to her face, which cracked her helmet and sent her flying into the wall. "N-Not even her... How strong has Tatsumi gotten as well...!?"

Tatsumi (Incursio): *turns to Wave* "If this really is for the sake of your comrade, then you'd better be prepared to take whatever form you need to... If you stand up now, then know this... All bets are off. We WILL put you down." Wave clenched his fist and slammed it on the ground out of frustration.

Wave's thoughts: "T-Tatsumi... Dairoku... It can't end like this.. but I... I... I just can't...!!" He took a glance up, seeing Run's puppet lying dead on the ground with Mastema by his side. Seeing them, he began to crawl his way over to them. "Run... When I saw you flying in this direction, I knew you'd take me to her... You led me here on purpose, didn't you? I'm sorry... you're always cleaning up after my messes... I have one more thing to ask of you.. so please indulge me..."

Tatsumi (Incursio): "I told you to stay down. You brought this upon-" Dairoku stopped him, putting his hand in front of him. "What is it, Aniki??"

Dairoku said nothing, keeping his gaze fixated on Wave. Lauren had also got back up and looked at the seaman, her eyes widening under her helmet as she saw what he was gonna do, upon seeing him touch Mastema.

Lauren (Bael): "D-Don't tell me!"

Wave's thoughts: "Please, lend me... the power of Mastema!!!"

Responding to his feelings, Mastema's discs lifted up and attached themselves to Wave's back as he erupts in overwhelming power. His body felt like it was being torn apart, but he didn't care. So long as it meant saving Kurome from this fate, he'd go as far as to give his life for her. With Mastema's blackened wings sprouting from his back, he had done it.

Teigu Simultaneous Activation

It was just like with what Mine did against Budo, using both Pumpkin and Absolute Zero simultaneously. Only this time, it was two Teigu and not a Teigu and Zodiac.

Dairoku (Barbatos): "N-No way... Just like with Mine.."

Tatsumi (Incursio): "Two Teigu... You'd go this far..."

Lauren (Bael): "Amazing Wave... you really are... amazing.."

Wave was surging in unbelievable power as he looked at his hand before clutching it shut.

Wave (Grand Chariot): "This power is... With this, I'll be able to do it!! I can reach Kurome!!" He blasted off high into the sky, breaking through the clouds before preparing his signature attack, only this time, it would have been much stronger than before. Seeing this, Dairoku got in front of Tatsumi.

Dairoku (Barbatos): "Get behind me!! Vengeful Dragonic Rook!! Let's try this, Athena!"

"Change Solid Impact! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!!!"

As his armor bulked up, his right fist along with the large pile driver began to flow a fiery red as Wave began to descend quickly, becoming a blur as he crashed down on them.

Wave (Grand Chariot): "GRAND FALL FLUGEL...!!!"

Dairoku (Barbatos): "ERUPTING DEVIL...!!!"

Both: "SMASH!!!"

Their attacks meeting caused an explosion with the power of a nuclear bomb to occur, causing the others to cover their eyes from the debris and the strong winds. Akame looked with shock before turning her attention back to her sister who was panting as she fell Hades' armor vanished, signifying that she could no longer hold it.

Akame (Ajax): "The drug you took before the fight was too powerful, wasn't it? At its peak and combined with Hades, you had surpassed me. But now with its effects waning, the side effects are kicking in. The mach as been decided, surely you're aware of this. Lay down your scythe, Kurome." She said, with Ajax's armor deactivating.

Cendrillon looked at Kurome, who was just clutching onto her head, gritting her teeth. It was clear that she simply couldn't just admit defeat. So she took out the box of the same drugs and with her hand shaking quite violently, picked up another pill.

Kurome: "If that's how it is.. then I'll just keep taking more!!"

Akame: "Don't do it!!"

Kurome: "But I don't know any other way to fight other than this!! This is how I've made it this far.. it's what brought me here!! If I were to admit defeat now, then I... I...!!"

Akame: "Kurome!!" She was gonna intervene, before someone blitzed past her, grabbing the pill from the female's hand. It was Wave.

Wave: "Stop right there!"

Kurome: "Wave!?"

Wave: "Up till now... I've been absent from all of your most important battles.. But this time, I'm here!" He crushed the pill within his hand. Before Kurome could react, Cendrillon had grabbed the box of drugs from her hand and inspected it before crushing the box in her hand, destroying the contents completely.

Kurome: "N-No..! Why...?"

Cendrillon: "Killing yourself won't do any good, Kurome. Enough with this blind fighting. With the way you are, you are guaranteed to lose and die to your sister."

Kurome: "What!? Cendrillon!"

Tatsumi (Incursio): "Get away from them, Wave!" He demanded, with him and Dairoku standing by Akame's side, the Vampire's armor vanishing. Lauren landed next to Kurome and Wave, with her Bael armor vanishing as well.

Wave: "I'm not moving an inch! I'm stopping this fight and I'm taking Kurome far away from here!"

Tatsumi (Incursio): "Kurome is the one who wants to settle this more than anyone."

Kurome: "He's right Wave." She said, looking down with strained eyes. "You may have come to try and stop me as a comrade, Wave... but that's actually the last thing I wanted..." The blue-haired male looked back at her, his determined expression not wavering as he walked towards her, with Lauren backing away.

Wave: "Before, as a comrade, I would have simply asked you to stop.. but now things are different." The onyx-eyed female widened her eyes as she was suddenly pulled into his chest, his arms wrapping around her tightly. "Now I'm stopping you as the man who loves you. I'll protect you at all costs!!"

A strong blush formed on Kurome's face as she became stunned and speechless. Lauren was also surprised, though she suspected it, she was still surprised that he'd be so open about it.

Artemis: "Well damn.."

Athena: "Got that right.."

Cendrillon: "Love... what an interesting emotion.."

Kurome: "What..?"

Wave: "That kiss... it caused something to burst open inside of me. Feelings tucked away in the hidden recesses of my heart.. they were there from the very beginning.. from the moment I became your comrade."

Dairoku's thoughts: "So it was Love on first sight...?" He took a glance over at Akame. "That was exactly the same for me when I saw Akame.."

Wave: "It just took me until now to realize it, that I don't just see you as my comrade. I see you, and love you, as a woman."

Kurome: "Wha... W-Wha...."

Seeing Kurome stutter some much like this was a new sight for everyone around as no one had ever seen her so speechless in her life. Dairoku, wanting to see how Akame would react, looked at her. Though upon looking in her eyes, he spotted a hint of anger in her eyes, before she stormed up to Wave.

Akame: "Protect..? And just how do you plan on protecting her?"

Dairoku: "Let alone after using Two Teigu. No doubt with that force activation, that your time alive was cut."

Wave: "Kurome and I are going to defect from the Empire. We'll go o the secret springs and I'll devote all my time and energy to curing and treating Kurome."

Akame: "What happened to your speech about changing the Empire from within?"

Wave: *closes eyes* "When I said those words, it wasn't untrue. I sincerely felt that way. That was the path Run and Lauren showed me.. and I have every intention of following it to the best of my ability." He looked at Lauren who seemed surprised. "But there was one thing that superseded that... one thing that took priority... That something was Kurome... who became the single most important existence in my life. If I had remained clueless... If I were trying to rescue Kurome as only her comrade, I knew it'd be a lost cause, and left here, I have little doubt she'd end up dead.. That is why it is MY duty to stop this fight. Because from this point forward, I'm never leaving Kurome's side! Upon making this decision, that is the conclusion I've reached. When a man of the sea falls in love, he dives in head first!"

Kurome: "What... you're making an awful lot of assumptions there, Wave!?" She blurted out, causing everyone to turn to her to see her trembling and clutching onto her head. "I mean... I'm happy that you would want to be with me.. but defecting from the Empire cannot be forgiven!"

Wave: "Look. You've given it your all. I'll forgive you!"

Kurome: "What?"

Dairoku: "Mm... Why not join us if your defecting?"

Wave: "I can't do that. I have no intentions of fighting against my master to whom I owe my life to, nor do I have any intention of joining the Rebel Army. Kurome and I are withdrawing from this fight."

Akame: "So before the war starts, without joining one side or the other... your plan is to run away and disappear..?"

Wave: "Yes. We're going to throw it all away... the Empire and everything that comes with it. And I'm perfectly okay with that. As long as I'm with Kurome, I'll never want anything else." Kurome only gritted her teeth as she clutched onto her head.

Tatsumi (Incursio): "You really love her that much?"

Wave: "Yup. My feelings were so strong that they bubbled to the surface and overwhelmed me.."

Tatsumi (Incursio): "You were definitely driven by something extraordinary during our battle." He said, closing his eyes as he crossed his arms

Dairoku: "No kidding... using Two Teigu simultaneously.. You're body probably feels like absolute shit now, considering your still alive."

Wave: "It does... But that won't stop me from taking care of the woman I love." Soon after, Leone dropped down and approached them, with Lionelle activated.

Leone: "I searched for any other presence nearby, but there's nobody else around. They snuck out and came here all on their own." She looked at him and rose her eyebrows in interest. "Tatsumi, you may have used up one of your transformations, but the end result is removing two possibly three of the Jaegers from the field of battle... Totally worth it. Plus, there's no telling how many lives this sudden turn of events will save, don't you think?"

Lauren: "..." She looked down to the ground. She wasn't fully sure.. if she was to leave, where would she go?

Wave: "Akame.. I beg of you, pull out of this fight and entrust your sister to me! I swear I'll make her happy, no matter what it takes!!" There was a brief silence as the wind blew and Cendrillon looked at him, crossing her arms as she hummed. Dairoku looked at Akame who was silent before sighing deeply.

Akame: "Seeing as how Kurome is cuter than anyone or anything on this planet.. it's only natural that you'd end up falling in love with her. Kurome, the choice is yours to make. What will it be? If you want to continue and keep going, I'll be your opponent. But you've got someone here who is literally willing to throw everything away for you. So you decide."

It all seemed too much for the onyx eyed as she clutched onto her head and began swaying around as she gritted her teeth together and she heard her heart beating quickly.

Kurome: "I-I just can't... The Empire... There's no way I can leave it..." Her pupils were flashing rapidly green as she swiftly took Himitsume and got into her stance. "I can't!! I can't be forgiven! Because so many... so many of my comrades have given their lives! And all for the sake of the Empire... they fought to their very last."

Everyone stared at her in silence before it was quickly broken by Cendrillon going next to her and smacking the back of her head.

Cendrillon: "Enough! I will not allow my master to be the second to throw her life away so carelessly like this!"

Kurome: "Cendrillon..." The crystalline female looked at her, then at Wave.

Cendrillon: "Wave, was it? I know what you are thinking. So get it over with." Kurome was confused but before she knew it, Wave had snatched Himitsume from her hand.

Wave: "You don't need to worry about any of that anymore. After all, you refused to leave. I forced your hand and took you kicking and screaming."

Kurome: "W-Wave!?"

He only glanced back at her before equipping Grand Chariot. With a swift motion slammed Himitsume into the ground, completely shattering its blade and snapping the scythe itself in half. Everyone stared in complete disbelief while Kurome just stared up, helplessly. However, a green orb appeared, forming into a familiar figure...

Akaruime.

She smiled at all of them, giving her cheeky grin as she waved at them before vanishing into the wind; that showed that her spirit resided within Himitsume all this time, and was now free.

Tears welded up in Kurome's eyes as Akame, Dairoku and the others just stared in shock as they all saw her as well. Soon, Wave walked over to Kurome and swept her off of her feet, bridal style.

Wave: "Kurome.. this is what you needed... closure. If those ghosts rear their ugly heads and haunt you, I'll be there to make sure they're nothing more than a distant memory. So take my hand and come with me."

With that, he pulled her in to a deep kiss, her eyes widening and her blush worsening. Soon, he slowly broke it as their breaths could be seen in the air. Slowly, he rested her back down on her feet, while trembling and clutching her head.

Kurome: "E-Even though you're saying all of these wonderful things for me... my head won't stop pounding... It feels like it's ready to split open.. So please!!" She lunged into his chest and embraced him tightly. "Just take me away!! Make it so I never have to think about anything other than you, Wave...!!"

Wave: "I will!!"

The Night Raiders and Lauren watched, all surprised as Akame closed her eyes. It seemed impossible... But Wave managed to do it.. He changed fate itself, giving both sisters a chance at living.

Akame: "Kurome... I see..." She slowly leaned into Dairoku, feeling him wrap his arms around her as she sighed deeply. Dairoku then looked at Lauren.

Dairoku: "What about you, Laruen? What will you do from now on?" The blonde looked at him before looking down at her hands. Then she slowly looked up to the sky and closed her eyes.

Lauren: "My family has sworn to serve the Empire for so long it still stands... My father was fiercely loyal to that family tradition.."

Athena: "Let me guess. Great General Budo?"

Artemis: "You'd be right, sister." At that knowledge, the other Night Raiders looked at her surprised.

Leone: "Your that juggernaut's daughter!?"

Lauren: "I am.. Before I went into my coma from using my Trump Card, he told me his true plan... He's loyal to the Empire.. but not to Honest. He told me, that once he eradicates the Revolution, that he'll go after Honest's head and remove this Empire of all corruption. I wanted to follow his plan, but then Run had the plan to chance the Empire from the inside... Now I realize, either way, the Empire will fall.. I don't want to join the revolution.. but I don't want to fight anymore... I just... don't know what to do with myself anymore... I lost my little sister.. the love of my life.. my father.. my mother... I... I.."

She seemed confused as her eyes began to water slightly. However, her eyes widened when Kurome went up to her and hugged her.

Kurome: "You could come with us. You're our precious friend after all. We love you and want you to stay with us."

Lauren: "Wha..."

Wave: "Yeah. Wouldn't hurt to have you with us as well. You've helped us out a lot, so let us repay you with this." He walked over to her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Lauren stared at the two, her eyes glistening with tears before.

Lauren: "You guys...! I love you guys so much..!!"

A while later, everything had settled down and the three Jaegers had decided to defect from the Empire. Everything went just as everyone wanted it to go... with all of them living.. Kurome lied soundly in Wave's arms as Lauren stood next to them.

Wave: "We're going to get far away from the Imperial Capital."

Akame: "We'll make it look like the three of you were smashed to bits by Incursio and Barbatos. We've even got the shattered Himitsume as proof."

Lauren: "Good.. If they actually believe that, then we'll be free... Thank you all.. despite me taking part in the killing of-"

Dairoku: "Don't ruin the moment, Captain Boomerang." He said. Lauren blushed at the nickname before crossing her arms and letting out a 'hmph', causing him to chuckle.

Tatsumi: "By the way Wave, you look pretty good for someone having just wielded Two Teigu... Mine used a Teigu and Zodiac Simultaneously and got into a coma.."

Wave: "The way you are now, it's now something that'd even make you flinch.. but I feel like a crash of elephants just danced on me. But it was all I could do just to keep up with you and Dairoku... Truth be told, I got off pretty easy."

Athena and Artemis: "Major understatement.."

Wave: "H-Hey!"

Dairoku: "I mean you forced me to use an attack I only used in my Trump Card. So it's more than an impressive feat." Wave smiled a bit before both he and Lauren glanced back to a small bury sight where they had buried Run, with two of Mastema's feathers along with his feather head peace being left behind.

Lauren's thoughts: "Rest now.. love.. You deserved it."

Akame: "You really are incredible, Wave. You saved my sister."

Wave: "Nah, you guys are incredible ones... Holding steadfast to your convictions and seeing this through. After all, we're the ones turning tail and running.. I'm just sorry I wasn't able to save Kuraime and Akaruime too..."

Dairoku: "Hey..." He walked over to her and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We all wish we could have done something... But truthfully, that moment taught us a valuable lesson. Every life here is precious and we must do whatever we can to protect it and make the most of it while we're still alive. So let's follow the message Kuraime and Akaruime set for us and make them proud of us."

Hearing him speak so positively and inspirationally concerning Kuraime and Akaruime caused Akame to smile brightly as she walked towards him and hugged him from behind. Wave, Lauren and Kurome all smiled before nodding.

Lauren: "Amen to that."

Akame: "I'll leave my sister in your hands, Wave."

Wave: "Just leave it to me. I'll be living for that sole purpose.. By the way... where's Cendrillon?"

Cendrillon: "Right here." A necklace appeared around Kurome's neck, it having a turquoise gem in the center of it. "Himitsume may have been destroyed... but I was its creator. My soul was imbued into that scythe and now that it is shattered, I have been freed and I will accompany Kurome no matter where she goes. In memory for my previous master.."

Kurome: "Cendrillon..." She looked surprised before smiling and touching the necklace before she looked at Akame and reached out for her. "Sis!"

Akame seemed surprised but grunted lightly as Dairoku gently pushed her forwards. She looked back at him before smiling and moving to her sister's side, while locking hands with her.

Akame: "You had great comrades, Kurome."

Kurome: "Hey sis.. even if I could do it all over again, I'd still want to be your little sister." That line tugged on the elder's heart as she looked surprised and ready to just cry, but she suppressed it and smiled softly.

Akame: "Same here... I'd happily choose to be your big sister again too." To that, the younger sister smiled brightly and nuzzled her head against hers before the two touched foreheads. "Live a happy life."

Kurome: "I will!"

Dairoku: "And we'll guarantee to come and see you again. So make sure you prepare for surprise drop ins." He said with a smile as he walked over to her and ruffled up her hair a bit. Kurome giggled and smiled happily at him while nodding.

Kurome: "Okay! See ya! Take it easy!" She waved to them all as she was carried away by Wave and Lauren walked by their side.

It was finally over... the conflict between Akame and Kurome.. It was over.. and it ended in a happy ending for both sisters..

Tatsumi: "It feels awkward saying this out loud about our enemy... but I think we can trust both Wave and Lauren."

Akame: "Yeah. When he found out I was going to kill Kurome, he completely lost it. And Lauren.. despite what she did, I never sensed any true ill intent in her.. Of all the people... I can definitely entrust my little sister to them.."

Dairoku looked to her as he heard her voice break slightly. It seemed that all of the emotional stress finally caught up to her. Just the mere thought of her killing her own sister just caused her to completely break down. Immediately, Dairoku brought her into his chest and hugged her tightly while kissing the top of her head.

Dairoku: "Hey.. don't cry, babe.. You should be happy. You didn't have to kill her.. No one had to."

Akame: "D-Dai... We'll see Kurome again, right..?? Right..!?" She cried, her voice becoming more frantic. He only smiled before bringing her into a deep kiss, silencing her. Her eyes slightly widened before she kissed back and closed her eyes.

Dairoku telepathically: "We will.. I promise... Once Esdeath and Honest are gone and the Empire is in ruins, we'll go see Kurome again. That.. is a promise."

Jaegers Remaining: 1/9

Zodiac Destroyed:

Devourer of Souls—Himitsume

CONGRATS WAVE, KUROME AND LAUREN.

END