After leaving Guy in the mountains while dropping off the lunches with Green and Najasho, Dairoku and Cornelia began to make their way back to the Inn where the others were. The trip was silent for the most part, with the two teens walking side by side but seeing as it would be a while before they arrived back, they made the collective decision to make a small pit stop and take a small break.

Cornelia: "Hmm... I wonder what Taeko's up to right now."

Dairoku: "Taeko?" he raised an eyebrow and looked at the blonde, who perked up in excitement.

Cornelia: "Oh! She's a friend I met last night! She's kinda like Akame and Kuraime in a way, very polite too. She's that girl that was with that old lady, entering the Inn alongside us." The male's eyes widened upon hearing that.

Dairoku's thoughts: "That girl...?"

Cornelia: "Huh? What's with that look, Dai?" She questioned, curiously as she noticed the look of slight wariness on her face.

Dairoku: "I-It's nothing..." He shook his head before he looked out into the mountain range. "It's just when we got here, that girl and I locked our gazes and... I don't know what it was, but something felt off about her, and that old woman." The blonde stared at him silently as he turned and walked towards a rock. "But either way, I'm not trying to stop you from making friends, Corey... But I just want you to be cautious. For all we know that girl could end up as our enemy in the future." He said as he sat down on the rock and pulled out his diary.

Cornelia: "Huh... I guess that does make sense..." She said as she stretched her arms with a groan as she looked out into the mountain range, while thinking about the male's words as images of the ravenette flashed through her mind. She then shook her head before turning around and noticing that Dairoku had his diary in his hand and was writing something in it. She did notice this from time to time, but never really asked about it. But she was curious about it. "Is that a diary, Dairoku?"

Dairoku: "Huh?" He looked up at her before he looked back at the book in his hand and nodded. "Yeah, I started writing in it ever since our first mission."

Cornelia: "Oh?" She waltzed over to him and sat down next to him. "Soo... What type of things do you write in it?"

Dairoku: "Well..." He thought about whether to tell her or not before he decided it wouldn't hurt to tell her. "Mainly things that recall past events that impacted everyone and me. Such as the first mission we had. It's... mainly so that we can look back on our memories, both good... and bad." The blonde was quite surprised, mainly due to the fact that she never took Dairoku as the type to do such a thing. Hold on to important moments of their lives and jot them down in a little book. It... made her feel happy. The fact that Dairoku cared that much about their memories to keep track of them like this, it brought a smile to her face.

Cornelia: "Do you... mind if I take a peek?" He looked at her as she suddenly glanced away, feeling nervous all of a sudden. "I-It'll only be one entry I'll look at! But if you don't wanna, I understand–"

Dairoku: "It's fine, Corey." Her eyes slightly widened as she looked back at him and saw his smile. "I've only written 3 entries. Besides, I trust you. So I don't mind if you took a look at them." He said, before offering the small booklet to her.

The blonde beauty felt her face helplessly heat up and her lips curl upwards into a warm smile as she nodded and gently took the book from his grasp. Now with his Diary in her possession, Cornelia began to flip pages. He was right, there were only 3 entries so far, so after thinking about it, she decided to go with his latest entry.

Dairoku's Diary...
Entry #3...

"We've finally arrived in Toushi Town, well... most of us. Guy was assigned to remain in the mountains while Najasho and Green, since their faces were now revealed to the Revolutionary Army, were essentially forced to stay behind, leaving me and father with the girls for this little trip. Well so far, not many eventful things have happened here, unless me... forcing Kuraime and Akame to not eat out the entire Inn counts? Really... where do those two get their metabolism from... But aside from that, I heard Corey made a new friend just the previous night. While I couldn't be any happier for her, I hope that she's being cautious. For all we know that friend could end up becoming our enemy if they realize what Corey and by extension, we are. But I know Corey. She's smart and tactful. So, while she's happy, I can tell that in the back of her mind, she's being cautious. There is a reason why she was chosen out of all the girls to be the temporary leader until met back up with the others. Heh... yeah, she really is that amazing, huh."

And thus, that concluded the third entry. Cornelia starred in genuine shock, mostly from all of the positive things he said about her in this entry. Cornelia was used to being praised quite a lot by her teammates, mostly from Guy and she couldn't help but admit that she did like to be complimented so much, but... to read Dairoku's genuine thoughts on her, it made her heart race. It was as if only he was able to get this reaction out of her from praising her.

Dairoku: "C-Corey?" The blue-eyed girl yelped and quickly looked towards her red-eyed comrade, with a look of surprise surfacing on her face as he was scratching his cheek "Your... your face is red. Did I... write something weird?"

Cornelia: "H-Huh? No!" She instantly answered while shaking her head. "You didn't write anything weird at all! In fact, it was very well written! I really liked it, especially the part about me!" She paused briefly as the raven-haired male looked back at her surprised. Cornelia found herself with a face coated in a crimson blush as she quickly looked away. "I-I mean! Y-Yes, it was very well written!"

Dairoku: "...Corey..."

The blonde continued to avoid eye contact with the boy but would be continuously tempted to look back at him. But then she began to realize the situation. They... were all alone, and on top of that, she began to remember the small incident between her and Dairoku at the river. What should she do? Multiple thoughts ran through her mind as she was contemplating on what her next step would be. But then, she remembered something. They were assassins, and the Revolutionary Army was after them. That was already proven with that ambush that was set for them. At any moment, something could happen. It was a gut feeling, but Cornelia finally made her decision. She took a deep breath.

Cornelia: "D-Dairoku...!"

Dairoku: "W-What is it, Corey?" He asked, a bit startled by her sudden increase in volume.

Cornelia: "What..." She paused, biting her lip gently before she looked at him "What do you... think of me?"

Dairoku: "Huh?" He blinked, but as he stared into the blonde's ocean-blue eyes, he could tell that she was serious about this question. "I... think you're an extremely capable person. You're strong, smart, caring... and beautiful. You're always the first to keep us together if we begin fighting amongst ourselves. Yes... you're like... the heart of the team. Something I could never hope to become."

Cornelia: "Dai..."

Dairoku: "I... I can't help but feel a sense of... warmth and happiness when around you. I never thought I'd feel this way but..."

He paused for a moment as he went over his thoughts. He tried to think of anyone else he felt like this about and only one other person aside from Cornelia came to mind. As he continued to ponder on what to say however, he suddenly felt a hand on his. When he looked over to the blonde, his eyes widened as she pressed against him, her eyes closed and her lips on his. Cornelia was kissing him. Dairoku barely could process this, nor even believe that something like this was happening. It lasted for just a few seconds before the blonde teen's eyes shot open, her face being overtaken by a crimson red blush. She quickly pulled back and began to stutter over her words.

Cornelia: "I-I...! D-Dairoku I-I'm! I-I..." She quickly shook her head and turned away. "S-Sorry!"

She remained there, still and waiting for him to either scold her or just leave but neither of that happened. In fact, she felt a hand on her shoulder, which caused her to flinch a bit. With a gulp, she slowly turned to look at him, but she was soon surprised to find him smiling at her.

Dairoku: "Heh... If you wanted a kiss that badly, you could have just asked, Corey."

Cornelia: "E-Eh? Y-You're not mad with me?"

Dairoku: "Why would I? Besides..." He looked off as he scratched his cheek. "I... kinda wanted to do the same to you..." Her oceanic eyes widened in surprise as her cheeks glowed with a red blush. Did she just hear that correctly? He just smiled at her before looking up. "I won't lie that... even though I thought my heart lied with someone else, I realized quickly that said someone wouldn't see me in the same light as I see them. But recently, you've... become that one that shines, Corey."

Cornelia: "T-Then that means..." She trailed off, watching him slowly turn to look at her as he gently took her hand.

Dairoku: "Yeah. I realized I'm in love with you, Cornelia."

The blonde's eyes widened as she felt her heart beginning to race. Dairoku... just confessed to her. Truthfully, she didn't take him as the type to do such a thing but was pleasantly surprised to witness it. But after everything that happened, even with her having to deal with Guy's advances on her and whatnot, she... knew that she had started to see Dairoku in the same light. And hearing that he felt the same, made her... happy. So happy in fact, that a beaming smile formed on her lips as she replied with no hesitation whatsoever.

Cornelia: "I love you too, Dairoku."

It was done. They had made their confessions known to one another. While it would take some time getting used to this feeling, the two knew that they wanted this. And they'd seal it, with one gentle kiss that lasted for a good while.

>Chapter 10: Fight to the Death<

Dairoku's Diary...
Entry #4...

"I can't believe that I'm writing this but... Cornelia and I... we confessed our feelings together. I can't even begin to describe this new feeling. I feel... happy, excited and complete. It was as if she was the missing piece to my puzzle that I only just found. I do admit, I did hold feelings for someone else... but I know it was a one-sided love. I loved her, but she didn't see me that way. It was obvious. But... I can't believe I never realized Corey until recently. No doubt I have to make it up to her, but... honestly, I can't wait. This feeling... it's very nice."

Cornelia: "Writing another Entry so soon?" She asked with a smile on her face as she peaked over her now boyfriend's shoulder. The black-haired male closed the diary and slit it back into his coat pocket with a light chuckle.

Dairoku: "I guess I couldn't help it. Even though we just made things official, it's still a warm and exciting feeling." he looked at the blonde, who looped one arm around his and leaned her head against his shoulder. His warm smile grew more from her action as the two came to a stop in front of the Inn they were staying at. "Alright, I'ma go do some scouting for information. I won't be long."

He told the female as he broke away from her, albeit a bit reluctantly but even now, he can't reject his duties. So, as he was beginning to walk away, suddenly the blonde called out to him.

Cornelia: "U-Um Dai!" He paused and turned to look at her with a raised eyebrow.

Dairoku: "What's up?"

Cornelia: "U-Um..." She blushed and tapped her fingers together. "After this mission... do you... want to go out on a date with me?" The black-haired male's eyes widened for a brief moment, but he soon chuckled and smiled at her before giving her a gentle nod.

Dairoku: "Did you even need to ask, Corey? Well for your sake, the answer's of course yes. "In an instant, her face lit up with excitement, stars present in her beautiful blue eyes.

Cornelia: "T-Then it's a date then! I love you Dai!"

Dairoku: "Heh..." he chuckled as he winked at her before turning around. "I love you too, Corey."

With that reply, he began walking away. Cornelia watched with a happy expression, with her holding her blushing cheeks and squealing like a little girl. Not only did she build up the courage to make the first move with Dairoku today, but now they were going to go on a date when they're finished with this mission. This day couldn't get any better for her!

Cornelia's thoughts: "Eeeeek! This is the best day ever!!! The other girls are gonna freak out at the news!!!"

Taeko: "Cornelia." The blonde was snapped out of her state and instantly perked up before looking to her left, spotting her newly made black-haired friend.

Cornelia: "Oh, Taeko. What is it?" She curiously asked. However, the ravenette looked at her directly, with an expressionless face.

Taeko: "I want to talk to you about the man you were just with. Can you come with me? We won't go very far." Cornelia was confused by this, evident by the look on her face. While she was a bit skeptical, she decided to follow her friend.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cornelia: "Uh... Um, Taeko...?" The blonde looked around as the ravenette was leading her to a more isolated area, with a large, abandoned building. The pillars they walked past looked old and on the verge of collapsing. Noticing that Taeko had a katana with her and seemed to be a bit tense, set off alarm bells in Cornelia's mind as she was instantly on guard, with a sinking feeling in her stomach. "Are you worried about Dairoku? He may look intimidating but he's a really sweet and nice guy when you get to know-"

Her oceanic blue eyes widened as she swiftly jumped back, dodging a swift unsheathing strike from Taeko.

Taeko: "So you were able to dodge." The blonde looked at her in disbelief. "I didn't want to cause you pain, but..."

Cornelia: "Taeko... are you...?" She nodded and pointed her blade towards her.

Taeko: "I'm an assassin hired by the Revolutionary Army." Cornelia's hands slightly trembled but she quickly clenched her fists. "I really thought we could be friends, but... it looks like this is the way things have to be between us, Cornelia."

The Blonde was in a state of disbelief. Never did she suspect that the friend that she made just a day ago, someone who seemed so socially awkward yet kind, was an assassin hired to kill her and her teammates. She really thought that she made a friend, but then she remembered what Dairoku had told her earlier today when they were coming back from the mountains.

(Flashback)

Dairoku: "It's just when we got here, that girl and I locked our gazes and... I don't know what it was, but something felt off about her, and that old woman." The blonde stared at him silently as he turned and walked towards a rock. "But either way, I'm not trying to stop you from making friends, Corey... But I just want you to be cautious. For all we know that girl could end up as our enemy in the future."

(Flashback End)

Cornelia: "In the end, Dai was right..." She muttered before gritting her teeth. Pulverization King activated as her expression hardened into a serious one, her normally kind blue eyes now glaring daggers at the ravenette before her. "I will finish any enemies that come after me!" Seeing the blonde's expression and stance change, Taeko instantly went on guard and gripped her katana.

Taeko: "I am the Death Reaper, breath of Oraburgh, the untamable wind. I will show you the way to the underworld."

Neither girl would have expected that this would be the outcome of their short-term friendship, a fight to the death. But even if neither wanted this, they knew that they couldn't hesitate. They were assassins after all... Yes, this was the life of an assassin and if an assassin hesitates, they will be the one put 6ft under.

Taeko made the first move as she seemingly disappeared from the blonde's vision and instantly ended up in front of her.

Taeko: "Mountain Wind!"

With a swing of her blade, a whirlwind of slashes occurred that the blonde was forced to retreat backwards from. However, instantly Taeko was already in front of her with a downward swing that Cornelia was forced to block with Pulverization King, which pushed her back slightly. But with her teeth gritting her teeth, she threw a kick to the ravenette, who quickly stepped back to dodge it.

Cornelia's thoughts: "S-So fast... So strong... I'm kill rank Number 4, but I can't even get close to her."

Taeko instantly made a mad dash towards the blonde, but quickly thinking on her feet, Cornelia chose to throw her off by punching the ground, creating a large smoke screen that masked her from her vision. Taeko however, didn't seem to be deterred by this as she slowed to a stop and closed her eyes, expanding her senses to predict where the blonde would attack from.

Cornelia's thoughts: "Good, I can get close with the smokescreen...!" Her eyes however widened as a portion of the smoke briefly parted, revealing one of Taeko's lime-green eyes staring directly at her.

Taeko's thoughts: "Floral Wind! Death to those who draw near!"

Cornelia's thoughts: "I get a sense that I shouldn't jump in like that. Then..." With her quickly stopping herself, she took notice of the massive knocked over pillar next to her. She slammed Pulverization King into it with a grunt before she suddenly lifted the massive pillar into the air by her one arm. *Out loud* "TAKE THIS!"

Taeko: "What...!?" The ravenette was completely taken by surprise by the sheer strength the blonde possessed, being able to lift a stone pillar that's many times larger and heavier than the two of them combined. But she had no time to stare in shock as the blonde had tossed the pillar towards her. With a roar, she raised her sword. "Ridge Wind!"

With a single slash, she sliced it in two but quickly gasped as Cornelia had managed to quickly close the distance between them and ready her attack.

Cornelia: "Pulverization King!!"

With her Shingu significantly amplifying her strength, Cornelia threw a right hook, which the ravenette attempted to block but failed as she was sent crashing back into some rubble, but not without leaving a scratch on Cornelia's cheek that instantly began to bleed. Her eyes remained focused on Taeko's location, before they widened in surprise as the ravenette had gotten up, despite being hit directly from such a deadly attack that realistically should have shattered her skeleton. Her clothing was torn and mostly her right arm was bruised and bleeding.

Taeko's thoughts: "I strengthened my muscles, but I'm still this numb... I won't be able to block it a second time. Tch... I won't let her near me again!" Just as she was about to make a quick dash towards the blonde, her eyes widened as she narrowly dodged a kick that Cornelia had sent towards her, however, said kick had a much bigger range than she anticipated it to.

Taeko: "She dislocated her joint and stretched her leg!?" The blonde showed a small confident smile.

Cornelia: "A technique my Papa taught me that only I can use! You were too focused on my fists!" She exclaimed. Realizing the situation she was in, Taeko decided that it was time for her to stop holding back. Cornelia was much stronger than she anticipated and if she was to have a chance of survival, she had to go all out.

Taeko: "Then I'll remove my limiters as well." She muttered as the air around them became more tense and unsettling. "Twister!"

The battle truly began now, with both assassins bouncing around their battlefield, trading blow after blow with one another, each creating a large shockwave that shook the area they were in. If either were to slow down for even a second, it would mean either a serious wound or certain death. Cornelia was growing more and more surprised at the fact that the swordswoman was parrying each and every one of her strikes, but she was confident. After all, no one's been able to beat her in martial arts, not even Dairoku, even though it often ends in a tie. She was confident that she'd be able to not only out last but overpower Taeko. Just as she was going to make a right hook, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her body, throwing her off guard and causing blood to drop from her mouth. Just as she noticed this, Taeko had managed to kick her back.

Cornelia: "T-This is..."

Taeko: "She who lands the first strike, has the advantage." Thinking back on it, the blonde remembered that slight cut that she sustained on her cheek just as she was able to blow Taeko back for the first time. This only meant one thing.

Her blade was Poisonous.

Taeko: "You look like you were trained to resist it. But it's finally starting to work because you're moving around so much. It's a powerful Oraburgh special concoction. There is no antidote. You won't live, Cornelia."

Cornelia: "...I don't know about that..." She slowly got back up, holding a confident grin despite her condition as she raised her arms in a boxing stance. "I grew up in the wild, so I'm pretty confident about how tough I am. I'll defeat you, then get plenty of rest and then go on my date with Dai, Taeko!"

Taeko: "A date...?" She was slightly surprised by this but that didn't matter to her. She had a mission to complete, and she was going to do so. "Then you better pray to those above that you live to see that day, even though it will be futile."

A tense silence fell upon the two assassins as they stood on opposite ends, battered and bruised from their intense battle, waiting for the other to make their first move.

Taeko's thoughts: "The limiter removal effect wore off... As long as I hold a weapon, I have the advantage."

Cornelia's thoughts: "Blade techniques, body manipulation, hidden poison needles... I can't tell what her next move will be. But I have to stay on the offensive, before the poison circulates completely throughout my body!" Before she made her move however, her eyes widened as she watched the ravenette slowly hide her sword. "She hid her sword..."

Taeko: "Dust."

Instantly, the blonde raised her arm and blocked a thrusting strike from Taeko's katana with Pulverization King, before retaliating with a upwards kick to the ravenette's face that knocked her back and caused blood to fly from her mouth. But just at the last second, she noticed a small crack forming on the area where she struck the blonde's weapon. Not giving her a change to recover, Cornelia instantly went on the offensive and charged.

Taeko: "Light Gale!"

The ravenette performed a quick draw technique as Cornelia quickly raised her Shingu to block, yet again the blade striking that same spot that it did before. Cornelia however, quickly dealt another kick that slammed right into Taeko's abdomen, causing her to gag and hunch over.

Taeko's thoughts: "Even my speed strikes didn't... my movement is becoming dull!?"

Cornelia: "You're not doing so hot yourself. The impact from Pulverization King damaged your internal organs!"

Taeko was at a loss for words. Not only were her own movements becoming duller and duller the longer the battle went on for, but Cornelia showed zero signs of fatigue. Despite her body being infected by the poison, she completely shrugged off the effects and was fighting back as if she wasn't even injured. She was like a superhuman at this point and time.

Taeko's thoughts: "What do I do...?" She wondered internally as she watched the blonde quickly approaching her for a final strike. "I can't use Twister consecutively..." For Cornelia however, she was flashing a smile that her hard work from earlier was working beautifully.

Cornelia's thoughts: "The one blow I landed on her wasn't a waste. I can do this!"

Their attacks clashed once again, the blade of Taeko striking the same spot-on Pulverization King once again, but like before, Taeko was blown back by another extended kick from Cornelia to her side, which knocked her off balance however, she wouldn't allow herself to become vulnerable as she caught herself with her twisting her body and rooting herself with her right leg stopping her from falling. She got into a wide, left-handed stance as a death-filled aura surrounded her, the same technique from before.

Taeko: "Floral Wind! Swift death to those who draw near!"

Cornelia: "That move again...?" Cornelia waited and analyzed her opponent's aura and stance, trying to predict what she'd do. *thoughts* "The move I used to break through before won't work a second time... Even if I hurl something at her, she'll be able to retaliate this time... Then..."

She came to a conclusion. In fact, they both came to the same conclusion. The next attack that landed would decide the victor.

Cornelia: "Taeko... Let's put an end to this."

Taeko: "... Yes, Cornelia."

With her pouring all her might into her right fist, Cornelia let out a yell of determination as she rushed towards her opponent and reared her fist back, readying her final attack. The ravenette was taken completely off guard as the sheer force alone was enough to create such high air pressure that it created essentially a whirlwind that flung her right into a wall, creating large cracks in it. With Taeko now at her mercy, Cornelia went for the final attack.

Cornelia: "PULVERIZATION KING!!!" Taeko gritted her teeth as her bangs casted a shadow over her right eye and got into her quick-draw stance.

Taeko: "LIGHT GALE!"

Cornelia held a confident smirk on her face. She knew the force behind her attack would be impossible to block, so in a sense, she was the clear victor. However, all of that confidence suddenly disappeared as Taeko unleashed her attack. It wasn't meant to block hers or counter it. No. Her attack was meant to cancel out hers and how she'd pull that off?

With her performing the quick-draw, Taeko purposely aimed once again for the area on Pulverization King that she was constantly striking, which instantly shattered the weapon to pieces and slashed Cornelia's arm clean off.

Cornelia: "... Huh?"

Taeko: "You blocked too many strikes with your weapon."

It was only then Cornelia realized what had happened. During the fight, Taeko repeatedly focused on striking one specific area of Pulverization King, which had begun to crack, and Cornelia unintentionally helped her by blocking with that same area. In doing so, it caused the Shingu to shatter like it was made of glass. This settled the fight as one final strike was all it took. One strike down across Cornelia's chest and she was down. lying in a pool of her own blood.

Taeko's thoughts: "I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't landed the strike first...." She stared down at her defeated opponent, who soon began to thrash around on the ground and cry in agony, to the point tears were falling from her eyes.

Cornelia: "It burns... It hurts... It hurts... Papa... PAPA!!!"

Taeko: "...I'm sorry. It'll all be over soon."

Cornelia: "Please... D-Don't... No...!"

She begged, reaching towards the ravenette in a desperate plea to survive. However, an assassin never hesitates in killing their opponent. And thus, Taeko put an end to her suffering, stabbing the tip of her blade into the blonde's neck.

Cornelia: "... D-Dai...ro...ku... I'm..."

Multiple memories flashed through her mind of the time the two of them shared together, all leading up to their eventual confession before slowly they all burned away.

"I'm... so sorry..."

Taeko: "Next time we meet... I hope we're on the same side..."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Time had gone by and after killing Cornelia, Taeko had quickly washed herself of any scent of blood in the nearby river before making her way back to Toushi Town, in search of Chelsea. However, much to her surprise, she'd encounter the male that was with Cornelia before they parted. Dairoku.

Taeko's thoughts: "That guy... He's Dairoku?" As she began to approach her, the male instantly turned to face her, surprised but wary of her appearance.

Dairoku: "Hm? Taeko, right?" he looked towards her as the ravenette nodded in confirmation.

Taeko: "I have a message from Cornelia for you. She caught a rare animal in the outskirts of the town, and she wanted you to tell her if it's edible."

Dairoku: "Oh? Well yeah, I can do that. Though that kind of thing is usually Akame and Kuraime's job, since it's Corey asking, I'll head there." With his answer, Taeko flashed him a gentle smile.

Taeko: "Follow me."

The two began to make their way out of the town. However, despite her appearance, and the seemingly 'genuine' smile she had on, Dairoku had a sinking feeling about this. Unlike Cornelia, he was on his guard for most of the time, even when he's asleep as anything could happen. He was already suspicious of Taeko when he arrived here from the powerful aura she gave off and now she was leading him away to somewhere away from civilization, where he couldn't feel anyone's presence. Not even Cornelia's he could feel. it was just the two of them. This girl was a walking red flag to him.

Taeko: "We're here." The two of them walked out of the abandoned building. "Cornelia should be around here... Oh, there she is." She pointed to a tree, where Cornelia was spotted, sat down and leaned against it. With a silent glance to the ravenette, Dairoku began to approach his now girlfriend.

Dairoku: "You needed my help, Corey? Or was this just an excuse to get me to-"

He quickly cut himself off as his eyes widened, alarmed. Cornelia was covered in blood and wounds, the biggest being on her neck, between her bust and the most noticeable wound was the fact that she was missing her right arm. The male didn't say anything as he just stared at the blonde but gritted his teeth as he quickly equipped Prometheus Harbinger, transforming it into its sword form and leaned out of the way of a sword strike from Taeko, and retaliated with a slash to her shoulder. followed by a kick to her side, which caused her to go skidding back quite a bit and to grunt in pain.

Taeko: "H-How did you..."

Dairoku: "I'm not naive, Taeko. I remembered that look you gave me when we first saw each other at the Inn's entrance." He sneered at her. "Tch... Revealing an injured comrade to induce emotion shock on me and strike with the opening created. Perhaps if you were just a bit quicker, then it may have actually landed at the very most a scratch on me. But that's beside the point... You..." He gritted his teeth as a thin red aura formed around him. "You! You did this to her! You killed Corey! I knew I should have kept an eye on you, especially after she began to trust you!"

His tone was angry and vengeful, but even then, he kept himself together as he knew that blind anger would only leave himself open.

Taeko's thoughts: "H-He knew already... But this aura of his... What is he? Something about it... isn't human!"

Dairoku: "Your silence is so fucking loud... Damn it all...!" He growled as he broke the ground below him and charged. "You'll die here and now!"

Taeko: "Tch...! I'm the Death Reaper Breath of Oraburgh, the untamable wind. I will show you the way to the underworld!"

The two charged each other at full speed, however, Taeko was completely taken off guard as the speed of Dairoku, completely outclassed Cornelia. His attacks were faster and fiercer than hers were but didn't lose a speck of precision which showed that despite his clear anger, he was still very much aware of his own movements and attacks. Their blades clashed against one another rapidly before the two came to a blade lock, with their eyes glaring into each other.

Dairoku: "Don't you have ANY idea of how happy Corey was to call you, her friend!? She was practically beaming in joy, damnit!"

Taeko: "And so was I!" She exclaimed, internally surprising the male by her honest answer. "But now that I know we're enemies...!"

The ravenette gritted her teeth and leaped back away from him before instantly reaching into her bust and pulling out a flask that she instantly opened. However, before she could even pour it onto the wound on her shoulder, a gunshot rang throughout the area. Taeko gasped as the flask had shattered in her hands and was wasted. She looked towards Dairoku, to see his sword had disappeared and a revolver was now in his hand.

Taeko's thoughts: "Did his sword transform into that gun!?"

Dairoku: "I won't let you!"

With Prometheus Harbinger transforming back into its sword form, the male made a mad dash towards his opponent, who gritted her teeth and quickly began to use one of her techniques.

Taeko: "Whirlwind!"

A vortex of slashes instantly surrounded the raven-haired male, but much to her surprise, he had managed to block and dodge each strike with complete ease. In fact, the way he moved, it seemed like he was predicting each strike before it even happened. This was a first for Taeko. No one has ever bested her in a battle between swords before. She was the best of the best, even at her age. But no, this guy... Dairoku was outperforming her.

*Flashback*

Barbara: "Well done! You've made your instructor proud. There're no younglings stronger than you, Taeko!"

*Flashback End*

Taeko: "... I won't lose! TWISTER!"

She instantly disappeared, which took Dairoku by surprise as he quickly turned around and blocked a strike that aimed for his back, with him locking eyes yet again with the lime-eyed assassin.

Dairoku's thoughts: "Tch... Her speed increased...!? So annoying!"

Taeko's thoughts: "He even blocked that...!? What are his reflexes?? It's as if all five of his senses have simultaneously increased!"

She wasn't wrong. Thanks to Prometheus Harbinger, Dairoku could increase the power of all 5 of his senses, allowing him to essentially predict attacks before they happen. However, like with her Limit Release, he could only use it for a certain amount of time. The two assassins battled like fully hardened warriors, skipping from point to point as their blades clashed together. In the end, a strike from the two that collided with each other was enough to send the two sliding back from each other. The two took this brief moment to catch their breath and analyze what to do next.

Dairoku's thoughts: "I prevented her from healing her wound, but even then... as we are, even with Prometheus Harbinger boosting my senses, we're even. Tch... I don't know how much longer I have before my body shuts down though. Unless..."

Taeko's thoughts: "Ugh... He destroyed my recovery vulnerary. This guy... what's with him...? Why can he... Wait... That Sword. It can change form... but what if it also has some other secret gimmick like Cornelia's Gauntlet had? If that's the case..." She sheathed her katana and got into her signature quick-drawing technique, the same one that defeated Cornelia. "The Oraburgh Sword-Technique... We'll end it with this."

Seeing her stance, Dairoku guessed that the female was aiming to end the battle as soon as possible. So, he decided to oblige to her wishes and end this with his next strike.

Dairoku: "...Come."

The two rushed at each other instantly. With a yell, Dairoku made the first move as he aimed to slash downwards, but seeing this, instead of retaliating to parry, Taeko instantly raised her sheathed blade, in hopes to block the attack. But her eyes instantly shot open in shock as now a barrel was pressed against her sheath, as Prometheus Harbinger had transformed into its revolver form. With a grunt, Taeko was pushed back from the force of Dairoku firing the gun, from this point-blank range, but he was also pushed back.

Taeko's thoughts: "He transformed his sword into that gun again!? In that case, I'll strike him down while he's still staggered!"

Grinding her teeth together, Taeko threw her sheath aside as she had rushed for a final overhead strike. But just at the last second, Prometheus Harbinger was tossed into the air just before he caught the blade. Dairoku had performed the technique known as the Shinken Shirahadori, also known as the Bare-Handed Blade block, which meant he had caught Taeko's blade at the last second, by reaching out and clapping his hands together. And thanks to the special gloves he wore, his palms were protected from the blade's surface.

Taeko's thoughts: "What!? He caught it!?"

Dairoku: "...Die."

With that simple statement, Dairoku twisted his hands to the right, applying an intense amount of pressure to the blade as it shattered instantly. As Taeko was sunned into silent, the black-haired male reached up and caught his falling Prometheus Harbinger, quickly transforming it into its sword form before making one single horizontal strike, slashing the ravenette along her abdomen, which caused her to cry out in pain and be sent flying back into the wall of the building. The fight had been settled and for the first time in her life, Taeko lost.

Dairoku: "I knew you were wary of my weapon, so I figured you'd try to shield yourself with your sheath." He said, walking over to the female as he was toughing out the immense pain he was feeling in his head, from the side effects of him overexerting his Shingu's ability to heighten his senses. *thoughts* "And just in time too..."

Taeko: "You... read me like an open book..." The cocking of the revolver was heard as Darioku had aimed Prometheus Harbinger in its firearm form at her forehead. "I..." he raised an eyebrow. He wondered if she was going to start begging for mercy but... it didn't happen. "I... only found out that we were enemies... right before this..."

The male was taken by surprise but didn't let his guard down. Even then, he could see it on her face and hear it in her voice... She was truly saddened, no... heart broken. She hated the fact that she had no choice. She really liked having Cornelia as a friend.

Dairoku: "So that's how it was huh..." He mumbled as a shadow was casted over his eyes by his hair bangs.

Taeko: "Right... before she died... her last thought was of you..." Dairoku said nothing as his finger slowly pressed on the trigger. "... I'm... sorry..."

*GUNSHOT*

Taeko's body slumped and became motionless as the life left her dulled, green eyes. Dairoku just stared down at her, smoke rising from Prometheus Harbinger's barrel as he slowly lowered his weapon.

Dairoku: "...In the next life, I hope we can be on the same side as well."

He said as he slowly closed her eyes. Silently, he turned towards Cornelia's body and limped over to it as he was clutching onto his head now. He slowly went down to his knees next to her and gently caressed her cold cheek and turned her head and looked into her dulled blue eyes.

Dairoku: "Corey..."

Was all he said. It was evident to him already. The fact that he couldn't sense her presence and the fact that her body was cold to the touch... She was dead, just like what Taeko said. But even then... that didn't mean he could just... accept it silently... right?

Dairoku: "Corey..." He gently embraced her body, staining his clothes with her blood. "You said you wanted to go on a date right...? Wake up then... Show me some signs please... I'll take you anywhere you'd like, do whatever you want even. Just... please... please... I love you, remember...?" Slowly, his pleas turned more desperate, and his voice began to crack.

Dairoku: "C'mon Corey... I said wake up!" Again, there was nothing. "P-Please wake up..." Just the smell of blood in the air, and a deathly silence, which soon began to be filled with his very own cries of sadness.

Growing concerned about how their friends haven't been back, Poney, Akame and Kuraime all had begun searching around the town for them before they all converged on the abandoned building. Upon reaching there, they were treated to the sight of Dairoku clutching onto the body of Cornelia, while crying his eyes. They were all silent and stunned into shock. Akame's eyes particularly peered over and spotted Taeko's lifeless body, which gave her a clear answer to what had happened. A fight to the death between former friends.

They were unsure of what to do aside from approach the male and all embrace him, as they too would begin to weep for their loss. It was the first true casualty. They've lost one of their own.

Ranked Number 4, the beautiful and powerful big sister of the group, Cornelia...

REST IN PEACE,
CORNELIA AND TAEKO

The Elite: 7/8

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Next Chapter: The First Casualty

(... Welp... We're back... with depression... Yay...)