Currently on the Air Manta...

Tatsumi: "Whoa! Coool! This feels great!"

Chelsea: (laughs) "For an assassin, you're unbelievably innocent, Tatsumi. You're funny."

Night Raid had fled their base as it had been recently raided last night by Dr. Stylish. Susanoo sat cross-legged, his arms crossed as he kept his usual stern look. Tatsumi was having fun with the ride, the other newcomer, Chelsea, seemed to be going along with his behavior. Leone was currently talking to Najenda, who were sitting in the middle of the Air Manta.

Lubbock and Mine were nervous and were shaking, thinking that they were going to fall. It wasn't really a surprise if they felt that way, considering they had no way to secure themselves on there and were traveling on high speeds.

Leone: "Still, this is more fun than I thought!"

Mine: "No, it is not!"

Leone: "Hey, at least you're not like... Uh..."

The sound of someone puking could be heard, the other members of Night Raid turning to two particular people. Over on one of the edges of the Air Manta, Akira was currently hunched over with Akame soothing him as she was patting and rubbing his back. The icy blue-eyed teen was currently puking off to the side.

Akira: (panting heavily) "Why... Why is it that I can handle boats just fine... But it's always the fucking air and fucking carriages! God dammit, fuck motion sickness!"

His face then turned green as he held his mouth, going over the edge once more as he continues to hurl, the raven-haired girl only sighing with a sheepish look. The other members of Night Raid, except Susanoo, only deadpan at the Ice Cold Reaper. Akira was a famed assassin with a well-known moniker. But little did they know that one of the Ice Cold Reaper's weaknesses is none other than motion sickness.

---

80 kilometers Southeast of the Empire, Marg Highlands

The Air Manta soon lands and the group get off, the first being Akira as he practically jumps off and lands on the grass, looking like he was trying to hug the ground for comfort. Akame only giggled at his behavior, it bringing back memories of the many times they traveled by carriage and wagons when they were heading to different villages for their missions. They would have to stop every now and then so Akira could recover, as he would constantly vomit during their trips.

Najenda: "Dotted with dozens of sheer plateaus, it has a unique ecosystem all it's own. The Danger Beasts that reside here are of a high level, and it's not fit for human habitation. It is an 'unexplored territory.' And because it's an unexplored territory, it's the perfect place to hide out. A fitting place for our new hideout is currently being scouted out by the Revolutionary Army's reconnaissance team somewhere closer to the Capital. Until then, we will train here."

Once all their belongings had gotten off the Air Manta, the tamed Danger Beast began to rise up into the air and flew away, carrying the Teigu, Perfector, along with it.

Mine: "Wh-What the--? Is it okay that he left? He took the Teigu we recovered with him."

Najenda: "He's too precious of a transport for us to hog all over for ourselves."

Chelsea: "He probably went back to his nest is. It's an automatic way to get things delivered there. I can't believe you didn't know that, Mine."

The auburn-haired girl began to laugh, taunting the pink-haired girl. Mine simply growled in annoyance, a visible tick mark appearing on her head.

Tatsumi: "Ah! Couldn't we ride on him to break into the palace?"

Akame: "No can do. There are Danger Beasts who have been tamed with Teigu in the airspace above the palace."

Tatsumi: "...They really have strict security there..."

Najenda: "Well, we should get a ride home after things in the Capital have calmed down a bit. Don't worry. Now, then. Allow me to introduce the newest members to our team once again. First is... Huh?"

The one-eyed general had looked to where Chelsea, or rather, where she should've been. The auburn-haired girl had quickly appeared behind Akame, beginning to stroke her hair, Akame blushing in embarrassment.

Chelsea: "Akame, you really are cute up close.~"

Akame: "Th-That came out of nowhere."

Before she could continue any longer, she felt someone with killing intent, backing up in time to dodge a strike. Akira had come in with his scythe unleashed, Akame seeing his eyes, seething rage as he stared at the auburn-haired girl. Everyone else grew surprised at his action.

Akira: "You're getting awfully touchy with her, Oarburgh scum."

Chelsea: "Someone's done their homework... Ice Cold Reaper."

Akira: "I don't give a fuck about whether I did my homework or not. I still remember what you and your little group did. Someone has to remember."

Chelsea: "Oh? What are you going to do then?"

Akira: "I don't know. I've got a few ideas. Stab your chest, break your neck, smash your head... I will allow you to choose your own death."

Chelsea: "Sorry, but I'm not interested in methods of dying."

Akira: "It doesn't matter... If it weren't for you... If it weren't for you and your goddamn group, they'd still be here! I still remember that day. I knew someone was following us and should've acted on my instincts... But she... But she told me that there was nothing to worry about. And I trusted her. She was the kindest out of everyone...someone like her shouldn't have been apart of us. But she wouldn't had died if someone hadn't told her someone close to her of what she truly was..."

Tears were already streaming out of his eyes as everyone could see the pure look of pain, guilt, and regret in his eyes. Akira gripped tightly onto Harvester, pointing the scythe in Chelsea's direction.

Akira: "It's your fault that Corey is dead... And if it wasn't for your former leader, Gin would be standing here too."

Akame: "Akira."

The icy blue-eyed teen grunted a little as he turned his head towards Akame, a frown gracing her features as sadness was evident in her eyes as well. He then turned to everyone else, some of them having mixed expressions. Mine was looking at him as if he was a monster, his eyes had shown like he was that night with Sheele and Seryu.

The others didn't approve of his actions, but they seemed to have understood his pain. He then began to lower his weapon down, soon letting it dissipate into it's key form. Akira knew that Corey wouldn't want him to do this. If anything, Cornelia was the most kindest out of them, perhaps the one with the purest soul. Cornelia wouldn't hate on Chelsea if she eliminated any other of their teammates, but would most likely offer her forgiveness. It was just who Cornelia was.

He gritted his teeth as he began to head into the forest, as he ignored some of the calls from his comrades. Najenda only sighed and shook her head, a hand resting on her temple, rubbing it. Chelsea merely shrugged off the tense atmosphere from before and went to her skirt pocket and took out a lollipop, presenting it towards Akame.

Chelsea: "In any case, I'm Chelsea. I hope we can get along as assassin teammates. Here, this is for you."

Normally, Akame would've jumped at the opportunity to take it as she was quite hungry during the trip over. But instead, she kindly took it and unwrapped it and put it in her mouth, only nodding at the girl. Her gaze then returns to the entrance of the forest, where she watched Akira disappear from sight.

Tatsumi: (scratches head) "But Chelsea...doesn't look like a better assassin than Mine and the others..."

Najenda: "Don't judge a book by it's cover. She has as many successful assassinations under her belt as Akame."

The brown-haired teen was shocked as he stared at his leader, the auburn-haired girl standing off to the side as she gained a smug smirk. Najenda then presented a hand towards Susanoo, who stood at attention with a stern look.

Najenda: "And this here is the new Teigu I was given by the Revolutionary Army's HQ. Flash of Lightning: Susanoo. He's a biological Teigu that can move on his own, so he's not a heavy burden...even for me."

Tatsumi: "Ah! I look forward to working with you."

The tall man then eyed Tatsumi up and down, then noticing a part of his shirt was untucked. Frantically, he crouched down and began to rearrange his hands around him, making Tatsumi shocked and confused as to what he was doing.

By the time Susanoo was done, Tatsumi's shirt was fixed, a satisfying glint in his eyes.

Susanoo: "There!"

Najenda: "...Surprisingly, he's a perfectionist."

Mine: "Especially for a Teigu..." (whispers) "So that's why he stroked my hair earlier..."

Leone: "So... What's his main skill? Combat strength...?"

The silver-haired general only began to let out low laughs before they began to grow louder, making her group look at her with confusion. She then snapped her metal arm, a grin on her face.

Najenda: "I'll show you. Brace yourselves. ...Do your stuff! Susanoo!"

Susanoo: "Understood."

And in quick motion, Susanoo began to perform... House chores? He had somehow gotten an axe and began chopping down trees before he began to moving on to floor plans and such as he began designing a house. Quickly, he then made a fire and got a frying pan out, tossing some vegetables and a bird's head as he began to fry it over the fire.

He began to do this repeatedly and inhumane speeds. Lubbock and Tatsumi only sweat dropped as they stare at the scene in front of them.

Lubbock: "Uh... That's cool and all, but...what exactly is this?"

Tatsumi: "It looks like to me like he's doing housework."

Najenda: "Exactly! Susanoo was originally created to act as the bodyguard to a VIP! Naturally, he is constantly at the ready to engage in combat, but he's also equipped with household skills to take care of his master in every way possible! Cleaning, laundry, he does it all! And he has 1,000 recipes in her repertoire!"

Mine: "That has absolutely nothing to do with combat!"

Najenda: "As a matter of fact, these are very useful skills! And of course, he has a Trump Card when it comes to battle. Right?"

Susanoo: "Right."

With their two new teammates introduced, Tatsumi stared at them with a grin.

Tatsumi: (thoughts) 'So these two are our newest members... I feel like I can rely on them already! ...Though I'm not as confident about our teamwork.'

Chelsea: "Aww, what a flat little squirt you are. You're flat as a wall.~"

Mine hisses at Chelsea with annoyance.

Lubbock: (points at Susanoo with a grin) "So what if you can cook, have good looks, and are a Teigu. I'm not about to lose to you!"

Susanoo only looked down at Lubbock with a confused look. Needless to say, Tatsumi worried about their teamwork.

---

Meanwhile, In the Imperial Capital

In the Jaegers' lounge room, Esdeath sat down at the table. The doors to the lounge could be heard opening, the icy-haired general looking to see Run and Bols walking in.

Run: "We've completed the search of the doctor's quarters. But... We found no definite clues indicating his whereabouts. Though his study materials and tools were left in the lab..."

Esdeath: (slams hand on table) "...He didn't run away... He was killed."

The blonde male only casts his gaze to the floor, a dull look in them. It wasn't a surprise if he felt sadness for losing a comrade.

Bols: "Judging by the total absences of his fortified soldiers... I believe they were all dispatched in battle."

Esdeath: "I see... That means Seryu has another person to avenge..."

Outside in the palace's courtyard, Seryu could be seen sitting there. One of her weapons was sitting in her lap, the girl holding a rag as she was cleaning it's surface. Koro let out a small squeak, attempting to comfort it's master by nudging it's head against it's leg.

Seryu only let out a sigh, the girl then perking up when she hears Esdeath's voice.

Esdeath: "With Stylish gone, will you be okay for parts maintenance?"

Seryu: (fake smile) "I'll be fine! He left behind materials in his lab. I can't make additions or upgrades, but I should be able to maintain them somehow..."

Esdeath: "...I see."

Tears begin to drip down her face as Seryu began to cry.

Seryu: "First my parents... Then my teacher... Now the man I owe so much to...! Everyone important to me keeps dying at the hands of outlaws..."

Esdeath: "Seryu..."

Seryu: "Commander... I can't stand it...! I...I want to hurry up and eradicate those fiends!"

Seryu then found herself leaning back, her head resting in Esdeath's bosom. It felt comforting to her as the blue-haired general showed great concern towards her subordinate, stroking her hair gently.

Esdeath: "As long as you're with me, that will come true. I swear it!"

Seryu: "General..."

Esdeath: "From here on out... And even after, I'll always look out for you as one of my vassals. It's the least you deserve."

Seryu: (smiles) "...Thank you. I devote my strength and my very life to you... To justice and to you, Commander."

Esdeath: "Very good."

Walking down through the breezeway of the palace, Kurome and Wave could be seen. The self-proclaimed "man of the sea" slams his fists together, a determined look on his face.

Wave: "That does it! I'm going to knock some high spirits into Seryu!"

Kurome: "I don't think you'll be able to do it, Wave."

Wave: "My mom always told me, when a girl seems down in the dumps, it's my duty as a man to lend her a hand.

The black-haired girl was shocked at his answer, even blushing a little. She watched as Wave happily made his way down the breezeway, humming a tune to himself.

Once he arrived at the castle's courtyard, he proudly puffed out his chest and extended his arm out.

Wave: "Now's that time! Seryu! I'm here!"

However, the sight he sees was one he wasn't expecting. His face began to pale as he began to lose all confidence on what he was about to do.

Esdeath was still comforting Seryu, a smile on her face as the amber-eyed girl was still cuddled up against her. Munching on a cookie, Kurome only had a derp face as she placed a hand on Wave's shoulder.

---

In the Marg Highlands, the sun began to set. In a secluded area of the forest, the corpses of Danger Beasts littered the ground. Growls and pained grunts of them could be heard as they were all being swiftly cut down by a certain reaper. At the current moment, he was venting out his anger, blood covering him all over as he mercilessly cut down anything that stood in his way.

He seemed to be at it for hours, showing no signs of stopping. Eventually, he came to a stop and went elsewhere, hearing running water nearby as he came to a river. He then began to wash the blood off himself, after doing so, he stared up at the orange sky, a dull look in his eyes. He then heard a voice call out to him.

???: "You can be such an idiot, you know that?"

He slowly panned his head upwards, looking behind him slightly as he sees Akame walking towards him. As usual, her stoic demeanor was shown on her face.

Akira let out a small laugh as resumed looking at the sky.

Akira: "What business do you have with this demon, anyway."

Akame: "Lashing out at her wasn't right. Corey wouldn't have approved of that."

Akira: "I know..."

Light sniffling could be heard from him as Akame walked closer to him. His hair covered his eyes as he cast his gaze onto the moving water of the river.

Akira: "I said I would protect them... And yet I was so weak, I let them die. Had I been stronger, they would still be here... I...I could've..."

He was cut off when Akame had kneeled down and wrapped around her arms around him. She had a loving touch, instantly feeling comfort as he could feel himself relax into her embrace. He had leaned his head upwards, seeing the warm smile on her face as she looked down at him.

Akame: "You're not the only one who misses them. They were my family too. Not a day passes by that I don't miss them. You don't have to keep your feelings inside you, you know. I'm here to share the burden and the pain as well. You were never alone."

Akira: "...How did I get to be with someone as kind as you? I don't deserve you...at all."

Akame: "I'm sorry for not realizing them back then."

Akira: "Don't be... It's okay."

Akame: "I love you, Akira."

Akira: "Yeah... I love you too."

She leaned down and captured his lips with her own. This was something he'd never get used to. The both of them.

But he was glad he was able to tell her. If he never told her, there would've been an unsettling feeling that would have welled up inside him. Nonetheless, he didn't have to keep things to himself now. He could finally share the burdens and the pain with her.

---

Nighttime had fallen and Night Raid had gathered into the dining room of the house Susanoo had constructed. The atmosphere was normal for the most part, everyone conversing amongst themselves while they were having dinner.

Tatsumi: "I wonder if the Capital's holding up okay... We can't leave here for a little while, yet..."

Akame: "The Jaegers appear to be curbing criminal activity."

Akira: "They won't be able to make moves until they get used to it, Tatsumi."

Najenda: "Exactly. So we'll be taking this time to train. We can't ask for anymore backup. Think of them as Night Raid's last reinforcements. Let's all accomplish our mission and survive to greet the day of the revolution!"

With determined looks, they all nodded at Najenda nodded herself, taking a puff out of her cigarette.

Night Raid: 9

Jaegers: 6