Pride and Reconcilliation

"So, uh. . ." Ieyasu started.

"Yes?"

"This is a scheduled patrol, right?" he said.

"Affirmative! Evening patrol queue seven hundred and twenty two, and the route runs through districts 15 through 19 from five o'clock to nine." Seryu confirmed.

"And scheduled district patrols have two people partnering up for the duration of the watch, right?"

"Yes! It pleases me that you have memorized such minute details for our patrol together." Seryu blushed.

"Which means that extranous personnel are not allowed to join unless an emergency calls for it. . . right?" Ieyasu continued.

"Where are you going with this?" Seryu asked.

"I don't see why your pet monst-" the evil incarnate Seryu calls Coro barked at him viciously. "adorable puppy had to come with us."

"Oh, that's simple! He is bred to fight and intimidate evil wherever we may find it!" Seryu declared cheerfully. "Coro has been of great assistance to my patrols!"

Your super-charge-of-absolute-justice is enough to scare every criminal in a hundred meter radius. Ieyasu thought, remembering various occassions whereupon he had seen the enthusiastic officer part the Capital's evening strollers like hot knife through butter. Running through the streets with a naked sword raised in the air with a demon dog hot on her heels is not an experience he would like to repeat.

Ieyasu's expression was grim and his expectations dropped even further, but he was wise enough to keep his thoughts to himself. Coro is staring at him with devilish eyes that promised eternal hell and agony through various methods of torture. Seryu seemed oblivious to her demonic pet's intentions towards her patrol partner, whistling peacefully as they went down the street

Ieyasu risked another glance. Coro sent him an innocent grin, but its soulless gems that passed for eyes said another story entirely.

It's as if it was saying, that's right, you're my bitch for the rest of the day. It tilted his head derisively, if that's even possible for a dog to relay. Whatcha gonna do about it, punk?

Ieyasu sighed. This is not going to end well.

"Well, where's my coffee?" Chelsea asked out of the blue. Tatsumi halted in the middle of their walk and looked at her with confusion.

"What coffee?" Tatsumi asked.

"The one you're going to purchase from Bertha's cafe very soon." Chelsea said, nodding to a familiar establishment they were passing by. It was the coffee shop where they met for the first time. They talked over a few things there over the course of the past month, and every time Bertha would glare at him like he was an uncouth barbarian or something. Tatsumi froze at the memory of the kinky bartendress. Chelsea raised an eyebrow. "Did I say next month? Anytime now."

"Do I have to?"

"Do I have to leave you here, penniless?" Chelsea countered. Realizing what she was implying, Tatsumi went through his pockets and realized that at some point during their walk his infuriating friend had taken the liberty of stealing his money.

Again.

"One of these days I'll catch you." Tatsumi said. Chelsea waved his wallet teasingly before tossing it to him. He grabbed it out of the air and looked at her with surprise.

"One of these days you'll date Sayo." Chelsea scoffed. Tatsumi glared at her. "The only reason I'm giving it back is so you're paying."

"Of course." Tatsumi said blandly. Resigning to his fate, he moved to do her bidding. She smirked at his obedience and leaned on the wall outside to wait for her coffee.

Moving into Bertha's cafe, Tatsumi was suddenly aware of a small detail he had always known all along, but never actually paid any attention to.

Chelsea's smirks are pretty damned sexy.

"This is boring," Ieyasu muttered.

"What are you talking about? Don't you feel the thrill of righteous justice coursing through your veins?"

"I feel the thrill of sweat coursing through my face."

"My master used to say that sweat is the tears of our lipids!"

"Lipi-... fat, you mean?" Ieyasu clarified.

"Well, yes!" Seryu confirmed.

"I didn't think Instructor Ogre would say stuff like that," Ieyasu said. "I guess he's a different person outside of work?"

"Oh, my master was not Ogre-sama. My real master, my father, is dead," Seryu said cheerfully.

"Wow. Uh. . . sorry about that," Ieyasu replied uncertainly.

"Don't be! It was for the sake of justice!" Seryu said. "It was what he would've wanted." She sounded as if she'd gotten over it, but for some reason Ieyasu felt there was a sad undertone in her voice.

"I. . . guess," he said. "Anyways, shouldn't we be turning around this corner right about now?" he gestured to the intersection before them. A large statue of the emperor stood in the center of the intersection, which meant that it was a key boundary between capital districts. A brightly lit street full of people lay before their continued path, but the patrol schedule indicates that they should be taking the right fork instead. It seemed rather bland with dull houses and adults in suits.

"Oh! You're right! Coro and I are grateful for that reminder!" Seryu brightened. She gestured for Coro to move ahead on the right fork. He pounced along happily through the streets, earning adoring looks from other passers bys.

"Coro is faster than we are, so I always send him ahead to sniff out any evildoers!" Seryu explained. "It is a good thing you spoke up. Otherwise, we would have gone to the red light district instead."

"The red light district? What's that? Some place you get traffic jams?" Ieyasu asked.

"Nothing of the sort! It is a moral hellhole in which the majority of whoring women in the capital seduces men with questionably low integrity." Seryu elaborated.

"Then. . ." Ieyasu said thoughtfully. Why not? Now that I'll be stuck with that dog, I might as well try to have some fun. "Why don't we go there? Isn't the usual route always the same?"

"Well. . . I do feel like the monotony is a bit of a problem." Seryu tapped her chin.

"It's called boredom." Ieyasu drawled. "Besides, isn't it more likely to find bad stuff going on in that district than the. . ." he peered down his assignment sheet. ". . . Eastern High Class Gypsy Rights Society?"

The temptation of taking down possible offenders sealed the deal for the enthusiastic officer. She perked up at the idea, and then nodded vigorously.

"Very well, fellow officer! Your suggestion is sound and your initiative is noted. Let us remain in our current route and exterminate evil!"

Alright! Ieyasu thought. Now, to keep the demon dog off my back. . .

"So, what exactly. . . *slurp* . . . DO you do in the fashion division?" Tatsumi asked. His hands were crossed behind his neck while he glanced at the lollipop-obsessed girl as she unwrapped yet another (surprise) lollipop to consume as provocatively as possible. They were walking side by side like they always do, taking the long way around the district to the coffee shop. As to why. he wasn't exactly sure. But he didn't mind. In these hectic days, hanging out with Chelsea was like a breath of fresh air.

He had to admit; he missed her more than he thought he would.

Agh, too much melancholy for this mood. Just enjoy the moment and don't think too much.

After the sizable pause, Chelsea finally replied. "A little bit of this, a little bit of that."

"That's very informative, thanks." Tatsumi said.

"My pleasure. By the way, Sayo's doing a little more." Chelsea teased.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tatsumi asked.

"Oh, just a few small things. Inciting a rebellion against decade old caste system, cliques and orders, going head to head against queen bee Mine Marka, setting off a huge food-fight in the cafeteria, toppling academy trophies while on detention duty." Chelsea smiled. "Typical country people stuff."

"Sounds like Sayo!" Tatsumi chuckled. He moved his arms to the back of his neck, looking up at the sky in thought. "You mentioned a queen bee. . . What's the girl like?"

"She's only sixteen, but she's on the fast track on becoming one of the division's best people due to not only her connections, but her talents as well. If I have to be honest, she can probably get as good as me.. ." Tatsumi balked at her unusual honesty. ". . .in about fifteen years."

"You're so very modest." Tatsumi smiled.

"I suppose I am."

"So, she's not just a stuck up girl? Isn't she from the upper ring?" Tatsumi said. In his experience with the few girls attending the Elite Corps. the female population of the Upper Rings are composed of condescending, prejudiced women.

"Stuck up? Definitely. But she's not from the Upper Ring, not even close. if you met her, you'd know she's foreign. She's got pink hair and pale skin. Her dad's a big-shot trader from the east, I think. But. . ." Chelsea slowed down a little, thinking. Tatsumi realized that whenever she's not munching on lollipops, she must be deep in thought. She continued after a moment. "I suspect that she's only condescending on the outside. Considering how much she seemed to despise the company she goes with, I'd say she's making all this fuss because she's lonely or bored. Probably both. I can relate to the feeling. She's still a cunning cat all around, though."

"Not as cunning as you, I'd bet." Tatsumi said playfully. "

"Naturally." Chelsea shrugged. "Hey, we're here."

Aaaand we're back at the coffee shop. Tatsumi thought. The moment he passed through

"Are you gonna let your girl pay for you again, pretty boy?" Bertha yelled out.

"Not this time, no." Tatsumi said confidently. He had been holding on to his wallet warily for the past ten minutes. Chelsea looked at him with disappointment. "And no, she's not my girl."

"My brittle maiden heart shatters." Chelsea said dramatically.

"Honestly girl, I don't know why you stuck with 'im."

"Hey!" Tatsumi protested.

"Joke's on you." Bertha replied. "Cause the way I see it? You're missing out."

"Trust me." Tatsumi said, glancing at a whistling Chelsea. Somehow, someway, she is whistling through her lollipop.

"She's not letting me miss anything."

"So." Bulat started.

"Yeahagha?" Leone blurted.

"I thought we were going home." Bulat said.

"I guess YOU *hic* can call it home, heheh…" Leone slurred.

"How can you be flat out drunk at seven thirty in the evening?" Bulat sighed. "That's far too early for anyone to be so wasted."

"It's NEVER *hic* too early to get drunk!" Leone burped. "How can beer be real if my eyes aren't *hic real?"

At that point, Bulat gave up on trying to educate the busty blonde on the finer points of common manners and etiquette. Instead, he resolved to make sure that she gets back safe. Unfortunately, that means he'll have to stick with her until she either comes to her senses or drops down dead drunk in the middle of an underground gay bar.

Throbbing dance music washed over the dance floor. Men, both aesthetically pleasing and displeasing, danced, made out and flirted to the beat. Pink lights pulsated here and there, creating an atmosphere of ridiculous carefree-ness that the suppressed population wanted.

"Can you please spare three hours of our time and black out now?" Bulat complained.

"LESBIHONEST HERE!" Leone punned. "That ain't gonna happen anytime soon!"

Bulat's eyebrows twitch.

"I'm gonna go get some drinks." he sighed.

"Ima go to uh, *hiC* booth nine." Leone said. "Come by when you get yourself a booty ten! Geddit? Booth, booty… nine, ten..."

NOW she's giving him a pounding headache.

"Just… take care of yourself, okay?" Bulat scratched his horn hair. "Yell if you need anything."

"I want YOU to make me YELL!" Leone spouted off one last line from her perverse fantasy world, then ran to join the gyrating mass of bodies on the dance floor.

Good gods. Bulat leaned on the nearest wall. At least he doesn't have to deal with those horrific puns anymore. He heard footsteps behind him and turned around. A very attractive man clad in nothing but elastic underclothing approached him.

"Hey cutie, whaddaya say we get a little action in one of the booths?" he shamelessly asked. "I'm a sucker for that kind of hairstyle." he flicked Bulat's hornhair casually.

Bulat blushed furiously, though the fact was obscured by the dim lighting. Nobody had ever complimented him on his hair before. But...

"I've never been here before so uh…"

The stripper sighed. "Do I have to spell it out for you? You're hot, I'm hot, let's bang!"

"Sorry, but no thanks." he replied sheepishly.

"Come on, man. It'll be casual. No paying, I promise."

"It's tempting, but I'm not a one night stand kind of guy." Bulat explained.

The homosexual stripper clothed with paper thin fabric stretched across his nether regions shrugged.

"Damn. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but… well, if you change your mind, drop by booth seventeen." he winked.

Bulat didn't respond to that. Leone did, though.

"He sheemsh like a good guy." Leone giggled, slidin up next to him.

"Yeah, but I don't go around looking to hook up. Unlike a certain someone."

"Thirteen bottles. A disgrace to my drinking buddies. Dishappointed in myshelf. The GOOD LYFE TURN ME INTO A WIIIIIIMP~!" Leone sang, turning a fair share of heads at her direction."Beshides, you looksh like you needsh a nyshe, relaxhing night."

"A gay club is your definition of relaxation?"

"Hey, I can go touchy feely with hot guysh with no shtringsh attached." Leone reasoned. "Worksh out for me."

"I thought you brought me here with me in mind."

"I did!" Leone pouted. "You're in my mind alright!"

Bulat rolled his eyes.

This is going to be a long night.

"So, with this Marka girl." Tatsumi resumed. "Looks like Sayo might be going in over her head," he frowned.

"I don't know about that; she actually managed to turn the tide in her favor during the fight. Even I didn't expect that," Chelsea said. "Don't tell her I said this, but she's really scary when she sets her mind on something."

"It's a country people thing," Tatsumi boasted, mocking the amber haired girl's favorite insult.

Chelsea was by his side in a flash, eyeing him up predatorily.

"Oh really?" she said in a husky tone. Her lips parted slightly and licked her lips. "Are you. . . sure?"

"Ah- uh- gah," Tatsumi stuttered, stepping backwards.

"Just kidding," Chelsea laughed, withdrawing from his personal space and back to her own seat, unwrapping a fresh lollipop.

"You. . . " Tatsumi started, but sighed instead. There was no use in arguing against her. He resigned himself to enjoying his coffee.

"You're no fun anymore," she accused.

"You'll need to start finding new ways to degrade my dignity."

"Maybe I will," she taunted.

"You probably will," Tatsumi admitted.

"See, no fun," Chelsea pouted.

"It's better for me this way." Tatsumi explained. "No expectations, no overwhelming disappointment."

"You're inconsiderate of my boredom."

"Your boredom causes disasters."

"How will I satisfy my malaise now?" Chelsea said.

"Using ojou-sama vocabulary won't change my mind."

"Might a kiss change it?

This time, Tatsumi took the initiative. He leaned over the table.

"Maybe it will." he purred. His scent was filled with the aroma of crushed coffee and fresh mint. Her mind swirled as his hair brushed past hers. She felt his lips touch her neck, and she shivered involuntary from delight.

"Just kidding." He settled back on his seat, sipping coffee like nothing had happened, but the inner Tatsumi shrieked with glee in his success at silencing his foxy partner.

It took her a moment or two to calm down.

"I have created a monster," Chelsea chuckled nervously, breaking the silence.

"You have no idea."

"This is a coffee shop, not a love hotel, ya fuckin' perverts!" an old man ranted on the table next to them. "Horny teenagers nowadays. . ."

"You're just sayin' that 'cause you're not getting any, grandpa!" she shouted right back.

"You're so old your 'snake' must be shedding skin!" Tatsumi added enthusiastically.

"Really?" Chelsea remarked at the lame follow-up, glancing at him, unimpressed.

"Hey, I can't be as quick witted as you all the time!" Tatsumi defended himself.

"I suppose." Chelsea conceded.

"What did you say, you little shits?" The old man stood up. His cape flared around his arms/his cape flew as he rose, scattering mountain dust and liquid manliness, revealing an extremely well built physique. Veined muscles bulged along the length of his bared arms, his torso was puffed like a gorilla. A golden medallion hanging on his chest marked him as a Level 12 Koukenji Martial Artist. Six whole levels above Tatsumi's, with muscle layers thick enough to break piercing needles.

In other words, someone neither of them want to fuck around with.

Heavily armoured fists smashed together. "TALK ABOUT MY SKIN, SON? I'LL SKIN YOU ALIVE!" The steel gauntlets rattled together like thunder, drawing the attention of every coffee goer in the vicinity. Both youths in question stood up abruptly.

"Tatsumi?" Chelsea said blandly.

"Y-Yeah?"

"You'll forgive me, right?"

"For what?" he asked warily.

"This."

He realized it a split second later, but it was a split second too late. Chelsea shoved him in the old man's direction and ran for it.

I'm gonna kill her. Tatsumi swore.

His eyes bulged as he spun out of control and straight into the old man's embrace. His terrifying smile, laced with unimaginable malice, was embedded permanently into Tatsumi's psych. Yet at the very last moment, out of training reflex, or sheer luck, or perhaps both, he twisted just enough that the old man's grasping hands caught thin air.

He pushed off against the floor and avoided the old man's lightning fast sweep that crushed three table legs in one go. Landing on the old man's face, he pushed off one more time. Dirt encrusted boots dug into the man's face and he audibly oomphed as Tatsumi landed on the floor, running.

"THE MONEY!" Big Bertha shouted.

Tatsumi threw his wallet, its contents be damned (he spent all but a few dozen imperials in the arcade today anyway) to the enraged bartendress. She caught it with her whip, dreaded coils wrapping around the wallet, before snapping it back. It landed on her open palm. The old man roared out of pure anger and prepared to charge after the disrespectful brat, but a solid arm stopped him mid-stride.

"Pay up, old . . ."

A rugged, handsome face turned to her in anger. Fabulous white hair draped over his manly features, and a bead of sweat travelled down her cheeks. She gasped, then blushed, but kept her grip on his shoulder. He frowned at daring, and Bertha's starry blue eyes met his mesmerizing brown.

"I- uh- sir, you have to- money." she stuttered.

His eyes narrowed, but softened.

"I'll leave my cloak here as guarantee. A hostage, if you will." he said in his smooth, manly voice. "It's made of the skin of a rare high level danger beast I killed myself. I am sure it will suit a beauty such as you just fine."

Tatsumi and the other men in the coffee shop heard the audible sounds of panties dropping.

"Oh- that won't be necessary-"

"Now, where were we?" the man turned to find the pair of bastards who dared to insult him.

Of course, they were long gone.

His eyes bulged. The brats!

"Who cares about those idiots, daddy?" Bertha said seductively, ignoring the horrified looks on her fellow bartendresses' faces. "I'll make sure you get some. Then their words mean nothing. . . or are you too old to finish a young 'un like me?" Bertha taunted.

"Watch what you say, woman." the man growled. "You're talking to a man who skinned a Saberfang with his bare teeth. You think you can take on my tongue?"

"You can rough me up all you want." Bertha said uncaringly.

"I like your spirit, girlie!" he laughed. Then he grinned and growled gutturally. "You got a place?"

Bertha grabbed the front of his cloak and said. "Down stairs. You got some time?"

The two of them ditched the coffee shop in favor of the dominatrix's lair beneath. Needless to say, the screaming that came from the underground were detrimental to business, resulting in more than a few customers walking out with red faces. . . but also with some certain-minded individuals staying to enjoy the music.

Tatsumi and Chelsea stopped running at a street corner. They hunched over, breathing heavily. Other people gave them odd looks, but moved along.

"That old man. . ." Tatsumi started. "Why do you have to pick a fight with the worst people possible?"

"Forget that. . ." Chelsea said. "That look on Bertha's face. . . they're hooking up alright."

"Did. . . Did we just. . ."

"Set Big Bertha on a date?" Chelsea clarified. "Yeah, I think so."

"Claw my eyes out," Tatsumi swore.

"Ew. Would you settle for lollipop sticks instead?" Chelsea offered, standing up straight again. She unwrapped a fresh lollipop and started licking away. "I don't want to soil my nails."

"Your ojou-sama fashion artist fingers have no substitute, I'm afraid," Tatsumi replied.

"Hmmph. . . sure."

"By the way, how should you pay me?"

"Huh?" Chelsea turned to look at her companion. He was smiling at her, but the smile doesn't reach his eyes. In fact, his eyes looked kind of empty. No, scratch that; they were filled with all sorts of promises, and somehow she knew they weren't exactly going to make her jump for joy.

"You think you're going to get off the hook that easily?"

"Oh. . . that." Chelsea said.

"That." Tatsumi nodded.

". . ."

". . ."

"One favor." she tried to bargain.

"Five." Tatsumi scoffed.

"That places you in my debt. Unacceptable. Two at most."

"Four."

"Two," Chelsea insisted.

"Three, and you're going to destroy every single photo from the strip club the moment we get back." Tatsumi said. "Non-negotiable."

". . . deal." Chelsea closed her eyes, soundly defeated. "You're getting a clean slate. Lucky you."

"That was convenient." Tatsumi said, placing

"You bargain hard." Chelsea complimented.

"You taught me, remember?" Tatsumi laughed.

"I have never regretted something so much before," Chelsea sighed heavily.

"You should be regretting how you ditched a friend to a level 12 Koukenji master."

"Just so you know, I planned on bringing the nearest patrol and bring them to save you." Chelsea said. "Or blind him with my make up set or something.

"That's very reassuring, thank you." Tatsumi drawled. "Koukenji masters are known for fending off entire battalions while blind with one arm tied behind their backs. The patrol would have gotten here just in time to sweep my corpse off the floor. Maybe scrub it, depending on how lucky- or unlucky- I was."

"You are very welcome," Chelsea said.

"Why do I stick with you?" Tatsumi groaned.

"My alluring charm." Chelsea reasoned.

"Right. Charm. You're probably the only person who thinks driving other people insane is charming," Tatsumi scoffed. He then looked thoughtful. "Actually, all the girls I know do that. Is that a girl thing or a Chelsea thing?"

"A little bit of both," Chelsea smirked.

"Hey, that was the first straight answer you've ever given me." Tatsumi remarked.

"Don't get used to it."

"Never even crossed my mind."

"This den of lechery and immorality. . . is not as bad as I expected it to be." Seryu admitted.

"You can say that again." Ieyasu whistled. "This is nothing like the R-magazines I snuck in the village."

"R-magazines? What are they?" Seryu asked.

"Nothing." Ieyasu said quickly. "Just some comics. Nothing you want to know."

"Very well." Seryu dropped it, oblivious.

"I-In any case, do you want to try and go in one of these clubs to uh, see if there is any injustice being committed?"

"The idea of meddling with these morally degraded people disgusts me, but I suppose justice requires its proponents to go wherever evil may be!" Seryu said.

"That's a yes?"

"Yes."

"Okay." ieyasu grinned inwardly. "How about that one?" he pointed at a particularly fancing looking club with neon-lit silhouettes of curvaceous ladies on a billboard. The sign read 'Exotic Dreams'. A gaggle of dancers and seemingly rich young man entered the doors periodically.

"As you suggest!"

Step one, success. Step two, get in there and enjoy the girls without drawing too much attenti-

"YOU ARE ALL IN THE PRESENCE OF JUSTICE!" Seryu bellowed, earning them the undivided attention of every living thing in the club. "ANY EVILDOERS, CEASE YOUR ACTIVITIES IMMEDIATELY OR I SHALL INCARCERATE YOU!"

"Hey lady, you're not invited."

"Nonsense. I am part of the imperial guard." Seryu argued.

"The guard? Shit, I thought we paid that captain not to bother us here." Ugly Bouncer said.

Coro growled.

"You sure you're a guard, little girl?" Fat Bouncer said.

"I am not a little girl! I am an officer-in-training at the Imperial Academy!" Seryu boasted.

"So that's why. These damned ojou-samas are always thinking that they can stroll in wherever they want. Well what do you know, high school girls like you should STAY in school. Now get lost," the bouncer glared condescendingly, preventing them from going further than the entryway.

Seryu's eyes narrowed, and Coro growled menacingly. The bouncer brightened at the sight of the dog and crouched to get a closer look.

"Hah, what a cute puppy! Hey. . . I know; you're going to give it to me for all this trouble."

"Give you Coro? In your dreams," Seryu scoffed.

"You're out of your depth, little Academy whore." Ugly Bouncer leaned closer to her. Ieyasu tensed when he saw the knife the bouncer was holding. His stare promised pain and agony, while Seryu, on the other hand, was expressionless. But then, for the smallest moment, Ieyasu saw the tiniest hint of maliciousness boiling under her mask of calm.

"I, but - uh-" Seryu stuttered. It seemed as if her bravado was finally crushed; realization that the bouncers weren't afraid of her dawned on the officer-in-training.

"Little girls ain't exactly my taste, but if you stay I'll make an exception for you." Ugly Bouncer grinned lecherously, humping the air suggestively.

"I-I'll go. You can take the dog. Just. . . don't hurt me." Seryu quivered.

"Sure thang. Thanks for your cooperation," Fat Bouncer grinned. "And boy?" he gestured to Ieyasu.

"Um, yeah?" he replied unsurely.

"Don't let your bitch go running around like this. And I don't mean the dog. Now get lost." he shifted his attention to Seryu's dog. "Come here, puppy, come to papa," he gestured at Coro. It looked at Seryu questioningly, and the zealous officer-in-training sent the dog a wink, which only Ieyasu saw. Coro jumped into the Fat Bouncer's arms, fur bristling, but remained relatively submissive. Seryu and Ieyasu made their way out of the club.

"Aw, aren't you cutie? Who's a good dog? Who's a good dog?" Fat Bouncer cooed.

"Why did you go through all that trouble? You could've marked the place for the police to ransack later." Ieyasu asked the moment they were out of the club.

"Didn't you hear? It seems that one of the captains have been taking bribes from these scum. So that's why nobody's patrolling these parts. I pretended to be bluffing when it came to Coro because they'd never take him if I acquiesced too fast. They're ugly and fat, but not that stupid. They've been here awhile. But the actual reason is... well, I'm a little bored. Besides, Coro needed a little exercise."

He didn't miss the horrifying smile on her face when the screams started.

"This is not what I thought she would be living in," Sayo observed. They had just passed through the doors to one of ten dorms in the Academy. Each dorm housed almost a thousand people, divided to male and female wings. Apparently trying to sneak into the female wing is tantamount to public flogging, so Sayo made a mental note to remind Ieyasu to not be an idiot. Not that it'd deter him. She'll do it just for the sake of telling him "Told ya so" while he nurses his bruised bum.

The dorms act as tiny towns within the small city in the middle of the ring surrounding the Imperial Capital, and are too big for receptionists to service everyone, so dorm people sign in and out via checklist sheets instead. Sheele signed on a sheet and grabbed a small tag off some shelves near the entrance. She put it on Sayo. It read "Guest Visitor".

"I would have thought that she lived in a mansion or something." Sayo said.

"Mine's father is a harsh but wise person," Sheele elaborated. "He believes that she was already given enough advantages to make something out of herself. The only thing he is not supporting her daughter in is finances. Mine makes her own money by forming a small guild of reputable students who are working part time for the academy."

"That makes sense. But what strikes me as odd is that you're friends with her even though you're going to different divisions." Sayo commented.

"Mine is a lonely person," Sheele smiled faintly.

"Lonely? Haven't you seen the flock of admirers following her everywhere?" Sayo snorted derisively.

'That's exactly my point," Sheele said. "They follow her, always behind her. If you notice, she never has anybody standing next to her. They hide in her shadow, leeching off her popularity to intimidate and to get things from other people."

"I. . . never thought about it that way," Sayo admitted.

"She stood up for me, once," Sheele said. "Some of her worshippers wanted me to lend them money they probably wouldn't have returned. I didn't want to, but then the girls seemed as if they were about to get physical. She came and stood between me and them. They apologized profusely, not wanting to get in her bad side. It wasn't because they respected either of us, or realized that they were in the wrong. Mine looked melancholic and lonely afterwards, so I thanked her and asked if she would be my friend. She looked at me as if I was the weirdest thing she'd ever seen in my life, but after I asked her again, she smiled and nodded. We've been best friends ever since."

"That does NOT sound like the Mine I know," Sayo objected

"The Mine most people know is her shell," Sheele replied. "I think if both of you met each other with open minds, you would've become good friends."

"Like hell we can," Sayo said. "I'm sorry to say this, but your pompous friend doesn't seem to be doing jack to help anybody. I was just trying to make friends yesterday and she was all over me in seconds."

"What makes you think she can?" Sheele asked.

"Um, can't she?" Sayo said. There was a small pause as the girls ascended the dormitory stairs.

"I guess she's a very influential person. Probably the most influential in your division. But there are others who would snatch the opportunity to topple her when they get the chance. She's not a citizen of the empire; her family comes from the western nations. If she tries to change the status quo too suddenly, it'll end up backfiring on her. All she can do for now is do little things like stopping me and other freshmen from getting bad treatment from her clique. Damage control. But she still needs to keep up the holier-than-thou facade for her own sake," Sheele lectured.

"You know, you're a lot more perceptive than you seem," Sayo said, surprised.

"I'm still an airhead though."

"You're clumsy, and a little slow at times. But you're definitely not an airhead. Compared to those stuck up girls from the upper ring, you're amazing, Sheele!" Sayo complimented.

"Um. . . uh. . ." Sheele mumbled, not sure how to take her praise.

"I'm trying to think about her in a better light, but it still felt good to see her face with my pie on it, though," Sayo smiled.

"I kind of would've wanted to see that, too." Sheele admitted. The girls laughed together.

"Oh, here we are." Sheele announced suddenly. They were standing in front of a sticker-decorated door. Three massive words in red dominated the front - DO NOT ENTER. A few extra sentences were printed beneath in small food. Put gifts and food by the door.

How friendly.

"What are we waiting for? Is it locked or something?" Sayo asked.

"I'll need to knock a certain pattern so she'll know-WAIT!"

"Huh?" Sayo was already opening the door, taking a few steps inside, just in time to collide with a certain pinkette, who had just left the shower. They fell into the ground in a messy heap of wet hair, pink towel and a fresh-off-the-line hairdryer.

Three point three seconds passed, which was all it took for all three girls to fully absorb the situation. Sheele winced. Sayo gave her a pained smile. Mine's jaws hung open.

"Hi?" Sayo said.

There are few moments everyone experienced where they saw their lives flash before their eyes. In this case, all Sayo saw was a Yue Dynasty vase hastily grabbed from the nearest decorative stand and flung to her face. Her reflexes saved her from a critical hit, but she was too slow to avoid a glancing blow to the side of her head. She narrowly evaded an electric hairdryer, a tissue roll, three lotion sticks and two hairbrushes, all thrown in rapid succession.

"INTRUDER! FIEND! WRETCH!" Mine shrieked, trying to wrap her flimsy towel around her figure.

"For gods' sakes, you didn't have throw that thing at me!" Sayo complained, pressing a hand to her throbbing head. "I could've gotten a concussion!"

"Country whore! How dare you touch me!" Mine mouthed off. Towel secured, she tries to regain composure.

"At least it was an accident! The freaking vase wasn't!"

"You're lucky it's a vase and not a knife!"

"Please! Like you can hold anything more than your britches with your flimsy hands! I bet you can't even-"

"Girls?" a third voice interrupted.

They stopped only when two menacing kitchen knives were pointed at their direction. Sheele was smiling blandly at both girls.

"Let's sit down and talk. Or would you prefer the hard way?"

A glint of her knives was incentive enough for Sayo and Mine to back away from each other.

The knives lowered, Sheele smiled faintly.

"You should go dress, Mine. And you should sit down on the couch, Sayo."

A small victory.

On one hand, Sayo wondered where the timid, shy Sheele disappeared to.

On the other, Mine wondered what her roommate was thinking

On the third hand (le third appendage appears), Sheele smiled, satisfied by the reaction she received.

It didn't take that long for Mine to get dressed, but she seemed to have calmed down considerably.

"Now, let's hold hands and talk about our feelings!"

"What WOULD you have done to me if I refused to negotiate?" Chelsea toyed with him.

"Push you up against a lamp post, tie you up and leave you there for the rest of the day without your lollipops. Would've made an interesting sight for the patrol," Tatsumi mused. "I'd then use the time to find the photos and destroy all of them, and then soak your bed with Akame's leftover cooking."

"Good plan." Chelsea nodded in approval. "But what makes you think I'd let you do any of that? And how far would you go to make sure that I don't have lollipops in certain. . . places?"

"A nice knot on your arms won't let you reach them. And maybe you like being tied up," Tatsumi said.

"Maybe I do," Chelsea eyed him, her boredom in full swing. "You know, this accepting streak of yours is getting on my nerves.

"That's rich, coming from you."

"Rich and creamy, that's me," she responded.

"An expired yogurt, that's you."

"Ouch." Chelsea said in a monotone voice.

"Eh, I'm sort of fed up with all the teasing you and Leone put me through. I swear if I hear another sexual innuendo from either of you one more time, I'll go crazy."

"Crazy with. . .? Crazy for. . .?" Chelsea teased.

"I'm ignoring you now," Tatsumi declared.

"I have your wallet again." Chelsea announced, waving the old brown thing in front of his twitching face.

Godsdammit, she got me again. How many times does this make? And how is she doing this?

Tatsumi swiped it off her grasp instantly.

"What happened to ignoring me?" Chelsea grinned cheekily.

"As if anybody could ignore your. . ." Tatsumi trailed off.

". . . beauty?" Chelsea supplied.

". . . wasn't it charm before?" Tatsumi laughed.

"There are many sides of me to love," Chelsea bragged.

"And run from," Tatsumi pointed out.

"After all I've done for you? You hurt me," Chelsea pouted.

"After all you've done TO me. And you probably liked that.."

"A little pain? Maybe. Would you?"

"What?"

"Like that?"

"Wanna find out together?" Tatsumi winked.

Chelsea snapped. She stomped her foot to the ground and pointed the sharp end of her lollipop stick at her companion as if it was a gun.

"Why are you so. . . AGH! I am so fucking done with trying to tease you like that," Chelsea grumbled. "This is worse than you being a bumbling idiot!"

"Victorious!" Tatsumi cheered, smiling widely.

She stomped off, seething, but didn't go too far. She stayed a dozen paces in front of him until they arrived back at the apartment. "Don't think it's over yet, country boy." Chelsea glowered. "I'm far too good to give up because of a little copycat like you."

"I'd never dream of it, city girl," Tatsumi smirked. But I can enjoy every second of it. Which I am.

"You still need a decade's worth of experience to keep up with me! And to make up for this bored farce of yours, YOU'RE going to take ME to the arcade tomorrow!" Chelsea demanded.

"Hai, hai," Tatsumi acquiesced. This time, I'll force her to play that air puck thing again. Then I'll win for sure! He smiled, fantasizing about Chelsea's future downfall.

"Oh, just for the note." Chelsea said, eyeing him carefully. "We're not playing the air hockey again."

"Aw, come on!" Tatsumi complained. "That's like, the one thing I really want to- hey, what's. . . that?"

There were odd splatter marks on the pavement, which seemed to originate from the newcomer's floor. Lubbock was leaning out the windows, absolutely drenched in foul-smelling liquid he could smell on ground level, cleaning the glass and walls with a soaked piece of cloth. Looking further inside, they can see

"Having fun, plant head?" Tatsumi mocked.

"Karma's a bitch, isn't it?" Chelsea added.

"Fuck you." Lubbock shouted back, resuming his job and ignoring the two of them. Filthy gunk splashed on his face from the top of the window, and Lubbock guh-ed. Tatsumi snickered. Fed up, the unfortunate man slammed the windows shut, deciding to try his hand at cleaning the room while muttering about how he hadn't slaved for years to get this as a reward.

"I wonder what he did to get in this much trouble." Chelsea mumbled.

"Wanna guess?" Tatsumi said.

"It's more fun to find out." Chelsea said.

"I guess." Tatsumi shrugged.

They entered the apartment and were greeted by the oddest display of gruesome liquids and filth. The entire staircase was an absolute mess; at least, for the first two of five floors. A plethora of towels, ranging from childish to downright ancient, covered them, and were soaked to every fibre. A small barricade of wood and furniture blocked the sludge's advance further into either the living room or the kitchen, where they found a content Akame trying out her mystery meat concoction. She sipped from the ladle and nodded to herself. Noticing her fellow tenants approach, she turned to them.

"Any and all waste present is caused by my sister and I. Any and all problems may be directed to Kurome and rest assured, Chelsea, landlord Susanoo has consented to these actions."

"Okay. I'm guessing Lubbock's the victim?" Tatsumi asked.

"He is one of three, the other two being Sayo and a potential tenant." Akame said.

"Why would Kurome prank Sayo?" Chelsea interjected. "As far as I know, she hasn't done anything to earn her scorn."

"The original intent of Kurome's first assault is to make you pay for the transgressions you have committed. The second is to appease her broken pride when the first prank failed," Akame explained.

"Me?! What did I do now?" Tatsumi groaned.

"Actually, it's what you already did." Akame said. "She has yet to forgive you for ruining her cookies in your first day here."

You've got to be kidding me.

"What the hell do I have to do to earn forgiveness for that?" Tatsumi asked. "I cleaned the bathrooms! The attic! Laundered her sheets and baked her four more times the amount of cookies I broke!"

"With my help." Chelsea said. "You're hopeless at baking. All you do is lick the dough and check the time."

"Still!" Tatsumi said. "She shouldn't hold such a grudge for so damned long!"

"Also, you seem to have enjoyed cleaning the bathroom in the first place." Akame smiled at him, then Chelsea. The amber haired girl gave her a blank look. "And the other chores could be seen as an 'initiation' for those new to the apartment. The cookies were mostly made by Chelsea, so all said and done according to Kurome you haven't done a single thing to atone for your sins. That would take your prolonged suffering to appease."

"Screw me," Tatsumi swore.

"T-Tatsumi! I didn't think you would. . . but. . . it's not that you're aesthetically displeasing or anything but. . ." Akame stuttered, her face glowing brighter than the setting sun. "Iwouldliketoknowsomeonebetterbeforeconsentingtosexualintercourse!" she blasted through in one go.

"W-WHAT!? HOW DID YOU EVEN GET THAT IDEA!? IT WAS A FIGURE OF SPEECH! JUST A FIGURE OF SPEECH!" Tatsumi shouted in mortification.

"It's fine, Akame!" Chelsea laughed. "Huh, I guess you're not immune to teasing if it's from other people."

"Shut up."

"Let me get this straight," Najenda said, leaning back on the chair. She took a whiff of her cigarette and breathed, exhaling a puff of smoke. Susanoo waved it away in one smooth motion. The smoke dissipated next to another couple seated on the table next to them. The woman looked at them with distaste. Both Najenda and Susanoo ignored her.

"The reason the price for the apartment is so cheap is that it's the only way you know how to attract suitors."

"Yes." Susanoo nodded. He sat tall and straight on the chair, towering over the other patrons of the restaurant they were both in. "I am not well versed in businesses, I'm afraid."

"You don't bother interviewing the sort of people you are renting the rooms to, which results in several. . . unusual characters and some other. . . shady tenants," Najenda picked her words carefully.

"That would be correct," Susanoo confirmed.

"Is this apartment's not even yours?" Najenda scoffed.

"Not really, no," Susanoo admitted. "I am only one landowner amongst dozens. We share our information and resources to get more profit. As I am economically almost worthless, they are threatening to cut me off from the guild. That would result in me incurring a catastrophic amount of debt and us losing the apartment as well."

"I had intended for the question to be a joke, but apparently it was the truth as well," Najenda said in exasperation. "Well, why are you telling me this?"

"I believe you are a person of strong character and wise beyond your years, Miss Najenda," Susanoo said. "And with no other person to turn to, the only one I can ask help from is you. Unfortunately, I don't have very many connections, which adds to the reasons why I joined the landowners' guild."

"Well, there are limits to wisdom and morality. I know that better than anyone," Najenda replied darkly. "If I don't have anything to do with you, I'd tell you to cut your losses right about now and try your luck in something else-"

"Excuse me, miss," a waitress stood by their table, interrupting the conversation. "I'm afraid that this is a non-smoking restau. . .rant."

Najenda glared at her with her one good eye, the purple orb narrowing as if staring into her soul. The eye patch and metal arm amplified her intimidating aura by a hundred. She cocked her head to the side.

"You were saying?" she asked frostily.

"I-I'm terrible sorry. Please enjoy your dinner," the waitress took a few steps back, then fled. Dozens of people around them immediately exploded into gossip and presumptions about her. A measure of silence passed between the two until the commotion died down.

"You make a terrifying opponent," Susanoo remarked, resuming the conversation.

"Thanks. I got it from the old days," she smiled. "It's good to know I still haven't lost touch of my glaring skills."

"Military officer?" Susanoo guessed.

"Served five years, made it to colonel before. . . things happened," Najenda grimaced. "But we digress; back to the issue at hand. You can at least double the prices or advertise it somehow, although the former would mean that Lubbock, Leone and I would find some other place to live, and to be frank I loathe the idea."

"I admit I may not be much of an intellect, and that my penchant for neatness has cost me more than should have been acceptable," Susanoo said. "But I consider the people living here as part of my family, of which I used to have none. I prefer the life of a slave before I give up this one."

"You might have to, if you fail to pay your debts," Najenda pointed out.

"It is a risk I am willing to take, and a risk I am hoping you can reduce," Susanoo said.

"Your passion is admirable," Najenda said, breaking into a wide smile. "Very well, business partner. We'll find a way to save your sorry ass."

"That is all I am hoping for. Thank you." Susanoo stood up and bowed

"I'm not that much for formality, really," Najenda said, tapping on her cigarette. "But why would you trust me on this particular matter? You learnt my history from Tatsumi and Chelsea, did you not? Besides, the lollipop girl is smarter than she looks and could probably help you as well."

"I have already asked her. She has confided in me several issues she is currently struggling with, and knowing what they are I know that she will be unable to help."

"Which means that I really am the only person you can go to," Najenda said. "I'll help, upon two conditions."

"Name them," Susanoo replied instantly.

"Cut off the rent for me, Lubbock and Leone if we succeed. And you're going to listen and do as I say."

"Alright," Susanoo said. "What do you have in mind?"

"It's an idea I've entertained for a long time. Had I the contacts and resources to do the job, I would have done it long ago."

"What is it?"

"Might as well tell you now," Najenda said. "This should work. . ."

A/N: So many characters to keep up with, this story has been a challenge on my story-building and plot-hole-detecting skills.