A Small Note

So hey guys! This is the first thing I've written in 6 years, and the first thing I've ever posted/published online! Well, on a site like this anyway. Any critical pointers are happily accepted and feel free to PM me any time!

So, I just feel I should take a moment to say that I love AgK, I adored both the anime and the manga even though I felt in both cases they never explored all of their options, never world built enough and didn't give us satisfying endings. The setting and the characters were top notch though! And I really felt EsdeathxTatsumi was a missed opportunity on the part of the mangaka and the anime writers. :(

This story is basically, what I -think- would have happened if Tatsumi had never met Night Raid, if instead Esdeath got to him first, caught him before they could. And had guided his potential and talent herself. Anyway, I just wanted to say that there will probably be a few scenes in the upcoming chapters which you'll recognise if you watched/read AgK (which you probably have). The reason for that is that I felt they actually did a good job with these scenes, they served their purpose, and so I kept them in both to implement the story in the canon lore, to remind readers of AgK, and cos I probably couldn't think of any better way for it to happen really. _

The first chapter is actually mostly the basis of episode 1, so to be honest you can skip 75% of it, it only diverges towards the end of the chapter into my own story, but I felt it was worth putting it in and writing it up because I hoped it would help jog peoples memories of AgK, I hoped it would help really ground the story and it gave me a chance to get a feel for writing the fanfic. So sorry if you read through it all going "I know that!", feel free to skip the first 75% if you feel. ;3

The Capital City

Tatsumi spared a glance back over his shoulder towards his village, a faint pang tugging at his heart as he left everything he knew behind. Turning back to face down the long path towards the capital one leather boot crunched down into the snow followed by another, taking steps towards his future destiny.

All he'd known was the snowy tundra of the northern region. A land of endless white that stretched out to either horizon, dotted with withered, leafless trees that somehow managed to keep on living. He'd been told what to expect out in the world. He'd been told of the western regions deep, fogged jungles. It's endless mires and marshes and of the wild creatures that lived within its depths. He'd been told of the southern regions mountain ranges of sand, though he hadn't quite believed that one. "Who could live in a land of nothing but sand?" he'd thought to himself.

He found himself growing more and more amazed and hopeful as the weeks wandered by, snow-filled tundra giving way to a life-filled, verdant spectacle as he walked into the heartlands of the empire. Gone were the snow-filled paths, and in their place well-trodden dirt and cobbled roads. Filled with mercantile and trade as numerous wagons and carts trundled on by. He stopped a few times at villages, curious to see what was on sale or just to gain shelter. And most of the time he was able to pick up a bounty for slain danger-beasts he encountered along his path.

It was an idyllic scene, the wind gently blowing down the small dirt road that led to the capital. A wall of greenery rustling each side as that small breeze filtered through the tall pines. A cart clattering down the dirt path, two figure chuckling with each other as they joked and chatted on their journey. Little did they know what awaited them on moment later. The ground seemingly shaking and trembling, panicked glances cast downwards towards that earthen road as great cracks and crevices split across its surface metres ahead of them. Both of the merchants crying out in shock and terror as the very road that stretched out before them suddenly erupted upwards. Great chunks of earth sent flying high.

As the dust cloud settled two large, beady crimson eyes stared down at the merchants. A colossal beast stood over them, easily twenty times the size of a man and covered in an earth-brown carapace. Two large, clawed arms extending from either side of its upper body. It's lower body more consistent with that of a caterpillar with many tiny legs that dug heavily into the dirt road. The large carapace-covered beast let loose an animalistic roar as it had found its prey for the day. The merchants brought their arms up, cowering beneath them as if they might offer some vain protection as the monster launched its own clawed hand down at them, a hand easily capable of crushing the men, cart and horses all in one.

But instead of death the sight of the colossal beasts arm limply falling to the floor with an earth-shaking 'thud' was what met their eyes. Both of them staring on in surprise as they caught sight of a figure in the dust kicked up by that falling arm. Tatsumi slowly stood up, the short-sword held in his right hand slowly dripping blood down onto the earth as he turned with a grin, looking up at his now one-armed opponent. His words filled with a thrilled tone. "An earth dragon, first-class danger beast. A worthy opponent indeed."

The earth dragon did not respond in kind, a horrible roar of pain leaving it's toothed maw before it raised it's one remaining arm high before bringing it down. The merchants looking on in shock as the large hand slammed into the ground, cratering the spot where Tatsumi had once stood. But he was already gone, high in the air above the large danger beast the boy could only grin once more. "It's over." He exclaimed, letting loose his own battle cry as he began to spin as he fell, blade slashing through his opponent time and time again until he landed on one knee. Bloodied blade held out before him. It almost took a moment for the danger beast to realise it was death. Blood spurting arterially from its many crisscrossed wounds. Slowly slumping forwards to fall across the road with a heavy thud.

Tatsumi stood, his blade soon socketed in its sheath on his back. Grinning his toothy, innocent grin as he looked back at the dead danger beast, one arm even reaching for the sky as he let loose a cheer of victory. "That's another one down! Yet more gold to send back for the village."

One hand moving to press a clenched fist to his chest as he thought back to his small village.

As the merchants drew near they could more clearly see the young man who'd saved them. Tatsumi was hardly tall by any standards standing at 5' 5" despite being nearly eighteen, not that his shortness made him weak as by many comparisons he was certainly strong! Not anyone could take down a first-class danger beast, let alone on their own! Unruly brown hair framed an innocent, naive face. He was clad in his usual travelling gear. A simple white shirt over which was a cream sweater, the cuffs tucked under his leather gauntlets. A pair of black trousers tucked into simple leather boots. A brown travelling cloak was thrown over the large bag he carried over his back. His blade was a simple affair, a well-honed and sharpened iron short-sword, the hilt wrapped with leather.

Soon enough the two merchants came running up, each one exclaiming their shock and awe at his single-handed victory over the earth dragon.

"That was awesome!" The first one shouted.

"You single-handedly took down a Danger Beast!" The other cried as he ran up behind his partner.

Tatsumi turned and beamed yet another smile at them. Proud of his achievements. "Of course, this was mere child's play for one as skilled as myself!" he openly boasted, the merchants staring at his blatant egotistical display with notably dropped expressions. Tatsumi didn't notice them, carrying on with his speech. "I'm Tatsumi, remember the name, for one day everyone in the capital will know it. I plan to join the Imperial Army." At this exclamation, both merchants went silent.

The first merchant to have approached Tatsumi took a half step forwards, his expression grave as he spoke. "You intend to go to the capital?"

"Of course!" Exclaimed Tatsumi. "I intend to make it big in the city and earn enough money for my village."

"A worthy cause, and while the capital is certainly lively you should be careful. It's filled with monsters far worse than this danger beast.." The merchant explained, jerking a thumb back to the toppled earth dragon. His face serious. "The capital is a place where hopes and dreams go to the capital to be crushed.."

Tatsumi looked only slightly fazed, a moment's hesitation flitting across his features before he raised his right hand, curling it into a fist as his resolve returned. "I can't turn back now, not when I'm finally so close to the capital. I need to earn enough for my village to survive, no matter what." He hefted his backpack over one shoulder, put his right foot forward and continued down the path. "It doesn't matter what happens to me, so long as my village can survive and carry on."

The merchants watching him with a small shake of the head. The first one turning to the other. His voice tinged with a little sadness. "He'll be eaten alive.."

Tatsumi had seen that the capital was huge from afar, miles ahead of even reaching the gates he'd seen the towering palace, the resolute walls of the citadels rings, the sprawling homes that clustered and sat in the shadow of the high walls. To him it had seemed like the capital would extend to the ends of the world upon seeing it, the huge city easily miles across in size. Thus it was only more impressive when he walked through the massive gate, easily making his way past the guards without even being checked as they were too busy dealing with the many commerce wagons trying to enter the city. He could barely believe the insane size of the city, the huge imperial palace dominated the skyline, casting a towering and powerful shadow across the surrounding city with its presence and impressive size. His eyes cast around as he stared in marvel at the many cafes and shops that lined the main streets.

"You can't spend forever staring at the city!" Tatsumi admonished himself openly, starting to walk down the cobbled streets, he had a destination in mind, though no clue how he'd reach it.

Eventually stopping momentarily to ask a passer-by the location of the recruitment office before carrying on his way. Not at all noticing the tall, beautiful blonde woman who'd spotted him bumbling through the streets and had taken to following him.

It hadn't taken him long to find the barracks having finally gotten directions, only a half-hour of walking the streets and he found himself stood before a tall, white building. The flag of the imperial army draped over the pillars that guarded the door. A wide, toothy grin crossed his features as he brought his right hand up, clenching it into a fist once more as he spoke aloud to himself. "Alright, now I just have to get them to accept me as an officer." Soon stepping into the building only to have his jaw drop as he saw the huge line that stretched out from the single desk within the large room all the way to the doorway. Standing in line for three hours as the multiple applicants filled out the many forms and handed them back to the recruitment officer was hardly Tatsumi's idea of time well spent, especially when this was the time he was supposed to be getting money for the village! By the time he'd finally reached the front of the line all of the gusto and confidence had been worn out of him. His arms hanging at his side as he slouched.

"Next!" shouted the imperial officer.

Tatsumi jumped at the order, stepping forward as he let that grin he had earlier return. "I'm Tatsu-." his words cut short as the officer simply held up a piece of paper.

"Fill this form out and we'll see if you can join the imperial army." the officer stated with a resigned, almost bored voice.

Tatsumi grabbed the paper, his face falling as he scanned the document. "This means I would be starting out as a recruit?!" he exclaimed.

"Of course you'd start out as a grunt kid, you expected to be in command instantly?" the recruitment officer could barely contain a small chuckle of bemusement at the kids dropped, almost outraged face.

One of Tatsumi's eyebrows twitched as a small smirk grew on his face. "There's no way I can get enough money for the village as a grunt. They'll easily let me be an officer if they see my strength!" he thought to himself, left hand reaching back as he grabbed his blade and drew it with a rasp of metal on metal. Pointing it straight at the officer as he proudly shouted "Let me show you my technique, if I'm good enough will you let me start as a commanding officer!?"

The response was not one he'd been looking for. Two imperial guardsmen hauling him to the door and bodily throwing the boy out of the building. Tatsumi let loose a loud "Oof!" of pain as he landed on his back, legs in the air. Strength and technique or not they weren't going to tolerate someone pointing a blade at them! His blade soon followed, clattering in the dirt beside him. He instantly shot to his feet, turning and pointing at the door angrily as he started shouting at the officer who stood there. "What the hell?! At least give me a chance!"

The officer only stood there, a vein popping from his forehead in anger. First, a sword pointed at him and now this kid was shouting at him! "You think we can hire anyone with a sword? In this time of recession we've had countless idiots come here to join the army! One less is hardly much of a concern!" the officer countered, his hand reaching the doorknob and grabbing ahold.

Tatsumi could only watch in annoyance and shock as the door slammed shut. His arms folded over his chest as he stares at the door. His head slowly falling back to stare up at the sky, noting how the sun was just beginning to dip, it was certainly well past lunchtime. Something his stomach clearly agreed with it, growling loudly. His arms clasped around his stomach as he pursed his lips. "What am I going to do now? How will I earn money for the village?! Should I try again..? Though it doesn't seem like they'll let me back in..." A shadow falling over him as he sat there, his eyes adjusting quickly as he found himself staring up at a beautiful blonde. The most notable thing being her busty chest. The young blonde easily towering over his seated form, clad in little but a black crop-top, scarf and flowing black trousers.

He barely heard her first question as she looked down at him. "What're you looking at shrimp?" a small grin accompanying her question. Tatsumi simply sat there, leaning on his backpack with a blush written across his face as the blonde continued. The woman brought her hand up, fingers clicking loudly as she smiled. "Aha, no doubt you're another one of those dreamers that have come from the country to make it big in the capital huuuh?"

"How did you know?" responded Tatsumi, his arms still crossed over his chest as he pouted lightly at the blondes accurate guess.

"You have that look about you" she responded with a light shrug. Reaching down and grabbing onto Tatsumi's collar she hauled him up. Not giving him any time to struggle. "I can help set you up, I have plenty of contacts."

"Seriously!?" Tatsumi exclaimed in surprise, his delight evident on his smiling features.

"Yep!" the blonde nodded, letting go of Tatsumi's collar as she grinned once more "But you'll have to treat me to lunch in order to learn how to get into the military!"

Thus it was Tatsumi found himself seated in an inn, watching the blonde pound back the same tankard time and time again as it was refilled with ale. He wasn't really in much of a mood to continue playing games, he just wanted to know how to get hired. His hands slamming on the table. "Please tell me how to get into the government!" he said.

The blonde simply placed her tankard back down, smacking her lips with the back of her spare hand as he spared a glance down at Tatsumi. The corner of her lips tugged into a smirk "You need two things. Connection and money. I can help you get into the military, but you'd need to put up the money to pay your way in."

Tatsumi soon enough slammed a large coin purse of gold down onto the table, with a slightly smug expression, arms folded over his chest as he spoke. "I earned this during my travel by killing danger beasts for bounties." It was easily all of the money he'd earned on his travel. "This may be everything I have, but if she can get me into the military I'll surely earn this back in no time!" he thought to himself.

The blonde woman's eyes lit up at the sight of the heavy purse of gold. Eyeing it as she reached over, grabbing it and hefting it up. She even went so far as to reach in, lift out a coin and bite on it with her oddly fanged teeth. "Wait, fanged teeth!?" he thought to himself, staring at the woman with a surprised expression. Though her next words had him returning to a smug grin.

"Ohhhh? Well then you certainly must be strong!" The blonde said, a seductive hint to her words as she dragged the bag to her side of the table. "I'm sure you'll rise through the ranks in no time, just wait here and I'll be back soon enough..."

And with those final words, she was gone. The blonde standing up from the table and leaving. Tatsumi sat there as the hours passed. His legs swinging under the table. Initially he'd worn a happy smile of glee, knowing that finally he'd be able to make his way into the military! And... Then as the hours passed it changed. He went from delighted to slightly worried. Soon enough resting his chin in his hands as he sat there dejected. He knew he'd been tricked by this point, the inn having emptied in the past hours, darkness long having fallen outside. "You've been had, kid." The bartenders words filled the room, to Tatsumi they sounded both tired and depressed. The weary, pitiful look the bartender cast his way the last thing Tatsumi needed as the fact he'd been robbed of all his money finally fell upon him with all its weight.

Tatsumi left the establishment soon after, of course not until he'd used the last of his gold to pay off both his and the woman's tab. "Damn that set of boobs... Next time I see her I'll make sure to get every gold coin back!" he internally seethed to himself as he wandered the darkening streets. Looking for a place to stay out of the cold and rain. "At least I still have my sword and strength, that's all I need." Scratching the back of his head as he let out a mighty sigh.

Tatsumi had finally found his resting place after an hour of searching, it was higher up in the capital, closer to the centre. He could tell he'd wandered deeper into the capital from the fact the street was dimly lit, the nice bistros and cafes lining the street seemed so upmarket, marbled entrances and fancy wrought-iron fencing enclosed each off from the other. Clustered beneath a light sat Tatsumi, his brown cloak wrapped around his frame.

His head that'd been tucked down into his knees only raised as he heard the clattering of a carriage stopping before him. Eyeing it suspiciously as he saw a small blonde girl stepping down and arguing with her guards. He could tell instantly that she was from wealth. The elegant and well-crafted blue dress she was wearing, alongside the fact she even had guards, alerted Tatsumi to the fact that he wasn't dealing with some random passerby from the city who decided to stop. "Oh gods.. Another blonde." Tatsumi thought, his curiosity immediately turning to suspicion, thoughts of his robbery at the blonde set of boobs earlier immediately returning.

He stared at her cautiously as she approached and leaned down, the young girl matching his stare before she finally spoke: "I'm Aria."

Tatsumi didn't give her a response, staring at her. The young warrior already jaded by the short time he'd spent in the citadel. As Aria began to prattle on about how she could offer him sanctuary and help him he only grew more and more suspicious. One side of him was screaming at him that this was his chance. "This is exactly what you need Tatsumi! Shelter and a chance to find a job and earn money! Plus she even says she'll help you find your friends!" a voice was telling him, but he ignored it. After what boobs had done to him earlier he wasn't about to let anyone get the better of him in the capital. "Never again!" he shouted to himself internally.

Aria practically fell over as she stumbled back, recoiling suddenly as Tatsumi shot up to his feet, even as short as he was he towered over the young girl, he spared a glance down at her. A sad smile tugging at the corner of one lip before he turned and without so much as uttering a word down to the friendly girl, turned on one heel. Marching off, and not deeper into the capital to the fancier districts, no he was heading down towards the merchants streets. Hoping to the gods of his village that he could find work there.

He could hear the girl behind him, shouting towards his back. "But I'm offering you help! Don't you know you shouldn't turn down a helping hand?!" Luckily for Tatsumi, he didn't have to listen to her shouting for too long as he turned a corner, his bag hefted over one shoulder. His other arm keeping his cloak tucked around his frame as he tried to make his way through the weaving cobbled streets.

Tatsumi's eyes cracked open to a ray of sunlight bathing the dirty street. He'd found a blacksmith during his wanderings in the night and had decided to slump down next to it, well it had been more like collapse as he'd fallen asleep nigh on instantly. And to say he'd found -a- blacksmith was a bit of a stretch as he glanced down the street, seeing that almost the entire street was taken up by numerous forges and smithing shops. He stayed a moment in his seated position, watching the few people who milled up and down the street barely spare him a glance. Initially he tried a few blacksmiths, offering his admittedly limited skills as a blacksmith to them as an apprentice. "If I can't find work in the military, then I can always use my ability to forge iron to earn money!" He'd told himself last night. Though it was becoming a dwindling prospect given the number of doors who'd slammed in his face and the number of harsh rejections he's suffered from the blacksmiths. Eventually coming to a stop midway through the street, having almost given up all hope as he slumped against the door. Falling to a seated position. "I can't return to the village empty-handed... I -have- to find a way to make money for them!"

A sudden yelp of surprise and shock flew from his lips as the door he'd been leaning against yanked open. Tatsumi collapsing onto his back into the doorway. "Gaaah!" His eyes took but a moment to adjust to the dim light of the shop. Finding himself staring up at a tall, broad-shouldered man standing over him. Tatsumi easily noted the age of the blacksmith, the grey hair lining the large man's scraggly beard and short hair plucking him out as easily in the 50's. Not that his physique showed it. Bulging, chiselled muscles covered the blacksmiths frame from a hard life of days upon days spent hammering iron. He just looking down towards the small guy currently laid in his doorway, one bushy eyebrow arching as he let out a grunt. "Huh..? What're you doing down there kid?"

Tatsumi instantly leapt to his feet. Gulping nervously as he found himself staring up at the huge man filling the doorway. "I- I'm looking for a job!" he blurted out, a moment's hesitation following before he continued on "I need to earn enough money for my village to survive! So please take me as an apprentice!" Tatsumi's hands clapped together as he suddenly leant forward. Bowing down deeply before the blacksmith.

A loud growl filled Tatsumi's ears, one eye peeking open as he spared a glance skyward at the blacksmith. The huge merchant had his brawny arms crossed over his chest. Staring down towards Tatsumi with a curious and amused expression. He didn't say anything, he just reached out and grabbed the hilt of the blade on Tatsumi's weapon. Unsheathing it and holding it up high, examining it as the boy jumped and leaped upwards towards it. Tatsumi protesting as he tried to get back his sword. "HEY! Give that back! This is no fair! Don't make me take you down old man!" Tatsumi fumed, one eyebrow twitching with anger as he glared up at the grizzled blacksmith.

The blacksmith only chuckled out at this. "Old man? I guess you're right there" he drawled out in his gravelly tones. His eyebrows arched as he inspected the well-made, though simple iron short sword. His glance falling back to Tatsumi. And it was a look that made the young warrior stop on the spot, staring up at the blacksmith with a defiant look. "Did you make this kid?"

Tatsumi tilted his head upwards slightly, pride filling his eyes as a smug grin curled at his lips. Arms folding over his chest. "I did, impressed?"

"Hmm.. Well it's the work of an amateur, but one with potential." The blacksmith responded. Casting another glance down at Tatsumi as he grumbled to himself once again before he heaved a short sigh. "I've been looking for an apprentice... Better one with some skill than one without. Consider yourself hired kid. I'm Maxim."

Tatsumi could hardly contain himself, a broad happy grin crossing his face as he realised he'd got a job! "Yes! Finally, I'll become the best blacksmith yet, and with the money I'll earn the village will be rich forever!"

End of Chapter 1. :O

Oof, well a lot of that (the first 3/4) is mostly canon with episode 1. But I felt it was necessary to really ground the story in something. Though I'm not sure it came across very well, it's the first time I've written in six years. Personally, I'm not sure of the perspective, there's a good chance I'll decide to write it a totally different way in the next chapter and probably come back to edit this one, we'll see I guess. Hmm.

Please leave reviews of PM me! I'd love to see peoples reactions, thoughts or criticisms! Anything to either lemme know I'm going in the right direction or if I'm just going like, totally off base. xD