Note: This Tale obviously has its divergence point set before the characters featured in it were killed.

Chapter One: The needs of the many, the sacrifice of the one unwilling.

Night Raid's HQ. Days after the defeat of Stylish's army and the killing of the strange new danger beasts.

"As you are all aware, I took some time at the HQ of the Revolutionary Army for looking at new members"-Najenda said as she waved at Susanoo and Chelsea.-"However, I'm afraid there are more shocking news I have to share with you all"-Najenda added as she light a cigarette, a clear indication that she was nervous.

"Shouldn't we wait for Lubbock then? He still hasn't returned from the Capital"-Tatsumi asked. He was still at uneasy following his…island vacation with Esdeath, but he was glad that was over with.

"I'm afraid not…in fact, I must apologize in advance to you, Tatsumi."-Najenda said as she exhaled smoke.

"What? Why?"-Tatsumi said, completely confused about what was going on.

"You see, I accidently mentioned Esdeath's, for the lack of a better word, "fixation" with you in my report to the Revolutionary Army's High Command"-Najenda stated.

"Well, that's not something to apologize for; I mean, it is something we can use, right?"-Tatsumi said.

"I'm glad you think that way…because I was informed today by a message that the Revolutionary Army has actually approached Esdeath with a proposal for her defection a few days ago, based on your testimony"- Najenda said as she rubbed her temples, all too sure of what was coming.

"THEY WHAT?"-All of Night Raid screamed in unison.

"Like I said: they actually made Esdeath an offer for her to betray Prime Minister Honest and join us, along with the Jaegers and her army"-Najenda explained.

"They do know she's insane, do they? Not to mention a sadist and a bloodthirsty monster?"-Leone said.

"Yes, but I was told the terms they offered could prove…tempting to her"-Najenda said, as she light another cigarette. She had rehearsed this part of the speech all the way back to HQ in hr mind, but she knew it would not go as planned.

"What could they offer to someone like Esdeath to make her betray Honest?"-Mine asked.

"Tatsumi"-Najenda said.

"Yes?"-Tatsumi asked.

"What?"- Najenda replied.

"You just addressed me, boss"-Tatsumi said.

"No, I did not"-Najenda replied.

"You said Tatsumi!"-Tatsumi said.

"Yes, but I was answering Mine's question"-Najenda stated.

"But she was asking…"-Tatsumi said outloud when the realization hit him like a pile of bricks.

"GET HIM!"-Najenda yelled, as Tatsumi immediately made a mad rush for the door…which was cut short by Susanoo catching him and lifting him by the collar of his shirt.

"NONONONONONONONONO! You have to be kidding me!"-Tatsumi yelled in horror as Susanoo effortlessly tied him to a chair with several chains and padlocks.

"Im afraid not, Tatsumi. Until we hear back from HQ, you are staying put here. Susanoo, keep an eye on him and report to me as necessary"-Najenda ordered.

"You can't be serious, boss! Those higher ups have to be insane to think Esdeath will fall for this!"-Leone snapped.

"Master?"-Susanoo raised his hand, only to be interrupted.

"Yes! Besides, we can't just hand Tatsumi to her!"-Mine added, taken a place at Leone's side.

Master?"-Susanoo raised his hand again, only to be interrupted once more.

"I'm new here, but I'm with them too. This is the stupidest plan ever"-Chelsea said in a monotone voice, as she sucked on a lollypop.

Master?"-Susanoo kept being interrupted.

"I think we should wait"-Akame said as she took a place by Najenda's side.

"WHAT?"-Leone and Mine snapped at her at the same time.

Master?"-Susanoo was interrupted again-

"We have no idea if Esdeath will even agree to this…unconventional offer, so we shouldn't bicker over it now. Even if she did, it would take days for us to know"-Akame calmly stated, when the doors to the meeting room bursted open, revealing a sweaty, completely out of breath Lubbock.

"BOSS! ITS INSANE! HONEST IS DEATH, ESDEATH HAS TAKEN OVER THE CAPITAL AND DECLARED MARTIAL LAW! THE FAT BASTARD IS ACTUALLY BEING DISPLAYED ALL OVER THE CITY! I SAW HIS FROZEN HEAD ON A PIKE AT THE PALACE'S GATES! I HAD TO HAUL ASS BECAUSE THE JAEGERS AND THE ARMY ARE PATROLLING EVERYWHERE AND CAPTURING ANYONE INVOLVED WITH HONEST'S INNER CIRCLE! THERE'S EVEN TALK THAT GENERAL BUDOU HAS BEEN ELECTED AS THE NEW PRIME MINISTER! THE WHOLE CITY HAS GONE TO HELL!"-Lubbock yelled at the top of his lungs.

"WHAT?"-Najenda spat her cigarette in shock.

"Well, I guess that means she agreed with the terms, eh?"-Chelsea smiled as she turned to Mine and Leone, who were still in shock.

"This cannot be happening…has the world gone insane?"-Najenda asked, when she felt a tap on her shoulder, only to see Susanoo at her side.

"What is it? This is not a good time!"-Najenda moaned.

"Tatsumi is gone, Master"-Susanoo stated as he pointed at the very empty spot were Tatsumi, the chains and the chair both were chained at were no longer at.

Everyone stared in silence at the empty space for a brief moment.

"WHY ARE YOU TELLING ME NOW?"-Najenda screamed.

"I have been trying to tell you for the last seven minutes, master. I was rudely interrupted everytime"-Susanoo stated.

"Uh,I actually bumped into Tatsumi in the hallway. I told him the news and he went pale, and then ran away like he was possessed. Why was he chained to a chair?"-Lubbock asked.

Najenda rubbed her temples as she gave her subordinates a death glare that immediately made clear what her orders were, without the need for words whatsoever.

"This cannot get any worse"-She moaned as she was left alone in the room, and started cradling her head between her heads.

Next Chapter: Of course it gets worse, as peace doesn't necessarily mean quiet, as Night raid and the Jeagers are forced together by the circumstances…the fight isn't over, not by a longshot.