Neo Soul King Yhwach

Yhwach left the Capital, his expression emotionless, meeting Tatsumi and Akame on the outskirts.

Tatsumi: Yhwach, what happened? Where's Chelsea?

Yhwach remained silent for a moment before finally speaking.

Yhwach: Chelsea is dead.

Tatsumi and Akame were taken aback, shock and grief etched across their faces.

Tatsumi: Dead? How?

Yhwach: She confronted Kurome alone. Tried to prevent her from creating more puppets.

Tatsumi's fists clenched, and a mixture of anger and sorrow filled his eyes.

Tatsumi: Why would she do something so reckless? She could've waited for backup!

Yhwach: Chelsea knew the risks. She wanted to protect all of you from more puppets.

Timeskip - Location Kyoroch

Najenda: Yhwach, are you still asleep in there? We need to go. The situation is becoming more urgent.

Yhwach stepped out of his tent, passing Najenda. She noticed his demeanor.

Najenda: Yhwach, you look a bit pale. Did you get any rest?

Yhwach: It's not important. Let's proceed.

Najenda nodded, concern evident in her eyes, but she knew the pressing matters at hand couldn't wait.

Night Raid gathered, and as they reached the outskirts of the city, they separated into strategic groups. Yhwach paired with Lubbock, moving around the city's edge.

Yhwach strolled alongside Lubbock around the church.

Yhwach: The vitality here surpasses that of the Capital, I must admit.

Lubbock: True, but all these people are helpful in avoiding notice.

Yhwach: Even so, this place is quite expansive...

Lubbock: I guess you're right. Do you think we should split up?

Yhwach: Well, as risky as it may be, we would be faster.

Lubbock: Yeah, and Miss Najenda will be so happy that...

Lubbock began daydreaming with a silly smile and a blush on his face.

Yhwach: Not until she knows your true feelings.

He became somber.

Lubbock: You really had to say that, didn't you?

Yhwach continued walking, his gaze shifting between the towering silhouette of the church in the distance and Lubbock.

Yhwach: Lubbock, our objective is clear. Focus on the task at hand.

Lubbock snapped out of his daydreaming, his expression shifting to a more serious one.

Lubbock: Right, right. Sorry about that. Let's stay on track.

Yhwach and Lubbock decided to split up.

Unfortunately, Yhwach didn't find something useful for them.

Yhwach: Things didn't go well. Hopefully, Lubbock had better fortune.

Yhwach was trying to see if he could find him when Yhwach felt a presence following him.

Yhwach stopped in the middle of the road, scanning the zone, but he was well hidden.

Yhwach: Reveal yourself immediately.

???: Oh, I thought I was well hidden. Well, I applaude your ability. But it won't save you.

Yhwach turned to the source of the voice. It was a very big man, his chest completely exposed.

He was bald, but he had a big black beard. His eyes were weird. They were black, his pupils were yellow with a red circle.

???: Now prepare yourself, for I'll set your soul free.

He cracked his knucles while Yhwach took his stance.

Yhwach: And you are?

???: I'm Sten, member of the Four Rakshasa Demons.

Yhwach eyed Sten cautiously, his Quincy instincts on high alert.

Yhwach: Four Rakshasa Demons, you say? Your allegiance to the Empire won't save you from my judgment.

Sten grinned, a sinister glint in his eyes.

Sten lunged at Yhwach with surprising speed. Yhwach swiftly dodged, creating some distance between them.

Yhwach: You move well for your size.

Sten chuckled, cracking his knuckles again.

Sten: One thousand punches Koukenji!

He unleashed a gatling of punches.

Yhwach swiftly dodged the flurry of punches, showcasing his impressive speed and reflexes. Sten, momentarily distracted by his own assault, failed to notice Yhwach closing in.

Seizing the opportunity, Yhwach skillfully grabbed Sten's incoming punches, his movements almost fluid. Sten, taken aback, found himself unable to break free as Yhwach exploited the opening.

Yhwach, with a fierce determination, delivered a powerful punch to Sten's face, sending him sprawling backward. Sten staggered but quickly regained his footing, a mix of surprise and frustration on his face.

However, before Sten could react, Yhwach dashed in front of him with astonishing speed. He unleashed a devastating punch to Sten's stomach, forcing the air out of his lungs. Sten doubled over in pain.

Taking advantage of Sten's vulnerable state, Yhwach grabbed his face and began slamming it into the ground repeatedly. The force of each impact created a series of small craters.

Yhwach, his grip unyielding, lifted Sten's battered face one final time and slammed it down with tremendous force, creating a significant crater in the ground. Sten lay there, groaning in pain, as Yhwach stepped back, his expression unchanged.

Yhwach: The Four Rakshasa Demons are nothing compared to the threats we faced in the Capital.

Stern:N-No way, how-

But he stopped when he saw the tip of Yhwach's Sword.

Yhwach looked down at Sten, his expression unyielding.

Yhwach: It's simple. I've had enough of this.

Raising his blade, Yhwach swiftly sliced through the air. Sten's head separated cleanly from his body, rolling away in the dirt. Yhwach sheathed his sword without a second glance, walking away from the fallen foe.

A thought crossed his mind – if he was attacked, there was a chance Lubbock had encountered trouble as well. Yhwach, using Reikaku, sensing the spiritual energies around him to locate Lubbock.

Upon pinpointing Lubbock's location, Yhwach rushed to find him. As he reached Lubbock, he found him leaning against a wall, holding his stomach. He had some blood coming out of his mouth.

Yhwach: Lubbock, are you alright?

Lubbock: Well, not exactly at my best, but all things considered, I'm fine.

Yhwach: You encountered an assailant as well?

Lubbock: Yeah, a girl. I confronted her to ensure my informant could escape. I sensed you were also targeted.

Yhwach: Indeed, by a formidable man named Stern. He mentioned being part of the Four Rakshasa Demons.

Lubbock: Oh, she mentioned that too. Well, it seems there are only two left.

Yhwach: I suppose so... Regardless, let's distance ourselves from this place and report everything to Najenda.

Lubbock: I'm right behind you.

Timeskip

When we reported to Najenda, we discovered that Akame had also been attacked by a member of the Demons. So, with only one left, we heard from Najenda that the spies had mentioned the Jaegers being with Borick. Of course, we were aware of the possibility, but Najenda didn't seem worried. Instead, she explained her plan.

Najenda: We'll act during the cult's anniversary.

Leone: Ah, very smart.

Najenda: We'll blend into the crowd entering the palace and eliminate Borick.

She stabbed a picture of Borick with a knife.

Najenda: This will be the signal for the Revolutionary Army. Failure is not an option.

Susanoo: Guys, it's time to eat.

We all turned to Susanoo, who was carrying various dishes.

Yhwach: What's the reason for this abundance of dishes?

Susanoo: I did my best for everyone, so I hope you're ready.

Everybody cheered loudly, while Yhwach just looked curious.

Susanoo: For Najenda, salty ramen. With noodles al dente and umami with chicken and salt. I know you'll like it.

Najenda: Wow...

Susanoo: For Mine, a strawberry parfait with some special ingredients.

Mine: Oh, so good!

Susanoo: For Lubbock, super fresh pandalid crayfish.

Lubbock: Wow!

Susanoo: For Leone, Oden with iced local sake.

Leone: Kyhaaaa!

Susanoo: For Akame, a mix of all the meat I could find. They're marinated in my special sauce.

Akame: Ah!

Susanoo: Tatsumi said he wasn't picky, so here's my Susanoo special dishes.

Tatsumi: Eh!? It's typical children's food!

Mine tried to hold back a laugh, failing.

Susanoo: And Yhwach, since you love tea, I made a set of different kinds with some seafood.

Yhwach looked at the array of dishes Susanoo had prepared with a mix of surprise and appreciation. The attention to detail and the effort put into each dish was evident.

Yhwach: Susanoo, this is quite elaborate. I appreciate the effort.

Najenda: I asked Susanoo to cook your favourite foods. Eat as much as you want so you'll have enough energy.

Yhwach: You're aware that no one is paying attention, aren't you?

Indeed, they were devouring their food without restraint.

Najenda: ...Certainly...

The first dish Yhwach seized was a futomaki roll.

Yhwach gazed at it for a moment.

Susanoo: What's the matter? Is this unfamiliar to you? It's a futomaki roll.

Yhwach picked up the futomaki roll, inspecting it with a thoughtful expression. He took a moment to savor the aroma before taking a decisive bite.

Yhwach: It's been a while since I've had something like this. Well done, Susanoo.

Susanoo beamed with pride.

Najenda: Yhwach, are you all right? You seem rather gloomy.

Yhwach woke up from his trance and noticed everybody's stare on him.

Yhwach: Yes, yes, my apologies. I'm well. I was simply... reflecting on the past.

Lubbock: "The past"?

Leone: Come to think of it...you never told us a lot of your past.

Mine: More like he said nothing at all.

Najenda, Akame and Susanoo said nothing, they just watched.

Tatsumi: Yeah, it's true...uh, why don't you say more of yourself? About your home, maybe, or your family.

Yhwach put the roll down and drank some black tea.

Yhwach: ..My past holds no words worth speaking.

Mine: What's with that attitude!? We've shared almost all our pasts!

Yhwach: I don't recall seeking their input.

Tatsumi: W-Well, it's true but, in the end we know something of each other. You only told me how you obtained your powers from a friend.

Leone: Why don't you try to open up more?

Yhwach: It might come off as impolite, but this isn't my home, and it never will be. Once this war concludes, I'll make an effort to return to where I belong.

Lubbock: Come on, dude, you make it sound like you'll never return.

Yhwach just stared at his tea.

Lubbock: Because you will return sometimes, right?

Yhwach finished his meal and stood up, leaving.

Yhwach: If there's one lesson I've learned from my past...

Yhwach glanced over his shoulder, observing the remnants of the futomaki roll and Night Raid.

Yhwach: ...it's that happiness is ephemeral, never enduring for long.

Yhwach's departure left the members of Night Raid in a momentary silence. The weight of his words lingered in the air, leaving an unspoken understanding among them. Najenda, Akame, and the others exchanged glances.

Leone: Well, that was... unexpectedly deep.

Mine: Yeah, who knew he had such a mysterious past?

Tatsumi: He's always been reserved about it. Maybe there's more to him than we know.

Najenda: Yhwach has his reasons for keeping his past guarded. We should respect his privacy.

Lubbock: Still, it feels like there's more to the story. I mean, he's a powerful warrior, but there's something else going on.

Leone: You're not wrong. But hey, let's not pry too much. We all have our secrets.

As the group continued their conversation, Susanoo started collecting the empty dishes, silently taking charge of cleaning up the aftermath of their meal.

Najenda: (in a low voice) Yhwach's decision to distance himself is understandable. War has a way of reshaping our lives, and not everyone finds a home in its aftermath.

Akame: (nodding) We each carry our burdens. Yhwach is no exception.

Meanwhile, Yhwach walked outside, watching the stars.

Zaegar: (Within Yhwach's mind) Yhwach.

Yhwach continued to stare into the night sky, acknowledging Zaegar's presence within his mind.

Zaegar: (Within Yhwach's mind) The pain you feel, the memories that haunt you, they are the echoes of your past. Do not let them consume you.

Yhwach: (gritting his teeth) Easier said than done, Zaegar. Chelsea's death... it brings back memories I thought I had buried.

Zaegar: (Within Yhwach's mind) Death is an integral part of existence, Yhwach. The cycle of life and death shapes the very fabric of our world. Your emotions are a strength, Yhwach, not a weakness. They remind you that you are still connected to the living, to the world. But do not let them blind you.

Yhwach: (looking at the stars) I cannot forget. I cannot forgive. The pain of losing those I care about... it never fades.

Zaegar: (Within Yhwach's mind) Pain is a part of the journey, but it does not define it. Use that pain to fuel your determination. Chelsea's sacrifice was not in vain.

Yhwach: (closing his eyes) What would you know of sacrifice, Zaegar? You're just a manifestation of my inner hollow, born from the chaos within.

Zaegar: (calmly) I am a part of you, as much as your Quincy powers or your memories. Embrace all aspects of yourself, Yhwach. Only then can you transcend the limitations that bind you.

Yhwach remained silent, contemplating Zaegar's words. The ancient hollow's wisdom echoed in his mind, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there was potential for growth.

Zaegar: (Within Yhwach's mind) The path ahead is treacherous. The challenges you face are not only external but also internal. Do not let the shadows of your past blind you to the light of the future.

Yhwach: (opening his eyes) I will face whatever comes my way. For Night Raid, for Chelsea, and for the future.

Zaegar: (Within Yhwach's mind fading away) Remember, Yhwach, you are the amalgamation of Quincy and Hollow. Embrace both sides, for they are the source of your true power.

As Zaegar's presence faded within Yhwach's mind, he was left alone with his thoughts. The night sky above seemed to offer a vast expanse of possibilities, and with a renewed determination, Yhwach rejoined Night Raid, ready to face the challenges that awaited them

Timeskip - Nightime.

Yhwach waited for Tatsumi and Mine outside the ruins of an old temple.

The plan was for them to attract as many guards as possible, serving as a diversion. Then, they would join Yhwach in case of trouble.

They showed up in their disguises.

Yhwach: Finally, you're here

Mine: Hey, we had the worst part of this plan!

Tatsumi: At least they didn't chase us here.

They started to change into their usual clothes.

Yhwach: Now we must trust the others with this one.

Tatsumi: Right... say, are you fine now after what happened before?

Yhwach: I have no intention of discussing it.

He looked away, uncertain. Even Mine was uneasy.

Mine: I still feel my face is a mess.

She got close, very close to Tatsumi.

Mine: Did I remove all the makeup?

He turned completely red.

Tatsumi: A-All gone...

Mine: Why are you blushing?

Then she realized how close their faces were and backed away at high speed, also red.

Mine: Don't tell me you believe that bullshit about 'the red string of destiny'!

Tatsumi: Like hell I would! The fact you remembered means you take it seriously!

Yhwach tilted his head in confusion.

Yhwach: What in the world are you babbling about?

Mine and Tatsumi: That's none of your business, old man!

Yhwach was about to reply when he felt a dangerous presence.

Before he could look around, thousands of missiles came toward them.

Yhwach grabbed Tatsumi and Mine and jumped away with all his might.

Tatsumi: What was that!?

Yhwach: Quit with the pointless inquiries and get into your armor!

Tatsumi: Right! Incursio!

The moment he put it on, they landed far away.

Mine: So they purposely lured us outside the city.

Without losing time, Mine began to take Pumpkin from her bag.

Tatsumi: I saw who it was. Seryu Ubiquitous.

Mine: Seryu Ubiquitous...

She finished the preparations and grabbed Pumpkin.

Mine: From where did she shoot?

Before Yhwach could answer, he felt another presence coming at them to attack.

Yhwach swiftly moved past Mine, intercepting the oncoming attack with his blade. The assailant, a woman with long black hair, spoke up.

???: Oh, I didn't expect you to block it.

Yhwach: Spare me the commentary.

He pushed her back, locking eyes in a tense standoff.

Mine: She must be the last of the Four Rakshasa Demons.

???: I'm Suzuka. But I don't think I need to introduce myself to those who are about to die.

Tatsumi: I'll take her!

Tatsumi charged at Suzuka, ready for a confrontation.

Yhwach: I trust you, Tatsumi!

Tatsumi: I'll deal with her; you protect Mine!

With a powerful punch, they disengaged and leaped apart.

Mine: Tatsumi!

Yhwach halted Mine with a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Yhwach: He'll be fine. But now...

Yhwach turned his attention elsewhere.

Yhwach: ...we've got a second round to handle.

She followed his gaze, discovering Seryu and Koro in the distance.

Seryu shouted

Seryu: Koro, number 6!

as he bit her, and from his mouth, a rocket launched.

Mine: What's that!? Is it a weapon!?

Mine exclaimed

Seryu How dare you rebels disturb the system!

Seryu retorted

The rocket activated and headed towards them.

Seryu continued

Seryu: Those who don't fight for justice can't win!

The rocket was about to reach them when Yhwach intervened.

Yhwach calmly stated

Yhwach: Now.

Mine, somewhat annoyed, replied

Mine: I don't need your warnings.

A single shot obliterated the rocket, leaving Seryu stunned by the explosion. However, the smoke quickly enveloped the area.

A claw-like appendage grabbed the ground beneath them, and Seryu, using her left arm as a rope and the right one as a giant mace, started advancing. Mine attempted to shoot her, but Koro intercepted the attack.

When Seryu swung the mace towards them, Yhwach swiftly moved Mine out of the way and halted the mace with a hand, throwing Seryu aside. She rolled back onto her feet, sporting her trademark psycho smile.

Seryu: I'm here to deliver the sentence, Night Raid. I'll make you be eaten as your friend.

Seryu declared

Mine: Friends?

Mine, curious, questioned

Pointing at them, Seryu continued

Seryu: The woman whose head was impaled in Romary was a friend of yours, wasn't she? Coro ate the rest of the body.

Yhwach glanced at the creature with disgust.

Seryu added

Seryu: Just like he would have done to the woman with the glasses. Too bad you interfered, Yhwach.

Unfazed, Mine turned to her box, enhancing Pumpkin with additional pieces.

Mine asserted

Mine: You speak so much of justice, and yet you trusted Ogre and Stylish. You couldn't notice their evil. And that laugh of yours is not so different from an evil one.

Yhwach observed

Yhwach: Your emotions and preconceptions blind you. They hinder your sight from the truth. Open your eyes and witness the corruption of that minister.

Mine, resolute, said

Mine: It's useless, Yhwach... she's too corrupted.

Seryu mocked

Seryu: Are you happy now you finished? Koro, number 5.

Koro bit her right arm, and Seryu continued

Seryu: And then, arm.

Koro's arm grew as if transformed.

Seryu stated

Seryu: You just gave Koro time to heal. Bad guys are just stupid.

Yhwach swiftly moved in front of Koro, delivering a powerful punch that shattered his teeth and her arms.

Seryu exclaimed.

Seryu: What!?

Yhwach calmly stated

Yhwach: And you're even more foolish to confront Night Raid alone.

He finished his punch, sending Koro flying.

Seryu cried

Seryu: Koro!

A barrage of bullets rained down on her, breaking her other arm.

Mine declared

Mine: I'm not going to give you time!

Seryu cursed

Seryu: Shit! Koro, special skill!

Koro, now in berserk mode, prepared to attack Yhwach. However, before he could strike, Yhwach seized his arm and tore it off. Slicing off Koro's head, Yhwach then ignited his fingers, unleashing flames upon Seryu, who screamed in pain.

Seryu gasped

Seryu: D-Don't...don't be ridiculous!

Undeterred, she attempted to attack with her remaining arm, but Yhwach easily evaded.

Yhwach asserted

Yhwach: Give up. You lose.

Seryu, desperate, shot Yhwach in the head, causing him to bend back. She smirked, thinking she had won. However, Yhwach revealed his protected skull.

Yhwach sneered

Yhwach: Anything else?

Her smile transformed into a look of terror.

Seryu stammered

Seryu: No...why? Tsk...in that case...Koro, go!

A partially healed Coro stood up and charged at Yhwach.

Yhwach questioned

Yhwach: What!?

Seryu commanded

Seryu: Kill that bitch!

Yhwach moved to intervene, but Mine, giving a nod to Yhwach, signaled him to let it happen.

Understanding the plan, Yhwach declared.

Yhwach: Here comes a present!

Yhwach seized Seryu by the neck and faced Koro.

Yhwach mocked.

Yhwach: Hey, furball, fetch!

He threw Seryu towards Koro, who instinctively protected her. At that moment, Mine activated Pumpkin.

Mine shouted

Mine: Go, Pumpkin!

Yhwach jumped away as a massive laser passed behind him. When he looked back, Seryu lay defeated, her body cut in half, and Coro also severed but returning to his normal state.

Mine asserted

Mine: You made me mad. So you lost.

Seryu, despite her condition, continued to laugh maniacally.

Seryu claimed

Seryu: Justice never loses. No matter what, evil shall perish...

Yhwach retorted

Yhwach: Examine your current state. What do you believe you can achieve?

Seryu: Judgment of the Ten Kings, final move... Furnace of the Ten Hells.

Yhwach, alarmed, questioned

Yhwach: What!?

Mine speculated

Mine: Don't tell me...a suicide bomb!?

Seryu calmly stated

Seryu: This is the final weapon against evil the doctor gave me...until I have this on my head, I can't lose.

Yhwach Pov

I really had enough.

Yhwach: Mine, distance yourself swiftly.

Mine: What are you saying!? We have to-

Yhwach: I won't say it again!

We stared for a while and she begun to run. I started to get close to Seryu.

Seryu: It's useless, she won't escape from the divine punishment.

Yhwach: She will, for there's nothing divine in this place.

Yhwach activated Blut Vene Anhaben, enveloping himself and Seryu in a protective barrier. As the countdown to the explosion continued, Seryu mocked Yhwach.

Seryu: And you'll sacrifice yourself so that—

Yhwach cut her off with a stern expression.

Yhwach: I could stay out if I wanted to.

Seryu stared at him in shock and confusion.

Seryu asked, bewildered: But why?

Yhwach: It's because of you. Your thinking is tainted. Your sense of justice is tainted. You are tainted. And now I'll open your eyes.

Yhwach grabbed Seryu's shirt, pulling her close and locking eyes with her. In a moment of intense connection, Yhwach began recounting the corruption within the Empire, the atrocities it had committed, and the suffering it had caused. He delved into the twisted reality that Seryu had unknowingly been a part of, revealing the truth behind the facade of justice.

As Yhwach spoke, Seryu's eyes widened, and tears started to stream down her face. The revelation of the Empire's dark deeds and her role in them shattered the illusions she had clung to for so long.

Seryu, breaking down, whispered

Seryu: All this time... I just... I just wanted to be a heroine... to protect justice... it was my dream... why? Why didn't I notice?

Yhwach: My condolences.

Seryu, in a broken voice, pleaded

Seryu: Please... please promise me... you'll put an end to the corruption... and restore the peaceful kingdom the Empire was once...

Yhwach: I will.

As the final moments approached, the bomb exploded. The blast was contained within Yhwach's Blut Vene Anhaben, sparing the surrounding area. The shockwave subsided, leaving Yhwach standing amidst the aftermath, carrying the weight of Seryu's final moments and the promise he had made.

Tatsumi: Yhwach!

I looked up and saw Tatsumi coming.

Tatsumi: Mine told me everything. Are you alright? What happened?

Yhwach: Save the questions for later. Can you assist me in walking? I'm experiencing pain throughout my entire body.

Tatsumi: Sure! Let's reach Mine and go back to the base!