In the depths of hell, where demons clashed for power, a different kind of war raged.  Multiple kingdoms fought for dominance, their battles a constant inferno. Yet, amongst them all, a new power emerged – the Infernal Dragons. Evolved from regular dragons through absorbing Hell's energy, they were a force to be reckoned with. This evolution reached a new peak when one Infernal Dragon clan agreed to an arranged marriage with a powerful Succubus clan.

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One of the offspring born from this union was Kurohime, the first pure Demonic Dragon. Unlike her siblings who came later, Kurohime displayed remarkable abilities from a young age. Born with human-like features and striking eyes that betrayed her ancestry, she sprouted wings at the tender age of ten, unheard of for a dragon child. Her draconic and demonic powers blossomed naturally, making her a prodigy. She could steal souls with a touch of her scythe, forged specifically for her. She possessed the ability to remove and replace curses, even creating new ones. However, the most seductive power, inherited from her mother, wouldn't manifest until she turned 21 – the power to seduce and extract memories with a kiss.

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By eighteen, Kurohime was already a force to be reckoned with. Her father, the Infernal Dragon King, groomed her in the art of politics, teaching her to navigate the treacherous alliances between clans and avoid war at all costs. Ironically, her very existence was the reason for the current peace. Yet, whispers of unease began to surface as some clans saw Kurohime's rapid rise in power as a threat. Her parents recognized this danger and tried to solidify the peace treaties as much as possible.

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When skirmishes erupted amongst smaller clans, Kurohime took to the battlefield. Her father had a scythe forged from the demon king's land, a weapon that instantly connected with Kurohime, allowing her to channel her soul-stealing abilities. Even in her first battle, she was a force to be reckoned with. Her prowess quickly earned her a reputation, and the mere sight of her flying over a battlefield often quelled the fighting.

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Just shy of twenty, Kurohime's world turned upside down. Her parents fell ill, and whispers of an assassination attempt from her mother's clan spread like wildfire. They believed that eliminating Kurohime would give them control of her immense power. As Kurohime desperately strived to maintain peace, the news of her parents' death shattered her fragile hope.

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A storm of fury engulfed her. Night fell upon Kurohime's rage as she led a devastating assault on the rival clan. She vowed to annihilate them for their treachery. As the dust settled, the once-proud city lay in ruins – a testament to her vengeful power. However, amidst the carnage, a flicker of Kurohime's humanity remained. She spared the children, taking them back to her own land to offer them a "better life." Though some harbored resentment, others were too young to understand the tragedy that unfolded.

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The following week, Kurohime, barely twenty, took the mantle of leadership. Ruling with an iron fist, but a compassionate heart, she strove to maintain order.  She earned the respect of her people, even the children she brought back, who grew up within her clan. Ten years passed, a fragile peace holding within their territory.

One night, an ominous orange glow tinged the familiar red of Hell's sky. Kurohime looked up to see a monstrous fire dragon unlike any she'd ever encountered. Its sheer presence sent shivers down her spine.

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"What is happening, why does it feel like my entire body is being crushed?!" Hikari, one of Kurohime's sisters, gasped, clutching her chest.

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"There's a fire dragon outside, but something with it isn't right, it's huge," Kurohime said, fear creeping into her voice.

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"Fire dragons shouldn't be able to last long in hell, so how did this one get here?" Shirahime, Kurohime's other sister, voiced the question, gnawing at them all.

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Suddenly, the dragon roared, its voice booming across the land. All three sisters stood speechless.

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"Corrupted beasts!" it snarled. "Your kind disgraces the honorable draconian lords!"

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The dragon unleashed a torrent of fire, consuming buildings and turning everything to ash. Kurohime knew she had to act.

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"Both of you get out of here now, find our Aunt and have her lead you both to the surface world," Kurohime commanded, urgency coloring her voice.

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"T…The surface world? Aunty knows how to get there? What about you sis?" Hikari stammered, confusion washing over her face.

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"I'm going to try to save as many as I can before I try and fight that thing, now go!" Kurohime barked, her voice laced with a desperate finality.  

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Tears welled in her eyes, but her gaze remained fixed on the monstrous dragon.  Shirahime and Hikari, understanding the gravity of the situation, exchanged a quick, panicked glance.  With a silent nod, they darted off into the labyrinthine tunnels that led beneath their home, their heartbeats echoing in the darkness.

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Kurohime strapped on her scythe, the sleek metal a stark contrast to the growing inferno around her.  She stepped out into the burning streets, the screams of her people a chilling counterpoint to the dragon's roars.  Buildings lay in smoldering ruins, their residents either dead or fleeing in terror.  Fury and despair surged through Kurohime in equal measure.  Her beautiful home, built with years of peace, was being reduced to ash, and she would make this dragon pay.

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As she reached the outskirts of the town, the dragon finally landed, its colossal form casting a monstrous shadow across the ravaged land.  Its fiery breath illuminated Kurohime's figure, making her a beacon of defiance against the overwhelming odds.

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"Why do this… WHAT DID WE DO TO YOU?" Kurohime roared, her voice surprisingly steady despite the tremor in her heart.

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The dragon turned its massive head towards her, its eyes burning with an ancient hatred.  "You exist," it snarled. "Your cursed bloodline shouldn't exist at all. The draconian lords did not approve of dragons coming to hell and neither do I."

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"Who are you?" Kurohime demanded, her voice laced with defiance.

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"Ignis, the fire lord," it boomed, its voice shaking the very ground.

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"I have no idea who you are and yet you attack us. You kill my subordinates, my family, everything I held dear and here you are TRAMPLING ALL OVER THEM," she spat back, tears streaming down her face.

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"It's useless to debate this child," Ignis said, his voice dripping with disdain. "My word and the draconian lord's words are absolute, now you die."

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A massive fireball began to form in Ignis's maw, its intensity threatening to consume the entire town. Kurohime knew this was bad, but she couldn't just stand there and watch her home be obliterated.  Taking a deep breath, she channeled every ounce of her demonic and draconic power, her body radiating with an unnatural glow.

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With a mighty swing, she unleashed a torrent of dark energy from her scythe, a desperate attempt to deflect the fiery onslaught.  The two forces collided in a deafening explosion, shaking the very foundations of Hell.  Kurohime strained, her muscles screaming in protest, but she couldn't budge. The force of the explosion was overwhelming.

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The fireball, though partially deflected, ripped through Kurohime's attack and slammed into the town behind her.  A blinding flash of light engulfed her vision, followed by a searing wave of heat that ripped through her body.  When the dust settled, Kurohime lay sprawled on the ground, her once pristine armor shredded and smoking.  The world spun around her, her vision blurry and filled with flashes of light.

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Through the haze, she saw Ignis circling overhead, a cruel amusement flickering in its fiery eyes.  A wave of nausea washed over her, and blackness began to claim the edges of her vision. Just as she was about to succumb to unconsciousness, she heard a horrifying sound – the bone-chilling laughter of Ignis echoing amidst the ruins of her once-thriving town.

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When she finally awoke, a searing stench of burnt flesh and wood assaulted her nostrils, a grim reminder of the battle's aftermath. The air hung heavy with smoke and dust, the only sounds the crackling of dying embers and her own ragged breaths.

 

Slowly, with the grace stripped away by fatigue and despair, Kurohime rose to her feet. Her body throbbed in protest, every muscle screaming with agony. Ignoring the pain, she turned to face her home, a primal fear clawing at her throat.

 

What met her gaze would forever scar her soul. The once-proud city, a testament to years of peace and prosperity, was no more. In its place lay a smoldering crater, a gaping wound in the earth. Buildings were reduced to rubble, their charred remains a grotesque parody of past grandeur. The very ground seemed to weep, blackened and smoking from Ignis's fiery wrath.

 

A scream, raw and primal, ripped through her throat. Tears, hot and angry, streamed down her face, blurring the desolate landscape further. Her hands, clenched into fists, trembled with a mix of rage and despair. But her scream was quickly swallowed by the crushing silence, punctuated only by the distant crackle of dying flames.

 

She sank to her knees, the weight of the devastation threatening to consume her. Hours bled into one another as she sat there, her body numb, a statue of grief. But as the first rays of a new dawn began to paint the sky with streaks of orange and pink, Kurohime stirred.

 

A flicker of movement caught her eye – a scrap of fabric fluttering in the breeze. It was a familiar sight – a piece of Hikari's nightgown, the same one she wore when her sister left. A jolt of realization struck Kurohime – her sisters!

 

Panic surged through her, replacing the numbing despair. She unfurled her wings, once symbols of power and elegance, now ragged and singed.  Pushing past the pain, she mustered the remnants of her strength, taking to the skies once more.

 

Her flight was a desperate one, fueled by a frantic need to find her sisters. She aimed for her aunt's refuge, located on the outskirts of the town, hoping it had escaped Ignis's wrath. As she flew closer, her heart sank. While the devastation wasn't as complete as her own city, the aunt's home was still ablaze, a testament to the destructive power Ignis wielded.

 

Landing amidst the burning wreckage, she called out for her sisters and aunt, her voice echoing unanswered. Frantically, she searched the house, hope dwindling with each empty room. Finally, she reached the basement stairs, a dread-filled premonition coiling in her gut. The acrid smell of burnt flesh intensified as she descended, a confirmation of her worst fear.

 

At the bottom of the stairs, she found the gruesome sight of the loyal guard, his body charred and lifeless. A fragment of Hikari's nightgown clung to his gauntlet. It appeared Hikari, in a moment of desperate bravery, tried to return to the city and the guard, forced to fulfill his duty, might have stopped her.

 

The hidden portal, their gateway to the surface world, lay in ruins, another casualty of Ignis's fury. Despair threatened to engulf Kurohime, but a flicker of defiance sparked within her. She would not succumb.

 

Two paths stretched before her, both fraught with danger. One, to find another portal, a long shot at best, as the neighboring kingdoms were unlikely to trust her. The other, the grueling climb through the vastness of Hell, a journey that could take years.

 

Knowing her sisters and aunt were potentially safe, she made a decision. She would wander the desolate landscape, searching for answers, while preparing for the arduous climb to the surface. Countless battles awaited her, for she wasn't the only formidable demon in Hell. But Kurohime, the Demon Queen, was no stranger to hardship. She would fight, not for a throne or a crown, but for the hope of finding her family. The surface world, a place shrouded in mystery and danger, awaited her arrival.

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Five years. Five grueling years Kurohime spent scouring the depths of Hell, hope flickering like a dying ember. She navigated through bustling cities and desolate wastelands, her identity shrouded in secrecy. Each face greeted with suspicion, each town a reminder of her fallen home. Countless bounties adorned dusty walls, some crudely drawn, others depicting her with a disturbing level of accuracy – "Claim or Kill the Beauty Kurohime," they declared.

 

The thought of being claimed, of becoming a plaything, sent shivers down her spine. She'd rather face death than such a fate.

One day, her search led her to the ruins of an ancient demon civilization. Crumbling structures jutted skyward, remnants of a forgotten power. A flicker of hope rekindled within her. Surely, these beings left something behind, some knowledge she could exploit.

Days bled into weeks as Kurohime explored the labyrinthine ruins. Treasure rooms yielded dusty trinkets and forgotten weapons, but no portals. Just as despair threatened to consume her, she stumbled upon a hidden door emanating an otherworldly aura. Her heart hammered against her ribs. Could it be?

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With trembling hands, she pushed the door open. A swirling vortex of energy filled the room, pulsing with an unknown power. It was a portal, of that much she was certain. But where did it lead? Back to the throngs of demons hunting her, or perhaps to a new and unknown hell?

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There was no turning back. The surface world, a place whispered about in hushed tones, was her only hope. With a deep breath, Kurohime steeled herself. Folding her wings and tucking her tail, she stepped through the portal.

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A blinding light engulfed her. When her vision cleared, she found herself in a damp cave, cool mist spraying from a cascading waterfall. Sunlight filtered through the rushing water, painting the air with a mesmerizing glow. It was breathtaking. Unlike anything she had ever seen in the fiery wasteland of Hell.

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Excitement bubbled within her, tempered by caution. For the next three years, Kurohime cautiously explored the surface world. She integrated herself into human villages, learning their customs and languages. Her demonic heritage remained a secret, revealed only through subtle seduction, a tool she wielded with finesse. Unlike Hell, here information wasn't acquired through brute force, but through a subtle dance of charm and intrigue.

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Word of adventurer guilds, their pursuit of knowledge and treasure, reached her ears. The prospect of like-minded individuals piqued her interest. She ventured towards the nearest town, a bustling hub for adventurers and traders. Hunger gnawed at her stomach after a long journey. Seeking sustenance, she entered a lively tavern.

The tavern bustled with weary travelers and boisterous locals, the air thick with the aroma of roasting meat and ale. In a dimly lit corner, a lone figure caught her eye. An oni woman, clad in crimson armor that gleamed faintly in the flickering candlelight, radiated an aura that dwarfed even Ignis' raw power. But unlike Ignis' volatile energy, this aura held a calm intensity, a coiled serpent poised to strike. Curiosity warred with hunger within Kurohime.

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Here, she thought, was a potential source of knowledge – a powerful warrior with a story to tell. She approached the table, her movements calculated, her demonic charm instinctively activating. A slow smile played on her lips as she glided into the seat opposite the woman. Twirling a strand of her hair, Kurohime leaned forward, her voice a silken purr.

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"Hey beautiful," Kurohime began, her gaze lingering a touch too long on the woman's broad shoulders. "I couldn't resist you when I walked in. So how about you and me get a room together and get to know each other a bit more… intimately?" Kurohime said with a lustful glint in her eyes.

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The oni woman barely glanced up from her plate, the rhythmic clinking of her fork against a clay bowl the only response. Kurohime faltered, a flicker of annoyance flashing in her eyes. Perhaps a more direct approach was needed.

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"Ahem… Hey sexy, I was just wondering if you and I could maybe spend a night together in each other's arms. I could give you everything you desire tonight," Kurohime continued, her voice losing its playful lilt.

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The oni woman finally met her gaze, her eyes the color of crimson red. A single, amused snort escaped her lips. "The only thing I desire right now," she declared, her voice deep and surprisingly melodic, "is another piece of meat. Hey there, barkeep! Another serving of boar, please!"

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Kurohime's face flushed. Hunger gnawed at her own stomach, a stark reminder of her neglect. 

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"Sounds like you desire food too," the girl said, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.

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"Baby… The only thing I desire is to be in between those le…"

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Kurohime was cut off by the girl, clearly exasperated. "Listen lady, I just want to eat my food in peace, is that so much to ask? Plus you are hungry as well so why not get food, continue to sit and eat?"

The owner barks out at the girl, his voice booming through the tavern, "Miss we only have one piece of meat left!"

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Their simultaneous shouts of "I'll take it!" shattered the tavern's din. Both Kurohime and the oni woman locked eyes, a spark of competitive spirit igniting within them. The tension crackled in the air, thick and heavy. The other patrons, momentarily stunned by the sudden outburst, fell silent, their attention drawn to the brewing duel.

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"Are you trying to steal my food, lady?" the oni woman rumbled, her voice a low growl that sent shivers down the spines of nearby patrons. Her crimson eyes, which had held a hint of amusement moments ago, now gleamed with a steely glint, a predator sizing up its prey.

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Kurohime, unfazed by the oni woman's imposing demeanor, met her gaze with defiance. "You said I should eat, didn't you?" she countered, her annoyance evident in her sharp tone. "So why not let me?"

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The oni woman scoffed, a single, harsh laugh escaping her lips. "Oh, so the food is more appealing now than my body? You do have strange priorities, lady."

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A sly smile played on Kurohime's lips, a hint of amusement replacing her earlier annoyance. "Let's make a wager then," she purred, her voice laced with a dangerous allure.

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"A wager?" The oni woman raised an eyebrow, a flicker of interest replacing the anger in her eyes. "Let's hear it then." She finished wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, the remnants of her meal a stark contrast to the razor-sharp katana now resting casually against the table.

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"A duel," Kurohime declared, leaning forward with a seductive glint in her eyes. "Winner takes the last piece of meat. But the stakes are higher. If I win, you become my pet. If you win, I become yours."

The oni woman snorted, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.

 

"So even if I win, I'd still have to feed you?"

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"Oh, so you think you'd win that easily?" Kurohime shot back, her playful demeanor momentarily fading as a spark of competitive fire ignited within her.

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"Let's get this over with then!" the girl boomed, her voice silencing any lingering protests from the patrons.

 

With a flourish, she snatched her katana and walked out of the tavern, leaving Kurohime with a smirk dancing on her crimson lips. The challenge had been laid, and Kurohime, despite her grumbling stomach, was eager to prove herself against this formidable opponent.

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A flicker of annoyance crossed Kurohime's face as she watched the oni woman strut out of the tavern with unwavering confidence. "Can't she sense my power?" she thought, a sliver of doubt creeping into her mind. Here was this oni woman, radiating an aura of strength, yet seemingly oblivious to the immense power Kurohime wielded.

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Stepping outside, they agreed on the tavern owner to act as their referee. Kurohime hefted her massive scythe, its imposing size a stark contrast to the oni woman's seemingly unassuming posture. Amusement flickered in the woman's crimson eyes as Kurohime readied her weapon. 

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"You must be very confident in your skills to not even draw your weapon at me," Kurohime scoffed, irritation lacing her voice. "Very well, tell me your name at least before I send you packing!"

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"Akame," the girl replied calmly. "And don't worry, you'll be snoring on the floor before you can even blink."

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Kurohime bristled at the blatant underestimation but held her tongue. The innkeeper boomed the countdown, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "Three! Two! One! Go!"

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Kurohime's world became a blur. One moment she was poised for attack, the next she was sprawled on a bed, the familiar wooden beams of the inn room ceiling coming into view. Had she blinked? Disorientation washed over her, quickly replaced by a dull ache emanating from her gut. A groan escaped her lips.

Beside her, Akame sat diligently scribbling on what looked like a map.

 

"W-what happened?" Kurohime stammered, her voice weak.

 

Akame didn't look up, her voice calm and even. "I knocked you out."

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"What?!" Kurohime sputtered, disbelief coloring her tone. She attempted to sit up, but a searing pain shot through her stomach, forcing her back down with a yelp.

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"Punch to the gut," Akame continued, finally acknowledging Kurohime with a glance. "Surprised you're not in worse shape. You must be one tough dragon from Hell."

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Kurohime's eyes widened. "You know I'm from Hell?" she stammered.

"The moment you walked in," Akame replied. "But don't worry, I have no intention of harming you. Plus, if we're sticking to our bet, you belong to me now, right?"

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“I…I guess I am… do with me what you will” A blush, unlike anything she'd ever experienced, crept up Kurohime's cheeks. Her mind raced, while slowly taking off her clothes. But before she could voice her confusion, Akame surprised her again.

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"That's not necessary," Akame said, placing a steaming plate on the bedside table. "Here. Remember, you were hungry?"

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Kurohime stared at the plate of meat, then back at Akame. "Eat up and get some rest," Akame continued, her voice a strange mix of firmness and… kindness? "We leave in the morning." With that, she rose and headed towards the door.

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"Wait!" Kurohime blurted, the word tumbling out before she could stop it. "But why? Why be nice to me after I treated you like that?"

 

Shame washed over her as she remembered her advances.

Akame paused at the door, turning back to regard Kurohime with a surprisingly gentle gaze.

 

"I knew you weren't being serious with what you said," she explained. "I saw the loneliness in your eyes, a reflection of the emptiness I carry within myself. What I need right now isn't a pet, but a friend. Think about it tonight."

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And with that, Akame left the room, leaving Kurohime alone with a plate of food and a whirlwind of emotions. Akame had seen through her facade, her bravado, and her desperation. The revelation stung, yet… a seed of hope blossomed in Kurohime's chest. Maybe, just maybe, Akame was right. Maybe traveling with this strange, powerful woman wouldn't be so bad after all. Maybe it could even lead to… friendship?

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The idea was a foreign one, one Kurohime needed time to contemplate. But one thing was certain – traveling alone was a thing of the past. Pushing herself up in bed with a newfound determination, Kurohime grabbed the plate of food.

 

"Thinking later," she muttered to herself, a hint of a smile gracing her lips. "First, let's eat!"

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End