Season 2 - Chapter 10 | Crimson Adventures

S2 - Chapter 10

A month had passed since Akame’s revelations about her village and her hidden power as a Harbinger. The weight of those secrets still hung in the air, though the everyday rhythm of Crimson Moon had slowly returned. Hana had been the first to arrive home, settling back into the guild's activities after her journey. Kurami, meanwhile, returned two weeks later with Gammy at her side, the duo clearly having formed a deeper bond on the road.

Akame waited patiently, allowing both of her friends time to re-acclimate before inviting them to a private dinner in her office. The night was thick with anticipation. The soft glow of candlelight flickered in the room, casting shadows that danced along the walls as Akame faced them. They knew something significant had happened since they left, but nothing could have prepared them for what Akame was about to disclose.

Kurami and Hana listened in stunned silence as Akame recounted the events—her becoming a Harbinger, the secrets of their village’s dark past, and the powers she had kept hidden from even her closest allies. After the initial shock, their reactions mirrored the bond they had each forged with Akame over the years.

Kurami was the first to speak, her gaze steady but tinged with concern. “Akame... I knew there was more to you, but this... you’ve carried this burden alone for too long.”

Akame, her expression calm but her eyes flickering with unspoken emotions, nodded. “I had no choice. Too many lives were at stake, and I didn’t want to drag either of you into this unless I was sure.”

Hana, more visibly shaken, leaned forward, her voice soft yet filled with urgency. “But Suzu... how did she take the news? She must have been devastated.”

Akame’s eyes softened at the mention of her sister. For a brief moment, the hardened exterior she often wore as the guild’s leader cracked, revealing the tender bond she shared with Suzuran. “Not well... at first. It took days before she would even speak to me. But eventually, we had a moment—just the two of us. I had to remind her that I’m still the sister she’s always known. Whatever I am now... that hasn’t changed the love I have for her.”

The silence that followed was thick with shared understanding, each of them processing the gravity of the situation. Kurami, always the one to lighten the mood, leaned back in her chair, a playful smirk creeping across her face. “Well, now that we have a Harbinger running things, I imagine that complicates the paperwork.”

Akame let out a small, rare chuckle. “Let’s keep the Harbinger business within the guild for now. I don’t want unnecessary attention. Besides, not many outside our circle even know what a Harbinger is, and I prefer it that way.”

“Agreed,” Hana chimed in, her usual calm demeanor returning. “But you know, Akame... it stings a bit that you kept this from us for so long. Especially Kurami, with everything you’ve been through together.”

Kurami waved her off with a smile. “I get it, Hana. If I were in Akame’s shoes, I wouldn’t have known how to tell us either. We might’ve written it off as grief or worse, tried to stop her out of misplaced concern.”

Akame looked at them both, gratitude and warmth flickering in her eyes. For the first time in what felt like ages, a genuine, heartfelt smile graced her lips. It was a small but powerful moment. Kurami and Hana, startled by this rare display of emotion from their usually stoic leader, exchanged glances before returning her smile.

“Well then,” Akame said, standing from her desk, after finishing their dinner. “Now that we’re all caught up, it’s time to get back to business.”

As they made their way downstairs, the tension from earlier dissipated, replaced by a sense of unity. Kurami and Hana departed to their respective homes, leaving Akame to her thoughts. But her peace didn’t last long. A faint clashing of blades echoed through the hall, drawing her attention toward the training room.

Curiosity piqued, Akame walked towards the source of the noise. Through the half-open door, she spotted Crystal in the midst of an intense sparring session, her swordsmanship sharp and fluid. Eve, who had joined the guild only a week ago, sat nearby, watching her friend with admiration. It seemed Eve’s presence had brought Crystal out of the shell she had built around herself.

Akame stepped inside, and though her presence was subtle, Eve was the first to notice. She shot up from her seat, instinctively adopting a formal stance as though greeting a commanding officer.

“Relax, Eve,” Akame said with a chuckle, raising her hand in a gesture of casual dismissal. “No need for the formalities. You’re one of us now.”

Eve smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. “Sorry, force of habit. The last guild I was in... let’s just say it wasn’t as friendly.”

“And how are you settling in here?” Akame asked, her tone genuine, though still carrying the weight of leadership. “I know it’s been a short time, but I want to make sure you feel at home.”

Eve’s smile widened. “Miss Fae actually beat you to it. She’s been checking in on me every day.”

Akame nodded with approval. “Fae’s good at that. She’s one of the reasons this guild functions as well as it does.”

Eve glanced over at Crystal, who had paused her training to listen. “You have a lot of great people here, Miss Akame. I’m grateful you gave me a place here.”

“You can thank Crystal for that. When I saw the bond you two shared, I knew there was more to you than met the eye. It would’ve been wrong to separate such a strong friendship.” Crystal, still holding her sword, gave a quiet but appreciative smile. Eve, on the other hand, looked genuinely touched by Akame’s words.

“Have you had a chance to speak with Yukari yet?” Akame asked, her tone shifting back to business.

“Not in depth. We’re supposed to meet later this week. She mentioned she could use my abilities,” Eve responded.

Akame nodded. “Good. Oh, and Eve,” she added, almost as an afterthought, “be careful of Kurohime’s and Yukari’s... desires. Best to steer clear of those.”

Eve blinked, confused. “Desires?”

Crystal, overhearing, stepped in, whispering loud enough for Akame to hear, “Their sexual desires.”

Eve’s eyes widened in horror as a blush spread rapidly across her cheeks. “Oh my gods! Thanks for the warning!” she squeaked, covering her face.

Crystal giggled, clearly enjoying Eve’s embarrassment, before grabbing her hand and leading her outside for more training. Akame watched them go, a smirk playing on her lips before she turned and made her way back toward the dining hall.

As Akame returned to the dining hall, a figure she didn’t recognize immediately caught her eye. A fox woman stood near the entrance, her posture elegant yet relaxed. Her amber eyes met Akame’s with an assessing glance, and for a moment, the tension between them hung in the air like the calm before a storm.

“You must be Sora, Akiko’s older sister, yes?” Akame asked, striding toward her with a confident yet curious air.

“I am,” Sora replied, her voice smooth as silk but edged with respect. “You must be the powerful leader, Akame, that I’ve heard so much about.”

Akame laughed lightly, though the tension didn’t leave her eyes. “I hope she hasn’t over-exaggerated my abilities.”

Sora tilted her head slightly, her gaze softening. “I doubt it. Even now, I can feel the power in you. I’m grateful Akiko has found a place like this—safe, strong, and somewhere she can grow.”

Akame raised an eyebrow at Sora’s words, sensing an unspoken protectiveness in her tone. “What brings you here tonight?”

Sora’s expression shifted slightly, becoming more playful. “I’m here to fetch Akiko. Our grandparents made some sweets and wanted her to come home.”

Akame’s mouth formed a small smile. “I’ve heard the whole family moved here. How has everything been transitioning?”

“Surprisingly smooth, thanks to your guild’s help,” Sora said, glancing around the grand hall appreciatively. Then, with a light laugh, she added, “I even met Suzuran, who Akiko seems to admire so much. I hope my sister hasn’t been too... bold with her. Akiko can be persistent, especially when she sets her sights on someone.”

Akame’s smile remained, but there was an unmistakable glint in her eyes. “Ah, my little sister.”

The words hung in the air for a moment too long, and the shift in Sora’s expression was immediate. Her eyes widened, and a look of realization—bordering on horror—washed over her features.

“W-Wait... Suzuran is your sister? Your sister?” Sora stammered, the color draining slightly from her face. “Oh gods, I had no idea. Akiko’s been... very taken with her for a while now. If I’d known... I’ll speak to her. I didn’t realize she was bothering your sister.”

Akame chuckled, both amused and reassuring. “It’s fine, Sora. Akiko hasn’t done anything to upset Suzu. In fact, the two of them have become good friends. If anything, I think Suzuran enjoys her company. I haven’t seen any signs of flirting lately, and if there has been, Suzu hasn’t mentioned it.”

Sora let out a long breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her hand coming to rest against her chest. “Thank goodness... Akiko’s confidence can be a little overwhelming, and she’s been very—how should I put this—focused on Suzuran. I just didn’t want her getting into trouble... especially with you.”

Akame’s gaze softened at Sora’s obvious concern. “Trust me, if Akiko were to overstep, I’d know. But for now, it’s nothing to worry about. And,” she added with a teasing glint, “I think Akiko’s attention may have started shifting elsewhere.”

Sora blinked, caught off guard. “Elsewhere? What do you mean?”

Before Akame could answer, the sound of footsteps descending from the second floor drew their attention. Both women turned to see Akiko and another girl, Nila, making their way down the stairs, their conversation lively and filled with laughter. The closeness between the two was hard to miss—Akiko’s admiration had clearly found a new focus.

“When are you visiting again?” Akiko asked, her eyes bright with excitement as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Sometime in the next few days, I hope. Training with my guild has me tied up, but I’ll be back as soon as I can. You know I can’t stay away from my favorite fox for too long,” Nila teased, giving Akiko a playful pat on the head.

Akiko’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, but she clearly enjoyed the attention as tail wagged happily. Her gaze flickered toward her sister and Akame, who were both watching the interaction closely.

Sora, having pieced it together, shot Akame a knowing look. “So, this is the elsewhere you mentioned?”

Akame nodded slightly, a faint smile playing at her lips as she watched Akiko’s reaction to Nila’s playful affection. Sora crossed her arms, an amused smirk creeping onto her face.

Akiko, noticing the exchange between the two, suddenly looked like she wanted to disappear into the floor, her earlier confidence fading into a flustered mess. “S-Sora! Why are you here?!”

Sora couldn’t help but laugh. “Did you forget? You were supposed to come by for the sweets. But I can see why you’re a little distracted.”

Akiko’s face burned an even brighter red as she quickly turned back to Nila, hoping to escape the teasing. Nila, however, was oblivious to the embarrassment, waving to Sora with a bright smile.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Sora! Akiko’s been a wonderful person,” Nila said, her eyes twinkling with affection.

Akiko nearly choked on her breath, while Sora shot her a playful wink. “I’m sure she has.”

Akame, watching the interaction with quiet amusement, felt a sense of satisfaction in seeing how things were unfolding. As Akiko and Nila finished their descent and walked past, she caught Sora’s eye again.

“Don’t worry,” Akame said softly. “Akiko’s in good hands.”

Sora sighed in relief, finally relaxing. “Good. I was starting to think I’d have to drag her home.”

Suddenly, a knock came at the front door of the guild hall. Akame moved swiftly to answer, her posture shifting into one of quiet authority as she opened the door. Standing before her was a cat demi-human with sleek black hair and feline eyes, her attire dark and suggestive of someone who dabbled in the shadows.

“How can I help you?” Akame asked, her tone polite but firm.

“I’m looking for Ny’la,” the girl replied, her eyes scanning the room.

Before Akame could respond, Nila bolted toward the door, practically skidding to a stop in front of the newcomer. “Kasumi?! What are you doing here?” Nila exclaimed, eyes wide with panic.

Kasumi crossed her arms, her expression a mixture of mild amusement and exasperation. “I came to get you because training started earlier than expected, and you’re already a day late.”

Nila’s face turned a shade paler. “Oh, crap!” she groaned, visibly horrified by the news.

“Relax, I covered for you,” Kasumi said, her tone softening. “I told the boss you were wrapping up a mission. Which, honestly, you should’ve been back from already.”

Akiko had stepped up behind Nila to get a better look at what was happening when Kasumi caught sight of her. A smirk curled across Kasumi’s lips as she connected the dots. “Oh? I see why you’ve been spending so much time here.”

Nila glanced back at Akiko, her face flushing red, the two of them locking eyes for a brief, awkward moment. Blushing fiercely, Nila turned back and, without a word, gave Kasumi a sharp chop to the head. She let out a painful “Nya!” before rubbing her head, glaring playfully at Nila.

“What was that for?” Kasumi pouted, rubbing the spot where Nila had struck her.

Without responding, Nila quickly grabbed Kasumi’s arm, dragging her away from the door. “Come on, let’s go before you say anything more embarrassing.”

“See you later, Akiko!” Nila called out over her shoulder, flashing a big smile as she and Kasumi exited the guild.

Akiko waved back shyly, her gaze lingering on Nila’s retreating form as she walked away. Akiko’s eyes traced every step Nila took, mesmerized, almost as if in a trance. Watching Nila leave, she barely noticed her older sister standing beside her until Sora nudged her playfully.

“Don’t let her get away,” Sora teased, her tone dripping with amusement.

Akiko jolted out of her daze, flustered. “Sora! Don’t tease me like that—I was focused!”

“Uh-huh. Focused on what part of her exactly?” Sora smirked, clearly enjoying her sister’s embarrassment.

“Ahhh!” Akiko groaned in frustration, swatting at Sora as she tried to escape the teasing. She hurried down the stairs toward their grandparents’ place, her cheeks still burning red.

Sora, watching her sister’s retreating form with a soft smile, turned to Akame. “Thank you,” she said warmly. “For giving her a place to call home.”

Akame returned the smile with a nod. “She’s a good fit here, Sora. Don’t worry.”

With that, Sora departed, following behind Akiko.

Later that night, the guild hall had grown quiet, the members of Crimson Moon settled into sleep. The moonlight bathed the courtyard in a silver glow, but there was one who remained awake. Crystal, ever the nocturnal soul, relished the stillness of the night as she enjoyed a long soak in the hot springs behind the guild hall.

The stars twinkled brilliantly in the clear sky, their reflection shimmering on the surface of the water. Crystal leaned back, sighing contentedly as the warmth of the springs enveloped her. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been able to relax like this. For once, she wasn’t training or surrounded by the noise of guild life. It was just her and the night.

After what felt like an hour, Crystal decided it was time to head back inside. She stood, letting the cool night air brush against her skin before grabbing a towel and wrapping it around her dripping body. As she walked toward the guild hall, she heard a faint noise nearby and froze, her heart skipping a beat. The last thing she wanted was for someone to catch her completely naked save for the small towel barely clinging to her.

Panicked, she hurried inside, sprinting up the stairs. Water dripped from her as she ascended, causing her to slip once or twice, but she managed to regain her balance each time. By the time she reached the third floor, she had started pulling off her towel, thinking she was in the clear.

As Crystal turned the corner, still dripping wet, her bare feet slipped on the slick floor, sending her crashing straight into someone emerging from their room.

“C-C-Crystal?” A muffled voice came from beneath her as she caught herself on her hands and knees, preventing a full-on collapse. However, she realized far too late what had happened—she had landed on top of Akiko.

Worse yet, in her haste, the towel she had was tossed to the side, leaving her utterly naked. Her breasts pressed against Akiko’s face, and the warmth of her skin, still damp from the hot springs, was impossible to ignore. Water droplets slid from Crystal’s body, dripping onto Akiko’s stunned face as the two girls froze in place.

For a brief moment, the world seemed to stop.

Crystal, horrified, felt Akiko’s breath against her breasts, her face heating up as she realized the compromising position they were in. The panic set in fully as Crystal squealed, grabbing her towel and covering herself as quickly as possible.

“I-I’m so sorry, Miss Akiko!” Crystal’s voice wavered with embarrassment, tears welling in her eyes as she scrambled to her feet and darted into her room, closing the door behind her.

Akiko, meanwhile, lay on the ground, utterly dazed and out of sorts. Her mind swam in confusion as she processed what had just happened. For a moment, she wondered if it had all been a bizarre dream, but the lingering warmth on her face, combined with the wetness that covered her face, told her otherwise. A deep crimson blush spread across her cheeks as she finally got up and stumbled back into her room, her thoughts racing as she closed the door.

A nearby door creaked open, Suzuran and Yuzuki peeked out from their room, both barely covered by a bed sheet.

“What happened out here?” Suzuran whispered, looking around.

Yuzuki, panting slightly and flushed, glanced at Suzuran. “I... I don’t know.”

“Oh, right, you were too busy having an orgasm to hear anything,” Suzuran teased, smirking at Yuzuki.

Yuzuki’s face turned an even deeper shade of red. Pouting, she picked up Suzuran in her arms, causing the bed sheet to drop, revealing their bare forms. With a swift kick, Yuzuki shut the door behind them, and the sound of muffled laughter and kisses resumed from within.

The rest of the night passed and Akiko never left her room again. Crystal, still mortified, opted to fly out of her window to avoid further embarrassment. She had no desire to face Akiko after such an awkward moment.

The next morning, the guild hall was quiet as the sun’s first light streamed through the windows. The air was still, peaceful, as Akame stirred from her uncomfortable sleep on the couch in Yukari’s library. She had spent the better part of the night there, helping Yukari sift through books and scrolls in search of information about Kurohime’s missing sisters. But the work had yielded little progress, and exhaustion had finally overtaken her.

Akame stretched, standing up from the couch to walk upstairs when she heard a noise from the infirmary. Curiosity piqued, she diverted her path and walked toward the room. As she rounded the corner, the sight that greeted her made her pause.

Inside the infirmary, Gelina was leaning over a male villager, her hands lingering far too suggestively on him as she helped tend to his ankle. The man looked flustered, clearly enjoying the attention. Three more men stood by the doorway, eyeing Gelina with a mix of awe and nervousness, each clearly faking minor injuries just to be close to her.

Akame sighed, her expression hardening as she stepped into the room, clearing her throat with authority.

The men jolted, panic flashing in their eyes. “O-Oh! Miss Akame!” one of them stammered, trying and failing to sound casual. “We were just here to, um, check on our friend. He, uh, sprained his ankle, and we thought we should get routine checkups too!”

Akame crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. “You three—out. Now.”

The men scrambled, practically tripping over each other in their haste to flee the room. Once they were gone, Akame turned her attention to Gelina, who still hadn’t removed her hand from the villager’s leg.

“You don’t mind if I finish with this patient, do you?” Gelina purred, her lips curling into a mischievous smile.

Akame raised an eyebrow, her patience thin. “As long as you take your hand off his manhood.”

Gelina giggled softly, complying but clearly amused by the situation. As Akame turned to leave, she heard a sharp gasp from the man behind her, clearly one of pain as he shifted uncomfortably on the bed to get up.

Akame left the room, but shortly after the sounds inside the room behind her changed. She paused just for a moment as the man’s painful groans turned into low moans. There was a wet, slick noise following, subtle but unmistakable to anyone paying close attention. Akame didn’t need to look back to know what was happening.

As Akame ascended the stairs, she nearly bumped into Kurohime, who was on her way down. “I’ll be back in a moment,” Akame muttered. “I need a break after dealing with Gelina’s antics.”

Kurohime chuckled, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “Ah, so you caught on to her little side hobby?”

“You knew?” Akame spun around, her surprise quickly giving way to frustration but calmed down after realizing who she was talking to. “Of course you knew. Can you tell her to at least be discreet? She had a damn audience.”

Kurohime laughed softly. “I’ll give her a warning, don’t worry.”

Akame shook her head, watching as Kurohime descended the stairs, still laughing under her breath.

When Kurohime reached the infirmary, she found Gelina adjusting her outfit, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. The man from earlier was limping his way out of the room, looking as though he had just been to heaven.

“Gelina,” Kurohime began, hands on her hips, her voice a mix of amusement and sternness. “Yukari warned you not to get caught, didn’t she? Akame’s patience won’t last forever.”

Gelina was licking a milky substance from her fingers with a sultry smile. “It’s hard to control these urges when this human form... craves attention.”

“At least close the door next time,” Kurohime said, her tone light but firm. “And for the love of the gods, make sure you don’t have men lining up outside the room like it’s some sort of brothel.”

Gelina giggled, though her demeanor shifted slightly when Kurohime’s tone became more serious. “And don’t you dare lay a finger on the married men. If you do, Akame won’t just give you a warning—she’ll kill you.”

That comment made Gelina pause. The playfulness in her eyes dimmed as she realized Kurohime wasn’t joking. “I understand. I’ll keep my urges under control,” she said, bowing her head slightly.

“Good,” Kurohime said with a teasing smile.

Leaving Gelina behind, Kurohime made her way back to Yukari’s library, her footsteps slow, as if weighed down by the absurdity of the morning. She pushed open the door, glancing around to see Yukari floating books back onto the shelves with her spectral hands. Kurohime collapsed onto the couch in the center of the room, letting out a dramatic sigh as she threw her arm over her eyes.

“Yukari…” Kurohime groaned, her voice full of exaggerated exhaustion.

From behind the towering rows of books, Yukari’s voice drifted over with a warm, motherly tone. “What is it, sweetheart?”

Kurohime sighed again, shaking her head slightly. “We really did recruit too many horny women into this guild.” She placed her forearm across her face, as if shielding herself from the weight of the thought.

A soft chuckle echoed from behind the bookcases. Yukari walked into view, holding a thick tome in one hand and levitating two more with her spectral hands. “Well, what do you expect when all of our members are either unnervingly attractive or have bodies that rival goddesses?”

Kurohime peeked from beneath her arm, smirking. “Careful, or the gods might just take offense and smite the whole guild out of sheer jealousy.”

Footsteps echoed from the dining hall, drawing Kurohime’s attention. Akame slowly walked into the library, still appearing half-asleep from her rough night on the couch. She rubbed her eyes as she dropped onto the couch beside Kurohime, exhaling in frustration.

“Did you not sleep well?” Kurohime asked, raising an eyebrow in mild amusement.

“She slept here on the couch,” Yukari said as she walked around the room. “And these couches aren’t exactly the most comfortable.”

Akame sighed, shaking her head. “No, they’re definitely not.” She massaged her eyes briefly before looking at both of them, her expression finally sharpening. “But let’s get to business. I wanted to move forward with what we discussed—letting Yuzuki form her assassin group within the guild.”

Kurohime nodded thoughtfully, her earlier playfulness giving way to a more serious demeanor. “Should we bring her in to talk it over?”

Before Akame could respond, the sound of light footsteps approached the doorway. A familiar voice spoke before either of them could move.

“Akame already beat you to it.” Yuzuki appeared in the doorway, her grin wide as she walked into the room.

“Ah I see she already invited you. Well then, let’s get started.” Yukari waved her hand, and with a flick of her wrist, she levitated a table and two chairs toward them, setting them down with precision.

Yuzuki and Yukari took their seats while Kurohime and Akame leaned forward from the couch, ready to discuss the plan.

Yuzuki was the first to break the silence, her voice carrying a playful pout. “So, why did I have to leave a very warm bed and an even warmer loving girlfriend behind this morning?”

Yukari smiled, her tone motherly yet amused. “Well, sweetheart, we’ve decided to go ahead and approve your idea for starting the assassin group within the guild.”

Yuzuki’s eyes lit up, her grin widening as she practically jumped to her feet. “Really?!”

Yukari, Kurohime, and Akame all nodded in agreement, their expressions serious yet approving.

Yuzuki’s excitement couldn’t be contained as she immediately began pacing the room, her mind racing. “What about the rest of what I asked for?”

Akame leaned forward, her expression remaining calm. “Tell us officially what you need to make this group happen.”

Yuzuki put a finger to her chin, clearly deep in thought. “Well, like I mentioned before, I’d like to recruit Azure and Scarlet as members of the group. They’d only be used if necessary.”

She continued to pace, her energy infectious as she spoke. “I also know I previously asked about Yukari leading the group, but after thinking it over, I think it would be better if Yukari mentored the group while I took charge in the field.”

Yukari nodded approvingly. “I like that plan. I’ll mentor you, but you should be the one leading the entire group. You’re ready for it.”

Yuzuki’s excitement doubled as she quickly agreed.

Akame folded her arms, giving Yuzuki an encouraging smile. “Then we’re all in agreement. You can recruit who you need, but please have them approved by one of us before they’re officially part of the team.”

“Of course,” Yuzuki said eagerly, her mind already ticking through potential recruits. “I’ll make sure everyone’s vetted. I’ll also check some of my old connections—see if anyone from my past is still around. Although...” She paused, her expression turning thoughtful. “That Nila girl who’s been hanging around would be a great start.”

Yukari arched an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? The girl Akiko has been spending so much time with?”

Yuzuki nodded. “Yes, that’s the one.”

Yukari’s expression grew more serious. “I’ve sensed dark power in her. She could be useful for your group, but unfortunately, she’s already part of another guild.”

Yuzuki’s face fell slightly at the news. “Ah, right. That’s a shame. I was hoping—”

Before she could finish, another sound interrupted her—soft, sleepy footsteps from the doorway.

Yuzuki turned to see Suzuran standing there, her expression adorably sleepy, her hair tousled from sleep. She wore nothing but an unbuttoned shirt and underwear, the shirt barely hanging onto her shoulders. Her pout was unmistakable, her sleepy eyes filled with quiet frustration.

“Why did you leave our bed?” Suzuran asked, her voice filled with a soft, almost whiny tone. “You were keeping me warm.”

Yuzuki’s face quickly turned to panicked girlfriend in a heartbeat. She rushed over to Suzuran, a guilty smile on her face. “I’m so sorry! Let’s head back to bed right now.”

Turning back to Akame, Yukari, and Kurohime, Yuzuki flashed them a sheepish grin. “Thank you! I’ll start the plan right away!” She scooped Suzuran up into her arms, eliciting a soft giggle from her.

“Plan for what?” Suzuran asked sleepily, her head resting against Yuzuki’s shoulder as she snuggled closer.

Yuzuki smiled, kissing Suzuran’s forehead. “To get you back into bed with me.”

They both left the library, heading back upstairs, their voices growing quieter as they disappeared down the hallway.

Kurohime and Yukari exchanged glances, chuckling softly at the scene. Even Akame, who had been so tense earlier, smiled warmly, her face relaxing into something far softer than usual.

“While we’re all still here,” Kurohime began, breaking the silence, “I’d like to propose something.”

Akame, sensing the shift in Kurohime’s tone, straightened in her seat. “What is it?”

“I want to lead a scouting mission,” Kurohime said, her voice calm but carrying a weight that hadn’t been present before.

Yukari’s curiosity piqued. “A scouting mission? Where to?”

Kurohime’s expression darkened slightly, her eyes taking on a faraway look as if she were recalling something from a distant past. “When I first arrived on the surface world, I came through a portal hidden behind a waterfall. I was so desperate to escape that I didn’t look back... and I don’t remember closing the portal. It’s been three years, and it’s been bothering me more and more lately.”

Akame and Yukari exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to concern. “You think the portal might still be open?” Akame asked, leaning forward, her voice taking on a serious edge.

Kurohime nodded. “It’s possible. Most beings from the underworld wouldn’t be able to come through easily, but after what we’ve learned from Morye...” Her voice trailed off, and she shook her head. “I want to make sure. The last thing we need is something else slipping through.”

Yukari closed the book she had been reading, her spectral hands dispersing. “I can see why you’re worried. If the portal is still open, there’s a chance something might have come through looking for you—or Morye.”

Akame rubbed her chin thoughtfully, considering the implications. “When do you plan to head out? And do you need us to come with you?”

Kurohime shook her head. “No, I don’t need a large group. In fact, I’d prefer to keep it small. I want to take two of our members who haven’t had much field time yet.”

Yukari raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Who are you thinking?”

Kurohime’s lips curled into a slight grin. “Our little fox... and our new necromancer.”

“Akiko and Eve?” Akame asked, considering the suggestion. “Not a bad choice. But be careful with Akiko. She’s been... well, let’s just say she’s got her mind on someone lately.”

Kurohime laughed softly, her expression amused. “Oh, I’ve noticed. But don’t worry, I won’t toy with her. I respect the connection she’s developing with Nila.”

Yukari’s gaze turned more thoughtful. “Eve is a good choice. She’s powerful and her abilities will be useful for detecting anything... unnatural.”

“That’s what I was thinking,” Kurohime agreed, leaning back in her seat. “I want to leave tomorrow morning. If they’re up for it, we can be back within a week.”

Akame nodded, rising to her feet. “Let’s find out if they’re ready. Fae?” she called out toward the main hall.

Footsteps could be heard approaching from the hallway, and Fae stepped into the room with her usual grace, her calm expression a stark contrast to the energy that had filled the guild earlier. “Yes, Miss Akame?”

“Could you let Akiko and Eve know we need to speak with them?” Akame asked.

Fae nodded politely. “Of course, Miss Akame.” She turned and exited the room, her footsteps soft and efficient as she went to fetch the two women.

Moments later, Akiko and Eve entered the library, looking slightly curious but alert.

“Good morning, ladies,” Kurohime said, leaning back with a relaxed posture. “I was hoping the two of you would accept a scouting mission.”

Akiko tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “A scouting mission? Just the two of us?”

“I’ll be going with you,” Kurohime clarified. “We’re heading to a portal that brought me to the surface world. It’s hidden behind a waterfall, and I want to make sure it’s closed. The trip will take about a week, but I think it’ll be a good experience for both of you.”

Akiko thought about it to herself, reflecting on the events from the night before. The embarrassment from her run-in with Crystal still burned fresh in her mind. The accidental crash, the intimate contact—it was all too much. This mission, she realized, would be the perfect escape. A chance to clear her head and avoid the awkwardness that lingered in the air.

“I’m in,” Akiko said, her tone resolute, though a faint blush crept across her cheeks as she tried to shake off the memory.

Eve spoke up. “I don’t mind going, but is there any particular reason you’re bringing me along, Miss Kurohime?”

Kurohime stood up and sauntered over to Eve, stopping just in front of her. Her eyes gleamed with a hint of seduction as she leaned in, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. “Because, my little elf, you can control the dark arts... and you can tune into necrotic energy.” She placed a delicate finger on her lips, trying to emphasize her allure. “I have use for your... abilities.”

Eve blinked, entirely unfazed by Kurohime’s attempt at charm. With a straight face, she replied dryly, “Miss Kurohime, I prefer men. So flirting with me isn’t going to work.”

Kurohime’s pout surfaced as her seduction attempt backfired. “Hmph. Well, that’s no fun.” She sighed in mock defeat, shooting a glance toward Akiko, who had been watching the entire exchange, let out a stifled laugh, quickly covering her mouth to keep from getting into trouble with Kurohime.

With a playful huff, Kurohime regained her composure. “Alright, you two, I’m hoping to leave tomorrow morning. Can you both be ready by then?”

Both Akiko and Eve nodded in agreement, signaling that they’d be prepared in time.

“We’ll eat an early breakfast,” Kurohime continued, “and then we’ll head out on the horses. I’ll see you both tomorrow morning.”

With the plan set, Akiko and Eve left the library, heading back to their rooms to pack for the mission. As the sound of their footsteps faded down the hallway, Akame stood, stretching out her stiff limbs.

“I’m going to take a nap,” she said, her voice laced with exhaustion. “I need to make up for that uncomfortable sleep last night.”

Yukari smiled knowingly. “Get some rest, Akame.”

With a wave, Akame left the room, retreating upstairs to her room for some much-needed rest. Yukari, on the other hand, returned to her research, her spectral hands once again organizing books and scrolls as she immersed herself in her work.

Kurohime, now alone with her thoughts, sat back down on the couch. Despite the lightheartedness of the earlier exchanges, a shadow of concern lingered in her mind. She quietly chastised herself for not remembering the portal sooner—three years had passed, and only now did she feel the need to verify that it had been closed. The situation with Morye and her sisters had brought it back to the surface, and she couldn’t help but wonder if something—or someone—had followed her through all those years ago.

She shook her head, trying to brush off the nagging doubts. There was no sense in worrying about what could have been. All she could do now was confirm that the portal was sealed and ensure that nothing more had slipped through.

The remainder of the day passed uneventfully. Yukari continued helping Kurohime search for any leads regarding the whereabouts of her sisters, but her once-vast network of contacts had diminished over time. Many of the individuals Yukari had relied on were either missing, presumed dead, or otherwise unreachable.

The early morning sun cast a golden hue across the village, barely peeking over the horizon as the day began. Inside the guild hall, Scarlet was hard at work preparing breakfast for the group that was about to set out, while Azure ensured that provisions were packed and the horses were saddled.

Akiko stumbled into the dining hall, still rubbing sleep from her eyes. The smell of freshly cooked eggs, meats, and bread hit her, causing her stomach to growl audibly. Without hesitation, she grabbed a plate and began piling it high with food. Her hunger took over as she stuffed her mouth, barely pausing to breathe between bites.

Azure stood nearby, arms crossed, watching with a mix of amusement and disbelief. “Are you really going to eat all of that?” she teased, raising an eyebrow. “You do know we packed food for the trip, right?”

“Mmmf, I’m starving!” Akiko mumbled, trying to speak through a mouthful of food, but her words came out garbled and nearly impossible to understand. “I don’t even ‘member if I ate ‘ninner last night!”

Kurohime strolled in next, watching the scene unfold with an amused smirk. “Good to see you’re ready for the day,” she said dryly. “Just try not to choke on your breakfast before we leave.”

Akiko’s face flushed, but she couldn’t stop herself from stuffing in another bite. “I’ll... I’ll be... mmff... fiiiine!” she said through a mouthful of bread, bits of crumbs escaping her lips as she spoke.

Kurohime laughed, shaking her head. “If you say so.”

Eve entered the dining hall with much more composure, calmly filling her plate and sitting down to eat at a far more reasonable pace. She cast a glance at Akiko, her expression amused but quiet, before turning her attention to her own meal.

Once breakfast was finished, the group gathered their belongings and stepped outside, where their horses were already prepared. The crisp morning air filled their lungs as the soft neighs of the horses mixed with the sounds of villagers beginning their daily routines.

Fae stood by, overseeing the last-minute preparations. Her usual calm, composed expression gave off an air of quiet reassurance as she checked the saddlebags one last time.

“Everything is ready,” Fae said with a polite nod to Kurohime.

Kurohime glanced at Akiko and Eve, who were mounting their horses. “Good. The sooner we set off, the sooner we’ll be back.”

Before they could leave, Akiko turned to Fae, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency. “Fae, could you do me a favor?”

Fae tilted her head slightly, her eyes soft with understanding. “Of course. What is it, Miss Akiko?”

“If Nila comes by while I’m gone, let her know she can stay in my room. And if Kasumi comes with her, she can use the spare room.”

Fae smiled gently at Akiko’s request. “I’ll let them know. Have a safe journey.”

With the final preparations complete, Kurohime took the lead, guiding the group out of the guild’s village and into the wilderness.

Hours later, the stillness of the guild was interrupted by a soft knock at the front door. Fae, ever attentive, answered, revealing two familiar faces—Nila, with her usual infectious energy, and Kasumi, who stood beside her with her cat-like grace, her ears twitching as she took in her surroundings.

“Good afternoon, Miss Fae!” Nila greeted with a bright smile. “We’re here to accept another mission from the guild. Is Akiko around?”

Fae, expecting the question, smiled warmly. “Good afternoon, Miss Nila, Miss Kasumi. I’m afraid Miss Akiko left early this morning on a mission. She won’t be back for about a week.”

Nila’s face fell, disappointment clear in her expression. “Oh, really? I was hoping to see her...” She leaned slightly, trying to peer past Fae, as though Akiko might magically appear.

Kasumi, her tail flicking lazily behind her, chimed in. “Ny’la talks about Akiko all the time. I was hoping I’d get to properly meet her today.”

Fae’s smile remained understanding. “Miss Akiko left you a message, though. She said you’re welcome to stay in her room while she’s gone. And Kasumi, you’re welcome to stay in one of the spare rooms.”

Nila’s eyes lit up with excitement at the news. “Really?! She said that? I can stay in her room?” Before Fae could even finish nodding, Nila bolted past her, her excitement taking over as she ran upstairs.

Kasumi, moving quickly to follow, called after her, “Ny’la! Wait for me!” Her playful exclamation filled the hall as she darted up the stairs, her ears twitching with curiosity.

Azure and Scarlet, who had been nearby, exchanged knowing glances as they watched the two disappear from sight.

“She really likes Akiko, doesn’t she?” Azure remarked with a grin.

Scarlet chuckled softly. “It’s cute, really. Hopefully, things work out for them.”

Nila and Kasumi quickly made their way to the second floor of the guild hall, where Nila guided Kasumi to the room she’d be staying in. As they entered, Kasumi’s eyes went wide with awe, her tail flicking with excitement.

“Ny’la, you weren’t kidding! This place is huge! Our guild doesn’t have anything like this!” Kasumi exclaimed, spinning around to take in the room. Her gaze landed on the large bathtub in the corner, and she gasped. “It even has a bathtub in here?! Ny’la, I think we should leave Abyss and join this guild!”

Nila’s eyes widened in panic, and in an instant, she darted over to Kasumi, clamping a hand over her friend’s mouth. “Kasumi! If they hear that, we’ll be in serious trouble!” she whispered, her voice urgent. “If the boss or Rajen found out, we’d get beaten to a pulp. You know how bad things are when people try to leave.”

Kasumi’s ears drooped slightly as she gave a muffled apology, her words barely audible. “Sorry... Nya...”

Nila sighed in relief, removing her hand from Kasumi’s mouth as she straightened up. “Just be careful what you say around here, okay? But yes, this place is really everything I said it was.”

Kasumi nodded, her excitement dimming slightly. “Yeah, you’re right. It’s just... wow.”

Nila smiled, her tone softening. “I’m going to head to Akiko’s room. Make yourself at home here while we’re working.”

Kasumi grinned again, her previous excitement returning. “Will do, Ny’la!”

Nila made her way up to the third floor, a mixture of excitement and nerves bubbling inside her as she approached Akiko’s room. The moment she stepped inside, she wasted no time, flopping onto Akiko’s bed and burying her face in the blankets. She inhaled deeply, the faint scent of Akiko still lingering on the sheets.

“Ah... Akiko, you smell so wonderful,” Nila murmured to herself, a contented smile spreading across her face as she wrapped herself in the blankets.

For a few moments, Nila allowed herself to bask in the warmth and comfort of Akiko’s bed, feeling closer to her than ever. She sighed contentedly, snuggling deeper into the sheets as she closed her eyes.

But as she sat up, stretching her arms, she froze.

Standing in the doorway were two familiar faces—Ember, who looked thoroughly unimpressed, and Crystal, whose face had turned a bright shade of red as she struggled to stifle her giggles.

Nila’s face flushed a deep crimson as she realized what they had just walked in on. Slowly, with as much dignity as she could muster, she got up from the bed, walked toward the door, and, without saying a word, closed it in front of them, her face still burning with embarrassment.

Outside, Ember’s voice broke the silence. “We won’t mention what we saw.”

Nila in response let out a defeated, "Thank you..."

Crystal’s muffled laughter followed as the two women walked away, leaving Nila to stew in her mortification.

While Nila felt she was a step closer to being close to Akiko, it clearly came at a cost of embarrassment. At least for now, she could enjoy feeling like she was with her, even if only by being in her room. She would focus on her short mission with Kasumi and wait for Akiko to return so they could finally spend time together.

End