Katsuki: You know I'd keep that on the hush for you.. *He then looked back, before turning around with the blush still on his face* Whatever decision you make Kairi.... You can trust me..... *He walked closer to her, then caressing her cheeks* No matter what, I won't stop loving you.... *He said, then kissing her on her lips*

"Katsu...." As he leaned in to kiss her, she felt a warm feeling again in her body. She slowly wrapped her arms around his neck, reciprocating the kiss. "Thank you, Katsu.. I won't ever stop loving you too, my heart belongs to you.."

Katsuki: *He then broke the kiss after a bit* You know...... We do have 24 hours.... We could........ *He then shook his head* No, no way... That'd be lame of me to even ask of you.... Not to mention.... It might be too soon...

Kairi's arms stayed wrapped around his neck as he broke the kiss, "Mmm.. I don't think it'd be lame of you to ask of me..... We've already moved a little quickly as it is.. So, maybe we could be patient awhile longer.. Or, maybe we could......"

Katsuki: *He then shook his head* No, we've moved pretty fast as it is. You're right about that... I'd rather save that time... I want it to be a bit more of a special time.... Rather than a spur of the moment type of thing. *He said, then kissing her forehead and keeping her close to his chest*

Kairi smiled softly, "Alright, we'll save it for a time we'll know is best.. A time we both feel will be special..." She snuggled her head against his chest, "I think.. I feel better about coming with you to the Empire.."

Katsuki: *He smiled* Oh? Well, we'll likely have to be in cells for our time there... Also.... You know that SHE'S going to be around too..... Would you be able to hold out until the time comes? You know, the plan and all?

Kairi nodded, "Eh, it'll be difficult at first but I should be ok. I wouldn't want to screw anything up.. Not to mention, if I do let my emotions get over me, by that point they'll probably figure out I'm Akamine.." She sighed, "I'm just going to hope she doesn't get on my nerves somehow..."

Katsuki: *He nodded* Good, as I've said... Once I make the call for her judgment, that'll be your chance to end things... *He said as he then sat down on her bed* I'll try my best to keep you together if not...

"Thank you, Katsu.." Kairi sat down beside him, "Although I'm happy for everyone I've met since then.. They were my family, ya know..? It hurts..." She closed her eyes, "When I have my chance, everyone can rest in peace.."

Katsuki: That's why I'm going to ensure that you get that chance. I'm not going to let anything or anyone get in our way... We'll close the book on this... This corrupted world...

Kairi nodded and laid her back onto the bed, "Soon, sis.. Just give me a little more time and you, mom, dad, everyone.. you all can finally rest in peace... And we'll make this world a better place for everybody.."
(Should we time skip past the 24 hours?)

(Time skipping now.)
*24 hours had passed, Katsuki and Kairi made way to the forest area to meet with Ren*
Ren: So, you both showed up....... Here I was starting to think that you wouldn't...
Katsuki: Whatever! So, what happens next anyway?
Ren: All depends on you.... Just be good prisoners.... *He said as he shackled Katsuki's wrists* Gotta play your part... *He then prepared to shackle Kairi's wrists* Come on, you're coming with... Which means you as well.

Kairi looked down at the shackles, "To think that this is what it comes down to.. Hopefully everything goes smoothly.."
"Hmph.." She sharply looked to the side, "Sometimes it's hard to tell what side you're actually on..."

Ren:: I'll take that as a compliment. *He said as he shackled Kairi's wrist*.
Katsuki: Yeah? Which side are you on anyway?
Ren: Just trust me, I'm on the winning side here....*He said as he began to escort them to the Capital*
Katsuki: Good, keep being cryptic....
Ren: I'll assume you made sure none of your friends would tail us.
Katsuki: They won't... That's only a surefire way to get them and maybe us killed...
Ren: Smart boy....

Kairi followed the two. Ren was already beginning to annoy her but kept quiet. Ren already gets on my nerves as it is but he's still Katsu's brother...." Kairi closed her eyes, "I need to keep myself together... Especially if she's going to be there...."

Ren: Now..... Here's what's going to happen.... Once we get there, you and Katsu are going to be prisoners.. Katsu, you'll be participating in the tournament.... .Kairi, you'll stay as a spectator..
Katsuki: Tournament?
Ren: What? Did you not want to participate?
Katsuki: ......... *He couldn't help but look at him with a menacing glare from behind him* How in the hell-
Ren: Because if I were in your predicament, I'd do the same.... Work from the inside, then work the way up....
Katsuki: .......... When you say the winning side......
Ren: Lady Es will be expecting a good show.... Don't disappoint her now... I hear she takes a liking to strong men of power...
Katsuki: Is that so? [If he knows that much, then does he....] What do you know? *He said, trying to see if he knew about Kairi*
Ren: About what? *He said while putting on a confused face* I only know about my brother and his, dare I say lovely lady being taken prisoner to the Empire.
Katsuki: Keep those eyes forward before I claw em and burn em...
Ren: That wouldn't be smart now, would it?
Katsuki: For me or you?

"As if that confusing face is easy to believe... I really can't tell what's going through his mind at all.."
"Bleh, I'm going to ignore you even said that to begin with...." Kairi said with disgust but she then sighed, "It's alright, Katsu..... While all of this sounds fine, aren't they aware you're bringing him in as prisoner? If the Empire knows about Katsu and Aoi Hono already, would they still allow him to participate in the tournament?"

Ren: Of course.... They think they're about to use Katsuki as a weapon for the Empire....
Katsuki: Really?
Ren: Why else do you think they want you? You've been ripped from the rebellious forces... You saw the error of your ways, participate in the tournament.

Kairi raised an eyebrow, "And they really will just believe that that easily?" She thought about it, "Well, I guess the tournament does serve as proof to them..... Ok, then Katsu participates in the tournament and joins forces with them.. What does that mean for me? Do I stay as prisoner in the meantime?"

Ren: That you do... You'll need to stay until Katsu gets through the tournament... You'll act as Katsuki's leverage in order for him to participate...
Katsuki: Is that so?
Ren: That's what you’ll need to do....
Katsuki: .....
Ren: Once the tournament's over, you'll be freed... Of course, you'll be allowed to spectate to ensure that your precious Katsu is alright.

"My precious Katsu?" Kairi glared at him for just a second and then looked away, "Just when I start getting used to talking to you, you find someway to annoy me all over again, huh..... But, alright, I can deal with that in the meantime.."

Ren: Aw, do I bother you that much?
Katsuki: Wow, you really ARE annoying... Seriously, it's a wonder the Empire hasn't just executed you for being so annoying...
Ren: Yeah? You know you'd love to have me as an in-law Kairi...
Katsuki: I've just barely began to tolerate you...... You're not invited to the wedding....
Ren: Oh, how my brother wounds me so.....
Katsuki: Seriously..... How are you my brother?
*As their bickering continued, they began to make way into the Capital*
Ren: Alright, now keep on your toes here.... Once we're inside, make sure to show your willingness to the Empire.
Katsuki: Guess that means having to suck up to a child....... Not somewhere I saw my life going...
Ren: Yeah, neither did I.. But, it would seem we're here anyway...
Katsuki: Whatever, you ready to play your part Kairi?

Even though Kairi's dreading arriving to the Empire, their bickering entertained her on the way there.
"Show willingness to the Empire?" Kairi sighed, "I don't think there's any words that I hate more...." She then nodded, "Yeah, I'm ready whenever you are."

Ren: Then time to begin the opening chapter of life in the Empire..... *He then brought them in to the Empire, bringing them before Prime Minister Honest and the Emperor* As promised, I've brought back our lost weapon, plus a bit of interest.
Honest: Mmm... Excellent work Ren..... So, this is the lost child of the blue flame...
Katsuki: ......... I apologize for my ways.... *He then bowed to them* After finally getting back the memories needed, I'm ready to come clean to serve.
Honest: A former amnesiac huh? And the girl?
Ren: A friend that wanted to come with.... She objected to him going, but figured she'd make sure he stays in check.
Honest: Mm, with the way it is.... It makes sense....
Ren: If it's alright with you, I'd like to take these two to their holding cells...
Honest: Of course... Oh and Ren, you'll be attending tonight's dinner correct?
Ren: Wouldn't miss it for the world..... *He then escorted Katsuki and Kairi to their cells, taking off the shackles* Tonight's going to be an interesting night.....
Katsuki: The hell makes you say that?
Ren: Just trust me... Anyway, I'll be back later to feed you two.... Might as well be hospitable.... Later. *He then headed off, leaving Kairi and Katsuki in their cells*
Katsuki: ......... What the hell is in that mind of yours Ren?

"Just trust me, he says....." Kairi stretched her wrists now that they're freed from the shackles. "I can't tell what he's thinking more than half of the time and I don't know if that's beneficial for them or if it's beneficial for us. Can't really do much other than take his word, I guess.... At least we're not in that room anymore.."

Katsuki: Yeah..... Just putting on that act.... Anyway.... If you ask me, I think he might be on our side.... Well, I could be wrong... But he mentioned this being the opening chapter of life in the Empire.... Of course, it's easy to misinterpret meanings like that.... But, basing from that.... He's got to be with us...

Kairi sighed, "In all honesty, I think so too... But, the main thing driving that idea for me is the fact that he's your brother. You both come from the same family, the chances of him genuinely supporting their side has to be low, right...? The only reason he technically is on their side is on behalf of you, or at least that's what he says.." She sat down on the bed in the cell, "I don't know.. He makes it hard for me to feel like I can trust him."

Katsuki: Yeah, you're not wrong for that either... I mean, he's playing for the Empire..... Still, I can never help but wonder what he's got going in that head of his...

"That makes the two of us... Ren is sure confusing.." Kairi looked to the side with an annoyed look, "And irritating.... Whatever. Whatever he tosses at us, I'm sure we'll be able to handle it.."

Katsuki: Hm, of course we'll be able to handle it.....
*Not too long after, a sound of boots could be heard entering the room*
Katsuki: That sound....
*As it got closer, it was revealing a uniformed woman with ice blue hair. It was Esdeath, leader of the Jaegers*
Esdeath: Well well.... So you must be Katsuki..
Katsuki: Judging by that mark..... I'd have to guess you're THE Esdeath..... Leader of the Jaegers right?
Esdeath: Someone's done their homework..... I just wanted to see what to expect tomorrow....
Katsuki: ....... Don't worry, I'm not going to hold back... Besides, I'm doing it all for a chance at an audience with you....
Esdeath: An audience huh? Well, aren't you cute.
Katsuki: Trust me, I'm more than just a cute face.... You'll come to understand that.

The moment Esdeath came into the scene, Kairi's body immediately tensed up. "Esdeath...." She felt anger slowly build inside her, quickly looking away from Esdeath's direction. "A chance at an audience with her, hm? I know it's on behalf of the plan, but it still bothers me...... Either way, I have little to no interest in starting a conversation with someone like her. Someone who went against my family...'

Esdeath: I see, perhaps if you give it your all.... You might have a place on the Jaegers...
Katsuki: That's what I'm here for.... Besides, maybe I'll even take your spot... *He said jokingly* Hm, only kidding.... Of course, looking at you..... I wouldn't doubt you're looking for.... A bit more.
Esdeath: You can read a woman.... Well, you're not wrong... Within this recruitment, I'm also hoping to find an opportunity for a strong warrior, as well as a husband.
Katsuki: Heh, strange.... I never would've taken you as someone looking to be wed. Well, if you're looking for a warrior.... Then I'll sweep the floor with the whole tournament..... Just you watch..
Esdeath: Well, I'll be expecting great things from you... *She then walked away, the sound of her boots growing more and more distant*
Katsuki: ....... I've already got her close..... Once I win this tournament, I'll have her right where I need her....

"Hm, I guess so......" Kairi didn't seem all the interested considering it's Esdeath. "She better see you as a potential warrior after the tournament and nothing more than that or she'll have another problem with me....."

Katsuki: *He couldn't help but smirk, looking at Kairi and noting her jealousy* Awww, you jealous over little ol me? You don't need to worry Kairi, I belong only to you...

Kairi started blushing when he mentioned her jealousy, denying it, "I- I'm not jealous...." She crossed her arms and looked to the side, "Just.. You should be telling her that you belong to me since I already know..."

Katsuki: You can trust me, I won't let things get too far... Remember, I'm still gonna make that call.. It wouldn't make much sense for me to get close to someone I'd be ready to kill....

Kairi nodded, "Yeah, I know... I trust you with all of my heart, but I really just can't trust her. She's already taken almost everything from me and she doesn't even know it... I won't let her take any more."

Katsuki: *He kept his hand on the bar* She won't..... We've got the Jaegers in check here. The others are safe, then I'll do what needs to be done. Al of our hardships, all of our tribulations.... Kairi....... Tomorrow's when history will be made..... Tomorrow's when our lives truly change...

"Correction..." Kairi stood up from the bed, holding her hands behind her back,"We'll do what needs to be done... I am here to keep you check and all.. But, that still doesn't mean I'm letting you do it all alone. I'll help clear the path for you to reach the ultimate goal." She smiled, "And we'll celebrate victory! Not just for us, not just for the others, but for everyone."

(I'm skipping to Katsuki's win of the tournament, since that's the next big thing happening.)
Katsuki: *He nodded* Right!
*The next day, Katsuki had blazed his way through the tournament. It then granted him the audience with Esdeath*
Esdeath: Well, you've certainly proved yourself....
Katsuki: Before we begin.... There's one other prisoner that was sent here.... I want her to be in attendance as well.....

*Ren then headed to the cells after the match, opening the cell to let Kairi out*
Ren: Yo....He's got his audience... You better be ready.... Because today's gonna be a pretty good day...

(Alrighty!)
Kairi walked out of the cell, stretching out her body, "Good, I was starting to get tired of being stuck in there for so long... You said he got his audience, huh? We only get closer and closer from here.. I'm ready."

Ren: Yeah, but I'm not sure you're ready for what may happen next though..... Come on, first we meet up with Esdeath..... Then we'll get on with the show..... *He said escorting Kairi with him, beginning to make way to where Katsuki and Esdeath met up*
Katsuki: Good, they're both here... Lady Esdeath, I wish to be very transparent with you.... Tell me something.... *He showed the mark on his hand* This mark may be just an Imperial Arms to the naked eye, but you know what this is.
Ren: [Now's when the cogs begin to move in motion.]
Esdeath: That mark... *She put her hands to his* That's....
Katsuki: The old Emperor's mark... To be more precise, the fourth Emperor's mark...
Esdeath: And that mark, it was said that the mark was worn by royal blood.
Katsuki: Exactly... Now, what if I were to tell you.... The very justice you fought for....
Esdeath: Who says I'm fighting for justice?
Katsuki: *He smirked* Oh, that's right...... You fought to satisfy a bloodlust......... A person who'd start a war just to fight......
Esdeath: *She drew her sword suddenly, pointing it at Katsuki* Is there a point you're trying to make?
Katsuki: ...... A point? I have no need to make points.... *He then removed the bandage from his right eye. It showed a scar, however the eye opened revealing an azure blue eye. Suddenly his voice sounded like two voices resonating* What you need to know is you're not in control!
Esdeath: *Hearing and seeing Katsuki caused her sword arm to shake, though her face was unchanging* You-
Katsuki: You can't cut me down, because even you're smarter than to face me....
Ren: [What the hell is this pressure? Katsu.....]
Katsuki: Esdeath......... I want to request something of you.... As a request from the fourth Emperor.... A request from someone who's been robbed of his throne....... I want you to take care of something..... Wild Hunt...
Esdeath: Wild hunt?!
Katsuki: Surely, you're up for the task.... Are you not? Oh, you won't have to worry about the Prime Minister trust me........ Your crew is more than capable..... *He then turned his back, walking out with Ren and Kairi*
Ren: Katsu...... Holy shit....
*Katsuki then put his bandage back on, his voice returning to normal*
Katsuki: Time to finish this...... The Emperor and the Prime Minister....
Ren: We're to have lunch with them.... With your win, they believe you're entitled to your first meal within the Empire....
Katsuki: Perfect, then we end it there...

"This... This feeling.. What am I feeling from Katsu..? Where did this all come from so suddenly?" Even if it was just for a moment, Kairi felt like she couldn't even move. "That other voice.. Could that be...?"
"Wait.. wait..." Kairi stopped in her steps when she walked out with Ren and Katsuki, " We can't move on just like that! Not after all of... that! As amazing and as fascinating as it was, I don't even know if I can even process what happened.. Katsu, what was that? Even just yesterday, you felt like a completely different person.." She shook her head, "I'm sorry, I don't mean that in bad sense, but just.... your power.. everything... To see it grow like this.."

Katsuki: ..... That.... Was Aoi Hono...
Ren: Katsu, you mentioned by request of the fourth emperor.... That's an oddly specific request.. Especially for someone who isn't even alive...
Katsuki: ....... You know the history right? About how the fourth emperor was turned into a danger beast....
Ren: ........
Katsuki: Well, that other voice.... That's who you heard.... I mentioned I saw Aoi Hono in a dream.... The fourth emperor,..... That's who I saw..

"So it actually was Aoi Hono then... That dream really did open so much and it changed your connection with it so drastically.." Kairi scratched the back of her head, "I'm sorry, I just.... I wasn't expecting all that and it's only gonna move up from here.."

Katsuki: *He shook his head* It's fine.....
Ren: Aoi Hono...... To think you'd be able to bond with it on such a level....
Katsuki: Anyway..... Should I be aware of any surprises for our lunch?
Ren: Well, let's just say I think it'd be better for you to see....
*They then headed to the dining hall, the Emperor and Prime Minister Honest awaiting them*
Ren: Honest! I've fetched our guests....
Honest: Perfect..... *He then looked at Katsuki* You.... You've put on quite the show....
Katsuki: I've tended not to disappoint....
Honest: That Imperial Arms....... You call it Aoi Hono, correct?
Katsuki: That it is.....
Honest: Quite the impressive weapon....
Emperor: Agreed, you'll serve as quite the weapon to the Empire...
Katsuki: Hm....
Honest: Anyway, come on..... It's time for us to dine.... *He said as they began to be seated*
Ren: Hey, Emperor.... That feast last night..... I just wanted you to know it was a pretty good one...
Honest: Of course it was.. Prepared by only the finest chefs in all of the land...

Kairi walked into the dining hall and was seated like the rest. She kept her hands together on her lap. "Must've been interesting then. Though, prepared by the finest chefs in all of the land, huh...? That's....." Kairi kept her mouth shut before she continued her sentence, trying to avoid saying anything that could come off as negative. She just looked down at her hands.
"I'd say that's honestly debatable..... Though, being around them is uneasy enough for me, I'm not trying to draw attention.." She thought.

Katsuki: She's at a loss for words.... You see, she's actually quite into the culinary arts as well.... So, all I can say is this... If these chefs truly are the best in the land, then I'll be the one to judge it.
Ren: Though you may not have to.....
*They then looked over to the Emperor who began to seem like he was sweating*
Ren: Emperor, are you alright?
Emperor: O-Of course, I'm just-
Ren: Feeling a little warm?
Katsuki: [What is he...]
Ren: It might be a fever... You know, overworking your imperial duties and such... It'll pass...
Emperor: I-I don't know... This doesn't feel....
Honest: Emperor, if you're not feeling up to-
Ren: I think he's feeling fine....
Katsuki: [Could this....]
Honest: What are you talking about? Clearly his highness isn't feeling well...
Ren: You sure? I'd say he's just fine..... You know Honest..... I never would've taken you for the caring type....
Honest: What are you talking about? Ren if you continue, I'll take away your Imperial Arms!
Ren: Do it, why don't you use Erastone right now then..
*Honest tried to use the ring to get Ren, however nothing was happening*
Honest: Why is Erastone not responding?!!!
Ren: ..... Whoops.... I think Erastone's broken. Katsu!
*As if right on cue, Katsuki leapt and punched Honest right in the face, taking him down to the ground and holding his arm in a hold*
Ren: Checkmate, you throne robbing piece of shit..
Honest: Ren!! You'd dare turn your back on the Empire?!! After EVERYTHING?!!!!!
Ren: What are you talking about? As far as I'm concerned I think this is a win for the Empire. Isn't that right? Emperor Katsuki.....
Honest: What??!!!!! *As this happened, the Emperor's body began heat up more, leaving red marks on his body.* NOO!!!!
Emperor: Kat....su.....
Katsuki: You're just a kid that got put into a situation he shouldn't have.... You were put in a place no kid should have.... Everything you did, thinking you did right.... I know there's a part of you that wanted to do the right thing.... You got wound up in this......... Now it's my turn.... I'll do what's right for this world....
Honest: And what do you know about leading?!! Hold on, if you're really Emperor... You're gonna need a prime minister! I can help you!
Katsuki: Oh? *He smirked* Damn, that's a pretty good idea... *He said as he slammed his head down to the ground to knock him out* Changed my mind, I've already got someone that I can trust....

"Moving quicker than I expected, did Ren have all this planned from the start? By this point with them down, the only person I'd worry about finding out about my Imperial Arm sooner than I'd like would be Esdeath. I guess I'll just take it that I can fully trust Ren at this point....." Kairi thought.
With the Emperor down and Honest knocked out, there were a rush of guards attempting to make their move but Kairi moved faster. Any of the guards that came remotely close to them, Kairi took out with close combat and she then quickly used her shadows to create barriers over any of the entrances into the dining hall. It's possible to go through the barrier, but it'd only cause you to succumb to her darkness. Kairi stood near the two, "Idiots, letting their biggest threats be so close to them like this...... I can only keep the barriers up for so much longer, so what do you plan to do with him now, take him out? Or... I'd say you can take Erastone and maybe take him in as a prisoner.. Make him taste a little bit of his own medicine before he can see his final day....."