TV Tropes applying to the Shape of Heaven (Akane) 

Action Girl: She's a fierce wolf, whether she's standing upright or running on all fours in her true wolf form. In her pack, using the human form isn't exactly favored due to their wolf pride, but not for Akane. She values practicality and the advantages of switching forms, so she shifts without hesitation. While her pack may disapprove of using human form, driven by their collective wolf pride, Akane sees the benefits of flexibility and isn't afraid to utilize her human form. Her prowess is nothing short of extraordinary, with enough Charles Atlas Superpower to make any potential opponent think twice before landing the first attack. 

Bad Liar: She's actually kinda pretty bad at lying, no wonder the mouthpiece of the du Cronos Siege Party is usually Anthony. Including but not limited to Akane's skills denying her feelings for Anthony, they were about as good as a fish trying to ride a bicycle.

Morality Pet: Akane and Anthony are this for each other. They share a sense of responsibility towards each other that pushes them to go above and beyond. Akane is determined to protect Anthony at any cost, while Anthony is committed to aiding Akane in achieving her goal of the deliverance of her territory. Their loyalty to each other is what defines their relationship and, in a story filled with questionable characters and murky motives, it is perhaps their only redeeming quality.

Uptight Loves Wild: Inverted. Irony is in the air indeed. Anthony, a dragon who is seen as an unstable force without self-control, prone to deception and backstabbing, and who will do anything to exercise her twisted sense of free will, genuinely falls in love with Akane, a wolf who represents an allegory to authority, conquest, and control.

Canis Major: Throughout the events of "Norrington's Desire," everyone assumed that Akane, being the mother of such a colossal wolf, would also be a giant canine herself. I mean, it only made sense, right? But hold on to your hats because in "The Lair of the Crimson Emperor," the truth is finally unveiled. Akane, turns out, is not some towering, mythical creature. She's just your average arctic she-wolf, albeit on the larger side, like a Great Dane. It's her son who takes the cake in the size department, an elephant-sized behemoth. So yeah, Akane's size? It's more on the realistic side, considering the circumstances.

Consummate Professional: Although it may not seem so at first glance, Akane takes her job as an alpha wolf very seriously. She's got zero tolerance for unprofessional behavior, people letting their personal drama cloud their judgment, or making dumb little mistakes that can mess up a hunt. She knows that every move counts, and she's not about to let anyone jeopardize the mission with their careless slip-ups. And let me tell you, that same level of dedication carries over to her role in the du Cronos Siege Party. She's all in, giving it her everything to make sure they come out on top.

Author Appeal: I'm not even gonna try to hide my thing for dominant, strong-willed and commanding women. Anthony shows herself with a confident and outgoing demeanour, yet it is only a small facet of her complex personality. In private, she unveils her submissive sexual nature, particularly towards dominant women who embody a commanding and even violent disposition. Her romantic interests typically lean towards partners who exhibit assertiveness and both mental and physical strength, possibly influenced by her desire to break free from all types of limitations and the strength required to do so. Any wonder why Akane is considered by virtually anyone her One True Love?

Boxing Battler: Akane, though usually preferring the use of claws, fangs and stiletto heels, has also been known to surprise opponents with her fast, up-close punches reminiscent of middleweight boxing. It seems that her son Freki has inherited her fighting style, but on a much larger scale - he prefers a brawling approach that's more akin to heavyweight boxers.

Parental Favoritism: Downplayed and ultimately Subverted. Sephiroth believed Akane loved Freki more, but considering he is an Unreliable Narrator and they had a good relationship, it's likely that after her death, Sephiroth's growing bitterness made him believe her interactions with Freki as proof that he loved her more. It's undeniable that Akane loved him because he was her son, even if he was also Askari's; all Akane wanted was for Sephiroth to be a source of guidance and support for Freki, who was only half-wolf.

Insult Backfire: In one of his last dying words, Kawren/Owen says she's just like Anthony (meaning, a callous and controlling monster who would do anything to achieve their objectives). However, instead of taking offence, she interprets it as a sign of compatibility and just makes her way more sure that they are an ideal match for each other.

Running Away to Cry: Back in the day, Akane was raised with a strict rule: emotions are for manipulation, not display. So when the sadness hits her, she's got a habit of hightailing it away from the du Cronos Siege Party and finding a hidden spot to let the tears flow. She prefers keeping that vulnerable side on the down-low. But one day, while she was patching up Anthony's wounds, he accidentally catches a glimpse of her shedding tears for the first time ever. Turns out, she was feeling guilty for putting him in harm's way and was downright terrified at the thought of losing him. It was a raw moment. But as soon as Anthony wakes up, she goes back to her usual routine of denying those feelings, like it never happened.

God Couple/Ruling Couple: In a bold bid for ultimate power, Anthony sought to attain godhood, driven by the overwhelming desire to reunite with Akane and reign as the unchallenged Heads of the du Cronos Dynasty. Alas, their reunion was not meant to be, for the stars did not align and the fates conspired against them. The dream of a mighty, unstoppable team couldn't be materialized, leaving the dragon with a deep sense of loss and despair. Their tragic separation continues to weigh heavily on Anthony, a constant reminder of what might have been.

Vitriolic Best Buds: Akane and Amy are pretty much frenemies - they have a love-hate relationship that's strong on both ends. They often get under each other's skin, but there's also an unspoken understanding and admiration between them.

Finishing Move: Akane's signature coup de grâce is a Spinning Heel Kick aimed directly at the side of an opponent's skull. She originally picked up this technique from Amy, who used the very same move to triumph over her in their initial encounter. However, Akane turned that crushing defeat into a weapon of her own, unleashing the same crushing force that once took her down upon anyone who dared to stand in her way.

Fire-Forged Friends: Initially, Akane doesn't trust Amy and even considers eliminating her while she sleeps, out of concern that she might interfere with her hold on the du Cronos Siege Party and jeopardize her not-at-all-corrupting efforts. However, as they spent more time together, Akane began to warm up to Amy, and by the time they arrived in the Southern Realm, she regarded her as a friend. The three of them then worked together to hatch a plan to eliminate Owen along with Geist du Cronos' court.

Combat Parkour: As a seasoned resident of the mountains and forests, Akane possesses a remarkable ability to traverse great distances with ease, leaping across even towering buildings to pursue her prey with the agility and grace of a true predator.

So Proud of You: Akane sports a cheery yet Psychotic Smirk as she sees Anthony unleash a savage knee strike upon Kawren, quickly securing the three count and claiming the title of Emperor. Her smirk speaks volumes, for it reflects not only her delight in seeing her beloved triumphantly outwit his opponents for the throne but also her awareness that the wheels are set in motion to eliminate Kawren, sealing their grand scheme.

Secret Test of Character: Doubling as a Wacky Marriage Proposal. In ''The Lair of the Crimson Emperor'', Akane confronts Anthony in a rather forceful manner, questioning his loyalty and challenging him to betray her by stabbing her in the back. She presents him with an opportunity, fully aware that with his dragon strength, his claws would not have many issues piercing her skin. Displaying the test, she turns her back to him, waiting for his response. However, Anthony surprises her by choosing her, gently placing his hand on her back, and caressing her instead. He openly expresses his admiration for Akane, referring to her as an Empress Among Queens, and confesses his desire to witness her reign reach its zenith. In that unexpected moment, Akane pauses, turns around, and sincerely apologizes for her initial doubts... before surprising Anthony with a passionate kiss. And that, my children, was their peculiar way of proposing, sealing their bond in a unique and unconventional manner.

Force and Finesse: When it's time to get down to business, both Anthony and Akane bring their own brand of danger to the table. Anthony focuses on cunning ambushes, deceptive manoeuvres, and underhanded tactics, always keeping her opponents guessing. On the other hand, Akane is a huntress, embodying raw power, resilience, and lightning-fast agility, as she crushes her targets with unyielding and direct violence.

• It's an interesting twist, as the wolf is typically associated with the stealthy ambush approach, while the dragon is usually linked to brute strength and power. However, in this dynamic duo, it's the dragon who excels at the art of surprise attacks, while the wolf is the one who packs the kick with swift precision.

You Gotta Have Blue Hair: Her luscious mane resembles the pristine snow of the Arctic, as she too, like her eldest son, boasts a coat of dazzling white fur.

Battle Couple: Akane, a determined, crafty, skilled, and experienced she-wolf, and her 50-foot tall dragon spouse (who is usually the support) used to be one, back in the day.

Blessed with Suck: In "The Lair of the Crimson Emperor," it's revealed that her combat clairvoyance power includes a remarkable talent for interpreting body language. This skill proves particularly valuable in battles when she faces overwhelming odds. However, the downside is that she cannot deactivate this ability, leading her to unintentionally hurt Amy's feelings when she notices her being upset but fails to react empathetically.

Ambiguously Human: Or rather, ambiguously normal wolf. Akane and her son Freki possess extraordinary abilities that seem to defy natural wolf prowess. Freki's astounding abilities were previously attributed to his dragon lineage, but the revelation that his mother has accomplished similar feats without such a genetic cocktail has left many mystified and questioning the true source of their enigmatic prowess.

• To put this in perspective: Comparing a wolf's strength to that of a dragon is like comparing a lynx's strength to that of a lion. However, despite this, Akane has managed to achieve feats that even some dragon hybrids struggle with. For example, she was able to temporarily overpower and pummel Amy to the ground, who is basically the big bad bitch in terms of battle prowess between the three du Cronos siblings. Additionally, she landed a spinning heel kick to Geist du Cronos' skull, which while not enough to knock him out, did manage to disorient him for a moment. These are impressive displays of strength and combat ability for a "normal" wolf.

Massive Numbered Siblings: During a hunting trip with Amy, Akane revealed that she has at least 10 siblings, and at one point, they seek assistance from one of her sisters by visiting her pack. This fact is not particularly surprising, given that wolves give birth to litters.

All Amazons Want Hercules: Subverted. Akane has a strict criterion when it comes to finding a potential life partner - they must be powerful enough to hold onto their own territory with an iron grip. However, there's another requirement that is non-negotiable for her - she must be the one calling the shots. Lucky for her, she hit the jackpot with Anthony. He's no pushover, mind you, but he's more than happy to let Akane be the one to steer the ship in their relationship. It's a power couple match Made in Hell.

Big Damn Heroes: Whenever Anthony is in danger, Akane is ready to pounce on any threats that dare to come near him. At first, she casually waved it off as "just protecting her safe ticket to the Southern Realm" or "eliminating future problems before they become big headaches for the du Cronos Siege Party". But as time passed, it became clear that Akane's devotion to protecting Anthony was the first sign of her smouldering love for her. And when she promised to keep her safe until the day she became Emperor, any doubts about her feelings were wolf-whistled away. She's got her back, now and forever.

Broken Ace: She has a no-nonsense and cynical demeanour, is a fantastic leader and her pack holds her in high regard but as ''In The Lair of the Crimson Emperor'' shows, she’s deeply lonely and is looking for anyone she can truly rely on while continually pushing people away due to her trust issues after the constant abuse from her mate. On top of that, she carries the weight of her Alpha status. She can't let anyone see the cracks in her armor, the pressure she feels on her shoulders. Had to witness how dragons, led by Geist du Cronos ruined and usurped her original territory. But now, she's found herself in the du Cronos Siege Party, and it's a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, she finally feels like she belongs somewhere, like she's found her rightful place. It's a choice she made, not something forced upon her. But deep down, there's still that lingering doubt, that uncertainty about whether this new path is truly where she's meant to be.

Reincarnation Romance: Zig-zagged. During the aftermath of the du Cronos Dynasty's siege against the House of Laurel, Akane asks to have a word with her living spouse, thinking she might have the solution to end the Siege. When they reunite, after the impulsive sessions of hugs, tears and kisses, Akane tells Anthony that she had decided to reincarnate. She genuinely feels that as long as she's in the Underworld, Anthony will be unable to let go and will continue to do whatever it takes to reunite with her. She believes this would hinder their progress, and she doesn't want that for the love of her life.

• When Anthony promises to search for her across time to be together again, Akane gently advises against it. Her reluctance doesn't stem from a lack of longing for their reunion post-reincarnation; but because she desires to ensure that their connection is genuine, a true bond of soulmates. She wishes for them to run towards each other, allowing fate to guide their paths. If they are destined to be soulmates, they will find each other even without actively searching. Anthony pledges not to actively seek her out but eagerly anticipates their eventual reunion.

Everyone Can See It: It's been clear to everyone around her that she has been developing romantic feelings for Anthony ever since they started getting closer to each other. Ironically, in the beginning, Anthony was the only one who was oblivious to her affections, and thought that his feelings were entirely one-sided.

Genki Girl: Downplayed, but still surprising. Akane's not one to be bouncing off the walls, but when she's feeling excited,it's quite the spectacle. What ignites her passion, you might wonder? Well, nothing revs her engine quite like a good old-fashioned attack from the enemy or a well-executed plan to take them down. Bring on the adrenaline!

Wartime Wedding: Unbeknownst to the world, Anthony and Akane clandestinely tie the knot just before the du Cronos Siege Party embarks on their initial move in the Siege against the Southern Realm. The secret marriage only comes to light when Anthony orchestrates his deceptive rise to the position of Emperor.

Foil: Akane and Nicoletta da Firenze serve as foils to each other in the story. While both have light-coloured hair and hold the position of deuteragonists, receiving only slightly less focus than the main character who also happens to be their love interest. One common trait is their unwavering protectiveness towards their beloved, leading them to unleash brutal violence upon those who dare to harm them. Additionally, both Akane and Nicoletta hold the position of the youngest child in their respective families, also assuming leadership roles within their groups despite not being the central protagonist. Another intriguing connection between them is their mysterious association with the goddess Laurel.

• Let's delve into the contrasting aspects of Akane and Nicoletta's characters. Although they both hold the role of deuteragonists, their paths diverge significantly. Akane plays the role of a villain deuteragonist, gradually influencing Anthony towards darker traits such as greed, pride, and an insatiable thirst for power. On the other hand, Nicoletta takes on the mantle of a hero deuteragonist, guiding Medea on a transformative journey towards compassion, companionship, and genuine heroism.
• The contrasting dynamics of their protectiveness can be also understood in context. Akane's protective streak comes from Anthony's tendency to be a coward, despite his strong exterior. She just feels this natural pull to keep him safe. In contrast, Nicoletta's protective instincts towards Medea stem from their deep bond as teammates and eventual lovers, where her role extends beyond mere defence.
  
• At first, Akane seems a bit distant and pulls off the whole tsundere act with Anthony. Nicoletta, on the other hand, is just a bundle of kindness and warmth. She's been showing affection to Medea since day one, way before any romance blooms.
  
• Moreover, Akane's connection with the goddess Laurel comes from her being a wolf, creating this natural link as wolves are instinctively subservient to Laurel. On the flip side, Nicoletta's connection with Laurel runs much deeper, given that she's essentially a human incarnation of the goddess.
  
• Akane's social skills are a bit rusty, thanks to a laryngeal injury that made her mute. Talking isn't her strong suit, but she's pretty resourceful in finding other ways to communicate and build connections. Now, Nicoletta's a different story – she's got this natural charm that shines through her words. The way she talks just has this captivating effect, and she's great at swaying people with her eloquence.
  
• Akane is clearly a tomboy with a girly streak, She embraces her inner tomboy by displaying qualities such as being adventurous, independent, and unafraid to get her hands dirty. However, Akane shows love for dresses and has a natural talent for interacting with children. On the other hand, Nicoletta is a girly girl with a touch of tomboyishness. While she exudes a more feminine and graceful aura, Nicoletta also possesses a competitive spirit and a talent for engaging in athletic endeavors. Her love for sports and her skilful handling of firearms demonstrate this the most.
  
• On a more visual aspect, while Anthony is at best just slightly taller than Akane, Nicoletta consisetly towers over Medea.

Affectionate Nickname: Despite not being interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL), Akane managed to learn one sign which has become incredibly meaningful to her. It's the sign for calling someone "Beloved", and it's the only way she communicates with ASL. This small gesture shows how much she cares for her spouse Anthony and their special connection, even if it's just through a single sign.

Villain Protagonist: She's a Villain Deuteragonist, having the second-greatest character focus behind Anthony during 'In The Lair of the Crimson Emperor''. The story centres focus heavily on their interactions with one another, along with Akane initially using Anthony to free her territory from Geist du Cronos' influence and reclaim their rightful place right after they meet in the first chapter, until they slowly but surely fall in love with each other.

The Dreaded: Although Akane is considered second-best to her mate, the du Cronos siblings- a pair of dragons, a species known for besting wolves in strength and physical might - understand the importance of respecting a skilled and experienced wolf with a fearsome presence. Aware of Akane's reputation as a seasoned huntress, leader, and fighter, both siblings tread carefully and try not to provoke the pack leader when they go to visit her. 

Ambiguously Evil: Though she claims to be only seeking the deliverance of her territory, her demeanour is marked by an ominous air of cunning, and callousness that suggests a hidden agenda. What was once a veil of ambiguity is lifted when she and the du Cronos siblings unveil their true nature, and the depths of their burning goal are laid bare for all to see.

Unusual Ears: Unlike her hubby's ears, which are kinda pointy and human-like, she's got wolf ears that have been passed down through her family for at least three generations! The latest member of the clan to rock them is none other than her grandchild Juni Stivron.

Pretentious Pronunciation: Akane's given name is seemingly spelt and said as A-Kane, which is how her siblings refer to her. However, she's not a fan of the name's pretentious vibes and the unfortunate implications of sounding like the biblical bad boy Cain. Instead, she prefers to go by A-ka-knee and she is quick to correct anybody using that other pronunciation.

Sickly Child Grew Up Strong: Despite being born as the runt of the litter, Akane didn't let her small size hold her back. Growing up, she was always the smallest and weakest among her siblings, but that only made her parents more protective of her. As she grew older, Akane developed into a fierce and capable leader, a skilled huntress and tracker, and a formidable fighter. She became an invaluable member of both her pack and the du Cronos Siege Party. Even with all her achievements, Akane can't stand it when her siblings bring up her past as a puny, sickly cub. She's worked hard to overcome those early struggles and doesn't want to dwell on them. So, she doesn't hold back in giving them a piece of her mind and makes it crystal clear that underestimating her is a big mistake.

Arranged Marriage: Subverted. The du Cronos Siege Party had believed that Akane's discontent with her married life stemmed from being forced into an arranged engagement with Askari. Like the usual plan was to unite their wolf packs and maintain the lineage of Pure-Blooded Arctic wolves. Akane tried her best to dodge the subject. Until, well, it became painfully obvious and practically confirmed that she and Askari were head over heels in love way back when. I'm talking old-school courtship and tying the knot. But, here's where things get messy. Askari, in a classic case of getting bored with the whole monogamy deal, seemingly lost interest in Akane... and well, got bored of being tied down, if you catch my drift.

Unkempt Beauty: Despite the rigorous life of a huntress, Akane manages to maintain a striking appearance that belies her gruelling daily routine. While one would expect her to appear fatigued and worn out, Akane exudes an air of vitality and radiance that commands attention.

Covered in Scars: During a break from the chaos caused by an attack orchestrated by Geist du Cronos, Akane decided to seek solace and heal her wounds by a serene lake. However, this moment of peace also uncovered a secret she had kept hidden from the others - her body was covered in scars. These scars were proof of her resilience and experience as a huntress, each one a testament to the battles she had fought and won. Including the very noticeable scars around her throat, a grim reminder of how she lost her voice.

Defecting for Love: Zig-zagged...ish. When Akane agreed to help Anthony launch a Siege on Geist du Cronos, she didn't have any romantic inclination towards her dragon companion; her primary focus was on reclaiming her turf and setting things straight. However, as the siege unfolded and they fought side by side, a spark of unexpected love ignited between them, leading to an unconventional kind of marriage. As Akane's heart became unwilling to part with her beloved, she extended an invitation to her pack to join them in the Southern Realm instead of abandoning them.

Motivational Kiss: As Anthony and his siblings prepared to enter on Geist du Cronos' chamber, Akane convinced him to leave her behind to battle the guards. Before he left, the deceiving dragon shared a tender moment with his steadfast she-wolf companion, sealing their promise with a passionate kiss. Despite the danger she faced, Akane was resolved to keep her promise of returning to her beloved alive and triumphant.

Made of Iron: For wolves' standards at least. The fact that she was able to disorient Geist du Cronos with a spinning heel kick is impressive. But what's even more impressive is that there's no explanation as to how she managed to stay on her feet and remain ready to fight despite the massive blow she received from Geist in his true dragon form after the kick.

Badass Normal: Considering her travel partners are dragons, at least. When it comes to fancy powers and abilities, Akane might not have anything super flashy. Her secret weapon to keep up with the du Cronos siblings? She's a total pro at reading body language. Seriously, it's like she can predict her opponent's every move just by watching how they twitch or flinch. It's freaky how good she is. And that's what makes her one of the most badass fighters in the whole series.

Experienced Protagonist: At the beginning of the story, Akane had amassed over a decade of experience as a huntress, tracker, and leader, which proved invaluable as the du Cronos Siege Party were completely inexperienced in the treacherous, snowy mountains of the Southern Realm. Having been raised in the city, they were far from their element, making Akane's expertise essential for their survival.

Break His Heart to Save Him: Akane realized that while she was still in the Underworld, the Siege against the House of Laurel by her Dynasty led by her spouse would never end, so, requesting to see Anthony, she tells her beloved that she's decided to reincarnate:

Akane, via ASL: My dearest, I know that reminiscing about the past can bring back happy memories and valuable lessons, but dwelling on it shouldn't keep us from moving forward. As much as I long to be with you again as soon as possible, I can't let my presence hinder your personal growth. It's time for me to let go and start anew, and perhaps it's what you need too. Please don't see it as me leaving you behind, but rather as an opportunity for us to reunite in the future. Be strong, beloved, and have faith that we'll meet again someday.

Every Scar Has a Story: Akane always wears clothing that covers her neck, specifically the area around her throat, and it's not just a fashion choice. As the story progresses, we learn that Akane has a deep-seated insecurity about the scar on her neck. The scar is a constant reminder of the day she lost her voice, and she doesn't want anyone to see it. It's a sensitive topic for her, and she prefers to keep it hidden. Anthony happened to be the first one to see that scar, and it was completely accidental. Nonetheless, Akane said that if someone in the du Cronos Siege team had to be the one to see her scar, she was glad it was him.

Meaningful Rename: Justified. The way Akane is introduced—"Akane, Acting Commanding Officer"—suggests that she lacks a last name and declined to use her mate's. She does, however, occasionally take on the du Cronos' last name once they get married.

Declaration of Protection: Days before entering the Southern Realm, and the gloominess of their quasi-suicidal mission starts to weigh on them, she asked the dragon if there was any way they could leave the du Cronos Siege Party and look for a different kind of future together, even promising to protect her. When Anthony couldn't bring herself to abandon the mission, she decided to stay and changed her promise to protect her until she was able to ascend to the position of Emperor. Perhaps that vow didn't end with their marriage, and Akane continued to fiercely protect her beloved even after they tied the knot.

Akane: "Ever thought about ditching this life and starting fresh with me? We could vanish under the cover of night, return to my pack, and rule side by side... as alphas. I'm dead set on making you smile, and I promise I'll never let you down, no matter what. We both deserve more than this, and I'm ready to go to the ends of the earth to protect and provide for you."

Unscrupulous Hero: What Akane was at best — at worst, she's a Noble Demon with unshakable tribal ideals.

Huge Guy, Tiny Girl: Or, more accurately, "average-sized dragon and an average-sized she-wolf." Akane is slightly larger than an average Arctic she-wolf, but still realistically proportioned for a canine. This allows her to easily walk atop her spouse's head when Anthony is in her dragon form. When they transform into their human forms, they are roughly equal in height, with Akane only slightly shorter than Anthony by an inch or two.

White Hair, Black Heart: She has platinum white hair due to her being an Arctic wolf, and plays the "black heart" quite ambiguously for most of ''The Lair of the Crimson Emperor'', up until the end when the whole du Cronos Siege party undergo their Face–Heel Turn and turn against Kawren.

We Can Rule Together: Anthony promised her the world, and she promised to protect her while pursuing it. They became the original heads of the Du Cronos Dynasty.

Snark-to-Snark Combat: You'd think that being mute would make it difficult for her to snark at her lover, but nope. She and Anthony always engage in a super flirty version of a sass-off, and they didn't stop even after they actually got together.

Tsundere: Despite not being one to openly show her affection, Akane is deeply committed to protecting Anthony and helping him achieve his goals, even if it means putting herself in harm's way. Though she may not show it through words or gestures very often, her actions speak volumes about her love and dedication to her mate.

Sympathetic Adulterer: When Akane joined forces with the du Cronos siblings and eventually developed a romantic attachment with the future dragon emperor, which resulted in the birth of their son, she was already Askari's mate. This is understandable, though, given that Askari was an aggressive and unfaithful wolf on his own, who basically rejected her after receiving the injured that fucked up her vocal cords in the first place.

Common Law Marriage: Technically, they never had an official wedding. But they still call each other "spouse," and Akane always wears the royal arm bracelet, which is the dragon version of a wedding ring. They lived together, had a cub, the whole deal. However, the dragons and wolves never really gave their stamp of approval, they just kinda let it slide (probably out of fear of being banished or worse), or just pretended not to notice. But hey, good luck trying to correct Anthony or Akane when they call each other "husband", ''spouse'' or "wife." I dare you.

Cannot Spit It Out: For most of The Lair of the Crimson Emperor, Akane has this regarding her feelings towards the middle du Cronos sibling; eventually Amy likens her trolling of him and her constant annoyed attitude towards him to a fourth-grader who pulls the pigtails of the girl he has a crush on because he doesn't know how else to express what he truly feels, and before entering the Southern Realm she gets very closed-off and cagey when Anthony presses her about the real reasons that she's so vehemently opposed to him pretending to forcefully replace Geist as Emperor. Turns out she had spit it out quite some time ago, as when Anthony becomes Emperor they kiss as if it wasn't the first time they'd done so.

Not in This for your Revolution: Akane is straightforward about her indifference towards whether Anthony reclaims her "rightful" title as Emperor or not, and only agrees to assist her to reclaim her original territory from Geist du Cronos. However, over time, Akane begins to develop romantic feelings towards Anthony, resulting in a vow to keep her safe until she attains the Emperor title. Their story concludes with them jointly ruling as the Heads of the New du Cronos Dynasty, as a Happily Married Unholy Matrimony.

Aesop Amnesia: Despite numerous reminders that her bitter "feud" with Anthony (aka their weird way of flirting) is a pointless distraction from weightier matters, Akane remains obstinately unwilling to entertain the idea of revealing her true feelings. It is not until a brutal and unexpected attack leaves Anthony severely injured and struggling to breathe that Akane finally realizes the depth of her love for the dragon.

Hypocrite: Akane makes it clear to her pack that they are not to interfere with juvenile cubs during the pack's hunting courage and cowardice ritual, as it is necessary for the cubs to face challenges in order to mature into full-fledged wolves. However, when it comes to her own cub, she has no qualms about getting involved.

Alpha and Beta Wolves: Initially, when their pack consisted only of family members and the cubs, Akane used to be considered the Beta Wolf and her mate Askari was the Alpha. In the du Cronos Dynasty, this was ditched as both Anthony and Akane had just the same amount of authority as leaders.

What is This Feeling: Akane's in complete denial about how tightly she's clung to Anthony and Amy since they first met. She'll try to play it cool by claiming she's just interested in Anthony's dragon DNA to create a new, very powerful breed of a wolf with the size, strength and might of a dragon. But let's be real, folks - she's totally crushing on Anthony and doesn't even realize the dragon is just as head over scales for her.

Aggresive Submissive: Akane can be pretty bossy, innit? She's pretty upfront about wanting to be the one in charge in whatever they've got going on, if it ever happens... but on the flip side, she's hoping that Anthony will be the one to kickstart their thing and rates his Psychotic Smirk as a major turn-on for her.

Curb-Stomp Cushion: Amy usually makes quick work of her opponents, and her showdown with Akane was no exception. However, in a rare turn of events, the Arctic wolf proved to be a formidable opponent for the dragon. While Amy ultimately triumphed after a bout lasting about 10 minutes, Akane managed to land some solid hits, knocking her opponent off balance. However, just when it seemed like Akane might have a chance, Amy delivered a brutal spinning heel kick right to her face, sending her crashing to the ground in defeat.

Strong Family Resemblance: Freki inherits his black sclera and amber eyes from her, a trait that reflects his fierce and unyielding nature. He also takes after her in terms of personality, adopting her no-nonsense attitude and unwavering determination.

Sugar-and-Ice Personality: Her harsh and aloof demeanour softens when she's with her trusted companions.

Tranquil Fury: Don't get me wrong, Akane's got some serious pipes when she's riled up, but when she's in full Platinum Ghost mode, she channels all her rage into a tight, laser-beam of focused intensity that's enough to make a group of dragons double-think their strategy.

Red Baron: Following the Siege, she earned a reputation as both the Shape of Heaven and the Platinum Ghost, cementing her status as a living legend among wolves and dragons.

Ax-Crazy: She usually manages to keep her calm and focused demeanour, but she is ready to resort to downright terrible violence when provoked, as seen by her tearing across a good chunk dragon army over the risk of injuring her lover. That kind of fierce and ruthless behavior is exactly why she got an invite to join The du Cronos Siege Party in the first place. They knew she had what it takes to get the job done, no matter the cost.

Odd Friendship: Initially, at least. Despite his self-serving attitude, his spoiled demeanor, his clear bias against other species not to mention his general lack of empathy for anyone or anything outside his narrow scope, Anthony somehow clicks with her. Their connection runs deeper than expected, starting off as an odd friendship and growing into an...

Unholy Matrimony: Upon her coronation, Akane and Anthony revealed their romantic affair to the world. The formidable duo would stop at nothing to achieve their ambitions, their love for each other fueling their wickedness. They were a fearsome pair, inseparable partners in crime, and unapologetically ruthless in their pursuit of power.

Boring, but Practical: Akane learned from her defeat at the hands of Amy and incorporated the spinning heel kick, the very same finishing blow that defeated her, into her arsenal as a deadly finisher. Though it may not be the flashiest move, the raw power and precision of her strike are enough to send any opponent to the ground, writhing in pain and unable to get back up. With the ferocity of a she-wolf, Akane's leg delivers a crushing blow that leaves her foes reeling and wishing they had never crossed her path.

Small Parent, Huge Child: The 5-year-old cub was about the same size as his adult mother, so even though she didn't live to see Freki's properly grown adult form, it's obvious that The Big Red Machine would dwarf the Arctic She-Wolf if they were to ever cross paths again.

Did They or Didn't They?: Shortly before actually managing to enter Geist du Cronos' court, Akane and Anthony had been disappearing while everyone was asleep, making at least Amy think they were getting it off somewhere. Later confirmed when they reveal their relationship shortly after Anthony becomes Emperor.

Hates Being Touched: She's fine with holding hands with Anthony, but wouldn't allow anything more than that. Though it seems like this mellowed out, and later in the story, she allowed Annie to give her a forehead kiss, culminating in their Big Damn Kiss once Anthony outsmarts Geist and Owen to become Emperor.

Happily Married: Their love was no joke. It was intense, passionate, and you could feel it from a mile away. Even people who barely knew them could see how crazy they were about each other. And even after she has been gone for around three decades, Anthony still longs to have her back by her side. Talk about devotion. It's crystal clear that Akane was the one and only love of her life.

Unsportsmanlike Gloating: Whenever Akane gains an advantage over the others, she can't resist showing off and rubbing it in their faces, especially when it comes to Amy. Of course, Amy's no saint either when it comes to being overly competitive. They both have a bit of a spunky attitude when it comes to winning!

Being Good Sucks: The supposed reason for Akane and Anthony's turn to the dark side is that they're sick and tired of being punished for their good deeds while others like Geist, Askari and Owen reap the rewards for their actions. But let's be real, anyone who's been paying attention knows that's a load of crap. These two are just a pair of jerks who happen to be head-over-heels in love with each other.

Underestimating Badassery: Amy thought Akane was going to be just another easy win that she would obtain after a few punches, and even though she had a reason for being smug (considering the oceans beyond dragons are from wolves when it comes to strength and raw power), she was in for a surprise when the she-wolf was able to overpower her, pummel her to the ground and offer a barrage of punches that kept her on the floor for a few seconds. She stood up and settled her victory with a solid spinning heel kick to her skull, but she was indeed impressed by the she-wolf's battle prowess.

Defrosting Ice Queen: Downplayed. Akane takes no longer than a few hours to become their first ally, but as she continues on her journey with the du Cronos Siege Party, their relationship deepens, and starts sharing more tender and romantic moments with her future dragon spouse.

Good Parents: Despite Sephiroth's misguided belief that she favoured his younger brother, it's evident that she loves both of her sons deeply and equally.

Loophole Abuse: When Askari starts grilling her about helping out Freki, Akane comes back with a crafty answer - they can't exactly stick their noses in the cubs' ceremony, but they can still give 'em a nudge in the right direction. And besides, since Freki's got some dragon DNA in him, the usual rules don't really apply. Who knew being half-dragon could come in handy like that?

Black Eyes of Crazy: Akane's eyes are notable for their completely black sclera, a unique feature that her sons have inherited from her. This striking characteristic gives her an air of mystique and intensity, further adding to her already powerful presence.

Berserk Button: Geist's Southern Realm, to a degree. She despises what he has done to her territory and desires for him to be dethroned. For instance, when she learned that the siblings were looking for their elder sister in order to launch a Siege against Geist, she leapt at the chance to assist them.

• Akane also does not respond well to being defied. She especially dislikes it when someone does or tries to double-cross her. This is played when it comes to the dragon she fell in love with, as Anthony is known for double-crossing almost every other life form that has ever helped her before, but so far, it looks like Akane and Anthony had a very healthy marriage with no signs of betrayal whatsoever.
• On a more lighthearted tone, Akane hates being caught off guard by surprise attacks. As a she-wolf, her hunting instincts have instilled in her the love of ambush as a method of hunting. However, being on the receiving end of a surprise attack is something she's not fond of.
  

A Hero to Her Hometown: Akane had earned the respect and loyalty of her pack through her years of leadership and dedication to their well-being. When she asked them to join her in serving the new du Cronos Dynasty, they didn't hesitate to follow her. Her pack knew that wherever Akane went, their best interests would be at heart.

Bring It: Several dragons tried to pull a You Shall Not Pass on her and her lover during the Siege. But man, did they mess with the wrong wolf. Akane wasn't having any of that nonsense. She quickly thus stripped off her gloves, tied her hair back, and turned to Anthony like, "Go handle your stuff, babe." Then she turned to those dragons and was like, "Line up so I can beat every single one of you in order".

Can't Stay Normal: Akane makes it clear she doesn't want to go back to the pack after all the fantastic things she's done since joining the du Cronos Siege Party's journey to conquer Geist. Even after Geist has been killed, she seizes the opportunity to remain in the Realm as Anthony's wife and manages to convince her pack to follow her.

Expy: She was created taking cues from Asena, a character originally created by Pazu to be Anthony's mate and Freki's mother:

• Their names are very similar. Akane/Asena.
• They're both she-wolves, though Asena is a giant red werewolf (similar to Freki), while Akane is an Arctic Wolf with a size similar to a Great Dane.
• They were both Tsundere around Anthony.
• Their hairstyles are similar, especially when Asena was younger.
• They both have black sclera and amber eyes.

Belligerent Sexual Tension: With Anthony by the start of ''In the Lair of the Crimson Emperor''. With Anthony being as hot-tempered as he is and Akane being a Tsundere who usually gets frustrated with her, they get into a lot of arguments, but they also get quite a bit of Ship Tease.

If It's You, It's Okay: When Akane learned about Anthony's ability to switch between male and female forms, she was understandably taken aback. However, as she came to understand and embrace the complexities of her lover's duality, she found herself falling deeper in love with both sides of their being. To Akane, it didn't matter whether Anthony was in a masculine or feminine form - it was the same dragon she had fallen for, and that was all that mattered.

The Baroness: The "Sexpot" variety given her nature as a beautiful yet brutal Super Soldier committed to Anthony's cause, although her beauty/gender never otherwise comes into play.

Violently Protective Wife: She has no qualms about delivering a royal ass-kicking to defend Anthony. 

• Special mention when she threatens Amy du Cronos and openly warns her not to betray Anthony. To put that in perspective, Akane is a very serious Iron Lady who hardly ever displays open rage and nearly never lets her jumbled emotions get the best of her... but as soon as a pureblood highbred dragon assures her that she's willing to let her sibling die if it means conquering Geist, she punches a hole in the wall, stares straight into her eye, and pulls on the dragon's hair while making it clear she will not tolerate any betrayal. Where would Anthony be without her girlfriend to protect her?
  

Evil Is One Big, Happy Family: Following her full turn, joining the du Cronos Dynasty, Akane appears to have had the following plan: she would stay with Anthony and raise their children to be the heirs, then violently overthrow Askari and establish the du Cronos as the royal family of the four dragon realms, with herself and Annie serving as the Ruling Couple. Even though that plan obviously failed miserably because she unexpectedly passed away before it could be carried out, Anthony is still working hard to get back together with her and make her immortal so they may become the Masters they think they ought to be.

Maybe Magic, Maybe Mundane: It's very ambiguous and never 100% addressed what exactly is that ability Akane has to be one step ahead of their opponents, on one hand, it could be that she's just been trained, very well trained, to read body language, picking up on subtle cues and predict what her opponents are gonna do before they even do it. On the other hand, she's shown to literally be able to see the trajectory they'll use a few seconds before they act, as it appears as a clear image in front of her eyes, and it also seems to be an ability only one of her siblings shares with her, even though all eleven cubs in the litter underwent the same training. Combat Clairvoyance or just a scarily efficient ability to read body language?

Red Oni, Blue Oni: The Blue to Anthony's Red. In contrast to her beloved's Hot-Blooded and easy-to-make angry lover, Akane possesses a cool and calculating personality and likewise employs a fighting style that favours precision over brute force.

Back from the Dead: Anthony's main goal is to bring her back, and he indicates that he is willing to forfeit godhood in order to be with her again.

Yellow Eyes of Sneakiness: Akane is a unique character in the story with her striking golden eyes, which set her apart from other wolves in the pack. Her enigmatic personality and manipulative nature only add to the air of mystery that surrounds her. Her sons, who share her eyes, are also portrayed as capable wolves who are not to be underestimated either. This makes one wonder if there is something special about her lineage or if it is just a coincidence that they all share the same eye colour.

Combat Clairvoyance: From the litter, only Akane and her elder brother were graced with the rare gift of predicting an opponent's movements to a certain degree, rendering them both natural prodigies in hand-to-hand combat. Such a gift was also bestowed upon Akane's son, Freki, whose natural talents were then refined and amplified by his father Anthony. It's no wonder how she's able to hold her own against opponents that double her in size and strength, it's a great way to level the field when you're able to predict their movements, even if it's just a few seconds ahead.

Disabled Love Interest: Akane's muteness, caused by a previous laryngeal injury, is not an issue for Anthony, who actually finds it to be an alluring quality. Despite her inability to speak, the two are able to hold lengthy conversations without any difficulty... somehow.

Nerves of Steel: Downplayed. As the siblings approached Akane's pack, she was clearly uneased about it, her paws were visibly shaking and she gulped with insecurity. However, she managed to keep it together and even if she knew a pack of wolves were no match for two young adult purebred dragons, she was not going to put her face down and faced them with dignity. The siblings had no ill intentions, but still.

Interspecies Romance: She is the beloved, cherished wife of Anthony du Cronos. Freki was the result of it. Both The V7D's allies and adversaries with links to the du Cronos Dynasty make several references to their relationship in the story.

Life Will Kill You: Akane's reputation in the Norrington's Desire universe was nothing short of impressive. She was known as one of the most formidable wolves, able to hold her own against Amy and single-handedly defeat a group of five elite, highbred dragons. Her death, unfortunately, was not due to her exceptional fighting abilities, but rather a natural cause. Despite her skill, she was unable to overcome the inevitability of fate, a fate that even a siege against the original du Cronos Dynasty could not top.

Lady Macbeth: She shares her beloved's perception that The Southern Dragon Realm itself is doomed and beyond redemption, and she supports his plan to demolish and rebuild the realm, forming a new du Cronos dynasty with her and her new spouse as Heads.

The Silent Bob: Akane may not speak, but her personality is vividly expressed through her actions, intricate facial expressions, and overall body language. The du Cronos Siege Party has no difficulty deciphering her intentions and emotions. While it was once believed that Akane's inability to communicate with dragons was due to her being a wolf among dragons, it was later revealed that a previous hunting injury had left her with a damaged larynx, rendering her voiceless.

The Ghost: Akane is frequently referenced in Norrington's Desire, but she remains elusive until much later. In Under Siege, we catch a glimpse of her through a picture on Freki's desk, and a statue of her is prominently displayed in the du Cronos Dynasty's stronghold. It's not until Under World that we finally get to see her in ghostly form, first speaking with Medea and then with her own spouse.

• Unsurprisingly averted in ''The Lair of the Crimson Emperor'', considering she's a main character and the first member to join the du Cronos Siege Party.

Silent Snarker: Related to the above. Akane, though currently lacking the gift of gab, can still sass with the best of them. Her clever quips and cutting remarks are like a sword to the gut, leaving her opponents speechless and her allies in stitches. 

It Only Works Once: Crossing punches with Akane is a perilous proposition, especially if you're counting on catching her off-guard with an unfamiliar move. If you take a swing and you miss, you may not get a second chance. Take for example her signature finishing move, the spinning heel kick. That was the very same move that once led to her defeat at the hands of Amy. However, Akane has since taken that loss as a lesson and mastered the technique, to the point where even Amy herself admitted that getting hit with Akane's version of the spinning heel kick would be a game-changer. Only someone with dragon endurance like her could withstand it, because anyone else would be flat on the ground, knocked out cold.

Lady of War: She has a unique and effective fighting style that centres around precise and strategic kicks, allowing her to counter the size and strength advantage of larger opponents. Her graceful and poised demeanour adds to her fighting prowess, as she exudes an air of elegance and serenity in combat.

The Tease: As they grow closer. She delights tantalizing Anthony with teasing touches and flirtatious gestures, relishing the response that her alluring behaviour elicits from her spouse.

Barbarian Longhair: Akane's luscious locks cascade down her back, exuding an air of majestic elegance befitting a princess, yet its wild and untamed appearance reflects a fierce, barbarian royalty.

You Are Better than You Think You Are: As the story reached its halfway point and the siblings approached the Southern Realm, Akane began to feel uneasy about Anthony's true intentions towards her. She feared he might think she was expendable now that they'd reached the Southern Realm and was plotting to boot her from the du Cronos Siege Party. However, as soon as he found out, Anthony quickly put her fears to rest, assuring her that her battle prowess made him feel safe and that she had been an indispensable source of guidance, advice, and crucial information. He was sure to let her know that her contribution was the reason for their success so far and made it clear that he had no intention of replacing his dear wolf. The chapter concluded on a heartwarming note, with the two of them drifting off to sleep while holding hands.

Death Glare: A master of it. Like mother, like son. 

Cute Mute: Anthony finds Akane's muteness to be one of her most charming qualities, and he finds it romantically ironic that he, known for his silver tongue and ability to talk his way to victory, is most fascinated by someone who cannot speak. Despite her lack of words, they share a deep understanding that allows them to engage in impressively long conversations without the need for verbal communication on her part. There is a special connection between them that transcends language and relies solely on the unspoken bond they share.

Berserker Tears: As Akane catches a glimpse of Anthony's broken body, lying there with shallow breaths, she is overwhelmed with a rush of emotions. Tears start streaming down her cheeks as she tries to hold back the feeling of anger, helplessness, and sadness that takes her over. At that moment, she is filled with guilt for putting her own selfish desires ahead of the safety of her beloved, and now she can only watch as Anthony fights to survive.

Amazonian Beauty: Although not as much as, say, Amy, Akane has a fairly muscular physique akin to that of a mixed martial artist so it's no wonder the protagonist can't keep her eyes off her. Her legs are quite the sight, which isn't surprising considering her animalistic agility and the way she moves with the grace and ferocity of a wolf on the hunt.

Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other: Although Sephiroth and his mother's relationship has been tense due to her duty-bound abandonment, her love for him can't be truer.As she laid the foundation for the new Southern Realm and the du Cronos Dynasty, she didn't hesitate to extend an invitation to her eldest son, in fact, he was her first pick. Despite Sephiroth's initial skepticism about Anthony, he couldn't shake the genuine happiness he felt knowing his mother's love for him never wavered, even after she remarried.

Foregone Conclusion: Considering ''The Lair of the Crimson Emperor'' is a prequel to Norrington's Desire set in 1944, three things are inevitable: Akane and Anthony will end up married, Anthony will end up becoming a dragon god and Akane will die shortly before Freki's 6th birthday.

Darwinist Desire: Akane started off trying to make sense of her unexpected feelings for Anthony by convincing herself it was just because she wanted a super-strong wolf-dragon heir. She figured their future kid would be a total force to be reckoned with, maybe even more than pack leader material. But with every passing moment spent with Anthony, Akane began to sense something deeper stirring within her. It wasn't just about breeding or pack hierarchy anymore. Oh no, Akane came to the startling realization that she was genuinely falling for Anthony. Love had crept up on her, my friend.

You Are Worth Hell: Yup, she's worth it. Especially to Anthony.