“I don't think your plan will get approval from above,” Hana warned. “We're warriors of peace. Our orders should be to simply eliminate the threat; not draw it out.”
Raien held a hand up. “I told you back in Athenia, I don't require approval from Kheree, and nor do I have any intention of discussing the matter with him,” he said, looking down at her. “None of you are to question my orders.”
The group looked about themselves, agitated by the surprising command. Shin opened his mouth to protest, but Karatsu placed his hand in front of his face before he had the chance.
Kai breathed deeply and glared at his leader, reluctant to speak his mind, but also seeing no other choice. “You're making a mistake, Raien. What if they harm innocent civilians? We were very lucky they didn't kill the Athenian president.”
Hana nodded. “I agree. The assassination of the president would've had horrible consequences for the Union.”
Raien looked at the pair, hiding his annoyance that his clan was questioning him.
“I understand your intentions, Raien,” Karatsu added. “It's noble of you to wish to protect the five of us, but our safety should not come at the expense of innocent civilians. I would sooner die than see harm come to any person in our union.”
“I agree with Karatsu,” Hana said. “None of us wish to question your orders, but please remember we're all willing to die if it means protecting the citizens of our world. We all know the truth of the other two clans—they are prepared to kill innocents for the sake of their beliefs. Therefore, immediate action is imperative. None of us would take pride in eliminating our enemy, as it's not the way of the Tianzu, but there is clearly no other solution.”
“We saw what they're capable of,” Kai chimed in. “We lived with Nikolai. The manner in which he treated his fighters was abhorrent. Believe me when I say that this man is very willing to kill. Every minute we waste letting him live is another minute for him to unleash chaos.”
Raien groaned, not wishing to lose any of the respect his clan held for him. “Very well. In that case, I'll amend the order: if you encounter any of them, you're permitted to eliminate them in a safe and covert manner, but you're still to remain in your cities and await further instructions.”
Shin clasped his hands together, pleased with the change. “Yes! Let's go back to Nishihama right now, master.”
“No, not yet,” Raien dismissed. “We'll all stay in Kitadera for the remainder of the day and celebrate Kai and Hana's return. They've had to endure a difficult three months, and I want them to know how important they are to this clan.”
“Please stop,” Hana said, far from convinced. “Your priorities are wrong, Raien. We shouldn't be important to this clan; what's important is eliminating our enemy. You just said you'll amend your order, but you've hardly amended a thing. Allowing us to only attack our enemy if we encounter them is reckless.”
Raien narrowed his eyes at her. “That's enough,” he murmured. “You will know your place in this clan, Hana. Do not speak out of line again.”
Kai, Hana, and Karatsu looked at one another, the discontent in their eyes evident. Despite Raien's change of heart, the threat they faced was a real one, and none of them appreciated their leader's indifference.
“Raien,” Karatsu began cautiously, “I know it's not my place to say this, but our lack of action could be a repeat of ...”
Raien held a hand up, interrupting the man's thoughts. “No, it won't. What happened two decades earlier was Kheree's fault. And you're right—it's not your place to make such a comparison.”
Karatsu dipped his head apologetically, not wishing to disrespect his leader.
“I don't understand,” Kai said. “You believe it was Kheree's fault for not taking any action by assisting us in fighting the Xingzu, but what you're ordering us to do is no different.”
Raien's eyes began to burn with rage. He breathed loudly and remained silent, staring at Kai with contempt.
Kitsune watched her leader curiously. She hadn't uttered a single word in the last hour. She sat and wondered why he ordered for Shin and Karatsu to travel to Athenia months ago without mentioning a word of it to her.
Raien turned his head, catching sight of her watchful gaze. He smiled politely as the pair tried to read each other's faces.
“That's all for today,” Raien ordered. “Let's return to Kai and Hana's residence and rest.” He rose and walked away without waiting for the others to join him.
Kai, Hana, and Karatsu exchanged concerned glances once again. It baffled them to no end why their leader was acting so recklessly at such an important time.
If the Tianzu took no action, it would allow their enemies to unleash chaos on the world.
Four
Nikolai strode proudly with his arms behind his back, more than a head taller than most of the local Shizujin around him. They stared up at the conspicuous and strangely dressed Alexan man with sunglasses as he marvelled at the Denba Canal below. It was early morning, and the sun had now fully risen in Nishihama.
“Breathtaking, isn't it?” he remarked as he looked up at the countless different characters lining the signs above. “Such wonderful architecture. It's very much as I envisioned, and truly depicts what is inherent of Eastern society.” He turned around to face the apprehensive Juliet and Romeo, who dawdled behind. “Another country I can now say I've been to.”
Neither of them took much notice of him. Their attention was vested in their surroundings too, as it was the first time either of them had set foot outside of Athenia. They crept forward, taking in all the colour and beauty of their surroundings, and the hundreds of people going about their business.
“Culture shock is a natural reaction for new expatriates,” Nikolai said as he spun around to face them again. “Don't worry, soon enough it will become an addictive feeling, and you'll feel compelled to never return to your homeland again. Believe me, I know,” he grinned.
Juliet and Romeo both looked up at him, cautious and suspicious. They'd hardly spoken a word since arriving in the country a short time ago.
“Why are we just walking around?” Tahlia complained from behind.
“Patience, my dear. I'm searching for suitable accommodation for us to reside in.” Nikolai looked down and saw the two youngsters' scornful gazes. “Don't worry, I'm not going to harm you. You're members of Black Dawn now.” He placed his arm around Romeo. “Let us walk and talk, shall we?”
Juliet wheeled around and looked at Tahlia, wondering if she was actually safe in Black Dawn's presence.
Tahlia stared back awkwardly. She couldn't believe her ears when Nikolai informed her yesterday that the duo would be joining them. Tahlia had tried to kill Juliet on numerous occasions over the past week, and had to keep reminding herself they were now supposed allies.
“Tell me what's on your mind, Roman,” Nikolai said as he continued walking along the canal. “Speak.”
“I prefer Romeo,” the younger man whispered.
“Your White Shadow code-name? It seems odd to keep using the name considering you've abandoned your former party. Then again, you were stationed there for all of forty-eight hours, which is hardly enough time to swear allegiance to Ren and her ways. But if it allows for easy assimilation, I will gladly grant the request. Now, speak your mind.”
Romeo frowned. “Isn't it obvious? You were trying to kill me just yesterday, so I don't feel very comfortable being here.”
“A fair point, my boy. I too would feel a little distressed if I were in the presence of one who had ordered my execution. But I'm hoping we can put all of that behind us now, and I do think you've made the right choice in accepting my offer.”
Romeo scoffed at the remark. “I only accepted it because I knew I didn't have a choice. You were going to kill me.”
“Kill or be killed,” Nikolai said slyly. “That's the dangerous reality we must accept in our extraordinary lives. Please don't think that I do not understand your reasons for feeling the way you do
. But please also try to understand that I had to do whatever was required to keep myself alive.”
“But I was never a threat to you,” Romeo said. “It's a little unreasonable for you to just go around killing anyone who isn't a hollow and mindless warrior you're able to recruit.”
Nikolai laughed and slapped him gently on the back. “Once again, you remind me of a young Skye. Oh, I think we're going to have a grand time yet!”
Romeo recoiled uncomfortably and removed himself from the great man's grasp.
“Come now, Romeo,” Nikolai continued. “If you open your mind a little, we might grow to become quite close.”
“I doubt that,” Romeo muttered.
“I can sense that you fear me, but what of Ren? Do you fear her too? You saw her outburst yesterday afternoon. Are you naïve enough to assume your affinity for her will be upheld?”
Romeo continued walking along, not wanting to admit that Nikolai had a point to his statement. Now that he'd left White Shadow, Romeo wasn't certain whether or not they were his ally or enemy. His betrayal to Ren might be enough for her to brand him a threat.
“And now I can sense that you're questioning yourself,” Nikolai added. “Would I be correct in assuming you're torn between rival factions, not knowing which one is fighting for justice?”
“I thought you could only sense someone's intent,” he grumbled.
“That I can, but as a telepath I'm naturally adept at detecting one's emotions, and yours are clearly fractured and in disarray.” He turned to see Juliet drifting further away as she hesitantly lurched forward. “Do keep up. I'd hate to lose you in this sea of people.” He leaned in closer to Romeo. “Although that's not likely. Tahlia and I could find her with ease.”
Romeo shot him another bitter look, still struggling to comprehend the situation he found himself in.
“And now I can sense even more doubt. Am I correct in assuming that you feel I'm somewhat biased toward yourself?”
Romeo stepped aside, away from the foreboding figure. “Please stop assuming things about me. And stop trying to sense how I feel right now.”
“And now I can sense that you're feeling overwhelmed and terrified because I know you better than you know yourself,” he laughed.
Romeo stopped walking, frustrated by the pointless exchange of words. “Please stop.”
Nikolai gave him another gentle nudge. “I'm just having some fun with you. One needs to enjoy their eternal life. But for now, just do your best to relax and enjoy our exploits.”
Romeo unwillingly started walking again, trying to not think or feel anything that Nikolai would be able to pick up on. While his new leader didn't appear to pose an immediate threat to his safety, he was amazed at how irritating his presence could be.
Five
President Denning sat alone in his chambers in Government House, examining the numerous documents littering his desk, all petitioning for changes in certain legislation. He reached for his coffee mug and eagerly drank from it, in an attempt to keep his mind awake. He was still recovering from the horrendous week that had just passed. Countless members of his personnel had been murdered, leaving many unanswered questions from the other ministers. His only concession was that Nikolai was now well and truly far away from him.
A knock on the door startled him, causing him to spill the hot coffee across his hand. He winced in pain as his new deputy counsel, Veronika Gunawan, walked into the office.
“Your Excellency, the last remaining equipment has been moved back here from the villa.” Her voice was solemn, full of regret.
“Thank you, Ms Gunawan,” he responded as he wiped the coffee from his hand.
She tried her best to resist glaring at him, although she couldn't help but feel that what had taken place inside the villa was somewhat his fault. Or, worse still, that he was protecting the man she believed responsible—Nicholas Sweeney.
“Sir, if I may,” she began, taking a seat opposite him, “moving to the villa was a mistake from the beginning. Why would you choose that location over Government House?”
He frowned at her. “Are you questioning my orders?”
She paused and chose her next words carefully. “No, sir. It's just that ... I feel this never would have happened if we were stationed inside Government House.”
He didn't bother acknowledging her statement. The deaths of his staff had caused him a great deal of pain. He was doing everything possible to reverse the damage he and Paul had caused Athenia. Seeing the deceased Adam yesterday morning left a scar on his mind, and came as an agonising reminder that siding with Nikolai was a dreadful decision.
“Is there anything else I can do for you, Veronika?” he asked, trying to push his sorrow from his mind.
She cleared her throat, frustrated that he changed the subject. “I'm here to remind you about your meeting with the other ministers in thirty minutes.”
“Thank you, but I haven't forgotten. Now, will there be anything else?” He hated talking down to her in such a manner, as she was highly professional and hard working, but he knew that, for the sake of her safety, it would be best if she knew as little as possible about Black Dawn's involvement.
“No, that's all for now,” she replied, and stood up.
Archie turned his attention back to the petition he was reading.
“Sir,” she said before reaching the door, “are you certain it wasn't that man, Nicholas Sweeney, who killed Adam and Karen, and your guards?”
Archie slammed his pen down and moaned loudly. “Yes, Veronika! I've already told you, Nikolai was with me at the time of the attack.”
Veronika looked back at him, unconvinced. “Who's Nikolai?”
Archie realised his subtle mistake. “I mean Nicholas. Nicholas was with me at the time of the attack on the villa. It was obviously all orchestrated by a rogue group as an act of aggression against the Union.”
Again, Veronika thought carefully about what words to use next. She was devoted to her leader, but still wondered if he was hiding the truth from her. All video footage had been erased, leaving only a vacant villa with countless bodies.
She smiled politely to her leader and left the room, wisely choosing to keep her suspicions to herself.
“I believe you're starting to lose control of your staff,” a strange voice said from inside the en suite bathroom.
“I'm not losing control of anyone. Please just leave me be,” Archie requested. Now that Nikolai was no longer present, he felt a little more defiant when it came to dealing with Black Dawn.
The bathroom door opened and Night emerged, bringing with him a familiar rotting odour. “I can't get it straight,” he grinned, pointing to his face.
Archie looked up and stared at the man's crooked head, which had been very poorly sewn back on. Archie closed his eyes and cringed, exasperated. “You look ridiculous. Get back inside. I can't risk having any of my staff see you.”
“Why not?” Night asked, feigning offence at the remark. “I thought you were going to tell them of my promotion.”
Archibald shot him a dark glance. “Please don't. I'm not in the mood.” Before departing, Nikolai had sternly warned him that Night would be overseeing his every move. In the event the president was foolish enough to disobey Nikolai's commands from abroad, Night was to assume control of the elderly man. Archie had hoped that, in Nikolai's absence, he may just be able to lead the country on his own, without the forced aid of Black Dawn. But Nikolai was clearly several steps ahead of him.
Another knock interrupted the awkward conversation. Guard Two walked in and closed the door behind her. She sported a large bruise on her cheek from when Tahlia kicked her the day before. The wound was of no concern to her, however, having sustained far worse injuries in her career. She stared at Night in awe, surprised by his presence.
“Can I help you, Two?” the president asked.
“Sir, this is the bogey I encountered in the West Tower parking facility. Is he a threat?” She removed her gun from it
s holster and aimed it straight at Night's gnarled face before even finishing her sentence.
“He is not,” was Archie's response. “You shouldn't point your firearm in your superior's direction.” A shiver ran down his spine as he said the words. Night was correct—the announcement of the odd man's promotion was clearly unavoidable.
“Superior?” Two asked, confused. “Sir, can you please repeat your statement.”
“He said that I'm your superior,” Night spewed, barely able to string the words together with his disfigured jaw. “I'm now head of the Presidential Guard.”
Two frowned, turning her attention back to the president. “Sir, is this true?”
“Yes, it is,” he admitted. “I've already signed the order.”
Two looked back and forth between Archibald and Night, uncertain whether to believe the news or not. “The weather's lovely today, sir, isn't it?”
Archie slammed his fist down on the table for a second time. “Don't ask me that question!” he erupted. “The weather is fine, and no one's being held against their will. Your job is to take orders, Two, not question them.”
She lowered her weapon and saluted her leader. “My apologies, sir.”
“Now, why are you here?”
Guard Two cleared her throat. “I'm here to report that we don't yet have any new information regarding the attack on the villa. However, the military has confirmed the public surveillance system has captured a vehicle that was seen driving through the villa's gates, although this was several hours after the estimated time of death of the deceased.”
“That was Skye's van,” Night whispered to the president.
Archibald's eyes widened. He shot Night a mortified glance, urging him to be quiet.
“Sir, who is Skye?” Two asked.
“No one,” the president quickly dismissed. “Will that be all, Two?”
Eternity's War (Books 1-3) (Eternity's War Boxsets) Page 47