Archie's face went red as his anger grew. “But, Nikolai—”
“I said I don't want to hear it!” Nikolai snapped on the other end. “Athenia has been in a horrible state for some time, and it needs a strong, ruthless leader. So get back to your cabinet meeting and tell them you're imposing a nationwide curfew, effective immediately.”
Archie waved his hand across his wrist and terminated the call. He'd heard enough. He assumed that Nikolai's absence would reduce his stress levels, but the great man was just as frustrating as ever. Perhaps even more so now.
He looked up and saw Night staring at him with a pleased grin.
“Bothersome, isn't he?” Night asked.
Archie took a moment to compose himself. “No, it's fine.” His wrist began vibrating again. He ignored the call.
“It's quite alright, Your Excellency,” Night said. “I don't care for Nikolai a great deal. He's a bizarre and deluded individual.”
Archie grimaced. It was odd to hear a man as twisted as Night refer to Nikolai as deluded. “Yes, he can be bothersome,” he admitted.
Veronika opened the door and joined the pair in the hallway. “Sir, the cabinet is waiting. Who are you speaking with?”
“It doesn't matter,” he said as his wrist began vibrating for a third time. “I'm ready to resume the meeting.” He looked at Night, who was still watching him with a sadistic grin. “What? What is it, Guard One?”
Night looked the president up and down. “Oh, nothing. I just feel humbled to be in the presence of such a fine leader.”
The statement confused Archie. He felt humbled by the compliment, but also disturbed. “Oh. Thank you, One.”
“Sir,” Veronika urged, eager for him to return to the meeting.
“My apologies, Ms Gunawan.” Archie began to walk back into the room. As he did, he glanced at Night once more. The pale man still grinned wryly. Archie shuddered as he tried to look away from the strange look of hunger in Night's eyes.
Thirty-two
Daye and Hiroaki stood outside his residence. Despite the hill only being short, it offered quite a spectacular view of eastern Kitadera. They'd been standing in silence for some time, each searching for the best solution to the dangerous dilemma they faced.
“Old friend, I fear there is no possible outcome in which all will end amicably,” Hiroaki said with regret.
“I agree,” Daye said, “although it pains me to think that it must be this way. I would gladly settle for a mutual ceasefire between the three, but it doesn't seem possible.”
A soft warm breeze blew across their faces, carrying with it the delighted sounds of children playing and families talking. While both men wanted for no harm to come to any of the shengxian, their priority was to ensure that the innocent civilians of the world would not be caught in the crossfire between the hostiles.
“What action are we to take?” Daye asked aloud, more asking himself than Hiroaki.
Hiroaki closed his eyes, cautious of what he was about to say. “The only action we can take is what we believe to be in the best interest of society. It's our duty to protect these people by any means.”
Daye looked up at him. “We've sworn a life of nonviolence. Our only option would be to offer our advice to those who are righteous.”
“Which is none of them,” Hiroaki sighed. “From what you've told me, none of the three clans can be seen as truly righteous. I don't wish to advise or assist any of them.”
Daye gazed at the city. He did not visit his friend often, but always enjoyed making the trip there. Their meetings usually comprised of discussing deep philosophy, as opposed to how they were going to involve themselves in a war no one could win.
“We can not assist the Tianzu,” Daye said. “While I respect their desire to protect civilians and uphold peace, some of them are far too quick to eliminate a fellow shengxian if need be. The war with the Xingzu was a needless one.”
Hiroaki nodded. “Kheree has made some questionable decisions, although I often wonder how much he's influenced by Huangdian and Leon.”
“Somewhat, I imagine. Huangdian can be quite resolute, and she didn't waste a single second before suggesting they eliminate Raien. No doubt Leon will be keen to side with her. Neither of them have ever liked Raien.” He kept his gaze on the ancient city. It was an incredible combination of historical buildings and modern apartment complexes. “So assisting the Tianzu is not an option.”
“But nor can we assist Black Dawn,” Hiroaki said. “If Nikolai wishes to strike fear into the hearts of the Athenians, he can't be trusted. This level of control is far too dangerous, and no man or woman should ever be granted such power.”
Daye's eyes became distant. “Which leaves White Shadow. But they're a clan we can not assist either. They were so quick and desperate to assassinate the president. I don't deny that President Denning has committed atrocities in the past, but he's no longer that same person. I've spoken with him, and he wishes to rule Athenia as a means of atonement; not as a means of control.”
The situation was an impossible one, and neither of the two could justify which path to take. All three groups were corrupt in their own right.
Yet if they were to take no action, it could result in the deaths of civilians.
“The Tianzu mean well,” Daye added, “and there are some I trust, but I still can't justify assisting the clan.”
“No doubt. I trust Robyn too, but the remainder of the clan do not share his views. Huangdian and Raien are both malicious, and both wield much of the Tianzu's power. I wonder how much longer it will be until the Tianzu are completely fractured.”
“Not long, at this rate. Raien's actions might just mean the beginning of the end for what the Tianzu have become. Not to mention that Mingyue has spent every day for twenty-three years waiting for this moment. I'm sure she'll be taking advantage of their fragile state.”
“I imagine so. Although we shouldn't be surprised by the situation we're in. We both knew this might one day happen. It's almost as though Raien was waiting for the advent of another clan before making his intentions clear.”
Daye's eyes remained distant, distracted by the problems they faced. “These are dark times. I can't possibly imagine how this will end.”
“Nor can I.”
The two remained silent for several minutes, both mindful of the present moment, and both absorbing the glow of the afternoon sun.
“There's only one option I can possibly think of,” Hiroaki finally said, “but it still goes against everything I stand for.”
Daye looked to him, curious to hear it. “What are your thoughts?”
Hiroaki paused and went over his strategy in his mind before explaining it. It seemed there truly was no other alternative. “You said that White Shadow were trying to stop the new Athenian president, not necessarily for revenge, but rather as a means of protecting the citizens from him, did you not?”
“I did,” he nodded.
“From what you've told me, Daye, this group wants to put a stop to Black Dawn and the Tianzu, and the president too, but apart from that wish to live peaceful lives. You said they only wish to stop the Tianzu because Shin killed one of their own, and they only wish to stop Black Dawn because of Nikolai's twisted desire to control Athenia.”
Daye nodded again. “But I don't believe they're righteous enough for us to assist, Hiroaki. After all, they attacked me several times because they saw me as the enemy.”
“I agree, old friend. And attacking you out of revenge for Shin taking one of their lives just continues the perpetual cycle of retribution. However, is it not possible to educate them properly on the matter? While I can't condone their actions, it seems to me that, if anything, White Shadow are perhaps the least corrupt of the three, and their desire for peace is not unlike our own.”
Daye looked at him, doubtful. “I'm uncertain, Hiroaki.”
“We both know that neither Huangdian nor Raien will change their doctrine. And Nikolai seems to be infatuated
with power, so he too is unable to be educated in our ways. However, White Shadow, while also a group that's willing to kill, is only acting as such as a means of protecting innocent civilians, and also to avenge their fallen. If we were to educate them properly, we may be able to convert them to warriors of peace.”
Daye cringed. “I understand your meaning, Hiroaki, but I still don't know if I agree with what you're proposing. White Shadow protecting civilians and avenging their fallen is no different to the Tianzu.”
“What would eventuate if White Shadow were the victors in this war? They would maintain their peaceful ways, I would hope. I recall earlier this year when Skye and Nikolai met with you in Daixuan, that White Shadow was a group dedicated to protecting the citizens of the world. It would seem that Nikolai has lost his way, but the remainder are only fighting for what they believe is right.
“And the Tianzu, while they certainly follow a similar doctrine, have an inexorably elitist view of their clan, and will not tolerate any sect of whom they deem to be a threat. I theorise that if White Shadow were never attacked by the Tianzu, they would have no reason for declaring war. White Shadow, unlike the other two, is quite capable of coexisting with other shengxian.”
Daye closed his eyes and allowed the words to sink in. It was impossible for him to completely side with one group.
Hiroaki placed a brotherly hand on his shoulder. “It's alright, Daye,” he said, sensing his apprehension. “I feel the same way. And I wouldn't naively declare that White Shadow are without their problems—they have much to learn. However, when I cast my mind into the future and imagine what our world would be like, I can see them to be the most peaceful of them all. Black Dawn are malicious, and the Tianzu will only ever desire to destroy any supposed perceived threat. The Tianzu have grown too large, it seems, which is why it's on the verge of collapse.”
Daye took a deep and slow breath. “Therefore,” he said, finishing Hiroaki's thoughts, “our only option is to aid the one clan who may actually have a desire for true peace.”
Hiroaki nodded. “True peace is hard to achieve. Humans are corrupt by nature. But I believe we may just be able to educate White Shadow enough to show them what they are actually fighting for. And, with any luck, they will then abstain from taking another's life again.”
It was a difficult decision for Daye to comprehend, but he knew there was no possible alternative. “But doing so would mean White Shadow would eliminate both Black Dawn and the Tianzu. How could we possibly justify their deaths?”
Hiroaki looked to the ground. “We could not. It's against our way to justify any death. But you and I are both cornered. If we don't intervene in some manner, this war may escalate very quickly. I have no doubt that the result of which would be catastrophic, and civilian casualties could become commonplace.”
He faced his comrade. “Some of the Tianzu are far from innocent. They live lives of trepidation,” he continued. “I'd never suggest eliminating the entirety of the clan, but rather only those who wield the most negative influence.”
Daye crouched down, feeling sick for even having such a conversation.
Hiroaki knelt beside him. “And perhaps I'll never forgive myself for allowing them to be killed. But if it means protecting the people of this world—”
Daye turned, a lone tear sliding down his check. “—then we may not have a choice.”
Thirty-three
Charlie and Delta watched awkwardly as Skye stared at his wrist. He needed only to press his finger on the glass of his comm in order to make the call. But Skye stood frozen, looking for any excuse to not resort to calling Nikolai.
“Are we sure we're going to do this?” Charlie asked. He already knew the answer, but still felt compelled to ask the question.
Skye looked across at him and said nothing. Instead, he tapped his finger on the small screen and waited for his enemy to answer.
“Hello, Nikolai,” Skye said, lacking all enthusiasm.
Delta idly looked up at the ceiling, wishing there was an alternative to teaming up with the man who had ordered Black Dawn to kill her three months earlier. Luckily enough, Black Dawn never managed to actually kill anyone that day; Foxtrot was the only casualty, and that was at the hands of the Tianzu.
“I need your help ...” he said, answering Nikolai's question. “... yes, that's what I said ...” Skye's face fell. His reluctance was glaringly obvious. “... anyway, can we meet?”
Mere seconds passed before Nikolai appeared in the middle of the room, his face one of delight.
“Skye, my brother! Of course I will help you!” He looked down at his comm and noticed the call had automatically ended after he transported himself. “Hello, old friends,” he said to Charlie and Delta, who didn't return the greeting.
Skye opened his mouth to thank him for coming, which almost seemed instinctive, but decided against showing any gratitude.
Nikolai transported himself to their couch and made himself comfortable, placing one leg over the other. “Now, what is it you need my help with?”
Skye turned to Charlie and Delta for advice, but they just looked back at him, as if to remind him that it was his idea. “We'd like your help with eliminating the Tianzu,” he finally spoke.
“Ah, I assumed as much,” Nikolai gleefully said. “Tahlia told me of your little incident earlier on.”
The door opened, interrupting the conversation. Sierra walked into the room, holding a spool of steel wire. Everyone turned to face her.
“Where'd you get that?” Charlie asked, eyeing the wire.
“I bought it,” she said. She turned to her left and spotted Nikolai lazing on their couch. She thought nothing of it, making her way to the kitchen and grabbing her new weapon.
“Good afternoon, Marion,” Nikolai politely said. Once again, the greeting was not returned.
She grabbed her kunai and began to thread the wire through the loop in its handle.
Nikolai let out a pleased sound. “I see you've replaced your crossbow with a kunai.”
She turned and looked at him, confused as to how he knew what the weapon was. She'd never heard of it.
“Well, obviously she couldn't bring the crossbow to the trainport,” Skye said.
“I wouldn't imagine so,” Nikolai laughed. “I'm still amazed that Ren even managed to somehow acquire those military weapons. Speaking of which ...” he paused, and then appeared beside Charlie and Delta, ripping the pistols from their respective holsters. They never even saw him move.
In the blink of an eye, he was back on the couch, studying the firearms with his eye sockets. “These are just like Ren's. I assume that you obtained these here in Shizudera,” he said, stating the obvious, knowing full well what would have happened at the Athenian trainport if they were discovered with them.
Delta walked over to him and held her hand out expectedly, waiting for her weapon to be returned.
Nikolai smiled and gave her the two pistols. “I don't understand the fascination with guns. I feel as though you're cheating here.”
Skye's jaw dropped. “Cheating at what? The game you invented?”
“Exactly. You should opt for a more traditional weapon. Where's the merit in gunning down the Tianzu? There's no honour in that.”
Charlie and Delta looked at one another, both of them recognising a strange similarity between Nikolai and Raien.
“Marion has the right idea,” Nikolai said. “Attaching wire to the kunai will ensure that it can be reused, unlike Sabina's throwing knives. I can't recall the number of times she approached me for more. They were either blunt or lost, or embedded in one of Night's disgusting corpses. Fortunately, she was usually too lazy to train anyway, so I didn't have to endure listening to her endless requests for long.”
He walked over to Sierra and tried to grab the kunai from her, but she refused to let go of it.
“Give it to me, will you? I only wish to have a look.”
He yanked the kunai hard, only for Sierra to use his forc
e again him. She rotated the blade and tried stabbing it into his chest. He held his other hand up at the last second and deflected it.
Skye gasped, having never seen anyone even remotely close to ending Nikolai's life. Part of him wondered whether he'd be happy that his foe was killed, or worried they were now left alone to fight the Tianzu themselves.
Nikolai began to laugh and looked in Skye's direction. “Fear not, brother. I can sense your tension. I know just how distraught you'd be if anything were to happen to me. But I assure you I've no intention of being slain. Not now, and not ever.” He turned his gaze back down to the short Sierra. “You, my friend, are quite the marvel. I'm usually adept at detecting one's intentions, but even you yourself weren't intending to kill me then. At least not until the very last second, that is. I wonder, is your spontaneity a good attribute to have on the battlefield? Or could your indecisiveness result in your death?”
Skye rolled his eyes, growing impatient. “Anyway, shut up for a moment, Nikolai. We need your help.”
“Hmm?” Nikolai asked. “Ah, yes, I believe you were saying something?” He appeared back on the couch with a childish grin.
Charlie let out an exasperated moan. Inviting Nikolai here was a bad idea, he thought.
“We fought the Tianzu earlier,” Skye explained, not wasting another needless second while Nikolai rambled on about another useless topic. “Two of them: the masked man, and the boy who killed Foxtrot.”
“The ones who made a brief appearance back in Athenia?” Nikolai asked, now paying attention.
Skye nodded. “Do you know anything about them? Did you hear Daye mention them at all?”
“Alas, I know nothing of them. I recall discovering the five of them meeting up shortly before Foxtrot's death, but I have no idea what they were discussing. Kai, Hana, and Daye were nothing short of secretive. Keeping them in my employ was a complete waste of time. From what I've gathered, Raien, the one who wears that dreadful blue shirt, is their leader. I believe they live in different cities across Shizudera. And that is about all the information I was able to extract from them.”
Eternity's War (Books 1-3) (Eternity's War Boxsets) Page 59