Eternity's War (Books 1-3) (Eternity's War Boxsets)

by Ruben Stelliswolfe

  “Then I suppose we know more about them than you. The boy is able to manipulate one's mind somehow.”

  Hearing this made Nikolai frown. “Not unlike Paul?”

  “Different,” Charlie said. “It's almost as though he manipulates your emotion. He was able to turn Delta and I against each other.” His jaw clenched as his mind replayed what he felt earlier on. “It's hard to explain, but he was able to fill me with ...”

  “Hatred,” Delta said for him.

  Nikolai clasped his hands. “Intriguing. That explains why Foxtrot died in such suspicious circumstances. I'd assumed as such, but hearing this news confirms my theory. I daresay this boy is a very real threat then. I don't think it would be out of the question to prioritise his murder. What of the man?”

  “He's a skilled fighter. And fast,” Skye pointed out, “but no other ability of interest from what we could gather.”

  Nikolai rose and walked over to their balcony door, admiring the city from above. He always enjoyed gazing down at the world, be it from a metropolitan apartment, or his villa back on the beach in Athenia. “So what are you proposing? You'd like my assistance in eliminating this pair?”

  Skye, Charlie, and Delta all looked at one another for a final time, all wondering if they were actually going to go through with this.

  “Yes,” Skye reluctantly admitted.

  Nikolai wrapped a strong arm around Skye's shoulders and pulled him in close. “Then I'll gladly assist in any way I can,” he said. “You see, Skye? I told you we'd one day work together again.”

  “But just you,” Charlie said, knowing they'd need to keep Tahlia and Sierra segregated. He looked to Sierra, but her face didn't change. She was still busy securing the steel wire to her kunai.

  Nikolai understood the meaning. “Of course. Well, I shall utilise Tahlia's skills and have her assist me in finding these two for you. Once I have their location, I'll let you know.”

  “I'll come with you,” Skye said quickly. It had crossed his mind that he'd rather not have Nikolai return to Tahlia's location and speak with her privately, as it might allow the two the opportunity to conjure a plan. If Skye was with them at all times, it would greatly reduce the likelihood of a betrayal.

  Nikolai smiled and placed his hand back on Skye's shoulder. “As you wish, brother. Then let us commence.”

  Before any more words were exchanged, Nikolai and Skye had vanished from the room.

  Thirty-four

  Raien stood tall on the roof of the apartment building. It was ten stories tall—relatively small for the ward of Azuma-jo they were in, but still tall enough to provide a spectacular view of the busy metropolis around them. It was often his chosen spot where he could survey the city streets below.

  Kitsune sat crouched beside him, watching the world below too, her mind plagued with concern. She'd hardly uttered a word to her senior since leaving Kitadera that morning. The Tianzu were facing troubling times, she thought, and it seemed as though Raien was the cause of it. She played their conversation from the previous evening in her head, over and over, each time feeling more worry.

  Why is Raien acting this way? What is he trying to achieve?

  An odd presence caught Raien's attention. He turned around, although knowing exactly who was standing behind him. “Hello, Kheree,” he said, feigning respect to his supposed leader.

  “What's the situation?” the man asked, not bothering to enquire as to Raien's well-being.

  Kitsune stood up and bowed to the Tianzu leader. Raien offered nothing.

  “I suspect the two rival clans are here in Shizudera,” Raien said, adding no further information.

  “Do you believe they're a threat?” Kheree asked, his facial expression blank and monotone.

  “Undoubtedly.”

  “Are you intending to destroy them?” he asked.

  The question caught Raien off guard. “Why do you ask?”

  “I ask because Daye informed me that you ordered Shin and Karatsu to attack the Athenians. Is this true?”

  Raien smirked. “It's not in your nature to destroyed perceived threats, is it, Kheree?”

  “Did you give the order?” he asked again.

  Raien glanced at Kitsune, then turned back to Kheree. “I did.”

  Kheree's face fell, despite already knowing the answer. He stared at his comrade, his mind racing. “Why?”

  “You want to know why I'd protect my people? Is that a question you actually need to ask?”

  “Why did you order for your clan to attack? It's the last thing I wanted.”

  “Obviously,” Raien scoffed. “The last thing you ever want is conflict, even if it's at the expense of the Tianzu.”

  Kheree's eyes flashed a glimmer of sadness. “You're referring to our war with the Xingzu again. Why can't you accept—”

  “There's nothing to accept,” Raien interrupted. “You were too slow in assisting us when we fought the Xing, and the Shizuno Tianzu are the ones who paid the price. Their blood is on your hands.”

  Kheree stared back at Raien, baffled. It was a conversation they'd had several times, but not for many years now. “You still blame me for what happened. Even after all this time.”

  “Is that so hard to accept?”

  Kheree turned to Kitsune, who was staring down at the rooftop, clearly not wishing to get involved in the pointless dialogue. “So then what's the meaning of this?” he asked, turning back to Raien. “Why would you deem it a wise strategy to attack the Athenians without my permission?”

  “Because I don't need your permission, and don't want it. I can't risk our enemy invading my land and killing my people. I refuse to let it happen.”

  “Your people?” Kheree echoed, his body tensing. “Raien, what are you talking about? We're sworn to protect everyone; not just the citizens of our respective countries of birth.”

  “Indeed we are,” he agreed. “Which is why I decided to take action. How long would you have waited before involving yourself in combat with the Athenians? How many people would be dead if I hadn't taken action?”

  “None!” Kheree shouted back, his patience finally wearing thin. “I don't want there to be any bloodshed! That's why I allowed Kai, Hana, and Daye to travel to Athenia in the first place. Their mission was to observe Nikolai and determine if he was a threat to us or not.”

  “Which was a waste of time,” Raien spat back. “Kai and Hana were stationed there for three months and hardly discovered a thing about our enemy. We knew Nikolai would be a threat from the very beginning. Clearly he wants to destroy the Tianzu.”

  Kheree's illusion stepped forward. “Which is exactly why I sanctioned the mission. I'd much rather it if we could avoid having to resort to war again, so I wanted to wait and gather information about them.” He gazed up at the skyscrapers around them. “If there was a way we could coexist peacefully with Nikolai, I'd gladly take it. But you've ruined any opportunity for that now. War is inevitable, all because you blame me for past events that were beyond my control.”

  “War was always inevitable. Thinking otherwise is foolish.”

  Kheree shook his head with sadness. “This isn't what I wanted at all,” he said again. “You've turned the Athenians against us. I wanted to reason with them, Raien. I was hopeful they'd wish to join the Tianzu.”

  Raien's eyes widened. He glared at Kheree before erupting with laughter. “You wanted them to join us? You actually believed these two clans could become our allies?” Raien's smile faded, his face reddening with anger. “Then you truly are a fool. These people wanted to kill the Athenian president, which would cause anarchy for the Union, and yet you stand here with the belief that they can be reasoned with.” He inched forward across the rooftop. “There's no reasoning with our enemy, Kheree.”

  “They're only our enemy because of what you've done!” Kheree erupted back. “You took it upon yourself to eliminate them, and you succeeded. Daye told me that two are dead because of you. The only thing you've destroyed is an opport
unity for peace.”

  “Peace?” Raien spun around and faced Kitsune. “Our leader has the gall to talk with me about peace?” He walked over and joined her by the building's ledge. “Our leader destroyed my clan, and now he believes we can achieve peace by recruiting other shengxian?”

  Kitsune looked away, again feeling uncomfortable with the dialogue.

  “You're right when you say that I'm your leader,” Kheree called. “I lead the Tianzu, and you've disobeyed me.”

  Raien returned his attention to Kheree, a sly grin on his face. “And what would the consequence of that be? Clearly you're not going to execute me for betraying the Tianzu. It's not in your way.”

  Kheree narrowed his eyes at him. “It's Huangdian's wish to see you executed for what you've done.”

  Raien threw his head back, letting out a sarcastic laugh. “She's hardly a threat to me. And her wish makes no difference, as you are the one who leads, and you wouldn't dare order the death of a fellow Tianzu.” He paced back across to his leader's illusion. “You're trapped, Kheree. We both know you'll never kill me, because you're a weak leader. You were once wise, from what I've heard, but in the modern era you've become merciful. A strong leader doesn't show compassion for his enemies—he eradicates them.”

  The standoff continued in silence, Kheree clenching his fists with rage. Minutes passed, the only noise on the rooftop coming from the busy streets below.

  “Tell me something,” Raien finally whispered. “Why is it that you sent Kai and Hana to Athenia? Why didn't you send your own clansmen?”

  Kheree exhaled sharply through his nose. “Kai and Hana were the most logical choice for the mission.”

  “Or maybe it's because you were hoping the Athenians would kill them. After all, it's no secret you hate the Shizuno Tianzu.”

  Kheree frowned. “Do you actually believe your words, Raien?”

  The man in blue nodded. “I do.”

  “Then you're the fool. We all know how you feel about the Xing Clan, and you're the only one who hasn't moved on from what happened. So you've kept yourself here, isolated for twenty years, your hatred for me growing. You're splitting the Tianzu apart, which is why I wanted to send members from both sects to Athenia. I'm trying to undo the damage you've done to this clan.”

  Raien's expression turned dark. “The only damage the Tianzu have suffered is because you allowed the Xing to massacre this group. As I said, they're blood is on your hands, Kheree. The Tianzu need a leader; not a pacifist. And I am a leader, unlike yourself. There's a difference between leading and merely claiming to lead.”

  Silence fell again. The conversation had finished. Kheree was taken aback by the words, but also not overly surprised. He shot Raien a final warning glance before disappearing, leaving the pair alone once again.

  Raien held his hands up and stretched, breathing in the air from the city. He lowered himself to the ground, his smug smile returning. “Kheree has no right to call himself a leader. I should be the one who leads the Tianzu.”

  “What have you done!” Kitsune snapped, her frustration finally boiling over. Keeping herself calm during the debate had indeed been a challenge, and she now regretted not saying anything.

  “I'm sorry?” Raien asked, frowning at her.

  “Why are you antagonising our leader? What are you actually trying to achieve?”

  His smile faded. “You're siding with Kheree? Even though you've sworn loyalty to me?”

  “I've sworn loyalty to the Tianzu; not you.” Her mind was still reeling from the conversation that had just taken place.

  “Choose your words carefully, Kitsune,” he warned. “If you side with Kheree, I may have to consider you to be my enemy.”

  Her jaw dropped. “You think Kheree is your enemy?”

  “Of course I do!” he shouted, rising back to his feet again and pacing the rooftop restlessly. “He's been my enemy ever since he allowed my people to die. Why on earth would anyone think that I'd stand by and allow him to get away with what he's done?”

  “He hasn't done anything,” she muttered back. “He—”

  “Exactly,” he interrupted. “He hasn't done a thing; he took no action when my clan needed his help. He allowed us to be killed. Not taking action means he's just as much my enemy as the Xingzu were.”

  Kitsune stared back at him, mortified. “Listen to yourself. Listen to what you've become.”

  “What I've become?” His smile returned. “I'm awake, Kitsune. I've become someone who is awake to the world around them. I see the truth, and yet everyone else in this clan lives their lives blindly. And I must say it's very unfortunate to hear you talk to me in this manner. I expected better than for you to defy me.”

  “I'm not defying you; I'm trying to protect our—”

  “Of course you're defying me,” he interrupted again. “Everyone's defying me. First Kai and Hana, and now you. Soon enough Karatsu will defy me too, leaving me alone with that sadistic, useless excuse for a shengxian, Shin.” He stopped pacing and looked into the furious eyes of his colleague. “But I'm most disappointed in you, Kitsune. I expected you to follow me to the very end.”

  “That's enough,” she said. “I'm not defying you; I'm just tired of allowing people to be killed.”

  “Is that so? Well, then surely you'll appreciate that we need to fight our enemy in order to achieve peace.”

  “For how long?” she asked. “How long until we achieve peace? And how long will we have that peace before another clan emerges? Are you just going to spend the rest of your life murdering every shengxian you encounter?”

  He looked away from her, the soft breeze warm on his face. “You're starting to sound like Daye and Hiroaki.”

  “Is that such a bad thing? Are they now your enemy too?”

  He turned back around. “Allow me to ask you something,” he began, ignoring her question, his eyes staring deeply into hers. “If I was to form a clan of my own, a group in which I could lead in a truly righteous manner, and not subject any of my warriors to meaningless prejudices, and respect those who offered me their loyalty, would you join me?”

  She stared back at him, the proposal catching her off guard. “And now you want to start your own clan.”

  “Rightfully so,” he said. “I don't consider myself to be a part of the Tianzu, so why would I waste another minute of my eternity serving a weak leader?”

  Kitsune ignored him. She made her way to the ledge of the building and sat on it, watching the world below.

  “Join me,” he called to her. “My clan would offer you so much more than the one we currently serve.”

  Again, she ignored him, her gaze still fixed on the people of Azuma-jo. The citizens went about their business, all of them oblivious to the existence of the Tianzu and the shengxian.

  “Consider my proposal,” he said. “If you join me, you'll redeem yourself, and I'll forgive your defiance.” Raien placed his hands behind his back and stood tall, gazing up at the neighbouring buildings. “You know deep down that our enemy needs to be eliminated. There's no reasoning with any of them. They all need to die.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Starting with Kheree.”

  Thirty-five

  Juliet sat in the hotel room with her eyes closed, her mind projected outwards as she kept practising her ability. While she was reluctant to admit it, she'd made progress in the last day or so; not necessarily because Tahlia was a good teacher, but rather because White Shadow never had a spare moment to train her. From the time Juliet began her new life, Ren had worked tirelessly, eager to locate Archie.

  Romeo sat nearby, his eyes also closed. While he had no ability he knew of, Nikolai had told him, where possible, to practise his mindfulness, as this will ultimately be his greatest asset in training.

  The appearance of Nikolai and Skye interrupted the room. Juliet and Romeo both opened their eyes and spun around, surprised to see their friend standing before them. Tahlia looked around nervously, on guard. While she couldn't detect Sier
ra with them, her first instinct was to remain defensive in case the short woman was nearby.

  “She's not here,” Nikolai said, noticing the worried look on Tahlia's face.

  Juliet leapt to her feet. “Skye!” she called, walking over to him.

  He smiled and placed a gentle arm around her. “Good to see you,” he said, still concerned for her well-being while stationed with Black Dawn. In no way would he ever consider her to be the enemy.

  Romeo stood up and offered Skye a short wave, but not bothering to approach him.

  “What's he doing here?” Tahlia asked, no doubt confused.

  “Now, now, you should treat Skye with the respect and admiration he deserves,” Nikolai said scornfully. “My old friend here has requested our assistance in locating the Tianzu.”

  Skye cringed for a moment and looked away from the surprised glances of Juliet and Romeo. He couldn't help but feel somewhat traitorous for even approaching Black Dawn, and didn't want to have to explain his hypocrisy to the two youngsters.

  “I already know where they are,” Tahlia said in a conceited manner. “I've been monitoring them all afternoon, remember?”

  “Ah, very good,” Nikolai spoke, pleased. “There you have it, Skye. That wasn't so hard, was it?” he laughed.

  Skye frowned, frustrated that Black Dawn were able to pinpoint their enemy's whereabouts with such ease. He didn't doubt that Tahlia was a useful asset. “So, where are they then?”

  Tahlia pointed north-east. “Approximately three kilometres away. I'll show you.”

  Nikolai, Skye, and Tahlia all stood on a rooftop, quite high up, staring into the distance.

  “Where am I looking?” Skye asked, unable to detect the presence of others.

  “Yes, I can sense them now,” Nikolai said, his ability not quite as advanced as Tahlia's.

  “There's a small building on the river,” she said, pointing north. “The two of them are inside.”

  Nikolai laughed again. “You see, Skye? Quite a marvellous ability, isn't it? How long have they been there, Tahlia?”