Though the sound of metal clashing, that was as loud as the violent thunderstorm, they conversed.
Not by the mouth but through their strengths and weapons.
"Why do you fight against us? Could you not see the evil that dwells within the society?" This was the first question asked as the leader swung the blade, meeting Berserker double blade axe in the middle.
"Evil isn't something one could destroy under a banner or idea." Berserker responded, smashing his axe against the blade.
"Our cause is Just! By destroying the current society, we will be able to create a new one. A new society without the taint of the old!"
"Destroying one evil will simply breed another." Berserker matched the leader in strength as they held in a standstill. "Your new society will inevitably become the very one that you tried to destroy."
"Lies!"
Both of them punched the other at the same time with their spare hand while the other held firmly onto their weapon.
This sent them back a few feet apart. The force of the punch could be seen by the pile of soils collected at each heel.
Both dropped their weapons to the side, a warrior code that both seem to understand.
Their fists raised before colliding to the middle, trading blows.
Blood and bruises were visible on their bodies, while their fists seem to multiply in visibility.
"How would you know if the new society would fail?"
The leader fists connected to Berserker's body.
"We are, in the end, the very evil that we sort to destroy."
That was Berserker message as they continued trading blows.
Both remained standing, not showing any sign of slowing down or visibly in pain from the injuries. Both staying firm to their belief.
Yet, when they stared at each other, there wasn't a sign of hostility but an understanding. Understanding of the point that the other trying to make, through their fists and determination.
Their fight was interrupted when a Reunion messenger came running, shouting at the leader.
"They have broken through the final line."
Both lowered their fists, smiling in content.
"IT LOOKS LIKE LUCK IS ON YOUR SIDE." The leader grabbed his blade. "WE SHALL CONTINUE ANOTHER TIME."
"Agree." Berserker replied back as he detached his axe.
"TELL ME, WHY DIDN'T YOU JOIN THE REUNION?"
"A Goddess." Berserker replied without wasting a second.
This caused the leader to laughed even louder.
"HAHA, IT SEEM LIKE WE HAVE BOTH FOUND A GODDESS TO GUIDE OUR PATHS."
Berserker looked back to the villagers, who huddled together in fear.
Hearing familiar footsteps at the distance, this was the final chance he got to ask the villagers.
"Why did you lie?"
"We didn't!" The elderly chieftain replied. "The Reunion did raid our food supplies. That man, the one you fought against, came back and gave us back our food supplies and much more. Treating those that are injured during the raid. All he asked was for us to keep up the lie."
"Why?" This wasn't the answer that Berserker seeks of. His face could be seen getting angrier.
"We were afraid, too weak to disagree."
"WHY?"
Berserker raised his metal truncheon up in the air, repeating only one word.
"WHY?"
"WHY?"
"WHY!"
Under the pressure, one of the villagers broke into tears as she spoke out.
"Those who promised to protect us, fled upon seeing the Reunion. Taking away equipment needed for the old and sick, leaving us helpless. We could only surrender to the Reunion. At least Reunion kept their promises!"
Satisfied, Berserker lowered his metal truncheon.
However, his stance from the distance, caught Nearl's attention. She raised her shield while running full speed, despite from her battle fatigue.
Putting herself in between Berserker and the villagers, she shouted. "What do you think you are doing!"
"Help! This monster is trying to murder us!" one of the villagers shouted, pointing to Berserker.
"He raised his weapon! That monster wants to kill us!"
"He is a monster!"
"Monster!"
"Monster!"
This scene triggered a memory within Berserker's mind. His vision of Nearl and the villagers changed to a Policer enforcer pointing a shock baton and bystanders pointing their fingers at him. The huts were replaced with tall concrete walls.
Berserker released a bellow as the enforcer spoke with an evil grin, only, he could see.
[Rhodes Island- Command centre]
"Oh no." Sage began to panic. "He is losing it, again! We have to stop him!"
"Nearl!" The doctor called out "Do not-"
"There wouldn't be needed." Undertaker interrupted and spoke through Nearl's communication device.
"I believe in you. The evil that is within you held no power. Remember the oath you took that day."
Berserker vision of the police enforcer faded to a girl, smiling at her despite knowing the danger Berserker could face. Rubbing a handkerchief on his face, repeating the words of Undertaker.
His grip on his weapon soften.
Berserker slowly came back to his senses.
"Boss, allow me to use the NIMBUS." Sage shouted. "I will personally slap everyone that spoke that lie."
"You will stay." Undertaker replied.
"But!"
"Final."
Undertaker faced Doctor; her face showed no emotions.
"What will you do? You have seen the decisions that the villagers willing to make."
"I will allow the caravans to continue aiding these villagers." Doctor replied, looking away from Undertaker, in discomfort in her decision.
"Even after they are willing to lie about their situation? Which costed countless of lives while trying to aid them?" Undertaker asked again. "Do you base your decision on what is morally right or what you believe is right?"
"Doctor…" Amiya held onto Doctor's hand.
"What I believe is right thing to do." Doctor finally gave her answer.
"What about those that lost their lives?!" Sage lashed out. "Do their lives mean nothing? Do you even consider that some could have families waiting for them back home?"
"it wasn't the villagers that killed them, it was the Reunion." Doctor tried reasoning back. "The villagers are simply trying to survive."
"Those bodies that laid scattered on the terrains. They have outnumbered the villagers that are trying to survive!"
"Sage, that will be enough." Undertaker squeezed Sage on the arm, a sign, telling him that she understood his reasoning. "Doctor, will that be your final decision?"
"Yes."