Chapter 8
Suzaku sighed within the as he was getting ready for day which lay ahead of him. It had been a week since the fiasco at the Ebisu-Jude society. The damage and devastation inflicted by 'The League' had mostly been cleared. The corpse of Fredric was found beneath the rubble of the administrative buildings while that of Hugo wasn`t found. The special police and the Black knight`s declared him as a casualty of cross-fire. But his gut told him otherwise.
He dismissed the thought, as he got ready for the meeting he would be having once again with the government of Japan. Apparently, Ohgi convened it on an emergency basis and Zero-the soul of the nation-had to be present. He finally put on the iconic mask of freedom, greeted his security escort (Kallen and Tohdoh) and made his way to his personal transport, a Toyota century. He mentally chuckled at the sight of the vehicle sent by the Japanese cabinet. Nearly a decade ago, it was his father`s personal transport which had been gifted to the Kururugi`s by the last emperor. Life indeed had come back a full circle.
As the V-12 engine purred along with its dignitaries, Zero looked out on the streets. From his experience during the war years, he could definitely pick up the tension looming in the city air. Trust and confidence had been torn. The only consolation was they weren`t shattered.
Well, he hoped this meeting would help fix up the tear.
"I cannot carry on with this motion." Ohgi stated outright as he flung the offending piece of paper across the table. "Do you realize the implications of this move? That too, after we decided to be patient? Already the Empress has decided to maintain a healthy diplomatic distance to hasten the recovery process."
"Your concerns are legitimate, prime minister." The minister of external affairs stated calmly "But the young Empress`s proclamation has done nothing but glitter and pretty up the situation to their advantage on the global scale. The people on the ground are fed up of this. They are tired of being seen as being seen on a crutch-on Britannia no less. They see this as an opportunity to assert themselves, not rely on another`s benevolence. They want the matter to be dealt with a firm hand."
Ohgi laid an even and challenging gaze at the majority faction of the ministers who stood against him. "So you believe you can 'provide' that firm hand by doing this?"
"It is the people`s will that has given us this power, prime minister. And I think for once, a little less compliance towards them would well assert that we are not a banana republic." The challenge was clearly met by his opponents.
At that moment, the screen beeped to signal an incoming transmission. On the interior minister`s permission, a black-haired man appeared along with lady Kaguya on the screen.
"Chairperson Sumeragi, Vice-chairperson Smilas, I wasn`t aware of your presence in the cabinet's meeting today." Ohgi bowed his head in deference at the two persons on the screen.
"Your group of ministers had approached us with a plea to act as the mediating and binding body in the matter. Thus, our presence is necessary." The bass voice of the veteran general rang through the room.
A visibly displeased frown appeared on the former black knight`s face.
"I wish not to belittle your attendance, but the matter is an internal one and barely even needs on the UFN`s involvement. This is a matter of ironing out some issues and shortcomings of the government."
"On the contrary, the topics listed in the agenda very much make it our matter." The emerald eyed lady voiced with visible displeasure. "You should know better, Ohgi. After all the UFN draft was done with your consultancy also."
"But…" Ohgi trailed of as he met some knowing smirks in the crowd before him.
"Didn't you get the memo, Prime minister?" The treasury secretary asked a bit too innocently. He turned around as the murmurs brew louder, and ordered the room to silence. Fortunately, they listened to him and took their seats in anticipation for Zero`s arrival.
As the members waited, the former school teacher held his hands together in despair and wondered how he had missed to signs which would have allowed him to prevent this crisis.
Zero had been through enough situations during his entire life span to read the situation from the atmosphere in the room. The one he got as he and his guards got as they entered wasn`t at all thick.
It was downright cold and could still the very life force within a person…
"I didn`t expect your attendance in today`s briefing." He stated to the figures on the screen after he greeted the standing gathering and took his place.
"Circumstances demands for such appearances." The veteran general said simply, lacking any hint of emotion.
"I hope Japan finds you well, Zero. It has been a long time." Well, Kaguya made up for the emotions part…
"It has, Chairwoman. However, I think we have more pressing matters to discuss other than exchange pleasantries." The council took this as their cue and settled down into their designated spots. Ohgi wearily stood up from his seat to start of the proceedings.
"The council has gathered today to discuss the following matters of public interest and national security.
a)The fallout of the attack on the society
b)Our ties with Britannia.
c)Affairs related to said nation.
d)Structural reshuffle.
The council will discuss each of the above matters until a solution is found."
With that, Ohgi took his seat and the council was finally under way. Things went smoothly with the first topic, the defense, internal affairs and finance ministries would pool their manpower together to create joint covert task forces. They would be centered in every major city to monitor any potential terror activity, carry out surveillance, covert regulation and neutralization-if necessary. To facilitate the process, a section of black knight`s would be sanctioned to them-on request-for potentially dangerous operations and intelligence acquisition. Zero did point out that this didn't take care of sleeper cells within the country side. The internal affairs minister gently pointed out their role to expand once the city networks were in place.
Ohgi was nervous as they were on the verge of striking of the first objective on their agenda. He felt so….so…helpless and cheated. The ministers were mainly former aristocrats that were in favor of the former Kami (Japanese Emperor) and Genbu Kururugi. Naturally, they felt the need to take power from the 'common people' and reclaim the shogunate. The worst part was, they did it in the most innocuously cunning manner-right under his nose. It was little trouble to play with the people`s sentiments and rally support.
"Are we clear with this, prime minister?" The question brought him out of his stupor. Taking his lack of response as an okay, they moved unto the dreaded topic.
"With that cleared; let us now review our foreign policy." The defense minister said as he leaned back into his chair. Zero noticed shift in the atmosphere, which was even more tangible as was the pale face Ohgi was wearing. At that moment Tohdoh take a step closer towards his seat. The man was more adept at this matters and Suzaku silently thanked his lucky stars that he too perceived the mood.
"What part of our relationship are we referring to?" Zero asked the said man.
"Every single aspect of them will be reviewed, Zero-sama. These include economic involvement, ties with respect to healthcare, monetary issues… and diplomatic relations."
"Britannia has taken adequate measures to protect our nation during the fiasco, what more is there to be done?" Ohgi voiced, a bit of anger laced in his tone.
"Correction, they have done all the measures necessary to protect their interest in our nation." The finance minister answered.
"What do you mean by that?" Tohdoh interjected.
The man pushed his spectacles into a more comfortable position. "Due to the circumstances of our liberation, the finances of the Japan were concentrated in a few households of influence or frozen by the UFN, to prevent the misuse. Am I correct, lady Kaguya?"
"Indeed you are. The Shino-Britannia trust was set up to check the finances. Britannia-by obligation-was coerced to help you all."
"Thank you…now…As I was saying. Therein lays the issue. Zero with your permission." This took the masked man by surprise. He had insisted them to act freely about him, yet many reverted to their old mannerism out of respect. The man here didn't believe all that. Nevertheless, he nodded him to continue.
The man brought up a series of images on the screen and relayed them to their televised guests. "After the incident, the Japanese government had asked the military to carry a follow up sortie in the area after the clean-up operation. These are the images that were taken by them." He then narrowed them down to a few of the images "And these are from the mansions and administrative block of our foreign counterparts. Look closely at the circled sections."
The zoomed in sections shocked 4 persons in that room. They were slightly blurry, but the silhouette was unmistakable, they were skeletons of a heavy armored knightmare frames.
"It would seem our friends were waiting for an opportunity for invasion 2.0"
"Further we managed to get to extract the lab data in which these frames were kept." The defense minister supplemented and more reports and data flooded the screen. "They have been code-named 'Robins', an advanced cavalry unit with short flight ability as well as micro-drones to survey the area. From what we have gathered, it is a refinement of the Vincent`s and Alexander`s distilled into a single frame."
"That is impossible; we had combed that place and the surrounding area 3 times over." Kallen stated fiercely. "Such a thing wouldn`t have gotten past us!"
"That is the reason why some members were asked to resign from their post. They just are too old to see the clues. Aren't I right, Tohdoh-dono?"
Said man remained impassive to the comment, though it stung a little to be vacated of his post for some mere child to protect Japan.
"That may be so, but what does this have to do with are ally? There is no link between what you have said and what you have presented."
"You mean our enemy. Britannia hasn`t had a change of heart yet-"
"Are you implying that Zero hasn`t being doing his job?" Kaguya hissed between her teeth.
"I apologize if that is what I implied. Let me state it outright. Lord Zero didn't neglect his duties. He has been deceived all this while by only focusing on the empress`s actions-"
"How dare you-" She all but roared, Gen. Salamis however reigned her back urging him to continue.
"As I was saying, the leader may be good-there is no doubt, given Zero`s guarantee. It is the people who work under her-the backbone of the system-that are corrupt. And, as sad as it is too say, most of the citizens are the same and are not so 'welcoming'."
"If I recall correctly, the racial crime rate is at 6% compared to other crimes. Moreover, the persistence of these crimes is due to the still radicalized factions among our people." Tohdoh argued.
"Of all crime" the finance minister persisted "75% of the convicted in theft cases confess of britannian origin, 90% of riots are caused, stirred or even instigated locals to do so by their presence…the list goes on…Unrest-which had been growing for quite some time now-has intensified all over the company, food production is low due to lack of land or vertical spaces, employment rate isn`t improving due to a certain country getting preferential treatment over others and the god-damn yen is not even strengthening!"
"Leaving aside the last point, what are you getting at?" Zero asked. Internally, Suzaku wanted to catch the man by his collar and knock some sense into him. "The reasons you have stated above isn`t due to external interference. From what I see of the situation, it is a backlash of sorts due the negligent implementation of incentives, schemes and overall planning from our end."
"With all due respect" The man hissed between his teeth "What do you know of the ground situation?"
"Excuse me?" Zero challenged silently as he remained seated.
"Gentlemen, calm down. Getting into an argument will not help resolve anything." Ohgi interjected.
"Oh shut up! Other than fighting, what do you-" he instantly kept quiet when he felt a hand grasp his shoulder.
"Let us not put ourselves in any hasty situation now." Tohdoh all but commanded the defiant man as he shrugged of the arm and took his seat.
"So let me try and understand this, you are saying the Britannians are the active and passive cause of the troubles." Gen, Salamis interjected.
"People don`t forget what they have gone through, general. They wish to return to the 'conquerors' the same treatment that they meted out on them, with interest. As I mentioned before and repeat once again, the Britannian populace`s continual stay here isn`t helping matters. Due to rumors or what they have 'observed', the Japanese believe that all jobs, food shortages etc are their doing and some alternate form of takeover. They then decide to strike back to deter any such action. It is with all these situations taken into consideration that the cabinet has decided to pass the following motions.
a)The deportation of all Britannians back to their homeland.
b)Cut all ties with the said country till further notice.
These 2 resolutions will be now put to vote."
"This is preposterous." Kallen roared "The sensitization programs have been found to be a success in Hokkaido and Tokyo city. I have yet to hear such an extreme case of violence. Is this an excuse to for political posturing?"
"Are you sure of that?" the minister continued "Just a week ago, a cosmopolitan settlement near Izumo, which included 200 Britannian families was burned to the ground."
"What?" the 4 members of the group said in unison.
"While we were all focused on external damage control, a mob was brewing up near the settlement. Eventually, taking advantage of the administrative chaos, they did what they had set to do." He then clicked he remote which cleared all prior images and technical jargon. In their palace came revolting images of death, torture and carnage. The town-hall was filled by skeletons-female one, according to forensics-all huddled near the door which was secured from the outside. Outside, male skeletons ranging from 30-86 years of age were found, half burnt-peeled back flesh and desperation in their eyes. It seemed both groups of adults were trying to move towards a particular spot. The next image finally answered the skewed puzzle.
Directly in front of these groups, in the town square were some more bodies in similar state of decay. All except, these were much smaller, were bound to multiple metal and concrete structures by their limbs and amongst this were many semi-destroyed toy cars, dolls and other such stuff.
These belonged to the children, aged 1-18 years of age.
"We had reports coming from all over the country from that day. But none of them were as bad as, as brutal this one." He finished and turned to the masked hero. "To make matters worse, the perpetrators are at large."
"Zero, I-no, we all know that the resolution that we are proposing is inhumane and insensitive. But please consider these events before coming to a conclusion. Our people do not trust them and it is a burden on our resources to sustain such a liability. It is analogous of us holding onto a time-bomb near its 10 second countdown."
"How come I never got a notice of this?" Zero`s voice was strained, despite the modulator.
"I guess the information got lost in transit." Someone said cryptically.
"Has human life really been reduced to a number on a sheet that can be lost so easily?" Ohgi asked, despair clear in his stance and speech. He just missed the knowing glances being sent all around the table.
"If nothing else, we are saving these people as well as our own." The man went on. He then turned to the screens "Does the UFN have any objections?"
"…." Kaguya had no response on the matter.
"I deem it you know the situation well, proceed without any further objections." The veteran general conveyed.
"Hold on." His Japanese equivalent interrupted "How can the UFN wash their hands from this? Isn`t this an international issue?"
"This is a humanitarian matter between two nations. The UFN will only interfere if there are hostilities, illegal takeover, aggression etc from an external agent. I would presume you knew, considering you were also part of the drafting committee?"
The 'man of miracles' nodded silently; he had no choice but to back down now. He looked towards Zero, knowing he had the final say in the matter.
"Very well….Carry on the vote. I will brief the empress on the matter after this meeting." The voice sounded weary even through the mask. His posture was stiff and if anyone noticed, he bridged his hands together with much more force than necessary. His mind was anything but static as un-coherent thoughts zoomed through it without allowing him to process on any. It was after sometime in his state of suspended animation that a singular thought left him totally cold and heart-wretched….
All their sacrifices, hurt and effort were really in vain….
As time passed by after the successful vote in favor of the ministers, the atmosphere in the room gradually turned electric, heated and full of animosity. At present, the room clearly contained 2 factions, the black knights with the PM on one end and the rest of the cabinet on the other. Accusations were found in plenty, floating in the air; logic and debate were hard at work, trying to back up the accusations. And the politicians were winning this very comfortably. They had passed another immigrant bill and formally announcement that Japan had nothing to do with the Britannians. In the last hour, they managed to prove that the attack on the society was deliberate, presenting decrypted data from the lab as proof of the involvement of a few powerful people within the Britannian government. With this in place, they petitioned the UFN to slap sanctions on their 'enemy' for deliberate reach of sovereignty and acts of terrorism against the global state.
Lady Kaguya acknowledged the petition, stating that the discussion on the matter and a subsequent vote would be held within the fortnight. With that, the UFN attendees took their leave.
Now the most chilling and pertaining matter was to be put on vote.
"Should Lord Zero remain as one among us?" The secretary to the state read out as the final matter of discussion.
"WHAT TRICK IS LEFT UP YOUR SLEEVES?" Kallen all but roared as she stood up from her seat-which was now, a victim to gravity. "HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHO SAVED YOU ALL FROM THE DEMON? AND YOU'RE SO CALLED 'CONQUEROR'? WHO FREED OUR COUNTRY? HUH?" from there, it was more noise and chaos. Even Tohdoh decided to add his 2 yen into the matter. In the end, everyone spoke to everyone and no one heard anyone
"ENOUGH!" Zero icy voice all but silenced the whole gathering and turned his gaze towards his aides, gesturing them to calm down. He then turned his hidden but not unimaginably furious glare towards the defiant ministers, who took that as their cue to be seated.
"Let us all talk about this in a rational manner. From what I see it, it would seem that you all are implying I have connived with them to cause harm, am I correct?"
"You have not heard it from our mouth, Zero. We are merely conveying what the people on the street utter on a daily basis. You are not there in Japan for more than a few days." Hypocrisy, thy name is that man over there, Suzaku thought in grave distaste.
"From what I recall, it was the council who asked Zero to act as a moderator of sorts of all britannian activity within their territory." Ohgi stated.
"That is the problem; people have lost faith in him. They see him as being allured by the royal family." The man remained adamant, seeing no logic or reason in his arguments.
"That`s absurd-" The masked leader put up his hand to stop his trusted teacher.
"It is known that you do not belong to anyone, Zero. You declared this ever since you first appeared. But the Japanese do not see it that way. In their time of oppression, you guided them and mobilized them. You protected them…you know what I mean" he said, not wanting to beat around the bush "They see you as an embodiment of their spirit and power. In short, they believe you are a part of them and thus, belong to them. Being in the land of their oppressors was bound to have them feel a little hurt. Over time, as you kept standing by the side of the empress it grew into betrayal and now, they see you as turning a blind eye to the evil being conspired and afflicted on them."
"We are sorry to say this, but due to circumstances it has to be done." The smirk on the face was telling of many things more to come.
"You are not needed here anymore, Zero."
The room erupted in utter chaos, but the internal minister persisted on.
"You may have saved us Zero, but you are longer one of us." Ohgi pressed the emergency button to allow the guards to enter. Very soon, the guards had their hands full, trying to keep the 2 factions from tearing the other apart.
"You are a fighter, not an administrator. A ronin who has lost all purpose and sense of duty" someone spat towards Zero.
"TAKE THAT BACK"
"All you can do is scheme and fight. You do not know your own people any longer. You are not one of us."
None of the insults seemed to faze the person in question. After a while, Zero got up of his seat and ordered his security detail to accompany him as he exited the room. As he was leaving, the 'council'-what remained of it-passed the resolution for his removal, procedure be damned. It would seem that something else was cooking up, but he wasn`t interested in that. He could tell his sensei to use his contacts and fill him on the situation on a later date.
As he walked down the airy corridors, he still was reeling under the shock of today`s events. Even if was known as the 'white grim reaper', death was still a sacred and genocide was indigestible and he dare say-unimaginable. To add more salt in his wounds, all of this happened under his watch. His mind was still unsettled with all that happened. No, it was not because of how he was treated by them, but how evil and man dark side still flourished, despite the chance to improve upon themselves.
Was pride and nationalism worth more than a human life?
Was hatred of the past really more important than lives of a family?
Was the innocence of a child worth nothing in this new world of 'peace'?
He desperately tried to answer these questions through Kallen`s constant grumbling and anger-talk. Tohdoh just sent scrutinizing gazes towards both of them, signaling them to keep themselves together. Suzaku shrugged his head a bit, thankful that they allowed the war veteran to be the candidate to represent the black knights in the government (courtesy a certain red-haired woman).
As silence finally descended on the three of them, Zero reclined his seat a bit. If anything, it was a bit more comfortable to fight of his inner demons like so.
'Am I really no longer wanted?' He posed the question to himself. Despite external appearances, the statement had stung much more than he would have liked it.
Well, he was the emotional type. Lelouch had pointed….
He should stop thinking on those lines.
As the occupants went through the various events of the day, The Century effortlessly glided down the road, doing its job as well as it could.
There are perks of being an inanimate object.
Misericordes sicut Pater!
Misericordes sicut Pater!
The music poured through the sound system that was hidden from plain sight in the nearly empty complex. In this stillness, 3 persons came running down the vacant corridor, out of breath and desperate to accomplish their task.
"Where are the intruders?" One of the Swiss guards frantically asked his comrade via the headset. Tonight-as things stood-was the worst night ever encountered in the entire history of the Swiss guards and the Italian army. Their casual approach and follow-up to papal policies and self-serving along with not taking shared intelligence seriously had come to bite them in the back.
It was mid-evening, the same day when a group of terrorist entered the holy city. No sooner did they enter did they announce their presence. Within 2 hours, three of the four major basilicas were razed down to the ground by bombings during the evening angelus. This was followed by similar attacks on surrounding churches and their neighborhoods. As it stood, around three-fourth of the clergy were 'executed'. The cat and mouse chase continued between security forces and the terrorists, until they reached their destination, St. Peter`s basilica. Despite of the dire situation, his holiness instructed to clear the city of all the populace. He would remain within the church, being the bait to hold against the enemy for as long as he could.
That way, the faithful would out of the line of fire.
Rendiamo grazie al Padre, perché è buono
in aeternum misericordia eius
ha creato il mondo con sapienza
in aeternum misericordia eius
conduce il Suo popolo nella storia
in aeternum misericordia eius
perdona e accoglie i Suoi figli
in aeternum misericordia eius
"They are on western corridor. Alpha and beta squad is being sent to your positions." The burly Italian officer said over the headset. Immediately, the soldier set up his scan systems to check his surroundings.
"We will need them down here soon. They are going towards the Sistine Chapel!" he said hurriedly and he rushed towards the said direction.
"Maintain your position." The commander ordered. "Gamma squad is already dispatched to their location. Take the squads assigned to you and protect his YAAA!-"
"Commander?! Commander! Come in." The soldier frantically cried. He was met with the shrill silence that pierced the little courage he had.
"Matre Dieu! What have we done to deserve this?" he wept silently as he pressed his hands n the little statue his mother gave for protection. He had to return safe to her. After all he had promised her a surprise the next day.
Taking in whatever strength he could from the statue, he went forth quietly to take control of the necessary tasks ahead
Rendiamo grazie al Figlio, luce delle genti
in aeternum misericordia eius
ci ha amati con un cuore di carne
in aeternum misericordia eius
da Lui riceviamo, a Lui ci doniamo
in aeternum misericordia eius
il cuore si apra a chi ha fame e sete
in aeternum misericordia eius
The pope stood out on the balcony looking over the city and the chaos that ensued. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath; meditating on the music spilling from his room He had just finished coordinating the last of the civilians out of the city gates into the Italian territory. As he was awaiting the final all clear signal from his troops, he heard the being which was within his room move toward him.
"In the foreground, a city that falls into the darkness. Meanwhile, the background is haunted by a hymn. Oh! The irony" The feminine voice said.
"Your sense of humor is twisted." He replied as he opened his eyes. "From what I recall, this city has until the duration of the hymn to remain intact. Your words, not mine."
"Did you really believe that, child?" her voice smug at her current position. "It was to just set the mood-setting up for a later stage, if you will. Besides, the lyrics were too good to pass. 'Be merciful like your Father is'." She drawled on, mockery thick in her voice.
He bitterly laughed a bit at that "If it is any consolation, I did write the lyrics."
He heard the footsteps approach him, stopping just short of the balcony door. "You indeed are queer. You are foolish also, so what are you exactly?" she asked to no one in particular. "You choose to save others when you could save yourself. That of course, is a messed up sense of priorities. No….your calmness at the inevitable intrigues me."
The pontiff didn`t turn back to respond, instead looked on-helplessly-at the burning city before him. "Ever since was a child, I used to have visions of the fall of my home." He spoke with a reminiscent tone "And like any young boy, I went and told my mother about it. She never laughed at it, nor dismissed my fears. All she told me was be strong and pray. Ever since then, I followed that advice. I prayed hard and fervently, hoping to avert the disaster I dreamt about. Alas! It would seem all has been for naught."
"That is the reason I asked you to bow before us." She whispered into his ears while gliding a hand unto his shoulders. "There is still time. Join our cause. You will no longer have any want or desire. All that you seek to seek and protect will be granted to you." Quietly, the hand cupped his cheeks "you will never, ever be left empty handed."
He gave a genuine smile as he turned to face her. "The disaster wasn`t averted despite all my efforts."
"Yes, dear one." She went on as she stood beside him. "If ever someone were to praise you, adore you, respect you, look up to you, wouldn`t it be natural for you to at least turn a kind glance towards him or do something for him or her. But that thing who resides above us? He expects us to do all what I said and more. If we don`t follow his way, he punishes us in the most horrific way possible. However, what do you or your people get in return? In times of need, he turns his back towards you all, feigning ignorance. Is this fair after all that was done for him? Now, do you understand what I seek?"
His smile didn`t falter as he averted his gaze back onto the view ahead.
Chiediamo allo Spirito i sette santi doni
in aeternum misericordia eius
fonte di ogni bene, dolcissimo sollievo
in aeternum misericordia eius
da Lui confortati, offriamo conforto
in aeternum misericordia eius
l'amore spera e tutto sopporta
in aeternum misericordia eius
The young guard soldiered on, through a floor filled with myriad bodies of servants, butlers, maids….and young altar boys….along with fellow comrades. He stood by one of them, using a nearby pillar for support as he tried his best to hold back a sob. Damn! Now was not the time to break down!
There was a saying among the elders. "If Rome or the holy city falls, the world falls into despair." They couldn`t be more true than now.
At that moment, he heard a noise of 10 footsteps coming down the corridor. He immediately composed himself and slid on the other end of the pillar for cover, his hand ready on his long-sword and the other on his pistol. The tension eased when he saw around 10 fellow soldiers came into view. He came out from his hiding spot and soon, they regrouped themselves.
"What happened to the other squad?" the young man tentatively asked.
"They engaged with the terrorist just in front of the Sistine chapel. The threat was neutralized. Unfortunately…"
He swallowed harshly, mentally completing the sentence at hand. At that moment, his receiver pinged quietly enough for them to hear only. He quickly took out his portable screen to see the current predicament.
"Swiss guards have the entire floor plan of the city. I had managed to integrate it with CCTV`s placed in the whole complex. It is capable to scan potential targets or follow one within the confines while giving the closest possible visual." He explained hastily. The others nodded in understanding before seeing the scene unfold before them.
"They have split themselves into 2 parties." The team leader deduced on visual they got on the receiver screen. "One is going to the tomb of St. Peter…."
They all paled when they realized they had overlooked on fatal detail until now.
They were yet to secure his holiness….
And the second party was headed that way.
The squadron leader barked commands as they ran down the corridors, splitting his troops in 2 groups. The young guard would lead the charge to the papal room while the latter would secure the tomb.
They had no more time to lose.
Chiediamo la pace al Dio di ogni pace
in aeternum misericordia eius
la terra aspetta il vangelo del Regno
in aeternum misericordia eius
gioia e perdono nel cuore dei piccoli
in aeternum misericordia eius
saranno nuovi i cieli e la terra
in aeternum misericordia eius
"God never stopped caring for us." The pontiff replied to the being besides him. "The vision was a warning, a preparation of things to come. It allowed me to try and change the course of things to come. It was for me to prevent it." He mused quietly. "If it couldn`t be prevented, at least I would be able to minimize the damage and causalities."
He then turned to her and said with the same peaceful expression. "If I were you, I would be afraid…very afraid. Your master has done things that were never ever meant to be, despite their existence in all the possibilities. History has been changed, ever so subtly in the last few years. Even the future has been rewritten-thanks to you. The cherry on the cake is, lives have been taken much before their appointed time. That in its self is a scary prospect. I wonder what happened to all those souls."
A grimace came upon the being force. With a snarl, it`s eyes glowed as the pontiff was thrown to the nearby wall with force and slowly crushed into it.
"Foolish child, do you think that anything, anything like mere consequences will deter me or him?" it hissed, forming a cut on his cheek from the mere movement of its hands.
"In…due…course of…time, Sophia." He managed to gasp. The being finally stepped out of the shadows into the evening light, rage filled deep within her lilac eyes
Misericordes sicut Pater!
Misericordes sicut Pater!
"You slave."
With that, the bombs within the tomb of the great saint armed themselves, sending the little squad trying to disarm them into frenzy. The culprits-who were visible on the tracking system-vanished around the pontiff`s room along with the squad assigned there.
"You had the potential to be different, 'his holiness' Peter Paul, named after the great missionary and the rock of your faith." She spat out. "It was my folly, actually to even consider giving you an opportunity. Despite a knowledge tracing back to the beginning of time, I am yet to properly catalogue your race`s behavior or motives. In the end, you were just like them."
She turned her back and made her way towards the door, the 20 projections (terrorists) of herself merging into her as she did so. Just as she was about to shut the door she uttered her conclusion on the whole matter.
"Die."
And with that, the bombs within the tombs and elsewhere within the city set off, sending a brilliantly frightening fire ball to devour the city. Soon, the fire ball turned into an even carpet which had finally consumed the remains of the devastation. Invisible to the weary and devastated onlookers, Sophia emerged from the flame and took to the skies, admiring her handiwork for a bit before proceeding to her destination.
'Rome has finally fallen' she thought smugly.
Now, time to test the proverb of old….
Misericordes sicut Pater,
Misericordes sicut Pater.
At the same time, in Pendragon.
Schnitzel walked down the long hallways after having taken care of the affairs of the day. He would have loved to stay a bit longer to assess the situation in Italy, but his lord had called for his presence.
And he could never disobey his lord.
He made his way to the gardens outside and noticed the caped figure waiting for him near the man-made lake. He quickly walked up to him and made his presence relevant.
"I trust that you have seen the developments." The voice seemed…more disembodied than he remembered.
"I have. The attack has led to panic and fear around the globe. In whatever capacity, a leader is a leader. The people-now without a spiritual guide-do not know how to react or what will be their fate. Most opting for violence for some reason." He stated, he maintained a respectable distance as they walked down the pathway.
"He was like a father to all." The freedom fighter went on.
Schnitzel chuckled at that "I still remember my interaction with him during my time in the EU. It was fair to say, he managed to keep both us and the EU out of his jurisdiction without the need to resort to martial force."
"That reminds me, are you going to attend the funeral?"
"Yes, my lord." His voice now reverent "I will be filling in for her majesty. The Japanese problem has spiraled out of proportions and needs her full attention."
The masked man finally fully faced his dub-ordinate "Now listen to my instructions…"
The devotee listened to his lord`s answer without raising a single question.
Finally! An update is done!
It wouldn`t be wrong to say this is a chapter I had the most difficulty in writing and imagining.
At the outset, I apologize if anyone is hurt or angered by the contents of this chapter. It took me 2 days to decide whether to post it or not.
Finally, the main action of the story has started. The key plotline has been reached. So I can safely say, 25% of the story is done.
As always, I thank for your patience and kind support. It would be meaningless without all you readers.
Construstive critiscm is always welcome as well as reviews on how the story is going.
I would urge you to check out my other story, Their majesties will. As that also is a flagship piece from a request.
The hymn used is the one from the year of mercy. The English translation (If any care to know) is given below.
Misericordes sicut Pater!
1. We give thanks to the Father, for he is good
in aeternum mercy eius
He created the world with wisdom
in aeternum mercy eius
He leads his people in history
in aeternum mercy eius
He forgives and welcomes His children
in aeternum mercy eius
2. Let us give thanks to the Son, Light of the nations
in aeternum mercy eius
He loved us with a heart of flesh
in aeternum mercy eius
we receive from Him, to Him we give ourselves
in aeternum mercy eius
the heart to open to those who hunger and thirst
in aeternum mercy eius
Misericordes sicut Pater!
Misericordes sicut Pater!
3. We ask the Spirit the seven holy gifts
in aeternum mercy eius
source of all good, sweet relief
in aeternum mercy eius
comforted by Him, offer comfort
in aeternum mercy eius
I love hopes and endures all things
in aeternum mercy eius
4. We call for peace to the God of all peace
in aeternum mercy eius
the earth awaits the gospel of the Kingdom
in aeternum mercy eius
grace and joy to those who love and forgive
in aeternum mercy eius
will be the new heavens and the earth
in aeternum mercy eius
Misericordes sicut Pater!
Misericordes sicut Pater: - Be merciful like the Father is
in aeternum mercy eius:- His mercy is endless and forever.
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Finally, Enjoy !