Seven Hundred And Twelve

“Rough day, huh?” Haru asked, an amused yet sympathetic smile on her face as she sat behind me on the back seat of the car taking us to our meeting with the President. I’d decided to take Haru along for a number of reasons, but one of them certainly was I wanted to spend to spend some time with her.

“Yeah, though earlier wasn’t so bad. I just had a surprise dropped on me… well, a number of them.”

Haru chuckled. “I can tell. Who would have thought that Ekaterini Sakellariou would have been not just a Chosen, but one of the Valkyrie’s. It does explain her sudden sweeping to power. Political commentators around the world have been saying it seems a little rushed, even if her trajectory in politics has been somewhat meteoric, but… that’s not the point, is it?” Haru let out a soft titter. “You don’t care about any of that, do you? If you’re stressed… would you like a massage?” She flexed her hands playfully, and as the lights from outside illuminated her face, I couldn’t help but be captivated, but also… a little guilty.

“Sory, Haru. I know it must have been difficult for you.”

She tilted her head, questioning, but I knew she understood. Perhaps you’re just helping me put it into words. That’s very like you, Haru… Well then…

“I mean, with Miyu and Michiru, and their… fantasies. It’s not really their fault, is it? Miyu’s been hopelessly repressed and pressured until her personality has become a weird dichotomy of extreme dominance and equally absurd submissiveness, while Michiru… shit, I want to punch her father again another few times, but now I don’t have any right to… Oh, I’m babbling. Sorry…” I apologised again, running my hand through my hair restlessly, until Haru, after a brief pause, smacked away my hand with her own. My eyes widened at the casual touch, but what happened next stunned me even more, as she produced a comb and proceeded to fix my hair. There wasn’t much bodily contact, but there was a little.

“Oh, don’t be so confounded, you’ll make me blush, Akio.” Haru’s face was indeed a little pink. “You can’t go meeting the President of the United States of America at less than your most handsome! Especially now.”

“I guess not…” I placed my restless hands in my lap, earning another smile from her. “…I’m sorry for that, too. I very much doubt his mind is in any way pleasant, so you don’t have to use your Telepathy, or if you do, you can stop anytime.”

“I appreciate that. And there are unsavoury rumours in the international community, certainly, but we weren’t talking about his proclivities, but theirs. Miyu and Michiru… honestly, I’m happy for them.”

“You are?”

“Yes.” Haru glanced out into the London night. “I am. They think of… of assault…” Haru couldn’t bring herself to say the actual word. “…but they’ll never have to know what true terrors lie within that concept. Because you’ll never let them be in that position, will you?”

“I’ll never let you be in that position again.” I swore, though then my own smile, weak as it was, showed. “Though if I’m being honest, you’re strong, Haru. You can defend yourself now. But even so, I’d still like to be your shield. Because… I like you.”

“I know you do. And that seems a miracle to me.” Haru chuckled. “I won’t say it’s just your care which has saved me. Everyone’s contributed to keeping me from living a miserable life. But… certainly without you taking the lead, I’d have probably shut myself away, or at best, kept busy and avoided people. This isn’t a group where we women are merely wallflowers or decorations. Miyu and Michiru can also protect themselves, but… when they can’t, when we can’t, it’s reassuring to have our knight in shining armour there for us…”

“I’m no knight. Ask Ellie. Being inconstant with women is a big no-no in Chivalry…” I chuckled, only for Haru to shake her head.

“I don’t know about that. I’m not extremely well-versed in Arthurian literature, but even I know that King Arthur’s best knight Lancelot cuckolded him. Besides, and I’m sure Eri is sick of saying this… so long as we all accept it, it’s not cheating. Of course…” Her tone was playful now. “…that doesn’t give you the green light to go after anyone and everyone. But we were talking about Miyu and Michiru. You were only trying to make their first times wonderful memories for them, fulfilling their desires, no matter that they didn’t know truly what they were asking. And if I’m being honest, it was impossible to conflate the tender care you showed them with… with anything I suffered.” She pursed her lips then. “Besides, you were so tragically bad at it. You satisfied them, but only because they were so innocent. Your acting was terrible. But…”

She reached out, her hand hesitating for a moment, before grasping one of mine on my lap. Her body temperature was a little cool, but her skin was soft. “…that’s because you don’t even like the thought of us being hurt, even in jest, even as a play. I love that about you, Akio. Just…”

“I know.” I nodded. “Maybe I was wrong to deliberately forbid myself from seeing you as a woman. Maybe that was my own hubris, mistaken ideals of what would make you happy. But I do know you’re not going to find it easy. And I’ll take as long as it needs to make you comfortable, until you’re ready to take the next step. And I’ll do that every step from here until eternity.”

“Yes, my heart definitely fluttered then. Being dead doesn’t mean my heart still can’t race. How odd…” Haru chuckled, squeezing my hand fleetingly before letting go. She then pulled on a pair of heavy, black lace gloves, and shrugged. “I don’t want to touch his flesh if we have to shake hands.”

“Understandable.” I nodded. “Kana really hated him.”

“She’s a smart girl, is Kana.” Haru agreed. “Still, we have to deal with him. But we’re getting away from my point.” she chided me, clicking her tongue cutely. “Just… play with them as they want, and don’t feel guilty. I’m exhausted by being weak. I’ll just…” …draw my strength from you. Now and always.

That’s fine. I’m both honoured and delighted to be the one you’ve turned to.

I’ll also… try… and grow more comfortable with intimacy. I know you have many lovers, so you’re not starving for physical affection, far from it, but… even I am a woman. I don’t care about others, but… I do feel I want intimacy with you, to recapture what was taken from me. Just…

Slowly, yeah?

Haru nodded. “But as swiftly as I can. Now then… so what’s the plan?”

“That’s a good question.” We were meeting the President at the new US Embassy, south of the river, a rather impressive glass cube. That was fortunate, as I’d already eaten a heavy meal with Dorte and the other Chosen, and I didn’t particularly want to share a meal with him, and neither did Haru. Though the location…

“It’s not like he can harm us, even if he is under some malign influence.” Haru reassured me. “He can’t trap us physically, for one thing. I’m a ghost. Woo! Woo!” Haru waved her arms, making me chuckle, as she made fake-sounding ghost wails. She then coughed, face a deeper shade of pink. “You get my point. Sometimes I like to mess around like everyone else. I’m not old. Technically, I’ll never get any older. Aren’t you lucky?” She coughed again. “No, my point is, what would they do? Knockout gas or poison? Good luck trying to affect either of us with that. Physical restraints? I’d float out, you’d break them… really…” She paused, switching to mental conversation again. There’s only one way that would work, unless you’re a really powerful spiritual being like Nurarihyon. That’s to use hostages to restrain us. And that is a very terrible idea, I’d say.

No kidding. I would end him if he tried that, and turn that embassy to slag, consequences be damned. After we safely rescue the hostages.

If we are fortunate, nobody will be foolish enough to try it again. The failed Church attacks showed that targeting those around you still isn’t easy. But we have to be cautious. People aren’t rational. They always believe things will go their way, despite a lack of supporting evidence, or indeed, evidence to the contrary.

“No. No they aren’t.” I agreed. The area around the embassy was considered sovereign US soil, so soldiers… Marines, I think… were standing there, armed, of course, and as our car pulled up, several came over to check who we were. Our driver explained, and after the soldiers nodded and waved us through to a parking spot, I opened the door, left the car, then went around and opened Haru’s side. I offered her my arm, and she took it, and as she stepped out, we glanced around.

There’s definitely a Chosen here. I can hear their thoughts, though...

Titan? I asked, and Haru shook her head.

I don’t think so, no. It’s not a familiar person, I don’t think. Also… their thoughts are rather hard to get a hold of. I’m not sure why…

 Are they trying any mental tricks?

No, they’re just… foggy, I guess? Indistinct, like they’re a child talking from under a blanket, words muffled. Anyway, we’d best be a little careful. But you can handle it, yes?

Probably, but we should still be careful. Chosen powers can be strange and unpredictable. It’s like Arisu-san’s Room. Even I wouldn’t be confident of escaping when trapped in there.

“This way, if you please.” A smartly dressed young woman, in a skirt suit mirroring Haru’s, black with a crisp white shirt and dark tie, took us inside. “The President is awaiting you. Do follow me.”

Haru and I followed, noticing that the presence of soldiers seemed rather higher than I imagined was normal. Soon, we were taken to a fancy glass lift, and whisked up to the top floor, and outside a room were standing four burly soldiers, and Haru’s thoughts clued me in. Him, there. He’s a Chosen, at least by his thoughts, I’m almost certain…

Cautiously weaving light to mask the glow of aether and my Eyes, I stared at the guy she’d indicated.

????????’s Clouds Of Confusion – This Divine Favour…

It was bizarre to see that the name of the Favour was partially obscured by question marks, that was something I’d not seen for ages as my Eyes improved. Not only that, but the Chakra network of the man was obscured and wavering. I could see parts here and there, but it was as if things loomed in and out of fog, rather apt. Worse, the entire description after the usual blurb about what Favours were made from was equally obscured. I’m not seeing much Wisdom here…

… … … This Divine Favour is made of concentrated Adherence, refined Ether and Soullight infused Truesoul strands, and is specifically designed to Obscure Knowledge, Confuse Wisdom, and Obfuscate Truth. Just as fire burns paper, and destroys the knowledge within, or ancient stone hieroglyphs can be shattered by hammer and chisel, Wisdom, while the strongest, truest force in the multiverse, is also fragile.

I see. Thanks, that helps me understand. So it’s a hard counter to you, huh? It’s not giving us weird symbols and gibberish though, so… I don’t think he’s under Akoman’s influence?

… … …

Pretending I hadn’t seen anything, I stepped out, only for Haru’s thoughts to be rather alarmed. Wait. There are actually more Chosen, I think. It’s so hard to tell. My head’s getting heavy, I feel like I want to sleep…

Don’t bother with your Telepathy then. It’s not worth the risk that you might get harmed. After your heartwarming words on the way here, I can’t let you get hurt again.

My… if not white knight, then at least my grey one…

Stepping past the guards, the woman accompanied us in. Inside, the President, supposedly the most powerful man in the world, was sitting at a polished oak desk, perhaps made to mirror the one in the Oval Office. His back was to us though, as he was looking out through the glass side of the building over London. The door shut behind us, and the woman strode over and stood beside him, though we didn’t miss the gleam in her eyes which betrayed a complicated emotion as she did so.

“Oh…” the President turned around, smiling. “Akio, glad you could make it. And you’ve brought a beautiful secretary too. You’re a man who knows what he likes, just like I am.” The woman beside him flinched, and I had the nasty feeling he’d let his hands wander behind her a little.

Sorry Haru, this is going to he horribly trying, I know. Worse, if it’s not safe to use your Telepathy on others, I’ve subjected you to this for nothing.

We don’t know for sure yet. And this… I can handle. I hate to say it, and obviously, I’d never get targeted, as my daddy was Minister, but power harassment and casual sexism is rather rife in the Japanese government, though that’s starting to change now, as who would dare mess with women when you’re elevating so many of us, Akio…

“This here is the most beautiful attaché in the Embassy. So I’ve had her keep me company while I waited for you. What’s the point of power if you can’t enjoy yourself, wouldn’t you agree?” His smile irked me, but I remained professional, an insincere smile on my face. That’s the one plus about being Japanese. We’re masters at smiling politely when we’re utterly pissed off…

“Now then, Chloe, be a good girl and break out the good stuff for our guests here. I’ll have a diet Coke. Real Coke, not a knock-off, okay?”

As the woman’s eyes flashed again, she turned and headed to a small side door. The President watched her go, and indeed her skirt was a little hitched at the back, nothing major, just showing an expanse of her stocking-clad legs, but it wasn’t the sort of slovenly state of dress I’d expect from a high-level attaché at the Embassy.

“Now then, sit, sit.” He gestured to some chairs before his desk. “No need to put on too much formality.” He smiled in a manner he likely felt was ingratiating. “After all, we’re good friends, aren’t we? Best of friends, everyone’s saying it. And good business partners. I’m probably the greatest business mind in the world, you know. No offence to your young girlfriend. She’s a beauty. I’m not normally into Asians, but there’s a lot to be said for their attitude. Let the men do business and run the household…” I tried to tune out his nonsense and not spark a third World War by vaporising his head as he stared lingeringly at Haru’s legs, as she primly tugged down her skirt as we sat down.

“…anyway, I don’t drink, but… I like watching others when they do. Gives me an edge, you know.” he admitted proudly, as the attaché, Chloe, gave Haru and I glasses of American bourbon, and placed a large glass of cola on the President’s desk, the ice cubes clinking, before she took her spot, a touch reluctantly, I wagered, standing beside him. “Anyway, here’s to many more profitable dealings between us!”

He raised his glass, and Haru and I did the same. I took a sip and was pleasantly surprised to see it wasn’t poisoned. I was half-expecting some basic level of treachery, but then, I supposed that would be too clumsy, even for those who didn’t know much about me. And my resistance to being drugged would be in the reports Aliyah submitted…

“I was up in Aberdeen, you know. Freezing there, the weather isn’t great, but… I do enjoy a spot of golf. I won, of course. Shot an excellent round. Do you play, Akio? If so, I’ll invite you to witness a master in action!” He laughed, but then his face fell. “It wasn’t… as fun as usual. I adore winning, but…”

Watch the hands, Kana says. Remembering her advice, I used my expanded field of vision to focus on that, and indeed, his hands were trembling slightly, and he was sweating profusely, despite the room being at a perfect temperature. Yes, it’s almost like withdrawals from something…

“…well, no, I suppose it’s only natural.” His smile, which had faltered for a moment, returned, and using my masked Eyes, I could see the strange alterations in his brain remained. “When we’ve tasted the big leagues, these little pleasures are bound to get stale. Especially when there’s so much more beyond we never imagined.” he finished. Seeing I’d drank some of my bourbon, he insisted Chloe would fill it up again, and as she poured for me, I could see the rictus mask of desperate struggle to hold in her annoyance slip a little, her blue eyes bitter. Then, they widened, and she glanced at Haru, before looking away, stepping back to where the President was again.

I know I shouldn’t risk it, but it’s just too aggravating. You’re right. I hate this. Don’t feel bad though, it’s not traumatising me, just… making me furious. He’s been groping her all evening, while she has to fawn on him or she’ll lose her job. Never become a leader like him, please Akio.

I won’t. And you can correct me if I stray. Now then… did your act of mercy pick up anything suspicious?

It did. Though her own mind seems strangely hazy too, like she’s drunk, or drugged, memories transient and fleeting. But see? Through your eyes her brain hasn’t been altered like the President’s has. This is something else… anyway, she’s not seen most of the Embassy guards around before. While it’s not unheard of to increase security when the President or some other VIP is here, it’s still strange to her. As they don’t seem to act like Marines. The discipline is sloppy, the way they walk, talk…

The Chosen then…

Yes, the Chosen…

“Yes…” the President continued, as our mental communication had taken a near-instant. “…the big leagues. The biggest. After all, what’s the only thing money can’t buy?”

In his case, it’s class…

Haru’s bitter putdown nearly made me burst out laughing, only my high Resilience preventing me from that faux pas. “Time?” was my answer, and the President nodded eagerly.

“That and good health. I’ve always been fit as a fiddle, sharp as a tack. Not like the sleepy old dodderer who thinks he can beat me in a fair fight. I have to admit though…” he clinked the ice in his glass rhythmically. “…I very much appreciated your aid. I feel better than ever. Better…” The glass twitched. “…I do feel better, I’m sure of it.” For a moment the mask slipped, before it was as if nothing happened, as he took a deep breath. “Of course, there’s no point buying time if we’re not on top, is there? You get that, I know.” Her gazed at Haru, almost leering, and Chloe twitched, no doubt wandering hands bothering her again. “You get it. But there’s one thing more important than that. Power. Power gets you everything you want.”

“I don’t disagree, but with great power…” I began, and he scoffed.

“…comes responsibility? You think so? Let me tell you, that might even be true. But with even greater power, who the hell would dare force you to take responsibility? You think if America invaded some shitty country like Cuba or Venezuela anyone would do much more than whine? Talk is cheap, power is everything. Sure, we may not be able to mess with China or Russia, or other nuclear powers, but they’re more scared of us. The United States military makes anyone else’s look like a bunch of children playing with popguns…”

“The biggest fists, huh?” I quoted Daiyu, and the President’s expression shifted to a knowing grin.

“Exactly. You’re a nuclear deterrent all by yourself, wouldn’t you say? But you’re not alone in that. Though…” His expression turned ugly. “Damn that bastard, Adam. He’s disappeared, but rest assured, he’s fired! He’s made a mess of everything! Don’t get me wrong, putting collars on dangerous elements, that makes sense, but… no, it doesn’t matter. What does is, our last deal satisfied you, didn’t it? That meaningless Humanity Declaration. Sure, no problem ripping that up, it’s just words. But…” He gazed at Chloe, who silently refilled his glass, and after a long draught of cola, he clapped his hands. “…the deals I’m talking about now… let’s just say for a modest fee, I can get you out of a lot of trouble you’re in, Akio, my good friend. And people say I’m the best friend anyone can have, and they’re not wrong. You scratch my back…” he then turned to Chloe, and casually, almost contemptuously, slapped her ass. She flinched, biting at her lip, and beside me Haru stiffened, and I had to clench my own fists.

“Be a dear and run along now. I’ve a lot to discuss with Akio here. Big boy talk.”

At his words she left, mortified, but I was sure also grateful to be out of here. The President then leered at Haru. “Maybe your secretary should step out too.”

“Don’t worry, her discretion is guaranteed.” Sorry Haru, I hate what he thinks of you, but there’s something going on here…

Don’t worry. You can make it up to me later.

I sure will. We’ll go somewhere quiet and I’ll spoil you…

“I see. In that case…” he seemed doubtful but leaned forward. “…It’s blissful, you know. The grace of God. I was never much for religion, seemed rather stupid, for the sheep, not the lions like us. Of course, it might be different if I could sleep with a Goddess…” he smirked at me. “…Elizabeth made quite the revelation there. You’re a lucky man. But…here in America, I am a God…” His hands twitched restlessly, and his skin was pallid and sweaty. “…at my word, the world turns. If I press the big red button, then I could wipe out half the world. I bet there’d be satisfaction in that…”

Fuck. He’s insane…

“But what a waste that would be. Because now we can buy more time.” His eyes glittered with a yearning greed so deep even I was impressed, in a disgusted way. “Their blessings are amazing. Like nothing else. And even now, they’d take you in, Akio, my boy.”

“You mean the Church of True Revelation?” I asked, and he shook his head.

“They’re lackeys, just favoured ones. Doing the work of God. They sure do hate you. I get it, you’ve crossed them too many times. But there’s no need to hold grudges. It’s like a business, isn’t it? There always has to be winners and losers. And in the end, think about it. It’s like I’ve always said, what separates the winners from the losers is just how you react to each new twist of fate. They didn’t react well to you. But yesterday’s rivals are today’s business partners. Like I said, I asked you to do business with me. Don’t regret it by turning me down!”

He’s… got to be insane, if he thinks that we can bury the hatchet with the Church. After what they tried… fuck, I’ve made peace with enemies before, but… this is wildly different.

Trying to read his thoughts isn’t really possible. It’s like punching fog. But… I can get a… sort of hunger from him. A need…

“I’m not big on God. Not their one, anyway.” I countered. “So, are the Chosen outside from the Church?”

“You noticed them, huh? You never fail to impress. You remind me of me in my youth. Hungry, driven, a go-getter. But you’re not pragmatic enough. Too burdened by useless sentiment. All you need to understand is that winning is what matters. Money, it’s just a way to keep score, the game, the thrill of being at the top, having the power over those who mock you, or who think they’re better than you… I know you were a nobody, getting laughed at by friends, family, the world around you. How does it feel, to get to boss them around, to have them worship you? I’ll tell you how it feels. Better than the money, yes? Though having the money is wonderful too. It’s your due, your reward for playing the game!” the President enthused, and while I loathed him, I had to admit…

“Yes, honestly, I did like being vindicated. Everyone wants to feel important, in control of their own destiny. But that’s where we diverge. And while I can work with my enemies… I can’t work with those who won’t reform themselves!” I declared firmly. As I tensed up, the President laughed.

“Don’t be so nervous. You think I’m going to risk myself just to let them have a go at you? Besides, they wouldn’t win, would they? They didn’t the last two times. I know they say ‘third time’s the charm’ in New York, but I’m not convinced, and I don’t like backing losers. Besides… they are actually good old American Chosen. More of them crawled up out of the woodwork once that incompetent idiot Adam, who tried to keep me in the dark out of jealousy and spite, slinked off somewhere. Yes, I’ll fire him good. He should be lucky I’m a generous man, else I’d have him fired literally. His stupidity might as well be treason against me… against the United States.”

Haru and I exchanged a quick glance. Really? I don’t know, I’d rather trust Adam’s thoroughness in this matter… his Vermillion List is comprehensive. I can’t believe there’s a well of untapped Chosen still in America that the President can access…

Yes, though I can’t tell. Too much interference. I’m sorry I’ve not been much help…

No, having you here relaxes me. Even if the way he looks at you makes me want to punch his teeth in…

Please don’t assault a President for me. A few dirty looks, while unpleasant, is nothing. No, we need to get a handle on what’s going on. I think there are three… maybe four… Chosen. Unless they are at the level of a Cardinal, we’re in no danger…

Or they have tricks like Arisu-san. But the President is right. Even with his brain altered he… seems to be acting the way we’d expect? Selfish and out for himself…

“You sure are something.” The President chuckled. “You’ve got the whole world riled up. And all those women fawning over you. Women though, they’re like money. How to keep score, not the end goal. Life is too short… or it was… now… now there’s a new game to play.” His hands were shaking terribly, and he shuddered. “I feel quite unwell. That’s the trouble with gifts. They come at a price. But… I’ll take anything offered for free.” He then took a breath. “So, I expect you’re going to turn down their offer to cooperate?”

“I’m afraid so.” My reply was cold, and he grinned.

“I knew it. And they did too, I expect. But… why not make the shot, even if it’s unlikely? It’s like me on the golf course. I’ll always risk a long drive. Usually pays off for me too!” he bragged.

“So now what? And before you ask, our technology isn’t for sharing either, I’m afraid, though the USA will be more than welcome to purchase our batteries and generators, and sell us waste in return, in the future.”

He ignored my rebuttal, his smile tasing, his hands still twitching. “Are you expecting them to rush in and attack? I’ve told you, that isn’t going to happen with me here. As for your technology, I think you’ll change your mind soon enough. Yes, the grace of God is blissful. Though the… absence of it… isn’t so pleasant.” He shuddered. “The world seems rather… grey. Here’s the thing though… I’m not as big a fool as everyone else is, I like backing winners…” His eyes burned with a fanatical light. “…you followed through. I feel years younger, and fitter, more virile. Why, maybe I’ll see if Chloe fancies spending a night with the Forty-Five! I’ve got the stamina of a man in his forties, no… his twenties, now!”

If you still want to punch him, I promise to pretend I was in the bathroom and be shocked afterwards…

Do ghosts even do that?

… I’ll assume you didn’t mean you wanted to check…

Sorry, Haru… my bad. I didn’t, of course…

Oh, Akio. I’m only teasing you, because if I don’t distract myself, I’m going to set him on fire. That arrogant old creep…

“Their… baptism… they called it… obviously I didn’t trust it, but I’ve seen men on both sides of the aisle, Republican and Democrat, receiving it and going from strength to strength. I’m not one for drugs, not like the corrupt son of that old dodderer… but I’ve seen it. Each time, a bigger and bigger hit is needed, and… the first one’s always free. Got to get us hooked, wouldn’t you say?”

I blinked, as he laid it out so clearly, and at his sneer, I frowned and asked my question.

“So you know your brain’s been messed with?”

“Is that how they did it? Not everyone is willing, but… everyone always falls in line. But here’s the thing, Akio. As one winner to another…” The light of madness and overwhelming ambition was back in his eyes. “…if you’re not the one doling out the drugs, you’re nothing but a puppet, the addict. Being President, I thought I’d reached the pinnacle of power. Won the game. Able to do anything I wanted, picking the pockets of idiots, spitting in their faces, calling them fools and worse, and still have them like it, praise me like I was the second coming. That’s true power. But then… I saw we were just pieces on a board, moved around by other players. And you know what…?”

“No…” I shook my head, morbidly curious about what he was going to say.

“…I can only speak freely because the fog guy, or cloud guy… or whatever he does… is here. That’s the beauty of his talent. Only we will ever know what was said here. So… I’m not content to be a piece on the board, even if that piece is the king. I want to be the one moving the pieces. Why can’t I be that? So, Akio… here’s the deal. We’ll get rid of them, rid of everyone who thinks they are above us. With your talents you can do better than they did, can’t you? It’s always good to be underestimated, and I know you’ve tried to keep as much of your talent as hidden as you can, but you can’t fool me. But what’s even better is outmanoeuvring those who think they’re smart. I love idiots like that.”

His grin was savage. “Join me, help me, and I can help you. This is the best deal you’ll ever get, Akio. Trust me. We’ll use those who seek to use us, take them for all they’re worth then toss them aside. Join me, and I’ll give you half the world, and we’ll rule for a hundred, no, a thousand years! All you need to do is take my hand, strike the deal, and I’ll help you ruin your enemies. For… suitable… compensation, of course. Go on, what do you say?” As he smiled at us, Haru and I were stunned.

Did he… just pull a Demon Lord’s ‘half the world’ speech on me? Seriously?

I had to scan your mind for what that actually is, but… yes, yes he did. The worst thing is, while I can’t be certain, due to my Telepathy only really working on you right now… wait, why is that…?

The Bondweaver Path, I think, but that doesn’t matter…

No. No it doesn’t. The situation is more perilous than we imagined. It’s not just brainwashing, is it? Some of them are willing! Though whether that’s because they’ve been subtly influenced like Shaeula’s befuddling winds used to be able to do…

He seems… unhinged. Like he’s having delusions of grandeur, but…

Yes. From what I know of his days back in business, and trust me, he’s famous even in Japan for this, he’s about as trustworthy as a snake, never pays his debts, and would stab anyone in the back for his own gain. Maybe… maybe they’ve made a mistake, and brought a viper into their bosom?

A viper? We’re being unfair to snakes, Shirohebi would cry. Now then…

Haru’s thoughts fell silent, as did mine. I could feel Wisdom World and the Lovers’ Link Connections still, and with an effort, I cleared away the clouds, the confusing clouds, and quickly brought everyone into a mental discussion, taking place with incredible rapidity…

Sorry Mr President, it seems it’s not just us who’ll know what was said here. So now then… okay everyone, how the hell shall we respond to this mess?