A few days after the incident in Buenos Aires, on July 22, Esteban had returned to his regular work without remembering the events that had led to his fainting, courtesy of Krauser. However, his anger had not yet subsided. Esteban had gone back to Chaco to meet with certain people he could hardly tolerate. As he walked through the streets of Resistencia, his steps led him to the meeting place: "MORES," a place supposedly just a regular bakery.
“Disgusting,” Esteban muttered moments before entering.
"Hello... oh, you're Esteban; the rest are waiting for you downstairs," said the store owner, with an arrogant and grumpy tone.
(I hate bakeries), Esteban thought.
"Thank you," he replied coldly.
He headed to a white door, opened it, and found a table with four chairs inside. Three were occupied, while the fourth, empty, was his by default. The other attendees were familiar faces, each with two bodyguards. In the first chair sat Sebastián Maldonado, accompanied by his bodyguards Jeremías Facundo, a man wearing a black mask and guerrilla outfit, and Florencia Talavera, a red-haired woman in a school uniform—understandable, as it was 1:50 p.m.
In the second chair was Joaquín Barreto, along with his bodyguards Kruger Barreto and Ruth Van Grace, who clearly despised Maldonado.
In the third was Sara Holy Truth, with her bodyguards: Victorino Aurelio, distinguishable by his horns, lizard tail, and white eyes, making him appear blind, dressed in a black suit and yellow tie; and Camila Zaracho, who, compared to the others, seemed the most normal person in the room.
"Greetings," Maldonado said.
Esteban moved the chair and sat in it.
“It’s obvious your hatred towards us is understandable,” Sara said mockingly.
“A Guild Traffic Light and a Syndicate from the Re-creators, or rather, the Nubenors—two enemies at the same table.”
“Enough, Esteban; don’t bring trouble to this table,” Maldonado warned.
“Let him, let him release all his hatred; it’ll do him good,” then looked at Esteban, “Re-creator or Nubenors, whichever is more comfortable.”
“It’s funny to hear that from a monster.”
“That’s what we are,” Sara replied.
“Why don’t we talk about something else?” Maldonado asked nervously.
“I didn’t come to talk about the weather. I’m here because I was contacted for an emergency, and the only reason I accepted was that I thought Candado would be here.”
“Candado won’t be coming,” interrupted a voice from behind, making everyone turn.
For most present, the voice was nearly unknown, especially for Maldonado and Esteban.
“Luis,” Joaquín greeted.
“Who are you? What do you mean Candado won’t be coming?”
“He’s indisposed. Yesterday, Candado had certain issues preventing him from attending today.”
“The unnameable L29K5873-08F-R3G... or Luis.”
“You know my name.”
“I never forget the names of those who help the Re-creators. It’s an honor.”
“I see, you’re a life manufactured by science.”
“That’s right,” Luis said, then walked over to an armchair and leaned back in it. “For various reasons, Hachipusaq won’t be able to show their true identity, so I’ll be substituting for them today.”
“It’s been over a damned year that they’ve been hiding from us; I’m starting to think they don’t actually exist.”
Luis, relaxed, replied to Esteban.
“They certainly exist, kid; they’re just in a complicated situation.”
“Don’t mock me.”
“Hachipusaq will need your help for what’s coming.”
“And what would that be?”
“That, my dear friend, you’ll see later.”
“He’s cutting you off, Esteban.”
“SHUT UP! I don’t know why I have to put up with a lousy Traffic Light like you here.”
Kruger and Ruth reacted, but Joaquín stopped them.
“Well, I suggest you calm down; we don’t need to fight among ourselves at times like this.”
“Erasers can never work with Traffic Lights,” Facundo expressed.
“I don’t want to hear that from an organization whose purpose was to eliminate threats, being the greatest known genocides,” Kruger provocatively replied.
“You want me to stain the room with your blood?”
“Try it, human trash.”
“Always the same,” Luis said, rubbing his forehead. “Alright, alright, alright, don’t do anything stupid, please.”
“Kruger, stand down,” Joaquín ordered.
Obeying his brother, Kruger returned to his position.
“You too, Facundo,” said Maldonado.
Facundo grumbled but obeyed the order.
“Proceeding,” Luis cleared his throat and continued, “As you know, the writings of Ndereba Harambee, the same ones used to imprison Thanatos, were stolen from the Traffic Light agency.”
“I don’t see the problem,” Maldonado deliberately commented.
“There is a problem with that, Eraser,” Joaquín stood up and looked at him intently. “These writings are very important, even to you. The powers they contain are potent enough to break the chains holding the most dangerous subject: Thanatos, the Builder.”
Maldonado didn’t allow himself to be intimidated and stood up as well.
“However, they still need something else, am I wrong?”
Ruth moved in front of Joaquín to protect him, but he put his hand on her right shoulder, signaling her to stand back.
“What you imply is true.”
“I knew it.”
“Maldonado, now is not the time to be arrogant,” Esteban intervened.
“Sorry.”
“Listen to me, Traffic Light. We know perfectly well that there are two keys to releasing Thanatos: the writings and…”
“Harambee’s spear,” Sara concluded.
Esteban bit his lips in frustration.
“Exactly, but the Witnesses have been busy and haven’t tried to take the spear. Last month they were hidden and quiet, but a few weeks ago, they began massacring members of guilds and circuits again.”
“Desza, the Profaner,” Joaquín clarified.
“A madman who doesn’t distinguish between madness and reason,” Esteban added.
“There’s nothing more dangerous than a mentally ill person mobilizing masses.”
“Don’t worry, Aurelio; for now, he only has about ten followers.”
“He lost almost all his men in the assault on the Traffic Lights in Resistencia; some died and others were captured,” Joaquín said.
Esteban interrupted.
“So far, we’ve only talked about what we already know,” then he looked at Luis, “What does Hachipusaq suggest?”
“Destroy what they seek, and with it, the Witnesses.”
“How?” Florencia asked for the first time.
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
“Our leader is busy devising the right moment to strike and destroy.”
“Luis... It’s not as simple as snapping fingers, and we don’t have much time either. The General Council is pressuring me to make a decision, or they’ll dismiss me. They just want to destroy those guilds.”
“We must be patient, Mr. Esteban.”
“Patience? Is that the best we can do?”
“That’s something I will do.”
A voice echoed in the room.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present Faustino—Fausto to friends,” Luis said.
“At your service,” greeted the voice as the door opened.
“Hello, hello, hello. An ice man?” Maldonado asked.
“That emblem… you’re a Circuit,” said Camila.
“The wolf is the symbol of my flag.”
“Explain, comrade, what was it you did?”
“Of course, Miss Luis,” Fausto replied, looking at the audience, “A while back, I had an encounter with Candado, which I miserably lost, but that was the purpose of the test. I could notice, thanks to my wounds, that Candado carries a deadly spell in his body, a very dangerous one that’s slowly killing him. Desza is taking advantage of Candado’s injury to hasten his plan. After the fight, I handed over the reports to Miss Hachipusaq, and though I couldn’t see her face, I could feel the pain reading my report caused her. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen: the formidable warlord is dying slowly, and apparently, nothing can stop it.”
Everyone was stunned by what they heard, unable to believe it.
“Candado dying?” Esteban asked.
“That’s right.”
“That’s why Hachipusaq is looking for ways to help him.”
“And what makes you think I’ll help?”
“You will, Esteban Everett Bonaparte.”
“He’s a damned guild member, Fausto. You and I are from the Circuit.”
“This is different. In the Circuit, you are my president, but here, you and I are equals. And if you stand in the way, I’ll confront you.”
Maldonado stood up.
“Gentlemen, let’s not fight among ourselves.”
“Maldonado, no…”
“It’s not in our jurisdiction. Do whatever you want, but as long as I’m here, you won’t do anything.”
“I see the Erasers have more power than the president of the Circuit.”
“I am the archivist. Unlike you, who is merely an inspector in Argentina, I have worldwide jurisdiction.”
“Your political power is pitiful, Sebastián,” Kruger said mockingly.
"At least I’m not living in Joaquín’s shadow."
"It’s my duty," Kruger replied proudly.
"Alright, enough," Sara intervened.
Without further interruptions, Fausto continued.
"As I was saying, Candado is weak. But that’s not all; Desza is forming alliances with three figures: Nina Fernández del Valle, Paulo Cabaña Villarroel, and Sheldon Gray, also known as Z15G9736-02J-T8T."
"And why does that concern me?" Maldonado asked.
"Of course, it affects you. I infiltrated their meeting, but before I could gather all the information, two damn Semáforos interfered: Reinhold Krauser and Leandro Maidana."
"Those... are my subordinates," Joaquín said bitterly.
"I know, and I also know you were the one who sent them there," Fausto replied, emphasizing his last words.
"I'm sorry."
"Fausto, please continue," Sara interjected.
"Of course. Ahem... it should matter to you, my friend, because somehow, these three know Candado Barret’s weakness and plan to exploit it for their own gain."
"So?"
"Esteban, when Candado can’t lift a finger, they’ll come for you."
"For me?"
"Yes, sir. Their goal is to see you dethroned."
An intense silence filled the room; no one wanted to speak, stunned by what they’d just heard.
"Sir, your political opposition may be minor, but it’s not insignificant. Remember, when you won the election, there was a protest against you, and it was only thanks to Candado that you’re leading the organization now."
"So, you want me to repay my debt to him by protecting him until he recovers?"
"Nothing would make me happier, sir."
Esteban closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then opened them and looked at Fausto.
"I don’t know who this Hachipusaq is, but if someone like that could get someone as obedient and loyal as you to confront me, then they must be formidable," he said with a smile. "And I like formidable people. Alright, Faustino, you’ve won. I’ll help Candado until that miserable soul recovers from whatever is killing him."
"I’m glad you made the right decision, sir. I’m very proud to have voted for you."
"I don’t let down my voters."
"Hachipusaq has devoted all their time to Candado," Luis said, stepping forward.
"It doesn’t surprise me; I would do the same," commented Sara.
"So would I," Joaquín added, raising his hand.
"I wouldn’t, unless it benefited me, but given the situation, it’s in my best interest to help him."
They all looked toward Maldonado, who, feeling their eyes on him, stood up and looked back at each of them.
"I’ll give everything I can to help."
With a wide smile, Luis concluded the meeting, saying:
"Now that we’re all in agreement, I’ll explain everything before you leave. Each of you will investigate our enemies Nina del Valle, Paulo Villarroel, and Sheldon Gray on your own. With that, this meeting is adjourned."
Everyone stood up, and one by one, they shook hands with Luis and Fausto before leaving the room.
"Thank you for warning me about my planned overthrow," Esteban said before closing the door behind him.
Once everyone had left, only Luis and Fausto remained in the room.
Luis wiped the sweat from his brow and looked at the curtain behind him.
"Did we do well?"
The curtain slid to the left, revealing two people. One stood elegantly dressed, illuminated in a way that cast shadows over their face, though a long beard was visible. The other person sat in the dark, only their diamond-studded gloves visible.
"You did perfectly," said a woman’s voice.
"I’m glad."
"Fausto."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Send the letter. It’s time to make the move."
"As you command, Hachipusaq."
While plans were forming in the bakery, across the city Nelson Torres, somewhat bored with nothing to do, sat in a restaurant with his friend Bruno Gómez. As Nelson sipped his beer, Bruno drank his coffee, still wearing that military beret.
"Look at us. If Alfred were here, we’d be laughing our heads off, wouldn’t we?"
"That’s all in the past; it’s just you and me now."
"Whatever you say."
"How are the others?"
"They’re all fine. Miguel spends time with his grandson Lisandro, Elsa and Simón are enjoying retirement, Rosa is still investigating the mercenaries, and Aldana is living her life."
"I see."
"And your kids? How are Susana and Alejandro?"
"Susana remarried, to a man named Álvarez. She came last month with her new husband to stay over for vacation. She told me her last husband cheated on her, so she divorced him, and now she’s happy with this Álvarez; she’s expecting a baby, three months along. She thinks it’ll be a boy. Alejandro also visited with his wife and daughter Rocío for the holidays, just like every year."
"Rocío? Is she rebellious?"
"I thought she would be, given her attitude is similar to Teresa’s, but she’s very enthusiastic and always listens to the stories I tell Alejandro and Susana."
"Oh, wow."
"And your wife?"
"She’s still around. I told her to take it easy, but she seems intent on staying a doctor."
"And how’s Antonio?"
"Since his wife died, he’s been raising his daughter alone."
"I hope he can keep going. Losing someone like that is an unbearable pain."
"Oh, look at you, Nelson, showing concern?"
"I think you should wipe that grin off your face. I don’t like it."
"Grumpy old man."
"You’re old too; you’re 77 and still moving around," Nelson said sarcastically.
"I’m 76, old man; you’re the only one who’s 77."
"Same difference."
Bruno laughed.
"Idiot."
Bruno wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes and continued.
"But seriously, we have to do something. What happened today was dangerous. I've never seen a Bari try to hunt a human before, and we've seen plenty of them over the years."
"The boy always thought there were only two Baris."
"Two?"
"Candado doesn’t know about Amabaray."
"Really?"
"Yes, when Europa was about to give birth to Candado, the doctors said that one of the two would die. And guess what?"
"Yes, I know the story. I was there. Europa offered her life in exchange for her son’s."
"Amabaray was devastated. She didn’t want her old friend to die without knowing her child, so she broke one of the fundamental Bari rules: intervening in a human's life. Amabaray stepped in and saved both her friend and her friend's child, but..."
"But she was weakened, and as a result, she decided to sleep until she could recover. To keep her soulmate from being sad, she erased her memories. It was hard for her husband, her father, her mother, and her daughter; neither you nor I could tell her the truth."
Nelson tapped his glass with his index finger.
"Yes, it’s sad," he sighed and continued, "but it doesn’t change the fact that, because of that sacrifice, she put herself on her 'brother' Luzbari's radar. I suppose he wants revenge by taking her son’s life."
"Is that so?"
"No, it’s a guess."
"Protecting the boy will be hard: mercenaries, Cirquists, Baris, and now the Witnesses."
"Do you think Greg is behind this?"
"Of course. That bootlicker was the one who massacred our colleagues in the C.I.C.E.T.A. labs."
"Why would Pullbarey collaborate with a human?"
"I don’t know. Maybe it’s because of those words he claimed bound him."
1949
Alfred grabbed the creature Pullbarey by the collar, weakened by the golden lance embedded in his abdomen.
"Your mistake was trying to interpret the human race rather than understanding it, and that’s why you lost, stupid creature."
Pullbarey’s mask began to crumble, revealing his horrid teeth.
"Alfred Velázquez Cristian Barret, this isn’t over. You may lock me away, but you’ll never be able to kill me."
Alfred ignored the warning, withdrew the lance from his abdomen, and pushed the stone to which Pullbarey was bound, watching as he fell into the abyss, disappearing slowly from sight.
Present
"Honestly, I think that’s why he sought a common enemy."
"I see; it seems Greg was the best option."
"It wasn’t that he was the best option, Bruno; he was the only one. Greg’s intelligence rivaled Alfred’s."
"Praising him again?"
"I’m going to smack that cup over your head."
"You’d waste my coffee," Bruno said, leaning back in his chair and taking a sip calmly.
Nelson took a deep breath and continued drinking.
"Hey."
"What?"
"What if we meet at your place?"
"Huh?"
"I think I found a way to bring Amabaray back."
"It’s been more than thirteen years since that incident; I don’t think you, Europa, or I will be able to see her."
"That doesn’t matter. We can count on Candado."
"Are you crazy, Bruno? Didn’t you hear what I said?"
"Of course I did, but if we manage to save her, we can save Candado’s life. Or are you planning to keep him stable with vials of Slonbari blood?"
"I know what you’re thinking, Bruno, and it won’t work. That theory was dismissed years ago."
"We shouldn’t give up. I’ll gather the team," Bruno said, taking one last sip of his coffee. "Tonight at your place."
"My family’s there."
"In the basement, kid, in the basement."
"What?"
"You’re still working on Alfred’s projects, aren’t you? I know you’re trying to build a portal to Cotorium."
"That was always his dream. I at least want to finish it."
"Good. Tomorrow night, then."
"I didn’t agree to this."
"See you."
Bruno dashed off.
"HEY!"
"I DIDN’T BRING MONEY!"
"SON OF A—!"
Everyone turned to look at Nelson.
"Go back to your business."
"Sir," the waiter interjected in a slow, deliberate voice.
"What?"
"There are children present. If you’ve finished your drink, please pay and leave."
"You think I’m drunk?"
"I didn’t say that, sir; it’s just that if you’re going to stay here, don’t make a scene."
"Damn old man, I can’t believe I fell for his trick again," Nelson muttered.
"Sir?"
"I got it, I’ll pay the bill," Nelson said, putting a hundred pesos on the table.
Then he stood up.
"Your change."
"Keep it," he said, not turning around.
Once outside the restaurant, he strolled through the city of Resistencia.
"Ah, Alfred," Nelson sighed, "you left me a tough job; I wish you were here in moments like these."
He glanced at a mirror on sale in a furniture store—three hundred fifty pesos.
Nelson looked at his reflection from head to toe.
"Though I can’t believe I’ve been on this planet for seventy-seven years," he said, adjusting his white coat, his graying hair, and mustache, then added, "Look at you, Domingo Nelson Bautista Torres. Old but handsome, gray-haired but with hair, wrinkles but strong."
He smiled, and in his reflection, he saw his younger self. Smiling, Nelson left the storefront and crossed the street alone.
"Though it’s fun being with Candado, don’t worry, friend. When I look at the boy, it’s like seeing you. Really, he carries your blood. He carries the violet blood," Nelson thought with a smile on his face.