Amarterasu Cybers stared down at the vast banquet hall from his balcony, classical music drifting past his ears. By now all the important guests had arrived…he could make out countless faces, men and women who’d have him dead in a heartbeat. Now all that remained was to bide his time and wait for the perfect moment to say his speech that would officially begin the party.
Standing beside him were his two sisters, Izanami and Himiko. Izanami was a tall woman in a glamorous golden dress, who eyed the party-goers with a smile. “Am I allowed to go down yet, Amarterasu?” she said. “I have some people I’d like to reconnect with.”
“In a moment,” Amarterasu replied. Izanami was popular amongst the higher circles, and she was hoping to create a large corporation a year from now, once she graduated high school. He was grateful for her attempts to further elevate the Cybers name, though he wondered if she knew the only reason she had not been assassinated yet was because of his protection.
On his other side, Himiko crossed her arms and pouted. She wore an elegant purple gown and a red flower in her black hair, though her facial expression made her look like nothing more than a spoiled brat. He’d never understood why she was so popular with the men. It was that trait of his little sisters’, however, that formed one of the many plots he’d concocted in this banquet…the destruction of the Dongleface/Jamitov alliance that was currently the greatest threat to his political power.
He could see the two family heads now…the powerfully-built and grey-bearded Thrysitor Dongleface and the youthful, blonde-haired Dash Jamitov conversing with glasses of champagne in hand. A man as old and ambitious as Thrysitor could not be reasoned with, but Amarterasu knew that Dash was immature, which made him vulnerable though the young man did not know it himself. Dash had many weaknesses, which Amarterasu had researched well. One of them was standing right next to him.
“Himiko,” Amarterasu said softly, “I have a task for you.”
“What?” she sniffed petulantly. “I’m not doing any work today. It’s a party!”
“I know,” he replied patiently, his well-trained talent for political theatrics helping to keep him composed. “I don’t expect you to work. Just please…when you go flirt with boys, flirt with Dash Jamitov.”
Himiko wrinkled up her nose. “Dash? He’s annoying,” she grumbled. “I want to flirt with Larek Sonda.”
“Sucks to be you, get along with it now,” Amartarasu deadpanned. He had much more pressing matters to deal with then his bratty sister’s flirting.
“Hmph! Well fine, if I have to. Don’t blame me if I get another stalker!” Himiko said, walking towards Dash. “Hey there, nice party ain’t it.” she said while attempting a flirty grin.
“N….no, not really. My father’s parties are better. But, I must say, milady, you are looking m…mighty fine,” Dash said, tipping his black fedora.
“Oh my, thank you! I feel delighted!” Himiko replied, trying her very best to look flattered.
Amartarasu cringed. He had never really enjoyed watching his sister fail at flirting. He turned away from the miserable sight and continued observing the hall. He noticed Kaneda in a far corner, slowly sipping a glass filled with sparkling champagne. Amartasu’s eyes thinned, as he glanced at the crowd one more time. Oscar should have been here by now. Amartarasu walked towards Kaneda.
“Kaneda, where is Oscar?” Amartarasu questioned.
“Why should I care about that worthless brat?” Kaneda glared, clearly annoyed with Amartarasu talking to him.
Amartarasu sighed. “He is rather unpredictable…”
A group of old men walked past, muttering about the economy. They stopped when they noticed Amartrasu’s cold gaze.
“Oho! Amartarasu! It's been a long time since I saw you last! We were simply discussing the problems of the economy in Neo Arachnis. Care to join?” A rather chubby bald man asked, his eyes sparkling with greed.
“I must politely decline, kind sir. Good day,” Amartarasu began to nod curtly when suddenly all the lights turned off, as if a dark cloud had emerged into the hall.
Sounds of crashing glass sounded as many jumpy guests and servants dropped their glasses. However the sound far exceeded the sounds made simply by glasses, for all the windows themselves seemed to cave in, as if a giant hand had broken them. Lightning crashed outside, and as the light flashed it revealed the dark silhouette of a man standing on top of the highest window frame. As another bolt of lightning streaked by, Amartarasu was struck with awe, as a man more powerful than himself stood above him.
The man was dressed in a sleek black suit which was clearly the height of fashion, complete with diamonds trimming his suit jacket. His hair floated behind him, long and white. It was his face, however, that struck Amarterasu. His eyes were sharp and brilliantly red, and his expression was clearly otherworldly in its sheer arrogance and beauty. None of the old politicians or skilled assassins in this room made Amarterasu feel any fear whatsoever, but looking at this man staring at the room from far above made him feel a deep chill.
“Rejoice,” His voice rang out through the silent room, clear and dignified. The partygoers had stopped in their tracks, all eyes fixed on the man. “For a god has descended to judge you.”
False gods were nothing new to Neo Arachnis. Just this past month, Amarterasu had ordered the assassination of a woman claiming to be the goddess of wealth who would grant riches to all who worshiped her. However, there was something about this man which demanded respect, and Amarterasu couldn’t help but believe that he spoke the truth, whatever that may mean. He pushed aside a wide-eyed couple and stepped to the center of the room. If there was one thing he couldn’t stand, it was someone stealing the spotlight at his event. “I think all of us can agree that this party will survive without a god to judge us,” he declared, meeting the strange man’s gaze. He plastered on one of his practiced smiles. “You might not be aware of this, but crashing my party is against the law. That’s because the only god in this city is me, the president.”
The man lazily waved his hand, and another peal of thunder shook the building, causing the room to shake uncomfortably. He then jumped from the window sill and landed neatly on his feet directly in front of the president, looking more as if he had floated down than jumped. He smiled, a cruel but relaxed smile. “Relax, president. Why would I want to end your party? It’s been a while since I enjoyed myself like this. Bring me some of your best wine.” He waved his hands once more, and the shards of glass from the windows floated through the air, reflecting the light like thousands of miniature stars. The people gasped as the shards floated upwards, fitting themselves perfectly into the shape of the windows they had been before. “Perhaps I should introduce myself more formally,” the man smiled, “I am Feros Obscurum, the god of death. I have come to decide whether or not I should crush your society with my own hands. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Amarterasu immediately despised him. He had built up everything he had with his own hands, and he was not about to let some god with too-long hair take it away from him. He smiled. “The god of death? I’ve heard about your followers. You shall have to tell me more sometime. I am President Amarterasu Cybers, but just ‘president’ will be enough for you.”
He angrily gestured to the musicians to keep playing, determined to remain calm and continue his party amidst the chaos. A couple people began half-hearted conversations, however most continued to stare at the two men. He glanced around the room quickly. To his disgust, he noticed Himiko staring at the white-haired man and giggling to a girl beside her. He gritted his teeth. “Feros, do tell me. What are you a god of, exactly? Please enlighten me about your realm’s trade policies and economic position. I must admit I am quite intrigued.”
Feros smiled. It was the cool, aloof smile of a man who believed he was so far above the person he spoke to, they were barely worth a glance. “Look around you, president,” Feros spoke, gesturing with his wine glass. “What do you see?”
Amarterasu chose his answer carefully. He didn’t know this man, which put him at a greater disadvantage than he’d ever been before. Even as a boy he’d done a library’s worth of research on his rivals before coming up against them. Furthermore, he had remembered that all the most powerful people in the city were here with him, and one wrong move could be exploited by each and every one of them. The game of politics never ended, even when an interloper like this had entered the fray.
“I see a collection of friends and allies,” he replied back, with his practiced politician’s smile. “The men and women who help make the Arachni Union great.”
“No,” Feros replied, smiling again. “I can see it in your eyes. You despise them, and they despise you.”
Amarterasu chose not to reply.
“It has been only a few hours since I have been in this city,” Feros spoke, stepping away from Amarterasu and staring at the crowd. “And yet I feel as though I know it. There were many of its like in the old days. It is as if I am in Ferdinand’s court once again, surrounded by the glitter of wealth plundered from the masses.” Feros laughed to himself, and Amarterasu began to grow nervous.
It was evident that this man was very powerful, that he possessed hidden technology or even had been augmented in such a way so that he could have special abilities. He also seemed incredibly unstable. Madmen had taken the lives of presidents before. Four presidents before him, Yonos Teslamancer was gunned down by an unstable cult leader claiming that his own ascension to the office was foretold. The thought in his mind was immediately shifting towards escape…and the elimination of Feros Obscurum.
All while he made these plans, the man continued to babble on. “You are a collection of parasites, who could not survive without slavery. I did away with your kind a year after the founding of my empire. Be grateful I am not the man I was then, for I would’ve simply slain you all.”
Then Feros did something that made Amarterasu’s hair stand on end. He floated up toward the balcony and turned with a swish of his hair until he faced them all. What kind of technology was this man employing? It surpassed what was available to even his top assassins and spies!
“I will allow you to serve me,” Feros spoke, his voice radiating throughout the hall. “If you wish to live, come before me and kneel.”
Almost all the people in the banquet hall kneeled obediently, except Amartarasu who simply eyed Feros with a cold stare. “Who do you think you are, saying that you allow me to serve you? I serve no one.”
Feros snickered. “You shall learn to serve me over time. Once you realize the difference between us it will become evident who should rule who.”
Amartarasu had never been quick to violence. He had always preferred to destroy people with words and intellect, but at this moment the only thing he desired to do was shoot this arrogant man through his head. However, he needed a better plan than that. He glanced at a far corner of the room and saw Kaneda standing, as if Feros was the least of his concerns. He then gazed over the entire banquet hall, now filled with many kneeling people. He could not sway all these people to his side with words. Perhaps actions would do the trick?
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He lightly touched a small earpiece and quietly muttered into it, “Kaneda, there has been a slight change of plans. Please inform the assassin that one other person has been added to the hitlist.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what are you thinking? Oscar hasn’t been in contact for the entire banquet. Knowing him he’s probably already forgotten about this entire job.” Kaneda replied, his voice expressionless, though Amartarasu could hear hints of irritation.
In truth, Amartarasu had no plan in mind, however he knew that by any means necessary he would keep the title of President of Neo Arachnis.
Throughout all of this Feros had kept a steady stream of ominous warnings and philosophical quotes, all said with his smooth, arrogant voice. “Those who do not kneel think themselves to be courageous, while they are truly foolish,” he finished with an almost smug laugh.
However Feros Obscurum was not the only one enjoying himself, for another man perched on the edge of a huge crystal chandelier was laughing, as if he were watching a comedic play. With one quick movement he swung himself around so that he was only hanging upside down, his legs being the only thing stopping him from falling onto the ground. Then, he grabbed two knives out of a pocket and swung himself off of the chandelier. His crazy smirk grew as he fell closer and closer towards the ground, and then at the last possible moment he performed a quick flip, landing lightly on his feet.
“Hello! Who wants to die today?” he asked. His tone was casual, almost childish, as if he were asking the simplest thing. “No volunteers? That's a shame, guess I have to pick them myself!”
An elderly man spoke up suddenly, his voice quivering. “This…ahem. This is the most terrible atrocity I have ever experienced. You should be ashamed of yourself, Mr. Cybers. Very ashamed, indeed. I knew this would happen if a Teslamancer wasn’t in charge, I just-”
His simultaneously terrified and enraged rambling was cut off as a knife was thrown clean through his throat. “No worries Kanny!” Oscar laughed, winking, “He was on the list.”
Amarterasu stood still, shocked into silence for the first time in his life. Never before had he been at such a complete loss of how to salvage the situation. He had been completely overshadowed by that arrogant Feros who could somehow see right through him, and now his prized assassin had finally slipped out of his control. He brushed his hand against his device that connected him to Kaneda. He always had an unnecessary amount of backup plans. Surely together they could regain control of the night. However, he was too late. Oscar had got to him first, and had destroyed the device in his jacket pocket with the swift throw of a knife, narrowly saving Kaneda from being pierced through the heart. Now his trusted secretary was fleeing from the banquet hall, pursued by that madman who was practically dancing for joy. From behind him, Feros laughed.
“Kneel, Amarterasu Cybers. Know your place and fall before me.” There was not a single other person in the room now who was not kneeling before Feros except the old man who lay on the floor, blood slowly pooling around him. “This is a sign of my mercy. It is more than you had planned for those gathered here tonight.” He pointed to the dead man. “Now kneel before me.”
Amarterasu remembered the promise that he had made so many years ago. He had sworn that he would never again be forced to grovel before someone again. He had played every card he had this evening and had still failed against this infuriatingly godlike man. And yet, he would not fall down before him. He slowly reached his hand into his coat and fastened his hand around his solid gold handgun. “My apologies,” he said, slowly making his way towards Feros, “But I cannot recognize a leader who has not been democratically elected.”
In an instant, Amarterasu drew his gun and pointed it directly at Feros’s head. Feros’ eyes narrowed and he extended his hand towards him in a flash. “If this is the end,” Amarterasu thought in a split second, “I’d better look good.” He steadied his gun and pulled the trigger, bracing himself for the impact of Feros’ blast. But it never came. Instead, a young girl threw herself in between the young men. Amarterasu felt his world come to a halt. His sister lay collapsed on the ground before him, black sparks emitting faintly from her body. Amarterasu stood frozen to the ground, straining to process exactly why his sister who he had always ignored would try to save his life. Feros’ eyes hardened and he coldly prepared to shoot another blast at Amarterasu when an anguished scream accompanied by a scruffy young man dressed in a red leather jacket came running at him.
“You fools!” Feros screamed, “Why can you not simply kneel and save yourselves?” He stretched out his arms and a shockwave hurled through the room, shattering drink glasses and knocking Amaerterasu off his feet. Pain flooded his body as if he had received an electric shock, but he shrugged it off and ran to his sister’s side. Blood was seeping through her purple dress, and her eyes were closed. He heard a wail as Izanami ran to his side. Amarterasu’s heart was pounding.
He’d been prepared for losses. Why, countless members of the Arachni Union had lost loved ones at his command, so it only made sense that one day he would experience the same. Yet his calculated readiness had not prepared him for the real thing. Himiko, his stupid, annoying little sister who drove him up the wall with her immaturity…yet how many times had she been there for him? How many times had he made her laugh? He still remembered the day she had learned to walk, all those years ago in that tiny apartment in the shadow of Gringa Bridge…
“She’s still breathing! Amarterasu, she’s still breathing!” It was Izanami’s voice, frantic and choking. Amarterasu looked and saw that it was true…faintly, Himiko’s chest was rising and falling. White-hot rage clenched his heart. He was president of the Arachni Union…supreme leader, surpassed by none. All the medical technology of the nation was at his disposal…he had only to say the word and the greatest doctors in the land would abandon their patients to save his sister’s life. Yet all of that meant nothing in this moment, because of this man, this idiotic, insulting man, who held all of them captive while he monologued like a preacher proclaiming the end of days. He wanted to kill Feros Obscurum, shoot him straight in the head, or stab him in the heart the way he’d dealt with muggers and brigands in the slums. Why? Why could he order an influential CEO killed in a heartbeat, or threaten an entire nation with his missiles, yet he was powerless to stop one man?
“Himiko…” the young man in the red jacket moaned, but Amarterasu ignored him, for he was entirely irrelevant.
What should he do? Should he bow down before Feros in hopes that he would spare Himiko’s life? No…such a weak action might as well be stepping down from office! Feros Obscurum would hardly survive a day past this moment with all the assassins who would be going for him…and such a show of weakness on his part would allow Thrysitor Dongleface or another rival to call for new leadership and have him removed. He would not…could not sacrifice everything he’d spent his life working towards all because of this accursed moment!
Amarterasu heard a step next to him, and he looked up to see Feros looming over Himiko’s motionless body, white hair shining in the chandelier-light. He stared down at her with unaffected eyes, and never in his whole life did Amarterasu Cybers want someone to suffer.
“She…she’s getting weaker…” Izanami sobbed.
Amarterasu met Feros’ eyes. For a moment the two were locked in a gaze, and Amarterasu saw him for who he was…a man who walked with the confidence of one who held true power, a man who’s heart was cold as ice and who’s fist was hard as iron. He cleared his throat. All of this excitement had made him act immature. He had a country to run, and sitting and crying over a half dead brat wasn't going to do anything.
He stood up. “I admire your power, Feros. However, you are currently breaking and entering my property…leave, or you shall be forced to pay a heavy fine.”
Feros laughed. “I have heard of your greed, yet even the tales fall short of the truth. You care more about money than your own dear sister.”
“To be a proper ruler, you should not care about anything more than money,” Amartarasu said, staring at Feros’ smug face.
“You words speak a certain degree of truth, however a leader needs more than just power and wealth, does he not?” Feros said contemplatively.
Amartarasu’s cold glare broke into a calculating grin, “You speak in childish words, phrased in a way that makes you sound like a scholar. You are truly foolish.”
Feros flicked his hand lazily, “Enough with your arrogant words. Don’t you know your place yet?” his piercing blue eyes shone, “Let me give you a taste of my power, yet again.”
Amartarasu had barely a second to realize what was happening before he was flung out of one of the banquet hall’s many windows. As the air rushed around him he held his hands out, feeling the wind pass by his fingertips. He could die when he reached the ground, but in that short amount of time he realized what a fool Feros truly was. He believed he could take everything Amartarasu had spent years earning in the space of a few hours, all without any effort. He believed himself to be powerful, and with his so-called, “limitless power” he believed that he could rule an entire country.
Amartarasu closed his eyes thoughtfully. He was sure that the entire hall was in utter chaos by now, yet he was peacefully drifting through the air, falling slowly closer to the city that would become his once again. Amartarasu heard a soft hum in the distance, he vaguely wondered what it could be.
“Amartarasu!” A voice called, breaking through the calming rush of the wind.
Amartarasu turned his head and realized a large, black helicopter was flying right beside him. As it flew closer towards him he slowly angeled himself so that he fell through its’ open door.
“You have my gratitude, Kaneda,” Amartarasu nodded his head towards his secretary.
Kaneda stiffly replied, “Please enjoy the ride. Just ignore the nuisance who snuck on…”
Oscar waved happily from the back seat. “Things were getting pretty scary back there, huh? Your secretary almost died, Mr. President!”
The helicopter violently jerked to the right, causing Oscar to laugh triumphantly. “Because you tried to kill me!” Kaneda exclaimed. “ None of this would have happened if you could control yourself for one second, you, you-” he muttered through gritted teeth. Amaterasu settled into one of the plush black leather seats of the helicopter and attempted to regain his composure. He was only too aware of the fact that his hair was completely unkempt and he had lost his coat during the fall. As for the fact that there was his most unpredictable assassin in the back seat…he would pretend that wasn’t happening right now.
“Kaneda. Explain the situation.”
“Yes, sir, right away. The situation appears to be quite severe. In fact I’d say this is perhaps the worst thing to happen throughout your entire presidential campaign.”
Amarterasu slammed his fist against the wall, causing the helicopter to shake slightly. “Someone’s in trouble!” Oscar smiled wickedly towards Kaneda.
“I’m aware that I’m ruined, Kaneda. I’m asking you to explain what exactly happened back there and why every single security system I have had installed failed.” There was silence in the helicopter broken only by the loud buzz of the propellers.
“I can’t explain anything. There is no logical explanation for why that man was able to enter and why none of our security protocols activated. I take complete responsibility. Well, except for what you should blame on that crazed murderer for chasing me around the palace when I should have been there to do my duty,” Kaneda said quietly, staring straight forwards.
“Sorr-rry!” Oscar said with an evil gleam in his voice, “But you should be saying “thank you dearly, Oh Great Oscar”, Kanny, because if I hadn't chased you maybe you’d be dead instead of the spoiled princess. You never can know!”
Amarterasu spoke out, his face unreadable. “My sister is not dead, and I’d rather not think about her at the moment. So if you’d be quiet- what was your name again? Right, Oscar. If you could be quiet, Oscar, I would appreciate it.” He directed his attention towards Kaneda. “Set route to Requiem Medical Centre. I need to deal with Izanami before things get messy.” Kaneda nodded silently and slowly turned the helicopter in a wide arc. Amarterasu’s head was buzzing with the events of the evening and he knew he desperately needed to clear it if he was going to make it through this absolute disaster still at the top.
***
Feros turned away from the shattered window and back to the bleeding girl on the floor and the crowd of horrified socialites watching them. He’d acted rashly. It would’ve been smarter to have slain the president outright…him staying alive would create problems. No matter. A simple mortal could never overcome him.
Feros turned, ignoring the sobs behind him. “If any among you have skill in medicine, you have my permission to attend to her,” he spoke in a disinterested voice. “If not, remove her so she may die far from my presence.” The life of one girl did not matter in the grand scheme of his conquest, though he saw no need to ensure her death. The crowd murmured to each other. He’d deal with them later. Each man and woman would have a wealth of resources for him to exploit in his conquest, but it would take some time to fully assess them. The world had changed much since his exile. It was necessary to fully comprehend it before going to war with the other nations.
As he strolled away, Feros projected his thoughts outwards, forming a link with the head of his followers, Cyrix Metallik. “Metallik,” he ordered, “Have my Children storm the palace and take my captives into custody. Send your forces into the streets…I want to be in control of hospitals, police stations, and all forms of long-distance transport. Tonight will be a night of conquest.”
“Sure thing, boss!” Metallik’s voice came back. “We’ve been waiting for this for years!”
Feros smiled as he severed the link. Very soon, all would know why he had been called the god of death.