10 - The Two Presidential Candidates

“You’re a few weeks too early, Dyeman.” Kaito said in a warm and simultaneously intimidating tone.

“Ah, I suppose so.” Dyeman said with an awkward laugh. “Things truly are bizarre in-”

“They don’t appear to be bizarre at all. In fact, everything was under your control.” Kaito said.

The average-sized and average-looking man with slightly gray hair, a clean shaven face and a pair of rectangular glasses was Richard Dyeman. Despite his common appearance, he was an extremely charming politician - able to attract millions to his cause. That was also the reason he was elected as the head representative of the pro-soulful party. And what better man to align with for that cause than...

“Look at yourself.” Kaito said. “What reason did you have to abandon your duty and flee? Of course, your followers might not know about it...but still.”

“California was a mess.” Dyeman confessed. “I had my...uhm...security concerns. I’m sure you understand, Mr. Kamiki.”

“I unfortunately do not understand.” Kaito sighed. “How familiar are you with Yuuka Hoshikawa from the Heisei?”

“She is...an internet celebrity, of some sorts?” Dyeman asked. “I apologize, I’m not familiar with her too much.”

“Yuuka Hoshikawa is a profoundly strong member of the Heisei. But she is also incredibly talented at managing and being an active presence on social media thanks to her large platform and flexible skills.” Kaito said. “She has been avidly supporting your campaign. However, an hour or so ago, she sent me quite an alarming message.”

“That’s...unfortunate...I hope it wasn’t grim news.” Dyeman said, now a little scared.

“She told me that people critiqued you. People thought that you abandoned the states that you promised to visit but ultimately didn’t. Especially now, when the recency bias is a key factor...do you understand how much you’ve sabotaged yourself?” Kaito asked.

“It was an honest miscalculation.” Dyeman replied. “But I want my safety to remain inviolable.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, and I will remain persistent with that demand.” Dyeman said, his voice gaining power. “I do not wish to be a victim of whatever terrorism is going on. First it was here, now it’s gaining volume in America, the whole world is about to devolve into a warzone at this rate.”

“It appears that-”

“I am not done talking.” Dyeman interrupted. “I have my own life to attend to, I have a wife and two children. I agreed to push the soulful agenda, but it doesn’t mean I’m willing to die for it. I’m not gonna lose everything over my position.”

“I see...” Kaito said. A small pause later, he continued. “Richard Dyeman, what made you side with us soulfuls?”

“Pardon?” That sentence caught him off guard.

“I believe you understood the question perfectly.” Kaito continued. “Is it your financial interests? Your ambition to rule over a conventionally indestructible army? An attempt to build your own empire, coexisting with us?”

“Yes. It is indeed a part of my-”

“Or is it perhaps fear?” Kaito interrupted with a sinister glare. His abyssal eyes looked directly into Dyeman’s common brown iris, almost piercing him. “Could the reason that you chose to side with the soulfuls...be that you’re a soulful yourself?”

“What...what a preposterous claim!” Dyeman said. His panic was clearly visible. But even with perfect acting, the truth was impossible to hide.

“Despite making up the tiniest fraction of the world population, there are three types of soulfuls. Dormant Souls are the soulfuls that subtly but surely differ from the soulless. They have potential and can sense strong soul presences. They are the most common type, and can, on rare occasions, evolve. Passive or Incomplete Souls are soulfuls who have the slightest access to soul prowess, though they are unable to control it. It’s a state that needs to be passed through in order for a dormant soul to realize their potential. Active or Complete Souls are the soulfuls like myself, who can freely explore and utilize their powers.” Kaito explained. “You appear to be a passive soul, Richard Dyeman.”

“How...do you...” Dyeman broke character, almost whispering in a terrified voice.

“I won’t do something as stupid as revealing this truth, and it does not matter how I sniffed it out in the first place.” Kaito said, slapping his hands on his desk and getting up from his seat. Dyeman, confused, got up too.

“H-huh?”

“All of our conversations came to the conclusion that our plan must be followed. And yet, you diverted from it out of fear.” Kaito said, taking a step towards Dyeman. “I told you that I have capable agents positioned in America to protect you, and they did just that against Jackal Kagerr.”

“I-I-I remain persistent. I demand that my safety is guaranteed and that the-” Dyeman couldn’t finish the sentence. Something distracted him.

“Did you feel that? It was a shift in my soul presence.” Kaito said. “You have a surprisingly sharp sense. But that’s a good thing. Let metell this to you in a language you can understand.”

Kaito’s soul presence flared tremendously. Dyeman couldn’t move, nor could he even hear or see properly. He felt so utterly overwhelmed that it felt like his body was ripped out of his plane of existence and tossed into a void so deafeningly strong that even the slightest idea of executing an action or even conceiving a thought was considered an abrogation of the most extreme caliber. Throughout all of Tokyo and the surrounding cities, his presence felt almost nuclear. Dyeman tried to instinctively back off and ended up falling down on the cold hard floor.

“Richard Dyeman, I trust you to not divert from the plan in the future.” Kaito said in a commanding voice. Dyeman couldn’t even nod. He found difficulty breathing, he felt like he was being restrained and choked to death.

“I hope you understand why I have to choose such harsh methods to make myself clear.” Kaito continued, offering Dyeman his hand. The presence was released. The latter hesitantly used the aid to get up. “But I will not ignore your requests either. The Heisei will be deployed to America.”

“Ah...I...I'm so happy t-to hear t-t-that...” Dyeman said with a shaky voice.

“The flight will take place in four hours. I suggest you prepare now.” Kaito said, returning to his seat. “The Heisei will board the same flight.”

Dyeman awkwardly nodded goodbye and left the room, his walking tempo shifted to a full-blown sprint once he was outside. Kaito was left alone, in a room only lit by a few bright white lights and his own ideas.

“Jackal Kagerr...”

“It’s a shame that Sakuto Hitori and his comrade weren’t enough to take him out.”

“But I believe that he will grow. He has great potential as a soulful.”

“The Heisei will take Jackal out in the meantime.”

He opened a drawer and pulled out a few papers decorated with printed text.

“The little rat is probably on his way to America right now.”

“I’ll have plenty of time to figure out what to do...”

[SEPT. 16; TEXAS]

“At last, welcome to the land of freedom. Feel yourself at home.”

Otto simply nodded, accepting the oh so gentle invitation. He slowly walked forwards, entering the large and posh meeting hall. It was decorated with oil paintings framed in gold, with beautiful marble patterns enchanting the floor. In the middle, a large oval dark out table with luxurious chairs placed around it. Some of them were occupied by men in suits, some were left empty for the final guests.

Otto approached his seat with disgust. Sitting ahead of him was the man he detested, but chose to support.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“I hope there were no complications arriving here.” Sheller said, clearing his voice. “Dear comrades, I would like to welcome our special ally.”

“Good to see you too, Aughrey Sheller.” Otto said, biting his own tongue in dissatisfaction. Sheller appeared to be confident. He had a thin beard line decorating his jaw, which contrasted greatly with his blonde-and-black hair. His pale skin was paid special attention to by the many maids in charge of Sheller’s appearance. He was rather tall and well-built.

“Is Texas your stronghold?” Otto asked. He was the only man present from the Adler Group.

“My stronghold is wherever the wind of freedom blows. I will admit though, having Texas vote for me would be quite beneficial.” Sheller replied. “Mr Richter, how’s your life been? Enjoying our hospitality so far, or do you prefer being further east?”

“I believe there is no need to be concerned for my well-being.” Otto responded. His black cloak and generally dark uniform was illuminated well by the golden light in the room.

“I truly do appreciate how humble and selfless you are, Mr. Richter.” Sheller said, taking a sip of wine from a large glass. “As you’re aware, the voting phase has already begun. Voting centres are completely filled to the brim. And it’s beginning to sound like blessed news for us.”

“Is that so?” Otto said. ”Tell me, why did you ask me to be here so urgently?”

“It has to do with the multitude of security threats lingering in America.” Sheller sighed. “You see, everywhere I look, there’s at least one soulful piece of shit, probably ready to murder me the moment he gets a hang of the supernatural. You cannot imagine how much that fact disrupts me, my friend.”

“Really?” Otto questioned.

“This world is built on freedom. And the presence of men and women who possess immeasurable power imposes a sense of enslavement on the common man. It feels so...restricting.” Sheller said, gently swaying his cup side to side.

“One of the many effects of the GSC.” Otto commented.

“Your hatred for that organization brings joy to my heart, but the GSC is not the only cause of that dreadful feeling.” Sheller said. “Every soulful plays their role. Mr. Richter, what do you believe is the true foundation of freedom?”

“...”

“It is equality.” Sheller continued. “Freedom cannot exist without equality. If there is inequality, what stops the upper man from destroying the freedom of those below? That is the problem with soulfuls.”

“Do you think I am restricting your freedom?” Otto asked.

“No, because you are the one enforcing freedom.” Sheller replied with a smirk. “You are among the brave agents who will realize my dream. Making the world a truly equal place.”

“It’s sad that you have to rely on such radical thoughts to establish equality, but alas, you are on the right track.” Otto said. “The coalition’s hierarchy, along with its king, must be destroyed at all costs.”

“Mr Richter, is this all personal for you?” Sheller asked, putting his glass down.

“What?” Otto was confused.

“Well, from the way you’re putting it, it sounded as if Kaito Kamiki took a shit on your porch or something.” Sheller laughed. The men around the table shared a brief chuckle. “You have true hatred for that man.”

“It is hatred stemming from something that soulless like you cannot comprehend.” Otto said.

“Oh, please.” Sheller said. “Don’t be foolish. To be frank, I do not care what type of personal grudge you have against him. What I care about is my ideals and my business.”

“Your business?” Otto asked. “You’re chasing money?”

“The world isn’t only built on freedom, it is built on business.” Sheller replied. “Nothing reigns supreme more in this world than money. It is simply a fact that you sentimental folk must accept. Bernard Stanley, a good friend of mine, will be assisting me greatly in this business expansion we are about to undertake. His forces and influence are no joke.”

“Did you just admit that this is all...business to you?” Otto asked.

“The supernatural is an amazing thing, Otto Richter.” Sheller said. “But this soulful stuff being uncontrolled is not. The GSC, it... it latches onto the control we have. It challenges it, threatens to rip it apart. It wants to terminate the inviolability of the world’s many equations. There is only one solution.”

“And that is?”

“To eradicate every single soulful alive.” Sheller explained. “To put a halt to these outbursts of uncontrollable terror and these rebellions against common order.”

“If you wish to eradicate soulfuls, I would ask you to try to eradicate me first.” Otto said, standing up and summoning his sword. All five gemstones shone brightly on the blade, a result of his previous efforts. He pointed it at Sheller.

“I hope that one day you begin to see things objectively, Otto Richter.” Sheller sighed. Suddenly, the table trembled a little. Some glasses and bottles of wine fell over, with one of them falling off the table and shattering. A feeling of heaviness consumed the guests.

“Our agreement is to eliminate the GSC.” Otto said. “There will be no agreements between us once that objective is complete.”

“Well, damn me.” Sheller smirked, his hands almost glued to the table. “Even if you eliminate me, it is the common people who would want soulfuls eradicated the most.”

“Then, let’s see if you are truly careless about living or dying.” Otto said. The heaviness was no more. The pretty blue gemstone on Otto’s blade shone brighter, with the table and the blade slowly being engulfed in a thin layer of ice.

“Otto. Not worth it.” A new voice said. The large wooden doors of the room burst open. Two figures entered the place.

“He’s a scumbag, but he has a use. Let him walk around for now.” Mukawa said, entering the place. He stood behind Otto’s seat.

“Sir Otto, the rest are outside.” Erwin said, approaching him and standing by his other side.

“Who is the daring one?” Sheller asked, mockingly. “Are you the boy responsible for the successful meeting held in Tokyo? You won me quite a lot of potential votes. Impressive results for a soulful.”

“I sure hope Bernard’s anti-terrorist agencies don’t hold you up.” Sheller said. “They’ll be quite busy soon.”

“You aim to defeat Kaito’s agents?” Otto asked. “Do you realize how much of a fiasco that operation would be?”

“I have some other soulful trash on my side. The worthless low-lives that are willing to fight against their own disgusting kind.” Sheller said.

“Be sure to send all of your forces in that case.” Mukawa said.

“Oh, I am certain that they will entertain themselves.” Sheller smirked. “The BSBM is as involved in this as I am. They have that urge to get revenge for what happened to Night Ocean. They want soulfuls gone just as much as I do.”

“They won’t even scratch Sakuto Hitori.” Mukawa thought.

“If you want to win the election, you'll have to win the race to kill the terrorist, Jackal Kagerr.” Otto said.

“Do not worry, I will not discriminate when killing trash.” Sheller chuckled. “They are all equally as pathetic in front of my eyes. Just waste waiting to be removed.”

“Mr. Sheller, may I ask you a question?” Erwin said.

“Go on, but don’t you dare waste my time.”

“I believe you’re acting rather irrationally against soulfuls.” Erwin said. “It’s like every soulful on the planet has taken a shit on your porch.”

Otto burst in laughter, while Mukawa barely held his tired and concentrated expression together.

“Atta boy!” Otto slapped him in the back, barely regaining his composure, still laughing to his heart’s content. “With that being recorded as our concluding sentence, I believe we can end this meeting before one of us decides to take drastic measures.”

“Glad to end it on a positive note, Otto Richter.” Sheller replied, bitterly. “You still owe me something.”

“My comrades will guarantee your security against Kaito’s agents.” Otto said. “In the meantime, I will temporarily return to Tokyo. I have a few things I need to take care of.”

Sheller stood up and slowly walked out of the room. He was accompanied by his guests and some armed men.

“He’s an even bigger piece of shit than what we saw on TV.” Mukawa sighed. “You should’ve let me put him to sleep. Let him see some stuff.”

“And what purpose would that serve?” Otto asked.

“Personal pleasure.” Mukawa said.

“Sir Otto, permission to kill Sheller?” Erwin asked.

“Permission denied.” Otto replied. “We will only dispose of him once he serves his purpose. He is our gateway to utilizing the soulless.”

“Everything should be in order, in that case.” Mukawa said. “Everything is going as smoothly as possible.”

“...”

“So, you’re dead set on killing Hayk?” Mukawa asked.

“Do you think I would hesitate?”

“Dunno. I mean, I know you have some bad blood, but killing? I thought you’d just steal whatever he has in his soul expression and leave.”

“My power has a unique condition.” Otto said. “The only targets the abilities of which I can copy are those who I harbor some type of hatred against. Those who I have the intent to ‘take’ something from, and use what I took for what I believe to be the greater cause.”

“And what does that have to do with you killing your old acquaintance?” Mukawa asked.

“Me being able to take his special ability away from him is justification that eliminating him is the right move.” Otto said.

“You still didn’t answer my question.” Mukawa said.

“Because if I don’t take him down now, he will hinder our progress. And he is a very powerful soulful.” Otto said. “He is still the same person as before, and has definitely fallen deep into Kaito’s claws.”

“Makes sense.” Mukawa sighed. He turned around and left. “I’ll board the same plane as you. I have to start looking for the source of Kaito’s barrier.”

“Sir Otto, I’ll follow you too.” Erwin said.

“You can come, but I will not allow you to interfere in the fight. For your own safety. Besides...this is more of a personal feud.” Otto said.

“At last...”

“I’ll need that power of yours to kill the devil.”

“There’s no way I can win without it.”