The Second Archon War: Superbia Hominum 26 (Patreon)

Superbia Hominum 26: The Third Sinner

Word spread quickly that something had happened in the United States, though the exact nature of the issue at hand wasn’t fully known. There had been some sort of incident in Brockton Bay, and the Houston Protectorate building was being raided by the PRT and the Los Angeles Protectorate. The announcement was finally made that there had been a breakout at the blacksite prison known as BIRDCAGE, but this was the first time BIRDCAGE had even been officially confirmed, so people were somewhat confused.

Fear arose when footage of Scion attacking the Palais des Nations alongside the Twins. People expected a massive and destructive battle between the Archons and the Endbringers, and even the King of Demons. Instead, however, the Archons appeared cowed, clashing more with President Alexandria in the few seconds of footage that leaked than with the long-absent former hero. What was going on? Confusion prevailed. 

This was further amplified by rumors that Eidolon had been sighted in New Moscow again, but this time, accompanied by a dozen other Protectorate capes. Grainy images were posted online, and then those websites were yanked down, at least within the United States. 

There had been no telecommunications with Russia since the start of the war nine months earlier, though that had been rumored to be changing. So it was rather shocking when the BBC broke the news story that three new Harbingers had been appointed in Russia, complete with a state media announcement. 

Two were former villains who had been rumored to be in the BIRDCAGE: Mannequin, AKA Sphere, AKA Dr. Alan Gramme. A former member of the Slaughterhouse Nine, him turning up as a new Harbinger was not all that surprising. After all, Bonesaw, who now called herself Pater, was also a Harbinger. It was expected the new Toymaker would conduct similar horrific experiments to his former protege in the S9. 

The same could be said for the new Faerie Godmother, formerly Glaistig Uaine. The horrifying cape appearing in New Moscow as one of the Tsaritsa’s pet monsters wasn’t a shock, just horrifying that she was now loose on the world once more.

The real blow was when the Rat King stepped onto the stage. No name was given, and he wore a grotesque, three-headed mask that concealed his identity. Who was this new monster, to be ranked so highly within the Harbingers? Rumors flew, especially when Russian state media announced he was a former Protectorate cape, along with several of his own masked subordinates. Who could it be? Rumors circulated that it was actually Grenadine, though it was pointed out the Rat King was too tall and seemed to be male. Others countered that Pater was often referred to with male pronouns, despite it being known she was Bonesaw. Still others identified Grenadine as one of the masked and hooded allies of this new Harbinger.

All eyes turned to the Protectorate, but there was silence. 

Even as this happened, there was another trial taking place in Geneva. The Tsaritsa was on trial again, but once more, the court was sealed. No one had the slightest clue what was being discussed, but rumor had it that somehow, the destruction of Kunashir Island, also called Kunashiri by the Japanese, played into it. Everyone in the Northern Hemisphere had seen the Eye of Eternity open, the full moon appearing within its gaze regardless of the time of day or its previous position. Everyone had also felt the resulting earthquake from when the Musou no Hitotachi had been unleashed again. 

The only mild surprise was when Focalors awarded the Kuril Islands to Japan. Those islands had long been in dispute between the two powers, though previously, Raiden had been supremely uninterested in taking those islands. The main religion had been Christianity, until the Tsaritsa had replaced it with the Church of the Frozen Heart, and most of the population was ethnically Russian. Most of those would have been killed when the largest and most populous island had been destroyed, so there was little of value left in the world’s mind. 

The Japanese government’s response was even stranger. They stated that the safety and protection of the residents of the Kuril Islands was of the utmost importance, and that the majority of the surviving population would be relocated to Hokkaido, or to Yelizovo in Russia, depending on their preference. This was immediately followed by the announcement of a special Sacred Sakura network being planted, and that Lord Mushu would personally take up residence on the Kuril Islands to “become the Guardian of the Threshold,” whatever that meant. 

Then, late in the evening, it was announced that early the next morning, Eastern Standard time, a message from President Alexandria would be broadcast, roughly coinciding with the end of the day’s trial in Geneva. The world watched with bated breath, for what was believed to be the trial of the century. 

Only for the doors to be sealed shut once more. 

Alexandria watched in contempt as the doors to the Palais des Nations were once more sealed at Focalors command. The Hydro Archon was an arrogant brat, and should have been called the God of Drama Queens, not the God of Justice like she claimed. She sat there at the head of the room, which was full of Earth’s most important heads of state and dignitaries, and acted like she was Judge Judy performing for daytime TV. 

But then Focalors brought the gavel down, and Alexandria felt it reverberate in her very soul. 

Court is now in session. Let the trial of Alexandria, and the United States, commence! The court has appointed the Hydro Dragon as Prosecutor! Keiga, step forth, and lay out the charges!

Keiga appeared, no longer wearing a kimono, but a blue pantsuit with a pink scarf about her neck. She stood and bowed formally to the court. 

Lord Focalors. The charges are as such: Alexandria, also known as Rebecca Costa-Brown, and the country she represents, are charged with consorting with and summoning Abyssal monsters as a hostile act against other nations. This is a crime and a Sin, which could doom this entire world.

Grim charges indeed, Focalors said gravely, as if this wasn’t all a farce. Still, the various representatives all looked on, and Alexandria was forced to take the stand. If nothing else, they had to all see her stand up for humanity against these false gods. She floated just a little above the floor, arms folded, expression stern, and looked up at the concentric rings of seats that surrounded her. 

Alexandria of the United States: How do you plead? Focalors demanded, motioning to Alexandria with her open hand. 

“I reject the right of you so-called gods to judge me!” Alexandria barked. “You are alien invaders who seek dominion over mankind! You fear this Abyss, but why should we trust anything you say or do? You appeared to be at war simply to work together to subjugate more nations! Now you invent this threat of the Abyss simply as another way to establish alien domination of the planet!” 

That caused exactly the stir that Alexandria hoped for. Some of those attending looked at her in disgust, particularly the Polish Ambassador, who looked directly at Alexandria and made the Anemo sign over his heart before crossing himself. She heard several mutters that amounted to “You’re insane,” and plenty of looks of disgust. 

But not everyone. 

The Canadian ambassador nodded, as did the Greek Prime Minister. Athens was now the recognized home of the Russian Orthodox Church in exile, and the Greek Orthodox Church had embraced its once estranged brethren. There were several others, and Alexandria knew that, whatever the outcome of this, there would at least be some of humanity ready to stand up to the alien tyrants. 

Focalors had visibly recoiled from Alexandria’s speech, then banged her gavel down with all the weight of divine authority.  

HOW DO YOU PLEAD. 

“No contest,” Alexandria gasped, the words forced out of her despite her best efforts. 

Focalors nodded grimly. Very well. Prosecution?

Then both Restoration and Justice seek a Guilty verdict. As such, the Prosecution requests that the trial move forward, Keiga stated. 

The court agrees. Prosecution, call your first witness, Focalors ordered. 

The Prosecution calls Captain Shiramine Hitomei of the Japanese Bakufan Kairagi forces, Shiden Unit, Keiga declared, and an officer in a Japanese military uniform rose. She was young, very young, in fact, probably not even 20, but she had the haunted look of a veteran, and the self assuredness of someone who had been forged in the flames of combat, and came through. 

Captain Shiramine bowed to the Raiden Shogun first, who to Alexandria’s shock, stood and returned the bow, though not as deeply. Just what had this Captain Shiramine done? 

Captain, describe for the court what you have witnessed, Focalors ordered

“Yes, Lord Focalors,” the captain said, standing stiffly at attention, her cap under her right arm, left hand on the hilt of her sword. 

At ease, captain, this is a trial, not a parade ground, Focalors ordered, sounding somewhat amused. 

The captain fell into an at ease posture, her back still straight. “On the morning of August 3rd, Raiden 6, Shiden unit was summoned to battle to fight a foe the likes of which we had never encountered before…”

The horrors that Captain Shiramine proceeded to describe shocked even Alexandria. Flayed corpses, monsters pouring from portals, men and women going utterly mad, cut down by their fellows when they turned on their former comrades. The cleansing and evacuation of the Kuril Islands, which were no longer safe for human habitation. 

Alexandria stewed through the entire thing, sitting with arms crossed and a scowl on her face. When Captain Shiramine finished her testimony, Focalors turned to her. 

Do you wish to cross examine the witness? 

Alexandria nodded to her Attorney General, Bill Lockyer, who stood and went over to the witness. 

“Do you see or hear any indication that somehow, the government of the United States, or President Alexandria, was responsible for this incursion?”

“I have the word of the Raiden Shogun,” Captain Shiramine said firmly, nodding to her god and ruler, who sat at the high god’s table in the back. 

“A known enemy of the United States with her own vested interests in casting aspersions on our government,” the AG said, shaking his head. 

“That is not what Lieutenant Marisa Romero would have said,” Captain Shiramine said.

“I’m sorry, who? Another Japanese officer?” the AG asked. “Or one of the Fatui, another American enemy?”

“No,” Captain Shiramine said, shaking her head. “1st Lieutanant Marisa Romero, Code Name Grenadine, of the American Protectorate. Her, and her squad of nine other Americans, who fought the Abyss with us. She was present at the battle as well, on orders of her superior, Major General David Ward, alias Eidolon.” 

The AG stiffened, then hurried back to Alexandria, who looked grim. “Did you know about this?”

Alexandria stood. “Your story is flawed. Lieutenant Romero worked alone. She had no squad members. She was with General Eidolon, but both she and General Eidolon are currently being investigated, and a warrant is out for their arrests,” Alexandria declared loudly enough for the audience to hear. 

“She had a squad. They were corrupted by the Abyss. Their names have been erased, and they have been forgotten, to prevent the spread of contamination, and to attempt to salvage their souls,” Captain Shiramine stated.

“Objection, there is no way that you could possibly know that!” the AG said, sounding deeply frustrated. “You can’t just claim people vanished with no record!” 

Overruled. The Captain is relaying what was told to her by the gods. It is a matter of theological fact that those erased from Irminsul are Forgotten by the world. The monument erected by Raiden Ami, and evidence submitted by Lord Buer, prove that nine Americans, seventy-four Japanese, and 120 fatui were erased. Do you have further questions for the witness?

“How the hell am I supposed to ask her questions when she can just say whatever she wants and you so-called gods will back her up?” the AG demanded, then threw up his hands. “No further questions!” 

“If you will not accept her word, will you accept mine?” another woman’s voice called. 

There was a stir, as a young woman who had been wearing a Fatui mask suddenly stood. She threw off the faatus greatcoat, revealing a Protectorate Lieutenant’s uniform. Alexandria gritted her teeth. Well, shit. 

Lietenant Marisa Romero, take the stand! Focalors ordered, pointing with her gavel. 

“Objection! This is a surprise witness! We were given no lists! How are we supposed to prepare!” the AG said. “This should have come out in discovery, but there was none!” 

“We gave you plenty of notice to prepare your own witnesses”, Focalors sniffed. “And I wish to hear what Lieutenant Romero has to say.”

“How do we even know that’s Lieutenant Romero, and not some Fatui puppet?” Alexandria demanded. Even if it was Marisa, it didn’t matter. The Slug had destroyed any evidence she might have had.

“Afraid, Madam President? Well, don’t worry. You might have tried to brainwash me and erase my memories, but Her Benevolence has restored most of my memories to me. I might not remember who any of my teachers were as a child, or what the names of my cousins or siblings are, or even when my own birthday is, but I can remember you injecting me with drugs, tying me down, and having the Slug erase all that,” Marisa hissed, pointing an accusing finger at Alexandria.

The President’s blood ran cold. How…? But of course. Gods. She was fighting gods. Alien gods who could bend people to their will. The memories might be false implants, but it was all too likely the Tsaritsa had been able to stitch them together. Ice recorded the past. Love remembered. It was within the power of Dantilion to give back Marisa most of her memories. 

“Objection!” Alexandria protested. “Surely we can all see this could be one of the Dancer’s puppets, or perhaps Bonesaw created a homunculus!” 

I brook no falsehoods within my court. Say that what she says is a lie, a fabrication, that you did not do to Marisa Romero what she claims, and I will throw out her testimony, Focalors stated. 

The AG looked at Alexandria, and she worked her jaw, trying to force the words out. With a supreme effort of will, and drawing on her Vision, Alexandria nearly got it out. Then, she felt a spark of something. A gnawing, clawing sensation, a strange energy within her. A mote of the Abyss. Seizing that, Alexandria drew it into her self, which made her Vision spark and flash wildly, as she stated with a demonic shriek,

SHE LIES, SHE LIES! MARISA ROMERO IS DEAD AND GONE! 

Alexandria had to blink away stars, and when she did, she found herself encircled by naked steel. Mushu had out a long spear that crackled with power, pointed at her throat. Cookie Schmidt had a pair of short swords pointed at Alexandria’s belly. Keiga had a katana at the back of Alexandria’s neck, and Farasha had her spear out, a mad gleam in her eyes as she pointed her own spear at Alexandria’s side. Beyond them, the Simurgh had conjured up a shield of winds, while Theresa Richter chanted and a glowing ring of dendro warded Alexandria.

YOU HEARD HER, Mushu rumbled. YOU SAW. SHE’S POSSESSED BY THE ABYSS ALREADY. 

“Jesus Christ,” Bill Lockyer breathed, his eyes wide with horror. “Madam President, what the hell was that? Did they…did they do something to you?”

“Can we kill her? I say we kill her,” Farasha hissed. “And no butterflies to bring her back when she’s dead.”

“Don’t kill her here! The Abyssal energy from her corpse could corrupt this entire city if we’re not careful!” Theresa gasped. 

Alexandria looked down. Her left fist was coated in purple Abyssal power, her right, in Cryo. She looked up, defiant. “You see? They fear any who would challenge their power! They seek dominion and rulership over humanity! If you bow to them now, you turn your back on all mankind has achieved, and condemn your children to slavery under alien gods!” 

This trial is not over. Bailiff, remain with the defendant. The rest of you, be seated. There is yet one more witness to be called, Focalors stated with a slam of her gavel. 

Mushu grunted and stayed by Alexandria, but he dismissed his spear, though he did keep his hand on his sword hilt. She ignored him. “That’s it?  You let this person make accusations, then she retreats before we can even question her?”

“If you have questions, address them to me, Becky. If that’s even still you.”

Alexandria slowly turned as the chamber gasped in shock. Another faatus had taken off their mask, and there he was.

“David. You traitorous RAT!” Alexandria snarled, her fists clenched in fury. 

Slowly, Eidolon shook his head, coming up to put a hand on Marisa’s shoulder. She sagged slightly, tears in her eyes as she looked up in worship at Eidolon. Disgusting. She was half his age.

David gave Marisa a fatherly smile, then turned back to Alexandria. “I was there, you know. The entire time. I heard Fortuna warn us about the Abyss. Shit, I warned you myself. I told you what would happen. After all…we created the Endbringers.”

There were shocked gasps and cries of outrage, even as Alexandria shouted. “LIES!” 

But the fall of the gavel and a bark of ORDER silenced even her. 

“It’s true!” David said, slowly turning to look at all present. His gaze rested on Ziz, who looked away, tears in her eyes. “The United States has long experimented with creating capes. We were the first to succeed in manufacturing artificial parahumans. Myself and Becky, that is, President Alexandria, were among the first generation, and the most powerful. I will state, it wasn’t her fault directly. More of an accident. But I created the Endbringers.”

More hubbub, and this time, it was Mushu who let out a crack of thunder and shouted SILENCE. Even with that, the furor took some time to quiet down. 

“The Endbringers came about out of my desire to have worthy foes. To unify the world, and force you all to fall in line with the plans of Cauldron and the United States. We didn’t mean to make the Endbringers, it wasn’t intentional, and until recently, we didn’t even know that I’d made them. But…but as they have evolved, and changed, they have recognized me as their father. The Behemoth was the first, but not the last. The Simurgh and the Twins know what I am as well. And Lord Buer has confirmed it, as has Her Benevolence, Lord Dantilion. She has freed me of this burden, and I pray I haven’t spawned more Endbringers. But it’s the truth.”

“So when I tell you the Abyss is even more dangerous…understand this is just an evolution. Alexandria was always willing to do whatever it took to win. Including making monsters and unleashing them on the word. Well, the Abyss is even worse than the Endbringers. And she had unleashed it. I only pray there isn’t another Endbringer to follow.”

THESE FACTS ARE SEALED TO THE COURT, AND SHALL NOT BE REPEATED. YOUR VERY MINDS WILL FORGET THEM, FOR YOU CANNOT KNOW THEM WITHOUT BRINGING DESTRUCTION. 

What? Alexandria turned to Focalors in shock. If this got out to the world, then the United States, and Cauldron, were finished. Why would she hide this fact? 

“Pardon, Lord Focalors, but why tell us this if you are going to make us forget all this?” the King of Thailand asked, the old man frowning in puzzlement, as were most of the people in the room. 

That you might know the truth. Your soul shall remember, and you will know that Justice was done this day. But the world cannot know the origin of the Demon Beasts, nor the truth of the Abyss. Should they learn, it would summon calamity upon their heads. Such is the nature of the corrosive and corruptive nature of the Abyss. To even know it exists is a lure to it. More, and you risk utter damnation. Only a select few, we gods, and our most powerful retainers, can know such things, and then face the demons that will surely hunt them. 

“Even I’m going to forget all this,” Catherine Schmidt said with a shake of her head. “Only the immortals will remember, and then, there will be protections in place.”

“You just fear the truth,” Alexandria sneered. “You just fear us getting our hands on a power that can overturn your order!” 

Just because the world will forget does not mean you will escape Justice, Focalors said, turning on Alexandria. The Oratrice will judge you Guilty, and I will be forced to carry out a sentence I abhor. The only other person I ever condemned to death was myself, but unless you repent, you must be cast down. 

“Too bad for you, that you’re not the one to sentence me,” Alexandria laughed. “Where is Scion? If I can’t appeal to Justice, then I appeal to your Sustainer!” 

The doors, repaired the day before, swung open, and Scion floated down, still flanked by Tohu and Bohu. The Entity moved down to land beside Focalors, and faced Alexandria. The other Archons arose and formed a loose circle about Scion, with their retainers focusing on the Twins, who were grinning at Ziz, though they didn’t say anything. For her part, Ziz was hissing like a boiling kettle, the wings on her ears flat on her head. 

Deliver your verdict, Flowing Broadcaster. The golden alien ordered. 

I, yes, very well. Focalors hurried over to the Oratrice, feeding in her notes. The mechanism whirled once more. And a verdict slip was spat out. Focalors retrieved it. She cleared her throat, and pronounced: Guilty. 

Scion nodded. You will not destroy, nor slay Specimen Static Ambition. She has proven Worthy. She will also serve as a replacement for the Thinker, and mate with me to complete the Cycle. 

What the fuck? Alexandria couldn’t believe that, but she didn’t react, keeping her expression in frozen neutrality. 

But, Sustainer, the Abyss, it, it threatens the Cycle! It would disrupt and destroy all data! Focalors protested.

Perhaps. The experiment Specimen Static Ambition runs must be pursued. You are forbidden from disrupting those experiments, so long as they take place in the territory controlled by Specimen Static Ambition and her people. You will engage in conflict with  her in all other lands and places, so long as not too many specimens are damaged or destroyed. This is how data is gathered. You may compete for new resources. This is proper. Run your own experiments. Data must be gathered. The Cycle will be complete. When the time comes, you will mate with me, and our progeny will spread the Cycle throughout all time and space and endless realities. This is the way of the Cycle. 

Then, Scion turned and faced the Raiden Shogun. Lightning Warrior. You have created much interesting data. It is time for your experiments to be tested.

If you seek to face the Lightning’s Glow, then I am prepared to meet you in battle, Raiden stated. 

No. The Thinker’s Drivers will face your Beings. The one you call Dalnim, and the one you call Lightning Princess Ami. They will be Tested. 

Tohu and Bohu regarded Dalnim, manic grins on their faces. Dalnim did not react, save for her knuckles going white on her sword. 

Pure horror broke the Shogun’s mask, and she took a step forward. NO! Take me instead! Do not take my daughters!

They are not yet Worthy. They will be tested. Do not interfere. Or I will punish you by putting down your Beings, and depriving your Specimens of energy again. So I command. Uphold the Cycle.

With that, Scion departed, followed by Tohu and Bohu. Raiden appeared stunned, as did all the others assembled.

Fear not, Mother. I shall not let Ami perish. We will slay the demon beasts and placate the sustainer. Such is the duty of a god to be a shield for her people, Dalnim stated. 

We must train, Raiden growled, then turned to Focalors. Do it. 

Focalors nodded, then banged her gavel. Very well. There will be no war. But this is my sentence: the United States is cast out. Alexandria is cast out. No more shall our nations have congress, nor trade, with the United States. Such risks Abyssal Corruption. We may not invade you nor assault you, but neither must we allow your poison to spread to our lands. 

Look of weary resignation came over Focalors translucent features, and she shook her head. But know this: When the dark day comes, and the Abyss begins to consume you…we will be there. 

“Oh, I know. One sign of weakness, and you pounce,” Alexandria snorted. Which was why she had to be strong.

The glare from the Archons drove even Alexandria to her knees, and the five gods spoke as one: 

NO, MORTAL. ON THE DAY YOUR SIN BECOMES TOO GREAT…WE WILL COME TO SAVE YOUR PEOPLE. WE WILL NOT LET THE ABYSS HAVE SO MANY SOULS. WE WILL SAVE ALL WE CAN. JUST AS WE DID FOR KHAENRI’AH. NOW GO! AND DO NOT RETURN! 

A lightning portal opened behind Alexandria, and she found herself flung back into it, dragged away from the conference, the portal slamming shut behind her. She stood, brushed herself off with the help of her aides, even as a prerecorded message began to play throughout the United States. 

Taylor sat with her mother, watching the TV as President Aunty Becky came on screen. She already knew what was going to be announced. They’d made her swear not to tell what Eidolon had done, but Taylor knew: he had been Mastered by the Tsaritsa. He was why the secret prison known as BIRDCAGE had been broken into. 

And why Uncle Keith was still so furious he could barely talk. 

The president sat in her white cape uniform, with red and blue epaulettes that had gold trim hanging from them, and large golden buttons on the coat that had eagles stamped on them. Her hair was pulled back in a simple bun, and she looked very pretty in Taylor’s opinion, especially for someone so old. She stared earnestly into the camera, but her face was stoic, and her dark eyes sad. 

“My fellow Americans,” the President began. “It is with a heavy heart I come before you, to tell you that a man who was one of our greatest heroes, a man I counted as a friend and confidant, has betrayed all of the values of freedom, courage, and justice that we all hold so dear.”

“Yesterday, at about 8:27 in the morning, General David Ward, known as Eidolon, attacked Colonel Keith Andrews, known as Legend, at his home in Brockton Bay, along with his husband, Arthur Andrews, and their son, Keith Andrews Jr, along with several family friends. The reason for this was simple: Eidolon was attempting to persuade Legend to join him in defecting to the Tsaritsa.”

Taylor’s mother let out a gasp of shock and horror, and pulled her tighter into a hug. They were on the couch together, and normally, Taylor wouldn’t let her mom hug her like she was a little kid still. She was 10, after all, and starting 5th grade in a few weeks. 

But right now…right now, Taylor was crying and needed a hug. One of her heroes had fallen. Worse than that. He was a traitor. 

“Thankfully, Legend and his family proved to be true American patriots, along with the Wards Sarah Livsey, alias Tattletale, and Rachel Baker, alias Hellhound, along with Noelle Smith and Taylor Hebert, who while not Wards, armed themselves and resisted Eidolon, despite being young girls. Thankfully, Eidolon only incapacitated those who resisted him, before heading to the blacksite cape containment facility, known as BIRDCAGE.”

“I am so proud of you,” Annette whispered, kissing the top of Taylor’s head. “You did good, Bug.”

“Thanks. Dad was proud of me, too. His vision lit up when I fought the traitor,” Taylor said. At that moment, she’d wanted nothing more than to protect her friends. It had only been an instant, but the lightning had been with her. She was close, so close, to rekindling her Father’s Vision. Soon. She just knew it. 

“He kept you safe. He’s still with you, thank Lord Beezelbul,” Annette said earnestly. She had gone to church with Taylor, Sarah, and Noelle. They had to meet in Pastor Becker’s basement now, but they still met, and prayed to and thanked the Archons. 

“There, Eidolon freed former members of the Slaughterhouse Nine Mannequin, Glaistig Uaine, Marquess, and several other dangerous capes. They then battled Protectorate forces and fled to Russia, where we have reports that Eidolon and several other capes have been made Harbingers.”

Taylor made a fist and snarled in frustration. She should have been stronger, and stopped this! This was just like the Siberian: Taylor needed Revenge. 

“Additionally, the Archons have shown their hand. They seek to dominate all mankind. Their sudden peace is a farce. They meant to use their supposed wars to extend their dominion over more lands and nations. Eidolon attempted to bring that dominion to the United States. Fortunately, his prison break was defeated, and he fled.”

What? That didn’t line up with what he’d said, but…well, Taylor was going to believe President Aunty Becky over a traitor. But..the Archons, evil? Taylor didn’t know what to think. 

“You will hear reports that the United States summoned the Endbringers. This is obviously false. The Protectorate led the world in defending against those monsters until the Archons came. You will hear claims that the United States is unleashing horrifying new weapons.”

A vicious smile came over Alexandria’s face, and she nodded. “That, we are doing. We have discovered what we are calling Dark Energy. This energy is powerful enough that the Archons fear it. It is a power that will allow the United States to defend itself against the Archons and their human slaves. If the Archons attack, we will unleash Dark Energy bombs in their territory and drive them back. Such weapons were already used in Russia, and are why the Archons ceased their pretend war, and turned on the United States.”

“Dark Energy?” Taylor muttered. That made no sense!

“The United States has always stood for freedom, justice, and the pride of humanity. We will stand against the Archons, against these so-called gods. And one day, we will liberate all of mankind from alien overlords, who seek to dominate the United States.”

Alexandria gave a wry smile. “I would say God Bless America…but frankly…I think we can stand on our own.”

Then, the TV cut to the news anchors to opine on things.

“But, the Archons aren’t evil,” Taylor said plaintively. 

“The Tsaritsa is,” her mom pointed out, and Taylor nodded reluctantly. “I think we should stop going to that Archonist church. It’s illegal anyway.”

“Mmm,” Taylor said, but her mind was racing. Something was wrong. She thought about what Eidolon had said. 

 If I fail, then it’s up to you. Don’t let the light in this country go out. Don’t let us fall to evil. Fight for what you know to be right. Trust in the Archons.

That night, Taylor gripped her Vison, and tried to understand. Tried to figure out what to do. Aunty Becky wouldn’t lie…but the Archons had to be good. They just had to. Somehow…somehow, Taylor would make all this make sense. 

No matter what she had to do.