Gods From the Machine (39 page)

“
Right.” Alyssa walked briskly past the archangel, turning to give Nick one last look before leaving.

“
You look like you’ve seen better days,” Gabriel said. “Paul filled us in on the details of what occurred in Hyperion. Doctor Numerous really did a number on you, didn’t he? I have to admit, we were all surprised to hear how well you handled him.”

“
I’m lucky to be alive.” Nick rubbed his sore shoulder.

Gabriel chuckled.
“When you’ve been in this business long enough, you’re always teetering between life and death. Besides, it could have been worse. If the Soul Eater had been launched, we wouldn’t be sitting right here, would we?”

“
Is there any way to bring the Holy Shield back?” Nick said.

Gabriel
’s face became solemn. “The destruction of Graves Towers has ensured that the shield is gone forever. Every Garrison in the world is in a state of frenzy, trying to set up their emergency defense measures. As for us, we’re on lockdown until further notice.”

“
Then everything was my fault. I destroyed the machine. I took out the tower. This wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t so reckless,” Nick said.

“
No one blames you for what happened. It was a no-win situation and you did what you had to do in order to save millions. However, with the shield gone, Ozarael’s put us on the defensive. Perhaps this was his intention all along,” Gabriel said.

“
It was, among other things. Bergice told me so.”

“
There has never been another demon in existence more powerful or cunning than Ozarael. He was able to cripple our strongest defensive measure without so much as even lifting a finger. We stopped him twice before, but that was before you were reborn. Now that you’ve defeated an Infernal, he’ll be even more dangerous because he knows you’re much closer to reaching him.”

“
Then he has to be stopped before an uprising can start!” Nick said.

“
Start? War has already begun. Within hours of the shield’s destruction, the Crowned Princes revealed themselves and brought their legions in an attempt to take over most of the major countries. Once the lockdown lifts, my troops and I will go to the frontlines to help the nearby cities.”

“
What about me?” Nick said.

“
Get dressed and report to the library wing for your next mission,” Gabriel said.

Nick waited for the archangel to leave before he got
up. His legs were sore, as if he had just finished running a marathon. He walked around a bit, restoring feeling back into his feet. He washed his face at the nearby sink with cold water, waking his senses. Then, he grabbed fresh clothes that were neatly folded on the edge of his bed and quickly got dressed. He slipped on his signature jacket and was out the door.

Nick located
an extremely packed library. Knights from the Wisdom Unit were grabbing books and research materials, grouping up and cramming last minute preparations before the lockdown was lifted. The room was so crowded that Nick almost missed Lucius pacing the middle of the room, looking perturbed, like he had received terrible news.

“
Sir Lucius, I expected you to be talking about strategy with your squad,” Nick said.

“
They have their orders when situations like this arise. If years of preparation haven’t given them a clear sense of how to operate efficiently without my guidance, then no amount of training now will be of any use now. You’ve made quite the impression on Ozarael with that victory over Doctor Numerous. I suspect, based on your performance, they’ve started the war earlier than expected. They must fear what is to come and that is good news for us,” Lucius said.

“
That’s what Gabriel said too, but I’m not really sure I deserve all the praise. It’s not like I did it alone.”

“
Don’t worry, the others will receive credit where it is due,” Lucius said. “Now Nick, what I have to tell you is going to contain sensitive information and I prefer we discuss it in a more private setting.”

Nick obliged and followed him to one of the empty private studying rooms i
n the corner of the library. He took a seat and Lucius shut the door behind them.

“
What’s going on?”

It was
unlikely that this was good news because Lucius looked forlorn, his charming and easy smile were nowhere to be found. He was worried as if he had seen something in Fyria that made him upset. Could this have to do with their false mission?

After a few minutes
of silence, Nick grew increasingly anxious. Lucius wasn’t even looking at him at this point, but through him, and towards the wall. Finally, he took a deep breath and pulled a manila folder from his coat and placed it on the table. His eyes were sympathetic.

“
During your time in the infirmary we ran some tests and found something troubling. While it’s true that connecting yourself to Agrian is pivotal in our campaign in the war against the demons, the tests have shown that unlocking the anger from Agrian can lead to adverse consequences for your body. The more times you tap into your powers the easier it will become to corrupt you. Your body will become used to the evil that eventually you will crave it—like a drug. Eventually there will be a point when feeding Agrian your rage will give him enough power to completely take over you.”

“
So what you’re saying is that eventually it will turn me into a shell of my former self?”

“
I’m afraid so. It’s eating your soul. Even though Quinn Valentine has given Agrian a soul, having a demon housed within your body is still toxic to any human being. In fact, no human alive has ever been able to resist full corruption. And despite all the good you can do with your powers, it cannot be denied that Agrian has an agenda of his own.”

“
Then he wasn’t lying. The Soul Eater Project really was about bringing me back.”

“
Who told you this?” Lucius said.

“
Bergice. Right before he killed Doctor Numerous.” Nick looked at his hands. “If it really is corrupting to me, how am I supposed to fight them without my powers?”

“
Normally, in a situation like this, we use holy water to ward off demon possession. However, since it’s attached to your soul it has could have an unpredictable response, and might kill both of you if we attempted such a procedure. For the time being we should take a new approach to this situation, perhaps rework your involvement in our plans.”

“
I’m already in too deep, Lucius. I’m not turning my back when they depend on me now more than ever!” Nick said.

“
Of course not, but at this time it isn’t wise to constantly throw you into dangerous missions because that will only speed up the inevitable. Instead, you should focus on nurturing your good side and give yourself a chance to remember what it is like to be regular Nick Emberson.”

“
Dammit, I’m a Garrison knight. I’ve proven I can handle it. I deserve to fight on the frontlines just as much as anyone else!” Nick was standing up from his seat now, hands firmly planted in the table.

“
You won’t stop taking on missions, but first you need to learn how to balance yourself mentally. We thought we could provide help, but even with all our research, the best insight we have on your demon situation is still vague! We need you to be fully prepared so you don’t fly off the handle and do something outrageous every time some demon threatens Alyssa!”

“
What’s that supposed to mean?”

“
I didn’t want to be the one to talk to you about this, but we already know about the two of you,” Lucius said.

“
You guys already knew?” Nick felt slightly nauseous now, and slumped back into his seat. “What about the Supreme Commander?”

Lucius nodded.
“Believe me, you didn’t want to be there when Peter and the others came to the infirmary to find her sleeping next to your bed. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that he feels strongly about separating the both of you, but Nick, this is for your own good. Bergice knows of you relationship. There’s no doubt in my mind she’ll be on the demon’s radar. They’ll be waiting for the opportunity to strike at her again. Is that what you want for her? She’s already lived most of her life behind bars because of Peter’s strict rules. Do you want to be the one responsible for taking her freedom again?”

Nick shook his head.
“Of course not, but I can’t see my life without her.”

“
Fate has already proven that you two have come together against impossible circumstances before. Perhaps, now is the time to see if love can truly thrive against all odds. I’m not Peter, and I’m not going to tell you what to do because that’s for you to decide. However, I want you to think about what’s best for both of you.”

“
Where does he plan on sending me?” Nick said finally.

“
He wants you in Pailo. Sand country. Peter has a friend there who can help you with this. He’s pulled a lot of strings to get her to agree to do this personal favor,” Lucius said.

“
A friend?”

“
A former Garrison knight who became a demon sorceress, then reverted back to serving the side of justice. If anyone can help you control the demon within, it would be her,” Lucius said. “According to Peter, she’ll make you the best.”

Nick took a breath.
“So when would I get to come back?”

“
I’m not going to lie, but you know as well I that the world is a mess right now. With everyone exposed, there are a lot of fires we have to put out. Every Garrison has their hands full.  If I were to estimate, I’d say completion of your training will take about three years, at the earliest. But that’s certainly a small price to pay when it will ensure that you will be in the best condition when you return.”

“
If we even have that luxury.”

“
I sense you disagree with this change in plans?” Lucius said.

“
What, do you honestly think Ozarael is going to sit there and wait to
let
me beat him? By the time I’m done, who knows how many lives will have paid for it! I don’t need more deaths on my conscience.”

“
Realize who you are talking to, Nick. I am an archangel and one of seven elite knights to hold that title in the world. As long as we stick by Peter’s plan, there’s no way it can fail. You’ll see. Three years will go by faster than you can imagine, and believe me, the demons will bide their time and the war will still be here when you return,” Lucius said.

“
I don’t have much choice then, do I?”

“
I’m afraid not. Now then, Peter has prepared your vehicle for travel as well as most of the supplies you’ll need along the way. You are expected to leave within the next few days after the lockdown ends. That should give you time to say your goodbyes before you go.”

“
Lucius, what if I can’t master Agrian?” Nick said.

“
You can do anything you put your mind to, Nick. If there is anyone with the will to do it, it would be you. Besides, think of what will be waiting for you when you come home,” Lucius said.

Nick wandered out, walking
aimlessly around their stronghold until he found himself back in the hospital wing of their Garrison. The full force of their conversation had hit him, and he was feeling less than enthused about what the future had in store. He needed someone to help take his mind off of this. He needed to talk to Matt.

He went to look for his best friend in the infirmary wing. After talking to some of the med
ics, he was told that Matt had made a resounding recovery. He went to each one of their usual hangout spots until he eventually found him sitting with Joni and Daniel in the lounge among many other knights and soldiers. The soldiers around them were watching the screens that were covering the aftermath of the destruction in Hyperion.

Matt looked up as he walked
towards him, and his face lit with a grin. He stood and clapped. Everyone to turn their attention to Nick. Once all eyes were on him the entire room erupted in a resounding applause, with several people whooping and cheering his name. Receiving praise from his peers was unfamiliar territory for him, and Nick didn’t know how to react, except for smiling politely before taking his seat with his friends.

“
What’s going on?” he said.

“
Everyone knows you beat an Infernal. No other knight with such little experience could ever say that they accomplished what you did,” Matt said.

“
We’re just glad you’re safe, and you can leave all that behind you,” Joni said.

“
I have some other problems.”

“
Where is Alyssa?” Daniel asked.

“
That’s what I wanted to tell you guys. I’m getting transferred to Pailo as soon as they lift the lockdown,” Nick said.

“
They’re sending you away?” Daniel said.