Blade(Part 4): Midnight

Chapter 25: Akanotahkon

Akanotahkon, Shao, Diego, Tashira, and Dameon stood in front of the keep of Noglidas with cloaks over their outfits. They faced the gates, along with a crowd of thousands, as General Cicerion stood before them. While they were in Ember, Cicerion was chosen by the people to lead their newly-formed country. He was a great General during the Colonial Revolution, and was a good friend of Decimus Zeno. As far as Akanotahkon could tell, though, he didn't think he would be able to take charge of the Colonial Republic, but everyone else did.

"I take this task you have given me reluctantly, but not lightly," Cicerion announced. "For twelve years, we suffered under the reign of a tyrant, ladies and gentlemen, but we fought for the freedom that was stolen from us, and won. We all lost someone that we cared about, knowing what they sacrificed so that we may have a future. A future void of tyranny, oppression, and ignorance. A future where we would not have to fear those who lead us. A future where we may choose our own path in our lives. These are the principles that countless men, women, and children have died for, the principles that King Aziz would have kept from us if it weren't for all of you. A country's strength doesn't come from a King, a lord, or any kind of idiot with a crown on his head. The true strength of a nation comes from its people. Whether they're rich or poor, men or women, old or young. All of you are the future of this country, the future of our freedom, not me, and not the person who leads us after me. Whoever that is, they will be chosen by you, just as I was. We will remain a free people, so long as we remain true to the principles that we fought for. Thank you." He walked back into the keep of the city, ignoring the thunderous applause from the people who listened to him. The only ones who weren't applauding him were the five Blades of Midnight, knowing that it was the Colonial Republic that tried to murder their leader. They went back to the shack that they called their hideout while they were in Astros during the last few weeks of the war.

"Well, Cicerion's right about one thing," Diego sighed. "The fighting paid off."

"It would have paid off even more if the leader of the people fighting hadn't tried to kill our leader for the dumbest possible reason," Shao hissed. "I'm sorry that happened, Dameon."

"It's no one's fault, Shao," said Dameon. "Too many bad things have happened to him, and this war brought out the worst in all of us. Including me." Akanotahkon knew about how he killed Silas, the person who mentored him and taught him the ancient ways of the Blades of Midnight, and the person who dragged him away from his lifetime of slavery and suffering. He knew how that memory had haunted Dameon for the entire war, and knew that it may very well haunt him for the rest of his life.

"Guys, there's something I have to tell you," Dameon sighed. All of the Blades, including Akanotahkon, listened to him intently. Akanotahkon could sense a feeling of sadness from Dameon as he began to speak.

"I'm leaving," he said. "I'm sorry, but I'm leaving." Akanotahkon's heart sank. Dameon had been a mentor and friend to him ever since his parents and all of his friend were killed, and he was leaving. Then again, he knew exactly why.

"To avoid the Republic?" he asked.

"Exactly," Dameon answered. "I just knew that you all deserved to know this, instead of me just disappearing on you guys. I also do have a few things to say to all of you. You all remember when the last Battle of Noglidas started, how I said the Colonial League would need us whether we would make a difference in that fight or not?" All of the Blades nodded their heads.

"Well, the same goes for whatever comes next," Dameon continued. "Aziz may be dead, but what about the next tyrant that wants the Colonial Republic on its knees? What if they're even worse?"

"If that's possible," said Tashira.

"Yeah," Dameon agreed, with a chuckle. "Anyway, that's when this country will need you all the most. Whether it be against an invader or an inside threat. Like Cicerion said, the people are the future of this country's freedom, and it's the Blades of Midnight who are supposed to protect them." He then reached inside of his leather cuirass and pulled out the golden amulet of the Blade Master. He held it out to Tashira, who reluctantly took it from him.

"You're in charge, Tashira," Dameon declared.

"Are you sure?" asked Tashira.

"Yes, I'm sure," Dameon answered. "You trained the others. You should lead them."

"Where will you go?" Shao wondered.

"I can't tell you that," Dameon sighed. "I'm sorry." None of the Blades objected to his secrecy. With what he was, and what the Republic thought he did, he had no other choice but to hide himself, from everyone.

"Well, we wish you luck," Tashira promised. "Wherever you go, be careful."

"Thank you," Dameon said. He looked around at the Blades, to Tashira, Diego, Shao, and Akanotahkon. Akanotahkon could feel tears in his eyes at the thought of his friend leaving, with no idea where he was going to be. Dameon looked to him, likely able to sense his sadness. As he turned around to leave, he brushed his hand on his shoulder, then he was gone.

"So, now what?" asked Akanotahkon.

"We do what he said we should do," Tashira reminded. "We protect the people." No objection would come from Akanotahkon about that. He wasn't the same person he was when the Revolution started. He was a Blade of Midnight, and would fight for people's freedom wherever it needed to be fought for. He wouldn't allow fear to stop him, and he would die fighting for freedom if it was needed.