06-18-2015, 07:18 PM
Plebeian reasons?
Just as Michael had thought to communicate on the same level, Nikolai hid behind his wall of Ascendancy. Well, he wouldn't play along.
"What do you take me for?"
he growled. "Why do you think I demanded the attention of the Australian military at an age when war should have been a fantasy. I despised them for forcing me into this foolishness, but I am one of the best."
It was not a boast. It was as simple as breathing to him. He knew it just as he knew the sun would rise tomorrow.
"I don't see Aria as a tool, but I would not help a Hunter without reason. There are Ascendants among the order, and others who waver in their faith. The Atharim numbers may be small now, but they are deadly. As we have seen, they possess weapons we know little about. Aria and her ability to influence minds. These people have spent millennia preparing to kill people like us. I do not underestimate their ability.
"
"However, their assassins are not the greatest threat they pose. Do you recall the Salem Witch Trials? People fear powers they do not understand. I urged you to strike before the Atharim could formulate a strategy. Before the Ascendant power becomes known to the world - and it will, it is happening in every corner of the world - the Atharim must be broken. They cannot be allowed to stand unified. Aria spoke of a prophecy - Apollyon."
"They will not hide in the shadows forever. When they emerge, they will use their dogma against us. What do you think will happen when the people are told tyrants of myth have returned with the power to destroy cities with their minds? Even those who don't believe in myth will witness what we can do, and they will fear us."
"I protected Aria for the chance to divide the Atharim before they can extend their influence. The information these dissidents could supply us with is invaluable. For them, this is a holy war. Do not underestimate the power they could come to wield."
Just as Michael had thought to communicate on the same level, Nikolai hid behind his wall of Ascendancy. Well, he wouldn't play along.
"What do you take me for?"
he growled. "Why do you think I demanded the attention of the Australian military at an age when war should have been a fantasy. I despised them for forcing me into this foolishness, but I am one of the best."
It was not a boast. It was as simple as breathing to him. He knew it just as he knew the sun would rise tomorrow.
"I don't see Aria as a tool, but I would not help a Hunter without reason. There are Ascendants among the order, and others who waver in their faith. The Atharim numbers may be small now, but they are deadly. As we have seen, they possess weapons we know little about. Aria and her ability to influence minds. These people have spent millennia preparing to kill people like us. I do not underestimate their ability.
"
"However, their assassins are not the greatest threat they pose. Do you recall the Salem Witch Trials? People fear powers they do not understand. I urged you to strike before the Atharim could formulate a strategy. Before the Ascendant power becomes known to the world - and it will, it is happening in every corner of the world - the Atharim must be broken. They cannot be allowed to stand unified. Aria spoke of a prophecy - Apollyon."
"They will not hide in the shadows forever. When they emerge, they will use their dogma against us. What do you think will happen when the people are told tyrants of myth have returned with the power to destroy cities with their minds? Even those who don't believe in myth will witness what we can do, and they will fear us."
"I protected Aria for the chance to divide the Atharim before they can extend their influence. The information these dissidents could supply us with is invaluable. For them, this is a holy war. Do not underestimate the power they could come to wield."
"She saw a flaring halo around his head, radiant in gold and blue. It shouted of glory and power to come"
"No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it."