Chereads / Strength of Heart / Chapter 46 - World Summit!

Chapter 46 - World Summit!

Asuna "Hiroyuki, I don't want you to be overwhelmed at the summit."

Hiroyuki "I'm already anxious."

Asuna "Why?"

Hiroyuki "This is the going to be the first summit in history. All the powerful world leaders: Emperor's, presidents, kings and lords. The amount of power and authority this summit will bring."

Asuna "To be honest, you might be the youngest advisor there."

Hiroyuki "Advisor?"

Asuna "My right hand man, I've expressed how much trust I have in you already. You are just as important to this village as I am."

Hiroyuki "Truly honored."

Asuna "We are leaving first thing in the morning. Make sure you have everything you will need for the trip."

Hiroyuki "How long?"

Asuna "From where we are, it's going to take a week for us to get there."

Hiroyuki "A week?! How far is this summit?"

Asuna "The summit leaders have all agreed to meet in the middle. Everyone else will also take a week to arrive, that way we all travel the same distance; while also arriving at the same time."

Hiroyuki "I see, are we walking there?"

Asuna "Well I was thinking horse, but if you want to walk we can."

Hiroyuki "I'm fine with horse."

Asuna "Horseback has been relatively new to me, I hope to see how efficient it is."

Hiroyuki "New to me as well."

Asuna "Any other questions?"

Hiroyuki "Yeah, who is going to watch over the village since you will be gone? And doesn't this summit put everyone attending at risk? Not only are the villages vulnerable, but all powerful leaders in one spot could be worrisome."

Asuna "As far as the village I have that taken care of. We have the necessary strength for this. The other issue is what's most concerning though, this could be an ambush. Or someone could try taking all of us out all together. Either way all I can say is keep your guard up, and remain as close to me as possible."

Hiroyuki "Alright."

Hiroyuki and Asuna enter the world summit room and as soon as they walk in, Hiroyuki struggles to move. The tension is super heavy and it's like his body is being forced down to the ground. He looks over to Asuna walking through no problem. Hiroyuki continues to struggle as Asuna comes back to him.

Asuna "What is wrong?"

Hiroyuki "The Chi in this room, it's too strong. I-I can't move!"

Asuna "It's pure Shen that you are feeling."

Hiroyuki "Shen?!"

Asuna "Just close your eyes, take a deep breath and raise your chi."

Hiroyuki falls to one knee, as he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath and then raises his chi as much as he can. He stands to his feet and begins to slowly walk forward.

Asuna "Now as you are raising your chi, raise your will power also combining the two."

Hiroyuki doesn't understand what Asuna is asking of him, but he looks at his hands and just tries to raise his confidence.

Asuna "No! You must raise your will power! If you just try and gain confidence it will get shattered by those around you with a strong will!"

Hiroyuki "Wait a minute! You did this in our very first time meeting didn't you? That is why we couldn't stand at first, all of our willpower was weak. Well except Ziku's."

Asuna "Even took me by surprise, Ziku's Shen is powerful. What's crazy is that he isn't even aware of it."

Hiroyuki "Ziku is just in a league of his own and he doesn't even know. That's why I respect him the most, at times his strength seems unreachable and then his potential seems limitless. He's someone I've always wanted to surpass, the only person that gives me a reason to get stronger. I will get stronger, and I will surpass him!"

Asuna is shocked, Hiroyuki is standing on his feet and smiling. Asuna smiles as well, it's always a rear sight seeing Hiroyuki smile.

Asuna "This is his will. His will to be stronger."

The trumpets begin to play and the entire building is overwhelmed and flowing with powerful Shen. Creating an atmosphere that is almost unbearable to handle for those who are weak minded. Everyone stares in the direction of the Shen. 3 powerful entities emerge as everyone invited just stares. 3 old men as they walk out with their hands behind their back.

Loke "We need a government."

Asuna "Way to get to the point."

Loke "We called you all head to get this done as soon as possible and strike an agreement, I haven't the time to beat around the bush."

Igi "All of you may be seated."

Loke "We have obviously been alive the longest, so we have seen everything. From the start of this era to everything that has happened so far. It goes without saying that just having emperor's govern over their own village isn't enough. We need more security. There hasn't been real conflict between the nations and it's truly something to be pleased about. Our problem isn't with each other it's with the Gods, Celestials, demons, sentinels, and all other creatures or entities we may come across in the future."

August "Celestials?! Sentinels?! What is it that we are battling here?!"

Loke "The cystals have not been sought after for some time. It would appear that most of our villages are content with its power. Like I said before the problem not lies between us, but amongst the beings that watch us in wait."

August "In wait of what?!"

Loke "Our fall."

Asuna "This means what exactly?"

Loke "You aren't a fool, you know what it means. All of you do, which is precisely why your villages made you all emperors."

Cinata "Ok, you told us about what's to come. I understand why we were summoned here. Now what is the plan for all of this."

Loke "This was called to create an alliance. We must combine our strengths form a government."

August "A government?!"

Loke "The government will have branches be of a means to keep peace between all villages. For every village, I ask you to appoint some of the villagers to be apart of the government."

Keni "Does it matter who we appoint? I'd rather it be a job for those without any powers, that way we keep the integrity and strength of our village."

Loke "That is fine, I wouldn't want your villages too feel inadequate in terms of strength."

Igi "This way we can give a purpose to those who wish to be warriors or even wish they could fight. That way they can fufill that desire while also fighting for a good cause."

August "That doesn't change the fact that they do not have power like ours. Yes, all living things have Chi, but being able to manipulate it in a special way seems to only be for those gifted enough."

Loke "We understand the concept of Chi, Reiko, and Shen. That won't be an issue with the government."

August "And what does that mean?"

Loke "We have created a spike pill."

Asuna "Spike pill?"

Loke "This pill, once consumed will spike the consumers abilities and enhance their chi. In other words those who wish to become stronger will get the chance."

August "Hmph, I don't know about this."

Loke "The pills cause no harm, nothing negative come of the pill. This is to ensure the government is protected and strong."

Romi "So, with all of this you wish to form an alliance?"

Loke "It will take an alliance."

Romi "Who am I to say no."

Loke "I've noticed that we have 10 emperors present. That simply won't do."

Maki "What?!"

Loke "10 emperors doesn't sit right with me. It would be too difficult to control the balance of power."

Maki "No! Don't tell me! You're revoking our tittle?! Who! What gives you the right?!"

Loke "Not all of them, just….. some."

Maki "Some?!"

Loke "We would feel at ease with only 4 emperors. This was a tough decision, but the best overall."

Maki "Who did you pick?!"

Loke "August, Cinata, Romi, and Asuna."

Maki "What?!"

Keni "And why those 4?"

Maki "Explain to me how Romi was a better choice than me! He's young, he has no experience, he shouldn't have even been an emperor for that matter! What qualities does he have that I don't! I'm far stronger!"

Keni "What will pass for our villages?"

Maki "Nothing! I'm an empress, and it's staying that way!"

August "Maki, calm yourself."

Maki "No! You stay out of this! Just try taking my tittle away!"

Loke "Seeing how this unfolded, can you not see why you were not chosen? Your temper can't be trusted, therefore the decision stands."

Maki "How dare you!"

Asuna "Maki!"

Maki "You all use my name like you know me! None of you know me! None of you know what I've been through! Why I became strong and why I became empress! I know the best for my village, me alone! Like I've said before, you will not take my title!"

Loke "Are you willing to go to war for that title?"

Asuna "No! Loke!"

Maki "I am!"

Keni "We are trying to form an alliance! Why do you speak of war?!"

Maki "Screw this alliance, screw the government, and screw you!"

Loke "All this, because of a title."

Maki "This title was earned and it will remain."

Before any more words are said Maki and her advisor are seen teleporting away.

August "I question this alliance after what has happened."

Loke "I understand."

Keni "We never got the answer. Why those 4? What I want to know is more than that, I want to know what you expect out of them. This world as we know is only has 2 continents. In these two there are only 7 great nations. In these 7 great nations, they are home to 10 villages. Without 10 emperors how will they function?"

Loke "With 4 emperors I hoped to combine villages. With this I hoped to make it easier to control power."

Keni "What you're asking is no simple task. Even if we follow through, there's no saying that the people will. The villages have their respected emperor, who are we to tell them they have to follow someone new all of a sudden?"

Loke "It isn't perfect, it isn't fair, but it is a must if we wish to even have the slightest chance in what's to come."

Keni "For my village I give my word. I accept these terms."

Loke "That's 1, what about you all? I'm surprised you were all silent."

Asuna "Put me in the undecided column. At this point I don't know what is best for my village. Agreeing seems like the right move, but I fear it will stir chaos for those who don't believe I'm fit for this position. It will only make their feelings towards me stronger."

Loke "I see, you don't know what is best and yet I still feel you are most qualified behind August."

Asuna "I appreciate the praise, I will do my best."

Loke "Anyone else?"

Mosiah " I respect August so I am happy to be under him if it means the best for my village."

Loke "Good."

Jericho "What truly qualified those that were picked? Was it strength? If so, then I am with Maki on this one."

Asuna "Not you too."

Jericho "No disrespect to you Asuna, I know who you are and exactly how strong you are. My villlage is content with me as their leader, no one will set aside and just allow this. Something must give."

Asuna "Like what?"

Jericho "It will come on its own. For now just listen to my words. I don't want to be controlled by some government. If you do that's fine, but like Maki, I am not giving up my title. If you want it, take it."

Loke "There's no need."

Akitsu " No conflict, we are staying out of this. Whatever happens it must be dealt with without our intervention."

Loke "So you will be neutral in this matter?"

Akitsu "Yes, no conflict for us. At the end of the day we just want to be free. Not controlled nor the controlling."

Loke "Honorable."

Hilda "Guess that just leaves me? Tch! I don't like the idea of a government either. My village knows what's at stake and we will prepare accordingly without a government. We have been doing so already, nothing needs to change."

Loke "I see."

Hilda "Unless I find a man to marry then maybe my decision will change. I'm beautiful aren't I?"

Loke "You're something."

Hiroyuki "That's a woman?"

Asuna "Hiro-!"

Hilda "What did you say brat?!"

Asuna "Nothing! He is only a child."

Hilda "Why would you bring a child with you?! It was supposed to be emperor's and their advisors."

Asuna "Our village is low on manpower as of late, if ny advisor were to attend it would put our home in jeopardy of an attack."

Hilda "Is that so?"

Loke "We have much more to discuss, but we should all take a break. Well those that remain, just give yourselves however long you need and return back for the rest."

August "Asuna, a word."

Asuna "Are you skeptical too?"

August "I am always, but more than that I feel we should do everything we can to prevent this war."

Asuna "I like the idea of a government to an extent. Everything that it has caused in the last 15 minutes doesn't seem worth it though."

August "I understand the necessity of a government, but I feel the way he is going about its creation is a bit off."

Asuna "Hm, the war is what's concerning. To think we didn't have much conflict with each other up until now. And really it's still not conflict between us, they aren't mad at us they are mad at Loke."

August "Yeah. Like I said this idea isn't bad, but the way this summit is going it's making me question a lot. Where did Loke come from? How was he able to summon us for this? What gives him the credibility to make these calls?"

Asuna "Keep all of this in mind when we go back and hear what's left to be said."

August "Asuna I trust your judgment the most and hold you in high regards and respect. Whatever decision you make I will make the same."

Loke "Any discussions?"

Asuna "This government, it will govern the entire world?"

Loke "That is the goal."

Asuna "If that is the case, it would appear to be a world government. Everyone on board will be an ally, those who do not follow or agree. Will they be considered enemies to the world government?"

Loke "Yes."

Asuna "Individuals of villages who are allied with the world government. What is to be done to them?"

Loke "Nothing too drastic. Imprisonment maybe. I won't say they will be subject to death. Those who escape prison, or even refuse to be caught and cause trouble will be branded a name and will be considered the most dangerous to our government. That being said, there will be rewards for their capture."

Asuna "Rewards? So you wish to diminish any form of treason. Or even disagreement for that matter?"

Loke "Precisely, the world government will all be on one accord."

Asuna "What about free will? We can't expect everyone to agree to this. This would only prove to be troublesome in the long run. Those who are outcasts from their village; what is stopping them from working together to put a stop to the world government? I fear this may lead to the rise of very strong and capable warriors."

Loke "You fear growth?"

Asuna "I fear war."

Loke "If everything goes accordingly and people comply, it won't have to come to that."

August and Asuna look at each other.

August "It would be best to accept these terms and try and get the others on board as soon as possible. Our villages wouldn't be able to handle a war between us."

Asuna "Seems we must make haste."

Loke "Wait! There's is another matter."

August "Which is?"

Loke "Asuna you were saying how this could lead to the rise of strong warriors? My solution to that is a power system."

Asuna "A power system? What is this supposed to accomplish?"

Loke "It is to keep tabs on the strength of our allied forces. If we know the strength and powers of everyone in all of the villages it puts an advantage on us if they wish to not agree with us in the long run."

August "Hmm, this is the demand I might have to decline."

Loke "And why is that?"

August "Knowing everyone's strength and abilities wouldn't sit right with me. It takes the wrong person with the right ability to take advantage of this."

Asuna "I'm afraid I have to agree."

Loke "You just have to put away your pride. That warrior aspect of your lives preventing you from wanting to know how strong someone is and their abilities. This is truly an amazing way to regulate everything within the world government."

August "We understand that, but it just doesn't sit right with us."

Loke "I see."

Asuna "It just seems better to have the villages strength be its own and be of significance to its respective home."

August "We spoke our mind, if that is all we will take our leave."

Loke "Yes, that is all. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. It seems I got the point across to you. We will decide to hold this summit every 2 years."

Asuna "Why every 2 years? What if we need more information on what's to come? Are we to prepare on our own?"

Loke "Sorry, I didn't tell you. My ability allows me to foresee upcoming events hence this summit and forced alliance. What I told you before, it is to come in 4 years. As for the summit being held every 2. We will have plenty of time to prepare. As for you, this gives you time to prevent a war and get those who didn't agree today in the same page."

Asuna "I see, 4 years huh? This is quite a bit to take in. I honestly don't know how to go about this with my village."

August "One thing at a time Asuna."

Asuna "You're right. Guess we will be taking our leave now."

Loke "It was an honor."

August and Asuna nod as they are the last ones to leave. As both of them leave, August looks at Asuna and gives him a head nod. Asuna nods back and they both head out far from the summit. Hiroyuki and Tori tagging along.

August "I wanted to get pretty far."

Asuna "More concerns?"

August "I just want to prevent this war."

Asuna "What can we do?"

Tori "How old are you?"

Hiroyuki "14."

Tori "Damn, you're not his advisor, but you seem pretty strong."

Hiroyuki "First impressions suck."

Tori "You have a cold personality don't you?"

Hiroyuki just shrugs.

Tori "Guess I'll stop beating around the bush. How do you feel about this new world government?"

Hiroyuki "Hate it."

Tori "You too huh?"

Hiroyuki "I just can't help this feeling that this world government is going to end up creating something even worse. Like it would overwhelm us become to much to handle and end up backfiring."

Tori "It's all so sudden, I just don't think we can trust Loke."

Hiroyuki "I only trust a handful of people as it is."

Asuna "You ready Hiro?"

Hiroyuki "Hm? Oh yeah."

August and Asuna end up shaking hands as they go their separate ways. Tori and Hiroyuki the same.

Hiroyuki "What did you come up with?"

Asuna "Something that will either end peacefully or end in utter chaos."

Hiroyuki "Let's hope for peace."

Asuna "Yeah, let's hope."

Loke "I'd say this went better than I thought."

Igi "You almost didn't seem too convincing."

Loke "At first yeah, but it all worked out."

Igi "Now it's time to see how everything unfolds."

Asuna "You ready?"

Hiroyuki "Yeah, I just have a question."

Asuna "What is it?"

Hiroyuki "At first you told me that I was your advisor, but then you told them that you have another one who is watching over the village. Am I not your right hand man?"

Asuna "You are, you are my only advisor as of right now. I told them that because I in fact left the village unguarded. Obviously we have strong people there that can handle whatever is to come, but I didn't want them to think they I just up and came here; completely disregarding our village and its needs."

Hiroyuki "I get it, not only were you looking out for me, but for the village as well."

Asuna " You have made great strides and I am proud of you. I know I don't say it much, but I mean it."

Hiroyuki pauses and just looks at Asuna, feeling a sense of fulfillment. That is the first time he's ever heard those words from anyone.

Hiroyuki "I-"

Jericho "Asuna!"

Asuna "Yes?"

Jericho "Why do you of all people agree with this?! What is wrong with you?! Have you no shame?!"

Asuna "Look, I understand how you feel…"

Jericho "You don't, you're not the one they are trying to strip the title from."

Asuna "Maybe you just have to see it from my perspective. Me and August…"

Jericho "You and August?! You two think you are the strongest?! Both of you think of yourselves as some sort of higher being don't you?!"

Asuna just stares at Jericho.

Jericho "Of course you do! Midnight August, and Asuna the God on Earth! Even your names speak volumes! Both of you boast such powerful names that when heard by others makes them tremble and lose their will to fight. I've had it, you will lose your title and I will be the one to claim it."

Asuna "Is this a threat?"

Jericho "A threat? Yes. A promise? Definitely."

Hiroyuki "Wait, I don't think we should fight. After all we are all trying to form an alliance right?"

Jericho "Quiet boy! The adults are talking!"

Asuna "You think fighting me and killing me will be the answer?"

Jericho "I do! I take you out, we finish August. Then move on to those fake gods!"

Asuna "Fake gods?"

Jericho "The pretenders you decided to follow! They are nothing more than mere puppets! Can you not see that! Or maybe you know, and that's why both of you agreed to this! You want to distinguish power only to those who follow, that way you can destroy those who don't!"

Asuna "Where are you getting these ideas?!"

Jericho "Don't try and make me the one in the wrong here! The only gods I follow are those tied to my village! You want to follow them?! Go ahead! But you are not taking my title away and forcing me to this alliance!"

Asuna "I don't want to force anything."

Jericho "Enough talk, this is where you die!"

Ziku "How are you feeling mom?"

Natsumi "Not too bad Ziku, can you grab me that box under the seat over there?"

Ziku "Yeah."

When Ziku grabs the box, Natsumi sits up in her bed.

Natsumi "I was supposed to give this to you for your birthday. I ended up losing it when I couldn't find you that day and then a lot ended up happening and it just got totally misplaced."

Ziku "What is it?"

Natsumi "Open and see."

Ziku opens the box and then takes it out.

Ziku "Is this a wrist band?

Natsumi "I mean you could wear it on your wrist, but it's a hair tie."

Ziku "Oh, for my ponytail?"

Natsumi "Yes, it was your father's. It was his lucky one. He said whenever he wore that, he felt his strongest. He told me that whenever he wore it, he couldn't lose."

Ziku eyes get watery and the same as Natsumi's. Both of them have just a moment of silence before another word is said.

Ziku "His last fight, did he wear it?"

Natsumi "He didn't."