The Second Archon War: Comoedia Glacialis 6 (Patreon)

Comoedia Glacialis 6: The Cast Converse of the Future

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo was not frequently clad in snow and ice, but even a week after the global ice storm, temperatures were low enough that it was still dusted with ice and drifts of snow. Ami peered out at the ice from her window and wondered. To her mind, the Archons were gods, like her mother, and heroes. Venti had defeated Khonsu and the Nazis. Nahida had freed her people from a dictator and stopped the Simurgh. And her mother was, of course, the most wonderful and powerful person in the entire world, who had saved Japan and Ami. 

Her sister’s voice drew Ami out of her reverie. “Ami, pay attention. We are about to begin.”

Turning back from the window, Ami hurried over and took a seat beside Tsukoyomi, two places down from her mother. She peered at the map on the table, which showed most of Eurasia, with Japan on one side and Eastern Europe on the other. Various markers were placed on the table to indicate units of Shuumatsuban, and Ami sat up, eagerly awaiting the reports. 

“Well, Tsukuyomi, what news?” Ami’s mother said at last, bringing all conversation to a halt as every eye in the room turned to the Shogun. 

“It is as we suspected: Dantalion, the Cryo Archon, arrived in Russia in the ruins of Moscow,” Tsukoyomi said, and gestured at the table. A few purple sparks crackled, and figures moved across the table, showing Shuumatsuban units infiltrating Russia. “She did not remain there long, however. Our agents failed to locate her before she moved.”

“And where has she gone?” Uncle Mushu rumbled, his brows knitted together. He had small horns growing from his forehead at the moment, which meant he was too upset to be really paying attention to his form. He’d been doing that a lot lately. 

“We have ascertained that she was taken in by one Anatoly Komissarov. A Russian gangster and oligarch from Saint Petersburg,” Tsukoyomi replied, the small blue chess piece to represent Dantilion scooting across the board to rest in a new location. 

“And what has she done?” Ami’s mother asked, her tone serene, but the sky outside flickered with lightning. 

“Thus far…nothing. She appears to have been insensate,” Tsukoyomi admitted. “She awoke not long ago, and according to our agents, slew several gangsters who threatened her. They did not interfere, but the battle was short.”

“Dantalion is young, but she is still an Archon. Few mortals could stand against her. We are fortunate she did not perish in her conflict with the Sustainer. That would have been an unbearable calamity for the world,” her mother stated, looking troubled for once. 

“So what do we do then?” Ami asked. “Is she going to conquer Russia?”

“That could be a problem for us,” the Emperor said with a shake of his head. “Historically, Russia is not a friendly nation. We still have territorial disputes with them regarding the Kuril Islands, though we haven’t pressed them since you returned, Lady Raiden.” 

“We could take them easily,” Keiga said, pointing to the series of islands north of Hokkaido. “Russia is a failed state at the moment. The government in Kamchatka doesn’t even recognize the one in Saint Petersburg as legitimate. They don’t have much of a navy or any capes of real note.”

“Now is not the time to press such claims. Dantalion will soon claim dominion over her lands, and I already sense that they extend to our own borders. Invasion would provoke a conflict between Archons. Something that should be avoided,” Raiden said firmly. “We must still see to it that our own lands are cared for. There are many Sacred Sakura trees left to plant. But I have reached a decision.”

“Oh?” Noriko looked up, frowning. The military talk didn’t interest her much, but mention economics and instruction and she was instantly attentive.

“I can no longer afford to delay restoring the Sakura Network. I will begin planting two trees daily,” Ami’s mother declared, nodding to herself.

“That’s good news, you’ve restored more than half the network, and our power grid is stable now, but that will certainly improve economic conditions,” Noriko said, practically salivating at the thought. 

“Additionally, you will reach out to our allies, particularly the Koreans,” Raiden said, her expression growing pensive. “Ask them if they wish for me to become their god.”

That brought startled murmurs from several advisors and a hard look from Uncle Mushu. “I thought you said you didn’t intend to conquer Korea.”

“Nor do I. Their mortal government must remain their own,” Raiden stated, but her eyes flashed with inner lightning. “But the Tsaritsa is greedy, and her hand stretches far. Korea also shares a border with Russia, and if I do not extend my hand of protection to them, then she is likely to claim dominion. I have grown fond of them, and I hear prayers from their land not infrequently. They must decide if they prefer me, or the Dantalion. I had hoped their choice would be between myself and Morax, but it is not to be so.”

“How, exactly, do we go about asking the Koreans if they want to convert to Shintoism?” the Emperor asked, looking baffled. “It’s not like your religion is particularly prone to proselytizing. It’s always just been the religion of Japan.” 

“There is one we can send, for he has been ever my advocate.” Raiden nodded. “Send for Kenichi the Exile. It is he who shall spread the teachings of Eternity.”

Ami wasn’t sure at first who that was, but Mushu clearly remembered, as did her sister. 

“You would send for that treacherous priest?” Tsukoyomi asked, frowning at their mother. 

“Kenichi’s a zealot, Raiden. I don’t know how good an idea getting that guy back is. He already tried to get Venti killed, and while he ain’t harmless he ain’t hostile either. What’ll he do against an Archon even you think is gonna be a problem?” Mushu asked. 

“We have need of a zealot now. And he understands best my original purpose in bringing about my sister’s eternity,” Raiden said, her expression distant. “And the time of war may yet again be upon us. We must make ready.” Raiden turned to Ami, and nodded to her. “You shall travel to Hokkaido and summon Kenichi. Tell him even he must help to bring about Eternity.”

On hearing this, Ami’s heart raced. An official mission? From her mom? This was exactly what she’d dreamed of! “Should I go in secret, or officially?” Please be secretly, please be secretly…

“It need not be a secret, but do not make a grand procession of it. Most do not know why Kenichi fell out of favor. Nor do I wish them to learn. Especially not now,” her mother told her. 

Bowing, Ami did her best to hide her elation. “I shall make preparations to depart at once.”

Hokkaido wasn’t exactly far away, if she took the train Ami could be there in less than five hours, under two hours if she took a plane. But she had plans for this. After all, it was a secret mission from her mother. That meant, Ami got to travel incognito. 

This would be an excellent chapter of her manga when it was finished, Ami just knew it. 

Despite appearing to be made of ice, the rose in Anastasia’s hands did not melt. It was cold to the touch, and even slightly wet from condensation, but even in her warm hands, it stayed as solid as could be. That was good because it was one of the most delicate and beautiful things Anastasia had ever received, more so than the delicate music boxes she collected, or the fine dolls she’d received as a girl, or even any of the jewelry her brother gave her, all of which was finely made by his jeweler Chiori in Paris. 

Carefully, she set the icy rose on a velvet cushion, then placed that inside of a display case. She stepped back to admire it, smiling to herself. She still remembered the shock at seeing the magical flower appear before her, and the sense of joy and affection that had flowed through it to her when she’d taken it. 

“She’s really awake, like Sleeping Beauty,” Anastasia murmured to herself, grinning like a child.

“A-Anastasia? Um, she wants you. The Tsaritsa,” Kollei’s voice said from behind her. 

Turning, Anastasia saw the other girl behind her, looking nervous as she stared about at the finery in the bedroom around her. It was quite wonderful, Anastasia had to admit, with lavish silk bedsheets, beautiful oil paintings, fine hardwoods and golden ornamentation, and her collections of dolls, music boxes, and her many shoes and dresses. 

Even so, Kollei really was quite adorable, often acting like a much younger girl despite being only a few years younger than Anastasia, though she would be 20 next year. 

“Please, Kollei. We are in private, there is no need to be so formal. Call me Nastya,” Anastasia said, stepping towards Kollei and taking her hands.

The other girl blushed and smiled shyly. “A-alright, Nastya.”

“And what should I call you?” Anastasia asked. “What name did your grandparents call you?”

Kollei blinked at that, not seeing to understand the question. “Um, Kollei. I-I don’t understand…”

Feeling a pang, Anastasia forced a smile. Perhaps the girl didn’t even remember her own name properly. She’d lived in radiation-filled Moscow for years, and from what she has said, had been close to death before the Tsaritsa healed her. “How about Koli? Just a special name, between us.”

“I would like that,” Kollei said, blushing prettily again. She was quite cute with her freckles. “But come on! The Tsaritsa wants you to be there. They’re planning stuff, I don’t understand what, but it seems important.”

“Truly?” That surprised Anastasia. Her brother had never included her in any of his plans, to the point where if she came into a room he would stop discussing business until she left. That had always annoyed her to no end, but at the same time, she appreciated not being forced to confront the more unsavory aspects of their lifestyle. 

“Yeah, she says I have to be there too. Something about me being her daughter? But that can’t be right. You’re the princess, not me,” Kollei said. 

That made Anastasia laugh as she guided Kollei back through the door. “We are sisters now, no? We can be princesses together. I’ll even give you some of my old dresses, though they will have to be adjusted for you.”

“Really!? But they’re so pretty! Like from a story,” Kollei sighed. “I used to dream about being a princess and wearing beautiful clothes, but even in my dreams they weren’t as nice as what you have.”

“You know, I lived for several years as a princess in hiding. That’s all you were too. Now, everything will be wonderful, especially now that the Tsaritsa’s here,” Anastasia said fervently. “That’s how stories go, isn’t it? The rightful ruler returns, and they make everything right.”

“Yes, a wonderful queen, to make the realm just and true,” Kollei agreed. “Maybe she’ll even slay the dragon.”

“I hope so. But at the same time, I hope Behemoth never returns,” Anastasia said with a shudder. Kollei shivered as well, and they stayed silent as they trekked through the halls, still holding hands. 

They headed downstairs to the main dining room, which the Tsaritsa had claimed as her office since returning there the day before. Anastasia recognized several of the men and a few of the women there, knowing they were Anatoly’s employees and lieutenants. She was fairly certain they were all criminals of one kind or another, though beyond that she didn’t know any of them well save for Thoma. 

She smiled at him, and he nodded back to her in that stoic way of his. She did go sit next to Elena by Anatoly, one of the women who looked like a madam getting up and offering her the seat. 

“I’m surprised to see you here as well,” Anastasia whispered to Elena. “Did Anatoly invite you?”

“He sent me away as usual, and I was happy to go, but the Tsaritsa told me to stay. I’m just a dancer, I don’t know anything about Anatoly’s business. I thought it was the same for you,” Elena whispered. 

Anastasia nodded and would have said more, but the Tsaritsa looked up from the sheaf of papers she’d been reading, setting them down. “Are these all your servants, Thief?”

Anatoly hesitated, then said slowly, “These are my subordinates, yes. Though I do not think of myself as a thief, but a businessman. One with a heart of patriotism.”

“Then you deceive yourself. Besides, I have need of a Thief, and you shall be mine. After all, I intend to steal this world from Heaven itself,” the Tsaritsa declared. “But first, we must steal this country back. And for that, I shall require a company of thieves, such as the one you have assembled here.”

Anastasia didn’t consider herself any great scholar or politician, but she didn’t think any other words could have been more perfectly calculated to appeal to the group assembled now. There were many wide grins and a few slapped the table with their palms in approval, though they quickly quieted. 

“I have had time to review the state of this organization, this city of Saint Petersburg, and even this nation of Russia. It seems all have been much abused and maligned. Well. No more. It is time to show Love to the people of this land once more,” the Tsaritsa declared.

A woman with a very low-cut dress and perfume so pungent that Anastasia almost gagged on it leaned forward. “And what sort of love do you intend for us to show, hmm? My girls are lusty, but there are too many men in this country for even them to…love.”

That brought rough chuckles from most of those at the table, though Anastasia felt sick. Anatoly looked furious, but it was Thoma who spoke up. “Keep in mind the company you find yourself in now, Svetlana.”

“I am simply being honest, Foma,” the woman said with a shrug. “I have a certain skill set only. And if I am at this meeting, I can only assume it is because I am to use it.”

“And you shall. There are many forms of Love, and I will see to it that you and your girls are properly instructed in the… arts,” the Tsaritsa said. “If you are to be my new Fatui, that is one thing you must excel in. But that is not what I speak of now. My people feel alone. Abandoned. Hated and loathed by the world. Much as I am. And I shall see them reconciled.”

“The world has turned their back on Russia,” Anatoly said, his voice full of bitterness. “The Soviet Union was hated, yes, but at least it was feared. Now they do not even fear us.”

“They shall learn to do so again. They all shall,” the Tsaritsa said, and her eyes flashed an icy blue that sent a chill down everyone’s spine by the shudders that rippled around the table. “But, before we can do that, we must be seen as strong again, like a mother bear. For now, we are sickly, weak. As the mother of this land, I must first heal it.”

“Heal Russia? You would have to be a god for that,” a burly man with arms as thick as hams snorted.

“Then it is fortunate indeed that she is an Archon,” Anatoly said, glaring at the man. “Be silent, Boris. Before you make a fool of yourself.”

“I steal cars and fence their parts. I am no hero,” Boris laughed, shaking his head. “You may think yourself a boyar, but in my business the quieter you ride the further you'll get. So you found yourself a pretty and powerful cape. Good. So you killed that bastard Viktor. Even better! But you expect me to believe we will conquer all of Russia? Madness. You grow too big for yourself, boss.”

“Through Love, we become that which we must be, not that which we were,” the Tsaritsa said. She looked around the room, then shook her head. “She who must say ‘I am the queen’ is no true ruler. No, instead, it is my deeds that must tell my children their mother has returned. So. What deed will tell everyone that I am here?” 

There were baffled stares all around, and Anastasia’s mind flashed back to the Behemoth. The other Archons had slain Endbringers, but one had appeared only two months gone in Baghdad. Another was not due for months, and she still prayed it did not visit Russia. 

“We could seize control of the government here in Saint Petersburg,” Anatoly offered hesitantly. 

“Every two-bit warlord seizes power in Saint Petersburg. How long has the current President lasted, eh? Two years, now? That proves nothing,” Boris said with a snort. 

“You…you could heal Moscow.”

Every eye in the room turned to Kollei, with several frowning at the nervously fidgeting young girl. “Y-you could! Everyone says that Moscow was the heart of Russia, that the Behemoth tore it out when…when it came…” Kollei lapsed into silence, still looking down and fussing with a pen and piece of paper, though Anastasia knew she couldn’t even form all her letters properly yet.

“Impossible,” Boris said with a snort. “That city will be irradiated for a thousand years. Not even the Sleeper could survive there, which is why that bastard left for Mordovia.” 

“Radiation,” the Tsaritsa said slowly. “That is the poison that was in your body, was it not, daughter?” 

Kollei nodded quickly. “ Yes! And you healed me! Could…could you heal Moscow, too?”

The Tsaritsa drummed her fingers on the table before her, her eyes narrowed in thought. “It is a strange sickness. Almost like the corruption from a Dead God. And yet…not. But yes. I could cleanse it, for it is simply energy. Easy enough to deal with. But what of this Sleeper? Who is this?”

“One of the most powerful and dangerous parahumans in the world,” Thoma said, shaking his head. “He is so powerful no one truly knows the full extent of his abilities. I say him, but I am simply assuming. I don’t think anyone has gotten close to the Sleeper and lived. Not even the damn Americans want to face him, though they tried to recruit him to fight Endbringers. His response was six dead American capes. They did not ask again, nor even trouble him over much when they leveled the city he had occupied in response. The Red Gauntlet tried to contact him and had similar results. He triggered shortly after Moscow fell, but as Boris said, he departed from there. Some say he is why Behemoth departed at all, but I cannot say for certain.”

“So this Sleeper, he is a threat to Russia then?” the Tsaritsa asked. 

Anatoly shook his head. “Not so much. He is a hermit. He usually sticks to the countryside and stays in place for long periods before wandering again. He does not seek out conflict, and that is why he is called Sleeper. It is like the proverb: ‘Do not wake Evil while it is sleeping.’”

“Still, he is frightening,” Anastasia said, surprised to hear herself speak. “He is surely the most feared man in all of Russia, and before the arrival of the Raiden Shogun, was the most feared being on Earth Bet.”

Upon hearing that, a slow, wintery smile formed like frost on the Tsaritsa’s lips. “Then it is settled. On the morrow, we depart first for Mordovia. Then, we retake Moscow for the people. Have most of your men head for Moscow. Use our resources to purchase food and medical supplies, then order building supplies. My first act shall be to subdue the Sleeper, the second to rebuild Moscow as my capital.”

Anatoly nodded, and began to issue orders. His underlings stood as they received them and departed, until it was only Anastasia, Elena, Thoma, Kollei, and the Tsaritsa at the table with him. 

“Even with my resources, it will not be possible to purchase and move enough materials to rebuild the city, let alone feed all the poor souls there,” Anatoly admitted, looking abashed to have to admit that he did not have the surely trillions in hard currency. 

“It is important simply to begin. Once people see, they will begin to flock to my banner. Or flock to oppose me. One way or another, I will prove my Love to this nation,” the Tsaritsa said with a regal nod. 

“What of our operations here?” Thoma asked, looking concerned. “We will still need cash. Not to mention that if we are lax, there are plenty of other organizations that will step in to fill our shoes.”

“The criminal activity will cease,” the Tsaritsa said flatly. “If you must sell poisons, do so in other lands. It is one thing to harm others to benefit your family. You do not do the same to your own home.” 

“We don’t have the network for that,” Anatoly said with a groan. “Thoma?”

“I have some connections as usual, but it will take time to move into new markets. And Germany is right out. The Knights of Favonius are particularly good at dismantling shipments.”

“Barbatos,” the Tsaritsa growled, and the temperature of the room dropped several degrees as frost blanketed the area around her. She took a deep breath and the rime faded, then schooled her expression again. “Pump as many of your poisons into his lands as possible. I want that fool to see his people suffer, as mine did.”

“It will be done,” Thoma agreed, jotting down a note to himself. 

“Thoma should stay in Saint Petersburg to oversee things while I accompany you,” Anatoly said suddenly. He nodded to his aide, who couldn’t completely hide his surprise. “He is a good man, and I trust him like a brother. Competent as well.”

“Then it shall be so. Kollei shall remain behind as well, to attend to her studies. She has much to learn to become my heir,” the Tsaritsa said, nodding to Kollei. 

“Look after Anastasia as well. I am trusting you with her and Elena’s safety,” Anatoly said, which made Anastasia’s heart flutter with glee slightly. To have Thoma as her knightly protector…it was terribly romantic, was it not? She wondered if he could dance. 

“No harm shall come to any of the ladies, I swear,” Thoma said, bowing his head and putting a hand to his heart. “And I will find a tutor for Kollei, when I cannot teach her myself. She is a good student, and a hard worker. She will learn quickly.” 

Anatoly nodded and smiled. “Good, then we shall- my Lady?”

The Tsaritsa had suddenly stood, her nostrils flaring. “Who dares intrude upon us?”

There was a pause, then a heavy sigh as an unfamiliar woman’s voice said, “Aw man, and I had a cool intro and everything planned.” 

Then a head stuck into the room, wearing a fedora of all things, and the woman smiled. “Hello! Sorry to intrude but is this the residence of the Cryo Archon?”

Anatoly and Thoma were on their feet, with guns appearing in their hands. Kollei had drawn a wicked-looking knife from somewhere and was on her feet as well, while Anastasia and Elena were still too shocked to respond. Apparently, her own reflexes needed honing, and she’d left her gun in her room. 

“You are in our presence, mortal. Who dares approach us?” the Tsaritsa demanded icily, not rising from her own seat. 

In response, the woman stepped fully into the room, removing her hat, then dropping to one knee. “O god of Ice and Snow, this humble supplicant comes to seek wisdom and gain knowledge from the divine. In return, I bring these humble offerings of food and drink.”

She beckoned, and Anastasia gasped in horror as two monsters stepped out of the shadows. One looked like a giant cockroach the size of man, the other like some sort of putrid man-shaped blob with sickening growths all over his body. Both knelt and held out trays. One held a box of donuts, the other a steaming collection of…was that Starbucks? 

“If these offerings are not acceptable, this humble pilgrim will gladly find an offering more suitable to your tastes,” the strange woman said, still kneeling with her head bowed. 

“No. These are…acceptable. Rise, pilgrim. I sense you are not one of mine, but it is gratifying indeed to find a mortal who knows how to treat with gods. What is your name?” the Tsaritsa demanded. 

The woman stood, putting her hat back on her head. “My parents named me Fortuna. But you can call me Contessa.”