The Wrath Of Nico Anderson

Luodon, Nortesha. Several vans aligned the street, calling the attention of passersby and onlookers. Men and women in uniform stood in lines and amidst them was mayoress Kenya Ross. Every single one of them stood with a serious expression on their faces, eyes fixed on the cars and people that left the airport. People couldn't help but to stand by and watch, eager to find out who or what could bring the mayoress out of her office to stand under the sun. Men and women with several stars on their uniform, proving their high ranks stood next to her with their arms fastened behind them, all looking anxiously serious. "What exactly is going on here?" One of the passersby asked another man, staring and waiting anxiously just like everybody else. "Haven't you heard?" The man asked. "Today is the day Michael Shay returns to Luodon after so long! The mayoress herself and every man in the army have gathered to welcome him!" "Really? Oh my goodness! Mr Michael Shay is the youngest five star general in history! What even makes it more intriguing is the fact that is twenty six years old! Wow! I can't believe I'll get to meet him!" They all waited impatiently and excitedly, yet the time for his arrival had passed and yet no sign of him anywhere. Men, women and children left the airport yet not even a sign of someone in a military uniform came out. The people began to grow impatient and anxious. "What's happening? Do you think we arrived at the wrong time?" "Wrong information maybe?" Speculations rose between the people. Each of them turned to each other, hoping to hear something they didn't already know but neither had anything new. The mayoress was starting to grow anxious herself. Yet none of them dared to leave the place. Not too far away from the throngs of people, a young handsome man with a firm expression stared at the people in no emotion exactly. "Dane, did you trace it?" His cool voice ran like the wind. Another man of the same height and built body slid his phone back into his pocket with an inaudible sigh. "Yes sir, it was traced back to Miss Kimberly Lane. Would you... Perhaps like to inform the media about it?" He shook his head. "If all of them want to wait then who am I to ruin their picnic?" Dane fought back the urge to smile. Clearing his throat, he walked back to the driver's seat and put the car into ignition with his boss in the owner's corner. Nico Anderson stared out of the window from the owner's corner at the new Luodon before his eyes. Last time he had been in the city was a decade ago and things hadn't been so civilized then. It was nice to know that Luodon was growing but it felt like an entirely different city-- like a suburban metropolis-- as they drove deeper and deeper into town. As exciting as the new changes had been, Nico was in no mood to smile due to the reason for his return. Few years ago, the city of Luodon had fallen into chaos as the borderlands got invaded. Along with the rest of the soldiers, Nico had left to fight for his city, leading the battle, young as he might have been. Thankfully, victory was theirs. After serving for so long, he felt like he could actually return home and relax, but then the news of Hudson Bridge death's popped up on his screen. Hudson Bride was the first son of his mother and the second son of the influential Bridge family. Also Nico's best friend and fellow man in service. Their bond was inexplicably strong and this love for each other led Hudson to take a few hits for Nico. Hudson was then advised to withdraw from the military, but he didn't mind because he could finally make a life for himself like he had always wanted to do. There was a girl he had always wanted to marry, out of the military, he had all the money and time he needed to start his own family and he always showed her picture to Nico to brag about how beautiful she was. Nico would always smile. Now his body was left soulless. Their last conversation rang in his head like Hudson was there and repeating the words. On a cold evening, they had gotten together for a drink to celebrate Hudson's retirement. Just the two of them. Drunk and wasted, Hudson emptied his mind to his best friend. "When I get married, I'll have four kids and name my son after you." Nico only smiled, knowing his friend was completely wasted. Suddenly, Hudson's demeanor became serious as he continued. "You know, I wasn't always this cool. I mean... The military?" He scoffed a laugh. "It never came to my mind to even become a traffic warden, speak more of a soldier. But... I only did it to show my family that I was a man who deserved respect. "My half brother, Randolph, he... He has the love of everyone in the family and I don't even see him doing anything important other than flexing his muscles and showing his good looks. "Yet everyone... My grandpa adores him more than anything. I just... I wanted to prove to the old man that I wasn't a coward and that I was worth his attention too. So I joined the military, the f*cking hardest decision of my life! "But even after all of my accomplishments, he didn't even care. It was almost like he hated me more." He chuckled softly, not taking his eyes off the glass in his wandering hand. "He told me that I would always be a nobody no matter how many outstanding trophies I received. "That was when I realized that I wasn't the problem, my personality I mean. It was my family that was the problem. My dad had an affair with my mom and that's how I was born so I guess I am too filthy for any of them to love." He looked as if he was going to cry. Clearing his throat, he emptied his glass in his mouth and let out a dry laugh. "But... But... I'm not going to care about that anymore because I will be starting a family of my own soon. "When I get married, I'll be the happiest man alive and that is worth looking forward to. So you better prepare the finest wedding gift in history or else!" They both shared a laugh. Nico would never had guessed that that would be the last time he would see his friend. Weeks later, a wedding invite showed up at his door with a picture of Hudson and his beautiful bride to be. Along with it came a letter from Hudson, reminding him to better be there with the best gift. While preparing for the wedding, the news of his friend's death comes to his attention. Nico had never been taken by surprise like that in his entire life! Immediately, he had his people investigate properly and apparently his friend had drowned to death. It made no sense because according to the autopsy Nico was able to get his hands on, Hudson had been brutalized before being drowned. After being murdered in such a terrible way, they didn't even let the media pity him, instead, they said he had made a move on his brother's woman and was too ashamed to let anyone know this so he committed suicide. Suicide! Nico didn't know how such obviously vague news was able to fool the public but he didn't believe it no matter what it took, he would find out the truth and lay his friend to death properly. "Mr Anderson," Dane called out, "it has recently come to my awareness that the woman Mr Hudson was supposed to marry is now getting married to his brother, Randolph, in a few days. Today is a celebration of their union as a soon to be wedded couple." Nico clenched his fist in anger. How shameless could people really be? It hadn't even been up to a year since Hudson died and they were already celebrating? His dark eyes feasted on anger yet his tone remained unwavering. "Well then... I think it's only right if we say hello and deliver an early wedding gift."