Ch.63: The Darkhold dilemma

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New Delhi, Bharat, August 15, 1943

The air was thick with the scent of celebration as Bharat marked the first anniversary of its independence. Across the nation, streets were adorned with vibrant decorations, and the joyous sounds of festivities filled the air. The successful agricultural initiatives had not only stabilized the food situation but had also brought a sense of prosperity and hope to the people.

Aryan stood at the Red Fort, having just completed the flag hoisting ceremony, and watched the parade displaying the diversity of culture, the commitment and discipline of the military forces, and the advancement of technology in Bharat. This instilled pride and determination among the people. His speech as the President of Bharat had been met with thunderous applause. He emphasized the resilience and determination of the people during the independence struggle and the past year, which saw many ups and downs from the implementation of various reforms to the ongoing war. He promised the people greater prosperity in the coming years and vowed to make Bharat great again.

As he returned to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Aryan's thoughts turned to the recent battles against the Japanese, who retaliated with greater ferocity during the previous month after their first naval victory over them. The deployment of Bharat's two aircraft carriers, BNS Vikrant and BNS Pratap, had been crucial in these confrontations. However, the fierce Japanese retaliation, including kamikaze attacks, had severely damaged BNS Vikrant. With BNS Pratap now the sole operational carrier, the urgency to repair Vikrant and expedite the development of the two new Bombay-class aircraft carriers was paramount.

Another significant turn of events was the British presence in the Indian Ocean shifting to a more defensive stance, providing support to Bharat while focusing on their own territories. Aryan understood their cautious approach, especially after Bharat's acquisition of Burma, Ceylon, and the Maldives. Bharat had pushed the British into a corner, and the British deserved such setbacks, owing to their own colonial activities. This altered the balance of power in the region, with Bharat being in a dominant position in the Indian Ocean against the Japanese.

Despite the ongoing stalemate near Indonesian waters, Aryan remained optimistic, with new advanced technologies underway. The nation's resolve was unshaken, and the spirit of independence was stronger than ever. As he gazed out of his office window at the sprawling gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Aryan reflected on the journey ahead. The festive atmosphere outside was a testament to the nation's unity and resilience. The successful implementation of the Green, White, and Blue Revolutions had started to bring tangible benefits to the people, and Aryan was determined to continue this momentum.

Transylvania, Romania, Midnight, August 16, 1943

The moon cast an eerie glow over the ancient graveyard, where shadows danced among the crumbling tombstones. The air was thick with an unsettling silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. In the heart of this desolate place, Nick Fury stood, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement. He was not alone.

Emerging from the shadows, a tall, regal figure approached. The noble vampire, Baron Blood, a servant of Dracula, moved with an otherworldly grace. His eyes, cold and calculating, met Fury's with a mixture of curiosity and disdain.

"Fury," the vampire's voice was smooth, almost hypnotic. "Have you finally decided on our cooperation proposal?"

Nick Fury, the second in command of the Howling Commandos under the leadership of Captain America, was a pragmatic individual who did not trust anyone, not even himself. Perhaps, along with his strategic mind, that was one of the reasons the higher-ups in government considered him fit for the leadership position of the new secret spy organization they were planning to create after the war. Consequently, Fury was tasked to make contact with various forces, including the supernatural, for their own benefits and as a way to counter the metahumans.

"Yes, we agree to the cooperation, but you need to show sincerity if we go through with that proposal," he replied to the noble vampire, his expression cold and calculated.

"Hmph, you seek an alliance with us, yet you trust no one. How do you propose we work together?" Baron Blood said in annoyance.

Fury's expression remained stoic. "Trust is earned, not given. We have a common enemy in Hydra. They possess the Darkhold, an artifact which Dracula desires. We can help each other."

At this time, Nick Fury did not know much about the supernatural and the danger of the Darkhold. He simply assumed it to be an important artifact for the vampires, which was in Hydra's hands, known for collecting and researching such artifacts. Of course, Fury had no intention of simply handing them the Darkhold, as they had made preparations for holding on to it after acquiring it from Hydra and doing their own research on it for as long as possible before giving it to them.

The vampire's lips curled into a slight smile. "The Darkhold belongs with us. We will have it one way or another. Also, Lord Dracula doesn't care much about the paltry war of you humans. He has his own Interests."

Unbeknownst to everyone, Naga, a KAVACH agent, watched the interaction from the shadows, her presence undetectable to anyone. Using her powers, she listened intently to their conversation, her mind racing with the implications of this clandestine meeting.

Fury continued, his tone pragmatic. "Dracula's motives are his own. But if we don't stop Hydra, there won't be a world left for anyone to rule. We need to form a secret team, warriors capable of countering the growing threats, especially those metahumans under Bharat's control."

Nick Fury had been observing the powers of metahumans under Bharat, and he didn't like the unchecked powers they possessed. He had already considered them a potential threat, and unless they completely aligned themselves with him as an organization or individually, his cautious and pragmatic mind wouldn't allow him to think otherwise.

The vampire's eyes narrowed. "You speak of metahumans. They are a threat to us all. Very well, Fury. We will consider your proposal. But remember, our loyalty is to Dracula first."

Recently, the agents of KAVACH, having disguised themselves as normal soldiers, had caused significant problems for the vampires too. So they were also wary of the metahumans and agreed to cooperate with the humans.

As the vampire turned to leave, Fury's mind was already working on the next steps. He knew this alliance was fragile, built on mutual need rather than trust. But in the war against Hydra, every ally counted.

On the other side, Naga slipped away into the night, her mission complete. She had gathered valuable information, and her superiors would need to know of this potential alliance. The balance of power was shifting, and the stakes had never been higher.

Fury watched the vampire disappear into the shadows, his thoughts turning to the future. The war was far from over, and the path ahead was fraught with danger. But he was ready. He had to be. The fate of the world depended on it.

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