Page 353 of Mercy Written in Blood

He lowered the weapon slightly.

"I protect the right of people to choose without a gun at their head."

"The First Law denies choice."

"Yes."

The answer moved through the room. Even Mori looked up. Haruki continued.

"That does not give you the right to become it."

"You think reform will be given to you?"

"No."

"You think the Accord will confess?"

"No."

"Then you are delaying the inevitable."

Haruki looked towards Renji. Only briefly. Partners across the open floor.

"No," he said. "We are deciding what we refuse to become while changing it."

Isao lunged for the fallen knife. Renji closed the arteries supplying his arm. The limb failed. Mina kicked the weapon away. Ryota forced Isao to his knees. He could have killed him. His face said he wanted to. He did not.

The immediate battle shifted. Shibata fighters saw Isao captured. Two dropped weapons. A third attempted to reach the service exit.

Haruki spoke through the Casino speakers.

"The exits remain sealed. Surrender and receive medical treatment."

A vampire near the western tables laughed.

"You offer mercy from a balcony."

Haruki raised the gun.

"I offer it once."

The vampire aimed towards Riku. Renji stopped his heart. The body fell.

Silence entered around the death. Not complete — gunfire continued near the north side — but everyone close enough understood. Mercy had a boundary. Not punishment. Protection.

The remaining Shibata fighters surrendered in sequence. Weapons struck carpet. Hands lifted. Accord officers moved to restrain them.

Mori raised one hand.

"No executions."

His people obeyed. Renji looked towards him. The Commander met his gaze. A choice made differently. Perhaps only because the Takahara stood watching. Perhaps that was enough for tonight.

Then the lower level exploded. The floor moved beneath them. Glass fell from the chandeliers. Haruki disappeared behind the balcony rail.

Renji's body reacted before thought.

"Haruki."