Chapter 11 part 3: Nederland Arriveert → An International Tragedy
News article
Headline: Dutch Elite Avali Squad Annihilated
New York City.
What was meant to be a historic gesture of solidarity has turned into a tragedy. The elite Avali squad from the Netherlands, coming to New York City from overseas and hailed as some of the world’s most capable warriors, was entirely wiped out yesterday evening in a brutal confrontation.
The attack, reportedly carried out by the same mysterious figure who terrorized New York, has sent political shockwaves around the globe. Mass protests from Avali support groups erupted, especially in New York. The Netherlands mainly held a ceremonial funeral for the elite-squad, with everyone staying silent and grieving their beloved heroes. Others said the Avali shouldn’t have been so overconfident, that they created their own downfall.
In The Hague, furious debates erupted overnight in the Dutch parliament. Opposition leaders condemned the Prime Minister’s approval of the mission, calling it “reckless foreign adventurism of overconfident rodents.” Others defended the deployment, claiming the Avali volunteered to prevent an international catastrophe.
The White House released a brief statement expressing “deep sorrow” and “eternal gratitude” to the Netherlands, but offered no details on how the U.S. government intends to proceed. Meanwhile, protests are growing in both New York and the Hidden City. Some human citizens are calling the Avali “martyrs,” while many Yokai activists accuse the Mayor’s office of “using Yokai blood to fight human wars.” Some Yokai were speaking very discriminatory words on the news towards Avali in general, saying that their superiority complex has taken a good hit for the better.
Yokai groups, Humans, and Avali support groups are all under great conflict with one another. Human and Yokai society is under great threat, more than ever before these last years.
With the enemy still at large, the question hangs heavy over both continents: Was this sacrifice worth it? Is it wise to send help to New York at all?
“The loss of this elite unit is heartbreaking,” said a Member of Parliament. “It was a mission of voluntary solidarity, but it shows that we must think carefully about deploying our heroes abroad. No one should endure such a sacrifice without proper preparation.”
Opponents criticized the government, arguing the Avali were “overconfident and under-equipped to face an enemy of this magnitude” and called for a parliamentary investigation into the decision-making behind the mission.
The Prime Minister briefly stated: “Their courage will not be forgotten. At the same time, we must learn lessons to prevent another tragedy such as this one.”