Chapter Sixty-Two: Born for This

Amya

How can this be?

Fallen licked his paws.

Ilias

He is my accomplice.

Amya still could not believe what she was seeing.

Amya

How long has the heart of the White Coats been working with you?

Fallen

Numbers are irrelevant.

Amya turned to Ilias.

Amya

He pulls the strings to the White Coats.

Fallen

I used to. I quit that. More importantly, I control the New Order now.

Amya’s eyes were wide with shock.

Amya

How amazing…almost unfathomable. Your reputation for influencing others clearly precedes you. To think you’d be able to move both groups.

Ilias

All this chaos pleas for disciplined action. Wouldn’t you agree, Fallen?

Fallen nodded and jumped into Ilias’ arms.

Ilias

He is doing his part to fulfill the conditions for the Miracle Sun Plan.

Fallen

The preconditions have been met. Everyone will be arriving tomorrow.

Ilias stroked Fallen’s head.

Ilias

Perfect.

He looked down at Fallen.

Ilias

The Syn clan will work with our mission, correct?

Fallen

As long as they get to kill Akasha.

Ilias

That works for me.

Amya

No second thoughts considering she is your mother?

Ilias

None at all. I am not bound to such trivial connections. She gave birth to me, she doesn’t hold my heart.

Fallen

I love that about you, kid. You cut ties like they’re nothing.

Ilias

Foolish, are those who bound themselves to emotions.

Amya

And what of Gemma?

Ilias

While I do sincerely love her, she is apart of our plans. My love for her won’t get in the way.

Fallen

I’m counting on that.

Ilias

You have nothing to worry about, fox.

Ilias smiled at Fallen.

Ilias

My father has brought into our midst a family of magic. They are known as the Christ Family. From what he has said they are quite powerful.

Fallen

Oh really?

Ilias

I’m not sure if it was hyperbole or straight truth.

Amya

I don’t think it would be wise to underestimate them.

Ilias turned to Amya.

Ilias

My thoughts exactly.

He turned back to Fallen.

Ilias

Do you think you can dispatch a team to kill them tomorrow?

Fallen

I’ll have to reorganize my plans but it should work out. As of now I assigned Arkain and Cameron to kill you.

Ilias chuckled.

Fallen

I’ll move some pieces around to get it done. How many of them are there?

Amya

He has brought two with him. I’m not sure if there are more.

Ilias

I concur. Just calculate two into your equation.

Fallen

Will do.

Ilias rested his head on his right hand.

Ilias

Tomorrow is going to be perfect.

He let out a breath of air and then pulled more in.

Ilias

The Miracle Sun Plan will enter phase two.

He began to laugh.

Ilias

Let us just hope your friends can kill Ximendos and Akasha.

Kassle set his fork down.

Kassle

What an excellent meal.

Akasha smiled.

Akasha

We have the best chefs the humans can offer.

Kade

They are good for something.

They all laughed except for Gemma.

Ximendos

So the plans for tomorrow are almost complete?

Akasha

Yes, my love. All that’s left is for Forest here to create a marvelous alter for them to wed.

Forest nodded with delight.

Forest

It will be an honor.

Ximendos

Good, good. I am pleased with all this.

Akasha

I’m glad.

She kissed his cheek.

Iris

Gemma asked for me to be her maid of honor.

Everyone looked at Iris and Gemma who are sitting next to each other.

Akasha

Is that so, Gemma?

Gemma

Yes. I thought it would be the right thing to do.

She was nervous sitting at a table with the world’s superpowers.

Iris

It’s going to be spectacular.

Akasha

Yes it will be. You will be officially with this family, Gemma.

They all looked at her with smiles even though she could not see them.

Ximendos

Oh the anticipation.

Conor and Suri left the hospital room. Suri kept walking as Conor slouched against the side of the door.

Conor

Where you going?

Suri

To see Ian.

Conor

Are you okay?

Suri

Yes.

She stopped.

Conor

This is a bit too much.

Suri

Fuck it.

Conor

What?

Suri

You heard me. Fuck it.

She turned around.

Suri

Everything that happened, happened. No more being sad and no more regretting things. That’s not what Arkain would do.

Conor

Arkain?

Suri

We’re going to fight, Conor.

Conor

Amros said we’re staying behind though.

Suri

We’ll figure something out. I know Emmylou will be with us on this. She’s damaged now, just like us. There is no going back.

She turned around to walk.

Suri

You with me Conor?

Conor ran to her side.

Conor

Course I am. We’re best friends.

He smiled at her. She smiled back.

Suri

I’m glad you’re up for all of this.

Amros stood outside under the moon’s light.

Amros

What took you so long?

Hayden appeared in front of him.

Hayden

Long? I made sure I wasn’t tracked.

Amros

Mission successful.

Hayden

If you call being disappointed beyond measure successful, yes.

Amros

Give the girl a break, Hayden. We were all young once.

Hayden

That was a very long time ago.

Pathion

Do you really trust him?

Syn was sitting down with Pathion on the beach.

Syn

Fallen?

Pathion

Yes, him!

Syn made a heart in the sand with his long right index finger.

Syn

Yes.

Pathion

I figured as much. I love the little fox but something about him rubs me wrong.

Syn

At least I rub you right.

Pathion lied back in the sand.

Pathion

I know. I just don’t want anything to happen to you.

Syn

What could happen to me?

Pathion

You could die.

Syn

Who could pull off such a feat?

Pathion

Apparently Ximendos can.

Syn

Unless he was bluffing.

Pathion

He never seemed like the type. If it’s true, you’ll be his main target out of us all.

Syn

I’d think so. He knows very well that Amanda’s death is my main reason for joining this war.

Pathion

If he gets to you first I don’t know what I’ll do.

Syn

You will just do you.

He rubbed his hand over Pathion’s stomach.

Pathion

It tickles when you rub my abs.

Syn put his head on his stomach instead.

Syn

How’s that?

Pathion

Just right.

It was awfully quiet.

Pathion

If you die, soon I will follow. If he gets you, I’ll kill him.

Pathion felt a drop of water fall on his stomach.

Syn

Don’t make me think about that, Patrick.

Pathion

About what?

Syn

You dying. One thing is for me to vanish from this world, another is you. The idea alone is hard to stomach.

He dried his eyes.

Syn

If it does happen, stay alive. Do that for me.

Pathion

Why?

Syn

Because even though my ability to feel you leaves after I am gone…you are still here. If you are here you can still feel me. One of us must survive through the other. That’s enough for me. That will make me smile when death comes to me.

Pathion

One of us must survive through the other? I can’t promise you that.

Syn

I need you to promise though.

Pathion

I won’t. I’ll just promise to do my best to keep us both alive.

Syn smiled.

Roselyn

I was waiting for you.

Nick walked into his mother’s room.

Nick

Where’s dad?

Roselyn

He said he had things to do.

She motioned for Nick to sit on the chair by the bed.

Roselyn

I take it things went well with your mission?

Nick

Very well. You might even say a little too well.

Roselyn sat back on her bed.

Roselyn

Look at you, my handsome son. You are all grown up.

Nick

Don’t start with that.

Roselyn

You look so much like me. Yet you have your father’s nose.

Nick

Stop it.

Roselyn

You’re still my little boy, you know that?

Nick

Yes, mom.

Roselyn and Nick talked for quite some time about the things they missed while apart.

Azusa was on the floor with her lynx.

Azusa

You are so lazy, Sasha.

The Lynx purred.

Keir

All your things are ready.

Azusa rolled onto her stomach.

Azusa

You’re so fast with these things, Keir. I must arrive in style. What shall we do when we arrive?

Keir

I haven’t the slightest clue.

Azusa

We have to figure something out.

Keir

Why not just appear and that’s it?

Azusa

Must you be so boring?

Keir

Must you be so annoying?

She shot him a dirty look.

Azusa

I have to do something over the top if I’m going to win over Ximendos’ heart from that woman of his.

Keir

You’re lucky I don’t love you anymore.

Azusa

You knew the stakes when we got together.

Keir

I did. I knew my wife was a whore.

Azusa

Oh that hurts.

She laughed. Sasha moved away from her.

Ian

Suri!

Ian ran up to Suri and hugged her.

Conor

Don’t forget about me.

He hugged him too.

Luciana

Thank you guys for visiting him.

Conor

No problem. We just got back from seeing Emmylou.

Luciana

I saw her right when she got here. She’ll be okay and that’s all that matters. There’s no point in me even bringing up what happened.

They all agreed.

Ian

Emmylou is going to be alright! I was worried sick.

Suri

She’s a fighter.

Conor

Hell yeah she is.

Suri

(How do I tell her?)

Conor looked at Suri wondering what she was thinking.

Suri

Mrs. Gunner, we have something to tell you.

Ilias

The boys, how are they?

Fallen tried to bite Ilias’ fingers.

Fallen

They’re fine. Arkain has grown so much over the past weeks. He and Cameron are almost at the same level.

Ilias

Of course this accelerated power is from being a Sky Walker.

Amya

So then it is true, he is one?

Ilias

Very much. I had planned to try and kill him when we hung him on the cross. He didn’t die despite going through much more than a mere mortal could have gone through.

Amya

His recovery rate?

Fallen

Quick and easy. Without a doubt he is a Sky Walker.

Ilias parted his hair.

Ilias

We were right all along. To think we almost discounted him. Now let’s hope we’re right about the second one.

Fallen

We mainly have to worry about Hayden.

Ilias

That is my main concern. I have not allowed that to leave my mind. Out of everyone he is potentially the most dangerous. It will be tricky but we’ll manage.

Amya

He is a big part of our plans, we have to.

Fallen

Don’t sweat it, we will.

Ilias

Once he is out of the way all conditions will have been met and then we can proceed to the next phase.

Amya yawned.

Amya

That one will be the most difficult of the three part plan.

Ilias

It most definitely will. Phase one, the Cleansing Process was simple. Phase two has its complications. Yet phase three will push us to our limits. Let us hope we have the Syn clan as allies. We will need all the help we can get.

Fallen

The thought of it gives me the chills. I haven’t had those in so long. What about your father? Maybe he can help us with phase three?

Ilias

No, that won’t work. Ximendos has to die.

Luciana was crying with Ian in her arms.

Suri

We had to tell you.

She cried even harder. Conor grabbed Suri’s hand.

Conor

Let’s go.

Luciana

I can’t believe it.

Suri

We’re going now.

They left the room.

Conor

That didn’t go too well.

Suri

Does death ever really go well?

Nicholas opened his door.

Grey

I’m sorry to bug you at this hour but I was told to inform you that our unit will be dispatched tomorrow evening. You are to stay here with your fellow humans.

Nicholas

If that is the will of Amros, I shall accept it.

Grey

Being that we are all going we have assigned you a guardian.

Nicholas

That would be nice. Who have you chosen?

Grey

Amros chose daughter of Hayden, Suri Monroe.

Nicholas

Great. I know her well so that should be simple.

Grey

I am glad you are pleased with this decision. I shall relay it to Amros.

Nicholas

One more question, before you go.

Grey

Yes?

Nicholas

Is it true that the Empire is building a palace where Los Angeles used to be?

Grey turned around to walk away.

Grey

They finished their Western palace a day ago. Goodnight, President Romberg.

Cameron grabbed his neck.

Cameron

Did you feel that?

Arkain looked up to the sky grabbing his neck too.

Arkain

Yes. That was the strongest beat I’ve ever felt.

Cameron

Something’s must not be right with the universe.

Velis

What’s wrong?

She said as she came into view with Malic behind her.

Cameron

Nothing, just an odd feeling.

Velis hugged him.

Velis

Are you worried about tomorrow?

Cameron

A little.

Arkain

What are you worried about?

Cameron

Everything going wrong.

Malic

It could happen.

Arkain

We’ll give it our best though! We’ll keep fighting until we’re dead. That’s the only thing we can do. We’re humanities only chance. If we lose, they all lose. I’m not giving up. I’m not retreating. We’re either winning or dying.

Velis

Well said, Arkain.

She winked.

Cameron

We shall do that, Arkain. If we die, I’m happy to have died with you four.

Malic

Can we not have a sad face moment?

They laughed.

Arkain

As far as I’m concerned, let tomorrow come. I was born for this.

Kassle

I created a section for us to sleep during our stay.

Ximendos

Always thinking ahead, Kassle.

Kassle

I am. I hope to meet your son tomorrow.

Iris

You’ll get to see him in his tuxedo.

Kassle

I look forward to it. Goodnight, my friends.

Kassle walked off leaving Kade with the others.

Kade

The night is still young, I shall take to the sky.

From out of his back sprouted two large blue wings.

Kade

If anyone cares to join me, feel free.

He flew up into the dark sky.

Forest

Shall I keep guard for the night?

Ximendos

Nonsense, nonsense. Ilias had most of our military come up to our palace. We have nothing to worry about.

Forest

Then I shall find Amya.

He walked off.

Iris

Come on, Gemma.

She grabbed Gemma’s hand and led her away from Ximendos and Akasha.

Akasha

Shall we retire?

Ximendos

I think so.

Ilias

It’s a little bit funny, don’t you think?

Amya

What is?

Ilias

The fact that we’re here discussing this while they are all living their lives. Unaware that death approaches them.

Fallen

Ignorance is a great weapon. Humans used to say it was bliss, but I disagree. It’s the enemy of all beings. If you don’t know, you’re dead.

Fallen laughed.

Ilias

Precisely. Speaking of dead, have you figured out a way to kill Orthak?

Fallen

I have. More to laugh at is the fact that I just recently found the way.

Amya

Do tell.

Fallen

Darby is in possession of a sword made out of the same material Orthak is.

Ilias

Is that so?

Amya

Impossible!

Fallen

I tell no lies. He would have killed Orthak already but Akasha saved him.

Ilias

Pity. That would have made things a lot more easier.

Amya

Things can’t always be that easy.

Fallen

As life has shown us.

Roselyn

So there’s no way I can persuade you to stay?

Nick

Nope.

Roselyn

Are you sure?

Nick

Yep.

Roselyn

What if I forced you?

Nick

You can’t.

Roselyn

I think I could.

Nick

You could try.

Roselyn

I won’t though. I just can’t believe you’re going off to join the New Order.

Nick

Like mother, like son.

Roselyn smiled.

Roselyn

You really are my son.

Grey

Because he’s as persistent as you are.

Grey walked up from the stairs to the outside area Nick and Roselyn were at.

Nick

Hi, dad.

Grey

So you’re leaving us already?

Nick nodded.

Grey

Finally got the family back together and now we’re splitting. No bueno.

Nick

I’ll be back soon. Holidays forsure.

Grey hugged Nick.

Grey

Don’t go forgetting you’re a Kasper.

Nick

I won’t dad. After this long I don’t think it’s possible.

He let go of Nick.

Grey

I’m proud of you, Nicolas.

Nick

Thanks dad.

Roselyn

Please stay.

Nick

Can’t.

Roselyn walked up and stood directly in front of him.

Roselyn

I want you to have this.

She took off a ring with a green ruby on it.

Roselyn

Your grandma gave this to me. She said it is our family jewel.

Nick

I can’t take this, mom.

Roselyn

Yes you can.

She put it on his finger.

Roselyn

It fits and everything. I want you to take that. It’s yours now.

Nick

Thanks mom.

Roselyn hugged him tightly.

Nick

You’re going to suffocate me.

Roselyn

You’ll live.

Nick’s eyes began to water up.

Roselyn

I love you, Nicolas. Just come back to me alive.

Nick

Will do, mom. I love you too.

In her arms he began to turn into leaves that flowed into the wind.

Roselyn

Just like mom and grandma.

He was gone. Grey held Roselyn in his arms as she cried.

Grey

It’ll be okay, baby.

Ilias

I have a surprise for you, Fallen.

Fallen

Oh really?

Ilias

It’s the reason I summoned you.

Fallen

What is it?

Ilias

Well, it is actually a she. This she would not stop bugging me.

Ilias tossed a silver panel on the floor and it lit up.

Fallen

No flipping way!

A hologram appeared in front of them of a small cat.

Ilias

Say hello, Luna.

Fallen

Luna!

Luna

Fallen!

Amya

What is the relationship between these two?

She said to Ilias.

Ilias

They are married.

Fallen jumped off of Ilias to stand in front of the projected image of his wife.

Fallen
It has been too long!

Luna

I know, I know. I miss you, idiot.

Fallen

I get to see you tomorrow!

Luna

Ilias is finally bringing you home to me.

She ran in circles.

Fallen

I’ll see you soon, okay?

Luna shook her head.

Luna

Goodbye, Fallen.

Fallen

Bye.

Their paws met and his went through and then it turned off.

Ilias

I’m sorry it could not be longer. I figured I wouldn’t spoil you with cookies when dinner is tomorrow.

Amya stood up.

Amya

Forest is calling me. Goodnight to you both.

She went inside.

Fallen

I can’t believe you’d tease me like that.

Ilias

Get over it.

Fallen jumped onto the balcony wall.

Ilias

I will be seeing you tomorrow, Fallen.

Fallen

I can hardly wait.

Ilias

Very well, goodnight.

Fallen

One more thing, Ilias…

Ilias turned his head.

Fallen

How do you know he is one also?

Ilias

You are talking about the second Sky Walker?

Fallen

Yes.

Ilias

You can call it a hunch. In the end I could be wrong.

He laughed.

Ilias

That’s highly doubtful though. So let’s just call it a lucky guess.

Fallen

That’s why you wanted me to release his power, isn’t it?

Ilias

Spot on, Fallen. It seems as if he is lagging behind the other in progression. All isn’t lost though. I am sure I am correct.

Fallen

How sure?

Ilias

Ninety-nine percent.

Fallen

He better be, Ilias.

Ilias

He is. Without a doubt Cameron is a Sky Walker.

Chapter Sixty-One: Waiting for the Day

Roselyn landed behind a crying Ian.
Roselyn
Time to go, young one.

Hayden stood between Iris and Suri.
Iris
I will kill her-
Hayden kicked her chest and Iris flew so far that she flew off the palace grounds. Hayden walked up to Suri.
Suri
Father-
He raised his hand to silence her.
Hayden
Acting on emotions…I thought I taught you better.
She stood up as he walked past her.
Hayden
I was wrong.
Suri was silent as they approached Roselyn.
Roselyn
She has been shot.
Ian sat next to Roselyn crying.
Suri
Emmylou!
Suri ran to her side.
Roselyn
I removed the bullet from her and Conor.
Suri saw Conor leaning against the wall next to the dead bodies of the Empire. He nodded at her to tell her he’s okay.
Grey
You missed these ones, Hayden.
Floating in the air behind Grey in golden chains was Elijah, Bonka, and Kota.
Hayden
I assumed they were dead. Set them down and I will heal their wounds.
His hands began to glow above Emmylou.
Hayden
I have to do this quickly.
Emmylou began to cough.
Ian
Emmy!
He tried to move forward but Suri held him back.
Roselyn
Suri, go through Merdos’ body to return to base. You must be thinking about Masato when you touch the body. Take the boy and Conor with you.
Suri
Can’t I help?
Hayden
You’ve done enough. We’ll fix the damage you’ve done.
Suri stayed silent again. Conor stood up. He walked towards her holding his shoulder.
Conor
Let’s go, Suri. She’s going to be alright.
Ian
I want to stay here.
He was crying while Suri held his hand tightly. They walked through the invisible portal around Merdos’ body.
Roselyn
Will they be fine?
Hayden
It’s complicated. I can only seal the opening of the wound for now. It will take more time and energy to heal the wounds entirely. Those were caused by Iris’ Dragon Blade. They aren’t meant to be healed.
Golden chains wrapped around Emmylou’s body.
Grey
She should be up and walking by tomorrow.
She was pulled through the portal. The golden chains wrapped themselves around Elijah, Bonka, and Kota again after Hayden was done and pulled them through.
Iris
What amazing strength. He even exceeds the girls.
Iris stood on her shield in the sky far below their mass of land. She began to slowly rise to the top.
Ilias
How boring. I have to wait for Iris. At the least…he’s good.
Hayden walked away from Roselyn and Grey.
Hayden
Go now.
Roselyn
What about you?
Hayden
I shall return by foot. Take Merdos and go.
They disappeared without another question. He raised his hand to the sky and then slammed it down to the ground. A wave of energy flew forward in a circle destroying all in its path.
Ilias
Damn.
The wave pushed him off the palace grounds. The ground shook as Gemma sat down waiting for Ilias.
Gemma
Ilias…
Iris rose slowly to the palace grounds till.
Iris
What is that?
Iris saw Ilias falling with giant pieces of giant pieces from walls and more.
Iris
Brother!
She caught him in a circle with a shield. Hayden jumped off the edge to the Earth’s surface.
Fallen
Did you feel that?
Every in the New Order stood in a circle.
Syn
Do you know who it might be?
Fallen
Hayden just released that energy.
Everyone looked around at each other. They all felt it.
Arkain
Where?
Fallen
The Empire’s nest.
Velis
The White Coats have made their move?
Fallen
Maybe.
Cameron
Doubtful.
They all turned to Cameron. He pulled out the blue orb.
Cameron
That boy who was with us earlier gave us this to communicate with Amros. If Amros was going to move he would have told me himself.
Arkain
Suri.
They all turned to Arkain.
Arkain
Hayden must have gone to get Suri back.
Fallen
That must be it. Suri is like his daughter.
Syn
We still have time then.
Pathion
I don’t see why we don’t go now.
Fallen
It’s a bit odd though. Hayden is up there yet we’ve only felt small amounts on energy. I don’t think Ximendos is there.
Vesper
Where do you think he’d be if not in the palace?
Fallen
Beats me.
Malic
So should we attack now?
Darby
That would be useless. Our mission isn’t to conquer the palace. It’s to destroy the enemy. We wait until tomorrow.
Vesper
I concur. We haven’t even felt Akasha’s energy.
Malic
Something is off.
Fallen jumped out of Syn’s arm.
Fallen
I want you all to train. I have business to attend to.
Fallen disappeared.
Pathion
We don’t need to fucking train.
Darby
Calm yourself.
Darby walked away with Vesper and Tusa.
Syn
Let’s go, Path.
Pathion followed as they left as well.
Velis
So what do you guys think?
Cameron looked into the blue orb.
Cameron
Amros, I’m here.
The blue ball glowed bright.
Arkain
What did you do?
Cameron
I said what you just heard me say!
Then they could see a small Amros in the ball.
Amros
Greetings, young ones.
Malic and Velis came closer behind Cameron and Arkain.
Amros
I’ve been expecting your call.
Arkain felt a sudden anger rush through him. He made fists with his hands.
Cameron
We ran into some trouble. To what do we owe the pleasure?
Amros
I wanted to make sure we were connected so that we knew when to attack. I wouldn’t want us both going into battle blindly.
Cameron
When are you planning on moving?
Amros
Tomorrow at 5pm. Just before the sun goes down.
Arkain
Why so late?
Amros
Everything is better in the dark, Arkain.
Arkain
Where’s Suri?
Amros
She just arrived not too long ago. From what I’ve gathered she just got back from fighting Iris.
Cameron
She fought Iris?
Amros
As I am told.
Arkain
The one you fought?
He said to Cameron.
Cameron
Yes.
Velis
Is she okay?
Amros
Yes. Is that you, Velis? Suddenly concerned with the lives of others, are you?
Velis
We are allies.
Amros
That is true. Yet I never thought of you as the kind to attach yourself to anyone.
Malic
You’d be surprised.
She punched his arm.
Amros
You have the time and you know the location. Can we count on your aid tomorrow?
Cameron
Yes.
Arkain
Of course.
Velis
You got it.
Malic
Hell to the yeah.
Amros
Very well. I shall see you four on the battlefield.
The orb went dark blue again.
Arkain
Well that was easy.
Cameron
Were you expecting something a bit more difficult?
Arkain
I don’t know, man. Planning war isn’t as hard as I thought it would be.
They laughed.

Nick
Long time no see.
Steven looked up from his notepad.
Steven
What do you want, Kasper?
Nick sat down next to him.
Nick
Can’t a friend say hello to his best friend? See how he’s doing?
Steven
Only when it’s convenient to you, right?
Nick
Don’t be like that.
Steven
Can’t you see I’m writing?
Nick
You finally started that novel?
Nick tried to look at his writing but he pulled it away.
Steven
It’s not for show.
Nick
What do you want me to say?
Steven
Sorry works. That’s what normal people say.
Steven stood up.
Steven
Oh but you’re not normal, right? Little pretentious Nicolas Kasper.
Nick
Oh you’re one to talk, right? Super arrogant Marx.
Steven turned around.
Steven
So that’s how it is?
Nick crossed his arms.
Nick
That’s how it is.
Steven gave him a dirty look.
Steven
What do you want, Nick?
Nick
I want you to forgive me.
Steven
And why should I do that?
Nick
Because I’m your friend and it wasn’t my fault.
Steven laughed.
Steven
Is that it? I thought by now you would have come up with something better than that. Come back when you have something a little more sincere.
Nick
I’m sorry. I truly am sorry, Steven.
Steven dropped his notepad on the floor. Then his pencil went too.
Steven
Apology accepted.
They hugged and then Steven picked up his things.
Steven
Where have you been anyways?
Nick
I had a mission. I got back an hour ago.
Steven
What kind of mission?
Nick
Like a delivery boy kind of thing.
Steven
Sounds boring.
Nick
It was at first. Up until I made new friends.
Steven
New friends can be cool.
Nick
Yeah man and I want you to meet them.
Steven
I’m down. Where are they? North of the base or what?
Nick
They’re not here.
Steven looked at Nick confused.
Nick
They’re out by Laguna Beach right now.
Steven
So you want me to leave this base?
Nick
Yeah, if you want to come with me.
Steven
So you’re leaving?
Nick
Yes. I’m leaving for good and I want you to come with me. I joined their ranks and I want to bring my best friend with me. You’re the only human tie I have left in this world. Won’t you come with?
Steven
I don’t know. I don’t want to go back out there. Not until the monsters are gone.
Nick
That’s the thing…we’re going to kill them. We’re going on a mission to end all of this.
Steven was shocked to hear this.
Steven
Really?
Nick
Yeah!
Steven
What if you die?
Nick
Why would you ask that?
Steven
Well I just forgave you for leaving my parents behind and letting them die. I know it wasn’t your fault but I felt angry that we left so fast.
Nick
I could only save one person.
Steven
I know that now. I was just fighting my own self earlier because I didn’t want to forgive you. Now that I have, you want to take me outside of our only safe place? And on top of that you’re going into battle against the monsters that destroyed most of the world?
Nick
That sounds about right.
Steven
So what if you die? Who will I have then? No parents, no best friend, no one.
Nick
I won’t die.
Steven
How do you know that?
Nick
Because I do. I promise.
He gave Steven a thumb up.
Nick
And you know I don’t break my promises.
Steven pushed his hand away.
Steven
Count me out. You’re going to have to do this on your own. I’m staying here.
Nick
Are you sure?
Steven
Yeah. You are meant for bigger things, Nick. You go and save the world. I’ll be here to write the story.
Nick
I won’t be back for awhile.
Steven
Let’s just hope we’re still here by the time you get back. Word around this place is we’re running out of supplies and the Empire is going to find us soon.
Nick
I’ll be back if they do. I won’t let anything happen to you bro.
Steven
I’m counting on that.
He extended his hand.
Steven
Now go talk to your mother and head out. You have to go save the world now.
Nick
I can’t believe you’re staying behind.
Steven
I don’t have the powers you do. If I did I’d be marching into battle with you. I just have a paper and a pen.
Nick
One, Four, Three.
Steven
I love you too bro. Now get to it.
Nick ran off.
Steven
He’s going to be alright.
Steven continued to write in his notepad.


Ximendos
Shall we return?
Kassle
If you’d like to do so. I don’t care either way.
Kade
I have a question.
Ximendos
Speak, my brother.
Kade
You said something about a Syn clan, correct?
Ximendos
I did.
Kade
They are powerful opponents, right?
Ximendos
Yes.
Kade
How powerful?
Ximendos
Very. Shall we leave?
Kade
Why are they so powerful?
Ximendos
Aside from their abilities…they are immortal.
Kassle
Immortal?
Ximendos nodded.
Kade
Immortal? No, I don’t think so.
He put down his cup of vodka.
Kade
Just harder to kill.
They disappeared.

Iris broke the chains that constricted Ilias with her Dragon blade.
Ilias
Nasty little chain.
Iris
How did they manage to get you with this?
Ilias
They came out of nowhere. There was no way for me to dodge them.
Iris
I wasn’t expecting Hayden to come to the girls rescue.
Ilias
Who were you fighting?
Iris
I believe her name is Suri. They all got away.
Ilias
Was she powerful?
Iris
In strength she’d be terrifying if I didn’t have my shield.
Ilias
Like Hayden.
Iris
Apparently she’s his daughter.
Ilias
Interesting. I shall take note of that.
Iris
For?
Ilias
Who not to kill with my own hands.
He walked forward.
Ilias
I will go check on Gemma.
Iris shrugged.
Iris
Very well.

Ilias entered the palace and he grabbed Gemma and held her.
Gemma
You are okay.
Ilias
There was no way they could hurt me.
Gemma held onto his shirt.
Gemma
Don’t do that again.
Ilias
I’m going to teach you how to fight soon. That way you’ll be able to protect yourself.
Gemma
That would be nice.
Ilias
Let’s go to my room.
They stood up and walked to his room.

Ximendos stood in shock at the white surface of his home.
Ximendos
What has happened here?
Kassle and Kade said nothing. Iris appeared before them.
Iris
It was Hayden. He arrived here to rescue Suri from us.
Ximendos put his hand over his mouth.
Ximendos
I should have guessed.
Kassle
The elf?
Ximendos
Yes. My apologies for my home being destroyed.
He said to Kassle and Kade. He turned back to her.
Ximendos
Where was your brother during all this?
Iris
They wrapped a chain around Ilias only my sword could break rendering him useless.
Ximendos
And you?
Iris
Hayden appeared too quickly for me to even know and next thing I knew I was in the air below us.
Ximendos
My child…
He hugged Iris.
Ximendos
I should have been here.
Iris
It’s okay father. We’re all fine.
Ximendos
Wait, where is your mother?
Iris
I don’t know.
Kassle approached Iris.
Kassle
She is beautiful, Ximendos. I am Kassle Christ.
Iris
I am Iris.
Kade
The names Kade.
Iris
It is a pleasure to meet you both.
Kassle
You want buildings?
Kassle snapped his fingers. From the ground buildings began to erupt.
Iris
I can’t believe it.
The area now resembled a giant castle built around the palace room. Iris stood in awe.
Kassle
It’s magic, my darling.
A giant airship appeared above them and landed at a distance. Akasha, Amya, and Forest appeared from it and began to walk forward.
Akasha
What have you done with the place? It looks marvelous!
She stopped in front of them all.
Akasha
Kassle has returned as well.
Kade
My name is Kade.
Akasha
Nice to meet you. I’m Akasha, this is Amya and Forest.
Forest
A true honor to meet you all.
He said to them all.
Forest
I’ve waited a long time to meet you, Ximendos.
He shook Ximendos’ hand.
Ximendos
You must be my sister’s husband. I can’t believe she kept this arrangement a secret.
Amya
There are just some things I like to keep to myself.
Akasha
Well, let’s all have dinner, shall we?
The sun was now under their land in the sky. They all walked to the dining area.



Suri sat down staring into blank space with Conor next to her.
Conor
Don’t beat yourself up about it.
Suri turned to him slowly.
Suri
They almost died. You almost died.
Conor
We all knew the score, Suri. We’re not little kids like they want us to believe we are. We’re young adults and we’re capable of making decisions. So we made a dangerous one and we almost died. So what!
He grabbed her hand.
Conor
We still made it and saw it through. I don’t know about you but I don’t give a fuck what the others have to say. Not a damn word.
Suri smiled.
Suri
At least Emmylou’s going to be alright.
Conor slouched in his seat.
Conor
Thank goodness.
Suri
So what happened?
Conor
Well, we were there waiting for you to beat that bitches ass when all of a sudden I turn around because I noticed she was and there was a man pointing a gun at her. Right when I registered it I just knew I had to take the bullet.
He turned to her.
Conor
These aren’t things you can really think about. You know what I mean? Try to rationalize just what you might do and what the consequences might be. Nope. I just did it.
Suri
You really like her, don’t you?
Conor smiled and then chuckled.
Conor
I guess I do. I think taking a bullet for her really says that. I’d at least like to think so.
He pushed Suri by the shoulder lightly.
Conor
We kissed after they took you away.
Suri
Nice to see you both missed me.
Conor
Shut up. She grabbed me. I won’t say I was offended by it.
He laughed.
Conor
Nope, I really enjoyed it.
The door opened and Luciana came in.
Luciana
You are Suri and Conor?
They both nodded while confused.
Luciana
He has been saying your names since he got back. I just got him to stop crying.
She walked up to them too.
Luciana
I can’t thank you two enough. I know your decision to go might have been stupid…but I don’t blame you guys. You wanted to save people you love. No wrong in that. I’m just glad you both protected my children.
Her voice cracked.
Luciana
With their dad being missing and all…well I just don’t know what I would have done if something happened to them.
She hugged them both.
Luciana
Thank you so much.

Amros, Roselyn, and Grey all stood in the medical area watching over Emmylou, Elijah, Bonka, and Kota.
Amros
Iris carries a unique blade. I’ve gathered that a touch of it will paralyze the person it cuts until she puts it away. That little girl is full of surprises.
Roselyn
The important part is they all made it back alive. Hayden will join us shortly.
Amros
Very well. He is a fast traveler so he should be here by midnight.
The door opened and Suri and Conor came in.
Grey
She’s still sleeping, you’ll have to wait until morning.
Conor
Are you guys upset with us?
All three of them were caught off guard. Emmylou stirred in her bed. She felt so weak. She wanted to get up and hug and thank Conor and Suri but she couldn’t. She could only lie there and listen.
Roselyn
I’ve made haste decisions in my life so no worries.
Amros
It is irrelevant. The important part is you all made it back alive.
Suri
My father wasn’t too pleased with me.
Grey
Is a father ever pleased by his daughter putting her own life into reckless situations? Try to understand, Suri.
Suri
You’re right.
Grey
Understanding where each person is coming from is important. That doesn’t justify anything but it at least helps set the stage for what happens after it all.
Conor
I have a question regarding the incident that occurred hours ago.
Amros
You are more than welcome to ask.
Conor
The guy who shot Emmylou and I was her father.
Amros
We weren’t aware of that.
Amros turned to see Emmylou sleeping.
Amros
How tragic. I hope you all know he is a mind controlled by Ilias.
Suri
We didn’t. Perhaps that can help salvage any relationship they might be able to have after this. I can’t believe Ilias has the power to do such things.
Amros
The Empire is capable of many unspeakable things. Now Conor, your question.
Conor
He was dead when I regained consciousness. What happened to him?
The room was silent until Roselyn spoke.
Roselyn
Her little brother shot him.
Emmylou felt like screaming. She felt like doing a lot of things. All she could do was cry.

Munro and Geremiah walked through the palace.
Munro
I don’t like the idea of fighting for Ximendos very much.
Germ
Neither do I. We at least get something in return for it.
Munro nodded.
Germ
I doubt anyone has the power to kill us anyways. If anything Kassle and Kade will protect us. Our powers will probably stay hidden until the very end.
Munro
The bitter end.
Germ almost laughed.
Germ
The worst part will be killing Ximendos.
Munro
I’m waiting for the day.
Munro smiled a menacing smile.

Amya opened the door to the highest balcony.
Ilias
I was wondering if you were coming.
Amya
I was delayed.
She sat down next to him. Their backs were facing the dark sky.
Amya
Gemma went to go have dinner?
Ilias
Yes. I told my father I wasn’t hungry.
Amya
I heard Hayden made an appearance today.
Ilias
He did. A very short one though. I can’t imagine him staying very long.
Amya agreed.
Amya
The wedding is tomorrow.
Ilias
I’m ready for it. After that I shall be leaving.
Amya
The honeymoon?
Ilias
Yes. You will also be joining us.
Amya
What purpose would I serve?
Ilias
Aside from security reasons, let’s just say the palace will no longer be safe.
Amya
What is going to happen?
Ilias
The White Coats and the New Order will attack tomorrow at sunset.
Amya was taken aback.
Amya
How could you possibly know this?
Ilias didn’t say anything. He tilted his head back.
Ilias
You’ve arrived.
He said this towards the balcony’s end.
Amya
Who are you talking too?
Amya turned around to see who he was talking to. She saw a face she had not seen in a long time. One she didn’t think she’d be seeing so soon.
Fallen
Why have you summoned me?