Chapter Sixty-Three: I Do!

Arkain
The sky is blue.
Arkain said as he woke up. His birthmark on his neck tingled.

Velis rested her head on Cameron's chest as they laid in the sand together.
Cameron
That again.
Velis
What's wrong?
Cameron
My neck is tingling.
Velis
Are you ready for today?
Cameron put his chin against her head softly.
Cameron
More than I'll ever be.
He kissed it.
Cameron
Are you?
Velis
Not anymore.
She looked up at his blue eyes.
Velis
Suddenly with you I don't feel the need to be so reckless.
Cameron
Is that so?
She paused for a second.
Velis
Yes. After living for almost sixty years you'd think I'd be over this. I never thought you'd be the one I fell in love with. You know, the day I led you to meet Ilias and Iris.
Cameron
Just forget about those days.
Velis
I can't. They always seemed so easy.
Cameron
They were. We had it all. There is no going back though.
He looked up at the sky.
Cameron
Not anymore.
Velis
You better not die today.
Cameron
Don't take this the wrong way...but you have a better chance of dying than I do.
Velis looked down at the ocean.
Cameron
Don't worry about it though, I won't let that happen.

Vesper stood in the water waist deep cleaning her body. Right on the beach a swarm of leaves began to form a human.
Vesper
What's this?
She watched as they turned into Nick. He turned around to see her naked in the water.
Vesper
You're back just in time.
He couldn't take his eyes off her perfect breast in front of his eyes.
Vesper
Your eyes...
He looked up at her face.
Nick
I don't think we've met. I'm Nick.
He raised his hand towards her.
Vesper
My name is Vesper. You are one of Cameron's friends.
Nick
Yeah, I guess.
Vesper
Are you not used to female breasts before your eyes?
Nick gulped.
Nick
Not ones like those. As cliche as this sounds, you're beautiful.
Vesper
Thank you. You are precious, little one.
She moved her hand through the water in front of her.
Vesper
You know I am far more older than you are.
He nodded.
Vesper
I am not bound to the morality humans are so I won't play coy.
Nick was a bit confused.
Vesper
Undress and join me.
Nick
What?
Vesper
I haven't felt the touch of a man in so long. By age you are still just a boy but you have the body of a man nonetheless. I want to feel that body.
Nick
Are you sure?
Vesper
Undress before I change my mind.
Nick began to take off his clothes nervous about what was going to happen next. Vesper watched him as he did.
Vesper
You are exactly what I've been waiting for since I joined all this. A fit body worthy of my fingers.
Nick began to walk into the water. It was very cold.
Vesper
Don't be afraid...I will warm you.
He walked forward slowly.
Vesper
Here.
The water began to turn warm.
Nick
That's better.
Vesper
Pleasure for you for me.
She grabbed his hand.
Vesper
I want this to last as long as you can go.
Nick smiled.
Nick
I hope you aren't disappointed.
She grabbed his body and he held onto hers. His face smashed into her boobs.
Vesper
Do as you wish.
He began to suck on her breasts ass she moaned.
Vesper
Oh yes.
She held onto him and they fell backwards into the water.
Vesper
I shall give you the ability to breath underwater. Continue with what you wish to do.
He entered her body and she screamed underwater. The water below began to bubble slowing as they moved back and forward.
Vesper
One day this boy will love me. As of now he is simply fucking me...
She smiled with her eyes closed.
Vesper
...so what.






Nicholas
It has been so long, Suri!
Nicholas and Suri hugged.
Suri
How have you been?
Nicholas
I've been as well as I could.
They walked down the hall away from the room area.
Nicholas
Where is Conor?
Suri
He is getting a tutorial on how to use a Gears unit.
Nicholas
Ah, I see.
Suri
He's tired of feeling useless. I guess it's a good thing though, you know? It can help us more than him alone.
Nicholas
This is true. I've gone through my tutorial as well.
Suri
I hope learning how to operate one proves to be poinless.
Nicholas
Not in these times, Suri. Not in these times. Have they left yet?
Suri
Yes, they just did twenty minutes ago.
Nicholas
It's all happening now. The outcome of this battle shall decide the fate of the world.
Suri nodded.
Nicholas
We won't just stand around and watch though.
Suri
What do you mean?
Nicholas
You'll see, Suri.

Luciana
I think that's about it.
She said below to a blue Gears Unit.
Conor
You sure?
Luciana
You're at a level I'm certain that you can go into battle with.
Conor
Awesome! I'm going to kick some ass now.


Syn sat on a rock alone looking out at the ocean.
Fallen
What ya looking at?
Fallen appeared on the ground next to the rock.
Syn
Just thinking about things. Nothing important.
Fallen
I see. How were things while I was gone?
Syn
The same. We trained a little and then went to bed.
He looked down at Fallen.
Syn
And with you?
Fallen
All goes as planned.
Syn
I figured as much. Remember Fallen...we are yours if you give me her.
Fallen laughed.
Fallen
I haven't forgotten, Syn. I always keep my word. Relax, will ya?
Pathion came into view behind them.
Pathion
It's time to get this day started.
Syn turned to look at him.
Syn
You're awfully excited.
Pathion put his hands in his pockets.
Pathion
To see blood spill is all I'm waiting for. I'm so stoked.
Fallen licked his right paw.
Fallen
Well you'll get a lot of that today.
Syn
Don't feed him any more than he needs.
Fallen
I have to do that though.
They both looked at Fallen.
Fallen
I've been made aware that we have more opponents than predicted.
Syn
What do you mean? Who else?
Fallen
They are two magic users.
Pathion
I'm not afraid of magic. Pulling a bunny out of your ass isn't going to save you.
He laughed.
Fallen
It's more than just a party trick, idiot. Apparently these people are powerful. Ximendos fought one that works for the White Coats named Kegan. All these years and I had no idea he was one. Nonetheless, we must make arrangements.
Syn
No problem with that.
Darby appeared before them with Tusa.
Darby
We are ready.
Tusa
Can we go now? I'm so bored!
Fallen
Patience, my dear.
Tusa's smile went away.
Fallen
How about we let Amros make the first move?
Pathion
Why would we do that?
Fallen
Just to see if they can handle the dirty work without us.
Pathion
Why would we want that to happen?!
He said furiously.
Pathion
I want to fight them myself. I'll fight all of them.
Syn
Calm down, love.
Pathion crossed his arms.
Fallen
If, and only if, Amros is weakened in battle we can kill him too.
Darby
Kill Amros?
Fallen
Amros is a powerful being. As of now he's our ally but once that changes we'll have to deal with him too. An annoyance I don't want to have to deal with.
Syn
That makes sense.
Pathion
What about the elf guy?
Fallen
I have different plans for Hayden. Until I get those settled I just want you to stay out of his way. Last thing I need is for him to go taking one of you out.
Darby
So what is the plan then?
Fallen
Syn will handle Akasha.
Syn nodded.
Fallen
Vesper will meet Iris. Darby will be with me.
Darby
As you wish.
Fallen
Tusa and Malic shall take care of the Gears and provide back up should anyone need it.
Pathion
What about me?
Fallen turned to him.
Fallen
You will handle both of the magical beings we spoke of.
Pathion
I can do that.
Fallen
You will have Velis and the boy Nick to accompany you.
Pathion
I don't need them!
Fallen
I didn't ask you.
It was silent.
Fallen
Good. We're stretching this thin. Cameron and Arkain will handle Ilias. Now we shall wait until we feel the battle begin.


Gemma wished she could see herself as she stood in front of the mirror.
Iris
You look beautiful.
Gemma turned to Iris at the door.
Gemma
You think so?
Iris
I wouldn't lie about it. You do.
She sat down on the bed.
Gemma
I just want today to be perfect for him.
Iris
It will be no matter what.
Gemma
I hope so.
She spun around in it.
Gemma
I always wondered if I'd get married one day. I always thought I'd be much older and know more about the world. This is fine though. Your brother is perfect.
Iris
You've really grown to like him that much?
Gemma
I have. At first my heart was still locked on someone else but he released that grip. It took time but it has come to this point. I'm happy. I really am. Initially I said yes because I didn't want to be alone but now, well now I just can't help myself.
Iris
You're cute.
Gemma
The worst part is I can't see him. I can't see when he smiles, when he laughs, or when he cries. It is the worst part about all of this.
She sat down next to Iris.
Gemma
Worst of all, I won't even be able to see today.
Iris noticed a tear was falling down her cheek and she wiped it.
Iris
(I can't believe I once hated this girl. She is something else.)
She hugged Gemma.
Iris
Don't let it get to you. There's nothing you can do about that kinda thing.
Gemma
I know, I know. I guess I can just get a little carried away is all.
Iris
Just let today be the best day of your life. Just say you do and things will change forever.
Gemma smiled.
Gemma
Thank you, Iris.
Iris
That's what sisters are for.

Kegan and Supriya landed in front of The White Coats' group.
Amros
What news do you have?
Supriya
It's quiet.
Hayden
No surprise there. They are there though, correct?
Kegan
We can only assume. Unless anyone uses some kind of energy they are hidden.
Hayden
That you for the lesson on common knowledge, Kegan.
Kegan winked at Hayden.
Amros
It won't be long now.
Roselyn
I hope we get this done quickly. The longer we drag this out the worse it will be.
Grey
I don't know if it's possible to defeat these beings so quickly.
Amros
They won't allow themselves to go down easily.
Supriya
Let's all just stay alive.
Kegan
I hear that.
Amros
Merdos and Masato, are you two ready?
They nodded.
Roselyn
I left Elijah and the others to watch over the base.
Amros
A wise move. They won't be much help here.

Geremiah and Munro stood in the middle of the desert.
Munro
Is this it?
Germ
It must be somewhere below.
Munro
It's the only place on earth with human life flourishing.
Germ
Very well.
A black cat appeared before them. It was full grown and had one green eye and one purple eye.
Germ
Lucifer, go down and check to see if this is the place.
Munro
Quickly, we shall be waiting.
The black cat jumped into the sand and disappeared.
Germ
Remember we aren't here to kill anyone.
Munro
Tell that to yourself, brother.


Amya and Forest walked out into the wedding area. Amya wore a very pink dress and Forest wore a green and black suit.
Amya
Oh it's beautiful.
Forest
I am pleased that you like it.
Amya
I never doubted you.
She kissed him.
Ximendos
Easy, lovers.
They separated and saw Ximendos before them in an all black suit.
Ximendos
This is the day of my son, not yours.
He laughed and shook Forest's hand and then kissed his sister's cheek.
Forest
Are you pleased with my work?
Ximendos
I must say I am.
Akasha
As well as I am.
Akasha appeared wearing a slim black dress.
Akasha
Do you guys like?
They all nodded.
Amya
When does the ceremony begin?
Akasha
In an hour.


Ilias stood in front of the mirror in his black and white suit.
Kassle
You look amazing, Ilias.
Ilias turned and smiled.
Ilias
I take that as the highest honor.
Kassle nodded.
Kade
Your girl is pretty cute.
Ilias
Thank you.
Kassle
Absolutely marvelous!
Kassle stood next to Ilias.
Kassle
You both will make gorgeous babies. Can I be the uncle?
Ilias
I don't see why not.
Kade
Me too! I'd make a better uncle anyways.
Kassle ignored him.
Kassle
I think you're ready.
Ilias
You two need to go find your seats.
Kade
I can stand. I really don't give a fuck.
Kassle grabbed Kade's hand.
Kassle
Let's go, imbecile.
They left as Ximendos walked in.
Ilias
Hello, father.
Ximendos didn't say anything.
Ilias
Anything wrong?
Ximendos
I'm sorry. My boy is just all grown up.
He walked forward and stood in front of Ilias.
Ximendos
Let me put on your tie.
He began to put on his tie.
Ximendos
You know, after I met your mother I we were married quickly after. Seems like you're following in your father's footsteps.
Ilias gave him a half-smile.
Ximendos
I wish your grandmother was here to see this. She would be so happy. She would have loved you, Ilias.
Ilias
You have never told us much about her.
Ximendos
She was beautiful, my boy. You have her good looks. She was a sweet woman who would do anything for us kids. She had a heart no other has ever or will ever have. She was perfect.
Ilias
Do you miss her greatly?
Ximendos
Everyday. I don't think there is a day when I don't.
He finished with Ilias' tie.
Ximendos
You never do forget the ones you love. Once you've seen things you can't close your eyes and pretend you never did. It's the same thing.
Ilias
It makes sense.
Ximendos turned and walked towards the door.
Ilias
I wish she was still here.
Ximendos stopped under the door frame.
Ilias
For you.
He left. Ilias stood there looking in the mirror unsure of himself.
Ilias
No, stop it. Kill your emotions.
He smiled.
Ilias
It must be done.


Every human in Area 71 was now gathered in the main hall.
Conor
You sure you want to do this? There are a lot of people in there.
Nicholas
I was once the president of the United States of America.
Suri
Well, we wish you the best of luck with your speech.
Nicholas
Thank you.
Luciana
We will be ready if chaos breaks out.
Nicholas
Although doubtful, thank you.
He walked away from them and we onto the stage.

Geremiah and Munro both had their right eye closed.
Murno
It's there.
Germ
As we thought.
They disappeared.

Nicholas took the stage and the crowd went silent. He fixed the microphone to his liking.
Nicholas
My fellow Americans...no, actually, my fellow humans.
Cameron stood up as Velis lied on the sand watching his naked body walk to the ocean. She smiled as she told herself she has never been more happy.
Nicholas
I come to you all at what are our darkest days.
Nick's head burst out from the water. Vesper came up next. They kissed.
Nicholas
With that said, I ask you, what will we do with what we've been given?
Gemma brushed her hair and stood up ready to go.
Nicholas
I've walked around this place and I've seen us fighting and diving into little groups over trivial things. Things that no longer matter.
Emmylou sat in her medical bed. She wiped her eyes. She stood up as her ankles shook from the weight.
Nicholas
We've been forced underground and they've almost beaten us. The moment they do is when we lose our humanity.
Orthak walked behind Ximendos as he approached the wedding area.
Nicholas
When we cease to show compassion to others and forget that our hearts mean everything is when it's over.
The White Coats stood chatting among themselves before the great battle.
Nicholas
It seems like we've forgotten what separates the heart, us, from the heartless...them.
Roselyn held Grey in her arms tightly.
Nicholas
Can I blame you? I think it's fair for all of us to take some responsibility for forgetting who we really are. It's common knowledge that this was a not a choice.
Munro and Germ watched Nicholas' speech invisible to everyone.
Nicholas
So let us make a choice now. A choice in all this madness.
Arkain met up with Cameron, Nick, Velis, and Malic.
Nicholas
When the chips are down, we aren't down.
Suri and Conor hugged Emmylou.
Nicholas
When all is lost, we aren't lost.
Elijah, Kota, and Bonka sat around laughing at Kota's jokes.
Nicholas
And when hope seems gone, we'll be hope.
Arkain and Cameron shook hands.
Nicholas
And most of all...
Amya hugged Forest as Ximendos and and Akasha took their seats.
Nicholas
...no longer will we run. We will fight.
Steven sat down writing his novel as Nicholas spoke. He wrote Nicholas' character into the story.
Nicholas
Those capable will do so. The rest shall stay to preserve the human race. If we're united, we must do this right.
Ian hugged Emmylou around the waist. They both were crying.
Nicholas
I ask you to put aside your differences and dwell on the fact that we're all human.
Iris held Gemma's hand towards the entrance in order to walk down the aisle.
Nicholas
Understand that now, well now is the time to possibly die for that fact.
There was a big explosion of sound and Azusa appeared with elephants and fireworks. They were on the wrong side of the palace grounds though. She smacked Keir with her purse and everything disappeared.
Nicholas
These monsters thought we'd never realize all this. It's in the face of oblivion we finally see the truth.
Azusa and Ximendos hugged and then they all took their seats. Azusa sat by Kassle and Kade.
Nicholas
We became content with I and me...and now we need us.
Fallen and the Syn clan talked while they waited patiently. Arkain, Cameron, Nick, Velis, and Malic joined them.
Nicholas
Tomorrow we storm the western palace. We capture it and show them the sun is ours.
Ilias came into view from the side and walked to the alter. He climbed the small red steps and took his place to wait for Gemma.
Nicholas
Not this darkness we've found here.
A black cat passed Steven as he wrote. He noticed it and decided to follow it.
Nicholas
We show them that we will not go extinct without a fight. Are you with me?
The crowd roared with thunderous applause. Germ and Munro stood patiently as they cheered.
Munro
How interesting this man is.
Germ
What a shame he is going to die very soon.
Steven stopped as he heard their words.
Steven
What?
He covered his mouth as fast as he could. Almost as if he tried to stop the word from escaping.
Munro
Fascinating.
They turned to Steven. Lucifer stood at their feet.
Munro
A boy who can see through our invisibility power.
Steven fell backward onto his hands and behind as he tried to run for help.
Germ
He is human though.
Steven down the hallways quickly to find his room.
Steven
(They want to kill the president. Have to tell someone!)
He ran from hall but no one was in sight.
Steven
(Need to hide.)
He ran into his room and shut the door. He placed his hand on the door while facing it to catch his breath. Then he heard the it the meow from a cat. The same cat that led him to those people.
Germ
Did you think getting away would be that easy?
He turned around to see Germ and Munro.
Munro
Silly boy, we own at hide and seek.
He laughed.

Ximendos
Begin.
The wedding music played. Iris walked Gemma out into view of everyone.
Iris
Here goes, Gemma.
Iris walked away to take her seat. Gemma began to walk slowly to the front.

Germ
I have no idea how it is possible that a mere human such as yourself is capable of seeing us. We aren't human. I would imagine you figured that out.
Munro
Take a seat.
Steven could not think because of the fear.
Munro
I said sit.
Suddenly Steven's body acted on its own and buckled. He was now sitting against the door.
Munro
That's so much better.
Germ
How much did you hear?
Steven didn't respond.
Munro
He's too afraid to speak.
Germ turned to Munro.
Germ
As he should be.
He turned back to Steven.
Germ
He's about to die.

Gemma stepped up the steps slowly and Ilias grabbed her hands. The ceremony began. A human Ilias had brought up to the palace was going to marry them.

Germ
Did you know that magic has limits?
Steven said nothing.
Germ
Magic can only be used against people like Ximendos, the Emperor of the Solace Empire, as a weapon of ours. Sort of like a sword. We can't do anything to his body with our magic.
Munro
Would be nice though.
Germ nodded.
Germ
With humans however...
Germ walked forward.
Germ
We can do anything.
He stuck his hand into Steven's chest and pulled out his heart.
Germ
This is your heart. You've carried it for many years. It has gone through trials with you and has kept you alive for all this time. You've probably even had it broken a couple of times. Am I correct?
Steven was still paralyzed by fear.
Germ
This is an illusion. Your heart is still in you if you're wondering.
He passed the heart to his right hand.
Germ
That being said, if I were to crush it right now, your actual heart would be crushed.
Steven shook with fear now.
Germ
You don't like that, do you?
Steven began to cry.
Munro
You're making him cry. Oh Geremiah, always breaking hearts.
Germ
It's what I do.
He turned and looked at Steven again.
Germ
This would have never happened had you not of seen us. Somehow you did and that is where you made your biggest and last mistake. We like our presence to be kept a secret. Especially to human kind.
The journal next to Steven flew into Munro's hands. He opened it and read the last pages.
Munro
His name is Steven. He's a writer. He is writing a novel called "Brothers". How touching.
He shut the book.
Germ
You should have kept your eyes closed, boy.
Steven couldn't take his eyes off of his heart in the hands of Geremiah.
Munro
Don't be so sad, Steven. All of you humans are going to die soon.
He dropped the book on the floor.
Munro
You're just dying now.
Steven
Nick!
Germ
Your story ends here, writer.
Germ crushed the heart in his hand. Steven shook for twenty seconds until he was still.
Munro
I wonder who this Nick person he yelled for is.
Germ
Probably someone he thought would save him.
Munro
Oh well, it's time to go. Let's go, Lucifer.
The cat jumped into his arms.
Germ
We're late for the wedding.

Ilias
I do.
Gemma
I do.
They kissed.