Chapter Sixty-Four: The Cloud

The Syn clan, Fallen, Velis, Malic, and Nick appeared on the palace grounds.
Fallen
Take your places everyone.
Everyone ran off leaving Darby with Fallen.
Darby
What's the plan, Fallen?
Fallen
We find Orthak.

Two flames appeared then disappeared reviling Cameron and Arkain.
Cameron
You ready?
Arkain
Are you?

Ilias sat in the control room of the wing ship with a giant screen before him.
Ilias
That is excellent. I will be arriving shortly.
The screen went black.
Ilias
You can come in now, Gemma.
He said to the sliding doors behind him. They opened.
Ilias
Did you settle well?
She nodded.
Ilias
Is everything fine?
Gemma
Yes. I'm just still paralyzed by the speed in which all of this happened.
Ilias
That's understandable.
He crossed his legs as she stood in front of the large windows looking towards the sky even though she could not see it.
Gemma
Where are we going?
Ilias
My southern palace.
She turned to where she heard his voice.
Gemma
Where is it?
Ilias
Australia.
Gemma's mouth almost fell open.
Gemma
Why so far?
Ilias
It's our new home. Gemma, you will never return to the northern palace.
Gemma
Why?
She said confused.
Ilias
We are no longer apart of the Solace empire. We are no longer royalty. I've renounced it.
Gemma
But why? Do they want to kill us like they want to Cameron and Arkain?
She shook inside at the sound of his name.
Ilias
Not exactly. My father does not know about our leaving. He just believes we're here on a honeymoon. Which we are of course. My apologies for these not being the ideal honeymoon.
Gemma
That's okay. Will we be safe at the southern palace?
Ilias
It's the safest place on earth. It is covered by a force field that almost no one can penetrate. Even if it fell the invaders would have to face our army and a few more surprises. The eastern and western palaces fail in comparison. That is how I designed them all.
Gemma
I'm speechless.
Ilias
As you should be. All has been planned and carefully monitored since you killed everyone in that school.
Gemma
And us?
Ilias
No, not us. We are a union that came out coincidentally from all this chaos.
He stood up and walked towards her.
Gemma
You have a way with words.
She smiled.
Gemma
So how big is this palace?
Ilias
If you could see, you'd be able to see it now.
Outside the window a giant black mass of land began to appear.
Ilias
It is the size of 30 football fields. Gemma, welcome to the Black City. Your new home.

Ximendos
Get into bed already. We won't have the palace to ourselves forever.
Akasha sat in front of her mirror naked.
Akasha
Do I look as good as I did when you met me?
Ximendos
Even better. Why do you ask?
Akasha
I noticed that bitch Azusa had a nice body.
They heard gun shots.
Ximendos
Get dressed.
They threw on their clothes and ran out.

Pathion held a human by the neck with his giant fangs.
Velis
You're disgusting.
He threw him on the floor.
Pathion
What's wrong baby?
Velis spat on the floor.
Nick
I thought Malic and Tusa were handling Gears.
Pathion put his hands behind his head.
Pathion
Let's have a little fun, shall we?
Kade
Fun? Is that what he said, Kassle?
Pathion, Nick, and Velis turned around to see Kassle and Kade standing on a building.


Malic released hundreds on silver tentacles from his back and they ripped Gears apart.
Malic
This feels sooooooo good.
Tusa landed next to him.
Tusa
When can I have fun?
Malic
Just leave this to me.
Tusa
What's that?
They saw what looked like two young boys walking towards them.
Malic
No clue.
Tusa
Food?
Malic
Could be.
All of Malic's tentacles where cut from his back.
Malic
What the fuck?
Malic walked forward.
Malic
So you're the new janitors for Ximendos, huh?
The boys did not say anything.
Malic
I remember when it was my job.
He pretended to wipe a tear from his eye.
Malic
The nostalgia is killing me.
Tusa
Who are you?
Munro
That is irrelevant.

Iris sat on the throne of the western base.
Iris
How boring.
She said to herself in the empty throne room.


Suri
So you think this is going to work?
Suri said standing on the shoulder of Conor's Gear unit.
Conor
It's the only plan we have.
Nicholas
Just try and be optimistic. After this we can find Arkain.
Suri
If we survive this.
Luciana
It all depends on whom they've decided to send.
Suri
The ship touched down an hour ago.
Conor
We just have to wait until we know we have the place surrounded.
Luciana
Energy signals shows the palace has an army of two thousand right now.
Conor didn't even flinch.
Conor
Bring on the destruction.
Emmylou
Let's not get too ahead of ourselves.
An orange Gears unit stood next to Conor's.
Conor
You ready?
Emmylou
Hell yeah.
Nicholas
Looks like your adventure together has really made you all free from fear.
Conor
I wouldn't say that. We're afraid. We're just not letting it stop us.
Nicholas
Such courage.
Suri
It's what we need right now. Bravery and two thousand soldiers.
They laughed.
Luciana
The cannons are ready.
Nicholas
Are we all ready?
They all said yes.
Nicholas
Fire the cannons.

Cameron
Get out of our way.
Azusa
Now why would I go and do that, beautiful?
Arkain
Do you know her?
Cameron
No.
Azusa
Oh silly me for not introducing myself. I'm Azusa Christ, Queen of the Christ Kingdom.
Cameron and Arkain didn't say anything.
Azusa
Don't you know who I am?
She said angrily.
Azusa
I'm a goddamn star!
She snapped her finger. A giant lynx appeared at her feet.
Azusa
Sasha, it's chow time.
Sasha ran forward towards Cameron and Arkain and then burst into flames.
Azusa
Bastard!
It fell to the floor dead.
Cameron
Did you think something so trivial like that would work?
Azusa stopped yelling random vulgar words.
Azusa
You mean like this?
She appeared behind Cameron and put a knife to his throat.
Azusa
Let me hear you scream, sexy.
Arkain's wings burst from his back.
Azusa
What the hell are you?
Cameron burst into flames. Azusa jumped back.
Azusa
You guys are fucking weird.
Arkain's white wings expanded and Cameron stood next to him on fire.
Azusa
I guess momma has to show the world why she's a star again.
Cameron
She isn't the person we're supposed to be fighting but we can't just get away from her.
Arkain
I have no complaints.
Cameron
Let's show her what your training has done for you.
Azusa
Stop talking and show me what you have to offer. Unless you'd rather not fight and have a threesome. By all means I am open to that.
Arkain raised his right arm and held his wrist with his left.
Arkain
I hope you don't call me a copy cat.
Cameron
Go right on ahead.
Arkain nodded and then from his hand purple flames flew towards Azusa.


Pathion
Get down from there fuckers and pull some garments out of my ass!
Kade
You'd like that!
Pathion
I would!
Kade jumped down to the ground.
Kade
You seem to know who we are which is surprising.
He put his hands in his pockets.
Kade
Your ignorance is showing though. Our magic isn't the kind humans wish they had.
He took a step forward.
Kade
Nope. It's the kind they could never dream of.
He turned to Kassle.
Kade
I'll take the red head, you take the other two.
A swift blue light flew past Velis.
Velis
Bitch.
Velis had a cut on her face and blood began to slowly fall down her face. Nick stood next to hear unaware of what had just happened.
Velis
Had I not have moved that inch you would have had my head.
Velis wiped the blood from her face.
Velis
Nice try, Akasha.
Akasha stood on the wall above them.
Akasha
I finally get to shut you up, Velis.
Velis smiled.
Kassle
I'll take the beautiful boy.
Nick
Me?
Kassle nodded.
Velis
Go on ahead. It's time I put my money where my mouth is and fight this whore.
Velis cracked her neck.
Akasha
Little Velis thinks she can fight with an immortal?
She laughed.
Akasha
Let's put you to sleep already.
Akasha's hands were expanding into big black claws.
Akasha
I haven't released my energy in awhile. Thank you, Velis.
Velis pulled out two small daggers from under her thighs.
Velis
Let's get to it.
In a flash they were clashing daggers to claws.
Pathion
Promise me you'll be that much fun, okay?
Kade began to walk towards Pathion.
Kade
I promise.

Vesper stood in Iris' room.
Vesper
She doesn't seem to be here.
Ximendos
Were you looking for Iris, Vesper?
Ximendos stood under the window frame.
Vesper
I didn't think I'd have to encounter you.
She dropped her cloak to the ground.
Ximendos
Ready to fight already? You waste no time, do you?
Vesper
Not against an opponent like you.
She put her hands together.
Vesper
Release.
She opened her mouth and water began to burst through it.
Ximendos
How repulsive.
Ximendos ran for it. He ran down the hall as it filled with water.
Ximendos
Where are you?
A body of water caught up with his from the side and a blade flew forward towards his face. He caught it between his fingers.
Ximendos
Is that all, Vesper?
His speed increased and he flew down the halls like a bullet.
Vesper
Damn.

Malic's tentacles kept being cut up every time they reached Munro.
Munro
Why did I have to get the weakling?
Malic
Kiss my ass!
Malic ran forward. The ground in front of him rose quickly and he crashed into it.
Malic
Ouch!
Malic fell to the floor.
Munro
Idiot.
Munro walked forward.
Munro
You are Malic, are you not? The silver serpent?
Malic
I see you know my nickname.
Malic stood up.
Malic
That's so sweet of you.
Munro raised his hand. A purple energy formed in his hand.
Munro
This is consumer. It is a chemical that consumes all it touches.
Malic
Why do I care?
Munro
Because it's going to eat you.
Munro dropped the purple energy to the floor and it expanded into a purple blob.
Malic
What the hell is that?


Tusa jumped back.
Germ
You are apart of the Syn clan, are you not?
Tusa
I am Tusa of the Syn clan, yes.
Germ
I am honored to face you. I've always wanted to know how powerful the Syn clan members are.
Tusa
Release!
He smacked his hands together.
Germ
What?
Tusa began to grow.
Germ
Oh my.
Tusa
I'm going to eat you all!
Malic turned around.
Malic
Great!
He dodged the purple blobs arms.
Malic
Another fat ass to eat me.

Kassle
Allow me to educate you in the beauty of my magic.
Nick jumped onto the tower next to Kassle's. From below Nick wood burst from the walls of the towers and flew towards Kassle. A shield of diamond surrounded Kassle.
Nick
What the hell?
The diamond shield disappeared.
Kassle
You attacked before I said go. I am no longer happy.
Giant silver wings exploded from his back.
Nick
So this is the power you magic people have?
Kassle
Do not fret, after I kill you I shall keep your head.


Ilias stood before Luna.
Luna
Welcome back, Ilias.
Ilias sat on the couch behind her.
Ilias
The battle has begun at the eastern palace.
Luna
Is Fallen there?
Ilias
I believe so.
Luna
I thought you said he'd be here.
Ilias
He will be. He has something to do before he comes though. Have our guests arrived?
Luna
They have.
Ilias
And where are they?
The sliding doors opened and four people walked in.
Ilias
So you've finally arrived, have you? It's an honor to meet you.



Luciana
The base is covered by a shield.
Suri
It's Iris.

Cameron sent flame balls at Azusa but shields appeared from nowhere to block each one. She laughed hysterically.
Azusa
Come on!
Cameron
Arkain, to the sky!
Arkain flew up.
Cameron
Die woman.
The entire area blew up.
Arkain
Holy shit.
Arkain landed across from Cameron.
Arkain
Was that necessary?
Before Cameron could respond a sword pierced his shoulder.
Cameron
Shit!
Arkain
Cameron!
The sword disappeared.
Azusa
Luckily for me I'm fast with my magic. I was able to turn my body into water and completely brush off that attack. Your explosion just shook me around.
She laughed. Cameron held his shoulder.
Azusa
So I think it's my turn.
A pink blast flew from her hand quickly and hit Arkain in the chest sending him flying backwards.
Cameron
Arkain!
Azusa appeared next to Cameron.
Azusa
I like it when you scream.
Pink ribbon wrapped up Cameron.
Azusa
Call me unoriginal but the humans sure did inspire me.
Two giant blades appeared in her hands.
Azusa
Now I'm going to stab you, okay? Twice, to be honest. I promise you'll only feel it for a moment before you die.
She lunged the blades toward his body. Her hair caught on fire.
Azusa
Oh my god my hair! You little shit!
A bucket of water appeared above her and put out her flamed head. She covered her bald head.
Azusa
That was a low blow.
Cameron
You're annoying, woman.
She stood up and pointed at Cameron with a hand on her bald head.
Azusa
Now you listen here-
Arkain landed in front of her and one of his wings slashed her hand off.
Azusa
Not my hand too!
Cameron
Now leave.
An tiny explosion happened in front of her and sent her flying. Arkain walked up to Cameron.
Arkain
No big deal.
He placed his hand over Cameron's wound and it sealed.
Cameron
Thanks.
Arkain
She's not dead, is she?
Cameron
I have no clue. She has no energy reading.
Nick landed next to them.
Arkain
Oh hey Nick!
He spat blood on the floor. They noticed he had giant wounds in his shoulders and thighs.
Nick
How you guys holding up?
Cameron
Better than you.
Arkain healed Nick's wounds.
Nick
Thanks man.
Kassle landed in front of them all.
Kassle
The enemies of the Empire are glorious creatures.
Arkain
Who is this guy?
Nick
I don't know.
Azusa walked into view. Her hand was back.
Azusa
Kassle! What are you doing here?
Kassle didn't turn to look at her.
Kassle
You look terrible, mother.
Malic flew into the ground behind them. Munro walked into view next. A giant Tusa appeared and tried to smash Munro with his hands. Munro appeared on his shoulder. Tusa's eyes fell out of their sockets and he was blinded.
Munro
Hello Mother and Kassle.
He said as he walked up to them.
Germ
This is rather pathetic.
Germ was standing behind Arkain, Cameron, and Nick.
Germ
I hope you three are more powerful than those two.
Cameron disappeared.

Velis lunged at Akasha's head but Akasha dodged and slashed Velis' left thigh with her giant black claws.
Velis
Why don't you finish me off already?
Akasha blasted her in the stomach with blue electricity sending her flying into the wall behind them.
Akasha
And ruin this moment? No, I've been waiting too long for this.
Velis stood up and wiped the blood coming out of her mouth.
Velis
You aren't as bad ass as you think you are.
Akasha raised her right arm.
Akasha
Fine, die then.
A sharp blue lighting blade flew towards Akasha but was met by giant blue flames.
Akasha
You have interfered for the last time.

Ximendos stopped running as the giant blue waves approached him.
Ximendos
This isn't worth my time.
The waters swallowed him.

Gemma sat down at a dinner table with Amya and Forest.
Amya
Did you enjoy the ride over here?
Gemma
I did. Ilias never fails to keep me content.
Forest
You have picked a wonderful man to be your husband.
Gemma nodded in approval.
Amya
Feeling the powers going on back where we came from I am grateful to be here.
Forest
It's nice to not have to get involved with insects.
Amya nodded.
Gemma
What matters is we're all safe here in the Black City.
They all agreed.

Arkain
I guess we'll have to take them together, Nick.
Germ
Nick?
Munro
Do you think, brother?
Germ
Maybe.
Malic got up.
Munro
Sit down.
Giant boulders fell from the sky onto him and Tusa.
Germ
You wouldn't happen to be the Nick that boy screamed for, would you?
Nick was confused.
Nick
What boy?
Munro
Just a simple boy we killed earlier today.
Nick's eyes widened.
Germ
His name was Steven.
Munro
He yelled Nick right before he died.
Nick fell to his knees.
Nick
Steven...
Arkain put his hand on his shoulder.
Arkain
You need to get out of here, I'll hold them off.
Nick wiped his tears.
Nick
My friend Steven was writing a story.
Munro
We know.
Nick
And in that story...
Nick began to stand up.
Nick
I was the one who dies.
A block of wood rose from the ground next to him.
Nick
I guess he was wrong about that.
A sword's handle appeared.
Nick
Even so, someone did die.
He pulled the sword out.
Nick
And I must kill the people who did it.
He pointed the sword at Munro and Germ.
Nick
My revenge is a dish best served right fucking now.
He turned into leaves.
Munro
What?
Half of Nick's body formed from leaves next to Munro and the blade swung at his head. Munro ducked only losing some hair. The blade was already moving towards Germ who was pulled away by Kassle.
Kassle
Your fight is still with me, boy.
Arkain charged. He punched Kassle in the face, kicked Azusa in the stomach, and grabbed Germ by the arms.
Munro
Brother!
Tree roots wrapped themselves around Munro's feet.
Nick
Die!
He pointed the blade and Germ's chest and charged.
Germ
You'll die too, fool.
The blade entered Germ's chest.
Germ
Well played.
Arkain stood on the shoulders of Germ. His body was in the air.
Nick
One down.
He pulled the blade out and Arkain landed next to him.
Malic
Watch out!
Munro was pierced by silver cords.
Munro
The silver serpent.
He said with blood flowing from his mouth.
Malic
You know it.
He dropped Munro on the floor.
Malic
Now where are the other ones-
Malic's body was decapitated. Kassle stood quietly as Malic's head and body hit the ground.
Kassle
I won't forgive you for hurting my brothers.
Arkain and Nick stood ready to fight Kassle.

Kade
The name of the Red Demon suits you well.
Pathion stood in front of him covered in blood.
Pathion
You taste so good.
Kade
I want you to die now though.
Spikes shot from each wall piercing Pathion's body seven times.
Pathion
You're going to have to do better than that!
He laughed hysterically.
Pathion
I fucking told you already, I'm an immortal!
Kade flew forward with a blade in his hand and stuck it in Pathion's neck.
Kade
Away with this.
He took his head off.
Kade
This body is mine.
Pathion's body was sucked into Kade's hand.
Pathion
That might have worked-
Pathion stood up behind Kade.
Pathion
If you got my head too.
He tackled Kade and stuck his fangs into his neck as they fell to the floor.
Pathion
I'm so hard right now!

Orthak screamed.
Darby
He remembers me.
Fallen
You know how dangerous this thing is.
Darby nodded. Orthak screamed the loudest he has ever screamed.
Fallen
Why is he so angry?
And then they saw it. A head began to emerge from the chest of Orthak until the entire body came out.
Ximendos
I knew the Syn clan was a distraction Orthak could be left alone.
Fallen
Ximendos.
Fallen growled.
Ximendos
Temper, Fallen. I see you've brought young Darby along. Long time no see, Darby.
Darby
I have no words for you.
Ximendos saw the sword in Darby's hand.
Ximendos
Come to take Orthak from me, have you?
Darby
To rid you of your black soul.
Ximendos put his hand on his chin.
Ximendos
I don't think you two have the power to do that.
Fallen
Is that so?
Fallen opened his mouth and a giant blast of white energy covered Ximendos and Orthak.

Luciana
We can't invade the palace with that shield.
Conor
Do you think shooting it over and over will destroy it?
Suri
No.
They all looked at Suri.
Suri
Iris won't allow her shields to be broken.
Nicholas
What do you suggest we do?
Suri
I'm going in.
Suri jumped to the ground and it caved as she hit it.
Conor
You can't!
Emmylou
Think about what happened last time.
Suri
Last time I didn't have this.
She pointed at the sword on her back.
Luciana
Can you get the shields down?
Conor
Maybe if she can knock her out.
Emmylou
Can you do that, Suri?
Suri
Even better,
She began to walk towards the palace.
Suri
I'll kill the bitch.


Vesper walked across the damaged palace.
Vesper
I did not kill him.
Syn appeared.
Syn
So many energy signals, can't find Akasha.
Vesper
Find the weakest one in comparison to the strongest. She likes to pick on the weakest of the herd.
Syn disappeared.

Ilias spoke to the four figures in front of him in silver armor and different colored capes.
Ilias
So your names are Luck,
The tallest and slimmest with white spiky hair and blue eyes.
Ilias
Renn,
She stood before him with giant boobs, black hair, and red eyes.
Ilias
Cash,
He was had short black hair and green eyes.
Ilias
And Gwen.
She looked like a twelve year old girl with pig tails and blue eyes.
Luck
You've named us correctly. We are our lords royal guard.
Gwen picked up Luna.
Gwen
This cat is so cute.
Luna
Put me down!
Ilias
If you are his royal guard, why are you here?
Cash
He doesn't require our presence at the moment.
Luck
He felt we are more needed here.
Renn crossed her arms.
Renn
If you don't like that, we can leave.
Ilias
Oh no, it's wonderful to have you all. Luna and I are just standing her in awe wondering why he'd send his royal guard here. Why he'd send the earth shakers known as The 4 Winds.
Gwen put Luna down.
Gwen
So you've heard of us?
Ilias
Only from Fallen.
Luck
Just tell us what to do and we'll be on with it.
Ilias
Do whatever you'd like.
They left the room.
Luna
That was annoying. I'm not a damn cat for playtime.
Ilias
Quiet, Luna. I can't believe it.
He sat down again.
Luna
What?
Ilias
It is finished.
Luna
What are you talking about?
Ilias
We are complete.
Luna
We?
Ilias
Yes, imbecile.
He laughed.
Ilias
The Cloud is now in full function.

Azusa slashed at Arkain with with arms that were made of blades.
Azusa
You can't keep this up forever.
He blocked each one with his wings.
Nick
Stay with me, Arkain.
Arkain nodded as Nick dodged ever diamond spear Kassle threw.
Arkain
We don't have time for this-
A hand suddenly flew threw Azusa's neck and torso cutting her into three pieces.
Arkain
You made it!
Arrows flew into Kassle's right arm and turned his arm into a tree before he cut it off.
Nick
Great timing.
Arkain
I have a mission. I'm leaving this to you guys.
Hayden
We'll take it from here, Arkain.
Hayden, Roselyn, and Nick turned to a one armed Kassle as Arkain flew away.

Amros stood alone in the wreckage Vesper left behind.
Amros
Even I must get my hands dirty sometimes.
He began to walk towards where he felt the giant energy source.
Amros
Is that where you are, Ximendos?