Chapter Sixty-Five: If they were Angels

Gemma sat down on the bed Ilias and her would be sharing.
Gemma
You wanted to talk to me?
Ilias shut the door.
Gemma
I had a good dinner. Amya and Forest were kind enough to join me.
Ilias kissed her on the forehead.
Ilias
I'm sorry I wasn't there to enjoy it. My hands were tied up.
He sat down across from her.
Ilias
I think it's about time I told you the truth, Gemma. The whole truth.
Gemma
Have you not been honest with me?
Ilias
Not entirely. Please understand I did it to protect us.
Gemma
From who?
Ilias
My sister.

Iris stood staring at the giant wall of monitors.
General
We are waiting for your orders.
Iris
How many are there?
General
We scanned the area and found there are over two thousand Gears units.
Iris blew air out of her mouth.
Iris
Is that it?
General
Yes, my lord.
Iris
If we fired at the hills what would we accomplish?
General
With our cannons we might be able to hit a few hidden units.
Iris thought for a moment. Something was off.
Iris
Very well.
She turned to walk away.
Iris
I will be in my study, fire at will.
She left the room.

Luciana
They are firing at the hillside.
Nicholas
First step is going as planned.
Conor
Can we attack already?
Luciana
It would be pointless with their shields up.
Emmylou
We have to wait for Suri.
They waited as Suri walked through the land between their camp and the palace where Iris hid.

Cameron
I thought you weren't going to be so reckless?
Velis smiled.
Velis
I got lost in the moment. Can't help it if it's who I am.
He kissed her. Akasha clapped.
Akasha
How cute this is. I see you've grown to love this filth, Cameron.
Cameron stood up with his back turned to Akasha.
Cameron
You're leaving.
Velis
Wait!
She burst into flames and was gone.
Akasha
Well that's no fun.
Akasha's hands were back to normal.
Arkain
We aren't having the best of luck, are we?
Arkain landed next to Cameron. He was facing Akasha.
Arkain
Haven't see you for awhile.
Akasha smiled.
Akasha
Well I suppose I can just kill you both and get this over with.
Cameron turned to face her.
Cameron
Where is Ilias?
Akasha
Excuse me?
Cameron
Where is Ilias?
Akasha
I don't think you'll have time to find him. You're going to die in a moment.
Syn
I disagree.
They all looked above them on the middle tower between them all.
Syn
Get out of here.
He said to Arkain and Cameron. They disappeared.
Akasha
Simon...
He dropped down in front of her leaving a small amount of space between them.
Akasha
You've finally found me. We have so much to discuss.
Syn raised his hand.
Syn
We don't. Your empty words will do nothing but fall on deaf ears.
Akasha felt her eyes begin to water up.
Akasha
Is there no way to reason with you?
Syn
None.
Akasha
Is it okay if I apologize?
Syn
If you must.
He dropped his cloak.
Syn
Release.
Akasha
I'm sorry...
Syn's hand began to grow into giant black claws.
Akasha
For everything.
Her claws began to grow again.


Ilias
If Iris broke through the barrier I put on you it would have interfered with my plans. Had I of told you the truth I am going to tell you now my plan would have been derailed.
Gemma nodded her head.
Ilias
For that reason I told you a few misleading things. I will clear that up.
He crossed his legs.
Ilias
First I'd like you to understand where we are. We are at the southern palace otherwise known as the Black City. You might be asking why you need to hear this again but I do believe you need to understand your new home better.
He ran his hand through his hair.
Ilias
The Black City is a three level palace.
Gemma
I had no idea.
Ilias
It's a complete secret. Another reason why Iris could never find out.
He chuckled.
Ilias
Not that it would truly matter now. One thing is certain, those who come here,
He looked at her straight in the eyes.
Ilias
Well, they come here to die.


Munro and Germ stood before Azusa, Kassle, and Kade while they were sitting down in front of them.
Munro
That was rather annoying.
Germ
To say the least. We were bested.
Munro
They were clones.
Germ
All the same.
Kade stood up.
Kade
They got you both as well?
They both nodded.
Kade
I fought the red demon.
Munro
And you lasted this long with the clone?
Kade nodded.
Germ
Impressive. Well then, now that we have a firm grasp on what they are capable of, shall we rejoin the fight?
Kade
I'm ready.
Munro
Let's go.
Germ
Mother and Kassle seem to be holding their own as clones. Once they wake up we'll be at full power.
Azusa
I'm already awake!
She stood up behind them.
Azusa
Someone powerful killed my clone.
Kade
I wonder who it might of been.
Munro
Why don't we go and find out?

Ilias
We are presently on the first floor. The living floor. It is where we, our allies, and our staff live.
Gemma
And below us?
Ilias
The 2nd floor is The Library. It consists of every book we could find written by the humanity. From Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Aquinas, to even more modern writers. When I say written I also mean music, movies, and even TV shows. You'll find I'm quite the collector. I created this part before I knew you'd be coming into my life. Sadly I felt the only people I'd have to keep me sane after all was said and done would be these fabricated ones. Fictional characters for my imagined heart. Nonetheless, I destroyed old humanity but I preserved their writings. For entertainment purposes mostly but I thought it would be nice to remember the little good that came from them.
Gemma
A little?
Ilias
Yes, a little. Fun fact, did you know Aristotle believed women were just incomplete men?
Gemma
I did not.
Ilias
He did. You'd think a man ahead of his time would have known better, right? I suppose not. Well, at least you've learned something. I digress though. The last part of this palace is the 3rd floor, also known as the Preservation Center.
Gemma
Preservation center? What exactly are you preserving here?
Ilias
Humans.

Darby
Was that necessary, Fallen?
Fallen
It doesn't matter.
Darby
Let us try and not be as destructive as they are.
Fallen
Fine.


Amros walked forward towards where he felt that powerful blast.
Pathion
Well, well, well, if it isn't the great Amros.
Pathion came into view.
Amros
Begone.
Everything in front of Amros was blown away by a powerful wind that destroyed the buildings in front and sent Pathion flying.

Fallen
That's him.
Darby
Amros has arrived?
Fallen nodded.
Fallen
That's where I take my leave. If I am correct he will be heading for Ximendos. You know what to do from there.
Darby nodded.
Darby
I will kill Orthak.
Fallen ran off.

A one armed Kassle stood in front of Hayden, Roselyn, and Nick.
Kassle
I'm outnumbered.
Roselyn
Surrender.
Kassle
I'm afraid I can't do that, beautiful.
Hayden
We don't want to kill you.
Kassle
Kill me?
Kassle put his hand on his face.
Kassle
Who do you think I am?
He charged. Roselyn pushed herself up on a layer of wood as Nick jumped back.
Hayden
Foolish.
Hayden's hand gracefully removed Kassle's other arm.
Kassle
Is that so?
The arm exploded into shards of sharp diamond that scattered everywhere.
Nick
Shit!
Nick fell to the ground.
Roselyn
Nick!
Roselyn sent a barrage of arrows towards Kassle.
Kassle
So juvenile.
A giant wall of diamond appeared and blocked every arrow.
Kassle
Is that the-
Hayden dropped down in front of him and grabbed Kassle by the neck.
Hayden
We're done here.
He ripped his throat out. Roselyn and Hayden ran over to Nick.
Nick
I'm okay.
He stood up.
Nick
I was able to block all scattering diamond with a thin piece of wood.
Roselyn
Thank goodness!
She hugged him.
Hayden
We still have work to do.
She let him go.
Roselyn
You stay close to me.
Azusa
How very sweet.
Hayden, Roselyn, and Nick all turned to see where the voice was coming from.
Azusa
Mother and son reunited.
Nick
She's still alive?
Hayden
The one I killed?
Azusa
You got it.

Velis picked up Malic's head.
Velis
Are you there, idiot?
Malic opened his eyes.
Malic
Where else would I be? Wow, you look like shit.
Velis
What else would I look like after a rumble with Akasha?
Malic
She won, didn't she?
Velis
Cameron stepped in.
Malic
Always saving the day that superman.
Velis
What happened to your body?
Malic
It's lying a bit behind you.
She turned around to walk towards his body.
Velis
Oh fuck.
Malic
What's wrong? Does my body look that bad?
Before her eyes stood a giant silver round shaped body with hundreds of silver cords. The middle of the circle body was a giant mouth with razor sharp teeth.
Malic
Velis? Hello, Velis?
It grabbed Malic's body and threw it into its mouth. Straight into the abyss. Tusa was fully released.


Ximendos
I wonder if he thought that would work.
Orthak screamed.
Ximendos
We should really kill him once and for all.


Vesper
Tusa, you idiot.
Pathion
We have a problem.
Vesper watched as Pathion walked out into her view.
Vesper
What is it?
Pathion
Amros is here and it seems like we're his enemies.
Vesper was silent for a moment.
Vesper
I suppose we are fighting him today also.
Pathion
If we must.
Vesper
A bigger problem is that Tusa has fully released himself.
Pathion
Figures. It was only a matter of time before that idiot did.
Vesper
He's the most unpredictable one out of us all. I don't know how we're going to get him back.
Pathion
So we lose a piece, oh well.
Vesper gave him a dirty look.
Pathion
Look, all I'm saying is we'll still be powerful without him.
Vesper
We won't be if we lose Syn as well.
Pathion became serious.
Pathion
Where is he?
Vesper
With her by now.
Pathion disappeared.
Vesper
Now to get Tusa.


Gemma
2 million people?
Gemma's mouth was wide open with horror.
Ilias
Yes. Down below us in our preservation chamber are water bubbles carrying children. They are my children.
Gemma
They aren't human.
Ilias
Oh but they are. They're simply better humans. I've made the only important reality mine. The humans below are all going to grow into beautiful and gentle humans.
Gemma
You have gone that far?
Ilias
Yes, Gemma. At first my plan was going to be with all the humans I have under my control now but a few weeks ago we realize that wasn't possible. They could not be saved. We started from scratch after that. We created humans beings in their perfect form.
Gemma
I can't believe this. It's just like eugenics.
Ilias
And so? What of it?
He sat forward.
Ilias
Humanity broke my heart.
Gemma could feel his anger.
Ilias
And so I destroyed it.
Gemma began to cry.
Gemma
Why didn't they have a choice?
Ilias
A choice? What use would that have been? Should I have given them the time to weigh in on the utilitarian aspects involved with this? Pray to their Gods for an answer? Or how about let them deny my existence like they did so many other things. The truth is there was something very wrong with the human race. You were told while living with them that peace was thriving. A lie.
He chuckled.
Ilias
Just empty words for the easily fooled. There was no peace. Just a world on the brink of war. Every side just waiting for another to accept their sheer annihilation.
Gemma
Isn't that some kind of peace though?
Ilias
If you wanted to kill me, and I pointed a gun at you, would you say we are at peace? I hardly think so. You'd have to admit the only thing keeping you from ending my life is my gun pointed at your heart. If that's the case, what peace did the world have? None at all. Simply hundreds of countries with smaller guns watching the one giant one hold them all in line. How pathetic.
He laughed.
Ilias
How pathetic humans are. I'm sure if the Solace Empire would have given them time to understand the threat they faced they would have rallied together against us. Even more pathetic, don't you think?
Gemma didn't say anything.
Ilias
When an unknown invader threatens humanity they remember they're human. They use that as some sort of device to unite them. When the danger is gone they forget about that bond. They forget they're all humans. I won't let them forget again. Never.
Gemma
You should have given them a choice!
Ilias
No! Their opinions mean nothing. I may hate my father but he taught me a few valuable lessons growing up. Be careful of the choices you make for they will follow you till the end. Humanity made its bed and now it will die in it. The humans I possess now will nurture my new humans to their fullest potential.
Gemma
Is this what you truly wanted?
Ilias
Yes, it is. I've done it, Gemma. I killed it all. I've done away with religion, economic systems that deprive the poor and empower the rich, rape, genocide, and more. I'm creating the perfect world. As you know, I made this world into a desert. Now I shall make it the Garden of Eden God wish he made himself. The difference is this time, if I do lay out the fruits of knowledge, they will know better than to eat from that tree. A wise man once said that if humans were angels they would no longer need government.
Gemma listened.
Ilias
Well, soon they will be angels. Soon they will be free.

Germ
It seems as if you thought the Christ family was so easily defeated.
Hayden
Forgive us, we know very little about your kind.
Azusa laughed.
Azusa
So you are the elf we've heard so much about. Interesting, to say the least.
Nick
The smaller two are mine.
Nick walked past Hayden.
Roselyn
Don't be so haste.
Azusa
Listen to mommy!
Roselyn
She's mine.
Hayden
That leaves me with none.
Kassle
You can have at me again.
Kassle walked into view behind them.
Kassle
As the strongest of the Christ family it is my duty to fight you, Hayden of the Elf.
Hayden
Do you think you can win?
Kassle
No, but that means nothing to me.
He disappeared.
Azusa
And so it begins!
Azusa put her hands together and a wave of pink energy flew towards Roselyn, Hayden, and Nick.
Munro
Must you be so idiotic, mother?
Nick landed behind Munro. He swung his sword at Munro's head but the sword turned into water.
Germ
That won't work again.
Nick punched Munro in the face and he fell to the ground.
Nick
Shit!
Nick's feet were cemented into the ground.
Germ
Never let your guard down. Even if it means for a petty punch.
Roselyn
Nick!
Roselyn jumped towards Nick but Azusa got in the way.
Azusa
Let's play!
A giant wall appeared and blocked Roselyn's path.
Germ
Thought your mother would save you?
Munro stood up.
Munro
What a cheap shot.
The wall burst into rubble. They all turned.
Hayden
If he won't show himself, I'll have to deal with you all.
Azusa
Puta madre!
The floor below her turned into giant cannons and blasted red beams at Hayden. Roselyn's arrows flew towards Azusa but Munro's purple shield blocked them.
Munro
Is this all they can muster?
The ground in front of Azusa shattered as Hayden landed on it. A white object flew forward into Azusa's thigh.
Azusa
What the fuck!
She fell to one knee.
Azusa
Can't a girl catch some slack around here.
Germ
Too much noise here.
Germ, Munro, and Nick disappeared.
Roselyn
Nick!
Roselyn landed behind Azusa where Nick had just stood.
Azusa
You won't find him, whore.
Azusa spat blood on the floor.
Roselyn
Is that so?
She walked up and pulled out her blade.
Roselyn
Let's just end you already.
As she thrust the blade towards her neck Kassle appeared and stopped the blade with with his foot.
Kassle
Play nice, red head.
A giant gash appeared on Roselyn's chest. She fell to the ground.
Kassle
Women have no class these days.
Hayden
And your mother does?
Kassle
Can you keep up?
Kassle disappeared again
Azusa
You won't find him!
Hayden set his foot on her shoulder and pushed her onto her back.
Hayden
Not another word out of you.
A gash appeared on Hayden's back.
Hayden
It might have worked on Roselyn.
He reached to the right of him and caught Kassle by the neck.
Hayden
But it won't work on me.
Kassle
Impressive.
Hayden
Time to die.
Velis flew into Hayden knocking him down so that Kassle was released.
Kassle
Excellent timing.
Hayden stood up quickly.
Hayden
Explain yourself, Velis.
Velis lied on the floor with Malic's head.
Hayden
I said-
He noticed her eyes wide in horror. He turned to see the gray monster behind him.
Hayden
What is that?
Kassle and Azusa stared in wonder at it as well.
Azusa
Keir!
Keir appeared on her shoulder.
Keir
What do you want?
Azusa
My leg!
Keir healed her leg.
Keir
It might be best if you retreated.
He sent a green blast at Hayden that knocked him down.
Keir
That's the best I can do for now.
He disappeared.
Kassle
Let us go, mother.
Kassle and Azusa ran off. Roselyn sent a barrage of arrows at the gray monster.
Malic
That won't hurt it. Tusa of the Syn clan stands before you fully released.
Hayden
We'll have to deal with this.
The monster began to slowly move forward.
Malic
It's ugly, isn't it?


Ilias
I must also make it clear that things are changing. What was once said means nothing in the present time. I once told you that Arkain would have to die. This was a lie. Not only was this a lie to keep my sister at bay, it was also said to see how far you'd go for me.
Gemma
A test?
Ilias
So to speak. The truth is Arkain is a valuable piece to our plans. Both him and Cameron are essential keys to getting all this done.
Gemma
And why is that?
Ilias
I'll tell you in a moment.
Gemma
Why not now?
Ilias
You'll see. Give it a few minutes.

Ximendos
I knew you'd come, Amros.
Amros stood twenty feet away from Ximendos.
Amros
You couldn't hide forever, Amron.
Ximendos laughed.
Ximendos
Still calling me by my human name, are you? Grown attached or something, Amros?
Amros smiled.
Amros
Not at all. I don't allow myself to be ruled by such things. Detachment, you should try it sometime.
Ximendos feigned a yawn.
Ximendos
I'll have to pass, my brother.
Amros shrugged.
Amros
Very well.
Ximendos
So I think it's clear this battle will be short and precise, correct?
Amros
Correct.
Ximendos
So we might as well skip the games and get straight to business.
From Ximendos' cloak began to appear a black sword.
Ximendos
After fighting Kegan I've been so eager to use some of my power.
Amros
You won't be using it for long. It's time to put you at rest with mother.
Ximendos went cold.
Ximendos
How dare you speak of her.
A white sword appeared in the right hand of Amros.
Amros
I'm ready when you are.
Ximendos smiled.
Ximendos
I'm always ready, brother.

Cameron
I don't think Ilias is here.
Arkain opened the last door in the hallway.
Arkain
Not in here either.
Cameron
We have to find Fallen and tell him.
They turned to where they had came from and there stood Fallen.
Arkain
There you are!
Cameron
Ilias isn't here.
Fallen
I know.
Fallen opened his mouth and a white beam of energy swallowed Cameron and Arkain.

Munro
We aren't going to kill you.
Nick's arms were now cemented to the ground as well.
Germ
We'll leave that to someone more close to your heart.
Nick was confused by these words.
Munro
Take a look.
Germ
It might blow your mind.
And then Nick saw what they were talking about. Walking up to him was someone he didn't think he'd see again. Not in this world at least.
Nick
Steven...

Ilias walked with Gemma down the main hall. Alarms began to fill the air.
Ilias
An attack already?
Gemma
You should have been better prepared.
Ilias
Our ship must have been followed.
They entered the control room. Amya was inside with Luna.
Ilias
What's the problem?
Luna
We're being attacked.
Ilias
By whom?
Luna
I don't know. Our cameras just show our shields being bombarded by giant red beams.
Ilias
Gear units?
Luna
These blasts are too powerful.
Ilias
So could you figure it out?
Amya
I know who it is.
They all turned to Amya.
Ilias
And you speak just now?
Amya
I was trying to sense his energy clearly. It is him indeed.
Ilias
Who?
Amya
You've met him before. He is the most talented student I ever worked with.
Ilias
I have no time for your praising words for an enemy.
Amya
I'll go confront and kill him.
Amya walked towards the door.
Amya
It is only fitting that a master fight their student. I just didn't think it would be so soon.
She laughed.
Amya
Leave it to Grey Kasper to do the unpredictable.

Ilias walked into a giant white room holding Gemma's hand.
Ilias
Now that Amya is taking care of that we can do what we have to do.
Gemma
Where are we now?
Ilias
We are in our prisoner area. Our main room.
There was a white flash.
Gemma
What's going on?
Ilias let go of her hand and sat her in her seat.
Ilias
Our guests have arrived.
Fallen
Well, there you have it.
Ilias
Excellent.
Gemma looked towards where she heard Fallen's voice.
Gemma
It can't be...
Before her eyes, in the blurry gray and black, she saw two perfectly clear bodies, Arkain and Cameron.