Malic
Are you serious?
Malic rolled his head to the side.
Malic
You're serious.
He took a breath.
Malic
Just great, I had to be left behind.
He held his breath. Four silver cords burst from the bottom of his neck. He picked himself up like a spider.
Malic
Let's go find the others.
Iris
What's the situation?
General
They've lost almost their entire fleet.
Iris
That's good news.
General
Also, on approach is another dragon.
Iris' eyes shot open.
Iris
What color is it?
The general clicked a few buttons on the keyboard in front of him and a white dragon came onto the screen flying towards the palace.
Iris
Ayn...
Airship's AI
Destination will be reached in ten minutes.
Ilias
Thank you.
Ilias sat on his chair watching the sky fly by in front of him.
Ilias
(She is going to be an annoyance.)
Nick picked up Steven's book that Munro had dropped.
Roselyn
What's that?
Nick
A book that belonged to my friend.
Roselyn
What's it doing here?
Nick
The empire had it.
After a brief moment of silence Roselyn spoke.
Roselyn
Let's go find the others.
Ayn extended her wings and flew into the nearest group of Gears.
Emmylou
What do we do?
Luciana
We fight!
They fired on at the two dragons to no avail.
Conor
Looks like this is it.
Nicholas
Fall back!
They all rallied to Nicholas' unit.
Nicholas
Conor, take Emmylou and go!
Conor
We can't just fucking leave you guys!
Emmylou
Conor!
Nya turned her gaze on Conor's unit.
Nicholas
Fly, you fools!
Conor and Emmylou ignited their jet packs and took to the sky in retreat.
Emmylou
Stay alive, mom...Nicholas.
Luciana and Nicholas fought with their last three hundred units.
General
Two units have broken off from the pack.
Iris
I noticed.
General
Shall we follow them?
Iris
No, leave them be. I've told Nya to focus on the others. Those two are meaningless.
General
As you wish, my lord.
Iris walked out of the room.
Iris
(Brother sent Ayn to help me. What a kind gift.)
Hayden
What business does the king of the elf have in the realm of the humans?
Hayden and Amros stood down the small steps of stairs from Ximendos and Godlin.
Godlin
My son you haven't changed a bit. What business do I have here? The extermination of the human race is my business.
Hayden
And how is that?
Godlin
To make sure they remain extinct. So when the book is closed we the elf may populate these lands.
Hayden
It looks like you've changed, father. Once I knew an elf of great power that stood in awe at the human race. How gentle they are, so fragile, you used to say. Now you stand before me a predator.
Hayden took one step forward.
Hayden
When did you sell yourself to Ximendos?
Godlin laughed.
Godlin
Your intelligence never fails, my son. It was a long time ago that a young boy by the name of Amron set foot in my palace. His eyes were innocent and his will was unlike one I've ever seen before. One does not sell themselves to this man.
He glanced over at Ximendos.
Godlin
One simply gives themselves over. I am now a soldier of the Solace Empire.
Ximendos clapped his hands together.
Ximendos
You fools are outmatched.
Amros
That doesn't change anything.
Amros turned to Hayden.
Amros
If I'm correct, not even I can fight him.
Hayden nodded.
Hayden
He is my opponent.
Amros nodded.
Amros
Ximendos is mine.
They both looked back at their opponents.
Hayden
I ran away from your kingdom because I killed to save you. I'll destroy that very place after I kill you now, father.
Hayden's voice did not shake.
Godlin
You cannot reenter the world of the elf.
Hayden
You're wrong. Even you should know the laws of Kon.
Ximendos looked at Godlin confused.
Godlin
I almost forgot.
He turned to Ximendos.
Godlin
If he can kill me, he'd gain access to our home world.
Ximendos
What a foolish law.
Hayden
Are you ready?
Godlin nodded.
Hayden
I hope you are aware you are no king here.
Hayden flew forward.
Amya caught her breath.
Amya
(He's so powerful. I'm down to eighty percent of my power.)
Grey landed in front of her.
Grey
Are you done running?
Amya
I was never running.
The sand from all around them rose. Seneca a flew over them and blasted down in the box of sand.
Kegan
(Now!)
The vine attached to his foot vanished. He landed on his feet in the giant jungle.
Supriya
Idiot!
Kegan
I found him! Follow me.
He ran forward as she followed. Merdos and Masato did nothing but cut through the entire jungle.
Kegan
I need to send out a marker for the others.
Supriya
Let me handle that.
Red dust formed in her hand, she blew it out behind her.
Kegan
Very nice.
They continued on. Forest sat down on his wooden throne.
Forest
Come my new friends. I welcome you.
Suri
Why won't you kill me?
Iris
I don't feel like it right now.
She said as she walked in.
Iris
I'll probably end up doing it when brother comes.
Suri
You're pathetic.
Iris
I'm not the one who was defeated, was I?
She laughed.
Arkain
This is too weird.
Cameron
I've seen stranger things happen before.
Arkain
I don't think I'll ever get used to this shit.
Cameron didn't say anything.
Arkain
How long you think we'll really be trapped in here?
Cameron shrugged.
Arkain
I wish Suri was here. Not that I don't like your company, I just haven't seen her in so long.
Cameron
You don't count your encounter with Orthak as one.
He chuckled.
Arkain
No. I haven't told anyone but I miss her a lot.
Cameron
That's cute.
Arkain
Don't make fun of me. I'm serious.
Cameron
I didn't say you weren't and I wasn't making fun of you.
Cameron opened his eyes.
Cameron
You'll see her when this is all over.
Arkain
You think so?
Cameron
Yes, so long as she makes it through this as well.
Arkain
I'm sure she will. She's a strong one. I don't think anyone can kill her.
Cameron
Let's hope you are correct.
Cameron thought of Velis.
Gwen
Who are you?
Gemma stood before the Four Winds.
Gemma
My name is Gemma.
Cash
You are the one that was with Ilias.
Gemma nodded.
Gwen
How precious! Are you and him dating?
Gemma
He's my husband.
Gwen fell on the floor.
Gwen
Oh it's so beautiful!
She got back up and grabbed Gemma by the hand.
Gwen
Oh my, tell me all about it! I want to know how you met, what you first thought about him, the first time you kissed, your first date, how he told you he loved you, when you got married, about the se-
Luck
You're doing that thing again, Gwen.
Gwen turned around.
Gwen
What thing?
Luck
Talking.
Gwen's face became ugly. She turned back to Gemma.
Gwen
They just don't understand. So tell me!
Renn
Leave the girl alone.
Gwen
Fine.
She said in a sad voice. She went and sat by Renn.
Cash
What brings you down the library?
Gemma
I wanted to see some books.
Luck
Be our guest. Ilias has created the greatest library in human history.
Gemma walked past them.
Gwen
I'll talk to you later!
Hayden's fist was caught by Godlin and then he was sent flying by flick of Godlin's hand.
Amros
(That powerful? He sent Hayden flying. This is going to be dangerous.)
Ximendos
It's never too late to run away, Amros.
He smiled.
Amros
Never too late to fly either.
Amros smacked his hands together.
Amros
Prana!
A gust of wind so powerful flew past Amros and sent Ximendos and the buildings behind him flying. Godlin stood his place.
Godlin
I do not fear your wind.
Amros drew his sword and charged Godlin. He swung and Godlin lifted his arm to block it. There was a burst of energy and Amros was sent back.
Ximendos
How amazing!
Ximendos landed next to Godlin.
Ximendos
You two are powerless against him. I should have done this years ago.
Hayden flew by and his feet landed on Godlin's chest. Godlin moved by almost ten feet.
Ximendos
What?
Hayden tried to grab Ximendos but Ximendos ran forward towards a fallen Amros.
Godlin
You are not capable of hurting me.
Hayden swung his arm forward and a blue blast of energy engulfed Godlin.
Ximendos and Amros clashed their swords together. Hayden came up from behind Ximendos.
Ximendos
I don't think so!
A green orb of energy formed around Ximendos and exploded.
Kade jumped back as a silver cord hit the box he had just planted.
Kade
Damn!
Kassle
Looks like our plans are ruined.
Kassle and Kade looked down upon Malic's head.
Malic
Up to no good, were you? Looks like I saved the day.
Kade
It's the silver serpent. More like the brown head, right Kassle?
Kassle nodded.
Malic
Shut your mouth! I'm just in a bit of a bind right now!
Malic shot out a cord at Kassle and Kassle caught it with his right hand.
Kassle
Don't insult me, you filthy head. You are not worth my time.
Kassle disappeared.
Kade
Look, you made him leave! Damn you Malic for ruining our fun.
Kade disappeared.
Malic
I won!
Azusa, Keir, Munro, and Germ all appeared within the base of the humans.
Azusa
Interesting place to hide.
Keir
Not really.
Munro
Can you two ever agree on something?
Germ walked forward.
Germ
There is a significantly different amount of people here.
Germ turned to Munro.
Germ
The humans went to war.
A bright light flashed and blinded them all.
Munro
We've been found!
Ayn and Nya were both hit by rockets from jets.
Nicholas
Reinforcements!
Luciana
We only have six jets and ten helicopters.
The dragons fell to the ground.
Nicholas
Yes but their accuracy is higher than ours. We've been scrambling to get shots that we've missed almost every time.
Nya bit into one jet creating a small explosion. Ayn roared.
Nicholas
To the palace!
The last three hundred units made their way to the castle as the dragons were distracted.
Grey landed on top of Seneca.
Grey
(Die, creature!)
A red beam erupted into Seneca's head. As the giant bird fell to the ground Grey jumped off towards Amya. Amya made a wall of sand to block his impact. Grey burst through it and his energy blasted Amya away.
Kegan
So you're the gardener?
Forest
I prefer to be called the garden.
Supriya
Who are you?
Forest stood up.
Forest
I am the earth.
Kegan
Is that so?
Forest
Yes.
Kegan
Guess we're killing the Earth, Supriya.
Supriya
Guess so.
Kegan raised his hand and all the ground above them disappeared. The setting sun was now above them. Merdos and Masato landed next to them.
Forest
You are the magicians they spoke of.
Kegan and Supriya nodded.
Forest
You can't kill me.
He fell back and he disappeared into the ground.
Forest
I am this planet.
They heard from the ground.
Amya sat on the floor.
Amya
Nice hit.
Grey stood across from her.
Grey
I was going to get you eventually.
Amya
Amazing how the outcome of a battle could be decided so quickly.
He nodded.
Amya
I taught you well. I taught you better than I taught myself.
Grey walked forward.
Grey
That you did.
Seneca landed next to them. She blasted the entire area where Grey stood.
Amya
Foolish boy.
She lied on her back.
Amya
(Half of my energy exhausted. Perhaps I am the weakest of my siblings.)
She turned her head to see Grey blasting at Seneca.
Amya
(Or is it just because I had the worst opponent any of us could have?)
Forest
Stand up, my love.
Amya closed her eyes.
Amya
You came.
Forest
Always.
Amya
I would have died here if you weren't with us.
Forest
Join me, Amya of the leaf.
Amya turned into sand.
Darby
What is this?
Darby walked up to Syn, Pathion, Vesper, and Syn all standing together.
Syn
Things have changed, Darby.
Darby
You've forgiven her?
Syn nodded.
Syn
I have.
Akasha
Everything is alright now, Darby. We're all together again.
Darby
You are okay with this, Pathion, Vesper?
They both nodded.
Fallen
It's a good thing I'm not.
Fallen appeared at the feet of Darby.
Fallen
I don't like this at all.
Darby was no longer licking his paw.
Darby
By default that means they are allies of the empire.
Fallen
Exactly.
Syn
There is no need for violence. We will leave without interrupting your plans.
Fallen growled.
Fallen
Who the fuck do you think I am? You made a deal with me, Syn.
None of them had ever seen Fallen like this. Pathion and Vesper stood in front of Syn.
Syn
The deals off, Fallen. What more can I say?
Fallen
Foolish man with the heart of a child. Akasha always knew this would happen.
Akasha didn't say anything.
Fallen
I always saw this as a possibility but I thought if you'd kill her first we wouldn't have to go here.
Syn
What do you plan on doing?
Pathion
Calm down, Fallen.
Vesper
We are not your enemy.
Fallen
Shut up! I was not speaking to Syn's puppets.
Pathion and Vesper were now angry.
Fallen
You've left me with no choice other than to deal with you all.
Syn
How can you possibly take on five of us?
Darby
Five?
They all looked at Darby.
Darby
My allegiance is to Fallen.
Pathion's fangs were now showing.
Syn
Always knew he'd be the one to betray our clan.
Darby
No, Simon, you betrayed us. You betrayed us for her.
Syn didn't respond to him.
Syn
If this is the way it's going to be, so be it. You can't kill us, Fallen.
Fallen
You are correct. I can't kill you.
Fallen stepped forward.
Fallen
I'll make you wish you didn't have the power to regenerate though.
Darby's sword his the ground.
Fallen
One more thing, did you forget that Darby can actually kill you?
His sword turned black.
Darby
My sword of rebirth.
They all looked at Darby's sword with a bit of fear in their hearts.
Soldier on intercom
They are trying to invade the palace again.
Iris rubbed her head.
Iris
Kill them all.
Suri
Why don't you do it yourself?
Iris turned to Suri.
Iris
Even you know my power is pretty low right now.
Suri
Afraid of dying?
Iris
I won't deny it.
Suri
Why are you doing all this, Iris? Why are you trying to kill all these humans?
Iris
We're all fighting for someone we love. There is no going back on that. In the moment we decided this would be our path, we left something behind. We're all fighting for someone. We all left something behind.
Suri
You're right.
Iris and Suri agreed.
Hayden stood above a sitting Amros.
Hayden
Are you okay?
Amros
Yes.
Hayden
Your wound is still bleeding.
Hayden healed it.
Hayden
You're at seventy percent of your power.
Amros
I'm aware.
Hayden
I don't know if we can beat them.
Amros
That doesn't matter.
Amros stood up.
Amros
If we die, we die.
Hayden
That is what we decided. I almost forgot.
They ran back to the fight.
Ximendos fired at them both as they ran towards them.
Godlin
I'll handle this.
Godlin shot forward. His fist connected with Hayden's stomach. He grabbed Hayden by the hair so that Hayden wasn't sent flying. He tried to grabbed Hayden's neck but Hayden grabbed his hand. He kicked Godlin in the face and he was released. Amros hit Godlin with his wind slashes. If this was anyone else, they would have been cut into pieces.
Godlin
Fool!
Godlin spun kicked and barely missed Amros. Amros blasted him with a white beam of energy.
Godlin
You are nothing!
Godlin walked through the beam and tried to grab Amros by the neck but Hayden smacked his hand down and then kicked him back into the beam of energy. Ximendos landed behind Amros. His sword entered slashed across his back. Amros fell to the ground. Hayden grabbed the hand that held the sword and Ximendos dropped it in pain. Hayden head butted Ximendos and he fell to the floor.
Hayden
You can't keep this up.
Hayden healed him again.
Amros
I'm having the time of my life.
Amros stood up and slammed his hands on the floor next to Ximendos' body. A giant twister appeared and sucked Ximendos in. Hayden and Godlin flew past Amros.
Amros
(Hayden can't keep this up. Godlin is a God.)
Nick
Malic?
Malic
That would be me. Oh shit, what is Roselyn doing with you?
Nick
She's my mom.
Nick picked up Malic's head from the ground.
Roselyn
What happened to you?
Malic
Fat monster ate my body.
Nick
Today has been a long day. Where's Velis?
Malic
I don't know, actually. One moment I was in her arms, the next I was on the floor.
Roselyn now was able to focus on the powers that were waging around them.
Roselyn
We are in trouble.
Malic
I know, I can feel it.
Roselyn
I've never felt such power before. It even surpasses Hayden. Who can it be?
Nick
Ximendos?
Malic
No, his is there too.
Roselyn
I also feel another great power as well.
Malic
It's right next to Akasha's and the Syn clans!
Nick
Let's go!
Nick ran off towards where he felt Vesper's power.
Luciana
We've lost all our aircraft.
Nicholas
We'll have to deal with this now. The dragons can't enter the palace.
They fired over the barrier at the Gears units of the empire. Nya and Ayn both stood together on the palace peaks.
Arkain
You can't tell me you don't miss Velis.
Cameron didn't say anything.
Arkain
I'll take your silence as you admitting it.
Cameron
And so?
Arkain
What?
Cameron
What if I do miss her?
Arkain
Well, it's okay to admit it. There is nothing wrong with that. Did I say there was? Nope.
Cameron
When the going got tough I sent Velis away from the Empire's palace. Right now she's back on the beach with a barrier around her.
Arkain
If only I could do that for Suri.
Cameron
Suri isn't as reckless as Velis.
Arkain nodded in agreement.
Arkain
Still, I wish I knew she was okay.
Cameron
We already went over this. She probably is.
Arkain
I'm not even sure I can trust myself.
Cameron
If that's so, what do you do from there? Where do you go when it gets dark? Who do you trust when you can't even trust yourself?
Arkain paused for a moment.
Arkain
I can trust you, Cameron.
Cameron opened his eyes. Although he wasn't surprised this was an answer, he was surprised it was actually said.
Cameron
And I you, Arkain. And I you.
Cameron closed his eyes again.
Cameron
When we can't trust ourselves, trust in each other. That will get us through.
And then Cameron felt it. His barrier go up with a power that was not apart of his party.
Velis sat down staring at the sun meeting the ocean. She held Arkain's camera in her hands tightly.
Velis
You guys better be okay out there.
Ilias
No need to worry,
Velis stood up and turned around quickly.
Ilias
They are as okay as they could possibly be.
Velis
What are you doing here?
Ilias
I've come to retrieve a thorn in my side.
Velis knew he was talking about her.
Velis
What the hell do you want from me?
Ilias
A way to get Cameron to work with me.
Velis laughed.
Velis
That shipped sailed a long time ago. What makes you think he'd work with you again? Especially after you betrayed him.
Ilias pointed at Velis.
Ilias
You.
Velis went silent.
Ilias
You're all I need.
He sat on the rock closest to him.
Ilias
What would Cameron be running from? He wanted the humans dead, they're dead. He wants my father dead, he'll be dead. I don't see where our interests collide.
Velis
He also wants you dead. I think you forgot that part.
Ilias
He can't have that, unfortunately. What he can have though, is power. Cameron and Arkain would be apart of The Cloud.
Velis
The Cloud? What kind of stupid name is that?
Ilias
The New Order? How many times can something be knew after humanity has been around for so long?
Velis
Touche.
Ilias
That's not important though. What's important is that you come with me.
Velis
And if I refuse? Will you kill me?
Ilias
As much as I'd like to do so, no. I'd beat you half to death if you'd like.
Velis
I'm not complaining.
Ilias
Oh Velis, still as idiotic as ever. Will you ever grow up?
Velis
Can't say I will. My heart grows but my mind stays the same.
Ilias
Your heart grows? I'm going to assume you and Cameron have taken it to the next level.
Velis
You got it!
She gave him a thumbs up.
Ilias
As disgusting as that sounds, congratulations.
Velis
Thanks.
Ilias
To put it frankly, I never had a problem with you, Velis. Out of all the Empire I liked you and Malic the best. I'd like for both of you, if he's still alive, to return to me.
Velis
I used to like you too. When you and Cameron were small, those were the days. You two were like no other kids I had ever seen. Then you grew up. Maybe that's why I'm afraid of growing up. I might turn into something similar to you. That worries me, Ilias. As for returning to you? No can do, brother bear. That's not an option for us.
Ilias put his hand on his forehead to cover is annoyed self.
Ilias
Is that final?
Velis
As it can be.
Ilias
If that's the case, I will return to my palace and let Cameron know.
Velis
You have Cameron?
Ilias
And Arkain.
Velis
How did you manage that? They were at the Empire.
Ilias
Fallen plays a great role as friend, doesn't he? He really has a talent for it.
Velis
I should have known. That little bastard.
Ilias
We all play our part. Sort of how I played the enemy? Sort of how you played the enemy?
Velis
Shut up already. I think we're through here.
Ilias
Not in least. I didn't want to say this but if you don't come with me, I'll be forced to tell Cameron.
Velis' eyes opened wide.
Velis
You son of a bitch!
Ilias
She is one, I can't argue with that.
Velis
You wouldn't.
Ilias
Oh but I would. What's to keep me from doing so?
Velis
I'll fight you.
Ilias
You'll die and I'll still tell him. How sad, soiled memories.
Velis
You have no heart!
Ilias
I do, yet it's not the same color as yours. Save it, I don't care to argue with you anymore. Cameron will know, Cameron will know if you decide to go against me. No one wants Cameron knowing the truth about the night he lost everything. The night he lost him.
Velis was silent for almost two minutes.
Ilias
And the verdict?
Velis
I'm going with you, asshole.
Ilias
There was no other way.
Velis
Seems like it. I'm just making sure that what we left behind stays there.
Ilias
So long as you follow my every order, it will.
Velis
Why don't you just use your mind control on me?
Ilias laughed.
Ilias
Oh because this is much better. Much better.
