Chapter Sixty-Nine: Far Less than We Knew

Ilias sat on his chair in the pilot area with Velis standing by the controls as it rose to the sky.
Velis
Nice ship you got here. I don't remember it being a part of the Empire's arsenal.
Ilias
You don't know a lot. Don't let that worry you, no one but me really does.
Velis ran her hand across the control panel.
Ilias
Be careful with that, wouldn't want to bring the ship down.
She gave him a funny look.
Ilias
Just get away from there. Knowing you that would be your plan of action.
Velis turned around.
Velis
Where are we going?
Ilias
What business is it of yours?
Velis
I'm a guest of yours, Ilias, be nice.
Ilias chuckled.
Ilias
I'd hardly call you a guest.
Velis
Prisoner?
Ilias
No, not that either. How about an unwanted accomplice?
Velis shrugged.
Velis
That works.
Ilias
Now shut up.
Intercom
Rerouting destination. Western palace in thirty minutes.
Ilias motioned his hand to go.
Velis
It talks too?
Ilias
It does a lot. You should sit.
Velis sat at the nearest chair next to her.
Ilias
Have you been on the beach this whole time?
Velis nodded.
Velis
No, Cameron sent me there. I was fighting Akasha-
Ilias
And you lost.
Velis
I guess-
Ilias
No, you did.
Velis
Whatever! Anyways, I had just lost against her and Cameron showed up.
Ilias
Always saving your ass, isn't he?
Velis
Can I finish?
He motioned her to continue.
Velis
Well next thing I know I was transferred here.
Ilias
I see. What was the situation like before you arrived here?
Velis
Fucked up. That paint the picture for you? We went to war. Come on, what's with the stupid questions?
Ilias
Just a way to feed my curiosity. Must you always be so hostile?
Velis
I have no reason to be nice to you! You're blackmailing me for Buddha's sake!
Ilias
What do you gain from being so cruel?
Velis laughed.
Velis
You wrote the book on that, ass hat. What do I gain from not being so cruel? Nothing. So I really don't care.
Ilias rested his face on his hand.
Ilias
You really have a tongue on you.
She stuck her tongue out.
Ilias
One day I'll cut it out.
She pulled it in slowly.
Ilias
Until then, I suppose we'll have to do our best to remain civil with one another.
Velis
Fuck off.
Ilias
Troll harder, Velis.
He winked at her.

Iris
Pin them down. Make sure they just stay there until my brother arrives.
Soldier
Yes, Princess Iris.
Suri
You ever think this is wrong?
Iris turned around.
Iris
Pardon?
Suri
You ever think that what you're doing is wrong?
Iris shrugged.
Iris
No need. It is my father's will, so it must be done.
Suri
That's it? That's all you got?
Iris turned away.
Iris
What more does there have to be?
Suri
How about your own free will?
Iris
No such thing.
Suri
What?
Iris
There is no such thing as free will.
Suri
How can you say that?
Iris
Because it's true. All is predetermined. We are simply puppets in a play.
She turned to face Suri again.
Iris
Unfortunately for us we've developed this sense of importance. We are the only puppets in the show that are able to understand it. Who can see the strings. I use this as a metaphor, however. There is no guiding hand, no being that writes this story. We are governed by causality and that is that. What happens is how things only could have happened. There is no free will. It was all just an illusion.
Suri
Bullshit!
Iris
Could you have chosen for your mother to live? Could you really have chosen to not leave with Hayden when you did? Oh we know that. Could you have chosen a different life? One without power and responsibility? One without Arkain?
Suri was silent.
Iris
No, no you couldn't have. You were trapped in this from the moment you came out of your mother. Wish it were different? Wish this was all different? That we never met? That you could have lived a normal life with your parents? Or that you could have been a mindless corpse my brother controls? Or could it be you wish you could have died in the Cleansing Process so your misery could have ended quickly? Whatever it is, you didn't choose it. None of it. Even coming here today. Even this conversation.
Iris laughed a very low and evil laugh.
Iris
You didn't even choose to love Arkain.
Iris turned around and started to type on the computer. After a brief moment of silence.
Suri
You're right.
Iris stopped typing.
Suri
I couldn't stop my mother from dying. I didn't even know it was happening when it did. I couldn't stop my father from killing her or trying to kill me. Didn't even have a choice whether or not to leave with Hayden. I couldn't have chosen to not have these powers, this responsibility. No way to keep Arkain, Conor, Nicholas, Emmylou, and Ian safe. It has all been out of my own hands. In retrospect, it has seemed just as all you've said. You know what, maybe I didn't even choose to fall in love with Arkain. I just did.
Iris turned around slowly.
Suri
But none of that matters. Whether we acknowledge this world is bound by determinism or free will is meaningless. I don't care if I made those choices freely, I don't care if they were forced without my approval. They happened. That's all that matters to me. If me choosing it as so is an illusion, so fucking be it. I don't care. For if I didn't choose to love Arkain, to cherish Conor, Emmylou, Ian, or love my dad, what does that mean to my life? I didn't make the choice freely but one things for damn sure, I love them and this philosophy, that I agree with, has only strengthen my bond to them. It has only showed me that they belong in my life whether I like it or not!
Iris clapped softly.
Iris
What a beautiful little speech. It almost brought me to tears. You know, in a different time we might have been friends. You and I are a lot alike.
Suri didn't respond.
Iris
It's a shame you have to die.

Fallen stood in front of a now flat surface. He had wiped out all the buildings around him. Darby landed next to him.
Darby
You could have hit me.
Fallen
I know where I'm aiming. Let's kill them and get this over with.
Pathion and Vesper landed in front of them. Pathion charged quickly and tried to punch Darby but Darby blocked. He swung his sword at Pathion and Pathion jumped to the side. Pathion put his hands together and a giant red beam hit the ground between them.
Vesper
(Keep them busy.)
Vesper lurched back.
Vesper
Ocean spread!
Waves of water shot through her mouth to the ground and it all began to flood.
Darby
The water's thick, Fallen.
Fallen
I can feel it. She thinks she'll have an advantage this way. Arrogant bitch.
Akasha appeared above Fallen and Fallen blasted up quickly sending her up into the sky.
Fallen
Stay alert, they plan to attack one at a time.
Darby
I'm aware. I used to be one of them, remember?
Darby jumped up onto the water and ran towards Vesper.
Darby
(Sadly, you'll be the first to go.)
He slashed at her and she turned into water.
Vesper
You're a fool, Darby.
Pathion shot out of the water and pulled Darby down under by the waist.
Akasha
Lighting storm!
Giant shots of lighting began to rain down upon the entire area. Fallen ran across the water to dodge.
Darby
(This isn't good.)
Pathion tried to bite Darby but Darby punched him in the face. He then grabbed Pathion by the neck crushed his throat. Pathion fell back.
Vesper
The water is too much for you.
Darby felt himself being pushed into a ball.
Darby
(Flaming earth!)
The entire area around him was engulfed by a circle of black flames.
Fallen
Welcome back!
Darby stood on the hard ground for a moment before the water began to cover again.
Darby
They'll have to do better than that.
Suddenly four beams of energy shot his way. An array of colors filled the sky.
Fallen
You alright over there?
When the mist cleared Darby stood with his sword raised to his chest.
Darby
My sword will protect me.
Syn appeared next to Darby and grabbed his wrist that held the sword.
Syn
What if you have no hands? Sodom!
Darby's hands fell to the ground and his sword disappeared. Syn's tail wrapped around Darby's body.
Darby
(I expect nothing less.)
Darby burst into flames. Syn jumped back in pain.
Syn
(I really do wish he'd release himself.)
A ball of white energy hit Syn in the chest and sent him into the water. The water began to rise from the right of them.
Vesper
Goodbye Tsunami.
A giant wave roared their way.
Fallen
No one is afraid of you.
Fallen opened his mouth and a wave of white energy larger than the entire tsunami moved forward.
Darby
Very nice.
Darby landed next to Fallen.
Darby
The water is receding.
Vesper fell to the ground thirty feet away from them.
Vesper
(We're no match for him!)
Vesper sat up.
Fallen
Thought that would work?
Fallen was suddenly sitting next to her. He bit her hand. She fell back unconscious.
Fallen
Sleep tight, water bug.
Fallen jumped as Pathion's fist hit the ground.
Pathion
What the hell did you do to her!
A white ball of energy hit Pathion in the stomach and he went flying back.
Fallen
Get out of my face.
The ground below Darby cracked and two tails held him by the ankles. Syn and Akasha broke from the ground below and cut Darby in half.
Akasha
He'll only regenerate. You must use Sodom!
Sodom appeared in Syn's left hand.
Darby
Pathetic.
Syn's hand was cut off by Darby who regenerated quickly behind him. Syn's tail burst through Darby's stomach.
Akasha
Do it!
Syn smashed his right hand into the ground creating an explosion of blue energy.
Fallen
They're releasing themselves.
Darby landed next to him.
Fallen
Think you'll have to release as well?
Darby
I doubt they'll push me that far.
Fallen
Let's hope your doubts ring true.
Darby shot forward as Fallen turned to Vesper.
Roselyn
We thought you were dead.
Roselyn, Nick, and Malic stood beside Vesper's unconscious body.

Cameron stood up.
Arkain
Something wrong?
Cameron
He has entered my barrier.
Arkain
He?
Cameron
Ilias.
Arkain stood up.
Arkain
What barrier?
Cameron
The one protecting Velis.
Cameron was feeling the walls.
Arkain
I thought you said to wait.
Cameron
Now we have to go.
Arkain
How?
Cameron
I don't know.
Arkain
But you just said-
Cameron
I don't know!
Cameron turned around to face Arkain. This was the first time Arkain seen him scared.
Cameron
I don't know what to do. These barriers will hold up to any type of attack.
Arkain
Even our swords?
Cameron
Even that. It expands when hit. If we tried to cut it would continue to expand.
Arkain
We'll cut it eventually.
Cameron
And then it will reappear. I've never seen anything like it.
Arkain
How do you know all of this?
Cameron
Ilias created it. Now I know who is keeping us here.


Conor
What the hell are we going to do?
Emmylou and Nicholas were flying back towards base.
Emmylou
Looks like we're going home.
Conor
That's not home! We have to go back.
Emmylou
We were told to leave.
Conor
So!
Emmylou
There's nothing we can do back there.
Conor
It doesn't matter! We have to try and help Suri.
Emmylou
What if she's dead?
Conor
We'll know when we find her! Until then we just have to go back.
Emmylou
Fine!
They both yelled as their units hit the ground.
Conor
What the hell happened? Emmylou!
She was not responding.
Conor
Are you okay?
Then he heard a giant roar. On his screen he saw a dragon holding him and Emmylou down.
Conor
They got us!
Ayn held both of them down but did not attack.

Kassle held Kota's two swords in his hands. His hands were made of diamond.
Kassle
This is the welcome party?
Kota
You got it.
Elijah and Bonka stood behind Kota at a distance.
Azusa
The man behind them was the one that blinded us.
Germ
We know, mother.
Munro stepped forward.
Munro
What are three non-humans doing here?
Kota
The better question is what are you doing here?
Kota jumped back away from Kassle.
Munro
We are here to exterminate this base.
Above the entire base outside the Christ Empire's castle floated above. It was preparing to annihilate the last human refuge.
Bonka
You can't be serious!
Elijah
They are. Our intelligence system has captured on radar a giant fortress above this base.
Germ
It seems like the humans aren't as infant like as we assumed. Oh well.
Germ walked forward.
Germ
I guess you three die first.
Elijah moved in front of them all. He turned to Kota and Bonka.
Elijah
Get out of here!
The entire room turned white.

Hayden wiped blood from his mouth.
Hayden
You truly are a monster.
Godlin stood gracefully before Hayden.
Godlin
Did you really expect anything less?
Hayden
I hoped.
Ximendos landed next to Godlin as Amros landed next to Hayden. They were both bleeding all over.
Amros
Come to hide behind your barrier?
Ximendos spat on the floor.
Ximendos
Don't flatter yourself, scoundrel.
Hayden drew his sword. Amros drew his.
Godlin
I always wondered where those swords went. I see there is more to your leaving than you lead on. It makes no difference though.
Godlin raised his hand to the sky.
Godlin
I have my treats as well.
A golden sword appeared in his hand.
Hayden
Oh no...
Godlin
The strongest of the dragons is Zarathustra. Well, gentlemen, meet Zohar, the mighty Eagle.
He threw his sword forward and with a bang it transformed into a giant eagle triple the size of Cyril and Wynson. It was around the same size as Zarathustra.
Amros
You didn't tell me anything about this.
Hayden
I didn't know.
It flew and landed behind Godlin and Ximendos.
Ximendos
Bravo! What a splendid surprise. I almost wet myself seeing that.
Ximendos stepped forward.
Ximendos
Now that we have that cover, I think it's time I make my move.
Hayden and Amros were dumbfounded.
Ximendos
The truth is Hayden, this isn't really your father.
Godlin nodded, validating Ximendos' claim.
Ximendos
Well, it is, but it's not really.
Godlin's arms turned black.
Hayden
Orthak!
Ximendos
Yes, it's him. He plays the role perfectly. Apparently when he engulfs someone he retains their power and their memories. Beautiful, isn't it? Isn't he?
Ximendos stood next to Godlin again.
Ximendos
It's time I become the perfect me, my old friends. It's time I finally outrun death. It's time for the finale.
Godlin moved quickly in front of Ximendos and stuck his arms into his chest. Ximendos yelled in pain.
Ximendos
Witness the fusion of two Gods!
Zohar roared and turned to see as Godlin and Ximendos were fusing together.
Amros
What is going on?
Hayden
The worst things I could have ever imagined.

Ilias and Velis stood before Ayn and the two Gears units.
Ilias
Well, you may exit your units when you wish. There is no way to escape.
When the entrance on the Gears foot opened Emmylou came out firing her pistol.
Velis
She has some nerve.
The bullets hit the shield around Ilias and found home somewhere else.
Ilias
Out of bullets already?
Emmylou was hit in the face by an energy barrier and she fell back.
Conor
Emmy!
Conor came running out. Ilias shot an energy blast at his legs and Conor flew up, flipped, and landed on his back.
Conor
Shit!
He said as he rubbed his back. Ilias walked over to them.
Ilias
So you two are Conor and Emmylou, correct?
They both nodded.
Ilias
Relax, children. I am not here to kill you. On the contrary, you two are my guests.
Velis
Guests?
Ilias motioned for her to remain silent.
Ilias
You are coming with me.
Emmylou and Conor stood up.
Emmylou
And why should we?
Ilias
Because it's the safest place on earth.
Conor
What makes you think we care about that?
Velis
Don't act like you don't want to live, kid.
Conor turned to her.
Conor
Doesn't matter if our friends are dead!
Velis remembered Arkain.
Velis
He has Arkain in a safe place. He'll make sure you all are alright.
Emmylou
Is that true? You have Arkain?
Ilias
Yes, yes it is.
Ilias began to walk towards the ship.
Ilias
I have no more time for this. Decide what you wish to do. My guests or Ayn's dinner.
Emmylou and Conor looked at each other.
Emmylou
I have to get something from my unit. We're going.
Conor nodded.
Velis
Wise choice!
Emmylou left and came back minutes later.
Conor
Ian! You were in there all along?
Ian nodded.
Emmylou
I couldn't leave him at the base alone.
Velis
Enough! Let's go.
They all ran towards the air lift and Ayn flew into the sky.
Ilias
This can't be.
Ilias shook at the feeling of this far away power.

The wave of energy that was pushing Hayden and Amros backwards ended. All was calm now.
Ximendos
Well, well, well, this is new.
They could finally see Ximendos.
Ximendos
I feel as if I should reintroduce myself.
Ximendos stood before them now a new being. A new being in only power. For he looked almost exactly the same, except now his skin is a bit shinier and he has elf ears. Hayden turned to Amros in terror.
Hayden
You need to go!
It was too late. The new Ximendos was standing between them.
Ximendos
Let's try this out.
His hand pulled off one of Hayden's arms and Amros jumped back.
Hayden
You have outdone yourself, Ximendos.
His arm was growing back.
Ximendos
It looks like you are no longer a threat to me, Hayden.
He dropped Hayden's arm. He turned his attention onto Amros.
Ximendos
Time to die, big brother.
Hayden
You are a fool though, Ximendos.
Ximendos
And why is that?
Hayden
You've gotten rid of Orthak, and now you don't have a holder of your power.
Ximendos
You think so?
Orthak rose behind Hayden. Hayden looked back.
Hayden
I retract that comment. You are genius, Amron.
Ximendos nodded.
Ximendos
I'm offended you thought less of me, Lord Hayden.
Ximendos laughed.
Ximendos
Silly me, calling you lord. You are no lord of mine.
He looked directly at Amros.
Ximendos
It's time for you both to die.
Orthak screamed. Ximendos grabbed his chest. He turned around quickly.
Ximendos
What did you do, Hayden?
Orthak had a black sword sticking out from his chest. Hayden was nowhere near him.
Ximendos
What is this?
Within seconds Orthak was gone. Darby stood now in his place.
Darby
Got you.
Ximendos flew forward before anyone could even notice his speed. Darby was punched back out of sight. Ximendos straightened himself up.
Ximendos
It can't be helped, he's gone. Good help is so difficult to come around these days. I should have guessed it would be Darby that did him in.
Amros
That's it? Your prized possession gone and you're already moving on?
Ximendos turned towards Amros again.
Ximendos
You forget Orthak was merely an extension of me. Would you cry over lost hair? I think not. As I said, it can't be helped. It doesn't matter though, for I am a God now.
A black sword formed in his right hand and a gold one in his left.
Ximendos
My power is now limitless.
Hayden
You are not invincible.
Ximendos
Oh, but I am. You see, now I truly am immortal. Now I am what mother wanted me to be.
Before anyone could say anything, Akasha and Syn landed in front of Ximendos. They were released. They were monsters.
Ximendos
I see little Simon has forgiven you, Akasha. I am most pleased.
She transformed back into her normal self.
Akasha
What have you done?
She ran up to him and he held her without letting go of his swords.
Ximendos
I finished my last plan.
Pathion landed next to them.
Pathion
So that's where the power was coming from.
Roselyn and Nick landed next to Amros. Roselyn was carrying Vesper.
Nick
What is he? Is that Ximendos?
Amros
Yes, I'm afraid so. He has fused with Hayden's father.
Nick
What?
Roselyn
You have to leave, Nick.
Nick
You can't stay here either! This guys' power is way out of our league.
Roselyn
I have to help Amros and Hayden.
Amros
No. Go to Grey. He'll need you more than we do. You'd only be in our way.
Roselyn didn't protest. She grabbed Nick by the shoulder.
Roselyn
Let's go.
She turned back to Amros.
Roselyn
One more thing, Fallen is still alive.
They turned into leaves and were gone.
Fallen
Are you okay?
Darby sat up.
Darby
That was probably the worst thing I've ever felt.
Fallen
He's going to be a problem to our plans. I don't think any of us predicted this.
Darby stood up.
Darby
That shouldn't stop us though.
Fallen
It should at least make us walk carefully. Ximendos' power is on par with a full grown Sky Walker now. Only Hayden, Amros, Ilias, myself, and potentially you can take him.
Darby
Hayden and Amros are already at half their strength. If they continue to fight they will surely die.
Fallen
Perhaps our plans are going to have to change.
Darby
Meaning?
Fallen
Maybe we'll need Amros and Hayden.
Darby
How annoying.
Fallen
It can't be helped. Ximendos has become too much of a threat. He is an enemy to all.
Darby
What's the next move?
Fallen
We leave.

Fallen appeared in Ilias' airship.
Velis
What the hell?
Fallen
Where's Ilias?
Darby took a seat.
Velis
He's just got off the ship. He said he had to meet up with Iris.
Fallen
Already doing that, I see.
Velis
Excuse me?
Fallen
Nothing. You are not of level to hear it.

Iris
You've finally arrived!
Iris hugged Ilias. She backed up after a few moments.
Iris
Look what I have.
She motioned to Suri. Suri looked directly into Ilias' eyes.
Iris
She's been here for a while now. I've been waiting for you to kill her.
Ilias
You're weak, Iris.
Iris
I know, I don't even have my body shield on. I've rested a bit but I'm still below forty power.
Ilias
That's a shame.
Iris
Why is that?
Ilias
Nevermind.
He walked towards Suri.
Ilias
Hello again, Suri Monroe. What a pleasure to see you.
Iris didn't like the sound of that.
Ilias
You have a way with getting into trouble, don't you? Very much like Arkain.
He turned to Iris again.
Ilias
Well then, you were saying?
Iris
I wasn't saying much, really. The palace is secure. The rebel army has been diminished. The last ones remain inside the palace on lock down.
Ilias
I see. Tell me, Suri,
He turned towards her.
Ilias
Is Nicholas Romberg a part of this rebel army?
Suri nodded.
Ilias
Excellent. Today is just my lucky day.
Iris
What use is he to you now?
Ilias
I have my reasons, my sister. Now to get to business.
He straightened himself up.
Ilias
Can you feel that? That energy mixed with fathers?
Iris
Yes! It's amazing isn't it? He has become even more powerful than Hayden!
Ilias
He has. He has truly become a force to be reckoned with.
Iris
We will not lose now! No matter what happens, father will win. We will win.
Ilias
Do you still hold to that promise we made many years ago?
Iris was confused.
Iris
Which one exactly?
Ilias
The one that entailed us fighting for father no matter what.
Iris
Oh yes, that one. Yes, why wouldn't I?
Ilias
I was afraid you'd say that.
He crouched over next to Suri. He whispered in her ear.
Ilias
Your friends are safe with me.
Iris
What are you saying? Why did you bring that memory to the surface?
Ilias
There are still things you do not understand, Iris. I'm sorry I was never able to teach you, baby sister.
His sword appeared in front of him without her seeing it.
Ilias
It's time you see my other face, Iris.
He swung his arm around and his blade slashed across her chest. She fell back in horror.
Ilias
It's time you met the true enemy.
He smiled in a way Iris could never imagine. Suri got up and ran out the hall. The roof caved in and Nya stood at the top of the entrance ready to pounce on Ilias. He looked up at Nya.
Ilias
Hello there, Nya. Did you forget about Ayn?
Ayn crashed into Nya and they fought. Ilias focused on Iris again. She lied on the floor clutching her bleeding chest.
Iris
How could you?
Ilias
It was simple really. I did what we always said we'd do.
Iris
What would that be?
Ilias
Kill our emotions. If all means nothing to me, that includes you. You could have joined me. I desired that most, yet it was improbable. Your words and actions showed me you are and always will be aligned with father. If that's the case, you are simply an obstacle in my way.
Iris
Why Ilias, why?
Ilias
Because the world begged me. That's why. I don't think I am capable of articulating a more suitable answer, Iris. It's just that.
He yawned.
Ilias
Sadly, it's time to die.
Iris stood up slowly.
Iris
If that's how it is, so be it. I won't go out without a fight, is all I'm saying.
She wiped the blood from her mouth.
Iris
I always protected you. Now I will do my best to protect myself.
Ilias
You will try.
Iris
I love you, Ilias.
Ilias did not respond.
Ilias
Words cannot save you. The Empire's princess dies here.
Iris
You always were an idealist.
Ilias
No, I just realized something you never did.
Iris
Is that so? Enlighten me with your new found knowledge. What is it you found out that I never did?
He said these next words without a smile, without the hint of enjoyment.
Ilias
We are far less than we knew. Yes, Iris, we are far less than we knew.