Iris jumped back and placed her right hand on the ground. A giant barrage of barriers flew towards Ilias. They each broke down in front of him.
Ilias
You'll have to do better than that.
He raised his right hand and in it appeared a spike that was made up of his energy. He threw it at her and formed more and continued to throw them.
Iris
(I can't hold these off for long.)
She said as her energy shields began to grow weaker after each hit. She formed two circular energy blades on both of her hands and threw them passed her shield. Ilias dodged them. He ran forward.
Iris
(This careless?)
She tossed another energy circular blade but it disappeared once it hit him. He kicked her in the stomach and sent her into the wall.
Ilias
Did you forget I have your barrier on me?
He laughed. Iris remembered and released it. She gained a little more energy.
Iris
(I guess I'll have to go that far. I have to finish this quickly.) Crystal Castle.
Velis landed in front of Nicholas and Luciana's units. They aimed at her.
Velis
Hold up, hold up! I'm not your enemy. I'm actually here to help.
Nicholas
And why should we believe that? You were the first person to try and kill me all that time ago.
Luciana
So you know her.
Velis
Hey, don't judge me for the past. That's not me anymore.
Nicholas
So you say.
Velis
Well, it's either you come with me or you die. What do you choose?
Nicholas
What's going to happen?
Velis
You don't want to know. Now exit your vehicles, we only have seconds.
After a brief pause they both exited. Velis grabbed them both by the stomach and disappeared.
Grey landed next to Kegan.
Grey
This has made things very difficult.
Kegan
I'd say so. We can't even complete our mission.
Before them the entire area was being lifted up and down trying to crush and destroy Supriya, Merdos, and Masato.
Grey
Their ability to form with the earth is amazing.
Kegan
Let's not go complimenting the enemy.
Kegan's wings burst out of his back.
Kegan
We'll have to find some way to end it.
Grey nodded.
Ximendos
Akasha, Syn, Pathion.
They all turned to him.
Ximendos
I remember a time I told Akasha to leave, thinking you guys were dead.
They listened carefully.
Ximendos
Go now, together, and leave. I no longer require your presence. You will live to finally be with each other.
Akasha
But my lord!
Ximendos
I will not hear another word. Go with Simon and be happy.
Syn grabbed Akasha.
Syn
Let's go.
Akasha turned back.
Akasha
You come back to us, you idiot.
Ximendos smiled.
Ximendos
There is no stopping me.
They disappeared. He turned to Hayden and Amros.
Ximendos
You two, however, well, you won't make it out alive.
Hayden turned to Amros.
Hayden
Why haven't you left?
Amros
How could I? I won't leave you here to die.
Hayden
So you'll die with me? That doesn't make sense.
Amros
I know, but I'd rather that.
Hayden
Still a foolish boy as well, Amros.
They prepared for battle. Suddenly, the ground moved from under them.
Elijah activated his blade. It was a white saber. He ran through the white covering he created to slice through his enemies. His blade was stopped.
Kassle
Against humans, that might be an impressive weapon.
Kassle pulled the sword away from Elijah.
Kassle
Not against me.
Kassle kicked him against the wall.
Kade
White? Let's paint in black.
Kade blew darkness from his hand into the air. The entire room turned black.
Kade
Can you see me now?
Munro
How about some purple?
Munro dropped a purple blob on the ground. It began to expand.
Kade
Will that go after us?
Munro
No, it knows better.
Elijah stood up slowly. He could no longer see.
Elijah
(I suppose this is the end.)
Kade appeared above him.
Kade
I can see you.
He grabbed him by the neck. Elijah put a small blade into his arm.
Kade
Damn you!
Kade ran back.
Kassle
You're awfully stupid.
Kade
Shut up!
Munro
It's coming!
The purple blob grabbed onto Elijah's foot.
Elijah
What is this?
He yelled in pain as his foot was removed from his body. He fell onto the ground.
Elijah
(Almost was out of here.)
He threw a white circular blade against the wall.
Elijah
(My last attack.)
Germ
What the hell is that?
The blade began to bounce all around the black room. It cut Azusa's shoulder.
Azusa
What the hell?
Germ
That's it?
He went transparent. And walked towards where he saw the blade appear.
Pink blasts flew through the room and hit Kade and Kassle.
Elijah
I said leave!
Bonka didn't have time to think as Kassle's arm swept off her head.
Kota
No!
Kota appeared behind Kassle with two blades. Kade slammed him into the wall.
Kota
Fuck!
Kade made the room go back to its' normal color.
Kade
Let's play a game!
Behind him appeared a rock, a pair of giant scissors, and a paper.
Kade
What will you get? Oh sorry, it's a one player game.
Kade put his right hand over his left one.
Kade
Paper, rock, scissors.
He showed his hand to Kota. It was like something Kota had never seen. From the wrist extended three hands showing all three signs.
Kade
Oh, well that sucks.
The paper flew forward and cut Kota's throat open.
Kade
You're not dying yet!
Kota's body levitated forward.
Kade
Scissors!
The scissors moved forward and cut him in half at the waist.
Kade
Not just yet.
Both pieces went back against the wall.
Kade
And now the rock!
The giant rock flew forward and slammed into Kota's body. As it fell slowly to the ground, blood ran down the wall.
Elijah
No!
He raised his hand towards both his comrades' dead bodies. A tail wrapped around his neck and snapped it.
Keir
Well that's that.
Azusa walked up to Elijah's dead body.
Azusa
Nice job, babe.
Keir smiled.
Germ
Well now that that's out of the way, can we attend to our business?
They all nodded.
Gemma sat in the library thinking while turning the pages of a book in front of her.
Gemma
I don't know what I'm doing.
She said sadly.
Gwen
I don't get it.
Cash
What's to get?
Gwen
Why are we allowing them to fight?
The Four Winds watched the battle outside from one giant monitor.
Renn
Gwen, shut up.
Gwen held onto Renn's arm.
Gwen
I just want to fight already.
Luck
Our time will come, little one.
She pouted.
Luck
Until then we simply await orders.
He turned around.
Luck
Besides, it looks like the ones fighting on our side have things under control.
Gwen
And if they lose? What happens then?
Cash
She has a point. Ilias isn't here at the moment.
Luck was silent for a moment.
Luck
If that's the case, then we shall finish what they started.
He left the room.
Gwen
Why does he mess with us like that? He knows the outcome!
Renn
Shut it.
She crossed her arms.
Gwen
You guys can be so boring!
Cash sat lied down on the couch behind them.
Cash
Whatever we do doesn't matter to me.
Gwen stuck her tongue out at him.
Gwen
We're in the human world, we should be destroying things!
Renn
You are so childish. When will you learn?
Gwen
Never!
Merdos
I can't keep this up for long.
Masato
Me neither.
They were away from the battle for a moment. Kegan flew over the sky dropping green energy bombs onto the land. Grey was blasting all the flying rocks heading his way while Supriya gracefully dodged everything Amya and Forest threw at her.
Merdos
Shall we make for the palace?
Masato nodded.
Masato
Let us go, brother.
They turned back into tigers and ran towards the palace. Walls of Earth rose above them but they ran through absorbing or cutting them down.
Amya
We can't stop them, let them enter.
Forest
As you wish. We must focus on the other three.
Giant glass shields destroyed the entire Western palace. Nya and Ayn flew above watching.
Iris
(I did it.)
She fell back as Ilias kicked her in the face. Her nose began to bleed.
Ilias
I wasn't expecting you to use that so early in the battle. The Crystal Castle attack? I must say it was most impressive. Just as beautiful as when you showed me it all those years ago. One question though, where did you find the power to do that?
Iris spat blood on the floor.
Iris
I took the shield from the sky palace.
Ilias nearly laughed.
Ilias
That makes perfect sense. I wonder what father will think. I take it he won't be happy that his palace fell to the earth without notice.
Ilias clapped his hands together.
Ilias
It's a good thing you won't be alive for it, my sister.
Iris
Is this truly what you want?
Ilias
More like what I need. I no longer satisfy wants these days. I have an end and the means must be met. I'm sure you understand, deep down in there.
Iris
How did you survive my attack?
Ilias
Did you really think your shield was all I had in my arsenal to protect me? I'm offended. I've developed so many methods for survival, you would not believe it. I've taken all proper precautions for my Miracle Sun plan.
Iris
Miracle Sun?
Ilias
Never you mind. Anyways,
A little green snake appeared on Ilias' shoulder.
Ilias
This is Varuna. She will be protecting me for now on.
He laughed.
Ilias
In the end anything you could offer me is useless. I no longer need you.
Iris felt tears falling down her face.
Ilias
What are those? Are those tears, Iris? I think so. How marvelous. I never thought I'd see the day.
Iris
I don't understand what you've become, Ilias.
Ilias stepped on her ankle. She didn't scream.
Ilias
I've become exactly what I've needed to become. You have no idea what is going to happen soon. Father and his mundane affairs mean nothing to me. Do you hear me? I do not care for his childish charades. I created all this! I allowed him to be my figurehead until all I needed was in place. That fool played it off well. It was quite the show allowing him to pretend leader. What a joke.
Iris
He is far more powerful now than he has ever been.
Ilias
While that may be true, it makes little difference. I myself have enough power to combat father.
Iris
Lies!
Ilias
For what reason would I lie? I only speak the truth. I am far more powerful than any of you estimated. As I said, what do you think I've been doing all these years? Did you think all those card games we played was all I did with my time? Nonsense. Again you offend me.
Ilias jumped back seconds before Nya landed on the ground.
Ilias
How long was she waiting to pounce?
Iris began to sit up.
Ilias
It's no use, Iris.
Ayn landed behind him.
Ilias
You're going to die.
Ayn and Nya blasted fire beams at each other.
Arkain
We're stuck, aren't we?
Cameron nodded.
Arkain
I was hoping you'd have an idea on how to get out of here.
Cameron
Sorry to disappoint.
Cameron sat down again.
Arkain
This fucking sucks.
Cameron
How did we allow this to happen?
Arkain
How were we supposed to have known Fallen would betray us?
Cameron
We weren't. I thought Fallen was my accomplice. He was my left hand, you were my right.
Arkain
Well looks like he really pulled one on you.
Cameron
Indeed. I will kill that little fox once we're free from all this.
Arkain
If we are, that is.
Cameron
We will be.
Gemma sat by the door watching Arkain and Cameron. She wanted to open the barrier they were in but had no idea how to do it.
Gemma
I'm sorry, Arkain.
She wiped tears from her eyes.
Luna
What's eating you?
Gemma turned towards the voice.
Luna
Why are you all upset?
Gemma
Do I know you?
Luna
I thought Ilias introduced us. I'm Luna.
Gemma
Hello, I'm Gemma.
Luna
I know. You're Ilias' little lover.
Gemma didn't respond to that.
Luna
Anything wrong, kiddo?
Gemma nodded.
Luna
Sure doesn't seem that way.
Luna rubbed against her leg.
Luna
Well, if you need anyone to talk to, I'm here.
Gemma
That's very kind of you, kitty.
Luna
Luna, not kitty.
Gemma
That's very kind of you, Luna.
She purred.
Luna
It's the least I can do.
The alarms went on.
Luna
Damn!
A screen appeared on the wall.
Luna
Looks like we have intruders. Gemma, you stay here.
Luna ran off.
Gemma
Will things ever be okay?
She knew it was a hopeless question.
Gwen
Looks like we have some action.
Renn stood up.
Cash
Go handle it, Gwen.
Gwen
Really?
She looked at Renn. Renn approved.
Gwen
Awesome!
She disappeared.
Cash
She's so energized all the time.
Renn
It's annoying, but manageable.
Amros held Hayden up in the sky with him as the palace grounds began to fall to the ground.
Amros
What do you think is going on?
Hayden
It must have been held up by Iris.
Amros
That would mean she's not okay at the moment.
Hayden
Precisely, yet she wasn't on the palace grounds when we attacked.
Amros
Who do you think is taking care of that job?
Hayden
I have no idea.
Ximendos floated up towards them.
Amros
Looks like he can fly.
Hayden
I think he always has had that ability.
Amros shrugged.
Ximendos
I don't know what happened there.
Hayden
Now's our chance to get away.
He said quietly to Amros.
Hayden
It looks like Iris is in trouble, Amron.
Ximendos didn't look at them.
Ximendos
It would appear as if that is true.
He looked down towards the ground.
Ximendos
My daughter in trouble.
He turned towards them.
Ximendos
It can't be helped. Sadly, you live another day.
He flew away.
Hayden
Well that is most pleasing. I thought I was going to have to recover myself.
Amros
You would have used that? I thought you said that was never an option!
Hayden
I never predicted anyone as strong as him would be my opponent. Forgive Amros, but I didn't think my father being harvested for power was a possibility.
Amros
Point taken.
He turned looked towards the direction Ximendos went.
Amros
What now?
Hayden
We find the others.
Grey
They'll grow tired of this eventually.
Kegan
I don't plan on letting them. Supriya!
Supriya
I'm here!
Kegan
You know the drill, baby!
They flew in circles above the land.
Kegan and Supriya
Infinite Despair!
From their spinning came a portal that began to pull objects towards it.
Grey
That doesn't look very safe.
Kegan
No worries, it won't pull you.
A blast of red an d green spiraling energy shot into the ground below.
Supriya
If they are the earth, this has got to hurt them.
Kegan
It's our most powerful attack!
Grey
I'm impressed!
The ground rose around the beam up towards them.
Kegan
Right on cue!
Supriya
Disappear!
The ground began to dissolve.
Supriya
How do you suppose we get them to come out and play?
Roselyn
With my help!
They all turned to see Roselyn flying behind them.
Roselyn
I can feel two energy patterns in the ground. Allow me to assist in this effort.
Kegan
Oh well.
He snapped his fingers and the portal closed.
Kegan
I suppose we'll save that one.
Roselyn hugged Grey.
Roselyn
Nick is down at the bottom waiting for my signal if we require any help.
Grey
This isn't a place for a boy.
Roselyn
He's your son.
Grey
We'll have to protect him.
Kegan
Here it comes!
Beams of brown and green shot from holes in the ground to the sky.
Roselyn
Mother has really outdone herself.
Roselyn flew towards the ground.
Roselyn
Sleep, mother Earth.
The ground stopped moving.
Merdos
Where do you think he'd be hiding the girl?
Masato
No idea.
As they came into the next hallway they both jumped back quickly as a sword fell down towards their bodies.
Masato
Not even inside for two minutes and we've encountered trouble?
Merdos
Never fails. A little girl!
Gwen walked into view. She winked and waved.
Gwen
Hey guys, I'm Gwen.
They looked at each other.
Gwen
This is my claymore. Her name is pinky.
She licked her sword.
Gwen
What are you guys doing here? I don't think anyone invited you.
Masato
We are here looking for a girl. We do not wish to fight if you will permit our presence.
Gwen
A girl? Is she pretty?
Merdos
Yes.
Gwen
She have black hair?
Masato
Yes.
Gwen
Is she Gemma?
They both nodded.
Gwen
What do you want with Ilias' wife?
Merdos
His wife?
Gwen nodded.
Gwen
Yup.
Masato
We are taking her back home.
Gwen
No! She stays here.
Masato
Little girl, please walk away.
Gwen
No thanks, I like fighting.
Merdos
Excuse me?
Gwen
I like fighting. You old people sure are stupid.
Merdos ran forward.
Merdos
I'm tired of listening to you.
His hand clashed with her sword.
Merdos
How?
Gwen
Is your hand supposed to break my sword?
Masato
He thought so!
Masato grabbed her sword.
Masato
Mine too?
Gwen
What the hell are you boys doing?
She jumped up and kicked Masato in the chest and then his Merdos in the head with her handle.
Gwen
You guys are really dumb!
She laughed.
Gwen
Let's have some fun, yeah?
Masato
Our hands don't work on her sword.
Merdos
Her body is still up for grabs though.
Masato
Have you ever had a problem with fighting little girls?
Merdos
Never.
They ran forward down the hall. Gwen jumped in happiness.
Luck
Apparently one of us is taking care of the break in.
Luna
Good.
Luck
Exactly how did someone manage to get in, Luna?
Luna
No idea. It must be some sort of power of theirs.
Cash
Any more news?
Cash and Renn walked in.
Luck
None but Gwen filling her appetite.
Renn
Merely a snack, she has no limit.
Luna
She's always been a handful.
Renn
You don't have to tell me twice, I raised her.
Luna
Just let her have her fun. No way those two guys are surviving.
The Christ Palace lit up from the bottom and a beam shot down on the human base. The Christ family stood in their main room. Aries, Virgo, Lucifer, and Shasha walked around playing with each other.
Munro
That was easy. Do you think Ximendos will be pleased with this?
Germ
I very much hope so. Ximendos, as you all know, has become an even bigger threat to us.
Azusa
Maybe leaving wasn't such a good idea.
Keir
He won't know that we abandoned him. He'll think we retreated.
Azusa
Either way, he'll want our heads.
Kade
Stronger or not, we'll win.
Kassle
I'm confident in that being the outcome, however, we might suffer casualties.
Kade
As long as it's just you.
Kassle rolled his eyes.
Kassle
I assure you I would not be the one to die.
Kade
Whatever! What's our next move?
Germ
We don't have one, yet. I suggest we attempt to reconnect with Ximendos.
Munro
I concur. If our chance at avoiding battle with the Empire is playing some pathetic role to do so, so be it. I move for us returning to Ximendos.
Keir
As do I. It would be unwise to fight him now.
Kade
You guys are a bunch of bitches!
Azusa
I'd rather be a bitch than dead.
Kassle
We all agree, except for this troll.
Kade
Whatever, I'm not afraid of him.
Ximendos
Him? Who is him, exactly?
Ximendos stood at the doorway.
Ximendos
Tell me, Nobel Christ family, why have you fled to your home in the sky?
They all looked at him waiting for one or the other to answer.
Velis
You can enter the ship when you're ready.
Suri sat on the floor looking at the the giant dragons battle.
Suri
I can't take my eyes off of it.
Velis
What are you talking about?
Suri
The dragons.
Velis
What about them?
Suri
They're beautiful and their battle right now is something I've never seen.
Velis
Eh, you'll get used to it. Get inside, Suri.
Suri stood up.
Suri
You know, I still don't know if I can trust you guys.
Velis
Will this help?
The door lowered and Conor, Emmylou, and Ian came into view. They all hugged.
Suri
I'm so happy to see you guys!
Conor
The feelings mutual.
Emmylou
Seriously!
Ian
Suri! I missed you!
Velis
You guys are going to make me sick. Can we get inside now?
They all entered the ship. Fallen appeared next to Velis with Darby.
Velis
What the hell do you two want?
Darby
I don't think I've done anything to warrant such hateful words.
Velis ignored him.
Fallen
Where did you put the other two?
Velis
Where Ilias told me to.
Fallen
Good job, puppy.
Velis flipped him off.
Velis
Now that that is done, let's go.
Velis disappeared.
Ilias and Iris caught their swords and began to battle with them.
Iris
(If I can get one cut in I'll win this.)
She tried to cut him so her swords paralyzing power would help her. She was too slow though.
Ilias
And done.
His sword slid over the top of her right hand. She fell forward. She was panting.
Ilias
That marks the end of the line, Iris.
He grabbed her sword from her hand.
Ilias
Remember when we were young and made that promise to each other?
She nodded.
Ilias
What was it?
She didn't respond.
Ilias
Oh yes, I remember. It was that if either one of us died, the other's sword would belong to the one still alive. Nya will make future battles much easier.
Iris
You bastard.
Blood fell from her mouth onto the ground.
Ilias
I'm sorry it had to happen like this. There just was no other way.
He picked her up by her shoulders.
Ilias
I'll end this now, sister.
She opened her eyes.
Iris
Why, why Ilias?
Ilias
I already told you.
Iris
No, you fool. Why are you crying?
Ilias closed his eyes and then opened them.
Ilias
Because I love you, silly.
Iris held back her tears. She didn't want to cry for him.
Ilias
Did you really think I was that heartless, baby sister?
She bit her lip.
Ilias
I'm offended again, for the last time by you. Despite the necessity of this, it still is something I wish never had to happen. Though you are useless to my hand, you still have great use to my heart. How unfortunate, the way things play out.
He wiped his eyes.
Ilias
Know one thing, before you close your eyes for the last time, you were the first to ever make me cry. Take with you to the abyss, the certainty in knowing this will be the first of only two times.
He straightened his swords towards her unmoving body.
Iris
I forgive you, Ilias.
Ilias
For?
Iris
For the person you've become. For betraying me.
He kissed her cheek.
Ilias
You betrayed me first, Iris. You betrayed me.
Iris
It doesn't matter anymore.
He closed his eyes.
Ilias
I love you, Iris.
Iris
Such kind and proper language for acts so cruel, big brother.
She smiled.
Iris
When did you become such a stonehearted man?
Ilias
If you only knew.
He stuck both swords through her stomach. Nya, Iris' former sword glowed and then went white again. It belonged to him now. The swords disappeared. He caught her in his arms. She whispered something in his ear.
Ilias
What did you say?
Iris
I said...I planned to kill her if she hurt you...but this works out the same...
Ilias
What do you mean, Iris?
She touched the ground with her left hand.
Iris
Gemma is...going to die.
Ilias knew right away what she meant. When they were little Iris once said she'd place an energy around the neck of people that come close to Ilias. If they hurt him, the ring would close and decapitate the wearer. Ilias had never been more afraid in his life. He forgot about this terrible truth.
Ilias
Iris, what have you done?
Gemma felt her neck being grabbed. She held it, trying to pull off the invisible ring she felt.
Gemma
Arkain!
She screamed. Inside, Arkain thought he heard something.
Gemma
Ilias!
She fell down the small stairs. She landed on her back and was staring at the ceiling. She could not breath. She turned her head to see Arkain and Cameron. She knew she was going to die.
Gemma
(I'm dying.)
She began to cry.
Gemma
(Without even telling you the truth. How sorry I am.)
Her eyes began to close. She was losing herself.
Gemma
(How much I love y...)
She was fading.
Ilias
RELEASE!
He yelled louder than he had ever yelled. Gemma's eyes turned black. Black energy appeared from her neck and broke the ring. She grasped for air.
Krysin
I'm alive.
Gemma smiled.
