Chapter Seventy-One: One Witness

Iris closed her eyes for the last time.
Ilias
Alas, you showed why you are a threat, Iris. Too bad it was only after your death.
He laughed.
Ilias
Now I must return home quickly before Gemma makes a mess.
Velis appeared.
Velis
This place is basically a desert now.
Ilias
Have you my one witness?
She disappeared and within twenty seconds returned carrying a solider.
Velis
Why only one?
Ilias
One witness is all that I need to sell a lie.
Velis
What if I tell them the truth?
Ilias
Your lie carries more weight than mine. If you told them I'd simply have to get rid of them. If I told Cameron, what do you think he'd do?
Velis
Point taken. Anyways, all the kids are on the ship.
Ilias
Excellent, you've done me well. What about the other two?
Velis
If you'd kindly follow me I'll show you them.
Ilias
Sounds like a plan, but first I must tell our witness what he saw.
He laughed and began to speak with the soldier.

Ximendos
I'm waiting for an answer.
Azusa
You look so different, Ximendos.
Ximendos
I've done something no one imagined. I've combined my power with the king of the elf.
Kassle
Impossible!
Ximendos
Oh but it is, my dear friend. I've finally become the god that I've wanted to be for so long.
Kade
This is madness!
Ximendos turned quickly to Kade.
Ximendos
Says a wielder of magic? Do not forget what world you live in. Twas not impossible for I have seen that it was achieved. My brothers and sister, I am truly invincible now.
Germ
And what is your plan of action now?
Ximendos
What ever do you mean?
Germ
Why have you come here unannounced?
Ximendos did not respond.
Munro
The looks of surprise on our faces was due to your appearance here, Ximendos. We have strict laws and you've broken them. In accordance with it, that now makes you an enemy.
Germ
Unless of course you wish to pledge allegiance to us. That, however, doesn't seem to be the case.
Ximendos
Your laws are meaningless in the face of Ximendos.
Germ
Be that as it may, to you, it isn't to us.
Munro
Our law is final. To say otherwise is treason in the Christ realm.
Keir
The boys have a point. You do realize this, Ximendos?
Ximendos
I do. I was informed of all this when I first was brought here those many years ago.
Germ
And yet you so boldly ventured into our land without an invitation?
Ximendos
War changes things.
Munro
War changes nothing for us. Laws are laws. Mother, what say you?
Azusa had been silent this whole time.
Azusa
How can I say any differently? I am the one that wrote the laws with Keir.
Germ
And you, father?
Keir
Ximendos has broken Christ law which is punishable by death.
Kassle
Is there no other way?
Munro
There is one way.
Ximendos was silent this whole time.
Kade
What's that?
Germ
Munro is speaking of banishment.
Kade
Banishment?
Munro
Death, allegiance, or banishment, either is to be put to a vote.
Kassle
That is all?
Germ
I think three solutions is sufficient. Laws are laws, as Munro has made clear.
Azusa
Well then, what say you all?
They all said banishment at the same time and the entire palace disappeared in front of Ximendos. He fell for a second before balancing himself in the sky.
Ximendos
Imbeciles. I'll have my way with them later.
Inside they all were relieved.
Kade
Looks like plan C worked.
Munro
It was always a very tricky one to pull off. Now that it's over with, we can go back to normal.
Azusa
Oh thank goodness! I hated all the drama that we were sucked into.
Kade
You voted for it!
Azusa shrugged.
Azusa
Nonetheless, we're out of it. Now let's all go relax and have a drink.
They all agreed.

Nicholas
Where are the others?
Nicholas said as Velis appeared.
Nicholas
You said you'd help us!
Nicholas and Luciana were on their knees tied by the hands and ankles.
Luciana
You lying witch!
Velis smacked her.
Velis
Don't test me.
Ilias was now in view.
Nicholas
That is a prince of your empire.
Luciana
Do you think he'll help us?
Nicholas
I don't know.
Velis
Shut up.
They went silent. Ilias walked up.
Ilias
Well we finally meet, Mr. Romberg. I don't think the title President works with you anymore. And who is this?
Velis
I don't know.
Velis shrugged.
Luciana
My name is Luciana. I am a soldier of the united states of America.
Ilias
So you're a soldier of nowhere? That place no longer exists, you do know that, right?
Luciana
It will always exist!
Ilias
You humans and your foolish patriotism.
Nicholas
What is the meaning of this? Why were we saved?
Ilias
In order to light a fire in Arkain big enough to burn down the remains of the empire.
Nicholas
What?
Ilias
You heard me. I need Arkain to hate the empire and want to destroy it. I'll need him to fight Ximendos and his pawns. If there is no hate in the boy, well I can't imagine him being much use to my plans aside for a few minor details.
Nicholas
How can I make Arkain do that?
Ilias
By dying.
The words hit Nicholas and Luciana in the face.
Ilias
I know that sounds terrible but you must play your part in this game. At least you can take comfort in knowing that he helped you and now you're repaying him. He allowed you to escape the death I planned for you when we first attacked you and now I've finally caught up with you. Nicholas, you will help me form Arkain into the monster he is.
Nicholas
Bullshit! You're wrong if you think Arkain would ever become a monster! I may not really know the boy but in the short time I spoke with him he showed one of the purest hearts I have ever seen! That boy won't be turned dark by you or anyone else.
Ilias
Well, that's where you're wrong. I may be turning him dark, but it will be for good reason. To destroy the empire, of course. Wasn't that one of your desires just hours ago? Oh I get it, not your way so you're against it? Doesn't make sense when you think about it. Though I never took you humans as ones to think about things. At least the modern day ones. It doesn't matter.
Nicholas
What about her? Why can't Luciana go with you?
Luciana
Please! I have a son and a daughter!
Her voice almost cracked.
Ilias
And your son and daughter need to play a role in this as well. I've planned it out for so long and you're just a casualty of it. Emmylou and her baby brother must support this along with Conor and Suri. If that isn't the case, I'd have to kill them. You wouldn't want that now would you?
Luciana didn't say anything.
Ilias
I thought so. Well, Nicholas, Luciana, it's time to end our conversation. I have much to deal with at home and I'm afraid this place won't be safe for long. It was nice finally meeting you, Nicholas. How unfortunate death had to catch up with you in this way. At least you know it was for good use.
Velis
How are you going to kill them? You want me to do it?
Ilias
No, I have friends to feed.
Ilias dropped his two swords on the ground behind him.
Ilias
Let's go, Velis.
Velis turned to walk away.
Velis
A little harsh, don't you think?
Ilias
It will be quick. I'd call it mercy.
Ayn and Nya circled around Nicholas and Luciana.
Nicholas
I'm sorry, Lucy.
Luciana was crying now.
Luciana
It's okay, Nicholas. It was an honor fighting with you. There has never been a better president.
Nicholas
Thank you.
Luciana
Can you do something for me?
Nicholas
Yes?
Luciana
Can you quickly pray that my kids make it through this? God may be calling me now but I'd like to hope he'd wait on them.
Her tears ran down her face.
Nicholas
I don't believe in God anymore, Luciana, but I'll pray for them. I hope your God, if he's out there, well I hope he hears me, I hope he hears us.
Luciana
Thank you, Nicholas, thank you.
They both closed their eyes to pray. Ayn and Nya pounced forward and ate their dinner.

Merdos and Masato fought hard against their new target, Gwen.
Gwen
You guys are fun!
Gwen jumped on the side of the wall and kicked Merdos in the face, wrapped her arm around Masato and sent him crashing into the ground.
Gwen
Let's go!
She tried to stab Masato but he moved and her sword entered the ground.
Masato
(That weapon is deadly.)
Merdos
Duck!
Masato ducked and Merdos flew forward. His hand clashed with her sword as she pulled it out of the ground.
Gwen
Not fair!
She grabbed him by the arm and threw him the other way. She then kicked Masato and the face and jumped back with her sword.
Merdos
Gotcha!
He grabbed her by the stomach and activated his arms. His arms began to cut into her. She pulled her sword back over her head and Merdos jumped back.
Gwen
That hurt!
He noticed her wounds begin to heal.
Gwen
I won't let that happen again.
Masato clashed with her back as a tiger and bit into her shoulder. Merdos transformed and attacked. There was a pink flash and they were both tossed back. Gwen got up slowly.
Gwen
I guess I can't have too much fun, right?
She cracked her neck. She ran forward quickly towards the two tigers.
Merdos
(She's so fast!)
Her sword penetrated Masato's shoulder. He transformed into human form and was pinned down to the ground. Merdos transformed and swung both hands at her neck. She grabbed him by the elbows and head butted him.

Malic
What's going on?
Malic was hanging by a cord around Nick's neck with his face watching behind.
Nick
I don't know exactly. My mom just used some sort of move and the ground stopped moving.
Malic
That sounds weird. She's fighting Amya, no doubt.
Nick
Grandma? Grandma Amya?
Malic
What you talking about?
Nick
My grandmas name is Amya. That's my mom's mom.
Malic
Your grandma is Amya? This is some fucked up shit. She's a bad guy.
Nick
So were you at one point, right? Maybe grandma can change.
Malic
Don't be so naive. I changed, but I was lower rank. Your grandma, well Amya is high rank. The chances of her changing are slim.
Nick
Just have to stay positive.
Malic
I prefer being a realist with hope.
Nick
Whatever.
They watched as Amya rose from the ground.

Amya
I didn't expect you to show up. I'd like it if you left, if that is possible.
Roselyn
And why would I do that? I don't owe you any favors.
Forest
Who is this you speak with, Amya?
A man Roselyn never seen before rose next to Amya.
Amya
She's whom you've been waiting to see, Forest.
Amya raised her hands towards Roselyn.
Amya
She's your daughter.

Akasha, Syn, and Pathion landed next to the the destroyed palace.
Pathion
What the hell happened here?
Akasha
If I'm correct, Iris used her most sacred attack here. Why though?
Syn
In battle, perhaps?
Akasha
We must find her.
Pathion
Already have.
Pathion pointed to a bloody body twenty feet away from them.

Ayn and Nya flew above Ilias' ship. Inside Ilias sat before everyone.
Ilias
Welcome aboard my ship, new friends. I hope you find your stay welcoming as we move towards my palace.
Emmylou
What happened to my mom?
She said holding Ian by her right thigh.
Ilias
Unfortunately she is dead.
Emmylou covered her mouth.
Ian
What did he say?
Ilias
As well as Nicholas Romberg.
Conor
How can that be? There has to be a mistake!
Ilias
The Empire's soldiers destroyed their units before I could save them.
Suri
Where's your proof?
Ilias
What proof would you want? Video? I have no reason to lie. I have saved you, haven't I? I find it offensive that you'd inquire my word as I have not given you reason to.
He raised his finger to them all.
Ilias
Do not judge me based on what has happened all prior to this. I am an enemy of the Empire just as you are.
He stood up.
Ilias
I just killed my own sister. Do not question my word or you will be asked to leave this ship during flight.
None of them responded.
Fallen
If I can, Ilias.
Ilias motioned for Fallen to speak.
Fallen
Ilias and I are your allies. As he just pointed out, he saved your lives. The loss of Romberg and your mother is one you had to of calculated when you went to war with the empire. Foolish, is it not, to question an ally in times like these? Ilias has done nothing but shown you he is your friend.
Conor
Suri?
Suri took a moment before she responded.
Suri
I don't see why we can't believe him. Ilias saved my life from Iris right before she was going to kill me. I owe him my life, and I owe him my trust in conjunction.
Ilias
Wise words, Suri Monroe. Do you others contest my words still?
Conor
No. I just can't believe it.
Ian was crying now.
Emmylou
My mom's gone.
She bent down to hug Ian.
Emmylou
Excuse me for being a little skeptical.
She picked him up.
Emmylou
We'd like to sleep, if you don't mind.
Ilias
Of course you can. After you exit there will be someone there to guide you.
Emmylou and Ian left the room.
Conor
The blonde chick said you have Arkain, is this true?
Ilias nodded.
Fallen
What does that matter to you?
Conor
He's our friend and we haven't known about his whereabouts for a long time.
Darby
He misses him.
Conor
So? A guy can miss a friend, can't he?
Velis
I thought Suri was the one that liked him.
Velis laughed. Conor flipped her off.
Conor
What do you know about friends?
Velis stopped laughing.
Ilias
We have a quite some time ahead of us before we reach my palace, so I suggest you all get some rest.
Fallen, Darby, Velis, and Conor left the room.
Ilias
Is there something else you'd like to know?
Suri
Yes, where's Arkain?
Ilias
He is within my palace. Is that enough for you?
Suri
Why is he there?
Ilias
I've been protecting him.
Suri
I don't believe you.
Ilias chuckled.
Ilias
While I appreciate your skepticism, I fear it is useless. In a few hours you will be reunited with Arkain and that will be the end of it.
Suri
End of it? I highly doubt that. You have plans, Ilias, I know you do.
Ilias
I don't think you know much, let alone me. What grounds do you have for such an accusation?
Suri
Call it intuition.
Ilias
I'm a feminist.
Suri rolled her eyes.
Suri
You better not be up to no good. I swear, if you try to hurt him or any of my friends, I'll kill you.
Ilias
Bold words coming from the girl I just saved.
Suri
Honesty has always been the card I deal.
Ilias
I can respect that, however, in the event that I do have plans, there's nothing you can do that could stop me.
He ran his hand through his hair.
Ilias
You weren't able to beat my sister, you won't stand a chance against me.
He stood up.
Ilias
Not that it matters, seeing how we're allies. I have no intentions of hurting Arkain. On the contrary, he is very valuable to me, and because of it, as are you. Please don't think about this anymore, it will only cause you unneeded stress.
Suri
I'm going to trust you on that.
Ilias
You have my word, Mrs. Monroe.
Suri left the room. Fallen appeared in Ilias' chair.
Fallen
Well isn't she annoying?
Ilias shrugged.
Ilias
I sort of like her. She's sassy and not everyone has the balls to fight Iris. I respect her little, but for that reason.
Fallen licked his paw.
Fallen
All going as planned, I assume?
Ilias
Not entirely, unfortunately. Iris planted a trap on Gemma.
Fallen
Why would she do that?
Ilias
It's called being protective.
Fallen
I suppose. And what did this trap do?
Ilias
It was a ring placed around her neck. I reckon it almost killed her by smashing her neck in.
Fallen
So it didn't kill her?
Ilias
No, I couldn't have that.
Fallen
So what's the problem?
Ilias rubbed his forehead.
Ilias
Well now the monster inside her has been set free. Worst of all, it's in my house.

Conor
Can we talk?
Emmylou didn't respond. She was lying in bed facing the wall.
Conor
Don't be like that, Emmy.
He touched her shoulder.
Emmy
Just stop.
Conor
No, that's not what you really want.
Emmy
I put Ian to bed in the next room and I want to be left alone.
Conor
No you don't. Emmylou, this isn't the way to go about this.
Emmylou
And what is the right way, Conor? Tell me, what is the right way. You think you know everything, don't you? When I thought Ian died, you talked me out of it. Now my mom's dead, the one person that has been there to protect Ian and I, and you tell me there's another way?
Conor
Emmy...
Emmylou
No, fuck that. I don't care anymore. I want to go home, Conor. I want everything to just go back to normal. Why can't it? Why do things have to be this way? How am I supposed to protect Ian when I can't even protect myself? Mom's dead and soon we'll all be.
Conor
Don't say that!
Emmylou
It's true, isn't it? You think that guy out there is our friend, do you? News flash, we don't have any!
Conor
You don't understand.
Emmylou
I don't understand?
She sat up.
Emmylou
I understand enough. I understand that we're fucked. We're royally fucked in the ass, Conor. What more do you want? Ask me, go ahead, just ask me if I care that we're flying to god knows where to see Arkain again. Try me!
Conor
Stop it!
Emmylou
Fuck you!
Conor stopped, confused.
Emmylou
I don't want to hear it, okay? I don't want you to talk me out of it. Don't tell me how to feel this time, okay? They're my feelings and I want them here, with me, now. Is that so much to ask for? Tomorrow, tomorrow maybe I'll be strong. Tonight I'll cry. I'll let it all out if that's fine with you. I'm tired of being strong, I'm tired of thinking about things any other way besides the bad way. Sometimes, well sometimes I just want to cry, Conor.
She was crying now.
Emmylou
It's the only thing I can do nowadays that feels normal. I just want to do this. Here in my bed with the lights off.
Conor
Fine.
Emmylou looked up.
Emmylou
Fine?
Conor
Yeah, fine. My parents died too, you know. At least yours went out with a fight. That doesn't matter though because you're right. Maybe crying is something that we should do.
Emmylou
What?
Conor
Well, if that's the case, do you mind?
Emmylou
Do I mind what?
Conor
If I stay here and cry too. I won't bother you.
Emmylou
Thank you, Conor.
She kissed him. She lied back down and turned against the wall. He got under the covers too. They lied in the dark back to back in their emotions.
Conor
Hey Emmy.
Emmylou
Yeah?
Conor
I'll protect you and Ian.


Akasha was on her knees holding Iris in her arms.
Akasha
Who would do such a thing?
Pathion
Well-
Syn silenced him.
Akasha
I want to know who did it.
Soldier
I can tell you.
They all turned around to see a soldier hiding in the rubble.
Syn
Come forward, human.
The soldier walked up. He told them who did it, he told them all Ilias had rehearsed.
Akasha
Are you sure?
Soldier
Yes, my lord.
Akasha
Very well.
A blue spark of energy shot towards the soldier and he fell back.
Pathion
Poor guy.
Ximendos landed next to them.
Ximendos
No.
He walked up to her dead body.
Ximendos
Not Iris. I was hoping she'd be able to hold her ground before I arrived.
Akasha
I'm sorry.
Akasha held him from behind.
Ximendos
Who did this?
She told him.
Ximendos
And the barer of this news?
She pointed at the dead man.
Ximendos
Though I can't believe what I am hearing, there is no use debating it.
He kissed Iris on the forehead.
Ximendos
They've taken my daughter, and soon I'll take them.
Syn
What do we do now?
Akasha
Surely we return to the palace?
Ximendos picked up Iris in his arms.
Ximendos
There is no palace. Before Iris expired she removed the shield holding it up.
Pathion
That sucks! Such a nice place too.
Akasha
So where will we go?
Ximendos
Home. Our refuge before all of this.
Akasha
And what of Ilias? Where is my son?
Ximendos
He said he was going to the Southern palace.
Akasha
Where is that? I never knew we had one.
Ximendos
I am as ignorant of this knowledge as you are. Ilias was in charge of all the plans, so I didn't expect you to know either.
Akasha
So we find him?
Ximendos
Yes, your brother and Pathion will after we have rested.
Syn
And then what? What will be the empires next move?
Ximendos
The Empire doesn't move until my daughter has had a proper burial.
Akasha
A funeral indeed!
Ximendos
Come Iris, we're going home.
A tear ran down his face unseen by the others. They disappeared.

Cameron
Did you feel that?
Arkain
That coldness that just passed through here?
Cameron nodded.
Cameron
I wonder what that was.
Arkain
Someone must have turned on the A/C.
Cameron
Don't be so simple, Arkain.
Arkain
Well I don't know!
The cube they were in began to shake.
Cameron
There's our answer!
It was no longer Gemma that rattled the cage, it was Krysin.
Gemma
Arkain!
Arkain looked around the cube, terrified by the hellish scream he just heard.

Suri fixed her pillow for bed.
Velis
You okay, kid?
Suri turned around and saw Velis and then turned back.
Suri
What's it to you?
Velis
I know we got off on the wrong foot.
Suri
The body.
Velis
Sure, whatever, but I wanted to say I'm sorry.
Suri
What makes you think I care?
Velis
Well I knew it wouldn't matter much, but I just wanted to say it. You're body is moving for that boy, Arkain. And I understand how you feel.
Suri
Oh really?
Velis
Yeah, hate to break it to you but you're not the only one holding your breath in hoping the one you love isn't dead. Many of us are. I am.
Suri understood her point.
Suri
What's his name?
Velis
Cameron, the one you first met me with.
Suri
I remember him. He's handsome, just like Arkain.
Velis
Well, he's who's moving this corpse around. I wanted you to know that so you'd understand that I understand you. You'll die for Arkain, and I'll die twice for Cameron.
Suri
You're not as bad as I thought.
Velis
Neither are you, hun.
Suri
I appreciate you coming over here to talk to me.
Velis
There's something else I wanted to show you.
Suri
Oh yeah?
Velis walked forward. She pulled out the Camera from her bag she'd been holding with her for a while now.
Velis
I think it's important.

Amros and Hayden appeared where the Area 71 used to be.
Amros
It can't be! How did they find it?
Hayden
It was only a matter of time.
Amros
Damn! What do we do now? The last humans are gone.
Hayden
That's not true, Amros. There are few left and we must find them.
Amros
What now?
Hayden
Pull yourself together, first, and then we go to Roselyn and Grey's aid.

Gwen punched Merdos in the stomach and then spun up and her foot met his chin.
Luna
She's really kicking their asses.
She swung her sword back and it slid across Masato's chest. She then kicked his face and he flew backwards.
Renn
Did you expect anything less? She's also doing it at not even one percent of her power.
She jumped on the wall and kicked Merdos in the chest after pouncing off it.
Luck
Her opponents are ants.
She swung her sword upward.
Cash
Why has she not killed them though?
She stepped on Merdos' ankle.
Renn
She likes to play with her food first.
He rolled over and dodged her blade.
Masato
I'm going to do it! It's the only way to get rid of this demon!
She turned around to see Masato.
Merdos
We made an oath to do what we must! I'm with you, brother. So long as we take this demon with us.
Merdos grabbed her by the arms.
Merdos
You won't stab me this time, cunt.
Masato
I love you, brother!
Merdos
Likewise, bro!
Masato glowed a light blue.
Masato
See you in hell, witch!
He ran forward. Just as he was about to grab her, she disappeared. He hugged Merdos and they disappeared.
Gwen
What the hell was that? Are you guys dead or is this some kind of trick?
She looked into the camera.
Luna
I guess they weren't aware of her ability to teleport.
Luna laughed.
Renn
She's had her fun.
Luck
We should be more focused on what's outside. The stronger opponents are out there.
Cash
They better hope they don't make it inside.
Cash laughed. Luna was too distracted by this to notice what was going on with Gemma.

The box broke. Flames erupted in front of Gemma but were blocked by a wall of darkness she formed in from of her.
Cameron
Is that?
Arkain
It's Gemma.
The blackness swirled around Cameron's body holding him still.
Gemma
It looks like my power cannot consume you, Cameron. I can keep you still, at the least though.
Arkain
What are you doing?
Gemma
Nothing to you, Arkain. Never any harm to you.
Arkain
Is that so?
Gemma
What?
He noticed her eyes were pitch black.
Arkain
No harm to me? What about my mother?
Gemma
So you know? I wondered when the truth would find you.
The darkness wrapped itself around Arkain too.
Gemma
In that case, I guess I'll have to eat you too.
Krysin laughed through Gemma.
Arkain
What are we going to do?
Cameron
I haven't the slightest clue.
They were trapped. From the black wall in front of them came a giant mouth.
Gemma
All's well that ends well.
Fallen
I was just thinking the same thing.
Fallen sharp teeth were showing as he growled.
Fallen
Put them down, half-dead.