Chapter Seventy-Three: Less like a Monster, More like a Monster

Velis entered the main room where Ilias was looking out into the dark sky.
Ilias
Can I help you, Velis?
Velis sat down at the chair nearest to her.
Velis
Not really, I'm just bored and thinking.
Ilias
I see. Well, I don't mind the company.
Velis
I have a question though.
Ilias turned around.
Velis
Why'd you kill your sister? Why did you kill Iris?
Ilias turned back around to face the sky again.
Ilias
It had to be done. I can't articulate a much more intelligible answer. I'm afraid the attempt to would be nonsensical. Is that enough for you?
Velis shrugged.
Velis
I guess. I just can't believe you did it. I was under the impression that she meant the world to you and your love for her would keep her safe.
Ilias
Priorities change, Velis. You can't say that notion is under you, can you? The Velis I remembered used to be fearless and careless, now, well now you stand before me less like a monster and more like a girl in love.
He laughed.
Ilias
I don't think you should talk or use a word like love against me as if you had the right to use it.
Velis
Fair enough. I still can't believe it, if that's all right with you.
Ilias
It doesn't matter. I did what I had to do and that's it.
Velis
What next?
Ilias
Silly Velis, do you think I'd be stupid enough to divulge my plans to you?
Velis
I am your ally.
Ilias
Is that so? You change teams just as fast as Fallen.
Velis
If Cameron is with you, so am I.
Ilias
Well, I suppose that is true. Next thing on my list to do is to get Cameron on the same level as Arkain.
Velis
What do you mean? Cameron would crush Arkain!
Ilias
While that may be true, Cameron hasn't exactly shown us his wings.
Velis
His wings?
Ilias
His wings, Velis. Your little boyfriend is an angel.
Velis looked taken aback.
Ilias
You look surprised. I guess you were hoping I'd say demon. Oh well. Cameron needs to show us what he can do beyond the power he has shown us.
Velis
How do you expect him to do that?
Ilias
With your love.
Velis was confused.

Gemma
Fallen, is it?
Fallen growled.
Gemma
What business do you have here?
Fallen
You're in my world, kid.
Gemma laughed. Krysin was in full control now.
Gemma
I do not fear you, fox. Get out of here before I eat you too.
The sharp teeth on the mouth chomped down.
Arkain
Get out of here, Fallen!
Fallen turned to look at Arkain.
Fallen
Shut up, idiot, I'm going to save you both.
Cameron
Well can you hurry this up?
Fallen
With pleasure.
A beam of white blasted out of Fallen's mouth and Gemma disappeared. Arkain and Cameron fell to the ground.
Cameron
What the hell did you just do?
Fallen
I transported her away from here. As of now she is up above this palace high in one of my prisons. That should give us four hours, I hope.
Arkain
You have some explaining to do!
Fallen turned to them.
Fallen
I guess I can do that.
Fallen sat down with them and explained why they were there.
Cameron
He needs our help? Ilias isn't a part of the Empire anymore?
Fallen
No. He hasn't been for years now.
Arkain
I can't believe this. You've been working with him? What happened to the White Coats?
Fallen
All a part of the game. I had to work it well if you all were going to believe me.
Cameron
You deserve an Oscar.
Arkain
I'd say so.
Cameron
I can't help but feel it's not that simple though. Ilias just needs us as allies? What's the catch?
Fallen
There isn't one.
Arkain
Why couldn't he have asked us?
Cameron
Because he knew we wouldn't join him. We're not even joining him now.
Fallen
But we need you to fight the Empire.
Cameron
We've been doing that without him for awhile now, and we'll continue to do so.
Cameron began to head for the door.
Arkain
Wait, Cameron.
Cameron stopped.
Arkain
What about Gemma?
Cameron
She's not Gemma anymore. She's more like a monster. If that thing is protecting her body, I don't think we can kill her.
Arkain looked back at Fallen.
Arkain
What will you do with her?
Fallen
We are going to extract the monster within her. After that she will remain here with Ilias. Well, if she survives the extraction.
Arkain
So he married her and then he's going to do something that might kill her?
Fallen
Can you think of another way? That thing inside of her will take over her completely if it doesn't happen. Even now it has gained the upper hand in control.
Arkain
There has to be another way!
Fallen
You can say that, but it doesn't make it so.
Cameron
What does that matter to you, Arkain? Forget she killed your mother?
Arkain didn't respond. Luna came into the room.
Luna
I hope they're not planning on leaving. Ilias would not be happy with that.
Fallen
They're not.
Cameron
We're not? What makes you think so?
Fallen
Because Ilias has Velis.
He looked at Arkain next.
Fallen
And he has Suri.

Vesper
What's going on?
Vesper had just woken up. Nick moved to her side.
Nick
You okay?
Vesper
Answer my question.
Nick
We're outside of some odd black palace. My parents are fighting Amya and some man.
Vesper opened her eyes and saw Nick kneeling before her.
Vesper
You're that boy.
Nick nodded.
Vesper
How did I get here?
Nick
Well, we saved you from that fox. He bit you and you went unconscious.
Vesper
Thank you.
She sat up.
Vesper
I am grateful for this.
Nick
No need.
Nick touched her hand.
Nick
I'll protect you.
Vesper thought about what was happening here.
Vesper
I hope you don't think anything will come out of what we did. So far as I'm concerned, everything is as it has always been, that never happened.
Nick stood up.
Nick
Well, that doesn't matter. I'll still protect you still. You're my friend.
Vesper looked up at the boy she had once had sex with.
Vesper
Friend?
Nick
Yeah, and friends protect each other.
He stuck out his hand. Vesper was frozen for a moment.
Vesper
(This must be what Pathion feels for Syn.)
She grabbed his hand and he helped her up.
Malic
What are we going to do?
Vesper
If they move to attack, leave it to me.

Forest
My daughter?
Amya stood in front of Grey, Roselyn, Kegan, and Supriya.
Amya
Your willingness to see this to the end is most noble. Unfortunately, you cannot win here. We have no ill will against you four so I suggest you leave. Do so now, and you won't be followed.
Grey
Big words coming from the likes of you. We will do no such thing.
Forest walked up and stood next to Amya.
Forest
You, with the long red hair, what is your name?
Roselyn
My name is Roselyn.
Forest
You are daughter of Amya?
Roselyn
Yes, and why does that matter?
Forest walked forward. The others prepared to battle.
Forest
At ease, for I am no longer your enemy.
Amya
What?
Forest stood before Roselyn.
Forest
I am your father, Roselyn of the Forest.
Roselyn's eyes widened.
Amya
(This isn't good. Ilias won't be pleased by this, even though we calculated this.)
Amya walked backwards.
Amya
Forest, you're making a grave mistake.
Forest
Quiet, woman, for you no longer have a voice for my ears. You've made an enemy of your daughter, my daughter, our blood.
Forest extended his arms.
Forest
I've missed you, dearly.
Roselyn
I don't know what to say.
Forest
My name is Forest, and I've been waiting for this day.
Roselyn hugged him. She had thought he was dead this whole time.
Amya
You fool!
Forest
I said quiet!
The ground rose around Amya and it wrapped her.
Amya
How dare you!
Forest turned around.
Forest
I once loved you, but consider that history, Amya of the nowhere.
Amya laughed loudly.
Roselyn
I had no idea.
Grey
Your father is the God of the Earth.
Forest
It's time you die, vile creature.
He turned to Roselyn.
Forest
I hope you have no reservations left for this woman.
Roselyn
None.
Next to forest the ground shot up and revealed a sword.
Amya
The sword of life? You would use the earth's power on me?
Forest nodded.
Forest
Just to make sure you never wake again.
He grabbed the sword by it's handle.
Forest
If only you would have stayed your grace.
He lifted the sword.
Forest
We could have been a family.
He was about to stab her through the chest when they heard it.
Roselyn
Dragons!
They all turned to see two dragons flying their way. Ayn and Nya had arrived home.

Syn and Pathion stood outside of Ximendos' lair.
Syn
What's wrong with you?
Pathion didn't respond.
Syn
I need an answer, Patrick.
Pathion sat down on the bench.
Pathion
What do you mean what's wrong with me? Tusa's dead, Darby abandoned us, and Vesper's MIA! How do you want me to feel, Simon? How?
Syn
Calm down, I didn't mean for you to yell at me.
Pathion
I'm sorry. I just don't know what the fuck we're doing, alright? Sure, fine, you made up with that bitch, but that doesn't mean I trust her.
Syn
You have to.
Pathion
No, I don't. I don't think what we're doing is right, dude.
Syn
We're working with my sister and her husband. Don't you want a future?
Pathion
A future? What do you mean? We're immortal Simon! What don't you get about that?
Syn
Tusa's dead, remember?
Pathion
So?
Syn
Hayden killed him.
Pathion
So that's why we should not be on the bad side of Hayden! Orthak is dead, we have no reason to fear Ximendos!
Syn
Did you forget he is half elf now?
Pathion was dumbstruck.
Syn
Looks like that part slipped your mind. As of now both enemy sides have the ability to kill us, Pat. If we want to survive, we must stay on the side with the most powerful people.
Pathion
I guess that makes sense.
Syn
It does, idiot. As for Vesper being gone, I have no idea where she is. Her energy reading should be detectable but as of now it is just as gone as she is.
Pathion
I was thinking the same. I miss her.
Syn
Oh shut it. You miss fighting? Stop being such a pussy.
Pathion stood up.
Pathion
I just want to know she's okay.
Syn hugged Pathion.
Syn
It's going to be okay. We'll be okay.
Akasha came outside.
Akasha
Did you both want to come inside?
Syn
It's okay, we're fine out here.
Akasha
Well, we're leaving in the morning so get enough sleep.
They both nodded and she left.

Ximendos
They're not going to be a problem, are they?
Akasha sat down on the bed aside from Ximendos.
Akasha
Why would they be?
Ximendos
I haven't the slightest clue, except that no one can be trusted nowadays.
Akasha
I can, can't I?
Ximendos
Out of the entire world, yes. I'm biased though, as I love you. There's one thing I've learned lately though, and don't be offended by me reciting it.
Akasha
Go ahead.
Ximendos
Though we can count on others at times, we can only count on ourselves all the time.
Akasha
I can hardly disagree. Why count on two hands of another when you have your own?
Ximendos lied back on the bed.
Ximendos
You are very wise, Amanda. Ever since I've met you, you've been so wise.
Akasha
As if I have anything to teach you, my love.
Ximendos
You never know. I might be the strongest being alive, but I am far from the most wise. Wisdom escapes me like the mouse from the cat.
Akasha
A little hard on yourself, no?
Ximendos
Not at all. Just honest, is all.
Akasha lied down next to him.
Akasha
Do you really believe what that soldier said about the ones that took the life of Iris?
Ximendos
I do. I have no reason to deny it. Judging by the outcome of all this, anything is possible.
Akasha
That seems so. I wish we would have known. Maybe we could have saved her.
Ximendos
Don't dwell on it, my love. What is done is done. All we can do now is go on.
Akasha
When will we bury her?
Ximendos
When we've reached my home.
He rubbed her back as she fell asleep.

Amros
I cannot feel any sign of them.
Hayden
The ship Grey followed must have gone to an area concealed by magic. Not even I can find them.
Amros
What are we to do now?
Hayden
I think we must return the White Coats lair.
Amros
We have to regroup.

Cameron
Why does Ilias have Velis? I knew he did, but why?
Fallen
Well, why do you think, Cammy? He did it to bring her to you. To show he is your ally.
Cameron
I couldn't dream of someone more that I despise. I am not looking for allies.
Fallen
Quit being so melodramatic. You need them.
Cameron
Don't tempt me, Fallen.
Cameron took a step forward.
Luna
Fallen, what's his problem?
Arkain
Once Suri and Velis get here, can we leave? I think it's up to us to decide whether we're allies or not.
Fallen
I'm afraid it's not that easy.
Arkain
You're playing hostage with them?
Fallen
You can call it that. Don't you understand? You need us, and we need you.
Cameron
I don't care! If we are not able to leave once they arrive, we'll make our way out.
Fallen
You can try, but you will only fail.
Cameron
Is that a threat, Fallen?
Fallen growled.
Fallen
Always, baby.
Arkain
Can you two shut the hell up?
Luna
Yeah!
Arkain
We don't need to fight. We're not enemies!
Cameron
Says you! I don't trust this little shit. Since the very beginning he has been playing all the fields.
Fallen
And you haven't? Get off your high horse!
Cameron
No, I like it up here.
Arkain
Stop already! Listen, Cameron, we have to at least hear Ilias out. It's the only way to know Suri and Velis will be okay.
Cameron
They'll be okay whether he allows them to be or not.
Fallen
You're a fool! We have a common enemy!
Cameron
I never said we didn't. But the enemy of my enemy is simply my enemy.

Emmylou opened her eyes. Conor was sitting on the edge of the bed.
Conor
Sleep well?
She nodded.
Conor
Feel any better?
Emmylou
No. It's not a thing I can sleep off.
Conor
But it's a fever you have to sweat off eventually.
Emmylou
Well, eventually isn't now.
She stood up and entered the restroom.
Conor
I'm sorry, Emmy.
Emmylou
For?
Conor
For not staying and helping them like we were supposed to have.
Emmylou
We had orders, and that's that.
Conor
We could have broken them. We're used to breaking the rules, aren't we?
Emmylou
We didn't think about it then. It would be great to rewind and fix things, no?
Conor
One of humanity's greatest wishes. Too bad.
Emmylou
What do you think is going to happen now?
Conor
Not sure. Ilias said we're going to his house.
Emmylou
Not sure how I feel about that.
Conor
Me neither, but what choice do we have?
Suri
None.
Suri had opened the door slowly so they didn't know she was entering.
Conor
Hey Suri.
Emmylou waved while brushing her teeth.
Suri
You guys sleep well?
Conor
Yeah, did you?
Suri nodded. She sat next to Conor.
Suri
I'm glad we're okay, guys. While I was in there, I was worried the whole time.
Conor
We're just happy you made it out.
Suri
Thanks to Ilias.
Emmylou spat.
Emmylou
He really saved you, huh?
Suri
Yeah, and he killed his sister.
Conor
Tough shit. Think he's crazy?
Suri
I don't think so.
Emmylou
He seems pretty stable to me.
Emmylou sat on Conor's lap.
Suri
Sorry about your mom, Em.
Emmylou
Nothing that can be done. I have to stay strong for Ian, myself, and you guys.
Conor
That's better.
He rubbed her leg.
Suri
I'm so happy I met you guys on this journey. You guys are really the first friends I've ever had.
Conor put his arm around Suri.
Conor
The feelings mutual. We fucking love you, dude.
They laughed.
Emmylou
We wouldn't have made it this far without you, Suri. You are our wonder woman.
She smiled at Suri. Suri smiled back.
Suri
Just promise me, that whatever happens next, you guys will never forget what we've been through.
Conor
How could we?
Emmylou
Impossible, really.
Conor
We're best friends, and that makes us family.
Suri felt something she thought she never had never felt.
Conor
What's wrong?
Suri
I just felt something I haven't felt in so long.
Emmylou
Did you just fart?
Conor nudged Emmylou.
Suri
No, I just felt the sensation of wanting to cry. It's gone now, but I felt it.
Conor
Crying because you're happy is a good thing. Hell, crying period is good.
Emmylou
I'd know that.
Conor
You have to allow yourself to cry sometimes if you're ever going to grow.
Suri
Maybe one day.
Conor
Make sure they're of happiness though.
Suri
I will. I love you guys.
Emmylou and Conor
Love you too.

Munro
What are you thinking, brother?
Munro asked Germ as they stood outside the palace balcony watching the sky.
Germ
I want what we were promised. That's impossible now.
Munro
Not if we get it by force.
Germ
What did you have in mind?
Munro
How about we take the half dead?
Germ
How do you think we'll manage that?
Munro
Simple, we go to it. We go to where Ilias is keeping her.
Germ
I know that much, brother. I mean, how will we do that once we're there.
Munro
Well, first you need to close your eye, Germ.
Germ looked at Munro and saw he was closing his left eye.
Germ
I almost forgot!
Germ closed his eye.
Germ
You are brilliant, Munro.
Lucifer the cat was looking up at the sky across from Nick, Vesper, and Malic. Munro and Germ could see far higher than they could at the white circle high in the sky.

Forest
Dragons? Well we still have time.
Forest pushed the sword forward towards her chest but then suddenly someone appeared before him grabbing the sword with their two fingers.
Forest
Who the hell are you?
Cash
The lady belongs with us, so we'll be taking her now.
Forest
Out of my way, stranger, and you will live.
Gwen appeared on top of the wood wrapped around Amya.
Gwen
It's time for you all to get the fuuuuuck out of here.
Luck appeared next to Amya.
Luck
We've come to return you to the inside.
Forest
You will do no such thing.
Roselyn, Grey, Kegan, and Supriya surrounded them.
Renn
If you all wish to die, I suggest you start fighting.
Renn was flying above Amya and Gwen.
Renn
We have no quarrel with you but we have orders to kill if you continue to fight.
Cash
By all means, continue.
Gwen
Yeah!
Roselyn
Grey, their power is massive!
Grey
I say we retreat.
Renn
It would be wise that you did. We are beyond your level of power.
Kegan
Who are you four?
Luck
We're the Four Winds.
Gwen
Number four, Gwen.
Cash
Number three, Cash.
Luck
Number two, Luck.
Renn
Number one, Renn. We are temporary guards of Ilias Anselia and this palace. We do not wish to fight you.
Gwen
I do!
Renn
So please, remove yourself from these lands.
Amya
Do as you're told, Roselyn. You don't want to die here.
Forest
I said for you to shut up.
Supriya
We must leave, now!
Kegan
I'm down to fight if you guys are.
He looked at Grey and Roselyn.
Renn
If you do, death will only come out of it.
Roselyn jumped back.
Roselyn
Grey, we must go!
Grey looked over at Kegan who was awaiting orders.
Grey
What's the percent of us winning this, Kegan?
Kegan
I'd say forty nine percent us, fifty one them.
Grey
I see. What say you, Supriya?
Supriya
I vote retreat.
She ran over to Roselyn.
Supriya
These beings are monsters.
Kegan
And so are we! Despite their sheer strength, I'm sure we could take them together. Well, almost sure.
Grey
Forest, will you retreat with us?
Forest
I will do no such thing. Amya must die now.
Gwen
You are a lot like me, old man!
Renn
Forest, were you not one of our allies?
Forest
I was up until I realized my daughter wasn't with us.
Amya
Oh get over it, Forest! If you loved her so much you would have stayed!
The ground began to shake.
Renn
Is that him, Amya?
Amya
Yes.
Renn
You are walking a thin line, Forest. If you continue, my blade will cut you down.
Forest
You fools cannot kill me.
Luck
I'm sure we'll find a lucky spot.
Cash
The floors still shaking.
Renn
What say you, Forest? Death or life?
Forest
I say death for you all!
He let go of the sword and it disappeared. He jumped back. Before he could do anything, Roselyn yelled.
Roselyn
You have a grandson!
They all stopped and turned to her. Amya especially.
Forest and Amya
What did you say?
Roselyn
I have a son. A beautiful boy named Nicolas Kasper. He's your grandson!
Forest
I cannot believe it. How old is he?
Roselyn
Nineteen.
Amya
Why did you never tell me?
Roselyn
I always thought you didn't want me to have kids.
Amya
That couldn't be farther from the truth. I always wanted to be a grandma.
Ayn and Nya had arrived.
Kegan
Time to go!
Kegan made them all disappear. Amya stood alone with the Four Winds.
Amya
His name is Nicolas.

Vesper watched as everyone from Nick's side disappeared including Nick.
Malic
What the hell? Where'd he go?
Vesper
The others must have been linked to him. He has left with them.
Malic
Guess that leaves just us, tuts.
Vesper
You're almost as bad as Pathion.
Darby
Where is Pathion, anyways?
A sword appeared at Vesper's throat?
Darby
Don't try and run, this sword can kill you in an instant.
Malic
Oh you in trouble now!
Darby
Please Vesper, I only wish to speak with you.

Nick appeared away from everyone. Nick appeared on the beach where his friend's body laid.
Nick
It's getting dark.
He sat down next to Steven's body.
Nick
I'm sorry, bro. I should have protected you.
Roselyn
Some things are out of our control, Nicolas.
He turned to see his mom and dad standing behind him.
Nick
How did you guys find me?
Grey
Your mother placed a leaf on you that keeps you from being lost.
Nick wiped his eyes.
Roselyn
This was your friend, Steven, was it not?
Nick nodded.
Nick
The empire got to him when I thought he'd be okay. I just don't understand why they did. He was just a human.
Grey
Just a human? Nicolas, listen to yourself.
Grey crouched next to him.
Grey
Steven wasn't just a human. He was your best friend.
Nick
So?
Grey
That made him special. And all the people he loved made them special, and so on.
Roselyn
What your father means is no one is just a human. They're all special in their own right.
Nick
Why?
Grey
Because we are all living and breathing creatures capable of loving.
Roselyn
And hating. Capable, nonetheless. Humans are special, Nicolas, just like you, and us all.
Nick
Not special enough to live.
Grey
Death is apart of life, Nick. You're right, Steven wasn't unique in dying, but likewise, in being alive, you're not unique in trying to be.
Nick
So we're special but not special?
Grey
Twisting of words, but you can say that. We're special to each other, normal and important in our own right. Nicolas, you can't beat yourself up over this. Things that are out of your control should not be something to dwell over.
Nick
But I could have saved him.
Roselyn
How?
Roselyn now was holding him.
Nick
I don't know how, but I know I could have done something.
He lost it now. He cried.
Roselyn
People change, people die, people live, it's a cycle, my love.
She kissed his head as he cried on her shoulder.
Roselyn
Don't be afraid of living or losing.
Roselyn made the ground move so a grave was made.
Roselyn
It's time to put him to rest, Nicolas.
Nick stood up.
Nick
You guys can't bring him back?
They both nodded.
Nick
I guess what's done is done.
Roselyn
Once something dies.
Grey
You can't make it live.
Nick picked up Steven's body.
Nick
You were the best friend anyone could have had. I hope to see you someday. Whether that be in another place or form. Goodbye, brother.
He placed him into the ground. Roselyn buried him.
Roselyn
It's okay, Nick.
Nick
I know it is.
He wiped his eyes.
Nick
Now I find the two that did it. That's all that matters now.

Amya sat down in the control room.
Amya
Thank you all for that. I owe you one.
Renn
We do not keep count, so don't worry about it.
The Four Winds stood in the control room around Amya.
Renn
Ilias told us to save you if things went south.
Amya
Oh and south they went. Damn, I can't believe it happened as it did.
Renn
It doesn't matter. You awoke the Earth's sword for a purpose and that's all that matters.
Luck
We'll harvest his energy soon. The plan is still in progress.
Amya
I suppose you're right.
Gwen
So, tell me about your family problems!
Gwen said as she sat down next to Amya. Ayn and Nya both stood guard on the palace walls.

Ilias
When we arrive my men will escort you in. Please do not give them much trouble as they are tired from the flight here.
Suri
No problem.
They all nodded.
Ian
Where are we going?
Emmylou
Somewhere safe, Ian, somewhere safe.
The ship landed and the soldiers escorted them off.
Velis
Where are they off to?
Ilias
Just to wait in the sleeping area until I need them.
Velis
So I can see Cameron now?
Ilias
Of course you can.
Velis
Thanks, Ilias. You've been trustworthy so far.
She walked past him.
Ilias
One more thing, Velis.
Velis stopped and turned around.
Ilias
I lied.
His eyes glowed silver and Velis no longer moved on her own.
Velis
What are you doing?
Ilias
I decided I can't allow Cameron to know the truth about the night he lost his brother.
Velis
It's okay, I won't tell him.
Ilias
No, that's the problem.
He smiled.
Ilias
You will.

Cameron
Where is he, Fallen?
Fallen
Calm down, he has just arrived.
Luna
You need to loosen up a bit!
Fallen
You tell him, hunny.
Cameron
Oh shut up you wild animals.
She hissed.
Arkain
No but seriously, where is he?
The sliding doors opened. Ilias stood at the doors.
Ilias
I believe you were expecting me.
Cameron and Arkain both gave him a nasty look. There stood the man that they both have known to have messed with their lives in terrible ways.
Ilias
Are you ready to know the truth about all that has happened up until now?