Chapter Seventy-Two: The Ship in a Bottle

14 years ago...
Akasha
What are you doing, Ilias?
Ilias sat at the kitchen table reading a book. His mother walked in worried about what he was doing up at such a late hour.
Ilias
I'm reading, mom. What's wrong?
She stood at the door frame.
Akasha
Nothing, you just startled me. I heard noises and I didn't know what they were.
Ilias
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you.
She was walking towards him.
Akasha
It's okay. What are you reading?
She looked over his shoulder.
Ilias
Nothing really, just some philosophy books.
Akasha
My smart baby.
She kissed him on the head.
Ilias
Stop it, mom.
She laughed.
Akasha
Already getting too old for my kisses?
Ilias
No, I just don't think I should be getting them for reading.
Akasha
You're barely five years old and you're already reading philosophy books! I don't think there has ever been a more intelligent boy around!
Ilias smiled.
Ilias
Thanks mom, I love you.
Akasha
I love you more, Ilias.

10 years ago...
Ilias and Ximendos sat on a bench by the ocean. They were watching the sun go down.
Ilias
Dad, why are you always so quiet?
Ximendos
I always have a lot to think about.
Ilias
So why don't you ever tell me about these things?
Ximendos
You're too young to burden with such things.
Ilias
When will I be old enough?
Ximendos
In five years.
He rubbed his head. In front of them they saw a little girl fall and a mom and dad pick her up and make sure she was okay.
Ilias
Aw, they made sure she was okay. Humans can be so kind to each other.
Ximendos
Don't be so naive, Ilias, they are wicked creatures.
Ilias
But that mom and dad are just like you and mom, aren't they?
Ximendos
Except they're human. Don't let your perspective on them be perverted by their rare moments of kindness. I assure you, it's only a glimmer in their pool of darkness.
Ilias
If you say so. You know more than I do, father.
Ximendos
I do. If not for them, you'd have a grandma.
Ilias
I would have liked that. It's okay though, I have you.
Ilias hugged Ximendos.
Ximendos
Yes, yes you do. Don't you ever forget that. Ilias, remember, humans are below us.
Ilias
Humans are below us?
Ximendos
Yes.

6 years ago.......
Ilias was playing with the snow in the forest down by the Anselia home.
Ilias
I want to be powerful!
He hit the snow with his fists.
Ilias
I want to do it all!
He kicked the snow across the field.
Stranger
Do what, exactly?
Ilias turned around. He couldn't see anyone around.
Ilias
Who are you?
Stranger
Who? What? Does that matter?
Ilias
I think it does.
Stranger
It doesn't. Now answer my question.
Ilias
What was it, exactly?
Stranger
Do what, exactly?
Ilias
If you're referring to my comments while kicking the snow, it's none of your business.
Stranger
You yelled it, it bothered me, it's my business.
Ilias
I don't think that's how it works. Perhaps if you showed your face, coward, I'd be a bit more generous with my sharing.
Stranger
I don't see any reason to do so. Besides, it would ruin the surprise.
Ilias
What surprise?
Stranger
Your face when you realize what is going to kill you.
Ilias was confused. Kill him? What had he done to deserve such a thing?
Stranger
Scared?
Ilias
Not in the slightest. I do not fear you.
Stranger
You're a little young, Ilias Anselia.
He froze in the cold melting snow.
Stranger
How do I know your name? Well you must know nothing about your family, huh?
The voice laughed.
Stranger
It looks like it. Well, your family is a dark and twisted one, little boy.
Ilias
You're lying.
Stranger
Am I? Or is daddy just not letting you in on the big picture. The picture picture, kid, is you've been born into a family of murderers.
Ilias
You've spoken too much, now leave!
Stranger
I don't think so. Remember what I said? I'm going to kill you.
Ilias' eyes glowed silver.
Stranger
What's that? Your eyes glowed. I see you've picked up something from mommy and daddy.
Ilias
Why must you kill me? What have I done to you?
Stranger
It's more like the things your father has done and will do.
Ilias
What my father has done holds no weight over me. I will not be called guilty for things I did not do with my own hands.
Stranger
Is that so? Well, tell me, Ilias, what do you think about humans?
Ilias
Well, they are terrible creatures that wish to do nothing but wage war and kill.
The stranger laughed.
Stranger
And how did you come to learn this? Something you witnessed with your own eyes?
Ilias
No, but-
Stranger
Or let me guess, something your father told you. The irony wants to suffocate me.
Ilias
I don't see your point.
Stranger
My point is you wish not to be judged by what your father has done yet all you believe about humans is based on what their fathers have done. Aint that some shit?
Ilias
Do you know much about them?
Stranger
Yes, yes I do. Would you like to see the other side?
Ilias
Show me! Show me this other side you speak of.
Stranger
Very well.
Ilias felt dizzy and when he opened his eyes again he was in front of a hospital.
Stranger
Inside, boy, go inside.
Ilias entered the hospital.
Stranger
Straight down, to the right.
He walked until he reached the last room. There was a girl inside. On the glass doors it said Ellen.
Ilias
What's this?
Stranger
A disgusting human, as you would say.
He opened the door.
Stranger
Careful, she might destroy you.
Ellen
Hello? Who are you?
Ilias
My name is Ilias.
Stranger
Tell her you work here.
Ilias
I work here.
Ellen
Aren't you a little too young to work here?
Ilias
My father owns the hospital.
Stranger
Nice.
Ellen
Oh, I see.
She rested her head again.
Ellen
Do you think I'll be okay, then?
Ilias
Excuse me? I don't know what's wrong with you.
Ellen
I have cancer. It's a rare kind.
Ilias
What's cancer?
Ellen looked at him as if he was joking.
Ellen
It's a disease, silly. One that takes lives.
Ilias
And you have it?
Ellen
Yes.
She took off her cap and revealed a bald head.
Ellen
Ever since I was seven.
Ilias
How old are you now?
Ellen
I'm eleven.
Ilias
That is terrible. How did you get it?
Ellen
Don't know. Mom said God gave it to me to take me home.
Ilias
God? Does she really think that's true?
Ellen
She does. I don't like when she says it though. I don't want to go where he is. This feels like home to me. How can a place I never been be my home?
Ilias
That sounds just awful.
Ellen
Do you believe in God?
Ilias
No.
Ellen
Me neither. I stopped believing when things got worse. Mother told me I'll find God in my last days.
Ilias
I hope he doesn't find you.
Ellen
Last days? I don't want last days. I want every day.
Ilias
Do you remember normal life?
Ellen
Sorta, not too much. It's all blur, really. Do you have a normal life?
Ilias
No, not really. You're the first person I've ever met outside of family.
Ellen
What a shame! You need some friends. Want to be friends?
Ilias
Aren't you human though?
Ellen looked taken aback.
Ellen
What? Course I am. Aren't you?
Ilias nodded.
Ellen
What are you? You some kid of alien? I once saw a movie with an alien that looked like a human. It was scary as hell.
Ilias
I'm not an alien either.
Ellen
It doesn't matter, you're pretty.
Ilias blushed.
Ilias
But you, you're not like the humans I heard about.
Ellen
What did you hear?
Ilias
That you guys are monsters.
Ellen
Some of us are, I won't lie. Not all though. Who told you that though?
Ilias
My dad.
Ellen
He's wrong, you know. He probably had his heart broken or something.
Ilias
I think he did. Mom told me his mom was killed by humans.
Ellen covered her mouth in terror.
Ellen
Oh that's terrible! I'm not surprised he hates us if that's the case. Tell him I'm sorry.
Ilias
Sorry? For what?
Ellen
For what humans did to his parents. It's not right, killing, you know? It's a terrible thing.
Ilias
You really mean that?
Ellen
I do. I just hope one day he realizes we're not all the same.
It hit Ilias.
Ilias
You're not all the same. That's it! You're not all the same.
Ellen
Why so excited?
Ilias
Because you're right! If there is one human like you, there must be more!
Stranger
You got it, kid.
Ilias
Thank you so much for helping me.
He grabbed her hand gently.
Ellen
You're welcome.
She kissed him on the forehead.
Ellen
I didn't even mean to help you.
Ilias
I wish I could help you. I wish I knew how to save you.
Ellen
Can you tell your dad to find a cure? Or the doctors?
Ilias was about to cry.
Ilias
I can do that.
Ilias disappeared. When he got his focus back he screamed.
Ilias
Why did you take me away from her?
Stranger
So you wouldn't lie to her again. I brought you to her to learn a lesson, not to lie to her.
Ilias
Lesson learned! That how you teach thirteen year old boys lessons?
Stranger
I have my methods.
Ilias
Is one of those methods madness, by any chance?
Stranger
Perhaps it is, idiot boy! But what you've learned today can not be undone. There are more of her like that out there. Many sick, many okay, but all good humans. They're not all the same.
Ilias
I've realized.
Stranger
So what have you learned today, foolish boy?
Ilias
That my father is a liar.
Stranger
Excellent. I don't think I need to kill you now.
Ilias
What can we do to change things?
Stranger
Excuse me?
Ilias
What can we do to change the world? To make humans good? To make them love each other?
Stranger
Wow, I wasn't expecting this until our next encounter. Well, Ilias, that I'll explain another day.
Ilias
Where are you going?
Stranger
Home.
Ilias
Where do you live? May I come?
Stranger
I live in another world. Maybe one day, Ilias, maybe one day.
Ilias
Who are you?
Something came into view in front of him and his eyes grew wide.
Stranger
My name is Fallen, the Fox.

Fallen
I went with another way.
Unknown voice
So I've seen. Do you enjoy disobeying me, Fallen?
Fallen
No, my lord, I do not.
Unknown
Do not forget who created you and Luna.
Fallen
I have not, Lord.
Unknown
Good. Return to him tomorrow, if this is the way it's going to be, then from there explain our plans.
Fallen
Already, my lord? Should I divulge all there is to know about the Sky Walkers?
Unknown
Yes, I think it is safe. He is with us, without a doubt.
Fallen
Very well, my lord.
Unknown
As you were, sly fox.

Ilias
Don't you think father could be wrong?
Iris was combing her hair in front of her mirror.
Iris
No, I don't think father can be wrong.
Ilias
But what if he is?
Iris
He isn't. Why are you going on about this anyways?
Ilias
Because I don't think father has been telling us the truth.
Iris stopped combing her hair.
Ilias
What if everything they've told us is a lie? What if none of it's true?
Iris
What are you saying?
Ilias
I'm saying not all humans are vile creatures that are far from saving.
Iris
That can't be, Ilias. Dad would never lie to us. You need to get some sleep.
Ilias
You don't understand.
Iris
No, brother, you don't understand. Whatever you've been thinking, whatever lies you've been fed, you need to cleanse yourself of them.
Ilias
Cleanse myself?
Iris
Yes, cleanse yourself of them. The process will lead you back to where you belong.
Ilias
She's not a liar!
Ilias yelled out. Iris turned around.
Iris
Who isn't a liar and why are you yelling?
Ilias
Never mind.
Iris
You really do need some sleep, brother.
Ilias
What I need is for you to understand, but seeing how you won't, I'm out of here.

Ilias
That's the plan?
Fallen
Yes, do you like it?
Ilias
It's brilliant.
Fallen
I'm glad you think so. Now you just have to work on planting these seeds into your father.
Ilias
I can do that. It will take years though.
Fallen
That's fine, we have time.
Ilias
We? As in you and I, or someone else?
Fallen
Someone else. My master.
Ilias
Will I be able to meet him one day?
Fallen
Soon, my friend, soon.
Ilias
One last thing, do these Sky Walkers you spoke of truly exist?
Fallen laughed.
Fallen
Do any of us?

5 years ago......
Ximendos and Ilias sat at a desk working on a project.
Ilias
I like these, dad.
Ximendos was finishing painting the ship in the bottle on the desk.
Ximendos
I'm glad you do.
Ilias
Is it time to raise the sail?
Ximendos
Hold on, Ilias. You're always in a rush.
Ilias
I guess. Hey dad,
Ximendos looked over at him.
Ilias
Have you ever thought of being king of the humans?
Ximendos stopped painting.
Ilias
Like making it so you rule over them?
Ximendos
Once or twice.
Ilias
Why haven't you done it? With your power they'd be at your knees.
Ximendos
A treaty I made with my brother and sister, as I've told you, keeps me from doing so.
Ilias
Oh yes, that blasted treaty. So if that was out of the way, you'd be able to rule the world?
Ximendos
Theoretically.
Ilias
Can I tell you about a plan I have?
Ximendos
Yes, yes you can.
Ilias
It's called the Cleansing Process and it involves your empire, the Solace Empire.
Ilias explained to Ximendos the Cleansing Process and the structure of the Empire.
Ximendos
I love it. I'll let you get started on that immediately, should we ever have the chance. Now, however, let's raise this sail.
Ilias grabbed the front of the little rope and his dad the back.
Ximendos
Now be gentle, Ilias. These things are a lot like all living creatures.
Ilias looked up at his dad.
Ilias
We're all like ships in a bottle?
Ximendos laughed.
Ximendos
Yes.
Ilias
How? How am I like this hard bottle and the fragile ship inside?
Ximendos punched Ilias gently on the arm.
Ximendos
Hard on the outside.
He placed the point of his finger on his chest.
Ximendos
Fragile inside.
With his finger he moved it into the shape of a heart.
Ximendos
Built with heart and love.
He kissed him on the forehead. Ilias pulled the string. Ilias noticed he did this without his dad.
Ilias
Sorry dad.
He rested his head on Ilias' head.
Ximendos
It's okay, I already have my ship in his bottle.
Ximendos wiped his right eye.
Ximendos
I pulled the string a long time ago.
Ilias laughed.
Ilias
Are you crying dad? Is it because I'm your ship in a bottle?
Ximendos laughed.
Ximendos
Just don't tell your sister.
Ilias
I won't, dad. I won't ever forget this.
Ilias put this in his head as his favorite moment with his father.

Fallen
He bought it?
Ilias
Yes.
He said sadly.
Fallen
What's wrong?
Ilias
Nothing.
Fallen
Are you sending out people for the first Sky Walker?
Ilias
In due time.
Fallen
Remember, we might be wrong about this one. Things don't always go as planned.
Ilias
We shall see.

Ilias
And you are?
Velis entered the main hall of their house.
Velis
My name is Velis, I work for your mother.
Ilias
I am Ilias.
Velis
I know you are.
Ilias
Hey, I might need you for something in the near future, would you mind?
Velis
Not at all.
Ilias
I'll let you know when.

5 years later......
Malic
What the hell are we doing here?
Velis
I'm not entirely sure. Ilias said we're on a try out for a new member.
5 minutes earlier...
Ilias
You will all drop her off at her house as soon as possible. Carmen, once you're home you will enter and speak with your son normally. After that, well after that you will light a cigarette.
They all looked into his grey eyes and just nodded.
Carmen
Yes, sir.
They drove off. Ilias walked back to the police car. The police officer sat silently in the car.
Ilias
Thanks again for the ride.
Ilias walked away.
Malic
So you turned the gas on?
Velis
Yup, the entire thing.
Malic
Damn, that's going to be one hell of an explosion.
Velis
It certainly will be. No one will survive.
The house blew up. Velis and Malic searched the ruins and found Cameron's body.
Velis
It's a boy! It's a little fucking kid!


Ilias
I don't see why the house had to explode.
Fallen
It doesn't matter.
Ilias
It will if he ever finds out. His little brother and mother died in that explosion.
Fallen
Collateral damage.
Ilias
Yes but if he finds out, we'll have to deal with him. He'll want my head as well as Malic and Velis'. He'll make war on the people that we were today.
Fallen
You'll deal with it when it happens. If Cameron makes war, well you'll just push right back. Unless he's a sky walker, you won't have much to worry about.
Ilias
I suppose.

4 years later...
Ilias
Hello, brother.
Cameron
I thought I told you not to call me that.
Ilias
It's habit.
Cameron
We've only known each other for 6 months.
Ilias
Get over it, Cameron. Anyways, I wanted to talk to you about something important.
Cameron
And what is that? I'm kinda busy here.
Ilias
What is your opinion on humans?
Cameron
What kind of question is that?
Ilias
A serious one, I think.
He scratched his head.
Cameron
If they're a lot like my mother, I want them dead. No, wait, to be honest, I want them all dead. Yeah, that's it.
Ilias
That sounds diabolical.
Cameron
Is that all?
Ilias
Would you ever be willing to work with me, as partners?
Cameron
I don't think so. I work alone and if anything, not with brothers that were chosen for me.
Ilias
Will you ever get over that?
Cameron
Not anytime soon. I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive you for that, despite it not being entirely your fault.
Ilias
It's because you lost your brother and they tried to fill that gap with me, isn't it?
Cameron
You can say that.
Ilias
If it means anything, anything at all, know that I do care about you, Cameron. If the time comes and you're ready to forgive me, well I'll be here. Remember Cameron, life goes on.
Cameron
Yeah, without him.
Cameron's whole body turned into flames.
Ilias
Calm yourself, you're burning the tile.
His flames extinguished.
Ilias
We can be friends, you know.
Cameron
I've had one friend in my life, I don't need another. I don't need another brother either. To put it bluntly, get the fuck out of my face you snotty nosed rich kid.
Ilias
You'll eat your words one day.
Ilias turned to walk.
Ilias
Cameron, you are a fool.
Ilias stuck his hand in his pocket. In it was a ship in a bottle like the one his dad made him before except this one hadn't been raised yet.
Ilias
All I wanted was a friend.
Ilias smashed the bottle on the floor.
Ilias
And that's the last time I'll ever attempt to have one.
He stormed off.

Fallen
How did it go?
Ilias
He won't be joining us, ever. Bit of a little bitch, that one is.
Fallen yawned.
Fallen
I'm not surprised. Any any rate, things are going well.
Ilias
I'm happy to hear that. Fallen, how will we get my father killed?
Fallen
Well, that task will be up to you, myself, or someone else. We don't have to think about that for a long time though.
Ilias
I know, it's just that if we go with this plan, he will gain supporters.
Fallen
I know, but they won't be too much of a problem.
Ilias
How powerful are you?
Fallen
You'll find out one day.
He yawned again.
Fallen
Why are you even worried about these things?
Ilias
Curiosity.

Present times...

Ilias tells Fallen about Gemma...

Fallen
You're going to marry her? It's a joke, right?
Ilias
Not at all. It will make things easier for when we extract the half dead from her. So long as she trusts me, we'll get it done quickly.
Fallen
Why wouldn't she? You'll be her husband!
Fallen laughed.



Before Orthak capture Suri and battled the Syn clan...
Fallen
He's going to capture the girl?
Ilias
Yes, and when he does he'll use her image to find Arkain.
Fallen
And then?
Ilias
I want you to use the Syn clan to battle him. I want them to figure out a way to kill Orthak.
Fallen
And if they don't?
Ilias
Well hopefully a few of them die as well. It'll work out, Fallen.
Fallen
It's nice to see you taking the lead now.
Ilias
It was always what was going to happen.

Before Fallen releases the Syn Clan

Ilias
Looks like Cameron is back, as planned.
Fallen
I gave him the power you wanted me to give him.
Ilias
Excellent. Now he will form a team and we'll move them towards us ever so slowly.
Fallen
I love it. Was Hayden too much trouble?
Ilias
No. He got a kick in on me but that's about it. I'm annoyed with that one.
Fallen
He'll be ours eventually.
Ilias
Well, you should be on your way to releasing the Syn clan now.
Fallen
Yep, all ready with my fake death as well.
They laughed.

Before Ilias hung Arkain on the cross...
Fallen
What will you do to him?
Ilias
Torture him. If he is a Sky Walker, Arkain must show us his power. I will see if I can kill him through normal means.
Fallen
A little harsh, no?
Ilias
These are harsh times.

After the attempt on Nicholas' life...
Ilias
Amya is ours. We didn't get Nicholas but we got something better eventually.
Fallen
Arkain.
Ilias
How did Amros and Hayden take it?
Fallen
Devastated. Worst of all, Suri, Hayden's daughter, was broken. She loves him, ya know?
Ilias
How pathetic. Eh, we'll use that to our advantage one day.
Fallen
Make him do what we will or we'll kill her.
Ilias
My thoughts exactly.

After Empire emerges...
Ximendos hugged Ilias.
Ximendos
Thank you, my son, for all of this. Thank you for orchestrating this.
Ilias
No problem, dad. It really was all I wanted for you.

Ten minutes before Gemma first released...
Jake
Who the fuck are you?
Jake said in front of an old kid while he was getting the ball from the back closest.
Ilias
You can call me master.
Jake looked into Ilias' eyes.
Jake
Master...
Ilias put the ball in his hands.
Ilias
Make sure you hit her directly in the face.
Jake
I won't miss.
Ilias
That's a good boy.

5 minutes before Gemma released...
Layla and Sarah were leaving school grounds.
Layla
Where did you park?
Sarah
In the 2nd row. I didn't- Oh well hello hottie!
Layla
Sarah!
Layla pushed her.
Layla
Sorry about that, are you here to pick up someone?
Ilias
No, I'm here for you.
Sarah
Okay, that's not weird at all. I got this.
Sarah pulled out pepper spray.
Sarah
Listen asshole, get out of our way or I'll spray. I have twenty minutes left of my break and I want to get a damn good meal before it ends. Move.
Ilias
Shut up.
Sarah stopped talking.
Ilias
Go back to the playground and do your after school work.
Sarah
Yes, sir.
Sarah turned around and walked away.
Layla
What the hell?
Ilias
You are the mother of Arkain, correct?
Layla was scared now.
Layla
Yes, how do you know that? Do you go to school with him?
Ilias
No, I do not. I am a future friend of his.
Layla
Oh, well, I that's nice. Anyways, I have to go, so let's just walk away from here.
Ilias
You won't be going anywhere today. Mrs. West, today you die so Arkain can finally live.
Layla was now terrified.
Layla
Just what the fuck are you talking about?
Ilias
Your son, he's going to save the world.
Layla began to cry.
Layla
What are you talking about?
Fallen appeared on the car next to Layla.
Fallen
Aw, you're making her cry.
She screamed. A talking fox, she thought.
Ilias
Close your mouth.
Layla closed her mouth.
Fallen
Are we good to go here?
Ilias
Almost. We just need this last piece.
Fallen
Well, send her off. That boy is already moving to talk to Gemma.
Ilias
I see. Very well, Layla, go back to your work inside the school with Sarah.
Layla turned around.
Layla
Yes, master.
Fallen jumped onto the floor.
Fallen
All set.
Ilias
It's been so long, and now it finally begins.
Fallen
Shall we watch?
Ilias
Yes.
They walked over to watch Gemma and Jake talk. Jake threw the ball at her face.
Fallen
Now's my part.
Ilias
Good, go.
Fallen disappeared.
Ilias
Chaos! It's all chaos!
He laughed as the entire school was consumed by Gemma's darkness.

Hours after Gemma killed the school...
Iris
What's this?
Iris said looking at his ship in a bottle.
Ilias
It's a ship in a bottle.
Iris looked closely at it.
Iris
How did you do it? How did you get it into this wine bottle?
Ilias
(If she knew, she'd be with me forever.)
Ilias grabbed her hand.
Ilias
If you knew how it worked, you'd have to grow old.
Iris
What's that supposed to mean?
Ilias
It would mean if I built one for you, showed you how to build it, you're soul would go into it.
Iris
Ilias, that's nonsense.
Ilias
I don't mean a soul in the religious sense. What I mean by it is just who you are.
She kissed him on the cheek.
Iris
I love you, Ilias.
She left the room.
Ilias
Iris, you shouldn't love what is impossible. If you knew who I was, if you knew I built this ship in a wine bottle, you would never have the privilege to grow old. You'd be dead now.
He sat in his chair with the ship in a bottle. The sky rumbled outside. He thought back to the day after he had met Fallen.
Fallen
You can't go back to see her.
Ilias
Why not? I want to see Ellen again.
Fallen
She died last night. Ellen is dead, Ilias.
His eyes glowed silver. It was then Ilias knew he was doing the right thing.