Chapter Seventy-Four: Dark Pleasing Thoughts

Gemma
This ball, it's unbreakable. What do you think, Gemma?
There was no response. Gemma laughed.
Gemma
I'm not used to it just being me.
Gemma crossed her legs.
Gemma
That fox is a nuisance. I will eat him when I'm free. I'll eat them all.
She laughed hysterically.

Vesper
What do you want with me, traitor?
Darby
I am far from a traitor, my friend. You are the one working for the wrong side.
Vesper
For Syn? We made an oath to battle for him until we are no longer needed.
Darby stepped away.
Darby
And we no longer are. He works for Akasha now, and thus his will has no power over us. It must be authentically his or it means nothing.
Vesper
You have a point, I'll give you that, but we still have loyalties!
Darby
Syn would trade us for his sister at any moment. Vesper, join The Cloud and you will be free.
Vesper
I don't know if that's possible. Syn has my allegiances.
Darby
So withdrawal them! Don't you understand? Syn works for Akasha and she works for Ximendos. It is a lost cause.
Vesper
And why is that?
Darby
Because they no longer matter. There are forces coming to Earth that we need help defeating.
Vesper
What is this you speak of?
Darby
I cannot say anymore.
Vesper
How do you expect me to abandon Syn with such little information?
Darby paused for a second.
Darby
Unfortunately, if not, you die.
His sword, now gray, shimmered in the moonlight.
Vesper
After losing Tusa, you'd make me vanish as well?
Darby
I will do what I must. If immortals will not fight with us, they must be silenced.
Vesper
How absolute of you, Darby.
Darby
You don't understand the gravity of the situation. War is coming, and the likes of the Empire are no longer important. Just an annoyance, at any rate.
Vesper
And you will kill Syn as well? His life is now expendable?
Darby
It won't be at my hands, but if it comes to that, yes. I've set my path, and it won't be moved.
Vesper
I don't know whether you are far wise beyond me or if you're just a fool.
Darby
I've never been a fool, Vesp. Please, join me.
He extended his hand.

Amros
You've returned!
Amros hugged everyone starting with Roselyn and ending with Kegan.
Roselyn
The human refuse, gone.
Amros nodded.
Amros
It was when we arrived there.
Grey
What happened to it?
Hayden
We are as ignorant in the matter as you.
Amros
And the man in the back of you?
Roselyn turned.
Roselyn
He is my father, Forest.
Forest walked up and shook hands with Amros.
Forest
Forgive my presence, but I am your new ally.
Amros
You are most welcomed here. A new ally, you say? Splendid, we need as many as we can get.
Forest
Thank you for your welcoming, brother of Amya Anselia.
Amros was taken aback.
Amros
How did you know this?
Forest
I can feel it through your energy. It is laced with the same essence as hers.
Amros
I assure you I am nothing like her. Once that was, no longer is.
Forest
I am happy to hear that.
Roselyn
We all are. Anyways, what's the plan?
Kegan stepped forward.
Kegan
Any word on my family?
Supriya stepped forward and stood next to him.
Amros
I am not sure. I did not see them on the battlefield.
Hayden
Neither did I. Is it possible they are dead?
Kegan
Doubtful. I think I'd know if that happened.
Supriya
Plus, they aren't easy to kill.
Nick
I fought one of them!
Kegan turned to Nick.
Kegan
Who did you fight?
Nick
I don't know who he was, but he was incredible.
Kegan
Were there diamonds involved?
Nick nodded.
Kegan
You fought Kassle and lived to tell the tale? I true wonder you have here, Roselyn and Grey.
Nick rubbed his back.
Nick
It was really nothing. If anything, he almost killed me. Like I said, he was incredible.
Kegan
Probably the strongest of them all. But, to be fair, I haven't witnessed their power in so long.
Supriya
For all we know, they each are equally powerful.
Hayden
No matter. They are the least of our worries.
Roselyn
We find Nicholas! We have to-
Amros
He's gone, Roselyn.
They all looked at Amros. He was silent for a moment.
Amros
His energy level disappeared almost a day ago. I'm afraid there is no other way understanding his disappearance.
Grey
What if he entered the area Ilias' palace is in?
Hayden
I don't think that's possible. He did not know it existed when he died.
Amros
Plus, it happened by the palace ran by Iris.
Again, silence.
Roselyn
All that work, for nothing.
Grey held her.
Roselyn
They got him.
Nick put his hand on her shoulder.
Amros
The loss of Nicholas Romberg is a tragic one, but we must continue. If anything, there are no humans for it to effect anymore, so thus his loss came at a time where its consequence was almost obsolete.
Roselyn
Still, he was my friend.
Amros
And mine also. Don't forget that, Roselyn.
Forest
Roselyn, you should rest now.
Forest led Nick and Roselyn out of the room.
Grey
She encountered her mother, met her father for the first time, and lost a friend, please allow her to mourn their loss.
Amros
She may.
Hayden
It's not as though we have a plan anyways.
Kegan
No plan? That's unusual for you two.
Supriya
Tell me it isn't so, Amros.
Amros
Unfortunately it's true. As of now we have no more pieces on the table. The Solace Empire has been put into disarray with the loss of their main palace and their energy levels have disappeared, making tracking them down impossible.
Grey
What about Arkain?
Amros
There's nothing we can do about that either. Arkain and Cameron's energy levels have disappeared.
Hayden
Also, Suri, Merdos, Masato, Conor, Emmylou, and her brother Ian's levels as well.
Supriya
What does that mean?
Hayden
It could mean a great many of things, but we have one idea that seems to fit.
Surpiya
And what is that?
Amros
Ilias has them.

Luna
Well, looks like we'll have some entertainment!
Luna, Renn, Luck, Cash, and Gwen were watching the main tv that showed Ilias, Fallen, Cameron, and Arkain on the screen.

Ilias
If you don't mind, I think it would be necessary for you both to sit.
Two chairs formed from the ground behind them.
Cameron
What makes you think I want to hear you talk?
Arkain
You tried to kill me!
Cameron
And me!
Cameron was now on fire. Arkain moved a bit to the side.
Ilias
You're ruining my floors, Cameron, please put yourself out.
Cameron
Tell me now why I shouldn't kill you.
Ilias
I could say it's because you can't, but I'm in a very honest mood right now.
Arkain
Cameron, maybe we should let him tell us what he wants to say.
Ilias
You should.
Arkain
After you show us Suri and Velis!
Arkain stepped forward.
Arkain
I won't listen to you until I know they're okay.
Ilias
Fine.
The ceiling turned into a giant screen showing Velis in her room alone and Suri with Conor, Emmylou, and Ian.
Ilias
Well?
Cameron and Arkain were just looking up at the pictures. Arkain sat down. Cameron was no longer on fire.
Cameron
If you hurt them, I will kill you.
Ilias
Just sit down already.
Cameron sat down.
Fallen
That was sure annoying.
Ilias sat down on his chair and Fallen jumped on his lap.
Fallen
Welcome to the black city! Ilias' southern palace!
Ilias
Let's cut to the chase, shall we?
Arkain
We're the ones that have been waiting to hear it.
Cameron
Why do you need our help?
Ilias
For war, of course. I need your talents, your power, and your drive. Without you, we're not sure we can win the war that is to come.
Cameron
War with who? Who here faces power enough to take on the empire?
Ilias
I do not work for the empire. You are now in the jurisdiction of The Cloud. We are now the governing power of this planet.
Arkain
You've lost your fucking mind, haven't you?
Ilias
If I did, that was long ago. Back when I met Fallen.
Arkain
What? How long have you known Fallen?
Fallen
A very long time. Since he was little.
Arkain
So that means you've been working together since the beginning!
Ilias
Yes, and?
Arkain
You're a rat, Fallen!
Fallen
I'm a fox, Arkain!
Cameron
So you two have been orchestrating things since the beginning!
Ilias
Perhaps.
Arkain
So when you almost killed me, that was planned?
Ilias
Yes, to see your power blossom. All I've done to both of you, was for the sake of unlocking the power dwelling in you.
He rubbed Fallen's head.
Ilias
I had you captured, Arkain. I had you hung on a cross, just to see if you'd die. I was right, you didn't. I planted Orthak in the building of your raid, Cameron, so that you'd be tried for treason. Then I was going to hang you too, but you escaped. Taking your escape into account, I had Fallen meet with you. He gave you power in the forest. Power enough to withstand my drugs and bring you to the level Arkain was already at.
Cameron
You bastard!
Ilias
Don't act as though you didn't enjoy the gift. You then brought Arkain into your circle, as planned. Not satisfied, I had to give you warriors to combat the Empire. I had Fallen release the Syn clan under her leadership and so they joined you. You recreated the New Order and planned for war. With Fallen playing the White Coats at the same time, you were set for battle. By that time I had Arkain trained for battle and both of you at a point where I think you were able to do battle with skilled warriors.
Cameron
So you want us to join you after you put us through hell and almost killed us?
Arkain
That doesn't make sense! Why would you go through all that just to get us to this point?
Ilias
Because there was no other way. We had to wait it out. We had to put you through terrible moments to get you both where you are now. As of now, you're almost to your full potential. Once that is unlocked, you will be my two greatest warriors fighting along side Fallen and Darby.
Cameron
So you've planned this all, big deal. You still haven't given me reason to join you.
Arkain
Why do you need our help?
Ilias
Because without it, we can't win. You two are the key to winning this war. You two are Earth's only walking Sky Walker.

Conor
When do you think he'll let us see Arkain?
Suri
No idea. He said to wait until it's time.
Emmylou
What the hell does that mean though? He has a plan.
Suri
I figured as much. With Ilias, things aren't as they seem.
Emmylou hugged Ian close to her.
Emmylou
So long as we're not in danger, I'm fine with waiting.
Ian
Where's mom?
Emmylou didn't answer.
Suri
I'm sure we'll be alright. Ilias promised that much.

Ximendos woke up and got out of bed. He walked out onto the balcony. He was just in his pants now.
Ximendos
Where are you, Ilias? Your sister is gone. I need you. We all need you.
He held onto the balcony's handle.
Ximendos
We're going home.

Cameron
That's bullshit! If you're going to try and entertain us with this junk, just let us go.
Cameron stood up.
Arkain
He might be right, Cameron.
Cameron turned to Arkain.
Cameron
And why's that? What evidence do you think he has for this assertion?
Arkain's wings burst from his back.
Arkain
That.
Ilias
Exactly. If that's not enough, think back. Why is it you guys heal fast? Why is it your power is great and grows rapidly?
Cameron
It's called training!
Ilias
What about your scars? On the back of your necks?
Arkain
How do you know about that?
Ilias
And how they give you the ability to feel pulses in the sky? The stars.
Arkain's jaw fell open.
Cameron
How do you know this?
Ilias
Because we know all about you.
Fallen
Because I come from your planets.

Ximendos entered the room where Iris' body was put.
Ximendos
The moon is bright, Iris.
He walked over and sat by her.
Ximendos
It would be nice to see it again with you.
He kissed her cheek.
Ximendos
You left me too early, little one. I wish I could bring you back. I wish you could have outran it like me.
He sat up straight.
Ximendos
I will kill them, for you, and for your mother and brother. The ones with wings.

Cameron
He's lying though! Fallen said you are half Sky Walker in the forest.
Arkain looked to Fallen.
Fallen
I lied. Most of all I said to you two prior to now has been a lie. Don't look to that for truth, fool.
Cameron
Even if that is true, how am I a Sky Walker?
Ilias
For all the same reasons Arkain is. Cameron, you are a Sky Walker. That is why you posses such power.
Arkain
Okay, so we are, what does that mean though? Why does that matter? What is this world Fallen spoke of?
Fallen
Well, as we know, this world is split into three.
Cameron
What?
Arkain
Three?
Fallen
Yes. The human world, the Elf world, and the Sky Walker.
Cameron
Enough with this bullshit!
Cameron stood up again.
Ilias
He isn't lying. Where do you think Hayden comes from?
Cameron was silent now.
Ilias
Hayden came from the elven world and met my father many years ago. I'm positive Hayden was not the first pass through the barrier. I believe the reason for our power is that. I believe, and Fallen, that the reason for the power of my parents, and so on, is due to our ancestor humans mating with our ancestor elf.
Arkain
Different species creating us?
Ilias
Me, not you. You two are of the Sky Walker. Your creation was due to the breaching of contract.
Arkain
Again, what?
Fallen
A Sky Walker broke Sky Code and came to this world. Because of this, we have a problem.
Arkain
What's the problem?
Fallen
War is upon you.
Cameron
Why do you say you as if it doesn't apply to you?
Fallen
Because I do not call Earth home. My world is the Sky Walker home of Centara. I am a warrior of one part of the Triple Spiral.
Arkain
This is too much! Centara? Triple Spiral? You got to be kidding me.
Fallen
I am not. Centara is my home world, and the home of your ancestors.
Cameron
You lie.
Ilias
He is not lying. Centara literally means central world in Sky Walker language. That's where Fallen was born, that is his home.
Arkain
Okay, but what does that have to do with us?
Ilias
It has everything to do with you two.

Roselyn lied in bed as Nick sat at the end of it.
Nick
So grandpa is the lord of the planet, eh?
Roselyn rubbed her head.
Roselyn
I guess so. It's all so much to take in.
Nick
Well, you have to. What other choice do you have?
Roselyn
I don't need life lessons from a nineteen year old.
Nick stood up.
Nick
Anyways, I just wanted to tell you that I'm leaving.
Roselyn looked surprised.
Roselyn
Where? We just got back!
Nick
I know, but I have to. I have to look for Steven's killers and I have to help some friends.
Roselyn
We can do it together, Nick, just wait a couple of days.
Nick
I'm not sure if I got that time.
Roselyn
I, well, I don't think you should be going.
Nick
But you can't stop me. Just let me do what I have to do.
Roselyn
I just don't want to lose you. Revenge is a dangerous path and most lose themselves to those dark thoughts.
Nick
I'll be alright, mom.
Roselyn
They all say that. And to be honest, they do seem alright, on the outside. It's the inside, where it all matters, that is all messed up.
She looked him straight in the eyes.
Roselyn
Please reconsider.
Nick
There isn't any stopping me. I knew you wouldn't like it, and that's why I told you.
Roselyn didn't understand.
Nick
If I get into trouble, I'll call you. You can help me if I need you.
Roselyn
How?
Nick
Leaf tracking, duh!
Roselyn
The same way we found dad.
Nick
Exactly! I won't be able to hide from you.
Nick walked up and kissed his mom on her forehead.
Nick
I can't promise everything will be okay, but I can promise I'll always be connected to you.
He crumbled into leaves and was gone in an instant. Grey walked into the room.
Roselyn
You just-
Grey
Missed him, I know.
Roselyn
You knew?
Grey nodded.
Roselyn
And you?
Grey
Yes, and so did you.

The black cat continued to look straight up at the prison that held Gemma. Munro and Germ appeared next to Lucifer.
Germ
You've done well, Lucy.
The black cat purred and rubbed against Germ.
Munro
If we move a foot closer we will be detected.
Germ thought about this for a moment.
Germ
Looks like this mission is a timed one.
He laughed.

Amros lied in bed, reading an old book of his.
Supriya
It's been a long time since I was here.
Supriya said from the restroom.
Amros
That it has been.
Supriya
Any other women here while I was gone?
Amros closed the book.
Amros
Serious question?
Supriya
No, not really. I know you wouldn't.
Amros
As if I could bring a random woman into our secret lair.
Supriya jumped on the bed.
Supriya
Finally.
Amros
What?
Supriya
A chance to be normal.

Vesper entered the palace with Darby.
Vesper
It really is the most grand one of them all, isn't it?
Darby
Ilias is mad when it comes to perfection.
Vesper
I don't know how to feel about all this.
Darby
You just accept it. This is your new home, Vesper.
The doors in front of them opened and Luna was there.
Luna
Welcome to our home.
She licked her paw.

Cameron
Why can't you fight this war on your own? Why are we key to win this?
Ilias
Man power. I failed to mention, but in three years time we will be at war with the Triple Spiral. Well, with one or two parts of it. Even so, one alone is enough to almost destroy us.
Arkain
And two?
Ilias
Well, that makes chances for survival even lower.
Cameron
That's it?
Ilias
Not at all. We still have the empire to deal with.
Cameron
Aren't they done?
Ilias
Not entirely. My father has fused his body with the king of the elf. He is now, as of energy levels, the most powerful person on this planet with energy levels only Hayden and Fallen can handle.
Arkain
Not even you?
Ilias
Not even me. Don't get to ahead of yourselves, though. I said power wise he is most powerful, I didn't say he could beat me. Nonetheless, I find his presence a bit troubling. If we are at war, it looks like we're at war against my father as well.
Cameron
That makes sense. Does he know you've betrayed him?
Ilias
No, and I will use that to my advantage.
Cameron
I like what you're saying.
Fallen
Taking a liking to all this, are we, young Cammy?
Cameron
If it means Ximendos dead, I'll consider it.
Arkain
Where do the White Coats fit into this?
Ilias looked at Arkain annoyed.
Ilias
And why does that matter?
Arkain
I may not like them, but I don't want to see them getting hurt.
Fallen
How precious.
Ilias
The White Coats are of little concern. They won't work with us, I'm sure, so I have not even bothered to think about them.
Arkain
Maybe I could get them to work with us!
Ilias
When the time comes, maybe that can be an option.
Arkain
And what about Gemma?
Ilias
What about her? I do not think my wife's well being is any of your concern.
Arkain
I just, I want to know what's going to happen to her.
Ilias
I will perform an experiment on her to extract the monster within her.
Arkain
And if she dies?
Ilias
She dies. What more can I say? Either way, she's going to die. Whether at my failed experiments cause or the demon Krysin within her.
Arkain shivered at the sound of that name.
Ilias
Is that fine with you?
Arkain
Yes, because to be honest, I hope she dies.
Ilias knew he'd say something like this.
Ilias
I figured you'd say that. There is much you have to learn, Arkain.
Arkain didn't know what he meant by that.
Ilias
Any other questions?
Cameron
Yes.
Ilias looked at Cameron.
Ilias
Ask away.
Cameron
What's this base?
Ilias
It's called the Black City. It is my home, and yours for the next two years. The first level is living quarters, the 2nd is my library, and the third is, well that's off limits. Feel free to enjoy the first two levels and all they have to offer. Be careful with the books, movies, and games in the 2nd, they are priceless.
Cameron
I didn't say I was staying, yet.
Ilias
Well make up your mind, I haven't got all day.
Fallen
We at least have until tomorrow.
Arkain
What's tomorrow?
Ilias
The one who started this arrives.
Arkain
Must be important.
Ilias
Oh you have no idea.
Ilias stood up and Fallen jumped off. Luna in the control room with the Four Winds.
Luna
That's the signal. Showtime!
She pushed one of the buttons of the control panel.

Germ and Munro appeared in the sky next to the giant white ball that contained Gemma.
Munro
Not even guarded. How pathetic.
Germ
Just goes to show you.
He touched the ball. It sparked with energy. Fallen growled and looked up.
Germ
It's ours.
They disappeared right when the Four Winds appeared.
Renn
They're gone.
Gwen
Aw shit!
Fallen looked over to Ilias.
Fallen
She's gone. She's been stolen!
Ilias' eyes widened.
Ilias
How is that possible, fox?
Fallen
I have no idea!
Arkain
What are you guys talking about?
Cameron
What has been stolen?
Ilias
Gemma.

Munro
It is inside.
Azusa walked around the white ball.
Azusa
You sure? How do you know?
Germ
I can sense it. It is wrapped around Fallen's energy.
Keir
This trap is quite magnificent.
Kassle
How did you steal it?
Munro
They had it floating above the palace in the sky. It was simple, really.
Kade
Well, let's open it, shall we?
Munro
Not until we've made the proper arrangements.
Germ
What's in there can kill us if we're not properly equipped.
Kade
So, get what is needed!
Kassle
Shut up, imbecile!
Kade stopped talking.
Kassle
Prepare what needs to be done. I want this opened by morning.
Azusa
Hey, I say what goes down here!
Kassle
Not anymore, mother.
Azusa stepped back as Kassle walked forward.
Kassle
As of now, I am the leader of the Christ Kingdom.
They all stared at Kassle.

Cameron
Are you going to do anything?
Ilias was sweating a bit.
Ilias
No, unfortunately not.
Arkain
Why not?
Fallen
We'll get her back tomorrow.
Arkain
How?
Fallen
She's trapped in my barrier, so my power will lead us to the kidnappers.
Ilias
Aside from all this, what say you? Will you join The Cloud to help save the world?
Arkain and Cameron stood still in front of Ilias.
Cameron
May I kill your father, your mother, and your wife?
Ilias laughed.
Ilias
Maybe.
Cameron
Well, in that case, I might be in. If I find any trickery going on though, mark my words, you're dead.
Ilias
Oh your dark thoughts Cameron, and how they please you.
Fallen stood behind his legs.
Ilias
And you, Arkain?
Arkain
Tell me, who were our fathers? You said Sky Walker came here and broke some Sky Walker law, so that must mean it was our dads. Who was my dad?
Cameron
And who was mine?
Ilias
Well, Fallen?
They both looked at Fallen confused.
Fallen
Silly boys haven't figured it out yet? You're asking the wrong question.
Arkain
What do you mean?
Cameron
No word games, shithead!
Fallen
The question you should be asking is who is your father.
They both looked even more confused. The wall to the left of them burst open and Velis landed in front of Arkain and Cameron.
Velis
Don't listen to a thing Ilias says.
Fallen looked annoyed.
Ilias
Continue, Fallen.
He did, though annoyed.
Fallen
You two are brothers, and your father is the king of the second Spiral, Rylan.