Chapter Seventy-Eight: All of that Empty Space

Gemma felt empty.
Gemma
(Me. Just me. Where are you?)
She was slow to come back, but when she did, she heard that familiar voice.
Krysin
Well hello there, darling. It's time to wake up.
She opened her eyes and saw a man dressed in an all black suit with brown hair and a brown mustache.
Krysin
We've been waiting for you.
He turned around to Kassle, Kade, and Darby.
Krysin
I must thank you again for my release.
He cracked his knuckles.
Krysin
It was so cramped in there. We dark seeds have no business trapped inside our creators.
He walked forward.
Darby
Stay where you are. We have not given you any invitation to move.
He turned to Kassle.
Darby
Will he be composed? I do not wish to take Ilias' ship down with this monster.
Kassle yawned.
Kassle
He should be. Krysin, will you protest boarding our ship to go home?
Krysin laughed.
Krysin
Relax Darby, I am not your enemy. Let's go guys!
He walked towards the ship.
Krysin
I've been in need for a vacation!
Fallen appeared in front of them all blocking them from the ship.
Fallen
What have you done?
He growled.

Hayden
I'm all finished.
Amros
Good, it took you long enough.
Hayden shot him a look of annoyance.
Amros
I am joking! You really need to get some rest.
Hayden
I am fine. My kind can go months without sleep.
Amros
Doesn't mean you should.
Hayden
Don't worry about me, Amros.
Amros
I must, I have no one else to worry about. Amron is lost, Amya is gone, and you, well, you're all I really have.
Hayden
Is everything fine with you?
He tried to catch Amros' eyes but they looked the other way.
Amros
What are we doing, Hayden? Please don't answer me with the obvious choice of explanation. I understand we are at war, but what's the point? Can we even win?
Hayden turned him to look at him.
Hayden
It looks like you're the one that is not okay. When did Amros the White become one to deny his goals? If it's purpose you need, look into yourself.
He pushed Amros on the heart.
Hayden
It always comes from there.

Nick
So you've been gone all this time because you control the Earth?
Forest nodded.
Nick
What happens if you die?
Forest
I cannot die, only my vessel can be destroyed. My essence will always be the planet.
Roselyn
You are the reason for our abilities.
Forest turned to her.
Forest
Yes and no. Your mother herself possessed remarkable talent. Terrible as she may be, she is special.
He turned to Nick.
Forest
Just like you and your mother. Even you, blue beauty.
He pointed at Vesper.
Vesper
Me?
Forest
Yes, or did you think I would not know what you are?
Vesper looked confused.
Vesper
I'm afraid I don't follow.
Forest walked towards her and circled her.
Forest
Are you not the spirit of the oceans?
Vesper
No.
Forest put his hand on his chin.
Forest
You certainly posses it. A-ha!
He turned to Roselyn, Nick, and Malic.
Forest
This one here, she is a descendant of a friend of mine.
Vesper
Excuse me?
Forest
You, my dear, are a child of the water. You are a great granddaughter of Rayn. With your presence here, I imagine she will be making a cameo soon. I am delighted by this news.
Vesper
I still don't follow.
Forest
You'll see soon enough.

Circa stood up quickly.
Circa
What is the meaning of this? While you cannot touch me in this area, I have reason still to consider this an act of war.
Ximendos
Calm yourself, Queen Circa.
Circa
What dark magic is that?
Orthak screamed.
Ximendos
He doesn't like the word magic too much. You see, Orthak here is a half-dead.
Circa
A what?
He explained it to her and Kon.
Kon
Fascinating. Where can I get one?
Ximendos
I'm afraid you don't make these. They are rare and only three have ever been recorded to exist.
Circa
There are more of these creatures?
Ximendos
From what I've learned, yes.
Kon
Where are they?
Ximendos
One is here, Orthak. One is on the planet Earth held by a carrier named Gemma.
Circa
And the last?
Ximendos
I have no idea.
He stood up.
Ximendos
Legend tells of it being from another world.
He turned to Orthak.
Ximendos
The first of their kind, actually.
Kon
And thus the most powerful?
Ximendos
Perhaps. I must admit I know very little about them. My knowledge comes from a family of magicians that I trained with many years ago.
Kon
Perhaps we can find them and they can tell us more.
Ximendos
Impossible. I've been banished from their kingdom. Oh well.
He sat on the arm chair.
Ximendos
That information would not do us any good. We have Orthak, we need no more. To add, if this first half dead exists, or did exist, it would be in the only other world I am aware of.
Circa
And that would be?
Ximendos
The world of the Sky Walker.
Circa
Just what are you planning, exactly, King Godlin?
Ximendos
A full scale invasion. I wish to destroy all of Earth's inhabitants and then the other world's. I am a man of many things, but first and foremost, I am one of destruction.
Circa
For what purpose?
Ximendos
Oh darling, sweet Circa, I need none.
He smiled deeply at her.
Ximendos
I simply wish to rid the world of all living creatures that oppose me. It's really that simple.
Kon
I like you more than my old brother!
Circa
So you agree to my terms?
Ximendos
I do. And so does Kon.
Kon shot them both dirty looks.
Circa
Very well, my people shall leave Kesladon. I hope to speak with you soon, Ximendos.
Ximendos
Oh you will. I will be visiting you very soon.
Circa began to walk to the door.
Circa
In the event that you do, leave your dark figure at home.
She smiled.
Circa
My patience for threats is low, and my capacity for vile things even lower. Goodbye, kings.
She left.
Kon
That's right! Kesladon is mine!
Ximendos stood up.
Ximendos
Orthak, we are going back to the Oleandria.
He screamed.
Kon
What did he say?
Ximendos began to walk.
Ximendos
He wants to go back to Earth. Lots of unfinished business.

Conor
Where's Arkain?
Suri turned around to Conor and Emmylou at the door.
Suri
Where's Ian?
Emmylou
In bed. Way to avoid the question.
Emmylou sat on the bed next to her.
Emmylou
Everything okay?
Suri
Yeah, why wouldn't they be.
She was now looking at the wall in front of her.
Conor
For starters, you're looking at a wall. Secondly, you've been separated for so long and now again? Odd is fucking odd.
Suri smiled.
Suri
He said he wanted to take a moment to himself. Come on guys, he just found out his dad is a part in all of this.
Emmylou
I guess that can be rough.
Suri
I didn't mean it like that.
She put her hand on Emmylou's.
Suri
It's just that his dad has been part of orchestrating this whole thing.
Conor
So?
Suri
So that potentially means his dad has been a part of all our pain.
Emmylou
Maybe responsible.
Conor
Ouch, that's not good. Maybe he has good reasons!
Suri
Like?
Suri laid back on the bed.
Conor
I don't know, what could powerful beings want done that they can't do themselves?
Emmylou
Something they can't do themselves?
Suri nodded.
Conor
That could be it. Whatever the reason, it has to be good, right?
Emmylou
Why?
Suri
Because he's Arkain's dad?
Conor
Right!
He sat on the other side of Emmylou.
Conor
That being the case, I'm sure he'll have a good reason. He'll just have to hear it straight from him.
Suri
It might kill him. I don't think Arkain can take something like that.
She rolled over onto her stomach.
Suri
He already lost his mother, can he bear to lose his father, too? One he'd know for seconds and then hate for the rest of his life. I don't know.
Emmylou
What can you do?
Conor
You can only say fuck it and keep going.
They laughed.
Suri
I just hope he's okay. I really do.

Cayos stood in the forest nearest to the edge of Caldinar.
Cayos
Where is your number two? I recall you saying you would have company.
Padraic stepped forward.
Padraic
Never mind that, Cayos. I like to keep the faces of my followers hidden.
Cayos
And I thought I was the mischievous one. Lord Padraic, you are most mysterious.
Padraic
Nonsense, Cayos, you are the most terrible creature I've ever witnessed.
Cayos put his fingers together.
Cayos
Is that so? I take that as a mighty compliment from you, Padraic the dark. I assure you, I am only doing what you ask of me.
Padraic
How go things?
Cayos
Well, not so well. We finally figured out why Godlin has been missing.
Padraic
And that would be?
Cayos
He was killed and fused into the body of another.
Padraic chuckled.
Padraic
That explains why my sword could not feel him. That's surprising. Who did this?
Cayos
I have not received that news yet, but word is he isn't from this world.
Padraic
Interesting. I think I know exactly what that means.
Cayos
The human world, no?
Padraic
Most likely. Where is Circa now?
Cayos
She has left the country, my lord, to meet with Godlin and Kon.
Padraic
I would hope it is to incite more war.
Cayos
One can hope. Where are you of to now? It's not like you to use our portal to your world. You risk being exposed.
Padraic
I know what I risk, but it's urgent business. I'm off to Earth for some business.
Cayos
Very important business, I'm sure.
Padraic
Of the highest kind. Now if you'll excuse me, I think our meeting is over. Keep me posted, Cayos. I want that girl. Do not lose her, and do not forget your loyalties. Should you betray me, I will kill you.
He flew off. Not seconds after Zylen and Cypress appeared.
Zylen
What are you doing here, elder Cayos?
Cayos turned around.
Cayos
I sensed a disturbance in the forest. I came to inspect it.
Cypress
Did you find anything?
Cayos
Nothing at all.
He walked past them.

Akasha
Is there something wrong, Ilias?
Ilias had been sitting quietly at the table for over ten minutes.
Ilias
Nothing at all, mother. When will father be back?
Akasha
I honestly haven't the slightest clue.
The door opened and Syn and Pathion entered. Syn and Akasha hugged. Pathion kept his distance.
Syn
We haven't met, I am Syn, brother of Akasha.
Ilias shook hands with him.
Ilias
It is a pleasure to meet you, uncle.
Ilias smiled.
Pathion
Who has funerals at night? These elf people are weird.
The sounds of horns began to fill the sky.
Akasha
Let's go!
Akasha left the room with Syn and Pathion.
Ilias
I'll catch up with you guys.
Ximendos entered the room.
Ximendos
I've come to escort you. Is everything alright?
Ilias
I suppose.
Ximendos walked to the table.
Ximendos
It is okay to shed a tear for the loss of your sister.
Ilias
Have you?
Ilias looked up at his cold blue eyes.
Ximendos
This new body makes it incredibly difficult, but I have. I wanted to let you know something before we left to the funeral.
Ilias
What is it?
Ximendos
Your sister was killed by a Sky Walker named Padraic and a nameless one.
Ilias stood up.
Ilias
How do you know this?
Ximendos
Upon arriving to the scene, one witness divulged this information to your mother.
Ilias
Did he say anything else?
Ximendos
No, your mother killed him.
He rubbed his forehead.
Ximendos
You know how ill tempered she is.
Ilias chuckled.
Ilias
At least she got something before she did. What will we do?
Ximendos
We bury your sister first. After that, we bury Earth.
Ilias
And after that?
Ximendos
We bury the ones the live in the sky. They will know our fury.
Ilias smiled. He was in control again.
Ximendos
Now let's go.

Arkain entered a room he knew he should not enter.
Arkain
Anyone in here?
It felt right. The lights turned on. The room would have been empty if not for three glass bottles held in the middle of the room by silver stands.
Arkain
What the hell?
Arkain walked forward to them, curiously.
Arkain
Ships in a bottle? Why?
He touched the one in the middle.
Arkain
So cold.
He bent down to look at the little ship.
Arkain
It's really pretty. What the hell?
On the white ship inside, in gold letters, it said his name.
Fallen
Curious, are we?
Arkain turned around quickly to see Fallen sitting at the door frame.
Fallen
Relax, I don't bite. Well, not right now at least.
Arkain
What do you want?
Fallen
To talk to you, if you don't mind.
Arkain
I don't care.
Fallen
Want to know why that ship says your name?
Arkain looked more closely at it. Then the others. One said Cameron, one said Ilias.

Darby
Your barrier was breaking. We had no other choice.
Fallen
Be that as it may, this was only to be done with Ilias' supervision.
Krysin
Relax little man, it's no big deal.
Fallen
Shut up, I am not speaking to you.
He growled even louder.
Krysin
Geez, no need to be so mean.
Fallen
Was he given his laws to follow?
Darby
Absolutely.
Fallen's teeth were no longer showing.
Fallen
I guess this isn't so bad after all.
Krysin
See, nice kitty.
He bared his teeth again.
Fallen
You have a mission, oh dark one.
Krysin
OH!
Ran forward and got down on his knees before him.
Krysin
Well, kitty, tell me, oh yes, tell me!
Fallen
It's time we get our Earth back.

Cayos
Trouble, master?
Circa was walking up the steps.
Circa
A little, but I managed.
Cayos
What news have you brought us?
Aristo, Parmen, Xen, and Socra all gathered around Cayos.
Circa
We are no longer at war.
Their eyes grew wide with discontent and some with joy.
Cayos
No more war? How can this be?
Circa
I will keep the details to myself. Until then, I want you to lead the move of our people from Kesladon back here.
Cayos
Are you sure?
Circa looked at Cayos angrily.
Circa
I have given you no reason to question my authority, Cayos. Now do as I say or it will be your head.
She continued up the steps until she was in the palace.
Aristo
No war? I can't believe this.
Socra
The elf have always been at war.
Parmen
Tis all we know.
Xen
Tis all we want.
Cayos
Quiet, fools. Queen Circa has really done it this time.
He began to walked down the steps and they followed.

Hayden's eyes widened as he turned around.
Hayden
Did you feel that?
Amros
I did.
They both disappeared.

Roselyn
What's going on?
The ground began to shake.
Nick
I don't know!
Forest
It is not my doing.
From below Forest darkness appeared and began to take over Forest's body.
Forest
What is this!?
Roselyn
Orthak!
Tentacles of black began to emerge all around them and rise to the dark sky.
Nick
What the hell do we do?
Roselyn set her hands to the ground and her, Nick, Vesper, and Malic were raised to the sky on a giant wooden platform.
Forest
Roselyn, run!
Roselyn was about to jump.
Nick
What are you doing? It will get you too!
Before she could say anything there was a giant scream that came from below the ground.
Amros
What's going on?
Amros and Hayden appeared on the platform.
Vesper
It's Orthak!
Amros and Hayden exchanged confused looks.
Hayden
It looks like the monster isn't dead after all. Darby was mistaken.
Forest was now completely covered in the black material.
Roselyn
Father!
She was about to jump again but Hayden stopped her.
Hayden
You would not stand a chance against him.
The tentacles began to disappear.
Amros
They were after Forest. What does Ximendos have up his sleeve?

Ilias followed his father towards the funeral area.
Ilias
How is it that Orthak is still alive? Word got out that he was killed by Darby in action.
Ximendos sighed.
Ximendos
I thought he was done for as well. Luckily for me, Orthak had saved his true piece of his essence somewhere else.
Ilias
I don't follow.
Ximendos
It means what Darby thought he killed as simply a clone of Orthak's. We knew the day would come when someone would come close to ending his existence. For that reason, we kept a piece of him hidden.
Ilias
So that's how he survived.
Ximendos
Yes. Sadly, he could only do it once. This left him weak for a good time until now. He's back to normal, but now that means he can really die.
Ilias
Fascinating. I'm sure Darby will make sure there are no mistakes next time.
Ximendos
If I know that man, he won't. Do you have any idea where your sister's sword is?
Ximendos said with his eye brow raised.
Ilias
I have it. Nya flew to me after her death. You are aware Ayn is her sister.
Ximendos
I am. I guessed you'd have it and I was correct. Very well, it's yours.
Ilias nodded.
Ilias
I seen no other way. Also, I forgot to mention that I will be leaving immediately after the funeral.
Ximendos
I imagined that being the case. Must return home to Earthly matters as well as your wife. How is Gemma, by the way?
Ilias
She is well. Although she grows tired of the demon inside of her.
Ximendos
We will remove the half-dead from her soon.
Ilias
I'd like that. I hope she survives it.
Ximendos
She will. She's strong, that one.
Ximendos stopped walking. Ilias then stopped.
Ilias
Is there something wrong?
Ximendos
I love you, son.
Ilias responded like any son would.
Ilias
I love you too, father.
Ximendos
You're the only child I have left. Aside from your mother, you are who I love most with my existence. Please take care of yourself.
Ilias
I will.
Ximendos
Don't die on me. Your sister's death has impacted me greatly. If I lost you, I don't know what I'd do.
Ximendos kissed Ilias on the forehead.
Ximendos
You are important to me. If you go, this heart would not be able to take all of that empty space.
He stepped back slowly.
Ilias
You have nothing to worry about, dad. Death will never catch up with me.
Ximendos
That's my boy.
And then they came to the entry way to the funeral area. It was dazzling. The sky was filled with white bowls with flames erupting from them. Thousands of them filled the sky. In front of them sat thousands of elves in golden pews. In the middle, however, sat silently a white casket. The funeral had begun.

Fallen growled when Krysin returned.
Fallen
You better have completed-
Krysin turned into Forest.
Krysin
Is this what you wanted?
Fallen was now happy.
Fallen
You are a talented dead alive thing.
Krysin blew at his finger nails.
Krysin
I try.
Kassle
That is Forest of the Earth.
Krysin
Who?
Kassle
He is the Shepard of the Earth.
Krysin shrugged.
Krysin
Oh well. He's dead now. You'd think the Earth could do bet-
Gemma
You monster! What have you done?
Krysin
Calm down, babe.
Gemma
Get back inside of me!
Krysin
Never!
He turned back into his normal human looking self and stuck his tongue at her.
Krysin
I'm never going back in, bitch, so get used to it!
Kade
Watch your language, dick.
Krysin
You first! She's a grown woman, she can handle a few words.
Kassle
Do not forget that you answer to her and Ilias.
Krysin
Yeah, yeah, I know the deal. God, you guys are so lame.
Fallen
Get in the ship, all of you.
Krysin
Yes sir!
Krysin ran off towards the ship and Kassle and Kade followed.
Gemma
You guys have made a mistake. You guys let go the cruelest thing to ever exist.
Fallen
I doubt he's that bad.
Gemma
You don't know! He is the darkest of beings. You are all going to die.
Fallen
We'll see about that.
Darby
Let's get you in the ship, Gemma.

Arkain
My dad is a king?
Fallen sat by the door with his head high.
Fallen
The highest of them, and the most noble. He is King Rylan of the second spiral.
Arkain
Second? So there is a first?
Fallen
And a third. Your aunt and uncle reign supreme over those lands.
Arkain
I take it they're bad guys.
Fallen licked his right paw.
Fallen
You can say that. More your uncle than your aunt. She isn't so bad. We've been at war for longer than you've been alive. Your dad has had to deal with it for so long. It has aged him a bit.
Arkain
Is that we he left me? Is that why he also left Cameron?
Fallen
Yes. He didn't want to raise you in a world of war.
Arkain
This one hasn't been exactly peaceful.
Fallen
But the wars humanity has seen do not compare to my home's wars. You and Cameron would have been targeted with no hesitation. He was doing what he saw was best.
Arkain
So why did he choose Ilias? Why not have me help him instead of him?
Fallen
Ilias is gifted. Your father and I saw potential in him and we acquired his skills. He has proven his worth over and over. He has killed his sister, destroyed the bad of humanity, started it over, and is about to declare war on his own father. I know you've grown to hate him, even me, but I beseech you to understand we were only doing what we thought was best.
Arkain
Always with the greater good shit. It never takes into account how we feel. The people that you guys have fucked with! You guys have destroyed lives! Women, children, men, innocent, guilty, the whole lot of them. You guys aren't so good either, when I look at it. What makes you better than Ximendos? He wanted to destroy humanity, you guys just beat him to it.
Fallen
Oh Arkain, you're so naive. Were morality that simple perhaps you'd have a point. I'd like to think of things being more complicated than that. I refuse to believe you can reduce all we've done into one category and compare that box you've put it in with the work of Ximendos. He's a fiend drunk off the loss of his mother.
Arkain
The loss of his mother?
Fallen
Yes. His mother was killed when he was a boy. It is what sparked this monster he has become. Amros and Amya were able to deal with it.
Arkain
So they really are related.
Fallen nodded.
Arkain
He is a bit like me, isn't he?
Fallen
In that you lost your mother?
Arkain
Yes. What if I chose the path he did? What if I became a monster?
Fallen
I don't think that's possible. There is a lot more to Ximendos than simply a choice to go to the dark side. You're young Arkain, you don't understand things for what they are.
Arkain
Don't make me feel stupid because you try and rationalize everything! From Ximendos, to you, to even my father, all you guys have done is cause pain to the world.
Fallen
Except our pain was for a good purpose.
Arkain
But pain nonetheless!
Fallen
Fool! If that's how you must see it, we're all evil! Even your precious Suri! Even Emmylou's little brother that killed his own father.
Arkain fell silent.
Fallen
Life's complicated, Arkain, and it requires things to be done that we probably wouldn't do if things were better. You think your father wanted to leave you? You think he wanted to be a part of your pain, your suffering? No, he didn't. He had no other choice. He loves you, kid. More than you could imagine. That's what that mark on your neck is. It's his way of being connected to you.
Arkain was hit in the face by this and felt tears begin to form. He touched his birth mark.
Fallen
His one regret was that he never got to be there for you as you grew up. For you or Cameron. Hate him if you must, but keep in mind, while you're rolling in your rage and crying in your despair, he loves you. He loves you and Cameron more than anything else in this world, ours, and the elf world. I hope one day you can understand that.
Arkain didn't say anything.
Fallen
And as for the boats, well, when Ilias was a child his father gave him one. He told him that we are all like ships in a bottle. We are hard on the outside, fragile inside, and built with heart and love. Ilias once explained it to me more profoundly. We are ships in a bottle. Our existence is fragile, glassed up, and can never be released. Who we are is trapped inside of this container once filled to the tip with wine, and it can never be undone. Our lives are so fragile, that if the glass was shattered, it would mean the end of us. Existence hangs not on a string, but behind glass that keeps who we are and the air we breathe, in.
Arkain
And why do they have my name and Cameron's?
Fallen
Because to Ilias, you two are the brothers he never had. You two matter.
Arkain
Why? Why would we matter to Ilias? He's nothing more than a stranger.
Fallen
Who knows so much about you, who has secretly always wanted to meet you and Cameron. Ilias is a great many of things... cold, calculated, intelligent, and sometimes aggressive, but he is not heartless. Aside from Gemma, aside from your father, you and Cameron are what matter most to him.
Arkain
But why?
Fallen
Simple, Arkain, your father was the father he always wanted, what Ximendos never was. That being the case, you and Cameron have always been the brothers he had, but never knew.
Arkain
That doesn't make sense.
Fallen
It doesn't have to, Arkain. The desire for brotherhood, companionship, friendship, and something great than blood is hard to explain. You and Cameron, along with himself, have always been the three to fulfill the Miracle Sun plan. You guys are the miracle sons. Poetically, you three are brothers.
Arkain
Brothers?
He turned and looked at the ship that said Ilias on it. Brother? The boy that tried to kill him.
Fallen
I'm hungry and no longer have much to say. I just want you to think about what I've told you. Also, Ilias wanted you to have this.
Fallen stood up and behind him on the ground was a camera.
Arkain
My mom's camera!
Fallen
Apparently there is something inside he wanted you to see. Word of advice, Arkain.
Arkain
Yeah?
He said walking towards the camera.
Fallen
Be careful when digging in the past.
He walked towards the door.
Fallen
You never know what you'll find.
Arkain
I'll keep that in mind.
Arkain picked up the camera and sat below the stand with his boat.
Fallen
One more thing, kid. I want to make it clear that I will always protect you. If I never mentioned it, I am, and always have been, your guardian.
Arkain
On Ilias' orders?
Fallen
No, silly boy.
He left the room so only his tail was showing.
Fallen
Your father's.

Chapter Sevety-Seven: Sunset

Voice in the head of Arkain and Cameron.
Do not trust them. Your blood is the blood of the moon. Do not trust them...
Arkain heard the soft voice in their head and everything else stopped.
Voice again
Regret...Regret...Regret...
Cameron allowed it to flow past his dreams.
Voice again
You're in grave danger. You're... regret...regret...regret...
Time moved back into place for them all.

Geremiah and Munro sat on a small brown boat in the middle of the ocean. Lucifer moved around the boat anxiously because of the vast ocean that surrounded them.
Munro
Mother is gone.
Geremiah shrugged.
Germ
Not a loss that means much. She would have had to die eventually.
Munro
Ximendos has plagued this world.
Germ
And now he wishes to plague another.
Munro slouched back.
Munro
I guess we'll play along.

Roselyn and Grey were in their room resting from the battle they had just won.
Roselyn
He's back and that's all that matters.
There was a knock at the door.
Grey
I guess we can never get any rest.
Roselyn opened the door. Forest stood there with no smile.
Forest
I apologize for the intrusion, but may I speak with you? I've waited too long for this.
Roselyn turned to Grey. He waved for her to go.

Vesper
What is it you want from me?
Nick turned around to face her.
Nick
Can we have this conversation another time?
Vesper
No.
She cleared her throat.
Vesper
You saved me.
Nick
I would have done that for anyone-
Vesper
Stop saying that.
Nick
Stop saying what?
Vesper
Trying to justify what you did with us being friends. We are not friends. We just had sex.
Nick
Well if you're going to put it that way.
He stood up.
Nick
Just take it as nothing and that's that.
He began to walk away.
Vesper
Nicolas, you aren't being honest. I've been alive long enough to tell.
Nick
And what do you want me to say? Hmmm? You want me to tell you why I did it? Because I care about you!
He turned around.
Nick
We had sex, yes, but that isn't all that happened there!
Vesper
I know.
Nick
I saved you because you're important. Fine, happy? I didn't want to lose another person like I lost Steven.

Queen Circa sat in her thrown surrounded by hooded figures. They all had their heads lowered. In front of her knelt Aristo, the elf.
Circa
Tell us, Aristo, what news you spoke of when the sun rose.
The hooded figures murmured to themselves. Aristo stood up.
Aristo
King Godlin has returned.
There was a burst of outrage. Queen Circa laughed.
Circa
Silence, fools. There you have it, Godlin has returned.
A female elf named Socra spoke.
Socra
What does this mean, Queen Circa?
Then a male named Parmen did.
Parmen
Will this turn the tide?
Socra
Impossible!
Circa
At ease, my most loyal subjects.
She stood up.
Circa
Godlin's return poses a threat, yes, but none we must worry about. Kesladon is ours, and it will never be returned to the wretched Kon.
Xen, another male elf spoke.
Xen
Is Lord Pascal aware of this matter?
Circa
Not yet.
Socra
He must know immediately!
Circa
He will. I will be leaving for Kesladon momentarily. Cousin Pascal should hear this from me.
Socra
My queen, you are leaving the country?
Circa
Do not worry. Godlin has just returned. I doubt he will be attacking any time soon.
The doors to the throne room opened. Two elves stood at the doors. One with short blond hair and the taller one with long black hair.
Circa
My son will be in charge while I am away.
The blond one stepped forward. His name was Zylen.
Zylen
Mother, are you leaving now?
Circa walked down the steps. Aristo stood next to her.
Circa
I am. Cayos,
The other elf bowed.
Cayos
Yes, your majesty?
He said with a wide smile.
Circa
See to it that Zylen has no trouble in my absence.
Cayos
Your wish is my command.
He bowed.
Aristo
What of the girl?
Aristo interrupted.
Circa
What of her, Aristo?
Aristo seemed afraid.
Aristo
If Godlin is back, do you think they will come after her?
Circa
I do. This is the reason why I am leaving for Kesladon. With the combined power of Godlin and Kon, they will most likely storm the city in search of the girl. It is for this reason I will be bringing her here.
Socra
And the woman? What of Queen Solara?
Circa
She comes too. I promised Pascal I would not be killing his sister. I owe my word to my dear cousin. I am leaving now. Please do not do anything while I am gone to upset Oleandria anymore than they already are.
She left the throne room.

Malic
Where are you, Velis?
He sat by a tree in the forest.
Malic
Everything has gone to shit and you're still out there. Damn.

Roselyn and Forest stood outside of the White Coats base in the forest.
Forest
I have a lot to say to you, little one.
Roselyn
Well, you can start whenever you'd like... dad.
They spoke for ten minutes.
Roselyn
I don't hate you for it.
Forest
I'm glad. I know you are a woman now, but I hope you still are young enough for a father.
She hugged him.
Nick
Hey mom.
They pulled away.
Roselyn
Nick, this is your grandpa.

Darby
She is dead.
Kassle and Kade did not even flinch.
Ilias
Excellent! Now that we have Gemma back, we can go.
Darby
And what of these two?
He motioned to Kassle and Kade.
Ilias
They are my guests.
He stood up.
Ilias
I take my leave now. Darby, return home with the ship.
Darby
Very well.
Ilias walked to the while ball that carried Gemma. He tapped it and a wave of energy released from his hand and surrounded it.
Ilias
That should hold her a little while longer.
He turned to Darby.
Ilias
When you return, have Fallen strengthen his prison again.
Darby nodded.
Kade
Where are you going?
Ilias
Nowhere and only dragons can take me there.

Pathion jumped onto the bed.
Pathion
I think I'm going to like it here. Why didn't we come earlier?
Syn sat at the edge.
Syn
This all feels wrong, Patrick.
Pathion
Come on, don't burst the bubble. What crawled up your butt?
Syn
We are not welcomed here. The only reason these elves have not drawn blood is because of what little of their king remains in Ximendos.
Pathion
So?
Syn
So that means they cannot be trusted.
Pathion
You heard them! They have to abide by the rules, so Dos is their king.
Syn
Either way, it worries me. We could be walking into a trap.
Pathion
Oh well. There aint never been a trap we couldn't get ourselves out of.
Syn
Let's hope this one doesn't turn out to be the end of us.
Pathion moved forward on the bed and grabbed Syn's wrist.
Pathion
We're immortal.
Syn looked him in the eyes. Pathion sensed he was afraid.
Syn
Tell that to Tusa.

Kon
Well, out with it already, brother.
Ximendos sat at a table in a circular room. Kon sat on top of the table on the other side of it while Akasha stood behind Ximendos.
Ximendos
What would you have me say?
Kon laughed.
Kon
I want you to agree with the plan to rescue my wife and daughter!
He folded his fingers.
Kon
While you were off doing what you were doing, I was here defending these borders. I lost my country because of your absence and Hellia's incompetence. In this time I also lost my wife and child. If you do not help me get them back, you will know me as an enemy as well.
Ximendos
Shut up, Kon. I have no time for your petty threats. If Queen Circa has acquired your family, that is your fault and solely yours. As for rescuing her, I do not think that is something of great importance.
Kon
Excuse me?
Ximendos raised his hand to silence him.
Ximendos
We are at war, Kon.
Kon
Well that's obvious!
Ximendos
It would do you well to accept your hostage situation.
Kon stood up quickly.
Kon
I DON'T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND! My daughter is not simply a hostage. My daughter is a great danger to us all if Circa figures this out. While we are trained in great lengths in Elvish battle, my daughter far exceeds us, and she is only four. If that is of no concern to you, well, hope Circa's ignorance can grow old, because if not, you are looking at the end of Oleandria.
Ximendos
What do you mean, exceeds us?
Kon
Her power is one that hasn't been seen since the likes of us and Circa.
Ximendos rubbed his temple.
Ximendos
Why should I believe you?
Kon
Brother, please don't take me for a fool. I am no liar. Caldinar threatens the end of our existence and you'd think of me a liar?
He put his hands on his chest.
Kon
I am sincerely offended.
He lowered his hands.
Kon
I am your brother, Godlin, and you better remember that.
Ximendos
I won't forget it. That said, we have bigger problems.
Kon
Like?
Ximendos
A funeral for my daughter and a war with the worlds.
Kon smiled.

Hayden stood at the peak of a mountain above the White Coats base. His hands were in the air and he was chanting.
Amros
May I interrupt?
Hayden did not turn to see him.
Hayden
As you wish, Amros.
Amros stood next to him.
Hayden
I shall have all our wards up in a moment.
Amros nodded.
Amros
Very good, very good. I didn't come here worried about the installation, though.
Hayden still did not look at Amros.
Amros
I'm worried about you, old friend.
Hayden stopped what he was doing.
Hayden
I don't follow.
Amros placed a hand on his shoulder.
Amros
Hayden, your daughter is missing and the last time you spoke with her it didn't end well.
Hayden
And?
Amros
You are hurting.
Hayden
Amros, I do not need a lecture on emotions.
Amros
I know you elf do not express them much.
Hayden
If at all.
Amros
But we are friends, we are family. You are like a father to me, and I expect you to be open with these things.
Hayden
It is not your burden.
Amros moved Hayden to look him directly.
Amros
It has always been my burden.

Suri
You okay?
Arkain and Suri lied on the bed together. He sat against the board and her head was against his chest.
Arkain
Yeah, why?
Suri
You're awfully quiet. You thinking about Cameron?
Arkain nodded.
Suri
He'll be fine, he just needs time on his own. He found out the girl he loved was responsible for the death of his little brother. I can't imagine how I'd feel.
Arkain
Suri, Gemma killed my mother.
Suri looked up.
Suri
Are you serious?
Arkain
Yes. She admitted to doing it.
Suri
I'm sorry, Arkain.
Arkain
It's okay. I just had to tell you. I may not be in love with her, but I can sort of relate to what Cameron is going through. The difference is, Cameron had no one, while I have you and the others.
Suri
Who could blame him?
Arkain
I can't. Even when he killed Velis, I couldn't blame him. Behind all his hatred and darkness, there lies a starving desire for love.
Suri
He means a lot to you, doesn't he?
Arkain
Yes. He may have tried to kill me once, but we've been through a lot since then. He saved my life, I saved his.
Suri
And you guys are half-brothers.
Arkain
Brothers. I don't make that distinction. I just wish there was something I could do. I wish there were some words I could say. I found the right ones before, but this time, well this time was just too different.
Suri
It's not your fault, Arkain. Cameron is lost in his pain and he needs time alone. He'll be back, I know it.
Arkain
That's the thing, I don't think he will be. I don't think he'll ever come back to us.
Suri
Why?
Arkain
Because without me there, he will be eaten up by his pain. That horrendous evil he holds will turn him on himself.
Suri
You can't be sure of that.
Arkain
Suri, it's the truth. Cameron won't be coming back to us. He has to face this alone, and even if he wanted our help, he wouldn't know how to ask for it. He never understood what we loved him for, so he'd never understand how to find his way back to us.
Suri
I hope you're wrong.
Arkain
Me too, me too.


Seex
Son of the king?
Ilias smiled.
Ilias
That I am.

Pascal walked down the steps as Circa approached.
Pascal
What brings you here, dear cousin?
Circa
Godlin has returned to Oleandria.
Pascal covered his mouth in surprise.
Pascal
What does this mean? Is Kesladon no longer safe?
Circa
Not entirely. I have come to take our hostages.
Pascal
You will not harm them, correct? We had a deal.
Circa grabbed Pascal by his cloak.
Circa
Do not question my commitment to my promises, Pascal. I will not harm Solara.
She let go of him.
Circa
Bring them to me.
Pascal snapped his fingers. In two minutes guards brought in chains two female elves, one grown and one the age of a small child.
Circa
Hello, Solara.
Solara did not respond.
Circa
No reply? You think you'd be more polite to royalty.
Solara
I do not recognize you as queen of anything but dirt, Circa the cold.
Circa
I see.
She smacked Solara. The little girl grabbed onto her.
Circa
You shouldn't make me do these things in front of your daughter.
Pascal
Please, Circa.
Circa gave Pascal a face of disgust.
The child elf
Leave my mother alone.
Circa was surprised.
Circa
So you speak now? Excellent. All the better.
She turned to Pascal.
Circa
I have changed my mind.
Pascal
What?
She broke the chain that connected the girl to Solara.
Circa
I am just going to take the girl.
She grabbed the girl by the wrist.
Solara
Please, no!
Circa
Quiet!
Pascal
Do not separate them, Queen Circa, there is no need.
Circa
I said quiet, Pascal. I promised you no physical pain, I said nothing of emotional.
The guards grabbed the girl.
Circa
Take her to my horse.
They did as they were told.
Pascal
Why are you doing this?
Circa
Because I can.
Pascal
It serves you no purpose.
Pascal yelped in pain and grabbed his head as he fell to his knees.
Circa
I do not relay all my plans to you so if purpose is what you miss, that is only because you cannot see. If you wish to remain the temporary king of Kesladon, I suggest you learn your place, dear and near cousin.
She released him.
Solara
Do not hurt her, Circa! If you do, I will kill you myself.
Circa
As if that were possible, cousin. No worries, I will treat with great care, my blood. I will not hurt Knives.
She smiled and turned to walk away.
Circa
Do not cross me again, Pascal, or our deal is off.
She left.

Akasha hugged Ilias.
Akasha
We've missed you so much. How did you find us?
She let go of him.
Ilias
Father said if his energy ever disappeared from the Earth, this would be the place he'd be.
Akasha
Your father, always thinking ahead.
Ilias
Yes, always thinking ahead.
Ximendos entered the room followed by Kon.
Ximendos
My son!
Ximendos hugged him as well and then introduced Kon.
Kon
He looks a lot like you, brother.
Ximendos
I'll explain that later.
He said in Ilias' ear. What followed next was them telling Ilias about Iris. He played his part well through the entire thing.
Ilias
They must pay.
Ximendos
And they will. That is why we've moved the empire here. With the combined might of the elf, we can win.
Ilias
Good. I will handle the business out there and you in here.
Akasha
We were thinking that maybe you'd come and join us here.
Ilias
I can't do that, mother. Gemma is still out there.
Ximendos
Bring her as well.
Ilias
Thank you for the invitation, but I respectably decline.
Ximendos
Very well, but the offer is always open. We will show you to your room. The funeral is tomorrow.
They all grabbed their heads except for Ilias. Circa's voice entered their minds.
Circa
Lord Godlin, I know you have returned.
Kon
That damn witch!
Circa
Meet me at the eye of peace in one hour to discuss the future of our world. If you do not, I will kill the blood of Kon. Make your choice, high king.
Ilias
(Already at war, I see. Interesting.)

The egg that held Gemma was starting to crack.
Darby
What is this?
Kassle
How do you plan on holding her inside?
Kade
Is that what I think it is?
Renn, Luck, Cash, and Gwen entered.
Renn
What is going on?
Kade
Looks like the egg is hatching. I wonder if it's a duck or a chick.
Kassle
You must land the ship.
Darby
For what purpose?
Kassle looked to Darby.
Kassle
If the half-dead is inside and it is released, it will destroy all around it.
Darby
Computer, land.
Ship AI
Very well, sir.
The ship began its descent.
Kade
What's the plan?
Kassle
It's time to operate.
The ship landed. The egg hovered along side Darby as they left the ship out into an open field of grass.
Darby
What are you planning on doing?
Kassle
We will release the half-dead from the girl.
Darby
That may kill her.
Kassle
Not if we can help it.
Kade
Kassle, that's going to require a lot of energy, if the stories are true!
Kassle
Can you provide us with a steady source of energy?
Darby pulled out his sword.
Kassle
A sword?
Darby
Not just any sword. Hold onto the handle, there is your source of power.
Kassle
Very nice, Darby of the Syn clan.

Conor, Emmylou, and Ian sat in the library looking through piles upon piles of books.
Conor
Find anything good?
Emmylou
Loads of stuff! I can't believe this place.
Conor
Ilias has good taste.
There was silence then.
Ian
I want another book.
Emmylou passed him a book.
Emmylou
Can I ask you something?
Conor shrugged.
Emmylou
What's our role in all this?
Conor
What do you mean?
Emmylou
I mean, Suri has her strength, Arkain his powers, we have none. Just what good are we?
Conor
I never thought of it that way.
He squinted his eyes.
Conor
Moral support?
Emmylou
Sounds lame.
Conor
What more do you want?
He stood up and sat next to her.
Emmylou
I don't know, the ability to protect ourselves? Not have to rely on others? I'm tired of just being baggage.
Conor
We can't do anything about that. Not even guns will help us here.
Emmylou
I know, but doesn't that worry you?
Conor
Fuck yeah it does. Worries me every second that Ilias could kill us with the flick of his finger, Ximendos can squash us like bugs, and everyone could easily do the same. Yeah, Emmy, it worries me. I'm surprised I've been able to sleep.
He laughed.
Emmylou
This isn't funny!
Conor
It kind of is! I mean, what does that matter?
Emmylou
It's just hard living when it's a matter of fact.
Conor
I can see why, but you just have to get used to it. We're just humans.
Emmylou
We're just humans.

Bijan landed next to Cassa, a silver haired Sky Walker.
Bijan
What is going on?
Cassa turned around in a very slow and gentle manner.
Cassa
They've been attacking harder since dawn. Has lord Rylan left already?
Bijan
Yes. He has left me in charge.
Cassa
I'd expect no less, you are his best friend.
Bijan
Be that as it may, I am also most suited for the job.
Cassa agreed.
Cassa
Let us just hope that Arienette does not come swooping down during your time of control.
Bijan
One can hope. If she does, I'll just have to crack the sky to stop her.
Cassa smiled.
Cassa
Even then, I don't think we'd be able to stop her.
Bijan
Then we just buy time for Rylan to return, if that is all we can do.
Cassa turned around.
Cassa
You know, in another time, you would have made a great king, Bijan.
She flew off.

A female elf with red hair entered the Caldinar throne room.
Zylen
What is it, Cypress?
Cypress, his sister, daughter of Circa, she was.
Cypress
Where is mother?
Zylen
She is on business in Kesladon. What ever could you possibly want?
Cypress
We have an intruder!

Padraic stood before the portal that led to the elf world into Caldinar.
Padraic
Such a pleasant place.
He bit his lip.
Padraic
Shame we'll have to burn it to the ground.
He looked back at the portal.
Padraic
You can come through now.

Kon stood before Daskil and Nespa.
Kon
I will be leaving for a short time with my brother. Your orders are to stay within the city, should anything happen.
They both nodded.
Ximendos
Shall we go?
Kon
Coming.
Kon jumped into the carriage.

Ilias
She was so young.
Ilias ran his fingers across Iris' face.
Akasha
I know. I remember it was just yesterday you both were born. What a blessing you both were.
Ilias
They'll pay for what they did to her.
Akasha
Your father will make sure of that. Until then, it's probably best you get some rest.

Kassle and Kade sat cross legged with the egg between them.
Darby
How confident are you that this will work?
Kassle
I'd say about eighty percent.
Darby did not respond. The egg continued to crack.
Kassle
Hand me your sword now. Ilias won't be happy if she escapes.
Darby handed his sword over.
Kade
Give us five minutes. Once she is released she will be trapped inside a force field. After that, we will extract the half-dead.
Darby
Will she die?
Kassle
We will make sure she doesn't.
Darby
I wish Ilias was here.
Kade
I wish we had more time!

Kon
She chose this place because she knows we can't attack her here.
The carriage stopped.
Kon
She is clever, that Circa.
He stepped off.
Ximendos
She is going to be an annoyance, isn't she?
Kon
You got that right.

Gemma stood up. Blood poured down her forehead.
Gemma
Let me out. I will spare you all if you allow me to go.
She could not leave the barrier Kassle and Kade created.
Kassle
Greetings, half-dead.
Gemma turned to Kassle.
Gemma
Do not speak to me, foolish child. I have been alive long enough to know the tongue of a snake.
Kassle
I mean you no harm, half-dead. I have nothing but utter fascination for your kind.
Kade
Especially because your kind is the inspiration for exorcism and those are pretty wicked.
Gemma hissed at Kade.
Gemma
What do you want from me?
Darby
Your name, what's your name?
Gemma smiled. Her eyes were black as the deepest parts of the ocean.
Gemma
My name is Krysin. Let me go, Darby.
Darby
That is what we were doing. We have trapped you here to release you, Krysin.
Gemma began to laugh.
Gemma
And how do you expect to do that?
Darby
With them.
He pointed at Kassle and Kade.
Gemma
They are magicians?
Kassle and Kade nodded.
Gemma
You bluff.
Kassle
We do not and our time is limited. Do you want to be free, Krysin?
Gemma nodded.
Gemma
More than I yearn for blood.
Kade
We're ready to give you that.
Gemma
Name your condition. I know the rules of extraction.
Kassle
You will protect this girl.
Gemma
If she lives.
Kassle
She will. You will also follow Ilias, your new master.
Gemma was silent.
Kassle
That is the deal.
Gemma
I accept.
Even the falling sun was eclipsed by the brightness that splashed out into the world.

Arkain walked down the hallway with his hands in his sweater pocket.
Arkain
Regret? Can't trust them? I wonder who they were talking about.
Conor
What?
Conor came around the corner.
Arkain
Oh, nothing. What's going on?
Conor
I was headed towards my room. Anything wrong?
The voice hit Arkain in the head. "Don't trust them."
Arkain
No, all's well.
He walked past Conor.
Arkain
I'll see you in a bit.

Luna watched Arkain on the security cameras.
Luna
That one is a weird one.
Fallen
You think?
He jumped off the chair.
Fallen
I'll go talk to him.

A transparent Circa sat at a transparent table across from transparent Ximendos and Kon.
Circa
You aren't Godlin.
Ximendos
I am a hybrid of him and myself. I am Ximendos, king of Oleandria.
Circa
I am Queen Circa of Caldinar and Kesladon.
Kon
That is mine!
Circa
Finders keepers, Kon.
She winked at him and licked her lips.
Ximendos
Why have you invited us here?
Circa
To declare the continuation of our war.
Ximendos
Good. That is exactly what I was going to meet you for. However, I want to end this.
Circa's eyes widened with surprise. Kon stood up.
Kon
End it? You will do no such thing!
Circa
On what terms, Ximendos?
She was the first elf to call him by his real name.
Ximendos
You will give back Kesladon to Kon.
Circa
I'm listening.
Ximendos
And you will return his wife and daughter.
Circa
I don't think I can do that.
Kon
Witch!
Ximendos
And why is that?
Circa
His daughter is too valuable. With time, she will be the single biggest threat this planet has ever faced.
Kon
Who told you?
Circa
I have my methods, now shut up, the king and queen are speaking.
Ximendos motioned for Kon not to respond.
Ximendos
How can we trust you in time of peace if you are still holding a hostage?
Circa
You will have to take my word for it. If I had her over, it may very well mean the end of Caldinar. I cannot afford that. I will keep her as payment for peace.
Kon
She lies! Do not trust her, brother! Give me my daughter back!
Circa
Why did you bring him? Wasn't growing up with him sufficient enough to show he cannot be brought to the table?
Ximendos
He means well, Circa.
Circa
Nonetheless, that is where I stand. I keep her.
Kon
Knives is my daughter, you heartless wench.
Circa
I am aware. You will have to decide, Kon. War or the loss of your daughter.
Kon did not say anything despite his anger pouring through him.
Ximendos
I have no quarrel with your terms. You will leave Kesladon and return to Caldinar.
Circa
That is fine with me.
She paused before she spoke again.
Circa
Just what are you after?
He informed her about the Sky Walker.
Circa
The Sky Walker?

Gemma's body laid on the ground motionless.
Darby
Is it done?
Kassle nodded.
Kade
Give it time.

Circa
You are telling me you went to war with these things?
Kon
Yes.
Circa
While being at war with Caldinar?
Ximendos
Yes.
Circa
That's very impressive. If these things are as powerful as you say they are,

A black body emerged from Gemma's body until it was standing straight in front of a setting sun. It stepped forward and screamed.
Gwen
What is that?
Gwen said from the ship.
Renn
Hell.
The body turned into a man with short brown hair and a black suit.
Krysin
Hello, my friends. Oh, it's good to be free.

Circa
Just what do you intend to do? We will go to war with you, but this war will cost a great deal of elvish life.
Ximendos
We are prepared for that.
Circa
Aside from Kon's sword, Zohar, and Zarathustra, which was once mine, what weapons do we have against these unstoppable beings you speak of?
Ximendos
An old friend. He's been putting himself back together for this moment.
He turned to look behind him.
Ximendos
You can come out now.

Ilias, turned around to face the familiar darkness he had known all his life.
Ilias
This can't be.
He said, and for the first time in as long as he could remember, he was surprised.

A dark figure stood next to Ximendos.
Circa and Kon
What is that?
Ximendos
His name is Orthak.