Chapter Nineteen: No One Would Riot For Less

Nicholas
They’re more determined then you initially thought.
Amya
Yes, we were not prepared for this.
Nicholas
Didn’t think he’d want to take over the government?
Amya
He wants to control the world through human ways, not through destruction and death. It’s brilliant. 
Nicholas
Will you join them?
Amya turned around and looked shocked.
Amya
Never. I’ve sworn my allegiance to the human race. 
Nicholas
Comforting. So what next?
Amya
We fight. 
Nicholas
Can we win?
Amya
I don’t know. 
Nicholas
Tomorrow decides it all.
Amya
Yes, yes it does.
Nicholas turned his chair so that he was facing the windows behind him.
Nicholas
I’m starting Operation Gears. 
Amya
Operation Gears? So it exists? 
Nicholas
Yes. The government has been working on them since the cold war. 
Amya
They’re ready?
Nicholas
They’ve been ready.
Amya
War. 
Nicholas
If we must.

Arkain out his face next to Suri’s.
Arkain
Should we go now?
Suri
Not yet, it’s setting. 
Arkain
What if something happens? 
Suri
It’s like the voice said, we have a week. 
Arkain
You’re right. 
Suri
Let’s spend this as our last moment of normal. 
Arkain
What part of us being this high up is normal? 
Suri
It’s normal now.

Cameron and Velis sat in a dark room in conversation.
Cameron
What is he getting out of this?
Velis
Beats me. If it was up to me all these humans would die. Apparently Master’s gone soft. 
Cameron
Not that, I meant out of involving Amya. 
Velis
It means less of a hassle. But wait, you knew about this empire shit? 
Cameron
I was the one who proposed the idea. 
Velis
I should have known. You’re the softest one. 
Cameron
Control over the human race will result in peace. 
Velis
They’ll be afraid of us, of course it will cause peace.
Cameron
That’s all I want. 
Velis
Their hatred will grow. This peace you seek will only truly be a standstill. Once they know they can rebel, they will.
Cameron
I know what lies ahead. I know inside their hate for the empire will grow until as one large body they can’t take it anymore. I am fully aware of this. 
Velis
So then why?
Cameron
That is what I want. I want them to rebel. When that day comes, I’ll kill them all. 
Velis
I was wrong, I think you may be just like the others. 
Cameron
I’ve lost hope in the human race, in life, in everything. The empire will subtract any hope these humans have, and then kill them. 
Velis
I’m still not fond of it. I’d like to just kill them all now. 
Cameron
Patience
Velis
Easy for you to say. 
Malic appeared in the room. 
Malic
Well, this is all some bullshit. 
Cameron
We can’t all have it our way. 
Malic
Yeah, so we have it his way.
Cameron
Exactly.
Velis
At least we still have our missions. 
Malic
The only thing I care about. Can’t wait. 
Velis
Good, blood is soothing. 
Malic
True that. Except I’m not for your mission Velis.
Velis
Why? 
Malic
I’ve seen that man Romberg rise to every obstacle and I don’t know. 
Velis
You feeling sorry? 
Malic
I guess. I just can’t see myself killing someone so pure. 
Velis
That’s why I’m doing it. We need to kill him because with that, people will bow in fear. 
Malic
Well what if they don’t? What if they refuse and fight against us? 
Velis
Well that’s exactly what we want, apparently. We’re giving them a choice. 
Malic
Why do we have to kill a good man for that to happen? 
Cameron
No one would riot for less.
Ximendos sat in the darkness of his home at the top of the stair case. He heard footsteps coming and he smiled. 
Ximendos
Hello, Gemma.

Chapter Eighteen: A New Empire

Hayden
Who do you work for?
Hayden stood on top of a building directly in front of the chaos with Elijah, Kota, and Bonka. 
Elijah
You know the answer to that. 
Hayden
Your mission?
Elijah
To take the girl with us.
Hayden
That is impossible.
Bonka
We could have done it.
Hayden
Do it now. 
They all just looked at each other.
Elijah
We will be leaving now.
The helicopter appeared and they began to board.
Hayden
Tell Amya she is not needed in this fight. 
Elijah
Will do. 
They boarded the copter and it sped out of sight.
Hayden
Now what to do with this.
The blackness was circling in the same spot. An entire police squad was on the street surrounding it.
Voice
Hello humans and others.
Hayden looked up, the voice was coming from the sky.
Voice
I’d like to have all of your attention. If you’d kindly look up to the sky, this will be over quickly. 
This voice was scattered across the world in different languages across the skies. 
Voice
First I’d like to make clear this isn’t your “god” you pray so tiredly to. 
The whole world in less than 1 minute now had stopped everything they were doing to look up and listen. 
Voice.
There is no proof of heaven or in the existence in the being that sits on his mighty throne on the grounds of it. There is however, a God, and that God is I.The world did not know what to think.
Amya
Damn it!
He continued.
Voice
You probably are asking who is this speaking from the sky. I am your new leader, your new savior, your new God. 
People began to protest. 
Voice
Quiet. You are no longer in need of invisible idols and saints. I am God. You don’t believe me do you? 
Hayden
This is madness.
Voice
My regime will now be taking control of the United States of America. Every other country will bow soon after. Know us not anymore as the USA.
People around the world began to allow fear seep down their spines.
Voice
Resistance is not necessary. You’re under our law now. Those who commit acts of treason and heresy will not see a court or jury, they will only find death. I am a being of my word. If you insist on anything other than full obedience, you will die. 
Arkain and Suri were listening without distraction.
Voice
Nicholas Selarom Romberg will die. His death will be the symbol of a new era. In one week he will die on worldwide TV. There are monsters he keeps at his bedside he’d like to keep him safe. Amya Anselia, listen to reason and you will be spared. Join and you will be Queen.
Amya
He hasn’t changed. 
Voice
A new wind you’ve never tasted is on its way. A new time you’ve never counted with your man made machines is coming, a new era, a new regime, a new empire. Every nation, every person will join. Either that or die. Peace is ultimately in your hands. 
Amros
Some people never change.
Voice
You’ve lived most of your lives under authority so this should not be new to you. The world will grow into a stronger union and you will all see this will be for the greater good. I have ends that will justify any means you see unfit and unjust. My time grows short so I must end this. Gemma, 
The blackness ceased and disappeared. Gemma was now looking up to the sky.
Voice
Gemma, I know you’re afraid. You seek another, one you can see. Without that person you would rather allow that monster in you to consume all you cannot allow sympathy for. 
Gemma was dumbfounded.
Voice
Yes, I know who you are. Arkain is dead. You cannot change what is done. You can only change what is to come. I beseech you to control yourself and find me. If you do as I plea, you will be made a Princess of our new empire. Should you choose not to, I will kill you. 
Gemma began to walk away from the ruble where the building once stood. No one noticed as they were all looking up. 
Voice
The Shadow Regime will be taking over the American government. It will thus be known as the Solace Empire. 
Amros
Fool. 
Amya
Idiot.
Voice
I am your Emperor, your king, Ximendos. 
Hayden turned to look down at Gemma but she was gone.

Chapter Seventeen: Footprints On Her Heart

All Arkain first noticed was blue. Blue, blue, blue. It was all he could see. As he adjusted to the light he noticed his arms were wrapped around someone. Suri was laying on his body with her head on his chest. He tilted his head back and saw the sun.
Arkain
What the hell?
They were in the sky. High above the heights airplanes go. They were centered in the middle clouds floating as Arkain’s wings gently moved up and down. Suri stirred.
Suri
You’re finally awake.
Arkain looked down on her head. Her hair smelled great.
Arkain
I take it you’ve been awake for awhile?
She looked up to his face.
Suri
Yeah, about two hours I’m guessing. 
Arkain held her close. 
Arkain
How did we get up here?
Suri
You flew?
They both let out soft laughs. 
Arkain
The last thing I remember was that Camelot guy saying our time had run out and I knew what he meant, I turned and ran to you as fast as I could, I grabbed your hand and the rest is a blank. 
Suri
Well that clears up a lot.
Arkain
I guess my body for the rest of the time acted on its own. 
Suri
Why here?
Arkain
I think my subconscious mind knows deep in me that I feel safest with the stars, the sky. 
Suri
That makes sense.
Arkain
I’m just glad we’re alive. The others probably think, um that we’re, um- 
Suri
Dead. 
Arkain
Yeah, that was what I was going for. 
Suri
I wonder what’s going on down there. 
Arkain
Yeah. I’m sure things are fine.
Suri
You never know.
Arkain
Right. I think we should head down.
Suri
Can we wait? The sun should be setting soon, I can feel the wind getting cooler, and I just thought we could wait for it.
Arkain
What for? 
Suri
All my life, I’ve always looked at things from the front, the bottom, and the sides. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to see things from atop. When I woke up earlier, I finally knew what it was like. I have seen what you’ll be seeing for the rest of your life. It filled my lungs with a happiness I haven’t felt in so long. I just don’t want to leave here. 
Arkain
I get you. I don’t know though, I just feel like something isn’t right. A feeling in my gut. 
Suri pressed her face against his neck. 
Suri
Can’t you just concentrate on the stars? 
Arkain
They're not out yet.
Suri
You can still feel them I bet, they are still there. 
Arkain looked down on her.
Suri
I just, I’ve been alone for far too long. I thought I’d die before I got to feel what every girl dreams about. 
Arkain knew she meant love.
Arkain
You won’t die before that, I promise.
Suri
I know we met yesterday, but it feels like I’ve known you before. It feels like we met before, and in that first encounter you left footprints on my heart. Prints no one else has been able to fill until we met again, until now. 
Arkain set his head on hers.
Suri
I know I have this power that makes me stronger than most men, and I know I’m not human but I can’t help but be afraid. 
Arkain
Why are you afraid?
Suri
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had these voids in me. It’s not like I was born into this you know? I still remember vaguely what it was like to be a normal little girl. You’re the first person I’ve known all my life who makes me feel normal.
Arkain
We’re not normal, Suri.
Suri
I know, but you see, we all, whether human or evolved humans, we all share the same emotions and pain. I just don’t want that pain ever again. I don’t want to think about having no one I can relate to again. Knowing we can die at anytime, knowing we’re in war now, it makes me afraid, it worries me. 
Arkain
You don’t have to worry about anything, Suri. It’s alright. 
The tip of Suri’s nose touched Arkain’s chin.
Suri
Promise me, promise me that no matter what, you won’t leave me to the life I had before you walked into me yesterday. 
Arkain
I promise. 
Suri
I trust you.
Arkain
Are you crying?
Suri
No, I promised someone I would never do that. 
Arkain
So it looks like we’re both locked in promises now I guess. 
Suri
Let’s hope we don’t make too many. Now since there are no stars, can you focus on me until they get here?
He nodded.
Arkain
Close your eyes.
He touched her lips with his own.
Gemma
Arkain! 
The darkness was consuming the building and growing.

Chapter Sixteen: The Hatching Egg

Amros
The city police have her. Humans somehow always get themselves involved. 
Hayden
We must retrieve her.
Amros
And you shall. 
Gemma was sat down at a table in an interrogation room. A cup of water sat on the table along with a pen and a folder filled with papers. 
Officer 1
Let’s get started.

Nicholas Romberg sat in his office and the phone rang.
Nicholas
I knew it was a matter- 
He was cut off.
Nicholas
I understand. Yes, Yes, alright. 
He put his hand on his forehead.
Nicholas
You have my permission.

Gemma looked down at her knees.
Gemma
I don’t want to talk to you.
Officer 2
You’re going to have to kid, it will only help you. 
Gemma
You can’t help me.

Amya hung up the phone on Nicholas. She stood in a dark room alone. She grabbed the phone and dialed again.
Amya
It has been cleared, Elijah. You may proceed. I want the girl alive.

The officers sat down at the table in front of Gemma.
Officer 1
There are a lot of people missing, and you might be able to help us.
Gemma
They're not missing. 
Officer 2
What do you mean?
Gemma
They're dead.
I want blood. 
Gemma
You will have it.
Officer 1
We will have what? Are you willing to cooperate?
I want their blood. 
Gemma
I don’t care.
Officer 1
So you will work with us?
Feed me Gemma, I grow hungry.
Gemma
Do as you please.
As the routine day of the police force continued without disturbance, Hayden slipped into the highest floor.
Hayden
She’d be on the lower levels. I’m on level six, she is in the basement.
He moved to the door. 
Gemma
Are you ready to die like the ones you search for? 
Officer 2
Are you threatening us?
Gemma
No, I am asking you a question sir. 
A helicopter hovered above the building high in the sky. Five figures dressed in black with masks stood ready to jump. 
Elijah
The girl is the priority, the humans are not. No casualties, just wound if you must. 
The group agreed.
Elijah
Prepare to land. 
Hayden opened the door and almost ran into an officer. As the officer reached for his gun Hayden landed his hand softly into his neck and the man fell unconscious on the floor. 
Hayden
This is going to be annoying. 
Across the hall, two officers already had their guns pulled out on him. 
Hayden
Guns down humans and you shall walk away unharmed.
Officer 2 stood up. 
Officer 2
She’s not going to help us, she’s caught in her own fantasy world. The little girl has issues, we should call in a psychologist or something.
Almost, almost ready.
The windows burst in front of Hayden and black figures landed in the hall in front of him. He took this as an opportunity to find Gemma. The officers while covering their faces from glass were shot in the legs and fell to the floor.
Elijah
Good job. Kota, you have the first floor.
Kota
Right. 
Elijah
Bonka, you have the third.  
Bonka
On it.
Elijah
I have second. The child will be in those areas, stay alert. 
The five figures ran apart. The police department was now in chaos as officers were called back in and others were forming together to see what they were facing. 
Intercom
All officers please report to the first level, all available officers to the first level. 
Kota
That helps a lot.
He laughed in his mask. 
Hayden
Need to get to the first floor. Got it.
He slammed his hand into the ground below him and he fell through to the second level.
Hayden
One more.
The officers gathered in the main room of the building in front of the door that led to the basement level.
Officer 3
Alright, everyone hold. We’ve gotten a tip that they're after the girl we have down stairs. Once they get into this hall, they’ll see their attempt to kidnap her is useless.
Kota
Useless? 
A small dart hit the man in the neck and he fell to the ground. Guns went off in all directions. Kota was pinned down across the room.
Kota
I’ve found the nest. Now let’s get that egg. First floor now. Proceed? 
Elijah ran down the 3rd floor running into Bonka.
Elijah
No, we’re on our way. Do not hurt anyone. 
Bonka
You’re never fun, Eli.
He lowered his wrist.
Elijah
Lady Amya said no casualties.
Gemma looked up. 
Gemma
They are more coming. 
Officer 1 grabbed his radio. 
Officer 1
All under control?
Now.
A thick Darkness rose behind Gemma.
Officer 1
What the fuck?
It wrapped itself around him and he was gone. Gemma stood up.

Hayden fell through the ceiling and into the middle of the large room. The officers all pointed at him in utter horror. 
Kota
Aw shit!Officers
Freeze!
Hayden
Drop your weapons and move.
Officer
We said freeze. 
Hayden began to walk in their direction. The room began to shake. Every officer looked towards the door behind them. The door began to turn black. Then it was gone. The entire area behind them was sheer darkness. Suddenly black cords shot forward and pulled officers in to their deaths. 
Hayden
Goodbye.
Kota
Aw shit!
From outside the entire building was being consumed by some black force.
Free me, let me kill those who killed him.
Arkain opened his eyes.