Chapter Twenty Three: Reason is Out of the Question

Conor James Callahan walked into his house ready for dinner.
Conor
Hi mom.
Conor’s mother turned around.
Mother
Dinners ready, go sit down. 
Conor sat at the table with his mother and father and little sister.
Father
How was school? 
Conor
It was odd. Everyone seemed dead. 
Father
Dead? How so?
Conor
No one really spoke.
Conor’s sister got into the conversation.

Sister
School was lovely today, quiet and nice.
Conor
So, yours was the same I see. 
Mother
I liked the silence at work. There were a few loud mouths, but they were taken care of.
Father
That’s good. Yeah, some guy at work today said the Anselia family are not Gods and we are pawns.
Sister
What a stupid guy, dad.
Mother
What happened to him?
Father
We took him out back, smashed his head in. 
Conor’s fork fell onto the plate. He did not know what was going on.
Conor
You did what dad? 
His father looked up from his plate.
Father
I said, we smashed his head in. 
Conor
Why would you do that dad? 
Father
He criticized our Gods. 
Conor
Gods? Dad, you killed a man because he didn’t believe what you believe? 
Mother
What we all believe Conor.

Conor
Are you guys insane? 
Mother
No, we’re fine. Is there something you’d like to tell us? 
Conor
Mom, what happened to those loud mouths at work? 
Mother
Nothing. 
Conor
Mom, you said they were taken care of, what did that mean? 
Mother
The police came and took them outside. A few gun shots later and it was over. 
Conor’s mouth fell open.
Conor
What is wrong with you all? Ever since that broadcast and you saw of those people, you’ve changed. 
Mother
No we haven’t. You have.  
Conor
I didn’t see it because I was outside writing, and you three did. So did many others. That’s why my school was quiet, that’s why you’re all quiet. 
Sister
What do you mean?
 Conor
You’re all under some spell! 
Father
Don’t you take that tone with me young man!
Conor
You all think they are Gods.
 Conor’s dad stood up.
Father
Are you saying you don’t?
Conor
I never believed in Gods period. Even now when I see those monsters with powers I know they’re not Gods. Even if they were, it wouldn’t matter. I don’t care.
Father
Honey, shut the doors. 
His mother got up to shut the doors in the house.
Conor
What are you doing? Mom, seriously? 
Father
Those who don’t believe in the lord, our savior, must die.

Conor
Dad, you’re kidding right? I’m your son! 
Father
And he is our God. If you are atheist about what is, then you are not worthy of my blood. 
Conor
Dad, you would do this to your own son? Just because I don’t believe in your God?
 Sister
Yes. Those who don’t believe in the lord must die. 
Conor
You guys, be reasonable. Mom!  
Father
Reason is out of the question.
Mother
The doors are locked.
Father
Good.

Roselyn
We must stick to the shadows. 
Arkain
Right. 
They made sure as they passed through the cities they were out of sight. Gears surrounded most of the area, At least two for every mile. They were running while talking.
Suri
You’re sure you know the way? 
Roselyn
Yes. I can feel the man Amros on the grass.
 Arkain
You know Amros? 
Roselyn
Yes. He is lady Amya’s brother. 
Arkain
Is Amya the one who tried to kill Mr. Romberg?
 Nicholas
Yes, that’s her.
Arkain
She is your leader, and she pulled that? Why?  
Roselyn
We don’t know.
Suri
Maybe she was playing you all. 
Roselyn
So it seems.

Arkain
She almost killed Mr. Romberg!
 Nicholas
It’s Nicholas, call me Nicholas. 
Arkain
She almost killed Nicholas!  
Roselyn
I am aware.
Suri
That’s crazy.
 Arkain
That’s crazy! 
Suri
Thanks for the echo. 
Nicholas
Thank you, Arkain. 
Arkain
For what?
Nicholas
Saving my life. 
Arkain
It was my pleasure, Nicholas. 
Roselyn
We’re 5 miles away. 
Suri
Good. Nicholas, you said something about a story, one your dad used to tell you. 
Nicholas
I did. 
Suri
What did you say it was about? 
Nicholas
The legend of the Sky Lords. The sky walkers. 
Arkain
Sky walkers? 
Roselyn
The children of the earth. 
Nicholas
Correct Roselyn. The Sky walkers is a story about children of the earth. They are the reason for the word angels. They are said to be the ones who created all this, the ones who watch over us.
Arkain
Like a God?
Nicholas
Yes, like a God. Except there are many of them, or at least I think. They watch over us, and at times they pick certain people to protect. 
Suri
It’s all just a story.
Roselyn
Stories can be true, just as they can be pretend, young Suri. 
Suri
So that would mean Arkain is a sky walker.
Nicholas
Yes, it would. These beings possessed powers so great, the world would shake. 
Arkain looked at his hands.
Suri
He can’t really do anything. 
Arkain
I can so!
Nicholas
Arkain just hasn’t realized his full potential.
 Arkain
Exactly!  
Roselyn
We can only hope he does. If you’re indeed a sky lord, you will be needed greatly in the battles to come. 
Roselyn stopped.
Arkain
What’s wrong? 
Roselyn
I heard a boy scream. 
They had now exited the city and many houses were visible from their position.
Suri
Are you sure? 
Glass broke from across the street.
Arkain
Lets go! 
Suri
Arkain, it’s none of our business.
Arkain
I’ll make it mine.
Conor was on the floor outside on the floor. His hands were bleeding from jumping through the window.
Conor
Not my best idea. 
Conor’s dad stepped outside the front door with a hand gun.
Father
This is the only way to cleanse you of your sins.
Conor
Dad, please!
Mother
You must die for your sins, Conor.
The gun went off.
Arkain
Guns shouldn't belong to lunatics.  
Arkain opened his hand and the bullet fell to the floor. From across the street, Nicholas turned to Suri.
Nicholas
That’s nothing? 
Suri
Lets go!
 Father
Arkain!
Mother
Arkain!
Sister
Arkain!Conor stood up behind Arkain.
Conor
Do you know my family? 
Arkain was in shock.
Arkain
No.
They charged him. The ground below moved and a giant wall of land appeared in front of Arkain.
Roselyn
Come, we must go. 
Conor
Can I come with you?
 Roselyn
We cannot afford luggage. 
Conor
Please? I have no one else. 
Arkain
Yes, you can come with me. 
They all ran away from the scene.
Conor
Thanks. 
Arkain
For what?
Conor
For saving me back there. 
Arkain smiled, he still wasn’t sure what he’d become.
Ilias
Got away? 
Father
Yes, they took him and left.

Iris
And you allowed it to happen? 
Sister
They had super powers.
Ilias
We are aware of this. 
Three giant Gears surrounded them outside the house.
Iris
You called us for no reason then. 
Mother
Please, we were only doing it because we are your loyal servants.
Iris
Time wasted cannot be replaced. Kill them.

Father
Wait please! We were only doing what we were told!

Ilias
And your point is? 
Mother
You’re our Gods, please show us mercy.
 Ilias
Mercy? That is not an act of god. 
Father
Please! 
He fell to the floor at Ilias’ feet.
Ilias
Pathetic.
Iris
I’m tired, lets go.
Mother
We’re only your followers!
 Ilias
And so we have the power to save you or kill you.
Sister
I will die gladly by your word, my lords.
Iris
That’s a good girl. 

The gears fired. Conor stopped running.
Arkain
What’s wrong? 
Conor
I don’t know. 
Roselyn
You wanted to join us boy, now run! We’re almost there. Your parents are most likely dead by now. Do you wish to continue with us? 
Conor
I got the reason.

Chapter Twenty Two: Wicked Webs

The chairs were lined up as half a rectangle. Three chairs at the top and the rest lined up next to them going down. Ximendos sat at the top in the middle with Amya to his left and Akasha to his right.
Ximendos
I am pleased.
Velis lay on the floor in the middle of everyone unconscious in a pool of blood.
Cameron
Can I get medical for Velis?
Ximendos
No, leave her.
Outside people were in panic, but most sat in their homes quietly. Gears paroled the entire country spread far.  
Ximendos
When will the palace be built? 
Ilias
With many working on it, soon. 
Ximendos
This satisfies me. 
Akasha
Is all going according to plan?
Ilias
Of course, mother.
Malic
Wait, what was the plan? 
Ximendos
Why are you talking? 
Malic
Sorry.
Ilias
The plan was for every human to watch our rise.
Malic did not respond.
Ilias
My main power is based on my eyes connecting with others and if they all were looking into their TV sets, they were locked into my power. 
Akasha
Sheer brilliance.
Cameron
What is the point of that?
Ilias
Excuse me, Cameron, but did you not understand? 
Cameron
I understand you now control the lives of billions of people on this planet, but what I don’t understand is why. 
Ilias
Isn’t that obvious, my brother? 
Cameron
Please, don’t call me brother. 
Iris
Ilias, your plan is not what Cameron had in mind when he proposed all of this. 
Cameron
Thank you, Iris. 
Iris
Cameron wanted to merely kill them all, and now that we have assembled all these minds to our own will, he is upset. 
Ilias
We have more plans for the world than mindless destruction.
Cameron
Mindless?
Ilias
My wording was clear.
Cameron turned to Ximendos.
Cameron
Father, you said that with the riots from Nicholas’ death, I could do as I pleased. 
Ilias
Nicholas is not dead. 
Cameron
That is beside the point. Even with Nicholas alive the humans would have had their moment to rebel with this sudden change, and you have stopped that. 
Ximendos
This is about power, Cameron.
Cameron
Keep your power. I just want to see them all dead. You can have the power of their lifeless bodies.
Cameron stood up.
Cameron
I did not agree years ago to join this so you could start a dictatorship over mindless corpses that your spoiled son controls.
Ilias smiled.
Iris
Anger is useless, Cameron. 
Cameron
Useless? Anger can blind, but as long as one is able to control it, it can lead to many great things. 
Iris
Like vengeance? Revenge?
Cameron
What are you implying? 
Ilias
She is implying that just because your little brother is dead, does not mean the entire human race should be destined for genocide.
Cameron
What would you know?
Iris
We wouldn’t. We do not allow ourselves to be slaves of our emotions. 
Cameron
If a slave is what I am, than I am one who is content with my position. 
Ilias
Those who dwell in their position can never progress. 
Cameron
I admire your ability to control every nature of your minds, but at times it is acceptable to allow oneself to be motivated by them. 
Ilias
We do not agree. 
Iris
We are not children. We won’t kill because we feel everyone should die because we killed our own blood.
Cameron looked at Iris.
Cameron
Say that again, say it again and you will never speak again.
 Iris
I do not fear death, and even if I did, you cannot kill me. 
Cameron
Would you like to wager on that? 
Ilias
I would.
Ilias smiled.
Ilias
Do you not like the truth, Cameron? Does hearing you killed your own little brother offend you?
Cameron
Shut up!
Ilias
You wish this pain would go away, yet you are motivated to push the same pain onto others. 
Ximendos
Boys, enough. 
Cameron
I don’t need you to protect me. I don't want them to feel my pain, I don't want them to feel anything. They will all just die.
Iris
You’re broken Cameron. Though you carry yourself well and hold an amount of intelligence worthy of our presence, you were raised as a human and lack the progression we had. 
Ilias
You rely on your emotions while we do not. You are regrettably human.  
Cameron
What would you do? What would you do if you were me?
 Ilias
I’d let go. Death is common, death is precious as life because it continues the cycle. 
Cameron
That isn’t enough!
Iris
I wouldn’t have killed my brother. 
Cameron
Enough. While I do believe in controlling ones emotions, you lack the compassion and sympathy to understand another and their position.
 Iris
As you know, the world revolves around the sun, so please do not flatter yourself into thinking we should revolve around you, naïve Cameron. 
Akasha
My children, leave your brother alone. 
Cameron
No, she is right. I was naïve to trust any of you. Also, they are not my siblings so please refrain from acknowledging me as their brother.
Ximendos
Cameron, please understand. 
Cameron
It’s too late for that. I’ll be away from here. Call me when you need me.
 Ilias
Try not to blow anything or anyone up.
 Iris
We would not want to create more of your kind. 
Cameron
Come Malic. Get Velis.
Malic’s silver cords wrapped around Velis and they walked out of the room.
Ilias
He worries me father.
Ximendos
Does he?
 Ilias
Yes, he isn’t like us.
Ximendos
Explain.
Iris
Well, although he is vicious and his will is alongside of ours, he still holds a heart that has yet to be fully shaken. 
Ilias
What she means is, he is still capable of doing good things. 
Ximendos
Interesting.
Iris
He will be the first to betray us. 
Ilias
Most likely. 
Ximendos
I doubt he will, but if so, he will die. 
Ilias
I would like that task when it happens.
Ximendos
It is yours. 
Akasha
Do you all not have any sympathy for him? He has no father, and no family because they died by his powers.
 Ilias
Sympathy is for the weak.
 Iris
And the weak die. 
Amya
Enough with all of this, what of the boy? 
Ximendos
He will die of course. 
Ilias
It will prove to be a difficult task. My main power does not have any effect on him and neither does Amya’s.
 Ximendos
This is true, but you all still have powers he will fear. 
Ilias
Of course.
Iris
I want to kill Arkain.
Gemma
Arkain?
Gemma stood up.
Gemma
Arkain is alive?
 Ximendos
Yes, my child.
Gemma
How do you know this? 
Akasha
We’ve seen him.
Gemma
I knew it. I could feel it.
Ximendos
He is now your enemy Gemma. If you must, you will kill him. 
Gemma
I can’t do that, I can’t kill Arkain. 
Ilias
You can, you will just choose not to.
 Iris
Another problem, another mind consumed by emotions.
Gemma’s eyes began to water.
Gemma
I can’t kill Arkain, Arkain is the only person I can see. 
Gemma, I will kill them all.
Iris
Brother, the one inside of her is talking. 
Gemma
How can you hear him?
 Iris’s eyes glittered in the dark.
She knows I am awake.
 Gemma
I am leaving.
I will kill them. 
Ilias
Sit Gemma.
Gemma
No, I am leaving, I have to find Arkain.
 Ilias
Gemma, I said sit.
Gemma
You can’t make me.
Ilias stood up and walked over to her and put his face so close to her she could see his eyes as a blur.
Ilias
I said, sit.
Gemma sat down.
Ximendos
I didn’t want it to come to this. 
Ilias
You knew it would. I didn't know it would work but she has to be controlled. She is only a weapon.
Iris
And weapons don’t have feelings. 
Ximendos
Enough, you may all leave. Rest, for things begin once the White House is rebuilt. 
Iris
Lets go brother.
Ilias
Lets. I feel like going to the ocean.
They walked out of the room.
Amya
And so, this is the first day of the Solace Empire. 
Ximendos
Yes, yes it is.
Akasha
Already tensions run deep. Allow it to continue and we will be divided.
Ximendos
Cameron needs to understand those two. Their words are clouds and they are hoping we shape them into knives and pierce ourselves with them.

Roselyn and three Gears appeared in front of Arkain, Suri, and Nicholas.
Roselyn
We are the last remaining members of New Order, and we owe our allegiances to Nicholas Romberg. 
Nicholas
You’re welcome, Roselyn of the forest. 
Roselyn
I would like to talk to your leader of the White Coats about the resistance. 
Arkain
Just what I had in mind.
Suri
Now, we just have to find the hideout, it’s virtually impossible to find. 
Nicholas
We can’t find anything just sitting here, let’s go. 
Roselyn
I will find it. 
Suri
How?
Roselyn
If the grass grows, I will find it.
Fallen laid in the grass on his back while Amros and Hayden stood above him and Merdos and Masato in cat form stood on all four.
Amros
How unpredictable this has all been.
 Hayden
That has always been the way of the future. 
Fallen
Ximendos is a worthy enemy. 
Amros
Our greatest.
Hayden
It is hard to see what he is doing wrong though. 
Amros
Yes. The humans all their lives have prayed for a God and now they have one. 
Hayden
Tangible and threatening. Fallen
We're all gods to humans.  
Amros
There are religions that consist of many. My brother Ximendos is now our greatest enemy and our only way to purify the human race.
Hayden
Your sister Amya is now the enemy too, Amros. 
Amros
Yes, she is. 
Fallen
Only those with wings are fit to be Gods.
Merdos and Masato purred.
Amros
The sun has fully risen. 
Amros
What a wicked web they’ve weaved. 
Hayden
What wicked webs indeed. 
Amros
We will save them of course, but only to make sure we have saved them from themselves. 
Hayden
Whether Arkain is dead or not, we must proceed.
 Amros
We must make sure our plan to clear the minds of humanity is approved so they may start all over.
Hayden
That will lead to real peace that will lead to true understanding. 
Amros
Indeed.

Chapter Twenty One: Some Things You Can't Fake

20 years ago…..
Layla Foster paced up and down the room as her friend Sarah sat on the bed.
Emily
How do things just happen like this? 
Sarah
Are you sure?
Emily
Am I sure what, Sarah? 
Sarah
You didn’t have sex in this past month?
Emily looked at her like she had just said the stupidest thing.
Emily
I told you, I just got with Phil and we’re taking it slow. I haven’t had sex in almost two years. You can call me a virgin! 
Sarah
I don’t know, you’re thirty years old, you could probably have forgotten.
Emily
Oh because that’s likely. 
Sarah
What if you were drunk? 
Emily
I don’t drink. 
Sarah
Got raped?
Emily
By whom? That's such an idiotic thing to say.
Sarah
I don’t know. I'm just saying.
Emily
The devil? This isn’t a movie! 
Sarah
What if it was God?
Emily
Why would God rape a human? 
Sarah
Well his people raped villages of nonbelievers, so I would not be surprised. 
Layla
You’re hopeless. 
Sarah
Well, I’m just trying to figure out how you’re pregnant, but you claim, 
Emily
Because it’s true!
 Sarah
That you haven’t had sex in two years. 
Emily
I don’t know either!
Sarah
This can be that devil shit or you can be like Mary from the bible.
Emily
I’m sorry, what? 
Sarah
You know, angel comes to woman, woman gets pregnant by God without sex, woman has baby. It happens. 
Emily
Where in the bible? We're not in the bible!  
Sarah
Eh, whatever. I’m not the pregnant virgin right now.
Emily
I don’t know what I’m going to do.
She put her hands over her face.
Sarah
Abortion?
Layla
I could.
Emily and Sarah both jumped as the lamp bulb burst.
Sarah
What the hell was that?
Emily
I don’t know! 
Sarah
Your house is haunted! 
Emily
Shut up. So anyways, no I’m not going to have an abortion, I’ll just have it. 
Sarah
Do what you want.
Sarah got up from the bed.
Sarah
Now if you will excuse me, I’m going to leave before I end up pregnant. 

19 ½ years ago…..
Doctor
So, how are you feeling? 
Emily
I’m well, no pain at all. 
Doctor
None at all? 
Emily
No, I’m fine other than this big stomach. 
Doctor
That is very odd, Mrs. Foster.
Emily
You know, I always heard stories about the stresses of being pregnant, and I guess I’m just lucky. 
Doctor
Or you’re carrying some special kid.
Emily
I think I might be.
They laughed.

19 years ago……
Emily
Oh God my water just broke! 
Phil
Just get in the damn car! 
Emily
Shouldn’t I at least be in pain now? 
Phil
Should! But you’re not, so get in the damn car!
Hours later while giving birth.
Doctor
Now I’m going to need you to push.
Emily
I’m pushing!
Philmore
Well you don’t need to yell at him Em, he’s the doctor. 
Emily
I’m pushing, but I don’t feel any pain, is there something wrong doctor? 
Doctor
No, just keep breathing and pushing.
17 minutes later the head appeared.
Doctor
I see the head, keep going, keep going.
Emily
There.
The doctor held the baby in his hand.
Doctor
There isn’t any blood on this child and he’s not crying.
Emily
Is that a bad thing?
Doctor
It could be and , it’s just, odd. We'll have to run tests on him.
Philmore
Well, I’m sure there is a reason for it.
Doctor
I’ve only seen this happen one other time. A mother this morning her son came out with no blood as well. She to had claimed she never had any pains. 
Emily
Well, maybe I should meet her.
Nurse walks in.
Nurse
So, what will be the baby’s name?
Emily
Arkain.
Nurse
And you’re the father, correct?
Philmore
Well, I’m her husband, not blood father.
Nurse
Your last name, sir?
Philmore
West.
Nurse
And the middle name? 
Emily
Ryan. 
Nurse
Alright, if you can sign here for Arkain Ryan West being born April 3rd of this year.
They signed.

17 years ago…. 
Emily
Arkain, get over here.
Arkain went towards the stairs and was looking between the bars of the wooden rail while his parents laid in bed.
Emily
I told you, you can’t fly.
Arkain
Fly!
Emily
No, come to the room now.
Arkain
Fly! 
Philmore
Arkain, listen your mother.
Arkain
Fly!
Arkain got on top of the rail.
Arkain
Mommy, I fly!
Arkain jumped and from the door after kissing Philmore she saw him drop down. 
Emily
ARKAIN!
She ran to the stairs rail as quick as possible and looked down, Arkain was standing looking up at her.
Arkain
I fly mommy, I fly. 

15 years ago…..
Layla was awoken by the thump.
Emily
Phil?
Before she opened her eyes she remembered Philmore had graveyard shift.
Emily
Arkain?
She felt the side of the bed where Arkain sleeps and he was gone. She looked from side to side, and then heard a thump. She looked up and there was Arkain face first on the ceiling, hitting it back and forward as if trying to go up to the sky through the ceiling.
Emily
Arkain!

14 years ago….
Emily walked Arkain into the doctor’s office and sat next to the only woman in the room.
Lady
Hi, I’m Carmen. 
Emily
You are the lady who had a baby without a man as well. 
Carmen
Yes, and what do you mean as well?
Emily
Well, I had the same thing happen to me. I’m Emily, and that’s my son Arkain. 
Carmen
That’s my son Cameron.
Emily
Well, maybe they can be friends. 
Carmen
Doubt it. After I have this one, we’re moving. 
Emily
Pregnant again? 
Carmen
Yeah, no father again.
5 year old Arkain walked over to 5 year old Cameron sitting on the floor with a couple of toys.
Arkain
Hi.
Cameron
Hello.
Arkain
I’m Arkain. 
Cameron
I’m Cameron.
Arkain
Can I play? 
Cameron
Yes.
Arkain
Thank you. 
Cameron
Do you go to school yet? 
Arkain
Yes, kindergarten. 
Cameron
Me too. Do you have any friends?
Arkain
No.
Cameron
Me neither. 
Arkain
Why?
Cameron
I don’t care.
Arkain
Me too.
Cameron
Good. 
Arkain
Can we be friends?
Cameron
I guess.
Arkain
I’d like a friend. We can share toys.
Cameron
Will you bring your own next time? 
Arkain
Yes, you’ll like my toys.
Cameron
I can’t wait.
They played with the two toys.
Arkain
I never had a friend before. 
Cameron
Me neither.
Arkain
I’m glad you’re the first.
Cameron
Me too. 
Arkain
I hope we’re friends forever. 
Cameron
We will be.
When Carmen came out of the doctors she grabbed Cameron.
Emily
Look, they're already best friends. 
Carmen
Yeah. Good thing they're young.
Emily
Why is that? 
Carmen
They won’t remember they ever met.
Emily
Can I take a picture of them?
Carmen
Sure, I don't see why not.Emily pulled out a camera and asked them to smile. They took the picture.
Emily
Well it was a pleasure meeting you.
Carmen
Same to you. I hope all goes well.
Arkain
Bye Cameron.
Cameron
Goodbye Arkain.
They never saw each other again after that.

13 years ago… 
Arkain
Mom, what is this on the back of my neck.
Arkain turned and showed his mom a mark on his neck.
Emily
It’s a birth mark. 
Arkain
I don’t remember having it.
Emily
How often are you looking at your neck?
Arkain laughed.

5 years ago….
Arkain was stretched out in the grass.
Emily
Arkain!
Arkain
I’m over here mom!
Emily walked over and looked down on him.
Emily
What are you doing? 
Arkain
Feeling the stars.
Emily
Don’t you mean looking?
Arkain
Yeah, I’m looking, but I’m also feeling.
Emily
How do you do that?
Arkain
I don’t know. I just can feel something from them.
She knelt down next to him.
Emily
Baby, I think that’s all in your head.
Arkain
No mom, it’s not.
He grabbed her hand.
Arkain
Can you feel me moving? 
Emily
Yes, it’s your pulse.
Arkain
No, it’s them.
Emily realized that pulses aren’t that strong. She let go of Arkain’s hand.
Emily
Well, I don’t know what to say. 
Arkain
Do you think I’m lying mom?
Emily
No, there are some things you can’t fake.

4 years ago….
Arkain walked outside of class, he was not feeling well, as he walked out looking down he ran into a girl, books flew and she fell.
Arkain
I’m sorry, I’m so, so sorry,
He looked up at her while she was getting up.
Arkain
Gemma?
Gemma stood above him only 13 years of age.
Gemma
And you are? 
Arkain
I’m Arkain. 
Gemma
How do you know my name? 
Arkain
Everyone does. 
Gemma
Because I’m the blind girl?
Arkain
No, my mom just tells me about you. 
Gemma
Oh okay.
Arkain
She says you’re a brilliant young woman. 
Gemma
Well, tell your mother I said thank you. 
Arkain
I will.
Gemma grabbed her books from Arkain’s hands.
Gemma
I wish I had a mother like yours. 

Days ago…. 
Sarah
So, Arkain is coming after school right?
Emily
Yes.
Sarah
Good. Shit!
Emily
Sarah! 
Sarah
Oh sorry, I pricked myself with the needle.
Emily
We’re teachers, watch your language.
Sarah
Yeah, yeah whatever.
They were decorating tables outside.
Sarah
Oh look at Jake talking to Gemma.
Emily
That’s odd. 
Sarah
Yeah I know, Gemma? How odd is that kid. 
Emily
Shut up Sarah, I happen to adore that young girl. 
Sarah
I guess if you like weird people. 
Emily
He’s probably up to no good.
Sarah
Does everyone have to be up to no good to talk to a blind girl?
Jake threw the ball at her face.
Emily
Oh fuck. 
Sarah
Hey what happen to watching our language!
Layla walked across the quad. Everything went black.

Present time…..
Nicholas
I knew you’d come, I knew I had a guardian angel, Arkain.
Suri
You believe in such things?
Nicholas
My father when I was little told me a story about the ones that walk the sky and how they watch over certain people. 
Suri
Sounds interesting, you can tell us that story later. 
Nicholas
So, what are we going to do now? 
Arkain
I’m going to do what I can for you.

Chapter Twenty: The Death of God

11:30 PMA thousand soldiers stood in front of Commander James Gunner.
Commander Gunner
Alright men, we are now, after many years of waiting, starting Operation Gears.
The room filled with cheers, they’d been waiting for this.
Commander Gunner
The President might be under attack and we’ve been given the green light to start this. Now in just a moment you will load yourselves onto your Gear and be put on standby.
The whole room let out a hoorah.
Gunner
Now, we don’t know fully who our enemy is, but you’ve gone through your training, and they’d be idiotic if they were to stand against a Gear.
There was a wave of agreement.
Gunner
The world will watch as Gears take the field of battle and we show that the United States will not bow to an Empire of madness.
They all cheered. Just as they were, the door behind James opened and a young man dressed in white walked in. He had short blond hair and he had his face in his hand as he looked down.
Stranger
How amusing. 
Gunner
Excuse me son, who the hell do you think you are? You’re on government property. 
Stranger
I’ve seem to have lost my way. You see, I was looking for some tools and one thing led to another and I ended up here. 
Gunner
Tools, there are no tools here, this is a military base. 
Stranger
Oh, is that where I am? Well, it seems like I did find my tools.
He looked up at everyone and they all looked back into his silver eyes.
11:45 PM 
Velis
Why are you here?
Velis and Akasha were crouched low on the tip of the Washington Monument.
Akasha
Master thought this would be a bit more difficult. I will only cover you from above. 
Velis
The lightning of Akasha watching my back, I don’t think I’ll find anything better.
 11:50 PM
Amya stood in front of her followers.
Amya
Roselyn,
Roselyn stood in front of Amya with long red hair and a dark green robe with a large bow in her hand.
Roselyn
My lady?
Amya
I have a bad feeling.
 Roselyn
You need not worry, we have time. 
11:55 PM 
Nicholas
Someone’s about to turn off all the lights.
Nicholas looked outside the window.
Nicholas
If you’re out there, you’ll get me through this. 
11:59 PM
Suri pulled her lips away from Arkain’s.
Suri
Here we go. 
Arkain
Yeah, scared?
Suri
Kind of, I just don’t want to fall on my face. Life is about to get turned upside down again. Aren’t you afraid?
Arkain
I never found it scary after the first time my life was turned upside down. Since then, I’ve just learned how to walk upside down. That's all you can do when life turns upside down if you're tired of falling flat on your face.
Suri looked down at the world from over Arkain’s shoulder.
12:01 AM
Nicholas held onto his desk as the room shook and explosions erupted outside. Outside giant lightning bolts were striking the entire area that surrounded the White House.
Nicholas
Damn. They have started early.
He pushed the side button on his watch.
Nicholas
Amya, where are you?
The glass above him shattered and he saw a body fall in front of him.
Nicholas
Who are you?
The girl rose from behind the desk.
Velis
Hello, Mr. Romberg. 
Nicholas
So you’re that young girl I’ve heard so much about.
The room shook and Romberg fell to the side but kept his stance by holding onto the desk.
Nicholas
You’ve come to kill me? 
Velis
Yes.
She smiled.
Nicholas
You’d end peace with my life. 
Velis
Fake peace. Not all of us are ignorant Mr. Romberg.
She put her hand on the desk.
Velis
We know the only reason the treaty of the United Nations was signed was because of your giant robots, your Operations Gears. 
Nicholas
I see you all are aware of some things the general public isn’t. 
Velis
Why else would the world bow down together in front of the United States? 
Nicholas
It has saved lives.
Velis
It has. I won’t argue with that. Now the time has come to shift leadership. I’m sure you won’t mind. 
Nicholas
People will die under your leadership. 
Velis
Good, I don’t care. 
Nicholas
One day, one day you will. Even you have to care about someone. One day you'll regret that you murdered someone! 
Velis
The end is present.
Nicholas closed his eyes. The top of the roof was pulled from the walls. Giant robots stood above in the dark sky. Nicholas opened his eyes.
Nicholas
Present for you my dear?
One Gear pointed its arm at Nicholas.
Velis
Kill him.
Nicholas did not know what was going on, the Gear was aiming at him. Arrows appeared in the Gear’s arm and giant roots began to break through its metal.
Velis
Damn!
Velis jumped back as arrows flew her way.
Roselyn
Mr. Romberg, get behind me.
Nicholas ran behind Roselyn. Five Gears began to fight the other Gears.
Roselyn
The Gears are rogue. Five Gears are manned by our people, we don’t have much time.
Nicholas
How did this happen?
Velis walked forward a bit.
Velis
Did you think you had it all under control? 
Roselyn
Quiet woman!
Cameron
Only if you will.
Cameron appeared on the tip of the wall where the roof had been.
Velis
Cameron, where are the others?
Malic appeared on the other side of the wall as Cameron.
Malic
Hello friends. Pleasure to meet you Mr. Romberg. Sorry guys, Merdos and Masato never showed up. 
Akasha
Quiet idiot.
Akasha appeared next to Velis.
Akasha
Roselyn, you’re surrounded. 
Roselyn
I will die if I must.
Velis
I like you. 
Roselyn
Hold your tongue, whore.
Velis licked her lips.
Nicholas
Roselyn, it’s over. 
Roselyn
No, Mr. Romberg it is not.
Velis
Very hopeful, you are.
Cameron dropped down next to Velis.
Cameron
Can we get this over with? I want them both dead. 
Akasha
Roselyn, you don’t have to die.
Cameron
Yes she does.
Velis
Calm down, Cameron. 
Elijah
Hold your fire men, or your people die as well.
They all looked up to see five Gears pointing down on them.
Elijah
We hold nuclear devices that will obliterate this entire area should you continue to fire.
Every Gear lowered their weapon.
Akasha
He is watching as well. 
Elijah
I advise all of you to leave or you will die. 
Velis
Come on roboboy, do it!
Cameron
This is irritating.
Malic
They won’t do it, Nicholas means too much. 
Akasha
You do not want to die here, none of you. Even you Roselyn who speaks so highly of suicide for her mission. Give us the president, and you all will live. 
Nicholas
So much chaos. 
Roselyn
We will all give our lives.
Cameron
Where is Amya? 
Amya
Here.
She appeared on the window behind Nicholas and Roselyn.
Amya
It’s over. 
Akasha
I’m glad you finally agree, Amya.
Nicholas did not understand this, he turned around.
Nicholas
Amya, no!
Amya’s hand was about to touch his chest.
Amya
I’m sorry, Nicholas.
Nicholas closed his eyes and just as he did he felt as if he’d gotten hit by a boulder on his right side and he fell to the ground.
Amya
An angel?
Amya’s hand was placed on a bare chest. Nicholas looked up at the person who was now standing in his place.
Nicholas
It’s you, I knew you’d come.
 Elijah
Run!
Elijah was now outside his Gear and everything turned white.

Ximendos
I am not fond of deceit.
Velis was on the floor squirming around in pain.
Cameron
We did not know.
 Saliva fell out of her mouth, she did everything but scream.
Ximendos
You made a claim, and you did not even make sure it was true.
They all stood watching.
Akasha
My love, forgive her. 
Ximendos
I do not forgive. I am not running a show of imbeciles.
Velis put her hands on her head.
Ximendos
Nicholas got away because of your lack of intelligence. 
Malic
At least we have a new person. 
Ximendos
Shut up!
Malic lowered his head.
Ximendos
Orthak,
The hooded figure in the back moved forward.
Ximendos
I grow tired of all this. Find me the boy, find me them all. 
Cameron
The plan is still in motion. 
Ximendos
Silence, I now have to address the billions of idiotic humans in the world.
The skies were filled with Ximendos’ voice again.
Ximendos
Listen closely humans.
The whole world dropped what they were doing.
Ximendos
Just a few moments ago, your nation died. Human reign over the world is at an end.
Everyone was at a loss for words.
Ximendos
Please turn your television sets on now.
Every human on the face of the earth ran for their television sets.
Ximendos
I’ve taken the liberty of inviting every news broadcaster to what was, the White House.
As Television sets turned on, they were showing a black dark room with one chair in the middle. A hand was visible on the arm rest and feet at the bottom.
Ximendos
Please allow me to make introduction to your new lords.
 Eyes were glued onto this image.
Ximendos
Prince Ilias Anselia.
Ilias walked forward, dressed in a white and silver suit as his short blond hair glowed in the dark along with his silver eyes.
Ximendos
Princess Iris Anselia.
 Iris walked forward, dressed in a white and yellow suit as her long blond hair glowed in the dark along with her silver eyes as well.
Ximendos
Prince Cameron Anselia.
Cameron walked forward dressed in a blue and black suit.
Ximendos
Princess Gemma Anselia.
Gemma walked forward dressed in red and black suit.
Ximendos
These are my children, these are your masters.
Everyone around the world could not believe what they were seeing.
Ximendos
Also, Queen Amya Anselia and Akasha Anselia.
They both walked forward dressed in all white suits.
Ximendos
I am your Emperor, but you’re not worthy enough to rest your vision on my face. Humanity is too savage and slow to be fit to rule. This is your new Empire, the Solace Empire. You will bow, or you will die.
The TV’s now showed the Washington Monument behind Cameron.
Ximendos
View, the extent of our power.
Cameron lifted his hand and an explosion erupted in the middle of the monument and it crumbled down.
Ximendos
You all believed in death you will go to a better place, one some of you call heaven. I beseech you now to die and go there because living now, is truly the hell you feared.
Cries across the world began.
Ximendos
No God can save you now. Witness now, the death of God, and the rise of another, Ximendos Anselia.