Cameron
This can’t be happening, Malic.
Malic and Cameron stood in a medical room with Velis on the bed being treated by a nurse.
Malic
It’s out of your hands.
Cameron
No, it isn’t. I refuse to allow those two to control everything. Ximendos is blind if he thinks they’ve figured this all out.
Malic
I’d still like to kill Merdos and Masato. I'd kill anyone right now if I had the chance.
Cameron
You will have your time. We will kill them all.
Malic
What do you mean?
Cameron
We’re now working on our own.
Malic
But the Solace Empire just got started. We’re already leaving it? They’ll kill us!
Cameron
I never said we were leaving now. We will leave when the time is right.
Malic
I see. We're our own little thing within a thing. Cool. What will we do?
Cameron
We will kill off the human race.
Malic
I suppose.
Cameron
Then we’ll find Arkain.
Velis opened her eyes as the nurse walked out.
Cameron
You’re finally awake.
Velis
Yeah, well he didn’t exactly go easy on me, did he?
Malic
No.
Cameron
The important thing is that you’re okay.
Velis
Get me out of this.
Velis ripped the needles out of her skin and sat up.
Velis
What has been going on?
Malic
Ximendos has dispatched Orthak to find Arkain.
Velis
Figures. Anything else?
Cameron
It seems Ximendos is being led by Ilias and Iris.
Velis
Never liked those kids.
Cameron
It would seem like my plan is dead, at least in their eyes.
Velis
What’s the plan?
Cameron
We stay quiet, until the time comes to act. Then we strike.
Malic
Sneaky little children, we are!
Cameron
Why are you yelling?
Malic
Sorry.
Velis
You’re a prince now Cameron, you know how much you have to lose?
Cameron
I’ve lost more than a title in my life.
Velis moved to the edge of the bed.
Velis
So how did they keep people from rioting?
Cameron
When Ximendos broadcasted us to the world, Ilias used his eye power to grab control of billions.
Velis
Those Magni eyes are incredible. I didn’t think he was that intelligent.
Malic
Neither did we.
Velis
What happens to the ones who he doesn’t have under control?
Cameron
He has them killed. Apparently he’s programmed them to kill nonbelievers.
Malic
They also have an Arkain locking system on them.
Velis
What does that mean?
Cameron
If anyone sees Arkain, they only need to say his name, and they’ll be there.
Velis
He’s planned it all out.
Cameron walked to the bed.
Cameron
We don’t know what he wants exactly. I assume it’s power, but who really knows.
Malic
Them.
Velis
Shut up, Malic.
Cameron
The palace will be complete in 3 days. There is a meeting we’re all to attend.
Velis
Great, something to look forward to.
Malic
You said it.
Cameron
For now, as I said, we will keep to ourselves. You all know how to avoid Iris’ mind reading, so I advise you to do so.
Velis
I’ll kill her, one day.
Cameron
I would have it no other way. Ilias and Iris need to die if my plan is to continue. Once they’re out of the way, as well as the White Coats, we can proceed.
Velis
So essentially, this is a three sided war.
Cameron
Yes, and we’re playing the quiet underdog.
Malic
I like it.
Velis
Cameron, you’re so deep.
Cameron
Only as deep as life has carved me.
Ilias and Iris appeared on the beach watching the waves roll in. The sun was setting.
Iris
Another day gone.
Ilias
Yes, and things are still clear.
Iris
Power, that’s all we want, correct?
Another day gone.
Ilias
Yes, and things are still clear.
Iris
Power, that’s all we want, correct?
Ilias
Yes, that is it.
Iris
Sometimes I wonder.
Ilias
You are not aware of many things I am, of course you will wonder.
Iris
Our eyes see the same things brother, do not fool yourself.
Ilias
You are not aware of many things I am, of course you will wonder.
Iris
Our eyes see the same things brother, do not fool yourself.
Ilias
Your eyes aren’t as developed as mine.
Iris
In what sense?
Your eyes aren’t as developed as mine.
Iris
In what sense?
Ilias
All of them, you are young.
Iris
You came out the womb moments before me, not years. Youth does not hold me back, you do.
Ilias
I am only protecting you.
Iris
Protecting me? We are walking into a war. You see it as clearly as I do. And you are protecting me, from what?
Ilias
You wouldn’t understand.
Iris
You’re afraid of them, aren’t you?
Ilias
Be quiet.
Iris
Arkain and Cameron, they worry you. Do not worry brother, they will be killed by the Gears.
All of them, you are young.
Iris
You came out the womb moments before me, not years. Youth does not hold me back, you do.
Ilias
I am only protecting you.
Iris
Protecting me? We are walking into a war. You see it as clearly as I do. And you are protecting me, from what?
Ilias
You wouldn’t understand.
Iris
You’re afraid of them, aren’t you?
Ilias
Be quiet.
Iris
Arkain and Cameron, they worry you. Do not worry brother, they will be killed by the Gears.
Ilias
We can’t rely on weak people, sister.
Iris
Yet we do, and we must.
Ilias
Do you know of the Sky Lords?
We can’t rely on weak people, sister.
Iris
Yet we do, and we must.
Ilias
Do you know of the Sky Lords?
Iris
I do not.
Ilias
They are said to be a race of Gods, capable of destroying all that comes across them.
Iris
Myths do not frighten me.
Ilias
They are said to look like what humans call angels.
Iris
You believe Arkain is one of these Sky Lords?
Iris
You believe Arkain is one of these Sky Lords?
Ilias
Yes.
Iris
If those stories are correct, he will be a handful.
Ilias
More than that.
Iris
We shall see. Till then, Arkain’s gifts are irrelevant.
Ilias
Yes, we must focus on the task at hand. Kill those I was not able to catch with my eyes.
Iris
I’ve been given reports on massive slaughters in the Middle East , Europe , china, and every other country away from America
Ilias
The Americans watch a little too much TV.
Iris
This is our base of operations, so that makes things simple.
Ilias
Can't argue with that.
Iris
I am going to swim, will you join?
Ilias
No, I’ll stay up here and think.
Iris
Pathetic.
As Iris walked into the water it split like the stories of Moses freeing the slaves. When she got deep enough, it all fell back into place.
Roselyn
It is in that forest.
The giant forest on the outskirts of town became clear and they all knew they had made it.
Arkain
Finally, I was beginning to wonder.
Conor
What are we looking for?
Arkain
Our base.
Conor
So you guys are superheroes?
Arkain
You can say that.
Conor
Like the ones kids are told growing up?
Arkain
That’s what I said. I’m still new to this. Honestly, I’ve been at this for a week, and I’m not even kidding.
Conor
I wonder if I have powers.
Suri
I wouldn’t be surprised. They’re popping up left and right now.
They laughed.
Roselyn
Quiet.
A little girl came stumbling out of the edge of the forest from behind a tree. She moved from side to side in a drunken manner.
Suri
It’s just a little girl.
Nicholas
That’s odd.
Arkain
She’s just a girl.
Arkain walked forward from the others to the girl.
Arkain
Hey kid, what are you doing over here?
The girl moaned.
Arkain
Are you okay?
She moaned again. Arkain turned to the others.
Arkain
I think she’s hurt.
Girl
Found you.
She grabbed Arkain’s arm.
Roselyn
Arkain!
The girl fell backwards onto the floor with an arrow in her chest.
Arkain
What did you do?
Arkain kneeled down next to her.
Roselyn
Arkain, come here now!
Arkain
You killed a little girl!
Suri
Something’s wrong. Conor and Nicholas, get behind me.
Conor and Nicholas got behind Suri.
Roselyn
We were so close.
Suri
What is going on?
Roselyn
The demon is here.
Nicholas
Demon?
Arkain backed up as he began to see a dark figure rise from the little girl’s body.
Roselyn
Orthak.
WOW!!
ReplyDeleteGreat writing Steven, really mean that.
This story is taking turns that are not expected and all.
I like how you keep me on the edge of my seat every time
that I read Arkain.
Really want to see whats going to happen next.
Keep doing a good job Steven and Ximendos is still
my favorite character within the story and all.
This story is developing ridiculously, there is action and drama and romance and everything!!!! I like the flashbacks to their lives and how they are all connected by one way or another. I can already see some of the parts in my head, like how they would be played out in the movie. That means your use of imagery is amazing =)
ReplyDeleteDudeee that was insane!
ReplyDeleteNext chapter already
pleaseeeeee!
:D
Im still like
wooooooah from that
last scene.
i was not expecting that at all. Orhtak kind of scares me, not gonna lie. haha. this story never stops getting INTENSE!!!
ReplyDeleteCameron's line "I'm only as deep as life has carved me", I have heard it from you on more than one occasion, and it stuck with me..the past is vital to the person you are and will become because it affects the decisions and actions you will take in the future. A difficult past doesn't necessarily make you a bad person, it simply gives you the opportunity to rise above it and become the stronger person. I'm still waiting to see that in Cameron.
ReplyDeleteThe ending was a great "wtf?" moment by the way. But lucky me, you already have the next chapter up muahaha :)
OH dang long chapter but really really really super good. KEEP IT UP
ReplyDeleteThe story keeps getting better the way you play the whole thing out is great. I'm not expecting any of this and it's all so shocking I really like that though. Can't wait to read more.
ReplyDeleteCameron, Velis, and Malic are the silent underdogs eh? Niiiice. If Ilias is already worried, he better watch out now then. OH! Conor might get a power? i hope so. Haha. Orthak disguised as a girl? that's a good way to hide himself! thank golly roselyn recognized it wasn't a girl after all. reading on. :)
ReplyDeleteI quite enjoyed this chapter :-O
ReplyDeleteIt has a little bit of everything.
Orthak reminds me of this character in Mortal Kombat... it's kinda epic XD
I enjoy the way the story is developing.
Cameron seems to be deep down a frustrated kid that doesn't know what he's doing. I hope he gets to change and trade sides and kick butts on Arkain's side ;D
Great chapter!
I knew something was suspicious about the little girl, i just had a feeling. i thought the "Americans watch too much TV" line was really funny! haha
ReplyDeleteWowies. ^^
ReplyDeleteMy excitement keeps growing.
In war sides are never truly clear. =/
That little girl i knew she was gonna do something bad. grrr
I love how anyone who`s anyone who doesn`t like each other wants to kill each other lol. By the time this story ends everyone will have a list of ppl to kill LOL.
ReplyDeleteAnd I fear for Cameron. A rogue team.....things will not fare well with these 3.
Way to keep the momentum building! The imagery in the last part of this chapter is great. I love this story!
ReplyDeletecameron+velis= needs to happen, just saying.
ReplyDeleteI really really enjoyed reading this chapter (not that I havent enjoyed them all...just this one especially) there are multiple things taking place and yet you weave them all together very well. I noticed the chapter is called "as deep as life carves one" and this reminds me of one of your many wonderful quotes. It is such a perfect analogy and so true to everyone's life :) With experience, certainly comes depth and understanding of the world. I liked the part where Iris parted the water like Moses! All of your characters have some very crazy powers! This demon seems like it's going to be trouble...I think this was an especially great chapter because of how involved I got into it and it was over too soon!
ReplyDeleteOh and I love how you leave us in suspense with the one word Roselyn says "Orthak"!!! AHHHH exciting! :D
ReplyDelete"Why are you yelling?" lol.
ReplyDeletedude that ending was good! I got really excited. which sucks because I'm supposed to be sleeping soon. all the girl says is "found you" and it got me excited about the whole scene. love it.
:O they're about to fight. but really this chapter is so good. hmm i wonder how velis will react if cameron does go to the good side haha. would be interesting i think (:
ReplyDeletei really like the end of this chapter. how innocently good arkain is wanting to help this little girl.only to find out shes evil.
ReplyDeletevery interested in meating this "Orthak"
i really liked the conversation between
ReplyDeleteiris and ilias, i feel like a lot of people
can relate to that. this chapter was amazing,
especially at the end!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletethe demon is here!!! cant wait for the battle
Chapter 24
ReplyDeleteOh shit the ending was type freaky and it happened to be orthak the demon
Smfh
These ppl are really like gods...I love how iris spilt the water
I think iris is ilias weakness...if something were to happen to her I think it wud tear him apart. maybe he does have emotions he will act on
So maybe ilias does comprehend the pain cameron suffers and fears his sister being hurt
Cameron and the others are no joke
cameron=destruction and the unlawfulness nature of the human race
Wonderfully done chapter...but the reveal of orthak was great work
it freaked me out a bit but so good..so so so good
:)
I still don't think that when it comes down to it, Cameron will be bad.
ReplyDeleteThe appearance of Orthak was cool!
Dig the title phrase...Arkain makes me think of Sora from Kingdom Hearts for some reason. Aaaand OH SHIT. =] demons be scary.
ReplyDeleteOrthak must be a 2nd rank member haha. I hope so at least. I wonder though, I really do wonder. WHO ARE THE STRONGEST IN EACH TEAM! XD
ReplyDeleteI always want to know. Steven, you'll have to tell me soon! :D
Great ending! I can only imagine the abilities of Orthak and I can't wait to read more. It's keeping me on edge so far and I can't think of a better place to be.
ReplyDeleteLOL Ilias is a sharingan user! Does he also have the cunning and ambition to set up his Moon's eye plan, hm? lol I kid, but you got to admit the similiarites between him and Madara. Anyway, fairly decent read. So we get yet another main vilain to join the ensemble cast, Orthak.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWow the little girl part was a bit creepy. I knew something was wrong with her, but I was hoping they'd be able to get inside the base!! Foiled again, it seems! I hope all goes well for them. Next chapter~~~
ReplyDeleteVELIS LIVES! TUFF SON OF A GUN! HOPE TO SEE A BATTLE BETWEEN THEM AND IRIS AND ILIAS!
ReplyDeleteILIAS HAS EVERY REASON TO BE SCARED OF ARKAIN.
WISH I COULD OF SEEN THAT SEA SPLIT CLOSE IN ON IRIS, HOPEFULLY THIS GETS MADE INTO A MOVIE SO I CAN! HAHA
SO AWESOME...
AS SOON AS I READ THAT LITTLE GIRL WAS WOUNDED I WAS LIKE NOPE ARKAIN RUN! HAHA
THEN I WAS LIKE HOLY SHIT A DEMON EFFIN AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
...and now we finally get introduce to Orthak! The first thing that came to mind when I read the name was Brumak haha. Oh Gears of War haha. Definitely cannot wait to find out what is happening with Orthak and the whole situation that it, he or she is being brought into. Will there be blood?! Just going to come out and say it, Velis must go haha.
ReplyDeleteduuuude. This was awesome! haha. And that last part definitely played out like a good, suspenseful scene of a movie :)
ReplyDelete