Chapter Twenty Nine: He Knew You'd Never Fly

Nicholas ran into the room Amros, Hayden, and Roselyn were in.
Nicholas
My watch! It’s transmitting a message!
Roselyn
Play it.
The watch began to beep louder until it stopped.
Woman's voice
This is Anna Molly Carter, Secretary of Defense to the United States of America, or what was. Mr. President, if you can hear this, I hope you respond quickly. I reach out to you in this moment due to our desperation. We are currently in Area 71. I will not divulge vocally where that is, so please pay attention.
They all looked closely at Nicholas.
Anna
We have a total of two thousand civilians and three thousand soldiers in our entire base. When the genocide began, we had to extract as many as we could. We are the last of the free moving Americans alive.
Nicholas' eyes grew wide.
Anna
Last night we commanded four vessels and abandoned them in the Pacific Ocean. Our cameras caught two monsters destroying them as we attempted to kill them. Our attempt was futile. Although we lost four ships, we now know a little more about our enemies.
Hayden
We know enough.
Anna
I’m sure at this time you are with monsters that know more than we do.
Amros looked at Hayden with a smile.
Anna
So we are sure you are in good hands.
Nicholas smiled a bit.
Anna
It is only a matter of time before we are caught and executed. Our only hope is to meet up with you and your guard in hopes to continue our way of life.
There was a pause.
Anna
Coordinates to our whereabouts are in your watch, as we wait here for your arrival. I beseech you to abandon the base you occupy now, no matter how safe and booby trapped it is with dark magic, and make your way to our refuge here. If the last free thinking members of human kind should die, I say we give them a fight and die together if we must.
Nicholas was now smiling as if he had just found happiness again.
Anna
Hope to see you soon Nicholas, if you are alive. Goodbye and good luck. God bless and God help us all.
The transmission ended.
Hayden
They better hope the right God gets to them first.
Amros
Now is not the time to make jokes.
Hayden
What happens now?
Nicholas
We must go to them!
Roselyn
How can we?
Amros
I can transport us all there.
Nicholas
Can you really?
Amros
Yes, it would not be a problem once your watch gives us the coordinates.
Hayden
Are you sure, Amros? This place has been our home for decades. You’d abandon it for human protection?
Amros
Things would be much easier if we were with them. Nicholas is their hope, and we must reinstall it in their lives.
Hayden
It would take me hours to disband all my enchantments on this fortress.
Amros
So then you better get started.
Hayden walked out of the room.
Roselyn
I will aid him.
Roselyn left as well.
Nicholas
So it’s settled, when do we leave?
Amros
As soon as Hayden is done with the enchantments.
Nicholas
Why does he need to take them down if we’re leaving?
Amros
He will gain their power back.
Nicholas
Why does he need more power?
Amros
Just in case, I suppose. Hayden is our strongest warrior, even more powerful than I.
Nicholas
Really? Why are you the leader?
Amros
Hayden is a warrior as I said, not a leader. He is a machine of war. He does not care for strategy. He is almost indestructible, whereas I am not.
Nicholas
I’m sure you’d know.
Amros
I would, he is my former teacher.
Nicholas
Teacher?
Amros
Yes, taught me all I know, as well as Amya and Ximendos.
Nicholas
He taught you all? He made you what you are today?
Amros
I’d say so. I’m sure he is a bit ashamed now. Considering what is going on. Did he know he was training the world’s greatest threat at the time? I don’t think so. We were just three children with a lot of talent. He wanted us to protect humanity, not enslave it, or worse, destroy it.
Nicholas
So, you’re all related?
Amros
Yes, brothers and sister.
Nicholas
I don’t know what to say.
Amros
It’s amazing how small the world is, is it not?
Nicholas
Words can’t describe it.

Conor
Do you think Arkain is okay right now?
Suri
I’m sure of it.
Conor
Why so sure?
Suri
He’s Arkain. Luck has a way of finding him. If there is someone I know other than my dad Hayden who won’t die, it’s him. He’s too stubborn.
Conor
I wish I could be that confident.
Suri laughed.
Suri
I don’t even know if it’s a confidence thing. It’s just in him. I mean, he was pulled into this quicker than you were, and it was like he was waiting for it his whole life.
Conor
Sorry I wasn’t prepared.
Suri
You know what I mean. It’s like it’s built in him, to be a hero. You know how they say superheroes are made?
Conor
Yeah.
Suri
I don’t think that’s true. Arkain was born. Since day one, I know he’s been special. If only I could read his memories to see what an amazing young boy he was. It sucks knowing his mother isn’t here to tell me about them.
Conor
Or show you baby pictures.
They laughed.
Conor
Well, I hope he’s okay.
Suri
It took me some time to realize it, but he will be. If I know Arkain, he will be.
Velis sat across from Malic.
Velis
What is going on Malic? Two days and no word from Cameron.
Malic
They probably sent him out on a secret mission.
Velis
I don’t think so.
Malic
What do you suggest we do?
Velis
Search the palace.
Arkain was lowered in the great throne room by his arms on a chain.
Ximendos
Hello Arkain.
Ximendos smiled wide. To his right sat Akasha, Ilias and Iris. To his left Amya and Gemma.
Arkain
Gemma?
Gemma did not respond. Arkain was not sure if it was her because everything was a bit of a blur because of the drugs.
Ximendos
I almost forgot, you two have met.
Arkain
Gemma, it’s me Arkain!
Gemma moved a bit in her seat.
Gemma
Arkain?
Gemma looked confused, she turned toward Amya.
Gemma
Do I know an Arkain?
Amya
No, you do not.
Arkain did not think this could be happening.
Arkain
Gemma, please!
Ximendos
As charming as this is, you know, the whole seeing each other again, shut up.
Arkain
What did you do to her?
Ilias spoke instead of Ximendos which was surprising Arkain.
Ilias
I have modified her memory. As of now, she has never met you.
Arkain
Lies! There is no way you could have!
Ilias put his head on his hand and leaned forward.
Ilias
Would you like to give it a go? I could have you forget about your dead mother and dead step father.
He bluffed. Arkain weakly thrashed in his chains.
Iris
This is pathetic, father.
Arkain
Shut up!
Ximendos walked down the steps to where Arkain hung.
Arkain
You all are pathetic!
Ximendos walked around Arkain, as he did he grabbed his right face cheek with his right hand. He stood behind Arkain, and grabbed his left face cheek with his left hand.
Ximendos
You take life too seriously.
He pulled at his cheeks.
Ximendos
When it doesn’t even take you into consideration.
He let go of his cheeks.
Ximendos
Relax a little, live a little.
He stood in front of Arkain.
Ximendos
You’re going to die tomorrow, don’t you want to put on smile before you do?
Ximendos, face to face with Arkain, smiled.
Ximendos
Don’t ya?
Arkain spat in his face.
Ximendos
Now that’s just not nice at all.
Ximendos pulled out a white handkerchief and wiped his face. Then he placed a finger on Arkain's face.
Ximendos
I wanted to be nice.
Arkain began to thrash in pain, but he did not scream.
Ximendos
But when someone can’t play nice, neither can I.
He walked up the steps half way.
Ximendos
You call us pathetic, when you’re at our mercy.
He laughed.
Ximendos
You and the rest of humanity are below us, and we are the pathetic ones?
Arkain thrashed even more as Ximendos strengthen the pulses of energy through his body.
Ximendos
I think not.
He stopped and Arkain fell silent.
Ilias
Father, can we not be so barbaric?
Akasha
He spat in his face, it was well deserved. I’d kill him right now if I had the chance.
Ilias
You actually do have the chance-
Arkain
Do it!
They all turned to Arkain.
Akasha
Excuse me, boy?
Arkain spat blood onto the floor.
Arkain
Why don’t you kill me now?
He paused for a second.
Arkain
You have the chance!
Ximendos sat down.
Akasha
You’d like that. You’d like for your death to happen inside these walls!
Akasha stood up.
Akasha
But we won’t give you the satisfaction of letting you out of your last pitiful 24 hours.
Arkain
That’s not why I said it, idiot.
Akasha face became an ugly red.
Arkain
I knew you wouldn’t. You don’t have the balls to. You all talk so big, as if you’re above me and humans, but you’re all the same.
Arkain spat up more blood.
Arkain
You talk as if you’re so powerful yet you follow a leader. Him.
Arkain’s head motioned to Ximendos.
Arkain
You’re just like humans, living day after day as if they’re in charge when they bow down their lives to a higher power. The only one who should be saying anything is Ximendos, he is the only free one out of you all. The rest of you are just dogs.
Cameron laid against the wall.
Velis
Malic, open the cell.
Malic
Are we sure we want to do this?
Velis
For Cameron, yes.
Malic’s silver tentacles pulled the cell door out of its place.
Velis
Cameron.
She grabbed him as he tipped to the side and held him close.
Velis
Those bastards!
Malic
How could they do this?
Velis
They think of us as nothing. Like dogs.
She moved her hand across Cameron’s head.
Velis
Well, now we leave.
Malic’s silver cord picked Cameron up from her arms. Velis looked into Cameron’s sleeping face.
Velis
Let’s go dreamer.
Ilias now stood up.
Ilias
Dogs, you say?
Ilias lifted his hand. Arkain yelped as blood came out.
Ilias
Can a dog hit you in the stomach from here? I think you underestimate us, and worse, your position.
Ilias walked forward.
Ilias
So much talk, for a little boy.
Ilias put his hand on Arkain’s head.
Ilias
If we are the dogs, you are the bone we must bury. I mean, you did say humanity is a pack of dogs as well, did you not?
He smiled.
Ilias
Tomorrow we will bury the bone in front of their eyes.
He smacked Arkain. Although his arm did not move much, the force was apparent. Arkain was almost knocked out by it.
Arkain
We’ll see about that.
Iris
He believes himself to be a symbol of hope to the humans.
He looked up at his peers and superior.
Ilias
Don’t flatter yourself too much, Arkain.
He walked up the steps with his back towards Arkain.
Ilias
You can’t even break out of the chains that hold you. You’ve been here for two days, and they thought you’d escape by now.
Ilias reached the top.
Ilias
But,
Ilias turned towards Arkain from the top of the steps.
Ilias
I knew you’d never fly.
He sat down.
Arkain
Gemma!
Gemma turned towards Arkain.
Gemma
Yes?
Arkain
Gemma, can you see me?
Gemma
Yes, but I don't know you.
Arkain lowered his head while they all laughed.
Ilias
Hope? Don’t delude yourself Arkain. Hope is dead, and soon you will join it.

Chapter Twenty Eight: As Hearts Collide

A lighting bolt appeared over four navy ships that sat in the water under the moon. Amya fell from the sky just above one of the ships.

Amya

That was rude!

She almost fell off the edge.

Amya

Get down here!

Akasha floated down next to her.

Akasha

You think you’d be a little more thankful.

Amya walked away from the edge and dusted herself off.

Amya

For what, exactly?

Akasha touched down onto the ship.

Akasha

I could have dropped you from a higher distance.

Amya

I would have killed you.

Akasha laughed.

Amya

Oh be quiet already. I've had enough of you and we just started.

They looked down the ship's top.

Akasha

Why are there no jets or men?

Amya

They could be out.

Akasha turned to Amya.

Akasha

Out where? They’re in the middle of the ocean.

Amya

I am only suggesting an answer to your question.

Akasha walked forward.

Akasha

If I were an entire navy crew, where would I be?

Amya walked to the other side towards the other ship while Akasha skipped around.

Amya

They are very close. I could probably jump to the other side.

Akasha

Why don’t you?

Amya looked down at the water.

Amya

Well if I fall, I’d get all wet.

Akasha

Wouldn’t want to ruin that dress.

Akasha shook her head while making fun of Amya.

Amya

I wouldn’t.

There was a giant splash. Between the gaps of the ships Amya stood by, something came up fast. Amya barely dodged it by jumping back.

Amya

Damn!

Akasha appeared at her side.

Akasha

What was it?

Amya

I don’t know. It came by too fast!

Akasha put her hand on her forehead.

Akasha

You’re useless.

Amya pushed her from the shoulder.

Amya

Oh I’m sorry! I should keep my eyes open next time something comes flying at my face out of nowhere!

Akasha turned around.

Akasha

It could help.

Amya jumped to the other ship.

Amya

Look around, I can’t stand being next to you any longer.

Akasha began to skip again.

Akasha

Good, I like being by myself anyways!

She yelled.

Amya

Oh really? That’s why you’re always with Orthak?

Akasha stopped.

Amya

What, did I hit a nerve?

Amya noticed there was something standing across from Akasha.

Amya

What the hell is that?

Akasha stepped back in order to reply.

Akasha

It looks like a small Gear.

The droid moved forward.

Akasha

Oh dear.

Akasha disappeared in a bolt of lighting and appeared next to Amya.

Amya

Why did you run?

Akasha

Well it’s strapped with a bomb!

She pointed at its chest.

Amya

Reasonable.

There were many splashes and more and more of the metal human sized machines came onto the ships.

Akasha

Well, what do we do?

Amya

I have an idea.

Amya ran to the nearest one and slid her hand on its shoulder. The Machine turned to stone.

Akasha

That works.

Amya flipped over another one and her finger tips grazed the top of it’s metal head. Akasha sent two lighting bolts through the stone figures.

Amya

I stone, you demolish.

Akasha

Works for me.

They took out the remaining twenty droids.

Amya

That was actually fun.

Akasha

I suppose it was.

They stood next to each other.

Akasha

I won’t say this often, but it’s nice to have you on our team.

Amya smiled.

Amya

Thanks. In time I’m sure I’ll feel the same.

Akasha turned and looked her in the eyes.

Akasha

Why did you come to us?

Amya walked forward towards the edge of the ship.

Amya

What does it matter?

Akasha

I’d like to know. Only to satisfy my own curiosity.

Amya

To be honest, it was because of that boy.

Akasha

Which one?

Amya turned to Akasha.

Amya

Ilias.

Akasha

Elaborate, yes?

Amya

I believe in him.

Akasha

That’s it?

Amya

Yes, that is really it. One does not need a list of reason to why they did something. I saw something in that boy, and I acted on it. I chose a side, and although this side isn’t to my liking. I think the boy has what it takes to change the world.

Akasha

I agree. Yet it is Ximendos running the show. Don’t you forget that. Step out of line, and he will kill you. Brother, or not.

Amya

I know my place, and I’m content with it.

Akasha

I’d hope so. Now go home while I finish this.

Akasha zapped Amya and she disappeared. Akasha rose above the ships and became a large ball of energy. It expanded in an instant, obliterating the ships and pushing the ocean apart.

Cameron

It’s cold.

Boy

It stays this way. Just darkness and cold. It sucks.

Cameron

It’s disgusting.

Boy

I miss my old life.

Cameron

You have no idea.

Boy

Want to share?

Cameron

I’d rather not.

Boy

Okay, if you say so. It never hurts to share. Especially with a stranger who has no bias against you.

Cameron slide across the cell until he was up against the wall as the boy held onto the bars.

Cameron

I’ve never spoken to anyone about, well, my past.

Boy

Never too late to start. Why not take some weight off your back? The burden of memories can be too much sometimes. Facing it alone can be someone’s downfall.

Cameron

I don’t want to bore you, stranger.

Boy

No worries, I’m not going anywhere.

Cameron put his hand on his neck.

Cameron

I don’t know where to start. It’s been so long. So long since I’ve let out the name from my mouth.

Boy

What name?

Cameron

Christian.

Boy

Who is he?

Cameron

He was my brother.

Cameron heard chains fall. The boy dropped his hands to the ground.

Boy

I know what it’s like to lose someone too.

Cameron

I’m glad we can relate. Not because of what we’re relating on, but because we can understand one another.

Boy

Yeah. How did he, you know?

Cameron

I killed him.

There was a moment of silence.

Cameron

My mother as well. It was an accident. I can only remember gas, and my mother saying she was going to light a cigarette. After that, things are a blur.

Boy

That’s horrible.

Cameron

I don’t even think that word can describe it. One moment you’re saying you love the person who hold closest to your petty existence, and the next they’re gone.

He dropped his hands to the floor, the chains clattered.

Cameron

It makes things seem so meaningless. Do you know what’s it’s like? To have everything stripped from you?

Boy

Not entirely.

Cameron

To no longer feel, see, or speak to what gave you the reason to live? Everyday with that important person was like a breath of fresh air in this world.

Boy

Are you okay?

Cameron

Of course I’m okay. I’m doing my best to be, at least. I lost myself when it happened. Since then I’ve only had one goal.

Boy

What’s that?
Cameron

To make everyone feel the same as I do.

Boy

Are you serious?

Cameron

Yes, dead serious. I keep hearing his voice over and over in my head. Telling me his only dream is for me to be happy, and I can’t take it. I figure, if I rid the world of every voice in the world, it will only be mine and his in it.

Boy

You can’t be serious.

Cameron

Oh, but I am. I don’t care about anyone, or anything else. The world means nothing to me, and everyone deserves to die.

Boy

Why?

Cameron stopped. He took a breath.

Cameron

To feel as I feel.

Boy

Why do people need to feel how you feel?

Cameron

To understand what death is like.

Boy

You’re alive though!

Cameron

No, I died along time ago. I died in that explosion. Everything that made me who I was before is gone. I’m only this now. A walking void trying to fill this gap with the pain of others, and I can’t stop until it’s over.

Boy

It doesn’t have to be like that. You lost someone you loved, and so do many, everyday. My mother was killed. I felt like I was going to lose it, but I didn’t. I realized that I can’t blame the world for her death. I can’t be that selfish.

Cameron

I don’t want to feel anymore. I don’t care to love or anything more. My life has no meaning.

Boy

Your life has the meaning you give it. As long as we continue to long for attachment, we will never be okay with death. We will only continue to lose ourselves in the loss of our loved ones. The thing is, we can always find ourselves.

Cameron

It’s not that easy.

Boy

It’s only as hard as you make it. You must live on the hope that you can make your life as great as you want to and fulfill your dreams.

Cameron

I don’t have any dreams.

Boy
Everyone has to have a dream.
Cameron
I’m not everyone.
Boy
Come on, you have to have one thing you want in life.

Cameron

I lost my dreams with my brother.

Boy

Dreams never die.

The boy put both hands on the bars.

Boy

They never die! Even when the person who was dreaming does, the dream doesn’t!

There was a long moment of silence and the boy heard Cameron crying.

Boy

It’s okay, crying is normal.

Cameron

It’s not that easy to change. I remember when I was little. All I ever wanted was a little brother. When I finally had one, he was taken away from me. Why should I care about the lives of others and their happiness when I don’t even have mine?

Boy

Because life isn’t only about you, it’s about everyone. True change is in the moment, and it can only be you who decides if that moment is here.

Cameron

I don’t think I can.

Boy

Anyone can.

Cameron’s cell opened and two men walked in.

Cameron

Get away from me!

One guard held him down while the other injected him with the paralyzing drug on the back of his neck.

Boy

You guys are pathetic!

Guard 1

We’ll get you next, kid.

The doors shut and they were gone.

Cameron

Fuck.

Cameron grabbed the back of his neck.

Boy

Are you okay?

Cameron

Yeah.

He felt himself begin to fight his urge to sleep.

Boy

I have a question.

Cameron

I’m not stopping you.

Cameron set himself against the wall again.

Boy

You said your brother’s dream was for you to be happy.

Cameron

I think I said that.

Boy

Well, why can’t his dream be yours? Why can’t you make his dream come true?

Cameron sat there thinking and fighting the drowsiness as well.

Cameron

You’re right. I have been blind this whole time and I have been a fool for far too long. I am a monster. I’ve become the very thing he would hate me for.

Boy

It’s never too late to change, remember?

Cameron

Perhaps.

The boy let go of the bar and sat with his back against them.

Boy

I’m glad I could help you. This whole time, and it only took a friend to change your whole perspective on life.

Cameron

Friend?

Boy

Yes, that’s what we are, right?

Cameron

We are?

Boy

If you want to be.

Cameron

I don’t think I’ve ever had a friend.

Boy

Sure you have. Think about someone who cares about you right now.

Cameron thought of Velis and Malic and if he could call them friends.

Cameron

It’s just business. I don’t have any friends.

Boy

Can we be friends?

Cameron

I guess, if you really want my burden in your life.

Boy

I’ll be your friend.

The boy turned back around and looked into the dark where Cameron sat.

Boy

No matter what, I will. Someone who has faced what you have in life deserves someone there beside them when they fall.

Cameron began to shut his eyes while a tear ran down his eye in the darkness where the boy could not see..

Cameron

I’ve never had a friend before.

Boy

Now you have me.

Cameron

I’m glad you’re the first.

Boy

Me too.

Cameron

A stranger, who did not have to listen to a word I spoke, I did not think I’d ever open my heart to anyone again. I hope you don’t die on me anytime soon.

Boy

I won’t. My life has a long ways to go before I do.

Cameron

Promise?

Boy

Yeah.

Cameron rolled his hand on the floor.

Cameron

I feel like we’ve met before, I don’t remember when or if we really did, but it feels like it. Well, now that we have found importance in each other, I think it’s time to seal our meeting with our names.

Boy

I couldn’t agree more.

The boy began to speak as Cameron’s eyes shut and he fell into a deep sleep.

Boy

I’m Arkain, Arkain West.