Chapter Thirty Seven: What's Written in Stone

Hayden, Roselyn, and Arkain were surrounded by a ball of fire.
Akasha
Cameron, how is this possible?
Amya dropped down next to Akasha.
Amya
I thought he was locked up.
Akasha
We thought wrong.
The flames disappeared and they were gone. Gemma remained on the floor touching the ground where Arkain had been.
Gemma
Arkain?
Akasha and Amya walked towards Gemma.
Amya
Get up darling, we are going.
Cameron
Not before I have a word with you both.
Akasha and Amya turned around to see Cameron in the distance.
Akasha
Prince Cameron, what business do you have here?
Cameron walked forward until they could see his face perfectly. He wore a long black robe.
Cameron
I’ve come to ask you to send a message.
Amya
A message?
Cameron
Yes. A message to Lord Ximendos.
Akasha
Why can’t you do it yourself?
Cameron
I am no longer apart of your empire, that’s why. From now on I am Cameron of the New Order.
Amya
That is what we used to call our government team.
Cameron
Yes, yes it was. Unfortunately you could not meet your own names requirements. I will.
Akasha
And if we refuse to deliver the message?
Cameron
I will kill you.
Akasha laughed.
Amya
Cameron, be reasonable. If you stop this right now maybe we can resolve things.
Cameron
No, I cannot easily betray myself like you have Amya. I belong somewhere now and I know what I must do.
Amya
You know very little about me young one. Yet you think you do. I do not have to explain myself to you.
Akasha turned to Amya.
Akasha
Well you didn’t do much explaining to me either.
Amya
Quiet!
Cameron
Enough, I didn’t come here to dwell on your actions.
Amya straightened up.
Amya
Out with it already. We haven’t all day.
The tree wall around them fell.
Amya
Such a beautiful wall.
Akasha
It was a nuisance.
Amya
A beautiful nuisance.
Akasha
Whatever.
Cameron was now surrounded by twenty giant Gears.
Cameron
Should I be afraid?
Amya
Perhaps a little.
Cameron
I am not. Those machines of war do not scare me.
Akasha
Not even a little? I mean, I wouldn’t want to fight them.
Suddenly all twenty machines heads exploded.
Cameron
You were saying?
Amya and Akasha looked at each other.
Akasha
You’re far stronger than the last time we met. Where did you get this power?
Cameron
A friend.
Amya
You’ve found yourself a kind friend.
Cameron lifted his arm and pointed towards the palace.
Cameron
I know him and his children are in there. I’d kill them all now-
Akasha laughed.
Cameron
You find something I said funny?
Akasha
Yes, yes I do. So silly of me, but it sounded as if you said you’d kill them all.
Cameron
I did.
Akasha
Cameron, baby, I doubt you could get through one of us, let alone Lord Ximendos.
Cameron
We can make that wager another time. For now I would just like to leave you with this message.
Amya
We’re listening.
Cameron
I Cameron, former Prince of the Empire, am now an enemy of it. I will destroy Solace Empire. I shall strike with a hammer Ximendos has never witnessed. No mercy for you monsters, no apologies.
He lifted his hand, palm facing up.
Cameron
The New Order will be victorious at the end of this. It has been less than a month since this all began and we’ve just started. You thought you’d cage me, you thought you’d kill me like you attempted to kill Arkain, but you failed. Now Arkain will want his revenge and join my Order. All of you, from Ximendos to you Amya, will die.
A tiny fire appeared above his palm.
Cameron
You thought you’d change the world, shift the power to the Gods. Perhaps you would have succeeded, had you not have named me your enemy. Now, it’s over. Change is coming, and it will turn all of this into just a memory.
Cameron smiled.
Cameron
Prepare yourselves. You’re not only fighting the White Coats, remember? Soon you will face even the nightmares that keep you up at night. The question is, are you ready to die?
The flame in Cameron’s hand became a wave of fire that flew towards Akasha and Amya. They dodged it by jumping to the side. Amya barely had time to grab Gemma to safety.
Akasha
Did you think you’d kill us that easily?
No answer.
Amya
He’s gone.
Akasha
Figures. We must get the message to Lord Ximendos.
Ximendos
No need to worry, I heard it all.
Ximendos stood behind them with Ilias and Iris behind him.
Ximendos
He’s going to be a problem, but we’ll solve that later. Let us go. We have much to discuss.
Ilias stood where he was as they all walked passed him to the palace.
Ilias
Clean this up.
In less than twenty seconds waves of humans took to the giant mess and began to clean what the chaos had left.
Ilias
A New Order you say?
Ilias said looking up to the sky.

Hayden looked around the woods they suddenly appeared in.
Hayden
Looks like we’re back where we first found Cameron.
Roselyn
I believe that was his power.
Hayden
It was.
Cameron
I figured it would be obvious.
Hayden and Roselyn turned around to see Cameron leaning against a tree.
Cameron
Relax friends; I am not here for foul play.
Hayden
Where is Arkain?
Cameron
Arkain’s in a safe place right now. You don’t need to worry. We saved him like we said we would.
Roselyn
That wasn’t in the deal. Present Arkain to us now or you shall die where you stand.
Hayden
Calm down Roselyn, we’re no longer enemies.
Cameron pushed hair from out of his face.
Cameron
I sent a message to Ximendos informing him that we will be working together. I assume our allegiance is still intact and so we shall move with that in mind.
Cameron walked forward.
Cameron
I suggest you return to Amros and get him up to speed with all that has gone on. What is most important is that you set up whatever powers you did on your prior hideout on your present one.
Roselyn
Why does that matter to you?
Cameron
Ximendos did not get his way with Nicholas or Arkain. If I know him, as I do, he will soon be initiating a very powerful blow to us if we were not prepared. Luckily we can predict his moves well enough to make sure we are.
Hayden
I agree. I will have it protected as soon as we return.
Cameron
Good. Ximendos’ next move will be what he wanted to do in the first place. What we’ve witnessed so far was him just playing games. To be honest, this war has not even begun.
Roselyn
We will be ready for him.
Cameron
I can only hope so. We have little time to prepare. For now Arkain will remain in my hands until he recovers and chooses to return.
Roselyn
Chooses?
Cameron
Yes, it is up to him to return, is it not?
Hayden
Yes, it is. I will say this young Cameron, should you show you’re nothing more than a snake in the grass; I will kill you with my own hands. I made it clear to Amros that your skull is mine, and I have not forgotten.
Cameron smiled.
Cameron
I never will be a snake. I am nothing more than a wolf. As it stands you are not the rabbits I’m hunting, so rejoice in the peace between us, my fellow predators.
Hayden
It would be wise for your sake to keep it that way.
Hayden and Roselyn disappeared.
Fallen
I thought they’d never leave.
Fallen jumped down from a tree onto the ground in front of Cameron.
Cameron
Your thoughts on this matter?
Fallen
I couldn’t have said it better. You’re doing well.
Cameron
Thank you. I have a question though, how will I be able to defeat the Solace Empire with just Velis, Malic, and myself?
Fallen
Don’t worry about that. I will be taking care of making sure you have soldiers fit for battle.
Fallen turned his back on Cameron.
Fallen
For now, return to Arkain and your puppets to begin the process of converting Arkain to your side.
Cameron
Arkain is injured badly. From what I saw, he might not make it.
Fallen
From what I’ve concluded, Arkain is half Sky Walker, not full. For that reason he was able to be injured by human weapons. None the less, he will heal on his own.
Cameron
That’s relieving. Are you sure this is going to work?
Fallen
More than sure. This plan we have, you just might be able to say it is carved in stone. I must go now; I haven’t much time.
Fallen ran off and Cameron’s body burst in flames and he was gone. The forest stood alone again.

A friendly soldier led Suri and Conor to a room where he said they’d be able to stay.
Soldier
We’re short on room so I hope you won’t mind sharing with some other people your age.
Suri
That won’t be a problem.
The soldier opened the door and they walked in. As soon as they were in he shut the door and walked away.
Unknown Girl
Oh hello, I didn’t think we’d be getting roommates anytime soon.
Suri and Conor faced two people in the room. A girl about Suri’s height with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes and a boy around the age of nine with the same colored hair and eyes.
Unknown Girl
Hi, I’m Emmylou Gunner and this is my brother Ian Gunner.
They all shook hands.
Suri
I’m Suri Monroe and this is Conor.
Conor
It’s a pleasure to meet you.
Suri and Conor both jumped onto the empty beds.
Emmylou
I hope you don’t mind these being our beds. We’ve kind of had some time to take them.
Suri
That’s totally fine. We probably won’t be here for long.
Ian
The war’s going to be over?
Conor
We wish.
Ian looked down while holding his sisters hand.
Emmylou
He’s just a little down. We haven’t seen our parents much lately.
Suri
Are they okay?
Emmylou
Yes, they just work for the government. Well, what’s left of it I guess?
Conor
My whole family tried to kill me.
Emmylou
That’s terrible! I’m going to guess it’s because of the mind control thing we’ve heard about.
Conor
That’s right.
Emmylou
I’m sorry you had to face that.
Conor
They say everything happens for a reason.
Emmylou
Horrible reasons.
Conor
Oh well. Can’t turn back, so why stay in one place looking back?
Emmylou
All that’s left is to move forward.
They smiled at each other.
Suri
So you said your parents work for the government?
Emmylou
Yes, my dad Thomas Gunner is a general and my mother Luciana Gunner is a soldier.
Suri
Well your family is deep in this. I hope all goes well.
Emmylou
I hope it does as well. Mom says things seem to be going okay. She said we were getting help soon.
Suri and Conor looked at each other.
Emmylou
I don’t know who can help us though. You know, back in school we used to talk about how evil Hitler was for killing off those innocent Jews,
She paused for a second.
Emmylou
And now we’ve witnessed an entire human genocide.
It was quiet until Ian broke it up.
Ian
I want to go with mommy.
Emmylou
You can’t Ian; we’ve already talked about this.
Ian laid his head on her lap.
Suri
He’s not taking it well. I don’t know how I’d feel if I were him.
Emmylou
We just wish there was some hope.
Conor
There is! It will be coming soon.
Emmylou
Really?
Suri
Yes. We just need you both to hold on.
Emmylou
Thank you, so much. By the way, are you two, umm, dating?
Suri
Oh no!
Conor
Not at all!
They looked at each other and laughed.
Suri
I’m kinda in a thing with someone else.
Conor rubbed his back.
Conor
Yeah, I’m living the single life.
Emmylou
Oh okay, I just wanted to make sure.
Suri
No problem. Well, it was nice meeting you, but we really need to rest.
Emmylou
That’s totally fine. We’ll be outside wandering around this place.
Suri
Don’t get lost, this place is huge.
Emmylou
Don’t worry; I know this place like the back of my hand.
Conor
Do people actually really know the back of their hands?
They laughed. Suri and Conor got comfortable in their beds and went to sleep while Emmylou and her brother went to wander the grounds.

Supriya sat down behind a white desk silently listening to the wind outside. She misses home. Since the treaty was enacted she has been here guarding some foul creatures. She hasn’t seen her lover in so long and that is what drives her everyday to continue. She has short black hair with red in it and brown eyes. She’s wearing a black grey cloak and black gloves.
Supriya
Kegan, get your ass in here!
Kegan walked in. Kegan is Supriya’s brother. He is wearing a grey cloak as well. Supriya always says he looks like a human who went by the name James Dean.
Kegan
Can I help you?
Supriya
All going well?
Kegan
Yes.
Supriya
Well get ready to go. Fallen said he would be here soon.
Kegan
I heard. Do we really have to go? I mean, can Fallen really take care of this place on his own?
Supriya
Fallen is an Elder of our organization.
Kegan
I know, I know, but I just don’t think he has what it takes. I mean, we have a routine and he has fucking paws!
Supriya
Hold your tongue, brother!
Kegan raised his arms in there air.
Kegan
Fine, fine.
Supriya got up and walked towards the door Kegan had just entered from.
Supriya
If we can’t guard this, only the higher ups can.
Kegan
I know. It’s just, we were appointed as the guards of the White Cell because of our skills. I just don’t see how one person could do what we do. Not Amros, Hayden, or Fallen. If these prisoners for some odd reason get out, things will only get worse. These were some of Ximendos’ top men and I don’t know if we’d want them to join forces with him again.
Supriya
Well, that doesn’t matter. We’re soldiers and we have orders. We’re to make way to the human bunker and wait for orders. Fallen knows what he is doing, you don’t have to worry. Got it?
Kegan
I got it, captain.
Supriya
Yeah, you better.
Fallen appeared ontop of the desk Supriya was sitting before.
Fallen
Hello, my children.
Supriya and Kegan bowed to Fallen.
Fallen
At ease. Time is short and we cannot spare small talk. You know the way and you must get there as quickly as possible.
Kegan
Sir, permission to speak.
Fallen while annoyed answered.
Fallen
Speak.
Kegan
Why are we switching positions?
Fallen
Simply put, we need soldiers. You both know you’re two of our best and we are going to need you on the front lines.
Supriya
I agree, my lord.
Fallen
I will guard this area until further notice.
Supriya
Understood.
Kegan
Right.
Fallen
Now go, quickly.
They disappeared.
Fallen
This is all way too easy.
Fallen walked to the door Supriya was standing at and opened it.

Velis felt a wave of cold air flow down her back sitting in the sand at some unknown beach.
Velis
This is fucking great.
Malic
Calm down. It was Cameron who brought us here.
Velis
I know. I just don’t know why. That was my chance to finally kill Akasha.
Malic giggled.
Velis
And you’re laughing, why?
Malic
No reason.
His smile was gone.
Velis
I swear I have no good luck. Every time something good pops up it is always ruined.
Malic
It’s okay; you’ll get her next time.
Velis
If there is a next time or if someone else kills her first.
Malic
With what I know Cameron has up his sleeves, there will be a next time and I doubt anyone else is going to kill her.
Velis
I hope you’re right.
Malic
I wonder where the hell Cameron is anyways. Why would he bring us here?
Velis
Hey, what is that over there?



Arkain felt free. He felt like himself without a body. Free from pain and the world. He didn’t know what was going on. He asked himself if he was dead. This feeling was like no other. He wanted things to stay this way forever. It felt so right and so good for it to be him and him forever without having to worry about anything else. Alone, he thought. It was then he saw Suri and Gemma’s faces.
Arkain
Suri?
He felt cold.
Arkain
Gemma?
His body was thrashing with pain.

Gemma sat down at the end of the long table.
Ximendos
I must confess to you, my loyal friends, that I grow tired of this.
Amya placed her hand on Gemma’s hand.
Ximendos
Twice!
Gemma looked up but could not see the smile on her face. Gemma thought to herself if Amya knew she was fully aware of her actions now.
Ximendos
Nicholas got away. Arkain was taken. Now Cameron along with Velis and Malic have created a force of their own to challenge us?
He slammed his right fist on the table.
Ximendos
I am in no mood for challenges. I want them dead!
He stood up.
Ximendos
I want them all dead!
Gemma was afraid. Ximendos was a monster.
Ximendos
I must calm myself.
He sat back down.
Ximendos
We will now move to operation cleansing.
Ilias looked up in shock.
Ilias
Already?
Ximendos
Yes, I think it is about time.
Ilias
Father, you can’t be serious.
Ximendos
I am.
Ilias
Give it more time father. The Gears can do the job without us having to waste any energy. Within a month-
Ximendos
I DON’T HAVE A MONTH!
The room fell silent.
Ximendos
The long we wait, the more powerful my brother’s forces grow. I can’t have that. I want them dead and I want it done as soon as possible. You ask me to wait a month and this castle will be nothing but fallen wall below their feet.
Iris
I doubt that.
Ximendos
I’m sorry, my daughter, but when did you harness the ability to see the future?
Iris
I cannot see the future.
Ximendos
I know this. I am simply puzzled on how you would doubt what most likely will happen. We’ve been outmatched since this began!
Akasha
We’ve been underestimating them.
Ximendos
We have, and I will no longer allow that to happen.
Gemma
I think we should wait.
They all looked her way. Ilias smiled.
Ximendos
Do you?
Gemma
Yes, allow the Gears to do their job.
Iris
I agree. The Gears alone in this month have destroyed most of this world’s civilizations. In a months time there will be no more human minds that are not in our grasp.
Ximendos
Again, you fail to acknowledge I will not wait a month.
Amya
Brother, take their words into consideration.
Ximendos
I am. There, done. Are there any more requests?
Ilias turned to Akasha.
Ilias
Mother, what say you?
Akasha
We must do as the lord pleases.
Ximendos smiled.
Ilias
Fine, it will be done.
Iris
We shall comply.
Ximendos
Good. Operation Cleansing begins in one week.
Gemma was hoping they’d share what operation cleansing was, but they did not. She sat there while they spoke of what had just happened outside. The only thing she could think of was if Arkain heard her confession. She felt alone.
Krysin
(I want blood.)

Arkain
(Am I dying?)
Arkain felt the hold below his ribs where he was stabbed.
Arkain
(What did Gemma say?)
He heard footsteps.
Velis
Well look what we have here. Nice to see you again, Arkain.