Chapter Forty-One: The Path to Syn

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Amanda Smith is a beautiful woman. The kind of woman everyone wishes they could be. She is 5’11, white, with green eyes. The problem was, she hated life. Despite her looks and her success in life, she wanted out. Her only hope was in her brother, her little Simon. Simon was the only thing special to her. Amanda wanted to love someone but she couldn’t find the right man. Every guy just wanted to fuck her and leave her on the curb. She wasn’t having that. Amanda, now in her late twenties, wanted to settle down and start a family.

Bartender

Anything else?

Amanda had too many drinks. She found herself at the bar a lot these days. She ran away from her problems with this.

Amanda

That’s going to be it for me.

Amanda paid the man and left. She knew she had to get home but did not want to go back to that place. To be honest, she never did. She wanted to steal her brother and run. Dreams, they never came true, she thought. She began to walk home.

Stranger

Now why is a beautiful woman like you walking the streets of New York at this time?

If Amanda was like every other woman she would have been scared.

Amanda

I like the air in the night. What’s it to you, sir?

The stranger was walking behind her in the dark.

Stranger

I’m curious, is all.

Amanda looked forward and kept walking. She had a mile to walk before she was home.

Amanda

Can I help you with anything else?

Stranger

Perhaps you could, my dear. I’m looking for a beautiful woman-

Amanda

I’m not interested.

Stranger

I’m sorry?

Amanda

You said you are looking for a beautiful woman. I am one and I’m not interested.

Stranger

My, my, my, you are feisty.

Amanda

I am a lot of things. What I am most is indifferent about this conversation.

Stranger

Is that so?

Amanda

That is so, sir. Now I’m going to continue walking without opening my mouth again to speak with you. I hope you can respect that and do the same.

Stranger

Now that’s just not nice.

The man began to walk faster. Amanda wondered if she should feel threatened yet.

Stranger

What’s your name, darling?

Amanda

I don’t have one.

Stranger

Don’t have one?

Amanda

That’s right. I forgot it at the bar.

The stranger laughed, very loudly.

Stranger

Well then it’s safe to assume you actually do have one. Little old you just can’t recall it.

Amanda stopped walking.

Amanda

Listen sir, I am tired of being kind. I’m not having the best of days and the last thing I want to do is fall back to earth sober talking to you. So if you’d kindly leave me alone, that would be nice.

Stranger

Why so cruel?

She turned around to see him.

Amanda

Excuse me?

She saw him. He had to of been the most handsome man she had ever laid her eyes on. He looked more like a young boy than he did a person her age. She could not believe her eyes, his face.

Stranger

Are you always this cruel to strangers?

Amanda pulled out a cigarette. It was her idea of quick thinking to stop staring at his face. She could not find her matches.

Stranger

Allow me.

The stranger raised his hand and the cigarette was lit.

Amanda

How did you do that?

Stranger

I thought we were done talking.

Amanda

We were. But now I am asking you a question, so you may answer.

Stranger

You’re a very powerful woman.

Amanda

And you’re a very persistent man.

Stranger

Just the kind I need.

Amanda

Just the kind I don’t want.

Stranger

Is that so?

Amanda

That’s so.

She blew her smoke towards his face.

Stranger

Now that’s awfully rude.

Amanda

And following a stranger trying to make conversation is not?

Stranger

Touché’.

He smiled. Amanda wasn’t expecting it to hit her this hard. The man’s smiled reminded her so much of her little brother’s. They both had smiles beyond this planet.

Amanda

You have a beautiful smile, sir.

Stranger

Such an odd thing to say.

Amanda leaned against the wall behind her.

Amanda

I’m sorry. It just reminds me a whole lot of my little brother.

Stranger

So you have a little brother. That’s the first thing I’ve learned about you.

Amanda

Why are you so curious about me?

Stranger

I guess you can call it love at first sight.

Amanda

Your sight is impressive, seeing how dark it is out tonight.

Stranger

All the better. I love the darkness.

Amanda

I like it as well. Always have.

Stranger

That’s another thing. I think by the end of the night I’ll know your entire life story.

Amanda

My life story? Why would you want to know that?

Stranger

Curiosity.

Amanda blew out some smoke.

Amanda

You want to know about my life? I have parents and a brother. I finished college and I have a shitty job. I hate every second of this horrid life. I want it to end every time I fall asleep but unfortunately I wake up every morning. The only thing that makes this world even a little tolerable is my little brother. A little brother most would wish they didn’t have. One that may be a handful, but one I love nonetheless. I leave work to drink and I go home to him and my parents. I want a different life, but I can’t have one. I want a man who will love me, but I can’t find one. I want two kids to start a family but I’ll never have them. You want to know about my life?

She threw the cigarette on the ground.

Amanda

Well there it is.

She stepped on it.

Stranger

How exciting.

Amanda was now upset.

Amanda

Fuck you, sir.

She began to walk away.

Stranger

Hold on, I think you misunderstand me.

Amanda

Exciting? What part of my life is exciting?

She said with her back turned to him.

Stranger

This part.

Amanda did not like those two words. She decided to walk faster, but it didn’t matter. The man was able to keep up.

Stranger

I seemed to of frightened you.

Amanda

Not at all. I just want to get away from you.

Stranger

You said I am persistent, so it would be unforgivable of me to just walk away.

Amanda

Don’t worry, I’d forgive you.

He laughed again.

Amanda

I think it’s time you leave.

Stranger

I think it’s time you come with me.

He grabbed her hand and turned her to face him.

Stranger

Come with me and I’ll give you the life you’ve always wanted. The excitement, the love, and the children could all be yours.

Amanda didn’t know if she had just walked into a nightmare or if this was a dream come true. Either way, she wanted to get home.

Amanda

I’m sorry sir, but it just isn’t that easy.

Stranger

Oh but it is.

His smile was a bit scary now, to Amanda.

Stranger

To be honest, it is no mere accident we met here. I found you.

Amanda now was feeling a tad bit afraid.

Stranger

Well, someone did for me. Apparently you are a monster.

Amanda

Excuse me?

She could not believe what she was hearing.

Stranger

A monster. No worries, I am one as well. I’ve come to ask for your allegiance. I came to help you unlock your power.

He grabbed her hand.

Stranger

Now that I am here, and you are there, I am ready to fall in love, have children, and give you the life you desire.

With his free hand he stroked her hair. Amanda didn’t know what to say. Again she wondered if this was her prince or just a drunken man looking for a object to put his penis in.

Stranger

What say you?

Amanda

What would you have me say?

She now was afraid.

Stranger

Yes. Yes that you’ll run away with me.

These words, these words were what she’d been waiting to hear all her life.

Amanda

You don’t understand.

Stranger

I don’t understand what, exactly?

Amanda

How long I’ve been waiting to hear those words.

The stranger smiled.

Amanda

If it’s too much to ask,

Stranger

Nothing ever is too much.

Amanda

Would you say it again?

The stranger held both of her hands at his chest level.

Stranger

I believe you say something first.

Amanda almost laughed.

Amanda

What would you have me say?

Stranger

Yes. Yes that you’ll run away with me.

She kissed him. She kissed him so hard she thought for a second she’d break his face, his fragile, beautiful, and memorizing face. This is always what she wanted; always what she told herself she needed. Would there ever be another chance? No, she thought. It was best to jump and hope she landed on the other side. She let go of him.

Amanda

I will go, on one condition.

Stranger

Present it.

Amanda

We must take my brother as well.

Stranger

Deal.

She smiled.

Amanda

All this time, and no names.

Stranger

Well it’s not my fault you left it at the bar.

She laughed a bit.

Amanda

My name is Amanda. Amanda White.

Stranger

Such a human name.

Amanda

And yours?

Stranger

Well, I have two names.

Amanda

A first and a last name, you mean?

Stranger

No, two names. An old name and a new name, I have. I will give you the old one but only for you to use when we’re alone.

Amanda

You have a secret name! You’re probably wanted by the government.

She amused herself.

Stranger

The new one is what you can call my state name. It is the one the world will know.

Amanda couldn’t help but feel excited.

Stranger

My real name is Amron Anselia.

She wasn’t surprised. A beautiful man had to have a beautiful name, she thought.

Stranger

The world will know me as, Ximendos.

2 months later……..

Simon sat in his room reading the bible. It was given to him by his parents in hopes that it might save him. It hasn’t. It never will. He’s a senior in high school and six feet tall. His black hair flows to his neck and he’s very thin. The thing about most find either creepy or delightful is the smile always on his face. Simon White is not a normal boy. He has an urge to kill. At times he wondered if it was him or someone else. He always came to the same conclusion. He wanted to see others suffer. He knew that people were suffering at every moment and that’s why he always smiled. Simon closed the book.

Simon

Jesus was a good man. I am not.

It’s not that Simon didn’t need to be saved. No, he could have used it, he thought. The problem is he didn’t want to be saved. The urge, the need, was far more satisfying than anything else he had ever encountered.
Simon

I hate good men.

He set it down on the desk and stood up. His hands and clothes covered in blood. Police sirens could be heard from a distance.

Simon

They’ve come, they’ve came, to take me away.

He laughed. Simon walked out of his room passing his dead father on the floor.

Simon

Why did you go?

At the bottom of the stairs lied his mother dead.

Simon

You left me alone with them.

He stopped in front of the door. His smile almost disappeared. His only thought at that moment was of his sister Amanda. She went missing a week ago. Amanda was the only one who controlled his urges. She was the only one who made him feel safe. Now, he could not help himself from feeding his needs.

Simon

Amanda, where are you?

He opened the doors to a band of police officers pointing guns at him. He walked forward and allowed them to arrest him. Why would he resist? He thought, as they read him his rights. He called them.

Ximendos

Do as I’ve taught you, Amanda.

Amanda nodded. She walked forward raising her hands. As she did the sky roared with sound. All the police officers looked up. Simon wondered if this might be Jesus coming to his rescue. Ximendos smiled..

Amanda

You will not have my brother.

Lighting fell from the sky. The police officers did not know what to do or think. They could not see Amanda so they were terrified. All ten officers dropped dead to the floor.

Amanda

Simon!

She ran towards Simon who was sitting down handcuffed by a burning car.

Simon

Amanda?

She wrapped her arms around his neck.

Amanda

Simon, oh my Simon.

Simon was surprised. He thought his sister was gone for good.

Simon

Where have you been?

Amanda, now in tears spoke.

Amanda

I was away doing business. I am sorry I was gone.

She hugged him harder.

Amanda

I am here now, and that’s all that matters. I will never leave you again.

Simon

I’m glad you’re here. I’ve missed you.

Amanda

Where are mom and dad?

Simon

Inside.

Amanda

I’ll go get them.

Simon grabbed her hand as she stood up to leave.

Simon

No, you can’t.

Amanda looked down at him.

Amanda

You didn’t, did you Simon?

Simon shook his head up and down. She picked him up from the ground.

Amanda

It’s okay. We were leaving anyways.

Simon

Where are we going?

Amanda

With him.

She turned to show Simon to Amron.

Amanda

Simon, this is Ximendos. He is your new step-brother.

Simon did not smile. Who was this man? He took my sister, he thought.

Simon

Hello, I’m Simon.

Ximendos stretched out his arm and gave Simon his hand.

Ximendos

Pleasure, I am Ximendos. Amanda speaks highly of you.

Simon did not respond.

Ximendos

Well. I think it’s time you two leave.

Amanda

And what about you?

Ximendos

I will clean up the place.

Amanda

Fine. Let’s go Simon.

Simon had never traveled by the method Amanda would use, but he was ready. They left.

Ximendos

You may show yourself now.

Orthak began to come out of the ground next to Ximendos.

Ximendos

Were you there the whole time?

Orthak screamed.

Ximendos

I suppose. I know, you never want to be far away from me.

Orthak screamed again.

Ximendos

You have nothing to worry about. Again, she is my wife.

He turned an officer over on his back.

Ximendos

You are me.

Orthak screamed.

Ximendos

I’m glad you understand.

He stood in front of the house.

Ximendos

Their parents are dead. This is most pleasing.

Months ago he had told her Simon could come with them. What she didn’t know was he was going to come with Ximendos whether she asked or not. He wanted them both, he wanted the pair

Ximendos

You may feast now, Orthak.

He turned to walk away as Orthak screamed with pleasure.

Ximendos

And so ends here the bloodline of the Smiths, the line of immortals grows thinner.

2 months later……

Patrick stood on the top of a building. His red hair free in the wind. His brown eyes shining in the sun, he felt alive. Patrick jumped. Patrick fell twenty stories and landed in the alley of the building. His head hit the ground first and cracked in half while his bones smashed down on the ground when he hit. Patrick died.

Ximendos

Well it’s a good thing you don’t really die.

The body began to move.

Simon

He’s like us?

Ximendos, Amanda, and Simon surrounded the body.

Amanda

That’s why we’re here.

Ximendos

Yes, and after we have him we will be on our way.

The body reconstructed itself.

Patrick

Damn, again.

They all looked down at the body.

Patrick

It never works.

He stood up slowly.

Patrick

Who the fuck are you?

Patrick laughed.

Patrick

Hold on, did I really die? Are you guys’ angels?

Ximendos

You can say that.

Simon was standing behind Ximendos out of view.

Amanda

Feeling a bit suicidal, are we?

Patrick

Not even. I was doing that with a purpose.

Amanda

And that purpose would be?

Patrick

See how far I can go.

Ximendos smiled.

Ximendos

You are aware then.

Patrick

That I can’t die? Yes.

He laughed again.

Patrick

A few days ago I got shot in the head. Seconds after I am walking again.

He walked towards them.

Patrick

I’m a fucking god!

He saw Simon. He almost lost his balance. It was his smile and his face that pulled all the air from his lungs.

Patrick

And who might you be?

Simon

Me?

Patrick

Yes, you.

Simon

I’m Simon.

Patrick

I’m Patrick.

He extended his hand. Simon grabbed it.

Patrick

Your hand, it’s so cold.

Simon

Your hand is so warm.

Simon’s smile grew and Patrick laughed.

Patrick

Well it’s nice to meet you. What about you two?

Ximendos

I am Ximendos, and this is Amanda.

Amanda

Hello.

Patrick

Nice to meet you. Next question,

He pointed at them.

Patrick

What the hell do you want?

Ximendos was growing impatient.

Ximendos

I’ve come to ask you for your allegiance. You posses great power and it would be wise if you joined my ranks.

Patrick

That’s great.

He yawned.

Patrick

Well, it was nice meeting you. Oh and you,

Simon looked at him knowing he was speaking to him.

Patrick

Hopefully I’ll see you around.

Simon blushed.

Ximendos

You aren’t going anywhere.

Patrick stopped.

Patrick

And why not?

Ximendos

Either you come with me or you die.

Patrick laughed again.

Patrick

Kill me? I’m immortal.

Ximendos

I am aware of that. What you aren’t aware of is there are ways of getting rid of immortals.

Patrick

Immortals can’t die.

Ximendos

You’re correct for the most part. But they can die. Not in the same way a normal human dies, but they can.

Patrick

How do you know this?

Ximendos

Because I’ve killed one.

He lied. Patrick laughed again.

Patrick

So I join you or you kill me?

Ximendos

That’s your ultimatum.

Patrick looked over at Simon and smiled.

Patrick

I’m in.

Ximendos

Excellent.

Amanda

Let us go. We have three more to go.

Ximendos

By the way Patrick, are your parents home?

Patrick

No, they’re dead.

Ximendos

I see.

Ximendos was happy with this. He crossed his checklist.

Patrick

I call shotgun!

He stood by Simon.

Simon

We’re not driving.

Patrick

Well then how the fuck-

They disappeared.

3 months later……

Vanessa combed her long black hair in front of the mirror. She knows she is beautiful, as she stared at her own green eyes. As an aspiring actress/model and this year’s prom queen, life is just perfect, she thought.

Her Dad

Honey, we’re leaving now.

Vanessa

Okay dad! See you when you get home.

She smiled. She loved her parents.

Ximendos

Orthak, it is time.

As Vanessa’s parents’ car drove down the street Orthak ran for it. The car collided into a poll and exploded.

Ximendos

Two more and we are done.

Orthak appeared next to him.

Ximendos

Very nice, now leave.

Orthak disappeared. Vanessa came running outside.

Vanessa

No!

She ran towards the car but Ximendos grabbed her.

Ximendos

There is nothing you can do.

She struggled for a second but then stopped in his arms.

Vanessa

Please, help them.

Ximendos rubbed her head.

Ximendos

It’s too late for them.

She cried.

Ximendos

We must go.

Vanessa

Where are you taking me?

Ximendos

Away from here.

Vanessa passed out in his arms.

1 month later……

Danny had just received the news that his parents died in a mysterious car accident. He sat in his room alone. He has long brown hair and green eyes. His parents, who he was like best friends with, are now dead. He has no one else.

Danny

Fuck this.

Danny found his dad’s gun. Danny always heard stories about kids using their own parent’s guns to kill themselves, but he never thought he’d be one of them.

Danny

Fuck it.

Danny put the gun barrel in his mouth and pulled the trigger. As he did the door opened. Patrick, Simon, and Vanessa walked in.

Patrick

We’re too late.

Vanessa

As if that matters.

They laughed. Simon didn’t.

Simon

We don’t have all day. Is he going to reconstruct himself or what?

Patrick

Give it time, Simon.

Simon threw a smile at Patrick. Danny’s head came back together.

Vanessa

There ya go.

Danny grabbed at his head.

Danny

Why am I still alive?

Patrick

Well we can answer that.

Danny quickly pushed himself up and got against the wall.

Danny

Who the hell are you?

He demanded.

Simon

I am Simon, this is Patrick,

Patrick waved.

Simon

And this is Vanessa.

Vanessa smiled.

Danny

I don’t care about your names! Who are you?

Patrick

Calm down, and we’ll tell you.

Danny

Calm? I just shot myself and now I’m alive again with three random people in the room!

Patrick put his hand on his face.

Patrick
You’re getting annoying. Either you shut the fuck up and let me talk or I’ll smash your fucking head in.

Danny stopped talking.

Vanessa

That is much better.

Patrick

We’re three agents of the Shadow Regime. We’re here to ask you for your allegiance.

Danny

My allegiance in what?

Simon

I’ll wait outside.

Simon walked out.

Patrick

Don’t mind him; he doesn’t like hearing people talk.

Vanessa

You’re an immortal and we need you in our team.

Danny

I don’t want to be apart of any team!

He walked towards the door.

Danny

You can all just get the hell out of my house.

Patrick’s arm blocked Danny’s way.

Patrick

Not so fast, dead boy.

Patrick’s smile was gone.

Patrick

Either you come with us or we have to call in the big gun.

Danny

Who is the big gun?

Patrick
Our boss.

Danny

What will he do if he comes?

Patrick

Kill you.

Danny

But I thought you said I’m an immortal!

Vanessa

The boss has his ways.

Danny

So if I come with you guys, I’ll be okay?

Vanessa

Yes. You’ll also be trained in order to harness whatever powers you posses.

Danny thought for almost a minute.

Danny

Fine. I’ll join you guys. I don’t really have a choice.

Patrick

Good! Excellent choice, my friend.

Danny

So how do we get out of here? Where is your car?

Vanessa giggled.

Patrick

That’s close to what I said my first time.

They disappeared.

1 month later….

Patrick

And his name is?

Vanessa

Tom Scawley.

Simon

What a hideous name.

Vanessa

Oh well. I just wish we didn’t have to pick him up in a funeral home.

Patrick

Scared or something?

Vanessa

Not at all. Just a little sad.

Patrick

What the hell, why?

Vanessa

Because we’ll never die.

Patrick

Not unless we face Ximendos.

Simon

Which we never will.

They all agreed. They opened the last door in the hallway. It is a big white room with little white doors all long the walls.

Patrick

You hear that?

They listened. They could hear banging.

Vanessa

That must be him.

They opened the small door it was coming from. The banging got louder right when it opened.

Tom

Help! Help!

They pulled the coffin out.

Tom

Let me out of here! I’m not dead.

Patrick

You were!

Tom stopped talking.

Patrick

He must be shocked.

Patrick dropped the coffin on the ground.

Tom

Ouch!

Patrick laughed and Simon smiled his way.

Vanessa

Should we open it?

Simon

No, I’m bored and annoyed. Let’s go.

They disappeared with the coffin.

January 1900

They all stood in front of Ximendos, down a small set of stairs.

Ximendos

We’re complete. I must say I am very pleased.

Ximendos opened his arm and raised them.

Ximendos

You are my warriors!

They stood their in silence.

Ximendos

Now before anything happens, I must give you new names.

Amanda spoke first.

Amanda

New names? For what?

Ximendos sat down in the giant throne behind him.

Ximendos

Well, Amanda is not really a warrior name.

They all agreed.

Ximendos

Amanda, please step forward.

Amanda walked up the ten stairs.

Ximendos

You will no longer be Amanda White. Your new name is Akasha.

She smiled.
Ximendos

And so, Akasha is born.

She walked back down.

Ximendos

Simon, you’re next.

He walked up.

Ximendos

You are getting a name that suits who you are the most. You, my brother-in-law, are now Syn.

Syn’s smile was never this dark. He then stepped down.

Ximendos

Patrick, you’re next.

Patrick

That’s me, guys!

He ran up the steps, almost tripped, and then straightened up.

Patrick

Let me have it, master.

Ximendos

You’re name was a tad bit difficult to create.

Patrick smiled.

Ximendos

You’re quite the character and you are one who follows a path to its end.

Patrick got down on one knee.

Ximendos

You are now, Pathion

Pathion

I like, I really like.

He stepped down and Vanessa took his place.

Vanessa

I am yours, my master.

Ximendos

You are now, the beautiful Vesper.

Vesper

Yes, your majesty.

She stepped down and Danny took her place.

Ximendos

Are you ready for your name?

Danny

Always, my lord.

Ximendos

You are now Darby.

Darby

Excellent.

He walked down with the others. Tom walked up.

Tom

I am ready.

Ximendos

Tom, you are now Tusa.

Tusa

I am grateful, your honor.

He took his place with the rest.

Ximendos

Akasha, please take my side.

Akasha walked to the top and sat on the arm rest.

Ximendos

Akasha is my right hand. You work under her after I do. You five represent my left hand. My Syn clan.

They all looked confused.

Ximendos

Yes, Syn is your leader. He is the most powerful out of you all.

Pathion

Hey wait! Why can’t I be leader?

Syn

You could if you’d like.

Pathion laughed.

Pathion

No, I am just kidding. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Syn smiled.

Ximendos

Well then. Now that it’s settled. I’d like you to meet one more person in our team.

Akasha

Another person?

Ximendos

Yes, he has been apart of my force since the beginning.

Akasha wasn’t happy with this. From the dark appeared Orthak.

Ximendos

This is Orthak.

He screamed. They all looked upon him in horror.

Vesper

What is he?

Ximendos

I do not know what to call him other than Orthak.

Pathion

We can call him darkness!

Syn

Orthak suits it well.

Darby

Is it powerful?

Ximendos

You have no idea. Orthak is a monster. He is my greatest weapon.

Pathion

I thought we were!

Ximendos

You’re my left hand, Akasha my right, he is my chest.

Syn

That is fine with us.

Vesper

I see no reason for distress.

Ximendos

Good. You may all go and rest now. I have business to attend to on my own in another world.

Ximendos stood up and left the room with Orthak. Akasha left through the other door.

Vesper

Orthak’s presence offends her.

Syn

That it does.

Pathion

Oh well, that’s not our problem.

Pathion turned to Syn.

Pathion

Let’s go get some air.

They left the room.

Vesper

Would you two like to go have some lunch?

Darby

I can’t think of anything better.

Tusa

Of course!

Syn and Pathion stood on the balcony watching the sun go down.

Syn

It is beautiful.

Pathion

I can’t argue with that.

Syn

Is that so? Or is it because you do not wish to argue with me?

Pathion

It could be both. What does it matter?

Syn

It doesn’t. I was simply curious.

Pathion

Curiosity killed the cat.

Syn

You won’t be killing me.

Pathion

I know.

Pathion set his hand on top of Syn’s.

Pathion

You know, when I first saw you I didn’t think you really existed. I thought for sure you were just a figment of my imagination.

Syn

Charmed. What was it that caught you?

Pathion

Your smile and your face, and now the amazing personality that you have.

Syn

I must say when I first heard you laugh, you had me. My sister used to be all that mattered to me.

Pathion

And?

Syn

Now I have you.

Pathion smiled, he forgot to laugh. Syn laughed.

Syn

What are you looking at?

Pathion

The sun shining on your face as it sets.

Syn

You’re most kind.

Pathion

You’re beautiful.

Syn

As are you.

The sun was now gone.

Pathion

Would it be too early to say I love you?

Syn

It’s never too early.

Pathion

I love you, Simon.

Syn

I love you too, my young Patrick.

14 years later……

Tusa was the first to fall. Darby fell in battle. Vesper fell next. Pathion fell laughing. Syn picked his body up from the ground.

Syn

Amanda!

Akasha turned while fighting Amya to see her brother carrying Pathion.

Amya

You’re not going anywhere.

Her hands were tied. The Syn clan failed. Although they took out a handful of members of the White Coats, they had fallen. Hayden, Merdos, Masato, and Dynobin approached Syn now that they had defeated the rest.

Syn

Patrick, I am sorry.

He placed Pathion down and turned to fight. His opponents are Hayden, Merdos, Masato, Dynobin, and Grey Kasper.

Syn

Die!

He attacked with hate and love. Dynobin died before they were able to defeat him.

Syn

Amanda, please!

Akasha moved forward to save her little brother but Amya jumped in the way.

Akasha

Move!

With all she could muster she blasted Amya out of the way. She now was free to save him.

Ximendos

No!

Ximendos broke free from fighting Amros and grabbed her arm.

Ximendos

If you go you will die!

Akasha

He is my brother!

Ximendos

Let’s go! To higher ground we must go.

Akasha

I can’t leave him.

Ximendos pulled her away.

Ximendos

He’s dead already.

Syn

Amanda?

Syn watched his sister turn away before Hayden’s foot smashed his head. Ximendos and Akasha ran back.

Ximendos

You must go!

Akasha

I can’t leave you too!

Ximendos

You must and you will!

He used some of the little energy he had left to send her away and keep her there. Hayden and everyone stood back while Amros and Amya approached Ximendos.

Amros

It’s over, Amron.

Ximendos raised his hand to attack but was pushed back by Amros.

Amros

You never give up.

Ximendos sat up and spat blood on the ground.

Ximendos

Neither did mother. Or have you forgotten her sacrifice?

Amya

That won’t work on us.

Amros

You are finished. Your people have fallen and you are defeated.

Ximendos

Is that so?

He stood up.

Ximendos

I have enough energy to destroy this entire planet.

They all sensed his power grow to almost his normal level. They knew they were just about as done as he is.

Amros

Stop, this doesn’t need to happen.

Ximendos

Oh but it does!

Amya

Think about mother!

Ximendos

Shut up!

Amya

She isn’t only in your heart.

Ximendos felt water in his eyes.

Hayden

Think about Akasha and your future together.

Ximendos turned to Hayden.

Ximendos

How dare you! How dare you all!

Amros

Amron, it’s over. We’re offering you a truce.

Ximendos

I want a treaty!

Hayden

And you will have one. We just have to know you’re serious.

Ximendos

I could destroy this entire planet.

Amros

And what would that accomplish? We’d all be dead. You can’t rule if you’re dead.

Ximendos knew this was true. He thought about his mother, he thought about Akasha, and he thought about the three faces in front of him that he’s always known. He thought about his future and his trek into the unknown. For a second he thought he could hear his mother and then he saw her in their faces. Amros, Amya, and Amron, they are one, he thought. It was over and done.

Days later…….

Syn woke up to Pathion’s voice.

Syn

Patrick, is that really you?

Although he couldn’t see him, he felt his presence on the other side of the white wall.

Pathion

Yes, it’s me.

Syn

We’re alive.

Pathion

Yes, but we’ve all been captured.

Syn thought about their situation.

Syn

I was ready to die with you.

Pathion

I know.

Syn

We’ll get out of here. One day.

Pathion

I know, I know, I know, Syn.

Syn smiled and for a second Pathion thought he could see it.

Syn

We have each other.

Pathion laughed and for a moment Syn could hear it.