Suri, Conor, and Emmylou ran through the dark tunnel.
Emmylou
Just a little further, we’ll be out soon.
Conor
Where exactly is this leading us?
Emmylou
I don’t know exactly. Somewhere in
Suri
So once we get out we’re heading for
Conor
That’s a long run, don’t you think?
Emmylou
We can find a car.
Conor
You mean steal one?
Suri
Yes. That will make things easy.
Conor
So we’re going to be thieves. Just great.
They laughed.
Conor
Suri, do you think you should be a little careful with people seeing you?
Suri
What do you mean?
Conor
Well, what if the Empire has a warrant out for your arrest?
Emmylou
Or to kill you.
Conor
That too.
Suri found it easy to run and breathe unlike Conor and Emmylou who seemed to be getting tired.
Suri
Well I guess we’ll just have to be careful.
Emmylou
We can take shortcuts and small roads.
Conor
Let’s hope it’s that easy.
Emmylou
The door!
They approached the end of the black tunnel.
Conor
You’d think it would have an exit sign.
Emmylou
I don’t think they ever thought they’d really need to leave.
They pushed the door open together. It was all deserts blue from the moon’s light.
Emmylou
We have to keep going.
They began to run straight.
Emmylou
We might be going the wrong direction, but it’s a start.
Conor felt uneasy.
Suri
Well, let’s go!
Behind them a dark figure ran trying their best to stay out of sight.
Grey Kasper just finished giving his plan to everyone.
Amros
I think it sounds foolproof.
Hayden
A fine plan indeed. As long as you humans can hold off the Gears for long enough.
Roselyn
There is however a problem.
They all turned towards Roselyn.
Roselyn
Ximendos will most likely be planning something. There is no way that after losing Nicholas and Arkain he will be happy.
Hayden
This is true. Ximendos might be on the offense as we speak.
Grey
So than we wait a week before we set out. That should give us enough time to see if he has anything in stored for us.
Anna
He also has no idea where we are hidden.
Nicholas
Thankfully. I really do think this might work.
Anna
So it is settled, we attack in a week’s time.
Amros
We will be ready at any moment.
Anna
Good. I imagine we’re going to need all we have.
Grey
We have a thousand Gears’ to spare.
Roselyn
Against their unlimited amount is suicide.
Grey
Suicide is all we have left, my love.
Anna
May God help us all.
Amros and Hayden looked at each other and then left the room.
Nicholas
I think I will go and get some rest now.
Anna
I think that is a fine idea. We’ll handle all there is to do while you’re gone.
Nicholas left the room. Grey and Roselyn followed. Anna sat down at the desk and put her hands together for prayer.
Anna
Dear God, my father.
She closed her eyes.
Anna
Please, please help us see this through. I ask for your guidance and your love.
She has a tear running down her face.
Anna
In the name of the father,
Ximendos turned in his bed with a smile.
Anna
The son,
Cameron stood above Arkain.
Anna
The Holy Spirit,
Fallen’s dead body’s mouth began to expand until a Fox’s nose began to emerge from it.
Anna
Amen.
Amya sat at her bed looking at a picture of a young Roselyn. She set the picture down on the counter facing down.
Anna
Let us hope it all works out.
Iris watched Gemma fall apart on the floor with disgust.
Merdos and Masato in tiger form entered the doors of the White Cell. They transformed back into their normal forms.
Merdos
Fallen!
They both ran up to a dead Fallen on the floor.
Masato
We’re too late. The cell doors are open.
Merdos and Masato looked in horror at the empty cells.
Masato
This is not good.
Merdos
Tell me about it.
Merdos transformed into his tiger form.
Masato
We must get back to Amros, quickly.
He picked up Fallen’s body with his mouth and they were off.
Iris
What did you say to her?
Ilias turned to find Iris at his door frame.
Ilias
I beg your pardon?
Iris
You know what I speak of.
Ilias
Were you able to hear our thoughts?
Iris
No, you put up the barrier.
Ilias
Well then, there you have it.
Iris
Brother, are you hiding something from me?
Ilias sat at his desk and faced her.
Ilias
No, it was just a conversation I’d like to keep private. Not because I have something to hide, but just because you don’t have to be in my business all the time.
Iris
She is not one of us. That girl is a monster.
Ilias
And so are we. If that’s the case, she’s just like us.
Iris
You’re making a mistake brother. I care for you deeply but you’re going to put yourself in a coffin.
Ilias
I highly doubt that. Gemma is no threat to us.
Iris
So you think.
Ilias
So I know. Ease your mind sister; you have nothing to worry about.
Iris
Your death is something to worry about.
Ilias yawned.
Ilias
I will not be dying, so calm yourself.
Iris walked forward but Ilias lifted his hand.
Ilias
I’ve grown tired of this conversation. Please, let us have it tomorrow with the sun as our witness.
Iris
Fine, we will discuss this tomorrow.
Ilias
Indeed we will.
Iris began to shut the door.
Iris
Brother, I love you.
Ilias
Go to sleep, Iris.
The door shut.
Amya was shutting her door when she saw Iris passing by.
Amya
Are you okay, Iris?
Iris
Yes.
Amya
I see.
Iris
You are worried about someone you love.
Amya was caught off guard.
Amya
How do you know this?
Iris
Your thoughts deceive you.
Amya
I let your powers slip my mind. I am going to bed.
Iris
Do not let your emotions cloud your mind. Sometimes what our heart tells us to do, is not what we ought to do.
Amya
Indeed. I will be fine. Goodnight, young one.
Iris walked into the darkness of the hallway.
Gemma ran into someone walking through the hallway.
Iris
I suppose this was both our faults.
Gemma
I’m so sorry.
Iris
No worries just get to your room.
Gemma
(I want to thank her.)
Iris
Is there something you’d like to tell me?
Gemma forgot Iris read minds in her sudden run into her.
Gemma
Um, I just wanted to say, thank you.
Iris had not been surprised by people for most of her life. These words were unfamiliar to her.
Iris
Thank me? For what?
Gemma
For telling Ilias what was going on in my head. If it wasn’t for you, he would have never helped me.
Iris did not know what to say.
Gemma
I hope soon you and I could be friends.
Again Iris was caught off guard.
Iris
Friends?
Gemma
Yes.
For all of her life all Iris ever had was her brother.
Iris
I don’t need a friend. Get to bed.
Gemma began to walk towards her room.
Iris
If you take my brother from me, you will die.
Gemma was afraid.
Gemma
I don’t plan on doing such a thing.
Iris
It’s a warning, nothing more.
They both walked towards their rooms in the dark. Gemma thought about Arkain.
Suri
Is that a freeway?
Emmylou
Yes, I think so.
Conor
So should we just lie on the road until a car passes by?
Suri
That’s a great idea!
Conor surprised.
Conor
I was just kidding!
They lied on the ground until a car passed by and stopped in front of them. A man got off the car.
Man
What are you kids doing in the middle of the highway?
Emmylou
Our car broke down a mile away and we need a lift.
Man
You look a little young to be driving.
Emmylou
Thank you sir, I appreciate the flattering. We’re all just about 20 years old.
Man
I see. Come closer so I can get a good look at ya.
They all walked forward.
Man
Hey girl, you look familiar.
Suri
Me?
Man
Yeah, you. I think I’ve seen your face before.
He looked at her deeply in the little light his car gave them.
Man
Oh well!
He threw his arms up and decided they should just go. Conor walked towards the front seat and Emmylou walked to his side. Suri followed the man.
Man
I’m sure I’ll remember on our drive.
Suri’s hand connected with the back of his neck.
Conor
What the hell!
Conor and Emmylou ran to where the man had just fallen.
Suri
I couldn’t have him remembering where he seen my face.
Emmylou
Good thinking.
Suri
I’ll throw him on the side of the road.
Suri picked the man up with ease and Conor and Emmylou stood by the car.
Conor
I wish I could knock a man out in one little hit.
Emmylou
You have a gun.
Conor
True. But that will kill him!
Emmylou
Shoot him in the kneecap!
Conor
Good idea.
They both smiled. Suddenly their smile was broken by the scream of a boy. They turned Suri’s way.
Suri
Emmylou, you’re going to want to see this.
They approached Suri and next to the knocked out man they saw a little boy.
Emmylou
Fuck my life.
Cameron
There are many reasons why people lie. The basic reasoning is to conceal things or manipulate others. If you don’t want others to realize who you really are, you lie. If you want others to do your dirty work, you lie. It’s the way things work.
Arkain didn’t move. He just looked up at Cameron.
Cameron
You are a threat to the Solace Empire. Because of that you’re also quite the weapon. It’s no wonder the White Coats concealed the truth to manipulate you. Arkain, you must join my New Order. You cannot work for the White Coats when they wouldn’t even tell you the truth about your mother.
Arkain
What is the truth? Why would they try and hide it from me?
Cameron
They clearly thought you could not handle it.
Arkain
Who are they to decide what I can handle? I’m not a little kid!
Cameron
I am aware of this. Perhaps they just thought it would lead you to recklessness.
Arkain
They don’t know shit! They should have given me the truth.
Cameron
People don’t think the truth is always the right thing to give.
Arkain
It doesn’t matter. Honesty should always be the answer.
Cameron
I agree. It may not be what one wants to hear, but why should that matter?
Arkain
They should have told me. I could have handled it. I would have trusted them.
His hands curled into fists.
Arkain
I did trust them.
Cameron
Arkain, are you ready?
Arkain
Yes, I just want to know. I want to know who killed my mother already.
Cameron walked towards the ocean. He took off his shoes and the water touched his feet.
Cameron
It’s ice cold.
Arkain
I don’t care.
Cameron
I’m afraid your heart will be after I tell you.
Arkain
I don’t care!
Above where Cameron and Arkain were appeared five cloaked figures.
Cameron
Your mother was murdered by,
He took a breath.
Cameron
Gemma.
Whattt? I don't get to see his reaction. .<
ReplyDeleteHe annoys me.
My comment got partially deleted :(
ReplyDeleteWhattt? I don't get to see his reaction.
I love the thing you did with the prayer.
That was cool.
I'm kinda pissed I don't get to see his reactions. Grrr.
I hate Conor. >.<
He annoys me.
The convo between Gemma and Iris that intrigued me a bit. I'm wondering what was going through Iris' head was it a good shock or not?idk.
HOLY SHIT =O, best finish to a chapter so far, the end just took my breath away. i knew it was coming yet it still shocked the crap outta me, im loving this story more and more every damn chapter. keep up the fantastic work dude =)
ReplyDeleteSeriously the relationship that Gemma and Ilias have may not be going on for very long if Iris has anything to do with it.
ReplyDeleteCameron has finally told Arkain the truth and we are left thinking of his reaction. I feel that he might be shattered for some reason because I think that he has feelings for Gemma, the same way I think she has feelings for him.
The adventure of the three, Suri, Connor and Emmylou is making me think about what they might experience. Already they had to take care of a guy that recognized Suri. What else is to come!?
This chapter so far, has left me wondering Arkains reaction, which I CANNOT wait to read.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously man?! I now have to think of many possible reactions Arkain would have. He could be completely shook up, so he'll be in denial about it. He could be so upset that his emotion would take over every single one of his actions. He trusted Gemma, she was special to him like Arkain was/is special to Gemma. And before all these events happened to Arkain, Gemma was already in his life. So it's like one of his beliefs just got blurred. Or disappeared. AH. The prayer part was SO DAMN creative. props. :) Fallen's fallen?! WHATTT. Well i guess that is why you put him as the holy spirit then. Gee, the trio's rescue mission has started! I'm excited and Connor's amusing and... irritating(?) I'm guessing Emmylou's brother has joined them? Or not... Iris, Ilias, and Gemma. Interesting. I understand why Iris is so bothered by Gemma and Ilias' peculiar relationship. Because as it said, her brother was the only thing she had. In this world, it was always just Iris and Ilias on the same team. Then suddenly Gemma comes on, this girl who sees as a monster? I also could totally relate to what Iris told Amya. I liked that a lot, that hit a spot. in other words. HOLY F*CK ARKAIN FINALLS FREAKING KNOWS.! :P
I'm still in shock. I don't know what to say! DAMN YOU. xD
ReplyDeletethis chapter is like the season finale lol.
ReplyDeleteatleast thats how I see it as.
Plans are in motion, the next big steps are about to be taken, and sides will be formed. new sides.
cameron is telling the truth. but the truth itself can also be as powerful as a lie, depending what its being used for.
cameron, gemma, arkain are my 3 favorites in this story.
someone needs to get a love triangle going on, that outta fuck things up!!
Fin.
First off, kudos on the prayer scene! It was for lack of a better word, EPIC. Every line had a symbolic link with what was going on in each scene, and as the reader, you can imagine that playing out on the big screen. I'm really intrigued by Arkain and Cameron's relationship! It's reminescent of a little thing called Star Wars..maybe you know it? Cameron is playing the role of the manipulative Sith Lord to Arkain's Anakin. Of course, he is telling him the truth, but for the sole purpose of using him for his own purposes, whatever those may be.
ReplyDeleteI find the relationship between Ilias and Iris really sweet, Anyone who has grown up so close to their siblings can relate to those protective feelings, the need to question a situation involving their loved one. It is truthfully both a blessing and a burden, but strangely comforting the sense that you know he/she is doing it out of love. I couldn't help but think of the two biggest meddling dweebs in my life. :)
And gasp! I've been waiting for this revelation for Arkain! I cannot wait to see what he does with it, and which side he will choose to do it with.
HOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO US. You're not going to let us see what Arkains reaction is. That is wrong wrong wrong. I cannot wait to see what happens. I like reading what other people have to say too because I agree with some people. This does remind me of kind of like a season finale. You're killing me here haha. Based on all the stuff you post on facebook and stuff you've told me I can really see you through this book. You kind of implement your life through this book and add other things along the way. Great job and I cannot wait to see what happens>
ReplyDeletei dont like suri that much anymore. she kinda bugs me.
ReplyDeletei hope arkain doesnt hate gemma too much
"Do not let your emotions cloud your mind. Sometimes what our heart tells us to do, is not what we ought to do."
ReplyDeletei agree with that line so much. and iris is a bit protective of ilias.
and i love how you end this chapter with a bit of suspense. i can't wait to see arkain's reaction.
I liked that thing where Anna was praying and there were flashes of what was happening with everyone else. I think Cameron might have just set Arkain off...can't wait to see what he'll do with his mind at "ease" about knowing who killed his mother...
ReplyDeletefinally he told her :) i wanna see the spiral that will consume arkain now. haha im excited
ReplyDeleteI truly am dying to know what arkain's reaction will be
ReplyDeleteand i want to see how cameron is going to play him
i just think this is too much
also...has fallen rebirth himself?
thats just freaky
they are gonna think he is outta the game..cuz they found his dead body
fallen is too slick i must say
too slick
ilias and gemma? whats up with that...there seems to be something to ilias towards her but im not sure
im hoping u will define it a bit more in the future...
now iris definitely seems to be very possessive of her brother but who can blame her when that is all she has ever had
gosh i cant wait to see what will go down
now my whole thing is that i love the interweaving of the characters
here we have the main plot of the story u kno...the world is in chaos
but i love how u weave these side issues or lil conflicts
its a very well shaped story
onward to 41 :)
the scene were Anna is praying was written amazingly! and fallen isn't dead (= haha yay i ca't wait to see where he went.
ReplyDeletei feel so sad for Amya, having to be enemies with her own daughter, brother and hayden who is like her dad.
so excited to see arkain's reaction to gemma killing his mom now that he finally knows!
my favorite favorite FAVORITE part of this chapter was the prayer. damn you sky; walker that was soo creative! and EYE OPENING! I really enjoyed this chapter a lot more than what I have said in the previous chapters. just when i suspect the story is at it's peak moment, you bring in new suprises! yay!!
ReplyDeletebut wait i am confused, didnt gemma tell arkain she killed his mother?? or maybe he didnt hear her cause of the force field thing?
I hate Cameron's character now -_-
ReplyDeleteArkain probably missed that too, due to the 5 cloaked figures. Damnit =(
I hate and love Cameron.. He's smart and yet mean at the same time. Amazing combination. The whole time I'm picturing this damned thing as a comic or an anime series and it's amazing!
ReplyDeleteCameron is manipulative. It's inevitable that he will become the main antagonist to the series. Excuse me for the comparison, but I see his relationship with Arkain heading to a direction of a Naruto-Sasuke bond, with the latter ultimately going insane.
ReplyDeleteRandom thought, but I noticed that Ximendos is very much like Naraku from inuyasha, with the whole bodily manifestations thing and his personality. Sorry I am making so many anime comparisons :p it's inevitable though, as you draw references from a variety of sources, from philosophy to anime
Noooooo, I thought this chapter would have Arkain's reaction! I guess I'll have to read the next one tonight too. :P I do think that Suri was a bit too hard on the human that she passed, I mean...they are being threatened/brain washed... but then again, I know that it's what must be done. I thought it was GREAT when Anna was praying and then you gave those scenes in which Ximendos and Cameron popped up. I think I read that little part three times, just because I loved it so much. I also think that what's happening between Gemma and Ilias is great! And I hope to see soon what happens between Gemma and Iris!
ReplyDeleteI wonder who is following them!!!!!!
ReplyDelete"please let us have it tomorrow with the sun as our witness" I love when you word things like this! <3
Maybe Gemma will just turn everyone good!!! Iris is soo guarded I understand tho...
I knew Emmylous bro was following!
You had to stop the chapter there didn't you!! Ahhhhh! Lol darn you!
Love that Suri, Emmylou and Conor disposed of the guy that recognized Suri, I love it becase they disposed of him but because it allows me to wonder about the lengths they will go to in order to not be discovered and ruin everything.
ReplyDeleteCameron has now come clean to Arkain. And we are not allowed to know what his reaction and thoughts are? Obviously they are coming just curious when and what will they be?!
Gemma and her relationship is something that probably does not sit well with Arkain and maybe if it ends with Ilias, Akain might give it a go with her? Who knows, so many questions!
Oh my, the prayer part gave me chills, i loved it!! Ilias and gemma, didnt see that one coming! i cant wait to see that develop more. Although if gemmas monster is silenced, will she still harm anyone, home long can her monster be silenced before he is uncontrollable.
ReplyDeleteDid emmylous brother follow them?! i know realize though that they will go to any lenghts not to be recognized, im intrested in what their journey will entail.
Finally Arkain knows but what will he do now he knows? i need his reaction! who are the hooded figures...each chapter just keeps me wanting more!