Chapter Forty-Five: Forever is Forever Unknown

Cameron and Arkain appeared in front of a house on a small and upscale street.
Cameron
Where are we?
Arkain
The place I used to call home.
Arkain walked onto the lawn.
Arkain
Come on, let’s go inside.
Cameron
Arkain, I don’t think this is a safe place to be.
Arkain
Relax, it’ll be alright.
Cameron and Arkain walked inside.


Gemma
Ilias, I don’t know what to say.
Ilias
Well, most of the time it’s either no or yes.
Gemma fell back onto the bed.
Gemma
This is all too much.
Ilias
Gemma, I’m sorry about this being so sudden, but I’m fairly new to this.
He stood up.
Ilias
I’ve grown up with only my sister and parents. I’ve only had movies and books to tell me what love is. And they’ve had it all wrong.
He sat next to her.
Ilias
Love is a feeling. Love is wanting to be next to that person all the time. Love is when you can’t stop thinking about them. If they’re okay, if they’re happy, if they’re hurt. Love is knowing that for the rest of your life you’d be okay with just being with them. Through the good times, and the worst times. As long as it’s with you, it’s love.
Gemma rested her head on his shoulder.
Gemma
You are the most beautiful man I’ve ever met.
Ilias
I would say likewise, but you are far from a man.
He rested his head on her head.
Ilias
So, what is your answer?

Arkain walked into the kitchen while Cameron stood by the front door.
Cameron
Nice house. It seems really comfortable.
Arkain
Thanks. It is. My mom was always talking about how she wanted her house to seem like a place everyone can live.
Cameron walked towards the stairs.
Cameron
You’ve lived her most of your life?
Arkain
Yeah, I have. I really like it. The view from my room was always worth it. I could see the stars.
Cameron
You can do that outside, you know?
Arkain walked back into the hallway.
Arkain
I know that. Anyways, have I ever told you about the stars?
Cameron
There are a lot of things you haven’t told me about.
Arkain laughed.
Arkain
That’s true. Well, we didn’t exactly start off on the right foot.
Cameron
You can say that again.
Arkain walked into the living room.
Arkain
Well, ever since I can remember I’ve always felt something in the sky.
Cameron
Like a pulse?
Arkain stopped moving pillows on the couch in surprise by Cameron’s answer.
Cameron
Like a few hearts up there in the sky, moving up and down. Sort at the speed of your own heart, when you lay your hand on your chest.
He said while looking at a family photo of Arkain, his mother, and his step-father.
Arkain
How did you know that?
Cameron popped his head in to look at Arkain.
Cameron
Experience.
And then it went back to view the picture.
Arkain
That’s exactly how I feel.
He heard footsteps and then Cameron was at the entrance to the living room.
Arkain
You feel it too?
Cameron
Yes, and I thought I was the only one. I used to tell my mother but she always said she’d take me to the doctor to get the voices removed.
He let out a small laugh.
Cameron
As if voices were my problem. I just learned to push them out of my mind. I remember once, my brother told me he felt the same thing. I laughed; he was so much like me.
He held his wrist.
Cameron
I told him it was all the people in heaven watching down on us. He didn’t believe me. He figured it had to of been something important.
Arkain
What do you think it is, now?
Cameron
I have no idea. Have you put much thought into it?
Arkain
Not really. I just thought they were stars.
Arkain walked towards Cameron.
Arkain
You know, I used to think you were a monster. Someone who just wanted to kill everyone he laid his eyes on. Now that I kind of know you, I don’t think that.
He smiled.
Arkain
You’re a lot like me.
Cameron laughed.
Cameron
We might even be twins.
They both laughed. They now stood at the bottom of the stairs.
Cameron
Are you sure you want to go up there?
Arkain began to walk.
Arkain
One last time.
Cameron followed him up.
Arkain
I’m going into my mom’s room; you can take a look at my room while I’m in there.
Cameron walked into Arkain’s room as Arkain entered his mother’s.
Cameron
Your room is so clean.
Arkain
That’s my mom’s doing. I clean it and then she makes sure it’s clean in her eyes.
Cameron was sad for Arkain. He had to leave this life behind and it wasn’t by choice. His room was so ordinary, so pleasant. Did Arkain prefer this life? Did he want an ordinary life?
Arkain
I’ll be just a minute.
Arkain went through his mom’s drawers and closet. He wanted to take so many things but he decided against it. Instead he only took a thin comb of hers and a necklace she always said was her favorite and could only be worn on special occasions. He then found something else he thought he’d keep. His mother always loved her job at school. It was her dream job, being the photography teacher. Arkain found her camera.

Suri sat up. The clock says 6pm. It’s going to start getting dark soon.
Suri
We’ve been sleeping for hours.
She looked over at everyone else.
Suri
It’s well deserved.
She lied back down and fell asleep.

Akasha
Roselyn is your daughter, is she not?
Amya
I thought you said you’d be silent.
Akasha
Answer the question.
Amya
Yes, she is. Please, do not tell my brother.
Akasha
Your secret is safe with me. You’ve proven your loyalty. We have no reason to carry something over your head.
Amya
Thank you.
Akasha turned and looked at Amya.
Akasha
I wonder though, why is it you hate me so much?
Amya
I wouldn’t say hate. I’m just not a fan of yours.
Akasha
Dear me, I didn’t know I had a fan club. My apologies. Why are you not enrolled in my fan club?
Amya didn’t look at Akasha when she spoke.
Amya
You make my brother happy. Something I have never been able to do. Since our mother died, I always wanted to be there for my brothers. Take up the role my mother left. It didn’t work out as I hoped it would. Amron was consumed by his hate for humans and the loss of our mother. Amros didn’t want to talk about it. I didn’t know what to do. I felt them slipping away. What can one do?
She pulled her hair back.
Amya
I couldn’t change them. Couldn't fix Amron’s broken heart or make Amros’ heart a little more open. No, they were sealed in their ways. I’d often find myself crying in my bed. Not because I was weak, no I’m far from that. But because I was losing my brothers. Do you know what it’s like to lose a sibling?
Akasha
The worst possible thing I could think of.
Amya
It was like losing my mother all over again. I couldn’t bear it. I decided I’d surround myself with humans. Take the pain away. It worked, for the most part.
She put her hands on her lap.
Amya
It wasn’t until Amron turned his back on me. To be honest, maybe it was me who turned my back. I don’t know for sure. Maybe I could have been there for him. More than I was.
Akasha
I don’t think anyone could of. Amron doesn’t allow anyone to touch that hole in him. Not even me.
Amya
You’re right, sadly. I just wish there was some way to fix all of this. To fix him.
Akasha put her hand on Amya’s.
Akasha
Don’t bear it all on your own.
Amya
I can’t help it. I’ve lost my mother, my brothers, and now my own daughter.
Akasha
Lost them? I wouldn’t use that word. You didn’t really lose something if just a day ago it was up in your face trying to kill you.
Akasha laughed.
Akasha
You’re all just not on the same page. You never know what can happen, what might change. You’re all different books being written by each other. Give it time Amya, you never know when you just might be written in.
Akasha smiled and stood up.
Akasha
Decide what’s more important. What you lost or what you can gain.
Akasha left Amya alone on the palace wall.

While Merdos and Masato ran across the land to find Suri and friends, Hayden and Amros sat down thinking about what is to come.
Hayden
I’ve given Merdos and Masato a barrier. When they find them they will release it.
Amros
Good to see you’re taking all precautions.
Hayden crossed his legs.
Hayden
We should be. Your brother is brilliant.
Amros
If you must compliment him, I suppose.
Hayden
Amros, will you be ready to kill him?
Amros
Of course. I wasn’t quite ready the last time, but this time is different. Amron has lived on this planet for far too long.
Hayden
I see. Let us hope you can do it. If not, I will have to do the deed myself.
Amros
No worries. I’m no longer a child, Hayden.
Hayden
That is true.
Amros drank from the cup on the counter next to him.
Hayden
I will dispose of Amya.
Amros set the cup down.
Amros
Are you sure?
Hayden
Unless you’d be willing to do that also.
Amros
I don’t think I have the heart.
He put his face in his hands.
Amros
I can’t believe we lost her as well. I cannot fathom how it could have happened. The champion of the humans becomes one of their destroyers.
Hayden
You’re just as baffled as I am. At the very least, we can still hope to get to Ilias.
Amros sat straight up again.
Amros
Yes, that’s true. We haven’t spoken much about that.
Hayden
We’ve been tied up.
Amros
I think that plan might work.
Hayden
The problem is getting Ilias to join us.
Amros
Children can be persuaded, easily.
Hayden
I wouldn’t call him a child. He is quite brilliant.
Amros
Just like his father, I take it.
Hayden
And you are correct. I can’t say I am surprised.
Amros
Neither can I. This is all rather strange.
Hayden
When hasn’t it been?
Amros stood up.
Amros
If only we would have saved mother.
Hayden
I beg your pardon?
Amros
Her death is the reason for all of this. If we could have saved her, little Amron would have never been painted black. We’d be a happy family.
Hayden
That’s not entirely true. You never know what could have happened.
Amros
I can at least imagine.
He put his hands on his waste.
Amros
I still would have Amron.
He grabbed his staff from its spot leaning against the wall.
Amros
But, no use in dwelling on what could have happened. What did happen is our mother was murdered. Amron fell to the darkness, and Amya followed.
Hayden
I hope you do not blame yourself for it.
Amros
No, I don’t. Unfortunately things just happen. I’d like to think it all happens for a reason. But I know better than that. A human would tell me that my mother died for a reason. Such a common thing to say for them. Give reason for things that happen. What they fail to see in their own self-centered world is the reason they give is so selfish.
He leaned on his staff looking at Hayden.
Amros
My mother died, but for what reason? If you give one reason, it has to work for all. To teach us a lesson? At what cost? My brother has lost himself in emotion and my sister has followed. To make us stronger? As delightful as that sounds, in what way have we grown stronger? What way of growing stronger is only exclusive to our mother dying? It makes no sense. No, mother died because we were different, and that’s all. Not to teach us a lesson, not to better us, and not for any other poor and not even thought out reason.
He stood up straight.
Amros
Things happen and they do without reason bigger than them. People die and we either grow from it or it destroys us. But don't be mistaken, those people didn't die to educate you or anyone else. My mother died because she loved us. That’s all, and that’s all it will ever be.
Hayden
You’ve grown into an amazing person. Your mother would be proud.
Amros
Would she be proud of Amron?
Hayden
I can’t say.
Hayden stood up.
Hayden
I’m proud of you as well, Amros. You’re a son to me.
Amros
As you are a father to me.
Hayden kissed him on the forehead.
Hayden
We will see this through. I wish there was a way to change your brother and sister. Show them there is a better way, but there isn’t. The only option left is death. I myself think death is wrong, but what’s wrong is what sometimes must be done. Our kind is not the kind that can be locked up forever.
Amros
Yes, because they can be released again.
They both were talking about the Syn Clan.
Hayden
So we must put an end to them for good.
Amros
And we will. After that, we will speak with Ilias about creating a whole new world.


Ilias
I can’t wait forever, Gemma.
Gemma
Just how long is forever anyways?
She said with her head still placed on his
Ilias
It doesn’t exist. Even if it did, it would be forever unknown.
He took his head off of her.
Ilias
I mean, who’s to say what forever is, when none of us can really live that long.
Gemma
I would imagine living forever as being the worst kind of hell.
Ilias
You got that right. Unless I could spend it with you.
Gemma smiled.
Ilias
Would that be alright with you?
Gemma
Would there really be flaming pits and other things they said hell has?
Ilias
I doubt it. But even if it did, I think we can handle flaming pits.
Gemma
I don’t know. I’m not good with fire. That’s why Cameron scared me so much.
Ilias
It’s okay, I’ll protect you. Cameron hasn’t got anything on my power.
He held her hand.
Ilias
I still haven’t received an answer, Gemma.
Gemma took her head off of him and looked directly at him.
Gemma
What’s your rush?
Ilias blushed.
Ilias
I, I really don’t know, actually. You can call that the control freak in me.
Gemma
That’s not surprising.
She giggled.
Ilias
I won’t have you laughing at me, you hear me?
She laughed.
Gemma
And if I continue?
Ilias
I’m going to kiss you, again.
Gemma stopped.
Ilias
Why’d you stop?
Gemma
You said you’d kiss me again.
Ilias
Am I that bad of a kisser? Give me a break, you were my first time. I mean, at least allow me some practice before you make up your mind.
She started laughing really loud, as if expecting his answer.
Ilias
You little!
He kissed her. She kissed him.

Cameron
What’s that?
Arkain turned around.
Arkain
Just my mom’s camera. She is.
He put the camera in his pocket.
Arkain
She was a photographer.
Cameron
Was she a good one?
Arkain
I thought so. She even taught classes.
Cameron sat on her bad.
Cameron
You know, when my brother died, I never had a place to return to.
Arkain
What do you mean?
Cameron
He died in an explosion. So did my mom. I had no place to return to, you know? No things to collect of his or hers. All I have left of him is a picture of us I keep with me at all times.
Arkain
Can I see it?
Cameron was caught off guard.
Cameron
Sure.
He went through his coat and produced a picture seconds after. Arkain took it and looked at it.
Arkain
You both looked a lot alike. My mom might have even said we’re related.
He laughed.
Cameron
That’s all I have to remember his face. Other than what I keep in my heart.
Arkain
Just hold onto that tightly.
Cameron
I have. Ever since the day it happened. I know you don’t like Ximendos, and I’m not rather fond of him either. But he’s the one who took me in when I was found in the ashes. Akasha took care of me mostly, but he made sure I was raised properly. I guess I owe him that.
Arkain
Weird how everyone has some kind of connection.
Cameron
Tell me about it. It makes things a lot harder.
Arkain took one last look at the photo.
Arkain
If I could, I’d bring him back too.
Cameron
Don’t say such things, Arkain. It only makes me wish you could.
Arkain handed him the photo.
Cameron
We’ve been given such power, yet none of us hold the power of resurrection.
Arkain
Mad world, right?
Cameron
More than mad.
Arkain
Well, I’m going to look around a bit more.
Cameron
I’ll wait for you downstairs.
Cameron turned and walked towards the door.
Arkain
Cameron, can I ask of you another favor?
Cameron turned back around.
Cameron
And what would that be?
Arkain
When we leave, can you burn this place down?
Cameron didn’t like this favor. But how could he refuse?
Cameron
If have it in me, of course.
The house shook. It felt as if it were hit by an earthquake.

Ilias sat straight.
Ilias
Gemma, are you thinking about how to say no?
Gemma
No.
Ilias
Are you thinking about how to say yes?
Gemma
No.
Ilias lowered his head.
Gemma
I’m thinking about how this all happened. How quickly my life has changed. I’m thinking yes, I want to marry you.
Ilias raised his head quickly.
Ilias
Did you just say you want to marry me?
Gemma
Is that what you heard?
Ilias
If my ears aren’t deceiving me, yes.
Gemma
Yes, I will marry you.
Ilias
I knew you would.
Gemma
Excuse me?
He lied back on the bed.
Ilias
I said I knew you’d marry me.
He started to laugh.
Gemma
You’re going to make me wish I didn’t say it.
He laughed more.
Ilias
Look who’s laughing now.
She kissed him. They laughed together.

Arkain
What the hell is that?
Cameron ran to the window to look out.
Cameron
I knew this was too easy. Three Gear Units outside.
They stood with their lights covering the entire house. It seemed like it was day outside.
Arkain
Three isn’t a problem.
Cameron
Are you not listening? I said this was too easy. Which means things are going to get complicated.
He pulled Arkain to the window to see. And he saw her.
Iris
Fire at will. We’re not here to take prisoners.