Ilias
Is there a problem, Gemma?
Gemma was looking down. Ilias let go of her hand.
Ilias
If I am moving to fast, I do apologize.
She looked up at him.
Gemma
No, it’s okay.
Ilias sat on the bed across from her.
Ilias
In such chaotic times, normal acting would seem odd. Wouldn’t you agree?
Gemma
Yes.
She smiled.
Ilias
Gemma, you have a lot on your mind. More than ever, if I am correct. Even considering you were once thinking for two.
She almost laughed.
Gemma
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. But then again, at what point is the mind ever clear?
Ilias
A solid point, Gemma. Are you happy with what I did for you?
Gemma
More than happy. I don’t know how I can repay you.
Ilias
You already did.
He smiled. Gemma wished she could see his face.
Ilias
I won’t be asking anything of you anymore, after this one thing.
Gemma knew where he was sitting and she tried to look him directly in the face.
Gemma
And what would that be?
Ilias
Well, I told you to let go of Arkain and hold onto me. That would be most rewarding on your part.
He stood up.
Ilias
I’ll get to that later. I almost lost myself in words I almost let the cat out of the bag.
Gemma
I like cats.
Ilias smiled.
Ilias
It still must remain in the bag until after we’re done.
Gemma’s smile went away.
Ilias
I may be wrong, but I’m under the impression that you have questions for me. Questions I think I can answer, if you’ll allow me to have them. Of course, that is entirely up to you.
Gemma looked up at the ceiling, wondering if it is black or white.
Gemma
I have many questions.
Ilias
You must let me have them.
Ilias’ voice sounded excited.
Ilias
I promise I will do my best to answer them.
Gemma stood up.
Gemma
May I lie on the bed?
Ilias
You may.
They switched positions.
Gemma
What is operation cleansing?
Ilias
It is a cleansing of this world. It is a monster, really. My sister and I will release a power on this world that will cleanse it of all that is evil, sick, divisive, and vile.
He crossed his legs.
Ilias
Imagine this world was perfect. No humans capable of doing evil, just good. No race, no ethnicity, just earthlings. A perfect world that humans finally realize their place in the animal kingdom and stop the massive genocide on their fellow earthlings and learn to live with them peacefully.. A world where love matters, love conquers and love creates. Imagine it without chaos, pain, or religion too. Can you?
Gemma
Yes.
Ilias
I can too.
Cameron, Velis, Malic, and the Syn clan all stood in a large circle around Arkain who slept while they spoke.
Cameron
It’s quite the plan.
Syn
Yes it is, Prince Cameron.
Pathion
Eh, I couldn’t care less.
He turned his back on them.
Velis
You know, you don’t have to be such a dick.
Pathion turned around and walked up to her.
Pathion
Why don’t I show you one, instead?
Velis
You pig.
Pathion
It’s okay, babes.
He walked towards Syn.
Pathion
I’m taken.
He kissed Syn on the cheek.
Velis
As if I care.
Malic laughed.
Malic
So that’s the plan?
Vesper
I think it will work. Together we may be able to defeat Ximendos.
They all turned to him.
Cameron
We can’t do anything until Arkain is awake.
Darby
He’s been out for awhile.
Cameron
We must let him rest. He’s been through a lot.
Syn
That’s fine. Darby, Tusa, take the surroundings.
They disappeared.
Pathion
How long we staying?
Syn
Didn’t you just hear him?
Pathion
Yeah, whatever. I’ll be checking our surroundings too. You fine alone?
Syn
Yes, love.
Pathion disappeared.
Vesper
I thought he’d never leave.
Velis
Same here.
Vesper
Believe me, he doesn’t grow on anyone but Syn.
Velis laughed.
Velis
Disgusting.
Vesper
Would you like to scope out the city with me?
Velis
Will you be okay?
She said to Cameron.
Cameron
Of course.
Velis and Vesper disappeared.
Malic
I’m going to catch up to that Pathion guy. He’s pretty cool. Anyone who can get under Velis’ skin is a friend of mine.
With him gone, Cameron and Syn stood together with Arkain.
Syn
I want to make this clear to you, Prince Cameron.
Cameron crossed his arms.
Cameron
Of course.
Syn
Akasha is mine. She is my sister and I will deal with her personally. Anyone who gets in my way will die.
Cameron
I shall speak with Velis about that.
Syn nodded.
Cameron
Where is Fallen?
Syn raised his arms.
Syn
I haven’t a clue. He said he had business to attend to before he met back up with us.
Cameron
He’s an odd one, that Fallen.
Syn
Oh you haven’t seen odd yet, Mr. Cameron.
Ilias set his hands on his lap.
Ilias
That world, that world is a perfect world.
Gemma
How can humans just stop hating? Stop killing each other? How can they just forget all they know they’re capable of doing?
Ilias clapped.
Ilias
Bravo, Gemma. The million dollar question I’ve been waiting for.
He stopped.
Ilias
It’s quite simple. My eyes will be the answer. I will recreate the human mind. I will make it so evil is unfathomable, evil is not even capable.
Gemma
Who’s to say what evil is?
Ilias
I am!
He stood up.
Ilias
I decide. The coming reality humans will base their lives upon will be mine. All will be subjected to my reality.
He walked back and forward in the room.
Ilias
No longer will we have mothers killing their children, fathers having sex with their daughters. No longer will we fight wars over what God is the right one. No longer will books dictate what is good and what is bad. Humans won’t be able to fight wars or kill each other without it being an accident.
He paused.
Ilias
No longer will humans be divided. I will unite them.
Gemma
Impossible.
She whispered.
Ilias
Is it Gemma?
He grabbed her hand.
Ilias
I will show you, soon. You may doubt me now but that will fade. When the day comes, you will find no words to describe the new world. You will only be able to smile.
Gemma smiled.
Ilias
Not now, save it for later.
She stopped.
Ilias
I will make this world perfect, for us to live in.
Gemma
I had no idea you wanted this.
Ilias
I do. I always have.
Gemma
Your father doesn’t seem to want it.
Ilias
He wants power. That’s all he’s ever wanted. This world will sadly be his after the cleansing.
Gemma
A perfect world, led by a God?
Ilias
It’s the closest we’ll ever get to perfection.
Gemma rolled over and looked at the wall.
Gemma
I don’t think perfection exists.
Ilias
You’ve never seen yourself in a mirror.
Gemma didn’t blush, not this time.
Gemma
Kind words, but I know better than that.
Ilias
What do you know?
Gemma
That love is only an excuse to get hurt.
Ilias
Is that so?
Gemma
How can you create a perfect world with love if that will only lead to pain?
Ilias
Gemma, the pain I spoke of was physical pain caused by others. Humans will still fall apart because of a broken heart and the death of a loved one. That isn’t something I’d dare to omit from the human mind.
Gemma
I guess so.
Ilias
Are you afraid of falling in love?
Gemma
No. I just don’t feel like it.
Ilias
I think you may be lying.
Gemma
And why is that?
Ilias
My sister tells me differently. Last night, she read your dreams for me. Your emotions, your thoughts.
Gemma’s mouth almost fell open. The things he knows because of that.
Ilias
I know how you feel about me.
Gemma
Feelings can change.
Ilias
But they won’t.
Gemma
There are no absolutes.
Ilias uncrossed his legs.
Ilias
Why are you running from me?
Gemma
Because,
She paused.
Gemma
I don’t know. I honestly don’t know exactly what I think.
She sat up.
Gemma
I have strong feelings for you. Feelings that are really odd because I just really met you. But still, I can’t fight them.
She turned to him.
Gemma
For so long I’ve been in love with Arkain. The only boy I ever laid eyes on. But now, I don’t know. I do love him. But I am starting to feel this thing for you I can’t even hide.
She paused.
Gemma
I don’t even know how you look. You could be ugly for all I know. I honestly don’t know. What I do know though, is you are beautiful. Not your face, because I will never see it, but your presence. Your words, your hands, and your laugh.
She got off the bed and went for the door.
Gemma
I sound so stupid. Like a fourteen year old girl confessing herself to her long time crush.
She opened the door but it slammed shut by Ilias’ hand.
Ilias
I told you already how I felt when I first laid my eyes on you. You’re more than just a beautiful girl. You’re something different. The mystery behind your eyes is irresistible.
He grabbed her hand.
Ilias
I’ve found myself lying in bed since the first day I saw you just thinking about you. How crazy is that, Gemma? I’m about to reconstruct the world and I can’t even keep my mind in one piece because of you.
He raised her hand to his face.
Ilias
Gemma, I feel exactly as you feel.
Gemma
Don’t say that Ilias, don’t lie to me.
Ilias kissed her. Gemma wanted to push him away but she didn’t want to let go.
Arkain woke up.
Cameron
Good afternoon.
Arkain
How long was I out?
Cameron
An hour or so.
Syn
Give or take.
Arkain stood up slowly.
Arkain
And who might you be?
Syn
My name is Syn.
He extended his hand. Arkain shook it. He almost withdrew his hand as he touched it. It was the coldest thing he ever touched.
Syn
My friends are out and about with young Velis and Malic. You will meet them later.
Arkain
I was out for a couple hours and you have new friends?
Cameron smiled.
Cameron
Well, one moment things are one way, the next they’re another.
Syn
Indeed.
Arkain
So, what’s the plan?
Syn
We’ve already worked that out.
Arkain
I figured. Cameron, can I ask you something?
Cameron
Of course.
Arkain
Can you take me somewhere?
Cameron
Where would you like to be taken?
Arkain
You’ll see when we get there, if you don’t mind.
Cameron
We can do that.
Arkain
Thanks.
Cameron
Well, we haven’t much time. Let’s go now.
Syn
I shall watch over the others until you return.
Arkain
Give us a couple of hours.
Cameron
Hold onto my arm.
Arkain grabbed his arm.
Cameron
Think about where it is and we’ll appear there.
They blew up into a giant flame and then were gone.
Syn
I’ve been gone for a really long time. That was the angel boy.
He looked at the ocean.
Syn
Reminds me of Jesus.
He laughed.
Syn
Jesus was a good man.
He walked towards the ocean. He walked on the water.
Syn
I’m not a good man. No, no I’m not.
Emmylou stopped the car in front of a cheap motel.
Emmylou
This place is the closest one for miles, says that map.
Suri
It’ll have to do.
Conor
I hope there are no cockroaches.
Ian
I hate bugs! Emmy, are there bugs?
Emmylou
I don’t know Ian, we haven’t been inside.
Ian
You go first Conor. If there are bugs, you kill them.
Conor
What if they’re big bugs?
Suri
I’ll go and save you.
Suri stepped out of the car followed by Emmylou.
Emmylou
I’ll check us in, baby boy.
She laughed. Emmylou walked inside the Motel lobby.
Conor
How long can we stay here?
Suri
I don’t know. For the night? We’re in
Conor
That’s pretty far from where we were. You think we can stop by Vegas?
Suri
No, idiot.
Ian
I like Vegas.
Conor
Why would you like Vegas, little guy?
Ian
The lights!
Conor laughed.
Conor
You must like a lot of places.
Emmylou came back.
Emmylou
Alright, I got us a room.
They walked into the small two bed room.
Conor
You couldn’t spring for the suite?
Emmylou dropped her bag on the bed.
Emmylou
If they had one.
Suri
Home sweet home.
Ian got on the bed in the back.
Ian
I call this bed!
Emmylou
You don’t mind sleeping on the same bed as him, do you Conor?
Conor
That’s fine.
Conor jumped on the bed.
Conor
Move over, kiddo.
Ian
You’re taking up too much space!
Conor
I can take up more if you’d like.
Suri and Emmylou fell asleep quickly.
Ian
Conor, where are we going?
Conor was looking up at the ceiling.
Conor
To go save some people.
Ian
Are you a superhero?
Conor
No. Not really.
Ian
But you’re going to save people.
Conor
That doesn’t really make me a superhero.
Ian
Yes it does. A superhero saves people.
Conor
It takes more than that though. I don’t have any powers.
Ian
Batman didn’t have any powers.
Conor
That’s true. But he was rich though.
Ian
Superhero’s don’t need money. They just need a heart.
Conor
And a cape. Go to sleep Ian.
Ian
I hope you save those people, Conor.
Conor
Me too, Ian. Me too.
They fell asleep.
Malic
Hey, wait up!
Pathion stopped.
Pathion
Can I help you?
Malic landed next to Pathion.
Malic
Just wanted to kick it for a bit. I have nothing else to do.
Pathion
Go bother someone else.
Malic
Hey, we can be friends, you know?
Pathion
We can. But what makes you think I want one?
Malic
You sound so much like Velis. You might be related.
Pathion
The blonde one?
Malic
Yeah.
Pathion
Ew. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have borders to watch.
Malic
Whatever douche.
Pathion
Fine, come along.
Malic
Better!
Velis and Vesper walked together on the beach.
Vesper
You know, Pathion doesn’t have a heart for anyone other than Syn.
Velis
So they’re gay boys?
Vesper
You can say that.
Velis
He’s still an asshole. But it’s whatever. I’m not the nicest person either.
Vesper
I hope you will remain kind to me, Velis.
Velis
I don’t see why not. Our names both start with a V, so that’s something to work with.
Vesper smiled.
Vesper
You are a character.
Velis
I know, they should make dolls of me.
Vesper almost laughed.
Iris walked along the palace wall into her father’s path.
Ximendos
My child, what are you doing?
Iris
Nothing, just walking. I am bored.
Ximendos
Iris, are you okay?
Iris
Yes, daddy. Why do you ask?
Ximendos
Just wondering. You seem different.
Iris
Just not having the best of days.
Ximendos
You’re worried about Ilias?
Iris
Yes, father.
Ximendos
If you are there is something you can do.
Iris looked as if she’d just found out the best of news.
Iris
What can I do?
Ximendos set his hand on her head.
Ximendos
Remove all his enemies.
He walked away leaving her thinking.
Iris
Thank you, father.
Ximendos
Anytime, my daughter.
Amya sat on the palace wall looking at the sky. Akasha appeared next to her.
Akasha
What are you doing?
Amya
I was enjoying my day.
She looked at Akasha
Amya
Until you arrived.
Akasha sat next to her.
Akasha
Hey, be nice. I didn’t say anything that justifies you pulling your fangs out.
Amya
You ruined my silence.
Akasha
Oh get over it.
Amya
Is there something you want?
Akasha
Nothing at all. Just came to see the view with you.
Amya
As long as you’re silent.
Akasha
Of course.
They watched the sky together.
Ilias
Gemma, I want to know you’re going to be safe. I will even fight my father if he tried to hurt you.
Gemma
I wouldn’t let you.
Ilias
I wouldn’t let you stop me. Your life is my life.
Gemma didn’t know what to say.
Ilias
Gemma, if my father tried to kill you, I’d kill him or he’d have to kill us both.
Gemma
That means a lot, Ilias. What about your sister?
Ilias
She wouldn’t try and lay a finger on you.
Gemma
That’s not what she said.
Ilias
Don’t take her seriously.
He laughed.
Ilias
Gemma, if love is an excuse to get hurt, well I’m ready to go through the most excruciating pain I have to endure, just to have you.
Gemma
Ilias, what are you saying?
Ilias got down on one knee without her knowing it.
Ilias
There isn’t much time. Chaos comes our way and for all we know it, we could end up dead. I at least want to die knowing I loved you and had you.
She noticed he was under her.
Gemma
Ilias, you can’t be serious.
Ilias
Oh, but I am.
He grabbed her hand.
Ilias
Gemma Rose Lee, will you marry me?
Gemma put her hand over her mouth.
Omg my mouth fell open lol...I cant believe Ilias has fallen so hard for Gemma its so sweet ..and I would love to have the world Ilias is wanting ...and i also like how Ian says a super hero only needs a heart awww..
ReplyDeleteAwesome Steven...lets find out what happens next?
I believe there's not really a "proper time" on when you can tell you love and care for someone sincerely, you'll just know it.
ReplyDeleteIlias and Gemma, at times like that.
With Gemma's situation and Ilia's part in operation cleansing, it's amazing they still found love in each other.
Ilia's perfect world, wow.
That sounds like a nice world to live in.
Knowing us humans and all of our flaws, I know it's not even possible. Extremely impossible.
To Ian's and Connor's conversation about superheroes.
Good points.
You don't need powers nor money.
You just have to the heart to save people no matter what.
Look at Velic and Pathion.
as much as both of them are such bitches/douche bags. Hahaha.
They show vulnerability because/for the ones they love.
i saw the difference in how the Ilias and Iris talk to Ximendos and Akasha. They're more formal with Ximendos of course but I can see why.
Even with that, Ximendos gave Iris advice on how she thinks she should eal with her current problem.
i wonder what's the deal with Amya and Akasha.
And also where Arkain wanted to go.
i have a few guesses. to me it's far off.
Cannot wait for more!
I need some action soon!
<3 greattttttt progress.
Ian seems totally adorable. I hear him say thing in my head and I just go aww.]
ReplyDelete*fangirly scream* Syn and Pathion <3333
My jaw literally dropped at the ending.
Oh My Goddess!!! I was stunned.
I hope she says no, though.
HHOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYYYYYY SSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT, what just happened!!!!!!! Amazing chapter, really reveals the character everyone in the story has, how different they are and what they want in life. I loved this chapter, and the end was E-P-I-C!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing job yo. =)
ReplyDeleteWow really I didnt expect all the things that are happening right now.
ReplyDeleteHonestly I do not know what is going to happen with Cameron and Arkain, things seem a bit weird between those two for some reason.
Suri and the kids are going through adventures that I did not expect the to be in being that they are so young and all.
Ximendos is awesome!! That is why he will not be stopped and his plan will come to fruition and everyone will bow before him. With the determination and heart that he has, there is no telling what he cannot do.
Ilias and Gemmas' situation is getting pretty heated. I did not expect him to ask such a question to her after such little time. What will she say since she loves Arkain but she also has feelings for Ilias.
Man this is getting crazy. How long will this story last!? Im so excited to see where its all leading to.
they better get married,
ReplyDeletethey are so cute together.
i like the syn clan a lot
Syn is gay. Syn walks on water like Jesus. I see what you're doing here ;)
ReplyDeleteThe Gemma sub-plot seems a lot better now, more direct and less cluttered. I don't like Ilias's take on the new world and I certainly don't trust him.
Velis and Malic have become exposable. Just like Nicholas. Nicholas and Vesper need to get together to say goodbye ;)
cliff hangers D:
ReplyDeleteugh but her and ilias are so wrong for each other
whoa. Ilias fell a little too hard a little too fast. I'm also very curious as to where Arkain wants Cam to take him. I like the relationship that they're developing. hopefully it will continue to grow with all the new "friends".
ReplyDeleteOMG he wants to marry her...omg its so great..I love it..
ReplyDeleteIm actually falling for ilias' character
Im beginning to understand him a great deal better
Also I like the coolness between the syn clan and cam "clan" lol
I think the personalities mesh well
Im still wondering about arkain and what is really "good" inside his head
like what is up with arkain?
Iris seems like a big threat to gemma
Im wondering how this inside conflict will pan out
U cud really take this anywhere
I can see so many dif possibilities
Your story is so many themes in one
But I like the utopian society ideal
I often enjoy these kind of stories as seen in The Giver or Truesight
But they often end up being a false "peace"
Ahh I love this
On to the next chapter
NOOOOOOOOO Gemma is not allowed to marry Ilias!!!! but i guess it works cus Arkain and Suri are a thing.... but i highly disapprove! Gemma is so sweet and Ilias kills people........
ReplyDeleteand i think Ximendos unknowingly gave Iris full permission to kill Gemma.... epic sibling battle coming up?? haha we will see
waiting patiently for Fallen........ hurry up hahaha
What the? Isn't Gemma 16?
ReplyDeleteLOL. So I'm guessing Ilias is the same age as her. What a kid. Awesome chapter. I really do like what's coming of these few chapters. It's getting spicy =)
Oh & Malic is going to try and steal Pathion from Syn, that's gonna be interesting, no other reason for him to be interested in him!
INTENSE. Good thing they don't have any pedobear laws eh? But hey, age is merely a number when it comes to love in my opinion. Oh, and again. Yet another amazing chapter. Next one!
ReplyDeletelame, Steven! Was expecting a fight between Cameron and the "Syn Clan" >:< instead they just reconciled. Oh well, good relationship between Ilias and Gemma, even if it is breaking the law
ReplyDeletewhat i don't understand is that i ACTUALLY waited this long to read Arkain again, i don't know how i did it! Cause this stuff is amazing!!! idk, i feel like there is something fishy going on with Ilias asking gemma for her hand in marriage... it seems like he's going too fast???? After all, he is one of the bad guys, maybe its part of his plan.. and i think i missed the part where Cameron can teleport? o_O or i might not remember, idk. Velis still kicks ass! haha I love her
ReplyDeleteI want to know why the Syn clan decided to betray Ximendos, darn it! And I do agree with some of the other people who've commented, I do think that Ilias is going a little fast, but as a girl who loves those kinds of sappy love scenes and such, I have a great time reading the way they feel about each other....but I definitely do think that the marriage proposal was a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit too strong! Is he serious when he says that or is he joking, the cliff hanger doesn't help, Steven! >:l Darn you!
ReplyDeleteI love hearing Ilias and Gemma talk!! Its just soooo beautiful:')
ReplyDeleteOperation cleansing doesn't sound to bad! > . < lol
By the way I love that you incorporated a gay couple! So different as it should be! But Velis saying "disgusting" made me laugh a little :) haha
So Iris read her dreams! Dam I wish I had that ability....
Fuck!!! I'm such a sucker for love!!! Darn you girl emotions!!!!!
Haha Arkain wakes up to more people! Lol
Hmmmm I wonder where Arkain wants to go to?
Dam Ilias fell so hard so fast!.... How romantic :) I love that he wants to marry her already! Lifes to short! O well not for them! You know what I mean!!! Lol
Ilias asking Gemma to marry him?! Is she crazy? There is no way that Gemma will say yes because she still has feelings for Arkain that are not going to go way. Early one she stated that he was the only one that she could see clearly, that has to mean something to her and her decision making.
ReplyDeleteCameron and Arkain seem to be at a fork in the road and I am not entirely sure which path they will make. There may just be too much to overlook for Arkain so he may make the choice that alters the current story.
Ximendos continues to be unstoppable and I absolutely love it. The will and determination to achieve what he wants and how he wants to achieve it is amazing. Everyone will bow before him if he has anything to do with it!
This is all so, so sudden. Ilias wants to marry gemma?! Im not sure if I fully trust this guy, I mean hes plan for the new world doesn’t sound too bad but he seems a bit off. Will gemma say yes…I feel even gemma suspects there is more to Ilias and his plan that even he can’t comprehend the complications if they should occur. Will iris see this as a threat, as an enemy of ilias?
ReplyDeleteIm pretty excited to see the syn clan back but im more interested to find out what Ximendos will feel. Akasha will go down by the hands of her brother. Freak this is all so much to follow but I never seemed to get lost.
I almost forgot about the quest with all the kids, the tigers whos names I forgot at the moment, were sent to find them and bring them back but we all know suri doesn’t want to go back without Arkain..how will this play out?
Will gemma say yes??
On to the next chapter…