Chapter Forty-Seven: A Smile Worth Something

Arkain appeared before Syn.

Syn

Where is Cameron?

Arkain pulled himself together, dizzy from the teleporting. Syn stood by Arkain who was sitting on the floor.

Syn

I asked you a question.

Arkain looked up.

Arkain

He’s back at my house with Iris.

Syn called for Pathion. Pathion appeared within ten seconds.

Pathion

You rang?

Syn

Yes.

He turned to Pathion.

Syn

You must find Cameron. Go to Tusa and have him track him down.

Pathion

Alrighty.

Pathion disappeared.

Arkain

Will you get there in time?

Syn smiled a big smile at Arkain.

Syn

What makes you think little Cameron can’t handle himself?

He walked away from Arkain laughing.

Pathion appeared before Darby, and Tusa.

Darby

Hello, Pathion.

Pathion

Urgent news. Tusa, you still have Cameron’s scent?

Tusa

How could I ever forget it?

He licked his lips.

Tusa

He smelled so good. I wanted to eat him, but of course I can’t.

He looked down.

Pathion

We have to find him.

Tusa

I’ve already have.

He smiled.

Pathion

Let’s go.

Ilias

What are you doing?

Gemma looked back into the mirror.

Gemma

My hair, before bed.

Ilias

Today has passed by so fast.

Gemma

You can say that again. It’s a good thing though.

She continued to brush her hair.

Ilias

Are you okay?

Gemma smiled at him through the mirror.

Gemma

Why wouldn’t I be?

Ilias

Just asking. You seem a little out of it.

Gemma

No, just tired.

Gemma put the brush down.

Gemma

I’ve had the most horrible, tragic, and thrilling month of my life.

Ilias smiled.

Ilias

Was it worth it?

Gemma

I don’t know yet. We’ll see.

She got up and kissed him.

Gemma

After the wedding, during the honeymoon.

Ilias laughed.

Ilias

You seem like a totally different person.

Gemma

No, I’m still me. I’m just getting comfortable with all this. You’ve really changed my life. Saved it, if we want to get technical.

Ilias

It was nothing.

He sat on the chair.

Gemma

It was something to me.

She sat on her bed.

Gemma

It means a lot to me.

She looked down at her hands.

Gemma

You said the only thing I had to do to repay you was give you my hand.

She grabbed his hand.

Gemma

I’ve given you it twice.

Ilias

I’d say you can call us even.

He chuckled.

Gemma

More like perfect.

She laughed.

Iris blocked her face with her arm. Cameron did the same.

Iris

What is this?

She yelled at him.

Cameron

Hell if I know!

The light disappeared. Cameron could not believe his eyes.

Cameron

What are you doing here?

Iris saw in front of Cameron stood a small white thing.

Fallen

I thought it was time I stepped in.

Cameron stood up.

Fallen

I’m sure you could have handled yourself, but everyone has their slip ups.

Iris

Is that who I think it is?

She was now walking forward.

Iris

Oh yes, I think it is.

Fallen

Lovely to meet you, Princess Iris.

Iris stood and curtseyed.

Iris

Always a pleasure to meet someone as powerful as you are.

She stood up straight.

Iris

You are number three on our list of powerful adversaries.

Fallen licked his paw.

Fallen

Number 3? Oh dear, I thought for sure I’d be number two. One is a stretch, but two, I can imagine.

Iris

I see the rumors are true. Your indifferent attitude suits you well.

Fallen licked his other pawn.

Fallen

I’m bored.

Iris almost laughed.

Fallen

Here’s the deal, and I hope you like it.

He stopped licking his pawn.

Fallen

I’ll trade you something for Cameron’s life.

Iris

What makes you think I’m in the trading mood?

Fallen stood up and walked forward.

Fallen

Because I’m trading your life for his.

Iris got serious.

Iris

You think it would be that simple?

Fallen

I do. I’m number three for a reason. Although, I can show you why I should be number two, if you’d like.

Iris

I’m not afraid of you, Fox. The list we were given is only to avoid battle. What makes you think I care to avoid this?

Iris moved her arm up.

Iris

If it’s a battle you want, it’s one you shall get.

A hand appeared and grabbed Iris’ arm. She looked up at the person responsible.

Pathion

I’ll answer your question, if you’d like.

Pathion lifted her off the ground. Iris set her foot on his chest and pushed off to safety.

Pathion

Hey, I was being a nice teacher.

Iris barely moved in time to dodge Tusa’s giant arms.

Tusa

Aw man!

Iris landed now in between everyone.

Fallen

Well look at that, my friends have arrived.

Pathion walked over to Fallen with his hands in his pockets.

Pathion

You know, I had a feeling you’d be here.

Darby landed next to Pathion.

Darby

Her barrier has been reduced to nothing.

Iris stared down Darby. She could not believe her ears.

Pathion

Good. Now we can all get out of here.

Iris

What makes you think you’re leaving?

Pathion didn’t turn to face her.

Pathion

So Fallen, why don’t we go have some tea? Might as well get a bite to eat while we’re at it.

Fallen jumped into Pathion’s arms. Cameron stood up.

Fallen

I’d love too.

Tusa

Can I eat her first?

Iris looked over at Tusa.

Iris

Eat me?

Iris thought about what this might mean. Pathion turned to Iris.

Pathion

Figured it out yet?

It hit Iris.

Pathion

Yeah, that’s right.

Fallen hopped onto his right shoulder.

Pathion

The Syn clan is back.

Iris’ eyes grew in horror.

Iris

This can’t be.

Pathion

You better start believing it, baby.

He laughed.

Pathion

Unfortunately for you guys, we’re on the opposite side this time.

Iris

Why have you joined their ranks?

Pathion

Well, we were on the wrong side of the tracks.

Pathion, Darby, and Cameron walked up to Tusa.

Pathion

But we didn’t know until your father and Akasha turned their backs on us.

Iris

They did no such thing.

Pathion

So you say. But whatever Syn says, goes.

Iris put her hands together.

Iris

You won’t be leaving.

Darby

Your barrier will not work, child.

Fallen

Iris, we just came for Cameron. There is no reason to get yourself killed over this.

Iris

I will fight you, now.

Pathion laughed and then got serious.

Pathion

Hey, shut the fuck up already.

Darby and Tusa disappeared.

Pathion

We’re letting you walk away with your life. Show some respect and get the hell out of here.

Iris

Fools, I don’t need any favors from the likes of you.

Pathion waved his hand at her.

Pathion

Enough already, we don’t want to hear it.

Fallen

Goodbye, Iris. Let your father know just what he’s up against.

Cameron

Next time we’ll fight for real.

Pathion

See you soon!

They disappeared.

Iris

Bastards.

Iris disappeared leaving all the destruction between her and Cameron behind.

Arkain

You could have gotten yourself killed!

Arkain yelled at Cameron when he saw him.

Cameron

Calm down, mom. Iris couldn’t have killed me. She doesn’t have the heart.

Pathion sat down at Syn’s feet. Darby and Tusa sat down in the sand as well.

Syn

Let us just rejoice in the fact that we’re all together again.

Fallen

I concur.

Fallen jumped off of Pathion’s shoulder onto the sand.

Fallen

We all have our lives and that is enough for now.

Cameron

What’s the plan?

Fallen

Plan? Well for now, we all sleep.

Pathion

I’ll keep watch for the night.

Syn

As will I.

Fallen

Good. The rest of you should rest.

Vesper, Velis, and Malic appeared.

Vesper

Master, are you sure you wouldn’t rather relax?

Syn

I will be fine, my dear. My job is simply keeping my eyes open. I can do that better than anyone else.

Arkain

Well, you got the job. Congratulations.

Syn looked over to Arkain.

Syn

As asked by Fallen, tomorrow we train you. Let us hope by then your smart remarks are all dried up.

He turned and hit Pathion to get up.

Syn

It would be wise to get as much rest as you can, Arkain.

Arkain looked over at Fallen.

Arkain

Thanks for signing me up for training.

Fallen

You’re welcome.

Syn and Pathion disappeared.

Velis

Well, I should be getting to bed.

Malic

Yeah, me too.

Cameron walked over to Velis.

Cameron

I’ll come with.

They disappeared.

Vesper

Let’s go, boys.

They disappeared as well. All that remained was Arkain and Fallen.

Akasha

Where have you been?

Iris walked past Akasha.

Iris

I went for a walk.

Akasha

Do not lie to me.

Ximendos

Enough.

Ximendos appeared in the hallway.

Ximendos

Go to the room Akasha.

Akasha

But-

Ximendos raised his hand.

Ximendos

I will be there shortly.

Akasha walked away.

Ximendos

Where were you?

Iris

I went to try and deal with brothers problems.

Ximendos put his hands on both her shoulders.

Ximendos

I didn’t mean now. I meant in the future, my child. You have to rest until the rapture.

Iris

I will father. I have a lot to think about now. We'll have a meeting tomorrow.

Ximendos kissed her on the forehead.

Ximendos

Run along, Iris.

Emmylou helped her brother into the backseat with Conor.

Conor

I got him.

Conor grabbed the seat belt so Emmylou could go up front.

Emmylou

Thanks.

She said getting into the car. Suri was already in reading to go.

Conor

Remind me why we have to drive at night again.

Suri

Less people on the road.

Conor shrugged.

Conor

I guess that makes sense.

Emmylou drove for hours while they all discussed movies Suri never got to see.

Suri

Well I’m sorry I only got to see the movies Amros gave me.

Conor

You had such a sheltered life.

He laughed.

Suri

Oh shut up.

Emmylou

It’s okay; we can watch all kinds of movies you missed when this is all over.

Suri

If it ever ends.

Conor

Seems like a big if.

Emmylou

I guess I’m the optimist here.

Conor

Shut up. Last night you were a total Debbie Downer.

Suri stared out the window very far away.

Emmylou

Oh excuse me for having second thoughts. You know Conor, you’d come off as a lot smarter if you thought twice once in your life.

He pushed her shoulder.

Conor

Mean!

Ian laughed.

Conor

Don’t you laugh at the things she says.

Ian

She’s funny.

Conor

Funny looking.

He crossed his arms and sat back.

Ian

I’m funny looking too.

Ian laughed in his seat.

Conor

That scares me.

He looked out the window.

Akasha

One more full day and the time will have come.

Ximendos took his shirt off.

Ximendos

Yes, and we shall have our paradise.

Akasha

That we will.

She lied down under the covers.

Akasha

I have something to ask you, though.

Ximendos sat on the bed.

Ximendos

I am listening.

Akasha

In this new world, can we have another child?

Ximendos lied next to her and put his arms around her.

Ximendos

In the next world, you can have anything you’d like.

She smiled. He smiled.

Akasha

Finally, a smile worth something.

Ximendos kissed her.

Ximendos

It’s not worth as much as you are.

Akasha closed her eyes.

Akasha

I hope I always am worth whatever price you’ve put on me.

Ximendos laughed.

Ximendos

You’re the diamond that never loses value.

He closed his eyes and the lights turned off.

Hayden stood outside of the base in the night.

Hayden

You can come out, young one.

Nicholas came around the wall.

Nicholas

I’m sorry, I just couldn’t sleep.

Hayden smiled.

Hayden

You are welcome to stay, if you’d like.

Nicholas

I’d very much like that.

Nicholas sat down at Hayden’s feet.

Hayden

Tired?

Nicholas

Yeah. I’ve had a lot on my mind.

Hayden looked down.

Hayden

I’d be baffled if you didn’t.

Nicholas yawned.

Nicholas

It would be nice if this was all over. I’d be able to get back to my work. You know, keeping our nation safe.

Hayden

Is that what you did?

Nicholas

Yes. I managed to keep peace between humans.

Hayden

Is that what you called it?

Nicholas

Yes. The method of doing so wasn’t to my liking, but it worked. We found peace.

Hayden crossed his arms.

Hayden

A world paralyzed by fear is not in peace. A world that strives to be equal and understand each other, that is a world in peace.

Nicholas looked down at the floor.

Nicholas

What could we do? There was no other way. Humans don’t want to understand each other. Sure, on a small scale, but not entirely. It’s always been war, hate, division, and very little love.

Hayden

I know your kinds history. I know just what you all are.

Nicholas

But, even with all the evil we’ve done and how indifferent we’ve become, it was still something.

He looked up at Hayden.

Nicholas

There are very evil people in the world. But there are also very good ones. They just didn’t have enough time to shine through.

Hayden

It’s too late now, anyways. Ximendos has put this world in slow motion and it’s about to explode into a new one. There isn’t much humans can do.

Nicholas

What about you?

Hayden

We cannot do much either. As uncomfortable as it sounds, it is going to happen.

Nicholas frowned.

Hayden

The thing that matters though, is what we do with what is given to us. Ximendos’ new world will not be the end of us. You will see, young Nicholas.

Hayden walked towards the entrance.

Hayden

Mr. Romberg, the new world can be one where we don’t have to wait for those good ones to shine. No, they will be shining already. Like I said though, it can be. In retrospect, it just might be even better than the world you knew. We shall wait and see.

Nicholas

That’s all we can ever do.

Hayden went inside and left Nicholas outside with the moon.

Arkain

So what side are you on?

Fallen

Both.

Fallen rolled onto his side.

Fallen

If you can understand that.

Arkain

I guess. It’s a bit two faced, if you ask me.

Fallen

Well, I didn’t. But you say two faced as if it’s a bad thing.

Fallen laughed.

Fallen

One face to keep and eye on you and Cameron.

He rolled over keeping his back towards Arkain.

Fallen

The other to watch the rest of the world. It all works out well. I even made the Amros think the Syn clan has returned to Ximendos so he’d keep the humans he’s with indoors. Brilliant, if you ask me.

Arkain

I didn’t.

Fallen

Well that’s why I said if you ask me. Either way, I don’t care.

Arkain

None of this makes sense.

Fallen

Should it Arkain?

Arkain

It would be nice.

Fallen

I’m sure it would. Except that’s not how things work. Life doesn’t move wondering if things are nice with you or if you can make sense of it. No, life just happens.

Arkain

Thanks for the lesson.

Fallen

Don’t be a smart-ass, Arkain. Keep your head up.

He curled up on the floor.

Fallen

You’re on the right team. You have nothing to worry about.

He lied down next to Fallen.

Arkain

I guess. I just wish I was more in control.

Fallen

It’s okay to not be, at times. Just leave the driving to me.

Arkain

I trust you, Fallen.

Fallen

I certainly hope so. I brought you in this world with Amros; I will make sure you never leave it.

Arkain

Thanks. By the way, you’re a fox.

Fallen

Thanks Arkain.

Arkain laughed and then fell asleep.