Chapter Forty-Nine: The Curious Boys Behind the Glass

Suri approached the giant Gears from behind.

Suri

Have to take out their legs.

She whispered to herself.

Suri

Once that’s done I can take out their heads.

Emmylou

Get down.

Conor

I’m going, I’m going.

Emmylou, Conor, and Ian got down on the side of the road. Emmylou held Ian tight.

Merdos appeared on one of the Gear’s foot.

Suri

Merdos?

Merdos

We’ve been waiting for you, Suri.

Suri

How did you get this far?

Merdos stepped off of Gear’s foot.

Merdos

I’m fast in my morphed form if you don’t recall. We knew you escaped alone and came to find you.

Suri was confused.

Suri

Alone?

Merdos

Yes. We knew you wanted to get to Arkain quickly to save him.

Suri

You said alone though.

Merdos

Yes, alone. Hurry, we must go.

Suri walked forward.

Merdos

We must take you back quickly.

Suri’s fist connected with Merdos’ face and sent him flying backwards into the ground.

Ilias

If we capture the girl we will be able to bargain with Arkain. I never gave much thought to bait but it will have to do.

Ximendos

We shall see. It all depends on my mood.

He put his hands together.

Ximendos

I might just want to kill the girl. I’m tired of having things slip through my hands.

Iris

I agree. We’ve had enough escapes to deal with. The President, Arkain, and even Cameron.

Akasha

Cameron did not have to go down that path.

Iris

I’m afraid he did, mother. He committed an act of treason. There is no going back. Had he not of escaped, he would be dead.

Akasha

We’ve now made him an enemy.

Ximendos

I care little about that right now. The only threat Cameron possesses is that sword I gave him. But even if he used it he’d still fail. Our four swords would annihilate his one.

Amya

I am ready to draw my blade when you ask me, my brother.

Ximendos nodded at Amya.

Ximendos

That time won’t come soon. They would be fools to face us now. I daresay our brother knows better. Wouldn’t you agree?

Amya nodded.

Ilias

That may be true, but Cameron is a different story. If I didn’t know him any better I’d say he’s planning on attacking soon.

Ximendos

Let him.

Ximendos laughed.

Ximendos

What could such a child do to us?

Iris

Well now would be the best time to tell you what he might be able to do.

They all turned to her.

Iris

If Cameron attacks we will not only be facing him.

Amya

What is this you speak of?

Iris

The Syn Clan is now working for him.

Akasha stood up.

Akasha

Iris, just what do you think you’re saying?

Iris looked straight at Akasha.

Iris

I’ve witnessed their faces myself. I’ve seen the red demon.

Akasha put her hand on her face.

Akasha

Pathion is alive?

She turned towards Ximendos.

Akasha

My brother, alive?

Merdos stood up.

Merdos

What the hell was that for?

Suri
You’re not Merdos.

He rubbed the blood off his mouth.

Merdos

Why do you say that?

Suri

Merdos would have known I didn’t leave alone. Merdos never goes anywhere without his best friend Masato.

Merdos

You got me. You really did.

He laughed so loud Ian was getting scared.

Merdos

But I wasn’t planning on getting you with this anyways. You’re a smart girl, I’ve heard. You can also throw quite the punch. If I made of bone you might have killed me.

Suri didn’t know what he meant.

Suri

Just who are you anyways?

He smiled.

Merdos

I wonder just how much your body can take, if I hit it a few times.

He walked forward. Suri took a step back.

Merdos

I hope you’re a lot of fun.

His hands turned black.

Merdos

I was told not to kill you, but I don’t know if I can help myself.

His body began to turn black until it was just Merdos’ head.

Merdos

Let’s see how much you can endure, Suri of the White Coats.

His head turned black.

Suri

Orthak!

Orthak screamed in the night.

Akasha

What is the meaning of this, Ximendos?

Ximendos

I haven’t the slightest clue.

He turned to Iris.

Ximendos

How long have you known this?

Iris

I found out last night. He showed up to take Cameron from me. Fallen was with him.

Ximendos

Fallen, you say? Then it is true. They are working for the White Coats and Cameron.

Akasha

My brother, my little brother.

Ximendos

Akasha, get yourself together.

She was now crying.

Akasha

You said he was dead! You said that even immortals can die.

Ximendos

I thought he really was dead. Forgive me for being incorrect. He fought Hayden if you don’t recall. Those who fight him rarely live to tell the tale.

Akasha

He is alive!

Ximendos

You’ve said this. What would you have me do?

Akasha

Reach out to him.

She grabbed Ximendos’ hand.

Akasha

Tell him we didn’t abandon him.

Ximendos

But we did.

Akasha

No, I did not!

Ximendos grabbed her hand in his.

Ximendos

If they’ve joined the White Coats than it is too late. Your brother is not one of us. Your brother is now an enemy of the empire.

Ilias

Which means we have to kill him.

Akasha

Quiet, Ilias. No one will kill my Simon.

Iris

Mother, you are being unreasonable.

Akasha

And how is that? Because I would rather capture my brother and show him we’re his friends?

Iris

Yes.

Akasha

No one will be killing my brother. That is an order.

Ximendos

And under what authority do you think you have to make such an order?

Akasha stood up straight.

Akasha

I am Queen Akasha of the Empire and your wife.

She looked down at Ximendos.

Akasha

Syn will be captured and that is all. If he is to be killed it will be by my hands only.

Tears ran down her face.

Akasha

That is the one law I will create.

She walked towards the door.

Akasha

I will not be thought of a fool. If he is hurt Ximendos, you will answer to me.

Ximendos smiled. The table cracked as a blue flash crashed into it.

Akasha

Heed my words, my husband.

She left.

Ximendos

Her law has been passed. Under no circumstance can any of us kill Syn of the Syn Clan. He is to be captured.

They all nodded.

Ximendos

It is now one hour until midnight. Ilias and Iris, please go up to your rooms and prepare from the Cleansing Process.

Ilias

Already, father?

Amya

Aren’t you being a little too hasty, brother?

Ximendos

No, I think not. If the Syn clan is now in the equation, we must act immediately.

Ilias

That is fine.

Ilias and Iris stood up. Gemma entered the room.

Ximendos

A little late, Princess Gemma.

Gemma

I’m sorry, my lord. I got a little distracted.

Iris walked by Gemma as Gemma approached the table.

Ximendos

Have you both informed Iris of the great news?

Iris stopped and Ilias turned to Ximendos like he just detonated a bomb.

Iris

Excuse me?

Ilias

I was going to inform Iris after this meeting.

Iris

Inform me about what?

Ilias

I will tell you later.

Iris

No, you will tell me now.

She glared at the back of Gemma’s head.

Ximendos

I said to go prepare for your task.

Iris

I will hear about it once we’ve recovered.

Ilias

That’s fine.

They both left the room.

Suri tried to hit Orthak but he dodged every punch she threw.

Suri

Shit.

Orthak’s arm extended and grabbed her by her right ankle and pulled her to the ground. Suri’s chin hit the ground and she was dragged towards him. Orthak jumped on her back. His hand turned into long claws and his slashed her back. Suri screamed in pain. She turned around quickly and her arm went quickly into his body cutting him in half.

Suri

Damn.

She crawled away.

Suri

He’s done.

There was another shriek. Suri turned to look as the two halves turned into two Orthak’s.

Suri

What is he?

They jumped at her. Suri kicked one back but the other landed on her. It scratched just below her neck almost slitting her throat. She pushed him off.

Suri

Die!

She jumped up and punched the ground. The street shook and began to rise up quickly towards the two Orthak’s until she couldn’t see them any longer. She touched her chest. Her hand was now full of blood.

Suri

Stupid Suri.

She heard rocks fall. She looked up.

Suri

Oh no.

Above the newly risen land stood five Orthak’s. One Orthak turned into Merdos.

Orthak

What’s wrong, Suri? You look tired already. That’s not good. For me at least.

He jumped down from the top in front of Suri.

Orthak

You’re not bleeding enough yet.

He charged at her.

The giant blue dragon looked at Arkain. Its purple eyes mesmerizing Arkain. It moved forward. Arkain lifted his hand to touch its head.

Arkain

Soren?

It blew air at him. He touched its head.

Arkain

You’re amazing.

It sat down in front of him.

Fallen

That is your dragon, Arkain. The sword is now yours.

Arkain looked over at Fallen and then back to the giant dragon in front of him.

Cameron

Zuma is my dragon. She is older than yours and a tad bit larger.

Arkain

Size doesn’t matter!

He yelled over Soren. Cameron chuckled.

Cameron

I beg to differ. With big things come big wonders.

Fallen

You do realize you’re insulting me, right?

Cameron and Arkain laughed. Zuma wrapped itself on the floor around Cameron.

Cameron

Your dragon is your friend. You’re the same to it. You are not its master. If it was a brainless sword you could call yourself its master, but it’s not.

Fallen
The day you think of yourself as master is the day the sword will close up to you. You aren’t a human so don’t go getting all arrogant about it. Your fellow Earthlings are your friends. Not your food, weapons, nor slaves. Treat them well, for if they all had the power to do so, they would treat you the same.

Arkain rubbed the dragon’s head.

Arkain

Can you fly with me, Soren?

Soren nodded with approval. He rose and motioned for Arkain to get on his back.

Arkain

We fly as friends, Soren.

Soren roared. Arkain smiled and got onto his back.

Arkain

Will you be flying with us, Cameron?

Cameron

I don’t see why not. Zuma hasn’t been out for a long time.

Cameron climbed onto Zuma’s back. Both Soren and Zuma’s wings expanded.

Fallen

You girls be careful. I’m sure if Arkain fell he’d forget he had his own wings.

Arkain gave Fallen a dirty look.

Fallen
Take care of him, Soren.

Soren nodded at Fallen.

Arkain

I see you understand that little white thing.

Arkain rubbed Soren’s back.

Arkain

I’m sure you’ll be annoyed soon as well.

Arkain grabbed onto the two parts of Soren’s back that looked like handles.

Arkain

Ready made, I see.

Fallen
See you all in a bit.

They took flight. They soared into the air higher and higher. Although Arkain could do this himself he felt a sudden rush of excitement. He had never ridden a dragon before. The dragons roared in the sky.

Syn

They’re such children.

Fallen

You were once a child as well, Syn.

Syn looked down at Fallen disgusted.

Syn

I don’t ever recall.

Pathion, Vesper, Tusa, Darby, Velis, and Malic all stood around them.

Velis

So what’s the plan exactly?

Fallen
The only plan is sticking it out here for a few more days. Ximendos will be attacking soon and we want to know what we’re getting into before we move.

Velis

I say we attack now.

Fallen

Go for it. If you are so enthusiastic about meeting death, I won’t stop you.

Fallen and Syn walked away.

Velis

Stupid rat.

Malic
He’s a fox.

Pathion

Leave her alone, Malic. She obviously has never been to a zoo.

Vesper

Must you always be so annoying, Pathion?

Pathion

Must you always talk when you’re not being spoken to?

Velis

You might want to answer that question yourself.

Pathion

Shut up. Kay, thanks, bye.

Pathion walked away.

Vesper

My apologies. He’s not the friendliest person.

Malic

No worries, I actually like him.

Velis pushed Malic.

Velis

You only like him because of the way he talks to me.

Malic rubbed the back of his head and laughed.

Malic

Well I won’t deny that.

Velis tripped him.

Velis

Go fuck yourself.

Velis walked towards Vesper.

Velis

Let’s go for a walk?

Vesper

That would be lovely.

They walked away. Darby helped Malic up.

Darby

You really should stand up for yourself.

Malic

It’s no big deal. She’s like an annoying older sister.

Darby

I wouldn’t know what that’s like.

Malic

Come to think of it, I don’t either. It’s what I imagine it to be though.

Tusa

I just want to eat.

Malic

Well let’s go get us some fish, shall we?

Darby

I’m a vegetarian.

Tusa

I’m not!

Malic and Tusa ran towards the ocean.

Darby

That leaves me alone. Oh well.

Conor

I think we should help her.

Emmylou

How are we going to do that?

Conor

I don’t know. We have to do something though. She’s getting her ass kicked. I don’t even know what that thing is.

Emmylou

Looks like she’s fighting a bunch of black guys.

Conor

Yeah, but they keep growing in numbers. What started as one is now a basketball team.

Emmylou

So what is it you’re thinking about doing?

Conor

Well we have guns.

Emmylou

Yes but I doubt our guns can do anything. Suri destroyed the road and those things are still alive.

Conor

That’s true. But we just can’t wait here and watch her die.

Emmylou

You’re right.

She said after being silent for a moment.

Conor

Get the guns.

Emmylou reached for her bag when she saw it.

Emmylou

Oh my god!

A tiger stood by her bag.

The moon’s light shined on Amros, Hayden, Roselyn, and Grey.

Amros

We have two more days.

Roselyn pointed at the moon.

Roselyn

So soon it is coming. I never thought it would. I was always under the impression that we’d be in control.

Hayden

That is alright, Roselyn. I don’t think any of us thought Ximendos would ever be this powerful.

Grey

If only you did. Maybe you could have killed him when he was younger.

Amros looked at Hayden as Hayden looked at him.

Hayden

I don’t think either of us could have done that.

Grey

Why is that?

Roselyn already knew the answer.

Hayden

Ximendos wasn’t always evil.

Grey

Hard to imagine him being a good guy.

Hayden

You were all once children. He isn’t any different. When I met Ximendos he was a beautiful young and gentle child. One only interested in nature, his brother and sister, and his mother. He was curious about everything. Always asking questions and not taking no for an answer. He had no evil in his heart.

Grey

And where did it all come from?

Amros

The death of our mother.

Grey looked over at Amron.

Amros

It consumed him. My mother loved us all, but he was her baby. The one she spent most of her time with and held closest to her heart.

Roselyn

Don’t say that. I’m sure she loved you all equally.

Amros

No, I don’t think she did. I used to though. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized Ximendos was right. My mother really did love him more than she did Amya or I.

Grey

How did your mother die?

Roselyn hit Grey on the arm.

Roselyn

So rude!

Amros laughed.

Amros

No, it’s okay. I think it’s okay if you both knew.

The wind blew hard.

Amros

My mother always did her best to keep us away from the world. She knew we were different and did not want the world destroying her children for that reason. One day my brother was found out. A man and a woman found him in the woods and almost killed him. If it wasn’t for Hayden, he would have died. My mother killed the man, but the woman got away. Soon after the town came for us and our mother. Hayden took us away. She stayed behind to buy us time. That was the last time we ever saw her.

Grey

I’m so sorry.

Amros

There’s no reason to be. It happened and we can’t change that. The only thing we can do is walk forward. Through sunshine, moonlight, and storm, we must keep going. The past is a dark abyss. If you fall into it you’ll come out a monster.

Roselyn

How profound. If only your brother knew all of this.

Amros

If only he did.

Hayden

The problem is he fell in without us knowing it. He fell the moment his mother said goodbye.

Amros

Some times I wish I could have taken my mothers place. In that moment of time, if I took my mother’s spot, I would have bought my brother’s happiness. I don’t hate my brother for what he has become. It saddens me beyond anything I’ve ever felt, but I don’t hate him. I love Ximendos. He will always be my little brother.

Amros made sure no one saw the tear on his cheek in the dark.

Amros

He will always be the curious boy behind the glass wondering why his reflection isn’t smiling back at him. Silly boy never realized he had to smile first.

Soren and Zuma flew close together.

Arkain

So you’ve done this before?

Cameron

Plenty of times.
He patted Zuma on the back.

Cameron

Zuma and I have been together since I joined Ximendos. He’s the one who gave Zuma to me.

Arkain

That’s why you said he’s done a lot for you.

Cameron

Plus he taught me all I know. I bet he regrets it now. Either that or he doesn’t care.

Arkain

I wouldn’t know.

Cameron

That’s true.

Arkain

Cameron, can I ask you a question?

Cameron

Of course. If you don’t mind Zuma overhearing it as well.

Arkain

That’s okay. I know Zuma won’t tell anyone.

Zuma made a noise that sounded to Arkain like he laughed.

Arkain

What made you change your mind?

Cameron didn’t see that question coming.

Arkain

Aside from the empire turning their backs on you. I get why that would make you want to fight them, but it seems like you’re a completely different person from the Cameron I met a month ago.

Soren flew a little lower than Zuma.

Arkain

Bring me back up.

He did.

Arkain

If you don’t want to answer, that’s totally fine. I’d understand.

Cameron

No, it’s fine. I can trust you. The truth is, it was a dream.

Arkain

A dream?

Cameron

A dream. In this dream a boy came to me. We didn’t know each other, we couldn’t see the others face, and we didn’t even know each others names. Yet it was like he knew me. Knew what I was going through, knew what it was like to be me.

Arkain listened closely as the dragons flew slowly next to each other.

Cameron

He made me realize that the way I understood things, the way I took them in, and the way I acted on them was wrong. He made me value my life. Made me see that I was being stupid since the day it all fell apart.

Arkain felt something he hadn’t felt in a long time. Déjà vu.

Cameron

My brother died and I fell into darkness. I didn’t have to though. But I did. I allowed my emotions to run me into something my brother wouldn’t have been proud of. This boy made me realize that the way I was leading my life was wrong. This boy saved my life.

Arkain could not believe what he was hearing.

Cameron

I was a lost wolf. One who thought my path was one only I could take. A path only I could understand. But he understood. He did.

Cameron looked over to Arkain.

Cameron

Amazing what a dream could do for someone. Extremely amazing how change can happen so fast. I never thought it could. I just wish it wasn’t a dream.

Zuma roared.

Cameron

I wish the boy in my dream was real. I wish he was here to help me. He said he was my friend. I know I have Velis and Malic but they’re friends built by our jobs. This was someone that didn’t have to be my friend. It was a friendship made at random.

Arkain wanted to scream. Arkain wanted to yell but he thought that perhaps it was a dream.

Cameron

That would make him my second real friend I ever had. My mom once told me about a friend I made when I was young. She said he was my first and last friend. Seeing how I don’t really remember it, it also feels like it was a dream.

Cameron looked down at Zuma’s back,

Cameron

Pity, when I think about it. Pity I can’t make a real friend in real life.

He looked up at the moon.

Cameron

One made in a dream as a child.

He looked down again.

Cameron

And one made in a dream as a boy in a cell.

Arkain knew it now. The boy he had met while he was a prisoner was Cameron.

Cameron

But dreams don’t mean anything to reality.

Arkain smiled. He knew it was his turn to speak.

Arkain

Dreams never die.

Cameron looked up at Arkain quickly with his eyes open wide.

Arkain

They never die. Even when the person who was dreaming does, the dream doesn’t.