Chapter Fifty-Two: Easy

Two hours after the cleansing process…..


Gemma sat at Ilias’ bedside as he slept. She rubbed his head softly while he recovered.
Gemma
I wish you were awake.
Akasha walked into the room.
Akasha
How is he doing?
Gemma didn’t take her eyes off of him.
Gemma
He’s doing well. And Iris?
Akasha
Just the same. They should be up and running by tomorrow.
Akasha walked and stood behind where Gemma sat.
Akasha
I must warn you Gemma. If you’re going to be apart of this family fully you must speak to Iris. Show her you do not mean Ilias any harm.
Gemma
Why would she listen to me?
Akasha
Why wouldn’t she? The point is you never know until you try.
Akasha put her hand on Gemma’s shoulder.
Akasha
Iris has never had anyone her age other than her brother. She feels as if you’re taking him away from her. But that’s not the way you see it. So why not show her you’re bringing her into your life also?
Gemma wanted to smile but couldn’t.
Gemma
I guess I can do that.
Akasha
Good. I want you to do so before the wedding.
Gemma looked up.
Gemma
And when is that exactly?
Akasha
As soon as they both have recovered. I’m off to go take care of Iris.
She left the room.

The clouds parted as two dragons soared through the air. They flew so fast that Arkain almost fell off a couple of times.
Cameron
Keep a tight grip.
Arkain
Keep a tight grip.
He mocked Cameron. They flew over a giant mass of land that was filled with humans.
Arkain
Is this really real?
Cameron
I guess it’s real enough.
They flew high so no one could see them.
Cameron
This was LA, was it not?
What was LA was now gone. Every skyscraper disappeared off the face of the planet.
Arkain
Yeah, I guess so. What are they doing down there?
Cameron
Looks like they’re rebuilding.
Arkain
Rebuilding what?
Cameron
Their lives.
They watched as thousands and thousands worked together to build a new city. What they didn’t know was this was happening all over the world.
Arkain
What do you think? You know, about what the Empire has done.
Cameron looked over at Arkain.
Cameron
To be honest, it’s brilliant.
Arkain couldn’t help but agree.
Arkain
I just wish so many people didn’t have to die for this. Don’t get me wrong, if I could have I would have stopped him. But now that it has happened, now that he has explained it, it doesn’t seem so bad.
Cameron
A world at peace. How could that ever seem so bad?
Arkain
Yeah. So what’s next?
Cameron
We remove the Empire. The humans are now out of the picture. There is no turning back to the old world. We must continue. Our next course of action will be to remove the Gods completely from their lives.
Arkain
That won’t be easy.
Cameron
It won’t. But I think we can pull it off.
Arkain
Now that we have these babies.
Soren roared and blew fire forward.
Cameron
The time for war is coming. We will mount our first attack very soon.
They began to descend.
Arkain
I just wish I could see Suri again.
He said quietly to Soren.


Suri screamed in pain. She was doing her best to not cry.
Ximendos
Come on darling, you can’t keep this up forever.
Amya
Brother, stop it.
Ximendos ignored her. Suri screamed even louder.
Ximendos
Tell us where my brother is and your suffering will end. It’s that simple.
Amya
She’s not going to tell you anything. This is pointless.
Ximendos
Quiet. This is more for my entertainment.
Amya stood up from her chair.
Amya
I’m leaving. I won’t stay here any longer and watch you torment that poor child.
She left the room.
Ximendos
Look what you’ve done.
He took his hand off of Suri. She lied on the floor silently.
Ximendos
All you have to do is tell us where Amros is. That’s it. After that I’ll set you free. Don’t you want to return to your Arkain? Don’t you want to live?
Suri
What’s the point?
Suri said in a whisper.
Ximendos
Excuse me?
He bent down closer to her.
Suri
If I told you, you’d kill them all.
Ximendos
That is true. But-
Suri
So then what’s the point in telling you? If I do, they die and I live.
Ximendos
Wouldn’t you rather live?
Suri
Not if they’re dead.
Ximendos
Very well.
He set his hand on her shoulder and she began to scream again. The door opened.
Ximendos
Good, you’re here.
Behind him stood what looked like Suri.
Ximendos
I want you to find Arkain. You will play the role of Suri and you will bring him to me. Kill Cameron if you must. I have no time for him.
Orthak
And what of the Syn Clan?
Ximendos
Dispose of them also. All but Syn, of course.
Orthak
It will be done, my lord.
Ximendos
As it always is.
Orthak disappeared. Ximendos turned back to Suri.
Ximendos
Now, where were we?


Syn kissed Pathion’s cheek.
Syn
Go fetch me some water.
Pathion
Your wish is my command.
He disappeared. Fallen stood in front of Velis, Malic, Vesper, Darby, and Tusa. Syn stood by his side.
Fallen
We must prepare for an attack.
Velis
Ilias controls billions of people! We can’t face that many humans with weapons.
Fallen
Ilias has destroyed every weapon on this planet but the Gears. Our only opponent with weapons is those unless he is counting on the strength of men. Which I doubt he would.
Malic
That makes it way easier. Fighting a ton of giant robots sounds simple enough.
Fallen growled. Malic stopped talking.
Vesper
What ever you want done, we will get done.
Fallen
Thank you, Vesper. If only the rest of you had the same dedication.
Tusa
I’ll do anything. I’ll eat anything you want me to eat.
Fallen
I know you would. I probably wouldn’t even have to ask you to do it.
Tusa began to laugh.
Malic
Ew.
Fallen
You’re all going to work as teams of two. Together, no matter what you face, you will be victorious. Velis and Vesper, you will be team one.
They both smiled at each other.
Fallen
Malic and Tusa, you will be team 2. Darby you’re with me.
Darby walked over to Fallen.
Fallen
Team four will be Syn and Pathion. And team 5 will be Cameron and Arkain.
Arkain
Good!
From above came Arkain and Cameron on Soren and Zuma. They landed and the dragons disappeared with a burst of fire.
Arkain
What are we doing?
He sat down next to Fallen.
Fallen
Planning our invasion of the Empire’s palace.
Cameron
I was waiting for this all day.
He sat next to Arkain.
Fallen
Well now that you’re here, we can formulate a plan.
Cameron
Well don’t let us stop you, continue.
Pathion came back with water and handed it to Syn.

Nicholas sat down at his desk looking down at it with his hand in his hands.
Nicholas
It’s done.
He sat one hand on the table.
Nicholas
In the blink of an eye, they did it.
Amros, Hayden, Roselyn, and Grey stood in the room in front of his desk.
Amros
Nicholas, you must accept it. We have no time for denial.
Hayden
We must now formulate a plan on how to break up the empire.
Nicholas looked up at Hayden.
Nicholas
What do you mean?
Hayden
If we can draw them into battle moving them away from each other we can put them empire in disarray. The problem with their empire is it’s too small.
Amros
The very opposite of the Roman Empire. That one fell, if you remember Nicholas.
Nicholas
Yes, yes I remember.
Hayden
If we can remove some of their pieces, they will crumble.
Roselyn
You are talking about taking out a few key pieces?
Hayden
No, I am talking about taking out all but Ximendos.
Grey
And how will that change anything?
Amros
Without Ilias he has no control over the humans. Unless Ilias commands them to obey his every whim. That I do not see happening. Ilias will keep a hold on the power for a short while longer.
Roselyn
How do you know this?
Amros
They’re still in the process of reorganizing human life. If he puts them under Ximendos’ rule that would mean he loses his control and they will no longer be subjected to his change.
Grey
This is true.
Amros
If I am correct, we have a while before this is done.
Nicholas
So then we must capture Ilias.
Amros
That is the plan. It will be a difficult one to accomplish though. The Syn clan being in this fight again does not help.
Nicholas
You have all the troops we can muster at your disposal.
Amros raised his hand.
Amros
No, that is quite alright. This mission will only require us. As of now I am sure the New Order is working on an invasion plan as well. Cameron and Arkain will without a doubt aid us in this. The problem is getting there at the same time.
Hayden
We need a messenger. Someone to communicate with them so they know when we will attack.
Amros
The problem is finding them.
Roselyn
I’d send my men but they’re still out there pretending to be slaves.
Amros
That is fine, Roselyn. I’m sure their presence out there will do us some good in the future.
Roselyn looked to the floor.
Grey
You can use our son.
Roselyn turned to Grey quickly.
Roselyn
What are you thinking?
Amros
You have a son?
Grey looked at Roselyn and then to Amros.
Grey
Yes, we do.
Hayden and Amros looked at Roselyn.
Roselyn
We were under agreement that no one would know. Not even lady Amya knew.
Grey
Well they’re not her and he would be perfect for this job.
Hayden
If you’re against this proposal Roselyn, we can find someone else.
Amros
We could wait for Merdos and Masato to return.
Hayden
That we could.
Roselyn
No, it is fine. He can go.
Nicholas
Well, bring him in here.
Grey
I think he’s down in the resting area.
Nicholas
I will fetch him.
Grey
Are you sure?
Nicholas
Yes, I think I will. I need a walk after all this thinking.
Amros
Well then, bring him here. We’ll meet back here in twenty minutes.
They all left the room.

Emmylou sat on the side of the road with Conor next to her. She had her face on sitting on her knees and was staring at the sky.
Conor
Emmy.
She didn’t move nor respond.
Conor
We can’t stay here forever.
He put his hand on her shoulder.
Conor
We have to continue what we started.
Emmylou wiped her tears.
Emmylou
It’s my fault.
Conor
Yeah, it is.
Emmylou
Thanks.
She said sarcastically.
Conor
Well what do you want me to say? You want me to tell you it’s not? You made the choice to move foreword in this even when you knew your brother’s life could be at risk. Remember?
She didn’t respond.
Conor
We could have turned back but you chose not to because this was our only change.
He felt a sudden rush of anger flow through his body.
Conor
You said that if something happened to him you’d deal with it.
Emmylou turned to him.
Emmylou
You have very good memory.
Conor
I try.
Emmylou
I didn’t think any of this would happen. I suppose it was me just thinking in the moment.
Conor
We all tend to do that. You can’t beat yourself up though. You made a choice, and something terrible happened because of it.
Emmylou
That’s for sure.
Conor
But you can’t stop now. If you do then your brother’s death was in vain. You know that.
Emmylou had tears running down her face.
Emmylou
You’re right. You’re right and I hate it. I just don’t know how. It just feels like I’ve lost all of my motivation. My little brother. Ian, just dead.
Conor
Death strikes taking our loved ones with its hammer of darkness at any time. It comes without us knowing. Like an invisible force we can’t stop. As we see the days darken and lives cease to exist, we still stand here. Well, sit here.
He hugged Emmylou
Conor
I beseech you to stay strong and to hold on. Yes, the days ahead may get darker, and you may not be able to walk forward, but you must push on. Death strikes at our knees hoping we will lose balance and no longer wish to carry on. But what does that say to the ones we have lost to it, what message do we send if we kneel to the power of death? That is something we cannot do. Ian was an innocent life that was viciously taken from you. It doesn’t end here though. We’ll find your dad. We’ll bring him home. After that, we’ll go to war. We will make damn sure they know they took the wrong person. But we can’t do any of this if you sit here for the rest of your life.
Emmylou looked up at his face. She knew he was right. She knew that no matter what she had to listen to him.
Emmylou
Thank you.
She began to stand up. He followed.
Conor
I just let the words fly out of my mouth. I’m glad they meant something. For a second I didn’t think-
She grabbed him and kissed him.

Akasha sat next to the bed Iris lied in. Iris opened her eyes.
Iris
Ilias.
Akasha turned.
Akasha
You’re awake. A little early.
Iris
Is Ilias okay?
Akasha
Of course he is, baby. He is just sleeping right now.
Iris
Good.
She closed her eyes.
Akasha
You worry too much.
She fell back into her dreams.

Nicholas walked down the hall that leads to the rest area.
Nicholas
Oh dear, I forgot to get his name. Young Kasper will have to do.
He reached the open entrance and looked inside. At the farthest table in the back he saw a young man sitting down facing the other way.
Young man
I take it my father sent you.
Nicholas felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. How did this kid know.
Young man
Don’t be frightened. I figured that would be the only reason someone of your status would be down here.
Nicholas walked a bit forward. He didn’t know why he was a little afraid.
Nicholas
He did indeed. They’re all waiting for you above.
Young man
I thought so.
He set down something next to him. Nicholas saw it was a knife.
Nicholas
Not going to be using that, are you?
Young man
Not anytime soon. No need for weapons in this place. I was just sharpening it.
He turned to look back at Nicholas. Nicholas saw his face. He has short hair that ran to his neck and covered his forehead. Nicholas also noticed he has his lower lip pierced on both ends.
Young man
I didn’t think they’d send the president of this place for me.
Nicholas
I volunteered.
Young man
Gotcha.
Nicholas walked up to him. He was wearing a long sleeved black shirt with turquoise strips and black pants.
Nicholas
You know, for one of them, you do look awfully normal.
The young man smiled.
Young man
Thank you. I had no idea that’s what I was going for. But then again if you’re comparing me to my mother and father I would expect you to say that. I was a normal kid once.
Nicholas
Really?
Young man
Well, I mean I went to normal high school and what not.
Nicholas
Interesting. Just like Arkain.
Young man
I’ve heard his name a lot lately. I’d like to meet him someday.
Nicholas
Well that day is coming.
Young man
And why is that?
Nicholas
You’ll find out when they brief you on your mission.
Young man
That works.
He stood up. Nicholas noticed he was shorter than Arkain. About 5’5 if he wasn’t mistaken. He was also around the age of nineteen as well.
Young man
You’re staring at me. Is there a problem?
Nicholas
Oh no, no. My apologies. I am new to all this. It’s really quite fascinating seeing how much you differ physically from the elders of your kind.
Young man
I guess so.
He yawned.
Young man
But we all don’t choose our height. I know that’s what you were staring at.
Nicholas almost felt embarrassed.
Nicholas
I’m sure your height works wonders for you.
Young man picked up his knife and put it in its holder.
Young man
Believe it or not, it really does.
He walked towards the exit.
Young man
So you’re the guy, aren’t ya?
Nicholas
Excuse me?
Young man
You’re Nicholas Selarom Romberg, correct?
Nicholas
Yes, that is who I am.
Young man
Pleasure to meet you sir. I’ve been waiting for this meeting. After this mission I accomplish, I am to be your bodyguard.
Nicholas put his hands together.
Young man
So in the future, you have nothing to worry about. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to see the people in charge.
Nicholas
Your name, young sir?
Young man
Oh my.
He turned around to face Nicholas.
Young man
Where are my manners?
He extended his hand.
Young man
I asked if you’re the guy. I was curious and it turned out my suspicions were correct.
Nicholas
And what were you correct about?
Young man
You’re the man I was named after.
He smiled.
Young man
I’m Nicolas Murdoc Kasper, at your service, Nicholas. But you can call me Nick.
Nicholas was shocked. He grabbed his hand slowly and shook it.
Nick
Anything wrong, sir?
Nicholas
No, not at all.



Amya entered Ilias’ room.
Amya
Gemma, you can go rest now. You’ve been under a lot of stress and deserve your own time.
Gemma
Are you sure?
Amya
Yes. I can handle it from here.
Gemma stood up slowly and let go of Ilias’ hand.
Gemma
Thank you.
Amya
No problem.
She left the room. Amya sat down on the chair Gemma was sitting on before she left.
Amya
You can open your eyes now.
Ilias opened his eyes.
Ilias
I was wondering when she’d leave.
Amya
I was tied up for a moment with your father.
Ilias
I see. Did he catch anything?
Amya
Yes. A youngling of the White Coats. Her name is Suri. Apparently she’s the lover of the boy Arkain.
Ilias
Interesting.
He tried to sit up.
Amya
It might be best if you kept still.
Ilias half smiled.
Ilias
I suppose you’re right. What have the reports said?
Amya
Your plan went just as you thought it would. You’ve created a new world, Ilias. You know, when you first came to me and told me about this plan, I didn’t believe you.
She crossed her legs.
Ilias
I don’t think anyone would have believed me. All it took was for me to drop my father’s name to convince you.
Amya
Well, like father like son. You are sure he doesn’t know, correct?
Ilias
Yes, I am. I can’t imagine how he would even suspect it.
Amya
Good. That will make things much easier.
Ilias
It most definitely will. I must say it all went rather well.
Amya
It went exactly as you told it would all that time ago.
Ilias
Step one is complete. The next step will be postponed for my wedding. There is just too much to do.
Amya
Lovely. I think you better get some more rest.
Ilias
That would be best. I have a long day ahead of me.
Amya
Before I go though, I must ask.
Ilias
I’m all ears.
Amya
Do you really love her?
Ilias
I’m going to assume you’re talking about Gemma? If so, the answer is yes. I have no hidden motives for marrying her.
Amya
Good. I just wanted to make sure.
Ilias
That’s all fine with me. For future reference, I hope you do not again question my actions regarding Gemma. That girl means more to me than our plans. It is now up to you to protect her as well as me.
Amya
I have no problem with that. It’s a simple task.
Ilias
Good. You’ve always been someone I could count on.
Amya
Well, you are bringing my dreams to life, after all.
Ilias
This is true. Well, I must rest now. You can leave now.
He closed his eyes.
Amya
Why do you have such a big smile on?
Ilias
Oh you know. I just am quite happy about this all being so easy.