Chapter Fifty-Five: The Truth about Poison Hearts

Supriya and Kegan floated above the edge of the palace grounds. They both had wings coming out of their back keeping them in place. Ximendos looked up at them.

Ximendos

Well, I did not expect to see the likes of you two here.

Ximendos looked down the cliff and then back to them.

Ximendos

Pardon my ignorance, but to what do I owe the pleasure?

Supriya

Where is Anna Carter?

Ximendos looked baffled.

Ximendos

Should that name ring a bell or something?

Supriya

She came here in a white Gears unit.

Ximendos

Oh.

Supriya

Where is she?

Ximendos

Well you kind of missed her. You see,

He pointed down.

Ximendos

She went that way.

Supriya

Let’s go, Kegan.

Ximendos

I don’t think so.

He grinned and clapped his hands together.

Ximendos

Kegan of the triple K brothers. I never thought I’d see you again.

Kegan, after looking straight at the palace the whole time, looked down on Ximendos.

Kegan

Likewise.

He said coldly.

Ximendos

Is that the tone you take with all of your old friends?

Kegan

We haven’t been friends for years.

Ximendos

Well at least I still have your brothers.

Kegan was now upset.

Kegan

Keep them out of this, Ximendos.

Ximendos laughed.

Ximendos

You know, I don’t think so. Amros and others are calling their allies, so why shouldn’t I? I think I’ll head over to see your brothers tomorrow. Thank you so much for reminding me. To think I had forgotten about them all this time.

Supriya

Don’t let him anger you. We have to get out of here.

Ximendos

Get out of here? Oh I don’t think you can.

Supriya

We didn’t come here to fight you.

Kegan

You’re not worth the time.

Ximendos

We’ll see about that.

He dropped his cloak.

Ximendos

I haven’t stretched my body in so long.

He cracked his neck. Kegan landed next to him. His wings were now gone.

Kegan

If I must, I’ll be your opponent.

He turned to Supriya.

Kegan

Get out of here. You must let the others know Anna is gone.

Supriya

I can’t leave you!

Kegan looked at Ximendos.

Kegan

You must. I can handle him.

Supriya

But-

Kegan

Go!

Supriya flew into the clouds.

Ximendos

How heroic you are sending the girl away so you can save the day. Some people never change.

Ximendos winked at Kegan.

Kegan

You’re right, they don’t. I see you’re still the monster you were when you trained with my brothers and I.

Ximendos

That was so long ago. I do miss the days when I ran around with you magicians.

Kegan

The feeling isn’t mutual.

Ximendos

As I expected. Your brothers will be most pleased to hear you are involved in all this.

Ximendos raised his right hand up.

Ximendos
After my brother and Hayden you are one of the most worthy opponents.

Kegan stretched his arms out.

Kegan

Let’s try and make this quick.

Ximendos

It all depends on how fast you die.

They flew towards each other.

Nick

Who’s the hottie?

He said as Arkain ran towards Suri.

Cameron

Her names Suri. She’s his though.

Nick

The good ones are always taken.

He scratched his head.

Nick

Oh well.

Velis approached them.

Cameron

Hello.

Velis

Cameron, can I speak with you in a bit?

Cameron

Of course. Give me ten minutes.

Velis

Alrighty.

She walked away.

Nick

Now that is a woman.

Cameron

And she’s mine.

Nick

Wow.

Arkain hugged Suri tightly in his arms. She smelled exactly the same as when he last saw her.

Arkain

What are you doing here? I can’t believe this.

He felt his eyes begin to water.

Arkain

You found me. You found me.

He kissed her forehead.

Suri

I did. It wasn’t that hard really. I remembered your smell.

Arkain’s smile shined in the sun while it was setting.

Arkain

You don’t know how happy I am to see you.

He tried to kiss her on the lips but she moved her head.

Suri

Who are your friends?

She said looking over he shoulders. He turned around.

Arkain

That’s Cameron and Nick. You remember Cameron, right? He tried to kill us.

Suri

Gotcha.

He grabbed her hand and walked her over to them.

Arkain

You guys, this is Suri.

Suri

Hello.

Nick

Pleased to meet you, I’m Nick.

Cameron

Hi.
He said indifferently.

Arkain

She’s my girlfriend.

Nick

Well you picked a winner.

They laughed. Suri stood quiet.

Cameron

Well now that she’s here she can help us with our plans.

Suri

I’m all in. What’s the plan?

Arkain explained to her the plan as she listened without interruption.

Suri

That’s a good one. It’s a good thing they’ll never know what hit them.

Cameron

Indeed.

Nick

I just want to put an end to all of this. Once we’re done things can get back to normal.

Cameron

I’m not sure there is a normal to get back to after this. The empire have destroyed any past humans had. Anything after this is all brand new.

Arkain

I have to agree. What was is no longer.

Nick

It doesn’t matter. Life is what it is now, not what it was. So whatever happens after is alright with me.

Suri

Well now isn’t too bad either. I mean sure the empire is evil but they aren’t doing horrendous things anymore. I happen to think the plan Ilias architected is brilliant.

Arkain looked at Suri as if she was a new person.

Arkain

What are you on?

She turned to him.

Suri

Well no one is dying anymore. The humans are rebuilding cities and their lives. They’ll fight no more and they’ll be happy. What’s so bad with that?

Cameron turned around and began to walk.

Cameron

We’ve discussed this Arkain, she’s right. Even so Suri, the empire must be removed. The humans must be freed.

Suri

Why? Because you say so? Let the humans decide for themselves.

Cameron burst into flames.

Cameron

Decide for themselves?

He turned slowly.

Cameron

When did they decide for this in the first place, exactly?

Suri

That’s irrelevant.
Cameron

The empire is controlling them like puppets and it’s time to cut the strings!

The ground shook behind them.

Arkain

What now?

They turned to see Pathion and Tusa standing up from where they seemed to have landed behind them.

Kegan dodged Ximendos’ punches and kicks with ease.

Kegan

You never were much of a hand to hand type of guy.

He pushed back and landed at a distance.

Ximendos

You’re absolutely right.

He swung his hand up and a giant green wave of energy flew towards Kegan.

Kegan

(I have to make sure he doesn’t lay a finger on me. I haven’t forgotten what he’s capable of.)

Kegan’s hands hit the ground and a giant wall appeared. Kegan jumped to the top of it.

Kegan

Still playing with fire I see.

Kegan’s hands burst into flames. He raised them to his mouth.

Kegan

Dragons breathe!

He blew his breath into his hands and everything in front of him was engulfed by flames. The flames disappeared and Ximendos still stood in the same spot. A green energy shield surrounded him.

Ximendos

Very nice, However.

He reached up into the air and drew his sword from thin air.

Ximendos

Let’s keep the dragon’s breath to the real dragons.

He threw his sword forward and it transformed into Zarathustra.

Kegan

Already using that are we?

Ximendos

Zara is always ready for combat. Why deny her certain pleasures?

Zara broke that wall down and Kegan jumped up. His wings appeared.

Ximendos

Kill him.

Zarathustra took flight towards him.

Ximendos

Right into my trap.

His put his hands together and a green ball of energy formed in them.

Ximendos

Let’s see you get away from this.

He threw it up into the sky.

Ximendos

Farewell, old friend.

The green ball of energy exploded and covered the whole sky. Ximendos caught his sword in his hand.

Ximendos

Good job, my darling.

Ilias got out of bed quickly.

Gemma

What was that?

Ilias

I don’t know. Probably my father.

He walked towards the door.

Gemma

Be careful.

Ilias

Don’t worry. I’m only going to observe.

He met Akasha in the hallway. She too was walking out towards the battle.

Ilias

How is my sister?

Akasha

She is well. She should be fully recovered by tomorrow.

Ilias

Good. We still have much to discuss. What is going on outside?

Akasha

I’m going to assume it’s your father. The amount of energy I felt can only have come from him.

Amya

And you are correct.

Amya was waiting for them at the end of the corridor.

Amya

We have company.

They looked up at the now black and green sky.

Ilias

How many?

Amya

One.

Akasha

Who would dare face Ximendos?

Amya

He’s a young looking man. I do not know him.

Ilias

Well we better take a closer look.

Akasha

Not too close. Wouldn’t want to be caught in the crossfire would we?

Ian

Where’s my sister?

Suri sat up to speak.

Suri

She’s out there somewhere. If I know her she’ll be coming to save us.

Ian

I miss her. I miss my mom and dad too.

Suri
I miss my mom too. But hey, we’re close to your dad.

Ian

Really?

Suri

Yeah. Emmylou said he’s in the Empire’s base and we are too.

Ian

Let’s find him!

Suri

We will Ian. We will.

Merdos the tiger stopped quickly when he reached the exact place where the Empire’s palace used to be.

Emmylou

So this is it?

Conor

Well where the hell is it?

They both got off of Merdos and he transformed back into his human form.

Merdos

Up.

He pointed up and they both looked up to the sky.

Emmylou

How are we going to get up there?

Conor

We can use a helicopter.

Emmylou

I don’t suppose you have one lying around.

Conor didn’t respond.

Emmylou

Do you fly?

Merdos shot her a dirty look.

Merdos

No, I do not.

Conor

What is that?

He said with a shaken voice. They each turned to see a body lying on the ground in a large pool of bloody.

Kegan appeared across from Ximendos.

Kegan

You only brought out Zara to distract me. I should have known.

His right shoulder was on fire.

Kegan

Very well.

He tore his shirt off.

Kegan

(He has become more powerful than I imagined. I can’t keep this up or I’ll end up dead.)

Kegan slammed his hands into the ground and giant glass walls box up Ximendos.

Kegan

Truth!

Inside Ximendos only saw himself in mirrors.

Ximendos

What is this?

Suddenly he saw himself get younger in the mirror directly in front of him. He was a young boy now.

Ximendos

Amusing.

Amber

My son.

He turned around to see his mother’s crystal blue eyes looking back at him.

Ximendos

Mother?

Cameron

What is the meaning of this?

Pathion

Step aside, young Cameron.

Pathion flew forward and his fist smashed into Suri’s face sending her backwards into the ocean.

Arkain

What the fuck!

Arkain lunged forward but was grabbed by Tusa.

Tusa

Easy there, yummy.

Arkain

Let go of me!

Nick

What is your problem?

Nick grabbed Tusa’s shoulder.

Pathion

Look.

They all looked towards the ocean where Suri was now walking out of it.

Arkain

Suri!

Cameron saw it first.

Cameron

We are fools.

Suri’s arms were black.

Arkain

What’s going on?

He struggled in Tusa’s arms.

Tusa

You’re so stupid.

Suri’s entire body was now black. Only her head remained. Arkain finally looked closely. His eyes widened with terror.

Arkain

No.

He trembled.

Supriya landed in front of Amros, Hayden, Roselyn, Grey, and Nicholas.

Supriya

Kegan is in danger!

Amros

What do you mean?

Nicholas

Where is Anna?

Supriya

We didn’t make it in time. He killed her moments before we arrived.

Hayden

Where is Kegan?

Supriya

He stood behind to battle Ximendos.

Amros

Those two have history.

Supriya

All the more reason for him to get out of there while he can.

Hayden

He is a magician. He’ll find his way out. He is aware that he cannot defeat Ximendos.

Amros

He shall be here soon.

Supriya

You’re right. If anyone can escape something it’s him.

Roselyn

Shall we go inside for drinks?

Nicholas

Wait!

They all turned towards Nicholas.

Nicholas

What about Anna? She’s dead.

Amros

We were told.

Nicholas

Yet none of you even flinched.

Hayden

She’s gone, Mr. Romberg. What would you have us do?

Roselyn

I don’t weep for strangers.

Grey

She was a good woman. Now she has left this life.

Nicholas

What about her corpse? Why didn’t you retrieve her corpse, Supriya?

Supriya

I wasn’t thinking about that. I doubt you would have either with Ximendos around.

Nicholas walked towards them.

Nicholas

Shouldn’t we at least go back for her body?

Hayden

I’m afraid not, Nicholas. She’s gone now. Her body is as meaningless to our cause as the rocks at your feet.

Amros

We can’t afford to waste time over such things.

Roselyn

You have to understand, Nicholas. She abandoned her post and betrayed humanity.

Nicholas

I know, but-

Grey

Let her lie were she died.

Nicholas

I just thought a proper funeral would be nice.

Amros

Many have died in the last two months without a burial. One more should not matter.

They all walked in leaving Nicholas outside to think.

Amber

You’ve grown to be such a handsome man.

Ximendos

It’s you.

Amber

It’s me, baby. I’ve missed you so much.

Ximendos walked towards the glass. He touched it softly with the tips of his fingers.

Amber

Did you miss me?

Ximendos

Every moment of this life.

Amber

That makes me happy.

Kegan stood watching the glass box.

Kegan

I think now’s my time to leave.

Akasha

What is this?

Kegan saw Akasha and Amya walking towards him with Ilias trailing behind.

Kegan

You must be his wife. It’s called Truth.

Amya

Truth?

Kegan

Yes. It is a box of mirrors that show you the truth in your heart. These mirrors are capable of bringing forth the existence of whatever truth you wish to see.

Amya

Will it hurt him?

Kegan

Perhaps emotionally. This isn’t a physical attack.

Akasha

What is he seeing?

Kegan

Only he knows. This weapon is used for a distraction.

Ilias

A distraction? So you were planning on getting away then?

Kegan

I was.

Akasha

Well don’t even think about it.

Kegan

Shit.

He said softly.

Amber

Did you fulfill all the promises you made me?

Ximendos

Yes mom. I’m the king of the world. Just like I promised you.

Amber

That’s my son. What about your brother and sister?

Ximendos

Amya is with me. After so long without saying a word to each other she joined my side.

Amber

That Amya sure was a bright one. I’m glad your big sister has your back.

Ximendos

Amros wants me dead.

Amber

He always was jealous of you. Don’t let that stop you. You have to continue on, baby. Kill them humans.

Ximendos

But momma, we don’t have to do that. They’re our slaves.

Amber

Slaves? Did they enslave me when they took me away from you?

Ximendos would have looked to the ground ashamed but he didn’t dare take his eyes off of his mother’s face.

Amber

No they did not. They took my life. They took me away from you. When did you become so soft?

Ximendos

It was my son’s idea.

Amber

Son? I have a grandson?

Ximendos

And a daughter. Two beautiful children.

Amber began to cry.

Amber

So I take it you’re married?

Ximendos

Yes.

Amber

She beautiful?

Ximendos

Just like you, mom.

She wiped her eyes. Ximendos felt his eyes begin to water.

Amber

All I missed. All I’ve missed because of the humans.

Ximendos

I’m sorry.

Amber

No you’re not. You fell off your path and lost your way.

Ximendos

But mom I didn’t want to kill Amros and Amya.

Amber

You must if that is what it takes. If they stand in your way between the end of humans and the continued existence of their wretched race then you must! You cannot show any mercy next time.

Ximendos

I didn’t because I thought we were all one. I thought my brother and sister and I were you.

Amber spit on the floor in the mirror.

Amber

Nonsense. They ceased being my children the moment they turned their backs on you.

Ximendos

Really?

Amber

Yes.

Akasha

How long will he be in there?

Ten minutes had passed since Ximendos was trapped inside.

Kegan

Until he decides to break them. As you know, glass is a fragile material. He could be in there for days for all I know.

Akasha

And if I break them myself?

Kegan

You cannot. The outside is unbreakable.

Akasha

We’ll see about that.

She raised her hand towards the box.

Kegan

I wouldn’t do that. A physical attack would only lead to your death. The black walls absorb anything that touches them. If you do not believe me, feel free to die.

Akasha lowered her hand.

Ilias

A brilliant piece of work. What is your name, stranger?

Kegan

My name is Kegan.

Ilias

I am Ilias. This is Akasha and Amya.

Kegan

Introductions are unnecessary.

Ilias

Join our side.

Kegan stepped back.

Kegan

My days of evil are over.

Ilias

I assure you evil is far from our agenda.

Kegan continued to walk backwards.

Kegan

So you say. I’ve seen differently though.

He reached the edge.

Ilias

We can give you the world.

Kegan

I don’t need the world.

Cameron

Orthak has found us.

Nick

Who the hell is he?

Pathion

A demon beyond this world.

Tusa

He scares me.

Orthak stood below them with his feet in the water.

Nick

So what are we all waiting for?

Fallen, Syn, Darby, Velis, Vesper, and Malic all appeared.

Fallen

What is going on?

Pathion

It’s Orthak.

They all looked down at the black figure standing in the water.

Velis

Oh fuck.

Fallen

How did he find us?

Pathion

He came dressed as the apple of Arkain’s eye. I sensed his energy when he appeared.

Syn

We never forgot the feel of his energy.

Pathion

Never.

Darby

His power is close to Ximendos’ level.

Fallen

He doesn’t look like he’s going to leave.

Pathion

He came for something.

Syn

Indeed. But what exactly?

They all looked at Arkain.

Arkain

Me?

Arkain looked at Orthak.

Arkain

He’s still after me?

Fallen

It would appear so.

Arkain could feel his hands shaking.

Arkain

This guy doesn’t give up.

Fallen

He’s not supposed to do that. He’s Ximendos’ monster.

Pathion

What’s the plan?

Cameron

What other plan do we have? We either fight or flee.

Darby

Fleeing would be our best option. The young ones are at risk here.

Vesper

I agree. Orthak could slip passed us and get to one of the young ones.

Pathion

Fuck that. We don’t all have to leave.

Cameron

He’s right.

Malic

I say we all just get the hell out of here.

Syn

The Syn clan will stay.

Fallen looked up at Syn.

Fallen

Are you sure?

Syn

Yes. We owe it to you, Fallen.

Fallen

Very well. The rest of you come with me.

Pathion

Finally, some action.

Darby and Vesper stepped forward.

Darby

It doesn’t matter. Orthak must be stopped.

Vesper

Let’s give it our best shot.

Tusa

He’s so ugly.

Pathion turned to Syn as the others ran off.

Pathion

Go with them.

Syn

Excuse me?

Pathion

Go with the others. You’re not needed here.

Syn

I will stay with you guys.

Vesper

No master, you will go.

Darby

We can handle it.

Syn

Are you sure?

Tusa

Yes. Master must go.

Pathion

You have a sister to meet someday.

Syn

Come back alive. All of you, my friends.

He disappeared.

Pathion

Shall we begin?

They all nodded.

Amber

You will go and destroy every human.

Ximendos

I will.

Amber

And you will do it alone if you must.

Ximendos

I won’t be alone.

Amber

Do what must be done.

Ximendos

I will, mom. I lost my way without you. Now that you’re here-

Amber

No baby, I can’t stay. I know that’s what you were thinking.

Ximendos

Why? Please don’t go again.

Amber

I have to, darling. This is temporary. Just like life, baby. It’s all temporary.

Ximendos

Not for me.

Amber

What do you mean?

Ximendos

I found out how to live forever. I’m not the only one momma. There are others too. I’ve learned from them.

Amber smiled at her son.

Amber

You did it. You really did it.

Ximendos

I did.

She raised her hand on put it on the glass. He raised his and put it over hers.

Amber

I’m proud of the man you have become and the boy you will always be. You may have grown both physically and mentally, but in that heart you carry you’re still the young boy I left behind.

Ximendos

And I always will be.

He was crying now.

Amber

Don’t you weep.

Ximendos

I can’t help it. I never thought this would happen.

Amber

It’s okay. You have made mommy proud.

Ximendos

I love you.

Amber

I love you too. I always have. Now it’s time for you to go.

Ximendos wiped his face and stood up straight.

Amber

I can’t stay any longer.

Ximendos

Will I ever see you again?

Amber

Probably not. You’ll survive though. You have things that need to be done. You’re living forever, remember?

Ximendos

Yes.

Amber

That doesn’t mean you have all the time in the world though. Kill them all.

She winked at him.

Ximendos

Goodbye, mom.

Amber

Goodbye, my son.

She disappeared. Ximendos fell to his knees.

Kegan

No matter what comes from the truth I know better than to think it will be good. Poison hearts never change. Ximendos will never change. I must go now.

The glass box burst open with a green energy blast Ximendos sent everywhere from his body.

Ilias

It’s over.

Ximendos walked towards Akasha and Amya.

Ximendos

Where is he?

Ilias

Gone.

They turned towards Ilias who was standing in front of a cloud of smoke.

Ximendos

How did he do it? How did he do that?

They walked towards Ilias.

Ilias

He left you a message.

They looked at the ground below Ilias where the smoke had just been. On the ground they saw writing in ashes. Ilias read it to them.

Ilias

A magician never reveals his secrets.