Chapter Fifty-Eight: Some Kind of Truth

Ximendos
I heard you’ve been waiting all night.
Ximendos entered the throne room where Keir sat comfortably on a pillow on the floor.
Ximendos
Forgive me for keeping you waiting.
Keir looked up at Ximendos as Akasha walked into the room.
Keir
My stay has been comfortable enough.
Ximendos smiled.
Ximendos
This is my wife, Akasha.
Akasha
Nice to meet you.
Keir
I am Keir Christ, Guardian and father of the royal Christ family.
Akasha spoke softly in Ximendos’ ear.
Akasha
Is this that magician family?
Ximendos nodded.
Akasha
What a pleasure it is to have you in our home.
Keir
It is a beautiful.
His tail rose past his head.
Keir
It resembles our palace.
Ximendos
Yours was my inspiration. I take it you are here to take me to the Christ palace?
Keir
I am. As you know our home moves every so often.
Akasha
A giant palace moving? How can that be possible?
Keir
Most of much is possible with our powers.
There was a flash next to Keir and suddenly a man was standing next to him.
Ximendos
Prince Kassle, 1st to the Christ Throne, is that you?
Kassle stood before him, hovering at 6 feet and 5 inches with long blonde hair to his neck with blue eyes. Akasha before this moment thought Ximendos was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. Not anymore.
Kassle
It has been far too long, Ximendos.
He said in a soft elegant voice. He walked forward as if he were on air.
Kassle
You must be his lover.
He grabbed Akasha’s hand and bent down.
Kassle
I am Kassle. And you are?
Akasha
Akasha Anselia.
He kissed her hand.
Ximendos
I have seen many women in my years of living and you my dear are by far the prettiest.
He turned to Ximendos. He moved over until he was face to face with him.
Kassle
Perfect for a beautiful man such as yourself.
His right hand touched the right cheek of Ximendos.
Ximendos
I knew you’d never change.
Kassle
Change?
He put his hand down. Akasha saw the white diamond on his hand’s ring sparkle.
Kassle
What can perfection change into?
Keir jumped onto his shoulder.
Kassle
I’m sorry to come into your home undeclared but Ximendos had intentions of seeing us today.
Akasha
How did you know this?
Kassle
We know everything.
He smiled. Oh that smile, she thought.
Kassle
Now if you’ll excuse us, my dear Akasha, we must be leaving now.
Akasha
May I come with?
Keir
No.
Akasha almost shot Keir a dirty glance.
Kassle
I’m afraid not. We have certain laws we abide by. One is no new people. Our days of harvesting talents are over. Ever since brother and our last talent left us we’ve had to change our ways of going about business.
Akasha
I am not talent. I have no intentions of joining your coven.
Ximendos
My darling, mind your manners.
She looked at him and then back at Kassle.
Keir
That may be, but our laws still stand. No outsiders.
Akasha
What of my husband?
Kassle smiled.
Kassle
This beautiful fine specimen is like a brother to us. He is always welcome. Which is why we wonder why he never visits.
He grabbed Ximendos by the hand.
Kassle
Let us go, shall we?
Kassle began disappearing.
Ximendos
I will be back soon, my love.
He said to her face before she disappeared as he did.

Gemma sat on the bed while Ilias slept.
Gemma
I’ll be back.
She got up slowly and left the room.

Emmylou woke up to the sound of Conor humming.
Conor
I’m sorry, did I wake you?
She sat up slowly.
Emmylou
It’s okay, better that I be awake anyways.
Merdos suddenly woke up from his slumber.
Merdos
It’s gone.
Elijah
I felt it also.
Emmylou
What’s going on?
Conor
Tell us!
Merdos
Ximendos is gone.


Amya appeared with Forest at her side on in front of the Throne room’s doors. They opened.
Akasha
It’s about time.
She looked at Forest.
Akasha
Well hello. Another beautiful man.
Forest
My name is Forest. You must be Amya’s beautiful sister-in-law.
Akasha
That would be me. The pleasure is all mine.
She smiled and looked over at Amya.
Amya
Where is my brother?
Akasha
He had to step out. Speaking of stepping out, let’s get out of here.
Amya
Where do you wish to go?
Akasha
The wedding is tomorrow.
Forest
Who is getting married?
Akasha
My son.
Forest
Congratulations.
Akasha
You can offer them to him when we return. For now I want to get all the supplies for tomorrow.
Amya
Is it wise to leave the grounds on such short notice?
Akasha grabbed Amya by the arm.
Akasha
Ilias and Iris are both fully recovered. They can handle this place.
Amya
Fine.
Akasha
Come on, sugar.
She grabbed Forest’s arm as well.
Akasha
We’re taking a bird though.
Forest
An animal?
Amya
No honey, it is a giant ship that flies in the sky.
Forest
Many pardons.
Akasha
It’s okay. You’re an old timer anyways.
She laughed and they walked to the air ship.



Suri
You awake?
Ian
Yeah.
He rubbed his eyes.
Suri
It’s almost time to go home.


Arkain opened his eyes. He stood up slowly careful not to wake the others.
Arkain
I’ll be back.
He walked almost half a mile away from them. He let the ocean water hit his feet.
Cameron
What are you thinking about?
Arkain was startled. He turned around quickly.
Arkain
I thought I got away quietly.
Cameron
You thought wrong.
Arkain turned back to the ocean.
Arkain
A lot. I’m thinking about a lot.
Cameron
Mind sharing?
Arkain rubbed his right arm with his left hand.
Arkain
It’s nothing really.
Arkain took a deep breath.
Arkain
Do you believe in God?
Cameron walked up closer to stand next to Arkain. He looked out at the sun and squinted his eyes because of it.
Cameron
No, but I use to believe in one though.
Arkain looked at him.
Arkain
I don’t either.
Cameron
Why not?
Arkain
Life. I’ve lived my life. I’ve seen and heard about others. I’ve done my research both scientifically and philosophically. Just couldn’t believe anymore. My step-dad pushed his religion onto me when I was younger. I was eighteen when I just couldn’t believe anymore. It wasn’t that I decided, it was just that I couldn’t. It was like believing the tooth fairy was bringing you money for your teeth when you already knew it was your parents. There is just no fooling yourself.
Cameron
I know what you’re saying.
Arkain
When did you stop believing?
Cameron
Once my brother died. After that I just couldn’t do it. First I was angry with God for allowing it to happen but then I realized no good God would allow this to happen. No God, period. Ximendos and the rest of the Empire’s people only helped me disconnect myself from that belief.
He ran his hand through his hair.
Cameron
I remember walking home sometimes from school with my bible. I’d pray really hard on those walks that mother would change. That Christian would be healthy and happy. What I prayed for most of all though, was that it held some kind of truth.
He looked up at the rising sun.
Cameron
It never did.
He then turned to Arkain.
Cameron
What does this have to do with anything?
Arkain looked down at the water.
Arkain
I was wondering if I am wrong. If we’re wrong...will we be punished for my revenge?
Cameron put his hand on Arkain’s shoulder.
Cameron
Your mother and everyone else cannot come back. For that I believe your revenge is justified. Clear your mind, Arkain. It’s the only way to stay sane.
Arkain
But what if I’m not? What if everyone else thinks I’m crazy?
Cameron turned to Arkain.
Cameron
The sane always look crazy to the insane.
He grabbed him by the shoulders.
Cameron
How can you be my sword if your grip on yourself is shaking?
Cameron began to walk away.
Cameron
If there is a God, and he wishes to pass judgment on you, we shall just kill him also.
Arkain
Thank you, Cameron.
Cameron
We first have to kill the so called Gods of this world first. You’re welcome, my brother.


Ximendos, Kassle, and Keir appeared in a giant beautiful throne room painted red and gold.
Woman’s Voice
Oh my goodness, Ximendos!
At the top of the stairs in front of them stood a tall woman with short brown hair and brown eyes peering down at them. Lying on the floor next to the throne was a Lynx.
Ximendos
Azusa, my dear.
Azusa
It’s really you!
Her shirt and pants transformed into a long lavish red dress that exposed her cleavage.
Kassle
Mother, are these theatrics necessary?
Azusa
Any theatrics are necessary if Queen Azusa deems them to be.
She walked down the stairs slowly.
Azusa
Ximendos, Emperor of the Solace Empire. King of the humans.
She laughed.
Azusa
It has been ages.
Ximendos grabbed her hand and kissed it.
Ximendos
And you haven’t aged a day.
Azusa blushed.
Keir
Hello, Azusa.
Azusa
To the throne, Keir.
Keir flew to the top of the stairs and sat at the handle of the throne.
Man’s Voice
What the hell is going on in here?
The doors to the right of them flew open. A man almost identical to Kassle came in. He differed from him in that his hair was a bit longer and black, he was an inch short, and had green eyes.
Azusa
Ximendos is home, Kade.
Ximendos turned to Kade.
Ximendos
Another old face.
Kade
Ximendos, my old friend.
They shook hands.
Kade
What brings you to our home?
Kassle
Don’t be so rude, brother. We must discuss business when all members of the family are present.
Kade gave Kassle a dirty look.
Kassle
You heard me, 2nd prince to the throne.
He hugged Ximendos.
Kade
I am pleased to see you.
Ximendos
As am I.
Azusa
Where is that Geremiah and Munro?
Geremiah
I am here, mother.
A small boy entered the room. His long brown hair hovered slightly above the ground. His eyes always intrigued Ximendos. They were black. He looked no older than twelve.
Kade
Germ, where have you been?
Germ
I’ve just returned from Europe. My plans went to hell the moment Ximendos spoke to the world.
Ximendos
My deepest apologies, 4th prince to the throne, Prince Geremiah.
Germ
None necessary. You provided me with some excellent entertainment. I haven’t seen so many humans die in so long. My gratitude is to you for indulging me.
Ximendos
You’re very welcome.
Boy’s Voice
An old friend, I hear.
Ximendos
I assure you time as not graced this face.
Munro walked in next. He looked to be the same age as Ilias. He has short black hair up to his neck and, another intriguing thing to Ximendos, beautiful purple eyes.
Munro
How kind of you to visit after all these years, Ximendos.
They shook hands.
Ximendos
3rd Prince to the throne, Prince Munro.
Munro
I am intrigued by your presence. To what do we owe the pleasure?
Ximendos
I’ve come to ask for your assistance.
Kassle
Assistance?
Azusa
What can be so powerful even the likes of you must come to us?
Ximendos
Normally I would be able to handle myself with things but my empire, in powers comparable to ours, is severely outnumbered.
Kassle
How tragic.
Ximendos
Very tragic. Without a doubt both forces we face will attempt to siege my palace soon. I am a bit worried about what the outcome of said battle will be.
Munro
And so you need our help. To even the odds.
Ximendos
Yes.
Germ
Mother, providing assistance to Ximendos in the human world is unnecessary.
Geremiah turned to Ximendos.
Germ
While we all here consider you our kind, I’m not sure preserving your empire is worth our time.
Munro
I must agree with Geremiah.
Ximendos
Please reconsider.
Azusa
So that’s two votes that say no. As you know Ximendos, we all have a vote here.
Germ
It’s not in our best interest. If these opponents are as powerful as Ximendos says they are-
Munro
We can end up dead.
Kade
Bullshit. Kade does not die. My vote is yes.
Kassle
I will go with yes. I will aid you, brother. I do not die either.
Ximendos
Spoken like immortals.
Kassle
If only we were. No, beauty just never dies. It never dies.
Kade laughed.
Kade
What will it be, mother and father?
Keir
I vote yes.
He yelled from the top of them.
Azusa
And I’m afraid that I vote no.
Ximendos
A tie. What are your rules about a draw?
Azusa
I don’t think we have one. Do we?
Germ
No, mother.
Munro
The only possible solution would be for you to override us all, mother. You are the Queen after all. Father holds no authority equal to yours.
Ximendos
If she is capable of overriding, why even vote?
Germ
Mother’s vote in reality counts as two. If she chooses it to be that way.
Kassle
Very well, what say you mother?
Kade
Hurry up!
Azusa
I want to help you, Ximendos. I really do. However, there is just no incentive.
Orthak rose from the ground next to Ximendos. Kassle and Kade moved quickly in front of Azusa, Munro, and Germ.
Germ
Is that?


Gemma opened the door to Iris’s room.
Iris
You may enter, Gemma.
Gemma walked in slowly and closed the door.
Iris
I was sure my brother would be here first.
Gemma
If you want…I can leave.
Gemma said softly turning around.
Iris
No…you can stay.
Gemma found the bed and sat down.
Gemma
I’ve come to talk to you about Ilias-
Iris
And your marriage. Surprised? He already told me. Right before we glassed the earth.
Gemma
Are you angry with us?
Iris
I was. I can’t say I am anymore. In my recovery time I’ve allowed my anger to slip away from me.
She sat next to Gemma.
Iris
I know you came here thinking you’d have to deal with the tyranny of an upset sister, but that is all in the past. I welcome your bond with my brother. After all, you are going to be my sister. Who am I to deny others their happiness?
Gemma smiled.
Gemma
I don’t understand how this has happened.
Iris grabbed Gemma’s hand.
Iris
Time, it gets the best of us.
Gemma grabbed Iris’s hands.
Gemma
Will you be my maid of honor?
Shocked, Iris paused, and then answered.
Iris
Of course I will.
Iris smiled. Iris suddenly looked to the door.
Iris
How can this be?
She got up and ran out leaving Gemma alone.

The ship was almost to the ground now.
Amya
I’m very impressed by how far technology has come.
Akasha
As am I. A giant ship in the sky. Who would have thought?
Forest
Humans and their destructive power. Who would have thought such powerless creatures could create such powerful things?
Akasha
They have a way of surprising every critic.
Amya
That they do.

Munro
Where did you get that?
Ximendos
I’ve had it. Even before I met all of you.
Azusa
Lies!
Ximendos
I tell none.
Germ
He speaks the truth mother. Where did you get that half-dead?
Ximendos
You all taught me about them, so you should know. It was created. It was emotion that could not hold itself in me any longer. I painted it black, you see.
Kassle
A hideous creature.
Orthak screamed.
Kade
Shut up!
Ximendos
I know you’ve always wanted one.
Germ
Where are you getting at, Ximendos?
Azusa
Is it your pet?
Ximendos
It is a part of me. Where am I getting at? What if I said I could get you your very own.
Munro
That is Impossible. They aren’t something you can create. What stands before us is the 2nd creation of one in the history of this planet. They are made by chance, not by choice.
Ximendos
Well you got a little ahead of me. I never said I’d make it. On the contrary, I already have one in my possession.
Azusa
These half-dead things are powerful monsters.
Ximendos
Orthak is capable of growing even more powerful than I.
Germ
If we join you, we’d be able to acquire one for our arsenal?
Ximendos
Yes.
Munro
Also, we’d be a completely separate entity. The Christ Kingdom will join forces with the Solace Empire. We would not be under your authority. Any requests of action you’d make would have to be approved by our council.
Ximendos
I am content with that.
Azusa
I like the sound of that. But how do we know he can provide us this half-dead?
Ximendos
As I said, it is already in my possession. I planed for this day. Just in case, of course. I brought the carrier into my circle just in case I ever needed a bargaining chip to persuade you all. I also knew you all would posses the power capable of extracting it from her.
Munro
I’m impressed that you’d think so far ahead.
Germ
The carrier, what is her name?
Kassle
Is she beautiful?
Ximendos
Her name is Gemma Rose Lee.
Azusa
I’m not entirely sold yet. What else can you offer us?
Munro
Mother loves gifts.
Ximendos
Would Kegan suffice?
Azusa
My son.
Her face grew pale.
Azusa
Where is he?
Ximendos
He works for one of the groups trying to destroy my empire.
Germ
He is a traitor, mother. Control yourself.
Munro
How can we be so sure you can offer him to us as well? How do we know you’ve even seen him?
Ximendos
I fought him last night.
All of them stared at Ximendos with great interest.
Ximendos
The boy is still as powerful as ever. I would have captured him for you all then and there but he used a trick on me I was not expecting.
Germ
Truth?
Ximendos was almost taken aback
Ximendos
How did you know?
Germ
It was always his way of running from his own truth.
Kade
Is the Supriya girl with him?
Ximendos
Yes.
Kade
That bitch is mine.
Ximendos
You can have her as well.
Kassle
She is pretty. We will have to make her ugly.
Germ
Is that all you have to offer?
Ximendos
I thought by now your appetites would be diminished.
Germ
I vote yes.
Munro
As do I.
Kassle
And I.
Kade
Sure.
Keir
Yes.
Azusa
The killing of humans, a half-dead, and the return of Kegan? Well Ximendos, it looks like you’ve just found yourself the best ally you possibly could.
Ximendos
I am well aware of it. Well aware.
Azusa
For now, Kassle and Kade will accompany you. We shall see you when you need us.
Kassle and Kade both whistled. The floor shook softly.
Ximendos
You’re bringing them?
Kassle
Why would we leave our children here?
Two giant wolves the size of small cars, one black and one white, ran into the room and stopped in front of Kassle and Kade.
Ximendos
Well then, off we go.
Germ
Goodbye, Ximendos.
Munro
We shall see you soon.
Azusa blew him a kiss.
Ximendos
Sooner than you think.

Elijah
This can’t be. It’s like it all is playing into our hands. Akasha, Amya, and some giant powerful force that was with them have left the palace ground.
Merdos
Now is our chance.
Elijah
Commander Gunner would be in the control room. That’s to the left and your friend Suri would be straight in the prisoner areas underground.
Emmylou
We can’t be in two places at one time.
Conor
We can split up.
Merdos
Elijah, can you take them to get Suri?
Elijah
I can. We have the advantage so they shouldn’t know we’re here yet.
Merdos
Very well. I will go for your father Emmylou and you all retrieve Suri.
Emmylou
Thank you.
She threw her arms around Merdos.
Emmylou
This means so much to me.
Elijah
We haven’t much time.
The Gears compartment area opened exposing them to the sun.
Merdos
We meet where we first landed. Stay alive.
Conor
Will do!
Merdos transformed and ran off.
Emmylou
Let’s go.
Elijah
We only have a small window of opportunity here. We must hurry.
Conor
Show us the way.


Suri
Do you hear that, Ian?
Ian
No.
Suri
It’s footsteps.
Ian
Emmy?
Suri
I don’t know. Stand up.
Ian stood up.
Suri
Get against the wall.
Ian
I’m scared.
Suri
Don’t be. You’ll be alright.
Ian stood against the wall. The door opened. Suri saw a female’s face she didn’t know. Suri flew forward. Rubble and blocks of cement flew into the sky.
Emmylou
What the hell was that?
Elijah saw on his monitor the entire entrance to the prisoner’s area was destroyed.
Elijah
It looks like something exploded the entrance.
Conor
That would be Suri and her super strength. Looks like she already knows the plan.
Elijah
This isn’t good.
On his monitor they all saw her.
Emmylou
Who is that?
Conor
Should we be worried?
Elijah
Very.

Ilias opened Gemma’s door and walked into the hallway. He then proceeded to the outer hallway to find Gemma.
Gemma
Ilias, is that you?
Ilias
Where have you been?
Gemma
I was talking to Iris when she ran off. I don’t know where she went.
Ilias
She probably had some important thing she forgot to do.
Merdos
Can’t say I’m not regretting turning this way.
Ilias turned towards Merdos and blocked Gemma from him.
Ilias
What are you doing here?
Merdos
As of now, I will be killing the both of you.
He turned his head towards Gemma.
Ilias
Run.
Gemma ran the way she had came.
Ilias
You won’t lay a hand on her.
Merdos
And how will you stop me once you’re dead?
Ilias
Such bold words from the White Coat’s lower class.
Merdos began to take off his gloves.
Merdos
I’m fine with putting those words into action. You ready?
Ilias
I have nothing to fear.

Suri walked up the stairs with Ian holding her hand.
Suri
Go run for cover.
Ian ran off to the left to hide behind a pillar. Suri turned towards the female approach her.
Suri
Looks like I missed you. I promise it won’t happen again.
There was a small laugh.
Iris
You White Coat’s talk so big. You’re going to die.
Suri
You came to mess with the wrong bitch.
Iris smiled.