Chapter Fifty-Seven: Lovers turn into Monsters

Fallen

I’m waiting.

Cameron kept his cool.

Cameron

To save Suri. If Orthak took her form it must mean the empire has her.

This just hit Arkain. He wanted to speak up but he knew he’d break their cover.

Fallen

Interesting. That is very true.

Fallen looked at Arkain.

Fallen

I suppose it is you who wants this mission done most.

Arkain

Yes. Suri is my girlfriend after all.

Nick

Really?

Arkain turned to Nick.

Arkain

Well it’s not official, but you know what I mean.

Fallen

Very well. I think it is most important that we rescue her as well before we destroy their palace and the land mass it sits on.

Cameron

Destroy it? I wasn’t aware that we’d be doing that.

Fallen

Well now you know.

Cameron kept his cool.

Fallen

I’m certain the land is held in the sky by Iris. If she dies so does her power. Without a doubt it will fall from the sky once that happens.

Nick

I’d hate to be under that.

Fallen

No one will be. We’ll probably destroy it in midair anyways.

Cameron

That way the impact isn’t as powerful?

Fallen

Precisely.

He turned to Arkain again.

Fallen

I’d like to think I know how much Suri means to you. For that reason I will do my best to return her to you.

Arkain

Thank you, Fallen.

It was with those words Arkain was reminded on how much he likes Fallen. Yet at the same time, could he really trust him? He was apart of the White Coats too. He knew the lie that was fed to Arkain.

Arkain

That means a lot.

Syn

Fallen, we have much to discuss before bed.

Fallen turned around to walk away.

Fallen

Set up Camp. We’re sleeping here for the night.

Malic

Another cold night by the beach. Just fucking great.

Velis

Shut it. At least that Pathion idiot isn’t here.

Fallen and Syn walked away. Velis and Malic stayed.

Velis

Can we talk now, Cameron?

Cameron

Of course.

He turned to Arkain and Nick.

Cameron

I’ll be back after this to speak to all of you.

They all nodded.

Nick

She’s very nice.

Malic

She’s off limits.

Nick

I know.

Arkain

And she’s not exactly the nicest person in the world.

Malic

Oh relax, Arkain. You don’t know her. Deep down under all that bitchness… she has a heart.

He sat down on the floor across from Arkain and Nick.

Malic

I’d like to think so. You found one in Cameron, I believe.

Arkain, Malic, and Nick sat in a circle.

Malic

So who are you?

Nick

I’m Nick.

He extended his hand towards Malic. Malic shook it.

Malic

I’m Malic. Consider me the life of the party.

Nick

Some party you got going on here.

Malic

Eh, I manage. Where did you come from?

Arkain

He came from where the White Coats are. He had to deliver us an item.

Nick

That’s right. Not just any item. It’s important Cameron and you use it later, Arkain.

Arkain nodded.

Malic

I see. So you’re just following us now?

Nick

Not exactly. Arkain invited me to join your ranks.

Malic

Our ranks?

He looked at Arkain.

Malic

So you’re apart of the New Order?

Nick

I’d certainly like to think so. You know, normally I’m opposed to these kind of things, but I guess I just feel good about this.

Malic laughed.

Malic

Gotta go with the gut instinct.

Nick

True that.

Malic

I like you. You’re a cool kid.

Nick

Awesome sauce. You’re a nice person too. I don’t know if I like you much though.

Malic

And why is that?

Nick

Because I want to be the life of the party.

Arkain sat there quietly thinking. He wondered if Suri was still alive.

Malic

I’m sure we can work things out. We’re a pretty large group. Perhaps two lives of the party are needed.

Nick

Doubt it. From what I’ve heard we’re shrinking in numbers.

Malic looked at Arkain again.

Malic

Are we? News to me. Is this true, Arkain?

Arkain looked up from the cold sand.

Arkain

Yes. Cameron just decided.

Malic

So who will be leaving us? It better not be me. I put a lot of time and-

Arkain

It’s not. It’s Fallen and the Syn clan.

Malic

Oh. That works.

He turned back to Nick.

Malic

Get used to it, Nicky boy. We’ve changed teams and have gotten rid of allies. Not long before you’re left behind also. Till then, goodnight.

He got up and walked away.

Nick

Left behind?

Arkain

I guess you do good work today and then you’re forgotten by tomorrow.

Nick

That’s terrible. I’ll never be forgotten or left behind again.

He put his thumb on his chest.

Nick

No, I’ll show this world. Until then, what’s eating you?

Arkain took a deep breath.

Akasha

I can’t believe it.

Akasha stood next to a now black Orthak.

Akasha

So the rumors are true.

Water formed into Vesper next to Darby. Darby stood up next to Tusa and Vesper.

Vesper

You believed we were dead.

Akasha

I was led to believe. Clearly you are not.

Pathion landed next to Vesper.

Pathion

Don’t play stupid. All of us are immortals. That’s including you too.

Akasha’s voice shook.

Akasha

I know this. I… well… you all fought Hayden and others. Ximendos told me they killed you all. He made me leave the battle.

Tusa

Left us there to rot!

Vesper

You were a sister to me. To us all, Akasha.

Akasha

I still am.

Pathion

No you’re not. Your existence alone is only important to us in that we get to see you die.

Tusa

Yes!

Akasha took two steps forward.

Akasha

It doesn’t have to be this way, my brothers and sister.

Darby

I’m afraid it must, Akasha. Syn gave the order.

Pathion

Luckily for you we aren’t allowed to touch you.

Vesper

You’re all his.

Akasha fought back tears.

Akasha

Very well. If there is no way to reason with you then I guess that makes us enemies.

She turned toward Orthak. He screamed.

Akasha

Let’s go, Orthak.

Darby’s blade was now a dirty grey. It disappeared back up his sleeve.

Akasha

Your blade hurt Orthak?

Darby

It did. It was made with his own self a long time ago.

Akasha

A nice weapon you have there. The name?

Darby

My Revenant.

Akasha

It’s a beautiful treasure. One worthy of even killing Orthak. I applaud you, Darby. You always were a genius.

He smiled.

Darby

The next time we meet will be for the last time.

Akasha didn’t turn back to look at them.

Akasha

I’m hoping on it. I truly am. Whether it yours or my own life, I’m hoping on it.

She turned to look back.

Akasha

Darby or Vesper…

A tear ran down her cheek.

Akasha

When you see Simon… tell him… tell him I love him.

With a flash of lighting they were both gone.

Pathion

As if tears are going to take us off our path. I didn’t buy it for a second.

Darby looked at Vesper.

Darby

Her words were sincere.

Vesper

I noticed. I will give them to Syn when we return.

Pathion

What? What for?

Vesper

Because she asked nicely.

Suri held sleeping Ian in her arms.

Suri

You’re going to be alright. I promise.

She kissed him on the top of his head.

Suri

Little guy like you shouldn’t even know this world.

She put her head against the wall and fell asleep.

Syn

Can we trust the new child?

Fallen

I don’t see why not. He came from the White Coats. I doubt he’ll be a problem.

Syn

If he does become one, I will kill him.

Fallen

I won’t stop you.

Syn

Good. I’m off to wait for Pathion now.

Fallen

Very well. Goodnight, Syn.

Syn disappeared.

Fallen

All is going as planned.

Emmylou

Sunrise doesn’t come for another 6 hours.

Conor

Locked in here until then?

Emmylou

We’re not locked in here.

Conor

Well stuck.

Merdos

Take comfort in the fact that you’re safe.

Elijah

By morning things will become hectic. That will give us time to move without being seen. That’s if we’re lucky.

Conor

If all goes wrong we die.

Emmylou nudged his ribs.

Conor

Well it’s the truth.

Elijah

Quiet!

On the screen in the room in Elijah’s gear they saw what Elijah was seeing.

Merdos

Orthak.

Emmylou and Conor didn’t seem so brave now.

Emmylou

Will he find us?

Merdos

Only if he concentrates on you or I. I doubt he will though. He has no reason to do so.

Elijah

Just stay quiet. He won’t be a problem if we don’t make him a problem.

Pathion, Darby, Vesper, and Tusa all appeared before Syn.

Syn

I’ll hear about it tomorrow. For now, get some rest.

They all made themselves comfortable and went to bed.

Cameron stopped walking.

Cameron

What did you want to talk about?

Velis didn’t look at him.

Velis

Us.

Cameron

What about us?

Velis

Where do we stand?

He looked up at the moon.

Cameron

What do you mean by that?

Velis

Cameron… do you love me?

He was caught off guard.

Velis

If you don’t, just say it. If Malic was right about one thing it was that I should tell you how I feel.

She turned to face him.

Velis

Most everyone knows me as the woman with no emotions. The one to fire, aim ,and then ready. Kill and ask questions later.

Cameron saw a tear coming down her left cheek.

Velis

But you know inside that’s not all I am.

He walked forward and grabbed her hand.

Cameron

I know, Velis. If you know as well, why are we discussing this?

Velis

Because we’re going to war, Cameron. Which means we might be dead soon.

Cameron

No we won’t be.

She pulled her hand away.

Velis

You don’t know that. No one does. I just want to know that if I die I have you in my last moments.

Cameron

You do, Velis.

He grabbed both her hands.

Cameron

I love you, my young Victoria.

Velis

I haven’t been called that since I was a young girl.

Cameron

Since before Ximendos took you.

She nodded.

Cameron

I know. Velis, are we done with your insecurities?

Velis

Yes. I’m sorry, Cameron. I have just never had my heart broken. I don’t know what it feels like. To be broken by a thing called love. To want out of this life because the one you love walked away and-

Cameron

They say lovers turn into monsters when they lose the one they love.

Their blue eyes met.

Cameron

What would they say about this situation?

Velis

What do you mean?

Cameron

My lover’s already a monster.

He kissed her. She kissed him back.

Ximendos walked up to Orthak and played his hand in his head.

Ximendos

I see.

He pulled it back.

Ximendos

Interesting. I can not believe how intelligent Darby is.

Akasha

I am with you on that one.

Ximendos

If only he were on our side.

Akasha

Pity.

Ximendos sat down on the bed.

Ximendos

He even showed me something I had not known about Orthak. The maximum consumption. I must thank him for that.

Akasha got into bed.

Ximendos

I’ll capture him. Persuade him to our side.

Akasha

Lovely.

Ximendos

Until then, let’s get some rest.

He turned to Orthak.

Ximendos

Watch the grounds.

Amya stood in the forest. She could see the moon above her through the branches.

Forest

Why have you come?

The soft old voice said.

Amya

I have come to you with a proposal.

The wind blew through the trees and lifted her hair.

Amya

Are you willing to listen?

Forest

Speak.

Amya pulled out a role of paper.

Amya

I am, 2^nd Queen of the Empire, 3^rd to the throne, have come before you with a proposal. One I believe you can’t refuse.

Forest

I am listening.

Amya

The world as you knew it is changing. Even you cannot deny that. The humans have lost all power over this world. We, the Solace Empire, have captured and annihilated all human resistance.

Forest

Humans…

Amya

The humans who still thrive only do so because they’re under our control. We’ve captured and manipulated them to our liking. They are now improved in comparison to their old selves. They are no longer war hungry, power hungry, and hateful. They are peaceful beings.
Forest

No more destruction?

Amya

If you are referring to the destruction of your forests and life around this planet, no. There will be no more destruction of it. If you join us you will create a reserve area that will be used for the humans. Aside from that, your forests will be left alone.

Forest

If what you say is true, why do you need me?

Amya

Soon there will be a war. One to decide if things remain this way or change. It will be one this world has never seen. The greatest powers of this planet will meet in battle.

Forest

Your battles are no concern of mine.

Amya

They should be. If we are not victorious your trees will continue to be cut down and your lands burned. If you join us that will cease to happen. You have the word of the Empire that you will leave peacefully for the rest of your long life.

The forest began to laugh. Amya looked around suspiciously.

Forest

Since the dawning of man they’ve damaged me. Cutting my trees down, burning them, and harvesting them. If what you say is true, that will all end. That is preferable to returning to the old ways. I am a peaceful creature. I have never done battle with the humans. You have awakened me.

Amya

You are an ally we most wish to obtain.

Forest

My Amya, you’ve returned to me with quite the offer.

The ground in front of her began to move until trees began to sprout and form into what looked like stairs.

Forest

An offer I don’t think I can refuse.

She saw him now sitting on top of his throne.

Forest

And if I did choose to refuse, what then?

Amya

I’d return tomorrow with our armies to destroy you, for good. Nature would then return to a state of being without a personality.

Forest

Back to times even before me? I don’t think that is necessary.

Amya

So will you accept?

He began to walk down the stairs he created. His brown hair was so long it almost touched the floor. She saw his brown eyes for the first time in almost a hundred years.

Forest

I will accept your offer, my wife.

Amya

Very well.

They held each other.

Forest

After over a hundred years you come back to me with games?

Amya

I need you, Forest. More than I ever have. We must leave quickly.

Forest

I will on one condition.

Amya looked up at his face.

Forest

I want to meet my daughter. I want to see-

Amya

Roselyn .

Arkain

You wouldn’t understand.

Nick sat down across from him and crossed his legs.

Nick

Try me. I’m a very understanding person.

Arkain looked at him and smiled.

Arkain

There’s this girl.

Nick

There’s always a girl.

Arkain

Her names Gemma. She’s an old friend of mine. She went to the same high school my mom taught at. She’s almost fully blind.

Nick

That sucks.

Arkain

I used to think she was a great girl. A special one. Hell, an amazing one. She made me smile.

Nick

And then?

Arkain

Well… she, um… she killed my mom.

Nick’s mouth fell open.

Arkain

Yeah, I know. It’s horrible. My mom meant the world to me. Even though a lot of times we didn’t see eye to eye, I still loved her. I still do. She was a beautiful woman. I wanted her to be in my life until she was really supposed to have left this world. Wanted her to see me get married.

Arkain’s voice began to crack.

Arkain

Wanted her to meet her grandchildren. You know, the things most people do when they’re older. That can’t happen anymore.

He wiped a tear flowing down towards the ground.

Arkain

It never will. She’s dead.

Nick

My condolences.

Arkain

The thing is, now I’m being eaten alive.

Nick

What do you mean?

Arkain

I always told myself that hate would never be me. That no matter what I’d be able to swim above it. Guess I didn’t know the feeling would be this powerful. I feel as if I’m drowning in it. I want to get out yet at the same time I feel as if it’s the right thing to stay. To let it guide me. To kill the empire.

Nick

To kill Gemma?

Arkain

No. That’s the one thing I can’t do. I can’t kill her.

He crossed his arms.

Arkain

I can’t look into her cold white eyes and do it. I just can’t. That’s why Cameron is going to do it.

Nick

He has experience with killing I assume.

Arkain

Yeah. Loads of it.

Nick

Do you think there’s an explanation?

Arkain

For?

Nick

Why she killed your mother…

There was a moment of silence.

Arkain

I don’t see how any explanation can make it right, can justify it.

Nick

What if it was an accident?

Arkain

What would that mean? I don’t think that changes anything. At the end of the day my mom’s dead. My step dad’s dead. Hell, I don’t even know if I’m alive anymore. I just feel like a walking corpse. One fueled by hate. I feel as if since I found out…

He looked to the ground.

Arkain

Every second since then I’ve more and more have turned into a monster.

He looked at his hands.

Arkain

And I’m okay with it. I think I like it.

Nick didn’t know what to say.

Arkain

And now with this power I’ve acquired I’m going to go to the Empire’s palace. I’m going to kill them all. I never thought killing was right, but I have no other choice.

Arkain stood up.

Arkain

This monster must devour those monsters. That’s the only way this can happen. I’ll save Suri, kill them, and end the cycle of hate. The last one on this planet.

Nick

Do you think that will work? Will the hole in your heart somehow be filled after all of them die?

Arkain

No. I don’t think it ever will. That’s not the point though. I’m fine with this dark void in me my mother’s death has left me. It’s the only thing that keeps me going. It’s the only thing that pushes me forward in order to lay out my justice.

His wings extended into the dark night.

Arkain

It’s all I have to remember she was here.

A clap filled the air. Arkain looked past Nick while he turned around.

Cameron

Excellent, Arkain.

He stopped clapping.

Cameron

Even the good breed monsters. Do not fret, my brother. Our plans shall be done. We’re not the dark mindless monsters that feed on nothing but death and the pain of others. I’m no longer that anymore and you will never be that. We’re simply the monsters bred out of love that will change this world.

A flame was lit in his hand.

Cameron

Together, we can all do this.

Nick looked at Cameron and then to Arkain.

Nick

I’m in.

Velis

As am I.

Malic

Don’t count me out.

Malic appeared from the darkness.

Arkain

Until the bitter end.

Cameron

Let’s do this.

Gemma’s eyes opened to the sound of a wolf howling.

Man’s voice

Have you made it, Keir?

Keir stood on all four legs. He was a small little white lemur like monkey. Blue eyes, all white, with a long tail.

Keir

This is it, Kassle.

Kassle

Very well. Find Ximendos.

Keir

Yes, your majesty.

The woof howled again.