Revelation - Chapter 14 (Patreon)

Iris

I thought that Remus’ confession on the shore would lead to him opening up more to me. But it’s the opposite. He seems further away now. Like he’s confused. Or maybe he just doesn’t trust himself around me anymore.

Never in the time that Remus and I have been together had I seen him break down like that. He’s always been composed, and calm. But that… that was heart-wrenching to see. I never knew the hurt he carried for that incident when in fact it wasn’t his fault in the first place. His mother manipulated him and took his memory. He didn’t know it was me, and I tried to reassure him of that. But he has taken it so deep into his heart. He thinks it’s his fault.

I feel partly to blame for that. Each time he tried to open up to me I would call him a monster and tell him he deserved what happened to him. I flinch every time I think about those moments. The times he would look at me with curious eyes and try and open his heart to me. I would shut him down and run away. I take a deep breath. I let my hatred consume me, and turned into the very thing I despised the most. Sky was right about that. Being evil only breeds more evil. At this point, I think I finally understand what it was Sky has been fighting with me about all this time.

While I may never forgive him for what he’s done to me as well as other planets, all I can do now is try and move past that and understand him. Maybe then I can save future lives from his wrath. Maybe.

I look up when I hear the door open. Remus comes in from outside. I blink in shock as I take him in. He’s wet. He’s only wearing a pair of shorts that are drenched and stuck to his skin. As is his hair. Water droplets are slowly running down his muscular frame and dropping to the floor around him. His gaze meets mine and he immediately turns away from me heading towards the stairs and up to his room without a word. I watch him as he disappears from my view.

It’s been like this since that moment on the beach. He’s avoiding me. I don’t mind it entirely. I never claimed to be emotionally adept to everything. I’m confused about these feelings as well. I turn back to the open space of the living room. So far Remus doesn’t seem to be doing any damage on this planet nor does he seem to be planning to hurt anyone else.

The only problems so far have been his parents. Why his parents have been so manipulative of their son is beyond me. Remus seems to be a powerful being. It makes me wonder if his parents fear him or are just trying to control him.

“Iris.” I jump, turning to see Remus standing behind me. He’s watching me cautiously. I take note that he’s fully dressed. He’s wearing his all-white including his cape. His hair is pulled back in a ponytail and he has a jeweled band holding his hair out of his face. Meaning he’s going somewhere involving his people. I feel a moment of intimidation as I take him in like this.

“I’m going to the nearby city to take care of business. Don’t leave this place.” He warns. I only nod my head. He doesn’t leave immediately though. He stands above me, studying me as he did in the days he was first a part of my life. He finally turns to leave. Just when he’s at the door, he pauses with his hand on the frame.

He looks as if he’s contemplating something, and his gaze finally meets mine.

“Would you like to accompany me?” He asks. My eyes widen and I feel a sudden shift in my heart. I slowly stand, nodding my head before he changes his mind.

~

Remus dressed me in a beautiful white sundress and pulled my hair in a bun only leaving a few curls to fall. He still doesn’t speak as we make our way to the mysterious city. But I can’t help but feel excitement at the idea of going. I already saw the kingdom when I was with Ezra, and at this point, I can’t think of anything more magnificent than that. But I just know this place will surprise me.

“Iris. You’re twitching.” Remus’ voice pulls me out of my thoughts and I look up at him in confusion. His eyes are on my fingers, and I realize he’s referring to the fact that I’m drumming the against my leg in anticipation. I look down at my fingers immediately stopping the action.

“Sorry.” I murmur. He doesn’t say anything, so I decide to look up again. He has his gaze focused on the clouds passing us by. It’s strange seeing Remus pilot this ship like machine. But I remember that I came to the secluded beach with him alone.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“Lifolt.” He responds. I look out the window. I know that if I ask him what for, he won’t tell me. He likes to keep those things away from me. Which is why I can’t fully trust him or what he says.

“Why did you ask me to come with you?” I ask. He shrugs.

“I figured it would be somewhere you would want to see.” He says. A small smile creeps onto my face but I keep my face the opposite direction so that he won’t see it. I don’t want him to think that I am easily swayed by his mind tricks. Though I do wish I knew what was going through his mind. I squint as I see something in the distance.

The clouds slowly part and my eyes widen as I take in the object. It’s a tree. One massive tree. Bigger than any skyscraper back on Earth and wider than a small town. Not only is it big, but the leaves on the tree are blue. A beautiful blue hue that rivals any sky or ocean. I feel my jaw slightly drop as I take in the city built within and around the tree. The city seems to be coming from underneath the roots of the tree and expanding out into a slew of buildings. Not only that, but the entire city is surrounded by water that seems to almost vibrating with life.

In each outer edge of the city is what looks like the stalk of more trees, but as we grow closer water is coming out of the tops of them. It’s unlike anything I have ever seen.

“Wow.” I whisper. I hear Remus’ soft chuckle behind me but ignore him. I don’t want to blink or anything for fear of missing something. This place is nothing like Leviathar.

“My people enjoy the company of one another. They like living within close proximities of each other.” Remus says.

“It’s beautiful.” I murmur.

“It is.” He responds absentmindedly.

We fly around the entire city, finally landing in an open field where there are people waiting for us. Remus gets out first, opening my door. His whole demeanor changes as he helps me out.

“Do not make me regret the decision to bring you along Iris. Follow my direction.” He says. He’s back to his original self and I can’t help but shudder. I nod my head in understanding and he gives me a soft smile though it’s nothing like the smiles he gave me on the beach. It’s cold and menacing.

“Good.” He says. He walks towards his people who immediately bow as he approaches. Remus quips something in his native tongue and they stand and begin talking to him. I use the time to look around. Even from here I can see the blue leaves slowly bristling in the wind so far above us. Remus begins walking in front of me and I follow, continuing to crane my neck as I take in the people of this city.

There are a few flying above us on strange contraptions that allow them to do so. It looks like a scooter without the wheels and slim body. But I assume it’s for leisure seeing as people are smiling as they pass over us. I look ahead of us to the buildings. They are made of some kind of marble material. I’m so caught up in the scenery that I don’t even realize Remus has stopped walking and I run right into him. I stumble back trying to catch my bearings.

“I’m sorry.” I mumble. Remus has an irritated look on his face, and his eyes aren’t amused. I immediately look down unable to hold his gaze. He turns away from me continuing his conversatin, and begins walking again.

We finally reach the doors of the place, heading inside only to exit onto the street. My eyes widen even further if that were even possible. The plant life has been integrated into the city and buildings.

“Iris.” I look away and see Remus ahead of me, waiting for me to join him. I immediately run down the steps to stand next to him, and he begins walking once again through the streets. As we pass by people they all stop to stare and bow at their prince. Remus keeps walking as if they weren’t there.

“They seem happy to see you.” I say.

“Very observant of you, Iris.” He says. He then continues.

“I’ve been missing for centuries. They’re happy to have their prince back to pull them out of the dark age and into their future.” He says. I try and focus on everything he just said but it hurts my head to even think about.

“Centuries?” I ask in confusion. He smiles and looks at me.

“Yes.” I blink even more confused. I know I’m not the most educated person alive, but doesn’t centuries mean a very long time? I decide to voice my question.

“Aren’t centuries…”

“Yes, Iris, centuries are a very very long time. Especially by your standards.” He says.

“But… that would make you…” Now he chuckles.

“Very old.” He says simply. I raise a brow.

“How old?”

“Very.” Is all he says.

“You don’t think I gained all this power over night, do you? The mind takes a long time to develop when the abilities are on par with mine. If I had your lifespan, I would never have achieved any of my power.” He says. I suddenly have a headache from all the information he’s given me, especially about his age.

“Is… is that why you have white hair?” I ask. Remus stops his walking, throwing his head back and laughing. My eyes widen and my ears ring from the sound.

It’s beautiful.

He reaches out placing his hand on top of my head.

“No silly girl. My hair is white because the energy that runs through my body.”

“So you’re immortal?” I ask. He shakes his head.

“No. Everything in existence has a time, Iris. Mine is just biologically much longer than yours.” He says with a frown. I think about it for a second.

“So if you were human, how old would you be?” I ask. He thinks about it for a second.

“Dead.” He simply says and turns walking away. His words only confuse me, and I watch him as he keeps his pace. Remus is full of surprises.

“So what about the other people? Why haven’t I seen any of them?” I ask. He frowns.

“What people?” He asks.

“The servants.” I clarify. I haven’t seen any of them roaming the city.

“They don’t belong here.” He says.

“So they’re…slaves?” I ask. He shakes his head.

“Servants.” I frown.

“Of their own choice?” I ask.

“Their choice to pay off a debt.” He says simply. I open my mouth to respond but he cuts me off.

“Enough, Iris.”

We finally reach our destination. It’s a large structure with no one coming in and out of it. The doors are opened for us as we step in. The floors are clean and glossy, and the walls are tall and consist of possibly the oak from the tree. Remus walks with me to a large set of double doors, pausing in front of them. He turns to look at me with a serious gaze.

“Do not move.” He warns. I nod my head, but that isn’t good enough for him.

“I mean it, Iris. If you leave from this spot, there will be consequences. You cannot roam this place without me by your side. It’s dangerous. I’ll be on the other side of this door. He says.

“Ok.” I whisper. Once he seems satisfied that I wont move, he turns away from me. The doors open and he steps through, making sure they close behind him.

I don’t know how long Remus stays behind those doors, but I find myself losing patience. I’ve looked around the room, I’ve counted random objects, and anything else I can think of to have occupied myself. I’m tempted to walk around but as soon as the temptation comes I get rid of it.

My eyes slowly grow heavy, and I feel my head jerking as I try and stay awake but to no avail. Eventually, sleep overtakes me.

~

I slowly open my eyes as the sound of waves wakes me from my slumber. I look around, and I’m shocked to see that I’m not near the ocean. I’m surrounded by a forest, but I can see the edge of the cliff where the ocean meets the rock. Along with Remus who is sitting at the edge as well. The sun is slowly setting, casting a purple like glow over everything. I slowly sit up.

I must have been exhausted from the day. I don’t even recall Remus bringing me back to wherever this is.

“I see you’re awake.” Remus doesn’t turn around, but his voice comes out strong. I can hear it clearly over the waves in the distance. His hair is free, flowing around him. I take in the color rcalling what he said. So the energy running thorugh him is so much that it causes his hair to be that color?

“You were sleeping so peacefully. As if you were drained of energy.” He says. He takes a deep breath and finally turns to look at me. His expression is void of emotion, but he looks up and down my body as if checking for something.

“How are you feeling?” I’m a little taken aback by his concern, but answer anyway.

“I’m fine.” I murmur. He nods his head turning to look back over the ocean.

“What did you want to be when you grew up, Iris?” He asks. I raise my brow in confusion. This is a strange conversation even for him. I keep walking, and take a seat next to him. He looks down at me as I sit.

“I don’t know.” I say. At this point, so much has happened since before Remus’ takeover of Earth, I don’t think I even could remember.

“I see.” He says. He looks up at the sky. I know there’s something more behind his questioning, but I also know that whatever it is, he won’t tell me.

“What did you want to be?” I ask. His eyes widen slightly and he looks at me. He has a look of complete surprise on his features. Even his mouth is slightly parted. I can’t help the small laugh that escapes my lips from his confusion.

“No one’s ever asked you that?” I ask. He blinks, then shakes his head.

“No.” He says. He looks out over the ocean.

“My life was planned from the beginning. I wasn’t expected to be anything other than what I am now.” He says. I frown.

“But even still you must have had moments when you felt you wanted to do something else?” He shakes his head.

“No.” He says. I look down once again feeling pity.

“I’m sorry.” I murmur.

“Whatever for?” He asks. I shrug.

“For calling you a monster.” I say. I look at him but his gaze is still focused ahead.

“You’re just the product of your parents making. You never chose any of this…” I say. Remus smiles softly and tilts his head back, closing his eyes.

“Ah. I see.” He says. He opens them again, his mouth dropping at the corners forming a small frown. He looks at me.

“Iris.” He reaches out, placing his hand along my cheek. I can feel the warmth from his palm, and I realize that tingle I always felt was always the energy rushing through him. His eyes seem to be searching mine.

“Don’t let your naivete cloud your better judgement. You should never let your guard down around me.” My eyes widen at his words.

“I am fully capable of controlling my parents. I was fully capable of preventing the destruction of Leviathar, and taking over the Earth. I did that on my own, not on my parents whims.” He laughs softly.

“Don’t get it wrong, Iris. I am the monster you’ve made me out to be. The human mind is a strange thing. When you don’t understand something, you find ways to cope with it, whether it be through denial, or in your case, rationalization.” His hand slowly pulls down until his fingers are under my chin, lifting my gaze to his. He smiles.

“I did enjoy the attention. But don’t think understanding my actions and blaming who I am on an outside source will help anyone or change anything. I do things because I want to. Not because I have to. I like control, Iris.”

I feel my skin growing cold, and my eyes widen. He’s serious. I’m at a loss for words. I think back to yesterday on the beach when he was crying. He was so sorry and sincere about what had happened.

“But… yesterday you…”

“I know. And I meant that. The pain I felt for you and for our lost life together is very real. I’ve never lied to you Iris. I am sorry for what I did. I never would have done that because I wanted to. That was out of my control. But nothing will ever be out of my control again. Whether you want to hate me for it or not is your decision.”

He lets go of my face, standing.

“I appreciate the effort, but I advise you to give up the false concern about me, Iris. I am who I am.” He looks out at the water, and when he looks back down to me, his skin looks like it’s glowing from within as his hair begins moving. His eyes are cold. Dark. He’s like a statue staring down at me.

“If I didn’t have love for you in my heart, you’d be dead right now, iris. I took you out of the castle to end your life. I almost did.” I choke on a gasp, running my fingers through my hair and pulling on the strands. MY blood runs cold.

“No.” I whisper. “No… you… you can’t just be this evil, Remus.” I whisper. He takes a deep breath, and I feel his hand around my arm. He’s pulling me up to my feet. I look up in his face. In his terrifying and intimidating face.

Sky was wrong. God was she wrong. Remus is a product of his own making.

Remus smiles.

“You forget, my mother took me away from here and suppressed my memories. And even though my father needed me, he tried to control me as well. What does that tell you about me, iris?” He asks. I can’t even respond. He laughs again.

“I’m sorry to have shattered your reality like this, but for what I am about to do, I need complete control. I can’t have your head filled with false hope and lies.”

~