Revelation - Chapter 22 (Patreon)

Remus

I’ve never given much thought to how this could possibly go. I always figured it would be simple. Nothing that has come to me in life so far has really been a challenge. Except for Iris. Breaking her. Taking her. Loving her. None of it has come easy. But then, it never is with her.

“You seem lost in thought.” Ezra’s voice breaks through my concentration. He’s eyeing me with a curious gaze. I shake my head looking back out the window at the passing greenery.

“I’m worried about Iris.” I say. I don’t look at Ezra’s reaction, but I know he isn’t surprised.

“Why?” He asks.

“This world isn’t good for her.” I say honestly.

“Once I return, I will be crowned king. And she will be nothing more than a mistress. I’ll have to keep her confined to the castle. Never let her see anything outside of it, or even experience the world.” I take a deep breath.

“She’s going to hate me.” I finish. The one thing that never used to bother me in the past finally comes bubbling to the forefront. And with the date quickly approaching, I have no more time to put off the inevitable. Ezra laughs softly in front of me.

“Does she not already hate you, Remus?” He asks. I smile softly.

“She thinks she does. But a piece of her still holds onto the idea of me being good.” I say. I know Iris like the back of my hand. She always tries to find the good in people. Including me. I smile softly when I think of the times on Leviathar. In her eyes, I was changing. I was good.

She’s just now gotten past the fact that I destroyed Leviathar. If she were to find out about her future here, or even what truly happened to her homeworld, she would never forgive me. Ever.

“So, what. You think you should just return her to Earth?” He asks. I shake my head.

“There’s nothing for her to return to. She’s an orphan at this point. I’m all she has.” I say matter of fact. I look at my brother with curiosity.

“Have you told Sky?” I ask. He has a grim expression on his face.

“No.” He murmurs. I nod my head taking a deep breath. I could return to the being I used to be. And just control her. But now that I’ve grown accustomed to her and her small quirks, I’ve decided to give her small tastes of freedom.

I tense when I feel a surge of energy come over my body.

“We’re close.” I say. I sit up in my seat calling to the driver.

“Land here.” I say. The craft slowly drops out of the atmosphere. Once we land, I stand and exit the craft. I look around at all the dead grass and trees nothing like the world miles away. This is one of the dead zones. Where it all began.

Dirt slowly lifts from the ground as I take a step. There are no nutrients here. Nothing. This place is slowly sucking the life out of the planet and anything that comes near. Which is why I’m here.

If Iris set foot in this plane, she’d be dead within seconds. I turn to my brother.

“This is where we part ways.” I say. He gives me a grim smile, but a thumb up nonetheless.

“Good luck, Remus.”

~

The sun feels amazing. The sound of the miniature river running sounds soothing. And the slight pulse and vibrant color of the greenery is beautiful. This place that Remus somehow created is perfect. And somehow knowing Remus isn’t here makes the calm even more enjoyable. I know that at any second, he won’t come and test me or make my heart naturally beat faster from his mere presence.

I look around the garden to see if anyone else is around, but It’s just me. I slowly raise my arms over my head as a stretch overcomes me. My body feels rejuvenated, and my muscles don’t ache. My cheeks burn as I recall Remus and all the wicked things, he did to me before he left. It was as if he was purposely trying to tire me out.

I lie back on the grass, closing my eyes. I’m not sure how long I lay here, but I eventually doze off.

“Ms. Iris?” My eyes fly open and I look around expecting to see a servant, but I see one that I recognize. Braith. I remember him from that day we came across Remus’ father. He’s standing over me with a curious gaze on his face and a ghost of a smile over his lips. I immediately sit up.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize- “

His eyes widen and he immediately interrupts me shaking his hands. “No no no you have nothing to apologize for.” He says. He laughs embarrassed.

“The atmosphere on this planet is much cleaner than Earths. So, the rays are much more damaging to your skin if you take them in for too long. I was just cautioning you against the dangers.” He says. I smile softly nodding my head in understanding, but he doesn’t move. He gets a sheepish grin on his face.

“Also, the prince would kill me if anything happened to your skin. I’d rather not risk it.” He says. I then realize the extent of his words.

“Oh…” I murmur standing to move out of the sunlight. Even when he’s gone, he has eyes keeping me in check. I pause in the shade when I see Braith watching me with an unreadable expression. It’s unnerving to see on his face, but I ignore it nonetheless. He seems to realize he’s staring and smiles.

“I studied Earth. It was a beautiful planet. One of the most abundant in natural resources. Some of which your people never really discovered.” He says. I raise a brow at him.

“Are you going to tell me how we were foolish and would have destroyed ourselves?” I snap. He laughs softly.

“Of course not. Your people found resources and used them in the wrong way. Humanity just needed a guiding hand. A few thousand more years and you may have reached your potential.” He says. I cross my arms over my chest.

“According to Remus, my planet didn’t have that long.” I say. He shrugs.

“True. Your people did manage to discover the most harmful ways of utilizing your resources.” He says. I roll my eyes, but instead of backing off he takes the challenge.

“So, you’re saying that the choice to use elements to create bombs instead of creating medical advancements wasn’t a bad idea for your people?” He says. I hear the playfulness in his tone and can’t help but feel irritation.

“Ok, I’ll give you that. But we also invented electricity and heat and medicine.” I say. He shrugs.

“I see why the prince is so smitten with you. You have a quick tongue.” He says.

“So, you know Remus well?” I ask. I narrow my eyes at him, crossing my hands over my chest.

“Did he put you up to this?” He looks off into the distance.

“It’s actually the highest honor to be able to work so closely with the prince. He did not put me up to this he only told me to keep you safe and happy.” He says. I roll my eyes.

“If you want to make me happy, send me back to my home world and take Remus out of the equation,” I say. He’s silent for a moment.

“You truly hate him?” He asks. I hesitate in answering.

“He took everything from me, and never once apologized. But lately, he seems… different. Like he’s changing,” I’m talking to myself more than Braith. In the past days leading up to him leaving, Remus has begun to open up to me, slowly but surely.

“How did get here?” I ask. He looks at me in confusion.

“Excuse me?” He asks.

“You and your people. You only seem to exist as servants around here. I’ve never seen you living as equals among the Leviathin. Always serving them. Where did your people come from?” I repeat. He watches me cautiously. Like he’s trying to figure me out. And finally, a small smile appears on his lips and he laughs.

“You’re smarter than the prince gives you credit for.” He says. He looks past me and bows slightly.

“Maybe another time.” He murmurs before walking by me. As he passes, I see the reason for his sudden exit. Ezra is walking towards me with Sky in tow. He looks relaxed. Almost playful. I raise a brow at him.

“You’ll be pleased to know your lover has successfully begun the conversion.” He says. I nod my head looking past him to Sky. She won’t look at me though. Her gaze is down. So, I look back to Ezra.

“What was that servant doing?” He asks. I shrug.

“He was just cautioning me about the damaging rays.” I say. Ezra arches a brow.

“That isn’t something you have to worry about anymore. Not since you and Remus bonded.” He says. I look away in irritation as I’m reminded of the bond we share. Braith wouldn’t know the bond exists between us though seeing as Remus embedded it. Ezra pipes up before my thoughts can get the worst of me.

“We’re going to the city. Would you like to accompany us? Maybe get out of the castle for a little bit?” I narrow my gaze wanting nothing more than to say no, but it would only have a negative effect on me. Ezra smiles.

“I’ll have the servants get you ready.”

~

An hour later we’re docked in the designated spot, and Ezra Sky and I are making our way into the massive city. I look up with wide eyes as the building in front of me covers the sky from this viewpoint. I look around slowly and see the Castle in the distance floating high above the already elevated city. The sun is slowly setting over the land, casting a purple glow. It’s serene.

Once we leave the building, Ezra leads Sky and me throughout the city. I look around in awe at the people that so closely resemble Remus and his siblings. The only exception they have is the silver eye color.

I immediately take note that the people are happy about something. There are decorations and, in the distance, I can hear a low drumming. Almost like a festival of some sort. Ezra reaches around Sky placing his hand in the small of her back to gently guide her through the streets. I want to ask more than anything if she forgave him for what he did, but Remus’ warning stops me from doing so.

The city is beautiful. The people are obviously a part of an upper-class of some sort. I see random groups that have the servants like in the castle following them around. It reminds of the times on Earth when I would see the other Leviathin with human slaves. I take a deep breath reigning in my anger.

The people take notice of us as we walk by and I don’t miss the looks of disgust and shock. But some have looks of awe. I’m not sure if the people are aware of who Ezra is or not, but If they are, they give no indication.

We keep walking until we pass by a market that has stands in it. It reminds me of the market on Leviathar. I can’t help but think of how similar most species are, even if they are different in genetic makeup. Ezra pauses by the man handing him a coin to which he beams brightly and bows profusely before handing over a beautiful flower.

Ezra takes it and hands it to Sky with a small smile on his face. I watch closely as she glares at him, searching his features for something but reluctantly takes the flower. Ezra’s smile grows and he turns away from her and begins walking in the same direction we were originally headed with his back to us. Sky stands for a moment, eyeing the flower before a small smile crawls over her lips and she smells the flower.

It’s a moment that makes me wish Remus were here.

I tense once the thought enters my head immediately shaking it from existence. But the harder I try the more I think of his smile, and his playful moments. I think of the moment he created a flower for me on Earth and suspended it in time.

“You seem conflicted about something.” I look up and see Sky watching me. She laughs softly and continues walking with me next to her.

“It’s ok to be conflicted about your feelings. Even I am most of the time.” She says. She looks at Ezra ahead of us.

“I love him. But I hate him at the same time.” She says. She looks at me.

“I know that look. It would seem you’re beginning to feel the same way.” She raises her brow at me but I refuse to give her an answer.

“Ignore me all you want, but you and I can’t afford to be enemies. We are the only ones of our kind in this world. We have to stick together.” She says. I look at her.

“Why are you suddenly so interested in being friends? Isn’t your usual mantra a lecture about my stupidity?” I ask. She laughs.

“That was before. But I’ve come to realize that you and I are in the same position. There’s no use in fighting.” She says. I look ahead and see the crowd of people thickening as we approach the music. She grabs my hand pulling me to a halt next to her. Her eyes are intense as she stares into mine.

“There’s no use in fighting, Iris. You and I, and you and him. You have nothing to gain from it.” She says. I narrow my gaze at her and feel tears of frustration. I hastily wipe them away.

“I know that.” I hiss. I look up at the sky trying to reign in my logic.

“I know.” I repeat more to myself. I’ve always known. Remus at this point just indulges me. I amuse him with my words and my fight. He literally laughs every time I attempt to do something brave for the sake of the indigenous.

“I don’t want to be alone out here. I don’t want you to get yourself killed because of your beliefs, Iris.” Sky says to me.

“If we had a chance. An actual chance I would be behind you all the way. But these beings… they can kill us by touching us. I’m not saying this to call you foolish. I’m saying this because I want you to live. I want you and I to be friends, and live out however long we have, surviving here together, as humans.” She says. I look ahead at the group of people and see Ezra waiting for us through the crowd. He’s watching us with an intense expression that sends chills down my spine. It puts me in the mind of Remus. I look at Sky, smiling.

“Let’s go,” I say as I pull her along.

We finally reach our destination, and I see the reason behind the excitement. My eyes widen as I take it in. Ezra speaks over us.

“Welcome to the conversion Festival.”

There are celestivine dressed in different garb here, which I can only assume means they’re from different regions. The space is open and there is music playing and decorative lights hanging. There are booths with what I’m assuming are games and prizes at them. It’s an actual festival. Each celestivine holds a paper lantern, while some are selling them to the locals.

The usual spot for royals to observe the festival is up there, but I figured you both would want to get a more personal view. He says. I look at Ezra and can’t help but smile. It’s amazing.

“All this is for Remus?” I ask. Ezra nods. “Celebrating the prince for being their savior.” He says.

“Savior from what?” I ask. Ezra shrugs. “Destruction.”

We walk through the crowd until Ezra stops at another stand, buying lanterns and other objects. It’s strange seeing him do something so normal. And for our sakes as well. We keep going until the crowd thins out and we finally reach an empty space. It overlooks the land below the floating city. There’s a blanket with food on it and my eyes widen from the content. It’s human food. Ezra walks around us placing the lanterns next to the blanket.

Both Sky and I look at him in utter and complete shock. He looks up at the sky.

“You can see the proof of the conversion from tonight on. And once that happens, everyone releases the lanterns. The people use their energy to light theirs, but since you’re human, a good old-fashioned flame is fine.” He says.

“I won’t be far if you guys need me.” He says. He then turns away from us. I look back up at the sky just in time to see a flash of light, and purple like rays shoot out from the distance, stretching out over the land. My eyes widen at the beauty of it.

And I know it’s Remus who is behind it.

For the first time, I take a seat on the blanket holding the lantern. I don’t want to think. I don’t want to feel. I just want to savor this moment. I don’t want to make myself stress over the bad, I just want to admire this good.

All the people of this world have gathered to celebrate their savior, Remus. The one that at each turn is finding ways to help his people. I was with him every day as he trained for this point. I would watch from a distance as he meditated so that he could help his people.

I can’t help the smile on my face. And I know tomorrow I will hate it. I will hate the admonition. I will hate that I’ve resorted to this, I will hate myself, but for now, I just want to feel this happiness and pride. This admiration for Remus and the power he uses to help his people.

So, I lightly toss the lantern and it slowly floats away along with the millions in tow.

She did well. Better than well. She did amazing. I watch Sky with newfound respect. I always knew she was cunning, but getting her to convince Iris to stop this pointless fight for freedom came much easier than expected.

Granted when I first approached her with the idea, she was very reluctant and even fought me about it. But she’s smarter than Iris when knowing her situation. And she knows that one way or another I will get what I want. Whether it be through her pain or controlling her.

Or the threat of her father’s life.

In the end, she asked that she do it her own way because she has grown fond of Iris. I think in a way Iris keeps Sky hopeful. And that’s something that needs to stop.

Once Iris gives up the fight for freedom and focuses on her new feelings for my brother, things will be simpler and smoother for him to handle once he returns. Sky slowly turns and looks at me with a grim look on her face.

I immediately smile at her, making sure to throw a wink her way.

~