Chapter Twenty-Three
Standing before his officers, the chief who had arrested me approaches Ray. I may not have ever willingly looked at him before, but during the time I spent in jail before getting transferred to Soulbell, he and I had more than a few one-on-one chats. Actually, they were more like interrogations. And during those interrogations, he did most of the talking.
But every time we saw one another, I slowly pieced together a picture of his appearance. In his late 30s, with a robust and broad build, he still sports a stubble and the same short, dark black hair he keeps neatly trimmed. But most of all, even if decades had passed, I could never forget the sharp and intense brown eyes that were always so full of hate when he spoke to me.
Shaking Ray's hand, Chief Ben says, “Thank you for your service. Please step aside now, Ray, I’ll take it from here.”
Ray nods and advances beyond the chief.
With his hands behind his back, the chief asks, “For security's sake, what are your names?”
From right to left, we introduce ourselves. The chief eyes me a few seconds longer than everybody else before scanning back down the line.
“For this next part, you can be honest, or you can lie… your answers will be recorded either way. I have a singular question for you all… what do you want to do now that you’re out of Soulbell?”
There’s an uncomfortable silence until Ayden says, “I’m going to help defeat the Amlovos and make up with my kids. After that, I don’t know.”
“We were brought here to stop the rebellion, so that’s what I’ll do,” says Joey.
Toriana tacks on, “I’m in the same boat as him.”
There’s another pause before Makani replies, “I’m willing to do whatever the Clovers tell me. I don’t want to go back to Soulbell.”
The chief’s eyes land on me.
“I’ll serve my purpose to the Clovers, but I don’t care how this uprising ends. As long as the Clover Trine doesn’t stop me from seeing my sick mother, I’ll remain loyal to the people who are at my side.”
After staring at me for a few seconds with a narrow gaze, Chief Ben says, “Very well, the five of you will be brought to Grant Castle at once. The Mako will provide you with Defiantos for travel.”
Lowering their guns, the Mako break formation as they divide themselves toward each of us. We are then separated into five rooms, where we are fitted for various sizes of Defiantos, determining which size is best. As I’m being fitted, Chief Ben enters the room and orders the Mako to leave.
As the officers quickly exit, the chief waits until only we are left inside.
“Mateo Hernandez, you’ve built quite a reputation for yourself.”
“I’m aware. Apparently, my legacy ability is pretty important. What’s it to you?”
“Nothing. Your being a legacy has nothing to do with why I’m here.”
I remain silent, considering that this conversation might be about Kavi, but then he says something that completely throws me for a loop.
“Your father didn’t die from a fall, and the reason why your mother is sick is far more complicated than mere depression and an unfortunate illness.”
On high alert, my eyes spark with fury, “Who– who are you? Why are you telling me this?”
Lifting up a device, the chief clicks it, and his face suddenly starts to morph. As his face finishes transforming, I struggle to breathe as the familiar-faced tepran says, “I believe we’ve met before, but just in case you don’t remember, my name is Deniz. There are some things about your family that you need to know about.”
“I– I remember you,” I say. “I don’t understand… are you the chief now?”
“No, and if you’re concerned about him–”
“I’m not,” I sharply interrupt.
Deniz grunts, amused, “Let’s just say I shouldn’t be here. It was quite difficult to take the chief’s place for an event like this.”
“What’s this about my family?”
“There’s a lot to go over. Try to relax.”
“Did somebody send you to talk? Was it Conall? Ray? My family?”
“Nobody sent me. When I got word you were being released, I ensured I would be able to speak with you before the Clovers would. Unfortunately, we don’t have as much time as I hoped.”
I stagger, “But why– you had a different face before. Which means you must be undercover in the Mako… are you one of the Amlovos?”
“Yes,” replies Deniz, and my throat constricts my breathing. “And part of the reason I am is because of what happened to your family. After you speak with the Clovers, I want you to meet me at my father’s grave. You remember where it is, right?”
Clicking the button, Deniz changes his face back to the appearance of Chief Ben, and I sputter, “Wait! None of this makes any damn sense…! I thought the Amlovos were against Nevism? And why drop this bomb on me about my family now?! Why not wait until after I meet with the Clovers?!”
“Because I need you to understand that the Clover Trine can’t be trusted. Since you wield the Halos Avian, they’ll do everything they can to control you and make you feel comfortable. But in reality, the Clovers are responsible for ruining your family.”
“And I can trust you?! How have you learned these things about my family?! You're part of the very group I’ve been brought here to fight against!”
After checking his watch, Deniz moves toward the door, “We don’t have any more time. I’m sorry, Mateo. I wish there was another way, but you must learn the truth before picking a side. I’ll follow you out… and remember our meeting place.”
***
With the intention of not wanting to alert the rebels of their plan, the Clovers ordered the Mako to bring us up to Grant Castle as discreetly as possible. Meaning we had to take the longest routes to limit the amount of people who could potentially see us hopping from island to island. Additionally, since traveling all in one group would attract way too much attention, we split into small groups of four or five people and left at different times.
Deniz even thought that far ahead, as he and two other officers, probably undercover rebels like him, made their leave. He claimed they had duties in the Midlands to attend to, which probably isn't a complete lie to Deniz.
I think even in our various groups, we still took different paths to Grant Castle… all so the rebels wouldn’t know about what’s going on. Ironic.
***
How does he know how my father died? And my mom...
My brain spins the entire journey up to Grant Castle, and only when we are a few islands away do I realize I have been an auto-pilot. Puffing out some air, I try to get my head on straight.
Shit. I can’t think about Deniz right now. The Clovers… what will they say? How should I react?
Once we arrive, the Mako pass us off to the castle guards.
The castle guards work directly under the Clover Trine. Dressed in light blue uniforms, each guard is armed with an iris rifle strapped around their back. Using orasi, I detect that some even have gemcores.
While Ray stays behind, a group of guards escorts us to the throne room, where the Clovers await. Guided into the center, the five of us are surrounded by the Clover Trine leaders sitting on their thrones.
Straight ahead of us, Washo says, “Admirable fighters of Soulbell, we welcome you! Especially our savoir, Lord Nevis. I am humbly honored to be able to speak with you again.”
“Please, the honor is all mine,” I say, activating orasi and looking around. “If it weren’t for your keen eye when assessing our fighting capabilities, I wouldn’t be here today. And neither would my allies standing beside me.”
Elena says from behind on my right, “A risky investment. That’s how I’d describe Sorel’s research program. Washo assured us that Sorel’s research has not gone to waste, and I already see why. Even now, the air in the room is different from before. We hoped you’d do a great service for this country, and now I believe you will.”
John says over my left shoulder, “You’ve each been given a rare opportunity to turn your pathetic lives around. Don’t disappoint us.”
“Hold your tongue, John!" voices Washo. "You are speaking to the legacy wielder of our savior, Lord Nevis! How dare you dishonor him!”
“It doesn’t matter what we think of them. They’ll do whatever job we need them to.”
“No, we won’t,” I refute, catching looks from both my friends and the Clovers. “We’ll protect your pathetic government from the Amlovos if we want, but we won’t blindly listen to you. You may be the Clover Trine, but you’re dependent on us here. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here, and right now, I’m already able to see. Of the three of you, only one is an iris wielder.”
Meeting John’s eyes, I manifest my wings as my eyes spark, “And compared to me, you’re nothing more than a bug waiting to be squashed.”
John narrows his gaze, “I knew we couldn’t trust criminals… guards, seize them!”
The guards begin to move in, but I quickly ignite my arms and fly up into the air with a blazing gust. Flapping my wings, I exude a tremendous amount of iris. Enduring my overwhelming presence, the guards all stop in their tracks, unable to move.
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“I’m glad you all understand your place,” I say, looking around.
Slowly descending back down, I keep my flames burning.
Glaring at John, Washo screams, “Look what you have done! You have angered our savior from both past and present! You are lucky to still draw breath! Have you any remorse for your shameful actions?!”
“Stop acting like he’s some god!” John shouts back. “He’s just a guy who had a stroke of fortune! That power could, and can be wielded by anybody! It is sheer luck that he inherited it!”
“And it’s precisely for that reason that we must respect him! Fate has chosen him as Nevis's successor in our most dire situation, and you're doubting his legitimacy?!”
“‘It doesn’t matter what we think of them’,” I quote, grabbing the Clovers' attention once more. “Those were your words. Whether you treat me like a god or a devil… it doesn’t matter. I wield the Halos Avian, and that fact won’t change unless it’s stolen from me.”
“Lord Nevis, please understand this man is merely confused. I’m sure he will come to accept what you are, just as I did.”
John tsks as I say, “I don’t care. The only reason we five are here is because we’re strong. The way I see it, our interests align, and we have a debt to repay. Anyway, I’m sure John already understands how close he was to making the biggest mistake of his life.”
“Grudges aside, our interests do align,” notes Elena, her voice exuding sophistication. “You all want to be officially pardoned, and we want to eliminate the Amlovos. The only way to make both happen is if we work together.”
“Indeed,” agrees Washo. “Those rebels must be stopped! They have ordered us to step down from our posts in the next forty-eight hours, and war will surely break out once that time is up. Until then, we’ve prepared rooms for each of you here in the castle. Be prepared to fight at any moment!”
“That’s not gonna work,” I state. “We’ll stay at Ray’s place. He lives in the Skylands, and it’s more logical to place your secret defense force outside the primary target of attack. That way, we’ll be able to intercept or ambush the rebels while they’re en route to attack your castle, giving us the upper hand. And if the Amlovos somehow know we are here, they’ll rework their strategy around our position. They may attempt to seize control of the Skylands, which would cut off supply and soldiers to the castle, weakening your defenses over time. With us stationed in the Skylands, it offers far more versatility.”
After a few seconds, Washo hums, “Very well, we’ll be in touch.”
***
Walking inside Ray’s house, Ray says, “Look Mateo, I don’t mind that you invited yourself into my house, but you could’ve at least warned me. You didn’t even know I had my own place.”
Staying by the front door as the rest remove their Defiantos, I reply, “Sorry, but the Clovers trust you, and I couldn’t live with myself in that palace.”
Joey says, “That show of yours was either incredibly brilliant or incredibly stupid, and I can’t tell which. The Mako will be watching us like hawks now… they may even try to assassinate us or steal the Halos Avian.”
“They won’t touch us,” I reply. “I may have pissed off that prick John, but he’s also well aware of how much more powerful we are than what he’s working with. He needs our strength if he wants to stand a fighting chance.”
“And where are you going now?” asks Ayden.
Opening the door again, I leave them with, “I’m making a visit, be back soon.”
***
Flying the same route back down to the Groundlands that I had just taken with the officers to get to Grant Castle, I keep an eye out for anything abnormal, making sure hardly anybody sees me.
I don’t think I’m being followed, but still… something is off.
Arriving at my father’s graveyard, I find Deniz waiting for me.
Looking around after I land, he says, “I’m glad you could make it. And well done, you weren’t followed. Let’s head somewhere a little more secure, and no flying this time.”
Using his Defiantos, Deniz guides me to his tirika. Leading me to a study room in the back, he flicks a switch in a particular pattern, and something clicks. The desk slides out of the way to reveal a hidden staircase. As we walk down it, Deniz clicks another button, and the opening to the staircase closes behind us. Entering what looks like a classroom, we sit beside a long table, where two glasses of water and a carafe have been prepared in advance.
“To clear things up from earlier,” says Deniz, pouring each of us a glass of water. “I am a member of the Mako and a high-ranking one. I was just not assigned to pick you up, but I went in place of the officer who was. I had to make sure we would meet, and I appreciate that you didn’t turn me in.”
“Turning you in would be foolish. I want to know about my family, and you wouldn’t be much good taking my place in Soulbell.”
Deniz chuckles, “True. Have you heard about Acirat and Maracise?”
“Vaguely, just rumors really,” I say, not showing my hand. “Why ask?”
“Because I was there the night that Maracise fell. About a year after the shard shower, the Clovers had sent me and a few other Mako to converse about trading and maintain a healthy relationship with their leader, Nova. I wouldn’t have gone, but I wasn’t really in a place to reject them, and there wasn’t any face-changing technology around yet. Thing is, we didn’t know they were in the middle of a war, and a little after we arrived, Acirat began wreaking havoc in another wave of attacks.”
“Where you going with this? I came here to learn about my family.”
“Just… listen for a sec, okay. I want you to know where I’m coming from,” says Deniz, and I slowly nod. “That night, I saw what iris was truly capable of. Its destruction, its power, I could only watch as the twins laid waste to everything in their path. Even now, I can still clearly remember such detailed images. It was… horrifying, and we fled as Nova was killed.”
Deniz pauses, “We got back alive and reported everything to the Clovers. But after I was dismissed, I overheard that the Clovers were only upset because they lost their main source of trade. My blood boiled. They didn’t even care about the people who lost their lives protecting their homes, nor the dangers that Acirat posed to the rest of the world. To us.”
“I always thought the Amlovos didn’t believe in Nevism.”
“We don’t, that’s… a different story. But we love this country, and we don’t want to see it destroyed. Because we’re a theocracy, the Clovers have weakened our military, and nobody has ever dared to challenge them! Today, we’re weak compared to the world! And now that iris wielders exist, we’re in danger! What do you think would happen to us if Maracise fell as fast as it did? It’s inevitable... soon people will want to take our land, our technology, our homes! We’ve never caused trouble with other nations because of our country's faith, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want what we have!”
“You know you’re telling this to the guy who's supposed to fight you?”
“Because I want you to join us, Mateo,” states Deniz, looking me in the eye. “The Clovers are in over their heads… our nation needs strong, capable fighters, and you are one. Your friends are too!”
“If you really want me to align with you, you better start talking about my family,” I say, steam coming off my arm, harmless embers flying.
Deniz takes a heavy breath, “Let’s start with your father then, Sergio.”
“You said you know how he actually died.”
“Yeah, but some earlier context is required. Three years ago, your father became a member of the Amlovos.”
My eyes widen as Deniz resumes, “He didn’t try to hide why, either. He told multiple members that he joined because he wanted to create a better future for his family. However, around that same time, the Clovers and Mako were becoming far more aggressive in their tactics to flush out and eradicate the existence of the Amlovos. They began to take in members on a whim, sometimes even innocent civilians, and washed them to try and learn whatever information they could. Since your father was new, he was clumsy with his movements. His life patterns strayed too from the norm for him, and the Mako took notice.”
Now that I think about it… he did start to come home late some nights…
“After Sergio was taken in by the Mako, they tortured him for all the information he had. He didn’t put up much of a fight. He immediately told them everything he knew, which wasn’t a lot, but the Mako didn't buy his cooperation. They tortured him until they were satisfied, and once they were done with him, they killed him.”
“But you were a member of the Mako at the time, weren’t you?” I ask, my brows knitting together. Couldn’t you have stopped them?!”
“It was an order from the Clovers, so if I wanted to get myself killed too… then yeah, I guess I could’ve opened my mouth. Moving on, your brother Eric became a victim by association. After your father died, the Mako decided to take extra precautions. They visited your home, and your brother happened to answer the door. As the Mako listed in the report, your brother claimed he was your father’s son when asked. Because of his age, the Mako felt it was within their jurisdiction to treat him as another potential rebel.”
“Eric… was also tortured?”
“Compared to Eric, your father had it easy. Eric was physically tortured for over two days straight, the Mako demanding to know if Eric was involved with the Amlovos. The only thing Eric ever said that was related to the case was that he knew his father snuck away at weird times. Still, he repeatedly swore that he didn’t know where his father went, nor did he admit to being a member of the Amlovos.”
“And you couldn’t stop that either?!”
“That’s not even the worst of it, Mateo. Count yourself lucky you weren’t home that day. It could’ve been you.”
“And would you have stepped in it if it was me?!”
“No.”
I go silent as Deniz says, “It was during the period where Eric was being tortured that your mother also became gravely ill. This is because the Mako had poisoned her. The Mako were determined to make Eric talk. If physical torture wasn’t working, they felt some psychological torture was also necessary. The Mako made it clear to Eric that your mother was poisoned because of him and his father and that you would be killed as well if he didn't come clean. After Eric was told this, he lost the ability to speak.”
Grabbing my knees, my nails dig into my skin, “What the hell is wrong with these people…? What the hell is wrong with you?!”
“Everything is wrong with them, and that’s why I’m taking them down,” Deniz quickly answers. “But there’s still more. The Mako didn’t want to risk anything, but without proof, they had no reason to kill your brother. So, they washed him, making it abundantly clear that if he ever steps out of line, his family will suffer the consequences on his behalf. Your mother has been poisoned this far to serve as a constant reminder to your brother.”
“So that’s why he… why he tried to end– he was innocent… so was my mom! They were all innocent! Even my scumbag father! They didn’t deserve any of that!”
“I’m sorry Mateo. I’ve wanted to tell you since I put it all together, but you somehow ended up at Soulbell. I assumed the Mako was behind that, too.”
“This poison… can my mom be cured?”
Deniz’s gaze drops, “No… I’m surprised she has lasted this long, honestly.”
A bright red hue taints the skin on my face, “And they… my mom…”
After a few seconds, I ask, “And what about Kavi?”
“Kavi?” mumbles Deniz, thinking on his feet. “I didn’t know he told you he joined us.”
An emotional mess, my suspicions of Deniz rapidly fluctuate as I try to figure out what’s real and what’s not. Attempting to juggle my thoughts with emotions spiraling, I try to steady my breathing.
“There’s nothing worse in this world than humanity. At our core, we are vile creatures who constantly seek reparation for our very existence. But even so, we still exist,” says Deniz, and I force myself to cool off.
Giving Deniz my attention, he continues, “In the past, I decided that if I’m going to continue living, I’m not going to let my life be dictated by insolent scum pretending to play god. Who are they to hold so much power when they’ve only spread things like grief, hatred, and violence throughout our country? If anybody will bear the weight of humanity’s sins, it should be me. It has to be me. Because at least under my rule, innocent families like yours won’t be ravaged.”
Recalling a specific line from earlier, I quickly stand up, “You said my mom doesn’t have much time left, right?! I have to go see her!”
Making my way to the stairwell, Deniz grabs his arm, “Hold on! There’s still more we need to talk about!”
I shrug off his hand, “That can wait!”
Getting to his feet as well, Deniz pleads while I click the button to open the stairwell, “Mateo! We may not be able to talk again before the uprising begins! I don’t want to cross paths with you on the battlefield! We’re on the same side here! We share a common enemy!”
Not saying anything in return, I quickly fly out of the tirika and rush toward my house.
***
Gnashing his teeth in frustration, Deniz takes out his phone and dials somebody’s contact. Once they pick up, he asks if Kavi is dead and to give him proof.
After about twenty seconds, a female voice on the other end says, “That’s right, he’s been dead for a few years. It’s all there. Kavi’s death and Mateo’s wrongful imprisonment were only in a few articles given to the Fliers. The Clovers kept it a secret. It happened while you were away in Maracise those few days. Mateo pleaded not guilty and–”
“Save it,” angrily spats Deniz. “It’s obvious a rebel killed Kavi and didn’t inform me or you or any other leader! And now that loose end may be why the Avian doesn’t join us, Raven! Find out who killed him immediately!”
Hanging up the phone, Deniz’s thoughts race as he takes fast, quick breaths. Having already been informed about how the Scouts' meeting with the Clovers had gone, his mind searches for a solution.
“If Mateo sides against us… no… we can’t afford that. Damn it, who the f*ck…? This one thing, this one little f*cking thing that wasn’t passed down from me, might be the reason this entire damn plan unravels! That f*cking idiot… shit… the Avian comes first. I’ll make him side with us. He has to understand how dangerous it is for the Clover Trine to continue being our leaders.”
Pinching the bridge above his nose, Deniz mumbles, “Whoever killed Kavi tried to undermine me. One of my people… who swore their loyalty… that promised me they wanted Opuree’s future and citizens to be safe… betrayed me!”
A few seconds later, Deniz receives a message from Raven and immediately opens it.
“So it was you there that night,” voices the tepran. “I think it’s time I give you one final task as a rebel.”