In the West Camp, the technicians had just finished their evening performance. Alex, Scott, and Walter approached Aganon Jr. to congratulate him and the technicians for the performance.
‘That was amazing, friend,’ said Alex as he patted Aganon Jr. on the back. ‘With every performance you add something new and exciting.’
‘I’ve been very lucky to have had such great teachers over the years,’ replied Aganon Jr. as he nodded. ‘My father, Henders, and even Frank have been a huge influence on my style.’
‘You’re humble, friend,’ said Walter. ‘Unlike some characters around here,’ he continued as he pointed at RJ, who was folding chairs.
‘I don’t have any work hours scheduled for this week, friend,’ said Alex to Walter in a concerned tone.
‘That’s great; me too,’ said Scott excitedly.
‘I don’t think anyone has yet,’ said Walter as he looked over at Revals, who was helping Big Burt back into his cabin. ‘The superintendent has turned his life around. His priorities are a little different.’
Suddenly, loud horns blasted.
‘Sounds like more friends are arriving,’ said Alex as he clapped his hands.
‘I wouldn’t get your hopes up,’ said Walter as he watched Orcilla and the Hat Lady rushing out of the main tent.
‘Technicians get ready,’ called out Orcilla. ‘Man your stations. Angelo and Flint are arriving.’
The technicians rushed over to the row of tents that they had temporarily set up. Volo and the followers ran out of the north gate. They formed lines behind Volo to greet their High Philosopher.
There was a loud clap of thunder. Orcilla looked up at the sky. Storm clouds were forming above the approaching convoy.
‘What is going on?’ asked Orcilla as she looked at the Hat Lady.
‘The Empire has awoken something that it shouldn’t have,’ said the Hat Lady.
Demadrian and Octavius joined Orcilla and the Hat Lady outside the north gate. The convoy of vehicles continued to slowly approach them as the storm clouds roared above them.
The Sentray outside the main gate began to howl loudly.
‘I think they’re scared,’ said Octavius as he stared at the approaching convoy.
‘Nothing scares a Sentray, you fool,’ said Demadrian as he looked at Octavius.
‘Everything fears something,’ said Octavius.
The lead vehicle of the convoy stopped a short distance in front of them. The door of the vehicle opened. Angelo stepped out. All the followers dropped to one knee.
‘I’ll take the lead on this,’ said Orcilla. ‘I know him well. It’ll all be fine.’
Orcilla and Angelo walked towards each other.
‘Welcome to our camp, High Philosopher,’ said Orcilla as she nodded slightly. ‘This is the camp you helped us free. We’re eternally grateful.’
Angelo stared at her. There was a loud clap of thunder, and the lightning above lit up the clouds. Orcilla was struck with an intense fear she had never felt before.
Angelo walked past her. Orcilla tried to talk, but she felt paralysed.
‘Do you feel that now?’ said Octavius to Demadrian.
‘Just another of his tricks, I’m sure,’ replied Demadrian as he looked away from Angelo as he passed both of them.
‘Excuse me,’ said the Hat Lady as she stood in front of Angelo. ‘There’s no need to be rude.’
Angelo was about to walk past her, but the Hat Lady grabbed his wrist. She shapeshifted him into a funny clown. ‘See nothing to be afraid of,’ she chuckled nervously.
There was another roar of thunder. Angelo shapeshifted into a terrifying clown with massive jutting-out teeth and glowing red eyes. The Hat Lady released his wrist and fell to the ground.
Angelo looked over to Volo. They nodded in acknowledgement. Angelo was about to enter the West Camp when Walter walked through the gate.
‘Hey look at you,’ chuckled Walter as he patted Angelo on the arm. ‘Why don’t you come and join me for cake and a coconut shake.’
Angelo looked at Walter and frowned. ‘Take me to my mentor,’ he instructed.
‘He’s still sleeping,’ said Walter as his eyes bulged slightly. ‘I’m pretty sure there’s something in the water. I’ve added almost an hour to my nap time.’
‘I don’t understand,’ said Orcilla to the Hat Lady, who was still sitting on the ground.
The Hat Lady sighed and shook her head.
‘I think our Prince Walter is immune to this,’ said Octavius as he walked back towards the gate.
Angelo and Walter walked through the gate together. RJ was walking in their direction. He was carrying a large banana muffin. Angelo stared at RJ, causing him to instantly faint.
‘Don’t mind him,’ said Walter. ‘He likes to be dramatic.’
Angelo looked around at the technicians. In fear, they scurried over to the cabins.
‘Julio is in this tent,’ said Walter as he pointed at a small white tent.
The thunder continued to rumble above them. Angelo turned to look at Walter. His eyes glowed bright red with a terrifying intensity.
‘It’s going to be okay,’ said Walter as he rubbed Angelo’s arm. ‘I want you to know I’ll be here for you no matter what.’
The red glow in Angelo’s eyes started to fade a little. Walter’s words and lack of fear were strangely soothing to Angelo. ‘Thank you,’ replied Angelo as he nodded. He then entered the tent to see Julio.
Walter walked over to RJ, who was still on his back holding the muffin. His eyes were bulging and his tongue was poking out.
‘You’re just embarrassing yourself,’ said Walter as he grabbed the muffin from him.
Flint and Chamele had just exited one of the vehicles in the convoy. Orcilla and Demadrian approached them.
‘Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t tear you limb from limb, you bastard traitor,’ said Demadrian aggressively.
‘That’s because I’m here to help,’ said Flint in a joyful tone.
Demadrian shapeshifted his head into that of a Sentray’s and then roared ferociously at Flint.
Flint fell over backwards and began to yelp.
‘He’s a monster,’ said Chamele as she started to dance.
‘Back off!’ said Orcilla angrily to Demadrian. She reached down and grabbed Flint’s wrist, forcing him to shapeshift into someone else.
‘Who are you, imposter?’ asked Orcilla as she yanked him off the ground.
‘I’m Homer,’ said Homer in a shrill tone. ‘I’m an actor. Please don’t hurt me.’
‘So you killed him, didn’t you?’ growled Demadrian.
‘No, I didn’t,’ said Homer. ‘I’m practising my acting for the musical.’
‘You have to admit, he’s a natural,’ remarked Chamele.
Orcilla quickly grabbed Chamele’s wrist. However, she did not shapeshift.
‘Are you one of those perverts?’ asked Chamele as she stared at Orcilla.
‘I’m sorry, I thought you might be someone else,’ said Orcilla as she quickly released her wrist.
The thick storm clouds above them started to disperse.
‘That little shit,’ said Chamele angrily as she looked up at the sky.
Homer shapeshifted back into Flint. ‘I need to keep up this appearance or I’ll get into trouble,’ he said as Chamele headed towards the gate.
‘Wait, you still haven’t told me where he is,’ said Orcilla.
‘Beats me,’ said Homer. ‘Razor was playing him before me. I think I’m more convincing.’
‘Then where’s Razor?’ asked Orcilla in a frustrated tone.
‘I don’t know,’ said Homer. ‘My job is to play to Flint and look for Aganon Jr. Frank believes his musical needs his exceptional talent.’
‘You do that,’ sighed Orcilla.
Homer waved to the convoy, and the West Tribe guards climbed out of the vehicles to join them.
The Hat Lady approached Chamele as she was about to enter the West Camp.
‘Would you like me to take you to the food tent?’ asked the Hat Lady. ‘We have plenty of nice food.’
‘Oh super, that would be delightful,’ replied Chamele as they entered the camp together. ‘I’m so hungry. I haven’t eaten since breakfast.’
‘Just follow me,’ said the Hat Lady as she led her towards a large tent.
On the way, they passed a technician who was pushing a wheelbarrow with RJ in it. He was now conscious but dazed.
Chamele entered the food tent. She walked over to a table.
‘What’s this?’ she asked, pointing at a bowl.
‘It’s Walter’s special fruit mash, friend,’ said Phillip, who was standing on the other side of the table.
Chamele picked up a bowl and smiled at Phillip.
Walter entered the tent. ‘We might have a code blue,’ he said as he looked over to Phillip. ‘I need another banana muffin ASAP.’
Chamele hurled her bowl of mash at Walter, hitting him in the face. ‘This is not food,’ she shouted. ‘It’s disgusting crap, only fit for a lowlife freak like you.’ She then marched out of the tent.
Walter rubbed his hand on his face and tasted the mash. ‘It tastes fine,’ he said as his eyes shifted from side-to-side. ‘I think we might be forced to bring out the papayas.’
Suddenly, Hamlet charged into the tent screeching loudly. In a desperate panic, she flipped the table upside down, sending the bowls of mash into the air, spraying it over everybody. She then grabbed a corner of the tent, violently ripping the canvas from the frame. Then she ran off dragging it across the camp. Scott and fluffy Lily ran after her to try to calm her down.
‘I’m just surprised this hasn’t happened before,’ chuckled Walter as he looked at the others who were trying to wipe the mash off their bodies.
Volo entered the tent that Angelo was in. Angelo was kneeling on the ground next to Julio. He was holding Julio’s hand. Angelo turned and looked at Volo. Then he held out his other hand to him. Volo reached out, grabbed his hand, and then kneeled beside him. Volo tilted his head back slightly, and his eyes rolled back into his head.
Orcilla, the Hat Lady, Octavius, Demadrian, Revals, Walter, and Freddy had gathered in the main tent for an urgent meeting.
‘I feel that we have just been hit with a whirlwind of chaos,’ said Orcilla. ‘Everything feels so deeply off.’
The opening up of the underground has created some disturbances to the weather systems,’ sighed Demadrian. ‘Don’t let your mind run away with you.’
‘This is something different,’ said the Hat Lady. ‘Angelo’s aura was sucking the life out of me. I think it was having the same effect on the Sentray, the weather, and even Hamlet.’
‘The effect does seem to be stabilising,’ said Orcilla. ‘We need to discuss Flint and Razor. Neither appears to be here.’
‘Razor is a warrior and Flint is a traitor,’ replied Demadrian. ‘I hope Razor killed him.’
‘Oh no, friend,’ gasped Freddy. ‘Killing is always terrible.’
‘Downs is a fantasy land detached from the real world,’ sighed Demadrian. ‘I wouldn’t expect you to understand.’
‘We need answers about Flint,’ said Orcilla as she looked around the tent. ‘Now that the mood appears settled. Maybe we can have an honest conversation with Angelo.’
‘I think that should be Walter,’ said Octavius.
Demadrian burst out laughing.
‘I thought it was funny when he ignored you like you had just shit your pants,’ said Walter as he smiled at Demadrian.
Demadrian rolled up his upper lip and growled at Walter.
‘Get a grip, or I’ll shapeshift you into a baby again,’ said the Hat Lady, shaking her head.
‘There’s the problem with the child,’ said Orcilla.
‘She’s not a child,’ remarked the Hat Lady. ‘She’s a monster.’
Chamele poked her head into the tent. ‘Did I hear someone mention monster?’ she asked as she made her way into the tent.
‘Sorry, this is a private meeting,’ said Orcilla in a stern tone.
‘Don’t sweat it; I forgive you,’ chuckled Chamele as she spun around.
‘I figured you might still be hungry, so I got you this pecan pie,’ said Walter as he held out a small pie to Chamele.
‘You made it for me,’ replied Chamele, clapping her hands.
‘No, it was that embarrassing character in the wheelbarrow,’ replied Walter. ‘He might be a headcase, but his pies are good.’
‘I’m so sorry I was rude to you, Prince Walter,’ said Chamele as she accepted the pie from Walter.
‘Who are you?’ demanded Orcilla.
‘A victim of abuse,’ replied Chamele. ‘A tormented soul. A…’
‘You’re Maskameera Wolf,’ interrupted Octavius.
‘How many times have I warned you about interrupting me?’ replied Chamele angrily as she shapeshifted into Maskameera.
‘You’re the disgusting freak who tried to kill Hamlet!’ shouted Walter.
‘I never wanted to hurt Hammy,’ sighed Maskameera as she looked at Walter. ‘I needed leverage so I could capture you. I was wrong to do that. I’m sorry to both you and Hammy.’
‘What have you done to Angelo and Flint?’ demanded Orcilla.
‘Flint was planning on kidnapping the High Philosopher,’ said Maskameera. ‘I intervened to save his life.’
‘You killed him to take control over the West Tribes' guards, you liar,’ said Orcilla aggressively.
‘I believe you,’ said Demadrian. ‘He abandoned us right before the great battle with the Empire. I would have loved to have given him a deadly jolly roger.’
‘Don’t trust her,’ said Octavius. ‘I’ve known her for a thousand years. She has bad intentions.’
‘Yes, we’ve worked together all this time,’ replied Maskameera. ‘We’ve done horrible things.’
‘I didn’t want to be involved in that stuff,’ said Octavius as the others turned to look at him.
‘But you were and so was I,’ said Maskameera.
‘I’m nothing like you,’ said Octavius angrily.
‘You’re everything like me,’ replied Maskameera as she walked towards Octavius. ‘August used both of us as his test subjects for his immortality serum. He tricked us and turned us into these monsters.’
‘Looking like this has made me unhappy,’ sighed Octavius.
‘It’s different now, friend,’ said Walter as he waved to Octavius. ‘Everyone in Downs will love you for who you are.’
‘August threatened us to do his bidding or he would expose us as this,’ said Maskameera as she gestured towards her body. ‘The Linap would have captured and tortured us, and you know that,’ she continued as she looked at Orcilla.
‘That’s no excuse,’ said Orcilla.
‘Oh come on!’ exclaimed Maskameera. ‘You did your father’s bidding for years. You’ve travelled the exact same path I have.’
‘Attacking me is not helping your case,’ said Orcilla angrily.
‘She hasn’t just done Pardi Carvaress’ bidding,’ chuckled Maskameera. ‘She was a key player in August’s most heinous plan ever.’
Orcilla stood up. ‘I will put an end to you and your lies,’ said Orcilla as she stared up at Maskameera.
‘I love a good punchup as much as the next guy, but this story sounds really interesting,’ said Demadrian as he leapt to his feet.
‘You should let me share,’ chuckled Maskameera. ‘It’s a perfect chance for you to expose me as the liar you claim me to be.’
Orcilla frowned and then slowly sat down.
‘I’m sure all of you know about Orcilla’s role in creating this post-apocalyptic world we live in,’ said Maskameera as she moved her head to look at everyone who was in the tent.
‘I’m quite enjoying it at the moment,’ said Walter as he raised his eyebrows.
‘I wasn’t aware, but I’m not all that surprised,’ said Demadrian as he winked at Orcilla.
‘In short, she lured the Sentray in, and they destroyed everything,’ said Maskameera.
‘Not the Downs Region,’ interrupted Walter. ‘Eugene brilliantly saved us all.’
‘No, he was manipulated by August into saving the Downs Region,’ said Maskameera as she looked at Walter.
‘Are you actually going anywhere with this nonsense story of yours?’ asked Orcilla.
‘Using the 19CE serum, Pardi Carvaress was going to create a strong, healthy Linap species to replace the Sapiens,’ said Maskameera. ‘August did not like the idea. These Linap would become a threat to him. He wanted to make sure this would never come to pass.’
‘Well, there’s some truth to that,’ remarked Octavius.
‘All truth,’ snapped Maskameera as she glanced at Octavius and then turned sharply to look at Orcilla. ‘August had a plan, but he didn’t need it because of this little useful idiot.’
‘It’s better than being a useless idiot,’ remarked Walter.
‘He considered her plan resourceful but incomplete,’ continued Maskameera as she turned to look at Walter. ‘The Capital Region was like a fortress guarded by an army of enforcers with the most powerful technology. The Sentray attack would have failed.’
‘That was my assessment,’ said Octavius.
‘For this plan to work the enforcers needed to go,’ said Maskameera as she turned to Orcilla. ‘We triggered a continent-wide rebellion by using our dear Lily to pass a bill to ban the House of Divine Knowledge. This got the ball rolling. To ensure it worked, August used his on-the-ground minions to trigger mass violence. You would know about this sort of thing. You’ve been involved with such tactics for your father.’
Orcilla sighed and looked away.
‘The violence was intense,’ said Maskameera as she began to pace. ‘The regions’ enforcers were completely overwhelmed. The enforcers from the Capital Region headed off to their rescue. This created an opportunity for Jennifer to infiltrate them. The Sentray arrived, and everything was destroyed. The extent of destruction was beyond even what August could have anticipated.’
Maskameera looked at Orcilla, who was uncomfortably looking at the ground.
‘He played you, and you had no idea,’ said Maskameera. ‘There’s no shame in that.’
‘All of you have been played by him or someone linked to him,’ she continued as she looked at Revals, Octavius, the Hat Lady, Freddy, and finally Walter.
‘When you say August, do you actually mean RJ?’ asked Walter.
‘August is Colin,’ whispered the Hat Lady to Walter.
‘He wanted me to be a baker so that I could spy on everyone,’ said Maskameera to Walter. ‘Even you suffered because of him.’
‘You’ve helped him for a thousand years,’ said the Hat Lady. ‘Why should we trust you now?’
‘He’s ditched me,’ said Maskameera. ‘He doesn’t need me anymore. He has his new pets to manipulate.
Maskameera began to sob. ‘What happened in the underground city was pure evil,’ she continued as she tried to compose herself. ‘They came for the High Philosopher. I fought as hard as I could to save him, and I did. It was only afterwards did I realise what they had done to everyone else. They tortured and killed them on the streets. Most of them were only little children. Those storm clouds that follow us are our pain. A pain so great it sucks the life out of everything it touches.’
‘Let’s give her a big friendly group hug,’ said Revals as he stood up.
‘Yes, let’s give Maskameera a big hug for sharing such painful experiences,’ said the Hat Lady as she winked at Orcilla.
‘I’ll need some help getting up,’ said Octavius. ‘I’ve really sunk into this beanbag.’
‘You’ll have to figure it out yourself, Blancmange Boy,’ chuckled Demadrian. ‘We don’t have any spare forklifts right now.’
Octavius groaned angrily as he fell forward to land on his knees. A few seconds later, everyone had made their way to Maskameera to give her a hug.
‘That’s so sweet of all of you,’ said Maskameera as she started pushing them away from her.
An hour later, Demadrian entered the tent Julio was in. Angelo and Volo were kneeling either side of Julio’s bed. Homer was sitting in a bed opposite them. He was still impersonating Flint, and he was looking at a pop-up book given to him by Big Burt. Maskameera had shapeshifted back into Chamele, and she was sitting on the bed next to Homer.
‘Good evening, Flint,’ said Demadrian as he walked past his bed.
‘I’m really nailing this role,’ said Homer as he turned to look at Chamele. ‘Even he’s convinced I’m Flint.’
‘Yes, you… are… Flint,’ said Chamele. ‘Now put on your headphones. It’ll narrate the story to you.’
‘We need to talk,’ said Demadrian to Chamele as Homer placed the large headphones over his ears.
‘Hence, why you’re here,’ giggled Chamele.
‘The others are faking,’ said Demadrian. ‘They don’t trust you.’
‘I bled my heart out to them,’ said Chamele as she slapped her forehead.
‘I know you’re full of shit too,’ said Demadrian aggressively. ‘The key difference with me is that I will work with you. Orcilla and the others have robbed me of my right for vengeance.’
‘That’s really all I need to know,’ sighed Chamele. ‘The High Philosopher controls the followers. “Flint” controls the West Tribes, and I strongly believe you might have a connection with the Sentray. We don’t need their help or approval.’
‘I believe that assessment to be accurate,’ replied Demadrian.
‘Now tell me, once you’ve had your vengeance, what’s next?’ asked Chamele.
‘I foresee my vengeance will be my final act,' replied Demadrian. ‘However, if my journey continues, I want to take my rightful place as the head of the Alset family and re-establish the Alset Company.’
‘So you have no desire to lead Sapey?’ asked Chamele.
‘Lead in terms of business and technology? Yes,’ replied Demadrian. ‘Lead like an Emperor, governor, or whatever else? No.’
‘That’s great to hear,’ said Chamele, clapping excitedly. ‘The High Philosopher wants to be the spiritual leader. Your ambitions are definitely complementary.’
‘That leaves you,’ said Demadrian. ‘What do you want out of all of this?’
‘I want to be me,’ said Chamele. ‘No more hiding in the shadows. No more aesthetically acceptable appearances and personas. Just acceptance from our new citizens.’
‘I want to be the greatest actor of our time,’ said Homer as he leaned towards Chamele.
Both Chamele and Demadrian turned and stared at him. Homer leaned back again and returned to looking at his book.
Sapien Loop: Worlds Collide is the final book in the Sapien Loop trilogy. It continues directly after the events of the second book. The world above and the world below merge into one world. The conflicts in the underground world are brought to the surface. The new ruling elite attempt to crush any resistance from above and below in an attempt to create a new global empire.
Currently, three books from the series have been published on Amazon; see the links below:
All individual chapters can be found on my 
