Astral Kings #3

The next evening, Inside the Maiju temple, Dante and Gwen are sparring with two robotic golems. Unfortunately, they weren’t doing so well. The golems were fighting in complete sync, while Dante and Gwen couldn’t hit them at all.

“Uh, next time, let’s put the robot on level one. Level two hurts.” Dante says as he struggles to stand.

“Yep, this is too much for a test run,” Gwen said.

The golems stood over Gwen and tried to grab her. Dante activates his gauntlet and transforms into Comix, a silver alien that radiates a powerful aura.

“Good to know that worked. Transforming from one to another is very useful.” He said before rushing to Gwen’s aid. Stopping behind her, Dante punched the golem, launching it backward into a wall.  “Woah, That’s some power.” He said, surprised.

“So, this is the new transformation.”

“Yep, and it feels so powerful,” Dante said before rushing to the second golem. Appearing in front of it, he punched, and an energy blast shot from his fist, destroying the golem. “Woah, that’s some power.” Dante thought to himself.

“System shutdown! Extensive damage was detected. System shutdown!”

“Oops,” Dante said.

“Yeah, let’s save this one for the direst situations. Don’t want to destroy a city in the process.” Gwen said.

“Agreed,” Dante said as he reverted to normal. “So, what’s next?” He asked as he walked over to Gwen.

“Let’s see. We did combat training, body training, mental fortifying, and we went through some of your alien transformations. All there’s left is to tour the temple and make tunnels throughout the city.” Gwen said.

“Cool, let’s g…

Dante’s phone suddenly rings. On the screen, says “MOM”.

“You’re not going to answer. This is the ninth time since this morning. What if it’s an emergency.” Gwen said.

“Knowing my mother, that emergency was me not coming home last night. Hell, I’m surprised she hasn’t called you yet, to find me.”

Suddenly, Gwen’s phone rang. Gwen shouts and tosses her phone on the ground. On its screen read “ER,.” Dante picks up the phone and sees “ER.”

“ER? Eric? Why’d you scream?”

“Really? Did you just ask that? You know I rejected him yesterday.”

“Riiight,” Dante said, placing his hand on his face.

“Yeah, and who knows what he wants after that rejection?”

“Let’s find out,” Dante said as he answered the phone. “Dante, you ass!” Gwen mouths. “Hello,”

“Gwen! What took you so long to answer? We have a problem.”

“What’s wrong?” Gwen said.

“I don’t know. But D’s mom just called my mom. I think Dante ran away from home. Do you have any idea where he might be?” Eric said.

“Hm, No. I don’t know where he might be.” Gwen said as Dante silently asked questions.

“You okay? Wait a minute, you’re with Dante right now. Aren’t you?” Eric said. Dante and Gwen looked at the phone worriedly.

“Nooo,” Gwen said.

“Gwen, really? I know you better than you think. I know when you’re lying. Dante, are you there? Listen, call your parents. They are worried.” Eric said.

“Emergency! Emergency! Soul essence detected,” The computer said.

“The computer is working again. That was quick.” Dante said.

“Sorry, Eric. I’ll call you later.” Gwen said as she hung up the phone. “Computer, where is it.” She asked.

“Locating,” it said as it pulled up a large 3d holographic globe. “Located, Las Vegas. Soul 8954, Alurisian, beings of seduction.”

“Seduction? Are you serious? I would hate to think what a person could do with that kind of power.” Gwen said as she looked at Dante.

“Oh, come on, Gwen. I told you I was affected by the same thing as you.” Dante said.

“Okay, I believe you,” Gwen said sarcastically.

“Oh please, you and I both enjoyed it,” Dante said. “And, if I remember correctly, you especially were overactive,” Dante whispered in Gwen’s ear as he embraced Gwen from behind. Gwen blushed red. “Oh, blushing, are we? I’m glad.”

“Really?” Gwen asked.

“Of course, It’s just one more thing to love about you,” Dante answered before kissing her on the cheek. Gwen smiled as her cheeks became redder.

“Okay, I think we need to focus on getting to Las Vegas,” Gwen said.

“Right, I’m assuming that we would fly there using Fal. Or we could run there like I did last night.”

“No, you were completely wiped after getting to Paris. We need a better way.”

“Would you like me to start the Maiju transport vehicle?” The computer said.

“What?” Dante and Gwen said simultaneously.

“This way,” the computer as a holographic woman appeared, directing them to an opening in the wall. Cautiously following the holographic woman, Dante, and Gwen find themselves inside a hangar filled with many types of vehicles. From private jets to futuristic cars, only one car stood out to both. It was burgundy with a black symbol like the one on the gauntlet’s screen. “Pleased to see you’re excited with your gift. Made with the most advanced tech the Maiju created, this car can traverse any type of terrain.”

“It’s beautiful,” Gwen said as she touched it.

“Glad to hear that. Cause we’re in the process of making you one. It’ll just be another few hours. In the meantime, the stealth jet is ready for you.”

“Thank you,” Gwen said. “Man, this computer system is amazing.” She thought to herself as they walked onto the stealth jet.

At the same time, Dante’s mom is sitting worriedly at Eric’s house. Bringing her some coffee, Eric’s mom and dad did their best to calm her.

“Thank you. And I’m sorry to bring you into our mess.” Janice said as she picked up the mug.

“Oh, you’re welcome, sweetie. It’s alright. You and your family are like our family. In times of crisis, you can always come to us whenever there’s trouble.” Eric’s mother said.

“Now, what exactly happened? Why did Dante run away?” Eric’s father said.

Janice explained everything to Eric’s parents. Eric then walked into the room with his phone in his hand. “I got through to Gwen, and she and Dante appear to be safe. But I don’t know where they are. She wouldn’t tell me. However, I did hear an alarm in the background just before she hung up.” He said.

“Can you try her again?” Janice asked.

“Sure,” Eric answered as he dialed Gwen’s number.

“Eric, it really isn’t the best time right now. Can I call you back later?” Gwen said as she answered the phone.

 “What are you doing?” Eric said.

“Uhh, homework. Yeah, homework.” Gwen said.

“Oh, okay, what did you get for our history class?”  Eric asked.

“The Louisiana Purchase.”

“She’s lying. We didn’t have homework for that class. Not to mention, we haven’t even touched the Louisiana Purchase yet.” Eric whispers.

“She must be covering for Dante. Maybe he’s with her.” Eric’s mother said.

“If only we could track her location.” Dante’s mother said.

“Eric, hang up the phone.”

“Why dad?” Eric asked as he placed the phone on mute.

“Because I’m using the police department’s cell phone tracking system, they’ve installed on my phone, and it says they’re nowhere to be found.  It’s like they’re making contact from the afterlife.” Eric’s dad said. Janice starts crying out as Eric’s mom gives him a scolding expression.

“No, I’m not saying he’s dead. I just saying there’s someplace untraceable by the system.”

“Dear, how about you put an amber alert?” Eric’s mother said.

“No, don’t do that. I don’t want people to think I’m a bad mother who can’t keep up with her child. I have some contacts I can use. Just don’t put out an amber alert.” Janice said as she wiped her tears. She gets up and walks out the door.

“Contacts?” Eric and his parents thought to themselves. Eric then takes his phone off mute and places it to his ears. However, all he hears is a dial tone.

“She must’ve hung up. She has been acting strange. I hope my confession doesn’t have anything to do with it. Stupid! Stupid!” He thought to himself as he went to his room.

Arriving in Las Vegas, the stealth jet landed in an old building with a huge hole in its roof. Opening, Dante and Gwen walked out, shocked by their surroundings.

“You know I expected Las Vegas to be a lot brighter and louder,” Dante said.

“We’re probably on the outskirts of town. Where all the crime happens. So, we should be careful.”

“Right, but what do we do about the jet. What if someone comes into this building.”

“You’re right. They could strip it for parts. Let’s see if it has a camouflage mode.” Gwen said as she walked back in.

“Camouflage mode, activated.” The jet’s computer said.

“Cool, computer, do you have any change of clothes for us.”

“Please stand still.” It said as it scanned Dante and Gwen. “Clothing pods should arrive in three minutes.”

“Clothing pods?” Dante and Gwen thought to themselves.

Three minutes later, Two large tubes landed beside the jet. Walking outside to the tubes, Dante and Gwen notice insignias on the tubes are like their own. Standing in front of their insignias, the tubes scan the two of them.  Opening, the tubes reveal two custom-made outfits. Gwen’s outfit was a black shirt, with one sleeve removed, and pair of black tights and boots, along with a watch. However, Dante had a black jacket with a burgundy sleeveless shirt underneath and a black pair of cargo pants and shoes.

“Wow, this is crazy,” Dante said as he took off his school shirt.

“Yeah, this is something I would definitely wear. And these boots are so black, like they came from the darkness themselves.” Gwen said.

“Pfft! Really?” Dante said as he held back his laugh.

“You know what I mean. But is it okay to go out wearing this? Won’t we draw attention?”

“Yeah, but we already stand out.”

“How?”

“Really, we’re two teenagers in Vegas during the school year. And that doesn’t seem odd to you. Hell, do they even have schools in Vegas?”

“Okay, you have a point. But, with these clothes, won’t it be hard to search for the Soul?”

“Not as hard to search for it in school uniforms or workout clothes,” Dante said he grabbed his shoes. He stepped into them, and they adjusted to fit him perfectly. “See, now do I look strange,” Dante said as he stepped in front of Gwen, who was still contemplating wearing her shirt.

“Not bad,”

Suddenly, another pod landed beside Gwen’s pod. She stepped in front of the pod, and it opened. Inside, there was a black short-sleeved shirt with a dark purple jacket. On the jacket, a note that read, “Press the button.”  Gwen looked for a button. Finding it on the side of the pod, Gwen pressed it, activating a 3d hologram.

“Hello, I am CAIN. One of the thirteen holographic representatives between you and the Maiju temple’s computer. I will be the one in charge of your clothing and personal matters. And I’m sorry to say I’ve messed up. I gave you the wrong top for your outfit. That one-sleeve top was a prototype armor designed to protect you from energy weapons. While this one is designed to protect from primitive weapons like guns and knives.”

“What? These flimsy clothes are supposed to protect us from bullets.” Gwen said, shocked.

“Yes. Though they may look flimsy, they’re made from metallic threads capable of absorbing and redistributing kinetic energy, making it completely bulletproof. It’s the same metal we used to make all your vehicles and tools. Speaking of,” the inside of the tube turns, revealing two belts. “These belts are your locator beacons so we can keep track of you. Always keep these on you. And, like your watch and his gauntlet, it will allow you to communicate with each other or the Maiju temple.”

Dante and Gwen were left speechless. The capabilities of the Maiju temples and their computers seem endless. And they oversaw all of them.

After getting dressed, Gwen walked over to Dante.

“Here, put to his behind your ear.” She said as she held out her hand, revealing a miniature device.

“What is it?” Dante asked as he picked it up and placed it where she said.

“A long-range communication device. Cain gave it to me after you left. He says it’ll allow us to communicate both telepathically and verbally with each other.”

“So, if I think you look sexy in that outfit, you’ll hear it,” Dante said telepathically.

Gwen blushed red. “Crap, this is a bad idea.” She thought.

“Hmm, why is that?” Dante thought as he grinned and got closer to her.

Gwen blushed redder. “No, We can’t right now. We have to find that soul and contain it before someone gets it by accident.” Gwen said as she pushed Dante away.

“Right, let’s go,” Dante said as he snapped out of it.

“Thank goodness, I almost fell for his primal attitude again. I have to be careful.” Gwen thought as she walked away.

“Primal? I like that. But let’s not forget you have that Primal attitude, too.” he said as he walked past her.

Walking out of the building, Dante and Gwen immediately see five children playing with a small creature in the street. They started walking over to see what they were playing with until they saw a runaway truck headed straight for them.  Reacting as fast as they could, Dante transformed into Panthera, and Gwen cast a speed enhancement spell on herself. Grabbing all the children, Dante quickly evaded with two while Gwen jumped up with the rest. Unfortunately, the truck ran over the creature as it passed.

“Oh no,” one of the children said as Gwen landed.

“Mr. Squeaky,” one of the girls shouted as they ran back into the streets.

“Mr. squeaky?” Dante said as he followed behind the girls.

“Nice work,” Gwen said as Dante approached.

“Yeah, you too. But I still feel bad. I couldn’t save their… pet?” Dante said as Mr. Squeaky reformed from its corpse. It was a pink, chubby dinosaur-like creature that walked on four legs. Its eyes were big and glowed a pink color. Suddenly, Gwen's watch and bracelet go off. Gwen pressed a button on her bracelet.

“Soul Detected, Alurisian. Threat level one, contain immediately.” It said.

“WHAT!” Gwen and Dante said as they looked at the creature. Suddenly, the creature began to grow bigger.

“What in the Maiju!” Dante said as it grew as tall and big as a four-story building.

“Really?” Gwen asked as she formed a barrier around them as the creature swung its tail. “Dante! Get those kids away from here!”  she yelled.

“Right,” Dante said as he picked up one of the kids and ran away. Almost instantly, Dante came back and grabbed another kid, and ran away with her.  He repeated this process until only Gwen was left.

“I’m so happy that you chose an alien with super speed. Even though we evacuated the kids, we should go somewhere without any bystanders.” Gwen said as Dante lifted her up into his arms.

“Right, hold on tight.” He said before running around the creature. Dante whistles. “Hey, Mr. Squeaky. Let’s play tag.” He yells before running away.  The creature roared and chased after him.  Surprisingly, the creature was keeping up with Dante. Every few steps, it tried to take a bite out of Dante, making him run all over the city. But he did manage not to go into the heavily populated area. Then, the creature stopped and roared loudly. Then, the creature began to split in two and ran off in two different directions. “Oh, come on! Can we just get a break?” Dante yelled.

“Dante, you go after the one heading for the casinos. I’ll stay here and try to keep this contained,” Gwen said.

“Alright, good luck,” Dante said as he put Gwen down on the top of an apartment building.

“You too,” she said as she kissed him on the cheek. Dante then took off after the one who went to the casinos. “Okay, Gwen, let’s see if these spells are worth it.” she thought to herself as she reached for her hoverboard. “Crap, I left it back at the temple. Stupid!” she said as she touched her forehead. “No, better time than to present to learn how to fly,” she said. Gathering magical power in her hands, she began to feel a strange, nostalgic power around her. As her hands shined with energy, she chanted a flight spell Naabu gave to her. Lifting her up, the magical power flung Gwen forward. Then, it surrounded her entire body, keeping her in the air.

  Roaring loudly, the creature was looking for its prey, attracting the attention of everyone; news crews, police officers, and anyone who had a phone.

“Great, now I have to deal with publicity. Man, today is not my day.” Dante said as he stopped on top of a casino. Taking a starting position, Dante focused on one thing. Stopping this soul from causing any more destruction. Taking his first step, Dante propelled forward, creating a powerful, loud sonic boom. Every step slightly broke the ground as he zoomed down the street. As he reaches the Alurisian, Dante punches the beast, sending it flying away from the populated area. However, Dante stopped.

“Ahhh! Fuck! That hurts!” Dante screams as he grips his right wrist.

“Dante! Are you okay?” Gwen said over their communicator.

“No, I think I broke my wrist. But, good news, I think I destr… A loud roar echoes the sky. Dante sighs. “Never mind, this thing is too much trouble.” He said as he transformed into Novex. He then gathered flames to his hand and shot fire at the Alurisian, causing it major damage. Suddenly, it shrank a little. “Gwen! Its weakness is fire. Burn it.”

“Got it!” Gwen said as she flew up her Alurisian. “Avon Tsrub!(Nova Burst!)” she said as fire shot out from her hands. Hitting the Alurisian, it cried out and shrank a little. “Avon meiuqer(nova requiem)!” She said as hundreds of music notes of fire appeared around her. Pointing towards the Alurisian, the music notes flew at the Alurisian, hitting him continuously. Shrunken down, the Alurisian returned to its original size. “Efrits’ chamber,” she said. Instantly, a flame cage surrounded the Alurisian and floated up to Gwen. “Got mine. How are you doing?” Gwen said over her communicator.

“Me too, but it’s being uncooperative,” Dante said as he tried to hold it still. “I’ll meet you back at the jet,” Dante said.

“Okay,” Gwen answered as she flew back to the jet.

Meanwhile, Dante was still struggling to hold the Alurisian, who was trying to get out of Dante's flaming grip.

“Freeze!” Dante hears. He looks up and sees he has been surrounded by the Las Vegas police department and a crowd.

“Man, I don’t know if these people are brave or stupid.” Dante thought. “Hello, officer, everything is alright. I’m here on some official Galactic Agent business. I’m grabbing this wanted criminal who escaped to this rock.” Dante said.

“Galactic police? I’ve never heard of that.”

“That’s because your planet and species are so young.” Dante said, “Not to mention, I made it up.” Dante thought.

“Dante, I’m flying the jet over your location. Be ready to jump.” Gwen said.

“Okay,” Dante thought, nodding his head.

 Suddenly, Dante and everyone in the crowd hears roaring, whirling sounds. Dante, realizing the jet, blasts off into the sky using his fire. As he slowly fell to the ground, the jet passed by underneath him, catching him and flying off.

 Suddenly, Dante reverts back, causing him to fall off the jet. Quickly circling back, the jet catches Dante and the Alurisian.

“Thanks, I thought I was going to die,” Dante said worriedly.

“Dante! Are you crazy? Why did you transform back?”

“I didn’t do it on purpose. I guess I ran out of stamina.” Dante explained.

“What!? After two transformations! What did you do?” Gwen said as she grabbed his arm and examined the gauntlet.

“I didn’t do anything. I’m probably more tired than I thought. We did come straight here from training. So, maybe transforming into Comix drains a lot more energy than we thought.”

“Okay, you have a point. But that just means we have to find a way to increase your stamina.” Gwen said.

“Oh, and what do you have in mind?” Dante said as he pulled Gwen. Then, he kissed her passionately.

“No, we have to get this soul locked up,” Gwen said as she pushed Dante.

Suddenly, the jet shakes slightly.

“What was that?” They asked simultaneously.

“A Falconian has landed on top of the jet. Should I take evasive action?”

“Yes!” “No!” Dante and Gwen said simultaneously.

“Gwen, I know that’s one of the people who tried to recruit me for their team. She’s probably here for the soul. We can’t let them get it.”

“Yeah, but if she was able to keep up with this jet, she could follow us back to the temple. I mean, there’s still a lot we don’t know about that soul. It can probably see this jet in camouflage mode. So, it’s best to confront her now than later.” Gwen explained.

“Alright, but be careful. I can’t transform now.” Dante said.

“I’m always careful. Computer, land the jet in a nearby secluded place.”

“Ma’am,” the computer said. The jet swoops down to the ground before landing in an empty field of grass.

“Will they be okay by themselves?” Dante said as he put his jacket on.

“Yeah, that spell is designed to keep them inside a trance no matter what happens. It's not perfect, but it should work.” Gwen said as she put on a mask.

“Alright,” Dante said.

Opening the cargo door, Dante and Gwen immediately see the Falconian standing there.

“My, for someone who didn’t want to join our group, you made quite a mess. Las Vegas is burning to a crisp. The media knows of the existence of aliens. Not to mention, you set loose an alien soul. Which is impossible to revert into soul essence.” Ariel said.

“No, it was already loose when we got there,” Gwen said.

“Hell, it would’ve killed some kids if we hadn’t stepped in.”

“What!? You’re saying it was already released before you got there. This is bad. Really bad.” She said as she pulled out her phone and texted a number.

Dante and Gwen looked at each other.

“Gwen, what do you think?” Dante asked telepathically.

“She’s acting strange. Maybe there’s something we don’t know.”

“You think we need to get in contact with the temple.”

“Maybe, I’ll go. You keep her occupied.” Gwen said.

“Alright,”

Sneaking away, Gwen went inside the jet to contact the temple. Done texting the number, Ariel looked back to see Dante.

“Where your little friend go?”

“My girlfriend went inside to get out of the heat. She’s sensitive to the sunlight.” Dante said.

“I’m not sensitive to sunlight. I just prefer to be in darkness. Can you blame me?” Gwen said over her communicator.

Dante smiled.

“What’s wrong with you? Why are you smiling?” Ariel said with a disgusted expression.

“Oh, I was just thinking about what she might say if she had heard me. She so cute when she’s embarrassed.”

“Okay, I don’t need to know about your love life. Anyway, give me the soul so we can lock it up.”

“Lock it up?” Dante asked, concerned.

“Of course, you said it yourself. That soul tried to kill children. What else can we do besides lock it somewhere it can’t hurt anyone?”

“Yeah, I know, but I don’t think you’re the right people to have it. Its powers are dangerous in the wrong hands, and I don’t think your hands are the right hands.”

“And your hands are better. Not to mention, where are you going to keep it. At your house? Mom, Dad, I found this puppy. Can we keep it?” Ariel said teasingly. Dante laughed. “And, besides, we have the resources to keep it. You don’t.” Ariel said.

“Dante... the temple’s computer has a way of reverting the soul back to its essence form. We just need to get back to the temple to do it.” Gwen said.

“Alright, commence plan beta,” Dante replied.

Gwen sighed. “Computer, let's head home.”

“Are we leaving, Dante?”

“Yes,”

“Alright, throw him one of these.” The computer replied as a panel opened, revealing a badge and a bottle.

“What are they?” Gwen asked.

“The bottle is a stamina-replenishing formula we made while you were dealing with the Alurisian. Don’t worry. It's safe for his consumption. And the badge is a key to a nearby old Maiju outpost that was set up by the Maiju scouts. They’re many set up spread across the world. And I’m sure he’ll find something there to get home.” The computer explained as Gwen grabbed the bottle and the badge.

“Okay,” she thought. Gwen ran to the cargo door and yelled out, “Dante!” before throwing the bottle and badge. Then, the cargo doors closed and flew off into the sky.

Not knowing what it was, Ariel took cover as Dante reached for the bottle and badge. As soon as he caught them, Dante attached the badge to his belt and drank the formula. Immediately, he felt a rush of energy fill his body.

“WOAH! That’s some powerful stuff!” Dante said with a smile on his face.

“What was that?” Ariel said as she got up off the ground.

“Nothing you need to worry about. Bye,” Dante said before transforming into Panthera. “See you later,” he said before running north.

“What? Get back here!” Ariel said as she transformed into her Falconian form and took off after Dante.

Zooming across the grasslands and hills, Dante ran as fast as he could. Soon, the badge started to flash. Stopping, Dante grabbed the badge and looked at the face. A small blinking light is shown on the face. “Huh, wonder what’s that? Maybe that outpost the computer was talking about?” Dante said as he looked around.

“Dante, we need to talk,” Gwen said.

“What’s up?”

“Your mother and father contacted me using my phone number. I tried my best to convince them you were safe. But they weren’t having it. They called my parents and set up a lunch meeting with us.”

Dante touched his forehead while frowning. “I’m sorry, babe. I brought you into my family problems. I’m on my way. We’ll have to come up with a plan.”