ISL Empire #1

In Dante’s Dimension, The ISL Empire, Near the Planet Savari,

Dante, levitating in its orbit, looked down at the planet and smiled. “Wow, never in a million years, would I have thought this would be possible?” he thought.

          “Well, this wouldn’t be possible without you. The people love you.” Avery said as she appeared, hugging Dante.

          “Really… you mean us. They love you… Gwen, Cindy, Megra, Talia, Dani, and the others. Probably even more than me.” Dante said, turning around and placing his hands on Avery’s hips.

          Suddenly, they heard an alarm.

          “Seriously!?” Avery said, annoyed.

          Dante laughed slightly. “Hey, how about you come with me? Then, we can go get some pizza at this place in New York.” Dante said.

          “Sounds great,” Avery answered. “Speaking of, I was thinking about a project the company can do.”

          “I think I know what you’re thinking.”

          “Good, glad we’re on the same page. Race you to Earth.” Avery said.

          “You’re… on. Cheater,” Dante said as Avery disappeared. He then took off after Avery, at light speed.

On Earth, Columbia, Arkansas, Jefferson Bank,

          Landing in the front of the bank, Madison, Dori, and Gwen knelt behind a car with a police officer.

          “What’s the situation, officer?” Gwen asked, as laser-fire flew pass the police cars.

          “What are you doing here, kid? It’s not safe! Get out of here and get to safety.” the officer ordered.

          Suddenly, a giant safe door flew out of the bank, headed for the car they were behind. Reacting quickly, Gwen formed a barrier around them, stopping the Safe door.

          “Spectra, can you go check that out? We’ll be in there as soon as we deal with these fools.” Gwen said.

          “Right,” Madison said as she turned invisible and flew into the ground.

          “Oracle, y… “Hex… don’t act like you’re in charge. You’re not.” Dori interrupted before transforming into a crystal-like being. Running out, Dori reflected the laser fire and slammed her fist into the ground, creating a wall of crystal. She then launched herself over the wall and transformed into Novex. “Ok, you… low-level grunts… how about you just give up now and save me the time?” She said, pulling their guns away using gravity.

          “It’s one of those freaks! Bring out the big guns!” one of the robbers said.

          “Big guns?” Dori thought. Suddenly, two 6-ft tall Empowered huge- muscle men ran out the bank. “Oh, Big Guns.” She thought as she held out her hand, manipulating gravity. However, the men didn’t seem affected by the gravity.  They smiled and jumped at Dori. “What the…” Dori launched up in the air. “They aren’t affected by gravity. They must be some kind of Meta.” She thought.

          Suddenly, one of them jumped and grabbed her. “Where you’re going matchstick? We’re not done with you yet.”

          “Fireproof? Good,” Dori thought, smiling, before gathering flames to her hands. Dori blasts the guy, hoping he let go. However, he didn’t and swung his arm down, flinging Dori down into the ground. “Ow,” Dori thought. She then saw him coming down at her.

          “Dragon Sage Art: Elemental Roar!” Gwen chanted. A multi-colored beam of magic flew at the guy. However, it wasn’t strong enough to knock the guy off course.

“Well, this going to hurt.” Dori thought.

“No!” Madison yelled as she phased through Dori and blasted the guy. However, she was only able to keep him airborne. “Can’t keep him up.” Madison said, struggling. Suddenly, the man disappeared into thin air. “What?” Madison said.

“Hey, you okay?” Dante said as he levitated beside Madison.

“Dante, you’re back.” Madison said.

“We heard the alarm and zoomed back here.” Dante said.

“We?”

“Dante, this was too simple. We could’ve left this to Gwen and…  Madison, how are… you?” Avery said telekinetically stopping the muscular guys from falling.

“Avery? Where did they…

“Orbit.” Avery said, pointing up.

 “Glad to see you’re back. Care to explain where you’ve been.” Gwen said.

“No,” Dante said as he flew away. Suddenly, a cube of light formed around Dante. “Let me out.” Dante ordered, turning to Gwen.

“No, you left the planet unprotected. Not to mention the thousands of Salvitori people you brought to the planet.  They’re still displaced.”

“Gwen, let’s talk about this somewhere else?”  Avery said. “Specifically, somewhere without civilians.”

“Stay out of this, Avery. This is between me and him.” Gwen said.

“Gwen, we have nothing to talk about. Now… you can let me out willingly or feel a massive headache for the twelve hours it’ll take you to fix it.” Dante said.

“Oh, is that a threat?” Gwen said.

“Woah there, you two. We don’t a repeat of what happened last time.”  Avery said, getting in between the two of them.

Dante sighed. “Avery, I’m going to need to rain check on that meeting.”  Dante said, turning away.  He then punched the cube, shattering it like glass. “Oh right, I should keep my word.” Dante said, snapping his fingers.

“AAHHH!”  Gwen screamed, feeling an extremely powerful headache causing her to fall unconscious.

“Woah! Was that necessary? I get you and her don’t like each other. But something like that.” Madison said as she catches Gwen. Dante then, took off into space.

“Trust me, it could’ve been worse. He really took it easy on her.” Avery said.

“If you consider this is easy, I don’t want to know your definition of rough. Like seriously, what’s their problem?” Madison said.

“Right, you probably don’t know yet.”

“Know what?” Madison asked.

On the Planet, Neptunia,

As humongous waves crashed around him, Dante stood on the waters calmly. He then raised his hands and separated the waters.

“Are you okay?” Kira asked as she levitated behind him.

“I’m assuming you saw what happened.”

“The major headache you gave Gwen… yea. But I think she had it coming.” Kira said, playfully.

“No, she didn’t deserve that.  I think I was just venting out some repressed anger.”

“Anger? Should I call Reo and Avery?”  Kira asked, worriedly.

“No, I’m fine. It’s not that time. It’s just… talking to Gwen just… UGGHHH!” Dante said as he released a powerful shockwave, separating the waters further apart. Suddenly, Kira hugged Dante. “Woah, Kira! That’s dangerous.”  Dante said.

“Can’t be as much dangerous as letting you go on a rampage.” Kira said.

“Rampage? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Dante said.

“Mmhmph, should I make you a list?”

Back on Earth, The Spectre’s Tower hub,

“What?! Dante and Gwen were a couple!” Madison said, shocked.

Avery nodded. “Yeah, only a few months ago, they were the perfect couple. They did everything together. Especially, when we went to Nexus together.”

“That’s the academy in another dimension… right?”

“Another universe,” Avery answered.

“Right, Another universe. It still doesn’t make it seem more believable.”

“Give it some time. It’ll start to make more sense. Heck, you got used to the fact that aliens exist.”

“Yeah, but I haven’t seen any aliens.”

“I thought you went to the temple when you first started training.”

“Yeah, I did, but I didn’t get a chance to check out the island.” Madison said.

“Hhmm… Okay, then how about you come with us to the Empire? There technically not aliens, typically, but they’re not from this planet.”

“You lost me. The Empire?” Madison said.

Avery smiles and asks, “When is your next break from school?”

 Seven Months Later, outside an Abandoned Airport,

Madison, her father, Jennifer, her father, and Clark were waiting patiently for Avery and Dante.

“So, your friend is supposed to meet us here?” Madison’s father asked, skeptically.

Madison nodded. “She said she was going to be at this airport. I was just shocked it was abandoned.” She said.

“And how do you know you this girl is trustworthy? Do you even know a single thing about her?” Jennifer’s father asked.

“Yes, uncle. I do know her. She and the others have been helping me with my powers.  It’s thanks to them I’ve gotten a handle on it so quickly.”

“Oh come on, Madison. We all know it’s because it’s your own talent, not us.” Avery said, appearing above them, wearing her superhero suit.

“She’s flying,” Madison’s father and uncle thought.

“Woah,” Jennifer thought as Avery landed.

“She’s hot.” Clark thought.

“Hi, I’m Avery Lucrada.” Avery said, holding out her hand for a handshake.

“Uh, John Clarke.”

“James D… “Clark… I mean… Clark Jordan.”

“Okay,” Avery said, walking towards the doors.

“Avery, what are we doing here?” Madison asked as Jennifer hits Clark.

“Well, we bought this place to act as a secret HQ. Away from the public eye. But that’s not why I brought you here. Tower,”

Suddenly, the doors opened, revealing a large high-tech base. Walking inside, they all were speechless. Then, Clark looked at the control room and saw Amber, Cindy, and the Spies.

“Is tha… tha… tha…” he asked as he tapped Jennifer’s arm, trying to get her attention.

“What!? Use your words!” Jennifer said, looking at Clark. Seeing he was pointing at something; she turns to where he was pointing and sees her. “AMBER!!!!” she screamed.

“Oh right,” Madison thought.

“They must be big fans.” Avery said, slightly laughing.

“Oh, you have no idea.” Madison said.

“Would you like to meet her before the flight?” Avery asked.

“Yes! Flight?” they said, confused.

Meanwhile on planet Astra, the Royal Castle,

Kira wakes up alone in bed. “Where did he go?” she thought, looking for Dante. Seeing him on the balcony, Kira stood up and wrapped herself in the covers. Silently walking up behind Dante, she hugs him with the cover. “Was it a nightmare?” she asks.

“What?” Dante asks, snapping out of his deep thoughts.

“You’re standing here quietly on the balcony, overlooking the city. The only people I’d known to do that were royalty. And they usually do this after having a nightmare.” Kira said.

“Let me guess. Ex-boyfriends or girlfriends?” Dante said.

“No, you’re the only man I’ve wanted, and the other girls are the only other ones I’ve wanted.”

Dante smiled.

“Hey, don’t try to change the subject. What’s on your mind?” Kira said squeezing Dante tightly.

“Okay… okay… I’ll talk.” Dante pleads. Kira loosened her grip slightly. “Lately, I’ve been thinking about my Primordial powers and Maiju powers and how I been using them. Am I really using them to their full potential? That’s the question that usually comes across my mind.”

Kira lets go of Dante and stands beside him. “Dante, look at me. There’s no such thing as using your powers to their full potential. Your powers will continue to grow with every breath you take. You’ll become stronger… get new powers… and at some point, you’ll break beyond that barrier like my uncle and aunt. There’s no reason to self-doubt yourself.” Kira said.

“But, can you really say that… Kira? And I mean truly say that…not just because I’m your…

“Dante Lucr… no, Dante Codelex… Don’t you dare question my faith in you.” Kira said, getting in Dante’s face.

Dante looked at her nervously, knowing what she would do to him. Suddenly, they both felt a powerful cold, death aura entering the atmosphere. A meteor crashes on the outskirts of the capital city. “I’ll be back.” Dante said, as his clothes formed onto his body. However, Kira was already flying to the crash site. Dante sighs following Kira.

Flying in the Borders of the ISL Empire,

“Welcome to the I… Gwen.” Avery said, coldly, feeling that death aura.

“Yeah,” Gwen said.

“What’s wrong?” Clark asked, noticing Avery’s tone changed.

“Those idiots in my dimension lost my body to the IAC there. I guess they sent my body to this one and they’ve been experimenting with it.”

“Your body? What does that mean? Are you a ghost?” Madison’s Dad asked.

“No… that’s a long story. Anyways, the IAC sent their little experiment to Astra.” Avery said.

“Astra? Is Dante okay?” Drew asked.

“Dante?” Jennifer said.

“Astra’s real name.”

“I think she meant the planet.” Gwen said.

Suddenly, they all felt a crushing pressure. “Oh No,” Avery said as she formed a barrier.

“What was that?” Gwen, Madison, and Amber asked, worriedly.

“Avery,” Drew said, coldly, knowing what that was.

“Everybody… hold on,” Avery said as she focused on teleporting the ship to the Landing Area.

Appearing on a landing platform, the ship slowly lands on the platform. Avery then got up from her seat. “Stay here.” she said as she walked to the bay doors.

“No, you’ll need h…

Avery released a powerful intimidating aura, transforming her appearance. Her hair grew longer and became silver, matching her tail. “Gwen, unlike Dante, I won’t go easy on you. Stay here!”  Suddenly, she disappeared.

“What was that?” Clark and Jennifer yelled.

“A Problem.” Madison said.

Arriving at the crash site, Avery sees that monstrous experiment beating Dante to the ground. “NO!” she yelled, charging at it. However, the monstrous thing caught her by the leg and slammed her into Dante. It then repeatedly slams her into Dante. “Let GO!” Avery screamed, blasting it with her heat vision, causing it to let go. Regaining herself, Avery levitated and punched the monster as hard as she could, knocking it back a few feet.  “You know I’m kinda insulted. I literally gave them the holy grail and they messed it up.” Avery said, levitating above it, seeing the monster’s deformed features. The monster then launched itself at Avery.

Suddenly, a blast of magical energy hit it, causing it to stop. “Oh crap,” Gwen said, as she levitating.

The monster then launched itself at Gwen.

“Crap,” Avery thought, flying at the monster. Suddenly, Megra appeared and punched it into orbit. “You two need to leave. Now.” Avery said.

“Not a chance. You need help.” Megra said.

“She has it.” Dante said as he stood up, tired. He was dressed in tattered clothing with multiple bruises healing slowly.

“Dante,” Gwen said, worriedly rushed to his side. However, the monster appeared behind Gwen, attacking her. However, Dante appeared between the Monster and Gwen, getting a hole in the stomach.

“No,” Avery said coldly.

“Let’s take this some where more isolated.” Dante said, as he teleported both himself and the monster away.

Avery punched the ground, knocking the planet slightly off its revolution around the Sun.

“Avery, what happened? Where’s Dante?”

“Don’t.” Avery said, angrily disappearing.

“What’s wrong with…her?” Gwen said, noticing blood on the ground. “No,” she thought with a cold expression.

Hours later, back at the castle,

Kira wakes up, dazed, in their bed. “Ow, that was one hell of a fight.” She thought. “Dan… “BOOOOM!” she hears. “Oh No,” she said as she rushed to where that ‘boom’ came from. Opening a door, Kira immediately had to dodge a stray fireball.

“Avery, calm down. Let’s solve this problem together.” Megra said as she held Avery in a chokehold, flying into the walls.

“Let… Me… Go… Megra.” Avery said, trying to break free from her grip.

“Sorry, Avery. I know you better than anyone. Once I let go, you’ll go straight after Gwen and do something you’ll regret later.” Megra said as she tightened her grip.

“I’m surprised. You’re protecting the girl who got Dante killed.”

“C’mon Avery, you and I both know it’s not as simple as that. Dante isn’t dead. He’s just somewhere out of your reach. Like the World beyond the Void. He’s probably just having a field day fighting that monster.” Megra said.

“That’s not how that world works, nor does the resonance connection between Primordials.” Kira said, standing over Gwen.

“Oh, crap!” Megra said.

“Care to explain… What happened to Dante?” Kira said, squatting in front of Gwen. Gwen, who was oddly quiet and crying hugging her knees, just sat there without saying a word. “Guess that’s a no.” she said. “Well, judging by who’s here. I can assume something happened to Dante.” Kira began levitating. “Now I think about it. We were dealing with that… No.” Kira thought as her expression turned cold as memories flooded into her mind. Kira looked down at Gwen.

“KIRA!!! Don’t!” Megra said.

“Megra, I know you want to be the voice of reason, but… Kira formed a hard light cube around Gwen … sometimes… reason doesn’t always make sense.” Kira said, teleporting Gwen away.

“What did you do?” Megra asked, as she let go of Avery.

“I sent her to a pocket dimension, so she can sulk there, while we search for Dante.”

“Sulking? That’s too easy for her if you ask me.”  Avery said.

“Well, she’s useless to us in that mind state. Anyways, where do you think Dante would’ve taken that monster?” Kira said.

“My best guess… somewhere it wont cause any destruction. So… Probably Hell.” Megra answered.

“And then there’s that dimension.” Avery said.

“What dimension?” Megra and Kira asked.