Asmodel (Alien Legacy Brotherhood #2)

11. Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

T he room erupted in loud roars.

Izzy gasped as the scikvak declared their sorrow when the ruler of their planet died. The booming chorus from the feline scikvak were not only in the room, but echoes came from outside as well. Apparently the population shared the grief at losing their sovereign.

Jaltaar’s agonizing howls broke her heart.

With his forehead on his father’s still chest, he wrapped his extended claws around the deceased monarch’s wrist.

Talira knelt beside him, her head on his shoulder as she rubbed her whiskers against him, a rumbling sound vibrating from her in a comforting melody.

Putting her hand over her throat, Izzy swallowed a piercing ache. Poor Jaltaar. Who would’ve thought he was the king’s son? He was the one who’d saved her by taking her to an outlaw faction for safekeeping. With a frown, she watched him as he muttered in a low tone only Talira could understand. Guilt was a terrible burden for anyone to bear.

A hard shake from the ground broke the spell.

Izzy grabbed Asmodel’s arm to steady herself.

He swept her into his arms and braced his legs to keep them upright.

The scikvak growled, some resorting to all fours while others fell onto their backsides.

Jaltaar grabbed Talira into a tight hug as they rode out the rolling earth.

When it subsided, Viscount Syrin rushed to Jaltaar and bowed. “Sire, we need you to address the populace.” He glanced around the room, wringing his paws. “Before things get out of hand.”

Most of the scikvak in the room ran around like crazy cats. Hissing and snarling at each other as if they’d devolved into a primal species.

“Oh dear. I’m afraid he’s too late.” Izzy observed from her comfortable position in Asmodel’s embrace.

One of the older adult females howled as she raced by them on four paws, her back arched with puffed-up fur.

Asmodel tightened his grip around her. “I agree.” His rumbling reply vibrated against her.

Izzy tightened her hold around his neck and tugged him to look at her. “I’m fine now. You can put me down.”

He put his forehead on hers. “But I don’t want to.” With his eyes half closed, he sighed. “But I will if you insist.”

Izzy giggled. “This is becoming a bad habit of yours.” She kissed the tip of his perfect nose. “I insist, Mister Macho Man.”

Before she squirmed out of his hold, he captured her lips with his in a scorching kiss before setting her on her feet. She pulled away and wobbled, putting her hand at the side of her head to get her bearings. When she steadied, she narrowed her eyes at him. In retaliation, she licked her lips, enjoying his flavor.

His eyes mirrored hers as he repeated the gesture.

Darn man was lethal.

“We have to go, Jaltaar.” Talira’s soft tone caught Izzy’s attention.

The powerful female kept her paw steady on Jaltaar’s shaking shoulder. “Your people are dying, and they need you.”

Sucking in a hiss, Jaltaar raised his bloodshot eyes to her. “I can’t. I…”

“Jaltaar.” Talira stepped back. “It is time for you to do as your father decreed and take your rightful place as Supreme Alpha Regent.” Her tone left no room for argument.

Jaltaar closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. With paws clenched, he hissed and opened his eyes. “You are so right, my tsuki .” Throwing his shoulders back, he rose, leaving behind the frightened boy and stood as a mature male of worth. His sturdy stance and firm expression told everyone in the room a new monarch was born.

“Oh wow,” Izzy said under her breath. She’d never witnessed anything so profoundly moving in her entire life. Watching someone grasp the reins of leadership in one quick motion was a beautiful thing to witness.

“Indeed.”

JR13’s agreement from Asmodel’s shoulder made Izzy grin. Little bot was growing on her.

“Enough!” Jaltaar’s command was loud and clear.

As though a switch flipped, all the scikvak in the room stopped, eyes wide as they focused on Jaltaar standing tall by his dead father’s bedside.

“Chief Jenara.” Jaltaar pointed to a female zaltrixan standing against the wall with her arms crossed.

One of the few scikvak in the room who hadn’t run around like the others.

“You and your guards need to assess what is happening within Panterion Prime. I want a detailed report on where the critical areas are within the hour. Talira will be your commander, so synchronize your Lumiview Prisms with hers.”

Some guards started to rumble and hiss.

Izzy caught the curse zihui from more than one in the room.

“As regent, it is my right to decree who does what.” The pupils in Jaltaar’s bright-emerald eyes expanded. “As of this moment, the scikvak race is one.” He waved his paw with the claws extended. The thick tips shone in the low light. “No more pardalion or zaltrixan. We are one .”

Izzy held Asmodel's hand while gripping his forearm with her other hand. She’d always wanted to be part of some historical act. And here it was, a new day dawning. Darn if she was lucky enough to be here for it. Even if it was on an alien planet.

Jaltaar approached Talira and cupped the sides of her snout between his paws with his claws retracted. “Talira Cyndor of Nekojin. Will you do me the greatest honor of becoming my ever-mate? My Queen Regina? To aid in ushering in a new age for the scikvak on all CeluriaVO?”

Talira’s fathomless dark blue eyes were clear as she responded. She covered his paws with hers. “I’m honored to claim you as my ever-mate, Jaltaar, my love.”

“Long live the Supreme Regent Jaltaar Zarvix and his Queen Regina Talira Cyndor!” Viscount Syrin announced, flinging his arms wide.

Most in the room growled, roared, and shouted their approval.

Others were noticeably quiet.

Asmodel chuckled. “At least one male is smart enough to know how to keep himself in power.”

Izzy grinned. “Oh, hush. Let’s not politicize this beautiful moment.”

“Why not?” JR13 asked. “The ramifications of what Jaltaar is proposing are more political than romantic.” The small bot snorted. “No need to claim it as anything else.”

“Oh pooh.” Izzy dismissed JR13’s cold assessment. “There’s nothing like romance.”

“And on that note—” Asmodel waved at Raxx to come close. “—you ready to take down the villain of this plot?”

Raxx batted his eyes with a palm over his heart. “Oh, you smooth talker, you. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than be part of a blooming romantic tragedy.”

Asmodel jerked when a psychic wave of malevolence rushed through him. He waved for Raxx and Izzy to step closer. Keeping their heads together, he whispered, his tone urgent. “We’d better hurry.” He glanced over Izzy’s shoulder and watched a small group of scikvak congratulating Jaltaar through light scratches from their claws on his back. Around them, other felines rubbed the sides of their snouts together as happy purrs filled the air. So the danger wasn’t from them.

“I can sense the Krystalii is gathering her strength to release another strong psychic blast. If we don’t stop her, she’ll destroy the entire planet,” he stated.

The pinched look on Izzy’s face made it clear she understood what he was saying. Damn it, he couldn’t let her go into this unprotected. There had to be something he could… wait. Oh, for the love of a motherless goat. He should’ve done this when Raxx first told him about the PsyShields. He could hold his own against the Krystalii, but Izzy couldn’t.

Asmodel reached into his jacket pocket and pull the small disks out. “Quick, Izzy. Put these on.” He looked over at Raxx. “She just puts one on each temple, right?”

Raxx nodded. “Yeah, they’ll work right off the bat.”

Asmodel placed them on her palm.

She brought them close and studied them. Her teeth worried the lips on the side of her mouth.

At her concerned expression, Raxx chuckled. “Don’t worry, chica. They don’t hurt.” He snorted. “In fact, you won’t feel a thing.” He winked at her. “Trust me.”

Izzy’s dubious look made Asmodel grin. He put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “While I haven’t used them myself—” He nodded to Raxx, who rocked back and forth on his heels with his thumbs hooked through the loops on his belt. “—I do trust what he says about the PsyShields.”

“But what about you?” Izzy tucked a panel of her baby-fine hair behind her ear. “Won’t you need these to fight her since you’ve got psychic abilities and I don’t?” Her bright-amber brown eyes carried a mix of worry and excitement.

Ah, his little human loved to try out new things just like he did.

A condescending snort from JR13. “He doesn’t need help from some alien tech. He’s got some serious abilities to protect himself with.”

“JR13’s right. I’ll be fine.” He reassured her. “I’ve had a lot of practice guarding my psychic senses from others.” Namely, his brothers. Especially when they were in a mischievous mood to play tricks on one another. If he could protect himself from their pranks, handling the crystal entity should be easy enough. “Go ahead. Put them on, and I’ll teleport us to where the Krystalii is.”

“You’ll find her at the city center.” Jaltaar came to them with Talira’s paw looped through his elbow.

Her dark-blue eyes assessed the area as if to keep her mate safe.

“Our security forces are scattered, trying to save as many citizens as they can. I’m afraid they won’t be much help.”

Asmodel nodded. “Actually, that’d be a good thing. The fewer people around, the easier it’ll be for us to handle her.” The last thing they needed was to cause more scikvak deaths. “If you and your people will coordinate the rescue operations, the three of us will handle the Krystalii.”

Talira’s whiskers drooped as her eyes narrowed. “You think you can handle her?” She leaned close. “We won’t be able to help, even with my people arriving soon. We’ll have our hands full trying to keep the two races from killing each other as it is.”

“Don’t worry, we’ve got this.” Raxx jumped into the conversation. He patted the Echo device on his belt. “With me and Echo here, the Krystalii bitch is history. Nothing can stand in our way.”

Asmodel hoped Raxx’s arrogance was justified. He sighed. They’d find out soon enough. “Izzy, please put the PsyShields on.” He rubbed her back. “I’ll be here to make sure nothing happens when you do.” He sent out a small tendril of energy to her, ready to act if necessary.

With a grimace, she placed the first disk on one temple and waited.

Asmodel didn’t feel or sense anything unusual, so he nodded encouragement at her.

With a steady hand, she put the other one on.

At once, Asmodel lost all sensation of Izzy’s mind. Wait, not just her mind, but her entire body became a blank slate. As if she wasn’t there.

“Are you okay?” He gripped her shoulder. Losing the ability to sense her psychically felt like losing one of his physical senses. He might not like it, but he wouldn’t admit it out loud.

Izzy’s bright-brown eyes met his. “I guess so.” She shrugged. “I don’t feel any different.”

“See?” Raxx crowed. “Told ya so.”

Izzy glanced at the other man. “How do I know if they’re working or not?”

“Tell us, big guy.” Raxx pointed at Asmodel. “They working?”

Keeping his focus on Izzy, he gave a brief nod. “I can’t psychically sense you at all.”

Izzy beamed. “That’s good!” She frowned as she studied his face. “Isn’t it?”

Asmodel forced the tense muscles in his face to relax. The last thing she needed to worry about was him. “Yes, alma gemela . Now you’ll be invisible to the Krystalii.”

The ground violently shook.

“We’d better get going, dude.” Raxx said after the tremor softened. “Like Mr. Miyagi says, if we don’t go now, we’ll get squished like a grape.”

Asmodel didn’t know who Mr. Miyagi was or why he talked about grapes, but the jest was sound. He tilted his head at Jaltaar and Talira. “Please stand back.” He glanced at his bot companion on his shoulder. “You know what to do.”

For once, the bot didn’t spout any snark as he scurried to the nape of Asmodel’s neck, his pointy feet making the skin prickle. Once the spybot was secure, Asmodel held out his hands to his two companions and instructed, “Hold on and don’t let go.”

“Alright, folks, buckle up, secure your luggage, and make sure your table trays are in the upright position. This ride’s gonna be bumpier than a bull on a trampoline!”

Of course Raxx had to have the last word.

Izzy materialized between Asmodel and Raxx in the heart of Panterion Prime. Her eyes widened. The formerly awe-inspiring sight of the once-grand skyscrapers now had jagged edges, their glass facades occasionally shattered like a frozen, glittering waterfall. The ground beneath her hummed with the aftershocks of the earthquake, a low, continuous vibration she felt through the soles of her shoes. A cloud of dust hung in the air, filtering the light into a dull, ghostly gray haze. The scent of ozone and concrete teased her nose. The sharp, metallic tang mingled with the earthy smell of uneven rubble.

She turned to Asmodel and gripped his forearm. “Where is everyone? Do you think Jaltaar and Talira can get them out safely?” Her voice was no louder than a whisper over the city's eerie silence.

Asmodel narrowed his hazel eyes, his lips pressed in a firm line.

Raxx pulled Echo off his belt and scanned the horizon. He responded with a grim nod. “Shit! This sucks. A lot of them are vaporized.” He nodded to the piles of dust and clumpy dirt littered across the square.

“Vaporized?” Izzy gasped. “Is that true?”

“I’m afraid so,” Asmodel replied. “There isn’t a living soul within a mile of here.”

“But what caused…”

“Hide!” JR13’s voice rose. “She’s coming back!”

Izzy didn’t have time to do anything but run since Asmodel gripped her upper arm and shoved her behind a wide column pillar now broken in half. He planted his body around her, his chest pressed against her back. Raxx next to her, clutched Echo with white knuckles.

Appearing from nowhere, Prisma-Solara materialized. Her brilliant, shimmering figure was planted in the square’s center. Facets of her crystalline form caught the hazy light from the semi-destroyed buildings. Despite her striking beauty, she carried an unmistakable air of chaos. The yellow crystals on her body crackled with unstable energy, the color fading and coated with clumps of dirt. As her figure flickered, her sharp edges cast chaotic shadows across the broken pavement.

Once again, the ground heaved beneath Izzy and her companions. Oh, my stars. The crystal female’s psychic energies not only manifested as visual distortions, but she was altering the environment as each tremor grew in intensity.

Around the Krystalii, the air was thick, charged with a pulsating power that sent waves of dissonance through the atmosphere.

The hairs on Izzy's arms stood on end.

The look of agony etched on Prisma-Solara’s face was hard to watch.

“Oh, my goodness!” Izzy shouted. “She’s in pain and losing control!” The roar of another quake drowned out her words.

Asmodel pressed her close to the column, his solid body shielding her. Without him, she’d get tossed around like a kite in a high wind.

When the tremor subsided, Asmodel moved to her side, giving her some space. Fortunately, his comforting warmth remained close. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Raxx give Asmodel a grim look.

His eyes were wide, his tone urgent. “If she keeps this up, she’ll bring the entire city down on us.”

Asmodel’s brief nod told Izzy he was assessing the alien's deteriorating state.

“I’m trying to probe her mind without her knowing. So far I haven’t…”

“I must… I will… my duty... Lord Baelon!” The Krystalii screamed with her arms wide and her hands clenched in fists, causing wads of packed earth to fling free. Her words came out fractured and garbled by the spasms shaking her body. Prisma-Solara, caught in her psychotic storm, continued to thrash. Her yells and shouts created a haunting echo that resonated through the ruins.

As Izzy watched the alien suffer, she couldn’t help but wish there was something she could do to help her. The spectacle of the alien’s madness—a radiant being torn apart by her own powers—made Izzy both terrified and sad for the tormented female.

Asmodel, his jaws set, turned to Izzy and Raxx next to her. “I have an idea.” His grim declaration came through his steady voice. “If I can make her believe I'm Lord Baelon, maybe she’ll calm down enough so I can put her in a stabilizing hold.”

“Dude, that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” Raxx intoned. “So lame it just might work.”

Izzy blinked. Things were happening too fast. “I…”

“Here, hold him while I do this.” Asmodel held out his hand with JR13 on his palm.

With a quick toss, the small spybot landed on her arm. She didn’t feel his pointy toes touch her through her shirt as he scrambled to rest on her shoulder. “I…”

Before Izzy had a chance to say anything, Asmodel's figure morphed. His stature grew, his features shifting to adopt the imposing presence of Lord Baelon, a crystal male figure twice the size of Prisma-Solara in height and width. His body was a mixture of crystals, mirrors, and glass with sharp protrusions jutting in all directions in various lengths of brilliant blues.

Izzy clutched her hand over her heart. The only thing she heard was the sound of her thundering heartbeat as she watched Asmodel’s imposing figure. Her throat closed in terror.

“I’ll be right back.” Asmodel’s attention turned to the out-of-control yellow Krystalii.

“But…” Izzy reached for him.

He was already gone.

“Do not concern yourself.”

JR13’s matter-of-fact tone took her by surprise. She’d forgotten he was there.

“Organic man will be just fine.”

“Okay, if you say so.” Izzy couldn’t help the doubt creeping into her voice. Watching the man she loved put himself in danger like that was beyond… wait. In love? Really? When did that happen?

“Hey, look.” Raxx chuckled. “She’s buying it.”

As Asmodel approached Prisma-Solara, his steps emanated a false sense of sovereignty.

Izzy caught her breath as he extended a hand in a gesture of peace.

“Prisma-Solara.” Asmodel commanded with the authoritative cadence of the false Krystalii. “I will not tolerate this primitive display. Cease this destruction at once and attend to me.”

Prisma-Solara's glowing, multifaceted eyes fixated on the figure approaching her. She still radiated chaotic energy as a cruel laugh escaped her cracked lips. Her voice came out grating and otherworldly. “You insignificant flesh born.” She sneered. “You think you can deceive me, Asmodel?” She spat shards of glass at the ground that trembled beneath her fury. “I see through your paltry mind tricks!”

With a swift, sweeping motion, she extended her arms, making more dirt to fly free.

Izzy gasped as Asmodel lifted off the ground, his body stiff.

His face was contorted in pain, as if an invisible, crushing grip seized him.

Izzy cried out, “Asmodel!” and jumped up, her instinct to help her man.

“Damn it, Izzy!” Raxx grabbed her arm and pulled her down. He hissed. “What do you think you’re doing?” He waved at the alien, who tossed Asmodel’s prone body, now reverted to his normal self, to the other side of the square. “We can't risk getting closer to her. We’ve got to think of something else.”

Izzy sniffed away unwanted tears. “JR13?” She glanced at the spybot on her shoulder.

His black-and-silver bulbous head focused on Asmodel.

When she spoke, his luminous eyes swung her way. “Can you check to see if Asmodel is okay?” She had to know if he somehow survived the brutal flight the Krystalii sent him on.

“From here I can tell organic man still lives, just unconscious. However,” JR13’s back panels opened and iridescent wings appeared. “I’ll monitor his vitals and report back to you.”

Without another word, the droid flew close to the ground, blending into the disheveled scene with debris and other insects buzzing around.

Putting her hand over her mouth, she watched JR13 make it straight to Asmodel who was lying on his back, his arms wide. After making sure the bot was as safe as he could be, she turned to Raxx. “You got any ideas?”

If Asmodel, with his strong psionic abilities, couldn’t stop the Krystalii, what chance did she and Raxx have?

The crystalline alien let loose a bloodcurdling scream.

Izzy jumped.

“Son of a bitch!” Raxx flopped to the ground, thrashing as he held his ears. “Make it stop! I can’t stand…!” His body shook, and his arms and legs whipped violently before he became unnaturally still.

“Raxx!” Izzy rushed to kneel by his side. She put a hand over his chest and sat back on her heels with a sigh when his heartbeat was strong and steady. What in the heck just happened? Why did he do that?

“Looks like the Krystalii hit a nerve.”

JR13’s voice near her ear made her jump. “Darn it, JR13. Warn a person next time, will you?”

“Echo asked me to come back when she lost control of Raxx after the Krystalii screeched like that. The psychic energy she let loose was off the charts. So much so even Echo couldn’t filter it for him.” JR13 informed her. “He’ll be okay. Eventually. I think.”

Well, wasn’t that just great? Izzy considered the prone Raxx, then looked across the way to scrutinize the vulnerable Asmodel. “Why wasn’t I affected like Raxx?”

“Because of the PsyShields you’ve got on.”

JR13’s matter-of-fact tone made Izzy roll her eyes. Well, duh. She’d forgotten she had them on. She peeked around the column to see what the crystal lady was doing. Poor thing looked like she was in pain. Bowing on her knees with her arms around her waist, she moaned and muttered. Clumps of mud and dirt dulled the glassy sheen of her body.

“No... I must... have to… Lord Baelon,” Prisma-Solara’s voice broke into a pained whisper. One of her fists pounded the side of her head. Crystalline dust, dirt and shards of clear-cut panels fell off her body.

“Oh, that poor thing.” Izzy bit her bottom lip. “How can we help her?” And everyone else, for that matter.

“Well, see…” JR13 began. “Echo and I have an idea.”

A hopeful jolt raced through Izzy. “Really?” She glanced at the Krystalii rocking back and forth, her eerie eyes closed. “What do you have in mind?”

“Between the two of us, we can generate a counter frequency tuned to disrupt the Krystalii's psychic brainwaves. It should create enough dissonance to bind her powers, at least temporarily.” JR13's voice carried a blend of synthetic tones, as if he joined with Echo to answer.

Izzy's eyes widened. “Wow, do you think it’ll work?” Another wail from the Prisma-Solara made her wince. “What do we do if it doesn’t?”

“There is a 99.85% probability it will succeed.” JR13’s snooty tone was all him.

A minor tremor rumbled under her. Well, couldn’t ask for anything better than that at this point. “Okay, JR13. Let’s do it.” The ground gave another grumbling roll under her knees. “Quickly please!”

The little droid’s eyes blinked. “Initiating now.” He paused, likely communicating with Echo.

A faint hum filled the air, starting quietly but growing in intensity.

Prisma-Solara’s moans cut off as the frequency took effect. She stiffened, and her chaotic energy flickered as if in confusion.

The air vibrated with the force of the counter frequency, making Izzy’s ears ring.

“What... what’s happening?” Prisma-Solara's voice faltered. She clutched at her head, the crystals covering her face and body dimming from a vibrant yellow to a dull, throbbing amber. “My… my powers are weakening.”

Izzy clapped. “It's working! JR13, keep it up!” she shouted over the rising whine of the counter frequency.

“Of course. Maintaining frequency.” JR13’s body vibrated in tune with the sounds he generated.

“What’s going on?”

Asmodel’s deep voice next to Izzy made her jump. Holy cow! What was with everyone sneaking up on her lately? “Oh my gosh! Asmodel!” She flung herself into his arms. The feel of his powerful embrace lightened the tension making it hard to breathe. Grasping his firm upper arms, she pulled back to check him out. “Are you okay?”

His hazel eyes twinkled as he brushed a wayward strand of her hair from her eyes. “It’d take more than a powerful crystal alien from another dimension to keep me down.” He glanced around before cocking his head as he watched the moaning alien. “Is that sound coming from JR13?”

Izzy nodded. “Yes, with a little help from Echo.” She motioned to Raxx, who now sat up and rubbed his eyes. “The bots have devised a way to create a disruptive counter frequency to hold her psychic powers. Neat, huh?”

Asmodel’s expressive eyes met hers, filled with a mixture of gratitude and concern. “We’d better take advantage of it while she’s disoriented.” He cleared his throat. “I think I can hold her steady now. JR13, slowly diminish the sound you’re making.”

“Affirmative.”

The ringing noise turned into a soft whisper.

“Wait, before you do anything, let me see if I can talk to her.” Izzy placed a hand on Asmodel’s chest. “You know, woman to woman.” She glanced at the Krystalii, who now appeared fragile. Her once-formidable presence had been shattered by the dissonance caused by the AI duo. “I’d like to help her.”

Raxx joined them, his lips white and pinched. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, chica.” He shrugged one shoulder as if to loosen a knot. “Ya gotta admit that bitch is one Looney Toon. If it weren’t for these bots, we’d be toast.” He patted Echo strapped to his belt. “Good job, baby. Daddy’s proud of you.”

Asmodel’s intense focus on her made Izzy swallow hard in a dry throat. She threw her shoulders back. It was easy to understand his unspoken concern. Yet, something deep inside urged her to talk to the Krystalii. This had the feeling of one of those pivotal moments when destiny offered a unique opportunity to make a difference. A moment meant only for her.

“I promise I’ll be okay.” Izzy placed her hand on his strong, clean jawline. “If not, have JR13 start the signal up again. Okay?”

Asmodel closed his eyes, holding the back of her hand in his. “If anything happened to you…”

“You’ll be there to save me, won’t you?”

Izzy had never spoken a truer word in her life. Putting her trust in Asmodel set her free in ways she never imagined, setting her free to take chances she once dreamed impossible.