Asmodel (Alien Legacy Brotherhood #2)

12. Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

“I f only we had some more of these PsyShields.” Izzy tapped her temple and glanced at the moaning Krystalii still on her knees with her arms wrapped around her waist. “I bet if she had those on, it’d help her.”

JR13 snorted. “He’s got more.” He pointed a thin metallic leg in Raxx’s direction. “He just didn’t want to admit it.”

“Way to rat me out, terminator.” Raxx growled with crossed arms.

Izzy chuckled at the puzzled expression on Asmodel’s face. Looked like her man wasn’t familiar with some old movies. Something to look forward to when they went back to Earth. Once they cleaned up this Krystalii mess, of course.

“I can’t tell you how great these work! Maybe they’ll help her out too.” Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. But if Izzy hadn’t been wearing the shields, she was sure she’d have suffered more than either Raxx or Asmodel.

“Could you possibly spare them?” she implored.

Raxx dropped his arms and rolled his dark eyes. “Of course I can.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled his fist out. Stepping closer to her, he opened his hand and exposed the two round disks on his palm. He pointed to the mumbling Krystalii. “So, how are you going to get her to wear them?”

Izzy held out her hand for him to drop the disks on her open palm. “Easy. I’ll just ask her.”

“Izzy…” Asmodel put an arm around her shoulders.

His dark baritone combined with his body warmth made her shiver in pleasure.

“All right, I’ll go with you. I can hold her for now, but I don’t want to take a chance she’ll break free and attack you.” He glanced at the spider bot who jumped back to his shoulder. “JR13, you and Echo stand by with the disruptive blast if needed. Confirm?”

“No need to state the obvious, organic man,” The bot’s large eyes rolled. “We’ve got you covered.”

“And just what am I supposed to do?” Raxx put his fists on his trim hips, his stance wide. “Stand here and look pretty?”

“I’m sure with practice, someday you just might pull it off.”

Asmodel’s voice was steady, but the twinkle in his eyes made Izzy giggle.

“Instead, why don’t you make sure none of the scikvak gets close enough to interfere?”

Raxx’s arms dropped. “Whatever.” He glanced around. “That’s me. I’ll just narc around the hood and flush out any hostiles who are hiding.” He ran a thumb across Echo’s smooth surface. “Come on, baby. Let’s check things out.”

“Don’t go far.” Asmodel warned.

Raxx snorted with a hand wave. “As if.” He headed in the opposite direction, but remained visible.

Izzy might enjoy the banter between the two, but she had a job to do. Without another word, she approached the rocking form of the Krystalii.

“Prisma-Solara, we don't mean you any harm.” Izzy approached the moaning Krystalii with an open palm and spoke in a soft voice, making sure she kept her words gentle. “We only want to help you.” Ever since she could remember, people had been telling her she was too nice and someday she’d regret it. Hopefully, today wasn’t that day.

Prisma-Solara looked up, her blank gaze full of confusion and pain.

The minor tremors rolling around them faded. For a moment, the ruined city seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see what happened next.

The counter frequency JR13 hummed stayed quietly in the background.

Izzy approached Prisma-Solara with cautious steps. She frowned at the dullness of the alien's once-vibrant crystalline form. The muck covering her somehow made her appear smaller, less imposing.

Kneeling beside her, Izzy made sure she came across kind and non-threatening. “Prisma-Solara”—she kept her voice soft but clear—“can you tell me what happened to you?”

Prisma-Solara turned toward her, the facets of her crystals catching the light with a subdued shimmer. “I do not understand it myself.” The alien admitted, her voice hollow, lacking its usual resonance. “My kind are not used to what is happening to me here. We exist in a state of order and logic. But here, on this planet... I felt a flood of something overwhelming. And I couldn’t stop...” She choked out a whisper.

Izzy reached out and placed her hand over the Krystalii’s and squeezed. She gasped at the warmth in the hand she held. Oh, this wasn’t some automaton. This was an actual living creature in pain. “It sounds like you experienced emotions for the first time. This planet, CeluriaVO, might have triggered something deep inside you that’s unfamiliar to you.” She brushed off a clump of dirt on Prisma-Solara’s arm. “Especially when you immersed yourself in the ground.”

Prisma-Solara's crystals flickered weakly, as if attempting to process this information. “Emotions? Is that what these disturbances within me are called? When I woke up from my restorative sleep, chaos filled me instead of strength. It was uncontrollable and fierce.”

“Yes, emotions can feel very intense, especially if you're not used to them,” Izzy explained. “Most organic beings experience them all the time—they can be beautiful, but also very destructive if not managed.”

“Why would your kind tolerate such disturbances?” Prisma-Solara demanded. Her tone was tinged with anger.

“I’ll answer your questions if you’ll let me give you something to help you manage these new feelings you’re experiencing.” Izzy released Prisma-Solara’s hand and opened her other one where she’d held the disks. “These are called PsyShields.” She tapped her own temple. “See, I’m wearing them to protect me from unwanted psychic stuff. I believe it will help regulate the powerful emotions you’re experiencing so you can analyze what is happening inside you without foreign interference from this planet.”

Prisma-Solara’s crystalline citrine-yellow eyes focused on the round orbs in Izzy’s palm before her intense gaze studied her. With her head tilted, her eyes widened. “You are correct!” she gasped. “I cannot read or control you. How amazing.” She took the disks from Izzy’s hand. “How do I apply them?”

“Place one on each temple,” Asmodel supplied, standing a few feet behind Izzy. “You will feel disoriented at first, but that will fade. However, be prepared for your psychic sense to be muted as well.”

The dull crystal of Prisma-Solara’s mouth frowned. “For now, that will be acceptable.” She scanned the surrounding destruction. “I did not intend to do this.” Her gaze came back to Izzy. “At least not at this time.” Now her lips creased into a small grin.

Izzy breathed a sigh of relief. Oh, lookie here, the crazy, evil alien made a funny.

Keeping her gazed focused on Izzy, Prisma-Solara put the disks on. The effect was immediate. Her eyes rolled back in her head before she flopped onto her back, legs and arms spread wide.

“Oh, my gosh!” Izzy rushed to her side, putting her hand on the female’s hard crystal cheek. It was warm, so she still had to be alive. She turned to Asmodel. “Do you think she’s okay?”

Asmodel kneeled next to her, hovering an open palm over Prisma-Solara’s chest. “Yes, she’ll be fine,” he declared.

“Holy cow, chica!” Raxx exclaimed, leaning with his hands on his thick thighs. “Dang, knocked her out with one punch.”

“I did no such thing,” Izzy retorted. “She’s just getting used to the PsyShields, that’s all. But she’ll wake up soon, won’t she?” She glanced at Asmodel.

He placed his comforting hand on her shoulder. “I believe so. When she wakes up, we’ll find out what her intentions are.”

“Yeah.” Raxx straightened. “Just so you know, if she reverts into her bad ol’ self, Echo gave me a way to stop her once and for all.”

A residual tremor rolled beneath Asmodel’s feet. Looked like the chaos Prisma-Solara unleashed earlier still echoed in the earth and the air. He held still as his psychic senses hummed with the aftershocks of her power, a heady mix of fear and awe he associated with the Krystalii.

“That’s good to know.” Asmodel stood next to Raxx. “But I think the PsyShields are going their job. Look at her.” He gestured to the unconscious alien.

Prisma-Solara’s crystalline form shimmered in the hazy sunlight. Instead of her usual vibrant glow, her body had a fine film of silky crystal dust covering most of her protruding crystals. Other sections had broken off, leaving jagged edges.

“Do you think she looks like this because of the PsyShields?” Izzy gasped, touching her mouth with her fingertips. “Did I do this?” She turned to Asmodel, her face ashen.

Asmodel wrapped an arm around her shoulders. His heart slowed to a rhythm to mirror hers. The urge to hold his empathic woman was a strong one. One he had no intention of ignoring. His woman was a treasure. He gripped the tip of her shoulder when that thought hit him. His woman.

“You are not the cause of any harm to her, alma gemela .” He pulled her close. “She was already disintegrating when we arrived.”

“Yeah, could be why she turned into a total nutcase.” Raxx nodded in agreement. “Hang on. I think she’s waking up. Remember, Echo and I got this if she goes sideways.”

Asmodel opened his mouth, then snapped it shut. Not worth asking what sideways meant.

Izzy reached out a hand towards Prisma-Solara, but stopped before touching the crystalline female again.

The Krystalii’s eyes, usually blazing with an inner fire, were now dim. She looked fragile, a stark contrast to the devastating force she’d been moments ago.

“How are you, Prisma-Solara?” Izzy pulled her hand back into a fist. “Do you want any help?”

The crystal female sat up, clutching the side of her head. “I’m empty. Like something inside me has been ripped away.” She looked at them. A clear, rolling orb trailed from the edge of one of her eyes and traveled in slow motion down the side of her face.

“How can we help you?” Izzy kneeled beside her, keeping her hands laced together on her thighs. “What do you need?”

Prisma-Solara frowned, causing several crystal panels around her mouth to loosen and fall off. For the first time, Asmodel watched as the cascade of light shining through her crystal body was now lighter. As if the brilliant yellow color had turned clear.

“I need to be cleansed.” Prisma-Solara’s voice was a melodic echo. “It’s possible a natural waterfall will eliminate the poisonous dirt and energy of this planet on me while recharging my essence.”

“I saw one in the jungle when Jaltaar took me to meet Talira.” Izzy glanced up at Asmodel.

“What are your intentions after we take you there?” Asmodel frowned. He couldn’t connect a psionic thread to the alien. Not that he expected he could with her wearing the psychic shields. But he had to try.

Prisma-Solara blinked, her face tight. She shut her eyes before opening them with a cry. “Lord Baelon!” She wailed, holding her head between her hands. “My lord is gone.”

“Prisma-Solara!” Asmodel barked. If he let her wallow in her fears, they’d never get a handle on her. “You will answer me.”

The female stopped and her eyes blazed.

At first, the look confused him. Then, as he watched her jaw set, he relaxed. It was a look he recognized. He’d seen it on his brothers when they first realized their servitude to the Akurns was over. This female wasn’t afraid because she lost something. It was something altogether different.

Prisma-Solar kept her eyes on his as she stood.

Izzy got off her knees and joined him.

“For the first time in my life, I’m free.” As she straightened, crystal dust and clumps of CeluriaVO dirt dropped off her. “I’m no longer a slave to a brutal-and-cruel master.” Throwing her head back, she flung her arms wide, causing a maelstrom of broken glass and crystals mixed with silt and dirt to fly. “My fate is my own.” She brought her head back and stared at him and the others, the color of her eyes dull but the determination clear. “Take me to a waterfall so I may get rid of the last of my captivity.”

Her words sent a rush of conflicting emotions through Asmodel. The chains, the endless experiments, the sheer helplessness of the servitude he’d endured as a slave washed over him. The Krystalii’s declaration stirred within him a deep, fierce sense of kinship with her. Something he’d never imagined would happen.

With a surge of determination, Asmodel knew what had to be done. He closed his eyes to get a feel of the jungle and the animals within it. There, a fearsome-looking beast that looked like a cross between a wolf, a panther, and a porcupine was lapping water near a waterfall. The harsh quills lining its spine quivered with each movement.

“I have a visual on a nearby waterfall. Make a circle and hold hands.” He reached out with both hands.

Izzy took his hand without hesitation.

Prisma-Solara hesitated for a moment before she placed her warm, crystal hand in his.

Raxx joined them between Izzy and Prisma-Solara.

Asmodel glanced down at his shoulder to make sure JR13 was secure before letting his eyes drift close. Good thing he was holding on to Izzy and the Krystalii since he couldn’t connect with them psychically. Convinced he had a handle on all four of them, he reached out with his mind, connecting with the essence of the waterfall and the area around it. That image, surrounded by lush greenery, was solid. “Got it.” He opened his eyes. “Alright, hold tight.”

The world around them shimmered and dissolved as Asmodel concentrated, and teleported them through the in-between space. The sensation was familiar to him, but he sensed the others’ discomfort as they moved. Good thing the trip was instantaneous.

Reaching their destination, he ended the flight at the edge of a waterfall in a flash of light.

The roar of the water was deafening, and the ensuing mist created a refreshing coolness in the air.

He glanced at his companions, making sure they’d all arrived safe and sound.

The three of them wobbled a bit, but were soon steady.

Looking around, he opened his senses and studied his surroundings. The place was serene, untouched by the destruction they’d left behind. The jungle, usually alive with the sounds of exotic creatures, was eerily silent.

“Freakin’ A, dude.” Raxx grumbled, dropping his hold on Izzy and Prisma-Solara. “I hate doing that.”

Prisma-Solara stepped away from them, her eyes fixed on the cascading water. Her expression was almost reverent. “This will do,” she said in a soft whisper. Her voice was barely audible over the roar of the waterfall.

Izzy squeezed Asmodel’s hand. “I’m so glad,” she said with a smooth smile. When she looked up at him, her smile widened. “We did it!”

Asmodel nodded, his eyes on Prisma-Solara as she glided in the waterfall. He could see the energy beginning to flow back into her, the glow of her crystals brightening with each passing moment. “Yeah,” he replied with a mixture of satisfaction and exhaustion. Teleporting others always took a lot out of him. “We did.”

“We’re not out of the woods yet, dudes.” Raxx came over to them, his eyes on the Krystalii. “Echo, JR13, and I are ready if she wigs out again.” He pulled Echo off his belt and aimed it at the crystal woman.

Asmodel’s eyebrows rose. He’d have to remember to ask Raxx later what the guy and his Echo planned if things hadn’t worked out.

Silently, Prisma-Solara waded into the shallow pool, now waist deep, before stepping under the waterfall. The effect was immediate. Her crystals pulsed with light, the water washing away not only the physical dirt, dust, and loose crystals, but also removing the aura of darkness clouding her. She closed her eyes, a look of peace settling over her sharp features.

As Asmodel watched, a sense of accomplishment made him smile. Her calm demeanor was a welcome contrast. She’d was back from the brink of destruction. Not only for the planet, but for herself as well. It wasn’t over, not by a long shot. But at least it was a step in the right direction.

“Let’s give her some space.” Izzy pulled Asmodel back from his thoughts as she tugged on his hands.

With one last look, he nodded and turned away from the waterfall. The three of them walked a little distance away, but Asmodel kept half an eye on Prisma-Solara. Even though she was under a tight leash with those PsyShields, he’d never assume she wasn’t still dangerous.

“All we can do is hope it helps,” he said to Izzy. “For all our sakes.”

“So, whaddya think, dude?” Raxx nodded at Izzy. “Time to book, eh? We got the babe, and the villain is chilled. Let’s get out while the gettin’ is good. Yeah?”

Asmodel rubbed the side of his head. Why did he get the feeling he was missing something?

Izzy shook her head. “Oh my gosh, we can’t leave yet! Who knows what Prisma-Solara will do with the scikvak once we leave?” She leaned close to Asmodel. “And I think we’re the only ones who can control her if she gets out of hand, right?”

Asmodel glanced over her shoulder toward the waterfall.

The Krystalii female stood beneath the cascading water, her form blurred under the shimmering spray.

He reached out with his psionic abilities, but the PsyShield did an admirable job of keeping him from reading her. If whatever Raxx had in mind didn’t work, he could manipulate the surrounding environment. Either have the water hold her down or create a sinkhole big enough to swallow her. If worse came to worst, he’d turn the water into muriatic acid to dissolve her crystalline form.

The roar of the waterfall faded into a gentle background mummer as he considered Izzy’s imploring look. He answered the best he could, mindful of her tender heart. “I believe you’re right.” He reassured her.

A movement out of the corner of his eye made him look at the waterfall.

Prisma-Solara emerged from the frothing spilling water, her crystalline body shimmering in the dappled sunlight.

Asmodel watched her, satisfied she remained calm. The residual tension cramping him loosened. Taking a deep breath, he enjoyed the humid jungle air that clung to his skin, as well as the earthy scent of damp foliage.

Izzy watched the alien as well, her gaze steady on the bright-yellow crystal form. “You’ve got to admit, she looks different,” Izzy murmured, her voice carrying a hint of awe.

Asmodel nodded, unable to stop studying the Krystalii.

She moved with a grace that belied the chaos she’d caused, her eyes now a clear and focused lemon-yellow.

“Yeah, I guess she does.” He glanced at the bot on his shoulders. “JR13, what’s your assessment?”

“Of the Krystalii or just everything?” The spider-bot wiggled his bulbous silver bottom. “Because if that’s what you want, we’d be here all day.”

With a humph, Asmodel resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “On the Krystalii.”

“Well, that’s easy.” The bot turned his little head towards the crystal female walking toward them. “She may not be an organic, but she might as well be.” He snorted. “I can’t analyze something that chaotic. So, the formal answer to your question is, I don’t know.” He shrugged with his abdomen, making his upper legs wiggle. “But if you’re asking my opinion, I’d have a hard time trusting her. I find you non-mechanicals cannot change your overall nature.”

“I think you’re wrong.” Izzy chimed in. “People change all the time.” Her dark eyes softened watching Prisma-Solara approach them. “That is, if they want to.”

“I think the crystal Betty found her chill.” Thank the goddess Raxx interrupted with his own opinion. Even with his ever-present smirk in place. “Yo, so what’s the plan, boss?” He turned to Asmodel. “We’s outta here or what?” With Echo in his hand, he kept it aimed at Prisma-Solara when she stopped in front of them.

“I want to help the scikvak.” Prisma-Solara’s voice was firm, her posture confident. “Now that I’m free of Lord Baelon’s influence, I can make it right with them. Since I’m the one

who caused so much harm, it’s up to me to fix things.” She threw her shoulders back with a steady glare. “Take me back to Panterion Prime, where I can at least make the offer to them.”

Asmodel stilled, watching Izzy studying Prisma-Solara with a narrowed focus. “What makes you think they’ll listen to you?” He glanced at her as he kept his tone cautious.

“If I wasn’t sincere, all I’d have to do is to remove these PsyShields.” Prisma-Solar tapped one of her fingers to her temple. “But I won’t. I want to keep them on to show I’m not their enemy.” She grinned. “Plus, they keep Lord Baelon from finding me.”

Raxx chuckled, crossing his arms, keeping a grip on Echo. “Well, ain’t that fine and dandy? So, what do ya think, Ace?” He aimed his twinkling eyes filled with mischief at Asmodel. “Think those cat people will be down for a friendly chat with our sparkly friend here?”

He didn’t know if he’d describe their return as “friendly” after what Prisma-Solara did to the cave city of Nekojin, as well as the city of Panterion Prime. Asmodel sucked in a deep breath as he considered. While he couldn’t psychically connect with the Krystalii, the residual hum of Prisma-Solara’s subdued power was easy to sense. What wasn’t there before was a sincerity that now came off her in waves. “How do you propose to help them?”

A corner of Prisma-Solara’s lips curved as a playful light danced in her clear yellow eyes. “The PsyShields don’t bind everything.”

Raxx’s dark eyebrows furrowed. “Oh shit. That can’t be good.” He dropped his arms, holding Echo so tight his knuckles turned white.

“No!” Prisma-Solara raised her hand, palm outward. “No, no. I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s a gift I can use for good.” She glanced at each one of them, her smile quivering. “I can help them by moving heavy objects and sense those trapped where no one hears them.” She clasped her hands together. “In a limited way, I can transform materials from one form to another.”

Asmodel had no trouble visualizing what she said. He too could transform matter. Like when he shapeshifted or teleported. “I think we should take her back to Panterion Prime.” He decided with a shrug. “If she wants to help, we should let her try. I agree, if she wasn’t sincere, all she has to do is remove the PsyShields.”

Izzy nodded in agreement. “Maybe if we vouch for her, the scikvak will listen. I’d like to at least give Jaltaar and Talira the chance to listen to her. They must be overwhelmed by now.”

“Raxx?” Asmodel nodded to the other man. “What do you think?”

“Dude, what choice do we have at this point but to trust her?” He put Echo back into the halter on his belt. “But nothing’s gonna stop me from keeping an eye on her.”

“I second that,” JR13 intoned. “Hey, organic man, hang on. Let me get situated before you teleport us.” He scurried to the back of Asmodel’s head and clasped onto the neck of his shirt.

No matter how many times JR13 did that, the feel of the bot’s spindly feet made chill bumps zip down his spine.

Prisma-Solara’s gaze lingered on each of them. “Thank you.” Her voice bore a soft quiver. “I promise I won’t let you down.”

Raxx clapped his hands together. “Well, cool beans, then. Time to roll. Maybe they’ll let us chat first and shoot later.”

Asmodel grinned at Raxx’s irreverence. He turned to Prisma-Solara. “When we get there, stay close. We’ll do everything we can to make sure they understand we’re there to help.”

The Krystalii nodded.

The weight of what they planned lay heavy on Asmodel. If it was true Prisma-Solara was no longer a force of destruction, she’d be a formidable ally. Not only here on CeluriaVO, but against her people invading this dimension.

With a quick command for the four of them to join hands, he teleported them back to the city square of Panterion Prime.

Izzy stood at the edge of the devastated city center of Panterion Prime. Her chin trembled at the sight of the destruction around her. The once-bustling metropolis now lay in ruins, buildings reduced to crumbling structures, their sleek metallic facades twisted and broken. The air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke and the faint, metallic tang of blood.

Everywhere, the sounds of the city’s slow collapse echoed—the groan of strained metal, the crack of shattering glass, and the distant rumble of debris falling.

Beside her, Asmodel surveyed the wreckage, his expression closed and guarded. Even with the PsyShields on, it was easy to feel his psychic touch as a steady pulse in the back of her mind. It was a comforting reminder of their connection.

Raxx, with his ever-present smirk, leaned against a toppled hover-bike, his eyes darting around as he took in the scene.

Prisma-Solara, her body of shimmering yellow crystals, stood close.

It was easy for Izzy to see the faint tremor coming off her, as if the destruction affected the Krystalii as much as it did her. “Remember, we're here to help them,” Izzy quietly said to the Krystalii. “But don’t worry. If anything happens, Asmodel will teleport us out.” She glanced at the handsome profile of the man next to her. He took her hand with a brief nod.

“Look, Jaltaar is heading this way.” Izzy pointed to a scikvak walking toward them with Talira at his side.

Both had snarls curling their snouts, their ears flattened sideways. Following close behind was a group of growling guards brandishing various weapons, all pointed at Izzy and her companions.

Raxx stood straight with his arms crossed. His smirk turned into a blank expression.

Jaltaar stopped in front of them, his nostrils flaring, his emerald eyes narrowed. His fur, normally sleek and his orange stripes vibrant, was now marred with soot and grime. “You have a lot of nerve bringing her back here.” He snarled, exposing his fangs. “She killed my father and over a thousand of our people!” He pointed an exposed claw in Prisma-Solara’s direction. “I thought you said you’d take care of it.”

Talira, standing in a battle-hardened stance, exuded a fierce strength. Her midnight-blue eyes, sharp and clear, held a mixture of anger and sorrow.

“We have.” Asmodel’s stance was open, his arms hanging at his side. “Prisma-Solara had an adverse reaction to CeluriaVO soil that made her uncontrollable. In addition to her cleansing herself in the waterfall, she has agreed to wear PsyShields to confine most of her psychic power.”

Talira cocked her head, her thin black lips around her snout rippled with a snarl. “What is a PsyShield?”

“They’re disks that filter psychic abilities,” Raxx supplied. “I got them from a Crichian.”

Jaltaar’s whiskered eyebrows rose. “I find it hard to believe a Crichian gave those to you willingly. They’re notoriously stingy with their technology.”

Raxx’s only answer was a grin.

“Prisma-Solara is in complete control of herself, aren’t you?” Izzy made sure her words were soft but clear. “She was a psychic prisoner held hostage by her leader. With all ties to her people cut, she has the freedom to make her own choices. Now she only wants to help with the rebuilding and caring for the injured.”

Jaltaar's eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting to Prisma-Solara. “Is this so?” he asked in a bitter tone. “Are you claiming you created the devastation on CeluriaVO because someone forced you to do so?” He snorted.

“Yeah.” Raxx chuckled under his breath. “The devil made her do it.”

Izzy pressed her lips together. Darn man came up with the funniest things at the worst time.

Prisma-Solara stepped forward, her voice a melodic hum. “Yes, it’s true. I lost control when I tried to replenish myself in your soil. When I did that, it brought out unfamiliar emotions within me. They were so strong I couldn’t control my reaction to it.” She looked over her shoulder at Izzy, Asmodel, and Raxx behind her. “Without their intervention, I would have destroyed your planet.” She faced him again with her hands behind her back. “I am deeply sorry for the ruination I caused. I wish to atone for my actions and help your people heal any way I can.”

Talira crossed her arms, her expression hard. “Why should we trust you? Your actions caused the death of many and destroyed my home. How do we know this isn't a trick? It sounds like there’s nothing to stop you from taking the PsyShields off.”

Raxx snorted, leaning on a hover-bike lying in two pieces. “Chill, warrior princess. Prisma-Solara didn’t even have to put those shields on. It’s true she can take them off whenever she wants, but she hasn’t.” He shrugged. “And I don’t think she will. Besides, we wouldn't be risking our necks if we didn't believe her.”

“And why don’t you want to take them off?” Talira insisted, ignoring Raxx’s statement.

Prisma-Solara fixed a stare at Talira. “I won’t risk the chance of Lord Baelon gaining control of me again. With these on, I am my own person. If I remove them, I’ll once again be under his control. I’d rather live here with you and have limited psionic abilities than go back to being a mindless slave to that cruel dictator.”

Asmodel nodded, his eyes meeting Jaltaar's. “We understand your hesitation, but think of this. Prisma-Solara's powers can be a great asset in rebuilding Panterion Prime faster and better with her than without her.”

Izzy stepped closer to Jaltaar, keeping her gaze earnest. “Just as you resisted the unfair practices of your leader, she can finally do the same to hers.”

“If I may interject,” JR13 piped up from his place on Asmodel’s shoulder. “Echo and I have a way to program your Lumiview Prism to contain a distinctive sound that renders her immobile, whether she has the shields on or not. Would that not be acceptable?”

Jaltaar exchanged a glance with Talira, then sighed. “Yes, if we had a way to protect ourselves, that is very acceptable. But know this—if there is any sign of betrayal, we won’t hesitate to act.”

“Prisma-Solara, do these terms work for you?” Asmodel asked the Krystalii, his voice calm.

The yellow citrine of Prisma-Solara’s cheeks darkened to a vibrant orange tourmaline. Her eyes darted from Jaltaar to Talira and then to the soldiers. “Only if you can assure me they won’t abuse it.”

“Faith and trust are the foundation for any civilization.” JR13, perched on Asmodel's shoulder, chimed in. “The organic species here possess the intelligence and moral fortitude to work together. Your combined resources have a greater chance to lead efficient and successful rebuilding efforts. Without it, you’d probably spiral into a pre-evolution existence.”

Talira raised a whiskered eyebrow as her snout wrinkled at the small spider-like droid. She said nothing, but tilted her head in Prisma-Solaria’s direction.

Jaltaar lifted his snout. “I am a scikvak of his word.” His tone was firm. “You will have the same rights and privileges as any other citizen on this planet. No harm shall come to you from us unless you provoke us first.” He kept his bright eyes on her as he crossed a paw over his heart with a slight bow. “You have my vow as the Supreme Alpha Regent of CeluriaVO.”

A deafening crash erupted as a large part of a nearby building collapsed, billowing dust into the air.

Izzy coughed. Her ears rang with the sound of shattering glass and twisted metal, the roar of the chaos momentarily overloud. Her heart leaped into her throat as she waved dirt floating around her away. The ground beneath her feet trembled, making her steady herself against Asmodel.

“Aaaand, the sooner we wrap this up, peeps, the better,” Raxx quipped once the silence resumed.

Prisma-Solara nodded, her eyes shimmering with determination. She faced Jaltaar, back straight. “I agree with your terms. We will build this planet together and make it greater than before.” She turned to Asmodel. “But first, I’d like to give you some details about Lord Baelon’s invasion plans that might help you defeat him.”