Astral's Rise Part 61: Challenge

Astral raised his hand as the forces stood outside the door, Proto, Omaha, Airsoft trailed behind Astral while Jaimie walked alongside him. "Oh really? How's that going for you?"

"Splendid, you want information. That's what the last people that were here went after." He spoke as Astral was taken aback. "Besides, it's not your first time on this planet. You knew the layout and our history too well."

Astral paused for a moment before tossing out the universal glove. "I challenge you for the throne, if you win, you get this glove, if I win, I am the leader of this planet. Sounds like a deal?" Astral let the man think.

"Five versus five?" He announced standing from his throne. "I will rally my four strongest fighters and best you." He was confident and bold with his claims. His royal clothes matched his attitude.

Adam saw the flare and hugged the twins. "Are you two ready to fight again?" He asked them as they bolted out the door. Heading to the hanger to go back into the fray. "Here they come, Astral. Whatever you do, they seem excited to be by your side." He was watching from above as Astrid popped up.

"We found the secret sauce for them. With the EMP working as effectively as it did." Astrid carried on with her thought as Adam finished it.

"Meaning plasma is their friend and enemy. We grabbed some of their weapons, right?" Adam asked as Alexa pulled up an image from Astral's storeroom. "Cool, Astrid grab one and see if we can reference it. I can design and beat them with their own tech."

The shuttle landed outside of the capitol building as the twins walked out and into the room. The five of them waved as they walked in. Astral hugged them. "We wouldn't start the party without you." They chirp in delight.

The man on the throne was not amused with his four members around him. "I will wait for you to declare your first combatant, as shall I send out my first as well." He spoke looking down as a man nodded to go first. "I can't wait to see you leave my planet." He started laughing as the rest on his side laughed along.

James took a step back, intimidated by the thoughts of them just playing unfair. "Hey." Astral rested a reassuring hand on his head as he moved his hand back and forth. "Don't fret it, no weapons. Show them what you are capable of and what you have learned." He smiled and tilted his head into the pets. 

"I declare my five combatants." Astral took a step forward. "I will ask for a moment for me to talk to my men outside before we start. To not cause any unneeded interruptions." the man on the throne gave the thumbs up. "James, Angel, Airsoft, Jaimie then me for last."

"Alex, Gengin, Ned, Alice, and me, Achilles." He smiled as he stood.

"You must know my name then? Sorry for the improper introduction. The name is-" Astral was cut off as Achilles stood.

"Astral, talk to your troops. I give you ten minutes before we start this duel, no weapons, hand to hand, first to tap out or be unable to continue loses." Achilles had a bone chilling smile about him as Jaimie watched carefully.

"James, Angel, stay here with me and I'll fill you in. Let the army guys be army guys." She smiled as they walked out. "You two can use everything we have taught you. Nothing you have learned will be wasted, correct?" They both nodded to their mother figure smiling.

"We can go all out right, no worries about limits?" James asked with an intent fire seemingly burning in his eyes.

Jaimie nodded as Angel looked at her sibling, slapping him. "You are going to overdue it again, I know it already." Jaimie giggled a bit as the two extended each other's arms play slapped each other. "Jaimie if he is passed out while I fight you hold him okay?"

"I won't do it this time."

"You do it every time."

"This is how organized you are? This will be easy." Achilles laughed from the throne as Jaimie stood in front of the twins. Their playful demeanor vanished.

"You know of Astral, then you should realize he is more powerful and potent than everyone you faced put together. He could solo you five at the same time if he felt like it." Jaimie spoke out as the others brought their guard up. Achilles waved them off. "I can't wait to face you, if you get to me." She stuck out her tongue at Achilles as he stayed silent on the throne.

Astral looked at the two fireteams and the clones. "Wolf and Falcon, if you get any radio chatter from Proto or Omaha, take it as a signal to get to the transports and leave. You guys also go with them." He pointed to the clones.

"I will be too busy fighting, and if they try to trap us in there, These two are our support. You are to mind no business on what happens inside. Let no one in or out unless Astral gives the command." Airsoft announced to them.

"Wait, if you are in danger we don't intervene?" one of the clones asked.

"Correct. We don't want you guys to be harmed in any potential crossfire. Most of you know basic hand to hand combat which could help us greatly there as I feel like they won't take the risk of any firearms in there either." Astral spoke.

"This makes our point of having you out here, so the trap isn't worsened by accident, if you don't get involved he sends in less. Not more troops." A collective sound of agreement came as Airsoft spoke.

"We should go inside before Jaimie just burns them all with the spear Lone gave her." Astral motioned as Airsoft followed him inside. Proto and Omaha gave the soldiers outside a salute as they entered the doorway, closing it behind the two of them.

They would stand at the door as Jaimie stared down Achilles. "Pardon my interruption of you lovebirds but she is mine." Astral gave a kiss to Jaimie which made her smile, a warm glow filled her soul as Achilles laughed.

"As if I could love any of you parasites. Let us begin. NOW ALEX ATTACK THE STUPID CAT!" Achilles screeched as Alex went into motion to be met by a charging James.