Sam and Corrine sat in the Sky Sanctuary. As the sky was showing signs of nightfall, the Sanctuary was alive with unease. Regardless of how high the palace sat, just outside their open, but shield walls, was an ocean of black, cigar shaped ships. They just hovered there ominously, waiting for their chance to do whatever it was they were going to do.

Dye laid on the crystal floors of the sanctuary, arms tucked behind his head and his legs crossed comfortably. His behavior suggested he didn’t care not even an ounce for what was happening. Sam and Corrine could not escape the obvious disregard he was omitting. It was like he was a completely different person.

Sam and Corrine stood at the edge and did their best to watch the sunset. However, it was nearly impossible considering the black vessels blocked the sun as it descended.

“What do you think is going to happen?” Corrine asked Sam.

“Dunno,” he replied. He was silent for a moment as he thought through a few things. “We don’t even know what’s happening. Maybe Jason and Mack can fill us in when they get back.”

“Maybe,” Corrine exasperated. “Well, what about – you know?” She nudged her head towards Dye.

Sam turned to see Dye just casually laying on the floor. It almost appeared as though he was sleeping.

“I have no idea what’s going on with him. I thought he’d be gung-ho about trying to save the world again. Coming up with some hail mary to beat the odds, but now he looks like he just doesn’t ca–”

“I can hear you,” Dye spoke up.

Sam had a quick chill run up his spine. Lately, Dye was so unpredictable that Sam didn’t want to force a confrontation with him. “I do care,” he went on. “I just don’t know what’s happening. So until I get the OK to go and beat up some alien werewolves, I’m going to relax. That alright with you?

“Sure,” said Sam, turning back to the edge of the Sanctuary and looking out. Rattled, but glad he was able to avoid any kind of altercation with his brother. He noticed Corrine was wistfully staring out. Did she even hear the exchange just now?

“Corrine? You okay?”

She folded her arms as though a big chill had just blown through her.

“Um…yes and no,” she was trying to sort through something but was unsure about how to go about confiding in her brother. “Mostly no.” She corrected herself.

“What is it?”

“Okay, I’m not going to be using this to exclude myself from everyone, I’m just stating a fact here.”

“Okay?” Sam raised an eyebrow.

“I haven’t been back a year but I’m noticing a few things that seem…off.”

“Like what?”

“This is going to sound weird, but do you think our parents, specifically Mom, know who we are?”

“What? That we’re Xenton?” asked Sam. He snickered while pushing his glasses up against his face. “There’s no way. Why do you think that?”

“Back at the house when those things invaded, Mom called them Coalts. I’ve never heard that term before. Have you?”

Sam shook his head. “She said that?”

“Yeah, but then Mack showed up through the portal and she wanted me to go help you guys. She was very insistent on that.” Sam scrunched his face. “She said, we can’t let the Coalts get their hands on that thing. The same thing that guy from the other night said.”

“Wait! Wait! So you’re saying that Mom, our Mother, is somehow in on the whole situation?”

“I don’t know. It just seems weird to me. Doesn’t it?”

Sam didn’t respond.

“Look, I’m not trying to be that person, but how much do you actually know about Mom and Dad? Just something to think about.”

A portal opened within the sanctuary. The light and loud thud got their attention, including Dye, who sat up. Through the light came Zeta, followed by Stro, and then Mack and Jason, who’s helmets were off, and tailing them was Arayan.

The portal closed.

“What happened?” asked Corrine.

“Dude, you’re not going to believe it,” Jason was overly excited. “Our uncle heads up Area 51!”

“You smacked your head, didn’t you?” said Sam.

“No, he’s right.” Mack said with a somewhat disappointed tone. Having to admit that Jason was right about the weird and unexplained, yet again, made him sigh.

Sam’s eyes widened. “No way! What did you see?”

“Dude! Everything! A stargate, alien tech, anti-gravity! You name it, it’s there.”

“That's awesome! I have to get in there and see for mys-”

“AHEM!” said Zeta. Sam stopped himself while the rest looked at Zeta. “As much as I don’t want to interrupt this vastly interesting talk, there are more important matters we need to discuss. Starting with who we are. I am Zeta.”

“And I am Stro,” Stro said, stepping up beside his companion.

“We are from the planet Oltima. We are descendants of the Oltalians that left Earth after the Collapse that was caused by Griflore.”

“No way,” said Sam.

“Yes way, bro!” said Jason.

“We have been on Earth for almost a decade now after having crashed land while trying to escape from the Coalts,” said Stro.

When Stro said Coalts, that was the second time Sam had heard the term. Based on what Corrine told him minutes ago, it was confirmed to be the creatures who were currently trying to invade the planet. Perhaps there was more to her story than he thought.

“When we arrived, we thought your planet was on the verge of invasion. After several years of inactivity, we learned the Coalts were here searching for something and they had dispatched scouts to try and find it.” said Stro.

“So for the last decade we have been scouting your planet looking for those scouts and eliminating them as effectively as possible. It wasn’t long until we crossed paths with your — what is it?” Zeta asked Stro.

“Country. They have countries here.”

“Right, yes. Your country’s military who were also looking into the strange phenomena caused by the Coalts.”

“I’m just going to interject here,” said Jason. Everyone groaned. “The Michigan Dogman and the Beast of Bray Road, it’s actually a Coalt. Just a bit of fact coming from your friendly neighborhood paranormal investigator.”

“You’re not a paranormal investigator,” groaned Sam.

“You’re just some nut on the internet,” said Mack.

“A nut who’s right! Thank you very much!” Jason corrected. “Carry on, good sir!”

“Yes! Thank you!” said Zeta politely. “When we made your acquaintance that night, we confirmed our suspicion.”

“The Coalts were here looking for the Kolabrus. The artifact you had in your possession.” Stro continued.

“No duh!” said Dye rudely. “What do we do about it?”

“First, it is important for you to know what it is,” said Zeta. “As explained to your siblings a few moments ago, the Kolabrus is a dark weapon forged by a corrupted guardian named Zale. He created that weapon in order to fully take over our planet.”

“The other guardian, Oltima, had a blade forged of his own and the two did battle with Oltima being the victor.” Stro added.

“After the war, our Master sealed the Kolabrus and sent it to the stars to one of his disciples Asaun and that was the last time we saw the weapon until recently.” Zeta said.

“Okay, well why do the Coalts want it so bad?” asked Corrine.

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“Isn’t it obvious?” Jason spoke up before Zeta and or Stro could answer. “Absolute power, galactic domination, you know, the usual.”

“Where is it now?” asked Sam.

“Currently it is locked up with the one named General Robert Michael Haven with whom I’m sure you have some relation to.”

“Under a forcefield, behind two ginormous steel doors and twenty stories of concrete. It ain't going nowhere.” Jason added.

“On the contrary,” said Stro, “That forcefield won’t hold for much longer. They’ll break through eventually and the fortification of the base will only buy some time.”

“So, it’s a sitting duck,” asked Dye.

“Mmmmm more like bait,” said Stro.

“The leader of the Coalts, King Cerberus now has confirmation of the weapon. He will come and collect it himself.”

“Okay? How is that a good thing?” asked Corrine.

“Because your military has a behemoth of a weapon called the Alpha Cannon. Once he’s within range —”

“BOOM! he’s space dust!” said Jason.

“Will that work?” asked Sam. “Seems a bit too easy.”

“Of course it’s too easy. Which is why we are the failsafe,” said Stro.

“Wait, why would you equip our military with something that probably isn't going to work?” asked Dye

“Because your military feels the need to be in control of any situation. Telling your leaders that we have a better shot at pushing the army back would only cause them to interfere.”

“So you lied,” said Sam.

“No, not exactly,’ said Stro, “One shot from the Alpha Cannon will no doubt wreck anything it hits. It’s just…the Coalts have a means of taking it out before the next round is fired.”

“What makes you think we can fight off a whole invasion?” asked Corrine.

“Because myself, Stro and Avion have done it before.”

The siblings looked around. “Who’s Avion?” asked Jason.

From below the clouds and the hovering ships, a bright light zipped through the skies. It arched it way upwards towards the Sky Sanctuary and it zipped inside. The siblings turned around and saw the beautiful being with its incorporeal wings and sparkling essence enter the sanctum. It slowly descended to the crystal floor and when it landed the light dissipated.

Opening his gray eyes, the boy looked upon the group. Dye was in utter shock. He got up from the crystal floors and recognized this person immediately. His wavy blonde hair cut short on one side. His white blouse-like tunic with black pants and boots. It couldn’t be.

“You!” said Dye.

“You!” said Avion.

“Uh…you two know each other?” asked Stro.

“Yeah! I know this tool, Zachary Bluestone!” said Dye.

Stro snickered. “Zachary Bluestone? That’s the best cover you could come up with?”

“Oh shut up, Stro!” said Avion. To Dye’s dismay, his Australian accent was gone.

“I knew that accent was fake,” said Dye. “So you lied to Jenny huh! Wait until she hears this!”

“Oh like you? Hiding the fact that you’re a Xenton. Give me a break, man! I’m here to stop an invasion. Not play homecoming king.”

“Well, you sure did a good job at that.”

“Okay, let’s all calm down,” said Zeta. “I wasn’t aware that you two had already met.”

“I’m cool with it, Zeta. It's him who needs to be put in check!”

“Oh? You wanna come make me?” Dye ignited his fist.

“Gladly!” said Avion, his body beginning to shine.

The two approached each other.

“WHOA! HEY! NOT NOW!” said Stro, getting in between the two. “We don’t have much time. Let’s save the tough guy routine for after the show, shall we?”

“Avion, you know better. Stand down!” Commanded Zeta.

Avion dissipated his light.

“You too Dye,” said Mack.

Dye looked at his adversary with much disdain. The fire in his hands was burning hot and he had an opportunity. Avion was off guard. It was his chance to get in the first hit.

“DYE!” shouted Mack.

“I’d rather not!” he replied. He threw a punch at Avion and Stro moved just in time. Avion ducked and dodged Dye’s attacks. He ignited his feet and started kicking. Mack grabbed Dye from behind in a bear hug.

“What the hell? I said STOP IT!” said Mack.

“YOU’RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!” Dye broke free of Mack’s bear hug by expelling a large amount of fire in all directions. The flames came with flickers of blackness that were shielded by Zeta’s forcefield. Avion leapt over the attack, setting down at the very edge of the sanctuary. Dye quickly saw his opportunity and charged. Avion looked at him and saw his face wildly distorted.

Sharp fangs.

His skin was somewhat blackened.

His eyes were without white.

His hair was beginning to stand up and like his eyes it was turning black. A slithery tongue uncurled out of his mouth as the wild, unhinged Dye went straight for Avion.

Avion saw the gruesome form Dye was beginning to turn into and his face became stricken with fear.

Laser-like ropes secured Dye around the waist and pulled him back. Dye flew into the floor. Rageful, he began tugging at his restraints until Arayan appeared just above him. Like a wild animal, Dye lunged at his mentor, trying to bite him.

Arayan did not flinch.

He stared at Dye with intensity as the boy flailed to get free. With a single finger, Arayan tapped his forehead and Dye fell unconscious almost instantly.

Shocked and frightened, the siblings stood back and tried to process what just happened.

“What the hell was that?” Asked Mack.

“Your brother is not well,” replied Arayan. Standing up over Dye’s body.

“What’s wrong with him?” asked Jason, showing signs of both worry and deep confusion over what just occurred.

“He did not heed my warning and as a result has become…corrupted.”

“Corrupted? By what?” asked Corrine.

“Darkness,” said Zeta. “The same darkness that corrupted Zale.”

“Okay? How does that even work?” asked Jason.

“Like light, darkness permeates through everything. It creates the very balance that sustains the universe.” said Zeta

“Without light, there cannot be darkness and vice versa.” Avion began. “But there are times that an imbalance can occur and can throw everything out of whack. That is the same with sentient lifeforms.”

“As you become more powerful warriors, temptation and dark influences will try to corrupt you. You must resist, otherwise you will create an imbalance and it will start to infest you and it will grow into something like what you just saw.” said Arayan, staring down at an unconscious Dye.

“So, you’re saying Dye is compromised?” asked Sam.

“Currently yes, but there are ways around it. I must begin immediately.” said Arayan.

“This changes everything now,” contemplated Zeta. Stro and Avion approached him, being sure they were outside of earshot of the siblings, who were too busy to notice.

“The plan won’t work now,” said Avion.

“I’m aware,” said Zeta.

Avion and Zeta looked at Stro, who looked as though he was devising a new plan of some sort. “No, I think we can use this to our advantage,” he said.

“Are you out of your mind?” said Avion. “You know what’s about to happen.”

“I do but now there’s a new piece on the board and I think we can play the game.”

“Explain.” said Zeta.

“We need to keep the blade away from King Cerberus, right? So why not play a game of pickle. Let the two duke it out?”

“You want the blade to call to Dye?”

“It will keep it away from Cerberus. That’s all we care about, right?”

“You run a risky move,” said Zeta. “The blade will amplify the darkness in him and Cerberus will feed off that.”

“Sure, but if it comes to it we ca—”

“We don’t even know if this planet can even withstand that level of power.” Zeta interjected.

“Come on, Zeta. Like we weren’t gonna give it a go in the first place. It’s our trump card. Our hail Mary and so far, nothing has been able to stand up to it.”

“I’m aware, but the plan was doing this without having to resort to that.”

“I agree with Stro actually,” said Avion.

“When the kid agrees, you know it’s a good idea.”

“That is not a suitable argument. You’re both rash and impulsive which forces me to be the voice of reason here.” Zeta replied.

Stro turned around to view the siblings and Arayan. “It looks like Arayan may have a plan to suppress the darkness in that kid. If he’s able to do it, at least until we stop King Cerberus, then maybe we don’t have to go that far.” Stro suggested.

“Perhaps…” Zeta was unsure.

Stro was the strategic pragmatist.

And Avion was logical.

“Let’s just make this plan — um what plan are we on?” asked Stro

“We need a whole new system because we have a ton of plans and failsafes,” said Avion.

“Which is always good. How can we lose?” Stro jokingly said.

“It’s still very plausible,” said Zeta, walking past his two companions.

“Right! But when have we ever?” Stro said as Zeta was walking away.

“Arayan,” Zeta called out. “How are you going to proceed with this boy’s condition?”

“There are a series of meditative exercises that I can administer that should suppress the darkness. However, it depends on the mental stability of Dye.”

Zeta pondered. “We will need the full might of the Xenton. For that reason, we will reach out to Cymber to fill the gap in our ranks.”

“That’s the other Xenton running around,” said Mack. “In case anybody was wondering.”

“Very well! I will get started right away.” said Arayan.

“All right,” said Zeta. “I will leave it to your judgment on whether or not he will be suitable for battle,” said Zeta. “In the meantime we will rendezvous with Cymber while you four return to base.”

There was beeping coming from the device on Stro’s arm. Stro checked it.

“The mothership is on the move,” he said. “Looks like it’s heading to the coordinates of the base.”

“We don’t have much time,” said Zeta. “Return to base now, inform the general of the approaching mothership and tell him to prepare the Alpha Cannon. We will join you momentarily.”

Arayan grabbed his medallion and a portal opened. Corrine and Sam armored up while Jason and Mack concealed their heads behind their helmets. All of them looked at their brother who lay motionless on the floor. All of them worried about his well-being.

“Take care of him, Arayan,” said Corrine worriedly.

“I will do my best,” he acknowledged.

They all stepped through the portal and when they did it closed.

Zeta, Stro and Avion activated their bodies in their respective auras.

“Arayan,” said Zeta in a tone that suggested good-bye for now.

Arayan bowed his head and the three heroes took off.

All was quiet in the sanctuary. Arayan looked down at his student with his usual blank stare. He sighed heavily.