Chapter 7: The coming of Prince Lupus, the impending doom of the planet.
The mission to Guardia was over and now Talus would have to go on a date with Demi in City X. A date that he had promised to go on. Talus for his part had to go on a date with Demi. Talus was a-sexual, lacked a genitalia, and was not interested in sex in the slightest; it was not within his nature, but apparently he had told her he would go on a date with her in Bayside City. Talus sat on the rooftop of an old high-rise, his sharp white claws tapping idly against the metal railing. The neon glow of Bayside City pulsed below, streets buzzing with demons and mortals alike, their lives intertwined in a chaotic mess of lights, noise, and fleeting pleasures. Somewhere down there, Demi was waiting. He knew he was late. It wasn't intentional. He simply… forgot.
Or, rather, he had been occupied. He'd spent the past hour watching the city, letting his mind drift. The concept of a "date" felt foreign to him. Demi had been insistent, her sharp black-painted nails digging into his arm the last time she brought it up. "You promised, Talus. You don't break promises, do you?" No, he didn't. That was the problem. With a sigh, he stood, stretching his long limbs. His white skin gleamed under the city lights, his pointy white hair shifting slightly as a breeze rolled through. He adjusted the collar of his coat—a deep green, matching his eyes—then leapt from the rooftop.
The wind howled as he descended, landing with barely a sound in a back alley near the designated meeting spot. A quick glance at a nearby clock confirmed what he already knew. Forty-two minutes late. Demi was not going to be happy. He stepped out onto the street, moving through the crowd with ease. Despite his striking appearance—white skin, sharp fangs, glowing green eyes—most barely gave him a second glance. Bayside City was filled with all sorts of demons; he was hardly the strangest.
The restaurant Demi had picked was a dimly lit, underground place, tucked between two towering buildings. The sign above the entrance flickered with neon red letters: Lucifer's Bite. He could already feel the heavy bass from the inside, the scent of sizzling hellfire-spiced meat thick in the air. He stepped through the door. And there she was. Demi sat at a booth, arms crossed, her black-painted lips curled into a scowl. Her long black hair cascaded down her back, framing her pale face, and her dark eyeshadow made her glare all the more intense. She wore a tight black top that emphasized her curves—something he was aware of but felt no particular way about—and knee-high platform boots that thumped against the floor as she shifted her weight impatiently.
The moment her green eyes locked onto his, he knew he was in trouble. "You're late," she said, voice laced with irritation. Talus slid into the seat across from her, unfazed. "I am aware." Demi drummed her claws against the table. "And? You're gonna give me some dumbass excuse, aren't you?" "I lost track of time." She blinked. "That's it? That's your explanation?" "It is the truth."
Demi groaned, rubbing her temples. "Talus, you are the worst." Talus tilted his head slightly. "Then why did you want to go on this date with me?" That caught her off guard. She opened her mouth, then closed it, narrowing her eyes. "Because I like you, dumbass. Or are you really that dense?" "I am not dense. I simply do not experience attraction the way you do." Demi huffed, leaning back in her seat. "Yeah, yeah, I know. No sex, no romance, no nothing. But I still like hanging out with you, even if you're a pain in my ass."
Talus considered this. "Then I suppose my lateness has not ruined the evening." She stared at him, then laughed—an exasperated, amused sound. "Unbelievable." She shook her head, then grabbed a menu. "Fine. You're paying, though." Talus didn't argue. The night stretched on from there, filled with Demi's teasing remarks, Talus's deadpan responses, and the general chaos of Bayside City humming in the background. He still didn't understand the appeal of dates. But if Demi wanted them to sit in dimly lit places while she talked and he listened, he supposed he could manage. After all, he had promised.
Talus began to shovel food in his mouth like a pig, slurping up noodles, grabbing dumplings and generally acting like a disgusting slob. Until, Demi began to complain: "Oh my god, Talus, you are so embarrassing." Talus slurped a giant noodle into his mouth, "It's embarrassing that I'm eating?" Demi began to scream like some kind of anime character, "IT'S BECAUSE YOUR EATING LIKE A PIG, YOU FRICKIN' NINCOMPOOP!" She took a deep sigh, "Honestly, I don't even know why I bother?" After hearing that Talus remembered an experience he had with Narcis Martreya when he was learning martial arts with him at his temple shortly before his trip to Guardia.
The garden outside Narcis' pagoda was a place of serenity. Cherry blossoms drifted lazily in the breeze, their petals decorating the stone pathway in soft pinks and whites. A koi pond reflected the golden light of the afternoon sun, rippling gently with each movement of the fish below. The air smelled of earth, fresh grass, and incense burning from the temple halls above. But peace would not last long. Talus stood barefoot in the garden, his clawed hands flexing at his sides. The soft earth beneath his feet felt cool, contrasting with the warm breeze that rustled his spiky white hair. Across from him, Narcis Martreya stood calmly, his golden hair tied back, his white-and-gold robes pristine despite the slight wind.
"I will not hold back," Narcis said, his piercing blue eyes locked onto Talus'. "Neither should you." Talus smirked, baring a fang. "Wouldn't dream of it." The moment the words left his mouth, Talus dashed forward. His speed was explosive, closing the distance between them in a blink. He led with a low feint before twisting into a high right hook aimed at Narcis' jaw. But the monk moved as if he had predicted it before Talus had even begun. With a fluid sidestep, Narcis leaned just out of range, letting the punch pass harmlessly before countering with a sharp palm strike to Talus' ribs. Talus barely twisted in time to absorb the blow on his forearm, but even then, the force of it sent a shockwave up his arm. Damn, even without magic, he hits like a truck.
Not letting up, Narcis followed with a sweeping kick aimed at Talus' legs. The demon hopped back, his green eyes narrowing as he reassessed.
Talus rushed in again, this time opting for speed and unpredictability. He unleashed a flurry of sharp jabs and low kicks, his claws stopping just short of making contact. Narcis met each attack with precision—redirecting, blocking, and avoiding without wasting movement. Talus was fast. But Narcis was efficient. A quick shift of weight. A sudden pivot. Narcis turned Talus' own momentum against him, catching his wrist mid-strike and pulling. Talus staggered forward—and in that moment, Narcis' elbow snapped up, striking his shoulder hard. Talus grunted, rolling out of the lock before it could turn into a full throw. "You rely too much on aggression," Narcis mused, stepping back, still composed. "Strength without discipline is like fire without control. It burns everything—including yourself."
Talus spat to the side. "Yeah? And being too passive gets you walked all over." Narcis smiled faintly. "Then perhaps we can learn from each other." Talus huffed. He wasn't going to win by brute force alone. If Narcis was fluid like water, then Talus needed to become something else—something unpredictable. This time, Talus changed his rhythm. Instead of attacking head-on, he weaved, shifting his stance from wide and aggressive to light and unpredictable. He fainted high, then twisted into a low spinning kick. Narcis moved to block, but Talus immediately reversed direction, snapping his leg up in a sharp rising knee. The monk barely dodged. For the first time in the match, Narcis had to exert real effort. His movements became sharper, more precise, as Talus forced him onto the defensive. The two clashed again—blow for blow. A strike blocked. A kick countered. A feint met with an immediate response. Then, the moment Talus had been waiting for. He baited Narcis into sidestepping, then shifted mid-motion, spinning his body with a sudden, unexpected backhand. The strike connected, not with force enough to injure, but enough to break the monk's perfect flow. Narcis stumbled. Talus lunged—but Narcis recovered instantly. Instead of retreating, the monk stepped in, catching Talus off-guard. A sharp twist of the hips, a pivot, and suddenly Talus found himself weightless.
With practiced grace, Narcis threw Talus over his shoulder. Talus crashed onto his back, staring up at the cherry blossoms swirling above him. Silence hung in the air for a brief moment. Then, Narcis extended a hand. "Well fought." Talus let out a dry laugh, rubbing his shoulder as he sat up. "Tch. You're annoying." Narcis' smile was knowing. "So I've been told." Talus smirked as he grabbed the monk's hand and let himself be pulled to his feet. The fight was over, but something about it lingered—the clash of styles, the balance between control and chaos. Maybe there was something to this whole discipline thing after all.
After they trained Talus stayed for Narcis' Sangha despite not being a Buddhist himself, where Talus sat behind several Buddhist monks as they listened to Narcis' recite the Pali Canon. After this Narcis and Talus sat alone together eating rice. When Talus took a deep breath and said, "I just don't understand, after everything I've done…" Narcis looked over expressionless. "After everything I've done, all of the horrible things, my neglect causing so much damage, why do you still feel the need to give me the time of day? When it comes to you and I we've hardly ever talked so why be so cordial?" Narcis smirked and said, "Those words you've just spoken have given me ample reason to give you any of my time."
Talus gasped: "Even after all I've done, after how much of a bastard I was, you think it's for me to be accepted by others." Narcis replied: "Perhaps, if you didn't speak up one could make the argument it would be futile to speak to you although that goes against my vows as a monk, but you saying what you said unprovoked that's good enough reason for me to believe objectively speaking, that it's worth while to speak to you." Talus remembered all of the terrible things he did, and began to shed a tear. He remembered killing countless souls before he met any of his current companions, letting Narcis get hurt by a monster without lifting a finger to help him, and holding back on Lucifer when he could have defeated him from the beginning.
Narcis continued to eat, his expression unreadable as Talus wiped at his face with the back of his hand, as if trying to erase the memories along with the tears. The rice in his bowl had gone cold, but he barely noticed. Narcis set his bowl down gently. "Regret is the weight of a soul that still longs for redemption," he said. "Would you have preferred to feel nothing at all?"
Talus scoffed, his voice thick. "Maybe. It'd be easier. After all that's what I did before." "Easier, perhaps," Narcis agreed. "But ease and virtue are rarely the same." Talus clenched his jaw, his claws pressing into his knees. "I don't think I can be redeemed. Not after everything." Narcis tilted his head, studying him. "Then tell me, what would it take for you to believe otherwise?" Talus hesitated. The question felt like a trap, like it was turning something simple into something complicated. He wanted to say that nothing could undo what he had done. That the blood on his hands would never wash away. But instead, what came out was: "I don't know." Narcis nodded, as if that answer was enough. "Then perhaps, instead of seeking redemption, you should seek to understand yourself. You carry guilt, but do you truly know why? Because you regret your actions? Or because you fear that others will never forgive you?"
Talus frowned. "What's the difference?" Narcis smiled faintly. "One is about the world. The other is about you." Talus exhaled sharply, staring down at his half-eaten bowl of rice. He had never been one for philosophical debates, and yet, somehow, Narcis had a way of making every conversation feel like a lesson in something larger than himself. It was annoying. And yet, he couldn't deny that it struck something deep inside him. For a long moment, they sat in silence. Then Narcis spoke again, softer this time. "Tell me, Talus. Do you believe a monster can become something more?" Talus hesitated before muttering, "I don't know." Narcis smiled. "Then that, too, is enough for now."
Talus's mind went back to the present as he stopped stuffing his face and looked over at Demi. And said to her: "Hey Demi, thanks for putting up with everything, I know I'm not always the easiest to get along with but thanks for putting up with my bullshit. I know you deserve better than me." These words melted Demi's heart, her eyes trembled and then she said, "It's fine Talus, it honestly means the world that you came in the first place." They had both finished their meals and Talus asked Demi: "You want to get out of here?" Demi nodded. Outside they walked up to a tree. Demi said: "Ok now it's time for your kiss." Talus with a confused look said: "What on earth is a kiss?" Demi, frustrated, said with a giant vein over her head like a water-mark: "How do you not know what a flippin kiss is? It would say you were raised in a barn but it's the opposite. You don't even have the potential of being a pervert let alone understanding anything!!" Talus said confused: "I don't have the potential to be a pervert? Isn't that a good thing?" Demi said frustrated: "Uh… you're impossible…"
Demi told Talus to close his eyes. And after he did so, she kissed him and then asked him how it was. Talus asked: "Did you let a chicken touch me just now?" For a moment Demi turned into a screaming badly drawn monster, with shark teeth saying almost inaudible nonsense that could only be deciphered as hostile vaguely. With a deep breath and sigh she said, "That was a kiss Talus?" Talus said: "Oh, well, here's my credit card I guess." Demi grabbed it out of his hand, "Ok! I'm going to shop till I drop! Can't stop me now, this girl's going on a shopping spree." On top of a building watching all of this was Ungar, his cape whistling in the breeze. "Huh? Good for Talus, I guess he learned something," thought Ungar to himself.
The coming of Prince Lupus:
Prince Lupus was now only 2 weeks away from Planet Helios. In the meantime, Nova had uncovered that Lupus was headed straight for the planet within a few days of his arrival. Hermes [the Prophet] was training in the Other-World with Tatu, and needed to rush back to the mortal world to be ready to fight Prince Lupus (the Lupine wolf prince) who was coming to get revenge against Talus. Thankfully Hermes and Tatu arrived shortly before Lupus' arrival. The air on Planet Helios was charged with anticipation. Though the days still stretched in golden light and the nights remained serene, the looming arrival of Prince Lupus cast a shadow over all who knew of his vengeance. Talus, having shared his quiet moment of reflection with Demi, now stood before Narcis again, this time with something resembling resolve in his stance.
"You remember Lupus from Planet Solaria, right?" Talus asked, arms crossed. Narcis nodded. "I do. And I imagine you are thinking of facing him yourself again." Talus scoffed. "Of course, I am. I'm not gonna hide. Besides, it's my mess to clean up." Narcis studied him for a moment before speaking. "Vengeance breeds more vengeance. Are you ready for what comes after this fight?" Talus sighed. "I don't have the luxury of thinking that far ahead. He's coming, and I need to be ready." Meanwhile, in the depths of space, aboard a massive war vessel, Prince Lupus stood before the observation deck, watching the distant glow of Planet Helios. His white fur bristled, his sharp eyes reflecting the light of distant stars. He clenched his fists, remembering the humiliation he people suffered, he remembered the wound left to his pride, remembering Talus and the destruction he left in his wake.
"My prince," a voice interrupted his thoughts. It was his strategist, Oria, a fox-like humanoid clad in battle armor. "Our scouts confirm that Talus is still on the planet. Shall we proceed with the invasion plan?" Lupus exhaled sharply through his nose, a growl rumbling in his throat. "No. I want him to know I'm coming. Let him stew in his fear. When I land, I will challenge him myself. There will be no honor in an ambush." Back on Helios, Nova had gathered with Demi and Ungar, relaying the information he had uncovered. "Lupus will be here in two weeks, but his forces are preparing for a direct confrontation. He wants Talus to face him head-on."
Ungar crossed his arms, his dark cape fluttering in the wind. "Sounds like a classic warrior type. This could be an advantage. A battle of pride rather than a full-scale assault." Demi frowned. "That doesn't mean it's any less dangerous. Lupus is strong, and he's had years to hone his skills. We don't even know what he's fully capable of." Just then, a surge of energy rippled through the sky above them. A rift opened, and from it, a familiar figure emerged. Hermes, the Prophet, landed before them (she had learned Nova's teleportation technique immediately upon seeing it), her body still crackling with remnants of divine energy from her training in the Other-World. Her expression was grim as she straightened. "There's no time to waste. We need to prepare. Prince Lupus is not alone, and his power is beyond what any of us have faced before. He is undoubtedly much stronger than when Talus fought him on Solaria."
Talus, who had just arrived, cracked his knuckles. "Good. I like a challenge." Hermes narrowed her eyes. "This isn't about proving your strength, Talus. This is about survival. If we lose, Helios will fall. Are you ready for that responsibility?" For a moment, Talus said nothing. Then, taking a deep breath, he met Hermes' gaze with a determined look. "I don't know if I'm ready. But I know I'm not running." Hermes nodded. "Then let's begin. Time is short."
After a short time the day had come, Lupus' ship had arrived and landed on the northern border of the Qatari Empire. From the ship came two Izadoran (Lupine Alien Warriors) , a big bulky warrior over 7 feet tall named Bairam, and Prince Lupus who was about 5 '5 or 5' 6. Lupus and Bairam crashed into a large city on the Qatari northern border, the normal people began to cower in fear, "What are those?! Are those aliens?!" Bairam laughed: "Why don't you do the honors boss?" Lupus: "Okay." The two floated into the air. Lupus began harnessing power in his hand and threw the ball of energy in the city destroying everything in an instant. Lupus laughed: "I'm sure that will get their attention." The explosion could be felt across the empire. Ungar shouted: "What the hell are they doing?!" Nova for his part said: "They've arrived, it's time to head out." Smoke billowed across the charred ruins of the once-thriving city, its towering spires now crumbling under the weight of destruction. The air was thick with the scent of burning metal and scorched earth, a stark testament to the carnage wrought by the invaders.
Lupus stood at the center of the devastation, his pristine white fur stained with soot and streaks of crimson. His piercing golden eyes surveyed the wreckage, a cruel smirk tugging at the corner of his muzzle. "Pathetic," he muttered, nudging aside the remains of a shattered statue with his clawed foot. "They fell too easily, Bairam. I expected more of a challenge." Bairam, the monstrous gray-furred regent, let out a low, rumbling chuckle that shook the ground beneath them. "Empires grow complacent in times of peace. They forget the bite of the wolf until it's too late." His hulking form loomed over the battlefield, eyes glowing like twin embers beneath his thick, matted fur. "Shall we push further, my lord? The northern border awaits, and I doubt their champions will remain idle for long." Lupus stretched, rolling his shoulders with a sigh of satisfaction. "Let them come. I want to see the fear in their eyes when they realize their precious empire is nothing more than a dying ember in my grasp." As if answering his challenge, a distant tremor rippled through the air. The ground quaked beneath them, and from the far horizon, the first glimmers of light pierced through the storm-darkened sky. The heroes had arrived. Bairam's grin widened, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. "Ah, finally. A real hunt begins." Lupus merely smiled, his claws flexing in anticipation. "Finally I can destroy that imp Talus, and regain my pride." 6 heroes flew to the site of the battle: Hermes (the Prophet), Zaiyal, Qayyim, Ungar, Tatu and Talus. They were on their way to fighting Lupus, the battle against the intergalactic invaders would begin soon.
The sky above the ruined city crackled with energy, the pressure of colliding forces distorting the very air. The six heroes hovered in the sky, their eyes locked onto the figures below. Prince Lupus and Bairam stood amidst the devastation, their towering forms exuding power and menace. Smoke and embers swirled around them, casting eerie shadows against the blood-red horizon. Ungar was the first to speak, his voice cold and unyielding. "Lupus, you never change. Always destruction, always death. Tell me, do you ever tire of proving your cruelty?" Lupus chuckled darkly, his golden eyes gleaming. "And yet, you still come. Still hoping to stop me. But this time, Ungar, you won't be able to just watch from the sidelines. This time, you'll fall with the rest." Talus scoffed, his claws flexing with anticipation. "Big talk for someone who already lost to me once. I hope you've gotten stronger, Lupus. It'd be boring if you went down just as easily as before." Bairam rumbled with laughter. "You underestimate my prince, demon. He is not the same warrior you once defeated. And as for the rest of you—" He gestured toward the heroes with a massive, clawed hand. "—you have no idea the hell you've just walked into."
The air shifted, and in an instant, Lupus vanished. Before anyone could react, he reappeared directly in front of Talus, his fist already moving. The strike connected with a thunderous boom, sending Talus hurtling through the air and crashing into a half-collapsed building. Zaiyal shot forward next, his black spikes of hair whipping in the wind as he launched a counterattack. His energy flared, the sheer force of his presence bending the ground below. He and Lupus clashed mid-air, exchanging blows at blinding speeds. The shockwaves from their strikes sent cracks rippling through the ground, debris and dust exploding into the sky. Bairam, not one to be left out, lunged at Ungar with terrifying speed for his massive size. Ungar barely moved, simply raising one armored arm as if to block. When Bairam's claws met his armor, the impact sent a resounding clang across the battlefield. But Ungar did not flinch. "Interesting," Ungar muttered. "You hit harder than I expected." Bairam snarled. "I'll rip that confidence from your bones!" As the two giants battled, Hermes and Qayyim weaved through the air, their energy signatures illuminating the darkness. Hermes lifted her hands, divine power surging as she created a glowing sigil in the air. "Lupus, your reign of terror ends here!" she declared before unleashing a radiant blast toward the prince. Lupus barely dodged in time, his fur singed as he twisted in the air. His grin remained. "Impressive, Elf. But not enough."
Tatu, the mighty Wasp Prince, roared as he barreled toward Bairam, his wings vibrating with such force that the surrounding air wavered. He struck with immense power, forcing Bairam back. The two colossal beings clashed in a flurry of blows, shaking the battlefield beneath them. Talus, recovering from Lupus' initial attack, wiped blood from his mouth and smirked. "Alright. You got a good hit in. My turn." With a burst of speed, he reappeared behind Lupus, his claws glowing with dark energy as he slashed forward. Lupus barely managed to block in time, his golden eyes burning with fury. "I won't lose again!" Lupus roared, his aura erupting into a blinding inferno. The battle had truly begun. But eventually Ungar grew tired of this and shattered Bairam's arm and then his legs and then threw him at the feet of his boss.
Bairam cried out in pain, "My prince, please help me, please I'm begging you." Prince Lupus smirked and said: "Sure thing, my regent." Instead Lupus threw Bairam into the air as Bairam screamed: "PRINCE LUPUS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Lupus shouted back: "I have no use for an overgrown deadweight!!" Lupus then proceeded to open his mouth and shot a ray of energy out of his mouth destroying Bairam in an instant, reducing Bairam to nothing but microscopic atoms. Then Lupus turned around with an evil grin on his wolf face. Qayyim was shocked: "I can't believe it, this monster just killed his partner." Zaiyal gritted his teeth, "We need to take off this quickly, this guy isn't going to pull his punches, while playing for keeps here."
Lupus wiped the soot from his fur, his golden eyes narrowing as he stared at the warriors before him. The remnants of Bairam's essence still crackled in the air, the last traces of his former regent vanishing into nothingness. The silence that followed his execution lasted only a moment before Ungar stepped forward, his massive frame radiating a steady, unshakable power. "You would sacrifice your own ally so easily," Ungar growled. "There is no honor in that."
Lupus merely smirked. "Honor? What need do I have for such trivial things? The only thing that matters in this universe is power. Bairam was weak, and weakness deserves no mercy." Talus clenched his fists, his dark energy flaring violently. "That's where you're wrong, Lupus." He shot forward, his speed creating a shockwave that shattered the ground beneath him. His clawed hand, wreathed in burning darkness, slashed toward Lupus. The prince barely managed to dodge, but not without earning a deep gash across his chest.
Lupus hissed in pain before his mouth twisted into a grin. "Good," he muttered. "You might actually be worth my time this time." Before Talus could react, Lupus disappeared in a blur and reappeared above him, slamming both fists into his back. Talus rocketed downward, crashing into the ruins below with an earth-shaking explosion. "Talus!" Hermes cried, launching forward, her divine energy blazing like a beacon. She raised a glowing hand, forming intricate runes in the air before releasing a devastating blast of golden light toward Lupus.
Lupus sneered and lifted his palm, effortlessly absorbing the attack before dispersing it with a flick of his fingers. "You're going to have to do better than that, Prophet." Zaiyal and Qayyim moved in unison, each flanking the prince as they unleashed a coordinated assault. Zaiyal's razor-sharp energy blades sliced through the air, while Qayyim summoned a vortex of celestial fire, hurling it toward Lupus. The prince twisted through the attacks, avoiding each strike with near-perfect precision. However, a sudden faint by Zaiyal caught him off guard—a sharp blade cutting through Lupus' shoulder, drawing blood. Lupus snarled, his fury igniting like a supernova. His aura flared, distorting the very fabric of space around him. "Enough games," he growled. His body vanished once more, reappearing between Zaiyal and Qayyim. Before either could react, he delivered a devastating kick to Zaiyal's gut, sending him flying, while simultaneously grabbing Qayyim's arm and twisting it until a sickening snap echoed through the battlefield. Qayyim screamed in agony, her arm hanging limp at his side. Before Lupus could finish him, a sudden force slammed into him, sending him skidding backward. Ungar stood firm, his massive gauntleted fists glowing with unyielding energy. "I will not stand by and watch you destroy everything," Ungar declared, his deep voice carrying an undeniable weight. "This ends here, Lupus."
Lupus wiped the blood from his lips and chuckled darkly. "That's the spirit. Show me your full power, Ungar. Let's see if you're worthy of my time." The battlefield trembled as Ungar raised his hands, drawing upon the full extent of his strength. The very air around them thickened with energy, crackling with raw force. Lupus' grin widened, his own power surging in response. Bairam then unleashed his rainbow form where he was surrounded by multicolor energy. He began to attack everyone punching the prophet Hermes in the gut and knocking her to ground and grabbing Talus threw the air like a ragdoll until he crashed into a rock like a ragdoll. Tatu the Wasp Prince stepped in, it was Prince vs. Prince. Tatu transformed into his insect Golden Cicada form and face down Prince Lupus in his Rainbow Energy form. This would be a titanic battle.
The battlefield crackled with raw energy as the two princes faced off. Tatu's golden exoskeleton shimmered, his new Golden Cicada form radiating an aura of divine power. Lupus, wreathed in swirling bands of rainbow energy, flexed his claws, his golden eyes burning with anticipation. "You think you can stand against me?" Lupus sneered, his voice echoing with sheer arrogance. Tatu's multifaceted eyes glowed as he chittered in response. "I do not think so, Lupus. I know." Without another word, the Wasp Prince shot forward, a golden streak through the air. Lupus barely had time to raise his arms before Tatu's fists crashed into him, sending shockwaves rippling outward. The impact was enough to send Lupus hurtling backward, smashing through jagged rock formations before he caught himself midair.
Lupus growled, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip. "Alright, bug. You want a real fight? You got one!" Lupus rocketed forward, his claws wreathed in prismatic flames. Tatu met him in the air, their fists colliding with an explosion of force that sent debris flying in all directions. The battlefield trembled as the two titans exchanged blows at speeds beyond mortal comprehension, their strikes creating sonic booms that shattered the landscape. Below, Ungar and Qayyim helped Talus to his feet. "Stay back," he ordered. "This fight is beyond us now." Qayyim clutched his injured arm but nodded, watching in awe as Tatu and Lupus continued their battle in the heavens. Meanwhile, Zaiyal and Talus struggled to regain their footing, their bodies bruised from the earlier clash.
Above them, Lupus unleashed a barrage of rainbow-colored energy blasts. Tatu weaved through the onslaught with insect-like agility, his wings a blur as he maneuvered through the deadly assault. Then, in a flash, he appeared behind Lupus and struck with both fists, sending the Wolf Prince spiraling downward. Lupus snarled mid-fall and twisted his body, landing on the ground with enough force to create a crater beneath him. He looked up just in time to see Tatu diving down, his golden energy forming into a massive, glowing stinger. "ENOUGH!" Lupus roared, his aura flaring wildly. In an instant, Lupus' form expanded, his rainbow energy taking on an even more unstable and terrifying intensity. His claws grew sharper, his fangs lengthened, and his muscles swelled with divine might. He launched himself upward, meeting Tatu head-on with a devastating uppercut that sent the Wasp Prince reeling. Tatu buzzed his wings, righting himself, but Lupus was already on him. The Wolf Prince grabbed Tatu's arm and twisted, delivering a powerful knee to his torso before tossing him like a meteor into the battlefield below. Tatu crashed into the ground, sending dust and debris flying in all directions. Coughing, Tatu slowly rose to his feet. His golden exoskeleton was cracked, but his resolve remained unshaken. "Not bad, Lupus," he admitted, wiping away the ichor leaking from his wounds. "But I'm not finished yet." Lupus landed before him, a cruel grin on his face. "Good. It would be disappointing if you were."
And then an explosion erupted, a multi-colored explosion. It was the elf girl and Holy Prophet Hermes who exploded with rainbow energy that overshadowed Lupus' rainbow form. Lupus was shocked and Hermes said in a robotic voice: "Stand down, Tatu! I'll take care of this miscreant myself." Tatu nodded and descended back onto the ground looking up and crossing his arms. Lupus began to speak: "Well, look at th-" Hermes landed a punch straight into Lupus' gut, Lupus coughed up blood and saliva.
Lupus vs. Hermes:
The battlefield trembled beneath them, fissures forming in the ground from the sheer magnitude of their clashing energies. The sky darkened, storm clouds spiraling as if the heavens themselves recoiled from the battle unfolding below. Lupus clutched his abdomen where Hermes had struck, his golden eyes narrowing as he wiped the blood from his mouth. "Heh... That was a good hit, Prophet," he admitted, his voice laced with malice. "But don't think you've won just yet."
Hermes remained silent. Her piercing blue eyes glowed with an unnatural intensity, and the rainbow energy enveloping her body flared violently, a twisted, chaotic force that dwarfed even Lupus' own unstable power. The air around her shimmered, space itself bending in response to her monstrous aura. Lupus took a cautious step back. For the first time, uncertainty flickered across his face. This wasn't the same woman he had been fighting moments ago. This was something else—something unholy. "Damn it…" he muttered. He barely had time to react before Hermes vanished from sight, reappearing directly in front of him. Before he could move, her fist buried itself into his gut again.
A shockwave erupted outward. The sheer force of her strike sent Lupus rocketing through the air like a comet, crashing through the remnants of destroyed buildings, reducing them to dust. He coughed violently as he skidded to a halt, his claws digging into the ground to steady himself. His vision blurred, but he could make out Hermes slowly walking toward him, her every step radiating an oppressive, otherworldly presence. This wasn't divine. This wasn't holy. This was something far worse. "I warned you," Hermes said, her voice eerily distorted, layered with something ancient and malicious. Her once serene expression was gone, replaced by something cold and emotionless. The power she wielded cracked the air, distorting reality itself. "You will not walk away from this unscathed." Lupus gritted his teeth. His rainbow aura flared violently, but it paled in comparison to Hermes' overwhelming might. Still, he refused to back down. He let out a guttural roar and charged, his claws glowing with every ounce of energy he could muster.
Hermes did not move. The moment Lupus swung, her hand shot up, catching his wrist mid-strike. There was no struggle—no contest. His strength, his speed, his power—none of it mattered. Her grip tightened, and he felt his bones begin to crack. A scream tore from his throat as she twisted, lifting him off the ground effortlessly. And then she slammed him down. The impact shattered the battlefield. The planet itself groaned under the force, a massive crater forming beneath them. Lava bubbled from the fractured earth, geysers of molten rock erupting into the air. The others watching from the distance could only stare in horror. Tatu swallowed hard. "This… this isn't normal," he whispered. "She's becoming something else." Ungar's eyes narrowed. "No… she's becoming something worse than Lupus." He remembered an old friend telling him: "She's no mortal, she's a monster." Lupus struggled to rise, his body battered, his once-pristine white fur stained with blood and soot. He looked up at Hermes, his vision swimming. For the first time in his life, he felt something he had never known before. Fear. "You… you're no simple elf," he rasped. "You're a monster." Hermes tilted her head, regarding him as if he were an insect. "And yet, you still draw breath. I wonder—should I correct that mistake?"
She raised her hand, rainbow energy surging, its brightness blinding. The air itself trembled, a vortex of raw, uncontrolled power forming around her. Lupus knew if that blast landed, there would be nothing left of him—no atoms, no essence, nothing. For the first time in his life, Prince Lupus knew true defeat, even more so than when he lost to Talus over a year ago. "Enough." Hermes' hand lowered slightly. Her expression remained unreadable, but a flicker of something passed through her glowing eyes. She stepped back, her power dimming just enough for Lupus to suck in a ragged breath. "You're not worth it," she declared. "Crawl back to your ship, Lupus. And remember this feeling. The next time we meet, I will not spare you."
Lupus didn't need to be told twice. He struggled to his feet, limping toward his ship, his body broken but his spirit seething with fury. He turned once more before stepping inside, his golden eyes burning with hatred. "This isn't over," he growled. "I will return. Stronger. Smarter. And when I do—" Hermes raised a single hand. A warning. A promise. Lupus bared his fangs but said nothing more. The ship's door sealed shut, and within moments, it launched into the sky, disappearing into the void of space. Silence settled over the battlefield. Hermes exhaled, her rainbow energy dissipating. The monstrous aura faded, but the weight of its presence still lingered. Talus, barely able to stand, looked at Hermes with a mixture of awe and trepidation. "Hermes… are you—" She turned, her eyes meeting him. For the briefest moment, he swore he saw something in them—something inhuman. But then it was gone, replaced by the steady resolve of the Holy Prophet.
"I am what I need to be," she said simply. And with that, she turned away, leaving the battlefield behind. But the echoes of what had transpired remained. And somewhere in the darkness of space, Prince Lupus swore his revenge.
Hermes reverted to her original form. And then she collapsed to the ground, she fainted and passed out. She would be taken home and she saved the world from what could have been a monumental destruction. Two weeks later… in the depths of space, one of Lupus' minions notified him that his home-base planet had been destroyed and his father who was residing on the planet during that time (King Lupus) was reduced to space dust. The warlock who had taken out his father and had conquered the Lupine empire for himself was a much-more powerful tyrant who went by "Coyote Wolf." Lupus bit his fingers, "I'm going to have to go back to Helios, I need to ask this elf (Hermes) and her friends for help."
Back on Helios Hermes was being nursed to health when she awoke bandages on her head. Hermes said: "Lupus will be coming back to the Planet Helios in about a week, his father has been killed, his empire conquered by another, and he is feeling powerless, he is seeking my level of power to take back his birthright. We need to help him. He will be returning to this planet in a week and we need to join forces with him." Everyone wasn't thrilled about this Lupus was a heartless tyrant. Several of the heroes met at the Greenhouse in Nova's Compound.
The debate in Nova's Greenhouse was tense, the air heavy with unresolved grudges and clashing ideologies. The former villains—Talus, Ungar, Demi, Tatu, Phyron, and Sarai—stood unified in their opposition to allowing Prince Lupus into their ranks, while Nova, Maitreya Narcis, and Hermes argued for his inclusion. The conversation was more than just about an alliance; it was about trust, redemption, and the dangerous line between necessity and morality. Talus was the first to speak, his green eyes narrowing as he crossed his arms. "We all know who Lupus is. A warlord. A tyrant. He burned entire planets for his amusement. And now, because someone stronger than him took his throne, we're supposed to feel sorry for him?" His claws flexed instinctively. "He wouldn't be here if he had another choice. The moment he gets what he wants, he'll turn on us."
Ungar's deep, hollow voice resonated through the room. "I was once feared, just as he was. I crushed civilizations under my heel. But when I lost my power, no one came to save me. I had to crawl my way out of the abyss myself. If Lupus truly wants redemption, let him earn it alone." His red eyes gleamed behind his dark armor. "Why should we trust someone who never once showed mercy?" Demi smirked, leaning back against a vine-covered pillar, her black-clawed fingers idly tracing along its surface. "Let's be real here. The guy isn't looking for redemption. He's looking for revenge. And the moment he gets it, he'll remind us exactly why we hated him in the first place." She glanced at Hermes. "You, of all people, should know what he's capable of."
Tatu, wings twitching, buzzed irritably. "If we do this, we're inviting a snake into our home. He'll strike the moment our backs are turned." Phyron scoffed, flames flickering across his fingertips. "We should just put him down now. It'd save us the headache later."
Sarai remained silent at first, her wolf-like features thoughtful. Finally, she exhaled. "We've all had our second chances," she admitted, "but Lupus never showed remorse. If we let him in, it's because we believe we can control him. But what happens when we can't?" Nova, adjusting his glasses, interjected. "Lupus is desperate. That makes him useful. We're not asking you to trust him. We're asking you to recognize an opportunity."
Narcis, the Maitreya Buddha, folded his arms, his golden aura pulsing gently. "There was a time when each of us was beyond saving," he said calmly. "If we had been abandoned, would we be here now? Would we have changed? Or would we have fallen further?" His golden eyes met each of theirs in turn. "Lupus is at a crossroads. If we reject him, we push him toward darkness." Talus scowled. "And if we accept him, we risk everything we've built." Finally, all eyes turned to Hermes. Bandaged, still recovering, she sat upright, her piercing blue eyes filled with certainty. "You're right to fear him," she admitted. "You're right to question this. But we don't have the luxury of turning him away. Coyote Wolf is no ordinary tyrant—he is something far worse. If Lupus falls, the war doesn't end. It escalates. And Helios won't be spared."
She leaned forward, voice steady. "I don't trust Lupus. But I trust that his hatred for Coyote Wolf is greater than his hatred for us. He will fight—not for us, but for himself. And in that, we have an advantage." The silence that followed was thick with contemplation. Finally, Sarai sighed. "I still don't like it." Demi rolled her eyes. "No one does." Ungar crossed his arms but said nothing. Talus exhaled sharply. "Fine. But the moment he steps out of line—" "We deal with him," Hermes finished. With that, the decision was made. Prince Lupus would return to Helios. But whether as an ally or a ticking time bomb remained to be seen.
Lupus arrives on Helios:
Lupus's ship arrived on Helios. He arrived in a small ship since his Empire was already conquered by another. He sought out the aura of the one who had defeated him last time [Hermes, the Prophet]. This took him directly to Xelios University. Hermes was walking with her husband and her friends: her husband [Alan], along with her girlfriends: Hera, Mira, Elena, Cassie, Ashley, Agora, Zora, Khadija and Nala. Hermes, the little elf girl with white hair and blue eyes, saw Lupus walk towards her. Lupus walked up and began to open his mouth nervously. But Hermes cut him off and told him exactly what had happened to him and why he was there. She explained that she had prophetic powers and they were willing to accept his aid in her crusade to convert the universe. Lupus blinked quickly.
"You seek power," she said simply, her voice even, unwavering. "Not redemption. Not change. You want the strength to take back what was stolen from you. You want to destroy this new tyrant, not for justice, but for vengeance." Lupus stiffened, thrown off balance by her directness. His claws flexed at his sides, but he said nothing.
"I know why you're here," she continued, her piercing blue eyes locked onto his. "I know what you've lost. I know the rage boiling inside you, the humiliation you feel crawling under your skin. I know the doubt that festers in your heart, eating away at you like a parasite. I have seen it." Lupus clenched his fists. "Then you already know that I—" "I already know everything," she interrupted. "And yet, you stand before me now. Not as a king, not as a conqueror, but as a man desperate enough to seek out the one who defeated him." She took a slow step forward. "So tell me, Prince Lupus. Do you stand here as a broken ruler clinging to the past? Or as a warrior ready to fight for something greater?" Silence. Lupus' gaze flickered, his body tense. He had expected negotiations, hostility, perhaps even mockery—but not this. Not words that reached deep into his very being, exposing him. Finally, his shoulders dropped slightly. He exhaled sharply through his nose. "I don't believe in your cause," he admitted, his voice rough, raw. "I don't believe in your crusade. But I know power when I see it. And right now, I don't have enough of it. So I will fight." His fangs bared slightly. "But make no mistake, Prophet. I will never kneel to you."
Hermes gave a small, knowing smile. "You won't have to." The others watched in silence, some still wary, some resigned. Whatever fragile alliance had just formed, it was far from stable. But for now, it was enough. Ashley, a blonde-haired, blue eyed human girl ran up to Lupus, "Hey you're one of Hermes' friends, you should take a shower." Lupus began to stammer… "Uhhh…" But Ashley grabbed him by the hand, and took him up stairs to the dorm to take a shower. Lupus thought to himself, "I need to find the caped one (Ungar) and the white-haired one (Talus) and maybe others like (Narcis Martreya Buddha) who can teach me to grow stronger, so I can take back my empire and I avenge my fallen father." Ashley, who was head over heels, shouted to Lupus in the shower: "Is the water temperature fine, cutie!!" Lupus snarled: "It's fine!!"
Outside Ashley said, "I haven't met a boy so cute since the boy I started dating before my Bat-Mitzvah. Where did you meet such a cute guy, Hermes?" Hermes replied: "He's someone who tried to destroy this planet, but he's decided to switch sides and join forces with us." Ashley looked scared for a moment and then said, "Honestly I don't care who this wolf guy was, he's just so damn handsome."
Lupus let the steaming water run over his body, washing away the grime and exhaustion of his journey. He leaned forward, placing his hands against the shower wall, letting the heat loosen the tension in his muscles. His mind was anything but relaxed. Helios. The planet he had once sought to conquer. Now, it was his only refuge. He hated it. He hated how powerless he had become. He hated how he had to rely on the very people he once considered beneath him. Most of all, he hated how Hermes had read through him like an open book. No one had ever spoken to him the way she did—direct, unafraid, as if she already knew every move he would make. He was used to inspiring fear. But here? Here, he was just another fighter in a war much bigger than himself.
Outside the bathroom, Ashley's voice chimed through the door, breaking his thoughts. "Are you doing okay in there, cutie?"
Lupus groaned, running a clawed hand down his face. "I said the water's fine." He could hear her giggle from the other side. "I was just checking! No need to get all growly about it." Lupus exhaled sharply, shaking his head. He wasn't used to people treating him this way. There was no fear in Ashley's voice—just genuine excitement. It was unnerving. He turned the water off and stepped out, drying himself quickly before wrapping the towel around his waist. When he stepped into the hallway, Ashley was waiting, bouncing on her heels. Her blonde curls framed her face as she grinned up at him. "Much better. Now you actually look like someone important." Lupus arched an eyebrow. "I am someone important." Ashley winked. "Yeah, yeah. Big scary warlord. You look less scary when you're dripping wet in a towel."
Lupus scowled, but Ashley only laughed, nudging him toward a pile of clothes. "Here, Hermes had these set aside for you. You'll probably need more than one set, though, since you're gonna be training like crazy." Training. Right. He had no time for distractions. He had come to Helios for one reason only: to grow stronger. He needed to find Ungar, the one cloaked in shadows, the ancient being whose presence felt like an immovable mountain. He needed Talus, the white-haired warrior who had defeated him before. And Narcis—the golden light that stood in contrast to his darkness. If he wanted to take back his throne, he would need to learn from them all.
Ashley tilted her head. "You look deep in thought." Lupus pulled the shirt over his head, his ears flicking slightly as he answered. "I need to find the strong ones. Ungar. Talus. Maybe even this person, Narcis. If I'm going to reclaim my empire, I can't stay weak." Ashley hummed. "So serious." Then, her grin widened. "Lucky for you, you're in the right place. Helios is full of strong people. And…" She playfully twirled a lock of her hair. "I wouldn't mind showing you around, you know." Lupus shot her a deadpan look. "You want to give a fallen prince a tour?" "Why not?" Ashley smirked. "You might be all broody and intense now, but I bet underneath that scary exterior, you're just a big softie." Lupus huffed. "You're ridiculous." Ashley shrugged. "And you're still standing here talking to me, so what does that say about you?" Lupus had no response to that. With an irritated flick of his tail, he turned and walked off toward the main courtyard, where he knew the others would be waiting. He had no time for distractions. Not now. Ashley watched him go, hands on her hips. "Tough guy act," she murmured to herself. "But I bet that won't last forever." She grinned, skipping off after him.
Hera standing next to Hermes said: "I can't believe that girl, she really fell for that one." Hermes replied: "Yep, there's more to come from that."
The following 2 years [a slow-change in the Warrior-Prince]:
In the following two years Prince Lupus began to settle down a little more; he ended up marrying Ashley, they had a child named Kazan, who looked like a human girl with short pink hair but had white wolf ears and a wolf tail that she inherited from her father. Izadorans live centuries but grow to full maturity within a span of a year. Kazan had inherited this from her father as well. Phyron for his part slowly changed as well, the former villain with the power of fire who sought to dominate the planet had also grown apart from his former cruel ways. Within a year Ashley and Lupus' daughter, Kazan went to school with Hermes, her mom (Ashley), and the other girls. For his part Prince Lupus trained under Ungar, while Phyron trained under Talus. 2 years had gone by and things were peaceful. Kazan was going to school with Hermes and her mom, Lupus and Phyron were being domesticated, and all the others lived in peace and prosperity. Meanwhile the government feared the Prophet (Hermes) and sought to destroy her, and they had a plan to replace her…