Page 63 of Asmodel

“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.

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