Hello everyone!
I am planning to publish my Astra Warriors book on Amazon, and I will need reviews on it as soon as possible. So, I will be giving out Advance Reader Copies(ARCs) of Astra Warriors, and I hope you will give it a review when it is up on Amazon. Visit my Patreon: patreon.com/Najicablitz. Join for free and go to the community section. I have made a new chat called Astra Warriors Reviewers. Reply to the chat if you want a copy.
Or click the link below to join the Gmail group.
https://groups.google.com/g/astrawarriorsadvreaders
***
Chapter 4
Nocturne stands amidst the wreckage of Aetheris' throne room, his gaze drifting through the tear in reality. So, this is where Orion sent his little princess. He surveys the world on the other side. It is quite… inferior. Primitive. A blue and green sphere swirling with clouds. An insignificant little marble.
But… there is potential. He can sense it. This world teems with life, with dreams. Every single person down there is a walking battery waiting to be drained. A fantastic source of Dreamflow energy.
Beside him, the Spider Dream Eater shivers with anticipation. Its mandibles click. [Click, click]. A clear sign of its excitement.
Its eight spindly legs twitch nervously on the once pristine marble floor, like some kind of demented arachnid ballerina. Its bulbous body glistens with an oily sheen. Its many eyes glimmer with hunger.
"Patience," Nocturne says, his voice a low purr. "There will be plenty for you to feast on soon."
"Your task is simple. Find the Astra Coins. And… indulge yourself. Gather as much Dreamflow as you can."
Nocturne turns his attention to the swirling energy before him. The ritual is almost complete. With a flick of his wrist, he sends the Spider Dream Eater through the portal.
He watches it disappear, a predatory grin spreading across his face. What wonders will I discover in this new world? What new nightmares will I unearth? One thing is certain, this world is now his playground.
Now, where did those coins go? He tries to extend his senses, searching for their unique signature, but to no avail. Strange. It is as if the world is actively concealing them.
Nocturne sighs dramatically, waving a hand dismissively. "Well, I suppose I have no choice but to wait." He glances around the ruined throne room again. Such a mess. The energy signature of the portal flickers and fades. Now, all he can do is wait for the Spider Dream Eater to find the coins.
* * *
The Spider Dream Eater emerges from the portal, its multiple eyes adjusting to the vibrant, chaotic city. Cars honk, people chatter, and lights flash. The air vibrates with a frantic energy unlike the decaying Aetheris. Nocturne is right: this world teems with life.
The Spider Dream Eater moves with unnerving silence, its spindly legs carrying its bulk across the pavement. It scans the surroundings, its senses honed to detect the faintest trace of Dreamflow. Then, it picks up a scent. A potent aroma of hope, ambition, and joy wafts through the air. Dreamflow.
The scent leads the Spider Dream Eater to a park, where a man stands on a small stage holding a violin. He raises his bow and begins to play. The music is rich and passionate, filling the air with emotion. The Spider Dream Eater can practically taste the Dreamflow radiating from the violinist.
The man finishes his set, a satisfied smile on his face as a few coins clink into his open violin case. "Thank you, thank you!" he says, bowing slightly.
The violinist puts his violin away and gets ready to head out, but the Spider Dream Eater drops down from above.
The violinist glances up, his smile vanishing as he takes in the huge, bizarre creature. "W-what is that?" he asks, his eyes growing wide with fear. "A monster!" He steps back, holding tight to his violin.
The Spider Dream Eater lunges forward, its mandibles clicking hungrily. It grabs the violinist with one of its legs and pins him to the ground. The violinist struggles, but the Dream Eater's grip is too strong.
The Spider Dream Eater begins to drain the violinist's Dreamflow. A visible aura of energy flows from the man, dissipating into the Dream Eater's bulbous body. The violinist's eyes glaze over, and his struggling weakens.
The Spider Dream Eater relishes the sensation, savoring each drop of Dreamflow. It feels like the most delicious meal he has ever had. The power surges through him, making him stronger, hungrier. He has an appetite for more humans.
The Spider Dream Eater releases the violinist, who slumps to the ground, dazed and empty. His eyes are vacant, devoid of light, as if the very spark of life has been extinguished.
The Spider Dream Eater begins its search for more humans with Dreamflow.
The violinist slowly rises to his feet. He looks down at his violin, lying discarded on the ground. He doesn't pick it up. He turns and walks away, leaving his violin behind.
* * *
Axl strolls down the street, a grin plastered across his face. The energy from his last performance still buzzes in his ears.
He pulls out his phone and checks his YouTube channel. His jaw drops. 10,000 views! His latest video has over ten thousand views. He pumps his fist in the air. "Yes!" oblivious to the stares of passersby. That is the most views he has ever gotten.
He flips the Astra Coin in his hand, its golden surface gleaming in the sunlight. It feels warm to the touch, almost alive. He never expected a coin to have that feeling. He feels that he has earned his fame. It was the luckiest thing he had ever encountered. He is so thankful for it. He owes it all to this coin.
Suddenly, a voice cuts through his daydreaming. "Wait!"
Axl spins around, nearly dropping the Astra Coin. He sees a woman with long, flowing silver hair that shimmers like moonlight. Her eyes are a deep violet, like amethysts. She is wearing a white-and-gold dress with intricate embroidery, making her look like she just stepped out of a fairytale. Axl stares, momentarily speechless. "Uh… hey," he manages, trying to regain his cool.
"That in your hand, please give it back." She points directly at the Astra Coin Axl is holding.
Axl raises an eyebrow. "This? What, you a magician or something? Found it fair and square. It's mine." He closes his hand around the coin.
"It belongs to me. I need it. It is vital to save my world."
Axl stares at her, a confused expression on his face. My world? He glances around, wondering if he's wandered into some sort of prank. "Okay, lady, I don't know what you're smoking, but this coin is staying with me. It's like my lucky charm. Maybe you should go back to whatever Renaissance fair you escaped from."
He turns to leave, but Marvella grabs his arm. "Please, you do not understand! This is of utmost importance."
Axl yanks his arm away. "Look, I don't have time for this wacko stuff." He shoves the coin into his pocket and takes off running, his leather jacket flapping in the wind.
"Stop! Return the coin! You must give it back!" she shouts while chasing after him,
Axl glances over his shoulder, a smirk on his face. He weaves through the crowd, dodging shoppers and tourists. "No way! Catch me if you can!" he yells, his laughter echoing through the air.
Marvella, unused to such pedestrian pursuits, struggles to keep up. She bumps into a hot dog stand, narrowly avoiding a collision with a stroller, and almost trips over a skateboarder. "Please! I implore you!"
Axl continues to sprint, and when he glances back, he is surprised to see Marvella still on his tail. He zigzags through the crowd, narrowly avoiding a collision with a mime. "You're persistent, I'll give you that!" he yells over his shoulder, impressed by her stamina. She must really want that coin.
Marvella, however, is starting to lag. Her elegant dress is hindering her movements, and her tiara is threatening to topple off her head with every step. She clutches her suitcase tighter, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Wait… just… a moment…" she wheezes, her voice barely audible above the city's cacophony.
Finally, Axl slows to a jog, then stops completely, leaning against a building to catch his breath. Marvella stumbles to a halt in front of him, her face flushed and her silver hair disheveled. They both stand there, panting and staring at each other awkwardly. Axl is the first to break the silence.
"Okay, okay," he says, wiping sweat from his forehead. "I gotta admit, I didn't think you had it in you. For a second there, I thought you were going to give up." He glances at her up and down.
Marvella glares at him. "I will not yield. That coin is essential."
The tension hangs in the air for a moment, broken only by the sounds of the city. Suddenly, a loud rumble echoes through the street. Both Axl and Marvella freeze, their eyes widening.
Marvella's face turns beet red. She clutches her stomach, mortified. "Oh, dear," she whispers, her voice barely audible.
Axl raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Sounds like someone's hungry."
Marvella shrinks back, her cheeks burning. "I… I have not eaten since yesterday."
Axl hesitates, then shrugs. "Alright, alright. Truce, for now? How about I buy you something to eat? You look like you're about to pass out." He scratches the back of his neck, feeling a little awkward. "It's the least I can do after all this running around."
Axl leads Marvella to a small, brightly lit cafe a few blocks away. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries fills the air. "Alright, your highness," Axl says, gesturing to a table near the window. "Let's get you fed."
They sit down, and Axl flags down a waitress. "We'll take a couple of menus,"
Marvella's eyes widen as she gazes at the menu. All the dishes are foreign to her, unlike anything from her world. "There are so many options."
Axl chuckles. "Just pick something. Anything. It's all good." He glances at her, noticing the way her eyes light up at the sight of a chocolate cake. "Or, you know, go straight for the sugar rush. I won't judge."
Marvella, her stomach growling audibly, decides on a hearty-looking sandwich and a slice of that tempting chocolate cake. Axl orders a burger and fries, figuring he deserves a treat after his YouTube success.
When the food arrives, Marvella dives in with a gusto that surprises Axl. She devours the sandwich in a matter of minutes. She then proceeds to attack the chocolate cake with equal fervor, moaning with delight after each bite.
Axl watches her, amused and slightly concerned. "Hey, slow down there," he says, taking a bite of his burger. "You're gonna choke."
Marvella pauses, swallowing hard. "I apologize," she says, her voice muffled by a mouthful of cake. "It is just… I have not eaten properly in days. Ever since I arrived on this planet, I have been worried about finding the Astra Coins." She wipes her mouth with a napkin, leaving a smudge of chocolate on her cheek.
Axl raises an eyebrow. "Arrived on this planet? What, are you an alien or something?" He chuckles, but there's a hint of curiosity in his voice. It is strange that she calls Earth "this planet".
Marvella sighs, setting down her fork. "My name is Marvella. I am the princess of Aetheris."
"Princess of… Aether-what now? Never heard of it. Is that, like, a new amusement park or something?" Axl takes a bite of his burger, chewing thoughtfully. "Wait, let me guess. It's in Japan, right? They have all the weird stuff."
Marvella frowns, clearly not appreciating his sarcasm. "Aetheris is a kingdom, A kingdom in another dimension."
Axl bursts out laughing. "Okay, now I know you're messing with me. Another dimension? Seriously? Are you for real?" He shakes his head, grinning. "You know, for a second there, I almost believed you. But another dimension? That's a bit much, even for me." He thinks she's got a bit of a screw loose in her head. He's met his fair share of strange people, but this girl takes the cake.
"I understand that it sounds… improbable," she says, her voice laced with frustration. "But I assure you, I am telling the truth. The Astra Coins are vital to saving my kingdom. You must return them to me."
Axl rolls his eyes. "Look, I appreciate the story, your highness, but I'm not buying it. This coin is mine now. I don't know what game you are playing, but I won't give this coin to you."
"You do not understand! If I do not get the coins back, the Dream Eaters will come after you! They will come after everyone on this planet!"
Axl scoffs. "Dream Eaters? What are those, some kind of sleepwalking zombies?" He shakes his head, amused by her outlandish claims. He thinks that maybe he should call someone to take her to a hospital. "Seriously, lady, you need to chill out. There are no such things as dream eaters."
Axl thinks Marvella is completely bonkers. "Look, Princess Crazy-pants, I appreciate the, uh, performance. But I'm not buying any of it. This coin is mine, and it's staying with me. You go back to wherever you came from, and I'll pay for the meal."
Marvella's face crumples. "Please," she begs, her voice trembling. "You do not understand the danger! The Astra Coin is not a toy! It is the key to saving my world!"
Axl sighs, pulling out his wallet. "Alright, that's it. I'm paying the bill. And you? You're going to need to find your way back to the looney bin." He puts some money on the table and stands up.
Marvella, desperate, grabs onto the sleeve of Axl's leather jacket. "No! Please, you must listen to me! I implore you, return the coin!" She tugs on his jacket, her grip surprisingly strong.
Axl raises his eyebrows, annoyed. "Hey, hey, easy there! You're gonna rip my jacket! Let go!" He tries to shake her off, but Marvella holds on tight, her knuckles turning white. He glances around, noticing the stares of the other patrons. This is getting embarrassing.
"Lady, I am warning you," Axl growls, his patience wearing thin. "Let go of my jacket, or I'm calling the cops."
Suddenly, the lights in the café flicker, casting long, eerie shadows across the room. A low, guttural growl rumbles through the air, sending shivers down their spines.
Axl and Marvella both freeze, their eyes darting around the café. The other patrons, sensing something amiss, begin to murmur nervously, their voices hushed and fearful.
Axl glances out the window, his eyes widening in disbelief. Above the buildings opposite, a monstrous figure looms, its eight spindly legs silhouetted against the darkening sky. The Spider Dream Eater.
Marvella gasps, her face paling. "No… it cannot be…" she whispers, her voice trembling.
The Spider Dream Eater's multiple eyes fixate on them, gleaming with predatory hunger. It has found her.
But its gaze lingers on Axl. The Dream Eater can sense the immense Dreamflow radiating from him, a feast of epic proportions. It finds him very delicious.
Chapter 5
The Spider Dream Eater descends from the sky, landing heavily on the street in front of the café with a resounding THUD.
Axl stares at the monstrous figure, his jaw dropping in disbelief. "What the... what is that thing?"
He thinks that it has to be some sort of prank, right? There's no way that a giant spider monster is real.
The other patrons of the café, initially stunned into silence, begin to murmur amongst themselves, their fear slowly giving way to morbid curiosity.
"Is that… a costume?" one man asks, his voice laced with nervous laughter.
"That's gotta be some kind of promotion, right?" a woman adds, pulling out her phone to take a picture. "Like, a new horror movie or something?"
Marvella, however, knows better. Her eyes wide with terror, she recognizes the creature for what it truly is. "Dream Eater… It is a Dream Eater."
Suddenly, without warning, the Spider Dream Eater unleashes a torrent of raw power, its spindly legs lashing out, destroying everything in its path. Cars are tossed aside like toys, lampposts are snapped in half, and the storefronts of nearby businesses are reduced to rubble.
Axl barely manages to dodge a massive chunk of debris, stumbling backward in shock. The initial shock wears off and is replaced with pure panic. "Holy crap! That is not a costume!"
The café erupts into chaos as the patrons scream and scramble for safety, their earlier amusement replaced by sheer, unadulterated fear. Tables are overturned, chairs are sent flying, and the air is filled with the sound of shattering glass and panicked cries.
Marvella grabs Axl's hand and runs. "We must go! Now!"
"But… but what about—"
"No time! We have to get out of here!"
With Marvella leading the way, they burst out of the café, joining the group of terrified civilians fleeing the scene.
Just as they reach the relative safety of the sidewalk, two police officers arrive. They didn't know what was going on, but they were ready to protect and serve.
"Hold it right there! This is the police! Surrender immediately!"
The Spider Dream Eater, unfazed by the officers' arrival, turns its attention to the new arrivals, its multiple eyes gleaming with predatory interest.
"We don't want to hurt you! Just put your hands in the air and come with us peacefully!"
Marvella watches in horror, knowing that the officers have no idea what they're up against. "No! Do not approach it! It is too dangerous!" she cries, but her words are lost in the chaos.
Ignoring her warnings, the first officer takes a step forward, his hand outstretched. "Alright, pal, let's not make this any harder than it has to be. Just…"
Before he can finish his sentence, the Spider Dream Eater lunges forward with lightning speed, its spindly legs piercing the officer's chest. The officer cries out in agony, his body convulsing as the Dream Eater begins to drain his Dreamflow.
Axl stares in horror as the officer's eyes glaze over, his face becoming pale and lifeless.
The second officer, witnessing the gruesome scene, recoils in horror, his hand instinctively reaching for his weapon. "Backup! We need backup! Code red!"
Drawing his gun, the officer fires a volley of shots at the Spider Dream Eater, the bullets ricocheting harmlessly off its thick, chitinous hide. The Spider Dream Eater seems unbothered by the bullets. They simply bounce off its armor.
"It's no use!" Marvella cries, pulling Axl further away. "Those weapons will not harm it!"
Axl stares, wide-eyed, at the Spider Dream Eater as it finishes draining the life from the police officer. "Is that... is that the Dream Eater you were talking about?!" he asks, his voice barely a whisper.
Marvella nods grimly, "That is what I have told you!"
"Well, sorry for not believing a fantasy monster! I mean, come on! Giant spiders that eat dreams? It sounds like something out of a bad B-movie!"
The Spider Dream Eater, having finished its gruesome meal, turns its attention to Axl and Marvella, its multiple eyes fixated on them with predatory hunger. It lets out a guttural screech, a sound that sends shivers down their spines.
Realizing they are now the focus of the monster's attention, Axl's bravado quickly fades, replaced by pure, unadulterated terror. "Okay, maybe I should have listened to the crazy princess,"
Without warning, the Spider Dream Eater lunges forward, its spindly legs carrying it with surprising speed. It leaps onto the side of a nearby building, its claws digging into the brickwork as it begins to scale the wall.
"Run!" Marvella shouts, grabbing Axl's hand and pulling him along. "It is faster than it looks!"
They sprint down the street, weaving through the panicked crowd, their hearts pounding in their chests. The Spider Dream Eater follows closely behind, its massive form leaping from building to building, closing the distance between them with each bound.
Suddenly, the Spider Dream Eater shoots a stream of thick, sticky webbing towards them, the strands flying through the air like deadly projectiles.
"Look out!" Marvella cries, shoving Axl out of the way just as the webbing narrowly misses them, splattering against the wall behind them.
They continue to run, dodging debris and panicked civilians, the Spider Dream Eater hot on their heels, its relentless pursuit a terrifying reminder of the danger they face. The Spider Dream Eater shoots more webs. They almost hit Axl and Marvella again.
The Spider Dream Eater, relentless in its pursuit, shoots another volley of webbing, this time with deadly accuracy. The sticky strands wrap around Axl's legs, immobilizing him instantly. He tumbles to the ground, landing hard on the asphalt.
"Axl!" Marvella cries, her voice filled with alarm.
The Spider Dream Eater descends upon him, its multiple eyes gleaming with predatory delight. Axl stares up at the monstrous creature, his face contorted in a mixture of fear and disgust. Up close, the Spider Dream Eater is even more grotesque than he imagined. Its mandibles click menacingly, and its hairy legs twitch with anticipation.
"Ew~gross!" Axl exclaims, his voice muffled by the webbing.
Without hesitation, Marvella raises her hands, focusing her energy. A soft, ethereal glow emanates from her palms, growing in intensity with each passing second. She closes her eyes, her face serene despite the danger, and channels her Aetheris magic.
With a mighty roar, Marvella thrusts her hands forward, unleashing a surge of pure, radiant energy. A wave of light explodes from her, striking the Spider Dream Eater with incredible force.
The Dream Eater recoils from the blast, its chitinous armor cracking and splintering under the impact. It releases Axl from its grasp, staggering backward as the shockwave washes over it.
"What was that?!" Axl asks,
"Aetheris magic. It is not enough to defeat it, but it will buy us some time."
They resume their flight, sprinting down the street, their footsteps echoing in the sudden silence. The Spider Dream Eater, momentarily stunned but far from defeated, recovers quickly and resumes its pursuit, its massive form crashing through obstacles in its path.
They round a corner, disappearing into a narrow alleyway, hoping to lose the Dream Eater. After a moment, they stop, leaning against a brick wall, gasping for air.
"We should be safe for the moment, but it will soon find us."
Axl, still catching his breath, stares at Marvella, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Okay, space princess, that was… intense. But how do we beat that thing? Lasers? Giant robots? Please tell me you have a giant robot."
Marvella sets the suitcase she had been carrying on the ground and opens it. Inside are three Stellar Braces.
Axl watches her, his curiosity piqued. "Woah, what are those?"
Marvella picks up one of the Stellar Braces and examines it closely. "These are Stellar Braces. They are used to harness the power of the Astra Coins."
She looks up at Axl, her violet eyes locking onto his. "Give me the Astra Coin, Axl. If I do not have it, that creature will kill us both."
Axl hesitates, his hand instinctively reaching for his pocket, where he had been keeping the coin. He glances back towards the direction they had come from, his mind racing.
Give up the coin?But it's the key to my dreams! To everything I've ever wanted!
But then he remembers the sight of the police officer, his life force drained, his eyes vacant and lifeless. He remembers the sheer terror he felt as the Spider Dream Eater descended upon him, its mandibles clicking hungrily.
But is it worth dying over?
He glances back at Marvella, her expression unwavering, her eyes filled with a desperate plea. He knows that she is right. The only way to defeat the monster and save themselves is to give her the Astra Coin.
With a sigh of resignation, Axl pulls the golden coin from his pocket.
"Here, take it."
Marvella reaches out and gently takes the Astra Coin from his palm. Her fingers brush against his, sending a strange jolt of energy through his body.
"Thank you, Axl. You have made the right choice."
The Spider Dream Eater lands a few feet away from them, its massive form blocking the alleyway's entrance. It screeches, saliva dripping from its mandibles.
Marvella steps in front of Axl, shielding him from the monster's gaze. "Stand back, Axl. This is my fight."
Axl hesitates for a moment, then nods, taking a step back.
Marvella raises her left wrist, holding the Stellar Brace overhead. The metal gleams in the dim light of the alleyway. With a deep breath, she focuses her energy, channeling the power of Aetheris magic.
"Astra Change!"
She inserts the Astra Coin into the Stellar Brace, expecting a surge of power. Instead, a jarring error message flashes on the Brace's surface, accompanied by a burst of static.
[Error]
"What?!"
The Stellar Brace begins to spark and sputter, emitting a series of high-pitched whines. A jolt of electricity surges through Marvella's arm, causing her to cry out in pain. The Stellar Brace burns her.
She stumbles backward, clutching her wrist, her face contorted in agony. The Stellar Brace, now glowing with an ominous red light, falls from her grasp, clattering against the asphalt.
"Hey, are you okay?!" Axl asks, his voice filled with concern. He rushes to her side, kneeling beside her. "What happened?!"
Marvella shakes her head, her eyes filled with confusion and distress. She stares at the Stellar Brace lying on the ground, its red light still pulsing ominously.
"Impossible…" she whispers, her voice barely audible. "The Astra Coin rejected me?"
The Spider Dream Eater doesn't wait. It lunges. Axl reacts instinctively. He grabs Marvella, yanking her out of the path of the Spider's attack. The Dream Eater's leg slams into the wall where they stood moments before, leaving a deep gouge in the brick.
"What should we do now! Can you try it again?!" Axl asks.
Marvella shakes her head, her face grim. "The outcome will only be the same. The Astra Coin rejected me. It is impossible."
"Then we're screwed!"
"No, we still have a chance!"
"Really, because it looks like we're about to be spider food!"
Marvella ignores him, her eyes locking onto his. "Axl, you need to use the Stellar Brace."
"What?"
Before he can protest, the Spider Dream Eater lets out a deafening screech, its attention now firmly fixed on the pair. Marvella wastes no time. She grabs the Stellar Brace and thrusts it into Axl's hands.
"There's no time to explain. You must try to transform. It's the only way we can defeat this creature."
"Transform? But… I'm just a regular guy! I'm not some kind of superhero!"
"Just try it. Please, Axl, you're our only hope!"
Axl looks down at the sleek, high-tech device in his hands, his fingers trembling. He knows that Marvella is right – this is their only chance. He has to try. He has to do something.
With a deep breath, he slides the Stellar Brace onto his wrist. It snaps into place with a soft click. The cold metal feels alien against his skin.
"What should I do?"
"Insert the Astra Coin into the Stellar Brace, and say, 'Astra Change!'"
Axl hesitates for a moment, then steel his resolve. He grips the Astra Coin tightly in his hand. Following Marvella's instructions, he inserts the coin into the slot on the Stellar Brace.
"…Then, Astra Change!"
A blinding light erupts from the Stellar Brace and Astra Coin, forcing Marvella and the Spider Dream Eater to shield their eyes. The alleyway is bathed in an intense radiance, obliterating the shadows and illuminating every nook and cranny.
[♩♪♬♬♪♩]
The transformation sequence begins. Musical notes erupt around Axl, swirling like a chaotic symphony. The notes coalesce and solidify, transforming into sleek, angular armor pieces. These fragments, pulsing with vibrant energy, streak towards Axl, each finding its designated place on his body.
Greaves resembling powerful speakers snap onto his legs. Gauntlets shaped like the necks of bass guitars encase his hands. Finally, a helmet with a sharp visor clicks into place, completing the transformation.
The light fades, revealing Axl standing tall in his new armor. The suit is sleek and angular, with a striking red-and-black color scheme. The chest plate is designed to resemble a guitar, complete with glowing strings that pulse with energy, mirroring the rhythm of his heartbeat. His helmet maintains the angular design, featuring a sharp visor that reflects the alleyway's dim light.
The transformation is complete, and the red warrior, Astra Red, is born.
Axl catches a glimpse of himself in a nearby storefront window—and freezes. His reflection stares back, decked out in the new armor. Sleek. Shimmering. Totally rockstar.
"Whaaaaaat!"
* * *
Axl stares at his reflection from a nearby window, utterly bewildered. He can't help but think.
Damn, I look good.
But as he's admiring himself, a shadow falls over him.
Oh, right. Giant spider monster.
The Spider Dream Eater pounces. Axl barely has time to register the movement before he's slammed against the brick wall, the air knocked out of his lungs.
"Ouch~huh?" he groans, shaking his head. He expects a crushing pain, but…it doesn't hurt nearly as much as he thought it would. The armor definitely works.
The Spider Dream Eater tries to seize him with its mandibles, clicking hungrily, but Axl reacts on instinct. He throws a punch, a wild, desperate swing.
His fist connects with the Spider Dream Eater's face—or whatever passes for a face on that monstrosity—and the impact sends the creature reeling backward. The Dream Eater crashes into the opposite wall, leaving a spiderweb of cracks in the brick.
Axl stares at his fist, dumbfounded. He can't believe the strength he just displayed. He's never packed that kind of punch before. This armor is insane!
Then, he hears it.
A faint, almost imperceptible rhythm. A beat that seems to permeate the very air around him. Music?
He focuses, and the rhythm grows stronger, more distinct. It's not just music; it's the pulse of the city, the thrum of energy flowing through everything. He notices that the Spider Dream Eater's movements, the falling debris, even the flickering neon sign across the street, are all synchronized to the beat.
His own body responds to the rhythm, moving almost involuntarily. He feels a surge of power, a connection to something larger than himself.
Wait a minute... I can use this.
Axl realizes that the rhythmic beat is the key. He observes the Spider Dream Eater's movements, anticipates its attacks, and dodges with an almost supernatural grace. Each step, each punch, each block is perfectly timed, synchronized with the music of the world.
The Spider Dream Eater lunges again, its mandibles snapping, its legs scuttling across the ground. Axl side-steps the attack, and he uses the momentum to spin into a powerful kick that connects with the Spider Dream Eater's leg.
The Dream Eater stumbles, momentarily thrown off balance. Axl presses his advantage, launching a series of rapid-fire punches, each one perfectly timed to the beat. The Dream Eater roars in frustration, its attacks becoming more frantic, but Axl is always one step ahead, dodging, weaving, and striking with pinpoint accuracy.
Sparks fly as Axl strikes the Spider Dream Eater, his armored fists pounding against its grotesque form. The alleyway becomes a chaotic dance of destruction, a tokusatsu battle unfolding in the heart of the city. He feels like he is acting on instinct, his body moving and attacking the Spider Dream Eater without him even thinking about it.
Marvella watches in stunned silence as Axl dances around the Spider Dream Eater. She is mesmerized by the raw power radiating from him.
Is this...the power of the Astra Coin? It's incredible.
The Spider Dream Eater, momentarily stunned, recoils from Axl's relentless assault. A primal rage flares within the creature, its multiple eyes glowing with malevolent intent. It backs away, its spindly legs clicking against the grimy asphalt.
Then, with a burst of unnatural speed, it leaps.
Not towards Axl, but upwards.
The Spider Dream Eater launches itself onto the adjacent building, its sharp claws finding purchase on the brick facade. It scuttles up the wall with terrifying agility, disappearing onto the rooftops.
Axl stares up, momentarily disoriented. "Hey! Where do you think you're going?"
Suddenly, the Spider Dream Eater reappears, launching itself from one building to another, its massive form silhouetted against the night sky. It moves with incredible speed, traversing the urban landscape like a predator stalking its prey.
It uses its agility to its advantage and starts striking from unexpected angles. The Spider Dream Eater dives from the rooftops, claws outstretched, and webs shooting from its spinnerets. Axl struggles to keep up.
Too fast!
He dodges one attack, then another, but the Spider Dream Eater is relentless. Its attacks come from all directions, each one carrying a concussive force. Sparks fly from Axl's armor as the Dream Eater's claws rake across its surface.
"Gah!" Axl cries out, staggering backward. He is hit again and again by the Spider Dream Eater's relentless attacks.
The Dream Eater dives down once more, this time unleashing a barrage of webs. The sticky strands ensnare Axl's legs, then his arms, immobilizing him completely.
He struggles against the webbing, but it's no use. The Spider Dream Eater's webs are incredibly strong and incredibly sticky. He is trapped, a helpless insect caught in a monstrous spider's snare.
"Oh, man!" Axl exclaims.
He tries to summon the rhythmic energy that had empowered him moments before, but the webs are disrupting his flow. "Is there anything else I can do?!"
Suddenly, a blinding light erupts from Axl's chest. The guitar emblem on his armor glows intensely, pulsating with raw power. The energy builds, then explodes outwards, shattering the webs that bind him.
A sleek, guitar-shaped weapon materializes from the light, launching out from his chest and into his waiting hands.
"Woah…" Axl says, staring at the weapon in disbelief. It's no ordinary guitar. The instrument hums with power, resonating with the same rhythmic energy he felt earlier, and it fits perfectly in his grasp.
Axl strums a single chord, a powerful, reverberating note that echoes through the alleyway. The sound intensifies, morphing into a sonic blast that slams into the Spider Dream Eater.
The creature is sent flying backward, crashing through a stack of garbage cans and landing in a heap against the far wall.
Axl stares at the Power Chord, his eyes wide with amazement. "This thing is… incredible!"
He grins, a spark of excitement igniting within him. "I think I'm gonna call you… Power Chord."
The Spider Dream Eater screeches in rage, its multiple eyes burning with hatred. It lunges towards Axl, intent on tearing him apart. But Axl is ready this time.
Gripping the Power Chord tightly, Axl strums the strings, and a sound wave of pure force erupts from the guitar. The sonic blast slams into the Spider Dream Eater, stopping it dead in its tracks. The creature is knocked back several feet, its spindly legs flailing wildly.
"Alright, spider-breath. Let's see if you can handle a real guitar solo!"
He launches into a blistering riff, his fingers flying across the strings of the Power Chord. Each note is a pulse of raw energy, each chord a burst of concussive force. Blasts of light shoot from the guitar, arcing through the air like tracer rounds.
The Spider Dream Eater is caught in the crossfire, its grotesque body absorbing the full brunt of Axl's sonic assault. The creature screeches in pain as the energy blasts sear its flesh, charring its chitinous armor. Patches of its body begin to smolder, emitting a foul, acrid smoke.
Axl doesn't let up, his fingers dancing across the strings with furious intensity. The Power Chord wails and screams, unleashing a torrent of sonic destruction. The Spider Dream Eater is battered and bruised, its movements becoming sluggish and erratic.
"Time for a change of pace," Axl declares, switching tactics on the fly. He slings the Power Chord over his shoulder, gripping it like a baseball bat. "Let's see how you like this!"
With a roar, Axl charges forward, swinging the Power Chord with all his might. The guitar connects with the Spider Dream Eater's head, producing a resounding THWACK!
The creature staggers, its multiple eyes spinning. Axl doesn't give it a chance to recover. He unleashes a flurry of blows, each one landing with bone-jarring force.
THWACK! THWACK! THWACK!
The alleyway echoes with the sound of Axl's relentless assault. The Spider Dream Eater is pummeled and battered, its body bruised and broken.
He pivots, ducks under a sweeping claw, and brings the Power Chord crashing down on the Dream Eater's back.
CRACK!
The sound is sickening, like the breaking of bones. The Spider Dream Eater collapses to the ground, its spindly legs twitching uncontrollably.
But the monster is not defeated yet. With a surge of adrenaline, it pushes itself back to its feet, its eyes burning with furious resolve. It unleashes a torrent of webs, blanketing the alleyway in sticky strands.
Axl spins to avoid the webs, strumming a protective chord on the Power Chord. The sonic vibrations deflect the sticky projectiles, creating a safe zone around him. He then blasts through the rest of the webs.
The Spider Dream Eater is staggered, but it recovers quickly, unleashing another barrage of attacks. It lunges, snaps, and fires projectiles from its spinnerets. Axl dodges, weaves, and retaliates with a furious flurry of sonic blasts and blunt-force strikes.
Axl smirks. "This has been fun. But every song has got to end."
He closes his eyes, focusing on the rhythm that pulses through his body, through the city, through the Power Chord in his hands. The music intensifies, building to a crescendo. His fingers dance across the strings, coaxing out a blistering guitar solo. The notes are fast and furious, each one a spark of raw energy.
The Power Chord hums with power, vibrating intensely in his hands. The air crackles with electricity, and the alleyway is bathed in a blinding light.
He feels the energy building, building, building, until it reaches a fever pitch. It feels like he is going to explode with power. With a final, triumphant strum, Axl unleashes all the energy in the Power Chord.
"Power Surge!"
A massive sonic blast erupts from the guitar, a wave of pure sound and force that slams into the Spider Dream Eater with earth-shattering force. The creature is lifted off its feet, its spindly legs flailing helplessly in the air. The sonic blast propels it upwards, higher and higher, until it becomes a mere speck against the night sky.
Then, with a brilliant flash of light and a thunderous BOOM!, the Spider Dream Eater explodes.
A shower of glittering particles rains down on the city, each one a fragment of shattered dreams and nightmares. The alleyway is filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of Axl's heavy breathing.
Axl stands there, the Power Chord still humming in his hands, his body buzzing with residual energy. He stares up at the sky, watching as the last of the glittering particles fade away.
He is exhausted but exhilarated. He just took down a monster—a real, honest-to-goodness monster.
He looks around the alleyway, taking in the destruction. Garbage cans are overturned, walls are cracked, and the air is thick with the smell of ozone. The alleyway is devastated. But it is also safe. The Spider Dream Eater is gone.
Axl feels a surge of pride. He did that. He, Axl, just saved the day.
He looks down at the Power Chord in his hands, a grin spreading across his face.
"Not bad for a first gig," he says to himself.
Suddenly, he remembers Marvella. He turns around, scanning the alleyway.
"Hey, Princess! You still here?"
Marvella watches the Spider Dream Eater explode, her violet eyes wide with awe. Fragments of shimmering light rain down around them, like fallen stars. She is mesmerized by the sheer power Axl wielded, the raw energy that coursed through him as he vanquished the monster.
A new hope blossoms in her chest, pushing back the despair that had been weighing her down since she fled Aetheris. If Axl, a human from this world, could harness the power of the Astra Coin and defeat a Dream Eater, then perhaps there is a chance—a real chance—to save her kingdom.
Chapter 6
Nocturne surveys the ruined throne room. His Dream Eaters swarm through Aetheris, a vibrant tapestry of nightmares realized. Each fallen building and shattered statue sings a song of despair—music to his ears.
He glances at the Abyss Orb, its swirling darkness reflecting his own ambitions. It pulses faintly, connected to the Dream Eaters consuming dreams across Aetheris. The Orb converts the Dream Eater's stolen Dreamflow into Mare energy.
But… a frown creases his pale features. The Abyss Orb's absorption rate slows to a crawl, barely a trickle compared to its earlier voracity. Annoyance flickers within him. He studies the Orb, probing its depths with his consciousness. The readings confirm his suspicions. Aetheris is spent.
"Insolent," he mutters, his voice echoing in the empty chamber. The Abyss Orb, usually a glutton for Dreamflow, now barely sips at the dregs. He has bled this kingdom dry, consuming every last drop of hope and imagination. Aetheris is barren, a wasteland devoid of sustenance.
He will have to move on to other worlds. Other, tastier worlds.
A jolt runs through Nocturne, and he senses something is wrong. The Abyss Orb flickers violently, and he senses a disturbance. A Dream Eater… gone. Snuffed out like a candle in a storm.
He concentrates, channeling his will through the Orb. Using it as a conduit, he experiences the senses of his Dream Eaters, seeing the last stand between the Spider and the Red Warrior.
Impossible
The Spider Dream Eater was powerful, more than capable of handling the primitive lifeforms on that insignificant planet.
The Red Warrior is stronger than he thought. It goes to show how powerful the Astra Coins are.
Nocturne examines the Abyss Orb, and the loss of the Spider Dream Eater is a setback. Irritating. But something else stands out. During its brief visit to that world, the Spider managed to gather a surprising amount of Dreamflow.
Intriguing.
Earth, a world he initially dismissed as primitive, may be a goldmine of Dreamflow energy. He smirks. The potential for feeding his power is immense.
But how to exploit it? Traveling between dimensions is not a simple task. The tear in reality that Orion created for Marvella's escape is unstable, and the Abyss Orb can only sustain a single portal at a time. At most, he can send one Dream Eater at a time. If he could, he would send his entire army of Dream Eaters.
Patience, he reminds himself. He must be strategic.
He studies the Orb, his gaze lingering on the swirling chaos within. He must choose wisely which Dream Eater to send next. This one must be strong, resourceful, and, above all, loyal. Nocturne has no choice but to send one Dream Eater for now.
"Come forth,"
From the shadows, a new Dream Eater emerges. A monstrous, plant-like form takes shape, a twisted tangle of thorny vines and razor-sharp leaves, constantly shifting and undulating. Where a head should be, a gaping maw filled with serrated teeth opens, dripping with a viscous, acidic sap. Beady, insect-like eyes peer hungrily from within the foliage, scanning the area for any sign of its prey.
Nocturne's lips curl into a satisfied smile as he gazes upon the Plant Dream Eater, his mind already formulating a plan to unleash this new threat upon the unsuspecting world.
"Go to this world. Seek out sources of Dreamflow, consume them, and grow strong. Locate the Astra Coins, and bring them to me. And, of course, retrieve the runaway princess. She is of particular… interest."
The Plant Dream Eater bows, its maw dripping a trail of acidic sap onto the shattered floor. Nocturne finds the creature's eagerness… pleasing.
He turns his attention to the Abyss Orb, focusing his will to stabilize the portal. The Orb crackles with dark energy, a conduit for his power. He begins the ritual, chanting in a language that echoes with the nightmares of a thousand worlds. The air crackles with anticipation as the portal widens, a swirling vortex of light and shadow.
"Enter," Nocturne commands. The Plant Dream Eater lunges forward, disappearing into the swirling vortex.
The portal flickers, then stabilizes, a gateway between worlds. Nocturne watches, a sinister smile spreading across his pale face. He anticipates the chaos that the Plant Dream Eater will sow.
He strides towards the ruined throne and settles upon it, the cold stone a stark contrast to the burning anticipation in his veins.
"Now… Let's see how things go."
Nocturne throws his head back and releases a chilling laugh, the sound echoing through the castle's desecrated halls.
* * *
The Spider Dream Eater dissolved into shimmering dust, and Axl struck a pose.
"Nailed it!"
Axl takes in the full view of his armor.
This is way better than the last costume I made. He thinks of the potential for his videos. Imagine the views I'd get!
Marvella approaches. "Thank you, Axl. You defeated it."
Axl shrugs, trying to act casual. "Yeah, well, it was no biggie. Piece of cake, really." He puffs out his chest. "So, uh, how do I get this thing off?"
"Oh. Simply remove the Astra Coin from the Stellar Brace. The armor will release."
Axl nods, fumbling with the Stellar Brace on his wrist. He finds the slot and carefully pulls out the Astra Coin. The armor begins to glow with a soft, warm light. The red and black fades away into nothing, leaving Axl in his usual ripped jeans and band tee.
"It's gone…" said Axl.
"So, do you believe me now?"
Axl hesitates. Before all of this, he thought Marvella was either a complete nutcase or maybe going through some extreme version of that Chuuni phase. Another dimension? Saving her kingdom? Fighting monsters? Seriously?
But… he did just fight a giant spider monster. A very real, very dangerous giant spider monster. He glances at the destruction around them. The destroyed pavement, the shattered windows, the lingering smell of ozone. Yeah, hard to deny what he just saw.
"Okay," Axl admits slowly, scratching the back of his head. "Okay, maybe I'm starting to think you're not completely bonkers. But another dimension? Seriously?"
Marvella nods. "Aetheris is real. And it needs my help. Our help. Axl, you have to understand. That Dream Eater was just the beginning. More will come. They'll keep coming until they find the Astra Coins. You have to help me fight them. We have to take back my kingdom."
Axl's face scrunches up into a frown. "Whoa, hold up." He takes a step back, holding up his hands. "Take back your kingdom? Fight monsters? Look, I appreciate the save back there, but that's really not my thing."
"Axl, please. You don't understand the danger. These Dream Eaters, they'll destroy everything!"
Axl rolls his eyes. "Look, Marvella, I get it. Bad monsters, kingdom in trouble, damsel in distress. But it's not my problem, alright? I just wanna go home, chill out, maybe make a few videos, and apply for some more auditions."
He gestures vaguely. "Y'know, normal stuff."
Before Axl can turn away, Marvella does something completely unexpected: she grabs him around the waist, clinging to him like a desperate koala. "You must help me!" she cries, her voice trembling. "These Astra Coins… they were created to save Aetheris! They belonged to my family! To me!"
Axl sputters, trying to pry her hands off him. "Hey, hey, personal space! Let go!" He tugs at her arms. "Look, it's not like the coin even works for you! So, just… I dunno, find another way to save your precious kingdom and bother someone else, alright?"
Marvella refuses to budge, her grip surprisingly strong. "No! The Astra Coins are the only hope I have left! You have to help me, Axl! I won't let go until you promise to help me stop the Dream Eaters!"
Her voice rises, attracting the attention of the growing crowd of onlookers. People start whispering, pointing, and filming with their phones.
Axl's face turns a shade of red. "Alright, alright, you're making a scene!" He glances around nervously, acutely aware of the dozens of eyes glued to them. "Fine! We can talk about it… at my apartment."
He grabs Marvella's arm – careful to avoid another waist-grab – and starts dragging her through the crowd. "Excuse me, coming through! Nothing to see here, folks! Just a… misunderstanding!"
He shoots a strained smile at a woman filming them, then picks up the pace, practically sprinting away from the wreckage of the café and the curious onlookers. He continues to drag Marvella along with him, as they make their way towards his apartment.
* * *
They arrive outside the apartment. There is peeling paint on the walls, and rust clings to the fire escape. It's a far cry from the sleek, modern buildings downtown.
"This is where you live?" Marvella asks, tilting her head.
Axl bristles. He knows the place is a dump, but it's the only thing he can afford in this city. "Yeah, so? You got a problem with it, princess?"
"Oh, no. Not at all! It's just… smaller than I imagined."
Smaller?
"It is almost the same size as some of the smaller storerooms back in my castle."
Ouch. Okay, that stings. Axl feels a wave of embarrassment wash over him. A storeroom? Is that all my place is worth? He suddenly feels like a poor commoner standing before royalty. Just how loaded is this girl? I mean, she is a princess… Still, the comment kind of stung.
Axl decides to play it cool. "Well, not everyone can live in a castle, Princess. Some of us have to slum it." He shoves his hands into his pockets and shrugs, trying to look nonchalant, even though he is dying inside. "Anyway, you coming or what? I'm not planning on standing here all day."
Axl leads Marvella up the stairwell. The scent of old cooking oil and dust hangs heavy in the air.
"Careful, the third step is a killer."
As they reach the second floor, Mrs. Tanaka, his landlady, appears at the top of the stairs. Her arms are crossed, and her expression is stern. "Axl-san," she says, her voice like gravel. "Rent is due. Again."
Axl winces. "I know, Mrs. Tanaka, I know. I'll have it by the end of the month, I promise!" And this time, I actually mean it. Those views are finally translating into some serious cash.
Mrs. Tanaka's gaze softens as she looks at Marvella, who is standing slightly behind Axl. Her stern expression melts into a warm smile. "Oh, hello there, dear. You must be visiting Axl-san." She turns back to Axl, her tone softening considerably, like she is talking to her granddaughter. "Axl-san, who is this lovely young lady?"
Axl scratches the back of his neck, trying to come up with a believable story. "Uh, this is Marvella. She's, uh, a foreigner. Just arrived in town, lost all her stuff, nowhere to stay, you know? So, she's crashing at my place for a bit." He can't tell her the truth, not without sounding completely insane. Yeah, she's a princess from another dimension, fighting dream monsters. Try explaining that to Mrs. Tanaka.
Marvella steps forward, her posture perfect. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Tanaka. I am Marvella, princess of Aetheris."
Axl's eyes widen. Princess of Aetheris? Seriously? He shoots her a glare, hoping she'll drop the act, but she just smiles serenely at Mrs. Tanaka.
Mrs. Tanaka beams, completely charmed. "Oh my, a princess! What a kind and polite girl you are." She reaches out and gently pats Marvella's hand. "You remind me of my granddaughter. So sweet and well-mannered." She launches into a doting spree, "If you need anything at all, dear, anything at all, you just come and ask me, okay? Don't hesitate, I'm always here to help."
Mrs. Tanaka turns to Axl, her expression hardening. "Axl-san, you take good care of this young lady. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mrs. Tanaka, I understand! I will, I promise!"
This is getting awkward and fast.
Axl breathes a sigh of relief as they finally escape Mrs. Tanaka's watchful gaze. "Okay, that was… intense." He unlocks his apartment door and gestures for Marvella to enter. "Welcome to my humble abode. Try not to trip over anything."
The room is small and cluttered. Clothes are strewn over the chair, guitar picks litter the floor, and empty instant noodle containers stack precariously on the desk. He is embarrassed by how messy his room is.
Marvella steps inside, her violet eyes wide with curiosity. She surveys the room, taking in every detail. Axl can practically see the wheels turning in her head as she tries to make sense of his life. "Fascinating," she says, her voice filled with genuine interest. "It is quite different from the castle."
Axl leans against the doorframe, watching Marvella take it all in. "So," he says, crossing his arms, "not exactly the royal suite, huh? You not comfortable with how small this place is, princess?"
"I am not comfortable, no. But it has its own certain charm to it, I suppose… It is... cozy."
"Cozy? Right. Well, whatever floats your boat." He claps his hands together. "Alright, enough sightseeing. Find a place to sit, and let's talk about this whole 'saving your world' thing."
Axl grabs his guitar, gently placing it against the wall. Marvella glances around the room, her brow furrowing. "Where exactly am I supposed to sit? I do not see any chairs."
"Floor's open. Make yourself at home."
Marvella blinks, clearly taken aback by his casual suggestion. A flicker of surprise crosses her face—a princess sitting on the floor? The culture shock is real. But, with a sigh and a graceful movement, she lowers herself to the floor, sitting across from Axl.
"Alright, Princess. Start from the top. No more vague pronouncements about saving your kingdom. Lay it all out for me. Origins, Dream Eaters, the whole shebang."
Marvella nods, taking a deep breath. "Very well. It all began in Aetheris…" She launches into her story, and Axl has to admit, she's a pretty good storyteller. She speaks with a regal air, but there's also a genuine vulnerability in her voice that tugs at something inside him.
"Aetheris was once a peaceful kingdom, ruled by my parents, King Orion and Queen Seraphina. Our race is Somnari. Our people possess inherited traits that allow us to perform magical feats by manipulating the energy within our bodies, called Elysium."
Magic? Axl thinks, trying to keep a straight face. Okay, this is getting wilder by the minute.
Marvella continues, "Elysium is similar to Dreamflow, but Dreamflow is… purer. Everything in Aetheris was peaceful, until the Dream Eaters appeared and attacked our people. They were led by… Nocturne."
The name hangs in the air, heavy with dread. Axl can see the pain in Marvella's eyes as she speaks of this Nocturne character.
"The Dream Eaters were too powerful. Aetheris could not defend itself for long. My father gathered the greatest minds of the kingdom to create a solution. They created the Astra Coins and the Stellar Braces."
"So, that's where these things came from," Axl murmurs, glancing at the Coin in his pocket and the Brace in his hand. He remembers the power he felt when he first used it.
Marvella nods. "Unfortunately, the Dream Eaters advanced too quickly. We couldn't use the Astra Coins and Stellar Braces in time. My parents made a decision. They sent me to this world with the Astra Coins and Stellar Braces. To prevent Nocturne from taking them and to give Aetheris hope to defeat the Dream Eaters."
Axl feels a chill crawl up his spine as Marvella finishes her story. It's a lot to take in—dimensions, magic, dream-eating monsters. He's still not sure he believes all of it, but he can't deny the look in her eyes. She's terrified.
"So, who is this Nocturne guy?" Axl asks, trying to sound casual, but a knot of unease is forming in his stomach.
Marvella shakes her head. "I do not know, truly. He appeared suddenly, bringing with him the Dream Eaters."
She looks at him, her eyes pleading. "That is why I need your help, Axl. I need to save my kingdom."
Axl is quiet for a long moment, processing everything. Damn. That's... a lot. He scratches the back of his neck.
Marvella stares at him, awaiting his response.
He shakes his head. "Alright, so, what's the deal with this Dreamflow thing? You said I need it to use the Coin, right?"
Marvella nods. "Yes. In order to use the Astra Coin, you need to have large amounts of Dreamflow. It is the energy exuded by people with strong dreams and desires."
Axl pauses, thinking about his burning ambition to become a rockstar. "Wait a minute… So, that's why I can use it? Because I'm obsessed with my music?"
"It is possible that the Astra Coins respond to strong desires."
Axl recalls when Marvella tried to use the Coin earlier. He furrows his brow. "But then why didn't it work for you? You seem pretty dedicated to saving your kingdom."
Marvella's face falls. "I… I do not know," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. "Perhaps… perhaps I am not dedicated enough to my mission."
"What is your mission, anyway?
Marvella lifts her chin, her gaze resolute. "To take back my kingdom and stop the Dream Eaters. To restore peace to Aetheris."
Axl nods slowly. "Alright, I get it. Big dreams, big responsibilities. But let's be real, princess, that's your dream, not mine. I appreciate the story, I really do. But I've got my own problems to take care of. Aetheris is your problem, not mine."
"But—"
"Look, I'm not saying I don't feel bad for you. But I'm not some knight in shining armor. I'm a musician, not a hero."
Marvella's shoulders slump, and she looks defeated. "I understand… I cannot force you to help me."
Axl can't help but notice her dejected expression. Damn it, why do I feel so guilty?
He sighs. "Look, I know you're probably stuck here. You have no place to go, right? You can crash here for a bit, until you figure things out. But don't expect me to join your little war. I've got gigs to play, songs to write, and a rockstar career to build."
"Really? You would let me stay here?"
"Yeah, whatever. Just don't touch my guitar, and try to keep the place clean, alright?"
Marvella nods, a small smile gracing her lips. "Thank you, Axl. I appreciate it more than you know."
Axl turns away, avoiding her gaze. He can't shake the feeling that he's making a mistake. But he can't bring himself to care about another dimension. He has more important things to worry about, like getting his music career off the ground. Right?