Dante jumped out of the shower and attempted to towel himself off. It proved difficult due to his wings. After a few rips and tears, he was dried off enough. Wings were still dripping so he tried to shake, similarly to a wet bird, water droplets everywhere. He simply shrugged and moved on to the next step. Clothing. He darted from the bathroom to the semi-closed-off closet with a broken door where he kept his clothes. It was rather gratuitous in space for such a small studio apartment. Pants were the easiest to wear. They needed a belt though because they fell easily. Shirts however were a different story—each attempt at putting on a shirt ended with failure. His razor-like wings sliced through the threads like paper. Several slashed shirts later, it should have been obvious from the torn blanket that his altered form defied the constraints of ordinary clothing. Eventually, he abandoned the idea of shirts altogether and settled for pants. He stopped momentarily while getting dressed and thought about all the awkward moments in his life.

  “Random question…”

  Phantasm sighed, “Yes, Dante…”

  “You’ve been with me since… I was born, right? So… you’ve seen… everything I've seen?”

  It hissed in disgust, “I know where this is going, we don’t need to discuss it.”

  Dante pursed his lips and nodded, “Okay, yeah, good idea…”

  “Besides, we have bigger problems to worry about. That presence is still lurking. I can’t see it, but I know it is there… we should investigate immediately.”

  Dante poked his head out of the closet, prepared to face the presence, he glanced around his messy apartment to check. His senses were met with less than fresh clothes strewn about, dirty dishes piled up, and dust on all surfaces. His home truly was not fit for any living creature. He did a 360-degree check but did not see anyone that didn’t belong in his vicinity. He shrugged and then went about trying to clean up after himself. Each item he picked up, left him feeling saturated by it. It was a most despicable experience that left him feeling rather horrendous of himself.

  “Gah, how have I been living like this!?” He said in disgust.

  “Heh, it truly is ghastly,” a feminine voice adorably cackled behind him.

  Dante whipped around, startled to find Tyr lying on his bed with her hand holding her head. She simply tossed a strand of hair about, smiling and laughing at him. Clad in her cybernetic armor, radiating an ethereal light. Her eyes met his, and with a flip of her flowing ruby-red hair behind her, she stood to adjust her massive white wings and folded them behind her. A slight groan of relief was released as she stretched out her appendages.

  “Your bed is probably the worst thing I’ve laid on in quite some time,” she giggled.

  “How did you…” he stammered.

  “Hehe. Surely you know?” She laughed and approached slowly. Dante kept his distance, unsure of what to feel. He studied her for a moment. Stunned by her beauty, but also angry about what she did to him. She held her hands up non-threateningly. “I know, I know… I did something truly dreadful. I know that it must’ve hurt a lot, I know. Not only that, but I’m sure you have many questions. I will answer them to the best of my ability. I hope you will forgive me?” she said sweetly with her delicate hand on his shoulder.

  He looked into those swirling eyes and relaxed. There was no way he could hate her. How could he ever hate her? Unfortunately, she still had many things to answer, so he brushed her hand off. “I don’t know. I’m struggling with all this. Like these wings, nothing fits, everything is so… much different looking. I have so many thoughts now. More than ever. And now this cranky voice comes and goes.”

  “Grr” A growl emanated within his mind. “You’d be cranky too if you spent endless time in silence!”

  Tyr laughed, “Oh Dante, it does take some time to adapt, especially for a mortal human like you used to be.”

  He shifted uncomfortably, “So that means… ”

  “You are no longer a mortal human.” She smiled brightly.

  Duh, he thought, didn’t make it any more clear. “I still don’t understand why you did this.”

  “To awaken you. Both of you. To free you.”

  “Right…” he nodded, trying to understand what she was saying.

  “Yes, and I know of the one you speak.”

  “The one? You mean… you know what it is?”

  “Yes, the cranky voice you referred to. It doesn’t belong in this realm. It is from the void. A realm of nothingness. You see. I’ve been watching you and I feel its presence every day.” She explained.

  Phantasm gasped, “See, what did I tell you? Of course, she would know of me! She is someone who understands. She is the one, Dante!”

  “What do you mean she’s the one?”

  “She’s the one that can get me home! Of course, she does not belong here either!”

  Tyr approached, unfazed by his confusion and meandering, “Plus… I’ve grown quite fond of you.”

  Dante was beside himself, “Wait… you’ve grown fond of me?” He felt like he could blush if that were possible.

  “Yes… I hope you reciprocate.” She smiled hopefully, “Certainly, you’ve grown quite fond of me?”

  “Well… yeah, I mean… until you killed me.”

  She gasped, “I did not kill you. I freed you.”

  “So you say. Let me get this straight then, you came a while ago from somewhere, watched me the entire time, all to do this!?” He pointed at himself.

  She shifted and sighed, “If you must know, you weren’t exactly my primary assigned mission. I came from another realm, and I am looking for something. It is very dear to my sister.”

  His eyes widened, “There are more of you!?”

  “Oh yes, much more. But right now it’s just my sisters and me traveling together. The others, well,” her eyes shifted, “they’re somewhere else.”

  “I see, so your mission was to find something? What could be so important that you had to come here?”

  “If you must know, it’s an amulet.”

  Really? An amulet? Dante scoffed in disbelief. “So… you came from another realm… for a good luck charm?”

  “It’s not just any amulet, it’s an amulet that contains a dangerous force from another world. It is an ancient relic hidden within this world.”

  Dante raised a brow, “How and why is it here?”

  Tyr shifted, “That’s rather difficult to explain, but it can teleport itself, that’s how it got here.”

  “Ok, so…” Dante sighed in confusion, “About this thing in me.”

  Phantasm snarled, “I resent that.”

  “I believe the amulet has a certain power that can help.”

  Phantasm rasped impatiently, “A device! I think she’s right… trust her, Dante.”

  Dante’s eyes lit up, it seemed easy enough, perhaps a little too easy, “Alright, so what do we need to do? Where is the amulet?”

  Her Shoulders slumped, “It’s inside this world… but don’t worry, we have a way of extracting it.”

  “So you have a way, yet you haven’t been able to get it? Seriously, how many times have you tried?” He raised a brow.

  “Many, many times. Like I said. It teleports itself. But I think I found a way to get it once and for all with your help!”

  “Follow her. Do what she says.” Phantasm growled.

  He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, “So basically I help you get this amulet, and then you will help me with my little… problem?”

  The voice inside growled.

  “That is correct,” Tyr said gleefully.

  “And then I can get back here, and you can change me back?!” He was getting excited.

  Tyr became sad, “You… want to go back… to this, prison? You don’t want to be with me?”

  He stammered, “I, uh, look… I don’t know you. And you don’t know me. And we’re nothing alike. We’re not even from the same world!”

  She looked down, rather heartbroken, “but…”

  Phantasm became angry and caused a poke in Dante’s side, “Don’t blow your chance to get me home! Apologize! Now! And you may be forgiven…”

  Dante stammered, “I, uh, mean, let’s talk this out, okay? Let’s get to know each other before anything.”

  She looked up, her eyes glistened with happiness. “Yes, talking is good.”

  Dante decided to change the subject a little, to learn more about the being in front of him. “How… were you able to hide your features so well? I wasn’t able to do that at all…”

  Tyr giggled, “Yes, that was quite hilarious.”

  Dante felt embarrassed, “You saw all that!?”

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “Oh, calm down. It was humorous, wasn’t it? Seeing all those humans lose their ever-loving minds over you? I mean, look at this…”

  She extended her hand, and from a swirling purple fog, a familiar device materialized—its sleek screen resembling a smartphone. With a simple gesture, the display expanded and shifted, revealing a familiar and favorite website. A video showed Dante launching into the sky—only to come crashing down face-first.

  She let out a delighted chuckle, then replayed the clip. And again. Each replay brought another eruption of laughter, her amusement growing with every loop.

  Dante knew that was bound to happen and couldn’t help but crack a small smile as he, indeed, looked hilarious. “Ok… alright fine. That is funny. I’ll give you that. But yeah, you can change yourself?”

  “Yes, I can hide my features, stealth myself, and change my clothes at will. Like a chameleon. Watch.” Before his eyes, she wore her office attire and had no wings. Surrounded by the purple fog, she returned to her armored form.

  Dante was impressed, “Wow… can I do that?”

  She nodded happily, “Sure you can, but why would you want to? Don’t you feel like you’re on top of the world!?” She spun around with her arms open.

  His lip shifted, “Well, yeah…”

  “And as for your clothing problem. Here. You can create your own. Like this.” She waved her hands over her arms, which exposed her bare arms, and then waved her hand to place the armor back on. There was that slight purple fog again.

  “Whoa… that’s cool. Where does that stuff even come from?” His mind reeling at the impossibility of it all.

  She pointed at her module, “From the module. The module can do just about anything. It can make ordinary things like weapons, jewelry, and clothes. It also has some surprisingly sophisticated specialties. For now, just try something basic. Something more like you, or the person you want to be.”

  “Alright,” Dante tried, but it looked rather odd. The armor was plate-like and primitive; similar to ancient armor but with a cybernetic flavor. It was far better than dealing with ripped shirts, though, that was for sure. He covered himself from neck to toe in a white cybernetic armor material.

  Tyr excitedly put her hands together, “Very nice, Dante, how does it feel?”

  He motioned his body around, and it fit like a glove with a full range of motion, even though it had a primitive look compared to Tyr’s, “feels like it was made for me…”

  “Hehe, that’s because it was! It fits you nicely. So… think you can forgive me?” She batted her eyelashes.

  He smiled, “Yes, I forgive you. This power has its perks.”

  She moved closer and placed her hands on his shoulders, “and you’ll stay with me?”

  Dante shook his head, struggling to grasp her words. “I don’t know, it feels amazing and scary and confusing and–”

  Tyr placed a finger on his lips, “Tsk tsk, don’t worry if you stay with me, I, we can help you. We can show you how to control the power beyond your wildest dreams. Wouldn’t you like that? Plus, you know who will be free!”

  “Yes, go with her. It has been foreseen that the amulet is a catalyst, and you might not die in the process.” Phantasm explained.

  Dante froze, “Wait… what? Die?”

  It tried to cover it up, “Uh… I said too much. Forget that part.”

  He clenched his jaw, “No… I won’t forget that part! You just said I might die in the process!?”

  “Dante…” Tyr tried to touch his shoulder, but he pulled away.

  He lost all ability to reason in his mind. The fact that Tyr changed him into some god-like monster, with powers beyond his comprehension and control. Now the fact that he might die in the process of getting that cruel creature out of his body. It was too much and his anger was surging. That was something the module made different, emotional responses were much more powerful. Far more than any other force he had come to know. “No, I didn’t ask for any of this! You forced this on me and now I could die? I thought this power made me immortal?!” The module in his chest reacted, glowing with a pulsating light as his mind raged like a maelstrom. He balled his fists and tremors surrounded them. If his anger builds anymore, the apartment may collapse on top of them.

  Tyr unflinchingly grabbed his fists and held them close to her chest, against her calm glowing module. “I know this may seem overwhelming because of all that happened. You recently learned about the void being within, and I also interfered with you. And you barely know me. But I know you. I know everything about you. I know you wanted more than the life you had. You were wasting away, at a job you hated. A life you hated. A prison you couldn’t escape from by any human means. I have provided that freedom. This is a capability to understand all things. And yes, you are immortal. Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out. Together!”

  Dante pulled away and held his head in his hands, “Can’t you just take him out and get him home? I can’t do this. I don’t want to die!”

  Tyr tried to empathize, but facts were facts, “Like I said… we need the amulet to attempt it. It’s not for sure, but it's the next best step.”

  Dante pulled away and sat on the couch, “Not for sure? I think I feel sick…” His module pulsed again, his body trembling, his psyche was about to fall apart at any moment, “No, I need to be alone… This is too much.”

  Tyr sat beside him, her warmth radiated around his body. She was soothing to be around. Her positive energy filled his mind and spirit. She inched closer to him. “Dante…”

  “What… am I?” He asked with his head in his hands.

  She placed her hand on his shoulder. “You are like me, the module made you like me.”

  He looked into her compassionate eyes, “But you’re not of this world. So what are you?”

  Tyr touched his chin to alter his perspective, “Look for a moment. What do you see?”

  He looked around his studio, “A crappy, embarrassing apartment… that desperately needs to be cleaned… I’m sorry for the mess…”

  Tyr leaned back and bellowed an intoxicating giggly laugh. It was the most adorable sound that made him forget his troubles and caused a smile. She then faced him again, “For real this time, look again, look at my face, what do you see?”

  Dante’s gaze motioned around her face, and her physical form faded into immaculate colors. Then he focused on those colors; like looking into an ever-changing kaleidoscope. After a moment, her face focused into view, “There were a lot of colors…?”

  Tyr grabbed his hand again and held it gently, her warm hands caressing his. This precious moment came calmly as he continued to gaze into her face, colors brightened, beauty eternally radiant. Her eyes glowed and swirled with intensity, her ruby lips sparkled as she smiled. Her cheeks, soft yet hard as porcelain, emitted a faint glow. She was a being of many vibrant colors, “What do you think?”

  He was mesmerized, “You’re kaleidoscopic…”

  Tyr nodded, “Hmm, kaleidoscopic, fitting.”

  He shook his head, “Yeah, but kaleidoscopes are merely toys. You look through them and turn to see different colors. You are not some mere toy.”

  She was flattered by his words, “Indeed. I suppose you could say I am a Goddess. But not as you know of them through your world’s myths.”

  He nodded and chuckled, “Right, you’re not of this world… are you an angel?”

  “No, I am not an angel. But I am something.” She stretched out her hand, displaying that it was non-human. “Something you mentioned.”

  “What?”

  “The word you used, ‘Kaleidoscopic’, is what we are.”

  “You are a Kaleidoscope?”

  She was always laughing, even when things weren’t all that funny. If anything, she was the Goddess of Love and Happiness. “No silly, I am a Kaleidoscopian.”

  Dante shook his head, “Kaleidoscopian huh, that is fitting. Honestly, I’m not surprised by this, ever since I met the real you. If you told me this yesterday, I would’ve thought you were nuts. I mean, I did think you were nuts until about now.”

  Tyr, caused her armor to disappear, allowing him to feel more of herself instead of the armor. She wore a white silk-like material for a shirt. She hugged him tightly. “You are so kind!” she said sarcastically.

  Dante felt warm, caressed, and loved so profoundly. He then made his armor disappear and hugged her back. She was soft yet firm. Her beautiful wings, like his, silky and sharp.” He let go of her and looked into her swirling eyes again. He could stare into them for an eternity, if possible. A decision was made. “Alright… I’ll go with you. It sounds like I don’t have a choice, either I go with you and possibly die. Or not go with you and be tortured by a cranky old thing.”

  Phantasm poked him from within.

  Tyr smiled ecstatically, “I’m so happy!” She said as she jumped up and put her armor back on.

  Dante looked around at his shabby apartment as he put his armor back in place. He thought about the world he lived in and about how much he didn’t belong anymore. It was especially true after being transformed. Besides, Phantasm gnawed at every thought, there would be no way for him to live in peace with that thing living inside of him. If anything, he could at least get the creature out of his body if he helped her. He might die in the process, but it’s better than an eternity living with a cranky dimensional nightmare. And if he didn’t die, he would always be with this beautiful creature forever. She was so lovely and sweet, unlike anyone he had ever met. That made his mind up to at least give it a try.

  “Yes… I want to help you. If not to get this thing home. And then, we’ll see what happens. Yeah?”

  Tyr gave him another big hug and kissed his cheek, “Thank you! You won’t regret it!”

  He was in disbelief, but somehow it all made some sense. She is the only one who can help him at this point. His curiosity wrestled with his apprehension. “So… now what?”

  “We must go to the Celestia, it is our way through time and space.”

  His eyes glistened at the thought, he always wanted to be an astronaut when he was a kid. He felt excited, “like a spaceship?”

  She nodded, her gaze unwavering. “In primitive terms, yes, a spaceship. It is so much more though. Trust me. You’ll see!”

  Dante took a deep breath, his eyes lingering on her and the disarray of his apartment. Her eyes were gentle but insistent that they needed to go now.

  Dante was confused, “Wait… it is a spaceship? But… what about the amulet?”

  Tyr nodded, “that’s why we need the Celestia. You’ll see! It’s what can extract it!”

  Reluctantly, he nodded, his expression conflicted but hopeful. He still couldn’t shake a feeling, deep inside him, that something was not right. What else could he do though? His choices were almost made up for him.

  Dante motioned his palm towards the front door, “Well, lead the way.”

  Tyr became giddy, bounced, held his hand, and gently pulled him with her. It was amazing to be around her. More so than anyone else. Even though death and uncertainty loomed ahead.

  Tyr took 2 steps to the door and stopped.“Do you feel that?” Her eyes darted to the door. Dante’s eyes followed.

  Multiple men and women were near the front and back doors. Then he saw them through the walls, hundreds of men and women, some with guns; semi-automatic assault rifles and combat shotguns to be exact. And some with cameras recording the scene from far away. Those with firearms were surrounding the complex.

  The front door of the apartment burst open with a thunderous crash. Several of them stormed in, officers in body armor, their guns drawn and aimed at Dante and Tyr. The sudden intrusion disrupted the fragile calm that had settled between them. The 2 godlike beings stood without a trace of weakness. They appeared tall as they were surrounded. The officers looked at each other and back at the beings, unsure what they were looking at or what to do next.

  Dante and Tyr exchanged a brief, knowing glance. “You don’t want to do this,” Dante said, his voice steady despite the tension.

  Tyr’s demeanor remained serene, her radiance and white wings added to her commanding presence. “We’re leaving, and no one needs to get hurt.”

  The officers hesitated, their weapons still trained on them, but the insurmountable power emanated from Dante and Tyr, forced a reconsideration. Slowly, they lowered their assault weapons, allowing the two to pass without further conflict. As the silence surrounded them, the people could do nothing but stare. Shocked, marveled, mesmerized, hypnotized, the Kaleidoscopians had that kind of effect on them. Beyond any measure of understanding, the humans helplessly watched them walk by.

  As Dante and Tyr stepped out into the cool late morning air, Dante took one last look at the chaotic scene inside his apartment. The armored men and women – unable to speak, unable to move – silently stared at him. It was then that he knew, he could never return to the world. He could never reintegrate with humanity because he lost his humanity. But on the other hand, he didn’t think that was such a bad thing. Was the world worth going back to? Was all this worth staying for? Just to be harassed by some cruel void creature for eternity. He turned back to see Tyr’s glistening face and swirling eyes. That moment hit him. He didn’t want to go back. Not when he had her and all the mystery that surrounded her, his power, and the creature within.

  Ahead was a massive camera crew. Every one of them stared at the 2 beings in shock. They couldn’t believe their eyes and could not look away. Cameras were rolling, capturing every moment. Tyr took Dante’s hand and with a smirking smile, they launched into the sky. An explosion of energy and a synchronized display of strength they defied gravity. The awe-struck people watched helplessly as the pair soared to the sky. Together, they embarked on a destination to the Celestia. His home city faded below them as he left behind the mundane and embraced the extraordinary. He knew his old life was gone.

  Within his core, there was a sense of despair. He had a sneaking suspicion that her sisters were not one to be trifled with. An ominous sensation rushed through him, and he was headed straight for the cause. Or perhaps it was just anxiety similar to meeting the parents for the first time. He wasn’t sure what to feel. But what he did know was something did not feel right.

  Phantasm whispered, “It won’t be easy you know.”

  “What?”

  “Turning your back on your home.”

  “Ah… right because…” Dante said thoughtfully.

  “You weren’t forcibly removed from it. Every choice has a consequence. Let’s just see how this goes. Right?”

  “Right.”