The control room was manned by only one of his droids that greeted us by saying "Welcome back master, I see you had a bit of a hiccup there." It's voice squealed at Red. "Not to worry, we have the coordinates for the closest path to the blue core although we may have one little problem"
"What is it?!" Dark Red roared at its subordinate.
"Well, sir our ship it not outfitted to land on earth and the teleport mechanism had a malfunction, so we have to keep this portal open to the surface otherwise we won't have an easy way of getting back." The minion explained. The more it talked, the cuter Alyster found the little robot. Maybe one of them would make a good friend, they thought.
"Well how far away is the path to the Core?" The leader asked.
"It's about 4000 to 5000 kilometres away on an island sir" It replied.
"Well then, guess we'll have to get there by one of earth's flying ships, what do you call those, birds? Metal-sky things?" Red questioned.
"Planes?" Alyster answered.
"Why yes, a plane! But first, human, I'd like you outfitted to be one with my crew!" Dark Red motioned at Alyster to follow him down a hallway to the armoury, full of different robot parts, bolsters and guns. At the end of the room there was a special workshop with a table and different bits of shields and suits. "Lie down, my outfitter will be here in a second. Maestro! Where are you?!" A door opened at their feet and a small, limber robot popped out. It had one eye fit with magnifying glasses on the side and instead of hands, it had scissors, lasers and other cutting and painting tools.
"What would you like today boss?" It chirped excitedly.
"I'd like you to make a suit of armour for my new soldier here. Something that matches the essence of their power. Alyster, if you will." He beckoned them to produce a small flame again, this one being easier to produce.
"Ah, a beautiful blue!" Maestro buzzed "And would you like it to match your garb as well?" He added.
"Yes, good on you for thinking of that! I'll be in the cafeteria now, bring them to me once you are done!" Dark Red commented. It was probably the first positive thing they had heard him say. Maybe this wasn't going to be all that bad after all. Maybe.
"What are you thinking of doing?" Alyster asked Maestro nervously.
"Oh, don't worry, I'll make you look ravishing! Just lay down and relax!" He hummed, grabbing a piece of a large shield, cutting it in half and painting it blue. "Seriously though, relax, this is gonna take a while." Alyster took his word and laid down, eventually falling asleep from their exhaustion on the cold, metal table. Their mind drifted and they found themselves dreaming. They were on a barren wasteland, the wind whistling through the hollowed buildings. They felt the heat on their skin and a warmth in their heart as they trekked by buildings they somewhat recognized. Coming close to their tent, they saw two figures in the distance, one entirely black and the other was similar but with a white shirt. Although they looked intimidating, Alyster somehow felt comforted by seeing them. They turned towards them but the figures passed out on the ground as they rose up, startled out of their dream by Maestro. "I'm finished! Take a good look at yourself!"
"What… how did you get this on me, I was asleep the whole time!" They said groggily.
"Oh, I gave you an anesthetic, I can put costumes easier on you humans when you're not moving! It does have some weird side effects though, like headaches, hallucinations, visions of the future, migraines!" Maestro rambled on and Alyster had to cut them off.
"Visions? No human medicine can do that!" They rebuked it outwardly, but inwardly they thought it would explain their dream. Before they could think more, Maestro beckoned them to get up in front of the mirror. They still had their black clothing on, but their entire figure was accentuated by blue-black armour. Their shoulders, chest and thighs were protected the most and instead of their converse, they had blue metallic boots.
"Now come along, I must take you to my liege" Maestro enticed, grabbing a blue mask in one and their hand. He lead them further down the hallway to the eating hall where Dark Red was at the far end of the table, feasting on some alien slugs and laughing with his droids. "Your eminence, the human's outfit is complete!" Maestro announced.
Taking one last bite, Red looked over and was impressed by Alyster's transformation. "Why Maestro, you've done it again! How do you feel Alyster?" He asked, ogling the outfit.
"I feel the same, but a little stronger. And almost braver." They replied, feeling mentally safer, like it was emotional armour as well. "I'm mostly just hungry right now though, can I have something to eat?"
"Of course" Red bellowed. "Go to my chef, he'll fabricate you any human food you want! After that, we will start your training." Alyster was thankful they didn't have to eat some alien grub and ordered some sushi along with a cup of green tea, their favourite. Eating enough to quell their hunger but mindful of their workout ahead, they ate a reasonable amount. Washing their hands and putting on the helmet Maestro gave them, they walked past the armoury again to a small arena. Red was waiting for them with a few of his droids, carrying different bolsters in their claws. "Ok Alyster, first lesson is dodging!" He commanded "Avoid the blasts and don't fire back for now!" Just like that, they were thrown into a routine with no warmup. The minions spread out on either side with their bolsters, claws on the trigger. "Now!" He ordered, the droid on the farthest end firing first, then the rest of them in a row. Alyster leaped in the other direction, above the line of fire and then landed on their stomach below. "Well, you did it but clumsily!" Red complained.
"Well, if you wanted grace, you should've recruited a dancer!" Alyster retorted, feeling rejuvenated by working out their strengths again.
"Hahaha, nice one!" He cackled. "Again, but don't be so predictable this time!" Dark Red commanded his droids. The one to his left fired and they swerved out of the way. They saw the next shot from the other side, crouched down and avoided the next shot by jumping over it. It was just like all the parkour they did in the city. All that fun was worth something after all. Getting used to the rhythm, they were able to duck the next few shots until one came out of nowhere, hitting their shin. With the armour though, it just dissolved into sparks. "Alright, now it's your turn to fire!" He commanded. Looking to his droids, he said "Shields up!" They followed suit building a wall for them to fire at, and Alyster focussed all their power into their hands. Each time it was getting easier to control. Building large flames in both of their hands, they swung their arm forward and let go of one orb, but it hit the roof. "Work on your aim, soldier!" He shouted forcefully. Alyster tried again, feeling when to let go of the flare and threw a little sharper. The next one ended up hitting half a shield and half of the wall. "Yes, keep going!" Red encouraged. They wound up their arm, replenishing their hand with more fire, and hit the shield dead centre. Alyster smiled and realized Dark Red was doing the same. They were feeling more and more comfortable here, even though deep down they knew it was wrong. In this moment though, they felt strong and safe as they wound up again with their other hand, lining their fist with the flame inside of them that wouldn't be put out. They blew a hole in every shield, blowing back each minion with more and more force. "You're getting stronger, my recruit. How about something a little more intimate now? Dipper, come here!" A taller droid with hands instead of claws came to Red's side, glaring at Alyster.
"Hello trainee." The unique minion droned. "We'll start with a series of punches and kicks, you can use your powers but I'd like to see what you can do with your strength alone." Dipper took a step back and asked "Understood?"
"I understand." Alyster replied. This felt just when the taekwondoe classes they took when they were little! Taking the same stance as Dipper, he swung his fists at them, dodging each one. They threw their fists back at them flame-free, missed one and landed two on his stomach. Dipper went for some low kicks, Alyster hopping over them and then he went up higher. With a high kick, his foot almost hit their chin but Alyster grabbed it and swung his leg back down. When it was their turn, they used their tough boots to do some damage to Dipper's armour and it worked pretty well.
"Alright, you seem fairly proficient with marital arts. Now let's do this like the real thing!" Dipper exclaimed. His voice was almost as deep as Red's but not quite. Instead of stepping back, he went in right with a punch to Alyster's abs, but they dodged it, rounding to his side and landing a few punches on his hips. He went for a back-kick trying to trip them up, but they bounced back, got in a quick stance and kicked up with one foot to get some air. Their other foot rose up to meet Dipper's neck and they were able to knock him down! "Well done Alyster." Dipper complimented. "Now I have one last test for you." He went to a table at the side of the arena and grabbed a bright blue gun. "Stay still for me now." he said alluringly. Alyster was entranced and obeyed his ridiculous command as Dipper aimed straight for their left hand. He pulled the trigger and in an instance a blue blur blasted towards them, encasing their hand in a ball of ice. "Now break free!" He challenged.
"Raise your hand and focus your power Alyster!" Dark Red encouraged, still watching from the side. Alyster raised their fist with a loud groan, narrowing all the energy they had to superheat their fist. The ice shone a bright blue and 'BOOM!' the ball exploded in two, revealing a blast of fire bigger than ever on their hand.
"Agh, it's so hot!" They felt like they almost burnt themselves for the first time, it was hot as magma! Flinching, they tried to control all the energy they were holding, trying to diffuse it and not let it go, for they might blow a hole in the ship. "What do I do!?" Alyster cried to Red and Dipper.
"Breathe, human!" Dipper cried. "Doesn't that usually calm you people down?" Alyster did their best to slow their breathing and soon the massive orb diffused. They were absolutely shocked, wiping their hot hand on their forehead full of sweat. It was hard work, what these aliens were putting them through but they finally felt like they were using their powers for something!
"Amazing work, my young warrior!" Dark Red complimented, clapping enthusiastically. Dipper and the other droids chimed in, and it felt like they were welcoming them as one of their own. Alyster took off their helmet, smiling for the first time that day. So many thoughts were swirling in their head, but they were interrupted by Red "Now come with me. You have lots to learn."
Walking out of the arena, Alyster stood alongside Red and asked "Like what?"
"About our plans" He answered. Walking to the control room, he continued "There is a mission I have been pursuing for eons, and now thanks to you I have the greatest weapon and hopefully, a new friend."
Alyster was taken aback over the implication that he considered them friends already! They still had so much hatred deep down in their heart, but every time they thought of that, of their old friend, it made them so weak. Red was making them feel so much stronger after he tore them down, and he made them feel valuable. "I think you should know humans choose their friends carefully." They finally said.
"I know, it's just a suggestion. I'm sure you will reconsider." He replied, attempting to persuade them. They walked into the control room, the window at the side looking over earth "For now, we have a mission! With you at my side, we will be unstoppable! You are no longer just Alyster! You are my comrade and with your knowledge of earth, you shall be my third-in-command!"
"Who's your second?" Alyster asked right away.
"Dipper, he's the best at combat!" Red answered. "Anyways, you are invaluable to me and I hope you will remain at my side, Dark Blue."
"Dark-what?!" Alyster said, astounded!
"Oh, excuse me young one" he said, kneeling down and grabbing their hand. "That is what I shall call you." Red said comfortingly. Now at eye level with them, he looked earnestly into their eyes and asked "Will you be Dark Blue?"
"Yea, I kind've like it." Alyster said, surprising themselves. "I will be Dark Blue."