Irene held both Calyx and Haze by the hand as they walked to her car, a sleek hydropower vehicle. Its aerodynamic design glinted under the night sky, with an exterior of silver that subtly shifted colors as it moved. The windows were made of smart glass, showing augmented reality displays and privacy settings. The car's wheels were concealed, giving it the appearance of hovering above the ground.
Inside, the car was equally impressive, with an ultra-modern cabin that featured customizable ambient lighting, holographic controls, and a retractable steering wheel that disappeared into the dashboard when the car was on autopilot.
The low hum of the car's engine cut through the silence as they began their journey. They pulled out of the headquarters' parking lot and onto the road, with Irene driving at a steady speed.
Calyx sat in the backseat, his eyes glued to the window as they drove through another part of the city. The night was almost over, and the sun would soon rise, yet the streets were still bustling with activity. Lit stores and restaurants were filled with customers, engrossed in their conversations and lives, while others walked with purpose and determination in their stride.
The car came to a slow stop at the side of the road. Irene then turned back to both boys in the backseat.
"I want to get something from the store. I'll be back in a minute, alright?" Irene said.
Haze and Calyx nodded in response as Irene unbuckled and exited the vehicle. Both boys watched as she walked into the store at the side of the road.
"Calyx," Haze began, calling Calyx's attention.
"Yeah," Calyx said, glancing at the store for a moment longer before turning to Haze.
"Do you think I can become a Quasar?" Haze asked, looking at Calyx with eyes that sought answers.
"I really don't know," Calyx replied, his gaze shifting back to the bustling streets outside.
"Yeah, that makes sense... I just really wish I could be one," Haze said, his voice tinged with disappointment.
"Why?" Calyx asked.
"Why? Because it's the greatest thing a person can be. Imagine being a powerful, unique hero, exploring the universe and even the edge of it. I've heard so many great stories, but I had thought it was impossible, until you..." Haze trailed off before Calyx interrupted.
"I don't think it was worth it, what I lost, I mean. If I had to choose, I'd rather not be one and still have my family," Calyx said, his eyes fixed on a group of individuals wearing long coats.
"Of course, it's definitely not worth that," Haze agreed, turning to look at the group Calyx was staring at.
They moved suspiciously as they set up a weird-looking device at the side of the street. Then one of them brought out what seemed like a megaphone.
"God's judgment has befallen this universe, but we must not run from it," the man's voice sounded loudly through the night, amplified by the megaphone.
"Those people..." Calyx's voice trailed off as his body tensed.
"Yeah, they seem off," Haze responded.
"This is divine punishment from Exar, and we must accept it because it is what we deserve. It will lead us to a new era," the man continued, as more and more people stopped to figure out what they were doing.
The device the group had with them glowed red and emitted subtle beeps.
Calyx's gaze shifted to Irene, who had just exited the store holding a couple of bags, walking past the group.
"That thing... it's Quasarite," Calyx said sensing it with intense clarity, the tension rising further. He wasn't sure of their intentions, but they seemed to possess contained Quasarite, and Calyx knew more than many what could happen if that was released.
"You all shall change and be reborn for the greater end, and the Starborn Cult shall be your guidance," the man proclaimed, his amplified voice echoing through the streets.
"No, Aunt!" Calyx exclaimed as he watched the unfolding events. He tried to exit the car, but the door were locked.
Suddenly, the individuals all fell and the device disappeared. The individuals now lay on the ground motionless, but it wasn't until the first sight of blood leaking from their bodies that all onlookers began to disperse with screams.
Irene also hurried away from the scene as fast as she could, quickly entering the car and driving off, while others dialed emergency services.
Most hadn't seen what happened, but Calyx did.
Those individuals were killed, extremely swiftly, and what perplexed Calyx even more was that their killers wore the same attire he had seen Quasars wear.
****
"Status report," requested the voice from the comms device.
"All three cult operations have been neutralized," came the response from one of the masked Quasars.
"How much can the members tell the police?" asked the voice.
"As much as a corpse can," the Quasar replied.
"Good job, hunters. Now find that bloody ethervore," the voice commanded.
"Understood, sir."