The Dark Wand: Galaxy Overload, #2

By Lucas DeAndreis

Peace is shattered when a celestial wizard descends upon Kaethe, Sean, and Tuck with news of an impending universal war. Khaldüm, the malevolent God of death, has ignited a rebellion, prompting the urgent search for gifted descendants of light. Fear grips Kaethe, Sean, and Tuck as they are on the list to be drafted into this war, their lives about to be turned upside down. Meanwhile, Kordusa and Alayan are drawn into the clutches of insanity. With King Morrow of Hell, a twisted deity, pulling the strings and the flesh from his subjects, their loyalties, and sanity hang by a thread. As chaos engulfs Heaven and Hell, the horrifying fate of those closest to Roy descends him into madness, with him destroying everything in his wake. With shifting alliances and a menacing King on the loose, everyone must fight for their survival and that of their world, knowing that even those they once trusted may have succumbed to darkness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lucas DeAndreis
• Release date: Oct 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223134893

Lucas DeAndreis

Lucas DeAndreis was born in San Mateo, California in 1996. He's a financial analyst by profession and an avid reader and writer by heart. Ever since going to this astronomy camp as a little kid, he's long harbored a passion for astrophysics and the wonders of the universe, which helped shape this story. He's been writing stories since he was little and now he gets to share his third novel in the Galaxy Overload series, Battle For Alara, as an author. When he's not writing he loves playing with his dog who was the inspiration behind the creature Roary in the first novel.

Book preview

Prologue

Cosmo was a man of the people. Like any politician, he would take the credit while accepting the blame. But most of the time, especially in this age, it was all the credit. Soaking in the glory and feeling responsible for citizens returning to their planets with enough resources to feed their families a hundred lifetimes over gave him great pleasure. But in reality, it was mostly pain. People would cry themselves over every appearance he attended in thanks for what they thought he did. They all thought they got to go back to Earth with enough land for themselves again because of Cosmo. They all thought they weren’t forced to go to live on some god-forsaken planet against their will anymore because of Cosmo. They all believed he was the one who founded the great planet Alara which acted as the hub for all lives to thrive in the galaxy. They believe in the false idea that they are alive today because of him. Why? Because he’s the face. The leader. And everyone apparently needs that in their life to live by.

Cosmo sat in his office in silence with his hands pressed against his face. He took a deep breath, readjusting his glasses as though something was wrong with them. He looked incredibly worn down. His tie was crookedly misplaced and he looked like he hadn’t had a haircut in years.  ‘’W-why don’t they believe in supernatural existence? Why don’t they believe in something greater than a mortal being...’’ Cosmo talked to himself frequently. ‘’Why do they think I’ve done this?’’ Being a scientist first and foremost, he always pondered the great mysteries of the universe but to this day the people not believing in the truth was his greatest mystery. So much so it really battered his soul to the core. No one wanted to believe in magic, Godly beings, and the supposed nonsense he spewed in his speeches. No one wanted to believe in miracles. They just didn’t want to hear it. They were actually content in believing a false reality as long as it was a reality that suited them. ‘’They don’t know...’’ Cosmo emerged from his chair grimacing as though he’d been sitting for days. ‘’They still don’t...’’ He stretched the tight muscles that made him stiff as a board. He walked over to the window which oversaw the entire capital of Alara. It was such a magnificent view, it always did wonders in clearing his mind. ‘’But they’ll know...’’ Suddenly, Cosmo’s lips began to curl and a warm smile sprouted across his face. He even chuckled a little as he continued to think to himself. ‘’Oh yes...’’ It was almost like he knew something special was on the horizon. ‘’They will know soon enough...’’

Chapter 1

The air was dusky on this day in Alara. The type of color that spells an uncomfortable feeling. An anxiety that you couldn’t explain. There was a seamless peace felt on the planet, though with the cool breezes along the trees and the rivers flowing strong. Birds of all shapes and sizes chirped all day and night in harmonic rhythms that danced through the air in its music. A luscious green seemed to color the crops like a brush of paint. It had been peaceful since the day the planet had erupted into smithereens that devastated all humanity. There had been challenges but none as terrible as what the Galaxy had to deal with before the great planet, Alara. Those days of panic, starvation, and death seemed like a distant memory. Things felt as though they would be alright. That things were going to be okay. But there was still this lingering uncomfortable feeling that people couldn’t shake. A sharp anxiety bristled in the heart.

There was a giant mansion located on the outskirts of the planet. Nestled amidst the towering windy trees. It seemed like a place that didn’t want to be seen or found on purpose. It was an odd location to live. Inside were multiple aliens in the living room getting ready for something of great importance. The aliens themselves had dark gray skin so wrinkled it resembled that of a century old person. Their anatomy consisted of hosed snouts that dripped down their face, with hunched over backs as if they were tipping over. They were scary. Giving off a very uncomfortable vibe. They looked as though they were waiting for something or someone. Soon a door opened down the hall and a tall, broad alien of the same kind came out. His stature and confidence filled the room and they bowed a little in his presence. He was a man of great importance to these people but he had seemed nervous based on the look of his face. They all were. Something big seemed to be going on. No dialogue was spoken either. Nods, eye stares, and gestures were the only communication being made. They all knew what was to be done. The head alien, of which everyone seemed to revolve around, exited the mansion with his followers surrounding him as he got into his luxurious hover vehicle. Soon the ignition started and the car took off leaving a dust storm below. But something strange happened from this. A tiny device out of nowhere zoomed beneath the ground and magnetically stuck to the bottom of the car and started to beep with a red indicator light. It was a tracking device of some sort.

Up top amidst the flowing bristles of the plump trees, a cloaked being in a dark hood stood to watch. A person of great patience and power. It held binoculars and watched the aliens below, taking in their every move. Once the vehicle zoomed out of view, the mysterious cloaked figure sprung from the tree, landed on a mini hover vehicle almost like a scooter, and took off after them. It was dark out so it made it easy to keep themself hidden as it trailed behind. And the breeze was so strong that the sound of gusts of wind canceled out any motorized noise. But as the chase went on roars in the distance began to be heard. Clammers, screams, and cries sounded off and the vehicle with the important alien was headed straight for it. And before he knew it the vehicle had arrived. There was a sea of crazed monsters in the fields. Their agitated roars clouded the peace in the skies. Over yonder was a tower with armed men standing guard. The crowds of aliens ranged from the snarly and nasty to the brutish. There wasn't a nice-looking fellow in the crowd.

The head alien sat in his vehicle and closed his eyes. The roars made him nervous so he gathered himself before exiting.

‘’Orost?’’ Said one of the followers. ‘’Sir?’’

‘’Mm?’’ Said the important alien. He went by the name of Orost.

‘’Eternity is waiting,’’ replied the follower.

Orost nodded slightly and with one final breath he opened the latch and with that a booming cheer of excitement. He waved to the crowd which ignited a louder force. He walked up to the stage where there sat a podium and microphone.

Unknown to everyone, the hooded figure from before made a detour. It went the route of the tower that was near. Two guards stood by the entrance.

‘’Hey, you can’t...’’ the hooded figure shot the two instantly. Not killed but stunned to sleep. It continued through and made its way up the tower.

Out front Orost would make his speech. ‘’The time is now eternity! The time is now my great people!’’  The crowd went wild. ‘’Why should the good people of this great organization have to suffer on a planet that promised Peace! Equality! Harmony! Why do we suffer and get reaped from the benefits promised while the corrupt politicians in office are the only ones who benefited from what we were gifted in Alara! The planet is not theirs to take! It is ours! Our right! Eternity’s right! You’re right!’’ Each word uttered was a surge of energy that erupted through the crowd more and more. It was a frenzy.

While Orost continued his speech the cloaked being made its way through the tower. A man was casually pacing and the cloaked person took him out stealthily and left him unconscious on the ground. Another guard popped up out of view but the mysterious cloaked being reacted quickly and sent a stun blast straight through the guards neck. Both men were unconscious. The cloaked person took the stairs which led up the narrow pathway. Two more guards with snipers stood ahead, standing watch and protecting Orost’s blindsides. They discovered the cloaked being coming through the door but two quick blasts to the chest stunned them and they both collapsed. There was a ledge up top and a man positioned himself for a shot straight at the hooded figure, but the mysterious person sensed this and dodged the shot before it struck. It climbed the ledge, grabbed the gunman's weapon, and smacked him square in the head, which sent him down. The being bent the weapon’s nozzle to immobilize the gun right before the guard. The cloaked being dropped the gun as the guard tried to crawl away in a panic. The cloaked person walked slowly to the crawling body and finally, the guard took out a small dagger from his leg pocket and tried to attack but the cloaked being grabbed his arm, twisting it with force, and broke it like a twig. The guard writhed in pain and the being grabbed the knife and threw it down, right next to his head. If his arm being broken hadn’t already scared the crap out of him, the knife did. The cloaked figure walked around to the stairs and continued up the building. While at the very top of the tower the cloaked being set up its sniper rifle which glimmered in its high-tech wonder. It looked like a powerful tool of destruction. Readying its stance, the cloaked person looked into the sniper rifle's scope and saw Orost giving his speech. The cloaked being aimed at his head.

Orost continued his speech. ‘’You deserve better, my people! It should be us who take what the planet offers! It should be eternity! And it will. Believe my words when we all will get what we deserve. We will take what is ours. We will eliminate the cancer of our planet known as Cosmo. We will eliminate the corrupt politicians and transform it into a society of our own! One where eternity comes first! One where we rule the planet! And the Galaxy! And then we will free the dark lord...’’ The people cheered at this. These were the same crazed crime-ridden people that tricked Sean, Tuck, and Roy in that alley on Earth. Terrible people. ‘’People, our time is now! Our time is now! Our time is...’’

BANG!

A shot fired like a cannon in the distance and hit Orost in the shoulder, sending him down. Pandemonium broke loose in the crowd with panicked screams. Chaos ensued and it was worse because the guards had no idea where it had come from.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Rapid-fire shots echoed in the air and hit guards on the ground which only caused more chaos. People fled for their lives, bumping into each other and guards were so scared they fired randomly in the distance not knowing where the gunman was. One by one, the guards tumbled down like dominoes in a series of thuds. It was like lightning raining down from the heavens but striking precisely on target to the people below. It was becoming so intense even guards started running for their lives. Everyone dispersed until it was just Orost left conscious lying in a puddle of his own blood. And soon when the crowds fled for their lives Orost was the only one in the vicinity. Alone.

Well not alone...

The hooded being made its way down the tower and once down it took its time to walk to the injured Orost. Orost crawled his way to a gun but before he could grab it a white blast of energy blew away the weapon before he could. The hooded person took out a white wand and pointed it at Orost. The cloaked person took off its hood, and a soft yet strong and determined face stood beneath. It was a girl and a pretty one at that. It was Kaethe. She was a year older and the age showed. Or perhaps it was just her improved confidence that made her seem older.

‘’Orost?’’ Kaethe said. Orost said nothing. He panted in fright. ‘’Are you, or are you not?’’ Finally, it looked like Orost would speak but refrained. He gathered the saliva from his throat and spit at Kaethe’s face.

‘’You kill the leader and then what? Huh?! Darkness will still consume us. Something is coming. Something far worse than just us. Than just eternity. We will rise, young one. Eternity is not done! We are not!...’’ Before he could finish a white energy beam blasted his face and decimated him altogether. Orost was done. Beaten.

‘’It looks like you are,’’ Kaethe said as she put the wand back in her waistband. She took a slight breath of relief and stared at the carnage. There were bodies laid all over the ground. It was a little depressing to her but people like this had to be stopped and Kaethe knew that. She took out a device from her pocket. It was spherical and once she pressed the switch a hologram of an old man warped into view. Cosmo.

He was very nervous. Gasping for breath, it looked like he hadn’t slept in days. He stuttered over himself. ‘’I-is, is, is it...’’

‘’It’s done... It’s done, sir. Eternity is done.’’ Cosmo’s face was full of shock. ‘’Once and for all. They won’t be terrorizing Alara again,’’ responded Kaethe.

‘’Astonishing! Haha!’’ Cosmo sat back in his chair and breathed the biggest sigh of relief. He laughed in an outward cry. The wrinkles filled his face with glee. ‘’Absolutely astonishing... I always knew there were people like you. I always knew there were higher beings. As long as Alara has its sorcerer to protect it, we can rest easy at night.’’

Kaethe forced herself to smile but really wanted to just get off the call and go home. ‘’It was nothing sir, hehe.’’ She forced out a laugh, but Cosmo was too happy to care. ‘’Uh, you better send a team to apprehend the unconscious. Many people here are still alive, just stunned out cold.’’

‘’They’re already on their way,’’ Cosmo said, smiling. ‘’Why don’t you come to Capital Hall and we’ll host a ceremony in your honor and award you the highest award. The medal of...’’

‘’N-no thank you.’’ Kaethe cut him off. ‘’I-I kind of just want to go home.’’ Even though Kaethe looked more confident, she was still humble. She was shy in nature and an introvert at heart and didn’t like all the hoopla. Being home in comfort and reading a book alone were the things that excited her.

Cosmo smiled once more to reassure her. ‘’Thank you, Kaethe. On behalf of Alara, we thank you.’’ Cosmo saluted Kaethe and Kaethe saluted back.

The call ended and Kaethe sighed. She could finally relax. Being on calls with politicians was stressful. Socialness was not something she liked. It gave her anxiety. Even if it was a  simple ‘’hello’’ type call. It was always hard. She’d rather just go on missions and be left alone. But now Kaethe could go home and relax with the mission complete. Kaethe got on her hover scooter and tapped the gears to zoom off into the distance. Not turning back.

It was a short ride home. Not in the distance but it felt that way. Kaethe had a lot on her mind and those thoughts made the ride go faster. She had just taken down the most dangerous terrorist group on the planet single-handedly but acted like she was going home after a nine-to-five job. Other things dwelled deep in her that seemed far more important.

She arrived at her place at a good time. Although there didn’t seem to be any house or apartment in the vicinity. There was only this tree and nothing else. She parked her scooter below and climbed the branches to the top. The branches warped around oddly. The branches cradled this small hut-like house almost like a mother cradling a baby in her arms. Up top nestled in between was Kaethe’s place. Far above the ground and deep within the branches was her home. A very small and quaint home. You’d think a person of her caliber would live in a mansion in the middle of the spotlight. But not Kaethe. She liked having a small apartment away from everyone. She didn’t care for money or fame. It all seemed too stressful to her. She just wanted peace and comfort. Happiness.

Kaethe walked straight in. When the sliding door closed from behind she stood there quietly at first. She took a big sigh. She hadn’t eaten all day and she still wasn’t hungry. She sat in the chair next to her and decompressed. Hand over her face she sat there, slumped in silence. Not moving an inch. It was a little concerning. Even though she enjoyed the solitude of her life she still looked sad.

Kathe wasn’t hungry but she knew she needed to eat. She grabbed a dry biscuit from the cupboard, walked to the window, and gazed up at the stars. There was no chair so she just plopped down on the ground. She didn’t care at this point. Kaethe wasn’t an emotional person but something was taking hold of her. She tried to ignore the feelings by biting into the biscuit. The dry dough from the bread made a knot in her throat. She sat there alone in the middle of her place on the ground. It didn’t feel good.

‘’Where are you, Roy? It’s been a year and you haven’t come back,’’ Kaethe said as she broke off another piece of bread. Tears welled in her eyes. ‘’Don’t you care...’’ A tear streamed down her cheek as she played with the biscuit in her fingers. She fiddled and crumbled it together trying to avoid her feelings. She took a big saddened sigh. ‘’Why can’t I just move on...’’

Out of nowhere with a flash of light, a beam shined through her window. It blinded her momentarily and then a big monstrous noise rumbled in the air. It felt like an earthquake and the place shook as if it were going to collapse. Something was coming and Kaethe sensed this danger. Running for her life she grabbed her wand.

Chapter 2

There Kaethe was with a million terrible thoughts running through her mind as she braced herself for impact. Did someone from eternity follow her? No one knew of this hideout. It was quite jarring. She never wanted her work to be taken home. Her house nestled in the trees was her peaceful sanctuary. But not anymore. With a constant rumble and engine blaring loud, it seemed like something was about to smash into her home! Branches broke off and scattered down the house, scratching at the windows in the eeriest way. Kaethe stared, her eyes locked on the door. Soon the noises would stop and it was only up to the first person to make the next move.

Long moments passed...

Kaethe breathed heavily. The sweat dripped down her forehead like drops of rain. BANG BANG BANG the door shook from its force. It barged open and felt like a burglary. Someone charged in like a frenzy about to attack!

‘’Conjúra!’’ Kaethe charged her wand and ran forward.

‘’Where the hell is your bathroom! Holy crap, I gotta! Whaaa!’’

Kaethe stopped dead in her tracks. And to her annoying surprise, it was Tuck. ‘’Tuck?’’

Tuck did a weird dance to prolong his pee from coming out. ‘’I’m gonna say this only once more Kaethe! Once more! Where is the god damn...’’ Tuck noticed a room in the corner. ‘’Bingo!’’ Tuck ran into the bedroom.

‘’You idiot that’s the bedroom!’’ Kaethe yelled.

Rummaging was heard on Kaethe right. It sounded like it was in the Kitchen. ‘’Jesus, Kaethe don’t you got anything to eat around here?’’

‘’Sean? You too?!’’ Kaethe snarled.

‘’All you got are these crappy doughy biscuits. They suck!’’ To his disappointment , Sean still kept eating them. ‘’Rmrmrm.’’ He grumbled with his mouth full. ‘’You should go to the store and get something better.’’ He went into the fridge and pulled out a beverage. ‘’Man you really should keep up with the dishes, just look at that’’ Sean walked over to the couch and turned on the holographic TV.

At this point, Kaethe was so annoyed that she looked like her head would pop. ‘’W-why have you idiots, why...’’ Kaethe was on the verge of exploding.

‘’Oh man!’’ Out came Tuck from the bedroom. ‘’That was good...’’ Oblivious to the fact that he wasn’t in the bathroom.

‘’Tuck?! What have you done?!’’ Kaethe was pissed.

‘’Don’t worry, I’ll never again drink another Jumbo Tutti frutti gulp! By the way Kaethe your toilet is clogged.’’ Tuck said as he stretched a little. ‘’May wanna get a plumber.’’

Kaethe’s anger boiled. ‘’GET OUT!’’ Kaethe glowed a little and her wand even more. Her place quaked a little too. The energy build-up from inside her was ready to explode.

‘’Jeez, Kaethe, take it easy! We just came to see our old friend. It’s been a while,’’ said Sean.

‘’I said get out!’’ Kaethe wasn’t having it.

‘’Aw come on Kaethe!’’ Tuck said as he stuffed his face. ‘’Rmrmrrmrm...’’ Tuck said with another mouth full of Kaethe’s crappy biscuits. ‘’Rmrmrmrm, rmrmmrmr! Mum, mum!’’ The crumbs went down to his belly as he pleaded with Kaethe. He looked so pathetic. No one could even understand him either.

Even Kaethe had to laugh a little at Tuck’s buffoonery. She shook her head. ‘’Do you guys just make a living out of bugging the crap out of people?’’

‘’Yea pretty much. Except on Saturdays. Those are our off days,’’ Sean said. Kaethe gave up, sat on the couch next to Sean, and sighed as she stared at the TV. Tuck, still rummaging through the kitchen. ‘’Hey, you okay? You seem a little down? And where’s Alayan?’’

‘’Oh he’s just chasing Kordusa around,’’ Kaethe said as she repositioned herself on the couch. ‘’I haven’t seen him in a while actually. Still thinks he can get Kordusa to train him. He just won’t give up.’’

‘’Oh, so that’s why you’re upset then.’’ Sean looked over at Kaethe’s expression but it didn’t add up. ‘’No, it’s not that.’’ Sean focused a little harder and saw it clear as day. ‘’It’s Roy isn’t it?’’

Kaethe’s head drifted down. " It’s just. It’s been a year now and still nothing. I just hope he’s okay. That’s all I wanna know.’’

‘’Jeez, it’s been a year already? Man. Still seems like yesterday when I found that crazy hunter boy on Pluto. I’m sure he’ll turn up soon, Kaethe. I’m sure of it,’’ Sean put an arm on her shoulder.

All Kaethe could say was ‘’yeah’’.

Tuck came out of the kitchen with three mugs. ‘’It’s nothing a little hot cocoa can’t fix.’’ Tuck passed the mugs out.

‘’Wow thanks,’’ Kaethe said in a raised sense of happiness. ‘’I didn’t even know I had cocoa.’’

‘’Oh you don’t. That’s me. I keep cocoa packets on me just in case,’’ Tuck responded.

‘’In case, what?’’ Kaethe was confused.

Tuck scratched his head. ‘’Y-you know, in case.’’

Kaethe sighed at his weirdness and just turned back toward the TV. ‘’You know maybe it’s not all that bad that you idiots stopped by today. I’ve been feeling a little lonely lately to be honest and...’’

Creeeeawwwh! Wroooouh!

Up top on the ceiling a force pounded the place downward. Kaethe jumped up. ‘’What the hell is that?!’’ It crashed itself on top. A blaring noise was also heard. It sounded like a foghorn but with whispers and slithers from a snake. The noise was immeasurable. It was dark in its tone. What made matters worse, there was a smashing force on all sides of the place. A loud pounding like a jackhammer booming in all directions.

‘’Did someone follow you?!’’ Kaethe turned to Sean.

‘’No! No one!’’

‘’Did someone follow you?!’’ Kaethe’s intensity heightened.

‘’I swear! No!’’

‘’Get behind me!’’ Kaethe took out her wand. The glow in power sizzled in its core. The booms got closer and closer. Louder and louder. Whoever or whatever it was, was about to come. Kaethe readied herself as if she was about to fight to the death. And unexpectedly the last boom came from the window. The glass broke making a loud crashing noise and a body zoomed in and barreled down to the ground knocking over Kaethe, Tuck, and Sean.

‘’Jesus christ! How does anyone enter a place like this!’’ Whatever it was, it spoke. Before Kaethe could fire her weapon she stopped dead in her tracks. This cloaked person was dressed in white with thin gold lines along the edges and a hood that wasn’t on. A large wand, the same as Kaethe, rested in his hand. He was a wizard for sure. Although he didn’t quite look so enchanting. He had chubby cheeks and a beer belly. Not