Felix slowly looked around and saw how tense everyone's faces had become. Kraden's was positively shaking with fear.
"Go on",said Jenna slowly, "Push it".
Felix stared at the pillar and wondered why he was the leader. He always had to do all the work…
By this time, Kraden was dying of suspense. No one took any heed of him.
Felix slowly pushed the pillar into the groove. They all jumped back as it happened for the second time.
The statue of the archer released his arrow, it bulleted at high speed until it pierced the backside of the statue holding up the aerie.
"That has got to hurt", Sheba said at long last.
"It does look quite painful, yes", said Piers.
"Well I'm glad I'm not a full time statue at a lighthouse anymore", said Kraden, to everyone's surprise.
"Um, did I justunderstand that you used to be a statue?" said Jenne incredulously.
"In this very lighthouse, in fact. I had a choice between this or Mercury, but I love PURPLE!" said Kraden.
" Then why didn't you just stay that way?" replied Jenna. The thought of her annoying teacher as a statue! It was more than she could bear.
"It was boring. But being back here is like going home after a long time. Aren't you happy I came back?" said Kraden.
"We, uh, do find ourselves very, um, fortunate to have your enlightening yet everlasting presence around", said Piers, after and uncomfortable moment.
There was silence. Then everyone looked expectantly and Felix.
"Well now the aerie's up, why don't you just chuck the Jupiter star in?" said Sheba, "you should be getting used to this by now."
Felix merely shook his head.
"Why not?" everyone asked in unison.
Felix then did a seriesof complicated hand actions, which made him look as though he had a back itch he couldn't quite reach. He then sighed and looked at all the blank faces around him. He threw everyone a sinister frown. Jenna and Sheba met eyes and tried to control uncontrollable laughter.
Piers went up to him and slowly, but kindly asked, " Are you alright? Do you need a Ply or something?"
Felix narrowed his eyesand tried saying something, but nothing came out. He looked so angry and determined he could have strangled every person present.
"Hey, Felix, what's wrong?" asked Jenna.
Then Felix burst: "You try having a mute virus! You think it's simple being leader, don't you? And by the way, Piers, I can cast Cure myself, thanks." He gave him a withering look.
"Don't get all huffy, I was only asking", said Piers coolly.
"I think you all talk too much! You people should be quiet for a change. Especially that one there!" and pointed straight at Kraden who was waving at a nearby statue. Felix was red with fury.
Sheba stared at him, and said, " For a second there, I thought you had taken over from Jenna!" The redhead turned fiercely towards Sheba and shouted, "What!"
"Everyone, cool down!" said Piers," Or drastic measures will have to be taken. For my dear friend Felix, this is a historic moment! He has talked for the first time in ages! Excuse his outburst. I would have done the same"
"Now he reminds me of Kraden", whispered Sheba mischievously to Jenna.
Nothing happened for a long time. They were all still standing on top of the rightmost tower of Jupiter Lighthouse.
"So, er, planning to light the beacon anytime soon?" asked Jenna finally. It was very windy and she was eager to get back inside. She felt like her Fire was being extinguished…
"Well, my oh-so-smart sister, d'you really think I can throw that far? If you can, here you go" and he lightly tossed her the purple star.
"Eh, no thanks, this is you mission. You're the Chosen One etc." Jenna quickly threw the star back.
However, Felix missed and the Jupiter star went flying off the tower. Anger was hanging dangerously in the atmosphere…
In fact, a distant 'ouch' could be heard. But everyone was too preoccupied with other matters.
"Now you've really messed it up Felix!" screamed Jenna," We'll never see Mom and Dad again! I'll, I'll…" and she lunged straight at him. But Felix was prepared.
Sheba tried to hold her back.
"Let's go down and see if we can find it.", proposed Kraden.
"…That is actually a coherent idea Kraden! That way those two will stop, uh, killing each other…" said Piers.