Chapter 3: The Power of Two

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Forley quickly returned with a plate of the previous day's cakes, because he was unwilling to waste fresh goods on the thieves who had invaded his hiding place. Luckily, the two children were just glad to have cake at all; if they noticed that the treats were slightly stale, they didn't comment on it. Vivi ravenously crammed cake after cake into her mouth, not caring a speck about the mess she was making. On the floor beside her, Zizi nibbled at his cakes slowly, humming with delight and enjoying every bite. He had even bothered to say thank you to Forley, because his sister's mouth remained too full to speak.

"Perhaps we were slightly mistaken," Forley said slowly as he watched the two eating. "Perhaps they aren't lying to fool us, but rather to just steal our food."

Vivi snorted at him and mumbled a protest, but couldn't be understood with her mouth full.

"Nuh-uh," Zizi squeaked for her, just as offended. "She doesn't lie! We—she tells the truth. All the time. My big sis doesn't tell lies!"

"That's good for her," Forley said, looking down at him, "but what about you? Are you the one who lies, then?"

Zizi became shy again, ducking his head and fidgeting a bit. "No," he mumbled. "I just—I'm little, so I—I don't talk. Not much. I don't—I don't talk good. But Vivi's—she's good at that, so she—she talks a lot."

Forley rolled his eyes and laughed without humor. "Isn't that the truth."

Leah pushed her brother away from the two, clicking her tongue. "Stop frightening him," she scolded. "You're making him nervous, and it won't help us." She turned her attention on Zizi, and gave him a genuine smile. "Well, whatever he has to say, I think you are charming," she told him, ruffling his hair and making him giggle.

Now that Star could see Zizi properly, she finally noticed the color of his eyes. Most Zebak had eye colors that were unheard of in the west—like Zan's violet, Ofelia's gold, and her mother's pale blue. She had also seen folk with eyes of orange, pale green, and even silver. But she had never seen eyes quite like Zizi's. His were vibrant red, like glowing coals. She understood it was a rare thing to find, and many considered it an omen of greatness.

However filthy he was, or how poorly he felt about his stammering, Star suddenly felt that Zizi would prove to be far more interesting than he appeared.

A while passed in silence, while they waited for Vivi to eat her fill. After she had stuffed half the cakes into her mouth, she pushed the plate toward her brother and swallowed loudly.

"Wow, those are good," she said in a sticky voice. "Way better than what we get out of the garbage. I'm stuffed silly!"

"Good," Star said anxiously, sitting across from her. "Now tell me about my mother. Where is she? Is she well?"

"Oh, she's very well," Vivi answered. "What's more, she's hardly far away. She's been living with that nice healer lady, Thora. You know, the one with the big old house with all the rooms in it?"

Zan was stunned, and slammed his fists on the table. "You mean Bhlai House?" he demanded. "Why, that's only five blocks over! I could walk there in less than ten minutes!"

Vivi shrugged. "That's not my fault. I guess I'm just better at finding things than you are."

Zan glared at her. "If you knew of this all along, why didn't you tell us sooner?"

"I didn't know it was Zeel yet," Vivi answered plainly, picking crumbs off the table. "I only figured that part out last night. She's got a mark now, and she's been using a fake name, just like your friends here. I mean, I knew all along that it was a fake name. I just didn't know what her real one was."

"And you just happened to guess it? How?"

Vivi took her time licking her fingers before answering vaguely, "'Cause she reads t o us."

Zizi animated suddenly and nodded his head. "Yeah, she does. All the time. But Thora took—she took the book away, 'cause—'cause she says its bad for her. It makes her—it makes her sad, I think she said."

Star drummed her fingers on the table. "What book?"

"That Rowan book everyone's always talking about," Vivi answered. "We don't read, so she reads it for us."

Zizi pouted and crossed his arms. "The Great Serpent was coming, too," he grumbled. "Rowan was gonna—he was gonna make the potion and—and save his mama. I know it! And now—now I don't know what happens next…"

"Sure you do," Vivi said brightly, playfully punching her brother's shoulder. "You just said what was going to happen next." She turned back to Star and gave her that devilish grin she made so well. "Zeel says you were the one who wrote it. Is that true?"

Star shrugged. "It is. I spent months working on it. I'm… I'm glad you're enjoying it."

"I love it," Vivi agreed, resting her hands on the back of her head. "And all the stuff in it is true, too?"

"Every word of it. I worked hard to make sure of that. Almost all of it is written word for word."

"Yup, I thought so. That's how I figured it all out. See, you mama always had this weird way of speaking and I knew she wasn't from here. I wondered for a long time where she might have come from. And then she started reading to us, and I recognized stuff. And then she read us the second story, and she read it so well. She had to stop reading once so she could cry for a minute, you know."

Star furrowed her brow. "Mum, crying? She always did get emotional when reading that story, but… That hardly seems like her."

Leah knelt to place a hand on her shoulder. "Discovering the book here must have been a shock," she suggested. "And she's been stuck here for so long, just like us. Reliving those memories must be difficult for her."

Star bowed her head. "I always knew she would end up reading it. It's become a sensation. Everyone has read it, so it was inevitable. I just never thought it would cause her so much pain."

"Nah, it's not your fault," Vivi dismissed. "If I had a baby that big in my belly, I'd be shaky, too."

Star snapped her head up at once. "What?"

Vivi and Zizi's faces lit up, and she began to clap her hands in excitement. "Ooh, we didn't tell you, did we?" she squealed. "You're mama's having a baby soon! Isn't it great?"

"No, it's not!" Star exclaimed, nearly jumping to her feet in alarm. "How has this happened?"

"I dunno," Vivi shrugged, looking confused. "She came that way. She said she did."

"Who is the father of this child?" Star demanded.

"Um… Yours….?"

Star stared back at the girl with her mouth wide open, unsure of what to say, or she was feeling most strongly.

"Do you even know who my father is?" she asked.

"Sure I do, it's…. Um… No one from around here?"

"Well, obviously."

"Meh, it doesn't matter," Vivi decided. "The point is, your mama is fine. Thora's taking real good care of her. Honest, she is. No stairs, no standing near fire, lots of tea and bacon—you know, pregnant lady stuff."

"We see her cry sometimes," Zizi added quietly. "She say—she says she can't help it anymore. It happens and it—that's okay. She says don't—don't be scared. So don't be—don't be scared, okay, Star?"

It was hard not to be scared. Thinking of her mother being alone and stranded in Habaharan was terrible enough. Thinking of her carrying a child in that loneliness made it even worse. Star had to press her hands together to keep them from shaking.

Seeing her distress, Vivi tilted her head to one side and made a very serious face.

"So, that's what she's been up to," the girl said slowly. "Gosh, I thought you'd be happier than this. What's the matter with you?"

"It's just so sad to think of," Star mumbled back. "We've only been ten minutes away from each other the whole time, and now… I don't know what to say."

Vivi reached across the table and snatched Star's hand in her own.

"Say you'll come with us to see her. We told her this morning we knew where you were, and I promised to bring you. She's at Bhlai House right now, waiting for you."

In spite of the turmoil in her heart, Star felt a pang of joyful hope shoot through her. "She's waiting for me?"

"She sure is. So what do you say? Will you come with us?"

"Yes, I will," Star agreed, springing to her feet. "Let's go, right now!"

"Wait just a minute," Forley interrupted, clamping his hand on her shoulder. "I don't care how you feel about these two, but I still don't trust them. You're not going anywhere with them alone. I won't allow it."

"I agree," Zan said solidly, coming to stand beside her. "That's why I've decided to go with you."

The two looked at him in puzzlement, and Star raised her eyebrow.

"You want to go with me?" she asked. "But I thought—"

"That's ridiculous," Forley burst out. "Of course I am going with her. I always have, and I always will. Who will keep her out of trouble, otherwise?"

"You don't think I can keep her out of trouble?"

"That's not what I said, Zan."

"And what if these two really have laid a clever trap for us? You don't know the way to Bhlai House. What if they lead you in the opposite direction? You wouldn't know the difference. And if they do double cross us, I have all the authority to put an end to it."

Forley glanced between Zan and Star, disliking the idea very much. He had never let her go quite so far beyond his reach before, and it was plain that it was bothering him. However, it was hard to argue with Zan's logic, as it usually was. Reluctantly, he released Star's shoulder and stepped away.

"Not that I need help staying out of trouble," she sighed. "I'm 14 years old now. I can take care of myself."

"Perhaps, but being broken up like this bothers me," Forley pointed out. "We've never been apart. Four quarters of a whole, remember?"

"That is true, I suppose. But mum and papa accomplished much on their own, so Zan and I will do the same. Earth and Fire do combine, after all. We will be fine."

Forley nodded vaguely, unsatisfied. Zan groaned, annoyed by talk of the elements, and grabbed Star by the arm to haul her away as quickly as he could.

"Enough of this nonsense, let's just go already," he grumbled. Star narrowed her eyes at him and bit back a sharp reply. She had important work to do. She couldn't waste time or energy on bickering right now.

Vivi and Zizi hopped up and hurried after them, until the little boy was suddenly stopped and dragged back abruptly. He looked up and found himself cowering under Alanis' stony gaze, as she gripped him by the collar of his ragged shirt.

"This one is staying right here," she growled. Zizi seemed to shrink in terror. Vivi turned back around and stomped her foot in anger.

"What are you doing?" the girl demanded. "Let my brother go! Now!"

"We'll be keeping him with us, where we can keep an eye on him," Alanis informed her coldly. "To ensure that you will return with my cousin alive and whole. If you want him back, you'll have to bring her back. And if you don't, you can look for your brother in the dungeons, is it perfectly clear?"

Zizi shrieked in fright and began to cry. "Vivi, Vivi, no!" he sobbed. "Don't—don't leave me here alone with her! Vivi, come back! Don't leave me!"

In a flash, Leah had swooped down and snatched Zizi out of Alanis' grip and backed away from him, holding him close and trying to soothe him.

"Don't worry," she insisted, "you won't go to the dungeons, I promise. Of course your sister will be back for you. There's no need to cry. Alanis is just mad that she can't do anything useful right now."

Zizi sniffled loudly and buried his face in Leah's shirt, clinging to her for safety. Already, it seemed that she had taken rather strongly to the little boy, and that he had taken to her, as well. Vivi looked relieved about this, but she left Alanis with a glare.

"Don't let her touch my little brother again," Vivi commanded, not taking her eyes off Alanis. "Let me know if she does when I get back, so I can beat her up."

Alanis scoffed at her in disgust and stormed away to the attic stairs. She paused to look over her shoulder at Star, and shook her head. "Good luck," she said grimly. "You'll need it, the way you carry on."

Once she was gone, Zizi calmed down considerably, and Leah set him back on his feet; but he remained close to her, gripping her skirt for comfort and gazing up at her in awed thanks. Vivi left him a loving pat on his head.

"I think this nice lady's going to look after you while I'm gone," she told him. "Now you behave yourself for her, okay? I think she's alright to trust."

Zizi nodded wordlessly and smiled for his sister, who smiled back.

"Great! I'm glad that's settled. It's good that I have someone to look after you, too. I think those two are going to be a handful," she said, jerking her head at Zan and Star. Zizi giggled, cheered by his sister's teasing. Zan and Star exchanged a look, not cheered at all.

Finally, Vivi tore herself away from her brother and trotted toward the stairs, beckoning the two teenagers to follow her.

"Come on, you two, we can't wait all day," she caroled, umping onto the railing and sliding all the way down with ease, laughing all the way. Zan and Star had to dash down the steps after her, and still didn't beat her to the bottom.

Ofelia was in the kitchen, preparing to open the bakery again. When she saw the trio heading for the backdoor, she frowned at the sight of them.

"So, you're going to follow this girl?" she asked grimly.

Star still had nothing particularly nice to say to the golden eyed woman, so she set her face firmly and nodded in agreement. Ofelia sighed in defeat and shook her head in despair.

"Oh, you crazy children. You'll get us all killed this way," she lamented, continuing in her native language. "But fine, go if you must. But if you are caught, I don't know you."

"That's fine," Star said simply, and followed Vivi out the backdoor with Zan right behind her.

"Oh, isn't this exciting?" Vivi said to them. "We're on an adventure together! Just like in the book! This will be so much fun!"

Star wasn't sure if fun was the right word. Exciting, perhaps, but fun? That was doubtful.

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Zan knew where he was going, but Vivi had insisted on leading them. She seemed to feel awfully important, running this errand. What was more, she was very strong willed and bossy for a child. Unwilling to battle her over it, Zan had resigned himself to following her, as she very proudly guided them through the streets.

"Aren't you worried someone will notice you and call you out?" he asked her. "I doubt if you have a mirror to look at yourself in, but you rather stand out."

"Nah, it's alright. I'm famous," she informed him.

Sharing Zan's puzzlement, Star peered at her curiously. "You are literally dripping with jewels and precious metals, which you've clearly stolen. How do you dare walk around in broad daylight this way?"

"'Cause I can get away, I guess," Vivi answered simply. "There isn't a guard in Habaharan that can catch me."

"No, I suppose not," Zan grumbled. "If there was, that lucky person would have caught you long ago."

Vivi grinned at him. "Look on the bright side: you're the closest anyone's come. You're first place! How does it feel?"

Zan gave her a very rigid smile. "It feels like a hollow victory."

"I don't know what that means, but I like the sound of it," she answered with a wink.

Zan rolled his eyes, confounded by the girl's unshakable cheeriness. Star tried to hide her amusement by giving him a sincere smile.

"Hey, thank you for coming with me," she said. "It's a nice change of company. You know how I can never get away from my cousins."

Instead of replying pleasantly, Zan snorted. "You're lucky I did. At the mention of all your elemental nonsense, I nearly changed my mind."

Star frowned at him. "Not this again. You do this every single day. Why can't you just let it be?"

"Because you are wrong, and I don't want that kind of talk anywhere near me. You sound like a superstitious lunatic from the slums when you talk that way."

"Excuse me?" she nearly thundered back. "I'm not the one who is wrong here!"

"Hey, hey, wait a minute," Vivi interrupted, stopping and waving to get their attention. She looked concerned at first, but then her face lit up with interest. "What elemental stuff? What are you talking about?"

Zan scoffed and brushed past her. "She is convinced that there is such a thing as magic. I've tried many times to explain that such things aren't real, but she refuses to hear me."

Star also scoffed as she and Vivi fell in behind him. "It is real. I've seen it."

"Yes, yes, and so have I," he drawled. "Cheap tricks learned out of books, preformed for fools who will believe anything. Conjurers, magicians—what's the difference? It's all just a show."

"I don't mean sorcery and parlor tricks, Zan. I've explained this to you many times. Of course those things aren't magic. I'm talking about real, living, deep magic here. You can't just explain that away!"

"Certainly you can," he countered. "Clever people make wonders for foolish people, and the next thing you know, you have a Titan, and a dragon no one but that Titan has ever seen. The people have something to believe in, and are happy. It's science, Mahna. Simple, factual science. There's nothing fantastic about that."

"First of all, science is fantastic. The way our world works is beautiful and amazing, and saying there is nothing fantastic about that is terrible. Second of all, science isn't the same as magic."

"But magic is the same as science, is it? Yes, you've said this numerous times. That's a rather easy point in your favor, don't you think?"

Vivi made that serious, thoughtful face again as she listened to them arguing. "I don't get it," she said to Zan. "Why don't you believe in magic?"

He looked down at her and raised his eyebrow. "Do you?"

"I don't know. I'm just curious, and I'm trying to understand you."

Zan held his head up proudly and squared his shoulders. "Magic doesn't matter in this world," he explained. "Not when mankind is capable of so much. And even if there ever was such a thing, what use to do have for it now? We have canons, and ships, and armies. What good is magic, compared to that? The notion is obsolete."

Vivi considered this for a moment, then looked up at Star. "What's that mean?" she asked.

"That means, he believes that magic isn't as useful or important as anything he can do himself," Star supplied angrily. "Which is an insult, because there isn't much he is allowed to do at all."

"That isn't true," Zan snapped back. "In time, I believe man will be able to soar through the sky, navigate the deepest oceans, and cross the widest plains in short hours, rather than days. That will be the work of people, and I plan to be one of them. Magic can't do that. If it were so great, it would have done all those things long ago."

Again, Vivi considered this, and then she glanced across the street. She pointed to the other side of the street at a group of gray-clad guards walking in the other direction, two of whom had glowing gems strapped to their hands.

"What about magicites?" she asked. "Those seem pretty magical to me."

"Of course they do. You don't understand them, because you're just a dirty little orphan."

"I am not," Vivi protested. "If you know so much, tell how they work."

Zan hesitated. "I'm ashamed to admit, I'm not quite sure how they work," he confessed, sheepishly rubbing his neck. "But it is a great deal to do with kinetic energies, being manipulated with precise actions and careful practice. Science, which can be found in many books, and explained by the people who craft them."

Vivi looked impossibly confused, not understanding most of what he had said. Star tapped the girl's shoulder to get her attention.

"He's the one who doesn't understand them, you see," Star said triumphantly. "Magicites are magic. Each one is infused with a different elemental energy, and has all the abilities of that element. An Earth stone can heal and cause plants to grow rapidly, for example."

"Ah. That's what I thought," Vivi agreed, nodding her head. "I've seen guards using their magicites before. It sure doesn't look like human power to me."

"Of course it's human power," Zan snapped. "Human beings made them, and control them. Come along, Vivi, you can't tell me that you really believe in such nonsense."

"I don't know," she answered. "I don't understand it, because I'm just a dirty little orphan, remember? Besides, I think I've felt magic before. I'm not positive, of course, but I'm willing to believe it."

"Oh, right. You've felt magic, have you?"

"Yes, in that necklace I stole. I don't know how she did it," Vivi said, jerking her thumb at Star, "but she used it to attack me. It knocked me out on my face, and I had a headache or hours."

Star smirked down at her. "Were there words?" she asked.

"Oh, yeah. I'd almost forgotten. Give and take, it's all the same. And now, at last, you'll learn your name. I have no idea what that's supposed to mean. I know what my name is—it's Vivi!"

She peered up at Star, searching her upper body for a glimpse of she medallion.

"It rhymes, doesn't it," she commented.

"Yes, I suppose it does," Star agreed.

Vivi continued to stare at her, as another clue had dawned on her, but she couldn't figure out what it meant. As far as she had heard from the book, the medallion hadn't made an appearance; she and Zizi hadn't heard the fourth adventure yet. But the sharp little girl knew enough to remember that Rowan the hero was always surrounded by cryptic rhymes, much like the one she had been given. She had made the connection, all on her own, and didn't quite realize it.

"Well, anyway," Vivi continued after a moment, "I guess magic could be real. It's a possibility."

Zan shook his head. "Even if it ever did exist, we have no need for it now," he said solidly. "In that unlikely case, it has faded away into nothingness by now."

"How do you know that?" Vivi asked. "It's not like you can see magic. You don't know if it's faded."

"That's how I know it's faded. If it were as alive as our foolish friend claims, everyone could see and feel it."

"What about the air? You can't see that, and you know it's there."

"Air is a real thing. We can breathe it, and smell it, and feel it on our faces. Now, if an ancient, powerful, magical Dragon flew out of the sky and spoke to us, perhaps I would think differently. But that will never happen, because such things do not exist. Do you understand now?"

"No, I don't think so," Vivi answered, shaking her head. "I mean, I've never seen a Dragon; but I've never not seen a Dragon, either, so I guess it could happen someday."

Zan stared at her in astonishment. "That is the most absurd thing I've heard in my life, and I'm friends with her," he said, pointing at Star over the girl's head.

"Hey, you don't know everything," Vivi countered. "None of us do. I don't think we even know what we don't even know. We're only people, after all; but Dragons are supposed to live forever. If they are real, I bet we could learn a lot from them."

"How can you sound so certain?"

"I like to be hopeful. I mean, just imagine it! Whole Dragons, with scales and fire, and magic. It's an exciting idea, don't you think? They must be wonderful."

Star nodded thoughtfully, agreeing completely. "I bet they are."

Vivi looked up at her again, and lowered her voice. "You came from over there," she said. "Did you ever see the Dragon of the mountain? What was it like?"

"No, I've never been up the mountain," she answered in a whisper. "But…. My father has been. Twice. He's seen the Dragon before."

Vivi's pale eyes grew wide, and she gasped softly. Seeing that the girl understood, Star winked at her, and held her finger to her lips, warning her not to get too excited until they were indoors again. Vivi grinned and grinned, struggling to contain herself. She managed not to shout in delight, but she did skip the rest of the way.

While Vivi was occupied with her discovery, Star and Zan glared at each other.

"Why are you so determined to hurt me?" she demanded. "Deep magic is my whole life, you know. It's my father's life, and my mother's. It's in my blood, and it's in yours, too."

"You only think it is," he answered evenly. "Your father's people don't know any better, that is all."

"Oh, and yours do?"

"Well, we are the ones with ships and canons and walls of solid steel. Meanwhile, the western people defend themselves with iron swords and wooden spears, counting on marvels that don't exist to fight their battles."

"Yes, because the last time our people attempted to invade, it went so well. There were tales of fire falling from the sky, and a monster appearing from the mountain, weren't there? How do you explain that?"

"I wouldn't know. I wasn't born yet, and the few who retreated from that venture were put to death for their cowardice. No one remains to explain it properly."

"Ah. How convenient. Mum will be so proud to hear that."

"Say what you like, Mahna. Believe that magic and stars and dumb beasts rule your destiny, but don't say that they rule mine. My life isn't even my own—it belongs to General Azan, and her majesty. If only I were free, I would be in charge of my own destiny, all by myself. There isn't a star in the sky that can order me around."

"Everyone has a little magic in them. Some are just less magical than others. And if the legends are true—which I know they are—you full of it. All our people are. You are just too afraid to see it."

Hating to be called a coward, Zan narrowed his eyes at her and turned away, remaining silent. It seemed that their fight had ended for the moment. He normally refused to let her have the last word; but behind his scowl, he looked hurt.

"Just a moment ago, you called me your friend," she pointed out. "And friends don't wound each other like this. Why do we keep doing this to each other?"

"Because you are thick-headed and impossible to reason with," he answered, keeping his faze pinned on the streets ahead.

Star couldn't help smirking at him. "Only as much so as you are. We always come to this impasse. Zan, I know this argument means much to both of us, but why not just agree to disagree on it? It's clear to me that we will never see eye to eye here, and continuing to fight like this will only keep us apart. We need each other."

He glanced at her sideways, then huffed to himself and looked away again. "I doubt that is a promise not to bring it up again, but I will abide it. If I'm honest, having to find a new counter for your every day is exhausting. You have no idea how much reading I've been doing lately, when I'd rather be sleeping, or spending time with my brothers in peace, or learning of things I really care about. It's been educational, I suppose, but I've grown sick of it."

Seeing a new topic, Star seized the chance to cheer him up. "What would you rather be studying, then?" she asked, finding herself genuinely interested.

Surprised by her sudden pleasantness, Zan relaxed a bit and looked back up at her. "What I said about man being able to soar through the sky is true," he answered. "There has been talk at Central of vessels that could do it for many years. Like our naval ships, but airborne. Several designs have come and gone without much success, but I think it's possible. I have a few ideas about it, myself. I used to spend my free time studying anything I could find on the subject, and I find it fascinating. And then… You and your talk of magic put it aside."

"It really does bother you, doesn't it? Why is that?"

"I wonder the same thing, myself, sometimes," he answered honestly. "There is a lot I don't understand about our world, and I've seen many strange things for myself, but the thought of a star controlling me somehow is troublesome. Stars are so distant, and science says they are nothing more than balls of gas burning in the sky. It puzzles me. Enough people tell me what to do every day. How can you tell me that something so nebulous has that right, too?"

"Oh," she said, looking away as her cheeks began to burn. "I hadn't thought of it like that. I can understand that, though, at least a little. There were times back home when I felt the same."

"So why do you still believe it?"

"When your family is as interesting as mine, it's hard not to."

There was a pause between them, and Star sensed that if she didn't change the topic quickly, they might end up fighting again.

"You'll have to tell me more about your ideas later," she suggested. "I'm sure they are all good ones."

"I've never shared my ideas with anyone before. They would only laugh at me for having great plans of my own, when my place in this world is already set in stone. I doubt they will ever be seen by anyone who matters. No one would care."

"I would care. I can't put them into action, but I would care."

Slowly, Zan let a small smile come over his face. "Then I suppose I'll have to show you, sometime. It will be pleasant to see my notes and poor sketches appreciated by someone."

He glanced up as Vivi bounded off ahead of them without warning. Seeing where she was headed, Zan pointed at a turn that lay before them.

"This is the place," he said. "Bhlai House is down this street, among the larger, nicer houses. It has a large sign over the door, and another planted in the hedges. You can't miss it."

His words were simple and informative, but Star knew that he was encouraging her. He was trying to cheer her, as thanks for cheering him. He gripped her wrist and pulled her along a little faster, before they completely lost sight of Vivi.

"It's not at all far ahead, now," he said over his shoulder. "Another minute or two, and we will have reached our destination."

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Afterthoughts…

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A shorter update, after a rather long one. I like that.

And it is a remarkably short chapter, considering how much you have just learned of Zan. For all that it includes explaining and fighting and character development, it came together in a day, too! Heck, it came together before I even had a chance to post chapter 2. I'd say it's been a success.

Magicites will be explained in better detail soon. I know I've mentioned them vaguely in the past, and you may or may not see what they are supposed to be. But basically, they are what Star says they are—precious stones infused with magic which, when strapped to your wrist, will pretty much blow up whatever your mind thinks of. Like mini-talismans. Sadly, Central mainly uses them the way Gray Guards use blisters, and lots of their soldiers have and use them with abandon.

(Hint: this may have something do with why this installment is titled, The Moonstone Fragment. ;D)