The Legend of Sigma

Book 1: The Tale of Stardust

Chapter 5: The Cosmic Beast

I quickly ran up to the entrance of the City of Polaris, worried about Cosmo. I knew at once who was behind this.

"Apsu," I snarled.

"Not just Apsu," said an all-too familiar voice. I sighed and shook my head in disdain. I slowly turned around and quickly drew out my sword. Standing in front of me was what I expected to be the Oppositio Senshi, but instead, I was met by one of them... Nergal. Floating in her hand was a fireball.

"So you started this fire, didn't you?!" I snarled.

"That's right. This time there will be no more interruptions. We can't have the Stardust Dragon interfering with our plans," said Nergal. I facepalmed.

"How many times do I have to say this?! I am NOT the Stardust Dragon!" I screeched.

"Foolish boy. Don't you know that the three Celestial Stones you collected are the key to awakening the Stardust Dragon? Or did Cosmo forget to tell you?"

"You're lying!"

"And if I was, you're still going to hand over those stones," said Nergal.

"NEVER!" I shouted as I ran for the gate.

Nergal sighed and testily threw a fireball at me. Sensing it coming, I quickly rolled out of the way and into the city.

"Cheeky little brat," growled Nergal as she stormed in after me.

Inside the Burning City

I ran through the burning city, coughing and hacking. Cosmo had to be around here somewhere!

"Cosmo!" I shouted.

"Don't bother. She can't hear you," said another all-too familiar voice. Out of the flames stepped Marduk.

All around me, the Oppositio Senshi closed in around me.

"Well, well, if it isn't the crown jewel himself," said Nabu with a sneer.

"This time, you won't get away," said Ishtar, confident.

"You're going to hand over those stones whether you like it or not, Heartgold. Right now!" said Sin.

"You want them so bad, come and get them yourselves!" I shouted in such a manner that the Oppositio Senshi were surprised. With a shrug, they quickly charged at me, obviously not wanting to summon their Earthbound Immortals.

Faster than them, I jumped into the air causing the Oppositios to crash into each other and pile on top of each other. I snickered at the sight, earning a glare from them.

"Too slow, another go," I teased with a smirk before running off.

"When we get off of each other, you are SO DEAD!" shouted Nergal as she struggled under Marduk's weight.

I quickly ran to Polaris Castle as the drawbridge lowered. I nearly got ran over by a white horse as it passed by. On it was Cosmo, who was riding away in terror. She then turned around and tossed me a scroll. I was too busy confused by the whole ordeal when I heard another horse stop beside me. I looked up only to see Apsu on it.

"So we meet again, Entei," said Apsu.

"I wish that wouldn't happen," I growled at a loss for a better retort.

"Hand over that scroll, and you won't have to see me again," said Apsu.

"NEVER! Take this instead, demon!" I shouted as I drew my sword and leapt at Apsu with the intent to kill. Apsu smirked and blasted me away with a burst of darkness. I landed hard on my back with a grunt.

"Fool. Do you actually think you can defeat me? Although I will admit, you have nerve to attack Solei's new Queen," said Apsu as she picked up the scroll I had dropped and rode off. Suddenly, the fire died down and all that was left was the smoking ruins of Polaris. I was about to fall to my knees and lament, when I heard Cosmo's voice.

"Entei. The scroll you hold in your hand is the key to entering the Celestial Chamber in the Stardust Temple north of here. Take the three Celestial Stones and that scroll to the Temple at once. Hurry, Entei. There isn't much time left."

I looked at the scroll in my hand and realized that it was the Scroll that Cosmo tossed me. I knew at once what I had to do.

I hastily ran through the castle to the northern side with an odd feeling that Nergal may be right.

Stardust Temple

I looked up at the cathedral-like building that was the Stardust Temple, where according to legend, the Stardust Dragon lay in eternal slumber until the time he was needed. On the threshold above the door was the crest of Solei, the Dragon Pentagram cradled between two dragon wings. I had never been here before. It seemed my time was now.

I entered the Temple to find an altar just ahead of me. Above and behind that altar was a stone door with an odd design on it. Above it was the Crest of Solei. I approached the altar and read the inscription.

Ye who possess three Celestial Stones,

Hold high the Script of Night

And play the Song of Time.

I opened up the script and found to my surprise it was indeed the legendary Song of Time. Even more surprising was that it was a song I knew so well! Not wanting to waste any more time, I quickly got out the three Celestial Stones and placed them in the three hollows on the altar. I then used my magic to hold the Script of Night high in the air and got out my violin. I played each note flawlessly and perfectly. When I was done, all was still and silent.

Before I could react, the three Stones started to glow as emited a blue, green, and white beam that illuminated the Crest above the door. The Crest began to glow with golden light, as the door slowly slid open. The Door of Stars stood open.

I ran into the chamber and what a sight it was. Standing in the center of the room was a Sapphire-handled, gold-bladed, tuquoise-studded sword. I knew all too well what it was...

"Starwell," I whispered in shock.

Standing behind the Pedestal was a dragon statue. It was a silvery white dragon statue with amethyst breast and armor plates and had tattered looking wings. This was the almighty beast, Stardust Dragon, the Beast of Evil's Bane. Never, in a million years, did I imagine that I would actually come face to face with the legendary Dragon itself!

My thoughts were interrupted when I noticed the Sword in front of my face. I was surprised at first and found myself standing on the pedestal. I stared back at Starwell and nodded. I cracked my knuckles and with both hands, grabbed the handle of the sword. Suddenly, the statue of Stardust Dragon began to move. I nearly jumped out of my tunic. However, it showed no intent to harm me. It nudged at me and urged me to take out the sword. I guessed at once what he was trying to say and grabbed the sword. With a shout, I pulled Starwell clean out of the pedestal.

Stardust Dragon gave out an almighty roar that was heard most likely throughout the universe. Suddenly, I was surrounded in a white light and found myself face to face with Apsu.

"Nicely done, Entei," Apsu said, smiling evilly, "you held the keys to the Door of Night after all."

"What are you talking about, Apsu?!" I snapped.

"What I mean is that you have led me to the gates of the Sacred Star, where the Dragon Pentagram resides. Now, I can rule as Solei's most powerful monarch. I owe it all to you, Entei Heartgold. You have my undying gratitude."

"NO!" I bellowed. I couldn't believe it. I had been tricked all along! All along, this was a set up! A trap! But before I could get more answers, Apsu faded away, laughing evilly. I fell to my knees defeated and wept openly out of sorrow and anger.

"Father... Sister... forgive me..." I said between sobs, "I have failed you. I have failed everyone. It's over. It's all over!"

"Entei, it isn't over. There is yet a flicker of hope in this dark time," came a familiar voice. I knew at once who it was.

"F-Father?!" I said, jumping to my feet. I found myself in a chamber in a galaxy-like setting. I stood on top of a platform that had 6 symbols on it, one for each Signer. In front of me was a man who was in crimson armor, had red hair tied in a pony tail, had golden eyes, and carried a crimson sword of fire. This was my father, Zodiac Heartgold.

"So you're awake," Zodiac said.

"Father? Is that you?" I said wiping my tears.

"Yes. And as you know, I am also the leader of the Signers."

"Signers?"

"Let me start at the beginning. Ages ago, the First Signers led by the first incarnation of the almighty Dragon Star built the the Stardust Temple not only to keep Stardust Dragon's power under control, but also to protect the entrance to the Sacred Star."

"So where are we?" I asked

"This is the Chamber of Signers, inside the Temple of Celestia. It is situated in the center of the Sacred Star and is the last stronghold against the Hell Destiny, led by Apsu. The Stardust Dragon and the sacred sword Starwell, which you freed from their slumbers, was the final key to the Sacred Star."

"What have I done?!" said Entei.

"Do not be alarmed. Look at yourself."

I did, and what a shock I got. My usual tunic was gone, and instead I was dressed in golden boots, black pants, a blue shirt, a golden vest, a golden circlet, golden forearm-length bracelets, a silver signet ring, a golden necklace in the shape of an ankh, and a golden stud earring.

"The Stardust Dragon is a sacred beast that evil ones can never touch as is Starwell. Only one who is worthy of the title 'Stardust Signer' can wield the power of the Stars. However, Entei, you were too young to be that Signer. So your spirit was sealed here for five years. Now that you are of age, it is time for you to awaken as Stardust Signer. Remeber though, you may have opened the Door in the name of peace, Apsu and the Oppositio Senshi used it to enter the forbidden Sacred Star!"

I could only say nothing. I was too shocked and stunned to say anything.

"They obtained the Dragon Pentagram from this place and used its power to become Monarchs of Darkness. Their evil power radiated from all of Solei's temples and shrines, but in a matter of five years, Solei became a world of darkness. Fields withered away, sunlight grew cold and the ancient values were gradually forgotten. As of right now, my power has little effect even though I am the incarnation of the Crimson Dragon."

Again, I could say nothing.

"But hope is all but lost. The power of the Signers united remains. When all of the Signers are united, they will contain the power of the Earthbound Immortals in the void of the Netherworld. Your power to fight together with your sister and your friends, who are all Signers, makes you one of them. Find the other Signers and add their might to yours."

At last, I could say something.

"I will. I won't let you down again, Father," I said with determination.

"Good. Good luck, Entei. You are our only hope as well as the Signers', said Father as he and the chamber faded.

When I woke up, I found myself back at the Stardust Temple. I looked around and observed that the air was more cold and dead. That concerned me. Had five years truly passed? I knew that by standing around I would get nowhere. I quickly left out into the new world that awaited me.