Meeting With The Star
Soon the night came over Heatherfield, turning her sunny blue skies into a star filled wonder. They twinkled in the darkness, adding faint light to the streets of Heatherfield and Will's room.
Being trapped in her old and much younger body was something Will would have trouble adjusting to. But despite the downsides, there were upsides too. Like Hay-Lin mentioned, the clothes from here were once again wearable. They fit perfectly. Albeit old, they worked out. Even her old shoes fit. It sent a strange feeling down her spine. Was it welcomed? It was too early to tell.
Her parents were sleeping, leaving Will alone in her room. William was doing something around here somewhere. And since he was still on punishment, it involved no phone. So that probably left... Her.
Someone knocked on Will's bedroom door timidly. A quiet sound that pulled her attention from the notes going through a staring contest on her desk to the mirror attached to the back of it. Sighing, she stood up and walked over to her only creator of privacy in this house with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Wearing a frog themed pink pajama set. Even though she had an extremely huge day tomorrow, she still had time for him.
William. He was on the other side leaning against the wall, staring at the floor with crossed arms. Besides him, the hall was dark and deserted. The only source of light was the small lamp light coming out of Will's room stretching into the hall.
Will sighed and whispered, "You should be in bed, what's up?"
He glanced up at her and replied, "Can I... Talk to you?"
Well what did thisone want to talk to her about in the middle of the night. Will looked back to her notes then to her brother. The notes could wait for a few minutes. She stepped to the side and gestured him in with a nod of her head. He took that gesture in kind and walked past, then she softly sealed him in.
This was the second time in a lifetime he's been in here. All of the frogs were at the head of her bed made up into a pile, the pillows were fluffed, and her dresser was organized with pictures of her and Melissa. As if time never passed.
Will cut off the lamp light and attracted her brother's attention. now it was only a light from the moon. With her back to him, she pointed to the bed and ordered, "Take a seat."
He didn't take his eyes off of her for a second when he slowly did. Especially when she snapped her fingers and created a small flame dancing on her index that she used to light a candle he hadn't noticed. She glanced over her shoulder at him and stated, "This is more soothing than a bright light."
Then she sat down on the bed next to him and adjusted her long red hair. William really wanted to know what she was hiding behind all that red. But he pushed it aside for now. He watched the candle flicker and asked, "What don't I know about you? Mom just said you were my sister after I broke a picture frame... And that you ran away."
Will turned her head to him and asked her own question. "Is that all?'
"Well you showed up shortly after, and things became even more vague." William turned his attention entirely on her. "What is she not telling me?"
"I already told you everything at last night's dinner. You know, the same dinner you called me a Tyrant at? And I had to cry in my wife's arms?"
William silently cursed at that memory. It wasn't one he was proud of. "Will, I'm sorry. I... I shouldn't have called you that. There's no telling what you've been through and... I had no right."
Will tightened her lips and kindly patted his back. "Well it's more important to grow in knowledge than anything else. I hope one day you can see this for yourself."
"Maybe." William turned around and eyed the mountain of stuffed amphibians. "So... What's up with the frogs?"
Of course he'd ask that. These guys were everywhere. She smiled and answered, "Mostly therapeutic. And because I like frogs." Will reached down to the floor out of sight and pulled up a giant yellow one wearing a golden dress. "This one was extremely therapeutic. The smaller ones are all for fun. I'm bipolar, so don't make me angry. I may hurt you."
"A little shrimp like you?" Will immediately pulled her arm back and slapped his back. He yelped and stood up to dart to the other side of the room. "Ow! Jeez, Will!"
Will just smirked and held her frog innocently. She's really taken to the role of being sixteen again. "What?" She asked.
"You just hit my back."
"Awww, I'm sorry. Come here stop complaining." William begrudgingly sat back down next to Will so she could clearly toil with his hair. It was all over the place.
William decided to ask the one question that's been on his mind since she clued him in. He glanced up and asked, "So uhhh... What happened to your face?"
Will immediately replied, "I'm blind in my right eye thanks to lightning. It's completely singed there. So I just hide it."
"...oh."
Will pulled away from William's much better mess of hair and said, "You're going to make a very pretty lady happy one day William. When I was your age, I wasn't even into girls."
What? William looked at her and asked, "So how did it happen?"
"After I got amnesia, everything sort of switched. Melissa knocked into my life and then... She was cute. Pretty. We dated, fought a little just like every couple. But she was so loyal to me, and I was loyal to her. Now... We're married and living it out on Metamoor."
William wanted to ask if he could see this Metamoor sometime, but something was telling him she was going to say no. He just settled for, "Must be nice."
"Yeah... I love it there. I guess that's enough night of storytelling. You still have school tomorrow. I may be 'sixteen' again, but I'm older than you by many years in advance."
"Fine, fine." William stood up and walked to the door. He could feel Will's stare shooting harmless fire into his back when he opened it and stepped out. "See you tomorrow?"
"Of course. But it'll be in the afternoon, I'll be out of here when you wake up."
"Okay. And Will?" He smirked over his shoulder and whispered, "You're not bad." Then closed the door, leaving her with a great feeling. Her brother may be a little radical at first. But he definitely had a brain under that head of brown hair. And a heart somewhere else in there too.
~TLO~
Silence. Lights, voices bouncing through the halls. Hay-Lin's been at the Heatherfield stadium a majority of the night at the very top of the stands. Watching the action down below in the dark and around her. At five in the morning a black SUV pulled inside underneath the dome with five more. Along with military humvees and news crews. A lot of news crews.
They ringed the outside of the field entirely while the military and even a few police applied yellow tape to keep anyone not allowed back. No citizens were in here. But there was definitely something going on. People in hazmat suits...
"Seriously?" A very familiar voice said. Hay blinked and looked to her right at Starfire dropping into the seat next to her. Glaring at everyone below with a red eye full of distaste. "Jeez, we're not going to blow everything up. Where's my meeting table? They have everything not needed for a meeting except what is needed for a meeting."
Hay-Lin sighed and directed her sights back to the action. She answered, "Not sure. I've been here all night."
Star leaned back in her seat and sighed. That's right, Hay-Lin's parents aren't in Heatherfield anymore. "I'm sorry about your parents, Hay," she whispered.
Hay-Lin knew she was going to bring up something like that eventually. Hay-Lin just shrugged and replied, "Yeah, well they're out there somewhere. I'll see them again one day. I'm more concerned about right now. Hey, there's your table."
Will directed her attention to the middle of the field where two soldiers were hefting a circular meeting table from the sidelines. Heading for the middle of the football field. The FBI and CIA were here as well. Including two familiar faces. Star narrowed her eyes when she recognized their figures. It may have been fifteen years, but she rarely forgets a face. Especially those trench coats.
"Donnel and Matthews," she whispered. "I don't think they're on the peaceful side. Should we take their stuff?"
As tempting as that was, Hay-Lin shook her head. "No. Disguise yourself as friendly, Star. And use your sidekicks for protection. You could easily pass for nice at your size."
"I will hurt you, Hay."
Hay-Lin just leaned back and stared up at the dome covering the stadium. "Yeah, I know. Be safe, okay? Don't do anything unnecessary."
Star stood up and slashed open a rift. "Fine. But no promises." Then jumped through and closed it back. Hay-Lin knew Star doesn't like telling stories or explanations. But she was capable of getting it right than any of them. So Hay-Lin decided to leave it to her.
She slowly rose up herself after three minutes. Then used the Heart to create a portal on the concrete floor she jumped down into. Leaving those on the grass way down below alone. For now.
~TLO~
There was a lot of news when those trucks pulled up to stop in front of that sunny stadium. CNN, FOX News, and even a few from New York. So many cameras, so much action. Then Patricia stepped out and those same cameras started flashing. At least Mary was with her. She could use a friendly face, even if it was work.
Both of them were quickly escorted up the stairs to the front doors of the stadium. And soon into the quiet deserted space of the lobby. Mary sighed and looked around at all the fancy things when they stopped inside. It wasn't her house but it certainly was nice in here. A bar was listed, a huge lobby, and a few other people standing around in government outfits eyeing them when they stepped inside.
Mary turned to Patricia anxiously checking her stuff and asked, "How you doin'?"
Patricia looked up to her and deadpanned, "We're about to talk to aliens, to actually have a conversation and you ask how am I doing?"
"Yeah, you're right. I should know better, you're obviously freaking out."
"I'm not freaking out, I'm—"
"Hello." They both faced forward again to face a bunch of guys and gals from the FBI and the CIA. And the first person they saw was a mixed woman with long brown curly hair and a slim body figure. She reached out to shake Patricia's hand and greet, "I'm Officer Sierra Donnel with the CIA, we're pleased to meet you. Patricia right?"
Patricia anxiously shook her hand. It nearly took Donnel's arm off. "Yes, I'm Patricia."
Once the blood came rushing back into her hand, Donnel withdrew it and stated, "We've been briefed on the event that transpired yesterday. Apparently, they want to speak to you for some odd reason. Have you ever had any contact with them before in your life?"
"Absolutely not."
"Alright then. So since you're literally walking into unknown territory, we're required to put a bulletproof vest on you. Just precautions. We have no idea who or what this rep is. So safety is our number one priority for you. Inside of the vest will be a microphone and receiver so we can get an input too. So stand still please."
Matthews edged out of the line of agents holding a bulletproof vest in one hand, and a helmet in the other. "Spread your arms out please," he ordered.
Mary took her stuff and held onto it while they did the dress up. She looked so funny like that. So small but dressed for war. It was like that movie she couldn't place at the moment. After she was finished playing dress up, Mary handed the stuff back to her and stated, "You're ready for a fight?"
Patricia held her books to her protected chest and answered, "There will be no fight. Let's just get this done so we can wrap all of this craziness up."
When they walked into the stadium, they had no idea Star was already waiting for them. Just like Hay-Lin said, she was "Friendly Star" now. Instead of anything solid, she went through her closet back home and pulled out a red sundress that had a bunch of dangling gems sewn in. Sparkling like sea water. Then she grabbed her staff and the case she carried it in that went around her back. She was never too careful. And if Special Agents Donnel and Matthews were there, then a weapon was required. And transportation.
When she went to the stables, she skipped right up to Merci. Who obviously didn't recognize her since she reared up and whinnied loud and proud. It took a moment to calm her down, but when she did, Star sliced open a rift and led her and herself back out into the stadium out of sight. All the lights were off save for the one trained on the table where Patricia was sitting, and all movement was silent.
At the main entrance a tent was setup where military, CIA, and FBI were situated, going over the feed the cameras were giving them. There was one from the ceiling and other angles. Even one zoomed in on Patricia who was clearly shaking in her seat.
Donnel shared a look of uncertainty with Matthews then with one of the officers standing on their right who accompanied them here. "Anything?"
He reached up to his radio lying on his chest and relayed, "All units, report?"
A loud whinny echoed around the stadium for a moment, putting them on edge. Right before the reddest horse they've ever seen jumped out of a red portal that appeared a few feet away from the table.
Patricia screamed and fell out of her chair when it came up to her, falling flat on the grass. Donnel and the others stood up and grabbed their guns before a childlike voice ordered, "Markee, Merci!"
Star jumped off Merci's back and walked around her to Merci's muzzle. She was nudging Patricia's face and blowing air. It would have been a little uncomfortable if she wasn't laughing. "Oh my god, a horsie!" She squealed.
"Yes, this is Merci." Star grabbed Merci's muzzle and turned her to face her. Getting licks on her... Everything. "Ack! Chee, Merci! Good girl! You know what this calls for, right?" She reached behind her back and whipped out an orange. She usually goes nuts for that. And she did. She reared up and whinnied her head off. Then landed, plucked the orange out of her hand, and walked away from them. Mission accomplished? Now she could relax.
Star just shook her head at her and said, "Sometimes, I wonder if she is sensitive to the present."
Patricia got back to her feet and assessed everything currently happening. First off there was a... Little girl here that rode a horse through that same red rip that dark entity disappeared through yesterday. "Uhh... Hi," Patricia greeted.
Star smiled at her and replied, "Hello. Are you the person I'm supposed to meet?" Star already knew about her, but she had to play stupid as well.
Patricia gulped and eyed the long silver stick poking out from behind her back. "Er... Y-Yes. I am assuming you're the representative?"
"I am she. I see a table is prepared." Star floated off her feet over to the other side of the table and felt along the smooth reflective wood. Clean and polished. She used her magic to grab the plastic chair and pulled it out to take a seat. Patricia was clearly hesitant but she copied her from across. She was nervous. Scared. Maybe even pooping her pants.
Star smiled at her with one eye and reassured, "I'm not going to hurt you. You can relax. I only have my staff as a precaution in case I am attacked."
"Does that happen often?" Patricia inquired. It was hard to believe this little girl was attacked.
Star honestly answered, "In my line of work, every day. Now let's get to business. Recently, the people I work for has discovered portals popping up in and outside of my home. As well as many others. So my people and myself followed their source through the veil to Earth, a realm that Kandrakar has protected through the ages, since the beginning of time from evil beings."
Patricia flipped open her notebook and started writing a few things. Whoever this girl was, she knew her stuff. She glanced up at her from her notes and asked, "So... Veil?"
Star turned her body and eyed the military sitting nearby. Especially the CIA Special Agents sitting over there watching closely. Silently. "Let me ask my own question. What do you see in front of you?"
Is this some kind of riddle? Patricia answered, "I see... You, a sports field... Guys with guns."
"Correct. But there are also things here you do not see. Thanks to the veil. The veil is what protects you. It's what keeps creatures wishing to spread their evil to different worlds, different lands, different people back and away." Star leaned in and broke it down into one sentence. "The veil is the cover keeping you from seeing what you want to see. And from... What you keep referring to us as."
Patricia gasped and quickly replied, "The veil is invisible matter? Like... Like a doorway to another dimension!"
Star sat back and snapped her finger at her. "Correct. You're smart, kid."
"I'm thirty one."
"As am I. You won't believe it though. Let's continue. In the past, the veil was non existent. It never existed, all dimensions flourished with each other. But when a great evil rose the veil was created. One world was already infected, they didn't need more. So the world was isolated, along with many more. But... They needed these worlds. So a group of people known as Guardians were created and given powers to find and defeat this evil. Earth." Star reached down and scooped up a pile of dirt that she dropped on the table. Then touched with her right index finger.
A white Rose slowly grew out of it, astounding Patricia. She adjusted her glasses and leaned in to get a closer look at the plant as it grew. Then Star plucked it out of the soil and shot it into Patricia's hair.
Next up, "Water." She raised her palm and created a slowly swirling ball of water from the air. Slowly twirling above her hand.
"Incredible," Patricia whispered. There was no way other worlds had this and they didn't!
"Fire." Star pointed her left index at the water and hit it with a "blowtorch." Turning it into steam. "Air." The steam blew out from in front of Patricia's frozen moisturized surprised face. "And finally..."
Patricia quickly interrupted, "Wait, there's another?"
"Yes, there is. Quintessence." Star raised her arm out across the table in front of Patricia's form. Lightning slowly crawled forward and danced in her palm. Patricia looked like she just witnessed cancer be cured. Star watched it move and said, "With these powers, the Guardians of the Veil, or the Infinite Dimensions were able to keep back the worst of evil. The Guardians are the best soldiers you will ever be able to meet. But hope you don't meet them."
Another attention grabber. Patricia quickly added to her notes and asked, "Why?"
"The only reason the Guardians would return is for law enforcement. And as of this moment, you humans are breaking a very important law. Never ever cross the veil without permission. You see, over the years of constant evil, the veil is beginning to break down. It's fragile thanks to portals that remain open and to those that travel through it. And if it goes out completely, all the dimensions will collide and everyone will die. Our knowledge of this world indicates that this... GU LABS is voluntarily opening these portals for money."
Patricia tapped her pen against her chin while her eyes stayed on Star's very red one. The other was more than likely hidden behind her hair. "So if the portals remain open, than they cause damage to the veil."
"Yes."
"So what if we just open and close them back?"
"No, close them permanently. There will be no unauthorized portal openings on this world. If we see another one, we will destroy them and any other attempt."
Patricia sighed and pleaded, "So there's nothing we can do to make the GU Portals legal?"
"Unless you want a fiery end with planets crashing into planets, I suggest you do nothing. And leave it be. This is one part of the future you cannot make. Traveling through time and space have consequences too. And... I am sure your boss knows of this."
Donnel shared a slow look with her colleagues behind the camera and audio feeds. Patricia asked, "What are you talking about?"
Star just shook her head and answered, "Do not worry about it. Just know that if those portals don't go down, you risk the lives of everyone around you. The ones you can see. And the ones you can't."
Patricia decided to test her knowledge. She knew a lot about this stuff apparently. She leaned in and asked, "So how many worlds are there that we can't see?"
"There is no exact number. But I do know ten off the top of my head on a need to know basis."
"Do you know the Guardians personally?"
"Yes, I do. But that is also need to know. But I'm warning you now. So tell your friends on the other end of the microphone you're hiding in your vest that it's better to follow the rules. Or there will be actions taken to make it happen."
Patricia sighed and dropped her own little questionnaire. It wasn't helping her get out of here. She stroked her face and asked, "What else should I know?"
Star raised her hand over the soil and stole the moisture out. Creating dry dirt she brushed off the table. "Well... Apart from what the veil is, everything else you may keep. But know this." Star put her fingers to her mouth and whistled.
Merci lifted her head from the ground and immediately stood up. Then trotted over to Star. She hovered out of her seat and settled down onto the back of Merci. Gripping her mane, she looked down to Patricia and added, "Everything that looks good for you can actually kill you. I have seen it happen. Tell your superiors to make the right choice. Because hundreds of trillions of lives depend on it."
With that, Merci reared up and took off for the side. Star sent a bolt of raw Quintessence into the upcoming space and created a rift she and Merci jumped through. Patricia swore she saw a castle somewhere on the other side right before it shut. All of this was really happening. She saw it, the TV crews saw it, the military saw it, everyone saw it.
Except Doctor Matthews. The brain behind the GU Portals. He was located in an enclosed location, surrounded by the darkness and the visuals he had displayed on the many HDMI monitors setup. Of the documents in the past. Of the Guardians. They were onto him. They were onto his plan. And if they had their chance, he'd be going down as soon as they could get to him. Which wouldn't take too long the second they did.
But he had his weapons ready. Matthews glanced behind him at the steel door. A faint blue light was escaping through it. The tool to finally finalize the mission. But these Guardians were in the way. Matthews was smart though, he knew they were actively looking for him. They were tackling three things at once:
Let Earth know about the Guardians, shutting down his portals, and putting him under arrest. But the girl on the screen was right about one thing for him: Traveling through time and space have consequences too. For both sides. One was meddling in the other's business. And they had to go.
He scrolled past the images of multiple Guardians he's recorded throughout his life. All arranged in chronological order. The most recent were the ones the FBI managed to catch on Camera. Irma Lair, Taranee Cook, Cornelia Hale, Melissa Cordeau, and Hay-Lin. And... Will Vandom? Six Guardians? Matthews sat back and hummed at the image of Wilhelmina Vandom. Actually... He directed his sights back to the image the news was playing back.
Now that the event was over, they were doing playbacks of everything. They even showed a clip of the "Unknown Visitor."
Matthews grew an evil grin on his face as he eyed her. "So... They're back and among us," he whispered. He froze the image of Will and stared long and hard at it. "I know you're coming for me. So... I'll be waiting for you... Guardian."