Lunar: Black Star Rising
By Thomas Knapp
Chapter Nine
Jean found herself immensely enjoying the heated discussion the three travelers were having, although it was Lemina and Toras who seemed to have the most facts for this debate. It was a historical argument about the relationship between the people of the Black Moon and those of Lunar when they both resided on the Blue Star.
Jean had taken Toras side in the argument, more to see if he would notice more than really agreeing with him. This drew nearly hostile glares from Lemina on occasion, and it didn't appear that Toras was even taking notice in Jean's support.
"He's totally hung up on Lemina." Jean mused to herself, "Just goes to show that even if you're a genius, you can still be an idiot."
Lemina and Jean suddenly were jostled most uncomfortably, and Toras quickly explained that they had just entered the Blue Star's atmosphere. Turning to the makeshift control console, he made the necessary corrections to slow their descent, so as to properly angle themselves to land in the pre-selected place, as well as to prevent from burning up in the Blue Star's atmosphere.
"Okay, ladies. Hang on tight, things might just get a little rough." Toras announced, then fired the retro-rockets to counteract their rapidly increasing speed, all the while keeping a pair of mental fingers crossed, hoping that the ignition of his modified fuel intake didn't cause the engines to explode, thus ending their quest all to quickly…
On the surface…
Hiro was not used to objects suddenly appearing in the sky of the Blue Star, so when a black, pod like device began to come closer and closer overhead, you bet the young hero was bound to take notice.
Leaving Lucia in the temple, Hiro tried to chase down the strange object in the sky, but discovered that it was simply traveling too fast for his feet to follow. As he reached the edge of the green clearing that Lucia had managed to thaw, he saw that the vessel had touched the ground, and three human figures had emerged.
Edging ever closer, he tried to discern just who the visitors could be. He didn't have to go much further, as the green hair that topped one of the people made it extremely obvious who she was.
Further examination revealed the second person, but Hiro couldn't tag the pale-faced man who accompanied them. Keeping his hand on his boomerang in case something was amiss, Hiro stepped into view.
Before he could even call out to them, Lemina and Jean had sent him sprawling to the snowy earth with a flying double tackle. "HIRO!" They shouted together, eventually giving him ample room to stand once again.
Brushing the wet snow from his clothes, he noted their companion approaching at a much less enthusiastic speed. The man started to say something, but Lemina interrupted him. "Where's Lucia? We need to talk to her right away."
"Whoa, whoa!" Hiro interceded, "How did you two get here, and why do you need to see Lucia."
Deciding to abandon any pretenses, Toras decided just to explain the situation right out. "There is a large space object approaching the Blue Star as we speak, and its impact would very likely destroy all life in this entire planetary system. Your friends seem to think that Lucia would know a way to neutralize this threat."
Inside the Temple of Althena…
It took a great deal of effort to keep Toras on task, since every time they turned around, he was analyzing and marveling over some etching or record found inside the temple. Fortunately, he was a reasonable person, and was eventually convinced that seeing Lucia was important if he was going to study this temple any further.
The woman in question was hunched over a small glowing ball of crystal, magical energies potent enough to be visible to the naked eye swirling all around. No doubt she was using this device to accelerate the healing of the Blue Star.
For a brief moment, she simply stared at the visitors, as if her eyes were trying to convince her brain that what she was seeing was really what was there. Finally, she pulled away from the orb she had been concentrating on, and walked up to Hiro, sliding an arm around his waist as she addressed two of her old friends.
"Lemina, Jean… what are you doing here, and how did you…"
"It would be best if I explained all that has transpired, my lady." Toras enunciated, "For the story I have to relate bodes ill for us all."
An hour later…
Toras finally stopped talking, his story, complete. Lucia's mouth had been slowly working its way to the ground during the incredible tale, and she muttered, "So… the Science Guild DID survive the attack on Zophar."
Toras nearly howled with delight. "So you DO know of my ancestors! That's EXACTLY what our most ancient records called themselves! We must discuss this in greater detail."
"Well, sadly… I don't know much about them, I was quite young when they severed all contact with Althena and her followers. Besides, as the rest of your tale states, there is a much more pressing concern."
"Lucia, you inherited Althena's power, didn't you?" Lemina said confidently, "Surely, it's not much of a task to deflect this little nuisance."
Lucia pulled short, then admitted gravely, "Normally… no, but I have focused so much of my power into healing the Blue Star, and I have little to spare. By the time I would have gathered Althena's power to me again, I fear it may be too late."
Lemina sagged in defeat, but Jean refused to give into despair. "Surely there is SOME option we have."
Lucia bit her lower lip, as if she was not to sure that she should say what she was about to. "There IS a possibility, but it is very unlikely that it will have the results that we hope."
"What is it?" The four listening to Lucia demanded.
"I shouldn't even have brought it up. He has been silent for thousands upon thousands of years. He sat idly by during the attacks of Zophar on Althena's children, and I cannot imagine that he would rise to our aid now."
"I don't know who you are talking about, love." Hiro urged, "But as you indicated, we have very few options. If there is a chance, however small, we MUST take it."
Lucia smiled, remembering once again how Hiro had melted her heart, "Very well, but the path could be very dangerous indeed. Hiro, show our friends to the star gate. We first must have a meeting with the Star Dragon."