Chapter 18

Avalon fell to her knees in the middle of the ritual room floor. She was surrounded by all of the relics the star spirits had given to the various members of her royal family. These ornaments helped her communicate with the star spirits.

Honeysuckle incense burned at all four corners of the room, and she wore the crown of the spirits. It was a simple tiara with star shaped jewels in all seven colors of the star pieces. "My star spirits, please hear my plea. Everything will be destroyed if something isn't done… this will be the very last time I call upon you for help."

Silence, as usual… "Please light the way for me to come see you in person… I will hurry… I won't keep you long."

The candles placed about the room all began to light with different colors. "My child, come alone, you have one hour to get to star haven." A voice whispered gently. She thanked them with silence, and put on the rest of the ornaments.

With the staff of the spirits in hand, she left the palace as quickly as she could. Nobody saw her leave as the ensemble of gold and jewels traced the night sky. She didn't want to leave Link hanging like that, but she had to make sure she got there without interruption…

She ran through the small town; all of the toads had gone to bed long ago. She flew past the entrance to the forest, and up the small path leading to Star Hill. A few glowing star-shaped flowers lit the way for her.

The accessories she wore were quite heavy, so she had to rest for just one minute. She sat on a small rock overlooking an even smaller pond. She stared at her own reflection for a moment. Her hair was all ready for her wedding day, which would probably never come. No use being pessimistic… she stood and straightened the tiara, and necklace, made sure her earrings and belt were still there, and held the staff carefully as she continued up the step-like rocks.

"You sneaky little beast!" Leo called from behind her. She started to walk even quicker. It wasn't much farther ahead. "Don't you go up there!"

She had reached the first summit. She turned and watched him struggling to climb. He would never be able to do it without the stairs being there. They only appeared for the person who held the staff, and those accompanying that person.

"Goodbye Leo, may we never meet again." She announced, as she watched him scrambling, yet getting nowhere.

"I won't die, don't you understand that? I am half of Bowser. I'm the smarter, stronger half! Your spirits can't stop me!"

"They gave you the power, and they can take it away."

He growled and threw a rock at the spot she was before. Now she was almost to the top, she never saw his cowardice shot.