Chapter 2
Etheria, the past
Sitting high atop her thrown, Queen Lunamera looks across her court with the sun shining through the stained windows and open pillars of the castle. A thick pale white paste covers her face protecting her from the sun while her body is clad in a black body suit made of a fine chain mail. A tiara made of stark white ivory rests atop her head with the face of a strange beast carved at the top. Her blood red hair is pulled behind and hangs back in two full pony tails.
Her subjects stand before her awaiting any possible orders. Gazing at everyone, Lunamera grins to herself. She can feel him approaching. Soon enough the doors to her court open up as a guard steps in with a message, "My Queen, the Count is here to see you." Nodding her approval, Lunamera requests that everyone leave her alone. Her heart begins to beat faster waiting for his arrival.
Parting her lips with a sigh of happiness, Lunamera looks on as Count Marzo enters her chambers. She studies each step of his as he walks towards her. His chiseled features make him look virile and young even though they are close in age that leans towards the middle.
Count Marzo stands before her with a silver chest piece on and a red cape swept over part of his body. Long muscular legs are clad in black pants and boots. His long black hair hangs past his shoulders. Licking his lips before speaking, Marzo stares at Lunamera with a hint of hunger, "My Queen. I have arrived for your lesson. Are you alone?"
Lunamera leans forward and whispers, "You know I'm alone." Marzo grins as he walks towards her. Leaning over her, he plants his lips against hers for a stirring kiss. Pressing against her, Marzo runs his hands across her body. The mere act is electrifying to her. Breathing heavily, Lunamera bites into his jaw in ecstasy. Straddling her on the throne, he presses himself into her. Both try to melt into the other.
Leaning back, Lunamera whispers, "We can't here." Closing his eyes, Marzo grabs her hair tightly, "This damn avoidance of light. It is ridiculous." Lunamera glares at him, "I suppose you want to ravish my body with the light boiling my naked skin alive?" Shaking his head, Marzo gets off her. Lunamera focuses, "You know the rules. You teach me the art of magic and I teach you how to make me thrive in rapture." Marzo can only laugh, "We've been teaching each other the art of our bodies for a long time now Mera." She smiles to herself whenever she hears her nickname from his mouth.
Standing up with a slight stretch, Lunamera spreads her legs as she stands over Marzo, "I've been practicing the spells. I feel as if I am beginning to understand the laws of magic." Count Marzo shakes his head, "No. There are no laws to the magic I'm sharing with you. It's chaos magic, the ultimate magic in the land. Has anyone caught you yet?"
Thinking upon her practices with the dark arts, Lunamera shakes her head, "No one knows what is occurring between us or what has occurred either. Everyone is more focused on Golden Girl and the other Guardians finding the barbarians. And since my betrothed is with them fighting the endless fight for all that is good, we will have my room tonight for ourselves."
Marzo shakes his head in a fit of laughter, "It does not bother you that the father of your children is saving the world with your sister?" The queen's eyes narrow, "Why should I care? He has always looked up to her more, everyone has. If it were up to the people of this kingdom, Solaria would be the queen and responsible for everything. My own daughters look up to their aunt as some sort of savior."
Grabbing hold of her hands, Marzo smirks, "To be fair, you aren't very much fond of your daughters." Tossing her hands away from Marzo as her eyes fill with anger, Lunamera spits out, "How could I be fond? I didn't want them! It was all part of my duty as the daughter that lost. I had to carry Kroma's child unaware I'd be carrying three of his spawn, and now, how the kingdom loves their precious Star Sisters." Tilting his head to calm her, Marzo speaks calmly, "There are those that loathe your daughters. The barbarians have been trying to destroy them since they were born."
Shrieking back in laughter, Lunamera cackles in delight, "Please. The barbarians that run rampant across this world won't do a thing. Besides, if someone is going to destroy my daughters, it will be me." Marzo looks on at his secret lover in shock, "That's a drastic thing to say." Slightly shocked at the words from her mouth, Lunamera closes her eyes with a nervous laugh, "I was only joking Marzo. They might be brats, but I don't want them dead." Marzo listens to her, but for some reason he feels as if she is lying. Changing the subject, the sorcerer continues his secret trainings with Lunamera over the dark arts.
In another area of the castle, the Star Sisters rest in a courtyard after having a picnic. The day is bright and full of life. Starla sits with her legs folded. There is a slight breeze with the wind as it blows through her golden hair. Telescopa stands to the side picking some crapples from a tree in the courtyard. Her long bright pink hair dazzles brightly as one of her arms extends to reach some of the delicious fruit hanging a little too high. Jewelstar sits with her knees to her chest. Her hands clap at Telescopa's powers, "Bring some for me too!" Running a hand over her high pony tail that looks as if it was dipped in cotton candy, Jewelstar grins with the joy of getting ready to eat a crapple.
With a mound of fruit in front of them, the sisters gather together to eat a little more, marking a nice conclusion to the picnic, but far from the end of their day. "I wish mother would join us for these events." Starla says quietly. Jewelstar nods, "I would too, but you know that mother can't really sit under the sun."
Telescopa takes a bite of the sweet and slightly tart fruit in her hand and contemplates the nature of their mother's moods, "I don't know that she would want to eat with us anyway. Sun or no sun." Starla is shocked to hear such words, "Tele! That is our mother." Rolling her eyes slightly, Telescopa takes another healthy bite of the crapple, "My dear sister, don't be dense. Mother has never been one to truly bond with us. We'd have to practically drag her against her will to enjoy a picnic or anything for that matter."
The sisters sit in conversation. They know their mother is rather difficult. Getting along with a stone has been easier. Each is thankful though that they have their father, to say nothing of their aunt, the Golden Girl herself.
"Do you think they will stop the barbarians?" Jewelstar asks looking to each sister. Starla nods with all the confidence in the world, "Father will not let us down. Along with the Guardians of the Gemstones, we are going to be just fine. They will capture the barbarians." Starla hopes that what she is saying will be true.
Telescopa takes another bite of food, "I just want them taken care of. You realize we have only ever lived in this castle? Barring a few secured trips through parts of the surrounding kingdom, we have never gotten the chance to see the world around us." Starla isn't sure that she wants to anyway. Jewelstar shakes her head, "You wouldn't want to see the world? I bet Etheria is breathtaking." Starla continues to stand firm in her position, "I like it here. I feel safe. No matter how many barbarians are captured, I feel like there will always be danger surrounding us. Don't you? Come on sisters; please tell me I'm not the only one that feels this way?"
Jewelstar and Telescopa look at each other. They know that Starla is speaking the truth. Danger does seem to float in the air threatening them at every turn. Trying her best to change the subject though, Telescopa looks out across the courtyard, "I wonder how the Guardians are doing right now." They sit in silence, each wondering the same thing.
Towards the northern section of Etheria, Golden Girl, King Kroma, and the Guardians of the Gemstones travel along the open plains heading towards the Kingdom of Snows. They can see the ice capped mountains in the distance. Solaria in her golden armor walks towards the front of the group atop the unicorn she saved when she was younger. "Come on Olympia, steady fella." The unicorn is acting nervous, and has been all day.
Next to her is King Kroma atop a cool grey horse. His tan skin glistens in the sun as a shimmery blue cape sweeps behind him. A ruffle of blond hair rests on his head and lengthens throughout the back. The other Guardians ride closely behind on their own steeds.
Onyx has a jeweled crown securing her raven hair in place. Her dark skin has a nice appearance in combination with her pink armor and suit. An assortment of swords rest on each side of her while her shield is strapped to her back, she rides silently on her pale blond horse while looking and listening to everything around her.
Next to Onyx is Jade, clad in bright green armor with white detailing riding a horse with the richest of black fur. Her white boots shine bright in the sun while her red hair burns brilliantly. Her fair skin looks at odds under the sun, but her skin is mostly shielded by her tiara and armor. Jade looks towards Onyx, "My friend, you have been quiet all day. Share something with me." Onyx turns with a grin, "I will share with you this: the day is far too young to be focusing on conversation." Jade shakes her head at her friend's statement.
Rounding up the group is Rubee with a horse with a nice chocolate coloring. Rubee tries to keep up, though she is struggling with her bow and arrows. A mass of reddish brown hair moves around as she searches for a special latch on her weapons. A red cape covers her body in even more red armor. Tossing a few words, Rubee calls to Saphire for some help.
Riding closer to her friend, Saphire approaches Rubee on a grey horse with streaks of white sparkly hair. Her blue body suit looks very bright and clear as her star shaped shield creates many lines around her. Pulling her blond hair upon her head, Saphire calls out to Rubee, "What's the matter?"
Rubee responds in frustration, "I can't secure my arrows and bow properly. I feel like they are going to be tossed about at any moment." Saphire nods and calls out for the others to slow down. Solaria gets the message and waves for everyone to take a brief pause. Taking one look back towards Rubee, Solaria turns to Kroma, "We need the time to rest anyway."
Kroma nods while scanning the incoming mountains. He can feel the chill rolling off the mountains, "Resting is good, for we do not know what will be facing us in those mountains." Solaria looks at her brother-in-law and nods, "This is true, but we are strong in our small number. We are going to find those who want your daughters dead."
Towards the back, Saphire and Rubee work on her arrows. "I think everything should be fixed. How did it come undone?" Saphire asks. Rubee can only shrug, "I am not sure." The two women work together while discussing their current journey. Both chuckle that their armor, though helpful, does not cover their entire bodies and the impending cold they will be soon facing. Rubee laughs harder, "We should be feeling sorry for poor King Kroma. He's wearing less than us." Saphire looks towards Solaria and Kroma. The King is wearing a shiny loin cloth made of chain mail under his cape. She remarks with a smile, "Nah. He has his cape to keep warm." Both look up though as some clouds begin rolling in.
Jade and Onyx notice as well. "Are those clouds rolling off from the mountain?" Onyx peers closer, noticing a sudden change in the temperature. Jade frowns, "Those clouds seem to be moving fast." The two Guardians look towards Solaria and Kroma as they approach them. Solaria points to the sky, "Prepare your selves Guardians. Something is not well with the sky."
Working faster to secure her weapons, Rubee begins to panic. Saphire speaks evenly, "Rubee, don't panic. Those clouds are probably just a storm approaching. No need to worry." Rubee tries to stay calm and work efficiently. She can't lose her arrows.
Solaria stares at the clouds, "I don't feel good about this. I see strange movement in the air." Kroma asks if Solaria is sure. Solaria can only nod.
High above the air in the clouds flies Vultura and her minions the Evil Claw. Flying high atop on a vicious winged beast, Vultura makes a motion to the faceless winged monsters in her presence. One of her arms is human while her other arm is something birdlike. Her hand is like that of a vulture claw while a lone wing juts out from the side of her arm. Her hair is a mixture of deep blues and stark whites all rolled up like a twister piled around her head. Feathered boots dig into the flying beast she is on. Her demented face looks down below at the Guardians while a feathered tiara spans out like wings across both sides of her face. Letting out a high pitched wail, Vultura descends from the dark clouds to attack Golden Girl and the Guardians of the Gemstones, her minions follow behind.
"Careful Guardians!" Solaria shouts as she draws her wave bladed sword. With another arm free, she grabs hold of her shield ready for battle. The other Guardians and Kroma prepare as well. Standing off to the side, Rubee primes her arrows. With a simple finger snap, she lights the tip of an arrow on fire.
The faceless winged minions of the Evil Claw swoop down hitting the ground running. Onyx moves quickly with two swords in each hand. Spinning in a circle she takes down a beast, slicing him in half. Kroma charges towards a minion dragging a dagger through the skull. Rubee is firing off arrows at lightning speed, trying to take down the minions that are flying in. Jade feels out of her element as she tries to capture the minions flying around her. Saphire teams up with her, blasting off rays of light that end up doing nothing since the minions have no faces.
Jade shouts, "Ramp it up Saphire! We need something stronger!" Saphire nods while taking hold of her spear. Charging her light powers through the blade, she sends out searing streaks of light that stun the flying minions. Once they begin to fall and touch the ground, Jade is ready to make quick work of them.
Vultura watches all of this carefully and is quickly angered by the loss of her faceless ones. While swooping around in a circle, Vultura creates mini twisters that whip around the ground tossing the Guardians every which way. Building her strength, Vultura creates one giant twister that she is driving towards Solaria. Vultura howls, "Now you are finished Golden Girl!"
The fierce winds whip towards Solaria completely surrounding her. Kroma looks on in horror as the twister swallows her entirely. Screaming her name, Kroma looks on in dismay. The other Guardians contend with the monstrous minions of the Evil Claw, each keeping an eye on the fate of Solaria.
Cackling in glee, Vultura grabs the air in her hands, "Foolish Guardians. No one can survive the evil from the sorceress of the Evil Claw!" Motioning for her minions to kill the rest of the Guardians, Vultura turns to the large twister in triumph.
Her eyes dusted in webbed blue shadow widen in fury as Vultura watches Solaria step out of the whipping forces of the twister. Solaria lashes out with a quick swipe of sword cutting through the twister and dispersing the fierce winds in every direction. Vultura is thrown back.
Stepping towards the evil sorceress, Solaria grabs Vultura by the neck, "Who is behind all this?" Vultura grins in defeat, "The barbarians are behind this. We want the three daughters from the stars killed." Kroma is listening with every bit of rage building. He demands to know who Vultura serves, "Who rules over the barbarians? Answer me now witch!" He is ready to strike her. Solaria silences him, "Don't do this. Kroma, stand back, please."
He can't move. All he can do is stare at this mad woman in the Golden Girl's clutches. Vultura writhes in an attempt to get free. She soon emits a low chuckle that turns into something maniacal, "You fools. You have no idea, no concept of who we serve." Vultura looks towards the Guardians around her. Continuing to laugh and then growing very serious, Vultura stares blankly at Solaria, "We serve the Dragon Queen and she is stirring. Once she is set free her thirst for blood won't be quenched until she has all of your heads, including the sisters from the stars. Forever the wheel and time of the Dragon Queen, her blood is mine." Vultura cackles again before unleashing a flurry of winds that whip around confusing and blinding the heroes. In an instant she is gone as are the cloudy skies and minions of the Evil Claw. The sun shines again across the plains and the Guardians are left to wonder: who or what is the Dragon Queen?