Chapter 6
Six
Pisces followed Gemini out of the forest with a welcome blend of excitement and curiosity swirling within her. The dense canopy of trees gradually gave way to patches of silver moonlight filtering through the leaves, and soon, they emerged onto a paved road, the hum of distant traffic filling the air.
Gemini strode confidently along the roadside, her chatty demeanor cutting through the silence. She regaled Pisces with tales of her search. “Time works differently down here, you know? Oh, wait, you don’t know.” She glanced over her shoulder and shrugged. “Sorry. But don’t worry. We’ll figure this out and get you back to your aquatic self soon enough.” The confidence in her tone gave Pisces a sliver of comfort.
Gemini’s short brown hair bobbed as she walked on, her boots crunching on the ground. “So, as I was saying, time works differently on the Earth realm. It might have taken you ten minutes to fall from the stars, but that’s like ten months in Earth time. Luckily, I was in a nearby star system when I heard what happened. I was able to get here in time.” Suddenly, she stopped and whirled around. “Do you feel human now?” She arched a curious brow.
Pisces took stock of her senses and said, “I don’t remember feeling any other way, so...I suppose I do.”
Gemini whistled, “Wow, that’s rough. If you had your full spirit, you’d understand why I say that.” She turned and eyed Pisces. “Are you hungry or thirsty or anything?”
Pisces shook her head.
“Good,” Gemini said, continuing on the road. “Not much farther. I didn’t expect you to be so far out. You know, it was a colossal pain in the ass to figure out where you’d land. And then Aries carrying you even farther off course.” Gemini clicked her tongue. “That ram acts first and thinks later.”
The mention of Aries and Gemini’s knowledge of him gave her pause. Gemini must have sensed her unease and slowed her pace so Pisces could catch up. “What happened out there anyway? Did he come on too strong? Was he being a dick?”
From her sidelong look, it was clear Gemini wanted salacious details. Pisces frowned, recalling the fleeting dream that sent her running. “That would be an understatement.”
This made Gemini laugh. “What a dumbass.”
“Yes,” Pisces responded, trying to mask her sadness. “I thought he was trying to kill me at first. And then I thought maybe he was trying to help me. And then I realized he actually was trying to kill me.”
“Oh yeah?” Gemini remarked. “He can be an asshole, but I doubt he was trying to kill you.”
Pisces shivered at the memory of her dream. “He’s the reason I’m down here. I saw it in a dream. It’s why I ran.”
“Interesting,” Gemini said, seeming to meditate on this revelation. Then she said, “Listen, don’t get too salty about it now, little fish. We Zodiacs have been infighting for millennia. So far, no one’s been voted off the island yet. I will say that you’re the first of us to get dropped from the stars like a canceled celebrity and lose their power. So, I guess anything is possible.”
This revelation didn’t put Pisces’ mind at ease.
Trying to lighten the mood, Gemini started chatting again. ”It was like catching a butterfly in a tornado, trying to find you.” She gave a wry grin. ”I really hate coming down here, you know? Humans are so boring and predictable. They say I’m the Zodiac most like humans, but I wholeheartedly disagree.”
Pisces nodded in understanding, empathy stirring within her for the friend she never knew she had.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a sleek sports bike parked by the roadside. Gemini grinned mischievously as she gestured toward the bike, her eyes sparkling excitedly. “I would have used my powers to bring it closer to the forest, but I’ve only got enough gas to get us into the city. And, unfortunately, even us Zodiacs have to pay for fuel on this blasted planet.” Her large eyes sparkled. ”Get on, princess. Let”s take this baby for a spin.”
Pisces hesitated, uncertainty flickering as she gazed at the motorcycle. She couldn’t recall ever being on one before, and the idea of riding on the back of a speeding bike filled her with apprehension.
But Gemini insisted. “Listen, girl, you’re practically human and wearing a tissue paper dress. I can practically see your nipples through that thing.” She laughed. “Do you want to walk another hundred miles or get there fast?”
With a resigned sigh, Pisces climbed onto the back of the bike, her hands gripping the seat tightly as Gemini revved the engine. Gemini produced a single helmet from a compartment on the bike, considering it briefly before handing it to Pisces. ”You should wear this,” she said, her tone serious for once. ”Safety first.”
She donned the helmet with a nod, fastening the strap securely beneath her chin as Gemini revved the engine again. “Hold on,” she shouted, speeding off down the road, wind whipping against them.
”Where are we going?” Pisces called out over the engine”s roar.
Gemini turned her chin but kept her eyes on the road. ”To meet up with Sag. He helped me pinpoint your location. Remind me to tell him I found you hugging a tree. He’s gonna love that.”
The motorcycle sped up, taking sharp turns that made Pisces” stomach flip with fear and exhilaration. Soon, the open road gave way to a sprawling city view. Settled beneath the dusky sky, the city blazed, illuminated by myriad lights that twinkled like distant stars. Skyscrapers soared into the heavens, their glass facades reflecting the glow of neon signs and bustling streets below. The sound of traffic filled the air, mingling with the chatter of pedestrians and the occasional blare of sirens. As they navigated the labyrinthine streets, Pisces’ senses were overwhelmed—the cacophony of sounds, the kaleidoscope of lights, and the constant movement of people and vehicles. It was a stark contrast to the serene tranquility of the forest, and Pisces couldn”t help but feel a sense of disorientation amidst the chaos.
Eventually, they arrived at their destination—a grand hotel that stood as a beacon of luxury amidst the urban sprawl. Its towering facade was adorned with intricate carvings of Greek gods, gargoyles, and gilded accents, a testament to its opulence and grandeur. A large sign above the entrance proclaimed its name in bold letters: ”The Celestial Hotel.”
Gemini brought the bike to a smooth stop, tossing the keys to a nearby valet. As they dismounted, Pisces sensed something different about the valet—an otherworldly aura set him apart from the bustling crowd of humans.
They made their way through the hotel”s entrance, and Pisces was immediately struck by the magnificence surrounding her. The lobby was adorned with marble floors, towering columns, and intricate tapestries depicting scenes from celestial realms. Soft strains of ethereal music played, and the scent of exotic flowers filled the air.
Gemini noticed Pisces’ wide-eyed expression and explained as they stepped into the ornate elevator. ”Welcome to The Celestial,” she said, her voice filled with a hint of pride. ”It”s a place in the mortal realm where beings from the stars, like the Zodiacs, gods, and spirits, come to stay. Humans can”t see it—it exists beyond their perception.”
The elevator ascended swiftly, whisking them to the 1111th floor with dizzying speed. When the doors slid open, they stepped into a sprawling room that was nothing short of stunning.
In the center of the room stood a man, lean but fit, with short dark brown hair and hazel eyes that held a glimmer of curiosity as he gazed at Pisces. His demeanor was warm as he approached, extending a hand in greeting. ”Welcome, Pisces,” he said, his voice lush and soft like moss. ”I”m Sagittarius. You can call me Sag. It”s been centuries since we last crossed paths, though I suspect, given the circumstances, you don”t remember me.”
Pisces shook his hand, a flicker of recognition stirring within her despite the haze of forgotten memories that shrouded her past.
Sag wasted no time getting down to business. ”We need to find the vessel that gives you your powers,” he said, his expression serious. ”How much has Gemini told you about it?”
Pisces shrugged. “Not much.”
Gemini grabbed a piece of licorice from a buffet and stuck it in her mouth. “Chill, Sag. I wasn’t trying to host an episode of This is Your Life on the way back. The girl had just fallen from the sky, escaped a giant scorpion, and scaled a mountain. I figured she should get something to eat before we discuss the fate of the entire Universe.”
Sag narrowed his eyes at Gemini and smirked. “Got it.” He gestured toward the living room filled with giant lavish sofas. “Come have a seat. Gem will get you something to eat. You must be starving.”
Pisces accepted the offer, her stomach finally growling. She was grateful to get off her feet.
Sag brought her a glass filled with an orange liquid. “Drink this. It will help with the exhaustion.” He sat on a chair across from her and rested his elbows on his knees. “I’ll help however I can, but I don’t want to overwhelm you. First, tell me what you remember before falling from the sky.”
Gemini presented Pisces with a plate filled with fruits, cheese, and nuts. “I figured you’d prefer this over the sushi.” She winked and sat down beside Pisces.
“I don’t remember anything,” Pisces admitted, feeling a pinch of embarrassment. She was utterly helpless, unable to recall even the slightest details about who and what she was. “Aries told me I am...or was...Mistress of the Zodiac.”
Sag nodded, his expression gentle. “That means you are the oldest. You’ve gained the most knowledge and experience of the Zodiacs.”
Pisces swallowed a bite of cheese. “And now I am nothing.”
Gemini clicked her tongue. “Now, now, little fish, don’t beach yourself just yet. You’re still you. Except now you’re like a phone with no charger.”
Sag rolled his eyes and continued, “It”s crucial that we figure out how and why this happened. Because if it can happen to you, it can happen to any of us.” His grave tone made Pisces uneasy, but it rang true. “What do we need to do?”
”Pisces, we need to find your Cerulean Tear,” Sagittarius said. “It”s the source of your powers and your knowledge. Without it, you”re vulnerable—we’re all vulnerable.”
“What is the Cerulean Tear? Why did I have it?” Pisces asked.
Sag sat back in his chair. “The Cerulean Tear is a small star. It’s a vessel that normally lives inside you.” He pointed to her heart, and she immediately sensed an emptiness where the Tear used to be. “Because you’ve gained so much knowledge and power, the Cerulean Tear holds the weight of it. As a celestial being, your soul can’t contain it all.”
Gemini chimed in. “It’s like your spiritual handbag. And now someone’s snatched it.”
A laugh escaped Sag, and he shook his head. “Gem, this is serious. Enough with the jokes.” He turned his attention back to Pisces. “One of the Zodiacs must have taken it. It’s the only possibility. We just don’t know who yet.”
“Scorpio,” Gemini said definitively.
Sag shook his head. “I don’t think so, Gem. He wouldn’t have followed her down if he already had it. He’s chasing it.”
A pit formed in Pisces’ stomach, wondering who she could truly trust and who was vying for her demise.
”We must act swiftly,” Sagittarius continued. ”Time is of the essence. The longer your Cerulean Tear remains missing, the greater the risk to the balance of the cosmos if the thief discovers how to unleash it.”
The weight of his words and the words he didn’t say fell heavily on Pisces. It was much worse than she thought. There was so much more at risk than just her existence.
Gemini turned her elfish green eyes to Pisces. Gone was the wry smile, replaced with sincere determination. “We’ll do whatever it takes to find it, Pisces. Don’t you worry. You’ve got friends on your side.”
Sagittarius nodded in agreement, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. “So? Are you ready to go get your Tear back?”
She looked from Sag to Gem. Friends, her intuition purred. “Yes,” she said, feeling a warmth in her soul.
”Good,” Sag said with a clap of his hands. “We”ll start by gathering information and contacting the Zodiacs. Someone has to know something. With any luck, we”ll uncover the identity of the culprit and retrieve your Cerulean Tear before it”s too late.”
Too late. What would happen when it was too late? Pisces’ mind raced with questions. She could recall common details any human would know, but her life in the stars was a blur. All she knew was that there were twelve beings of the Zodiac, and she was one of them. She’d already encountered two when she fell, and now two sat before her. That left seven more to discover and many more questions to be answered.