Chapter 8
Eight
The SUV tore through the city streets unnoticed. Sag’s expert maneuvers guided them swiftly past the congested traffic. Gemini sat beside him in the front seat, her eyes scanning the surroundings casually. In the back, Pisces took deep breaths, trying to quell her anxiety. Everything around her was unfamiliar, and she longed for the soothing energy of the ocean at her feet. It was the only moment of true peace she’d had since falling from the sky. ”I feel so out of place,” she admitted.
Gemini turned to her, a knowing smile playing on her lips. ”That”s because you”ve never been one for the hustle and bustle of the cities,” she remarked. ”You tend to stick to the tranquil shores of the oceans and lakes.”
Pisces nodded. “Of all the things I’ve heard in the last two days, that’s the one I believe the most.” She closed her eyes and let the memory of the serene waters calm her frayed nerves. It was as though she absorbed the city”s chaotic energy around her. The calming embrace of nature was where she most longed to be at that moment.
The sound of sirens whizzed by them as the road ahead grew darker. ”Where are we going?” Pisces asked, shifting her focus to their mysterious destination.
Gemini grinned mischievously. ”We”re heading to Aquarius’ club.” Excitement bubbled in her voice. ”It”s called ”The Aqua Mirage.’ It’s a bit wild, but she uses it to draw in humans who need help. They think they’re partying at a club, but she’s really infusing them with her brand of stardust therapy.”
“Interesting,” Pisces said, eager to see it.
“Yeah.” Gemini looked back out the window. “If only she weren’t so high and mighty about it.”
“Gem,” Sag warned, his eyes still fixed on the road.
“What?” Gemini responded with an innocent shrug. “It’s true. She’s sometimes a bit full of herself because she can talk to the gods.” She rolled her eyes as if such a thing was trivial. “It gets old.”
Sag shook his head, apparently unwilling to engage anymore in the conversation. Turning back to Pisces, Gemini said, “He’s just bothered because he has a thing for Aquarius.” A smile crossed her lips, and she playfully nudged Sagittarius on the arm. “Isn’t that right, Sag?”
Sagittarius growled. “Enough. We’re almost there.” He met Pisces’ gaze in the rearview mirror. Hang on, Pisces. This part can be a bit disorienting. We’re entering a hidden plane of this realm.”
As the SUV veered into a dark alley and sped up, a surge of trepidation washed over Pisces, the confined space feeling almost claustrophobic. They drove deeper into the shadows, darkness surrounding them like a black hole. The sense of anticipation grew within her.
Moments later, the SUV emerged from the dark tunnel upon a dazzling spectacle, the nightclub towering before them like a beacon in the night. Lights flashed, music throbbed, and the energy of the place was palpable even from outside. They parked the SUV and stepped out.
Pisces hesitated on the threshold of the nightclub, uncertainty gnawing at her. Sag noticed, his soft hazel eyes shining with the electric glow of the signs at the door, and offered reassurance. ”Aquarius is a friend.” His voice was calm and steady. “And if the noise becomes overwhelming, just remember to ground yourself. Take deep breaths. Don’t get lost in the chaos around you.”
Pisces nodded, drawing upon the image of the ancient oak tree in the forest, its roots sinking deep into the earth. With a breath, she steeled herself and followed her celestial companions into the club.
The scene inside was a whirlwind of motion and sound. People of all shapes and sizes mingled on the dance floor, their laughter and shouts blending with the pulsating beat of the music. Light flashed in sync with the rhythm, casting vibrant patterns across the crowded space, and a cloud of fine, glittery dust hung in the air.
Gemini led the way, her familiarity with the venue evident as she navigated effortlessly through the crowd despite being a head shorter than most. Sag followed protectively close behind Pisces, his easygoing demeanor a stark contrast to the club”s frantic energy.
They finally reached a DJ booth at the front, perched high above the dance floor, where a striking figure that had to be Aquarius stood at the helm. She was tall and statuesque, her wavy red hair cascading down her shoulders like flames. She wore a form-fitting red dress that accentuated her curves.
Gemini gestured toward Aquarius with a grin and shouted over the music, ”There she is.” Her attention turned to Pisces. ”Not only does she know how to throw a party, but she also knows how to run the show.”
Sag nodded in agreement, his eyes twinkling with amusement. They ascended the stairs to the DJ booth, where Aquarius flashed a welcoming smile. ”Hey!” she greeted them, her voice carrying over the din of the club. ”I heard about what went down up there,” she pointed up with one hand while adjusting knobs on the decks with the other. “I”ve been expecting you.” She set up a new track and motioned for them to follow as she stepped away from the turntables, leading them to a quieter room behind the stage. It must have been soundproofed because Pisces barely heard the music once the door shut.
The room was a lounge adorned with cream couches and oversized fur pillows. The recessed lights bordering the ceiling gave off a pink glow.
Aquarius’ gaze fell on Sagittarius with a warm smile, and she motioned for everyone to sit. ”Drinks?” she offered, gesturing toward a well-stocked bar.
Gemini and Sag nodded appreciatively, but Pisces declined, her mind too preoccupied with getting answers to her predicament.
“Oh, come on. You’ve got to try this drink,” Aquarius insisted, bringing her a cup filled with glowing green liquid. “It’s my special recipe.” She gave Pisces a wink, seeming unbothered by the seriousness of the situation.
Despite her initial reluctance, Pisces accepted the drink. Its coolness soothed her parched throat, and she noticed her nerves subsiding with each sip.
Aquarius settled across from them, her demeanor relaxed yet poised as she sat back and crossed her long legs. ”I guess Scorpio finally made his move. I didn”t think he”d ever actually do it.”
Gemini and Sag exchanged glances. It seemed Scorpio had been making his intentions known for some time. Before Pisces could voice her thoughts, Aquarius clarified, ”Before you go thinking I had something to do with this, I promise you, I didn”t. I simply saw the jealousy burning in him ages ago. It was bound to happen.”
Sag sat forward inquisitively. “Have you heard anything through the ether? Any warnings from the gods?”
Aquarius’ gaze lingered on him for a moment before shaking her head. “Unfortunately, no. They can be infuriatingly absent sometimes.”
Pisces admired the air of intelligence and confidence surrounding Aquarius, finding herself drawn to her airy, calm demeanor. Sag filled Aquarius in on recent events, explaining their concerns should the Cerulean Tear fall into the wrong hands.
“The issue isn’t simply Pisces being without the essence of her power,” Sag said with a quick glance at Pisces. “The problem is, whoever has it might figure out how to absorb the power to control the Zodiacs, which would then affect humans since they’re designed as a reflection of us.
Aquarius nodded thoughtfully. “Or worse. It could be unleashed. That kind of energy would warp the entire Universe.”
A lump formed in Pisces’ throat now that she understood the implications of losing such a powerful piece of herself.
Aquarius put a slender white finger to her mouth in thought. “To accomplish either of those options, it would have to be a very cunning Zodiac.”
“Well, that eliminates at least half of us,” Gemini said with a smirk. She held out her hand like she was holding a list. “Crossing Leo out.”
Aquarius responded with a tight smile and a curious gaze.
”We don”t believe Scorpio would have been able to take the Cerulean Tear,” Sag stated, his tone almost scornful. ”Pisces would have never let him get close enough. And Aries, well, let”s just say I don”t think he”s patient enough for something like this.”
Aquarius nodded, adding, ”It had to be someone else. Someone close.” She turned her bright eyes on Pisces. “Who was last with you at Star Castle?”
Pisces shook her head. “I don’t remember. I don’t remember anything at all before falling.”
Aquarius’ eyes flared with fascination. “So, it’s true, then. You’ve really lost all memory.”
A solemn nod was Pisces’ answer.
The bright Aquarian sat back on the couch, her hand to her mouth and eyes fixed on Pisces as though she were trying to read her mind. “Losing the Tear must have left you vulnerable enough for someone to get in your mind. It sounds like something?—”
“We think the Tear is somehow linked to her identity, to her memories,” Gemini said, appearing as eager for answers as Pisces felt. Have you heard anything at all about it? You said you suspected Scorpio’s jealousy. Is there anyone else?”
Aquarius narrowed her eyes in thought. “An argument of guilt could be made for at least half of us. Things haven’t always been peaceful in the stars.” She sat back with a shrug. “All I can tell you is that I had nothing to do with it. I haven’t been at Star Castle in decades.” She sipped her drink and added, “And if I had that kind of power, I wouldn’t be spinning emotions in a club in the human realm.”
Sag nodded, seeming to believe the water carrier. “And not only that, you’re nearly as illuminated as our dear Pisces here. I don’t believe you would risk your place in the cosmos to dethrone her.”
Aquarius’ eyes sparkled at the acknowledgment of her status. “This, my wandering Sag, is why you’re my favorite fire.”
Pisces picked up the energy that passed between the two and smiled, recalling what Gemini had said in the car and what she’d been told at the hotel about the Zodiacs and their rendezvous.
A sensual gleam crossed Sag’s face, but Gemini jumped to her feet before he could respond. “Okay, peanut butter and jelly, make a sandwich some other time. Right now, we’ve got a Tear to find.”
Pisces laughed but stifled it when she noticed Aquarius cast a hostile glare at Gemini before her demeanor quickly cooled. Perhaps there was an old rivalry between the two signs.
The tension quickly broke when Aquarius sighed and smoothed the skirt of her dress. “I would visit Cancer if I were you.” She gave Pisces a sympathetic smile. “Perhaps your fellow water sign might know how this happened, especially considering Scorpio could be at the helm of it all.” She opened her arms, and Pisces rose, accepting her embrace. However, as Pisces pulled away, Aquarius clutched her close and whispered in her ear, “The wind can carry whispers unseen. Things aren”t always what they seem. Be careful, my friend.”
When she released Pisces and stepped back, her smile was warm, but her eyes conveyed a warning that made Pisces’ nerves hum.
“You’re not coming with us?” Gemini asked flatly, as though she expected the Aquarian to let them do all the heavy lifting.
“No,” Aquarius said, adjusting the bracelets on her wrists. “I think bringing us all together while you’re doing the Zodiac tour de Universe could do more harm than good.” She turned back to Pisces. “But if you call for me, I will come. I promise you that.” There was no room for doubt in her tone. She was ready to fight.
“She’s right,” Sag added. “We need to focus on current events. Bringing everyone together now will just be a distraction.”
Aquarius nodded and opened the door to bid them farewell. The noise from the club suddenly struck them with a tsunami of sounds, scents, and vibrations that nearly knocked Pisces off her feet. Gemini was behind to steady her. “Easy now, water girl. We need you in one piece to find the Tear.”
Pisces steeled herself as they went out into the madness.
“Hold on a second,” Sag shouted over the noise. He stepped back into the room, and the door swung nearly closed, remaining open just a crack. Pisces stared at it, willing Sagittarius to hurry. She wanted to get out in the open air.
“Oh, for the love of the gods,” Gemini shouted over the music, a scowl on her face. Clearly, she didn’t want to hang out in that place a moment longer than she had to, either. The flashing lights disoriented Pisces. The sounds silenced her inner voice. She scanned the room, watching the humans revel in the chaos, and when she looked back, the lights danced on Gemini, flickering with shadow and light that gave her impish appearance a more menacing air.
Pisces cast her gaze back on the humans and noticed the same unnerving phenomenon on each face. “I have to get out of here!” she shouted to Gemini as all her nerves fired at once. Danger was near. She felt it in her core.
By some miracle, Aquarius’ door opened just at that moment, and out sauntered Sag, looking more ruffled than before. He dragged a thumb across his lip and grinned as Aquarius slipped out behind him. She gave Pisces a wave and headed back to the DJ booth.
Without hesitation, Pisces took the lead toward the exit of The Aqua Mirage. She didn’t know if exhaustion, the noise, or something more nefarious was causing the panic to swell inside her. All she knew was that she had to get out—fast.