Chapter 32
Thirty-Two
With the truth finally laid bare, the observatory descended into madness as the Zodiacs began hotly debating their next move. Virgo”s analytical mind pushed for a carefully strategized plan of attack, but Aries bristled at the mere notion of delay.
”We can”t afford to waste more time,” the ram snarled, his fists clenching at his sides. ”The longer we sit here arguing, the deeper Dark Gemini”s claws sink into the cosmic balance!”
”And rushing in half-cocked will only play into her twisted schemes,” Virgo countered, his jaw set in a stubborn line. ”We need to gather intelligence, formulate contingencies?—”
”For what?” Aries scoffed. ”We know where the Cerulean Tear is being kept. We know who”s responsible for this whole cosmic clusterfuck.” His eyes darted to Scorpio; the lingering cut of jealousy caused by Dark Gemini was still there.
Tempers flared as the others weighed in, their voices rising in a clamor of conflicting opinions and clashing egos. Pisces watched it unfold, a mounting sense of frustration and doubt swirling within her. These were her celestial brethren, beings of immense power and profound wisdom...and yet they squabbled like petulant children in the face of such a dire crisis. How could she possibly hope to overcome Dark Gemini”s depravity without her cosmic gifts intact?
The doubt must have shown on her face, for Cancer leveled a concerned look in her direction. But before the nurturing Zodiac could speak, Pisces straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin, mustering every ounce of resolve she could summon.
”Enough!” The single word sliced through the commotion, uncompromising and resonant with a sudden surge of inner strength. The others fell silent, turning to her with a mixture of surprise and begrudging respect in their eyes. Pisces swept her gaze over them, allowing the echoes of power from her pre-human days to steady her bearing.
”We”re wasting precious time with all this squabbling,” she stated, her tone leaving no argument. ”The path forward is clear—we go to the mirror realm and confront Dark Gemini head-on.”
Aries smiled with satisfaction. This was the approach he’d been vying for.
She fixed her stare on Capricorn, the imperious female meeting her scrutiny with cool detachment. ”You know the way, don”t you? You witnessed the path Dark Gemini took.”
A muscle ticked in Capricorn”s sharp jawline before she inclined her head in a curt nod of affirmation. “I do. And I saw the fracture in the portal she used to get in, though I don’t think it wise we take that route. The fractures are closing.”
Pisces’ attention then shifted to Virgo. ”You can create a portal to access it, correct? Even for those of us...those without our full celestial abilities intact?”
Virgo hesitated for a fraction of a second before reluctantly nodding. ”It”s complicated and will require a substantial power source, but...yes. I can forge a temporary bridge to the mirror realm”s dimension.”
”Then that”s what we”ll do,” Pisces declared firmly. ”But first...”
She trailed off, looking at Sagittarius questioningly. The archer seemed to pick up on her unspoken prompt and nodded. ”We”ll need the full might of the Zodiac forces to stand a chance against Dark Gemini,” he said grimly. ”I suggest we use Virgo”s portal to travel to Taurus”s celestial compound first. We can summon Leo and Libra from there to join our cause.”
A murmur of assent rippled through the group. Even Scorpio, who had remained inscrutable throughout the heated debate, inclined his head in silent agreement.
”Then it”s settled,” Pisces stated, reassured by the newfound sense of unity. ”We gather our full forces and strike at Dark Gemini”s stronghold together. No more delay, no more indecision. It”s time to take back what”s mine and restore the cosmic balance, once and for all.”
As the others began filing out, leaving to make preparations for the journey ahead, Pisces hung back. Aries also lingered, his handsome features now etched into a pensive frown.
When they were alone at last, he turned to face her fully, his dark eyes burning with a haunted look she had never seen before. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he reached out to take her hands in his firm grip. ”Pisces...” he began, faltering, visibly struggling to voice the turmoil roiling within him. ”What you saw...what Sagittarius showed us both...” He trailed off, jaw clenching as if fighting against the tide of darkness lapping at his resolve. Pisces could feel the tension and anguish radiating off him in waves—the burden of responsibility weighing heavily upon his shoulders.
”I should never have fallen for Dark Gemini”s deceptions,” he gritted out, the words seeming to pain him. ”I put my trust in her lies, believed her to be you, and committed...unforgivable acts in that state of depravity. And then I struck you down, like a blundering fool?—”
His voice rose, the self-loathing and disgust palpable in every syllable. ”I”m Aries, the warrior of the stars, forged in the fires of the cosmos itself. I should have seen through her illusions, should have known it wasn”t you. But instead, I let myself be played like a damn puppet, dancing to her twisted tune.”
He wrenched his hands from Pisces’ grip, turning away as if unable to bear the sight of her. His shoulders heaved with the force of his rage, the air around him shimmering with the heat of his barely contained power.
”I”m supposed to be the protector, the one who strikes down the enemies of the Zodiacs without hesitation or mercy. But when it mattered most, I failed. I failed you, Pisces. And I don”t know if I can forgive myself for that.”
”Aries.” Pisces’ gentle but firm voice cut through his tirade. She stepped forward, placing a hand on his trembling shoulder and turning him to face her again. ”You were deceived by an unfathomable evil. What happened...it wasn”t your fault.”
He opened his mouth as if to protest, but she pressed on, conviction ringing in her words.
”The only one to blame is Dark Gemini herself.” Her jaw clenched, a renewed surge of determination coursing through her. ”And I fully intend to make her pay for the betrayal and devastation she”s wrought and bring the real Gemini back to life.”
Aries stared at her, seeming to draw strength from the steely resolve burning in her eyes. Slowly, the anguished lines eased from his features as he let the weight of his guilt begin to dissipate.
”You”re right,” he murmured, his voice still rough with emotion. ”I can”t let this break me. I am Aries, the undefeated warrior of the stars. And I will not rest until Dark Gemini is brought to justice and your power is restored.”
He straightened his shoulders, the familiar fire of determination and aggression rekindling in his eyes. ”We”ll fight this. Together. And the universe will tremble before our combined might when we”re through.”
Pisces offered him a reassuring smile, her affection for the steadfast warrior plain in her gaze. Then, standing on her tiptoes, she pressed her lips to his in a fervent, searing kiss that banished any lingering traces of doubt or turmoil.
When they finally parted, foreheads resting together, Aries let out a slow breath—as if releasing the last remnants of his inner demons.
”Let”s go get your power back,” he rumbled, the promise in his words resonant and absolute. ”And show Dark Gemini the true wrath of the Zodiacs unleashed.