Burning Star
Chapter 9 – Evil Counterpart

Amelia woke up to a light tug on her arm. She groaned and turned over on her side. It couldn’t be morning already—she was still tired.

“Amelia,” Orianna’s voice called from her right. “It’s time…”

That made her move. She shot upright and looked around the room. A faint dizziness spread, and she held her forehead for a moment before looking at the oracle. “It’s time?”

The girl nodded. Amelia sighed and rubbed the mucus from her eyes. Solem, they’d stayed up late yesterday. Of course, Thomas had advised her to go to bed, but she insisted on trying to recreate the entire centerpiece in crystal. If she managed, the book wouldn’t be much harder. A joy spread inside her. She couldn’t wait to see Eric’s face when she traveled home, and told him that there was no need for his crusades any longer. She would tell him that she’d taken care of things and that everything would be okay.

As Amelia thought of it, she couldn’t stop a smile from forming on her face. It would be a sweet reunion, Amelia had it all figured out. He’d be rendered speechless from her sheer geniality, and then he’d take her in his arms, holding her tight. She imagined his face slowly nearing hers, his lips touching—

“Hello? You in there?” Orianna asked, breaking Amelia’s daydream.

Amelia could feel heat rush to her cheeks, and praised Solem that the oracle was blind. Clearing her throat, she looked towards the girl. “Yes?”

“You need to start as soon as possible.” Orianna shuffled around on her knees, placing herself beside Amelia. “I haven’t gone through the whole re-writing process with you yet. But it’s just as important.”

“Well, how is it going to work?” Amelia frowned. “Would you want me to learn the basics first?”

Orianna was quiet for a moment, tapping her chin with a finger. “I can walk you through it, but I can’t explain it properly until we have the book.”

“Well,” Amelia said, and started to comb through her hair with her fingers. “I’m listening.”

The oracle sighed. “Do you know the constellations, Amelia?”

“I know of some,” she answered.

“You know of your origin, I take it?”

This confused Amelia. “What do you mean?”

“Have you not wondered why Thomas calls you Star Daughter?” Orianna asked, her voice sounding surprised.

Of course, Amelia had wondered. But she figured it was because of the whole touched-by-Vega thing that they seemed so fascinated by.

“Do you remember your birthplace?” Orianna asked.

“Yeah. I was born in Orion—that’s why I snuck out of the Star temple.” Amelia scratched her head. “I figured I knew where the Tome was hidden.”

“You weren’t entirely wrong, dear.” The oracle smiled. “The book hiding place has something to do with Orion, just as the Elders said.”

“Figures. Those old men know stuff.” Amelia snorted at her own joke.

“They are ignorant fools.” Orianna’s voice rose in volume. “They believe they know everything, despite the fact that they have no connection to the old country’s ways.”

Amelia didn’t dare to say a word. Instead, she opted to listen carefully.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Orianna said and calmed down slightly. “The Elders definitely know a thing or two, but they don’t know enough about Astronia—much like your guardian friends.”

“But Eric lived in Astronia, and Joshua travelled there.” Amelia felt the need to defend her friends.

“That’s true, but they are young—too young, some might argue.”

“What does this have to do with my origin, and rewriting the book?” Amelia had lost the connection.

“My apologies,” Orianna said. “I sometimes get a bit too excited when I speak of the power balance in my beloved country.”

“No worries, I just want to learn.”

Orianna nodded. “Wise choice. Well, to understand this correctly, you need to know about the Stars.”

“I know some.”

“You are aware that we’re protected by Lyra?”

Amelia gave a small nod. “Yes.”

“Contrary to what the Elder’s believe, Lyra isn’t the only constellation interested in earth. There was a star once. Rigel, was his name.” Orianna paused. “Do you know that name?”

“I-it’s…” Amelia started. “It’s one of the brightest Stars in Orion, right?”

“Correct,” Orianna said. “He and his brother, Betelgeuse, were fascinated by the humans. Rigel was once on earth, you know.”

“When?”

“He left around twenty-one years ago,” Orianna said. “Approximately, I mean. One day, he was there, the next: gone.”

“I don’t recall ever hearing about him,” Amelia said. “Not before the Black Holes realm, nor after.”

The oracle shrugged. “He was hidden.”

“Why?”

“Who knows? He was a stubborn one, that Rigel. He was determined to remain a secret—very strong headed that one. Much like someone else I know.” Orianna turned her face against Amelia. “Much like you.”

“Like me?” Amelia pointed to herself. “Why would he be anything like me?”

“I’m just guessing here, and don’t you dare hold me to it,” Orianna said. “But it could be because he’s your father.”

“My what?” Amelia screeched. She stared at the girl with wide eyes.

“Oracle!” Thomas came running. “Is everything alright?”

“Ah, yes. Everything is blooming, Thomas.” Orianna waved at him. “You go back to do whatever it is you do now. We’re having a girl-talk.”

Thomas bowed his head, and turned after he sent a worried glance to Amelia. She noticed it but didn’t say anything. Her mind was chaotic enough on its own. “My father?”

Orianna gave a simple nod, confirming the answer. Amelia was speechless; she’d always thought that her father was a simple marksman. To replace out that this wasn’t the case stunned her.

“Are you okay?” Orianna asked.

Amelia struggled to speak and opted for a small wave with her hand, signifying to go on. She couldn’t fathom how it was possible for her to be the daughter of a Star. Could they even reproduce?

“Rigel believed in earth,” Orianna continued. “He was intrigued by humans and their emotions. He chose to spend time with them, and over time, he started to adapt to these feelings.”

“What does this mean for me?” Amelia whispered.

“It means you’re special,” Orianna said. “I believe that Rigel gave you these powers, hoping that you could right all of his wrongdoings.”

“He did something wrong?” Amelia frowned.

“He fell in love with a human, and chose to be with her. Thus causing a rift in the protective layer around the earth.” Orianna sighed. “Basically, he helped build the Realm of the black Holes.”

“That’s horrible!” Amelia gasped.

“It is, but there’s not much we can do about it. Right now, we have to focus on the Tome.” Orianna smiled. “Which is why, I need you to tap into the powers from your father—don’t worry. He’ll assist you.”

“How do I do that?” Amelia scratched her head. “Tap into his powers, I mean.”

“You focus and pray.”

The answer seemed so simple, yet Amelia couldn’t shake the feeling that the Oracle left something out of the story. Amelia wasn’t one to grow paranoid, but all of this had been too easy. Why was they in this cave, so far away from the entrance, and why didn’t they seek help from the stars?

The Stars… She missed them. It had been too long since she’d glanced at a clear night sky, counting those shimmering diamonds, bathing in their light.

“Orianna?” she asked.

“Mmn?” Orianna tilted her head. “What is it?”

“When all of this is over, will I be allowed to go home?” Amelia had counted on it, but they hadn’t actually said anything.

“When you have re-written the book, we won’t stop you from going wherever you please.”

Amelia couldn’t stop staring at the Oracle’s hands. They were fumbling with her nails—a sign of being nervous. Orianna was hiding something else, something that she didn’t want Amelia to know.

At least, that’s what it seemed like. Orianna’s face was passive, and void of any expressions. Amelia sighed. There was no point in speculating, the answers would come soon enough.

I just hope I won’t be disappointed, she thought. With that, she started to focus on her breathing, the sooner she got the book, the sooner she could be reunited with Eric and Joshua.

“Are you sure it’s them?” Eric asked.

Tom didn’t reply. Instead, he gestured to a large bush. “It’s behind there.”

Eric glanced around the perimeter. Shrubbery and large trees made for a perfect cover. Even the bush, which apparently hid a cave, was overgrown. They’d traveled for most of the night, and Eric was pretty sure he was running on adrenaline alone. Sleeping was near impossible since his dreams were haunted. A low growl came from his throat at the memory.

’Animalistic… I like it,” Joshua teased.

Eric rolled his eyes. ‘Shut up, Josh. This is serious—no time for joking around.’

He knew it wasn’t fair. Joshua had to be just as worried as Eric was, but he seemed to control it much better. It was agonizing to be so close and still have no idea what to do. He just wanted to hold her and keep her safe. Was that too much to ask?

Solem, he prayed. If you can hear me: please help me bring Amelia to safety—she’s just a kid. She doesn’t deserve to be in the midst of a war.

He exhaled loudly and dusted of his pants. “What are we waiting for?”

“The right moment,” Tom said. “You see, their Oracle girl will be able to see us arrive if we move too fast, we need the exact moment to strike.”

“And you’re completely sure they killed your brother?” Joshua asked.

Tom held up a finger to shush them. One of his friends made an odd sound, which Tom had explained was a sort of birdcall to help the rogues locate each other. Eric didn’t understand it, but he didn’t need to either.

“Your friend is in there,” Tom said.

“Amelia?” Eric’s eyes shot to the man. “Are you serious right now? Because, so help me Solem, if—“

“She’s in there,” Tom said. “She’s doing something for them.”

Eric had stopped listening to the man. It took every ounce of his willpower to stay put. Amelia was so close, and he had to wait? This was a test on his patience, he knew that much.

“Eric…” Joshua started.

The air changed. Eric had a sense of energy rush, and his whole inside buzzed with excitement.

“Now,” Tom said. “Let’s go.”

Eric didn’t need to be told twice. He marched forth, and charged headfirst into the bush, searching for an opening to said cave. A loud scream resounded, and it took Eric a moment to realize it was from him. A man jumped out with a sword, and Eric paraded instantly. The sound of steel hitting steel echoed throughout the narrow cave.

Someone screamed, causing Eric to pause. There were women in here? Shaking his head, he remembered to avoid distraction. There was no room for failure.

‘To your right,’ Joshua’s voice came inside his head. Eric ducked and swung around, blocking a killing blow.

A strange blue light came from the end of the cave, and Eric ran forth, making sure to fight of anyone who was in his path. Joshua was by his side, and Eric couldn’t stop a smirk from forming. They’d already won. The two of them would knock away any enemy.

Tom was running behind them, guiding them to Amelia. “Just follow the blue light—she’s causing it.”

Horrifying images of what these people could have done to Amelia ran through Eric’s mind. At once, every scream, and every single crack of her breaking bones attacked his mind. He stopped, covering his ears while closing his eyes shut. He could hear screaming in the background, angry yells from someone demanding attention, but he couldn’t escape.

“Eric!” Joshua screamed, bumping into them. “Something is wrong.”

He didn’t want to listen; he couldn’t listen. All he wanted was for them to stop. His mind was tormented with pictures of a screaming Amelia.

Amelia… He had to save her.

Then he heard her scream. Even more terrible than his nightmares ever depicted, it tore through his soul, scattering fragment of his sanity out of his reach. Opening his eyes, he saw her with a book—a blue book. Her chest was a colorful gleam of green, a beacon of blinding light.

The last thing he heard was Tom’s laughter: a wicked, cold and evil laugh, reverberating around him. Then everything went black.

When he woke up again, everything was silent. Eric usually didn’t mind silence; sometimes he cherished it like a precious treasure. Nevertheless, something wasn’t right here. Even his mind was empty for the first time in days.

He jerked upright, searching for Joshua. When he noticed his friend laying still beside him he rushed to his knees, shaking Joshua’s body with a feverish panic.

Joshua couldn’t be dead—he couldn’t. What had happened? He placed his ear to Joshua’s chest, praying for a sign of life.

“Joshua!” he called, raking the body harder. “Joshua. Wake up, for Solem’s sake.”

Eric could feel himself tearing up. Joshua was gon—

In the last second, Joshua coughed violently, his eyelids fluttering to open. “W-wha...?” he said with a groggy voice.

Eric didn’t hesitate to embrace his friend. “Thank Solem.”

“Whoa. Mate…” Joshua leaned on his elbows. “Personal space, maybe? Do you know of it?”

“Oh. Right,” Eric said and released him. “What happened?”

Joshua opened his mouth to answer, but was interrupted by a faint sob. Eric’s eyes widened, and he jumped to his feet.

Amelia…

Eric frowned. He couldn’t see anything; the cave was utterly dark.

“Eric…” Joshua started, but Eric held up a hand to silence him.

“Amelia?” Eric called. “Are you here?”

The sobs continued, and Eric concentrated to locate the source of the sound. He staggered a few steps forth, scowling at a pain in the back of his head.

“Amelia?” he tried again.

“E-eric?” came the reply. “Are you here?”

Eric rushed deeper into the cave, his eyes finally getting used to the darkness. Amelia was sitting on the floor, cradling someone in her lap. The sight made Eric stop and stare.

For a moment, he thought it was merely a sheet, then he saw the face. Walking closer, he saw tears on Amelia’s cheeks, and he squatted down beside her. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head. “It’s Orianna, she’s…”

A new round of sobbing took over, and Eric wrapped his arms around Amelia. He didn’t know what had happened, but he found her.

“I’m so sorry,” she muttered. “I failed everything.”

“Wait…” Eric pulled back. “What do you mean?”

She sniffled. “I was supposed to rewrite the Tome. We found it, but then we were attacked.”

“The Tome? Of Lyra?” Eric couldn’t believe his own ears. “You have it?”

“Not any longer… It was stolen, and I can’t get it back—I’ve tried.”

“Who stole it?”

“A little man. His group of friends was with them—they killed everyone: Thomas and his wife. Even their little group, and…” Her voice trailed off, and she glanced at the form in her arms.

Eric had a hunch who was responsible, and with regret, he gritted his teeth.

Tom… That little snake… he thought. He shook it away and hugged Amelia again. “It’s okay,” he said. “We’ll figure it out.”

Something moved near his stomach and he pulled away, staring at the small white girl in Amelia’s arms. Her mouth was moving, and Eric leaned closer, trying to hear what she was saying.

“… Malcolm…” she rasped. “Find… answers… in…”

“Find answers in what?” he asked. “I can’t hear you.”

Her white eyes sought his, and she stared at him. A flicker of emotions flashed before her eyes, and Eric saw himself in all of them. She mouthed a word. “Solem…” And then she became still.

Eric didn’t know how to react. Instead, he closed her eyelids, muttering a prayer for her. He carried her body away from Amelia, and then walked back to take Amelia’s hand.

Together they walked towards Joshua, hand in hand. Joshua was standing ready to greet them, hugging Amelia tightly.

“You okay?” he asked. Amelia nodded, and was about to answer when a loud roar sounded.

Sharing a look, they walked over to the exit and looked out of the bush. What they saw made them all shiver in fear. In front of them, a large black lion was standing, baring its teeth.

“Whoa…” Amelia said. “That’s not a star lion…”

Eric growled. “Nope… I think we’ve just found our Star lion’s evil counterpart.”