The Star Flower

Note: This is for Captain Nightjay's writing contest. There will be gore, neglect, abuse, and suicide. If you are not comfortable with this, please leave.
* 
Prologue:
Solaria, Luna, and Asteria were all gathered around. They were the queens of each dimension. Solaria of the sun world, Luna of the land of the moon, and Asteria of the sky of stars.
Every full and new moon, they meet together. 
``So,`` Luna started. ``I think we should first discuss the elephant in the room.``
Asteria shuffled her feet awkwardly as Luna and Solaria stared each other down.
``And what would that be?`` Solaria asked in a falsely sweet tone.
Luna banged her staff against the marble flooring, causing everything to shake. Asteria's crown of star flowers nearly fell off of her head.
``You know exactly what!`` Luna shouted. ``You're trying to send your people out to destroy our moon and star flowers!``
Asteria sighed. ``She is right.`` She gestured to Luna while looking at Solaria. ``My guards found you're people burning our flower fields. Only a few had survived.``
Solaria scoffed angrily. ``Those must've been outcasts of my kingdom! I'd never throw off the balance the flowers hold! Do you take me for a fool!?``
``Everyone knows you take away your outcasts' abilities before sending them out! Everyone does!`` Luna screeched, losing her temper. 
Like usual, Asteria stayed as quiet as the stars. She didn't like conflict. But, Solaria picked up her bow and set a flame arrow to shoot at Luna.
Immediately, Asteria created a barrier of stars between them. ``That's enough!`` she shouted. She shot a blast of wind at Solaria, making her drop her weapon.
Solaria scowled. Asteria sighed. ``It's been OVER 10000 years since Flora's come to a meeting.``
``She wants to keep her world 'Earth' out of wars,`` Solaria hissed.
``But, if these people are trying to destroy our flowers,`` Asteria said. ``Why not her's?``
``Earth has multiple flowers,`` Luna said. ``There's about 250,000 to 400,000. It would take centuries for Solaria's people to find the earth flower.``
``Again!`` Solaria shouted. ``It was not my people!``
Luna picked up her staff and pointed it at her. Solaria immediately took her bow and pointed it back at her. Asteria watched in horror. She picked up her wind sword, but just before she could break up the fight, one of Solaria's flame arrow's shot through her chest.
She heard screams. SHE wanted to scream. But she couldn't. Her whole body hurt, but at the same time, it was remaining calm. She felt panicked as the world went black. But, her mind was completely gone when she turned to dust.
* 
Chapter 1:
Grace was in the hospital. She heard the clock going tick-tock. That's all she really payed attention to. It's not like she had anything better to do. She hated being here, but she knew it was necessary.
She heard the door creak open and footsteps coming towards her. She couldn't see who it was, but she had been here long enough to recognize the steps of Dr. Owen Webb.
``How are you doing Ms. Bailey?`` he asked her. Grace didn't know why he didn't just call her by her first name. It's a weird things adults do.
``I'm good,`` she replied slowly. ``But how much longer do I have to stay here?``
``Well,`` he said. ``Your Aunt Pearl is here.``
``Does she know what happened with my...?`` Grace didn't want to finish her sentence. 
``Yes,`` Dr. Webb said. ``We've already informed her.``
``Well,`` Grace said, trying to sit up. ``Can you help me get up? Or, am I still not in proper condition?``
Dr. Webb sighed. He helped her sit up and picked her up and set her down. He was going slow and gentle, like a father would. Dr. Webb was like the dad she never had.
He took her hand and helped guide her through the halls of the hospital. He stopped and Grace heard someone yell, ``Grace!`` She felt 2 arms wrap around her. She recognized the voice as her Aunt Pearl.
``Hi Aunt Pearl,`` Grace said to her. Aunt Pearl traced her fingers along Grace's temples and upper eyes. 
``I can't believe the crash made you blind...`` Aunt Pearl said quietly.
``Hey,`` Grace said. ``At least now I have an excuse for a dog.`` Grace was trying to lighten the mood. She hated the stillness and serious tension that haunted the room.
Dr. Webb placed a hand on Grace. ``Your Aunt will go register you out. While she does that, would you like to go see your mother?``
Grace nodded. Dr. Webb took her by the hand again and helped lead her through the halls. She didn't like having someone hold her by the hand like she was 5. But, she knew it was necessary.
Dr. Webb brought her into a room where he stopped. He slowly helped lead her to the bed her mother was resting on. Her and her mother had been here for about a month and Grace's mother, Lily, was put into a coma. The doctors had no idea for how long.
Grace put her hand on the bed and traced it along it until she found her mother's hand. She took it in her own and quietly prayed.
She slowly set her mother's hand down and said, ``OK, let's go back.``
* 
Chapter 2
Aunt Pearl was helping Grace walk to the car. Pearl opened the door for her. Grace slowly stepped forward, trying not to trip. She got in the car, and Pearl helped her get her seatbelt on. 
Grace felt the car moving. She started breathing in and out, faster and faster. It's gonna crash. It's gonna crash. she thought. Grace felt the car stop and Pearl came to the backseat. 
``You OK Grace?``
Grace looked up at where Aunt Pearl's voice was coming from. Her voice sounded like it was nearly broken as tears were going down her cheeks. ``It's gonna crash!``
``Shhh....`` Aunt Pearl said softly. ``Everything's OK.``
Grace tried breathing in, but she was crying too much. 
``Hey,`` Aunt Pearl said. ``Name 4 things you can touch.``
Grace's body was shaking. ``T-The car seat.. The window... My clothes.. A-And the r-roof..``
``Now, name 3 things you can hear.``
``Y-Your voice.. My voice... And passing cars...``
``Now, name 2 things you can smell.``
``The leftovers of the Dairy Queen you got on your d-drive h-here... And something that smells l-like burning rubber... probably a passing car.``
``Now, finally, name 1 thing you can you can taste.``
Grace was starting to calm down. ``M-My tears..`` She wiped her face with her sleeve.
Even though she couldn't see, she knew Aunt Pearl was smiling at her kindly. ``Exactly. Focus on what's real, not on what can happen or what has happened.``
Aunt Pearl took Grace's hand and squeezed it reassuringly. Aunt Pearl got back in the front seat and the car started moving again. 
Grace's mother would use that tactic with her if she was scared, except she'd start with '5 things you can see.'
Grace closed her eyes and tried to sleep. Aunt Pearl lived out of town and Grace knew that it was going to be a long drive there.
She looked out the window. A field of flowers was the last thing she saw before drifting to sleep. How did I see that? her last thoughts were. 
* 
 Chapter 3 
Grace woke up to Aunt Pearl shaking her awake. Grace sat up, rubbed her eyes sleepily, and looked looked around, then slumped over, hating that she couldn't see the beautiful fields that Aunt Pearl lives on anymore. 
``C'mon,`` Aunt Pearl said while helping her up. 
Grace was out of the car. There were soft breezes going past her. The tall grass brushed against her legs. Unlike the warmth of the afternoon, it was cool. She knew it was the evening. 
She also remembered how she saw the field of flowers. She shook her head, thinking it was probably a memory... right? She shook her head to not think about it too much. 
She looked down as Aunt Pearl took her hand and lead her to the small house she lived in. She remembered Aunt Pearl lived out in the middle of no where in a nice plains with flowers, mostly lavender. 
As the neared to the house, Aunt Pearl jerked away and was shouting, ``No! Down!`` 
Grace laughed as she heard barks from Aunt Pearl's old German Shepherd. Grace crouched down and held out her hand to Crater, who pushed his muzzle against her palm. 
Crater was an old dog. Aunt Pearl has had him since Grace was 8, so for about 5-6 years. 
``Who's a good boy?`` Grace said in her dog-talking voice. She knew Crater wasn't a puppy anymore, but she couldn't help it. Aunt Pearl laughed and said, ``Tomorrow we're gonna get a few things from your house and bring it here.`` 
Grace looked up from where the voice was coming from. ``But... But my mom will wake up soon...`` 
``W-Well, I know that,`` Aunt Pearl said. ``But, it's just incase, because, um, w-we don't know when she'll be waking up!`` 
Grace noted how suspicious that sound, but brushed it off. She stood up and allowed Aunt Pearl to guide her. 
``Can't Crater be my guide dog?`` Grace asked. 
Aunt Pearl laughed. ``No, you know he can't. He's too hyperactive and craves too much attention. Plus, he isn't trained for that.`` 
Grace sighed. ``Worth a shot.`` 
Grace felt the wooden floors of the old house. ``I'm gonna see if I can make dinner,`` Aunt Pearl said. ``You think you'll be good?`` 
``Yeah,`` Grace said slowly, unsurely. ``I'll be fine.`` 
She walked around slowly, nearly tripping as Crater pressed himself against her legs. She found the old, wooden staircase that led to the room she would always stay in when she visited. 
She went up the steps very carefully, making sure she wouldn't miss any. She was in the small upstairs. She knew this house pretty well, but didn't know how clean it was, so she took very careful steps as she went to the room. 
She looked around for the doorknob. When she finally did, she opened the door, and walked around. She was trying to remember the room from old memories. She finally found the bed. She turned to the back frame of the bed and placed her hand on the window. 
She sighed. This was her new home for a while. 
* 
 Chapter 4 
Grace was outside walking around with Crater. It was the afternoon and they had just gotten back from her house to get her stuff. The scolding hot sun of Texas summer was hitting down onto her. She was wearing Aunt Pearl's baseball cap. 
Crater was walking with her, but was still pressing himself against her legs. She couldn't go really far, not being able to see the area. She felt a hand grab her own. 
``Ah!`` Grace shouted. 
``It's just me,`` said Aunt Pearl's voice. ``Sorry for startling you sweetie. You weren't replying to my calls from the house.`` 
``You... were calling me?`` 
``Yes,`` said Aunt Pearl. ``We need to go talk inside.`` 
Aunt Pearl helped lead her to the house. She sat her down at the table and said, ``We need to talk about your schooling.`` 
Grace had completely forgotten about school. Summer was nearing to an end. 
``What about it..?`` 
``Well,`` Aunt Pearl said. ``As you know, I work at a daycare, so, I can't homeschool you. There's a middle school down the street from where I work. I already registered you.`` 
``You.. WHAT!? But, my mom will be waking up s-soon! I'll be going back to my home soon!`` 
Aunt Pearl sighed. ``No sweetie, she isn't,`` she said in a quiet voice. ``The doctors.... The doctors said that...`` there were tears coming to her eyes. 
``The doctors said... what?`` 
``They said she won't be waking about for probably about 4-5 years...`` 
Grace stared. She had no clue what she was staring at, but she wasn't blinking. ``N-No....`` she whispered. Aunt Pearl wrapped her arms around her, clearly crying. But, Grace couldn't cry. Her mother couldn't... She couldn't really be in a coma for THAT long... right? 
But, Grace knew this was real. She wrapped her arms around Aunt Pearl. She wasn't crying, but it felt like she was. Her throat burned. Her eyes were sore. 
Until finally, she couldn't take it anymore. She passed out. Faint images of fields of flowers flashed in her mind as echoes of a screaming Aunt Pearl were rushing through the air. 
Until finally, her mind was completely blank. 
* 
 Chapter 6 
Grace was on her back, floating in the air. She looked up and saw a girl with gorgeous pastel green hair in a long, elegant braid. There was also a girl with light beige hair pulled into a messy bun. 
There was something otherworldly about them. Grace didn't know how to describe it. Then she realized... she could see. She knew right away this was a dream. 
She tried getting to the ground, but she was still flying. So, she decided to call out ``Help me please!`` but bubbles appeared from her mouth. Was she underwater? She couldn't tell. She mostly seemed like she was in the sky, above the clouds. 
``Flora,`` said the lady with the beige hair. ``We must stop this.`` 
``No,`` said the lady with the green hair. ``We shall keep earth safe from their silly war!`` 
``This war has been going on for 5000 years!!`` 
``And earth is safe. That's all that matters.`` 
``Your best friend is dead and you don't even care!?`` 
``Asteria died while trying to break up an argument. She died with respect.`` 
``You're a horrible owner of the Earth Flower!`` 
``You're just jealous there's no 'Rock Flower' for you. You've always been jealous since we were kids.`` 
That was harsh. Grace thought. But then again, this is just a dream... a weird one though..
The girl with the beige hair snarled at 'Flora.' She turned away, her dark brown cape flowing behind her like a knight's in movies.
'Flora' scoffed. She looked around for a little before her white, hollow eyes landed on Grace. 
``Intruder,`` she hissed with a voice of a snake. Her eyes turned to slits as her whole body changed to a large python. 
Grace screeched in horror and was jolted awake in bed. 
* 
 Chapter 7 
``Hey, hey,`` Grace heard Aunt Pearl say softly. ``Calm down, sweetie. Tell me, are you OK?`` 
``I-I'm fine...`` Grace said. 
``I.. didn't realize how much those news would affect you... I'm sorry sweetie.`` 
``It's fine Aunt Pearl.`` 
Aunt Pearl sighed. ``Are you feeling ill?`` 
``No... I think... the news just affected me so much... But I also had this weird dream... But it probably wasn't important.`` 
Aunt Pearl helped her up. ``Do you think you're well enough for talking about your schooling?`` 
``I... think so...`` 
``All right. So, the school is called 'Rosedove Academy.' It's a private school. I've spoken to the principal a while ago and we're making plans for your classes.`` 
Another thing with flowers.. Grace thought. ``ROSEdove...`` she said out loud. ``Odd name...`` 
Aunt Pearl said, ``I suppose. Anyways, you're uniform should be coming in a few days.`` 
``Unifooooooorm?`` 
``Yes. It looks quiet nice. It's a navy blue with white trimming and a white tie.`` 
``Sounds like something a dork would wear...`` Grace mumbled. 
``I know you miss your old public school, but you have to understand, this is the best. And, less fights happen in private schools.`` 
``I guess that's good...`` 
Aunt Pearl helped her to the table. It was already time for dinner, which was just some pasta. But, she wasn't complaining. 
Grace wasn't very hungry though, so she didn't eat much before going back up to her room. Despite sleeping all day, she was still very tired. As soon as she layed down, she fell asleep. 
She woke up suddenly. She was in a field of lavender. It was beautiful. She brushed her hands across each one as she walked. But, what was with so many flowers lately? She was so... confused. 
But, she felt too much at peace, so that question drifted away. Literally. She saw the question she asked turn into a literal sentence like someone typed it and it flew off into the clouds. 
That reminded her that she was dreaming. She looked around and she saw a gorgeous lady dressed in all white with light purple trimmings. She had long, beautiful light purple hair. She was tall and elegant with tanned skin. 
The lady turned to her. Her eyes were a hollow white with a star outline in them. She looked sickly now that Grace could see her. 
``Help... me....`` 
Suddenly, a rush of stars bursted past her, cutting her skin like sharp knives. 
``S-Stop!`` Grace shouted. ``STOP!!`` 
She was jolted awake. She felt the warm sunlight of the window in her room on her skin. 
* 
 Chapter 8 
Grace was in the car with her Aunt Pearl. It had been a month. Grace had kept getting those awful nightmares, but she kept it from Aunt Pearl. She had also gotten her guide dog recently, Chara, whom she got to name. Chara was a golden retriever. She pronounced her name "Car-uh." 
She was also wearing her uniform. It was her first day at 'Rosedove Academy.' 
She was not looking forward to it. Aunt Pearl parked and helped her walk to the school. 
``I can walk on my own...`` she mumbled. ``Especially with Chara. Also, I already know the school since they let me here a few days early yo get used to the surroundings...`` 
``I know, but I just want to see you off. I'm going to miss you.`` 
``It's only for a day, Aunt Pearl,`` she muttered, feeling embarrassed. 
She was gripping Chara's leash tightly, refusing to let go. Chara assumed there was some sort of danger. Well, there technically was. They're in a school full of potential bullies. 
Aunt Pearl stopped and said, ``We're at the front now. I want you to stay safe. If you feel panicked, go to the nurse and call me.`` 
``All right.`` 
Aunt Pearl kissed her forehead and said, ``Have a great day sweetie!`` 
``Ya... bye...`` 
She gripped Chara's leash tighter as they went inside. No one stopped to speak with her. Knowing people, they were probably wanting to pet Chara. 
And, sure enough, she wasn't wrong. 
``Hey!`` said a voice. ``Can I pet your dog?`` 
Chara's attention was taken away from the task of leading her through the school. 
``No, she's busy.`` 
The girl scoffed, turned away, while muttering something along the lines of ``Stupid blind girl... Gets stupid privileges.`` 
Grace was looking off at where the voice was sadly. She pat Chara's head and said to her, ``Everything will be fine...`` 
Grace just quickly went to her class, even though there was 30 minutes before the bell rang. 
She sat down at a chair where she assumed was the front row. There was name tags on each desk like they were in grade 1. She was the only one with a name tag in braille. 
She sat down, Chara at her feet. She was looking at what she assumed was straight ahead. She remembered when she first came to the school a couple of days ago, the board was smooth, it was most likely a new whiteboard. 
She was just staring ahead, not assuming anyone was around. Suddenly, all sight came back to her. All she could see was the whiteboard. It had realistic flowers drawn on it. 
One, a flame looking flower. One, a crescent moon shaped flower. One, a star shaped flower. And one... just looked like a flower. But the terrifying thing was, written in blood, was the words 'Help me!!' 
She immediately slammed her head on the desk. ``Ow...`` she mumbled. She looked back up, and, like usual, nothing. Was that picture really even on the whiteboard? 
Was the school even safe? 
* 
 Chapter 9 
The class had just started. The teacher, Ms. Foster, decided for everyone to introduce themselves. Grace wasn't really paying attention until she felt a someone tap on her shoulder. 
``H-Huh?`` she muttered. 
``The teacher's calling you,`` said the girl who tapped her. 
``Oh...`` My hearing probably isn't the best after the crash, she thought. 
``Can you introduce yourself Grace?`` Ms. Foster asked. 
Grace awkwardly stood up. Chara must've thought something was going on and stood up too. ``Um.... I'm Grace Bailey.. Um... and I like reading..`` 
``How can you read if you're blind?`` piped in a random boy in the class. Grace felt her face flush out. 
``Ren,`` said Ms. Foster. ``That is very rude!`` 
``I was just asking...`` muttered the boy. 
``Well,`` Grace said. ``I wasn't born blind... So I still enjoyed reading.. I'm still getting used to braille though...`` 
Ms. Foster hushed the class, who were whispering to one another. ``Thank you Grace.`` She then went on to have the kids introduce themselves. 
The girl sitting behind her and said, ``Sorry about Ren. He's always like that, but he means well.`` 
``Oh... OK... Um..`` 
``Were you not paying attention?`` the girl said in a jokingly dramatic tone. ``My name is Ellia Walker. But, you can call me Eli for short.`` 
``It's... nice to meet you Eli.`` 
``You too!`` 
``Girls,`` said Ms. Foster. ``It's not polite to talk when others are talking.`` 
``Sorry miss!`` they both said at the same time. 
The two of them didn't talk for the rest of class. Grace was just staring off before falling asleep. Suddenly, she was taken into a room full of mist. As she walked on into the mist, she realized there were stone statues. 
``How could this have happened?`` said a voice. 
Fearfully, Grace walked on to where it sounded like the voice was coming from. 
She saw a lady with the deepest of blue as her hair color. She was very pale, but not a sickly pale. She was also extremely tall. As were the statues. 
The lady turned to Grace. Grace meeped in fear as the lady bent down to her. ``You... how can it be...`` 
``Huh...?`` 
``Who... ARE you?`` 
``G-Grace Bailey...`` 
``That was the name of....`` she said, her voice wandering. ``How did you get here?`` 
``I don't know... every time I sleep, I'm taken to these random places!`` 
The lady picked up a giant staff with a crescent moon at the top. ``Asteria....`` she said in a faint voice. ``Child. Go to the field of flowers.`` 
``What?`` Grace said shocked. 
``Go to a field of flowers. I will guide you.`` 
``Guide me?! Where!?`` 
But the lady was becoming one with the mist. 
``Wait! Please! Answer me!`` She tried reaching out, but was only woken up by the teacher. 
``Tell me, Ms. Bailey,`` said Ms. Foster. ``Why were you asleep in my class on the first day?!`` 
``I'm s-sorry,`` she said quietly. 
``Don't let it happen again.`` 
``I-I won't.`` 
* 
 Chapter 10 
Grace didn't talk to anyone. She stayed silent. She ignored people's whispers about her. She sat alone at lunch. All she thought about where her mom, but mostly, the dream. Or... was it not a dream? Or, was she just going crazy? 
After school ended, she went into Aunt Pearl's car. 
``So,`` Aunt Pearl said. ``How was your first day.`` 
``It was fine,`` she answered simply. ``I'm just tired.`` 
``All right. No homework, right?`` 
``I don't think they'd give homework on the first day.`` 
``Juuuussssttt checking.`` 
The car starting moving. Chara was at her feet on the floor board and Grace was laying her head on the window, not daring to fall asleep again. 
When they got home, Grace told her Aunt Pearl she was gonna walk around in the fields. Aunt Pearl agreed, but told her to come back soon. 
Grace took Chara with her to the nearest field of flowers, remembering it was mostly a field of bluebonnets. She sat down there and checked around the ground then slowly, and nervously, layed down in the grass. Chara layed next to her and Grace tried to sleep. 
It took a while, and she got a few ant bites, before she fell asleep. 
She saw the lady from school again. She was beautiful. The bright sunlight shining on her midnight, like exterior. It was like a solar eclipse, when the moon blocks out the sun. 
She looked over and saw Chara looking at her as well. Chara didn't growl though. She seemed at ease. 
This was Grace's first time ever being able to see what Chara looked like. She was very fluffy and had the most golden of fur. 
``You are here,`` said the lady. 
``I-I am...`` Grace said. ``N-Now tell me, what's going on!?`` 
The lady lifted her hand in a way to signal for silence. I am Luna of the Night. You are in my domain. Land of the Moon.`` 
``W-What?`` 
``Let me explain child.`` She waved her staff across the misty air and pictures showed up. One, of a crescent moon, one of a star, one of a flame, and one of a moth. 
``These are the goddesses of the lands. Asteria of the stars,`` the star picture lit up. ``Solaria of the sun,`` the flame picture lit up. ``Luna, me, of the moon.`` The crescent moon lit up. ``And, finally, Flora, of Earth.`` The moth one lit up. 
``We all keep balance. One day, Flora decided to stop attending all of the meeting we have. She decided to to engage with our affairs, keeping Earth at peace.`` 
Grace nodded, confused and shocked. This had to JUST be a dream... right? 
``We all have a flower as well.`` Four flowers showed up. They all looked like the flowers that were on the whiteboard from this morning. ``They were a gift from Flora at the beginning. Seeds in which we can grow in our lands to ensure peace. 
``One day, Solaria's soldiers were found destroying mine and Asteria's flowers with fire.`` 
Suddenly, the moon and star flowers burst into a large flame, causing Grace to fall back. 
``We declared war on her. Asteria, being known as 'Asteria the peace keeper,' tried to break up our resolutions to war. But, was killed by Solaria's arrow.`` 
Grace felt sick. A goddess was killed? ``Something happened to the balance... didn't it?`` 
``Yes. Me and Solaria have been at war for 5000 years. Also, some of my people have been turning into stone statues for an unknown reason.`` 
``5-5000 years!? A-And statues!?`` Grace exclaimed. 
``Yes,`` Luna said sadly. ``Solaria claims it was not her men destroying the flowers, but her people are the only ones known with capabilities of fire.`` 
``Isn't there some way to reach Flora? Couldn't... Couldn't she stop this?`` 
``Flora is not up for confrontations. She's always been cold, especially to her sister, Cybele.`` 
``Sister..?`` 
``Yes, but she is of no importance.`` 
Grace nodded slightly, but keeping the name 'Cybele' in her mind. ``So... Where am I now?`` 
``If one of the goddesses take someone from one of the land's, in your case, Earth, the area they were last in looks the same. It looks like what it would look like if it were in that's goddesses's world. So, if this field were in my land, it would look like this. In mist, and a pale darkness.`` 
``So... am I in your land, or no...?`` 
``It's... complicated. You're in a bridge between mine and Flora's worlds.`` 
``This is a lot to take in...`` Chara layed her head on Grace's lap comfortingly. 
``I understand.`` 
``But... what does this have to do with me? And, why do I keep having dreams of the goddesses?`` 
``I have my suspicions. I believe you, Grace Bailey, to be the only one to save our world. You are the one to stop this war.`` 
* 
 Chapter 11 
Grace staggered back. ``What do you mean!? I'm no hero! I'm just a blind girl!`` 
``In your world. But, here, that's all taken from you.`` 
Grace clutched her knees up. ``OK, let's say I am a hero, why is this all unraveling now if the war's been going on for 5000 years?`` 
``Again, I have my suspicions. But, I want to confirm them before I tell you.`` 
Chara looked at Grace then at Luna. She barked a couple of times and Luna said, ``Would you silence your canine?`` 
``The goddesses can't speak dog?`` Grace said bluntly and sarcastically. ``I thought you guys were all powerful?`` 
``I am not the nature goddess. That's where Flora lies.``
``Her name's Flora, which means plant, yet she also can speak with animals. This just proves my point that this is probably just a dream.`` 
``Flora's name means plant, yes. But, that's because it's the name the people gave her.`` 
``People?`` Grace said bluntly. 
``It's... hard to explain. But, do you want to stop this war?`` 
Grace stood up and picked up a twig. She walked around while swinging it around and saying, ``Look, I am of no use in your war. I have no abilities. I am just a human.`` She pointed the stick at Luna. ``And you're some all powerful goddess. YOUR people have POWERS.`` 
Luna sighed. ``The ancient people of Flora had abilities. But after a certain... incident, she took them all away. You could possibly have these powers.`` 
``And that's what makes this all so ridiculous!`` she said with a bittersweet laugh. ``If I have these crazy powers that were forgotten by the human race, then why haven't I discovered them.`` 
``That's all part of my own suspicions. But, like I said before, until they're confirmed, I will not say anything.`` 
Grace crouched down and buried her face in her knees and went, ``Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhh.`` 
She stood back up and Chara was by her side, standing tall. 
``This is just a stupid dream.`` she muttered. 
If Luna's eyes weren't deep blue hollows, they'd probably be narrowed at her. She pointed her staff at her and shot an icicle at her arm. 
``Ow!`` Grace shrieked. Chara barked at Luna angrily. 
``Did that feel like a dream?`` Luna shouted. 
She shot another icicle at her leg. ``Stop!`` Grace shouted. 
Chara continued barking and growling. 
``Did THAT feel like a dream!?`` 
Chara tried jumping Luna, but Luna imprisoned her in an icy cage. 
Luna hit Grace's legs with her staff, causing her to fall over with a loud thump. ``Did that feel like a dream!?`` 
``I get it!`` Grace shouted. ``I believe you!`` 
Luna straightened up, released Chara from the cage and said, ``Good,`` she said in an icy, harsh tone. ``Now, will you help?`` 
``Can... Can I have some time to process all of this first?`` Grace asked. 
``Hmmm...`` Luna said. ``I suppose.`` 
Grace nodded awkwardly. Suddenly, a bright light came from behind her. She looked behind her and saw it coming for her. 
``Somebody's trying to wake you,`` Luna said. ``Goodbye Grace. I will see you soon.`` 
``Y-Ya...`` Grace said. ``Bye.`` 
* 
 Chapter 12 
Grace woke up to Aunt Pearl shaking her. 
``Grace!`` she shouted. ``What were you thinking, sleeping out here?`` 
``Sorry,`` she said awkwardly. ``I... didn't mean to.`` 
Aunt pearl sighed. ``At least you're OK. Now, c'mon. I prepared dinner.`` 
Aunt Pearl helped her up and handed her Chara's leash and they started walking back. 
Aunt Pearl sat her at the dinner table and helped her unhook Chara's leash. 
When Grace finished her hamburger, she said, ``Aunt Pearl... Have you ever heard stories about Goddesses names Flora, Luna, Asteria, and Solaria..?`` 
Aunt Pearl made a small gasping noise. ``N-No. W-Why would I?`` 
``Aunt Pearl,`` Grace said angrily. ``I know you're lying.`` 
``No, I am not.`` 
``Your voice is shaking! Why are you lying?`` 
``Grace, where'd you even hear about that?`` 
``I asked you the question first! Now answer it!`` 
``You're not old enough to know!`` 
Grace stood up and slammed the table. ``What do you mean 'too young'?! You just admitted there's some secret you're keeping from me!`` 
``W-What?`` Aunt Pearl said nervously. ``I-I never said that!`` 
Grace growled. ``Why are you keeping this from me?`` 
``I am not!`` Aunt Pearl said while raising her voice. ``And I would appreciate it if you stop being disobedient.`` 
``I hate liars,`` Grace said. ``You should know that!`` 
``You CANNOT know!`` 
``Why not!?`` 
``Because I promised my brother that!`` 
There was a silence haunting the room after that. Grace knew that Aunt Pearl didn't mean to say that. 
``My... father?`` Grace said quietly. Grace's father had died before she was even born. 
``But... I thought you were my mother's sister.. Unless I have an uncle?`` 
Aunt Pearl sighed. ``No... You don't. I.. I'm really your father's sister. After he died, me and your mother decided to say we were actually sisters.`` 
``Why though...?`` Grace said quietly. ``Why?!`` 
Aunt Pearl sighed. ``I suppose it's too late.`` She heard Aunt Grace stand up and say, ``It's time I tell you everything.`` 
* 
 Chapter 13 
Aunt Pearl sat her at the couch. Grace sat up straight, confusion and slight eagerness overcoming her. 
``So,`` Aunt Pearl said. ``How do you know about this, and what do you know?`` 
Grace started telling her all about what she had seen and how she met the goddess Luna and heard about the war. 
Aunt Pearl sighed. ``I can't tell you everything, but I will tell you some things. Your mother was a simple human who lived on Earth... Your father on the other hand, my brother, was from the Sky of the Stars... and so was I.`` 
``What...?`` Grace said, shocked. ``Did mother know?`` 
``Yes, she learned when their relationship began. She didn't mind. In fact, she found it fascinating.`` 
``What was my father doing on Earth?`` 
``Me and your father had an unpleasant life in the Sky of the Stars. So, we ran away to Earth, a very simple place.`` 
Grace nodded, wanting to ask more questions, but didn't. 
``But, ever since Asteria died, all her subjects died as well.`` 
``What!? Why?`` Grace blurted. 
``Because,`` Aunt Pearl said. ``all of her subjects were born of the Star Flower, which was part of her. When she died, each of the flower inside of them died as well because she was part of it. That was part of the beauty in Flora's gift. It's like that for each of the goddesses, except Flora, ironically.`` 
``Then... how are you alive?`` 
``I've lived on Earth for a while. If I visit the Sky of the Stars, I would die immediately... Which is exactly happened to your father...`` 
``I... I thought he died in a plane crash...?`` 
``That was what we said had happened.`` 
``Why did he go to the Sky of the Stars? Also, if this war had happened when Asteria died 5000 years ago, then.. how are you here? When did you leave...?`` Grace asked. 
Aunt Pearl sighed. ``Me and my brother left the Sky of the Stars... 6000 years ago.`` 
``6000 years ago!? T-Then how are you... alive!? And so... young!?`` 
``Well, we can only age in the Sky of the Stars. But, we haven't gone back. We really like Earth, so that's why we haven't gone back.`` 
``So...`` Grace said quietly. ``If you're from the Sky of the Stars... do you have powers?`` 
``Well, yes. But , I don't like using them.`` 
``OK...`` Grace muttered. ``Why do I have my sight when I go into the other lands?`` 
``Because, you lost your sight on Earth, but not in the other lands.`` 
``OK...?`` Grace said. She didn't entirely understand that. ``Last question...`` 
``What is it?`` 
Grace looked up, she had been looking down the whole time. She didn't need sight to know she was looking at Aunt Pearl straight in the eyes. ``Why did Luna say I was the one to stop the war? And why did she say I was a descendant of Flora's people?`` 
Aunt Pearl was silent for a moment. ``Honestly,`` she said slowly. ``I don't know. Luna is a brilliant goddess, don't get me wrong, but her theories have been proven wrong many times.`` 
``Do.. Do you think she's right? About both of her theories.?`` Grace asked hesitantly. 
``Hm... I don't know if you're the one to end the war. You're only a child in middle school. This isn't like Assassination Classroom.`` 
``You watch anime?`` Grace asked bluntly. 
``Eh!?`` Aunt Pearl exclaimed. ``W-Well only sometimes!`` Aunt Pearl laughed awkwardly. Grace snickered slightly. She only watched one anime in her whole life time, which was Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day. 
Aunt Pearl calmed down and cleared her throat and said, ``B-But, anyways, about the descendant of Flora thing, I have no idea where she could've gotten that idea. They all died out before my great, great, great, 10 mores greats grandmother was born.`` 
``Wait... really?`` Grace said. 
``Yep. Honestly, I don't even believe they existed. But, it's said they were made of Flora's flower, the Earth Flower, but after a certain event, she took away that Earth Flower from them, making just basic humans. Although, I don't remember what the event was. Actually, I don't think anyone does except for the goddesses.`` 
Grace sighed. ``This is a lot to take in..`` 
She felt Aunt Pearl grab her shoulders and pull her into a hug. ``I'm sorry this has all been kept from you.`` 
``It's.. fine..`` 
Then, it his her. She immediately pulled away and said, ``Wait, if I'm half of one of those star people, does that mean I have powers?`` 
``Sadly, no.`` Aunt Pearl said. ``Only one who is a full on person of the stars can have powers. There was a theory if someone was half of two flowers, say, half star flower-half fire flower, they'd have both abilities, but it's never been seen." 
Grace let out a disappointed sigh. ``Oh well, can't blame me for trying.`` 
Aunt Pearl laughed and said, ``OK, now go get ready for bed.`` 
``All right, all right.`` Grace stood up and felt Chara at her side as they went up stairs. She also heard Aunt Pearl letting Crater inside after being outside all day. Chara immediately ran back downstairs to play, forgetting about Grace. 
Grace went upstairs, took a quick shower, changed into her pajamas- with Aunt Pearl's help- and got under the blankets. 
``Now,`` said Aunt Pearl while pulling Grace's hair into a braid for bed. ``if you're awoken by nightmares-or visions- I want you to tell me. I'll make you some tea to help you, OK?`` 
Grace nodded and rested her head on her pillow as she heard the door creak and then click. She closed her eyes as she tried to sleep. After about 30 minutes, her eyes forced close. 
All right visions, she thought. Let's see what you'll show me.
* 
Chapter 14
Grace was in a pool. It was relatively clear of anything around it. Except for one this. A flower she had never seen before. A singular one. All alone. The she realized she HAD seen it! It was the Earth Flower!
She tried swimming to the end of the pool to get a closer look at it, but the pool was getting bigger and bigger as she swam.
Grace growled under her breath. She tried reaching out for it. This was a dream, right? Or a vision? At this point, she didn't even know.
Suddenly, she heard voices behind her. She turned and saw a group of people. Suddenly, she was in a place that looked like the Land of the Moon. And, instead of earth flowers, there were moon flowers surrounding the pool.
There was a group of people in dark orange and red cloaks covering their faces.
One in the front of the group raised their hand and then everyone else did. Suddenly, every single flower burst into flames.
Grace, startled, was about to scream, but then felt something grab her foot as she was dragged down into the bottom of the pool.
She tried screaming, but she couldn't. 
Suddenly, she was in a new place.
This area had magma looking flooring instead of grass. There was lights shaped like suns and clouds stringing from bright orange and red trees. There were little shops, seeming like a town square, that were made of this wood. Grace knew that she was in the Sun World.
Once Grace got settled in the place she was in, she realized how warm she was. She looked down and realized she was swimming in a pool of lava. 
She was frightened, but then realized that it wasn't scolding hot, which confused her.
She saw that now, there were sun flowers surrounding the pool when she heard screams.
She jerked her head up to look around and saw that now, there were people in silver and blue cloaks, who were attacking the people.
``Hey!`` Grace called out. ``Stop!`` But, even she knew that wouldn't do anything. In fact, it was as if they didn't even see her. 
Once the cloaked people made it passed all of the people, the created a huge wall of thick ice so that the people couldn't stop them from what they were about to do.
But Grace wasn't going to let that happen.
She went into the lava and swam. She didn't know if this pool was like the other one, but she needed to try to stop them.She lifted her head out of the lava when her face started getting too hot, but she saw she was too late.
All of the flowers were frozen and stomped on, shattering them. Screams of horror and pain could be heard. It was gut wrenching. But then, she realized that it wasn't just Solaria's people destroying flowers. But Luna's too. So... who is the real criminal?
And then, once again, Grace felt something tug on her leg. This time, she had time to scream before it took h er down into the depth of the lava pool.
Suddenly, she was sitting on a hard, rocky floor. She heard muttering She looked around and saw someone wearing a dark brown cloak standing in front of a giant... thing. Grace honestly can't tell what it is.
Suddenly, Grace heard footsteps approaching. She stood up and ran into the most shadowy part of this cavern.
``Ma'am,`` said a silvery cloaked figure. ``We have done it.``
``Hm,`` said the lady in the dark brown cloak. ``Perfect. I'll free them. Soon.``
Grace then realized who this was. Sort of. She didn't know WHO it was, but she had an idea. THIS was the lady destroying the flowers. And, she might also be the cause of the statues. 
* 
 Chapter 15 
Grace slapped herself, hoping she'd wake up. When it didn't work, she rammed herself into a wall in the cavern. When she fell over, she was jolted awake. 
She touched her forehead, feeling like it still hurt. She immediately got out of her bed and called for Chara. Chara immediately ran to her side and helped her go to Aunt Pearl's room. Crater also followed after them, seeing how jittery Grace was. 
Chara stopped and Grace felt around for the doorknob. When she found it, she burst in, yelling, "Aunt Pearl!" 
She heard Aunt Pearl go, "Huh!? What's happening?" 
"I... I think I saw something REALLY bad." 
 Aunt Pearl and Grace settled in the kitchen. Aunt Pearl made her a cup of tea and Grace began explaining what she saw. 
"Oh my..." Aunt Pearl said. "This is... vital information that the goddesses need. Maybe it could end the war. Maybe Luna was right about you ending the war..." 
"Really? Well, I think you should teach me all I need to know about the worlds if I need to save them. Maybe their history?" 
Aunt Pearl sighed. "The history of the worlds is ancient history. No one even knows how the goddesses were created. All we know is that Flora created the flowers for the goddesses, she used to have her own known as the Earth Flower, but after an event, she destroyed all her flowers, killing off her people and she created humans, who have no connection to the Earth Flower. She then distanced herself from the other goddesses." 
"Wait, SHE destroyed her flowers!? WILLINGLY killing them off?! What kind of event would make her so... distraught!?" Grace exclaimed, shock going all through her body. 
Grace remembered Luna telling her about an incident. But, she said she took their powers away. Not KILLING them. 
Grace heard Aunt Pearl set her cup of tea down and she said, "An event that killed off one of her creations." 
"What... What event..?" Grace asked, her blood running cold. 
"I'm sure you're aware of the meteorite that killed off the dinosaurs, correct?" 
"No... That was it?" 
"Yes," Aunt Pearl said sadly. "I wasn't alive back then, but I read it in old history books. Apparently it broke her heart. It destroyed her. She loved every creature she created, but after that event... It changed her." 
Grace leaned back into her chair and sunk down. "I...feel so bad for her.. But, what about her sister? Cybele, was it?" 
"No one knows of her history. All we know about her is she just showed up one day and her and Flora said that she was her sister. But, Cybele has never been to a meeting and she's rarely even been seen. The only event she's really known for is loosing her arm in an unknown event. She now has a fake arm made of rock. There's been speculations that maybe she's the last survivor of Flora's people." 
"Wait... I remember I had a vision of Flora and another lady!" Grace exclaimed. Aunt Pearl exhaled and inhaled in shock. "What?" she said. 
"Ya! I guess the other lady was Cybele. They were having an argument. I think Cybele wanted Flora to put an end to the war by joining it and helping, but Flora refused, saying she wanted to keep earth out of these matters. Cybele kept pushing on, then Flora said that Cybele's always been jealous of her and that she's upset that there's no 'Rock Flower.'" 
She heard Aunt Pearl stand up. "That would mean Cybele is another goddess! She has abilities of rock. The other goddesses probably know that she's a goddess. But, why haven't they ever told anyone..?" 
"Maybe..." Grace started while moving her finger along the outline of her cup. "it has to do with the event where Cybele lost her arm." 
"Perhaps.." Aunt Pearl said quietly. She sat back down. "We may.... have to go to one of the world's and warn the goddesses." 
"What!?" Grace exclaimed. "You can do that!?" 
'Of course I can, but.. I can't come with you.." 
"W-What... Why not..?" Aunt Pearl sighed. 
"Grace.. The reason why me and my brother came to this world was because the population wasn't overrun by people with a flower in their soul. If I go to any of the worlds that do... I will die.." 
* 
 Chapter 16 
"W-What?!" Grace exclaimed. "But.. I can't do this alone!" 
"But you must.. Trust me.. I do not wish to send you alone, but I must.. I am so.. so sorry Grace.." 
"But.. But..." 
"I'll have to send you tomorrow.. I'm so sorry dear.. We can pack everything you will need. I can even try to call one of the goddesses in." 
"All.. right.." Grace send. "I'm.. gonna go to bed.." 
Grace stood up and leaned against Chara as they went back to her room, but she new sleep was very far away. 
{The next day} 
Grace was wearing her uniform and had Chara on her leash. 
"I'll try to get everything ready for you..." Aunt Pearl said softly. "Just.. have a nice day dear." 
"Ya," she said darkly. "It'll be wonderful." 
She heard Aunt Pearl's car drive away and Grace started to take her steps inside. 
The loud chattering of the kids in the hallways made her gut wrench. These kids didn't have the fate of worlds to think about. It... WASN'T FAIR. 
She felt white hot anger boil in her skin. 
She read the braille on each sign in front of the classrooms until she found hers and sat in her desk. 
"Hey!" she heard someone say from behind her. She recognized the voice. 
"Um.. Ellia, right?" 
"Yeeeep! That's me!" Ellia said in what seemed to be a happy tone. 
"Um.. Hi." 
"Hey, you OK? You seem.. distracted." 
"Just thinking about some things.." 
"If you don't mind me asking, what kind of things?" 
Grace didn't answer, hoping her silence would be answer enough. 
"Hrmmm, all right. Fair enough. Anyways, why are you in here? Why not socialize with everyone in the halls?" 
"It's... very noisy." 
"Fair enough!" 
Grace looked at the floor and moaned slightly before asking, "Hey, do you know any stories about things like Sun Flowers, Star Flowers, and Moon Flowers?" 
"Wellll, I know those are already existing flowers," she said chuckling. 
"Y-Yeah, I m-mean.. magical ones." 
"Hrmmmm... Nope! Why do you ask?" 
"it's... nothing.." 
"Is there some story or movie about that? Cause it sounds awesome!" 
"Not.. exactly.." 
"Hrm.. OK. Hey, do you have a crushhhhhh so far?" 
"Erm.. No, no. First of all, I haven't socialized with anyone, second of all, I'm not really.. into anyone in general. Romantic wise even." 
"Aro?" the girl asked curiously. 
"Um.. Ya," she answered quietly. 
"Sweet!" she said happily. "Well, I'll see you laterrrrr!" 
"Ya.. bye." 'See you later'? Why would she word it like that? she thought bitterly. 
After a while, class began. It was hard to pay attention. Her mind was focused on what will happen when she gets back. What will she do? Where will she go when she gets into the other world? Should she even bring Chara? 
At free time, Grace sat on the swing lonesome, only Chara by her side. She took a ball from her bag and threw it out absent mindedly for Chara to play with as she thought of what to do. 
"Hey, you seem deep in thought again," she heard Ellia say from behind her. 
"GAH!" Grace exclaims, nearly falling off the swing. Chara came rushing to her side. 
"Wow! Sorry! Shouldn't have snuck up on ya!" She laughed awkwardly. "Well, I also brought Ren. Remember? The boy from yesterday?" 
"Y-Ya! Sorry about asking that in class.." she heard him mumble. 
"It's.. Fine.." Grace mutters. 
"Soooo, whatcha thinking about?" Ellia asks. 
"Nothing. Just... stuff... Like my mom.." 
"Oh! Do you miss her?" 
"Ya.. She's in a coma.." 
"O-Oh.. Sorry!" 
"You shouldn't've butted into her business.." Ren muttered. 
"It's.. all right," Grace said awkwardly. 
"Anywhooooo," Ellia said, trying to get past the topic, clearly. "What are you doing after school?" 
"I'm busy, if that's what you're wondering," Grace answers bluntly. 
"Awwww!!" Ellia groaned. 
Just then, the whistle to come inside. Grace grabbed Chara's leash and sped walked inside without saying another word to them. 
She hurried to her class and the long, stress filled day went on. 
When it finally ended, she came out and heard Aunt Pearl's voice call to her. Grace followed the voice and came into the car. 
"How was your day...?" Aunt Pearl asked softly. 
"Oh, you know. About how great can a day be knowing you're going into a different world all on your own," Grace answered bitterly. 
Aunt Pearl sighed and didn't say anything for the rest of the ride. 
When they got home, Grace sat on the couch. 
"OK," Aunt Pearl said quietly. "I was able to call onto one of the goddesses. Luna. I mainly reached out to her, as I know she's the only one you've interacted with." 
"When is she coming?" Grace asked. 
"Any second now." And just in perfect timing, whirlwinds came all through out the house, Grace's pigtails flying off behind her and then it all stopped. 
"Ah! Luna!" Aunt Pearl exclaimed. 
Even though everything was dark... Grace could still see Luna, as though she were a picture against a black background. 
"Are you ready?" Luna's voice echoed. 
"U-Um... Aunt Pearl.. is there anything for me to bring..?" 
"It's all in Luna's world," Aunt Pearl said airily. 
"All.. All right.." 
They looked at each other for a moment before Grace wrapped her arms around her. "I'll miss you..!" 
"I will too... Please.. be safe." 
"I'll try..." 
* 
 Chapter 17 
As soon as Grace stepped through the portal, she was rushed with vision. Then, she saw the beautiful Land of the Moon once again. 
Light mist covering the area and the grass was pale blue. The sky was a mint blue-green. It was beautiful and calming. Silver lights dotted around the air like fireflies. 
"Come," Luna said sternly. "You and your canine. I will lead you to my village." 
Grace nodded and came with her as she led the way. There were trees with bark of light lavender and the leaves a pale silver. 
The place was so serene. A place you'd see only in a dream full of rest. Chara chased the silver butterflies around happily, seeming to have the time of her life. 
After some walking, they reached a place where a large, silver wall was surrounding an area. Luna clutched her spear and bang it against the ground, a large pillar of ice immediately shooting them up and up. 
They reached the top of the wall. Luna calmly stepped onto the top, but Grace was a lot more nervous as she clutched the Chara. 
They walked down a flight of stairs near the wall and Grace looked up and her breath was immediately taken away. 
They were in a large town. Houses made of the light lavender wood were everywhere. Little set up shops where near a place that was surrounded by a wall of ice. 
Children of pale silver skin and with pointed ears ran happily as adults were buying things from the shop. 
It was... GORGEOUS! 
"I've... Wow..." Grace said softly. 
"Unlike what Solaria thinks, the Land of the Moon is the most beautiful of the worlds," Luna said proudly. 
"What's behind the cylinder of ice?" 
"A pond. Surrounding the pond are my flowers. The lives of my people. My flowers can only grow near my pond. Otherwise, I would've moved them long ago." 
"But, couldn't Solaria's people just melt through it?" 
"Yes, but the ice is thick. It would take long for them to burn through it. Giving my people time to fight back." 
"Smart..." Grace said. 
Luna exhaled. "Anyways, let us come to my castle. There, we can discuss your visions." 
"Actually, I'd like to look around!" Grace said stalling. She was extremely nervous in reality. 
"Fine. But only 1 hour," Luna said hesitantly. 
"Yep!" Hopefully I can stretch that out...
 "OK... Go on.." 
Grace nodded and ran off happily. She looked through all of the shops, some selling treats with names like 'Lunar Star Treats' 'Ocean Tarts' and 'Misty Sweeties.' 
She did get some odd stares from the people. Some kids would run up to her just to stare at her. She had to admit, it did make her uncomfortable. 
She found herself drawn to where the flowers were hidden. She didn't know why, but she'd always find herself walking there. 
She placed her hand on the ice, staring blankly at it. She wanted to see the flowers. 
After a moment of staring at it, she heard an ear deafening scream. 
"THEY'RE HERE! EVERYONE RUN!!" 
Chapter 18 
Grace whirled her head around. "What-? Who's here?" she asked, but everyone was too frighten and yelling too much to hear her. 
She saw people under dark orange cloaks march toward the area, burning shops down. Grace heard a sob and saw a cloaked figure standing over a small child. 
Grace pulled a large icicle hanging from a shop and bashed it against their head, knocking them off her. Grace helped the child up and said, "Run to the castle now!" The girl nodded, still tear-filled and said, "Y-Yes ma'am!" and ran off, sobbing. 
Grace's icicle weapon was already starting to melt in the heat of the flames. 
A warrior came over and smack her in the back of the head hard. Grace felt like passing out, but caught herself and tried elbowing him in the stomach, only hitting hard armor, hurting her funny bone. 
Ow! Ow! Not funny, not funny! 
The warrior wrapped his arms around her throat, choking her. 
"I'm sorry child," she heard him whisper tearfully in her ear. "I must do this, but I do not wish too." 
Grace was loosing air fast. She tried to remember the gymnastic lessons she took when she was 10. She breathed in and flipped in the air, kicking him in the face and breaking free from him. She landed hard on her butt, but immediately got up, ignoring the pain. 
She saw the warriors trying to burn through the wall of ice. She picked up the weapon of the warrior she knocked down and ran forward, trying to attack one of them. A loud shout comes from the warriors. "FOR OUR FAMILIES!" they shout in unison. 
Grace felt bitter. Would their families WANT this!? 
She whacked a soldier with her sword, barely breaking through the armor. They turn to her and growl, "Don't try to stop us human!" before knocking her out with the handle of their sword. 
Grace was in a white, white room. Stars of all different colors hung from a nonexistent ceiling. 
She saw a lady, tall as Luna, stand afar, examining the stars like her life depended on it. 
The lady had beautiful, light purple hair. I've seen her... Grace thought suddenly. 
She turned to Grace. "Oh no! Child! No!" she exclaimed. 
"Who are you?!" Grace demanded, backing away. Where have I seen her?! In one of my visions!? She saw a star outline in her eyes. Wait.. I have! Asteria... Could this be her? But I thought she was dead! 
Asteria ran up to her. "Child, this is not your time to speak with me." Her skin was a glossy silver. She raised her hands in front of Grace's face and said, "Wake!" and then clapped loudly in front of her. 
Grace woke up in a pale silver bed. She saw doctors and nurses with silver pointed ears surrounding her. 
"She's awake!" one of them shouted. 
Luna came forward. "Luna!" Grace shouted. "W-What happened?! Is everyone OK!?" 
"Everyone is fine Grace Bailey," Luna assured. "Everyone, please leave. I must have a discussion.." 
Everyone nodded and left the room quietly. "Where's Chara?!" Grace shouted. "Is she OK!?" 
"Your canine is fine. They are resting. And everyone else is fine. I drove off Solaria's forces with ease." 
"OK... That's a relief..." 
"But.. There was something strange that happened when you past out, I heard." 
"Really? What?" 
"When you passed out... You killed 15 of the warriors like it was nothing. And no one saw how exactly. So," Luna leaned forward. "Just how exactly did you do that?" 
Chapter 19 
"What... What do you mean?" Grace asked nervously. 
"15 warriors were found dead, all surrounding your passed out body. All of them with horribly fatal wounds. Almost like a bunch of sharp stars cut through them over and over. It was... quite gruesome.to say the least." 
"What...? I never did any of that!" Grace exclaimed. 
"Hmmm... Are you sure child? The only kind of person who'd be able to do that would be... Someone descended from Asteria's people. And I know of your family, but... You are only half of her people. Not to mention with no training." 
Grace's eyes widened. She remembered the very brief encounter with that lady. Could that be...? 
Grace inhaled. "This may be off topic, but... what did Asteria look like?" 
Luna looked at her with mild surprise, then her face softened, looking sad. "Asteria had a beautiful, flowing mane of lavender hair. It was as smooth as a crescent moon. She had silvery skin like mine, only more glossy and had a faint, modest glow to it like the stars themselves... Her eyes were pure white, but had a star outline in them. She loved white,, fluffy dresses. And she had a star shaped pin that was on the centerpiece of all her dresses." 
Grace felt sick. That was exactly, word to word, what the lady looked like. Should she tell Luna...? 
No. Grace decided. Not until I learn more about this... And I don't want to give Luna a false sense of hope that Asteria may still be alive... Certainly she couldn't be... right? 
"Why do you ask...?" Luna asked. "Are you trying to avoid answering?" she said sharply. "Because don't even try!" 
"No! No!" Grace said. "Just.. curious.." 
Grace cleared her throat. "Erm... Anyways, as for the dead warriors, I don't know how I did it.. I was knocked out and knew nothing of what was happening." 
"Hmmm..." she muttered. "I suppose we'll return to this topic later.. But, now that we are here, let us discuss the reason WHY you even came to my land in the first place." 
Grace gulped. She hated talking about her visions. It made her feel like she was a... freak. 
"First, I was in a beautiful landscape with large trees around the area with hanging vines. Um, I was in a pool and I saw... the Earth Flower.." 
Luna gasped lightly and heard her whisper, "Could it be alive..?" 
"I tried swimming to it, but it was impossible..." 
Grace paused then continued. "So then, I was suddenly in your world in.. a body of water surrounding the flowers.. the ice wall wasn't there. And... so many of, I'm guessing, Solaria's people stormed the place. Killing so many flowers and people... It was horrible to hear their screams of agony.." 
Luna's eyes widened. "The Great Massacre.." 
"What?" 
"Back when this whole thing started, the first attack, and the last attack in which my flowers were destroyed, took place. So many lives lost. So many.. good people.. After that, I created the ice wall to protect my surviving people." 
"So.. I saw the past.." 
"Let us hope that it was just the past," Luna said darkly. 
Grace nodded. "Um... then I was in Solaria's work, I'm guessing, and then.... Your people were killing her's by destroying their flowers.." 
"WHAT!?" Luna shouted in a booming voice. "I have NEVER sent my people out to do that! I have sent them out to fight this war, but not to destroy innocents' lives!" 
"It seems that you did though.." Grace said softly. After the scowl Luna gave her, Grace quickly went on. 
"Um, and then I was in a cave and people wearing orange and blue cloaks were surrounding someone wearing a brown cloak and... it's all fuzzy now, but... I have a great feeling she's behind all these statues and... maybe she's really sending these people out to destroy.." 
"What?" Luna asked. 
"There was a great aura of fear of the people around her. They seemed... frightened of her.." 
"Hmmm... I could send Solaria a message... telling her everything." She then groaned. "UGHHHH! But I REALLY do not wish to!" 
"Luna, please. If this means ending everything... shouldn't we do it..?" 
Luna exhaled. "I suppose you are right." 
Luna turned to the door. "SERVANT!" 
A male with silver skin, pointed ears, and white, fluffy hair entered the room. 
"Yes, your Majesty?" he asked in a cool, mysterious voice. 
"Bring me a Moon Scavenger. I will be sending a notice to..." she groaned once more. "Solaria." Category:74's Work
Category:Literature
Category:Original Stories
Category:Fantasy
Category:Stories
Category:Original Stories (Unfinished)