TWT Chapter - 3

- The Legend of the Stars -

"Long ago, when the universe was new, earth had no moon of it's own. The brightest star known as Love looked upon the wars between the people of fire (Thermo), earth (Clay), and sea (Flux) and the devastation deeply saddened her. Love searched the stars to find others to help her stop these wars, and finally found six friends to aid her in this quest. For many years they watched as the Fluxians plotted the takeover of fire and earth. "One day we shall rule this planet entirely!" their leader had shouted. The Fluxians started battle with Thermo, cutting off their food supply. Because of this, Thermic people began destroying crops of the people of Clay. This forced them to seek food from the sea, and the Fluxians struck back as the Clayish fed on the creatures of the waters. The three groups fought violently against one another as they tried to stop the people of the sea from wiping them out completely. "This must end before they destroy the planet" Love told the other stars. The seven stars of Love, Courage, Creativity, Leadership, Fear, Gloom, and Strength agreed to help and combined their powers of light, and the Moon was born. Its lunar pull kept the sea people of Flux secluded to the waters and weakened their powers. The Thermic and Clayish put aside their differences for a time. No amends were made, but they agreed to keep away from one another for the sake of peace.

Following the eclipse, the star of Fear overheard the Fluxians plotting an attack for the Moon and quickly informed the other Stars. The group of Stars decided to form their own citizens to protect the Moon, but they argued about which star these Moonlings should be modeled after. Finally the star of Creativity had a clever idea, and suggested that the Moonlings represent traits of all 7 stars. Each star took their traits and placed them together. When the next eclipse came the Moonlings were born, but to the stars surprise they didn't carry one specific trait. Some of them were born of one, while some born with two or three traits. The Moonlings took residence upon the Moon itself. They were intelligent beings, and soon formed villages that housed the people of the different traits. Some of the Moonlings were uncertain which trait was their dominant and so the stars placed a large statue in the town center with a plaque that read :

Star Traits 

"Do you know who you are?"

LOVE : Peace & Kindness

                                      LEADERSHIP :  Stoicism & Knowledge                                
 COURAGE : Bravery & Protection

  CREATIVITY : Helpfulness & Perspective 

FEAR : Prepared & Cautious

   GLOOM : Empathic & Gravity Control
STRENGTH : Willfulness & Power

Time passed and all seemed to be well, but the star of Strength was soon driven mad by the threats of the Fluxians, and broke away from the other Stars. The Moon soon had a battle of its own and giant craters were formed from the firing of explosives. In the end Strength was defeated and he fled far into the shadows of the universe. The gravitational pull of the Moon was only slightly weakened by Strength's absence, but there was talk that some of the Fluxians had began seeping out of their watery home. The Stars, seeking to put a stop to this, gathered Moonlings of purely one trait. These were named  the Mascon, after the dense core of the Moon. They chose one Mascon of each full star trait and sent them to earth. However when the Masconese entered the earth's stratosphere they disintegrated in it's unfamiliar substance. The Stars and residents of the Moon wept for their lost citizens. 

Those of the Creative star began working on a new idea, and after several attempts, they came up with a plan. They searched the earth for a strong, pure human, one of innocence and love. One that could stop these wars among the planet and bring peace to its people. Again the Stars chose 7 Masconese and they channeled their energy together. A beam of light erupted from them, and they sent it down to earth. As it was however, they could not find a human being that possessed the qualities necessary, and so many years went by as they continued their search. One of the elders of the star of Gloom was struck with a foretelling vision of the human being. She shared this with the Stars, and they displayed it safely in the capital of the Moon. 

Vision of Gloom

When found she'll have us shine so bright;

Staining her eyes to blue; hair to white.

Brought here by us to live and learn;

Raised as Moonling then returned.

Scars of earth she will mend;

One day this war she'll finally end.  

Abbott Winterdale stood in absolute shock as Dovie finished reading the excerpt from the book. Brietta looked worried but dare not speak, while Dovie stared at the page in disbelief. "Do you think this is true?" Bo finally asked. "I don't know...If I would have read this last week, I would have said it's pure nonsense. But, after what we saw in the meadow, I can't help feeling like maybe it could be real" Dovie said flatly. Abbott thought for a few moments, and furrowed his brow. "It's Arista, it's got to be! It's the only thing that explains where she's been" Bo says frantically. Brietta and Dovie glanced at each other uncertainly, but Brietta asked, "W-What should we do?" "Well first things first, we've got to get back to Mom. She's gonna be getting worried and looking for us" Dovie pointed out. They agreed to head back to the library, but discussed what to do about the book. Mr. Carrigan could be heard shuffling around nearby, and came around the corner with a smile. "Did you kids find something ya like?" he asked. "Well, uh this book-" Dovie started, but Mr. Carrigan cut her off. He waved his hand and shook his head, "I've never seen that book in my life." Brietta piped up, "I-It was hidden in that painting. Shouldn't we p-pay you for it?" But Renwo Carrigan laughed, "Books hidden in paintings! Whoever heard of such a thing? As for that book, well I can't charge ya for something that I've never seen. Now you kids run along if you're not purchasing any antiques." The three of them thanked him, wrapped Dovie's book cover over the book, and quickly left the shop to meet up with Giana. 

Back at home they hid the book in Dovie's room, knowing that in that mess, it wouldn't be easy for someone else to find it. "I think we should leave tonight to go find Arista" Bo told the girls as they gathered in Dovie's room. "But we don't even know where to start looking for her. Plus if the story is true, she could still be with those Moon people" Dovie explained. "T-That's it! This is getting out of control!" Brietta said angrily. The others looked at her in surprise, for Brietta never raised her voice like that. She rose from her place on the bed, and stormed out of the room. Dovie and Bo jumped up to follow her, and caught her in the hall. "What are you doing?" Dovie said hastily. "Mother needs to know what's going on!" Brietta snapped. "Brietta please don't! She won't believe us, she'll never let us go look for my sister" Bo huffed. "I-I think you're wrong. I think she can help us. Plus, I don't think we s-should go wandering off like that. I'm the oldest, and it's my job to look after you two" Brietta explained. "Ok listen, I didn't tell you two yet, but I'm being sent away in a few days. Sent to visit my grandparents on the other side of the country. I have a feeling though, that it won't be just a visit, and they'll make me stay. If that happens, I'll never get to look for Arista" he told them downheartedly. "What? I can't believe they are sending you away! Grandma and Grandpa Caprice are supposed to be visiting soon! I know they will want to see you!" Dovie said in a grouchy tone. Abbott frowned, "I can't do anything about it. It's all been decided for me." The floorboards gave a creak, and they noticed Denver climbing the stairs. "I see you've gotten around to telling your cousins about your vacation" he pointed out. "I think we both know it won't just be a vacation" Bo thought to himself. "Yes, Papa. He's just told us" Dovie answered. "I see. Well that's just it. I've come to find you, and tell you to begin your packing. I'm afraid Gentry has moved up her dates and wants you on your way tomorrow. There's some convention scheduled for the original leave date, and it just didn't work for them. I'm sorry bud" Mr. Caprice informed him as he gave his nephew a few pats on the shoulder. "P-Papa, can we talk to you a minute?" Brietta started, but Bo shot her a look that stopped her abruptly. Dovie noticed and jumped in quickly, "Yea! Why's he have to go anyhow?" Her father told Bo to get along and pack, and that his aunt would do any washing he needed. Bo sighed angrily and marched off towards his room. As he did so, he could hear his uncle explaining the situation to his cousins.

In his room he paced back and forth wondering what to do. He thought maybe he should just run away, but where would he go? He didn't have the first clue where to start searching for his sister. All he knew was that if what the book said was real, he was sure it was talking about Arista. Dovie could probably be talked into coming, but he knew Brietta would never be convinced. If Brietta didn't go, surely Dovie wouldn't leave her, so he knew he would have to go alone. "I'll sneak out after everyone has gone to sleep" he decided. He packed his belongings, and wandered downstairs to tell his aunt and uncle goodnight. Back in his room he sat propped in his bed reading a book, waiting for the house to fall asleep. Halfway through Chapter 6 of 'Look Out! Dinosaur's!" he noticed a strange sound coming from the other side of the room. When he got up to investigate, it seemed as though the sound was coming from the fish tank.

Abbott leaned down eye level with the fish tank, and strained his ears to hear the sound. He concentrated hard, and soon the water began to bubble in the tank. He drew in his breath in surprise, as he heard the sound again. Now he could make out a voice. It almost sounded like words, and he concentrated even harder to make out what the voice was saying. The voice was deep, and every time it spoke the water in the tank rippled. Abbott first pressed his hand against the tank, then dipped a hand into the water. The fish began swimming around the tank quickly, hiding under rocks and between the fake seaweed plants. This time when the voice spoke, Bo understood every word as clear as a bell. "Well good evening young man. I knew a smart fellow like yourself would figure out how to listen to me" the voice told him. "Who...are you?" Bo asked nervously. "My people call me Mizuko" he answered proudly. "I see, and how are you talking to me right now? Where are you? Where do you come from? Why are you he-" Bo tried to ask. "Enough questions! They told me you would have many. You will learn all of this in time. For now, just listen. I do believe I can help you" Mizuko explained.  Not sure if he should ask how Mizuko could help him, Bo simply waited for him to continue. "Good lad. Always were one to follow instructions well. So, let's just say someone's lookin' out for ya...sent you a friend. One that can help you find your sister..." he continued. 

Without thinking Bo blurted out, "Tell me where my sister is!" Mizuko laughed, "Listen kid I don't have coordinates on her or something. I just know who you can talk to, maybe they can help." Abbott nodded eagerly, "Ok well at least that's a start. But, surely you can give me more details about how this is all happening. I mean you don't expect me to just go along with all of this do you?" "Listen kid, for all you know this could be a dream. The way I see it, you've got two choices. One, you can ask me a bunch of questions, and think this is all nonsense. Go live with your Grandparents, and forget about your sister forever. Or two, we can quit playing twenty questions, and you can leave right now and at least attempt to find her" he explained. "No, I have to find her. I have to at least try. What do I need to do?" Bo asked quickly. "Go to Quinston, and find a woman by the name of Laraya. She will have some information for you about where to start looking. You should meet with her soon though. She's an old woman, and her health is fading quickly" Mizuko mentioned. "Ok thank you, I'll leave right away!" Bo said excitedly. "You should kno-" Mizuko began, but Bo had already started to pull his hand from the water, and could no longer hear him. Realizing what happened, he quickly shoved his hand back into the bowl, but Mizuko's voice was gone. "Rats..." Bo whispered to himself. "H-Having another dream?" Brietta's voice called from the doorway. Abbott whipped around quickly, "No..not quite." 

The next few minutes were spent filling Brietta in on what had just happened. After he was finished, she sat quietly thinking. When she finally spoke she did so slowly as though she wasn't sure what to say exactly. "Well..I tried to talk to my parents. Don't worry, I didn't tell them anything. I-I kind of just asked about some things in general. They didn't seem to know anything. T-Told me it sounded like something from a good fairy tale" Brietta commented. Abbott huffed, "I still can't believe you would mention anything to them about this stuff." "T-The reason that I am telling you this is that I think we're on our own with this. I-If you want to go find Arista, I'll join you" she continued. At this he sprung off the bed with excitement. "You mean it!? That's awesome news! I'm leaving tonight...already got my stuff packed" he said excitedly. "M-Me too. We just need to get Dovie packed up. We can leave soon, a-and head off to Quinston" Brietta added.


An hour later the three of them were packed up, and their backpacks strapped to them securely. None of them knew exactly what was in store for them on this journey, but they knew it was better than sitting at home while Bo was shipped off, to be molded into one of those money hungry businessmen his grandparents hung around with. It was worth a try to at least attempt to find Arista, and if what this book said was true, maybe they had a chance. As they traveled down the road single file, a note for Mr. & Mrs. Caprice lay on the kitchen table back home. It read :


   "Dear Mother and Father, We all love you so. We couldn't let Bo be shipped off to live with his grandparents forever. We've gone to look for Arista. Please don't worry. We will be careful, and contact you soon.


                                                                With all our love,

                                                                  Brietta, Dovie, & Bo


The crisp morning air surrounded them, and Bo pulled his jacket around him a little tighter. This time of morning was very quiet, even the air was still. The deep darkness of the night sky was now a lighter blue. A thin fog hung in the air and the scenery was decorated with little dew drops. The book was safely tucked in Brietta's pack. There was no way they were letting Dovie keep it with her things. The book would be covered in all kinds of a mess. The two had argued about it briefly, and compromised by letting Dovie tote some of the snacks. ...The individually wrapped snacks, that is. Brietta brought along a worn looking bag about the size of a pencil pouch. It was filled to the brim with cash. "M-My apartment fund. It's a worthy cause to use it for" she had explained to the others. They protested but she explained that it was her money to use as she wished, and this is what she wanted to do. Abbott brought along a map of the local area, a compass, and flashlight with plenty of batteries. Each of them brought as much as they could that would be useful to their journey. Unfortunately without being able to travel by car, they brought only what they could carry on their backs. "Just bring three outfits, and an extra pair of shoes. We need the rest of the space to bring things we'll need on the trip, like food and supplies" Dovie had suggested while packing. The pavement beneath their feet turned to gravel, and soon to dirt as they made their way through the dense forest. The sun peaked through the tree's every now and then but because of the thick canopy of branches and leaves, it remained quite shady on the forest floor. "It feels like we've been traveling for hours, but at the same time it feels as though we've just begun. I think what we need is a snack" Dovie suggested. The other two laughed and dug out a few granola bars from her pack. "Actually we've been traveling for about 3 and a half hours now" Bo informed her.


More and more time passed as the forest became meadows, and open fields. The children remarked about the beauty of it all, and when mid-afternoon arrived they stopped for a picnic under the shade of a lone tree. The field was large with millions of tiny purple flowers stretching as far as the eye could see. In the distance huge mountains lined the horizon, and Abbott pointed towards them between bites of peanut butter and jelly sandwich. "Any idea where we're headed now?" Dovie asked as she dug through the bag to find the map. "Well the maps don't give a whole lot of info on these parts, just major towns and such. I think we should continue heading east, it's just a hunch but it's better than nothing" Abbott pointed out. Dovie searched the book for any information on Laraya, or Quinston but had no luck. Brietta sat quietly listening to the two go back and forth over this information, and when she had heard enough she decided to speak up. "L-Listen you guys, I don't know if this is such a good idea. I mean it would be different if we had a solid plan, or clear d-direction of where to go. Maybe we should go back..." Abbott whipped around quickly, "I'm not gonna argue with you the whole way Bri! After all this time, we finally have at least some kind of lead on where my sister could be. Now you wanna just turn back? Turn back to what? A life where I'm shipped off to be trained as a shady businessman? If you don't want to be here then you are welcome to turn back! But, as for me, I'll never stop until I find out what happened to my sister!" With that he shoved his belongings into his pack and took off towards the woods at a run. "Bo, wait!" Dovie said getting to her feet. She started after him, but Brietta caught her by the arm, "Just let him go, he won't go far." 

Brietta knew that what Abbott needed most when he was upset, was some time to process things; clear his mind. Chasing after him right now would only drive him further away. But, Davita yanked her arm from her sister's loose hold. "What exactly is your problem Brietta? I mean like he said, we finally have something to go on. Sure it might not be full proof, but it's something." Brietta huffed angrily, "I think he just needs a few minutes to cool off.." Dovie folded her arms, "So you're just going to let him march off into that huge forest in a strange place all alone? You know what I think? I think you're scared! I think maybe you don't care at all about finding Arista! You always try to do the right thing, but maybe the right thing is going after her! Bo's right, you should just go back!" Brietta scowled at her sister, with hurt and anger flooding her veins. The truth of the matter was that Dovie was right, Brietta was terrified. 

Of course she cared about finding Arista! Abbott was like a brother to her, and she couldn't bare the thought that they may never find Arista. "It would crush him" she had told herself. As hard as it was for the younger ones to accept, there was a very good possibility that Arista was dead. She simply wanted to keep Abbott and Davita safe. "How d-dare you! I can't believe you would sa-" Brietta started, but she was interrupted by a scream from Davita. The wind had picked up in the meadow, boy had it picked up. Dirt and dust flew through the air, swirling and twirling more rapidly with each second. The lone tree began to whip back and forth violently as the wind spun faster and faster. The girls flung themselves to the ground as a tornado like wind rushed around them. Picnic things flew past them, and they covered their heads with their arms. Then, quick as it came, the wind had settled. The meadow was quiet once more, with only the chirping of the birds in the distance. 

"I do apologize. My arrival is not one of delicacy" a calm voice said breaking the silence. The two girls rose, and stared at the woman before them. Her sandy blonde hair stretched down to her ankles and her sea-green eyes peered back at them happily. "I mean no harm to you. Only a warning to be sent" she spoke again. "W-What's your name?" Brietta inquired. "I am called, Raisia. I come here to warn you. The boy that accompanies you is being mislead. The Fluxians wish him to join in their plans for destruction. You must not let that happen" she explained. "How are we supposed to stop this?" Dovie asked abruptly. "W-Where did you come from?" Brietta added. "We have to find his sister! Do you know where she is? Dovie interrupted. Brietta nodded and said, "Y-Yes! Do you know where to find her? Where are the Fluxian people? H-How do-" "SILENCE!" Raisia said sternly, she then returned to her calm demeanor and continued, "All of these questions. You do have the book do you not?" The girls answered with a nod, and Dovie dared to speak again. "Um...yes may we ask you some questions?" she asked timidly. 

The woman answered, "You may ask but three." Davita and Brietta exchanged surprised looks, and Brietta repeated, "Three?" Raisia frowned slightly, "Yes girl, three. I haven't all day to answer questions. I have important matters elsewhere." At this Brietta grew quiet, and it was Dovie who asked the first question, "Where do you come from?" Raisia laughed softly, "What a strange question to ask in this dilemma. I come from the land of Clay. I, like you, am of the earth. Our dwelling is a gathering at the base of a canyon. It's quite beautiful there actually. The castle is most unique! The King had it carved from the side of the canyon so that part of it extends out over the town."  "Oh your Clayish?" Dovie asked. "Yes, and for your final question?" Raisia inquired. "Wait, we've only asked one q-question" Brietta spoke up. "Mmm...I think not dear. You sister has now asked two" the woman pointed out. Brietta glanced at her sister in frustration. "Well, we are trying to find a woman named Laraya. Mizuko said she-" Brietta started. But, Raisia cut her off quickly. "MIZUKO?! That deviant!" Raisia yelled. At that dirt shot up from the ground forcefully, and the wind spun even more violently than before. The girls were flung to the ground, but the woman stood perfectly still in it's power. Her hair swirled above her head like a tornado and she spoke over the rushing wind. "STOP THE BOY!" she wailed. Then, once more quick as she came, she vanished. The girls stood in awkward silence for a moment. Then Davita joked, "Well, she was pleasant." Brietta didn't laugh, and no trace of a smile came to her lips. She simply stated, "We can't turn back. Let's go find Bo." 

Bo had long entered the forest by this time, and he had no intention of turning back for the others. "I'm not stopping till I find her.." he said to himself as he left the tall straw-colored grass of the meadow. The sounds of his cousins were lost in the envelope of the woods, and his anger drove him. He moved quickly through the forest, stepping over roots and ducking beneath low hanging branches. The forest grew quite thick as he continued, and the sun was all but lost beneath the dense forest canopy. He had come across a hollow log that served as a good thinking spot. He sat stewing as he picked up a stick, and absentmindedly pulled it back and forth through a nearby puddle. The water rippled, and the puddles size grew larger. It morphed into a warped shape now, and it's definition grew sharp until finally it wasn't a puddle at all. In front of him now stood two figures. A tiny woman and a tall slender man. Both wore the same style uniform as the man Bo and his cousins saw at the river. Both wore the same water badge pinned to their outfit, and both stood silently before him. "You disturb the waters sir" the woman spoke. Her voice was soft and smooth, like the melody of some lullaby. "Uh...I'm sorry?" Bo stated uncertainly. "Apologies are not required sir. We are Yaritza and Cashel of Flux. I implore you, a message need you hear" the man called Cashel began. His voice had a youthful tone but he was a man surely in his thirties or more. "You seek one, Laraya for your sister's location?" Yaritza asked. Abbott nodded in agreement, and dropped the stick in his hand. "You will find her down this path. East at the fork" she informed him. "Thank you. Um, can I ask why you're here?" Bo asked carefully. At this the two of them shared a smile. "Mizuko said you would have questions" Cashel grinned. "Mizuko!? You know him? He's the one that told me about Laraya!" Bo said excitedly. "Friends...with Mizuko? Oh, sir what an honor that would be! Sadly, no. Mizuko is one of the head advisors to the High Rule. We are but low level informants, but we know of hearsay around the kingdom" Yaritza explained in a flustered state.

"Oh, I was just wondering. He told me to find Laraya, and that she has info about my sister's whereabouts. Why do you keep calling me sir?" Abbott asked with chuckle. "It is for the reason we were seeking you sir. We Fluxians are under rule of a grand sea creature called Eleck. He is a powerful and fierce leader, but his grand advisors have been misguiding him. He means for you and your sister to join him as his new grand advisors and help put a stop to all of this war between us, the people of Thermo and Clay" Cashel tells him.

"The book said that your people were causing destruction to those people, and that you wanted to over take the earth" Abbott said without thinking. Yaritza extended her hand quickly in a claw like position and said angrily, "How dare you!" Cashel grabbed her arm, and quickly lowered it to her side. He spun round in front of her so that Abbott couldn't see their faces. "It's ok Yaritza. He is just repeating what he's read in the book." He ran his hand gently across her cheek to sooth her, and she nodded. "I'm...I'm sorry about that. That silly book isn't entirely correct. Our people have been trying to divide the earth up equally between Fluxian, Thermic, and Clayish for years. The ancestor's only fought to bring peace to the lands. Please find your sister and join us. Eleck hopes to bring fair division to these groups" she explained further. "You want us? I mean we're just kids...I mean I'd love to help, but I don't know what I can offer to your leader" Bo said insecurely. "Your talents and skill are desirable for leadership influence. You may be more than you know" Cashel stated. "Ok...well anything to help I guess. First things first though, I need to find Arista" he responded. "Then seek Laraya. Find your sister, and journey to the city of Flux" Yaritza instructed. Then, it was if the two of them liquified into water, and fell into the puddle before Abbott. He stood there, perplexed at this for a moment before taking off through the forest again.