Chapter 1: The Land of Tarrastela

Long long ago after the Siege of Cruzada came to pass, a treaty between all tribes was created to maintain the peace on land. Tribe chiefs came to terms that there shall be intervening with matters that do not concern the tribes they are leading. This is to ensure that no one will attempt to assume control of another tribe. That way, all tribes can be left among themselves. 

The treaty was known as the Axis Union. All was well until the year 1605 came about when one by one, the zodiac constellations that have remained hidden for 5 centuries suddenly appeared throughout the whole year. Along with their appearance was the birth of the new descendants of former star beings. Those children were later on labeled as star-crossed children because of the havoc their births caused. 

A series of unknown phenomena happened as each one of them was welcomed by the world. Those who were born with water zodiac signs came with thunderstorms and tsunamis. Those born with fire signs came with constant volcano eruptions and wildfires that burned everything to the ground. The air signs came with tornadoes and low air pressure that made it difficult for the people around them to breathe. Lastly, another series of events like earthquakes and landslides happened when those with earth signs were given birth to. 

The events that accompanied their births followed them throughout the years of their existence. Others hated them for it. Why, you ask? Because this is not how the first set of star beings arrived in this world. Their births were widely celebrated because of how their arrival was accompanied by abundance to each tribe they belonged. Moreover, their powers were already present and used the second they were born, unlike the new set of star beings who until now showed no presence of power within them which made them lose hope for their tribes.

Not long before the star beings were born, about 300 years before their birth, an unknown rebellion came about. They had ransacked tribes and traders who were traveling. They were notorious for causing havoc to tribes and no one knows where they came from nor tribe they came from. All they know is that these people used dark magic, powerful and very dark at that. Since then, magic has been prohibited by most of the tribes as they hoped that this movement would minimize the chaos among their tribes and would help them differentiate a foe from a friend. 

Some tribes even went to the extent of completely banishing witches and wizards because all of them were suspected of treason. It was fortunate that someone, the only living mage of their time, was kind enough to let the other magic users stay on her island. That person is Celestine, the only living member of the first set of star beings.

"Mother, the Union Council is requesting your presence at the gathering." A lad who seemed to be between the ages of 15-17 bowed to the cloaked woman in front of him who he referred to as his mother. Her deep green eyes stared into the distance as she swiveled the glass of champagne in her right hand. 

"All of a sudden?" A cunning smile appeared on her lips. "After they shunned us for years, they dare to request for my presence at the council? How shameless of them to do so. Am I right, Alaric?" 

Alaric watched as his mother's expression darkened by the second. The mention of the council completely ruined her night. Her reaction to the news was understandable, of course. For someone who was exiled for years because of the banishment magic users incredibly pained her ego as the only living member of the first set of star beings. Instead of glamouring her existence because of the heroism she showed during the Siege, the people she served with her friends wholly forgot about what they did for the world they continuously took advantage of. But what pissed her more was the fact that the new set of star beings were being neglected and dismissed by their people. As their warden, she felt awfully upset on their behalf.

Celestine raised her left arm which had 12 glowing gold bangles bracelets dancing on her arm. An unconscious sad smile crept to her lips as she felt a pang in her heart. Seeing the liveliness of the bracelets on her arm symbolized that the cores of the zodiac were alive and well and that brought both happiness and sadness to her heart because that also meant that her time as a star being was almost over. It was the time for their descendants to take over. 

She placed her left arm on her chest before closing her eyes. A promise she made from centuries ago lingered in her ears. Your deaths won't go in vain.

The next morning, Celestine and Alaric's ship docked at the port of Soliana City, the capital of the Axis Union. It is the center of commerce and trading. It was the only place where all tribes got along with each other and learned to coexist despite their differences which is why it became the capital of the Axis Union. Most importantly, it is the only place where Celestine is treated like the true hero she is because it is the only place that allows magic.

"Lady Celestine, it is our delight for you to bless us with your presence." The Grand Chief of Soliana, Theodore Knox, welcomed Celestine with a bow. Behind him were soldiers that he had ordered to come with him to accompany Celestine during her stay in Solaris. "These are the soldiers that will further guard you during your stay here."

Celestine wholeheartedly smiled at him. "It's been a while, Theodore." She greeted and shook hands with Theodore before Theodore gestured for them to walk.

Alaric couldn't help but admire the beauty of the capital. The city is filled with color and festivities as it was known for its Victorian-styled structures. People were happily dancing at the town square and some were busy minding their businesses. It is the center of commerce and trading. Soliana was the only place where all tribes got along with each other and learned to coexist despite their differences which is why it became the capital of the Axis Union. Most importantly, it was the only place where Celestine was treated like the true hero she was because it was one of the few tribes that allowed magic. 

"There had been a lot of improvement from my last visit here. Soliana also had gotten busier." Celestine said with an amused tone. Alaric was by her side, casually walking beside his mother. 

"I figured Soliana should be ready for your return." They both chuckled at the Grand Chief's response. Alaric then caught Theodore's attention.

"What a fine lad the young lord Alaric has become. I've only been 4 years since your last visit but Lord Alaric already has gotten so matured." Theodore said, making Alaric glance at him. Theodore received a brief nod from Alaric. Celestine chuckled because of how timid her son was.

A little while later, they arrived at a big white and brown manor. The soldiers hurriedly placed Celestine and Alaric's belongings inside. Celestine thanked Theodore for preparing a house for her and her son to stay on during her stay. She was very grateful to Soliana's Grand Chief because she didn't even need to hasten preparations for their arrival and accommodation, it was all prepared by Theodore.

"So, how are your twins? Aidan and Nadia, right?" Celestine asked. The two of them were having tea in the garden. Alaric on the other hand was already in his room.

"They are well but I am afraid that that won't last long." Theodore's expression then shifted to a solemn one. Theodore Orrinshire was a direct descendant of a former star being, Deianira Orrinshire. She was the Luxin mage, the strongest of them all.

Celestine nodded, understanding what he meant. "We can't postpone the activation of their core any longer. Vile is already on their move."

Theodore's brows furrowed. "Vile, M'lady?"

Celestine nodded again to confirm as she took a sip. "That is what they call themselves." She then shifted her gaze to the front, the whole town was in the view.

Right then, a pigeon landed at the window frame Alaric was peering over from. Alaric's head tilted in confusion when he noticed the collar of the pigeon made out of seashells, twigs, and leaves and a small paper rolled and tied to it. A ghost of a smile crept to his lips when he realized the familiar combination the collar was made out of.

"Devon..." Alaric muttered as his hand cautiously reached out to the pigeon, careful not to scare it away. In seconds, the letter was in his hands.

'Hello, Alaric.

If you have received this, that means you're finally back. I felt your presence earlier. Weird, right? But anyway, I still live in the same manor, feel free to visit your lovely friend if you have some time (I know you do). 

See you soonest haha,

Devon Glanchester'

Without missing a heartbeat, Alaric ran out of the house. The villagers that he ran past stared at him with awe as his excited smile never left his lips, not to forget his golden brown hair and deep green that were slightly glowing due to excitement, a trait of a star being.

In just a few minutes, Alaric arrived in front of a white manor that was heavily gated with fancy big gates with flashing gold details. A familiar family crest was seen by Alaric. Glanchester Clan. As if on cue a young lady with jet-black hair came into the view.

"Alaric!" She then gestured to the family guards who manage the gates to open them for her. They immediately nodded and opened the gates just in time before she arrived in front of Alaric. The young lad stared at her in awe. The young lady had gotten more beautiful from their last meeting as if it was still possible to get more divinely beautiful than she was before, Alaric thought.

"How were you? I haven't seen you in years." In contrast to his stoic expression earlier, Alaric was now smiling from ear to ear.

A soft smile appeared on Devon's lips. "Same old." She briefly answered before she invited Alaric for a walk to the town square.

The two then immersed themselves in a long conversation about the things that had happened to them for the last few years. They didn't even notice the nosy looks and gossip people were creating when they saw the both of them together.

"Why are they together again?" One villager buying from a market stall.

"I guess the rumors are true, Lady Celestine is on the move." The vendor passively said as he handed the bag of groceries to the villager who had just spoken.

"I don't think that those star-crossed kids can stand a chance to Vile." Another villager said.

"Yeah, the prophecy even called them star-crossed because of their curses. It will be a hindrance to their power, unlike Lady Celestine's group of star beings. They were limitless."

"No, I think they'll be more skilled since someone experienced will be guiding them."

Gossip here and there. Devon and Alaric easily became the talk of the town that day but they were too concentrated on themselves to care. Well, they wouldn't have cared otherwise as the duo is known for being very timid and likes to keep among themselves.

Later that evening, Celestine prepared herself to attend the council meeting. She was sitting in front of a vanity table while staring back at her reflection. Her brows furrowed when she noticed a wrinkle on her face. Her hand unconsciously touched it as she felt confused. For centuries, never did her age manifest physically. She still looked 30 even after that much time that had passed. 

"Mother, the carriage is already waiting outside." Celestine heard Alaric from the other side of the door. 

"Coming!" She hurriedly covered her face with her palms that glowed yellow-green as soon as it made contact with her face. It took effect immediately and her wrinkles were soon gone, returning her youthful skin.

Celestine grabbed and wore her cloak in haste and went down. There, she saw Alaric together with a footman and a luxurious-looking carriage. 

"I'll be home late, are you sure you'll be okay alone?" She asked her son when she walked up to him.

Alaric nodded and smiled. "Yes, mother. Besides, I'm planning to visit Devon again."

"You and Devon..." A playful smile appeared on Celestine's lips, teasing her son. "Are you courting her already?"

"Mom, stop it." Alaric looked away as he felt his ears and cheeks burning. He held his nape from embarrassment. That made Celestine smile. She loved playing with her son, it had always entertained her.

Celestine chuckled before kissing his forehead, she had to tiptoe because of how tall Alaric was. "Be home safe, okay?"

Alaric nodded before he bid her goodbye as she went inside the carriage. Alaric watched as his mother's carriage disappeared from his sight. He felt shivers when he remembered feeling her aura earlier when she found out that the new set of star beings were really labeled as 'star-crossed' during a walk to the town earlier. Those who called them reasoned that it was what the prophecy had said for them to be called, they were just following.

"Bullshit," Alaric recalled his mother's words when she heard that excuse.

A sly smile appeared on his lips. With Celestine's temper, Alaric knew choices would be made that night... and he was right because as Celestine grew closer to the council arena, the more her body glowed as her anger worsened over the second.

Everyone bowed when the Grand Chief of Soliana entered the room together with other Grand Chiefs of other tribes. All the members of the council were present but they were all silent and serious. Minutes later, when they were all settled in their seats, Celestine appeared at the center of the meeting chamber. Each seat was leveled so they could all see her but only the Grand Chiefs of Soliana, Gralejos, and Castirias bowed to her as a sign of respect. 

Without even greeting them, they bombarded her with questions related to continuous attacks that had happened all over Tarrastela. Celestine couldn't help but scoffed at them. 

"Sights of Vile and their army have been reported from different regions. This is getting outrageous!" The Grand Chief of Firros said.

"First they were playing along the shore, now they are bold enough to advance into our turf." The Grand Chief of Elsarro who was visibly enraged at Celestine looked at her with a vicious stare. "Just how long will it take for you to take action? Supposedly guardian."

Celestine squinted her eyes, brows furrowed. She focused her attention on the person who disrespected her. He questioned her whole being and Celestine didn't like it one bit.

But the ever-so-composed woman just closed her eyes and sighed. She wouldn't let her feelings get involved in such a matter.

"With all due respect to all of you nobles," She emphasized the word respect which made the man look away. "You ordered me to stay away from civilization as long as I could because you are afraid that I might awaken the powers of the so called 'star-crossed children', your heirs. 

And now you are asking me what actions have I done to protect this land?" Celestine scoffed. 

"I can do so much better if all of you would just accept the fact that the prophecy is a prophecy from the gods themselves. Accept the fact that you cannot save your children from this because they are destined not only to become your heirs but also, they are the apparent heirs of the star children. No matter what you do, a child of the heavens is a child of the heavens."

"Lady Celestine, we are not ashamed because of WHO they are born to be but rather WHY they are born." The Grand Chief of Castirias showed remorse for the destiny that her daughter will encounter.

"The Chief Annalise is right," The Grand Chief of Firros agreed to her fellow chief. "No offense to you, Lady Celestine, but the fate of the star-crossed children won't be as easy as it was with you, star children. I am just worried about my child. This is about our children going into war."

All the mothers in the meeting nodded, agreeing and fearing the same situation with the chiefs. Then again, all the people in the meeting are the descendants of at least one star child.

"Easy?" Celestine hissed. "If witnessing every person's death, having no choice but to sacrifice ourselves every time just to save the majority, and fearing for tomorrow because you are always on the brink of death is what you call easy. Then sure, be my guest. Indeed, the so called star-crossed children will have it harder than us but I assure you,

If any of you experienced what I have experienced, you wouldn't say that to me now."

Celestine's eyes traveled from one noble to another, asserting her dominance and dismay at their behavior. After all those years that she had respected their request, this is what they will repay her? They invalidated not only hers but all star children of her time after all tthe sacrifices they have done for Tarrastela.

"Believe me, if I don't have a son who I want to live in peace, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't help any of you because I am sick of all your selfishness, I wouldn't even care about what the Gods have told me to do. But what did I even expect from you? All of you became rulers because of us. You are our descendants. You owe your positions to us.

How dare you treat me this way?"

Celestine raised her right hand, causing some members to flinch and roughly grip on their armrests. Pathetic, Celestine said in her mind. She summoned her staff which glowed upon skin contact. The yellow green glow mirrored its host's intense rush of emotions.

"Enough is enough. Tomorrow, I order to gather all descendants of a star-beings born from that year here in the arena together with the public. I will let the rings of fate lose into the wild to finally find its star core. No more excuses, no more exceptions. If you want to live longer, you will follow my orders from now on, understood?" All just stared at Celestine with fearful eyes. The lady of Edge, Celestine's former team, has finally returned to her fierce attitude.

For some reason, they couldn't speak. They shouldn't. Something was telling them not to oppose Celestine's words. 

"Oh, and by the way, the moment they are chosen, they are no longer your children." With that, Celestine tapped the staff to the floor three times before vanishing from their sight.