Aevent

– "Night of The Northern Star? What is that?"

Questioning her friend, she tilted her head. Leaving their previous conversation behind her.

– "It's an event where... uh, right. It's an event where people gather to worship the Lord of First Daylight, Soletti."

Karma paused for a moment. She wasn't sure of what ot was, so she had to force herself to remember.

Though Karma said what it was, that wasn't exactly giving her any information. She was still confused as to what it was.

– "What are they worshipping her for?"

– "No idea."

– "..."

Staring at this blunt redhead, Lulu heard the sound of clicking coming from outside the room. They both turned to the door as it slid open.

Stepping into the room, Nizael had a rather focused expression on her face. The entire day she had been running and moving about the different Towers in preparation for tonight.

Since tonight was a somewhat ceremonious occasion she came back home so that she could check on, and make sure her adorable granddaughter wouldn't be caught by surprise.

– "You two were talking about tonight's event correct?"

Seeing the two nod their heads, Nizael reclined in one of the chairs. With a heavy sigh, she let out some of her pent-up breath from her busy day.

With a crinkled brow, she contemplated how she didn't care about such an event. She didn't even think it was worth her time, but for things in the future to go a little more smoothly for Lulu – it was necessary.

Upon seeing their curious gazes she raised another question.

"What were the two of you curious about?"

– "Grandma, what is the Night of The Northern Star?"

Lulu was the one to ask a question. She knew the least about what was going on, even if Karma knew very little. She still knew it was at least important.

– "It is similar to a rite of passage."

– "Rite of passage?"

– "Yes, a rite of passage. Because you will be transitioning from a normal Detrid into a Transcendental. From an adolescent into an adult; you must go through a ceremony to show your change in status."

It was explained quite simply. The Night of The Northern Star was quite the extravagant name yet it was practically a normal ceremony.

– "Why? Why is it called in such a way? It's a very grand name."

After she got the event details, Lulu was left with only one question. Why the big name?

– "Also, why is it held at night?"

Karma also raised a question. Usually, at night, everyone was locking themselves in their homes, or a select group was out dealing with the Spectral Beast near the walls. So it was an unexpected occurrence.

– "The name is grand because the people think of it as a grand night. They do this ceremony in the name of Lord Soletti. There is a belief that if we do this then she will lend her power in subjugating the Spectral Beast."

– "Spectral Beast..."

With her answer, Lulu dawned a thoughtful expression and muttered under her breath.

– "It's held at night because it's seen as the most appropriate time... There is a book that tells a tale describing animosity and hatred between Soletti and... Tyvetta."

Answering Karma's question, Nizael gave her a more detailed background answer. Pausing before mentioning Tyvetta.

Hearing the name Tyvetta again, Lulu raised a question that she asked multiple times in the past. It was a conspiracy surrounding her birth. No. Her entire being and she wanted answers – at least she was hoping for some.

– "Tyvetta? Hey, grandma. I've been meaning to ask you about–"

– "Lulu. I said I would tell you about this when you're older... and when you're ready. Right now you're not either."

Nizael cut her off right away. Her cut and clear tone made it a point that she wouldn't say anymore.

– "...Okay."

Dejected from her reply she hung her head slightly down. It was one of the things she was most curious about yet she wasn't allowed to learn about it at all. Even when it was such a significant impact on her life?

Karma remained silent as she stared at Lulu's forehead creasing in frustration. She knew how much she had wanted to know about her situation. After all, she had confided in her.

There are always times when she has wanted to get the answers for her, but her mom along with Lulu's family wouldn't let her. What was she to do when the adults prevented her from learning anything.

All the two girls could learn was from the mocking that Lulu would always receive. Which wasn't exactly the best source

– "Why are you looking at me like that, Karma? Is there more you had to tell me?"

Looking at the expression on the girl's face, Nizael concluded that there was more on the top of her head.

– "Well, actually..."

As she was about to answer she looked at Lulu who nodded her head, giving Karma her approval.

– "The thing is that Lulu..."

....

– "The Mirror has implanted images of the Rings in your head?"

After being told about what the Mirror implanted in Lulu's head along with how it was constantly developing in her head, Nizael went silent. Her grip on the chair's armrest tightened. She had to hold herself back from breaking it to smithereens.

Her granddaughter. Her granddaughter was now involved with the Rings? This was a disaster. They were already driving her insane, and they weren't even planted in her head. Then what of her grandchild who has them stuck in her head; it must be putting her under a mountain of stress. It was infuriating.

Even though she had constantly been searching for the Ring on their planet, Nizael had constantly done her best to insure that her family would never be involved with such weapons. But now, one of her family was being forced into being involved.

She just wanted to go out there and find Yuletti. Grab her by the throat then interrogate her. Why do such a thing to her grandchild?

– "Was that all that was shown to you by the Mirror, Lulu?"

Inquiring for more information, she sat up in her seat. She was focusing on the two girls and what they had to say. Whatever one saw in the Mirror would most of the time show some truth in their predictions.

If Lulu saw the Rings in the Mirror, she would be directly involved with them in the future. It wasn't always completely certain, but the way that it showed it to her. Images instead of directly showing a live scene of the future; it was like they purposely limited what they would show her in the Mirror

Was this targeted? There was no way to know. They didn't know where the Lords were, nor their level of involvement in the world. So to say whether the Lords were paying attention to this grandchild of hers was uncertain.

Perhaps because of her relation to Tyvetta... after she's lived longer than any other like her.

– "Well... It wasn't directly shown by the Mirror but I kept hearing... Er, creepy, dreary, dreadful, and ghastly voices."

When she spoke about the voices, Lulu felt a cold sweat go down her back. She felt as if something dreadful was watching her, observing her. But she scarfed down the feeling. Her survival senses were enough for her to know it wasn't malicious at least.

– "While I was there they encouraged me to continue moving forward. Honestly, I... felt somewhat reassured by their voices..."

– "Reassured... Tell me, Lulu"

Nizael when hearing Lulu's feelings leaned forward in her seat. A serious expression dawned on her face.

"Do you still hear their voices?"

Seeing how Lulu kept looking around her, along with the twitching of her ears. Answered her question for her, but she waited for her words nonetheless.

– "Er, yes."

Even though she wasn't sure whether it was better to answer the question, Lulu answered anyway.

Whenever Lulu was listening to something that made her nervous, her ears would twitch. It wasn't something she would be able to control so Nizael could always tell when Lulu heard something concerning.

That was actually how she was able to deal with some of Lulu's assassins in the past. She might not have been the strongest, but when it came to senses, Lulu was superior to any Detrid she knew.

– "Oh my Lord. Yuletti, Tyvetta..."

She was muttering in annoyance while thinking about the entire situation. She wanted to do this later but circumstances have changed. Now that Lulu was hearing voices it meant that something was being planned, and it might not benefit Lulu a single bit.

– "Once this ceremony is complete... I will be taking you out of the city Lulu."

Her words had come out of the blue. Lulu was unable to react and remained silent. Whenever her grandmother spoke in such a tone that meant that there was no arguing – so she didn't utter a word.

If she spent a while thinking about it, it might be for the better. She didn't know how people outside the city treated her, but it might be better compared to her treatment here.

– "Wait. You're leaving? Why?–"

Karma was panicking when she heard that Lulu would be leaving. What was she supposed to do when the girl left? She didn't want her to leave, she wanted to question it.

"Wait no, where? Can I come with you?"

Yet when she saw the look in Nizael's eyes she decided to change her question. Rather she wanted to come with them.

– "You want to come? I will be taking her out for some training. I think it would be better if you stayed with Helia. After all, you both use fire."

The redheads want to come with them. No. To come with Lulu was confusing. She could understand the closeness of the two girls, how they relied on each other, after all, Karma visited Lulu so often that it wasn't strange to see her in the home anymore.

But she couldn't comprehend why they would always want to be together, It wasn't a bad thing. It's just that she couldn't understand.

– "Well– Yes, you're right. B-b-b-but, you use fire as well, right?"

Karma was slipping over her words as she wasn't sure how to answer Nizael. She was right, but that didn't mean she would hide what she wanted.

– "Well, not exactly. They're quite different... I'll think about it. Ask your mother, if Helia says no then that'll be my answer as well."

Nizael wanted to deny the girl. She wanted to, but when she saw the expectant look in Lulu's eyes she decided against it. So she gave the girl a chance; she'll have to contact Helia about this matter.

– "Er, fine. Alright then, I'll ask– No. I'll beg her. You better wait for me, don't you dare think about leaving without me."

With a much more confident response, she hopped off the bed and rushed to the sliding door.

"Bye, Lulu! I'll see you after the ceremony!"

A bright smile stretched across her face as she waved and rushed out of the room. She planned to quickly return home and ask, perhaps annoy, her mother to let her go with them.

– "Bye."

Now that Karma was gone, Nizael returned her attention to Lulu. Even though she wouldn't change her decision, she wanted to know the girl's opinion anyway.

– "How do you feel about my plans, Lulu?"

– "I... I will do as you say, grandma."

Lulu didn't give the most confident answer. Nizael was sure that there were some objections running in her little mind. Nizael has always known since she was young, Lulu has always lacked in self-confidence. That was something they had to work on.

– "Mm, I see."

With that, she checked the time. It was time for the ceremony, she had to make sure that the security was turned up a notch: The Cult was on the move again.

– "Wait downstairs. We'll be leaving when I finish up our preparations."

They were certainly going to target Lulu during this ceremony. She had to prepare for them.

– "Yes."

***

A blanket of darkness covered the sky. In an open section of the city was a large temple that was being lit brightly from the sky. A star from the North was shining down brightly on the temple.

Outside the temple were men and women draped in gold and purple robes. Their backs held a symbol of different shattered containers holding in them spec like stars. They gave off a feeling of being holier than thou as they talked to and escorted the people coming to the temple.

Families were coming with their children for the Aevent baptism and the ceremony to signify their children's step into adulthood. They would receive a baptismal name and if their family had one, their family symbol.

As everyone was almost present all the religious persons turned their heads in a single direction. At the same time, strange expressions replaced their smiling faces before disappearing. They weren't pleased by the new attendees' presence.

At the entrance to the Temple were Nizael, Latia, and Lulu, who was holding her hand. They had just arrived at the temple and were already attracting many eyes.

In everyone's thoughts, Lulu's mere presence on this holy ground was seen as a disgrace, heretical even, but she was a Bavel, they couldn't say anything.

Well, that was the case for most, the Temple of Soletti wasn't that afraid of the Bavel family. They could say what was on their mind and wouldn't receive any consequences at least in public that is.

Approaching the three one of the men in the brightest clothing, greeted them.

– "General Bavel. Lady Bavel, and... Anyways, welcome."

He spoke to them with contempt poisoning his words, he hadn't even bothered to speak to Lulu. He probably wasn't even entertaining the thought. The man had a constant smile on his face, it was creeping Lulu out.

– "Reverand Julon. I can't express how unpleasant it is to meet you again."

Nizael responded with an equal amount of contempt as she didn't bother to fain kindness. Her response caused the man to laugh.

Haha! – "Indeed. You are here for the... Aevent baptism and ceremony, correct? For this little, thing?"

Reverand Julon was talking about Lulu with disgust, he didn't bother even looking at her. Even having the gall to call her a "thing" in front of Nizael.

– "Watch yourself Reverand. I can still destroy this temple if you do anything to her. Don't forget, I know where your family lives."

Stepping in to defend her daughter. Latia threatened the temple and the man's family – her words causing his expression to crumple.

– "Follow me."

With a grunt, the Reverand turned on his heels and led the three into the temple. As the adults traded words Lulu merely had her eyes on the ground, not wanting to look at the man's large, domineering figure. He towered over her.

Entering the temple, and stepping into the baptism hall. They found they were the last to enter as the doors were shut behind them, the ceremony had already begun. The only ones that paid attention to them were the present members of the clergy.

Since they didn't want to waste time on Lulu they told her to throw the large ceremony garb over her clothing.

Standing at the back of the line, Lulu looked over to the. Her mother waved at her and Nizael, who was being vigilant gave her a reassuring nod.

She looked down at the religious piece and fiddled with it. She could only sigh and hope she gets through the night safely.