Legends of the Stars

Chapter 20: Light and Dark

Chapter 20

Light and Dark

Jaden walked over to the cliffs overlooking the sea, where he saw Astra alone on the shore. Following the path scaling down from the rocks, he made it down to the beach, where Astra stood waist-deep in the water. The full moon filled the night sky as it watched them from the heavens. Its shimmering glow was reflected in the waves like a road of light leading into the unknown. That was what Astra was peering into. She was gazing into the future, fearing the battle that was to come.

Jaden stopped a few feet away from Astra, waiting for her to say something. He already knew she could sense he was there. It was just a matter of her wanting to talk. Without turning around, she spoke, looking down at her own rippling reflection within the waves, her voice heavy with the weight of the world.

"I never thought I'd make it this far. All my life, I was told I had a purpose, that I was destined to protect the world. My father always pushed me to be the princess everyone needed, the one who would save them...who would die for them. But now, I don't know if I can go through with it. It all just came so fast."

Jaden walked closer to Astra until his feet finally touched the ocean waves. He didn't care if his clothes got wet because he saw that Astra didn't either.

"Astra, I'm sorry...for what I said back there...talking what we'd do after the war's over," Jaden said, finally getting Astra to turn to him. "It's just that...I always try to make things better for everyone, but I never considered how you'd feel. I hope I didn't upset you."

"No, it's fine." She turned back around and continued to look away. "I'm not upset."

Despite what she said, Jaden could tell she was hiding her sadness from him. As he moved over to her side, he was thinking of different ways to lift her spirits. With all the magic at his disposal, he had trouble conjuring up a way to make her feel better. So he just decided to let his heart speak for him.

"I know I shouldn't say this. But please hear me out!"

Surprised by this solemn request, she lifted her head and looked at Jaden once again.

"I think maybe you shouldn't go!"

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I mean, you probably shouldn't fight Kaiser. You can run away from all of this! You don't have to be a part of this war. You could still live a normal life. I know that sounds selfish, but I want you to know you don't have to fight. Well, Astra, what do you say?"

She stood there, quietly contemplating the choices she had. Astra had never considered a life outside of being a princess before. Most of her life had been about preparing to be a leader. She barely a chance to be a normal girl.

"There's nothing I want more than to do all of that. But we both know I can't. Besides, it's too late for that now."

"You don't know that! There's still a chance. You could run away from all of this. We could do it together!"

Jaden couldn't believe he let that last line slip out. Astra was astonished by his sudden and wild offer, but she surprisingly kept the conversation going.

"But what about Revan and the others?" she asked. "What would they think?"

"They're our friends, so I know they'd understand. They might even come with us. But Revan...he would still fight, but I know he only wants what's best for you."

"Even so, where could we go where Kaiser could never find us?"

The Ark Knight thought for a moment in an attempt to indulge this fantasy. But as Jaden ran through his options, he felt his Ark Keystone hanging from his neck, and the answer struck him.