During the Seven Years

Chapter 10

I race across the bustling city, the vibrant energy of the streets around me only intensifying my newfound determination. Not only am I going to find the planet celestial spirits, but I'll ensure that none of them fall into the wrong hands. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the cobblestone streets, but I barely notice. My mind is racing with thoughts of my friends and the dangers that await.

I push open the door to a quaint little shop, the familiar chime of a bell announcing my arrival. Dust motes dance in the sunlight streaming through the window, illuminating the shelves lined with scrolls and trinkets. An elderly man stands behind the counter, his face creased with age but lit by a warm smile.

"Hello, miss," he greets, his voice gentle and inviting. "Can I help you with something?"

I nod, trying to catch my breath. "Do you sell any maps of Isghar?"

His eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and he leans down, rummaging through a drawer beneath the counter. "Of course," he replies, pulling out a beautifully detailed map, its edges worn and frayed from age. "If you don't mind me asking, where are you planning on traveling to?"

I take the map from him, my fingers tracing the intricate lines and markings. "I'm not entirely sure yet," I admit, glancing up at him. "I'm hoping to figure it out by the end of today."

He nods knowingly, a twinkle in his eye. "That will be 500 jewels," he says, placing the map in a plastic bag.

I fumble through my purse, counting out the money, my heart racing with anticipation. "Thank you so much for your help!" I say cheerfully, forcing a smile to mask my nerves. "I hope you have a wonderful day!"

"Of course. You too!" he replies, his voice warm as I turn to leave.

As I step outside, the vibrant city unfolds before me, but my thoughts are elsewhere. I need to summon Crux. He's one of the most intelligent celestial spirits, and I can't do this without his help in pinpointing the planet spirits. I can almost feel the weight of my friends' absence pressing down on me, the urgency of my mission propelling me forward.

It doesn't take long for me to reach my apartment, my heart pounding in rhythm with my racing thoughts. I run a hand through my hair, steeling myself for the task ahead. Once inside, I lay the map on the kitchen table, its crisp surface inviting me to make my plans. Even if this takes all night, I will figure out the locations of all ten planet spirits.

"Okay. Let's begin," I murmur, determination firming my resolve. I take out Crux's key, the metal cool and familiar in my palm. "Open! Gate of the Southern Cross! Crux!"

With a flourish, smoke billows in front of me, swirling like a summer storm before settling to reveal the aged celestial spirit. Crux appears, his head adorned with a giant, metallic cross decorated with delicate golden patterns. His white-haired mustache resembles tiny crosses, giving him a wise yet whimsical appearance. Dressed in a medieval outfit, complete with green pants and wooden pointed shoes, he looks both otherworldly and approachable. His tanned orange limbs contrast with the intricate blues of his arm adornments, making him seem both ancient and ageless.

"Crux, I need your help in finding the planet celestial spirits," I say, urgency tinging my voice. "I heard from Loke that they are positioned all throughout the continent of Isghar." My heart pounds as I share the details. "The only thing he told me is to think of this map like the solar system and to find the center of the map."

Crux narrows his eyes, focusing intently. The air around us crackles with anticipation. Seconds later, his eyes snap open wide. "What Leo told you was quite accurate," he acknowledges, his voice firm yet kind. "Because these celestial spirits are considered lost spirits, there are no rules surrounding what information I can give you."