Bound By Stars: The Sun's Vengeance, The Moon's Protection

Chapter 1.1 - Yumi

The busy and lively marketplace was what everyone talked about. It was famous in Celestial City, and everyone would rave about the great deals or wonderful foods. Bright flowers wafted their sweet scent to entice customers, and bargainers would haggle prices for luxurious clothing. Exotic sellers waved around their foreign spices from other planets, and other dealers would gently coerce people into scams.

There was always something for someone. There were things to see, eat, and even buy. Yumi's pockets felt full as she passed by restaurants and stalls. She kept her eyes forward, knowing if she got lost in the rhythm of the crowd, she would never come out. "You! Lovely young lady! I have gotten just the jewelry for you!" A jeweler called out to her.

She simply offered a polite smile before speeding up her pace. She was there for only one thing. She pulled down her hood and continued forward. While everyone talks about Solar Square, there are always things that go unnoticed.

She felt her heart rate speed up as she passed the Celestial Guards. Their silver and gold armor shone brightly under the sun. The spears they held by their side gleamed. It was a show of power and a warning. She kept her head low as she walked past them, pulling her hood down just slightly.

Yumi was about to turn the corner before she was stopped by a group of people. Novas - the most prestigious class of Solis Arden. Their aura oozed pride and greed, and their colorful clothing of gems glittered in the afternoon air with the symbol of the Sun.

Yumi gave a small bow as they passed as they disappeared into the market, their heads merging with the crowd. Stopping for just a breath, she quickly turned the corner when there was no one in sight.

The hustle and bustle of the market kept the guards busy, but it was never a bad idea to be extra cautious. She would not be the one responsible for their deaths. Yumi made her way down the alleyway, ignoring the suspicious glances of the spare guards stationed around the area. She kept her head high and made her way down the dark passage. Confidence was a strange thing, that could even make the Celestial Guards turn a blind eye.

A stray cat sat on a crate, its left eye punctured and tail wrapped in bandages. Nobody would suspect such a gangly-looking creature, meaning it serves its purpose well. It glanced up at Yumi, expectingly.

She took a small peek at the guards near the front of the alley. They laughed and one of them punched the other's chest. The sound of metal rang through the air. Yumi quickly pulled an insignia from her pocket, its bronze color flashing in front of the cat. The look behind its eye as it processed the information, Yumi swallowed.

Suddenly, it bit down on the insignia before it jumped off the crate and scurried down the alley. Yumi stole another glance at the guards who were now talking about the new restaurant opening.

The cat meowed quietly and tapped the wall with its paw. It dropped her insignia back at her feet. Yumi kept her eyes on the guards before she walked up to the wall. She pressed the insignia into a crack. She stood back as the wall slowly disappeared with golden sigils. The wall slowly dissolved into sparkling dust and was replaced by a tunnel. Yumi clasped her hands together before entering, muttering a small prayer to the Overseer.

The walls were dimly lit by torches and Yumi jumped slightly as the wall behind her closed. Everyone talks about Solar Square, but Midnight Market shall never disappear.

Even though it was kept entirely underground, the place was lit up by torches and candles. But most importantly, magic. Yumi could remember the day as clear as daylight, about 10 years ago, when she was just reaching adolescence, the sudden order from all Celestial Guards that all magic stores and markets of any kind were to be shut down immediately. The people could not believe it, such an important part of many lives was just supposed to be stripped away.