Stellaria the beginning

United temple

Steven and Jay strolled through Stellaria's dense forest, the towering trees casting dappled shadows on the path beneath their feet. The forest was one of the few places where the tension of the past few weeks seemed to dissipate, replaced by the soothing sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds. It was a rare moment of peace in a world constantly on the brink of chaos.

As they walked, they discussed the other Keepers, their thoughts drifting between admiration and curiosity.

"You know," Steven began, kicking a small rock down the path, "I didn't expect to be part of something like this. Everyone has their own strengths, but it's crazy how well we've all come together."

Jay nodded, hands in his pockets as he glanced around the forest. "Yeah, it's weird, right? I mean, Scratch is literally a robot, and yet he's one of the most human people I've ever met. And Justin? That guy's got fire in his veins—literally and figuratively."

Steven chuckled. "He's got a lot of heart, that's for sure. But sometimes I worry about him. He carries a lot of weight on his shoulders, especially with his family. It's not easy to focus when your mind's on people you care about."

Jay sighed, his thoughts briefly drifting to Mari. "Tell me about it. But that's what makes us stronger, I think. We're not just fighting for ourselves—we're fighting for the people we love. That's what keeps me going, even when everything seems hopeless."

Steven smiled, glancing over at Jay. "You're right. And you've been a real asset, Jay. You've got this energy, this drive to make things right. I can see why Rizure and the others trust you."

Jay shrugged modestly, a grin spreading across his face. "Hey, just trying to keep up with you guys. But honestly, we've got a solid team. Snow Dancer, Leyna, Jules—they're all amazing. I just hope we can keep it together when it really counts."

As they continued their walk, the forest began to thin out, revealing a clearing up ahead. But something caught Jay's eye—a structure partially obscured by vines and moss, nestled deep within the trees.

"Hey, Steven," Jay said, pointing towards it. "Do you see that? What's that doing out here?"

Steven followed Jay's gaze and spotted the structure. It was an ancient temple, its stone walls covered in intricate carvings that seemed to glow faintly in the forest's dim light. The temple was old, far older than anything else in Stellaria, and it radiated a sense of mystery and power.

"Whoa," Steven breathed, stepping closer. "What is this place? I didn't know there was anything like this around here."

Jay approached the temple, brushing away some of the vines that clung to its surface. The carvings depicted scenes of cosmic battles, powerful beings wielding the Nexus, and the creation of worlds. At the center of it all was the Nexus itself, a glowing orb of energy, cradled in the hands of an unseen force.

"This is incredible," Jay murmured, tracing his fingers over the carvings. "It's like... history. The history of the Nexus."

Steven nodded, awe in his voice. "Yeah, this must be where it all started. This temple—this 'United Temple'—it's got information about the origin of the Nexus. We've got to explore it, find out what it can tell us."

Jay agreed, the excitement in his eyes matching Steven's. "Maybe there's something here that can help us—something that Geno and Korin don't want us to find. If this place holds the key to the Nexus's origins, it might be exactly what we need to turn the tide."

Together, they pushed open the heavy stone doors of the temple, the ancient mechanisms groaning in protest. Inside, the air was cool and still, as if the temple had been waiting for someone to discover its secrets.

The walls were lined with more carvings, and at the center of the temple stood a large, stone pedestal. Upon it was a massive tome, its pages filled with ancient texts and diagrams detailing the creation of the Nexus and the forces that had shaped the multiverse.

Steven carefully opened the tome, his heart pounding with anticipation. "Jay, look at this—it's all here. The Nexus, its power, how it was created... and more. It's like a guide, a record of everything we need to know."

Jay leaned over, scanning the pages. "This could be it, Steven. This could be the knowledge we need to stop Geno and Korin. We've got to take this back to the others, show them what we've found."

Steven nodded, carefully closing the tome and lifting it from the pedestal. "Let's go. This might be the breakthrough we've been waiting for."

As they left the temple, the weight of their discovery pressed on them. They had uncovered a key piece of the puzzle, a crucial step towards understanding the Nexus and possibly defeating Geno and Korin. But with that knowledge came a new responsibility—and the realization that the stakes had just gotten even higher.

As they made their way back to Stellaria, the forest around them seemed to hum with energy, as if the very world was reacting to the ancient secrets they now carried. And though the path ahead was fraught with danger, Steven and Jay knew they were one step closer to the answers they so desperately needed.