Of the Forgotten: Cal Wants to Be Famous

Chapter 6: The Northeast Star

George's POV

The Past

It's been decades since the voting system was first established. Our ancestors never felt the need to govern the islands-there was no ambition for power, no hunger for control. They simply followed the ancient rules passed down through generations. Those rules were enough to keep us in harmony.

But times have changed.

Unlike before, anyone can now participate in the election of our Mayor. What was once a simple life of balance has been replaced by ambition, as we strive to bring prosperity to our island.

Northeast Star Island has become more desirable. Tourists from other islands flock here. We have favorable weather, vibrant flora and fauna, a lively trade center, a cultural melting pot, and a peaceful atmosphere.

But with prosperity came the seeds of greed, slowly taking root in the hearts of those who craved more.

With this new way of governance came something darker.

Greed has consumed the Mayor's family. They've tasted fame and wealth, treated like royalty, and now they refuse to let it go. Their term is nearing its end, but instead of stepping down, they seek to tighten their grip. As new candidates arise, so do fresh waves of corruption and malice.

The community has been torn apart. Families broken, businesses collapsing, the islanders' way of life changing dramatically.

The Mayor, desperate to hold onto power, devours everything in his path. His demands grow-more gold, more land, more loyalty. Those who refuse find their homes seized, their families forced into servitude.

Those who can no longer bear the oppression-the constant demand for tribute, as though we were ruled by pirates from old tales-have fled. They've sought refuge, hiding from the tyrant.

We were among them-my people and I-seeking shelter in this vast, hidden cavern, away from the world above.

For years, we've lived in the shadows, in secrecy. This cavern became our sanctuary, a place to escape the greed and oppression that poisoned our home. We've survived here, and though it's been peaceful, there is a part of us that longs to return to the life we once knew.

An elder had a premonition-a vision of something that could change our fate. A glimpse of a figure wrapped in light, standing at the threshold between two worlds.

And so, after years of hiding, we've emerged from the darkness, waiting and searching for that change, hoping it will lead us back to the lives we lost.

We've endured, but deep down, all we want is to return-to live freely, as we once did, before greed and power tore everything apart.

"Years of corruption had led to this moment-now, the future rested on new shoulders."

Back to Cal's POV

The Present

"And here you are, Cal. We believe you're the one who will bring the change we've been waiting for," Serena said with a hopeful smile. Her dimples showed when she smiled, and her braided silver hair shimmered under the dim light, her dangling earrings catching the glow with every movement.

We approached a small house, far from the entrance of the hidden village and away from the night market food stalls.

The two had slipped away to handle some preparations while I settled in.

Serena sat comfortably on a stool covered in fluffy fabric, watching me as I finally ate. The warmth of the food barely settled my growing unease.

So, those guards I saw weren't ghosts-they were the ones who stayed on the surface, serving their greedy Mayor.

Just thinking about it gave me a headache. How could something like this happen?

My father had worked so hard to maintain the government across the six islands. I barely remember his face, but his presence was unforgettable-so much weight on his shoulders, so much responsibility.

"Hey, you okay?" Serena nudged me lightly. "You've been frowning since we left."

I blinked and rubbed my temples. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... processing. I had no idea about the situation here."

"Well, that's because it's been carefully covered up by the Mayor," she muttered, her voice laced with bitterness. "He'll do anything to keep this quiet."

But honestly, how am I supposed to handle this?

I glanced around the room, searching for some comfort. The house was cute, I guess. Pink walls with black lines here and there-like someone got a little too creative with a ruler. Most of the furniture was beige or pink, too. Definitely not my style, but I was too tired to care.

Serena led me to a small room off to the side. No elevated bed, just a fluffy white mattress on the floor, covered with more fluff than I could handle right now. A small, curvy window in the corner let moonlight spill in, casting a soft, calming glow.

"For now, you can stay here. It's late," she said with a smile, looking too chipper after a day like this. "Those two guys you met earlier-they're a handful, but they're good people."

I nodded as she left, flipping off the light as soon as she stepped out the door.

Finally.

I let out a long sigh, sinking into the mattress. I wasn't ready for any of this. I didn't know this island-or any of the others.

I pulled off the dirty cloak I'd been wearing and glanced down at my clothes. Somehow, my white shirt still looked pristine-untouched by the grime I'd trudged through. My pants were in decent shape, but my boots? Completely caked in dirt.

Setting my backpack down with a thud, I spotted a slim door in the corner. Please let that be a bathroom.

It was. Thank the Goddess!

The bathroom was a break from the pink, with black and grey accents breaking up the color scheme. It was small, with a curtain separating the shower from the toilet, but it was more than enough for me.

I took the quickest shower I've ever had, then collapsed onto the bed. My body screamed for rest, every muscle aching.

The ceiling was painted with glowing stars, and the moonlight from the window made the room look peaceful-almost too peaceful.

Buzz.

"Uh!" I jolted upright, heart leaping into my throat.

Rummaging through my bag, I pulled out a roughly shaped diamond as big as my hand. The stone pulsed with a soft light.

Clearing my throat, I pressed my hand to its center.

"Calathea," came a calm, familiar voice.

"H-Hello! How are you? Why'd you call?" I stammered, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I didn't think I had to remind you of our regular check-ins, did I?" The sarcasm in his tone was unmistakable.

Oh no.

On any other day, I would have snapped back at him. But right now? My heart was pounding.

My parents are... understanding, as long as you follow the rules. But the way he said my full name right from the start sent a shiver down my spine.

I could face a hundred dangers, walk through hell if I had to-but my parents? They were scarier than any monster I could encounter.

"Uh... Dad?"

"I'm counting on you, Calathea. Don't disappoint me."