The Lost Planet of Lustar

Wait...You Want Me to What with the Eternal Crystal?

The palace hall was a breathtaking sight, awash in shades of pink. Crystals as large as pillars lined the walls, gleaming and refracting light in brilliant beams. Floating orbs drifted overhead, casting an ethereal glow over a banquet table set with ornate silver platters and glimmering alien delicacies. Lustarian attendants draped in shimmering robes moved gracefully between guests, their eyes always returning to Valora with a mix of awe and excitement.

Valora, seated at the center of the table, offered a dazzling smile, giving her best impression of an elegant guest of honor as dish after dish appeared before her. The food looked exquisite: vibrant, jewel-like fruits, glistening soups with swirling colors, and intricately arranged morsels that seemed to shimmer with energy. She was starving after the long day, but the moment she took a bite, her stomach flipped. The flavors ranged from strangely bitter to sour and painfully spicy-far from the gourmet experience she'd hoped for.

Valora picked at another strange, glowing dish in front of her, her thoughts drifting to Prince Kaelan and the galaxy-famous chef he kept on his royal cruiser. She sighed, imagining the delicate, shimmering layers of that exotic alien cake she adored, a dessert so rare it was only served at Kaelan's lavish gatherings. Each slice had the texture of spun stardust, melting on her tongue with flavors that were floral, fruity, and just a hint of something she could never quite name. Her mouth watered at the memory.

"Oh! This is... interesting!" she said, trying to maintain her grin as she fought to swallow down a mouthful of something that felt like eating lava. She forced herself to smile brightly at her hosts, pretending to relish every bite while her eyes watered. "I've never tasted anything like it!"

Encouraged by her words, Zuraya offered her a large, glowing fruit from a silver dish. Valora accepted it, intrigued by its soft glow, but as she brought it to her lips, it delivered a sudden zap, sending a tingle through her fingers and straight up her arm.

"Ah!" she gasped, nearly dropping it. She managed to hold on, waving her hand to shake off the strange sensation. The Lustarians watched in awe, murmuring among themselves, and she quickly realized they thought she was performing some kind of sacred blessing over the fruit.

"Yes! Er... blessed by the Chosen One," she said with a wide grin, winking as if she'd done it on purpose. The Lustarians bowed their heads, looking thoroughly impressed.

Still trying to ignore the zapping fruit, Valora decided to stand and shake out her legs, hoping to shake off the lingering tingle. But as she did, she noticed the Lustarians rising from their seats, mimicking her movements, their arms lifting and bodies swaying with her. Amused, she kept going, swinging her hips and twirling, realizing she'd accidentally initiated some kind of dance ritual.

When she finally plopped back into her seat, the Lustarians took theirs as well, now more enchanted than ever. Zuraya, positively beaming with pride, leaned in close and spoke in soft, reverent tones.

"Once you complete the ritual with the Eternal Crystal," Zuraya explained, her voice filled with reverence, "a heavenly gateway will open. It will take you back to your vessel, chosen one. Your path will be set once you have... united with the crystal."

Valora, hiding a smirk, raised an eyebrow.

"United with the crystal, huh? Well, never let it be said that I didn't do my part!" She winked, earning a few appreciative glances from her alien admirers, who clearly saw her every move as a sign of celestial charm.

It might not have been the best feast she'd ever had, but Valora had to admit she was enjoying her new role as Lustar's "Chosen One."

A familiar voice crackled in Valora's earpiece, dripping with its usual sass.

"Valora, have you located the crystal yet, or are we still on a scenic detour?"

It was Sparkles, her AI companion, clearly unimpressed with the delay. Valora stifled a laugh, covering her mouth as she glanced around at the rows of enchanted Lustarians watching her every move.

"I'm out to dinner right now, Sparkles. Can't talk!" she whispered back with a mischievous grin, swiftly tapping the earpiece to end the call. She chuckled, catching Zuraya's curious look, and shot her a wink. "Just a little call from home!"

Valora leaned in, doing her best to look curious but calm, her voice light.

"So, Zuraya, about this mating ritual... Could you give me a few more details? I mean, just so I can be, you know, fully prepared for whatever happens with the crystal." She offered a charming smile, hoping it might loosen Zuraya's tongue a bit.

But Zuraya only tilted her head, seeming to miss the hint. Maybe it was the language barrier, but her English seemed pretty good to Valora, much better than it had been back in the jungle.

"The chosen one must be well-nourished for the ritual," she said with a serene smile, motioning for another platter to be brought over. This time it held a small, silver bowl filled with a sticky, violet-colored paste that glistened under the palace lights.

"More food?" Valora mumbled to herself, but she took a small taste anyway, her face contorting slightly at its strange, bitter flavor. She swallowed with effort, glancing around at the eager Lustarians, all of whom seemed to be hanging on her every reaction. "Mmm, delightful!" she lied, smiling through the aftertaste.

Just as she thought her palate couldn't take any more, two attendants appeared beside her, holding up a garment-a shimmering dress that caught every ray of light in the room and threw it back in soft, dazzling rainbows. Valora's eyes widened, dazzled by the outfit's beauty-until she realized that it was entirely sheer. The fabric, if it could even be called that, was barely more than a delicate gauze. Every curve, every line, would be on display.

Valora felt heat rising in her cheeks.

"Well, I'm no prude, but..." She laughed nervously, looking around at the Lustarians who were gazing at her in reverent expectation. "I mean, you're all going to get a pretty fantastic view if I wear that!"

The Lustarians around her looked thoroughly confused, though Zuraya's expression softened as if she understood.

"Chosen One, the garment represents purity and openness-a true vessel for the crystal's power. It is an honor."

Valora bit her lip, the words "purity" and "openness" ringing in her ears as she held up the sheer dress. She sighed, managing a smirk.

"Alright, let's see just how open I can be..."