Page 18 of Pisces Rising

Fifteen

The weight of Virgo's revelation hung heavy over the group. Finding the Cerulean Tear within the labyrinth of disrupted dimensions seemed insurmountable.

"I can work to narrow down the affected areas," Virgo assured them, his voice level and confident. "But it will take time to analyze the data."

Gemini rolled her eyes and muttered to Pisces, "Data analysis is his so-called superpower."

Virgo's head turned slightly, eyes narrowing with a smirk. "My abilities extend far beyond computer science, though if you insist on reducing them to such mundane terms, I won't object." With a sweep of his arm, he gestured out the window to the lush tropical scenery surrounding them. The scent of exotic flowers perfumed the warm ocean air, and the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore drifted in through the open windows. "You'll be safe here on my private island while I work. The only way to access it is through portals I control. Scorpio and Capricorn cannot reach you here."

Gemini giggled. "I'm just here for the nachos, to be honest."

Pisces grinned and elbowed Gemini as the group followed Virgo out of the sterile lab and onto the sun-drenched beach. The sand was blindingly white and glittered under the intense rays of the sun. Virgo led them to a small cluster of charming cabins, each adorned with intricate seashell decorations and vibrant flowers. "Make yourselves at home. I'll begin my work immediately."

“Would you mind if I helped?” Sag asked eagerly. The wanderer's curiosity never dimmed.

“Not at all,” Virgo said, motioning for him to follow.

With a yawn, Gemini headed for the farthest cabin. “Wake me up when he’s done analyzing the Universe.” As she approached the door, she turned. “And you,” she pointed a finger at Aries, “No funny business. Keep your fire in your pants, or I'll douse you with so much whipped cream, you'll think you're a hot fudge sundae."

Pisces wished she could laugh, but Aries’ looming presence nearby made her chest tighten. She considered staying in Gemini’s cottage for a moment, but she needed time alone. Time to think.

As she reached the threshold of her cabin, Aries silently appeared beside her, his body pressed close to hers. "Are you sure you feel safe enough on your own? I’ll be right next door.” The deep timbre of his voice sent shivers down her spine, and his smoldering gaze offered both a promise and a threat.

“I’m fine,” she managed, turning the knob and walking into the room. As she moved to close it, Aries’ foot jammed the door. He leaned in and placed a finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Careful, little fish. There are predators all over this island.” His dark stare bore into her, willing her to crumble, but she snapped away from his touch, defying his power with her own.

“Maybe like a wolf in sheep’s clothing?” she said, trying to put on Gemini’s indifferent mask. “Or maybe just a sheep.” The blaze of anger in his eyes at her doing was enough to make her giddy as she slammed the door, leaving Aries and that burning gaze to crackle on the other side. She blew out a breath, feeling the slightest but stronger.

Once she heard the footsteps of Aries’ retreat from her door, Pisces sank into a cross-legged meditative pose atop the plush bedding. She closed her eyes, but instead of focusing on her lost memories, her mind drifted to the intoxicating dream about Aries in that celestial castle. The feel of his rough hands on her skin and the way he whispered her name in that deep, commanding voice. She pushed those thoughts away, reminding herself that he had treated her terribly, that he loathed her. And there were more important things to worry about right now than being caged in his fiery arms. But the lingering feelings from the dream were hard to ignore, and Pisces found herself craving his presence like a moth to a flame. She took a deep breath and tried to clear her mind, but it seemed like Aries had taken over all her thoughts and senses.

“Think,” she urged. “Remember who you are and where you came from.” Images flickered at the edges of her consciousness—hazy, distorted fragments of stars and faces and other worlds maddeningly out of reach. With a frustrated sigh, she abandoned her efforts for the time being. If she couldn’t find the answers within, perhaps the energy of the sea would help her remember.

As she left the cabin, she paused, staring at Aries’ door. The urge to go there, to knock and demand that he tell her everything—to explain the truth behind his hatred for her was strong, but she turned in the opposite direction. No good would come from confronting him. It’s what he wanted.

The setting sun's golden rays stretched out toward the sparkling ocean, beckoning Pisces to venture closer. She slipped off her shoes, feeling the warmth of the sand beneath her feet and the soothing energy of the tranquil waters surrounding her. As she strolled along the coastline, the salty sea breeze tousled her hair and calmed her restless soul.

Her wandering path eventually brought her near the sleek building housing Virgo's laboratory. The sharp angles and reflective surfaces stood out against the beach's natural beauty. Muted voices drifted from the entrance, and she instinctively shrank back into the gathering shadows to observe unseen. Pisces felt a mixture of curiosity and apprehension as she peered at the mysterious building from afar.

Virgo's solemn tone cut through the silence. Moonlight filtered down through the leaves, casting a faint glow on his furrowed brow. "Gemini, this is serious," he said, his voice carrying with clarity in the tranquil darkness. "If there's even the slightest chance the mirrored portal was damaged, we must inform the others."

Gemini's response was swift and adamant, her voice laced with fiery determination. "Absolutely not," she declared, her stance firm and unwavering. "I'm telling you, that isn't the portal that cracked. I would know if it was."

Virgo heaved a sigh, his expression softening as he reached out to affectionately caress Gemini's cheek. "If the Cerulean Tear is hidden within that mirror realm, the others deserve to know the truth," he reasoned gently. "Especially Pisces—she's your dearest friend. You don't want Scorpio to gain the upper hand while she remains powerless."

Gemini leaned into Virgo's embrace, her initial resistance giving way to a stubborn resolve. "Pisces means everything to me—we've come so far over these millennia," she spoke with fierce loyalty. "If any of them discover that secret realm's existence, I'll spend eternity looking over my shoulder. It has to remain ours alone to protect."

Exhaling slowly, Virgo pulled off his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Very well," he conceded after a moment of contemplation. "Let me investigate further before we involve the others. Perhaps this disruption occurred elsewhere, and the mirror realm remains intact."

Pisces felt her heart hammer as she watched Gemini and Virgo disappear into the lab. Her mind raced, trying to process the shocking revelation she had just overheard—a secret mirror realm that could contain the missing Cerulean Tear? She was overwhelmed with a confusing mix of emotions—fear, distrust—and a strange exhilaration at finally having a potential lead.

As Pisces reflected on Gemini's disturbing behavior, a deep sense of dread consumed her. She needed answers and fast. But who could she turn to in this treacherous world?

In a moment of desperation, the answer hit her like a punch in the gut. Who else could she turn to? Certainly not Gemini now. And not Sag; he could be aware of this realm the same as Virgo. The realization made her stomach twist into knots, but she knew there was only one potentially trustworthy person, however unlikely it seemed. Without hesitation, she marched toward Aries' cabin and pounded forcefully on the door.

It swung open to reveal him half-naked and lounging nonchalantly, his features darkened in a grimace. “What?” he snapped, instantly burning her with his resentment.

“Nothing,” she snapped back, turning toward the beach and slamming the door shut. As she stepped onto the sand, Aries’ door shot open. He snatched her wrist and roughly pulled her in, then flung her to the center of the room and positioned himself in front of the door, blocking her path. “What?” he asked again, his tone more subdued as he crossed his arms over his chest.

She studied him, scanning his angled features, looking for any trace of compassion or whatever fragile bond they once shared. But he was sharp, edged with a vendetta against her that she couldn’t recall. “I said nothing. Forget it.”

---