Page 10 of Pisces Rising
The sound of sirens whizzed by them as the road ahead grew darker. "Where are we going?" Pisces asked, shifting her focus to their mysterious destination.
Gemini grinned mischievously. "We're heading to Aquarius’ club.” Excitement bubbled in her voice. "It's called 'The Aqua Mirage.’ It’s a bit wild, but she uses it to draw in humans who need help. They think they’re partying at a club, but she’s really infusing them with her brand of stardust therapy."
“Interesting,” Pisces said, eager to see it.
“Yeah.” Gemini looked back out the window. “If only she weren’t so high and mighty about it.”
“Gem,” Sag warned, his eyes still fixed on the road.
“What?” Gemini responded with an innocent shrug. “It’s true. She’s sometimes a bit full of herself because she can talk to the gods.” She rolled her eyes as if such a thing was trivial. “It gets old.”
Sag shook his head, apparently unwilling to engage anymore in the conversation. Turning back to Pisces, Gemini said, “He’s just bothered because he has a thing for Aquarius.” A smile crossed her lips, and she playfully nudged Sagittarius on the arm. “Isn’t that right, Sag?”
Sagittarius growled. “Enough. We’re almost there.” He met Pisces’ gaze in the rearview mirror. Hang on, Pisces. This part can be a bit disorienting. We’re entering a hidden plane of this realm.”
As the SUV veered into a dark alley and sped up, a surge of trepidation washed over Pisces, the confined space feeling almost claustrophobic. They drove deeper into the shadows, darkness surrounding them like a black hole. The sense of anticipation grew within her.
Moments later, the SUV emerged from the dark tunnel upon a dazzling spectacle, the nightclub towering before them like a beacon in the night. Lights flashed, music throbbed, and the energy of the place was palpable even from outside. They parked the SUV and stepped out.
Pisces hesitated on the threshold of the nightclub, uncertainty gnawing at her. Sag noticed, his soft hazel eyes shining with the electric glow of the signs at the door, and offered reassurance. "Aquarius is a friend." His voice was calm and steady. “And if the noise becomes overwhelming, just remember to ground yourself. Take deep breaths. Don’t get lost in the chaos around you."
Pisces nodded, drawing upon the image of the ancient oak tree in the forest, its roots sinking deep into the earth. With a breath, she steeled herself and followed her celestial companions into the club.
The scene inside was a whirlwind of motion and sound. People of all shapes and sizes mingled on the dance floor, their laughter and shouts blending with the pulsating beat of the music. Light flashed in sync with the rhythm, casting vibrant patterns across the crowded space, and a cloud of fine, glittery dust hung in the air.
Gemini led the way, her familiarity with the venue evident as she navigated effortlessly through the crowd despite being a head shorter than most. Sag followed protectively close behind Pisces, his easygoing demeanor a stark contrast to the club's frantic energy.
They finally reached a DJ booth at the front, perched high above the dance floor, where a striking figure that had to be Aquarius stood at the helm. She was tall and statuesque, her wavy red hair cascading down her shoulders like flames. She wore a form-fitting red dress that accentuated her curves.
Gemini gestured toward Aquarius with a grin and shouted over the music, "There she is.” Her attention turned to Pisces. "Not only does she know how to throw a party, but she also knows how to run the show."
Sag nodded in agreement, his eyes twinkling with amusement. They ascended the stairs to the DJ booth, where Aquarius flashed a welcoming smile. "Hey!" she greeted them, her voice carrying over the din of the club. "I heard about what went down up there,” she pointed up with one hand while adjusting knobs on the decks with the other. “I've been expecting you." She set up a new track and motioned for them to follow as she stepped away from the turntables, leading them to a quieter room behind the stage. It must have been soundproofed because Pisces barely heard the music once the door shut.
The room was a lounge adorned with cream couches and oversized fur pillows. The recessed lights bordering the ceiling gave off a pink glow.
Aquarius’ gaze fell on Sagittarius with a warm smile, and she motioned for everyone to sit. "Drinks?" she offered, gesturing toward a well-stocked bar.
Gemini and Sag nodded appreciatively, but Pisces declined, her mind too preoccupied with getting answers to her predicament.
“Oh, come on. You’ve got to try this drink,” Aquarius insisted, bringing her a cup filled with glowing green liquid. “It’s my special recipe.” She gave Pisces a wink, seeming unbothered by the seriousness of the situation.
Despite her initial reluctance, Pisces accepted the drink. Its coolness soothed her parched throat, and she noticed her nerves subsiding with each sip.
Aquarius settled across from them, her demeanor relaxed yet poised as she sat back and crossed her long legs. "I guess Scorpio finally made his move. I didn't think he'd ever actually do it."
Gemini and Sag exchanged glances. It seemed Scorpio had been making his intentions known for some time. Before Pisces could voice her thoughts, Aquarius clarified, "Before you go thinking I had something to do with this, I promise you, I didn't. I simply saw the jealousy burning in him ages ago. It was bound to happen."
Sag sat forward inquisitively. “Have you heard anything through the ether? Any warnings from the gods?”
Aquarius’ gaze lingered on him for a moment before shaking her head. “Unfortunately, no. They can be infuriatingly absent sometimes.”
Pisces admired the air of intelligence and confidence surrounding Aquarius, finding herself drawn to her airy, calm demeanor. Sag filled Aquarius in on recent events, explaining their concerns should the Cerulean Tear fall into the wrong hands.
“The issue isn’t simply Pisces being without the essence of her power,” Sag said with a quick glance at Pisces. “The problem is, whoever has it might figure out how to absorb the power to control the Zodiacs, which would then affect humans since they’re designed as a reflection of us.
Aquarius nodded thoughtfully. “Or worse. It could be unleashed. That kind of energy would warp the entire Universe.”
A lump formed in Pisces’ throat now that she understood the implications of losing such a powerful piece of herself.