Page 40 of Pisces Rising

Realization bloomed in Pisces’ mind—those fragmented memories of her telling Sagittarius about the scorpion beast, the strange familiarity it...it had all been Scorpio, cloaked in astral form.

"But you fled before I could reveal myself fully," he continued. "Which is when I recruited Capricorn to aid my cause."

The sleek female Zodiac arched one thin brow, her expression one of haughty disdain. “All these years, and you still doubt me,” she said to no one in particular.

"While I tracked you to this realm, Capricorn followed Dark Gemini's path through the mirror realm," Scorpio explained. "It was Capricorn who witnessed the cosmic witch enter the void housing the Cerulean Tear. We've been searching for you ever since, waiting for the right opportunity to share what we've uncovered." He fixed his intense gaze on Pisces, his features softening with sincerity. “My actions are motivated by loyalty, my dear, not deceit.”

Pisces nodded. “I saw the truth.” Her voice cracked, and she could not offer more, still reeling from the visions.

A heavy silence hung in the observatory as Scorpio's tale sank in. Pisces studied the enigmatic Zodiac, seeing him through new eyes. Though his nature exuded an unmistakable aura of darkness that contrasted starkly with her own peaceful essence, she could no longer deny the truth woven through his words.

Scorpio had been a silent sentinel, sacrificing the chance to intervene in order to gather the pieces of this cosmic upheaval. His methods were unorthodox and morally dubious...but rooted in the greater mission of thwarting Dark Gemini's depravity.

Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet his piercing stare. A look passed between them—not one of warmth or trust but of grudging respect for the roles they had each played in this cosmic game of deception.

Scorpio seemed to accept her unspoken gratitude with a slight dip of his head. Squaring his shoulders, he leveled his gaze on the gathered Zodiacs. "The time for waiting is over," he declared, his voice resonant and decisive. "We know where the Cerulean Tear resides, and we know the face of the enemy who has claimed it for her own. What remains is to formulate a strategy to infiltrate the mirror realm and wrestle that power back from Dark Gemini's grasp...before she turns her illusory reign into a permanent shadow over all of existence."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, their implications staggering. But Pisces felt a renewed surge of conviction drumming through her veins. She was the rightful wielder of the Cerulean Tear, and Dark Gemini's betrayal would not go unanswered. Raising her chin, she met the gazes of her celestial brethren, her eyes blazing with determination.

"Then let's start planning," she said, her voice ringing with quiet steel. "It's time to take back what's mine and restore the cosmic balance—no matter the cost."

Chapter

Thirty-Two

With the truth finally laid bare, the observatory descended into madness as the Zodiacs began hotly debating their next move. Virgo's analytical mind pushed for a carefully strategized plan of attack, but Aries bristled at the mere notion of delay.

"We can't afford to waste more time," the ram snarled, his fists clenching at his sides. "The longer we sit here arguing, the deeper Dark Gemini's claws sink into the cosmic balance!"

"And rushing in half-cocked will only play into her twisted schemes," Virgo countered, his jaw set in a stubborn line. "We need to gather intelligence, formulate contingencies?—"

"For what?" Aries scoffed. "We know where the Cerulean Tear is being kept. We know who's responsible for this whole cosmic clusterfuck." His eyes darted to Scorpio; the lingering cut of jealousy caused by Dark Gemini was still there.

Tempers flared as the others weighed in, their voices rising in a clamor of conflicting opinions and clashing egos. Pisces watched it unfold, a mounting sense of frustration and doubt swirling within her. These were her celestial brethren, beings of immense power and profound wisdom...and yet they squabbled like petulant children in the face of such a dire crisis. How could she possibly hope to overcome Dark Gemini's depravity without her cosmic gifts intact?

The doubt must have shown on her face, for Cancer leveled a concerned look in her direction. But before the nurturing Zodiac could speak, Pisces straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin, mustering every ounce of resolve she could summon.

"Enough!" The single word sliced through the commotion, uncompromising and resonant with a sudden surge of inner strength. The others fell silent, turning to her with a mixture of surprise and begrudging respect in their eyes. Pisces swept her gaze over them, allowing the echoes of power from her pre-human days to steady her bearing.

"We're wasting precious time with all this squabbling," she stated, her tone leaving no argument. "The path forward is clear—we go to the mirror realm and confront Dark Gemini head-on."

Aries smiled with satisfaction. This was the approach he’d been vying for.

She fixed her stare on Capricorn, the imperious female meeting her scrutiny with cool detachment. "You know the way, don't you? You witnessed the path Dark Gemini took."

A muscle ticked in Capricorn's sharp jawline before she inclined her head in a curt nod of affirmation. “I do. And I saw the fracture in the portal she used to get in, though I don’t think it wise we take that route. The fractures are closing.”

Pisces’ attention then shifted to Virgo. "You can create a portal to access it, correct? Even for those of us...those without our full celestial abilities intact?"

Virgo hesitated for a fraction of a second before reluctantly nodding. "It's complicated and will require a substantial power source, but...yes. I can forge a temporary bridge to the mirror realm's dimension."

"Then that's what we'll do," Pisces declared firmly. "But first..."

She trailed off, looking at Sagittarius questioningly. The archer seemed to pick up on her unspoken prompt and nodded. "We'll need the full might of the Zodiac forces to stand a chance against Dark Gemini," he said grimly. "I suggest we use Virgo's portal to travel to Taurus's celestial compound first. We can summon Leo and Libra from there to join our cause."

A murmur of assent rippled through the group. Even Scorpio, who had remained inscrutable throughout the heated debate, inclined his head in silent agreement.

"Then it's settled," Pisces stated, reassured by the newfound sense of unity. "We gather our full forces and strike at Dark Gemini's stronghold together. No more delay, no more indecision. It's time to take back what's mine and restore the cosmic balance, once and for all."