Chapter One

There used to be nothing but empty land and darkness outside the world where the curse of the sea did not reach. There wasn't a single breath of life that was heard. In the land of eternal darkness, sacred comets started to fall from the sky. Where the comets fell, huge fires started, and those fires became the light that started to lighten up the world. When the fires dimmed, green grass grew from the ground, and beside the grass grew huge trees. Animals came to the lush greenery, and people also came to find this land. But then, they had no leader to trust. As the land became beautiful, the sages that were under the ground came up to the land. They believed that this land will be the place that will protect the Starsight, the mysterious treasure, from the curse of the sea. The wisest sage of all became the owner of the stars, the Castellan, and the other sages became the king of the stars, the Castians. The 8 sages built 8 castles to rule, and that was the start of Eightstar.

“Okay, that's the end of breaktime, it's time to resume work.”
In a beach on a small island in the countryside, a young women was sitting on a cushion with a few kids staring at her. Her blue hanbok*, embroidered with the shapes of constellations, looked very formal for a person living in such a shabby place.
“But why do you only tell us the same story every time?” One of the kids shouted.
“Yes, I'm tired of the same story! Don't you have another one?” Another kid agreed.
“Hush! You should be thankful I'm giving you the time to listen to any story!” The women said. “Now, I hope you finished your homework from last class?”
The other kids looked at each other nervously. “Um…”
But the women wasn't listening. A shape had appeared at the horizon. It was a young man wearing similar clothes that the women wore, only this time, it was a bright orange.
“Teaching kids in the countryside must also be a good way to spend your time, Astronomer Jessica.”
Jessica looked at the young man. “What is the country's greatest magician Lucas doing here? Wait, could it be…?”
Lucas smiled at Jessica.
“Yes, Astronomer Jessica. The Castellan has ordered to bring you back to the palace.”
Jessica's mouth dropped open.
As the sun was setting, the two people headed towards their boat.
“Strange astronomical signs have been happening?” Jessica asked.
“Yes, you will be able to hear more when you arrive at the palace. ” Lucas replied.
“Castellan exiled me like he'd never see me again, and now…” With a sigh, Jessica stared up at the sky. “It seems like there's no better subject then me.” She boasted.
Jessica looked down to see Lucas staring at her pathetically.
“For an astronomer, getting the eclipse time wrong is a very big crime! If you say such disrespectful words in front of the Castellan again, you don't know what he'll do to you like last time…” He said.
“So that's why I'm saying it here!” Jessica retorted. “Anyway,” she said, looking around, “I'll finally be able to get out of this small place!”
“This place isn't so bad,” Lucas pointed out, “considering that you were exiled. There are many isolated islands to be sent of to, you know.”
“This entire country is isolated, if you say that.” Jessica said. Not waiting for Lucas's reply, she walked to the boat.

About thirty minutes later, the small wooden boat arrived at the entrance of Ealan Castle. “We arrive shortly. Prepare yourself.” Lucas said.
Jessica looked up at the sky, filled with airships arriving from other parts of the country. She looked around at the riverside markets and hanoks*, busy with people. With a smile, she looked around.
“Every time I come here, it's a weird place..” She murmured.



Hanbok - Traditional Korean outfit
Hanok - A traditional Korean house

Chapter Two


The hot summer sun shone down as Jessica climbed up the 888 stairs that lead to the palace of Ealen. Of course, nobody ever counted them, but Jessica knew.
“This place is good and all, with flying airships and lots of technology, but I feel like I'm gonna die every time I walk up these stairs!” She groaned.
Suddenly, with a blast of fire, a palanquin zoomed past Jessica and Lucas, who was behind her.
“I wish the Castellan would also let me ride those!” Jessica complained.
“Only the subjects above the age of 60 can ride those palanquins. That is the proper etiquette of this country. You can't ride those yet.” Lucas pointed out.
Jessica stared at Lucas absurdly. “But you can go up the stairs in a jetpack?”
Yes, Lucas was wearing a purple jetpack. Of course, due to her exile, Jessica never saw those, but now that she saw it, it was more surprising and amazing then she thought it'll be.
Lucas smiled at her. “Magicians performing magic isn't something that goes against the etiquette of this country.” He said. “I'll go first, you can catch up! See you soon!” With those words, Lucas zoomed up the stairs.
With a sigh, Jessica took another step.

“Ugh, why are there so many stairs? Why did our ancestors put 888 stairs on the way to the palace?” Jessica murmured to herself.
Ahead, Lucas was standing in the entrance, his back to Jessica.
“Lucas! There you are. If you go zooming up the stairs like that, how am I even supposed to catch up-”
With a gasp, Jessica took a step back. Instead of Lucas, a mechanical doll was standing there, making beep sounds.
“Huh?”
A moment later, The real Lucas flew down, still wearing his jetpack.
“What took you so long? It's only a few stairs.”
Glaring at Lucas, Jessica snapped at him.
“Go back down, take those jetpacks off, and why don't you walk up yourself? Anyway, what is this thing?”
“Oh, a while ago, a young magician that was good at puppetry came to join us. He made puppets for all of us! Isn't it handsome, just like me?” He said, boasting.
Jessica took a step back. “Uh, no, not really.” She muttered.
Lucas didn't hear it. “He heard that you were returning to the palace today, and he made one for you, too! Come over here!”
“Huh?”
Suddenly, a person - no, a puppet walked over. It looked just like Jessica, although there was bits of metal in the skin.
“Ta-da!” Lucas shouted.
Jessica took another step back.
“Um, no, no thanks. This is a weird place every time I come here.” She murmured to herself. Then her eyes grew wide, for a young women with black long hair was coming. She was wearing a white, black and blue hanbok, and she had a mysterious atmosphere around her. She looked like the moon, with her cold eyes.
“You're here, Astronomer Jessica. The Castellan awaits you.”
“Lunar priest! It's been a long time.” Jessica said, and bowed deeply. “Are the rituals for the gods going along well?”
Lunar priest smiled at Jessica.
“Yes, Astronomer Jessica. I have been told to bring you to the palace. Magician Lucas, you may also follow.”
“Yes, Lunar Priest.” Lucas replied.

“I, Astronomer Jessica, wish to see Your Majesty.”
“Yes, Astronomer Jessica. It has been a long time.” The Castellan replied. Due to his crowning at a young age, the Castellan was not much older then Jessica herself. He was wise, however, and all the people respected him. Jessica was no exception.
“Yes, your majesty. Thanks to your infinite mercy, I stand here once again. It would have been better,” Jessica said, “if you hadn't sent me off to exile from the very start..”
Lucas sighed. “That big mouth hasn't changed a bit.” He murmured.
“I like how you still bold even though you were exiled.” Castellan said. “I will be able to exile you now without any regret or doubts.”
Beside him, Lunar Priest nodded as if she agreed with Castellan.
“Um, Your Majesty? I didn't mean-”
“Well anyway,” Castellan said, cutting off her words, “you did hear the reason why I called you back here from magician Lucas, am I correct?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. He said that there has been strange astronomical signs in the sky….”
“Yes. Lunar Priest, please explain more to Astronomer Jessica.” Castellan replied.
“Of course, Your majesty.” Lunar Priest looked at Jessica.
“A week ago, a comet was observed in the northwestern sky. It was a bright red comet.” Lunar Priest explained.
“I myself also saw the red comet.” Jessica said. “So, I was guessing the reason why you called me here, too, Your Majesty.”
“But that is not all,” Lunar Priest said. “There has been more mysterious signs that has been observed from many parts of the country.”
“There has been more astronomical signs then this? There can't be any sign that I missed in this small sky of Eightstar…” Jessica said.
“In many parts of the country, in different times, a strange disk was observed. According to the people who have witnessed this, they said that the disk was so large, it had covered the sky. They also said that the movement was irregular and quick.” Lunar Priest said.
“A disk….” Jessica murmured. Then she turned to Castellan. “I have not seen, or heard of things like that. All the bodies in the sky are known to move along their orbit. That is the way of the sky. But if the movement was irregular…. I think I'll have to see this disk for myself to know the exact meaning of it. However…” Jessica said. “There is only one thing that red comets represent…..”
“What is that?” Castellan asked.
Jessica hesitated. Then she opened her mouth. “It is betrayal, Your Majesty.”
“Are you saying there is a traitor around me?” Castellan asked, his voice quiet.“
”The movement of the sky is the shadow and signal of what will happen on the ground. We might not know the entire meaning of the shadows, but it is not wise to ignore the sign the sky is giving to us.“ Jessica said. ”And,“ She continued. ”The strange disk that has been observed… I don't think it'll be a good sign, since such an ominous figure that goes against the way of the sky has appeared in the sacred sky.“ She warned.
”Then, what should I do, as my role of the Castellan?“ Castellan asked.
”It will be good to perform a ritual for the sky to find out the way of the gods and try to solve the problems.“ Jessica replied.
”That will be a good idea. Lunar Priest?“ Castellan said. ”Please find out the right time and day to perform this ritual, and Astronomer Jessica should help as well.“
”Yes, Your Majesty.“ Jessica replied. ”I have one more thing to say before I leave.“
”Yes, Astronomer Jessica?“
”As strange signs are happening in the sky,“ Jessica said, ”you must be careful not to lose the trust of the people of Eightstar. You should give out food to the starving people, and find out if anyone is being punished unfairly.“
”I will do that as well.“
”For example,“ Jessica said, her tone changing. ”DON'T send of the country's greatest astronomer and genius into exile because she predicted the eclipse 15 minutes late, or something like that, Your Majesty. Just an example, nothing to do with me.“ Jessica said.
Castellan nodded. ”You also have a point. Magician Lucas?“ He said. ”Do you know the most terrifying place send to exile for the most greatest astronomer?“
”It might be good to beat her a few times to fix her bad mouth, Your Majesty.“ Lucas replied.
”Um, I will be off now, your majesty,“ Jessica stammered. ”I have a lot to prepare for the ritual.“ With that, she bowed and started to walk out.
”Wait.“ Castellan said.
”Y-yes, your majesty?“ Jessica asked.
”Will an eclipse happen in two months from now? If an eclipse happens when there are strange astronomical signs, the citizens will be agitated…“ He said.
Confident, Jessica replied.
”No, your majesty. According to my exact calculations, there isn't a single eclipse that will happen this year.“
”If an eclipse happens, we'll have to send her off for real now.“ Lucas added.
With a glare at Lucas, Jessica bowed to Castellan and walked out of the palace.
After Lucas and Jessica both walked out, Castellan let out a sigh.
”Strange astronomical signs and a warning for betrayal… Lunar Priest.“ Castellan said. ”Will I be able to meet the Sun Carver right now?“
”Yes, Your Majesty. Follow me.“ Lunar Priest said.”

A few moments later, Lunar Priest entered a small room alone. Inside, a long haired man was sitting down at a table. From far away, he looked like a women, but up closer, he was a man with long black hair tied up in a ponytail. A silver pin held the ponytail up high, the shape complicated and similar to the sun and moon. He wore a white hanbok, looking very wise and calm.
“Castellan is here.” Lunar Priest said to him.
“Come in, Your Majesty.” Sun Carver said. His deep voice sounded tired and old, as if he had lived for a hundred years.
Quietly, Castellan came in. Lunar Priest bowed and walked out. Sitting down, Castellan explained about what had happened.
“A red comet and a strange disk?” Sun Carver asked.
“Yes, the astronomer said the red comet was a sign of betrayal. I wondered if there was another meaning….”
“The movement of the sky is the shadow of the ground. You shouldn't obsess to much on the shadows, and look what is under your nose. There is no reason for the owner of the stars to be afraid of the movement of the stars.” Sun Carver said.
“But,” Castellan said. “If there is any sign of betrayal, I will not be able to let it go even though it is a small warning. A betrayal to us doesn't mean just being pushed from the seat of Castellan. It means losing the Starsight, the treasure that has been protecting this land for a thousand years.”
“I understand your concern, Castellan.” Sun Carver said. “I also have promised to sacrifice myself for the safety of Starsight.”
“The only people that can be a traitor are the Castians… I am planning to call a Castian meeting to see the Castians. How should I treat them?”
“There is no advice that I can give you, if it is related to the relationship between you, the Castellan, and the Castians. However, you should be careful so that you don't miss anything important because you were too focused on your fear of betrayal. The Castians are your forever colleagues that help you lead this country.”
“I understand, Sun Carver.”
“But,” Sun Carver said. “If there is really a traitor, you will have to punish him or her with out hesitation.” He warned. “That is the only way to protect Starsight and this country. And the strange disk in the sky…. I have a feeling that it might be a shield to protect us from the red comet.”
“Then do you think that the disk has a good meaning?” Castellan asked.
“It is only my belief.” Sun Carver sighed.

Chapter Three


“I thought you were going to prepare the ritual.” Lucas said, as Jessica walked into a bookstore.
“Don't worry, I'll get to that soon.” Jessica replied, looking around at the books. “Anyway,” she said. “Why are you following me around so much? Are you supervising me or something.”
Lucas rolled his eyes. “Yes, I'm supervising you.” He said. “Are you here to play or something?”
“Why don't you also get exiled? Small things like this can be special when you've been exiled for a while.” Jessica retorted.
Lucas sighed. Then he looked around. “Anyway, you seem to like books very much, since you come here even in this situation.” He remarked.
“Of course! I might be congenitally smart, but if I add progress and effort, I become the greatest genius!” She boasted. Then she cast a glance at Lucas. “But aren't you the same?” She said, looking at Lucas up and down.
“Well, half is wrong, and half is right, I think.” He said.
“There aren't that many places that people can go themselves.” Jessica remarked. “But the imagination of people are limitless, so there isn't a place you can't go if you use books. You can go from the bottom of the cursed sea, to the top of the sky and above, into outer space.”
As Jessica was talking, the bookstore owner came over. “Oh my goodness, Astronomer Jessica! It's been such a long time! How have you been?” She asked.
“Well, I haven't been that happy, but it's good to see you again.” Jessica said. “Are there any new books you would suggest? Fantasy, if possible.”
“Oh, yes! What about this one?” The owner asked, handing Jessica a book. “It's the story of a small boy exploring the stars and making friends!”
“That sounds fun! I'll buy it.” Jessica said, handing the owner the money. With a nod, she walked out, already flipping the book over to read.

“Ouch!” Jessica exclaimed.
“Uh, are you okay?”
Jessica rubbed her head. “Um yes, I'm fine. How about you?” She looked at the person who had bumped into her, and her eyes widened in surprise. The stranger had a very strange outfit, with a metal hood and a weird looking backpack, filled with strange things that even Lucas didn't hold. His white shirt and pants looked strange, since most people of Eightstar wore Hanbok.
“Um yes, I'm fine.” He muttered, and ran off.
With a glance, she shrugged and walked into the observatory she was heading to.

Meanwhile, at the palace, Castellan was sitting on a throne. Around him, seven others sat in a circle, all sitting in thrones. A yin and yang symbol was in the middle, surrounded by the people in the room.
“Thank you for coming today, Castians.” Castellan said. “The reason I called you today is because I wanted to know if there are any problems, since there are strange astronomical signs.”
“The citizens of Venlan all seem surprised,” the Venlan Castian, Sabrina, said, “but since they are temporary, I believe they will calm down soon.”
“But the signs are mysterious and unknown,” Castellan replied, “so we shouldn't take them lightly, especially since they could be related to the safety of Starsight. Castians, please make sure you take awareness of this and help the citizens calm down.”
“However, Your Majesty,” the Castian of Uralan, Jake, opened his mouth. “Isn't the Starsight itself something mysterious and unknown?”
“What do you mean, Castian Jake?” Castellan asked.
“None of us here has seen the Starsight that protects this land. We even don't know what it looks like, or even what it is. But, to protect Starsight, we Castians have to send talented scholars and magicians from our palaces to the Ealan, the capital. Even though they are here to help their own palaces.”
“What kind of disrespectful attitude to Castellan!” The Castian of Marlan, Emma scolded. “Do you dare to doubt the existence of the sacred Starsight that has protected this land for a thousand years?”
“I understand the problems of the Castians yourselves. But, Castian Jake. Like the perfect movement of the stars in the sky, we need balance and help to lead this country. In the center of that is Starsight. Castellans and Castians are forever companions, and our stars - Merclan, Venlan, Ealan, Marlan, Juplan, Satlan, Uralan, Neplan - are all equal stars inside the group of other stars. To protect our peace, we have to protect Starsight, and this is something I cannot do myself. For this to happen, I need the trust and help of all the Castians here.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I did not understand your deep meaning and wisdom.” Castian Jake replied.
Soon, all the Castians started to leave after the end of the meeting. Jake was the last.
Standing up, he bowed to Castellan.
“Please forgive my disrespectfulness from earlier.” He said. With those words, he turned around and exited the room.
Left alone, Jessica's words rang inside the Castellan's head.
“A red comet….” He murmured. He suddenly thought of something. The ceremony that happened five years ago at Ealan.

All the subjects were all inside the large palace of Ealan. One subject murmured to the person next to him.
“Did you hear the strange rumors about Uralan's new Castian enthroning today?”
“Yes, it's weird that the former Castian died so abruptly even though he was healthy, and there are rumors about that he isn't really the son of the former Castian…” The other person replied.
From the distance, a figure walked into the palace. It was Jake, the current Uralan Castian. Of course, he wasn't the Castian yet.
Castellan nodded and Jake stepped forward. “Jake of Uralan,” Castian announced. “I pronounce you as a Castian, a king of the stars, to rule Uralan, so promise in front of the stars that you will accept the ways of Uralan's sky, and become a wise ruler of Uralan.”
Jake opened his mouth, his voice strong. “I promise to the stars and to Your Majesty, owner of the stars, that I will become a wise leader of Uralan.”

Back in the present, Jessica looked up at the huge telescope on the top of Ealan's observatory.
“Of course, experts don't care about the tools they use, but the expensive ones are pretty good.” She said. “Anyway,” she said, looking up at the sky. “Tomorrow's the ritual, but I don't see even a glimpse of that disk or whatsoever! Did the people see it correctly?” She complained.
Just then, Lunar Priest called from inside.
“Astronomer Jessica, are you there?” She called.
“Lunar Priest! You're here!” Jessica said.
“Where there any strange signs in the sky?” Lunar Priest asked.
“Yes. There was absolutely nothing.” Jessica said, a bit annoyed.
“Very well. There are some things I wanted to talk to you about the ritual that takes place tomorrow. Do you have some time right now? I am sorry that I had to call you in this late night…”
“Well, it's fine. Please come this way.” Jessica said, and the two walked inside.
Just then, in the sky, a strange looking disk appeared in the sky. There were beams of light attached to it, and the figure itself was huge. A few moments later, it disappeared without a hint.

Chapter Four

The next morning, at Ealan Palace, there was a huge stand built in the middle of the courtyard.
“Are you sure you calculated the time correctly?” Lucas whispered to Jessica.
“Don't worry! This is a great time to do this ritual.” Jessica whispered back.
Lucas let out a sigh. “Very well. But I heard this is an important ritual, are we the only participants?” He queried.
“Castellan didn't want the citizens to agitate, so he told me that no other subjects are coming.” Jessica said.
Lunar Priest, who was up on the stand, raised her head to the sky.
“Sky and Heaven!” She announced. “Please let us figure out the meaning of your thoughts, and send us light so we go along the right path. Protect your deputy, the owner of the stars, and help us forever protect the piece of starlight you sent down on us. Please don't dim the light that you send down on us.”
Suddenly, the sky started to darken, as if something covered the sun.
Castellan, who was watching the ritual, let out a silent gasp. “What is going on, Astronomer Jessica!” He demanded. “I thought you said there won't be any eclipses this year!”
“Your Majesty, this is not an eclipse!” Jessica shouted.
“What..?” Castellan looked up to see the huge disk covering the sky. Jessica froze, while Lucas and Lunar Priest looked around worriedly.
As quickly as it appeared, the disk disappeared with a flash, and the sky grew bright again.

Meanwhile, in the underground storage room of Ealan, a shadowy figure ran along the hallway. The figure arrived at some steel doors, and reached out his hand.
“Show yourself!”
There was a loud shout from the distance, and three guards ran towards the figure. Turning around, he ran off, guards hot on his trail. From the other side, the Sun Carver was watching everything.

That evening, Jessica strode into her house, mumbling.
“I spent all day working because of that disk..” She sulked. “It does feel good since I saw it for real now, but I have to find out what it is..” She said, as she walked into her garden. “I mean, how am I supposed to know what that is by tomorrow!” She shouted at the sky, and walked inside.
As Jessica walked inside, the sun was yet again covered by the disk, and the sky grew dark. From the disk, a strange beam of light appeared, and a small figure floated down. It seemed to be going down well, but suddenly, the beam of light disappeared and with a loud crash, the figure dropped down… straight into Jessica's garden.
Jessica ran out at the commotion. “What is all that noise!” Then she froze, for a person was on the ground. “Ow, my head,” said a very familiar voice.
“Who…” Jessica stammered, Recognizing the person as the person who bumped in to her earlier. Then, the person stood up and looked at her. “Hi!” He said, in a lively tone that wasn't really right in this situation.
Jessica could only laugh at this person's manner. Then she took a deep breath and shouted, “Guards! Guards! There's a thief in my house! Guards!”
Desperately, the person ran over. “Shh! Shh! Wait! Listen to me!” He said. “I just wanted to come down quietly, but I just crashed, and-”
“Wait wait wait,” Jessica interrupted. “What do you mean, come down? Where did you come from? From the sky?”
“Yes!” The stranger replied. “Basically you see that thing in the sky, and-” he broke off as he saw that there was nothing in the sky. “Wait where did it go?” He muttered.
Of course, Jessica knew nothing. “So sir, where did you come from? I'm gonna report in three, two, o-”
“Wait wait wait!” The stranger said again. Then he looked up at the sky. “That piece of junk metal… I'll have to fix it later…” Then he turned to Jessica.
“So, like, you know the rumors that people are all talking about here, don't you? Things about strange astronomical signs, a mysterious disk, whatsoever.”
Jessica's eyes grew wide. “Wait, then did you come by riding that huge disk?” She asked in disbelief.
“Yes, exactly!” The stranger replied. “It's actually called a spaceship.”
“Spaceship..?” Jessica asked, still not believing this. “What is that? Can you, like, go in to outer space riding that or something?”
“It was made to do that.” The stranger replied simply.
Jessica gasped. “Then it can go over the sea and to the land beyond?”
“Of course!” The stranger said. “That's a piece of cake if you have a spaceship.”
“No way…” Jessica said.
“Um, actually,” the stranger said, looking nervous. “I'm extremely sorry to ask this, but could you help me?” He asked. “It hasn't been long since I came here, and I'm not sure what's going on, and I somehow managed to be chased..” Then he looked at Jessica. “It seems like you have a lot of interest in my spaceship… so I might show you around it if you helped me..” He said, hopeful.
Jessica narrowed her eyes. “And you'll keep your promise?” Jessica asked. When the stranger nodded, she took a step backwards. “Then wait here, just a minute!” With those words, she ran inside.
When Jessica ran inside, the stranger looked up at the sky. “Finally I'll be able to go! It's a good thing I managed to find a kind person…”
Suddenly there was a loud smack, and the stranger instantly fainted. Behind him was Jessica, holding a large stick.
“A spaceship?” She said. "I did have second thoughts about this, but you have to say something I'll believe, mister. It hasn't been long since I was exiled, so..“ Then she glared down at the stranger. ”A lying criminal like this has to be reported!“ She decided, and ran off to somewhere.

A few moments later, Jessica reappeared with guards following her. “It’s right here, sir.” Then she froze, for the stranger was gone. Looking around, surprised, she smacked her forehead.
“I should have tied him up or something..” She murmured, looking around. Shaking her head to the guards, she walked out.
As she walked along the palace of Ealan, enjoying the cool evening air, she spotted some people murmuring as some guards pulled a prisoner away. She realized the prisoner was the stranger she met earlier.
“Did you hear? That person tried to steal Starsight, the treasure of the palace!” A nearby person said.
“Starsight..?” Jessica murmured. “I thought that was some kind of legend, but it really existed?” Then she looked up. “Did he really come riding that disk or something?”

Inside the palace, the stranger stood in front of Castellan as he stood on his throne. From the side, Jessica, Lucas, and Lunar Priest was watching.
“You wouldn’t have tried to steal Starsight by yourself, who commanded you to do it?” Castellan asked.
The stranger bowed his head, for the Castellan had a very commanding atmosphere.
“I don’t know what that is, and no one told me what to do..” He stuttered.
“Then why were you inside the underground storage room where Starsight is? Ordinary people cannot go inside there, and only a few people know the entrance to it!” Castellan said.
“I was only there to do my mission..” The stranger said.
“Mission..? You do seem to have someone at your back. Say who gave you the mission immediately.” Castellan commanded.
“Um… That is…” The stranger stuttered.
Castellan’s face hardened.
“Of course, you wouldn’t say it through your own mouth in a situation like this.” He said. Then he walked to the stranger. Lucas opened his mouth.
“Your Majesty, he is someone who tried to steal Starsight. We have to find out who is behind his back, even if we use a stronger way.” Lucas said.
Castellan shook his head, taking everyone by surprise. “We’ll be able to find that out if we research more.” Then he raised his voice.

“Lucas! Execute this person immediately!“

Chapter Five

For a few moments, Castellan's order ran across the entire room, leaving everyone speechless. Then Lucas stepped forward.
“If it is your majesty's order, I will follow it.” He replied, and reached for his pocket. With a loud clang, he extracted a giant weapon from his pocket(Of course, Jessica wouldn't know what it was), and aimed it at the stranger. As he was about to shoot, a loud voice echoed along the room.
“Stop!”
It was Lunar Priest. Castellan stared at her, confused, for priests had never bothered the execution of a prisoner.
“Lunar Priest..? What is the matter?” Castellan asked, confused.
“The Sun Carver has ordered to stop the execution immediately!” Lunar Priest announced.
“The Sun Carver?” Castellan repeated, turning to the stranger, who's face was still blue from fear and shock. “Why?”
“The Sun Carver wishes to see him.” Lunar priest replied simply. Then she turned to the stranger. “Follow me.”
“Sun Carver?” The stranger murmured. “Why are the names here all like that?” Steps filled with hesitation, he followed Lunar Priest.

With a creak, Lunar Priest opened the door to Sun Carver's room. “I have brought him, Sun Carver.” Lunar Priest said.
“Thank you. You may go out. Please tell him to come in.” Sun Carver said, his voice calm.
As Lunar Priest exited, the stranger stepped in, bowing his head and not looking up.
“Um, thank you for saving my life,” he said, “but why-” as the stranger's eyes met Sun Carver's, he took a step back.
Sun Carver smiled. “It has been a long time.”
“You…!” The stranger exclaimed.. “Why are you- I mean how-”

A few moments later, Lunar Priest walked into the main hall of Ealan palace again with the stranger following her. Leaving the stranger, she nodded to Castellan.
“Sun Carver is looking for you, your majesty.”
Without hesitation, Castellan followed Lunar Priest, leaving Jessica and Lucas with the stranger. Jessica turned to Lucas.
“Have you seen the person called Sun Carver yourself? You've stayed in the palace for a long time.” Jessica asked.
“He doesn't like showing himself to people, so I haven't seen him myself, sadly.” Lucas replied.
“There are rumors about him that he lived since the start of the world, or that he knows everything that exists…. Do you think that makes sense?” Jessica sighed.
“Since Castellan believes so, I also believe in that.” Lucas said.
Jessica shook her head. Then she cast a look at the stranger. “What will happen to him now?” She asked.

In the room of the Sun Carver, Castellan and Sun Carver were talking to each other.
“Why did you stop the execution?” Castellan demanded. “He is a person who tried to steal Starsight!”
“You were a bit in a hurry this time.” Sun Carver said. “You should have chosen wisely, especially since it is about Starsight.
Castellan lowered his gaze. ”I needed to find out who was behind him.“ He said, his voice quiet.
”You think you are right.“ Sun Carver said, ”But you are not. That stranger is not a traitor or a dangerous person to us. He is the key that will solve the problems of Eightstar.“
”A key..? What does that mean?“ Castellan asked, his voice now frantic.
Sun Carver sighed. ”He is the person who made Starsight.“

A few moments later, Jessica, who was outside the palace with Lucas and the stranger, let out a sigh.
”Did Castellan lose his mind? He had one talk with Sun Carver and now he's telling us to do help this stranger no matter what!“ She complained. Then she turned to the stranger. ”You said you had a mission, right? What is it?“
The stranger turned his head. ”I don't really want to say that to the person who tried to kill me, or the person who just watched when I was about to die…“ He said.
”Uh, that was because I didn't know…“ Jessica flubbed. ”Anyway!“ She said. ”So you're really the owner of the spaceship or something like that?“ She asked.
”Yes! But I have no idea where it went!“ The stranger exclaimed, desperate.
”Then would you like to go to the laboratory of the magicians?“ Lucas asked. ”We have many inventions there that might help you.“
Jessica nodded. ”That's a great idea! Let's go immediately!“ She said.
”I have some tasks to do at the palace, so you two can start going.“ Lucas suggested. ”Jessica would know the location.“
Jessica, who was happy a minute ago, now was frowning. ”I just go with him?“ She said, not really wanting to.
Lucas didn't notice her tone. ”Then see you soon!“ With a whoop, he zoomed off. Again.
With a sigh, she turned to the stranger. ”About what you said,“ she started. ”Is it really true that you can go anywhere with a spaceship?“
”Ow my head…“ the stranger said.
With a flinch of guilt, she turned away, realizing talking with him was a waste of time.

In the palace, Lucas looked around
”Where did Castellan go?“
Just then, Castellan emerged from the side hall with Lunar Priest.
”Your Majesty!“
”Lucas, where is he?“
Lucas knew that ‘he’ meant the stranger. ”He went off to the laboratory with Astronomer Jessica.“
”Sun Carver told me to make sure he is able to complete his mission.“ Castellan said.
”Of course, Your Majesty. But who is this person?“ Lucas asked.
”He is…“
Castellan didn't get a chance to finish his sentence, for the sound of gunshots filled the air. Alarmed, the three people turned around.
”What is that?!“ Lunar Priest shouted.
A large, red, winged beast was hovering in the air, snarling. With a roar, red beams shot from it's eyes, narrowly missing Castellan's shoulder.
Lunar Priest ran over to shield Castellan with her body, and Lucas pulled out his weapon.
”Your Majesty! Stay back!“ He shouted. With a loud bang, he shot the beast until it faded into ashes.
Castellan gasped. ”What was that creature?“ He demanded.
Lunar Priest looked equally shocked. ”I haven't seen a beast like this anywhere in Eightstar. Could it be a creature from the sea and beyond?“ She asked, her voice frantic.
Lucas looked like he was going to explode. ”How can a creature from the sea come into the palace!“ He said.
”It might mean that Starsight's powers are dimming…“ Lunar Priest said.
Castellan narrowed his eyes and turned to Lunar Priest. ”I must meet Sun Carver immediately!“ He said.
”Sun Carver isn't in his room right now.“ Lunar Priest said, looking more worried.
”What? Does that mean Sun Carver has left the palace?“ Castellan asked.

Deep in the underground river systems of Ealan, Sun Carver was sitting down on a small bench, watching the water fall down. Behind him, approaching in a rather smug face, was Jake, the Castian of Uralan.
”You have made a frivolous trick in the palace, Castian.“ Sun Carver said without turning around.
”It seems like there is no way to stop my frivolity.“ Jake said, smirking. ”Since it's not something I planned to harm Castellan, please forgive my small play.“
”It seems like to you, letting a dangerous beast into the palace is just a small play.“ Sun Carver said, turning around.
”But you just watch me perform my riots, and do nothing else. Do you think you will be able to handle all those secrets later on?“ Jake challenged.
”Even if I execute you myself, or report you, I won't be able to stop the things you plan. You are also letting me live with all those secrets, aren't you?“ Sun Carver replied.
”You and I are both fundamentally similar, aren't we, Sun Carver. Our existence and our goals are also similar.“
”It what ways do you think our goals are similar?“ Sun Carver questioned.
”Destroying Starsight, which protects our country.“ Jake replied smugly.

Years and years ago, in an abandoned town, a man was pleading to the guards at the exit to the town.
”Please let us through.. my wife is sick. There is no food or medicine left in this place. My son is also starving. Please let us out for a few moments just to find some food and medicine. Please.“
”We will kill you if you take one step out of this place.“ One of the guards said coldly.
Dropping his head, the man turned to his son.
”Dad…“ The small boy replied.
”It's okay, Jake. Let's go home.“ The man said.
Inside the small underground house, the man opened the door with Jake following him.
”Honey, we're home!“ He called.
There was no reply.
”Honey?“ The man called, his voice frantic. He ran to the pile of grass, where a women was lying still.
”Honey? Honey! Please wake up!“ The man shouted.
That night, the man and Jake climbed up the mountain that separated the town and the land beyond.
”We can't live in a place like this anymore.“ The man said, gritting his teeth. ”Just a bit more, Jake. We're gonna start again!“
Just then, with a loud ”stop!“, a laser beam blasted through the air.
”Run!“ The man shouted, and the two ran up as fast as they can.
Soon they arrived at the edge of the cliff, a deep drop that led to nowhere but death. Taking cover behind a rock, the man grabbed Jake's shoulders.
”Listen carefully. Since the sky is dark, the guards wouldn't have seen you properly. Quickly, go home. That's the only way to live.“
”What about dad?“ Jake whimpered.
”When you go home, you have to say you don't know where your dad is.“ The man said, his voice soft. ”You weren't here today, okay?" With those words, the man ran down to face the guards, while Jake ran and ran until his tears flew in the wind.

Chapter Six

Meanwhile, Jessica and the stranger arrived at the laboratory of the magicians.

“Wow, there are a lot of things here!” Jessica said, impressed.

“I can't believe these things are even in a place like this…” The stranger murmured.

Not hearing his words, Jessica turned around to see the familiar back of Lucas.

“Hey! I thought you went to the palace! When did you come?” Jessica demanded.

“Beep?”

“Woah!” Jessica exclaimed, realizing it was a puppet. “Right, we're at the laboratory of the magicians.” She reminded herself.

“Isn't it Astronomer Jessica?” A new voice exclaimed.

Jessica turned around to see an unfamiliar young man in a red-brown hanbok, with puppets following him.

“I've heard a lot about you! I also prepared a present, but it seemed you didn't like it…” The young man continued.

“Oh, you must be the puppet magician Lucas mentioned.” Jessica said.

“Yes, my name is Peter. I made a present because I heard that our hometown was the same, but it looks like you didn't like it because of my lack of skill.” Peter said.

“Then are you also from..?”

“Yes, I am also from Uralan! Castian Jake was very disappointed to let a scholar like you leave Uralan…”

“Well, I was pretty famous even in my hometown!” Jessica boasted. Then she turned her head.

“What the- put that back!” She whispered with her teeth gritted, because the stranger, who was strangely quiet, somehow attached himself to a jetpack.

“Well, I'd better be on my way! If you ever need a puppet, feel free to ask me!” Peter said, and walked out.

Jessica nodded, then shook her head as Peter went out of earshot. “There are a lot of strange people here in Ealan..”

“I heard that you two were from the same hometown, isn't it just that people from your hometown are weird?” The stranger asked.

“What are you talking about! I'm special, not weird!” Jessica pointed out.

“Yes, yes, of course..” the stranger teased.

Just then, the real Lucas walked in.

“Finally, you're here! What made you so late?” Jessica asked.

“Don't ask! Do you know what I just did? I just defeated a giant monster before coming here!” Lucas groaned.

“Don't lie because nobody saw you do it..” Jessica said, not believing.

“Look, stop chatting! So, is there really a way here to find my spaceship?” The stranger interrupted.

Lucas's face turned into one of disbelief. “Wait, then what were you doing the whole time here?” He asked.

Jessica avoided his gaze and started to walk away, humming. With a sigh, Lucas turned to the stranger.

“The airships us magicians make each eject out a signal that people cannot feel. Wouldn't your spaceship also eject out those signals?”

“Oh, that might work!” Jessica said, impressed.

“Signals? Do you mean electric waves? If so, yes!”

“Oh! If so, we can send out a machine that can track those signals and find them! Like this!” With those words, Lucas clapped his hands, and a mini airship flew in.

“It will work, right?” Jessica asked.

“The thing I am the most great at is flight. Don't worry! Go and find it!” Lucas called to the airship, and the airship flew away.

“Wow! So, how long will it take?” The stranger asked.

“Um… I'm not sure, but I think it won't take long!” Lucas replied.



A few hours later, the sky grew completely dark, and the airship still did not return.

“Wow! It really doesn't take long!” Jessica said, voice think with sarcasm.

“Uh… hehe, it might take some time when it's searching every bit of Eighstar for it…!” Lucas said nervously.

Jessica let out a sigh. “You know what? I'm just gonna go to the astronomy. If I look at the stars, I might find the spaceship myself.” Jessica said, her last words aimed at Lucas.

“The spaceship is a bit unstable.. I'll go with you…” The stranger said, half asleep.

With a shake of her head, Jessica walked out of the laboratory. Lucas glared at her. “I'll have to ask Castellan again to send her off to exile…” He murmured again.


As they were walking back, Jessica turned to the stranger. “Come to think of it, I haven't even asked what your name was. You heard my name a lot, right? What's your name?” She asked.

“Justin.” The stranger replied.

“Where do you live?” Jessica asked again.

“Somewhere different from yours. I guess.” Justin replied evasively.

“Well, that's obvious.” Jessica said, and walked ahead.

“Huh?”

In front of her were strange people in creepy white masks and black robes.

“Who are you?” She asked, stepping back. The people stepped forward, lazars in their arms, and started to shoot at Jessica and Justin.

“I don't know who you are!” Jessica shouted, narrowly avoiding one, “but RUN! RUN JUSTIN! AHHH!!”

Jessica and Justin ran for their lives, screaming and shouting. Unfortunately, it was the middle of the night, and there wasn't anyone who could help.

Jessica quickly ran and hid behind a pole. “Have they gone yet?”

Unfortunately, the figures were still searching for them. Filled with panic, Jessica nudged Justin.

“Do something! Do something!”

“Me? Alright..” At Jessica's words, Justin held out a giant lazar and shot at the figures. Surprised, the figures disappeared, and there wasn't anyone in view.

“Whew! That was close…” Jessica said, her legs still shaking. Then she turned to Justin. “Are you also a magician? Using strange things like that..”

“Um, I might be similar to the people that are called like that here. Let's go, before those people come back again.”

Not mentioning that he might have killed them with his lazar, Jessica started to walk again to the astronomy.