Spiritmal, The Deadly Glow

15. Star's plan

"Oh uh... get Felix to enter a contest... enter a race with you... oh! And maybe get to know your parents better. I would also like to spend more time with you and maybe go home to see Tim while we're at it. Oh and exploring! I definitely want to explore more towns and cities and you know... places."

I nodded, catching myself performing the motion and getting myself to stay still. "Anything else?"

"Hmmm... maybe I would also like to see you get a boyfriend. Or a girlfriend if you'll prefer that."

"Star, I'm only 13."

"So? You're old enough in my opinion!"

"You might want to be mentally prepared that I may not get a partner for life so soon."

"I'll prep myself if needed."

"Ok... so now what?"

"We pack up and leave of course! In fact, I've been looking at a nearby map earlier and I think I'll like to visit Brightlit Town."

"Why Brightlit?"

"There's a contest in exactly a week, and it's pretty close to where we are. I didn't know computers could be so useful but I must say, I'm amazed."

"You were actually using the computer? Like, not typing random letters?"

"Why would I type random letters?"

"No reason." I replied, knowing that Star would still find out why I was so surprised.

"Ah! I see, you didn't know that I knew how a computer worked. Thing is, I don't. I learned on the spot."

"Good for you." I replied Star, stacking the notes into a neat pile and standing up.

"You're done already Emily?" Felix noticed the movement.

"Not quite, but I think it's about time we left." I replied.

He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, packing up instead.

"You two are leaving already?" One of the Nightshades noticed our actions.

"Yea." I replied.

"I hope that we have helped, even if it were just a bit." The professor carried on.

I nodded. "I appreciate the help, but it's it's about time we left."

"Come back if you need more information, ok?"

I nodded, waving a goodbye to the professor as Felix, Topaz and Winter walked out of the door.

"Ok, spill the beans. Why are we leaving so soon." Felix questioned as soon as we entered the market.

"Star's giving up on the search."

"Star's... giving up on the search?" Felix made eye contact with the yellow bird on my shoulder, shooting it a questioning look.

"We don't know where the stone is... there are literally no clues anywhere Felix." The bird explained. "And I would rather be happy for the rest of my days than worry for a stone that may not be found. I would rather a short and happy life than a long and meaningless one."

Felix seemed deep in thought as he attempted to process Star's words. "That makes sense." He finally agreed.

"Thanks for understanding. Also, I am sorry that I've wasted your time Felix. I understand if you'll like to leave now, though I would of course prefer to be able to talk to you for the rest of my days." Star spoke so seriously it made me want to laugh, even though I knew that this was no laughing matter.

"I guess I could stay awhile." Felix shrugged. "I need to make it up to you for helping me and Topaz anyways."

"You've repaid that already." Star seemed confused. "You saved me from team Alchama."

Felix sighed in response, shaking his head. "That was different. If I hadn't helped they could have ended the world." He replied, pulling Topaz off his shoelaces once more. Seeing this, Winter pounced onto Felix's feet, claiming the spot Topaz had been guarding.

"Emily?" He grumbled. "Get Winter off please."

Star burst out into laughter while I shook my head, calling Winter back to me. She complied, though reluctantly, and returned to my side.

"So, where will we be going now?" Félix questioned as we walked towards the train station.

"Brightlit Town!" Star replied excitedly, her eyes lighting up subtly as she looked at Felix.

Oh boy... I thought to myself, having caught onto Star's behavior. Felix is in for a tough time...