I continued looking through the research papers in front of me, getting a little frustrated. There was literally nothing that could help, and we had been going through paper after paper for hours. Felix was beside me, going through another stack of papers. Topaz and Winter were sleeping on the floor, apparently tired out by boredom. Star was typing on a keyboard, seemingly intrigued with the fact that whatever key she pushed down would allow its symbol to appear on screen. I returned back to my papers, groaning slightly.
"I'm sorry... we don't exactly have a lot of information..." one of the Nightshades seemed to have noticed my unease. "Its only been two years since scientists started studying Glowstaride."
I nodded a little, knowing that there wasn't much they could do either.
"You know, you've got a pretty rare specimen there." She gestured at Star. "To date we have found four specimens of Glowstaride... and for some weird reason they all died within a matter of months. Yours seems extremely healthy, however, and according to you it has lived a lifespan of at least a year, making it the longest living Glowstaride known to mankind."
I gulped, thinking through the scientist's words. Had the rest of the Glowstaride died due to evolution?
"There's a chance." Star replied via our telepathic communication system as she landed on my shoulder.
"It's fine Star, I'll find you that stone, I promise."
"Em..." I felt Star fidget a little on my shoulder. "I think... I think we should just give up on the stone."
"Star what?" I tried not to make my shock visible, flipping another page of the research papers.
"I mean, we don't know where the stone is and we don't know how to find it. We don't exactly have a place to start Em. Besides, I would rather spend my last days actually doing what I love to do rather than trying to find a stone that we may not be able to find in the end. Besides, if we keep searching, I'll have no time to write my will."
"Star this isn't funny."
"I'm not trying to be!"
I flipped another page, trying to calm myself down. "If that's what you really want..."
"Em... nothing is permanent or infinite. Every living thing would have to go some day. In my opinion, I would rather live my life to its fullest rather than think about the end and waste my life worrying about dying. What's the point of life if you're forever thinking about death?"
I sighed, Star was right. There was nothing I could do about the current situation. Besides, I guess it would be better being happy with Star while she's around rather than worrying about her half the time and making the entire crew unhappy. That alongside the fact that all the trouble may be for nothing in the end. "I get your point Star."
"Good." The bird replied.
"So since you're the leader, what do you suggest we do?"
"I suggest we get started on my bucket list."
"Of course..."
"Firstly, I want to see those stones you talked to."
I stiffened up just a bit, trying to keep up my act. "How did you know about those... oh. How many times must I tell you not to read my memories?"
"They're interesting!" She protested. "And yea I know that I can't see them anyways... you threw them away three years ago."
"Then why ask?"
"Cause why not?"
I resisted the urge to sigh, flipping the research paper once more. "What else is on the list?"
"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...