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DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to The Guardians Series. The story is written for entertainment purposes only.
WARNING: Spoilers ahead.
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Goodbye,
My Friend
Framed by the
serene darkness of space, Starlighter Polaris was a sight to
behold. Her whole body seemed to radiate with a quiet, blue light.
Her long, dark hair moved as if she were under water, and her flowing
blue robes billowed out around her, gracefully accentuating her tall,
slender figure. Her tight black boots hovered a few inches above the
deck of the ship. It was her custom to float wherever she went; she
could hardly remember the last time she had walked. Such were the
ways with most of the other Starlighters. Why walk when they were
free of gravity's bonds?
As the airship
passed suns, planets, and distant stars, she tried to ignore the
dark, heavy feeling in her heart. She told herself that there was
nothing to worry about- that the terrifying Fearlings would remain
locked behind that prison door forever. With Pitch, herself, and the
rest of the commanders of the Golden Age Army taking turns guarding
the prison planet, there was simply nothing to worry about.
Of
course, that last bit was foolishness, she knew. There was always
something to worry about. However, she had meant it in regards to
the Fearlings, the dark, ferocious shadow creatures that plagued
everything that was good.
Pitch
will be fine, she
told herself. He's
the greatest commander in all of the armies- greater than even
yourself. If anyone can keep those monsters imprisoned, he can.
All the same,
leaving a mortal in charge of such dark creatures made her uneasy.
The Constellations- the council that governed over the galaxy- had
elected to accept his proposal, she had been torn. On one hand, she
knew that Pitch was an extraordinary man. Strong, stout of heart,
and brave, with courage to spare. On the other hand, the Fearlings
also possessed great power. They fed on the fear and anxieties of
others, using it to make themselves stronger, and to influence people
to their will. They hated all light and all goodness, and would stop
at nothing to destroy it. No one was entirely immune to their
torturous whispers.
All
the more reason to put your fear aside.
Polaris reminded herself. Especially
since we are so near their prison.
Glancing
over to where Pitch stood, Polaris turned and approached him. Tall
and erect, his hands were clasped gracefully behind his back, and his
deep black hair rustled in the solar winds. Not only was he the
greatest general the Constellations had ever seen, but he was also
her friend. One of her few close
friends, which was part of the reasons she was so nervous for his
sake.
“Are you ready?”
she asked quietly, her clear voice breaking the silence.
Pitch started as if
he had been aroused from deep thought. Pitch turned and gave her a
quick smile, the distant sunlight glinting off of his gold and silver
eyes.
“What? I'm
sorry, Starlighter...” he exclaimed, apologizing for his lack of
attention.
Starlighter was his
special name for her. Although it was the name of her race, as well
as her title, it was a name that she loved, and often preferred to be
called.
Starlighter shook
her head and smiled reassuringly. “It's alright. I asked if you
were ready.”
Pitch nodded.
“Yes, I am.”
They stood in
silence for a moment. After awhile, Starlighter spoke again.
“I'll be here to
take over my shift in two months.”
“I know.”
“Until then, just
stand strong and close your ears to Their whispers.”
“I will.”
Starlighter
chuckled and shook her head. “I'm sorry. I'm lecturing you like
a child.”
“Don't worry. It
will be over soon.” Pitch said understandingly. From his breast
pocket, he removed a small locket and opened it. Inside was a
picture of his daughter Seraphina, smiling winsomely. The young girl
looked so much like her father that there could be no doubt of their
relationship.
“You'll see her
again soon.” Starlighter said, smiling.
“And that day
cannot come too soon for me.” Pitch agreed. “She's my source of
hope, during all my dark hours of battle and strife.
“It was your
devotion to your daughter that showed me your potential. That love
inside of you, along with your protective nature is what convinced me
to promote you,” Starlighter recalled. “And ever since then,
I've been grateful that I did. More than that, I'm glad to have you
as a friend, Pitch.”
“And I'm glad to
have you as well, Starlighter.” He returned, clasping her hand in
comradeship.
Finally, the
airship neared the prison planet that was to be Pitch's home for the
next two months. The ship could not approach the planet directly; it
was up to Pitch now to pilot the small landing boat to the dark
structure, and there take up his post as guard.
Starlighter saw him
off, but could not help it as the feeling of fear welled up inside
once again.
“Remember,”
she called, “Even the slightest fear can be used against you. Do
not let the Fearlings know your weakness, or you will fall to
their influence.”
“I'll remember.”
the young general said, smiling as he piloted the boat.
“I'll be back for
you!” Starlighter called again.
“And I'll be
waiting.” Pitch replied.
Starlighter nodded,
and raised her hand in farewell. “Goodbye... my friend.”
And with that, the
airship veered off, bearing her far, far, away from her friend... for
the last time.
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(DISCLAIMER: I do not own the images used in this post. The image of the ship is art from the movie Treasure Planet, and the picture of the locket was done by William Joyce.)
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