Shooting Star - Gemini
#1 of Shooting Star
Shooting Star - Gemini
Shooting Star revolves around the Twelve Zodiacs. Therefore, this series will be at least twelve chapters long. At the beginning of each chapter will be the characteristics of a certain Zodiac quoted from a horoscope app on my phone. My characters are loosely based off of these characteristics (so please don't point out contradictions.) I hope you all enjoy.
Gemini (the twins) is a very complex and confusing sign. To some people you can seem like a wonderful friend, while to others you seem two-faced and sneaky. You will act like a child for most of your life. That includes both the good and bad characteristics of children. You are happy and energetic when things go right for you. However, when things go wrong, you can be passive-aggressive and very mean. You find decisions hard to make, since you can never stay with the one that you originally choose. You tend to fight loosing battles for something that you call a "moral" cause (even though you know it isn't). One quality (you decide whether it's good or bad) you have is the ability to lie and appear that you are telling the complete truth. You prefer to use someone else's solution to a problem than thinking of your own. Many of Gemini's poorer traits are due to your lack of self-esteem. It is very tough to get your attention. You will be thinking about many things at a time and you can't concentrate on any particular thing at one time. You may be praising somebody but at the same time you will be thinking against him(her). But the most intelligent people on earth are Gemini.
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Character Bio - Gemini
Appearance: Grey Wolf. Wears a light blue and yellow robe.
Age: ??? (Appears 18)
Eye Color: Blue / Green
Height: 5' 10"
Description: Gemini is the youngest of the 12 Zodiacs and sometimes taken the least serious by the others. Gemini is the protector of the Emperor's only son, Darrius. Gemini has two sides to his personality; at times he can appear fun and easygoing, while other times he appears serious. Gemini always shows his dedication to keeping Darrius out of trouble (or sometimes playing along with it.)
"Master Darrius!?" Gemini shouted out into the fields. He looked around trying to find him. The fields were filled with large boulders from a recent rockslide making it difficult to see far. The wolf started to laugh. "You can't hide forever young master; I'll find you." He slowly made his way past the boulders. "Aren't you a little old for hide and seek, anyways?" He chuckled.
"Oh Gemini, I'm not playing hide and seek..." All around the boulders started to rise above the ground. Gemini slowly looked around him and smirked when Darrius revealed himself.
Character Bio - Darrius
Appearance: White Wolf
Age: 17
Eye Color: Silver
Height: 5' 9"
Description: Darrius is the adventurous and sometimes mischievous son of Emperor Lucius. Darrius likes to experience new things, yet has begun to grow bored of his own planet. Toying with Gemini seems to be the only thing that entertains him. Using the power to manipulate gravity that's been passed through his family's bloodline, he constantly keeps Gemini on his toes.
"I prefer tag..." The boulders started to spin in circles above Darrius until one shot itself at Gemini.
Gemini closed his eyes and sighed. "Must you always do this?" Gemini opened his robe revealing two swords on either side of waist. He grabbed hold of both swords as the boulder came closer and closer. Gemini's eyes flew open as he drew both swords across each other. Instantly the boulder coming at him split into four pieces and flew past him. Gemini smirked as the pieces crashed to the ground. He looked at Darrius. "Is that all?"
Darrius smiled "Just getting started." Darrius raised his right arm in the air and then pointed it at Gemini. All of the boulders started flying towards Gemini with great velocity.
"That's no fair..." Gemini said jokingly as he started slicing through each boulder that came at him. As he kept slicing through the ones in front of him he neglected to realize one was coming from behind. "Oh crap..." Gemini said when he realized too late. The two boulders crashed into each other sending a cloud of dust into the air. The other boulders stopped in the air.
"That was close..." A gloomy voice said in the dust.
"Yeah, no kidding!" Another voice said with excitement . When the dust cleared two figures stood at the side of the crashed boulders. Both looked exactly like Gemini and wore the same robes.
"It's about time Gemini split..." Darrius said. It wouldn't be any fun if he didn't. How are you doing Pollux? Castor?
Character Bio - Pollux and Castor
Appearance: Grey Wolf
Age: 17
Eye Color: Green (Castor) Blue (Pollux)
Height: 5' 10"
Description: Periodically under great stress Gemini splits into Castor and Pollux. Both are completely opposite in terms of personality. Castor is cheerful while Pollux is gloomy. The two of them share each other's senses (what one sees the other sees). The swords of Gemini split as well resulting in Castor having a sword on the right side of his waist and a sword on the left side of Pollux. Both share Gemini's dedication to protect Darrius.
"I've been great!" Castor said excitedly.
"I've been alright..." Pollux said with gloom.
"That's good to hear" Darrius said. "How about finishing where Gemini left off?"
"All right!" Castor said with excitement. Pollux just nodded his head. The two started to charge at Darrius as he resumed sending the boulders at them. The two zigzagged in each other's path slicing through all of the boulders coming at them. They continued cutting their way through as they got closer and closer to Darrius until both held their swords crossed in front of Darrius' neck. The remaining boulders fell to the ground as Darrius' eyes went wide.
"Relax, young master..." Pollux said as pulled the sword away from Darrius' neck and sheathed it. "We're forbidden to harm anyone of royal blood." Darrius face relaxed as Castor pulled his sword back.
"There would be serious consequences if we did anything to intentionally hurt you." Castor sheathed his sword. "Other than that it was fun to see some action. We should again soon!"
"Whatever..." Pollux said as the two of them started to glow white. Suddenly the two were pulled towards each other resulting in a bright flash of light causing Darrius to close his eyes. When he opened them he saw Gemini standing in front of him with a slightly annoyed look.
"Master Darrius, you know I do not enjoy separating."
"Why not Gemini? It gives Castor and Pollux the chance to have some fun."
"Have some fun?" Gemini raised his eyebrow. "Castor and Pollux are not separate individuals, young master. They experience everything I experience, just as I remember everything they do after I become whole again." Gemini turned his back to Darrius. "I've told you this before... so why do you continue to do it?" Darrius remained silent as he looked away from Gemini. "...You prefer it when I'm split, huh?" Darrius turned his head towards Darrius.
"No..." Darrius bit his lip. "You're just more fun when you're split..."
Gemini's ears flattened. "I see... Sorry I'm not exciting enough for you."
"That's not it Gemini! It's just..." Darrius sighed. "... When you split in Castor and Pollux I can actually understand them, but when it's just you your personality is too unstable." Darrius turned his back to Gemini. "When I talk to you I never know what kind of reaction I'm going to get because you're constantly shifting."
Rage started to build up in Gemini. "You think I enjoy it!?" Gemini shouted as he turned around. "It's because of Castor and Pollux that I'm constantly shifting personalities! It's because both of them are trying to dominate the other when their together."
Darrius was silent for a moment before he turned around to face Gemini. "You said that you remember everything during the time you're spilt. Why not just permanently split into Castor and Pollux? You'll experience everything they do."
"Because it wouldn't be me!" Gemini shouted. "Yeah, I'll remember everything they do, say, and experience, but all of it will be just a memory. When I'm split it's like time is standing still and random things pop into my head of what I've done. Nothing but memories..." Gemini voice softened as he turned away from Darrius again. "I'm sorry about my unstable personality; I haven't had control of it since... well, it's not important." Gemini started to walk away. "I was told that your father wanted to see you; he's waiting for you in the assembly hall." Gemini continued to walk off as Darrius' face filled with guilt. Eventually he slowly followed Gemini.
Neither one said anything during the entire walk back to the palace. The two entered the assembly hall where all of the other Zodiacs were standing in two rows facing each other. Gemini took his spot at the front of the right row while Darrius stood in the center, facing his father.
Character Bio - Lucius
Appearance: White Wolf
Age: 46
Eye Color: Silver
Height: 6' 1"
Description: The ruler of Rikasho. Lucius became the ruler when his father died of an illness when he was 26. His wife, Dahlia, died when Darrius was five years old and has tried to raise Darrius by himself (with the help of his guardian, Pisces, and Gemini). He is constantly kept busy with the troubles of his people, his son's need for adventure, and how strange his twin brother has been acting recently.
Lucius looked to the Zodiacs on the left. "Leo, where is Damien?"
"He's in the library, my lord."
Lucius stayed silent for a moment before he stood up and approached Darrius. He stood in front him looking at him before he raised an eyebrow and smiled. "I see you've been having fun again, my son." Darrius eyes widened as he looked at the fur on his arms. He was too busy arguing with Gemini that he failed to notice that the tips of his fur had turned black. "Black is the color you and I were born as. Over time it turns white showing how much power we have stored inside our bodies. Using those powers uses up that energy and turns your fur back to its normal color, and it takes time to regain the energy you lost."
Darrius looked at the ground having to listen to the same lecture over again. He knew that he hadn't used up that much energy and that he would get it back after a night's rest.
"I've told you not to waste your powers on trivial things, my son. You could do a lot of good if you used it help out others." Darrius groaned softly. "Don't take that attitude with me. Someday you'll discover there's more to life than just having fun." Darrius remained silent. Lucius sighed. "I was hoping to talk to you about something, but you don't seem to be in the mood to talk right now." Lucius turned to face the Zodiacs. "You are all dismissed." Ten of the twelve Zodiacs left the room. Gemini and Pisces approached Lucius and Darrius. "Pisces, I will let you tell Darrius and Gemini. I have to get ready for tonight."
"As you wish, my lord." Pisces said as Lucius walked off.
Character Bio - Pisces
Appearance: Dolphin. Wears violet and pink robe
Age: ??? (Appears 38)
Eye Color: Aquamarine
Height: 6' 0"
Description: Being the guardian of the Emperor himself, Pisces gives orders to all of the other Zodiacs excluding Gemini and Leo due to their status as guardians. She was a mother figure to Gemini long ago and still offers him advice. Pisces is a kind and caring Zodiac who is loved by the rest of the Zodiacs except Leo due to their history.
"Pisces" Gemini said bowing to her.
"You don't have to do that, Gemini. You serve under Darrius, not me. Darrius' eyes shifted away from Darrius. Pisces noticed this and looked at Darrius, whose face turned into guilt. "Did something happen between you two?"
"It's nothing..." Gemini said shaking his head. "We're just having a small disagreement."
"Well, whatever it is, I'm sure the two of you will settle it eventually. For now I have to talk to the two of you about something important." Gemini stood upright as Pisces looked to him. "Gemini, do you remember Earth?"
"That planet the twelve of us visited over a couple millenniums ago?"
"Yes. Lord Lucius has been debating about it, but he has decided to let you take Darrius to there in hopes quenching his desire for adventure. In fact he says you should leave today."
"Seriously!?" Darrius lit up. "I actually get to go to another planet!?"
"Are you sure that's wise, Pisces?" Gemini asked. When the twelve of us went all those centuries ago the Emperor at the time was at his prime. Are you sure Darrius will be able to supply the necessary energy to get us both there?"
"Lucius certainly believes so, and I believe in his judgments."
"But wait..." Darrius said. "Tonight's the annual Star Ceremony. Doesn't my father want us to stay for that? I mean, we could leave tomorrow."
"No" Pisces said with haste. "Lucius would like the two of you to leave before tonight, otherwise he believes he'll have second thoughts about the subject. You wouldn't want that would you, Darrius?" Darrius quickly shook his head. "Great. I should leave now so I can help Lucius get ready for tonight. I'll tell him you said goodbye." Pisces turned around and started walking off. "And remember, Gemini" Pisces said while still walking. "You are to pack nothing just like last time, Lucius wants it to be a challenge. Good luck!"
"Great..." Gemini moaned.
"Um... Gemini..." Darrius said scratching the back of his head. "I'm sorry about the things I said to you earlier. You great whether you're Castor and Pollux or just Gemini."
A small smile appeared on Gemini's face. "Thanks. And I'm sorry for snapping at you like that; I just don't always have control over my personality."
"It's alright. So how do we go about traveling to... Earth, was it?"
"Well... The twelve of us have the ability travel through space at a very fast velocity, but we can't maintain it for long periods of time. We mostly use it to travel to different parts of the planet. However, when there's a source of power to draw from, that would be you, I will be able to maintain the velocity until we reach Earth."
"How long will it take to get there?"
"If I remember correctly... it takes a little over an hour."
"Are you serious?" Darrius' eyes went wide. "Earth is that close to Rikasho?"
"No... we just go very, very fast. And it'll seem like we're standing still."
"Sounds cool. What do I have to do?"
"Just follow me." Gemini led Darrius into the courtyard. "All you have to do is stand there." Darrius stood in place looking confused. Gemini closed his eyes and placed his hands a few inches away from Darrius' chest. After a few seconds a bright light started to envelope the two of them. They slowly rose above the ground a couple hundred feet until they stopped in midair. "Here we go..." Gemini said with his eyes still closed. Before Darrius could acknowledge Gemini he watched as everything started to zoom past them. All around them he watched as stars flashed by.
Darrius looked at Gemini and saw that his eyes were still closed. "Don't you want to take a look?"
"I can't. If I open my eyes then my concentration will break and barrier that's protecting us will shatter... But from what I heard the last time I traveled to Earth I think it's very amazing."
"It is..." Darrius sighed. "I'm sorry you can't see it."
"It's alright, young master. Please, enjoy the view; it's going to be a while before we reach our destination."
"All right..." Darrius went back to watching everything shooting past them.
"I'm going to slow us down" Gemini said an hour later. "Don't want to overshoot our goal." Everything around them started to slow down and become clearer. The first thing Darrius saw was a planet that was deep blue.
"Wow..." Darrius said as the planet quickly left his sight. It was then that realized the state of his body. All of his fur was almost completely black. "Uh... Gemini... I think we have a problem."
"What is it?" Gemini asked as they passed a large planet with a huge red spot.
"I think I'm out of energy."
"Don't worry, we're almost there..." Eventually a blue planet being orbited by a single moon came into view. "We're here..." Gemini was breathing heavy.
"So that's Earth, huh? It's amazing! Is all of that water? Hey Gemi-" The sound of Gemini's heavy breathing finally caught Darrius' attention. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine... just need land soon. They slowly descended onto the dark side of the planet. Gemini's breathing got worse and worse.
"Gemini, what's wrong?" Darrius asked with worry.
"Can't hold on much... longer..." Gemini's eyes flew open as he gasped for air. A flash of light shinned around them as they collided with the Earth's surface.
Darrius awoke in a daze. His head was throbbing as he tried to make sense of things. As his vision became clear he saw someone lying on the ground in front of him. "Gemini!" Darrius crawled towards him tried to wake him." "Gemini, are you alright?"
"Not quite..." Darrius' eyes went wide. "Pollux?"
"Yeah."
"Where's Castor?"
"Over here!" Darrius looked to his left and saw Castor getting to his knees. "That was quite a ride!" Castor glanced around himself. "This is Earth! It's been so long since we've been here!"
Darrius smiled as Castor made his way over to him and Pollux. "As glad as I am to see the two of you right now, I really need to talk to Gemini right now."
Castor and Pollux remained silent. "Darrius..." Pollux said. "We can't turn back into Gemini."
"W-what? Why not?"
"You were right about being out of energy... Gemini knew it was true, but he couldn't just stop. He had to use his own life energy as power for the rest of the trip. As a result he split into the two of us."
"But you can eventually change back, right?"
"I don't know... It's possible that Gemini is dead..."
Darrius' eyes went wide at the possible fate of his friend.
"Is someone there?" Darrius' thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the unknown voice getting closer.
"This is not good..." Pollux said.
"Definitely not good" Castor said. "Last time we were on Earth the inhabitants didn't accept our appearance. I doubt they've changed.
"What will they do to us?" Darrius asked.
"If they're anything like the ones from when we visited, then they'll try to kill us..."
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The long overdue first chapter of Shooting Star is finally here.
It's been a while since I've visited. Now the site is called SoFurry, huh?
So what do you think of the first chapter? It was about a month ago that I decided to add the element of astrology into my story (which made it much more interesting than my original concept).
Like I mentioned at the beginning, this series has the potential of being about twelve chapters long. I personally find that exciting.
Whether or not I continue this series is dependent on the reception it receives
Hope you enjoyed it!