Chapter 26: Guardians of the Star Scar and Ancient Whispers
"Guardians."
The single word that the Chitauri core projected into Kael's mind did not diminish the terror of the vast, crystalline, ghostly figures that had emerged from the Star Scar's mouth. These beings seemed to be composed of pure light and an unknown energy; their bodies were constantly changing shape, warping the space-time around them. There were at least a dozen of them, each many times larger than the Stardust Jumper. Their eyes, if they could be called eyes, were not looking at the ship and its occupants with curiosity, but rather with a weariness and unwavering determination that had come from thousands of years.
There was complete silence on the Stardust Jumper's bridge. The Denarian Kael'en and the ship's captain stared at these unexpected beings in shock and concern. The ship's sensors were trying to analyze the incredible energy levels and unidentifiable structures emanating from the Protectors, but they kept giving errors.
"All shields active! Weapons systems stand by!" the Captain ordered, his voice tense but controlled. "Denarian, what are these?"
"I don't know," the Denarian whispered to Kael. "There is no record of them in the Nova Corps archives. They must be… ancient beings."
The Protectors had not yet taken an aggressive stance. Rather, they seemed to surround the ship, watching its every move. Kael could feel the Chitauri core vibrating more strongly than ever in his palm. The core had entered into some kind of resonance with these beings; it whispered a recognition, a connection. Kael tried to read the Protectors' intentions, but their minds were complex and incomprehensible, far beyond human perception. But he felt no hostility; rather, a deep sense of responsibility and grief.
"Mr. Kael," the Denarian said, turning his gaze to Kael. "Can your core communicate with them? What do they want?"
Kael closed his eyes and focused his attention on the Chitauri core. Again, the complex symbols and images flooded his mind. This time, it was a tale of war, sacrifice, and a sacred relic that had been guarded. The Guardians had protected the Star Scar—or something within it—from outside threats for eons. And now, they saw the Stardust Jumper and the core in Kael's hands as a potential threat, or perhaps a long-awaited key.
"I think," Kael said, opening his eyes. "They don't want us inside. This place is like... sacred ground to them. Or too dangerous."
Just then, the largest of the Guardians slowly approached the ship. Although it had a crystalline structure like the others, the energy emanating from it was denser and more... wise. As the figure stood before the ship, a message reached Kael directly, not in words but in pure thought and imagery.
"Aliens... Why do you push this threshold? The power that lies deep within the Star Scar is beyond your kind's comprehension and control. The core... that ancient key... why has it awakened now?"
The message was addressed only to Kael. The others could only feel the intense pressure and incomprehensible hum that the Protector was emitting.
Kael tried to answer mentally. "We came here to do no harm. We seek only to understand. This core has brought us here."
The Protector's response came after a moment of silence. "Understanding... is often the first step to destruction. The core does not awaken without a purpose. It must be an echo of destiny." The Protector extended a massive, crystalline appendage toward the ship. "We offer you a choice, keyholder. Either return and forget this Scar forever, or… accept your fate and pass the Protectors' test. But know that few have passed this test, and none remain the same."
The Denarian Kael'en and the Captain prepared to fire the ship's guns at the Protector's threatening gesture, but Kael held up a hand to stop them. "Wait," he said. "I think he… speaks to me."
Kael relayed the Protector's mental message to the others. There was a deep silence on the bridge. To return would mean failure for the Nova Corps. But fighting these unknown beings would be suicidal.
Kael looked at the Chitauri core in his palm. The core pulsed powerfully against the Protector's offer, propelling Kael toward that "test." This was no longer just a mission; it was Kael confronting his own destiny, the secrets of the core, and perhaps a purpose beyond his imperial dreams.
Aslan approached Kael. His face was filled with concern, but his eyes held unwavering loyalty. "No matter what you do, I'm behind you, Kael."
Kael took a deep breath. "I accept the test," he thought, directing his message to the Guardian.
As if expecting this answer, the Guardian lowered his massive crystal hand. Then he signaled to the other Guardians. The Guardians slowly stepped back, opening a narrow corridor for the ship to pass through at the center of the Star Wound's vortex. The interior of the vortex looked even more inviting now, yet equally frightening.
"Do you know what you've done, Kael?" the Denarian Kael'en asked, his voice still tense.
"No," Kael said honestly. "But I'm about to find out." The Chitauri core glowed in his palm, a hope and a warning. The Stardust Jumper slowly began to float down the narrow corridor the Guardians had opened, into the unknown depths of the Star Wound. No one knew what awaited them inside.