House of the Celestials: Crown of Stars Rewrite

Golden Dawn's Fourth Tower

Bel-Yor city, Exterior ward

Spring Court, Hidden World

 Terra, Gaea solar system

Milky way Galaxy

Neutral Free zone

March 11th 2019

Emily's first meeting with Leon was etched deeply in her memory, an encounter that would forever shape her path as a Paladin. They had crossed paths at the prestigious Ascendant Academy, located in Kleito—the capital city of the Evenor Empire, nestled on Agartha, the sole supermassive continent of the world. At the time, Emily was thirteen, while Leon was fourteen, and the contrast between them couldn't have been more striking. Leon hailed from a wealthy, illustrious family—a ruling house that governed its own planet in the Federation's outer regions. He was every bit the aristocrat, while she... well, she was just another nameless orphan from the streets of Orphan Alley. The blessing Emily carried was both a gift and a curse, bestowed upon her by an uncanny god despised by the pantheon of the Annunaki religion—Irkalla, the god of the Netherrealm. If the Divine Emperor embodied light, fairness, justice, and peace, then Irkalla was his antithesis in every sense: the god of shadows, darkness, winter, and the inevitable death that claimed all living things. Emily's connection to this forbidden deity stemmed from her childhood, where survival had forced her into the arms of Irkalla's cult—zealous worshippers of this enigmatic and feared god. Her involvement made her deeply religious in her youth and granted her extensive knowledge of the Annunaki pantheon and an enduring curiosity about gods outside their faith.

However, Emily's first day at Ascendant Academy brought no divine solace. It began like any other day for a "nobody" at the Academy: as a prime target for bullying. She had watched others like her—those without wealth, status, or lineage—suffer at the hands of the Named scions of aristocratic families, and she knew it was only a matter of time before her turn came. That moment arrived when four older boys cornered her, surrounding her like vultures. They jeered and mocked her, tearing at her pride and reminding her of her supposed inferiority. Emily could have ignored their words, but when one of them reached for her necklace—a pendant bearing an inverted torch—something inside her snapped. Her emotions flared crimson, and her blood screamed with primal fury. The impulse to decide their fates—either granting them merciless deaths or merciful ones—consumed her mind. In that moment, Emily saw countless ways to extinguish their lives, each thought sharper and darker than the last. Yet, her will was unyielding, and she fought back the murderous instincts clawing at her resolve.

And then, he appeared.

When Emily returned to herself, the world around her seemed surreal. The four boys lay crumpled on the ground, their faces swollen and bruised beyond recognition. She didn't know what had happened, but one thing was clear—someone had intervened. In front of her stood a tall, young boy with golden braided hair, luminous blue eyes, and bronze skin that seemed to radiate an otherworldly beauty. Yet Emily had never been drawn to Leon's looks the way other girls her age were. His appearance held no sway over her. He wore a crisp white long-sleeve shirt tucked into long black pants, secured by two gold-colored belts. His hands, however, were smeared with the blood of her bullies. There was something more to him than his striking appearance—an aura of majesty and authority that seemed to envelop him, a sense of gravity that tugged at Emily, compelling her attention. But Emily despised that pull, resenting how it made her feel small, as though she were being drawn into his orbit.

"You didn't have to help me," Emily snapped, her voice sharp and defensive. "I can handle myself." Leon only smiled, a calm and knowing expression, before tossing her pendant back to her and turning to walk away. His voice echoed inside her mind, smooth and clear, "Who said I was saving you from them? I felt your bloodlust and thought to save them from you." From that day onward, their paths became intertwined, bound by a connection neither of them had sought but could not ignore.

Emily awoke with a start, her heart hammering in her chest like a war drum. Fear gripped her as she struggled to steady her racing pulse, her Odic force faltering in its attempts to bring her body back under control. Her mind, usually unyielding, wavered beneath the weight of the nightmare she had just endured. It took several long, agonizing moments before she managed to calm herself. Her heartbeat slowed, and the storm of nerve signals that heightened her awareness of fear gradually dissipated, grounding her in the present. She became aware of her surroundings—a modest room with earthy brown walls and scattered equipment. She lay on a sturdy wooden bed, dressed in a plain white gown. The memories of what had happened flooded back, vivid and unforgiving. The image of the longsword plunging into her chest resurfaced, sharp and unrelenting. Her hand instinctively moved to her chest, fingers brushing over the area where the blade had struck. Activating her Internal Sight, Emily scanned her body, her breath catching as she confirmed the truth. The wound in her chest, and the shattered rib—both were completely healed. It seemed impossible. The injuries she'd sustained were enough to kill even a Master Realm expert like her, and yet here she was, alive and whole. Disbelief settled over her as she stared at herself, a single question echoing in her mind: How?

As Emily wrestled with the question of how she had survived, she became aware that she wasn't alone. Sitting across from her, slumped in a chair and fast asleep, was Henry. Her gaze swept around the room, trying to piece together her location when the door creaked open. A woman entered with an air of authority, her fiery red hair cascading over her shoulders and her rich brown skin glowing under the dim light. She wore an orange military coat adorned with a recognizable symbol etched onto the breast pocket. Emily's senses immediately sharpened as she instinctively gauged the woman's cultivation level.

So strong!

Recognition struck Emily like a lightning bolt. This was the woman she had seen in her final moments before losing consciousness. The realization clicked into place—she knew exactly where she was. This was one of Golden Dawn's towers, a base belonging to the mystical organization within the Hidden World.

"Emily Legens, you're finally awake," the woman said, her tone calm but commanding.

"How long was I out?" Emily asked, her voice still hoarse.

"Not long—just a couple of days," the woman replied. "I'm Simone Gylock, the Tower Master of this Golden Dawn base. We retrieved you and the mortal after the barrier over Wolfshire was brought down."

"Leon. Leon Haravok and Samantha McCoy," Emily said quickly, her concern palpable.

"They were gone by the time we arrived," Simone replied, her expression steady. "I received word from Emanu at the moon base that you four were searching for Stella McCoy, the Guardian of Cedar Lake."

"Yes," Emily confirmed, her voice tinged with frustration. "We followed a lead to Greyhorn Club and were ambushed by the Fallen Stars." She paused, her thoughts racing. Leon had been right—the Fallen Stars were here. But there was more to it. They had recruited members of this world into their ranks. She thought of the Awakened humans she had been forced to kill.

The idea unsettled her. Awakened Beastmen were uncommon but not unheard of in the Known Universe, so she had always considered their presence a possibility. But Awakened humans? They were so rare that Emily could count on one hand the number she had encountered in the Federation.

"They certainly did a number on you," Simone said, pulling Emily from her thoughts. "But for some reason, you're still alive."

"I'm hard to kill," Emily said firmly. "But I need to find them, Leon and Sam. There has to be a way to track the Fallen Stars down."

Simone shook her head, her expression apologetic. "Unfortunately, most of my resources are spread thin right now."

"But—"

"Listen," Simone interrupted, her tone sharper now. "With the Celestial Realignment nearing its conclusion, the situation has gone from bad to worse. More gateways into Echo Fields are opening across both the Hidden World and the Mundane World, pulling every Terran caught in their light to the other side. And if that wasn't enough, the Blackearth Virus is spawning more Abominations into our world, threatening all forms of life. Golden Dawn is stretched to its limits, dealing with one crisis after another. The higher-ups decided we can't handle this alone." She paused before adding, "That's why we've agreed to cooperate with the Fallen Stars."

Emily's body stiffened, her eyes narrowing. "What?" she said, her voice low but trembling with restrained fury. "How... how can you work with them?" She clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay calm. She had always prided herself on her control and ability to suppress her emotions no matter the situation. But the memory of what she had endured—the ambush, the losses, the bloodshed—made it nearly impossible to maintain her composure. Her anger bubbled dangerously close to the surface, threatening to spill over. "The Fallen Stars are a criminal organization responsible for hurting the Divine Federation. Not only is Terran harboring them but-"

"The Divine Federation has no jurisdiction over Terra," Simone said. "Not even Starlight. From what I hear, as an Offworlder, your stay on this planet is only authorized by the Supreme Guardian herself, Isn't that it," Emily said nothing. She was right. After their banishment for the incident on Fuyuki Star Road, Phoebe Yesh took Leon and Emily in due to some weird relationship between Phoebe and Leon's mother's side of the family. She didn't know the truth, but Emily knew that it had something to do with what kind of person his mother was. Leon didn't talk much about his mother's family side. How a Terran human had ended up marrying a Pleiadian from one of the most renowned families. And Emily never asked a question about it. 

"Yes," Emily muttered under her breath.

"Then understand this," Simone continued, her voice steady. "The threat facing Terra is far greater than any single organization can handle. We need all the help we can get, and the Fallen Stars have resources that could benefit our planet."

"I still need to find Leon—"

"Do not worry about the Haravok boy," Simone interrupted. "Sophia Sinclair has sent word. Leon and Samantha Sinclair are safe. Once you're ready, I'll brief you on our plan." Simone turned to leave but paused at the door, glancing back. "I don't know why Guardian Yesh allows Offworlders to meddle in Terran affairs, but whatever assistance you can offer, I'm grateful for it." Without waiting for a reply, she exited the room. The moment the door closed behind Simone, Henry stirred in his chair. Groggily, he rubbed his eyes, blinking in surprise when he saw Emily sitting up.

"You're awake," Henry said, his voice tinged with relief.

Emily sighed, nodding. She didn't know how long he had stayed by her side, but she felt a flicker of gratitude that he had made it through. As the one who had brought him into the field, his survival was her responsibility. Leaning back against the pillow, she closed her eyes, trying to push aside the lingering fatigue. But the memories of the nightmare she'd woken from returned, vivid and haunting, refusing to let her rest.

****

Hours later, Emily and Henry stood in the central hub of the tower—a sprawling, square-shaped room that served as the nerve center of the base. Elevated above the main floor, they were in an upper observation area with a massive window that overlooked the bustling operations below. At the heart of the room was a large holographic interface projecting a detailed map of Terra and its continents, including the Hidden World. The glowing display cast an otherworldly light across the room, highlighting the intricate network of analysts working tirelessly at their stations. Surrounding the holographic map were nine seated Golden Dawn agents, each wearing helmets connected to the machine by long, snaking wires. Their focus was unwavering, their every movement synchronized as they worked to maintain and analyze the projection. The hum of machinery and murmurs of communication filled the air, adding to the palpable tension in the room.

Emily stood there, dressed in a sleeveless, asymmetrical blouse of rich emerald green, its golden shimmer undertones catching the light with every subtle movement. Her skirt flared gently, featuring layered high-low hems with soft ruffles that cascaded asymmetrically, adding a sense of fluidity and elegance to the ensemble. As always, her face remained stoic, betraying none of her thoughts or emotions as she observed the agents of Golden Dawn diligently at work below. Behind her, Henry stood silently, dressed in a black jacket over a deep red shirt, paired with matching black pants, his presence calm but vigilant. Also in the room were Simone Gylock and another individual—a man introduced as Cornelius Balzar. Of average height, Cornelius had a sturdy, round face and wore an orange robe that stood out against the muted tones of the command center. He exuded an air of quiet confidence as he observed the holographic map alongside Simone.

"Right now, our scryers are working to pinpoint locations with the highest likelihood of outbreaks," Simone said, her tone steady but laced with urgency. "Unfortunately, it seems that whenever a country is struck by a pillar of light from the Celestial Realignment, the Blackearth Virus follows shortly after. Take the U.S., for example—Chicago was devastated by the disaster, and then New York fell victim to the virus. The same pattern has been observed in France, China, and other major nations."

"What about the Hidden World?" Emily asked. Though her face showed no sign of concern, there was a sharp tone to it.

Simone shook her head slightly. "While the Hidden World is certainly vulnerable to the effects of the Celestial Realignment, the Blackearth Virus hasn't yet manifested among its inhabitants. However, the Interior Wards are under constant siege from Abominations that manage to breach the Grey. It's a relentless struggle to keep them contained." Simone waved her hand, and a new screen materialized, displaying a room lined with padded cells. Inside, sick individuals were strapped to beds, medical equipment monitoring their failing bodies. In some of the cells, green cocoons rested atop the beds. The faint outlines of something—or someone—were visible within the translucent shells. At regular intervals, the cocoons pulsed with an otherworldly glow.

"What is that?" Emily asked, her tone sharp with unease.

"These are the ones battling the Blackearth Virus," Simone explained grimly. "We've managed to isolate those still resisting the transformation. For now, we can suppress the virus from fully changing them into Abominations, but it's only delaying the inevitable. Eventually, they'll succumb."

"And the cocoons?" Henry interjected, his voice betraying a mix of curiosity and dread.

"They're the fortunate ones," Cornelius replied, stepping forward. "They've managed to fend off the virus and instead entered metamorphosis."

"You don't mean..." Emily started, her eyes widening.

"Yes," Simone confirmed. "They've awakened the Star Seed gene within themselves, triggering their evolution into Ascendanthood. It's one of the few successes Octagram managed to engineer. For now, the humans who have awakened worldwide due to the serum released by Fallen Star are being transported to the Ogoad Corporation in New Jersey. There, they'll receive care and guidance."

Emily's mind raced. So, the Fallen Stars have truly found a way to awaken humanity. Whatever the Federation base had been working on, the Fallen Stars had beaten them to it.

"But how is this even possible?" Emily demanded. "Awakening without a Celestial lineage is almost unheard of, especially for humans. How did the Fallen Star manage this so easily?"

"A Celestial lineage, huh?" Simone said, her expression darkening as her thoughts drifted. As an Awakened human herself, she understood all too well the challenges her race faced in reaching Ascendanthood. Humans were the weakest of the Nine Races. They lacked the Racial Ability Factors of Daemons, Beastmen, or Giants. They had no innate Arcane connection to nature like the Elves, Faes, or Dwarves. They weren't blessed by the gods like the Pleiadians or gifted with advanced minds like the Automatons. For humans to awaken without such inherent advantages was nothing short of a miracle—or a nightmare.

"To ascend, one fundamental requirement must be met before stepping onto the path: the elimination of impurities from the physical body," Simone explained. " Impurities are substances that accumulate within the body as it grows and ages, gradually weakening it over time. All races, except for Daemons due to their extraordinary vitality, develop impurities. The level of impurities directly impacts their lifespan and overall physical potential." Among the races, Elves and Faes possess the lowest levels of impurities, granting them their renowned longevity and physical refinement. They are followed by the Pleiadians, Giants, and Automaton, whose impurities are moderate in comparison. Beastmen, Humans, and Dwarves, however, have the highest levels of impurities, making them more vulnerable and shortening their lifespans relative to other races. This inherent disadvantage places these groups at a greater challenge when attempting to ascend. But humanity suffered the most from this burden. The challenges of Awakening with impurities still present in their bodies often led to their demise, as their mortal forms could not withstand the immense energy released when a core was opened. This was why a Gratia—a divine blessing—was so crucial. For the Pleiadians, the gods' blessings not only expelled impurities from their systems but also facilitated their Awakening, thanks to their innate Celestial lineage. Humans, however, were not recipients of divine favor; they were not loved by the gods, nor did they possess any special properties in their blood to ease the path to Ascendanthood. Without a Gratia or a lineage to aid them, the process of Awakening became perilous and nearly impossible. It was a fruitless endeavor for most, and those few humans who managed to ascend were rare exceptions, vastly outnumbered by their counterparts from other races.

"But somehow, under the guidance of the Herald, Fallen Star has discovered a way to rid humanity of the impurities in their systems, making their evolution into Ascendants far easier," Cornelius said. He made a gesture, and an image appeared—a bald, brown-skinned man in a pristine white doctor's coat. "This man is believed to be the key to it all. Dr. Abdul Ahmand, a gifted genius and geneticist who once worked for Golden Dawn."

"How is he involved?" Emily asked, her curiosity piqued. After encountering the Awakened humans from Fallen Star, she was eager to understand how such a phenomenon was possible.

"Dr. Ahmand was not only a brilliant geneticist but also a skilled Wizard, trained in the disciplines of alchemy and arcane science," Cornelius explained. "He was convinced that Mystical and Arcane forces could be harnessed to advance humanity, improving science and medical technology. Dr. Ahmand believed humanity possessed untapped potential—something far greater than what we were led to believe. In his desperation to prove his theories, he began conducting experiments that defied Golden Dawn's laws."

"Such a brilliant mind, consumed by ambition," Simone added, her tone heavy with disappointment. "By the time Golden Dawn intervened, it was too late. Dr. Ahmand had fled—to the other side. To Octagram."

"Who's Octagram?" Henry asked, furrowing his brow. "I thought Fallen Star was behind all this."

"Octagram is Fallen Star," Simone clarified. "That's the name we in the Hidden World use to describe them." She turned to Emily. "The Fallen Star is far more than what your Federation portrays them as, Emily Legens. Long before they were labeled a terrorist organization, they were a research collective of Mystics and Wizards who worshipped an unknown entity. We don't know much about their goals, or why they're obsessed with human evolution..."

"And this Herald responsible for the new developments—I take it that's Sophia Sinclair?" Emily asked.

"No. Sophia Sinclair is merely the second in command," Simone replied. "She serves as the face of the organization. The Herald, however, is the true leader, working from the shadows. For centuries, Golden Dawn and Octagram have clashed, their methods violating everything we uphold. But with the threat of Abominations on our soil, their power and resources have become, unfortunately, a necessity to protect our people and planet."

"I'm glad you feel that way, cousin," a voice interjected.

Everyone turned toward the source of the voice. An image materialized, revealing a strikingly beautiful woman in a green midi dress that hugged her figure. Her resemblance to Samantha was uncanny.

"Cousin?" Emily turned to Simone, surprised. Simone's expression remained composed as she stared at the projection. The Analysts in the room, however, were visibly shaken, their confusion and unease rippling through the air like an unseen force.

"Do not be alarmed. She's not physically here," Simone said, her voice steady as she quelled the murmurs of doubt among the workers.

"A projection," Emily murmured, astonished. Astral projection was a rare ability—manifesting the Inner Self in a tangible form across vast distances. It was a feat of extraordinary skill that only a higher being could possess. This display alone was enough for Emily to recognize that this woman, seemingly Samantha's mother, was no ordinary Ascendant.

"Yes, Emily Legens," Sophia said with a calm tone as if reading her thoughts. "I have projected my astral self to converse with all of you. Though I must admit, I'm surprised you're still alive. It seems the Herald was correct after all. Your existence is quite... unusual."

So they've noticed her too, Simone thought, her expression betraying nothing.

"What do you want, Sinclair?" Simone's voice cut through the tension. "As you know, we're already occupied trying to clean up the mess you've dropped in our laps. As if the Celestial realignment wasn't enough of a burden."

"You'll be grateful for our 'mess' when the true goal of the Celestial realignment reveals itself," Sophia responded smoothly. "The Abominations are little more than an inconvenience—a nuisance we of the Octagram Society plan to eliminate. And that's why I'm here."

"How do you plan to get rid of the Blackearth virus?" Simone asked, her gaze sharp. "Have you developed a cure?"

"We've developed no such thing," Sophia replied, her tone unbothered. "But what we have gained is far more valuable than a mere cure. To eliminate the lesser Abominations spawned by an Accursed being, you must first eliminate the Accursed being itself," Sophia explained, her voice calm and methodical. "What we propose is simple: the elimination of the Beast King, the one responsible for the Blackearth virus. Once we remove him, we can stop the outbreak."

"And how the hell are we supposed to fight an Accursed being?" Simone retorted, her frustration barely contained. "The Golden Dawn is already stretched thin. Seven of the High Guardians have been deployed to the Echo fields to rescue those trapped within. As the only High Guardian remaining, I'm tasked with safeguarding both the Exterior and Interior Wards. My spells hold the boundary wards that keep the Abominations from breaching the Hidden World. The last Guardian is stationed on the moon, guarding the main base. We have no one left who's strong enough to confront the Beast King. Unless, of course, you plan to act yourself." 

"Like you, I have responsibilities that prevent me from acting personally, but I have the right people in mind to slay the Beast King," Sophia said, her tone calm but resolute. "We've pinpointed his location, thanks to my sister, Stella McCoy, who is currently his captive. My daughter wishes for Stella to be saved, and I share that desire. Therefore, I intend to send a team to the enemy's lair—a team that will focus on rescuing Stella and eliminating the Beast King and his spawns once and for all."

"And who exactly are these people you plan to send?" Simone asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Leonard Haravok, Arexander Pendragon, and, if she agrees, Miss Emily Legens," Sophia said smoothly. Emily was caught off guard by the mention of Rex's name. She hadn't heard from him in a long time—not since he left her a cryptic message about going into seclusion. What the hell is Rex doing with the Fallen Stars? she thought, her mind racing.

"I would also like to go," Henry interjected suddenly, his voice steady but determined. Sophia turned her gaze toward him, her expression curious but skeptical.

"I'm sorry, but this situation is not like Cedar Lake, Mr. Goldsman," Sophia said. "Regular Mystics cannot survive against these forces."

"Nevertheless, I still want to go," Henry insisted, his jaw tightening with resolve. Memories of the chaos at Cedar Lake flashed through his mind—the carnage, the terror, the sheer helplessness. Any sane person would avoid such horrors at all costs, but Henry refused to be ordinary. He knew all too well that in this wider Mystical world, humanity was at the bottom of the hierarchy. As a Regular Mystic, he was weak, barely scratching the surface of what was possible.

But he wanted more.

If he wanted to grow, to learn, to rise above his limits, he needed to confront danger head-on. Battle was the crucible in which power was forged. If he could survive this, he might just be able to break the shackles holding him back. Sophia stared at Henry for a long moment, as though weighing his words carefully. Then, a faint smile crossed her lips, and she gave a small nod.

"Very well. You're free to do as you please," she said smoothly. "If Golden Dawn has additional suggestions, I'm open to hearing them."

Simone looked as though she was about to speak, but a sudden ping from her Zodiak interrupted her. She closed her mouth and pulled out the device, glancing at the incoming message from HQ. Without allowing the video to project outward, she turned away and answered the call, her voice hushed as she spoke. Emily's eyes shifted between Simone and Sophia, her unease growing. Sophia remained silent, a serene smile playing on her lips that Emily didn't trust in the slightest. The sight made her instinctively press a hand to her chest, her thoughts swirling. This woman… this organization… they tried to kill me. Why am I even entertaining this?

After a few minutes, Simone returned to the group. Her expression was grim as she addressed Sophia.

"Supreme Guardian Phoebe has requested that a team of her choosing assist in the rescue of Stella McCoy," Simone said, her tone clipped. "They are to be led by Samantha Sinclair and Rosa Chavez."

"Very well. I shall await your team by Alviss Mountain," Sophia said before her projection flickered and vanished, leaving the room eerily silent.

Emily's fists clenched tightly at her sides, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. She couldn't shake the unease she felt—not just about Sophia, but also about Leon and Rex. What the hell are they thinking, working with the Fallen Star? she thought, her jaw tightening. The uncertainty gnawed at her, but at that moment, she made a decision.

"Miss Gylock," Emily said firmly, turning to Simone. "Please tell me there's a forge in this tower."

Simone blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the abrupt question. "Yes, there is. This tower serves as more than just a working base—it's also a learning facility where our Artificers practice Forgemastery. Why do you ask?"

Emily's gaze hardened, her voice steady but filled with resolve. "Because I need a hammer.