Lottery

It was a sight that had sparked a brief new star in the low skies of Lunaria for several days.  Sometimes pulsing in a hypnotic rhythm, sometimes just an occasional erratic flash.  Many a young pup had to be comforted by amused parents in the beginning.  Young souls were reassured as they were tucked into their beds that the light was not an incoming storm—no thunder or crackling bolts of lightning were going to interrupt their peaceful rest.  There was occasionally sound, echoing softly from the distant source.  Cracks and bangs and a steady whap-whap-whap.  And for those with the most acute of hearing—or the largest ears—sometimes the barest whisper of excitable voices  So was the unique power of the echo from the distant point that such small sounds could still be detected. 

The denizens of Lunaria young and old had grown accustomed to the periodic odd sight and sound by the time it changed.  At the dawn of one chilly, cloudless day, the flashing light on the horizon—flaring from the crest of the mountain where the mining caves weaved in endless webs underneath as it had been since the start—went out.  And then, with a low rumble, flickered back to life.  Flickered, flashed once…and then steadied.  A star at the wide, gently curved, open mountain peak that would henceforth shimmer quietly.  Its source, the Mad Scientist’s greatest creation.  The portal to Solaria, constructed on the spot suggested by a young adventurous waja named Cloudpaw. 

Fully constructed, and now…fully operational.

This news fell across the land not by word of mouth, but in another sound.  After a long beat of silence, during which eyes within view of the mountaintop had paused to watch the new glimmering star, a powerful howl sounded across the morning sky. 

The power of the command echoed far and wide, the voice of the mighty Lord Apollo sounding into the heavens.  Startling some distracted by other tasks, rattling glass in windowpanes, rippling the still water in ponds.  But what it did not do was frighten.  All who heard it stood in awe, hearts beating with rising excitement, eyes widening at the knowledge of the historic changes to come.  Even the littlest pups cuddled by their mothers cooed and laughed in delight at the voice of their lord’s power and grace.  

Standing upon the mountain peak, his wide wings bathed in the blue light of the portal, Apollo lowered his head as the last of his summoning howl faded into the morning sky.  Behind him, the small crowd gathered around the portal and its newly constructed base slowly composed themselves, having been thoroughly windswept by the sound of the mighty lord calling his most loyal followers.  Only one had followed him to this peak to check the progress of the portal, and he alone sat calm and immobile while those around him staggered and held hands and paws to their ears.  Even though the young Velox Chosen’s ears were, arguably, second in size only to the other velox in attendance.

“Land sakes!” Farrah cried, having protected her sizeable ears by burying her head in the plentiful floof of the Spitzen that had carried her up the mountain, and who over the last several days had become a good friend to the old spitfire.  “And I thought thunderbirds cawing up the next desert monsoon were loud.”

“He was calling his Chosen!” Cloudpaw declared, speaking a little more loudly than necessary due to the continued ringing in his ears.  His eyes were wide with awe.  “And I don’t…wait…” He turned and stared at the old granny Velox.  Some of her spark still lingered in his fur, but he’d grown used to it by now.  “…Thunderbirds are real?”

“I didn’t say anything,” Farrah replied, lifting a forepaw to her muzzle and licking delicately. 

Apollo chuckled softly, gracing both the young Spitzen and the old Velox with a warm smile.  Then he looked up as a low clang echoed, but it was only Frederick and Oswald gathering up their tools.  The frame of the portal had been expanded and refined since he had first seen it at the laboratory.  The swirling vortex within was a sea of blue light, no longer chaotic but rippling like water disturbed by a gently skipping stone.  Nicola, whom Frederick had finally allowed to assist after the threat of the portal’s power cells overloading had passed, was writing down a few final notes in a notebook. 

“The portal won’t need any constant oversight,” she said.  “Some routine maintenance every week or so should suffice.” 

“And this fine lad has agreed to learn how,” Frederick said, gesturing proudly to Cloudpaw.  “My old bones can’t take the trek up here too often.” 

“Look who’s talking about old bones!” Oswald laughed, clapping his son on the back.  Indeed, the far older man was moving about much more spryly than anyone else.  “And besides, we’ll get the road up here built up soon enough.  Cloudpaw couldn’t have picked a better spot.” 

“You are to be commended, my young friend,” Apollo agreed.  “I am glad that your role in Lunaria’s history did not end with my brother.” 

“T…thank you, Lord Apollo,” Cloudpaw said shyly.  In the combined light of the portal and the morning sun, his medallion sparkled brilliantly.  “I didn’t think I’d have a knack for this technology stuff, but…oh!  Oh, here they come!”

He leapt to his feet, poofy tail wagging as the first few rapidly approaching figures swept down out of the sky.  He didn’t see the other coming in the opposite direction until she had landed next to Apollo, her wings sending rumbles like thunder of their own through the air in her eagerness.  Artemis shook herself vigorously, then threw her head back and let her own howl sound.  It did not stagger those gathered on the mountaintop as Apollo’s had done, but it had an arguably faster effect.  Every member of the Corps had responded to their leader’s call and were assembled before even half of the Chosen arrived.  But soon, all of the mighty guardians of Lunaria and Solaria stood bathed in the light of the portal, and all Cloudpaw could do was stare with eyes wide and jaw dropped.  Until the gaze of the Lady narrowed on him.  And his eyes widened even more, his ears flattening into his neck poof. 

“So it’s you,” she said.  She raised a paw, pressing it to the medallion.  “Once again you do me a great favor.  Your assistance in bringing us a way home will not be forgotten, Cloudpaw.”

“Th…th…thank you, Lady Artemis.”  He gave her a timid smile, but could not help but look back and forth, checking for nearby puddles.  But the rocky ground was thankfully dry.  “I am proud to be a part of this.”

“Yer a good boy, sonny,” Farrah said, patting his shoulder. 

Artemis lowered her paw, then moved past him, examining the portal closely.  Although she could not see the familiar skies of home beyond as she had done the first time, she could still smell the sweet, earthy air, and allowed herself a deep breath. 

“Is it truly ready?” She asked firmly.

“As good as she’ll ever be,” Oswald confirmed, once again clapping Frederick on the back before giving one of the two tall cylinders housing the glitch energy sources a fond pat. 

“The portal frames itself in some sort of natural formation on Solaria’s side,” Frederick added.  “A cave entrance of some kind, I believe.  Our first task should certainly be to secure the area…” 

“I know what needs to be done,” Artemis interrupted.  

“Faithfully has your Corps helped watch over Lunaria these last few years,” Apollo said.  “My Chosen and I will help you now.” 

Artemis nodded, though it was clear in her expression that she had expected nothing less. 

“First we must secure the area where the portal opens.  The drop off the isles’ edges is...not pleasant.”  She glanced back at the assembled Corps and Chosen.  “Then we strike out to find our Pear Tree’s new home.  I can’t stomach the idea of planting her where…at the old place.  We will find a new sacred spot.” 

“That will be…a task,” Axiom Huxley, Fire of the Corps, said flatly.  “Even with all that Solaria lost, to seek the right spot…” 

“We should call for aid,” Zarek, the Chosen Divine, suggested solemnly.  “All of the brave denizens of Lunaria willing to set forth on the quest.”  

Artemis and Apollo glanced at one another, the idea clearly intriguing.  Cloudpaw barely restrained a gasp, looking from the lord and lady to the portal.  

“You’ll let adventurers through?  Already?” 

“The faster the spot is found, the sooner Solaria can begin to heal,” Artemis replied.  She flashed the young Spitzen another grin.  “Do you want to come?” 

“Yeah!!” Cloudpaw leapt to his feet, tail wagging, chest puffed out proudly.  “I want to help!  And I know my friends would want to help too!”

“That’s the spirit, lad,” Farrah said. 

“Then spread the word,” Apollo declared.  “Call upon all who desire to venture forth.  It is finally time to find the Pear Tree’s offspring a new home.”

[Story by The Grand Admiral (906)]