# Chapter 2: The Journey Begins
Starlene nodded as she answered, "Absolutely, little sis. But who says we cannot make a few stops along the way during the journey?"
Liv, nodding in agreement, joined the sisters as they all exited the restaurant. "Oh, I could not agree with you more," Liv chimed in.
Sierra let out a giggle and playfully added, "Count me in on that plan, Star!"
As the sisters and Liv piled back into Starlene's car and drove out of the restaurant's parking lot, little did they know that an ominous figure in a dark hood was silently watching their every move from the other side of the parking lot. Starlene's face lit up with a satisfied grin as she glanced at the car's radio display, noting that their quick lunch break only took twenty minutes.
"We're making great time," Starlene remarked cheerfully. With a confident grip on the steering wheel, Starlene seamlessly merged with the flow of traffic on the bustling highway. Sierra fiddled with the radio dials, searching for the perfect station to accompany their journey, while Liv engrossed herself in her cell phone, finding amusement in the digital world that lay within her fingertips.
Driving down the highway, Starlene and Sierra started singing along to their favorite pop songs playing on the radio station. In the backseat, Liv relaxed, stretched out, and passed the time with a game of Plants vs. Zombies on her cell phone. After beating a couple of levels, Liv took a moment to send a text message to Stacey, despite a lack of communication for months. Liv just wanted to reach out and let her best friend know about their travel plans, just in case she saw them.
Meanwhile, on the far side of town, a young woman with long red hair and green eyes, wearing a dark cloak with the hood down, was sitting in a park. Her cell phone chimed, and she opened the screen to read the message. Her eyes gleamed slightly as she smirked and thought aloud to herself, "I always knew I kept her around for a reason as my so-called best friend. Oh, how sweet those sisters and her all miss me so much." She burst into cold laughter.
A male voice called out to her, "Stacey! What are you doing with your hood down, and why must you draw so much attention to yourself in public? What would the Master say?"
Stacey spins around on the park bench and sees a dark hooded figure standing nearby and rolls her eyes before replying, "I know what I am doing, Alexander. There are not too many people around to notice, plus that hood itches."
Alexander points at Stacey and snaps at her, "That is the price to pay to be one of us. Put the hood back up."
Stacey rolls her eyes again and says, "I will when I decide to. It is a good thing I checked my phone, you know."
Alexander raises his eyebrow and responds, "Oh, and why is that?"
Stacey smiles tauntingly and replies, "As you know, I left behind my sisters and my best friend when I joined the cause." Stacey pauses as Alexander nods his head once. Stacey continues, "My best friend has been trying so hard to get a response out of me, but she just sends me some very useful information."
Alexander asks coolly but clearly interested, "Oh really? And what is that?"
Stacey smirks and replies, "They found a letter about a legend of an artifact that our master would be interested in finding to aid the cause. They are currently on route to find it."
Alexander blinks before smiling darkly and asks, "And how do you know that?"
Stacey's grin gets bigger as she shows Alexander the text message Liv had just sent to her as she replies, "Without knowing it, Liv has been an immense help. I have no doubt that she will keep sending me updates."
Alexander nods and says, "Yes, one of the others reported seeing your sisters and your former best friend leaving town after eating at the fast-food restaurant."
Stacey sighs and responds, "Look, I understand why they feel the need to spy on them, but they do not need to because I have an insider." Stacey chuckles before continuing, "I am serious, tell them to stop following them, and I think it's time for you to return to the Master and report this."
Alexander blinks with shock and annoyance before snapping at Stacey, "Maybe I should remind you that you are still new to the cause, and I am superior to you. You do not tell me what to do."
Stacey calmly rises to her feet, flips the hood to cover her head, and walks closer to Alexander until she is standing inches from his face. She studies him carefully before responding, "You are right. It would be better to come from the one that made more progress than you or anyone else in the cause."
Alexander darkly chuckles, "Now do not get too cocky. It could have been pure luck that your little insider best friend just happened to decide to tag along with your sisters on their journey."
Stacey just smiles calmly before violently driving her knee straight into Alexander's groin, which causes him to fall straight to the ground in agony.
Stacey lets out a chuckle as she watches Alexander rolling around on the ground before replying, "While it may be true that for now you do outrank me and maybe it's luck that things are working out so well for me, but the thing is, Alex, it didn't stop me from hurting you just now, and I am not afraid to fight dirty to get what I want."
Alexander manages to recover enough to growl at her angrily and yells at her, "You are lucky that I can't punish you myself, but Master will hear about this."
Stacey just smiles before replying as she turns to walk away. "Oh yes, Master will love to hear that one of the newbies just kicked you in where the sun does not shine. Anyways, see you back at the base. Once you can walk again, that is."
Stacey leaves Alexander behind as she walks calmly out of the park.
On the highway, Starlene continues to cruise along the open road while Sierra peacefully dozes off in the passenger seat next to her. After a while, Starlene glances at the clock and realizes that they have been on the road for about four hours.
Liv is relaxing comfortably when she glances over at Sierra and asks Starlene, "Hey, is Sierra truly snoozing?"
Starlene glances over briefly at her sister before nodding and says, "Oh yes. Long road trips always seem to make her tired. How about you? I am thinking about looking for a rest stop soon."
Liv nods in agreement while fidgeting restlessly, "I could really use some time to stretch my legs."
Suddenly, Sierra lets out a yawn as she comes out of her nap and responds, "I'm in the mood for some munchies and soda, preferably the fully caffeinated kind." Sierra grins at Starlene. Starlene glances over at Sierra and asks with a grin, "Are you already feeling hungry again?"
Sierra lets out a giggle before stating, "Just a little." Sierra is now fully awake, her mind fixated on food. Starlene smiles as she keeps on driving, saying to Sierra, "I promise we will stop as soon as I find somewhere to stop."
As Liv continues to relax in the backseat, a heavy sigh escapes from her lips, followed by a wistful question, "I can't help but wonder what Stacey is doing at this very moment?"
Starlene and Sierra's eyes met, a silent exchange of concern passing between the sisters. They search for the right words to offer Liv a glimmer of hope.
Finally, Starlene musters the courage to speak, taking a deep breath before answering, "Maybe, just maybe, Stacey is also thinking about you."
Another sigh escapes from Liv, carrying her longing for connection. "I wish she would reach out and give me a call." She murmured, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. Sierra starts to fidget with the radio dial once more, her fingers dancing across the buttons until a familiar tune comes through the station. With a smile spreading over her face, Sierra cannot resist the urge to sing along with the lyrics that helped her stop thinking about her strained relationship with Stacey.
As the journey continues, Starlene remains focused on driving. Her eyes do look back at Liv through the rearview mirror. Concern is shown on Starlene's face, prompting her to call to Liv with a gentle yet encouraging tone, "Let's just continue to enjoy this trip. Have you forgotten this is going to be an incredible adventure awaiting us?"
After several more hours on the road, Starlene finally comes across a small rest stop nestled in a wooded area just off the main highway. Despite its small size, the exterior of the rest stop is well-maintained.
Sierra glances at it and lets out a slight whine before commenting, "Oh, it's so tiny." Sierra's voice trails off as she notices a line of vending machines underneath the awning. Suddenly, her face lights up as she exclaims, "Well, it will have to do. Hopefully, the machines are working."
Starlene pulls into a parking spot and prepares to get out. She encourages Sierra, saying, "I am sure this place sees plenty of traffic. Let's stretch our legs."
Liv follows suit and slides out of the car, taking a leisurely stroll around the rest stop. Sierra, on the other hand, eagerly slides out of the car and makes a beeline for the vending machine, clutching a handful of quarters she pulled from her pocket.
Starlene calls after Sierra, "Don't worry, the next stop will have some real food." Sierra spins around as she walks backward and answers Starlene, "I certainly have high expectations." She spins back around and makes her way to the row of vending machines, feeling delighted by the audible humming coming from it. Sierra attentively looks over the assortment of snacks that the machine offers, contemplating, "Hmm, those ridged potato chips seem enticing, and the same goes for those meat and cheese sticks."
Starlene yells from the car, "So, do they actually function?"
Sierra chooses her items quickly and shouts back, "Absolutely! Are you in the mood for a snack too? I've got plenty of quarters."
Starlene smiles and shrugs before responding, "Sure, surprise me."
Sierra turns back to the vending machine, chuckling as she inserts additional quarters into the machine. Sierra takes a few minutes to look over the snacks again before choosing fruit snacks and cheese crackers for her sister, along with a few extra bags of chips for Liv. Carrying a collection of assorted snacks, Sierra arrives back at the car and carefully places them on the hood of the car. With a cheerful smile, Sierra exclaims, "It's snack time, and these treats look tasty." However, a sudden realization dawns on her. "Hold on a second, I completely forgot about the sodas."
Determined not to leave any cravings unsatisfied, Sierra swiftly runs back to the vending machine selling soda this time. Liv makes her way back to the car just as Sierra returns, holding three cans of soda. Sierra distributes the snacks, and the trio settle down to indulge in them.
Liv is more relaxed as she sips from her can of soda before she smiles and speaks, "I apologize for being such a downer earlier. The fresh air feels great and is doing wonders for my mood."
Sierra smiles back and replies, "I am genuinely glad we can do this together. I can't wait to uncover the truth behind the legend in Great-Grandfather's letter."
Starlene nods in agreement and chimes in, "It's truly exciting that we have this opportunity to go on this quest." Starlene glances around the area surrounding the rest stop as the trio completes their snack break. She collects all their garbage and throws it away.
Suddenly, Starlene's eyes catch sight of an intriguing trail marker at the edge of the woods. With excitement, Starlene suggests, "Although we are on the way to the lighthouse, why not take a short detour and explore here?"
Sierra eagerly agrees, "Oh yes! I'm not ready to hop back into your car just yet." Sierra glances at Liv.
Liv, on the other hand, does not seem thrilled with the idea as she waves them off, remarking, "I think I will just wait for you here."
Starlene smiles at Liv and nods as she answers, "That is all right. You can skip this one out." Liv nods in agreement as she stretches on a bench near Starlene's car. As the sisters vanish down the trail near the marker going into the forest, Liv's eyelids slowly close as she dozes off. However, Liv's peace and quiet is abruptly interrupted when a strong hand wearing a leather glove clamps down firmly on her mouth, stifling any potential outcry.
Simultaneously, before she has a chance to open her eyes fully, another strong hand places a blindfold over her eyes and jerks her into a sitting position before tying the blindfold in place, plunging her into darkness. Startled, as Liv begins to understand what is happening to her, her survival instincts kick in, prompting her to fiercely struggle against her captors as they forcefully lift her from the bench.
Despite her desperate attempts, Liv finds herself trapped, unable to break free from their relentless grip. Chaotic thoughts race through Liv's mind as her captors forcibly haul her towards the parking lot where a large black van is waiting. In a sudden and dreadful turn of events, Liv experiences a sharp, piercing sensation in her neck as a needle is jabbed into her skin. Everything starts to fade for Liv as she slowly starts losing consciousness.
Just before Liv's consciousness fades, snippets of conversation reach her ears.
A low, gravelly voice commands the other, "Hurry, go back to their car and leave this note for the sisters to discover." The second voice mumbles a reply before an eerie silence descends.
The two hooded figures effortlessly lift the unconscious Liv into the air before loading her into the van. With a stealthy move, one of the hooded figures returns to Starlene's car, slips a folded note between the windshield's wipers, and joins the other hooded figure in the van. They peel out of the rest stop parking lot, leaving no trace behind.
Unaware of Liv's abduction, Starlene and Sierra venture farther down the trail in the woods, carefully marking their path to avoid getting lost. As they continue the hike, the sisters stumble on the entrance to a cave.
They look at each other as they each pull a small flashlight from their pocket. Starlene glances at Sierra and asks, "Are you sure you want to go inside?"
Sierra shrugs casually and answers, "Sure, why not? We don't have to go very deep into the cave."
Starlene nods, a glimmer of excitement in her grey eyes, and confidently declares, "I have a feeling this will be a fun experience."
The sisters entered the cave and, as they checked around, cautiously turned on the flashlights in their hands. Slowly, Starlene and Sierra's eyes adjusted to the dim light, and they heard the soft sound of water dripping somewhere in the cave. The air felt cool and damp, adding a touch of mystery and adventure.
The sisters cautiously walk forward, their footsteps echoing off the rock walls. The cave seemed to go on forever, with its depths hidden in the darkness.
Their excitement grew with each step as they left markers so they could find their way out. With their hearts pounding, Starlene and Sierra pushed forward, determined to uncover any hidden secrets within the cave.
Starlene glances at Sierra before speaking. "Stay by my side, Sierra."
A shiver runs down Sierra's spine, but she quickly assures Starlene, "Do not worry, Star, I would not wander off alone. This cave is interesting, but I would not want to live here permanently."
With a determined nod, Starlene leads the way forward, her voice echoing and filled with conviction. "We will make it back to Liv soon. She will be wondering about us."
A brief time later, the sisters finally reach a spacious chamber and glance around. Sierra spots some symbols on the walls of the cave to their right and tugs on Starlene's sleeve, pointing before exclaiming in awe, "Oh, wow, this is so cool."
Starlene nods in agreement and approaches the wall with the symbols. Suddenly, it dawns on her that they bear resemblance to the ones that their Great-Grandfather drew in his letter.
With excitement in her voice, she carefully takes the letter and the map out of her bag and compares the symbols. "Look, they are a match! Great Grandpa must have explored this very cave a long time ago."
Sierra replies, "It's amazing that we found this place by accident. Do you think that the clue that led Great-Grandfather toward the lighthouse could still be here?"
Starlene starts looking around as she mutters aloud, "Perhaps there is something else here." Starlene continues to explore the chamber when she notices something sticking out of a pile of dust and small rocks and pulls out a plaque that is polished.
Starlene looks puzzled. "I don't think Great-Grandfather saw this because he never mentioned this."
Sierra asks curiously, "Well, what is it?"
Starlene smiles slightly and responds, "It's a riddle. It says, 'Listen up, I have a riddle to share, about the magical middle of the Starstone affair. In a realm where dreams come true, a powerful gem is waiting for you. Hidden away, protected with might. A brave hero with strength and might, must solve the riddle and bring it to light. Be cautious of tricks, illusions so sly. Trust your instincts, do not be shy. Follow the clues, let your mind roam, uncover the secrets, and find your way home. The legends tell of its marvelous power, a gem that shines in its finest hour. So, take on the challenge, unravel lore, The Starstone's legend forevermore. Now, it is your turn, can you perceive the answers to this riddle, let it relieve? Think and ponder, let your mind unfurl and solve the mystery of the Starstone world.'"
Sierra smiles before speaking, "That was an interesting riddle. This is what motivated our Great-Grandfather to embark on the quest he started," she muses.
Starlene nods in agreement, noticing a peculiar drawing of a lighthouse with coordinates etched into the wall of the cave. She cross-references the coordinates with their map and exclaims, "It aligns perfectly with our destination. This cave is even marked on the map." Hurriedly, Starlene folds the map and letter, tucking them back into her backpack.
"Let's not waste any more time," Sierra eagerly suggests. "The riddle mentioned something that really stood out to me about the Starstone's world."
Starlene shrugs and confidently responds, "I'm certain it is referring to our own world, Earth."
The Martyr sisters swiftly exited the dark cave and retraced their steps back to the small rest stop. Everything seemed normal as they arrived, but Starlene could not shake the feeling that something was amiss. She scanned the surroundings and spoke aloud, her voice filled with concern, "Sierra, where is Liv?"
Sierra's eyes widened in alarm, and without wasting a moment, she dashed toward the entrance of the rest stop, calling back, "I will check inside."
Meanwhile, Starlene made her way towards her car when she noticed a neatly folded sheet of paper tucked under the wipers. She picks it up, unfolds it, and reads the contents. Her heart skipped a beat and her face turned pale.
Just then, Sierra emerges from the rest stop and hurries back toward Starlene. Panic evident in her voice, she reports, "Star, Liv's not here."
Starlene nods, her voice trembling as she replies, "I know." With a trembling hand, Starlene shows Sierra the note, and together they read the chilling message aloud:
"Greetings, I will get straight to the point. Your friend is in our custody. Do not bother looking, you will not find her. Her safety depends on your compliance. Do not end your quest and do not dare involve the authorities. Our intentions are not malicious, but rather driven by a greater purpose that will become clear in due time. We have taken precautions to ensure that she will be in a safe and comfortable environment, and she is being taken care of by professionals who understand her needs."
Sierra's voice filled with anguish as she blinked away tears, "The letter is unsigned. Liv was abducted, but why?" Starlene turns away feeling angry as her voice quivered as she utters, "Sierra, I have a feeling that someone else is aware of the legend."