The Astro Chronicles

By Madelyn Lapierre

I've finally found you.

In the abyss that is the stars, the Zodiacs live in a realm all to themselves. With the mortal world at their fingers, they can choose to walk among the living at their own personal choice. But with current news, the Planets say that they must take in the Half Bloods that they've left on the mortal plane. In the midst of all this change for the Zodiacs and, more importantly, the children, he escapes his prison.

To find this great evil that has taken over one of their own, a group of these Half Bloods sneak away from their parents and take matters into their own hands. Unaware of the dangers they now face, they embark on this search for the lost.

Full of humor and fantasy, this first adventure will transport you into a world where Zodiacs and constellations walk beside you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798887315515

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Prologue

Chapter 1: Gwen

Chapter 2: Camilo

Chapter 3: Kekoa

Chapter 4: Kenya

Chapter 5: Avery

Chapter 6: Echo

Chapter 7: Atlas

Chapter 8: Gwen

Chapter 9: Camilo

Chapter 10: Kekoa

Chapter 11: Kenya

Chapter 12: Avery

Chapter 13: Echo

Chapter 14: Atlas

Chapter 15: Gwen

Chapter 16: Camilo

Chapter 17: Kekoa

Chapter 18: Kenya

Chapter 19: Avery

Chapter 20: Echo

Chapter 21: Atlas

Chapter 22: Gwen

Chapter 23: Camilo

Chapter 24: Kekoa

Chapter 25: Kenya

Chapter 26: Avery

Chapter 27: Echo

Chapter 28: Atlas

About the Author

cover.jpg

The Astro Chronicles

Madelyn Lapierre

Copyright © 2024 Madelyn Lapierre

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2024

ISBN 979-8-88731-550-8 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88731-551-5 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

For Molly,

Thank you for always pushing me in the right direction. Thank you for all the late hours, all the laughs, and all the time we've spent together. You rock.

Prologue

Aries waltzed up to the Air Sign Temple; the journey up had been what neared being classified as a struggle. Oh, Aqua! he called up. No answer. He knew she was up there, so he called out again. It's me! Your favorite!

"Oh really? Aquarius peeked her head out of the temple and gave a grumble. I couldn't tell." She hoisted herself up on the ledge of the window. From there she began to float down to where Aries was reluctantly. It only took a minute for her to stand parallel to Aries, a grim expression on her face.

You know you're happy to see me, Aries chuckled, smirking.

Do you need something? Aquarius crossed her arms, pushing her gaze up further to keep locked with Aries. Or have you just come to annoy me?

Which answer do you want? Aries cocked a brow smugly. Aquarius gave a groan loud enough for Libra to get curious about what was going on. He peeked his head out of the Air Sign Temple.

Oh, Libra said, seeing Aries. It's just him.

Good morning to you as well, Libra. Aries waved sarcastically. I'm not bothering you, am I?

Libra ignored Aries and turned toward Aquarius. I'm going to the mortal land.

Serious? Aquarius joked. Are you going out with someone again?

"Aqua!" Libra blushed.

Aquarius chuckled, leaving Libra in a heap of embarrassment. Aries couldn't help but crack a smile.

I was drunk! Libra defended himself.

"My, my, this is sure entertaining, but, Aquarius, I do need you for something," Aries said. At that, Libra walked away.

Do you really need me for something? Aquarius asked.

Surprisingly, yes, Aries admitted. Although, your company is enjoyable.

What is it? Aquarius sighed, rolling her eyes.

Aries looked around at first, making sure no one was in earshot. Once he was sure, he leaned toward Aquarius. Virgo and Scorpio are waiting for us, that's all I can say.

Aquarius wasn't expecting that. Her expression fell immediately, and her arms returned to her side. Wait, what? Is it… She trailed off, but Aries knew exactly what she meant.

Let's go before Moon beats us there, he suggested. Aquarius quickly nodded in agreement.

Aries hurried off with Aquarius at his heels. They both scrambled to reach the Warp before Moon came to collect the four of them. The Warp was the end of the Haven that leaned to the Planets' realm. This was the Zodiacs' only way of communicating with the Planets. Zodiacs could go there to talk with their ruling planet, where the Planets could call a Planetary Council—as they did here.

The Warp on the other side of the Haven led to the mortal realm, Earth, where Libra was going.

The Planets rarely required a council with the Zodiacs. Aries, Aquarius, Scorpio, and Virgo were the founding four Zodiacs, so they represented each of the classes of Zodiacs. Aries represented the Fire Signs. Aquarius represented the Air Signs. Scorpio represented the Water Signs, and Virgo represented the Earth Signs. A Planetary Council was very important; they hadn't had one since…

They reached the Warp in the nick of time. There you two are! Virgo hissed. Moon will be here soon!

Hey, we're here, Aries reassured her. What's there to worry about?

Scorpio stopped Virgo from replying by placing a hand on her shoulder. Look presentable, he told them all.

The four of them fixed their postures and waited for Moon to come and collect them.

They tried to hide their anxiety about the situation. Scorpio slightly puffed out his chest, trying to look professional. Aries tried to not give a noticeable eye roll.

Virgo rolled out the skirt she was wearing. Aquarius didn't do much but straighten herself and make sure she wasn't shaking too badly.

Suddenly, the Warp flickered and sputtered small, little starbursts. The four of them didn't even flinch, with the exception of Virgo flicking away some stardust that landed on her dress. Out of the Warp came a five-foot-four figure, which was none other than Moon. Moon was usually giant—being one of the giants that were the Planets—but to gather the Zodiacs, Moon shrank themselves down to a mortal size.

Aries stifled a chuckle at the small version of their realm's caretaker. Aquarius elbowed him hard to get him to stop. Her elbow, as sharp as her gaze, was felt in Aries's ribs.

The council is ready to see you now, Moon declared, eyeing Aries for a moment. They gave a wave of their hand toward the Warp and then looked back to the four, a smirk growing.

After you, they offered.

Silently, they all went through the Warp one by one. Moon followed once they were all through then teleported to their spot in the council like they never left.

Inside the four representatives stared up at the giants that were the Planets. They each sat with their hands folded on a bed of stars. They were various sizes. In the middle was Jupiter in a golden cloak and dark all-knowing eyes. Moon and Pluto were the smallest, with Moon sitting close to Earth and Pluto at the very end with Neptune.

Virgo took a few steps closer, offering herself to speak, then took a breath in. We have been informed of your request for a council meeting.

Jupiter gave a solemn nod. It has come to our attention by Earth—he gestured to the green-and-blue maiden—that the half-mortal children could be becoming a problem. He seemed like he dreaded talking about them, and Aries didn't have to wonder why. The Zodiacs were granted freedom to travel to the mortal world, and what has come with that freedom is the half-blood children.

What kind of problem are we talking about? Aries dared to ask. Virgo looked back at him nervously. Aries didn't even like the way that had come out.

Hold your tongue, Aquarius would say with the side-eye she gave him. Aries only eyed her back once before looking back to the Planets, awaiting their next move.

Jupiter was quiet, studying Aries's tone and posture. He eyed the ram up and down before answering. A problem that could further endanger mortals than it already has, he answered vaguely. He looked over to Neptune.

If left untreated, we could have another… Neptune cut herself off. A similar problem that we had with an unstable Asteral.

So very bad, Aries thought. Virgo tensed up at hearing Neptune's words. The four of them knew exactly what the Planets meant. They couldn't fathom that happening again.

So what are you all suggesting? Scorpio raised a brow. Mortals can't live here, and Demi-Asterals would have a hard time here if placed unexpectedly.

A very good point you make, Scorpio. Saturn dipped her head. We have all been thinking the same question, and so we have come to a conclusion.

We will make a second addition to the Haven, Uranus continued, taking the spotlight.

Where Half Bloods can learn to use their powers safely.

This addition will get Half Bloods adjusted to the way the Haven works, and they will be able to explore there as well, Pluto piped up.

They can visit their mortal families as they please, unless they are confirmed to be too dangerous for mortal contact, Mars said. They'll be just like you.

Mercury started, It will be called—

The Little Dipper, Venus finished with a smile.

Mercury gave a slightly annoyed look to his twin sitting beside them. What they said, Mercury sighed. He grumbled something under his breath, which Venus didn't take note of.

Well, Aries piped up once again. It sounds like you have this all figured out. What do you need us for?

To gather the Half Bloods, of course, Earth said; she added a chuckle at the end. We Planets can't do that.

Aries suppressed a slight gawk. How many Demi-Asterals are in existence right now?

Earth's eyes glowed a starry white. Fifteen. Six are older than ten years. Some files burst into Earth's hands, which she gave to Virgo.

Virgo eyed each of their files, murmuring names and their Zodiac parents, then looked back up to the Planets. We'll find them, lords.

Good, Moon said. They then added, And for the love of stars, don't get distracted.

Chapter 1

Gwen

Gwen got off her bus hurriedly, speed-walking up her little homey driveway. No cars lay in it, her stepfather was at work, with her mother having to be out.

Probably out for groceries, Gwen guessed. It was around the time her mother went out for food. They were running out of multiple things: lunch meat, microwavable breadsticks, broccoli—the list went on.

She didn't take much notice of it. She went up to the door, slumped her backpack to one shoulder, and then took her key out of her pocket.

Before she could let herself in, the door opened up with a burst of wind. Gwenny's home, her stepbrother Jason announced.

You forgot to lock the door, Gwen grumbled.

"I did lock the door," Jason argued. Gwen rolled her eyes.

Shouldn't you be at work? Gwen asked him as she walked into the den, where Jason was on the couch on his phone.

Early shift, he answered. Your mom dropped me off here and then went out for groceries.

I was right. I see. Gwen slumped her backpack down on the ground and hung her coat on the coatrack before walking back to the den. She reached for the TV remote.

Not today. Jason stopped her. The hockey game is today. Me and Dad are gonna watch it.

Oh, come on! Gwen groaned. Couldn't Jason and William—her stepfather—be obsessed with some other sport? Football, baseball, basketball, lacrosse—there were plenty of other sports to love.

Sorry, squirt. Jason rufled Gwen's hair, turning on the hockey game.

I'll be in my room, Gwen muttered, heading for the stairs.

Actually—Jason stopped her once again, much to Gwen's disappointment—you think you could go out and get me some ice cream?

Are you serious? Gwen snapped. Mom is out for groceries! You can't wait twenty more minutes?

"Please? Jason looked at her desperately. You know the flavor. Jason pulled out a wad of cash. Gwen went to decline when Jason spoke again. You can get yourself something too." He bribed with a slight smile.

Gwen gave a sigh. Giving in to the bribe, she took the cash. She did feel in the mood for something from the convenience store. You owe me one, she hissed to Jason.

I always do, Jason joked. Thank youuuuu. He dragged on before returning his attention to his hockey game.

Gwen went into the garage and grabbed her bike. It was a windy day, unusually windy for the area. Gwen felt a breeze creep up her spine.

She waved her hands against the wind as it messed with her hair playfully, and surprisingly, the winds died down. That's more like it, Gwen joked.

Gwen hopped aboard the noble steed that was her bike, then sped off to the nearby convenience store, humming a little tune on the way.

She quickly made sure she got Jason his stupid Cherry Garcia ice cream and then got herself a slushie.

She was about to head to the checkout when her eyes fell on some sour gummy worms. She looked down at her leftover money. Enough for two packs, let alone one. She wondered how Jason would react if she got more than she said.

He won't miss it. Gwen smiled and grabbed the two packs. She then headed over to the counter to pay for her items. She paid the cashier and was left with twenty cents. Just enough to give back to Jason. Time to go home, she thought. She walked outside to where she left her bike when…

Gweniverith.

What? Gwen whipped around. She came face-to-face with a man she'd never met.

He had light tannish skin with lighter patches selectively scattered across his body and light creamy blond hair. Gwen wasn't looking at his features though; she was looking at his eyes. He had unusual gold eyes that, in a way, reflected her own. They were almost hypnotic, and Gwen almost forgot that he knew her full name. She hated her full name more than she hated hockey.

She managed to get herself out of the trance. I'm sorry, she stammered, y-you know my name?

Gweniverith, the man said again, ignoring her question. I need to speak with you.

"It's Gwen," Gwen corrected the man, trying to hide how frightened she was.

Gwen, the man restarted. I apologize for how sudden this is going to come to you.

Gwen leaned against her bike. Uh… I have ice cream, and I don't want it to melt, she lied. She could care less about Jason's stupid ice cream.

What I have to say is more important than the fate of your ice cream. The man sighed.

It's for my stepbrother, Gwen blurted out. Probably not the best thing to say to a stranger, but Gwen was so nervous she wasn't paying attention to that.

The man then noticed that Gwen was trying to