Chapter 7: The Secrets of Eleanor's Lab
The Starfield Nebula's vibrant colors danced across the hull of Orion and Layla's ship as they neared the hidden coordinates of Eleanor Starlight's secret lab. After facing alien patrols and navigating asteroid fields, they finally arrived at their destination—a small, concealed asteroid, cloaked by a powerful energy field.
Once inside the lab, a new world unfolded before their eyes. Advanced holographic displays flickered to life, powered by ancient star energy, illuminating the pristine workspace Eleanor had left behind.
"This place… it's beyond anything I imagined," Layla said, taking in the sight of the pristine, high-tech lab.
Orion's heart pounded as he approached the central console. Holographic displays showed images of the Nebula Sword and Spear—his mother's final and most advanced prototypes. His fingers brushed over the control panel, activating a recording. Eleanor's voice filled the room once again.
"If you've found this lab, it means you've made it further than I could have dreamed," Eleanor's voice echoed softly. "Here, you will find prototypes that represent the future of Nebula weaponry. The Nebula Sword can now transform into Cross Wheels, and the Nebula Spear into a Bow. These forms allow for greater versatility in battle, but they come with risks."
Orion exchanged a look with Layla, excitement in his eyes. "This could be the breakthrough we've been searching for."
"But it's dangerous," Layla cautioned. "She warned us—if we don't control the energy perfectly, it could backfire."
Orion approached the table where the prototypes lay—a Nebula Sword glowing with a soft blue hue and a Nebula Spear emanating faint green light. He couldn't resist the pull of curiosity.
"We need to try them," he said, determination in his voice. "If we can learn to master these transformations, it'll give us an edge."
With a nod, Layla stood by his side, her Nebula Sword already in hand, glowing with its familiar blue light. Orion picked up the prototype Nebula Sword, feeling the energy surge through him the moment he made contact.
"It's responding," he muttered, feeling the weapon pulse with star energy. "Let's see what happens."
He closed his eyes, focusing on the transformation, imagining the Sword reshaping into the Cross Wheels. But as the energy spiked, the transformation didn't go as planned. The Sword shifted wildly, metal bending and glowing with intense, uncontrolled light.
Before Orion could react, the Nebula Sword exploded into its Cross Wheel form, spinning erratically in his hands. Star energy shot out of the wheels, tearing into the walls of the lab, shattering glass and sparking fires.
"Orion, stop it!" Layla shouted, but the energy had overwhelmed him.
The Cross Wheels spun faster and faster, sending out arcs of destructive power. Orion gripped them tightly, trying to wrest control from the surging energy, but it was no use. The force knocked him back, sending him crashing into a console.
Layla acted quickly, her own Nebula Sword glowing violet. She dashed forward, using her sword to slice through the errant energy bolts, creating a protective field around them. But even she couldn't hold off the full force for long.
"Focus, Orion!" she yelled over the chaos. "You have to take control of the weapon, or it's going to tear this place apart!"
Orion's hands trembled as he gripped the Cross Wheels, his mind racing. His mother's words echoed in his head: The star energy is powerful, but only if you can guide it—don't let it guide you.
He closed his eyes again, this time calming his breath, slowing his heartbeat. He reached out to the energy, feeling its wild currents, and slowly began to reel it back. The Cross Wheels stopped spinning uncontrollably, the energy stabilizing.
With a final deep breath, Orion fully regained control of the Cross Wheels, their spinning now smooth and precise. The destructive energy ebbed away, and the room fell silent.
Layla lowered her sword, her breathing heavy. "You did it."
Orion nodded, still catching his breath. "I thought I lost it there for a second."
The Cross Wheels in his hand shimmered with a soft, controlled glow now. He looked over at the Nebula Spear prototype. "The transformation is unstable. If we don't learn to control it, it could kill us."
"We need more practice," Layla agreed. "Your mother's technology is powerful, but it's dangerous in the wrong hands—our hands if we aren't careful."
They both stood there for a moment, staring at the damaged lab around them. Despite the chaos, Orion couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. They had barely managed to survive, but they were closer now—closer to understanding Eleanor's vision.
"There's more in this lab," Orion said, gesturing to the remaining consoles. "We have to figure out how to control these transformations better. The Bow and Cross Wheels could change everything for us."
Layla looked at him, her eyes filled with resolve. "We'll figure it out. Together."
As they began searching through the rest of the lab for more clues, Orion couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The star energy flowing through their weapons was a key to their future—but only if they could master it before it mastered them.