Author's Notes: So yeah it's actually been a really long time since I posted last. The past year has been full of changes and experiences, both good and bad, but here I am. If there's any positives to my long absence, I've also written most of the next chapter and the next chapter after that, so I'm hoping updates to the story will end up being a bit quicker than it usually is.

Anyway, I hope the chapter is enjoyable!

The Lunar Eclipse

Chapter 15: Reflection

GYAXA Space Center was a monument of Athena's past. Overwhelmed by the giant buildings, she was seeing her home for the first time in seven years. Desiring to calm herself down, Athena looked down at her phone, displaying Clay's message. How he got her number was a mystery, but she was certain Clay would be upfront with his reasoning. She brushed that thought from her mind; she had to get into the Space Center first to have that conversation.

Fortunately from where she was entering, there weren't any security personnel nor cameras. She climbed a tree that was close, balancing on a thicker branch stretching towards the fence. With a small run up, she leapt off the branch, easily flying over the fence. Athena rolled with the landing, relieved the surrounding area around the Space Center was still grassy.

Athena jogged towards the main building, surprised she had not seen security presence behind the building. She distinctly remembered before the launch of the first HAT rocket that there were security guards posted everywhere, even along the outskirts.

Uneased by that thought she approached the back entrance, pulled up her hood and whipped out her phone to text Clay.

I'm almost at the back, are you already there?

It was only moments after that her sharp ears picked up the back entrance door unlocking. Athena quickly ran inside, and the door shut behind her. She spun around on her heel, seemingly staring into the dark, but she knew Clay had to be there.

"Hey Cla-"

Athena barely reacted to Clay's advance in time. Her flat hand was the only thing between her and his puckering lips.

Clay backed off, saying in a harsh whisper, "I was trying to throw off the guys looking at the footage!"

"Look, I don't have to be your secret lover. And even if they're not into that stuff, I think we've done enough to give them that impression provided that you escort me to your room."

"Oh. Sure."

Clay led the way, holding Athena's hand tightly with a cheeky smile. Although, despite all appearances, Athena sensed Clay was rather disappointed he couldn't sneak in a kiss. She wasn't surprised she would be sought after by people who were interested in her sexually. She was athletic and lean, and probably something else that people would find her physically attractive.

However, she didn't come here to start a romantic relationship with this guy. The mystery of being summoned to GYAXA by Clay Terran of all people bothered her. Athena deduced he was likely involved in something big, and wanted her help. Uncertainty festered within as she found herself gripping Clay's hand tighter. Clay looked back for a moment, his smirk growing slightly wider.

Athena hoped whatever Clay had in mind; it had nothing to do with anything lewd.

Clay stealthily escorted Athena through the building to his living quarters, hoping they weren't going to be stopped by security on the way. Athena looked around, each area they walked through, remembering tiny bits of her time living here. She remembered a lively Solomon Starbuck calling her "Princess" with a smile, and her mother's co-workers growing attached to her nickname.

Approaching Clay's room, Athena felt another rush of memories. Who knows how many times she had run up and down this hallway. She was probably heading downstairs to show her mother something or retreating to her room. But at the same time, with only the humming of machines, it felt lonely and silent during the night.

Once in Clay's quarters, Athena immediately scanned the room. It looked pretty similar to the place she and her mother lived; just the furniture was placed differently. She was certain the rooms might have been laid out differently compared to her old place.

When she peered into another room, which she assumed was Clay's bedroom, a strong memory rose to the surface.

The orange sunlight sneaking through the blinds bothered Athena enough to open her eyes. Grumbling, she twisted the plastic rod to let in slightly more light, knowing she wasn't going back to sleep. Between the small gaps in the blinds, she looked down at the wide plains. The world was huge to the eleven year old, yet she couldn't experience the full extent of it.

Every day, all Athena wanted was to lose her sensitive hearing. The few locations she was allowed to go out to were bland, or the same. The only place she especially liked was when she was visiting Juniper. The view from her grandmother's place looking over the forest was beautiful, unsullied by civilisation.

Athena's sharp ears suddenly picked up footsteps approaching her room. They could only belong to her mother, who was likely going to lecture her about putting on her headphones. They were embarrassing to wear in public. Not only did the antennas stick out, but the tacky pink colour made the headphones stand out like a sore thumb.

Metis walked into Athena's room, with a smile. Athena spotted that she had her left hand behind her back, believing she was hiding something from her.

"Good morning sweetheart, how was your sleep last night?"

"It was good until the sun came up."

Metis laughed lightly and responded, "All right, I have something for you that I'd like you to have."

Metis revealed her hand, presenting a golden crescent moon. Athena stared at it curiously, wondering exactly what it was. She picked it up, gently rubbing the surface of it. It felt as tough as metal, but wasn't cold to the touch.

"It's an earring, and the moon there was made from the moon rock in the lab. I thought you might like to feel closer to your father," Metis stated.

"I barely even knew Dad. Why would I miss him?"

Metis frowned, and responded, "When you turn eighteen, I'll tell you why."

"Why can't you tell me now?"

"You're not mature enough to handle it," Metis answered, "Anyway, make sure you put your headphones on. I'll be serving breakfast."

"Reminds you of home a bit, Athena?" Clay quipped.

Athena's frowned and snapped, "Okay, I've never spoken to you when I was living here. How do you know this about me?"

"Director Cosmos told me a lot about you. I'm supposed to recite something to you, just to confirm something."

Athena rested on the bench as Clay pulled his phone from his jacket pocket. She noticed his eyes looking up slightly with uncertainty, as if perhaps she wouldn't acknowledge what he was about to say.

"As an old ally, I humbly ask for your assistance. Here is proof of my loyalty, as I have worn your mark since you first granted me it," Clay stated, retrieving a necklace from his other coat pocket, "Glory to the Lunar Eclipse, the immortal warrior of the moon."

Athena felt a chill through her body hearing those words. She remembered reading the exact words in one of the journals of her ancestors. If she remembered correctly, it was the third Lunar Eclipse who first created this, so that future Lunar Eclipses could recognise close friends of their predecessors. The fear and nerves in Clay's voice amplified the cryptic words, almost as if she was reading them in the third Lunar Eclipse's journal for the first time.

"How does he know that phrase?"

"Your father told him those words to recite it to his daughter if she decides to follow in his footsteps," Clay answered.

"So why does he know that phrase?"

"He said a Theodore Selenic saved him. I'm guessing he's your Dad?"

"Yeah. Did Director Cosmos not tell you how someone becomes the Lunar Eclipse?"

"He told me, and I think it's a tough deal. You're forced to live up to your father's expectations and become somebody that's superhuman, all because you're his only kid."

"If I didn't become the Lunar Eclipse, innocent lives would be in more danger without me."

"You don't sound so confident."

"I don't want to mislead you to think I'm greater than I actually am. Anyway, I'm assuming Director Cosmos wants me to do an important job for him?"

"Right. On the fourteenth December, you need to infiltrate the Space Museum, and hide there overnight. The director wished he could give you a keycard or fingerprint identification, but he doesn't want your identity to be compromised; on the off chance people could link you as the Lunar Eclipse. But with the little security presence that is around these days I don't think it'll be hard for you. Anyway, the director believes that the assassin who killed your mother is going to target GYAXA on the day of the HAT-2 launch. He's likely after the Hope Capsule that returned to us. The idea of this entire thing is to set up a rescue mission, where the launch pads will be switched from their usual spot so the assassin targets the wrong launch pad, while we're safely in the museum. So the next morning, at nine, me and Solomon will enter the museum and board the rocket. Solomon will be unconscious though, but he's my concern. Once the explosives have been detonated by the assassin over on Launch Pad one, you have to watch my back. If he knows we're not in Launch Pad one, he will be coming for the capsule. We can't allow it to fall into enemy hands. It's pretty likely he'll try to kill me for it if that happened, so that's why Director Cosmos wanted to hire your help. He told me you'll be rewarded with apprehending your mother's true killer, and thus, proving Simon Blackquill innocent," Clay explained confidently.

Although, Athena was bothered by Clay's bravado and demanded, "Why is Solomon going to be unconscious?"

"Director Cosmos said that you should focus on-"

"You're dragging me into this crazy plan against an assassin who will go for the kill if he gets any opportunity! You're not going to leave Solomon behind, so I'm worried about if the assassin reaches you first. Do you have a plan for that scenario?"

"I'll think of something if it happens."

Athena sighed, "That type of thinking will get you killed. If I'm held back by a trap or something the assassin may have laid for me, you will have to fight him off until I can save you."

"Ok. I'll try my best to have a plan ahead of time. But please Athena, if I do end up losing my life; make sure the Hope Capsule doesn't fall into the hands of the assassin. That is my priority in this mission, and I don't intend to fail it while I still draw breath," Clay pleaded.

"Right. I'm glad you understand the potential consequences if I do fail to save your life. I am the Lunar Eclipse, but I'm not at the level my father, or what the rest of my ancestors were at their prime."

"Hey, if everything turns out peachy, can we have... I dunno, Italian before I really head out to space?" Clay asked.

"You're asking me on a date, aren't you?" Athena questioned, her face wrinkling at the thought.

"Eh, if you want to call it that, it's not like I said it was one," Clay responded nonchalantly.

"True, you didn't speak it, but your heart certainly told me otherwise," Athena said with a smug grin on her face.

Clay recoiled slightly and said, "Right, Apollo told me you had super sensitive hearing to the point where you can hear subtle emotions from somebody's- Well, I've been caught out."

"Thought so. But... I'm not entirely opposed to hanging out with you."

"Oh?"

"Don't take this the wrong way. I just thought that... I need someone around my age that I can talk to that knows my secret," Athena explained, but averted her eyes away from Clay as she continued, "I've wanted to tell Apollo for a while but... I don't want to put him at risk of my enemies."

"That's understandable; although I'm surprised you were considering telling Apollo. He's not the type of guy who would open up and make friends," Clay stated.

"We work together on a lot of cases, and he's been really supportive. I think I could trust him with my secret."

"It's a kinda big thing to put on a friend. I'm not sure if he could handle it."

"Well, I've only known you for less than a day and you seem to be handling it better than I thought."

"That's true. But... Honestly, I'm scared. I don't know if this whole thing would work out, or even after everything is over, I wonder if everything would still be normal knowing your secret," Clay responded nervously.

"You could always talk to me or perhaps even Director Cosmos about it. I'm guessing he's the only other person who knows about it in GYAXA?"

"Yeah."

"Then it's really important you keep talking to me or the director for the sake of your sanity. I... I used to think I was alone and that I couldn't share my burden with others. But after a failed escape and the guy I saved found out who I was, he was willing to keep my secret and he's been someone I could talk to. And it's helped me a little bit. So I want to let you know that."

"Right. It sounds like you've been through some shit. Care to talk about it?"

"We'll be here all night. Besides I feel like I've been here for too long and I should be heading back."

"You need help getting out?"

"I should be fine by my own, but thanks for offering. Goodnight Clay."

"Goodnight Athena, and look after yourself, okay?"

Athena nodded and pulled the hood over her head. She felt a frown form on her face as she approached the door out, but was clueless why. She lingered on Clay a little longer, resting her hand on the handle. Reflecting on the tone and the emotions in his voice, she could sense his familiar anxieties. She felt the same when she realised what becoming the Lunar Eclipse meant. It was unfortunate she figured it out in the most traumatic fashion, and hoped she could help Clay to deal with these feelings.

"Hold on, I almost forgot to give something to you. Director Cosmos held onto it since your mother was murdered, and he thought it should belong to you," Clay said as he quickly approached Athena and whipped out something from his jacket pocket.

Athena stared intensely at the photograph, subconsciously reaching out for it. Once she held the corner between her thumb and index finger, the emotion hit her like a cascading waterfall. It was difficult to restrain all these new, mixed feelings towards this bizarre, happy family in front of Clay.

"I need to have some space. I should be leaving now, before it gets too late. I'll see you on the fifteenth," Athena stated, slowly closing the door.

"I'll see you then."

Apollo and Clay had been counting the days until the HAT-2 launch. Their excitement was rising to palpable levels when there were seven days left. Currently, there were only two days remaining until the launch. To say their enthusiasm was at a fever pitch was an understatement.

Astonished, Clay watched Apollo crack open his second beer already, guzzling it down. As soon as Apollo placed his bottle down, Clay moved it closer to him. Apollo clumsily attempted to swipe the bottle back, but Clay's reflexes were too quick.

"C'mon, that was mine," Apollo complained.

"Yeah, but I don't want you get too drunk too fast. We have the entire night ahead of us," Clay warned.

"True, it's the last night you can chill on Earth," Apollo stated, "I can't believe it's so close now. Remember how smashed we got the night I passed my bar exam?"

"I don't remember the night, so I must have gotten really drunk. That's why I don't want to drink as much tonight. I just want to remember this night together."

"Yeah, we're on the verge of us accomplishing our dreams. It's incredible how far we've come," Apollo stated while his voice drifted off.

Clay couldn't agree more. Nine years ago seemed like an eternity ago when they both divulged their dreams and ambitions to each other. His goal of becoming an astronaut and travelling to space was a mountain to surmount. But after studying and training for long hours and Apollo having his back, Clay was now only two days away from achieving his dream. At least, that's what it should have been.

Provided that everything in two days' time goes according to plan, Clay was headed to space in a month or two from now. It was certain that the actual launch would be postponed in the aftermath of the attack, and measures would be taken to increase security to prevent a repeat. Not to mention potential repairs to the museum could take more months if the damage was severe.

The space odyssey felt so far away, but nobody outside the few staff members of GYAXA knew. Clay was fully aware he had to keep this to himself, even in front of his slightly tipsy friend celebrating the supposed day of launch. Besides, he refused to ruin Apollo's buzz, having not seen him so ecstatically happy since he passed his bar exam. It could potentially be the last time he would see Apollo.

Goodness, what was he thinking?

Clay had convinced himself he was going to see through this insane plan concocted by Director Yuri Cosmos. But after his conversation with Athena, his resolve started to weaken. He never thought somebody of her reputation could be so doubtful of their own ability to perform their job. There was likely plenty of story behind her apprehension, and Clay desired to know. Even though part of him believed it was tough for Athena to part with that information to a man she barely knew.

Yet here he was; part of an exclusive group of people who knew the secret of the Lunar Eclipse, and had seen her face. Clay was certain he was the only member of GYAXA staff that Director Cosmos revealed that information to. The director held the legacy of the Lunar Eclipse with an unfathomable amount of secrecy, which again, Clay wasn't privy to the details. All he could infer was that Yuri Cosmos knew their family, and was trusted with their secret.

Clay couldn't shake the photograph of the small family from his mind. It was so unusual seeing a superhero standing next to his partner and child. Although, the gears turned in Clay's head, realising why Director Cosmos had him hold and pass the photo to Athena.

Athena needed him though, not just during their dangerous operation in the space center, but also as a friend. Clay assumed at her age, Athena didn't make many friends during college, or was unable to keep them when moving back to America. It definitely made sense as he remembered she wanted friends who knew her alter ego around her age. Clay just needed to get his mind out of the gutter when he thought about her.

"Did you already go into space dude?" Apollo suddenly piped up, sipping more of his beer.

"I was just thinking about your hot co-worker," Clay responded with a smug smirk.

"Sewriously? Maybe you're the wuh that's drunk."

"If I am I'm holding my drinks way better than you are," Clay said, attempting to hide his chuckling.

"C'mon Clway I didn't come here to drink wit you in silence. Where celebrating tonight! Let's watch a flippin' space movie or something!"

"Okay okay, but I'm picking the movie. Anything about quantum physics or something as complex as that will go over your head in your state."

"Whelly have no faith in me, Tewan? I can absowrb a whole fehsuraus worf of info! Just watch!"

"All right, suit yourself. I'm going to find the most intellectual space movie and we're going to see how much information you retain."

"I'll ace that qwiz!"

Clay scanned through the menus of the streaming service and quickly found a movie that would challenge both him and Apollo. He played the movie, paying attention to everything that was happening, even though it was likely trivial and didn't add much.

It was around ten minutes later Clay glanced to his left, and burst into laughter. It appeared Apollo Justice had fallen asleep sometime after the movie started, snoozing away peacefully. Although Clay hoped Apollo wasn't going to be napping for too long. The night was still young, and there was still plenty of time to have their fun before celebrations were over.

The night of December fourteenth approached fast. Athena Cykes entered half an hour before the Space Center was closed to the public. She relaxed in the space lounge for twenty minutes, reflecting on her discussion with Clay a few days ago. She couldn't shake the crazy plan, conjured by Director Yuri Cosmos. She should have rejected his offer, but Clay barely had any defence against the assassin if he encountered him.

Athena balled her fists, knowing there was a lot riding on her. She grew worried if she was even capable of fighting off an assassin. This wasn't another lowly criminal she brought to the door of the police station. This person likely had more field operations experience, and could beat and kill her. She knew the moment she could hear or see him she better bring her best.

When Athena noticed it was ten minutes until closing time, she stood up and pretended to leave. She mentally noted the guards' locations and hid behind in a blind spot in the space lounge, without any of the guards seeing her there. Once the clock hit seven, the guards moved to escort the public out of the building.

Athena waited patiently, watching and counting the guards that unknowingly walked past her. She was also keeping an eye the guards that would occasionally glance back. Although she was positive she wouldn't be seen in her position.

Once Athena counted the final guard, she watched him walk out of sight down the hallway to escort the public out. When she felt confident enough, Athena darted towards the entrance of the museum. While hovering around the entrance, she looked up at the security camera. The camera's angle was rigid, and it was impossible for it to look directly downwards where Athena was crouching. Emboldened, she slipped into the Space Museum. And when Athena stepped over that threshold, she froze. Her eyes were set on the enormous replica rocket.

Athena promptly recovered from the sight and thought, Their security isn't drum tight. Good I guess, looks like this is according to plan so far, and scanned the large room.

The vertical space was huge, spanning six levels high to what she could assume. It was likely because of the replica rocket, spanning the same height as the building. She felt no bigger than when she was last here seven years ago.

Athena wasn't in awe though, a frown emerging on her expression. It was difficult to figure if any location in the room could conceal her, seeing only the shadow of the replica rocket as a viable spot. Unsatisfied, Athena searched the room again.

However, her sight was fixed on the glass display, on the section containing a blue jacket, with a glaring tear on the lower right side. She was magnetised to the sight, and before she knew it, approached the glass display.

Once before the glass, she looked down at the written plaque, which had proudly declared, Real jacket worn by a GYAXA staff member. Athena's eyes then wandered left, and suddenly her breath hitched. It was a photo of the GYAXA staff seven years ago, featuring Clay, Starbuck, Yuri, Aura, Ponco and her mother, all looking extremely happy. Her lips gave way to a slight smile, seeing the bandages she poorly wrapped around Ponco. Everybody was so happy seven years ago, except for her. Sure, she loved Juniper and Simon, but the majority of her memories were being stuck inside, drawing whatever was on her mind while dealing with the weight of her headphones. For living in a space centre, it was a terrible experience.

Athena then looked back at the jacket, examining its obvious tear. There was something about it that some part of her knew how the tear was caused, but no matter how she tried, she couldn't find the reason. She closed her eyes, and attempted to dig deeper in her mind. However, as she experienced those horrifying flashbacks. A pool of blood spreading from near Blackquill's feet, slowly reaching towards her. She expected to turn around, but his attention was sorely focused at the body near his feet.

Athena focused herself to concentrate harder, using the rhythm of her breathing to prevent her from backing off. If she could stop one traumatic flashback overwhelming her, she could overcome this one, even if it was just for a second.

Abruptly, a sharp pain in her neck was all it took to break her chain of thought. Athena spun around, but her body felt heavy. Before she could take another step, she collapsed. She tried her damndest to look up and identify her attacker. The dose she just took was powerful, and she succumbed, only catching a glimpse of the perpetrator's white shoes.

Just as she shut her eyes, her attacker mumbled, "Shame, I was expecting the Lunar Eclipse, not Athena Cykes."

The assailant drew out his lighter, pressing on the Earth emblem, and it quickly transformed into a tiny firearm. His sights were on Athena's unconscious form, and his finger rested gently on the trigger. As his finger lightly tugged the trigger, he spotted the jacket with the tear. He relaxed his finger, griping the gun, torn on his next move.

Then he pressed the emblem, the gun shifted to an ordinary lighter as he stated, "Death would just be the easy way out for you."

The events of the past sixteen hours were hazy to Athena. She wasn't sure how she ended up back in her apartment from GYAXA, but it bothered her immensely. She had her journal in front of her to write it down if she remembered. She tapped, tossed and twirled her pen. But no matter how much she wracked her brain, she found nothing.

Frustrated, Athena sat back in her seat, staring up at the ceiling looking for answers. She attempted to retrace her steps over the past twenty four hours, but the only thing she found was herself standing before her mother's jacket and delving into those memories.

Her phone rumbling on her desk broke her out of her thoughts. She looked at the screen and hastily answered her phone, still feeling dazed from diving deep in her mind.

"Hey Boss, what's up?" Athena asked.

"Something terrible has come up. I needed you in the office an hour ago, but you wouldn't pick up," Phoenix stated urgently.

Athena immediately stood up, and while rushing to get out of her apartment, asked, "What's the matter?"

"Apollo's friend, Clay, was murdered during the HAT-2 launch this morning. Apollo's at GYAXA Space Center already, but I want you to be there with him. He needs you more than ever. I'll talk to you soon."

Athena paused as Phoenix hung up, reeling from the shock of Clay's death. It was only five short days ago she was talking to him about stopping an assassin, and going along with their crazy plan to prevent exactly the reality that was unfolding before Athena. She found it so difficult to keep herself contained. A powerful mixture of anger, frustration, sorrow, grief and fear gripped her. All she could blame was herself. She wished she remembered what happened over the past sixteen hours. But all that was evident was that she failed to protect Clay from that assassin, and Apollo and GYAXA were suffering.

Athena let out a long, roaring scream, but it wasn't enough. She stormed into her room, making a beeline to her desk. She flipped open her journal and began furiously scribbling in it. She wasn't even writing a single word, just rough lines digging deeper and deeper into the paper.

Eventually she wrote –

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY DO I SUCK WHY CAN'T I SAVE LIVES? WHY CAN'T I STOP CRIMINALS WHY CAN'T I DO MY JOB PROPERLY WHY DO I BELIEVE I CAN SAVE SIMON LIKE THIS WHY MUST I BE THE LUNAR ECLIPSE?

Athena suddenly dropped her pen, staring intensely at her journal. Where did that last question come from? The answer was obvious too. She looked over at her pen, resting on the next blank page of her journal, waiting for her to write down that answer.

Athena cautiously picked it up, twirled it in her fingers for one rotation and pressed the pen to the paper. A few minutes passed and she found herself unable to write down an answer. She looked down at her now trembling hand, and began sobbing uncontrollably. There was something about recording that thought down. Perhaps it was a sign of giving up, or making her status as the twenty seventh Lunar Eclipse more official than it already was.

Suddenly, her chest felt tight, as if her torso was squished. She quickly stood up, inhaling and exhaling, but all it did was remind her of how physically uncomfortable she was feeling. Frustrated, she walked in front of her mirror, removing her baggy black hoodie and shirt, revealing a skintight purple outfit with its sleeves slightly bunched. She realised this confirmed her worst fears.

She abandoned an innocent man in his time of need, but why? Why couldn't she remember? An audible growl of frustration broke the silence for a moment. She then pulled the sleeves, snapping the gloves over her fingers, only leaving her palms exposed. Finally she rested the hood over her head, concealing her face.

Athena became the Lunar Eclipse again. The capable, competent, powerful, mysterious and immortal warrior blessed by the moon. The confident image she always desired to be.

"I am the Lunar Eclipse, and it's my job to protect the innocent."

However, Athena's own voice rang hollow. Clay was dead. Becoming the Lunar Eclipse would not bring him back to life. Athena pulled off her gloves, followed by her hood. Her eyes and face were red, and she appeared demoralised.

But Athena couldn't stop. Apollo was waiting at the Space Center, and he was likely devastated. Athena removed her Lunar Eclipse suit and dressed up in her usual suit. The absence of tightness around her body felt strange, but she found relief without it. Perhaps that was all she needed to absolve herself of her involvement.

Athena washed her face and applied her makeup quickly. Her eyes spotted a photograph of a woman standing next to a man dressed in purple, and the child between them. She stared down at the photograph and only sputtered out, "I just have to pretend like always, don't I?"

The young lawyer grabbed her satchel, clutching it tightly as began making her way out of her apartment. She was ready to face the day. However, nothing could prepare her for the events that were about to unfold over the next five days.