CHAPTER 1- The Decision.

"Now, I know you will need some time to think about this, and I'm happy to give it to you, but please decide what you think is right for you," a nervous and worried voice hinting me to choose forty percent 'yes' and sixty percent 'no'.

"Mandel, I understand your concern, but I have decided. I'm willing to be the test subject." I look at my parents and brother, who look pissed at Mandel for suggesting and worried about me. I wonder when they'll stop treating me as a kid. "Guys, it's just VR simulation; please stop worrying. I'm twenty-six; like, hello! I can make my own decisions." I try convincing them.

"Luna, I think you didn't hear the part where you might get stuck there forever; it also means we might lose you. As your elder brother, I disapprove of agreeing to your decision." Dan looks at Dad, asking him to say something.

"Your brother is right, dear; re-think your decision. Do you have to do it?" Dad asks with a lot of concern.

"I'm sorry, but you all know I will do this no matter what!" I whine. I look over at Mom, thinking of what her thoughts might be.

"Mom ain't gonna support you on this, so just give up," Dan is being very protective for some reason.

All my life, my family has always been supportive and encouraging me, and if they didn't want me to do something, they would always let me do it, warning me how to handle it, but this time they are the total opposite which is very sus.

"Now-now, stop fussing over this; if Luna gladly accepts, I don't see any reason not to agree to it," with a calm voice Mom says.

"I knew Mom would support me!" I jump with excitement. As expected, Mom always supports and encourages me.

"Mom! Are you serious?" Dan shouts with astonishment.

Dad is also surprised by Mom's decision.

"Thank you, Mom! I know you know what's best for me" I chuckle and hug her happily.

"Yes! I'm glad you're happy. Now, start preparing; while I take care of stuff here, okay?" She pats my head.

"Okay!"

*Knock knock*

"Come in!" almost done with changing my clothes, I shout.

"Nice shirt," Mom compliments me.

"I know! Just hope I won't freeze there," I say

"You won't, don't worry," Mom says seriously.

"Mom, is everything alright? Why do you look so scared and nervous?" I sit next to her on the bed.

"Umm....it's nothing to worry about; I umm came here to give you this," she pulls out a black-colored moon-shaped pendant with small diamonds imprinted in it in the form of a star.

"Wow! It's flowing with beauty!" I say, mesmerized.

"I know; do you feel anything looking at this?" Mom looks at me very seriously.

"Not commenting," I say, dodging the question. Honestly, as soon as she took the pendant out, my heart stopped, and my mind froze.

"Luna, I need to know. Tell me." Mom stares at me, demanding an answer which might hurt her.

I take a deep breath and look at her seriously, "Fine! It gives off a scary vibe, and my heart and mind stopped for a second they just froze, but otherwise, it's pretty; I would love it wear it."

"I see," Mom says, a little sad.

I try saying something to cheer her up, but she interrupts me,

"This black stone is called a 'Lava Stone'; it's usually from the Hawaiian Islands, and it serves as a warning for those who take it from there." she looks at me with a saddened smile.

"Why?" I ask curiously.

"Why you ask? Well, you see it's bad luck and this bad luck is known as Pele's Curse. Pele is the island's protector and considers Lava Stones to be her children. If a stone is taken from the islands, Pele will send the person bad luck." she says in a calm tone.

I think I heard the name Pele from somewhere but can't quite put my finger on it. "Mom, then why did you buy it? Do you think these worrying decisions I make are because of this?" I ask because sometimes I think I might make the wrong decisions sometimes.

She chuckles at my innocence, "No darling, I told you many times: 'You are special and different, you don't deserve to be here'. This pendant was there with you since you were born." She smiles brightly.

"What? I have had it since I was born. Who gave it?" I ask very curiously.

"I think it might be from Pele. Maybe you are her daughter." She says.

"Come on Mom. I'm no longer the kid who believes your fantasies, but seriously who gave that pendant?" Mom loves to make up fantasies about me.

"Luna, It's your wish if you want to believe me or not, but I might be right," She looks serious for some reason.

"If you're done then let's go. It seems everything is ready, oh and don't forget to were this." she tosses the pendant at me and suddenly turned cold.

Mom always acts so differently towards me. Sometimes she is like a best friend, a mother, cold to me, and shows hatred. She's like a person who shows me her feelings towards me clearly. But towards Dan she's different, she only is a just caring mother.

I wear the pendant and get out of the house with Mom, Dad, Dan, and Mandel to the lab, where the scientists wait for me.