Chapter Text
“This cannot stand!” bellowed Caltrops. Their hands splayed out before them, arms stiff and braced against the round wooden table. A frown heavily creased their brow line, lips poised almost like a snarl. The other council members sat in silence, murmurs and whispers floating between hand-covered lips. With nothing to lose, hiding one’s emotions didn’t have any real consequence anymore like it would have in life.
It was for that very reason Stargazer had composed this council; souls whom he found worthy of a spot got it, for they were few and far between. Caltrops was one such lucky soul, though they did not have the gentle patience one would expect of an advisor. It never bothered Stargazer – on the contrary, it very much saved him the trouble of having to peek into their thoughts to see the truth. Caltrops removed their hands from the table, massaging the area between their eyes and sighing.
“My Eminence, you seriously cannot be considering this. This whole deal thing seems like a stunt. He’s baiting you. I have not even heard of the ruler of the Silvering Waters since my arrival, and he comes out of the blue, asking specifically for you. I cannot let that happen.” Caltrops let go of his nose bridge, gesturing wildly as he spoke. The other members muttered some more, nodding and exchanging quiet remarks.
In life, Caltrops was a general leading the soldiers of a nation doomed to fall. They commanded armies against legions, guns against tanks, young, untrained footmen against hardened calvary. Yet, somehow, they'd won at least 3 battles before perishing entirely in the war that took their land and her people. And without her general, their nation was consigned to her fate.
In death, Caltrops was no different: constantly thinking and planning, an eternal state of ponderance even with all the time they now had and no doomed nation to bleed for. When Stargazer approached them, Caltrops thought about all the soldiers they'd lost, all those lives given in a desperate attempt to resuscitate their freedom, lives that may be roaming the same plane of existence Caltrops did, believing they died heroes. If they could, Caltrops would find every one of those souls, tell them the history that was now written in the books of the winner, and beg for their forgiveness.
But the lands were vast, and Caltrops knew no more than three names that fought with them.
They hoped serving their god would prove atonement enough. If they couldn't keep a literal deity safe, what kind of general would they be?
Stargazer motioned for Caltrops to sit down, the atmosphere cooling from their outburst. He knew the whole council was thinking the very same thing.
He gave a look to Egobworder next to him, visor covering everything but thin lips and a sharp jaw. Ego’s hand tensed on the pommel of his sword. A wave of Stargazer's hand released it. No need, he told his knight. Let it play out.
Once Caltrops was sat, Everfrost cleared her throat. “What Caltrops meant to say is, Stargazer, something is fishy about this whole situation. Illumina was unheard from in centuries, so for him to suddenly reach out screams all kinds of danger.”
Everfrost was one of the more recent additions, her wit and sociability winning her a spot at the table. She adapted seamlessly, the other members accepting her with open arms. Whatever opinion she had, she had an entourage not far behind.
“I understand that quite well, Everfrost.” Stargazer replied coolly. “But I'm here to get advice from my council, not reprimanded for it.” He directed his gaze at Caltrops, who shrunk in their seat. “I have no plans on accepting this deal yet, not until I get the details down to the finest print. Whether or not Illumina has something planned, I won't know unless I say yes.”
Caltrops moved to stand again, but another pointed gaze shot them down. “If you have something to say, Caltrops, say it, not yell it. And you'll do it seated.”
They blinked for a second, stunned, then regained their composure. A sigh left the former general’s lips as they began, slower and calmer this time. “There’s no good reason to accept this deal, Your Eminence. You have more than enough souls to stay in power – Illumina’s are simply unnecessary. There is no such thing as a deal with terms that benefit mostly one party. These terms hold the fate of your power in its palm. I'm afraid Illumina would try and slip in a loophole he could abuse without your knowledge. If that happens, it puts us, your own souls, as well as your power at risk. I will not, I repeat, will not, let that happen.” Caltrops spoke with certainty, almost as if they were reciting an oath. Perhaps they were, making the same promise they did so long ago.
Stargazer nodded. He did have enough souls to sustain his deity status, hence Illumina’s offer held little value. But there was one soul who was the main reason for his dilemma.
Stargazer could not tell them about Follower Sword. If news got out that Illumina was holding a heavenborn in his lands, passing them off as his own, a scandal would undoubtedly take the heavens by storm. He could not have that, and neither could Illumina. No, he must settle this mystery quietly.
“Thank you. Anyone else?”
-
Stargazer ended the meeting no more informed than he was when he called it. The advisors filled out, their non-corporeal feet soundless against the tile. When the door shut behind the last council member, Stargazer slumped in his seat, hands dangling at his sides.
“You should have let me follow you, my liege.” Egobworder said, the first words he'd spoken since Stargazer returned. They always conversed alone, away from eyes and ears.
“For the last time, Ego. I did not need your protection then, and I do not need it now. And if you had followed me, I would've had your sword for it. And don't call me ‘my liege’. Caltrops already calls me Your Eminence, and I let them because I don't think they'd stop even if I tried, stubborn as they are.”
“It is my duty to serve, my lie- I mean, Stargazer.” Ego replied. “Ever since you appointed me to be your personal guard, I've sworn to stay by your side no matter what.”
Stargazer took a deep breath. Egobworder’s persistence could rival the gravitational force of a black hole. “I appointed you as my personal guard so I could keep you nearby without the rest of the pantheon intruding into my business. I didn't make you a member of my council because I know you are far more capable than just providing me with words. But you have to understand that there are places you cannot go.”
“If I had gone with you, I’d-”
“If you had, we would have never have gotten to the gates at all,” Stargazer snapped, his patience fraying after hours upon hours of monotonous debate and listening to his advisors caw like a flock of talkative ravens. He already had enough to deal with. For his sanity’s sake, do not let Egobworder be another.
His knight flinched in surprise. His liege was always calm, slow to anger. For him to react like this…
“Is there something else troubling you, my- Stargazer?”
Stargazer groaned. His head lulled backwards as he slumped further into the plush chair. Great. Was he that readable? Then again, Ego had been with him for quite a while, a stalwart statue of armor glued to his side, anywhere and everywhere he went. Of course he'd notice something was off.
“No, nothing. I'm fine, Egobworder. I just need some time away from all this." Stargazer replied.
"Are you not feeling well? You could go to your chambers."
"You're my knight, not my nursemaid, Ego." Stargazer chided. "I'm fine. I don't need your fretting over me like I'm a child. It's patronizing."
Egobworder exhaled slowly. He stepped back. "As you wish.”
He returned to his post by Stargazer's side, ending their exchange. Stargazer wished it lasted longer, regretting his impatience. After all the screeching by his advisors, Ego’s baritone was a more than welcome change.
It'd been like that since he swore Egobworder into secrecy. Stargazer, under the guise of a regular soul, found him in the fringes of his land, wandering aimlessly and causing quite a disturbance amongst the people.
“What deity are you, stranger?” Stargazer had asked. The inciter of all the commotion glared at him. They could not have been much older than himself.
“Nothing.” The other replied. “I am no one.”
“Well you aren't dead, so that's something. How did you get here?”
“I don't know. Where am I?”
“A timeless land. The domain of the god of stars. You've been quite the talk since you came here.”
“God of…stars? I'm sorry. I'll be going now. It's clear I'm not wanted here.”
Stargazer stopped them with a hand on their shoulder. “What's your name, dear stranger?”
The other hesitated. Their jaw tightened. “Egobworder.”
“Well, Egobworder.” Stargazer exhaled slowly. “You aren’t a soul, so you must rule over something – otherwise you wouldn't exist. You may not know now, but one day, and believe me, one day, you will.”
Egobworder frowned. “You are the god of stars.”
No point in hiding it now. The disguise slipped off like a second skin, translucent cyan of one of Stargazer’s people giving way to his own navy and white clothing, mask and all. Quietly, he cast an illusion hex around them both. To anyone else, it would just be empty space.
“Guess I gave myself away, didn't I?” He extended a gloved hand. “Well, Egobworder. You have a choice to make. You could spend your endless days wandering about the heavens, no other deity batting an eye toward you…or join me as my personal guard. You'd have my protection, my resources, just no free roaming, I'm afraid. After you find yourself, you're no longer my problem. How's that sound?”
Egobworder stared at him in disbelief. To him, this god of stars had everything he did not. And now, he was being offered a chance to be everything Stargazer was.
He took his hand, and gripped it tight. “Thank you.” Egobworder muttered.
Stargazer half-smiled. “Not a fool after all.”
-
It felt like eons ago. Stargazer didn't dare admit it, but he looked forward to the banter, the impromptu chats they'd have throughout the day. He knew Ego wanted to rule over his own, should be ruling over his own land and his own followers. A part of him selfishly wished he hadn't added that last part onto their deal. Maybe back then, it made sense. He'd offer Ego shelter and his own knowledge while the deity of ’nothing’ figured themselves out.
If Stargazer were to be stuck here with only his advisors for company, he would go insane.
He called softly, calmly. “Ego.”
“Yes, Stargazer?”
“Take a walk with me?”
“Your wish is my command.”
They found themselves atop a bridge suspended in air, eternal dusk above their heads as diamonds twinkled in the sky. Below, the souls looked like a shifting mosaic of bluish-teal and light purple, their surroundings lit by golden light. Buildings curved and bent and turned every which way, blooming like coral and sprinkled with windows that shone in the night. In the center, columns spiralled upward, connecting platform with platform. Souls could beacon themselves between levels, travelling long distances in the blink of an eye. The platforms became smaller the farther up you went, forming a shape that resembled a towering fir tree, ornamented by stars and aurora drapery. At the very tip, just after the columns merge into a point, rested Stargazer’s own home.
‘Home’ wasn't something he'd personally choose to call it. More a residence if anything. Somewhere he could retreat to, hold meetings, speak with Egobworder alone. A more fitting description for it would be a mismatch of hallways that branched off to form a never ending labyrinth he called ‘home’. Those who weren't accompanied by him or Egobworder would spend eternity wandering the empty, eerie halls, forever searching for an exit that never existed. Stargazer was well aware of the overwhelming curiosity regarding his residence that sparked rumours among the souls below, but none had ever dared to prove their legitimacy. Some say screams echo through the halls, others that the god extinguishes life by taking away the system’s star.
But most wondered if he'd ever taken his mask off.
Stargazer and Egobworder watched in quiet vigil, admiring the spectacle below. Even after their time is up, mortals still found joy in the festivities that were held in their lifetimes. Amongst the dark hues of the sky, the revelry below shone brighter than the stars above. Faded song and dance floated from the crowds, the atmosphere bright with mirth and excitement as performers performed and their audience cheered. No need for sleep, no need to wake to labor their lives away. For once, they had all the time in the world.
“What do you think I should do?” Stargazer asked, his gaze fixed on the celebration. It didn't seem to honor any particular holiday. A party just for fun.
Ego looked at him. His visor was off. “Are you asking for my opinion?”
“Well I'm not speaking to anyone else, am I?”
“I thought you called your advisors to answer that very question.”
“Yet here I am, asking for your advice. Are you willing to bestow upon me your words of wisdom, my dear knight?”
The knight’s pale lips formed the ghost of a smile as he turned back to the cheerful scene. It seemed as if each level were having their own festival, with their own customs and performances. As much as Ego wanted Star to reject the deal for the sake of his own safety – Caltrops had a point, Illumina’s actions were incredibly suspicious – he felt there was something that ran deeper than what Stargazer had told them. Whatever it was, Ego had no intention of prodding where he was not meant to look.
Without breaking his gaze from the ongoing festivities, Ego muttered, “You should take it.”
Stargazer shifted closer to him. “You believe so?”
Ego nodded. “If you didn’t want to take the deal, you wouldn’t have come to me.”
Stargazer froze for a moment. His lips parted slightly as he exhaled, defeated. Heavens, Ego knew him too well.
“Not a fool.” Ego said.
Star sighed. “Yes, yes. I shouldn't have tried fooling you. You're much too intelligent and knowledgeable. Whatever shall I do?”
That got a soft chuckle out of Ego, a once in a while noise that rarely graced Star’s ears. It didn't go unnoticed. “Was that a laugh?”
Ego immediately cleared his throat, trying to maintain his solemn expression while avoiding Star’s incredulous stare. “No. Not at all.”
Star exhaled in surprise. “You laughed, Egobworder. Unless you mean to imply my ears are failing and the fault lies with me? Are you truly implying that of your liege?” Star grinned playfully. “I'm hurt, my dear knight,” he said, putting his hand on his chest.
“I never said anything of the sort.” Egobworder replied. “What are these accusations for?”
Oh, he's got him riled up now. “I’m deeply hurt.” Star said, feigning offence. “I took you for better.”
His knight stepped towards him. Egobworder’s helmet glinted in the starlight. “I...could be better.” He smiled softly. “Better, for you.”
That was…not what he expected. “Whatever do you mean?” Suddenly, Star’s heart was in his throat, his leisurely cover slipping slightly.
Ego seemed to catch himself, his mind finally registering his own words. “Ah, I meant…I was better than trying to accuse you of anything, Stargazer. Your sense of hearing is impeccable.”
Stargazer hid his disappointment. He felt as if he just glimpsed an event rarer than Egobworder’s laugh – a crack in the invisible armor that his knight wore around his heart. Then again, perhaps he was reading too much into the situation. “So you did laugh,” was all he said in reply.
Egobworder said nothing. How could he have blurted such foolish words? A combination of the quiet atmosphere and Stargazer’s wit must have caused him to mistake one thing for another.
He gave his advice. That was all he should've done.
The shift in the air was not lost on Stargazer. Egobworder reclused himself once he was finished speaking, and Stargazer would be better off trying to pass a moon through the eye of a needle than getting him to talk again.
His last words were, “May the stars always watch over you. Goodnight, Egobworder.”
He uttered them softly; their nightly routine for as long as the both of them could remember.
Though Stargazer did not hear it, Ego muttered in reply, “And may the skies be forever in your favor…as I wish I was.”
–
The Follower thought about the stranger again.
Eyes shadowed by ovals of black, stars in their skin, gold and white lines running through a sea of cerulean. Young and old, both yet neither. A braid brushed their back, tied with a ribbon that matched a dusky sky.
If he could even remember what a sky looked like.
His mind hadn’t been quiet since their hands met despite the cold, hard glass, blue atop pale lilac.
In that moment, suddenly, he wished to break the barrier between them.
Suddenly, Illumina wasn’t there anymore.
Suddenly, he saw hope.
Then the stranger removed their hand, and they were gone.
The Follower longed for the stranger again. They seemed different. Illumina had told him it wouldn't be long now.
Heavy marble scraped across the floor. A silhouette stretched out across the walkway. Someone was here.
The shadow narrowed. The Follower couldn't help but peer into one of the windows of Illumina’s palace, curious at the intrusion.
Blue and gold caught his eye. He went still.
The silhouette spoke, voice a sharp command.
“Illumina. I'm here to accept your deal.”