Chapter Text
When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you.
— When you wish upon a star, Pinocchio
The sun streamed softly and innocently through the cracks in the window, caressing the sleep-crushed, flushed face of Pomni, the apple seller. She didn't remember going to bed, perhaps her father carried her to her room. She got out of the reed bed, fluffing her own white nightgown. She straightened the bedclothes and changed as quickly as if she performed this same ritual every day.
Soon as she left the room, the smell of grilled meat filled the place.
— Dad?
— Darling! You scared me — Kinger said, almost dropping the fork and knife from his hands.
— No — she complained playfully, prolonging the vowel — I was supposed to do the breakfast today!
— Oh, you wanted eggs too? I think we have some…
— No, thanks — she noticed his plate. There were no eggs, just scraps of dried meat and a handful of rice.
She sighed and began to make a decent breakfast. With proper eggs. Withou him noticing, she switched the plates and he ate as nothing changed. Poor dad, she thought, so sweet after all. It had been so long since his mind had been the same. After losing his wife… her mom. She barely remember her. Nor her voice nor her touch. She was just a lost memory deep down in her mind.
— Anyway. Dad, you remember what day is it? — she asked while washing dishes and the rest of the house before it was time to leave.
— Oh, the indepence day!
— What? — she laughed — The Charming Kingdom was never dependent.
— Oh, really? — he scratched his head.
— Today — she continued — Is the Granting wishes day, remember?
— Oh, I like wishes!
— Yes! And the king is grantig a wish today. And do you know who's birthday is today?
— Hm — he took his time for thinking — Yours?
— It's yours, silly — he laughed — So there's a chance King Caine grant your wish today, right? You were so close in the past…
— Oh, it would be nice. What was my wish?
Her face looked tired, but she couldn't let go of her tenderness. They never remember their wishes once it is given.
— Something nice, I suppose.
— Yeah, I like nice things… Oh, you're already leaving? — he asked when she grabbed her bag — Eat something first at least.
— I need to leave. Today is the interview, remember? I'll meet with Gangle before, she'll definitely have good food, don't worry.
— Oh, I love Gangle's cakes! And pies, and croissants, and… — and he stoped talking.
She took a deep breath and kissed his forehead, saying bye for the mornig.
Charming Kingdom was really… charming. All in it was made up to bring peace and beauty for it's people. She didn't live in the city, but in the forest around it. It was still a part of the kingdom and she liked it most than the noise and fuzz from the city. Everyone was kind and everything was safe. She couldn't think a best place to live.
Despite walking the entire way, the view was rewarding. The tall trees provided cool shade, the sound of the river ebbed and flowed, and the birds sang all around. All protected by the king and his child. A kingdom where everything was possible. At least, a wish per person.
Pomni was born there, but her parents came from afar in search of a better life. And they stayed because of their love for the place. There was no better place for Pomni to live, she was a child of Charming Kingdom. And she loved everything about the wishes and their magic. Being able to turn people's dreams true, the beauty of the magic itself… This job needed to be hers, and she would fight for it against all the city if it was necessary. She loved her apples, but being the king assistant… learning all his teachings. It was important.
She wasn't late. Getting near the castle, she could see some people already arriving, chatting and studying. There was so many people… and only one chance to get the job. Okay, she needed to stop thinking. Instead of joining them, she went straight to the kitchen, deviating from the main path, going to the right of the castle and passing through a large wooden door.
— Oh, there she is! — she just arrived when heard Gangle's crackle and gentle voice — I just made cookies — she sang.
— Uh, can I get one?
— Of course not, silly, not yet. These are for the monarch and the king. Yours will be done sometime, be patient. How are Kinger?
— You know him. He didn't even know it was his birthday.
— Well, when I arrive with a cake and cookies, he'll remember.
— Awn, Gangle, you're the best.
— I'm not, really — her smile wilted. Getting sad was pretty easy for Gangle, Pomni noticed over the years — But soon you'll be the third most important person.
— You think so? Oh, I want this job so much.
— Yeah, yeah, I know — she laughed, still a little sad — And for this, you get that — she pointed to a basket in the corner.
— You little brat, said no to my cookies just to give me another treat?
Blueberry jam was Pomni's favorite. The basket was full of bread and a single jam jar. They spent a little time just feasting, ending that jar as they chat. Pomni used to love visiting the kitchen, it was always opened for her, smelling like bread, spice and sugar. Gangle's ribbons formed a bow behind the mask and her simple and red dress was clean as new. She was so sure Pomni could be hired for the king's assistant job. And Pomni smiled when noticed it. She had a good friend.
— Pomni? — another voice crossed the kitchen. She felt cold when saw the monarch Zooble at the door, standing still, wearing their suit, but with a skirt wrapped around the waist — The king awaits for you.
— Gods, am I late? — she stood up immediately, getting a little dizzy from it.
— No, no — her voice was low and kind. Another kind of kindness, different from Gangle's. They were… calmer — You are the last candidate, all the others were dismissed already.
— What? It was that bad?
The monarch was different from the king. She was more approachable, easy to talk to. Caine was great, though, of course, he was the reason the kingdom existed as it was.
— Oh, no. They're all lame. You at least think before talking — Pomni didn't feel too encouraged — Don't worry, just come with me and don't be an idiot in front of the king, he's already tired.
She followed the monarch up the stairs. All the castle seemed to be built from marble and crystal in shades of red, white and black. It was not the first time she saw it from inside, of course, being friends with the royal cook has some advantages.
— How did you know how to find me, your highness?
— I've had my eye on you for quite some time. Not only your mother was a great magician, but you seems to understand how important this kingdom is. You love it so much.
Her mother. The more she thought about her, the less she could remember her.
— But I just sell apples.
— Yeah, and always someone needs a help, even if you need to leave your tend, you do help. People talks about you. And I hear it. You're kind and fair. That's something really hard to find these days
She laughed gently in response before they continue:
— That's something these guys don't have — then they looked down, to the man made of blue balls leaving the castle downcast.
They finally arrived at the door. After a last "Good luck", Pomni was left alone.
The royal chamber was as great as the rest of the insides of the castle, but cozier. Crystal mobiles reflected the light from outside, projecting delicate multicolored tones everywhere. She could smell the fragrance of tea and cinnamon in the air. No one besides her was in the room. At least, she felt like it.
— King Caine?
Getting more into the chamber, a red and white marble table caught her eyes more than the bookshelves plenty of books and a bed full of bee plushies. On top of it, some books and papers were scattered. She ran her hands over the marble, noting the absence of dust, her hands wandering among the papers as if they were familiar. Right when she was about to pick up what appeared to be drawings of various insects, she was startled to hear a voice.
— Admiring the room?
His voice chocked her ears. Caine was floating, as if magic were just as simple as breathing for him. Worried, Pomni tried in vain to organize the papers on the table.
— Oh, come on, no need to be that tense, little superstar.
— I'm sorry, I was just… I didn't mean… I mean, the room is so beautiful. So are the drawings and…
— Pomni, right?
— Yes — she stopped touching the table — Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm here for the interview.
— I already know this — his voice was loud, but not mean — Then, please, go on, tell me why should you get this job.
She take a breath and calmed down. Unlike the others, she thinks before she speaks. She trained and rehearsed so many times. But yet her tummy was turning inside her body and her hands were sweaty. She had only this chance.
— I… I — damn it! A lost cause already.
— Don't be shy, I'm all ears. Actually, I have no ears — and he laughed at his own joke — I'm all mouth. But don't worry, I don't scream.
— Fine… Your majesty, I love Charming Kingdom and I'd do everything in my power to ensure that it is safe here.
— That's all?
— No! I mean… — she sighed — This place is somewhere dreams can become true. You did it for us, it's for the people. Our people. I just — she looked him deep into his eyes, with a glint kind of familiar to him — I just want to do something more for us, protecting the beauty of your magic, making sure the wishes are safe.
She spoke as if her heart demanded it, feeling a certain weariness when she finished, emerging from a trance.
— Sorry, did I speak too much?
— This kingdom, Pomni, is all I could do for you to be safe and entertained. The wishes are what we all have in common, what connect all of us. Do you know how difficult it is to bear the burden of granting them, one by one, and still protecting them from any threat from outside our domains? Would you be ready to be this person for them? — he asked it as if he were orchestrating a cliffhanger moment, challenging her.
— I know I am. Teach me and I'll do anything I can.
— And what if everything you can isn't enough? — his face went dark, scaring her, until he laughed and waved his hand — I'm kidding, child. I know you, Pomni. I used to work with your father until… the accident. But, between us, he was always a little out of mind. But do you know why I kept him for so long?
She didn't answer, just waved her head in negative.
— Before he was smart, he was brave. He was passionate about the wishes as much as me and always standing for his principles. You remind me of him.
Her eyes were wet, but not enough to tearing, he noticed.
— Thanks.
— Come here — he called.
She hadn't noticed a door on the other side of the room. It was large and tall, almost a wall with a thin gap between the its leaves.
— I'll show you them.
Pomni's face contorted in confusion and astonishment, but quickly reversed to relief and hope.
Caine snapped his fingers before the door started to open. She thought it would be louder, since the door had four times her size, but it was completely silent. The initial astonishment at the door moving on its own was also quickly overshadowed by the sight of what lay behind it.
She always wondered how the wishes were stored. There were so many of them, a bunch of little yellowish crystal fragments. Pointed, irregularly shaped as small solidified stars. And there they were, in front of her nose, all the floating no granted wishes. If before the rainbows were coloring the room, at that moment, the golden light of each one completely flooded her eyes.
— They are… — her voice was almost inaudible.
— Beautiful, right? — his voice always have sounded so festive.
— So fragile — she finished — Can I touch one?
She didn't even waited for the answer. In the second she touched a crystal, specters of light poured from it and formed what seemed a mirage. The colors were fragile, it was almost a distant memory, almost a thought in front of her. A kind of familiar purplish gummy bear was sitting comfortably in a small armchair, in front of a wooden table. Books were scattered everywhere, and an open notebook was right in front of him. A pen in his hand was making scribbles in it, drafts of a poem. She didn't need to think too hard, Pomni knew what that wish was about. She just felt it. The gummy bear wanted to be a writer.
But as soon as the wish appeared, it vanished in the air, dissolving into diverse colors and remnants of light.
— Was that… Caju's wish? The little bear that's always with another gummy bear holding hands? They actually freak me out.
— If you say so. I didn't see, only the one who touches it can see it.
She has never thought about him that way. Writing, holding a pencil or anything but his friend Pequi hand.
She was euphoric. It was more and more hard to take breath. And, then, she touched another one. Of course, she should see it coming. That time it was Pequi's wish, a blueish gummy bear. A really rich gummy bear, surrounded by a lush garden, adorned with a huge fountain and statues of birds. In less than a second she knew this wish was about being a nepotistic heiress. And, in a blink, it vanished in the air.
— Can you stop touching it that way? Gods, be a nice human and stay still for just a sec — she promptly ignored him, without even listening to him.
— It's amazing!
— Yes, but…
— And I can't believe so many wishes fit all in this little room.
— Little room? — he got offended — My wish's room is enormous, ok?
— And how do you know all of them are still here? — Pomni walked through the wishes as if they were desserts behind a display case — Do you count them everyday?
— Girl! — he snapped his fingers again and she was immediately pulled by unseen forces towards Caine — Listen, you need to calm down. Look at this one.
As soon as she touched it, she heard a baby laugh and felt warm. She saw a dog holding a puppy, then another, and then one more. This one wanted to be a mother. To have a family. Pomni felt so warm.
— It can be intense sometimes. And beautiful. All this wishes expose what is most genuine in you. Every citizen of Charming City has entrusted me with what is most intimate and sacred within themselves. Do you understand how serious this is? You can't jus walk among them and deliberately touch them!
— I… I understand.
— Fine. Now, where was I? — he turned his back to her, starting a monologue about people's dreams and, somehow, about looking to heaven and bees. Pomni didn't actually pay attention since she was looking for a certain wish.
She touched a lot of it and saw so many people in just a few seconds. Until finally she found the one she wanted. It was a small crystal fragment, but it emanated a warm, comforting golden light. She felt immediately safe, and then she touched it. Suddenly, she saw her father playing a kind of lute. He was playing something simple, but surrounded by people. Among them, her mother, smiling and clapping in sync. He was singing something, but his voice was so distant, so muffled. Gradually, she found herself back in the room. It was so innocent. He just wanted to make people feel love through the music, as her mom made him feel.
— Kid — she barely heard — Kid, are you listening?
— What? — she was still holding Kinger's wish — Yeah, yeah. This is all beautiful and special.
— What's in your hands?
— Oh, this one is my father's. Don't you think it's cute? I was wondering… Today is his birthday. And it's also a granting wish day. Could this be tonight's wish?
Her eyes were too lost on the wish to notice the change in Caine's posture. His eyes were filled with doubt.
— Well, see… Most of people waits… I don't know, a month or two until asking me favors.
— Oh — she felt her cheeks warm so fast and so hard — Oh, no, I didn't mean, I…
— No, no, don't be like that, let me see his wish.
He barely touched it, it was still in her hands when he said:
— Yeah, no, can not do.
— What? Why?
— His wish involves to guide people, to lead in some way through what he calls art. It's very dangerous. Imagine, so many people entertained... all at once. That would be a disaster.
— How can it be disaster?
— Pomni, it's a no.
— But his dream is so beautiful, so kind, he only want people to be happy! — she was almost screaming, what distanced her even further when he replied in a low voice:
— Are you saying I don't want people to be happy? — he seemed sad most than anything.
— No, I would never…
— Pomni, all I do is for you. Is for keeping you and this kingdom safe and even then… why can't you trust me? — she wasn't sure if he was sad or disappointed.
— I just… can't see how singing is dangerous.
— And that's why you don't fit in this job — his eyes calmed down as soon as hers got foggy and he seemed content again — But, hey, don't be sad! You're invited as my guest of honor for tonight's ceremony! Don't be late, it'll be a chair there for you.
He led her out of the room, snatching the crystal from her hand and throwing it to the others. With a last finger snap, the doors slammed shut in a deafening silence, and he left the royal chamber before she could even utter a single word.
☆★☆
Silk and tulle ribbons adorned the central square, as did lit candles on all the light poles, illuminating the entire area. The sound of the stream and the fountain was drowned out by the voices and footsteps of so many people gathered together.
The stage, slightly elevated, highlighted the central figures of the event. A completely unused throne stood in the center, directly below the king, who seemed to float as if seats were unnecessary. His eyes shone with the audience, so full and so passionate. His child, the noble Zooble, sitting right next to where his place should be. Then, on the other side, an empty chair, simpler, yet still elegant.
Zooble stared at the chair, anxious to know who Caine's new assistant would be, hoping it would be Pomni. They didn't know, however, that backstage, Pomni was wringing her hands in pure anxiety and disappointment. When she finally went up on stage, she tried to smille, but her eyes couldn't lie to anyone. And Zooble lost their smile as soon as they saw her face. She seemed even smaller that night.
Their eyes didn't meet, Pomni was focused on the audience, searching for her father. She reconized Gangle's neatly arranged ribbons before, althoug. The way Gangle reflected the disappointment with her own expression was almost comforting. She didn't need to say a word, Gangle's apprehension turned against Caine's exuberant joy imediatly.
That night was hot. The amount of people and the expectancy made it even hotter. The sky was clean, any clouds showed up. Only the moon, large and blue, witnessed that ritual, surrounded by its little stars. And as soon the king started to talk, the people stopped the murmur.
Pomni didn't listen to a word of the opening discourse. Her focus was solely on finding her father, and soon she spotted him, bumping into people, making his way to Gangle. Her father's smile softened her heart, making it ache even more. That gentle man, weathered by time, would not have his wish granted. From the croud, he couldn't notice the sadness in her eyes.
— And we know why we all are here tonight! — Caine said, drawing Pomni's attention.
The claps and voices were so loud. She have never noticed it until then. Why were they so loud when some of that people would never have their wish granted? How cruel it was. She also didn't know until a couple of hours ago.
— This moment is just as precious to me as it is to you, my little doves. The night of the week when a wish is granted.
All eyes in the audience were wide open, except for Gangle's. She knew something was wrong. Maybe Pomni knew whose wish they had that night. And it wasn't any of them three. But Kinger didn't know, his hands were so tightly pressed together that he stopped feeling them, and his breath was suspended by the anxiety of waiting.
— Congratulations, Atuh Malaca, your wish must be a command! Come here, come on!
A person sized sky-colored muppet rose from the audience and joined Caine in seconds. Zooble clapped elegantly and the croud screamed in hapiness.
The moment a star-shaped fragment appeared in Cain's hands, it was as if all of Pomni's nearly nonexistent hopes crumbled right before her eyes. An almost personal promise from Caine to her: Kinger's wish is not an option. He didn't even need to look at her, she just knew it.
Atuh touched their wish. They smiled and their eyes held back tears, as if they were the only person in Earth, discovering the most beautiful side of life. Then they hugged the little floating star and it merged within them, as if they had never been separated, with their chest gleaming golden. Out of the air, a pair of scissors, needles, sewing thread, and some fabrics appeared before them, slowly sliding down into their hands
— A tailor! What a beautiful wish, may you also create beautiful gloves and trousers.
The muppet hugged their stuff and some people stood up to congratulate them. A great party would rage all night in their honor, with food and drink provided by the crown. It used to be the best part for Pomni, eating and drinking all night for free. How many times she and Gangle didn't went back to Pomni's home completely exhausted and nauseous of eating and dancing. That night, all was the same, everything was beautiful, shiny and full of hope. But not for her.
— What happened? — Zooble's voice almost sacared her — Didn't you get the job?
— I should thank you, Zooble, for the cheers — her voice was low and cracked — Right now I wish someone can be as good as this kingdom deserves to keep its wishes safe.
— Oh, I'm so sorry.
— Don't be. Good night, your highness.
Slowly, Pomni searched for Gangle and Kinger, limiting herself to silently guiding them out of the party. The way felt longer then habitual, like if new trees showed up just to watch them trying to forget the problems, swallowing the disappointment of a birthday wish from such a weary soul.
Their home was just like it was when she left in the morning. Warm and smelling of dried meat.
— Gangle, I didn't have time to organize a party, can you help me?
— It's more fun together — Kinger offered.
They had a nice time setting the table, arranging the candy and biscuits that Gangle occasionally prepared for his birthday. Oh, and the cake! A little strawberry cake topped with apple syrup. A peculiar combination, but one that has always been his favorite for so many years. Pomni had the candles, which she arranged on the cake and lit.
It was nothing like the great party with the great food at the city's central square. Darker and sadder, yet tender, they sang happy birthday.
— Children, please, don't be sad. I don't want any sour faces on this beautiful night, in front of an even more beautiful cake.
Gangle laughed.
— You're right, sir, a birthday is a birthday after all, and we have so many chances in the future, right?
Pomni swalloed air, trying to keep herself together and calm. It was her father's birthday, he didn't need to know right now. But he deserved to know the truth. And Gangle… what would Gangle do if she tells all she knew.
The cake was wonderful, enough to overcome the previous smell. The sweetness and flavor might be enough to make Pomni forget the problem. Perhaps she could tell them the next day, it would be better for everyone.
— I said no sour faces — his voice made she relax her own expression. She even noticed how tense she was — Darling, what happened to you?
— I… didn't get the job.
— I saw somthing wasn't right. But, then, why were you on the stage?
— I need to tell you something — she couldn't help herself — Some wishes… I fear some people will never have their wishes granted.
— Why would you say that?
— 'Cause it's true. Dad, I saw your wish.
— Pomni! — Gangle gasped.
— I saw it and I can tell you if you want me to — she held his hands so softly it almost hurted when he took them back.
— Don't say anything.
— Don't you wanna know? It was so beautiful, so innocent. I still can't believe Caine sees your wish as dangerous.
— Kid, stop.
— Dad, it's so unfair…
— Pomni! — he shouted — Can't you let my tired heart to rest a little? My darling, if the king said it's dangerous, that's what it is. I don't want to get disappointed even more, to create false hopes for something that none of us could ever achieve.
Pomni looked at his father, her gaze wandering from head to toe, feeling the pain of knowing it was true. He no longer had the ability to learn to play a lute, nor the mind to memorize even a single piece of music. Perhaps the next day he wouldn't even remember that conversation.
— I'm sorry — her eyes were wet — I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to ruin your party. You two can have the cake, I need some air.
— Pomni — Gangle tried to call, but didn't follow her.
Outside, the cold air struck her skin, already accustomed to the warmth. She wanted to go back and get a coat, but she couldn't. She accepted the risk of catching a cold and continued walking down the slope.
Pomni walked at such a speed that she threatened to fall, but her feet struck the ground so firmly that she was her own anchor. Gradually, anger gave way to sadness, and she had to wipe her eyes before she cried. It was all so unfair. That wish could save her father, and yet they refused to grant it.
She needed to scream, curse, and damn everyone as much as she wanted. And she didn't stop herself from doing so along the way until she reached the bottom of a large tree with a twisted trunk. Without any guilt, the first tear rolled down her cheek. She ran one hand tenderly over the wood, feeling its curves and knots. She remembered that tree as if they were intimate, and maybe they were, for it had witnessed the rare memories Pomni had of when her father took her there to tell her stories.
She was no longer experienced or young enough, but, with her bare hands, she gripped the tree trunk tightly and tried to climb. On her first attempt, she only avoided getting completely scratched because her shoes were leather and her trousers were sturdy. She tried again and again before finally managing to climb up. Her heart pounded in her chest, rising and falling at an absurd speed. With her arm, she wiped the swet from her forehead and braced herself to avoid falling. It had been a long time since she had felt so alive and irresponsible.
The forest below the cliff was frighteningly vast, she could see it only from so high above it. The sea of trees, painting the landscape green as far as the eyes could see. But that wasn't the most impressive thing. Above the mountains in the distance, the sky retained the blue that colored that night. The stars were like infinite jewels. Earrings that the moon chose to discard, giving living beings the opportunity to admire them.
Fireflies vied in vain for Pomni's attention all around. The silver sequins seemed to hold her eyes fixed in one single place. And when a golden thread streaked across the sky, Pomni was the first to smile. Oh, the stories made so many promises. Close your eyes and ask. Make a wish. The stars with tails grant those who believe. Perhaps Pomni didn't believe so much, but she closed her eyes, joined her hands, intertwining her fingers, and made a wish.
☆★☆
— Are you really going to ignore centuries of history and traditions out of sheer stubbornness?
— Doll face, can you please leave me alone for, like, five minutes?
Stars weren't always kind. Jax was the non-living proof of that. The purple rabbit had the terrible habit of ignoring all the other stars around him, even when constantly threatened by them. And it wasn't the first or second time that Ragatha had tried to convince the council to give him another chance. At least, she certainly had some influence.
— And why do you even care?
— Well, first, because stars have obligations, second…
— Yeah, I heard enough — He slapped the tiara on her head, leaving it crooked among her red, fabric hair, and turned to walk away.
— No, you didn't! — she grabbed his arm just to stop him from going any further, but the look he gave her in return frightened her enough to let him go — Listen, they'll take away your powers.
He stopped. The chapel they were in was almost completely open, a small temple in honor of the moon. It wasn't either of their favorite places, but it was always where they meet. It was silent that night, and their words echoed between the columns. Jax turned to look at her, so confused he couldn't even ask, but then he blinked twice before laughing, as if she were just being silly.
— I managed to strike a deal with them.
— Are you serious? Gods, you elders ares so mean.
— Jax, I'm serious when I say stars have obligations. It's for ours and human's safety and joy. You didn't grant a wish in years. How long has it been? How long will this go?
— You speak as if I didn't try. You know what happened.
— Yes, and it was unfair — she sighed.
She sat on the windowsill, slapping her palm on the side to signal Jax would follow suit. Despite rolling his eyes, he did it. A few seconds of silence hurted their eardrums before Ragatha continues:
— Do you remember when it was you and me, as a team, laughing and flying around little and forgoten planets… It feels like an eternity — her hand tried to touch his furr, but he held it, guiding, until it was far enough from him.
— You got busy — his voice was low, but the place didn't allow for discretion.
— And you got distant.
He turned his face away.
— We could do this together. Past through it so you don't feel alone anymore.
— You are the North Star now, remember? You shouldn't even be here — he stood up.
— I've always been here. But if you keep pushing me away like this, I… — their eyes crossed, both full of unfinished words, just a desire that would not be fulfilled — I can't do this anymore. The deal is simple: you grant a wish and then you can do wahtever you want for the next hundred years. If you do this, fine. But if you don't… well, I tried. The stars are always watching, Jax.
She held the hem of the white dress, made of cotton so fine it was almost transparent, almost as ethereal as she was. It was all she had to say, her eyes held more pleas than her mouth could utter.
— Ragatha, I… — she didn't turn, just stopped and awaited. But when realized he would never finish the sentence, she left with an impulse, disappearing into the sky once more.
Jax wasn't stupid. The little doll's tone of voice wasn't fake. That irritating, excessive affection was too familiar, and he knew it was all true. It was no longer one of those bluffs from the old stars in the white chairs, the biggest spoilsports the universe has ever seen. At least, the deal was, in fact, simple. And he didn't know how Ragatha managed to get such a low price for such a good reward.
Just like her, he too left the chapel with an impulse, seeking a soft landing on an asteroid. It had been so long since he'd done that... he rubbed one hand against the other until gold shavings sprouted from between them. After a few warm-up jumps, he rubbed the powder from his hands over his head. It tickled his nose, but he didn't sneeze.
Soon he was floating, light as a feather. Despite his years away from service, flying was nothing new to him. He jumped from asteroid to asteroid, from planet to planet, destroying a few rocks here, a few rings there. Falling wasn't so different from flying. Speeding up was easy, like skateboarding. You start slow and soon you're being chased by your own light.
It was when he heard a mortal voice, the first one he heard in several years. It was almost a soft cry inside his head, and it came so fast he could hardly believe it. It was his chance, it was perfect. And in his eagerness to grant the first wish, he didn't even listen to it:
— I don't know if you can hear me or if you even there, but I make this wish. To have something more for us than this.
☆★☆
Pomni's words were a prayer, a hope from someone whose request maybe could only be found among the stars. But then, the golden tail has gone. Nothing happened. Pomni, you silly, of course nothing would happen. She just wanted to take it off her chest, making a wish knowing no wishes of her would ever be granted. She was cursed by her audacity and Caine's confused mind. It was cruel, but was what it was.
The tree seemed taller from up the branches. She counted to three and jumped, letting out a scream for fear of breaking a leg. It was in vain, of course, she was fine, just a little dirty and messy. Three pats on the clothes should be enough to disguise the fall, she thought. And she was ready to leave. Gangle and Kinger would be concerned at that point and she missed the flavor of strawberry cake in her mouth.
She didn't know how many steps she took until the whole world was golden. She accidentally fell, her hands on the ground, unable to open her eyes because of the glare, that seemed to come from behind. Glimpses of the black sky were quickly replaced by light. Gradually, the lightning faded, and her eyes adjusted to the blue darkness once more, enough to open them. She saw… nothing. Not even a move. The forest was still, no wind strolling among the leaves, no hooting owls, no more fireflies. Just she and herself.
Until she hears a noise.
— Who's there? — she stood up, searching for something that could explain the golden explosion.
And heard it again.
It seemed to come from behind her back, regardless of which direction she was facing. The third time she heard it, she took off her shoe and threw it in what she thought was the right direction. And maybe she was right, for a grunt sounded from within the bushes.
— It's not funny, show up right now.
A groan of pain sounded from the same direction, without bothering to answer her.
— I-I have no money, so steal me is useless! — she said as she approached. And the closer she got, the more she noticed a faint light outlining the plants.
She was prepared to face almost anything, but when what she saw was a huge purple rabbit stretched out on the ground, complaining of pain, she was speechless for a good few seconds. The right thing to do was probably to offer help, but, startled, Pomni screamed.
— Wow, wow, what now? — he rubbed his head.
— Oh, gods, you're alive? You're glowing! Why you're glowing, did you do that flash before?
He didn't answer. His legs felt like noodles and his body, like an anvil, heavy on a way he almost forget he could feel.
— Stupid gravity — he finally stood up, patting his own clothes, black trouser, tunic and cape, embroidered with gold thread, displaying a multi-pointed design right in the center, like a star brooch holding the cape — Hello, now, fellow short mortal, I'm Jax, the star, at your service — he bowed to her, almost hitting her as he inclined his body, dying to get it over with quickly.
— Oh, I see it — she seemed annoyed, what made him confused — You heard me before and now you making fun of me. How dare you, do you think just 'cause you're tall you can bully me?
— What? — and he got annoyed as well — Girl, you're drunk? For your information, if I wanted to make fun of you, you'd be crying right now.
— How gentle — she rolled her eyes — Well, good night, sir, I was just passing through.
— Ow, ow, wait — he stood facing her, trying to prevent her from leaving every time she changed direction — Gods, stay still a little!
Losing his patience, Jax grabbed her hands and leaped upwards, floating in the air just enough to lift her off the ground by half a meter. Gravity was really heavy, but he was already getting used to it. He was just trying to make she stop walking, but then she started to scream and kicking her legs in the air. He'd kill that mortal if he could. He put her back on the ground, squeezing her arms tightly, trying to calm her down, saying some "shh, shh" as he released her arms slowly.
— Did you… did you just fly?
— I can do more then just flying — he smirked, ready to launch fireworks from his hands, but the most that came out of them were strands of golden dust — What? What happened to my powers?
— It was beautiful — he looked into her eyes, two glass globes, a mix of red and blue, with enormous, awestruck pupils — Can you do this again?
Seeing her smile made him sick. She wasn't supposed to find that mediocrity something cool. He tried again and again she was amazed by the golden dust, even trying it in her mouth. He snapped her neck without strength, complaining about her stupidity. He tried to fly one more time, successfully. Then tried to make a rock flys, succesfully again. Where he went, she followed, trying to understand what was happening or what he was.
— Are you a real star?
He looked at her, at first concerned, but then, smilling as if everything were under his control. The stupid council left only power enough to grant a wish. Fine, it'd be fast. Soon he does it, soon he goes away and don't look back in another hundred years. Jax took a deep breath, blinked once and asked:
— What was your wish again? I wasn't paying attention.
Her face was illegible. As if part of her were incredulous and the other part was about to cry.
— You really came for my wish?
He raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms as if asking if he seemed to be joking.
— And can you grant my wish?
— Yes, if you say it!
— And… can you grant my dad's and Gangle's…
— Wow, wow, stop. It doesn't work like this. You made me a wish, I'll grant only your wish and nobody else's. Can you say it so I can leave already?
— You… you don't actually want to make me happy, do you? You want to do your job and leave.
— So smart, you mortals grow so fast — he patted her head — Now do your part and I'll do mine.
Pomni rolled her eyes. She didn't remember exactally what she said, but she could try.
— I… think I wished something more for us than this.
He blinked twice.
— What is it supposed to mean?
— I don't know, I was angry and sad and then I asked to have… something more we could do about our wishes.
— You… you don't have a real wish, then? — He looked at her. Inside her was a little golden light. She still had a wish — No, you just don't know your wish. Fine, great!
— No, listen… — she explained her day from the begining. He hated to hear every single word of that, and more he discovered more he hated mortals.
— You all give up your wishes to a total freak and now I have to solve your problems. Inifinite work, great.
— We didn't give up nothing, we trusted him.
— Ragatha! — he screamed to the skies — Ragatha, you'd better get me out of here right now. That wasn't part of the deal, let me chose another mortal!
Following his eyes, she tried to undersrand with who was he talking to.
— I think you hitted your head when you fell from the sky.
— And I think you fell out of your crib when you were born.
She gasped and this was the first time he laughed that night. He was insane. He rubbed his hands over his face and grunted in dissatisfaction. Pomni sighed and grunted to, for she had an idea she didn't like at all.
— Okay, I'll guide you to my home and we figure this out together, what you think?
Suddenly, his mouth twisted into a fake and feigned smile.
— Great news, Pompi!
— Not what I'm called.
— I'll stay with you until you find your wish.
— That's exactally what I said.
— No, it isn't, I said it better.
The way back home was shorter than she remembered. Maybe being angry and screaming the hell out made time take slow. She invited him to sleep in her room, but he refused, just saying he'd be around.
— This time, try to be discreet — she smiled.
Jax could hear some voices inside her shack, from an old man and a woman. They seemed to be concerned about his mortal and the shimmer from before. He didn't listen any more of it, flying over the roof, landing on it and leaning against the still slightly warm chimney, allowing himself to feel it in his furr. Breathing was nice, but also felt like burning inside the lungs. He inhaled slowly, then exhaled with the same intensity. And the night were allways so blue? All the shadows and lights the moon created were just in place, all perfect, and, even then, that planet would allways feel like an error. A perfect blue for a perfect mistake.
Boredom and emptiness consumed him until his eyelids grew heavy. Watching the stars from below made him feel weak, in part because of his powers were drained. The only thing he could think of before he slept was finding that girl's wish no matter the cost.