Fallen Star

KILO'S POV

I follow Star Adelle to the east edge of the roof, leaving Rae to bid Ilios farewell. The woman turns to me with a grave expression. I await her words calmly as her angel stations herself a few paces behind the star. I look at the angel curiously. Adelle must have snuck out of Heaven and come to me secretly as stars are usually guarded heavily whenever they venture out of Heaven on official travels.

Adelle speaks to me in a low voice as she says, "Castyr needs your help."

"...Castyr..."

I look at her with wide eyes as my heart races.

"Castyr is in his neutron state. He is very fragile right now, but you need to get him out," Adelle says urgently.

"What is his neutron state?" As excited as I am to know my heart was right about Castyr being alive, I need to approach this calmly and know everything about what is happening to my star.

Adelle's answer freezes me. "Castyr has fallen."

"W-what do you mean?" My heart aches as I pray it is not true.

"Castyr is now a Fallen Star."

I let out a gasp as I try to grasp the situation. Castyr sacrificed himself to save everyone, causing him to fall. When a star arrives in a star shower, it is pure and filled with light. A fallen star is one that has been touched by darkness.

"Castyr falling actually saved his life," Adelle informs me.

"What do you mean?"

"If Castyr had not accepted the darkness and absorbed it into his body, he would have been consumed by it. Also, the moment a star falls, it enters its neutron state. The neutron state is where Castyr is currently. That is why you could not find him in Hades."

"Where is Castyr undergoing this state?"

"Ithyos."

"Castyr is in Heaven?"

Adelle nods. "He returned to his origin. That is why I came to you. You need to get him out. The Division of Defense has heard of Castyr's fall and wants to use him as a weapon for Heaven. When a fallen star has just awoken, they are extremely vulnerable to the first person they encounter. It is as if they are entering the world for the first time again. Castyr will be vulnerable to any form of persuasion or manipulation. His memories could even be bent and changed. The Division of Defense plans to use this to their advantage."

I clench my jaw as I hear this. A rage builds inside me. I have to go to Heaven tonight. I cannot let Castyr be used like that. I need to get him out. "What is his condition? Is he stable?" I inquire of the star.

"Castyr is incredibly unstable right now. He is adjusting to the darkness running through his body. If Castyr cannot adapt to the darkness, he will forever remain in his comatose state."

"Where in Ithyos is he undergoing his neutron state?"

"In the heart of the energy generator. It was designed to contain a massive amount of power, so it will hold a fallen star."

I take a moment to process the given information and recall where the generator is located.

"Will Castyr be stable enough to move from Ithyos?" I inquire.

"He should be, but you must be extremely careful. Try not to cause any shock to his body while you are transporting him. This could cause him to awake prematurely and interrupt him from adapting to the darkness," Adelle warns.

"I understand. Thank you," I bow my head in gratitude.

"Heaven has lowered its guard as Aklys has already reached out in truce, but Ithyos' defense may have increased since they are holding Castyr."

"I will bear that in mind."

"As you have most likely realized, there is a mole in Heaven. We have yet to meet Aklys and enter a treaty, so the mole is still hidden to us. The mole's motive remains unknown. Be careful. It may be someone known to you."

"I appreciate the warning."

"Take Castyr far away, somewhere that does not have a bridge to Heaven. Keep him away from Heaven's eye just until he wakes and gains control of the darkness inside him. As long as he is fully conscious and in complete control of himself, Heaven will have no sway over him."

I give one final bow in thanks to the star who nods slightly in return.

"You should leave as soon as you are able. I bid you a safe journey," Star Adelle farewells before she exits the roof followed by her guardian.

Rae walks over to me after bowing in farewell to the star. "Any good news?" He inquires.

"Castyr is in Ithyos. I need to get him out. Tonight."

"Need any help?" Rae offers.

I shake my head. "I don't want to get anyone else involved. I need to take Castyr far away. We will be gone for a while."

Rae gives a sigh and turns to look at the sky. "So this is goodbye?"

I nod. "Thank you...for everything," I say before standing in front of Rae and placing my arm across my chest. "I am eternally grateful."

"...Kilo..." Rae returns the gesture. "It's been an honor."

I return to my relaxed stance before Rae brings me in for a hug. "Stay safe out there."

"I will," I give a small smile as we separate. "What are your plans?" This may be a premature question, but it might be good to get Rae to think about what he will do in the future.

"Well... I plan to go on a long vacation..."

"Mm. That'll be good."

"...Yeah...And when I come back," Rae's eyes become hard as steel. "I am going to make sure Ilios did not die in vain."

"Sounds like a good plan... Good luck, Major," I say as I place my hand on his shoulder.

"Thanks. Good luck to you, too, Captain. Go get your star."

I give a small smirk as I walk towards the roof's exit. I lift my arm in the air and wave goodbye one last time before disappearing into the tower.

Not spotting either Denzyl or Devyn on my way through the residential area to my room, I decide to leave without disturbing anyone. I walk past Miren's empty room before continuing on my way. Miren had left for Borum for business the night before Aklys arrived to take Ilios. Devyn has probably relayed the news to Miren who is most likely already on a flight back to Daedoeshi. As much as I would love to say goodbye to everyone, I cannot afford to leave Castyr in Heaven any longer knowing that the mole remains at large and has unknown motives.

I make my way back through the residential floor and to the steps leading to the roof, stepping lightly so as to not disturb the resting couple.

"Kilo?" A voice calls as I reach the first step. I turn around to see Devyn walking up to me with Denzyl directly behind him. "Are you leaving?" Devyn asks politely as he reaches me.

I give the two a nod. "I need to get Castyr out of Ithyos."

Devyn's eyes widen. "Castyr's alive?!"

I nod in confirmation. "He has fallen and is in his neutron state. I need to get him out of Heaven so he can safely come out of his coma."

"Do you have a place in mind?" Denzyl inquires.

"Somewhere far away without a bridge to Heaven."

Devyn ponders for a moment before offering, "I have a place on a planet called Mythos. It is far from Earth and is relatively unknown to other planets. You should be safe there. Let me write down the details."

"Thank you, Devyn."

"Of course," Devyn responds as he hands me a piece of folded paper.

"I am-"

"Don't worry. I'll call on you someday," Devyn smiles, stealing the words right out of my mouth.

I give a small chuckle before bidding the two farewell.

"Safe travels," Denzyl says before I walk up the stairs.

As expected, the roof is already vacant. Rae has gone.

The sun is nearly set, and the stars are beginning to show. I spread my wings. It feels nice to stretch them. As soon as the sun fades below the horizon, I give a powerful flap and ascend into the sky.

I'm coming, Castyr.