When Stars Fall (NaNoWriMo22)

Chapter 29

I don't like this...
...Those clouds have not moved!

Will you relax, Electra! Maia, will you please take over for her. Her paranoia is interfering with the watch.

Must we always struggle with who is watching what? I've had my fill. We must take turns. I tire of watching humans day and night, even if it to protect Alcyone. I have my limits.

Ha! I knew our Maia would come back, didn't I brother?

Taygete, go practice your power or something. I'm trying to rest.

Don't listen to them, Electra. Tell me, how did you do you that trick with the book? I've been trying to find my gift with no success. I feel so useless.

Don't be like that, Pleione. I'm sure you'll find your gift soon. It is not as easy it looks to be able to communicate with those below. I simply...knew. I reached down for our sister in her time of need and told her a story. It was like...it is in my nature to tell stories. And I'm sure it is Maia's nature to forewarn. We'll all find our callings soon enough.

Hmm, what are your gifts, brothers? I'm sure I can guess Atlas'.

You can, but you'd be wrong.

Must you dash my fun, Maia?

It is just as Sister Electra said, I am merely here to forewarn.

I'm still not sure what my gift is, Electra. I'm not sure I have one. My purpose might just be to watch. In all honesty, I don't mind watching. I unlike others.

Was that a jab at me, Taygete? You forget yourself!

Taygete, Maia, please. Just separate if you must.

Separate? Pray tell, Atlas, where would we go? In one corner, is the Great Beyond. The other? Ah, yes. More of the Great Beyond.

Oh, curses! You have become unbearable to be around without Alcyone, Maia. No one wishes to fight with you! Just go rest, please.

We haven't what your powers might be, Atlas. What are they?

I am unsure, Pleione. As Electra said, we will all find our calling soon. Alcyone will find hers as well. It must take time. We cannot shake thousands of years of being dormant in a few days. We were not created in just two days. And we are certainly not going to fight about it because of it. We, Stars, have purpose. We are destined to shine and burn. To guide and assist. That is who we are now. We must remember that.

Yes, brother.

I understand, but...does really no one else realize that we have not been able to see our sister for hours? Something's not right! I know it. I feel it. Those clouds have not moved. The storm has not lessened. Please, hear me. There's something wrong.

What do you feel, Electra? What is it?

I-I'm not sure. My watch cannot seem to ignore the storm in the south. We have not been able to see Alcyone since the storm rolled in. Nor have we seen the Dark sisters since they met at Kingsroad. Prince Foustaz and Nirvana have all but ceased to exist. No one can tell me that this silence, this interruption, is unusual. Or rather, most unnatural.

A storm has affected our view before. What is different about this one?

'This one' has suddenly appeared as Alcyone nearly reaches her destination. 'This one' has suddenly obstructed our view just as all the paths of these morally grey characters have started to cross. Nothing is coincidence. I think someone is doing this.

Do you think it to be Alcyone? Might she had discovered her gift?

I cannot be sure, Pleione. I assume not. If she has discovered her gift, I should think that it would take longer to gain control of them. I know I had trouble holding on. And Maia drained all her energy and good moods in warning her and the boy. We do not know what she could go be going through if she does use it.

Be calm. I'm sure everything's okay, Electra. If the storm has not passed by nightfall, then we will interfere. We will all interfere.