A Wish for You

Chapter twelve: getting the Wishes, part 2

Astra sneaks around down the stairs, enjoying how incredible how big the castle is, he wonders how long it would take to explore the entire place.

He slips along the hallway looking into rooms and taking in the myriad unfamiliar sights. Astra has always known the Earth was the home of the humans and stars like him would come from the sky and interact with them.

And now, he can't believe he’s finally seeing it with his own eyes.

The sound of approaching footsteps startled him, he realizes he doesn't know if he's meant to be wandering about, he backs into the nearest doorway, then he peeks to make sure that no one saw him.

When he sees no one, he sighs in relief and turns around, he’s in a three-story room filled to the brim with objects of different sizes, shapes and colors.

“Wow!” Astra said as he dimly lit the space filled with all manner of treasures from around the world–seashells, swords, musical instruments and unused objects made of jade, silver and gold. The walls are lined with maps and shelves stacked with books.

Overcome with curiosity, Astra gazes in wonder, he goes around the room, aching to examine everything, not even knowing where to begin. He sees a book that stops him in his tracks, it's a White storybook called Snow White and the seven Dwarfs sitting on a nearby shelf, he turns the pages in his hands admiring it.

At that moment, a frustrated Asha walked into the room.

“Astra.” Asha said.

“Oh! Hey Asha.” Astra said.

“Don't you hey me! You can't be running off like that.” Asha said, looking at the star boy seriously, "If we're really gonna do this together, we gotta establish some ground rules."

"Sure! We stars are all about rules!" The starboy says, floating while kicking his feet.

"So rule number 1: You can't run off without me, you gotta stay close to me at all times.” Asha explained.

"Done!" Astra said.

"Rule number 2: You gotta act as HUMAN as you can, that means do what I do, and use NO magic at all.” Asha added.

“Why? Oh that's because I gave all the animals the ability to talk and make everything come alive.” Astra said.

"And rule number 3: ..." She stops to think for a moment "Umm... I feel like there should be a third rule but I don't know what.”

"I know! Rule number 3:... LETS HAVE FUN!" Astra exclaims with a beaming smile as he holds her hand and walks with her through the room. "You don't need to worry about anything! I'll stay with you at all times. All you gotta do is focus on inspiring everyone!”

Asha looks at the book in her hand. She's honestly not sure if she'll be able to make any difference... But if she can make at least a few people consider getting their wishes back so they can grant it by themselves... Then it'll be worth it, because then they can start something.

She feels her hope returning, as a confident smile grows on her lips and a fire burns in her eyes.

Just then, the door to the room swinging open, light streams in from the hall, Asha and Astra both look back in shock, seeing a silhouette in the doorway.

“Who's in here?” Someone calls.

“Adora.” Asha said as she recognizes her voice anywhere. “Hide!” She and Astra move back into the shadows.

She strides past their hiding spot to the window and opens the drapes, She looks around as Asha and Astra stay hidden in the shadows, watching her every move. But light from the sun floods through the window, casting the room in a golden-orange glow, Adora draws in a breath when Asha and Astra steps out of the shadows.