I don't need no light to see you SHINE

13

TWs: Verbal abuse/name-calling, higher authority/being, impending doom, past pain/injuries. Stay safe :)

"Helios Ra Apollo the Inti..." A voice rumbled throughout the abyss, "Or do you prefer to go by Sun now?"

Sun anxiously smiled, bowing before the superior, "Wh-Whatever you prefer, almighty one."

"How about... nuisance?"

Sun flinched, standing straight to face the black hole.

"Do you honestly think I wouldn't find out?" It seethed, scowling at the metaphorical ant, "How idiotic do you think I am?"

"I-I don't-"

"I wasn't finished." It snapped, "I gave you an order, and what did you do?"

"...Not do it."

"Exactly!" Its voice reverberated, "Even the Kepler and Gliese systems are more capable than you, you pathetic excuse for a Star!"

Sun held his tongue, his eyes blazing red as he took the hits.

"Now," It glowered, "I want to see that blue planet... gone. Destroy him if you have to, I don't care, just do it. Otherwise, I'll have to get someone more capable of getting their orbit dirty... do you understand, nuisance?"

Sun nodded, "Yes, almighty one."

"Good." It seemed satisfied for now, "You're dismissed... and Sol?"

Sun peered up at the black hole.

"Do. Not. Fail. Me..."

« NOW »

"BH... Sagittarius A*...?" Sun repeated, voice wavering as his eyes widened, "A-Are you sure?"

"Oh, we're sure alright." Regulus nodded, "And it's taking all its anger out on you and your little solar system of miracles."

"What Regulus means to say," Proxima stepped forward, "Is that whatever is going on... you may be the cause of it."

The words entered Sun's head, echoing back at him like a broken record. He shook his head, not believing it, "N-No, I'm sure there's another reasonable explanation, haheh- right? Th-There has to be... right?"

"We're sorry, Sol." Spica spoke, shuffling through her pockets, "Toliman found this just beyond the Kuiper belt."

She pulled out a black eight-pointed object.

The Sun gaped, "An Asterium..."

"Judging by the different coloration on some parts, I'd say it's been floating near the Kuiper belt for a long time..." Spica uttered.

"Did you have any idea about this?" Sirius asked.

"No- I have no idea how it ended up there!" Sun shook his head.

"Is there someone who could've dropped it there?" Proxima tilted their head, "I know some celestial bodies hang around the outskirts..."

Sun thought about it, raising a hand to his chin, muttering to himself, "I don't think... actually... wait."

"You have someone in mind." Sirius furrowed his eyebrows, "Who?"

"I- I need to be sure." Sun responded, "I have to get answers from him before making accusations."

"Sol," Spica looked at him with a solemn gaze, "You have to remember that not only are you in danger, but so is the entire Milky Way galaxy."

Proxima never looked so small as they stood huddled close to Toliman, who rested an arm around them. Sirius merely averted his gaze, never being one to show emotions.