When the Stars Faded

Chapter 1

Andromeda, the god known to man as Capricorn, focused intensely on the star of Cygnus X-1, watched intently by Vega and Sirius, the gods known as Aries and Gemini respectively.
"Is it—" Vega's question was cut off by Andromeda.
"Hold your tongue brother." He commanded. A myriad of colours filled the spherical chamber. The chamber was connected to the skies of Earth but resided in the centre of the universe thanks to Andromeda's magic. Grunts and heavy breaths came from Andromeda as beads of sweat travelled down his pale face. Cygnus X-1 was slowly but surely collapsing in on itself. Though Andromeda's intense stress was apparent, the pure white universe was blinding to all but himself who could see through the light and distinguish each star from another. A pained shout from Andromeda and a sudden spell of darkness indicated that Cygnus was born. The once blinding universe was now home to a black hole which allowed the other gods to view its beauty for the first time.
"Is it done?" Vega asked.
"Affirmative," He responded, "now if you will?" He asked, urging the two to leave his chambers. Sirius bowed and left immediately, Vega lingered for a while longer.
"As we requested father." He said. Andromeda sighed.
"Yes brother, I shall introduce him shortly." Vega bowed and left the chambers. Andromeda wiped the sweat from his brow and removed his cloak.
"Right, attack me." He commanded the new entity that stood before him.
"Why?" He asked.
"Excellent," Andromeda said, ignoring his question, "your friend should be here soon."
"Cygnus?" He asked.
"No," There was a beat of silence before a scythe materialised in Andromeda's hand, "you are Cygnus," he rubbed the blade of the scythe, "this is Ash." He handed the scythe to Cygnus before spinning on his heels, taking up his coat, and walking to the exit of his chambers.
"Well? Don't you wish to meet your family?" He asked, waiting for Cygnus to approach.

"Brothers and sisters, this is Cygnus, the Scorpio, god of death and guide to the newfound afterlife." Andromeda introduced the newest addition to the gods circle. Cygnus kept his head down after catching a glare from one of the goddesses.
"I fail to understand why we need him." Sun, the goddess known as Leo, stated.
"Does it work?" Eta Carinae, the goddess known as Taurus. Asked coldly.
"He has a sense of reasoning and morality. That is already apparent." Andromeda replied.
"I would like to issue our dearest thanks for this service brother, but if I may be so rude as to ask; how can we judge his abilities?" Rigel, the god known as Libra, asked. Andromeda drew his seat at the circle for Cygnus to sit.
"Well, I would like to propose the idea to Sun—"
"I refuse to have anything to do with this filth." She interrupted Andromeda and left the circle, retreating to her chambers.
"So what's the plan now?" Ascella, the goddess known as Sagittarius, asked. Andromeda seethed quietly before answering.
"I shall prepare something, what it will be is an answer saved for later."
"If I may Andromeda," Sirius interjected, "you have put yourself through much strain on this night, allow me to prepare something for Cygnus." He offered.
"Very well, have it reported to me by the morning, I need some rest." Andromeda agreed, leaving the circle.
"What is it you intend to do brother?" Spica, the goddess known as Virgo, asked.
"I shall speak with one of my own followers, I know of one who would be honoured to accept this revolution." Sirius answered, leaving the circle and returning to his chambers.
"Brother Cygnus," Cepheus, the god known as Pisces, began, "there is no need to be shy, speak up young one." Cygnus sat in silence, caressing Ash's cold steel along his naked body.
"He shall come around soon enough," Rigel stated, "Once he meets Cursa and Moon." He finished and returned to his chambers.
"Perhaps you should acclimate to your chambers young one?" Spica suggested, standing from her seat. Cygnus nodded slowly. She showed him to his chambers and showed him how to enter.

Cygnus' chambers were the aforementioned afterlife, a place where the souls of the deceased would live out the rest of eternity. He stood, or floated, in the dark abyss, waiting for Sirius to call upon him which he soon did.