Ga-Metru Gardens, Stargazer Hill

May 18

3h00

Stargazer Hill was very close to the Chase home. Many nights in the past, Aislina would bring Keika here to watch the stars. The little one was always drawn to light. She would spin around and leap, eyes skyward in wonder as the stars danced around her. Then she would fall on the soft grass, dizzy but still looking up to watch the stars settle. These moments were perfect.

Now, Keika was out on the hill all by herself. She wanted to dance again. But something made her stand still. She closed her eyes, once more feeling the light in her and around her.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Still.

Silent.

"Star-Child, Keika, don't fall asleep on me."

Keika's eyes snapped open. Above her, the stars danced into a pattern. The pattern soon became connected by celestial trails. They continued swirling and spinning until…

"Celestial Kerai…" Keika breathed. She began to kneel.

"Stand up, Keika-khi. And please - call me Vahkya."

Keika did so. She lost what others would call a sense of reverence. Then again, Vahkya was family.

"Vahkya," asked Keika, "why did you pick me to be a Star-Child? Why not someone else?"

"Everyone has a different way to destiny." explained Vahkya. "You were born a Star-Child, but what you make of it is up to you."

Keika looked up, stretching out her hand to the sky. "Do you like the sky?"

"Yes." said Vahkya. "There's a beautiful garden here in the sky. It reminds me of the city I watch over."

"Could I see it?"

Vahkya nodded and stretched out her hand. A shooting star flew to where Keika stood and carried her heavenwards. The place was brilliant, yet not blinding. And she felt weightless - like she was standing and flying at the same time.

The garden couldn't hold Keika's interest for long. She looked in the distance and saw lush emerald hills. Something about those hills called her.

"Not yet, Keika." said Vahkya gently. She was no longer in constellation form, but still heavenly - tall, strong, clothed in light. "You'll visit those hills when you ascend in summers."

"I want to see them now!" Keika was more impatient than usual.

"This summer, you will. It's almost your time."

"Can I see more of my story?"

"Not past those hills."

Keika squinted at the hills. They looked so perfect. She opened her eyes fully again. Vahkya looked serious.

"Mom has to know that I saw you." said Keika.

"She will."

Keika felt herself getting heavy. She panicked. "Vahkya! What's going on?"

"You can't stay in the stars forever. Not yet."

Keika grabbed for Vahkya's hand. Nothing - empty space.

"Goodbye… I love you…"

Stargazer Hill

Same day

05h45

"Keika? What are you doing out here before sunrise?"

Keika opened her eyes. She was laying on the grass of Stargazer Hill, with Aislina standing over her.

"I met Vahkya."

Aislina went quiet. She looked over the hill to the sky. A few glimmers of sunrise appeared.

"Keika-khi, can you stand?"

Any signs of tiredness left. Keika jumped to her feet. She dashed down the hill, flying without wings. The golden sunrise charged her with pure energy.

Keika had discovered a truth, and resolved to act on it. Being a Star-Child was a gift. She was ready to open it right now.