Fallen Stars

Mystery Fifty-Two

Asterism

Asselli gathers cups from his inventory, and begins to pour everyone drinks.

Asselli: Drink! Drink! It may have some alcohol content, but it will restore your strength and lift your spirits!

Baidam has a cup for Wrath.

Baidam: You want to drink?

Wrath: Yeah, why not, just a little bit.

Asselli's flushed cheeks from his earlier drunkenness glow with excitement as he downs his drink before the group. It completely restores his teeth, and he smiles brightly. He then refills his glass.

Asselli: Toast! To victory!

They all drink, feeling revitalized and gaining strength and vitality.

Asselli: Again!

Carina: Don’t over celebrate like you actually did something in the fight.

Wrath smiles as he looks around, noticing everyone has their formless beasts beside them—except for Ursa. Asselli pours drinks for the others and quickly downs his own, kicking off a small celebration!

Asselli: WHEWWW! That’s some good sh*t!

Wrath feels Baidam’s warmth.

Wrath: Even though you’re icy, you’re surprisingly warm.

Baidam (gently smiling): Thank you.

Suddenly, they hear footsteps on the road, approaching them. It's a child, and he’s crying.

Wrath: Regulus??

Regulus: Wrath, *sobbing*, I thought you were going to die...

Regulus moves in close, stepping past the beasts, and hugs Wrath. Despite being unable to move, Wrath still embraces Regulus.

Wrath: Yahaha! Get off me. I wasn’t going to die to him.

Asselli: C'mon, kid! Stop being sad and drink up!

They all give him a death stare.

Carina: It’s a child.

Asselli: Huh? Back in my village, we started drinking at three!

Carina: No wonder you’re so messed up.

Asselli pauses, then shrugs in agreement before downing another drink.

Wrath: It’s alright, Regulus. Stop crying. I know I put you in a tough spot fighting them, but it’s all good now.

Regulus smirks through his tears and nods in agreement.

Wrath: Besides, I’ve decided something.

All eyes turn to Wrath.

Wrath: I want all of you to join me—everyone, even you, useless Ursa.

Ursa: Hey!

Wrath: I have the perfect names for all of you. If you join me, you’ll each take on a new name.

Wrath looked up at Baidam. "Greed," he pronounced, his gaze steady. He shifted his eyes to Rosa. "Envy." Turning to Carina, he continued, "Lust." Next was Ursa, "Sloth." Finally, his attention settled on Asselli. "Gluttony."

Wrath: Sorry, Regulus, but you have to be a beast to join me.

Regulus pouts in frustration.

Carina: What? You want us to join your asterism?

Wrath: Asterism? What’s that?

Baidam and Rosa contemplate the names seriously.

Asselli: Heck no, I don’t want to be called Gluttony.

Asselli downs another drink, while Baidam and Rosa continue brainstorming.

Baidam: (I want to be close to the crown, let’s see what it brings…)

Rosa: (The crown… he’s so strong and confident…)

They both yell out.

Baidam and Rosa: I’m in!

Carina: Are you two serious??

Ursa and Asselli: I refuse.

Carina: I’m not taking on that name, or joining your asterism.

Wrath: Yaha. Two isn’t so bad.

Ursa: You shot two out of five, like the good ole days, huh?

Wrath: If I could stand, Ursa, I’d punch you so hard.

Ursa: Good thing you can’t, huh? Plus, you wouldn’t be able to touch me, I’m too fast for you.

Ursa stretches, standing up on his blanket.

Ursa: But... It's about time I head out. I need some sleep.

Ursa is about to scatter.

Wrath: Wait! You really won’t join? How can I get in contact with you?

Ursa: Hmm. I might join you, though I have my own asterism to look after. But if you can help me find a weapon — the Golden Apollo — I might just consider it.

All of them react “?!”

Ursa: And to reach me, just find me. I’ll be in Callisto.

Ursa gives them a peace sign, scatters into light, streaking across the sky at the speed of light in a brilliant blitz, leaving Triton behind.

Wrath: That idiot, he could’ve just given me his phone number.

Envy: So, I’m Envy.

Greed: Yup, Icyhaha, I’m Greed. I like it.

Wrath’s Limitless Crown fizzed out as Asselli continued downing his shots. Wrath looks to Carina, though her name is Lust in his mind—his decision already made.

Wrath: You really won’t join, Lust?

Carina: No. Stop calling me that.

Wrath: Welp, I tried.

Greed: So, what’s next?

Wrath: Ahhh. I need to rest. My friends are in this country, and I’ll meet up with them. I’m taking you both along.

Envy: When do you want to leave?

Wrath: Whenever I get the strength, or the signal.

Envy: Signal?

A bright light shot into the sky, forming a gigantic burning sphere. Its blinding radiance illuminated the night, and it quickly accelerated, bursting into brilliant sparks overhead.

Greed: Ursa came back??

Wrath: No. That was him.

**Vega’s Location**

Vega looked up at the burst of the light sphere, his expression stern and unwavering.

Muppet meticulously cleaned his kichi blade, using a sword-cleaning paper ball to wipe away every speck of dirt and smudge, his focus steadfast as he ensured the blade gleamed.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Vega: I have to leave now.

Muppet: Before you go, I want to inform you that you need to discover your affinity.

Vega: …?

Muppet: See, I’m a Slayer. You’ll likely fall under the same type; your Cosmos aligns with your personality.

Vega: I’ll figure it out.

Muppet: Good. It was nice training with you.

Vega: …I will be back for that blade.

Muppet: Oh, I know.

Vega: And if you don’t hand it over, I will kill you for it.

Muppet: I expect it. I won’t go down easy.

Vega’s expression remained unchanged.

Vega: But you will go down.

Vega took his leave, with Enma trailing in his shadow. Muppet’s octopus slid over to him.

Kraken: That kid was strict.

**Draco’s Location**

Lich: Why did you make it so bright?

Draco lowered his finger pistol and blew it off playfully.

Draco: I have no idea where they are in the country, so I had to make it visible from anywhere.

Lich: What if it attracts others?

Draco: Eh.

Lich: You don’t think beyond your friend group. I will not follow an incompetent leader. Stop playing the fool.

Draco drops his playful expression, a mischievous grin forming.

Draco: Geez, I can’t fake anything around you.

Lich: Of course not. I can see the shape of your soul; I know your true nature.

**Wrath’s Location**

Wrath: We have to go.

Envy: Already?

Wrath: Yeah, that’s the signal, he’s waiting for us.

Greed: Can you walk?

Wrath: Just throw me on Zeus, he’ll carry me.

Zeus flies as a crowned eagle, transforming into a dire wolf and approaches Wrath, growling.

Zeus: (Pathetic.)

Wrath: (I know, but you won’t be saying that for long.)

Greed: Your beast isn’t set?

Wrath: Set?

Greed: It means your beast is locked onto a creature after consuming what it needs.

Wrath: Oh, Zeus hasn’t consumed anything yet.

Envy grows her plants, lifting Wrath out of Greed’s arm, and tosses him up on Zeus, she has plants wrapping him tight, so he doesn’t fall off.

Carina: You two, let’s talk for a second.

Greed and Envy gather around Carina, making a small circle.

Carina: Are you two sure you want to go with him? You know what he turns into.

Greed and Envy side eye Wrath, who’s wrapped flat onto Zeus, talking with Regulus.

Greed: Yes, I’m sure.

Envy: Same, I’m sure.

Carina tears up a bit, and grabs them both with a big hug. Holding their heads to her’s.

Carina: Stay safe, and do not die.

Greed: *laughs* We won’t.

She looks to Wrath and blushes, and Carina notices.

Carina: (Ah, this is why, you finally found someone worthy, huh?) What about your friends or family? Are you really just uprooting your life without telling them?

Greed: You know, you and V are the only ones we talk to.

Carina: …Right.

Envy: We're going, Carina. If it works out, it works. If not, then it doesn’t.

Envy and Greed hop on their creatures, and take off with Wrath. Leaving Carina and Asselli behind.

Carina: Fine, you two. I support you.

Asselli: What’s left for us?

Carina looked around at the city, its landscape marred by the devastation of the hurricane.

Carina: First, we need to clean up the city and get the reconstruction started. That storm ruined a lot.

**The Next Day**

**Draco’s Location**

The early morning sunshine illuminates the patio area.

Draco (smiling): They’re here.

Draco and Lich in new attire: Lich wears a black and pink gothic dress, with intricate patterns and dark lace details, still wearing her skeleton mask. Draco, on the other hand, sports black sweats accented with a bold golden and blue theme, paired with a white shirt featuring a central golden dot.

Wrath and his beasts come walking up the stairs, Wrath still attached to Zeus by plants. Regulus follows suit.

Draco: What happened to you??

Wrath: It’s a long story, yahaha.

Wrath struggles but looks at Lich.

Wrath: Who’s this?

Draco: Our newest member!

Wrath: Huh??

They all feel a warm presence.

Vega walks up, with Enma peeping out of his shadow.

Wrath: Vega.

Vega: Wrath.

There's a brief pause before they both laugh.

Wrath: Glad you’re alive.

Vega: Same to you, but it seems you had a tougher time than me.

Draco: What, you both got into fights??

Vega and Wrath: We can see who didn’t get into one.

They both laugh, Regulus walks up to Draco, and Draco gives him a head pat. Draco has a frustrated smile.

Draco: We have a lot to talk about.

Wrath: Did you win the chess tournament?

Draco: Yeah, I did. Won some money too.

Wrath: Nice.

Draco glances at the two women beside Wrath and side-eyes Vega.

Draco: Well, it’s clear who didn’t bring any women with them.

Wrath chuckles.

Vega: …

**In The Distance**

Dressed incognito in a garment that covers her head, Vulpecula peers through a newspaper with holes for her binoculars.

Vulpecula: What the hell? What is Lich doing there?!

She focuses the binoculars on Vega, fanning herself.

Vulpecula: His eyes… so glorious…

As Vega turns, it feels like he’s staring directly into the distance, almost as if he’s looking right at her! Vulpecula falls out of her chair!

Vega: I’m the only one who can stand alone. You two need as much help as you can get.

Wrath and Draco show a hint of being playfully ticked off.

The group is suddenly interrupted by Dorado.

Dorado: You said you wanted to wait for your friends, is everyone here?

Draco: Yup, we’re ready.

Dorado: Let’s go then.

Walking into his office.

Draco: You want to take your new friends with you?

Wrath: Actually. Greed and Envy, can you guys wait out here with Regulus? Watch over the little guy.

Greed & Envy: Got it.

Their beasts circle around Regulus, as they all rest on the patio that Draco and Lich were just resting at.

The four of Draco, Vega, Wrath (on Zeus), and Lich begin walking toward the office.

Draco: Greed and Envy? You actually got them to agree to those names when joining you?

Wrath: Hell yeah! I’m so glad they agreed.

Vega: What about her?

Vega glanced at Lich.

Wrath: That’s what I was saying, Vega.

Draco: She’s the newest member of M5! That’s why she’s with us and not waiting outside.

Vega: Just adding people to the group without asking us.

Lich: You should really talk it over with your friends before making a decision like that.

All three of them turn their disapproving glares toward Draco.

Draco: What the heck, Lich?! You’re supposed to be on my side!

Dorado sits at his desk, flanked by four chairs for the gang. On the other side, a large window lets in streams of natural light, casting a warm glow across the room. The walls are adorned with various maps and trophies from past missions, each telling a story of their own. As the gang enters, they take their seats, the atmosphere shifting from casual to serious.

Dorado leans back in his chair, studying each of them with a keen gaze, lingering briefly before a wide grin spreads across his face.

Dorado: So, ready for your bank cards?

Draco shifts in his seat, exchanging glances with Wrath and Vega, who nod in encouragement. Lich leans back, arms crossed, observing the group with an amused smirk.

Draco: Of course!

Wrath feels a surge of energy in his hand and legs, finally able to move. He bursts free from Envy’s plants and leaps into his seat.

Dorado: It’s nothing complicated—really simple. Just fill out an application with your first name or whatever name you go by, and we can submit it right now.

Draco: That’s it?!

Dorado: Yup, any name will do. Most stars prefer to conceal their true identities, so we designed the application to be flexible. Just make sure to include what color you want your card to be.

The group fills out their applications, but the only one not signing anything is Lich.

Draco: You—

Lich: I already have mine. While we're here, Dorado, they’d like to set up an asterism as well. *crossing her legs* I assume Wrath will want a sub-asterism too.

Dorado: I can set that up.

Draco: What is an asterism? I know it refers to a pattern of stars.

The three of them hand their applications to Dorado.

Dorado: You’re right about that! An asterism is also a group of stars, which means it's like a collective of stars flying under one banner.

Wrath: How long will the card take? A day or two?

Dorado: Nope.

With a swift motion, Dorado drops the applications into his desk, and moments later, it spits out three shiny cards.

Dorado: Hot off the press!

He hands the cards to each of them: an electric blue card for Wrath, a fiery red card for Vega, and a sleek space black card for Draco.

Wrath laughs at Draco.

Wrath: Oh my god, is that a black card?

Draco: Why yes, but I prefer the term Afr-

Lich chuckles.

Draco: You know that song?!

Lich: Of course I do.

Dorado: As for the asterism, I can link you all together. But first, what is the name, and who will be the leader—the heliocentric figure?

Wrath and Vega: Draco.

Draco: The name is “M5”.

Dorado: Alright, it’s added.

Draco: Yes!

Wrath: Me next! You can make mines “Wrath Empire”!

Dorado: Added.

Vega: Indecisive Wrath actually thought of a name?

Wrath: Shut up… sweats Can I change it?

Dorado: You only get four chances. After that, someone else will need to be the center.

Wrath: Damn it, that’s a good name. I can’t risk changing it now.

Dorado: And what about you, Lich?

Lich: Yes, add me to theirs.

Dorado: You want your current asterism to be a sub-asterism?

Lich: Yes.

Dorado: smirks You guys have no idea what kind of ally you've just gained. Added.

Vega and Wrath exchange glances, intrigued by the words he said.

Dorado: Let me add your winnings, Draco. Thirty-five thousand Sols…

Wrath: Whoa, that’s a lot!

Draco: I know, right?

Dorado: And also the winnings from the bet you made…

Vega: You were gambling too…?

Draco rubs the back of his head, laughing, then a sudden thought hits him.

Draco: Wait, wait!

Dorado: Hm?

Draco: Can you split the winnings? I want to share some with them.

Dorado: Sure, I can do that.

Draco: Hmm. I initially thought about splitting it three ways. So four ways would be-

Lich: Don’t worry, I have my own money. You all seem a little new; share it amongst yourselves.

Draco: Okay, thanks!

Draco grins at Dorado.

Draco: Split it up, four hundred thousand each!

Vega and Wrath freak out.

Vega and Wrath: Four hundred thousand?? Each?? How much did you bet?!

Draco: The champion was a real sore loser. He thought he could beat me and bet 1.2 milly.

Dorado: It has been added to each of your accounts. Plus the gold you all had. You can check your balance by pressing the center of your card; only you will be able to see it.

Draco: Great!

Both Vega and Wrath check.

Dorado: One more thing about the Bank Cards: they also function as inventories, allowing you to store items, weapons, or even creatures.

Draco: Creatures?

Lich: Yep.

Dorado: Wrath, since your companion is here, touch it, then press and hold the center of your card.

Zeus, sitting beside Wrath, watches as Wrath presses down on the card and touches him. In an instant, Zeus is teleported into the card!

Wrath: No way.

Dorado: It's a way to keep your creatures hidden, or whenever you have no space for them in the car, train, or whatever you take.

Draco: Hidden…

Draco glances at Lich. She nods in agreement.

Lich: This is what I was trying to tell you.

Wrath: By car or train, and plane, right?

Dorado: Plane...? There are no more planes. The mainland is a worldwide no-fly zone.

Horrific events hidden in the back of Dorado's mind begin to resurface, and he starts to relive them.

A silver private jet flies through dark, cloudy stormy skies. A kid looks out the window.

Haey: Dad, do you know him?

Viegar: Hm?

Looking out the window, a shadowy figure materializes through the clouds. Still shrouded in mystery, the figure's massive, angelic wings flap with grandeur, dispersing the clouds in their wake. As the clouds part, the figure is revealed, seated in a meditative position, its body and wings adorned with over one hundred glowing eyes.

Cam52: Be not afraid.

Each eye twitches erratically in different directions, neon green pupils throbbing with energy before sudden bursts of green laser beams shoot forth from each. Sweeping up and down in a relentless assault, vaporizing the plane chunk by chunk until it's reduced to smoldering debris.

Another tragic memory floods Dorado’s mind.

A commercial plane carrying two hundred passengers glides through the bright, daytime sky. Suddenly, a deafening echo pierces the air, followed by a loud screech that shakes the plane!

A pregnant woman looks out in horror as an enormous hand descends toward them. A Titan slaps the plane with unimaginable force, screeching as it revels in its destruction.

Atlas: AAAAAHHHHHH!!!

The Titan then dashes away, leaving the chaos.

Snapping out of his daze, Dorado trembles, shaking his head in fear.

Dorado: No flying.

They all read the room, noticing the inner turmoil it stirs within him.

Draco: Understood. Is there anything else we need?

Dorado: Do you all have any plans after this?

Draco looks around at his companions.

Draco: Not really. I think we’ve accomplished everything we set out to do here, right?

He glances at M5, who all nod in agreement.

Draco: We’re done here; we plan on leaving Triton.

Dorado: Before you go, would you like to explore something before you leave?

All of M5 appear intrigued.

M5: Hm?

[M5 Is Finally Created!

But, Another Adventure?!

When Will This Arc End!?]

Mystery 52 Fin