PROLOGUE:
When I was little I always had role models. I wanted to be like someone, learn from them and grow like them so I could walk in the steps that amazed me so much one day. But when your whole life is planned for you, it's hard to be like those who inspire you.
Because they’re the ones dying for control.
I woke up one day in my home. Space is my home. The breathtaking night sky that you humans look up at when night falls was like my globe; So many countries and cities, so many towns. My mom says I was born in Sir Orion’s Nursery. For a star, when your fusion starts your life does. It's like being in the womb of your mother; Until you are truly born you aren’t really a person. After birth I wandered space for a bit. New and naked, looking for something or someone to tell me what to do. Random things stuck to me, and I was always feeling feverish, but I kept moving until I saw a bright light. It was someone like me. She was grand, and clothed, and far older. The woman asked me if I had a name. I didn’t know if I did, but I made one up.
“Rayes,” I muttered. I had never heard my voice before and it startled me. It left my mouth cold and dry and confused.
“Exquisite,” the woman said. “I am Sahl: this galaxy's supergiant of prophecy, and the official of this prefecture of the cosmos.” Her voice was light and warm, and I was sure she was what I was looking for all that time. That was when I had my first role model. All I desired in the moment was to be as beautiful and inviting as she.
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“You mustn’t have a mother star, I see you are quite young and frail.” She looks around me, taking note of all the little rocks attached. I didn’t know why they were there but I didn’t think they caused any harm.
“I see you have a few satellites dear. Those may become planets and moons which will orbit around you for your lifespan. They will be entrusted to you, but in truth there are no obligations to treat them well. . . But please do! Planets and moons are still deserving of much respect. We all are, aren’t we?” The star attempts to laugh it off. The topic had obviously hit an odd nerve for her.
“B- but why do they attach to me like that? Does it happen to all stars?”
“Yes my dear, it is our gravity. It will cause you to attract many celestial bodies. It may also cause you to get stuck with other stars, in fact. . .”
She pushes from behind her a star around my size and age. “When some stars are young, they are sometimes given sibling stars as well. I think you and Ryko here were made for each other.” The girl tries to hide behind the edge of Sahl’s pointer finger. Maybe she was shy? “You can speak to her little one. No need to be afraid, you’ll be stuck together for a while.” Was I gonna have to be around her all the time? I didn’t know what to think of it.
“I’m Ryko!” The girl shouts. “I’ll be the best sister ever! Miss Sahl already taught me a lot about having a family!” Sahl laughs lightly. “Yes, I did. And one more surprise… Pollaria!” A scruffy looking woman a lot taller than me and Ryko runs in from the opposite direction. Her hair is short and white-gray and she looks a bit old, maybe middle aged. “I’m here! I’m here I promise! Now where are the girls you talked about?”
She looked down at me and Ryko and her eyes watered a bit. “Maybe. . . youth is just as beautiful as you told me, Sahl.” She wiped a tear from her wrinkled eye. “I miss it.” She scooped me and Ryko up into her arms, and pulled us into a strong hug. After a lot of laughing, I opened my eyes to see an eerie smile from Sahl behind us.