The Star Maiden’s Arrival

The Celestial Realm – The Gods' Judgment

The vast halls of the celestial temple trembled with divine energy. From his radiant throne, Tsukihikari-no-Kami watched as the Star Maiden knelt beside the unconscious mortal boy. His golden eyes, deep as the infinite cosmos, reflected the uncertain path unfolding below.

Amaterasu stood beside him, arms crossed. "He is weaker than I expected."

Tsukihikari-no-Kami did not reply.

Instead, he turned his gaze toward the shifting shadows beyond the temple's sacred light. A whisper of movement signaled the arrival of another divine presence.

A deep chuckle echoed through the chamber.

"So, this is the boy the heavens have chosen?"

The voice was rich and smooth, laced with amusement. From the swirling darkness emerged Yami-no-Mikoto, the God of Twilight and Secrets. His violet robes shimmered like the space between dusk and midnight, his piercing eyes gleaming with quiet mischief.

Tsukihikari-no-Kami regarded him with calm indifference. "You should not be here, Yami."

Yami-no-Mikoto smirked. "And yet, here I stand." His gaze flickered toward the Mirror of Eternity, where Aki remained unconscious. "A fragile thing, isn't he?"

Amaterasu's eyes narrowed. "He is mortal."

"Yes," Yami murmured. "And mortals break so easily." He turned, his violet gaze locking onto the Celestial God. "Tell me, Tsukihikari, do you truly believe this human is worthy of the heavens' favor?"

A silence settled over the chamber.

Tsukihikari-no-Kami did not answer immediately.

Instead, he watched.

Watched as the Star Maiden placed a trembling hand over Aki's heart.

Watched as her divine essence pulsed, surrounding him in gentle light.

Watched as something deep within her flickered—something uncertain.

Something… human.

The Celestial God's fingers tightened on the armrest of his throne.

"…He has not yet been judged."

Yami-no-Mikoto chuckled. "Ah, so the great Celestial Light hesitates." He tilted his head. "How… interesting."

Amaterasu exhaled sharply. "Enough, Yami. Your games are unwelcome here."

The Twilight God raised a hand in mock surrender. "Very well. I shall take my leave." His smirk deepened as he dissolved into shadow. "But do keep watching, dear gods. The most intriguing stories are the ones where fate twists unexpectedly."

And with that—

He was gone.

Amaterasu sighed. "That one is always scheming."

Tsukihikari-no-Kami remained silent. His golden gaze did not leave the Star Maiden.

She was hesitating.

And that—

That was dangerous.

---

The Mortal Realm – Aki Awakens

A sharp inhale.

A rush of cold air filled Aki's lungs as his eyes fluttered open.

His vision was blurry, the world around him bathed in soft silver-blue light. He could feel the cool grass beneath him, the scent of night and stardust lingering in the air.

And then—

A face.

She was close.

Too close.

Aki's breath caught as he realized the Star Maiden was kneeling beside him, her hand resting gently over his chest. Her glowing eyes, filled with quiet concern, locked onto his.

"You're awake," she whispered.

Aki tried to speak, but his throat was dry. He swallowed, forcing himself to find his voice.

"…Who are you?"

The Star Maiden hesitated. Then, softly—

"I am the one who has come to grant your wish."

His heart skipped a beat.

The legend.

It was real.

But why did she look… troubled?

Why did she hesitate?

Aki struggled to sit up, his mind spinning. "My wish…" He trailed off.

What was his wish?

For years, he had dreamed of this moment. He had convinced himself that if the legend was real, he would know exactly what to say.

But now—

Now, faced with the divine being before him—

He didn't know.

The Star Maiden watched him quietly. Then, slowly, she lowered her hand from his chest, folding it into her lap.

"…Do you not have one?"

Aki opened his mouth—then closed it.

Did he?

What was it that he truly wanted?

The weight of the question settled heavily on him.

And for the first time in his life—

He felt afraid of the answer.

---

The Celestial Realm – Tsukihikari-no-Kami's Decision

From his throne, Tsukihikari-no-Kami exhaled softly.

"He is hesitating."

Amaterasu tilted her head. "Are you disappointed?"

The Celestial God was silent for

a long moment.

Then—

"No."

Because hesitation was not weakness.

It was choice.

And choice—

Was where fate began.

---

To be continued…