Wish upon the Stars chapter 1042

I was a long night, and by the time I dragged myself off to bed, my head was ringing with the endless waves of congratulations, ass kissing, and doubletalk. But I still found time (with the help of Piece of Mind) to consider exactly what I could do to keep Callie safe. I wracked my brain, considered multiple options, and eventually came to one inescapable conclusion: there was nothing I could do.

At least, not personally. But if I was running off to the Void to get myself potentially killed, I would make damned sure my loved ones were alright, and so, I called in a favor. Or rather, I had my grandmother do it.

“So I’m expected to play babysitter to your wife for an indefinite period?” the Moonlight Pope asked waspishly. “I agreed to a few hours of training, and those were semi-fruitful, and now instead of gratitude you’re trying to go over my head and have me assigned as a full time tutor and bodyguard?”

“Nope,” I said casually as I leaned back in my chair. “I’m not trying anything. I have SUCCESSFULLY done that.” He glared at me, and I rolled my eyes. “Look, my great-grandfather laid down the law. He’s your boss, and you know it, but this doesn’t need to be contentious. My wife is going to be a pivotal player in the war, and she’ll be surrounded by lots of strong enemies. Taking her as a disciple will ensure you plenty of decent fights on the front lines.”

He stared hard at me for a moment, then sighed. “I suppose you’re not WRONG. But I get the feeling this little request cost you more than just a quick request from Celia. If she had that kind of pull, she’d have used it before now.”

“Of course I’m paying a price,” I shrugged. “But it was one I was already paying anyway. Once grandma told the Revenant about my mission to the Void, he agreed wholeheartedly with my plan. Dispatching one of his trusted popes to watch over an asset that has already been targeted by the Void in a way that nearly shifted the tide of the war is just common sense. The gods are aloof, not stupid.”

That got a nod. “I admit, the fact that they were willing to go through so much trouble for her is…intriguing.”

“Gee, thanks,” I said dryly. “I’m sure she’ll be thrilled you’re so interested. But let’s be real, we both know that you aren’t going to take this seriously if you’re forced into it. So, what do I need to do to convince you to ACTUALLY teach her sword work instead of just doing the bare minimum. Malicious compliance won’t be good for anyone.”

He snorted. “You’re adjusting to your new office pretty well, aren’t you kid?” I stared back at him stoically, and he chuckled. “Fine. I want a favor. Doesn’t have to be immediate, might not even ever call it in, but I want you to OWE me one. I’ll do the job either way, but if you want me to do it WELL I want some quid pro quo.” His tone was casual, and I got the impression he wasn’t taking this seriously. Which was obviously not something I could allow.

“Look, we both know I can’t hurt you,” I said pleasantly, smiling benignly. “You’re S-rank, and a demigod at that. It would take me years to be capable of doing anything to you.” He smiled back, seeming amused…right up until the smile dropped off my face. “But if anything happens to my wife because you weren’t taking this seriously, you’re going to die. Nevermind the fact that we have a soul bond and her death might kill me, I’ll hunt you down personally, and die trying to kill you. And if I die, my parents will try, and if THEY die, my grandparents, and if THEY die, you’ll have to deal with Black Sorrow and presumably your own boss so-”

“Whoa!” He said, flinching back and holding up his hands. “Pull it back, kid, damn. Look, I think you took some our interactions out of context. Yes, I tested you when we met and that was a shitty move, but I’m not your ENEMY. Wasn’t before, and I’m definitely not now. My master told me to guard your wife, and I WILL do that to the absolute best of my ability. If I seem cavalier about her safety, I assure you it’s not because I don’t take this seriously. This is confidence, not complacency.”

He snorted, shaking his head. “You know, your general demeanor is all Nicholas, but that crazy vengeful streak is from your grandmother’s side. Celia doesn’t play around when it comes to her loved ones. Wonder where she gets THAT?” He grinned sardonically.

I deflated a bit. “I…yeah, sorry. Maybe that got a little heated. I just…I can’t lose her, you know? Like I physically can’t. I wouldn’t survive it, even if the bond doesn’t kill me. Do you get that?”

“Yeah, kid,” he said softly. “I get that. Like I said, I’m not going to screw around with her safety. As for the training…if you agree to that favor, I’ll give it my all. She’ll be a saintess of the sword by the time I’m done with her. Celia is a powerful fighter, but she’s also a natural. Her ability to teach is severely limited by her experience and the ease with which she learns. Not that she wasn’t helpful to Calliope’s growth, I’m sure. Any S-ranker taking an interest in someone that early in their development is a boon, but at this point…someone like me, someone who built his power from the ground up, will be a better fit.”

I nodded. I hadn’t really considered that, but he wasn’t wrong. As the daughter of two gods, my grandmother was born with a Mirror Soul Body. She’d literally come into this world with a divine level spirit to work with. I couldn’t IMAGINE the ease with which she’d cultivated to S-rank.

“She’s going to be working with Aiden too,” I warned him. “Nothing too formal. She created her Adherent fire herself, and I doubt he’s going to be able to do much more than give her a direction to develop in, given how unique it is, but I wanted to warn you in case you’re one of those people who resents their students seeking outside instruction.”

He shrugged. “Long as he isn’t teaching her to swing a blade I don’t really care. But…about your whole Void mission. You sure about this, kid? Like you said, if anything happens to you it knocks over a whole bunch of really nasty dominos. I’d prefer you not drag a third of our gods into a blood soaked revenge campaign because you didn’t know your limits.”

“Don’t be absurd,” I snorted. “Of course I’m not sure. Only a psychopath would be confident about something like this. But it’s my job. I firmly believe part of the reason my ascension to the office was so smooth, for whatever value of that word applies after that annoying trial, was because they knew they needed me for this. Especially after the recent attack. We need backup in this war, and I’m the guy who can get it.”

Staring at me heavily, he chuckled. “You’ve got guts, kid, I’ll give you that. When do you leave? I’m guessing it won’t be long.”

“Tomorrow,” I admitted. “I can’t drag my heels with everything going on. The faster I get there the faster I can end this, or at least change the course of the war. Making sure Callie was safe was the last thing I had to do. Aside from say goodbye to my friends and family, of course.” I smiled wryly. “I’m bumming a few scrolls off my cousin for goodbye messages to my other team members too, just in case.”

“Smart,” he nodded. “Always hedge your bets. But I have a feeling you’ll be ok. Judgement keeps an eye on family, and if you had a death omen hanging over you, he’d have noticed. He’s not infallible, but he IS the oldest.”

“I thought YOU were the oldest,” I said in confusion. I could have sworn someone said that.

He shook his head. “Judgement is older. He’s been with the master longer than anyone, but he likes to keep a low profile. He’s also the hardest to pin down. A lot of people think that’s me, but Judgement has a tendency to vanish for long periods of time without telling anyone. People just don’t notice because he’s so low key. Anyway, you have at least a decent chance at surviving, I’m sure. Just don’t take any stupid risks.”

To my surprise, he sounded genuinely worried, and I had to cock my head slightly. “That almost sounds like you’re concerned about me.”

Rolling his eyes, he let out a sigh. “See, this is the problem with kids. You take things so damned personally. Politics and personal aren’t the same thing, Shane. You’re my junior brother’s grandson, and the child of my favorite niece, not to mention the great grandson of my master. Just because I’m willing to push my limits during political discourse doesn’t mean I don’t CARE about you.”

“It’s hard to take that from the way we’ve interacted,” I admitted. “You get that, right?”

“Politics is part of being an Ascendant.” he said bluntly. “Perception and reality, the manipulation of opinion. It’s our lifeblood. Our essence. It’s easy for you Wyndhams to forget that, given your abilities. You especially have a kind of fated momentum from your bloodlines that I’ve rarely seen in anyone your age. But make no mistake, managing perception and constructing the narrative are key aspects of growth, even for people like me. But it’s not real life. It’s like a game. You make your character, roleplay them where people can see, and build the renown you need. It doesn’t mean the other stuff doesn’t matter, but it’s something you need to think about. Especially when you’re steering a faction this large.”

That was…oddly similar to some of the things Zeke had told me over the years. I let out a sigh. “Fine, I guess. I won’t hold a grudge, as long as you can keep Callie safe, we’re good. Actually good, not just nominally okay. So, should I call you granduncle Moon?”

He grimaced. “Please don’t. Uncle Moon is fine, just like your mother. The last thing I want is THAT catching on with the kids. I’ll lose all respect from everyone in the Church.”

“Somehow, I don’t think it would be all that bad,” I chuckled. “But I can do Uncle Moon.”

His eyes were fixed on me, and the worried light had grown. “Can I give you some advice, kid?” I nodded, curious what he had to say. “Traveling abroad isn’t the same being on one planet for an extended period, especially not in a place like the Void. One of the most important things you can remember when you’re out there is not to react without thinking. If you run into trouble, take a beat, take a breath, and consider your options. It sounds simple, but it’ll save your life.”

I was about to just agree reflexively, but I considered the advice itself and took a moment, thinking it over, then nodded. “I can do that,” I said after a pause. “And…thanks, Uncle Moon.”

“Don’t mention it,” he said with a soft smile. “And when you get back, maybe try to stop by the Holy Dominion again. My master never said anything, but I know he was hoping you would visit. He’s not as unapproachable as his wife.”

That kind of stunned me. “I…I’ll keep it in mind.” I said slowly. Then I stood and offered him my hand. “Thank you. Really. For everything. It means more than you know.” He clapped me on the shoulder, offering me a reassuring smile, and then I left, heading back to my suite. I needed to set up some meetings for tomorrow with my cabinet and friends so I could make sure to say goodbye to everyone, and after that…it would be time to go.