CHAPTER 17
The moment Aquarius pushed the button, humming erupted from behind the mound he’d not had time to explore.
A tingling wave of something washed past him, leaving him unharmed and not even disturbing the loose dirt on the ground.
It seemed crazy that something strong enough to decimate the Kukakk didn’t tear him apart.
Maybe the bomb malfunctioned?
The Kukakk’s eyes widened. “Nnnoo—” The scream cut off abruptly as the energy emitted from the device smashed into the stolen body.
A bright flash erupted, forcing Aquarius’ eyes shut. Despite the visor, he kept them clamped as a buffeting wind whipped dirt against his helmet and body. Nothing he couldn’t handle.
The energy storm ended more quickly than expected. Kind of anticlimactic if you asked him, and yet when he opened his eyes, the body housing the Kukakk lay still on the rooftop.
He stalked over to it and gave the body a nudge. Not even a twitch. Had it truly died?
Tiny motes of light blinked in the air as the dust continued to settle. They zipped around, happy sparks that brought a smile to his face. The spirits the Kukakk had stolen were free.
The alien monster was dead.
But so was Ishtar.
If he could have figured out how to grow her a body, he would have, but the smashed tank, not to mention his lack of knowledge in that area, meant she wasn’t coming back.
Crushing defeat in the fact of victory. Her body remained where he’d lain it, covered in the detritus from the short-lived storm.
He knelt by her and whispered, “And now to keep my promise to you.” Some might have wondered why he’d bother; the dead didn’t care about anything.
Aquarius cared, though. She’d given her life for Earth. For him. He owed her this.
He tilted his head to face the sky and sought out his constellation, not hard to find given his affinity for those particular stars.
“Hey.” How did one address a star god? “I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but I have a favor to ask.”
He reached for Ishtar’s cold cheek. “I need some help. Big help.” He took a deep breath and stood. “I want to fix Mars and am willing to relinquish my avatar power to do so.”
His stars twinkled brighter.
And the voice that he’d only ever heard when he lay dying filled his head.
You do realize by renouncing your status you will return to being a simple mortal.
“I’m aware, and I’m good with it. I’ve already lived longer than most, and honor demands I keep my promise.” After all, his sense of integrity was what had him chosen in the first place.
It will take more than your gift to repair this broken planet.
“I’m willing to give you my life if it helps.”
You would die to keep your word?
He nodded. Ishtar had sacrificed for him. He could do no less.
Should I do this, not only will you lose your avatar status but the constellation known as Aquarius will be no more.
“What? Why?”
This is a great undertaking that will take all of me to accomplish. I cannot imbue two places at once.
Hence why the stars would weep, even if technically the Astraeus wouldn’t perish, simply transform.
“I’m willing to sacrifice if you are.”
A planet is much grander than a few stars or even a tower.
Wait, was that a jab at Nimrod?
Very well. I shall grant thee this last boon.
“Really? Cool. Anything I need to do?”
You’ve done enough, avatar. Because of your valiance, the ancient enemy is gone, and going forth, this planet shall be the vanguard against their return.
The Astraeus didn’t give him any warning as it began the process. Aquarius only knew it had begun because of the pain. The same pain he’d long ago felt when it filled him with its power. A power now siphoned away.
As he lost its protection, the cold immediately began to penetrate, stiffening his limbs.
He fell to the ground but kept his eyes open, the helmet keeping his head from freezing for the moment.
He watched as the brightest beam of light shot from his constellation and enveloped Mars in a rippling cascade of colors that brought a smile to his lips.
As his body shut down, he whispered, “Thank you.” And his last thought…
This is for you, Ishtar.