Constellations were very powerful entities. They were boundless in terms of the branch differences, and their varying resonances.
In the eyes of the Constellation, they were in one and all of those branches at the same time.
It then raised the question;
Why would such powerful entities be Familiars to weaker Vessels?
No one knows for sure. Perhaps it was just in their nature—to search though the Branches for worthy candidates that would inherit their power.
Of course, their standards were completely arbitrary. It was up to them, and no one else, who they would choose... and who they would ignore.
Ah, yes, a Constellation could also have more than one vessel.
Unlike the other way around, where humans could have more than one Familiar, these amazing beings could have more than one host.
Considering the vastness of the branches, and the nigh infinite number of worlds that existed, that much was reasonable.
Now, one could ask; how would they be with one host, and then be with another host?
But wasn't that a foolish question?
Constellations were present in all the branches, all at once. If they weren't limited by such obvious boundaries, why would they suddenly be restricted to one host?
In the end, Constellations stood at the apex, yet longed for a companion—a vessel they could serve.
Still, that brought up yet another question. Perhaps the most important one of all...
What kind of person would such beings want as a host?
*
*
*
"Power."
"Charm."
"Flaw."
A pause echoed across the vast hall where Crazy Neron was addressing Kuzon.
Just these two were standing in this openly vast room.
It was colored with dark hue, like the very blackness of space, with shining stars radiating all across the room.
Kuzon felt like he was already one with the universe.
"These are the three general criteria that every Constellation considers before choosing anyone as a Vessel."
"I see." He responded.
"There are other criteria, which they decide on subjectively. But these three are crucial." Crazy Neron elaborated.
"What are they all about?"
"Power is, of course, the level of Aether you have in your control, the level you've reached in Magic, blah blah blah. Charm is your appeal. How unique are you among the vast population in all the branches in existence? That sort of thing." Neron paused.
"What of the last one? Flaw?"
"Ah, yes. It's just a lack. If you're already that impressive and you have no flaw, then what's the point, right? I mean, the Constellations look for the people who they can assist. They need a flaw to operate."
"A-ah, I see. Can I ask a question?"
"You want to know if I have a Constellation as a Familiar, don't you?"
Kuzon nodded instantly. There was no point in hiding these things from Neron.
"I don't have one. And you wanna know why? It's cus I have no flaw! Hahahahaha!!!"
Hearing the narcissistic laugh that Crazy Neron made caused Kuzon to roll his eyes nearly sarcastically.
'You really believe that, huh?' His thoughts echoed.
But was it truly possible? That a person would be without flaw? If it was Crazy Neron, then perhaps that was—
"I'm just kidding. Haha. I'm not perfect. On a serious note, though, I have flaws. The answer is simple. I chose not to have any of them as my Familiar."
Kuzon's eyes nearly popped out of his sockets.
"The primeval rule states that you can't be the vessel to more than three Constellations. It's for balance sake. That's why your buddy, Neron Kaelid, only has three of them."
"H-hold on. You're saying you rejected all of them because you couldn't have them all?"
"No. Not all of them. Constellations like Virgo and Gemini don't really like me. Ah, and there's that prick tok. So, only nine of them made the offer. I declined, though."
'Nine... Constellations...?'
Kuzon was about to work his butt off to simply gain the attention, and ultimately the approval, of one of them, while this Neron got nine?
How did that even make any sense?!
"How many approached the Neron Kaelid from my world?"
"En. I knew you'd get to this. Ask him when... I mean, IF see him."
"Is that so?" Kuzon grinned, though he had a glare in his eyes."
"Damn straight. You better get to work. I'll guide you on how to go about it. I pretty much know what those guys like."
"Wait... how?"
"I told you I didn't choose any of them. That doesn't mean we aren't tight, though. I mean, we talk and hang out. They also do me favors sometimes, so it's all good."
'S-so... instead of exclusively being the host of three, he found a way to gain the favor of the nine that approached him?!'
"The other three are a bit stubborn, so while we're not on the best of terms, we still tolerate each other. Ah, except that prick. Yes. Yes, I know you can hear me. So what? What are you gonna do? Hahaha! Hahahahaha!!!"
Kuzon was pretty much dazed by all he was seeing.
'I wonder which Constellation he's referring to.'
"I'll help you out, Kuzon. We have an eternity together, so I don't really care how long it takes. You're not leaving this place until you get it right."
"Haa... I'm already beginning to dread all of this. What of Maya? How is she?"
"En. The other 'me' is taking good care of her. I'm going to drill in as much Spells and Magic as possible into her. Maybe I should call it the 'Maya Project'. Gotta see how much power she can hold."
"Please don't go overboard." Kuzon sighed, rubbing his head.
"Oh? So you do care!"
"Yes. I mean, she was my partner for weeks. Of course, I care. At least, with this training... she can finally save her people." The young Midas smiled. "Thanks."
"Oh! No need to thank me. Remember what I said. It was a deal."
"No. I mean about Maya. Did my world's Neron tell you to train her too?"
"Nope."
"So thanks.
"En. Let's not get sidetracked. Focus on what's ahead of you, Kuzon."
Beyond the massive hall, where only two people resided, a fiery entity watched with great interest.
It seemed there was soon going to be a change.
... Even if it would only come after a lifetime.
