The Rise to Godhood

“Sister, don’t sit there daydreaming! Let’s row to Mancin Island.”

Areela looked at her sweet and child-like brother Kailow. He was not yet in his 2nd century, and he hadn’t faced the tiring responsibility of growing up to be a full adult yet. While he was biologically an adult, as the Zetans reached puberty at around the 100-year-mark, Kailow was still the equivalent of a human teenager at the age of 175.

“I am coming! Don’t stress me.” Areela shouted while hoping that she would have more time to think. Her affair with Zelinko three months earlier had led to a conception, which worried her. While it would be a dream to raise a child with the mayor’s son, the fact that he hadn’t been her appointed partner was an insurmountable issue.

Areela remembered what Xialiab had said in fury when she rejected him. If he found out about her pregnancy, she risked deportation to some barren world. She would linger in darkness and forever miss out on the outstanding beauty of Zetani autumn.

Thinking of the risk of deportation, Areela wanted to contact Podixa on Disyerto-2. The city council had deported Podixa for illegal procreation many years earlier, and so, if they were to send her away, she wanted to join her friend. However, since Disyerto-2 was 50 light-years away, she couldn’t communicate with Podixa. The only way to transmit faster than light was to use Zetan telepathy, and they were both novices in that art.

“You’re slower than a turtle. Hurry up; we don’t have all day.” Kailow teased.

“Not as slow as you,” Areela chirped, got up and sprinted towards the boat.

Kailow got up, sprinted past Areela, and teased her as they reached the boat, “Damn, sister. You became so slow when you reached adulthood.”

‘You would not run fast either if you were pregnant,’ Areela thought, but she didn’t want to share her troubles with her younger brother. Since their mother had passed away, she had raised him. What would happen to her brother if the city council sent her away? Was he mature enough to look after himself?

“I am having a slow day. I’ll beat you next time.” Areela said and got on the rowboat.

“Cool. Oh, I can’t wait to watch the double sunset at Mancin Island. It will be amazing.” Kailow chirped.

The double sunset was an event that only happened twice per year at Zetani. It happened at the spring equinox and the autumn equinox. During those days, both the suns in the star system set simultaneously. The double sunset was magnificent when the red dwarf Zetani Sol merged into the blue giant Zetani Maximus at the horizon, creating the illusion of a purple sun setting.

“Oh, I don’t know. I am not feeling it this year,” Areela said and sighed.

“Wow, you have become a downer since you became an adult. Let go of your worries. We will have so much fun on the island. Mayor Siblex Valzom will be handing out food, drinks, and money to everyone.” Kailow enthused.

She almost had a panic attack when she heard about the mayor’s presence at the autumn equinox fair. What if he saw that she was pregnant? What would she do then?

‘They’ll find out eventually. I need to find a way to avoid deportation,’ Areela thought while remaining silent for the rest of the boat ride to the island.

***

Areela enjoyed the food, the drinks, and the circus performances when she saw something that broke her heart. She saw Zelinko, together with his father and Shauwana. Areela studied her rival for Zelinko’s love, and what she noticed made her feel sick. Shauwana was also pregnant. This was so unfair. Shauwana’s tryst with Zelinko would help her rise to prominence, while Areela risked deportation to some desolate hellhole!

“Stop staring at the mayor’s son, Areela. A man like that would never want someone like you,” Kailow teased.

“Shut up. I don’t want to hear a single word from you.” Areela shouted loud enough for everyone at the fair to stare at her.

“Whoa, relax. I get it. You got a serious crush on him. I’ll be at the archery range. Meet me there when you have calmed down.” Kailow said and rushed off.

Feeling how everyone stared at her, Areela hurried to her rowing boat and left the island.

***

“I know that you feel upset, but don’t worry. Everything will be alright. I am glad that our intercourse had its desired result.”

Areela was crying in solitude when Zelinko suddenly appeared like a mirage in front of her. She didn’t know how to feel about his appearance. If he was aware of her condition, why had he abandoned her?

“What about you and Shauwana. I could tell that she is also pregnant.” Areela replied.

There was a short silence, and Zelinko’s mirage was flickering in front of Areela. She didn’t like that he used telepathy instead of showing up in person, and the flickering was a sign that he was lying.

Zelinko re-emerged and replied, “Shauwana is my betrothed, and she will be my lawful wife. However, you are my destiny.”

“Then be with me. At least claim me as your concubine. Don’t abandon me to my fate.” Areela sobbed.

“I will save you and our unborn child. However, I must lay low. I stole you from Xialiab, and my father punished me. I cannot defy him until my plan comes to fruition. Have faith in me, Areela.”

As the mirage of Zelinko faded away, Areela felt heartbroken. The father of her child was to marry another woman, and he refused to even look at her. Areela’s only hope was his vague telepathic promises.

“True Maker, please give me a sign,” Areela sobbed as she sat all alone when the rest of the city was celebrating the autumn equinox.