Fiction: “Dreams of Stardust: Part 2”

Somehow, just as if they really were only sleeping, Aster opened their eyes. Though their slumber was dreamless and swift, not much different from a nap or even a blink, it somehow felt as if they've been asleep for a really, really, really long time. Something was very different, however:  Aster looked and felt better; much better than ever before. Not only that, but there were also two people standing next to the bed.

Quickly it became clear that this was not even nearly the greatest shock Aster would experience. The strangers soon began explaining, step by step, with great patience and care,  who they are, what was really going on, and why. One by one, they answered all the questions Aster had, of which there were quite a few. Even as everything started slowly falling into place, forming a complete picture, it still felt utterly unbelievable. Thankfully, the strangers made sure Aster had as much time and help as they needed to understand and adjust to everything.  

They talked for a very long time — far longer than would have normally been possible — and when both the guides and Aster were finally content, they all left the room together and began an introductory tour. Even though Aster already knew where they were, the whole place was just inconceivable. What could be seen all around them was hard to even comprehend. By all means, it shouldn't even exist or work at all and yet it did, and  somehow it all felt normal too, even if somewhat unfamiliar. The "landscapes" that could be seen stretching endlessly in all directions, twisting and blending into one another in absurd ways, made no sense whatsoever, and yet the floor Aster walked on was solid and steady, and everything nearby looked and felt perfectly real.

Every sector they travelled through was more incredible than the last, some almost as enchanting and mesmerising as the infinite pathways themselves. For what felt both like an eternity and a single day, Aster was introduced to countless things that they could never have even imagined before. They saw and learned more than they thought there was to learn, and still there was more left for them to discover.  

When the tour was over, with their two guides always ready to help if needed, Aster was given complete freedom to roam about this strange place, and they gladly did so, enjoying all there was to enjoy and studying all there was to study. Time passed in its unusual manner as they uncovered the most intricate secrets of the universe, experienced countless other lives, and caught glimpses of the infinite possibilities that never came to be. Thus, outside of time, Aster wandered the infinite pathways and libraries until they learned all there was to know and experienced all they wished to feel or do. Finally, when they were fully satisfied, they let their guide know they were ready to proceed.

Once everyone was content, they were all escorted by their guides to their designated spots and told to signal when they make themselves comfortable. One by one, lights began to appear all around. After some friendly chatter with their guide, Aster confidently turned on their light as well,  a smile on their face and tears of pure happiness forming in their eyes. As soon as the last light was turned on, the moment everyone had been anticipating and preparing for came at last.  

Alongside every living being that ever existed, from the very first to the last, gathered on life's final bastion in the far reaches of the universe at the end of time, fulfilled and enriched by all the knowledge there was to learn, Aster looked excitedly towards the black, endless void stretching ahead. Right before the big moment, their guide leaned in closer, handed them a strange object, and said softly: 

'I know you wanted to see the stars, one last time. Though they're all long gone, this should let you see them again, just as you remember them' 

'I don't need it,’ Aster replied, ‘This is more than I could have ever asked for. Than anyone ever could.' 

At long last, in a moment of absolute bliss, right after the entirety of the universe flashed through everyone's minds, all life that had ever existed witnessed the grand finale of its long journey and then, letting nature take its rightful and wonderful course, they allowed themselves to be swallowed by the last, lone black dwarf's supernova — the last thing to ever happen — thus granting this universe and the countless universes within it their most magnificent ends.