The Adventures of Exodus Creed & Co.

In Which They Meet the Star and Have Tea

Beatrice didn't talk much as she led them out of the trade yards to walk along the outer rim of the island. There was nothing but the beautiful city on their left and open sky on their right. Exodus' eyes were often turned to his right as he took in the sunbeams streaming through the slow-moving clouds. With the glitter of the city no longer right before him, he was once again drawn to the infinite sky.

"Oh...!" 

Cassie's soft exclamation of surprise drew Exodus back to the island and he felt a jolt of excitement run through his stomach. Even Lochland was speechless as Beatrice led them triumphantly through a large, diamond-studded gate into a courtyard of glass, which ended at marble stairs leading up to an impressive mansion. Everything was studded with diamonds, with a few other jewels thrown in for color, but it was obvious that the main theme was diamonds.

"This...this..." Lochland swallowed and gave up trying to speak. Cassie gripped his arm tighter and grabbed Exodus' hand.

"I'm oddly frightened..." she whispered, and Lochland looked at her worriedly. But just then Beatrice opened a pair of double doors and announced in a high, yet somehow smooth, voice.

"They are here, Lady Queen."

Hurriedly, the three 'pirates' entered the room as Beatrice motioned them in.

And they stopped dead.

Sitting on a silvery velvet chaise, was a star. Not an actual star, but a hybrid star. Exodus had seen pictures of them in schools, and he felt a wave of awe.

When a star is hit by a Galactic Whale, it will often shatter, depending on how small and fragile it is. Those shattered pieces will then fall into the atmosphere and lodge in a young human's heart if the human is strong enough. This star was abnormally tall, with large cloudy eyes, pale white skin, long silver hair sparkling with stardust, and slender hands. There was a crown of diamond-studded stars on her head, and she stood, emanating a silvery glow.

"My friends!" She breathed in a soft voice, lifting her hands as if to embrace them. "What a pleasure to have you in my humble home!"

Exodus was entranced. Enchanted. He moved toward her when he felt a sharp pinch on his arm. Flinching, he turned to glower at Cassie, but to his surprise, it was Lochland who had pinched him, after he pushed Cassieopeia behind him.

"I'm sorry, but we have to go." He said, sounding squeaky and, honestly, terrified.

"But why?"

"Yes, Lochland...why." Cassie snapped, shoving him aside. Lochland threw his hands in the air with a look of 'why me??' Cassie stomped up to the star and unfurled her wings.

A challenge.

The star looked down her nose at her, then addressed Lochland and Exodus.

"Please, sit." She kept her voice soft and sweet, like a breath of cool air, and Exodus hurried to obey, happy to make the beautiful Lady Queen happy. Lochland followed more slowly, and Lady Queen frowned ever so slightly before smiling and motioning for them to sit down.

"Beatrice, please bring the tea."

"Don't let her fool you!" Lochland whispered hoarsely into Exodus' ear. Exodus shook his head like a dog, as if to clear the words from his head, but didn't answer.

Beatrice brought the tea.

Cassie and Lady Queen glowered at each other.

Lochland tried to sink into the velvet lounge, and Exodus stared at Lady Queen adoringly.