S1 Chapter 11, Dying to Meet you. Part 1

 1 year later. . . .

2021 AC/DC Holy Wood. Castle Ao'o.

There was much excitement in the kingdoms. In Holy Wood a procession of bands was making way all over the Sunset drive, filling taverns and bars with music and people. People were prospering, thriving, happy, joyful. Star stood on the balcony smiling down at the incoming convoy, her lover at the forefront. Bon was here and it was all she could think about, finally being able to propose a union between their bands, and maybe eventually a marriage between her and Bon which would now be seen as appropriate.. All had come to be a year later, just as she set it up and predicted. A new band had risen from the Great Southern Island consisting of the Prince Malcom, his body guards Cliff and Philipe, their leader Bon Mantle, and Malcom's foster brother, a boy with red skin named Angus.

The five of them had formed the Power Band, and powerful they were. They left nothing but prosperity in their wake and everywhere they went the people and societies thrived and built themselves. As Star had planned and secretly funded, the potential for great peace had come in the form of this band that she had helped create. They had successfully brought peace to the Great Island they came from, now they came up from the Gold Fields to the south, and the Kingdom by the Sea had praised them. They were now coming to Holy Wood, the foremost thriving kingdom in the known world.

Star had asked them to make an appearance in her court, to publicly propose a full swinging tour that would untie that kingdoms and bring a new era of peace and thinking. This would make them the most powerful and influential force in the world. Nothing would stand in their way.

In the great hall of Ao'o Castle, Star sat with Dawn on her right had, and Rosie on her left. They were dressed in their finest velvets to receive these visitors, Rosie kept fidgeting, Dawn glared at the eldest of the Power Band as they entered. Star was soaring on the inside, her heart leapt in her throat, bursting with pride at the view of her demon son and lover walking side by side as if father and son. Angus was no more aware of who Star was in relation to himself and was staring at the place in wonder and devilish delight. When he saw Rosie he grinned, his smile full of teeth. The girl tilted her head in curiosity.

Richi was to the direct right side of Star, sitting in a comfortable ornate chair. The Blackmoore was angered at Bon's presence, no matter how happy it made Star. He shared Dawn's contempt at the sight of the arrogant looking man they detested. This was the only way he could have ever approached the Queen in public and the Blackmoore lord could feel the connection between his cousin and the man of filth, they were drowned in blissful happiness.

 Star herself was dressed in a wine red velvet dress was clung to her and trailed a foot behind her. She wore an epaulette of copper on her shoulders and rings of gold on her fingers, a small gold bell chimed with each subtle move of her head and her soft pink lips were hard pressed to remain in a smile that wouldn't give her away.

When the Power Band came to show their respects to the ruling queen, she did the same when Prince Malcom was formally introduced as the only true royal member.

“In attendance is Prince Malcom Younge, son of King Aberneil Younge, and his fostered brother his Lordship, Angus Younge.”

Star nodded her head once, her gold crown moving with her. “Prince Malcom, Lord Angus. Sirs Philipe, Cliff and Bon.” She grinned. “It is a cause for celebration that you visit today. News of your success and of your help towards those in need are told strongly here. As you are aware, since my rule implanted in 1980 AC/DC, Holy Wood has thrived and proven thriving in its people. Wherever you go, poverty ends, where ever I look poverty ends.”

“I have seen this in our time here your highness,” Bon spoke with a grin on his face. “Your lands are beautiful and full and rich, a reflection of their queen.”

Star felt Richi tense beside her. Dee stood among the crowd as well, the only BOC member in attendance. He watched and while he smiled, he was silent.

“Oh Sir Bon you flatter me. In the face of such rich success I propose a tour.”

“A tour you say?” Malcom asked. He, too, excited at the idea of uniting the Great Southern island with the rest of the world. Spreading a combination of powerful influence.

“Why yes dear, Prince Younge,” she directed her attention to him and rose from her throne. “Your Power Band and my Neon Knights combined will accomplish more than we could do on our own. My adviser, Lord Blackmoore's band Light in the Black shall also march. I ask you to join us and begin a crusade to end poverty and war, to bring about a new era of peace and enlightenment. A call to criminals to lay down their crime and wayward lives and to join us for a revolution of the mind.”

“You have the Power Band!” Malcom announced. “We will gladly unite to bring about a new era.”

Star descended the steps, Richi followed and she went to Malcom, just a boy of eighteen, Angus forever frozen as a sixteen year old boy. She held up a hand and the first prince pressed his palm to hers. Richi pulled a red ribbon out of his pocket, a ceremonial ribbon to symbolize unification, and wrapped it around their hands. When he was done he turned to the crowds.

“Let it be known that we three bands shall lead a march to the other kingdoms! We will invite the others to the south to join us! We invite YOU the people to join us! The tour for Peace begins with all of us!”

Whatever else he said was drowned out in noise as the people burst into celebration. Yes there had been peace in the time of Star's rule as queen, but there had always been conflict. Kingdoms isolated and thought abandoned, people still living without. This was to a rekindling of all the kingdoms to come to come alive. To join together and be free in every sense. This was a call to rise up and care for all in need, a way to boost economies of all sorts. This was going to change their worlds more than it was changed in 1979. More than it changed in 1980.

While the commoners in attendance left to spread the word and call everyone to join them, Dee slipped away into the crowds. Dawn was the only one who watched him leave his place. She followed him while her mother continued to make love sick gaga eyes at Bon in public. She went to the servants hall she saw him last and hurried quietly, the sounds of the people in the great hall still echoing. She heard silence ahead and in a panic she began running faster.

When she emerged into the nearest courtyard, she scanned the open area, seeing no one there. But when she stepped forward she saw a body in the grass. A woman's body.

“GUARDS!” She called as she dove to tend to the woman she knew. “GUARDS COME QUICK!”

Even though they came and helped her take the injured to the nearest healer in the castle, she knew it was too late.....Tilda was dead. A single stab to the heart had ended her life, why or by who Dawn didn't know and not a single guard had been present to see anyone. Dee was still gone and while the Princess wanted to believe he had done it, there was absolutely no proof that he had. There were no witnesses, no weapon, and Tilda was dead.

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It was late into the next day, as the entire city and all of Star's managers of affairs got the tour in order, when she was alerted of Tilda's murder. Dawn brought her to the crypts, where the woman was already laid out for burial and mourning. But she had no family, and only May was there to acknowledge her passing. Rosie had been told that Tilda had died in her sleep, the girl was shaken by the sudden death, but in the wake of the Tour her sadness was distracted. Star however stood shoulder to shoulder with Dawn and May, staring at the woman's body.

“I cannot stop the tour,” she said.

Dawn frowned. “I didn't think you would, despite the dishonor to Tilda.”

“Its not that,” Star whispered. “I loved her, she helped me raise you and Rosie. I owed her and this is the thanks I give? I understand your anger but the tour must continue, one in order to spite Tilda's killer, and two because she would want us to continue. It will free the lands and hopefully encourage them to separate from the BOC. For all my power and liberation the people still look tot hem for help in situations they offer assistance to. This tour could end the rule of the BOC, Tilda knew that.”

“We will not go after the killer? We know who it was.”

“He did not murder her, he could not have.”

“He is of the BOC, you know he did.”

“Did anyone see it?”

“No.”

“They will laugh at you without any evidence. There is nothing we can do.”

Dawn sighed. “I know.” She turned and left. . . .

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It wasn't long before the royal family once again was in the great hall, drinking and merry making before the tour was set to launch. The platform where the thrones usually sat was cleared of the chairs and instead was littered with divans and large pillows tossed about. The queen reclined on a chair while Bon sat next to her, they flirted outrageously, whispering of being loved dearly. Angus entertained a horde of girls by playing guitar for them. Everyone else was spread throughout the hall, mingling and drinking. Feasting and dancing. Dawn wandered the hall, drinking, smoking, May was not among them, she was with Rosie in her chambers. Rosie was not fond of large gatherings like this.

Richi was surrounded by people as well, his band mates, women, other dignitaries. He shared Dawn's belief that a member of the BOC murdered Tilda, it unsettled them both. They also knew that the tour would commence. When infuriated him most was the sight of Star with Bon. After he had broken her heart for forty years, she gives him a band and then invites him to her castle. Now they sat side by side as if lovingly collaborating on their tour, and it made Richi huff in frustration.

In the middle of their celebrations a guard came running through the large hall doors, his armor clanking loudly and drawing everyone's attention. He held a piece of parchment in his hand and came to the steps below the gathering. Star, while prone to folly, knew that he had grave news, even more upsetting than her friend's death. She stood, Bon watched. Richi leaned forward, dawn followed her mothers suit and stood next to her.

“Speak!” Star said.

The guard nodded and unrolled the scroll. “To QUEEN OF HOLY WOOD. This note is to remind you that we are not dead and our forces have amassed to new heights. We await you outside your castle, in the open fields to the east, myself and my two delegates. We have gained the strength necessary to come and demand you pay heed to us and our power. Should you fail to speak with us, and listen to our demands, war will come down upon you. Awaiting your presence, signed, the King of the Spyders.”

There was silence.

Star burst into a grin. “Who sent this?”

“The messenger outside said he is to show you to the field where they wait.”

“Then by all means, let us meet.” She said as she swept away to dress for the hint of battle.

Dawn and Richi followed her, Bon followed against their wishes but Star demanded he come. The Princess whispered furiously with her mother, this did not feel right. Something was wrong. Star waved her concerns away as jitters of a negotiation. Dawn huffed at her mother's ignorance but followed her to dress for travel all the same. 

Princess and Lord Blackmoore, dressed in leather shin, arm and body gear. Star was dressed similarly with thigh high leather boots and a long necked, tight fitted chemise with the sleeves split open and leather guards from her wrists to elbows. Bon was given his choice of armor since they had come without, and donned a pair of metal shin guards and a long sleeved leather jacket, he declined any sort of chainmail since war was not yet eminent.

When done with their quick travel preparations, they met at the stables and Star called a small fraction of her army to come with her to investigate. The messenger boy was a Spyder, he wore the vivid red and silver colors and held a flag pole flying the silver Spyder on a red background. Star told him to led them and he did without further conversation. She had to admit that he was indeed in better condition that she expected, the last time she encountered the Spyder's, they were mere rag tag warriors without armor to call their own. It appeared they had improved since then.

Richi and Dawn trailed behind Star and Bon who sat abreast on their horses. The messenger was well ahead of them to avoid any speaking situations and this made Star lean in close to Bon.

“This is unusual.”

“What do you think they want?”

“To stop us. If we unite the people, they will be cast out and free for me to round up and deal with.”

“Another attempt at rebellion.” He said.

She smiled. “But it isn't as frighting this time, with you beside me.” She looked and smiled at him. “I had hoped we would set on a march for peace, and not to investigate if war is here.”

“We will tour. We will speak to the king and he might even join us.”

“Oh I doubt that,” she laughed. “But yes, we go to speak. I'm so happy you're here.”

“You said that already,” he laughed.

“Because I am,” she whispered. “I would rather be marching North rather than east, but with you by my side I fear nothing.”

He took her hand and kissed the back of it. She did likewise and he gave her hand a squeeze. They had been unable to share an intimate moment since his arrival two days prior. The Queen was beginning to regret it. This was a scene from her vision of the tour, them dressed as they were, atop horses on a dirt path. She saw no more after that and was waiting to see what lay beyond.

Their conversation died the moment the crested a hill and saw the camp. There at least one thousand soldiers present and their camps were abandoned as they all stood in neat uniform rows behind three leaders. The King and his two delegates. Star was not prepared for this and the moment she saw that her one hundred men was a vast miscalculation she motioned for Dawn to come forward. She watched the other army carefully, the situation had suddenly become grave.

“Ride to Ao'o, gather more, one thousand at least more. Begin preparations to possibly evacuate the city. Go to the old King. This is not a meeting, this I a negotiation and threat of war.” She looked into her daughter's eyes.

Dawn stared at her mother, the encampment and then nodded and turned to ride back for Ao'o. She did not question Star then, as to why she did not send Richi. She wanted to ensure that Rosie was far from the castle if War struck, and they would need more warriors. One thousand men was hardly an army, but it was all the BOC had had when they overthrew Star with in the beginning. She ran hard and didn't look back.

Star kicked her horse forward, Bon and Richi following by her sides. She motioned for Bon to come close and he did, Richi glared at the army ahead. Now was not the time for her to be flirting and it angered him. They went slowly plodding along.

“I'll never forget the day we met,” she said.

Richi glared at him. Star smiled.

“How could anyone forget?”He said.

“I think of it almost every night when you are away.” She was quiet. “I wish for that night over and over.”

“We will live it again.” He ensured her.

“I hope so,” she whispered.

The Spyders moved forward when the others stopped and approached the Holy Wood Queen. They all shared bright red hair, dyed of course to sport their war colors. A bright red band of paint was spread across their faces like a mask. The King wore a silver crown with large rubies inset along the band, he was young, too young.

When the two parties met they were mere yards away from the nearest soldier, either Spyder or Holy Woodian. The King spoke first.

“I am Xander of the Spyders.”

“I am Star Dust of Holy Wood.”

His lips peeled over yellowed teeth and a sick smile. "I have been Dying to meet you Queen. We are no longer the petty warrior thieves you knew. We are now a thriving community of people, taking over lands far to the east that you yourself abandoned.”

“I do not deny living space to those who need it. Enemy or otherwise.”

“That is not why I brought you here.”

“And why did you King of the Spyders?” She asked sarcastically, clearing mocking him.

“To inform you that we are powerful now. More than the thread bare people you knew, we have amassed our own kingdom and fortunes and riches and we have built an army and we have gathered land and we continue to build.”

“You seem familiar. . .” she said then, as if ignoring him. “Have I imprisoned you before?”

“We met once, on the fields of war in 1979.”

“Oh yes, when everyone who wanted to fight leapt into war.” She seemed puzzled. “But why do you wish war on me? It was the BOC I was fighting, not you.”

“Because you are of Holy Wood! Your former kings imprisoned my forefathers! You have ignored us as a force of might for far too long!”

“Because you attack my people! Surrounding lands! You encourage crime and pillaging!”

“Is that not what you plan now with your tour? To eradicate us?”

“Of course not! In fact you may join us! Lay down your grievances and join us King of the Spyders. Join us. Do you have another sponsor perhaps? Allies of your own?”

“If you only knew,” he grinned wickedly. “We drank the water of life you gave your people, we are more than mere decedents, we are the last of the Spyders who were wrongfully imprisoned. And by who? A king who knew a Spyder was the rightful heir of Holy Wood.”

“Now that is where you fail to make sense,” Richi said. “The case you refer to took place nearly two centuries ago. It was a fight over two legitimate children for the Throne on Earth, and the one whose mother was Martian was denied the throne while the earthling mother was given the throne.”

The King smiled, "Time hides many secrets Blackmoore Lord."

Star went pale. If he only knew. . . . “He is right. I cannot attest to what my husband's ancestors did to your forefathers, but we can fix it right now.”

Xander's eyes darkened. “I am afraid it is too late to offer an alliance. You have been bested your highness.”

She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean bested? By who? Speak clearly or you will never be a proper king at all!”

“You will address me as KING Xander the first of the Spyders!”

They fell into a fit of yelling at each other, Star hurtling insults and Xander using sarcastic allusions to double meanings. In the throngs of red, one among them crept silently, seemingly unnoticed by those around him until he reached the edge of the crow closest to the dignitaries. Bon watched the woman and Spyder argue, Richi did as well....But it was Bon who heard the crunch of dirt, being a Dirty Deeds Man his senses could detect what was otherwise silent. It was a trait of the Dirty Men faction. He turned in time to see the crowd part and without explanation he shoved Star out of the saddle with a violent push and grabbed a knife out of his shin guard.

As the dagger flew and struck the “king's” eye, another blade flashed in the sunlight. It wouldn't kill Xander. . .at the same time he reacted, there was a sudden movement in the crowd of uniformed stanced Spyder soldiers, and it happened quicker than anyone else could react. A Spyder pushed through the crowd and flung an object at the Queen.

In the same moment that Bon had shoved her and threw his blade, another was released from the hands of an assassin for hire. As the King screamed and was taken away from the stand off, arrows flew, war cries were screamed, the war began. With an arm raised the slaughter was started.

Richi ducked and jumped down from his horse, hiding behind it as he protected the Queen.

“SHEILD WWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLL!” He screamed.

As the wall formed he looked down and crouched low to pick up his cousin, but she did not see him. He followed her gaze and saw Bon across from them, his hand in hers, a knife protruding from his chest. In the midst of colliding enemy lines, Richi picked her up and guards picked up Bon. They found shelter a mile away from the front line and a healer, sent by Dawn had quickly arrived with a small battalion of battle ready men. Dawn came with nightfall and led the battle as the people she had brought sent up a temporary base. As the tent was constructed and a table unloaded, Bon was being dressed by a healer, a magic healer from the Sabbath lands. A gift from that Kingdom to Star's.

With nothing else for it he grabbed the dagger and the moment it was free, covered it with a heavy cloth he pressed down. This changed nothing. The healer said his chants, laid a hand over the chest and the wound glowed a soft blue...but when the glow dimmed it was apparent that they were too late. He shook his head and said another chant while placing coins over the man's eyes.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Star screamed so loud that moment that her voice broke.

She fell to the ground and Richi was overwhelmed.

“Get her out of here!” he shouted as he drew his sword.

The tent was so close to the front lines that this was his holding point and he had to get her away to safety until she was dressed in her armor ready to fight, but with the death of her love right before her eyes he wasn't sure she was able to fight. The guards and healers took her away, but she fought them. Not willing to leave unless Bon's body went with her. They took her and the dead man to a tavern in a nearby evacuated village while Dawn and Richi battled on the front line. They were not far from the Castle Ao'o and Dawn had called for more and more reinforcements to come even after she had ridden out with her militia.

Eventually they held the line and more soldiers came to fight. Far into the night and the next day there was fighting. Dawn and Richi pulled out long enough to establish where they stood. Star was still holed up in the tavern and was said to be drinking copious amounts of rum. Dawn relayed to Richi that everyone incapable of fighting was being evacuated to the Kingdom by the Sea and he was willingly taking them in, Rosie and May included. The Princess then broke off from her uncle to go send word to the other kingdoms. This was not their fight but it would maybe become theirs if Holy Wood should lose, they should be prepared.

Richi agreed. With morale falling low at the sudden attack and Star's safety uncertain, the soldiers needed to know that their queen was well. They needed to know they were not fighting a losing battle....Even though it appeared as such. Over the course of the next few days, it became apparent that the Spyder's had also rebuilt their military and military tactics. Every time the Holy Woodians entered the forest to pursue them, the men were overwhelmed and scattered, sent running from the forests. It wasn't long before both Richi and Dawn concluded that the Spyder's had a significant army spread through the lands usually uninhabited, under one command it seemed.

The forests were thick, the hills rocky and full of caves. The Spyders had planned for this and it was evident in the way they moved and nearly expected their battle plans. After a large squad of soldiers was lost in an ambush, Dawn pulled back their forces and Richi went in search of Star.

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A tavern in the village of Tull, 2021 AC/DC, sunrise. . . . .

Stardust sat at the bar, Richi and a band of five soldiers stood behind her. The Blackmoore lord behind her was dressed in his battle worn armor. Their leader was getting wasted at a bar as the kingdom was at war. With the death of her lover Bon, the Queen was ill.

“My Lady, there is a war at hand the enemy is attacking from the east. We need your guidance in this time.” Her cousin said.

She sucked down another rum shot and tapped the glass in thought before pouring more. She drank and ignored those in attendance. The other soldiers didn't know what to make of it. Richi set his helmet down and stared at his Queen and cousin.

“Leave us,” he commanded his men. They did as told. He grabbed the shot from her hand before it touched her lips and threw it on the ground. She looked at him with an irritated smirk. “Wake up,” he growled at her.

She wasn't deterred. She pushed another shot to him, “Here have a drink on me,” she suddenly burst into laughter that dribbled into tears. “Hes upstairs, and there's no pulse.”

She spoke of her lover Bon. Just as their two powerbands were about to embark on a massive tour across the kingdoms, Bon had been assassinated before her very eyes. He had died after they fled the battle field and she held onto his body in the hopes he wasn't dead.

But he died long before being brought here, and she did everything in her willpower to deny it. She was drowning out her sorrow like she did after the Great war of 1979. After her husband vanished....she turned to heavy drinking in that short time before being exiled and separated from her newly born baby.

Richi was there to break her out of her drunken dream. “We need our Queen! Your daughter needs you, your granddaughter needs you.” He put his hand over the glass she was about to drink from. “Bon would want you to keep fighting. He didn't come all this way, he didn't follow you for more than thirty years to see you give up all because he died.”

She grinned at him and shoved his hand away. “Now that I will drink to. Bon was a persistent man.” She downed the double shot without a flicker of disgust. “And his persistence got him dead.”

Richi laughed. “You know nothing of Bon you foolish woman.”

She raised her glass and smashed in on his armor breast plate.

“Don't you say that Richi!” She screamed.

“You know you must go on! When we have a victory he will be cremated as the bravest of men are. He would want you to fight and we must go NOW!”

“Don't you dare touch him!” She branched a dagger at him, freed from its hidden sheath in her sleeve. I will keep his body forever if I have to!”

“You would defy his honor and keep him in a glass coffin if it meant you could keep him for yourself.”

“You're damn right I would and I'll drink to that right now!' She drank again and slammed the next glass to the floor. “

There was a sudden ruckus on the floor above them and the sound of smashing glass. Stardust leapt to the stairs when the glass shattered above and Richi trailed closely behind her. Her heart pounded in terror at what she would find and she ran down the hall to his room. The door was slammed open so hard that it fell off on hinge. She flew inside to find his body gone and the window smashed.

She stood there in stoic, sobering silence and Richi stood alongside her.

“Is this your doing?” She asked Richi.

He shook his head. “No. I. . . I have no explanation.”

Both body and dagger were gone from this room. She went to the window and saw that the glass was broken outwards, there was no glass inside the room. There was no godly, earthly, physical way that Bon should have moved. He had been dead, she had felt no pulse, he was dead. Now he was gone, once again gone. With the realization that she would be unable to keep his body, she gave up and came out of her depression.

She nodded, facing the rising sun. “Let us win this war then.”

to be continued. . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

S1 Chapter 10, Chateau D'if

HolyWood,day.

“Mother.”

“I'm thinking.”

“Well stop thinking and do it. Not only will you end a feud, but you'll make me happy.”

“I know, I know.”

“Then why wait?”

“Its complicated.”

“HOW!?”

“You will gain such extraordinary power you might actually be a threat your mother.”

“Oh shut up! I will not take away the throne from you, you have to give it to me.”

“There have been several kings who killed their father for the throne you know. Don't you read the history books I gave you?”

“It's elementary Mother. Besides, we are not men, we are the first ruling immortal queens give me a break.”

“I know dear, I know we would never kill each other over the throne. . .But I know you want it-”

“And I know you have your reasons, we've established that. Why do we keep going over it?”

“It keeps coming up!”

“Then simplify the issue and allow the BOC and Holy Wood Courts to recognize my engagement. I'll leave it alone then.”

“I haven't officially engaged you two yet.”

“Oh get over it. Arranged marriages are no longer in effect, you did that.”

“Not arranged but marriage to a magic man takes processing time.”

“Processing time?! What is this?! A Fucking mail order husband?!”

“Hmmm, I'm beginning to not foresee a wedding. . . .”

“YOU CRAZY BAT!”

The door slammed open and Dawn ran out in a huff.

She had begun arrangements concerning her and the Wizard's wedding. . . .only to be alerted that no legal wedding would be conducted without the Queen's consent and that of the BOC since her fiance was a magic man. A clause created by her mother after the Rebellion, stating that if a mortal becomes engaged to magic being, a wedding had to be approved by -not only one or both parents- bu the ruling Power of the Throne and a majority vote in the BOC. Since Magic Beings were, in the past, notorious for kidnapping and forcing mortals to wed them for sacrificial and other dark purposes, Star took it upon herself to ensure the safety of the non magic beings in her kingdom. Many other kingdoms had followed this example, and it while it otherwise was a protective, useful, clause for mortals, Dawn was unique and it only infuriated her.

She had gone to demand her mother allow the marriage, since she fit all but one of the criteria to do so. Star, ever fickle for her own reasons, had denied it. She sighed as Dawn left, to go where, she didn't know. Probably with her underground gangs and social rebels circles. Dawn and Star had used these people for favors in some instances and in return, turning thieves into spies. For their “favors” she granted them limited protection in the case any were caught in the act of a crime outside of her “mission”. Most of the time, the incident was easily solved by the thief -if caught- working off the amount they stole, it usually worked to keep them out of prison.

Dawn, in place of being Queen, became a “clan leader” of sorts. These social rebels, while they benefited off of Star's economy, saw Dawn as their judge and leader. A princess, but one who ran with them. Star was amazed that Mother ended up in more legal trouble than daughter with that said.

Queen went out onto the balcony and looked down to the courtyard below. There was Rosie along with her nursemaids Tilda and May, playing with some golems that Star had created for her earlier that morning. They fell into magical slumber when the girl didn't play them, springing to life when she did. There were also some of the other palace children with her, she had befriended so few people. They played now, with the golems and each other, the queen smiled and decided to go be among them. Be away from sexcapades and rulers for a little while.

Rosie was happy, ever since returning from the Castle by the Sea, she had been a happier child. She was excited to see her grandmother join them, and saw something strange in her nana's eyes. Why did it look like she was sad even when she smiled? She didn't voice this concern, it most likely didn't matter and she was too happy in that moment to want to ruin it.

Star saw the details of her grandchild's skin. Felt the patches of roughness here and there. The curse was as evident as always, but slowed. There was movement behind her and she turned to watch the guards enter to announce a visitor.

“His divine interpreter of the BOC organization, Dee Astoria, arrives to see Queen Star Moorison and Princess in waiting Rosie Moorison.”

“Odd,” Star wondered. While Dee had blessed Rosie at birth, even he had had little to do with her since then. He had not approved of the way Star sought help from the Wizard to save the girl over the scientific means of the BOC, but that was years ago.

Dee entered, his long pale gold hair tied into a braid that trailed down his back., a smile on his face. Tilda, Star's house keeper, ex servant to Pirate Queen Anne, and unofficial protector of Rosie, stared at him. May moved closer to Tilda and they remained quiet. Dee came forward, bowing his head at Star, and nodding towards Tilda and May, he was all customs and kindness. Tilda though, watched him with her dark eyes.

He came to Star and took her hand, kissing it. She did the same is greeting. “My Queen, how are you and the family this day?”

“Dawn has left on an errand to the Wizard land, I fare well. Of course, Rosie is in good health as always.” She reached out to take Rosie under her arm and hold her close, the girl obeyed.

“Oh excellent! I heard of the ordeal with the Kingdom by the Sea,” he looked at Rosie then. “How was your stay with the Old King my dear?”

Star waved off the guards and everyone relaxed. The other children, having watched the BOC priest in all his mysterious glory, shied from him. They were of the palace, their parents loyal to the Queen, unfamiliar with the BOC city immortals. The other women in attendance ushered them away from the royal and priestly group. Rosie watched them go before turning back to Dee.

“It was fine. The old King is very nice.” She said shyly. 

The man's lips curled up in a smile. Star saw a flash enter and leave his eyes in the same moment. Was that disappointment as he looked at her?

“He is a kind man. You two saved your mother as well. Very impressive child. I came all the way from the BOC City to see you today did you know that?”

“No,” she whispered.

Star laughed. “That pact was carried out two months ago.”

Dee returned her smile to its full brilliance. “I had some legal errands to attend to. I have been waiting to clear them to have an entire day free to visit. I brought you something,” he said as he pulled out a small golden cage with a tiny gold lever on one side. Inside the cage was a vividly rainbow colored, gemstone bird inside. He wound the lever and the bird sang a wonderful melody.

It made the girl smile and she took it from his outstretched, upturned palm. She turned the lever and the bird sang another tune. She looked into his eyes then in unspoken questioning.

“It plays five different songs which starts over whenever you turn the lever. Go now go show your friends,” he encouraged her.

She nodded and went to join them, Tilda took her under wing and watched Dee from afar. She whispered to May and the other woman nodded. They did not approve.

“That is very beautiful Dee,” Star said.

“Found in in the merchant bazaar at the BOC.”

“You still host that?”

“Every month your highness.”

She smiled. “Very kind of you to do so.”

“We support the people this way. It is the least we can do for them,” he explained. He saw the way the other two women looked at him. “That taller one,with the brown hair, she was present at Rosie's birth as well. I remember.”

“The midwife, my housekeeper, and keeper of estates when myself and Richi are absent.” She heard the most subtle of changes in his voice. Further disapproval?

“She is bold in the way she looks at you and Rosie.”

“Is that so? I hadn't noticed. She was once under the command of Queen Anne, might explain it.

“A Pirate woman? Is she safe to keep around?”

Star laughed loudly. “Oh Tilda is quiet harmless to me and my blood and anyone I smile at.” She smiled at Dee. “She is one to distrust those she doesn't know. Only natural when she is the protector of my grandchild. Unofficially of course but she is.”

“Must be why she is giving me the coldest of stares.” He mocked a chilled spine and shivered in his robes.

“A hard woman, but one I trust with Rosie and the Palace. May there is her friend and Rosie's motherly attendant.”

“Where is Dawn I wonder?”

“My daughter is away. Where she goes is of no concern of anyone. She did her duty to the throne and had a child, and was engaged to be married once.” Star sat on a stone bench. Dee stood and picked a blossoming pink flower bud off a tree, handing it to her. She took it. “She had fulfilled the demands of the BOC in concerns of procreating and continuing the royal line.”

“Has she?”

“You question me?”

“We both know Rosie is no future ruler. She is too fragile, even you know this. Do you want to be the one to force her to marry or force her to make life and death choices?”

Star never wanted those responsibilities on Rosie. “But as the child of the heir apparent, she becomes the true heir to the throne.” She hadn't told Dee of the Witch prophecy, the BOC would scoff at it. “As for forcing her to marry, you'd have to go through Dawn. And after that, Rosie is already a royal woman, the law that a royal woman is not required to marry remained unchanged.”

“I would never force you to marry, being mother of the royal children, and you declared your marriage to the king valid since his body was never found.”

“Alive until proven dead,” she said, a grin playing on her lips. She sighed then, “Dawn is engaged to the Dark Lord.”

“The Wizard in the Black Castle?” He sounded surprised.

“Is there any other?”

He chuckled. “None.”

“As the law states, I am two parts of the law to allow the marriage. I find her sound of mind and free from a spell. It would be up to the BOC after that. Though I doubt she will wait for that, a pagan wedding is something she would do.”

“There is nothing preventing her from marrying in the pagan fashion of not consulting the BOC for legal approval. If she is sound of mind as you say, she may very well do so under our noses. However, she would be considered unmarried in our legal courts, both yours and mine.”

“Since arranged marriage is obsolete, what would it matter to her? Why does she fight me on this?”

“Why do you fight her?”

Star was stunned by this. “Me? I'm her mother and Queen. I don't have to have a reason for denying her.”

Dee laughed. “DO you now? Being queen comes after being mother, you proved that in the Rebellion.”

She took a moment of silence and then said, “If she marries the Wizard who knows what kind of power she will gain.”

“Is this fear of another rebellion I hear?”

“No fear,” she shot him a wicked glance. “I am not comfortable with the shifting of power and I do not fear she will fight me for the Throne. I fought to get her and throne back, she would not do that to me.” Star did not voice it, but both she and Dee knew that if Dawn attempted to overthrow her mother, she would present a weakness in the balance of power that those of the BOC would see and exploit until death. “She will wait for approval, to avoid conflict.”

“Yet you create this conflict by denying her what she wants. Will you ever grant the wedding?”

“Of course! If she would stop wrecking havoc on me. . . .”

“Like mother like daughter.”

Star saw a young child go to Tilda, and pass her a piece of paper. Tilda opened it, read it, and looked at the Queen, her eyes relayed all that needed to be said. It was a letter from the man who had left her. With little more to be said she excused herself from Dee's side, trusting him enough to leave him in the care of others in attendance. She did not fear leaving him with Rosie, she had little doubt he would ever harm her in any way.

She and the woman passed ways and the note found itself into the hands of Star. She glanced at Tilda and one look say one thousand words. The ex-pirate woman did not trust Dee in the least. Tilda had no been present at Dawn's birth, but when she into the Queen's service, she became attached to them all. Dawn and Tilda had an unspoken past, she had a love for Rosie and a loyalty for Star. The woman herself had no other family besides the Pirate Queen. She went back tot he courtyard to watch the children play and saw May stationed between Dee and the little ones.

She saw a shadow cross the lawn, one might mistake for a bird. Tilda shifted her gaze up and saw a dark figure barely visible on the roof. She smiled and knew that it was the Princess, no doubt she had seen Dee enter and was not as trusting of those in the BOC as her mother was. Star was so smug and confident in the way she had punished the Priests, killing those who exiled her, cursing the rest with immortality. Dawn knew the stories as she grew up about her birth and the Rebellion, all told from Tilda. The woman told the Princess all about the betrayal, exile, imprisonment and take over of the BOC, and it never sat well with Dawn.

The figure dissipated and Tilda refocused on the scene before her. She met eyes with the BOC priest across the courtyard, the one she remembered from Rosie's blessing ceremony. While he seemed polite and loyal, in a way, to the Queen, the pirate woman knew better. She had seen the same look in his eyes that day Rosie was blessed. She had been the one to hold the baby as the Priest said the usual chant and asked all gods listening to grant her happiness and health. She knew that the man had lied for instead of health, the child had been cursed. The moment Rosie was cursed, was when Tilda knew something was not right with Dee. . . .

                                               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Star went to a balcony and looked at the terraces above and around her. She closed the glass doors and turned to read the note in a corner covered in ivy vines. She opened the parchment, stained with splotches of sea water, written in His writing. It was simple, short, and all she needed to know.

“Starry Eyes,
By now I am traveling to the Great Southern Island to meet with our friend. There I will prepare the Power Band. I will always love you my Soul Stripper. Your Dirty Deeds Man.”

She smiled and went back inside. She went to an burning incense on a nearby marble table, and let the small ember tip of the stick catch the note on fire. It quickly burst into flame and she dropped it as it burned to drifting ash. She sank into a chair, thinking hard about all that she learned that afternoon. Her conversation with Dee made her remember that the BOC was rising back into unrest.

All the accusations of underage sexual encounters all meant something, they were all perpetrated when conducted in secrecy. They were all set up for a reason. It made her suspicious, all this talk of marriage coming from the BOC, and reminded her what she was being to fear. . . .The past she did not remember. True what Dee said was a strong legal holding she thought, being the Mother of the heirs apparent she was indeed strong enough to remain as queen, her daughter and granddaughter had no fear of forced marriage, being born royal. Since the King's body was never found, she pronounced he was not to be declared dead unless a body was found, cementing her on the throne.

It was tricky and if there was a possibility of there being something they could use against her that she didn't know of, she wanted to know about it. The dreams, the nightmares that haunted her of red sands and a mirage at her finger tips. Rosie and Dawn would never be required to wed since they were born royal, and while she was from a noble family, she was not born to the Blackmoores and it had never bothered her until now. She laughed, it was the first time she had worried about her lapse in memory since her arrival in the Blackmoore family in 1959. There was one person she knew could tell her what she wanted to know. . . . .

                                  **************************************

The ocean....night....

She was sailing to the prison with one guard, Tilda. They were both under disguise in black robes. The island prison loomed before them, one she had once been locked up in and escaped, that she had revisited to free those who would fight for her. Ever since her second escape she had no desire to return ever again.

She sighed as they drew closer to the island. When they landed, the golems she had instilled as guards did not question her or stop her in any way. She created them, they showed her to the prisoner she wished to see and with no one from the BOC in attendance. Tilda stood behind next to an armored golem, giving the Queen enough space to have a private conversation with the man who sat in his cell. She tossed a cigarette pack at him, it landed by him and he opened it, pulled a cig out and put in on his lips. He lit it, drew a long inhale, and let it out.

“I remember the day I caught you. During the last leg of my campaign there was an ambush. Right before I was to over take the BOC city. We were surprised yes but the attack seemed to just die the moment I brought you to your knees. Why did I always think it was a set up for both parties?”

“Maybe it was.”

“Whatever the reason, I didn't kill you.”

“No you did not.”

“Why should I not?”

“You came here to ask me what you want to know. You could not kill me because you would lose the only connection to your past.”

She sat on her heels. “You know me, better than I know myself. Why? Who are you? Why do I have the same dreams about red sands? Where do you come from?”

“Where do We come from you mean.”

She sneered at him and grabbed the bars. “We are not from the same home.”

“We have more in common than you want to believe. You deny it because it would undermine everything you know, everything you love. It would end your rule as Queen of Holy Wood.”

A bright flash crossed behind her eyes. “Tell me.”

“What do you want to know Queen?”

“Who am I?”

“That is the wrong question, you know who you are.”

“The Red Sands....The image of the man-”

“What man?” This made him lean forward. “Who do you see?”

She closed her eyes and recalled the dream with perfect clarity. “He is tall, thin. His eyes, one is dark, one is light.....he ..he has red hair, as red as the sands I run across.....I fall into the sand and there is no more.”

When she opened her eyes he was there, his cigarette smoking between them, nearly touching her nose through the bars as he leaned in close. She saw his silvery eyes, they were unearthly. She had never seen such eyes in any human ever before. She was not sure if he had had any water of immortality, yet he still lived, as if frozen in time. He stared at her closely, never breaking eye contact, trying to tell her something.

“I don't need to tell ya anything. You already know.”

“It cannot be true,” she whispered and shook her head. “No one has come or gone from Mars since decades before I was born.”

“Where were you born?” He asked.

She opened her mouth but no answer came out. There was no answer. No one knew.

“Its impossible,” she whispered. “We, you, me, we are not Martians.”

“You seem to know all the answers to your questions. You don't need me.”

She growled in frustration and glared at him. “Why do you not tell me the truth?”

“I have no reason to lie or tell the truth. I'm still stuck 'ere.”

She got up and snapped her fingers, a Golem came forward and held out a large black metal key. Without much ceremony or hesitation she unlocked the cage door and swung it open. Tilda hung back, putting a hand on her sword hilt.

Star faced off with the Kilmister. “Is this reason enough to tell me what I demand to know?”

“I already did.”

“IT IS NOT POSSIBLE!”

He didn't move from his reclined position on the ground.

“Call me a liar, you knew,” he said.

“If its true, then I will grant you freedom with a single condition.”

“Oh?”

“Rebuild the rainbow bridge. It was destroyed hundreds of years ago to end the connection between Mars and Earth.”

“I know.” He blew out smoke and still didn't move from his spot.

“Well then what the hell are you waiting for? GET OUT!”

“Only if you admit it.”

“What?”

“Admit what you suspect.”

“I heard Mars has red sands but I. . . .I've never seen them.”

“Haven't you?”

“No! Never....”

She went into the cell this time, storming up to him and getting on her knees. She grabbed his leather bomber jacket and shook him. He let her.

“Do what I ask and you will be free.”

“If you deny you are from Mars there is no point in building that bridge. What business of it is yours to see Mars when you belong here?”

She closed her eyes for a long moment and kept them closed. “Because ever since the first dream I knew it was a place I've been. You know the penalty for Martians on Earth, I could never utter the truth to anyone, not even myself. But the dreams always made me doubt where I came from because it wasn't just the images that seemed so familiar or strange, it was the sensations that came with it, as if the dream is a memory. . . .”

“What do you remember?”

With her eyes still closed she remembered. “Nothing. Just black until I woke up in fire on Earth. In the desert.” She opened her eyes. “Is he who I think he is?” She asked in a desperate whisper.

“If you don't come from Mars he is not. He is nothing but your imagination.”

“No. . .no he can't be. When I see him my heart beats as if I've been waiting to see him again for a very long time.”

“I wonder why.”

“Why do you do this? Play these mind games with me?”

“The knowledge would destroy you from the inside out. You know where we come from, now you want to go back and I am the only one who can take you there.”

“Why did you leave to come here?”

He leaned in close and took the cig between his fingers. “I was sent to kill you.”

She was stunned into silence.

“You see things only people like us see.” He looked beside himself and saw his mirror image with yellow eyes and fangs, a soundless vision who smiled at him. Kilmister looked back at the queen. “Because you know.”

Many thoughts raced through her head in those moments. Yes, every since the first dream she knew it was of Mars, and she knew it had to do with the past she could not remember. She had wondered if the dreams were memories, glimpses of the past of where she had been, where she came from. But, if she ever voiced such thoughts the BOC would condemn her for being a Martian and would have sentenced her to either a life time of imprisonment, or even death. The people too would explode in chaos. Confusion, wonder, had melted into denial and doubt and fear.

But she could no longer ignore these dreams, she could no longer leave it to doubt and wonder. She could not allow anyone to find out anything about her she did not know herself. There were no Lizard Kings to protect her, if the BOC was again gaining unrest, and if they found out her past before she did, they would launch another war and she feared her allies would betray her for the sake of her Martian blood. Years ago, Mars and earth fell apart from their alliance and an Earth King banned all Martian contact and travel. In his ban, many Martians were left on Earth, and threatened to be executed if anyone from Mars came back for them. But they escaped custody, these groups of people were warriors and came to call themselves Spyders.

“Are we . . . .Spyders?” She asked him.

“No. But we come from the same place.”

“Kilmister,” she said after a moment of prolonged silence. “My enemies are becoming restless once more. I came here because something told me you were the answer, and if you didn't kill me as you were sent to then I believe I can trust you. If this IS true, I need you to send me back.”

“It will take time.”

“HA! I have nothing but time.”

Tilda, watched them and heard it all. There had always been something unearthly about the Queen. On the boat ride back to the main shore, now with three people in a boat rather than two, the women were furiously thinking. One buzzed with thoughts the implications of what they and learned would bring if the wrong ears heard. The other brewed in silence, if what all he said was true then the only way to save herself and her family was to get to Mars and understand what happened. It was obvious that while Kilmister knew, he didn't say in order to protect them both.

“Why do you not tell her everything?” Tilda asked him. Out on the sea there were no spies, only the three of them.

Star looked back.

“Because the BOC is everywhere,” he said. “And it is too much to tell.”

Somehow he knew the BOC better than she did, which explained why he was at the ambush. She trusted Tilda, but if anyone anywhere knew and that information reached the BOC before she could sort it out first, the result would be disastrous. The only way to preserve her future, was to shed light on her past. To learn what she wanted and uphold her family, she had to journey to a place the BOC could not touch. To learn who she was, to protect her family, to protect herself, the kingdom, the time had come to find the land of the red sand.

S1 Chapter 9, All could see that the answer had been found

HolyWood, Ao'o Castle, Day.

“Dearest Cousin Star,” Richi's letter said. “SUCESS ! I have found the missing Prince and he has agreed to help the Dragoon council repair the damaged Throne and Courts. You MUST travel right away and meet him! This Currier is leaving now so I cannot explain more. Be swift! -Richi.”

She grinned and was used to his frantic words. Still now she was able to leave the kingdom and not only had Dawn returned, but Rosie as well. Mother had retrieved daughter, and grandmother had been relieved of her trial. The courts had sent a letter right before Richi's telling her that the jury had found innocence in her favor and she was free to come and go from Holy Wood as she wished.

“TILDA!” She shouted excitedly as she shuffled through letters.

A middle aged, attractive woman came into the room, her head of household. This woman handled the castle only after Richi himself, and she arranged for the Queen's planned comings and goings. Her long brown hair was tied in a braid that reached down her back. She came swiftly.

“Yes my Queen?” She had also once worked for the pirate Queen, Anne.

“I am to make the journey to the Dragoon Mountains. Rosie and Dawn will stay here, and you will serve over my daughter in matters of estate.” She lit a joint and breathed in, then offered it to Tilda who shook her head politely.

“When is your departure?”

“Day after tomorrow. Enough to spend with Rosie again before I leave, enough to tell Dawn how things will run whilst both Richi and myself are gone.”

“When do I expect your return?”

Star thought for a moment, “Two, maybe three weeks to get there with my small procession and band of guards, a week there, two weeks back. Mark me to return on the seventh week after I leave. If I am gone longer than six weeks, then you should send someone to come looking.”

Tilda nodded. “As you wish my queen.” She departed, needing all she had to know to prepare.

Star rather liked the stern woman. Stern she may appear, the Queen knew she harbored a soft spot for Rosie, Tilda had been the midwife for Dawn with both children, she had missed Rosie and was more than relieved to have her back home. . . .

Shaking the creeping sadness form her brain, the Queen went to the balcony and looked down to see her offspring entering the castle with their small envoy of traveling guards. The Jones man, sent from the old King, sat on his white horse with the flag of his King. Star waved politely and he smiled in response, dipping his head in a curt bow. He kicked his horse and went to the stable to rest his horse before leaving quickly after.

She turned inside and began rummaging through her things. There was a list in her head to check off before she left and she wanted to hurry like her cousin urged her to. With Dawn in better spirits, and the princess in waiting home, the Queen was free from worry or thought of distraction. Eventually, she knew that either she would wander off to find her family, or they would come to her. No matter how, she had to tell them that she was leaving just as they were returning.

^*^*^*^**^*^*^*^**^*^*^*^*^*^**^*^*^*^**^*^*^*^*^*^

Dragoon Mountains. AC/DC 2020

Her travels were met with great response from the common folk, and hardly any response from the alleged highwaymen. Then again, upon Tilda's insistence, Star took more than her planned two guards. She took six instead and was sure it would suffice. Still, despite her lack of opposition on the road, she could feel their eyes from the woods. Whether it was Spyders or thieves, she had recently heard of a new gang in the area, the Motley Ones....annoying young men who robbed women of their lust and men of their money.

As she was led to the tavern where the local celebrations were to be held she watched the many emerging and reconnecting nobles come out of the dark, rocky surroundings. In a manner of speaking of course. She sat at the bar and ordered a drink, her eyes scanning the dignitaries. After so long in civil disputes over succession, the newest Court system was proving strong and durable. Whoever the new king was he must have mind for politics.

Richi was not in the crowd, nor would he be for some time. Light in the Black was on stage and he was their leader, they would lead the festive atmosphere that night. She would be content to watch and wait to meet the new King. She looked about curiously, whoever he was she was sure she would have met with him by now. Of course she only just arrived some hours before, shown to her rooms while Richi and the King, simply called His Highness.....As if to further the angst of not knowing his name or being formerly introduced......while he and her cousin hid from her.

She raised an eyebrow and took a sip of alcohol, called Deamon Whiskey in this part of the land. This was all her rotten cousin's doing, she was still mad at him, while he sounded to be having a grand time. She was nearing contempt when the lights were darkened in the back of the room and attention was drawn to the stage. When the curtains came up, they were heralded by a familiar voice and a familiar sound of guitar.

It was Sir Padvia! And Richi. . She put the vague pieces together and realized that when the man said he was leaving, he was actually going with her cousin that night. But where was the King of the Dragoons?! He should be here, this was in HIS honor! It made little sense.. . . .or did it?

The whole night she listened and waited. Waiting was an attribute forced upon her during the BOC rebellion, she would wait and sip her whiskey. When they finally came from the stage she began making her way to the Knight who had saved her, but he seemed to have eyes elsewhere and dove to another crowd opposite her. He embraced a young woman who seemed enamored with him to a near fault. Young love, Star knew it when she saw it.

It was Richi who shook her out of the moment. He came to her side and she turned to him. He was smiling, his smiles always made her belly warm, Blackmoore happiness was infectious.

“Cousin!” She said excitedly. “Oh that was spectacular! The Olde Gods of Sound bless you!”

He grinned haughtily, “They bless the Dragoons! Their presence is heavy here.”

She grinned. “Light in the Black sounds successful.” She added with a squeeze,” Dear Cousin.”

Their bands were not just musical acts, they were politicians. Their power to influence and relate to the many common people at once was through the music they sang. This was how movements were inspired, how warriors were gathered. This was how they strengthened weakened lands and peoples, how they acted as ambassadors and brought influence and prosperity. Music.

“We have been! The King has been found and order has been restored. This has been more successful than I first expected.” His eyes lit with a fire she rarely saw and he threw back a shot.

“You are quiet good at restoring the rightful rulers to their thrones. Where is this King you speak so fondly of? Was he here?”

“He is!” He pointed to the man she knew across the room. “I made him singer of Light in the Black and when he came with me from Holy Wood, the courts recognized him as the SON of that heir that ran away.”

“You mean you didn't find THE heir?”

“No, better. He had a son while young and that son, the NEW heir, has returned to us as Padvia.”

She turned to stare at him. “He was on stage the entire time.” Saying it it more to herself.

When Star won the rebellion, she shared immortality with the lands, some wanted it, some did not. In most of her time as Queen of Holy Wood, she had had little contact with the North most kingdom. They were a race of shorter men and women, but with voices of power that moved mountains. She was familiar with the story of the lost heir, of the aged King having three sons. He was old when they were born, and continued to rule and live long after, watching one son die and one have another son.

Putting the fractured stories together she saw the image of the lone Dragoon Prince who had come to her aid during the Rebellion. After that she lost contact with them, they shut her out in grief at the death of the King's first son. She could picture a young boy running away from a grief stricken family who then placed all future responsibility on him without his consent while his remaining uncle and his father fought over the right of succession. She sighed inwardly, succession was such a nasty business but one that held countries together with the choice of rulers and leaders, a battle she fought endlessly.

She recalled the Prince talking about his nephew once or twice, how he himself had no sons and his youngest brother did. No doubt that was the boy who ran away, some sixteen years old. Star wondered if he ran away with a young girl who carried his bastard, or eventually found one. Maybe so, maybe so....She realized she was deep in inner thought and her vision came back into focus, centering on Richi. He was talking to her, and didn't seem to notice that she had gone silent.

She nodded, seemingly appropriately and mumbled a response. He was satisfied and drank heavily. Her cousin had found the heir apparent and made him King. She had met him, by some fate, the night before he left. She felt a strange brew twist in her gut, as if she would rely on this budding friendship in some future conflict. As if hearing her thoughts, the Knight himself turned and began coming towards her cousin. His eyes lit when he saw her standing next to Richi and when he came to stand before her they both mirrored the others smile in reunion.

“Your highness,” he bowed in respect.

“Oh no need for that King Padvia.” She smiled.

“King, is still a new title,” he said. “One I still am not used to.”

Star noticed that he and the woman by his side held hands tightly.

“Do not be so modest Padvia!” Richi said encouragingly. “He is doing splendidly, as if born to.”

Padvia laughed and kissed his woman who he then introduced. Star barely heard her name, a rude act, but she was honed on the sound of Dio's voice. It would all she ever had of him. Somehow, it reminded her of the man she had tasted, wanted, and craved, but could never have. His, not Padvia's, voice all she possessed of him. While it drew on her sadness, she hid it away and smiled and laughed. She welcomed her new ally, and established a new pact with a new king of a rebuilt Kingdom.

This pact was established as the festivities grew during the night. Star and Richi drank with Padvia and his newly engaged, queen to be. Richi was going to leave two members of Light in the Black with the Dragoons for a year, to help the new King establish himself on the throne. They were to help him learn his place as King, to assist the new court members in all matters of adjustment. Rebuilding a kingdom was a tedious project, one that both Star and her cousin were familiar with. Star drank away any doubt, any hint of sorrow, she rejoiced with the Dragoon peoples at a new era of leadership. With both the other sons of legend dead, it all lay with Padvia to right the wrong his father committed and take up his blood rite.

With a woman to love by his side, Star had little doubt he would fail.

************^^^^^^^^^***********

Hotel in Holy Wood. Sunrise.

Star came out onto the balcony in Holy Wood, the girl she left behind laid out happily on the bed behind her. In the hotel over looking the city. After a week long stay in the Dragoons, they returned to the Wood together, leaving Padvia to become a king. After which, Star threw another wild celebration in honor of the success of Richi. She had swooped up with a group of revelers and awoke in the hotel room with a girl in bed next to her.

She overlooked her kingdom and drew on a joint between her lips. She breathed in deeply, feeling the burn of the joint in her lungs and welcomed it. Her mind whirled with thoughts and a hang over as she took in the glorious view of her kingdom laid out before her. The smoke drifted before her face and the ind took it away, the selfish wind. For some divine reason, she recalled the feelings evoked from seeing Padvia with another woman. Not a feeling of betrayal, but a reminder that as Queen, as Star Dust, mother of the Lizard Children, Wife to the dead Lizard King, Ruler of the central kingdom, warrior queen, the lead instigator in the counter movement to the BOC rebellion, giver of immortality.

And she alone could not have the one man she truly wanted.

BANG!

The door was broken down and swung off its hinges as it crashed against the wall and to the floor. A horde of policemen entered, she knew who sent them. She smiled, shook her head, and raised her hands to the air as the girl screamed from the bed and was taken into protective custody. When Star turned around she saw the one who led the pigs.

“Well, well well Mr  Tam.” She contained her laughter while mocking him. “Good to see you again!”

He didn't return her smile as he rudely turned her to face away as he put cuffs on her. “You are under arrest your highness,” he added her title sarcastically.

She let her laugh go and it only irritated him.

“Care to read me your charges Officer Tam?”

“That's Officer Sativ- I mean Bay,  to you!”

She didn't fight him as he led her away, reading the charges of sexual conduct with an underage girl...again. Star couldn't help but wonder if all these charges were perpetrated by the BOC just to spite her and she expected to be alerted of a second trial. But there was no trial, no hint at one, she was meant with another bail, high according to her social status.

 No doubt, that while the girl was found in her hotel room, there was very very little evidence that they had actually conducted sexual acts together. With that uncertainty, certainly they had no standing charges.  Tam took her to the court house to be detained......of course to his anger and fury, there was a bail posted per her own laws.....to which her daughter came to pay and release her.

Tam watched as the woman left and he vowed justice.......

“Fuck Mother,” she said angrily as they descended the steps to the court house. “Again? You only just got off the last case. If it weren't for the bail you'd be rotting away by now.”

“You know its funny, I actually do not remember last night.”

“Again?”

“Yes. I remember the girl's sweet mouth but I don't remember our supposed tryst in the night.”

“You really need to stop with  all the drugs.”

“You wouldn't.”

“Because I'm not Queen.”

“And nor shall you be.”

“Based on the advice of a gods forsaken witch.”

They entered into the horse drawn carriage and her daughter sat there in a pout.

“Once again we find ourselves in an all too familiar predicament Mother.” She sat there with a frown on her face and a joint between her fingers. “Can you at least stop having sex with teenagers in hotels and the manor.”

“Take them to the castle?”

“I don't care, just stop getting caught. Or better yet....STOP FUCKING TEEN AGED GIRLS!”

Star chuckled. “It's a hard habit to break when they won't stop knocking on my hotel doors.”

“Can't you get laid by adults? Can't you resist breaking your own laws?”

“I do, to both. That girl in the hotel was actually legally an adult.”

“And how do you know that if you don't remember shit from last night?”

“As I was detained I overheard an officer tell our friend Tam that this time, the girl was actually eighteen, just turned last week. Again though, in the midst of celebration-”

“You what? Couldn't tell she was so young? I don't think that will hold up in court again.”

“It's what got me free this time and prevents another trial. Obviously they're watching.”

“They always watch.”

“It is peculiar how frequently these accusations have appeared lately.”

“How do you mean?” Dawn looked out the window and blew smoke through her nose.

“It has been nearly fifty years since the Rebellion. Fifty years and in the last few alone, I have been accused of making love to teenagers more than ever before. Someone is watching closely and pulling strings in the most ironic sense.”

Dawn nodded. “True. Now that you bring it up, it is odd and it makes sense. What will you do about it? About them?”

Star shrugged and lit another joint. “I haven't a clue. Oh! That's right!” She rapped her knuckles on the wall of the carriage. “Driver!” She shouted. “Take me to 25^th Arcadia Avenue!”

“The art studio?”

“I promised an artist friend- you remember Baron?- that I would pose for his class today. I nearly forgot.”

“Pose?”

“Nude of course. Art is an important factor in culture, I will not deny my subjects an appearance of a life time from their immortal Queen in an attempt to capture her agelessness. That's what he told his class.”

“Oh Gods mother,” Dawn rubbed her temples in the act of a head ache.

For a moment they were quiet. The only sound was the bustle of the city, the people on the streets, the horse hooves clacking, the cars calmly passing through the village. The issue of making Dawn Queen was one they had fought over for years. Star had her reasons, which she vaguely told her child.

“You know why I refuse you.” The Queen said.

“A stupid fortune told by a witch.”

“She said-”

“That the throne would be disrupted by forces already in motion. You would put a bastard king on the throne and your children would rule red sands of the father unknown-whatever that fucking means. Should a Queen follow after you, so shall death. It's all bullshit Mother.”

The blonde sighed and tried to move on the conversation.. “You would like your bastard brother, I just know you would.” 

“He is not my brother, he is a demon you summoned.”

“If that's the case, then I think now is the best time to bring up Rosie.”

Dawn eyed her insane parent. “What do you mean?”

“She is of marrying age you know.”

“Oh no, don't you dare.”

“If you refuse to have Angus be your brother, then I will marry him to Rosie, make him an official member of the our royal family.” she smiled at the thought.

“First he's my brother, then he's my daughter's fiance. Rosie will NOT marry a demon who you try to portray as my brother, you crazy bat.”

Star laughed. “You will like him.”

“If he comes with that fool who torments you no I will not.”

That shut her mother right up. In fact Star abruptly tapped on the roof of the carriage and promptly exited. Dawn did not care, like her uncle she nearly despised the man who her mother loved in all passion. This man alone made Star cry in broken heartedness when he would enter and leave her life for carnal trysts, as if he didn't care about her feelings. Coming and going of his own will, and her mother allowed it, which brought on waves of tormented abuse and sadness. It made Dawn and Richi furious that Star let him do it, exposing to the world the one weakness she had no control over. The man Dawn so hated was the one factor uncontrolled in their rule.

The Princess hoped that making Star hurt over him would also prompt her to hate him and drive her away from the man. For the last forty years this sonofabitch had come and gone under cover of darkness, visiting and loving her in the night only to leave with the sunrise. Dawn hadn't even seen him in person. Richi had, and had alerted the guards, against the Queen's wishes, that should the man been seen he was to be killed or captured on sight. The Princess would deal with the bout of depression his death would bring on her mother when the time came, she was prepared for it.

**********^^^^^^^^^^^^^^********

Holy Wood seaside, twilight.

Star had a secluded cottage that was hers alone. Her husband had it constructed for her on their wedding day. Her own hide away. A gift to ease the tension of their arranged marriage. It was placed in a wooded bluff, above the sea below. It was a peninsula of Holy Wood land that touched the sea, for two miles in either direction, this was Holy Wood land many did not see.

The Queen went there now, under veil of night. She rode a black horse, and went alone, she knew he was there. She had seen his face in the crowds of people in the village. She hadn't seen him since her curse in the Black Castle, and she knew that if she went to the seaside he would follow. As he did now, she being the only one keen enough to hear him. She smiled when she thought that he Let her know he was there.

She got off her horse and released the saddle, letting it crash to the ground. She didn't care. Up the cobblestone pathway, in the moonlight, the sound of the waves beyond the cottage were loud. She could hear her heartbeat over the waves as she went up the path, and heard the rustle of bushes behind her. She stopped and smiled in the dark.

He couldn't stay away any longer. He couldn't deny what he wanted any longer. HE couldn't deny her what she wanted. At least for that night....

He knew her family hated him for what he had done to her over and over again. They thought him a heartless man after nothing but carnal pleasures from her. A man who took advantage of the mightiest queen in the lands and made her cry. He was not heartless, if they only knew the price he had once been paid to end her life. If they only knew that he had given up a wife, a life, and a comfortable payment by letting her live that night.

He wanted to visit her before he left to retrieve the Power Band form the Southern island. Where her bastard demon boy was gaining talent. Soon, Bon was to join the Boy and be the singer of their “Power Band”, replacing his associate who lead them now.

He forgot about everything the moment she got down from her horse. He watched her under the moonlight as she shoved her velvet trousers down her legs and stepped away from them. The belt around her waist held her billowy white shirt in order and she let that fall. It was only the white shirt glowing in the night. She was bare under that lone chemise and he moved forward to wrap her in his strong arms and take her down into the grass.

The soft seaside grass was their bed and while her horse grazed the nearby field, she screamed in pleasure at the lightest of touch. He was no better off in control, she made him wither and moan with the barest of kisses against his skin. He was the one begging her for more, and she gave all she could. It still wasn't enough. Years of pent up, unsatisfying, emotional longing was released between the two of them in those moments on the grass. They were caught up in the most innocent of emotions; love.

They moved in doors and proceeded to make love again as the waves crashed and sea mist sprayed on the rocks outside the large window that faced the open sea. The ocean was black, and the night deep by the time Bon fell asleep on the floor next to her. Hardly a word had been spoken between them other than demands for passion. Star however, could not sleep, no matter how spent or how tired she was.

She sat next to him, stroking his shoulder length hair, watching him sleep with complete peace on his face. They both knew no peace. She doubted they ever would, her only hope that both would live through the next year, and the year after that. Immortal to time they were, not so to swords and poison. If he were to die, she didn't know if she could live on. If she couldn't have him by her side, she would have him alive and well in the world they lived in.

“I want to keep you Bon, but recently I was forced to know that I can never have you. I wish Angus was our son, at least then I would have a piece of you and a piece of me in the physical form. If I cant have all you, why not just a piece?”

Bon sighed in sleep.

She went on. “On my wedding day the witch came to me. She said that The throne would be disrupted by forces already in motion, under my rule fate will be undecided for all. I would put a bastard king on the throne for the first time, and my other children would rule red sands of the father unknown. My daughters will not take what was meant for them, if a queen should follow my stead, so shall death. I've kept my girl away from that tale, to protect her. I created Angus to force the prophecy.”

She kissed his head, “I had hoped to instill him on the throne. I made him with you in mind, and I wish he was ours more than anything. Instead, Angus is to by the corner stone that brings you and I together in the eyes of the public at last. He will be the foundation of the Tour to Peace, a tour that I have seen visions of. It will change our world, and I don't fear change. But I do not see the end of the Tour and what lies beyond, I can only see the formation and you and I standing side by side as we embark.” Her voice dropped lower, “Something, or someone, does not want me to see the future, no matter that it comes soon. . . “

He breathed deep and it made her tilt her mouth in a sad grin. She leaned down and kissed him. For moments more the queen tried to sleep, staring at her lover, willing him to stay. Though when they awoke, she knew that one of them would leave and one would stay. He was due to leave, and she was due to be at the castle. What she didn't know, besides the future, is that Bon was listening. He was adept at spying, and pretending to be asleep. His kind were called Dirty Deeds Men, it was their nature to be deceptive.

During the night he grabbed her and when he heard her begin to snore, he took his turn to watch her. He had heard all she said, it had woken him up. He wanted nothing more than to stay with her, for longer than a night at a time. He had to leave though, he must, it was for the betterment of her life, of his, of the world's. If he didn't lead the Power Band from the Great Southern Island, he doubted they would make it to Holy Wood. His fellow Dirty Deeds Man who watched the Boy while Bon was not South was a good fighter, but a poor leader.

No, Bon could not allow anyone other than himself or Prince Malcome to befriend and harbor Angus, the boy meant too much to her and himself. He was Star's only son, in some sense of the word. Her lover felt protective, near fatherly, when the red devil was involved, his one connection to her. The one person she had created that he could openly be known to associate with. Without someone knowing the connection and trying to kill one or both of them. Not to mention, the Power Band members were mere children, all of them having been born in the last twenty years alone, while He was much older than that.

When the Rebellion ended and situations became clear, both Bon and Star knew the complications of their relationship. How it could not be in the public sense, in legal senses it was too complicated. He hated how it was more complicated than it had to be. But then again, so was immortality and ruling a kingdom of mortals and immortals alike. He may appear evil by seducing her time and time again, but her giving in hurt him as it did her.

If she only knew what he thought about. . . .He wanted to tell her, but it would only further ruin the beauty they had just shared. No, they would not break the spell, they would let the sunrise do that.