The Star Who Loves Me

A Celestial Kingdom

280 EARTH YEARS EARLIER

(but just a few days in space)

This is a place wherein saying that 'this place is majestic' is an understatement.

This boundless kingdom is located trillions of light years away from the Milky Way galaxy. Unbeknownst to humans, for it is far from their observable universe.

The throne is effortlessly decorated by surrounding galaxies, asteroids, meteoroids, and other heavenly bodies that change position everytime, making the throne more magnificent. It was also lighted with cosmic rays from different directions, that act like spotlights, making it much more splendid.

The throne is also protected by a thick layer of unknown circular force that's transparent but can also turn into gassy, sound-proof smoke when the royal family needs to discuss confidential matters.

This force does not only act as blinds but it's main purpose is to protect the throne from heavenly objects that might collide to it.

It is simply incomparable to any other kingdom and is beyond human comprehension.

Myriads of stars illuminate the place and at the same time fall on the King and Queen's command.

What are they? Ezeleths. An upper class of stars that can think, resize and use their power for greater good. Their population, however, is much lesser compared to their ordinary star relatives.

They rule the universe, making sure they maintain the balance of celestial bodies and nothing destroys the harmony.

King Aug and Queen Halu are good rulers. With them is their successor, Princess Teague, their mischievous daughter who loves to travel and explore everything in the universe.

And speaking of the mischievous, Teague finally arrived, after a fun, long joyride.

She was met by her parents who have displeased, written on their faces.

"Where have you been?", it's her dad who is vexed with her daughter's earthcapades but can not do anything to stop her since she was very stubborn.

"Do you even have to ask?", it's her mother who sarcastically answered her father's question. She has no objection about her daughter's adventures but she is worried because it seems that Teague shows more concern on what's happening about that puny planet than the matters here.

"Okay, relax.", she answered calmly.

"I was just having the time of my life."

They both frowned upon hearing their daughter's irresponsible reply.

"You know that your coronation is approaching. You have to start being responsible and show us that you're deserving of the throne!", her father yelled, causing some energy to blast off from him.

But instead of answering her father with all seriousness, she just raised her hand and pointed an index finger at her dad.

"You know, those energy you have released just now will burn some rocks here and there, causing them to plummet anywhere. What's more? There's a chance they might pass earth, and when they do, earthlings are ecstatic. They love those burning rocks and they call them meteors.", she giggled.

"Teague!", he called indignantly making more energy escape from him.

With that, she lowered her head in defeat and sighed.

"I know... It's just that, I'm still overwhelmed with the fact that I'm going to be queen anytime soon."

She wasn't mentally prepared yet. There are a lot more things she wanted to do and fulfill. With her coronation coming, she must hurry. Her bucket list has not been finished yet and she may not be able to do them once she becomes queen nor will she be able to visit earth again.

"Teague, you have long known about this. You should have been prepared by now. You know why we're in a haste. The truce that's keeping us safe and in peace is not permanent. We need to act and find ways to protect our kind.", her mother said meaningfully.

That statement made her looked at her mother. She was moved. She knew how fragile their situation is. She can't just watch their enemy destroy them and do nothing.

With that, she bowed her head in submission.

"I will become queen and do my responsibilities diligently but... ", she suddenly paused and inhaled.

"Can I have this one last request?", she pleaded and looked at them.

"What is it?", her parents almost said in unison.

"Can I visit earth before the coronation?"

"As expected... ", her father snorted. He looked at his wife and waited for her approval.

"Will you give us your word then that you will come back on time and fully accept your duties, be a responsible queen and a good ruler?", her mom asked, wanting to hear her daughter's affirmation.

'Why does it sound like an inauguration already...", she said to herself, pouting.

"Teague.", her mother's soft call was enough to snap herself out of her silly thoughts.

"Yes, I give you my word.", she replied with sincerity while looking at their eyes.

"We are counting on you."

She simply nodded.

"So, ugh... Can I go now?"

"It seems like you can't last here standing even a minute. What, is the leaking habitat that important to you?", her dad said coldly.

"No, I'm not going to Earth yet. I want to meet someone.", she slightly frowned, partially annoyed about how her father called her most favorite place in the universe leaking just because it has lots of water.

They immediately realized who she was pertaining to so they did not stop her.

"Go.", they said shortly.

After hearing their permission, she disappeared, because her speed is faster than the blink of the eye.

"Do you think she's really ready?", Halu asked her companion.

"She is. She just doesn't know.", Aug replied calmly while still looking at the direction where Teague has flown.

While on the move, a lot of things are going on in her mind.

How should she spend her remaining freedom on Earth? Should she leave as soon as possible? How will she handle her royal job? Is it possible to appoint her best bud as her personal advisor?

How she wishes to take Xerth with her earth trek!

"Speaking of Xerth, where is that addle pate?", she said to herself while still speeding off.

She's already gone far when she felt a mild gravitational pull from her left. It wasn't that strong but she was still halted by the force.

She gasped from shock. "Wooooaaah!"

"Caughtcha!", Xerth happily exclaimed. It's his version of 'gotcha'.

He is a Maddark. An upper class black hole who can also think and resize unlike those typical black holes residing near the earth.

He is Teague's closest friend. He was a star before, but he died in battle. Luckily he got another chance to continue his life as a Maddark.

"Ugh... Let go of me!", Teague angrily said while still struggling to get out of her friend's pull.

With that, Xerth laughed hard. If there's one weakness the Ezeleths have, it's the Maddarks. Their pull is so strong, that once a star or anything gets too close to them, they'll be goners.

Fortunately, the Maddarks don't know about this except for him. It was Teague who told him this information which she got from the Earthlings' continuous study of the universe.

After a while, he let go of her.

"What brings her majesty here?", he asked with a naughty smirk.

"Bumbaste you.", she said.

(Bumbaste is a term in the 1500s that means 'beat you in the ass')

He snickered. "Oh, come on. You and I both know it's impossible for you to do that."

Feeling annoyed, she frowned. Now she's having regrets for telling this stupid Xerth what she found out regarding his, along with his kind's destructive ability.

"Hmmmphh!!", she doesn't know what to say so she can only pout.

With her reaction, he laughed even more.

"Okay stop pouting. The little Ezeleths are coming soon and they are eager to see you."

"Really!", she exclaimed.

"Yep."

"Oh, those little fools!"

Before Xerth can even speak, a swarm of little stars came rushing towards them.