Poems

 Here are two of the newest poems I completed recently:

Rarest Dreams

Apple of My Eye

(c) 2022 Michael Babbish

Starlight Sisters (Complete)

Starlight Sisters

By Michael Babbish

Part One – Mr. New’s Bad News

Mr. and Mrs. New were having much trouble consoling their young daughter Twinklette before departing their home on a stormy night. Mr. New used to work in Main City and had managed to move his family from that dreadful place when he obtained a Silver Pass. Unfortunately for him, an old debt to Mr. Spiderhat had surfaced, and the Main Patrol came knocking on the door of the New family. Mr. New and his wife had to go to meet with the Grandie spider that ran Main City to settle their debt. They were greatly pained to have to go, but were glad their older daughter Sparklette was there to look after her young sister. Sparklette was sixteen years old and up for the task.

“It will be okay Twinklette,” Sparklette told the crying girl. “When we get to Plane City we’ll be safe. You know they have good people that take care of children there. And it will only be for a little while.” Sparklette did all she could, but young Twinklette would not stop sobbing.

“Oh this is just terrible,” said Mrs. New, putting forth all her efforts to hold back her own tears. “Why can’t that awful spider just leave us alone? We haven’t even lived in Main City for over a year. I don’t understand why we must return there now.”

“If we do not go, the Main Patrol will come and arrest us all,” answered Mr. New, who felt dreadful himself but also tried not to show it. “I’ll be sent into the Grand Coliseum that the filthy spider owns, and who even knows what they’ll do with our daughters. You know how they split families up in Main City, we are lucky our girls are even with us at all.” What Mr. New said was true, but it did not make it any less difficult for his wife and daughters. Grandies were massive creatures in the shape of an animal or insect that could speak and had exceptional strength. Mr. Spiderhat was a Grandie spider that wore a top hat (hence his name) and had not only exceptional strength but also such cunning that allowed him to gain much power in Main City. He used this influence to keep the entire populace of that place under his control.

Main City was a Metroscape, which means it was a region controlled by the governmental institution known as the Caretaking Body. This organization was centered in the Metroscape known as Sleek City, but Mr. Spiderhat was their chief agent in Main City, and the Main Patrol was the police force of that Metroscape. Technically the Main Patrol answered to the Caretaking Body, but Mr. Spiderhat’s influence was so strong that he could get them to do his bidding and often did.

Mr. New was a very intellectual man, and used his technical prowess to help maintain the Teleweb system throughout the Metroscapes. This was an important function because the Teleweb was the means of communication throughout all Metroscapes. It functioned through screens that were set up in the walls of various buildings and public spots. Mr. New was brilliant in his field, but even one so talented as him lacked immunity from the bad luck that came to so many people in the Metroscapes.

Mr. New and his wife started their family in Main City and managed to keep their daughters in their home. Mrs. New would teach them at home instead of sending them to the boarding schools of Main City. Mr. New’s position allowed his family this rare privilege. But the cost of doing so was now catching up to them. Mr. New had appealed to Mr. Spiderhat to have this permission on the condition that Mr. Spiderhat could summon Mr. New to work an assignment at a future date. Mr. New accumulated much Cabbage (the currency of the Metroscapes) and bought himself the Silver Pass that allowed him to move his family to their current location. However, the Grandie spider remembered the debt of Mr. New and sent the Main Patrol to summon him. The Patrolman that visited the New family’s home was cordial, but informed them in no uncertain terms that he and his wife were expected at Mr. Spiderhat’s office within the Grand Coliseum.

“I don’t want you to go.” Twinklette sobbed as her sister held her tightly. “I don’t like that Grandie spider. He’s ugly and scary. Let’s just stay away from him. We can go somewhere else.”

“I’m truly sorry my dear, but we can’t.” Mr. New said to his daughter, placing his hand on her shoulder. “I have to do an assignment for Spiderhat, but after it’s done your mother and I will pick you and Sparklette up from Plane City and we’ll come back here. Things will be okay, this is only temporary.”

Twinklette would not stop crying, but Sparklette knew what would console the girl. She turned on the Teleweb screen the family had in their living room and found a program featuring the popular entertainer Christie Starlight, who was known as “The Dream Queen.” This name was appropriate because the concerts of Christie Starlight had a mesmerizing effect on viewers throughout all of the Metroscapes. Twinklette adored the Dream Queen as so many people did. The musician’s songs brought comfort to the populace of Main City whose lives were so often filled with sorrow and anxiety. After seeing her idol on the screen little Twinklette began to calm down, and she sat cuddling on the sofa with her older sister as Mr. and Mrs. New silently slipped out of the home with teary eyes.

The New sisters would be departing the following morning for Plane City. Sparklette would drive her sister there. It would happen that the sisters would never see their parents again. Despite the horror that was to come, the girls had one good night that evening as they fell asleep in each others arms watching the beloved Dream Queen perform on the Teleweb.

Part Two- The Coming of Despair

The following day Sparklette helped her younger sister get her belongings packed before they made their trip to Plane City. Twinklette was still noticeably downcast because of the departure of their parents, but Sparklette did her best to keep the girl in high spirits. Sparklette knew how to operate the family’s vehicle, and would do so to drive herself and Twinklette to Plane City. Mr. and Mrs. New received private transportation to their meeting with Mr. Spiderhat in Main City. Sparklette had a very bad feeling about the meeting and feared for her parents, but she knew she had to remain strong for the sake of her sister. The girls listened to the music of their beloved Dream Queen Christie Starlight as they travelled along a nondescript landscape outside the region of their home. The large house they knew shrank in the distance as they moved along and the melodious voice of Christie Starlight distracted the girls from their troubled thoughts.

Sadly, the ill luck for the New family had only just begun with the summons from Mr. Spiderhat for the girls’ father. As the older girl drove along in the family vehicle the sky filled with dark clouds and a vicious thunderstorm erupted upon the land. The rains became so heavy that Sparklette had difficulty seeing the road she was driving on. She slowed her speed to where she had comfortable control of the vehicle and would have made it to Plane City without any trouble if not for an attack from a stray Grandie in the midst of the storm. A massive Grandie boar had been struck by the lightning of the storm and its body was immersed in flames before the rain subdued the fire. However, this set the beast into a berserk frenzy and it ran wantonly through the storm. The vehicle Sparklette was driving was in the path of the raging Grandie. It rammed into the vehicle and flipped it into the air with its gigantic tusks. Both girls screamed as the vehicle was hurled into the storm and crashed onto the ground. Almost as if a malevolent, unseen force had a grudge against the girls a bolt of lightning shot onto the vehicle and caused it to explode. As if by a miracle amid the terrible luck neither of the girls were seriously harmed, but they were both sent flying away from the vehicle in opposite directions. They both let out a shrill scream before they hit the ground. Each sister heard the other’s scream and believed her sister was in mortal danger. Twinklette hit the ground and fell unconscious, but Sparklette made her way back to the flaming remains of the vehicle to try and find and her sister. She ran and searched among the flaming wreckage beneath the merciless rain, but found no trace of Twinklette. She called out her sister’s name repeatedly, but did not receive any response.

The thought of losing her dear sister was too much for Sparklette to bear, and so she screamed and raged and pounded her fists onto the ground in fury. The rain did not subside, but another presence drew nearer to Sparklette that made the raging Grandie boar seem mild by comparison. Floating high in the air was a figure wrapped in a deep blue cloak. Its body could not be seen except for two massive purple hands that came from the sleeves of the robe. Its head was a skull with strands of yellow hair on the sides that curved upward like horns. Its teeth were long and sharp, and in the occipital orifices of the skull burned two glowing red orbs that served as eyes to the hideous being. The spectral creature was an old wicked ghost who gained power by feeding off the despair and hopelessness of people. Many knew this being as the Ghost of Despair, and he had his red eyes set upon the grief-stricken and fearful Sparklette. The girl believed she had lost her little sister and was inconsolable. The situation, and her consequent feeling of despair as a result, made her the perfect prey for the foul ghost. He descended upon Sparklette and she was immersed in his long and flowing robes. This was the way the ghost gained power as he absorbed grieving people into his being. Sparklette was his current victim, though the hardy girl would not be consumed by the demonic wraith without a fight. She struggled as much as she could, but it mattered little because once she was inside she was transported into the Nightmare Country- a region created by the ghost in which he would break the spirit of his victim and absorb their soul into his being. He could conjure any fearful scenario or image from the victim’s psyche and use it to scare them to death and also make a meal for himself at the same time.

In a terrifying instant Sparklette found herself in a dark and frigid place covered in ice. There was no light whatsoever except a very dim glow emitted by an old lamp. There were snowflakes throughout the dimly lit area that were frozen in space. They did not fall or move, just remained stationary in the still and cold air. There were dead and withered black trees scattered throughout the area, and Sparklette did not like the atmosphere. She heard an echoing voice say to her, “You have failed your family. Your parents are gone and your sister is lost. You have failed them all and there is nothing you can do about it. You are completely and utterly alone. You may remain in this cold and lonesome world forever, or you can enter into my life-stream and forget about everything forever. Give yourself to me, because there is no point in you existing anymore.” This was the voice of the Ghost of Despair speaking to Sparklette. He crafted the area she was standing in to frighten her into submission. Sparklette began weeping tears of fear and rage, but she did not answer the ghost. She said nothing.

From in the distance the spectral figure appeared again. He hovered above Sparklette and pulled away the front of his robe with his large purple hands. This revealed a grotesque image of intestines covered in blood and a slimy green substance. The innards hung from a ribcage within the robe, but besides these horrid organs there was no physical body to be seen. Sparklette stood shivering and weeping at the Ghost of Despair as he hovered toward her. The intestines wrapped themselves around her body, and they surprisingly felt quite warm against the biting cold she stood in. Still, she despised the feeling of being smothered in the ghost’s intestines and fought violently against the encroaching organs. She also screamed as she fought, but it was to no avail. Nobody heard her cries, and the resistance was not enough to fend off the intestines of the ghostly enemy. Eventually she was totally engulfed by the disgusting intestines. She tried screaming again…but nobody heard. Nobody ever heard.

Part Three- Survivors

“It’s only natural to fear

Things you cannot see but only feel

It’s natural to wonder

What is and isn’t real

We live a life of wonder

But also one of doubt

The things we need to get us through

Can be hard to figure out

But now I say, don’t be afraid

You are better than your inner fears

Be kind, be good, be proud and brave

Let your inner light brighten every year!

It’s natural to want to cry

When you feel a piece of goodness die

But I want you all to know

You can make your inner goodness grow

Believe in your inner goodness

Let your inner light shine true

Believe your light will never fade

As I believe in you!”

-“Inner Light” by The Dream Queen Christie Starlight

Despite being a major pop star and icon in the Metroscape regions, Christie Starlight had many troubles of her own. Being a positive inspiration to people was a difficult occupation in a world run by the most corrupt of beings. The people in the Caretaking Body and Grandies such as Mr. Spiderhat had no regard for the well-being of the people who lived in the Metroscapes. Such places were very demoralizing atmospheres, but this is what made the role of the Dream Queen so important. Christie not only had talent for writing songs and music, and performing her work with exceptional dance skills, but she had a magnetic personality that made others want to be around her. The moods of others were lifted in her sanguine yet serene presence. A large part of this came from the fact that the encouraging messages of Christie’s songs were written with sincerity. She was truly a humanitarian, and wanted to help ease the pain she saw the people of the Metroscapes constantly living in. She did this well, as her music engaged the minds and hearts of thousands of people throughout the world. The Caretaking Body and Mr. Spiderhat did not hinder her work because it kept people from breaking down and going insane. However, they resented the Dream Queen because of her success. Mr. Spiderhat had an especially strong grudge against Christie because her entertainment was the primary rival of his show The Grand Coliseum, named after the arena he hosted from. It was a show that featured competitors fighting each other for prizes. The Grandie spider would have done anything to get the pop icon into his Coliseum, but so far had been unable to do so.

Although Christie often sang of overcoming inner darkness and fostering an inner light, she had trouble doing so herself. The reason for this is something that Sparklette New would have easily sympathized with. When the Dream Queen was young she had two very good friends in school. The girls loved each other so much they called one another sisters. Biological families typically didn’t remain together in Main City, with some exceptions such as the New family. But Christie and her friends Selena and Sunny might as well have been born together, because they had become a family throughout the years. One summer night Sunny had the idea to go into the school building and use a swimming pool there. Selene was opposed to the idea because it would get them in trouble, but Sunny was insistent. Christie also did not want to accompany her friend into the school building and tried to persuade her not to go, but Sunny left anyway. She was never seen again. Something happened that caused Sunny to drown, and both Christie and Selene were devastated. Although they were overwhelmed by grief, their friendship helped them through the remaining years of school and Selene was very influential in encouraging Christie to become a singer and dancer.

The guilt of leaving Sunny alone to go to the pool never left Christie, and it always haunted her despite her seemingly happy persona. Sometimes the guilt and the inner turmoil it caused manifested itself as a creature that appeared to Christie. It was always behind her and looked like a blue lobster with large yellow eyes. She would sometimes see it in her peripheral vision, and sometimes in a mirror. The creature would float in the air and always be behind her or beside her. It never made contact with her though, and often disappeared when she looked directly at it. Ironically the creature even appeared in the nightmares of the Dream Queen. The one defense Christie had against this demonic floating lobster was her creativity. Anytime she wrote a song or music and became immersed in that activity, the creature was nowhere in sight.

Christie had a rehearsal for an upcoming show but needed to get a custom outfit made in a shop on the outskirts of Main City. She was travelling along in her vehicle when the creature appeared to her again. It was small as always, but still definitely there. She hated being alone, and often surrounded herself with friends. Selene was unable to go with her to the tailor that day and Christie had to go alone. She did her best to ignore the little demon that was hovering behind her right shoulder, and even started singing to herself to hopefully make it go away. But the creature soon disappeared, because as she travelled along in her vehicle she came upon a scene. There had been a thunderstorm the previous night and the ground was wet. There was a smoking heap of wreckage in her road, and so Christie stopped her vehicle and went to look at it. A vehicle had crashed, but she heard a sound from near the wreckage. Christie recognized the sound as a child crying. She walked around and found a little girl with bright orange hair curled up and weeping. It was Twinklette after the crash she and her sister were in the previous night. Christie was alarmed and distraught to see a child on the barren region between Metroscapes because such areas were very dangerous. Christie’s immediate instinct was to comfort the child, because she knew the child’s companion was most likely among the wreckage.

“Hey there little girl,” said Christie as she placed her arms around the girl and held her. “I don’t know what happened, but you’ll be safe now. I’ll get you away from here, what’s your name?” The girl could not respond because she was weeping uncontrollably. Twinklette was knocked unconscious by the explosion, but suffered no serious harm. When she woke the fire of the vehicle was nearly gone due to the rain, but her sister was nowhere in sight. Twinklette called out to Sparklette again and again and looked in all directions but found nothing. The little girl was lucky Christie Starlight came upon her when she did, otherwise the hideous Ghost of Despair might have returned to get the traumatized child.

Christie continued to try and comfort Twinklette, whose crying slowed down as she held her. When the little girl looked up into the face of her beloved icon she was surprised. “You’re Christie Starlight,” the girl said in a soft wavering voice. “I love you!” she said as she held the Dream Queen tightly. Christie was used to being told this by her fans all the time, but hearing it from Twinklette touched her so deeply that a tear fell down the pop star’s cheek. Although much of Christie’s music was very emotionally driven and evocative, she rarely ever shed any tears. Her experience with her passed sister Sunny hardened her to doing so, but she could not help it when Twinklette embraced her.

“Whatever happened here, I promise you I will take care of you,” Christie said, and realized the responsibility she could be taking on by saying such a thing. But it came out of her so naturally she did not mind. Twinklette explained to her what she remembered of the vehicle’s wreck and said she could not find her sister. Christie could not see anybody else around either, and assumed the worst as Twinklette had already done.

“I will help you Twinklette,” Christie told the little girl. “I’ll inform the Main Patrol and they will help find her.”

“I don’t like the Main Patrol,” answered Twinklette. “They’re bad.”

Christie had a small Teleweb communications screen inside her vehicle, and used it to file a missing person report for Sparklette to the Main Patrol. Seeing as there was nothing else that could be done, Christie brought Twinklette along to get her outfit and talked with the girl along the way. Christie helped save Twinklette and, though she didn’t realize it at the time, Twinklette would save her too.

Part Four- Geb Growth

Twinklette was saddened by the departure of her parents and the loss of her sister, but her new friendship with Christie Starlight helped the little girl tremendously. Christie brought Twinklette to her home on the outskirts of Main City and the girl was very content and comfortable, though she was still naturally worried about her family. Christie introduced Twinklette to her good friend and sister Selene, and the three of them had much fun together. Selene and Twinklette even went to Christie’s rehearsal for an upcoming show, and it was a very pleasant experience for the girl. Like Christie, Selene was very beautiful but she had very long blonde hair as opposed to Christie’s black hair. Selene often wore a silver dress while Christie wore various shades of light blue. In many ways Twinklette filled the void left by Sunny for Christie and Selene, and they filled the void for Twinklette left by her family. The cute little girl was not only like a sister but also like an adopted daughter for the two honorary sisters. In fact, Christie and Selene both adapted the surname “Starlight” and Twinklette did this as well. Thus they became “The Starlight sisters.”

The three Starlight sisters got along very well, but nevertheless they were in Main City and in such a place it’s only a matter of time before one encounters troubles. They were travelling through Main City in Christie’s vehicle when they came upon a disturbing scene. Two men dressed in wasp suits were attacking a chubby man in a grey outfit. It was a common thing in Main City for some people to wear animal suits. The Caretaking Body outlawed any type of cultural identity for people, so to compensate for this lack of identity some people preferred to wear a suit of a specific animal. The two wasp-men were really doing harm to the man they were beating down, and staying true to form the Dream Queen could not stand by and do nothing. She pulled her vehicle aside and stepped out while Selene remained in it with Twinklette.

“What are you doing?” Christie called to the wasp-men.

“None for your damn business, bitch!” one of the wasp-men shouted. Christie was not known to be a warrior, but she did have a small power wand that she knew how to use. Other than firearms, power wands were the weapons used in the Metroscapes and could be very effective in the hands of somebody skilled in their use. Christie pulled the wand from a pocket on the side of her outfit and blasted sparks at the wasp-man. He fell to the ground as his partner attacked. The sparks were a form of energy that would disable but not kill an individual. Power wands were generally not lethal weapons whereas firearms typically were, though there were exceptions to both weapon types. Christie’s power wand was not one of the lethal types but because she knew how to use it she could take care of herself against typical Main City thugs. The other wasp-man had a small, handheld firearm but Christie used her power wand to quickly disarm and knock him unconscious like she did to his friend. She then went to the man they were beating on.

“Are you okay?” She asked the man.

“I’m still alive,” he responded, “For better or worse. Thank you so much for saving me. I thought I was a goner for a moment there.  Those two have been after me for a while. Oh my goodness, you’re the Dream Queen! No wonder you were able to take out those scumbags. It’s an honor to meet you!” The man then shook Christie’s hand enthusiastically.

“Don’t mention it,” Christie answered, “I’m glad I can help. Why were they doing that to you?”

The man let out a sigh and put his head down and said, “Between you and me, Miss Starlight, I did something stupid. I found a way to forge Cabbage leaves and pass them off in Main City. The Zing Brothers found out and blackmailed me into giving them a portion of my leaves. I regret it now and I brought the trouble upon myself. It’s just that getting Cabbage leaves is so hard and I didn’t know what else to do. I know I’d be in severe trouble if the Main Patrol found out, so please don’t tell anybody! Please keep this our little secret Miss Starlight. I know you’re a great person and wouldn’t rat me out.”

“I won’t say anything,” Christie assured the chubby man. “But you really should be more careful. What you’re doing is a serious offense, and it could end very badly for you. Messing with the Cabbage is no joke, you know how the Caretaking Body keeps track of that.”

“Can you please bring me back to the Vegetable Patch I live in?” asked the man in the grey outfit. “I swear I can pay you back for helping me. I will make it worth your while, I promise.”

“I’m sorry but I don’t give rides to counterfeiters,” said Christie. “And if you’re offering to pay me with your fake leaves forget about it. I don’t need any payment. Like I said I’m glad I could help, but I need to get going. My sisters are waiting for me.”

“Wait, wait Miss Starlight, please don’t go!” said the man. “Please don’t leave me here. I’ve wandered too far already. I don’t think I can make it back. Please help me, I swear to you I won’t do anything illegal or dangerous. My Vegetable Patch is a haven for Bitties! You know how hard they have it in these parts. They’re safe in my Vegetable Patch. Somebody as kind-hearted as you could surely understand!” Bitties were a species of small people who had bodies that resembled fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other plants. They were preyed upon in Mteroscape regions and even eaten by some creatures such as Grandies. Many people felt sorry for the Bitties but knew of no way to help them, and the Caretaking Body ignored their plight. The man’s claim that he helped Bitties got Christie’s attention, as only people with exceptional skills were able to do so. Nevertheless, Christie was still hesitant to trust the man because her sisters were nearby and she did not want to endanger them.

“You seem like a nice man,” said Christie, “and if you are able to help Bitties that is commendable, but I can’t help you right now. I have things I need to do.”

“Oh please don’t go Miss Starlight,” cried the man, who now dropped to his knees with folded hands as he tried to dramatically plead his case once more. “Please don’t leave me, I’m begging you! Please have compassion for me; I’m weak and stupid. I won’t make it. I have a very strong friend in the Vegetable Patch though. He’s the reason it’s a sanctuary for Bitties. The Main Patrol and the Grandies don’t go in there because of him. He is a good person. He even makes clothes and suits that can give people powers. Please help me Miss Starlight, and I swear he will help you. You’re a good person and so is he!”

“What’s going on Christie?” Selene asked curiously as she and Twinklette emerged from the vehicle. They were watching the scene from there and were wondering what was happening.

“What’s your name?” Christie asked the grey-clothed man.

“I’m Geb Growth,” he answered. “My friend is called Cyber Wurko, but I call him the Metal Giant. He is a very peaceful person, but I know he must be powerful because none of the bad guys around here ever bother him. Please help me get back to him. The Zing Brothers ruined my suit and I need another one, or else I’m really a goner. Please help me!”

“Christie we have to help this guy!” exclaimed Twinklette, whose childhood innocence caused her to feel sorry for the man pleading before the Dream Queen. “He’s a fan of yours and you saw how nasty those wasp-men were being on him. Oh we gotta help him Christie, we just gotta help him! Look at him, he’s scared. You helped me when I was scared. Let’s help him, pleeease!”

“Thank you so much kind little girl!” said Geb Growth. “I swear it will be worth your while, majestic Dream Queen. Please take pity on me and I can help you.” By now the Zing Brothers were starting to stir.

“Okay fine,” said Christie, “I’ll take you to your Vegetable Patch, but after that you’re on your own. I don’t need any payment from you or this cyber friend of yours. Just be more careful in the future and stop the whole counterfeiting operation, because I know something bad will come out of that sooner or later.” Christie had no idea how prophetic her words were.

Geb Growth thanked Christie profusely as he got into the vehicle along with Selene and Twinklette. They drove off toward the Vegetable Patch and left the wasp-suited Zing Brothers behind. As they drove along, however, a heavy rain started to fall. Another thunderstorm was brewing, and with it came more trouble for Twinklette and her friends.

Part Five- Nectra

The foul Ghost of Despair captured Sparklette New, but was unable to fully absorb her into his being. She was strong and though she was firmly fixed within the confines of his dreadful Nightmare Country, Sparklette never consciously surrendered to the wicked ghost. But because she was within the essence of the wraith, the Ghost of Despair knew that she had a younger sister who might be easier to break and thus wanted to find her. As the thunderstorm broke out over Main City the Ghost of Despair sensed the presence of Twinklete and found her in Christie Starlight’s vehicle. No Grandie was nearby to overturn the vehicle, but that mattered little to the ghost. Instead he decided to appear before the vehicle itself, startling the Starlight sisters and Geb. Christie stopped the vehicle and got outside. She left the others inside as she went to confront the newly appeared figure. The Ghost levitated in the air before her and as Christie looked at the skeletal face through the heavy rain she knew that the creature must be something terrible. Before she could even say anything the Ghost of Despair knocked the Dream Queen aside with a strike from one of his large purple hands. He then hovered above the vehicle and tore the roof from it, exposing Twinklette, Selene, and Geb. The Ghost let out an ominous, deep laugh as he reached into the vehicle and grabbed hold of Twinklette and Selene. He lifted them from the vehicle and held them as he floated higher into the air.

“No! Stop! What are you doing?” Christie shouted. Geb tried to grab at the flowing robes of the ghost to help his friends, but the wraith knocked him away from the vehicle as if using an invisible hand. Christie produced her power wand but did not fire the sparks from it for fear of harming her sisters. Selene and Twinklette struggled in the ghost’s grasp, and as if by a miracle the ghost dropped them both onto the ground. Neither Selene nor Twinklette were severely injured. Christie took her opportunity and fired sparks at the wraith. The power wand had no effect on the Ghost of Despair, who laughed darkly and then said to Christie, “I will be back for you and your friends, but you have other problems in the meantime.” The ghost then withdrew and floated away into the rainy night. The Starlight sisters and Geb could not understand why this happened, but the reason was because Sparklette sensed her sister was in danger. From deep within the essence of the horrid Ghost, Sparklette made a final effort to save her dear little sister. She stung the ghost from within him and startled him enough to drop Selene and Twinklette. Unfortunately for the elder New daughter, Twinklette and her friends knew nothing of her captivity within the ghost because they thought she was dead.

Christie’s sisters were not safe for long, and the Dream Queen soon learned the reason why. When the Ghost said she would have “other problems” before vanishing Christie quickly discovered what he meant. From the corner of her eye she noticed the blue lobster hovering nearby her. Only this time it did not just stay there and trouble her. The lobster grew and transformed into a humanoid figure. The creature now took on the appearance of a woman who had lobster pinchers at the ends of her arms, a lobster tail out of her back, and the head of the sea creature atop her head as if she was wearing a cap. To some she would have resembled some of the animal-suited people from Main City, or even a Morphie, which were creatures that had human and animal features on their body. This creature was not human nor Morphie. It was a demon that had been plaguing Christie Starlight ever since her adopted sister Sunny drowned. The demon was patiently biding her time and waiting for the moment to manifest to Christie. Now was the time it chose. The demon waved its arms and set a mist around both Selene and Twinklette that caused them to fall asleep.

“I was going to wait until your connection to the little one strengthened before making my move,” The demon told Christie. “But I did not want that stupid ghost to take your sisters and deprive me of the joy of defeating you. I’ve been following you for a very long time Christie Starlight, and I have eagerly waited for the day I could take your soul. It seems my time has come earlier than I expected, but that is fine by me. I was becoming impatient anyway.”

“Who are you and what do you want?” Christie asked. “If you have an issue with me, please let the others go.”

“I will let them go if you agree to surrender yourself to me,” said the demon.

“What does that mean?” Christie asked.

“I will give you some time to think about it,” answered the demon as she took the sleeping Selene and Twinklette into her pinchers and floated into the air as the Ghost of Despair had done only moments before. “I am going into my star and bringing these two with me. I will return in a day’s time. If you decide you will let me take possession of you then they will go free. If you refuse they will die.”

“Why are you doing this?” exclaimed Christie. “Let them go, they haven’t done anything wrong! Who are you anyway?”

“You may call me Nectra,” answered the demon. “As that was the name of my previous host. But her spirit is all but gone and now I require a new hostess to feed on. Nectra was once a queen herself, in a land that is now long forgotten. I feel that nothing less than another queen will do to satisfy my appetite.”

“Just let those two go!” shouted Christie, “Whatever you want I can provide, just let them go.”

“One day,” Nectra said before she was shrouded in a thick red mist and vanished with Twinklette and Selene. Christie fell onto the ground weeping, and would have remained there indefinitely if Geb had not gone to her.

“Christie, listen to me!” said Geb urgently. “I never thought they were real, but if that was truly a demon my friend the Metal Giant can help us. Bring me back to the Vegetable Patch. That might be our only chance of helping your sisters. If what they say about demons is true, she isn’t going to leave you alone once she started following you. I don’t know where Cyber Wurko came from, but I know he is very wise and knows something about everything. If anyone can help us, he can. Let’s go to him quickly!”

Christie understood what Geb was saying and together they got into the damaged vehicle and Christie drove along with determination. She said almost nothing to Geb and just followed his directions to where the Vegetable Patch was located. For the first time in a while Christie Starlight had a grim demeanor that would not lift until her sisters were safe. Though she didn’t say anything, as Geb observed the Dream Queen and saw her subtle intensity he thought perhaps the demon Nectra would have something to fear the following day. Christie did not know why Nectra gave her a day’s time to make a decision. All she knew was that she had to save Twinklette and Selene by any means necessary. She lost one sister already and did not intend to lose any more. Her intuition told her that Geb’s friend could be trusted, and for an inexplicable reason going to the Vegetable Patch seemed like the right thing to do.

Part Six- The Deal

The demon Nectra took Selene and Twinklette and flew through the atmosphere and off into space toward her demonic star. She kept her captives safe in her demonic aura as she travelled along. But on her way the Ghost of Despair, who had a proposition for her, approached Nectra.

“I know why you are pursuing the Dream Queen Nectra,” said the ghost, “And I am sure you appreciate my acquiescence in letting you take those two lovely girls away from her. Christie Starlight has a hearty spirit indeed, though I have no doubt you could subdue her. She will be a most prized asset for you if you can possess her. For my part I wish you all the best.”

“That is good to know for me,” replied Nectra, “But all demons know that you work with an ulterior motive as we do. Why do you wish me well in my pursuit?”

“Other than the fact that Christie Starlight is perhaps the biggest encumbrance to my most prized emotion despair in Main City, I wish to make a deal with you that involves her,” answered the ghost.

“I’m listening,” said Nectra.

“Christie Starlight’s morale is extremely weakened right now thanks to you,” stated the Ghost of Despair, “And although I am sure you can overtake her yourself, I can wear her down even more and make her easier for you to break. Let us be honest here; she will not be an easy human for any demon to subdue. Her spirit is very strong as you know, which is why she makes such a luscious prize. But any demon seeking her could use some help. You also plan to return to her in a day. I can do much in a day. It takes me only a single moment to plant my seed of doubt in a person. My doing so to Christie Starlight will help you.”

“It will, and what would you want in return?”

“That younger hostage of yours would be very valuable to me. I already have her older sister in the Nightmare Country ready to be broken and absorbed. If I have the younger sister inside they would surely both break and I will gain both of their souls. This would be good for me. All I want is the younger girl in exchange for the damage I do to Christie Starlight for you.”

“Very well Ghost,” answered Nectra. “You have a deal. When Christie Starlight surrenders to me and I possess her, the little girl is yours. The other one will be of no use to me so you can probably just go ahead and absorb her too if you wish.”

“You are so very kind Nectra,” answered the ghost with a deferential bow to the demon, “I knew you would find my deal reasonable and I appreciate it. Just wait and see; when you approach Christie Starlight tomorrow I will make sure she grovels before you and begs to taken by your awesome power!”

The Ghost of Despair was a very old spirit and knew demons well. He had interacted with them for ages and knew their strengths and weaknesses. He knew all demons possessed a massive ego. Although he was more powerful than most demons, he acted humbly in their presence and made them feel superior in order to better get what he wanted from them. He had just used this method on Nectra, for the Ghost of Despair was an older and more powerful being than she; at least that was the case when his victims were fearful. Nectra was a formidable demon, but few could contest with a dark spirit like the Ghost of Despair.

“I look forward to encountering my prey after you have had your fun,” said Nectra. Before the Ghost of Despair departed, she said to him, “I have heard whispers in the darkness that say your old ally might possibly return. The blue one that is even older than me.”

“My old ally,” said the ghost intrigued, “Do you mean the Blue Demon that took possession of the stout man Vulgar Squalor many years ago?”

“The very same,” she replied, “I heard he was under a spell that is soon to wear off. He will be seeking a new prey soon I am sure. If he does indeed return you may wish to contact him.”

“Thank you for this information Nectra,” answered the ghost, “If that is true it is very good news for me. If the Blue Demon and I were to join forces again we would ascend higher than ever before, especially with the way the human world is now.”

“I will see you tomorrow old ghost,” said Nectra before she and the Ghost of Despair parted ways. Nectra went to her home in her demon star and the Ghost of Despair went off to pursue the Dream Queen, though he had more difficulty finding her than he expected.

Part Seven- The Metal Giant’s Gift

The rain had subsided by the time Christie and Geb reached the Vegetable Patch. They were met by several Bitties who were delighted to see Geb, but Christie was not in a celebratory mood, though she appreciated the kindness and enthusiasm of the small plant-shaped people. She did not want to waste any time, so after eating a meal the Bitties prepared in Geb’s cottage she insisted that he lead her to the Metal Giant known as Cyber Wurko. Geb did so, and Christie was surprised at the appearance of Geb’s friend. Cyber Wurko was large and wore a suit that appeared to be made of a flexible metallic material stretched over his body. His head was large and wide and it seemed like he wore a helmet. Two antennae extended from the sides of the head. He was seated on the ground with his knees to his chest and his arms wrapped around the knees. To Christie the large figure seemed sad, though he had a blank expression on his face.

“Cyber Wurko has usually stayed in the same spot since I met him,” said Geb as he led Christie before the Metal Giant. Then he said to Cyber Wurko, “This is a new friend of mine Wurko, and she really needs your help. Two of her friends were captured by some kind of demon after a weird ghost attacked us. Neither of us could do anything; it was terrible! I think the only hope she has of rescuing her friends is getting one of those incredible suits you make. You know, the ones that give the wearer powers and abilities and other wonderful things. While you’re at it, I could use a replacement to my old suit. The Zing Brothers ruined mine. Can you help us Wurko?”

The eyes of the metallic man looked up at Geb and he answered in a natural voice, “Yes I can certainly help. I need your friend to come here.” Geb gestured to Christie and she walked up to the Metal Giant. Cyber Wurko removed a hand from around his knees and placed it upon Christie’s head. He left it there for moment as he gathered information from her psyche and recorded her DNA, which was his usual method for making custom suits for people. Cyber Wurko’s inherent senses indicated to him that Christie was trustworthy. He removed his hand from her head and said, “Your suit will be ready soon. It may take a few hours’ time. Geb, I will make you a new suit afterward.”

“Thank you so much Cyber Wurko!” answered Geb.

“Yes thank you,” said Christie, “If your suit can really help me overcome these awful enemies I will be extremely grateful. What can I do to repay your kindness?”

“Simply save your friends and defeat the demon that captured them,” answered the Metal Giant. “Seeing any demons fall is always a pleasure to me.”

Geb and Christie left Cyber Wurko where he sat near the back of the Vegetable Patch so he could make their suits. In the meantime they discussed a strategy to defeat Nectra and the Ghost of Despair.

“As you know, discussing demons is outlawed by the Caretaking Body,” Geb told Christie.

“I always thought that ‘Old Focus’ they categorized illegal subjects in was ridiculous,” she answered.

“I agree, and it is rumored that many key members of the Caretaking Body are possessed by demons themselves. I have no idea if that’s true or not, but it would explain the incredible power they have. It must be nice to live in one of those Bastion places where it is safe and secluded. I can’t complain though, this Vegetable Patch here is the closest thing to a save haven I’ve ever found near Main City.”

“I’m glad you have a place like this,” said Christie, “That Metal Giant is truly remarkable. I wonder where he comes from.”

“I asked him but he never told me. He just said ‘very fay away’ and left it at that, so I never pushed the subject.”

“Can these suits that he makes really make a person capable of fighting demons?”

“Trust me Christie, those suits can bring out remarkable talents in people. If anything can help you save your friends, Cyber Wurko’s special suit can.”

“What was the suit you used to wear like?” asked Christie, “The one you said the Zing Brothers ruined.”

“It was a rabbit suit,” answered Geb, “I really wish I could meet another person that wears a rabbit suit like I do. You don’t see too many of those. We have a few rabbits here in the Vegetable Patch, and that’s what inspired it. I’m sure there are other folks out there with a similar suit to mine, but I just haven’t met any in Main City yet.”

“Give it time, and maybe one day you will,” said Christie, “I wouldn’t be surprised if more people came to you and Cyber Wurko to get these wonderful suits of yours. You could really help many people face the dangers of the world.”

“I hope so,” said Geb. “Meeting Cyber Wurko and helping the Bitties in this area gave me a sense of purpose. I hope something good can ultimately come of it.”

A few hours later Cyber Wurko went into the Vegetable Patch to meet Christie Starlight and give her the suit he made. This was very unusual because the Metal Giant rarely ever moved from the spot where he sat.

“I understand your pain Miss Starlight,” Cyber Wurko said to her. “I wish I can do more to assist you, but I believe this suit will aid you tremendously against the enemies you are going to face. I cannot confront them at the moment, but I would if I could. I wish you all the best.”

Christie thanked Cyber Wurko and put on the suit. It had a strange look, but the Dream Queen liked it. It had a simple light blue shirt and dark blue pants covered with silver stars. The shoes had stars at the toes and there was a cape that would allow Christie to levitate if she wanted to. It also included a blue hat with long tassels that floated in the air and had golden orbs at the end. Perhaps the most useful feature of the suit was the power wand that came with it. The weapons the Metal Giant produced were exceptional, and Christie’s new wand was evidence to that. It had a brown handle with a glowing blue and pink star at the end. The star contained vast energy that could be used in various ways based solely on the intent of the user. Christie could strike a foe with the wand and deal a severe blow, or she could blast energy from the star at the end. It was a major improvement from her usual power wand that could only fire energy in the form of sparks.

Cyber Wurko explained all of the features of the suit to Christie and then went back to sit in his usual spot and commence work on Geb’s new rabbit suit. Christie was grateful to the Metal Giant but also more eager than ever to face Nectra and defeat the demon to free Twinklette and Selene. That night, after Geb got his suit and a small but powerful handheld firearm, Christie stayed in a spare room of Geb’s cottage though she had uneasy sleep. The following day she would face her nemesis Nectra again with her new powers. Although she was confident in her abilities, the Dream Queen naturally felt anxious about her upcoming conflict with the demon. Christie had lost one sister already, and she did not wish to lose the other two she had remaining. The next day would determine whether or not she would save her sisters, or go down trying.

Part Eight- Duel with the Ghost

The next day Christie woke early and was planning to practice using her suit’s features before she confronted Nectra again. She did not have much time however, because as she began her preparations the Ghost of Despair appeared and swept her away from the Vegetable Patch. Several Bitties awoke Geb and went to the Metal Giant, but they were too late. Christie had no idea where the ghost planned to take her, but as soon as they were above the hard grey ground beyond the Vegetable Patch the Dream Queen used her power wand to fight off her abductor. Her attacks did much more damage than the ghost expected, and he was taken aback by her newfound power. Christie then attacked the Ghost repeatedly with her power wand. As the ghost tried to fly away, the Dream Queen used her recently acquired levitation ability to bring him back to the ground. The wraith would have vanished and fled, but the energy from Christie’s wand and suit prevented him from turning invisible. This distressed the ghost because in all his years of tormenting people he had never faced an enemy like the Dream Queen before. He had subdued humans that were theoretically more powerful than her, yet here she was vanquishing him with relative ease.

Neither the Ghost of Despair nor Christie Starlight truly understood the nature of the powers inherent within the suit of Cyber Wurko. Christie was angry toward Nectra for abducting her beloved sisters, but at the heart of her struggle was her enduring love for them. In some way the Metal Giant produced a suit and weapon that sensed this deep-set emotion and gained the capacity for giving the wearer extraordinary power while using it. Christie was now using this power to fight of the old spirit, and the fact that she felt determined and not despairing also put the ghost at a distinct disadvantage. The ancient Ghost of Despair chose the wrong day to attack The Dream Queen. At last the wraith saw he met his match and tried to plead for mercy, though this was part of a plan on his part. He believed that if the Dream Queen could defeat him she could defeat Nectra as well, and he would rather his opponent destroy the demon and spare him.

“I surrender, Dream Queen!” shouted the Ghost. Christie felt empowered after getting the better of the ghost, and therefore her capacity for despair and terror was minimized even more. “Please let me go! I know information about Nectra that can be useful to you! Just listen to me and I can help you. Please forgive my indiscretion. I should have known your commitment to your loved ones would make you stronger and not weaker. It was a foolish mistake I should never have made. I will never underestimate you again!”

“Shut up ghost!” answered the Dream Queen as she knocked the wraith to the ground and stepped on his skeletal head, pinning it onto the hard ground. “You are only trying to save yourself! You prey on those who are scared and have always done so, but you don’t scare me! You disgust me. It makes me feel proud that I make a career out of making people feel good, because it allows me to counter your terrible efforts. For an old spirit you sure are an idiot. If you had any sense you would know that I’ve been beating you for quite a while. But this ends now. You won’t be hurting anyone anymore. Enough is enough, and it’s time the world went on without you!” She then pressed her foot down on the wraith’s skull and would have crushed the foul Ghost of Despair then and there, but demons and evil ghosts have a sense of each other. The moment Nectra felt her ally being overcome she was making her way toward the fight. She had already appeared with her slumbering captives and watched most of the conflict under a veil of invisibility.

“Wait Christie, please let me go!” the ghost cried desperately. He had never been beaten this severely in a very long time, and felt his own key emotion of despair in himself. He was about to make a final effort to save himself by offering to let Twinklette’s sister Sparklette free if Christie agreed to spare him. Sadly, Nectra chose to appear the instant before he did. Unfortunately the ghost used even this dire situation to his advantage. Deep in her prison in the Nightmare Country, Sparklette understood the ghost’s intention, and he used his power to cause her to believe that the Dream Queen had failed her. Of course, he never had the chance to state his offer and so this was untrue. But the Ghost made Sparklette believe it was true. The girl’s love for her sister Twinklette protected her from being absorbed by the ghost altogether, but her perceived betrayal by the Dream Queen caused her spirit to become so weakened that the ghost had an even stronger grip upon her. Sparklette carried much resentment in her soul from that point forward.

Christie knew nothing of the possibility of Sparklette’s situation because neither she nor Twinklette actually knew that it was the Ghost of Despair that abducted Sparklette from the wreck. They both assumed Twinklette’s sister perished in the flames of the wrecked vehicle. The Dream Queen’s attention was turned from her opponent a moment before she crushed his head. A red aura surrounded the entire area, as if blood had turned to steam and filled the area. Christie then saw a figure appear and immediately recognized it as Nectra. The demon appeared and stood before Christie. Nectra then caused the lobster claws, head and tail to fall off of her body. These then transformed into two large demons in lobster form that hovered over the unconscious bodies of Selene and Twinklette. Nectra now appeared to be a woman with glowing dark red skin and bright yellow eyes. Black, bat-like wings extended from her back and a leathery tail wisped behind her as she hovered into the air and looked down at Christie. The Ghost of Despair fled quickly when he had the chance and did not look back, leaving the Dream Queen and Nectra to each other.

“I hope your victory over the Ghost of Despair didn’t make you overconfident,” said Nectra. “Though I am quite disappointed in his efforts, I am glad I can face you with your newfound powers. It will be amusing to me to beat you down and destroy that ego of yours. You see, I don’t need you to be in a state of despair to defeat you like the ghost does. My powers are far beyond anything you can imagine. I will defeat you so definitely that you will beg to become one with me. I will enjoy each moment of it. Now prepare yourself to be humbled by my awesome power Christie Starlight!”

Part Nine- Rivalry’s End

Christie was not intimidated by Nectra’s presence, but she was concerned about the strange, winged lobster-demons that hovered over her sisters. She knew she would have to be clever if she wanted to defeat Nectra and save Twinklette and Selene unharmed. Nectra’s new demon form did not scare Christie, but she knew the demon that tormented her would be a greater threat than the Ghost of Despair. Although the ghost was older and therefore theoretically more powerful, Nectra was Christie’s personal demon. Nectra having Christie’s sisters captive gave the demon a personal advantage over the Dream Queen the Ghost of Despair lacked. Thus Nectra was currently more powerful against Christie Starlight than the Ghost of Despair had been.

Nectra was a personal demon to Christie ever since the death of her sister Sunny, but now the Dream Queen was ready to settle the score. She had come a long way since that tragic day; she had inspired countless individuals throughout the Metroscapes with her music, and she had made new friends and another adopted sister. Beyond this, she had the Metal Giant’s suit and enhanced powers beyond any she had before. Christie Starlight was more prepared than ever to face the demon.

“You have troubled me too long Nectra,” Christie shouted back at the demon, “Now prepare to die!” The Dream Queen then sent a blast of energy from her power wand at her foe. Nectra evaded the attack by gliding into the air, but Christie expected this and glided up after her using the powers her suit. Nectra was surprised by Christie’s ability to do this, and Christie landed a powerful blow with her wand that sent Nectra plummeting to the ground. Christie then swiftly flew down onto her opponent and planted her feet into Nectra’s back. The demon let out a shout of pain and surprise, but then sent Christie sailing backward with a wave of fierce hellish energy. She then sent her two lobster-shaped demons to attack the Dream Queen. Christie defended herself against these two foes easily, but when Nectra attacked her as well she was steadily overcome. Though the Dream Queen’s power was formidable with her new suit, a three-on-one battle against Nectra and her demonic spirits was too much even for Christie Starlight. The conflict ultimately led to the two lobster-demons holding Christie in their massive claws while Nectra struck her repeatedly. Christie’s suit offered her much defense against the attacks, but each successive blow from Nectra, and the grip of her agents, slowly wore the defenses down and Christie grew weary. Nectra pulled the wand from Christie’s hand and threw it aside, and then grabbed her opponent by the throat and hovered in the air with her. Christie was now helpless in Nectra’s grasp. The demon then threw Christie down into the ground with a vicious choke-slam that left the Dream Queen lying prone. Nectra stood above Christie and grinned broadly.

“It is clear which of us is greater Christie Starlight; there is nothing you can do,” Nectra said with the smugness that demons always had after defeating a victim. “Now surrender to me. Let me take possession of you. I am impressed with your new abilities. Together we will be an unstoppable power. Not only that, your sisters will be set free. I have no need to trouble or harm them once I have you under my control. Come now; let this misery of yours end once and for all. It will be well worth your while in the long run.”

With much effort, Christie managed so sit up. Though she was in great pain, she propped herself onto her knees. She would have tried to stand up, but she was still wearied by Nectra’s attacks. The Dream Queen fell forward onto her hands and knees in front of the demon. Nectra stood tall and stretched out her wings. Christie crawled forward to Nectra.

“It looks like you have won Nectra,” said the Dream Queen. “I don’t think I can fight you anymore. But just promise me that if I do what you ask my sisters will be safe. That’s all I want or care about. Do whatever you will to me just don’t harm them. In fact, if you could protect them I will be very grateful. I cannot stand to see them harmed. At least this way I will know that I did what I could for them. Please do this for me.” At this point the Dream Queen’s eyes watered and tears fell from her face onto the feet of the demon she was bowing in front of. Nectra’s feeling of triumph was exhilarating to her. Of course she needed to gloat over her victory.

“You should have known you had no chance of resisting me Christie Starlight,” said Nectra, “I said I would release your sisters after your surrender and I will do so. Beyond that I don’t care about them. I will not go out of my way to defend or help them after I have you. But if you refuse to surrender your soul to me I will kill you and them too. Declare that your soul is now mine so we can get this over with. I want those new powers of yours. Give me your soul, do it now!”

“Please let me at least say goodbye to them first,” sobbed Christie, “Let me look at them one last time. Please let me have that much.”

“You’re trying my patience Dream Queen!” barked Nectra, “As much as I enjoy your groveling I want to have your soul as I deserve. I hate seeing that type of sentimental nonsense of you humans!”

Christie dropped at Nectra’s feet and kissed them in supplication before crawling off to her sisters. Although Nectra’s power was great and Christie was wearied by the struggle, the Dream Queen’s power was not entirely spent. One thing Nectra did not quite understand was that because Christie was an entertainer, she was also a very convincing actress when she wanted to be. Although the study of demons was outlawed in Mertoscape regions, most people found ways to obtain information on them anyway. Christie knew demons had massive egos that could be exploited by a clever individual. Christie knew her power was evenly matched with Nectra’s, and so she used a strategy of flattery to get the demon off her guard. It worked well for the Dream Queen. As Christie was placating Nectra with her pleas she was also steadily recovering energy (her suit helped with this).

Christie observed where her power wand had fallen. In a sudden dash she leapt from the ground and knocked Nectra back with a powerful kick. She then grabbed her power wand and blasted Nectra with an intense ray of energy that weakened the demon severely. The lobster-demons attacked the Dream Queen, but she dealt them both a lethal strike with the star at the end of her wand. The two creatures fell lifeless after Christie’s attack.

Now Christie made her final effort to defeat Nectra. Using the star at the top of her wand as a blade she cut the wings off the demon and gabbed Nectra by her hair. Pulling the demon to her knees while still gripping her by the hair, Christie said to Nectra, “Be gone at last you wretched fiend!” She then swung her wand and severed the head from the demon with the star tip. She threw Nectra’s head onto the ground and stomped on it, crushing it into a pile of dust. Nectra’s body burst into flames where it laid. Christie went to Twinklette and Selene, who were starting to wake because the demon’s spell wore off. Christie had a heartfelt reunion with her sisters. She had saved them at last.

“Thank you so much Christie, you saved us!” exclaimed Twinklette as she hugged Christie tightly. “You are the greatest sister ever, I love you so much!” Tears lined the Dream Queen’s eyes as she heard this. An overwhelming feeling of joy filled Christie. She felt happier in that instant than she had ever since the passing of Sunny. In fact, the feeling was so strong that a shining bright light seemed to surround the three Starlight sisters. Christie noticed this, and from the light she saw a small figure rise up into the air. To her it looked like a little child who had a happy face. The glowing figure looked at Christie and waved before it disappeared. Christie wasn’t sure what it was. She wondered if it was the spirit of her sister Sunny appearing to her one last time, or if it was some kind of protective angel that helped her in her struggle against the demon. She was unsure, but at that moment she did not care. She was reunited with her sisters and that was all that mattered.

Christie, Selene, and Twinklette celebrated as Geb Growth joined them, now with his grey rabbit suit and several Bitties from the Vegetable Patch. “I was looking for you Christie,” said Geb, “We were very worried about you! I saw some strange ray of light appear that led us here. Are you okay?”

“Thank you Geb,” answered Christie, “I couldn’t be better!”

“Oh this is wonderful!” shouted one of the Bitties who had the shape of a potato; “We’re going to have lobster for dinner tonight!” This caused everyone to laugh as the Bitties began dissecting and taking meat from the fallen giant lobsters of Nectra. Christie defeated her demon at last. She was now a very powerful entity. But with this new power would also come new challenges, for the authorities of Main City did not like powerful people emerging in their Metroscapes. But for time being, Christie happily celebrated with her sisters and their friends.

Part Ten- The Burden of Success

After celebrating Christie’s victory, the three Starlight sisters went to the Vegetable Patch and thanked Cyber Wurko and Geb Growth for their help. The Metal Giant made Twinklette a suit with small butterfly wings on the back, which would allow her to glide through the air if she wished. He also made her a small power wand for her own defense if she and Christie ever got separated again. Selene was very wary of using power wands or firearms of any kind, but the Metal Giant still made her a silver dress that would protect her from any attacks from enemies or monsters. After this reunion the Starlight sisters decided to go back to Christie’s home in Main City. If the Dream Queen stayed away much longer her absence would be noticed. They parted ways with Geb and Cyber Wurko and went back to their home in the Metroscape.

It was a very short time after Christie returned to her entertainment profession that she received a message from the Protectorate Society. They had gotten news of her impressive victory over the demon Nectra and wanted her to be a Protectorate, which were a class of skilled defenders who guarded the regions known as Bastions. The Protectorate Society had an uneasy agreement with the Caretaking Body that they would only look out for the secluded Bastions, and not interfere with activities in the Metroscapes. Christie admired the work of the Protectorates, and she knew that the Bastions had been encountering trouble in recent times. Many of those protected places were vanishing. Christie replied to the message and stated that she did not wish to leave her profession as a musical performer, but that she would help the Protectorate Society as a part-time agent if that were acceptable to them. The Society agreed and Christie Starlight became one of the much-valued Protectorates. She was one of the most effective they ever had. One of her assignments for the Society involved helping a group of small duckling-children escape from a bastion that was invaded by Grandies and set on fire. Christie felt very badly for the children, but was happy she could help bring them to safety. To complete this assignment she collaborated with a famous arms dealer known as Mr. One, who was greatly disliked by the Caretaking Body. Nevertheless Christie and Mr. One managed to bring the endangered children to safety, but Christie’s troubles in Main City were not over. Nectra was defeated, but there were other persons who had their eyes set on the Dream Queen and resented her continued success.

The Caretaking Body observed Christie’s growing influence and success in Main City, but the most powerful members of that governmental group did not view the Dream Queen as a threat. Rather, they liked having her as an entertainer in Main City because her popularity and performances would help keep the populace of Main City docile and minimally content, thus making their own control of the Metroscape easier. However, Mr. Spiderhat hated the Dream Queen and her immense popularity.

The Grandie spider was the unofficial agent of the Caretaking Body in Main City and had the most popular show on the Teleweb known as The Grand Coliseum. This show was broadcast from Mr. Spiderhat’s arena of the same name in which opponents fought one another in extreme combat. The major competitor to the show’s popularity was the Dream Queen’s performances. Mr. Spiderhat knew he could draw high ratings for his show if he could get Christie Starlight to compete in his Grand Coliseum, and if he could cause her to be defeated it would be even better for him. Mr. Spiderhat wanted nothing more than to break the Dream Queen, destroy her popularity, and thus secure his role as primary entertainer in Main City.

Mr. Spiderhat’s opportunity to undo the Dream Queen came one day as a result of a final act from the Ghost of Despair before he fled from the Dream Queen. The ghost had slipped some of Geb Growth’s counterfeit Cabbage into the pockets of the unconscious Twinklette before he fled the scene and left Christie to Nectra. Twinklette eventually found these Cabbage leaves and wanted to use them to buy her beloved sisters each a present in Main City. However, when the little girl tried to use the leaves and the fraud was discovered, Twinklette was arrested by the Main Patrol. Christie rushed to her sister’s defense at once. By that time Mr. Spiderhat received permission from the Caretaking Body to strike a deal with anyone caught breaking the law. Twinklette was brought to the Grand Coliseum not to compete in one of the brutal contests, but as a hostage and bait for the Grandie spider to take advantage of Christie Starlight at last.

The Main Patrol told Christie she must report to the Grand Coliseum and meet with Mr. Spiderhat to discuss a deal for Twinklette’s release. Selene wanted to go with her, but the Main Patrol stated that only the Dream Queen would be granted access to the office of the Coliseum’s owner. Selene wished Christie good luck and told her to be careful. “You saved our sister once before Christie,” said Selene, “I know you’ll find a way to do it again. I have faith in you. Twinklette and I both love you so much. Let your love for Twinklette empower you to fight against this Grandie like you fought against Nectra and her demons for us. But please be careful Christie. Whatever you do, don’t agree to fight in one of those obscene contests that spider holds. He finds ways to hurt or even kill people in that Coliseum. Promise me you won’t compete in there!”

“Selene you know I’ll do whatever it takes to set Twinklette free,” answered Christie, “I know getting me to fight in his arena is what the spider is going to try to do. If I have to do that for Twinklette I will. She must be so scared. Her parents were taken into that dreadful arena by that disgusting arachnid, and now she is there too. I can’t bear the thought of it.”

Christie went to the Grand Coliseum and was taken into a large room that was Mr. Spiderhat’s office. The Grandie spider spoke with a deep hissing voice in person that was different from the bombastic announcer voice he used while broadcasting his show. “At last we meet Christie Starlight,” said the Grandie spider, “I have been waiting to meet with you.”

“Where is Twinklette?” said Christie, “I want to see my sister.”

Mr. Spiderhat had Twinklette brought into the office, where she ran to Christie and embraced her tightly. The girl began weeping instantly. “My parents are gone Christie!” sobbed Twinklette, “Just like Sparklette they’re gone. I lost them all. Christie I can’t lose you too! They didn’t hurt me in here; I’ll be fine, just save yourself and Selene. Don’t worry about me!”

“Listen to me Twinklette,” said Christie softly but with conviction, “I will get you out of here. Whatever it takes I will bring you back home. This is only temporary. Someone tricked us with those fake Cabbage leaves, but I will settle the score. I saved you once before sweetheart, and I will do it again.”

“That’s the spirit!” said Mr. Spiderhat, “You will certainly have a chance to win the freedom of your sister. I was given permission from the Caretaking Body to generously offer anyone convicted of a crime to win a pardon by competing here in the Grand Coliseum. Of course, Twinklette is too young to compete, but you can compete on her behalf as her representative Ms. Starlight! Now, wouldn’t the Dream Queen competing in the Grand Coliseum be a spectacular event! I’m sure all your fans would love it!”

Christie had to exert a great deal of self-control to keep her anger toward the great spider in check. If she wanted to, she could have attacked and possibly even destroyed the Grandie right then and there. But she knew that if she did such a thing the Caretaking Body would retaliate in a brutal fashion and the result would endanger Twinklette and Selene as well as herself.

“Very well spider,” replied Christie, “I will fight someone in your arena for Twinklette’s safety and freedom, but I insist that it be a one-on-one competition, and not a fight to the death.”

“That sounds splendid!” said Mr. Spiderhat, “I am so glad you have agreed to this. I am sure you will do great Ms. Starlight. Best of luck to you in your competition!”

Before Twinklette was escorted from the office she hugged Christie one more time, “Just stay strong my dear,” said Christie, “I will save you I promise.” A teary-eyed Twinklette was taken from the room, the image of which broke Christie’s heart and haunted her until the time of her competition arrived. That night as Christie left the Grand Coliseum and her competition was being arranged, she thought back on her treasured moments with Twinklette and all they had been through together; how they helped each other cope with their losses, and how Twinklette inspired Christie to defeat the demon that had plagued her for many years. Now the Dream Queen was about to enter another type of fight, one much different than her conflict with Nectra. She did not know who her opponent would be, but she did not care. Her determination to win for Twinklette was indomitable. She thought back on the glowing figure she saw hover in the air for a brief moment after she had defeated Nectra and recalled the comforting feeling its glow produced. She thought of this image again and sent out a silent wish that she could overcome whatever challenges she needed to in order to save Twinklette. “I’ll save you my precious sister,” Christie said to herself, “Whatever it takes I will save you. By all that is good, I promise.”

To discover the remainder of Christie Starlight and Twinklette’s story, and the result of Christie’s competition in the Grand Coliseum, be sure to read the novel The Rabbit-Man, available now!