Sylvia smiled at her best friend. “You mean I’m no longer your Feminion?”
Egg thought about that for a full minute before answering. Even though Sylvia was just teasing, it seemed to the other girl that it was a very important question. “You know what, Syl . . . I don’t think you are. Since I’m no longer Flying Girl, I don’t deserve to have a Feminion.” It was Dazzle’s spirit that powered the suit. Once the Myst Tree had returned it to the Princess’s body, the suit no longer functioned.
That answer kind of surprised Sylvia. “Well . . . I guess that’s true.”
“It doesn’t matter. You and I have done things no one would ever believe. We’ve been to the Pleiades (that was the constellation where Aerianna was located). We crossed the seven lands and beat all sorts of creepy and scary things. We defeated Mobius, and the Green F’aeri and Bl’udd and K’aos. We brought Dazzle back and now she’s Queen and married to her Prince. We made friends . . . and sisters . . . out of dragons and sea serpents and a little green girl. So you may not be my Feminion, but you’re still my best friend . . . and my sister.”
Sylvia beamed at her friends words. “And as far as I’m concerned, you’re still Flying Girl and the bravest person in the whole universe.”
*****
Six Months after the Quest
They were in the attic at Sylvia’s house . . . the place where they had first created the Hameggattic Sisterhood. And even though it was April and the weather was finally beginning to warm up, today there was a terrible storm with heavy rain, hail, lightning and thunder. It was a perfect Saturday to stay in their clubhouse listening to music and talking.
“What do you think of the new Fandango Sally song?” That was their favorite all-girl band.
“It’s okay,” answered Egg unenthusiastically.
“Just okay? Well, I think it’s great.” The song was called ‘Man, Oh Man, What a Boy from their album ‘Boy, what a Joy.’
Even though Egg liked Zeke and his brother Zack (the boys were identical twins and lived next door to Egg’s grandmother), she was less impressed with the rest of the male population. Besides, the fact that she counted those two as friends was a major breakthrough for her.
She and Sylvia had even gone to the Halloween dance with the brothers. It was her way of repaying Zeke for helping her at the Crystal Mountain. After crossing the seven lands, and with all of her sisters gone, Egg had returned to earth and recruited the only person she could think of to help her. He agreed to go . . . though he had no idea what he was getting into. Together, they had rescued Dazzle’s body. And before the magic of the flying suit caused him to forget the whole episode, he had asked her to go to the dance with him.
Even though he did forget everything . . . she felt it was only fair that she should keep her promise. To her surprise, she and Sylvia had a very nice time; the brothers were a lot of fun to be with. And for the most part, they were hardly ever obnoxious like the rest of the dreadful boys in her class.
“Too much about boyfriends and love,” explained Egg. “I just don’t get why everybody finds that so interesting.”
“Eloise Grace Graystone . . . you really are too much,” said an exasperated Sylvia. After a moment, she asked, “Don’t you remember what Dazzle said about Z’kkk?”
The princess had told them the story of how she and her husband-to-be had met. She was maybe ten at the time and he was a year older. And the first thing she did was to slap him on his butt with a wooden sword and make him cry. When the girls heard this, they had laughed and laughed. Then Dazzle told them how she had fallen in love with the boy-turned-young-man at her coming of age party.
“Of course, I remember. And maybe if I meet a Prince, I’ll fall in love too.” However, there was something Egg had never told anyone . . . not even Sylvia. Just before she had left Aerianna, she had asked Dazzle if the Princess had anything to do with Zeke moving next door to her Grammy. The answer she got shocked her . . .
“Yes,” said the Princess.
“Why?”
“I will only say that should you marry Zeke, your child will be extraordinary.” That caused Egg to blush scarlet.
“Do I have to marry him?”
“Oh, no, my dear sister. You may marry anyone you wish.”
She felt a little guilty that she hadn’t told Sylvia or her Grammy . . . but she was just too embarrassed. And every time she saw Zeke, or heard his name, she would blush from the memory of that conversation.
“Well, just remember that we are both ten years old now. That’s the same age as Dazzle when she met Z’kkk.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Can you please just change the subject?”
“Well, if I must. Anyway, it was such a beautiful wedding . . . don’t you think?”
“Oh, absolutely.” Egg was quiet as she remembered the ceremony. Then she asked, “What did you think of her dress?” Dazzle refused to wear anything except the traditional dress of her people.
“It was nice. But who wears red to a wedding?”
“I think it was beautiful. It really set off her hair and eyes and skin.”
“You’re right . . . she was dazzling.”
One Year after the Quest
“Can you believe it’s been a year since we left Aerianna?”
“I know. It makes me feel bad that we haven’t gone back for a visit.”
“Me, too. Maybe we should go this weekend?”
“Ummm . . . I don’t think we’ll have time. We still have to go shopping before we leave for Hawaii. I desperately need a new bathing suit.”
“Yeah. I have absolutely nothing to wear. And we did promise Zack and Zeke we’d go to the movies with them on Saturday.”
“Oh my gosh . . . I completely forgot. What are we supposed to see?”
Sylvia made a face. “Something stupid and scary.”
Egg smiled at her best friend. “Those S words remind me of Soo.” Soo’nami was one of their sea serpent sisters from Aerianna. She was always making fun of K’ssss with phrases like silly-sack-of-stupid or slippery, slithering sea worm. But only she was allowed to kid her friend . . . she wouldn’t tolerate anyone else teasing K’ssss.
“I really miss them . . . all of them.”
Egg let out a big breath “Yeah. I hope they’re doing great . . . especially Sassi.” She was the beautiful human girl with the green skin.
“I’m so glad that she got to go with her parents to that artist place.” Dazzle’s parents, and her sister Ss’ong, had started a retreat for artists and sculptors. Sassi was invited to join . . . not only because she helped saved the planet, but because she was a very talented artist in her own right.
“You know, we told her that we would invite her to visit us here on earth.”
“Wouldn’t that be fun? I wonder what she would think of our world.”
“We definitely have to go back and invite her.”
“Absolutely . . . the very first chance we get.”
“So, what kind of outfit did you want to get?” asked Egg returning to a more immediate problem.
“Well, I really want that little skirt and top we saw in the magazine . . .”
Two Years after the Quest
“Happy birthday, dear one.”
“Thank you, Grammy.”
“You know, I watched as your mom grew up. Now, I get to see it happen all over again with you. Twelve years old . . . almost a teenager; I just can’t believe it.”
“Do you know what makes me feel like I’m getting older?” She didn’t wait for a reply. “It’s the fact that I’m now in middle school.”
The older Eloise laughed. “And for me, it’s the reality that you have a steady boyfriend. How is Zeke these days?”
Egg still blushed when anyone mentioned his name. “He’s good,” she answered nonchalantly.
“He had better be,” said Grammy making a face that said, “you’re way too young for anything more than movies and dancing.” And, believe me, that’s not an easy face to make.<
br />
“Oh, Grammy.”
“Well, I won’t say another word . . . except you can tell him that I know where he lives.”
Egg threw her arms around her grandmother and hugged her for a good minute. Sometimes when she would see her namesake, she would remember that they were both getting older. And the thought of anything happening to her Grammy made the young girl sick with anxiety.
“Egg, dearest, I’m fit as a fiddle.”
The girl looked up at her grandmother and shook her head in amazement. “You always know what I’m thinking, don’t you?”
“It’s like you once told me . . . we’re one person in two bodies.”
“I still worry about you.”
“Now you know how I felt when I sent you to Aerianna on the Quest.”
“That was ages ago. I hardly remember it anymore. And when I do, it feels more like a fairy tale I read.”
“How come you and Sylvia never went back for a visit?”
Egg looked thoughtful for a moment. “I don’t know Grammy. I miss all my sisters and Dazzle. But . . .” she shrugged her shoulders.
“Does it have anything to do with you not being Flying Girl anymore?”
“Maybe.”
“Or maybe you’re afraid that you won’t feel the same way about your sisters as you once did?”
“I just don’t know Grammy.”
“Perhaps you’re just too busy growing up. Look at you now. I do believe that there are a few more curves than before.”
“GRAMMY.”
*****
Egg was sitting on Sylvia’s bed when her mom came in. “Girls, I have a very important question to ask you both.”
Sylvia looked from her mom to her best friend then back again. “What?”
“I really, really need the attic to store some of the stuff we’ve accumulated since we moved here. I know it’s the official headquarters of the Ham and Egg club . . . but, do you think I can have it back?”
Sylvia looked to her friend who nodded yes. “Sure, Mom; we never go up there anymore. Besides, the Hameggattic Sisterhood was something for nine-year-old girls. I think we’ve outgrown it.”
“Okay, thanks,” and she left.
“I have to admit; it makes me feel a little sad,” said Sylvia.
“Yeah, me too. But, we’ll always have terrific memories. Besides, as long as we’re best friends . . . the Hameggattic Sisterhood will still be alive.
“Absolutely.”
*****
That night, Egg dreamt of Aerianna . . . something she hardly did anymore. And in her dream, she was talking to Storm.
“Did you know that Sylvia and I gave up the attic where we first started the Hameggattic Sisterhood?”
“Does that trouble you?”
“A little.”
“Be not sad. The sisterhood was never in that room. It exists in your mind and in your heart. And, it will always be there when you need it.”
“But that’s just it. I don’t think we’ll ever need it again. I’m no longer Flying Girl and Mobius is gone for good and Dazzle’s the Queen.”
“There will always be a need for one such as you. And, in turn, you will always have need for your sisters.”
“Oh, I hope that’s true.”
“Actually, that is why I am here.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Rose . . . um, My Queen . . . needs your help. She would like you to return to Aerianna.”
“You’re kidding?”
“I do not jest. The Queen is somewhat desperate . . . but the problem is of a personal nature.”
“What does that mean?”
“I would have her tell you herself.”
“Can I take Sylvia?”
“Her assistance would be greatly appreciated.”
“Ummm . . . are there any monsters to fight or evil villains to beat?”
“Oh no,” he answered, which made Egg feel a lot better until he continued with “monsters and villains would be preferable. The Queen’s problem is ever so much worse.”
Chapter 2 - Reunion
“I’m so nervous.”
“Yeah, me too,” agreed Egg.
“You two have absolutely nothing to be nervous about. Remember, you are the heroines of Aerianna.”
“Grammy . . . it’s been two years since we’ve been back. But for them, it’s more like eight or even ten years.” (Time ran differently on Aerianna).
“Well, that’s true. But for dragons and serpents, I bet you won’t be able to tell because they live so long.”
“But humans there live as long as we do here . . .,” added Sylvia.
“So Dazzle and Sassi will be much older,” said Egg finishing the thought.
“Girls, since you can’t change what you can’t change, don’t worry about it. Now, make sure you’re back by tomorrow night. And stop worrying. You’re going to have a wonderful time.”
Egg gave her Grammy a hug. Sylvia, who thought of the older Eloise as her grandmother also, gave her a hug too.
“Bye Grammy.”
“Give everyone my love. Now . . . go.” And the girls touched their rings with the special serpents’ crystals given to them by Dazzle . . . and disappeared.
*****
They materialized in the great throne room on Q’umulus. It was the very same room where Egg had the final showdown with Mobius. As they popped into existence, everyone in the room let out a loud gasp. The twelve Imperial Sentinels ran over and encircled the girls . . . their nasty ceremonial lances pointed menacingly at the intruders.
“Oh my gosh,” yelped Egg.
“As you were,” commanded a voice. The guards lowered their lances then returned to their positions along the walls.
“Sorry to scare everybody. I’m Egg and this is Sylvia. Maybe you remember us from before.”
“Eloise, how very wonderful to see you, and your Feminion, again.”
The only person on Aerianna that ever called her by her real name had been Prince Z’kkk. But the person standing in front of them seemed so much older than the young man they had last seen.
“Ummm . . . Prince, is that you?”
“Once I married the Queen, I became Lord Z’kkk,” he gently corrected. “But, yes, my lady, it is I.”
Egg smiled at being called ‘my lady’. It sounded so . . . so . . . royal. She actually curtsied; then blushed a bright red from embarrassment when she heard Sylvia giggle.
Then the Prince . . . I mean Lord . . . did something unexpected. He turned to all those in the room and announced in a loud voice, “Please welcome Egg of Earth and her Feminion, Sylvia.”
To the girls’ amazement, everyone there bowed low. Then after a few seconds, they stood and applauded. Now even Sylvia was blushing.
“It has been too long since we have had the pleasure of your company. My Queen will be so pleased. Come . . . she is probably in the arboretum. She would behead me if I didn’t bring you immediately.”
The girls gaped at Z’kkk when he said that . . . until they realized it was a royal joke. So they shyly waved to everyone in the room, and they followed him through the palace as he led them to wherever he was going.
Along the way, he asked, “And how is your grandmother, Eloise?”
“Oh, she’s fine. She said to say hi to everyone.”
“Please tell her that she, too, is missed. We would love for her to come visit.”
“She’d like that. Thank you.”
“Ummm . . . Lord Z’kkk?”
“Yes, Feminion?”
“Are our sisters okay? Do you think we might be able to see them?”
Z’kkk chuckled. “They are all very well. And, yes, you will be able to see them.” Something in the way he said it made Egg a little suspicious.
“You were expecting us, weren’t you?”
The Lord turned to the young girl and smiled in admiration. “You are still the same amazing young lady. Yes, Eloise, we were. That is why there will be a celebration in your honor ton
ight. And your sisters will be there as well.”
Egg and Sylvia both broke into big grins. All of their anxiety about seeing their friends again had been completely forgotten.
They reached a door and Z’kkk stopped. “It is truly a pleasure to see both of you again. You will find the Queen in there.” He hesitated then continued, “What you did for my wife and our people can never be repaid. Your heroism, loyalty and selflessness were extraordinary. I can only hope that my daughter will eventually grow up and be worthy to be called a Hameggattic Sister. Now, please don’t keep the Queen waiting.” And before the girls could respond to that statement, he opened the door and ushered them into the beautiful rooftop garden.
Since Z’kkk didn’t follow them into the garden, and they hadn’t yet spotted Dazzle, Sylvia asked her friend, “What was all that about his daughter?”
“I have no idea.” But before they could discuss it further, they heard an all too familiar voice . . .
“Egg. Sylvia. Oh, how wonderful to see you both again.”
They turned and there she was . . . Queen Rose’Alynnia.
She looked different . . . but just the same. Her long blond hair and gorgeous eyes were exactly as they remembered. Her face was still beautiful . . . but definitely older looking.
Without thinking, Egg ran to the Queen and threw her arms around her. “Oh, Dazzle . . . I’ve missed you so much.”
The Queen returned the hug with real warmth and affection. “And why have you not visited your old friends before now, if I may ask?” she teased.
“Grammy said it was because I was too busy growing up.”
“And how is your grandmother? Well, I hope.”
“She’s great. She said to say hi.”
“Well, please tell her the Queen of Aerianna would be honored if she would visit with us.”
“I will.”
“And, you, Feminion . . . you look well.”
“Thank you, your Majesty. So do you.”
Dazzle laughed. “Being Queen and a mother has left their mark on this old crone.”
Box Set #2: Zynn-Zaz'Zia: [The 4 book 2nd Adventure of Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood] Page 2
