VKI6

Chapter 6

"Dark Plasman, you know I would never celebrate your annual arrival." Loof Merrow interrupted Darien before he could get himself in trouble. "We were welcoming our true guests to the island after their ship wrecked due to a storm." She indicated the seven castaways.

Plasman sneered. "I've brought you a gift and the hope that you will finally give in." He placed a luxuriously crafted music box before her. "And finally agree to become my wife."

Most girls would have been flattered at the gift, perhaps even moved. The Princess however turned hateful eyes on the man. She would've delivered her answer there but did not want to draw their guests into their problems so she schooled expression. "Your offer, as usual, is incredibly flattering, Plasman. And the gift is lovely, however, you see quite clearly I am entertaining guests. Perhaps we should save this discussion for later." She took the gift and handed it to the red-headed Leah.

Leah Ruby eyed the present. Every year Plasman made a present of some fancy item for Loof Merrow and each year it was refused and passed off to her. Normally, it was with hateful vitriol but this year it was more politic.

"Hey, what's going on here?" Serena asked finally. "Who are you?"

Diamond held her hand. "Don't interfere my dear."

Dark Plasman grinned congenially. Guests on the island was most unexpected. He bowed at the waist. "I am Lord Dark Plasman of the Comet: Coatl. These ladies are my servants. Bilhah Emerald, Zilpah Sapphire and Leah Ruby."

Each lady bowed in a servile fashion. Serena did not miss the look of hurt in Leah's eyes at simply being referred to as such.

"Would you and yours care to relate how you became guests of my sweet Princess?" Plasman requested with all the airs of a gentleman.

Diamond looked sheepish while Sapphire replied. "It's what happens when you try to use a yacht made for coastal travel as an ocean liner right before a hurricane." He smiled at the one called Zilpah. "Hi, I'm Sapphire." He held out a hand.

The blue-clad woman was taken aback by the nice man and his outstretched hand. "Um...Master?" She looked at Plasman for how to respond.

"I believe it is Earth custom to shake hands in greeting," he replied. "So, your presence here is due to a shipwreck then and of course, being the good soul she is, my fair love offered you refuge until you can return home." Good, he thought. As long as they were not threats to his plan.

Zilpah took Sapphire's hand and shook it as directed. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance good sir."

Satisfied there would be no animosity, Loof Merrow was determined to continue the banquet. "Well, seeing as you are already here, you are welcome to partake of the festivities and we can discuss your proposal in the morning, in private."

Plasman bowed again to the Princess. "Your offer is most appreciated. We have traveled a long way and we are famished."

Loofy turned to Selkie. "Selkie, please prepare a place at the table for Dark Plasman and his servants."

Selkie nodded. "As you wish Princess."

That place, to Dark Plasman's consternation, was at the furthest end of the table. Sapphire purposely made room for Zilpah, insisting she sit near him. Bilhah and Leah giggled at her predicament until Serena stole them, insisting they sit with her and her friends. Even Dark Plasman had to chuckle at the obvious discomfort emanating from them at Serena's over-exuberance.

The excuse for placing him so far from the object of his desires was that someone already had the seat nearest her and it would be silly to be playing "Musical Chairs." However, Dark Plasman could see quite clearly the true reason when her attentions were wholly on the dark-haired man beside her. Plasman growled inwardly to see her laugh at a quip he had made. How dare this human male encroach on his territory?

"So who is he anyway?" Darien asked Loofy now that he was out of earshot. "He proposed, is he your boyfriend?"

Loofy laughed. "Oh no, he's just a suitor who won't take no for an answer. Comes every year to ask the same question and gets the same answer."

Darien sighed. "Well why don't you simply forbid him to return?"

Loofy looked sadly down. "I can't. And I cannot tell you why either so don't ask."

Darien took her hand. "I won't but understand Loofy, if he is threatening you or your people in some way, I will help you if you ask."

The Purple Princess flushed. "I appreciate it Darien, I really do. You might be able to help at that, but it cannot tell you how. It's against the rules."

"So, you and your sisters live on a comet? That must be exciting," Serena said. "Traveling from system to system, all over the universe. You must have seen a lot of places."

Leah nodded while she ate. "We have..."

"Meow! Meow! Meow!" Three kittens cried, bounding over to join the feasting and possibly steal some human food. The tawny kitten jumped right up onto the table before Leah's plate.

"Hello there," Leah said to the kitten who stopped to stare right at the strange woman.

Suddenly Serena stood with a pained cry. "Oh no! We forgot about Luna and Artemis!"

AN: Oh no! They forgot Luna and Artemis. Are the cat guardians alright? Do we possibly have a budding pairing for Sapphire at last? What is the deal with Dark Plasman? How can Darien help? Find out next time on Vacation Album: Kaguya Island.