CATCH & RELEASE
by Ethan Brunke
ONCE THERE LIVED A QUEEN OF DIAMONDS, A SPACE ROGUE, AN ASTRONOMER…
“You there,” a sharp and authoritative voice shot through the enormous crystallic throne room. Huge quartz pillars rose up the walls, amethyst and sapphire fixtures jutting from random angles. “Imperfects.” “What did you just call me?” Orion gritted their teeth, fists clenched. “Tsk. I don’t have time for your opinion,” said a beautiful, entirely see-through woman. Composed of solid yet fluid diamond, her ornate features were geometric and sparkling. Her irises were silver, pupils white; her hair was in a static updo, and she wore an onyx crown-- it was the only thing about her not even slightly translucent. “As queen of this planet, I command you to capture and bring me my daughter.” “Who is she?” Asked Orion’s purple-haired boyfriend, Caelum. With plum-colored eyes, and oaken hued skin, he contrasted Orion’s spiked brunette hair, emerald eyes, olive skin, and galaxy of freckles. “Andromeda. A cloudy diamond who just chose to damn her people,” the queen hissed out, fuming. “What’s in it for us?” Orion asked curiously. “You meddlesome nebulae, always so wanting.” She pondered for a moment. “I’ll… allow you one of my royal gems.” “Deal!” Orion blurted impulsively. “Perfect. Now, begone!” She waved a polished hand away towards the door. Caelum smirked at Orion as they walked out of the chamber. “Let’s go catch a princess.” …A DIAMOND HEIR RUNNING FROM HER DOOM…
Andromeda stood still behind a pillar. It had been a challenge to evade the guards pursuing her, but she was too far in to give up now. Plus, it didn’t help that she was the only non semi-translucent Dracon.