Chapter CCCLV: Oooh, Stealthy ~Prism

Prism nudged Dae, and they nodded to each other as Ratch, Redaz, and Kenzo prepared to leave with the 'Maestro'. "We're following them," Prism whispered in Daedalus' ear. "If they're going to meet who I think they are, I'm there."

Dae glared at her indignantly. "Geez, Princess," he muttered softly. "Can't I just take you home already? We've already met up with a few of your crew and they don't seem keen on helping us out very much. Besides, surely there will be matters at home to deal with."

"Nonsense," Prism retorted. "Nothing can possibly be going on at home that needs as much attention as this." She glanced around. "We won't have time to repair your sword if we want to keep up with these guys. Can you handle that?"

"Yes..." Daedalus grumbled. "I suppose so."

"Besides," the princess continued, "if they're to come across him, then the Agent will no doubt make an entrance as well. And I owe him a big slap in the face."

"You're so...KIND to your allies," Dae replied with a heaving sigh.

"Yes, I'm known throughout the multiverse for my kindness and generosity," Prism retorted, packing some extra food into a pouch she had purchased nearby. "I'm sure you look forward to seeing me as queen?"

Daedalus paused a moment, and let out a small sigh. "I fear I may not live that long."

Prism blinked. "Are you sick or something? I mean...you're not that old..."

Daedalus quickly shook his head, as if snapping out of a melancholy trance. "Nah...nothing like that. It just seems I have some poor luck these days."

He chuckled, scratching the back of his head. Prism merely quirked an eyebrow.

"Oh, by the way..." she pried, "what was it that you said to Kenzo earlier?"

The older Hoshi flushed. "Umm...uhhh..." he stammered, "I don't recall exactly...I scolded him about what he did and told him never to do so again, for his own sake."

Prism narrowed her eyes. Daedalus was lying; she knew it deep down. But why would he lie about something so silly?

Oh well, she thought to herself. There's no point in confronting him about...whatever it is...right now. There's too much to do.

She exhaled. "Alright. I'm good to go. We go in star form...if we do this right they shouldn't notice us, and if they do they should think us nothing more than fireflies or normal shooting stars. We should keep our distance though – I've had experiences with getting trapped in jars." She mumbled to herself, "yet another reason to slap the Agent." She shook her head. "Ready?"

"Ready." Daedalus replied. "Let's get this over with."

With that, they walked a distance from the smithy and went into star form, hovering high above the Maestro's new party.