When Eva stepped out of the ship, she was speechless. Transsexual was more breathtaking than she ever could have imagined. It was dawn and the sky was filled with various hues of blues and purples. She saw a palace set against the backdrop of not only the dazzling sky, but an ocean as well. Even though she had only been in this new world for a few short moments, she couldn't believe that Frank had willingly given it up for her.
Frank saw the expression on his wife's face and smiled. "I take it that you enjoy the scenery here?"
"It's beautiful, Frank." Only then did she notice a rather large crowd was gathered around the ship. There were men, women, and children of all ages and shapes looking rather awestruck.
"It's true! He's come back!" she heard a woman exclaim.
"Is he holding a child?" a man asked.
"He looks different," a little boy said. "Maybe it's not him."
"The lady with him is pretty," a young girl said, smiling.
Frank smiled at Eva. He then turned to the crowd and acknowledged them. "How wonderful of all of you to greet us this morning. I assure you though my appearance has changed, I am indeed Prince Frank N. Furter, and yes, I am holding a child – my child." Both he and Eva could hear questioning whispers from the crowd. "The 'pretty lady' next to me is my wife." The crowd grew louder, but Frank spoke over them. "All will be explained soon, I promise you."
Frank, Eva, Faye, and Audrey made their way into the castle, and were greeted by yet another crowd. Frank was very cordial, but made it known that he wanted to get both himself and his family inside.
When they finally reached the grand hall, Eva stopped dead in her tracks. It was the most beautiful architectural structure she had ever laid eyes on. The floor was made of marble that was tinted the same colors the sky was at that moment. There were elaborate archways and intricate carvings in every direction. Exquisite artwork lined the walls and very elegant, yet inviting, furniture was arranged sporadically throughout the hall.
Noticing her interest, Frank asked, "Do you like it?"
Her answer came in a rather dreamy voice. "I can't believe you grew up here. How can a place like this be childproof?"
Frank laughed softly. "Well, not all of the palace has the same décor. This hall is mainly for the sake of a first impression."
"Well, it's gorgeous," Audrey said; she was in just as much awe as Eva.
"Thank you," an elegant voice said. "I'm rather pleased with it myself." Audrey looked up and saw Frank's mother for the first time. "You must be Audrey," she said, smiling sweetly.
"Yes, I am," Audrey replied, smiling back at her. She then became a bit uneasy. "You are, um, I'm afraid I'm not quite sure how to address you."
The Queen smiled. "I am Gwendolyn Furter, Queen of Transsexual – however, I prefer Gwendolyn."
Audrey relaxed. "It's so wonderful to finally meet you, Gwendolyn. Kristoph told me so much about you when he came to earth." She looked over at Frank, then said, "Your son is amazing."
"Thank you. I only hope I may have the privilege of getting to know your daughter as well as you have come to know my son." Her smiling face then turned towards Frank. "Welcome home, Frank."
"Hello, Mother," Frank said, smiling back at her. He handed Faye to Eva and hugged his mother.
Eva shied away a bit; she wasn't exactly sure what to say to Gwendolyn. She certainly couldn't say, "Hey, sorry you haven't seen your son in so long." Luckily, she didn't have to say the first words.
"Hello, Eva," Gwendolyn said warmly. "Please don't feel awkward, I am very glad you're here. You've made my son happier than I ever could have imagined." She gazed down at Faye and smiled. "May I hold my grandchild?"
"Of course, um..."
"Gwendolyn is fine, Eva."
Eva smiled and handed Faye to her. She then fingered the jewel around her neck. "Gwendolyn, thank you very much for thinking me worthy of wearing this."
"You are part of our family, Eva. Remember that." She turned to Frank. "Since the family now extends to someone else in this castle, and I'm quite certain both Eva and Audrey are rather anxious to see him, I think we should be on our way to his laboratory."
Frank smiled at Eva and Audrey. "Shall we?" They smiled in approval. Frank took Eva's hand in his and led them all down several winding corridors, each more fantastic in appearance than the last.
When they finally reached the door to Kristoph's lab, Gwendolyn said, "He's only expecting you, Frank. I thought you should be the one to initiate the reunion."
Frank smiled. "Thank you, Mother. I suppose it's only right for me to bestow this gift on him, after all he has done for me in the course of my life."