Maid in Whipstaff

by Godess_of_the_void

Summary:

Meet Blair! A medium of Irish descent that decided to take the job as the Harvey's Maid in Whipstaff! Blair knows how to deal with ghost since she was raised by a large group of them. Follow her story as she out smarts the Ghostly Trio, save the world, and maybe fall in love with the grumpy violet eyed ghost.

Chapter 1: The Beginning of a New Chapter

Summary:

Meet Blair O'Brien!

Blair O'Brien had the luck of the Irish in her. She was loved and cared for by the supernatural all her life. Many family members believed she had their ancestors' blessings and had guided her from heaven.

They were close enough.

What protected her and guided her was her grandmother, Connie 'Puca' O'Brien. She was a ghost who died the same week of her granddaughter's birth. Mrs. O'Brien was a spitfire after her death and was very popular in both the human realm and the Netherworld.

After she crossed over, her friends and fellow Deadbeats had taken over Blair's care. When she was old enough to take care of herself, even her grandmother's friends slowly left. Ethier by crossing over, leaving for the Netherworld, or returning to their old hauntings.

As a memento of her grandmother and her friends, she had kept a copy of The Handbook. And even though Blair is alone for the first time in her life she still have connections with the Dead-vine. And the Dead-vine was loaded with all the latest supernatural gossip.

And the latest gossip is that a family in Friendship Main was hiring a maid for their seaside haunted mansion. If only the ghoulish fiends that haunts the place wouldn't chase every potential housekeeper that answers the call.

That is why she was full of confidence that she has already got the job, even if her employers didn't know it yet.

So full of confidence that when Kat Harvey opened the door, the first thing she did was reached out her hand and announced really loud for anyone that's dead to hear, "Hi! I AM YOUR NEW HOUSEKEEPER!!! PLEASE TO MEET YOU!!"

Kat jumped back as Dr. James Harvey ran to the door, "I am sorry miss but we are no longer hirin-"

"Because of the Ghostly Trio, right?" Blair pushed her way in, "Might as well rip off the band-aid." The other humans look at her with shocked expressions.

A thundering roar was heard as the Trio formed a vortex around the main hall. Her pixie cut of red hair fluffed up from the winds as she smiled at the tornado in the room.

"Hold it boys!" The wind stopped as Stretch, the leader, put his arms out to stop his brothers. "There is something weird about this one."

Blair's smile grew even wider. "Weird?" She whipped out her 'Handbook for the Recently Deceased' and laughed, "Don't you mean Strange and Unusual?"

The Trio jumped to action, "Smell-o-gram!" As Stinky burped breathed on Blair.

"What a lovely putrid green color! Too bad I have Congenital Anosmia."

James stopped being worried when she started to laugh instead of screaming and was writing notes looked up, "You mean you were born without a sense of smell?"

"Bingo!" She gave the Harvey's a thumbs up.

Fatso ran through her giving her a delightful chill. As he picked her up and flew all the way to the ceiling. He smiled evilly as he dropped her. He was planning on catching her before she landed below, but she simply disappeared the moment he let go. "Down here!" Fatso looked at the stairs and saw her waving at him. "I can Blink, if you are wondering?"

Casper finally appeared, "Oh, thank goodness you are okay!"

Blair gave the friendliest ghost a hug, "Oh My God! You are so fucking cute! Can I keep you?"

Harvey gave a sigh of relief, "You have the ability to teleport, then?"

"Yep! I am even connected to the Dead-Vine! Luckily the dead are notorious gossips or I wouldn't have found this place!"

"Great! This fleshy is a medium!" Stretch raised his arms as if he was totally Done.

"Wow! Every ghost in this town is really old fashioned. I have never been called, 'Fleshy,' 'Bone Bag,' and 'Meat Sack' so much in my life, and I was raised by Netherworlders!"

James climbed the stairs and walked over to the woman, "What is your name miss?"

"Blair O'Brien."

"Blair O'Brien. You are hired!"

***

Blair and Casper was having a blast while they were making a fest for the residence of Whipstaff. Singing Keisha's 'Die Young' while making the food.

Kat smiled at the fact that Casper now has a friend that will help with the chores while she was busy with high school and her part-time job.

Blair won her respect when she made fools of the Trio and cooing all over her ghostly friend. Anyone that can do that on the first time meeting the ghosts was okay in her book.

James, reading the newspaper, was also pleased with the new hire. Having someone that knows more about the supernatural then he does will surely be a big help. It was just a few days ago that he learned that ghosts of Friendship are considered 'old fashioned' thanks to Blair.

Everytime the Trio would throw an insult she should laugh and call them 'Papies' and throw some dead puns their way.

"BONEBAG! Where's our meal!"

"Awwwe, did Papy Deadbeat missed his nap? Casper Dear, we will have to cut the food bitesize so they don't choke to Death."

Stretch sneered at Blair, "Ya think ya so clever." Then he took a bite of the food she placed in front of him, "What the hell?"

Stinky burped after clearing his plate, "I would have thought that a lack of smell would infect your sense of taste."

"This is delicious!" Fatso bellowed happily as he nodded to the Harvey's, who agreed with him with gosto.

"I was also born with super sensitive taste buds. If it wasn't for my Anosmia I would have been called a supertaster." The Trio stared at her. "What?"

***

Blair woke up to a bad taste in her mouth. She shot out or bed and spat the sock out of her mouth. "Well played Stinky… That was so putrid I can almost smell it." The whispering of the Dead-vine got her attention. Stinky was in the room with her, only invisible. "But…. I think I can do one better."

Blair went to her bathroom to brush the taste out of her mouth. "Wada ya mean ya can do better?" Stinky appear next to her as she rinsed out the sock's flavor.

"Not by myself of course, I would need a ghost to help me. One that is disgusting enough that he would eat compost."

"Well ya are looking at such a ghost. Why ya need me to eat compost?"

"You know that compost pile near Old Browner's farm?" Stinky nodded as she returned to her room and pick up the sock. "Me me there in ten minutes." Then she Blinked.

***
Stinky found Blair digging in the pile when he got there, "Where is it? I know it's there."

Stinky moved next to her, "What are ya looking for?"

"By the stinging of my eyes, I think it's an onion. Can you smell it?"

Stinky took a big weif of the smelly compost. "Found it!" And dove in. When he came out he was holding an onion that smelled so bad it was even making Stinky cried, "Ah shit! That is the most wonderful smell I ever smelled!" The onion in question was black, slimy, with white fur growing on it, and most importantly, it reeked to high heaven.

Blair held her nose, "God! Even though I can't smell it, it is really clearing my sinuses out." She was wishing that she had a tissue available. Snot was waterfalling out of her nose and her bloodshot eyes was pooling with tears. "Okay Stinkbomb! Let's see how you like the taste of it."

"Ah Hell Yeahhhhhhh!" He took a big juicy bit of the onion. "Oh God this is Heaven!"

As he chewed he looked down to see Blair kneeling with a black plastic bag under him. Smirking, he swallowed the fowl vegetable. Black slug dropped in the bag as Stinky took another bite savoring the taste with every chew.

He looked back down to see how the human was holding up. She looked like shit. Any other humans with a normal sense of smell would have drowned in their own vomit by now. He swallowed and took his last bit of the onion, this time he chewed faster.

After Blair had gathered the last of the chewed black ball of rot, she got up and about to rub her eye when Stinky grabbed hold of her arm, "Holdit cowgirl. Ya don't wanna have the onion's acid in your eyes. Let me take ya home. Blinking right now is not an option for ya." He grabbed Blair and carried her back to the manor bridal style.

Stinky lead her to the front door then to the nearest bathroom. He grabbed the soap and started scrubbing Blair's hands. The spook ignored the crawling sensation on his ectoplasm from the soap, this chick was worth it.

"Stinky? Why the hell are you helping that Fleshy? And more importantly! Are you using soap?" Stretch and Fatso was at the doorway of the bathroom. They saw the two coming in the house together and was curious about what was up.

Without answering Stinky tossed the bag at his brothers. Stretch caught it and was assaulted with the smell when he opened it. "Blair's idea." Stinky was satisfied with the amount of suds on Blair's hands that after he rinsed and dried them he grabbed some toilet paper and started wiping her eyes and hold it to her nose for her to blow.

"Oh God! I can breathe! I think it almost cured my Anosmia." Stinky patted her head. "I would let the sock from earlier soak up the onion and then use it on someone. But I wouldn't use it on just anyone." She winked at the Trio. "Vengeance… I would definitely use it on someone I hate and get some vigilante justice with that sock. What do you think, Stinkbomb?"

Stinky smiled at the new nickname, "I like it. And I know just the bitch to prank."

***
Later that evening Kat came home from work, "Stinky!" She followed her nose to her father's study. Knowing that Stinky was most likely having a session with her dad but she didn't care, she burst into the office and made a beeline towards her hero. Before her father would ask what was going on she wrapped her arms around his neck, "THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Only you would have done something so fowl, disgusting, and wonderfully evil to do that to Amber."

"Hey Kat." Over the years the Trio grew attached to the teenager and adopted her as a member of the family, though they would never admit it. "Had a good day?"

"Don't play coy with me! I know it was you.
Amber came to the coffee shop and was talking about how her house smelled like
The King of Gym Socks and Queen of Onions had a baby. She had to cancel her pool party."

James smiled knowing full well that Shinky targeted Amber for Kat. But he had a job to do, "Kat. Stinky and I are having a session."

She gave her father a kiss on the cheek, "Sorry Dad. Wouldn't happen again." She walked out of the office like the luckiest girl in the world.

James went back to his notes and started writing, "So… Tell me bout the prank you pulled on Ms. Whitmire."

***

Blair was scrubbing the main hall. Normally she would use a mop, but Dr. Harvey had booked the next day a Royal Family counseling session for King Kibosh and Prince Vince. She wanted everything to look perfect for these two.

She was so busy focusing on the floor she didn’t notice that the bucket was floating over her head till she tried to dipped her scrub brush in the said missing bucket. She closed her eyes and braced for it. The bucket emptied on top of her.

She got up and ran to the kitchen. Fatso, the current prankster, followed her trying hard not to laugh and giving himself away. When he entered the kitchen he was floored, instead of going for a towel or flushing suds out of her eyes, she made a bowl of dried rice and placed her phone in it. Music was still playing out of her phone when she unplugged her headset. Was that Mozart’s Don Giovanni in Death Metal?

“They are a Metal band that strictly play classical, if you are wondering. Their version of Grieg’s Hall of the Mountain King is pretty awesome.” Blair turned to the invisible ghost, “I know you are there Fatso.”

Fatso appeared and looked at the soaking maid and the bowl of rice on the counter. “Bet they don’t play Mahler's Symphony No. 2.”

“Mahler’s Resurrection, Verdi’s Day of Wrath, Chopin’s Death March, and of course to keep the theme going Bach’s Toccata & Fugue in D Minor.”

“Even Saint-Saëns’s Danse Macabre?”

“They even played it with an electric violin to keep it traditional,” Blair raised her finders and mad air quote for the word traditional. “But the band is still awesome in my opinion.”

“What’s the band’s name?”

***

Fatso, Casper and Blair was playing Schubert's Der Erlkönig while polishing the suits of armor in the main hall, "Hey! Is the vocalist for Erlkönig the same guy that did Don Giovanni?"

Blair couldn't help but smile at Fatso, "The vocalist was raised by his strict parents that were famous classical composers. When they discovered he had a voice for opera they pushed him too far. He retaliate by singing opera for other bands of separate genres. He even did a piece with a famous rapper. His parents disowned him because of it."

Casper looked up from his work, "Wow!"

"Looks like the main hall looks done. Casper? Wanna help me tackle the stairs?"

"Okay!" Casper grabs the polish and rags to put them away as Blair prepare another fresh bucket of soap and water.

Blair turns to Fatso, "You can borrow the disk if you like."

Fatso wave at her, "Thanks." When she turned to return to her chores, Fatso's smile faded. He floated to James' office door and knocked.

When the "afterlife therapist" opened the door he was shocked, "Fatso? You knocked?"

"Hiya Doc. Are you available for a walk-in?"

"Uh, yeah. I had a last minute cancellation so I am available for the next 45 minutes." James moves out of the way, "Would you like to come in?"

"Thanks, Doc."

***

There was something wrong with his brothers and Stretch knows the culprit. That fleshy bitch have been at their house in less than a week and have got both Stinky and Fatso to help around the house! To help HER!

The Doc and Kat where away for the weekend, something about visiting relatives. Casper went with them without telling his uncles. The Bulbhead will definitely gonna get it when he returns home.

So it is just the boys and HER.

She has been keeping herself busy with chores. House this big there is always something to clean. At least one would have thought. Everything looked spotless! How the hell she did it was beyond Stretch.

But the boys were bored and the Harvey's are not able to prank. And pranking HER was not fun. She always roll with the punches.

"Hey guys!" Speak of the devil. "Wanna have some fun now that the kids are away?"

The Trio looked at Blair with curiosity, "Wadda had in mind?"

***

"Okay! Okay! Guys!" Blair couldn't get the boys to stop laughing as she picks up a black card. "Okay. Okay. 'It's a pity that kids these days are all getting involved with blank.' Okay wadda ya got!" The boys found their white cards and put them down, "Multiple stab wounds. The entire Internet. Flying sex snakes…. What the fuck is a fly sex snake?" That got the boys rolling again. "Well I will pick Stinkbomb's card because…. It is so true. The internet is corruption."

"Yes!" Stinky raised his arms, much to the dismay of his brothers. It took Blair a while to realise why the other two was trying to keep their brother's arms down. Thank God for her lack of a sense of smell.

"Hey guys. You know what this party needs? Booze. I have a bottle of Shrunken Head Vodka that a Netherlander friend of mine gave me before they crossed over." Blair got up to go to a drawer next to her bookcase pulling out a bottle that has a label that was the shape of a shriveled head. "What you say!"

Fatso smiled, "I have some Devil's Crotch Whiskey I was saving up." He disappeared through the wall getting his prized liquor.

Stinky looked at Blair with a concerned look, "Can you consume Netherland's foods? Ain't it poisonous to fleshies?"

"Normally yes. But one of my dead babysitters didn't knew that and gave me a screamberry pie when I was five. I was rushed to the hospital and survived." To make a point she took a sip out of the bottle. "Now I am immune to whatever Netherlander foods out there."

"Ya had a ghost for a babysitter?" Stretch raised and "eyebrow."

"Officially I had a living babysitter, but she was more interested in phone sexing her boyfriend then me. She didn't even notice a ghost cleaning up the house."

Fatso came back with a bottle that looked very suggestive. Stretch was not amused, "I hope you brought glasses, because I am not drinking out of that."

Blair has always been a show off at these kind of parties and grabbed the whiskey bottle and took a small sip. Fatso and Stinky gave her a high-five while Stretch was hiding his red face. "Stretch! Pick up a card!"

Stretch pick up a black card, "It says, 'I got 99 problems but blank is not one of them.' This odda be good." Everyone puts down their cards, "Okay we have 'Unfathomable stupidity,' wanna bet Stinky. 'Three dicks at the same time,' Fatso! Finally out of the closet! And…" Stretch looks at Blair's card, "That is… fucking adorable, 'Two otters holding hands.' Fleshy wins this round."

"Yes! Even the dead can't resist the charms of two otters holding hands!"

The boys laughed.

***

"Phfff… Heh. 'I drink to forget blank.' I am gonna be too drunk for this one I bet." Fatso hiccuped. Last round of the game and Stretch, Stinky, and Blair was determined to outdo the others. The three was tied and was playing for a tiebreaker. With Fatso dead last on the game, he didn't mind being the 'Card Czar' for the last play. Stinky eyes were crossed, Blair was slumping to the side, and Stretch was making a creepy laugh, but they finally made their choice. "We have… hic… Harry Potter erotica. Tentacle porn. And the primal ball-slapping sex your- Oh My Fucking God Stretch!"

Everyone stared at Stretch's card and started rolling. Stretch not only won the round but the entire game as well. Blair started to clean up only to stumble. Stretch grabbed her before she hurt herself. "Okay party animals! Bed!" Stinky and Fatso gave a drunken salute and disappeared, "You too. Blair."

Blair smiled as her arms wrapped around the spook's neck, "Finally called me by my name." She smiled as she placed her head on Stretch's chest.

Stretch blushed as he carried her to her bed. She fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. Uncharacteristically, he ran his fingers through her short red hair. He took note of the freckles that dot her cute little nose and remembered how her emerald green eyes shined when she was laughing.

She was beautiful. And Stretch wanted to kick himself for thinking that.

He was drunk enough to blame it on the drinks.

***

Blair woke up from that dream again. That recurring dream that sexualy awaken her when she was a teenager. That cursive dream that leave her feeling alone.

HE was tall, lean, and athletic. He wore a black tailcoat with matching waistcoat and trousers. His black hair was combed back. And he had a thin black ribbon that he wore as a bowtie that sat between the white wings of his collar.

She knew. She knew that the man of her dreams was a ghost. The style of dress he wore was a dead giveaway. Late 1800's definitely. And he was so pale one would think he was Pale Horseman himself. The man clearly died in his late 20's, early 30's.

But Blair could never remember his face, everything else, sure. But the moment she wakes up his face disappears from her mind. Which infuriated her to no end.

Because of that stupid dream she founds that living men do nothing for her. Lucky for her the dead sees her as attractive as she sees them. She dated both living and dead. The dead finds her attractive but more of a friend than a lover. And the living…. Makes her skin crawl. She never understood why.

Blair cursed her spectrophiac antics. But is it truly spectrophilia she never slept with ghosts? She never slept with humans either, but does it even matter? She wonders if her dates ever had a moral crisis when they were with her. Would HE have a moral crisis if they finally do meet?

To clear her mind and cool her body, she decided to take a cold shower. Hopefully after her shower she will be steady enough to clean up after their little party and make a hangover breakfast for her and the Trio.

***

Stretch hovered near the office door with internal chaos in his mind. He was thinking about Blair after the party. He was thinking about her when he was hungover. He was thinking about her before the Harvey's returned home with his nephew. And he was thinking of her after they got home three hours later.

Stretch was so focused on the whirlwind that was his mind that he wasn't even angry with Casper anymore for sneaking off. But he did tell his young charge not to do it ever again and to ask to join the Harvey's if they are leaving town.

He was debating on whether or not to tell the Doc about it. Even though Dr. Harvey takes therapist-patient confidentiality really seriously, there are somethings that he kept to himself. A lot of things. Things that not even his family knows. Mainly about him and Casper.

If push comes to shove, he will tell these secrets to both the Doc and the entire household. Until then, he will keep these secrets to keep his family, friends, and house safe.

But will it keep Blair safe? From them? From him? If only he had the answers.

"Stretch? Would you like to come in?" Stretch jumped at the sound of Doc's voice. He instantly noticed the irony of a fleshy spooking a spook. "You have been there for over thirty minutes. Want to talk about what's bothering you?"

Damnit. Might as well get it out of his chest, "Fine." He entered the office.

James looked at the violet eyed leader of the pranksters he and his daughter lives with. He can't believe that in the course of a week the three brothers came to him with the intent to have a serious session with him. No jokes, no pranks, not even any destruction of his property.

Maybe. Just maybe he can finally help his friends to crossover. And if not to crossover, then maybe help them find themselves. He was very happy to have hired the Irish maid.

Chapter 2: Out of the Coffin and into the Grave

Summary:

A stranger is in town and secrets are out in the open.

Some things might not make seanse unless you read Necessary Evil.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16096469/chapters/37595639

"One large coffee, black, filled to the brim, and to-go," Kat rushed to make the coffee. "And when I say to the brim I mean no room, young lady!"

"Yes, ma'am." She hands the coffee to the lady with the mink coat. At least she was easy even if she was rude.

Her companion on the other hand, "Two XL cups of extra-hot water, double-cupped. One cappuccino, non-fat, no-whip, 140-degrees, three-and-a-half-pump caramel syrup with exactly one inch of foam. And make sure the foam is good! Also to go and hurry it up!"

Shit. Kat rushed to make the order as fast and as accurate as possible. When Kat gave the man in the pressed suit his coffee he just sipped it, looked at Kat, "Well, it’s no wonder why you're the one in this equation wearing an apron.”

As the two headed to the exit, a chair tipped over by itself in front of the man who tripped on it and spilled his drink carrier over his companion's white mink coat. The screaming match between them was enough for the assistant manager to tell them to leave.

"Good riddance! Ya okay, there Toots?"

"Don't bother Kat when she's working, Surg."

Kat turned to where the Brooklyn voices came from and gave the invisible Spooky and Pearl a smile. But making a point that she wasn't going to speak with them till she gets off the clock.

"Ms. Harvey!" Oh no… "You have time to lean, you have time to clean!"

"Yes, Sir!" Kat ran to the cabinet that contains the cleaning supplies. She turned to see the head manager messing with his phone and not doing the inventory nor helping his fellow co-workers. The assistant manager looked at him with disgust but didn't say anything.

"Tish. Look at that Poil. The blowhard don't practice what he preaches."

"I wanna haunt him so hard, I saw him stealing from the tip jar." Welp. This is serious. Pearl likes scaring as much as Casper dose.

Kat finished cleaning and went to her boss. "The restaurant is clean, Sir. Can I clock out? I have school tomorrow."

The manager sneered at her, "You know what your problem is, Young Lady?" He is only four years older than Kat.

"She is a sixteen-year-old girl that has homework, teen angst, and the smarts to know that the future is not as bright as her elders keep telling her?"

"No. You're not a team pla- Wait. Who said that?" He turned around to see an attractive woman with red hair that makes her look like a pixie. Her emerald eyes shining brightly but icey. And her button nose is dotted with the cutest freckles that you ever did see.

"I am here to pick up Kat Harvey? She is off the clock, right? Because the last time I checked a sixteen-year-old minor cannot work after 10:15 p.m. the night before a school day. It is almost eleven and she does have school tomorrow."

"Ms. Harvey? Why aren't you clocked off yet? Go home."

Kat was already removing her apron and clocked off the moment she saw Blair O' Brien, her household's new maid. "Already clocked out, Sir."

Blair smiled at Kat, "You didn't work too hard, did you?" Kat rolled her eyes as she follows the housekeeper to her motorcycle. Blair laughed, she knew full well that the teenager had a rough night. Blair passed Kat her spare helmet. "Hop on Ichabod, Kat."

"It's weird that you call your motorcycle Ichabod." Kat got behind Blair and squeezed her middle. Blair smiled and drove home. Spooky and Pearl right behind them.

When the two young ladies came through the front door Dr. Harvey was just leaving his office to turn in for the night. "Kat? Did you just came home?"

"Yeah, Dad." She kissed her father, "I am going to bed. Night."

"Goodnight Bucket." When the teen was out of earshot Dr. Harvey turned to his maid. "I can't believe I didn't notice that she wasn't home from work. Thank you for bringing her home."

"I didn't notice either, to be honest. If it wasn't for the Dead-vine I wouldn't have thought to pick her up. I don't deserve your thanks."

"But you did pick her up and I am grateful for that."

***

The Trio was returning home when they noticed Blair and Kat got in the house. "Did Kat just got home?" Stretch made a scowling face.

Spooky spotted the Trio when following the girls home. Checked to see Blair and Kat at the front door and then he and Pearl turned towards his uncles. "She was still working until Ms. O'Brien came to pick her up a little past a quarter to eleven."

"What?!"

"He said-"

"I know what he said, Pearl. I just can't believe my nonexistent ears! How did Blair know to pick her up?" The others gave Stretch a look, "Right, the Dead-vine."

Fatso might not be the brightest of the trio. But he sometimes has a cooler head then his brothers, "At least Kat is home and safe. Wanna go check on her?"

The other four agreed. And flew to Kat's window, she was already in her PJ's and was turning in. The ghosts each sighed relief. Only to be startled by Kat opening her window. "You ghosts are super creepy, you do know that right?"

The Trio and the cute ghost couple each had a blush on their face. "We were just checking on ya." Spooky grabbed his blower hat and placed it where his heart would have been if he was alive. "Making sure y'all right."

Kat smiled, "Thanks, guys."

Stretch fluffed Kat's hair, "Goodnight, Kat. See ya at breakfast?"

"Goodnight. Oh? Has anyone seen Casper? He wasn't in the attic when I checked."

***

Something came over Casper. Something calling him. He followed the call to the high school that Kat goes to. On top of the roof was a teenage boy that looked to be the same age as Kat.

Casper floated up to the roof, "Hi. I'm Casper."

The boy didn't even look up, "Jimmy."

"Jimmy, why are you on the roof?" Casper knew why but wanted to be sure.

"As cliche as it sounds, I just can’t take it anymore."

"My uncles told me once that suicides become caseworkers in the afterlife."

"That sounds famil-" Jimmy looks at Casper, "Oh, you're a ghost." It was strange. It wasn't a scream or a comical scene where the breather runs away. It was 'Oh, you're a ghost' in the same tone that is used with, 'Oh, you have a little bit of ketchup on the corner of your mouth.'

"Yep, Casper the Friendly Ghost. At your service! Wanna be my friend?"

"I never had a friend before."

"You know Kat Harvey? She's my friend also. She can be yours too if you ask."

"Harvey, from Whipstaff? She seems cool. Yeah. I would like that." Casper took Jimmy's hand and lead him off the roof and on safe ground. Jimmy made his first friend and Casper helped a new one.

a classic car was parked a little bit out of the way. Hidden, but a man in a trench coat and a 'guide' cap in the car saw everything. The man was close to stopping the kid till Casper beat him to it. "Heh. You don't see many of those these days. Hell! I am always surprised when a few new ones pop up." The man turns the ignition and started to drive off, "Bet he doesn't even know what he is."

***

Blair entered her room only to be beaten by a strong heat. Oh God! There was no way in Hell she would be able to sleep with the room like this. She checked the vent in the room and found no air coming out. She really hopes it is a prank from the Trio and not something wrong with the ventilation.

She decided to go to the Trio's room. Stinky answered the door on the third knock. "Hi, Blair! What's up?"

"Hey, did one of you guys did something to the air vent in my room, I am kind of hoping you did."

"No. At least I haven't." Stinky turned to his brothers, "Any of you guys did a prank in Blair's room."

"Nope."

"Na Nah."

Blair pouted, "Drats. That means something is wrong with my air vent. It is too warm to sleep."

Stinky made a smirk as he picked up her up bridal style and dropped her in Stretch's bed, "What the Hell, Gym Sock!"

"Blair is bunking in with us till we figured out what's wrong with the air vent." Stinky floats back to his own bed.

"But why my bed?" This is very dangerous.

Fatso winked at Stinky, "Well, even though she has Congenital Anosmia I doubt that she wants to smell like our brother when she goes grocery shopping. And I for one am taking the majority of my bed. That leaves your bed."

"Don't worry, Stretch. I don't bite."

Stretch growled at Blair, "Yeah, but I do."

Blair cursed her spectrophiac craves. Because her mind was scared, but her body just got excited. Fuck it. She decided then and there to own her spectrophilia. "Promise?" At the sight of Stretch's blush, she scooted closer and wrapped her arms around him, "Hmmm. Like hugging a gel-pack in the summer, feels good."

This was getting a little out of hand. Having Blair hug him like that felt good to Stretch as well. He was fighting the urge to run his fingers over her hair and hug her back. But instead, he pushed her off and thrown his covers on her, "Fine! But hands to yourself! After breakfast tomorrow, the boys and I will check with your vent."

Neither the leader of the Trio nor the maid saw the other two brothers giving each other an air high-five.

***

She was dreaming about Him again. Tall, dark, and dead. His hands were cupping her face as he was kissing her.

She kissed back. God! What a great kisser. His lips were soft even though they were cold. His hands never going below, nor higher, just the waist. And if they did move from the waist, it was to cup her face or card his fingers through her short hair.

Blair noticed in the dream that they were still fully clothed even though they were lying down. Blair's hands were always touching his neck and chest. It was very hot. Which was alright for Blair. But even though she is a full-grown woman, sex still scares her. Even dream sex.

He ran his fingers through her hair as he nipped her bottom lip as they parted for her to breathe. He tilted his head and kissed her again as if trying to devour the breath she just took. He grazed his cold tongue between her lips to gain access, which she granted. The kiss was getting deeper and more passionate.

Out of all her dreams, why does this one feels more real?

***

Stretch woke up to a soft sensation on his lips. His eyes widened with two thoughts on his mind:
Blair is kissing me in her sleep!
And Oh my fucking God! This is so wrong but feels so right!

With a 'fuck it' kind of attitude, Stretch grabbed the cover and moved it over their heads. He cupped her face and kissed her back. Her lips were plump, warm, and so fucking kissable.

He moved his hands to her waist and held her close. His hands didn't move much, he dare not to. Kissing Blair in her sleep was bad enough, feeling her up in her sleep was a different ball game altogether.

Oh. But how good this felt. This was so fucking hot. Whoever Blair is dreaming about, he almost wants to thank them. Almost. The idea that Blair is kissing him while dreaming about someone else was slowly killing the mood.

So he released her lips to shake his thought away. But not before a playful nip on her bottom lip. He looked at the sleeping woman that have occupied his thoughts for the past month and ran his fingers through her red pixie cut. God! She is so beautiful.

He deepened the kiss and found a delightful taste of spearmint. He enjoyed the closeness of Blair's body against his non-corporeal form. How her hands rub against his neck and chest. And how perfect she is.

Blair made a sound and Stretch stopped. Okay. Way too dangerous, hopefully, he didn't wake up his brothers. Any further and he might regret his actions. As much fun as it would be to go further he wouldn't forgive himself for doing something like this to Blair.

He looked at the clock next to his bed. Blair wouldn't be out of bed for an hour to make breakfast. Casper would be up a little before then starting the preparation for said breakfast.

Since he was wide awake he got out of bed, making sure Blair was still covered in the blanket. And headed to the kitchen. It has been over a hundred years since he made breakfast for his family, and helping Casper with cooking altogether would be his first.

"Hello, Stretch."

Stretch turned to the voice of the familiar angel, "Oh! Hey, Amelia. How are things in the Higher Plains?"

Amelia Harvey, deceased wife of James Harvey and mother of Kathleen Harvey, placed a hand on his shoulder, "The Higher Plains are planning to claim Casper."

He knew this was going to happen. But dammit! A hundred years wasted. "How long do I have?"

"One week. But there is still hope. Tonight, Casper will answer an important Call. This Call would be connected to your past but you must put your pride aside and help your nephew. This Call is sensitive but very important. Casper can't do this on his own."

"Shit. I guess I have to tell Casper."

"Tell me what, Uncle Stretch?"

Stretch turned to see Casper behind him. He looked where Amelia was earlier and found that she had disappeared. Most likely back to the Higher Plains.

Stretch pulled out a chair, "Casper. We need to talk." Casper sat down on the chair. "Casper, do you know what a Tutelar Spirit is?"

"No, Sir."

Stretch nodded, "Doesn't surprise me, to be honest. Ms. Banshee is smart but old fashionedly learned. She most likely wasn't trained to spot a Tutelar Spirit either."

"What is a Tutelar Spirit, Uncle Stretch?"

"Tutelar Spirits are ghosts that provides guidance, influence, and protection. Kat noticed that you weren't home last night. Were you helping someone that was troubled?"

"Jimmy, he was planning on committing suicide. I have no idea how I found him but I convinced him to be my friend and calmed him down. He is still suicidal, but at least he now has hope."

"Atta boy, Casper. You most likely felt a pull that lead you to him. That is known as a Call. Whenever you feel a Call you will have the urge to answer it. As it is your duty as a Tutelar."

"Uncle Stretch? How long have you known I was a Tutelar?"

"Since your death. I am sorry it took so long to tell you. I was hoping to protect you from the evil that would do anything to get their hands on a Tutelar. I was hoping that by training you to be a Scarer it would be easier to hide you."

Stretch pinched the bridge of his nose. Looked at his nephew and pulled him in a hug, "I should have known you can't teach a fish to climb up a tree. I wasted a hundred years trying to turn you into something you are not. I am so, so sorry, Casper."

Casper was upset but not angry. And as true to his nature he hugged his uncle back, "I forgive you, Uncle Stretch."

Stretch rubbed Casper's head and kissed his nephew. "I will help you make breakfast."

"Does this mean I don't have to Scare anymore?"

"No, you don't."

"Does this mean I don't have to go to school today?"

"You don't have to if you don't want to."

"Are you going to be nicer to me from now on?"

"Don't push your luck, kid. You still have to do all your chores."

"Does Uncle Stinky and Uncle Fatso know I am a Tutelar?"

"Fuck! I have to tell them!"

"Well, it's about fucking time you tell them about Casper." Stretch and Casper turned to find Blair at the kitchen doorway. The two ghosts looked at the maid with wide eyes, "What? I was trained to spot Tutelars. And I knew the moment I met Casper."

***

True to their word, the Trio inspected the air vent. Stinky notices the smell first then the warmth. "Something is definitely in the vent, smells familiar."

Stretch formed a scooper out of his hand and ran his hand through the wall around the vent, "Found it. And whatever it is just tried to bit me." Lucky ghosts don't feel pain, but they can still recognize the feeling of teeth against their ectoplasma.

This confirmed Stinky's theory, "Damn, must be Mr. And Mrs. Rat and the kids." Stinky uncovered the ventilation shaft and pulled out a potato sack. "Ready."

Stretch went through the wall to get a better angle as he scooted the Rat Family out of the vent. The rodents weren't happy with being pushed into a sack. Stinky knew just the place for the Rat Family and out the window he went.

Stretch was proud of a good ten minutes of work but noticed that it was only Stinky and him that was doing anything. Stretch turned to find his brother Fatso who was lounging on Blair's bed reading a notebook. "Hey, Lardhead! What are you doing while Stinky and I was doing all the work?!"

"Violating Blair's privacy." Fatso lifted the notebook.

"Is that her diary? Fatso, I am very disappointed in you… that you didn't wait for your brothers!"

Fatso laughed, "It says here she has recurring dreams."

"Sounds like Vision Dreams."

At that moment Stinky came back, "Hey guys, why you still here?"

"Stretch says that Blair might have Vision Dreams." Fatso lifted the diary again to show his brother.

"Ohhhh! What does it say?"

Stretch just remembered that Blair was dreaming about someone else earlier, "Maybe we should-"

"He was tall and have a lean build. His voice is always mischievous, but protective. He always wore black. His black hair slicked back. He always looks dapper-"

"That sounds like our brother, J.T."

Fuck. It does. Stretch lost a little bit of hope, "Of course it's J.T."

J.T. always wins the girl. He got Stretch's first love. He won Casper's mother. Even when crossed over to the Higher Plains, he still gets the girl that he was pining for the past month.

Fatso tried to reassure his older brother, "We don't know that for sure, Stretch. It also says that she never remembers his face when woken up."

"Stop. I know what you are doing. I am kinda used to this." Stretch turned to leave the room. "I am okay."

That was, of course, a lie.

***

Blair went to the haunted schoolhouse with a mission. She always wanted to do this. She just needs a confirmation about Casper. Now that she has it nothing is holding her back.

She made sure to come early before class starts. And knocked on the door of the schoolhouse. "Ms. Banshee? Are you in?"

The ghost teacher looked up from her desk, "Very rare for a fleshy to come to my schoolhouse. What is it, Ms. O'Brien?"

"To tell you that your education needs to be updated."

"Excuse me!"

"What do you know about Tutelar Spirits?"

"Ghost that are the protectors of the living. Why do you ask? There haven't been any since Ancient Rome!"

"Are you sure? One of the first Tutelar Spirit from Rome was a ghost girl by the name of Lar. Always well behaved for a ghost and willing to always leaned a helping hand to anyone in need, living or dead. She was kind, caring, and friendly. Always introduce herself 'Salve. Nomen mihi est Lar.' Now I know any ghost teacher worth her salt would be able to understand Latin, but doesn't it sound familiar?"

"What are-" Ms. Banshee made a gasp, "Casper?"

"I was trained to spot Tutelars. And I knew Casper was one. But you as an educator should be informed." Blair turned to leave. "There might be only one out of a billion of ghosts who are a Tutelar, but that only makes them more precious. If I am not mistaken, the summer break is starting soon. Get some training in the Netherlands."

Blair walked out just as the ghost children were coming in. Some looked at the fleshy that is calmly walking out of the schoolhouse with curiosity. Others recognized her for always telling them the coolest stories about the Netherlands. Spooky and Pearl, who learned from the Trio that she might show up to their school, simply waved. Blair waved back.

She was heading back to Ichabod when she heard a slow clap. "Well done!" She turned to see the man in the trench coat. "I always enjoy watching a medium tells an old fashioned Deadbeat to get with the times." The man walked up to Blair with one of his arms out for a handshake.

Blair noticed that his hand was warm but she didn't feel the crawling feeling she gets touching a living person, "Who's the Meatsuit?"

"I like you." The man laughed, "I am sorry to disappoint, but this is my real body."

"Demon?"

"In a sense. You can relax. Not going to do anything."

"That's what all Demons say."

"I am liking you more and more. I am looking for someone. An old friend of mine. Class VII Poltergeist."

A Class VII Poltergeist? In a town filled to the brim with Class III Full-Torsos? "Why are you looking for them?"

"Confidential."

"Then I can't help you."

"Smart girl."

"Maybe I can drop your name around to some Deadbeats."

"That's also confidential. Looks like we are at a bypass."

"Sorry I can't help."

"Hey, no problem." The Demon grabbed Blair's hand, "It is good to meet you, Miss. I truly hope we meet again when I ain't confidentially tied with red tape." With a wink, the Demon disappeared.

“He seems nice. Weird, but nice.”

***

Damnit! Damnit! Damnit! How can the teacher do this to her? Kat was very angry. The homework is unfair!

Everyone remembered the Halloween party over three years ago. No one would want to partner up with her for this stupid Student Biography Project! Even if someone wanted to, they will just come for the bragging rights for surviving the spookiest house in Friendship, Main.

"Excuse me, Kat?" Kat turned to the guy behind her to tell him off, but she was cut off before she could open her mouth. "I am a friend of Casper."

"Oh, you're a friend of Casper's?" Kat felt ashamed of her behavior. "I am sorry, I am very moody. Casper is pretty cool, huh?"

Jimmy smiled, "I understand moody. And Casper is pretty awesome! My name is Jimmy and I don't have a partner for Social Studies. And since I know Casper it might make it easier to partner with me?"

"Gahh. That project is the main reason for my bad mood." Kat sighed. Kat looks at Jimmy with determination, "Casper has uncles that like pulling pranks on the living."

"Sounds like my little brother. Benjamin is always causing trouble. Also… Casper isn’t my first runnin with the supernatural."

"My schedule is weird because of my part-time job."

"That's okay! My dad is a cop, so I know a thing or two about hectic schedules. We can meet at lunch and visit your house or mine on your days off. My family would love Casper."

"That reminds me, you can't write much about me since I have ghosts in my house."

"Same here... Stupid Deadites... Meet me at lunch?"

"Sounds like a plan to me. Sadly we can't meet tonight. I am working at the coffee shop on Main Street."

"I heard the General Manager steals tips."

"He does… Wait? What’s a Deadite?"

***

"That one looks good." Blair and a very invisible Casper was at the produce section at the grocery store.

"How's the smell?" She moved the cantaloupe to her face as if smelling it. Casper smelled it and made a satisfactory hum. "I take it that smells good? Ready to head home?"

After Blair paid for the groceries, they loaded up the Harvey's station wagon and headed home.

Once back James came out to help unload the car, "Blair! I can't afford all this food. How are you paying for all this?"

"You know the old saying, 'can't take it with you?' Well. I have been blessed with the money from ghost robbers that learned that the hard way. I have a $37 million bank account under my name. All thanks to bank robbers that have been dead for over 200 years.

"When I turned 18 I decided to find myself by traveling all over the States. Armed with nothing but Ichabod and a bedroll. I found a handful of ghost towns that housed some pitiful spooks that wanted to finally cross over.

"Meet some ghostly members of the Wild Bunch, the Regulators, the Cowboys, and meet the ghost of 'Three Finger Jack' himself. All of them pointed to a spot where they hid their undiscovered loot. They gave it to me in good standing and with a promise that I would be taken care of financially."

"So you're rich?" James' eyes widened, "Why were you looking for a job if you didn't need to work?"

"After so long of living off the land. I came to enjoy the simplest way of life. I wasn't really looking for a job. But I was searching for something, I just don't know what."

"Are you still looking for yourself?"

"No, Dr. Harvey. I have found myself and I like the person in the mirror. What I am looking for might be as simple as a place to call my own. Or something more complicated like my soulmate. Who knows? Maybe what I am looking for is Nirvana."

"Whatever it is you are looking for, I wish you luck in your search." Casper reaches out to hug Blair. "And I truly hope you find happiness after your search ends."

"Thank you, Casper."

***

Stretch sat on the top of the lighthouse that was near the mansion. Usually, this is Casper's spot when he wants to be alone with his thoughts. Stretch figured that Casper wouldn't mind as he was in deep thought. Thinking about freckles, red hair, and the taste of spearmint. He was also thinking of what to do next with Short Sheets.

Amelia said that Casper has to answer to a Call tonight. Will this keep him in arms reach or will this encourage the Higher Plains to take him away? He simply didn't know, but Amelia never steered them wrong before.

"Mr. McFadden?" Stretch opened his eyes and turned to the familiar voice of Ms. Banshee. "Mind if I join you?"

Holy fuck! Ms. Banshee wants to sit with Stretch? "If you want to, it would be my pleasure." The ghosty educator sat down next to Stretch, "What can I do for you, Ms. Banshee?"

"Blair met me this morning before school started." Not beating around the bush today. Not that she ever did before.

"I take it this is about Casper being a Tutelar Spirit?"

"How long have you known?"

"Since his death."

Ms. Banshee's eyes widened, "Why haven't you told me when you enroll him at my school? Do your brothers know what Casper is?"

Stretch laughed, "My brothers learned about Casper this morning." He gave a deep sigh and looked at the darkening horizon. The lights of the lighthouse started to flicker on. "I have been protecting him before he was even born. Did you know that I remembered my death, Ms. Banshee?"

The teacher shook her head. "How did you died?"

"Casper's mother was a beautiful woman. I was so jealous of my brother, J.T. Every woman I had a yearning for J.T. won. Including my childhood friend, Ellie. Ellie was pregnant with Casper when she decided to take a walk in the park. I was doing some errands nearby and noticed that she was there with some thugs that were harassing her. I got between them and Ellie. You know the pond in Friendship Park?"

"Oh yes. It is very beautiful. Especially during the winter months."

"It was February and the pond was frozen, but was closed off for it not being safe to ice-skate. Ellie ran on the ice trying to get away from the men, if you can call them that. They ran after her and didn't notice that they were breaking the ice.

"I stayed at the edge running after them. I saw the bridge and ran on it. Luckily I was faster than the bulky meatheads that were after Ellie. I took Ellie's hand and pulled her up, but one of the fuckers got a hold of her ankle.

"I looked at her and told her to hold on to the rail. I jumped off the bridge, I broke through the ice and took those muggers down with me to a watery grave. I remembered my Spirit leaving my body and watch with sick satisfaction when I saw the Shadows of Hell dragging Ellie's attackers to the Lower Plains."

"You remember all of that, since your death? But that means you are a Class IV."

Stretch smiled, "Actually you would be wrong. I am more powerful than that."

Banshee looks at Stretch with more respect. She placed her hand over Stretch's cheek and pulled him into a kiss. Stretch held her closer to him and aimed to deepen the kiss.

Finally! After years of him and his two brothers fighting over her. She finally had chosen. He finally won the girl.

But it didn't feel right. Banshee was an amazing kisser, but she was missing something that Stretch couldn't figure out. It was until he opened his eyes and saw Banshee's inky black eyes that he realized what was wrong.

Ms. Banshee was cold instead of warm. She was pale with white hair instead of colorful with fiery red hair. Her eyes were pools of black instead of warm emeralds that turns icy when angered.

Mrs. Banshee is not Blair O'Brien.

Stretch pulled her at arm's length, "I can't. I am sorry Ms. Banshee. I just can't, not while I am thinking about someone else."

Banshee looked at him as he hides his face with his hands and muttered a curse or two. This was different. He and his brothers have been chasing her tail since the day they meet for a parent-teacher conference.

Time never matters to the Dead. She realized that it not entirely true to this case. She played hard to get for so long that now he wants someone else. But she had a sneaky suspicion who the lucky lady was, "Blair is a sweet girl, even when she shows her claws. And very attractive as well."

Stretch looked at her with a shocked expression, "How?"

"Come now, Stretch. Everyone sees her desirable. Even I must admit that I did this morning." Banshee gave a cute little laugh, but then she paused. "Stretch? You said that you are more powerful than Class IV?"

"Yeah, but I ain't-"

"Are you a Class VII Poltergeist?"

Stretch grabbed Banshee by the arms and looked at her with fearful wide eyes, "How do you know about that?"

"Some fleshy is looking for a Class VII Poltergeist last night! I saw him again this morning talking to Blair. I didn't think anything of it." Banshee covered her mouth as she gasped, "He wasn't a demon, was he?"

"Banshee. I am going to the house and check on Casper and the others."

"I am going with you!"

***

The said demon was enjoying a cup of joe as he smiled at the teenager at the register. The girl was polite but had spunk. He can tell that she has been around ghost for a while by the way she occasionally has a mischievous look in her eyes and the occasional slip of old fashioned dead slang.

Kat was a sweetheart. She mistook him for a poor schmuck down on his luck and got out of her way to pay for a small black so he can have a place to sit. Of course, the Demon didn't blame her for the judgment. He was dressed like a bum after all. He truly hopes his future children will be just like her and couldn’t wait to return to his wife back home.

"WHAT IS THIS GARBAGE!?" The Demon was so deep in thought that he didn't notice that something was wrong. He looked up and saw Kat drenched in what appears to be hot coffee.

Oh Hell no.

A manager walked to the cashier, "Sir. I apologized for the inconvenience. Let me give you a refund."

Oh, Hell Fucking No!

The Demon got up and slammed his fist on the counter, "Are you out of your Fucking Mind?!"

"Sir. Please calm down."

"No! I will not! Your employee just got assaulted and your solution is to reward the man that attacked her?" He turned towards the sound of a chair falling over and saw the attacker on the floor. "Don't go anywhere!" He was glad the coffee shop was currently being haunted by two ghosts that apparently likes Kat as much as he does.

Just then a police officer walked in, "What is going on here?"

Before the manager said anything the assistant manager was in front of the officer, "The man on the floor just threw a cup of hot coffee at one of our high school student employees."

The Demon turned to Kat, "Highschool? How old are ya Kid?"

"Sixteen…"

"YOU!" The manager had a look of sick satisfaction as the officer charged up to the Demon only for the smile to drop in disbelief. "Sir! You might not remember me, but you saved me and my family a few months back five towns from here."

"No no. I remembered you, Officer Jenkins. How is the family doing after all that horrific business?"

"My youngest hates camping now, I think my oldest might be Strange and Unusual, and the wife is now obsessed with ghost stories. Not that I am one to judge, I have been reading the Handbook front and back since the bureau gave it to me and the family."

"Standard near-death PTSD shit." The Demon gave the officer a wink. The sound of a table being knocked over caused the officer’s and Demon’s attention towards the attacker, "I told ya not to go anywhere!" The Demon turned back to the officer, "Once you get everything you need from Kat here, I wanna get her home."

The officer's attention focused on the teenager, "Miss. I need your full name, address, and home phone number." After Kat wrote the information down the officer smiled, "Miss Harvey? This man is very trustworthy and will take you home safely. Please clock out and the office will call your parents or guardian in the morning."

"You can't do that!" The manager was fuming. "My employee can't clock out unless I tell them to! And I didn't give her permission!"

The officer took out some handcuffs, "Sir. Mind if I reminded you that the Child Labor Law of Main states that a minor of sixteen to seventeen can't work passed 10:15 PM on a school night. It is now 10:20. Do you want to be arrested for violating the Labor Laws?"

The Demon smirked and turned his attention on the teenager, “Do you need to change your shirt before heading home?”

Kat shook her head, “No Sir. The coffee mainly hit my apron.” She lifted her ruined uniform apron that she had in her hand. “I am also wearing a gel pack on my burn area.”

“Gel pack… or ghost pack?” The Demon winked at the wide-eyed young lady, “Don’t worry kid. Not gonna tell a soul.”

After they went outside the teenager was squealing, “THIS CAN’T BE YOUR CAR!”

The Demon lead them to a classic red Plymouth Fury. The Demon chuckled and fluffed her hair, “In a way, you are kinda right. Christen here belongs to my friend and I tend to borrow her from time to time.” After they got in the car the Demon asked for Kat’s address. The car just pulled out of the parking lot and on the main road when the Demon smiled, “Okay you spooks! You can come out of hiding.”

Pearl’s head popped out of Kat’s shirt, “Hya! Name’s Pearl. Hooo… it is a nice car ya have here Mister.”

“Pearl…” Kat hugged the cute blonde ghost and tried to hide her embarrassed face using Pearl’s transparent hair.

Spooky popped out from the backseat, “You okay there, Toots?”

“I’m fine…”

The Demon was definitely growing fond of the three kids in the car with him. He gave a hearty laugh, “I hope my kids turn out like you guys.”

“You have kids, Mister?”

“Not yet. My wife and I are getting a second wedding in a few weeks. Our first one wasn’t… that great… So we are making a do-over! And this time I am planning to stick around.”

Kat looked at the Demon with interest, “What happened to the first one?”

"Nothing I want to talk about. But I will tell ya this, being separated from her for ten years was no picnic."

"Ten years? Wow!" They pulled up to the gates of Whipstaf, "This is my stop. Thanks for the ride!"

"Guess again Kat. I have beaten werewolves that like to sneak up on humans while they are at their doorstep." The Demon lifted his hand and the gates opened.

"Wait? Werewolves? And how did you…"

"I'm a Demon, Kid."

"Wha-? Demon?"

"He's a Demon, Dollface... Keep up."

"Ain't demons soul-sucking evil monsters though? You are way too nice and Officer Jenkins practically deemed you a hero."

"You're right at all three accounts." He pulled the car in front of the house and Blinked to Kat's door to open it, "Most demons are evil monsters, but there are a few like me who are demons by birth or circumstances. There is a whole town full of folks like me who are the ones the Boogeyman looks under his bed for."

"Oh!" Pearl was smiling with stars in her eyes as Kat was getting out of the car, "You're from Porta Inferni!"

"Porta Inferni? Is that the name of the town you were talking about?" Kat came to the door, "Since you came to the house to prevent me from getting jumped by werewolves, I can offer you some coffee or something?"

"I thank you for the offer, Kid. But I’m looking for someone. A Class VII Poltergeist.”

“The Trio never told me about a Class System! But Stretch knows every ghost in town. You can ask him.”

“Stretch? As in Stretch McFadden?” The Demon's eyes went from excitement one brief moment to extremely sad the next. “Hey Kat? I think I want that coffee you offered earlier.”

Spooky noticed the change, “Hey, Mister? What’s wrong?”

“The moment Stretch smells me in his house, you’ll find out.”

Kat turned towards the Demon, “What do you mean?”

“KIDS!!! GETAWAY FROM THAT DEMON!!!” Stretch appeared and wrapped his arms around the kids and used his stretching abilities put them to the farthest part of the room without leaving his spot in front of the Demon. Ms. Banshee stayed with the kids. Stretch sneered angrily at the Demon, “It has been over a hundred years since you and I parted ways. Why did you decide to show up now, Betelgeuse?”

The Ghost with the Most looks at his old partner with a look of desperation, “Stretch? I need your help.”

Chapter 3: The Tutelar's Call

Summary:

Casper meets Janet from Porta Inferni!

(For Janet's POV check out Necessary Evil Chapter 11)

The Ghost with the Most looks at his old partner with a look of desperation, “Stretch? I need your help.”

"Whatever it is, the answer is NO."

"Stretch, Please. Hear me out at least."

"No!" Stretch pulled Betelguse's collar, "Whatever scheme, con, or plot you are up to I will not help ya with it."

"I know I deserved that, but trust me. It's not a-"

"HI! I am Casper!" Betelgeuse jumped at the loud voice of the Tutelar Spirit. "Sorry for scaring you. I didn't mean to do that."

"It's okay Kid. Normally jump scares aren't the kind of thing Tute-" Betelgeuse stopped and his eyes widened with realization, "Ah Fuck! Nope! Nopenopenopenopenope! Nope! This is not happening. You are not getting a Call from me!"

Casper looked down, "But Sir, I AM feeling a Call from you." Casper grabbed the demon 's hand, "I won't force you to accept my help, but I am getting a Call from you."

Amelia's voice echoed in Stretch's head, ‘Tonight, Casper will answer an important Call. This Call would be connected to your past but you must put your pride aside and help your nephew.’

"What's the matter, old partner? Something wrong with my nephew?"

"Oh God! He's… He's your nephew? The nephew that I… that just-" Betelgeuse turned keel and walked to the front door, "I'll see my way out. Sorry for wasting your time."

Stretch flew in front of Betelgeuse, "Not so fast! I am curious about how a poltergeist turned demon is turning tail on someone who actually wants to help. Not that I will let my nephew anywhere near ya unsupervised."

"It's complicated."

Amelia's voice was ringing in Stretch's mind as loud as if she was telling it in his ears, ‘This Call is sensitive but very important.’

"Hey now. I think I might have changed my mind and will hear ya out. Come on! What got ya running scared? Tell. Me. Now!”

“There are kids in the Lost Souls Room!”

"Come again?"

"For the past three days, there have been children between the ages nine through nineteen that had been appearing in the Lost Souls Room. I am on a mission to find out why and stop it."

".... If this is a sick joke it isn't funny. The Higher Plains would interfere if a child’s ghost is being exercised and force a crossover… There have never been kids in the Lost Souls Room."

"Which is why this mission is a Classified SAF."

"Classified SAF?"

"Sensitive as Fuck."

Stretch started to laugh, "Now I know you are lying!"

A movie version of a bloody scream came out of Betelgeuse’s pocket. "Dammit…" He pulled out a phone, "Freddy, please tell me you are calling to check up on me and not another Lost Kid."

A scruffy voice was heard from the phone, loud enough for Stretch to listen in on the conversation, "Sorry Betel, but I got a call from Janet. She somehow heard about the Lost Kids. She thinks they're the kids that she was looking for."

"What do you mean? Uncle Freddy? What is wrong?!"

"She said that the Death Deities took her in to stop a cult from kidnapping kids from all over the States. She found the church in Virgil, Michigan, but still can't find the kids. At least not the kids that didn't come back all braindead."

"What does 'living' kids have to do wi- No. Impossible! And even if it was possible that is just sick! Are you fucking telling me that the Lost Kids are Alive!"

Every ghost in the room got real quiet. Kids in the Lost Souls Room? Unheard of! Living kids in the Lost Souls Room? That's terrifying even for a ghost!

"That's what she said… Think you can talk to your partner about coming back to Porta Inferni?"

"Janet is stubborn. She'll come back when she feels like it. But she did promise to be my Best Man so she'll be back soon."

"I hope so. See ya back home after the mission is done. And Janet said to bring back up."

"Later Uncle Freddy." Betelgeuse put away his phone and turned just to be nose to nose with Stretch. "Ummm… A little space, please?"

"Who was that on the phone?"

"Uncle Freddy Krueger? Head Elder of Porta Inferni?" Stretch kelp staring at the Snake Demon which was making the said demon very uncomfortable. Betelgeuse gently pushed Stretch away from him, "Look! I know I fucked up. But this isn't about you, me, or Casper. This is about kids needing help. Kids that are trapped in a place kids SHOULDN'T even be at. Kids that might still be alive."

"Funny that you now care about kids that should still be alive."

Betelgeuse Blinked in front of Kat and handed her a calling card, "The chant only works for the living. But if you need any help just read the card out loud."

Ms. Banshee wrapped her arms around the human teen, "I doubt Ms. Harvey will need any of your 'help,' Mr. Betelgeuse."

Pearl shook her head. "But Ms. Banshee he's pretty cool. He even gave Kat a ride home."

"Just because he's a demon?" Even Spooky was upset that no one wanted to help the Snake Demon.

"There is more to it than just him being a demon, Children." Ms Banshee tightens her hold on the ghost children and Kat. "It's the fact that Mr. McFadden doesn't trust him is why I don't."

Betelguese looked at the old school ghost, "Smart. A little bit old fashioned and biased, but smart. Trust is a fragile thing and I have broken it so many times that it would be impossible to build it again." He turned to head out the door and gave a small sad smile towards his old haunting partner, "I'll come back in the morning, please let me know what you decide on doing."

***

"Why wouldn't you help Betelgeuse? How did you two meet? Did you know him from before Casper died? What is the Lost Souls Room? Why is it important that there are kids in there?"

"KAT! Calm down a bit, please."

That shut her up. Stretch McFadden doesn't say 'please'. At least not without a sarcastic patronizing tone. But the sheer honest plea in his voice was so unsettling that it silenced the entire room. Three living humans and six spirits in the library office was just staring at him with wide eyes.

Stretch sat down on the therapy couch with his fingers rubbing his temples, "I met that bastard in the Waiting Room after I died. The bureau was having a hay day with me. They were arguing whether or not my death was suicidal."

Ms. Banshee flinched at the thought, "That isn't right, you sacrificed your life for Casper's mother."

Stretch chuckled, but it was humorless. "That's what Juno said."

Dr. Harvey pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, "Who is Juno?"

"A no-nonsense, sourpuss of a woman and a Caseworker. She was having a shouting match with a Superior. But while that was happening here comes Betelgeuse with a stack of papers telling me to sign them and had me read a very detailed letter about my death and asked me if that was correct or needs any changes added."

"I take it that Betelgeuse was also a Caseworker?" Dr. Harvey asked.

"Caseworker's Assistant, Juno's Assistant. When she found out what he was up to it was already too late. He turned the paperwork to the higher-ups, the royal family, and the Higher Plains. Juno was furious!

"Apparently, Betelgeuse has a gift of cutting through the RedTape. Causing a lot of trouble for the bureaucratic. But I was grateful. He got me out of being a Caseworker and gave me a Free Rein Haunting Permit on top of that. We became friends, haunting partners."

Stretch got up and hugged Casper, "But that all changed one night. Time in the Waiting Room is different then time in the human realm. What felt like days was really years. Casper, you were so little but was so adventurous. I never had a chance to say goodbye to your mother before she crossed over. As much as I wanted to follow her I wanted to stay and protect you."

"Am I your Unfinished Business, Uncle Stretch?"

Stretch coddled his nephew while chucking, "I guess you are. I already missed a couple of years, so seeing you grow and change was already too fast for me. I was always there after that, but I made sure you and your father didn't see me. I even saw how you wanted that sled and how much your father really wanted to get it for you. But he couldn't afford it."

Stretch face went from soft to hard in seconds, "Betelgeuse found out. He used his borrowed demon powers to make the sled more… tempting. The idiot didn't even know how to control the demonic powers he stole. The Temptation was so strong that my brother used the last of his money to pay for the damn thing. The Temptation was so strong that you kept sledding. The Temptation even made your father turn a blind eye to you playing after dark.

"My brother is many things but irresponsible is not one of them. When I found out about the curse on the sleigh I became very angry. I blamed Betelgeuse for your death. I still do. If it wasn't for the Temptation, you might have lived.

"Even if he didn't mean to, he still killed ya. When you died I was so angry that I became a poltergeist. And my anger was getting worse when my other brothers were drinking themselves to death after you died.

"But the straw that broke the camel's back was when your father disappeared for months, came back, built that machine in the basement, and got himself thrown in an asylum. I cut all ties with my old partner."

James Harvey was having a hard time not being a therapist at that moment. Here his friend was in an emotional turmoil and all he could think to say, "How are you feeling?" Dr. Harvey wanted to kick himself.

Stretch smiled at the human, "You asking as a friend?"

Dr. Harvey recognized the question as an out. He got up from the desk and pulled his friend into a hug with Casper sandwich in-between them. Dr. Harvey let go just in time for the brothers to have their own moment.

That was before Kat noticed something moving out the window, "Um, guys? I think someone is spying on us?"

The sound of broken glass followed by a bright light and a cackling laugh. "Hello Boys! The Bitch is Back!" A woman appeared with pale skin, red libs, and black catty eyes. The last time Dr. Harvey and the Ghostly Trio saw her she was alive and trying to get rid of the brothers. The last time Kat and Casper saw her she was being blown up by the rays of light coming out of her incorporeal form.

Carrigan Crittenden was back. And she looks… alive… At least she would have looked alive if it wasn't for the fact that her eyes were black. Even the whites of her eyes.

"Hey, Bonebags! Get the girl and the Tutelar."

Men in robes came in through the broken windows that Crittenden caused by her Travel Circle. They were also wearing Netherlands artifacts.

Where the fuck they got those?

One Cultist was using spirit beads with a Saint Benedict Medal attached at the end like a whip and started swinging it at the ghosts. "Ms. Banshee! Get the kids out of here!" Blair stepped in front of the whip and as the beads wrapped around her arm she started to chant a prayer in Gaelic. Blue light came from the beads and burned the Cultist to a crisp. "Bloody Idiot didn't even know how to use this properly." Blair twisted her wrist and the beads danced around her like a sentient being. She made it look so easy to control the string of holy relics. Just point and the beads obeyed her.

Nonetheless, Kat and Casper were having the dickens trying to join Ms. Banshee, Spooky, and Pearl. Every time the kids and the deceased teacher were in arms-length a Cultist would get in the way. The five of them dodged left and right but couldn't get away from the lunatics.

Even the Trio and Blair were having a hard time fighting them off. The Trio's usual scare tactics didn't even faze these guys. And Blair, even though she is skilled with Netherland Artifacts was simply outnumbered.

Eventually, the horrid blonde grabbed Dr. James Harvey. "Give me the human girl and the Tutelar! Or this worm dies!"

"Dad!" Kat's eyes widened with fear. She held Casper's hand as they both looked at the man whose life was threatened by this black-eyed bitch.

Crittenden's black nails grew long and sharp, "Come here, Brats! Or the good doctor will be fitted for a brand new coffin!" To make her point she stabbed a nail into Dr. Harvey's cheek. A drop of blood trailed down his face and neck.

"Daddy! Stop!" Without thinking, Kat ran towards her old nemesis.

Casper grabbed her hand, she didn't even notice that she let go of him, "Kat! She's lying!" But it was too late. Kat was captured and had dragged Casper with her.

The evil woman smiled wickedly as she used her claws to rip Doc's throat to shreds in one quick move. His daughter and friends looked on in shock as he fell in a heap of flesh in a pool of blood. He choked on his blood as his sight failed him. He tried to reach for his child, but he didn't have the strength. The light in his eyes went out. Dr. James Harvey, the Great Therapist of the Dead, died for the second time.

Kat tried to run to her father's corpse, but Crittenden's held her grip on the human and ghost. Something in Kat snapped with tears in her eyes. She cried for help in the form of the chant on the calling card that is still clenched in her hand.

"Though I know I should be wary,
Still I venture someplace scary,
Ghostly hauntings I turn loose!
Betelgeuse! Betelgeuse! Betelgeuse!"

The room darkened and a storm appeared out of nowhere, the famous demon in a striped suit and black boots appeared with a showman's smile, "IT'S SHOWTIME!"

Kat gasped at her new friend's true appearance, "Hey Kat! That was a little fast for Stretch to ch-" Betelgeuse looked down at the kids in the gripping hands of the foul woman. His smile dropped at the sight of the body on the floor. "Hey! Hell Escapee! Let the kids go if you know what's good for ya."

The woman laughed, "You think I am afraid of a lesser demon?"

Lesser demon? Heh. She doesn't know anything about demons.

"What makes you so sure I am a lesser demon?"

"My Master freed me from the icy cold pit of Hell, any demon that doesn't smell of brimstone and ice is a lesser demon."

The Ghost with the Most smirked. "Have you met any demons outside of the Lowest Level of the Lower Plains?"

"My Master."

"That's what I thought. Satan must have been asleep or bored to let you out of his sight." He lifted his hand and a large mallet appeared. "Let the kids go before I educate ya."

The Escapee narrowed her eyes, "I must admit. I can always recognize a fellow conman. And you… you're bluffing." And with a smile a Travel Circle appeared at her feet.

Betelgeuse's feet moved before he even noticed, "No!" When the woman and kids disappeared he kneeled to the floor, "FUCK!" He failed. He failed to save the kids. He knew that it was his fault that the kids are gone.

"Stretch?" Blair's voice cut the silence like a knife.

Betelgeuse looked up and noticed that the bitch left her goons behind, and Stretch was looking at his hands. His were changing, they were becoming more solid and had five fingers on each hand.

Frosty mist appeared around him as the leader of the Ghostly Trio was getting taller and more solid. His nose was becoming smaller but still has his signature hawk like hook. He had black hair that was slicked back. His tail was replaced by long legs. He was dressed in a black three piece suit with a winged collar and a thin ribbon around his neck tied in a loose bow.

"Where are they?" If it wasn't for his violet eyes and Boston accent no one would believe that the icey spirit was the notorious leader of the Ghostly Trio. Frost was growing from his feet and had reached the nearest Cultist who's collar got grabbed by said poltergeist. "Where did she take the kids?"

Shards of ice formed in the air around the room pointed to everything that has a heartbeat. "Stretch?" Blair was getting worried as a shard was pointing at her chest. "Stretch? Please?" She closed her eyes and did the unthinkable. She Blinked.

Stretch wasn't prepared for a warm, soft body to tackle him down. Knocking the unnecessary wind from his nonexistent lungs. The shards shot out and hit every Cultist in the room.

"Blair?" Stretch finally snapped out of his anger, "Oh fuck, Blair! Are you okay?" He grabbed Blair by the shoulders as he looked her over for any damages. He gave out a sigh of relief as he changed back to his incorporeal form.

"Fuck Stretch, glad you still got it. But that doesn't help us much right now." Stretch looked at Betelgeuse with a venomous sner. Betelgeuse shrugged and pulled out his cellphone, "Hey, Officer Jenkins? Can you, Lily, and Jimmy come to Whipstaff?... Yes… Deadite Level of Bad. We might need some bleach… Yeah… about fifteen bodies… one of them is Dr. Harvey… Don't know. He might wake up soon or he's in the Waiting Room… I don't think he crossed over…"

"Yep didn't cross over. Not with my daughter with those freaks." Everyone turned to the voice of the late Dr. Harvey. Full Torso and all.

Betelgeuse returned to his phone call, "Annnnnd he's awake. And it looks like he remembers… Matt, Matt, Matt. When you have me around ya don't need shovels, just disposable gloves, bleach, some scrub brushes, and disposable rain jackets… Na. Na. I will worry about the hole… I already have a plan for the bodies, I just need help with the clean up… You're on your way? Awesome! Thanks for the help."

"What the Hell was that?"

Stretch was in Betelgeuse's personal space again. Betelgeuse backed up and gave out a sigh. The Demon became completely aware of the importance of boundaries after only three months of being alive again. "Reunited with some folks I saved not so long ago. They moved here after their hometown was attacked by Deadites."

"You don't mean the Poltergeist and Deadite War, do you?" Blair's eyes widened. "You were there? But I heard that the Hand was defeated by a Phoenix and a Divine Demon…" The modern gypsy gasped when the poltergeist turned demon winked at her, "THAT WAS YOU?!"

***

"Please explain why Benjamin is here." Betelgeuse was a little disappointed in the Jenkins' for bringing their youngest son to clean up the office.

The Trio was staring with gasped mouths. Why was this family not shivering at the sight of them? The youngest was even trying to grab their tails. It was completely surreal seeing a teenager, a first grader and their parents unfazed by the carnage in the room.

"Oh, this is nothing compared to all the weird stuff he can see now." Lily Jenkins was already wearing a disposable raincoat and gloves, prepping buckets of bleach and brushed, "Ever since the war with the Deadites he has been seeing things."

Stretch's eyes widened at the family. These guys survived a Deadite attack? There is no way! Impossible! But then again didn't Betelgeuse already say these guys survived the Poltergeist and Deadite War? That would explain their thick skin.

"We didn't know if it's PTSD induced hallucinations or something else." Officer Matt Jenkins chuckled softly, "That was until Benjamin was answering questions that weren't asked and was helping finding things and returning them to their proper owners."

It's the Shining. It has to be. Betelgeuse was sure of it.

"What's Shining?"

Fuck….

"That! That right there is the Shining." Betelgeuse waved his arm, "The Shining is an array of psychic abilities. From seeing the Dead to seeing through space and time. You just now were reading my mind which is also part of the Shining." Betelgeuse picked up the little boy, "Shining Users are not the same as Mediums. Mediums can do some things that a Shining User can do, but they can also do some things that Nonhumans can do."

"I once saw Ms. Lydia float!"

Stretch looked at his old partner and noticed his face brightened like a kid thinking of Santa Claus. Who was Lydia and why did he make a face like THAT?

Betelgeuse's smile softened as he set the little tot down. "Okay kiddo, let's help your parents clean up the blood... I can't believe I said that to a six year old."

Officer Jenkins laughed, "Strange times indeed. Who would have thought that an officer of the law and his lawyer wife covering up a crime scene with their children and ghostly demon friend? Speaking of which, what were you planning on for the bodies?"

"Let's get those corpses out front." Betelgeuse grabbed two cultists by the neck and flung them out of the door that opened seemingly by itself. The others followed suit, though the Trio took extra care of Doc's body. The demon rubbed his hands together, "Check this new trick out." He stomped his foot on the ground and the earth opened up with shadowy arms and grabbed the corpses. When the ground closed up again the Ghost With the Most chuckled. "Being a Divine Demon also means I am also a kind of Gatekeeper. Cool huh?"

"Totally cool." Jimmy's smile would have put a crocodile in shame. Betel made a mental note to check on Jimmy later. Didn't want to embarrass the suicidal kid.

"What's suicidal?" Fuck.

Luckily a movie style scream came out of Betelgeuse's pocket. He fished his cell phone out grateful for the change. Only to frown at the name of the one contacting him. "Janet?"

"Who the fuck is Janet? This is the third time I have heard of that name." Stretch eyed his old partner with suspicion.

Benjamin tugged the ghost's tail, "Mr. Juice's sister. She's cool. She can turn into fire and fly."

Jimmy laughed at the poor spirit who was trying to shake the kid off his tail. "Betelgeuse's partner kinda adopted him. Janet is a phoenix, hence the fire and flying."

"You were also wondering about Lydia? She's nice!" Benjamin got bored of his little game of catch the tail. "She and Mr. Juice are getting married!" Stretch raised a nonexisting eyebrow, but didn't say anything else.

"Betel? I got Kat and Casper. They're safe with me." Betelgeuse's eyes widened and threatened to become moist.

"Thank the Higher Plains..." He covered his phone with his hand, "Hey guys, my partner got the kids. Casper and Kat are safe."

"Mighty convenient." Stretch wasn't buying it. How the hell did a complete stranger with connections to his old partner got the kids?

Betelgeuse's partner continued, "Come straight to Virgil, Michigan. Don't contact me. Don't be all showy. Our enemies think I am a witch and I want them to keep thinking that. In fact, if anyone asks you're my Familiar."

"Go straight to Michigan. Be discrete. I'm your Familiar. Got it! Thank you, Sis. We'll see you as soon as we get to Virgil." He hung up his phone and looked at the Ghostly Quar-dead. "I am going to make a Travel Circle. The five of us will be going to Michigan."

Before Blair said anything the ghost of Dr. Harvey pulled her into a hug, "I know you're a badass and you want to help Blair. But I want you and the others here to take care of things." He looked her in the eyes and gave a sad smile.

The look Dr. Harvey gave her broke her heart, "Okay. I'll stay." She gave her best badass sassy smirk, "Besides! Gotta check out the loot those guys had. I think I saw a ceremonial dagger among the Netherlands Artifacts."

Stinky looks at the pile of artifacts on the desk, "I'm going to call Snivel. Fleshies with this many artifacts is definitely bad news." Stinky called King Kibosh's sidekick from his cell.

"Hey, Snivel? You guys are missing any artifacts?" Stinky moved the phone from his head. The sound of yelling was heard from the receiver. "We have some artifacts from some demon worshipers… Yeah… Thanks! You're a pal, Snivel."

"You're buddy buddies with the King's minion?" Betelgeuse raised an eyebrow at the putrid spook.

Stinky gave him a wink, "More like neutral unorthodox frenemies."

"Then I better get that Circle made. Last thing I need is Kibosh knowing that I am here."

***

The circle was done. Betelgeuse got behind the wheel of the red '58 Plymouth Fury. Stretch sat/float shotgun with this bothers and the Doc in the back.

Doc looked at Blair, "We'll be back. You take care of things here."

Blair nodded as the ghosts drove through the circle and disappeared in a flash of colored light.

The car stopped by the welcome sign on the border of the town of Virgil, Michigan. "Ahhhh. Wasn't really aiming this close to the border." Betelgeuse had the car's top rolled down as he looked around. "Need to work on my circles."

"Aye thought yer circle was marvelous, Laddie!" The group eyed a door on the top of the welcome sign. If the door was closed, you would have thought it was a decorative piece. When opened it reveals the fact that it is actually a lookout.

"Hey Old Cobbler! What are you doing there?" The brown wrinkled skinned Leprechaun smiled at Betelgeuse. He was as ugly as sin. His toothy grin was sharp and black.

"The town is under a Veil. Human and monsters separate by Ward. Under moon so Pail. One can enter by password!"

Stinky laughed, "That rhyme reeks more than me!"

"Yeah… I have been hearing that shitty poem for three months now." Everyone turned their attention to the voice on the hood of the car. "Seriously, can't you improve it somehow? Ya can't rhyme 'ward' with 'password,' Shoemaker."

"Janet!" Betelgeuse closed his mouth. He was so excited to see his partner that he forgot to act his part. But Janet Kingsburg smiled at her friend, reassuring that she already has a plan.

"'Ello, Lady Janet. Are these outsiders yours?" The Leprechaun sneered at the white haired woman.

"My familiar was fetching the guardians of some kids I found."

"Lassie, yer and me both know that yer don't find children. Quite the Baba Yagga yer are. Stealing little ones from demons…" The Fae stopped as if he noticed something. "Lady Janet? Your familiar seems a little informal."

"Familiar or not, I hate formalities with my lovers."

"Lovers!"

"Believe it or not but Betelgeuse here is a Snake Demon."

"What does that mean exactly?" The Leprechaun asked with a hiss through his teeth. Betelgeuse floated up to the Leprechaun and whispered in his ear. "What the hell is a Hemi-" More whispering and Leprechaun's eyes bugged out. And snapped his eyes back to the Demon and then snapped back to the ageless woman.

"Yep! I am super kinky."

"How the- Nevermind that!" The Leprechaun points to the woman, "Password!"

"Back to back, ghoul, belly to belly. Well, I don't give a damn 'cause I'm stone dead already. Let's dance to the Zombie Jamboree."

"Yer missing a verse… and yer were just talking it through instead of singing it…" The ugly little man was not amused. With a heavy sigh he snapped his fingers and the Veil lifted so the group may come through.

The town looked normal until you noticed humans and nonhumans mingling throughout the streets. Janet, still on the hood of the car, led them to a four story roach motel.

After parking Janet led them past a pool where a siren waved at her. It amused Betel to no end that Janet was living in another town similar to the one they call home. The surrogate sister of the Snake Demon took them upstairs to her room.

She opened the door and gave a sigh of relief at the sight of the teen and ghost asleep on the bed. "They're asleep. May I suggest Betel and I speak with the heads of the household while the others watch the kids?"

Doc and Stretch looked at each other and gave an understanding nod.

Betelgeuse, Stretch, Doc and the strange woman stayed outside while Stinky and Fatso went inside with the kids.

"Not going to lie, boys. This is truly fucked up." The woman leaned against the railing as if to say 'fuck you all, I am done with bullshit.' "If my friends and I didn't make it… I know for a fact that Kat would have been hurt."

That pissed Stretch off, "Kat? What about my nephew? You think he wouldn't be hurt?"

Betelgeuse gave his old partner the same 'totally done' look, "Stretch. She meant that Kat would have been raped."

Wait? What?

"She, Janet… She has been a victim all of her life. She knows the signs to watch for." He turned his attention back to Janet, "Knowing you… You did a rape test, didn't ya?"

"The test came back negative. I made it just in time, but it looked like they were preparing to do something to Kat. When I saw her, she was hunched over Casper, yelling at me not to touch him."

Janet stared down at Stretch. Not backing down, not showing any fear, and not taking any crap, "Kat was willing to sacrifice her body and her life to protect your nephew. With a friendship like that, of course I would be more worried about a living girl over a dead boy. Because the girl was giving her all for him!"

Dr. Harvey noticed that Betelgeuse had a look in his eyes, almost the same look he sees Kat or Casper give to one another when the other is having a hard time. The Snake Demon was moving his arm as if contemplating whether or not he should grab the white haired woman's hand.

"My-my! You really like picking fights with everyone you meet, don't you?" A ghoulish lady appeared with a bag in her hands.

"Oh! Hi, Luna. Are these the clothes for Kat?" Luna passed Janet the bag. "Thanks for your help."

Luna smiled, "No problem. But I would have to take disciplinary action if I think you and your guests are out of control."

"Understood, Luna!" She smiled and turned back where she came from.

"She's the one who runs the motel?" Dr. Harvey nodded in the direction that the girl disappeared to.

Janet chuckled, "More like the daughter of the motel's manager. But it wouldn't surprise me if she does end up inheriting the motel from the owners. She's very likeable ... " Her eyes clouded over and in a serious tone, "And very scary… Saw her take down a minotaur once by shoving two fingers up his nose and pulled him down by his nostrils."

Betelgeuse laughed, "Ouches!"

"Even her father, who is a full-blooded ghoul, is afraid of her." Janet turned her attention back to the demon and ghosts with her, "But that is not why we are out here. The demon…"

"Would my daughter have been sacrificed to the demon?"

"Yes. If I didn't make it in time. Casper also, most likely."

"I can't speak for Stretch, but I would like to stay to help." Janet and Dr. Harvey shook hands, "My name is Dr. James Harvey."

"Janet. Janet Kingsburg. We should rest. Never know what tomorrow brings."

***

"Black. Tower. Knight of Wands Reversed. Five Cups. Ten Swords. Six Pentacles Reversed. Black. Tower. Knight of Wands Reversed. Five Cups. Ten Swords. Six Pentacles Reversed. Black. Tower. Knight of Wands Reversed. Five Cups. Ten Swords. Six Pentacles Reversed."

"JANET! Wake up!" Everyone woke up to Janet chanting in her sleep and Betelgeuse shaking her awake. "Dammit Janet! Wake up!"

Like a rocket Janet got up from her chair that she was sleeping on and her entire body turned up in flames. Her white hair became long pillars of fire, her hands and feet turned to talons that normally belongs to birds of prey and the fire on her back turned to wings.

"Janet! Snapped out of it! It's me! Sis! Wake up!" Betelgeuse's arms were raised in defense as he kept yelling at her.

"Betel?" Janet turned back to herself. Well… not entirely. She burnt her clothes to ash. But she shrugs it off like it happens every Tuesday.

Betelgeuse's hands were on her shoulders, "Damnit Sis. I thought that vision was over."

"Sorry, but that vision apparently wasn't about the Deadites."

"Nice rack." Stretch sneered at the woman that he learned to dislike. "Hurry it up and get dress! There's kids here." Stretch couldn't figure out what is wrong with this woman. Strutting her stuff in front of kids. Fucking pervert.

Casper giggled at the nonsense his uncle was saying since he was sharing a bed with a half naked Kat last night. But he didn't say anything about it.

"I am not a Pervert." Janet looked at Stretch. Did she just… "Read your mind? Can't help it if you're so Open. As for my natural charm you dislike so much, I always burned my clothes so much that I kinda got used to it. I guess that makes me a naturist if not a nudist." She found an old sundress and draped it over her.

Dr. Harvey shrugged, not really offended about the display, "I guess it really depends if you feel sexual or asexual during nudity."

"Ohhhhhhh! She is definitely feel asexual when it comes to nudity!" A voice came from under one of the beds. Everyone but Janet stared at the bed Kat and Casper was occupying.

{Not necessarily. From what I gather, she never had a healthy sex life till she moved to Porta Inferni. How she can feel comfortable in the buff with her history of rape I have no idea.} A Class I Vapor entity came as a disembodied voice.

"Myst! You dawg!" A blue claw-like hand came out from the bed and lifted the frame as if it weighed nothing. "You just helped me win 50 bucks!"

Kat tumbled off the bed, "Epp! Maurice!"

The blue skinned monster came out. "Oh crud! Sorry Kat!" The Doc and Trio didn't like the fact that a strange male monster and a Class I ghost are in the same room as the barely dressed Kathleen. But before anyone said anything the very active horned Nether Born grabbed Kat and grabbed the bag of clothes, "Hey Ms. Kingsburg? These are for Kat, right?" And like a shot he led her to the restroom and gave her the bag. "Dress like a movie star incognito! You're famous now!"

"Wait? What?" Maurice closed the restroom door and jumped on the bed she was sleeping in. "Maurice! What do you mean I am famous?!"

Maurice found the bed not to his liking literally started to crawl the walls. "Someone has been spreading rumors about a living girl who sacrificed her 'maidenhood' for a ghost kid. That means you're famous also, Casper!"

Kat came out of the restroom in leggings and a baggy but very fashionable sweater. Finish with a belt and sunglasses. "But I wasn't raped."

"Doesn't matter." Maurice landed in front of the human girl.

"IT DOES MATTER! I got lucky! But there's most likely kids that those fuck heads did successively abused. Who couldn't fight back!"

"Exactly." That stopped Kat on her tracks. Maurice grabbed her hands. "And you are right. There were many kids that Kingsburg saved that wasn't lucky. Kids that Kingsburg managed to save by the skin of her teeth. But we can't use those kids because they are safe underground with their families."

Janet gave a deep sigh, "Maurice. There is a chance that the guardians of the kids you're trying to recruit are planning to go underground as well."

"But we need Kat and Casper! No one gave a flying fuck about the other human kids. But they are impressed by a human kid who saved a nonhuman." Maurice slumped on the floor cross-legged, "They didn't even give a shit about Hot Stuff…"

"Hot Stuff?" Betelgeuse was trying to keep his cool with the hyperactive teenager.

"The first kid Kingsburg saved. And get this. He's not even human. He's a Nether Born of devil descent. He couldn't remember his name so the gang called him Hot Stuff."

Janet lifted her hand to stop the blue teen monster. "When I saved Hot Stuff he was wearing a curse collar. He was being used as a slave and punching bag for the Cultist. Hot Stuff couldn't even talk, but I took him to the town's Mayor to remove the collar. But it has been proven to me that the Mayor is corrupted. Not only did the Mayor refuse to remove the collar, but placed him in an asylum."

"Me and the gang have been looking for proof while Ms. Kingsburg works on the other side of the Vail," Maurice got up from the floor and laid on his back on the unoccupied bed. "No luck on my end, buuuuuut…"

"You want to use Casper and Kat for what exactly?" Maurice noticed that Janet was giving him the 'be careful what you say next' look.

"I am thinkingaboutkidnappingHotStuff!"

"...What?"

"Come on Janet! We need to get Hot Stuff out of there so we can find the kids you couldn't save."

"Getting Hot Stuff as a witness and an informant would blow this case out of the water…" Janet looked at Maurice, "But there are a few things that you seem to be forgetting. One is you need to have Casper's and Kat's permission, let alone their guardians' permission. Second, what you're talking about can go sideways on all of us if your plan doesn't work. And Third, Hot Stuff, Casper, Kat, You and the others… You need to know that this is dangerous… You all can get hurt."

{That is laughable considering that you were training the New Loser Club in your free time, Janet 'Big Sis' Kingsburg. Phoenix of Porta Inferni!}

"Myst, my dude. How much Intel did you get in Kingsburg?"

{More than I got about Betelgeuse Orion the Snake. Apparently these two are the best team since Freddy Krueger and Nancy Thompson back in '87.}

"Holy shit. You two are really from Porta Inferni…" Maurice was smiling so badly his mouth resembled that of a crocodile.

{They even fought in the Poltergeist and Deadit War}

Stretch was staring at Betelgeuse. Holy fucking shit! All doubts of the demon telling the truth flew out the window at max speed. He shook the cobwebs out of his head and went nose-to-nose with the blue monster with the purple mohawk and horns. "Look kid! I am not too keen on the idea of my nephew on a suicide mission. If the demon that those cultists can send fleshies in the Lost Souls Room, I dread to think what they can do to a ghost."

"I understand that Sir. But he won't be alone. There will be four others besides Casper, Kat, and Me. These kids have lost a lot of friends and family because of those Cultists. Half of them are part human themselves."

"Which ones?" Stretch glared.

"Sir?"

"Which kids are part fleshie?"

"Wolfie, his mom is a human. He's father was an alpha werewolf. And there is Mantha! Her grandfather was a Haitian Priest…. Which explains how she was born a zombie…" Maurice made a nervous giggle.

"And the other two kids?"

"Ra is a mummy. Can turn to sand and can do cool stuff with his bandages. And there is Thatch. He is a bit of an asshole… but he is a very powerful vampire. A duke as you will."

"You're obviously a Monster Under the Bed that is hyperactive and can crawl on walls… but what else can ya do?"

"Okay. Okay. Monsters Under the Bed are limited to what scares five year olds. And in this day and age, a lot of kids are exposed to what used to make adults wet their pants. Other than social anxiety and awkwardness, most kids now don't even know what they are afraid of anymore."

"That's what I thought." Stretch laughed, "Flashlights no longer work on ya anymore, huh?"

"Please Sir. You got lucky to get your nephew back. But a lot of others' friends and families are still trapped with those freaks. Mine included."

Stretch looked at the young Netherland Born and gave a sigh. "Okay. But you're taking the Ghostly Quar-dead with ya."

"Wait? What?"

***

"So it's agreed to go in two separate groups?" Everyone nodded in agreement. As Janet continues to relay the plan, "Betelgeuse, Myst, and I are going to the other side of the Vail to meet with one of the Death Deities and see what we can get any leads on the Operator. The Trio-"

"Quar-dead."

Dr. Harvey laughed at his friend, "You are just determined for me to be part of the group."

Stretch elbowed his friend good naturedly. "You were kinda already one of us to begin with."

Stinky winked at Janet, "Don't worry. We know what to do."

"We go to the Asylum to 'get Kat committed.' then ask for a tour. And if we are lucky, the rumors about Casper and Kat will get them to treat us like VIPs." Fatso gave Kat and Casper a reassuring pats on their backs. "Hopefully, we will be distracting enough for the other kids to sneak in and get Hot Stuff."

Casper was excited with the idea of meeting kids 'close' to his age. "Where are we meeting the others?" He has been flying above everyone's head as they talked at the parking lot near Christine.

Maurice smiled and tilted his head, "I can hear Doomie coming over."

"Doomie?" Kat lifted an eyebrow at her new friend. "You didn't mention Doomie."

"Oh shit, Kat! You're right!" Maurice had a shit eating grin on his face. "Doomie is Thatch's '51 Studebaker Commander. Just like that Plymouth Fury over there, Doomie is alive."

There was a roaring sound that was getting louder. And an ugly yellowish green convertible came to view with it's top down and four monster kids laughing like maniacs! They pulled up in a screeching halt.

The pale young goth behind the wheel gave Maurice a smirk, "Hey Asshole! Are we doing this, or what?"

"Duh, Dickwad! We even have the Ghostly Trio with us." Maurice pointed his thumb at the famous three spooks behind him. "We have Casper, Kat, and Dr. Harvey also."

"You Fucktared! Doomie can't sit all of us!" Thatch got out of the car. Followed by his three companions. "Also, why isn't Kingsburg coming with us?"

“Sorry guys. But I am giving my own version of Hell to the freaks on the other side of the Vail.”

“That reminds me…” Maurice pulled out his hand with a ‘gimme’ gesture. “You owe Wolfie and me moonies.”

A light brown haired teen with yellow eyes smiled, “Wha? Really?! Janet is from Porta Inforni?”

Thatch didn’t baudge, “No way. She’s too cool to be from Inforni.”

Janet laughed, “You only think that because every adult in town taught you to think that. Their parents even taught them that before you. Man, I wish I could take you guys there. It would be a learning experience. But we are getting sidetracked.” Janet made a loud whistle. The Plymouth Fury answered by backing out of her parking spot and slowly drove closer to the group, “Stretch and the others can take Christen.”

“Wait… Betelguse mentioned that Christen belonged to someone else.” Kat studied Janet, “No way. You’re Christen’s owner?”

“I prefer the term ‘Driver.’ Christen has her own car. I’m just a person who feeds her gas and oil and occasionally gives her rides.” Every teen looked at Janet with new admiration. “What? Stop staring and paint the town red… with the blood of our enemies…”

The kids laughed. Then Maurice jumped behind Casper and Kat, “Okay! Into time. Guys? This is Casper and Kat. These four are their guardians: Stretch, Stinky, Fatso, and Dr. James Harvey.” Then in a blink he was behind his friends, “And these guys are Thratch, Mantha, Ra, and Wolfie.”

Mantha smiled at Kat, “Finally I am no longer the only girl in the group. Soooo… Tell me your opinions on Monster equal rights.”

Kat liked the zombie girl really fast, “To be honest… I didn’t even know that was a thing! I mean, I have only been exposed to ghosts at home. And most of the ghosts think they are better than me because I am a ‘Bonebag Fleshie.’ You guys are the first real monsters I have met.”

“Oh goodie! Let me brainwash you with Monster Political Correctness and Monster Equally. Starting with: Zombies are not slow, stupid, and only a small persent of them eat brains.”

“Dad? Can I ride with Mantha?”

***

They parked the cars a good few blocks away from the mental ward and regrouped. The McFadden's and Harvey's were already heading to the building as the Monster Kids were sneaking in through the back. Apparently they have inside help that they refused to identify as a safety precaution.

A little girl with golden rag curls wearing a blue dress, sunglasses, and holding a giant lollipop wand greeted them at a desk. "Salutations! I am Little Miss Warden. Warden of Vigil Asylum! How may I help you?"

Dr. Harvey waved at the seemingly young creature. "Hello. Forgive me. I am recently deceased and your youthfulness kinda surprised me. What's your secret?"

"Well! Aren't you scrump-dilly-icious! My secret is a childlike outlook. Girls like me age by spirit, not time."

"Interesting." The memory of Casper turning into a baby while being hypnotized during a session hit Doc like a freight train. James Harvey pushed his guilty conscience aside to continue the conversation he was having with the eternally young lady, "My name is Dr. James Harvey an-"

The Warden slammed her hands on the desk and looked at the Doc with enthusiasm, "Did you just say that you are THE Dr. James Harvey? Great Therapist of the Dead, Dr. Harvey?"

"Uh, yes?"

Little Miss Warden clamped her tiny hands over the Doc's, "Welcome! Welcome! And your comrades?"

"My daughter, Kat, and the McFadden's."

"The McFadden's! Is it true that you hold the record for the longest possessions?! Now that I had a good look at you I should have recognized the infamous Ghostly Trio!" Now normally the Trio would bask in the glory of recognition, but something wasn't setting right with this childlike ghost.

Doc was trying to get a word out about his daughter to stick with the plan. "Well, you see-"

"Oh my goodness!" The Warden made a cute little pout. "How inconsiderate of me! You just said that you are recently deceased. You must be here for a job. Well I don't need a resume or an application filled. Your reputation is good enough for me. Would you like a tour before your first day working with us?"

"Well, uh?"

Stretch wrapped his arm around Dr. Harvey's neck, "As long as we get to join. Doc has been a good compadré to us and we want to make sure that this new job isn't too demanding."

Stinky joined in with a smile, "We also wanted to make sure that he would still have enough down time for his still living daughter."

"And enough dough for Kat to survive on while living here and whether or not it was safe for a fleshie to live here with her deadbeat father." Fatso bellowed as he nearly knocked the others over with his stomach.

Little Miss Warden's cute face changed into a grimus, "Ah, yes. Your daughter. Your very fleshie daughter." As fast as Stretch had caught the tone of her voice the smile was back and she was acting all cutesy again. "As long as you all behave and she acts like a proper young lady I will make you VIPs. Now on with the tour!"

***

A janitor walked deep into the near abandoned wing of the Asylum, even with a gray baseball cap and one-piece coveralls he was surprised no one saw through his disguise yet. But then again, as his friend Betelgeuse used to say, 'no one notices lesser folks, and that's what makes the majority a bunch of idiots.' Since then he always treated his staff with a 'thank you' and small acts of kindness.

He smiled at the memory of his old friend. His life was usually dull, depressing, like a storm cloud over him until he met the Ghost with the Most.

Now our janitor here was no fool. He knew Betelgeuse was a con, a liar, and a cheat. While the young man never joined his friend's scams, he still paid attention to the poltergeist's stories and lessons. The man was his favorite trickster.

He cried when his friend was banished. He visited during the ten years when the demon was in the waiting room. He was even the voice of reason towards Betel when he was being 'relocated' to Porta Inferni. And he rejoiced when he got the wedding invitation.

The past three months have been nerve racking. Our janitor was there during the Poltergeist and Deadit War. He didn't fight in the war, wasn't ALLOWED to. But he did help paved the way through the Netherlands to help the living escape the Deadites. All those people, both living and dead, went through a lot to escape Winter River, Connecticut. They were all injured, desperate, and most importantly scared.

It's one thing for a breather to be scared because of ghosts, it's a completely different ballgame when said breathers and ghosts are scared together because of something else.

He found himself at the rendezvous, he was so deep into his own mind he was surprised to be in front of the barely used door. He leaned against the door and waited. There was a gentle knock from the other side, "Who is rapping, rapping at my chamber door?"

"Darkness here and nothing more." The janitor smiled as he opened the door for Marice and his friends. "Dude, what is up with you and Poe?"

"Dark poetry is relaxing." The janitor shrugged his shoulder and continued, "Hot Shot is on the second floor, the oldest part of the building. They don't get very many visitors so be discreet." He passed a charm that will allow Marice to use his Under the Bed Magic as an escape route. There is a magic blockage in the Asylum that only the highest elites can bypass. "Use the stairs. No one uses those since the 1940's when the elevators were added to the building."

"Thanks man." The monster kids ran up the nearby stairs and disappeared into the second floor.

The janitor mozzied down the hallway with a small smile on his face. He hopes this works. The survival of both the Living and the Dead hangs in the balance on the success of the mission.

***

"And this is the game room!" The Warden waved her petite hand with a little cute showman flare. "It's unhealthy for the patients to be all cooped up in their cells. So we have this room for playing board games and watching tv."

"Does it dubbs as a craft room as well? Crafts also help with relaxation and creative thinking." Dr. Harvey figured that he might play 'psychiatrist looking for employment' if he starts acting like a psychiatrist. He was asking questions about patients, activities, health concerns, and paperwork.

"We have a separate craft room in the basement."

Okay that didn't sound good. Stretch was either being a paranoid schizophrenic or he was onto something. "Basement? Don't crafts need natural lighting?"

"It is closest to my office." Then a big gorilla of a man came to the door wearing something that looks like the Blue Boy painting by Gainsborough. The only difference is that the gorilla was wearing a blue boater hat with blonde rag curls coming out from underneath. "Excuse me. I must speak with my staff."

Stretch waited until the child-like boss of the Asylum was out of earshot, "I hope it is my imagination running wild, but I don't like this. The girl didn't sit right with me."

"Normally I would say that it is your mental illness that is making you delusional. But I would have to agree that there's definitely something wrong with her." Doc adjusted his glasses and continued. "Most supervisor's offices in mental health facilities are front and center of the building for easy escape for when the most dangerous patients start an uprising. A basement has no escape route and would be too boxed in if an emergency happens."

"Not only that, anyone foolish enough to follow her down a basement would most likely be trapped themselves." Stinky pushed his hand against the nearby wall. "The wards are phenomenal! Can't even go through the walls."

Kat looks around the room, "What about air vents? Would you guys be able to go through?"

Fatso gave the teenage girl a noogie, "Maybe, but not without you, kiddo."

"Kat? Do you have the chant memorized?" Casper had that face again. Kat has seen that face whenever he was worried about her safety. It always breaks her heart.

"Ye-yeah. Will he be able to get through the wards?"

"Who will be able to get through?" Everyone jumped at the sound of the Warden walking up behind them.

If Stretch had feet at the time he would be quick on them, "My bro was testing the strength of the wards and was betting me that I won't be able to get through."

"Hohohohoh!" Nobody likes the weird way she laughed, but Little Miss Warden continued, "It would take more than the Ghostly Trio to break the wards. Maybe if King Kibosh… you…. and some divine power… works together… maybe. But that is only hypothetical. Now! I would need you to join me in my office for the paperwork and we can have a beautiful start of employment for you Dr. Harvey."

Shit.

Kat grabbed Stinky's hand and pointed at him, "Ummm… Stinky gets gassy enclosed spaces..."

Stinky gave Kat a wink, "If you think my aloma is putrid now, you might want us out here?"

But the Warden wasn't budging. In a sing-song way she led everyone to a nearby elevator, "Nonsense! I will take only a moment!"

The ride down to the basement was nerve racking and quiet. And it felt like it took too long to get there. Like how deep is the basement?

The Ghostly Quar-dead tried to silently comfort the younger members of their ragtag family by reassuring touches. But Stretch kept his eye on the disgustingly sweet abomination. He didn't trust her. Not one bit.

Down. Down. Down.

Until they finally stopped.

When the doors open their eyes were assaulted by a bright pink light and found themselves in a world that looks like the lovechild of the Candyland Board Game and Barbie's Dream House Mansion. Everything was pink, glittery, and fluffy.

Stretch looked up at the ceiling and noted that it was so high that clouds were forming. "Is the basement so deep that it created an ecosystem?"

"Good eye!" The Warden walked over to a door that had the word office written on it guarded by two more bodyguards that looked like clowns. "Please, come inside. I have the paperwork ready to be signed."

The group entered a very normal looking office. Actually, the office WOULD have looked normal if it didn't look like a 12 year-old Dolores Umbridge used it for tea parties.

The Warden pulled out a large stack of papers and set them on her desk, "Please sign the highlighted-"

Before she finished Stretch grabbed the stack and was going through it. Paper was flying as he read everything with lightning speed, "Nope. Nope. Nope. Heh, clever, but nope. Nope. Cute. But no. Nah. Nope. Nope. AH HA!" The leader of the Trio lifted up the last sheet, "There is the real McCoy. Doc, this sheet was to be signed by the four of us to force you to work for all eternity and have me and my brothers committed as patients which would have us trapped here."

The Warden's face changed from shocked to fury really fast and started to laugh. The laugh was not of humor, bit of madness. "It matters not. You, Dr. Harvey will work for me, your friends will be committed, and your daughter and Tutelar will return to the Church. Then… we will hunt down the patient you stole from me!"

Kat grabbed Casper and busted out of the door. Kat can still hear the child-like madwoman's laughter. Luckily they are faster and have more energy than the big goons that were by the door. They kept running. Until they found a door, without thinking they ducked inside.

"Kat? I think we ran into the Craft Room..." The room had fabrics, buttons, and ribbons scattered around. But the most noticeable feature in the room was life-size dolls sitting in chairs.

Kat stepped closer to one of the dolls, "What's up with the dolls?"

Casper joined her and grabbed her hand, "I don't think those are dolls."

"Hohohohoh!" The Warden was at the doorway, "I must say, your family is making things hard for my bodyguards." She started to walk towards the two teens. "How do you like my doll collection?"

"Creepy as fuck."

"That's not very ladylike." She started to charge at the kids, "Higgledy Biggledy Pop!" The Warden's Lollipop Wand hit a couple of the dolls when Kat and Casper ducked out of the way of the attack. The dolls that were hit started to scream before turning to dust. "My dolls! You will pay for that!"

The Warden waved her Lollipop when the door was knocked off its hinges. A tall man in black walked in the room. Scared the piss out of both Casper and Kat until the man spoke in a familiar voice, "Kat? Do the chant. Now."

"Stretch?" The kids were awestrucked. After hearing his voice from the stranger they finally noticed the hook at the tip of his nose and his violet eyes.

"Kat!" Stretch barking out her name snapped her out of the shock and started the summoning.

"Though I know I should be wary,
Still I venture someplace scary,
Ghostly hauntings I turn loose!
Betelgeuse! Betelgeuse! Betelgeuse!"

A thunderous noise was heard and lightning in a cloud of dust filled the room. When the dust settled a giant snake was in the middle of the room, Kat was even more frightened when a humanoid torso with bat or dragon wings appeared from the coils. The face was ugly with big round yellow eyes and needle like teeth, but oddly familiar.

"Be- Betelgeuse?"

Janet Kingsburg came out of the snake demon's coils, "Thanks, Kat! You just solved a little problem that we were having!"

Huh?

A familiar voice was heard from the depths of snake flesh, "RELEASE ME BUMBLING OAF!"

Betelgeuse unwrapped his tail and freed the strange group. Stretch made a groaning noise, "How the hell did Blair and Kibosh get involved, Betelgeuse?"

Blair straightened her motorcycle up and smiled, "What a ride! Stretch, you will not believe the things we discovered!"

"King Kibosh! With a demon, two women, and your secretary. My, my, my. How curious." The little girl laughed, "But you are now on- What are you doing?"

Janet was already Infront of the "dolls" with flames in her hands. With a smile she touched the nearest one. The Doll burst into flames.

"No! My Dolly!"

"Who're you calling a dolly, Warden?" The fires died down and the ghoulish man dusted the ashes that was once a lacy piece of clothing. "Having you committed here was too lenient for your sentence."

Kibosh chuckled, "Judge Mental, you might want to cover yourself before getting all preachy." Kibosh grabbed a piece of fabric and covered his old friend with it, "You've been here the whole time?"

"That brat..." The Judge glared at the girl in blue. "She is a patient here. I had her committed to this facility after she was caught doing unorthodox methods of treatments when she was the Warden of the Nether Lands Correction Penitentiary. I visited to see her progress only to find that she had taken over the Asylum."

The Warden's laughter was ringing throughout the room, "You'll come back as my Dolly. So will everyone else! Higgledy Biggledy-"

"CATCH!" Janet tossed a strange gold and black box towards Lil' Miss Warden who caught in her arms with a bewildered grimace. Then she was gone. Disappeared without a trace. "Good thing I had the Lemarchand Configuration."

Betelgeuse rolled his eyes as his segregated sister picked up the puzzle, "Don't you mean that it was a good thing that the nut job was so narcissistic that she didn't care to notice you playing with a puzzle?"

"That too!" Janet noticed something through the busted doorframe, "Shit! Betelgeuse! Stop him!"

Everyone ran out the room and looked up at the ceiling. A bat demon was escaping. Luckily Betelgeuse was still in his demonic form and got air super fast.

"That's Bartholomew Batt! Maynot's old secretary." Judge Mental shook his head, "He was fired for embezzling money from the taxpayers of Vigil!"

"Fired? He still works for Maynot." Something is not right here, "Mayor Maynot? The dude covered in yellow bandages. Might be a mummy or an Invisible Man?"

"No No No. Short, stout gentleman, and a top hat enthusiast."

"Shit…"

"Indeed…"

***

"You two are interdimensional clown demons! How did they defeat you?!" The bat demon was livid.

The two Omega Glamours looked at each other and the smarter of the two shrugged, "Yeah, Hell no. We are NOT fucking with HER." Scuzzo pointed a finger at Janet. "Nobody told us that you were the mate of a First Alpha Glamour!"

"What does that mean?" Bartholomew's eyes widened.

"Meaning that she is probably protected by a Glamour family." Fuzzo nodded his head in agreement with his brother. "Being pregnant with a First Beta. You must be really powerful to still have your original body…"

What?

Everyone looked at Janet with shocked expressions. She was doing this mission for three months and pregnant?

Janet smiled, "Since you two know about my mate and my unborn child, I will tell you. I belong to Creepy Gray, Descent of Pennywise Gray."

Scuzzo and Fuzzo went from kneeling to scurrying real fast, "Shit!Shit!Shit! We didn't know. We didn't know!"

"Didn't know what?" Janet inched closer to the brothers, "That I am Porta Inferni Royalty? That I have connections with the most powerful Glamour Clan in the Microverse? Or maybe you didn't know that Inferni didn't send me, but that in the past three months I was working for the Death Deities?"

This time even Batt was getting twitchy. If it wasn't for the fact that his wings were tied by yarn from the Craft Room he would have bolted for sure. The three lackys of the fake mayor finally realized that they were fucked.

"Oops! I said too much. I guess we have to kill you." Janet waved her hand dismissively, "Of course I am too delicate from my condition to do any killing. But my demonically divine brother would be more than happy to do the dirty work for me."

Betelgeuse smiled a crazy look. The corners of his toothy grin almost reached his wide blue eyes. He grabbed the bat demon and oldest brother by the chin and gave the youngest the most predatory look with the corner of his eyes. "I wouldn't mind at all. I always wanted to see if a high tier demon, like myself, can kill Glamours." He returned his attention to Bartholomew, "And you look like a snack."

Betelgeuse's grip loosened and he stepped back. "Or we can have some answers? A little tit for tat as you will? Starting with the real Mayor Maynot's whereabouts."

"Lost Souls Room. Along with a few others..." Scuzzo scuffed.

"Does that include Dr. Zigmund Void?" The judge asked with a sneer, "He is the real warden of the asylum."

"He is here. We just don't know where. He has been in hiding for a while now."

Janet smiled at that particular news. If the judge is now relieved about the original warden's absence then that's one point for them. But something was still bugging her, "What is the kid's real name? The one we smuggled out of here?"

Batt "Abaddon Scratch. He is the only surviving member of the Scratch Family."

This time it was Kibosh that got in their faces, "The Scratch Heir! You had him this entire time!" Lightning was forming around the King of the Dead. "The Scratch Family was one of the most influential Netherborns in the Spiritual Realm. Five years without a trace, and you had their son!"

"Better take care of these guys and join the others," everyone turned towards the new voice behind them and saw a little man with a big crack on his head, a gray beard, yellow eyeglasses and a red suit.

Next to him was a young man in a janitor outfit that everyone in the group recognized, "Prince Vince?" Casper, followed by Kat, leaped at him in a friendly hug.

"Greetings Casper. Kat, are you alright? Quite the travel you both had." The Prince of the Netherlands smiled at Dr. Harvey, "I heard about what happened last night, Doc. If there is anything I can do for you just name it."

Betelgeuse frowned at his old friend, "Prince Vince? Do you mind having this conversation at least…." He smiled and pointed at a direction, "Fifteen feet that way. Don't want anyone in the cross-fire."

Stretch eyes Betelgeuse, "Shit…" Stretch grabbed Casper and Kat and bolted to a safe distance followed by Prince Vince and Blair. The other after a look of confusion thought it was better to join Stretch and the Prince.

Except for Janet. She had one more question before she moved to safety, "Where are the kids? And I mean the ones that aren't in the Lost Souls Room."

Scuzzo stared at her for a moment, "Don't know. Only the mayor knows where the kids are."

"Thank you. Where you are going, a Glamour worth his salt can escape in a few days. It would be a shame if the information is false and I would have to call my in-laws. They are the best hunters in the multiverse." Instead of joining the others she returned to the Craft Room to reawakened the surviving "dolls." When she came out with Little Miss Warden's victims there was a giant crater where the Glamour Brothers and Demon Bat stood.

***

"Sooooo… Why are we meeting at an abandoned bar?" Blair looked through the cupboards to see if there was any hidden booze that was left behind.

Janet knocked open a hidden shelf that contains a bottle of moonshine, two bottles of bathtub gin, and a bottle of Shrunken Head Vodka. "Because it is more than the kids that are meeting us and my motel room would be too crowded."

The sound of Doomie's engine was heard from outside. When the kids came in Maurice was carrying the red imp that they rescued. Mantha spotted Kat and sat next to her. Thatch decided to hang at the raptors. Ra and Wolfie sat next to Casper across from the girls.

Dr. Void, the little man with the crack on his head, ushered the blue monster to a table for him to place Hot Stuff. "The collar is preventing the patient from moving and speaking freely. Once the cursed item is removed he'll be a little disoriented, but he will have his freewill returned." He looked at Dr. Harvey pointively, "Doctor? Can you hold his wrists? Whatever those bastards did to him will rush out of him full force."

Doc nodded and held the red devil down. Once the collar was removed the kid started screaming on the top of his lungs. His body heat started to rise.

Hotter.

Hotter.

Hotter. Then fire.

The table was in a blazing inferno. Luckily they had a Phoenix on their side. Janet grabbed the teenager, held him, and fused her divine healing flames with his own frightfully depraved firestorm until the blaze died down to cinder. The two were on the floor without a stitch of clothing.

"You okay, kid?" Janet's sounded out of breath, but she still showed comfort by rubbing his back in circles.

Hot Stuff's voice was weak and scratchy from years of unused and the 40 seconds of screaming, "Ye-yeah..."

"Glad to have you back, Hot Stuff. Or do you prefer Abaddon?"

"I… like Hot Stuff… sounds sexy…"

The doors opened and entered the rest of the group. The Death Deities!

The Egyptian god Anubis with his chimera beast, Ammit the Soul Eater. "Mrs. Kingsburg, we are here to help."

The blue-skinned four-armed Hindu god, Yama. "Not that we can help that much, this is touching the line on 'not interfering with the living,' mind you."

Hades and his wife, Persephone and their three-headed dog Cerberus from Greece. "But both of your theories came through. The connection of the red string and the origin of the demon was spot on!"

The Death Saint with her robe of red and gold. Santa Muerte of Latin America. "I have clothing for you two if you want."

Iku from the Yoruba religion of Africa. He didn't say anything, he rarely does. But he nodded in acknowledgement.

Cernunno, The Wiccan Horned God. Kernunno bent his deer shaped head, "Forgive us for being late."

And last but not least, the Pale Horseman himself, Azrael the Angel of Death. "My. My. My. This group has gotten much bigger."

Janet just laughed. "No kidding! When I was getting back up I didn't think that the local kids and the Royal Family would be part of… all this. At this rate I wouldn't be surprised if the Ghostbusters join in."

"They would have a field day!" Betelgeuse started counting on his hand, "Egon would study all the science shit about the Vail. Ray would try to get a grasp of the cultural differences between Porta Inferni and Virgil."

"Peter would try to join you on a few cons," Janet winked at her partner, "And Winston and I would talk battle strateg-"

"And the rest of us would be staring at you two like you're crazy!" Stretch interrupted the friendly banter, "You're telling me that you are in league with the Ghostbusters?! And on a first name basis no less?!"

Betelgeuse shrugged, "They're pretty cool in their own dorky way."

"It's kinda nice having someone in my network that actually knows what I do."

Stretch looked at the two supernatural killers with wide eyes, "Oh my fucking god..."

"ENOUGH!" Kibosh's voice boomed throughout the abandoned wateringhole. "With all this… claptrap how do you two get anything done?!" Everyone in the room was silent, until the Death Deities started to laugh followed by Betelgeuse and Janet. "What is funny? Can't this mission be taken seriously?!"

Persephone touched the Goulfather's shoulder, "We Deities are laughing because it is funny to us." She points towards the other two, "Janet and Betelgeuse are laughing for a completely different reason."

Kibosh looked at the most murderous couple of idiots and saw them petting Ammit and Cerberus with the Hot Stuff and Casper smiling between them.

Dr. Harvey joined Persephone's side and made a thoughtful humming sound, "Yes. The boy had known nothing but pain and suffering for the longest time. That claptrap that you disliked so much… it was letting him know that he was finally safe. He was finally free to smile. They were trying to cheer him up without him feeling emotionally crowded."

***

Janet flew in her hawk form as she scanned the area. Seeing nothing suspicious or anything that would give them a disadvantage the hawk flew back to the others.

"Everything clear, Sis?" Betelgeuse looked at the bird of prey with worry, "And out of subject, is it okay for you to fly like that in your condition?"

{Seriously, Bro?}

"I'm allowed to worry about my segregated sister... who's pregnant."

{City Hall is clear. And I am alright. I am pregnant, not broken. So please don't start with me.}

"If you say so, Sis. Point of entries?"

{Third floor has an open window but the whole place is warded. Don't get me wrong. The wards are super weak. Might take some doing, but we can bust in.}

Stretch made a huge sigh, "The one time I wish Kibosh was with us."

{Kibosh agreed to stay with the kids and the doctors at the bar.}

"Yeahhhhhhh… but we kinda lost a tank in this Party." Stinky was getting fidgety. "Feels like something is going to go wrong."

{First off...NERRRRRD! Man I miss my D&D playing kids.... Second, we still have two tanks, two rogues, a healer, and a mage.}

Stinky gave her the stink-eye, "I know that you are referring to you being the healer and Betelgeuse's one of the rogues. But who are the tanks, mage, and the other rogue?"

Fatso gave a small smile, "Stretch and I are the tanks..." Everyone looks at Fatso with catfish gaping mouths. "Ah… Fuck… Stretch, I remember."

"What?"

"I remember being the Town Butcher. I also remember how I died." Fatso gave a huge sigh. "I know you told the kids it was the alcohol that did Stinky and me in. And it's not that unreasonable why you thought that. But I remember how I really died."

"How long?"

"Always remembered. Stretch? I died a very violent death. They… found out that I had a black lover. Took thirteen men to take me down and I took over half of them with me." He made a chuckle sound, "The cowards wouldn't dare jump me in the Shop. Too many potential weapons I guessed."

"You're missing for a year after ya died, Fatso. I figured you were in the waiting room or crossed over when I found out." Stretch rubbed his brother's back, "Ya never been to the Netherlands… have ya? Well except when buying booze."

"Nope. After I died I killed the remaining attackers a couple of days later and traveled the world. Finally got to see an opera, and tried some exotic foods. Funny how the dead are more alive then the living…" Fatso paused thinking about what to tell his older brother, "And I am really a Class IV Seven Deadly."

"Fuck… You're a Legend…"

"Class IV…"

"Same as the Ghosts of Christmas. Fuck… I take it you're Gluttony."

{Your incorporeal form is NOT your real self? Tisk Tisk.} Janet lifted her wings to take off one more time. {I am going to do another lap around the building. See if I can find the weakest spots in the ward.}

After Janet was gone Stretch returned his attention back to his brother, "Why didn't you tell me, Fatso?"

"Why didn't you tell us that you were a Class VII Poltergeist?"

"Touche." Stretch eyed Stinky, "Since we are hanging out some laundry, any dirty little secrets you wanna share?"

"I don't remember much about my life, but I remembered that my body was dumped in the sewers. I think I am a class V? I mean I don't just stink, I can control chemicals that stink."

Betelgeuse perked up, "Chemicals?"

"Uh, Yeah. Like Acetic Acid and Trimethylamine."

"What about Hydrogen Sulfide?"

"What part of 'my body dumped in the sewers' did ya not understand? Of course I can control Sewer Gas. Your poi-" The little stinker stopped and smiled, "Smart… Really smart. Hydrogen Sulfide is highly toxic and flammable. Perfect for making fireballs in fact."

Betelgeuse snapped his fingers, "And you can control acids that can eat away solid mass."

"Like walls that entrapped a bunch of kids imprisoned by a soul-sucking monster? Well shit. I am the mage… but who is the other rouge?"

{I wish I can say I am surprised that you assholes forgot about me.} Everyone jumped at the sound of Myst's disembodied voice. {I guess the best rouge is one that is not only invisible, but forgotten...}

***

"Teach you a lesson on backstabbing me. Didn't it, Mr. Big?" The false mayor was so busy belittling an already small man that he didn’t even notice that he grew an audience.

"Sir-"

"DON'T! This had become a shit show. Not only do I have to make nice to that faceless soul munching asshole! But now I have to deal with the Royals and Porta Inferni!"

"That's-"

"DON'T INTERRUPT ME!"

"But Sir!" Bigs pointed behind the faker.

The invisible man turned around and with the most fake southern accent you ever had heard, "What's your concern, citizens?"

Janet gave him a very predatory smile, "Too late Prey. You're going to answer to your 'concerned citizens' about their missing kids."

"Wha-"

"Well, ya gave the cultists Royal Artifacts that belonged to the city. Hence the Royal Family being in Virgil, Prey."

"Wait-"

“And Prey, not only did ya support the 'faceless soul munching demon,' but also provided the children for his meals. Hence Porta Inferni knocking on your door.”

"That-"

"And ya didn't even notice that I have a PAVR on ya."

"Paranormal Active Video Recorder?"

"And it's LIVE, Prey!"

"WHY ARE YOU CALLING ME PREY?!"

Janet’s smile dropped and her face became hard to read, "What else would a hunter call his next kill?"

The pretender ran past Janet and the others, out the door. Only to face a large crowd on the other side. Both humans and non-humans yelling for justice if not revenge.

“Kidnapper!”

“Murderer!”

“Sellout!”

“Trator!”

“Stop” Janet’s hand was raised as well as her voice, “You want your loved ones back?! We need this scab of a bastardy fraud to lead us to the kids!” Janet looked at the man with a serious look on her face, “Last chance. Led us to the children!”

The man that had everyone brainwashed to believe he was the mayor nodded his head.

Janet handed him to some stocky humans nearby and walked over to the others, “I won't be joining you.”

Beteleguse looked at his partner with worry when he noticed that she had been flinching from phantom pains, “Is it time for you to nest?”

“Save the kids before I die. You have three hours.”

***

Took a while to get the information Betelgeuse needed from the false mayor. And once he got it he pushed the mayor onto the masses who went after him like piranhas on a slab of meat.

After they found the demon's hideout, Myst went ahead to get intel and report it. Betelgeuse and the Trio waited for news from Myst. They were invisible but stayed far, just in case.

Their allied disembodied voice returned, {The place is surrounded by cultists. And the demon is here.}

"Did ya find the kids?"

{No...}

The five of them sat there, racking their brains when something unexpected happened, "Uncle Stretch?"

"Gahhhh!... Casper?! What the hell are you doing here?"

Casper looked at his three uncles sheepishly, "Being a Tutelar?"

"Don't be a smart alec, Short Sheet." Stretch grumbled, "How did you find us anyway?"

"The Call. I followed Mr. Betelgeuse's Call." The friendly ghost looks at the seemingly abandoned building, "But now I feel another Call. A more powerful one in there. I think it's the kidnapped victims."

The adults looked at each other and looked at the little ghost. Stretch grumblings got louder, "I can't believe I am suggesting this…. Casper? Can you lead us to the kids?"

"I think that's why I am here." Though he kept it a secret that Janet encouraged him to find and help his family.

Stinky glared at the building, "But how do we get inside?"

Betelgeuse smiled wickedly, "Easy… Think fast boys!" The Snake Demon transformed and rammed into the side of the building.

"Shit! Boys we need to disappear!" Stretch and his family turned invisible and traveled through the wall that wasn't damaged. So far the crazy lunatic's plan worked. The Cultists were too busy messing with Snake Betelgeuse that they didn't even notice that he wasn't alone.

"Over here..." Casper spoke only loud enough for only the other four ghosts to hear. Casper led them to a pit in a dark crevice out of sight. If you didn't know what you were looking for you would have not have found it. And if you did find it, it was because you have fallen in. It was that well hidden.

"Down we go."

"Into the great unknown."

"I shouldn't have eaten that scone." The boys looked at Fatso with puzzling looks. But instead of their usual banter they silently dived down the dark pit.

The amount of kids was bigger than they thought. The pit is big and extremely crowded. Most of the smaller kids were sleeping on the laps of the older ones.

They were all filthy from not bathing for long periods of time. The smell that would have normally made Stinky rejoice, instead sicken him. Some of the kids were picking maggots off of what passed as food before eating it.

For the first time in their afterlife… the Trio didn't wanna scare… How were they going to reveal themselves without scaring anyone?

But Casper being himself quietly spoke to the nearest group of kids, "Hello, I am Casper. Please be my friend."

The group looked up where the voice came from, but a calm older boy spoke, "Hello Casper. My name is Brian. Brian Stevenson. Can you show yourself? Don't worry. These kids aren't afraid of ghosts."

When the ghost became visible again Casper took charge once more, "Nice to meet you, Brian! These are my uncles, Stretch, Stinky, and Fatso. We also have a friend named Myst somewhere around here. We are here to get you out."

{Hey fellas? Some scary blonde lady is coming!}

The ghost turned invisible once more and hiden just before Carrigan Crittenden with a group of cultists entered, "Time to feed our Master." Crittenden reached for a child.

Shit.

An ethereal shield appeared between the Hell Escapee and the kids. A glowing blonde hair young man with blue eyes and wearing a white shirt had his arms raised to form the shield.

Stretch looks at the teenager in recognition, "Casper?"

Casper in human form smiled as levitating feet touched the ground. Grass started to grow around him and his light grew brighter.

"The Tutelar Spirit! Get him!" Crittenden screeched at the human cultists.

But Stretch and Fatso intervene. Stretch was already in his poltergeist form. Fatso, who hasn't changed into his Gluttony form in over a hundred years, was still changing.

His flabby face was getting rounder with less flab on his sideburned cheeks, his thick dark brown hair clinged to his skull in wavy curls, and his belly was getting more solid, showing that alive he was more stocky than obese. His chest, arms, and shoulders looked solid and strong. The sleeves of his button up were rolled past his elbows and his brown trousers were held up by spenders. And yet the tan colored apron around his waist didn't look at all odd with the assemble.

What did look odd was the shirt was opened and a vertical slit was shown on his stomach. If one didn't know any better, one would assume that the slit was a surgical scar. And luckily for our heroes the cultists didn't know better.

After the humans finally snapped out of shock from seeing ghosts transforming they charged at Stretch and Fatso. Stretch raised his hand and the fuckers turned to fleshy looking ice sculptures.

Fatso's slit opened revealing sharp shark like teeth and a frog like tongue. The tongue grabbed some nearby devotees and led them to his gaping mouth. The sound of crunching bones and screaming covered the loud belch from Fatso.

While Stretch and Fatso were busy with the idiots in robes and Casper shielding the kids, Stinky had to form the escape plan. "Brian, right?"

"Yes Sir!"

Stinky flinched from a headache. Something about being called 'sir' by a youth felt too familiar and heartbreaking. Stinky waved the strange feeling to the side, there's more pressing matters to attend to. "Have you guys been digging?"

"Sir?"

"Come on kid! You can't tell me that you spent three months here without a 'Great Escape' plan."

"Follow me." Brian led the ghost to the back of the room and moved a loose stone out of the wall. "We got a pretty decent tunnel but we hit hard clay. It's like cement."

"Stay here. I am on it." Stinky dived through the tunnel and found the clay. Brian wasn't kidding. The kids literally had the tunnel stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Hydrofluoric was forming out of Stinky's hand. And as he touched the wall it started to disintegrate. He kept pushing through till he finally saw a light.

He had done it...

…

Fuck.

"ShitShitShit! SHIT!"

{What's wrong?}

"GAH! Fuck Myst! Ya scared me to life!"

{Not surprising… but seriously, what's wrong? You completed the tunnel! Let's get the kids out.}

"I used Hydrofluoric acid… it's a superacid that is corrosive towards humans. That means it will kill the kids if they go through."

{Shit..}

"Exactly."

{I'll be back to give your brothers a heads-up. Try to figure something out before I get back!}

Fuck.

Myst traveled back to the battle. And boy, did things escalate. Corpses scattered everywhere in a gory mess. The Demon that was fighting Betelgeuse had joined the skirmish and was reaching for the children beyond the Tutelar's weakening shield. Stretch made a barrier out of sharp cones of ice and bodies and Fatso was starting to look unwell. Betelgeuse was laughing like a maniac with black blood oozing out of his mouth.

{Gentleman!}

"Not now, Myst!" Stretch was looking tired and his body was slowly getting transparent again.

{I have bad news.}

Stretch flung his arm to make daggers of icicles hit "God damnit! What?!"

{Your brother finished the tunnel but it's very poisonous towards humans.}

"TELL THAT IDIOT BROTHER OF MINE TO RE-ABSORB THE POISON!"

{On it!}

Crittenden snuck up on Stretch and tackled him to the floor, "Not so fast you flaccid little worm you! Show yourself or this bedsheet gets it."

Stretch, weakened from overusing his powers struggled underneath the evil bitch, "Myst! Don't listen to her! That's how she killed Doc!"

{Flaccid… little… worm...} Then a sound of creepy laughter filled the pit. {Oh thank you Carrigan, for reminding me...}

Crittenden eyes widened in realizations, "Dibs?"

{I go by 'Myst' now.} A hazy fog appeared in the room covering everything and everyone up. Myst laughed as the vapor started to form a human figure. Paul "Dibs" Plutzker was still wearing the pastel green shirt and white suspenders he died in and his blue eyes were wide with madness.

{Oh I would have so much fun with you, if only time wasn't so pressing. Until then Sweetheart, I believe you have a flight to catch.} Crittenden's jaw dropped as she was being flung out of the pit and through the ceiling. The Fog Ghost looked at the remaining cultists. {Anyone else?}

The surviving devotees looked at their master as if debating if he was worth it and started running screaming. Dibs transformed back into Myst and called out in a sing-song way, {Gotta get back to Stinky.}

All that was left was the faceless fiend that just stood there, "Interesting… But you will lose. You're all weakened from the fighting. Once that icy cold barricade melts and the Tutelar's shield disperse I will enjoy eating ever- What's that sound?"

The deafening roar of an engine was getting louder and louder…

CRASH! VERUMMMM!

"Need a woman's hand, boys?"

"Holy shit! Blair?" Fatso smiled at the sight of their maid in all her badass glory on top of Ichabod's seat waving the rosary beads.

"Fatso? Is that you?"

Stretch on the other hand is pissed. Not at Blair, but at the fact that he was scared. Scared of losing his family and the woman he never had the guts to tell her… "Blair! Get the fuck out of here!"

"Miss Blair?" Casper's shield finally depleted.

The Abomination took advantage of the confusion and charged for Casper. But Blair Blinked between him and is first choice of a meal.

But a meal is till a meal.

The Long Man grabbed Blair by the neck as a slit on his face ripped open. Blair can feel her life being shucked out but she only smiled, "Go ndéana an diabhal dréimire de cnámh do dhroma ag piocadh úll i ngairdín Ifrinn…"

Blair's soul less body dropped to the floor. The ghosts were too shocked to say a word…

The Demon stepped back. What the hell was that? A Gaelic curse? Most Gaelic curses are nothing more than flowery insults, but this… felt different… like… a real Curse!

A squatty man in overalls, newscap, and buck teeth came out of the tunnel. "Hey guys! Every kid is out-" Stinky, in his new palpable form, noticed the body on the floor. "Blair?"

"Gasp!" Blair shot back up and looked at the Demon, who jumped even farther back, with an icy glare.

"Thought you can get rid of me that easily?" She flipped him the bird and started to yell, "PÓG MO THÓIN YA GODSHITE EEJIT!"

"How?" The Demon took another step back not noticing that he was in a trap.

Betelgeuse, finally in reach, grabbed the fowl beast by a nearby limb and pulled him down. The monster screamed from the pain of Betelgeuse's teeth on his neck.

But instead of white light coming out of the bastard's body shadows crawled out of the abyss. A booming voice was heard, "WHAT LOVELY BONES TO MAKE MY LADDER. CAN'T WAIT TO START APPLE PICKING."

Betelgeuse started to laugh again, "Later Slendy P. Slenderman!"

The shadows grabbed Slenderman and started to rip him to shreds. Taking each piece one by one back to the fiery pits, the shadows return once where they came from.

Casper, exhausted and back to his intangible form, slumped next to Stretch, "Is it over?"

Stretch, also finally in his incorporeal form, cuttled his nephew, "Yeah. It's over."

"Not quite." Blair walked to Betelgeuse and pulled his arm over her shoulders.

"Shit! Fuck! Blair, you're stronger than you look." Betelgeuse, in a little pain, limped over to Blair's motorcycle. "What do ya mean 'not quite?' We've beaten the asshole, right?"

"Think Betel! How did I came back? After he sucked my soul, how did I came back?"

"Betelgeuse stared at Blair for a moment before something clicked, "Where's Janet?"

"In the Lost Souls Room."

***

Everyone met at St. Beatrice Hospital where Janet was brought in after the Lost Souls Room became empty. The door was opened and not a lost soul was found in the room.

The Harveys and McFaddens saw it quite amusing to find Mother Mary Helen, Freddy Kruger's biological mother piping about how she should be the one to take care of Janet.

But all became real quiet when a dark goddess stormed in like a force to be reckoned with demanding the whereabouts of her husband. "My name is Lydia Deetz! My husband is Betelgeuse 'The Snake' Orien!"

After everyone were discharged shortly after everyone thought it was a good day to visit a sidewalk cafe. The Grays practically reserve the sidewalk for their daughter-in-law, Janet. "I can't believe I missed all the fun?"

Stinky ruffled Janet's hair, "I can't believe how young you really are?" And young is an understatement. The woman was in her mid twenties. A stalk difference from her old crone look.

"I think the white hair and red eyes are badass-"

Stretch started to think very deeply. Doc is dead, Kat is now orphaned, and Casper will be going to the Higher Plains.

If only he can bring them back… if only they can get the Lazarus to work… if only...

Didn't even registered that Brian and Marice were kissing.

Betelgeuse snapped his fingers in Stretch's face, "Hey buddy! Ya okay?"

The leader of the Trio (excuse me, Quar-dead) jumped a little and turned bubble gum pink. "Sorry."

Dr. Harvey patted his friend's back, "We had a good run, didn't we?"

"What? Shit Doc. I was just thinking about how to get Lazarus back-n'-runni-"

BAM! Crash. "Lazarus?! Did you say Lazarus? As in the machine built by John Thomas McFadden, named after the man revived from death by the King of the Higher Plain?"

"How do you know that?" Stretch was feeling a lot… alot of desperation, suspicion, and hope.

"How do you know about my dad's invention?" Casper's innocent question nearly brought on the waterworks again.

Janet turned around and made three short whistles. Christen rolled up next to the cafe and opened her trunk. After shuffling through a tote-bag that's in the trunk the odd woman brought out a leather booklet.

"Alistair 'Stretch' McFadden? I have the journal of the greatest inventor of the supernatural world." Janet passed the text to the head of the McFaddens. "JT McFadden was looking for and studying phoenixes. Phoenix blood was the secret ingredient for the primordial potion to bring the dead back to life. But the elixir is very advanced and the entire recipe is in Latin."

Casper nodded his head, "Of course! The primordial soup had to be brewed by highly skilled witches to make it. Sadly at the time witches wouldn't help ghosts. Ectoplasm was used in a lot of potions and rituals."

The Phoenix sat back down and her husband passed her a knife and little glass bottle. "I wouldn't be too surprised if he blotched the first two batches. The recipe was for three-"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" Stretch grabbed my hand to stop Janet from cutting.

"You need my blood for the primordial brew." Janet cut her wrist and filled the vial.

Fatso grabbed the container before Stretch could do anything to it, "Bro? We can bring Doc back to life. Hell! We can bring Casper to life."

Stinky waved his hand and a cellphone appeared. "And I know the Goodwitch to call!"

Freddy eyed the trio, "You know the Goodwitch Clan?"

Fatso laughed, "Know them?! Casper dated the queen when she was still a kid!"

Casper smiled at Kat, "I can't wait to introduce you to Wendy."

Notes:

Hey! Wanna vote what gender the baby is? Here are the choices:

 

Pyre- boy
Cinne- girl
Jehoel- non-binary

Just messaged the name you want!

Chapter 4: Ashes to Ashes

Summary:

If the majority of the story sounds familiar that's because I used a Reddit post as inspiration for this chapter.

https://www.reddit.com/r/entitledparents/comments/b3t3sz/ep_steals_the_ashes_of_a_cremated_child_knowingly/

Because this was the kind of thing a Tutelar Spirt would fix.

Everyone came home that morning and started to get busy as if the last two days didn't happen.

At least they tried to.

There was so much unrest when they returned. Dr. Harvey took twice as many clientele. Casper and Blair worked even harder on keeping the house. Kat went straight to bed since it was a Saturday and she only had three hours of sleep in the past two days altogether.

As for the Trio... Stretch had gotten a hold of their witchy friends on the second ring.

"Stretch Dear, what is wrong? You never called us!"

Stretch tangled his fingers in the cords of the ancient rotary phone. "Nothing is wrong exactly, Gerti. It's… we might have a way to bring-Casper-back-to-life-plus-
one-other!"

"..."

"..."

"We are coming over!"

"How soon can you get here?"

"Why don't you open your front door and find out?"

In a flash Stretch ditched the phone, grabbed his brothers, and was in front of the door.

"They couldn't be here already..." Stinky was smiling widely with thoughts of his best friend Gabby. The Witch is the master potion brewer and downright lover of trashy romance novels of the Goodwitch Sisters.

"Knowing the girls… I would say yes!" Fatso was also having a hard time holding his excitement! Fanny and Fatso learned early in their friendship that they have a love for sweets and would exchange recipes and the occasional music records.

A flash of light and the sound of thunder was heard behind the door. Stretch smirked at the others and opened the door…

"HELLO, BOYS!"

The reasonable but adventurous Fanny flew in and tackled Fatso. "Gotcha!"

"F-fanny!" The big ghost who saw his friend pulling a dangerous stunt made himself solid enough that it was like jumping on a waterbed. "What were you thinking?"

"That you would catch me. And I was right!"

The others shook their heads at the sight of their siblings' shenanigans.

Gertrude Goodwitch, head of the Goodwitch family, gave Stretch a very calculated look, "Alright Bedsheet. What is this about bringing Casper back to life? Does this have anything to do with the machine in the basement?"

Stretch straightened himself up and made an evil looking grin, "It has everything to do with the machine?"

Intrigued, Gerti crossed her arms, "Tell us more."

***

"Kathleen Harvey… you got stones..."

Kat rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and looked at her friend at the door, "And what does that mean, Jimothy Jenkins?"

Jimmy raised his hand and started pointing at his fingers, "You got kidnapped by cultists, got saved by the greatest killers in Porta Inferni, you helped saved a devil that is some sort of heir, you were there when the Lost Souls Room became empty, and-"

"Annnnnd! Your point?"

"...You're also lucky that Dad covered for your missing two days of school. He told all the teachers and your boss that you were out of town due to a family emergency. And nobody was going to question a police officer."

"That was cool of him." Kat gave Jimmy a sleepy smirk as she grabbed the pile of papers from her friend, "You wanna come in? The Trio have witches for guests and they're having tea in the kitchen."

"Ghost sympathizing witches! Hell yeah!" Before Kat said anything Jimmy was already in the main hall, "Where's the kitchen?"

"Jimmy?!" Kat laughed and took her classmate's hand. "It's through here."

Kat led Jimmy towards the kitchen and opened the door to an interesting conversation.

"The fact that your brother wrote this in Latin and using the metric measurement system is evidence that he wrote this with witches in mind." Gerti was going through the journal like it was a holy artifact.

"Yes! But he had to have known back then ghosts and witches were enemies at the time. I mean… he found phoenix blood for god's sake! He was knee-deep in the supernatural." Stretch turned his head to the teens that walked in and gave Kat a nod in permission to join. "Why couldn't he have written it so Stinky could brew the primordial soup?"

"Because this wasn't something for an amateur chemist to take on, no offense Stinky."

"None has taken!" Stinky waved his hand dismissively. He knew exactly what Gerti was saying. The potion is much more advanced than his skill set. Plus he recognized that the only ones that can successfully brew this concoction were alchemists and witches. And Stinky was no alchemist.

Gabby read the recipe out loud "Aloe, rosemary, hyssop, myrrh, frankincense, and SHEPHERD'S PURSE!!! These are all ancient Israelis embalming herbs!"

"I guess adding Phoenix Blood to straightens the herbs from mummification to reviving…" Jimmy scratched his head, "Brings back the age-old question if mummies and zombies are the same or distantly close…"

The women at the table looked at Jimmy in curiosity. Fanny smiled at the young man, "So, what's your story. Not scared of ghosts and witches, are ya?"

"No ma'am. Compared to Deadites I find most ghosts to be pretty cool. And other than Ms. Evira, I haven't met many witches. I heard it's very hard to meet ghost sympathizers outside of Porta Inferni." Jimmy smiled shyley, "Are you the Goodwitch Sisters? Ms. Elvira told me about a coven of witches that are ghost allies."

Blair smiled as she placed teacups and a plate of shortbread cookies in front of the teens, "Keep your eyes on this kid. Good head on his shoulders."

Gabby grabbed his arm, "If only he didn't have the need to cut himself." Gabby lifted his long sleeves off his arm, revealing red marks. Gabby took a bottle out of her pocket and dropped the potion on his scars. Jimmy's eyes widened as the marks disappeared. "Don't let Casper see those. It would cause him to worry."

"Yes ma'am."

All of a sudden a loud racket was heard from the main hall, "OF ALL THE STUPID THINGS-"

"Where have you sent us, girl?!"

The kitchen door opened and a very beautiful blonde haired woman in a well fitted red jumper with the hood draped over her head walked in, "I thought I smelled Auntie Gabby's healing brew in here. Stretch? I am afraid I brought trouble into your house and I might need help."

Both Gabby and Stretch got up and headed towards the door, "What the hell did you get us into this time, Wendy?" Stretch turned his attention towards the others, "Well? Are you coming or not?"

In the main hall Kibosh and three Nether Borns of devil descent were trapped in a glowing circle. Casper, who was also investigating the din, was floating down from upstairs. While on the far side of the hall next to the library doors was Dr. Harvey, Prince Vince, and...

"HOT STUFF!" Kat and Casper ran up to their friend and gave him a much-needed hug.

Hot Stuff's voice is still a little small but less scratchy, "Kat? Casper?"

"Dude! I thought I would never see you again!" Kat gives the red-skinned monster a look, "Hot Stuff? Why are you still wearing a diaper?"

"Injudicious child! That is a traditional loincloth-”

“Looks like a duck, quacks like a duck.” Kat was not having any bullshit today! The young lady marched towards the red-skinned woman and got close and personal. “Traditional or not you are forcing Hot-”

“His name is Abbadon. And he is your superi-”

“DO NOT INTERRUPT ME AGAIN!”

The woman stepped back white-eyed and stupefied, “I’ve never!”

“You know what? Y'all's not gonna listen to me because of some bigotry against me for being human.” Kat returned to her friends, “Let's get Hot Stuff some real clothes!”

Stretch was refraining himself from hugging, praising, and all other forms that are grossly sweet acts of affections towards his hauntee. He has never been so proud of her. “Sounds like a plan!!! Does anyone have any spare clothes for him to wear at the mall?”

Dr. Harvey smiled at his spunky daughter as he handed Blair the keys to the station wagon. "I have a t-shirt that he can wear. Sorry that you'll be swimming in it, Hot Stuff-"

"Abbadon."

Pants on the other hand…"

Casper came up the stairs and back down with a pair of old shorts and James' tee, "Found some of my knickerbocker from when I was alive that is in surprisingly good shape!"

Jimmy looked at Hot Stuff's feet, "Benjamin might have some shoes…"

Blair started to herd the kids out the door. "Good good! Hot Stuff you sit between Jimmy and Kat while we go to the Jenkins' household for those shoes and a place for you to get dressed. Do you have a Day Form?"

The moment Blair and the kids were out of the house Stretch gave the red-skinned family a very manic smile, "My, my! My house is becoming a popular hangout." Stretch then floated between Wendy and Vince, draping his arms over their shoulders. "Let me guess. Hot Stuff-"

"Abbadon."

"Was reunited with his surviving family, as sketchy as it is that he had surviving relatives. And Hot Stuff-"

"Abbadon!"

"Was not too thrilled about the family traditions and freaked out because of the diaper-"

"Loincloth!"

"Who's the old lady that keeps interrupting me?"

Wendy smiled at the ghost, "Clinker Scratch. Hot Stuff's-"

"ABBADON!"

"Very old fashioned aunt. The boy that looks about Hot Stuff's-"

"HIS NAME IS ABBADON! ABBADON! ABBADON!"

"-age is his cousin, Demo. And the very uncomfortable old man is his grandfather, Blaze Voland."

"It's pronounced WO~LAND!"

Stretch rolled his eyes, "Wow… this is going to be a long day…"

***

"There! How's that?" Lily Jenkins finished placing shoes on the little devil.

"A little tight… but I think I can manage."

Benjamin was really excited to meet another supernatural creature. "Can I touch your tail?"

"Benjamin James Jenkins?"

At the sound of his full name, he took a step back from Hot Stuff. "Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude."

Hot Stuff laughed, "I was about your age the last time I was with my parents. I was pretty rambunctious myself." Hot Stuff's smiling face dropped, "Dad's horns were huge. If I ever catch my dad sitting in his favorite chair I would sneak up behind him and jump up with hopes that I would be able to grab him by the horns."

Kat scooped him up, "OMG! You were adorable!"

"Gahhhhh! GIT-OFF-ME-Kat!"

Lily ran to the kitchen at the sound of the phone ringing. And returned a few minutes later. "Jimmy? I am sorry, baby. But you're gonna have to take Benjamin with you to the mall."

"What?"

"I got a call from the firm. A new development happened to a divorce case that I am working on."

Benjamin looked at his mother with a smile, "Don't worry, Mommy! The rat bastard will lose custody."

Lily gave her son the disappointed mom look, "Benjamin..."

"Sorry, ma'am!"

Lily then walked up to Blair, "You don't mind, do you?"

Blair scratched her head, "I don't mind, but I am more worried about Casper's and Hot Stuff's Day Form than Benjamin."

Lily's eyes widened, "Shoot that's right! I mean Casper can spend the day invisible but that would-"

"Yeah, it would dismiss him from most of the fun..."

"I can Day Form…" Hot Stuff hanged his head low, "One of the cultists was a child psychiatrist and he would take me in my Day Form and use me as bait to kidnap some kids…"

Blair wanted to scoop him up into a hug but restraint herself, "Oh Sweetheart!"

After Blair let him go he started to change his skin color from red to ebony, his horns and tail were gone. "So… What do you thin-"

"You look so beautiful! I mean you look the same just with a different color." Kat wanted to touch his skin but reasoned herself that her poking and prodding would be inappropriate.

"My dad once told me that the Devils were the first true monsters and had to mingle with the first humans. So our Day Forms had to match the fleshies."

Casper smiled, "I think I can control my Day Form also! I know I did it only once, but I think I can do it again!" Casper smiled sheepishly, "My Day Form is not as cool as yours, Hot Stuff."

Casper started to glow. So softly, but eye-grabbing.

Kat was intently reminded about the time Fatso called his nephew "glow-worm." Her eyes widened when Casper was in full human form with dirty blonde hair and the prettiest baby blues.

Is he taller?

"Casper?" Kat walked up to him and raised her hand over his head, comparing his new height with hers, "I think you aged..."

Casper looked down at his best friend, "Shit…" Memories of the Halloween party flood through his mind. The two danced, eye to eye. "I'm taller… I aged? I need to sit down."

***

The phone in Dr. Harvey's office rang and then silenced by the phone floated off the hook. As if an invisible force was holding the receiver. {Dr. Harvey's Therapy and Counseling for the Dead and Grieving. How may I help you?}

Kat's voice came out of the phone, "Myst? Why are you in my dad's office?"

{Answering phone calls and rescheduling all the doctor's appointments.} Myst said as if that was the most obvious thing in the world. {Your father is still in the main Hall with the Royal Family and…. Their guests…}

Kat made a groaning sound, "Oh God… But that still doesn't answer my real question."

{I just wanted to make up for the way I treated you and your father when I was alive.} Myst was generally apologetic about the whole thing and really want to atone for his sins. Even though he feels that Myst and Dibbs are two separate individuals, he still felt responsible for his living-self's actions. {I thought it would make the Doctor's life easier with a secretary.}

"Oh! That's great! Does my father know you're there?"

{Not yet. But until then I will work in the shadows. Anything I can do for you Miss Harvey?}

"I don't know if you can help with my problem… Casper seems to have been... growing up…"

{Oh! Is that all! You see what is happening is Casper is mentally and spiritually maturing! Your friendship with Casper and all the experiences of you growing up in front of him is giving him personal growth.}

"So he is ageing because he is growing as a person?"

{Exactly! Remember the Warden? She was child-like in every way! Spiritually emotionally and maturely. Even though she was one of the oldest spooks in Virgil.}

"I remembered that my dad once hypnotized Casper into a baby…"

{It's the same thing. Even memories can make a spirit grow up.}

Kat smiled at her cellphone and looked up at her friend, "Thank you, Mr. Plutzker."

{Call me Myst, please.} After he hung up the phone he traveled down to the basement.

The Frankenstein book opened and the button was pushed as if by magic. The Lazarus groaned as it came out of its watery fog. Myst, the ghost formally known as Paul "Dibbs" Plutzker, has a mission.

What is the mission? He didn't know. The Angel said to help the Whipstaff Household. Help them with what? He didn't know that either. But he was determined to find out!

"In here, Mi Ladies!" Fatso's booming voice came through the entry hall of the laboratory. "Watch your step. Huh? That's funny. I don't remember the machine being out..."

Myst stayed quiet and watched Fatso and the Goodwitch Sisters coming down and looked all around the basement.

"I thought I felt the ground shaken earlier." Gerti jumped down with flow and grace, "Is it truly alright to leave the others with… Them?"

"The Doc can handle himself for a while and if he needs help Stretch and Stinky are with him. Don't forget that Wendy and Vince are also forces to be reckoned with. Betelgeuse will be coming down with your things shortly, but he will come in handy if we get into a pinch."

Gerti nodded her head and looked around for the perfect spot for the cauldron.

Betelgeuse Blinked into the room with some potion making instruments and the Goodwitch Family's cauldron, "Where would you like your things, Madams?"

"Oh, Betelgeuse! Don't pop up like that!" Fanny was already clearing and cleaning the table, "The potion set can be on the table for now. Gerti, did you find a place for the cauldron?"

Fatso smiled. Even though he should hate Betelgeuse for what he has done to his family, he just can't. He was glad that the demon was willing to help. Grated he should clean up his hundred years old mess.

Gerti walked to a corner and waved her hand. Yellow sparks flew out of her fingertips and created a fire pit, workbench, and a few chairs. Even Myst approved of her style.

Gerti walked over to the Ghost With the Most and helped him move the large pot over the fire pit, "Glad Stretch talked you into helping Mr. Juice. Alright, Ladies! Let's get to work!"

Fanny floated up to the machine with blueprints in hand, "The Lazarus seems to be a complex steam room." After pulling the lever to open the door she stepped inside and looked at the walls around the plush chair in the middle of the chamber. "The primordial soup enters which is then heated into steam and enters the chamber through the vents. The steam of the potion mixed into the ectoplasm of the ghost in the machine. Turning ecto into bio. For a mad genius inventor, your brother really likes simplicity, Fatso."

Fatso flew over to Fanny with a raised brow, "Ya call this 'simplicity?' Comparing this with the house's hidden rooms, The Up and At'em Machine, and all his other stuff that Edison took credit for…. This was his greatest invention he ever made! And he was locked up for it."

"I kinda have to agree with Fatso." Betelgeuse frowned at the Lazarus, "And at the same time I really feel ashamed that I was part of this madness. If your brother ever gave me credit for the invention of the machine I would run for the hills. I guess I was responsible for the death of both your brother and nephew."

Fanny gave Fatso an apologetic smile, "Not all mad scientists are evil."

"JT's best friend used to say that."

Myst took another look around the McFadden Laboratory. Even though he still didn't find out what his mission was, he was satisfied that the residents of the manor were working on this. He returned to the doctor's office to finish his starker-secretary duties.

***

"Where should we go first?" Kat was practically bouncing in her passenger side seat, "Zumiez? Spencers? Skunkfunk? Oh, I know! Let's go to Hot Topic!"

Blair removed her hand from the steering wheel to playfully pinched Kat's cheek like she was a little child asking an old lady for candy, "Why do I have a feeling you have a certain style in mind for Hot Stuff?"

Kat rolled her eyes at Blair's antics, "Well think about it. Over one-third of the people who suffer from depression and PTSD aren’t even treated, because no one believes them. Because they’re just 'going through a phase' or because 'mental illnesses don’t actually exist.' And most patients want to hide the fact that they are not okay."

Hot Stuff looked at his human friend with skepticism, "And having me wear 'what' will help me 'how?' I am having some doubts, Kat."

"In 'Interview with a Vampire' Anne Rice wrote a scene of vampires acting as humans pretending to be vampires in a play about vampires!"

Casper gave Hot Stuff a nudge with his elbow, "It's a book turned movie and a cult classic."

"By pretending that you're okay by admitting that you are not pretending to be okay. You need edgy clothing, skulls and crossbones, spiky studs, chains, and safety pins!" Kat turned around to look Hot Stuff dead in the eye. "Show your family that you wouldn't be pushed around by being you that is dark but extreme."

Benjamin, being the impressionable one raised his hand as if this was a school field trip, "So the best way to hide flaws is parading it?"

Jimmy gave Kat a very judgy look, "You know Kat? Maybe Hot Stuff should choose his outfits. Besides, you're starting to sound like Dr. Harvey with a bad idea."

"And 25 plus minutes of driving from Friendship to Rockland has finally paid off!" Blair smiled as she pulled up to the parking lot of the mall.

As everyone was getting out of the car Casper was looking around to see if anyone was nearby. Casper then ran his fingers through his hair and his clothes started to change into jeans, a white tee, and a black leather jacket.

Throwing double finger guns at Kat with a crooked smile, "Hey… just be yourself by not trying to act cool. You become cool by showing people you don't care what they think."

Kat started to laugh, "Oh My God Casper!"

"So cool." Jimmy this time was the impressionable one. He tried to hide his red face but failed to do so without anyone noticing. Jimmy's friends smiled and pretended that they didn't see anything.

"Wish I could change my clothes like that." Hot Stuff looked at himself with the shirt that draped over him like a dress, the victorian shorts, and the shoes that were too small. "Then this trip would be very short."

They gathered through the store and Kat was right about the punk look was indeed style to choose from. Hot Stuff loved the clothes that make him look dark and dangerous while feeling comfortable with his own skin. At the end of the day, everyone was at least carrying two bags.

"Should we go to the food court?" Blair asked the kids, "One of the shops has some really good pretzel subs."

"Ohhhh~ Fleashie comfort food! Yes Please!" Hot Stuff smiled at the thought of real food that he was denied for who knows how long.

Blair laughter, "Alright. Alright." She led the kids to the food court, "What will it be? Pastrami, Black Forest ham, turkey, eggplant?"

Jimmy's stomach growled, 'Hummm… Pastrami with swizz for me, please.``

"I like ham with cheddar myself." Kat looked around for tables with enough seats for all of them.

"Nothing for me," Casper grinned. "It'll go straight through me."

Benjamin laughed at Casper's joke and grabbed Blair's hand, "Can I please have turkey with honey mustard?"

"Sure thing sweetie." Blair turned her attention towards Hot Stuff, "What about you? What do you want?"

"…. Everything…."

"Let's start small with a BLT and work our way up."

Hot Stuff was grinning ear to ear, "Okay."

***

"But you must understand Ms. Clinker, that your nephew had experienced a soul-crushing trauma. To Hot Stuff-"

"... abbadon…" Aunt Clinker was slowly losing her will, but her pride was still strong as she repeated Hot Shift's real name in more of a murmur than a shout.

"The human children were as much of a prisoner as he was and recognized that there are both good and bad humans and non-human."

"But tradition…"

"Forcing your nephew to be something that he is not is wrong, Ms. Clinker." The doc looks at the tired she-devil, "Shall we take a break?"

"Yes. Thank you, Doc."

The two left the office and joined the others in the kitchen. While James Harvey did say that they were taking a 'break' he was still at work. Thinking that a change of scenery and a group session might be the ticket to fixing this mess.

Stretch was getting a large jar that Blair stores cookies from the cupboard, "Hey Doc! Found Blair's cookie stash!"

"Just what the doctor ordered." Dr. Harvey went to another cupboard and pulled out a few cups and the coffee pot of coffee that was fresh before Blair left. He once saw his daughter and maid mixed milk and vanilla in cold coffee to make iced lattes.

"Are you going to write 'cookies' as a prescription, doc?"

"Why not? I once made a prescription of 'chocolate' for Kat because Dementors were sucking her hope and happiness. After her mother died she hid behind her Harry Potter books and was convinced that her depression and grief was from Demeanors."

Stretch knew that losing a loved one is heart-wrenching. He should feel empathy and compassion. BUT HOW FUCKING ADORABLE WAS THAT?

Demo jumped up from his chair, "Dude! Kat reads Harry Potter also!"

"Demo! I told you to throw away that fleshy trash!"

Harvey saw an opening, "My daughter has all the books, movies, soundtracks, and all types of mobilias."

Doc sat down and drank his coffee that he forgot to add the milk. The taste was too stale and bitter but he drank it anyway, "Most of the time reality is hard and unbearable. Playing sports, telling stories, watching a movie, or reading a book all can be used to escape. It's completely normal and sometimes that and a little daydreaming can actually be good for your brain."

"But there's something called 'too much,' Doctor." Clinker give the good doctor the stink eye.

"That is true. With all things. You hold a dove too loosely and it will fly away. Hold a dove too tightly and you will end up killing it. Moderation is key to everything."

Stinky appeared behind his recently deceased friend with milk and vanilla, Stinky 'lived' with the doc long enough to notice from Dr. Harvey's face that his coffee was too cold and stale.

Clinker was looking at the three men who haunt the manor. She knew the reputation of the Ghostly Trio and was surprised to see two of them acting so kindly to the fourth ghost. She even overheard them talking about the few times the Trio saved his and his daughter's life. She was almost disgusted with the thought of the Great Therapist of the Dead being a Fleashie that lived here.

Demo, her son, was the exact opposite. He was eating up those stories about Fleshies and Spooks together in harmony. She needs to get her family out of there. But the Fleshies have her nephew and the household has the royal couple and witches to intervene if the "good doctor's" gaslighting didn't work.

And Kibosh… is useless.

She highly doubts that the Boo Father would jeopardize the Ghost-Witch alliance. Besides, Queen Wendy and Prince Vince were the real masterminds to this disgraceful torment. Do they really believe that uniting ALL the humans and non-human would work?

Just because it works for Porta Inferni doesn't mean it would work everywhere else!

"Daughter." Clinker jumped. Her father, Blaze Voland never spoke before unless he truly has something to say. "Stop whatever you are thinking. It was that kind of thinking that killed your sister and her family."

"IT WAS NOT MY FAULT! SHE AND THE BOY WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE THERE!"

Oh… shit.

***

Hot Stuff came out of the bathroom wearing his new clothes. A black shirt with a cartoon cat in a Grim Reaper costume and cargo pants. His wrists and neck were covered by black leather with silver studs. He looked great.

"What can I say?" Kat shrugged her shoulders, "When I am right, I am right."

"I agree! These clothes are super comfortable and make me look badass!" Hot Stuff strutted his stuff for the group to see in his newfound awesomeness.

"Alright, kids." Blair smiles with Benjamin piggy-backing. "Ready to go home?"

"Honestly, not really." Hot Stuff grabbed on Kat's arm, "Home… is no longer home for me."

Kat gave Hot Stuff a hug, "How about an Asylum?"

"Don't you think that I had enough with mental hospitals?"

Blair smiled, "No sweetheart. Kat ment a legal Asylum. It's like a political sanctuary to protect someone who is in danger."

Benjamin who was quiet the whole trip pointed at something in the distance, "Where's Casper going?"

Everyone looked in the direction the youngest was pointing to and noticed that Casper looked like he was looking for something.

Everyone regrouped with Casper. When Casper was aware that his friends were watching him, he blushed, "I sense a Call somewhere near here. It's faint but it is here."

Casper continued to look. He was starting to resemble a bloodhound. Casper then finally noticed a stuffed bunny sitting on the edge of a planter. It was purple and had a white heart with a ribbon. He picked it up. Because of how cute it looked he couldn't help but to cue at it. "Oh, look at this guys! Aww... Someone lost their bunny. But why am I getting a Call from the toy?"

Blair had an idea what was going on and held out her hand towards Casper, "... Let me see that?" As Casper handed the toy towards Blair she started to feel around the back of the bunny. "This looks like a classic plush toy but it might have a discreet velcro or zipper opening to hold ashes. It may be used as a keepsake urn, or as an infant urn."

Kat's eyes grew, "Seriously? That's an urn?"

"I don't know Kat. I truly hope not, but why else would Casper get a Call from a plushie?" Blair examined it and found that there was in fact something inside of it. From the back of the bunny was a hidden zipper. Blair opened it and pulled out a golden rounded-box type thing. Everyone realized that this was the urn that Blair was talking about and was mortified.

Their first thoughts were to find the owner(s) of the urn. There was no doubt in everyone's mind that if they noticed the missing toy, they would be thrown into a panic and be doing anything they could to get it back.

Blair stayed where they found the bear and pulled out her phone to try to figure out if someone put an SOS in the Mall's security office.

Kat, Casper, and Hot Stuff went in with the bunny into the nearby store.

Jimmy, being the son of a police officer called his father's cellphone, "Hi, Dad? We have a situation. See we found this bunny outside and it turns out it's one of those stuffed animals that have ashes inside, like a cremated baby or something. So it's really important, and we don't know what to do to get ahold of the family or owner, or...?"

***

Stretch looked at the woman and shook his head, "Wow lady. You really are a piece of shit."

Kibosh who has been silent and simply observing the interactions this whole time grunted an agreement. He stayed silent at first for entertainment that young Kathleen wasn't going to back down to the level that the old cron wished for her to be. After years of family counseling, he grew an admiration towards the young fleshie.

If she is a force to reckon with as a living teenager think of the storm she would be as a dead full-grown woman! Hell! He even entertained the thought of making her a member of his court as the only LIVING member.

His son Vince and Kathleen get along swimmingly and was disappointed that Kat had to meet his future daughter in law this way. He was hoping to introduce them in a way to encourage her to be their ally, assistant, friend, and adviser.

MAYBE AMBASSADOR!

But that went down the shitter because this red-horned BITCH had to fuck it up by purposely sabotaging her family!

Oh, he knew that her late brother in law was a fleshie sympathizer, everything that the traditionalist Clinker was against. He knew the hate for the living ran deep. But deep enough to get a Soul Sucker and it's brainwashed goons involved?

Even that surprised him. "Clinker. You are to come with me."

"NO!" The she-devil pulled out a piece of paper that had a symbol on it and ripped it in half.

Smoke filled the room and Carrigan Crittenden reappeared, "Seriously? Why can't I stay away from this house?!"

Clinker pointed her finger at the Escapee, "Get me and my family the hell out of here!"

"Fine." Crittenden grabbed the devil family and Blinked out.

Kibosh made a groaning growl, "Looks like the Hell Escapee is still working for her master even though he is in Hell."

{You don't think she is going to get him out, do you?}

Stretch jumped, "God! Fuck. Myst? How long have you been here?"

{This morning...}

Doc laughed, "I was starting to wonder why none of my other clients came for their appointments."

***

Everyone decided to split up into three: Blair with Benjamin, Casper with Jimmy, and Kat with Hot Stuff. They agreed to stay within sight and shouting distance from each other.

Hot Stuff took the urn and held the toy close to his chest. No one argued nor judged Hot Stuff for his choices. Everyone knew that the little devil wanted to make sure that bunny and all of its contents were safe personally. He looks fine and he said that at the moment he didn't have any anxiety.

Throughout the mall you can hear Casper's friends, "Is this your bear? No, it's fine, thanks."

They searched, asked, and moved on. family-to-family, couples, single shoppers, the mall rats, everyone who was in the mall. They checked everywhere and everyone.

"Hey Kat? Wanna try the water fountain?" Hot Stuff said in a quiet voice.

Kat smiled, grabbed his hand, and led him to the water. "You just wanna sit on the edge for a bit, don't ya?"

Hot Stuff nodded and looked embarrassed.

"Dude. If you are tired we can stop for a bit. There's nothing to be ashamed about. You have PTSD and had a trying day. Of course, you would want to sit." She made the devil sit down on the edge, "Listen to the water. Does it sound nice and tranquil?"

"Yeah."

On one side of the water fountain were a man and his two children, who were throwing coins into the water and playing with action figures. Kat got up and walked to the family, "Hi, does the bunny that my friend is holding belong to anyone here?"

The youngest child's face lit up at the toy and thought he looked very nice. The father replied, "Oh yeah, that's my kid's."

Both Kat and Hot Stuff knew right away he was lying. If in fact that this guy actually lost a person, he would be more relieved and awed at getting it back, or frantic that it was even lost. It was obvious that he was trying to exploit it as a free toy that someone lost because they didn't like it enough.

"Sorry to bother you." Kat turns to leave to rejoin her friend.

"I said that's my kid's, give it back."

Kat was starting to lose her temper. But reasoned herself that he didn't know what the toy actually was. "... Are you aware of the contents of this stuffed bunny?"

The father rolled his eyes, "What contents? The hell are you talking about, girl?"

"A child has died, and his or her ashes are in an urn, an urn which is inside of this bunny. I'm trying to find the owners of this bunny because they didn't just lose a toy... They lost their child."

The entitled prick gruffed, "Who puts ashes inside of a toy? That's our rabbit, and there aren't any ashes. Give it here before I report you for theft."

"Sorry, I can't give you the bunny rabbit." Kat grabbed Hot Stuff's arm and walked on. The two friends kept meeting family to family, and Kat could still hear the kid wailing behind her. She just could not feel sorry for them.

***

Jimmy closed his flip phone and put it in his pocket, "Dad said that he would be here soon. He also contacted Rockland PD and they agreed to let him join."

Casper was glad to hear that. How cool is it that his friends' parents are working with the law? "Thank goodness! I hope we find the parents without too much trouble though. I mean… How awful to lose your child? And twice!?"

They were asking everyone nearby about the urn. So far no luck. So they decided to regroup with the others.

Casper readjusted his jacket sleeve. Then he noticed that his friend looked uncomfortable. Jimmy's face was red and refused to look in his direction. "Hey. You okay?"

"What? Oh, I am fine."

Casper wasn't buying it. "Dude."

"Okay fine!" Jimmy murmured something that Casper couldn't hear.

"Sorry, bro. Didn't catch that."

Jimmy's face got redder, "You look... like James Dean..."

"Well, I hope so!" Casper pulled up his collar, "He was the inspection of the outfit. You're a fan? I know his go-"

Jimmy covered his face, "He's my type."

Casper blink, "Type? Oh? Oh! Dude. Don't worry too much about it. While I can't share the same feelings I still wanna stay friends."

"I don't really like talking about my sexuality. I rather stay in the closet if you don't mind."

"Come on. You don't have to hide! Ya gotta dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today. How did your parents take the news?"

"As much as I appreciate the Dean quote. My parents don't know."

"I totally doubt that." The boys turned around and found Blair and Benjamin behind them. "Your brother was getting tired and I figured we should start regrouping. Looks like I wasn't the only one that thought that."

Casper and Jimmy noticed that Kat and Hot Stuff was coming over. "He guys! You wouldn't believe some people. We walked and hit every solo person, couple, and family in the entire mall. Now what?"

"Blair!" Officer Matt Jenkins waved at the group with a small group of police investigators.

A lot of activity happened after. Jimmy's father was talking to people, the group was being interviewed, and Hot Stuff showed the officers the toy in question. As per one officer's request, Hot Stuff even showed them the child's ashes.

Once they recorded the things they went to put it in custody, but Hot Stuff held back, "Can I hold onto them for safekeeping instead."

Officer Jenkins patted him on the shoulder, "You're Hot Stuff, right? Lily told me about you." He turned around to his comrades, "Kid lost his parents and wasn't allowed time to grief for their deaths. He wants to make sure that it doesn't happen to the parents of the child."

they nodded in agreement to let Hot Stuff hold onto the rabbit while they kept an eye on it by everyone else.

***

"She was here?" Betelgeuse was upset that this happened when he was in the lab. He felt responsible to protect everyone in the house. Even the ones he just met that day.

Stretch was floating back and forth, "Yeah. The murderous Bitch was here!"

Gerti, Gabby, Fanny, and Wendy, as well as Prince Vince, were having tea at a corner of the library. Doc and Myst were going over the appointment book at his desk. Stinky and Fatso were trying to calm their brother down and failing. And Betel was lying on the therapy couch with a headache.

Kibosh had returned to the Nether Lands. He had to prepare his armies just in case Crittenden reappeared in his realm. There was much to prepare for. Especially if the bitch was planning on freeing her old master from Hell. He might come back with a vengeance. And the Ghoul Father wants to be ready.

Betelgeuse sat back up and brought out his phone, "I am calling Lydia. She can put up Wards on your house to make it where only people invited can get in."

Doc raised his eyes off the book for a minute, "You have Wards with Vampire rules?"

One of the witches chuckled and Wendy placed her teacup on her saucer plate, "In ancient times those Wards were used for vampires. Every house had them."

"But now vampires can come and go inside anyone's house without permission." Fanny bought out a silk fan and started to fan herself.

Gabby bit into a cookie that she dipped into her tea, "They just don't. Because of their ancestors always dying at the doorsteps of a well-Warded house. Better safe than sorry, I guess."

A knock was heard from the Main Hall. " That's Lydia! She must have used a Travel Circle." Betelgeuse went to answer the door. Everyone jumped at Betelgeuse's pissed off voice, "AW HELL NO! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE!"

Everyone abandoned their tea and paperwork to see the commotion. There stood at the doorway was the beautiful dark wife of the yelling demon. But behind Lydia Deetz was the very pregnant Janet Kingsburg.

Lydia lifted her hands to her groom's chest, "Calm down, Betel. Janet had a vision before you called! Besides. She is the best out of the two of us to make the Wards."

"Fine," Betelgeuse let the women in, "Just to be clear I am still not happy about this."

Without missing a beat Janet nodded, "And you're going to be even less happy." Janet walked (or waddled) towards Stretch and slammed him to the floor by his tail. "My vision wasn't my usual Tarot and Symbols. It was more like watching CCTV footage."

She looked down at Stretch, "So. What did the Angel say?"

Stretch looked up.

Fuck.

She knows.

Oh, all the fucking people to find out Janet Kingsburg, the Phoenix of Porta Inferni, had to fucking know.

"Why? Why wouldn't you tell your family? Your best friend. That you have a time limit."

Stretch sat up with tears in his eyes, "Because even if I failed, Casper would be with his parents. If I don't fail then he could finally have the life he was robbed of. Either way, it's a win-win."

"So. You're saying that you withheld important information about your nephew from your family because it's a win-win? Or is it because you are a coward?"

Oh shit. Janet wasn't backing down.

"I-"

"A coward and a thief."

"Thief?" That actually surprised him. He was expecting to be called a coward, a liar, and a slimeball scumbag. But a thief?

"You robbed your brothers' chances to say goodbye and mourn."

He. He never thought of it that way.

He got up and slowly floated to his brothers and the Doc. If he had a heart it would have broken from the mere sight of his brothers' faces. They heard enough to easily guess. They just need to hear what kind of timeframe they now have to save their nephew.

"Amelia came back."

"Oh, God..." Dr. Harvey's voice cracked at the sound of his late wife's name. He nodded his head and looked straight into Stretch's violet eyes, "What did Amelia say about a time limit?"

"I had seven days till the Higher Plains lay claim on Casper. But there was still hope. Casper will answer an important but sensitive Call. This Call would be connected to my past that might stop Casper from leaving."

Stinky, with tears in his eyes, "When did Amelia tell you this?"

"The morning that I told him about being a Tutelar Spir-"

Fatso's fist hit him on the nose, "You selfish bastard! You're telling us we have four days! LESS THAN FOUR DAYS to save Casper!"

"Guys!" For the first time, the Doc got between the Ghostly Trio. "What about Casper? How about letting Casper choose whether or not he wants to live or leave?"

Myst's voice was heard over the loud din that the four ghosts were making. {Forgive me for butting in, but I agree with the Doc. This is Casper's decision.}

If Myst had a head he would be hitting himself with his fists, Myst has four days to fix his mess. Four days to prevent Carrigan Crittenden from making the mess bigger. He didn't care too much about the child ghost. But he was also given four days to bring the doctor back from the Dead or he wouldn't pass on.

Wendy made a sighing noise, "And on top of that we have Hot Stuff."

***

"Hey, you!" Low and behold, here arrives the prick from the fountain and his brats.

Kat made a disgusted face, "Augh- this guy!"

"What?” Casper looked in the direction Kat was pointing, “What is... it...?" He felt the Call getting stronger. It was as if the ashes didn’t want to go anywhere near the man and his equally loud children.

The man comes stomping over towards Hot Stuff. "You! You took our rabbit! Give it back."

Hot Stuff shook his head, "That's not true, officers! I'll have you know that we reported this to the manager of the story far before we even brought it to you. That's documented, sir."

"That's my daughter in that rabbit!"

"Yeah, that's my sister!"

What the fuck? The fact that this guy understood the gravity of the situation and disregarded it anyway as well as telling his BRAT to say that!? The kid was probably around nine!

Hot Stuff was livid and on the verge of tears at the same time. Casper and his friends were already sick of this entitled asshole. Matt was already calling Lilly for legal backup. No one noticed that Benjamin was smiling ear to ear.

There was a scream-out between the dad (if you can call him as such) and two of the officers and Hot Stuff had begun to shake from an anxiety attack. He set the toy down on the seat of a nearby bench. He did not want to stop holding it, but his nerves were fired up so badly he was worried that he'd accidentally catch the bunny on fire. Hot Stuff turned away from the scene and Blair scooped him up in a hug. She gently ran her nails on his scalp and cooed soothing words, but then, over his shoulder, Blair shouts. "HEY!"

Everyone turned around. Apparently, the oldest child had snuck up behind everyone to steal the rabbit and ran back over to their little sibling. The youngest was squealing with delight. Casper and Kat was about to fucking blow a gasket. Steam was literally coming out from Hot Stuff’s ears. Jimmy was pulled back by his dad.

One of the officers moves to take the toy back, but the motherfucker blocks him with his body. "What are you going to do, huh? Take it from their hands? Touch me? You touch me I'll charge you for assault."

Ohhhhh Kat and Jimmy were about to get charged for assault, but then, “MY BABY!” A woman was seen running towards all of them. Hot Stuff, seeing the family distracted, take the ashes from the brat and hands it off to Casper. The child gasps and is about to start shrieking, but Casper jogged towards the crying woman, “Hi I’m Casper! I have your baby right here.”

“Thank you, Casper. My name is Juliet.”

Very delicately, because the toy is pricelessly precious, Casper holds it out to Juliet as they near each other. As she takes it and brings it to her chest, she begins sobbing, head bowed, tears streaking her cheeks.

Casper pulled her in for a hug. It was the only thing he could think to do, hug her and rub her back. Casper didn't notice right away but he started crying a little too.

“John…”

A man was sprinting down the hall and noticed them hugging. “Juliet!”

John hugged them both with Juliet and the ashes in between. Casper pulled away after a little bit and it was just John and Juliet hugging each other with the little Jasmine (the name of the ashes) in between them. "I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry, Juliet! I didn’t mean to. I am so sorry, Jasmine for losing you. It’s my fault."

The asshole was now spiting racial slurs at the couple and Hot Stuff, “Those niggers have stolen my baby! And I will be pressing charges against THAT little nigger for harassment, assault, and the-”

“SHUT THE FUCK UP DAVID!” A woman was briskly walking towards the group followed by Jimmy’s mom. The woman took her wedding ring off and threw it in the creeper's face. "I hope you burn, David. You lying pathetic piece of shit! And don’t think I won’t use this day as an example of why you shouldn’t have the kids."

“Fucking bitch! You will not take my kids away! They are my kids!”

“And that urn was that couple’s child, and you were going to take their child away from them?”

The father started to scream profanities and slurs at his ex and the grieving couple. Matt patted the mother’s back, “Hey Mary? I got everything on my bodycam.”

One of the officers grabbed the man and handcuffed him, “You are under arrest for theft, attempted theft, obstruction, and causing a disturbance…”

The Friendship Kids and Blair all stayed for a while with John, Juliet, and Jasmine. Matt and Lily also stayed with Mary and her hellspawn, she was appalled at David’s actions but grateful that today would help with her divorce case against him. She was also a lawyer and Lily's coworker that was having some marital problems.

As the strange group was enjoying coffee at the mall’s coffee shop Benjaman tapped his mother’s shoulder and whispered, “Told you the Rat Bastard would lose custody.”

***

Blair took Casper, Kat, and Hot Stuff back to Whipstaff while Lily and Matt took their boys home. The teenagers were asleep in the back of the woody station wagon. She got out of the car and went inside. Hearing voices from the office library she entered while knocking on the door. The aura in the room was… disturbing… but without missing a beat she smiled and waved her hand, “Sorry for interrupting an obviously heavy topic, but the kids are asleep in the car and I would need help.”

“Thank you, Blair.” Dr. Harvey floated out the house with the boys following behind.

Harvey grabbed his daughter and carried her bridal style up to her open bedroom window. Stretch did the same for Casper. And Fatso cradled Hot Stuff in his arms and took the little devil to a spare bedroom.

After the kids were tucked in and safe everyone returned to the office. Blair sat down in a chair, “And here I was hoping for good news after a day like this.” She rubbed her temple as she looked at the group of spooks. She gave Betelgeuse, Lydia, and Janet a greeting nod and stared down the trio and Doc. “The Dead-vine has been keeping me updated. So… How are we going to fix this mess?”

Stretch noticed that her green eyes turned icy. Her voice and face seemed neutral, but he can tell their maid turned housemate was pissed. “Don’t know. We have been talking but haven’t gotten anywhere.”

“Well, obviously the witches should focus on the primordial soup. I trust Porta Inferni with work on the Hell Escapee. The Queen Witch and Ghost Prince will protect Hot Stuff. That reminds me, will Hot Stuff be staying at Whipstaff?”

“Yes.” Doc nearly shouted that with determined resolve, “He is to Stay here. I don’t Trust his so-called family. Especially when they are on the loose.”

“Agreed.” Blair made a face that confused the group, “FUCK! I got to call a distant family member.” Blair picked up the phone. “Hey, Cousin! How’re things in Fairyland.”

Chapter 5: Fairy Test

Summary:

Blair called for some FAIRY protection but with a price. Will she be able to pay it?

Blair tapped her finger on the table while her other hand was wrapped around her cup of tea that got cold an hour earlier.

The rest of the household and their guests had turned in for bed or gone home. But not before Blair hung up the phone, walked to the kitchen, came out with a bowl of milk and a sharp knife, and went outside.

No one said anything. Especially when she came back bleeding from a cut on her palm and the bowl and knife missing.

Everyone was shocked that Blair called someone from Fairyland. Fairies are a sketchy bunch. Their mood can change in a heartbeat. And if you tangled up with the Fae, Lord help your poor soul.

Luckily Blair's cousin was such a sweetheart that makes Tinkerbell look like a sociopath! It's the rest of the family that she is weary of.

She felt a cold hand on her bare shoulder, "You should go to sleep, Blair." Stretch's hand tightened. "Wanna talk about it?"

Also… What kind of fucking fae magic can be used to call a fairy in the Fairy Ream by phone in the Human Realm? Won't that be all Blair needed to do without the blood letting?! Fuck Fairy Logic!!!

Stretch wisely kept his internal turmoil to himself… But this bullshit was really pushing him on the edge.

Trying not to flinch from the pain on her cut hand Blair leaned against Stretch's chest and touched his hand that's still on her shoulder. The night was warm enough for her to wear a tank top and the cold touch was welcoming, "Bloody fairies might come tonight. Their way of thinking is that anytime is a good time for visitors. Especially when the host should be in bed."

"Yeah…" Stretch chuckled for a bit and became serious again. "Why did you call a fairy to come here?"

"Extra protection for Hot Stuff. Don't get me wrong. You and your brothers would be more than enough if only…"

"The enemy wasn't a nut job that literally crawled out of Hell that has a vendetta against the Harveys and my family?" Stretch arms tighten up for a bit and then he releases her.

Blair let out a deep breath, "Fays loves stories. Tell them how you met the Harvey's and your worst enemy and how an even older enemy is also trying to redeem himself."

"Oooooh! Intriguing! Have any popcorn?"

The human and ghost jumped and turned towards their new guests. A cute blonde hair teen and a golden skinned man with horns stood there as if they had been there the entire time. Blair instantly looked around the room for other fairies.

With a sigh of relief she smiled at the Fae and her accompany, stood up, and bowed, "Princess Charma and Ambassador Robin Goodfellow, thank you for taking flight."

The fairy princess smiled sweetly and touched Blair's forehead, signaling for her to raise. "We come to drink and dance to your song."

The two ladies became seriously silent. Not uttering a sound.

"Please don't." Robin begged, "You two know I am only the valet. There is no reason to be quiet. I worry when you both get like this. Nothing good will come of it."

Blair gave an apologetic nod, "Sorry Goodfellow. But Charma and I can't let our guard down."

The fairy princess nodded towards her teacher. "Lord Goodfellow, if you must be in the same room as my cousin and I then I suppose you can put candle wax in your ears…"

Stretch chuckled, "There are some candles in the junk drawer. Wadda say I drop some hot wax in your ears?"

Blair elbows Stretch, "Only if you give me yours. If you're adamant on staying you also can't hear this."

"You already told me this was about Hot Stuff."

Charma lifted her finger, "Na-na-na! Old news before new news! This is how Blair and I stay updated." The little monarch giggled. "We would be so confused if we only talked about new things without revisiting the old first."

Stretch knew better than to argue Fairy Logic. It might not make a lick of sense to other people, but it was the norm with Faes. "Fucking Fairy Logic!" He took a hold of Robin's collar, "Come on Hobgoblin." The spook then proceeded to drag the poor imp out of the kitchen and into the main hall.

"Spirit. You are lucky that I am a mischievously mild mannered Fae." The imp straighten up his tunic, "Most Fae would cause havoc-"

"Yeah yeah. Look here fairy. Havoc is my middle name. I thrive in chaos and mayhem!" Stretch chuckled and got closer to Robin. "Whatever the Good People throw at us, I promise you Puck, I can dish it."

Robin smiled at the ghost, "I'll keep that in mind… My name is Robin Goodfellow. May I have your na-"

"No."

"No?"

"No, you can't have my name. You can call me Stretch."

After a long pregnant pause Robin burst out laughing, "You weren't lying about 'dishing it,' were you? I can't wait to tell Lady Blair's grandfather about you."

Stretch lifted where his eyebrow would be, "I thought you were only a chaperone…"

"I serve the King and Queen of Fairy, but I am also a spy for Finvarra. He likes to keep tabs on his granddaughter."

"Yeah?" Stretch made a thoughtful hum as he smiled at something that he remembered when he was alive, young, and extremely stupid. Those were fun times, "I was kinda wondering how Blair was related to a fairy, let alone a princess."

"They are cousins who are direct descendants of King Finvarra. While the princess is young she is still Blair's senior by a hundred years and the daughter of King Oberon and Queen Titania. Making the princess the true heir to the throne." Robin made a disapproving sigh, "Lady Blair is the offspring of a lovechild and has no rights to the throne. But the King and Queen have a… dislike for the poor mortal. Lady Blair is lucky I was near when she did the Bloodmilk Ritual! Can you imagine the disaster if it was the fairy monarchs that answered instead?"

"And here I thought it was ghosts that were the gossip mongers."

Robin laughed, "Please forgive me. I haven't had a good chat in a long time. That is if you don't count my monthly reports on Lady Blair with King Finvarra. And don't think I didn't notice you calling me by my Shakespearean name. What era are you from, Spirit Stretch?"

"Born and educated in the age of Queen Victoria and died at the Dawn of the Edwardian Period."

"And you call yourself an agent of chaos? I am liking you more and more."

"Oh gods! There goes the neighborhood." Blair came out of the kitchen with Charma in tow. "Well… I might need to go to the Enchanted Forest..."

That stopped Stretch on his tracks, "Why?"

"Political bullshit… getting extra protection for Hot Stuff might be a little more complicated than I thought."

Charma gave her cousin an apologetic smile, "I am afraid so. You will have to escort Hot Stuff and a small caravan through the forest towards my family's castle. And to pass three fairy tests during the journey-"

"Whoa there little lady!" A cowboy hat appeared on Stretch's head and he was wearing a vest with a sheriff's star. "Now we ain't got time for all that. We're on a Deadline. We need Blair in the posse."

"Then I suggested your caravan be small and fast." Robin nodded his head. "If Blair is determined to use the Fairy Court for protection then she and her charges must prove their metal."

***

"I don't like it."

Blair was packing up some meals and supplies that she felt were necessary for the trip. "I don't like it either, Hot Stuff. But if we are successful we will be back home in a day. Especially when we have Ichabod!"

Kat scratched her head and made a confused grimus, "Wouldn't a motorcycle be useless in a forest?"

Blair smiled, "Normally yes. But Ichabod is no ordinary bike. Come Hot Stuff!"

"Coming!" Hot Stuff followed Blair outside with everyone else behind them.

Blair stood in front of Ichabod with her hand raised, "The Earth is your body! Water is in your blood! Air is from your breath! Fire is a blaze in your spirit! FÍRINNE!"

A fog formed around the motorcycle, it's engine was roaring till the sound turned into more of a ghostly neigh. Out of the fog came a pale horse that trothed towards Blair's outreach hand. {About time you changed me back to my original form.}

"I am so sorry Ichabod. But my dearest Puca, the disguise was necessary."

{I understand, my Rider. But that doesn't mean I have to like it.}

"True." Blair turned towards the others, "Hot Stuff, Ichabod, and I will be going through the forest by ourselves."

Stretch snapped out of whatever thought process he was having at the sight of the ghostly fae horse. "YOU WILL NOT!" Stretch was nose to nose with the redhead. "It's too dangerous for you to be in Fairyland by yourselves. Let me and the boys-"

"And who would protect our home?! Even with the witches' help they might get overwhelmed with both protecting Whipstaff and making the potion!"

Everyone fell silent. Gerti smiled a little when she noticed that the leader of the Trio was trying to hide his blushing with his transparent hand after Blair claimed Witchstaff as her home as well. Gerti gave Stinky's tail a tug and whispered so Stretch and Blair wouldn't hear, "Please tell me we are going to hook them up."

Stink whispered back, "You bet your curls, Gerti."

Kat, being near enough, put her two cents in, "Taking forever though… At the rate they are going Blair will definitely be a ghost herself before they get together."

Gabby chuckled, "I have a recipe for aphrodisiac."

{I don't think they would appreciate being roofied.}

Doc shook his head, "Yes. Let's keep the date rape drugs out of this. Thanks for the horrifying wording Myst."

{You're welcome.}

Fanny turned towards the others, "Shhhh… I can't hear."

"Is that a Fairy Stone?" Fatso was pointing at the round ring that Blair held up for Stretch to see,

"This is an Hagstone made of menilite opal. With this and the Dead Vine I can see through Fairy Tricks. Ichabod is also a Fae that was born in the forest and can be our guide." Blair returned the ring back in her pocket, "I am more worried about the Rip Van Winkle Effect and the Rule Of Three than anything else."

"Shit… " Stretch grabbed Blair into a hug, "I forgot about that. That means there is a chance we will never see you again."

"Maybe…" She slowly regrettably pulled away from Stretch. He felt safe. But at that moment safety was a luxury that she couldn't afford. "If we are lucky the Rip Van Winkle Effect would make it seem that no time has passed at all…"

"Most people are unlucky though. And if the Rip Van Winkle Effect doesn't get ya, the Rule Of Three might." Stretch hands tighten up into fists. As much as he wanted to join her and Hot Stuff she was right. He and the boys need to stay at the manor.

"Are you really?" Blair's fairy cousin clapped her hands and a ring of mushrooms appeared around her feet, "You have to meet Baba Yaga for the details of the Fairy Test. Good luck, my sweet cousin."

Blair and Hot Stuff got on Ichabod and went through the ring. Disappearing into a land of both dreams and nightmares.

***

Blair and her company found themselves in a deep forest. Blair looked around trying not to look frantic. Wasn't the house with the chicken legs supposed to be there?

Hot Stuff's arms that wrapped around Blair's stomach tightened, "Wasn't it daytime just a minute ago?"

She even looked up at the night sky to see if she could see an old woman flying in a giant mortar and pestle. She signed in disappointment. Blair started to look at the fauna that grew low on the ground and noticed ferns growing in a form of a path.

{You don't suppose those are Kwiat Paproci, do you?}

"I hope so. If they are, we can follow them towards Baba Yaga's."

{Let's not be rash. Best to wait for them to start glowing to see if they really are Kwiat Paproci.}

"And if they are not…. At least the darkness of the night will help us find the right path..."

{You're not thinking about using a Wills-o'-the-Wisp, are you?}

"I have a jar with one in it in your saddlebag. But I don't want to use it so soon… I was suggesting using the stars?"

That got Hot Stuff's attention, "You know the star constellations from here?"

Blair nodded, "Stars here are very similar to the Hellenic and Babylonian consolations."

"Whoa… What about all that other stuff?"

Blair made a questioning hum, "Oh! You mean the Rip Van Winkle Effect, Rule of Three, and Kwiat Paproci?"

"Yeah! That stuff!"

Blair chuckled. It's been so long since she had an excitable student. Not since her cousin met her when she was younger and was visiting the Mortal Realm for the first time. "Alrighty then. The Rip Van Winkle Effect is an extraordinary phenomenon where time bends and twists between realms. We can be spending one day here but an entire decade passed back home. Or we could spend eons, grow old and gray in this land but only a minute past in the Living World. Time and space contradicts itself between realms and becomes unpredictable."

"So time moves differently here?"

"Exactly! In fact it's named after a confederate soldier that went up a mountain and fell asleep only to wake up 80 years later!"

"Woooooooow!" Hot Stuff was smiling ear to ear. Seems like this kid likes to learn. "What's the Rule of Three?"

"The Rule Of Three it's more like a warning than actual rules. Do not accept gifts from a fairy. Do not drink or eat food in Fairyland. And most importantly don't give a fairy your name."

"Weird. Can I ask why?" Hot Stuff was really getting into it.

"If you break any of these rules you will be trapped in Fairyland forever. But there are exceptions to these rules. you could only accept gifts, eat and drink food if you earned or paid for them with equal value. And if you are clever enough you could tell a fairy your name without giving them your name."

"Ain't telling them your name and giving them your name the same thing?"

"Not necessarily. Fairy Logic is all in the wording. They take words quite literally. By giving your name you gave ownership of your name towards the Fae. But telling them your name properly is simply letting them know what you prefer to be called."

"All in the wording… Got it! I think."

Blair made an amused sound in her throat, "Hot Stuff, look." She pointed to the nearest fern and smiled at the little devil's widened eyes.

A soft golden glow was forming as a lily shaped flower sprouted from the strange plant. Bright orbs started to glow around the underbrush that led deeper into the forest.

{Time to go and meet with Baba Yaga.} The puka started to follow the orbs with her rider and her charge on his back. {I hope we are meeting her in a good mood. Baba Yaga doesn't really like having visitors. Sometimes she likes to eat trespassers.}

"That's true, Ichabod. But remember, she is also known for being generous and wise. As much as she dislikes trespassers, she especially hates it when children are in danger. I heard that she occasionally steals children from demons that mean them harm. She would help us. I have faith."

Hot Stuff gasped at an unusual sight that appeared up ahead, "That house..."

The cabin was made of red logs and was trimmed with yellow designs of horses and dragons. There's also ornamental lines on the teal roof crest that were definitely Ancient Fairy Ruins. The traditional Slavic building was on top of a pair of gigantic chicken legs that was tied to a nearby tree surrounded by luminous mushrooms and ferns.

"O~kay! Do we knock?" Blair led Ichabod in front of the house. Too afraid for her and Hot Stuff to get off of her Fae friend.

But as she was about to make up her mind to get down an old cron hobbled on a cane towards the company, "Lady Puka Rider, you are here for the Fairy Test?"

Recognizing the old woman, Blair lifted her hand in a sign of peace, "Yes, Baba Yaga! Can you tell us what our quest is?"

"The Three Tests are… Courage! Kindness! And Wisdom!" The old cron tapped her cane in a nearby well. Water came out like a snake and formed an Ouroboros. Inside the circle were images of a town guarded by a giant.

"The Test of Courage you must capture the Evil Villain Li'l Audrey before she kills again!" Another image appeared of farmland with animal spirits tending the land.

"Protecting a Mighty Child is the Test of Kindness."

"If a child is mighty, they probably won't need protection? So far the rules are easy to understand and to the point, not super cryptic at all." Blair made a sarcastic sigh, "But the Tests most likely are a lot easier said than done or they wouldn't be called Tests."

{Even capturing Li'l Audrey doesn't look at all easy for you.}

Another image appeared in the form of a throne room with an armorclad king sitting on it surrounded by three to four foot tall goblins, "Get the Goblin King to bow to you and you pass your Test of Wisdom."

Shit.

***

Princess Charma lifted her crystal ball higher for the household to see Blair and the old woman talking, "The first test is very dangerous, Li'l Audrey is what humans call a mob boss or a don."

Stretch was beside himself, quite literally. The two Stretches were practically battling it out with wit and logic. Arguing with himself on whether or not he should stay here and help with protecting his home and the Lazarus.

Or do something stupid like barging in a magical realm that have a questionable timeflow at best and play knight in shiny armor for the young damsel in distress. And Blair has proven herself many times that she is no damsel in distress.

The Ghost of Dr. James Harvey couldn't help but chuckle at his friend until he realized that it wasn't a good sign. His antics are usually seen when those two are having private sessions without Stretch's brothers. The Doc wrote that up as a sibling codependency effect.

Being separated from his brothers during these one-on-ones was enough to split the leader of the Trio in half?

At first it was interesting, almost amusing. Until it wasn't. Having one Stretch alone with him in the office is bad enough, but two was nearly impossible. And right now it's one thing for it to be happening in therapy and it's completely another outside of the office and in front of everyone else.

Because he was separated from someone that was not his two brothers? Did he feel that strongly for Blair?

Charma lifted her crystal ball again, "I have heard of the Mighty Child. The child is very innocent but indestructible. The Mighty Child in that area belongs to a family of ducks. The duckling is only a year old and can wrestle with a bear and win without even noticing that the bear wasn't playing."

"The test is called the Test of Kindness. It might not mean physical protection, but definitely something else." Stretch pulled himself back together and regrouped himself. Splitting yourself should never be the first line of action in the face of what seems like a really, really bad idea.

"You okay there, Stretch?"

The ghost looked at his friend with embarrassment, "Sorry, Gerti. Didn't mean to worry ya."

"You like Blair."

It wasn't a question and Stretch knew it. He looked at his friends and family and realized that they knew it also. Not that he kept it a secret, but he still hoped it wasn't THAT obvious.

Charma giggled, "Do I need to send you through a Fairy Test so you may earn my blessings?"

"You tease, but I don't think your cousin feels the same way."

The Fairy Princess looked at the ghost with a sad expression. "Let's hear the Last Test." Then she lifted her crystal ball even higher, "Oh? Oh! Oh nonononono! This is terrible!"

When they saw Charma in distress they all spoke at once!

"What is happening?"

"Are they okay?"

"What's going on?"

"It can't be that bad, can it?"

"Would everyone shut the fuck up? You're not giving Charms a chance to get a word in!" The last one was Casper and the fact that he swore was so shocking that it silenced the room.

Charma cleared her throat, "The Test of Wisdom is not good. She is to have the Goblin King bow to her."

"Sounds simple." Fatso crossed his arms, "Blair can charm anyone to do anything."

"Agreed!" Charma frowned, "But this test is not what it seems. The Goblin King bows to no one. Not even towards my family. If the Lesser King bows to someone other than King Oberon and Queen Titania. It would be treason. And there will be war. Mother and Father have been looking for ways to get rid of my cousin and the Goblin King."

James Harvey rubbed the temples of his forehead, "Killing two birds with one stone."

Stretch flew so fast that he was nearly a blur and appeared in front of Robin Goodfellow, "Contact King Finvarra. Tell him that his old friend, Alistair McFadden, is inviting him for a game of Chess."

***

"Impossible."

"So fast to give up, Human?" The spinster showed her iron teeth, "Your Cousin would be disappointed."

"No, it would have been impossible for the King and Queen of The Enchanted Forest to get to you first."

"Lady Blair?" The witch made herself look more like a grandmother than a cabalistic guardian spirit, "I know you are worrying about starting a war, but believe me when I say that the treachery that you are afraid of is not what you think."

"I don't understand."

Baba Yaga grasped Blair's hands, "You really think I would let the High Queen get away with making me her puppet? I am a demigod, a Child of Hecate. If you pass the final test then MY plans will bear fruit and Queen Titania will get what she deserves. But in order for it to work you must remain in the dark. Just know that I am on your side."

"How can I trust you when everyone is a possible enemy?" Blair removed her hands from Baba Yaga's and wrapped her arms even tighter on Hot Stuff. "How can I trust you?"

"You shouldn't. But I am a witch of standards and refuse to lie." Baba Yaga looked up and smiled, "Your ride is here."

A large hand appeared and grabbed Ichabod, Blair, and Hot Stuff, "Sorry for being late."

"You're not late, Stumbo." The old cron laughed, "Now be Swift! Tiny Town is in need of help."

The owner of the hand, Stumbo the Giant, cradled Ichabod like he was a Chihuahua and leaped over the trees like they were underbrush. The giant wore an orange tunic and red pants that matched the tiny red hat that was on top of his fiery colored hair.

Hot Stuff was very curious, "Excuse me, Mr. Giant! Where are you taking us?"

"I am taking you three to Tiny Town! It's on the border of Giant Land!"

Blair tapped Hot Stuff on the shoulder and placed a finger on her lips in hand signal for quiet. "Thank you for taking us to our First Test, but may we have your name?"

"Hohoho! Nice try! But you can't have my name, you may call me Stumbo!"

"And you may call me Blair! Blair smiled at Hot Stuff, "You may also call the devil Hot Stuff. And please call my steed Ichabod."

Hot Stuff looked at Blair seriously. And his eyes widened with recognition. Blair just taught him how to introduce himself to a fairy without losing his name. "All in the wording."

"All in the wording."

The giant smiled after noticing what Blair was up to, "Clever human." Then he stopped. Stumbo gently placed Ichabod down and in turn Blair and Hot Stuff slowly got off the Puka. "We are here."

"Finally, Stumbo!" A Metropolitan Police Officer appeared out of the edge of the town, "I thought being a giant you would have been a little bit faster?"

"Sorry Officer O'Floodle. But the cabin moved from the spot it originally was last time I visited Baba Yaga." The behemoth of a man was apologizing sheepishly.

The officer's uniform was mainly a dark blue overcoat and matching trousers. The front of the overcoat had three rows of copper buttons and a gold-rimmed collar. Three silver police badges hung off his black leather belt like a buckle, his helmet, and over his heart. A pair of metal handcuffs hang from the right-hand side of the belt, but they were rusted shut as though they were never used before and wore them because it wouldn't complete the costume if they weren't there. He also wore shiny black dress shoes and snow white gloves that were far too clean to be real.

"Come, come! We can't keep the Mayor waiting." The officer led them through the town before they had a chance to wave Stumbo goodbye.

After a bit of walking they came to what looks like a government building… like one from the Human Realm…

Blair looked around and noticed that the whole town was full of humans. "Excuse me, Sir? But is this a human town in the middle of the Fairy Empire?"

"Observant, young lady." The officer led them up the steps and opened the door, "We are going to need your wit and skills to catch the vile villain. This town was made by the humans that were kidnapped by the Fae or failed the Rule Of Three."

"Or should we say the majority is their descendents? There's kids everywhere!" Blair grabbed Hot Stuff's hand and stopped halfway up, "I am sorry but can't you get the mayor out here?"

Officer O'Floodle got annoyed, "May I ask why? The Mayor is a busy ma-"

{Hey! I can't go up those stairs! And the inside doesn't look big enough for me to get in there without crushing someone.}

The custodian helmet that the police officer was wearing nearly flew off his head, "Oh! Forgive my thoughtlessness!" O'Floodle went inside and came out with an older man with a black top hat, brown blazer, navy blue pinstripe trousers, a matching tie, and black loafers with white spats.

{Impressive mustache, Sir.}

"Ichabod!"

Hot Stuff started to laugh, "But it's true, I never seen such fluffy whiskers!"

{Would you call that a gunslinger, handlebar, walrus, or friendly mutton?}

"Both of you apologize! You are being impolite and tyrannizing." Blair scowled down towards her charge and steed.

Both the puka and devil lowered their heads, "I am sorry for being rude."

{I apologize as well.}

The Mayor chuckled, "You are forgiven and I take great pride in my 'stache." The man lifted his hand and grabbed Blair's. "Welcome to Tiny Town Lady Blair! I hope Stumbo was very gentle on the trip."

Blair tried not to grimus from the man's touch, "The giant was quite the gentleman, thank you."

It's been awhile since she was touched by a human that activated her haphephobia. The Harvey's were very good to her and tried not to touch her unnecessarily. Her skin didn't crawl as much as she started to get used to the humans that employed her. But now her entire body was in pain from the human that was shaking her hand.

Infact, the Mayor was holding her hand like it was a lifeline. His eyes were full of fear, exhaustion, desperation, and maybe… Yes. There's a speck of hope in his eyes as he looks into Blair's.

"Come and sit with me!" The Mayor sat on the steps to the Hall not caring that three adults, a teenager, and a fae horse was blocking the Town Hall. "We need help with a dangerous psychopath!"

"What crimes has she committed?" Blair was slowly losing her patience.

"That's a fair question considering that you are all outsiders. One day, Li'l Audrey was playing with matches. Her mother told her she'd better stop before someone got hurt. But Li'l Audrey was awfully hard headed and kept playing with matches, and eventually she burned their house down."

"'Oh , Li'l Audrey, you are sure gonna catch it when your father comes home!' said her mother." The Mayor took his hat off and placed it over his heart. "But Li'l Audrey just laughed and laughed, because she knew her father had come home early to take a nap."

"SHE KILLED HER FATHER!" That got Blair's attention.

"That was her very first known crime at the age of 9!"

{Anything much more recent?}

Officer O'Floodle started to cry, "Did you hear about Li'l Audrey last week helping with planning a wedding in Cakeland?

The Mayor nodded, "I heard that she used cherries to stain the bride's lips and powder sugar for her face. And made bows out of icing and strawberries."

"After the Angelfood Cake bride and Gingerbread groom said their vows the wicked Li'l Audrey ate them both and their guests! And Li'l Audrey laughed and laughed." O'Floodle placed his hand over his heart, "And proceeded to steal all of the sweets and candies. Not even the Candy Cane Patrol was able to catch her."

Hot Stuff grabbed the officer's hand, "Why are you crying?"

"Angel Cake was my goddaughter. I was working that day and I never made it to the wedding. If I was there I would have identified Li'l Audrey."

"Mr Mayor!" A red haired man in an expensive looking blue suit and a blonde woman with a beehive, magenta silk evening dress, and holding a gold framed lorgnette were running up the steps in the most desperate way. The man was waving a piece of paper. "Li'l Audrey has my son! Li'l Audrey has my sweet Richie!"

Officer O'Floodle examined the ransom note while the Mayor consoles the wealthy parents, "How did it happen, Mrs Rich?"

Mrs. Rich started to cry even harder that she couldn't get a word out. So her husband answered, "Richie's friends from Harveyville finally got to visit Rich Manor…. And while his friends were visiting....They…. Took him… and his friends when we weren't looking."

"What are the demands?" The Mayor asked.

"The letter says that they want ambrosia fruit. And a human is to bring them to the docks."

"That means we can't have any nonhumans, especially your robot maid, to bring the random to the meet." The metropolitan policeman bit his bottom lip in thought, "Why would Li'l Audrey want ambrosia? She's already trapped in Fairyland."

"Ambrosia traps the consumer in Fairyland forever, but it also has other beneficial properties." Blair has already hatched a plan. "I will meet her with the ransom and Hot Stuff will follow from the high ground."

The Rich Family looked at Blair as if she grew a third head, sprouted a tail, and laid an egg. "Lady? You're crazy."

"No. Not crazy." She breathed out a deep sigh, "I am desperate. Like you."

The said robot maid appeared on her rocket boosters and landed in front of the town hall, "Master and Mistress Rich? I have brought the ambrosia.

In a quickness that was unreadable towards the metallic servant Blair snatched the bag and climbed up her steed with Hot Stuff behind her. "Don't follow us!"

And off they went.

Blair got off Ichabod a few blocks away from the pier. "Stay close but out of sight. The moment I give them the bag I will turn around as if I am leaving."

"And I follow them? What if I don't have any high ground?"

"You're clever and agile. I think you already know what to do if that happens."

Hot Stuff smiled at the words of faith coming from the maid. But the smile dropped with the fear of not following through and making Blair's faith unrewarded. Blair has been kind and has been teaching him so much.

It was almost like he was with his mother again…

Would Blair…?

Hot Stuff shook his head to clear his unrealistic fantasy and went straight into hiding.

Blair was worried that she put too much pressure on the little devil. But that had to be put on the back burner for now.

She climbed off Ichabod and walked down the docks… hoping that he was far enough that Audrey or one of her goons would mistake him for an actual horse and not a puka.

A woman in a pain blue dress was waiting at the edge of the water with a rope next to her that's attached to a cage dangling from a pulley, "The Boss said if there's any funny bizz the kiddies get a drink, if you catch my drift."

The voices of the children calling for help from inside the cage were quite clear. And she knew this bitch was serious about drowning them.

"Okay. Okay. Easy. No funny business here." Blair placed the sack down and lifted her hands.

The brown haired woman with bows walked towards Blair, picked up, and examined the loot. "Good. Those dummies did what they're told. Too bad I can't have you following me. Pinhead and Birdbrain! Cut the rope!"

Two goons appeared and cut the rope to make the cage fall into the water.

Two things came to mind as Blair raced for the rope that was quickly going through the pulley: she must save the kids and the bitch lied.

By some miracle Blair grabbed the rope before the last couple of feet of it was out of reach. Blair clenched her teeth from the pain of the friction burns in her hands.

Ichabod grabbed the rope above her hands and pulled the rope with his teeth. The cage came out of the water with all the kids gasping for air.

Blair got up and pulled the cage on the dock, "Lady! Your hands are bleeding!" A blonde hair boy with a red bowtie and blue shorts was wiping her tears with one hand and clinging to her leather jacket sleeve with his other.

"Hold on kids! I'll get you out!" Blair knew an unlocking spell that would work for the cage. Normally one uses a mummified hand of a thief to use the spell. But Blair didn't have a Hand of Glory.

But maybe her own flaming red hands with bleeding blisters are mutilated enough for the spell.

"Now open, lock!
To the Dead Man's knock!
Fly, bolt, and bar, and band!
Nor move, nor swerve,
Joint, muscle, or nerve,
At the spell of the Dead Man's hand!
Sleep, all who sleep!
Wake, all who wake!
But be as the dead for the Dead Man's sake!
Now open, lock!
To the Dead Man's knock!
LÀMH NA GLÒIRE!"

The cage door opened and an elf child ran up to the medium, "Let me heal your hands, please."

Blair was clenching her hands and biting her bottom lip from the pain. Against all natural instincts she lifted her hands towards the child.

The child gently held her hands and started to lick them. As they were lapping up the blood and marrow the pain was gone. Her bones, tendons, muscle, and skin were healing with every swipe of the fairy's tongue.

"Thank you."

They smiled, "You're welcome."

The blonde boy with the red bowtie kneeled down next to the woman, "Thanks for saving me and my friends. I take it that my father sent you?"

"I take it that you're Richie?"

"Yep! Are your hands okay?"

Blair looked at her hands. They were baby smooth without the calluses from riding on a motorcycle for eight years of drifting. It will take a while for her to build up the tolerance again.

She looks around at the faces of scared children. Only to think of the child that she was taking care of. The child that wasn't in sight. The child that was following her orders to track the villains!

Shit! She lost Hot Stuff!

***

Hot Stuff followed the villainess and her goons to the warehouses that were just off the coast and away from the docks.

"Geez… these people are just plain loco. Making deals and exchanges this close to their hideout?" Hot Stuff climbed up on the side of their building to peek in through the high windows. Lucky his nails on both his hands and feet are sharp and strong enough to hold him up against the wooden wall.

Inside the warehouse was nothing but cages full of humans, elves, a satyr, and a few animal spirits.

"Nice work boys! But I am feeling a little excited from earlier." The villainous Audrey opened the cage with the satyr and dragged him out by his horns. "You'll be my entertainment. I heard that you goat boys have a lot of stamina. Pinhead! Birdbrain! I'll be in the office! Don't disturb me!"

The two goons watch their boss enter a room. The tall skinny man with the mohawk took a puff of his cigarette, "I almost feel sorry fa da satyr. Bitch is ruthless."

"Ya don't think she'll use ta iron pikes that we smuggled from ta Human Realm, do ya?" The short stump of a man with hair the shape of a bird nest was shaking like a leaf.

Pinhead snuffed out his cig, "If I was a gambler, I know where ta place mah coin."

A blood curdling scream was then heard from the office. Hot Stuff didn't like that sound. It was too familiar. He shut his eyes really tight to block the memories of the torture he experienced back with the cult.

He hated the fact that someone else was experiencing it as well.

"Pessst! Devil Child. Over here!" A dwarf was waving at Hot Stuff.

Hot Stuff looked at the faul men to see if they were paying attention. Satisfied that the trash were busy with their own mental demons. He climbed down and met with the dwarf. "Hi. Sorry I don't think I can help all of you by myself."

"Nah. Nah. Kid." The dwarf brought out a lockpick set from a pouch of gold, jewels, and other things. "I can unlock the cages but they're enchanted by the witch. After the enchantment is broken I can get us out. I would also need a diversion."

"I don't suppose you know how to break the spell, do you?" Hot Stuff's pointy ears were twitching from plotting his next move.

"The witch has the Golden Key! It can lock and unlock anything without a Hand of Glory Spell." The dwarf put his lockpicks away, "hummm… Actually. If you can give me the Key I can free us all without my picks. Might be faster too."

"So get the Key to you and create a distraction?" The little devil smiled wickedly, "Sounds fun."

Hot Stuff snapped his fingers and one of the oil lamps went out. "Hey, Birdbrain! Ya forgot ta get lamp oil. Ya fuickn' sap!"

While the dummies were busy with the lamp, Hot Stuff made it to the office. He prayed that the mistress was too occupied with the satyr to notice him opening the door.

He almost vomited at the sight of the faun. He pinned to the floor with iron spikes in his hands that were above his head. One of his horns was ripped off. His leg was twisted in an odd angle that was unnatural for a forest spirit.

Li'l Audrey was laughing so loudly as she was bouncing up and down onto the faun's lap to notice that the door behind her was opening.

Hot Stuff turned his head away. He didn't want to witness more of these familiar torments. Instead he looked around for any signs of the Golden Key. A magical key that has a title should stand out from ordinary keys.

He crawled towards the desk without the evil woman noticing him. He opened a drawer and found only more iron spikes and a pair of iron cuffs. He grabbed the cuffs by the chain and gritted his teeth.

Fuck! Iron hurts like a bitch.

He opened another drawer. Nothing but logbooks. He took one of those as well.

The last drawer was the money pot! Except it was full of keys!

"FUCK!"

Hot Stuff jumped at the scream Li'l Audrey made. He prayed to the unknown deity that he was praying to earlier that she was the kind that passed out after climaxing.

"Hummm… Fuck. I'll have to keep you alive a little longer." Audrey got up and lifted her hand, "Are you looking for this, Little Devil Boy?"

Hot Stuff peeked from behind the desk and saw that the bitch was looking right at him. In her hand was a gold key with the bow in the shape of a skull with wings.

Shit.

"Come out!"

Double shit.

He crawled out from behind the desk, "Fine you caught me." Then he smirked, "Or do you?"

With flames in his hands he charged towards the horrid woman. With one flaming hand he aimed at her face and with the other held her wrist that held the key. "I heard that you burned your father alive. I think it's time for a little "eye for an eye" kind of karma."

Audrey screamed from the pain. After the key fell to the floor her hands were in the iron chains that she had in the drawer.

Hot Stuff pushed her away and pulled the iron pikes out of the satyr's hands. Sadly he had to leave the satyr there as he grabbed the key from the floor, ran out of the office, and bolted to the cage that contained the dwarf.

"Thanks Lad!" The dwarf tapped the key to the lock and the cage door opened.

"Stop! Or we fill ya with lead!" The goons were pointing flintlock pistols at Hot Stuff and the dwarf.

"Any more plans, kid?"

"Just one." Hot Stuff smiled at the goons, "Did you know that lead can melt in 621 Fahrenheit?"

Birdbrain tilted his head in confusion, "What's that in Celsius?"

"About 327 degrees." Hot Stuff positioned his hands to snap his fingers. "And guess how hot I can go?"

The wood handles of the pistols caught on fire, causing the goons to drop them.

The dwarf has the opportunity to unlock all the other cages. All of the prisoners ran for the exit when they heard a screeching.

"Don't let them escape!" Audrey was still in the cuffs and covering her scared face with her hands. The cages were already opened and the goons were trapped in a ring of fire. "I have to do everything myself!"

Audrey takes a bite out of one of the fairy fruits, ambrosia, to gain fairy magic. But she had forgotten that her chains were iron and after she ate the fruit the cuffs burned. "Ahhhhhhh! Get these chains off me!"

She darted towards the exit and placed her hands in the salty waters only to scream even louder!

Li'l Audrey saw the dwarf nearby, "YOU! FOUL CREATURE! UNLOCK THESE CHAINS!"

The dwarf smiled, "Sorry Miss, but I am too much of a coward to get near you." He lifted the Key in his hand, "Besides. The Golden Key doesn't work on Cold Iron."

"GIVE ME BACK MY KEY!"

"Nah." The dwarf pocketed the Key, "You got what you deserved from stealing the Key. Now if you excuse me." The dwarf found a plank of wood and turned it to the side as if it was a door. "I must return the Golden Key to it's rightful owner, The Goblin King."

The dwarf stepped next to the plank that he was holding and fell through the ground with the plank falling over where he stood.

Audrey pulled the plank out of the way only to see more sand. She was too busy screaming that she didn't even notice that a rope was wrapped around her. Nor did she notice that a human woman and devil were embracing each other with tears in their eyes.

***

An hour after Goodfellow left the house with Stretch's message Betelgeuse Blinked inside the house with what looked like a nice smelling cardboard box, "Hi guys!"

Stretch made an irritated groan, "What now?! And what's up with the box?"

Betelgeuse placed the box on the desk of the office, "Hallorann made you this care package."

"Whose Hallorann?!"

"A Shining user that works as the head chef of Outlook Hotel at Porta Inferni." Betelgeuse started to unpack the box like that's all the information that Stretch needed to know about Hallorann, "Let's see… Honeysuckle Ale, Honeycomb Cake. Oh shit! Is that Lavender Cream on the cake? Mushroom Tarts?"

The Snake's eyes widened and turned to his old haunting partner, "Rose Petal Sandwiches with Acorn Bread! Stretch! Why would you need fae delicacies?!"

Betelgeuse lifted his hands in defeat and backed away, "Actually Nevermind! Janet is on house arrest till the baby is born and I am on Real Estate Duties. I can't get involved with whatever crazy fairy bullshit you're on!" He turned only to jump when he finally noticed Princess Charma, "No offence Miss."

The blonde fae smiled sweetly, "None taken! Blair says almost the same thing whenever I warn her about said 'crazy fairy bullshit.' Except her exact words would more likely be 'overly glamorous beings with superiority slash god complexes."

The demon gave a sigh of relief and conjured a black rose, "Thank you for understanding and being patient with me. Good luck with whatever it is you are doing."

"Good luck with your Real Estate Duties, whatever that means." Charma accepted the gift and waved. "My cousin is lucky to have a friend like you, Mr. Orion."

"Blair's your cousin? That's pretty cool." Betelgeuse then patted Stretch's shoulder, "Good Luck. You're going to need it." And then he Blinked.

Gerdi lifted her hand and a chess table with high back chairs and a long table appeared. And with a snap of her fingers the food floated and arranged themselves on the long table. With another finger snap gothic themed dishes and wine glasses also appeared, "Betelgeuse's friend has the right idea! In order to stop the incoming fairy war we must appease the First High King of Fairyland."

James, who'd been quiet this entire time, finally asked a question, "How do you know King Finvarra? Knowing about him might help."

"I was a stupid fleashie kid when I stumbled into a fairy ring. Ate ambrosia fruit and got trapped-"

Before he could finish with the story a big gust of wind blew the doors open and there stood a pale man in gleaming green armor.

Stretch transformed into his poltergeist form. And greeted the new visitor with gusto. "Your Majesty!"

"Alistair! Lief cousin! Coequal in death thee at each moment surprise me." King Finvarra gave Stretch a hard but friendly smack on his back, "Shalt we beginneth with our chess game?"

"That's why I invited you." Stretch pulled out a chair for King Finvarra. Being polite made him extremely ill, but he had to carry out his plan. "Please, let's play and have a chat."

"Doth thee wisheth to beest black 'r white?"

Stretch snapped his fingers and the pieces were in place. White in front of the Fairy King and Black in front of the ghost. "Royalty first."

***

After saying their farewells to Stumbo the Giant, Officer O'Floodle, and The Mayor of Tiny Town, Blair and Hot Stuff headed out for Duckland.

"I hope that satyr is okay." Hot Stuff leans his head against Blair's chest as Ichabod guides them to their next destination.

The puka's ears twitched, {Tiny Town has good healers. The satyr will be frolicking in the forest again soon.}

"Would he have the joy to folic again though?"

Hot Stuff's words lay heavily on their thoughts for a while. The poor spirit was tortured and raped. He may never recover from that.

"Awhoo! Good company! May I join your caravan?" A fox-terrier spirit riding on a shaggy sheepdog was coming up from next to them. The spirit held himself as a chivalrous knight. He wears a blue beret with a yellow feather. His tunic was colorful and looked made of silk. One of his eyes was covered by a black eye patch.

"We are heading towards Duckland. Is it on your travels?"

The knight nodded, "I was planning on getting food and lodgings there and then continue my journey in the morning! The nights get treacherous in these lands." The spirit puffed up his chest, "Not that I fear the darkness of night, but My Lady always says it's better to use your wits than looking for danger!"

"The Lady is wise." Blair smiled, "Please join us, Sir. And what do they call you and your steed?"

"Sir Didymus you may call me! And this is Ambrosious!"

"You may call me Blair. You may call my ward Hot Stuff. And my Steed is Ichabod."

"A pleasure to meet you all!" The knight pulled out a lute, "May I sweeten your ears of tales of My Lady and her journey through the Labyrinth of the Goblin King!"

Blair saw a good opportunity to learn as much about the Labyrinth as possible. "We would love to hear about your Lady's daring feats. Hot Stuff, pay attention to the story."

"Aren't these stories usually over exaggerated?"

{Maybe. But there's always a seed of truth in such stories.} The puka looked at Sir Didymus, {Please, Sir Knight! Tell us your tales. Throughout all my travels to Fairyland I have never been to Goblin City.}

"Then I shall start when I have met my Fair Lady Sarah and company. They were crossing the bridge that I was guarding with my vow to allow no one to cross the bridge without permission!"

Hot Stuff was grinding like a Cheshire Cat, "This might actually be very good."

***

"Then Brother Ludo, the gentle but mighty Earth Troll, summoned the rocks and earth to do battle with the Goblin Army!"

"What happened next! What happened next!"

Blair smiled at Hot Stuff's excitement, "I see the town. We might not have enough time for the rest of the story."

"Aww." The Little Devil wined, "And was getting to the good stuff..."

Sir Didymus chuckled, "Fear not for I can still tell you more! It is almost at the end…"

{Duckling Inn is on the other side of town anyways.}

"PERFECT! Now where was I?" The spirit smiled. "Awwe! Of fond memories! Lady Sarah and the rest of us managed to dodge all attempts to stop us. And after we had bravery defeated the Goblin Army, we reached Jareth's Castle together."

Hot Stuff lifted his arms and nearly smacked Blair in the face, "Yay! Oops. Sorry Blair..."

"No harm. But please be careful."

"When we reached the Throne Room of the castle, Lady Sarah thought that Jareth must have hidden Lord Toby elsewhere. We all reluctantly agreed that it was her journey to go forward alone, and left the rest of us behind to move deeper into the Castle."

"What happened to Sarah?"

The knight looked at the young fire elemental and smiled, "I am not quite sure what happened to My Lady and The King. But what I do know is that she was victorious! For we had found ourselves in Lady Sarah's world, through the looking glass upon her vanity, and in the Thralls of Celebration! It would have lasted all night if it wasn't for Lady Sarah having to attend School the next morning."

"That was a good story!"

"The Dog knows how to spin a good yarn." A fairy fox in a white changshan was walking next to the travelers. He was smiling friendly like, but Blair didn't like the feel of him at all.

"Greetings, Fox." While fairy foxes may either be benevolent or malevolent spirits, they are still typically seen as dangerous beings. Similarly like humans…. If humans have magic and hunger for living flesh.

"You may call me Huli Jing." The creepy fox smiled at Blair with a hungry look. What made it worse was that she couldn't detect what kind of hunger it was.

"You can address me as Blair, my ward as Hot Stuff, my Steed Ichabod."

"Blair… meadow of grass… Beautiful…. Ichabod….glory gone…. Tragic…. Hot Stuff… … … it is a good name…"

"Humph! Hot Stuff is much more than a good name! It's a name of adventure and mischief!" The fairy knight was not affected by the fox's sinister essence, "Sir Didymus is what you can call me! And this is Ambrosious!"

"Sir Didymus… double the knight…. Heroic… Ambrosious… divine immortal… Holy…."

"This guy is giving me the heebie jeebies, Blair." Hot Stuff wasn't enjoying himself as he was earlier.

"Same." Blair rubbed the top of his head between his horns and placed a kiss between her fingers. "I see the Inn! Let's have a rest."

Blair and Hot Stuff dismounted off of Ichabod and Sir Didymus did the same off of Ambrosious. The Fox smiled even wider, "I would love to pay for your food and drink."

"Thank you for your generosity, but we must decline!" Blair lifted her arms. If the Fox was planning on enslaving her and Hot Stuff with fairy food, he has to do better than that. She pulled her saddlebags and saddle off of Ichabod. "I have gold for both of our lodgings. And plenty of food left. Come Hot Stuff!"

She can still hear Sir Didymus laughing, "Clever Fox, but the Lady is wise."

Blair walked to the bar and placed a few gold coins on the counter, "A room for two, please!"

An old white duck was wiping a glass and made a grumpy sound with the back of his throat, "Sorry. But the Inn is full unless you have an invitation for the wedding."

"Wedding?"

"Herman the Mouse and Katnip the Cat are getting married tonight at this very Inn."

"Oh… talk about bad luck." Blair wasn't going to question how a marriage between a cat and a mouse is going to work.

A cute old lady duck came from the back with a tray of mead, beer, and wine, "Maybe you can entertain Baby Huey, during the wedding?"

The old drake slammed his fist on the counter, "Silly Duck! We can't trust random people to watch our child."

The old hen placed the liquor on a nearby table, "Oh, Gilbert! Our baby is stronger than most full grown spirits. He can defend himself." She then looked at Blair and Hot Stuff, "But he's going to be so lonely during the wedding."

"Might as well! If Baby Huey is too bored he'll cause a lot of trouble." Gilbert gruffed, "Last time he almost destroyed half of the Inn."

"Hot Stuff never had a proper sleepover." Blair smiled at her ward, "And I don't think the hospital should count…"

Hot Stuff lowered his head, "Never had a chance to do a lot of things kids normally do…"

"Bahbahbah… What?!" Gilbert Duck was wide eyed and looked like he was about to eat iron nails, "Why not?!"

"Before my friends saved me… I was a… slave…."

"Oh Dear!" Silly Duck gave Hot Stuff a hug. After the little devil calmed down he returned the hug. "We must remedy that. Gilbert?"

The old duck just couldn't say no to his pleading wife, "Alright! Alright! But no ghost stories! He'll have nightmares."

Blair rummaged through her saddlebags and pulled out a book, "Ever heard of The Mouse and his Child by Russell Hoban?"

"Oh! I can't believe that you have a copy!" Silly wiped a tear from her eye, "The mouse and his child, who had learned so much and had prevailed against such overwhelming odds, never could be persuaded to teach a success course… The whole secret of the thing, they insisted, was simply and at all costs to move steadily ahead, and that, they said, could not be taught."

Gilbert had a ghost of a smile on his beak, "Silly used to love that book. Sadly we lost it before Huey was an egg."

"I used to read it to the children at the library." Silly raised her wings towards the book, "May I?"

Blair passed the book to the Mother Duck when a mouse spirit came in and sat at the bar, "Hiya Silly! Gilbert! Wha' cookn' besides my tyin' the knot in two hours?"

"Herman! Remember when I read this book?" Silly showed the cover to the Mouse.

"Aww shucks, Mrs. Duck! You read this to me when I was a kid." Herman patted Silly on the back, "After you read that to Baby Huey can I borrow it? Katnip would love it if I read it to him."

Gilbert whispered to Blair, "Katnip can't read."

"Ah. I don't think I can loan you this book. It's not mine." Silly passed the book back towards Blair.

"Keep it." Blair placed her hand over the Duck's wing, "I can get another copy in the Human Realm. Finding books like these in the Enchanted Forest is pretty much impossible."

"Thank you."

Blair smiled and pulled four apples out of her bag, "Mrs. Duck? Why don't you go up and give the boys apple slices and a storytime. Hot Stuff might seem too old for such activities, but I think it's one of those things that he might haven't had before."

Hot Stuff was glowing and the air around him was warm, "Wha-what gave you that impression Blair?"

"They way you gobbled up the story that Sir Didymus told us on the way here."

"The one about the Labyrinth and the Goblin City, I betcha!" The Mouse made an impressive soft whistle, "I love that story also. I have a friend, who's a worm, that lives in the outer walls of the Labyrinth. He told me that the story was true! He offered tea to the human girl and he and the missus were there when the celebration was happening."

"Whah!? Do you think Sir Didymus was telling the truth about how he saved Sarah from Junk Lady who tried to brainwash her, outside the Goblin City of Jareth's castle? Or the Copper Robot?"

Gilbert laughed, "I see what you mean! Dear? Why don't you take the boy up the stairs like the human suggested?"

"But Gilbert!"

"Don't worry about me. This human can help."

Silly looked at Blair, "Can you help my husband, please?"

"Only fair since you're helping me. Now Hot Stuff? Be good for Mrs. Duck, okay?"

"Okay." Hot Stuff held the Mother Duck's wing, "You may call me Hot Stuff."

"And you may call me Silly?"

As the two left and a roar of laughter was coming from a poker table that contained two Chickens, a Goose, and the Fox. The Fox obviously won the pot, seeing as he was pulling a large pile of eggs towards himself.

Most likely the eggs are unfertilized but the site was still unnerving. "Not to be a Chicken Little, but..."

"The Fox had a wedding invitation." Herman shook his head, "Don't know how he got it but we can't put him down now. But I agree, there's something very wrong about him."

It is by Fairy Custom that you must not turn away someone who has an invitation. Which probably would explain how Li'l Audrey got in the other wedding.

Blair shudders, "Why do I feel like I'm missing some sort of foreshadowing moment?" Wasn't Betelgeuse and Lydia getting married in a few weeks?

"BAH! You are most likely seeing coincidences that's not even there."

Blair smiled fondly at the old bird, "If this was the human realm I would agree with you. But I am a firm believer that all is never what they seem. Like the words of William Shakespeare 'Fair is Foul, Foul is Fair.' Act 1, Scene 1, Macbeth."

"Ah, yes! The Weird Sisters." Herman smiled and winked, "What is considered good is in fact bad and what is considered bad is actually good."

"Yes yes yes! We all know that you two are very well read. Now, are you going to help me or not?" Gilbert grumpily placed a tray with wine and lavender honey cake on the container, "The table with the Badgers."

"Yes Sir!"

***

"Baby Huey! We have a guest!" Silly leads Hot Stuff inside the room and here comes Baby Huey sounding like a giant walking.

"We have a guest? Oh boy!" The duckling was large. Larger than the already "small for his age" Hot Stuff.

"Well now I feel even shorter." Hot Stuff mumbles.

The duckling picked up the little devil and gave him a bone cracking hug. "You may call me Baby Huey! Wanna listen to my records?"

"Call me Hot Stuff. And what's records?"

Silly got out an old vinyl record. "The Ink Spots would be a good one to start." She put the record on the gramophone in Huey's room. "I am going to cut these apples and get you two something to drink. Why don't you boys make a pillow fort?"

"Oh boy! A pillow fort!" Huey grabbed every pillow and blanket in the Duck Family's home. "Hot Stuff! Help me get the couch and chairs ready!"

"I never… made a fort before…"

The love song from gramophone was the only sound in the room, "I love you too much
I just want to start a great big flame
Down in your heart
You see, way down inside of me
Darlin' I have only one desire
And that one desire is you
And I know, nobody else ain't gonna do…"

Huey looked at Hot Stuff like he was the saddest child in Fairy, "I can teach you…" Then as if someone turned on a switch on the duckling he picked up the little devil. "Let's use the couch and kitchen chairs for the… the… Mama? What's that word for that keeps houses up?"

Silly placed the apple slices on the coffee table, "Foundation, my sweet boy. The word you're looking for is foundation."

"Foundation!" The large duckling clapped his hands while rocking his body by leaning on his heels and back to his toes. "Let's form the foundation with the couch and chairs. Then we use the blankets and bed sheets for the roof! The seat cushions from the couch can be used for the walls."

Hot Stuff and the Duck Family fashioned the chairs next to the couch, draped the lighter blanket over the foundation. Silly helped form the walls with the cushions and pillows, but not before making futons out of heavier blankets.

After the boys settled in the pillow fort Silly sat down and opened the book, "The tramp was big and squarely built, and he walked with the rolling stride of the long road, his steps too big for the little streets of the little town. Shivering in his thin coat, he passed aimlessly through the crowd while rosy-faced Christmas shoppers quickened their steps and moved aside to give him room."

***

"Parsnip and Carrot Tarts for the Hare Family! Dragon Breath Mead for Frog and Toad! And Roc Eggs for the Fox!"

"Got it!" Blair was Blinking in and out so fast it looked like there were three or four of her in the Inn. "Gilbert! The rock troll wanted some "Delvers Loaf and an Elven Lemon Wedge!"

"Arthur's Crown! I am out of lemons!"

Blair pulled out some lemons from her saddlebags, "Is this enough?"

"Dear Child! You can't just give out your food like that!"

Blair smiled evilly, "Are you saying that you don't want my lemons?"

"Don't be daff, child!" Gilbert took the lemons to make the cake.

"The Ol' Waterfowl is correct ya know," A brown Cat Spirit sat down next to his Mouse Groom. "Hey, Cheddars."

"Hey, Tuna Breath." The two nuzzled their noses together before kissing.

"Wow! I can feel my teeth rotting faster from watching that public display of affection than me eating Cloudberry Cream." Gilbert set another tray down, "Raspberry Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for the Fireys. Bannock Bread with Roasted Strawberry Sauce for Sir Didymus. And tell the Rock Troll his meal will be in a bit."

"Yessir!" Blair grabbed the tray and handed the sandwiches to a group of strange creatures that were juggling their heads, hands, and feet.

She then passed the Rock Troll while telling the gentle giant Gilbert's message. She stopped next to the knighed fox-terrier, "Here you go, Sir Didymus!"

The little knight jumped a little from his thoughts before looking at Blair, "Ahh! Lady Blair, I apologize for not noticing you." Blair noticed that the spirit's ears were flat and his fluffy tail was underneath his chair.

"Something on your mind?"

"The fox… he's not what he seems…"

Blair looked at the Fox's table. The fox was posed and graceful in his table manners. His previous wins are in a sack next to him.

"You mean he is not a suspicious fox spirit that might have crashed the wedding to eat everyone?"

"I don't know…"

Blair signed, "Never judge a book by its cover… an advice I need to follow to be honest. But I have a child to protect."

"The Fairy Test of Kindness?"

Blair turned towards the knight, "How?"

"Baba Yaga is an old friend of mine."

Blair laughed, "Sir Didymus, you are also not what you seemed."

Blair walked up to Huli Jing's table, "Enjoying your meal?"

The fox smiled politely, "The Roc Egg was delicious! But now I am growing bored."

The nearby tables became silent. It was fine when the fox was playing cards and eating, but a bored fox is a dangerous fox.

"Riddle challenge?"

Huli Jing looked up at Blair in shock, "Are you challenging me to a riddle game, human?"

"Three Riddles each! Loser gives the winner a prized possession. If tied, it would be a trade of said possessions."

"I am intrigued! I have an earring that has a Flaming Pearl embedded in it. I will bet that for…" The Fox pointed at Blair's Fairy Stone that was hanging from her neck.

Blair took the Stone off her neck and gave it a hard look. She would have needed it for the Goblin King's Labyrinth. But the Flaming Pearl would be an added bonus if she won the game. The Flaming Pearl, also known as The Dragon's Pearl, was the mysterious item that provides luck, protection, and wisdom to the owner. Something that Hot Stuff would truly benefit from. Hot Stuff deserves good things and the Flaming Pearl would help.

"Can you place the Pearl on the table?" Just because the Fox said that he has it doesn't mean that he has it on him at that moment.

Huli Jing smiled and placed the Pearl on the table, "Who shall ask the first riddle?"

Blair placed the Stone on the table, but not before catching a glimpse of a human-like hand glowing with golden light through the eye of the Stone, "I am the Challenger therefore it's only polite for you to start the game."

"Very well! A mile from end to end, yet as close to you as a friend. A precious commodity, freely given. Found on the rich, poor, short and tall, but shared among children most of all. What am I?" The Fox was all teeth after asking the riddle.

Blair was unphased as she and her cousin would always have these types of games, "A smile?"

The spirit was surprisingly pleased, "Finally a worthy opponent!"

"My turn…" Blair racked her brain for all the ones Charma challenged her with, "At night they come without being fetched. By day they are lost without being stolen."

"A challenging one, but I know the answer! Doubts and fears."

"Very good, Sir." By this time the entire inn was quiet and everyone was creeping slowly to the table.

"Four jolly men sat down to play,
And played all night till break of day.
They played for cash and not for fun,
With a separate score for every one.
When it came time to square accounts,
they all had made quite fair amounts.
Now, not one has lost and all have gained -
Tell me now, can you explain?"

Blair laughed, "A little poetry to go with that one! I like it… but I think the answer is a group of musicians at a party?"

"Are you sure?" The fox teased.

"I'm…. Yes, I am sure!"

The fox slaps the table, "Well done!"

By this time every spirit and fairy was watching the table, holding their breaths. "Okay… my turn…" Blair centers herself, "One by one we fall from heaven down into the depths of the past, and our world is ever upturned so that yet some time we’ll last."

"Your first riddle was about doubts and fears, but this time it's dreams and aspirations."

"Yessir."

Everyone in the Inn groaned. They were hoping that Blair had outfoxed Huli Jing.

"My turn and my last one at that! This is a thing that is devoured by all things; flowers, trees, beasts, birds; bites steel, gnaws iron; grinds hard stone to meal; beats mountains down, ruins towns and slays kings. What is it?"

That one stumped Blair a little. And was about to answer when an evil laugh shook the entire building. "HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Carrigan Crittenden was in Fairy.

***

 

"Thou art an ice elemental? Intriguing!" King Finvarra took a bite of a rose petal sandwich.

"I think it's from the frozen lake that took my life." Stretch claimed the fae's Bishop with one of his knights.

"Wherefore doth thee truly sendeth me h're, Alist'r?" The immortal took a sip of Stardust Tea as he moved a pawn, "Beest honest with me, t hast something to doth with mine own granddaught'r?" Finvarra moved one of his pawns forward.

"Blair is wise, adventurous, brave, and caring." Stretch moved his King from a possible Check. "Why would I worry about her when I know that she will be fine?"

"But thee w'rry nonetheless. T's as i't…" Finvarra stopped mid sentence and rapped his knuckles against the table. "Ahh! Doth thee loveth Blair?"

Stretch looked at the Fairy King and made a face asif he was fighting some unseen force that prevented him from staying silent, "Yes."

"Stretch?" Gerti's voice cut through the thick silence, "What the fuck was that?"

"It seems that even in death…" Stretch stares intensely at the Fairy King, "You still have full control over me?"

"I am afraid so, Alist'r. Coequal in death. Thee hath broken the Ruleth of Three. Thee partake of ambrosia, thee did promise nev'r to forswear to me, and thee gaveth me thy nameth."

"I was alive, young, and stupid. But you let me go when you could have made me your slave. Why did you?"

"Thee has't greatness in thee-yond might help my own family. Mine's own daught'r, Titania, and h'r husband, Ob'ron, wanteth a civil war. And I did need thee as mine own gen'ral, to help me prevent the fairy kingdoms f'rm destroying all of mine own hard to united the kingdoms."

"YOU KNEW! AND LET BLAIR FALL INTO A TRAP?"

"I knoweth mine own daught'r wanteth to killeth h'r niece and the Goblin King, Jareth. Ahh! I just claim'd thy bishop. Thy moveth lief cousin!"

"ENOUGH OF THESE GAMES!"

"But we just did start playing our game of chess, cousin?"

"Grandfather!" Princess Charma intervened, "I believe the mortal meant…. I believe that Cousin Blair called it Mind Games…. Mr. McFadden thinks that you're making him consciously struggle for an impossible psychological goal."

King Finvarra stroked his beard, "Mine own belov'd Connie hath called those pow'r games 'r headeth games. Valorous sir! Doth thee very much bethink I am trying to manipulateth 'r intimidate thee?"

"Yes."

"Ah… I see."

Stretch calmed himself. He felt like an idiot for yelling at a high fae. A very stupid move, "Forg-"

The Old One lifted his hand in a 'stop' motion, "Doth not apologizeth! Thee may beest a mischievous prankst'r... but thou art loyal and protective of thy did love ones. Which is the main reasoneth wherefore thee hadst did summon me to playeth a game with thee, is this not true? F'r protection?"

"Yes."

King Finvarra laughed, "Cometh anon! Alloweth's beest m'rry. We still has't a game to playeth. Granddaught'r, what doest thy crystal ball sayeth about thy cousin, Blair?"

Charma looked into her orbe and her eyes wide, "Mr. McFadden? Is this woman the Hell Escapee Blair told me about?"

Stinky, Fatso, and Harvey flew closer to the fae princess. Harvey made a heartbreaking sigh, "Crittenden is not alone either. Abadon's family is with her."

"Cometh again. Didst thee just hath said Abadon? As in Abadon Scratch?"

Stretch, who hadn't moved from his spot, moved his pawn to claim a knight. "Yes."

***

"Where's Abadon?" Clinker Scratch clawed her way towards Blair, "Stupid Human! A peasant even among your kind! Dares to hide my nephew from me?"

Demo and Voland were climbing up the stairs. "Mother? There's rooms up here!"

Gilbert followed them up with a broom in hand, "Don't you dare disturb my guests!" The old fawl whacked the boy with the brussels of said broom in the face and smashed the tip of the handle on the grandfather's foot. "GIT OUT OF M' INN!"

Blair kicked Clinker in the stomach. The devilness was winded which gave Blair a chance to Blink upstairs. The grandson and grandpa duo was sandwiched between a very determined woman and a pissed out cranky duck.

Gilbert was whacking and jabbing the devil's with the broom while Blair whipped out the Saint Benedict Spirit Beads. Blair's control of the beads were frightening, as the rosary was moving like it was alive, striking the villainous family like a cobra.

Only for the string of spirit beads to be caught by the hand of the blonde bitch. "I will take these back, Red. And my little slave also."

"FUCK!" Blair let go of the beads and Blinked behind Gilbert, "Get your family out."

Gilbert ran towards his apartment. Blair faced off The Escapee and the Devil family. She didn't have the beads anymore but that didn't mean she was unarmed and alone. "Ichabod!"

At the sound of the puca's name a seven foot tall hairy beast barged in. Ichabod's new form was humanoid with black fur covering his entire body, a face of a goat with curling horns and long horse ears that shoot up like a rabbit's, making him look even taller.

He held a warhammer with one side of its head like a sledgehammer, and the other side like an axe. The splitting maul looked as deadly as it looked heavy. Ichabod jumped as graceful as an astronaut on the moon but landed between Blair and the Escapee like a falling boulder.

Blair was still holding her saddlebags which she rummaged through to find her Cold Iron Dagger. The wedding guests that were still in the Inn noticed the deadly tool and were grateful that it was the medium and not Crittenden that held it.

Clinker charged at Blair with a deafening warcry, "Arhhhhhhhhh!"

***

"Come, children!" Silly and Gilbert were pushing Baby Huey through the window. "Suck in your gut, Son!"

Baby Huey sucked in his stomach and popped out the window. He landed on his butt which created a crater. The Duckling got up and bushes the dirt off his diaper, unbothered and unhurt.

The Duck Parents turned towards Hot Stuff with their feathery hands, "Your turn, Sweethe-"

"HUEY! CATCH!"

The look of betrayal, surprise, and sadness crossed the faces of Silly and Gilbert when Hot Stuff pushed them both out the window. Huey caught them without trouble.

The apartment door burst open in a blast of fire as Clinker, Demo, and Voland walked in. They were holding their wounds as the three limped towards the little devil.

"ABADON SCRATCH!" Clinker held her bleeding eye that smelled suspiciously like Cold Iron. "You are coming with us to Incandescent City!"

"As long as you don't hurt anyone else I am willing to go to Hell with you." Hot Stuff walked towards his blood relatives. Calling them family made his stomach turn to knots. "I will be good… just don't hurt more people…"

His aunt didn't seem to hear him as she uncovered her missing eye and grabbed him by the horn with her blood coated hand. She dragged him out of the apartment and down the remaining stairs. At the bottom of the stairs were Blair and a two hoofed creature with long horse ears that Hot Stuff recognized as Ichabod. Both of them were unconscious.

Clinker kicked Blair in the head, "Fucking Human!"

"Please stop! I said I would come if you stop hur-" Hot Stuff was backhanded by his aunt.

Demo's and Voland's eyes widened. "Daughter?"

Clinker didn't look back at her father as she dragged her nephew towards an exhausted Crittenden. "Bitch was tougher than she looks."

The Hell Escapee chuckled, "To Incandescent?"

"Yeah." The Shedevil snapped her fingers causing nearby oil lamps said to burst uncontrollably.

"NO!" Hot Stuff struggled to get out of his aunt's grip to save the human and puca that was starting to be surrounded by flames.

Clinker pulled him close enough to punch him hard, knocking him out. Both grandfather and grandson looked at each other nervously as the Escapee Blinked them out of the blazing inn.

Huli Jing stepped out of the flames when the coast was clear. He walked up to Blair and healed her.

Blair opened her eyes. With a groaning sound from her throat she rolled over and started shaking the puka awake. "Ichabod, we have to go."

Ichabod got up and picked up her saddlebag and his weapon. The two followed the Fox out of the inn. Blair started to count everyone outside of the building. Her relief that the wedding party being safe was short-lived when she realized that Hot Stuff wasn't among them.

"Gilbert! Silly!" She saw the Duck Family comforting each other and ran up to them, "Where is he? Where is Hot Stuff?"

Silly gave the human a hug, "He pushed us out of the window… He was protecting us…"

"No." Tears were forming from her eyes. "Where? I must find him! Those horrible people have him!"

She was devastated. They had succeeded in protecting the Duck Family, including the Mighty Child. but she failed to protect Hot Stuff.

"Puca Ridder." Blair looked up at Huli Jing, "Answer my riddle."

"Riddle?"

What? The? Fuck?

She got to get off her ass and save Hot Stuff! She doesn't have time to finish their stupid game!

Wait. Time?

"Time!" Blair shouted at the Fox, "There! Happy now? If you would excuse me I have to save a scared boy from-"

The Fox glowed a bright light as he grew extra tails and was on all fours. The fur on the fox looks like it was made out of flames which flickered every time the fox wagged one of its nine tails. Huxian had the Flaming Pearl earring between his front paws.

"Tell me your riddle."

Damnit. She has to finish the riddle in order to leave to find Hot Stuff.

Sir Didymus, now mounted on Ambrosious, was next to her, "You will have to come up with an unanswerable riddle to win."

"You mean like a 'raven and a writing desk' riddle? But that would be cheating."

The fox-terrier knight smiled sadly, "The rules were three riddles each… Didn't say what kind of riddles. Unanswerable riddles also count as riddles."

Blair nodded and took a deep breath. An unanswerable riddle…

Where does a thought go when it’s forgotten? When did time begin? What is freedom and does it really exist? Which came first – the chicken or the egg?

What makes you, you?

"What is your True Name?"

The Fox Deity smiled and nosed the earring closer towards Blair, "I cannot answer your riddle."

And In a flash, Huxian was gone.

"Well, my Lady Blair! Let's go!" Sir Didymus was looking excited for an adventure.

"Go? Go where?" Blair looked around at the Animal Spirits that escaped the inn. "What about everyone else?"

"Don't worry about us." Gilbert said while looking at the flames that were once his family's inn. "The Scratch Heir needs to be rescued."

"How?"

Silly stepped away from the human and looked down at the book that was given to her, "We were told that a human and Abaddon Scratch were coming by Baba Yaga."

"Of Course."

"My Lady? We must go." Ambrosious was pawing the ground and looked as excited as his ridder who was demanding her attention.

"Where are we going? We don't know where Hot Stuff is?"

"He would be in Incandescent City. But we need an army first."

"An Army?"

"Yes!" The knight drew out his rapier and pointed it towards the rising sun on the horizon. "The Goblin Army led by King Jareth."

Chapter 6: Out of the Frying Pan

Summary:

Hot Stuff was kidnapped and now Blair must do the unthinkable to save him. Will the Goblin King Jareth led his aid or will Blair have to fight on her own?

Notes:

Our coming guests of the story!

Ticktock creators:

Cedar the Barefoot (and Sam-Sam)
Mama Goblin (Emily Dubious)
Quincy's Tavern

Blair still couldn't believe her luck of Nat 2's and 20's. It's as if she was the reincarnation of Jack Sparrow. Everything kept spiraling in a twisted web of fate.

"Lady Blair? Are you all right?" Sir Didymus and Ambrosious trotter next to her and snapped her out of a fog of self-defeat.

"Worried about Hot Stuff." She looked at the fairystone and pearl that cradled in her hand. Her hands have been magically healed twice but they were still scarred.

A small price to pay to save Hot Stuff from Incandescent City!

On the way to Goblin City the ground turned from lush green hills to hard soil that looks like glittery sandstone. "Never fret Lady Blair. We are almost at the entrance of the Labyrinth."

{Humph! About time. My rider had to walk the entire time.} Ichabod, still in his monstrous form, was not happy that he couldn't change back to a ghost horse for another day. He offered to carry his rider and friend, but Blair refused since they would need his strength and weapon in case they got caught in another battle.

Blair looked at the dog spirits and smiled, "So! How are we going in? You mentioned an entrance, but I doubt that is a 'knock and the door will open' kind of thing."

"How shrewd you are, Lady Blair!" He pointed his
scepter towards a water fountain next to the wall of the labyrinth. "We are meeting an old friend of mine who will let us in."

The group traveled to the water fountain. There sat a young lady with straight brown hair and was wearing a peasant blouse and vest. If her sneakers were any indication she was definitely a human being. She saw the group and waved, "Sir Didymus! I missed you."

The fox-terrier spirit dismounted and gave the human a bow, "Lady Sarah! It is good to see you again. But once again we must go to the center of the labyrinth in a rescue mission!"

"Did Jareth kidnap someone again?" Sarah huffed in annoyance, "He needs to stop that bad habit of his."

"All Royals of the Fay Court must since fairy births are rare and changelings make good soldiers and heirs." Sir Didymus reasoned.

{Main reason they have the Rule of Three.}

The human woman jumped and bowed to Blair and Ichabod, "Oh. Forgive me. You can call me Sarah Williams."

"You may call me Blair and my companion Ichabod."

Sarah smiled and walked up to the gates. With a loud voice she called, "Hey, Jareth! I bet you a kiss that you wouldn't let me in!"

A sexy male voice came from behind them, "Really Sarah. You're resorting to childish games."

There stood a changeling with feraly fluffy hair and wearing an outfit that was a clash between fantasy warrior and glam punk rocker. Blair can easily guess that his man was none other than Jareth, King of Goblin City in the heart of the Goblin Labyrinth.

He lifted his hand and the gates magically opened, "I believe you owe me my winnings."

"I didn't say that I was giving you the kiss." The gates slammed shut with a loud bang. Sarah rolled her eyes and kissed the Goblin King on the cheek.

"You call that a kiss?" The doors opened again. Jareth walked over to Blair, "Enjoy visiting my Labyrinth, my Goblin City, and if you are still alive you can visit my Castle. But know this, Ms. Blair, I will never bow to you." Jareth transformed into a barn owl and flew over the walls of the labyrinth.

"Charming…"

"Tell me about it. He's an overly flamboyant, spoiled rotten, self-centered King. " Sarah sighs, "but believe it or not, he isn't evil." Sarah entered the Labyrinth and went in a direction.

Blair rubbed her eyes in frustration, "Didn't even have a chance to tell him that I gave up on the Fairy Test… I need his army to save Hot Stuff."

"So that's why Sir Didymus mentioned that this was a rescue mission. I thought you were still doing the Fairy Test and needed Jareth's bow."

The group followed her until she stopped at a wall and gently knocked. "Allo? Ah Miss Sarah! Gid 'mornin to ye lass." A little blue worm with a red scarf appeared from the wall.

Sarah pulled out a teabag from her adventure satchel that's hooked to her belt. "On earth they called this fairy tea. Personally, I think it's a marketing play. It has apple, rosehip, blackberry leaf, fennel, nettle, and elderberry."

"Oh thank you, Miss Sarah!" The worm took it with his mouth, the tea bag shrunk, and Mr Worm tucked it in his scarf. "The missus loved the lemon zest tea ye 'ave us when she 'as sick. We even added the honey to it like ye suggested."

"I'm glad she enjoyed it!" Sarah waved at the worm with a smile, "I'll see you next month and I'll get you more lemon zest tea."

Sarah walked through the opposite wall, turned right, and disappeared. Blair pulled out her hag stone and looked through it. Her eyes widened when she saw the passageway. She stepped through still using the Fairy Stone.

She noticed something strange though, "Why don't we go on the left path?"

"We never go that way." Sarah explained.

"That's right, Miss! No one ever goes that way!" The worm shouted, "If ye'd 'ave kept on goin' down that way ye'd 'ave gone straight to that castle."

Sarah stopped and turned around with a gasping mouth, "Wait? What?" She started to run through the left path, "No way! No way! No way!"

The others followed her to a large gate where there were robot parts scattered all over the entryway. Sarah turned and stared passed everyone. Blair and Ichabod turned to see what Sarah was staring at. The pathway that they came from was gone and only a landfill of junk was lying there.

Sir Didymus ignored the choking silence from his comrades and confronted the working goblin over the scrap, "Greetings old guard!"

The goblin doesn't even look up, "Hump… Greetings. Y'all might as well go through. We ain't expecting Miss Sarah to be here for another 8 hours or so."

Sarah crossed her fingers as she slipped past the goblin that was rebuilding the Humongous. She looked like she was holding her breath as she silently prayed that the goblin doesn't look up.

"Good luck!" Blair and Ichabod moved around the junk in front of the goblin without messing up his work.

Sir Didymus and Ambrosious on the other hand bulldozed though the goblins work. The tired looking man looked like he was about to give up his quest of fixing the robot.

When the coast was clear Sarah made an annoyed growl, "5 years… 5 fuckin years I been taking the long way to the castle. If I go back in time and tell my 16 year old self this she'll say 'that's not fair' and I would just laugh my ass off. 5 Fuckin Years!"

"Forgive me, Lady Sarah. But we were sworn to secrecy by the King." Sir Didymus patted her arm. "But we enjoyed your monthly visits and the secret itself slowly became less of a burden as time went on."

They entered the city and zipped through the streets. There was a lot of activity and bustling in the city. Sarah tried to stay as hidden as possible, but it would be a miracle if she ever did succeed. The smells of baked bread, cold meat, leather, and hot metal from the nearby shops were a strange but pleasant smell.

"I never saw the city like this. Most of the times I came the streets were empty-" Sarah was interrupted by being dragged into an alleyway by robed figures. Blair and the others ran after Sarah and her kidnappers. The robed creatures was throwing boxes and trash in the way to slow the party down.

But with the large puka in his warrior form was a tank bulldozing through the debris until Sarah and her snatchers were trapped by a deadend. Ichabod lifted his splitting maul the moment he saw Sarah's adductors. Sarah lifted up her arms, "Wait! they're my friends!"

"When you think this wild chilly down, chilly down with the Fire Gang." The 5 hooded figures take off their robes to reveal lanky beasts with flaming red pelts. The Fireys started to throw their robes on Sarah, "Chilly down with the Fire Gang!"

The mischievous elementals started to rearrange the robes on Sarah to disguise her as a denizen of the labyrinth. And in a way it worked. If one wasn't paying attention she looked like one of the Wailing Rag Women, Bean Sidhe. The Fireys started dancing around her and fussed with the hood to make sure no one would recognize her.

"Hey! Listen up!"
"Now we can chilly down in the city."
"With the chilliest bunch in the land."
"We can show you a good time."
"Get the town talkin' about the Fire Gang!"

Sarah smiled as she dug into her bag, "I got candles and sage for you guys."

The 5 elementals were 'chirping?' happily and hugging their human friend. They took her hand and led them out of the alley and into the shopping district of the city. Each member of the Fire Gang was holding a treasured gift in their hands.

Blair tilted her head at the Fireys. She placed a hand on the shoulder of the nearest one, "Forgive me if this is a sensitive subject, but I was wondering if you guys are originally from Incandescent City? And what was it like?"

"Hmmmm…" The Firey took his hand off and used it as a back scratcher for an out of reach area, "I was a hatchling when my clan left the Flame Kingdom. But my mother told me stories of our homeland. Before the fall of the throne it was home to Dragons, Phoenixs, Jinn, and the Fire Snake, Boitatá!"

"The Flame Kingdom was the most prosperous kingdom in The Fae Realm! The fields were covered in Lucifer Hellfire Lilies, Ignited Dahlias, and Blazing Celosias in reds, golds, or purples."

"But the Fire Giant, Willem George Volbragg wanted the kingdom for his own…. At least according to legend…"

***

Clanker pulled the rope that was tied to Hot Stuff's wrists, "Hurry up! You are too slow!"

That last tug tripped Hot Stuff from his feet and landed on his knees painfully, "Ow…"

Clanker slapped him, "Get up you lazy brat! Your cousin and grandfather aren't complaining!"

That was mainly due to Demo and Voland being terrified of the she-devil. They never knew her to be this cruel. But then again she sold her family off to The Operator.

Demo looks at his cousin with great concerns. He knows he isn't smart, but he at least has a bit of a moral compass, "Mother? Why are you treating Hot Stuff lik-"

SLAP!

Clanker's hand stung from backhanded her son, "Don't ever call him by that ridiculous nickname. It's Abadon! And don't forget it!"

Clanker's hand raised to hit Demo again, but Voland intervened by catching her wrist, "That's enough Clanker!"

Crittenden had a cruel chuckle out of her throat, "As amusing as this is I would have to agree with the old man. The sooner we have the direct bloodline of the First Flame King, the sooner we offer all of the Flame King's power to Volbragg, and then we can free my master and part ways. There's a certain mansion that I want turned to rubble."

Demo grabbed his grandfather's sleeve, "Grandpa? Who are the Flame King and Volbragg?"

"No one. And if not no one, people of ancient history that have no meaning anymore."

Crittenden's chuckle turned into sardonic laugh, "Fuckin idiot. Ever wondered why the Scratch Family had such influence in the spirit realm nor why the first born sons were given the name Abandon?"

Clanker sneered, "Oh I have thought of it many times. And you know what? Crittenden is correct! The Scratch Family had so much power only for it to be wasted on the land. It was only after Volbragg sold his soul to The Operator did The Royal Family abandon the land and hid."

Voland looked at the wasteland. He was old enough to remember the bountiful fields and how he played with the Salamanders as a young boy in the Chervona Ruta and Eden Pomegranate trees. It became a wasteland after greedy Fire Giants wanted the land for themselves. They fought the Flame Army and won. Then the people and beasts of the land escaped followed by the last of the Flame Royals.

The moment the Flame Royals left the land slowly died and the Fire Giants were fighting among themselves. All except for one.

Voland was a young lad when he snuck into his family's land in hope to get a precious toy back for his youngest sibling. And he saw four, maybe more, Giants fighting for the slowly dwindling resources.

And there he was twice as big as the biggest of the Fire Giants. The man was as solid as he was big. His glowing yellow eyes were full of madness. His beard and hair was the color of burnt wood. But the most unsettling thing about this Giant was that he was smiling at the others with glee.

His smile grew wider and more cruel when the others were bringing out weapons to fight each other. Nobody noticed the little devil child that ran away.

"Finally! We're here!" Clanker smiled as he pointed towards the ruins of a castle.

Crittenden snapped her fingers and the group appeared in a throne room. Clacker glared at Crittenden for not doing that sooner. The Escapee ignored the she-devil and led the group to the throne.

Hot Stuff looked around and noticed that the two walls that made the hall were actually legs and the throne were actually hands. Hot Stuff looked up and saw a giant's face.

The bored look on his face brightened in a sadistic way as he smiled down at his visitors, "Took you long enough, Crittenden."

"Forgive me, Lord Volbragg! But I brought some toys for you to play with to make up for my tardiness."

Voland's eyes widened as he looked at the monster with recognition, "He was Volbragg?"

Clanker looked at Crittenden in confusion, "Toys? What toys?"

The Escapee let out a heinous laugh, "You are the toys."

***

"Where is she? She's not in the oubliette, the fire forest, the bog, nor is she in the field of laughing flowers. Where is she?!"

Blair and the others can hear Jareth from the entrance of the castle. Apparently Sarah's shortcut put a major kink in their monthly plans.

"She's still within the kingdom. I am sure of it. I put my name and title, Spittledrum Mayor of Goblin City, on it!" A stout bald goblin in a patched coat lined in fur was following the king in his pacing, "We will find her, Your Majesty. She is your chosen bride after all."

Sarah laughed so hard that it attracted all the goblin's attention, "Still haven't given up on THAT-"

Sarah laste word was knocked out of her from the sudden embrace of Jareth's. The Goblin King held her for a minute before he pushed her away but still holding on to her shoulders, "Don't ever do that again! I thought something happened to you!"

Sarah surprisingly coolheaded closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "In a way something did happen… The first thing that happened is that there was a shortcut that led straight to the castle… the second thing that happened is that Blair isn't here for your bow right now. Hear her out!"

Blair stepped forward, "My ward has been taken to Incandescent City against his will by the very family that sold him into slavery."

"And this matters to me because…?" Jareth crossed his arms with a dissatisfied look.

"While he prefers everyone to call him Hot Stuff. The name he was given at birth is Abandon Scratch."

Jareth's eyes widened as he grabbed Blair by her collar, "YOU'RE LYING! It is impossible that you had the last surviving member of the Flame King's bloodline!"

"Wow…. I hope that I am giving misinformation. Because that's some heavy shit to put on a 13 year old. Especially right after he got saved from a cult of Slenderman worshiping pedophiles."

"He was SOLD TO WHO?!"

***

The images were moving too fast in Princess Charma's orb. To the residents of Whipstaff it's been only three hours. After Blair, Hot Stuff, and Ichabod left Baba Yaga's hut the images of three's adventure were speeding up and slowing down erratically but still can be recognized and understood.

And now Time was moving too fast in Fairie. Everything after Blair met Sarah became a blur. Stretch snarled at the swirl of color and unrecognizable shapes inside the crystal. He looked at the board again and moved his Knight.

King Finvarra in turn moved his Bishop, "Checketh! Alist'r, I knoweth thou art w'rri'd about mine own granddaught'r. But if 't be true thee loseth…. I loseth as well."

The Goodwitch Sisters were back in the lab working on the potion with Fatso playing errand boy for them. Just because Blair is on a grand adventure in Fairyland didn't mean they could slack on their mission to bring Casper back to life. Stinky was hovering over Kat and Casper, who was sitting on the couch that was close enough to listen and far enough for a quick get away if things go south.

James was at his desk going through his notes and schedules with Myst's help. If they successfully bring both him and Casper to life the entire household is getting a vacation. If they failed they would need time to mourn.

"How long has she been in there?"

"The anon'r thee did beat me on our game the anon'r we can saveth Mistress Blair and Prince Abadon! T's been about two weeks f'r our belov'd."

Two weeks. Blair must be out of food by now. Food that wouldn't enslave her to Fairie at least.

Shit.

He needs to get to Blair. If only…

Wait…

Stretch moved a pawn. The Fairy King moved his rook. Stretch moved his Knight again. "Checkmate!"

"Checkmate?! Thee has't best'd me in the game once again!" King Finvarra smiled, not even hiding his pleasure.

"Don't act like you threw the game. I shouldn't have been able to beat you a second time this easily."

"Didst I did throw the game, mine own cousin? thee cometh up with the silliest notions. As if 't be true I wouldst loseth to a game of wit and strategy just to winneth a much bigg'r game I has't been playing centuries in the making."

"Bigger game? What scheme have you been up to?"

"Alloweth's sayeth yond mine own daught'r didn't learn'd aught from the timeth h'r husband fopped h'r with a loveth potion and an donkey head'd fooleth."

Kat jumped up, "Okay! All I understood from that is love potion and donkey headed fool. Are you talking about Nicholas Bottom?"

"Aye. Clev'r m'rtal. King ob'ron wast teaching mine own daught'r a lesson in humility, but all t s'rv'd wast h'r nev'r to trusteth h'r owneth spouse."

The Fairy King signed, "Mine own foolish daught'r thinkest h'r niece is aft'r h'r position in pow'r. The throne is nothing to Blair! f'r the Lady hast a far m're imp'rtant role than rul'r! Mistress Blair can't beest did tie down to a gild'd seat at which hour h'r destiny is calling h'r f'r something m're!"

Stretch glared at Finvarra. "Your granddaughter is not a pawn like on the chess board! While I agree that Blair wouldn't want to be Queen of Fairy, I can practically see the strings you are pulling."

The Old One laughed, "Thee has't wonneth the game, Alist'r. The strings thee sayeth yond thee seeth art crimson rose col'r'd. I has't lab'r'd longeth f'r h'r to meeteth thee. But rememb'r yond I hadst wonneth thy True Nameth longeth bef're thy death."

"Wh-what do you mean the strings are red?"

"Yond's what did grab thy attention?" Finvarra placed his hand on Stretch's shoulder, "Thou art h'r shiel and blade. Thee shalt beest h'r's. Alloweth us flyeth! We wouldst eke needeth witnesses f'r this gl'rious celebration."

With a snap of the king's fingers a bright light blinded the Doc. James looked up and blinked at the seemingly empty office, "Myst?"

{I am still here, Doctor Harvey.}

"I didn't check the calendar. Is it Tuesday? I think it's Tuesday."

{I don't think it's Tuesday but it does have a Tuesday feel to it.}

"I can't be the only supernatural therapist out there. I will need to make an appointment with such a person…. For all of us."

{I think I will contact Betelgeuse. He might know someone.}

***

"Good. Everyone is here." Jareth appeared at the Labyrinth Gates with two cute humanlike goblins, a rock troll, and a very familiar dwarf.

"Hey. Aren't you the dwarf that Hot Stuff helped back in Tinytown?" Blair reaches out her hand towards the strange man.

"Ah… the human guardian of the little devil. Yes that's… Sorry that I didn't stick around." The dwarf took her hand into his with surprising gusto. "You may call me Hoggle."

"And you may call me Blair. And I don't blame you for disappearing like that. As Oliver Goldsmith once said, 'He who fights and runs away
May live to fight another day; But he who is battle slain. Can never rise to fight again.' or something of that nature."

"I think I like Oliver Goldsmith." He raised his hand towards the troll and halflings, "This you may call Ludo the Rock Troll. And those two can be called Cedar Barefoot and Mama Gob."

"Nice to meet you. but out of curiosity, are you two halflings?"

The two creatures smiled, "We are Gerblins! Cousins of Goblins. Adventures of the Great Gerblin Empire!"

"We are clever!"

"We are fast!"

"We are stealthy!"

"We are fun!"

"We are lucky!"

"We like bread!"

"ENOUGH!" The Goblin King shot a lightning bolt from his fingertips. The two gerblins douged Jareth's magic with amazing speed and were laughing like it was some game.

Mama Gob took hold of Sarah's hand, "Cedar's and my magic is luck based. So if it seems like we are talking and acting strangely it is because we are gathering luck!"

Cedar placed two fingers between their teeth and made a loud whistle. A large black panther started to run up, "Sam-Sam. Come." Sam-Sam wasn't a panther at all, but a cat shaped void of darkness.

Cedar mounted the shadowy black cat and grabbed Mama Gob's hand to help her up. The lady gerblin adjusted her long rainbow stocking cap on top of her mint green hair and wrapped her arms around her fellow gerblin. With a smile they waited for Jareth's orders.

Ludo held Sarah and put her on his shoulders. "Readee."

Ichabod stood as a soldier at attention, preparing for war. Blair was hoping it wouldn't come to that. {My rider and I are ready, Your Majesty!}

Sir Didymus and Ambrosious were oddly silent until he lifted his scepter, "At your command, Sire."

"Your Majesty, The Lucky Gryphon was spotted at the Boiling Sea Harbor. We can get supplies and information there."

"Good job, Higgle."

"It's Hoggle, Sire."

Jareth snapped his fingers and the small groups of companions were lifted high in bubbles. The bubbles flowed at surprising speeds. Blair looked over where they were heading and saw a large body of water. At such heights she noticed a volcanic land that's covered in black clouds in the horizon. An entire volcanic mountain range just beyond a boiling hot sea.

Blair doubts that the Goblin King will have enough magic to travel over the hot soup without the bubbles popping and turning everyone into lobsters.

Blair shook her head and looked for the Harbor. Or to be more exact, The Lucky Gryphon. She has heard of the famous interdimensional tavern and the even more famous owner. The half-elf was a retired adventurer and a genius alchemist that created the tavern to travel through space and time. The tavern itself never stays in one spot longer than three months and yet always seems to always have been there.

Blair had spotted what looks like three A-Frame cabins stacked into a pyramid with a tall observatory tower in the back. Several chimneys rise from the tavern and soft warm light pours from the windows. She can hear the singing of bards and fae in the air before she smelled the mouthwatering food.

Her stomach growls in demand of sustenance that was denied for too long in the Fairy Realm. "Ichabod please tell me we have enough gold for me to have something to eat."

The puka laughed {You will be fed. Thank goodness, the tavern itself does not enforce the three rules. And what I heard most meals cost no more than five copper coins.}

"Hallefuckinglujah!"

The music was getting loud enough to hear the lyrics of the song that they were singing:

Sha ta co-ti os cum-na ridh na
Sha ta co-ti o nu-ga Tír na nÓg
Sha ta co-ti os cum-na-ridh na
Nu-ga Tír na nÓg
Tír na nÓg oh, come beyond the ancient fog
Tír na nÓg oh, come with me to Tír na nÓg
Time won't follow the path we came
The world you left, it forgot your name
Stay with me and be mine my love
Spare my heart the pain

The bubbles lowered in front, but still a good distance from the tavern before popping. The music was cherry and enchanting. "The Famous Quincy's Tavern." Blair smiled in awe of the wonder that was the tavern.

"What makes this taven famous?" Sarah took hold of Hoggle's hand.

The gerblins smiled, "Caps and Maggots, Bubbles and Squeaks, Koko Buns, and the Pumpkin soup with Fisherman Toast!"

Jareth chuckled, "That's just the food. The tavern is a place that time and space has no ruling. foods, items, potions, and information that has been either long forgotten or has never been discovered yet is found within its walls."

Hoggle nodded, "This is a special place, Sarah."

{The owner, Quincy, is even more special.}

Sarah made a thoughtful hum, "What's Caps and Maggots? That doesn't sound appealing."

The Goblin King howled in laughter, "Fear not, precious Sarah! It's only mushroom, chicken, and rice in a bowl. Nothing special."

"NOTHING SPECIAL!" Cedar pointed his finger at the tavern, "Believe it or not! Most of the food that is eaten in that tavern increases your Dexterity, Strength, Constitution, Intelligence, Charisma, and Wisdom."

"According to rumors, Cider."

The gerblins rolled their eyes and dismounted. Sam-Sam disappeared in a puff of smoke. Mama Gob smiled at her fellow gerblin, "I'll buy your drink, Cedar." In the cutest way she kissed their temple, "What do you want to drink? Quincy Apple Ale? Golden Milk? Three Eyed Raven?"

"Bread and wine! Quincy has a lovely olive oil dip that is delicious on the bread." Cedar's eyes glazed over and their smile became wider, "And the sandberry wine… Ah…. Nectar of the Gods."

Sir Didymus was drooling from his muzzle, "I heard Quincy has a delicious porridge for only a copper piece."

Blair's stomach had decided to announce itself to the group. Everyone stares at her with wide eyes. Jareth walked up to her and grabbed her chin. "When was the last time you ate?"

Before she could confess or deny anything the air around the group opened up with the smell of ozone and magic. A wide eyed Stretch was infront of her in his poltergeist form. "Stretch? What-?"

Their right hands seek out each other as if they were made out of magnets. "Blair, what's happening?"

A braid of gold, purple, and white ribbons snaked around the conjoined hands. And the voice of her grandfather, King Finvarra's disembodied voice boomed over the din:

May the raindrops falleth lightly on thy brow
May the soft winds freshen thy spirit
May the sunshine brighten thy heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon thee
As I bindeth thee hands with this cord,

"No! Grandfather! Please, not like this!"

"Blair, what's going on?" Stretch used his free arm to hold his love with concern and fear. If this is making Blair this upset then he understood that he was tricked. Whatever this ritual or spell is he will do everything in his power to protect and comfort Blair.

May thee knoweth nothing but happiness from this day forward
May the road riseth to meeteth thee
May the windeth beest at each moment at thy backeth
May the travelling lamp shineth warmeth upon thy visage
And the raineth falleth soft upon thy fields

Stretch's eyes were filled with anger as he wiped Blair's tears from her cheek. He understood what was happening as oxygen started to burn his lungs and gravity was pushing his feet to the ground. For the first time in over a hundred years he has felt his pulse. He became aware that the blessings the Fairy King was giving them was a curse in disguise. The choice was taken from them.

And until we meeteth again mine own companions
I, King Finvarra of the fae, blesseth this marriage!

then as fast as the commotion has appeared it has finally settled. All ways quiet except for Blair's crying. He picked up Blair bridle style when he noticed the inn and went inside.

He was so blinded by rage and the desire to protect he didn't even notice that Stinky, Casper, and Kat were dragged into the fairy realm with him. Sarah recognized the urgency of the importance of educating the newcomers and joined the two ghosts and the human teenager.

Once everyone was inside the tavern they noticed it was decorated similar to a hunting lodge with unique weapons and pictures of foreign lands ornamenting the walls along with parchments written in strange languages.

Kat felt a conferring pull towards the large fireplace with blue and gray stone surrounded by large red leather chairs. Bookshelves stand on either side of the fireplace with books from many different lands, open for guests to peruse.

The stage opposite of the fireplace is large enough for a five-man band occupied with dancing bards singing about a soldier, a poet, and a king.

Oil lamps on the wooden tables and the two large edison bulb chandeliers glow their warm light throughout the tavern.

At the far end of the tavern bhind a long bar stood a clean shaved man standing at 5'2" with a slightly stocky build restocking the shelves with many glowing bottles. He has raven black hair that falls down just past his shoulders in a ponytail. When he turned his dark brown, almost black, almond shaped eyes shined with recognition. "Give me a moment! I'll be right with you."

The strange man came back with a key, "This is for the best room in the tavern. It's in the observatory, with a good view of the stars. Koko will lead you." Blair took the key who was still in Stretch's arms. As she took the key, Blair noticed that the half-elf had only three on his left hand, two on the right, and a strong sense of mage magic seeping out of both of them. A baby gryphon appeared next to the couple. "Koko is a good cuddler and can chase any bad dreams as you rest, Mi Lady. I will be up shortly with hot chocolate and apple pie-flings."

"Thank you." Blair's arms tightened around Stretch's neck. The baby gryphon flew over to the nearest staircase and waited for the couple. Stretch gave a nod towards the barkeeper before going up to the second story balcony that wraps around the tavern with tables, bookshelves, and reading nooks throughout.

Stretch was then led to a room in the far back of the tavern. The three entered the room leaving their companions still on the first floor.

The odd man smiled friendly at the large group of thirteen individuals. "Welcome to the Tavern Weary Travelers. My name is Quincy. What can I do for you today?"

Ichabod pulled out a coin purse out of the saddlebag and placed 20 gold coins on the bar. {For the room and food.}

Quincy smiled, "The room is on the house. But unless you want to pay the first few rounds to everyone in my tavern I can give you The King's Feast and all the drinks, potions, and weapons you need for half of that." Quincy leaned against the bar no longer smiling, "I hate arrogant people that think they can do whatever they want just because they have a little bit of gold. Now I will give you the benefit of the doubt, that you're actually throwing all that gold my way simply because of your loyalty to your rider-"

{She hasn't eaten in days! She used the last of her rations to feed her ward and for trade.}

"Seems like my doubt was justified. Forgive me Puka. One of my faults is that I can become blinded by vengeance if provoked enough."

Jareth nodded, "This is going to be swell then. I am The Goblin King. I am incharge of this party and we just got four new members. Our sponsor and her new husband are the ones that you gave the room to. We would like to get some food, supplies, and information you can give us on the Incandescent City."

"Incandescent City you say? I have a map, some health potions, and I noticed your sponsor is a medium and her husband is a new changeling. I have just the tools for them, just give me a moment, please." Quincy turned around and entered what looks to be a storage room.

"What-What's happening?" Kat looked at Jareth since he said he was in charge. He would be the one to ask.

"A fairy wedding, an old one that was used to kidnap brides or grooms and forever binding them to the fairy realm. After so many centuries humans have become so advanced that kidnappings became rather difficult without war. So new rules have taken place. The human brides and grooms would have to… win their freedoms before such a wedding now."

Sarah pondered if she would have been forced to marry Jareth if she didn't conquer the Labyrinth. Seems that it wasn't just her brother's freedom that was challenged but her own as well. Though as she looked at the Goblin King she wondered if it would be so bad to marry him. As long as it was by her choice of course.

Stinky growled, "This time it was both a bride and groom that was forced into marriage without a chance to win freedom. It happened so fast. Now my brother is alive again. AS A CHANGELING!"

"You have a thing against changelings, old boy?" Jareth challenged the ghost.

"No! I don't!" Stinky snapped. "My brother was a powerful poltergeist! But his new station in life and abilities are too new for a rescue mission. The powers of the dead spirit and the powers of a fairy are so… opposite. It would take time for my brother to learn how to control his new abilities. Time that we do not have!"

"PUT DOWN THAT CHAIR!" Everyone jumped as Quincy returned yelling at an orc that was about to slam a chair against a leprechaun. "If you're going to fight, do it outside and leave my furnishings alone!"

Quincy put down some items on the bar. A map, some round bottles of red-silver liquid inside, a rag doll shaped like a ghost with two button eyes, that gave Sarah and Kat the impression of a traditional voodoo doll, coins with wax seals on them, a conch shell, and a ring that was forming frost on the bar.

"Map and health potions are self explanatory." He picked up the doll, "This Spoopy Doll is enchanted to warn a party of ambushes during the night by spontaneously combusting and showering whistling fireworks. Wake up party members before throats get slit. You only get one."

The tavern owner picked up one of the wax sealed coins, "These coins are lucky and if you flip them, you and whoever you're touching will be teleported back here." He then picked up the conch shell and ring, "The Siren's Conch and Frost God Ring is for the medium and changeling. They will know how to use them."

"How?" Hoggle was curious about the last two items.

Quincy nodded with a smile, "When I first got the Siren's Conch and Frost God Ring many years ago, separate of course, their magic was attached to each other. I know it may sound strange that these items might be semi-sentient."

"But sometimes magical items have a mind of their own. Just before you folks had entered, the magic from these two items became so strong that they busted almost every single bottle on my shelf. Hence why I was restocking the shelves just as you are coming in." He set the treasures back down on the bar, "I am too old, seen so much, and studied the flow of time for so long that I no longer believe in coincidences."

***

"Stretch, I'm so sorry. So sorry."

Stretch held her and made shushing noises, "Not your fault. Stop apologizing. Please. If anything it's mine. I asked Finvarra to protect you if I win the game."

"Win or lose. The result would've been the same. Faes are good at twisting words around for their own benefits."

"Magic will be a bitch to learn in such a short time," Stretch said half jokingly.

"Did my grandfather have to do a forced marriage in the middle of a rescue mission?!" Blair looked up at the observatory ceiling. Obviously by magic the glass ceiling showed the twinkling of stars and shooting comets even when the sun was high above outside.

"Just keep breathing. In and out. You’re doing great. Focus on your breathing and the night sky." He kisses her temple, "You’re normally the toughest badass in the realms. Today, let me be tough for both of us.”

"Thank you, Stretch, but what about you? You don’t have to be so brave when you’re with me!" Blair wrapped her arms around Stretch. "You went from being a poltergeist to being a changeling! And was forced into marriage as well! Without your consent. THAT'S FUCKED UP!"

"It's all right. Besides I have to be strong for yo-"

"Fuck that! Do you think that I care about some stupid toxic masculine bullshit that men shouldn't cry or some shit like that?" She looked at Stretch's violet eyes, "I know you're hurt, Stretch. It's okay to cry. And it's okay to not be okay. I promise."

The sound of ceramic and metal lightly hitting wood distracted them. They both turn to the sound's origin and discover a metal tray with two ceramic mugs of hot chocolate and a plate of two tiny apple pies. It just appeared as if an invisible server just dropped off the tray.

Stretch picked up a mug to hand it to Blair who refused to let go, "“Drink some of this hot chocolate, it will warm you up and make you feel much better.”

"Unless I'm seeing double there's two of them. I won't drink or eat any of it until you do."

Stretch chuckled, "I have such a bossy wife." He took a sip of the chocolate in his hand and took a bite of one of the cute little pies. After he placed his pie back down he looked at Blair with a seriousness that she never saw on him. Which is surprising cuz he's always had a permanent grumpy face. “I will always watch over you. I love you and want you. But not like this.”

"Stretch?"

He then gave her a forehead kiss. Then he was struck with a thought. Stretch realized that while he was alive again Blair was clasping to him like a baby koala would to its mother. "Blair, are you uncomfortable touching me?"

"Wha- I'm not-" Her eyes widen when she noticed that her haphephobia wasn't active in Stretch's embrace, "How?"

She ran her finger up his chest and to his throat under his jarline. There it was. His pulse. But the skin felt as cold as his ectoplasm used to be. Even his breathing was cool and smelled of winter. "Frost Spirit? Stretch, I think you turned into a frost spirit."

"What? Like Jack Frost?"

"Yes!"

Stretch moved her hands away from his face and moved his face closer to hers. "Is the cold helping you?"

"Ye-yes?"

Stretch smirked, "That sounds like a question. Do you really don't know?" He creeped closer as he moved her hands above her head.

"Oh Fuck..."

"Only if you give me an energetic yes," Stretch growled.

***

Quincy appeared next to the party's table with a large tray of bread, wine, sandwiches, and stews. The half-elf looked at Kat, "I see you are a powerful witch, but how long have you been running on empty?"

Kat shook her head, "As much as I would love to be a witch, I am not one."

Stinky who was sitting next to Kat and Casper eyes the odd man, "I could vouch. She has not had any magic before and she's already 16. Most witches that's not from witch families will gain magic on their 16th birthdays, correct?"

Quincy knocked his fist on the table lightly, "A vessel, maybe?"

"What's a vessel?" Kat asked.

"From what I studied, a vessel is a mortal body that houses a divine being. Like Tripitaka is to the Golden Cicada."

"Tripitaka? The Buddhist monk from Journey to the West?"

"Yes! Exactly!" Quincy pulled out a round bottle filled with blue and silver liquid, "This is a mana potion. This might give you a chance to gain your Golden Cicada memories. Even if it doesn't give you back your past life's memory it will at least fill up your mana so you could use magic." He placed it on the table and nodded towards Kat before leaving.

Stinky took hold of Kat's hand, "You don't have to do this."

Jareth disagreed, "Having another Ace up our sleeve would be a good idea. If this mortal is the reincarnation of a powerful magic deity. If she's Freyja, Circe, Heka, or Veles, then the mission is a guarantee of a success. I am hoping she's the Dagda, because after we conquer the Flame Kingdom we can kick King Finvarra arse after!"

"I thought the old Fairy King was your friend?" Blair's voice said behind him.

The Goblin King didn't turn or show surprise at Blair's and Stretch's return, "True friends will turn a blind eye towards familiar injustice? I think not. Finvarra is my friend, but I will not tolerate how he has treated his granddaughter!"

Blair and Stretch sat down. Stinky whispered to his brother, "Did you have trauma sex?"

Stretch glared at the pesky ghost before Blair answered for him, "Not that it was any of your business, Stink Bomb."

"Will you two actually be celibate for a whole year?" Jareth smirked, "I don't think any newlyweds have ever made it. If you could succeed in not having consummation of the marriage for a year I'll well personally take a dip in the Bog Of Stench."

Stretch eyed the Goblin King, "What are you saying?"

"To make the wedding invalid by Fairy Law, newlyweds would have to be celibate for a year while still living a married life. To make it even worse we still have to share the same bed. Hence why it never worked before." Blair shook her head. "I wasn't going to mention it because I am a total snack and I doubt we'll make it."

With a huge sigh she picked up a sandwich and started to eat. Even though the hot chocolate and pie was good enough to comfort her, it was not good enough to sustain a mortal body that's starved, "We're going to have to ask for more of these sandwiches so Stinky, me, and the kids don't get tied here."

She then turned to her mount, "Ichabod, I assume that you paid for the food and lodging with my gold?"

{Yes, my lady. But the observatory room is in the house and the owner would not let me pay more than what the supplies and food cost. I paid for one night and tomorrow's breakfast for everyone as well.}

She then looked at Jareth, "And I believe it's right to assume that you took the lead? Did you have time to look for ships to cross the sea?"

"Yes, I'm taking the lead. But from the time we've been here I already know that there is no ship for us. Queen Titania made sure of that."

Blair grabbed a mug of dragon brew and downed it, "Should have known. If only I had a way to contact- Wait… What's that?" she pointed at the conch shell and ring that was lying in the middle of the table.

Sarah gave Blair a nervous smile, "Quincy called them Siren's Conch and Frost God Ring."

"Fuck yeah!" Blair grabbed the conch, "Now not only do we have a way to get across the sea, but we also now have an one god army on top of that!" Blair grabbed some sandwiches and put them on a bowl of thieves' stew. With The bowl in one hand and the shell in the other she Blinked up to the second floor balcony, "Eat well and rest up."

Stretch took the ring and slid it on his finger. With a strong intake of breath he got up and walked to the bar, "Thank you, Mr. Quincy." After Quincy gave him a nod, Stretch Blinked back to his room.

The party looked at eachother, "What the bloody hell just happened?"

Sir Didymus smiled gleefully, "I don't know, Sir. But doesn't that make it very exciting!"

***

The next morning after a breakfast of porridge, papercakes, and Lon Lon Milk everyone met at the harbor. The sailors all looked stressed about them there. One of the sailors of Norse descent nearby even apologized that they couldn't help.

But Blair smiled at everyone and headed to the end of the pier. She stood there with eyes full of hope and mischief. The heat from the boiling sea water was extremely uncomfortable. But she stood there long enough that the nearby sailors were worried that she would jump into the soup.

She pulled the shell out and placed the tip to her lips. The sound of the horn was not loud but was felt throughout the habit and town. When Blair was done she placed the conch on her chest and started to sing. And the sea answered.

If you have Spotify please open link below for full effect!

https://open.spotify.com/track/3Fiz4tFoVBosOUm2uMgdlL?si=1e55P1l0QY27Qc2UtYOkGw

The wind started to blow towards the harbor and the sea was no longer bubbling. In fact it was cooling to the point that fog was covering everything.

The strange singing between the medium and the sea kept going. And just like the sound from the conch shell it wasn't loud, but the song traveled throughout the town.

The town folk started to gather at the beach to listen to the shanty that was being sung by the cooling waters. But the people didn't come close to the waters, for they had memories of them or loved ones being burned or boiled alive.

The blanket of fog became thicker and thicker. The fog was almost alive and was forming a wall on the water.

A bowsprit of a ship cut through the fog.

The ship was ghostly and eerie. The wood and sails were black and damaged to the point that if it was a normal ship there was no way it would float. The lights from the ship had an eerie green glow and on top of the main topsail were two flags.

One flag had a skull over a horizontal long bone and between a heart and a dagger. While the other one was a horned skeleton using a spear to pierce a bleeding heart.

When the ship was close enough the people realized it wasn't the sea singing but the ghost pirates on board. Blair started to sing louder at the sounds of drums coming from the ship.

Every ghost on the ship looked like they were reaching for her. She reached out to them with a teary smile. It didn't take long for Stretch to realize that the ghosts on that ship were her family.

He looked at the flags and tried to figure out who's flags they belonged to. Casper was grabbing his arm to ground himself from excitement. Obviously the pirate loving teenager recognizes the flags.

The ship turned with great skill at the head of the pier and the ghosts pulled out a beautifully decorative stair to the boardwalk. Two ghosts appeared coming down the stairs.

One was a ghost of glowing white light that was wearing a white and gold outfit that nobles and high class would wear in the 1700's, powder wig and golden cane including. The glowing man has a grace to him as he smiles and whispers into his companion's ear. His arm that wasn't holding the cane was wrapped around the other's arm.

The other man was a shadow to the other's light. He was covered in a black shadow and his beard looked like it was made of smoke. He wears a dark purple, almost black coat of leather like material. Has a hook for a right hand, and a black cloth in front of both his eyes, rendering him completely blind.

They stepped off the stairs and the glowing man led the shadow man to Blair. All three reached out to each other. When they did they had a good hug.

"Uncle Cappy! Uncle Beaky!"

The shadow man placed his hand on her face and hair, "You're even more beautiful than the last time we met. You cut your hair short, Goddaughter."

"It's much easier to take care of it that way. Uncles… I need your help. Can you and your crew take us across to the Flame Kingdom?"

"Us?" The white light asked and noticed the group behind her. "Oh my! How many? My Child! You have your own crew."

"Just no boat." Blair laughed. Then become serious again, "We need to go to Incandescent City to save a boy."

"The Scratch Child? Yes, the Dead Vine have been at full force on this particular story." The shadow nodded, "Welcome aboard, Goddaughter. Should we talk in the captain's quarters?"

***

"Mother Fucker!" Clanker hobbled out of the ways of a boulder being thrown at her.

She had lost her son and father in all the chaos. The she-devil didn't even know if they were alive or not. The only thing she knows is that Abaddon was limp on the giant's knee. He was either unconscious or dead, but both giant and Escapee were doing something to her nephew.

Both Volbragg and Crittenden were repairing a discarded throne? Is the throne for Abaddon? Why?

She remembered that her father mentioned that the Flame Kingdom was fertile and prosperous until the Fire Giants invaded.

Maybe?

An unseen force grabbed her and carried her from another boulder that landed where she was hiding.

She had her arms covering her face to protect from flying rubble. She felt her feet being dragged as the magic force pulled her backwards to the farthest side the ruins away from the two maniacs.

"My teachings really did go into one ear and out the other."

Clanker glared at her father, "It's not my fault your lessons were boring!"

"And yet it was your son that cast that spell to save you and he is as smart as a Kapre's Tree."

Demo stayed silent. He would have been fine if he was being compared to the wise tree giants that love cigars. But instead was being compared to the giant's tree. He wasn't stupid like his family always says. He is not as stupid as a tree. He just thinks differently than other people.

Is it really bad that he is always misinterpreting what adults are saying and taking things very literally? Why does he have to look people in the eyes when it makes him uncomfortable? In fact a lot of things make him uncomfortable! Talking to people, certain high-pitched sounds, and light that burns his eyes. He understood his cousin not liking the loincloth. His loincloth was made of a material that was itchy in places that shouldn't be scratched without being scrutinized by his mother.

He looked at the bickering adults and had enough. He was closer to an exit that was hidden. With one last look at his mother and grandfather he turned around and left the ruins.

He started to run. He had no idea where he was going but he just ran like Volbragg was chasing him. If anything he should look for help.

No.

No one would help save his family. Why would they? Maybe that human female with the puka? She was fighting the mean Escapee and his mother to protect Abad-

NO!

His name is Hot Stuff!

And what the fire giant and lady was doing to Hot Stuff was not good!

Demo now has a new objective. To find the human!

He stopped and started to make a summoning circle and a location spell. With the summoning circle complete he lifted his hands if done well he might summon The Mythical Salamander :

In a realm where flames ignite the night,
There dwells a creature, a fiery sight,
A mystical being, so wild and free,
A wondrous beast made of pure fire, is thee.
Hooves leave sparks on the scorching ground,
As he prances and leaps without a sound.
With each step he takes, the embers rise,
His presence warms the coldest skies,
The flames he breathes, a blazing spray,
Setting the night ablaze, as the sun gives way.
mane a streak of red and gold,
A living inferno, fierce and bold,
A symbol of strength in the darkest hour,
The beast was made of fire, a miraculous power

Flame formed in the center of the circle and grew bright! The flame was so big he was worried that the brightness might attract unwanted attention. But before that truly became an issue the flames douse themselves. And there stood in the middle of the circle was-

"Maaaaaa!"

"A CINDERS GOAT! COME ON!"

{Yeah…. You're no tall glass of lava yourself, boyo. Blimey O'Reilly, Morningstar will hate to hear about this. A devil summoning a cinders goat.}

Demo stumbled backwards, "Wha! You just talked?!" The devil teen had never seen a goat roll their eyes before. "Okay fine. What's your name?"

{Only my master can give me my name.}

"I can give a na-"

{You're my summoner, not my master. There's a difference. Only I can choose my master and my master can choose a name.}

"Sorry to disappoint you. Fine. You can call me Demo. I'll just shorten cinders goat to Cinders when addressing you."

Cinders huffed, {That's pushing it, but it's better than Hey Dumbass Goat.}

At that moment the makeshift ball of clay that was holding the location spell broke open. Demo went through the clay pieces and found the lump of polished coal he was looking for. The teardrop shaped anthracite jet had a curved base under the "bottom of the tear" that was perfect to tie a string on.

After he finished his pendulum he asked Cinders a question, "How long does our contract last?"

{From sunrise to sunset. Consider yourself lucky that the sun has already set, boyo.}

"So a little more than twelve hours. I need to save my family from Volbragg, but the only person I think would help would be the human lady that was raising my cousin…"

{I assume that's what that pretty bauble is for, a location spell of the person you need?} Cinder struck the ground with his spit hooves and grew as big as a horse, {Hop on, boyo. Let's save your family.}

***

"LAND-HO!" A big burly ghost yelled from the crow's nest.

"Thank you, Mr. Oluwande!" The White Ghost that Blair calls "Uncle Beaky" pulled out a spyglass and looked out to shore. "Nowhere to go on a shore. We will have to fly!"

A skeleton with iron teeth came next to the White Ghost, "Captain, we don't have enough mana to lift the ship."

"Thank you, Mr. Buttons. DROP ANCHOR!" The White Ghost gave the first mate a pat on his shoulder blade, "Let's see to our guest. Blair is good at this kind of problems."

Mr. Buttons and the White Ghost headed towards the captain's quarters. When the ghost opened the door he was sighted by a beautiful scene. His love, the Shadow Ghost, was telling stories to two excitable teenagers.

"No…. What did Spanish Jackie do afterwards?" The Tutelar Spirit was all smiles and big blue eyes.

"Uncle Cappy? Uncle Beaky just came in." Blair smiled apologetically.

"My love," The Shadow Ghost laughed, "Is our Goddaughter making… the face?"

The White Ghost rubbed his lover's shoulder, "I wish you could see the most adorable puppy dog eyes I have ever seen on our Blair."

"I am not making a face!" She waved her arms and changed the subject, "Are we near land?"

"Yes, but the shore is too rocky and the water is too hot to go ashore." Mr. Bubbles said, "And to make it worse, we don't have enough mana to fly the ship."

"I could use the Siren's Conch to summon my friend, but he likes to cause problems rather than fixing them. Even though he is strong enough to lift the ship by himself and toss it to the middle of the Flame Kingdom, he thrives better in chaos and would cause more harm than good."

The Shadow made a sound of displeasure, "Not that monkey. Please not him."

"He's one of my best friends! Would you prefer it if I summoned my ex? I'm sure she would have loved to gain a favor from me."

White lifted a fan and swatted her with it as Shadow was yelling, "I order you not to summon that bitch! Hagmar might be a powerful ghost of a witch, but she's a manipulative narcissist!"

"Okay! Okay! I wouldn't summon Hagmar!" Blair laughed, "Besides I'm a married woman now."

Stretch rolled his eyes, "I don't wanna know how you met a ghost of a witch, but I would appreciate it if you don't make light of your trauma."

"Oh excuse me, but it's our trauma now. Came with the holy matrimony." Blair jokes.

"Forgive her, Stretch. Your wife uses dark humor as a coping mechanism." Shadow growled.

Stretch chuckled, "To be honest I shouldn't be condemning her about it when I'm just as equally guilty of doing the same thing on multiple occasions."

Blair clapped her hands and turned to a ghost that was wearing a striped shirt and red jacket, "Mr. Lucius! How much mana is left in the battery?"

"Just under the requirement for a lift and landing."

Kat pulled out her Mana Potion, "Is this enough?"

Blair took the bottle and put it back in Kat's pocket, "No. That was a gift from Quincy. If you want to use it to help us then drink it. But until then please do not barter with. Whatever Quincy saw in you it was special enough to give you the potion."

Kat looked up at Blair with an affirmative nod. Blair gave a heavy sigh and then her eyes got wide, "What if we put items with mana in the battery? Would that work?"

Lucius went to the library and pulled out a book that must be a manual for the mana battery that the ship uses for flight. "WE CAN! It says here that incase of an emergency shortage of mana magical items can be used as a substitute. There is a Warning though: The substitution is for emergencies only! For long trips please use the recommended mana for battery. Overuse of a substitution may result in combustion."

"Where do we have magic items?"

Cedar jumped up, "What about a Pocket Check?"

"Cedar, are you sure?" Mama Gob looked at her fellow gerblin, "Some of us might not have enough pockets that have mana items."

"Gerblin Luck, Dearest Mama Gob. Gerblin Luck." Cedar pulled out the contents in their pockets, "Golden string, Willow Stone Acorn, a toy dinosaur," Cedar put the toy back into their pocket, "A ROCK! An interdimensional button, ohhhhhh! I found a stariet stone!"

"Mr. Buttons, can you pass the Stone Acorn, button, and stariet to Mr. Lucius, please." Blair smiled at the gerblin, "Thank you, Cedar. That's not enough mana still, but it's a start."

Mama Gob took her turn as Cedar was putting their items back in their pockets, "Leprechaun gold coin, don't ask. In fact what leprechaun gold," Without asking she tossed the coin to Mr. Lucius.

Mr. Lucius caught it with ease, "That would work just fine, if only we had a-"

"Jar of Rainbow? Wait, let me check the colors. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, and… Pank!" Mama Gob passed the jar to Mr. Lucius. Then pulled out more things from her pockets, "Tumble, leaf, sea glass… Rosh! You Goblinoid Trickster Fae! She is still plaguing me with these tiny little skulls!"

Lucius took the skull, "Trickster Fae Magic will help."

Blair took her turn, "Fairy Stone I'm keeping, Flaming Pearl I'm keeping, Siren's Conch I'm definitely keeping that! A Jar of Will o' Wisps…" She passed the jar over. No need to keep it since she and the others would have a bird's eye view if this works.

Hoggle took out a lot of junk that was mainly plastic twinklets. Until he pulled out a bottle that Blair could smell, "Wait! What's in that bottle? I can smell it! I usually can't smell bullshit in a dairy farm, but I can smell that!"

Hoggle was taken aback, "Bog water from the Bog Of Eternal Stench?"

"How did you get it in the bottle without it getting on your hands? Wait! Nevermind that question… What were you planning to use that for?"

Hoggle scratched his temple sheepishly, "I think you humans call it chemical warfare?"

"Chemical warfare, he says!" Blair laughed, "I got just the thing for your chemical warfare."

Stinky popped between them giving Blair a two finger salute, "Ready for your command, General!"

"This man understood the assignment," Blair smiled. "Stink Bomb, can you transform into your more tangible form?"

"Sir, Yes, Sir!" He became less see thru and his tail turned into a pair of overalls and his sandy blonde hair was under his newscap. This was his second time being in this form.

"Drink this!" Blair passed the bottle.

Stink chugged it like he was a man that discovered an oasis in the middle of a dessert. "Whao! Love it!" He looked at the dwarf with mischievous glee, "Got anymore!"

"When we're done with the mission I'll take you to the bog to swim in." Hoggle's eyes twinkled, "Hell, I would encourage you to drink the whole bog!"

After an hour of everyone emptying their pockets the items were brought down to the battery room. "Still not enough mana." Lucius tapped the battery, "Just barely enough for the lift off. But a round trip with a safe landing is out of the question."

"Seriously? We even put Sir Didymus' Eye Of Truth in there. Not one, but five of Jareth's crystals in there. Some ectoplasm. And a curse object from an evil spirit that imprisoned said evil spirit." Blair tapped Lucius on the shoulder with her knuckle, "How did Mr. Black Pete tricked the spirit into imprisoning itself in its own curse? The man is not the sharpest sword in the armory."

"My man just got lucky… For once it wasn't with me."

"You scoundrel!" Blair laughed with Mr. Lucius. She looked at the battery with a grunt, "I am out of ideas. Anyone else?"

A skinny ghoul with a cockroach-like demeanor scurried to Blair, "I might have something."

"What is it, Mr Roach?"

"Promise nobody to get mad?"

Blair looks at Mr. Roach, "What did you do?"

"Well… You know how torture relaxes me?"

"Who have you been torturing?"

Mr. Roach took out a vial and poured the content in the battery. The battery itself is clear and large dome shaped. A pale well manicured hand hit the clear glass-like crystal. A beautiful pale face with red eyes and platinum blonde hair appeared behind the hand and she noticed there were other ghosts on the other side of the dome.

She started banging on the dome with her open palms, "Hey! Hey, get me out! Please, get me out." Her voice sounded scared and innocent as she hit the battery's shell. She was pretty in the innocent Disney Princess that sings to birds type of way.

"Hagmar?"

Hagmar turned towards Blair with surprise, "Blair? Blair, Sweetie? Please, let me out. Please?" After a spell of Blair staring in shock of seeing her ex Hagmar lost patience and showed her true colors, "FUCKING WORTHLESS BITCH! GET ME OUT! YOU DISGUSTING FLESH SACK! STUPID USELESS WHORE!"

"Are you done talking to my wife like that, harlot?"

The ghost witch glared at Stretch only for her eyes to widen in surprise, "Violet eyes? No…. NO! HER POWERS ARE MINE! GIVE HER BACK TO ME! IT'S HER FAULT! IT'S HER FAULT!"

Kat had to cover her ears, "What the hell is that bitch screaming about?"

Blair turned her back on Hagmar, "She has the gift of premonition. She can see future events. When I met her I was looking for the person in my visions and she said she'll help. Of course it was before I noticed all the tea she made for me had a hint of primrose in it."

Blair smiled sadly and left the room. When the ghosts couldn't hear her footsteps any more Stretch slammed his fist on the dome, "Primrose, huh? Thanks to the fact that my family are allies to the Goodwitch Coven I know that primrose is the main ingredient to love potions. You were roofing Blair?"

The room was starting to get so cold that the mana in the dome was freezing, "Consider yourself lucky that you're in there as a mana substitute and not out here… WITH ME…." Stretch turned towards the door, "Make sure it hurts like hell."

Shadow smiled, "Of course. Like we wouldn't make her afterlife into a hellish experience. Take care of our Blair for us."

And with a dark chuckle Stretch walked out to join Blair. Kat on the other hand had more questions, "Hey. You were surprised about his eye color. Blair even mentioned looking for someone. Was Stretch the person she was looking for?"

"That violet eyed bastard is stealing her from me. She was supposed to be mine… She was supposed to be mine…" Hagmar looked at Kat, "Who are you?"

Somehow her anger boiled like it sometimes does. And like a silent thief a memory that wasn't hers came through and she started to chant:

Under the cloak of midnight blue,
The moon shines bright, but soon it's through,
Fading slowly, losing its glow,
The night sky watches the moon's show.
From full to crescent, a cyclic dance,
As darkness claims its fleeting chance,
With each passing night, its light recedes,
Mirroring the cycle of life's creeds.

The ghost witch started to scream in pain. She started to claw at the crystal that imprisoned her. "Stop! Stop it! What are you-" Hagmar stopped as if she saw something in Kat as the human girl kept chanting:

Yet in its dimness, a mystic spell,
Whispering secrets, it longs to tell,
In the shadows, whispers of the night,
The moon's allure, a captivating sight.
So let us revel in its transient shine,
As it fades gracefully, a sight divine,

The mana started to grow inside the dome. The blue potion that was originally at the witch's ankles are now just below her knees, "Who are you? WHO ARE YOU? WHAT ARE YOU?!"

For in its fading, we find solace true,
Even fleeting moments hold beauty too.
We marvel at this lunar charade,
As the moon fades, a captivating escapade,
And while its light may come and go,
The moon's enchantment forever shall grow.

The mana kept growing as if it was created from the witch and the air around her. From knees to waist. From waist to chest. The witch stopped banging on the crystal dome and started to plead with her eyes.

It was when the mana level was up to her neck when the chanting stopped. Hagmar looked at Kat with a strong fear in her eyes, "No… You're… impossible… It's you…"

Kat's eyelids flutter as her eyes rolled to the back of her head. Stinky caught her before falling to the floor. He picked her up and carried her bridal style back to the Captain's Quarters. Casper opened every door on the way there.

When Casper opened the final door, Stinky gently put Kat on the bed without permission, "Kat was using magic to fill the battery!"

"What?!"
"I thought Quincy said she was running on empty!"
"Is she alright?"
"How did she…?"
"Captains, the entire battery is full!"

Everyone stopped at the sound of an ear piercing a whistle. All eyes were on Blair, who was hovering over the unconscious young lady. Blair pulled out the bottle of mana potion from Kat's pocket, "Never… Ever! Do what I'm about to do."

With one hand she pried Kat's lips apart and the other the medium opened the bottle with her teeth. After spitting the cork she then started pouring the liquid in Kat's mouth.

Kat's eyes opened wide,black as midnight and the white of her eyes glowed like moonbeams. She sat up with a scream that would make Miss Banshee either green with envy or beaming with pride. After she was done screaming she grabbed Blair's shirt and with what sounds like multiple voices screamed at her, "DON'T EVER FEED WATER TO OUR VESSEL WHILE UNCONSCIOUS!"

"Sorry about that." Blair gave an apologetic smile, "I didn't damage your vessel, did I?"

A childlike voice came out, "Our Vessel is still in good health."

A motherly voice was heard from Kat, "This Vessel is a lot of work. Bad enough that we had to block her magic since the age of three. She was conjuring cookies back then."

"She was using magic as a child?" Blair held Kat's hands in her's.

This time a more elderly mature voice appeared, "We wanted her to live like a normal human. Was that so much to ask for? Apparently so, since now she's going to need all of our powers."

The childlike voice returned, "We will give our vessel all of the knowledge of all magic. But she will have to learn to control it."

"Luckily she has her choices of witches back at home that will teach her control," The motherly voice chimed in.

"And make sure she stays out of trouble," The elderly voice sarcastically sassed.

Kat's eyes changed back to her usual hazel. She rested her forehead against Blair's shoulder. And with Kat's normal voice, "Holy fuck! That was intense."

Blair wrapped her arms around Kat, "Welcome back. How are you feeling?"

"Feeling too much… all at once. HOLY FUCK! I KNEW MY CHILDHOOD CHRISTMAS STOCKING WAS BOTTOMLESS!"

Stretch burst with laughter, "You made your Christmas stocking bottomless? How much candy did you conjure?"

"Never ran out until I gave it…. No way…" Kat crawled out of the bed and knocked on the floor underneath. A long thin stick of an arm came out from under the bed. Its boney fingers reached for Kat and cupped her face. "Hey Springy."

{Hello, Kathleen. I missed you.}

"I wish I could say the same, but I completely forgot about you."

{That is alright. You were growing up. I would be more concerned if you remembered me.}

"Do you know Maurice? Blue skin, purple mohawk, two horns with one of them broken?"

{You're friends with Maurice? Why am I not surprised.} The arm let Kat go and brought out a bag. {I am guessing you'll need these.}

Kat grabbed the bag and opened it. There she found her famous stocking, a toy compact mirror, and three plush animals. "A little bit of my childhood is coming back to me. I wonder if… FOUND IT!" Kat pulled out a half foot stick that had pineneedles tied to one end with red yarn that was obviously a toy broom made by a creative four year old.

Stretch patted her in the head, "Don't tell me you rode that?"

"Oh, I never made it to pass a couple of inches off the ground," Kat said as she flicked her wrist that held the charm to make it to full size, "To be honest, as I was getting older I thought it was just me playing imagination games. I had this red raincoat that I wore with a black dress and red and black striped socks."

With a snap of her fingers her childhood outfit came out of her bottomless stocking, "It's cute… but I think my wardrobe needs an update." Kat snapped her fingers again and the outfit transformed.

Another snap.

Kat stood with broom in hand. Her raincoat was replaced with a scarlet hoodie. The black dress turned into a tank top with the Triple Moon Symbol on the front and skirt . Her black and red socks transform into leggings tucked into her red thick sole sneakers. "Ready when you are!"

Notes:

If you're wondering what's up with Kat's witch outfit it's base on the fact that Kat's name was originally supposed to be Wendy (after the good little witch). So I thought why not base her outfit from Wendy's in Casper And The Spectrals comics.

Chapter 7: Into the Fire

Summary:

Blair and the gang are on their way to the ruins of Incandescent City to save Hot Stuff. Will they be able to save him and defeat Volbragg and Crittenden? Read to find out.

Demo's pendulum was pulling in an upwards slant that didn't make sense. Cinders ran as fast as it could with the devil on its back. { Hehehe. This will be interesting! The human that you wanted to meet is getting closer and from the sky!}

Demo didn't think it was that interesting at all. If anything it was weird and concerning. How would that work?

The pendulum pointer even higher at a strange greenish black cloud. The red imp looked up at the cloud with a gasping open mouth.

A pirate ship just cut through the cloud.

Giant bubbles came out from the ship and started landing onto the ground below. At the bubbles popping a group of characters stood and regrouping. Demo recognized the human that liked Harry Potter. Except something's different about her.

Demo then noticed that the Goblin King was there and talking to the red haired human and a changeling that looked so familiar. Cinders ran up to the group with the little devil still on his back. {Hey, brat! Is the human one of these guys?}

The group heard the Cinders Goat and turned towards the charging duo ready to fight, "Wait! Hear me out! Hot Stuff is in trouble."

Stretch sneered, "No shit, kid! Your mother has a lot of explaining and groveling ahead of her!" The cool molten lava rocks started to frost up as if it was mold growing on bread at high speed.

Cinders stepped back, {Whoa! That's one pissed off frost changeling.}

Demo looked at Blair and found that he was more scared of her than Stretch. "Look! Mom said that in order for the Flame Kingdom to be fertile again a True Heir of Scratch had to be on the throne. And that Hot Stuff would be a puppet king under Volbragg. But Crittenden left out that we were being sold to Volbragg as his playthings to break!"

Demo took Blair's hands, "I didn't want my cousin to suffer. I didn't even know he was sold to a cult until he was freed. And when I met you and the others I thought that Hot Stuff finally found a home."

"And your mother fucked up that plan real good, didn't she?" Blair stared down at the boy, "You are lucky that I do not believe in punishing the child for the parent's sin."

Demo let out a sigh of relief, "I can lead you to the castle ruins, but we'll have to camp out there. The Flame Kingdom is dangerous at night."

{Boyo, we don't have time. My contract with you will expire next sunset.}

Jareth smiled, "I agree with the little devil. Camping for five hours here would be ideal before trekking to the city. The city isn't far and the cherufe gets restless at night."

Uncle Beaky shouted from the hovering ship, "We have enough mana in our battery to get you closer."

"Thank you, Dear Uncles! But I think my crew and I would like to not be seen by Volbragg before we see him."

Uncle Cappy nodded, "In that case good luck Goddaughter. Oh and is young Casper there with you?"

Casper who was in full Tutelary Form during the entire voyage ran next to Blair, "Here Captain!"

The Shadow smiled, "My crew enjoyed your company and agreed that like our Goddaughter you are an unofficial member of the crew."

"Thank you, Captain Teach and thank you as well, Captain Bonnet! The stories were awesome!" As Casper waved at the disappearing ship's captains, beach grass, rock samphire, and thrift of different shades of yellow, orange, and red sprouted around his feet.

Stretch placed his hand on Casper's head as the ship turned back to the ghost mist. "Did you just become more powerful by making friends with the entire crew of pirates?"

Casper laughed, "Think we'll beat the bad guys with the power of friendship?"

"That or the power of the liopleurodon." Blair smirked.

Stretch looked at his wife in confusion, "Liopleurodon?"

Casper instantly understood the assignment and tried to whine with a smile, "Their magical liopleurodon, Uncle Stretch! They'll show us the way!"

"The way to Candy Mountain!" Kat, who wanted to join in, put her arm on top of Casper's shoulders as she used the same tone that her friend just used.

"Oh God. There's no liopleurodon and there's no Candy Mountain!"

Blair, Kat, Casper, and even his own brother pointed at him and in creepy unisons of cheer, "Shun the non-believer! Shun! Shun!"

"We have a kid to save and you're just attacking me with the Deadest of all lame jokes! The 2000's called they want their meme back!"

"And the 1990's called and they want their joke back." Blair plays punched Stretch's shoulder, "But you are correct. We have a kid to save!"

Jareth laughed, "I have no idea what just happened, but it surprisingly brought up morale. Even Sarah is trying not to laugh."

Cedar and Mama Gob were smiling as well, "Us gerblins can travel between this realm and the human realm easily. We have human forms to walk among your kind and we learn we have a good understanding of the Internet. Charlie the Unicorn and the Llamas in Hats was Mama Gob's and my first interaction with the popular culture of the human realm."

"King…." Lubo cried, "Box…. Moving."

Jareth moved to the case that was strapped to the Rock Troll’s back, "Shhhh…Shhhh… Calm down. Calm down. Your true master is near, but be patient. You will be united with the Scratch Bloodline soon."

Blair stepped next to the Goblin King, "Sooooo…. That belongs to the Scratch Bloodline?"

Jareth smiled, "A mighty weapon that only ones the owns the name of Abaddon Scratch can welded it. It's the symbol of the First Flame King and his protector. The Last Flame King gave this to me for safekeeping and to wait for the next heir to take the throne."

"That's surprisingly heavy of a burden for you Jareth," Sarah hummed. "You must have loved and missed your friend."

The Goblin King chuckled, "Yes… On all three counts." Jareth looked in Sarah's eyes with hope and admiration.

Sarah blushed at Jareth's staring, "We better set up camp."

***

"The others are in Fairyland?"

"Yes, Gertrude." Dr. Harvey was tired. Tired of the surprises. Tired of being tired without really feeling tired, hungry, or hurt. Tired of being a ghost. Tired of something trying to sabotage his family. If he had a nickel for everytime his daughter got kidnapped he would have two nickels, which isn't a lot but it's strange that it happened twice.

Gerti grabbed Dr. Harvey's neck and put her face extremely close to his, "Please, call me Gerti. Would that be alright, James?"

""I rather you call me Dr Harvey," He tried to ignore the long nails that unwrapped from his neck and trailing down his chest. "Please, Gertrude…"

"I know you’ve had a rough day, just know it’ll get better. But right now we need a plan B. Stretch, Stinky, Casper, and Kat have been kidnapped and sent to the Fairy Realm. Who knows what else will happen because of the fae?"

The nails trailed back up to his neck. He can feel a calming tingling sensation from the witch's fingertips. She smelled nice also. Herbs, candle wax, and after rain. Her touch felt wild and yet gentle like a passionate promise that would have pumped The Doc's blood if he had blood. The touch should be welcoming.

Should Have.

But the memory of the color red, the burning from the nails, the smell of copper while choking on his own blood, and the sound of Crittenden's horrible laugh as the bitch snatched his daughter and the nephew of his best friend was counteracting the spell, "I'm… heh… I'm having a PTSD trigger reaction from your nails on my neck and chest."

"What?... SHIT! I'm sorry Dr Harvey the charm was supposed to make you relax! Not-" Gerti jumped up and Blinked far from Dr Harvey's desk, "I didn't mean to."

"I know your heart was in the right place. But let's set some boundaries, okay?"

Gerti nodded, "Understood."

"What was that spell anyways?

“The spell is called Pasithea’s Grace. How the spell works is that I can alleviate stress and anxiety through touch. Giving the feeling of drunkenness without the negative side effects.”

“While keeping all the positive side effects? That explains why I want to bury my face into the crook of your neck and get lost in your witchy smell….” Harvey noticed that Gerti raised an eyebrow, “I didn't mean to say that out loud!”

Gerti smiled devilishly, “Witchy smell, huh?” Dr Harvey swallows back his next words as he notices how Gerti looks like a predator that's about to pounce on him. The witch got really close without touching him, "When we get you back alive we are totally going out for drinks.”

In a pod of sparkling smoke Gerti disappeared leaving only her wonderful smell of herbs, candle wax, and after rain. And popcorn? “Man, Doc! Look at you!”

Harvey looks up to see Fatso wearing 3D glasses, with popcorn and a paper cup of soda tucked in one arm and using his free hand to dig into the popcorn. Fatso ate a handful of the movie snack before drinking out of the straw of his soda with an obnoxious slurping.

The ghost of the Therapist of the Dead grabbed a bucket and placed it under his friend before the popcorn/soda sludge got on his lounge chair, “Fatso! You know how I feel about eating in my office.”

“How did you expect me to watch that mess without the traditional entertainment eats? I mean the sexual tension between you two. Popcorn?” Fatso passed the popcorn to Harvey who automatically took a few kernels.

“Who's the therapist here? Me or you?”

“Buddy you were oblivious about Miss Banshees’ flirting when she stayed here that one weekend.”

“Don't remind me.”

Fatso waved his hands and the popcorn, soda, and 3D glasses disappeared. After he moved the bucket from the couch he grabbed Harvey and had him cuddled against his body, “How the hell did you snatch Amelia? Did she trick you down the aisle, or something?”

Harvey finished recovering from the surprise cuddle session and made himself comfortable. He realized that if he was still human, getting comfortable with someone invading his personal space would have been impossible.

Harvey drapes his arm on top of Fatso's stomach as he shifts his head on his friend’s shoulder. “Actually… Amelia's family didn't approve of me.”

Fatso looks at Harvey through the corner of his eye, “Dude. You're smart and good looking. Why didn't-”

Amelia was from one of those high class bigwig family names that was influential in the supernatural world. And James Harvey was too… Normal. Harvey told Fatso what Amelia's maiden name was. And Fatso yells in surprise and awe for his friend.

***

The Spoopy Doll exploded it into a series of whistling fireworks, waking up Blair and her fellow campers. Ichabod was already standing with his Warhammer ready. Jareth and Kat had their magic ready. Stinky and Stretch flew above that to see what alerted their magical security alarm. Everyone else was gathering rocks and sticks to use as makeshift weapons.

“Do you see anything?” Sarah shouted.

Stretch’s new wings were getting some exercise, “Can't see any-”

“Watch out!” Stinky dive bombed next to Kat as a Kobold charged at the group. Stinky threw an acid ball at the monster.

Blair, her family, and her new friends stood their ground, ready to face this new threat as the hoard of Kobolds attacked. They may have just met not that long ago, but they were determined to protect each other.

Blair quickly grabbed a large branch and swung it at the oncoming kobolds, knocking a few of them back. She could see that Jareth and Kat were using their magic to create barriers and shoot spells at the creatures. Meanwhile, Sticky and Stretch were thriving in the chaos by scooping the little lizard men and throwing them into the boiling sea.

Sir Didymus had his sword out as he battled the Kobolds. Ambrosious, his trusty steed, was hiding behind a rock. The poor dog was shaking. Sir Didymus swung his sword with precision, taking down one Kobold after another. Despite their fierce attacks, he remained calm and focused.

The gerblins, Cedar and Mama Gob, had their cross bows out and were shooting at the Kobolds. Cedar whistled for his shadow cat, Sam-Sam. The panther size cat was batting at a few prey. Sam-Sam pounced on any enemies that came too close, his sharp claws and teeth tearing through flesh. Mama Gob was a better shot than Cedar was aiming between the eyes of the Kobolds.

As the chaos continued, Ichabod charged forward with his Warhammer. His weapon slammed into the ground, causing a shockwave that sent the kobolds flying. Blair could see that the others had joined in, using their makeshift weapons to defend themselves.

The battle raged on, with spells and weapons flying in every direction. Finally, with one last burst of magic, the remaining kobolds fled back into the darkness. The campsite was left in shambles, but Blair and her friends were safe.

As they caught their breath and looked around at the aftermath, Blair couldn't help but feel proud of her family. They had faced a dangerous situation together and came out victorious. Stretch laughed as he grabbed Blair into a hug. Stinky, Casper, and Kat joined in as the others smiled at the sight. Blair knew that this was a memory they would never forget.

Mama Gob, in merriment, got out a pot from her pack and placed it in the campfire, "I have some meat and veggies from Quincy. Let me make some food before we go and battle with Volbragg."

"Good idea. I don't think anyone would be able to sleep anyways." Blair started to repack her saddlebag. Making sure that the Kobolds didn't steal or damage her loot.

The rest of the group took her lead. Kat looked at Jereth, "Sooooo.... How was my magic control?"

"You tell me, " The Goblin King chuckled, "Did you meant for that Kobold's head to explode like that?"

"I was trying to push him."

Jereth laughed, "What a happy accident! Good thing you weren't aiming at your allies."

Kat groans in frustration, "The worst part is I know the spells, but my magic is..."

"Too powerful?" Blair patted Kat's head, "I can't wait till we get back home. Once your father finds out you're a witch he will faint.”

"Hey, don't sell yourself short," Mama Gob chimed in, stirring the pot of stew. "Your magic may be unpredictable, but it's also powerful. That's a rare combination, my dear."

Kat smiled at Mama Gob's words, feeling a little better about her magic abilities. She knows she has potential. Once she learns how to control her powers she would be unstoppable.

Blair finished packing her saddlebag and sat down next to the fire. "So, what's the plan for tomorrow?" she asked, taking out a map and spreading it out on the ground.

"We'll have to make our way over that mountain to reach Volbragg's castle," Jereth said, pointing to a spot on the map. "It won't be an easy journey, but with our skills and combined powers, I believe we can defeat him."

Mama Gob handed each of them a bowl of stew, made with the meat and vegetables from the tavern. They all dug in, enjoying the warm and hearty meal.

After they finished eating, they sat around the fire, discussing their battle strategy and sharing stories from their past adventures. Despite the looming battle, they couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie and joy in each other's company.

Stretch sat next to his wife, "You mentioned a One God Army yesterday. What did you meant by that?"

Blair sucked on her teeth, "So I have a friend... practically besties! He's a Buddhist God from China who likes to fight powerful demons for fun.”

Stretch raised an eyebrow, "A Buddhist God who fights demons? That's pretty unique. But how does that relate to a One God Army?”

“He's a monkey that can make clones out of his hair and his choice of weapon is a goldenrod.” Blair smiled nervously.

Kat cried out to Blair, “You’re friends with Sun Wukong!”

“Yeah, he’s been my friend since I was a kid,” Blair replied proudly.

Stretch scratched his head, still trying to wrap his mind around the concept. “So, this Sun Wukong guy is a monkey who can make clones and has a goldenrod as his weapon? And he’s a Buddhist God?”

Kat’s eyes lit up with excitement and started to talk a mile a minute, “Yes, he’s one of the main characters in the classic Chinese novel ‘Journey to the West’. He’s known for his incredible strength and powers, and his journey to redeem himself and become a deity.” Kat turned towards Blair, “That sounds so cool! I wish I could meet him.”

“I'm only planning on calling him when shit hits the fan,” Blair sighed, “Don't want to set off an atomic bomb worth of monkey fury unless I have to.”

“But it's nice to know that we have that atomic bomb in your back pocket,” Stretch chuckled and patted Kat's back, “Well, maybe one day you will meet him when everything is a little more calmer. But for now, let’s focus on our rescue mission.”

“Are you ready, everyone?” Jereth looked at his comrades.

“Nothing like the feeling like getting the blood pumping with a Kobolds ambush before the battle.” Hoggle grumbled.

Sarah smiled at her friend as she followed Jereth towards the mountain, “At least we won and can see how well of a team we are in an unpredicted situation.”

Blair and Stretch helped Kat and Casper to their feet. “Uncle Stretch, you think we'll be able to save Hot Stuff?”

Stretch ran his fingers through his hair, “No idea, Glow Worm. But we'll have to at least try.”

The group continued their trek up the mountain, their senses on high alert for any signs of danger. They knew that any potential threats could attack at any moment, and they had to be prepared.

Once they got over the mountain Blair and her allies looked down at the ruins of what was once the grand castle of the Flame King.

"I have not been here since before Volbragg defeated my friend and took over his kingdom." Jereth frowned, "This land is ruined because of that fire giant's greed."

Blair took a deep breath, "We will save Hot Stuff and reconquer your friend's land."

Hoggle pulled out a spyglass, "Sire, I could see the giant in the ruins. He seems to be occupied with torturing two devils."

Demo held back his tears. He knew he would have to mourn for his mother and grandfather after the mission was over.

"Can I see that?" Blair asked Hoggle while pointing to the telescope.

Hoggle gave her the spyglass, "It's not pretty."

"I didn't expected to be." She looks through the scope. She saw Volbragg ripping Clanker's claws off her fingers. Blair could hear the she-devil screaming even though she was far away.

She looks for the other two devils. She found Voland. The old man was crawling away from the fire giant. His legs looked crushed and Voland was leaving a snail trail of blood.

Crittenden stepped in the old devil's way and stepped on his hand with her stiletto heel. Voland's scream got Volbragg's attention. With a sick smile on his mouth he picked up the devil like he was a ragdoll in his hand. The fire giant grabbed one of Voland's arms and crushed it like he did with the devil's legs.

Blair held the urge to vomit and looked through the spyglass again.

She finally found Hot Stuff. Chained to a throne and his scarlet skin looks ashy. Blair sniffed back a tear as she saw his head low and his body looked drained as if Volbragg was taking his very life force.

"I found him! Let's move quickly and quietly," Blair said, her determination evident in her voice. "Even though Clanker and Voland are horrible creatures, we can't let those devils suffer any longer. But remember that Hot Stuff is our top priority.”

Her allies nodded in agreement and they slowly descended the mountain. As they got closer to the ruins, they could see the giant towering over the devils, torturing them mercilessly. With Crittenden laughing disturbingly.

"We have to act fast," Jereth said, his voice laced with anger. "I won't let him get away with this."

Blair nodded, "We'll split up and attack from different sides. We have to take him by surprise."

"We'll distract Volbragg while you free Hot Stuff," Jereth told Blair. He took the case from Ludo’s back. The Goblin King opened the case and took out a ruby red three prong triton. “Only the Scratch Heir would know how to use this. Give this to Hot Stuff. Hopefully it will give him strength.”

The group nodded and discreetly made their way towards the fire giant. They all made their way towards the ruins. As they got closer, they could hear the screams of the devils growing louder.

Stretch tapped Jereth’s shoulder, “Us McFaddens have a vendetta against the Hell Escapee.”

Jereth nodded and whispered back, “My people and I will take care of the giant.”

Stretch, Stinky, Casper, and Kat sneaked behind Crittenden. Kat stepped on a stick that snapped in half. Crittenden turned and smiled demonically, “My. My. The McFaddens! I barely realize you. Where's the fat one?”

The leader of the Ghostly Trio sneered, “None of your business, cunt.”

Crittenden stopped smiling. She looked at Casper, “And here I thought we could be friends. Right, Casper, the Friendly Ghost?”

“You're one of the few people I don't want to be friends with.” Casper held Kat’s hand, “You killed Dr Harvey.”

“Oh! Boo fuckin hoo!” Hell Escapee looked at Kat and stopped, “There's something different about you?”

“Yeah. I'm a witch.” Kat put her hand towards Crittenden. Using her powers, Kat levitated the Escapee into the air and slammed her back onto the ground. The group watched in awe as Kat used her magic to defeat the bitch.

Stinky clapped, “Now that's what I call girl power!”

The commotion got Volbragg's attention. Jereth took advantage of the distraction and snuck up behind Volbragg, using his shapeshifting abilities to turn into a snake and coil around the giant's legs. Ichabod used his warhammer and swung it at the giant's knee.

Demo, mounted on the cinder goat, grabbed his mother and grandfather. Demo and Cinders ran away from Volbragg with Clanker and Voland.

Blair watched Demo retreat with his family with an approval nod. Even though Clanker got what she deserves for harming her family, it wasn't fair that Demo had to lose his mother and grandfather because of her selfishness. If Clanker and Voland survive they better do right for that boy. She also hopes to never see them again.

Kat and Stinky used their combined powers to create a thick fog, engulfing Volbragg and causing him to lose sight of his attackers. Jereth, still in the form of a snake, slithered away from Volbragg's legs as the giant tried to stomp on him.

As the fog cleared, Volbragg let out a deafening roar, searching for his attackers. But before he could locate them, Kat used her magic once again, this time creating a strong gust of wind that knocked the giant off his feet.

Blair's heart raced as she approached the throne where Hot Stuff was chained. She could see the life draining out of him and she knew they had to act quickly. Blair, with her agility and quick thinking, managed to sneak behind Volbragg and free Hot Stuff from his chains.

"Come on, we have to hurry," Blair said, helping Hot Stuff to his feet.

But just as they were about to escape, Volbragg turned around and saw them.

Hot Stuff touched the triton and red, purple, and golden flowers bloomed from underneath his feet. His ashy skin turned a brilliant crimson color.

"Abaddon Scratch, use the triton!" Jereth yelled, trying to distract Volbragg.

Hot Stuff nodded and raised the triton towards Volbragg. A powerful beam of light shot out from the triton, engulfing Volbragg and weakening him. Blair and the others used this opportunity to escape with Hot Stuff.

“Everyone! The wax sealed coins!” Stinky shouted when he saw that Blair was holding on to Hot Stuff.

Blair Flipped her coin and found herself instantly in the Lucky Gryphon. Kat, Casper, Sarah and gerblins appeared next to them. Blair, Kat, and Casper hugged Hot Stuff. They were glad that he was safe and sound.

“Welcome back, Travelers!” A blue haired siren with tattoos rolled her wheelchair over, “You may call me Minthie. Quincy told me that a rescue party should be returning soon. Are you… that party?”

“Part of it. The rest should be here now-”

Ichabod and Ludo appeared in the middle of the room, “Ludo, my friend! The way you dropped that wall on Crittenden was perfect!”

“Rock made wall… Rocks friends…” Ludo found Sarah, “Sarah!”

Sarah gave Ludo a hug just as Hoggle, Sir Didymus, and Ambrosious appeared, she grabbed Hoggle and it started to formed a group hug. As Sarah and her friends were having their moment Jereth, Stretch, and Stinky appeared. Jereth looked at Sarah being around her friends and a bing of jealousy formed.

Jereth walked over to Sarah, “Glad to see-”

Sarah broke free from the hug, grabbed Jereth by the shirt and kissed him.The others laughed and gave Sarah a knowing look. "Sorry, guys," Sarah said with a smile, "But I needed to do that.” She looked at Jereth, "Looks like we make a pretty great team."

Jereth smiled back at Sarah and wrapped his arms around her. "Yes, we do. And I'm glad you're safe." He then turned to the others and greeted them with a nod.

Blair, Kat, and Casper were happy to see Sarah and Jereth together. "Looks like we have a new power couple," Casper jokes.

Everyone laughed and Minthie rolled her wheelchair closer to the group. "Now that everyone is back, let's celebrate!” Minthie led them to a table covered in apple ale, goblin bread, wolf stew, kelpie salad, gingerbread cakes.

Hot Stuff, who had been quiet this whole time, finally spoke up in a raspy voice. "I can't thank you all enough for saving me. I thought I was a goner for sure.”

Jereth stood in front of Blair and Hot Stuff, “You two show so much bravery and wit.” He got on one knee and bowed his head, “If you need any help from me, The Goblin King, I will do all in my power to aid you.”

Blair was taken aback by Jereth's offer. She looked at Hot Stuff who had a big grin on his face. "Thank you, Jereth. We will definitely keep that in mind," Blair said with a smile.

“NOOOOOO!” A loud voice was heard throughout the Lucky Gryphon. Titania, the Queen of the Fae, appeared before them. She points at Blair, “I don't accept this!”

Blair took a step back and bumped into the bar. She turned while holding Hot Stuff to make sure that her body was between him and the Queen. “I have beaten The Fairy Test! The Fairy Court is to accept my wish!”

Jereth stepped forward, his eyes narrowing at Titania. "The Fairy Test is a sacred tradition, Your Highness. Blair has successfully completed it and has rightfully earned her wish. You have no say in this matter."

Titania's eyes flashed with anger. "You dare defy me, Goblin King?"

Jereth stood tall, his voice unwavering. "I do, Your Highness. And I will not let you harm Blair or Hot Stuff.”

Titania smiled, “So you're prepared for war, King Jareth?” The Fairy Queen looked at Blair, “You dare covenant my daughter’s throne-”

“My wish was for the Fairy Court to grant protection for my ward, Hot Stuff! But you probably know him better as the Scratch Heir, Abaddon Scratch!”

Titania's smile faltered as she looked at Hot Stuff, her expression softening. "Abaddon Scratch...I see now. I was unaware of Hot Stuff's true identity. The Fairy Court will grant him protection and keep him safe from those who seek to harm him.”

But she turned towards King Jareth, but was still speaking to Blair, “But the Goblin King fledged loyalty towards you, moral! War will happen because of your greed!”

“ENOW!” A gust of wind appeared in the room. King Finvarra apparitions in front of his daughter and granddaughter. “Foolish issue of mineth. T's not thy niece yond thee shouldst beest weary of. But h'r ward! Abandon Scratch!”

Titania's anger dissipated as she bowed her head in respect to her father. "Father, I was not aware of Hot Stuff's true identity. I only wished to protect my daughter and her throne.”

“Daught'r Titania! Putteth hence thy childish thoughts! Can't thee seeth yond Blair is loyal to thy Princess Charma?!” King Finvarra's booming voice echoed throughout the room, causing the walls to shake.

Jereth spoke up, “There is still the matter of the treaty between our kingdoms. I believe it is time for a renegotiation.”

“Aye! The foolish queen wast the one to truly breaketh the treaty through threats of war,” King Finvarra looked at his daughter with a disappointment stare.

“Father!”

“Nay, daught'r! 'Tis timeth f'r thee to doth the right thing and protecteth thy niece and h'r ward. The fairy court shalt grant protection to Hot Stuff and we shalt negotiateth a new treaty yond is fair to all parties involv'd.”

Titania nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. She bowed to Blair and King Jareth, “The Court will honor the Fairy Test.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. I will do everything in my power to prove my loyalty to the fairy court.” Blair said.

“You don't have to prove anything, cousin.” Princess Charma appeared next to her grandfather's side. She looked at her mother very angrily, “Mother! You are no longer fit to rule Fairy. Until you are more clear headed I will take my place on the throne. Or would you prefer to step down indefinitely?”

Titania was taken aback by her daughter's words, but she knew she had made a mistake. She stepped down from the throne and bowed to her daughter, “I apologize for my actions, Charma. You are a wise and strong princess, worthy of the throne.”

King Finvarra smiled proudly at his granddaughter and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I am fustian of thee, princess charma. Thee has't shown most wondrous leadeth'rship and brav'ry”

Blair turned to Jereth with a grateful smile. "Thank you for standing up for us, Jereth. I don't know what we would have done without you."

Jereth smiled back, "It was my pleasure, Blair. And remember, if you ever need my help, I will be there.”

Charma smiled at her cousin, “I believe you and your family would rather celebrate your victories at home?” She pulled out her wand and with a wave Blair was back in Whipstaff’s great hall.

Blair looked around and saw it was just her, Hot Stuff, Casper, Kat, Stinky, Ichabod, and…. her husband, Stretch. She ran towards Stretch and kissed him.

Hot Stuff looked in the middle of the hall and saw the feast from the Lucky Gryphon, “As much as I love that you two are finally together, I am starving!”

Casper and Kat laughed as they took Hot Stuff to the table. Stinky gave his brother and sister in law a two finger salute, “I'm going to get everyone else! Can't have a party without the whole household.”

Blair laughed, “I am so done with Fairies.”

“Me too,” Stretch kissed Blair on the top of her head, “So…. I know we have only been married for ten hours…”

“Give or take.”

The violet eyed changeling chuckled, “Do you wanna adopt Hot Stuff?”

“Will you let me adopt Casper?”

“As if I would prevent you.” They shared a kiss as Dr Harvey flew out of his office and gave Kat a hug.

Fatso came out of the office and smiled at the new couple, “About time you two got together.”

Gerti and her sisters appeared in the hall with a poof of glittery smoke. Gerti noticed something different about Kat rushed over, “Kat? Someth-”

“I'm the vessel of Hecate…” Kat said nervously.

“What?!” Harvey places his hands around his daughter’s face, “Are you okay? What does it really mean being- well it almost sounds self-explanatory- BUT STILL!”

Blair grabbed Stretch’s hand, “While you deal with… all this… Stretch and I are going upstairs, please don't need us!” And with that the couple Blinked.

Fatso lends next to Dr Harvey, “Those two are having a Trauma Sex, aren't they?”

“Oh definitely.”

Chapter 8: Mysterious and Ookie

Summary:

Kat has some living relatives visiting Whipstaff Manor! It's her first time meeting her mother's family.

Snap... Snap...

Notes:

For my reader that requested FernGully references:

Toxic Love is by Tim Curry

Some Other World by Elton John

After everyone celebrated Blair and Hot Stuff's return from the Fairy Tests, Dr Harvey had to make a phone call. He waited until everyone was asleep before he made his call to New Jersey. It felt like a long wait as it continued to ring. “Addams’ residents,” when the sound of a smooth male’s voice answered he was filled with both excitement and dread.

“Hola Señor Gomez, ha pasado mucho tiempo. It is James.”

“¡Santo cielo! Tonto… James?” The voice paused for a moment, “I know you're the Therapist of the Dead, but that's not enough to get you to be recognized as a mem-”

“I'm a ghost, Gomez.”

Another pause followed by a grunt, “You're dead?”

“And Kathleen is a powerful witch, hence why I called!” Dr Harvey closed his eyes, “My daughter, Amelia's daughter! Can't control her powers.”

Gomez's voice became more serious, “What kind of powers are we talking about?”

“Nature-based magic, conjuring magic, divination magic… When she was talking about life and death magic she practically scared me! Gertrude Goodwitch, the leader of the Goodwitch Coven and aunt of the Witch Queen, said she might have all nine systems. I didn't know what she meant-”

Dr Harvey's voice trailed off as he heard a loud noise coming from the hallway. “Something happened, Gomez. I’ll be right back,” he placed the phone next to the cradle and quietly made his way to investigate. As he peeked around the corner, he saw Kat standing in front of the door to her room, her hands glowing with a bright green light.

"Kat, what are you doing?" he whispered.

Kat turned to him with a panicked expression, "I-I don't know, Dad. I can't control it."

Dr Harvey's heart sank as he realized the extent of her powers. "Okay, let's try something. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Imagine all that energy flowing through you, but instead of trying to control it, just let it flow freely. Can you do that?"

Kat nodded, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. Dr Harvey placed a hand on her shoulder, sending her calming energy through his touch.

Slowly, Kat’s hands stopped glowing and the green light dissipated. She opened her eyes, looking relieved.

Dr Harvey took Kat’s hand and led her to the room where the Goodwitch Sisters were staying. With a quick knock Gerti answered.

"Dr Harvey, what's going on?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

"It's Kat. Her powers, they're getting out of control," Dr Harvey explained.

Gerti smiled at Kat, “Want to sleep with us for the night? Fanny and Gabby would call it a sleepover. We can show you some harmless eclectic magic that we did when we were your age?”

Kat nodded and entered the room. Dr Harvey smiled gratefully to Gerti who mouthed ‘you owe me.’ After making sure that everything was fine he flew back to the phone.

“Perdón por la espera, Gomez!”

“¿Entonces mi nieta es una bruja?” An old woman's voice on the other end. “I think I can get my father to lift the ban.”

“Thank you, Grandmama Frump.”

“I never did like how my father-in-law banished my daughter just because she was more normal and married you-”

“I'm s-”

“DON'T YOU DARE APOLOGIZE! You and Amelia have nothing to be ashamed of. If you apologize for your happiness then it will spoil her memories. Que su espíritu nos cuide.”

Gomez's voice was back, “We should meet her at once before Great Grandpapa Frump gets news of this. We will meet you tomorrow.”

Dr Harvey hung up the phone with a sense of relief. He was grateful that the Addams family was willing to help Kat and that his daughter would finally have a chance to meet her grandmother and aunt. He hoped that with their guidance, Kat would be able to control her powers and embrace her heritage as a Frump. He couldn't wait for the reunion and the new adventures that awaited them.

***

The sun peeked out through the window curtains as the newlyweds curled deeper into each other's arms, “How many days do we have left?”

Stretch nuzzled his nose to the crook of Blair’s neck, “It wouldn't matter how many days we have left. It wouldn't be enough.”

“Should we check the Sister's progress on the potion?”

Stretch moans, “30 more minutes?”

Blair giggles and playfully pushes him away, “No, silly. The potion. The one that will save Casper and Doc. Bring them back to life…”

Stretch pinned Blair to the mattress, “You are very much correct.” He kisses her hot and heavily before getting out of bed. Stretch turns back to her, a serious expression on his face, “I'll go check on the potion. You stay here and relax.”

Blair nods, a small smile on her lips, “I love you, Stretch.”

Stretch's expression softens and he walks back to the bed, kneeling down to kiss her forehead, “I love you too, Blair. And I'll do anything to save our family.”

Stretch got cleaned and dressed before heading downstairs to JT’s lab. He was happy to see the Goodwitch Sisters and Kat bright eyed and bushy tailed around the cauldron.

Stretch greeted them with a smile, “Good morning, everyone. How's the potion coming along?”

Kat looks up, “First, you tell us how it was last night?”

“Oh hush, child!” Gerti pats his hand, "Don't worry, Stretch. We'll get it done. We're making good progress.”

Stretch nods, relieved. He knew that the Goodwitch Sisters were skilled and experienced in potion-making. He was confident that they would be able to bring Casper and Doc back to life.

“Thank you, Gerti. I can't express how much this means to me,” Stretch said sincerely.

Gerti smiled at him, “It's no problem, dear. We're happy to help.”

“Ummm… Stretch?” Kat rubbed her arms, “Dad's been holdup in his office. I don't know what he's up to.”

“I better check on Doc then.” He looked at Kat and patted her head, “I am not sure how he's taken to the fact that you are a vessel to a goddess, But I know he still loves you and is doing something he thinks will help you.”

Kat nods with a polite smile, “Thanks, Stretch.”

Stretch Blinked in front of the office door. With a simple knock, “Hey Doc! I'm respecting your privacy by knocking, but asserting my authority as a superior being BY COMING IN ANYWAYS!” With a swift kick to the door it flew from its hinges.

Stretch’s eyes widened. He saw Doc’s certificates, degrees, his license, and all forms of recognition of accomplishments hanging on the walls. Some he could have sworn he and his brothers destroyed. His desk was organized and clean. And throw pillows, that's on the chair and lounge, were extra fluffy.

“Thanks for respecting my privacy.” Dr Harvey was placing, removing, then replacing a picture of his late wife, Amelia, on his desk.

“What's up with all this?”

“We are so close to the completion of the potion. And my daughter… Kat is about to have relatives from her mother's side coming to visit today. They are well versed with the spooky and kooky. I think they’ll be a help.”

Stretch's eyes widen, “Really?”

“I contacted my in-laws last night.”

“How did they take the news?”

“Well, let's just say they were not happy at first. But after explaining everything to them, they seemed to understand. They are coming to visit and meet Kat for the first time.”

“That's great, Doc. I'm sure they'll love her.” Stretch smiled, “I'm glad everything worked out. We'll have a full house today. Who's your inlaws?”

“Amelia's maiden name was Frump-”

“WHO THE FUCK DID YOU CONTACTED,” Stretch slams his palms on Dr Harvey’s desk.

“Go-Gomez… Addams?”

“Gomez Addams? As in the Gomez Addams? The patriarch of the Addams family? The one who is obsessed with death and his wife Morticia Frump?” Stretch's eyes were wide with disbelief. “Oh My God! Morticia is Amelia's Sister, isn't she?”

Dr Harvey nodded, “Yes, that Gomez Addams. And yes… Morticia is Amelia’s sister. He and Morticia are Kat's Uncle and Aunt.”

Stretch let out a low whistle after he calmed himself, “Well, that's certainly unexpected. But I have a feeling they will fit right in with this family.”

Dr Harvey chuckled, “I have a feeling you're right.”

Stretch's smile fell when he thought of something unpleasant, “But why weren't they interested in Kat till now?”

“Kat’s great grandfather banished Amelia after she and I got married. She and I were just too… normal…” The ghost of Dr Harvey looked up at his friend, “Even when Amelia died and I became the Therapist of the Dead, the Frump Family wasn't interested in me being a member of the family. The Addams reluctantly followed suit. Griselda Frump, Amelia’s mother, was not pleased with the father of her late husband’s ruling.”

Stretch's jaw dropped in shock, “That's just terrible. How could they treat you and Amelia like that?”

Dr Harvey shrugged, “Different strokes for different folks, I suppose. But I'm hoping this visit will change things and bring us all closer together.”

Stretch nodded, “I have a feeling it will. After all, family is family, no matter how eccentric they may be.”

“Oh God…” Dr Harvey closed his eyes when he realized the stress his maid was having, “How much you want to bet that this would be getting Blair to stress bake?”

“No joke.”

***

Blair came into the dining room with a tray of muffins followed by Casper with a large platter of waffles. The Goodwitch Sisters came out of the kitchen as well, each with a tray of cookies, danishes, and jelly filled croissants.

Stretch smiled at his friends, “Gerti? Sorry to ask but can you and Fanny and Gabby decorate the dining room and great hall before the guests get here?”

Gerti nods and points her wand at her sisters, “Gabby! You do the Great Hall! Fanny! You do bathrooms. I have the dining room and the living room.” She flicked her wand and the dining room transformed with streamers, balloons, and flags of dark colors and Halloween vibes.

“But I don't have any living relatives,” Kat looked at the changeling with confusion.

“Relatives from your mother's side from what your dad told me. So please go to your father's office. And wait there with your father. We got everything here ”

“Okay.”

As she was going to the office the doorbell rang and Kat answered the door. There stood Gomez and Morticia Addams, dressed in their iconic black gothic attire and with big smiles on their faces. The Addams family entered the house.

Kat's eyes fell instantly on Wednesday, “Holy shit! You look like me!”

“Uncanny…” Wednesday tilted her head with a deadpan face, “Do most people say you look like Jenna Ortega as well?”

“Yeah, but I get compared to Christina Ricci a lot more.”

“How horrible…”

Griselda Frump walked up to Kat with tears in her eyes. Kat looked up to the old woman and saw a lot of her mother in her. “Hello, my dear. I am Grandmama Frump, your maternal grandmother.”

Kat was shocked and didn't know what to say. She had always wondered about her mother's side of the family, and now here they were, standing in front of her.

Kat felt bold. With tears in her eyes she asked, “Can I have a hug?”

Grandmama Frump smiled, “Of course, my dear.” And she embraced Kat in a warm hug.

Dr. Harvey, who had been watching the whole scene, couldn't help but shed a tear as well. He had never seen Kat so emotional before.

Blair came out with a platter of kraken caviar, pumpkin and cobweb cupcakes, and pieces of bread with hydra eye jelly. Dr Harvey made himself visible and took the tray, “I’ll take this to my office. You and the others should work on the potion.”

“I just finished the wicked worm punch that I was planning on sending to your office.” Blair said as she passed the tray towards her ghostly friend. She turned to pick up the punch from the kitchen.

Pugsley’s mouth watered, “Smells so good.”

Morticia gave Pugsley a warning look before she walked up to her brother-in-law, “James, it's good to see you again even though it's under these… conditions…”

Kat opened the door for her father. As he sat the tray down on a coffee table just in time for Blair to Blinked inside the office and placed the punch bowl, a few cups, and a ladle next to the tray of food.

Gomez and Morticia smiled at Blair and instantly liked her as she apologized for interrupting their family reunion before disappearing again. “She seems like a very powerful medium.”

“Powerful enough to make my poltergeist friend into a changeling through a Fairy Wedding.” Harvey laughed, “Even though they clearly like each other, they are upset the choice was taken from them.”

"Ah, young love. We can relate," Gomez said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Indeed. It's not always easy when your love is different from others," Morticia added.

Kat got up, “Would you like a tour? It'll be a shame for the Goodwitch Sisters’ decorations to go to waste.” Kat smiled and started to get up the stairs of the library, “Let's start with the lab!”

“Kat!” The ghost of Dr Harvey scolded his daughter. The labs should be a secret.

“What?! If we succeeded in bringing you back to life then it wouldn't be a big surprise, now would it?” Kat sat down on the chair and pulled the tassel on the lamp to activate the secret entrance to the basement. The chair spun and went down the stairs and through the secret entrance in the floor with her on it.

“I guess I should introduce you all to the Lazarus machine.” Harvey flew up and held out his hand for his sister-in-law, “Watch your step.”

“Thank you, cuñado.” Morticia walked down the entrance with her husband just behind her.

They went through the narrow tunnel, “The Victorian inventor who built this place was a relative of the ghosts that haunts here. We removed one of his inventions from this tunnel because of safety issues, but other than that we barely touched the machines.”

They entered the large space that contains the Lazarus. Kat waved her arm like a show host towards the machine, “This is Lazarus! A machine that brings back the dead!” She then Blinks towards the cauldron and the Goodwitch Coven, “These lovely ladies are Gerti, Fanny, and Gabby. We are making a potion to bring Dad back.”

“Charmed.” Gomez bowed, “We are delighted to meet you all.”

“So, how does this work?” Morticia asked, looking at the machine.

Kat beams, “Casper’s dad built it so ghosts can sit on the chair and the potion is steamed into the chamber, turning ectoplasma into flesh.”

Morticia raised an eyebrow, “Interesting, so it's kind of a steam engine?”

“In a way, yes.” Gabby smiled, “We just have to wait for the potion to be ready and then we can steam it into the chamber.”

Morticia nodded, impressed. “So, how long does it take?” Morticia asked.

“It takes a few hours for the potion to be ready. The potion right now is at its Poisonous Green Stage,” Gerti looked at JT’s notes, “And must boil with occasional stirring until the Poisonous Green color turned Flesh Blood color. After that, once it has cooled it will be finished.”

“But after the potion is done the revival is practically instant!” Kat smiled.

Gomez tapped his chin with his jewel ringed finger, “How do you know it's instant?”

“Dad died before and was brought back to life three years ago.”

***

As Kat sat in the living room with Wednesday and Grandmama, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. She had always known that she was different, but meeting the Addams family confirmed it even more. They were a strange and eccentric bunch, but Kat couldn't help but feel drawn to them.

“I can't believe we're actually long lost cousins.” Kat smiled at Wednesday.

Wednesday took a sip from her worm punch, “I must say, you are not at all what I expected.”

“Yeah, there's nothing unique or interesting about me.”

Grandmama gave Kat a pat on her hand, “Nonsense! You are a Frump! Normal is overrated, my dear. We embrace our quirks and eccentricities in this family. Well… Maybe not the Frumps, but the Addams sees you as family!”

Kat remembered how easy it was for her to match the Ghostly Trio’s energy in her first year living in Whipstaff. She wonders if it was from her mother's blood that helped her.

Grandmama smiled at Kat, “We should drink some tea. I can teach you how to read the leaves.”

Kat's eyes glowed green at the excitement of being taught something that wouldn't hurt anyone.

Kat led Grandmama into the kitchen, where Grandmama showed her how to brew a special tea made from a blend of herbs and spices. As they waited for the tea to steep, Grandmama explained the art of reading tea leaves.

“It's all about interpretation, my dear. The shapes and patterns left behind in the cup can tell us a lot about a person's past, present, and future.”

Kat was intrigued and couldn't wait to give it a try. As they sipped their tea, Grandmama showed her how to tilt the cup and swirl the leaves to create different shapes and patterns. Kat couldn't believe the intricate designs that appeared in her cup.

“Now, let's see what the leaves have to say about you,” Grandmama said with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Kat watched with anticipation as Grandmama carefully examined the leaves. After a few moments, she gasped in surprise. “You're fated one is nearby. Closer than you think!”

Gerti, who was already in the kitchen with Morticia and Casper, smiled at Kat while eyeing Casper with a knowing glint in her eye. “Trust in the leaves, my dear Kat. They never lie.”

Wednesday sat next to her mother, “Does it always have to be about romance all the time, though?”

Grandmama chuckled, “No, my dear. The leaves can reveal many things. It just so happens that Kat's future is intertwined with a certain someone.”

Kat blushed at the thought of her future being intertwined with someone. She couldn't help but wonder who it could be as Casper with sad but hopeful eyes couldn't leave Kat’s face.

***

“I can try to see what I can do about the Frump Family, James.” Gomez took a bite of Blair's cookies, “My goodness! I hope Morticia gets the recipe for these cookies. Truly to die for.”

“When Blair stress bakes she goes all out.” Dr Harvey smiled at his brother-in-law, “Would it be possible for Kat to be accepted into the Frump family?”

Gomez pondered for a moment before responding, “Morticia and I have always welcomed new members into our family with open arms. But Great Grandpa Frump is a very conserved man. Convincing that old fossil will be difficult.”

“Thank you, Gomez. That means a lot to me and Kat.” Dr Harvey's face lit up with gratitude.

“Of course, dear brother. Family is important to us and we would be honored to have Kat as a part of ours.” Gomez placed a hand on Dr Harvey's shoulder.

The two men continued to chat and enjoy Blair's delicious cookies, discussing the details of Kat's potential acceptance into the Frump family. Gomez assured Dr Harvey that he would do everything in his power to make it happen.

As they finished their conversation, Gomez stood up and gave his brother-in-law a hug. “Consider it done, James. Kat will be an official member of the Frump family in no time. And if not! She is still an Addams!”

Dr Harvey couldn't contain his excitement and gratitude. “Thank you, Gomez. You have no idea how much I appreciate this.”

“Anything for family, dear brother.” Gomez patted Dr Harvey's back before turning to leave. “I will talk to Morticia and we will make sure to extend the invitation to Kat as soon as possible.”

Dr Harvey watched as Gomez walked out of the room, feeling relieved and grateful for his brother-in-law's support.

When Gomez came back with Morticia he had a mischievous sparkle in his eye, “Brother! Morticia had a wonderful idea. Next year Kat should enroll in Nevermore Academy. Our daughter goes there and it's a good place for her to practice her magic!”

“Nevermore is a safe haven for students to learn and grow no matter who or what they are. For over 200 years they have welcomed Outcasts of all kinds,” Morticia claimed.

Stretch, who was in earshot, walked up to the Addams, “Can I have you vouch for Casper as well? If we succeed in bringing a Casper back to life he would have a hard time mingling with fleshes. Especially when we don't have any paperwork for his identity.”

Gomez looked at Hot Stuff who was talking to Pugsley about fire and explosives, “You might want to have Hot Stuff enroll as well, Mr McFadden.”

Morticia nodded, “From the size of his horns he should have gotten much bigger than he is now. Whatever abuse he has gone through before you took him in has stunted his growth. Now as much as my husband and I would love to pry, the only thing we can do is give advice.”

Stretch closed his eyes in thought, “Hot Stuff has been through a lot. Would sending him to Nevermore Academy be a good idea? I don't want to push him too hard.”

“I think it would be a great idea,” Morticia said. “Nevermore is a place where he can be himself and grow. He would be surrounded by others who understand what he is and can help him through his journey. Casper as well! Your boys would thrive in that school. I just know it.”

Stretch nodded, “Alright, I'll talk to him about it. Thank you for the suggestion.”

Gomez and Morticia smiled. “You're welcome, Mr McFadden. We're always happy to help.”

***

Kat, Casper, and Wednesday were in the dining room with Fatso, Gabby, and Fanny. They wereabout the Lazarus and the primordial soup mix that wouto life.

“So this machine was invented by your father?” Wednesday was very courteous about the Late Victorian/ Early Edwardian inventor.

“Most of my dad's inventions got stolen by Edison and the more impressive inventions were recorded through the multiple science fiction novels of the time.”

“I knew JT McFadden was friends with Nikola Tesla and HG Wells. And had an unhealthy obsession with his late son… But I didn't know it was here, in this house!” Pugsley, who was within ear shot with Hot Stuff, smiled brightly, “Did your dad invent a time machine?!”

“I don't think so… But he made a transportation machine.” Casper smiled, “Traveling with that was fun.”

Fatso made a thoughtful hum, “I’m surprised that you knew about JT. Most people remember Nik, but nobody knows about my brother.”

“Oh! I somehow stumbled on one of his public works and kinda got hyper obsessed with his history when I was in middle school,” Pugsley laughed nervously, “It was a beat up old book that I found in an old crate no less. I found that the book was written a few years before most of Edison’s inventions were made public.”

Gabby put her worm punch down, “Do you still have the book?”

“It's still in New Jersey, but I can mail it to the house when I get back.”

Gabby and Fanny nod at each other, “Even if it wouldn't help with our issue right now, I’m sure that Casper and the Trio would appreciate a bit of their family back.”

Fatso looked at Pugsley with a grateful nod, “Yes, I would like to have a piece of my brother’s life back.”

“It's the least I can do, Mr McFadden.” Pugsley returned to his game with Hot Stuff as he tossed a live grenade towards the little devil.“What's your favorite type of explosive, Hot Stuff?”

“I think… Fireworks! They're really pretty and remind me of flowers.” Hot Stuff tossed the grenade back, “What's your's?”

“Nuclear.” Pugsley caught the grenade and tossed it back. “What about fire! What's your favorite type?”

Catch.

“Combustible. You?”

Toss.

Catch.

“Electrical.”

Toss.
Click.

“Dude. Did you just unhook the pin?”

Blair caught the grenade midair and Blinked. A sound of an explosion was heard outside of the house before Blair appeared again and rubbed the boys’ head, “Please don't destroy the house, boys. Okay?”

“Yes, Blair.”
“Yes, Ma'am.”

“You kids have fun,” Blair Blinked out of the room.

“Sooooo…. Poisonous flower?”

“Belladonna or nightshade. Haven't made up my mind.”

Pugsley nods, “Mine’s Hemlock!”

***

Gomez was talking to Stinky in the living room, “So you drank a bottle of Bog of Eternal Stench?”

“Yep!”

“And you weaponized it on a giant that was torturing Hot Stuff.”

“Yep!”

“And that was the most normal thing that happened in Fairyland?”

Stinky smiled at the spooky lawyer, “Normal is objective, but sure.”

The doorbell rang again and Stinky flew to the door. Four men in tan-ish gray jumpsuits were standing in front of the door, “Hey, Dr. Stantz! Here for round two? I see you got the others with you this time.”

Dr Ray Stantz raised his hand, “Nono. We just want to talk to the medium. Also we're friends with Betelgeuse, he said to drop his name if we need to have a conversation with you guys.”

“Yeah…. Stretch wasn't too happy that you and Betel were on first name bases.” Stinky gave them room to enter, “I guess you can come in, but don't expect a warm welcome.”

The Ghostbusters walked in the room as Stinky said ‘warm welcome’ and the four men were knee deep in ice. Dr Stantz gave Stinky and Stretch a disappointed look.

“Look. We were in the neighborhood…” Dr. Peter Venkman scratched his head, “And by in the neighborhood, I mean we were in Bridgewater dealing with a Class VII Corporeal Entity…. Betel wanted us to check on you guys because you got tangled into fairy business.”

“Pete, wait!” Dr Stantz held Dr Venkman’s mouth closed, “Alistair ‘Stretch’ McFadden?”

“Yeeessssss.” Stretch made an ice chair and sat on it while looking smug, “How can I help you?”

“Did you and Miss O’Brien get married in Fairyland?”

Dr Venkman pulled Stantz’s hand from his face, “What?! Ray, my man. The Bride of the Dead Ritual only works if the ghost is a Class VII Poltergeist or stronger and if the medium was a virgin. This town is full of Class III Full-Torsos.”

Dr Egon Spengler, who was collecting ice samples that didn't seem to melt but not giving them frostbite somehow, looked up from his samples, “Not necessarily, Veckman. We had met ghosts that could hide their true identities and Class before. I wouldn't be surprised if Bolad ‘Stinky’ McFadden is a Class V Terrak Spirit and Samuel ‘Fatso’ McFadden was a Class IV Legend of some sort.”

Stretch’s eyes narrowed, “Be real… Betel and Janet told you.”

Dr Spencer rarely smirks, but he was giving Dr Venkman an annoyingly smug look, “Mother fucker, Egon! You were holding valuable information from your buddies?”

Stinky looked at the ghostbusters with a half amused expression, “And this is why I’m more afraid of the living than the dead. Don’t you guys have a book with all the knowledge.”

“Don’t get me started on Tobin’s Spirit Guide.” Dr Stantz held his head in frustration, “I’m not sure if it’s an extraordinarily accurate book or a complete and utter sham. Not like the Handbook that's written like stereo instructions.”

Fatso and Blair entered the room with more pastries. Blair looked at the Ghostbusters and looked at her husband, “Stretch? Let them go.”

“Fine!” Stretch snapped his fingers and the ice melted instantly off, “This is Blair O’Brien that you wanted to meet.”

Dr Venkman’s eyes widened at the sight of the pretty redhead, “Wow.”

“How can I help you gentlemen?”

“We had some questions about Fairyland and doing a welfare check.” Dr Stantz offered.

Blair sighed as she took a bite of a pastry, “I’m not surprised you want to talk to me. I’m the only one in town that could vouch for the Ghostly Trio and the late Dr Harvey.”

“So, did you or did you not marry Stretch in Fairyland? And if so, why?”

“Yes We married in Fairyland, but not by choice. My Grandfather, King Finvarra, married us by force.”

“Oh, King Finvarra,” Dr Spencer cleaned his glasses, “That explains it.”

“Who's King Finvarra?” Winston Zeddemore asked.

“The Elder Fairy King who ruled Fairie before passing the throne to his daughter, Queen Titania.”

“Queen Titania?” Dr Venkman asked, “She’s real?”

“She’s real and she’s my aunt, though she hates me for some weird ass reason.” Blair took another bite of the pastry. “She thinks I'm after my cousin's inheritance. Like, Hello! My ass is too mortal to rule over Fairies.”

Dr Venkman gave a wolf whistle, “I’m sorry you had to marry Stretch.”

“It’s not the marriage that bothers me, it’s the fact that the choice was taken from me! I might have married him a year from now, but it would have been by our choice, not my Grandfather’s.”

Zeddemore smiled at the feisty redhead, “You're saying you would willingly marry Stretch McFadden if by choice?”

“Yep! He has pretty eyes and you know what they say about men with big noses.” Stretch choked on air from Blair's bluntness.

“You’re bad, Blair!” Zeddemore laughed.

“I’ve been told that more than once!” Blair smirked.

“I’m glad we met you,” Dr Stantz smiled, “You’re a breath of fresh air.”

“You’re not so bad yourselves.” Blair smiled back. “How long are you planning on staying in Friendship, Main?”

“We’re not sure,” Dr Stantz answered, “We’re traveling around the country investigating paranormal activities.”

“Well, you’ll definitely find some of that here in Friendship, Main. This place is full of supernatural energy.”

“That’s what we’ve heard,” Dr Venkman said, "Friendship has the biggest population of Class III Full-Torsos. It would be interesting to find out why that is.”

Stretch and his brothers watch his wife mingle with the Ghostbusters with fascination, “Hey. I was wondering if you can figure out what class I leveled to?”

Egon thought for a moment, “I would say you’re at least a Class X Elemental Changeling.”

“Wow, that high?” Blair was shocked. “I’m impressed, Stretch. From a Class VII Poltergeist to a Class X Fairy.”

Stretch laughed, “Now if you excuse us, we have other-”

“Mr McFadden, mi amigo!” Gomez Addams rushed back into the great hall, “Your nephew is a delight!”

“-guests…” Stretch groaned with a hint of annoyance in his tone.

***

Stinky pulled out a karaoke machine and was jamming to Tim Curry,

“I feel good, a special kind of horny
Flowers and trees depress and frankly bore me
I think I'll spew them all with cyanide saliva
Pour me a puke cocktail and take me to the driver

Filthy brown acid rain
Pouring down like egg chow mein
All that's foul, all that's stained
Breeding in my toxic brain”

Veckman was trying to hold his laughter, “This is fuckin awesome.”

Casper, Hot Stuff, and Pugsley were playing a board game with Zeddemore. While Wednesday, Grandmama and Kat were doing witchcraft with the Goodwitch Coven.

Dr Stantz and Dr Spencer were still talking to Stretch and Blair with Dr Harvey and Myst observing, “Look! I know that you're a new fae and you have fae blood, but it's still serious business. You didn't leave any loose ends back there, did you?”

“Besides an evil Fire Giant and a Hell Escapee that worked for the Operator that I sent down to Hell with a curse?” Blair took a swig of her drink before her husband poured her another.

Dr Spencer nods, “That would be a loose end.”

“Hit me one time!
Hit me twice!
Oh! Ah! Oh, well that's rather nice!!

Oil and grime, poison sludge
Diesel clouds and noxious muck
Slime beneath me, slime up above
Ooh you'll love my (ah-oh-ah) toxic love!!”

As the song ended, Stinky was met with a thunderous applause. He took a bow and thanked everyone for joining in on the fun. “But my brother, Fatso, is the best singer in the family! And he now has the floor!”

Fatso took the mike and started to sing Elton John,

“You stare through a tunnel of
Solid wall that should be broken down
And you can't see the field of green
Has been turned into a raging battleground
And you'll live with the consequence
Tell me why don't you understand-”

Dr Stantz, “Mr and Mrs McFadden-”

“I'm keeping my maiden name,” Blair stated matter-of-factly.

Stretch placed his arm around her shoulder in full support, “It was her grandmother's maiden name since Fae Royals don't have last names.”

Dr Spencer and Dr Stantz both nod, “Gotcha.”

“But this is serious, Ms. O’Brian! You're talking about a Hell Escapee and a Fire Giant that might come to the human realm. Endangering all beings, living or otherwise, here!”

Blair chugged her drink. “I regret nothing, but I understand your concern. And for good reason! I barely passed the Fairy Test by the skin of my teeth. We just got back home last night and needed some R&R before we could come with a plan to deal with Volbragg and Crittenden.”

Dr Stantz and Dr Spencer exchange a look before Dr Stantz speaks up, “Well, we are not exactly experts on dealing with Hell Escapees and Faes, but we do have some experience with supernatural beings. And we also have access to the latest technology and equipment that could help in your situation.”

Fatso was finishing up with the song with everyone else clapping to it,

“Let me help you with a change of mind
And it's all such a simple thing
Changing everything
Listen to the one who brings all this love to you!

This is our world, not some other world
You don't live in some other world
Live in our world, not some other world
You don't live in some other world!”

Stretch waved his hand towards his brothers, “I might not be a ghost anymore, but I'm still the leader of the Ghostly Trio! And we have our friends, the Goodwitch Coven and the Witch Queen.”

“Will Queen Wendy be here as well?” Dr Stantz asked.

“No, she's busy trying to unite ghosts and witches to end the feuds. Her and Prince Vince have been working hard for both ghost and witch kind.”

As the group continued with the conversation, Stinky and Fatso continued to entertain the guests with their singing and dancing. Morticia and Gomez were dancing along to their singing.

Dr Spencer and Dr Stantz smiled at the two, “We can see now why you are closer to the Trio and Goodwitch Coven, Ms. O’Brian. You seem to attract the supernatural in your life.”

“Comes with the territory of being raised by ghosts since I was a baby.” Blair turned to her husband, “Why don't you join your brothers on the floor to give the Ghostbusters a proper send off!”

Group cheered as Stretch joined the other two members of the Ghostly Trio to begin their final song, “Who You Gonna Call?” Stinky and Fatso take turns singing, with everyone joining in on the chorus.

“I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!
I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!”

***

“Now whatever you do, Hot Stuff, don't remove the earring.” Blair told her ward as Grandmama Frump put the Flaming Pearl through the newly pierced ear. “And let me know if it's getting infected or anything.”

“Yes ma'am!” He looked at the hand mirror that the old crone loaned him, “Badass!”

Blair chuckled at his reaction. “Yes, you do look quite badass, Hot Stuff,” she said with a smile. “But remember, it's not just about the appearance. It's to help protect you. The Nine Tailed Fox back in Fairyland practically gave it to me.”

“Didn't you say that you won it from a riddle game?” Hot Stuff looked at Blair suspiciously.

“Yeah, his last riddle was practically a freebie.” Blair continued to admire the earring on Hot Stuff's ear, making sure it was secure and not causing any discomfort. She knew that he was excited to have his first piece of jewelry, especially one that had protective powers.

As Hot Stuff turned his head from side to side, admiring his new look, Blair's smile got even bigger, “Don't forget to thank Grandmama Frump.”

“Thank you, Ms Frump!” The thirteen year old gave the grandmother a hug.

Grandmama put her hand between Hot Stuff's horns, “You're quite welcome!”

As Hot Stuff put down the mirror and turned to face her, Blair could see the determination and bravery in his eyes.
“Well, let's go and celebrate with some ice cream,” she said, a twinkle in her eye. “And make sure to keep that earring in.”

Hot Stuff agreed, making a mental note to always keep the earring in, no matter what. He knew that it was a symbol of his bravery and protection, and he would not take it lightly.

Hot Stuff joined the other kids in the kitchen and took a homemade ice cream sandwich. She was proud of him and knew that he would do great things with or without the earring. She will raise him to be the best Flame King of the Incandescent City.

Blair smiled to herself as she watched Hot Stuff enjoy his ice cream. She was grateful that Grandmama Frump was there to help with the earring, and she was glad that her ward appreciated the significance of it. As she sat there, surrounded by her family and friends, Blair couldn't help but feel a sense of calm and contentment. She knew that there would always be challenges ahead, but she also knew that with Hot Stuff by her side, they could overcome anything.

Grandmama Frump put her hand on the medium's shoulder, “My son-in-law can help protect you and your family. Dr Harvey sees you as his own and that makes you as much a member of our family as his.”

Gerti busted into the kitchen, “The potion had changed color! Now it just needs to cool overnight and be ready!”

Dr Harvey smiled at that and looked at Gomez and Morticia, “Whipstaff has plenty of room for you and your children. If you wish to stay the night-”

“Of course we would stay!” Gomez smiled bright and eerie, “We wouldn't miss it for the world!”

Chapter 9: ALIVE! HE'S ALIVE!

Summary:

Waiting for a potion to cool is like waiting for wall paint to dry.

Good thing there's shenanigans afoot all night long.

Wendy walked in the manor like it was the most natural thing to do. She then entered the office without knocking and used her powers to pull the tassel on the lamp. She then proceeded to go down the secret passage.

As she made her way through the tunnel, she couldn't help but smile at the familiar banter between the trio, her aunts, and the Harvey's.

“Why can't I just freeze the cauldron to cool it faster?!”

“Because Stretch, the potion should chill overnight to allow the ingredients to mix and leach out to be at its most potency. Freezing the potion would be like watering it down and getting it separated, similar to oil and vinegar.”

“What if I speed up Time on the cauldron?”

“Have you mastered the power to control Time yet, Kat?”

“No.”

“Then for safety reasons let's not mess with the fabrics of Time and Space.”

Wendy laughed as she came out of the tunnel to join her Aunts and friends. “Sounds like you're almost done with the potion.” She then pointed to the Addams, “Group got bigger as well.”

“Wendy? Why are you here? I thought you were busy trying to unite ghosts and witches with Prince Vince.”

“Just checking on my Coven and Allies.”

Gomez Addams bowed to the Witch Queen. “Your Majesty! My family is from Kat's mother's side and we are here to help guide her,” he explained.

“Guide Kat for what?” Wendy asked, intrigued.

Gerti gasped as she reached out to hold her niece's hand. “Oh my! Where is my head this week? There was so much that was happening. I forgot to contact you about Kat awakening as a witch,” she revealed.

Wendy's eyes widened in surprise. “Kat is a witch? That's wonderful news!” she exclaimed.

“Yes, she just discovered her powers and we are here to help her navigate this new world,” Gomez added. “She's extremely powerful, but her control… needs improvement.”

“Uncle Gomez is being very polite,” Kat scratched the side of her cheek bashfully. “I almost burned down the mansion yesterday.”

Wendy chuckled as she put her arm around Kat. “I did the same thing when I was just starting out. I mean, the good news is that it's not hard to fix anything we accidentally damage. Once you've gotten the hang of it, that is.”

“Sounds like cheating in a way…” Kat smiled at her friend.

“Yes. Now, why don't you and your family have a cup of tea with me and we discuss this further?”

Kat nodded enthusiastically. “I would love to! Thank you!”

“Aunties? Uncles?” Wendy smiled at the Goodwitch Coven and the Ghostly Trio, “Would you like to join us?”

Gerti waved her hand, “Don't worry about us, Dear! We need to keep stirring the cauldron.”

Stretch smiled at the red cladded witch, “Casper and Blair should be in the kitchen.” As they continued to work on the potion, Wendy couldn't help but feel grateful for her family and friends. They may be a mix of supernatural and human, but they were a family nonetheless.

She turned to Kat as they walked towards the kitchen. “Now, tell me more about your powers, Kat. What have you discovered so far?”

Kat was debating on how much she should revel. One hand she just met the Addams and on the other the Goodwitch Coven and the Ghostly Trio will protect her, “Well… Gerti said that I might have all nine systems But I haven't quite mastered my control yet.”

Wendy nodded in understanding. “It takes time and practice. But you have a strong foundation to build upon. And with the help of your family and myself, I have no doubt that you will become a powerful witch.”

Grandmama Frump beamed with pride at her granddaughter. “She certainly has a strong family line to draw from. Morticia and I can teach her about our family's history and traditions.”

Wendy raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Do tell.”

Morticia launched into a story about the Frump family and their long line of witches and warlocks.
But Gomez spoke about how if the Frump Head doesn't want the family to acknowledge her then as Head of the Addams, he will. Wendy couldn't help but feel a connection to the Addams. They were dark and strange, but also fiercely loyal and loving.

Wendy and the others walked into the kitchen to see a very exhausted Blair sleep with her head on the table that's full of pastries. Casper had put a blanket on his new aunt's shoulders and was putting some of the sweets and bread away.

Casper beamed at Wendy, “Aunt Blair exhausted herself after all that stress baking. I don't think we have any flour or eggs left.”

Wendy chuckled and nodded towards the sleeping medium. “She must have been really stressed. She made quite a lot of pastries.”

Casper nodded while pointing to a finger to count every stressful encounter, “With the potion to bring ghosts to life, the Fairy Test, protecting Hot Stuff, the possibility that we gain another enemy, and Kat having family over to help her with her new powers…. I'm not surprised.”

Wendy smiled at the sleeping Blair before turning to the others. “Shall we wake her or let her sleep?”

Grandmama Frump nodded in agreement. “Yes, let her rest. We can always have a snack later.”

Kat smiled at her grandmother while taking a platter of cookies and cupcakes, “Why wait later when she made these for us?” She then led the others to the large dining hall that until recently the McFadden/Harvey household rarely used and placed the platter down.

The Whipstaff Dining Hall was a cozy and dimly lit space, with a large wooden table at its center. The walls were adorned with dark paintings and shelves filled with dusty books. A fire crackled in the fireplace, casting a warm glow over the room.

Casper came out with cups and a teapot. As everyone took their seats to enjoy the tea and snacks Wendy asked Kat what she knows about the Nine Systems of Magic.

“I have all that knowledge… Somehow…” Kat is still on the fence about how much she can reveal to the Addams, “Nature Base Magic, the most common one, but not the less powerful system. The power over the five elements.”

Kat then drew a pentagram in the air in front of her, starting with the top, “Spirit, then Earth, to Water, to Air, then Fire, and back to Spirit. Equal and balanced, yet opposite and dangerous.”

“Divination Magic, to see through time and space. Future, Past, Present, and Time Unwritten.” Kat smiled at Wendy, “Witches that can use Divination are called oracles, augurs, prophets, sibyls, soothsayers, and seers.”

Wendy took a sip of her tea, “Keep going.”

“Conjuring magic, where when Divination can ‘see’ through space and time, a Conjuring practitioner can ‘touch and take’ from space-time.” Kat took a nibble of a cookie, “Basically it's a teleportation.”

“Psychic magic, magic of the mind. Dreams, perceptions, consciousness, and subconsciousness are the playground of the Psychic Witches.”

“Life and Death Magic, also known as Necromancy and Animancy. Two sides of the same coin. To take from one you must give to the other. Life, Death, and Undeath.”

“Beast Magic, to shapeshift to or speaking to an animal or hybrid can be considered Beast Magic. They are called Druids, Skinwalkers, Therianthropes, and Animal Speakers.”

Wendy smiled, “Three more to go.”

“Magitech, the stuff science fiction nerds love. Blurs the lines between magic and technology. The computer hackers of the supernatural world.”

“Eclectic Magic, the magic of belief. Stage magic might not be considered real magic to most common people, but if enough do believe that the magician that's pulling a rabbit out of his hat is magic then it becomes Magic.”

“And last but not least, Uncommon Magic! Rare magic that becomes its own System because it mixes with so many gray areas. Like Color, Sound, and Time Magic.” Kat finished her cookie and took a sip of tea, “There you have it. The Nine Systems of Magic.”

Wendy clapped her hands, “Very good! You got all of them correct. But knowledge is only half the battle! Control is the other half.”

Grandmama smiled, “And that's where Morticia and I come in.”

Wednesday frowned, “I would only be useful for Divination Magic. But Grandmama can do Nature Base, Life and Death, and Conjuring. Mother can do Beast, Divination, and Psychic magic. Father can do Magitech and has the Uncommon Magic of Contracts.”

The Queen of Witches nodded approvingly. “You all have such unique abilities. It's important to have a well-rounded understanding of all the different systems of magic. You never know when you may need to use them.”

Just then, the ghost of Dr. James Harvey flew in to check on his daughter. “How's things, bucket?” he asked, using his affectionate nickname for her.

Kat rolled her eyes, “Something tells me that my entire summer vacation is all really planned out.”

Dr. Harvey chuckled, “Well, you do have a lot to learn. But I have every faith in you, Kat.”

Kat groaned, “I only have two weeks left of school and I'm dreading the summer. How backwards is that?”

Just then, Blair O'Brien, the former maid of the manor, walked in looking refreshed but holding her back from the pain of sleeping at a table. “What did I miss?” she asked, rubbing her back.

Wendy waved her wand to ease the pain on the ex-maid’s back, “We went over the Nine Magic Systems.”

“Oh! You mean Nature, Divination, Conjuring, Psychic, Life and Death, Beast, Magitech, Eclectic, and Uncommon?” Everyone looked at her from the table, surprised by her knowledge.

“What? Look, I was young and dumb when I was dating the Ghost Witch Hagmar. While she was a manipulative abuser, she did teach me some things about the difference between witches and mediums.”

Kat surprised everyone with the most evilest smile on her face, “I'm glad she's being used as a battery for a ghost pirate ship.”

“I'm not.” Stretch appeared next to Blair and looked pointedly at Kat, “I think you were too lenient towards my wife's ex. But we were in a pinch and needed to save Hot Stuff. If only we didn't need the mana and had more time.”

Kat and Stretch shared the same evil look, “I agree. Maybe if there's anything left of her when Cappy and Beaky visits we can use her for target practice.”

Wendy and the Addams looked at Blair, “What did Hagmar do to you?”

“Apparently she was using me for my powers as a medium with fae blood.” Blair finally sighed, “But I don't want to talk about it. It's over and I'm moving on.”

Wendy smiled at Blair. “We are glad to have you as part of our family now, Blair. And we will do everything in our power to help you heal from your past experiences.” She then turned to Kat and Stretch. “However, we must remember that we do not stoop to the level of those who have wronged us. Revenge is never the answer.”

Kat and Stretch exchanged a guilty look and nodded in agreement. “You're right, Your Majesty. We'll try to be better about that,” Kat said sheepishly.

Blair looked at the clock, “How is it only two in the morning?”

Stretch chuckled as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, “I can think of something to pass the time.” Stretch wiggles his eyebrows at Blair.

Blair shoves Stretch’s face with the palm of her hand, “Children present.”

“I meant a friendly game of Monopoly. You perv.”

“Are you trying to destroy this family? How about Uno?”

“Too many players. The Newlywed Game?”

“Again kids present. Unless you don't mind a PG-13 version.”

“Raise the dead?”

“Isn't that what we're trying to do with Doc and Casper?”

“Are you saying you don't want to raise the dead with me?” Blair snorts at Stretch, “I’ll take that as a no. Look, I think Kat’s very mature for her age, Casper is growing up for once in the past hundred years, and something tells me that Miss Deadpan here might have a sick and twisted sense of humor.”

Wednesday looks at Stretch, “I'm just sick and twisted. No humor necessary.”

“… So how about a game of Cards Against Humanity?”

“Why Cards Against Humanity?” Blair asked with curiosity.

“Remember that time you introduced me and the boys to that game? Well it was after that game that I realized I was infatuated…with you.”

Blair started to blush, “Oh… Oh! That far back?!”

Wednesday and Casper looked back and forth at the two, confused. Kat just rolled her eyes. The Adults were silently eating their cookies and sipping on their cooling tea. Though the tea in front of them was hot enough for them.

Stretch shrugged, “Yeah. I mean, yeah.”

Blair started to giggle, “I remember that. I still have the cards too.”

Casper looked at Stretch with a smirk, “So, you fell in love with Aunt Blair because of a card game?”

Stretch shrugged again, “Well, not just because of the game. But it definitely helped me see her in a different light.”

Blair smiled at Stretch, “Well, I’m glad I introduced you to the game then.”

“Me too.” Stretch leaned in and gave Blair a quick kiss on the cheek.

Blair blushed such a red color that her freckles almost disappeared from her face, “I’ll… go get…” She turned around to collect the deck from her room.

Dr Harvey chuckled, “Who knew Blair can change into such a lovely color?”

Wendy laughed, “She was almost as red as my outfit!”

Stretch made a not so convincing angry face at his friends, “Hey! No one teased my wife but me.”

Blair Blinked back with the deck in her hands, “I got it!” She then gave the cards a good shuffle before placing them on the dining hall table.

Kat pumped her arms upwards eagerly, “Yes, let’s do it!”

The group settled in around the table, Blair dealing out the black and white cards to each player. As they read their cards, the room was filled with laughter and snickers.

“Okay, who’s the judge for the first round?” Kat asked, eagerly shuffling her cards.

“I’ll do it,” Wednesday spoke up, her face already contorting into a mischievous grin.

The first black card was read out loud, “Why am I sticky?”

Blair snorted, “I’ve got the perfect card for this one.”

“Mine is a bit inappropriate, but oh well,” Casper said, smirking.

Wednesday collected all the white cards and read them out loud, “Why am I sticky? Because of a disappointing birthday party.”

“Ouch, that hits close to home,” Kat said, laughing.

“Because of a clown with a chainsaw for hands,” Casper read, causing everyone to cringe.

“And the winner is…” Wednesday paused for dramatic effect, “The clown with chainsaw hands!”

Casper fist pumped in the air, “Yes!”

As the game went on, the group continued to have a great time, laughing and joking with each other. The night was filled with funny and sometimes inappropriate cards, but the atmosphere was light and carefree.

Until Gerti came to the dinning hall, “The potion is ready!”

The others left the table with a mess in their wake. They rushed to the basement and saw the Goodwitch Sisters, Stinky, and Fatso filling the canisters with the red potion.

The Lazarus was open and ready for either Casper or Dr Harvey to get in. And come back out alive.

Casper and Dr. Harvey had a tense moment of deciding who would go first, but ultimately, Dr. Harvey insisted that Casper go first. The ghostly teen took a deep breath and stepped into the Lazarus. The others watched with bated breath as the machine whirred to life and the red potion began to flow. Suddenly, the machine sparked and sputtered as steam came out of the whistles atop of the machine.

“It's working!” Gerti shouted, her eyes widening in amazement. Fanny and Gabby were holding their sister and niece’s hands.

Kat was being held by her father as she pulled the lever to open the door. A fleshy hand came out from the fog and a head of sandy blonde came out. The blue eyed handsome teen looked at his friends and family, “I'm alive!”

“NOT FOR LONG!” Crittenden appeared and grabbed Casper by the throat. Her claw-like nails drugged into his new skin. “Pass all the remaining potions to me and I might NOT kill him like I did to the good doctor.”

Gomez sneers at the Hell Escapee, “Release the boy this assistant!”

Crittenden laughed as she tightened her grip, “And if I don't?” A foggy mist surrounded the group, “But out, Dibbs! Even in death you're useless to stand against me!”

The mist became solid and Myst, formally known as Dibbs, faced his ex employer, “I'm not standing against you. But she is.”

Crittenden turned around to see Blair with a dagger in her hand, “And what are you planning on doing? I still have a hostage.” She cut Casper's neck with one of her nails, “And if you want him to live, you'll do exactly as I say.”

Blair's eyes narrowed in determination, “I don't negotiate with kidnappers and murderers. Let him go.”

Crittenden laughed, “You have no power here. You are nothing but a human.”

Blair’s grip tightened on the dagger, her face showing no fear. “Bitch, please! I’m a medium that was raised by ghosts. And also… You’re the only dead thing in front of me.”

Crittenden’s expression changed from one of confidence to one of fear as she realized that Myst was no longer by her side and her hostage was gone. She looked down and saw Myst carrying Casper to his uncles, Stretch, Stinky, and Fatso.

Blair smiled as she cut her hand and started the blood chant.
“Glaoim neart mí-naofa
dúchan purgaireachta a thabhairt amach
níl aon cheart ag an scoundrel seo
chun dul i do sholas
go n-osclódh geataí Ifreann agus go gcuirfidís pionós ort.”

A bright light illuminated from Blair’s blood hand and surrounded Crittenden who let out an ear-piercing scream as she disappeared into thin air. The evil woman has returned to Hell.

Wendy and Morticia ran to Casper’s side, checking if he was okay. Gomez, Wednesday, and Grandmama hugged Blair, proud of her bravery. Stretch, Stinky, and Fatso high-fived each other, happy to have their nephew back.

Blair looked at the Ghost of Dr Harvey, “Your turn.”

Dr Harvey looked at Lazarus and got up to it. Kat opened the door, “Just like three years ago, huh Dad?”

Dr Harvey smiled, “Just like three years ago.” He floated in and sat on the red chair. He gave his daughter a nod who closed the door. She activated the machine and watched the red potion bubbles as it's being drained into the Lazarus.

Dr Harvey got out and was alive again. He hugged his daughter and thanked the others for their help.

***

Myst was busy in the kitchen. Even though the household and its guest were still asleep from the trials of the previous night didn't mean he should let them starve.

The coffee had just finished brewing when Kat came into the kitchen and sat down at the table, “I didn't know you could cook, Myst.”

Myst turned towards the daughter of his employer and smiled, “One of my hobbies back when I was alive. I kinda stopped after working for Crittenden.” He placed a plate of waffles, eggs, and bacon in front of the teen, “Shouldn't you still be asleep? The past two weeks were exhausting for you, let alone last night's activities.”

“Missed too much school as it is.” Kat ate her bacon and hummed in bliss. “This is really good, Myst.”

“Thank you, dear.” Myst cleared the dishes from the table and washed them in the sink. As he dried them off, he couldn't help but overhear the conversation growing louder as the gossips were getting closer.

Gomez and Morticia, the heads of the Addams family, entered the room followed by their children Wednesday and Pugsley. Grandmama Frump, Morticia's mother, shuffled in behind them. Gomez spotted Kat and a wide grin spread across his face. “Awe, Kathleen!” He rushed towards his niece and planted a kiss on her forehead. “I'm afraid after breakfast, the Addams must return to New Jersey.”

“But you just got here! And we didn't even have a chance to talk about how Mom was as a kid!” Kat protested, feeling disappointed.

Morticia, who had also planted a kiss on Kat, comforted her. “I promise you we'll meet again and we can talk all about my sister with family albums included.”

Kat's eyes lit up at the mention of family albums. She had always been curious about her mother's side of the family and this was the perfect opportunity to learn more.

“You look so much like Amelia,” Grandmama Frump remarked, looking at her granddaughter with a hint of nostalgia. “I will hunt for every bit of mementos I can dig up of your Mother.”

Blair and Casper rushed into the kitchen as if it was on fire. The two usually wake up earlier to make breakfast for the family. Only to have slept in. The two stopped and noticed Myst in human form was filling plates and passing them to their guests, “Ms O’Brien. Young master Casper. I hope you didn't mind if I made breakfast for you.”

Blair and Casper exchanged a bewildered look. They were not used to someone else taking over their duties in the kitchen. But they were also grateful for Myst's help. “Thank you, Myst.”

Dr. Harvey entered the kitchen with Stretch, Stinky, and Fatso, “Good morning.” Dr Harvey said with a yawn.

Stretch sat next to Blair and gave her a kiss, “Looks like you rushed out of bed for nothing.”

Blair glared at her husband, “Casper and I weren't expecting Myst to be making breakfast.”

Hot Stuff came in and sat on the other side of Blair, “Morning.”

“WENDY! HAVE TO AT LEAST HAVE BREAKFAST!” Gertie's voice echoed into the kitchen. She and Wendy entered with Fanny and Gabby close behind.

Wendy just grabbed a waffle and ate it dry, “There! Happy? I must return to my Queenly duties.” Wendy snapped her fingers and a door appeared. She opened the door and pointed her wand at Kat, “I will be sending you books on magic control as soon as I can. Until then, don't break the fabric of reality.” She warned before disappearing through the door.

Everyone at the table couldn't help but chuckle at Wendy's dramatic exit as the door disappeared. Morticia looked at her brother-in-law, “I had contacted Nevermore Academy this morning, apparently they have a summer program for students to get a headstart for the next school year. It's only for two weeks, but I think Kat would benefit.”

Gomez looked at Stretch, “Casper and Hot Stuff would also benefit going as well.” The idea was welcomed by everyone, as it would give Kat a chance to learn about her heritage and for Casper and Hot Stuff to adapt to their new lives.

As they ate, they discussed the pros and cons of attending Nevermore. It was decided that it would be a great opportunity for everyone. Kat would finally learn about her magical abilities, Casper could understand what it meant to be human, and Hot Stuff could develop his leadership skills.

After breakfast the Addams hugged the Harveys goodbye. Kat and Wednesday had their hug the longest. Even though the stoic pigtailed teen was not for affection, she didn't want to leave her new favorite cousin. The Addams returned to New Jersey and Kat went to school.

***

“Kat, in order for you to pass my class with all these absences you’ll have to ‘wow’ me with the History of Friendship Presentation,” Her history teacher announced to her after class, “I swear if I hear one more presentation about the Friendship Sloop and the boat races I'll be committed to a Nuthouse.”

Kat chuckled at that, it was true. Friendship was known for its Friendship Sloop, and boat races against other coastal parts of Maine; it's been a bragging right for over a century. “But that's only two weeks away? You really think there's something interesting in Friendship that would ‘wow’ you?”

“Yes, girl who lives in the most mysterious and interesting house in Friendship.” The teacher smiled at Kat, “Also have Jimothy Jenkins partner up with you. He has been asking if there was anything interesting about the town that wasn't the boats.”

Kat nodded understandably. Jimmy was still the new kid even though it's been almost a month. Plus he's one of the few friends she has that she can invite to the house without the Trio scaring them, “I'll see if he is willing.”

She sought out Jimmy after class, he was in the library in the corner reading a thick book on the history of Maine. She approached him and he looked up with a warm smile. “Hey Jimmy, I have an idea for our presentation.” She started off.

Jimmy put the book down and gave her his full attention, “Lay it on me, Kat.”

“Whipstaff!”

“Whipstaff?”

“Whipstaff.”

They stared at each other until Jimmy snickered, “Girl, you crazy. Would the Ghostly Trio help?”

“Only if we make it sound like it was their idea. I also have news clippings about Casper's dad.”

Chapter 10: The Mystery of the Manor

Summary:

We have a new Arch and it's loaded with LORE!

Kat and Jimmy interviews Alistair "Stretch" McFadden on his life, death, and how the Whipstaff Manor was made.

Kat and Jimmy were on a mission. To trick or charm the Trio to reveal the Mystery of Whipstaff Manor. “Who's first?”

“Why not all three?,” Jimmy asked, popping some popcorn into his mouth and tapping his pencil on his notebook.

Kat replied, lying on her stomach as she wrote down some theories about the architect of the manor. “Even though they seem joined at the hip, they are still brothers and probably get sick of each other sometimes.”

“I mean, that makes sense. I get sick of Benjamin sometimes.” Jimmy took a sip of his water bottle, “So, there's a chance they might not always be in the same room?”

“Especially when Stretch is busy fawning over Blair,” Kat replied, rolling over to sit up on the floor.

“What are you writing?” Jimmy asked, popping some more popcorn into his mouth.

“I think the Whipstaff Manor was designed by Antoni Gaudí. The exterior, the stained glass windows, and the swirling ceilings in the bedrooms all point to his style,” Kat explained. “And as for the hidden rooms and laboratory, those were probably the work of JT McFadden, Casper's dad.”

“Casper's dad?” Jimmy repeated in surprise.

“Yep,” Kat confirmed with a pop of her lips.

“That's really cool,” Jimmy said.

“And finding information on him would be easy since there are newspaper clippings in the attic, and Casper would be more than happy to share about his parents,” Kat added.

“What makes you so sure?” Jimmy asked.

Kat got up and opened her closet, carefully pulling out a hanger with a dust cover on it. She removed the plastic to reveal a beautiful white lace dress.

“This was Ellie McFadden's wedding dress. Casper gave it to me on my first Halloween here,” Kat explained.

“That's an antique!” Jimmy exclaimed.

“I know, and it's my job to make sure it stays in pristine condition,” Kat replied, carefully covering the dust cover back on the dress and placing it back in her closet.

“Sooooo….”

“I'd rather get the hard ones out of the way.” Kat pouted, “That means if the Trio is not in the same room we should do older to youngest.”

“Sounds like a plan!”

The two teens got out of Kat’s room and started hunting the Trio. As luck would have it the three spooks were in the kitchen with Casper and Blair.

Kat smiled mischievous, “Follow my lead.” She opened the door and sat down. “Blair? Jimmy and I are in trouble.”

Blair's protective instincts flared, “What's wrong?”

Kat waved her hands in protest, “Nothing too serious, just my grades are tanking because of all the shit going on in the last week.”

Jimmy shrugs, “And the teacher is dragging me down with her because I'm the new kid.”

“What subject do you need help with,” Blair caught Kat side eyeing her husband but said nothing since Stretch was pretending not to be paying attention, “Anything I can help?”

“History. There's a big history presentation that will boost all our grades up.” Kat said, “The problem is it's history about Friendship, Main, and we have to impress not just the teacher but the school as well!”

“Wow! Bill and Ted-ing it are we?” Blair smiled and eyes her husband and brother in laws.

“Our teacher said she'll have to get herself committed if it's another report on the Friendship Sloop.”

“How about lobster?” Blair asked.

“Main lobster sounds like a boring subject about our town,” Kat was hoping that it was a misunderstanding and that Blair didn't really think that Friendship’s lobster fishing was interesting.

Blair pulled out a squirming lobster from an ice bucket that Kat didn't notice was next to her. She gave us a relief when she realized that Blair was talking about dinner.

“Please tell me you're not going to boil the poor things alive.” Kat said, feeling sorry for the creatures.

Blair looked at Kat with a shocked expression, “Kathleen Harvey! I was raised by ghosts.” Blair placed a chef's knife to the head of the lobster, instantly killing it, “Of course I kill them before cooking.”

Blair put the lobster in the boiling pot as Casper was handing her the next one to repeat the process,“How about the Museums? Have you checked there?”

“Been done!”

“Boring!”

“The lighthouses?” Blair suggested.

“As popular as the Sloops and would drive our teacher to insanity.”

Blair noticed that Stretch was now no longer pretending to be indifferent with the teen’s drama. With a cunning smile Blair looked Kat in the eyes, “Whipstaff?”

“We would love to make a report on Whipstaff! It would be an instant A+. But nobody knows anything about the manor!” Kat looks poininly at the Trio, “Anyone alive that is.”

Stretch crossed his arms, “Well played Miss Harvey, well played. What do you want to know?”

Kat nearly jumped from excitement, “Was the manor built by Antoni Gaudí and JT McFadden? What were you brothers like when you were alive? We have an idea of how you died but we want the deets!”

“When's the project due?” Stretch shakes his head in amusement.

“Two weeks.” Jimmy smiled.

“Plenty of time!” Stretch got up from his seat, “Follow me.”

Stretch took the kids up the stairs. As they made their way up the creaky stairs of the manor, Kat and Jimmy couldn't help but feel a sense of thrill and anticipation. Inside one of the towers was an office that was covered in dust and cobwebs. “I'm going to have to ask Blair and Casper to help clean my old office. But you’ll find everything you need about the Manor in here.”

Stretch went to a large painting of the four brothers when they were alive. Stretch pushed an ornamental corner on the frame. The painting opened like a door and a safe was behind the painting. “I hope I remember the code right. It's been a loooong time since I opened it.”

Stretch them and proceed to try to open the safe. After a few tries the safe finally opened revealing gold, bonds, and a rolled up blueprint. He hands the blueprint to Kat, “You were right about Gaudí and JT being the designers of the manor. Gaudí was a good friend of my youngest brother and JT, being an inventor before his time, needed a larger place for his inventions to work in secret.”

“The lab in the basement?” Kat smiled as she looked at the blueprints of the manor. The blue prints showed everything for the servant's quarters to all the hidden rooms. “This is so cool!”

Stretch grinned. “I'm glad you think so. Now, as for our lives when we were alive, that's a long story.”

“Would it be okay to start with you, Stretch?” Kat asked, “You're the oldest and the head of the family, so I assumed that the house was yours even though JT helped design it.”

Stretch chuckled, “Kat, if you don't become a journalist or a detective when you grow up, I will be very disappointed. You could say I was the Ebenezer Scrooge of Friendship, Maine. My business was the business of money. I was always looking for ways to make a profit. My brother JT might have the brains, but I had the business sense.”

Stretch went on to tell them about his life as a successful businessman and how he had acquired a living for him and his brothers through cunning deals and negotiations. He even took out a logbook from his desk and showed them the accounts of his various business ventures.

“But what made you decide to build the manor?” Jimmy asked.

“When you're a second-generation Irish immigrant in late 1800s Boston and the children of a drunk that couldn't keep his pants on, you just want to get away. From the gang fights, from the racism, and from the abuse from your guardian, you want out. The moment I became of age, I took my brothers and ran.”

Stretch's voice softened as he continued, “When we found Friendship, Maine, I was already a master at the art of making money. I was wealthy enough to send my brothers to school and made Friendship our home base.”

“Once JT's education was completed, he and his buddy Gaudí asked if they could build a house. Money was no longer an issue, so I bought the land and hired the builders.” Stretch smiled at the memories, “And that's how the Whipstaff Manor came to be.”

***

Gerti couldn't help but be drawn to Dr Harvey's kind and compassionate nature. She found his quirky personality and gentle demeanor to be charming. She had always had a soft spot for oddballs, and Dr Harvey was no exception.

Gerti took a deep breath and made her way to the therapist's office. As she walked into the room, she was met with the sight of Dr Harvey sitting at his desk, buried in paperwork.

“Dr Harvey?” Gerti spoke up, breaking him out of his concentration.

He looked up at her with a warm smile, “Gerti? What can I help you with?”

“I have been worried about a friend of mine,” Gerti began, “He has been cooped up in his house for a while and I would like to take him out for some coffee and fresh air. Like a date.”

Dr Harvey raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her words, “Have you asked him yet?”

Gerti's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, “No... Not yet. He can be extremely oblivious.”

“Well the first step would be to ask your friend if he would like to go on a date with you,” Dr Harvey offered as advice.

Gerti took a deep breath and followed his advice, “Is that so? In that case, Dr James Harvey, I would like to take you out on a date!”

Dr Harvey's eyes widened in surprise, but a smile spread across his face, “I would love to, Gerti.”

“Let's go.”

“Now?”

“Yes now!” Gerti took Dr Harvey by the hand and dragged him out of the house. With a snap of her fingers a broom appeared in her hand. “Hold on tight.”

“Wait! Where are we goooo~ing?”

The broom flew over the sleepy town of Friendship Main. Dr Harvey held on tight but still braved a look down.

The town was beautiful. The lake and coast are dotted with ships and boats. And the homes looked like dollhouses from above.

“Don't worry, we're almost there,” Gerti reassured him. And soon enough, they landed in front of a whimsical cottage, surrounded by vibrant gardens filled with magical flowers.

Ghosts, witches, and other supernatural creatures were coming in and out of the cottage. A sign hanging from the roof said ‘Magic Brew Coffee Shop.’

Gerti opened the door for Dr Harvey and they were greeted with the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries. “Welcome to my coven's coffee shop, Dr Harvey,” Gerti said with a smile.

He never imagined that the leader of a coven would send him to be such a friendly and inviting place. A woman with snakes for hair and wearing sunglasses smiled at her boss, “Ms Goodwitch? What a nice surprise.”

“Hi Viper! This is my friend Dr Harvey. We'll just grab some coffee and then be on our way,” Gerti explained.

After Viper took their orders they sat in one of the cozy booths, Dr Harvey couldn't help but look at Gerti with admiration.

“So, Gerti, how did you become the leader of a coven?” Dr Harvey asked, genuinely curious.

“Well, Dr Harvey-”

“Please call me James.”

“James… My niece Wendy was tangled with a powerful warlock that wanted to destroy her, she was only 11 years old at the time. After we defeated him with the help of Casper and the Ghostly Trio we met an oracle that predicted Wendy's coming greatness. We started to build a coven to unite ghosts and witches.”

As Gerti spoke, Dr Harvey became more and more enamored with her. Her strength, her compassion, and her determination to protect her loved ones. He couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness towards her.

After they finished their coffee Gerti smiled at her date, “Would you like me to show you around the garden, James?”

“I would love that.”

Dr Harvey smiled as they stepped out into the enchanted garden. Gerti showed him the different magical herbs and flowers that they used for their potions and spells. She even let him taste a few of them, which made him feel alive and more connected to the supernatural world.

They stumbled upon a clearing, surrounded by floating candles and twinkling stars even though it was in the middle of the day. Music was coming from the flowers around a nearby gazebo.

They walked under the roof and started to slow dance. Dr Harvey was surprised by the smoothness of her movements, like a feather gliding on air. They were lost in the moment, both of them feeling a deep connection to each other.

Their dance slowed to a stop and they were standing face to face, their eyes locked in a moment of pure chemistry.

Gerti wanted to know how Dr Harvey’s five o'clock shadow would feel against her skin and James was imagining his fingers running through her curls. Without a word, they leaned in for a kiss. It was soft and magical, like sparks flying between them.

They were both caught off guard by the intensity of the kiss, and they pulled away, their breathing heavy. “I-I’m sorry,” Gerti stammered. “I shouldn’t have-”

“No, it’s…it’s okay,” Dr Harvey interrupted, trying to catch his breath. “I wanted to kiss you too.”

They both smiled at each other, their cheeks flushed with excitement and embarrassment. “I-I think we should go back now,” Gerti said, still trying to compose herself.

“Yes, of course,” Dr Harvey replied, taking her hand.

Gerti snaps her fingers again to summon her broom. Dr Harvey held on tightly as the broom took them back to Whipstaff. When they landed Gerti smiled at Dr Harvey, “I enjoyed our date, James.”

“Who said it has to end.”

“What?”

Just like how Gerti dragged Dr Harvey out of the house he dragged her into the house, up the stairs, and into his bedroom.

***

“How did you die? Miss Banshee said you saved Casper's mom.” Kat wasn't sure if she should have asked, but it was part of the history of the manor.

"Casper's mother, Ellie, was a childhood friend of ours that followed us from Boston. And like always us brothers were crushing on the same girl.”

Stretch pulled out a photo frame of Ellie McFadden. The wife of JT. looked back at the teens in the dress that was in Kat's closet. Her hair was pulled up with her wedding vail dripping from the back of her head. Casper has her cheek bones and friendly aura.

“She's beautiful…” Jimmy said with sadness. Kat and Jimmy already knew how she died. Child birth was much more dangerous then as it was now. Casper made it, but Ellie didn't.

“Ellie was pregnant with Casper when she decided to take a walk in the park. I was doing some errands nearby and noticed that she was there with some thugs that were harassing her. Ellie ran on the frozen pond to get away.”

“They ran after her and didn't notice that they were breaking the ice. I beat them to the bridge and pulled Ellie up. When the brutes grabbed Ellie's ankles I jumped off the bridge and took those bastards with me to an iced grave.”

Stretch said with a smile. “I died happy knowing that Ellie and Casper were safe. My only regret was that I couldn't protect her from the complications of childbirth.”

Kat wrapped her arms around Stretch and gave her adopted uncle a kiss on the cheek, “That was very brave of you. I'm glad you saved Ellie and Casper.”

{As much as I wouldn't want to interrupt this Kodiak moment, dinner is ready.}

Stretch laughed, “Myst! Your timing is impressive.”

{Indeed it is… Don't expect Dr Harvey and Miss Gertrude to be joining us. They are…. occupied.}

Kat’s eyes widened, “Dad and Gerti?!”

Fatso chuckles, “About fucking time.”

Stretch and Stinky looked at their younger brother in shock that the noisy ghost once again held some important gossip from them.

“I’m surprised they didn't hook up earlier.” Jimmy said with a shrug.

“All right, let's go eat before we get more uncomfortable with this conversation.” Kat said, trying to change the subject. The four ghosts and two teens made their way to the dining room to enjoy their dinner. The smell of herbs, bread, and lobster made the trip even faster as they raced down the stairs.

Blair was setting the table with Gabby, Fanny, and Hot Stuff already seated. “We're having Lobster Bisque with Lobster Rolls tonight.”

“Smells awesome, Miss Blair!” Jimmy already had permission from his parents to have dinner there. Afterwards Blair will give him a ride home on her motorcycle.

“Thanks, Jimmy. Settle down and we'll start.” Blair said as she placed bowls of soup in front of the others and a big platter of the Maine style Lobster Rolls.

The family enjoyed their dinner, talking about the day they had and the future. Laughter filled the air as the family enjoyed each other’s company.

Kat points at Stinky, “Tomorrow after school Jimmy and I will be interviewing you next!”

Stinky chuckles, “Can't wait. Most of my story will be about World War I.”

“You were in the military?!” Jimmy shouted in surprise.

“Tomorrow, Jimmy.” Kat pleaded.

Blair smiled, “I agree with Kat. Get as much work you can about the manor on your notes before I take you home.”

“This is going to kill me!” Jimmy took a bit of a lobster roll. “At least I'll die happy with your cooking, Miss Blair.”

The teenagers finished their meal and started up their project. Kat returned to the office and returned to her room with the blueprints, logbook, and photos of the McFaddens. With this big of a project the best way for the presentation would be a PowerPoint.

Kat grabbed a digital camera and took pictures of her bedroom ceiling, the stain glass on the front door, and there was still enough light left to take a well detailed and spooky photo of the exterior of her home.

She returned to Jimmy already setting up the PowerPoint on Kat's computer, “I got some good photos of the manor. Getting views of Gaudí’s designs.”

“Awesome!”

“Alright, it's time for me to get this young man home.” Blair said as she knocked on Kat’s door frame.

“Thank you for dinner, Miss Blair.” Jimmy said as he got up from the computer.

“Anytime, Jimmy. You're always welcome here.” Blair said with a smile as the two left.

Kat waved at Jimmy, “Tomorrow’s going to be great!”

Chapter 11: The Mystery of the Stinky Boys

Summary:

The second instalment of the Mystery of Whipstaff Arc.

Now it's Stinky's turn to revil his life a hundred years ago.

How did Bolad ‘Stinky’ McFadden lived and died in Friendship, Maine? What was his involvement in the First Wold War? Who are the Stinky Boys?

School was unbearably slow. Kat and Jimmy couldn't stop looking at the clock.

Tick

Tock

Tick

Tock

The last hour was the longest. During free period and lunch they were halfway finished with the architectural information about the manor and Stretch’s life and death story.

But they hunger for more information about the Trio. Their new target is none other than Bolad ‘Stinky’ McFadden.

Stinky gave them a taste that he was in the military during the first world war. Kat theorized that he might have been involved with biowarfare for his chemical powers. Jimmy guessed that he was a lieutenant in the front lines.

They couldn't wait to find out more. Finally, the bell rang and school ended. Kat and Jimmy quickly packed their bags and headed out to Whipstaff.

The manor was quiet when they arrived, but the tell tale signs that Stinky was there lead a trail. Kat and Jimmy followed their noses to Stinky only to be turned around in many directions. Kat, who memorized the blueprints, followed the smell to a hidden room behind a bookshelf. They quickly opened it and found a set of stairs leading to another tower.

They saw a large room filled with various scientific equipment, classroom desks, and a blackboard, “This looks like a science class?” Jimmy smiled.

“A very old science class…” Kat whipped some dust on a nearby desk. “Why does the McFaddens have a classroom in the manor?”

“An excellent question, my dear Kat!” Stinky in his human form popped out from behind the table in front of the blackboard. “You are late for class! Please take a seat!”

Teens haphazardly wiped the desk down before seating. They watched the ghost with their notes and pencils in hand. Waiting with anticipation on what Stinky will share.

“What can you tell me about bio and chem warfare during World War One?”

Jimmy lifted his hand, “The German army was the first to use weapons of mass destruction, both biological and chemical, during the First World War, although their attacks with biological weapons were on a rather small scale and were not particularly successful. Their biggest target were the horses that were being delivered to the Allies. From late 1915 and well into 1916, thousands of horses and mules were killed by the biological agents.”

“Correct!” Stinky shouted, “But! The Allied Army had a secret weapon that they didn't even know about.” Kat and Jimmy were on the edge of their seats. “They had me.”

Stinky smiled. “I was a lab assistant to the creator of the biological weapon used by the Allied forces.”

“But during that time safety measures like gas masks, gloves, and the like wasn't a top priority until the psychological damage from “gas fright” and the exposure of large numbers of soldiers, munitions workers, and civilians to chemical agents had significant public health consequences. I was the one who designed the gas masks and safety gloves.”

Jimmy and Kat’s jaws dropped. “Wow, Stinky. I had no idea you were such an important part of history,” Kat said.

Stinky laughed, “Well, I may not have been on the front lines, but I played a crucial role in keeping our soldiers safe. They called me the Tyrant Chemist back then because I would not work with anyone not wearing the proper gear.”

Stinky went on to tell them about his experiences working in the lab and creating the gas masks and safety gloves that saved countless lives during the war.

But he didn't come out of the war without his own battle scars. Working with dangerous chemicals without proper protection that he hadn't made yet was taking its toll on his body.

“The damage was done and my skin absorbed the chemicals that gave me my famous odor. I am lucky to be alive long enough to return home.” Stinky looked at his hands. “But even in death, I still smell.”

The teens were in awe as they listened to Stinky's story. They had never heard of a ghost with such a fascinating background.

“So, what happened next?” Kat asked, eager to learn more.

“After the war there were a handful of war orphans that needed a place to stay. So I took some under my wing. I gave them an education with the help of the best tutor money can buy and I gave them employment.”

“Wait-” Kat’s eyes widened from this discovery.

“Yes, Kat. I became one of the problems that started the Child Labor Act. In my arrogance I thought I was doing good by teaching them a trade and giving them an education.”

Stinky looked down in shame. “But it wasn't until I saw them coughing up blood from the chemicals they were exposed to that I realized the error of my ways. I couldn't protect them from the same fate I suffered.”

“That's when I decided to use my wealth and connections to advocate for better working conditions and protections for children. It may not make up for what I did, but I hope it can make a difference for future generations.” He gave Kat a piece of paper that had an address on it, “One of my kid's daughters is still alive and smart as a tack. Ask Mariah Bonnie about the Stinky Boys.”

“Thanks Stinky.” Kat and Jimmy got up and ran out of the manor. They were eager to learn more about this man who had such a big impact on history.

***

Blair, Casper, and Hot Stuff looked at the abandoned office in the tower. It was held up by dust and cobwebs. Blair sighed as she looked around the office. It had been years since anyone had stepped foot in this place, and it was clear that it needed a lot of work. But she was determined to clean it up and make it a functional space for her family.

“I'm going to kill my husband.”

Casper laughed, “You think Uncle Stretch would turn into a ghost again?”

“Probably not.” Blair put her cleaning supplies down, “We are going to need some more washcloths.”

“I'll go grab some.” Hot Stuff said.

Blair nodded. “I can't believe he left this place like this.”

“When you're a ghost, money doesn't have any meaning anymore.” Casper picked up a book and placed it on the bookshelf after whipping the dust off. “So I guess after he died he just stopped coming to his office.”

“Yeah, I guess so.” Blair sighed and looked around the room. She was reminded that her wealth was from ghosts that figured that they couldn't take it with them. “Well, let's get to work. We have a lot of cleaning to do.”

The trio spent the next few hours cleaning and organizing the office. They dusted, swept, and mopped until the room was spotless. They rearranged the furniture and hung up new curtains. Blair even found some old family photos and placed them on the desk.

As they were finishing up, Hot Stuff spotted a small box tucked away in a corner. He brought it over to Blair and Casper.

“What do you think is in here?” Hot Stuff asked, curious.

“I don’t know.” Blair replied, opening the box. Inside, there was a small note and a key.

“What does the note say?” Casper asked, peering over Blair’s shoulder.

Blair read the note aloud. “To my dear Blair, I hope this key will lead you to something that will make up for all the times I have or will let you down. I love you, Stretch.”

Blair laughed with tears in her eyes, “That adorable movie loving dork is doing a ‘PS I Love You’ bit!”

“Well, let’s see what the key opens.” Casper said excitedly.

The trio searched the entire office until they found a locked drawer in the desk. The key fit perfectly and they opened it to find a stack of letters, all addressed to Blair.

“Wait. Wait. Let me get into character,” Blair was able to get herself to fake cry, “Oh my! My husband must have written these letters before he died!”

Hot Stuff didn't get the references and commented, “Didn't you marry him when he was a ghost?”

Casper rolled his eyes, “Just go with it, Hot Stuff.”

“We really need to get you cultured, pop cultured that is.” Blair said as she opened the first letter and read out loud, “My Dearest Blair, if you are reading this, it means I have passed on.”

“A hundred years before you met.” Casper teased.

“I want you to know that I will always be with you in spirit-”

“Emphasis on ‘spirit.’ I thought he hated puns,” Hot Stuff laughed.

Casper chuckled, “Only Uncle Fatso’s puns.”

“-and I will never stop loving you. Remember all the good times we had together and let that be your strength. I hope you find happiness and love again, but know that my love for you will never die. With all my heart, Stretch.” Blair wiped away the fake tears and smiled, “That dork really knows how to make a girl cry.”

“What do the others say?” Hot Stuff smiled at his adopted mother.

Blair opened another letter, “My darling Blair, I hope this letter finds you well. I just wanted to remind you that I am always watching over you and our family. Your love has given me so much joy and I am eternally grateful for it. I know you may feel alone, but please know that I am always with you. With all my love, Stretch.”

“If this was a normal ‘PS I Love You’ letter I would think it's sweet. But from a ghost it almost sounds… creepy.” Casper commented.

Blair rolled her eyes, “It’s not creepy. It’s romantic. And that's your Uncle you're talking about.”

Casper laughed, “I'm just saying! Unless you managed to find my Dad's time machine and met my uncle before he died-”

“I thought you said your dad didn't invent a time machine.” Hot Stuff smirked devilishly.

“I said all my dad's inventions were stolen by Edison or they were immortalized through his friends' works… HG Wells was one of my dad's friends.”

“Anyway,” Blair interrupted, “Hot Stuff, can you stop being a little devil and let me finish these letters?”

“Sorry, Mom.” Hot Stuff apologized but unapologetically pointed to his horns, “But can't help what I am. Also why am I the only one in trouble? Casper started it!”

Blair chuckled and continued reading the letters. Each one was filled with love and longing from Stretch. Blair couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotions as she read each letter.

Stretch walked in the office to see how the cleaning was going, “Hey, love. How's-” His eyes widened when he saw his wife was reading his letters that he hid in the drawer that he knew was locked.

He grabbed the letters from her hands and stuffed them back in the drawer, “Those weren't ready yet!”

Blair crossed her arms, “They're addressed to me. And you didn't hide the box with the key well enough for me not to find it while me and the boys cleaned up the office that was abandoned for a hundred years.”

“I know I'm not the most romantic person, but I wanted to show you how much you mean to me. And those letters were my way of expressing it.” Stretch explained, looking at Blair with love and sincerity in his eyes. Stretch let out a sigh and sat down in his chair, “I wanted to surprise you. I didn't want you to find them until I was ready to give them to you.”

Blair couldn't help but smile and wrap her arms around her husband, “I love you too, Stretch. And these letters are the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.”

***

They showed up to Mrs. Bonnie's house. The house was a cute little storybook style in pastel blue with pink and purple flowers gathering around the house. Jimmy knocks on the door and waits after a voice calls out “Wait. I’ll be there.”

The door opens to reveal an old woman with a cane. She had bright white hair and kind blue eyes that sparkled as she smiled at them. “Hello, how can I help you?”

“Hi! My name is Kat and I live in Whipstaff-”

“Oh! You found the classroom!” Mrs Bonnie waved them inside, “Come in! Come in! I have pictures of my mother and father with the other Stinky Boys!”

Kat and Jimmy smiled as they sat down. Mrs Bonnie offered milk and cookies before she sat with a photo album. “Mr McFadden was a strict but kind man, from what my father told me. The Stinky Boys consist of eight boys and two girls. All war orphans. My father, being one of them, had a well-rounded education and even learned the violin.”

“Have you ever met Mr. McFadden?” Kat inquired.

“I have a picture of him with me on his lap with my parents.” Mrs. Bonnie flipped a page and pointed to a picture of Stinky holding a toddler with two people standing behind him. “My earliest memory of him sadly was after the Child Labor Laws were passed.”

Kat and Jimmy looked through the photo albums. “What happened after the Child Labor Laws?”

“I was a little girl when that happened,” Bonnie smiled at the memories, “It was almost as if it was yesterday. There was a ball at the Whipstaff Manor. Mr McFadden was the host and we were in celebration of the new era! Children were finally safe from the factories.”

“Wow, that must have been amazing.” Kat said in awe.

“It was! The Stinky Boys played music and danced. They were so talented and kind. My father told me that they were like brothers to him.” Mrs Bonnie smiled as she looked at the pictures. “It was only after his disappearance that we found out that Mr McFadden was one of the key figures in getting it passed. He used his wealth and influence to lobby for it and also provided resources for the children to receive an education.”

Kat and Jimmy were amazed by the stories and the pictures. They thanked Mrs Bonnie for her time. Mrs Bonnie gave them a photo of the Stinky Boys with Stinky in the classroom to use for the presentation. The photo of Stinky surrounded by children in a classroom was particularly heartwarming.

“This is a great piece of history,” Kat said, “We’ll make sure to include it in our presentation.”

“Thank you, dear. I’m glad I can help,” Mrs Bonnie smiled.

***

Blair was just getting the white pesto spinach lasagna out of the oven to cool when Kat and Jimmy returned. Dr Harvey looked up from his coffee mug of herbal tea (Blair didn't let him have anymore caffeine), “Hey Bucket! I heard from the fellas that you're doing a local history presentation for your school. How's it going?”

“Just need to learn how Stinky died and then we can move on to Fatso.”

Stretch looked at Kat, “Drop it.”

Kat looked at Stretch in surprise, “Wha-”

“Drop it, Kat. In your presentation he disappeared after the Child Labor Laws became effective. That's all you need to know and that's all you’re going to put in the report.”

Kat nodded, “OK, OK. I got it.”

Jimmy looked at Blair, “What's for dinner?”

Blair smiled, “White pesto spinach lasagna and I have dessert for later. A chocolate soufflé.”

Jimmy hummed, “Why didn't I visit more often?”

“Because your family would miss you?” Stretch chuckled.

“Speaking of family,” Gerti smiled at her friends, “It's time for the Goodwitch Coven to move out of Whipstaff.”

Dr Harvey choked on his tea, “Wh-what? Why are you- you guys moving out? We have plenty of space here. The boys and I really enjoyed your company.”

“James, calm down. We are moving out of the manor, not Friendship.” She then points towards Kat, “Besides I have a little witchling under my wing.”

“Where are you moving to?” Hot Stuff asked.

“There's a cottage down the street that's perfect for us with room for overnight guests.” Gabby smiled at the idea of her new home. “There's a wood stove and a basement that would work wonderfully for a cauldron.”

Stinky and Fatso finally joined for dinner. Stinky smiled at Kat, “Did you have a good chat with Mrs Boonie?”

“Saw a picture of you holding her as a baby. But this is my favorite photo yet.” Kat showed Stinky the photo of him and the Stinky Boys.

“Oh my God, how did that get out?!”

“Mrs Boonie gave it to us.”

Stinky laughed, “Ah, well I'm glad that Mrs Bonnie kept all her father's photos.”

“Thank God we were wealthy enough to get that many photos.” Stretch gave his brother a pat.

“Fatso! Tomorrow…” Kat’s eyes shine brightly, “You live again.”

Fatso laughed, “Bring it on, Fleshie!”

Blair and Casper placed the now cooled lasagna, salad, and garlic bread to the table. Fanny smiled at her sisters, “We are still planning on coming here for dinner right? I fell in love with Blair's cooking.”

Gabby nodded, “I know what you mean. If I didn't know better I would have thought that Blair was a kitchen witch.”

Gerti rolled her eyes, “Blair is much more impressive than a kitchen witch. Goddess maybe, sure. But a fellow witch,” She smiles at Blair who smiles humorously back, “No, She is a medium that was raised by ghosts.”

***

“Hey, Kat?” Stinky stopped Kat down the hall after dinner and Blair took Jimmy back home.

“Sure what's up?”

“I noticed you didn't ask me how I died?”

“Stretch told me to drop it.”

“Might as well, My body will never be found.”

Kat's heart sank at the thought of Stinky's body being lost forever. “I'm sorry, Stinky. That must be really hard for you.”

Stinky shrugged, “Not really. I'm used to being invisible, even in death.”

“Invisible? You thought you were invisible when you were alive? Bolad ‘Stinky’ McFadden, one of the key figures in the Child Labor Act, protector, and educator of war orphans, thinks he was invisible when he was alive?”

Kat stuck his finger to his chest, “Mrs Bonnie barely remembers you as a child, but she remembers the stories her father told her about you and the Stinky Boys! You were loved!”

“I made those kids sick with MY factories! With MY chemistry labs! I put those kids in danger! I was murdered, Kat! Jumped in an alleyway, drunk from the celebration. And my body was dumped in the sewers. To be forgotten. And I deserved it.”

“But you pulled them out when you found out they were getting sick.” Kat's heart ached for Stinky. She couldn't imagine how lonely and forgotten he must have felt.

Stinky's eyes were glassy, “I was the one who made them sick to begin with. I was the horrible rich kid who was riding his older brother’s coattails and thought he could do whatever he wanted and get away with it. I was wrong. I was horrible. I deserved to be forgotten.”

Kat pulled Stinky into a hug, despite the fact that she was chilled from his ectoplasm. “You were human. You made mistakes. But you made up for them. You gave those kids a voice. You did the right thing and you stood up for them. You were loved and remembered. And you still are.” Stinky broke down and cried. Kat felt the tears on his shoulder. They stood there for a long while.

“I won't forget about you, Stinky. I promise. And I'm making sure no one forgets about you again,” Kat promised.

Stinky pulled away and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “Thanks Kat. You're a good friend.”

“You too, Stink Bomb.” Kat smiled as she tested Blair's nickname for Stinky.

Stinky smiled back and then the two of them headed back to the living room to join the others. As they sat down, Stretch looked at them with concern. “Is everything okay?” he asked.

Kat nodded, “Yeah, everything's fine. Stinky just needed to talk.”

Stretch nodded and turned his attention back to the TV. Kat and Stinky exchanged a grateful look, both thankful for the other's support.

Blair on the other hand noticed the tear stains on Kat's shirt and the teens red eye. But she said nothing as Kat and Stinky cuddled with Casper in the middle. She then watched the TV with her strange family.

For the rest of the night, Kat and Stinky laughed and joked with the others, enjoying each other's company.

***

Blair curled up in bed with her husband, “Stretch? You think Stinky and Kat will be okay.”

Stretch wrapped his arms around his living bride and smiled at her, “They just had a very emotional heart to heart. But they will be okay.”

She looked at the violet eyed changeling with suspicion, “You came into the room just before they did? Were you listening in on their conversation?”

Stretch looked at her with shock and pretended to be offended, “Blair, I'm a ghost… ex-ghost… Yes… Yes… I did listen to their conversation, but I didn't butted in. My brother needed some closure and Kat was the perfect outlet!”

Blair started at Stretch with narrowed eyes, “They were both crying.”

He grinned at her, “I'm not sorry if that was what you were wondering.”

Blair laughed and kissed her husband, “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.”

Stretch grinned and nuzzled her neck, “I love you, Blair.”

She smiled and ran her fingers through his hair, “I love you too, Stretch.”

As they lay in bed together, they both felt a sense of peace and contentment. Blair snuggled closer to her husband and closed her eyes, feeling his love surrounding her. She couldn't imagine her life without him, and she was grateful for every moment they had together.

Stretch held her tightly, grateful for her forgiveness and acceptance of his past mistakes. He knew he didn't deserve her, but he was determined to make every day with her count.

She drifted to sleep and had dreams of her soulmate again. This time she could see Stretch's face as they danced in the dream. His violet eyes never leave hers as the two glide through the dream fog.

A giant hand crashed next to them and Volbragg’s face was snarling above them. With his mighty fists, he slams them down towards them. As Blair screamed, Stretch pulled her close and held her tight.

She woke up with a start, her heart racing. She looked up at Stretch, who was still asleep, and she knew that he would protect her from any danger. She snuggled back into his arms, but the Vision Dream had made its message clear.

Volbragg will be coming to Whipstaff.

She watched the sun rise through the window as she waited for…. She has no idea of what she was waiting for. For her husband to wake up, for sleep to come again, for the fire giant to crash his meaty fist through the window?

She had no idea. All she knew was that she was wide awake and her mind was racing. After a while, Stretch stirred and opened his eyes, his gaze immediately finding hers.

“Morning,” he mumbled, his voice husky with sleep.

“Morning,” she replied, giving him a small smile.

He kissed her forehead before sitting up and stretching. “What’s on your mind?” he asked, noticing the slight furrow on her brow.

Blair hesitated for a moment before telling him about her dream. “I know it’s just a dream, but it felt so real. And with everything that’s been happening lately, I can’t shake off this feeling that something bad is going to happen.”

Stretch listened to her quietly before pulling her into a hug. “I’ll make sure nothing bad happens to you, Blair. I promise.”

She held onto him tightly, feeling safe in his embrace. After a few moments, she pulled back and looked into his eyes. “I believe you, Stretch. I trust you.”

He smiled at her, his heart full of love for this amazing woman. “I love you, Blair. You try to catch those Zs that you're missing and I'll help Casper make breakfast.”

Blair smiled as she curled deeper into the blankets, “Okay. If any Angels visit please don't hide it from your family like last time.”

“Fine! Fine! I promise.” Stretch laughed as he kissed her forehead again before getting out of bed.

Blair watched as he left the room, feeling grateful for his love and protection. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, willing herself to relax and drift off to sleep.

Chapter 12: Tears of Pulled Pork and Opera Love

Summary:

Third instalment of the Mystery of a Whipstaff Arc.

The title can also be called, The Tragedy Of Samuel 'Fatso' Mcfadden

Kat almost overslept. She was doing last minute addictions to her presentation for her school project and by the time she realized that she stayed up too late it was already 7:30.

She groaned as she quickly got out of bed and started to get ready. She took a quick shower and got out. She dried her hair and put on some light makeup before getting dressed. She picked out a pair of black leggings, a black t-shirt and a grey cardigan to wear. She put on her converse and grabbed her backpack. She then made her way to the kitchen.

The smell of eggs and sausage filled the first floor of Whipstaff Manor. She was surprised that it wasn't Blair that was helping Casper.

“Hey, Kitty Kat!” Stretch gave Kat some orange juice, “Do you have time for breakfast?”

“Not really.”

Stretch then took two pieces of toast and put an egg and sausage patty between the two in a fast breakfast sandwich. He wrapped it in butcher paper that was inside the cupboard.

Kat looked at the makeshift sandwich and smiled at her ghostly guardian, “Thanks, Stretch! Thanks Casper!”

She then rushed out of Whipstaff Manor and headed to school. She couldn't believe that she was running late. She always made sure to get there 15 minutes before school started to get a good parking spot.

As she arrived, she found a parking spot at the back of the lot. She cursed herself for not waking up earlier. She quickly parked her car and ran to her first period class.

Luckily, her teacher was running late too so she didn't miss anything. She sat down in her seat and pulled out her breakfast sandwich from her backpack. She took a bite and smiled. It was delicious.

She then looked at the butcher paper. The paper was clean, but yellowed with age. She remembered that the Ghostly Trio mentioned that Fatso was the town butcher when he was alive.

She already had made many discoveries about Stretch and Stinky, but for some reason she was excited about the foodie of the family.

She couldn't wait to learn more about Fatso and his passion for food, theater, and music. Fatso might not have been the smartest of the Trio, but he was undeniably the most cultured.

She had a good feeling that he was going to be a fan favorite for her presentation. Especially when she already knew from snippets of conversations on how he died. Being a bisexual man in late Victorian New England was practically a death sentence.

Kat couldn't wait to share his story and give him the recognition he deserved.

***

“Looking good!” Stretch whistled at his really clean office, “I wonder if I could still do the same work as back in the day?”

Casper pouted in deep thought, “Maybe we should get you a computer?”

Hot Stuff was feeling grimmy from the cleaning, “What exactly did you do when you were alive, Stretch?”

The violet eyed changeling looked at the little devil, “Why do you call Blair mom, but only call me by my name?”

“Oh well…” Hot Stuff looked down, “I didn't think you wanted me to call you dad. Blair and I been through a lot in the Fae Realm and grow close from it… but-”

“I see what you mean.” Stretch sighed, “You wanna do something today? Just the three of us?”

Casper and Hot Stuff looked at Stretch with surprise. Casper never exactly hung out with his uncle before and Hot Stuff barely remembers hanging out with his own biological father. But here is Stretch trying to be a father figure to both the boys.

“Yeah!”

“Great!” Stretch clapped his hands, “Let’s go have some fun then!”

They debated about having a board game, going to the movies, or having a picnic in the park. The day was too nice for games at home. The movie was a good idea, but they opt out of it since Casper still isn't used to being alive and Stretch had still not mastered his new identity as a changeling, nor learned to master his new powers. And all three agreed that Hot Stuff was still not ready to be surrounded by too many people.

So the picnic is going to be the choice. Blair made a basket for them and kissed her husband good luck. She likes the idea that Stretch bonds with his nephew and her adopted son.

The park was big and beautiful. The sun was shining and the birds were singing. The sky was blue and the clouds were fluffy. The trees were green and flowers were blooming.

If Stretch was still dead he would do everything in his powers to ruin the perfect day. But with his new lease in life he was grateful to feel the calming aura the park has.

The family picked a spot near the pond and they laid out the blanket. Stretch unpacked the basket and set everything up. They had sandwiches, fruits, cookies, and juice. “Not so fast.”

Hot Stuff grabbed the napkins with his tail. “What? I don't-” Hot Stuff began to wipe his face with the napkin.

Stretch and Casper couldn't help but laugh. “You know… you almost look cute when you are acting like a cat.” Stretch grinned. But before Hot Stuff retaliated, Stretch whispered in Hot Stuff's ear, “You have to stay in your human form.”

“Epp!” Hot Stuff made his tail disappear, “Sorry! I forgot!” The little devil turned into a human and puffed out his cheeks.

Casper nudged Hot Stuff, “It’s okay. You’ll get used to it. We were just laughing at the way you were acting.”

“And hey,” Stretch put his arm around Hot Stuff, “I’m not going to love you any less if you make mistakes.”

Hot Stuff looked at the husband of his adopted mother with a grateful expression and hugged him back.

After lunch, they decided to take a walk around the park. They saw a group of people playing frisbee and decided to join in. Hot Stuff protested at first, saying that he didn’t know how to play, but Casper showed him the ropes and soon he was having a blast. Stretch smiled at the two teens as they played.

Frisbee was a good game to play with humans. They were far from each other for the humans to notice Stretch’s cold, Hot Stuff’s heat, and Casper’s fawn-like clumsiness from the new sense of gravity.

As the day went on, they played different games, explored the park, and just enjoyed each other’s company. They even stopped by the playground and Hot Stuff got to experience the joy of swinging on a swing for the first time.

The boys didn't want to leave but Stretch reminded them that Blair is home with dinner and Kat and Jimmy are most likely at Whipstaff getting ready to learn about Fatso's life.

***

Kat and Jimmy rushed to the manor after school. The teens smelled something good in the kitchen. “It's too early for dinner, but that smell.”

Jimmy nodded, “You don't suppose that Fatso is in the kitchen?”

“Even if he isn't Blair is definitely is and would know where to find him.” Kat headed towards the kitchen. The sound of an opera singer filled the air as they got closer to the kitchen. “Nevermind! Fatso is with Blair.”

“How do you know?” Jimmy asked Kat.

“Blair and Fatso shares the same taste in classical music and would listen to music when they are hanging out together. Kat looked through the window of the kitchen door, “Holy shit! First Stretch was making breakfast and now Fatso is helping with dinner.”

They entered the kitchen, “It's a little early for dinner ain't it, Blair?”

“Not for pulled pork, Kit Kat!” Fatso smiled at the human teens that entered the kitchen, “My own recipe back in my living days.”

“That's right you were a butcher!” Kat smiled at the ghost.

“A hundred years ago I might have been the only butcher in Friendship, Maine, but my meat was the best in all of New England.”

Blair was was slicing cabbage for cold slaw when she looked up at her brother in-law, “The pork wouldn't be out of the oven for another hour and it takes a half hour to cook. I got the rest of the meal, go and tell your story to the kids.”

Fatso nodded and led Kat and Jimmy to the dining room where he sat at the head of the table. Kat and Jimmy exchanged excited glances, eager to hear another story of the manor's past.

Fatso continued, “I was known as Samuel McFadden, but most people in town called me 'Fatso' due to my large size. I didn't mind the nickname, in fact, I quite enjoyed it. But my love for the theater and opera was what set me apart from the rest of the town. I would spend my days working in the butcher shop and my nights listening to my collection of phonograph cylinders and vinyl records.”

He pointed to the gramophone was was playing, “Puccini’s La bohème… My personal favorite tragic love story. How I wished I would have seen the live performances… But it didn't mattered since I could listen while working in the shop. Can't cut meat at a live performance you know. It was the music itself transported me to another world. Without leaving my little butcher shop I can be in Paris, Venice, Spain, and Shanghai.”

Kat looked up from her notes and gave him an sympathetic smile. She remembered that Fatso told Stretch that after he died his spirit visited every live performance out there. No longer tethered to the rules of the living he probably even visited those places.

Kat and Jimmy were intrigued by Fatso's passion for music. They had never met someone so dedicated to their hobby.

But then Fatso's tone changed, becoming more somber. “I met and fell in love with Marcus. A black man from England that had the same passion for music as I did. He found my shop from the sweet sympathy of Quando m'en vo'soletta from La Bohème. Another reason why I love Puccini’s La bohème. Puccini inadvertently introduced me to the last love of my life.”

Jimmy's eyes widened in awe as he felt companionship with Fatso. It felt like he found an LGBTQIA+ Elder that he can look up to. He had always felt like an outsider, especially in his small town. Always worried about who his existence will offend. But here was Fatso, living his truth and following his heart, even in a time when it was difficult to do so. It gave Jimmy hope and a sense of belonging.

“Remember, this was a time were love between two men was not accepted in our small town. Even more so because of Marcus’s skin color. We kept our relationship hidden from the town, fearing the backlash and discrimination we would face if it was ever revealed. We were only able to be ourselves behind closed doors.”

It was a heartbreaking story, and Kat could see the pain in Fatso's eyes as he spoke. She couldn't imagine what it must have been like for them, to have to hide their love and live in fear because of narrow-minded societal norms.

“But my peaceful life was shattered when I was outed as a bisexual man with a black lover. I have no idea how they found out. A group of bigots in the town found out about our relationship and spread rumors, accusing me of being a deviant and Marcus of being a corrupting influence. The town turned against them, and my business suffered. But the worst was yet to come.”

Kat and Jimmy started to tear up. This was starting to be more like a tragic romance stories. Almost similar to the opera that they are listening to from the gramophone.

“One day a loyal customer came to my shop and shouted that Marcus was hanging in the tree at the center of town. I rushed to the tree and found my beloved hanging by his neck. The lynch mob was waiting for me. They wouldn't dare try to attack me at the shop since I had my knives and cleavers there.”

“Thirteen men attacked. I might have been called ‘Fatso,’ but I was more solid than fat. A butcher has to be in order one to swing 130 pounds of solid meat onto a meat hook. And I did that a hundred times a day.”

Kat could only imagine the horror of that moment. Fatso continued, “I fought back. I fought hard. And I got half of them before they got me. They shot me in the leg, and I fell. They beat me with their fists and kicked me. I could feel my bones breaking. I could feel my ribs cracking. But I didn't stop fighting. I couldn't. I couldn't let them win.”

The tears that was threatening to come down won the battle as Kat and Jimmy were rubbing their eyes so they could to see their notes. Tear stains dotted the paper. They couldn't believe that such hatred and violence existed in the world.

“I don't know how long the beating lasted. It felt like hours. But eventually, they grew tired and left. I was left there, broken and bleeding, with my lover hanging lifeless above me. I crawled to him and cut him down, holding his body in my arms. I cried and screamed and cursed the world for taking away the one person I loved more than anything.” Fatso's voice broke, but he had to finish his story, “I laid there, until I bleed to death with Marcus in my arms.”

Kat reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently to offer comfort. The teens gave the large ghost a hug and cried with him, feeling the weight of his loss and the injustice of it all. The music on the gramophone finally stopped and the room was silent with a the exception of a few wet sniffs.

Blair came inside the dining hall and placed some water for the three. “30 minutes till the pork is ready to come out. So you guys have an hour to work on your project or righten yourselves up.”

She left the room without saying another word, but they could feel her concern. Kat and Jimmy wiped their faces and took a deep breath. They had to be strong for Fatso. They couldn't let his story go unheard.

“Thank you,” Fatso said, his voice barely a whisper. “Thank you for listening.”

“Of course,” Kat replied, her voice thick with emotion. “We are honored to hear your story.”

Jimmy nodded in agreement, and the three of them sat in silence for a few minutes, each lost in their own thoughts and feelings. But then, Jimmy broke the silence, “We have to get back to work. We have a story to tell.”

Kat and Fatso smiled at the determined look on Jimmy's face. They were going to make sure Fatso and Marcus' story was heard and remembered.

***

After the teens left to work on their history project Fatso rejoined Blair in the kitchen . To lighten up the mood Fatso changed the vinel to Donizetti's L'elisir D'amore, the funniest opera that Blair ever heard. But Blair looked at her brother in-law with concern, “Are you sure that you're up to it? I can finish the pulled pork…”

Fatso smiled and gave Blair a hug, “Thank you, but I'm fine. The ending of my story wasn't all sad. After my death I had gotten my revenge and looked for Marcus. After I found out that Marcus was in the Higher Plans I traveled and saw the world that I could only dreamed about in life. Funny how after death life feels so trivial.”

Blair had a glint in her eyes as she smiled, “So you're like a ghost adventures guy? Fatso chuckled, “I guess you can say that. But I prefer the term spiritual traveler. I have encountered some really interesting beings and events in my travels.”

Blair pulled the pork out of the oven, “Okay! This pig is smelling too good!”

“Wait until we add my sauce.” Fatso grabbed the pork and put it in a ceramic container.

“Fatso-”

“Dead, remember? I don't get third degree burns.”

Blair stomped her foot, “Still! Give a girl a warning!”

“Apologies, sis.” Fatso then grabbed the pan that had the pork juices and poured it into a pot on the stove.

He added his secret ingredients and tasted it, “Mm, perfect!”

Blair laughed, “So you're like the ghost version of Gordon Ramsey?”

Fatso rolled his eyes, “More like the ghost version of Alton Brown. I don't scream at people to cook correctly.”

Blair then started take the corn cobs out of the boiling water onto a plate as Fatso was pulling the pork apart and removing the bones. After drizzling his sauce on the pork it was done.

The teens then came in with their history project done and saw the kitchen smelling of pulled pork. Stretch, Casper, and Hot Stuff return from their lunch outing. Dr Harvey, Stinky, and the witch sisters was attracted by the smell as well.

Everyone were overjoyed and quickly set the table while Fatso and Blair finished up the sides. As they all sat down to eat, Blair couldn't help but feel grateful for Fatso's presence.

Kat and Jimmy told the others how the project was coming along. And that they just needed more information on Casper and JT McFadden. They also admited that there was a few things that they might need from Stretch’s office and Stinky’s classroom. Finding more stuff on Fatso would take some work since the McFadden Butcher Shop is no longer there.

The pulled pork was a hit and all four teens couldn't stop raving about it. Casper felt cheated for not inheriting the secret recipe.

Fatso chuckled, “Don't worry Casper. Blair and I will show you the secrets of the recipe.”

“Promise?” Casper eyes lit up.

“Promise.”

As the night went on, they all ate and laughed and shared stories. Blair was happy with her new found family. She looked at her husband with glee as Stretch bonded with Casper and Hot Stuff. She felt proud of her brother in-laws for opening up to Kat and Jimmy about their lives in Friendship. And she was rooting for Dr Harvey and Gerti. She hoped that Gerti, Gabby, and Fanny’s new home down the street was everything they wanted.

Stretch looked at his wife, “Blair?”

“Yes?” she replied, turning towards him.

“I just wanted you to know that I'm proud of you,” Stretch said, his voice filled with love and admiration.

Blair's heart swelled with love for her husband. “I'm proud of you too, Stretch,” she said, leaning in for a kiss.

“What were you thinking about earlier?”

“Was that really what you wanted to know?” Blair teased, “I was enjoying how oddly peaceful this chaotic family is. And how I would never trade this for the world.”

Chapter 13: Red String of Fate

Summary:

Stretch reviled some secrets about himself and how he took his siblings out of Boston.

After that they needed to learn about JT and Ellie.

That means that Kat and Jimmy has to do it the old fashioned way.

Boring research.

Too bad Whipstaff is anything, but boring.

The Mystery of Whipstaff continues.

Kat, Jimmy, Casper, and Hot Stuff went through every nook and cranny of Stretch’s old office. Casper joined Kat and Jimmy's mission of learning more about the dead residences of Whipstaff because he wanted to learn more about his uncles. Hot Stuff joined because as the newest member of the Harvey/McFadden household he wanted to be included.

It was a daunting task, but Kat and Casper were determined to uncover the truth about the three mischievous ghosts as they went through hundred years old files.

“Maybe we should check the public library…” Kat closed her eyes, “Maybe they wouldn't remember me trashing a puppet show from three years ago?”

Casper shook his head, “I doubt it, Kat. Though I'm partly at fault for constantly teasing you about dating Vic.”

“Didn't even realize it was a date…” Kat grumbles as she opens a box and finds a photo album, “Whipstaff Manor - 18##.” They eagerly flipped through the pages, finding pictures of the original owners of the manor, the McFadden family.

The three men were surrounded by people in sharp dressed suits and a woman in Kat's dress and vail was next to JT McFadden. Casper became really excited, “Holy shit! This is Mom and Dad's wedding pictures!”

Ellie McFadden looked like a classic beauty. Her long curly hair was styled in an updo, and she wore a pearl necklace with the dress that took space in Kat's closet.

When she found out it was Ellie’s wedding dress years prior she felt really guilty until one day Stretch walked up to Kat and placed a cold hand on her shoulder, “I'd rather have you wear Ellie's dress than it get eaten by moths in a trunk up in the attic. Besides, the dress looks good on you.”

“Found the wedding pictures, kids?” The teens looked behind them in surprise at the sudden voice of Stretch at the doorway of his office. “Did you find what you were looking for?”

“Not exactly,” Kat replied, “We were trying to find out more about you guys but so far we found the wedding album…”

“Ellie might have been married into the family, but she's still a McFadden… Why not add her story to your project?”

“What can you tell us about Casper's mom?” Hot Stuff asked.

“She was one of the sweetest women you'll ever meet.” Stretch started as he sat down at his old desk, running his fingers at the girl that got away. “Did you know that your father fought over her affection, Casper? Obviously your father won, but I never got over it. You remind me of her everyday. Your patience, determination, and gentle nature is all from her. Compared to me and my brothers she was a saint.”

Casper listened intently as Stretch spoke about his mother. He had always wondered about her, but his father never spoke much about her. He couldn't believe that he had traits from her, especially since he had never met her. He felt a sense of pride and connection to her that he had never felt before.

Kat, Jimmy, and Hot Stuff listened closely, taking in every word that Stretch said. They could see the fondness and love he had for Ellie in his eyes.

“She was actually from Boston also. We were childhood friends, you see. When I was old enough to move out of our abusive father’s house I took my brothers with me to raise. And Ellie followed us saying that without a woman to take care of us we would likely kill each other.”

“Now I was really good with money at a young age. Kinda had to be to spread a dollar from me and my brothers to live since the drunk of a grandfather of yours would take all of our earnings to drown himself in booze.” Stretch said with bitterness over the abuse that he and his siblings suffered from the hand of Casper's grandfather.

“Turned that dollar into ten from the rat fights, then that ten dollars to twenty for doing odd and very questionable jobs, and then turned that twenty into a hundred by becoming a loan shark.”

“You were a loan shark?” Kat questioned skeptically.

“Hell yeah! I was the best in Boston too! But as time went on I went from a loan shark to an investment banker. Made that money before I became a legal adult. Moved to Friendship and made my business here.”

Stretch crossed his arms, “Thank God for Ellie though. She was practically the mom friend of the group helping me raise my brothers as I was making money to make sure we had a roof over our heads and bread on our table.”

“So that’s why you stopped working as a loan shark?” Kat asked.

“Nah! I stopped being a loan shark when I met Ellie. She basically told me to stop being an idiot and use my talents for good. And so I did.” Stretch smiled, “Keep in mind that I was as old as you, Kat, when I was a lone shark and couldn't take my siblings with me until I reached 21. I have enough money saved up for a hundred lifetimes from starting early.”

“Granted I could have moved out as early as twelve, but I wasn't going to leave my brothers to the hands of the drunk.”

Casper couldn't hide his admiration for his uncle. He had always known that Stretch was successful, but he never knew the extent of his wealth and how he acquired it. He also couldn't believe that his uncle had gone through so much to provide for his family.

As Stretch continued to tell his story, Casper couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and respect for the man who had raised him alongside his brothers. Stretch was more than just his uncle, he was a leader, a provider, and a protector. He had done whatever it took to make sure that his family was taken care of, even if it meant resorting to questionable means.

“When we moved to Friendship to get away from the drunk I rented a shack where Ellie got the one bedroom and the rest of us got the floor of the living room. The house was far too small for the five of us, but we made it work.”

Stretch chuckled, “Ellie was always so patient and understanding, she never complained about our living conditions. She always saw the good in every situation and made the best of it.”

“You're dad was only ten years old. Stinky was about fifteen. Both Ellie and Fatso were thirteen. And me who just turned 21 had to figure out how to raise three teenagers and a tween.”

“I worked for the bank and as a private investor for the wealthy families of Friendship, Main. And with that wealth I was able to send Stinky to school where he learned chemistry. Build up more wealth and bought a shop of Fatso’s profession. More money and I was able to send your brother to school as well.”

“It wasn’t easy, but I did it. I did it for my family. I did it for the boy who was left to fend for himself at the age of twelve.” Stretch looked at Casper with a smile, “And I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

“With Ellie taking care of the home and me being the breadwinner after a few years I started developing feelings for Ellie. Her patience and hard work made her a desirable woman when she turned seventeen.”

Casper listened intently, knowing that this was a part of his family's history that he had never heard before. He had always known that Stretch and Ellie had a special bond, but he had never known the details of how it came to be.

“But she had eyes for JT. I was heartbroken. Madly jealous, even! But I could never blame her. He was a good man, a hard worker, and a loyal friend. And when he asked her to marry him, I was happy for them. I knew they would take care of each other.”

“JT studied abroad to learn advanced engineering. His inventory brain wouldn't stop. And that's how he met Antoni Gaudí i Cornet.”

“Now Antoni, he was a character. He was a genius, but a bit eccentric. He was obsessed with organic forms, and his architecture was unlike anything I had ever seen before. JT and Antoni hit it off immediately, and they became partners in a few projects.”

“He brought Antoni here to bring a combination of JT’s engineering and Antoni’s architectural genius to build Whipstaff. I, of course, footed the bill.”

Casper couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His family had such a rich history, and he was proud to be a part of it. He looked at Stretch with admiration and gratitude. “And when Whipstaff was completed, JT and Ellie tied the knot.”

“It took years to complete and JT had already made a name for himself. Made friends with Tesla, HG Wells, Mary Shelley, and a few other celebrities of the time.”

“But as happy as they were, they longed for a child. They tried for years, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Until one day, Ellie announced that she was pregnant.” Stretch paused, a sad smile on his face. “Casper, you were their miracle baby.”

“It was near the end of the Victorian era when I saved your mother from those brutes that February day. The day I died saving you and your mother was also the day you were born. Shortly after I jumped into my icy grave to take out your mother's attackers your mother went into labor.”

“At least that's what I learned from the Dead-Vine. I was so proud of Ellie, she was so brave and determined to bring you into this world.” Casper listened to his uncle’s story with bated breath. “I was just happy to have saved my sister-in-law and my nephew.”

Casper was overwhelmed with emotion. He had always felt a special connection to Stretch, but now he knew why. He was grateful for his uncle’s sacrifice and for the love that his family had always shown him. He hugged Stretch tightly, tears streaming down his face. “Thank you, Uncle Stretch. I never knew the full story.

Stretch hugged Casper back, tears in his own eyes. “Always remember, Casper, no matter what happens, we’ll always be there for you.” And with that, Casper knew that he was truly lucky to have such a loving and heroic family.

***

Gerti, Gabby, and Fanny entered their new cottage. The house was old but had a good foundation and was nicely spacious for the three witches and guests.

With a flick of a wrist their luggage unpacked themselves and what would take a mortal an average of three days took only a half of an hour.

“Phew! Slaving away over a hot wand, I am beat!” Fanny smiled as she waved her wand and a tea set with hot tea with snacks floated next to her, “How about tea in our new garden?”

“Sounds like a plan.” Gerti led her sisters to the backyard.

The backyard was a mess. The previous owners had a garden but it was overgrown with weeds and dead plants. Gerti smiled as she waved her wand.

The garden was transformed with arnica flowers, barberries, mandrake, belladonna, catnip, and other magical herbs and flowers. The garden had a small pond with water lilies and a small gazebo.

“Wow, Gerti! This is amazing!” Gabby exclaimed.

“It’s nothing, really.” The leader of the Goodwitch Coven modestly replied.

The three sisters sat under the gazebo and had their tea. Fanny looked at their oldest sister and smiled mischievous like, “Sooo… How's things going with Dr Harvey?”

Gerti glared at her sister, “Can it, will ya?”

“I wanna know too!” Gabby clapped her hands, “You and Dr Harvey… Who would have thought?!”

“He’s a mortal.” Gerti rolled her eyes, “Keep your noses out of my love life.”

“Nah nah nah, dearest sister!” Fanny smiled, “Mortal. Immortal. He's a MAN!”

Gabby popped a cucumber into her mouth, “A sweet man.”

“A handsome man.” Fanny added.

Gerti sighed, “He’s a nice man. And that’s all I’m saying.”

The other two squealed. Fanny took a sip of her tea, “The best part is that Dr Harvey is friends with the Ghostly Trio. You saw how the boys insisted that he was a fourth member?”

“I know.” Gerti smiled fondly. Any man that her best friend, Stretch, approved of is a definite green flag. “The boys walked in on us one time. Apparently they were planning on waking him up with a scare.”

“Those bad boys!” Fanny laughed. The doorbell rang and Fanny got up, “I’ll get it.”

She opened the door and her sister's latest conquest was standing there with a bouquet of wildflowers that looked like he hand picked himself with a witch’s herb book.

“Hello Fanny. I'm here to give you girls a housewarming.” He looked at his flowers, “Can you check to see if I mixed any bad luck into the flowers? I borrowed a book from the library to pick the right flowers…”

Fanny laughed, “Don’t worry, Dr Harvey. I’m sure Gerti will appreciate the thought.” She checked the flowers and smiled at the mix of primrose, lavender, lilac, and baby's-breath.

She led Dr Harvey to the back yard. He looked around with surprise, “Beautiful…” He walked up to Geti and handed her the flowers, “The garden isn't so bad either.”

“Oh you!” She took the flowers to hide her blushing face.

Her sisters smiled. Gabby winked, “We have to give Gerti some time with her new beau.” The sisters giggled and left Gerti and Dr Harvey alone in the garden. They sat in comfortable silence, enjoying each other’s company.

What a pair.

The Great Therapist of the Dead and the leader of the Goodwitch Coven, enjoying each other's company.

Gabby and Fanny was spying through the kitchen window, “I think we have a match.” Gabby said.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Gerti this happy before.” Fanny added. “I’m glad she found someone. She deserves it.”

“I can see what you mean. They’re both in love with each other.” Gabby replied. They watched as Gerti and Dr Harvey talked about magic and unfinished business. “Do you think Dr Harvey is the one for Gerti?”

“You mean the Red String of Fate? I don't know.” Fanny smiled sadly, “The way Kat spoke of her mother one would expect that Amelia was Dr Harvey’s Fated One. Which makes it even more tragic… To lose a Fated One when your child is still young…”

Fanny shook her head, “I don't wish that on anyone.”

“Then maybe this is a second chance for Dr Harvey.” Gabby suggested. Gabby was a romantic and a believer in the Red String of Fate.
“Maybe this is the path that Fate has chosen for him. To find love for the second time and be with Gerti.”

“But Kat was so sure that Dr Harvey was meant for her mother. And I think Gerti and Dr Harvey make a wonderful couple.” Fanny shook her head, “But what about Amelia? She was Dr Harvey's first love. She was the mother of his daughter. I don't think he's completely over her.”

“Yes, that’s true, but I think Gerti is good for him. He deserves a good witch with a good heart. And Gerti is all of that and more.” Gabby looked at her sister, “Do you think we should get involved?”

Fanny shook her head, “No. Let nature take its course. If they are meant to be together, the Red String of Fate will bring them together.”

Gabby nodded, “You’re right. We can’t force love. It has to happen naturally.” They continued to watch as Gerti and Dr Harvey laughed and talked, clearly enjoying each other’s company.

Fanny smiled, “Look at them. They’re like two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together.”

“We should keep an eye on them. Make sure everything goes smoothly.” Gabby suggested.

Fanny nodded in agreement, “Yes. We’ll make sure nothing gets in the way of their happiness.”

They continued to watch as the sun set and Gerti and Dr Harvey said their goodbyes. As they walked back to the house, Gabby turned to Fanny, “I have a good feeling about this. I think they’re meant to be together.”

Fanny smiled, “I agree. Let’s hope the Red String of Fate agrees with us.”

***

The kids were going through some boxes in one of the many hidden rooms in the manor. Another underground lab of JT McFadden. This one wasn't as spacious as the one that housed the Lazarus, but it was a treasure trove of inventions that never saw the light of day.

Casper showed Jimmy his father's radar transmitter, bathyscaphe, and the USA Getaway Teleportation Machine.

Kat shared with Jimmy how she, Dr Harvey, and Casper once used it to visit a western ghost town. Jimmy's eyes widened in amazement as Casper and Kat showed him the incredible inventions that Casper’s father had invented.

“Sadly most of the good ones are too big for our presentation.” Kat shook her head, “Casper, does your dad have anything cool that's smaller?”

“Does it have to be a successful invention?” Casper asked.

“No… I don't think so.” Kat tapped a finger on her chin, “But it has to be something that wouldn't have been invented yet normally… Steampunkish… Like The Breakfast Machine in the kitchen but smaller!”

“I got the thing.” Casper disappeared behind a corner. He came back out with a box and sat on the table, “Or I should say two things.”

Casper opened the box and got out a glass dome with a clockwork heart that was beating, “My dad's artificial heart! Sadly he had to stop working on it because it was constantly overheating and the gears would get stuck if it was put inside a person. During that time studying the human body was not only tricky but was considered unethical.”

Jimmy gasped, “That's so cool! It looks really pretty.”

Casper grinned, “But wait there's more!” He pulled out a little dragonfly robot, “This was supposed to be the first drone in history. But my dad couldn't get it off the ground, literally.”

“Why not?” Jimmy asked.

“He couldn't find a way to make it light enough or powerful enough.” Casper shrugged.

“Might not fly but do you have the blueprints and your dad's notes for the drone and heart? Just something that proves that these were your dad's inventions.” Kat looked at the clockwork dragonfly

Casper nodded, “Yup! I do!” He ran to his room and brought the papers back to the lab.

“Perfect!” Kat looked at the blueprints and notes, “With this we can show Friendship, Maine that your father was an investor before his time!”

“I really appreciate that. Kat. Jimmy. Thank you for doing the presentation on Whipstaff Manor…” Casper lowered his head bashfully.

“We should be thanking you, Casper.” Kat hugged her best friend. She was still not used to the warmth that her newly revived friend possesses. The smell of soap and shampoo was a pleasant surprise to her senses. And hearing his breathing was almost music to her ears.

It's been almost a week since Casper was brought back to life. He was no longer a lonely ghost but a happy teenager.

A very handsome teenager.

Kat let Casper go and smiled at him, “Let's go do this. Casper. Let's show the world that your dad was a genius. Your father will finally get the recognition he deserves.”

Kat and Jimmy marveled at the clockwork heart and dragonfly. They talked about how they should showcase them without anyone damaging the McFadden treasures.

Casper couldn't help but beam with pride as Kat and Jimmy worked on their presentation. He had always known his father was a brilliant inventor, but it was never acknowledged by anyone else. But now, with the blueprints and notes in their possession, they could finally show the world his father's true genius.

Casper couldn't help but think about how much his life had changed in just one week. He and Stretch couldn't figure out the basic needs of staying alive. Stretch was able to get it faster than Casper since his uncle is now a fae rather than a human.

But thanks to Kat, Jimmy, Dr Harvey, and Aunt Blair this living thing is a piece of cake.

The kids were so enthralled in the amazing inventions that they didn't even notice the time passing. Before they knew it, the sun was setting and it was time for them to head back to the main house. As they walked back, Casper couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and nostalgia for his father.

Kat smiled at Casper and squeezed his hand. She knew how much he missed his father and she was glad they were able to spend the day reminiscing and honoring his memory.

As they returned to the main house the smell of Blair's cooking hit them very hard. The heavenly smell led the three teens to the kitchen where Blair, Hot Stuff, and the Trio were talking as Blair turned off the stove that was grilling the honey mustard chicken and pulled out the stuffed bell peppers from the oven.

Kat and Jimmy placed the glass cases on the table. Stretch raised an eyebrow and nodded in approval, “The artificial heart and the dragonfly drone? Good choice.”

Kat rolled her eyes, “Mainly because the submarine was too big for the presentation.”

“Sure, Kitty Kat… But remember, things like heart transplants and drones were only in books written by HG Wells and Jules Verne back in my day. Even if these were my brother's greatest failures they still showed his greatness as an inventor.”

Hot Stuff pointed out as he helped set up the table. “Yeah, these are pretty impressive. Your dad was one talented guy, Casper.” He marveled at the beating artificial heart.

“Besides,” Stretch continues, “Most of JT's more successful inventions are dangerous. The bathyscaphe could have gone wrong. You heard about the billionaire that built a submarine to visit the Titanic? Same thing could have happened if JT had actually put it in the water.”

Kat looked at Stretch, “Are you worried about our safety?”

Stretch blushed a little, “Casper just became human and Doc died and was brought back twice. And being alive myself I'm starting to… be afraid of the… possibilities.”He admitted.

Kat put a hand on his forearm. She understood what he meant even if it might not be true mutually. She recalled all the times the Trio pulled a life threatening prank on her and her father.

“Do you feel regret and remorse for all the times you put us in danger, Stretch?” Kat asked.

“Oh my gawd! Doc, What happened? You're younger and you turned into a girl,” Stretch said sarcastically as he messed Kat's hair.

“Hahahaha. Get an afterlife.” Kat smiled. “Speaking of Dad… You think he's going to spend the night at Gertie's new house?”

“Are you asking if your dad is getting laid?”

“Gross!” Kat shivered in disgust. “Why? Why did you put that image in my head?!”

“He puts a sock in the doorknob when he wants to be left alone.” Stretch smiled mischievously.

“Ewwww. Why do you know this?”

“I don't. It's a common comedic staple for a lot of movies and TV series about teens losing their virginity. How do you NOT know this?”

Blair glared at Stretch, “Stop torturing Kat.” She placed plates of the chicken and veggies in front of her husband and brother-in-laws.

Casper hid his face as he looked at Kat. He could never forget that Halloween three years ago. He blushed a little at the memory of his first kiss. He realized then that he still has feelings for her after all these years.

{Thank whatever deity that Kat can't read minds… It would be embarrassing if she finds out I am still crushing over her.}

Kat nearly choked on a piece of chicken. Of course her Psychic Magic decides to rear its ugly head. She really needs to learn to control her magic. But first thing first, passing her history class so she can study magic over the summer. And that two week stay at Nevermore Academy.

“Mind if I be excused? Not interested in hearing about my father's sex life.”

Stinky laughed, “You're the one that brought it up.”

Kat stood up, placed her empty plate in the sink, grabbed the heart and dragonfly, and booked it out of there as if she was being chased by Volbragg himself.

Jimmy looked at Blair, “You think Kat is okay?”

Stretch shrugs, “She’ll be fine, Kat’s like the third strongest woman I know,” He then points at Casper, “You on the other hand… When are you going to ask Kat out?”

Casper stopped with his mouth opened and his fork of bell pepper and rice halfway to its destination. Casper puts his fork down, “What are you talking about?”

“Oh come on, man. It's obvious you still have a crush on her.” Stinky chimed in.

“I do not!”

Fatso snickers, “Oh please, I might not be as smart as the rest of the family, but even I could tell that you do. Everytime Kat is near, you act like a deer in headlights.”

“Aunt Blair?!”

“Boys… Stop being mean to your nephew,” Blair smiled, “Even though Casper is head over heels in love with Kat.”

Stretch points at Blair while looking at his brothers and nephew, “That's my wife! I am married to her! Whooh!”

Blair giggles, “I love you too, Stretch.”

“Not you too?” Casper cried. He then looks at his friend with a warning look. “Don't side with them, Jimmy!”

Jimmy holds up his hands, “I ain't picking or choosing sides, man. I am just watching this all unfold.”

Stinky leans in, “I think it's sweet. You love Kat, but you're too afraid to tell her.”

Casper groans and buries his face into his hands. “You guys are not helping.”

Fatso pats Casper's back, “Don't worry, Casper. We will help you get with Kat.”

“That's it, I am going to bed.” Casper stood up and walked off.

The three uncles look at each other, then at Jimmy. Jimmy shrugs, “What?”

The three uncles then burst into laughter, causing Jimmy to join in as well. It was nice to see Casper's embarrassment distract them from their usual antics. But deep down, Jimmy couldn't help but wonder if there was some truth to what they were saying.

As he headed to his room, Casper couldn't help but think about Kat. She was just so...amazing. Her confidence, her intelligence, her fierce determination to prove herself. She was everything he admired in a person.

But he couldn't possibly tell her that. What if she didn't feel the same way? What if it ruined their friendship? The thought alone was enough to make his stomach churn.

He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling and replaying the dinner conversation in his head. Maybe his uncles were right. Maybe he did still have feelings for Kat. But what was he supposed to do about it?

***

Kat’s head was hurting. The voice of Casper was as clear in her head as if he was next to her. She moved up the stairs slowly as she held her head. Kat was feeling dizzy as she heard the thoughts of her best friend.

{She is just so...amazing. Her confidence, her intelligence, her fierce determination to prove herself.}

Make it stop.

Kat rubbed her temples as she tried to block out Casper’s thoughts. She couldn’t believe that she was actually hearing his thoughts. It was like she was invading his privacy and she felt guilty for it. But at the same time, she couldn’t help but feel flattered by his words.

If only it didn't FUCKIN HURTS!

She reached the top of the stairs and made her way to her room. As she closed the door behind her.

{What if she didn't feel the same way? What if it ruined our friendship?}

Casper's thoughts continued to flood Kat's mind. It was a miracle that she could place the heart and drone on the table before the glass cases broke. Kat sat on her bed, trying to calm her racing thoughts. Trying to stop the hornet nest in her brain.

The pain. It was unbearable. But she couldn’t turn off her ability to hear Casper’s thoughts. It was like a constant barrage of noise in her head.

{Maybe my uncles were right. Maybe I still have feelings for Kat. But what am I supposed to do about it?}

Make it stop. Make It Stop. MAKE IT STOP!

It hurts. It hurts so much.

Kat buried her head in her hands, trying to block out the thoughts. She didn’t know how much longer she could take this.

Suddenly, the thoughts stopped. Kat looked up, feeling a sense of relief. She didn’t know why Casper’s thoughts had stopped, but she was grateful for the silence in her head.

She got up only to stop and looked around in confusion. Her room looks… unfinished…

The bed was there but the side table with her mom's photo was missing. The curtains were also missing. She ran to the bathroom and noticed that the ring on the footed tub was missing and the shower curtain looked unused. The brass on the faucet on both sink and tub were polished and new.

What was going on?

She looked at her cellphone and noticed there wasn't any WiFi or bars on her phone. She opened the door and heard music and laughter.

It sounded like a party downstairs. She creeped down. It didn't feel right. The last time there was a party was when some deadheads were reliving Woodstock.

She followed the sound and found herself in the great hall. It was beautifully decorated, almost like a wedding reception. Kat felt a sense of familiarity and dread at the same time.

She noticed a very familiar wedding album on a beautifully decorated table. Why was that there? It's usually in Stretch’s office and why does it look

Kat heard someone walking towards her and quickly hid behind a nearby secret door. She peeked out.

Her eyes widened as she recognized a gathering of some of the most brilliant minds in history…

Alive instead of ghosts. HG Wells, Nikola Tesla, Antoni Gaudí were laughing at something that JT McFadden said as they entered the room.

Holy Shit.

She has gone back in time!

AND SHE'S WEDDING CRASHING CASPER'S PARENTS!

Chapter 14: Eat Your Heart Out McFly

Summary:

Second to Last Chapter of the Mystery of Whipstaff Manor Arc!

Kat has found herself in Late Victoria Friendship, Maine.

And she's wedding crashing JT and Ellie's wedding reception?

Shenanigans afoot as she teams up with Ellie, Wells, and Tesla to bring her back home.

Holy Shit.

She has gone back in time!

AND SHE'S WEDDING CRASHING CASPER'S PARENTS!

Kat looked through the crack of the hidden door as Wells was poking fun at his two friends, “How many secret rooms do you have in this house?”

Gaudí playfully hit the shoulder of JT, “Estúpido, wanted a hundred rooms… I told him 26 plus three underground labs or I wouldn't help him build the house. Demasiadas habitaciones y dispositivos ocultos. A few only open with a trigger mechanism.”

“Te hice trabajar demasiado, querido amigo,” JT grabbed his friend by the shoulder and smiled, “Thank you for building this house for me.”

“Thank Alistair for paying for the whole project.” Gaudí looks at the newly finished Whipstaff Manor, “Most impressive wedding present if I do say so myself.”

Ellie entered the room wearing her dress that will became Kat's go to for a Halloween costume for the past three years. The vail followed behind her as she smiled at her new husband, “There you are, JT. This house is so big I was starting to miss you.”

JT held his bride in his arms and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Ellie, what do you think of our new home?”

“Beautiful, your brothers have already utilized some of the rooms. Stretch is using one of the rooms as a counting house.” Ellie looked at her husband, “Speaking of your brothers, they have already drank half of the wine.”

“Those three. Why is it that in normal circumstances they act like the big brothers that they are, but when it comes to a celebration I end up becoming the big brother?” JT and his guests ran to the great dinning room.

Kat creeped out of the hidden room. She couldn't help but feel nervous and excited at the same time as her heart fluttered at the thought of meeting Casper's parents. Here they are… Alive!

She was then suddenly pushed back into the hidden room, “Young lady, do you know how unsettling it is when I just published the Time Machine just a month ago and you popped out of nowhere?”

Kat looked up to see a white hair man with a mustache and wearing a brown suit, “HG Wells? How did you know-”

“If you are asking how I know that you're from the future it's because Nikola constantly drawls on how women will be taking over the world and will wear men's clothes,” He pointedly looked at Kat's denim jeans and shirt with vest over it.

“If you are asking how I knew you'd be here, I get overwhelmed from the slightest of sounds sometimes and I heard the floor creak where you were standing. Since the house is far too new to have creaky floors that meant someone was standing there.”

Kat looks up at the Father of Science Fiction, “Do certain lights give you a headache? If so, you might have Sensory Sensitivity.”

“As true as that might be, you're changing the subject. How did you get here?” Wells looked down on the teen.

“Promise you wouldn't burn me to the stake?” Kat looked up at the older man with pleading eyes.

“I am a man of science. Even if you're a witch I will not burn you at any stake. Now, how did you get here?” Wells looked down at Kat in earnest.

“Magic?”

“Dear God! You're newly awakened. Come with me.” Wells was about to turn when he stopped, “Is there anyone you shouldn't meet yet.”

“The Ghostly Trio!” Kat looked at Wells with desperation.

“Who?”

“JT’s brothers.” Kat tried to choose her words carefully, but she didn't know how much she can reveal without altering time, “In over a hundred years they haunt Whipstaff and pull pranks on the living of Friendship, Main.”

“As ghosts, you mean? Do you know them personally as ghosts?”

“Most ghosts forget their past, but recently they're remembered what they were like alive. I know how the brothers die.”

“You know how the brothers died?” Wells asked, surprised.

“I'm sorry, but I can't tell you how they died. I'm afraid it'll cause a paradox.” Kat looked away.

Wells looked at Kat, “I see. I'll avoid them in this time period. Now how did you get here?”

Kat took a deep breath, “My powers awakened almost a week ago and I can't control them. Thoughts from my best friend of three years were hitting me like a locomotive. He was thinking about how he's in love with me, I guess? And the pain was so bad that I didn't realize that I went back in time until the headache was gone.” Kat looked up at Wells, “I'm sorry, I know it's not much of an explanation.”

Wells looked at Kat, “I understand more than you think. You have an empathic ability. It's been documented in history. At least a version of it.”

Wells walked upstairs and pushed her into a bedroom. Ellie McFadden jumped from her vanity, “HG? What's going on?”

“Ellie, my dear. This young lady looks about your size, do you have a dress for her?” Wells stepped back, “As you can tell from the clothes she wears and this black mirror-like device she carries around she's from the future.” Wells pointed at Kat's clothes and her phone.

“It's a phone.” Kat looked at Wells.

“A phone? That looks nothing like Bell's invention.” Wells looked at the teen with curiosity.

“It's a version of it from a hundred years from now. We can use it to communicate, watch motion pictures of cats on it, tell time…” Kat stops herself, “Sorry, I might be revealing too much.”

Ellie got up and smiled at Kat, “What is your name, Love?”

“Kathleen Harvey, Mrs McFadden. But everyone calls me Kat.”

Wells turned towards Ellie, “Do you have a dress?”

“I'll find one, but what about her hair?” Ellie looked at Kat's hair.

“We'll just braid it and put it in a bonnet.” Wells moved towards the door. “I'll find a brimmed hat to cover her head.”

“I'll see what I can find.” Ellie moved towards the closet outside of the room. Kat looked at the room. She recognized this as her father's room. But apparently this belongs to JT and Ellie when they were alive.

A few minutes later, Ellie came back with a dress and a bonnet. She also had a pair of shoes, stockings and a pair of pantaloons. “Here you go, love. Take your dress into the washroom and change. We will wait for you here.”

Kat took the dress and went into the bathroom. She took off her clothes and put on the undergarments. She looked at the dress and smiled. It was a beautiful lavender colored dress with a high neck and long sleeves.

She put it on and walked out of the bathroom. Ellie and Wells both smiled at her. “You look lovely, dear.” Ellie beamed.

Kat blushed, “Thank you, Mrs McFadden.”

Wells handed her a delicate bonnet, completing her transformation. “Here you go, dear.” Kat adorned her head with the bonnet, its ribbons trailing down her back.

After Kat tied on the bonnet she took her time on the shoes. Wells took her hand and led her to the parlor. “If anyone asks, you're my cousin from California.”

Ellie glanced at her friend with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.“You mean my cousin from California?” Ellie looked at the older gentleman, “Though if you ask me, she looks more like a relative to Nikola then either of us.”

As if summoned by her words, a figure appeared around the corner. Nikola Tesla, the enigmatic inventor, held a glass of whiskey in his hand. A faint smile played on his lips. “So who's cousin is she?”

Ellie and Wells exchanged knowing glances before turning to Tesla with a grin. “Yours.” they declared in unison.

“You're not going to enlighten me, are you?” Tesla looks at Kat shrugs, “Come, Cousin. I’ll introduce you to the others.”

“Thank you, Nikola.” Ellie smiled at Kat, “Stick with Nikola, Kathleen. I just need to get my husband then we can figure out how to get you home.”

As the night wore on, Kat Harvey found herself immersed in the intoxicating atmosphere of a late Victorian era wedding reception. Escorted by the enigmatic Nikola Tesla, she navigated the throng of guests, her senses overwhelmed by a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds.

Snippets of conversation floated through the air, each a tantalizing glimpse into the minds of the era's greatest thinkers. Mary Shelley, the celebrated author of 'Frankenstein,' regaled her listeners with a chilling tale of a monster brought back to life by an eccentric scientist. Tesla himself engaged in animated discussions about the transformative power of electricity, envisioning a future where every home would be illuminated by its brilliance. And Wells, the visionary behind 'The Time Machine,' shared his latest theories on the possibility of traversing the annals of time.

Amidst the intellectual giants, Kat felt both exhilaration and a sense of profound displacement. She had stumbled into a gathering of minds that had shaped the course of human history, and she couldn't help but wonder how her own presence would be perceived.

“I can't believe I'm crashing Casper’s parents' wedding reception?” Kat mumbled under her breath as Ellie and Wells hunted down JT.

“What was that, dear cousin?” Tesla asked.

"Wubba lubba dub dub!”

That shocked Tesla, “Are- Are you alright, child?”

Kat points at Tesla, “That's the proper reaction. Where I'm from it's a joke that took a year for anyone to find out the punchline. A punchline that was dark and not very funny.”

“I take it you wouldn't let me in on the joke?”

Kat snaps her fingers, “You get the prize.”

Tesla’s eyebrow raised, “You don't talk like a normal girl.”

“Normal is underrated. The strange and unusual is what makes the world interesting.”

As the evening progressed, Kat found herself drawn into the captivating conversations and the intoxicating atmosphere of the late Victorian era. She shared her knowledge of the future with Tesla, who listened with both fascination and skepticism. She debated the merits of scientific progress with Wells, who saw her as a kindred spirit. And she danced the night away with Ellie McFadden, finding a connection that transcended the boundaries of time. Those lessons on ballroom dances from Fatso finally paid off.

But the celebration became too much. And Kat had to escape into a side room. She sat down on the window reading nook and took a breather.

She was enjoying the moonless night with more stars that she had ever seen before when a hand touched her shoulder.

She turned around with surprise and saw Stretch before her. She got up and tried to pretend this was her first time meeting him, “Greetings, Mr McFadden. How-”

“What are you?”

Kat’s eyes widened, “I don't-”

“The strange and unusual is what makes the world interesting… Code for nonhumans to recognize fellow nonhumans,” Before Kat could begin a new sentence Stretch interrupted again, “Now without the lies… What are you?”

Kat Harvey's heart skipped a beat. She knows his eccentricities as a ghost, but to see it when he was still alive was refreshing. “A witch.”

Stretch’s eyebrow raised, “Not a fae?”

Something just then clicked, “King Finvarra would not be interested in you until a hundred and fifteen years after your death. Your spirit would then be married to King Fincarra’s human granddaughter. Satisfied?”

“How-”

“You interrupted me twice, it's now my turn. Your true love isn't even born yet. But you’ll be too busy protecting your unborn nephew and his spirit to worry about King Finvarra.” Kat’s hand waved and the window showed an image of Casper and Stretch as ghosts.

“Wha-”

“Your bride would be looking for you but will find you here, in Whipstaff Manor.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

Kat stared down at the man that would one day be her friend and like family to her. Her father's best friend and the uncle of her best friend. “Because you're too drunk to recognize that it's your brother's wedding day and even if you were sober your spirit might not remember this conversation.”

She paused, taking in the disheveled state of Stretch's clothes and his half-empty bottle of whiskey. "You're going to be an interesting ghost when the time comes.”

Stretch seemed to sober up a bit at that, taking a deep breath and straightening his tie. "Well, I suppose I'd better return to the party. I don't want to miss the fun." He paused, looking at Kat once more. "Thank you, miss... I suppose we'll meet again, in a different time and place."

Kat smiled, "Perhaps. Until then, take care of yourself, Mr. McFadden." She watched as he exited the room. She returned to the widow. How could she have forgotten that Stretch was a young boy when he had a brush with the supernatural?

***

In the dim-lit depths of an opulent mansion, Kat Harvey found herself drawn into a hidden room after the wedding reception had subsided. Her heart pounded with anticipation as JT McFadden, the father of her dearest friend, clasped her hands firmly.

“Kathleen Harvey!” He exclaimed, his voice etched with both excitement and disbelief. “We've finally had the opportunity to meet. My wife, Ellie, has informed me that you claim to be from the future.”

Kat's lips parted in a hesitant smile. “Indeed,” she replied. “I've endeavored to be as discreet as possible about the future with Mr. Wells and Mr. Tesla, but Mr. Tesla dismisses it as the ramblings of an imaginative young woman, and Mr. Wells has gained newfound knowledge for his latest Martian invasion novel.”

In a secluded corner, H.G. Wells muttered to himself, furiously scribbling notes as he whispered, “Common bacteria... Genius…”

Nikola Tesla, his arms crossed, regarded Kat with a skeptical gaze. “Do you truly believe this young lady is from the future?”

Ellie McFadden stepped forward, her eyes twinkling. “Oh, JT, I have no doubt. Kat has shared some remarkable stories that only someone from the future could know.”

JT turned to Kat, his expression a mixture of awe and concern. “Why are you here? How did you come to be in our time?”

Kat took a deep breath. “I... I don't know. I'm a newly awakened witch and I can't control my powers very well.”

Tesla's eyebrows shot up. “Nonsense! Witches are midwives at best that the church had turned into scapegoats for their own foolishness.”

Kat raised her hand and concentrated on a warm light… Light with a soft glow… Similar to a Will o’ Wisp. At the sound of Ellie gasping Kat looked at her hand and smiled at the little speck of light that was floating over her hand.

And as it had appeared it had vanished. The warm glow was gone and the underground lab was cold and dim again.

“There!” Kat exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. “I did it! I created light with magic!”

Tesla stared at her in disbelief. “Impossible!” he muttered.

“It's true,” Ellie said, her voice filled with awe. “I saw it too.”

JT looked at Kat, his eyes filled with a mix of wonder and skepticism. “How is this possible?” he asked.

Kat shrugged. “I can't entirely say. I'm risking a lot by revealing that I'm from the future, let alone a witch. Also this is very new to me. Until recently I didn't know that I could do magic.”

“Quite understandable, but perhaps,” Wells said, his eyes gleaming with excitement, “you're the key to unlocking the secrets of time travel.”

Tesla scoffed. “Time travel is impossible. It's a fairy tale.”

“Not necessarily,” Wells countered. “If Kat is from the future, then it stands to reason that she must have traveled through time to get here. And if she can travel through time, then perhaps we can too.”

Tesla's eyes narrowed. “I'll believe it when I see it,” he said.

“Well, why don't we put that to the test?” Wells said, turning to Kat. “Would you be willing to help us build a time machine?”

Kat looked at JT, then at Ellie, and finally at Tesla. “I don't know,” she said hesitantly. “I'm not sure if I can do it.”

“You can do it,” Ellie said, taking her hand. “We believe in you.”

Kat smiled. “Okay,” she said. “I'll help you.”

***

JT and Tesla toiled tirelessly over the blueprints of the time machine. The atmosphere was thick with the scent of soldering irons and the hum of machinery. Tesla remained skeptical, but JT's unwavering belief in the project kept him going.

While the men worked on the blue prints of the machine Kat wanted some girl talk with Ellie while also interviewing her on what life was like in late Victorian Friendship, Maine.

As Kat sat in the drawing room with JT's wife, Ellie, she felt a sense of unease. She had come to this interview hoping to learn about life in this bygone era, but her mind was consumed by the impending danger. Wells's theory had planted a seed of doubt in her mind, making her question the very fabric of her reality.

“So, Miss Harvey,” Ellie began, her voice soft and inviting, “Tell me about your life back home. What was it like?”

As Ellie began to ask questions about Kat's life back home, Kat hesitated. How could she describe a world so vastly different from this one? “Well,” she said slowly, “It was... advanced. We had flying machines, communication devices that could connect us instantly, and medical marvels that could heal almost any illness.”

Ellie listened intently, her eyes wide with wonder. “It sounds like a magical place,” she said. “I can hardly imagine it.”

“Enough about me, I shouldn't reveal too much about the future.” Kat smiled bittersweetly, “Tell me. You knew that JT’s older brother, Alistair, fancy you, but you chose the younger brother?”

Ellie blushed slightly. “Yes, it's true. Alistair was a charming man, but my heart belonged to JT. He had a kind heart, a brilliant mind, and a mischievous spirit that made me laugh. And he always believed in me, even when others did not.”

Kat listened intently, her mind racing. She had come to this interview hoping to learn about life in this era, but she had stumbled upon a story of love and resilience. A story that echoed in her own heart, despite the vast gulf of time that currently separated her from Casper.

Casper…

She listened more to the story that will one day create her best friend. And will also mark Stretch and Ellie’s death. Part of her wanted to tell her about Stretch's sacrifice to save her only for the complications of birthing Casper will be too much on Ellie's body.

But that was a secret that she must never tell.

But that didn't mean that she couldn't ask questions about Ellie and share the answers to Casper. “Ellie? What are your favorite…. Everything!”

Ellie smiled. “My favorite color is blue, the shade of the sky on a clear summer day. My favorite sound is the laughter of children and I hope to have some of my own. My favorite smell is the scent of blooming roses. My favorite taste is the sweetness of a ripe peach. And my favorite touch is the gentle caress of my husband's hand.”

“You're quite the romantic, Mrs McFadden.” Kat teased, “Ellie, what is your favorite thing about this era?”

Ellie smiled, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. “The promise of adventure and hope. It's a time of unprecedented change and innovation, where the impossible seems within our grasp.”

“And which of your brother-in-laws is your favorite?” Kat inquired, unable to resist a playful jest.

“My favorite brother-in-law is Alistair, since he saved us from the boys’ horrible father.” The happy mood turned dark, “That man… Would have forced me into marriage. I am barely a year older than JT and his father wanted me for himself. He rescued me from a fate worse than death, preventing me from becoming a mere pawn in that vile man's twisted desires.”

Kat's heart sank as she realized the depth of the tragedy that had befallen Ellie and the McFadden Brothers. This isn't the first time she heard about the man. If her friends ever slips the name of this monster and he is a ghost in her time then she will rip him to tiny specks of ectoplasm before summoning Betelgeuse to send the remains to Hell where he belongs.

“Let's lighten up the mood!” Kat held Ellie's hand with a smile.

“Yes, the mood has become uncomfortably heavy,” Ellie smiled in appreciation of the change of subject.

“Tell me, what are your hopes and dreams for the future?”

Ellie's eyes shimmered with a renewed sense of purpose. “I dream of a world where love conquers all, a world where justice prevails and where every child has the opportunity to thrive. I long to see our nation embrace its potential, becoming a beacon of hope and progress for generations to come.”

“I hope that men like my brother-in-law, Samuel, are allowed to love whoever he wanted to love without persecution. I want women to be equal to men. And that property is a thing of the past.”

As the interview progressed, Kat was struck by the resilience and optimism of the McFaddens. Despite the challenges they had faced, they remained steadfast in their belief in a brighter future. Inspired by their unwavering spirits, Kat resolved to do everything in her power to help them return her to her own time.

***

In the laboratory, Tesla and JT worked tirelessly on the time machine. Tesla's brilliant mind conceived the theoretical framework, while JT's ingenuity brought the device to life. Days turned into nights as they toiled relentlessly, fueled by the hope of sending Kat home.

Kat, eager to contribute, assisted in the laboratory, while also navigating Tesla's endless stream of queries. “HG mentioned you arrived wearing trousers,” Tesla pondered. “Does this signify a departure from traditional attire in your era?”

Kat responded with calculated vagueness, determined to preserve the integrity of history while satisfying Tesla's insatiable curiosity.

“Mr. Tesla,” she replied, “If you have encountered the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer, the 'Canterbury Tales' contain insights into the desires of women, an enigma that may illuminate the trajectory of the future.”

Tesla's brow furrowed in contemplation. “An intriguing concept,” he mused. “I shall delve into these tales.”

“Instead of me giving you future insight I think it should be me that should be asking the questions.” Kat smiled mischievously. During the nights she's been hiding in the underground lab of Whipstaff Manor. But she was barely alone.

Ellie and Wells were always willing to have tea and conversation with her in the lab. While JT and Tesla would always try to get her to slip up on future information. Ellie put down her cup and tilted her head to listen to the witty teen one-upping the men and Wells’ shoulders were shaking from a silent laugh.

JT smiled as he tightened a bolt on the machine, “Oh, what makes you say that, Ms Harvey?”

“Tell me the name of someone who you would go back in time to interview.”

JT and Ellie exchanged amused glances. “Well,” JT said, “there are countless people throughout history I'd love to meet. But if I had to choose just one, I think it would be Leonardo da Vinci.”

“Why him?”

He exclaimed without hesitation. “His genius spanned art, science, and invention. To witness his mind at work would be an unparalleled privilege.”

Kat points a finger at the inventor, “You, Mr McFadden is my ‘Leonardo da Vinci.’ I live in your house a hundred years after your death. I have seen some of your inventions that will never make it to the light of day, but at the same time they were the workings of a genius that was beyond his time.”

Kat's words resonated deeply within JT's heart. He had always admired Leonardo da Vinci as a beacon of human ingenuity, a man who dared to dream beyond the confines of his era. And now, here she stood, a woman from a distant future, acknowledging his own brilliance in the same breath.

A surge of pride washed over JT as he realized the profound impact his inventions had on Kat's time. Though many of his creations had remained hidden from the world, their legacy lived on, inspiring generations yet unborn.

“What will be my greatest inventions?”

“A son.” Kat said. She debated whether or not to mention Lazarus, the machine that brings ghosts back to life, but decided that vaguely mentioning Casper was going to be harmless enough.

JT’s eyes widened, “Show me, please.” Ellie even got up from her seat and walked towards her husband. She held JT’s arm with a loving and frightening grip.

Kat nodded and walked towards a mirror that was in the lavatory. With a single touch the witch transformed the mirror into a window into the future. The image was of the familiar kitchen that's upstairs, but looked aged.

Through the window were JT’s brothers. Fatso and Stinky were ghosts, while Stretch looked alive somehow but with pointed ears. He then saw a boy that looked like Ellie. Sandy hair, blue eyes, and a smile that brighten anyone's mood.

Even Ellie was standing beside JT watching her son eating dinner and laughing at his uncle's antics. She was surprised that a little imp child was sitting next to him, but was pleased that the boy that looked so much like her looked so happy and intelligent.

“My son…” JT looked at Kat, “But Alistair and my son look alive… How are they alive after a hundred years?”

“Your second greatest invention, but it's also your greatest tragedy.” Kat said, “I can't tell you more.”

“Right.” JT looked at the mirror as it transformed back to its original form, “Well that was unfair of me? I have robbed you of your questions you wanted to ask me.”

Kat smiled, “What is your favorite thing about your wife, Ellie?”

JT's eyes softened as he thought of Ellie. "Her unwavering kindness. She has a heart of gold and always puts others before herself. She's my rock, my companion, and the love of my life.”

Kat nodded, “What is your favorite…. Everything!” She laughed at the fact that she gave Ellie the same question not that long ago.

JT chuckled at Kat's question, feeling a warmth in his chest as he spoke about his wife. "Well, I have to say her cooking is top-notch. I mean, she can make even the simplest dishes taste gourmet. And don't even get me started on her baking - her chocolate chip cookies are to die for."

As he talked about Ellie, memories of their time together flooded his mind. The way she would hum to herself while she cooked, the look of determination on her face as she perfected a new recipe, the laughter they shared over a failed attempt at a fancy dinner party. JT couldn't help but smile as he thought about all the little things that made him fall in love with her.

Kat grinned at him, seeing the love and admiration in his eyes. "Sounds like you hit the jackpot with Ellie. But I was asking about you in general.”

Ellie, who returned to her seat, was drinking tea with Wells and was remaining silent. She choked back a laugh in the middle of a sip of her tea when she was taken by surprise by the scintillating young lady. She gave JT and the other men a reassuring gesture that she's all right.

“Oh! My favorite… everything?” JT chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Well, that's a tough one. I suppose I'd have to say my favorite everything is Everything! The endless possibilities everything holds. Every day is a new adventure, an opportunity to learn, grow, and experience something extraordinary. The world is a vast and wondrous place, and I'm grateful for the chance to explore it.”

Kat was taken aback by JT's response. She had expected him to list his favorite hobbies or activities, but instead, he had chosen something so abstract and all-encompassing. It made her realize that there was more to JT than met the eye.

The idea that the man that invented the Lazarus would enjoy the simplest things in life that bring the most joy and fulfillment was strange. The idea of embracing everything that comes their way with open arms was... refreshing…

“That's a beautiful way to look at life,” Kat said softly. “I think I might adopt that philosophy myself.”

JT smiled at her. “I'm glad you like it. It's something I've come to appreciate more and more as I've gotten older. The older I get, the more I realize that it's the little things in life that truly matter.”

Kat nodded in agreement. “I think you're right. “Tell me, what are your hopes and dreams for the future?”

“My hopes and dreams for the future are as vast as the universe itself,” JT replied, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of excitement and determination.

“I dream of a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. I dream of a world where science and technology are used to solve the world's most pressing problems, such as world hunger and poverty. And I dream of a world where people live in harmony with each other and with the planet.”

“That's a wonderful dream.” Kat smiled at the man that would one day be the father of her best friend.

Tesla looked up, “I think the machine is ready.”

 

Ellie smiled as she gave Kat a goodbye hug, “I hope I could have a daughter like you someday, and if I can't… I hope my son will marry a girl like you.”

Wells shook his head, “If only I held out on publishing my book, then it would've been perfect. At least you helped me give the War of the Worlds a proper ending. I was having a hard time figuring out how the humans would win.”

“Glad to be of help.”

Tesla laughed, “I believe half of what you said was rubbish, little cousin… But the idea that women will take over the world is frightening.”

“Oh, we haven't made it that far…. yet.” Kat gave Tesla a hug, “But we are definitely working on it.”

With a deafening roar, the time machine surged to life, enveloping Kat in a blinding light. As the portal materialized before her, she turned to face the McFaddens and their friends, her heart heavy with gratitude.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “For everything.”

With a final glance at the faces that had become so familiar, Kat stepped into the unknown, disappearing into the swirling vortex of time. The McFaddens watched in awe, their hearts filled with a bittersweet blend of triumph and loss. They had played a pivotal role in shaping the future, and Kat's presence had forever etched itself into their memories.

After she stepped out of the portal towards her time she looked around and realized that she was still in the laboratory where JT and Tesla were building the machine. Only it was extremely dusty.

The room was covered in cobwebs and thick layers of dust, as if time had stood still since her departure. The air was heavy with the scent of decay.

A box with A faded ribbon adorned it, and a letter addressed to her was on the workbench that JT and Tesla were using to make the blueprints. As she unfolded the yellowed paper, the words of JT McFadden danced before her eyes.

'Dear Ms. Harvey,' the letter began, 'You told me that my second greatest invention would be my greatest tragedy. But my greatest tragedy is what led me to build the Lazarus.'

A wave of sadness washed over Kat as JT's words painted a vivid picture of his hidden motivations. Driven by the untimely demise of his wife and brother, JT had embarked on a clandestine mission to conquer death itself.

'I started to secretly build the Lazarus after Ellie and Alistair died,' JT wrote. 'Hoping that I could at least keep it a secret from my two living brothers and my ghostly one.'

‘But I was able to keep Casper quiet in my lab with Pirate pretend games and give him a large collection of toys. So far his favorite has been a train.’

‘My son, sweet and lovely Casper, looks so much like his mother that it gives me inspiration and determination to complete the Lazarus. My boy’s twelfth birthday is coming up. It gives me hope and fear at the same time.’

‘Will this year be his last alive for the next hundred years?’

As Kat read on, she realized that the Lazarus was not merely an invention but a testament to JT's relentless pursuit of redemption. He had poured his heart and soul into this device, believing it to be his only chance to mend the broken pieces of his shattered family.

‘I do not want to be forgotten. If you found this box before my brother and son are back to life, please show them this picture to help them remember me. If you found this afterwards, then use this to tell my story. Mine, Ellie's, and my brothers’.’

‘~JT McFadden’

Kat opened the box. She held up a silver-framed photograph, her gaze fixed on the image within. It was a black-and-white snapshot of JT, Ellie, and the living Ghostly Trio standing in the grand hall of Whipstaff Manor. Behind them, a group of legendary minds from the late Victorian era stood tall: H.G. Wells, Nikola Tesla, Antoni Gaudí, Mary Shelley, and many others.

She hugged the black and white photo in its silver frame like it was a long lost treasure. Technically it was, but to Kat at that moment, it was much more.

She rushed back upstairs and walked into the kitchen. The others were right where she left them.

Blair looked at her with a shocked expression, “Kat! What happened? You just left a minute ago. What are you wearing and why are you all dirty?”

Stretch’s eyes widened. He looked at Kat in her Victorian dress and then looked at his wife. “Shit… I was way too drunk that night. Kat? How did you go to the past?”

Stinky and Fatso looked at their brother as he grew a third head. Casper and Hot Stuff sat still not knowing what to do. Blair on the other hand looked at Stretch, “What do you mean she gone to the past.”

“Kat crashed JT’s and Ellie's wedding reception. I remembered!” Stretch points at Kat, “Ha! I remember Ellie had a guest and everyone said she was Tesla's cousin from California.”

Kat crossed her arms, “Do you remember that you thought I was a fae?”

Stretch's eyes widened, “Noooo. What the hell did I tell ya?”

“Only that you accused me as a fae and I told you about Blair as vaguely as possible to your drunk ass.” She passed the photo frame to Stretch.

“You found it. JT and Ellie’s wedding photo.” Stretch passed the photo to his brothers and pointed to an image Kat sandwiched between Wells and Tesla.

“Shit. Kat, how did you avoid us so well? I don't remember you being there.” Stinky looked at Kat with mild concern.

“Secret passages and that week I mainly stayed in one of the underground labs while JT and Tesla were building a time machine to get me home.”

“YOU WERE GONE A WEEK?!” Got up and patted Kat down to see any harm was placed on her. The idea that Kat was trapped in a time where women didn't have rights and was considered men's property even for a week made him lose his appetite.

“I'm fine.” Kat got a glimpse of Fatso's fear and smiled reassuringly towards him, “Wells, Tesla, and Ellie were all excellent chaperones.”

The photo was passed to Jimmy and he was busy looking at the different famous people, “So... you met all those famous people?”

“Yes,” Kat said. “I even danced with Tesla and Ellie. It was the most incredible night of my life.”

Stretch was not amused, “You need to answer my original question. How did you get to the past?”

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the kitchen, Kat shared her adventures with her friends. Her magic acted up and sent her back in time. Meeting Wells and Ellie then teamed up with Tesla. Her meeting with Stretch. JT And Tesla toiling away to make the machine.

“We are going to talk to your father and Gerti about starting your witch training sooner.” Blair said as she sat next to her husband.

“But the history presentation!”

Blair gave her charge and stern look, “You were gone for a week and you didn't take advantage and interview JT and Ellie McFadden? I don't believe it, Kathleen Harvey. You are too smart for that. You have all the materials you need for your presentation. You just need to put it all together.”

Kat's heart sank.

Chapter 15: They Mystery of Whipstaff Presents

Summary:

The conclusion of the Mystery of Whipstaff Arc.

Kat pulled out a Christmas Tree Cake from her stocking that she hid in her backpack and she passed the cake to Jimmy, its vibrant green frosting and multicolored sprinkles promising a moment of levity amidst their intense studies.

Jimmy eagerly unwrapped it and took a bite of the tip. “So, how are we going to do this?” he asked, his mouth full of sweet confection.

Kat took out another cake for herself from her magical stocking, “I'm thinking oldest to youngest… Since Stretch was the oldest and was the one that brought his siblings and Ellie here. Then work our way to the building of Whipstaff and the wedding of JT and Ellie.”

“Are we going to mention the Lazarus?” Jimmy looked at Kat with concern. This would reveal that Stretch and Casper McFadden were alive again.

“Yes, we will mention it,” Kat said calmly. “But we'll also emphasize that the machine was destroyed when JT was committed to Arkham Asylum. That should put any ideas of resurrecting lost loved ones to rest.”

“Oh my gawd,” An annoying voice interrupted Kat and Jimmy from their talk of the Presentation, “How the hell did you get Christmas Tree Cakes in the middle of May?”

“Hello, Amber.” Kat said sarcastically, “What do you want?”

Why did they have the same lunch hour as her?

“I heard you're doing your presentation on Whipstaff Manor,” Amber said, her eyes gleaming with interest. “I personally think it's unfair since you live there and have all your materials at home already. But I'm... intrigued. So is my daddy. He wants to watch.

Kat and Jimmy exchanged worried glances. Mr. Whitmire, Amber's father, was the most influential man in town.

“Why is he interested in our presentation?” Kat asked cautiously.

“Ah, Hello?” Amber gave Kat an annoyed look, “Whipstaff Manor? The most mysterious and spookiest landmark on Friendship? Ring any bells?”

“Without the snarky comments, please?” Kat took a bite of cake in hope the magical sweetness would give her strength.

“Only because you said please. Daddy loves ghost stories and you would be answering a lot of questions about the house. Like who are the Ghostly Trio? Why do they haunt that house? Who built the house and why? All questions that have been asked and those that haven't been thought of will finally be answered in your presentation.”

Kat and Jimmy pondered Amber's words. The presentation was an opportunity to share the truth about Whipstaff, but Mr. Whitmire's interest could also bring unwanted attention.

Amber smiled evilly, “Infact, Daddy is talking to our history teacher right now… Talk her into doing the presentation tomorrow and in the town hall instead of school.”

“WHAT?!” Kat got up from her seat, “He can't do that. Especially without my dad's permission and Jimmy's parents are probably not going to be thrilled with it either.”

“Except, he did. And Daddy gets everything he wants,” as Amber left, Kat and Jimmy looked at each other with a sense of unease. Mr. Whitmire's interest in their presentation could prove to be both a hindrance and an opportunity. They had to tread carefully, ensuring that they did not reveal too much while still captivating their audience.

***

“HOW DARE YOU! WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!”

The Whipstaff household had never seen Dr Harvey so angry before. His voice thundered with an unyielding fury that sent shivers down the spines of all present.

Kat, Jimmy, and Casper, huddled together on the stairs, watched in silent horror as Kat’s father unleashed his wrath. Stretch, Blair, and Hot Stuff eavesdropped through an air vent, their eyes wide with disbelief. Stinky, Fatso, and Myst lurked within the room, their spectral forms invisible or concealed within nearby paintings.

Matt and Lily Jenkins, who had been alerted to the situation by their son, Jimmy, arrived with their own righteous indignation.

Lilly in her scariest lawyer form walked up to confront the two offenders. Using her justified anger and her calm cold attitude she put them in their place.

“You have overstepped your authority, Mr. Whitmire,” Lily seethed. “You may be accustomed to having your every whim catered to, but this is not one of those cases. Your greed and the spinelessness of this town have allowed this outrage to occur. AND YOU!”

The teacher epps as she steps back, “M-me?”

“Yes you.” Lily steps closer with her finger pointed at the cowardly teacher, “You have violated your ethical obligations. My son and his friend worked hard on your assignment and for what? Money for the school? Brand new shiny toys that's an upgrade from your current ones? You cannot unilaterally change the presentation schedule or venue without the consent of all parties involved. You know this!”

Dr. Harvey intervened, his voice icy. “My daughter's presentation is a school project, not a public spectacle for your own entertainment. This matter is closed.”

The history teacher looked flustered. “But Mr. Whitmire said that many townsfolk were interested in the presentation and that it would be a great opportunity to educate the community.”

“The community can attend the presentation at the school, as originally planned,” Dr. Harvey retorted. “There will be no further discussion. Now leave before I sick my ghosts on you.”

“Dr Harvey-”

Mr Whitmire didn't finish as at that moment, the air crackled with an otherworldly energy. the booming ethereal voices of all the ghosts in the house said in unison, “OUT!”

Terrified, the teacher and Mr. Whitmire fled the house, as if chased by a legion of phantoms. The door slammed shut behind them, and as the ghosts erupted in a cacophony of cheers and laughter.

Kat ran downstairs and hugged her father, “That was scary awesome, Dad.”

Jimmy also hugged his mother with a smile, “Never been more proud that you're a lawyer.”

Matt looks at the teens, “So! What do you kids wanna do?”

Stinky came out with a sealed test tube, “I was planning on throwing this one in the Whitmire’s master bedroom.”

Blair came into the great hall and grabbed the test tube from her brother-in-law, “No, Stink Bomb. At least not yet.”

Stretch, who followed his wife with Hot Stuff in tow, smiled at Dr Harvey, “Nice work, Doc.”

The disembodied voice of Myst was heard next to Lily, “I might have only been an accountant lawyer, but I did a few cases when I was in law school. I can be an assistant if we need to sue.”

“Hopefully we don't have to go that far.” Dr Harvey looked at the front door, “I think we made ourselves clear.”

“Dr James Harvey, the mild mannered Great Therapist of the Dead, losing his temper…” Fatso smiled at his friend, “That was scary.”

Kat chuckled and shook her head. In all her sixteen years of life she had never seen her father put anyone in their place before. But she gave a sigh and looked at her father and the Jenkins’. “A change in location would be ideal if everyone is interested in Whipstaff.”

Casper nodded, “The school auditorium is too small for the entire school and everyone in town that's curious about the history of our home.”

“And having it early would make it easier on everyone else.” Jimmy groans, “Not as early as tomorrow like Mr Whitmire wanted, but a day before everyone else's presentations since everyone would not be as interested…?”

“I say a day later,” Kat crossed her arms, “All the other students can have their presentations of the history of Friendship. Gives us a chance to work on the bugs and if we have a bigger space we can showcase JT’s blueprints and inventions a lot easier also.”

“I’ll get the mayor on the phone,” Matt got out his cell and started dialing.

Lily got out her phone, “I’ll talk to the principal. Hopefully he's still at the school.”

Dr Harvey looked at his daughter and her classmate, “You two are sure? From what Mr Whitmire was saying, your presentation is going to be huge.”

Stretch nodded, “What do you wanna do, kids? And me and the boys will help.”

Kat hugged the leader of the Ghostly Trio, “Thanks, Stretch.”

***
As predicted, the entire town showed up. The moment that news that two teens, one being the daughter of Dr James Harvey, have looked into the history of the town's biggest mystery all bets were off. It was all everyone was talking about.

The regular presentation day before was as ordinary as last year's. And just as boring. All the other students had was snoops, lighthouses, and lobster.

From the wizened elder, Henrietta Tildon, to the precocious young lad, Davey O'Hara, every resident had come to bear witness to the teens' presentation. The town's residents gathered in the cozy Friendship Community Center for a presentation that promised to shed some light on the manor's intriguing history.

Dr. James Harvey and the Jenkins family sat proudly in the front row, offering the teens silent encouragement. Kat, her heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and excitement, turned to Jimmy. 'You got this, Jimmy Jenkins!' she whispered.

Jimmy returned her gaze with determination. 'I also got this, Kat Harvey!' he replied, his voice surprisingly steady.

As Jimmy and Kat stepped forward to begin, a hushed silence fell over the room.

“Whipstaff Manor!” Kat proclaimed, her voice echoing through the room. “Over a century of legends and mystery lies within those halls.”

Jimmy took over, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “And to add to its allure are the mischievous, prankish, and troublesome Ghostly Trio—Stretch, Fats, and Stinky.”

As if on cue, the lights flickered ominously, sending a shiver down the spines of the audience. Windows rattled violently, and an eerie icy wind swept through the room, carrying with it the Trio's sinister laughter.

A collective gasp filled the air as the residents of Friendship looked on in awe and trepidation. The ghosts, once dismissed as mere figments of the imagination, had made their chilling presence known.

“But when they were alive,” Kat continued as if nothing had happened, “Their names were Alistair, Bolad, and Samuel McFadden. And they weren't alone; they had their brother, the infamous JT McFadden and his would-be wife Ellie with them.”

“Then,” Jimmy said, his voice regaining its previous boldness, “There's the legend of Casper, the Friendly Ghost. Said to be the son of JT and Ellie McFadden.”

“Their story begins,” Kat smiled as a protection from a photo of the living Ghostly Trio, JT, and Ellie in a city street, “Not in Friendship, but Boston. After their drunk abusive father came from Ireland…”

***

As Kat delved into the story of Alistair's tireless efforts to escape his abusive father and protect his younger siblings and Ellie, the audience listened with rapt attention. They learned of the hardships they endured, their resilience, and the unbreakable bond that united them.

Jimmy told the audience with courage, “Finally free, Alistair’s wealth grew as he used all his wit and business savvy to provide for his family. They traveled to Friendship, Maine and called it home. And with that wealth Alistair was able to send his brothers to be educated and learn a trade.”

The audience gasped as a photograph of Bolad 'Stinky' McFadden graced the screen. His imposing figure, clad in a military uniform, stood side by side with an image of him wearing a scientist's lab coat.

Kat revealed Bolad's extraordinary story as a war hero, “He was protecting soldiers from the horrors of chemical warfare. But his relentless pursuit of chemical safety and the chemical that seeped into his body had earned him the infamous nickname 'Stinky.'”

Another photo appeared in the projector of Boland’s classroom and a group of kids smiling in front of the chemist.

Jimmy shared the story of what happened post-war, Bolad's compassion extended to war orphans, affectionately known as the 'Stinky Boys,' whom he took under his wing.

“However, tragedy struck when accidents in his factories brought into sharp focus the perils of child labor. Bolad became a tireless crusader for child labor laws, ensuring the well-being of countless young lives.”

“Mystery shrouded Bolad's disappearance after a celebration marking the passing of these laws. Yet, his legacy lived on, inspiring generations to come.” Jimmy finished Boland’s story with a mysterious flare.

“Then there was the poignant love story between Samuel 'Fatso' McFadden and Marcus,” Kat said softly. “Their forbidden love transcended the boundaries of race, gender, and society.”

A photo on the projector changed to a heavy set man that was all muscular and a well dressed black man sitting next to him. They were seated in front of a butcher shop.

“Samuel 'Fatso' McFadden, another of Alistair's brothers, was a burly, kind-hearted man, defying the rigid social norms that permeated the air. His love for Marcus, a young man of color, ignited a scandal that ripped through the town like wildfire.”

“Interracial and same-sex relationships were deemed an abomination, and their union was met with unspeakable hostility and intolerance. Bigotry manifested in its ugliest form.” Jimmy gave the audience a determined look.

“One fateful night, a mob of townspeople, driven by hatred and ignorance, executed Marcus in cold blood. Samuel, devastated and broken, was brutally beaten within an inch of his life. Samuel died with Marcus in his arms.”

And as Kat predicted, the tragic love story between Samuel and Marcus was a favorite. Not a single eye remained dry as the tale of Samuel and Marcus's forbidden love was shared to the residences of Friendship. Their story became a poignant symbol of the darkness that lurked beneath the surface of their community.

But unknown to Kat, within the hearts of Friendship's LGBTQIA+ youth, Samuel and Marcus had become symbols of something more profound. Their love had transcended time, becoming the Romeo and Juliet of their own generation. Their story ignited a flicker of hope, a whisper of resistance against the bigotry that still plagued their lives.

As the projection flickered to life, two photographs emerged, side by side. One captured the youthful exuberance of JT McFadden, the brilliant inventor, and his future bride, Ellie, her radiant beauty illuminating the scene.

From one love story to another, the tapestry of JT and Ellie's tale began to weave. Kat's voice, clear and resonant, painted a vivid picture of Ellie's life, “Amidst the McFadden family's opulence, a young orphan named Ellie toiled as a maid. Her spirit remained indomitable despite the oppressive rule of Senior McFadden, who desired her hand in marriage to secure his power.”

“Yet, fate had other plans.” Jimmy's narration revealed the emergence of an unlikely hero. “Alistair, the eldest and most astute of the McFadden brothers, witnessed Ellie's plight with a heavy heart. Determined to protect her and his brothers, he resolved to defy his father and rescue them from his clutches.”

Kat smiled at the crowd and stage whispered to them as if to tell some juicy gossip, “As they fled the McFadden residence, Alistair's affections for Ellie grew with each passing day. He showered her with kindness and sought to mend the wounds left by her past. However, Ellie's heart held a secret—a love she had silently harbored for the youngest McFadden brother, JT.”

The crowd was quiet as they listened to the story of a love triangle between Ellie and two of the McFadden Brothers.

It was Jimmy's turn to share the gossip, “JT, a brilliant inventor, had departed for Spain to pursue his dreams. Though the distance tested their bond, they exchanged letters filled with fervent longing and unwavering affection. Ellie's unwavering spirit sustained her through the separation and gave her hope for a future shared with JT.”

In the ethereal glow of the projection, Ellie and the McFadden brothers stood sentinel amidst a constellation of brilliant minds from the Late Victorian era. Their countenances radiated with an uncanny mix of wonder and determination.

“Time marched on, and JT returned to Friendship with Antoni Gaudí i Cornet, a renowned Spanish architect.” Jimmy continued. “Together, they envisioned Whipstaff Manor, a testament to JT and Ellie's enduring love.”

“Alistair, ever the gentleman, agreed to fund the project, knowing it would become a wedding gift to JT and Ellie,” Kat added. “He set aside his own affections, urging JT to follow his heart.”

As the projection shifted to depict the grandeur of Whipstaff Manor's wedding celebration, a collective gasp rippled through the audience. The scene was a symphony of elegance and extravagance, with guests including the likes of H.G. Wells and Nikola Tesla.

“After Whipstaff Manor's completion, JT extended invitations to his closest friends, some of New England's most illustrious minds,” Jimmy continued. “Their presence bore witness to the fateful union of two hearts destined for one another.”

Kat beamed, her eyes twinkling with pride. “JT was an inventor far ahead of his time.” She gestured towards a hidden alcove, where a series of blueprints were revealed. There, displayed in intricate detail, were designs for a submarine propelled by the ocean's own pressure, a teleportation chamber, and a jetpack.

And on the stage behind Kat and Jimmy were two small tables. One table had the beating clockwork heart and the other was the dragonfly drone that was hovering over the table. The crowd gasped at the creations of JT McFadden.

“These creations were not merely fantasies,” Jimmy added. “JT's brilliance extended beyond the realm of imagination. He was a pioneer, a visionary who dared to push the boundaries of human knowledge.”

Kat's voice quavered with emotion. Her heart ached with a pain that threatened to consume her. Yet, she held back tears, painting a brave smile upon her face.

“JT's inventions brought wonder and advancement,” she proclaimed. “But his greatest creation was not a device or a machine. Oh no, Dear Audience.”

Silence hung heavy in the air as Kat's words sank in. “It was the life that Ellie bore, a son. A son named Casper.” The crown felt the change in Kat's attitude. They knew that this was not going to be a happy story about the Friendliest Ghost. A few in the mass of observers had seen Casper before but still ran in fear.

The projector showed a photo of a bright eyed boy that looked so much like Ellie. From a time where photos take so long it's hard to smile while taking a picture, Casper was wearing the sweetest smile you ever saw on a boy so young.

Jimmy took over as Kat tried to compose herself, “This was the first tragedy. Before Boland's disappearance and before Samuel’s death with his late lover in his arms. Two lives were sacrificed for one.”

“Tragedy struck with an icy grip. On a fateful February day, Ellie, pregnant with JT's child, found herself pursued by heartless thugs on the frozen pond. Fear propelled her across the thin ice until she spotted Alistair, a glimmer of hope on the distant bridge.”

“Ellie's grip tightened around Alistair's hand as he reached down to pull her up. But in a cruel twist of fate, one of the thugs seized her ankle. Alistair's eyes met Ellie's, a look of determination etched upon his face.”

“'Hold on to the bridge,' he urged.”

“With a surge of adrenaline, Alistair leapt onto the ice, his weight shattering the treacherous surface beneath the thugs' feet. The icy depths swallowed them whole, while Alistair's life was extinguished in a cold embrace.”

“Ellie's body, weakened by the trauma, went into labor. On that desolate bridge, Casper was born, a testament to the sacrifices that had been made. But the complications of birth proved too much for Ellie. She breathed her last shortly after her son's birth, leaving behind an infant and a legacy of heartbreak.”

The audience wept, their hearts heavy with the weight of such profound loss. They wept also for the child that lost his savior and his mother before he took his first breath.

“Years passed, and Casper's love blossomed alongside his young body. JT, the bereaved husband and father, pushed through the pain of losing his beloved wife and the brother-figure who had been his guide. He dedicated his life to raising Casper, determined to create a world where his son's laughter would drown out the sorrows of the past.”

“In Friendship, Maine, Casper flourished, becoming the epitome of joy and resilience. JT transformed the Whipstaff Manor attic into a magical playroom, where the walls shimmered with a powder blue hue and shelves overflowed with toys.”

In the dim, flickering light of the projector, a vibrant image materialized on the screen, a stark contrast to the faded sepia tones that had preceded it. This was a photograph of the Whipstaff attic, captured by Kat's keen eye.

Unlike the other photos, this one was alive with color. The faded paint on the walls seemed to shimmer, revealing the vibrant patterns that had once adorned it. Toy soldiers stood at attention, their tiny faces frozen in expressions of determination as they prepared for an unseen battle. The crowd could almost hear the whistle of a train echoing faintly through the air, as if the photograph itself was alive with the sounds of childhood adventure.

A little toy carousel stood in the center of the attic, its painted horses invitingly poised, ready to whisk away any who dared to climb aboard. The room itself seemed to breathe with promise, whispering tales of endless imagination and a world where anything was possible.

The audience gasped in awe, their eyes wide with wonder. It felt as if they had stepped into the attic themselves, surrounded by the vibrant colors and the tangible sense of magic that lingered in the air. The photo had captured the very essence of Casper's sanctuary, a place where dreams took flight and adventures unfolded.

“But Casper's greatest solace lay not within the confines of the playroom but in the simple act of spending time with his father. Together, they would don the mantle of pirates, their laughter echoing through the halls of Whipstaff Manor. They would spend countless hours lost in their own world, their laughter mingling with the whimsical sounds of childhood adventures.”

“In those moments, Casper found a sense of belonging and love that filled the void left by his mother's absence. The attic became more than just a playroom; it became a symbol of the unbreakable bond between father and son.”

“As the years passed, the attic remained a sanctuary for Casper. It was a place where he could escape the worries of the world and find solace in the magic of childhood. And always, his father was there, ready to share in the adventures that unfolded within those enchanted walls.”

“Young Casper, JT's beloved son, had succumbed to pneumonia at the tender age of twelve. The loss shattered JT's heart, leaving an unfillable void in his soul. Grief consumed him, driving him into a relentless quest to reclaim what had been taken!”

The projector showed more photos. Of news clippings with headlines, ‘McFadden Youth Dies,’ ‘Father Inventor Made Lazarus Machine,’ ‘Mysterious Activity in Whipstaff,’ and ‘Provident Inventor JT McFadden Declared Legally Insane.’

“Haunted by memories of his lost loved ones, JT retreated into his workshop. Nights blurred into sleepless days as he toiled tirelessly, fueled by an unyielding desire to defy death. The flickering light of his inventions cast eerie shadows upon the walls, a testament to his desperate yearning.”

“After countless experiments, a breakthrough emerged. JT had conceived the Lazarus, a colossal machine capable of harnessing the power of electricity and steam to revive the lifeless. To turn ectoplasm back to flesh. To bring ghosts to life. It was his magnum opus, a testament to his unwavering love and unyielding hope.”

The crowd gasped at the harrowing tale, their hearts pounding in their chests. They had witnessed the profound depths of a father's love, a love that had driven him to defy the laws of nature. His desperate attempts to defy death, and the ultimate sacrifice he had made for love. A testament to the unbreakable bond between a parent and their child.

“Word of JT's supernatural invention spread like wildfire through Friendship, Maine. The townsfolk, gripped by fear and superstition, denounced him as a madman. JT was forcibly committed to Arkham Asylum, his beloved Lazarus deemed dangerous. The forbidden creation was turned to scrap by the mob.” Kat finally regained her composure and took over the presentation.

“In the eerie depths of Whipstaff Manor, the spirit of Casper, the friendly ghost, and his mischievous uncles. Stretch, the lanky and mischievous uncle. Stinkie, with his pungent odor. And Fatso, the rotund and gluttonous uncle. Together, he and the Ghostly Trio haunted the manor, their translucent forms a constant reminder of the tragedy that had marked their existence. The walls whispered secrets of love lost and dreams shattered, and their ethereal cries echoed through the empty corridors, a haunting symphony of sorrow and regret.”

“A century had passed since the beloved JT vanished into the cursed depths of Arkham Asylum, extinguishing the love and dreams of those he left behind. The Ghostly Trio remained trapped within the manor's ghostly embrace, their ethereal existence forever intertwined with its tragic history.”

“The halls of Whipstaff Manor echoed with their mournful cries, laments for a love that had been extinguished all too soon. Casper's ethereal form drifted through the dilapidated chambers, his eyes filled with a haunting sadness. The once-optimistic ghost had been forever altered by the tragedy that had befallen his family.”

In the hushed confines of the Friendship Community Center, Kat and Jimmy stood with bated breath, their hearts pounding with anticipation. They had just poured their souls into their presentation on Whipstaff Manor, a haunting enigma that had captivated the town of Friendship, Maine, for centuries.

As the echo of their final words faded, an eerie silence enveloped the room. Kat and Jimmy couldn't bear to gaze upon the faces of the audience, their nerves jangling like windchimes in a storm.

Suddenly, a slow, deliberate clap shattered the stillness. From the back of the center, a figure emerged from the shadows. Its form was ethereal, its glow a faint blue. A ghost was clapping behind the living crowd. But that was not all.

Gasps rippled through the room as more ghosts materialized, their forms shimmering like celestial apparitions. One by one, more ghosts materialized, their forms shimmering and their applause echoing through the room.

Kat and Jimmy's eyes widened as a large number of ghosts from Friendship, Main appeared. Most of them Kat recognized as clients of her father. Even Ms Banshee and her spectral students were there. A hush fell over the crowd as the ghosts continued to materialize, their spectral presence adding an eerie weight to the atmosphere.

Normally the living would be screaming and running for the hills, but instead one living person, Mariah Bonnie, the daughter of one of the Stinky Boys, stood up and clapped enthusiastically with the ghosts. With a smile on her wrinkled face, she clapped alongside the ghosts.

One by one, the townsfolk erupted into a thunderous standing ovation, their hearts filled with awe and a newfound understanding of the spectral wonders that resided among them. The living and the dead had united in their appreciation for Kat and Jimmy's presentation, a testament to the power of friendship and the enduring bonds that transcended the realms of life and death.

Casper and the Ghostly Trio beamed with joy at the wing of the stage. They had finally been recognized for who they truly were, and they knew that their friendship with Kat and Jimmy would forever be etched in the annals of Friendship, Maine.

***

Dr. Harvey guided his daughter and the Jenkins family into 'The Magic Brew Coffee Shop,' a witch-run establishment that had witnessed many extraordinary gatherings. The coffee shop, usually bustling with activity, was uncharacteristically quiet, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Gerti waved her hand to get the group’s attention, “How was the presentation?” She inquired, her voice laced with genuine curiosity. Gerti, Fanny, and Gabby smiled at the teens, waiting for the answer.

“We were given a standing ovation.” Jimmy smiled at the leader of the Goodwitch Coven.

“Not only that!” Kat's smile widened, “Everyone in town, both living and dead were there.”

Gerti's lips curled into a satisfied smile. “Whatever they wanted, it's on the house,” she announced, waving a hand to summon a server.

As the server approached, Gerti turned to Kat. “Now that the presentation is over, when would you like to start your training?”

Kat's eyes widened in excitement. “Soon as possible, I guess…” She hesitated, glancing at her father, Dr. Harvey. “Did Dad tell you…”

“Your accidental trip to the past?” Gerti nodded soberly as the server returned with everyone’s orders.

Fanny leaned forward and patted Kat's hand reassuringly. “You'll get the hang of your powers soon.”

“But hopefully before she finds herself in the jaws of a jabberwocky,” Gabby piped up, her voice a playful tease.

“Jabberwocky?” Lily, Jimmy's mother, exclaimed. “They exist? I thought Lewis Carroll was just making up a nonsense poem.”

Gerti chuckled softly. “A nonsense poem, you say? My dear Mrs. Jenkins, the world is full of wonders that defy our understanding.”

Matt, Lily's husband, smiled at his wife. “We survived a Deadite attack almost a half a year ago.”

Lily covered her mouth with her hand in disbelief. “I suppose if ghosts, walking dead, witches, and demons exist, then why not a jabberwocky? Maybe even Santa Claus!”

“He exists, too,” Kat, Dr. Harvey, and the witches said in unison.

Lily's jaw dropped. “You're kidding me!”

With a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, Gerti placed a gleaming spoon in front of Kat and uttered, “Make it levitate.”

Kat looked at Gerti with a puzzled expression. “Eclectic Magic?”

“While unorthodox to most magic users, it's a great stepping stone,” Gerti explained. “Make the spoon levitate.”

Kat closed her eyes and concentrated. A faint shimmer surrounded the spoon, and it slowly rose into the air. A collective gasp filled the room. Only to be replaced by yelps of surprise as the spoon rocket itself across ‘The Magic Brew Coffee Shop’ and embedded itself into the menu board.

The group erupted into laughter, and Gerti clapped her hands in delight. “Well done, Kat! You've taken your first step into the magical world. Now, let's see if we can get that spoon back without causing any more chaos.”

“I didn't do very well.”

“Nonsense, my apprentice!” Gerti smiled at Kat as her sisters were giving the teen pats and coos, “Failure is the greatest teacher, and that was one of the most spectacular failures I've witnessed in a long time.”

Kat looked at the spoon that was deeply in the menu, “How do we get it out?”

“Conjuring Magic.” Gerti held up Kat’s palms, “Concentrate…”

Kat closed her eyes once more, her mind racing. As she focused her intent, the spoon glowed red before vanishing into thin air. A spoon-shaped light appeared at Kat's palms, and with a flick of her wrist, the spoon materialized in her hand.

“I did it!” Kat smiled at her father, “Dad! Did you see that?”

Dr Harvey's face beamed with pride. “Well done, Bucket.”

Gerti smiled at Kat and said, “While you are in your last week of school, I want you to practice your Eclectic and Conjuring Magic. When summer vacation starts, you will be getting more lessons.”

Kat couldn't contain her excitement. “Yes! Thank you!” She exclaimed, giving Gerti a warm hug.

Gerti stood up and addressed the patrons of her shop. “We have a new member of the Goodwitch Coven,” she announced, her voice filled with pride. “Kathleen Harvey.”

Witches, spirits, and mystical creatures from all corners of the magical world cheered and clapped, welcoming Kat into their fold. Kat stood there, her heart filled with gratitude and awe, as she realized that her life would never be the same again.

***

As the old station wagon pulled into the familiar driveway of Whipstaff Manor, the strains of Dr. Harvey's off-key singing filled the air. Kat, sitting beside him, couldn't help but smile at the sheer joy emanating from her father.

“Well, that was a smashing day,” Dr. Harvey exclaimed, turning down the radio. “We've got a new witch in the family!”

Kat beamed, her heart still filled with a sense of wonder. She and Jimmy did successfully on their presentation. And she has just been officially accepted into the Goodwitch Coven.

The air hung heavy with the scent of lilies and the promise of rain arrived and at the same time they made it to the gates. Kat got out of the station wagon with a wave of emotion washed over her. She had never seen the gates of Whipstaff adorned like this. It was a sea of color, a tapestry woven from the threads of grief and love.

'Kat!' Dr. Harvey called out, but his words were cut short by a surge of magic. Kat's eyes glowed, and with a quick Blink, she vanished into the kitchen.

But the house was empty. Kat Blinked again, to the library, the TV room, and Casper's playroom—all deserted. Desperation surged through her as she Blinked one last time to JT's main lab.

There they were—Casper and the Trio, engaged in animated conversation with Blair, Hot Stuff, and Myst. They had gathered for a celebration, oblivious to the outpouring of support that awaited them outside.

“Kat! Wait…” Casper’s smile dropped, “Did you just Blinked?”

Kat rushed towards the others, “Have you been outside since you got home?!”

Stretch got up and walked towards Kat, “What's wrong?”

“At the gates.” Kat smiled with overwhelmed tears, “You gotta see it.”

The group, a motley crew of ghosts and humans, followed Kat outside. The sight that greeted them was breathtaking. Flowers of every hue, pride and Irish flags, wooden crosses, and hand-painted signs filled the lawn. Heartfelt messages, penned in shaky handwriting, adorned each tribute.

'Friendship loves the Ghostly Trio,' read one message, penned in vibrant pink. 'Forever Stinky Boy,' another proclaimed, its lettering bold and black. 'Love is Love' and 'We are Your Friends' were simple, yet powerful declarations, their message clear and undeniable.

The trio, Casper, Stretch, Stinky, and their human companions stood stunned. They had never seen such an outpouring of affection and support. They were more than just ghosts, they were part of the fabric of Friendship, Maine.

“It's... it's beautiful,” Kat whispered, her voice choked with emotion. The presentation she and Jimmy had given, the one that had revealed the truth about Casper and the Ghostly Trio, had touched the hearts of the town.

Stretch, ever the optimist, wrapped his arm around Kat's shoulder, “Well, would you look at that. Kat, you just made us even more famous.”

Fatso gave Kat a big hug, “Hell yeah! Now we're not just famous by ghosts but by fleahies as well.”

“Guess you could say we're the biggest stars in Friendship, Maine these days, kid,” Stinky said, his voice a raspy, almost playful rasp.

Casper, his eyes glistening, gave Kat a hug as well, “My dad would have loved this.”

Dr. Harvey, who had always been a pillar of support for the trio, stood back, a tear rolling down his cheek. Casper and the Ghostly Trio had faced many difficulties. Now, he saw the love and acceptance that had blossomed in its place. He knew that the town of Friendship, Maine, would never forget them.

The memorials stood as a testament to the power of acceptance, a reminder that even in the face of fear and prejudice, love and compassion could prevail. The Ghostly Trio, once feared and misunderstood, were now embraced by the community. Their legacy, forever etched in the hearts of the people of Friendship, Maine, would forever be a story of love, acceptance, and the enduring power of friendship.

Chapter 16: LAST CHANCE TO NAME JANET’S BABY!!!!

Summary:

Jehoel is in the lead

Pyre is second

Cinne is dead last!

Wouldn't except any more votes after Chapter 13 of Necessary Evil .

Check out my Tumblr for my OC Art!

LAST CHANCE TO NAME JANET’S BABY!!!!

Janet Kingsburg and Creepy the Clown are having a baby!!!

the baby will make an appearance at Necessary Evil Chapter 13! And will be a main character for Chapter 14 & 15!

But the kiddo will have multiple appearances in Maid in Whipstaff!

You're not just naming the baby, but also alter the gender and personality!

 

Here's what's going to happen for all three names!

The child is going to inherit Creepy’s fire engine red hair. The color of the eyes will be the color of Dead Lights but extremely weak Dead Lights. And the white of their eyes will be black.

They will take on a clown appearance and have a tendency for arson. The outfits would be a combination of yellow, orange, and red. The outfits would also have some indication of flames.

They will inherit pyrokinesis, illusion, and minor reality warping.

Cinne (she/her) = Cinne will inherit her mother's cinnamon smell. While very human-like her face is still a little too close to an uncanny valley and has a bit of a Jack In The box feel to it. Her dress is orange with two yellow stripes on her front. Hem of her dress has flames. She wears a Yellow Minnie Mouse Bow between two large pigtails. on hands are yellow Three Fingered Mickey Mouse Gloves. She prefers human food. She doesn't like to eat meat unless it's hamburgers.

Pyre (he/him) = Pyre has a bit of a Killer Klown From Outer Space face. He wears an orange top hat with a yellow flower. On his top hat are his flames. He also wears a red jacket similar to a ring master’s. The jacket has yellow pom poms as buttons. He also has white pants and Three Finger Mickey Mouse Gloves. Pyre’s favorite pastime is juggling with fireballs. He's also a bit of a predatorial hunter. His favorite meal is supernatural maneaters and will even trick Killer Klowns to accept him as one of their own before eating them.

Jehoel (they/them) = Jehoel is the most human looking. They have their hair up in a short, messy ponytail. They wear a white shirt with black and white sleeves and matching shorts. They also wear a yellow tutu with a matching collar. They also wear orange suspenders with flames. But don't let their human-ness fool you. They have a True Glamour Form! The Firefly! They also smell negative emotions, not just fear. They like to eat both human food and “other meats.” Their favorite food is pizza and ice cream while their favorite “other white meat” is narcissistic abusers.

Chapter 17: Not a Date, But Like a Date

Summary:

Three romantic dates.

Casper and Kat go on a hike.

Dr Harvey and Gerti go stargazing.

Stretch and Blair go clubbing.

Kat was practicing her magic, making a feather as heavy as lead and floating it loops and dives. The feather was her latest magical experiment, a playful way to hone her control over the elements.

James Harvey knocked on her door that was ajar, “Hey Bucket, first day of summer break. Any plans before your witch training?”

“I’m thinking of something to do. Can't seem to get any ideas.” She sat up from her bed, the feather hovering beside her, its silvery sheen catching the light. “Now that Casper is finally alive he and I could actually hang out in town without him being disguised as my fanny pack or a kitten! I want to do something special with him.”

“Like a date?”

“Dad!” Kat's cheeks flushed a fiery pink.

“What?!” Dr Harvey lifted his shoulders, “He’s a good looking fella? And he's probably the only guy I'm going to approve of you being home with. Mainly because he also lives here…”

Kat rolled her eyes, the feather dipping and soaring in response to her frustration. “It’s not a date, Dad! It's just... I want to do something fun, something special. You know, since he's finally able to walk around without looking like a misplaced handbag.”

Kat's heart fluttered uncomfortably at the thought of a casual date with Caspar. The lines between their friendship and something more had blurred, leaving her uncertain of her own feelings. She had always valued their bond, but now that the ghostly barrier no longer separated them, she couldn't help but wonder if their dynamic could ever be the same.

“Casper is my best friend… who happens to no longer be a ghost.” Kat flicked her finger as the feather transformed into a shimmering bubble, reflecting her own uncertainty. “I want to do something that’s… human?”

“Sooooo…. Asking Blair would be a no go. Since she was raised by ghosts.” Dr Harvey smiled, “But for some strange reason I want ya to ask Blair.”

“Okay, Dad.” Kat popped the bubble and got off her bed, “She's probably finishing up breakfast. I can smell the sausage from up here.”

“Race you down stairs!”

Kat and Dr Harvey ran down the hall of Whipstaff and ran down the stairs to the great hall. Kat and Dr. Harvey burst into the kitchen, a whirlwind of laughter. Dr Harvey bent over with his hands on his knees taking deep breaths. He wasn't young anymore, but a little bit of child-like behavior sometimes brings back the youth in spirit.

Blair was pulling out the Earl Gray Lavender muffins out of the oven when the two busted in. She smiled at her ex-employer and one of her charges. “Morning you two!” She placed the muffin pan on the counter before flipping the last sausages and cheese omelet.

“Morning! Where's Casper?” Kat said as she sat down.

Blair gave Kat and Dr Harvey their plates, “Apparently his Tutelar’s Powers are still active even though he's alive again. He took off running when he felt the Call.”

“Last time he had a Call it was when we were at the mall with Hot Stuff.” Kat hummed as she took a bite of her omelet, “I’m glad we found the urn and returned it to her family.”

Dr Harvey shook his head, “Getting a Call from a lost urn? Makes you wonder how powerful of a spirit Casper was.”

“It was a pretty big deal, Dad.” Kat took another bite of her omelet, the savory flavors a welcome contrast to the lingering uncertainty gnawing at her.

“So,” Dr Harvey said, leaning back in his chair with a twinkle in his eye as he drank his coffee, “What's this human thing you wanted to do?”

Kat's fork paused mid-air, a piece of sausage fell from it. “Well,” she began, “You know how Casper and I... we've always been close, right?”

“Closer than most human-ghost pairs, yes.” Dr. Harvey chuckled. “But you two are different. Always have been.”

“Yeah,” Kat said, her voice dropping to a whisper. “And now he's... well, he's human. But I don't know how to do human things with him. Like, I can't just... I can't just take him out to get a smoothie or something.”

Blair, who had been listening quietly, smiled. “Perhaps there are alternative approaches. Maybe you could embrace artistic endeavors together, like painting? Or share a slice of pizza and watch a movie? A leisurely stroll through the park might also be enjoyable.”

A mischievous gleam appeared in Dr. Harvey's eye. “Have you and Stretch gone on a date yet?”

Blair's cheeks flushed crimson as she almost dropped the platter of freshly baked muffins. “Stretch and I haven't had a chance yet... When me and Hot Stuff went to the Fairyland, Stretch turning into a changeling, Casper and the Lazarus, the big history project, we never had time or it wasn't the right time.”

Kat's eyes widened with surprise. “Really?”

Dr Harvey smiled, “I noticed that your Fairy King of a grandfather forcing you in an arranged marriage with Stretch wasn't on the list.”

“I'm still mad at Grandfather for forcing us like that! Given time we would have made that decision ourselves.” Blair’s cheeks puffed out in mild anger.

“Maybe it's the right time now? For you and Stretch to go on a leisurely stroll through the park,” Kat teased.

“I know you're Grandfather’s interference has taken away a lot of opportunities, but I think you and Stretch should go on a date.” Dr Harvey told Blair.

“How did we go from Kat’s love life to mine?!” Blair signed dramatically.

“Yeah! Dad, that's not fair.” Kat pointed at her father accusedly, “What about you and Gerti?”

“We already went on a coffee date and tonight we are going to watch the sunset followed by some stargazing.”

Blair smirked, “Oh you two are gazing all right, but it isn't the stars.”

“Bow chicka wow wow!” Kat teased.

The kitchen door opened and walked in Stretch with his brothers following close behind, “You three look like you're having fun. Where's Casper?”

“Answering a Call.” Blair said as she placed plates in front of the Ghostly Trio. When she got closer to Stretch he grabbed her by the waist and sat her on his lap, “Stretch! I almost kicked Stinky in the face.”

Stinky who caught Blair's foot smiled, “I’m okay, Sis.”

Fatso was sitting on the other side of Stinky and looked over at Blair, “Casper still has his Tutuler Powers?”

“Even alive he can still use them.” Blair smiled. “But let's put that on the back burner for now. We have something more important than Casper’s powers.”

“More important than Casper is still a Tutuler?” Stretch eyed his wife with curiosity.

Blair smiled, “Kat wants to take Casper on a date.”

Kat huffed, “Not a date.”

Stretch looked at the teen, “What kind of date?”

“Not a date,” Kat repeated firmly.

“Ice cream dates are always nice,” Fatso advised.

“Not a date.”

“Art gallery?” Stinky put a finger to his chin in thought.

“Not a date.”

“A pottery class? Are those still romantic?” Dr Harvey asked.

“Not a date.”

Stretch smirked at Kat, “Remember that time you said it wasn't a date with that DePhilippi boy and he tried to kiss you on our doorstep?”

“Course you saw that! And that wasn't a date either!”

Blair smiled and gave Kat some mercy, “Martin Point Wildlife Reserve and the Botanical Gardens are open again. Perfect for a not-date.”

Kat's glare was replaced by a mischievous grin. “Fine, I'll take Casper hiking in the Reserve, but only if you and Stretch go on a date too. And by date, I mean actual date.”

Stretch’s eyes dilated as he looked at Blair and then looked at Kat. Stretch disappeared in a Blink and Blair, who was still sitting on his lap, fell on the chair that Stretch was sitting on. “Ouch! What the hell, Stretch?”

With a mischievous grin and a twinkle in his eyes, Stretch reappeared. “I think we have a date night, my love.”

Blair threw a muffin at him and laughed. “You’re lucky I love you.”

“Is that a yes on our date tonight?”

“Casual, semi casual, or formal?”

“Definitely formal.” Stretch smiled widely. His violet eyes shimmer.

“What time?”

“9 PM. Since it doesn't open till the sun goes down.”

“Where are we going?”

“It's a surprise.”

“Good thing I have all day to shop for a new dress.” Blair smiled as she got up to clean up the kitchen.

Kat looked at Stretch with wide eyes, “You made that look too easy.”

Stretch smiled at the teen, “Finish up your breakfast and take my nephew on a not-date.”

***

In the verdant embrace of Martin Point Wildlife Reserve, Kat and Casper ambled amidst towering trees and exotic blooms. The sun dappled through the canopy, casting a soft glow upon the vibrant scenery.

“Casper, this place is breathtaking,” exclaimed Kat's voice carrying a hint of awe. “I've never seen anything like it.”

“I know, right?” Casper beamed. “It's one of my favorite spots to escape my uncles. They think I'm wasting my time out here, but I love it. It's a haven, a chance to breathe.”

“I get it,” Kat replied, feeling strangely drawn to him. She had, after all, invited him to the reserve, her excuse a 'not-date,' a way to test the waters, to see if the undeniable spark between them was real. But as they strolled along the winding path, the scent of pine needles and wildflowers filling the air, she realized she wasn't playing it cool anymore. She wanted more than a 'not-date.’

The sun dappled through the canopy, casting a warm glow on their faces as they walked. Kat noticed the way Casper's blue flannel shirt fit him perfectly, the sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms, the way his sandy hair, combed back effortlessly, framed his kind eyes. He was a study in contrasts, rugged yet gentle, and she found herself falling deeper into his orbit.

They came across a hidden meadow, a carpet of wildflowers bursting with color. Casper stopped and turned to her, his eyes reflecting the vibrant hues of the flowers, his smile warm and inviting.

“This is my favorite spot,” he whispered, his voice a soft melody against the rustling leaves. “It's where I come to think, to dream.”

He offered her his hand, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. “Dance with me, Kat?”

“There's no music.”

“Come on. I know you've only been a witch for a couple of weeks, but I believe you can make the flowers sing.”

“When did you become a Casanova?” Kat teased, but her heart was already skipping a beat. She couldn’t help but feel a touch of nervous excitement. The meadow was beautiful, yes, but it was Casper’s genuine joy, the way his eyes held hers with such warmth that made it truly magical.

She took his hand, closed her eyes, and focused. The magic coursed through her veins, stronger and clearer than ever before. Feeling the soft breeze on her face and the scent of wildflowers filling her senses. She felt a tingle along her fingertips as a faint melody started to echo through the meadow. It wasn't music that came from instruments, but a beautiful, haunting song, woven from the whispers of the wind and the rustling of the leaves, a symphony of nature brought to life by her magic.

The flowers around them swayed, their petals brushing against each other, creating a soft, delicate music.

She opened her eyes to see Casper staring at her, his expression a mixture of wonder and amazement. He pulled her closer, his hand resting gently on her waist. The music of the flowers became a waltz, their steps light and graceful. The world faded away, leaving only the two of them in the vibrant, sunlit meadow, dancing to the song of nature.

She was still feeling nervous. She remembered that moment before she went back in time. How she was hearing Casper's interest in her through his thoughts. Her father, Blair, and the Ghostly Trio teasing her, calling their outing a date just made it worse.

As they danced, the music shifted, mimicking the rhythm of their hearts. It felt as if the flowers were celebrating their connection, their shared magic entwining with their emotions. Casper’s hand on her waist felt grounding, safe, and the warmth of his gaze as they danced was intoxicating.

It wasn’t just the music that pulled Kat in, it was the way Casper looked at her, the genuine joy in his eyes. He was the only one who had ever seen her magic as something beautiful, not something to be feared or controlled.

Conversation flowed effortlessly between them, revealing shared interests and a mutual appreciation for the wonders of nature. Kat found herself drawn to Casper's infectious enthusiasm and gentle spirit. Casper, in turn, was smitten by Kat's intelligence, humor, and the way she made him feel alive.

They strolled through the Botanical Gardens, marveling at the vibrant blooms and lush greenery. Kat couldn't resist reaching out to touch a delicate orchid, its petals as soft as silk. Casper's hand brushed hers, and they both froze.

“I’m sorry,” Kat stammered, quickly withdrawing her hand.

“No, it’s okay,” Casper said softly. “I just...I like holding your hand.”

Kat's heart melted. With a deep breath, Kat reached out and entwined her fingers with Casper's. As they continued their walk, hand in hand, the boundaries between friendship and love began to blur.

The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows that stretched and danced around them. They talked, not just about birds or flowers, but about dreams, fears, and the things that truly mattered.

With each stolen glance and whispered secret, the invisible thread that bound Kat and Casper grew stronger. As they strolled through the rose garden, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, a symphony of fragrances enveloped them. The crimson, ivory, and blush petals whispered tales of untold affection.

Casper's voice faltered as he reached out for Kat's hand. “Kat, I have something I need to tell you.” His gaze met hers, a flicker of nervousness dancing in his usually serene blue eyes. “I think... I think I'm in love with you.”

A beat of silence hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. Kat's heart pounded in her chest, its rhythm echoing the anticipation that filled the garden. “Casper?”

A radiant smile spread across Casper's face, his blue eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Yes, Kat?”

Kat extended her own hand, her fingers entwining with his. “Can I keep you?”

As their fingers locked together, a surge of energy coursed through them both. The rose bushes around them erupted in a kaleidoscope of colors, their petals unfurling in an ecstatic display. The setting sun seemed to pause its descent, casting a warm glow upon the couple.

Casper lent towards Kat for a kiss and Kat was back that Halloween night three years ago. Back to their first kiss. When Casper was still a ghost and Kat was brand new to Friendship. She realized that the love they had shared that Halloween night had never truly faded. It had simply been waiting for the right moment to rekindle.

***

The sun, hanging above the horizon, painting the sky in hues of fiery orange and deep violet. Friendship, a small, picturesque town nestled on the New England coast, basked in the warm glow of the setting sun. Dr. Harvey, his face etched with a lifetime of wisdom and kindness, led Gerti, a woman with eyes as bright as the stars that would soon be appearing above, to a secluded cliff overlooking the town. The air hummed with a quiet anticipation that settled like a warm blanket over them.

As they spread out a cozy picnic blanket, the scent of salt air mingled with the sweet fragrance of wildflowers blooming nearby. The town lights twinkled below, like a scattering of fallen stars, and the gentle rhythm of the waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to their silence.

Gerti, a mischievous glint in her eyes, waved her wand. In a puff of smoke, a chilled bottle of wine, two glasses, and a plate of fresh berries materialized. “I thought it would set the mood,” she said, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Dr. Harvey chuckled, a rich, rumbling sound that echoed across the cliff. He carefully poured them each a glass of the fragrant wine, savoring the bouquet and the anticipation of what was to come. The sky above them was ablaze with color, orange and pink hues painting the clouds in a breathtaking symphony of light.

Dr. Harvey gently wrapped Gerti in a soft blanket, shielding her from the chill of the summer air. As the twilight deepened into a velvety indigo, the celestial canvas transformed once more, swirling with ethereal colors as the last vestiges of daylight surrendered to the night.

“This is exquisite, James,” Gerti whispered, her voice as soft as the summer breeze.

“It is,” Dr Harvey replied. “And I'm glad I'm sharing it with you.”

After Amelia's passing, James had resigned himself to a life of quiet solitude. But Gerti, the enigmatic leader of the Goodwitch Coven, had reignited something within him. Her laughter, her intelligence, and her ‘cause no harm but take no shit to attitude’ had woven their way into his heart like an enchantress's spell.

The sky erupted into a constellation of stars. Gerti pointed out Orion, Ursa Major, and countless other celestial wonders. James, captivated by her knowledge and the way her eyes sparkled as she spoke, felt a connection with her that transcended the mortal realm.

As a shooting star streaked across the heavens, Dr. Harvey's voice whispered, “What did you wish for?”

Gerti turned towards him, her eyes blazing with an intensity that transcended the mortal realm. 'I wished for more moments like this,” she declared, her voice husky with emotion. “Moments where I can cast aside the burdens of my coven and simply... exist.”

Dr Harvey felt a pang of understanding deep within his soul. He had never encountered anyone who truly grasped his own longing for escape. In that instant, beneath the celestial canopy, he realized he had fallen deeply for Gerti.

With a trembling hand, he reached for hers, intertwining their fingers. “I wish for that too, Gerti,” he confessed. “I yearn for more moments like these, filled with wonder and your presence.”

A surge of warmth spread through Dr Harvey as he felt a profound connection with Gerti. It was a connection that transcended the limitations of the physical realm, a bond forged amidst the celestial tapestry.

In that tender moment, the stars seemed to pause their cosmic dance, witnessing the blossoming of love between a man and a witch. Dr Harvey leaned in closer, his lips gently brushing against Gerti's. The kiss ignited a fire within their souls, a flame that would guide them through the challenges that lay ahead.

****

The Saloon was buzzing. Laughter mingled with the clinking of glasses, the rhythmic thump of an off-key band playing a ghostly rendition of 'Ghost Riders in the Sky'. Couples, some human, some…well, definitely not, danced in a waltz that seemed to defy gravity.

A luminous, almost translucent woman with hair like spun moonlight glided past, her eyes shimmering like a thousand stars. A hulking, furry creature with glowing horns and a mischievous glint in his eye winked at a giggling, purple-haired pixie. Ghosts of all shapes and sizes took the majority of the air.

Stretch, ever the gentleman, led Blair through the crowded room, a nervous grin plastered on his face. He’d never been one for romance, but Blair was worth breaking out of his comfort zone for. For Blair, the room seemed to ignite her senses like a thousand celestial bodies.

The ballroom was a mesmerizing tapestry, where the elegance of a Victorian era ballroom intertwined with the sultry allure of a Chicago speakeasy and the vibrant energy of a disco club. The improbable fusion of these disparate elements created a breathtaking symphony of rhythm and motion. Guests danced with abandon, their movements as diverse as the music that filled the air.

“This is beautiful,” Blair whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. She'd traveled all over the states, from bustling New York to the tranquil California coastline, but nothing had prepared her for this.

Stretch looked down at Blair, his heart swelling with warmth. She was wearing an emerald gown that sparkled with intricate lace and shimmering crystals. She paired it with delicate jewelry and a pair of shimmering heels. Her red pixie cut hair was decorated with emerald and silver, framing her face like a halo of fire and made her green eyes shine as brightly as emeralds themselves. “You're beautiful,” he mumbled, the words catching in his throat.

Blair looked at her husband. His face still had that scowl that contradicts his mischievous violet eyes. The tuxedo he was wearing was black but somehow the cuffs of his sleeves seem to be more like a navy blue. The white tie and vest made his thin lanky body look more solid. “You're not so bad yourself.”

They found a corner table near a window overlooking a cobblestone street. The fog outside swirled like a ghostly waltz, mirroring the dancers inside. A ghostly bartender, his form shimmering like heat haze, materialized before them, offering a menu that listed unusual concoctions like 'The Phantom Fizz' and 'The Banshee's Blood.’

As they sipped their drinks, the room became a kaleidoscope of ghostly apparitions. A spectral waltz, delicate and graceful, played out before them. A spectral hand reached out to Blair, offering her a ghostly rose that shimmered like moonlight.

Stretch, seeing the rose, felt a wave of protectiveness wash over him. He gave the ghost a look that was both stern and wary, and the spectral figure flinched, retreating back into the swirling mist.

Blair laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Jealous much?” she teased.

“Not jealous, but possessive… I want you to be safe… I want you to be happy…” Stretch got up and took out his hand towards Blair, “May I have this dance?”

Blair smiled, her eyes reflecting the dancing candlelight that flickered erratically, as if responding to the unseen energy that pulsed around them. “I thought you'd never ask,” she replied, her voice a soft lilt that echoed the ethereal melody drifting from somewhere deep within the saloon's ballroom.

She placed her hand in his, the warmth of their touch a tangible anchor in the spectral world. The air seemed to grow colder, the candle flames dancing faster, almost in a frantic rhythm to the ghostly waltz that filled the room. It was a melody of yearning and longing, a lament for lost love, yet somehow, it held a bittersweet beauty that resonated in Blair's soul.

As they began to dance, the spectral energy around them seemed to coalesce, forming into swirling shapes that mirrored their movements. The ghosts of dancers past, their forms ethereal and translucent, surrounded them, their forgotten laughter echoing in the melody. Blair, with her vibrant energy, seemed to draw them closer, their ghostly forms becoming more solid, their faces filled with a fleeting joy as they danced alongside them.

As they danced, Blair felt a strange sense of belonging, a feeling of being accepted and appreciated in this world of the living and the dead. This was a place where she could be herself, a place where she could love and be loved, a place where she could finally be home. “I hope this night never ends.”

“Me too.” With each graceful turn, Stretch felt the weight of his immortality lessen, his heart responding to the warmth of Blair's presence, a reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the enduring power of love.

The night continued with a dizzying blend of enchantment and the unexpected. Blair charmed a spectral gambler out of his winnings with a clever trick, much to Stretch's amusement. They watched as a spectral couple's love story unfolded in a silent, ethereal waltz, their emotions palpable even in death.

As the night wore on, the ghostly waltz faded, and the apparitions gradually disappeared, leaving only the soft glow of the fire and the faint scent of lavender in the air.

The night, however, had to end. The first rays of dawn began to paint the sky, casting a mournful glow over the revelers.

“It's time,” Stretch whispered, his voice a soft caress against Blair's ear. “The veil will soon close. It was time to return to Whipstaff.”

With a Blink they appeared in their room and were in a heated embrace. Lips not wanting to part. Stretch laid her on their bed with eyes that seemed to worship her.

Blair clung to him, her fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt as if to hold onto the magic of the night forever. It wasn't just the ghostly waltz or the spectral figures; it was the feeling, the inexplicable connection between them, that pulsed with an almost unbearable intensity.

Yet, the magic of the night lingered. The warmth of Stretch's embrace was still palpable, the ghost of his kiss lingering on her lips. He cupped her face, his thumb gently tracing the line of her jaw as he gazed into her eyes, his gaze filled with an unspoken emotion that mirrored her own.

“Blair,” he breathed, his voice husky with emotion. “I... I never thought I'd find anything like this.”

She knew he wasn't talking about the night, the ghosts, the otherworldly realm. He was talking about her, about the connection they'd forged over the past few weeks. An impossible connection between a human and a spirit, a connection that defied logic and reason.

Their lips met, the kiss electrifying, a culmination of the longing, the magic, the vulnerability they'd both felt. It was a kiss that went far beyond the physical, a testament to the bond that defied the boundaries of life and death.

***

“Sooooo?” Stinky smiled widely at the three pairs, “Did you crazy kids have fun?”

Blair, brimming with energy, took the lead. She elegantly placed plates of avocado toast with poached eggs in front of everyone, alongside refreshing glasses of acai smoothie. The presentation alone was Instagram-worthy, but it was her quip that caught Stinky’s attention.

“Have you ever done a tango to ‘Shape of You,’ Stinky?” she inquired, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Stretch chuckled softly as he watched his brother looking at Blair with a comically confused look. “Blair and I had fun.”

Kat, uncharacteristically quiet until now, piped up with a bright smile. “I wanna see that! It sounds awesome.”

“Trust me, it’s a sight,” Stretch responded with mock seriousness, bursting into laughter. “There was a lot of twirling, a bit of tripping, and one particularly daring dip that made Blair fall in love with me.”

Blair playfully slapped Stretch’s shoulder, a mix of annoyance and adoration dancing in her eyes. “Behave, you!”

Hot Stuff rolled his eyes at his surrogate parents' antics. “Gross.”

Casper, sitting at the far end of the table and still adjusting to the clumsiness of life as a human, observed the happiness radiating from the table. He carefully navigated the flavors of cumin, bacon, and onions on his plate, savoring the experience of eating. Being a ghost had been more convenient in many ways, but nothing compared to the exquisite pleasure of tasting breakfast.

After ensuring his food didn’t stage a revolt upon his over-enthusiastic consumption, he looked up, grinning in delight. “I’d pay to see that dance. But for now,” he continued, savoring another bite while managing to chuckle, “I’m just trying to survive my own kitchen horror show every morning.”

Blair laughed, shaking her head fondly. “You’ve come a long way, Casper. Just one small step at a time, okay?”

“Sure,” he replied, mouth half-full, eyes bright with joy.

Fatso, ever the jokester, chimed in with a booming laugh. “You got this, Glowworm! But how about you and Kat’s date yesterday?”

Dr. Harvey looked up from his newspaper, peering at his daughter with genuine curiosity. “I’m curious myself.”

Kat’s face instantly lit up, her smile revealing her delight. “Casper and I enjoyed ourselves. He showed me one of his favorite hidden spots,” she said, glancing at Stretch with a gleam of mischief in her eyes. “Not telling you where.”

“REALLY?! Dangling some juicy bait and then yanking it away,” Stretch gasped theatrically, clutching his chest. While he didn’t particularly care to scout out any secret spots of Casper’s, the banter sustained the jovial spirit around the table.

Casper’s cheeks flushed a cute shade of pink as he added shyly, “Martin Point Wildlife Reserve and the Botanical Gardens were lovely yesterday.”

Dr. Harvey smiled warmly. “I’m glad you two had fun.”

Kat raised an eyebrow, turning the friendly spotlight onto her father. “What about you, dad? Was the stargazing picnic with Gerti as magical as you thought?”

Dr. Harvey cleared his throat with mock formality and replied, “Eat your breakfast, Bucket.”

The room erupted into laughter—an unfiltered melody of joy that filled the spaces between them. Each moment felt like a stitch weaving a warm tapestry of familial love. Kat tried to conceal her smirk behind her glass as she took a sip of her acai smoothie, while Stretch launched into a playful debate about which couple had the best date.

“Oh! We almost forgot.” Blair clapped her hands to get the Harvey-McFadden household’s attention, “Nevermore Academy’s Summer program is about to start. Are you two ready?”

Casper, Hot Stuff, and Kat exchanged wide-eyed glances, an electric wave of realization rushing through them. They had completely forgotten about their departure for Nevermore Academy, an eccentric place known for its oddities and peculiar charms.

“Ah! We need to pack!” Kat declared, her heart racing with both excitement and a hint of apprehension about the unknown adventures that awaited them. She pushed her chair back, causing it to scrape against the tiled floor, and sprinted upstairs with Casper close on her heels.

“Wait! Don’t forget your bagpipes, Casper!” Blair shouted after them, her laughter trailing like a melody.

Stretch turned to her with a puzzled look. “He needs bagpipes for a summer program? Sounds like they’re in for a wild ride.”

Blair shrugged, a playful sparkle in her eye. “Well, Kat’s cousin can play the cello. So you never know when an impromptu jam session might happen!”

Stretch shook his head, still bemused. “Right, because that's exactly how spontaneous jam sessions usually go,” he chuckled.

“Hey, it happened in my dream vision!” Blair quipped back, her finger jabbing the air with emphasis. “But don’t tell the kids that. Don’t want to spoil the surprise.”

Stretch smiled at his wife, “I trust you.”

Dr Harvey returns to reading his newspaper, “I'm not surprised that Wednesday plays an instrument. Amelia was musically inclined as well.”

“What did Amelia play?” Stinky asked.

“The pipe organ.” Dr Harvey said nonchalantly. “Whenever she founds an organ she used to play Toccata and Fugue in D minor.”

“Must come with being a Frump.” Stretch said. After a pause he looked at his wife, “What Surprise?! WHAT DID YOU SAW IN YOUR DREAM?!”

Notes:

In case you want to know what Stretch and Blair did on the dancefloor.

https://youtu.be/HBzBdLzXgwY?si=7-txuOH0REdwTNPU

Chapter 18: I Wish I Could Write as Mysterious as a Cat.

Summary:

The first chapter of Nevermore Arc.

Day 1 & 2

Headmaster Alder leaned back in his chair, his tentacle-like fingers steepled under his chin as he studied the three students before him. He and Headmaster Dash exchanged wary glances, neither particularly thrilled with the new admissions—or the recent events that had plunged Nevermore Academy into chaos.

Headmasters Alder and Dash were going through the paperwork. They weren't impressed that the three students in front of them were accepted through nepotism.

They were especially wasn't impressed that they had to substitute until a new headmaster would be available for Nevermore Academy because Principal Larissa Weems had to be killed by a fuckin Hyde.

Across from them sat Casper McFadden, a cheerful, pale boy with a sense of calmness that belied the chaos surrounding him. Beside him were his companions: Kathleen Harvey, long lost granddaughter of Griselda Frump and recently awakened witch. And Abaddon Scratch, nicknamed Hot Stuff, is the missing prince of Flame Kingdom of Fairy.

“Casper McFadden?” Alder read aloud, furrowing his brow at the notation in front of him. “It says here that you have recently been revived?”

“Yes, Sirs.” Casper shifted nervously, his pale fingers twisting around themselves. “The Addams family suggested that Nevermore would be a good place for me to readjust to being alive again. This is the first time I’ve been alive since 115 years ago.” He smiled, revealing a set of slightly crooked, but charmingly earnest teeth.

“Really?” Dash raised an eyebrow. “You were dead for over a century, and now you’re just…alive again?”

Gomez Addams cleared his throat, “How he revived is of no business of yours, but how he-”

The two headed monster stopped listening. They were going to have to accept the ex-ghost anyway since Gomez Addams was the best and worst lawyer in the supernatural realms. Alder and Dash waved dismissively, “Yes. Yes. McFadden is accepted already, we just need to understand how such a Normie Fleashie-”

“Excuse me.” The room turned ice cold as frosty mist was coming out of Stretch’s mouth.

Gomez put a hand on Streach’s shoulder to calm him. Stretch was there as a legal guardian for the three teena. He thanked whoever God or Goddess that was on his side to meet Gomez at the front of the academy.

“Very well,” Headmaster Alder conceded, adjusting the folds of his and his brother’s robe . With a nuanced stare, he assessed the energy radiating from the three newcomers. It was palpable—every strand of their essence communicated stories untold, buried beneath their youthful exteriors.

Dash cleared his throat, pulling his focus back from the ethereal minutiae. “Moving on to you, Miss Kathleen Harvey. Daughter of Dr James Harvey and Amelia Olivia Frump?” His tone was firm, holding an undercurrent of skepticism.

“Yes, I just recently reunited with Aunt Morticia and Grandmama Frump.” Kat really wished her dad was allowed in the school with her, but felt encouraged when she felt a hand tap her foot. She didn't need to look down to see Thing protecting her by Wednesday's orders.

The two look-alike cousins were very happy to meet at the entrance before she had to go to the interview that felt more like an integration.

“Right,” Alder continued, peering at the parchment filled with scribbles detailing Kat's lineage. “And what is it that you hope to explore at Nevermore Academy?”

“I want to learn about magic—real magic,” Kat replied, determination gleaming in her emerald eyes. “I’ve been told that my abilities are quite… profound.”

Headmaster Dash leaned forward, intrigued despite himself. “What kind of magic can you perform?”

“Gerti Goodwitch told me I'm proficient on all nine magic systems. I'm just not good at controlling them.” Kat admitted.

“Did you just say Gerti Goodwitch? Leader of the Goodwitch Coven and Aunt of Witch Queen Wendy?” The two heads said at the same time.

How many connections do these teenagers have?

First McFaddens, the Addams, Dr Harvey, and Now GERTI GOODWITCH’S NAME WAS DROPPED?!

As the realization of the connections around them settled in, a palpable tension hung heavy in the room. Alder and Dash exchanged sidelong glances, their minds racing at the implications of the names being tossed around like confetti. In the supernatural realm, lineage and reputation were everything, and each student brought with them the weight of their heritage.

“Let’s move on to you, Abaddon Scratch,” Headmaster Dash said, trying to regain control of the situation. His voice was steady, but curiosity glimmered in his eyes. “The missing prince of the Flame Kingdom.”

“Blair and I are still trying to figure things out since Volbragg is still at large in Fairland-” Hot Stuff started.

“I'm sorry, but who's Blair?” Alder asked as he finally noticed the name Blair O’Brien is listed as legal guardian.

“My wife,” Stretch growled, “And mortal Granddaughter of King Finvarra.”

Both heads of the monster hit the desk with a loud bang, “All students are accepted, please get out of my office.”

Stretch gave a sigh of relief, “Oh thank goodness I didn’t have to bring out the recommendation letter from a King Kibosh.”

“GET OUT!”

The three students filed out of Headmasters Alder and Dash's office, still trying to process the whirlwind of the interview. Once they stepped into the corridor of Nevermore Academy, the atmosphere seemed to shift. Suddenly, it felt electric with possibilities, thick with the whispers of ancient secrets and untold stories.

“Can you believe it?” Casper exclaimed, his pale cheeks flushed with excitement. “We’re actually in! I thought they were going to send us back home!”

Wednesday and her very colorful friend, Enid met with them, “How was it?”

Kat smiled, “I think we just broke the headmaster.”

Wednesday almost smiled, “Impressive, you only graced these halls for only an hour.”

Stretch gave the three teens a hug, “You kids need anything called Betelgeuse. He’ll get here way faster than I would.”

At that moment a familiar loud automobile was heard outside. Kat, Casper, and Hot Stuff looked out the nearest window and almost shouted in glee. Doomie, the living ‘51 Studebaker Commander, was pulling up the driveway with their friends from Virgil, Michigan.

“Ah,” Stretch smiled, observing the scene from the window, “That’s the surprise that Blair wanted you kids to have.” He reveled in their enthusiasm, knowing how desperately they had missed their friends and that the reunion would mean the world to them.

Casper, Kat, and Hot Stuff ran down to the driveway. The moment the car came to a stop, the three friends rocketed out of the Nevermore Academy entrance doors, hearts pounding with excitement. Thatch was the first to emerge from the car, and before he even fully exited, he found himself abruptly tackled by Casper in an exuberant embrace.

“Thatch! You’re here!” Casper giggled, laughing as he knocked Thatch off-balance.

Thatch looked at Casper in disbelief, “Casper? YOU'RE ALIVE?!”

Next came Mantha, who barely had time to catch her breath before Kat launched herself at her zombie friend, embracing her in a fierce hug that sent them both tumbling slightly onto the grass. “You too! I can’t believe it!” Kat squealed, her enthusiasm infectious. They had so much to catch up on.

While Wolfie and Ra managed to keep their footing with the small, energetic imp, the air buzzed with excitement as the group reconvened. Hugs became a whirlwind of chaos, a whirlwind of laughter filling the air. The mummy and werewolf tightened their hug with Hot Stuff.

Thatch’s fangs instinctively extended as his excitement turned into hunger.The smell of Casper's blood in his enhanced nose was too tempting for the young vampire.

Casper flinched a little, but let his friend feed, “Thatch? Do I taste good?” he asked, a goofy grin still plastered across his face.

Thatch removed his fangs quickly, licking the small puncture wounds closed with a worried expression. “Casper! You’re supposed to fight back. What would happen if I didn’t stop?”

Casper chuckled lightly, ruffling Thatch’s hair. “You would have stopped. I trust you,” he assured his friend.

Thatch, taken aback by the sheer trust, grabbed Casper into a tight headlock, pretending to wrestle him playfully. “You’re going to be taken advantage of, Stupid. I’m going to have to take care of you for the next two weeks.”

Kat and Mantha laughed as Kat introduced her zombie friend to her cousin, Wednesday. Mantha was taken aback that Kat is a blood relative of a Frump.

Enid was smiling like crazy, “Two more girlfriends! This is going to be the best summer ever!”

***

“Mantha!” Kat squealed when she saw the zombie girl in the room that she was assigned to.

“Kat!” The two hugged.

A knock on the door frame got their attention and saw Enid, “Look like we're neighbors. When I saw you getting up to my floor I knew I had to stalk ya, Kat.”

Kat walked up to her cousin’s friend, “Oh? Why's that?”

“Wednesday is in the room to the left.”

“My left or your left?” Kat blinked, her mind racing as she processed the information. The last thing she expected when she signed up to the two week summer program at Nevermore Academy was to reunite with her friends and send two weeks with her cousin that she never knew until less than a month ago.

And certainly not to discover that the enigmatic Wednesday Addams was just a wall away.

“Your left,” Enid confirmed, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

Mantha smiled excitedly, “You should go.”

Enid liked the zombie girl already, “You should come too, but let's give the cousins a minute or two.” The werewolf girl winked.

Kat couldn’t take it anymore and raced to the room. With a quick knock, she was surprised that Thing opened the door. Grinning, she picked up the living hand and walked in the room.

The moment she stepped inside, the atmosphere changed. The room was divided, a creative clash of light and dark, with one half draped in pastel colors reflecting Enid’s flamboyant personality, while the other wore shades of midnight reminiscent of Wednesday’s signature gothic style. It was an aesthetic symphony that resonated deeply within Kat, hinting at the intricate ties that bound her family together.

There, seated at a typewriter like a master conductor at an orchestra, was Wednesday, her fingers dancing over the keys with a rhythm all their own. The tapping of the keys produced a melody that filled the room, lulling Kat into a trance as she admired her cousin’s focused demeanor. Kat sat on Wednesday’s bed and listened to the music of the typewriter.

When the tapping stopped and the bed shifted to Wednesday's weight she almost missed the sound, “You could still write. I didn't mean to disturb your creative flow.”

Wednesday turned to her, gripping Kat’s hand with a surprising warmth. "I was at a good spot to stop. As much as I love to write mystery dramas, I also want to be with my long-lost cousin. I’m glad you’ve arrived. I assume you didn’t trip and fall on your way here.”

Kat squeezed Wednesday’s hand, shaking her head. This was the closest to a hug she would get from the perpetually stoic girl, yet it was enough. As her magic buzzed within her, she felt an inherent connection of love, worry, and fascination from Wednesday.
"Oh! Sorry Wednesday, I accidentally activated my magic," Kat blushed, lowering her gaze, but she didn’t let go.

“Which spell?” Wednesday inquired, her curiosity piqued.

“I think it’s called Heart Touch. A type of Psychic magic that creates an Empathetic connection between two people.”

“I think I feel your emotions as well. You’re nervous but full of familiar love.” Wednesday leveled her gaze at Kat, her dark eyes serious yet oddly comforting. “I will protect you.”

Thing held the girls intertwined hand and both of them felt the fiery protectiveness that the living hand has for both of them. An infectious smile spread across Kat's face—this was a connection she had never anticipated. It was strange, feeling emotions that weren’t entirely her own. The warmth of Wednesday’s stoicism wrapped around her like a comforter, and she reveled in the knowledge of their budding relationship.

A voice broke through the bubble of intimacy. “Is it safe for Mantha and I to come in?” Enid peeked through the crack of the door, her usual upbeat energy ever-present.

Wednesday acted deadpanned, but Kat felt the positive emotions that her cousin felt with Enid. Mantha’s head popped from under Enid. Mantha's hand was seen holding her head up by her hair.

Kat laughed, “Mantha! Wouldn't taking your eye out be a more effective way to peek?”

Mantha's head smiled as it spoke, “I find using only the eye looks way to pervy. At least with the entire head, people can see my attention.”

Wednesday already approved of this girl's friendship with her cousin. “Enid, this is as much your room as mine.”

Enid took that as an invitation and dragged the zombie girl to her side of the room. Mantha popped her head back in place as Enid smiled at the two cousins. “You two look so much alike! We should totally dress Kat to look like Wednesday and see if her friends can recognize her.”

Mantha laughed, her head bouncing in agreement. “Thatch and Wolfie would definitely recognize her by her smell.”

“Yeah, but would Casper and Hot Stuff recognize me?” Kat added.

“Makeover!” Enid and Mantha chimed together, a melody of enthusiasm

Wednesday reluctantly let go of Kat’s hand, breaking the empathic bond. She walked to her closet, pulling out a spare black uniform. Kat watched in awe as Wednesday carefully selected the pieces, her movements graceful yet purposeful.

As Kat glanced at her reflection, her heart raced with a mix of excitement and dread. The black fabric enveloped her like a second skin, contrasting sharply against her fair complexion. Enid and Mantha flitted around her like butterflies, transforming her into an echo of Wednesday with playful pigtails and ghostly pale powder dusted on her cheeks.

Wednesday even added a pair of black lace gloves and a silver raven brooch, her expression remained as flat as always. Yet there was a flicker of something in her eyes. "You can borrow this for the time being," she said, fastening the brooch onto Kat’s collar—an unspoken bond solidifying their relationship.

Kat spun in front of the mirror, her reflection a surreal blend of both cousins. “This is... incredible,” she murmured, laughter bubbling forth.

“Perfectly macabre,” Wednesday replied dryly, a hint of her own amusement peeking through her stoicism. Kat felt a swell of unexpected warmth from her cousin’s gaze. “Prepare yourself, Kat. Your first mission is to be utterly unsociable during lunch and not to smile.”

As they made their way down the dimly lit corridors of Nevermore Academy, Kat felt exhilarated. Each step reverberated with the magic of shared secrets and the comfort found in the eccentricities that connected them.

When they reached the food area, the atmosphere shifted; it was as if the very walls twisted to breathe in the tension. Kat followed Wednesday to where her friends awaited. Hot Stuff looked up, his jaw dropping in exaggerated surprise. “Okay! Which one of you is Kat Harvey?”

Casper laughed, “Oh God. The potential chaos.”

Thatch and Wolfie, recognizing her right away as predicted by smell, watched with amused eyes, waiting for the game of recognition to unfold.

“Wait a second...” Casper scrutinized them, shifting closer. After a thoughtful pause, he beamed, “That’s Kat!”

Hot Stuff double-checked. “Are you sure?”

“One hundred percent positive that’s my girl,” Casper confirmed, his pride apparent.

Ra wasn't completely convinced, but Casper knew her longer. If anyone could guess correctly it was him.

Kat finally cracked a smile, “Oh My God! Keeping up with Wednesday's facial expressions was harder than it looks. I was trying so hard not to smile.”

“You lasted much longer than I anticipated, cousin,” The Addams girl looked at Kat with dry humor.

“Completely deadpanned.” Thatch said, shaking his head, “Remind me not to play poker with you.”

As Kat sat down next to Wednesday, the two were astonishingly in sync, mirroring each other's actions like a sinister reflection coming to life. The only difference was that Kat was smiling. Her enthusiasm seemed to radiate, creating a ripple effect… of awkwardness among the students not at their table.

The onlookers around them paused, their forks hovering mid-air as they processed this unusual sight. It was a spectacle—two shades of darkness, one adorned with a rare brightness that caught them off guard with a face too similar to the most unhinged student in the academy.

One siren, a girl with cascading curls and a mischievous streak, leaned toward her friends and whispered, “What’s the deal with those two? Could they be any more terrifying?”

Both Kat and Wednesday ignored the whispers and stares and only focused on their lunch and friends. Kat was cheerfully talking to Thatch and the others as she, Casper, and Hot Stuff were excited about what their friends from Virgil were up to.

The trio haven't seen them since they helped defeat Slenderman and his kidnapping cult. Wednesday was livid when she heard that Crittenden kidnapped her cousin and was planning to sacrifice her and Casper to Slenderman of all demons.

Wednesday held Kat’s hand. Her face is still stiff and unfeeling, the complete opposite of a whirlwind of negative emotions. She plans on hunting every surviving cult member and giving them a slow death.

“So what kind of activities will we be having in the next two weeks?” Hot Stuff asked.

Kat, Casper, Hot Stuff were in the two week summer program at Nevermore Academy to learn how to adjust to their new status in life. Thatch, Mantha, Wolfie, and Ra were there to have fun. While Wednesday, Enid, and all the other Nevermore Academy students were there because their education was cut short by the attack of the school and the death of the principal.

“Music and Art is popular.” Edin smiled at the others.

Wednesday was intrigued, “Anyone else knows how to play an instrument? I can play the cello.”

Thatch tried to look aloof as possible, “I could play the piano.”

Wolfie awkwardly raised his hand, “I could play the drums…”

“And I can play the violin!” Mantha said with energy.

Ra smiled, “I could play guitar.”

The camaraderie sparked a glow within Kat’s heart. “Everyone is so musically talented!” she exclaimed, glancing at Casper. “Casper! Blair told you to pack up your bagpipes.”

Casper gave a thumbs up, his usual grin lighting up his face. “They’re in Thatch’s and my room.”

With a practical tone, Enid suggested, “After lunch, we should go to the music room.”

Their budding excitement was suddenly interrupted by a loud voice from across the hall. A gorgon snorted derisively, “You’re so stupid if you think you guys can make bagpipes cool!”

Casper’s expression darkened, but before he could respond, his spirit ignited with determination. In the blink of an eye, he vanished to his dorm room and returned with his beloved bagpipes cradled in his arms.

Charging straight into the challenge, he began to play “Thunderstruck.” The bold and rhythmic notes reverberated throughout the grand hall, shaking off the apathy of the earlier snide remarks. It was as if the sound itself had a life of its own, capturing the attention of students scattered about, lost in their own conversations.

The anticipation in the air was palpable, and the thrill of Casper’s unexpected bagpipe performance lit a fire in the hearts of the students. Kat couldn't help but beam as she watched her friend take ownership of the moment, transforming what had begun as a potential embarrassment into a spectacle of defiance and artistry. The gorgon’s disdain had ignited a fire, and Casper expertly wielded his bagpipes like a wand, casting a spell of camaraderie.

Without realizing it, students began to congregate around Casper, entranced by the unique blend of rock-infused bagpipes. The once-divided space now fostered a sense of unity as the music swirled, wrapping around the gathering crowd like a warm blanket.

Kat, Hot Stuff, and their friends were immersed in the atmosphere, reveling in the moment when the unexpected happened. Just as the music reached a crescendo, the two-headed headmasters, Alder and Dash, emerged from a side door. Their presence immediately commanded attention.

As the last notes of “Thunderstruck” echoed off the ornate walls, Casper looked up, breathless but euphoric. His friends surged forward, wrapping him in a jubilant hug. “That was amazing!” Kat exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “You turned their mockery into something epic!”

“Heck yeah!” chimed Hot Stuff, a fiery grin spreading across his features. “You just bagpiped the room into submission!”

“Alright. Calm down,” Alder called out, though his smirk suggested he was far from upset. He surveyed the eclectic group, then zeroed in on Casper. “I knew you three would be trouble,” he added playfully, glancing at Kat and Hot Stuff. “At least we have a music program that’s perfect for you kids.”

Dash nodded, a wry smile dancing on his face. “You and your friends can do a concert at Jericho in a few days.”

A voice cried out from a nearby table, a vampire sporting an exaggerated pout. “You don’t want Wednesday Addams to play a concert in Jericho! She caused a lot of chaos that day.”

Wednesday stood up gracefully, her gaze steady. “My cousin is with me. I wouldn’t cause any mayhem.” Her declaration sent a ripple of laughter through the crowd, mingling with exclamations of disbelief.

“We’ll see.” Alder and Dash smiled at the teens.

***

Back at Whipstaff Manor, a cold draft swept through the forgotten corridors, stirring dust motes that danced in the faint glimmer of the moonlight. The phone rang, slicing through the stillness. An ancient rotary phone sat atop a mahogany table, its surface marred with age. The receiver floated off the cradle as if carried by an unseen hand.

“Myst here,” came the ethereal voice, tinged with a hint of spooky charm. “Dr. James Harvey’s Office, Therapist of the Deceased and the Grievance. How may I help you?”

Alder, his voice thick with skepticism, replied, “We are looking for one of the guardians of a Casper McFadden—”

“One moment, I’ll get Ms. O’Brien on the phone,” Myst interrupted with an airy efficiency that only a ghost could muster.

In the span of a heartbeat, the atmosphere shifted as a new voice emerged, smooth and mesmerizing. “Blair here. Is Casper alright?”

“Casper is fine!” Dash responded with too much enthusiasm, his dual head nodding fervently. “Casper made an opportune concert on the first day he was here.”

“What song?” came Blair’s cautious query.

Alder exchanged glances with Dash, incredulous. “AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck?’”

Blair’s frown was palpable even over the phone. “Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ would have a bigger turnout.”

The brothers burst into laughter, a sound that echoed playfully through the manor. “We would like your permission for Casper to have a concert at Jericho,” Dash proposed, excitement bubbling beneath his surface.

“Who are his bandmates and their instruments?” Blair asked, her voice curious, as if already planning the logistics in her head.

“Some children from Virgil, Minnesota,” Dash replied while shifting through the list scrawled on parchment. “Thatch Bates on piano, Mantha Ammonite on violin, Augustine ‘Wolfie’ Holt on drums, Ra Abdel on guitar, and Wednesday Addams on the cello.”

Sounds of shuffling papers filled the air as Blair rummaged through her memorabilia, likely digging for something special. “Ah! Found it. When did you say the concert was?”

“In five days,” Dash said, his tone almost giddy.

“That’s no time at all,” Blair mused, falling silent as she began an incantation. “Though I know I should be wary, I still venture to someplace scary. Ghostly hauntings I let loose. Betelgeuse. Betelgeuse. Betelgeuse.”

In an instant, a swirling cloud materialized, revealing the mischievous face of Betelgeuse. “It’s showtime!” he exclaimed, wide-eyed with excitement.

Blair smiled, though there was a hint of apology in her gaze. “Sorry to summon you for such a mundane errand, but can you deliver these music sheets to Nevermore Academy?”

“Sure, but you’ve got me curious,” Betel replied, taking the sheets with a delicacy usually reserved for precious artifacts. “What’s the occasion?”

“Casper and his band are going to have a concert in five days,” she stated, her tone imbued with pride for her spectral charge.

“Is that the Academy on the phone?” Betelgeuse pointed at the receiver, still crackling with energy.

“Oh yes, the Substitute Summer Principal is calling—” Blair began, but before she could finish, Betel mischievously snatched the phone, tucking the rolled music sheets into the mouthpiece.

On the other side of the line, Alder and Dash were in the middle of a spirited discussion when a hand, translucent and ethereal, reached out from the phone grasping the very music sheets they had been discussing. Alder took them, marveling at the neatness of the delivery. “Neat trick.”

“Seriously, where did that come from?” Dash mused, tracing the faint inscriptions on the music sheets. As he read the notes, his excitement mounted, each line a promise of the magic that would unfold. “This… This is perfect.”

Blair's voice came out of the phone, “I recommend putting the concert at a later date in order for it to be truly perfect, but I guarantee that the concert will be a big hit.”

“Are you saying that we should delay the concert?” Alder asked, brow furrowed.

“Not delayed,” Blair clarified. “Think of it as honing the craft. Let Casper and his friends practice, prepare, and really make this their moment. Give them a chance to find their sound and bring the house down like it deserves.”

The brothers exchanged glances, nods of understanding mixed with excitement sparking between them. “Alright, we will get to work!” Alder said with newfound determination.

With that, the call ended, and the two brothers hastily plotted the next five days of practice. Blair did have a point. The summer program was only two weeks long and the first day was just ending.

***

“Why is this so hard?!” Wolfie groaned. He looked at the music sheets and listened to his band mates. It took so much willpower not to throw his drumsticks. Drums were so easy to learn when he first started playing a year prior, but this song was proven to be a challenge.

Casper somehow mastered the song instantly, mainly because one of his favorite hobbies was listening to rock music and playing his bagpipes with the music. This song was one of his favorites.

Casper would help the others with their parts. He even partnered Wednesday and Mantha together since the strings would complement each other. Casper wrinkled his brow, fumbling with his bagpipes as he helped his bandmates. The first rehearsal had been a cacophony of soaring notes and stumbles, with Wolfie’s frustrated moans blending with Mantha’s melodic violin.

“It’s just a matter of practice,” Casper reassured them. The ethereal glow from the manor’s lanterns flickered against the backdrop of lush trees, their leaves whispering sweet nothings as he commanded the camaraderie that existed among them. “We only have a few days, but we can make this happen.”

“Easier said than done,” Wolfie grumbled. The drummer tapped an irritated beat on his knee, the rhythm barely containing his vexation. “I can’t keep up with that rock rhythm! It’s like trying to learn a new language while someone’s throwing confetti at you.”

Kat, Hot Stuff, and Enid entered the music classroom with water and snacks, “You guys should take a break. It's only the first day of practice.”

“We also have all of our other school projects to work on as well.” Wednesday said with a sigh. “I still have my lessons to go to as well.”

“Luckily Wednesday and I have the same classes so I could get notes and stuff if Wednesday needs help,” Enid beamed, “Students of Nevermore Academy are mainly taking Academic Classes to catch up from the school year ending early.”

Wednesday looked up at the clock and set her cello in its case, “Enid, we have class in fifteen minutes. We should go.”

“Oh.” Kat looked at the clock as well and grabbed her bag, “I have a magic tutor as well. I’ll see you soon.”

“Good luck!” Casper waved the girls bye, “Wolfie? Do you have any classes? You and I can work together.”

“Ah, no. Not for another hour. It's a public speaking class….” Wolfie didn't know why he was admitting it or why he was embarrassed, “I’m hoping it'll give me confidence…”

Thatch looked at him playfully as he got up from the piano, “It’s only your second day here. You're ain't going to be perfect the first time.”

“Let's try again,” Casper squeezed his bagpipes and started to play the song. Giving Wolfie time to play.

Wolfie took a breath, resolutely setting one foot in front of the other as he leaned into the rhythm. He counted in his head—one, two, three, four—before allowing the vibration of the drum to resonate with the other instruments. The sound seemed to float, weaving its way through the room, and for a fleeting moment, he felt something click into place.

As they played, the cacophony began to morph into something almost melodic. It was still rough around the edges, but there was potential, an energy that buzzed through the air. Wolfie wouldn’t be defeated. He knew that if he could muscle through this, they would all emerge stronger.

“See?” Casper grinned, showcasing a mouthful of overzealous enthusiasm. “Now it’s starting to come together!”

Wolfie stopped and took a deep breath, “It's getting earlier…. But I need a break.” Wolfie got up and headed down the hallway to the restroom.

He made it inside when he was pushed against the wall, “Hey Auguatha! Did you miss us?”

“Moss? Slither?” Wolfie whimpered, “Let go of me.”

Moss smirked, “Freak is in the wrong restroom and she wants us to let her go?”

“This girl is just asking for it.” Slither started to punch Wolfie in the ribs.

Wolfie wanted to get an amulet that Mantha gave him from his pocket. Once the amulet is activated it will give the others an alert that something is wrong with him, but he couldn't reach it. His tormentors have his arms pinned.

Suddenly the bathroom door slammed open and vines were wrapped around the two gorgons. Thatch stood over the trapped monsters with a snarl, “Moss and Slither? I haven't seen you two since I chased you fuck nuggets out of Virgil.”

Casper steps next to Thatch, being careful not to loosen the vines, “You know these bullies?”

“Used to be one of them, until they killed one of our classmates back in Virgil.” Thatch’s eyes glowed red, “I thought I told you to leave Wolfie alone.”

“She's the one th-”

Sand flew in the room as Ra smiled evilly towards the two parents, “He. Wolfie’s pronouns are he/him. You know I have been dying to test this new curse.”

Moss and Slither’s eyes widened, “Please don't.”

“FROM NOW ON YOU WILL NEVER BE PHYSICALLY ABLE TO MISS GENDER OR DEAD NAME ANYONE AGAIN!” Casper and Thatch let go of the horrible teens. Ra, still smiling, looked at them with a sick glee. “Sadly the curse is still in its experimental stage. If you somehow managed to miss gender or dead name someone, your heads might explode.”

As Thatch and Casper stood tall protectively, the two gorgons recoiled against the wall, still bound by magical vines that twisted around them like the very roots of a soul bent on revenge. Wolfie, trembling slightly, looked to his friends for reassurance. Their presence felt like a shield against the oncoming storm.

"Moss, Slither, you goons," Thatch snarled, his red eyes flickering with anger, "I thought we were done with you after the fiasco at Virgil."

Moss, his arrogance crumbling, tried to maintain some semblance of bravado. “We’re just having a little fun, right? No harm in that.” The feigned casualness fell flat – even he knew it.

Casper adjusted his bagpipes nervously, trying to channel a calming energy into the room. "You call this fun? Jumping someone in a restroom?"

Ra stepped forward, an ominous grin on his face illuminated by the dim fluorescent lights above. “You see, Moss and Slither,” he said, lacing his words with a dramatic flair, “I’ve been waiting for this moment. I think you owe Wolfie an apology, don’t you?”

Wolfie remained against the wall, still feeling the pressure from where Moss had shoved him moments before. He drew courage from Ra’s unexpected fierceness. “Yeah,” he said, quieter but steadier than he felt. “I’d like that.”

The gorgons exchanged glances, confusion flashing in their eyes. “Apologize to a freak?” Slither scoffed, though there was a hint of trepidation in his tone.

Casper looked up at the gorgons, “Last time I checked we’re all freaks here.” Casper's vines squeezed tighter, “But you two seem to be a special kind of freaks. If you keep going through this path, Porta Inferni will get involved.”

“Tsk. Acting like you know them-”

Casper started to play a melody on his bagpipes. The ghostly melody was oddly familiar. A tapping sound was heard from the bathroom mirrors.

Thatch looked at the mirror and nearly fainted, “Casper! Did you really summon Freddy Krueger?”

Casper smiled as his vines moved Moss and Slither to Freddy's eye view from the mirror. “Hello, Mr Krueger. Sorry if I caught you at a busy time.”

“Young McFadden!” The Nightmare King smiled back at Casper, “What can I help you with? I take it it has something to do with the boys wrapped in vines?”

“Moss and Slither. Gorgons who are in a summer program at Nevermore Academy at the moment.” Casper's smile dropped, “They have a bad habit of jumping people in school restrooms.”

Freddy’s eyes gleamed with mischief, the corners of his mouth curling into a sinister grin. “Is that so?” His sharp claws sliced through the air as he leaned closer toward the mirror, peering intently at the trapped gorgons. “I do love a good lesson in manners. Don’t you, boys?”

Moss and Slither squirmed, their bravado crumbling under the weight of Freddy’s gaze. “Wait, wait!” Slither shouted, fear painting his features. “We didn’t mean anything by it! It was just a joke!”

Wolfie, still leaning against the cool tiles, found a flicker of newfound strength. “That’s more than a joke, Slither. You don’t jump people in restrooms and call it fun. You’re bullies.” His voice gained volume as he spoke, shaking off some of the timidness that usually colored his words.

Freddy tapped a claw to his chin, “Elvira has nothing better to do. I can send her to Nevermore for an anti-bullying seminar. I will have to contact the school though.”

Ra got some courage and waved at the Porta Inferni Elder, “It was just a run of the mill bullying.”

“There's no such thing as a run of the mill bullying.” Freddy stated.

“No, I mean it was a hate crime since the one being bullied is trans.”

“WHAT?!” Chucky Lee Ray jumped one Freddy's head, knocking his fedora off. The doll points at the mirror, “Forget Elvira! I’ll go and straighten these kids up.”

Wolfie couldn't believe what was happening. Just moments ago, he felt trapped and fearful in the restroom corner, and now he stood with a strange sense of empowerment, surrounded by friends—Casper, Thatch, and Ra—against the backdrop of impending chaos from his old tormentors, Moss and Slither.

As Chucky’s caustic laughter echoed through the bathroom, the gorgons exchanged panicked glances, their bravado completely shattered. “You can’t just—this isn’t fair!” Moss protested, sweat beading on his brow as he realized the storm brewing around them.

“Fair?” Ra challenged, his confidence radiating from every inch of him. “What’s fair about you two picking on Wolfie simply because he dares to be himself? You think that this is a game?”

“You know what’s not a game?” Thatch's booming voice cut in. “Bullying someone until they feel like they have no one to turn to. It’s not just cruel—it’s pathetic.”

Freddy leaned closer to the mirror, his sinister smile widening. He didn't have to say much since his mere presence was enough to send chills to the bullies’ spines.

“You can’t be serious! You’ll regret this!” Moss stammered, inching backward until he was met with the unforgiving wall of the bathroom.

“No, no. This isn’t how it works.” Slither swallowed hard. “We were only playing! Right? We just thought we were having some fun!”

A scaly claw opened the bathroom door. A dragonborn teacher came into an odd sight. Two gorgons crying while wrapped in vines. A ghost, werewolf, and vampire was talking to the Nightmare King himself through a mirror. The teacher looked at Freddy, “Sire, contact through mirrors is against the rules in this sch-”

“The two gorgons were bullying a trans student, making it a hate crime.” Freddy said in an aloof manner. “While I do understand the importance of safety with mirror contact, I will be getting hold of of the principal of Nevermore for a seminar.”

Moss turned to the teacher, his voice full of panic. “We didn’t do anything! They’re just—”

“Enough!” The teacher interrupted sharply. “I wasn’t asking for your side. Until you contact the headmaster I will handle this.”

Freddy nodded, “Casper? You can let go.”

The vines loosened and fell off the gorgons as the teacher blew smoke at the bullies, “You follow me.”

Casper, Ra, and Thatch followed the teacher and bullies to the headmasters office. Casper waved at Freddy and Chucky who waved back before the glass cleared and turned back to a normal mirror.

***

“How many connections do you have, McFadden?” The question floated in the tense air of the conference room, its implications heavy. Casper McFadden shrugged, a mix of annoyance and amusement bubbling beneath his calm exterior.

Alder and Dash believed the admissions of Casper, Kat, and Hot Stuff into the elite summer program were mere coincidences—maybe even a touch of leniency, a classic case of nepalism. That was before they'd noticed the name drops, the scarcely veiled references of supernatural royalties, and now the presence of the beautiful sorceress draped over his desk, perusing the situation with a bemused smile.

The headmasters were starting to have a stomach ache, but they didn't take any pills. Sharing a stomach made it complicated to figure out which head took what medicine. As both of their faces scrunched up uncomfortably, not even the enchantress on the desk seemed to ease their discomfort.

“Ms. Elvira?” Casper redirected his gaze with a mix of irritation and urgency. “Would you please be kind enough to sit in one of the chairs? This is important.”

Elvira flicked her raven-black hair over her shoulder, the light reflecting off it like the shimmer of a spell. "Oh but I need to be closer to the headmasters," she replied, a playful glint in her eye. "We can talk about the anti-bully seminar much more effectively this way. Besides," she added, leaning in on the two headed monster, “this way I can hear you better. You’re all so..." she paused for effect, "...serious.”

Casper’s frustration bubbled to the surface. “Ms. Elvira,” he repeated, trying to keep his voice steady, “we’re trying to address a serious issue here. The victim was my friend who happened to be trans!”

The air crackled with tension as she undoubtedly felt the weight of his words. Her playful demeanor shifted, eyes softening. Normally, she would use her charm to unsettle her opponents, but Nevermore Academy was a different battlefield—one where manipulation could backfire against the hormonal teens they were trying to protect..

“Of course. Bullying a protected group is serious business,” she nodded, locking eyes with him. “Young McFadden, the victim was your friend. How should we proceed to ensure the students understand the gravity of the hate crime?”

Casper looked down, biting his lip. “I told Moss and Slither that the path they’re taking will eventually entangle them with Porta Inferni,” he uttered. “Inferni has dealt with worse, and clearly, their lessons have gone unheard.”

“Exactly,” Kat piped in, her voice steady. “We need to show the school what it means to have a consequence. Maybe we arrange for them and everyone else to listen directly to someone from Porta Inferni.”

“Which is where I came in.” Elvira clapped her hands, “Sadly I can't give too many details on what Porta Inferni goes to protect the world from supernatural evil.”

The room fell silent, the gravity of their situation pressing down on them like the weight of a dark cloud. Casper felt the tension coiling tighter, each moment stretching out like an eternity.

He turned back to the two headmasters, Alder and Dash, their expressions painted with a blend of concern and confusion. "My friend wasn't just bullied; they were targeted for who they are. We can’t let this stand. It shows a lack of respect for all students at Nevermore Academy.”

“We should make an example out of the two.” Dash nodded, “My worry is how to do it without traumatizing the student body too much.”

Hot Stuff raised his hand, “Can we share my story?”

Kat looked at Hot Stuff, “You weren't bullied though? You were kidnapped and enslaved.”

Alder and Dash’s eyes widened. They didn't realize that the three teens in front of them had their own stories.

“Lydia Deetz said,” Hot Stuff puffed out his chest as he quoted the medium, "trauma is trauma, regardless if you're drowning 3 in’ or 30 feet you're still dying.”

“Hot Stuff,” Elvira said softly, “your courage is commendable, but we need to focus on the broader issue right now. This isn’t just about one person, it’s about creating a safe space for everyone at Nevermore.”

He deflated a little, nodding in understanding, but the spark in his eyes remained. His own past had shaped him; the horrors he endured fostered a fierce loyalty—not just to his friends, but to the ideals of acceptance they fought for.

“Casper’s right,” Kat interjected, her tone fierce. “This isn’t just isolated. If we don’t act, we’re sending a message that hate is okay, and it’s not. Making an example out of Moss and Slither could save someone else from a similar fate down the line.”

Alder scratched at the scales on his chin. “But how do we do it? We don’t want to become bullies ourselves in the process.” Alder, with his phony thoughtful demeanor and furrowed brow, struggled to find a solution that wouldn't escalate the situation further. Dash, his brother, was solely concerned about maintaining Nevermore's pristine image and preserving the school's reputation. Both cared little for justice or the well-being of the students, as long as the Academy stayed out of the papers.

Why did the werewolf have to be trans? Not only that but why did the McFadden-Harvey kids have to be the ones involved? Why did Casper have to call Porta Inferni?

The headmasters knew they would be trouble. They were hoping that the band would get the teens too busy to get under their scales, but alas no such luck. Exhibit C was right in front of the two headed monster in a skintight tight, low cut black dress and outrageous beehive of a hair style.

Elvira smiled as if she could read both the two headed monster’s minds. “This is only the second day of a two week summer program. A 90 minute seminar will suffice, but the two bullies must be punished.” Elvira smiles true wicked, “I do need assistance with a little problem I am having. Sometimes Porta Inferni uses outside help to think outside of the box.”

“Community service?” Alder and Dash liked that idea, “You wouldn't be after Soulsucker or Hell Escapees?”

“Oh! Nonono! I need ingredients for a potion. A potion that I have been working on to undo the Gorgon Stone effect faster than the standard timeframe.”

Alder and Dash, relieved at the seemingly benign suggestion, were quick to agree. They seized upon the idea of community service like a drowning man clutching at a straw. They were oblivious to Elvira's subtle manipulation, her careful weaving of words to achieve her goals, and the subtle threat hidden within her request.

Kat Harvey on the other hand saw the implications and smiled. Moss and Slither will be more than happy to work a day or two with the Mistress of Darkness, until they realize that they are the ingredients she needs.

Elvira's request for assistance was a carefully crafted ploy, the "potion" a smokescreen for her true agenda. Kat, with a silent understanding, squeezed Hot Stuff's hand, a silent plea for him to hold his peace, for now, the fight for justice was taking a new, unexpected turn.

“Ms Elvira? When will the anti-bully seminar be ready?” Dash asked, wanting to get the three teens and sorceress out of the headmaster office.

“In two days. Not only would I have my potion done, but I would have the fell of the school to see how…. I need to be firm.” Elvira’s twinkle with dark mischief.

Chapter 19: Bullies and Boos

Summary:

Day 3 & 4 of the Nevermore Summer Arc

October is also National Bullying Awareness Month.

The next day, chaos reigned supreme at Nevermore Academy. Whispers echoed through the hallowed halls and laughter erupted in clusters, each pack of students throwing glances toward Casper and his friends like they were the stars of some macabre show. Rumors sparked like wildfire — Casper, Kat, and Hot Stuff had somehow managed to coax Elvira Talbot to hangout in the school.

Moss and Slither stayed clear of Wolfie. That is if they had the energy to do so. They look sickly from having their Gorgon Snake Venom milked and tears gathered by the Mistress of the Dark.

Casper was worried that intervening the way he did made him a bully and Wolfie’s bullies became victims themselves. But Casper shook his head and self-reasoned that what the gorgons were dealing with is nothing compared to them jumping a trans werewolf.

And Wolfie had been sticking to Casper like glue ever since, seeking refuge in the camaraderie he had found. If not by Casper's side, he could be spotted next to Thatch, who had a knack for soothing anxieties with his aloof attitude and scary demeanor.

The crowded hallways didn’t affect their music practice, nor did it influence their determination. Wolfie had transformed, adopting an odd air of confidence as he worked the drums like his life depended on it. The beats reverberated through the room, echoing off the walls and blossoming into a rhythm that resonated with everyone around them.

In moments of downtime, they would casually jam together, their instruments blending like colors on a palette. Thatch’s fingers danced elegantly across the ivory keys of the piano, each note dripping with emotion. Mantha rocked her violin so fervently that her bow began to emit wisps of smoke, a testament to her fiery passion. Ra strummed his guitar, his hands graceful despite the tangled wrappings that adorned his arms, while Wednesday gilded her black cello over her shoulder, summoning a rich, somber melody that was hauntingly beautiful.

And then there was Casper, with his bagpipes — peculiar yet enchanting, producing a sound that filled the air with a haunting elegance, a weird undertone that brought a ghostly charm to the group's sound.

As they rehearsed, whispers of what had transpired the previous day continued to swirl around them. Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. The name alone sent shivers down spines and stoked the flames of gossip. She was a legend, the dark queen of the gothic scene, and the mere thought of her roaming the halls of Nevermore Academy was enough to leave students pale with envy and dread.

“And what do you think she’d do if she walked in here?” Mantha mused, her eyes bright with mischief.

“She could probably turn us all into toads,” Thatch replied, rolling his eyes, though a playful shiver ran down his spine.

Just as a shared chuckle filled the air, the unmistakable sound of stiletto heels clicking against the floor interrupted the atmosphere. The laughter stilled, and an electric silence enveloped the group as they turned to find none other than Elvira herself, leaning casually against the doorframe with an amused smile playing on her lips.

“Not quite the welcome I expected,” she purred, a wicked twinkle in her eye.

The hallways outside seemed to freeze, the chaos momentarily subdued as students stared with wide eyes. Here was the legendary figure stepping into their midst, defying every rumor that had ever emerged about her. As Casper noticed Wolfie's jaw drop, he felt a rush of apprehension and excitement blend together like paint on a canvas.

Her red lips widened, “You guys got a name for your band?”

Casper blushed, “We’re still working on it.”

“Which one of you is the leader? Which one of you is the Steve Harris of this particular Iron Maiden?” Elvira smiled gleefully as she pointed to Casper, “It's you… You’ve been helping everyone with their parts,” she continued, her red lips curling into a playful smile. “It probably means you should take a little more… authoritative role, don’t you think?”

Casper blinked, his heart racing. “I… uh…” he stuttered, searching for words that were lost in the onslaught of nerves. The other members of their music group exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of encouragement and incredulity. “We’re just having fun, really. We haven’t thought about a name or anything like that.”

“Even though you, spectrals, are having a concert in a few days?” Elvira smirked. “But that's not why I'm here!”

Elvira pushed herself off the doorframe and sauntered further into the practice room, her heels clicking confidently against the floor. She stepped in front of the band’s drummer and gave out her hand for a shake, “You're Wolfie, correct?”

Wolfie blushed as he took Elvira’s hand, “Yes, ma’am. Thank you for doing the seminar. I can't wait for tomorrow!”

“What a sweet boy.” Elvira gave Wolfie a pat on the head, “Word about you being trans had also spread and I wanted you to tell me if anyone is bothering you, okay?”

“Yes, Ma’am!”

She then turned back to Casper, “Young man. I'm glad you called Porta Inferni, but understand that we are busy people and can't always bail you out on the spot. You were lucky this time.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Casper blushed as red as Wolfie, “I didn't mean to abuse of my connection-”

“Oh nononono! You misunderstood me, Casper.” Elvira smiled apologetically, “I'm just letting you know that we shouldn't be your Plan A, but rather your Plan C just in case we can't make it.”

Thatch, who had been silently observing, couldn’t help but ask, “Will you be at the concert?” His voice was steady, though the rest of his body betrayed him with an excited fidget.

Elvira’s laughter danced through the room, enchanting and light. “That’s the idea, dear Thatch.” She waved a finger playfully. “Might have to see what you all conjure up.”

***

“Thanks, Jareth.” Blair said as she the Goblin King lent her a hand off the ghost ship. She turned towards her Ghostly pirate family, “Uncles, would you like to join us?”

Cappy smiled at her sweetly, “We appreciate the offer but it's best if we stay on the ship.”

Beaky gave her a hug, “We will be right here if you need a clean getaway.”

With a smile she rejoined the others. Stretch looked at his wife pointedly, “You're sure you're okay? You said Volbragg might still be lurking here.”

Blair nodded. She tried to keep her Dream Visions a secret, but after too many mornings of her waking up screaming her husband decided to gather his brothers to check the revived Flame Kingdom.

He asked Kibosh for some assistance to check on his foster son’s land and its regrowth. Since Hot Stuff have claimed the throne the land has been regenerating. Kibosh was fascinated, but was busy with his royal duties. So he sent Snivel in his stead.

Snivel was already gathering the flora of the Flame Kingdom. “Ember Lilies!!! They were practically extinct. Now there's bushels!” He carefully cut it to be placed in a bag for the Netherland’s royal scientists and one that he’s determined to hold as a part of a bouquet for King Kibosh’s office.

Fireys were already frolicking around their old homeland. A vivid tapestry of colors flourished under the burgeoning light—brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows—mirroring the flickering flames that danced within the majestic trees of the Flame Kingdom.

Jareth let them be as his group led the McFaddens to the old castle ruins. They passed more lilies, peonies, gazanias, celosias, and daisies in unusual flame-like colors and visuals.

Snivel’s bouquet was getting comically large and the sample bags bulged in a sack that the ghost took out of nowhere.

Ghost Logic is just as annoying as Fey Logic, thought Blair as she rolled her eyes as she stepped into the ruins.

The horror of fighting a flame giant inside these ruins hit her only mildly. As she noticed that every inch of the castle ruins were covered in crimson ivy. The vibrant red was a stark contrast of the black stone from her memories. The only thing that remained untouched of foliage was the gilded throne.

Jareth looked at the throne, “We should move the throne to my castle for safety. I don't like it being in the elements.”

Snivel inspected it, “Oddly enough it doesn't look like it's been damaged by the elements… Is it because the Scratch Heir has laid claim on it?”

Stinky, who was overhead looking for any sign of Volbragg, shouted down, “I really hope that's the case. I know Hot Stuff isn't ready to be the Flame Kingdom, but I really hope we can fix the damage that giant did to the land before his coronation.”

Fatso looked around, “A lot of work that needs to be done.”

Blair inhaled deeply, her senses overwhelmed by the scents wafting through the air—a mixture of charred wood and fragrant blooms. The transformation of the Flame Kingdom was astounding, yet it was impossible to ignore the remnants of the previous chaos that had left its mark on the land. As she navigated the ruins of the once-menacing castle, the crimson ivy clung to the stones, like blood seeping into the foundation of her past.

“Stay close, love,” Stretch murmured, his voice low and protective. He cast a wary glance toward the gaping shadows formed by the crumbling walls, remnants of memories she’d rather forget.

“I’m fine,” she assured him, trying to sound more confident than she felt. The fear of Volbragg—the cruel flame giant who once sought to claim the throne for himself—still loomed in her mind like a dark cloud.

“As long as we stick together, we’ll be okay,” Jareth said, his gaze unwavering, as he surveyed the ruins. The Goblin King had a way of projecting an air of confidence, and Blair found it comforting. She appreciated his presence, though his enigmatic power sometimes felt a little too close for comfort, reminding her of the line she constantly toed between two worlds.

“Look at that!” Snivel exclaimed, a ghostly glint in his eye as he hoisted his bulging sack of samples. “Even in ruin, this place yields wonders!” He pointed at a cluster of fiery-hued flowers twisting through the ivy, beacons of vibrancy amid decay.

“Those Ember Lilies are truly special,” Jareth remarked, focusing his gaze on Snivel. “They are a symbol of rebirth for this kingdom. If Hot Stuff has laid claim to the throne and safeguarded it, then the Flame Kingdom is indeed on the path to restoration.”

“Yeah, and what about Volbragg?” Stretch interjected, his protective instincts flaring. “We don’t know for sure if he’s really gone.”

Just as the words left Stretch's lips, a rustling echoed through the ruins, sending a chill through the group. Every heart quickened as shadows shifted among the stones, tightening the atmosphere with palpable tension.

Blair instinctively stepped closer to Stretch, seeking the reassurance of his presence. His cold breath mingled with the warm air, little flecks of frost trailing from his fingertips. “Stay behind me, Blair,” he urged, his voice steady, a protective shield against the unknown.

As Snivel ducked behind Blair, keeping himself hidden as best as a goblin could, Fatso and Stinky took their posts, muscles tense and ready for anything that lurked.

The rustling grew louder, more insistent, sending shivers down Blair's spine. Jareth's eyes narrowed, prepared for confrontation. “Get ready,” he muttered under his breath. Jareth and the McFadden Brothers were prepared for the ambush. The air was thick with anticipation.

But before they could react further, a thousand-point deer burst forth like an arrow from the tall grasses, startled from its slumber among the stones. It was completely spooked by the strangers that entered its napping spot. It dashed past them, hooves thundering like a drumbeat against the cracked stones before disappearing into the dense, crimson ivy that hugged the ruins.

With a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, Blair let out a small gasp, her heart racing in rhythm with the pounding of the deer's hooves. The impressive animal, with its delicate, spotted coat and wide, startled eyes, sped past them in a flurry of motion, disappearing into the dense, crimson ivy.

“False alarm,” Jareth sighed, relief washing over him. His initial tension melted away, leaving room for lightheartedness.

Stretch chuckled, the tense air dissipating like mist under the sun. “You should’ve seen your faces,” he teased, a playful light in his eyes.

“Let’s hope the flame giant isn’t taking a nap, too,” Snivel piped up as he climbed back out from behind Blair, brushing the dust off his tattered attire. His eyes sparkled with excitement more than fear now, the encounter with nature reminding him that not all threats were born of ash and flame.

“Come on, we need to move,” Jareth urged. “We can’t linger here, not even for a moment longer. If Volbragg does still roam these lands, we could be in danger.”

Blair nodded, pushing down the unsettling sensations that arose at the thought of the titan of flame. They ventured cautiously through the ruins, the ivy undulating in the gentle breeze as if alive. Yet a strange warmth emanated from the throne behind them, an alluring call of forgotten power.

Jareth glanced back, his gaze lingering on the gilded throne, its beauty unparalleled even in its state of neglect. “I still think we should take it,” he mused, captivated by the intricate designs weaving flames and shadows into its structure.

“At least until we rebuild Hot Stuff’s castle, right?” Stinky chuckled, a grin spreading across his face.

“Of course!” The Goblin King interjected dramatically, clutching his heart as if offended. “What do you take me for?!”

Blair, unable to resist the banter, patted Jareth’s shoulder, her voice light as she deflected, “A fey.”

“Touché,” Jareth replied, the rebuke failing to mask the warmth in his voice. A brief silence hung among them, filled with laughter and relief.

***

The air crackled with anticipation; it wasn’t every day that a legendary figure like Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, came to speak. Students whispered among themselves, eyes wide with excitement and curiosity, as they gathered in the gothic auditorium, the walls adorned with portraits of past graduates who had walked the fine line between the odd and the extraordinary.

Elvira, clad in her iconic black dress with a plunging neckline and a cascade of raven hair that framed her porcelain face, stepped onto the stage. A spotlight illuminated her, casting a glow that was almost theatrical against the dark wood of the auditorium. She surveyed the sea of unique faces—ranging from vampires to werewolves, witches to wizards—each one a spellbound admirer.

“Hello, my ghoulish friends!” Elvira crooned, her voice dripping with charm and charisma. “I hope you’re ready to have a wickedly good time, because tonight we’re talking about something that’s a little less fun—but no less important: bullying.”

A hush fell over the room as she transformed from a celebrated icon to a passionate mentor. Elvira leaned over the lectern, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. “Now, I know what you’re thinking. This is Nevermore Academy! How could bullying possibly exist in a place as charmingly chaotic as this?”

The students of Nevermore Academy watched and listened to the Mistress of the Dark. Some with lustful eyes as horny teenagers would, but most wanted to know why Elvira was there for an anti-bully seminar. They had heard the rumors that Casper called on Porta Inferni to prevent a hate crime. The victim being a trans werewolf.

And there was only one werewolf that Casper hung out with.

In the background on the other side of the stage curtain, Thatch was engaged in a silent showdown with Moss and Slither, who had made a name for themselves as the resident bullies. Thatch’s narrowed gaze silently challenged them not to test their limits today. Ra, Kat, and Wednesday huddled together, devising imaginative curses to combat the gorgon duo’s antics. Wednesday suggested poison—nature’s remedy for all things nasty—while Ra and Kat decided on a spell of inconvenience, much more fitting for dealing with bullies.

Wolfie was holding Mantha's hand. As their fingers intertwined, Mantha’s zombie hand popped off with a soft squelch—a small but humorously grotesque mishap. Without hesitating, she shifted, grabbing with determination at Wolfie’s other hand.

“Now, let’s clarify something important,” Elvira continued, swaying slightly as she motioned with her hands. “There’s a fine line between bullying, abuse, and a hate crime. Bullying thrives on fear—the fear of the unknown—while abuse is a vicious cycle that feeds on power. Hate crimes? Well, they’re just outright disgraceful acts driven by ignorance!”

Moss and Slither exchanged uncomfortable glances, their bravado wilting under the undeniable camaraderie that flourished among the students. They sensed the tide had turned, that their reign of intimidation was nearing its end.

“Imagine a world where every creature—whether you howl or hiss—truly understood each other. A world where our differences didn’t divide us, but rather united us.” Elvira’s voice softened. "We must be the change we wish to see, demanding respect for those who are different from us. We must stand together against bullying, uproot the abhorrent vines of hate, and instead, plant seeds of understanding!”

The stage lights dimmed slightly, focusing on Elvira’s expressive features as she delved deeper into the heart of the matter. “Bullying doesn’t just affect the ones directly attacked; it ripples through our entire society. Each snicker, each sidelong glance, each rumor tear at the very fabric of who we are as creatures of the night.”

Moss and Slither exchanged wary glances, their audacity waning. They weren’t used to feeling this uncomfortable, grappling with the voices around them that demanded respect rather than sparked fear. They had often wielded intimidation as their weapon, but seeing Elvira on stage, promoting unity, felt like a silver bullet aimed squarely at their inflated egos.

“Remember,” she called out, her voice echoing off the stone walls, “We all have our faults, but it’s how we handle those differences that matters most! Let’s make Nevermore a haven, a place where everyone, no matter how strange, can feel safe to be themselves.”

As the seminar drew to a close, Elvira led the students in a pledge—a promise to stand against bullying in all its forms and to create a community built on acceptance. They cheered loudly, their spirits lifted, ready to take action.

“And now for the fun part!” Elvira smiled at her audience. She raised her hand as she slowly exited the stage, “Everyone give a round of applause! CASPER AND THE SPECTRALS!”

The band took their position as the curtains lifted. At the center stood Casper, known for his prowess with the bagpipes, although tonight, he had traded the winds of his usual instrument for the power of his voice. His usual mischievous grin stretched wide as the first notes filled the air.

“Get fancy and start gilding
Your rusty pitchfork
Come to the Vampire State Building
In Skellhattan, Boo York!”

The beat thumped through the auditorium, infectious and exhilarating. The crowd began to sway as the melody wrapped around them, drawing them into the world Casper and his band painted—a place where spirits danced freely, unburdened by the weight of the living.

“Because tonight
We can be spooky friends
Come party with the other side
The dead just want to dance!”

Elvira watched from the sidelines, her heart swelling with pride. She could see the transformation in her students; their worries and fears about bullying evaporating into the joy of the moment. The message was clear: acceptance and joy could triumph over negativity, and tonight they celebrated that unity with whimsical exuberance.

Casper continued, the confidence in his voice palpable as he dropped into a playful groove, his bandmates harmonizing and clapping along.

“I’m a geist
That really likes to polter
My dance moves just sacrificed
The entire altar!
I’m a geist
That goes with the zeit
When everything is pumpkin-spiced
I know I’ll be alright!”

The crowd was now fully immersed, a sea of bobbing heads and swaying bodies lost in the infectious rhythm. Casper’s lyrics danced through the air, enchanting the audience with vivid imagery of specters coming alive, joining together in a celebration of life and afterlife, acceptance and camaraderie.

“Put on the best sheet I got
It highlights my flotation
The last time I looked so hot
Was during my cremation.”

As the song reached its crescendo, lights flashed, capturing ghostly silhouettes lost in twirls and dips. In that electrifying atmosphere, Casper raised his hands and the music swelled one final time.

“Together we’ll make it,
Through thick and thin,
With laughter and kindness,
Let the good times begin!”

The grand finale echoed through the auditorium, each note reverberating not just in their ears but in their hearts, sealing the promise they had made earlier that evening. A commitment to reject the shadows of cruelty and embrace the light of acceptance.

Elvira stepped back onto the stage after the song ended, her face glowing with a mix of joy and relief. “Tonight, we not only celebrated music and dance but also our promise to each other! Let this spirit of acceptance guide us forward, even as the music fades!”

***

“That was a better success than I thought it would be,” Dash said, gleaming with satisfaction. “If the band had this good of a turnout, I can’t wait for the actual concert.”

Alder, immersed in a mountain of paperwork, peered up, curiosity etched on his face. “What gave you the idea to end the seminar with a concert?” he asked, his tone cautious.

Elvira, brimming with mischief, nonchalantly waved a hand. “Wanted the students to think it was worth going to a boring seminar,” she replied, her eyes sparkling. She shot the twin headmasters a cheeky grin. “Not that I would make a seminar boring, Headmasters Alder and Dash.”

Flipping her hair back, Elvira revealed a small vial glowing faintly in the flickering candlelight. “And I am almost done with my potion. This will help gorgons to not only look at themselves in the mirror but will help anyone who was unlucky enough to meet their gaze.”

Dash leaned forward, intrigue piqued. “You haven’t perfected it yet?”

“Not quite. But I’ve milked your students enough for them to learn their lesson.” A maddening glint danced in Elvira’s eye, reveling in the prolonged suspense before revealing the culmination of her tinkering.

Alder shook his head in mild disapproval, the corners of his mouth twitching upward despite himself. “You’re leaving then?”

“I’ll come back to see the concert the band is having in a few days.” Elvira leaned in and placed a warm peck on each of their cheeks, her lips brushing with a touch that turned Dash’s usually placid demeanor a faint shade of red. With a wink, she waved goodbye and vanished into thin air, leaving only the shimmering remnants of her magic behind.

Dash rubbed his cheek, still flustered. “Has anyone found out how connected Casper is to the Porta Inferni Killers?”

Alder rolled his eyes, the air thick with the weight of secrets. “This is becoming a little bit more complicated than a case of nepotism.” Alder sigh, “The idea of Casper and his friends forming a band was a good idea to keep them in line. But I have no idea how long it will last.”

***

“Tomorrow is the concert and I feel so overwhelmed,” Kat just finished pasting the poster on a telephone pole in Jericho, “I’m not even part of the band!”

“We are too part of the band!” Enid passed another poster to Kat as they moved to another location, “We might not be singing or playing an instrument, but we are members as their roadies and errand runners.”

Hot Stuff followed behind with the pail of rice paste and brushes, “Not as exciting as making music with Casper and the others.”

“It's still part of the adventure.” Enid smiled at her work of art being placed on another telephone pole. It was one of her best works yet as the poster showed Casper and Wednesday under the words, ‘Casper and the Spectrals: one day only in Jericho with free admission.’

Kat stepped back to admire their handiwork. The bright colors of the poster were a breath of fresh air against the weathered, grey wood of the telephone pole. “I guess you’re right,” she sighed, brushing strands of hair behind her ear. “But what if nobody shows up? It’s such a big deal for Casper, and I want it to go perfectly.”

Enid rolled her eyes playfully. “That’s the spirit! You’re stressing yourself out over something you can’t control. Just remember: we’re part of it, and that makes it special. Look at all the poster poles we’ve conquered! We’re practically celebrities of the streets now.”

“Roadies and errand runners,” Hot Stuff corrected with a chuckle, sloshing the rice paste in his pail.

Enid playful pushed Hot Stuff on the shoulder with her fingers, “And trust me, it’s as important as the music. Without us, those posters wouldn’t make it, and who’d remember the Spectrals?”

Kat chuckled reluctantly as they moved to the next pole. “If anything, your art should be in a gallery,” she said, reflecting on Enid’s creative flair. “I mean, these posters look amazing! Your art could have people flocking to the concert just to get a glimpse.”

Kat said, but she felt a sense of pride swell in her chest. Their hard work was indeed creating a buzz in the small town of Jericho.

As they continued the poster run, the sun began to dip low on the horizon, casting long shadows that danced across the streets. They were nearly at the last pole when a voice called out to them.

“What are you freaks doing here?” Some human boys grabbed the leftover posters out of Enid’s hands, “A band is playing here tomorrow? Shouldn't you freaks stay in Nevermore like you're supposed to?”

One of the boys recognized Enid, “Hey. We should leave them alone. Isn't she the werewolf chick that hangs with Wednesday Addams?”

Though he wore a smirk, there was a twinge of unease behind it—a flicker of recognition, perhaps, that they were dealing with the pack leader of Jericho's underdog clique. “Yeah? Whatever. Good luck getting anyone to show up,” he scoffed, tossing the remaining posters to the ground.

Hot Stuff stepped forward, holding the pail of rice paste like a shield. “You don’t have to be rude. Why don’t you just let us do our thing and you can go back to whatever boring stuff you were doing?”

Hot Stuff’s ebony skin was turning red and his horns were starting to poke out. Before he even started his fire magic Kat had her hand on his shoulder, “You should go watch the band. You might like them."

The lead bully laughed, glancing at Hot Stuff's pail of sticky paste. “What are you going to do? Paste us to the ground? Please. All we’re saying is no one is coming to see your freak show.”

Kat felt her heart race as she watched her friend’s cheeks redden with fury. She could see the fiery magic swirling just beneath Hot Stuff’s skin, and she knew she had to step in before things escalated.

“Listen,” she interjected, trying to keep her voice steady. “You might think this concert is a joke, but Casper and the Spectrals are really talented. They may not be the typical band you’re used to hearing, but they’re special. You should give them a chance.”

The boys chuckled and rolled their eyes. One of them stepped closer, leering down at the trio. “What’s so special about a bunch of weirdos, huh? Are they going to charm the pants off us with their spooky songs?”

That’s when Enid stepped forward, her eyes aglow with confidence. “Why don’t you come and find out? If you don’t like it, you can come right back here and trash talk us. But it could surprise you. We’re not just ‘freaks,’ we’re part of something real, something that brings people together.”

The boys paused, taken aback by Enid’s assertiveness. For a moment, the air was tense, and Kat wondered if they had crossed a line. Then, to her amazement, the lead bully began chuckling.

“Fine. Whatever. I’ll check it out,” he said. “Not that you’ll ever get a crowd anyway.”

As the group walked away, Kat let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “That was tense,” she sighed, glancing at Hot Stuff. “Are you okay?”

He clenched his fists, but then exhaled sharply, releasing the tension. “Yeah, I just… I hate that they can talk to us like that. It shouldn’t matter what we are; we’re all just trying to enjoy life, right?”

“Right…” Enid turned towards her friends, “I think one of them has cancer.”

“What?” Kat and Hot Stuff were in unison.

“Look. I volunteer at a dog training center that trains cancer dogs and I've been training myself to learn the smells.”

Kat grabbed Enid's arm and pulled her aside, urgency painting her face. “Are you sure? You can’t just throw out something like that without evidence! What are you even talking about?”

Enid, her heart racing with the implications of her revelation, whispered, “I caught a whiff of something off when he got close. It was faint, but... yeah, I’m pretty sure. The dogs can pick up on it from a distance, and I think I’ve developed a bit of an instinct, too.”

Hot Stuff, standing beside them, looked conflicted as he rubbed the back of his neck. “So what are we supposed to do with that information? Tell them, hey, I think your life is in danger? That’s not going to end well for us.”

“No,” Enid insisted, her demeanor turning serious. “But what if we could reach out to him? Maybe if he knew, it could help him—if he got diagnosed early, he could have a chance.”

Kat studied her friend, the determination igniting within Enid’s brown eyes. “That’s a huge risk. They’re bullies, Enid. If they find out we’re talking about them behind their backs, they could turn on us. You’re ready to take that chance for someone who disrespected us?”

“It’s not about them being bullies anymore, Kat. It’s about helping someone,” Enid said, her tone resolute. “We might not change their minds about us, but maybe we can make a difference in one person's life.”

Hot Stuff shifted his weight, uncertainty still clouding his features. “Alright. So we’re just going to talk to him about it, huh? Maybe he’ll listen?”

“No,” Enid shook her head as she glanced towards where the boys had started walking away. “We’ll have to approach this carefully. We can’t just walk up to him with accusations. We’ll have to get him alone. And before that, we have to make sure we have something to back us up.”

Kat nodded, seeing the wisdom in this approach. “There’s a way to do this. We can find some information on symptoms—something concrete to back her claim. Then, if we can get him alone after the concert, we can talk to him.”

“Our gig has to go well first,” Hot Stuff reminded them, his fiery nature simmering down as the thought of the concert returned. "We can tackle the bully problem later.”

As the sun began to dip behind the distant mountains, casting long shadows across the street, the trio began to pick up the scattered posters from the ground. Enid’s spirit remained unbroken, infused with a sense of purpose that sparked something of its own in Hot Stuff and Kat.

“Tomorrow—what needs to happen is not just about the concert; it also has to be about being brave enough to stand up for what’s right, even if it scares the hell out of us,” Enid declared, her voice passionate.

“We can do that,” Kat said, her voice firm. “Together.”

“Together,” Hot Stuff echoed, the tension of earlier fading. They finished gathering the posters, and as they worked, a plan hatched in their minds—not just for the concert.

Notes:

Song is called Poltergeist by Lolnein.

It's on Spotify but the YouTube video is better.

https://youtu.be/TEPxGcRqUts?si=d4qpoH8yL9ZAt8CO

Chapter 20: We Built This City With Rock N Roll

Summary:

Day 5 of the Nevermore Summer Arc

Jareth, perched precariously on a crumbling turret, surveyed the scene with a cool, calculating eye. His magic, while potent, wasn’t the best for heavy lifting. Hence, the rock trolls. He’d long relied on goblins for the grunt work, but their craftsmanship was, to put it mildly, haphazard. Rebuilding the Flame Kingdom’s castle and the Incandescent City required a more… stable hand.

He’d halted his sketching of architectural plans, his pen suspended mid-stroke. The sound wasn’t grating or discordant as he had anticipated. The resonating tones that rose and fell in a complex pattern captivated him. The sounds emanated from the trolls’ throats, a deep, rumbling vibration that seemed to emanate more from the earth itself than from their bodies. They were a far cry from the boisterous bellows he expected.

Each tone seemed to correspond with a different part of the process. A low, sustained hum, almost imperceptible, seemed to call forth the boulders from the quarry below. It was a summoning song built on earth and stone. A series of sharp, percussive clicks guided the stones as they floated, weightless, through the air. The air crackled with the precise movements, a symphony of controlled chaos. A deep, sonorous bellow, vibrating through his bones, settled the massive blocks into place with a resounding thud that was more musical than jarring. It was as if the very bones of the castle were singing their own song.

He found himself intrigued. He’d always considered magic to be a purely personal art, fueled by individual will and intent. This throat song language of the rock trolls seemed to tap into something more primal, a connection to the very fabric of the earth. He felt a strange pull to the music, as potent as his own magic, and something he recognized as almost belonging in his vast collection of knowledge and secrets.

“No matter how many times I hear Ludo sing to the rocks I never truly get used to it,” Sarah said, settling next to him on the worn stone. Her gaze was fixed on the trolls, an expression of wonder lighting up her face. “Sounds even better with a group.”

Jareth blinked, momentarily pulled from his thoughts. He hadn’t realized she’d joined him. He glanced at Sarah, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. He often forgot that his fascination wasn’t always shared by others, and sometimes his focus could be all consuming. “Indeed,” he admitted, the word almost a whisper. He turned back to his sketching, his pen coming back to the paper. The image of the castle quickly reformed under the swift strokes of his pen. “Rebuilding the Flame Kingdom Castle and Incandescent City will take years. At least the rock trolls’ powers cut the time greatly.”

His mind raced as he considered the implications of this discovery. The earth itself was full of melodies and mysteries, and maybe, just maybe, there were other powerful forces in the world, ones not conjured from the ethereal plane, but born in the very dirt beneath their feet.

“Luckily we have time until Hot Stuff is old enough to rule the Flame Kingdom.” Hoggle appeared, his round form waddling onto the turret, carrying a picnic basket. “Would you like some wine, your majesty?” he offered, pulling out a bottle with a flourish.

Jareth looked down at the basket, the scent of fresh bread and roasted meats wafting up to him. He smiled almost involuntarily. He felt a warmth he hadn’t felt in what seemed like a lifetime. There was not only the satisfaction of progress but also the quiet comfort of camaraderie. He nodded to Hoggle, a genuine smile gracing his lips.

“Tell the rock trolls that they too should have their lunch as well.” Jerath looked at the sky as he noticed a bit of time had already passed. “After lunch Sarah and I will check with The McFadden's.”

It was agreed upon that the Goblin King would lead the rebuilding of the castle while the Ghostly Trio and Blair O’Brien would be in charge of the city. As Blair said it, ‘Rulers don't know the daily needs of the common people. Let us commoners build for the commoners.’

Jareth didn't like how the granddaughter of King Finvarra called herself a commoner. Even if Queen Titania would never recognize her niece as family, Blair was still royal by blood. Damn the fact that she's more human than Fae. She had proven herself with her dedication and her sharp mind. She had organized the Flame Kingdom’s inhabitants with impressive skill, ensuring everyone had tasks and supplies, making sure their voices were heard. She was a leader in her own right, even without the title.

The sun warmed the stone beneath them as they ate. The air was filled with the chatter of the goblins and the distant rumble of the rock trolls' continuing songs. For the first time in a long while, Jareth felt a sense of peace, a feeling that wasn't tinged with the constant prickle of responsibility and the weight of his crown. He was learning to let go, to trust the others he had surrounded himself with.

As the last crumbs of bread were devoured, Jareth rose, dusting off his trousers. "Let's go see how the city is progressing." He extended a hand to Sarah, and she readily took it, her own face alight with anticipation.

Their journey to the city was a testament to the progress they had made. Where once lay ruins, now stood foundations and emerging structures, each crafted with a combination of raw power and dedicated craftsmanship. The air hummed with the energy of creation, a vibrant testament to the combined efforts of fae, humans, and even the spirits of the dead under the command of the Ghostly Trio.

They found Blair, wearing a bandana on her short hair and with a blueprint in hand, directing a team of former citizens. Her brow was furrowed with concentration, but when she saw them, she greeted them with a warm smile that made Jareth's chest tighten in a way he couldn't quite explain.

"Your Majesty," she said, her tone respectful, yet with a touch of the familiar. "We've managed to finalize the designs for the market square and the first few residential blocks. With luck, we'll be done with the foundations by the end of the week."

Jareth nodded, impressed by the speed and organisation. He knew that while his power could move mountains, Blair’s ability to galvanize people, to make them believe in a vision of a better future, was a power equally valuable.

"Excellent work, Miss O'Brien," he said, the title given with a hint of teasing, knowing she disliked it. "It’s good to see the city taking shape."

"Just Blair is fine, your majesty," she replied, a hint of exasperation in her tone, yet her smile did not falter. "I'm no different than any of them."

Jareth simply chuckled, the sound light and warm, unusual for his normally aloof demeanor. He knew she was more than that, a leader, a visionary, and a force of compassion he couldn’t help but admire. Maybe one day she would accept it herself. “And what are your husband and brother in laws doing?” he asked, knowing that where Blair was, the rest of her quirky family was bound to be nearby.

Blair’s smile widened with pride. “Stretch is triple checking the budget, he’s excited about that newly discovered jewel mine. Most of the jewels are self-illuminating and Stretch is thinking of hiring a craftsman to make lights out of them.”

“Ohhh!” Sarah exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "You think that the gems will conduct electricity?" Her scientific curiosity had always been insatiable, but now she was directing it towards real-world applications.

“That's what Stretch is thinking,” Blair winked, her own eyes shining with the excitement of discovery. "Stinky is underground. He stumbled on some naturally formed tunnels that are under the city's foundation. He's thinking of connecting the tunnels to the houses."

“INDOOR PLUMBING!” Sarah nearly yelled, jumping up and down with unrestrained enthusiasm.

Jareth’s eyes widened, his jaw practically dropping. “I was expecting some outhouses and chamber pots… but indoor plumbing? Are you making the Flame Kingdom the most advanced Kingdom in the Fae Lands?” He hadn’t even considered such a concept, his own castle relying on less sophisticated, yet functional, methods. This level of progress was astounding, especially for a kingdom barely a few months old.

Blair laughed, a melodious sound that made his heart skip a beat. "We're aiming for comfort, Your Majesty. And to be fair,” she added with a playful glint, “Stinky always did hate chamber pots.”

“Seriously?” Sarah gasps, “Stinky? The ghost of the putrid smell and all that grossness? Hates chamber pots?”

“According to Fatso, when they were alive and running away from their toxic childhood home the worst part besides always begging for food was looking for a place for relief.”

“Speaking of the youngest brother, where is Fatso?” Jerath smiled at Blair.

“He’s at the outskirts of town learning about crops and livestock native to the Flame Kingdom. He’s already experimenting with cross-pollinating different plants. He's talking about creating a new type of grain that can grow in the volcanic soil. And apparently, the local goats, as ugly as they are, produce amazing milk.”

Jareth was speechless. This was far beyond what he had envisioned. He had expected a struggle, a slow and arduous rebuilding. Instead, he was witnessing a rapid evolution, a blossoming of ingenuity and hope, sparked by this remarkable family.

"You've all... accomplished quite a lot," he finally managed, his voice a little shaky, the King of Goblins, usually so sure and powerful, almost sounding deferential.

"We have a good team," Blair said, gesturing to the workers, many of whom were now looking at Jareth with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "And we've got a very good ally in the form of the Goblin King." She had said that in a matter of fact tone, as if the goblin King was a part of everyday life.

A curious surge of protectiveness, a feeling not unlike admiration, bloomed in Jareth's chest. This was different from the obsessive desire he held still for Sarah. This wasn't about possession; no, this was about recognizing a true equal. It was then that he realized what he had been feeling, a kinship he had not thought possible.

"Will you be my sister?" The words left his mouth before he could even fully process them.

Blair dropped the pencil she was holding, her eyes wide with shock. "Your- your sister?"

Oh, shit. This was huge.

Jareth internally cursed himself. He had not been thinking, had let the feeling guide him. For a Fae to ask another being to be a member of their family was an immense thing, a bond thicker and stronger than any marriage. It was an act of complete recognition, of an equal among equals, born from a scarcity of Fae births, and the rarity of finding one who earned such respect.

The air in the street seemed to thicken, the cacophony of hammers and voices fading into a distant hum. Blair’s hand flew to her mouth, her expression a whirlwind of shock, disbelief, and an almost hesitant joy. Sarah gasped, instantly understanding the gravity of the request, her eyes darting between Blair and Jareth.

Jareth suddenly felt a rush of nerves. Had he been too impetuous? This was a bond built on delicate foundations, not flung out as a spontaneous request.

He took a step closer to Blair, his usual aloofness replaced by an almost vulnerable expression. "Yes, my sister. I… I see your strength, your compassion. Your ability to inspire. You are a leader among leaders, Blair. I would be honored to call you my sister." His voice, though low, carried a sincerity that resonated in the sudden quiet of the street.

Blair swallowed, her heart pounding against her ribs. To be recognized, this recognition, by the formidable Goblin King, was overwhelming. It was humbling, and yes, also strangely thrilling. She looked to Sarah, who gave her an encouraging nod, her own eyes brimming with emotion.

"Your Majesty," Blair began, her voice a little breathless, "I... I would be honored. I would be deeply honored to call you my brother." A genuine smile broke free, lighting up her face, making it shine with a warmth that rivaled the light from the gem-filled mines below the city.

Jareth let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, a small, genuine smile touching his lips. It felt... right. He reached out and gently took Blair's hand. "Then, it is settled." He turned to the stunned onlookers. "Henceforth, Blair will be known as my sister, under the protection of the Goblin Throne. Treat her with the respect that she deserves.”

A roar of applause ripped through the streets by the onlookers. Stretch Blinked on location as he heard the cheers. He looked at his wife with concern and determination, “What happened?”

Blair looked at her husband, her smile still wide, a hint of disbelief lingering in her eyes. "I got a brother…" She extended her hand, hoping he would connect to her joy.

Stretch blinked at her, taking her hand and looking at Jareth. The Goblin King stood tall, his hand still on his sister’s, looking almost like he was waiting for a confrontation.

“I was not expecting this.” Stretch finally spoke, his voice a low rumble. He hadn’t meant to, but his heart was pounding, worried for Blair.

Jareth turned to face him fully, dropping Blair’s hand. “And yet, here it is.” Jareth’s voice was low, but not threatening. It was almost… soft.

Stretch tried to grasp what was going on. His wife, a sister, to the King of the Goblin City. He knew that such a familiar bond was more important and celebrated than marriage. “Is there a ceremony? What would be needed?”

Jareth smiled at his brother in law, “Only if you want her as a changeling.”

“Nope! I'm the only changeling in this family.” Stretch then gave his wife a hug.

***

The echoing chambers of Nevermore Academy's old music room buzzed with a chaotic energy that was both thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking. The Spectrals, Nevermore’s newest sensation, were in the thick of practice, their individual talents clashing and harmonizing in a way that could only be described as wonderfully discordant.

Casper, his usually pale cheeks flushed a rosy pink, puffed on his bagpipes, his fingers dancing over the chanter. He was still getting used to being alive, the breath heavy in his lungs, a sensation he was still learning to manage.

He’d only been back in the corporeal world for a couple of months, and the rigors of being a rock star, even a spectral one, were proving to be quite the workout.

"Okay, guys, take five!" he called, his voice slightly hoarse.

Around him, the room was a flurry of motion. Kat, a whirlwind of vibrant energy, was already darting towards the makeshift refreshment table, a tray of lukewarm water bottles precariously balanced in her hands. "Hydration is key, boys!" she chirped, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Hot Stuff, with a sigh that could have melted steel, began uncoiling a tangle of guitar cables, muttering about the utter tragedy of being an unpaid roadie.

Enid, her fur practically sparking with nervous energy, triple-checked the setlists, her rainbow hair bobbing with each frantic head nod.

Thatch, a picture of disgruntled concentration, knelt beside the old, battered piano, a screwdriver in hand. He poked and prodded at the keys. "Piece of junk," he grumbled, his undead voice echoing with a hint of frustration.

Every night, without fail, some unseen gremlin seemed to twist and turn the innards of the ancient instrument, causing a key or two to curdle into a sour note overnight. Thatch had long given up trying to understand the mechanics of it; he just accepted it as another quirky aspect of Nevermore.

Across the room, Wednesday, her face, a mask of stoic focus, was meticulously examining her cello. It was a ritual now. After Mantha's string had snapped mid-practice the previous day, sending a cacophony of discord through their music, everyone had become obsessed with maintaining their instruments.

Ra, equally intent, ran a hand along the length of his electric guitar, checking the tuning pegs with the precision of a surgeon. His face was a study of concentration, a stark contrast to the almost maniacal grin he usually wore.

Mantha, still visibly traumatized from the previous day's string mishap, was carefully plucking the strings of her violin, her movements tentative and deliberate.

Wolfie, perched behind his drum kit, nervously tapped a rhythm on the snare drum. He’d been spared any instrument malfunctions so far, but the feeling of impending doom was palpable. The way the bad luck was spreading felt like a slow-moving plague, and Wolfie was starting to sweat, imagining his drumheads spontaneously combusting in the middle of a set.

"Casper, you okay?" Kat asked, returning with a water bottle and a concerned frown. “You’re a bit…pink.”

Casper gratefully accepted the water, taking a long, noisy slurp. "Yeah, just...still adjusting," he admitted, his breath still catching in his chest. He leaned against the wall, watching the frenetic energy of his bandmates. Being alive was a strange mix of exhilarating and exhausting. He was still learning to navigate the nuances of his body – the way his lungs worked, the fatigue that settled in his limbs, even the strange, persistent feeling of hunger.

"Don't push yourself, Casper," Enid said, her voice unusually soft. "You'll get there. We'll all get there," she added with a nervous glance at her friends, her fingers tightening around the setlist.

Casper smiled, his face regaining some of its usual translucence. He knew they would. They were a band, a chaotic, mismatched, beautifully dysfunctional band, and they were all in this together. The glitches, the broken strings, the sour piano keys, even his own shortness of breath – it was all part of the process. And somehow, amidst the chaos, they would make music. They would rock. And maybe, just maybe, they would get through the night without any more instrumental catastrophes.

A sudden thought jolted Casper upright, almost making him choke on his water. “Kat!” he exclaimed, his eyes wide. “How’s your magic lessons going?”

Kat’s shoulders, previously hunched with a mixture of nerves and resignation, relaxed slightly. The inevitable question had arrived. Being a witch was, to put it mildly, a rollercoaster. Filled with exhilarating highs of newfound power and, more often than not, frustrating lows of misfired spells and unintended consequences.

“Okay, I guess,” she admitted, fidgeting with a thick silver ring adorned with an intricate Celtic knot that she found in her Christmas Stocking. “My control leaves much to be desired, but at least my hands are no longer spontaneously combusting into green flames.” She looked at her best friend, concerned and curious in her eyes. “Why? What are you up to, Casper?”

Wednesday, ever the stoic presence, rose from her corner and smoothly glided to Kat’s side, her dark braid swinging with a silent grace. “Yes, McFadden,” she said, her voice a low, dry rasp. “What mischief are you brewing?”

Casper beamed, his excitement bubbling over. “Can you do a good luck spell?”

The room descended into a moment of stunned silence, punctuated only by the muffled thud of Wolfie’s drumsticks hitting the floor. Thatch, startled by the sudden quiet, bumped his head against the piano lid with a groan. Mantha's jaw dropping so far it seemed to be a separate entity on the floor. She had to bend over and practically reattach it. It seemed Casper's proposition had short-circuited their collective senses.

Hot Stuff, perched comfortably on a stack of amplifiers, looked around at everyone’s surprised faces in pure, adorable confusion. “Why is everyone so surprised? I personally think it would be a great idea.”

Kat let out a frustrated breath. “It’s not that simple, Hot Stuff,” she began, running a hand through her dark, choppy hair. “In order for a good luck spell to work, the luck has to come from… Well, it has to come from something or someone else. It’s not just something you poof into existence. It’s like a transfer of energy, a boost from an existing source.”

Wednesday nodded, her expression grim. "It is a complex ritual that relies on the balance of the universe, not frivolous wishes.”

Casper's face fell slightly. He hadn't thought it through that far. “So… it’s impossible?” His translucent form seemed to become a shade paler. The thought of the impending performance, now tinged with the possibility of absolute failure, was becoming almost unbearable.

A flicker of an idea, a tiny spark of possibility, ignited in Kat’s eyes. "Not impossible," she said slowly, a hint of determination creeping into her voice. "Just… complicated. There's a spell that draws on the luck of a specific object, a kind of conduit. Something that has been touched by good fortune, or is inherently… lucky."

The room went silent again, all eyes focused on Kat. Wolfie began frantically trying to retrieve his drumsticks that had rolled under the amplifier. Even Thatch managed to forget his aching head. Ra’s sigh remained, but it sounded more thoughtful. Even Casper's form had seemed to slightly regain its earlier glow. "So... what do we need?" he asked, trying to keep the hope in his voice.

Kat met his gaze, a small, mischievous smile playing on her lips. "We need," she announced, her voice ringing with a newfound confidence, "something lucky.”

***

“Hey. Have you heard of it?” A gorgon asked a passing werewolf, “Casper and the Spectrals are looking for lucky items.”

"Yeah, I'm heading there now with my lucky item." He pulled an old, tarnished brass key from his worn leather satchel. It had a simple design, almost unremarkable, yet it seemed to hum with an inner energy. "Been in my family for generations, no one knows what it unlocks. But it's considered lucky in my family."

The gorgon gaze lingered on the key, her snakes hissing with interest. "Cool! Good luck!" she called as Finn continued on his way.

The werewolf made it to the music room of Nevermore Academy Finn approached cautiously. Inside, the sounds of music swelled and pulsed. It was a strange cacophony - a blend of mournful cello, cheerful drums, and the skittering high notes of a spectral piano - yet it somehow melded together into a strangely beautiful whole. He pushed open the creaking double doors, entering a dimly lit music room.

“Hello? I have a lucky item?” he announced.

“Sup!” Kat smiled at Finn.

Finn handed her the key. The moment the cool brass touched her ethereal skin, Kat’s eyes turned stark white. They glowed with knowledge, a swirl of forgotten images flickering within their depths. She was reading the key’s history, seeing through time.

"Ohhh!" she breathed, her voice echoing with a mix of wonder and revelation. "That key is very lucky, but it has a great history. In the 1600s, your ancestors were involved in the French Witch Trials. They were accused of witchcraft.”

Finn's eyebrows shot up. "Bad move on the witch hunters' part," he chuckled, a tinge of pride in his voice. This suddenly explained why the key was so important to his family.

"Indeed," Kat agreed, her eyes returning to their vibrant green. "The werewolves freed themselves and the women falsely accused.” She handed the key back to Finn. “That key was the key to the jail cells that the werewolves used to free the women.”

Finn stared at the key in his hand, his mind racing. He had known it was special, but he had never imagined it had such a powerful and meaningful history. "Wow!" he whispered, running his thumb over its worn surface.

Kat smiled, her eyes flickering slightly. "Sadly, it's an ancestral charm. It only works with the bloodline of the werewolves that were there, the ones that escaped with the women and helped them vanish safely from further persecution.” She winked, a playful glint in her spectral eyes. “But that doesn’t make it any less lucky! It carries the courage and kindness of your ancestors. I’d hold onto that if I were you.”

Finn nodded slowly, a deep sense of connection to his heritage filling his chest. The key wasn't just an object; it was a story, a legacy, a tangible piece of his family's bravery. He tucked it safely back into his satchel, a newfound appreciation for the simple, unassuming piece of metal. He thanked Kat and lingered a few minutes to listen to the music.

He sat next to a Japanese mixed vampire, “What did you bring?”

"A maneki-neko," the vampire replied, holding up a small, porcelain beckoning cat figurine. "The witch said it wouldn't work because it needs to be near wealth or at least next to a register for the luck to be at its strongest."

Suddenly, a siren burst into the room, scales shimmering under the low lights. “I got something really lucky!” she announced, her voice a melodic chime.

Kat walked up to the siren and noticed that they were holding a sack with iron chains that was wriggling. “I wasn't looking for anything living,” she said, her voice tight with concern.

“Sure, but nothing is more lucky than a leprechaun!” The siren dumped the sack on the floor and opened it for the angry Fae creature to get out. The leprechaun was ugly as sin, with a face like a wrinkled prune and a wild mop of red hair. His wrists were smoking from the burn of the iron handcuffs he was wearing.

Kat snarled at the siren, “Are you insane? Give me the keys for the cuffs!”

“No way! That thing is dangerous.”

“Oh. So you know why it is a stupid idea to bring a leprechaun to the academy?” Kat's voice was filled with venom, and the music abruptly stopped. Casper and the Spectrals glared at the siren.

Finn felt a strange pull from his key, a low hum vibrating against his skin. He didn’t understand why but, suddenly, he felt compelled to act. He carefully walked up to the Fae creature, his satchel brushing against his hip. He reached into the bag, feeling the weight of the key, and moved carefully to unlock the cuffs. He knew it was a long shot; the key was an heirloom, not something designed for iron shackles. But, to his astonishment, the aged brass slipped into the keyhole as if it belonged there. With a soft click, the cuffs sprang open.

The leprechaun blinked, his eyes shifting from fury to surprise, and then to a wary amusement. He rubbed his smoking wrists, staring at Finn with an intensity that made the young man's skin prickle. The key was no lock pick, nor had it been designed to work on iron shackles, but it slipped into the cuff’s keyhole like it had been made for it. With a soft click, the cuff opened, and then the second.

Finn had no idea what reaction to expect; whether it would be gratitude or a vengeful attack, he had no idea.

“Thank you, Finn,” Kat said, her voice quieter now, full of relief and a shadow of something else – perhaps gratitude. Her smile, though fleeting, was genuine.

Finn, now back to his seat, felt like he was floating through the room, completely disoriented. The vampire looked at him with awe.

Kat’s attention shifted to the newly freed leprechaun. She started to rub a healing salve into his wrists, meticulously applying the potion concocted in her side hustle.

“Why were you looking for something lucky, lass.” The leprechaun asked.

“It's stupid really.” Kat scratched her head in embarrassment, “Would you like to hear us play?”

“I wouldn't mind a jig.”

“Any request?” Kat smiled at the Specters with a wink.

The leprechaun smiled, “How about you choose?”

Kat got to the lead mike and started to sing.

“I am flesh and I am bone! Rise up, ting ting, like glitter and gold. I've got fire in my soul! Rise up, ting ting, like glitter. Yeah. Like glitter and gold. Yeah. Like glitter…”

The music filled the room, a pulsing beat that seemed to vibrate through the very floorboards. Finn found himself tapping his foot, the initial anxiety fading into the background. Kat's voice, strong and clear, soared over the music, weaving a spell that drew everyone in. The leprechaun, surprisingly, seemed to enjoy the music, his wrinkled face softening as he listened.

“Do you walk in the meadow of spring? Do you talk to the animals? Do you hold their lives from a string? Do you ponder the manner of things? In the dark? The dark, the dark, the dark.”

“I am flesh and I am bone! Arise, ting ting, like glitter and gold. I've got fire in my soul! Rise up, ting ting, like glitter. I am flesh and I am bone! Arise, ting ting, like glitter and gold. I've got fire in my soul! Rise up, ting ting, like glitter…”

Thatch moved from his piano to the sound board, Mantha started singing backup, Wolfie was still hot on drums, Ra Abdel strums his guitar, and Wednesday, Enid, and Hot Stuff lead the onlookers to clap to the beat.

The siren, forgotten and a little ashamed, slumped against the wall, the vibrant music a stark contrast to the trouble she had caused. Even she had to admit, the Spectrals were something special.

“Cause everybody in the back room's. Spinning up. Don't remember what you're asking for.
And everybody's in the front rooms. Tripping out
You left your bottle at the door.”

“Cause everybody in the back room's. Spinning up. Don't remember what you're asking for.
And everybody's in the front rooms. Tripping out
You left your bottle at the door.”

“I am flesh and I am bone! Arise, ting ting, like glitter and gold. I've got fire in my soul! Rise up, ting ting, like glitter…”

“Yeah. Like glitter and gold. Yeah. Like glitter. Yeah. Like glitter and gold!”

As the last notes of the song faded, the music room erupted in applause. The leprechaun, his eyes twinkling, stepped forward. "That was a bonny tune, lass. I haven't enjoyed music like this in centuries!" he said to Kat, his voice surprisingly gentle. "And thank ye, young Finn." He made a slight bow toward the werewolf, a gesture of respect that made Finn feel a warmth spread through his chest.

Kat beamed, brushing a stray strand of ethereal hair from her face. "We're glad you enjoyed it. So, about this 'lucky' thing… My magic is very powerful and I don't have much control. We’ll be playing a concert in Jericho tomorrow and need a lucky item for… a luck spell…”

“Ah.” Nodded in understanding. “Well, me dearie, luck is a fickle thing. I've seen it bring riches to some and ruin to others. But I suppose you're after the pot o' gold?”

“What?! No!” Kat raised her hand as if to stop what chaos was about to be released, “Blair once told me that a Leprechaun’s gold is a piece of the Leprechaun itself. I would never want to take a piece of your being, sir.”

The leprechaun chuckled, a dry, rustling sound like leaves in the autumn wind. "Touching sentiment, lass, especially coming from a witch. Most who seek me out are after my gold, one way or another. But I've more than a pot tucked away, ye know. Luck comes in many forms." He tapped his chin, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Tell me, why do you need this 'luck spell' so desperately for your concert? What dangers do you foresee?"

Kat hesitated, glancing at the siren slumped against the wall, then back at the leprechaun. "It's... complicated. I'm afraid my magic is rather volatile. During a performance, emotions run high, and sometimes... sometimes my powers react to that. Things can get out of control. We've had equipment malfunctions, unintentional transformations, even the odd spontaneous combustion. Nothing serious, thankfully, but... well, we'd like to keep it that way.”

The leprechaun hummed, stroking his beard. "So, you seek to temper your power, to guide the storm within you. A noble goal, lass. But luck is a poor substitute for control, mark my words. Still, I can see the sincerity in your eyes. And I did enjoy your music." He paused, then snapped his fingers. "I might have just the thing.”

With a puff of green and black smoke came a gold coin hanging from a leather strip. Kat held it in her hands and the history of the coin hit her strongly. “Holy shit! This is a triple tail horse bronze coin!”

With a puff of green and black smoke came a gold coin hanging from a leather strip. Kat held it in her hands and the history of the coin hit her strongly. “Holy shit! This is a triple tail horse bronze coin!” Her eyes widened, tracing the worn edges with a delicate finger. "From the late iron age of the Dobunni tribe before the Roman invasion! These were designed to be used in trade, but they were also ritually broken and buried with the dead to ensure safe passage to the afterlife. This… this is more than just luck, this is a connection to journeys, to crossings, to… balance!"

The leprechaun beamed. "Aye, lass, you've got the eye of a true mage. This coin carried many souls safely across the veil. It's seen bloodshed and peace, joy and sorrow. It's a crossroads, a fulcrum point. It holds a power of equilibrium, of grounding."

Casper, who had been watching the exchange with growing fascination, stepped forward. “But… why would something associated with death bring luck?”

The leprechaun chuckled. "Because, lad, death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it. This coin understands that. It knows the ebb and flow, the dance between chaos and order. It can help the lass rein in her magic, not by simply granting luck, but by anchoring it, by connecting it to something older, something wiser.”

Kat clutched the coin, the cool metal a grounding sensation against her skin. Her own magic, raw and untamed, felt like a wild current, threatening to overwhelm her. "How… how do I use it?"

"Wear it," the leprechaun instructed, his green eyes twinkling. "Keep it close to your heart. Feel its history, its weight. When your power threatens to consume you, touch it. Let it remind you of the journey, the balance between light and dark. It won't stop the storm, but it will help you navigate it."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But be warned, lass. This coin is not without its own will. It remembers. It learns. Treat it with respect, for it holds the echoes of countless lives. It might just teach you more than you bargained for."

Kat nodded, a newfound understanding dawning in her eyes. This wasn't a simple charm, but a tool, a guide, a responsibility. She carefully slipped the leather strip over her head, the coin resting against her chest, beneath her shirt. A wave of calm washed over her, a sense of rootedness she hadn't experienced before. The wild current of her magic still surged within her, but now it felt… manageable.

***

The aroma of roasted meats, spiced ales, and something strangely akin to cotton candy and brimstone hung heavy in the air, a heady mix that swirled around Blair like a siren song. She inhaled deeply, savoring the cacophony of scents as Quincy placed another plate before her. This one held a glistening mountain of what Quincy called "Dragon's Breath Brisket," slow-cooked in a smoky sauce that smelled suspiciously like sulfur. Blair didn't care. She dug in with a ferocity that bordered on primal.

"Thank you," she rasped, crumbs clinging to her lips. "Thank you, thank you."

She was thanking the gods, demigods, and demons that might have granted her this mercy. Blair ripped a chunk of brisket with her teeth, the spicy, almost painful heat a welcome sensation against her parched throat. Around her, the tavern pulsed with life. A goblin band played a raucous tune on instruments made of bone and scrap metal, while a pair of Fireys argued over a hand of cards.

Quincy's tavern, The Lucky Gryphon, had materialized seemingly out of thin air near Incandescent City, a beacon of warmth and sustenance in the ruined landscape. Humans, changelings, ghosts, and goblins celebrated its sudden arrival, drawn to its promise of comfort and camaraderie.

Blair devoured the brisket, each bite a victory against the gnawing emptiness that had plagued her for weeks. The sylph's theft of her meager food pack still stung. The sight of Sarah, technically a civilian of the Goblin Kingdom, accepting offerings of berry wine and goblin bread without hesitation only amplified Blair's own hunger. The ethereal glow of the fairy food, passing harmlessly through her ghostly brother in laws, was another source of low-grade resentment. Every ounce of her energy was being poured into rebuilding Incandescent City, a Herculean task made even more daunting by her depleted strength.

Both Jareth and Stretch were growing increasingly concerned. Blair was pushing herself to the brink, fueled only by adrenaline and sheer willpower. Jareth, ever the flamboyant Goblin King, draped an arm around her shoulders, offering her a plump, glistening peach. "Sister! Please eat. Be one of my subjects, and I will grant you freedom to travel between the Fae and Human realms like Sarah. Think of the banquets we could share!" His offer, though tempting, came with strings attached, strings Blair wasn't prepared to untangle.

"Thank you, Jareth," she mumbled, taking the peach but setting it aside uneaten. "But I need to focus on the city right now."

Stretch, her devoted husband, was far less subtle. He’d practically wrestled her away from a shattered spire that morning, forcing her to sit down on a wobbly crate. Now, he stood beside her, his brow furrowed with worry.

"Blair, you're going to collapse," he said, his voice low and urgent. "You haven't slept properly in days. This isn't helping anyone. We need you healthy."

He was right, of course. But the thought of slowing down, of taking even a moment for herself, filled her with anxiety. There was so much to do, so many lives still to salvage.

Later, as the goblin band struck up a particularly mournful tune, Stretch leaned closer. "I'm thinking of taking you back," he whispered. "Back to the human realm. Just for a little while. A proper meal, a real bed… You need a break, Blair."

The thought of leaving, of the newly bustling Incandescent City, sent a pang of guilt through her. But the chill of Stretch's hand in hers, the genuine worry in his eyes… She was starting to realize that she couldn't rebuild a city if she destroyed herself in the process.

Blair looked up from the brisket, “Just a little long-”

“We’ve been here long enough!” Stretch hit his fist on the table. Ice formed around his hand and spread halfway through the table, chilling the food. “We were lucky that the Lucky Gryphon appeared when it did. But we might not be lucky next time.”

Stinky appeared with a plate full of onions, fermented fish, cheesy garlic breads, and other foul smelling foods. From the looks on the other customers’ faces it must be horrible. Blair thanks the moon and stars for her congenital anosmia.

"Casper and his band should be playing at Jericho soon." The ghost said as he chewed on a black boiled egg, "I wouldn't want to miss that!"

"Shit! That's right!" Fatso appeared with a 20-pound meat pie halfway in his mouth. He swallowed noisily, crumbs flying everywhere. "Let's go get a good spot near the stage! This is gonna be legendary!”

Stretch looked at his new brother-in-law, “Jareth, you wouldn't so happen to know what day it is in the human realm, would you?”

Jareth smiled, “If you leave for the human realm now you’ll have time to rest before the concert. Sarah also wants to see your nephew and… niece?”

“I think it's safe to call Kat our niece,” Stinky said.

“Especially when the Doc is kinda our brother.” Fatso clewed the remnants of the pie slowly.

Stretch looked at Blair with pleading violet eyes.

"Okay," she said, her voice softer now. "Okay, Stretch. Let's go."

The relief that washed over Stretch's face was her own reward. He squeezed her hand, his icy touch almost comforting in its familiarity. He turned to the gathering of ghosts, goblins, Sarah, and even Jareth, a small smile playing on his lips.

"We're heading back to the human realm for a bit," he announced. "Blair needs some rest."

A chorus of farewells, blessings, and promises to visit echoed through The Lucky Gryphon.Jareth, ever the showman, swept into a dramatic bow. "Until next time, sister! Know that the Goblin Kingdom awaits your return, with or without your permission," he added with a wink.

He snapped his fingers and with a swirl of colors and bubbles Blair, Stretch, Fatso, and Stinky were in the front yard of Whipstaff.

The sudden change of scenery made Blair stumble. One moment she was surrounded by the bizarre patrons of The Lucky Gryphon, the next she was gazing up at the familiar, dilapidated façade of Whipstaff Manor. It looked even more derelict than she remembered.

“Oh, I missed this place,” Fatso sighed contentedly, already halfway through the door.

Stinky wrinkled his nose, a rare occurrence considering his usual surroundings. "Smells almost clean here," he muttered suspiciously.

Stretch, holding Blair's hand tightly, led her towards the front door. “I doubt Myst and Doc had any time to actually clean.” Dust motes danced in the sunlight filtering through grimy windows. Cobwebs draped like macabre tapestries from the chandeliers. It smelled of damp wood and forgotten things.

“Home haunt home?” Blair offered weakly, trying to inject some levity into the situation.

Stretch chuckled, the sound echoing through the silent house. “Let's get you a bath and some rest.”

Blair followed him inside, a wave of exhaustion washing over her. The familiar squalor of Whipstaff, oddly enough, was a comfort. It was a tangible, understandable mess, unlike the chaotic, ever-shifting reality of the Goblin Kingdom and Incandescent City.

As Stretch started gathering towels and muttering about finding some semblance of clean sheets, Blair wandered into the kitchen. It was a disaster zone, littered with the remnants of Dr Harvey’s… attempt at a romantic meal that was left there after Gerti had already left.

{Dr Harvey and Ms Goodwitch had left for a stroll.} The disembodied voice of Myst said {Forgive the mess.}

Blair sighed, “We’re only home till the concert tomorrow. Then we're back to Incandescent City.”

{Very good, Ms O’Brien} Myst said. {Don't worry about the state of the kitchen, I’m sure Gerri will magic some of the grime away.}

Blair managed a small smile. "She probably will.”

From behind her a pair of cold arms wrap around Blair, “Got your bath ready, babe.”

Blair smiled, “Thank you, Stretch.”

Blair leaned back into Stretch's embrace, letting the cold seep into her bones, a familiar, grounding sensation. He smelled of frost and something else. Ozone?

The two Blinked to the bathroom, “Oh! Stretch.”

Blair was almost in tears at the sight of candles flickering around the room, casting dancing shadows on the peeling wallpaper, and the sound of a relaxing saxophone piece coming from a speaker next to the sink. It was a small sanctuary carved out of the dilapidated grandeur of Whipstaff Manor.

Stretch slowly helped her take off her clothes, his touch sending a shiver down her spine that was anything but unpleasant. He lead her to the claw foot bathtub. As Blair sank into the steaming bath, the scent of chamomile and lavender filled the small, dilapidated bathroom. Stretch had even managed to find a rubber ducky, its yellow beak turned up in a perpetually cheerful grin, which now bobbed placidly on the surface of the water.

Blair chuckled, “I take it you're finally figured out how to use your changeling powers. You did this so fast.”

Stretch sat on the toilet seat, not wanting to leave his wife, but not wanting to disturb the relaxation that she needed. “There's a few things I still haven't figured out. Still trying to go through walls like a ghost.”

Blair chuckled, the sound bubbling through the warm water. "Just stick to making bathtubs. You're a natural."

Stretch grinned, his spectral face momentarily softening, the usual hint of mischievousness replaced with genuine tenderness. "Anything for you, babe. You looked like you were about to drop on the spot. All that hopping between dimensions and rebuilding kingdoms takes it out of you."

The saxophone continued its mellow serenade as Blair closed her eyes, the familiar sounds and scents of Whipstaff washing away the lingering exhaustion of their interdimensional travels. Even the ever-present chill of the house seemed less malevolent, more like a comforting embrace. This was home, even if 'home' was a haunted mansion with a ghost turned changeling for a husband.

Wanting to change the subject, and bring a lightness back into the air, Blair smiled with excitement in her eyes, “Casper would be happy to see you tomorrow. He and his band have been working hard.”

“What songs is he going to play with his bagpipes?” Stretch smiled in remembrance of a time that Casper somehow made Whipstaff into an alright Deadbeat Party. “Did I ever tell you that Casper brought home a ton of Deadbeat Ghosts to the house? Awesome party. Kat sadly was trying to study.”

“What? Our sweet, innocent Casper? Invited people over for a rager?” Blair smiled impishly, then again he did shock his fellow students at Nevermore Academy with his bagpipes on the first day of the summer program.

“It was like Woodstock in Whipstaff!” Stretch was smiling so big that his violet eyes crinkled, “Then he tried to chase them away with his bagpipes.”

“Let me guess… it didn't work?” Blair gave the rubber ducky a boop on its beak as it got too close to her.

Stretch laugh, “HE BECAME THE STAR OF THE SHOW!”

Blair laughed with Stretch, “Oh my God! And you mentioned Kat was trying to study?”

“Yep. He just made the party even louder.” Stretch paused, a thoughtful expression flitting across his face. "Poor kid. She used to try and ignore us, you know? Just put her head down and block out the haunting. Casper gave up on getting rid of the Deadbeats and cut himself into noise canceling headphones for Kat."

He shivered, a genuine chill this time, recalling the early days of their unconventional blended family. “Should have known that Casper had a crush on her.”

“Now that he's alive again…” Blair gave a deep breath, “There's a good possibility that those two might…”

“Become an item?” Stretch finished the sentence, a hint of surprise in his voice. “Become an item? Nah. He’s awkward enough as a ghost. As a flesh-and-blood teenager, he probably stumbles over air.” He chuckled, but Blair noticed a flicker of something in his eyes – a hopeful tenderness that belied his teasing tone.

"Don't underestimate our boy," Blair said, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "He's got a good heart, and that counts for a lot. And Kathrine would accept him without question."

Stretch shrugged, his spectral shoulders barely moving. "Maybe. I just worry about him getting hurt. This… 'life' thing is complicated."

Blair reached out a hand, her fingers finding his cold ones. She squeezed gently. "We'll be there for him, both of us. Just like we're here for each other. Right?"

He squeezed her hand back, the chill of his touch a stark contrast to the warmth of the bathwater. "Right. Always."

A comfortable silence settled between them, filled only by the saxophone and the gentle lapping of water. Blair closed her eyes again, letting the chamomile and lavender soothe her tired mind. The thought of Casper navigating the complexities of teenage romance, of his resurrected life, filled her with a strange mixture of hope and apprehension. It was a new chapter for all of them, a chance for second starts and fresh beginnings.

After a few more minutes of comfortable silence, Stretch stood with a groan. “I’ll go get you a towel, my love.”

Blair opened her eyes. “Thank you.”

Stretch Blinked out of the bathroom and into the other room. Blair could hear him humming to the saxophone music from the other room. The house still felt cold, but it felt warm with love. She was finally happy, finally home.

Notes:

Music for chapter

Glitter and Gold

https://open.spotify.com/track/2xlkRtT39XugS9k0iuGSYt?si=JuS9OPexShOaWy_PjOsMsA

Sax Jazz

https://open.spotify.com/track/50QDAVzwNM2HcVFuZ3bNcB?si=l4s8ddyKR5enDNvNFA_tBQ

Chapter 21: Casper and the Specters

Summary:

Day 6

IT'S THE CONCERT, BABY!

Rock ‘n’ roll souls unites!!!!

Casper and Hot Stuff couldn't breathe. Casper was happy that half of the grown-ups that were squeezing him like their afterlives depended on it were untangable ghosts; otherwise, he'd probably be a Casper-pancake.

Kat watched the bizarre scene unfold, a perplexed frown etched on her face. "Dad? Why are those four acting like they haven't seen Casper and Hot Stuff for months?"

Dr. Harvey sighed, running a hand through his already disheveled hair. "Blair and the Ghostly Trio were in the Fairy Realm the entire time you kids were here. Blair was overworking herself trying to rebuild Incandescent City after… well, after the incident."

"Yikes," Kat muttered.

Meanwhile, Wednesday stalked towards Kat with the grim determination of a soldier heading into battle. "Cousin," she said, her voice flat, "Save me from my parents’… Affection."

Kat surveyed the scene: Morticia and Gomez Addams were radiating a disconcerting level of warmth, while Stretch McFadden and Blair O'Brien were practically vibrating with familial joy. "Got it," she replied, already formulating a plan. She placed two fingers between her teeth and unleashed a piercing whistle that cut through the celebratory din. "ALRIGHT FOLKS WE HAVE A CONCERT TO START!"

Casper and Hot Stuff shot Kat grateful looks as they scurried towards her and Wednesday, finally rescued from the clutches of the overzealous adults. "Let go!" Hot Stuff squeaked, his flames momentarily flickering with irritation.

Alder and Dash, the two-headed headmaster, joined the guardians, “The concert will start in an hour. Hopefully it will be small and uneventful. You must be proud of the children.”

Blair, ever the social butterfly, didn't miss a beat. She extended a hand towards the two-headed monster. "Blair O'Brien, wife of Stretch McFadden. We spoke on the phone?"

Alder and Dash hesitated. “Ah… The Norm-” Alder and Dash felt a sudden chill emanating from Stretch, a silent warning that sent shivers down their spines, or rather, their spinal column. "-The fine woman that gave us the music sheets! Yes. Thank you for the help."

"I hope you didn't mind," Blair said, beaming. "I invited my brother and his fiancée to join us."

"Your brother?" Alder stammered.

"Jareth, the Goblin King."

The two-headed monster’s faces paled, their purplish complexion taking on a sickly, greyish hue. "The Goblin King?" they croaked in unison. Jareth was… complicated. He was powerful, capricious, and notoriously difficult to please.

Suddenly, a noxious cloud of green smoke coalesced beside them. Stinky grinned, his putrid stench washing over the two-headed monster. "I have been bragging about Casper through the Dead-Vine, and the Deadbeats are excited that Casper is going on stage again."

"Deadbeats?" Alder whimpered. Oh, he knew the rumors of the Deadbeats – ghosts who had died at concerts or drug overdoses in the 60’ and 70’s, now eternally reliving their passion in the afterlife, often with… detrimental effects on the living world. They were a force of nature, an unorganized mob of spectral music enthusiasts with a penchant for chaos.

This was going to be a long night.

***

The humans of Jericho were not happy.

Ghosts fresh from Woodstock were throwing flowers and beaded necklaces at them. A few members of the fae almost got a name or two. Vampires, werewolves, witches, and monsters that they didn't even know existed were all over the streets. They knew that Nevermore Academy was filled with freaks, but they never thought their small town would be overrun by twenty to one human.

The air crackled with unease. Jericho’s residents, noses wrinkled and eyes darting, navigated the throng of supernatural beings that had descended upon their town. The concert, a seemingly innocent event, had snowballed into a chaotic convergence of the living, the dead, and everything in between.

Gomez and Dr. Harvey, however, were taking advantage of the chaos to do a little networking. Gomez, ever the bon vivant, was holding court with a gaggle of particularly flamboyant fairies, enthusiastically discussing the finer points of carnivorous flower cultivation. He punctuated his sentences with dramatic flourishes, occasionally producing a rare bloom from his coat pocket to illustrate a point while passing business cards of his firm.

Dr. Harvey, meanwhile, found himself in an unexpectedly engaging conversation with a stern-looking werewolf about the ethics of ectoplasmic therapy for anxiety disorders. The werewolf, it turned out, was deeply concerned about the impact of ghost-induced stress on his pack’s lunar cycles.

Kat watched her father, a small smile playing on her lips. He seemed almost… comfortable amidst the chaos. She nudged Wednesday. "Look at Dad. He's finally found his people."

Wednesday, however, remained unimpressed. "He is merely engaging in his preferred form of self-deceit: intellectual validation of his morbid fascinations."

Kat rolled her eyes. "Whatever. At least he's having fun.”

Hot Stuff, practically vibrating with excitement, peered through the gap in the stage curtains. “Is Uncle Jareth out there yet?” he asked, his eyes scanning the crowd for a tuft of wild white hair.

“Oh! He’ll be here alright!” Kat turned and clapped her hands, drawing the attention of the band members milling around backstage. “Stations people! Let's rock this joint!”

Casper and Wolfie, overcome with pre-show jitters, decided to do a little soundcheck. They launched into a 32-second blast of “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister.

Apparently, they were loud enough that a Deadbeat nearby yelled, “Fuckn’ Tease! Man!”

“Oops.” Casper blushed, his pale cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. The curtain lifted, bathed them in the glare of the stage lights. Casper stepped up to the microphone, his nervousness evident in the way he fidgeted with his sheet music. “Hello Jericho! We’re Casper and the Specters! We have Thatch Bates on keys! Mantha Ammonite on violin! Augustine ‘Wolfie’ Holt on drums! Ra Abdel on guitar! Wednesday Addams on the cello! And little old me… I’m Casper McFadden… on the bagpipes.”

"CASPER!" A group of Deadbeats shouted in cheers, their spectral voices echoing through the square. “CASPER! THE FRIENDLY GHOST!”

Casper blushed, “And because we need to give our backstage team some love. We have Enid Sinclair on sound and lights! Hot Stuff on special effects. And our real leader of the band, OUR MANAGER, KATHLEEN HARVEY!”

A roar of applause erupted from the crowd, a mixture of cheers for the band and shouts of appreciation for Kat. Enid bounced on the balls of her feet, already adjusting the levels on the soundboard. Hot Stuff, his tail twitching, fiddled with a small device that was emitting a faint, shimmering glow.

As the band launched into their first song with Thatch playing on the keyboard. The tune was very familiar. But it wasn't recognized as Cranberries’ Zombie until Casper started to play the bagpipes.

Wednesday and Mantha ran their bows over their respective string instruments, their expressions stark and intense. Wednesday's cello provided a deep, resonating bassline, a counterpoint to Mantha's soaring violin, which echoed the lament in Casper's bagpipes. Wolfie’s drumming was powerful but restrained, giving the song a slow, deliberate heartbeat.

The song built slowly, layer upon layer of sonic texture. Casper, his initial nervousness replaced by focused intensity, closed his eyes and poured his soul into the music. His fingers danced over the chanter of the bagpipes, coaxing out notes that were both sorrowful and strangely uplifting.

Then he gave Wolfie and Ra a signal where both drummer and guitarist blasted the first chorus, transforming the mournful ballad into an anthem of defiance.

The crowd erupted, a sea of faces, human, ethereal, and monstrous were at awe. Then all at once the audience started moving in time to the music. Even the disgruntled townsfolk of Jericho found themselves tapping their feet, grudgingly impressed by the sheer power of the performance.

The air shimmered with magic, not just from Hot Stuff's special effects, but from the raw energy of the music and the shared experience of the audience. Beaded necklaces flew through the air, landing on everything from vampire shoulders to werewolf snouts. The fairies, emboldened by Gomez’s earlier charm, began to weave spells, creating fleeting illusions of shimmering butterflies and cascading starlight that pulsed in time with the beat.

Wednesday, her face still a mask of stoic indifference, nevertheless played with ferocious intensity. No one could tell she wasn't enjoying the music, but her cello sang with a dark, compelling beauty that added another layer of complexity to the sound. Even Kat, watching from the wings, felt a thrill shoot through her. This wasn't just a concert; it was a happening, a collision of worlds that was somehow, impossibly, working.

"Thank you everyone!" Casper gasped, clutching the microphone. "But while I catch my breath Thatch has a treat for you."

Thatch shot a glare that could curdle milk. "Casper!"

"Come on, Thatch." Casper covered the microphone, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I heard you sing with Ra and Wolfie during rehearsals. And it's beautiful. I believe in you."

"Asshole… fine." Thatch muttered, a flush rising on his pale cheeks as he nodded imperceptibly to Ra and Wolfie.

He shuffled towards the microphone, a vision of reluctant doom. Ra strummed the opening chord, a simple, melancholic sound that cut through the remaining clamor. Clearing his throat, Thatch began.

"When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me. Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me. Speaking words of wisdom, let it be."

Thatch's voice, raspy and hesitant at first, gained confidence as he plunged into the Beatles' "Let It Be." Ra and Wolfie provided a gentle, almost reverent backing, their instruments a soft cushion for Thatch's unexpectedly soulful rendition. The crowd, initially surprised, quieted, mesmerized by the raw emotion in the vampire's voice. The fairies stilled their spellcasting, the vampires ceased their brooding, and the werewolves held their breath. Even the grumpy townsfolk of Jericho seemed to soften, their faces etched with a flicker of something akin to empathy.

“And when the broken-hearted people living in the world agree. There will be an answer, let it be. For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see. There will be an answer, let it be.”

For a moment, the divisions that had threatened to tear Jericho apart dissolved, replaced by a shared experience of music and vulnerability. Ghosts, humans, and monsters alike were united in the simple act of listening to a lonely vampire sing his heart out.

Then, a group of Deadbeats began to sing along, their off-key harmonies surprisingly heartfelt. And on the last chorus, a wave of voices surged through the square, transforming Thatch's solo into a powerful, unified anthem.

“Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be. There will be an answer, let it be. Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be. Whisper words of wisdom, let it be. Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be. Whisper words of wisdom, let it be, be.”

As the last notes faded, a hush fell over the square, broken only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. Then, a single voice began to clap, slowly at first, then with increasing enthusiasm. It was Dr. Harvey, his eyes shining with unshed tears. Soon, others joined in, the applause swelling into a thunderous ovation.

Thatch, overwhelmed, ducked his head and mumbled a thank you. Ra clapped him on the shoulder. "See? Told ya you could do it, Thatch."

Casper, still catching his breath, beamed. "Okay, okay, enough with the love fest! We got more music for you, Jericho! Let's keep the party rolling!" He winked at Thatch, who, surprisingly, winked back.

Casper hoisted his bagpipes, the silver pipes gleam under the moonlight. He took a deep breath and launched into a blistering rendition of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck," seamlessly transitioning into "It's a Long Way (To the Top)" and then "Highway to Hell." The bagpipes, manipulated with Casper's dexterity, mimicked Angus Young's iconic riffs with uncanny accuracy. The energy of the crowd, already high from Thatch's surprisingly moving performance, exploded.

A group of monsters started a mosh pit, their limbs flailing in a joyous, albeit slightly dangerous, frenzy. The pixies, usually content with a delicate shimmer, began vibrating with an almost tangible energy, their wings beating in time with the relentless rhythm. Even the humans, who had initially edged the perimeter with trepidation, emboldened by the shared experience, cautiously joined in the wild dancing. Old Man Hemlock, notorious for his grumbling, even cracked a smile and tapped his foot, muttering something about "good old-fashioned noise.”

The night sky, usually a canvas of inky black, became a spectacle of fiery beauty. Hot Stuff shot fireworks into the night to the beat. Each burst of color – emerald, sapphire, ruby – amplified the energy of the music, creating a sensory overload that was both exhilarating and slightly terrifying. The fireworks pulsed with the bassline, the aerial explosions mimicking the drum solos.

"Hot Stuff!" a velvety voice called out.

The imp whirled around, his pointed ears twitching with delight. "Uncle Jareth!"

The Goblin King, resplendent in shimmering velvet and a crown of twisted branches interwoven with jewels, swept Hot Stuff into a hug. "Did you think I wouldn't make it? I wouldn't miss this spectacle for all the glittering treasures of the labyrinth."

"What did you think of my fireworks?" Hot Stuff beamed, eager for his uncle's approval.

Jareth tilted his head, scanning the sky. "Satisfactory, but I think you can go bigger, little one. Much bigger."

A wicked grin spread across Hot Stuff's face. "I saw this in a movie with the McFaddens – they have this, uh, technology they use for special effects." He snapped his fingers and summoned his trident, the prongs crackling with arcane energy. He held it high above his head, the silver gleaming in the firelight, and pointed it towards the heavens.

A surge of energy coursed through the air. From the tip of the trident, an image coalesced, shimmering and spectral. It was a dragon, wings outstretched, scales gleaming with otherworldly light, roaring silently across the night sky. The fireworks paled in comparison. The crowd gasped, a collective rumble of awe and slight panic.

It was when the dragon bursted into a blooming dandelion-like explosion that the crowd cheered for such a firework display.

Jareth smiled, “Keep up the good work. I must rejoin Sarah and the others. But after the concert we must join in merriment.”

The air crackled with a chaotic, joyful energy as Casper finished his bagpipe assault. The final, echoing wail of "Highway to Hell" faded into the night, leaving a ringing in the ears and a buzzing in the soul.

Hot Stuff, basking in the Goblin King's praise and the roar of the crowd following his dragon firework, strutted with newfound confidence.

The final burst of crimson and gold still shimmered in the air, a lingering echo of Hot Stuff’s pyrotechnic masterpiece. "Whoo!" Casper shouted out, his spectral voice slightly hoarse, "Big round of applause to Hot Stuff and his fireworks display!” The dandelion explosion of light faded, leaving trails of spectral glitter in its wake.

The crowd roared louder. Some of the younger humans thought that the Fourth of July fireworks wouldn't even come close to the spectacle they'd just witnessed.

"And once again…" Casper said in patted breaths, "I out-Rock myself and need a little bit of a breather." He grinned, a wide smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. Bringing himself back to life had taken a lot out of him, and even now, the sheer energy of a live performance was still a drain.

Thatch smiled at Kat as he beckoned her. Kat to a place next to Casper. “Yeah, Casper, we don't want you to die a second time.”

News that Casper brought back to life was finally considered old news.

A hush fell over the crowd as the opening chords of a familiar, yet unexpected, song began to play.

"When you were here before," Kat sang, her voice soft and hesitant, "Couldn't look you in the eye. You're just like an angel. Your skin makes me cry. You float like a feather. In a beautiful world. I wish I was special. You're so fucking special."

The melancholic tune of "Creep" filled the air, a stark contrast to the wild energy that had preceded it. Kat's voice, usually bubbly and bright, was raw with emotion, vulnerable and exposed. Thatch's piano accompaniment was equally haunting, the simple chords resonating with a deep sense of longing. The song hung heavy in the air, a shared sentiment of inadequacy and yearning that touched everyone present.

“I don't care if it hurts. I want to have control. I want a perfect body. I want a perfect soul. I want you to notice. When I'm not around. You're so fucking special. I wish I was special.

The mosh pit, a swirling vortex of monstrous limbs and enthusiastic headbanging, dispersed, the monsters momentarily subdued by the song's somber tone. Some teenagers, holding their phones aloft, started to sway them gently, the small screens offering a flickering light in the growing darkness.

“She's running out the door. She's running. She run, run, run, run. Run. Whatever makes you happy. Whatever you want. You're so fucking special. I wish I was special.”

As Kat sang the final chorus, her voice cracking with emotion, a wave of empathy washed over the crowd. They, the misfits and monsters, the outcasts and the overlooked, understood. They all felt like creeps, like outsiders looking in on a world they didn't belong to. Even the humans that felt different from their own were becoming more sympathetic towards the supernatural beings that suddenly took over Jericho.

“But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo. What the hell am I doing here? I don't belong here. I don't belong here.”

When the last note faded, there was a moment of stunned silence. Then, slowly, tentatively, applause began to ripple through the room. It started as a hesitant clap, then grew into a thunderous roar, a collective acknowledgement of the vulnerability and honesty that Kat and Thatch had laid bare.

"Wow," Mantha said, breaking the spell with her characteristic lack of subtlety. "Didn't know you had that in you, Kat. That was...intense."

Kat looked up, a shaky smile forming on her face. "Thanks, Mantha. It was...well, it was something I needed to get out." She glanced at Thatch, a silent understanding passing between them. They had practiced the song in secret, a shared outlet for their own insecurities.

Casper returns to center stage, “Kat Harvey, everyone! Now for one time only we will be accepting a request-”

“Free Bird!” yelled a Deadbeat.

“Wow!” Casper looked at Mantha, “We didn't expect that.”

Mantha smiled, almost giving away the joke, "No. We didn't expect someone requesting Free Bird in a concert. Such a classic.”

“Free Bird in bagpipes,” Casper adjusted his instrument, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Sounds insane. Actually, it sounds awesome. Let’s give it a go!”

Thatch had already set his keyboard to a rich, cathedral-like organ sound. He knew this was coming. His fingers danced across the keys, finding the familiar, mournful melody that would underpin the chaos. Wolfie, ever the professional, started to tap a soft, heartbeat-like rhythm on his drums, anchoring the impending musical storm. Mantha, never one to be left out of a good prank, ran the bow over her violin, drawing out the haunting, instantly recognizable intro of the song.

Casper waited for his turn, taking a deep breath and inflating the bag of his bagpipes. Then, with a flourish, he joined the fray, his pipes wailing a surprisingly accurate rendition of the guitar intro. The sound was…unexpected. It was both comical and strangely moving, the drone of the bagpipes lending a Celtic edge to the Southern rock anthem.

As the tempo picked up, something truly remarkable happened. Casper and Mantha began a musical duel, their instruments weaving in and out of each other like battling spirits. The high, piercing notes of the bagpipes clashed and harmonized with the soaring melodies of the violin, creating a sound that was both chaotic and beautiful.

Thatch's organ filled in the gaps, creating a rich, textured backdrop that supported the dueling soloists. Wolfie, meanwhile, kept the beat steady, a relentless pulse that drove the music forward. He even threw in a few unexpected fills, injecting moments of frantic energy into the performance.

People were laughing, cheering, and even shedding a few tears. It was a ridiculous, beautiful, and utterly unique experience. "Free Bird" had never sounded like this before, and it probably never would again.

As the final note faded away, the crowd erupted in a deafening roar of appreciation. Casper, his cheeks flushed with exertion, and Mantha, her face a beaming portrait of fierce joy, bowed deeply to the audience. The applause thundered, echoing throughout all of Jericho, bouncing off the quaint brick buildings and out into the darkening evening. It was almost as if the humans forgot that they were ever angry at Nevermore Academy for bringing such a large crowd of monsters to their town. The harmonious cacophony of violin, cello, keys, bagpipes, and electric guitar had… healed something.

“WHAOOOOO!” Casper hollered into the microphone, his voice crackling with energy. “What do you say about one last song? For Jericho! For unity! For forgetting all our troubles, at least for four minutes!”

The crowd got louder, a wave of cheers washing over the makeshift stage cobbled together in the town square. People stomped their feet, clapped their hands, and even some of the more adventurous started to spontaneously sway.

Without a word, Wednesday and Mantha, ever the stoic foundation of the band, began the intro of their final piece. Wednesday’s cello hummed a low, resonant note, and Mantha’s violin responded with a high, shimmering echo. It started so smoothly, so subtly, that the crowd didn’t know what was happening. A collective murmur of confusion rippled through the air.

Then, a spectacle began to unfold in the sky. Hot Stuff used his fiery abilities to create numbers counting down, large and brilliant, against the darkening canvas. Each number, after lingering for a glorious few seconds, burst into a series of vibrant fireworks, painting the sky with shimmering golds and electric blues.

5 4 3 2 1

Then, all hell, in the best possible way, broke loose. Casper’s bagpipes wailed into life, a high-pitched, almost frantic drone that cut through the air like a banshee on a sugar rush. And then Ra ripped into his instrument, the guitar roaring to life with a searing, vibrant sound that sent shivers down the spine.

The unmistakable tune of "The Final Countdown" filled the air, instantly recognizable, yet utterly transformed by the unique instrumentation. Wednesday and Mantha maintained their composed facade, even as their instruments propelled the song forward with an unlikely blend of classical elegance and raw energy.

Casper’s bagpipes and Ra’s guitar went together like a fine pairing of wine to a meal… if that meal was a culinary experiment gone gloriously right. The ancient, mournful wail of the pipes blended surprisingly well with the raw, electric energy of the guitar, creating a sound that was both epic and utterly ridiculous.

On cue, Thatch, Ra, and Wolfie leaned into their vocal mics, eyes gleaming with mischievous glee. The music built, the anticipation palpable, and then, in a glorious, uncoordinated roar, they screamed in unison: “FINAL COUNTDOWN!”

The crowd went wild. The humans of Jericho and the monsters of Nevermore, united in their shared appreciation of the bizarre spectacle unfolding before them, started to dance with unrestrained abandon. Some swayed, some headbanged, some attempted to mosh, and some just stood there with a bewildered but undeniably entertained expression on their face.

As the song reached its climax, the fireworks continued to explode overhead, mirroring the explosion of joy and camaraderie on the ground. In that moment, the troubles of the world, the anxieties of living in a town straddling the line between the mundane and the magical, all faded away. There was just the music, the dancing, and the shared feeling of belonging.

As the final notes faded, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause. Casper, sweating profusely but grinning like a cheshire cat, raised his bagpipes high.

“Thank you, Jericho!” he shouted, his voice hoarse. “You’ve been an amazing audience! We are Casper and the Specters. And we wish you a Goodnight!”

The echoes of “The Final Countdown” still vibrated in the air, a sweet, lingering residue of joyous chaos. Casper, practically glowing with sweat and adrenaline, threw an arm around Mantha. Kat sucked up behind them and gave them a group hug. The square, once a battleground of fear and misunderstanding, now felt like a sanctuary.

“Well,” Wednesday stated, her voice as dry as ever, yet lacking its usual bite. She almost smiled when she saw her cousin giving the exghost and zombie a hug, “That was… adequate.”

Ra snorted, playfully shoving her shoulder. “Adequate? Wednesday, they were climbing street lamps! That was beyond adequate!”

Hot Stuff, now cooled down and emitting only a gentle warmth, materialized beside them, offering a thumbs-up. "Best firework display I've ever done. Uncle Jareth was impressed with my dragon.”

Kat looked at her friends, “Okay guys… here comes the worst part of ending a show.” She pointed at the group of familiar adults with beaming faces, “Parental affection.”

Wednesday looked at her mother and father that was closing in and got up, “Thing? Tell my parents I went to the bathroom. Mantha, can you put my cello back in its case?”

Before Mantha could even nod, Morticia Addams descended upon the remaining band members, her voice a silken purr. "My dears, that was… exquisitely chaotic! The bagpipes were a particularly inspired touch, Casper."

Gomez, not to be outdone, engulfed Ra in a bear hug, nearly crushing him. "Magnifico! Ra, my boy, you shredded! Absolutely shredded! I haven't seen such raw, untamed energy since I last tangoed with Morticia after a particularly potent cup of Cuban coffee!”

A ghost of a pharaoh materialized beside Gomez, a regal ghost of a smile playing on his lips. “Shame on you, Mr. Addams! Beating me to give my son praise.” The pharaoh gave Ra a firm handshake, a gesture that spoke volumes coming from the ancient ruler.

A tall man with a top hat adorned with feathers and a bone necklace enveloped Mantha in a warm hug. “Proud of you, my little Cheri.” Mantha returned the hug, a genuine smile gracing her face.

Thatch, seeing his mother's familiar glint, bolted. "Uh oh! Incoming affection bites!" He and his mother both transformed into bats, their leathery wings unfurling as they launched into a playful game of tag in the darkening sky, their high-pitched squeaks a joyful counterpoint to the fading cheers.

Wolfie found himself overwhelmed by a flurry of fur and tiny paws. His younger brothers and sisters, a whole litter of wolf pups, tackled him, their playful yips echoing around him. He ruffled their fur, a genuine, unguarded smile crinkling the corners of his eyes.

Enid stood slightly apart, a flicker of disappointment crossing her features. Her parents hadn’t shown. But a part of her understood. Now that she could finally transform into her wolf form, their constant worry had eased. Still… a pang of sadness hit her. But then Kat squeezed her hand, her smile radiating warmth and reassurance. Enid grinned back, realizing she had found a new family here, one that accepted her, flaws and all.

Kat, Casper, and Hot Stuff were quickly engulfed by a boisterous crowd. The Ghostly Trio, Dr. Harvey, Blair, and even Jareth, the Goblin King, were vying for their attention. Stretch, Stinky, and Fatso were all trying to one-up each other with exaggerated tales of their ghostly shenanigans, each desperate to make Casper laugh.

Dr. Harvey beamed, his eyes shining with unwavering pride as he gave his "Bucket" as he always calls Kat a bear hug that threatened to crack ribs.

Blair hugged Hot Stuff tightly, whispering how proud she was of his talent and courage. Jareth, the Goblin King, clapped Hot Stuff on the back, his usual imperious expression softened with something akin to joviality. "Impressive pyrotechnics, young fire elemental. You have potential."

Sarah, standing slightly to the side, busily snapped photos with a special Polaroid camera. Each click captured a moment of pure, unadulterated joy and camaraderie, the photos slowly developing, revealing the faces of these extraordinary teenagers and their equally extraordinary guardians, connected not by blood, but by something far stronger: a shared understanding and unconditional love.

Notes:

Songs in order:

 

32 SECONDS OF WE’RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT

https://open.spotify.com/track/2vkChDYQp9Z67mhTeKu229?si=-iPpn2DaTVmi959GI1x95A&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1EIhGgI4Ewg7Rd

 

ZOMBIE

https://open.spotify.com/track/3kKMS5ORxShw7SPpW5kEkt?si=CH53lMp0TwW5nMuQKmUrAw

 

LET IT BE

https://open.spotify.com/track/0eZ4bLUnh0NkGwCEmPvRYI?si=kxRAmC4MSA6HeyewoH2W2A

 

THUNDERSTRUCK/IT'S A LONG WAY/HIGHWAY TO HELL

https://open.spotify.com/track/0Gg10ZBtejU8sCZv7nxJdg?si=6ryErRy0RfiPszDnudAETg&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1EIhGgI4Ewg7Rd

 

CREEP

https://open.spotify.com/track/1OnGY3lluXmtgPGCYjKxf8?si=OHp4zskXRmipJwoX3z7iEg

 

FREE BIRD

https://open.spotify.com/track/7pxqwd5OLsq8VsZ1Ngy8uq?si=v3aGSeMfRICd8ivUe7s_xA

 

FINAL COUNTDOWN

https://open.spotify.com/track/7Ey7ZJrsmEt6WAw8sFsvX4?si=0zTpH2qqSiariOqMpX3XaQ&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1EIhGgI4Ewg7Rd

Chapter 22: LAST CHANCE TO NAME JANET’S BABY!!!!

LAST CHANCE TO NAME JANET’S BABY!!!!

Janet Kingsburg and Creepy the Clown are having a baby!!!

the baby will make an appearance at Necessary Evil Chapter 13! And will be a main character for Chapter 14 & 15!

But the kiddo will have multiple appearances in Maid in Whipstaff!

You're not just naming the baby, but also alter the gender and personality!

 

Here's what's going to happen for all three names!

The child is going to inherit Creepy’s fire engine red hair. The color of the eyes will be the color of Dead Lights but extremely weak Dead Lights. And the white of their eyes will be black.

They will take on a clown appearance and have a tendency for arson. The outfits would be a combination of yellow, orange, and red. The outfits would also have some indication of flames.

They will inherit pyrokinesis, illusion, and minor reality warping.

Cinne (she/her) = Cinne will inherit her mother's cinnamon smell. While very human-like her face is still a little too close to an uncanny valley and has a bit of a Jack In The box feel to it. Her dress is orange with two yellow stripes on her front. Hem of her dress has flames. She wears a Yellow Minnie Mouse Bow between two large pigtails. on hands are yellow Three Fingered Mickey Mouse Gloves. She prefers human food. She doesn't like to eat meat unless it's hamburgers.

Pyre (he/him) = Pyre has a bit of a Killer Klown From Outer Space face. He wears an orange top hat with a yellow flower. On his top hat are his flames. He also wears a red jacket similar to a ring master’s. The jacket has yellow pom poms as buttons. He also has white pants and Three Finger Mickey Mouse Gloves. Pyre’s favorite pastime is juggling with fireballs. He's also a bit of a predatorial hunter. His favorite meal is supernatural maneaters and will even trick Killer Klowns to accept him as one of their own before eating them.

Jehoel (they/them) = Jehoel is the most human looking. They have their hair up in a short, messy ponytail. They wear a white shirt with black and white sleeves and matching shorts. They also wear a yellow tutu with a matching collar. They also wear orange suspenders with flames. But don't let their human-ness fool you. They have a True Glamour Form! The Firefly! They also smell negative emotions, not just fear. They like to eat both human food and “other meats.” Their favorite food is pizza and ice cream while their favorite “other white meat” is narcissistic abusers.

Chapter 23: Unity

Summary:

Day 7 and day 8!

After the success of the concert the Spectators decided to add a little "Harmony" to their music.

The morning after Casper and the Specters' concert at Nevermore Academy pulsed with an energy that felt almost tangible, like the afterglow of a spell cast in the dead of night. The ancient halls, with their towering gothic arches and flickering candlelight, were alive with students chattering excitedly.The concert had been more than just music; it had been a bridge between worlds, a fleeting moment where the macabre met the melodic.

In the cafeteria, whispers rippled through the crowd like echoes in a crypt. "Did you feel it when Casper's bagpipes hit that high note?" a vampire girl exclaimed, her fangs glinting as she sipped her blood-infused latte. "It was like the air itself was breathing!" Nearby, a werewolf boy nodded enthusiastically. "And Wednesday on the cello—pure darkness woven into sound. She made the shadows dance!" Even the fencing club, known for their stoic demeanor and sharp blades, couldn't hide their smiles. "Thatch's piano solos were electric," one admitted, "and his voice? Heartbreaking enough to make a stone weep. As for Wolfie's drums... I swear all of Jericho Town shook!”

Kat wandered through the halls with a contented grin. Her backpack, stuffed with sheet music and a few witchcraft trinkets, bounced lightly on her shoulder. "You guys were amazing."

"You were amazing, Manager!" Enid Sinclair chirped, catching up to Kat with her trademark enthusiasm. The werewolf girl's pink-streaked hair bounced as she walked, her eyes sparkling. "I mean, the way you kept everything together? You're like the conductor of chaos!”

"Not as amazing as Hot Stuff's special effects. Those fireworks were straight out of a dream!” Kat nudged a shoulder against the red imp, who puffed up with pride, his tiny horns gleaming.

“Now that the concert is over we still have a week left over of the summer program.” Mantha groaned. Her blue hair dropped over her decaying shoulders, “I don't wanna say goodbye yet, Kat. It's been too fun hanging out with you!”

“I'm sure we can have you guys over at Whipstaff for a party or two.” Casper smiled. “My uncles might grumble, but they'd love the excuse to show off their haunts.”

The group's laughter echoed down the hall, a rare burst of joy in the academy's somber atmosphere. But their bubble of contentment burst when the two-headed headmaster, Alder and Dash, slithered into view. The tentacle brothers, with their shared body and mismatched personalities, commanded immediate attention.

Dash, the more affable head, wore a congenial smile, his eyes twinkling with genuine warmth. Alder, however, scowled as if the world had personally offended him, his scales shifting with irritation.

"Ah, the stars of last night's show!" Dash exclaimed, his voice booming cheerfully. "You all put on quite the performance. Slept well, everyone?"

Before anyone could respond, Alder interjected with his signature gruffness. "You might have drummed up a bit of unity between humans and the supernatural, but it's nothing more than a Band-Aid on a leaking dam. Last night's glow will fade, and we'll be back to the same old squabbles. Mark my words, this 'harmony' is fleeting.”

The hallway fell silent, the electric hum of excitement dimming like a candle snuffed out. Kat felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She knew Alder wasn't entirely wrong; Nevermore had a long history of clashes. Humans like her often felt like outsiders among the vampires, werewolves, and spirits, and incidents with Jericho—full of fearful townsfolk—were never far from erupting. But Dash, ever the optimist, tried to smooth things over. "Oh, come now, Alder," he said lightly. "They did so well! Talent like that deserves recognition. Perhaps it's a step in the right direction."

Alder snorted, his eyes narrowing. "A step? More like a stumble. But fine, enjoy your fleeting victory. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Everyone in Nevermore Academy was impressed with the concert. And the tension between Jericho and Nevermore seemed almost extinguished.

Except for Headmasters Alder and Dash. Dash, while admitting their talent, seemed eternally pessimistic. Alder, on the other hand... Well, Alder was just Alder. He was never happy.

“To class.” Alder said before slithering off to the office. “What was that, dear brother?”

Dash sighed, “I should ask you that. While you're not wrong, you could have taken a step back. Our students need hope for a better tomorrow for there to be a better tomorrow.”

"Whitewashing mold doesn't make the mold go away," Alder grumbled back, his voice fading down the hall.

The encounter left a pall over the group. Kat exchanged worried glances with Enid and Casper. "He's such a downer," Enid whispered, her enthusiasm dimmed. "But maybe he's right. What if this was just a one-night thing?”

Casper smiled at Kat, “Unity spell?”

Kat narrowed her eyes on her best friend-maybe boyfriend. “I just learned it two days ago. It's not perfect yet.”

Mantha smiled at Kat, “What do you need for the spell?”

“Three candles. Green for healing. Red for love. And White for Harmony.” Kat placed her finger on her chin, “Rosemary, Chamomile, and Lavender. Rose Quartz and Amethyst. And olive oil.”

“Thanks Kat,” the zombie girl started to run down the hall to her next class.

Kat hurried after Mantha, dodging students and whispering apologies. "Mantha, wait! What are you planning?"

Mantha skidded to a stop, her usually vacant eyes sparkling with determination. "I'm going to make sure Alder is wrong. This isn't just a one-night thing. I'm going to help you make that harmony real.”

***

The midday sun beat down on Nevermore Academy, but within its gothic walls, time held its breath. Kat, perched precariously on the edge of the fountain, chanted softly. “Tempus Sta!” The world outside the immediate vicinity of the fountain blurred, the chaotic rush of lunch break transforming into a dizzying, sped-up montage. Within Kat’s carefully crafted bubble, however, everything was still.

One hour wouldn't be enough time for what she planned. Not without a little magical intervention.

The other members of Casper and the Specters – Casper, Thatch, Wednesday, Mantha, Wolfie, and Ra – took their places. Thatch’s fingers hovered over the ivory keys of his portable piano keyboard. Wednesday and Mantha, their faces unusually softened, cradled their cello and viola respectively. Wolfie tested the taut skin of his drums, producing a soft, anticipatory thump. Ra sat beside him, ready to keep time with a rhythmic shake of his maracas. Candles, seemingly materialized from thin air, surrounded the fountain, casting flickering shadows on the expectant faces.

There was a collective sigh of disappointment when no bagpipes appeared. Everyone knew a Casper and the Specters show was good, but Casper with bagpipes was legendary. Still, anticipation crackled in the air.

Then Kat began arranging the herbs and stones on the fountain’s edge. A gasp ripped through the air. A woman with fiery red hair and a constellation of freckles across her nose shouted, "It's a Unity Spell!"

The effect was instantaneous. Witches, Vodouisants, and practitioners of various mystical arts materialized from the shadows, drawn by the potent energy emanating from Kat’s spell. They approached the fountain, offering their own contributions – a sprig of dried lavender, a polished obsidian stone, a brightly coloured Yoruba cowrie shell. More candles appeared, painting the scene in a mosaic of warm, dancing light.

As the last of the contributors settled into place, Kat released the Time Spell with a flick of her wrist. The blurred world snapped back into focus. A collective intake of breath swept through the courtyard as students, previously frozen mid-stride, blinked in confusion.

"Oh! Thank you, everyone," Kat said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. She turned back to the task at hand, bending over the candles. Carefully, she anointed each one with oil and a pinch of herbs, chanting in a low, resonant voice, “I call you near, Bound by love, not fear.”

She glanced up, her eyes meeting those of the assembled magic practitioners. They mirrored her actions, anointing their own candles with similar care. The sense of unity was palpable, a warm, comforting blanket woven from shared purpose.

Kat arranged her candles in a precise triangle, placing the stones carefully in the center. “May our hearts and minds unite, In kindness, truth, and healing light.”

As she lit the candles, the others followed suit. A flickering, luminous halo surrounded the fountain. With a final, deep breath, Kat completed the spell. “May the flames of love and light guide us from this darkened day. With peace for all and harm to none, as I will, so it is done."

A wave of weariness washed over her, as if the magic had drawn from her very essence. Casper was there in an instant, his arms kept her balanced while he extended a hand and a microphone. She took them gratefully, her fingers brushing against his cool touch. The music began—Thatch's piano keys dancing with a melancholic melody, Wednesday and Mantha's strings intertwining like threads of sorrow and hope, Wolfie's drums tapping a gentle rhythm, and Ra's maracas providing a subtle undercurrent.

Kat closed her eyes, drawing strength from the circle of friends around her, and began to sing. Her voice, clear and strong, rose above the instrumental accompaniment, cutting through the night like a beacon.

“We come into this world unknown
But know that we are not alone.
They try and knock us down.
But change is coming, it's our time now.”

Casper had been begging her to sing this particular Kelly Clarkson song for ages. She usually relegate, only to find him lurking outside the door later, grinning sheepishly. It was goofy, and completely out of character for Nevermore, but somehow, it was perfect.

As the chorus built, the magic intensified. The candles' flames grew brighter, their light weaving through the air like golden threads, binding the students together.

“Oh, people like us, we've gotta stick together. Keep your head up, nothing lasts forever. Here's to the damned, to the lost and forgotten. It's hard to get high when you're living on the bottom.”

The song's energy rippled outward, reaching the farthest corners of the academy. In the Headmasters’ office, high above the courtyard, King Kibosh and his future daughter-in-law, Wendy, paused their discussion. The cheery melody filtered through the heavy oak doors, bringing unexpected smiles to their faces. “Sounds like a cheery song,” Wendy remarked, her eyes twinkling with knowing amusement.

“I’LL TELL THEM TO QUIET DOWN!” Dash tried to reach the door but his brother stayed seated.

“Don’t you dare disturb Casper and his band!” Queen Wendy interjected, her innocent grin belying her authority. “A Unity Spell this powerful should go on until the last candle is burnt out.”

Back in the courtyard, Kat poured her heart into the final verses, her voice soaring with the band's crescendo. “They can’t do nothing to you, they can’t do nothing to me. This is the life that we choose, this is the life that we bleed. So throw your fists in the air, come out, come out if you dare. Tonight we’re gonna change forever!”

The students joined in, their voices a chorus of defiance. “Everybody loses it. Everybody wants to throw it all away sometimes!” The air hummed with magic, the shadows retreating as if repelled by the light.

“Oh, people like us, we've gotta stick together. Keep your head up, nothing lasts forever. Here's to the damned, to the lost and forgotten. It's hard to get high when you're living on the bottom!”

Alder smiled at the witch queen, “Did you just say Unity Spell?”

Wendy nodded, her expression warm. “Indeed. A powerful one that might reach Jericho.”

Kibosh looked at the red clad sorceress, “Who is the siren that's singing?”

“Can you believe it?” Wendy smiled as she closed her eyes and the window opened with magic, “That's Kat Harvey’s magic.”

“James Harvey’s daughter?” Kibosh got up and looked out of the window.

“Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh. We're all misfits living in a world on fire. Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh. Sing it for the people like us, the people like us.” Kat sang as if her life depended on it. Her magic flowed freely from her. She didn't even realize that sometime during the song she started to levitate. “Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh. You've just gotta turn it up loud when the flames get higher. Oh, woah-oh-oh, woah-oh! Sing it for the people like us, the people like us!”

Wendy walked next to The Ghost King, “The song is over but the spell is still incomplete.” And with a jump Wendy glided over the students, “Casper! Until the last candle is out the spell will be incomplete! You need another song!”

“Wendy? Kibosh?!” Casper wasn't expecting his friend of fifteen years to appear in front of him.

Kat got to Band Manager Mode, “Thatch, Journey, now!”

Thatch nodded and started to play a familiar tone. Kat snapped her fingers and Casper's bagpipes appeared, “Don't worry about the Headmasters! I’ll take care of them!”

Kat, still levitating, flew up to the open window of the office as Casper played Don't Stop Believing on his bagpipes. Wendy and Kibosh followed her.

Wendy stood by Kat’s side while Kibosh was enjoying this new form of entertainment. He clapped along to the unexpected jig-like rhythm Casper coaxed from the bagpipes. "Impressive, Harvey," he boomed, a genuine smile crinkling the corners of his mouth. He hadn't felt this lighthearted in years. The music, the spell, the youthful defiance…it was invigorating.

Dash growled, “Lunch break is almost over, Miss Harvey!”

Alder rolled his eyes, “You sang wonderfully, I can't believe that you made a Unity Spell through a makeshift concert!”

Kat simply grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Just doing my part to keep Nevermore interesting," she said, her voice still echoing with the remnants of the song. She landed gently on the floor, the last vestiges of the magical energy fading from her aura.

Wendy chuckled, nudging Kat playfully. "Interesting is an understatement. You just invoked a Unity Spell powerful enough to reach Jericho, using a Kelly Clarkson song! And Casper’s tutelary powers through his bagpipes are quite literally oil on the fire.”

“What?!” Kat ran towards the window and noticed that the grass the Casper was standing on were greener and the flames on the candles were changing colors to the beat of his bagpipes. “His tutelary powers are mixing so well with the Unity spell. At this rate I wouldn't be surprised if it reached all of Vermont.”

“If this was being done at a radio station,” Wendy smiled at Kat, “The Unity spell might reach beyond.”

Kibosh placed his hand on her shoulder, “Kathleen? This Unity Spell might harmonize the world.”

“Heh. Harmonize.”

Wendy gave Kat a playful pat, “Don't you start, Kibosh will keep it going.”

“You’ll have to face the MUSIC now. You're in real TREBLE. Take NOTE of that and stay SHARP if you want this Unity to work.” Kibosh smiled defiantly, “

Kat groaned theatrically, burying her face in her hands. "Someone make him stop! Please, I'm begging you! I just wanted to have a little fun, not unleash a punpocalypse!"

Wendy laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, you've opened Pandora's Box, I'm afraid. Once Kibosh gets going, there's no stopping him. Just embrace the ridiculousness."

Dash and Alder, however, didn't share their amusement. Dash was practically vibrating with indignation. "This is ridiculous! We have rules for a reason! No unauthorized concerts, no spontaneous spellcasting, and definitely no disrupting the… the sanctity of the Headmaster's office with… bagpipes!" He sputtered, unable to articulate his frustration further.

Alder, ever the pragmatist, was more concerned with the practical implications. "And what about Jericho? What happens when a Unity Spell reaches them? They're… well, they're Jericho. Their version of 'unity' might not be something we want to be a part of."

Kat lowered her hands, a thoughtful expression on her face. "You're right, Alder. I didn't really think about the ramifications beyond… making people feel a little less alone.”

This time Dash’s face softened, “It's because of what I said in the hall earlier, isn't it?”

Dash and Alder got up from their desk and slithered to the window. The two headed monster looked down at the courtyard. Alder looked at his brother with pride.

Dash looked at Kat, “Unity between normie fleashies and the supernatural… will be hard work. And as a powerful Unity Spell as this… It may look like an easy way to fix it, but it's still a Band-Aid on a leaking dam. So, young lady! How do you fix a leaky dam?”

“Ask the beavers for advice?”

Dash almost laughed at that, "Well, that's truly out of the box thinking, but no. You reinforce the dam! You address the underlying issues that caused the leak in the first place. This spell… it masks the problems, it doesn't solve them."

Alder nodded in agreement. "He’s right. We need to focus on education, understanding, dismantling prejudice one brick at a time, not magically forcing everyone to hold hands and sing Kumbaya.”

Kat gave a huff, then smiled, “But magic can't create unless there's something there. Did the spell just slapped a bandaid on a problem? Yes! But it also shows us that the leak is indeed fixable.”

Kat grabbed the tentacle arms of the two headed monster, “You are correct, Headmasters! It will be hard work, but it will only work if both sides are motivated to make it work.”

Kat squeezed Dash and Alder’s tentacle arms gently, a spark of determination returning to her eyes. "And I think," she continued, looking out the window at the subtly shimmering grass and the dancing candle flames, "that maybe, just maybe, this little stunt has given us a chance to start a real conversation. A conversation Jericho can't ignore."

***
The air in Jericho City Hall crackled with a nervous energy. Sunlight streamed through the tall, arched windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air – dust motes that mirrored the uneasy conversations swirling below. Humans, normally bustling with purpose, stood in huddled groups, their voices hushed, their eyes wide.

“That pale boy with the bagpipes was wonderful,” Mrs. O’Malley whispered, clutching her handbag. “Casper and the Specters! Amazing, truly. But… well, you know…”

“They know how to rock, but freaks are still freaks!” Mr. Abernathy replied, adjusting his spectacles. “I heard Casper’s bagpipes were something else. Haunting, some said. But seeing, you know… them… playing anything like music! It's frightening.”

“The vampire that sang the Beatles song had a heartbreaking voice.” Mr. Thompson sighed.

Kat and the Headmasters sat on the back of the crowd, hoping to stay invisible. Their mission was simple, yet Herculean: to bridge the gap between Jericho's human citizens and the monster population of Nevermore. After generations of mistrust and isolation, they hoped to foster understanding and acceptance. Casper and the Specters, unintentionally, had become a key part of their strategy.

“They’re impressed with Casper’s bagpipes,” Kat observed, a wry amusement flickering across her face. “Progress, I suppose. Baby steps.”

“More like millipede steps,” Dash muttered.

“Patience, Dash. Rome wasn’t built in a day. And neither is trust.” Alder surveyed the room, his gaze lingering on the faces etched with suspicion, curiosity, and fear. “The fear is understandable. But fear breeds prejudice. And prejudice, left unchecked, festers into something far more dangerous.”

Kat nudged the two headed monster, “The new covens have been working with humans for years. The Goodwitch Coven was leading the movement in secret. Now they’re focusing on the music.

Kat’s voice is gaining a steely edge. “But music is a gateway. It’s a common language, a shared experience. It’s proof that despite our differences, we can create something beautiful together.”

Alder shifted slightly, his usually booming voice lowered to a near whisper. "The problem isn't just the fear, Kat. It's history. Generations of stories painting monsters as inherently evil. We need to rewrite that narrative, one song, one act of kindness, at a time."

Suddenly, a hush fell over the room. Mayor Noble Walker, a man usually radiating booming optimism, stepped onto the small stage, his face unusually grave. “Friends, neighbors,” he began, his voice amplified by the microphone. “What we witnessed two nights ago the performance by… these… talented individuals…” He paused, visibly struggling with the words. “It was… different.”

A collective intake of breath rippled through the crowd. Kat exchanged a worried glance with Alder. Was this it? Was the whole fragile experiment about to collapse?

The Mayor continued, his voice gaining strength. “Different, yes. But also… undeniably good. Beautiful, even. I saw Mrs. Higgins tapping her foot to the beat. I saw young Timmy singing along to most of the songs. And I saw something else, something more important than fear. I saw… curiosity.”

“Wait… isn't he-” Kat didn't finish her sentence for the purple tentacle covering her mouth and both heads shushing her.

“Curiosity,” Mayor Walker repeated, letting the word hang in the air. He scanned the faces in the crowd, his gaze meeting some with trepidation, others with cautious hope. “Curiosity is the seed of understanding. And understanding is the only way we can move forward, together.”

He took a deep breath. “For too long, we’ve lived in fear of the unknown. We’ve told ourselves stories about the creatures of Nevermore, painting them as monsters. But what if those stories are wrong? What if they’re just… different? What if they feel joy, and sorrow, and the same longing for connection that we do?”

A murmur rippled through the crowd, a mixture of protest and grudging agreement.

“I'm not saying it's easy,” the Mayor admitted. “Trust takes time. But I am saying that we owe it to ourselves, and to our children, to try. To open our minds, to listen to their stories, to see them not as monsters, but as… neighbors.”

***

“Well, your spell is doing wonders, Miss Harvey.” Dash eyes widened behind his goggle like spectacles.

“Are the people here stupid, or they couldn't see it?” Kat watched the Mayor shake hands with the patrons that were exiting the City Hall.

“That my Dad is a ghost,” Lucas Walker stood next to the young witch and two headed headmaster, “Don't ask me how everyone in Jericho forgot that they visited his funeral.”

Alder and Dash looked at Kat with knowingly smirks, “Yes” Alder nearly chuckled, “Almost like magic.”

“Quite bewitching…” Dash rolls his eyes before looking at the young human boy, “Did this happen yesterday around one o'clock?”

“Yeah… I think so.”

Kat groaned, “You're telling me that my Unity Spell made a town forget a funeral and ghost from said funeral is glamoured by my Unity Spell?”

“So that's what it was. I was wondering why I felt the need to talk too…” Lucas scuffed as he pointed at Alder and Dash’s shared chest. “Your two headed friend….”

“We're not friends. I'm a troubled youth just checking my crime with the Headmaster Sub.” Kat’s smile didn't quite reach her eyes. “Headmaster Subs plural,” she corrected, gesturing vaguely towards Alder and Dash's shared form.

The weight of Lucas’s words, the casual revelation that her "Unity Spell" had apparently wiped the town's memory of the Mayor’s death and subsequent ghostly existence, settled heavily in her gut. It was a sickening, magical backfire.

“Right, plural,” Lucas mumbled, still looking bewildered. He watched his father, the ghostly Mayor, laughing and shaking hands with Mrs. Higgins near the exit. “It’s just… I mean, he died. He came back. Everyone knew he was… transparent. Then this morning, it was like… they just saw him as Mr. Walker. The Mayor. Like nothing happened.”

Alder hummed, a low, resonant sound that indicated deep thought. “A forgetting charm… integrated with the Unity Spell? That’s… complex magic, Kat. Even for you.” His gaze on Kat wasn't accusatory, but it held a profound concern.

Dash snorted, the sound dry and dusty. “Complex? Try catastrophic. You wanted them to embrace freaks, Kat, not forget basic reality! A ghost Mayor is a pretty big freak to forget.” He squinted at the departing forms. “So, is he actually a ghost right now, or did your spell make him appear solid to everyone?”

“He’s still a ghost,” Lucas confirmed, rubbing his arm. “I can still walk through him if I’m not careful. He just… looks solid to everyone else. And they don’t remember… the funeral.”

Kat ran a hand through her hair, a nervous gesture. “I… I didn’t mean to do that. The Unity Spell was supposed to foster empathy, connection. It was meant to lower their innate magical resistance to monster kind, make them more open to seeing similarity instead of difference. I guess… a ghost existing normally in their town was too much of a difference for their minds to reconcile, so the spell just… smoothed it over? Ignored it entirely?” She felt a flush creep up her neck. This wasn't just a minor miscalculation; it was a fundamental alteration of reality for an entire town.

“Smoothed it over?” Dash’s two heads exchanged a look of utter disbelief. “Kat, you cast a spell that essentially retconned the Mayor’s demise from collective memory! smoothed it over is putting it mildly! You’ve built a bridge on a temporal paradox!”

“A very unstable bridge,” Alder added, his voice quieter. “Magic that alters reality is powerful, Kat. And dangerous. It has a way of… snapping back. Or creating unforeseen ripples.” He looked from Kat to Lucas, then back to the milling humans, still chatting about the concert but now accepting their undead leader without a second thought. “Does he know?” Alder asked Lucas. “Does your father know they’ve forgotten?”

Lucas hesitated. “He acts like he doesn’t. He’s just… being the Mayor. Like he always was. But sometimes…” Lucas lowered his voice further. “Sometimes he looks at me, and there’s this look in his eyes… like he knows something’s off, but he can’t quite place it. Or maybe he doesn’t want to.”

Kat gnawed on her lip. This complicated everything. Their mission was to build trust, real trust, based on acceptance of differences. Not a forced ignorance of those differences. Was a town that accepted a ghost Mayor because they forgot he was a ghost truly accepting him?

“So,” Dash said, breaking the tense silence. “What do we do now? Do we tell them? ‘Surprise! Your Mayor died, you buried him, and now he’s a ghost, but for some reason you forgot all that thanks to a teenage witch’s unity project’?”

“That would probably undo any goodwill the concert built,” Alder predicted grimly. “And potentially cause mass panic. Or worse, suspicion of magic influencing them… which would be accurate.”

Kat sighed, feeling the weight of her unintended consequence. “Okay, okay. Point taken. It’s a problem. A huge, town-wide amnesia problem tied to a supernatural being.” She looked at Lucas, a flicker of genuine apology in her eyes. “Lucas, I am so, so sorry. I never meant to… erase something so significant from your life, and theirs.”

Lucas shrugged, though his expression remained troubled. “It’s… weird. But… I guess it’s nice seeing them not scared of him anymore? Even if it’s like this.” He looked at the Headmasters. “So what are you going to do? Just… leave it?”

Alder looked at Kat, a silent question passing between them. Dash watched them both, impatience radiating off him.

“We can’t just leave it,” Kat said finally, though her voice was tinged with uncertainty. “Magic like this… it’s bound to unravel eventually. And when it does, the fallout could be worse. But we can’t just pull the rug out from under them now either. Not after the Mayor’s speech, not after the concert made them even a little bit curious.”

“Then what, Kat?” Dash pressed. “Another spell? To fix the first spell? That’s a slippery slope to turning Jericho into a pocket dimension where the sky rains sentient custard.”

“Oh nononon!” Kat raised her hands defensively, eyes wide. “I’ve already messed with Karma enough.”

“What do you mean?” Dash narrowed his eyes, suspicion immediately replacing impatience.

Looking hunted, Kat fumbled in her pocket and pulled out a small, worn gold coin. It had a faint, almost three tailed horse etched into one side. The Luck Charm the Leprechaun had given her. “I was looking for luck charms for the concert,” she mumbled, holding it out. “To make sure everything went well, no stage fright, good turnout…”

Alder moved forward, his tentacle hand extended. “Fae Magic, huh?” He took the coin, turning it over in one of his tentacles while Dash watched intently with the other. His tentral traced the worn image. “The Good Luck is almost out… and Bad Luck is starting to leak out as well.” He held it up, and for a moment, Kat thought she saw a faint, dark wisp curl away from the coin’s edge, dissipating before her eyes. It felt cold, wrong.

“I figured it was similar to water osmosis,” Kat nodded, nervously biting her lip again. “Good Luck comes out, Bad Luck comes in, and vice versa. I thought maybe… maybe I drew too much good luck for the concert, or maybe the spell demanded more power than I thought, and it pulled from the charm… and now it’s unbalanced?”

Dash snorted, the sound utterly devoid of sympathy. “Osmosis? Kat, you’re talking about Fae energetics, not chemistry class.”

“Fae Energetic is magic and magic is in a way a science!” Kat smiled, a flash of her usual earnestness returning despite the situation, addressing the two-headed headmaster. “Nature-Based, Divination, Conjuring, Psychic, Life and Death, Animal-Based, Magitech, Eclectic, and Uncommon are parts of the laws of the Universe. They have rules, principles! Even Einstein spoken about physics as if it was magic.”

“Don’t you mean alchemy?” Lucas asked, turning back from the window, intrigued despite his earlier distress. He looked between Kat and the Headmasters. “Isn’t mixing Science and Magic alchemy?”

“Actually alchemy is Nature-Base. Medieval alchemists sought ways to turn common substances, like wood or stone, into gold and other valuable materials.” Kat taps her chin. “But it sometimes borders on Magitech. Especially in today's age.”

“We're getting off topic.” Dash huffed, “The Unity Spell is backfiring because of a possible Luck Charm and Tutelary Divinity.”

“Tutelary Divinity?” Lucas asked.

“A spirit that's a protector, guardian, or patron of a place, thing, or person.” Kat answered before looking back at Alder and Dash, “But like I said yesterday, magic can't create something from nothing unless there's energy there to be transformed. E=MC²! Energy cannot be destroyed, but it can be transformed or converted from one form to another. What is magic but another form of energy? I didn’t create the acceptance, or the memory loss – I transmuted existing energies, maybe tied to the town’s own… spirit?”

“Well now I see how you're getting straight A’s even though you've only gone to Normie Fleashie public schools.” Alder smiled.

“Huh?” Lucas was confused again.

“I'm like a Muggle Born. Dad's a Normie and my mom was like a Squib.” Kat answered.

“Oh shit! That can happen?” Lucas lifted an eyebrow, “You read Harry Potter?”

“I own the books and that's it! Not planning on giving any more of my money to the transphobe.” Kat huffed with her mouth thinned. “So… what now?”

“We figure out how to ease out your Unity Spell without causing damage to the Normie Fleashies!” Dash announced.

“Sounds easier said than done, brother.” Alder smiled.

***

Dr. Harvey sipped his coffee, the bitter liquid doing little to soothe the knot forming in his stomach. He watched his daughter, Kat, animatedly speaking to the two-headed headmaster. From their stiff postures and the way Kat kept gesturing, he could tell it wasn't a pleasant conversation.

"Glad we stuck around after Blair said we should," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. He’d initially considered leaving, trusting the situation was under control, but something told him to stay. He trusted Blair's instincts, even if he didn't always understand them.

"The Unity Spell was so powerful," Gerti hummed, her voice a melodic counterpoint to the grim atmosphere. She and her sisters had arrived the day before, summoned by Blair's frantic call. Their presence, while reassuring, also underlined the severity of the situation.

Stretch tightened his arm around Blair, who was slumped against him, eyes closed, her aura shimmering faintly. "I can't believe that a town that is bigoted against ghosts, monsters, and spooks forgot that the late mayor is a ghost." The irony was painfully evident.

Blair opened her eyes, a wince crossing her features. "Owwww… that one hurts a little…" The pain wasn't physical, Dr. Harvey knew; it was the backlash from grappling with the spell.

Stretch placed a cold hand on her temple, his touch surprisingly gentle. "You okay, Blair?"

"Welp! Kat did a number alright." Blair laid her head on Stretch’s shoulder, exhaustion evident in her voice. "The Unity Spell might have backfired in more than reality manipulation on a ghost mayor."

The assembled members of the McFadden, Harvey, and Goodwitch families looked at Blair with a mixture of apprehension and morbid curiosity. Gabby took a deep breath, “How bad?”

Blair hesitated, gathering her thoughts. "Okay, picture this," she began, her voice regaining some of its usual confidence. "Kat basically tried to force a harmonious, utopian view onto the town, right? But magic, especially magic that powerful and… well, Kat's brand of magic… doesn't just create harmony. It creates balance. And balance requires extremes.”

“Truly Kat didn't forgotten about the ‘Three-Fold Law?’” Fanny sighed.

"That's the magic law that suggests that any energy, whether positive or negative, that a person puts out into the world will be returned to them three times, right?" Stinky folded his arms, his golden brown eyes even more pronounced as he looked out the cafe window at the unsuspecting townsfolk of Jericho. Kat was still talking to Alder and Dash. Probably the same conversation they were having.

Gerti nodded, confirming his understanding. "Exactly. Kat tried to force the whole town into a state of perfect unity. But that energy, that desire for harmony, has to be balanced out somewhere. And that's where the problems are popping up."

"So, what kind of 'balance' are we talking about?" Fatso pressed.

“You know how Jericho is prejudiced against anyone they consider a freak before the Unity Spell?” Blair begins, “If the spell runs its course then the bigotry will get worse. Petty squabbles will be turning into full-blown feuds. People who are perfectly reasonable will be acting completely irrational.”

"And that's just the beginning," Gerti interjected, her voice low. "The Three-Fold Law amplifies the effects. Whatever negative energy is being created now will come back threefold. We're looking at a potential powder keg of negativity if we don't get this under control.”

Dr. Harvey set down his coffee, the clink of the ceramic against the table echoing in the suddenly silent cafe. He looked from Blair to Gerti, then to the McFadden brothers. He saw the concern etched on their faces, the grim understanding in their eyes. He knew, with a chilling certainty, that they were facing something far more dangerous than a simple spell gone awry. They were facing the darkness that lurked beneath the surface of Jericho, a darkness that was about to be amplified and unleashed. And he, along with his family and friends, were the only ones who could stop it.

Notes:

Kelly Clarkson "People Like Us"

https://open.spotify.com/track/4tf8WtcHOsv070traGNdrt?si=4t8OaH8bSyuqBl1pO1D8qQ

 

Goddess's of Bagpipes "Journey's Don't Stop Believing"

https://open.spotify.com/track/1cSMIdRgl9nftWc5YUervH?si=Qc_ccMtQTDaS4RHgx55l_g

Chapter 24: Flame and Ice

Summary:

Day 9

A familiar foe appears in the forest.

The earth trembled with each thunderous step as Volbragg, the fire giant and harbinger of brimstone, emerged from the depths of the unknown. His eyes, like molten gold, scanned the unfamiliar, verdant landscape of Earth, a world he had long sought to desecrate.

This was the domain of his tormentors, the insignificant speck where Casper, Kat, and Hot Stuff resided. After he gets rid of the three brats he can move on to the stronger members of his torment. The McFaddens and their pet medium. And the Goblin King. They would all pay for the humiliation they had wrought upon him in the Incandescent City. The imps that betrayed him have already been hunted down and disposed of.

Volbragg's quest for vengeance had led him across dimensions, following the subtle echoes of their magic. The faint resonance had guided him to this forest, near a place called Jericho. As he stepped deeper into the woods, he took a long, guttural sniff, and the air was thick with the scent of damp leaves and decaying wood. But beneath the earthy aroma, a sharp, almost metallic tang tickled his nostrils – the unmistakable signature of Kat's magic.

The stench of her magic clung to everything, a potent, sickeningly sweet aroma that both angered and invigorated him. Volbragg followed its invisible tendrils, pushing aside trees that groaned and splintered under his immense strength. The magic grew stronger as he approached the edge of the forest, a tangible force that thrummed against his skin.

Then, he saw it – a towering structure that rose majestically above the trees, silhouetted against the twilight sky. The castle was a monstrous imitation of elegance, with jagged spires that seemed to claw at the heavens and windows that stared down like vacant, soulless eyes. Volbragg's curiosity was piqued, and he wondered what kind of dark magic could have conjured such a foreboding edifice.

What is this place?

With a snap of his fingers, Volbragg was engulfed in a fiery vortex, and when the flames dissipated, he stood as a seven-foot human, his massive frame reduced to a mere mortal size. He sneered at the trees, which now towered above him, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching for the sky. The giant hated being shorter than the forest, and the feeling of vulnerability that came with it.

As he walked, a mosquito buzzed around his neck, its annoying hum a constant reminder of his diminished size. In his true form, such insects were microscopic and didn't bother him, but now they were a nuisance. Volbragg slapped the mosquito, his hand swatting at the air with a mixture of frustration and annoyance.

He followed a trail that led to the castle, and as he approached the entrance, he found a fence with the words "Nevermore Academy" emblazoned upon it. Volbragg's curiosity turned to rage as he touched the fence, and a scream of agony escaped his lips. "Iron! Bloody Iron!"

The iron burned like a frozen fire against his skin, each bar an individual tormentor, a conduit of pure, searing pain. He could feel the ancient magic woven within it, designed to repel and punish creatures like him. With a roar that shook the very foundations of the gaudily gothic academy, Volbragg ripped the section of fence away, tearing it free from the earth with a raw, primal strength that defied his diminished, human form. He nursed his scorched hand, the flesh sizzling slightly even now, the metallic tang of burnt blood filling his senses.

"Nevermore Academy," he spat, the name tasting like ash in his mouth. "Fitting."

As he stood before the entrance, a pair of gargoyles landed near him, their stone eyes glowing with an otherworldly energy. "Halt, Trespasser!" they cried in unison.

"Begone," Volbragg growled, but the gargoyles did not move. They blocked his path, their spears at the ready. Volbragg waved his arm, and a blast of flame engulfed the gargoyles, but they did not burn. Instead, they stood firm, their stone bodies unscathed by the fire with the exception of black soot.

"We are made of stone and marble," one of them said, its voice like the grinding of rocks. "What makes you think a little fire will—"

Volbragg's fist shot out, and the gargoyle's head shattered into rubble, its stone body crumbling to dust. The other gargoyle stood frozen, its eyes wide with fear, as Volbragg stepped forward, his eyes blazing with fury.

***

In a cheap, nondescript hotel room in Jericho, Blair shot up from the bed, gasping for air. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the silence. "Volbragg…" she whispered, the word clinging to the air like a bad omen.

Stretch awoke instantly. He'd learned to recognize the signs, the subtle shifts in her breathing, the tremor in her limbs. He took one look at his wife, her face pale and slick with sweat, and swung his legs out of bed. He moved with a practiced, quiet efficiency, his years of experience a comforting presence in the chaotic swirl of Blair's visions.

He grabbed a stained plastic cup from the sink, making sure it wasn't Stinky’s and filled it with water. The water was cold only from his icy touch and tinged with the metallic taste of the old pipes, but it would serve its purpose.

He has seen this before. Blair's dream visions can turn nightmarish. She would wake up from them in a state of shock, her mind still trapped in the echoes of the dream, unable to fully distinguish reality from the horrors she had witnessed. Tonight's nightmare seemed particularly potent.

He approached the bed cautiously and knelt beside her. He placed the cup in her hands, his cold fingers gently guiding hers around the smooth plastic. He waited, patiently, for her to truly feel the cup, to register the weight and temperature, to anchor herself back in the present. "Easy, baby," he murmured, his voice a low, soothing rumble. "Just breathe. It was just a dream.”

Without seeing anything present Blair lifted the cup to her lips and took little sips. Stretch conjured an ice block over his brothers’ heads in the bed next to them.

Crack!

The two ghostly brothers groaned from the ice. "One of you get the Doc for Blair!" Stretch ordered, his concern for his wife evident in his voice.

Fatso looked at his sister-in-law and nodded before flying through the connecting wall that led to James Harvey and the Goodwitch sisters' room. Stretch wished he wasn't too worried about his wife to be jealous of his brothers' ghost power. Being alive sucked.

As Fatso disappeared through the wall, Stretch continued to comfort Blair, trying to bring her back to reality. He stroked her hair, his touch gentle, and spoke softly to calm her down. "You're safe, Blair. I'm here. You're not in the dream anymore."

Blair's eyes slowly focused on Stretch's face, and she took a deep breath. She looked around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings, and then her gaze returned to Stretch. "Volbragg," she whispered again, her voice barely audible.

“Shhhh. He’s not here.” Stretch said, but he knows better than to not look around for the fire giant. Especially if Blair is dreaming about him.

Just then, Fatso returned with Dr. Harvey. “Is Blair coherent yet?”

“She's now drinking water, but she's not fully with us.” Stretch rubbed his thumb over Blair's fingers in hopes to ground her, “She said Volbragg.”

Stinky was still somewhat awake and looked at his brother and sister-in-law, “Did you just say Volbragg?”

Another block of ice landed on Stinky's head, “Are you still asleep?”

Dr. Harvey stepped forward, his eyes filled with concern. "Let me take a look at her," he said, gently examining Blair's face and checking her pulse. "Blair, can you hear me?"

Blair's gaze slowly shifted to the psychiatrist, and she nodded, her eyes still unfocused. "Volbragg," she whispered again, her voice laced with fear.

Stretch's grip on her hand tightened. "We'll figure out what's going on, Blair. You're safe now," he said, trying to reassure her.

But as he looked around the room, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. The mention of Volbragg, the fire giant, sent a shiver down his spine. He knew that Blair's dreams were often a warning, a sign of something to come. And if Volbragg was involved, it couldn't be good.

“Nevermore.”

If the Ghostly Trio could be any paler they would. Stinky was fully awake now, “He’s after the kids? Let's wake the girls-”

“We're already here.” Gerti and her sisters entered the room with brooms in their hands, “Let's go.”

Dr Harvey gave Stretch a pat on his shoulder, “Go. I’ll stay here with Blair.”

Fanny sighed, “Doc will take good care of Blair. You know this.”

“Casper, Kat, and Hot Stuff wouldn't know they're in danger,” Gabby looked at the alarm clock, “Especially not at four in the morning.”

Without hesitation, Stretch and the Ghostly Trio, along with the Goodwitch sisters, rushed out of the room to warn the kids. They knew that Volbragg's presence was a threat to everyone, and they had to act fast to protect them. As they hurried through the hotel, the darkness seemed to grow thicker, and the air felt heavy with an ominous energy.

Stretch’s icy insect wings appeared as he leaped off of the third floor balcony. Fatso and Stinky in their ethereal forms floated next to him. The Goodwitch Sisters followed on their broomsticks.

As they flew over the whispering trees towards the academy, the darkness seemed to claw at them, a suffocating blanket woven with dread. Suddenly, Stinky, his nose twitching, pointed downwards. "Wood burning!" he rasped, his voice echoing with an unnatural timbre. Below them, a smoking crater marred the landscape, a festering wound ripped open where Volbragg had burst forth from the Fey Realm.

"So he is here?" Stretch growled, his voice tight with suppressed fury. "Damnit."

They surged forward, their pace quickening, and soon the iron gates of Nevermore Academy came into view. But the sight that greeted them was horrifying. Scorched earth, shattered stone, and the acrid smell of burning flesh filled the air. The iron gates, once an imposing barrier, were twisted and torn, a testament to the brute force that had breached them.

"I think the iron gate only pissed the giant off," Stinky commented grimly, pointing towards the mangled bars.

"He's a seventy-foot-tall giant," Fatso exclaimed, his ghostly form wringing his incorporeal hands. "How the fuck did we miss him?"

Stretch groaned, rubbing his temples. "He's also a fairy! He could probably turn himself human temporarily. Blend in."

They landed amidst the ruins, the once grand entrance now a field of gray rubble. Gabby gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. The scorched stones were shaped…like body parts. "Gargoyles? Gargoyles were protecting the Academy."

Gerti, ever pragmatic, immediately began rummaging through the debris. "Heart stones… We need the heart stones. Where are they… FOUND THEM!" She emerged, triumphant, holding aloft two crimson crystals that pulsed with a faint, internal light.

"Rebuilding them is our best shot," Fanny said, her voice regaining its composure.

Gerti nodded, and began to chant, her voice resonating with ancient power. The chanting grew louder, filling the air with an arcane energy that seemed to vibrate the very ground beneath their feet. As she chanted, the stones around them began to stir, to reassemble themselves, drawn to the magnetic pull of the Heart Stones.

Piece by piece, a new form began to coalesce, rising from the ashes of its predecessors. The gargoyle that emerged was unlike anything they'd ever seen. It was twice the size of the previous gargoyles, its stone hide scarred and blackened but undeniably powerful. This new sentinel possessed not only the memories of its predecessors, but also the burning rage of its destruction.

With a deafening roar that shook the very foundations of Nevermore, the gargoyle unfurled its massive wings and took flight. Its eyes, glowing with an infernal light, scanned the grounds, searching for the scent of its murderer.

“Wow! Never met a four armed gargoyle before.” Stinky said as the six raced to the building.

Stretch looked up occasionally to see if the Gargoyle had found Volbragg. So far all the Gargoyle has done is fly in circles like a vulture. The Gargoyle was a deterrent more than a weapon, Stretch realized with a sinking feeling. Volbragg was likely inside, hunting.

"Alright, plan change," Stretch barked, his voice echoing unnaturally in the pre-dawn gloom. "Fatso, Stinky, you split up. Find Casper, Kat, and Hot Stuff. Get them somewhere safe. Goodwitches, you three help the gargoyle search the grounds in case he’s hiding and prevent any wandering students and staff from getting hurt. I’ll go inside."

Fatso gulped, "Inside? Alone? With a fire giant walking around?"

"He's right Stretch, that's suicide!" Stinky added, his voice a high-pitched whine. “You won't turn back into a ghost again.”

"Then let's hope the suicide works," Stretch retorted, his jaw tight. "The longer we stand here arguing, the more time Volbragg has to hurt someone. Move it!"

He didn't wait for a response. With a burst of icy energy, he phased through the shattered remains of the front door, disappearing into the darkness of Nevermore Academy.

The Academy was quiet. The summer sky was turning from black to navy blue. It would not be long for the sun to come up. And the students rise from their boardrooms.

“Changeling…” Volbragg's voice echoes through the halls, “I'm surprised to see you here.”

Flames burst next to Stretch as he created an ice shield just in time. The ice shield groaned under the immense heat, but held. Stretch didn't waste the opportunity. He launched forward, his icy aura a stark contrast to the inferno around him. He saw Volbragg, impossibly tall even in his more human form, his skin glowing with molten energy.

“Where is Abaddon Scratch?” The Giant sneered.

“Like I'll tell you where Hot Stuff and his friends are.” Stretch lifted his hands and dagger like icicles appeared pointing at the pyro.

Stretch's icy projectiles shot towards Volbragg, but the giant laughed, a sound that rattled the very foundations of the Academy. He swatted the icicles away like mere flies, the sweltering heat from his palm instantly melting them into harmless droplets.

"You think ice can contain fire, Changeling?" Volbragg sneered, his voice a guttural rumble that echoed through the halls. "I am the heart of the volcano, the soul of the forge! You are but a fleeting snowflake, destined to melt and disappear."

He raised a hand, and a wave of heat surged towards Stretch, forcing him to dive behind a crumbling pillar. The stone cracked and blackened under the intense thermal assault. Stretch knew he couldn't win this fight head-on. Volbragg was too powerful. He needed a distraction, an opening, anything to even the odds.

"You want Abaddon?" Stretch yelled, his voice strained. "He's long gone! He knew you were coming!"

It was a lie, a desperate gambit, but it bought him a fraction of a second. Volbragg paused, a flicker of doubt crossing his fiery features.

"Lies!" he roared, but the hesitation was enough.

Stretch channeled his power, focusing his icy energy into a single point. He wasn't aiming for Volbragg directly. He was aiming for the sprinkler system. He launched the concentrated blast of cold, and a moment later, a torrent of water erupted from the ceiling, drenching the corridor.

The effect was immediate. The water hissed and steamed as it came into contact with Volbragg's intense heat, creating a thick, blinding fog. The giant roared in frustration, swatting blindly at the air.

"Cheap tricks!" he bellowed, his voice distorted by the steam.

Stretch used the chaos to his advantage. He moved silently through the fog, relying on his enhanced senses to navigate. He knew he couldn't defeat Volbragg with brute force, but he could outsmart him. He could use the Academy against him.

He led the giant on a chase through the labyrinthine corridors, weaving through classrooms and libraries, drawing him further and further into the heart of Nevermore. He triggered traps, collapsing sections of the ceiling, creating icy patches on the floor, anything to slow the giant down.

Stretch ran through a hall that faced the lake and got an idea. He increased the ice patches subtly. Volbragg blinded by rage didn't notice until he slipped and started to slide down the hall and up out of a window and sliding down towards the lake.

Stretch watched with a smile as his icy slip'n slide was leading a screaming fairy creature towards the lake. But only for the four arm gargoyle snatched him off the slide. “NOOOOOO! YOU STUPID ROCK HEADED PIECE OF ASPHALT!”

Stretch looked in at horror as flames appeared and Volbragg changed back to his fire giant self. The gargoyle, caught off guard by the sudden transformation, stumbled in the air. Volbragg, now a towering inferno of rage and raw power, ripped free from the gargoyle’s grasp, sending the stone sentinel spiraling towards the ground. With a deafening splash, Volbragg plunged into the lake.

The water hissed and boiled around him, creating a swirling vortex of steam. For a moment, Stretch thought he might have won. Water, after all, was a natural enemy of fire. But his hope was short-lived. The lake itself began to heat up, the air shimmering with the increasing temperature. Fish floated to the surface, belly up, cooked alive.

Suddenly, the lake erupted in a geyser of scalding water and molten rock. Volbragg rose from the churning depths, now wreathed in steam and fury. The water, instead of extinguishing him, had only fueled his rage. He was more powerful than ever.

"You think you can defeat me with a children's trick?" he roared, his voice echoing across the still-dark sky. "I am Volbragg, the Unquenched! I am the fury of the mountain! You have only made me angrier!"

Stretch knew he was out of options. He was battered, exhausted, and facing an opponent who seemed to grow stronger with every setback. He could only hope his friends had managed to escape. He steeled himself for the final confrontation.

"Then let's see how unquenched you are when I turn this whole place into a block of ice," Stretch quipped, buying himself a brief moment to gather his strength. He focused his power, calling upon every ounce of icy energy he could muster. The air around him crackled with frost.

Flowery vines appeared around Stretch, but instead of attacking the vines seemed to calm him. “Uncle Stretch?!” He found himself wrapped in Casper's arms, “Stop. You’ll freeze the students.”

Kat also appeared but this time her voice sounded like three people were chanting. The ancient words rolling off her tongue in a language she barely understood, yet felt in her very bones. "By ancient words, and binding decree," she intoned, her voice gaining strength with each syllable, “I banished Thee.”

The ancient words slammed into Volbragg like a physical blow. His fiery form flickered, his immense power momentarily disrupted. The lake around him began to cool, the steam dissipating into the pre-dawn air. He staggered, confusion warring with rage on his molten features.

"What… What did you do?" Volbragg roared, his voice laced with disbelief.

Kat didn't answer. The chanting had taken its toll, leaving her pale and breathless. She leaned heavily on Casper for support, the flowery vines around her providing a subtle cushion.

"You cannot banish me!" Volbragg insisted, his voice regaining its former ferocity. He tried to reignite his flames, to reclaim his dominance over the surrounding area, but something was different. The fire felt… constrained, contained.

Volbragg snarled, his eyes burning with impotent rage. The ancient magic woven into the very fabric of the universe was too strong, too deeply rooted. He was bound by rules he could not break, ancient laws he could not defy. The chanting was the trigger, and as long as it existed he could only watch.

"This isn't over, Changeling," Volbragg spat, turning his fiery gaze towards Stretch. "I will have Abaddon Scratch. And I will make you pay for interfering."

With a frustrated roar, Volbragg plunged back into the lake. But this time, there was no eruption, no boiling water, no molten rock. He simply sank beneath the surface, his fiery glow fading until it was nothing more than a faint shimmer in the depths. And then, it was gone. Silence descended upon the Academy once more, broken only by the gentle lapping of the lake against the shore. The morning sun, a pale imitator of Volbragg's inferno, began to peek over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange.

Stretch let out a shaky breath, the adrenaline slowly receding. He looked at Casper and Kat, gratitude flooding him. "Thanks," he said, his voice hoarse. "I thought I was a goner.”

“Stretch?” Hot Stuff poked his head from around the corner, “Is Volbragg gone?”

Stretch reached for the teenagers and gave all three a hug. They were there for a moment, ignoring students that were roused by the giant’s bellowing and battle.

But there was one two headed monster that they couldn't ignore slithering on their tentacles to reach them, “Mr McFadden! Can you explain what just happened?”

Alder and Dash weren't pleased to say the least. The headmasters took a look at the exhausted Stretch and helped them up. "Later, kids," Stretch said, clapping Hot Stuff on the shoulder. "Headmasters first."

He and Kat allowed Alder and Dash to usher them toward the main building. The students, a confused and murmuring crowd, parted before them like the Red Sea. They were clearly a spectacle, Stretch in his tattered black suit, Kat still pale and trembling, and both Casper and Hot Stuff looking uncharacteristically grim.

The rest of the Ghosty Trio and the Goodwitch Sisters found them and followed. When they made it to the office the two headed monster turned around and started yelling, “EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED!” Alder’s usual calm demeanor was gone.

Dash was no different, “YOU COULD HAVE ENDANGERED THE STUDENTS!”

Stretch let Alder and Dash finish their yelling before he answered, “Listen. Volbragg was here before we got here. We only knew to come here because of my wife's vision.”

Hot Stuff took a deep breath, “Volbragg is a fire giant that destroyed my home, Blair and the McFaddens are in the middle of rebuilding Incandescent City. Volbragg wants to make me his living battery and puppet king.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know my real name is Abaddon Scratch, but what you probably don't know is that I am the heir to the Kingdom of Flames in the Fey Realm.” Hot Stuff looked down, ashamed. “He wants to use my inherent magical abilities to power his own, and rule my kingdom through me.”

The silence that followed was thick enough to cut with a knife. Dash’s eyes widened, his tentacles twitching nervously. “The… the Kingdom of Flames? But that’s just a legend!”

"Legends are born from truth," Casper said, his voice low and steady. "And the truth is, Abaddon is the rightful ruler of a powerful Fey kingdom. Volbragg wants to usurp that power."

“But…Why are you at a summer boarding school?” Alder asked, his voice still incredulous.

Gerti rolled her eyes, “To learn.”
Gabby smirked, “To socialize.”
Fanny sighed, “To grow.”

Stretch nodded approvably towards the Goodwitch Coven. “My wife and I are raising Hot Stuff in hopes to teach him how those beneath him live. It helps him become a good ruler when he sits on his father's throne.”

Alder and Dash exchanged a look. Fey Realm politics and fire giants were not on the Academy syllabus. “Alright,” Alder said, his voice regaining some of its professional control. “That is… a lot to take in. Let’s start from the beginning. Mrs. McFadden, she had a vision? Where is she?”

“Here.” Blair walked in the office with Dr Harvey behind her. “Sorry I'm late for the party. The vision took a toll on me.”

Chapter 25: Boiling Water

Summary:

Time skip- Day 12

Two days left till the end of the Summer Program.
And our Heroes are cutting loose ends.

The smell of burnt ozone still clung to the air around Nevermore Academy, a faint, acrid perfume that no amount of industrial-strength ward-cleaner seemed to dissipate. It was Day 12 of the Two Week Summer program, and Kat swore she could still see the scorch marks on the main hall's enchanted ceiling, three days after Volbragg's attack. The shimmering, self-repairing magic of the academy was excellent at mending physical damage, but the memory of the attack, the raw, electric tang of it, felt stubbornly permanent.

"Student ID, please. And state your purpose for passage."

Kat sighed, rolling her eyes – a gesture quickly stifled as she remembered who she was speaking to. One of the ancient gargoyles that usually just squatted decoratively on the cornices now had glowing, ruby-red eyes that pulsed with an unsettling inner light. Its stone claws scraped sharply against the granite windowsill, the sound a teeth-on-chalkboard screech that sent shivers down her spine even on a sweltering June day. This was the "extra security.”

“Kathleen 'Kat' Harvey, summer program student visiting the lake with Headmasters permission," she recited, trying to sound as unbothered as possible as she held up her ID. The gargoyle's guttural whisper, a sound like grinding stone, vibrated through her bones.

"Proceed. But do not… stray."

She hurried past, suppressing a shudder. Every corner, every doorway seemed to be guarded by one of the reanimated statues, their glowing eyes following every student. It was like living in a very expensive, very haunted museum that had suddenly decided to enforce a strict dress code.

Nothing really changed, other than the terror of Volbragg’s attack and the constant surveillance. Oh, and the new lesson on Fey Politics as extra credit.

Was this supposed to prepare them for another giant attack?

But then again Kat understood that Feys are fickle and dangerous when provoked. Alder and Dash wanted to make sure the students were wary of the Fey and to ensure they never accidentally (or intentionally) stepped on a magical toe that could trigger another catastrophe. The entire school felt like it was walking on eggshells, even if those eggshells were made of reinforced granite and ancient magic.

And people are starting to realize that the Mayor of the town is a ghost. Mayor Walker still acted like he didn't notice that he was dead and kept working on making the town better. His tie was always perfectly knotted, his smile unwavering, and his feet… well, his feet never quite seemed to touch the ground. The monsterphobes that run the town were slowly reverting back to the way they were but worse.

Kat's Unity Spell is finally reversing. But the strongest reverse wasn't in the town.

“Sandwich?”

Kat blinked from her thoughts and sheepishly grinned at her fictive aunt, “Sorry Blair. I wasn't paying attention.”

The medium chuckled, “I could tell. The lake is…. Not calm.”

The McFadden/Harvey Household were having a family picnic meeting near the lake that Kat and Stretch used to banish the fire giant. The lake which was full of life before was unsafe. The gargoyles had to clean up the dead fish that was floating on the surface of the lake since the water would burn anyone with actual flesh.

The family was used to such smells from Stinky's aroma that the dead fish smell didn't affect the picnic any.

James Harvey slowly ate his cucumber sandwich with the same blank stare his daughter had earlier at the lake. “Why is the Unity Spell reversing more on the lake?”

Kat’s voice came out tripled, the child, mother, and crone used her as a mouthpiece, “The fire giant is using the Reverse Unity to unbanish himself.”

Fatso with a whole watermelon about to enter his mouth grunted, “Well that lost my appetite…”

Casper and Hot Stuff were testing their powers on the lake to see what would happen. Hot Stuff’s flames turned cold on the water and Casper's flowers wilted instantly.

“You boys stop that.” Stretch demanded, “Stop feeding the lake.”

Stretch squinted at the churning, sickly green surface of the lake, which even now gave off faint wisps of steam. The stench of dead fish, mixed with an underlying acridity, was truly something. "So, he's... what, pushing back from the void?"

Kat's triple voice returned, a chilling chorus that made the hairs on James's arms stand up. "He feeds on the magic of the banishment. He converts the energy of expulsion into the energy of return. The lake is the nexus. The weakest point.”

Stretch groaned as he placed his head on Blair's lap as he laid on the ground, “And here I thought banishing the fire giant into a body of water was a good thing.”

“It would have if it wasn't for the Unity Spell that I casted earlier is weakening the prison.” Kat's triple voice echoes through the picnic.

“Creepy…”

The household looked at the new voice that was joining them. The two headed headmasters slithering towards them. Alder was holding a non-existing nose with a tentacle, “How can you eat with the stench from the lake.”

Kat's voice turned back to normal and rolled her eyes before she grabbed her sandwich, “Like this, Headmasters Alder and Dash.”

All four eyes widened at the sight of the witch eating the sandwich. Dash chuckled, “Welcome back, Miss Harvey. For a moment I thought we would be speaking to Hecate the entire time.”

“I was still here, just all knowledge from the Trip Goddess was… flowing out?” Kat said, “I was still me, just extra.”

Alder nodded in understanding, “So did the knowledge of the Goddess of Magic tell you how to fix the lake and your Unity Spell?”

“Volbragg is using the Law of Threefold Return and the revering of Unity to escape the lake, right?” Kat asked.

“That's what you told us,” Fatso took a bite of the watermelon that took out one third of the melon.

Kat pulled out the Leprechaun’s Lucky Coin. Bad luck was pouring out of the coin like a black steam. “We could use the reversing.”

Her voice tripled again, “But for such a plan to work completely without fail a willing sacrifice must be made.”

“Nope!”
“Fuck that.”
“Don't think about it, kid.”
“Nah, next one.”

Kat’s triple voice, still resonating with the ancient power of Hecate, softened slightly, though the ethereal quality remained. “A willing sacrifice of energy, not necessarily flesh. The Law of Threefold Return dictates that what is given, returns threefold. If Volbragg is pulling on the banishment with reversed unity, then a counter-force, willingly offered, could return his efforts threefold upon himself.”

Stretch leaned forward, his icey hand rubbing his chin. “So, not you? Good. Because if it was you, I was gonna banish him back to the drawing board.”

“It’s the coin,” Kat’s normal voice returned, a little breathless from the shift. She held up the Leprechaun’s Lucky Coin, which pulsed with a visible, sickly black steam. “It’s pouring out bad luck. The reverse of unity is disunity. Bad luck. If we can amplify this and feed it back into the lake, into Volbragg’s escape attempt, then the Law of Threefold Return applies it to him threefold.”

Dash chuckled, “Ah, the old ‘turn an enemy’s spell against them’ gambit. Classic.”

“How do you amplify bad luck?” Stinky asked, ever practical. “Do we just… invite a flock of pigeons to poop on it?”

Kat shook her head. “No, it needs to be magical. The coin already has an immense amount of stored negative energy from the concert. We need to unleash it, focus it, and direct it. But it needs a conduit. Something that can withstand that much raw disunity.”

“Where do you get one of those?” Casper asked.

***

Ra was a study in focused sorrow. Perched precariously on a stool, his knees almost touching the dark, polished soundboard of his acoustic guitar, he strummed a low, resonant chord. The vibration hummed through the floorboards, a mournful drone. Beside him, Thatch, hunched over a battered electric piano that looked like it had survived several apocalypses, let his fingers ghost across the keys. A thin, reedy harmony joined Ra’s lament, a sonic sigh that curled like smoke. The sound, stripped bare and raw, didn’t just fill the room; it bled under the door, seeped into the hallway of Nevermore Academy, and clung to the very fabric of the silence outside, a slow, deliberate drowning.

Then Thatch’s voice came, a low, guttural murmur that seemed to rise from the deepest well of sorrow. It wasn't just singing; it was bleeding, each word etched with an unbearable sadness that struck a chord deep within anyone who happened to be within earshot, a primal moan for something lost, something never found.

“Underneath the bridge, tarp has sprung a leak,” Thatch intoned, his voice ragged, as if scraped over broken glass. “And the animals I've trapped have all become my pets. And I'm living off of grass, and the drippings from my ceiling. It's okay to eat fish 'cause they don't have any feelings.”

Wolfie, usually a whirlwind of restless energy, a perpetual motion machine of mischief, sat with uncommon stillness behind a modest drum kit. His sticks lifted, hesitant at first, like a spider testing a new web, then descended with an almost imperceptible touch. A soft, echoing tap on the snare, then a gentle brush across the cymbal. It was a heartbeat, slow and broken, giving the fragile melody a pulse, a rhythm to the dying light.

Across from him, Mantha, her usually sharp features softened by the dim, filtered light from the high window, raised her violin. The first notes were a keening whisper, a thin, high cry that wove itself through the gritty guitar and the mournful piano, wrapping around Thatch’s voice like a fragile, desperate vine. And then, Wednesday. Her gaze, fixed on some distant, unseen point beyond the peeling paint of the wall, drew her bow across the cello. A deep, resonant hum joined the rising tide of emotion, a profound, woody sorrow that vibrated through the floorboards, grounding the melody, giving it roots in the damp earth.

The room was no longer just a room. It was a vessel, filled to the brim with shared grief, a fragile ship sailing a sea of unarticulated pain.

As Thatch’s voice faded after the verse, a collective breath seemed to be held, then released as the music swelled slightly, a tide turning. Ra’s guitar picked up a grittier edge, his fingers fretting a pattern that felt like an ache in the chest, a persistent thrum of sorrow. And then, he joined Thatch, his gravelly baritone a perfect, distressed harmony, mirroring the anguish. Wolfie, surprisingly, added his voice too, a rough, earnest counterpoint that blended seamlessly, a third thread in the tapestry of their collective ache.

“Something in the way, hmm-mmm. Something in the way, yeah, hmm-mmm. Something in the way, hmm-mmm. Something in the way, yeah, hmm-mmm. Something in the way, hmm-mmm. Something in the way, yeah, hmm-mmm.”

It wasn't a perfect chorus, not polished or rehearsed. There were no soaring vocals or intricate arrangements. It was raw, authentic, a collective sigh of the soul, borne on the back of their instruments. Each "hmm-mmm" was a punch to the gut, a recognition of an invisible burden, a shared weight that connected them all, unspoken and profound. It was the sound of Nevermore Academy’s lonely hearts, finding a fleeting, fragile solace in the shared language of sorrow.

“You guys are just being drama queens.” Enid rolled her eyes, “We’ll see you again.”

“I'm already missing my cousin, Enid.” Wednesday said soberly, “I don't miss people. My aim is exceptional.”

“Did you just say a joke?” Thatch almost chuckled, “But I agree. I'm going to miss Kat, Casper, and Hot Stuff.”

The vampire looked at Wednesday and Enid, “I’ll miss you two as well. I had fun.”

Mantha placed her violin back in its case, “I can't believe that we only have two days left until the summer program is over.”

“I heard that Alder and Dash are leaving also.” Ra continues to strum his guitar with practice. The music’s echo still hung in the air, a phantom limb of sound that refused to fully dissipate. Ra’s fingers continued their quiet dance on the strings, the low hum a constant reminder of the raw emotion they had just unleashed.

“It’s just… a lot,” Wolfie murmured, his drumsticks now resting forgotten on the snare. For once, his usual fidgeting had ceased, replaced by a quiet vulnerability. He picked at a loose thread on his jeans. “Like, you spend all summer getting used to people, and then… poof.”

“Such is the fleeting nature of existence, Wolfie,” Wednesday stated, her voice flat, devoid of overt emotion, yet somehow carrying more weight than any dramatic sigh. “Bonds are forged only to be severed. It’s a natural order, even if I find the concept of ‘missing’ someone inherently inefficient.” She glanced at Thatch, a flicker of something almost akin to understanding in her eyes. “Though, I confess, the thought of not having to endure your incessant musical inclinations for a prolonged period does hold some appeal.”

Thatch let out a theatrical gasp, placing a hand over his heart. “Wednesday, you wounded me! And here I thought we were having a moment of artistic communion.” He managed a weak smile, but the underlying sadness in his eyes was palpable. “Still, she has a point. It’s… sharp, isn’t it? Knowing it’s almost over.” He looked around at the small group, his gaze lingering on Ra’s half-closed eyes, on Mantha’s thoughtful expression, on Wolfie’s unusual stillness. “We should have done this more often. Played, I mean.”

“We did,” Mantha reminded him gently, closing her violin case with a soft click. “Just not… like this. Not with the same understanding.” Her eyes, usually so keen and assessing, seemed distant. “Some goodbyes are harder than others. Even expected ones.”

Enid, ever the optimist trying to inject life into the gloom, clapped her hands together lightly. “Okay, but it’s not goodbye goodbye! It’s just ‘see you later’! We have phones, we have social media! We can visit!” She tried to project cheer, but even her voice had a slightly strained quality. “Besides, think of all the memories! All the pranks we pulled, all the mystery-solving, all the… well, this.” She gestured vaguely at their instruments.

“The memories will remain, Enid,” Wednesday agreed, surprising them all with the lack of cynicism in her tone. “Like persistent, festering wounds. A comfort, in their own way.”

Ra finally lifted his gaze from his guitar, his dark eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. “It’s the quiet after, that’s the hardest,” he said, his voice a low rumble, richer even than his guitar’s lowest string. “When the hum stops. And you’re just… left with the echo.” He strummed a final, soft chord, a whisper of what had been, then slowly, carefully, placed his guitar back in its velvet-lined case. The room, already dim, seemed to grow even darker, the lingering sorrow more pronounced now that the music had truly ceased.

“Guys!” Kat bursted into the Music Room, “ONE LAST CONCERT, ONE SONG, TOMORROW!”

Alder and Dash slithered behind her, “What Miss Harvey was trying to say is that we are hosting a party in Nevermore Academy. The citizens of Jericho are invited to join and you five will be doing one song.”

“Five? There's six of us if you don't count Kat, Enid, and Hot Stuff.” Mantha looked past Kat and squarely at Casper, “What about your bagpipes?”

Casper ran his fingers through his hair, “I will be joining Kat and Hot Stuff at the lake.”

“Volbragg the fire giant is using the Reverse Unity to escape his prison inside the lake.” Alder said, his voice unusually grave.

Dash nodded, his usually languid movements quickening slightly. “While you are playing your last song the Bad Luck will be conducted into Kat’s Leprechaun’s Coin. It needs to be amplified, concentrated. Your music, the collective resonance of your… unique emotional landscape, is the perfect conduit.”

The sudden shift from melancholic farewells to an urgent, fantastical threat left the room in stunned silence. Wolfie’s mouth hung slightly open, his drumsticks clattering to the floor. Mantha’s hand flew to her chest, her eyes wide. Thatch, for once, was speechless, his theatricality forgotten. Ra’s fingers, which had just found a quiet resting spot, twitched on his guitar case.

Wednesday, however, narrowed her eyes, a familiar spark of intense, almost morbid curiosity replacing her earlier resignation. “Bad Luck,” she repeated, savoring the words. “A fascinating concept. And our music, a conduit for misfortune. An elegant, if slightly imprecise, form of mass-induced suffering. I approve of the ambition, if not the potential for collateral damage.” She turned her deadpan gaze to Alder and Dash. “Explain clearly.”

“Kat, Casper, and Hot Stuff will be at the lake because the subjects of the Reverse Unity will be nearby, freeing Volbragg.” Dr Harvey and the McFaddens joined the Music Room.

“The Goodwitch Coven will be forming a barrier around the academy where the party is being held to prevent Volbragg from harming anyone.” Stretch huffed, “The kids will be fighting the giant and when enough Bad Luck is conducted into the Coin we will be throwing it into the lake.”

“The real trick is keeping Volbragg in the lake.” Stinky frowned.

“The main idea is for those affected by the Unity Spell to be willing to sacrifice their Bad Luck to the coin.” Kat said, “Then use Bad Luck and the Reverse Unity that Volbragg is absorbing. If we can amplify this and feed it back into the lake, into Volbragg’s escape attempt, then the Law of Threefold Return applies it to him threefold.”

The sudden, jarring shift from personal melancholy to world-saving duty hung heavy in the air, a discordant note in the room where only moments before a profound, shared sorrow had resonated. Wolfie, having dropped his drumsticks, gingerly picked them up, his usual nervous energy replaced by a stunned stillness.

“So,” Thatch finally managed, his voice a little strained, “you’re saying our last performance… is a magical battery for a giant-trapping ritual?” He looked from Kat to Alder and Dash, then to Dr. Harvey and the McFaddens, as if waiting for someone to declare it all a ludicrous prank. His theatricality was entirely gone, replaced by genuine bewilderment.

Mantha’s brow was furrowed, her analytical mind already working through the implications. “The Law of Threefold Return… fascinating. And Volbragg absorbing the Reverse Unity. So the more he tries to escape using this chaotic energy, the more our channeled misfortune, amplified by his own negative intent, will be returned to him, trapping him further. It’s… elegant, in a brutal sort of way.” She glanced at Wednesday, a flicker of something almost like admiration in her eyes. It was a plan Wednesday herself might concoct, stripped of sentimentality and focused on efficient, if grim, outcomes.

Enid, however, looked utterly lost. “Wait, wait, wait. Bad Luck? Our music? Does that mean our final song has to be… sad? Or angry? Or… what kind of music channels bad luck? Are we supposed to play something really bad?” Her pastel-clad frame seemed to slump. The idea of their music, a source of comfort and connection, being weaponized for misfortune was clearly unsettling.

Wednesday, surprisingly, offered a rare, almost imperceptible nod to Mantha. “Precisely. A closed system of suffering. Commendable.” She then turned her gaze to Enid, a hint of something unreadable in her eyes. “Enid, your understanding of music’s true potential is woefully underdeveloped. Emotion is a powerful conduit. Sorrow, despair, frustration – these are not merely ‘bad’ feelings. They are potent energies. And we, it seems, have just tapped into a wellspring of them.”

Blair smiled as she took out a sheet of music out of her bag, “Luckily I have the perfect song.”