The Flame And The Dragon Ch17

How do the others react to Kai's Anacondrai tattoo during the Kai Spy au?

OK so I feel like Kai makes an active effort to not be topless (because his tattoo is on his back) around the ninja after Chen is banished, so they aren't able to see it until months later (or possibly years).

By the time they catch Kai without a shirt they had nearly forgotten about Kai's betrayal, so they're shocked when they see a giant Anacondrai on his back that wasn't there when they were searching for the spy. (Kai of course explains why Jay and Lloyd don't remember seeing it later on.)

I feel like their reactions aren't too extreme. They're more shocked in a "oh yeah I forgot Kai worked under Chen and had to get a tattoo for the spell to work" way than a "how dare you bear the mark of our enemy" way.

After they realize Kai is ashamed of his tattoo they do their best to try and make him feel more comfortable with himself (maybe they even help look for tattoo removal studios that won't ask questions?)

The Flame and the Dragon Ch13

Chapter 13: The Cursed Castle

The staircase led to the first floor and Kai was back in the front hallway. The enormous locked doors to the front mocked him as he passed by. He snorted and growled trying to navigate his way through the labyrinth of chambers. His stomach refused to silence. He turned down another hallway but every corridor appeared the same. They were made of stone and lit with candles, but each was decorated in a different manner. This only made it more difficult to decide where to go.

Two oak doors blocked the end of the hallway.

A light leaking from the bottom caught Kai's attention. He turned the handles and shoved the doors open a crack, preventing any noise. His eyes widened as he scanned the enormous dining room Even in the darkness, the room was stunning. A smooth, green carpet covered the floor, while a red carpet stretched from the entrance, up too small steps, and to a large platform where a gold and silver table sat. Matching chairs in a similar fashion lined the walls opposite the ends of the table.

Behind the table, three windows covered almost the entire wall, shaped like the top of an octagon.

They were lined with maroon curtains tied with a gold cord. The darkness outside told him it was still night. A crystal chandelier lit with many candles hung from the ceiling on a thick chain, while candle holders lit with cream-colored candles rested on the oak tables. A huge fireplace framed with black stone rested in the opposite wall where a huge mirror rested above the mantelpiece. There was no ceiling. Instead, there was a balcony. Kai recognized as one of the ones he'd traveled when Cole showed him to his room, branched from one wall to the other.

Kai shivered to wonder what the room must have looked like during the day, with light spilling in from the windows.

In the far corner, lights danced behind another door, diverting his attention. He slowly approached the door and gently pushed it open. A short stone hallway lit by orange and yellow lights led to the kitchen where he could hear voices. Caution and curious, Kai pressed his back against the opposite wall, keeping himself in the safety of the shadows, before silently sliding towards the kitchen entrance. He carefully leaned over to peer inside. The kitchen was full of bright lights though he could only see a few candles and enormous wheel-shaped chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

In the corner was an enormous brick structure that Kai could've mistaken for an alter if not for the black smoke pouring out the brick tower.

There was blazing yellow and orange fire burning wildly within it. The kitchen was huge. It was an entire room made of stone and glass and the floor was made of a sandy-gold stone. The fire pit, contained by the enormous brick stove, rested in the far corner embedded in the wall. A line of black tools hung from the wall around the stove, so they were within easy reach. A tall man, taller than Kai with short black hair and ghostly pale skin stood before the fire pit.

With a wave of his arms, the fires roared to life, before calming with the flick of the man's wrist.

He carried jars of spices from the mess upon the huge wooden table in the middle of the room and rearranged them in the towering spice cabinet next to the stove. Servants moved about, two he recognized as the man and woman in the tower, scurried about the kitchen carrying plates of little cakes, baskets of apple and fruits, and trays covered with silver tins. They placed them all on a huge wooden table in the middle. The table was full of knives and cutting boards and overcrowded with apples, peppers, carrots, and other vegetables.

The servants gathered them all in baskets before relocating them in either the huge icebox in the corner of the enormous pantry, so large it covered almost the entire wall.

Over a large silver sink, Neuro scrubbed pots beneath a faucet of running water. Steam rose when the hot water touched the cool, gray water. Nelson was sat on one of the countertops drying plates. Tox and Ronin who Kai recognized from the tower were carrying large pots, struggling with large towers of plates and cauldrons of water. The two placed the objects on the table before a flash of turquoise and green surrounding them. A green naga and a short troll stood in their place.

They then relocated the dishes from the countertops to the cupboards above the counters.

They were carved from wood but each one had a glass window so people could see where each one went. The raven-haired man in the corner turned around, barking orders, revealing his true face. He had a few inches on Kai and pale, almost grey, skin and onyx-colored eyes. A strong hand wiped the sweat from his brow. He wore black gloves and a sleeveless black vest with silver shoulder braces, a silver wolf symbol with red eyes, and in front of a blue area on the chest.

His legs were designed with gray pants and black boots.

His white cooking apron was blotched with soot and stained red. Kai ducked behind the wall hoping he wasn't seen. His heart hammered in his chest in confusion and excitement, as he pondered who, or rather what, they were.

"UGH! I can't believe this! I slave all day over a hot stove, quite literally and what!? It all goes to waste!" He hollered as he raised his hands in protest. The other servants and the boy on the counter jumped. The only one unafraid of the cook's temper was Neuro, who was still doing dishes.

"Oh, stop your grousing! It's been a long night for all of us!" Neuro told him. Shade rolled his eyes but said nothing else. Not a moment later Jay, who Kai also recognized from the tower, bulldozed into the room through the opposite door, panting heavily. Echo ran beside him, looking just as exhausted as Jay.

"Sorry guys," Jay panted, before glowing in a dark blue light. A blue fox took his place. Kai's eyes almost bulged out of his skull. He couldn't look away as Echo closed his eyes and in a flash of gold, only a brown centaur remained. They had intended to continue their search for Kai, but they noticed how much work the others had to do since dinner was canceled and it wasn't like Kai could leave the castle. Wasting no time, Jay, in the form of a Raijū, grabbed a stack of plates clearly too heavy for him.

The tiny creature struggled to use his powers to float but managed to lift it and made his way towards the pantry.

"Jay let me help you," Echo begged his companion.

"I got it," Jay grunted until finally, he faltered as his body fell, sending plates scattering around him. Without thinking Kai dove and slid across the floor to catch the falling creature in his arms. Plates rained around him, as Kai pulled the shaking fox in his arms. Everyone, who had moved for the same reason, froze and stared at the boy on the floor. Kai blinked in surprise until his eyes widened in remembrance.

"Oh, you're there," Jay said. "Echo and I wondered where you disappeared too." He smiled. Kai reacted quickly. His entire body jumped and he fell backward until he was in a half-sitting, half-lying position. His eyes were wide with shock and awe. The action sent Jay flying into the air, forcing him to use his powers to float. The cook crossed his arms and smirked at the teen on the floor. Jay rubbed his head with a paw before blinking at his savor.

He smiled brightly and extended a paw to Kai, who stared at him with a mixture of shock, confusion, and amazement.

"I'm Jay, please to meet you."

"Uh, hello," Kai replied as he shook Jay's paw with two fingers.

"I apologize about this," Neuro said as he leaned forward slightly so his eyes met Kia's bewildered ones. "My name is Neuro, and before you ask, no you are not in any way mad, and I do hope our presence didn't shock you; we didn't expect to meet you formally until tomorrow, otherwise we would've made your acquaintance already but now that you're here, we'd like to welcome you, Master... Kai, is it?" He asked. Kai nodded, still shocked.

"Sorry about before." Tox hissed as she slithered over. "We didn't get to introduce ourselves, the name's Tox." She smiled before there was a flash of green. When it faded again a green-haired woman landed on her heels and offered a hand to Kai.

"Hello," Kai replied, a bit breathlessly, and shook the offered hand. Tox took the opportunity to pull him to his feet.

"Sorry, about earlier." Echo smiled sadly before reappearing as the brunette boy with gold eyes a moment later. "I hope all of our transforming back and forth didn't scare you." He smiled sincerely.

"It's alright, I don't mind." Kai smiled. "I'm assuming these are your cursed forms?" He asked gesturing to Jay's fox form.

"Only if we want, it's just exhausting to stay human and easier for us to move like this," Jay explained.

"But the Dragon Lord is a mix of man and creature, so how come none of you are?" He asked, wondering why they were suddenly switching between their human forms and the monstrous forms he recognized from the fairy tale. They all shared uncomfortable looks so Kai thought it'd be best to drop the subject.

"I'm Ronin." The troll smiled from the counter. Kai nodded with a small smile.

"Easy there, lads, you don't wanna shock the boy anymore than he already has been shocked tonight." Shade teased before narrowing his eyes to the teen in front of him. Kai stayed still as Shade's hard eyes, void of emotion and impossible to read, scanned him over critically. "The boys told me you're the reason the Master was throwing a fit this afternoon, is that true?" He asked and Kai raised an eyebrow.

"If he threw a tantrum because I refused to obey him then that is no one's fault but his own; I made myself perfectly clear when I said I refused to become another one of his servants just because we made a deal." He answered. Everyone froze for a bit, then Shade did the last thing anyone expected, he laughed.

"You got guts, it about time someone deflated the oversized ego of Cole's! He needs to learn to lighten up a bit." The cook laughed in such a way, Kai wasn't sure if it was good or bad until the noirette smirked. "Welcome to the hellhole, I'm Shade, the cook here and Neuro's husband, at your service."

"My name's Nelson." The boy he'd seen earlier jumped from the counter to greet him with a bright smile on his face. "You've already met Jay." He said and gestured to the blue fox floating in the air, knocking Ronin off the counter. The troll growled and began a chase. Kai ducked and moved, hoping to avoid the crossfire. Soon Tox and Echo both returned to their human forms and joined in the play.

"Don't mind them." Neuro chuckled. "They're always eager to see a new face; now, if there is anything at all we can do to make your stay more comfortable, please do not hesitate to ask."

"Yeah, we haven't had any guests here in ages!" Jay smiled, stopping in the air, causing the other three creatures to crash into him.

"Well, I am a little hungry."

"You hear that? He's hungry!" Neuro instantly beamed as he turned to Shade.

"Start the fire!" Shade smiled as he spun around and waved his hand. The oven erupted in flames. "Pull out the spices, break out the china!" He ordered and not a moment later, everyone did as commanded. The spice cabinet flew open and various jars of different colored herbs were removed and drawers opened, revealing the forks, spoons, and knives.

"Wait!" Tox countered. "Didn't the Master say-"

"Until I die, not a soul in this castle is going to bed hungry!" He declared, boldly. Kai almost blushed at the attention.

"Really, you don't have to-"

"Shut it!" Shade cut him off he dropped the two huge pots he'd been carrying on top of the roaring stove. Before Kai could blink Shade flew in front of him making him jump and stumble backward. Shade circled him, scanning him up and down then pinched his arm making Kai growl, and snatch his arm away

"What the hell are you doing!" He demanded angrily but Shade didn't seem to hear him.

"I've got my work cut out for me." The chef shook his head both in disappointment and in excitement at the new challenge. "Not to worry, when I'm done with you you'll never eat again! You need it, you're way too thin for a normal seventeen—"

"I'M NINETEEN!"

"That's even worse! Do you ever eat?! You're nothing but skin and bones!" Shade gasped in horror. Before Kai could answer, Shade started running around the room gathering ingredients. "We are going to need chickens, chestnuts, and broth for stuffing and plenty of hazelnuts!" He started shouting randomly, grabbing a basket of apples from the pantry, and began slicing through each one like butter. "Three cups of flour, six eggs, and a quarter of milk… MOVE IT!" He roared.

The servants scurried throughout the kitchen as the dook randomly shouted what he needed.

The chef darted from the icebox to the pantry or the table. He was grabbing, slicing, and throwing food over his shoulder into pots, on pans, or plates. The whole process was so quick and complex, Kai suddenly felt dizzy watching him work.

"TOX!"

"HERE!" The naga answered while Shade placed a tray of sliced cheeses and crackers and assorted fruits in her hands.

"Bring that to the dining hall and don't spill a single one or I'll skin you alive!"

"GOT IT!" She replied, before jumping off the counter and dashing towards the dining room. When Kai felt something pull on his sleeve, he looked down and found Nelson tugging on his sleeve.

"You'll love it, Shade's a great cook." He reassured the brunette. Smiling, Kai scooped the small boy into his arms, making him yelp, and walked towards the dining room. He shoved the doors open, so Tox and Ronin could get in and place the food on the table. He gently placed Nelson on the table and turned around just in time to see Jay fly in. The blue fox struggled to carry a huge bowl of gravy on his head as he panted exhaustedly. Taking pity on him, when Jay started to slowly fall to the ground, Kai took the pot of Jay's head and carried it to the table.

"Hey! That's our job!" Jay moaned in annoyance. Kai chuckled at the pout on the fox's face.

"What? So now I'm not even allowed to help? Fuck that! Listen, guys, I appreciate all this, really, but I can take care of myself, I really can't stand being waited on all the time." He insisted. The servants just nodded and retreated back to the kitchen before coming back with more food, putting up no resistance whenever Kai offered to help. When Shade finished, all things delicious and imaginable were spread across the table. Kai noticed they'd only set one plate for him, but looking at the display before him, he knew there was no way he could ever hope to eat all the food.

A basket full of ripe, red apples arranged next to a basket of bread and rolls that sat next to a plate of butter.

The centerpiece was a huge chicken stuffed with chestnut stuffing, next to a bowl of hot, buttery gravy. Wheel-shaped plates of cheese and crackers that were hemmed by pieces of ham and beef served as appetizers. A single, large golden goblet was filled with rich, burgundy wine. For dessert, there were plates of fruits. There were strawberries smoothed with cream and dusted with brown sugar, raspberries coated in chocolate, hazelnuts dipped in honey, and over a dozen tiny cakes filled with cream with light pink frosting.

Kai couldn't say anything as his mouth began to water at the sight of all that delicious food.

"I take pride in my work," Shade smirked, before gently shoving Kai into the dining room. He turned to leave but Kai stopped him.

"Aren't you having any?" He asked. Shade paused and raised an eyebrow, before remembering this was only Kai's first night here.

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"I literally can't, I can't leave the kitchen, I'm bound to it." He replied, sounding angry and almost sad. The noirette didn't give Kai time to answer and turned to leave again, but Kai jumped in front of him. He blocked the door before turning to the rest of the confused staff.

"You guys can't expect me to eat all that by myself, right? I assumed you were making enough for everyone?" He asked and Shade blinked. Kai's determination refused to falter. Again the cook smirked and crossed his arms.

"You got a good heart, but even though we can, we don't need to eat; it's part of our curse."

"When was the last time any of you actually enjoyed your own cooking?"

"Over a hundred years ago." He answered flatly. He resisted the urge to urge to snort at the stunned look on Kai's face. Instead of questioning him, Kai strolled back to the table and sat down at the table.

"Come on, the food looks delicious, and I already know there's a possible way I can finish all this by myself, so feel free; I'd don't mind, I like company."

"Sure." Jay shrugged as he hopped onto the table and grabbed a cake before plopping it in his mouth. Shade plucked the blue fox by his tail.

"At least have the decency to wait, I didn't go through all the trouble of cooking just so you could eat it all in five minutes." He scolded, while everyone else either grabbed a chair or followed Jay's example and took a seat on the table. Shade dropped Jay next to Nelson and leaned against the table, before grabbing one of the cakes and took a bite. "So, Kai, what would you like?" He asked. Kai's eyes scanned the mountains of food again, already feeling his stomach begging.

"I'll just have a bit of everything." He finally said. Kai had never cared much for the laws of physics, but whoever said the matter couldn't be created or destroyed clearly never met Jay or Ronin before. In the span of a few short seconds, the two creatures had devoured over half the food that was leftover, after everyone claimed their meal. They made all that food vanish in less than a few seconds. Kai could only stare at them in shock.

"Don't think about it." Someone suddenly said. Kai jumped and turned to Echo, who was standing next to him, munching on a cake and a strawberry. "Ronin and Jay are eating machines, Shade says the day he leaves either one of them in the kitchen unattended is the day he lets us all starve to death." The centare laughed before eating his strawberry. Shade nodded at this, sinking his unusually long canine into an apple. Kai chuckled before stealing another cake, while the two boys fought over the last of the cream-filled sweets.

He couldn't believe how much he was enjoying himself.

Everything unhappy and frustrating about the previous evening just seemed like a bad dream. Once everyone had eaten their choice of food, they'd began bombarding Kai with questions about himself, each one of them curious to learn everything about their new guest. He'd given up trying to persuade them not to call him Master Kai and decided it was just something he'd have to get used to. The younger staff and Nelson were all careful to avoid anything that related to his siblings, which he was grateful for.

Despite his unusual happiness, the ache of never seeing his family again left a heavy hollow weight in his chest.

"So, you like books?" Nelson asked, sipping a glass of orange juice.

"Lloyd and I used to spend all our time in the bookstore whenever we got a chance." He nodded. Jay perked up and let go of the cake he'd been holding, sending Ronin, who was trying to take the cake, flying backward and almost off the table.

"We should show you the library then, right Tox?" He asked, turning to the naga, who was busy licking the last of the chicken off a drumstick.

"Of course, it's on the second floor."

"You have a library? Where is it?" Kai asked, excited.

"We'll show you tomorrow, we've gone through the whole day already." Echo replied. Kai blinked before looking around for some form of a clock in the room. An antique grandfather clock in the hallway, chimed to life, alerting the staff it was already 9 o'clock.

"Wow, I guess time really does fly when you're having fun." He chuckled and continued to socialize with the younger staff. Tox, Jay, and Nelson all asked Kai questions about himself, especially when he let it slip that he liked to write. It rather surprised everyone else. It was almost too impossible to believe this guy was the same rebellious and feisty teen who'd all but sent their Master into a fury the night before. Ronin suddenly stopped eating and jumped from the table.

In a flash of turquoise, he returned to his human form and grabbed a large tray, and began piling it with enough food for at least two people.

He clenched the silver handles and turned to the stairs.

"Where are you going?" Kai asked curiously.

"The Master didn't come down for dinner, so he must be hungry." He answered flatly. A sudden rage filled Kai and he snorted, remembering the argument they'd had earlier. Ronin turned to the new guest and offered a small smile.

"He's really not bad, except when he's in a mood, but really, he's not bad; you'll forgive him when you get to know him and until then, have a good night." He smiled before exiting the room and strolling up the staircase Kai hadn't noticed before. Kai's ever narrowed but he said nothing.

"You'll have to forgive him, Kai." Neuro sighed. "It's just been so long, and he hasn't really interacted with people for quite some time; sometimes he forgets what it's like to be kind and I'm sure you can understand, haven't you ever felt so out of place it was like everyone was against you for reasons you could not understand?" He asked and Kai almost choked on the wine he'd been drinking. He couldn't answer, but Neuro's words echoed in his mind like a guilty conscious smacking him for an act of stupidity.

He didn't answer and instead just looked at the floor.

For a moment he wondered if it was Cole or him Neuro had been talking about. The last chapter of the fairy tale repeated in his head, and for the first time in two days, he had to remind himself it wasn't just a fairy tale, but a true story. A true story about a hundred years of isolation. He shook his head and tried to dispel the thoughts. He didn't want to think about that right now. He didn't want to spoil his good mood with those thoughts. He didn't regret his and Cole's argument earlier.

Tragedy or not, he reacted the way anyone would, he told himself.

Kai sighed and stood from his chair, causing everyone in the room to stare.

"I'm going to head to bed if that's alright." He said with a small smile.

"We'll go with you." Jay volunteered, floating up and resting on Kai's shoulder. Kai chuckled before offering an arm to Nelson. Nelson took advantage of the gesture and took hold of Kai's hand.

"Are you three coming?" He asked, Shade, Echo, Neuro, and Tox.

"No thank you," Tox replied.

"We should clean this up, and don't you dare volunteer to help, this is the only time of the night Shade and I get to be alone." Neuro smiled, teasingly, though the smirk on Shade's face suggested a few not so innocent intentions. Kai shuddered, before turning to Echo.

"Coming?"

"I have to help the others; the rest of the staff will want to meet you tomorrow." He replied and Kai nodded, before leaving the room, and asking his new friends the quickest way to the East Wing. No one noticed the shadow standing on the balcony overlooking the dining hall, or the green eyes transfixed on the smiling form of their new guest and the equally laughing faces of his staff. He retreated to the safety of the shadows hoping to let them have their moment of happiness, undisturbed...

****************

No one but Ronin noticed the flash of black retreating towards the West Wing. Ronin stopped outside a familiar door of dark wood, engraved with the stunning carving of a dragon. It stood tall and proud as beautiful as it was dangerous, powerful wings twice its length flexed to its full length empowering the border of the doors. Ronin shifted the weight of the tray to one hand and used his free one to knock the silver door knockers. Without an answer, the doors unlocked themselves with a loud click and the shifting of gears like a clock.

Swiftly, but gently, Ronin turned the doorknob and gently pushed the large doors open.

He was met with darkness, lit only by the crack of light from the hallway.

"Master?" He called gently, before entering the room and carefully closing it behind him. Only the bright glow of a large red candle in the corner lit the room. Shredded tapestries hung from the walls, and tattered orange curtains covered the glass doors leading to a balcony. A table covered in white cloth sat on the raised platform. On the table sat the Master's most treasured items, which Ronin dared not touch. The once-grand room was caked with dust and cobwebs.

The only thing untouched by the dust was the huge canopy bed in the corner.

The frame made from iron and the comforter and pillows were shades of black, red, and amber. The curtains around it were tattered and faded with age, but they'd done their job keeping age from touching the bed. The curtain was open and Ronin could see his master sitting there, wrapped in his enormous wings.

"Master? It's time for dinner." He called again. The Dragon Lord finally acknowledged his presents and opened his wings. Ronin gave him a small smile, before setting the tray down on of the broken tables. Of all the servants in the castle, Ronin was one of the only two allowed such familiarity with their Master. He wasn't sure if it was because he'd been there the longest, or if it was because Cole was the one who brought him there and offered him sanctuary.

Ronin accepted that gift with pride.

He made no effort to take advantage of it. Cole smiled and rose from his seat.

"Shouldn't you be making sure our guest doesn't get lost?" He teased.

"Don't worry, Nelson is with him; I'm not foolish enough to leave him alone with Jay, even you wouldn't do something that cruel."

"You put too much faith in me, all of you do." He chuckled lightly. "Anyone else would have, should have, given up on me long ago; I'd have already given up on myself by now."

"Don't say that!" Ronin said, too outspokenly, but it was too late to stop himself. "You don't have enough faith in yourself, you're one of the strongest people I've ever met! I refuse to believe that man who saved me can't be saved himself." He finally choked out, though it hardly measured up to what he wanted to say.

"You really think I don't want to believe that?" Cole asked rhetorically. "Do you really think, I hadn't thought of that when three strangers literally dropped on my doorstep? I hope and I pray and yet instead of an angel I get this brazen, obnoxious boy who can't hold his tongue or keep his temper." Cole chuckled, but Ronin knew it wasn't humorous. "I'm done and I won't pretend to be anything other than what I am." He sighed. Ronin opened his mouth to protest but Cole just smiled.

"Go to bed, I'm sure Kai would enjoy the company." He said and Ronin didn't argue. He just nodded and before leaving his master alone. When the troll was gone, Cole turned to the tray on the table, and with the weave of his arm, it crashed against the wall with the loud clang of metal and silver. He scowled to himself. They all placed too much faith in him. It would only be disappointing when he failed. He growled with disgust at himself before turning to the table in front of the balcony and gazed at the crimson red candle as the bright purple flame flickered back and forth.

One hand braced the rim of the table, the other covering his face with his black scaled paw.

The peace was married to the memory of those who'd given up everything for him. The ones he had lost. The ones he failed to protect.

"It's hopeless."...

Past Lives Chapter 4

I held in a growl as I glared all the hell and fury I could muster towards the beagle across the room. That drooly face asshole was always taunting me, I'm sure of it, and no, it's not just because I'm a cat now. With more effort than I wanted, I managed to tear my gaze from that mangy mutt and turned my attention to Bella and her husband Harry as they did their work around the pet store. During my time here, I learned that I was reborn as a Maine Coon kitten.

I was part of a litter of twelve to a mother cat called Audrey and we were all just over eight weeks old now.

We were living in Bella and Harry's family pet store called Animal Crackers. It was a pretty small store but was almost bursting at the seams with stuff. They sold tons of pet supplies like bowls, toys, beds, and offered pet grooming. They even sold their own homemade pet treats. Bella gave us some and, even though I would never openly admitted, they tasted like tiny pieces of heaven in biscuits. They also sold almost a dozen different pets here.

Most were small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, budgies, and a few large tanks filled with many colorful fishes.

There were two other cat families in the store and that fucking beagle was the only dog here. Now we were eight weeks old, the lovely couple was putting me and the other kittens up for sale. Four of the other kittens had already been sold, so now there were only eight of us left, but the cage was still pretty cramped. Not that I didn't care about my new brothers and sisters, though. We all got on really well and played together all day, every day.

I almost laughed as I recalled some of the other pets yelling about us to our momma cat for chasing and playing with balls of yarn and loud squeaky toys.

But I knew it wouldn't last forever. The litter was growing smaller and smaller every day. I vividly remembered Bella taking pictures of us to put on the company website in hopes it would help us get adopted faster and she forgot to turn the flash off on the first three times. My eyes still hurt remembering it.

"HEY!" I cried as one of my new siblings suddenly tackled me. I quickly regained my senses and wished I still had my fire powers. It was the demon spawn I had the misfortune of calling my sister. Unlike Nya, this blonde, blue-eyed bitch was a monster. She stole everyone's food, destroyed all our toys, and attacked anyone she wanted. She was probably the only thing I hated more than that stupid beagle. Apparently, I was her new target for today.

"PISS OFF YOU PEST!" I hissed as I tried swatting her.

"MAKE ME!" She meowed loudly before she tried to bite me. As we rolled around and fought, neither of us heard the cage opening until a pair of hands picked us up and separated us. I looked up and saw Harry had picked us up.

"What's wrong?" Bella asked her husband as she approached them.

"These two were scrapping again and I had to intervene." He replied and Bella sighed as she took me from Harry. Good, the further away from that bitch of a sister the better. I missed Nya.

"I wonder what they were fighting about." She said as she stroked my head with her finger. I couldn't help purring, it was so relaxing.

"They were probably just play fighting and it got a bit rough," Harry suggested and I could swear my cat sister was smirking. She was the only blond kitten in our litter, the rest of us were dark brown, and Harry loved to spoil her. "Why didn't Audrey stop them?"

"To be fair Harry, she has got six other kittens to care for, that's why we had to hand rear some of them," Bella replied. Before either of them could say anything else, the bell rang as the door suddenly opened, signaling a new customer had entered the store. Both humans turned, allowing me to see a person wearing a conical straw hat walking over to the owners. For a split second, I thought it was Master Wu. Then the person lifted their head and disappointment filling my tiny, fluffy body when I saw it was Mystake.

She eyed me for a few seconds, before looking up at Bella.

"Can we help you, Miss?" Bella asked in her best customer service voice.

"Yes, I would like to adopt this kitten." She said and pointed at me. Does she know who I am?

"Are you sure? Wouldn't you like to have a look at the other kittens?" Harry suggested but Mystake shook her head.

"No, I must have this one please." She repeated. Bella and Harry shared a look before Bella sighed as she took my sister from her husband and placed us both back in the cage. After making sure the cage was properly locked, she led Mystake to the office to fill out the necessary paperwork and payment while Harry did his rounds around the store. That blond pest hissed at me one last time before wandering off to annoy our other brothers and sisters.

"Well done my kitten, I'm so happy that you're going to your forever home." My momma cat, Audrey, purred as she started my head and back. I purred as I leaned into her touch.

"Momma, how come you don't give us names?" I suddenly asked. All my time as a kitten, I had never heard her call any of us by a name. Audrey paused to think for a moment before she finally answered.

"It's not my place to give you a name, that is for your humans to decide." She said and I frowned. What about stray cats? Before I could ask her, however, Bella returned with Mystake. The old tea lady had a shopping bag that was filled with cat stuff for me. Bella unlocked the cage and I was quickly picked up. I gave my cat family one last look before I was gently placed in a plastic pet carrier. A blanket was placed over the carrier, covering me in total darkness.

I heard Bella gave Mystake some last-minute advice about how to help a kitten adjust to a new home.

Then I felt Mystake begin to walk and soon I heard the loud noises of the outside world. Even though I had a strong feeling Mystake knew something and was hopefully taking me back to my real family, a part of me would miss the pet store and my cat family, mainly my momma cat. Except for my kitten sister. She was literally the worst...

Crystoons AU scene #2

Spongebob: *inhales deeply, about to eat food* (The raccoon attacks him, takes his food, and hops off the train again.) Aah! Aah! The raccoon is back! *panting* Um, Timmy? Can I have some of your food? Timmy: *dumps all of her food into his mouth* *munching* Oh, uh, sorry dude. Spongebob: My bindle couldn’t fit enough food for me and a raccoon. Timmy: Why didn’t you bring your backpack? Spongebob: It wouldn’t fit in my bindle? *climbs onto a hay stack* Maybe I can just sleep this hunger off. Just like the no home boys. *looks at the hay stack above him* You know, I feel like I’ve been misled about hay. It always looks so soft in those illustrations, but it’s actually really scratchy. *banging* (The hay stack falls on top of him.) Timmy, I want to go home now. (He watches as Timmy sits in front of the doorway of the train, ignoring him.) Timmy? *sits next to him* I’m done pretending to be a no home boy. Timmy: Not me. Spongebob: I’m sure Danny and Jimmy are worried sick about us. Wondering when we’re coming home. Timmy: That’s not my home.

Spongebob: But— Oh, that’s right. You’re from Homeworld.

Timmy: *angrily* That’s not my home either! Spongebob: Then where are you from? Timmy: I’ll show you. [Trans. ext. Kindergarten] Timmy: Here we are! *chuckles* Welcome to the Kindergarten! What do you think? Spongebob: Uh… It’s great! Timmy: Sure is! *chuckles while he grabs his arm* Come on! [Trans. int. Kindergarten] Spongebob: What is this place? Timmy: It’s kinda where I’m from. Spongebob: But I thought Gems were from space? Timmy: Jimmy and Danny are, but I was made here on Earth, *smiles* like you! *gasps* Check it out! *runs to a giant rock* *laughing* Oh, man. I missed this guy. Aww! It’s my climbing rock. Spongebob: *to the climbing rock* Uh, hello! Timmy: *points to slightly smaller rock* And over there— That’s the sitting rock. *points to offscreen rocks* And that was the one rock that I kicked into two rocks! *climbs the climbing rock and sits atop it* Spongebob: Uh, how long did you live here? Timmy: For a while, I guess, um, at least until I met your mom and the others. *flops off of rock* *laughs and runs further into the Kindergarten* Spongebob: *notices Injector* Woah! What is that thing? Timmy: Eh, it’s just some old Gem junk, from a long time ago. It’s probably busted by now. *walks to the right while Spongebob looks worriedly at the machines* *chuckles* *motions to a hole in the side of the cliff* Hey, Spongebob. Look. Here’s the hole I came out of! Spongebob: Hang on. What? Timmy: It’s my hole. *chuckles* *slides into the entrance of the hole* Look— It’s me-siiiiiized. *slides into the hole and sits* *sighs* Still got that good hole smell. Spongebob: You came out of this hole? Timmy: This is where I was made, dude. One day just… *makes pop sound* … Right outta this hole. Spongebob: *glances up at holes higher up on the cliffside* So, what about the other holes? [Whirring from warp pad] Jimmy: There you are. Timmy: Great. *exits hole* Here comes the fun police. Jimmy: Danny said you’d be here, but I didn’t want to believe it. Timmy, what were you thinking bringing Spongebob to a *whispers* Kindergarten!? Timmy: I don’t know. *kicks pebble* We were in the neighborhood. Spongebob: Jimmy? Was Timmy really made here? Jimmy: How much did you tell him? Timmy: What? You mean about the bad thing? How this bad place is where bad Gems came to grow more bad Gems? Is that what you’re talking about? Spongebob: They grew other Gems here?! Jimmy: Timmy, he’s not ready! Timmy: Oh, but don’t worry, Spongebob. Everything’s just fine now. Jimmy: Timmy. Timmy: It all worked out. We won! Jimmy: Stop. Timmy: And we shut this place down so the Earth would be safe from parasites like me! Jimmy: Timmy! That’s enough! Spongebob: Jimmy? Jimmy: Spongebob, I’m sorry. I never wanted you to see this horrible place. Timmy: Then why don’t you just leave!? (He summons his weapon, wrapping the whip around Jimmy and tosses him against an Injector.) Admit it. *swings whip towards Jimmy, who dodges, causing the whip to slice through the leg of the machine* I’m just an embarrassment to you! Spongebob: Timmy! *is picked up and thrown by him* *gasps* Wait! Jimmy: *summons his weapon* I don’t want to fight you. Timmy: I wouldn’t want to fight me neither! *spin-dashes towards Pearl, who dodges* (Jimmy blasts energy-spheres from his spear at him. Timmy jumps into the air, smashing his whip downwards. Jimmy steps on it and slices part of it off with his spear.) Spongebob: *running towards them* You guys, stop it! Timmy: Stay out of this! *tosses his whip at Spongebob, which wraps around his legs and causes him to fall*

(Jimmy jumps towards Timmy and Timmy tries to hit him with his whip. Jimmy dodges each swing and kicks Timmy away.) Jimmy: Timmy, stop this! You can’t beat me. Timmy: I… don’t… CARE! *summons two whips and wraps the ends of both around Jimmy’s spear* I’m not gonna let you stand there and remind me of everything I hate about myself! (Timmy sends magenta beams of energy down the whips, which cause a huge explosion that slams Jimmy against the Injector. Jimmy lays on the ground.) Jimmy: *whimpers* Timmy: I never asked for it to be this way. *tears fall down his face* I never asked to be made! Jimmy: Timmy… Spongebob: *stands in front of Jimmy, holding his arms out with tears on his eyes* Timmy, please, no more! I know you’re upset, but, I can’t bear to watch you two hurt each other. (They all gasp upon hearing a creaking and rattling, and look up to see the Injector about to collapse on all three of them. Spongebob summons his bubble, which only manages to cover Jimmy and himself.) Spongebob: Timmy! Timmy, Timmy, TIMMY! (Timmy begins to run and there’s a crashing noise as the machine finally smashes down, assuming that it fell onto Timmy.)

AU belongs to @nicktoonsunite

Crystoons AU Scene #4

(Spongebob hops onto the vein and slides down.) Spongebob: Woo! Yeah! *flies off the pole* Triple 550 Deluxe with no cheese! (Spongebob lands on his face and gets up with a slight limp.) Spongebob: *strained* Yep, perfect landing.. [Int. Burning Room] (Spongebob looks at the array of bubbled Gems.) Spongebob: Hmm. There we go! *climbs up towards Zim’s gem* Gotcha! Whoa! (Spongebob falls back to the floor, the bubble pops, and Zim regenerates.) Zim: -the Cluster, you insufferable half-formed traitor mega-clods!! (Zim wiggles his fingers realizing that his limb enhancers are gone.) Spongebob: *with smiley faces in his eyes* Oh my gosh… you’re so… cuuuuute! Zim: My limb enhancers! Where are my limb enhancers?! Spongebob: Aw, you’re like.. an angry little slice of pie! Zim: Stop talking! I demand to know what this place is, and where I- (Zim looks up and sees dozens of other bubbled Gems.) Zim: Oh my stars… You’re going to harvest me?! Spongebob: No! I mean… (Zim slaps him.) Ow, that hurt! Zim: … It did? Spongebob: Yeah, a lot. (Zim slaps him again.) Ow! Zim: Yes! Feel my unbridled rage! (Zim begins slapping him repeatedly.) Spongebob: Hey! Hey, hey. What’s that on your shirt? Zim: What’s a shirt? (Spongebob flicks his finger up at his face.) Ow! That’s it! (Zim tackles Spongebob and slaps him over and over again.) Spongebob: Why are you acting like this!? Zim: You smashed me into a limbless cloud! You trapped me in your bubble dungeon! And, you called me.. *sniffs angrily, blushes angrily* … cute! Spongebob: I didn’t poof you! I freed you! Zim: … Why would you make such a miscalculation? Spongebob: Back at the Warp Pad, what were you trying to say? Why do we need you? What do you know? Zim: What do I know? Everything there is to know about the Cluster, you pebble. Spongebob: Cluster? Wait, “pebble”? Zim: My mission. The reason why I’m on this sad rock in the first place! I was to check progress on the Cluster! Just in and out, before it hatches. I wasn’t supposed to get stuck here! But now it’s going to emerge and nothing can stop it, and we’ll all be shattered! Spongebob: Okay, okay, wait, slow down. Now, from the top… emerging, hatching, Clusters? Zim: You wanna know? Spongebob: Yes. Zim: You really wanna know? Spongebob: Yes? Zim: What’s your shirt? *points to his pajamas* Spongebob: These are my banana pajamas. (Zim flicks his face) Ow! Wait, don’t run away! (Zim begins climbing out of the room, laughing maniacally towards the Temple Gate.) [Int. Spongebob’s house] (Zim runs out of the temple laughing manically, followed by Spongebob.) Spongebob: Stop! They’re gonna see you! Zim: *spreads arms out wide* Freedom is miine!! (Zim stops, and slowly turns towards Jimmy, Danny, and Timmy at the kitchen table.) Spongebob: Wait! Zim: *stuttering while pointing to the ceiling hoping that the Gems will look away* Look! Over there! Another planet to betray! (Danny summons his gauntlets, Timmy eats the whole pizza box in one gulp.) Zim: *shaking in fear* Retreat! (Zim runs to the front door, but Jimmy and Danny block his path.) Jimmy: Oh, no you don’t! Zim: Eeep!! (Zim scampers up the stairs, where Timmy is waiting on Spongebob’s bed.) Timmy: *pulls whip* Heey. Zim: Ahh! *jumps back down to the floor* Ow! Danny: Get him! (Zim runs into the bathroom and locks the door.) Zim: *off-screen* You may have won the war, but the battle isn’t over, Crystoon Clods! *laughs* Jimmy: Should we tell him that’s the bathroom? Timmy: Eh. [Int. Spongebob’s bathroom] Zim: *looks upward* Hmm… Seems I discovered some sort of archaic think chamber. Roomy. *opens toilet lid* With a fresh hint of Earth citrus. A perfect crossroads for my escape. [Ext. Spongebob’s Bathroom] Timmy: It’s locked. Danny: Zim, open the door! (The toilet flushes.) Timmy: If you’re trying to flush yourself down the toilet, it won’t work. Trust me, I’ve tried. (Zim is seen swirling in the toilet.) Jimmy: How did he get out? We bubbled him! Timmy: Maybe we needed a bigger bubble. Danny: My bubbles are fine. Spongebob: *guiltily* … I did it.

(Screen cuts to Danny, Timmy, and Jimmy looking shocked.) Jimmy: Spongebob! Why would you do such a thing!? Spongebob: Because he knows something! Something that’s made him scared! Timmy: *punches fist* Duh. Homeboy knows we’re gonna beat him into a green pancake. Spongebob: No, not ‘cause of us. 'Cause of something called 'the Cluster’. Danny: *crosses arms* Cluster? That’s new. Jimmy: What else did he tell you? Spongebob: That’s all I got. Zim: That’s right, you dirt bombs! You don’t even know what’s coming!!! *notices mirror* Ooh.. Danny: I’m tired of playing these games. (Zim is seen making faces in the mirror.) Danny: If we can’t fight him, then fine. We’ll talk. Zim. Zim: *slips off the sink* Whoa! Danny: Alright, no more fighting. Let’s just have a civil conversation. Zim: As if I’d negotiate with you, filthy war machine! Danny: *summons gauntlets* Okay, let’s kick his butt. Spongebob: Wait! Zim: *holds a plunger while hanging from the shower curtains* Yeah! Destroy me again, and have fun trying to talk to me when I’m in a bubble! *regretting what he just said, quickly positions himself and covers his mouth* Jimmy: I really hate to say it, but unfortunately if he has information, he’s more valuable to us like… this. Danny: This is going to be tricky. Zim: *faintly, through the door* H-h-hot hot hot! Spongebob: You have to turn the knob the other way for cold! AU belongs to @nicktoonsunite

Story Help Please!

Hiya everyone!

I'm planning another Lavashipping and possible Oppositeshipping AU story called 'Lustful Singers', but I need a little help. You see, I can't decide what career I should give Zane. Should he be a chef? Or a doctor?

I've already picked jobs for Kai and Cole, the others I'll sort out later, but I'm stuck on Zane; what do you suggest?

Thank you for taking the time to read this announcement and I hope you all have a good day/afternoon/night!

Life of a High School Vampire One-Shots 7 Planned Parenthood

WARNING! This chapter will include talks of violence, abortions, and explosives. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

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SUMMARY: A rabid protester outside a health clinic draws Kai into providing some clarification into what Hell's tortures might really be... ****************

Kai groaned in frustration as the hot noon sun shined brightly above him as he sulked down the street. After Lloyd and Jay found out about his little one-night stand with the Cole person, his roommates insisted that he should get checked out at a health clinic just to be certain that he hadn't caught anything, especially since Kai couldn't remember whether or not they had used protection. He knew they spoke from a place of concern, but that didn't ease Kai's anger.

It got even worse when he found out that they had booked him an appointment at a nearby health clinic behind his back when they figured out he wasn't going to do it.

Kai wanted to tell them that thanks to his power he didn't contract any human diseases. But he also knew that he had to keep the secret. He was also a little grateful that when his parents sent him to Ninjago they crafted an entire medical history for him. It was to explain away any oddities the doctors would find thanks to his vampiric genes. As the brunette was about to round the corner to the clinic, he noticed a small RV parked awkwardly on the curve.

Kai was immediately suspicious of the vehicle.

It was fairly plain with the exception of a brightly colored bumper sticker beaming up at him. The street the RV was parked on had no stores or anything that would make a driver of an RV and possibly their passengers' park and get out. Kai was curious, but he also knew he needed to get to his appointment or he wouldn't hear the end of it. As he rounded the corner, however, he saw a sight that both amused and irritated the vampire.

"Sinners! Sinner! You're a sinner!" Shouted a middle-aged man with a checkered shirt and khaki shorts was standing next to the door holding a large homemade sign damning abortions and promoting pro-life. Kai had heard about these types of people and they made him mad. He didn't understand why these people thought it was perfectly ok to harass women who were already going through a bad time. He was also livid when he realized that these pro-life people were all for pregnancy.

But then as soon as that baby was born then they didn't give a fuck what happened.

Kai might not be the most sensitive person but knew that even one had a right to choose and if they choose to abort a fetus he couldn't give a damn.

"Yeah, you're a sinner! Have fun with your abortion! I hope you're wearing sunscreen, 'cause it's hot as hell in hell!" The man shouted at a woman who was much older than him walking into the clinic. Kai seriously doubted she was able to get pregnant anymore. This clinic did offer abortions, but they also provided other services such as testing and treatment for STIs, advice about sexual health, contraception, pregnancy testing, HIV testing, hepatitis B vaccination, and help for people who have been sexually assaulted.

The brunette barely managed to suppress a growl.

This was the last thing he needed to deal with today of all days. He was thankful that he was wearing sunglasses because he was certain his eyes were glowing red with his burning rage. Kai knew that he had to get to his appointment and he wasn't about to let a hippie stop him. As the brunette was about to walk into the clinic and ignore the man, he noticed the man's slightly opened rucksack and saw something shining poking out ever so slightly.

Kai quickly realized what it was and a million thoughts ran through his head.

But they all came to a stop when he saw a sticker for the exact same music band as the bumper sticker. Kai connected the dots rather quickly and a sickening grin spread across his face. This was going to be fun...

****************

Once everything was set for his plan, Kai approached the clinic again and saw the man crouched in the car park, hiding in between the cars as he rummaged through his bag and glancing back at the building. He had to get rid of that monstrosity. He pulled out the explosion device but cursed when he saw that somehow the wires attached to the device had been cut. The tools were to fix it were back in his RV parked around the corner. The man really didn't want to risk rushing back to the RV in case anyone saw him or, more importantly, the device in his backpack.

But he couldn't stay in between the cars either.

He had already avoided a couple of people by the skin of his teeth and he knew his lucky hiding place couldn't last forever. If they did he would be shipped off to prison, never to see the light of day again. He couldn't let that happen. Not while abortions were still happening every day.

"You need at least six more ounces of kerosene for that to work right." Kai suddenly announced his presence with a cocky smirk. He could already tell this was going to be fun. The man let out a yelp as he bolted up and attempted to hide the evidence, but he knew the teen had seen the device.

"That is none of your business!" He snarled, terrified at being discovered, but he refused to back down. "Sir, I suggest that you turn around and walk away because THAT is a BABY! MURDERING! FACTORY!" He all but screamed as he gestured to the health center.

"Don't be ignorant; Romania shut down its last baby incinerator back in 87." Kai rolled his eyes and tried to walk past the man, only to have his path blocked.

"They are everywhere!" The man cried out, only for his eyes to widen in horror. "Sir, are planning on assisting in murdering an unborn child today?!" He exclaimed and Kai almost burst out laughing at the ridiculous statement, but he held it in.

"That's not on my schedule, but it is my day off." The brunette shrugged casually, catching the man off-guard. With that said, Kai tried once again to enter the health center, only for the man to block his path again. It took all of Kai's restraint not to tear this man's throat out.

"Just so you know, if you walk through those doors you are entering into the devil's playground." The man warned, trying to persuade the teen to walk away. Instead, Kai had had enough of this guy and shoved past the protester without another word. "YOU LIBERAL HEATHENS WOULDN'T KNOW SATAN'S HANDIWORK IF SMACKED THE RAINBOW STICKERS OFF YOUR UKULELE!" The man screamed and just like that, the leash on Kai's temper snapped.

This rabid protester needed some clarification into what Hell's tortures might really be like.

"I know it." The brunette hissed as he turned around and removed his sunglasses, unveiling his crimson red eyes. "Satan lived in Charles Manson; giving him the charm to form a cult of reckless murderers," Kai smirked as he began to circle the man like a hungry shark. "Satan lived in Ted Bundy; providing him the good looks to lure his targets into his trap, where he would strangle his subjects and sleep with the corpses." He added as he listened in on the man's thundering heartbeat.

The man himself was frozen in terror as his eyes followed the teen casually, yet slowly, walking around him like a predator.

"Satan lived in Jeffrey Dahmer; bidding him invite unsuspecting victims into his basement only to be dismembered and eaten." Kai finally finished and that was when the man finally found his voice again.

"H-H-He... h-... he ate... the bodies?" He managed to stammer out, his throat suddenly very dry as his skin turned cold and pale.

"If Satan really is providing me a dose of plan B, he has really lost his edge." Kai all but purred in satisfaction, knowing he had won this little fight. With that said he turned and walked to the entrance.

"Well, I hope you have fun in hell." The man shot weakly.

"I will, save me a seat." Kai grinned as he put his sunglasses back on and walked inside without even giving the man another glance. The man took a deep breath to calm his nerves before rushing back to his RV to repair the device. Kai couldn't get rid of the smile on his face as he felt the gas canister and the wire cutters poking him from his bag. Or when he heard a small explosion in the distance and the sound of a car alarm ringing. He simply sighed contently as he approached the front desk and rang the bell.

"I'm here for my appointment."...

Life of a High School Vampire One-Shots 8 Babysitting

SUMMARY: A little girl gets a clarification on monsters in the closet when Kai is the babysitter...

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Kelly Dillon was already dreading tonight. She couldn't help but think that this wasn't fair to the twelve-year-old girl. All her friends were out having fun while she was stuck in her house alone because her parents decided to go to a friend's costume party and she was grounded. It wasn't her fault the school toilets were easy to clog up. Kelly shuddered at the memory of her mother showing her the costume she planned on wearing. Her mother was dressing up like Brittany Spears like she was in that 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' video.

It was very awkward for her daughter to see something like that.

Kelly just didn't like seeing her mother in that type of clothing. It was very uncomfortable. Her father's costume wasn't so bad since he was dressing up as a simple pirate. But to make things even worse was the fact her parents hired a babysitter to watch her until the morning like she was a baby. Kelly might not have minded having a babysitter to hang out with tonight if the guy they hired wasn't super creepy. This Kai person was a new friend or something with her distant cousin Jay and they were roommates.

Or so she had been told by her parents. Kelly seriously doubted that Jay would ever associate with anyone as weird as Kai.

She had only met him once, briefly, but Kelly could already tell something was very wrong with this man. Just the way he stared at her and his smirk creeped her out. Once she could swear she saw a red glow in his eyes and the flash of fangs in his grinning mouth.

"Kelly! The babysitter's here!" Her father called, but there was no way in hell she was going down to greet that creature.

"I'm upstairs!" She exclaimed from her room. She heard her mother sigh in frustration and went to answer the door for her daughter.

"Hello again, Mr. Smith! Why don't you come in?" Her mother smiled at the brunette teen, moving aside to let him in. It took all of Kelly's courage to make her legs move her from her room to hide behind the corner to the stairs. Cautiously, she poked her head around and saw Kai talking with her parents, who were both already in the costumes and about to leave.

"We'll be back by one in the morning at the latest; emergency numbers are on the fridge, I have a casserole for you both ready in the oven, Kelly must be in bed by ten at the latest." Her mother reminded the teen sternly.

"I understand, don't worry, Kelly's safe with me," Kai promised and while this seemed to satisfy her parents, it caused a shiver of fear to run down Kelly's spine.

"Alright then, you two have fun!" Her father smiled before he and his wife left for their party. As soon as the front door closed, Kai whipped around to face Kelly so suddenly to almost caused the girl to scream. Instead, as soon as their eyes made contact, Kelly scrambled away from the stairs and back into her bedroom. Back downstairs, Kai chuckled lightly as he licked his fangs in anticipation. He could already tell this was going to be a fun night...

****************

It had been over an hour since Kai had arrived at her home and her parents left and Kelly knew that there was something more strange about this babysitter than she first suspected. Earlier, while he was finishing the casserole her mother had left, Kelly could hear him calling the blood bank a few blocks down the road and asking if they delivered. To make things even worse, Kelly had just seen him walk by the mirror in the hallway, but she didn't see his reflection.

It didn't take a genius to connect the dots about who, or more accurately what, this new babysitter was.

It didn't help when Kelly had nowhere to run, not with that thing downstairs waiting for her. Once she was certain of her theory about Kai, Kelly locked her bedroom door and opened up her laptop for some last-minute research. Everybody knew they come to suck a human dry of blood. They could also hypnotize her with their eyes. Kelly had seen the Twilight movies, and you better believe that they had left an impression.

"Kelly! Dinner's ready!" Kai called up to her from the kitchen and Kelly felt her insides turn to ice. Reluctantly, Kelly slowly descended the stairs and found Kai waiting for her in the dining room. The casserole was finished and the table was set for two people. Swallowing the heavy lump in her throat, Kelly took her seat opposite of Kai and began to eat, her eyes staying focused on the brunette. Kai also kept his gaze on the young girl, allowing her to get a good, detailed look at him.

His fingernails were sharp as kitchen knives and his teeth were pointed too.

Those sharp fangs kept flashing tauntingly at her across the dinner table as Kai smirked at her. He made no move to eat, but Kelly felt like she could see the hunger in his eyes. Her parents left her alone with him and now she didn't know what she was going to do. The babysitter was a vampire and he was looking at her like she was dinner. Kelly was going to need a wooden stake and a garlic milkshake to keep herself alive...

****************

As soon as she had finished dinner, even though she hardly touched the food, Kelly quickly excused herself and all but ran up the stairs and locked herself in the bathroom. But she knew she couldn't stay in there forever. The next few hours were sort of like a game between Kelly and Kai. A game of cat and mouse. Of predator and prey. Kelly would sneak as quietly and quickly into a room as she could, hide for about ten minutes, and hear Kai go into a room not too close to her.

Then when it was quiet she would sneak into the next room and repeat the process.

Honestly, Kelly could have kept that up all night. While she wanted nothing more than to put a stake in that monster's chest, she preferred to live to see another day. What she didn't know was that Kai was having the time of his life. It was fun messing with the kid but he knew that if he didn't get her to bed soon there would be trouble. Her parents would be home soon and if they saw their daughter still awake and hysterical about the brunette being a vampire he wouldn't get paid.

Then this would all be for nothing and he would go home empty-handed.

"It's getting late Kelly, time for you to go to bed now." Kai suddenly called out to her in a very playful tone. It was almost as if to him they were merely playing a little game of hide-and-seek. Not life and death like it felt for her. But Kelly had other plans than dying tonight. She was thinking it was time to call it a night and that Kai could put a stake in his heart instead. Kelly wasn't just hiding, she had grabbed a small log next to the basket by her parents' fireplace and knife from the kitchen.

While she was hiding she had been sharpened the log into a makeshift stake.

She was onto Kai. She knew why his tanned skin was as cold as ice and why he stared like she was a piece of medium-rare meat. Kelly was certain he was ready to take a bite out of her neck and drain her dry like she was a bloody smoothie. People might think she was paranoid but everybody knew that vampires come to suck innocent people's blood. They could hypnotize people with their glowing eyes so their prey had nowhere to run or escape their fates.

Despite being certain that she was right about this, Kelly knew her parents would never believe her now unless she got some proof.

But when their daughter was flying around the house with fangs they would know it was true. From now on she was wearing turtle necks made of silver and carrying a water gun loaded with a garlic milkshake. Kelly prayed to every God she could think of that she made it through the night and did not end up a vampire snack. She was now huddled in her closet, clutching the stake, the knife, and a few cloves of garlic. She thought about trying to call her parents, or the police, or pest control, but the problem was that the house phone was down the creaky stairs and next to the locked front door.

Even if Kelly did manage to call someone, that vampire would hear her and kill her.

"Kelly... Oh, Kelly..." A terrifying voice suddenly echoed from the corners of her mind.

"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" She screeched as she desperately covered her ears to block out the voices, but that just made them louder.

"I want to suck your blood..."

"I KNOW! GETAWAY YOU BLOOD-SUCKING FREAK!" She cried as scared tears welled up in her eyes, wishing for her parents to come home. Just then Kelly was almost overwhelmed by the sudden feeling that she needed to look up. Listening to her gut, Kelly slowly looked up and all her blood turned to ice. Painted across the roof was a pitch-black shadow. The only features she could make out were a pair of glowing blood-red eyes and razor-sharp fangs.

Kelly didn't even get a chance to scream before the shadow lunged at her...

****************

By the time Mr. and Mrs. Dillon arrived back at their home, it was just after midnight. They were both a little tipsy after the party but not drunk enough to get arrested if a cop pulled them over. When they got home they found Kai sitting on the couch reading a magazine he had found on the coffee table. Kelly wasn't anywhere in sight and they couldn't hear anything so they both assumed she was in bed asleep. But her mother made a mental note to check in on her when they went to bed.

As the couple looked around the downstairs of their home they were surprised by how clean everything was except for a few dirty dishes in the sink.

They had been worried that leaving a kid and a teenager alone would all but destroy the house. Or at least some empty chip wrappers scattered around the living room. When Kai saw them he gave them a warm smile as he stood up and tossed the magazine back where he found it.

"I trust everything went well?" Kelly's father asked as he gave Kai a once over.

"Yeah, I gave her some of that casserole but she only picked at it and then went to bed; I think she was feeling a bit sick." He explained with a sympathetic wince.

"Was the food cooked right?" Mrs. Dillon asked in worry that her food had made her daughter.

"Yeah, I ate a whole plate of the casserole and I feel completely fine," Kai reassured her and that did ease her worry. That had been a lie, but he couldn't tell them that he burnt the casserole to ash.

"Are you sure that Kelly is alright?" Her father asked suspiciously.

"Well, I checked on her about... an hour ago and she was falling asleep while watching Twilight." The brunette shrugged.

"What happened to your hand, lad?" Mr. Dillon asked when he noticed the long, thing cut on Kai's left palm, and the brunette mentally cursed when he saw it. That little brat had managed to catch him with the stake when he scared her before he put her to sleep. Kai knew he would be picking splinters out of his hand for a week, even though he did kinda deserve it. He gave them some half-baked excuse about an accident when he was cutting up the casserole.

They bought it and dropped the subject after Mrs. Dillon made Kai put on a plaster.

After a few more minutes of the small talk Mr. Dillon handed Kai the cash he was owed and his wife went to check on Kelly. She peeked into her daughter's room and smiled when she saw Kelly fast asleep and snoring lightly, the menu from the Twilight DVD lighting up the room. After Kai had taken his cash and flown off into the night, the couple had gotten into their pajamas and headed to bed, falling asleep. Neither of them noticed their daughter's growing nightmare.

Nor did they realize their own when they would see how much the therapy bills would cost them over the next few years...