Let it be clear that I am a huge Nicki Minaj fan and everything I say against her is a total lie. That said, I am not aiming for any controversy over artists. This is a plain old fun House of Anubis AU, with some suspense, mystery, and romance!

Disclaimer: I don't own House of Anubis.

Song for this chapter: Soulmate by Natasha Bedingfield


"You are delusional," Nina Martin grinned good-naturedly at her coworker and longtime friend, Eddie Miller. "There is no way that Fall Out Boy can even hold anything over Bring Me the Horizon."

"Yeah, well, there is no way that Nirvana beats the Beatles," Eddie fired back as he began to alphabetize a bunch of CDs.

"Ugh," Nina eyed the CDs he was dealing with. "Who buys that One Direction crap?"

"It sells, so we have it," Eddie sighed. "Boy bands suck."

"Now wait a second. The Backstreet Boys were good." Nina said.

"As if," Eddie scoffed. "They hardly count as a boy band. They're men."

"Just like the Wanted?"

"Don't even mention them." Eddie groaned.

Nina shot him a grin as she began to open up boxes stocked with the new CDs that came in. She loved working at a music store- it always had something new, even if it sucked.

"Austin Mahone?" Nina read from the cover. "What is this shit?"

"New teen idol, obviously," Eddie laughed. "Come on, quit obsessing over the pretty faced-boy and get to work."

"Shut up," Nina flicked dust in his hair as he walked past her. "Do something useful and open up the store, would you?"

"Whatever." Eddie said as he did as she requested. "Get some good music playing. I'm sorry, Nina, that means none of your sacred boy bands or teen idols. That includes Justin Bieber."

"I am ready to maim you," Nina replied. Pushing back a strand of her wavy, dirty-blond hair, she started up a playlist, singing softly as the song "Always" by Panic! At the Disco started playing.

A bell signaled that a customer entered the room. Three people entered the store; two girls and one boy.

"Hey there. Need help finding something?" Eddie lazily walked over the trio. "Any artist or genre you're interested in?"

"No thanks, we're good," a mousy brunette with a lip piercing assured him.

"Well if you do," Eddie said, "just ask."

"Will do, mate, thanks," the boy said politely, and he pushed back his slightly shaggy brown hair as if it were too hot in the room. He revealed the piercings on his eyebrows as he did so.

"Why have you never showed us this place before, Joy?" the other girl said, and she started to flip through some Sick Puppies CDs. Her dark auburn hair fell over her face as she did.

"Good choice," Eddie nodded at that. "They're awesome." The auburn-haired girl looked up and eyed Eddie somewhat suspiciously.

"Did I ask you?" the girl asked.

"Ooh, we've got a feisty one," Eddie whistled.

"You are so weird," the girl scoffed. "Leave us alone."

"Eddie," Nina called warningly.

"Fine, fine, fine," Eddie raised his hands defensively. "I'm sorry. I was serious about that help, though, if you guys need it." He left the three of them alone and joined Nina behind the counter.

"We don't annoy customers," Nina shook a finger in his face in mock annoyance. "You must be more careful, Edison."

"Don't call me that," Eddie groaned.

"Fabian, look, Maroon 5," the girl, Joy, called to the boy.

"They're alright." Fabian nodded at the CD she was holding up. "Patricia, what do you think about them?"

"Eh, I've heard better, I've heard worse," Patricia said. "As long as you don't try to make me hear any of your Lana Del Rey crap."

"Lana Del Rey is amazing," Joy pouted.

"I'm inclined to agree." Nina called from behind the counter. "Her voice can calm anything, I swear. Plus, her songs actually have meaning."

"Her voice is too breathy," Patricia argued.

"Whatever," Joy rolled her eyes. "You can't even stand most female singers. Is there a reason you flock to male rock bands?"

"Is there a reason you flock to female singers?" Patricia fired back. "Come on, if we're ever going to reach the library, you have to pick a bloody CD and get moving."

"Hey, it was not my idea to go to the library." Joy muttered. "Fabes, it's all your fault."

"W-What? How?" Fabian stuttered.

"Panic! At the Disco," Patricia noted as she picked up an album of theirs, ignoring Fabian;s question . "They're pretty good."

"Sure," Joy noted, "but that doesn't mean I want one of their CDs."

"You suck." Patricia sighed.

"There's Nicki Minaj's album," Fabian held up the CD for Joy to see.

"Ew, Fabian, what the hell is wrong with you?" Patricia stared at the CD with distaste. "Her birthday present should be something she enjoys."

"It's your birthday?" Nina asked. "That's funny, it's mine too!"

"Cool," Joy smiled politely at Nina. She took the CD from Fabian and gazed at it. "Well, I do love Nicki Minaj-"

Patricia made a gagging motion.

"It's your decision, of course," Fabian smiled at Joy. "Don't let Patricia change your opinion."

"Hey, I happen to have a very good opinion." Patricia complained.

"I'll just take this," Joy took the Nicki Minaj CD and passed it in front of Nina.

"Good choice," Nina lied smoothly.

"What? But Nicki Minaj sucks," Eddie cut in.

"Eddie!" Nina cried.

"Shut up, Weasel!" Patricia defended Joy. "We didn't ask for your stupid opinion."

"Wow, Weasel. Did you come up with that one yourself?" Eddie rolled his eyes.

"I said shut up!"

"Enlighten me, Yacker; should I take orders from you?" Eddie glared.

"Yacker? Oh wow, that's so juvenile," Patricia spat.

"Says the girl who just called me a weasel!"

"Both of you can shut up," Joy interrupted. "I'm buying something here."

"Forget this," Patricia snapped. "Let's go someplace where the people are actually friendly."

"Now hold on," Fabian said. "You said it yourself, we've got a place to be at. We can't try to find another music store."

"Yes we can," Patricia said.

"Patricia, it's okay," Joy rolled her eyes. "I'm not offended by what this dick says. I like her and that's all that matters."

"Hey!" Eddie sputtered.

"She's right, Eddie," Nina said pointedly. "What she likes is different than your taste in music."

"You hate Nicki Minaj too," Eddie said childishly.

"That doesn't mean I'm going to tell her that." Nina said.

"So you'd rather lie to her. Is that it?" Eddie crossed his arms.

"I was being nice," Nina said defensively.

"You know what? Forget it. I can buy this on iTunes," Joy threw the CD down on the counter. "I don't want to hear you all bicker like a bunch of old ladies."

"Let's go, Patricia." Fabian tugged the girl to the exit.

"As soon as this bastard apologizes," Patricia stared at Eddie.

"I'm not going to apologize for having taste," Eddie scoffed. "Besides, you hate Nicki Minaj too. I heard you tell your friend that."

"I hate her, but I hear her music." Patricia said. "It's meaningless and dumb, but I hear it for Joy."

"Her music is not meaningless and dumb. She's inspirational," Joy countered. "Have you heard her song 'I'm the Best'?"

"Because that doesn't sound self-centered," Patricia rolled her eyes.

"It's inspirational!" Joy pressed.

"If you're not buying something, I suggest you leave," Eddie said. "We have a right to refuse service to anyone, and we intend to."

"Eddie," Nina snapped. "We are not going to refuse them service."

"We're the ones who don't want your goddamn service." Patricia said.

"Patricia, they're not worth it. Let's go," Fabian placed a hand on the girl's arm. She jerked her arm away, the anger still evident in her eyes.

"This is all your fault for offering to buy Joy a CD for her birthday," Patricia snapped at the quieter boy.

"Can we just leave?" Joy shoved them both out of the door, not glancing back at the two employees.

"Idiot," Nina turned on Eddie once they were gone. "You lost us customers."

"You lied to them," Eddie said. "So, really, you lost us customers."

"You revealed that I lied to them."

"Yeah, well, you- you- it wasn't my fault!"

"Real smooth, Edison."

"Don't call me that!"

"Um, hello?" a girl entered the shop, pushing delicate black glasses up her nose. "Hi, I was wondering if either of you know where the library is?"

"Oh great, another person looking for the library. Do you like Nicki Minaj too?" Eddie asked.

"What?" the girl blinked in confusion.

"Sorry, he's just an idiot," Nina laughed. "The library is about a block away, right next to the Supermarket. From here, just walk straight down the street and turn at the second light."

"Great, thanks," the girl said gratefully. She started towards the door, but she paused. "I'm sorry, but, uh, can I ask what this place is?" She was eyeing the stands stocked with metal bands, as their cover art was always very interesting.

"It's a music store," Nina laughed. "Anubis Records."

"Right, I read that," the girl said. "Anubis is an Egyptian god, right?"

"It's a stupid name." Eddie shrugged.

"Well, sorry," the girl gave a nervous laugh. She pushed back a strand of wavy, dark hair and started towards the door, but she almost collided into the boy walking in.

"Hey, watch it," the boy snapped, barely giving the girl a second glance.

"Sorry," the girl blundered, and her tan cheeks flushed red.

"Jerry!" Eddie called at the sight of the boy.

"Edison," Jerome Clarke said dryly. "This must be some sorry place if half the staff consists of you."

"Well, it is a pretty sorry place, but that's because we're letting people like you in." Eddie smirked, and Jerome grinned.

"Always biting back, Miller, always biting back. Say, do you have that order for me?" Jerome asked.

"Sure, lemme get it," Eddie said, and he left to the back room of the store. Nina began to dust off the counter, but she noticed that the girl from earlier was still there, studying a CD with a furrowed brow.

"Hey," Nina walked over to the girl. "Need help looking for something?"

"Oh, no," the girl said sheepishly, and she placed back the Daft Punk CD she'd been holding. "It's just...these things are so weird sometimes. The CDs, I mean. I can only imagine their music."

"They're not bad, actually," Nina said. "But I've heard better. Their songs are trashy with no meaning, but they're pretty catchy."

"I'll bet," the girl mused. "Well, I should go."

"Yeah, you're going to the library, right? Well, have a nice day." Nina smiled.

"You too, uh-Nina?" the girl pushed her glasses up to stare at Nina's name tag.

"Yup," Nina nodded. "Can I ask your name?"

"Mara," the girl licked her lips nervously. "Mara Jaffray."

"Pleased to meet you," Nina said. "Have fun at the library."

"Thanks," Mara said. "For telling me where it is, anyway."

"No problem. See you around." Nina said.

"Bye."

"Chatting up customers to let them leave? Sad, Nina, sad." Eddie clucked his tongue as Mara left. "Hey Jerome, the CD's right there on the counter!"

"Thanks, Edison," Jerome called. "Hey, listen, Alfie and I were throwing a bash tonight. You should come. Bring your girlfriend." His eyes flitted to Nina.

"Whoa, she is not my girlfriend." Eddie said.

"As if I'd date him," Nina snorted.

"Whatever. If you guys can make it, just swing by at seven," Jerome shrugged. "See you later, Miller!" He exited the store.

"So, would you feel up to it?" Eddie turned to Nina. "Now that you'e been included in the invite, you kinda have to show up."

"So I can be seen as your girlfriend? No thanks."

"Say you're my sister then. Just come? Please? It'll be fun! You aren't even doing anything fun tonight, and it's your fucking birthday."

"I was going to watch all the Harry Potter movies again. I wouldn't call it not fun."

"So you're going to spend your night watching a bunch of British guys do spells and battle men with no noses."

"You don't get it; you've never watched the movies before!"

"Do it for me, Nina, please?" Eddie begged.

"For you? No," Nina said.

"Nina! How about this: if you go, I'll take your late night shift for the next week and never skip a day of work."

"Make it three weeks and you've got a deal," Nina grinned.

"Fine," Eddie groaned. "The things I go through to make you have fun..."

"Get back to work," Nina teased.


"A party, huh?" Patricia took the invite from Jerome's fingers. "I'll take it into consideration, but I'm horribly busy tonight."

"Ah, did you get another customer?" Jerome asked.

"I'm not a whore, Jerome, so get that disgusting smirk off your face!" Patricia hit his arm hard, making him wince.

"Shh, it's a library," Joy hissed.

"Mercer, you and Rutter are welcome too," Jerome said. "It is your birthday after all, and what friend would I be if I didn't celebrate you?"

"Cut the crap, Jerome. Why are you really throwing a party?" Joy asked.

"A friend of mine lent me his place. It's huge, it's got a pool, and there's plenty of alcohol," Jerome said.

"I'm there," Patricia grinned.

"But I thought we were studying tonight," Fabian stared down at the Physiology book that he'd taken from the shelves of the library. "I had the snacks ready."

"Bring them over to the party," Jerome shrugged. "I'm counting on you three coming, agreed? It won't even be that big of a party, so I can use all the people I can get."

"Why not ask random strangers?" Patricia teased.

"Haha. Trixie, you're hilarious." Jerome deadpanned, recalling one year where Alfie invited random people to a party of theirs. Long story short, the police had to get involved.

"Well, see you there, Jerome." Joy said.

"Are you hinting that I leave?" Jerome gasped over dramatically, clasping a hand over his heart. "I'm hurt."

"Just go and leave us alone," Joy rolled her eyes.

"Hey," Patricia poked Joy suddenly. "Doesn't she go to school with us?" Joy turned her head to see where Patricia indicated. Her eyes fell on Mara, who had just entered the library.

"Oh yeah! She's that uber genius in our class," Joy said. "She's taking my Spanish class, math class, and English."

"I knew it," Patricia nodded. "Mara, right?"

"Yeah." Joy agreed.

"So if she's so smart," Jerome spoke, "why aren't you two friends with her? She could be valuable."

"Valuable? Jerome, she's not a thing," Fabian said.

"I didn't say she was. Geez, Rutter, don't get your knickers in a twist." Jerome said.

"I'm not particularly a fan of the smart kids," Patricia made a face. "They're too stuck up and orderly. I hate it."

"That's so mean, Patricia." Joy said.

"Whatever. You know I'm not friendly," Patricia said.

"Mara! Over here!" Joy called suddenly.

"What are you doing?" Patricia asked, startled.

"Being friendly," was Joy's reply. Mara, startled herself, looked up to see Joy waving her over. Pushing her glasses up, Mara awkwardly walked over to them.

"Was there something you needed?" Mara fidgeted.

"Well when you put it that way-" Jerome began.

"Shut up, Jerome," Joy snapped. "So, Mara, have you done the Spanish homework?"

"Yes," Mara replied.

"Do you think you can help us?" Joy asked. Mara's eyes flitted from Fabian, then to Jerome, then to Patricia, and finally Joy.

"Sure," Mara muttered finally.

"Oh, where are my manners?" Joy gasped. "Were you doing something before this? I didn't mean to interrupt you or anything..."

"No, I was just coming to check out a few books, but this library doesn't have them," Mara explained. "I'm fine to stay for a few hours."

"Hours? Will it take that long?" Patricia made a face.

"Not necessarily," Mara said quickly.

"You still have a party to go to, remember," Jerome said. He stood up and made as if to leave. "I'm going now. Be there, alright?" Once he was gone, Joy again turned to Mara.

"Mara, would you like to come?" she asked kindly. "To Jerome's party, I mean?"

"Me?" Mara repeated. "No, it's fine. I wouldn't want to impose."

"It'd be fine," Fabian assured her. "The more the merrier, right?"

"No, really, I hate parties," Mara said sheepishly. "Maybe some other time."

"Oh come on. Just one party?" Joy pouted. "It'll be fun!"

"Really, no thanks. I would be really out of place there," Mara said. "I tend to be a killjoy at parties."

"So is Fabian," Patricia urged, "and he still goes." Fabian just sighed as if he'd heard it a million times.

"Mara, I insist." Joy said. "It'll be fun, you'll see."

"Well, maybe once..." Mara hesitated, not wanting to refuse them.

"There we go!" Joy crowed, a grin spreading over her lips.

"Now can we study?" Patricia asked. "I'm tired of waiting for you people. I, for one, want to pass my class."

"As if. You're actually taking classes because I made you go," Joy laughed. "You've never wanted to pass a class in your life."

"Shut up, Joy."


"If you were to take the colors in your jacket and throw them on your weird paper-thing, it would like look throw up," Amber Millington told the young artist before her dryly. "Try something more fall-colored."

"Well, my shirt is covered in paint splatters..." Willow Jenks gazed up at the older girl, a little afraid.

"That's no excuse," Amber huffed. "You should splatter your paint in a much more fashionable manner. I see promise in you, but you have to work harder."

"Amber, don't disturb my students," Mrs. Andrews, the teacher at Arts Academy for Girls where both Amber and Willow were currently at, stared at the blond girl unwaveringly. "Is there a reason you're here, miss Millington?"

"Hi Mrs. Andrews," Amber smiled. "I was just stopping by to see the new talents. Have you had any new fashion designers this year?"

"No, dear, you've been the only one in years." Mrs. Andrews said.

"Well, your program for fashion arts is very outdated," Amber said. "I was wondering if I could start helping you out here."

"That's a very selfless offer of you," Mrs. Andrews looked surprised. "Is there something wrong, Amber?"

"Well," Amber laughed nervously, "there's been some trouble at my school."

"Which means?" Mrs. Andrews gazed at Amber knowingly.

"My Art 101 teacher won't give me a passing mark unless I do volunteer work that is related to art," Amber said. "I was hoping you could let me volunteer here."

"I'd love to have you, my dear," Mrs. Andrews said warmly. "Working at our fashion unit is out of the question, however."

"What? But I love fashion above all art! You know I'm really good at it, too!"

"I know, my dear. But if this is an Art 101 class, you and I both know that volunteering for the fashion unit wouldn't count. Art, however, now that is a good choice. You can supervise the art students and maybe help me clean when class is done. Shall it be so?"

Amber stared at her teacher for a while. When it was clear she wasn't joking, Amber paused to consider this. Watching messy, fashion challenged kids and teenagers paint, draw, and sketch, all while being promised manual labor afterwards? It didn't sound good.

"Yes," Amber said. "That sounds...lovely."

"Wonderful. Then you can have the pleasure of meeting the art students. Poppy, Willow, and Erin. Girls, please say hello to Amber. She'll be helping around here," Mrs. Andrews said.

The girls stared at Amber, unsure. Amber gave a weak smile. This was going to be one hard semester.

"Sorry I'm late," a breathless blond girl pushed open the doors to the room. "I'm Cassie. I was wondering where-"

"Cassie. Ah yes, you're the new fashion student, am I right?" Mrs. Andrews said calmly. "Welcome. Take a seat with the other girls for now; I shall speak to you later."

"What? Mrs. Andrews, you lied to me!" Amber sputtered.

"No, Amber, I did not. Cassie here wasn't scheduled to come, but I brought her here, as her father is my brother. It was unknown if she was coming or not, so I told you no, there weren't any new fashion students. I just didn't say there might be new ones." Mrs. Andrews said calmly.

"Uh, Mrs. Andrews, may we continue?" Erin raised a hand.

"By all means, dear," Mrs. Andrews said calmly. "Amber, please get to know the students when you can. They're very nice girls, the lot of them. Cassie, may I speak to you privately?" Cassie got up and she and Mrs. Andrews exited the room.

"I know you. You're Amber Millington, the daughter of the mayor," Poppy said suddenly. "Aren't you in college?"

"Yes," Amber fluffed her hair.

"So why are you at a high school arts camp?" Erin asked.

"I'm volunteering, gosh!" Amber sighed. She stopped and took a picture of each girl. "There. I'll make sure to study you all tonight." She then proceeded to open a magazine she had in her bag. "Now, all of you, tell me your ages."

"I'm eighteen," Willow piped up, speaking to Amber. "I'm the closest to your age."

"Well I'm fifteen. Ha," Poppy said. "I got in younger than you."

"Why are we comparing ages?" Erin asked, confused.

"Just say your age," Amber interrupted.

"I'm fourteen," Erin said slowly.

"Well, you're not all hopeless," Amber said after some careful deliberation. "What are everyone's plans tonight? We can bond over frozen yogurt after class."

"I can't. My brother is having a party," Poppy said.

"Oh, I love parties. So it's settled, we bond over at her brother's party," Amber said excitedly.

"I'm not sure he wants strangers there." Poppy fidgeted like she was itchy.

"That's why we're getting together to get to know each other. Then we won't be strangers anymore. How does that sound?" Amber said.

"I'm not sure," Poppy hesitated.

"So tell me about that girl, Cassie," Amber whispered, going right off track. "How good is she at fashion?"

"She's great," Erin brightened, and it was clear she admired Cassie's work. "I absolutely adore her designs."

"Uh-huh. We'll see about that," Amber muttered to herself.

"What was that?"

"Oh, nothing," Amber smiled brightly. "How about it, girls? Interested in a party to bond and get to know each other better?"

"I guess it couldn't hurt," Erin said.

"My brother won't mind too much, I guess," Poppy shrugged.

"I'm not sure my parents would let me go," Willow said. "They don't believe parties are good for health."

"Parties are amazing," Amber pouted. "How can people not like them? They're amazing! Better than amazing! They're stupendous! Did I use that word right?"

"What time should we show up?" Erin asked.

"I'll text you guys the details. Write down your cell phones numbers," Poppy said.

"I don't have a phone." Willow interrupted.

"Er- okay, I'll write down the info for you," Poppy said, and she began to scribble down the address. "The party starts at five. You guys can leave whenever you want."

"Sounds good," Amber said. "Now, what are you all painting?"

"We're painting still life." Erin explained.

"I'm doing a can," Willow beamed. "It's a soda can, too."

"It's nice," Amber studied the easel, "but you should spice it up a little. Now, who needs outfits for this party?"

The other three girls meekly raised their hands.

"Great. Come on, we have work to do." Amber grinned.


"Mick, tighten up on those corners. Now drop and give me twenty," KT Rush yelled as her friend came running back from the ten laps he'd been running around the gym.

"KT, I'm dying here," Mick complained, but he dropped and began to do as she ordered.

"Okay," KT said once he was done. "Now for crunches."

"KT!"

"Okay, fine, take a break," KT laughed. "You're doing good, Mick."

"Thanks. In all fairness, I have a great coach," Mick teased. "Do you really think I can get that football scholarship?"

"If you don't then I've been wasting my time with you. Now come on, hustle and get some more laps in." KT ordered.

"I'm done for today," Mick shook his head. "Amber texted me. I have to get home and dress into something else because she wants me to go to a party with her."

"Lucky you," KT said dryly.

"You should come. You've never even met Amber yet." Mick said.

"She's your girlfriend, Mick. It'll be awkward. Plus, she'd probably be jealous if she knew I was your friend," KT said.

"Amber's not the jealous type. She's totally understanding. Come on, don't you want to have fun every once in a while?" Mick prompted.

"Are you saying my life is lame?" KT asked.

"Well, it kind of is," Mick grinned. "When was the last time you even went out on a date?"

"What does that have to do with anything?" KT blushed.

"I'm saying it's time for you to get out there and live a little," Mick nudged her playfully. "Not everything has to be about school."

"Hey, be glad I'm your personal trainer here." KT warned.

"I appreciate it, KT. Now I'm going to repay you for it. You're coming to the party." Mick said.

"Mick. Think for once in your life. It's going to be at a total stranger's house, and I'm going to be an awkward third wheel with you and your girlfriend. That's not going to happen," KT said.

"It'll be fine. Come on, you wouldn't leave me alone, would you?" Mick faked a pout, and KT made a groaning noise.

"I hate you," KT sighed.

"You're awesome, mate," Mick grinned, and he threw his arm around her shoulders, pressing a light kiss to her cheek in sheer happiness.

"Ew, you're all sweaty," KT pushed him away, trying to hide the blush that was taking over her cheeks. "And quit calling me mate. It's so masculine."

"Come on. I'll take you home already," Mick said, and he grabbed his keys. "Are you going to change before we come pick you up?"

"Are you saying I look like a slob?" KT joked, staring down at her simple T-Shirt and ripped jeans.

"I'm saying you're also sweaty." Mick chuckled.

"Because somebody doesn't like to practice relay running without a partner," KT complained.

"Relay race is a team sport. Besides, it's not going to help me if I want a football scholarship." Mick said.

"I'm your trainer. I know what is best and what isn't, so quit questioning my motives. Come on, hotshot," KT grinned suddenly, "race you to the car!"

"Hey! No fair! You got a head start!" Mick laughed and he took off after her. They got in the car, KT having beat him, and they drove away.

"So, is this party something formal?" KT asked.

"Amber says it's casual- whatever that means," Mick explained. "I'm not wearing any tie, though."

"Huh. Okay." KT paused to think it over.

"So, what are your plans this semester?" Mick asked.

"Oh, you know, just trying to get my AA," KT said. "Get ready to apply for a different college, a four year university- you know what it's like."

"I'm going to miss you," Mick nudged her with his elbow.

"Hey, don't start getting emotional. If you do I'll break down and cry," KT warned. "Besides, we still have one more semester together. And you'd better call regularly when we're apart."

"You better call me every hour, then," Mick teased.

"Then you call me every minute," KT mocked.

"Every second!" Mick grinned.

"You're an idiot," KT laughed.

"But I'm your idiot," Mick smiled, and he nudged her again, but only playfully. KT felt her heart pick up. If only that were true.


The tall, gaunt man studied the papers before him before he threw them across the table, suddenly very angry for no apparent reason.

"They've formed, Corbierre," he said in a low, gravely voice. "I can feel it." He stared down at the stuffed raven as if expecting a reply. "My destiny should not intertwine with theirs. It's time we take our own measures." He stroked the raven's head with his thumb and glanced at a photo on his desk.

"Victor, there is someone waiting on the line for you," his maid, Trudy, entered the room. "Shall I tell them you're busy?"

"No, Trudy," Victor said, and he picked up his phone. "I've been waiting for this call."


I'd like to take a moment and talk about one author that gave me the inspiration for this story: GetPitchSlappedNeonTrees. She wrote an amazing story "Anything Could Happen." Not only did she combine Moy, Fabina, Peddie, and- above all- JARA, in an amazing story, but her story was one of the first that I could read and never tire of. Despite having several OCs, they fit wonderfully in the story and she does a good job of keeping them realistic. She inspired me to write an AU where the characters are older, and even though she'll probably never see this, I just admire her work so much.

Anyway...eh...thanks for reading so far, and I would love reviews! (If you all have time of course).