A/N: Hey again, I did a rewrite of this story seeing that I had a lot of errors, and I'm slowly starting to hate my computer lol. So anyway, here is my Grim Tales from down below again, this is suppose to be an introduction to a later story. You might want to read this first to get an idea of what's to come and to know what's going on. Some heads up so people don't get confused and complain to me, Rose and Holly are hybrids meaning that they are half vampire half lycans. Its from Underworld if anyones ever watched the movie. (Now I'm rambling). I am not actually going to get into any details of the movie just some references typically using the names such as Lucian and Sonja, yes the same one from the movie, she didn't die when Viktor had her killed. Both have four children of course all hybrid. I'm also fully aware that Mandy does not have a sister, and also Mandy, Grim and the children's birthdates are not really knowns I just made them up. I also make references to my story with the whole realm things have any questions about that please feel free to ask.
Disclaimer: I do not own Grim Tales from down below, I do not own Minnie and Junior, I also don't own Lucian or Sonja. I only own my characters that no one recognizes.
Chapter one
Two unique families
The halls of the Randa mansion were full of life as footsteps sounded from every direction in the mansion. The floors were carpeted in a beautiful black base with red, and purple in the middle. Each hall led to a different room or turned off to another hall. It was a maze full of surprise and mystery around each corner. Little candles lined the walls giving off the only light, along the walls revealed many pictures of family over the centuries as well as friends over the years. Outside the windows showed a black starry night, perfect for stargazing something Josette longed to do. It was a day before Halloween, not to mention, Rose, the mother of seven wonderful children and her three sister's birthday. Thankfully it was the beginning of the weekend, which allowed Rose's four daughters to come home for the celebrations.
A voice shouted from the drawing room in the east wing, it belonged to Rose herself and she was getting mighty impatient with the constant waiting. Her voice reached the seven ears as each child began to run knowing that their mother would soon go on a warpath if they didn't show up soon. For some of the children, the yelling simply went into one ear and out the other, especially the two oldest, the only teens in the family. Both had a tendency to misbehave quite a bit when they wanted to.
Slowly Rose's voice died down going back to a regular silence. The footsteps were the only sounds to be heard in the halls, but soon were drown out as barking filled the air as two full-grown adult wolves charged down a hall preoccupied a young teenager with blood red hair and silver eyes. Her name was Cody and the second oldest of seven children. Naturally she was entering the rebellious teenage years along with her oldest sister Ivy who was already fourteen and turning into a bad influence for her sisters. She wore black strapless midriff style top underneath a fishnet style top, on the left side was a off shoulder while the other side rested on her shoulder. The bottoms were a simple black skirt that flared to the ground with a slit reaching her knees. In her hand was a hard cover book called "fifty ways to deal with lycans and vampires", it was a gift from her uncle Lucian when her family went on vacation. For a moment Cody closed the book momentarily as the wolves charged by almost knocking her over.
"Demon, Demona slow down you two," laughed Cody as she watched the retreating wolves. When the black tail of Demona disappeared around the corner, Cody reopened her book and returned to her multitasking of reading and walking, something she learned how to do all to easily over the years of watching both her parents multitask four things at once.
Down another hallway four puppies chased one another yipping and howling along the way. Three young girls of nine followed behind in a calm manner. Unlike most nine year olds these ones were respectful, obedient, and full of manners. Of course much of it had to be thanked by their tutor Ms. Helga for the last five years of their lives. The girls were triplets and identical down to the very last detail. All three had black hair with silver eyes. But two of them didn't just have straight black, this was one of the ways to tell the girls apart side from their birthmarks on their backs of roses.
The oldest triplet's name was Angel; she had thick red streaks running through her entire chest length hair. She always kept it back into a ponytail to reveal her radiant face. She is kind, sweet, and caring to all those around her. She wore a simple purple and black dress, the top part was purple with short sleeves and a v-neck. The skirt was straight, ankle length. The middle triplet was Nikkita; of course she was the only one to have just black hair. She was more of the daring and strong ones and always looking like the scruffy tomboy. She simply wore black baggy jeans and a long sleeved shirt. The youngest was Josette; she had purple streaks running through her shoulder length hair. Josette is more of the introverted, quiet, mysterious, modest, wise, intelligent and independent one of them all. She wore an elegant off the shoulder sleeve, elbow length blood red blouse with a black and red ankle length skirt with a slit that reached her knee.
"I'm not fooling around anymore, either you seven get your butts in here now, or you will not be going!" shouted Rose. Her voice was getting annoyed and angry. The girls knew that on other days it was soft almost angelical, like their other mother Holly's voice. But when things were not going her way things got steamy.
The footsteps went from walking to running down another hall connecting the sisters together just before entering the drawing room where their mothers in their thirties waited for their daughters. Holly stood by the fireplace leaning on the mantle holding on to a wine glass. Her blonde hair cascading elegantly down her back, resting gracefully at her waist. Her silver eyes reflecting that of the moon on a clear night and mirrored her daughters and wife's eyes. She wore a knee length black sparkle dress with off the shoulder straps and low neck.
Rose on the other hand stood in the middle of the room with a large bag filled with four presents at her feet. Like her children she had black hair but with red, purple and blue streaks running through. Her hair fell gently to her chest; parts of her bangs covered her right eye. Her silver eyes were matching images of that of her daughters and wife's. She wore a slimming black ankle length dress that tore at the ends with a patch of red on the front. The sleeves were a tank top style revealing much of her tattoos she possessed over the years.
One by one the daughters all assembled into the drawing room lining themselves up from oldest to youngest in front of their parents. Ivy of course was the oldest of the group; she had the same black hair as the rest of the family with a single strand of red in the front. She simply wore her nice pair of dark wash jeans and wide neck long sleeved black shirt. In her ears were two black headphones, music blaring into her ears.
"Ivy Christine Moira Joy, take those headphones out of your ears this instant young lady! You know the rules, no music when going out to see family." Now Rose meant business, she never called her children by their full name unless they were in trouble. Like most times she won't yell, just talk in a very deadly voice that seemed to be very effective.
"Come on mom, I'll take them out when we get to their place," argued Ivy taking only one headphone out so she could hear well not wanting to give up her headset. A pulsing sound could be heard from the free set. This almost seemed like a regular routine when going out with the family.
"No, no music. Now turn it off and hand it over young lady, this instant!"
Ivy made a scuffing sound as she reluctantly handed over her small purple mp3 player to her mother's waiting hand. Ivy of course was a difficult teenager that tended to get away with everything.
"Cody Celeste Melody Angel, don't expect you can get away with bringing your book. I don't understand why you two are trying to be difficult all of a sudden. I thought Ms. Helga taught you better," Rose said taking the book from Cody's hand.
Ms. Helga was Underworld's toughest, meanest and strictest tutors to ever exist. Ever since their aunt Mandy got Ms. Helga to teach their cousins, Minnie and Junior, Rose soon had to have Ms. Helga teach her kids. Ivy and Cody were not the happiest to have her teach them. Sure they obeyed but only for a short time. The twins Gwenyth and Maria were in between feelings not sure what to truly think of her or have her teach. It seemed after attending Hogwarts their manners and all they learned went down the toilet.
"As you are all aware we're heading over to Aunt Mandy and Uncle Grim's house for a visit and I want you all to be on your best behaviour, do you all understand me? I don't want to be forced to drag any of you out of that house because someone broke a vase or got into something they shouldn't have. Ivy, Cody that means you! Is that quite understood?" Rose asked in a sergeant type voice.
"Yes mother!"
"Good, now let's go! Mandy is not a patient woman, especially when it comes to tardiness."
Mandy as everyone knew was not the type of woman you expect. Although she seemed human she possessed something much greater within her. She is evil personified, which is weird because no one truly knows how she became that way. Compared to her husband Grim, she put him to shame; the reaper himself was no match for her. Despite her human nature she propels a continuous dark aura, not even Rose and Holly can manage even in their hybrid form. But somehow Rose and Holly get along with her quite well, seeing as Holly and Mandy are sisters with a year between them.
The Randa family no longer lived in a normal world anymore. They lived in the underworld along with Grim and Mandy. Their mansion sat on top of a high mountain over looking much of the valley below. Behind their mansion sat a volcano always erupting every few minutes. It was always a favourite place for the family, just a perfect setting in itself. It reminded Rose of her sister Jen's realm with multitude of volcanoes erupting with the dangerous lava flows.
The walk to the Grim's castle was a short one. Especially when their minds became preoccupied with all the mystery and wonder the underworld held. The castle stood on top of one of the largest mountains of the underworld, the mountain was in shape of a demon with horns protruding from the side of its head. High above them clouds soon settled in causing a deadly storm to take place. Lightning blinded the sky above, but it didn't bother the family one bit. It was more of a relaxing thing to them, particularly hearing the crash of thunder.
Reaching the top of the mountain and facing the door, Rose rang the doorbell before standing back with her wife waiting for someone to answer the door. The children all stood around bored, the wait was habitually a long one. Knowing the long corridors it couldn't be helped. Defiantly, Ivy managed to sneak out her ipod she kept hidden underneath her skirt strapped to her thigh. Cody leaned against the wall staring at the stormy sky next to her sister listening to her music while slipping into her daydream mode. The twins Gwenyth and Maria disappeared around the corner to explore the vast scenery and secrets of the place. Albeit the family visited many times it was still a wonder to see the place. The triplets on the other hand decided to use their time to simply disappear completely from sight.
Angel forced her body to produce two black demonic like wings from her shoulder blades. It no longer was a painful experience; the wings came out easily enough like it was a normal thing. Nikkita on the other hand morphed herself into a black raven; her wings were silk and fine, ready to take off into the stormy sky. Josette turned herself into a large fiery phoenix taking off to scan the wondrous castle along with her sisters who flew closely to her.
Rose and Holly were oblivious to all that was going on with their daughters, as both stared at the door waiting for someone to answer it. But neither mother was stupid, both knew something was going on behind them.
After five minutes the door slowly began to creak open. Rose turned her head sharply toward Ivy and Cody making them jump up from their spot. Ivy had just put her ipod away in her hiding spot away from her mothers' eyes. The other five were still off in their own little world not realizing what was going on.
"Gwen, Maria, Angel, Nikkita, Josette, front and centre this second!" Rose demanded.
Once the door opened wide revealing the inside the five girls returned to their spots as if nothing happened. Nikkita and Josette stood behind their sisters dusting off the feathers that still attached to their skins. Standing in the doorway was a young woman of twenty with long dark brown hair tied into a ponytail, wearing an apron over top her regular clothes.
"Ah, Miss Rose, Miss Holly a pleasure to see you again," the woman said as she bowed.
"Madelyn, a pleasure to see you as well," Rose replied.
"Please come on in. Mistress Mandy and Master Grim are waiting in the west drawing room."
"Thank you Madelyn, come along girls."
The Randa family followed Madelyn through the castle passing many closed doors. A grand staircase came into view followed by two young children. One was a skeleton boy wearing a black hooded sweater and track pants, only revealing his face with a little bit of his brown hair, his name was Junior. Behind him was a young girl the same age as the triplets. Unlike her brother she looked more human; her blonde hair was held back with a headband. She wore a beautiful black sleeveless leotard with red stockings her name was Minnie.
"Aunt Holly, Aunt Rose!" cried both children.
"Hi Junior, hi Minnie," replied Holly and Rose dropping to their knees to embrace their nephew and niece.
Junior ran over to Rose and wrapped her in a tight hug refusing to let go of her. Minnie on the other hand calmly walked with much grace over to Holly where she engulfed her in a big embrace.
"How are you two doing?" Rose asked.
"Great," Junior replied.
"Very well, how are thee doing aunts, oh great rulers of the hybrids," Minnie asked in her usual poetic manner.
"Very well, my goodness it truly has been a while since we have seen the two of you," Rose replied giving Minnie a hug.
"I'm sure the two of you remember our daughters," Holly remarked waving her hand toward the seven children gathered behind them.
"Yes, of course. Cousins it is a pleasure to see thee once again," Minnie said gracefully curtseying.
"No time for dawdling your parents are waiting for us, and we have presents for you two," Rose replied.
"Presents! Now we're talking," Junior cheered.
"Thou shouldth not be so joyous, brother, you need to hold thy tongue in patience."
"Lighten up Minnie, I know your excited too, don't lie."
Rose and Holly smiled as both watched Junior and Minnie argue back and forth. It reminded them so much of their little ones. Angel, Josette and Nikkita soon raced a head to catch up with Minnie and Junior. The four girls grew up so close to one another and built a tight bond it was a miracle that they could be ever split apart.
Entering the drawing room, the family saw Mandy stand up from her chair by the fireplace to greet the Randa family. She wore a two-piece outfit; the bottoms resembled something of a bikini. The top looked like a black strapless shirt with a long train with red trimmings around the sides and connecting the top and bottom together. Her blonde hair fell gracefully to her waist held back with a similar black headband as Minnie's. Grim who was standing by the doorway waiting for the others to arrive wore a simple black cloak over his skeleton body. Mandy made her way over to the newcomers, an air of amusement was about her but she never showed it.
"Mandy, such an honour it is to be in your presence once again," Rose said to her sister-in-law.
"I'm glad to see you too Rose. My dear sister Holly, look at you, never changed at all."
"Sister, we must never separate from one another for so long," replied Holly embracing Mandy in a hug.
"Grim, it is a pleasure to see again as well," Rose said embracing him in a quick hug.
"It is always a pleasure to see you Rose, my dear. Holly, radiant and gorgeous as ever. My, my look how much your daughters have grown."
Rose and Holly moved aside to reveal their seven children who all curtseyed before their aunt and uncle. Ivy and Cody as usual were more reluctant to bow before them but their mother's sharp glare told them otherwise.
"How was your trip to the far corners of the underworld?" Mandy asked as everyone entered the drawing to have a seat on the couches.
"Simply amazing. I must confess seeing family again was an amazing thing. But more of that later, right now, I have gifts for everyone. I hope the children have behaved."
"Yes, yes, may we see them?" Junior and Minnie asked eagerly.
"How about we sit down then we'll hand out the presents."
The children took off toward the couches sitting perfectly straight as innocently as they could possibly get. The adults merely shook their heads as they made their way toward their seats. Mandy took her seat by the fireplace with Grim next to her while Rose and Holly sat on the ends of the couch.
"The first gift is for a very special, talented girl. I hope she's been good enough for this."
Rose handed a small red and black wrapped package to Minnie who took it graciously and began to open it gently as if something breakable was inside. When the last bit of paper fell away a small rag doll remained. It looked exactly like Minnie. It had the same hair colour pulled back with a black headband. The doll wore a purple dress with long sleeves with a black collar and a pendent in the middle. Stitches lined the two sides of the face and both legs and arms. One eye seemed to have been missing from its head leaving only one silver one. Minnie looked up with a smile on her lips. She held the doll to her chest refusing to let it go.
"Thank you so very much for this kind and generous gift aunts Rose and Holly, I shall cherish this always."
"You are most welcome dear one. Now for our little Reaper to be, I hope that you like it," Holly said taking out a black package with crossbones all over it.
Junior tore into the package after being handed the gift. Inside was a smooth pine wood baseball bat. Strange lines seemed to line the side. Naturally Grim and Mandy weren't too keen on the present.
"All right, I understand that you two aren't happy about the choice of gift for him, you want him to be thinking about the future of him becoming the new Reaper, but hear me out. The shopkeeper told us that this is no ordinary bat. Yes, this bat can hit home runs don't worry about that. But it is also a demonic bat, when in trouble this will become a great weapon and I don't just mean it'll become a blunt object. See the sides of the bat where the dark lines glow? It's able to produce spikes so lethal that the victims would be dead in an instant. Or it can be turned into a scythe at any command. It is filled with the same magic that is within your scythe Grim. It also has a tracker on it so if Junior does get into trouble he can simply hit a button to help locate his victims and take them out. As well the bat can be shrunken down to size, so instead of lugging around something like that, it can shrink to a smaller size to fit in your pocket or be kept around your neck," explained Rose.
"Thanks aunts Rose and Holly."
"You're welcome," Holly said.
"Now for our favourite sister, sister-in-law and brother-in-law."
"You two didn't have to get us anything. We don't require anything," Grim and Mandy said.
"But we insist. Mandy this is for you," Rose said handing Mandy a small box, who accepted it graciously. Opening it up Mandy took out a silver chain with a Chinese dragon inside a circle intertwining it. Around the circle were four coloured gems, an emerald representing Minnie's birthstone, a diamond representing Junior's birthstone, a tourmaline representing Mandy's birthstone and topaz representing Grim's birthstone.
"Wow, I don't know what to say. But thank you," Mandy said in shock as she admired the necklace for some time before actually putting it on.
"It's called the warrior pendent. It's supposed to bring good luck, great fortune and to keep your family tied together and keep safe. The shopkeeper said that anyone who wears this becomes a great warrior."
"Once again I say thank you."
"And last but not least, Grim. Although you have everything you always wanted I believe there is one thing that you will enjoy very much."
Rose pulled out a medium size box wrapped in black wrapping paper with skulls. Carefully opening it up, Grim took out a black box resembling a collector's box. The lid was in a shape of a Chinese dragon. Red ruby's lined the outside with a sapphire in the middle.
"It's a long lost treasure of the ancients; it holds a mighty power greater than that of Pandora's Box. Although unlike Pandora's Box that is filled with evil, this is completely empty but don't underestimate it, there is a greater power that only few can handle."
"Thank you so much for these gifts, they're amazing."
"No problem."
"Dinner is served my lady."
"Thank you Madelyn, shall we?"
Everyone got up from their seats in the drawing room and headed into the dining room five rooms down the hall from the drawing room. When the two families got to the dining room, a long oak table sat in the middle of the room with a rich purple tablecloth over top. The walls were painted black and red, high windows were at the right side out looking the distant valley. A fireplace sat near the opposite end of where the door stood. As the families entered, Mandy took her seat near the fireplace with Grim on the right side and Holly on her left side. Rose sat next to Holly with Junior and Minnie on the other side next to their father. From there Rose and Holly's children situated themselves down the table in equal spots. The triplets sat with their cousins who were talking up a storm about their vacation.
"So what else happened during your trip?" asked Mandy who picked up her fork to take a bit of food.
"We spent a lot of time with family, and we did a lot of sightseeing. It was incredible you two would have enjoyed it. In all seriousness it reminded us sort of the cemetery realm and the dark realm it's just filled with so much dark beauty and wonder. Of course we only got to visit with the lycans it was wonderful to seem them. I never thought that we see so many hybrids populating the place either. But with Lucian's children all grown up its no wonder."
"Really, I didn't know Sonja was pregnant?"
"Yes, four children. The twins Gwendolyn and Maxine are now entering their seventeenth year. And Sorin who is twelve and Trista who is thirteen. They are the most amazing children ever. Then there are also Destiny's children Max and Misty. Max is now in his twenties and Misty is eighteen."
"I never thought that they would be that old by now," Mandy answered in awe.
"Well the years pass by us quickly don't they?"
The rest of the evening went by quietly, Rose and her family stayed for another short while for tea, but didn't want to intrude for too long, as well there was still planning for the following day to finish for the birthday party.
"You guys are coming tomorrow right?" Rose asked.
"Yes, but are you two not going tomorrow to Halloweentown?"
"Oh yeah, the party is close to sunset then it's off to Halloweentown to finish the celebrations off."
"All right. We shall see everyone tomorrow. Goodnight ladies."
"Goodnight."