Chapter 30: Christmas, cont.

**On the fifth day before Christmas**

Mr. Monster Acrossthestreet stepped off the evening train at Clock Town Station. He was furious, and had been ever since he was dismissed from the war zone. "All that work for nothing!" He spat to himself as he grabbed his bags. "I can't believe they're gonna let some rookie lead the second attack."

When Mr. Acrossthestreet reached his home, he found the place not quite as he left it. Instead of a messy living room, it was clean with a coat of new paint on the walls. The fireplace had a small log inside with just a few pieces of coal. The entire house was decorated as if someone was living there. "What in tarhooties!" He spat with frustrating confusion.

Kevin entered the room with a mop and bucket in hand. "You're back." He awed in surprise.

"What have you done to my house?" Mr. Acrossthestreet huffed as he took in the clean surroundings. Then he looked inside the kitchen. It was the same except for the new coat of paint and shine on the hard wood floor. Next he looked inside the cooler and saw there was no food. "Nothing." He huffed in a disappointed tone. "Not even a small bottle of whiskey."

"My duties are finished." Kevin said and then placed the mop and bucket inside the storage closet. "Do you want me to get food for you? It will take awhile, the ration line is longer than usual."

"Nah…" Mr. Acrossthestreet waved a casual hand "you did enough." then gave the boy a bag of coins. "Thank you, Kevin."

Kevin felt bad for the monster. He knew the monster would rather be fighting for his country instead of being forced into retirement. Kevin was impressed by how many medals the monster has earned for battle and bravery and took great care to shine each one. Just as he was about to leave, Kevin turned to Mr. Acrossthestreet. "You'll have another chance to fight again." The monster sighed heavily and Kevin left.

**Clock Town**

Fuzzo spied on Lydia as ordered by Prudence. He didn't feel much like himself. Fuzzo once played with toy trains, bicycled on high wires, and juggled over ten balls single handedly; but now in the clutches of Prudence as evil as she has become, he just wanted it all to end.

Prudence made it forbidden for Fuzzo to have any contact with his brother, but he no longer cared about consequences, he just wanted to have a chance to say good bye before he either disintegrated or faced ultimate death by the hand of Prudence and her powers.

Fuzzo wandered the streets pained by the slugs Prudence injected into him. He wandered all the way until he came upon the Village and the Circus area. It was dark out so the circus was closed and almost everyone was asleep. There was one tent that had light and music playing; the staff inside that tent were either laughing at their jokes or gambling on a card game. Fuzzo snuck right past them and went straight for him brother's trailer.

Scuzzo's trailer had only the living room light on. Fuzzo peeked through the window and saw that his brother was slouched in a chair, snoring deeply in his sleep with an empty liquor bottle in his hand. Fuzzo hated it when Scuzzo became drunk, he knew his brother was a cranky quick tempered person when he drank that much.

Then when Fuzzo veered his sight to a mirror, he saw how much he changed. His face became long and skinny, the color of his hair faded and thinned over time, and his nose… was deflated. Fuzzo then looked to his fingers; his fingers were long and boney with tightly wrapped skin around each joint; and his arms and legs, they lost all muscle mass. Fuzzo Then left from Scuzzo's trailer to look at himself in a taller mirror which hung nearby, and what he saw was a skeleton staring right back at him.

Fuzzo leaped and cried in deep fear from what he saw. He knew the mirror he looked into was no funhouse mirror, so what he saw of himself was frightfully true, he became a skeleton.

"What the hell's goin' on out here?" Scuzzo spat when he emerged from the trailer door in his drunken state, holding a shot gun. "You…*hiccup* you tryin' to rob me?" Then he took a careful look at the ghostly person that stood before him. "Fuzzy?... Fuzzy, is that you?" Upon the call of his brother's voice, Fuzzo quickly ran. "Fuzzy wait! Fuzzo!"

Scuzzo couldn't believe what he saw. His missing brother finally came back but was near the edge of death. Scuzzo then remembered what Kevin said about Fuzzo as a slave in hell or at least something like that. Scuzzo wanted his brother back, but he needed to know more from that kid.

**Meanwhile…

Bertha entered Lydia's house and there waiting for her was a person she didn't expect. The wealthy, formally blonde girl stood by the stair banister, wearing her silk soft pink nightgown with her arms tightly crossed across her chest.

"Like mother, like son; two owls wandering in the night." Claire spoke with a disapproved frown.

Bertha wasn't aware that her son also worked during the night. "Where is Kevin?" She questioned.

"I sent him to bed." Claire replied. "And I scolded him for being out so late."

Bertha raised a brow, she has never known Claire to care about another, but then again, she had seen other surprising actions from her lately. "At least he's resting."

"I fed Anna while you were away." Claire informed.

"Thank you, Claire." Bertha replied "I was hoping you would have a change of heart. So how is she?"

"Although I have been feeding her," Claire began "she would like to be held by you."

"I'll try harder to be with her during the day." Bertha replied.

"What about at night?" Claire questioned with a look of concern. "Anna needs you here more at night."

Bertha studied Claire and saw the concern on her face. Was it Anna that needed her, a mother who has no ability to feed her… Or was it Claire who needed this?

Claire, as stubborn and prideful as she was, wasn't about to reveal her feelings… or at least feelings she wasn't sure of. But soon enough something snapped and Claire didn't care about the rich and poor barrier that people of her wealth were suppose to have, she just wanted to feel safe with peace of mind and an ease in her heart, and so she hugged Bertha.

Bertha nearly fainted from this. She backed away freighted not only by the surprise of Claire's action, but by her own dilemma. "I can't hug you too long." She said in a low tone "I have something wrong with me."

"What's wrong?" Claire asked.

How could she put it? Bertha tried explaining it to herself, but it sounded so ridiculous; and when she told Ginger about it, Ginger didn't seem to care one way or the other. Bertha decided to tell Claire the problem the same way she told Ginger about it. "If I hug you for too long, I might begin to molest you."

Claire was shocked upon hearing this, but surprisingly she didn't grow angry or too disgusted; she just brushed off her dress, cleared her throat and looked to Bertha. "I un…." She was about to speak but no words could begin to say anything about it. "I un… It's un…"

With that Bertha knew it was time for her to retreat to her room in the basement. "Goodnight Claire." She said then headed toward the rear of the house.

Claire couldn't believe what she just heard, it was like an occurrence that would've happened in a very strange dream, but it wasn't a dream, reality had spoken.

**Bartholomew Batt Manor**

Barth sat in the tower of his manor playing the organ as light of the full moon shined upon him through a window. During a full moon the strangest of things happen to certain creatures. Somewhere a man is turning into a werewolf, a woman is bitten upon and changed into a vampire, and the bats fly amongst the clouds in their animalistic form searching for their mates. Since Barth was a bat himself, his transformation became complete and he flew off into the night.

Barth could sense his mate as she wasn't far from him. The scent of his mate was sweet yet tarnished; the over combination brought a lustful ambiance that made him hunger for her all the more. Once he finally arrived, Barth studied her from a distance as he lingered in the darkness. He stared at her every move while taking in her scent as his mouth hungered to taste her.

Bertha sat in the basement of Lydia's house sewing rips in her dresses. Over time of being poor, Bertha has gone through a great deal of dresses; some of which were beautiful but they slowly tore apart, one was a burlap dress that lasted for a long while but that tore apart, and then a black maid dress with a white apron, and finally an ordinary peasant dress made of cheap cotton; but the one that stood out from all else was her black Sky Knight uniform made from genuine leather. Bertha sighed lovingly at the thought of her one day wearing the dress, but before she could conquer problems of the world, she had another problem to conquer; which was to solve her need to touch people.

Barth watched his mate and sensed her loneliness and pain, and he swallowed each to satisfy to nature of his sadistic heart. As Bertha was pinning her dresses on a clothes line, Bartholomew crept in her room as silently as a cat and stood right behind her.

Bertha felt the sudden cold of the room as darkness surrounded her. She quickly turned around and by surprise of the sight she began to let out a scream that was quickly covered by his hand.

"Shhh…" Barth whispered into her ear then gazed to the bite marking he imprinted upon her neck and bit into it. Bertha struggled as muffled moans of pain released into his hand. He brought himself from her neck to speak once more. "It's time we mate," He whispered lustfully "and you will not deny me."

**On the fourth day before Christmas**

After Lydia healed from the wounds Prudence made, she went with Barbara to go Christmas shopping. The shopping district of central Clock Town always looked beautiful during the season, but instead of streets filled with strings of lights, ribbons, and reeves; the streets were empty with only a few store open for shopping.

Barbara and Lydia entered a store filled with toys to the left, fabrics to the right, jewelry in the center, and freshly made bread in the back. Barbara wasn't going to buy anything, she couldn't even if she wanted to; she was just there to keep Lydia company. Barbara looked upon the newest crafted toys, "Do you think Kevin would like this?" she asked as she held a spinning top.

Lydia looked at the toy. "Kevin is more into swords and using his powers than toys."

"Adam liked carving toys for children," Barbara said "but with the ration, he can't renew his lumberjack permit."

"Why can't he?" Lydia questioned.

Barbara sighed. "Because he would need eighty coins to do so."

Lydia didn't like the royal government and how it treated its people. She thought about the repayment the Prince offered to her several months before, and thought to ask him about changes.

"Have you heard from your mother?" Barbara questioned.

"Stepmother," Lydia corrected "and she sends letters from time to time. She has been ordered to go to Paris with the Queen."

Barbara sighed lovingly at the thought of Paris, oh how she wanted to go there and gaze upon the famous Tower of lights and embrace all the romance within. "I wish I could join them."

"One day you'll have a chance." Lydia replied.

After shopping, Lydia and Barbara went back to the house. Barbara left for the kitchen to prepare lunch when Kevin entered the living room with a big smile on his face as he held a box. "This package is from Godfather Donny." He cheered.

Claire was already in the living room sitting on a chair as she held and fed Anna. She looked at the excited two as they opened the box. Lydia removed an envelope with contained six ration tickets, four medical vouchers, and then she opened a bag that had four hundred coins. Kevin opened a bag that had a pink thick woven quilt bought for Anna, and then he opened a bag of clothes for him. At the bottom of the box, Lydia picked up a letter and read it, as she read a smile formed across her face.

"What is it?" Kevin questioned.

Lydia looked to him. "Donny wrote that he might be able to come home for Christmas, and during that time he wants to wed Bertha before he has to return to the war zone."

Kevin was happy; finally he was going to get the complete family he wished for himself and Anna. "Does it say what day he's coming?"

"It doesn't say." Lydia replied. "But let's gather what we can for the wedding."

Claire shook her head. "Donny is a solider" she reminded them "there are no guarantees of him coming back from anywhere."

That was the first thing Mr. Acrossthestreet taught Kevin about life as a solider; just because they tell you about going home, doesn't mean it's true. "Claire's right." He said.

"If Donny returns home, at least we will be ready." Lydia replied "But if he doesn't, then at least we'll have more time to prepare."

**Meanwhile…

Beetle and Barry finally arrived at the Village of Khan. The village was a product of war; the streets were completely trashed and empty. They went into an empty house. Barry rested against a pillow in the living room as Beetle took a bath in the other room.

Once Beetle finished his bath, he entered the living room wearing a towel. Barry made a wolf whistle once Beetle bent over to pick up clothing. "Nice set of lips." He smiled.

Beetle looked to Barry with such a frown. "What the hell are you talking about?" He spat, and then noticed how exposed he was. "What did I tell you? … Don't be lookin' at my cunt." He spat and then became highly embarrassed once he realized what he said.

Barry chuckled. "I was just paying you a compliment."

"Shuddup." Beetle spat and then went to the window to look around the village. "So tell me about this village and where to find True Loves Kiss."

"This is the village of warriors. Too bad I don't know what kind of warriors. But from the structure of these houses, it's not Ogres." Barry replied and then sighed in relief.

"Yeah, yeah" Beetle huffed impatiently "tell me about the kiss thing."

"I heard tales that it could be inside a shrine." Barry replied.

Beetle saw a shrine toward the rear of the village upon entering. The shrine itself was basically torn apart with its broken doors, shattered windows, and burned to ashes exterior walls. Beetle looked around some more and took notice the gold Imperial seal printed on the ripped fabric of the village flags.

"This place is familiar," Barry spoke as he also took notice of the village flags "but I can't place a finger on it."

The Imperial seal and the outlay of the village also struck a familiar sense with Beetle as well. He took Barry with him outside and explored further into the village.

Beetle came upon a house, a rather empty house filled with treasure. "Jackpot!" He smiled with a greedy heart and was about to grab a handful of coins until a large sharp dagger nearly sliced across his face. He turned around to see who threw it and there stood the Cyclops.

"So… you returned to the scene of the crime." Deader Alive spoke "With your reputation as an experienced thief, I thought you of all would know better." then he withdrew another sharp dagger from his holder.

Barry turned to Beetle with a sarcastic look. "You know all kinds of psychos don't you?"

"Shuddup." Beetle spat "Why don't you use some that crafty ass kissin'."

"On a guy?" Barry huffed with an insulted frown and then gave Beetle smirk. "Why don't you shut your pie hole and use your pleasure hole to calm the Cyclops." He winked.

"Beetle, tell your thing to shut up." Deader spat then held the dagger against Barry's mouth "Or I will shut it up for you."

Barry gulped and immediately sprung back into his box. Beetle formed a nervous smile to Deader. "How did you know it was me? Was it my shit eating grin a certain little boy told you about?"

"I don't need anyone to recognize you" Deader replied "I can sense your fowl stench a mile away." He spat in disgust knowing that he was forever trapped with the scent. It was buried deep within his mind and it ignited even when Beetle was nowhere near.

"Look, you know I'm a thief," Beetle spoke "and what I took I can't give back, but I didn't take nothing but coins… and some jewelry. Right now I'm here for True Hearts Kiss."

Deader loved this, now Beetle needed something, and even though he didn't know about the item, he was going to play the field like he did. "Hmmm…"

Barry popped from his box. "Come on, do this skirt a favor so he can take me to Clock Town."

Beetle flashed Barry such a frown and eyes that could spark a fire. "I'm not a skirt!" He spat. "You shuddup and get back in that box."

"I'm bored in there." Barry replied then smiled. "I much rather play with you two." Deader also gave the guy a look that could kill. "Whaat?" Barry looked at the displeased two. "I would think a threesome would be in order." Beetle and Deader smacked the guy upside the head in unison and the springs of his neck juggled rapidly back and forth, "Whoa…. Whoa… Whoa…" until he stopped; and then he shook his head and looked to the two. "You people gotta lighten up."

"Shuddup." Beetle spat and then tended to the task at hand. "Let's find that kiss thing."

**Clock Town train station**

Two persons of importance stepped off the train in Clock Town. The first person was Donny Juice, who was injured and unconscious in a gurney. The second person,was a short mysterious wealthy looking young lady with jet black hair and thick glasses. The servant grabbed her bags and they went to a carriage.

Donny was immediately taken to the hospital. Other than a few scars and bruises, he had a bandage wrapped around his head. When he opened his eyes, Donny could see clearly but nothing, absolutely nothing looked familiar to him. He reached by his bedside and rang the bell for the nurse.

"Where I am?" Donny asked in great confusion.

"You're in Clock Town, Sir." The Nurse replied.

"Clock Town." He muttered trying to recall if he had ever known of such a place. "Why am I here?"

To the nurse, this was serious; the poor lad didn't remember anything, not his home town. With the cause of injury, he probably doesn't even remember serving in the war; but all is not lost as long as he knows his own…

"By the way ma'am, what's my name?" Donny asked

Just then Uncle Victor entered the room. He was briefed by head nurse Bea about Donny. At first when Victor arrived, he wanted to rub it in Donny's face about failure since his born nephew and adopted son chose that street whore Bertha as a wife instead of Lydia. But now, after learning about the incident and Donny's amnesia, to Victor, this was a chance to start over.

"My son," Uncle Victor rushed to Donny's side "at last you're home from war." He smiled.

Donny didn't know this man; he couldn't remember a thing, especially being his son. "I'm sorry, I don't remember –"

"So I have been told." Victor interrupted. "But as soon as I get you home, you'll see all of the family portraits and then maybe that memory will jog back to normal." He looked to the nurse. "Alarm the staff that Donny will come home with me." The nurse nodded and left.

"Donny? Is that my name?"

Victor looked upon his born anew chance to fix Donny. "Yes my son, that's your name." then sighed lovingly. "You know… I'm quite hard broken. As a father and son our relationship was close. I had hoped that you would return from war and we could resume our time together."

Donny didn't realize the lies his uncle was telling; and sure they were close, but only as close as a person's desire to be near a skunk. He nodded in approval. "I hope to regain my memory, I don't remember everything."

"And let's hope you don't remember everything." Victor thought to himself as a wicked grim formed on his face.

**Meanwhile…

Lydia, bertha, and Kevin set the final Christmas decorations in the living room as Claire sat with Anna in her arms. "I wish Prudence was here." Bertha said.

"She is," Lydia sighed in a saddened tone in knowing that she had not found a curse for their friend "in sprit."

"Just as well," Kevin spoke "she's going to die soon anyway."

Lydia and Bertha turned to him with shocked look on their faces. They knew Kevin had the power to see what was going on, or what would happen in the near future.

"And soon we will all join her." His voice bellowed as sadness formed on his face.

"Stop it, Kevin." Claire scolded.

Bertha placed her arm around him. "We'll talk privately a little later." She said in a comforting tone. "I don't want you to hold it inside."

"Yes, mother." Kevin replied.

Just then the door bell rang and Kevin answered. There stood a short wealthy looking young lady with jet black hair and thick glasses. Kevin remembered the description about such a girl when his mother returned from Transylvania. Could this be her? The pen pal his mother writes to every so often. "Are you Charlotte from Transylvania?" He asked.

"I am." Charlotte replied then formed a smile once she realized who she was speaking with. "And you must be Kevin. Your mother has told me a great deal about you." She smiled.

Upon the removal of Charlotte's very expensive mink coat, Kevin immediately recognized that this girl was that of the Bat race. She looked like Bartholomew Batt, only with female physique; and she looked like Anna. Kevin secretly used his powers to see if there were any odd or wicked intension in the girl but he didn't find any, the bat before him was sincere.

Kevin escorted the girl into the living room where his mother sat. Bertha looked to the girl and smiled. "Oh Charlotte," she ran toward her and gave her a hug "what a surprise, I didn't expect to see you."

After introduction where made, there was one who had yet to be introduced. "Charlotte, this is Anna." Bertha smiled. Charlotte couldn't believe her eyes, never before did see such a beautiful baby. When Anna's ears were exposed, Charlotte knew that Anna was a bat child.

Charlotte looked to Bertha with a blush, she knew back in Transylvania that her great distant cousin Bartholomew might have been mating with Bertha, but she didn't interfere, even though she was the supposed to marry him. Charlotte smiled at the baby. "Anna, I think you and I will become very close friends."