A/N: Happy Hallowe'en everyone. Sorry for not posting lately. But I am happy to tell you that X-Country season is over which means no more after school sports 'till spring. Anyways Enjoy. XD (Sorry for the short / Late chapter but as this was originally planned for Hallowe'en but that didn't work out so well.)

As Scorpio Claws The Moonlit Sky,
The Bats And Owls In Flight Soar.

The Fog Is Thick; The Night Air, Chill,
And Shadows Shift Upon The Hill.

The Jacks Smile Wide As Willows Weep,
As If Dark Secrets They Do Keep.

The Spirits Rise, The Dead They Roam,
While Witches Recite Their Evil Tomes.

This Halloween; This Mystic Night,
Makes Mortals Wary Of Ghostly Sights.

For The Veil Is Lifted To Worlds Unseen,
On This Hallowed Night Of Hallowe'en.

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN LITTLE KIDDIES
FOR ALL HALLOWS EVE HAS YET TO BEGIN.

Chapter 10
A Day's Beginning

Melody's POV

All I heard was a scream. The next thing I knew, I was rushing to the living room where Chris was. He was on the floor, rolling around and clutching his head. For some reason, it was glowing just like he did back in the lab. I called out to him, wanting to calm him down. His erratic movements slowed down as I talked and got closer. Finally lying still on his back, Chris opened his eyes. A hint of gold danced in them as he looked at me. As the foreign color faded, Chris continued to stare, but it almost felt like someone else was looking at me instead. His eyes stared at me full of hurt, but also with joy. The feeling was momentary though, as Chris passed out soon after.

Chris's POV

I woke up to a fading headache.
It took me a moment to remember where I was; Melody's apartment, her living room, her couch. Despite the time shown on the clock, I took notice that she wasn't up before me this time. I don't know why, but I felt the urge to make breakfast for the both of us. I argued that it was to repay her hospitality at the time. As I looked through the fridge though, I found a lack of food to cook with.
'Jesus, there's absolutely nothing in here,' I thought to myself. 'I guess I better do a few groceries, then.'

~~~}|{~~~

"Mmmm… Something smells good in here," Melody commented as she shuffled in the kitchen. "Watcha making?"
"I thought I'd make some blueberry waffles with a strawberry coulis to top it," I explained as I set the foodstuffs on the table. "I've also made buttermilk biscuits and some scrambled eggs."
"Wow," the vixen said, stunned. "You didn't have to, but thank you."
"Well, it's the least I could do," I shrugged. "You've been helping me a lot, so I figured…"
"It's not THAT big of a deal."

While we ate, I couldn't help but notice Melody's look of shock all over her face.
"Is it… Bad?" I asked, more out of curiosity.
"No. This is amazing!" She smiled as she took another bite. "Where did you learn to cook like this?"
"Well, I took a cooking class in school, but I mostly picked things up here and there," I told her almost nonchalantly.
"Well I think you would do well in a kitchen," the vixen commented. "You could probably even open up a bakery, or a restaurant."
I chuckled at her confidence.
"Maybe."

When we left the apartment after our wonderful breakfast, Melody and I noticed our friendly neighborhood otter already down the hall, waiting for the elevator.
"Okay, I don't want to break up another fight, so just stay quiet until she's gone," I whispered to the vixen as we walked in Mandy's direction. "Okay?"
She nodded in response, seemingly content with the idea. As we reached the elevator doors next to the otter, I couldn't help but notice Mandy's look of shock as she saw me. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Melody trying not to laugh. The otter seemed quite terrified at my presence, but I was confused as to why; and all the while, something in the back of my mind was absolutely furious with her.
"J-Jackson... Umm… How have you been?" Mandy asked with obvious unease.

I mentally facepalmed. How could have I forgotten that I no longer looked like myself? No wonder she looked terrified; she was more than likely looking at the image of a possibly dead mammal. I was about to tell her otherwise, but, again, something in the back of my mind told me to roll with it.
"Oh, I've been fine. How 'bout you Lass?" I asked in my best Irish accent. "Mel 'ere hasn't given you any problems, has she?"

"I-I've been doing good," Mandy replied with a hint of confusion. "And no! She's been, uh, peachy!"
"That's good," I said with a pat on her shoulder. "Oh, and just call me Jack from now on. Sound good?"
"O-kay?"

As the elevator doors opened, Melody and I stepped in, leaving a very confused looking otter behind in the hall as we went down.
"Well, that went smoothly," I commented before looking over at the vixen.
She looked at the floor in longing for a moment before meeting my gaze. I didn't know why, but in that moment I felt the urge to hug and comfort her for some unknown reason. I thought better of it though, fearing a punch to the face.

~~~}|{~~~

Melody and I made our way back to her personal lab at the Institute. But we didn't expect a crowd to already be there when we opened the door. As we stepped in the room, a bear made their way over to us.