Blue Kitsune: Hey people just wishing to say sorry about the delay, internet's been a little slow and I'm sure everyone has but fortunately it's all right and hoping to hear some new comments on this chapter. Please show your support and enjoy this as I dedicate to everyone who reads this.

I like to give thanks to xXSkye-Blue-SeaXx for their help. Thankfully I hope everyone enjoy this new chapter and have done my best not to copy too much of the story from the original b and hope everyone will like it and tell me your honest opinion. Please read and review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Darren Shan's Cirque Du Freak and think Larten Crepsley is a smexy vampire

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Chapter Nine

To say what I was doing is the dumbest thing that I've ever done and that I must be completely out of my mind would be saying something in itself. This would have never crossed my mind before and it wasn't something I would normally consider doing. It was out of the ordinary for me! I'm not like Steve who loves the thrill of doing something crazy like this and in the likelihood that I'll probably get caught and in the worst-case scenario by a bloodsucking monster.

Why am I'm doing this? I must be crazy! I continue walking down the street. I should've turn and head the other way but here were my feet walking down the same familiar pavement leading with one purpose in mind while thinking I must be crazy for even doing this.

God, what the heck was I thinking?! That was what I thought for the fifteen times while the idea continues to form in my head. I was not sure whether I gone insane with what I was planning on doing by the time I found I was standing outside the theater.

Why was I doing this again? I try to find some invalid reason but then an image of Madam Octa popped into my head. Oh yeah that's why. I knew that Madam Octa has been on my mind lately. I had the urge to go and grab my sketchpad to draw her out but it would not curb my desire to have the real thing for myself.

I never wished for anything more in my life than to have Madam Octa as my own. How marvelous it would be if I could have her right here, maybe sitting on top my shoulder like a pet parrot and then probably walking down the street, people seeing us past by and hear them say, "Look and behold! It's the Spider Queen!"

Ok maybe not like that but still I would give about anything to have her, even when I doubt would have my folk get me one after what happen to my last pet spider.

I couldn't stop thinking how cool it would be to own such a fine spider like her. Though I doubt it be easy to find one and don't think my parents would want me to keep such a dangerous pet but still one can dream can't they?

I made it to my destination and staring up at the old decrepit building. I was thinking what might be waiting for me on the inside. Ok this is it; come on Darlene, you can do this! Just go in and then go out! There should be no problem, no pressure at all.

Yeah right. I thought as I went to go and open the door but before I could reach for the handle, it opened.

Ok that's spooky. It's like it already knew I was going to come. I shook my head telling myself not to be stupid, after all it was probably the wind. But….there was no breeze. I felt a chill go down my spine.

This was so weird, finding it was not unlocked and everything. I had almost wished it had been so that I could have then walked away instead of doing this whole crazy thing.

Ok, so maybe they're not worried if anyone who's out of their mind, (i.e. me) coming to sneak in and steal a spider. Oh yeah, never in a million years would they know.

I noticed the place looked a little less creepy in the afternoon light but it still gave me this uneasy feeling as I started looking around. I walked down the familiar hall and try to find where they could be hiding.

For all I know, they could be sleeping in those vans I saw out back but I don't think it be wise to put Mr. Crepsley in such a thing since vampires need dark places to sleep during daylight hours.

I look to my watch, hoping that I can make it through before the sun sets.

I kept my fingers crossed and hoping he would not be an early riser and wanting to find him and grab the spider before he gets up.

Please be there. Please be there. Please be there. Please be there.

I knew that it had to be somewhere inside the theater. I started walking down the familiar hall, noticing a large different in the afternoon light but didn't do much to take away the chill I felt being here.

I kept wandering around, wondering where I would be if I wanted to hide a 'vampire' until I found something odd. When I touched one side of the wall, it I felt it slightly open and found a hidden stairway leading downward.

Bingo!

Secret entry plus dark stairway equals sleeping grounds for one vampire AKA Mr. Crepsley!

It was so dark at the bottom. I was not even sure what could be waiting for me but I would not let that bother me. I slipped off my shoes and put them inside my bag and then I quietly descended down the stairs, being careful of where I was going.

I try not to let my fears get the best of me as I took a deep breath. I was taking it one step at a time, since the floor felt so slippery and I didn't want to risk falling down and waking anyone down there.

It was a little cooler down here and could feel a cold chill go through me and thinking this might not have been the greatest idea I ever came up with.

I wish I brought a flashlight as I continue going down, seeing it was getting darker the further I go.

I used the wall to find my way and by the time I reach the bottom, I caught a strong whiff of something and made me cringe. The smell of burning rubber was so strong and was ready to lose my lunch just then.

I swallowed, feeling nauseated.

Oh geez it stinks down here. Wait. Burning rubber? Oh god.

I realized I'm right next to the wolf-man's cage! I saw him sleeping inside and knowing if I make any sudden sounds he'll wake up and alert the others.

I try to keep myself from screaming as I started to back away, making sure not to make any sounds until my foot stepped on something squishy.

Wait…squishy? I turn around slowly and looking to see the large snake coiled around and the snake boy was staring down at me from his perch.

I immediately froze seeing I was now caught.

Oh shit I'm so screwed! I'm…but wait. Why isn't he moving? I noticed his head was nodding slightly. I moved towards him and made to wave my hand in his face and wait to see if there was any reaction.

Nothing. Ok, so he's asleep and his eyes are open. I let out a small sigh of relief. I saw at once that there was no need for caution. Everyone in that room was completely asleep. Or at least I hope by everyone include one vampire.

I started to move away, just being more careful where I step, not sure what else I might bump into down here.

I saw a dim light up ahead and moving around the corner and as I made to look and see what appeared to be a room that almost reminds me of the lair from the 'Phantom of the Opera' film with all those candles and a dressers sitting to one side, a large vanity mirror next to it and other things lying about showing someone was using this place.

The only thing it was missing was the large organ.

Then I wondered if the vampire would come out and try to put me in a trance, just as easily as the phantom had done to Christine in the movie.

But there was also one big difference because instead of a swan-like bed, I saw a coffin leaning up against the wall!

Oh shit, there it is. I made my way over, being careful to lower my breathing but realized that my heart was beating hard.

Not fast, just hard.

Bang...bang... bang

That was heard from the middle of my chest, shaking my insides. Making me feel unreal and giddy. I was sure it could be my own undoing but luckily I didn't see the coffin lid popping open and having a vampire lunge out at me.

I had no idea why I made to go near it when I should be keeping away but when I got in front of it and then my hand reached out to touch the lid.

I felt the smooth grain under my fingertips and then saw something that look to been a former engraving but the lettering seem to have chipped over time but could make out some of the etchings and saw what it spelled, 'Larten Crepsley'.

Yep this was definitely the vampire's coffin all right! I wondered what it be like to take a quick peek inside to see the vampire up close. I made to slip my finger between the crack and ready to pry the lid open just to see if he was really in there and wonder how he might appeared.

Would it be like when you go to a wake and see the corpse lying so still it look too stiff to be a person or could he be sleeping peacefully like as if he had just went to sleep?

I made to lift it slightly but it felt so heavy and suddenly my thoughts coming to me all at once.

Are you crazy?! You might as well shout your presence for those to know you're here if you try to open that thing. Hello girl, go find that freakin' spider and then blow this pop stand!

That's right, that's what I came here do anyway, not to see a vampire sleeping. I pull myself away and thought ok so I found him and where he is, Madam Octa shouldn't be too far away.

I look around, sure to spot it nearby and then saw sitting on a small table and on top of it a small box covered by a red cloth. I could feel my heart beating as I slowly raise the cloth and saw Madam Octa sitting inside.

Good, so I finally found what I was looking for and now can go on my merry way.

Madam Octa was staring at me curiously, as to whom I was and what I was doing. That's what I like to know but I look back to where that coffin was and taking out the small note I wrote and set it on the table.

I was sure he'd find it when he wakes up and see that his spider missing.

The note was quick and simple states that if he tries to come after me, I'll have everyone on his tail since I know his secret. I don't think he would take too well me blackmailing him but I was already running as far from the theater.

I just hope this doesn't comes back to haunt me since I don't want to incur the wrath of a vampire who would be very well pissed at finding I stole his spider. But what's done is done and there was no turning back, not after what I had to go through to get here.

I grabbed Madam Octa's cage and ran as fast as I could outta there! I would've look over my shoulder, expecting Mr. Crepsley to come after me but it was still daylight and I didn't think he risk coming out…not when the sun was up.

I can't believe it! I did it! I really did it! I just hope this doesn't come back and bite me in the ass. I heard Karma's a bitch and hope mine doesn't rear its' head in my direction.

I made sure no one was in and glad to see that both cars were not in the driveway. Dad must be at work still and when I got in found a note that said mom went to the grocery store and had taken Annie with her to drop at her ballet practice.

Oh, my God. I've done it. I actually did it!

I couldn't believe it but the proof was lying inside my bag and as I hurried up to my room and set the cage down and look to see how she was.

She stayed still and I thought I might have given her a heart attack, (I don't think spiders can but not sure) but it was probably hunger so I head to the garden and began rooting out some insects to feed her with.

The next few days, Madam Octa and I were bonding as I manage to find my old flute. Mom thought I should join the school band but I turned that down since that wasn't my style and I prefer soccer anyways.

It took me a few times to get it before I was able to play some notes while sending out a telepathic message, telling her what to do.

I kept the door lock and made sure that no one could get in. Better safe than sorry! And I didn't want to risk my family to find the spider in my possession. I manage to keep Madam Octa safe, hiding her in the back of my closet under some of my stuff and away from any prying eyes.

I'm sure no one would find her and mom doesn't really ruffle through my closet because that's where all my clothes and junk are.

It was really great and thinking nothing would go wrong but I couldn't help but wonder what the vampire might do if he finds out I'm the one who stole his spider.

That was when I started having the dreams of Mr. Crepsley hunting me down…

In them, I'm running in a scary place, the scene sometimes changing but each one had Mr. Crespley coming after me.

In my dream, I was running from him. No matter how many times I try to get away, I could see him approaching with his mouth wide open and revealing his sharp fangs that were ready to sink his teeth in my throat.

I became paranoid, so I began to hang some crosses and grab the garlic powder from the kitchen and pouring on my windowsill.

It left the room a little smelly but hey! I could live with breathing garlic rather than having a vamp come and neck me in the middle of the night!

I was hoping that some of what Steve's books said were true because I don't know if I would've made it through the week.

But then finally the day came, the day when the Cirque Du Freak had long since up and left and I was so happy and later that evening Mom order some pizza. I grabbed a couple slices and headed up to my room. I gave Madam Octa a piece and saw she really enjoyed gobbling it down.

Note to self: Madam Octa likes Pizza, especially with flies and worms.

It seem like everything was coming up like a rose! Later that Friday, when school was over, I started heading home wanting to hang out with Madam Octa and see if I could try a new trick with her.

I was making my way over towards the bridge and listening to my iPod but my happy mood was cut short when I saw someone already there.

I was frozen in my spot.

I saw the figure leaning against the tree, his body hidden by the shadows. At first I thought was the strangers from a few days ago but then saw him inhale a cigarette and I recognized him.

Steve hadn't gone to school today so I was surprise to see him there, as if he had been waiting for me this whole time.

It didn't make me feel less ease and kept having this weird feeling of not recognizing him, yet as I knew this was Steve standing right there. Though something did seem a little off…

He turned his head and look towards me when he sensed my presence. I saw his eyes boring holes into mine. I was trying not to let my discomfort show.

"Why are you avoiding me?" He look peeved and after I saw he was smoking and I mean really, really ticked at me which is never a good sign.

But that wasn't the only thing that seemed wrong; it was something about him that stopped me.

Something I couldn't put my finger on, but that made me feel almost ... frightened.

The way he was standing? The fact that his voice was unemotional, almost expressionless? That his eyes were so dark and cold…? All I knew was that Steve seemed more like a stranger than my friend.

"I thought you were going to quit?" I try to change the topic, hoping he might not notice and think of another way around before he tries to ask me that dreaded 'question'.

Steve removed the cigarette and let out a huff before he dropped it to the ground and smashed it with his foot, grinding it into the pavement.

I would have like to turn and run but that would be cowardly on my part and Steve wouldn't dare let me leave, not without explaining myself.

His slanted gray eyes were searching my face as Steve said, "I'll ask you again and you better tell me. Why are you avoiding me?"

"W-what do you mean?"

I wish I didn't say that because Steve was giving me such cold eyes and shouted, "Don't you dare play dumb, do you think I'm fucking stupid?! For two weeks, two goddamn weeks you have been steering clear of me and wouldn't even talk to me or return my calls or anything. Dammit, what's wrong with you? Or are you still on your bitching PMS stage?"

I said nothing even as Steve continued, "So answer me this, why would you go this far to ignore me this far unless…"

Realization dawned on his face. Oh no…

He then grabbed me by both of my arms and looked at me, the sudden understanding hitting him hard as he said, "You were listening in on us weren't you?"

I went to deny it and shook my head, pretending not to figure out what he was saying. "I don't know what you're talking about."

He narrowed his eyes, knowing that was a full blown lie and we both knew it.

"Don't give me that bullshit Darlene, tell me the truth! Did you see me with Vur Hortson or not, just tell me!"

"Steve you're hurting me." His grip became tighter and know would leave a bruise there if he didn't let go or if I didn't say something. "Please Steve stop, let go of me. Look whatever you and Mr. Crepsley were saying is your business and—"

Oh crap. I realized I was too late. How on earth could I slip up? Steve now saw through my lies. He let go and then just stood there looking at me while I was rubbing my arms.

"You heard him say I was evil didn't you?!" He then came over and reach to grab me, "Goddamit answer me!"

Thinking back of everything of what went between the two and what Steve had said, something inside immediately snapped. I pulled myself away and then smacked him across the face.

I would never forgot the shock he had when he touch his cheek where my hand made connect and look to me angrily, "The hell Darlene—"

I glared at him, "Yes, yes I did but to be frank that's not the only thing you are, is it? If you look up heartless jerk in the dictionary, you find your picture right next to it!"

I should not have done that; I shouldn't have said that to him. If I can turn back the clock I would stop myself from saying those words but it was already too late and Steve was looking at me angrily and growled, "Take it back. Take it back now!"

I can see how he was getting furious but I was also tired of pretending that the Steve I thought was my friend when the one in front of me I wasn't even so sure.

I refuse to back down, sick of playing pretend any longer, "Just who do you think you are, saying you want to be a vampire and leave everything and everyone behind. To go behind our backs, on your own friends! I heard all the things you said about us, how we are nothing to you but trash yet you're one to talk!"

He said nothing and I continued, "Just who do you think really are Steve Leonard or Leopard, that's what you like to be called since that might as well be what you are now that I see you. You've shown me your true spots after all this time!"

I was hurt, and he knew it.

"Instead of the person I thought you were, you're nothing more but a manipulative, despicable, disgusting no good, son of a—"

But before I could finish, Steve lunged at me and I found my body half leaning over the bridge with Steve's hands on my throat.

I hadn't expected him to do that but I should have seen it coming when I saw the rage written on his face and his grip tighten on me, choking the air while my body was leaning further and further over the ledge and can see the river below me.

Any further and I would be hitting the water headfirst.

"Take it back! Take back what you said!" I try to speak but it was getting hard to breath, I could see everything was getting blurry and dark spots growing in my vision. Just as I thought I was a goner, I felt the pressure lifted and was able to take deep breath.

I slide down on the ground, coughing and gasping and try not to touch my throat, feeling how tender and sore it was. But I lift my head slightly and look to Steve only saw him standing there and staring down at his hands, shaking uneasily.

"Oh god, I'm so sorry I didn't mean it…" I could see he regret what he did and I immediately felt sorry for what I said.

I felt like such a total bitch. It was me who had been the one avoiding him and saying all that stuff and even going as far to slap him like that.

God, I should be the one apologizing, not Steve. I manage to get to my feet, my legs shaking but I was able to stand and walk up to Steve.

I reach to touch his face, being careful where I hit him and saw his eyes on me. He probably thinks I was going to yell at him but instead put my arms around him and felt his body react, knowing he didn't expect that. It wasn't just that I never done anything like that with him before; it was just that I couldn't help it wanting to reach out and grab him and try to shake him back, bringing the old Steve, my Steve, back to me.

"It's ok, I'm the one who should say sorry, I should not have said it at all. I didn't mean them but after hearing you talk to Mr. Crepsley like that, I-I don't want to lose you Steve but dammit Steve, how can you think that?"

I pulled back and look up to him, feeling the tears leaking from the corner of my eyes, "Why, just tell me why you want to just give up on everything we share and become like that. You jerk! You snake! How can you do this to me? You selfish, immature…ugh! You have no idea how I was scared for you, I could see you were too and I, I…"

My words were cut short when I buried my face in his shoulder, crying into his chest and Steve staying still for a moment before he held me tight and was stroking my head in comfort.

"I'm sorry, you of all people are the only one I cared more in this world and I was being a stupid jerk. If I lost you, I don't know how I would live if I didn't have you by my side anymore." I muttered the same thing and when I pulled back saw he had also been crying.

"So friends?" I nodded and then said, "Just don't try that again or I'll really come after you and knock some sense into your thick skull."

"Ok, ok. You've got a deal." He said and smiled at me. It was a smile other people rarely saw, not a taunting or ironic grin, but a nice little smile, slightly crooked.

Now that we got that out of our system, we felt ten times better and my throat no longer hurt but still had a slight bruise but nothing like buttoning up my collar to hide it and maybe some cover up later when I got the chance.

I could see Steve felt guilty for what he almost did and I wanted to make up for the things I said, "Hey come to my house I got something to show you."

We manage to go up to my room and Steve sitting on my bed while I root through my closet before showing Steve my secret.

He peered inside the cage and whistled low, "Whoa nice spider! You're folks finally let you have another spider after the last one?"

I shook my head, "Nope they don't know." He blinked before looking more closely at Madam Octa as she was staring back him.

"Wow she certainly looks like the real thing? Where you get her, eBay or something?" He said and I waited for the truth to sink in and looked to me with wide eyes, "No way, you went and got the vamp's spider! Shit I know I done some crazy stuff but you Darlene certainly outdone yourself!"

"Thanks." I was glad that Steve was happy and that things between us would go back to the way things were.

"Can you really control her?" I nodded, "Yeah just like you said though took me awhile and had a few close calls but somehow manage to get her to obey my every command."

"So you ever have her in your mouth?" He ask and I shook my head It would be impossible especially since I'm the one who has to be in control and I doubt I can keep concentration while there's a poisonous spider right in my mouth who can sink her fangs into me at any second.

I rather not take any chances but Steve turn to me and then gave me a mischievous sideways glance as he stared at me, his eyes giving off a glint I was all too familiar with showing he wanted to give it a shot, "Want to give it a try?"

I look to him seeing he wanted to see me do it and since Steve was willing, I would.

Anything for my best friend.

I open the cage and began to play while telling Madam Octa to climb up on Steve. The thought of those long hairy legs creeping along his flesh made me watched Steve carefully, gauging his reaction and hope he would not dare so much as move a muscle.

No! I've got to stay focused! I can't let my thoughts waver for one second.

Steve remind still, trying to be as calm as he can be while the spider scale up to his face and then having her climb down to his chin, spinning a web. It was great and was having such a great time that I didn't hear the door open or see Annie walking in.

"Hey can I borrow your—" I almost dropped my flute when I saw Annie standing in the doorway looking in on us. We both froze, finding that we were caught and I mentally cursed myself.

Crap, I knew I forgot something! I should've locked the door before getting Madam Octa out.

Annie's eyes widen as she saw the spider and then before I could stop her she shriek. Her scream ringing so loud that it broke the trance on Madam Octa.

Oh this is not good, before I could tell Steve not to move and put the flute back to grab Madam Octa's attention Steve immediately reacted and try to throw Madam Octa away.

But she had used her thread to spin upward and lay onto Steve's neck.

I watched in horror as Madam Octa sank her fangs into Steve's throat. STEVE! Steve's body began to fall to the ground and then saw Madam Octa scuttle up to Steve's neck.

I saw Madam Octa getting ready for the second bite and knew would be fatal and screaming loudly in my mind, STOP!

Madam Octa froze and I saw Annie still standing there while I quickly put Madam Octa in her cage and lock her in.

It was silent for a moment before I heard Annie calling my name and I turn to find her still shaken up from what she saw.

I went to her side and told her to call the hospital and then to call mom and dad since they weren't here at the moment though I wish they had been.

"But whatever you do, don't tell them about the spider understand?" She said nothing and grabbing her shoulder and said, "Annie, do to you understand?!"

She agreed and quickly hurried down the hall while I remained with Steve, wanting to hold him but the poison might spread quicker if I try to move him but grab his hand and look at him still but could see the rise and fall of his chest, knowing he was alive but just barely.

"Steve, I'm so sorry…" I could feel the tears coming and then turn to glare hatefully at Madam Octa sitting there innocently as if she had nothing to do with this.

I went over, grabbing her cage and threw it right out the window.

"And stay out!" I didn't care if the cage got smash or find bits of spider guts on the driveway but what I didn't expect was to see the hand that caught it in midair or the hand belonging to none other than Mr. Crepsley himself as he appear before me.

My eyes widen as I saw him step into the room. I was paralyzed with fear, oh god, he's here! We're so screwed! What's he going to do?

Mr. Crepsley looks between Steve and I and I saw his gaze linger on me a little longer than I wanted before he disappeared from my sight.

I'm not sure what was going to happen but all I can think as I wait for the ambulance to show.

Oh god what have I done?

Blue Kitsune: Oh I hope everyone is enjoying this, I promise to post the next chap when I can and hope to get some good reviews.