Good evening, readers! I hope you are having a great start to this week, and this only further improves it! It's been a while since I've updated any of my fanfictions- I went through a bit of a rough period, but I assure you, I will try to resume working on them as best as I can. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this next update!


Ambrosia, Jasmine and Rosemary made their way through the grocery store, picking out some fruit and vegetables to purchase. As they made their way along, Ambrosia turned when she noticed someone approach her.

"Hey, Ambrosia." She was surprised to see Night was there, leaning against one of the counters. "I'm glad I ran into you. Are you alright? You know, from yesterday?"

"Oh... yes, I am." She cleared her throat. "Thank you for your concern."

He nodded. "That's good. So... I was wondering. I've been having some troubles with one of my classes... human history. The one we're in together. I could use someone smart to help me get on track. You could come to my place."

"Hm... I would love to help, but I am already being tutored on a few things myself with Arsenik... also, Kara and I are helping our friend Chase with his studies so he doesn't fall behind." She replied.

Night scoffed. "You don't need either of them, Ambrosia. I heard that Kara didn't even help you when that crazy girl was about to bash your head against the table."

She narrowed her eyes a bit. "I suppose I can say the same for you. Thankfully, I have Wind and Chase to thank for defending me, and Arsenik to thank for making sure I was alright. Also, I see Kara as a dear friend. She would never betray me. Now, if you will excuse me, my cousins probably need my assistance." She smiled, turning to walk away from him. When she did, he looked over his shoulder to see someone emerge from one of the aisles. After making sure the coast was clear, she shoved his shoulder.

"Smooth move, Von Ironstone." Wildfire hissed.

"What the hell am I supposed to do? She's stubborn. Like most women." He shot her a look, to which she curled her lip.

"Just keep at it. If this happens, we BOTH get what we want." Wildfire replied.

"And what about little miss gore-tastic?" Night asked.

"She can cool down in suspension. I think I've made my point with that. I'll keep in touch." She said before turning, striding out of the store.

Meanwhile, Kara approached her car, putting some art supplies in her trunk before closing up the trunk, heading over to another store. She took out the sticky note, reading it before looking around in the lighting section. She wandered over to one of the shelves, doing a double take before smiling. "Bingo."

A short time later, she was back in the car, pursing her lip as she pulled up in front of the Holder's place. She got out, grabbing the bags with the lights in them. She smiled when she noticed Arsenik and Viktor were seated on the porch, each reading a book. They looked up when she approached, Viktor's expression lighting up.

"Good afternoon, Kara. Oh, what do you have there?" Viktor asked.

"The lights. I managed to find them pretty easily." Kara replied, Arsenik rising to take the bags from her.

"I very much appreciate this, Kara. How much do I owe you?" He asked as he glanced inside, taking out on package to look at them.

Kara waved her hand. "Forget about it. It's on me."

At this, Arsenik frowned a bit. "Nonsense. You went out of your way, I cannot simply accept this without giving you something in return. On Virgo Island, favors were always granted an act of gratitude in an exchange of kindness. I have come to understand that humans handle this sort of thing a bit differently, using cash as a commodity rather than bartering. I can repay you in cash if you wish."

Kara thought for a moment. "I think I may have an idea... can I talk it over with you inside?"

"Of course. Viktor, please call me if you need assistance." Arsenik said, the pair heading inside where he began to organize the lights. "Is there something particular in mind you wish to ask?"

Kara wandered over. "I... know I already asked you about going to the dance with Viktor, and... I'm not asking that now, but I was wondering... can I maybe, I don't know... spend more time with him?"

Arsenik glanced over, blinking for a moment. He then chuckled lightly. "Kara, dear... you needn't go out of your way like this just to spend more time with us... we are all friends, are we not?"

"Yeah, just..." Kara shrugged. "I really can't think of anything else that I want. I'm the worst person to do something for. I'm not used to it."

Arsenik's expression softened. "You know... Viktor and I... we're not children anymore. I want nothing more than to protect him, shield him from pain. But if his recent injury is any indication, I cannot always be there for him." At this, Kara frowned, still feeling horrible. What would he say if he knew she was the reason Viktor was hurt? "It was, however, an indication of another thing." He smiled. "That there are others who are looking out for him, that truly care." He sighed lightly. "I need to allow him to make his own decisions... be his own man. With that said... if you would like to ask him to the dance... by all means, you are welcome."

Kara was silent for several moments, slowly cracking a smile. "You... mean it?"

Arsenik nodded. "Yes. You seem well-rounded, and you obviously care for him enough to be this eager to spend time with him." When Kara practically rushed towards the door, he chuckled, watching as she went to the porch. He silently observed as she approached Viktor, the other blonde setting his book aside as she sat beside him. He saw her speak to him a bit bashfully for a moment before Viktor's face light up, nodding enthusiastically. Kara sighed with relief, Arsenik chuckling as the pair shared a hug.


That evening, Rosemary and Bonnie burst into giggles when Kara told them the news. "You are so lucky!"

"I'm very happy for both of you. You will make a lovely pair at the dance." Ambrosia smiled. "Jasmine was asked by Alex Von Ironstone today."

"That's awesome! Don't really know him, but..." Kara shrugged.

"He's... not very warm and fuzzy, but he'll do." Jasmine smiled. Just then, Rosemary's phone buzzed, and she took it out to look at it.

"Speaking of the dance..." Bonnie said then, turning to Chase. "I was wondering, Chase... would you... perhaps like to go as friends?"

Chase snapped his head up, doing a double take. "Wait. Are you asking me?"

Bonnie giggled. "I am! I figured it would be a splendid idea, being we're well acquainted now and neither of us have been asked yet."

Chase's smile grew. "Heck yeah! I'll definitely take you!" He fist pumped the air.

"That's settled then." Bonnie glanced over at Rosemary. "And don't you fret, I'll be sure to find someone for you-"

"Night Von Ironstone just texted me." Rosemary spoke barely above a whisper.

"He did? What did he say? My goodness, you look as pale as a ghost..." Jasmine frowned.

"... He asked me to the dance." She looked up, wide eyed. "OhmygoodnesswhatdoIsay?!"

"Well, you can either accept his offer, or politely decline it." Ambrosia smiled.

"Like hell I'm declining this!" Rosemary exclaimed, grinning as she messaged him back. "How did he even get my number?!" She gasped then. "He must have ASKED someone for it! Oh my goodness, this is the best day of my life!"

"Congrats, Rosemary." Kara smiled.

"Pfft, yeah, they're all probably afraid to ask me because of how amazing I am!" She said, Jasmine allowing her head to fall back as she groaned.

"Well, now that this is all taken care of, we can focus on other things." Kara snickered.

"I do believe this calls for celebration. I've been wanting to have some more of that delectable treat again... ice cream, I believe it is?" Ambrosia asked.

"Now that you say that, I could go for some too." Kara laughed.

The group headed out, going uptown to buy some. They sat against the building in the back, Chase nearly wolfing down his cone in under a minute.

"Someone must be famished. You know... I used to cook quite a bit for Barry... I could always make you something if you're hungry during the day." Bonnie said.

"Seriously? That would be awesome!" Chase beamed. "Sometimes Ambrosia makes me stuff, and it's really good. I really appreciate you guys sharing your food. Sorry I'm so dirt poor."

"Hey, don't sweat it." Kara said.

"Okay, so now that we've all got dates, we need to find proper attire." Jasmine said.

"Yeah, we definitely have to go dress shopping this weekend." Kara said as she took another bite of ice cream. "I'm not big on dresses, but I can't wear pants to a dance, can I?"

"Wildfire does..." Jasmine commented, dabbing her mouth after taking a bite out of her cone.

"Guess I'll be staying out of this then... not only am I not wearing a dress, I may not be wearing ANYTHING fancy shmancy. My brothers would laugh at me if I asked them for something to wear for a dance." Chase said.

"Hm... maybe we can pull off a nice dress shirt and pants? There's a department store right up town, we can get something there that won't cost an arm and a leg." Kara suggested.

"But you guys are always doing stuff for me. I feel bad. I can't really give much in return." Chase scuffed his foot.

"Nonsense, Chase. You are our friend, and we only wish to see you happy." Ambrosia smiled.

"I guess I'm pretty lucky, huh?" Chase smiled, rubbing the back of his head. Just then, He glanced to the side when he thought he saw someone. "Hey, that's Wind over there. Hey Wind!" He waved his arms at him, the dark-haired young man groaning as he let his head fall back for a moment. He then regrettably turned, making his way over. "How's it going, buddy?" Chase smiled.

"Don't call me that." Wind replied.

"Do you want some ice cream? I can run and grab you a cone." Kara offered.

"No... thanks." Wind said, glancing over at Ambrosia. "So you're not in trouble for once, huh? That's a shocker."

"Oh, there's no need to worry about me now." She smiled. "Wind, do you have a date yet for the dance?"

He scoffed. "No... why would I want to waste my time at some lame dance where I have to dress up? I've got better things to do. If I want to dance with someone, I'll do it on my own time."

"But Wind, it's going to be fun. Perhaps if Arsenik is alright with it, I could spare a song or two with you." Ambrosia replied.

"Like I want to share you- or anyone, really, with that oversized dandelion." Wind curled his lip.

"Couldn't have said it better myself, pal!" Chase nodded in agreement.

"Alright, I'm getting out of here." Wind said with a hint of annoyance.

"See you around, Wind." Kara said, Jasmine and Bonnie waving politely.

"Yeah." He said before turning to head off.

"Wind..." Ambrosia got to her feet, approaching him as he turned. "I never properly thanked you... for helping me yesterday."

He shrugged, glancing to the side. "Like I said. You're always getting into some kind of trouble, Ambrosia... and everyone says you're a goody two shoes."

"I don't mean to..." She bit her lip for a moment.

"You're defenseless." Wind replied, looking at her for a moment before resuming to walk away.

While Ambrosia watched him, she heard Rosemary call to her. "Come on, we're heading home! Hurry or you're going to be stuck in the dark!" She said as Kara returned, handing her a second ice cream. "You are literally the second best right now." She beamed, Kara snickering as Rosemary thanked her for the extra treat.

As they headed back, they reached Chase's street first. "Are you sure you'll be alright without me?"

"We'll manage." Kara replied. "We'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Sure thing! Thanks again, ladies." Chase smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll try to save up some money so I can pay next time."

"Don't worry about it. Consider it a treat for being our friend." Ambrosia said with a smile.

"And because you're actually quite pleasant to be around once accustomed to." Bonnie said, giggling lightly.

"Well, shucks." Chase chuckled. "Anyways, goodnight!"

After leaving Chase to return to his rather loud household, the five girls made their way to their neighborhood, which was past the school. As they were making their way, however, Kara groaned when she noticed someone approaching them, riding a skateboard. "Great. He probably wants to mug us or something."

"Hey." Dan nearly stumbled as he attempted to hop off his skateboard with style, Kara rolling her eyes as he quickly grabbed the board.

"Still failing at your attempt to be the next Tony Hawk, are we?" Kara smirked, to which he shot her a flat look.

"Tony... the hawk? Oh, how magnificent! But I thought you were human, were you not? I know of Imugi who are able to-" Ambrosia was cut off when Kara cleared her throat, shaking her head.

"Nah, he's a skateboarder, like I am. I can do some sick tricks on this. Wanna see?" He hopped back on the skateboard, Kara crossing her arms as he tried to perform a few moves.

"How intriguing." Ambrosia stared with interest.

Jasmine cleared her throat as Rosemary yawned. "Do forgive us, but we do really need to be going home." She glanced at Kara, who nodded once.

"Indeed... you know, I once heard our friend Chase tackled a full grown bear with his bare hands." Bonnie giggled. "No pun intended, of course. Can you do that? We could watch you attempt it, if you wish." She giggled more, Kara snickering. Dan flipped some hair out of his face, not amused.

"Oh, you mean that douche who lives on Renwick? What's his problem, anyway? He acts like he's on crack... and smells like it too." Dan said, to which Kara's lips tightened.

"Funny, you can actually afford to take a nice, hot shower, but you're too lazy to use soap. You would rather mask the stink with Axe. And you're calling Chase a douche bag?" She snapped.

"Please, Chase is a dear friend. I am not familiar with the term 'douche,' but based on Kara's reaction, it seems like it is an insulting term." Ambrosia said.

"Ambrosia, please purge that word from your vocabulary." Kara said flatly.

Dan cleared his throat. "Oh... I didn't realize he was your friend." He directed at Ambrosia. "Maybe he's not so bad then. By the way, um... so, I was wondering... that dance coming up next month... are you-"

"She was already asked. And she happily said yes. I know what your game is, you've been trying it for weeks now." Kara intervened. "Stop hitting on her."

"What are you, her mother? You think you're so cool because you broke up with me? I said I was sorry for all that shit over summer break!" Dan threw his hands up.

"Yeah, but it doesn't change the fact that you, I don't know- haven't changed." Kara replied. "Come on, you guys."

As they began to walk away, Dan narrowed his eyes. "You know, I've seen some of that freaky shit at your house. You think anyone wants to deal with that?"

"Just ignore him." Kara said, picking up her pace.

"Or they could take a peek of some of Candace's pictures."

At this, something snapped in Kara. She whirled around, clenching her teeth. "I swear, I will knock your lights out!" She screamed. At this, Dan drew back when the street light next to him shattered, the bulb fading. Everyone fell silent, Kara exhaling sharply as she furrowed her brows. "Go home, Dan."

"Guess the freaky stuff isn't just at your house anymore, is it?" He said uneasily, hopping on his skateboard before rolling off.

After he was gone, the girls were silent for several moments, Ambrosia being the first to speak.

"Kara? Are you alright?" She asked. Before she could answer, someone approached them, Jasmine groaning lightly.

"Hey." Wildfire said. "Was that idiot bothering you?"

"Oh... hey Wildfire, um... no. Everything's okay now." Kara replied.

"Where did you come from?" Rosemary asked.

Wildfire shot her a look. "I came from my mother's tw-"

"At this point, it's going to be midnight by the time we get back. Wildfire, goodnight. Ladies, may we depart, please?" Jasmine asked.

"You all can go. I have a few things to go over with Kara." Wildfire rose an arrogant brow.

Kara sighed, glancing over at them. "It's okay. I'll catch up with you guys tomorrow." As they bid her a goodnight, Kara and Wildfire went over to a bench to sit and talk.

"So... Brooks asked Onyx to go with her. She's been keeping tabs on when the Von Ironstones and the Holders are going to get outfits. They're going next weekend."

"Okay... are you saying they're going during a sale or something?" Kara rose a brow.

"Funny, wise ass." Wildfire rolled her eyes. "I'm telling you to plan your shopping day for when they're going. I want you to try to convince Arsenik to spare a few dances with me."

"Do you have a date, Wildfire?" Kara asked.

"Don't worry about that." She stared ahead of her. "Can you do what I'm asking you?"

"I can try... but Wildfire, I don't know if I'll be able to convince him to-"

"He trusts you. If someone like you can give me some credit, maybe he'll play into it. After all. I got Candace suspended for you. I got her out of your hair." She glanced over. "I scratched your back... so you can scratch mine now, hm?"

Kara bit her lip, leaning back against the bench. The sky was completely dark now. "Okay. I'll try to convince him somehow."

Wildfire smirked, putting an arm around Kara's shoulders, shaking her a bit. "I knew I could depend on you." She pat her back, getting to her feet. "Hey, want me to walk you home?"

"No, thanks... I'll be okay." Kara said.

Wildfire nodded. "I'll text you tomorrow." She said before turning to leave. A few moments later, Kara realized she was alone. She began to continue down main street, passing by one of the pubs. As she did, she suddenly heard her name being called.

"Hey, Kara!" She glanced over to see Francis by a street light, waving as he held a beer in his other hand. She smiled lightly as she waved back while he approached. "It's pretty late. You shouldn't be out here by yourself."

"Hey, Francis... it's okay, I just said goodnight to some friends. I was on my way home, actually." She replied.

"Hm... it's kind of dark by the post office. Wouldn't sit well with me. There's all kinds of nuts out there. Come on. I'll walk you back." Francis nodded towards the sidewalk.

"Okay, sure." She replied. She glanced past him when she thought something caught her eye. "Um, Francis?"

As if he knew what she had seen, he glanced over his shoulder, looking towards the back of the pub. A man with long, golden hair placed down a drink he had been nursing, slowly getting up from his seat. "Come on. Don't make eye contact with him." He said, placing a hand on Kara's back as the pair moved away away from the pub. Kara glanced over her shoulder as she noticed her French teacher slowly follow them. "Come on, cut down this way." Francis whispered, the pair ducking between a couple buildings, Francis finding a spot to wait in while Mr. Blanquet quietly shuffled by them. Kara held her breath, glancing up at Francis unsurely. The man's eyes were narrowed, glancing out when about a minute had passed. "Come on. Stay quiet until we get back to main street. Good thing I decided to stop by there for a drink. Would not have been a good thing if he got you alone."

"What do you mean?" Kara asked. "I've had tutoring with him before... he's a teacher, how bad can he be-"

"He's a dangerous man, Kara. He can't be trusted, and I'm going to tell you why." Francis said with a dead serious expression as they walked down main street, Kara frowning at this.


Well, talk about a lot going on! Will Kara be able to convince Arsenik to give Wildfire a chance? Is what Francis said about Mr. Blanquet true? What other paranormal activity awaits? The answers to these questions and more await in upcoming chapters! Thank you to those who have read, and don't forget to leave your thoughts in a review! See you next time!