Sorry that this chapter took so long. I have been busy as of late. This chapter is supposed to be a fun chapter with some seriousness mixed in. DISCLAIMER: I only claim ownership to Gwen, Donny, Lorelei, and Mr. Renaldo, not any of the other characters. I also do not own any of the songs within this chapter. "Ghost" belongs to Mystery Skulls, "Bump in the Night" belongs to All Stars, "Possession" belongs to Sarah McLachlan, and "I Know I'm a Wolf" belongs to Young Heretics. Please take no offense to the term "colored" in this chapter, considering Vlad's origins that would be the term he would most likely use.
...
Gwen giggled at the antics of the fellow next to her. He was certainly odd in a paranormal way, and most definitely vain, but despite his admitted perverse nature, he held the most intriguing conversations. Right now, he was talking about his "dame" back home. She knew that he'd never admit it, but she could see his eyes light up whenever he said her name.
She didn't know where in the dream world this club was, but she knew she had to be crazy, even if only in her dreams. Looking out past her table, she thought she saw a certain mystery gang she watched on the television with the other kids of the orphanage. She was certain that there were other fictional characters roaming around as well. However, even Vlad didn't know how the dream world worked, who was she to judge now?
"Well, if it isn't the b-… little lady that took a couple of cheap shots at me," a guy said.
"I take it that you remember what Vlad had said with that save there, Sparks," she teased as he held a big grin on his face as he pointed at her warningly.
"Where ya been?" Sparks replied with a shrug as he placed his hands in his pockets, "Harris and Lonnie girl have been wondering about you and their friend… Des, was she?"
"I've been elsewhere really," she answered, "I think that Vlad was so upset by the one visit that he had asked a certain Mad Queen to place a blockade around your home so that there won't be a repeat."
"Ah'ight," he said with a grin, "I get it. Never thought I'd dream about you being here."
"So, everyone here is dreaming?" Gwen asked.
"Yeah, a doodle like yours truly has a certain grasp on how the Dreamworld works," he admitted casually. "It kind of comes with the territory of being a doodle."
"Is that so?" she implored curiously. "I'll be sure to remember that."
"So, ya gonna sing?" he questioned.
"Pardon?" Gwen responded.
"Its karaoke night," the fellow next to her explained. "It's the only place Sparks here will sing."
Sparks shrugged with a casual grin as Gwen looked at him curiously. "I don't really sing I prefer to dance really."
"I figured," Sparks teased, "that booty gives you away."
She gave him a look, but the grin still peeked through as he smiled shamelessly. The guy next to her just laughed. Sparks waved before he and the fellow next to her took off. She sat there a moment longer before Vlad slid in next to her.
"This place is new," he stated as he wrapped an arm around her.
"You just missed Sparks," she mentioned, "He hinted that this is a high traffic area for doodles, who dream."
"Sparks?" he snapped, "How on earth did he… Mab told me…"
"He's dreaming Vlad," she calmly replied. "Plus, he's actually not so bad when he's not near Holli. Then again, Donny's mother says that I can bring the best out of the most unlikely characters."
"I'd be proof of that, Hannah," Vlad concurred with a soft smile.
'Cause the world might do me in
It's all right cause I'm with friends
'Cause I'm giving up again
It doesn't matter.
Vlad paused as he turned to see Sparks on stage singing into the microphone. There was a small group of backup singers behind him as well. He turned to look near the bar to see a sign saying, "Krazy Karaoke Friday." He gave a slight nod of his head with a grunt as it made perfect sense to him now.
"Wow, when doodles do karaoke, they go all out," Gwen commented. "He's not bad, though."
"No, he's not bad at all," Vlad agreed. "Why don't you sing something?"
"You know, he asked me if I was going to sing," she teased, "Come on Vlad, you know that I prefer dancing."
"While Des prefers to sing, but that doesn't stop her from dancing," he pointed out.
She gave him a smirk before asking, "How is she, by the way? What happened with Amber?"
This time I might just disappear
This time I might just dis…
This time I might just disappear
This time I might just dis…
"I scared Amber enough that she certainly won't try flirting with me again," he said. "What Nightshade called a nick, should have gotten Amber tossed into jail, not just suspended."
"Is she okay, though?" Gwen asked in concern.
"She is now…" he reassured, "Try and not look into this too deeply, it is merely a way for vampires to keep from getting caught, but… I licked the offensive wound to help it heal."
"Healing properties in your saliva?" Gwen wondered aloud, "Des won't be too thrilled if she found out that you licked her."
"I'm aware, and in a sense," he admitted, "it helps much like the enzymes that help the blood flow when we feed. Werewolves are just as capable, which is surprising since their bite is poisonous."
"So, the wound is gone?" she implored.
"Yes," he explained with a nod. "Her hair is already growing like a weed on top of that."
Time for givin' up the ghost
Fuck, it's you I hate the most
And there is no guarantee
It doesn't matter.
Vlad gave a look at the stage, but shrugged it off and summed it up to the song. He looked out to see an array of characters on the dance floor. Gwen sighed as she leaned into him.
"That's good to hear," she smiled before she frowned. "I'm getting to the point that I can't remember what she looks like anymore."
This was a point that Vlad feared as he knew that he'd have to let her forget entirely at some point, if only for Mab to be able to save them both. "There will come a time when you forget her altogether," he admitted, "but some piece of her memory will forever be with you, and the same could be said for her."
Gwen smiled softly at that as she looked up at him. He smiled back, knowing that despite the sadness in her eyes, she did take some comfort in what he had said. When Sparks was through, everyone applauded him. Gwen and Vlad both applauded him as well. The gentleman that had been sitting next to Gwen graciously took the microphone and gave Sparks a pat on the back before giving his attention to the audience.
"Let's give another round of applause for Sparks, everybody," he suggested as everyone cheered again. "Now is time for the lovely dish that we all know and love, give a warm welcome to our favorite doll…"
"Do you think that you'll sing?" Gwen asked, pulling Vlad's attention away from the host.
"Hmm?" he replied, "Oh, I don't sing. I'm sorry if that disappoints."
"Why?" She implored as a little redhead with glasses walked up to the mic. "One would think that you would have a lovely voice."
"It's not whether I do have a lovely voice or not," Vlad stated, "I just don't sing." He smiled back at her as she pouted at him in that way that he adored.
There's a chill in the air
You hear a creak on the stairs
You've got a knock on your door
Is there anybody out?
"Why should I sing if you won't?" she countered with a grin. "It doesn't seem too fair if you ask me."
"Well, it is kind of a moot point since I have already heard you sing," Vlad retaliated with his own grin.
"You know, daddy would say something along the lines of, 'Well, aren't you just a stinker?'" she teased.
"Would he now?" he chuckled. "So what now, stinker?"
"You are not going to call me that," she warned, trying not to laugh.
"What should I call you then?" he returned.
"What is wrong with Hannah?" she chortled.
You cannot run,
And you cannot hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby
Things go bump in the night
Wherever you run,
And wherever you hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby
Things go bump, bump, bump in the night
"Nothing at all," he admitted.
He turned to see Sparks and that other fellow doing something with mischievous grins on their faces while a woman he assumed was the barkeep scolded them. They held up their hands innocently as they pretended that they weren't up to anything. However, seeing as that one of them had a pen, he then presumed that they were signing Hannah up whether she liked it or not. He chuckled as he thought, It's an innocent enough prank that I'll allow it.
"What's so funny?" she asked.
"It's nothing to worry about," he replied.
She gave him a look that told him that she thought he was up to something. Well, maybe he was by allowing the two to proceed in whatever prank they had going, but Sparks should know well enough that if they were to try and pull a prank like in Carrie, they'd answer to him. Anyone with any common sense would have known that he would make Carrie look like a walk in the park compared to what he could do. He just rubbed her shoulder as she turned back to the stage.
They're out to get you
To capture you
And make you
Spellbound
Howling and frowling
You're shivering, quivering
Spellbound
"Do you still get stage fright?" he asked casually.
"Only when I'm asked to sing," she confessed, "Mr. Renaldo is trying to do a play with my junior high in order to get me used to it."
"The high school is letting him do that?" he inquired.
"He is treating it as extra credit for his students if they help out with costuming and makeup," she explained. "If not, than they can study or do homework as long as they are on school grounds. They've all opted for the extra credit."
"I take it that they've all found their favorites?" he questioned.
"All of the girlie girls like Lorelei and her friends," Gwen stated as Vlad grunted, "Although, a couple like me, as well as a few Goths."
"Really now?" he queried, a little surprised to hear that.
"Yeah," she said, "I thought it was weird myself, but they seem to get along fine, except for the occasional argument in style."
He chuckled before asking, "What, pray tell, is this play about?"
"Mr. Renaldo asked this one young songwriter if he may use her songs for a play," she clarified. "So, this play is completely original, which is why he wanted to test it out on me. He keeps mumbling that Donny is ADHD as he tries to get him to focus."
He chuckled again, "Why does that not surprise me?"
You know wherever you run,
And wherever you hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby
Things go bump, bump, bump in the night.
Everyone cheered as the girl on stage blushed and waved her gratitude. He titled his head as he examined her, finding her cute, if a bit bookish. She rushed off before the host could get to her as Vlad saw an attempt at her posterior. He better not try and goose Hannah, he thought sourly. He then turned to see the girl reunite with her friends, who were hugging her as their dog gave her kisses.
"You never said what the play was about," he pointed out as he ignored the host saying to give the girl another round of applause.
"Oh, well…" Gwen started.
"Okay, now I'd like y'all to give out a big warm welcome to this doll," the host exclaimed, "Try and make her feel comfortable as she is new, and terribly nervous. Now, introducing Hannah!"
Gwen ducked and stared at the stage with wide eyes in complete disbelief. However, before Vlad could save her, the host snapped his fingers and she disappeared. He looked around frantically until he saw Sparks gently shoving her on stage. Vlad winced as she looked like a deer caught in the headlights as she stood there shaking like a leaf. He sighed as felt sympathy for the poor girl. It was one thing to know in advance and be able to prepare for it; it was completely different when it was sprung up on you. The poor girl's eyes went even wider as she opened her mouth for only a squeak to pop out.
"Oi, poor kid wasn't kidding when she said that she has stage fright," the host said as he sat next to Vlad.
"Damn, if I had known that, I'd have set her up for a duet," Sparks agreed.
"It's so odd," Vlad thought out loud, "She's sang before… was it because the 'audience' was behind her?"
The host and Sparks looked at each other before disappearing again as the one girl that just got off stage exclaimed, "Come on, you can do it!"
Vlad was admittedly touched as the crowd all muttered encouragement to Gwen as she stood there before the lights went down, obscuring the crowd from view. He watched as the host blindfolded Gwen and whispered something in her ear. Vlad glared slightly as he could sense that the ghoul wanted to smack her rear or something that involved her rear, but he did nothing. This brought a surprising, but welcomed calm to Gwen as she settled and took in a deep breath. Slowly, she opened her mouth and began to sing.
Listen as the wind blows from across the great divide.
Voices trapped in yearning, memories trapped in time.
The night is my companion and solitude my guide
Would I spend forever here and not be satisfied?
To say that he was surprised by the song that she chose would have been an understatement, he was downright flabbergasted. It was such an old song for someone of her age to sing, and that was when it clicked. Perhaps it wasn't old for her, perhaps they were simply on different time periods and she was catching up to his. It would make perfect sense since she had said three years, and it had merely been months for him. They had spent enough time together that he had gotten attached to her, though.
And I would be the one to hold you down
Kiss you so hard, I'll take your breath away
And after I'd wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes, dear.
He hummed in contentment as she grew either a bit more confident or comfortable. He snapped at the two hooligans as they dared to bump fists in front of him, causing Sparks to squeak as he withdrew his hand and the host to hiss at him. Vlad simply rolled his eyes and got comfortable again as he focused on Gwen once again.
He thought he was going crazy when he saw a ghostly figure standing behind her. He could barely make the figure out, but he knew it was a woman. Her voice floated under Gwen's with a Scottish lilt to it. As he focused on her, he couldn't believe his eyes as she undid Gwen's blindfold. However, instead of freezing up, Gwen sort of had a calm over her. He sat back in awe at the spectacle before him.
Through this world I've stumbled so many times betrayed
Trying to find an honest word, to find the truth enslaved.
Oh, you speak to me in riddles and you speak to me in rhymes
My body aches to breathe your breath, your words keep me alive.
"Man, I haven't seen that dame in a good long while," their host muttered nostalgically.
"Who is she?" Vlad implored as Sparks leaned over to hear the tale as well.
"Never got her name," he stated as he chewed his nail thoughtfully, "heh, said that Rumpelstiltskin told her not to, told her that too much power comes in a name to give it away freely."
"Rumpelstiltskin, eh?" Vlad muttered.
And I would be the one to hold you down
Kiss you so hard, I'll take your breath away
And after I'd wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes, dear.
"Ya notice the resemblance they have?" Sparks pointed out.
"I do," Vlad replied.
"Ya think maybe she's some great ancestor?" Sparks asked.
"Judging by the clothes, I'd say so," Vlad stated.
The barkeep came up to them with drinks as she scolded, "You two were the ones that put her up there, now quit talking."
Vlad watched as she returned to her station. He couldn't recall ever seeing a barkeep of colored origin before. However, he never went into many bars or clubs that was more Xarus's thing. She had a strong face, but soft eyes. She had a certain beauty to behold that was different from Ororo's, and dare he say a bit older than even Mab's.
Into this night I wander, it's morning that I dread
Another day of knowing of the path I fear to tread.
Oh, into the sea of waking dreams, I follow without pride
'Cause nothing stands between us here and I won't be denied.
His attention returned to Gwen as she prepared to finish the song. The spirit behind her smiled as she continued to sing with her. It was quiet as she finished the last two verses, except for the background music.
And I would be the one to hold you down
Kiss you so hard, I'll take your breath away
And after I'd wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes, dear.
I'll hold you down
Kiss you so hard, I'll take your breath away
And after I'd wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes.
Gwen's eyes grew wide as everyone applauded her when she finished, genuinely surprised that anyone liked her performance. He chuckled as she blushed and waved nervously her gratitude before the host gave her a hug. When he let her go, he snapped his fingers causing her to appear in between both Vlad and Sparks. She heaved a heavy sigh like she had been holding her breath as she sort of sunk into the seat.
"Are you all right?" Vlad teased as the host did his thing.
"Are you kidding? My knees were shaking the whole time," she stated.
"You did good kid," Sparks countered, "No one could tell that your knees were shaking after the blindfold was put on."
"He's right," Vlad agreed.
"I just hope I'll be able to muster enough courage to do that when the play comes around," she sighed.
"You'll do great kid," Sparks said with a playful left hook that made Gwen smile.
They sat there for awhile while people came and went across the stage. After a while, some of the audience began to fade away as others replaced them. Sparks had eventually faded himself, leaving Gwen and Vlad alone as the host was running around, doing his own thing. Vlad had his arm wrapped casually around Gwen as he turned to her when they faded to a stage. He greatly surprised by the costume that she was wearing.
"I never got to tell you what the play is about," she explained as she stood up to show it off better.
"Are you the big bad, wolf?" he teased.
"Close," she chortled, "I'm the queen of the wolves, merciless and beautiful. Solitary, and have fallen in love with the Rabbit Prince."
As she explained, she danced a little bit. The outfit was designed somewhat similarly to the cats in their respectively named musical, but she had a better looking tail compared to the belted ones they wore. Instead of her hair being shaped like ears, it was done up in what the youth were calling a faux hawk with braids mixed in here and there. Her ears had prosthetics on them, giving an even more elfin quality. The girls doing her makeup had given her ruby lips that made her appear more mature, and had mimicked fur outside her eye socket. Her nails were painted black, and the backs of her hands and tops of her feet also had makeup mimicking fur. This exotic, yet primal look fit her oh so well.
"Who is the Rabbit Prince?" he asked.
"Donny and Lorelei is the princess he has been betrothed to before he is stolen away by me," she clarified.
"So, you are playing the villain?" he implored, finding it highly unfair.
"Perhaps," she shrugged it off before crawling onto his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck, "but everyone wants to play the villain at some point, do they not?"
"I suppose you are right," he retorted, "and it does look good on you."
He wrapped his arms around her waist as she asked, "Would you like to hear the song I sing when I try to woo him?"
"You're not afraid?" he replied.
"Not when I am doing it for you," she confessed.
He smiled and nodded as she smiled back softly. He then heard a piano begin to play. Her eyes changed slightly as she became the predator, merciless yet beautiful.
Dear rabbit, my legs are getting weak... chasing you,
And the snowfields... Wouldn't seem so big, if you knew
That this blood on my teeth, it is far beyond dry...
And I've captured you once, but it wasn't quite right...
So I'm tellin' you... that you'll be safe with me.
She then threw her head back softly as she sang out a howl. It left him captivated and not many women were capable of doing that. He kept his hands on her hips for fear that she might prance off and disappear like many of the wolves he had come across. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw what looked like waheela appear out of thin air as they stood and listened, their eyes glowing.
Oh rabbit, my claws are dull now so don't be afraid...
I can keep you warm, as long as you can just try... To be brave!
Yes I know I'm a wolf, and I've been known to bite,
But the rest of my pack... I've left them behind.
And my teeth may be sharp, and I've been raised to kill...
But the thought of fresh meat... it's making me ill!
So I'm telling you... That you'll be safe with...me!
This time when she howled melodically, the waheela joined her providing a truly haunting symphony to the song. It brought shivers down his spine as it made him think of home. Children of the night, he thought with a small, indeed what music they make. He looked at her in awe as she gazed into his eyes, freely and without fear. She was slowly fading, but continued to sing to him.
So rabbit, please stop looking the other way...
It's cold out there... So why not stay here, under my tail?
She completely faded away as the waheela turned and faded in nothing. He blinked in mild surprise as he found himself back at the table in the club. It had taken on a completely different atmosphere, but that didn't bother him as he made his way to the bar. He sat next to one fellow who had been merely staring at his shot glass in hand.
"So, it's not just any vampire named Vlad that has been keeping my dear Hannah company," he stated as he took his shot and placed down the glass.
"I don't believe we've met," Vlad growled.
"No, but you've heard of me," he replied casually.
"Mr. G?" Vlad inquired as the man turned to face him without a shred of fear.
"You probably know me by other names as well as that one," he answered.
"To what do I owe the honor?" he asked.
"I wanted to see the face of the vampire that was going to break my poor Hannah's heart eventually," he confessed.
"I beg your pardon?"
"It's not something that you'll want to do, but you know that it'll be best in the long run."
"Are you trying to drop a hint to back off?"
"No, if I had wanted to do that, I would have taken your head off the first time you met her. I'm just reminding you of your nature."
"And that is?"
"Normally, you either leave the women you are attached to, or you condemn them to share your fate," Mr. G replied as he took a second shot. "What causes you to spare others while condemning the rest is still a small mystery to even me, but it makes me wonder which one of these women does my dear Hannah fall in line with?"
Vlad looked at him skeptically, "Why is that?"
"I may be a great many things, but I am always a man of my word," he growled, "And I promised that girl's mother that I would keep her safe. If you dare try to condemn her to your fate, Mab will be the last person you will need to fear."
Vlad paused as Mr. G looked a bit gilded for a brief second, "I have no desire to make her suffer like I have; it will cost me more than my life."
"She brings you sun rays, right?" Mr. G almost mocked.
"With her, I don't feel condemned to darkness, no," he confessed.
"That is what I needed to hear," he sighed, "No matter what Mab may say, you have just shown me that you will do what is best, even if it hurts the both of you. Keep my dear Hannah happy for me, will you? I can't afford to bring her in the middle of the mess that is going on around me, and she has her own mess that she'll be diving into. I caused her mother to die of a broken heart when I told her that the best way to keep Hannah safe was to give her away. I have to live with that guilt."
"But Hannah now has a chance at a normal life," Vlad interjected.
Mr. G smiled, "Aye, she does."
Before Vlad could say another word, Mr. G faded instantly leaving Vlad alone. When he opened his eyes, he saw the silk lining of the lid to his coffin. He stayed there as he contemplated what Mr. G meant by Vlad doing "what is best" for both Gwen and himself. She was perfectly safe with him, wasn't she? Was she?
...
Alucard: Wow, that is a depressing ending.
MsN: Well, he's a vampire, being with a mortal is not easy for ya'll.
Alucard shrugs: So, what about my story?
Chase: Your story, if it's anyone's story, it is mine!
MsN: Finally claiming ownership?
Chase: Don't get smart with me!