Hey, Everyone! This chapter we see the aftermath of the battle with Argost! As usual, I do not own Firebreather or Monster High.

Chapter 37

"We need to get him stable!", Dr. Viktor Stein said as they arrived at the clinic, and he placed the unconscious form of Duncan on an exam table.

"I'll fire up the diagnostic gear!", Viveka said. "You start examining him, Dear!"

"Duncan, please-please be all right!", Clawdeen whispered as Frankie and Margaret supported her from either side.

A few minutes later, a MEGTAF V.T.O.L. landed outside. Col. Barnes and Dr. Pytell rushed in. Normally, the Steins—like most monsters—did not trust MEGTAF; but as his primary care physician practically since his birth, no one knew more about Duncan's physiology than Dr. Pytell.

"We got here fast as we could", Barnes said. "How's the kid?"

"Drs. Viktor and Viveka Stein?", Pytell said in greeting, "I'm Dr. Pytell, a great admirer of your work. I'm sorry we have to meet under these circumstances. What can you tell me about Duncan's condition?"

"He was struck with an intense blast of cold that has penetrated his core", Viveka stated. "His temperature continues to drop slowly, despite our all efforts to warm him back up."

"That's really bad", Dr. Pytell paled. "His 'inner-fire' should make that impossible. I have his records here on this compressed flash-drive…."

"You can plug it in here", Viktor said, indicating a nearby computer. Once plugged in, the files were slow to unpack.

"Let me speed this up", DJ said, placing a hand on the computer, projecting his will through his cybernetics; giving the computer access to the processing power of his brain. Instantly, the files unpacked and began to open and display on various screens in the room.

As the doctors poured over the records and diagnostic data, Barnes walked over to Margaret and the others.

"I'm sure he'll be ok, Margaret", he said. "The kid's too stubborn not to bounce back."

"I hope so, Barnes", she replied. "Nothing like this has ever happened to him before."

"You must be Clawdeen", Barnes said, turning to her. "I'm Col. Barnes. I've kinda been his guardian angel since he was a kid."

"Duncan's told me about you", she said, shaking his hand. "He said you're a stand-up guy…..when you're not being a pain in the ass." She smirked a little on that last line. Barnes chuckled a little at that.

"Yeah, the feeling is mutual", he replied. "He's a decent kid with a good heart, and he's caused me more headaches than I care to admit."

"Margaret?", Dr. Pytell said, as she, Viktor and Viveka approached. "We've done a full-body scan, and it's not good. The ice inside him is not only spreading, but it's also slowly penetrating deeper into his core. Unless we can find a way to stop it and re-kindle his inner-fire, he won't last another day."

"NO!", Clawdeen cried.

"Isn't there anything you can do?", Margaret pleaded.

"Nothing we've tried so far has worked", Viveka said dejectedly.

"Much as I hate to suggest this", Barnes began. "But maybe Belloc could help?"

Margaret's eyes suddenly lit up with hope, and she pulled out her amulet.

"Belloc, please answer! Duncan is in danger!", she spoke to the gem. A few moments later, it projected an image of Belloc's face.

"What has happened to our son?", he rumbled. The Steins and Dr. Pytell relayed what had happened and Duncan's current condition and prognosis. The King of the kaijus growled in thought.

"This has happened before in the past to others of our kind", he told them. "Under normal circumstances, a lava-bath would set things right fairly quickly. But as Duncan is only half-kaiju; in his weakened state, such a rapid change could kill him."

"What about hot-water?", Frankie asked.

"Smart girl", Belloc smiled. "That could work, but it would require the water to be maintained at a constant, stable boiling temperature for an extended period of time; long enough to restore him."

"And we have no way of doing that at a constant, stable temperature for very long", Viktor frowned.

Clawdeen was about to cry, when an idea came to her.

"What about a hot-spring?", she asked urgently. "Nature can do what machines and plumbing can't!"

"Yes! That could work!", Belloc rumbled with a grin. "Brilliant idea, Clawdeen. Indeed, my son has chosen his mate well."

Frankie was on her iCoffin, calling the one ghoul who knew more about the catacombs than anyone.

"Hey, Frankie! What can I do ya for?", Operetta asked when she answered.

"Operetta, if anyone would know, it's you! Is there a hot-spring in the catacombs anywhere near the school?", Frankie asked urgently. "We need one to save Duncan's life!"

"I'm your huckleberry!", she replied. "Yup! Meet me in the student lounge and I'll take ya right to it!"

"Ok! See you there!", and Frankie hung up.

"The V.T.O.L. will get us to the school fastest", Barnes said.

"I'll carry Duncan", Clawdeen said, scooping him up in the same way he had carried her so many times.

xxXXxx

"Thanks for leading us here, Operetta", Clawdeen said as they arrived in the hot-spring chamber. It seemed that the ancient builders of the catacombs had specifically built and adapted the chamber for use as a thermal bath; pillars and stone benches all around the main pool.

"Shucks, Sugah", Operetta grinned. "Ain't nothin' to it! He's mah friend, and he's done so much for all of us. I'll wait just outside to guide y'all back."

Clawdeen set Duncan down on a stone bench as Operetta and Frankie left to wait outside the chamber. The werewolf then stripped her mate down to his boxer-briefs while his mother carefully folded his clothes and put them aside, and the three doctors took his vital signs one last time. Clawdeen then carefully lifted Duncan and lowered him slowly into the scalding hot water. The pool had apparently been engineered so that individuals could sit around the perimeter in the water, so only his head was above the surface in a corner of the pool. This was perfect, as anyone could easily watch him for signs of consciousness.

"Not much more we can do here", Viveka said.

"Yes, I must regretfully agree", Viktor said. "We have other patients staying in the clinic, and all this moisture is dangerous around our electricity."

"I can check on Duncan easily enough", Dr. Pytell volunteered. "And I'd like to help you in your clinic while I'm in town, if you don't mind? I could learn a lot from you."

The Steins considered her offer. On the one hand, they didn't completely trust MEGTAF. On the other hand, Dr. Pytell was a medical doctor as well as a scientist, and thus lived by the same code of ethics. And it would be easier for Pytell to check on Duncan on a twice daily basis. The husband and wife nodded to each other.

"Very well, Dr. Pytell", Viveka said. "We accept your gracious offer."

"But we will hold you to the same level of confidentiality as any doctor treating patients", Viktor said. "Understood?"

"Of course", she agreed. "After all, I am a doctor first, and MEGTAF scientist second."

"Good", Clawdeen said. "Now that that's settled; I'm staying here."

Margaret looked a bit concerned, "Clawdeen, are you su….?"

"I am NOT leaving his side!", she insisted with a soft growl, then she took a calming breath. "Margaret, please tell the Headmistress and my parents what's going on, and have my mom send me down a change of clothes or three; plus some supplies? I'd really appreciate it."

"Of course, dear", Margaret said gratefully, and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For staying with my son", she said. "And for loving him."

xxXXxx

Word of Duncan's condition spread quickly through the school, especially once Spectra got the story. Headmistress Bloodgood arranged for Clawdeen to receive any homework or class assignments she needed, as well as sending her best wishes. Clawd brought his sister some changes of clothes, as well as a supply of drinking water and some food. Dr. Pytell came down every morning and evening to check Duncan's pulse and breathing. The entire school was pulling for Duncan, hoping for a speedy recovery.

Days had passed with very little change. While the progression of the ice inside him seemed to have at least slowed, Duncan was still just barely clinging to life.

Clawdeen was able to get small amounts of water, broth, and vegetable oil into him. Dr. Pytell suggested the oil as a substitute for the coal and charcoal he normally ingested with his food. She stayed by his side day and night, resting only when exhaustion overtook her. Even then, she slept right next to him, oblivious to the unyielding stone she laid upon. She also spoke softly to him, begging him not to leave her, to come back to her.

Each of their friends stopped in to visit at different times, often bringing food or water with them; Howleen brought her a pillow and sleeping bag, which she set up poolside right next to him.

She had just awakened a short time ago. After she'd checked on Duncan, she went to a side-pool which was a more tolerable temperature to freshen up. She'd just finished dressing when she heard foot-steps approaching from outside.

"Ugh! Too hot down here for Abby!", the yeti scoffed.

"Abby!", Clawdeen rushed to hug her friend. "It's so good to see you! I'm so glad you're ok."

"Thanks to Duncan", Abby admitted. "Hard to admit, but mean yeti Argost was too much for Abby. Duncan really save my life. How he doingk?"

"No change", Clawdeen said sadly.

"Eh, not worry", Abby said supportively. "Duncan is strong! Wakink up soon to give you huggink and kissink."

"Thanks, Abby", Clawdeen said with a small smile.

"Ah! Almost forgettink!", Abby said, holding up a large hot-drink cup. "Havink your chocolate coffee drink!"

"Oh. My. Ghoul!", Clawdeen gushed as she took the cup. "Thank you so much, Abby! I needed this!"

Abby smiled as her friend took a large sip from her latte.

"Must be goingk to class now", Abby smiled.

"Thanks again, Abby", Clawdeen smiled. "Visit again soon, ok?"

Abby nodded, then headed out; passing by Dr. Pytell on the way in.

"So how are you doing, Clawdeen?", she asked cheerfully as she went to Duncan.

"I'm ok", she answered. She found the normie doctor's perky attitude refreshing, very similar to Draculaura. "So how's my guy?"

"No change yet", she replied after taking his vitals. "But on the bright side, he's not worse."

Clawdeen sighed dejectedly, prompting Dr. Pytell to look at her in concern.

"You look exhausted, Clawdeen", she said. "I understand how you feel, but would he want you to push yourself like this?"

Clawdeen didn't answer, but she knew the doctor was right. Pytell gently put a hand on her shoulder.

"Just try to get more rest, ok? See you tonight."

xxXXxx

Argost glowered at his werewolf guards. Shackled as he was with heated restraints, they could easily tear him apart if he tried anything during transport. Bad enough that the prince of the kaiju had stopped him from killing Abby Bominable and defeated him, but his werewolf ghoulfriend had beaten and clawed him to within an inch of his life! On top of that, he was being charged with attempted murder of a fellow yeti and a crown prince who was also the life-mate of the Alpha of all Werewolves! Because of the bond between the two royals, the werewolves were given the task of transporting and imprisoning him until his trial and probable execution.

The transport van suddenly lurched and flipped on it's side! The driver and 'shotgun' leaped out of the front, and could be heard struggling with someone or something, until there were two whining yelps. The transport doors were blasted off. The smoke cleared to reveal a grinning Torq! The snarling werewolves leaped out at him…..only to be tasered by the Horde. Torq climbed into the transport with the keys he took from a guard, and removed Argost's restraints.

"Come with me, Mr. Argost", the hobgoblin said, stepping back outside. Argost followed suit, and stretched once he was outside.

"Not that I'm not grateful", the cultured criminal yeti said, "but why should I go anywhere with you?"

"My employers wanna talk to ya", Torq smirked. "They got big plans, and they think you could be a big part a' that."

"I am no one's lackey", the yeti growled.

"Perish the thought, my dear Argost", said Vlad Plasmius as he stepped out of the darkness, followed by Revolta, Lord Stoker, and Remus Darkclaw. "We're here to offer you a place at the table!"

xxXXxx

Clawdeen had taken a short nap and was now doing some of her schoolwork on a stone bench close to Duncan. Her friends and siblings had been good about bringing her assignments, loaning her notes, and taking her completed work back to their teachers. She had just finished her bite-ology homework and closed her textbook when Duncan moaned softly. Clawdeen was by his side in a heartbeat!

"Duncan?"

He moaned again….."J-Jenna?"

Clawdeen's heart clenched and her eyes teared up. If he was seeing her…..? She pressed her forehead against his.

"Please! Send him back to me!", her throat tightened as she drew in a halted breath. "Please!"

She fought fang and claw not to lose herself to despair. It took several moments for her to gather herself, and leaned down to bring her lips to his ear.

"I love you, Duncan."

He stirred slightly, and moaned softly again. It was close enough for her. She laid down to watch over him, until she drifted off to sleep…..

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Author's notes: Wolves are known for being loyal; to their pack, and to their mates. As the Alpha of all Werewolves, Clawdeen is no exception!

Duncan's coma and near-death experience is inspired by a similar scenario written by cgsmithmo in his romantic/adventure masterwork "The Dragon Master and the Snow Queen", crossing "How to Train Your Dragon" with "Frozen"; an AWESOME READ! Check it out if you haven't already!

Long reviews and suggestions are always welcome! No flames, please.

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