Notes: Now this is episode 3. I wanted to post this story on Monday but I was busy over the weekend. (especially with the 4th of July)
Also, disclaimer: I'm not romanticizing or glorifying what Nekara did or tried to do at all. Just wanted to make that clear.
One last thing, this episode takes place on August 13th, since Friday the 13th, the day that Nekara's love spell works on warlocks, falls in August this year. Also, this episode is supposed to take place at the same hotel as the one the gang attended in "A Spooky Little Ghoul Like You," except just not during Mardi Gras this time.
Tonight was the night Vincent would receive another Warlock of The Year award. The last time he received it in person, well, Nekara showed up and almost completely ruined the whole experience.
This year is going to be different, things will turn out to be much better, he reminded himself, staring at his own reflection in the mirror of his hotel room.
"Are you ready?" Asamad asked, standing in the doorway.
Vincent turned around.
"Yes, just please tell the others I will be downstairs in a minute," he responded.
"Of course," Asamad nodded, then left.
Vincent took a deep breath for a moment, then headed for the door, hoping he could just celebrate achieving his award with the gang, along with his old friend Victor Voudini by his side.
The gang were all in their formal wear, sitting at a table waiting for Vincent, just as all of the warlocks and witches had been.
"So, I heard that Vincent is including us in his speech this year," Daphne told everyone.
"Really? Who told you?" Shaggy wondered.
"It was me," Flim Flam confessed, "I saw a glimpse of his speech late one night when I was in the study room."
"Well, if he is actually including us in his speech, then that's very kind of him."
"I'm even more excited to hear what he has to say now," Velma added.
Asamad sat with the rest of the group now.
"Vincent will be here soon," he announced, "Also, he is definitely going to win the Warlock of The Year award again, no doubt."
"Of course he is, there is no one in here more powerful than him," Velma agreed.
"I'm kind of curious if you ever received that award when you were a warlock," Cheryl began, glancing at Asamad.
"Well, no. You see, we didn't have any awards for that back then. I am fairly certain that it became a thing in the warlock and witch community when Vincent's generation was born," he admitted.
"Does that mean he is the first in the family to win it?" Jayden asked.
"That could very well be possible."
Suddenly, a warlock came up onto the stage and started speaking:
"I am happy to announce the winner for the 2021 'Warlock of The Year' award," he stated.
He then unfolded the piece of paper in his hands and looked down upon it.
"And the winner is… Vincent Van Ghoul! Congratulations!"
Everyone started clapping, especially the gang.
"Alright!" Shaggy exclaimed.
"Hooray! Rhe did rit!" Scooby cheered.
"I'm so proud of him!" Daphne smiled.
"I told you he would win," Asamad said.
Vincent appeared on the stage, gladly collecting his award and began giving his speech.
"Thank you all so much. I cannot even begin to describe just how wonderful it is to receive this. As most of you know, I have not been here in a few years, so this is truly a great welcome back. First and foremost, I would like to thank my family." He pointed to the gang sitting in the back, "Daphne, Shaggy, Scooby, Flim Flam, Velma, Jayden, Cheryl, my ancestor Asamad, and Scrappy, even though, sadly, he isn't here with us right now. I do not know where I would be without you and your support. I would also like to thank my fellow warlocks and witches, who have made this ceremony possible."
He poured a glass of wine and raised it high into the air.
"Here is a toast to all of you. May you find peace in life, and if you have magic, may your powers always be strong. To every single person here tonight, thank you again."
Everyone clapped again and made a toast to Vincent as he drank from his cup, then he walked off the stage.
"Now that was truly a beautiful speech," Daphne commented.
"Such a fantastic job," Velma praised.
"It was excellent," Asamad approved, "I am satisfied that he mentioned me."
"Ryeah, and rhe mentioned Rappy too," Scooby added.
Nekara showed up now, still searching for warlocks to drain the magic from.
"Finally, I will get my revenge on Vincent Van Ghoul and his friends for defeating me during our last encounter," she swore to herself.
Her eyes wandered and she couldn't help but notice that Asamad was here too.
"The King of Demons is also here? The one who blatantly denied my love all those centuries ago and is now associating himself with my enemies? I shall have my revenge on him as well."
Asamad immediately saw her as she began putting warlocks under her spell.
"She's back.."
Daphne was about to ask who he was talking about, but then she spotted her too.
"Oh no, it's Nekara," she panted.
"Nekara? She must be after Vincent again!" Cheryl panicked.
"And she'll steal his powers if we don't stop her!" Shaggy gulped.
"We have to get Vince away from her right this second," Flim Flam told everyone.
"Let's go," Jayden said.
They all departed from the table and made their way towards him.
"Vincent, we have to get out of here," Daphne warned him.
"Why? What's the problem?" he questioned.
"There's no time to explain right now," Asamad replied, "Just listen to us."
He grabbed his hand and they all sprinted upstairs, with Vincent being confused as to what was happening and kept on requesting them to let him go.