"He's sending you away?" Clawdeen gasped.

"Yup," Christina deadpanned.

"Why?"

"Drew, of course,"

"Where?"

"I have a choice, that doesn't make me feel any better though and I have a month to decide after that it's farewell for now,"

"Christy, I'm sorry,"

"Why are you sorry? None of it's your fault,"

"If we'd gotten there sooner-"

"I coulda handled him if he and his goons hadn't jumped me," Christina snorted, "What did I do to become his obsession anyway?"

"Now, that's the mystery, that and why his mother would approve of such behavior,"

Christina groaned, "What do I do, Clawdeen? I don't wanna leave again!"

"I'm not sure there's anything we can do,"

"I'm sad we won't get to show off all your hard work,"

"Who says we can't?"

"Huh?"

"Miss Bloodgood says you may attend and..."

Clawdeen whispered the next part in a voice so quiet that no one but Christina could hear.

"But isn't that against school policy?"

"No, not with all the evidence we gathered," Clawdeen assured her.

"But, Uncle Dracula-"

"I'm sure he'll relent in no time,"

Christina snorted with laughter, "If you say so,"

…...

Shaggy was not taking the news well at all.

Stacey stood at his bedroom door, food in hand to perk him up but he didn't move. Ever since he returned home he had laid face down in his bed.

"Shaggy, Honey, I made you a sandwich,"

"I don't want it,"

"What's the problem?" Stacey questioned, "What's wrong?"

"Christina's being sent away for her safety," Shaggy declared, "Like, I don't want her to go!"

Stacey didn't understand why her son cared so much for a girl that he seemed to barely know but he was protective of her, talked about her almost non-stop and was upset that she was leaving. What could she possibly do to make him feel better? What was it about Christina that was so special?

"How's Shaggy doing?" Sugie asked once Stacey returned to the kitchen.

"He's still laying in bed,"

"Oh,"

"Sugie?"

"Yeah, Mom?"

"Do you know why your brother cares so much about Christina? Doesn't he have other friends at school?"

"He does but, he spends most of his time with, Christina,"

"Why?"

"I dunno, they just clicked," Sugie shrugged, "She treats him like anyone else,"

"Is he having trouble at school?"

"No, not really. Most are just scared of being hurtful so they keep their distance,"

"And how are you doing in school?"

"I like it there," Sugie smiled, "People don't pity me anymore. I have friends and the classes are really interesting,"

"Good, I'm glad you're enjoying yourself,"

…...


Shaggy was not any better the next day or the day after. On the third day, Stacey decided she needed to do something to get her son out of the dark hole he was currently in. first, she got up early and made his favorite breakfast dishes, all of them. When he dragged himself downstairs to eat she enacted phase two.

"Shaggy,"

"Yeah?"

"I'd like to meet your friends,"

"All of them?"

"Yes,"

"Why?"

"I'm curious," Stacey admitted, "Invite them over after school,"

"Christina too?"

"Yes, Christina too,"

"Okay,"

…...


"Tell us already!" Duncan prompted, "You ghouls have been all smiles for days,"

"Yeah, what's the big secret?" Clawd added.

"We'll tell you but don't tell anyone else," Clawdeen replied, pointedly glancing at Spectra.

"Okay, I can take a hint," she responded, shutting her laptop.

"We changed a few things about the dance," Frankie whispered once she was sure no one was paying attention.

"Like what?" Duncan inquired,

"The date, it's invite-only now and, safe for Christina to attend,"

"Isn't that against school policy?"

"Bloodgood approved, she said she was going to ban certain students from attending anyway after what happened last year,"

There was a collective shudder. The dance the year prior hadn't gone so well and no one wanted a repeat.

"Hey, guys," Shaggy greeted upon his arrival.

Clawdeen smiled as he sat down, "You're looking better today, Shaggy. What happened?"

"Well, he had a three-course breakfast for starters," Sugie laughed.

"And, Mom invited all of you over after school," Shaggy explained, "She wants to meet you,"

"Lemme guess, Christina's coming too," Duncan grinned.

"I hope so,"

Draculaura frowned, "Daddy's put her on house arrest,"

"WHAT?"

Draculaura quickly filled them in.

Dracula had found out about Christina slipping out to see Shaggy and quickly put her on official house arrest. She wasn't taking being cooped up well at all, often spending most of her time on her balcony and not coming back inside until the very last second. On top of this she had been ordered to start packing despite not leaving for a month and every night, Dracula asked if she had made her choice.

"No," she would say.

"If you don't make it soon, I'll make it for you,"

"I don't want to go!"

then, Christina would stomp away, back to her balcony.

They all cringed.

"Yeah, it's bad,"

"How's she gonna go to the party then?" Frankie wondered.

"Don't worry," Draculaura grinned, "We got this,"

"But can she come today?" Shaggy pleaded.

"Why don't you text her and ask?"

Shaggy sheepishly admitted he didn't have her number.

"Here," Draculaura smiled, taking his phone, "I'll fix that"

"Thanks,"

"No, problem,"

…...


Christina had locked herself inside her closet. She was supposed to be packing but she didn't want to. So, she sat with her keyboard instead. Striking the keys in a rapid, agitated fashion. Anger burned inside her, frustrating anger!

"Christina! Get to packing!" Dracula ordered from below in his study.

She crumpled to the ground, frustrated. She was burning from the inside out. Moving from her closet to the balcony.

Breathe!

Breathe!

Breathe!

After a few deep breaths, Christina fell back into her chair and yanked her phone from her pocket with the intent of calling Draculaura only for a text to pop up on her screen.

Hey, Christina. It's Shaggy. Draculaura gave me your number.

Hey, Shaggy!

Whatcha doing?

Fuming

About?

Things.

Shaggy told her about the get together after school before asking if she could come.

I'll see

…...


"Why not?!"

"Because I said no,"

"But, everyone else is going!"

"Everyone else isn't in danger,"

"You're overreacting!"

Dracula slammed a folder onto his desk, "Take a look!"

Christina opened the folder quietly. Her X-rays of broken bones, photos of bruises, black eyes and bumps, incident reports from school. All because of Drew. He was the cause for it all.

"Ever since you've started Monster High and these are just the ones I know about!"

Closing the folder Christina met her uncle's stern gaze with a harsh one of her own, crossing her arms over her chest.

"He's never messed with me outside of school," she pointed out.

"That doesn't mean he von't start!"

"Clawdeen and Duncan are going!"

"And?"

"Even if Drew did try to jump me he wouldn't be able to. They don't let him go anywhere near me!"

Dracula glared still.

"Since when do I ask to go anywhere?" Christina added, "I can't stand being stuck here anymore!"

Her skin was heating again, her birthmark sizzling into view.

"Fine, fine! But, I want you back here by ten!"

"Thank you!" Christina squealed, happily turning to leave.

"Vait!"

Christina turned to face him.

"Have you made your choice yet?"

"No,"

"Soon, Christina,"

"I know!"

/


You can come!

Yes, but I have to be back by ten,

No Problem!

Great!

I miss spending free period with you

Same.

No piano lessons for me :(

I have a keyboard I can bring if you want?

PLEASE

Okay, sure thing.

...


"MOTHER!" Drew bellowed storming into the room with a scowl.

"What is it, son?" Regina drawled. "What's wrong?"

"They took my Princess away!"

Regina scowled, "This will not do. You need her,"

"I know!"

Regina growled, "Don't worry, Son she can't get far. I let her father slip through my fingers I won't let the same happen to you"

she stood to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"To call your Godmother,"

…...


Shaggy's guests began arriving shortly after he, Sugie and, Scooby returned home from school. He stood at the door, hopping from one foot to the other an action that didn't escape his mother's notice.

"Shaggy, sit down," Stacey ordered with a small smile.

There was a knock at the door, shortly after Shaggy sat down. Sugie answered it to reveal Kenny, Frankie, Draculaura and, Clawd.

"Don't worry, Shaggy," Frankie laughed, "Christina's on her way,"

Introductions were quickly made and, Stacey went back to cooking while the others chatted. Not even five minutes later Clawdeen and Duncan arrived, joining their friends. Just as Shaggy was about to text Christina, she breezed through the door, keyboard in hand.

"Hey, Shaggy!" she greeted.

Shaggy's face lit up like a Christmas tree, something which caused the others to share knowing smiles.

Stacey stepped out of the kitchen, observing Shaggy's friends. They were interesting, to say the least. Shaggy made the introductions, smiling ear to ear the entire time.

"I brought my keyboard as I promised," Christina grinned.

"Play something?" Shaggy begged, "Please?"

"Okay, okay, you wanna help me?" "I'll show you what to do,"

"Okay," Shaggy eagerly nodded.

Christina set the keyboard on their laps,

Stacey watched the scene unfold from the kitchen doorway, curious to see what Christina had up her sleeve. She watched as Christina placed Shaggy's hands on the keyboard, playing each key for him,

"We'll go slowly," Christina promised, "What do you want to play?"

Shaggy shrugged, "I don't know,"

"I'll pick then,"

Christina guided Shaggy's hands teaching him what notes to play.

"Aw, Christy, sing please?" Draculaura requested.

"Okay,"

How very special are we
For just a moment to be
Part of life's eternal rhyme
How very special are we
To have on our family tree
Mother Earth and Father Time

He turns the seasons around
And so she changes her gown
But they always look in their prime
They go on dancing their dance
Of everlasting romance

Mother Earth and Father Time

The summer larks return to sing
Oh what a gift they give
Then autumn days grow short and cold
Oh what a joy to live

How very special are we
For just a moment to be
Part of life's eternal rhyme
How very special are we
To have on our family tree
Mother Earth and Father Time

Shaggy missed a few notes but didn't seem to care. Christina corrected him gently

"You did very well, Shaggy," Christina promised after the last note had been played, "It isn't easy to learn, trust me but it gets easier,"

"Can we like, try again?"

"Sure,"

"She's good. Isn't she, Mom?" Sugie whispered.

"Yes, very good,"

"She played for Shaggy every day before being taken out of school,"

Stacey kept an eye on them while she started dishing out the plates of snacks. They played a few more songs before Christina put her keyboard away and the discussion turned to the Halloween Dance.

"If he put you on house arrest how are you going to the dance, Christina?" Frankie asked.

"We have a plan," Draculaura promised.

"Don't worry," Christina agreed.

Later after everyone had eaten their fill. Stacey pulled Christina away.

"You wanted to speak to me?" Christina asked confusedly when Stacey shut the door.

"Yes, you can do magic, right?"

"Yes, ma'am,"

"And magic can heal people right?"

"In most cases," Christina replied warily, she didn't like where this was going.

"So, you can heal my son, give him his sight back?"

"No, I can't. All magic even the most powerful has limits,"

"Can't you try?"

"No, that would be dangerous, very dangerous!" Christina argued.

"How so?"

"If I somehow managed to give him his sight I'd end up, taking someone else's,"

"Please?"

Christina was growing uncomfortable. Luckily, for her, Clawdeen opened the door, looking for Christina.

"Christina, Shaggy's looking for you,"

she took the chance to leave while Clawdeen stepped in the room to speak with Stacey. A very long conversation followed as Shaggy had told Clawdeen what his mother thought of him being part werewolf.

"He isn't cursed," Clawdeen insisted.

"Then what is he?"

"Either you or your husband have dormant werewolf genes, probably from a distant relative, either way, it's a blessing, not a curse,"

"That blessing hurt my baby boy!"

"Humans don't like us, they distrust us so, if he transformed at his old school.."

Clawdeen didn't finish, instead peeking out to see what Shaggy and Christina were doing.

"Do you know why he's so attached to her, then?"

"He imprinted on her,"

"Imprinted?"

Clawdeen sighed, this was going to take a while.

…...


A few weeks later, the day of the dance.

"Please, please, please?" Christina begged.

"I'll be with her all night," Draculaura swore,

Dracula sighed. The two girls had been begging and pleading all day long! All. Day. Long. Why this was so important was lost on Dracula. It was just a school dance. Yes, it was one of the biggest events of the school year where monsters and Normies at least tried to get along but why did Christina want to go so badly? She was never one for dances.

Looking between his daughter and his niece, both with the most sorrowful pouts, it was evident they weren't giving up.

"Fine, fine, only if you finished up your packing Christina,"

the young hybrid was out the door and up the stairs to her bedroom, where her travel trunks still sat empty. It was time for a little magic!

Higitus figitus zumba ka zing
I want your attention everything!
We're packing to leave; come on let's go
No, no not you; books are always first, you know
Hockety pockety wockety wack
Abra cabra dabra nack
Shrink in size very small
We've got to save enough room for all

How else was she supposed to fit her belongings into her two not very big traveling trunks? She'd put off packing for as long as she could but the weeks had dragged on and on and Dracula had reached the last of his patience.

She had to do this quickly.

Higitus figitus migitus mum
Prestidigitonium!

Alica fez balaca zez
Malaca mez meripides
Hockety pockety wockety wack
Odds and ends and bric-a-brac
Dum doodly doodly doodly dum
Higitus figitus migitus mum
Prestidigitonium
Higitus figitus migitus mum
Prestidigitonium!

And, her packing was done! She locked her trunks just as Clawdeen arrived with her costume

"Just in time!" she cheered, opening the bedroom door for her friend.

"Whoa, it's empty in here!" Clawdeen observed, stepping into the room,

"I know," Christina muttered.

"Cheer up! We got a dance to go to!" Clawdeen smiled, handing Christina the garment bag she had brought with her.

"Thanks, Clawdeen," Christina grinned, fishing money out of her pocket but Clawdeen pushed her hand away.

"I don't need it, this is a gift for a friend,"

"But, Clawdeen, I have to pay you it's only fair!"

"The only thing I need you to do is rock that costume!" Clawdeen responded, "Now, go get dressed!"

Christina slipped into her bathroom to change, poking her head out moments later, "Help me with my hair?"

"Of course!"

…...


Dracula stood in the entryway, awaiting the girls. Draculaura was first out of her room dressed as one of the few Monster-ized fairy-tale characters. Snow Bite. Dracula had to wonder if they planned this? Maybe Christina's costume corresponded with Draculaura's.

Then the door opened...

…...


"Shaggy, are you sure you want to go? It's a full moon-"

Shaggy turned to his mother with a small reassuring smile that made Stacey grimace, her son had already transformed and his much sharper teeth put her on edge.

"I'll be fine, Mom,"

Sugie poked her head into the room, one cat ear pinned into her hair, "We'll be with him, don't worry!"

Stacey relented only to make Shaggy happy. Once the two were dressed and Scooby was ready they set off. Stacey watched them go hoping they would stay safe and have fun.

"Something the matter Shaggy?" Sugie asked, the bell on her necklace tinkling with each step.

"It's-it's weird-"

"What?"

"Nothing," Shaggy shrugged, throwing the cape over his shoulder.

"Okay,"

They arrived at the dance shortly afterward and met with Frankie and Kenny who guided them into the Hall of Halloween which had been decorated from the rafters to the floor with the traditional orange and black of the holiday, each display brightly lit and gleaming. Sugie had a hard time describing it to Shaggy as it took the words out of her mouth but, Shaggy could have cared less at the moment.

"Is Christina almost here?"

"She's on her way," Kenny promised, "Go enjoy yourself, she'll find you when she arrives,"

Shaggy and Scooby true to their nature parked themselves beside the refreshment table and waited.

Sugie waited with them, still struggling to take it all in.

The lights went out suddenly throwing them into darkness but before panic could ensue it returned, dim and purple, a lone figure at the top of the stairs.

"It's Christina!" Sugie whispered when Shaggy clutched her arm, he could see very bright light and having himself thrown into blackness was jarring.

Not as Jarring as what was currently happening to him but still.

"She's Maleficent,"

"Describe it!" he urged Sugie.

Sugie yet again struggled to get the words out as Christina descended the stairs.

Her dress midnight black with purple flame-cut edges fell just below her knees, attached to the collar was a semi-long cape that matched the skirt of the dress. Christina's hair was loose from its normal braid instead it was straightened. Horns on either side of her head, Sugie had a hard time trying to figure out how she had achieved it. In her hand, she carried a staff, a replica of Maleficent's own.

"Surprise!" Christina grinned as the lights went back to normal.

Shaggy was surprised, not because of the costume but because he could see the horns silhouette!


Shaggy has light perception normally in case you were confused but he shouldn't have been able to see the horns. Wonder what's going on?

The first song I used was from Charolette's web (1973) which was actually made by Hanna-Barbera

The second was, of course, a shortened version of Merlin's Packing Song.

I hope you enjoyed and I can't wait to hear your thoughts!