Reason why I'm putting side stories is because there are year gaps between games so there's going to be filler chapters like this one. You're welcome to skip or read, but in a way this gives me a piece of mind that Charlotte has something to do for a year and not fool around. But I would recommend reading the 3rd one the most. We finally got a main villain from all the games (up to Mermaid as of now) and I think so since so far all the villains are either repenting or destroyed (currently Goldilocks).

Happy Birthday

One morning, Charlotte was sleep in bed when the door opened and someone or something walked into the room. It gently got on the bed and rested its head against the pillow next to hers. Charlotte felt the breathing and opened her eyes to see…a snout. "Rebecca what bug nose you have." It was Dr. Watson. He barked and licked her face. "Ugh. Rebecca what sloppy kisses you have." She giggled and hugged her full-grown wolf. Up. After a year, the dog grew up to his full size. At first Uncle Boddy wasn't so pleased that Charlotte brought home a wolf but after sometime, and that the panther didn't eat the puppy, he grew to love the dog. Rebecca loves him too since in the house he's the guard dog and at the office a helper and mascot of the place.

Anyway soon Rebecca came in with breakfast on a tray of breakfast. "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Watson get off the bed before you pee, Happy Birthday to you." She sang.

Charlotte laughed as. Dr. Watson got off the bed. "Leave Watson alone. He was just giving me my birthday kisses. You're just mad cause he beat you to it."

She sat up as Rebecca put the tray on Charlotte's lap. "Don't worry. I'll make it up tonight. So I made you red velvet pancakes with a cheese, bacon, and spinach omelet. Still learning on the hash browns."

Charlotte smiled. "Yummy yum." she said. "Did you eat yet?"

Rebecca said, "Just did about an hour ago. Wanted to let you sleep a bit longer." She patted Charlotte's leg. "Well you eat up, get dressed and at noon we'll go to DP."

"But it's my birthday and it's supposed to be my day off." said Charlotte.

Rebecca said. "Yeah. But today you get your tattoo. The mark of the Dark Parables. Have you decided where to have it?" Charlotte shook her head and she started to eat. "You got until this afternoon to figure it out." Then she left the room to give Charlotte privacy.

As Charlotte ate, Snow White's Familiar came to the window and gently tapped at the glass. Charlotte got up, went to the window and opened it. "Well hello there. You're far away from home." She held out an arm and the bird gently got on her arm. "So you here for a visit or you're delivering something?" The bird turned around and it was wearing a message tube. Charlotte gently removed it and opened the tube and there was a piece of paper. Once she unrolled she smiled. It was a small painting of Snow White, her son, her father, and of Briar Rose. "I guess everything turned out great." she said. She got a piece of paper, wrote a 'thank you' note and put it in the message tube. Then the bird flew away.

Later that afternoon, Charlotte, Rebecca, and Dr. Watson arrived at Dark Parables. Once inside there were arrows on the floor leading a trail. Rebecca said, "Just follow the arrows."

The 3 followed them, going upstairs, to the dismay of Dr. Watson, and arrived at the roof of the building. There, she saw party stuff everywhere and then everyone jumped out of their hiding place and yelled, "SURPRISE!"

Uncle Boddy ran up and hugged Charlotte. "Happy Birthday Charlotte! Finally you're 18 years old."

Charlotte said, "Thanks Uncle Boddy. Where's Renee?"

He replied, "She got booked in Paris at the moment but she sent her present already." He lead her to a table once the music started, food was being pass out. It was Charlotte's favorite: shrimp Lo Mein, Pizza with pepperoni and meatballs, lasagna, and eggs Benedict casserole. There was already a pile of presents so they're going to save that before the cake and as for the cake, It was a tea-cup pouring down blue icing, to look like tea, into a small cup, both have purple swirl designs on tray with the Eipix branch shape.

As everyone ate Charlotte asked, "Anything from Grandpa or my parents?" She still has the hope that her parents will come back someday but in reality, they are never coming back.

Uncle Boddy said, "Nothing from grandpa yet. We looked everywhere for him and nothing. I don't we're ever going to find him, but we're keeping Darcy's file open until otherwise."

Rebecca said, "Don't worry. I'm sure he's okay. Maybe he sent a gift."

Charlotte would like to keep that hope but it's a 'who knows' scenario. After eating food some were at the dance-floor already dancing. Some with partners, some in groups, others with friends. Charlotte wasn't much of a dancer but then she heard her favorite song, 'Let's Dance Boys' from Bayonetta. Charlotte had no choice but to get up, get Rebecca, go to the dance-floor, and started to dance. The 2 copied the dance moves from the game as though they rehearsed it. Uncle Body was shocked to see how Charlotte learned that kind of dance at a young age. Everyone gathered around to see the 2 danced and when it was over, everyone clapped at the 2. Charlotte saw her uncle's face. "What?"

Uncle Boddy asked, "Where did you learn how to dance like that?"

"I have a WiiU and the Bayonetta games. Didn't take long to learn how to dance like her." said Charlotte with a smirk.

After more dancing, it was time for presents. Uncle Boddy placed her on the Boss's chair and started to hand her presents. "First one is from Charlie and me."

Charlotte opened the present and inside was a movie. "You gave me the Clue movie."

Uncle Boddy said, "I couldn't resist. You like that movie so much I had to get it for you kid." He kissed her cheek.

Then Rebecca came up. "Here is mine."

It was a small box and when she opened it, it was a book…but not just any book. "The Curse of the Nightingale? It was part of your report."

Rebecca said, "It was and it got so popular that my teacher at the time published it in a magazine and is now the best seller. I figured you wanted one."

Charlotte smiled. "Thank you Rebecca."

Then Alexandra Rockford walked up. "Here's my present for you Charlotte."

Charlotte opened it and it was a dress. It was like Alexandra but in a different color, purple. "It's beautiful." She held it up against her body. "How did you know to get the right size?"

Alexandra said, "Thank Renee for the measurements."

Then Count Hershel walked up with his present. "This one's from me."

Charlotte opened it and laughed. "You're REALLY trying to go for the bear thing huh?" She held up a box set of Winnie the Pooh shows and movies.

Then Ichabod walked up. "Here's one from Jessica and me."

Charlotte opened it and it was a new scarf and mittens. "This would be perfect for my cases in the cold."

Jessica said, "Thought so since the Snow Queen case."

Then Edger walked up. "This one is from Poe and me."

Charlotte opened the present and it was a coupon for a game. Poe said, "American Macgee has released a computer came called Grimm. Figured since you have his version of Alice this would be appropriate."

Charlotte said, "Thanks. But I'll make sure to hide this from my friends. They might not be so happy on stories based on their life."

Hercule was the next up. "Here's something I think you'll really like."

Charlotte opened it and it was a crystal dragon. "Oh this is beautiful. Did you make this yourself?"

Hercule said, "Sure did. Though I tried not to make the dragon stereotypical."

Charlotte said, "Either way, I like this. I'll put it on my desk.

Then St. Teresa Poirot walked up. "Here's mine from me and the church."

Charlotte opened it and it was a DVD set. "The Sound of Music and The Flying Nun!"

Teresa said, "Figured you'd get a kick out of it."

Then Irene, Agatha, and Houdini walked up. "This is from the 3 of us." said Irene.

Charlotte opened it and it was a book for magic and paranormal. Agatha said, "After we heard about what happened at the theater. We figured you might be needing this."

Houdini said, "There's even some magic tricks to use against your enemies if needed."

Charlotte said, "Thanks guys."

Then Riki got up. "Here is mine."

Charlotte opened it and asked, "The advance version of physics?"

Riki said, "Since you've been a detective for a long time, study shows that it's time for you to learn the odds and ends of physics. That and I wrote it myself."

Uncle Body asked, "You did?"

"Yep." said Riki. "All 400 chapters. Should help you pass the time before your next case and all."

Charlotte said, "Thanks…"

Then Francis walked here. "Happy Birthday Charlotte." Charlotte opened it and it was a drawn picture of Charlotte in Sherlock Holmes garb and her Mist Wolf in Dr. Watson garb. "Since you brought home Dr. Watson I just couldn't resist."

Charlotte giggled. "Thanks Francis."

Soon it was Allison's turn. "Here's something you really like." She handed her a magazine page with a picture on it.

Charlotte said, "It's a picture of a motorcycle."

Allison said, "Yes but the real on will arrive at your house in 2 weeks and I made sure it was the best and the safest so your Uncle can get off my back."

Charlotte smiled. "Thanks Allison."

Then Engleburt walked up. "And here's something from Thaddeus, Trixie and me. Thaddeus couldn't be here cause he's on a case."

Charlotte opened her present and it was Lupin the 3rd collection set. She laughed. "Oh my God. Engleburt you know Lupin is a thief bad guy right?"

Trixie said, "Figured you wanted something funny that reminds you of the 2."

Then Heather walked up. "This one is from me."

Charlotte opened it and it was a collection set of CSI. "How did you get the set? The last season hasn't been released yet."

Heather said, "I pulled some strings. Since I looked like Catherine, they gave it to me in a snap."

Then the Justice Force walked. "Here's something from all of us." said Gideon.

Charlotte opened and went wide-eyed. "You got all of the Power Rangers shows, including movies?"

Adrian said, "You're welcome to skip a season if you want but we figured you'll like them."

Charlotte said, "Thanks. I was a big fan of the first 3 and Wild Force. Now I can watch them with ease."

Then Blanchetta and Travis walked up. "Here's something from the both of us."

Charlotte unwrapped it and laughed. "Oh my goodness. You gave me 'Fight Club' book and movie."

Travis said, "Hey you always wanted to see it. So why not?"

Then Green Fairy came up. "Here's something that might help you in your future cases."

Charlotte opened it and it was a gallery book on different fairies. "This is beautiful."

Green Fairy said, "I know they're might not be enough left but I figured it might help you in the future."

After she left, Madame Satine walked up. "Here's my present darling."

Charlotte opened and it was a white fur coat just like Satine. Uncle Boddy asked, "You didn't kill animals for this did you?"

Satine said, "The fur is fake so I'm not breaking any laws."

Charlotte put it on and said, "Feels like I'm Elizabeth Taylor."

Then Bonnie, Clyde, and Shakespeare walked up. "Here's something from us." said Bonnie. "It's a small show but we figured you'll like it.

Shakespeare got Blanchetta for help and then a rap beat started to play. Uncle Boddy said, "Epic Rap Battle of History. Romeo and Juliet vs. Bonnie and Clyde! Begin!"

Clyde: I'll handle this darling, I'm known to fire off some BAR's Cause if these lovers cross me, they're gonna end up seeing stars

Bonnie: I mean I'll let you go first, but damn sure I'm gettin' licks in On this hissy fittin' rich kid and this prepubescent vixen I'm sick of them

Clyde: Let's beat 'em then and we can rob 'em blind I'll stick this punk up from the front

Bonnie: I'll take this broad from behind and pop a cap in the ass of the last Capulet heiress Give Miss No Nights In Paris a reason to cry to her parents

Clyde: Oh! Romeo, O Romeo, wherefore you tryin' to flow yo? Mofo, you soft as a fro-yo. Are those the drapes or your clothes, bro? (Oooh)

Both: There's gonna be a tragedy Make you ache like your balls on the balcony Barrow Gang put their money where their mouth is Spit sick like a plague on both your houses

Romeo: My love, your face is beauty to behold I will protect thine honor from these dust bowl dildos

Juliet: A moment's break from your gaze is an eternity past so together we shall both put these bitches on blast

Romeo: En guard thou artless beetle headed flax wench the only insult you have thrust upon me is thine stench why don't you twist upon these nuts? I hear you're good with a wrench the dismal state of your raps should be a federal offense

Juliet: And you there, wench with the neck of a chicken You'll get an ass rippin' worse than your boyfriends in prison You're not a true romance, you're just a conjugal visit Oh, but that's not even your real husband now is it?

Clyde: Hey partner you best put a muzzle on your missus 'Fore I teach her how we handle disrespect down in Texas

Romeo: Do you quarrel sir? Ho, shall I draw my long sword or will you duck your chicken shit ass back into your Ford?

Bonnie: How could you beat my man in some mano a mano? You can't protect your best friend from some John Leguizamo

Juliet: No no, my Romeo will beat your beau in a contest blow for blow He will do upon thine dick what you hath done upon your toe (got shot) Oh! I am killed, what irony is this? The lead role shot down by a failed actress

Romeo: Then I shall kill myself on my stomach I shall lie so you louts can lick my ass, thus with a diss, I die

Juliet: Oops, nevermind, my flesh was merely grazed Where's Romeo? Oh Nomeo! There's poison on your face Oh happy dagger, pierce me true, persuade my breath to stop Sheath yourself inside my heart and like the beat I drop

Clyde: Well that was tragic

Bonnie: That did not go as expected

Clyde: Woulda done that boy some good to just wait a couple seconds

Bonnie: It's kinda sad though really, so young to have just died

Clyde: Well at least we got each other,

Bonnie: just Bonnie

Clyde: and- (gunshots then went to the ground).

Charlotte said, "Figured it was going to be a draw."

The 4 got up from the ground and Mildred walked up with her husband. "Here's a present from us."

Charlotte opened it and was a fedora hat with a butterfly pin on it. Charlotte put it on. "Now I look like a pimp in this coat." She laughed a bit.

Bahnoir said, "Well you never had one so why not."

Then Carter walked up. "And here's some for any art that you get."

Charlotte saw it was a fancy white picture frame. "This would be perfect for the picture I got from Snow White. Thanks."

Then Madeline walked up. "Here's something that I used to have when I was a child."

Charlotte opened it and it was a beautiful collar for Dr. Watson. "This is perfect." Dr. Watson walked up and put it around her neck. "And it fits perfectly."

Next was Phantom. "It's not much but I hope you like it." It was a bouquet of roses.

"Oh Phantom, they're lovely." said Charlotte. She sniffed them and the flowers weren't fake.

Then Slender walked up. "Here's a present from me as well as an apology present from the Red Riding Hood case."

Charlotte opened it and it was a fan comic. She opened it and when she got closer in the story she blushed. "This is exotic even for you."

Slender said, "Hey before you meet Rebecca you would look them up in secret and you would watch. Why not read?" Then he chuckled as he walked away.

Larry was next. "Here's something for cases if you need to hide."

Charlotte opened the box and saw fabric. When she pulled it out and wrapped it around, it was an invisibility cloak. "Sweet! Just like Harry Potter." She gently put it away.

Then Don Capone walked up. "Here's something for your movie collection."

He gave her the 'Godfather' trilogy. Charlotte said, "Awesome. I've been looking for these movies for weeks."

Capone said, "Thought you want something serious other then Goodfellas."

Then the Hardy Boys and the Hammer Twins walked up. "Happy Birthday Charlotte!"

Charlotte opened and laughed. "Oh jeeze. Charlotte's Web book and movie."

Rebecca said, "Now that's a good joke present."

Then Queen Victoria and Black Knight walked up. "Here's a present from us."

Charlotte opened it and it was 2 beautiful ball gowns. One was inspiration from Princess Anastasia from Russia and other was inspiration from Princess Diana of London. "These are beautiful."

Black Knight said, "And there's also tuxes in the same design just incase."

After that Maximillion Tennision walked up. "Here's my present that can go with the clothes."

Charlotte opened it and smiled. "Pearls! Pearl earrings, a pearl necklace, a pearl ring, and a pearl bracelet. How did you know I was into pearls and not diamonds?"

Maximillion said, "You're more in the classic chic so I figured this matches more with your personality."

Then Alvin walked up. "And here's something from me."

Charlotte opened it and it was a leather jacket. "Me likie." She looked at the design in the back and it was her family's crest. 2 sphinxes with a red shield in the middle. "This would go great with the motorcycle.

Then Johnny and his pig Manparts walked up. "Here's something from the both of us."

Charlotte opened it and it was a recipe book and not just any recipe book, but one from Julia Child. "Perfect! Now I can cook for your birthday Rebecca."

Then Rasputin walked up. "Here's my present Charlotte."

Charlotte was hesitant to open the present but when she did, she let out a breath of relief. It was a bible. "Thank you." She opened it and there was a bottle of scotch inside. "I don't drink yet."

Rasputin quickly took the book back. "There must have been a mix up. I'll give you your reason present soon." Then he left.

"That explains why in church he would yell 'I would lick any man in this room'." said Uncle Boddy.

Then Chaplin was next. "Happy Birthday Charlotte."

Charlotte opened it and smiled. "The 3 Stooges. I love these guys when I was a kid."

Rebecca said, "I never heard of them."

Charlotte said, "Trust me, after watching one episode you can binge for weeks with this comedy. Thanks Chaplin."

Then Miss Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde walked up. "Here you go."

Charlotte opened it and it was a mini chemistry set. "None of the chemicals are real right?"

Jekyll said, "We made sure."

Then Sweeny Todd and Mrs. Lovett walked up. "Here's our present."

Charlotte opened it and it was a pie. Charlotte paled. "Umm…thank you." She handed it to Uncle Boddy. "Make sure no one is missing." she whispered.

Then Iron Mask walked up. "Here present." Charlotte smiled kindly and opened it. It was metal gloves. "Protects hands from fire."

Charlotte said, "Thank you Iron Mask."

Then Dorian walked up. "Happy Birthday child and before you say anything I didn't do anything stupid to get this present."

Charlotte rolled her eyes and opened it and it was a comic collection of 'League of Extraordinary Men'. "Thank you. How did you know I have the movie?"

Dorian said, "When your uncle dared me to teach me a lesson. All I learned is that I looked beautiful for a villain."

Then Billy walked up. "Here's something I know you'll like."

Charlotte opened the box and it was a complete biography of Mass Reeves. The man that started the Lone Ranger. Charlotte asked, "How did you get this, let alone how did you know who the real Lone Ranger was?"

Billy said, "When it comes to cowboy stuff, you get info in a snap."

Then Elizabeth walked up and gently caresses Charlotte's face. "It's too bad I prefer young girls."

Charlotte glared as she opened the present. She looked down and it was a red vial. "Blood?"

"Do you want to be a vampire?" asked Elizabeth. Then she was taken away back to her cell.

Uncle Boddy took the vial. "I'll dispose of this properly."

Once things calmed down Scrooge, Past, Present, and Future walked up. Scrooge said, "Here's a present from all of us."

Charlotte opened it and it was a small snowwoman made out of a tube sock and rice. "Aww this is cute. Perfect center piece for the holidays."

Then Guy Fawkes walked up. "Happy 18th birthday my dear."

Charlotte opened his present and it was the movie 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. The same one from the V movie. "Wow. I can finally see the whole thing. I always catch the ending." Then Jack walked up and Charlotte paled. "If that box has a body part in there, kindly give it to Uncle Boddy." Jack didn't he placed it on her lap. Charlotte opened it slowly and she looked inside to see 'Silence of the Lambs' book. "Thank you."

Jack walked away and then Moriarty walked up. "Here's my present for you."

Charlotte opened it and inside was Sherlock Holmes book collection. "I thought he was your rival. At the most you would've destroyed this book."

Moriarty asked, "Why destroy my stamp on this world?"

Uncle Boddy said, "Almost forgot, Sherlock is here for you." Moriarty groans as Iron Mask walked him down.

Then Cthulhu came up. "This is from my clan and as a thank you for waking my friend."

Charlotte opened it and it was a trophy weapon. A naginata. Charlotte said, "Wow."

Cthulhu said, "Now this must not be use in combat. It's for display only."

Charlotte said, "Thank you." She handed it to Uncle Boddy.

Then Sizor walked up. "Here's my present for you."

Charlotte opened the box and inside was a dress, a wedding dress. "A wedding dress?"

Sizor said, "I had a vision that in the future you and your true love will marry. I just had to make the perfect wedding dress for you."

Charlotte smiled and blushed. "Thank you." Rebecca giggled.

After that, Kyoko walked up. "Here's something for you."

Charlotte opened it and it was a poster of Bruce Lee. "Cool. You even got him in his yellow jumpsuit."

"Nothing but the best for the birthday girl." she said.

Then Rebekah walked up. "Here's something from Garth and me."

Charlotte opened it and it was a samurai sword. Garth said, "Just like the last weapon, it's for display only. We had to blunt the blade just incase."

Charlotte said, "Thank you."

Then Pier walked up. "Here's my present for you." Then he started to play his original piece 'Shadow'. As he play it, his shadow behind him would shipshape and would dance in it's own.

The song and the show enchanted Charlotte. When it was over she chapped. "Thank you Pier. It was beautiful."

Then Death walked up. "Happy Birthday Charlotte."

Charlotte opened it and it was a little black dress. "Ooo sexy." She looked at Rebecca. "Defiantly can't wait for your birthday Rebecca."

Rebecca smiled. "I can imagine you wearing that."

Then Herman walked up. "Here you go kid."

Charlotte opened his present and saw it was a new pair of shoes. She put them one and stood up. "I love these Herman."

"You should since they will support your feet during your long cases."

Then Azizi walked up. "Happy birthday Charlotte."

Charlotte opened it and it was the movie and the book of the Shawshank Redemption. "Cool." Then she asked, "You didn't steal these did you?"

Azizi said, "If I did, I would be dead."

Then Angel walked up. "Me next! Me next!" She handed her, her present. "Happy Birthday!"

Charlotte opened it and it was a DVD collection of NCIS. "I knew you were going to give me this."

Angel said, "Well duh since we watch them all the time. This time you can watch them anytime you want."

Then Anuenue walked up. "Happy Birthday!"

Charlotte opened it and it was Mildrid's bust as though she's dead. "You need to lay off 'Rotten Girl, Grotesque Romance'." she said. Uncle Boddy quickly took it away.

Then Kurt walked up. "Here you go love."

Charlotte opened it and then a balloon girl popped out with its' crotch right in her face. "You didn't."

Kurt said, "Everyone has one."

Rebecca pinched his ear in pain and dragged him away. Charlotte said, "Well that was eventful."

Uncle Boddy said, "Hang on. You got 2 more. Here's one from Renee."

Charlotte opened it and it was a dream catcher. "This is beautiful. Finally no more nightmares."

Then Uncle Boddy handed her the last one. "And here's one from Grandpa. Found this in the room after you passed out in the theater."

Charlotte opened it and it was a locket. When she opened the locket it was her grandpa holding Charlotte and Renee. "This is beautiful." She put it on. "One of the best birthdays ever."

Uncle Boddy said, "Now it's time for the main event. Time to get your mark of the Dark Parables."

Charlotte took a deep breath. "I'm ready and I know where to put it."

Once they dropped off the present back at the house, and went to a local tattoo shop. Once inside, Uncle Boddy walked up to the clerk. "Probation over. Time for the mark."

The clerk knew exactly what he meant. "Who's the lucky rookie?"

Charlotte walked up. "Right here." She moved her hair out of the way and showed him the back of her neck. "Back here please."

The clerk asked, "You don't want out in the open?"

Charlotte said, "With the cases I have, can't take the risk. Especially if it's undercover."

Uncle Boddy got the camera out. "This is going to be good."

Rebecca said, "Don't worry I'll hold your hand the whole time."

The 4 went to the back, and once the clerk was ready, Charlotte tied her hair back, got on the chair, and waited for it to start. Rebecca sat in front of her holding her hands as Uncle Boddy started the recording. Once the outline was there, and Charlotte heard the machine she said, "Ah fuck fuck fuck!" Then she felt the needle and yelled, "FUCK FUCK FUCK!"

Uncle Boddy laughed. "Oh I'm so going to put this on YouTube."

Rebecca put a cloth in Charlotte's mouth so she wouldn't bite her tongue. "You should've waited until you were 21. Then you would've been so drunk you wouldn't even feel it."

Charlotte muffled. "Should've have thought of that."

Charlotte felt a nerve and squeezed hard. Rebecca then had a face of pain. "Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow."

Uncle Boddy said, "Luckily no screaming. Partly deaf when I went through it."

Charlotte said, "Shut the fuck up." She felt more pain and started kicking. Luckily none of them hit Rebecca. "If this is what it feels like for tattoos, I don't want to find out during childbirth."

Rebecca said, "That's why there's adoption. You have that option. Besides aren't your bones flat for it?"

Uncle Boddy said, "All Boddy women have flat bones and c-section scars."

Then Charlotte started to stomp and took the cloth out of her mouth. "PLEASE tell me the outline is almost done."

The clerk said, "This one is at least 3 hours tops."

Rebecca said, "It's only a small tattoo."

"But with a couple of different colors and constant refills, it's going to take a while." said the clerk. "Just be happy it's not on a foot, neck, ribs, or above the V."

Charlotte said, "That doesn't exactly make me feel better."

Rebecca asked, "When will I get mine Mr. Boddy?"

He replied, "When I see fit. Normally after the 5th case. Since Charlotte did a fill in and went against the Pied Piper, we're not counting it."

Rebecca said, "Then I got ways to go."

Charlotte said, "Then I'll make sure you're drunk for this." Once the outline was done, it was time for the color. "Oh God! How I wish I could pass out right now."

The clerk said, "Can't do that. It means you need sugar to keep you up."

Charlotte said, "I lost 77 pounds 10 years ago. Once I have sugar it comes right back. But I can take soda."

Uncle Boddy said, "I'll give you Root Beer AFTER the tattoo. Not before or during. You're clamping your teeth so hard the soda might make it worst."

3 hours later the clerk was done. "Alright you are done."

Charlotte said, "Thank God." She moved her neck a bit cause of stiffness.

Rebecca said, "It look beautiful. You got to see it."

Charlotte walked up to the mirror and looked at her new ink and smiled. "This is awesome!" She was nearly jumping up and down. "The pain was so worth it."

Uncle Boddy took a picture of it. "Going on the wall in the office." Then he stopped the camera. "Do you want another one?"

"Only when I earn it." said Charlotte. She gave the clerk the money. "Thanks man for the ink."

He replied, "No problem. See you next time."

Then the 3 left to go back to DP. As they entered the office, Uncle Boddy yelled, "CHARLOTTE IS AN OFFICAL!" Everyone cheered at the news. "Too bad I gave you the office early."

"That's okay. Your gift to me is a week to Disneyworld for 2." said Charlotte. Uncle Boddy frown and hit the back of her head. "Yeah like I can afford a trip like that."

"Well what about the $750,000 you keep hidden in your office under your floorboards?" asked Rebecca.

Uncle Boddy quickly covered her mouth but it was too late. Already everyone was rushing to Uncle Boddy's office and started to tear things apart. He let go of Rebecca and ran to his office like roadrunner. Charlotte said, "See, that's why you're on probation." She whistle and Dr. Watson ran to her. "Let's go home before we become collateral damage."

The 3 left to go home. Once home, Charlotte went to the back yard, which was a small forest and unleash Dr. Watson. "No surprise birthday presents in the morning." Dr. Watson barked and ran off. Then Charlotte went back inside the house and sat down on the living room. "What a day."

Rebecca said, "The day isn't over yet." She came in from the kitchen holding a small birthday cake. "Hope you got room for cake. Made sure it was mint and chocolate."

Charlotte smiled. "Yummy, yummy, yummy."

Rebecca opened the plastic and got 2 plates out. Charlotte cut the small cake and the 2 shared it. Rebecca asked, "So how long do you need to wear the bandage?"

"A couple of hours but I'm leaving it on for a few days to be sure." said Charlotte. "Then after that I have to put on some aquaphor. My uncle will give me the aftercare tomorrow if he's still alive and hasn't fired everyone yet."

Rebecca said, "My and my big mouth." She took a bite of the cake. "Then again it's the reason why I'm a journalist."

Charlotte took a bite of her cake. "Sometimes it's a good thing. It means you can never tell a lie. I can't say a lie to save my life. But you need to control it or you'll start gossiping. Have you seen the show 'Living Single'?"

Rebecca nodded. "Used to watch it when it was out."

"Well there's reruns on TV but there's one character that gossip all the time and it nearly got her in trouble when she was a juror. Long story short, she knew the defendant was the perp, no one believed her, everyone hated her, and a silent monk shoved his sandal up her ass." said Charlotte.

Rebecca started to laugh. "She pissed off a monk? How can you do something like that?"

Charlotte said, "Like I said, she has a big mouth." Then she asked, "Where are my presents?"

Rebecca said, "They're still at DP, but they're at a safe place. So later on we'll pick them up. I haven't seen your sister in a while, is she okay?"

Charlotte said, "Me and Renee are total opposites. She likes to travel, a fortuneteller, and free spirited. She's the type of girl that doesn't like to be caged."

Rebecca asked, "What about Mr. Wilson?"

Charlotte shook her head. "Uncle Boddy took over. And even if he finds something, he wouldn't tell me cause of what happened in Darcy's room."

Rebecca asked, "And you're parents?"

"Never coming home. I just have to wrap around my head that, they ran off. So tish-tosh don't give a crap about them. And even if they come back, the master bedroom is already filled." said Charlotte.

Rebecca said, "I just wish I know who they are and what they look like. I haven't seen a wedding photo here."

Charlotte said, "That means that they took everything when they left. Sounds strange but oh well." Then she said, "I wonder what America is like now."

Rebecca said, "I've read the news about the states, until things calm down, best to stay here."

Charlotte asked, "That bad huh?"

"I've been 4 years since 9/11 so still too fresh." said Rebecca.

"Well at least America didn't reelected Bush. He did squat shit." Charlotte saw Rebecca's uneasy face. "You got to be kidding me."

"Last chance for screw things over." said Rebecca.

Charlotte groaned. "Great. Scared for the future now over there. Be scared out of my mind if any of my case goes there at this time. Especially in the South."

Rebecca asked, "What are scared of the South?"

"One reason only: Racist bigots hicks KKK loving Neo-Nazi rednecks bastards. I know it hasn't been like that since the 1960s but even if I live in Texas I wouldn't sleep for 4 months out of fear of a burning cross in my front yard." said Charlotte.

"But you're Catholic." said Rebecca.

"Anyone that doesn't say 'Christian' is on their hit list." said Charlotte.

Rebecca said, "You need to lay off the history books and go back on your fantasy reading research."

Charlotte shook her head as she finishes eating. "My office is covered with fantasy books. I don't mind realistic books in the house just to recover from the missions. I even have video games here just to relax."

Rebecca said, "Yeah you have Bayonetta 1 & 2, Mortal Kombat 9 & X, Brutal Legend, and American Macgee Alice games. So all together you have 2 or 3 consuls."

"We have 2 or 3 consuls since you have Just Dance games, DJ hero, and Zumbas." said Charlotte. Then she asked, "So what other birthday surprises do you have for me?" So for the rest of the night, the 2 enjoyed each other's company…in more ways than one. But don't worry Charlotte is still virtuous.

The next morning 2 were finally dressed and were outside of the house walking Dr. Watson around town. Rebecca said, "I want to ask you something. I read your report of the Dark Piper. Do you think he survived?"

Charlotte said, "To be honest I don't really know. There haven't been any reports of him as of yet and I was the only one, besides the cat, to escape from the clock tower. Even if he did survive he can't go anywhere except here to be trialed and punished."

Rebecca hugged Charlotte's arm. "Are you sure you're only into girls?"

Charlotte asked, "What's with the questioning? Yes I'm 18 and still developing but know what kind of gender I like." She turned to Rebecca and asked, "What's wrong?"

Rebecca said, "Just thinking too much I guess."

Charlotte asked, "Have you been dumped by a chick before?"

Rebecca said, "Well there was this one girl, back at the university, before I meet you. We were a couple since high school. It was our 5th anniversary of dating and I booked a wonder trip to Hawaii. Well when I got home from school and spring in the surprise, I heard noises in our bedroom and when I came in, she was with a dude. She saw me and as I yelled at her, she screamed by that we're over and I'm into dudes."

Charlotte said, "Your ex sounds like a real bitch Rebecca. But I'm not like her. I love you." She stopped walking and made Rebecca turned to her. "The only way we can ever break up is when the flames go out, which is not happening anytime soon." She kissed Rebecca and Rebecca kissed her back. Once they broke away Charlotte said, "Now stop worrying. Let's just enjoy our day off."

Rebecca said, "You're right. Sorry for being so down in the dumps."

Charlotte said, "It's alright."

Once at the building, they saw the building was still in tacked and once inside, nothing was smashed or broken. Rebecca said, "Well what do yo know, the place survived." They went to Charlotte's office where all her gifts were, and gathered them up and left before they were noticed. "You think everyone's fired?"

Charlotte shook her head. "Nope. If he did, that would be end of the Dark Parables and the town would be bankrupted."

Rebecca said, "But I thought they had other jobs."

Charlotte said, "They do but everyone in town can get easily board." Once back at the house, they put all the gifts away and even made way for some of the new ones that will come in soon. "Besides if there's a very BIG case, it might take everyone in town to solve it."

Rebecca asked, "Has that ever happened?"

Charlotte shook her head. "No but we're prepared if it does happened. We even have a bet to see how long it'll take to solve it, depending on the case."

Rebecca nodded. "I can see that. One more question. Why are you harboring fugitives?"

Charlotte said, "We're not really. For some this is a prison town, thus the nanos. If one bad guy steps out of boundaries, law-wise and location wise, they will become human fountains. Once they're dead, they give them an honorable grave, and auction off their stuff to pay for the clean up."

Rebecca asked, "It gets that messy?"

"That you got to ask uncle." said Charlotte. "Never seen it and I'm not allowed to place my bet yet." Then she went to the living room and turned on the TV. "So any movie you want to watch?"

Rebecca got on the couch and put her head on Charlotte's lap. "Got any mind thrillers?"

Charlotte looked at her movie list. "How about Murphy's Law?"

Rebecca nodded. "Yes please." So Charlotte put on the movie.

For those not in the know, Jack Murphy a hardened, antisocial LAPD detective, frequently escapes the harsh reality that his ex-wife has become a stripper and his career is going nowhere by drinking. His world is turned upside down, however, when he is framed by ex-convict Joan Freeman for putting her in prison earlier in his career. Freeman murders the detective's ex-wife and begins killing off his associates while framing him for the crimes. The same police force he works for places him under arrest with Arabella McGee a foul-mouthed petty thief he locked away. Murphy escapes from jail while still handcuffed to McGee and they pursue the real killer. While in pursuit of Freeman, who has managed to kill all of those on her hit list save Murphy, Arabella is kidnapped by Freeman and taken to the building where Murphy first arrested her. Murphy calls for reinforcement and is met with skepticism. Murphy heads off to rescue Arabella, in the building he is stalked by Freeman who is armed with a crossbow. Meanwhile Arabella is bound and gagged at the bottom of an elevator shaft. The cop following Murphy arrives and draws his gun on Murphy and reveals that he is dirty and working for a mob boss named Vincenzo, whose brother was killed by Murphy. Freeman quickly dispatches the cop with an arrow. Vincenzo tires of wait and he and his two-body guard enter the building posing another threat to Murphy. Murphy easily dispatches the two bodyguards before goading Vincenzo to try and kill him himself. Vincenzo attacks Murphy but Murphy shoots him dead. Freeman sends the elevator down in an attempt to kill Arabella. Murphy saves her just in the nick of time. But Freeman fires an arrow into Arabella's back goading Murphy into a confrontation. She attacks Murphy with an axe and he knocks her over the railing of the staircase on the top floor. She manages to take hold of the axe, which is wedged in the railing. She tries to get Murphy to help her. He stands and watches as she begins to slip. She yells at him to go to hell, he responds ladies first. With that she slips and falls to her death. Murphy is loaded into the back of an ambulance with a still alive Arabella, and they head off to the hospital.

Charlotte said, "That was a good movie."

Rebecca said, "Same here." Then she stretched. "I wish there was a gym here."

Charlotte said, "Same here. I tried once at the hall but it didn't solve anything except I have to pay for the damage. Fist too strong."

Rebecca said, "Sounds like you did it before."

"Not me but I uncle did." said Charlotte. "If you go into the master bedroom, there's a picture of Grandpa Wilson and his 2 sons. It's always crooked for some reason and if you lift the picture, and press against the wall, you will feel a pocket as big as Uncle's head where the stud should be."

Rebecca said, "Show me." The 2 went back in the bedroom and removed the picture Charlotte mentions about. Then she felt the space and felt the pocket. "Holy crap you're right. How does the house still standing?"

Charlotte said, "This is a custom build house. Whatever studs are in a normal house, this one has double."

Rebecca laughs. "No way."

Charlotte smiled. "Nope. Whoever owns this house gets to add an extra room to the house. So by the time I'm a 5 times great-grandma this place will look like Winchester's Mystery House in the USA."