Elena still hasn't gotten over Alastor not trusting her with teaching her how to take control of her powers. Even though she feels bad for making her mother upset, she can be stubborn…just like her dad. Although she will start to learn just how dangerous hell actually is.
Ch 14: Snake in the Grass
[Third Person POV]
Friday after school Elena went home feeling down, mainly because of her being bullied that day but also because yesterday still played in her head. It would be the weekend and her father told her they had plans for family activities for all of them. It made her a little excited to be home and with her parents. Specially to make things up to her mom for making her upset.
After she got home Friday, she didn't stay inside for long as she went back out into the woods to take a walk. She always enjoyed it but she never went far, only going down the dirt path of the home and back.
Elena was walking before it was time for dinner. As she did, she was talking out loud to herself. "I still don't know what to do about my powers. How can I unlock them? I can show my dad what I can do if I have something. Show him I can prove my worth." The girl sighed. "I want to be like dad, I know I won't be as strong but I want my powers to emerge somehow." She realized that she had reached the end of the path and was now looking out into the craziness that was the city. "How can I prove to my parents I am worthy enough?" She said sadly as she stood there for a bit, looking out as demons walked by without a care in the world. "Bad enough the kids at school bully me for not having powers being this young and who my father is. I want to prove them wrong as well as protect myself." Her ears went back a little.
"You knowww…I might be able to helpppp you." A voice called out to her.
Elena jumped in surprise by the voice and looked around and didn't see anyone anywhere. Her ears went back as she was confused. "Who's there?" She asked as she looked around her.
"A frienddd." The voice said after a pause. "I know your fatherrr and I heard your small tale of woe and want to help youuu."
"You know my dad?" Elena wondered.
The voice chuckled, "Yessss, you're the daughter of the Radio Demonnnn, correct?"
"Yea that's me. My name is Elena." She introduced herself. She had stopped trying to look around and was just standing still but kept her ears sharp.
"Such a prettyyyy name. I will tell you my name, in dueeee time. For now I want to helppp you."
"How can you help me?" The girl questioned.
"I can bring your powerssss out and help you use them. I heard you wanted to sssshow your father that you can be ssstrong and deal with those bulliesss at school….well I can do that."
"How?"
"I am an invvventor. A tinkerer. A geniussss. I can help you with the help of my machinesss. If you give me the cccchance."
"An inventor huh? Sounds interesting. So, you would try to help me release my powers by using your machines to get it out of me?"
"Preciselyyyy."
Elena stopped to think for a moment and it honestly wasn't that bad of an idea. Plus, they said they knew their father so they must be friends. They just want to help her. "Well, ok, I guess it's worth a shot."
"Wonderful! Now, I know it's the weekend for you and I'm sure you want to spend time with your folks so let me pick you up on Monday at school."
"What about my studies?" Elena wondered.
"Well if you want to learn about your powers that is going to have to take over your school time. Your parentssss drop you off. I will pick you up then I bbbring you back to ssschool. It's like you never leftttt. Are you willing to accept thissss?"
The hybrid girl sighed. She thought for a second but then realized that learning her powers would help her in school down the road. She nodded, "Ok. I'll do it."
"Absolutely amazing then my dear. I'll see you Monday." The voice said happily.
"Wait, I don't even know your name." Elena said quickly before the voice left.
"Just call me Pentttt for now. My full name willlll be revealed to you onnn Monday." The voice told her and then laughed. "Until thennn little doggie."
Then the presence of the voice was gone and Elena was left feeling confused still but excited at the same time. He said he was a friend of her father's. She knew that he had a lot of friends that he never really talked about. She took its word for it. She had to keep this a secret though, no one had to know she was going to do this. She wanted to surprise her dad and boy would he be in for it then.
"Elena!" Her mom's voice echoed through the forest as she called her daughter.
The girl's ears picked up her mom's voice. She giggled and jumped happily before running back home for dinner.
After the weekend went by, it was Monday again and that meant that Elena had to go back to school. The whole weekend the family spent time together and tried to make up for the missed week they were away. Elena had dropped the conversation about her powers but that didn't mean she had it in the back of her head. She still didn't like her father's answer about the whole thing but after the outburst she thought it was just best to drop it. At the same time, she had to keep her secret with the mysterious voice she talked to the other day.
During this time, they went on a picnic and had fun with Rufio at a hellhound park. It was an enjoyable weekend for all of them. Even took time away from the hotel for a few days. Luckily, nothing major happened. Made Elena enjoy the time with her family. Making her mom happy as she wanted to make it up to her from making her upset. Alastor was happy to see his family growing together and maybe soon, adding another.
With today being Monday, Heart would be going back to the hotel. Alastor was heading back to the radio tower for his show while Elena went back to school. They drove in the car to school and Elena was happily humming in the back seat. She was excited to start doing stuff with her powers today, she just wondered how she was going to see the mysterious voice. How could she get out of school? Time would have to tell.
They parked the car once in the parking lot and the parents helped the girl out of the car and made sure she had everything. "You have a good day ok pup?" Heart said as she helped the girl with her book bag.
"I will, mommy." Elena said with her tail wagging. "I'm just happy to have you guys back home."
"And we're happy to be back." Alastor patted the girl's head. "Now better get going before your late."
The girl nodded, hugged both her parents, and headed into the school. The two watched her head inside as they got back into the car. Heart sighed happily. "I feel today is going to be good." She says.
The deer looks over to his wife. "What makes you say that my love?"
She shrugged. "I don't know. I can just feel it." She smiles.
"Your tail explains it all." He chuckled as he saw the woman's tail wagging happily against the seat of the car.
Heart blushed and looked away from the man as her tail tucked under her leg. "Oh, Al come on." She whined.
The Radio Demon laughed. "Oh, my darling, you're so cute. Come now, let's go, we have a big day ahead of us." He said as he started the car and headed out of the school parking lot.
Inside the school Elena walked into her classroom, putting her bag up in her cubby and went to her desk. She noticed a small note sticking out of the top shelf where she kept her pencil case. She was confused so she took the note and read it to herself.
The note read:
Meet me near the bathroom at the end of the hall. I'll be taking you out of school and returning you before school ends.
-Pent
Elena looked around and tucked the note in her pocket. With all the kids distracted with each other, she snuck out of the classroom and down the hall. It was quiet and there were some kids still running to their homerooms for the morning. She made it to the end of the hall where the bathrooms are. She stood there confused. Where should she go now? How was he going to sneak her out?
There was a janitor's closet not far away from the bathrooms, she heard it click open. She watched it a moment before she headed over to it slowly. She looked inside and saw the light wasn't on. She walked into the room and saw a window that led outside. She noticed it was open.
"Come out the window." A voice called out from the other side.
Elena wasn't sure at first but used a ladder in the room to climb up and out the window. She landed on the ground perfectly. When she looked up she was amazed at what she saw. Egg men were surrounding her. She had never seen anything like them before so she was a little weirded out.
"Follow us kid." One of the eggs said.
"Yes, don't want to keep Mr. Boss Man waiting." Another told her.
They all turned and started walking. Elena was honestly so confused but the egg men must have worked for Pen, so she followed. Moving along the school walls, just under the windows of classrooms. They made their way across the street and into an alleyway. Elena followed the egg men until they arrived at a ladder in a dead end. The girl looked up and was amazed to see a giant floating air machine above her.
"Lady's first." The lead egg said and they moved to the side.
The girl was hesitant at first but she went up the ladder and started to climb it. The eggs behind her. Soon they were a quarter of the way up when the ladder started to move and it brought her up into the airship. She eeped in surprise but looked up and held on tightly as she was lifted up and then onto the ship.
Once inside, she was met with an odd yellow and black interior with many moving cogs and gears. Steam filled the room now and then from pipes that all seemed to work together. Elena stood there with the egg men and they started to walk in a direction through a doorway. So, she followed and was led down a hallway until they got to a spacious room. It looked like the control room as she could see Pentagram City out in front of her. It was honestly an amazing view she has never seen.
"Ahhh, ssssso thissss is the youngster of the great Alastorrrr." A voice said beside her.
Elena turned and looked to her left to see a giant snake demon; he had the hood of a cobra that was outstretched. Eyes were on his cobra hood as well as down his stomach. He was pretty tall compared to her so she was almost intimidated. She tried to stand her ground though and did not seem afraid.
"You must be Pent?" Elena asked.
"Yesssss. Such a clever girl you are. I am Sir. Pentious. I welcome you to my abode in the sky." The snake said, holding his arms up to gesture around him.
Elena smiled and wagged her tail. "You have a wonderful flying machine, Pent. I'm extremely impressed."
Pentious smiled and put his hands together. "Thank youuuu, my girl. I am gllllad you think so. I work hard to make thissss place home or at leasssst a second homeee." He laughed. "Now, for why youuu are here."
"I am here so you can help me discover my powers, but how are we going to do that?" Elena wondered.
"I am glad you asked. Follow me." Pent said and moved past her and then down another hallway.
Elena shrugged and followed him, wondering what he had in store. Things went through her head about what might happen but nothing too bad. She was just excited to see what Pent had thought for her. Plus, she could finally show her dad how strong she could be with powers. Prove to him that she is worth something and not a weakling.
Soon they appeared in another spacious room. One that looked like a lab out of a Sci-fi movie. Tubes, wire, vials of liquid and many tools laid around the area. Some of the egg minions were around doing stuff, either welding together some medals or cleaning. Many things were going on in this room. It was hard to take it all in.
Soon Sir. Pentious stopped and turned around. "Now, let's start off with some simple stuff today, little one. We won't get to any magic learning but we will do some tests on you if that is ok? We have to see what your body can withstand and that can help us."
"Oh. Well ok." Elena said as she put her ears back. "Just don't hurt me please. My daddy would notice and then he'd ask questions."
"No worries. Nothing will happen to you. Just some small tests so nothing to worry about." Pent told her and led her over to a chair. "Just stay still and we'll take some blood and other things. Sounds ok?"
Elena sat down in the chair and got comfortable. "I'll be ok with that. I'm used to having those kinds of tests done on me since my grandpa keeps track of me."
"Well then we shouldn't have a problem then." The snake said as he put some gloves on. "Let's get started then."
[Heart's POV] (At the hotel)
After dropping off Elena, I was honestly worried about her going back but I knew she would be ok. It's just the way school was and I knew it wouldn't get any better. Even so, after that talk we had about her powers it was hard for her. She was stubborn…just like her father. Everything would come in time. As for now I was just trying to get through the day at the hotel.
My crafting sessions didn't go well today as we had a fight break out. Luckily, Husk came running to the rescue to break it up and I was far away as I could from everything. I usually would try to break up fights….but if I were pregnant then I was useless. I couldn't take any chances, especially turning into my demon forms. Charlie dealt with the two demons that started the fight while I cleaned up and sent everyone back to their rooms for the day.
While I was cleaning up, Vegas was still around and was willing to help me out. The shepherd demon was still so nice to me, he usually stayed to clean up anyway. Made me glad he was still around the hotel and surprised he still came to my crafting days.
"Thank you for the help Vegas." I said as I put some brushes away.
"It was no worries. I am happy to help." He said as he picked up the last of the papers on the floor.
I sighed. "I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to break up the fight."
"Hey, it's ok." Vegas said to me with a pat on my back. "No one else got hurt and that's what matters. Besides, Husk was quick to react and help out."
"Yes he was and I'm glad of that." I say as I organized the paint on the shelf. "If I'm pregnant I can't take any chances."
"We understand or at least I do." Vegas said as he handed me some of the last of the paints. "Don't worry so much about it, ok?"
"Yes I guess you're right." I sighed again. "I should be able to clean up everything else here. You may go."
"Are you sure?" The canine wondered with a tilt of his head.
I smiled, "Positive. You go enjoy the rest of your afternoon, Vegas."
"Thanks Heart, don't stress out too much ok. See you later." He waved before heading out the door.
Once the room was cleaned up I decided I should just break for the rest of the day. So, I decided to head up to the fifth floor to see Dr. Talon. I walked to the elevator and stepped on. The ride up was quiet and I was just lost in thought. So much has been going on today and I just wanted to relax. I might go to my hotel room for a bit to nap before going to pick up Elena from school.
The elevator stopped at the floor I needed and I headed out and knocked on the door. Soon it opened to show Dr. Talon there.
"Evening Marcus, I hope I'm not interrupting?" I greeted the red wolf demon.
The wolf shook his head and opened the door more for me, "Not at all my girl. Please come in."
I did as told and walked into the exam room and went over to the table to sit down. "I know I'm early."
"That is ok, I heard from Niffty about what happened downstairs. I'm sorry that happened." The wolf said as he went around the room getting some things. He already knew why I was here.
"Niffty tells you everything." I said with a laugh.
Dr. Talon chuckled. "She does. She is my gossip queen while I'm up here being a hermit."
"Oh, doc you're not a hermit." I tell him as he gets back over to me.
"Heart, when do you ever see me downstairs?" The wolf asked as he arranged his tools.
Now that I think about it, I only saw him when food was ready and he would sit around the table with the rest of us. He rarely came downstairs. "You work too hard Marcus. You need a vacation." I told him with a smile and a small giggle.
That made him chuckle as well, "Perhaps but there is no rest for the wicked I'm afraid."
"At least take a day off." I suggested.
"Perhaps, I won't leave it out of the question." He said and sat down. "Now let's draw this blood."
I nodded and gave my arm to the wolf and he did what he needed to get a tube of blood from me and then took it to his machine and put it inside. Now all we had to do was wait.
The scientists got a clipboard and walked back over to me. "Alright, while we wait for that, how about we chat? Been a week since I saw you last." He said and fixed his glasses.
I laughed. "Yes my season was pretty crazy this year but at least it's done and over with." I told him and played with my hands.
"Mine wasn't too bad this year to be honest. I lock myself up for about two or three days then it's over." The wolf said.
My ears went back. "Do you…find anyone during that time?"
"No, I'll just ride it out. That is what toys and my hands are for my girl."
"Ok I guess you have a point."
"Besides, I can't really find love again after my wife. I can't seem to have a connection with anyone." He told me as his ears went back.
I reached over and patted his shoulder. "I understand Marcus, don't worry. I can imagine it would be hard. At the same time, you're still committed to your wife and that is romantic."
Dr. Talon smiled. "Thank you dear. That means a lot."
"You're welcome." I smiled and my tail wagged.
At that the machine dinged and both of our ears went up. The red wolf stood up and went over to the machine as it started to print out the paper. He went over and picked it up then I saw him move his eyes across the page as he read it. I sat there patiently as he took in all the information the machine had for him. Let everything that happened during my mating season be for something.
Soon the wolf walked over and handed me the results without a word. I had looked at the data in the past and knew how to read it. I looked over the paper and when I saw the highlighted part on it my tail started to wag happily. I made a happy yip noise and held the paper close to me.
"Congratulations." Dr. Talon said with a smile of his own and his tail wagging.
"Oh my god I can't wait to tell Al. He is going to be so excited." I say and jump up to hug the scientist. "Thank you again so much doc. You're amazing."
He hugged me back, "Of course, I know Elena will probably be excited too."
I gave a small laugh, "Well…having another sibling was her idea."
"Then I think she'll be delighted by the news." The wolf let me out of the hug. "Now I want to schedule you for an ultrasound in about a month, how does that sound? I want to see how far along you are and how the fetus is developing."
"I can do that, yes. Do you want me to start coming to see you every week?" I asked him.
"Once a week, yes, if you can. Just because this is your second pregnancy and I want to see how it goes." The scientist answered.
I nodded. "Sounds good doc. I'll also let you know if anything weird happens." I say as I get excited thinking about going through all this again. "Oh, it's just like when I was with Elena."
Marcus chuckled then said, "Speaking of which. You should be heading back to pick her up from school."
I looked at the clock in the room and gasped. "Oh, my goodness you're right. I should get going." I said and gave him one last hug. "Thank you so much Marcus, I'll see you at dinner."
"Sounds good. Safe travels." The scientist said as I started to head out the door.
Walking out of the room and down the elevator. I got into the car and started to drive my way to the school. The whole way there I was excited to tell the news to Alastor and Elena. As well as everyone else. It made me excited and gitty just thinking about it. Plus, part of me missed being pregnant, to a point. I chuckled from that thought and soon arrived at the school.
[Third Person POV] (With Elena)
Once the snake demon was all done with his small tests on her, he realized the time. They didn't even realize that they had been at this all morning. So, after drawing some of her blood and basically doing a whole exam on the girl, he just showed her around for the time being. Talked about his plan on how he was going to help her. He even had a small spot of open field he could go to so she could practice with no demons around. Flying around Pentagram City and seeing everything there was to see. It was wild to see everything from so high up.
It was time for Elena to soon be heading back to school. So, Sir Pent parked his blimp right where it was before. Then lowered the girl down to the ground in the alleyway and the egg boys led her back to the school. They had her go back in the way she came out and as soon as she was walking down the hallway and got to her homeroom the bell rang. Her ears twitched at the sound.
"I've been gone all day?" She thought, surprised as the door opened and the kids started to come out of the room.
Elena was able to get into the room, grab her stuff then leave without a word to anyone. Sam seemed to have already left so she could avoid questions from her friend for the time being. She walked down the hall and headed out to the parking lot. She spotted her mother in her usual spot, standing by the car waiting for her. Her tail wagged and she ran the rest of the way to wrap her arms around her mom in a hug.
"Woo there little one." Heart said with a chuckle and hugged her daughter. "Did you have a good day?"
Elena nodded and pulled out of the hug. "Yes, I had a wonderful day. It was nice and no one bullied me today." She smiled.
"That makes me happy to hear pup." The woman smiled as well and patted the girl's head. "I'm glad your day went well." She then went to help the girl into the car. "Now let's go back to the hotel, I have something very important to tell you and your father."
"Can you tell me now?" The girl asked excitedly.
"No, I want to wait till your father arrives. I think it would be better to tell you together." Heart says.
"Oh fineeeee." Elena whined slightly and that just made her mother giggle and shake her head.
Once Elena was secured in the car, they went back to the hotel. Once they got there, Heart helped the girl with her homework. After a little while Alastor soon arrived at the hotel and was greeted by the two.
"It's my two favorite people in all of hell." Alastor greeted them as he hugged them both.
"Mommy now that daddy is here, you can tell us the important thing you wanted to say." Elena pointed out as she was being held by her dad on his hip.
"Oh, some news you say?" The deer wondered as his ears perked up. "What, pray tell, are you to tell us my little wolf?"
"Can we be somewhere more private and not in the lobby?" Heart blushed.
"Of course, my dear. Let's head to your room. We can be there till dinner is done." Alastor suggested. "I'm sure they can manage everything without me."
"Sounds good." The woman smiled with a nod.
The small family walked their way up the stairs and down the hall to the end where their rooms lay. They went to Heart's on the left and headed inside. The older hybrid let the two sit on the bed. The deer put the little one on the bed first and then he sat down. The girl started to bounce slightly on the bed with a small giggle.
Heart stood in front of them and started to play with the sleeves of her jacket. Her husband had his attention on her while also keeping track of the girl. "So, I guess I'll just say off the top. I went to see Dr. Talon today and he was able to give me some news."
Elena stopped moving and looked at her mother as she said that and spoke. "It's nothing bad right?" She asked.
The older hybrid smiled and shook her head. "Nothing bad. Honestly, it's something exciting." Her tail wagged happily. She took a breath. "I'm pregnant." She said happily and let out a happy yip.
There was a moment of silence before Elena started to clap happily. "I get to have a sibling!?"
"Yep that's right." Heart answered her with a giggle.
Alastor stood up and wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly for a moment before leaning down and giving her a long kiss.. "Oh, my darling this is exciting news! Have you told the others?"
Heart shook her head, "No I wanted to-"
"Well there needs to be no wait!" Alastor interrupted. He walked quickly out the door and back down the hall.
"-Tell you first." Heart finished as the man left. She sighed and put a hand to her forehead. "What am I to do with that egghead?"
Elena giggled. "Well dad is excited too at least."
The woman laughed. "That he is. He did the same exact thing when I found out I was pregnant with you. He went around the whole hotel telling everyone. It was funny to see him act that way."
"Well let's go!" Elena said happily and jumped from the bed and ran after her father.
Heart laughed and watched them go. She shook her head and followed slowly behind them. As she closed her door, she turned and watched them go down the hall. She put a hand to her stomach unconsciously.. "What crazy stuff will you get into now?" She chuckled. "Time will tell but at least you're in a place you will be loved." Was all she said and walked down the hallway following her husband and daughter who were ahead.
End of this one. Sorry it took me so long. I've been having some writers block but I'm trying my best. With this chapter we finally get to see Sir Pen and he has some things up his sleeves…but what?