A/N: Sorry for the late update; summer classes help you get ahead but they're definitely not stress, or homework, free. Thank you for the reviews! Enjoy!


Draculaura's fangs punctured the filmy skin of the tomato in her hand, sending cold juice into her mouth. Her bangs and loose hair were whipped back by the wind as the light began to peek through the clouds of the morning sky. Luckily, she had her umbrella opened in the other hand.

Though most of the land surrounding the Queen's city was razed by fire, the grass beneath Draculaura's seated form was surprisingly soft and green. The vampire swallowed down her snack and let out a sigh. She had been alive for over sixteen hundred years and in about only five she had never felt more ancient.

She rose from the ground and made her way to the small brick building that was the kitchen.

Gory was rummaging through the metallic cabinets when she noticed Draculaura walk in. She turned to her with a sneer then snatched something from one of the opened cabinets. "Here you go, Draculaura," she said, holding out a palm-sized jar toward the other vampire.

Draculaura scrutinized the plastic container. "That's negative," she said. "I prefer positive."

The other vampire rolled her eyes. "Fine," she sighed emphatically as she sifted through the lower kitchen cabinet. Gory turned back with a different jar in her palm. "Here," she said while placing it into the ghoul's hand. "Enjoy your artificial bl—"

"Please!" Draculaura interjected. "Don't say it."

Gory's eyes narrowed behind her glasses. "I handed you perfectly good O-Negative and you decided on, what, AB-Positive?"

"They're just supplements," Draculaura protested.

"And somehow we're the same species," the ghoul muttered dismissively.

Draculaura didn't bother arguing. After filling herself a glass of water, she made her way out the kitchen into the dining pavilion and sat at the nearest vacant picnic table. She opened the tiny jar and poured out two circular white tablets. Taking a non-essential breath, she plopped the tablets into her mouth and hastily downed the water. Draculaura felt the tanginess of the blood supplements as they sizzled down her throat. Positive wasn't as sweet as negative but, for some strange reason, she felt as if drinking positive would help her think that way.

Positive.

Nearby, a table was crowded with journeying monsters, all of them clad in the appropriate gear. Draculaura knew they had to cross the mountain to get back to Monster High. She was glad they were prepared, but the small vampire ghoul felt worried for their safety regardless.

"Surprised to see you at this hour," a voice called from behind. Scarah appeared beside her. The Banshee's daughter fixed her blank gaze on the traveling monsters. "Worried they won't make it back?" she asked the vampire.

Draculaura sighed. "They risk so much leaving... How do we know this 'mission' is worth it? Why would we need Whisp's lantern?"

Scarah shrugged. "Wishes."

"But whose wishes?" Draculaura wondered. "What's the plan once Cleo gets it?"

The green-skinned ghoul avoided her gaze. "I can understand why you wouldn't trust her," she said. "But we'll never know 'til it happens."

"If it happens," Draculaura added.

"Well, you're right about that," Scarah said, facing her iris-less eyes toward the ghoul. "They're not going anywhere if they aren't sent off."

The vampire glanced back at the monsters, then turned her gaze back to the black-haired ghoul. "I'll take care of that."


He didn't welcome the sunlight. Its intangible glow shone through the opaque glass of the windowpane—he knew it, but he kept his eyes closed regardless. He usually woke before daybreak, but today was an anomaly amongst most days.

An unexpected knock sounded at his door, and the mattress beneath him squeaked when he sat up.

"Heeeath," a voice sang. "Time to wake up!"

Heath groaned and flopped back down onto the bed. "Go away, Draculaura." His voice was thick from sleep.

The door swung open, and he rolled over, engulfing his face in pillow fluff.

He heard the vampire sigh. "Heath," she coaxed, "you have to get out..."

The fire elemental let out a muffled groan in response.

Draculaura huffed. "What's with you, Heath?" she asked exasperatedly. "You need to see Cleo and the others before they go. Don't make us regret leaving you in charge."

Heath begrudgingly rolled out of bed and lazily stood to face the ghoul. "Why do you always bring that up?"

"Because it works," she said matter-of-factly. "You have a responsibility." She put her hands on her hips.

"I know, I know," he brushed her off and walked over to his dresser, opening a drawer and slipping on a t-shirt.

Heath was usually on top of things but he recalled when his cousin, Jackson, informed him of the news he heard from their newest arrival, Twyla. The Queen's monsters knew about their group, and it had him on edge.

"What is it with you fire elementals and your lack of sleepwear?" Draculaura asked, breaking him from his thoughts. "Spring only just started. Don't you get cold at night?"

Heath swiveled around to face her, eyebrows raised. "Fire elementals?" he joked.

She glared at him through mauve eyes, unamused. "I caught your cousin out on the porch a couple days ago," she explained flatly. "It was really late at night—or early in the morning, you could say—and I saw him. You want to know why I was up that late?" she asked pointedly, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Not really," Heath muttered to himself while he pulled a pair of sweats over his boxers.

"Because your cooking had me suffering through stomach cramps all night! Can you try microwaving something besides screechza?"

"You don't have to be a fire elemental to hardly wear anything at night," he stated, dodging her complaint. "It's just a guy thing."

Draculaura frowned. "Well, Clawd always liked wearing pajamas." The ghoul's lips morphed to form a fond smile. "He'd wear these adorable blue ones with little dog treats all over them."

Heath grimaced. He didn't like her use of the past tense, implying that the Wolf was more than missing. He started. "So that's why you're up so early," he said. "You went out there again."

Her gaze promptly shifted to the ground. "Maybe," she murmured.

"Look," he said, "don't waste your time out there. He'll get back when he gets back."

"I know," she mumbled, barely above a whisper. A clouded look surfaced onto the ghoul's face, obstructing any emotion there only moments before. It was likely she was thinking about the last time she had last seen her boyfriend. Draculaura would sometimes visit the place where they had parted ways: a small, abnormally lush patch of grass at the edge of the camp. Heath didn't know all the details, but he was sure it must've been a difficult moment for them both. Especially when witnessing the vampire's attitude about it.

Heath turned away to close the drawers of his dresser. "Anyway, if you don't mind—"

But when he turned back, all he saw was a flash of black and an opened door. He sighed and glanced out his room down the hallway, seeing a small bat flying out the building entirely, the exit wide open. Heath tried following it but, by the time he made it to the door, the small creature was nowhere to be seen.

"Every time," he muttered under his breath. "He'll come back!" he shouted indirectly. Heath shook his head and inadvertently slammed the door to the building. He walked down the porch steps but stopped at its end when he heard a low moan behind him.

"You heard all that, Slo-Mo?" he asked, turning to face him.

The door slowly creaked open to reveal the zombie's hoary visage and, with heavy steps, he sluggishly walked onto the porch. He nodded.

Heath sighed. "Those vampire powers do her more harm than good if you ask me. It's so frustrating when she takes off like that."

Slo-Mo moaned in agreement, but there was something more—sympathy.

"Come on, dude, really?" Heath scoffed. "It's only been a little over a month since Clawd left with Jane and Jin. Plus, I just sent Deuce out to look for them yesterday. Someone's bound to find them eventually... right?" A sudden sinking bubbled up in his stomach, and the zombie's somber silence didn't help.

But Heath knew why Slo-Mo would care so much about this. He opened his mouth but it was as if the zombie already knew what he'd say. Slo-Mo shook his head and replied with an assuring moan. He told Heath not to worry, and then he slowly opened the door and slumped back into the building.

If only Ghoulia had made it when the school fell.

It took him a moment before he remembered why he was outside. He looked ahead toward the dining pavilion, where all the monsters accompanying Cleo would be eating breakfast.

Just then, he heard a door close to his left. Glancing over to the sound, he saw Robecca exiting the bathrooms. She smiled at him.

"Good morning, Heath," she said.

"You're up early," he remarked.

She chuckled. "Well, I wouldn't want to be late, now would I?"

"Wait, you're not going with them... are you?"

Robecca scowled. "Why not?" she retorted. The ghoul strode forward; her right leg creaked as she limped to meet him.

Heath cringed. "That's why," he said, pointing at her leg. "You haven't had it fixed up since you did the search job and now—"

"Have you forgotten?" she asked crisply. "I can simply just," she paused as steam puffed from the soles of her boots, "do this." Robecca hovered above the ground, leveling with the fire elemental's height. Determination showed in her geared irises.

Heath narrowed his eyes. "Fine. Just be careful."

A grin appeared on her copper face and she swiftly glided over towards the dining pavilion to the others. Heath followed.

The second they got there, Heath counted heads. One missing. He let out a groan when he realized who.

Lagoona giggled when she noticed his frustration. "Good luck waking him," she teased.

"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, waving her off as he reluctantly trudged back to the cabin.

-.-.-.-

He really didn't want to wake him up.

After standing in front of his door for what felt like ages, Heath finally reached out, twisted the knob, and pushed the door wide open.

"Rise and shine!" he called. "Time to go—omph!" A pillow abruptly catapulted into his face; he was surprised he didn't fall out of the room altogether.

His cousin sat at the edge of the bed glowering at him and literally steaming with irritation. "I'm up," Holt said. "Be there soon."

Heath chuckled nervously. "Okay, uh, see ya." He quickly swiveled around and rushed out of the building, rubbing his cheek once he made it back to the dining pavilion. It was starting to sting. Damnit. Pillows shouldn't hurt so bad.

"Something be wrong?" Abbey asked as she approached him.

"Ah, no," Heath sputtered while dropping his hand from his face. "I just, uh, got hit with something." He suddenly felt something cool press against his cheek, and it took him a moment to notice that Abbey had placed her hand upon it.

She smiled softly. "Better?"

Heath's eyes widened, not sure of how to respond. It had been too long. It was like he'd been frozen. His throat grew dry, and he had an inexplicable urge to reach out and hold the ghoul's hand. Before he could do anything, she pulled back.

"Right," she said. "You do not think Abbey is cold to the touch anymore." Her face fell. "Will not be of help."

"N-no, Abbey, no," he stammered, instinctively grabbing her hand. "It's better, Abbey," he assured. "Thanks."

She looked confused and uneasy. "But at party you said—"

"You're not as cold to me as you were back in high school," he explained. "You still feel pretty cold, Abbey. Don't worry about it." He felt her hand relax in his grip, and she carefully intertwined her fingers with his.

The Yeti ghoul looked less shaky. "Good," she said.

A coy grin spread across Heath's face. He gently tugged her towards him so that she stood close. "Now, I have a question," he said, tilting his head to the side. "The past couple days, you've been avoiding me. Why?" He felt her hand stiffen, and he suddenly became anxious for her answer.

Abbey avoided his gaze as well as his question. "I am going," she said, barely above a whisper.

Heath was taken aback. "What?"

"With Cleo."

"But you can't leave," he protested. "It's been so long and you just got here."

Abbey remained silent, and Heath tried to catch her eyes. Her hand's grip loosened in his as she de-laced their fingers. But he tightened his hold before she could let go.

"Come on, stay," he pleaded. "You don't have to go."

She shook her head. "Cleo convince Abbey to go. She wants me to help her navigate mountaintop where I found her."

Heath's brows furrowed together. "But what does that have to do with anything?"

Abbey shrugged. "Do not know. Must be something having to do with 'top secret mission'."

Heath grinned at her words. "Isn't that awesome?"

She let out a short laugh. "You would think so."

He rolled his eyes and, taking advantage of the lighthearted moment, pulled her toward him. It caught her off guard, and even more so when he raised her arm and twirled her so that she faced away from him. He let go her hand and instead draped his arms over her shoulders. Heath leaned forward and brought his face beside hers. "So why were you avoiding me?"

Abbey groaned inwardly and pulled away.

"Abbey..." he whined.

She stopped and he heard her exhale loudly. "Is fire," she said quietly, not turning to face him. "Do not find it comforting." She abruptly strode off to where the other journeying monsters were.

Heath scowled. "Is that all?" he called after her. "Because I can control it better now that..." He stopped himself as her reasons grew clearer to him. When the Queen destroyed the land around the city, Abbey must've noticed the fire around her mountain. He couldn't begin to imagine the fear she must've felt.

"Alright, I'm here," Holt said as he approached Heath.

"You gonna eat?" Heath asked.

Holt shrugged. "I'll unlive." Then his eyes scanned over the group, and his nonchalant expression morphed into confusion. "Since when did Jack decide to tag along?"

"Huh?" Heath followed the other's gaze. Sure enough, his dark-haired cousin was sitting amongst the monsters, just as prepared for the trip as the rest were. "I thought Venus was going."

"Really?" Holt asked. "'Cause I heard Honey was gonna come."

Heath warily looked over the group of travelers. "I'll check it out."

-.-.-.-

It didn't take long for him to find Venus. The plant monster was in the garden, crouching over a bundle of dead crops. Brown strands of dead hair hung in front of her face as minuscule orbs of yellow light drifted off her verdant palms onto the plants, revitalizing them. She did the same to a couple more—brown stems gradually turning green as life grew stronger within them—before she noticed he was there.

"I thought you were going with the rest of them," Heath said.

"I'm not," Venus rose onto her feet and brushed dirt off her jeans. "I planned to, at first. But I figured that I don't want to leave the camp anytime soon."

"But you leave to the city all the time," Heath stated. "Why not now?"

She took a step toward him. "About a week ago, before I came back with the others," she whispered, "I went to the city."

She was quiet, and Heath nodded to prompt her to continue.

The plant ghoul hesitated. "I went there so I could talk to Valentine."

"Valentine?" Heath's eyes widened. "He's head of the Queen's law enforcement unit, Venus! Why would you go see him?"

The ghoul looked down and mumbled something almost inaudible.

"Uh, say that again?"

Venus hesitated. "I... I went there to make him feel sorry—guilty, somehow."

The other pondered her statement. "...So you beat him up?"

She grinned, a shyly. "Not on purpose. But I broke his nose."

Heath laughed. "Ouch." Then he became serious. "So that's why you don't wanna go with the others? You're worried you'll run into him?"

"There's that. Also, the idea of going back to the school..." she trailed off, and there was a short silence before she spoke again. "Then there's Cleo, whose amnesia is making her the nicest monster around. I never thought there'd be a day where Cleo was nicer than Frankie, the Queen."

"Yeah, it's weird," Heath agreed. "But it's a nice change."

Venus rolled her eyes. "You're just glad she isn't mean to you like she was in high school."

"Do you know where Honey is?" he asked, avoiding the truth in her statement. "Holt thought she was going to come with Cleo and the others."

Venus bit her lip in thought. "I think she's been feeling a little under the weather lately." Then she smiled. "Spring just got here. But she really wanted to go, even though Lagoona said she could handle the swimming on her own, so Viperine's keeping her company until Deuce gets back."

The other nodded as he took the information in. "Why isn't Johnny going?" Heath asked. "Doesn't he know the catacombs better than Operetta?"

Venus was interrupted before she could respond.

"That ghost don't know nothing 'bout my catacombs," Operetta shouted from the edge of the garden. The group was waiting expectantly beside her. "Now, are we gonna get a move on or not?" she hollered.

Heath shrugged. "You guys can go whenever you're ready."