It was a long way back. His footsteps were heavy on the moist ground, and he ran until he saw the faint flicker of torch lights in the distance. He slowed to a stop and dropped his duffel bag panting heavily.

"Here."

He glimpsed ahead when he heard the voice, and a soft light moved toward him. When it came into closer view, he noticed it was a flame radiating off the index finger of a fire elemental—one he was relieved to see.

"Heath," he breathed.

Heath grinned. "Glad to see you made it back safe, Deuce." He looked to his side. "Thanks, Scarah."

Deuce followed his gaze, not having noticed the green-skinned ghoul who stood in front of him.

Scarah waved his thanks aside. "Don't mention it," she said. "I have to use my telepathy for something."

Heath tilted his head at the Gorgon. "You look tired."

"Yeah," Deuce said flatly. He kicked the duffel bag at the feet of the fire elemental. "Put out your flame and carry this, will you?"

"Whatever you say," Heath said and popped his ignited finger into his mouth with an audible hiss as the flame immediately died out. He slung the bag strap over his shoulder and moved ahead.

Can I ask you something?

Deuce looked to Scarah as she walked beside him. Shoot, he replied.

I know you just came back but... She looked down sheepishly. Could you cook dinner tonight? Please?

The Gorgon chuckled. Because Heath's cooking is—

Awful, Scarah cut in as she whipped back to face him. I know you're tired but...

Deuce smiled softly. "Sure," he said aloud.

Thank you.

"Do I have to carry this the rest of the way?" Heath griped. "'Cause we're right by the rooms..."

Deuce grunted. "I'll take it from here," he said, taking the duffel bag from the ground where Heath dropped it. He slung it over his shoulder and looked around. "Is it my shades or is it really dark out?"

"Aye," Scarah said. "It's been like this since noon."

"It rained earlier," Heath said. He grimaced at the thought. "Not fun."

Deuce nodded and walked away from the two monsters until another, more pressing thought occurred to him. "And Cleo?"

Heath winced. "Yeah, about that, she's kind of... away for now. But she'll be back soon."

The Gorgon clenched his jaw as he turned around and took steps onto the porch. After navigating the dim hallway, Deuce opened the door to his room and tossed the duffel bag into the corner. He exhaled deeply before tossing his sunglasses and flopping face first onto his bed. Deuce rolled over and closed his eyes.

The two days he'd been away from the camp were exhausting, and he was more than happy to be back. He had hoped to see his ghoulfriend once he returned but, much to his dismay, Cleo wasn't there to greet him. Worry for the ghoul pricked at him like a winter chill, even though he knew there was nothing for him to be anxious about. Deuce had made sure she'd be protected and served in whatever way possible. But it didn't help. She didn't act like the Cleo he knew. Deuce groaned inwardly and rolled over to plant his face into his pillow. The Gorgon had already been plagued with enough of these thoughts during his two-day search job, and coming home only to be pulled back to them was not to his liking.

A knock sounded at his door.

"Come in," Deuce said into his pillow. He heard the door creak as it opened.

"Deuce?" a feminine voice called out.

The Gorgon grinned and sat up, eyes closed. "Viperine."

He heard the ghoul let out a quick giggle. "Let me get your glasses."

Deuce felt the plastic of his sunglasses being nudged onto his face. He opened his eyes and saw his cousin smiling at him through black lenses. He was surprised to see her wearing a t-shirt and shorts, so casual compared to the dresses she usually wore.

"I'm happy you're back," Viperine said. "How was it?"

"Besides tiring?" Deuce prompted. "Really warm. And dry."

The other Gorgon sat at the foot of his bed. "Find what they wanted you to?"

He shook his head. "Unless they're into charred empty land, no." He sighed dejectedly. "I was really hoping I'd at least find a clue, you know?"

Viperine nodded. "To find your amigos."

He chuckled. "Yeah, cous', my 'amigos'."

The pink snakes entwined in Viperine's straight, platinum-blonde hair hissed as she glared at him in mock offense. "I haven't been to Spain in forever, give me a break."

Deuce almost laughed until he noticed a dismal look cross the ghoul's face, and her reptilian eyes flicked away from him. His eyebrows furrowed from concern. "What's up?"

"Nothing," she said quickly. Viperine kept her gaze lowered, and reached out for her cousin's hand. "I'm so relieved you're safe."

The other Gorgon gingerly pulled his hand away from her scaly palm. He leaned back warily. "Are you okay?"

She heaved out a long sigh. "No. But talking about it doesn't... I don't feel any better."

"So what's the problem?"

She waved him aside. "It's old news, Deuce."

He looked at her pointedly, and his snakes hissed lightly.

Viperine sighed and reluctantly came out with it. "Have you realized that we're the only family we have left?"

"Huh." Deuce shrugged idly. "I guess so."

Her pink eyes widened, a melancholy expression casting a shadow on her features. "Deuce... We're lucky. Everyone lost their parents when the older monsters disappeared but for some that was the only family they had."

He nodded. "Well, yeah."

Viperine's lips parted in confusion. "How are you not—?"

"It's been years now," Deuce said. "Don't dwell on it if you're gonna get sad like this."

"But—"

"Hey," he leaned forward and placed his hand on her shoulder, "don't worry about it, okay?"

Viperine stiffened for a second and then nodded reluctantly.

Deuce grinned and rose from his bedside. "I gotta get dinner started soon," he said as he moved toward his dresser. "But first," he opened a drawer and pulled out a towel, "I'm gonna shower."

His cousin stood up and made her way out of the room. "Hasta luego."

-.-.-.-

"Deuce!"

The Gorgon slung his towel over his shoulder when he exited the bathroom. He lifted his gaze and smiled. "Hey, Rochelle."

The gargoyle ran to him with open arms and tackled him with a hug. "You're back!" She retracted herself. "Did you find anything?"

Deuce closed the door behind him and shook his head.

"Oh..." She looked down for a moment then perked up with a glimmer in her fuchsia eyes. "They're sure to come back sometime, no?"

He turned to his right and walked up the steps of the guys' building; Rochelle followed. A sad grin tugged at his lips. "I hope so."

It was the second time the monsters had attempted to find their lost friends but they were stuck at square one. There was nothing out there that even hinted at their disappearance. The thought nagged at Deuce, and he hoped things would finally change. But nothing did. Besides, how much trouble could their friends get into when they had Clawd by their side? Deuce wasn't at ease with one of his closest friends missing, and he was confident they were somewhere safe until he went out there and explored it himself. There was nothing out there, so where could have they gone? Deuce was certain that he would have been lost if he had searched any further.

He looked up at the darkening sky and moved past Rochelle on the porch. "I should get dinner started," he said, mostly to himself.

"Oh, merci, Deuce!" The gargoyle practically bounced with excitement. "It has been too long."

The Gorgon smiled softly, glad that his return had brought some joy to the monsters at home.

Then something in Rochelle's expression changed, and her eyes were unfocused. She looked over her shoulder and the winged ears atop her head perked up.

Deuce reached out hesitantly. "Rochelle..?"

She whipped her gaze back to face him, her eyes wide with alarm. "Oh, excusez-moi... " She looked over her shoulder again, only to turn around completely. Deuce knew she was smiling. "I can hear them. They're back."

"Cleo?" Deuce asked. "Cleo's back?"

She glanced back at him with a grin spread across her face. "Oui."

Deuce spun around and rushed into the building to his room, leaving a startled Rochelle on the porch. He flung his door open and tossed his towel onto the dresser. He paced around his room. Deuce's elated longing to see his ghoulfriend dispersed as apprehension took him over. Sure, he wanted to see Cleo but the ghoul who'd just arrived... She was nothing like her. Deuce understood she had amnesia, but a part of him dreaded seeing her at all. The way she moved and talked...

He heard a door slam and stilled. The Gorgon cautiously opened his door and poked his head out into the dark hallway. Another door closed to his right and he stepped out to follow the sound. He chuckled to himself when he realized the room he stood in front of. He turned the knob and walked inside, not surprised to see Holt lazily sprawled out on the floor.

"Couldn't make it to the bed?" Deuce joked.

Holt's eyes flared a soft orange when he glared at him. "Piss off."

The other laughed and raised his hands in mock surrender. "Chill, dude. I just want to know where—"

"By the pavilion," Holt cut in, "with Scarah."

"Awesome thanks." Deuce started walking out but stopped short. "She's with Scarah?"

The blue-skinned monster scoffed. "Don't ask."

The Gorgon stayed in place for a moment then shrugged and exited the building altogether. Strange behavior aside, Cleo was his ghoulfriend, and Deuce knew that he needed to be there for her.


I heard her voice in my head as soon as we arrived.

You got the books? Scarah asked.

Yes, I replied. I also have the body to, you know—

Good. Bring them both to the dining pavilion, she told me. I'm there.

I looked over at Abbey, the only monster who hadn't run off the second they stepped into the camp. Ever since we got the sarcophagus back from her ice cave, she'd been carrying it with one arm the same way one would carry a casketball.

"Could you follow me to the pavilion?"

She agreed and we walked there silently. I saw Scarah standing at its edge. Her white eyes widened at the sight of the sarcophagus.

The body's in there? she asked incredulously.

I nodded, and the Banshee's daughter cleared her throat. "Abbey, could you bring that to my room, please?"

The purple-eyed ghoul raised an eyebrow. "Have plan in mind for mummy coffin?"

She didn't say anything, but Abbey complied and we followed Scarah to the ghouls' building.

The brunette's room was identical to the others except for her bed sheets being a soft Irish green; much more sensible than the bright orange ones I got stuck with. Once we entered, Abbey set the sarcophagus down by the door.

"Am tired," she said. "Will see you later." She gave a small wave and walked down the hall, out of sight.

Scarah closed the door and looked at me, urgency in her tone. "Show me the books."

I sat on my knees and took off my knapsack. I was glad I asked the others for the books they had found before we left Bloodgood's house. It made my load heavier but I didn't mind as long as the others were comfortable. I took off my jacket, damp and cold from the rain earlier, and placed it at my side. I marveled at the clothes I had been wearing during the journey. I looked like an outdoors monster after a long hike. I wouldn't have worn clothes like this before.

Scarah knelt down, opened my knapsack, and pulled out the three books she had requested. She opened each of them up and scanned their contents. Her eyes didn't leave the page when she said, "Open the sarcophagus."

I crawled over to it and put my hand on its side. I slipped my fingers beneath its lid and heaved it open.

Lying there, still as ice, was Nefera's body. She was dressed in the same clothes I've always seen her wear, her makeup seamlessly perfect and her arms crossed over her chest mummy-style. She looked younger than my friends now. With her eyes closed and her hair splayed out behind her, she looked almost peaceful—so different from the Nefera I knew. I grimaced at the thought of Cleo waking up in her body. I glanced over my shoulder at Scarah, who was skimming through the books. She could switch our bodies, and then I'd be the one asleep. It scared me, but Cleo... She deserved to be in her own skin.

"She can't wake up," I told Scarah.

She rose and walked over to me. Scarah took a step back and gasped. "Nefera!?" She looked at me, her mouth agape. "You—you switched bodies with your own sister!?"

"No." I shook my head solemnly and got onto my feet. "I'm not Nefera. She's stuck in my body."

She scoffed and crossed her arms. "Some sort of... tri-swap? Why should I believe you?"

I looked down. "You don't need to. As long as you switch us back," I looked at Nefera's body, "it'll be okay."

Scarah huffed. "That's too bad since I can't."

My gaze was on her instantly. "What do you mean you can't?"

She looked away sheepishly. "I thought those books could teach me to use my telepathy to switch back the minds but, turns out, all they do is teach me how to control its functions."

My knees buckled and I slumped onto the floor. Nefera's body didn't stir. I felt myself tremble and I brought my hands to my face. I could feel my eyes glaze over with tears. No... not my eyes, her eyes: Cleo's. I would never cry with my own eyes again. I was trapped in a lie. This was how it was going to be from now on. It was time I accepted that. I felt a sob rise in my throat as I thought about Cleo's predicament. She'd never wake up. She'd never have her body back. She'd never...

I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Hey," Scarah cooed awkwardly, "don't—don't be sad. I'll do what I can with what I have. You said she can't wake up, right?"

Her words were muffled in my ears; she might as well have said nothing at all. She took her hand off my shoulder and I raised my head to look at her.

The Irish ghoul stared intently at Nefera's body, breathed deeply, and closed her eyes. Her eyes shut tighter like she was suffering from a headache.

I heard the rapid thump of footsteps from the hallway, and the door opened. Deuce stood at the entrance. He saw me and beamed, only to frown a second later. He came to my side, his voice filled with concern.

"You okay?" He reached to wipe a tear from my cheek, but I turned away. Deuce acting like this was just another reminder of my lie. I felt like I had done too much damage to change that.

Scarah suddenly groaned in pain, and I heard a loud breathy gasp. I looked back at Deuce, whose attention was fixed on something past me. I followed his gaze to see a tan hand tightly clutch the ridge of the sarcophagus. I stared in astonishment as Nefera's body sat up, her teal hair swaying and her eyelids tired.

She opened her mouth and spoke, "How long have I been—?" She saw me and froze.

Then she screamed.

I leaped to my feet and held out my arms. "Cleo—"

She scrambled to the edge of the sarcophagus, her eyes wide. "You're me!"

"No! I'm not, I'm—"

Another shrill scream erupted from her mouth and her eyes flicked rapidly across the room. Her breathing quickened. "Scarah? Deuce?! How—you look—This ghoul's an imposter! You know I wouldn't be caught alive wearing that!"

Scarah fell to the floor, holding her head in pain. Deuce rose, a stunned yet confused expression on his face. He took a tentative step towards me. "Cleo? What's your sister talking about?"

The real Cleo scoffed. "Sister?" She looked down at her hands, her clothes, her body... And let out another scream.

I leaned forward to console her. "Cleo—"

"NEFERA!" She lunged at me and we fell to the floor. "GIVE ME BACK MY BODY!"

I shut my eyes, preparing myself for whatever anger she was going to take out on me. Then the weight of her body left mine, and I opened my eyes to see Deuce yanking her off of me. He held a hand out to me and helped me up. Then he moved in front of me defensively, but I pushed past him.

"Cleo," I said steadily, "I'm not Nefera. I'm trapped in your body just like you're in hers. Nefera is trapped in my body."

She was seething with anger, and I expected her to tackle me again. "And I'm just supposed to trust you!?"

"Yes! It's me, Frankie!" The words were out of my mouth before I had the chance to react.

The room quieted, and she relaxed. She looked me over, and I noticed a faint smile on her lips. She believed me.

A relieved sigh escaped my mouth.

"What?"

I whipped my head toward the sound of the voice and saw Heath standing in the doorway. Behind me, Deuce appeared shaken up and Scarah had risen to her feet, just as shocked as the other two.

Is that true? she asked me. Have you been Frankie this whole time?

I looked down. "Y-yes," I said admitted aloud. "I'm Frankie Stein."