Christina was surprised at first but instantly melted into the kiss. Pure magic. It felt like pure magic to her. Gentle and sweet not the least bit forceful or demanding. She was on cloud nine and she didn't want to come down any time soon. As you'd expect, however, the need for air became apparent and the two separated both grinning like fools. A strange popping sound drew their attention shortly afterward. Looking up they were astounded to find a miniature fireworks display going on above their heads. Unexpected sure but somehow fitting. Shaggy stood first helping Christina to her feet, steadying her as she wobbled a little. The two retraced their steps through the trees and soon came upon Duncan who had been searching for them both. When he asked if they were okay the only response he got were a pair of goofy, lovestruck grins. He shrugged it was their not so secret-secret that they would probably tell anyway when they got back to the castle. Confident that they were both okay, if a little giddy, he extended his wings and took off allowing them some much-needed privacy.

"We should talk about this," Shaggy mumbled as he slowly came back to his senses.

"Then let's talk about it," Christina agreed as the castle came into view. She turned Shaggy toward the long winding race track so they would have plenty of time.

"I, uh, really, like you, Christina. I like, know it's only been a few days but, but I can't like, help how I feel,"

"I-I like you too,"

"You do?"

Christina nodded.

"May, may I kiss you again?"

Christina nodded again.

So, they did.

…...

"Like, this is your bike?" Shaggy exclaimed.

"Yep!"

After walking three laps around the track Christina had taken Shaggy to the garage to see her motorcycle. Shaggy was impressed by the assortment of vehicles in the very large garage and wasted no time in pointing out how Christina's bike had the prime parking spot. She had shrugged and laughed it off.

"Is that the werewolf car?" Shaggy asked pointing to the car three rows away.

"Yes, I'm sorry Uncle Dracula tried to drag you into driving it,"

"No, no, it's like, cool. I used to race," Shaggy assured her, "Looks like it could use some TLC,"

"Clawdeen's Dad hasn't been in the garage since last year," Christina nodded.

"I can tell,"

Where the other cars were shiny and clean the wolf wagon was still covered in mud and moss from the last race. The other cars were in prime racing condition but the wolf wagon had taken on damage. Rusted bumpers and flat tires. A dented door and a cracked window. It looked like the car was falling apart at the seams.

"Like, if your uncle doesn't find a driver he'll cancel?"

"That's what he said,"

"I'll race,"

"Oh, Shaggy, you don't-"

"I don't mind. Could be fun,"

"It's a very cutthroat race. There aren't any rules," Christina warned him but judging by the determined gleam in his eye, Shaggy wasn't backing down no matter what she said.

"I'll do it for you,"

"Shaggy-"

"You won't be able to talk me out of this,"

"If you're certain-"

"I am,"

"Then we'd better get back so you can tell, Uncle Dracula,"

…...

Upon her entrance, Christina was stared at again making her squirm. All eyes watched her as she moved across the room and toward the stairs.

"Christy, wait," Clawdeen called.

Christina turned to look at her friend wearily. Just because Shaggy had accpted her it didn't mean everyone would. Hand still gripping the banister, Christina braced herself to flee.

"Why'd you hide?"

"Isn't it obvious, Clawdeen. I don't want to be laughed at and picked on,"

"We'd never do that to you, Christina," Duncan interjected.

"You wouldn't but others will. I'm already so much of an outcast let's just tell the entire student body I have wings! Hello, humiliation!"

"I think you're worrying too much," Clawdeen replied, "Come on, let's talk this out,"

And talk they did for several, several hours finally coaxing Christina into coming to school tomorrow sans her jacket. It was only after this conflict was resolved did Shaggy announce he was going to join the race. "Only for Christina,". Christina rolled her eyes swearing up and down that she had tried to talk him out of it but he had been too hard-headed to listen to "the voice of reason". The assembled group laughed, even Daphne, ever quiet, smiled just a little. Just barely.

…...

"I can't do this! I can't do this! I can't do-"

"Yes, you can, Christina," Duncan smiled.

Clawdeen had been right to set up a video chat between her, Christina, Shaggy and, Duncan. The sole purpose of which was so that Christina wouldn't freak out. Which is exactly what she was doing at the current moment. They watched as she paced her bedroom back and forth and back and forth, head in hands, wings fluttering leaving a trail of sparkles behind her. Suddenly she stopped and sat down on her bed. Grabbing the music box from her nightstand she opened it. A swarm of purple butterflies fluttered gracefully from the box as the music began to play. Christina smiled as they landed in her air and tickled her nose. When the song came to an end the butterflies disappeared back into the box.

"How can-"

"It's magic when my parents when my parents left me with Uncle Dracula they left me a few things. The book of fairy tales that I always carry around is from my mom. I have a wand from her too but, but this, this was from my father. Whenever I open it different things happen but the same song plays. It makes me feel better when I'm having a hard time. It was one of the only things I had in the hospital with me,"

Clawdeen and Duncan remembered the extensive hospital stay. Christina had looked small and helpless trapped in the blindingly white room, an IV in her arm with a constant flow of medications. The music box had always been within reach and now they understood why. They understood the meaning behind the box.

Christina out the box away as she stood.

"Meet you guys at school," she said cheerily in a much better mood already.

…...

Christina sat in her car hyperventilating. Why on earth did she think that she could do this? No, no, no, she couldn't! They would all laugh at her. They would all say she was a freak! Just like Toralei always said they would. Not even the three cups of coffee she downed made her feel any better. The caffeine didn't seem to kick her into action like it usually did. And if it had done anything she couldn't tell. She wanted to run. Run and hide. Pretend this was not happening.

Then she remembered the butterflies.

Instantly calmed she stepped out of the car and jogged up the front steps of the school before she could chicken out.

They stared. They all stared making Christina freeze. Somewhere in the massive crowd clapping started and it grew and grew until the whole crowd was clapping they parted allowing Christina passage to her locker where she found Duncan and the other hybrids awaiting her.

"How's it feel, Christina?"

"Good, Duncan, really, really good,"

"Come we'll walk you to class,"

"Like, I think that's my job," Shaggy grinned as he arrived.

Christina's day only got better from there. When Gory tried to say something nasty Cleo shut her down. All the questions she was asked were asked out of plain curiosity and not rudeness. Howleen and Twyla asked to see her do magic. Molly even called, firstly to yell about keeping such a big secret from her, secondly, to say she thought she was awesome and, "Don't listen to Toralei, she isn't worth it,". Around lunchtime when Toralei and the twins finally DID make an appearance Christina could have cared less.

Then they started to tear into her. A crowd forming to watch the spectacle unfold. Anxiety hit Christina like a punch to the gut. Everyone was watching. All eyes were on them.

"Christina's a hybrid, Toralei!", Duncan snarled, his fellow hybrids stepping protectively around Christina.

"And there's NOTHING WRONG with that, hairball!", Avia jabbed.

"That's what Monster High is all about, Toralei!", Frankie said, the growing crowd agreeing. "Be yourself..."

"Be unique", Clawdeen added.

"Be a monster", Cleo DeNile, the 'social power-princess' of the school added, throwing her considerable social weight into the argument.

"And let your 'freak-flag' fly!", Draculaura finished, taking her cousin's hand.

"REEEOOOOWWWRRRR! As if!", Toralei hissed, the twins nodding in agreement. "She's a half-fairy, wanna-be monster! She doesn't belong here! NEVER did!"

"Like, back off, kitty-litter!", Shaggy growled, his eyes briefly flashing red.

"Reow! Well-well!", the werecat laughed, missing the red flash. "The normie coward trying to act all tough for the freak! Give it up and just run and hide already, chicken-little! And take your big, dumb, shivering dog AND that freak with you! Ha-ha-ha-ha!"

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Toralei", Clawdeen chuckled knowingly, motioning the others to join her in stepping back from Shaggy and the werecats.

"Oh yeah, Clawdeen?", Toralei laughed, still ignorant of Shaggy's growing anger. "And why is that?"

"That's why," Clawdeen grinned as the now werewolf Shaggy launched himself at the trio.

Toralei turned to run but Shaggy caught her by the arm and slammed her into the wall.

"Like, DON'T EVER GO NEAR MY GIRL AGAIN! Got it, furball? Christina is and always has been ten times as cool as you. You are just a bully with no remorse for your actions and I am tired of it. I like, know every SINGLE detail of everything you've ever done to Christina. I've got it in her writing with follow up accounts from her friends. I'll like, be sure to give it to Headmistress Bloodgood. Be like, prepared to pay. NOW, GET OUT OF HERE"

The trio ran like the fires of Hades were at their feet. With them gone everyone was free to enjoy their lunch in peace and quiet for once. During which time, Daphne kept glancing at Christina as she and Shaggy talked about the race, Christina teasing him that he would never beat her winning streak. Eventually, Christina noticed her watching.

"Can I help you, Daphne? You wanna dig through my backpack? Hack my phone?"

Clearly, Christina was still angry.

"I uh-um. I want to talk to you?"

"You purposely snooped through my things. Nearly broke my music box which BTW is the ONLY thing I have from my father and you want to talk?"

It took a lot to make Christina angry like this. Draculaura knew this very well. Knowing very well that if Christina was mad at you, you were either named Drew or you did something you shouldn't have.

Daphne was in hot water for sure.

How could she possibly apologize? She had a feeling this wasn't going to be easy, not by any means. She followed the three at a distance during free period trying to get an idea. She found them in the art room and watched through the window in the door as Christina set up an easel and began to sketch what she was planning to paint. Shaggy. She was planning to paint Shaggy and Scooby. When she got to work it seemed there was no stopping her. As fast as she went, she was very detail oriented, checking and re-checking it took all period but when Christina proudly lifted her finished work for the boys to see Daphne was taken aback by just how good it was.

"She's like a really good artist. You guys should see her work!"

Shaggy hadn't been kidding.

Daphne had an idea.

…...

"Whoa, Christy!" Draculaura cried as Christina stumbled again.

Dracula couldn't stand it any longer. Christina was stable but not well enough to race. This would kill him to tell her but it had to be done.

"Christina, I'm sorry but I'm removing you from the race,"