Here's the first of two parts. Enjoy!

Chapter Eighteen: Strange Brew Part I

Gabe glanced up the stairs and looked to the clock on the wall. He tapped his foot in an impatient manner and glanced back at the clock. He finally had enough and shouted up the stairs.

"Come on Ronnie! Get your butt in gear! We're going to be late!"

Gabe heard his sister's door open up. "I'll be down in a moment! Keep your boots on Green Arrow!"

Gabe rolled his eyes. "It's Green Lantern bookworm! You should know the difference by now for crying out loud!"

"I don't read comic books you nerd!" Ronnie shouted again. "I read literature!"

"Well hurry up!" Gabe huffed at his sister. He walked away from the stairs and paced back and forth in front of the couch. He pondered where the last three weeks had gone. Gabe had to admit that things were going great for him; he had an awesome girlfriend in Alyson Manning. School was actually something he looked forward to on a daily basis. He was doing well in his classes and being part of the wrestling team had given him that balance of activity that he needed. He had good friends, a great family and things were going well for him.

He heard footsteps coming down the stairs and came out of his thoughts. He watched his sister gracefully come down dressed in a dark green knee-length skirt, a cream colored blouse and brown cloak and boots. She looked like an adventurer from a fantasy novel.

"Lady Arcadia Moonflower; good choice there Ronnie." Gabe smiled. Ronnie merely curtseyed and smiled back. She took out a handmade wand and did a flourish.

"What do you think?" Ronnie asked.

"It's you sis." Gabe moved towards his sister. "Of course 'Witches of the Watchtower' was your favorite book series when you were younger."

"Still is Gabe, even when I started reading them myself." Ronnie looked at her brother and smiled. He was dressed up as a Green Lantern. He had on the black bodysuit with homemade green armor covering his entire forearms and shins. He was also sporting matching green boots, belt, mask and a lantern ring that he bought at Toronto's Comicon a few years back. She was impressed that he made the costume; instead of buying it. His looked like it was done by a professional.

"I see that you decided on the Alex Michaels version of the Lantern." Ronnie commented. "You're not carrying the Oa blade?"

Gabe shrugged. "Comicon is one thing Ronnie; school is completely different." He looked at himself. "Too much?"

"He's always been your favorite character from the comics." Ronnie smiled. "Besides, the 'Lantern Wars' story arc has been the most successful in the last ten years."

"Yeah; my favorite as well." Gabe grinned. He looked at the clock on the wall. "Shall we go then?"

The siblings headed out the front door; stopping for a moment to lock up. They headed down the street to school. The October air was cool, but not as cold as it would be in a few weeks. Gabe and Ronnie watched as smaller children went door to door; getting treats from their neighbors. Ronnie smiled as a few memories came back to her.

"Remember when dad used to take us trick-or-treating?"

Gabe smiled. "Yeah I remember. He used to inspect the bags after every door and take out the bad candies." Gabe chuckled. "You know that he was taking out all of the Snickers bars for mom, but we never stopped him.

"Mom would always thank him for that." Ronnie giggled. "To this day; I still give mom a Snickers just to be safe." The two shared a good laugh together and continued on.

Gabe sighed. "Ronnie; I'm sorry that I haven't been a good brother to you."

Ronnie stopped dead in her tracks and stared at her brother. She was nearly furious with him as she spoke.

"Gabriel Joseph are you insane?" She glared at him. "You have been there for me more this year than you have ever! What in the world would make you say something like that?!"

Gabe looked back at his sister. "I guess that I'm just feeling a little down on myself for the last few weeks." He sat down on a bench about two blocks from the school. Ronnie joined him on the bench as he took off his mask.

Ronnie put an arm around his shoulder. "Gabe you've been a great brother. You've been there when I really needed you. You were there after my fight; you talked to Shane about him and me dating."

"That's what I'm talking about." Gabe grumbled. "You two had a nice date and all, but nothing happened. I didn't want my little sister to be alone."

"Is this what this is all about?" Ronnie asked.

"I just wanted you to be happy Ronnie." Gabe shrugged.

"I'm happy Gabe." Ronnie smiled at him. "I've got two loving parents, great friends and a concerned and loving brother. I'm really and truly happy."

Gabe looked over to his baby sister; a smirk playing on his face. "You really mean that? Even when your big brother meddles in your life; you're still happy?"

Ronnie laughed. "Yes I do. I appreciate what you were trying to do, but I have the final say in which boyfriend OR girlfriend I so choose."

Gabe nodded and started to stand up. Ronnie followed suite and grabbed her brother by the arm. He turned and pulled his sister into a loving hug.

"I love you ya big dummy."

"Love you too bookworm."

Ronnie broke the hug and smiled. "Okay now that that is over; we've got a dance to get to and have some fun."

Gabe pulled the mask back on. "Shall we go Lady Arcadia?"

Ronnie curtseyed. "So gallant GL; yes we shall."

The siblings continued to the school. When they arrived; Degrassi was decorated for Halloween. The hallways leading to the gym were decked out in orange and black streamers and fake cobwebs were here and there.

"They really go all out here don't they?" Ronnie asked.

Gabe chuckled. "Usually they have more up. I guess that they put more money in the gym setup instead of the halls."

The two walked up to the ticket area and purchased their tickets. They walked into the gym and Ronnie let out a small gasp. The gym was decorated as an old haunted house with all of the spooky décor on the surrounding walls.

"I told you."

Ronnie nodded; not looking at her brother. She was surprised on how many people were here at the dance.

"It must be almost the whole school."

Gabe nodded. "The first dance is the most popular; outside of prom." He looked around for a familiar face; saying quick hellos to people he knew in classes or sports. He turned to his sister and smiled.

"Know if any of your friends are here?"

Ronnie shrugged. "I'm pretty sure that the Hogarts aren't; J.J. stated that the family was out of town this weekend. Emily and Nikki might be though."

Gabe nodded. "I know that Alyson said that she would be here." Gabe squinted off in the distance; pointing towards the refreshments. "I think that's Shane over there. You want to come with me or is that too weird?"

Ronnie nodded. "We're still friends Gabriel; we'll be fine."

The two headed towards the refreshment table. Gabe smiled when he saw Shane dressed up as a soldier. He had on worn out green fatigues and bandanna around his forehead. He had on old boots and about twenty pounds of gear on him.

"Private Milligan; as you were." Gabe smiled next to his friend.

Shane coughed as he took the cup from his lips. He wiped his mouth and turned. Shane smiled as he saw the two siblings; taking a moment to look both of them over.

"Sergeant Milligan actually; nice Green Lantern costume. That from the Lantern Wars?"

Gabe nodded, somewhat surprised. "I didn't take you as a comic reader."

Shane nodded. "I read mostly Justice League, but they mentioned it in there." He turned to Ronnie. "Good to see you again Lady Moonflower, but don't you have a kingdom to look over?"

Ronnie looked at Shane, surprised. "How did you know?"

Shane smirked this time. "While I never read the books, I watched the series on cable. You really look more the part than that actress that played her on the show."

"Flattery will get you nowhere Sergeant Milligan." Ronnie blushed slightly. "However, I'll take it as a compliment and thank you."

"Sure thing." Shane smiled.

"Have you seen any of the others?" Gabe asked, changing the subject.

"I saw Nicolette Coyne earlier; at least I think it was her." Shane took a drink of the punch. "I haven't seen your girl yet, but I'm sure that she's here." He turned to Ronnie and continued. "I saw that blonde friend of yours here and her older brother here a minute ago."

"Didn't feel like hitting a stoner?" Gabe asked. "Probably for the best; that boy barely has any brain cells left to function."

"Benny's here?" Ronnie groaned. "He stinks."

"Say what you mean, not mean what you say." Shane commented. "I have nothing against his sister, but Benny's not that bright."

Gabe shrugged and looked out in the crowd. He saw Emily Cameron heading their way minus her brother. She was dressed in safari clothing and smiled when she saw Ronnie.

"What's she supposed to be?" Shane whispered to Gabe.

"Knowing Emily like I do; I'm guessing either Bindi Irwin or Jane Goodall." Shane looked at Gabe confused. "Seriously?"

"Dude; science people are out of my league." Shane shrugged, causing Gabe to shake his head at him. "What?"

"Nothing man, I'm just surprised you didn't ask her about it." Gabe motioned for the two girls to come over.

Emily hugged Gabe and smiled. "Were you talking about me? I'm going as Bindi Irwin. You know that she's done so much for wildlife preservation in the past ten years."

"Told you dude." Gabe glanced at Shane; smiling. "Emily; this is Shane Milligan. Shane; this is Emily Cameron." The two exchange pleasantries. "I'm surprised that you two never really met each other."

"I've seen her around; mostly with Ronnie."

"Yeah I tend to blend in." Emily commented. "I'm not really that popular and all that."

"Sure are cute though." Shane smiled.

Emily looked at him in disbelief. "I'd like to think that I'm more than an attractive girl. My mind is just as important."

Gabe turned from the conversation that was now including his little sister. He had to smile at his friend; for all of his flirting would only get him in trouble with Emily. Emily; while an attractive girl believed that her mental merits were more important than her physical makeup. He watched the students dancing and having a good time. He disappeared into the crowd; looking for his girlfriend. He had walked a good portion of the gym when he heard his phone's ringtone chime over the music. He walked out into the hallway and answered.

"Hey I was just looking for you…"

"Hey handsome…"

Gabe could hear the sad tone in her voice. "What's the matter Alyson?"

"Gabe, I'm sorry. I'm not going to be able to be at the dance tonight."

Gabe sighed. "Tell me if it's something I did Alyson. I can take it."

"What? Gods no Gabriel; you've been the best boyfriend I've ever had."

"Then what is it?"

"Can you meet me tonight after the dance? I'll explain everything I swear."

"Yeah I can do that." Gabe nodded. "I take it I have to come alone?"

"Normally I would say no, but just this once. I don't want to share this with anyone else yet."

"Yeah, okay." Gabe smiled through the phone. "I'll see you after ten?"

"Make it closer to eleven. I'll guarantee that I'll be there by then. I have to go babe. I love you."

"Love you too Alyson." Gabe hung up his cellphone and sighed. He had been worried about his girlfriend. She had seemed distant in the last week or so. He didn't know what to make of it. He hoped that their talk later that night would either clean things up or make things worse.

Gabe took two steps and bumped into someone. He bumped them with such force that he knocked them over. He was quick enough to catch the young woman around the waist with one arm and caught the falling top hat with his free hand. He helped the woman up and smiled.

She was about his sister's height and had some curves to her. He was reminded of one of the older actresses that his grandmother watched; Hedy Lamarr and Grace Kelly came to his mind. She had long, dark hair that seemed to go past her shoulders. He noticed the eyes; dark and mesmerizing. He almost chuckled out loud and noticed that she was dressed as a stage magician.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry about that; I wasn't paying attention." Gabe helped her to standing position. She smiled and blushed at him.

"I'm fine. Thank you for catching me. It would have been embarrassing if I would have fallen." She brushed herself off quickly. "My hat please?"

Gabe nodded. "Of course dear Zatanna; wouldn't want your rabbits to escape."

The woman smiled grew bigger. "You're portraying Alex Michaels?"

"Best Lantern of the last couple of years." Gabe smiled. "Of course if it wasn't for you; I would have died."

"Or you wouldn't have gotten the Oa blade."

"Details, details." Gabe laughed. "Sorry, I'm Gabe Mason."

She smiled at him brightly. "I know; we're in the same art and English classes." She placed a gloved hand out. "Francine Davison."

"I know." Gabe kissed the gloved hand. "Sorry about knocking you over."

Francine merely blushed more and smiled. "It's okay. I'll see you in class." With that, she disappeared with a few other girls that Gabe recognized, but couldn't place them. He shook his head and walked towards the bathrooms.

Gabe had finished with his business and headed towards the sinks. He sighed as he washed his hands. He noticed the door open and a tall teen with glasses walk in. He continued to wash his hands when he heard what sounded like a gunshot and someone fall to the ground. He jumped and looked to the last stall where the kid had headed. He didn't see anyone there. He opened the stall and there was no one there. He smelled a faint smell of gunpowder and iron but that was it. He shook his head and headed towards the sinks again. He took off his mask and splashed some cold water in his face. He looked in the mirror and was surprised at what he saw.

He saw a teenage boy about his age with glasses and long hair; wearing a suit. He looked like someone had dumped feathers and glue on him.

"Hey man, are you alright?"

The boy didn't look at him. He merely stared at the mirror for a moment or two. Gabe looked at the boy concerned. He asked him again if he was alright, but the boy walked off into the stall door and through it. Gabe's eyes grew wide and backed out of the bathroom. He entered the hallway and stood watching the door for a few moments. He turned at the sound of footsteps quickly approaching him. He collided with the running form of Benny Cameron; both boys hitting the floor.

Gabe was up before Benny knew what happened. He grabbed Benny by the shoulders and tried to shake him, but his eyes were wild and scared.

"Benny? Benny!" Benny turned to Gabe voice. He seemed to realize that he might be safe. Benny took a few deep breaths and looked at Gabe.

"Dude, you'll never believe what I fucking saw man!" Benny was panicked still, but seemed to be coming around.

"Benny; you need to calm down." Gabe nodded. "You can tell me what you saw, but you need to take it easy."

Benny took a few more breaths and somewhat calmed down. "I was out by the greenhouse and lighting up a joint. Man, I got some real tight stuff from…"

"Benny; focus for me." Gabe ordered. "What did you see?"

"Sorry man; so I'm out lighting a joint and took a couple of hits off of it. I was the only one out there right, so it's really quiet out there. I'm taking another hit and then I hear this creaking sound. I ignore it at first, but for some reason it sounds louder to me. I look over to the greenhouse and the door's wide open."

"I thought that the staff locks the doors on that for the weekends?"

"Most of the time Grandpa does that." Benny commented. "He's been leaving it unlocked for students to come work on it during the weekends. That's until winter sets in." Gabe nodded and motioned for Benny to continue. "So I move a few steps closer to the greenhouse and right in the middle is this kid hanging from a rope."

Gabe looked at Benny in surprise. Benny shook his head. "I knew that you didn't believe me."

"No, it's not that I don't believe you; wait until you hear this." Gabe explained what happened to him in the bathrooms. When Gabe finished with his story; Benny looked at him in surprise with a smile on his face.

"You sure that you're not on something Gabe?"

Gabe glared at him. "Dude I'm completely sober." He helped Benny off of the floor. "We need to find Simpson and tell him about this."

Benny nodded. They heard footsteps coming at them and noticed a dark-haired girl dressed like the Bride of Frankenstein. She ran into Gabe and seemed hysterical. Gabe pulled her closer to him and let her cry for a moment.

"Gabe! Gabe! Oh my God I'm so glad I found you!"

He recognized the voice; even in hysterics. "Nikki; you're safe now." Gabe turned to Benny. "I need you to find Simpson and tell him to meet us here. Don't go for a smoke or anything else; just find him and bring him back here."

Benny nodded. "Should I say anything else to any of the teachers?"

"No, there's no reason to alarm anyone." Gabe replied. "Just calmly tell him that I want to talk to him out here in private. No need to alarm anyone."

Benny nodded and walked towards the gym. He held Nikki as she slowly calmed down. Gabe stared at the empty hallways and frowned.

"What the hell is going on around here?" He whispered to no one.

So what is going on at Degrassi? What did Nikki see that spooked her so badly? Find out in the second part of Strange Brew, which should be out in the next few weeks.

I really wanted to tell a Samhain/Halloween story in a fic. It's always been my favorite holiday and not because of the free candy. It actually played out perfectly; timeline wise in this story. I think it's also a interesting transition from one Mason child to the next. I know that you might read this and think 'this is lame'. It's supposed to be. It's me having a little fun and in the same stroke of the pen; getting a little more in-depth with Gabe and the other students at Degrassi.

Think of this as a Degrassi mini. Although this mini will actually reflect on my canon version of this story.

Thank you guys for your continued reading of this fiction. Every time I check my traffic and all I see are good numbers; it makes me smile. Thank you for your patience and once this two-part is done; to get back on track and see what Gabe's been up to recently.