The following morning, Bughuul was in the kitchen with the kids and since they all agreed that they should let Lora sleep longer both Lilly and Morgan agreed to have cereal for breakfast, although that didn't stop them from making a mess in the kitchen.
Despite the plan to let Lora sleep longer she woke up during breakfast and once she got dressed she headed over to the kitchen.
Upon entering, she was taken by surprise since Bughuul didn't look like he normally did. He looked human. His hair was still long and black, but he had lips and eyes that were bright blue but slightly sunken in. He was wearing a plain red shirt and a pair of jeans which summoned a smile on Lora's face.
-What?- Bughuul frowned, having noticed that Lora was looking at him- Do I have something on my face?
-No, you're fine. I've just never seen you like this before.
-That's because this form of disguise takes a lot more energy. I only took it because I thought it would be necessary if I want to blend in while we're here.
-And what's it like for you?- Lora asked.
-It's not good.
-I think you look good in human form.
-It's still not worth it. Not to mention that what I'm wearing is the least distasteful combination I was able to find in the previous house that could fit me. It certainly wouldn't have been my first choice.
-Well, I could take you shopping if you want.
-I may be in human form but I'd like to keep my contact with people to a minimum. I'd rather you pick something out for me.
-Alright, but you'll have to wear whatever I get you.
-I trust you won't make me look like a fool.
-Don't worry, you'll be in good hands.- Lora chuckled.
-So we'll be going to the mall?- Lilly asked excitedly.
Lora nodded.
-I'd rather skip this trip to the mall and stay with dad.- Morgan said.
-Okay. I guess it'll just be me and Lil then.
Sometime in the afternoon, Lora left the house with Lilly to go to the mall, leaving Bughuul and Morgan alone.
-Are you okay?- Bughuul asked- You look like something's troubling you.
-I'm fine…- Morgan nervously tapped on his knees while staring at the clock- I just have to go to the bathroom.
He rushed out of the living room and headed for the stairs.
-Stop.- Bughuul said firmly and Morgan turned to him, having already climbed several steps.
-I really have to go.
-You're lying. I know you're going to your room so you could teleport to your friend's house.
-I don't know what you're talking about…
Bughuul took a few steps towards Morgan.
-I found your secret portal last night.
-That portal you found isn't mine.- Morgan lied- I don't even know how to create portals.
-Morgan, I'm not angry with you.- Bughuul said calmly- I just need you to stay away from that boy.
-Why? He's a good kid.
-I don't trust humans, especially not ones like him.
-That's not fair! You trusted mom, she was human when you met!
-She gave me a good reason to trust her. Your friend will never be like us.
-Nathan won't hurt any of you if I asked him not to.
-That's what you think. He can't do much now but he will be capable of hurting you when he's older.
-I hate you!- Morgan screamed and stormed off to his bedroom, locking the door behind.
Bughuul sighed and headed upstairs wanting to keep an eye on Morgan but before he could even reach the upstairs hallway, the doorbell rang.
Bughuul rolled his eyes. It was too soon for Lora and Lilly to return, it had to be some nosy neighbor.
-MORGAN, SOMEONE'S AT THE DOOR!- he shouted.
-I DON'T CARE! YOU OPEN IT!- Morgan screamed and turned up his music so much that Bughuul could hear it now.
The doorbell rang again and Bughuul groaned. He wasn't even sure he'd be able to act human.
The doorbell rang the third time and Bughuul thought it could be something important for Lora so he went to open the door.
A man who looked to be about Lora's age stood before him. Bughuul couldn't help it but frown at what the man was wearing as well as at his general appearance. His hair was dark-blonde and went a little under his ears when it came to length.
-Um, is Lora here?- he asked frowning in confusion at the sight of Bughuul.
Bughuul didn't respond and just slammed the door shut. He wasn't entirely sure why that was since he knew that the man wasn't a threat, but he immediately regretted opening the door.
There was a knock on the door again.
-Um, hello?! If she's there I'd like to talk to her please!
Bughuul reached for the doorknob and only opened the door halfway through.
-Look, she's not here. Come by in another three hours… Bye!- he closed the door again and sighed- This was a bad idea…- he mumbled to himself.
Bughuul waited for the man to leave but he just sat on the front porch. Not wanting to bother with him since he was definitely harmless, Bughuul headed to Morgan's bedroom.
The music was still abnormally loud but Morgan wasn't in the room anymore. Bughuul figured he must've had another secret portal that he managed to hide well but he didn't doubt for a second that Morgan had gone to visit Nathan so he decided to go there himself.
-We need to do something or my dad will keep us apart!- Morgan shook Nathan.
-I get that, but I can't just leave my mom.- Nathan backed away.
-She'll be fine now that your dad's in the hospital.
Nathan turned to Morgan, looking a bit scared. He wanted to ask Morgan whether he'd been the one to hurt his dad but he was afraid how his friend might react.
-We can show my dad that you can be trusted. –Morgan got a little closer to Nathan- You want to be a cop, right? Well, sometimes cops have to kill bad guys.
-This isn't the same…- Nathan nervously rubbed his elbows, his eyes now fixated on the floor.
Morgan sensed just how nervous Nathan was and decided to catch him off guard and drag him off to his newly created netherworld.
-You're coming with me either way!- Morgan pulled Nathan towards his portal as close as he could since he was struggling.
-Morgan, stop! I don't want to go with you!
-You'll see that this is for the best!
-No!- Nathan struggled to get out of Morgan's grasp- Let go of me!
Moments later, Nathan felt a cold hand on his shoulder and froze in place.
-Morgan…?- Nathan's voice trembled.
Morgan saw his father clutch Nathan by the shoulder and firmed his grip on the hand he was pulling him by before.
-Let him go!- he protested.
-You were supposed to stay in your room.
Nathan shivered again as Bughuul still had a grasp on his shoulder but hearing that voice his curiosity got the best of him and he looked up finding himself face to face with Bughuul.
He wanted to scream but for some strange reason he couldn't let out a sound. The man standing before him didn't fit the description Morgan had given him, not even close. He looked human but there was still a sense of uneasiness and fear on Nathan's part as he stared at him. There was something about his eyes that made Nathan keep his eyes locked on him in horror. The longer he stared at Bughuul the weaker he felt.
-Leave him alone!- he heard Morgan shout but only barely before everything turned to black for him.
