Disclaimer: I don't own House of Anubis, Avatar, The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan, Darth Vader, or the Force.

A/N: Sorry, y'all! I've been busy w/ lots of stuff, but summer's here, so "cheers" to more free time to write. ;)

*Mick's POV*

I was ready to deck Jerome. Hiding Amber's clothes was one thing, but turning my head blue? That weasel's got something coming to him. And hiding that paint-bomb thingy in my lunch...there are certain lines you do not cross...EVER!

It did not improve my mood when Patricia entered and couldn't stop laughing. I'm pretty sure I saw some tears in her eyes.

Mara suggested,"Come on, Mick. Let's go see if Trudy can do anything."

"No." I put my foot down. "The last thing I need is for Trudy to see me like this. I'm going to hit the shower. Catch ya later, babes." I gave her a peck on the lips.

*Fabian's POV*

I knew I saw Amber' camera flash go off. Let's see... I checked off names on my fingers:me, Nina, Amber, Mick. Looks like Patricia, Mara, and Alfie still have to be on their guard.

Jerome- he may be evil at times, but you have to admire his genius. Eventually Mick managed to get rid of his Avatar self.

Alfie was starting to come down with a cold, so Trudy made chicken noodle soup for supper. Tomorrow, in drama, we have a rehearsal for the play. I just remembered...Patricia's starring opposite Jerome. Something's going to happen, I just know it.

Nina had discovered a book with a modern spin on Egyptian mythology: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. After dinner we were reading it together sitting next to each other on the couch. It was proving to be a very interesting and fun read (if slightly more juvenile than I like and a bit slow at times). I lost track of time until Victor came clomping down the stairs.

"It is now ten o'clock. You have five minutes. Then, I want to be able to hear a pin...drop." Nina and I hugged good-night then headed to our rooms.

*Alfie's POV*

Jerome's like my older brother- fun to have a laugh with, but intimidating when he's out to get you. I had no idea if it would work, but I felt safer putting on my alien protection gloves, socks, and helmet. (And NO...I don't have underwear that protects me from aliens...that's just plain STRANGE, people) And also, my helmet was NOT my Darth Vader mask. (That's for using the dark side of the Force.) It was a plastic camo helmet.

"Goodnight, Alfie, old pal," Jerome called.

"Blukourg urk doo dereech." Cautiously, I turned out my lamp. Somehow, I found sleep pretty fast. I wasn't awake to notice the shadow creeping toward the desk.

+_+_+_+the next day+_+_+_+

*Trudy's POV*

There's nothing like humming to make preparing food go by faster. Today was toast along with the luvvie's choice of jam. Everyone was seated at the table except for Alfie. Strange. He and Mick were always the first ones ready for meals. "Is Alfie feeling well? Should I make him a tray?" I asked everyone.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about him, Trudykins," Jerome said after snatching an apple from the basket and taking a bite. "He'll be here in a minute. In fact, I think I hear him now."

I turned toward the doorway. "My word!" By instinct I flung the tray. The toast landed all over Mick, who was trying to nick some pieces when I wasn't looking. Lucky thing I made the kids spread their own jam. Mara's hands immediately went to brush the crumbs out of Mick's hair. It was cute. Their relationships were lovely to watch blossom. When Amber and Mick were dating I used to make food for their parties, but back to the reason I threw the tray in the air in the first place.

Alfie was green! Full-body lime-green! He even had some antennae on his head. There were purple markings all over his body. "Sweetie! What have you done to yourself? It's nowhere near All Hallow's Eve. Clean it off- you have school in less than an hour."

"I've tried!" he whined. "It's like permanent or something. I even showered twice!"

The kids seated around the table either had expressions of shock or were trying to stifle their uncontrollable laughter.

"Finally decided to join their kind, Alfie?"

"Alfie!"

I saw Fabian roll his eyes at Nina and sigh. "It's Alfie. What do you expect?" she mouthed back.

I spoke up. Poor Alfie had clearly suffered enough. "Calm down, everyone. Now, Alfie, love, come with me, and we'll see what we can do."

We snuck upstairs past Victor's office into my room. The poor dear didn't deserve another week with The Toothbrush. I tried a dozen remedies-NONE OF THEM WORKED. I threw my hands up into the air in exasperation. "Alfie, you have two choices: I'll let you stay home 'sick' just for today or you can go to school and I'll write a note to all your teachers. It's your decision. How did you end up like this anyway?"