Duncan was just finishing some adjustments to his solar-hybrid bike, just as many other drivers and crews had been on their vehicles throughout the day. While most had kept to themselves; he, Shaggy, and Christina had no problems helping each other now and then if need be.
But now the garage was empty except for him. The Party was starting in a few hours, so he needed to finish up so he could go home and get ready. But then he heard a powerful motor approaching. He looked up to see a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T roar into the garage! It was flat-black with glossy blue & vermillion flames streaking back from the front end, and a 3-valve intake supercharger projected up from the hood. It was a work of street-racing art. Christina stepped out of the passenger door.
"I guess I'll have to watch out for you during the race, Cousin", the hybrid laughed good-naturedly.
"Yeah you better!", Amora giggled as she shut the driver's door. "The HellRacer is gonna burn up the track!"
"What a beauty", Duncan said, drawing the attention of both girls.
"Why thank you, Duncan~", Amora cooed flirtatiously with a wink. "I knew you'd come to appreciate my charms~."
"D'ah-whoa-whoa!", Duncan stammered, holding up his hands in a stopping motion. "I was talking about your CAR. That is one SWEET ride! A lot of power! But it sounds a little off. Modified engine?"
"Yup! Good ears there, Duncan-along with that great bod-the HellRacer doesn't even run on gas or NOS. The engine is specially built to run on brimstone."
"I'm impressed."
"You know, Duncan~, I'd be more than willing to let you take the wheel sometime for a drive~...Maybe up to Inspiration Point?"
"Amora", Christina warned.
"Or I could just take you for a ride", Amora continued flirting. "I'll show you how well I drive 'stick'~."
"AMORA!", her cousin facepalmed.
"Um, I gotta go get ready for the party later", Duncan stammered, blushing like mad as he left
"Must you be so..?!", Christina started to admonish her succubus cousin, but...
"YES!", Amora replied instantly, then shuddered with excitement. "Because whether he knows it yet or not, he's already mine. Ooooh, the shy ones always turn into the hottest lovers! OH~! I can't wait! Make my words, dear cousin, Duncan will be waking up EXTREMELY SATISFIED in my bed with me tomorrow morning after a lllloooonnnng and steamy night with me~! I hope there'll be enough breakfast, because we're both gonna need it~!*giggle!*"
"Whatever," Christina groaned, "I'm going to go get ready for tonight," she bolted from the garage, "Duncan, WAIT UP!"
Christina barely caught him in time, "I'm so, so, so, so, so, so, so sorry about Amora she's not usually that intense I really don't know what's gotten into her lately and-"
"Thanks, Christy, but don't sweat it", Duncan assured her. "It's not your fault. I don't get why she's so fixated on me, but whatever. I guess I'll just have to be clever in avoiding her at the party tonight, huh? Clawd told me him and his sisters are gonna be there too, to support their cousin Shaggy. It's funny, Clawd and I have been friends since I moved here at the start of summer, but I still haven't met his sisters yet. Maybe I will tonight."
"Maybe," Christina relaxed, "I'll see you tonight then"
"See you tonight, Christy"
…...
Castle Dracula was aglow with lights, music upbeat, and loud pouring from the structure.
Calling all the monsters, calling all the monsters
Calling all, I'm calling all, I'm calling all the monsters
The closer one got the louder the music, the brighter the lights, and the more there was to see.
Oh yeah (Oh)
Oh yeah (Oh)
Oh yeah (Oh)
Hey (Eh, eh)
Heart thumps and you jump, comin' down with goosebumps
You dare to go there? I'ma, I'ma get you so scared
(We're wanting to, yeah)
(We're haunting you, yeah)
(We're wanting to, yeah)
(Yeah, yeah)
Inside, monsters of all ages mingled. Each caught up in their own conversations.
Cleo and even Nefera were listening to their sister Tannis explain very sadly how the Calloway cadets seized the volleyball trophy again.
Frankie was gushing over Elsa's latest inventions.
Winnie was excitedly telling her cousins about dusting the other Grimwood girls when they were made to run a mile, needless to say, they were very proud.
Phantasma spun circles around her sister, Spectra while distant cousin Operetta listened to her latest composition, thoroughly impressed with Phantasma's musical talents.
Nearby, Draculaura and Sibella were dancing while caught in an animated conversation mostly about boys but also their oblivious cousin, careful to keep an eye out for her. Christina had a tendency to unintentionally jump-scare them at the worst moments.
You stayed in too late to be getting afraid
This scene extreme, I-I-I-I'ma get you so scared
(We're wanting to, yeah)
(We're haunting you, yeah)
(We're wanting to, yeah)
(Yeah, yeah)
Gonna get your body shakin'
Wishin' you could just awaken (Here we go)
Tonight, all the monsters gonna dance (Oh yeah)
We're comin' to get ya
Tonight, all the monsters gonna dance (Oh yeah)
We're comin' to get ya
If you're only dreamin'
Why I hear you screamin'?
Tonight, all the monsters gonna dance
We're comin' to get ya, we're comin' to get ya
Amora arrived in something that vaguely resembled clothing comprised of latex, leather, and straps. She slunk over to her giggling cousins while keeping an eye out for Duncan.
Christina arrived entering from the opposite side of the room. Wearing a dress that looked nothing like her original purchase. She suspected Clawdeen had thrown out the original. This new one was purple, short-sleeved with a sweetheart neckline the bodice was sculpted to resemble dragon scales trimmed in silver while the skirt flared out, light and airy, perfect for spinning.
"Christina?"
"Hi, Shaggy," she smiled at the gaping werewolf, "What's the matter?"
"Like, you look really nice," Shaggy recovered himself after Scrappy pinched his leg.
"Thank you," Christina was thankful for the multi-colored lights because she flushed with embarrassment, "You look nice too"
"Thank you," A long-sleeved shirt, a nice jacket, and jeans were about as close as Shaggy would come to party clothes.
"Raggy," Scooby tugged his arm, "Rack Rable!"
"Okay, Scoob, we're coming"
"Have fun boys," Christina waved.
Calling all the monsters, calling all the monsters
Calling all the, calling all the, calling all the monsters
You hide or you try, kiss tomorrow goodbye
We thrill to your chill, b-b-buckin' for a freak out
(We're wanting to, yeah)
(We're haunting you, yeah)
(We're wanting to, yeah)
(Yeah, yeah)
We might just bite underneath the moonlight
More fun if you run, I-I-I-I'm, I'm already chasin'
(We're wanting to, yeah)
(We're haunting you, yeah)
(We're wanting to, yeah)
(Yeah, yeah)
"Christina!" Draculaura saw her coming, "You look great!"
"Thank you!"
"I am so glad you think so," Clawdeen tapped her on the shoulder, "Because we burnt your breakup clothing"
"Tossed it in the incinerator," Amora smirked.
"Oh, I hate you"
"I know"
Gonna get your body shakin'
Wishin' you could just awaken (Here we go)
Tonight, all the monsters gonna dance (Oh yeah)
We're comin' to get ya
Tonight, all the monsters gonna dance (Oh yeah)
We're comin' to get ya
If you're only dreamin'
Why I hear you screamin'?
Tonight, all the monsters gonna dance
We're comin' to get ya, we're comin' to get ya
Calling all the monsters, calling all the monsters
Calling all the, calling all the, calling all the monsters
"Look at all the food!" Shaggy rubbed his hands excitedly, grabbing a plate.
"Some of it looks a little strange," Scrappy replied.
"That would be because it's monsterized," Clawd clapped Shaggy on the shoulder scaring him, "See the divide?"
"Thanks, Clawd," Shaggy began piling his plate full.
"No problem just save some for the rest of us"
"I like, make no promises"
Gonna paint it red
Get inside your head, head, head
Like a demon choir
Playin' with fire, fire, fire
Gonna get your body shakin'
Wishin' you could just awaken
Tonight, all the monsters gonna dance (Oh yeah)
We're comin' to get ya
Tonight, all the monsters gonna dance (Oh yeah)
And we're comin' to get ya
If you're only dreamin'
Why I hear you screamin'? (I hear you screamin')
Tonight, all the monsters gonna dance
We're comin' to get ya, we're comin' to get ya (Yeah)
Oh yeah (Oh)
Oh yeah (Oh)
Oh yeah (Oh)
We're comin' to get you
With a miniature burst of flame, the song finished. Casta took a bow, smiling at her witch aunts, Gerda and Hazel who wiped proud tears from their eyes. Casta hopped off stage to hug her aunts while Holt Hyde took over from the DJ booth.
"Did you boys get enough to eat?" Christina giggled when Shaggy and Scooby ambled over Scrappy following.
"Rep," Scooby nodded before inhaling the entire plate in one gulp. "Yum"
"So how much of that did you make, Christina?" Draculaura asked.
"The desserts"
"But that's an entire table!" Clawdeen observed, "When did you have time?"
"Early this morning"
"Couldn't sleep, could you?" Cleo pulled Deuce over.
"Yes, pre-race jitters, I'll shake it, I always do"
"You'll do great!"
"We'll see"
"Christina," Amora tugged impatiently on her arm, "Where's Duncan?"
"Would you just relax?" Christina scrolled through her texts, "He's on his way"
"Promise?"
"Yes!" Christina wrenched her arm from Amora's grip, "Now, I made devil's food cake just for you, I'd grab some before it's all gone"
"You're the best!"
Christina sighed with relief, "Did you really toss my hoodie in the incinerator?"
"Yes, but we bought you a new one, purple this time," Draculaura smiled, "You need to start wearing color again"
"Black is a color"
"Christy," Sibella face-palmed.
"Walking away now," Christina spun on her heel to head for her usual quiet corner.
Swiping a cupcake from the table, Christina retreated to the corner farthest from the stage content to watch the dancers. Shaggy, Scooby, and Scrappy scampered back to the buffet to get seconds. When would it be acceptable to leave? She wondered, usually Christina enjoyed the pre-race party, a chance to lightly joke with her competitors, and size them up. But if her friends were going to keep bringing up her lack of a boyfriend then she was ready to bolt.
"What are you hiding for?" Drew snuck up on her, a soda in hand.
"I don't want to talk about it"
"Ah, they were discussing boyfriends or the lack thereof"
"I said-"
"Relax, Princess," he slung his free arm over her shoulder, "My lips are zipped"
"Are you driving tomorrow?"
"No, I'd rather watch you smoke the competition"
"Flatterer"
"I speak the truth"
"Oh, hush!" Christina swatted his arm.
"Hey, what's your aunt doing onstage?" Drew redirected, rubbing his arm.
Up onstage Vana was taking the mic from Casta.
"Is everyvone enjoying the party?", the lovely mature vampiress asked, and got many cheers from the room! "Vonderful! This is, of course, the regular Pre-Race Party held every year the night before the annual Monster Road Rally. But this year, it is so much more to me. You see, It was 70 years ago tonight at a luau beach party on Skull Shores that the most vonderful and important event of my undeath happened:
Two lonely bats crashed in the night. They felt a Zing; Love at first sight. They knew right then they vould be husband and wife. For a Zing only happens vonce in your unlife. So Dracula, my Eternal Love, my Zing; this vone is for you. Now as you are so very fond of saying, young Casta, 'Are you ready, Spells'?"
"*giggle!*We're ready, Lady Dracula!", the witch pop star replied as she and her band played an opening riff with a distinctive late-50s flavor while Dracula blew a kiss lovingly to his beautiful wife as she began to sing :
"The day started ordinary
Boys walking by(ooh-ooh)
It was the same old story
Too fresh or too shy(too shyyy)"
"Go dance with Evelyn," Christina lightly pushed Drew away when he tried to pull her onto the center of the dance floor, "I'll be fine"
"If you're sure-"
"Go, go, she's looking for you"
The two parted ways, Drew already sweating with nerves.
'Leave it to Aunt Vana to pull the most cheesy-and romantic-move of the night', Christina thought to herself as she weaved through the dancing crowd while watching her aunt with a smile.
"I'm not the kind
To fall for a guy
Who flashes a smile
(it goes on for miles)
Don't usually swoon
But I'm over the moon
('cause he was just too cool for school)"
As she was passing the food & drinks tables, Christina tripped and found herself falling(Amora grinned knowingly as she pulled back her tail!), only to be caught by someone! She looked up into the surprised face of Shaggy, who had dropped his plate of snacks to catch her. Their eyes met with a brief, sparking gleam that passed between them, then Shaggy pulled her back up to her feet.
"And now I'm falling for ya, falling for ya
I know I shouldn't but I
I just can't stop myself from
Falling for ya, falling for ya
Can't hold on any longer
And now I'm falling for you"
"I'm, like, so sorry! I didn't see you, Christina", he said, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.
'Oh. My. GHOUL! How did I not notice before how CUTE he is when he's nervous?!', she thought, "No! It was my fault. I was watching the stage, not where I was going, Shaggy. My bad."
"Now we're going steady He's the cat's meow (meow meow) He says I'm a Betty And we paint the town
'Well, Casta told me earlier that she'll lend me an ear-mic and play that song for me', Amora grinned to herself as she prowled the dance floor, seeking her prey. 'I just have to find Duncan, and he'll be all MINE!*lewd giggling!*'
"I'm not the kind
To fall for a guy
Just 'cause he says hi
(when he's cruising by)
He's ready to race
And I'm catching his gaze
(they'll go on like this for days)
"*Whew!*I love a good party and all, but I need some air", Clawdeen said, getting some punch.
"That arch leads to a hallway, Bestie", Draculaura offered, pointing. "There's a balcony with a great view of the full moon."
"Thanks, 'Laura", Clawdeen smiled at her friend.
"And now I'm falling for ya, falling for ya
I know I shouldn't but I
I just can't stop myself from
Falling for ya falling for ya
Can't hold on any longer
And now I'm falling for you"
Duncan was walking resignedly down the hall toward the party. As a driver in the Race, he couldn't avoid it any longer, not even to dodge Amora. Christina's succubus cousin was clearly intent on claiming him as HERS. She was definitely sexy, but it just did NOT feel right to him. But he KNEW as soon as he reached the party, Amora would be all over him like black on tar and twice as sticky!
"Feels like I tumbled from another world(shoop-shoop)
Into your arms and it's so secure(shoop-shoop)
Maybe I'll stumble but I know for sure(shoop-shoop)
Head over heels I'm gonna be your girrrlll"
Duncan was so distracted by his thoughts, trying to make the walk to the party as slow as possible that he collided with a ghoul coming from his right. She yelped in surprise at the impact. On pure reflex, he caught her as she fell with his right arm, saving her just in time from painfully hitting the floor; and deftly caught her punch with his left hand without spilling a drop!
"Are you ok? I'm so sorry about that", he started, as she looked up at him. He froze as their eyes met. She was gorgeous; deep amber-gold eyes with lavender eye shadow, long luscious chocolate-colored hair, caramel fur/complexion, and full, red lips barely concealing her fangs…..
She was about to make a snide remark in response; when she looked up at him after the initial shock of the collision to find herself staring into the most shockingly green eyes ever, with vertical slit pupils. He was very handsome, too. Spiky golden-blonde hair w red tips and highlights, desert-red scaly skin, and abbreviated upper and lower double fangs. She smiled after her initial shock and assessment. "I'm ok, and I'm the one who should apologize. I shoulda been watchin' where I was going". She then noticed they were still in the position of him catching her. "Um, do you think we can stand up now, Handsome?" she said with a smirk.
"Wha..?Oh! Right! S-sorry!", he stammered, as he pulled them up into an upright position.
"I'm Duncan Rosenblatt", he smiled warmly.
"Clawdeen Wolf", she replied sweetly.
"You're Clawd's twin sister! Great to finally meet you! So, um, where are you headed?", Duncan asked the beautiful werewolf.
"The balcony. The party is great, but I need some air."
"*chuckle!*I hear ya. Well, I'll see you back in there. As one of the drivers, I gotta make an appearance."
"*giggle!*Right. Maybe you could save me a dance?", she asked.
"I'd really like that", he smiled. "See ya in a few."
"And now I'm falling for ya, falling for ya
I know I shouldn't but I
I just can't stop myself from
Falling for ya, falling for ya
Can't hold on any longer
And now I'm falling for you"
Vana finished the song with blowing a kiss to her beloved husband.
Christina wasn't sure how Shaggy had managed to talk her into slow-dancing of all things for the rest of the song but he had; taking every chance he could to spin her, making her laugh.
"Stop, stop," Christina, flushed red, smiling, and out of breath lightly pleaded.
"Okay," Shaggy caught her, "How about some punch?"
"Sounds great", she replied with a warm smile. As they returned to the food and drink tables she pointedly ignored the goofy grins and poorly concealed giggles of her friends throughout the room.
"Hello, Christina." The 'sophisticated' voice was drippingly arrogant; practically begging for a fist in the face. Ice shot down Christina's spine at the smug voice.
"Cadfael," she managed stiffly, "What are you doing here?"
"You invited me," Cadfael smirked, "Remember?"
"While we were dating-", she started sourly.
"Ah, but you never rescinded the invitation, so here I am as your guest, my Sweet."
Shaggy looked confusedly between the two, unsure of what to do or say just as he was about to ask, Drew came charging out of nowhere quickly marching Christina away.
...
"Princess," Drew held up his hands placatingly, "Take a deep breath, please? You don't want to go to fairy jail!"
"It's not fairy jail!" Christina snapped, all earlier happiness gone, hands clenched into fists at her side.
"Well, whatever it's called you don't want to end up there; which is EXACTLY what will happen if you fry Cadfael!"
"I need to hit something!" Christina's wings were beginning to flame.
"Okay, okay, hit me," Drew volunteered, "I can take it"
"Are you sure?"
"Have you seen my abs?" he lifted his shirt jokingly, "I'll be fine.*heh-heh*(I think)"
"Okay."
She punched him in the gut causing him to crumple to the ground with a cry, "Mommy," he squeaked
"I thought you said you could take it?" Christina yanked him to his feet.
"Where did you learn to do that?" he choked.
"Melinda."
"Please tell me you feel better?"
"Nope."
"Okay, plan B, avoid Cadfael at all costs."
"Easier said than done," Christina griped, "That good for nothing-"
"Easy, easy on the fire!" Drew backed away from the flames, "This is what he wants"
"I have never been this angry in my LIFE-"
"I know"
"I hate this"
"I know"
"I don't need this right before the race-"
"Deep breath, we'll get through it, you and me and all of our friends"
...
Cadfael looked him up and down in such a way that it made Shaggy's fur bristle, "I see Christina's invested in a guard dog," he sniffed airily.
"Like, excuse me?!", Shaggy growled.
Sibella landed between them with barely a greeting to Cadfael she pulled Shaggy away.
"Like, what's his problem?"
"That's Christina's ex," Sibella quietly explained, "The reason she's been so, so-"
"Not herself" Draculaura swooped in, "He messed with her head, convinced her that she should be seen and not heard, told her that her singing was embarrassing and-"
"I like, think I've heard enough"
"Me too," Drew had returned, his arm around Christina's shaking shoulders, "He's trying to get her into trouble"
"He'd start a war, wouldn't he?" Draculaura gasped.
"Maybe, I don't know," Christina was still shaking with rage.
"Don't worry," Amora gave up her hunt for a moment, "We're here for you"
"Like, let's get that punch now," Shaggy took Christina's hand, "It'll like, bother him if we pretend nothing's wrong"
"Okay," Christina quietly agreed.
Shaggy led her back to the food and drink tables, pouring her a glass of punch while he snagged another double-chocolate cookie biting into it gleefully, "These are my favorite," he explained after swallowing.
"I'm glad you like them"
"I can tell you made them Christina," Cadfael snickered nearby.
I will not fry Cadfael, I will not fry Cadfael, I will not fry Cadfael!
"Christina," Amora called with a laugh, "Look who I found," she was dragging Duncan towards the dance floor.
"Amora!"
"Don't worry," Draculaura giggled, "I'll help rescue him, c'mon Clawd"
"Coming," Clawd made a desperate grab for the hot dog Draculaura was pulling him away from, quickly shoveling it into his mouth.
On the dance floor, Duncan was trying his best to put some distance between himself and Amora but she was relentless, pressed up against him at every single turn. What was he going to do? How could he get out of this situation without hurting her emotionally or otherwise?
"Aren't you having fun?" Amora asked, fingers dancing across his chest.
"Y-yeah, um, but I think I should take a break, talk with the others, you know, about the race and all-" he tried weakly.
"But I'm part of the race too, remember?"
"Yeah, I just, uh, uh-"
"May I cut in?"
Duncan was tugged away from Amora before either could respond. Clawdeen had returned.
"Thank you," he sighed in relief.
"No problem," Clawdeen grinned, "How about that dance?"
"If you're up for it"
"I am"
So with Draculaura and Clawd acting as a buffer on one side and Cleo and Deuce on the other Amora was forced to abandon her hunt for a second time that night, stalking from the dance floor to lean provocatively against the nearest wall in hopes of enticing someone cute enough though it appeared everyone was taken. Oh well, she'd get her chance eventually she just had to wait it out.
...
An hour and a half later Christina was nearly run ragged. Cadfael was never more than ten steps away needling her, trying to make her lash out and strike him. Now, hiding in a passageway with Shaggy she tried desperately to quell the flames burning up her arms and wings.
"I can't just leave the party," she moaned, "I'm a driver and last year's winner, do you know how bad that'll look?"
"Weren't you like, planning to slip out earlier?" Shaggy asked, keeping a safe distance from the flaming girl.
"It would have been easy earlier, make the rounds, talk to some people, then say I'm tired and headed upstairs but Cadfael would twist it to make me look bad, he wanted my spot this year, told me I'd already won once and that'd look ridiculous and unbecoming if I entered again but the champion always races the following year, it's part of the draw, I told him we could ride together...he left and then I found him with a classmate...told me it was over...that I was too beyond help..." the flames snuffed out as she burst into tears, "Cheated on m-m-mee..."
"Christina," Shaggy rushed to hug her, "Please don't cry, seriously I like have no idea what to do when people cry"
"It still hurts," she sniffled, blinking furiously.
"I know," he rubbed her back, remembering the vision of Googie with Redd Herring the mirror had shown him from home. "Believe me, I know."
"I'm sorry, I-I know I sh-shouldn't b-be-"
"It's okay, like, it's perfectly okay"
"Well, well, what do we have here?" a new voice startled them both, "I put my games on hold to come see my favorite niece and I find her crying in a passageway? That doesn't seem like you, Christina"
Christina looked up with a sniffle, "I'm your only niece, Uncle Puck" she managed.
"Exactly," the colorfully dressed, white-haired fae smiled, handing her a handkerchief, "What's the matter?"
"Cadfael's here-"
"Trying to get you into trouble is he?"
"Yeah"
"Are you going to let him?"
"Ugh,"
"Well, that sounds like an excellent plan," Puck chuckled, sliding a loose brick aside so he could spy on the arrogant prince who was currently the attention of several twittering girls, "Why don't you just sing?"
"What?" Christina's jaw dropped at the idea, "I-I-I c-c-can't n-not in front of everyone"
"Why?" Puck challenged, "Because he told you, you weren't any good?"
"I just don't sing in front of people"
"Cadfael isn't going to leave you alone until you put him in his place"
"I like, hate to interrupt," Shaggy declared, "But, I like, think they're looking for you, Christina"
"Okay," she stood, "Let's get this over with"
"I've got to say hello to Dracula but I'll be nearby," Puck disappeared.
...
As soon as they stepped out of the passageway Cadfael was right there.
"Christina, won't you dance with me?" he reached for her only to Have Shaggy block him, "I am your guest,"
"Yes, Cadfael, you are but that doesn't entitle you to a dance besides I'm expected to mingle, remember?"
"You shouldn't have to do all that work, you know, I can still switch places with you"
"I'm sorry, that's against the rules and I know how you value the rules, excuse us," Christina grabbed Shaggy by the arm and hauled him away.
Behind them, Cadfael clenched his jaw before calming himself. He would just have to keep trying.
Shaggy, meanwhile, made sure Christina was safely surrounded by friends before he yanked Clawdeen away from her conversation with Duncan, "We like, need to talk, now, right now"
"Okay, okay, deep, deep breath," Clawdeen tried to calm her cousin, "What's the matter?"
As soon as Clawdeen was occupied Amora swooped in, pulling a bewildered Duncan to the middle of the dance floor with the sole intent of making her move. "I got just the dance for us, Duncan baby~", Amora purred suggestively, then tapped the mic she got from Casta as the song Holt was playing finished. "Hit it, Ghoulfriend!"
Casta nodded and played the opening riff of the song Amora requested, so the sexy succubus could sing to her prey...err, "intended mate" as she dirty-danced with him!
"I've been looking for a driver who's qualified
And Boy I think that you're the one
So step into my ride
I'm a fine-tuned supersonic
Speed machine
With a sunroof top and a gangster lean"
The 'ooh's,' aah's and whistles around drew Clawdeen's attention from talking to Shaggy, to see Duncan blushing like mad in the clutches of Amora! The young succubus was already dressed like she wasn't selling but GIVING it away and dancing moves that made Lambada and Salsa dancing look like a waltz!
So if you feel me let me know
Know, know
Come on now what you waiting for
For, for
*Amora dances with Duncan as she sings; bumping and grinding on him in ways that would make a Lost Plague-as stripper blush!
My engine's ready to explode
Explode, explode
So start me up and watch me go
Go, go, go
'GRRRRR! LOOK at her!', Clawdeen growled to herself. 'She's practically trying to have sex with him right there on the dance floor! But WHY is this pissing me off so much?!'
Get you where you wanna go
If you know what I mean
Got a ride that's smoother than a limousine
Can you handle the curves?
Can you run all the lights?
If you can baby boy
Then we can go all night~
[*Every time Duncan tries to pull away, Amora pulls him right back in, pressing her ample assets into his chest so her cleavage is right in his face!*]
'Cause I'm 0 to 60 in three point five
Baby you got the keys
Now shut up and drive
(Drive, drive, drive)
Shut up and drive
(Drive, drive, drive)
I got class like a' 57 Cadillac
Got overdrive and a whole lot of
Boom in the back [*twerks her big, sexy butt into the bulge in his pants!*]
You look like you can handle what's
Under my hood
I keep saying that you can boy
I wish you would
So if you feel me let me know
Know, know
Come on now what you waiting for
For, for
My engine's ready to explode
Explode, explode
So start me up and watch me go
Go, go, go
Got you where you wanna go
If you know what I mean
Got a ride that's smoother than a limousine
Can you handle the curves?
Can you run all the lights?
If you can baby boy
Then we can go all night~
'Cause I'm 0 to 60 in three point five
Baby you got the keys
Now shut up and drive
(Drive, drive, drive)
Shut up and drive
(Drive, drive, drive)
'Cause you play that game
Got what I got
Don't Stop It's a sure shot
Ain't no Ferrari huh boy I'm sorry
I ain't even worried
So step inside and ride
(Ride, ride, ride...)
So if you feel me let me know
Know, know
Come on now what you waiting for
For, for
My engine's ready to explode
Explode, explode
So start me up and watch me go
Go, go, go
Got you where you wanna go
If you know what I mean
Got a ride that's smoother than a limousine
Can you handle the curves?
Can you run all the lights?
If you can baby boy
Then we can go all night~
'Cause I'm 0 to 60 in three point five
Baby you got the keys
Now shut up and drive
(Drive, drive, drive)
Shut up and drive
(Drive, drive, drive)
Now shut up and drive
(Drive, drive, drive)
Shut up and drive
(Drive, drive, drive)"
"Mmmmmm~, that was fun, Duncan...and hot~", Amora purred lewdly, still clinging sensually to Duncan. "What do you say we find someplace more...private~ to get to know each other better~?"
"D'uh...uuum...Amora...I don't think..."
"Come on, don't be shy, sexy", she grinned suggestively. We'll be great together~."
"Afraid not, Cousin", Christina said, coming up behind her. "As drivers, both of you have to stay and mingle until the party is over."
"Oh...bat-gizzards!", Amora pouted, then looked lewdly back at Duncan and leaned in close to his ear. "I guess I'll just stop by your room later tonight for a 'nightcap' then~," she whispered, then licked his ear! She then sashayed toward the refreshment table with a particularly sexy sway to her hips.
"Thank you for the save", Duncan heaved gratefully.
"No problem", Christina giggled.
"Duncan!", Clawdeen skidded to a stop next to them. "Are you ok? WHAT is Amora's problem?! Could she NOT see how uncomfortable you were?! I would've stepped in but Shaggy needed my help with somethin'. UGH! I could just claw her eyes out!"
"Amora was smitten with Duncan the moment she first saw him", Christina said, surprised at her growling friend.
"And It seems like she won't take 'no' for an answer", Duncan sighed. "She's been throwing herself at me from the start."
"Well, tell her to knock it off!" Clawdeen huffed at Christina.
"I'm sure she'll calm down at some point but this is just how she is besides, I have bigger problems,"
Cadfael was watching nearby still surrounded by girls but his attention was solely on Christina. Avoiding him was failing and he knew it, Clenching and unclenching her hands, Christina stalked over to the refreshment table where Amora was finishing off the last of the devil's food cake.
"You weren't really gonna leave me with him were you, Amora?" she asked popping a chocolate into her mouth.
Amora glanced at Cadfael, "I forgot he was here, I'm sorry, how are you holding up?"
Christina growled in response.
"Not good, you need a distraction, um, tell me about the little hell-hound Uncle Dracula bought you"
"She's a mix" Christina's jaw relaxed.
"Pomeranian right?"
"Yes, a little ankle biter"
"Ouch"
"Yeah, I'm working on it"
"Have you been back to Grimwood's lately, to see Jade and the other wolves?"
"Not recently, but Sibella brought home plenty of pictures, I'll see them soon"
"Too bad they can't stay here"
"I know but they're too wild for Uncle Dracula"
"That just makes them more fun"
"Try telling him that"
"Maybe I will"
"If you're really going to then please do it after the race tomorrow?"
"At your victory party got it"
"Amora!"
"Oh, right, my victory party"
Christina swatted her shoulder playfully, "Stop!" but she was giggling.
"Hey, I got you to laugh, mission accomplished"
Cad heard the distinctive giggle that he remembered from 'his Princess', and turned to see that her demonic cousin had somehow made her laugh. Can't have that, so he headed toward them...only to suddenly bump into something VERY solid. Or...someONE.
"Hello, Cad", Duncan greeted politely with a low growl.
"Ah, 'Prince' Duncan Rosenblatt", Cadfael replied with an edge of sarcasm. "I believe proper protocol requires use of full names and titles in initial greetings at functions such as this?"
"Spare me 'Prince' Cad", Duncan growled. "We both know you neither care about that tonight, nor are you here in any official capacity."
"Do not fence with me, you half-human fake of a royal!", the fae prince hissed with undisguised disdain. "I go where and when I please! And I was invited here tonight by Princess Christina in any case."
"An invitation made when the two of you were still in a romantic relationship; a relationship that YOU destroyed", Duncan growled. "You hurt one of my best friends, and for what?! Your arrogant pride! We both know you only came here tonight hoping to provoke her into causing a scene, to maybe get scratched from the Race so you can try to take her place. But, You and I also know that you're here without the knowledge or permission of your parents. Christina's Uncle Puck knows that, too. Oh look! While we've been talking I think he just told his favorite niece that little detail!"
Cadfael gasped as he looked over and saw Puck and Christina talking and her eyes widen, then narrowed in anger to glare over at HIM! She now knew that HE knew he wasn't supposed to be here! Any scene between them would now be blamed squarely on HIM! Wait...why was she heading to the stage?
"And one last thing, Cad". Duncan smirked. "My dad has named me his successor. So if you ever call me a 'fake Royal' or insult my mother ever again, and you WILL answer to ME. Have a pleasant evening."
The music halted, making everyone turn to the stage where Christina now sat casually on a stool, a headset mic on, "Sorry, everyone but since I believe the party will start winding down within the next few hours I had to do this now and most of you know I hate being the center of attention but-but I thought I'd tell you about this friend of mine and what she had to go through," Christina smiled sadly, "See this friend had caught the attention of someone who pursued her for years, he sent her flowers on a whim, gifted her jewelry every birthday, told her she was smart, beautiful so, talented, he wrote her there letters oh, they were pages long just singing her praises so, she fell for him but that, that's when things started to change, and I suppose I should tell you that this wasn't a friend, this was me, this happened to me and the boy responsible oh, he doesn't like when I sing, says it's wrong, a waste of time but let's see what you guys think. Are you ready, Spells?"
"We're ready. Christy!"
The band started to play once more.
"Mr. "Perfect face"
Mr. "Here to stay"
Mr. "Looked me in the eye and told me you would never go away"
Everything was right
Mr. "I've been waitin' for you all my life"
Mr. "Every single day until the end, I will be by your side"
As she sang the room became enveloped by her magic. Experiencing their relationship through her eyes and ears.
Finding dozens of roses in her bedroom after a hard day.
The letters that arrived bi-weekly because he didn't like smartphones.
The birthday gifts that grew more and more extravagant with every year.
Their first kiss.
"But that was when I got to know Mr. "Change of heart"
Mr. "Leaves me all alone," I fall apart
It takes everything in me just to get up each day
But it's wonderful to see that you're okay"
All the times he made her change for a date so she wouldn't be stared at because, "it'll make you uncomfortable"
When he would go silent for days to make her desperate.
"You shouldn't sing, Christina"
"Why?"
"All that unwanted attention, it's embarrassing for a royal, trust me"
"But-"
"Trust me"
When she found him with Gory.
With that, the magic shattered throwing them back to the present. Christina rose from her seat to descend the stage steps,
She was headed for him.
"Hello, Mr. "Perfectly fine"
How's your heart after breakin' mine?
Mr. "Always at the right place at the right time," baby
Hello, Mr. "Casually cruel"
Mr. "Everything revolves around you"
I've been Miss Misery since your goodbye
And you're Mr. "Perfectly fine"
Despite his attempt to blend with the crowd, she found him standing a few feet away from him, eyes narrowed with her arms crossed casually over her chest as if they were having a private conversation.
Mr. "Never told me why"
Mr. "Never had to see me cry"
Mr. "Insincere apology so he doesn't look like the bad guy"
He goes about his day
Forgets he ever even heard my name
Well, I thought you might be different than the rest, I guess you're all the same"
Now, the room was filled with a drowning sadness. Christina's from all those hours spent questioning everything. The words of his apology letter floating around the room, You just aren't ready yet. I'm sorry Christina but you need to mature a little more.
"'Cause I hear he's got his arm 'round a brand-new girl
I've been pickin' up my heart, he's been pickin' up her
And I never got past what you put me through
But it's wonderful to see that it never phased you"
The sadness left, and Christina moved about the room like she was just talking to people and not singing. He tried to flee only to find himself apprehended by Drew who was unfazed by his magical threats. Keeping him in the center of the room. The center of attention as Christina circled back around.
So dignified in your well-pressed suit
So strategized, all the eyes on you
Sashay your way to your seat
It's the best seat, in the best room
Oh, he's so smug, Mr. "Always wins"
So far above me in every sense
So far above feeling anything
And it's really such a shame
It's such a shame
'Cause I was Miss "Here to stay"
Now I'm Miss "Gonna be alright someday"
And someday maybe you'll miss me
But by then, you'll be Mr. "Too late"
Goodbye, Mr. "Perfectly fine"
How's your heart after breakin' mine?
Mr. "Always at the right place at the right time," baby
Goodbye, Mr. "Casually cruel"
Mr. "Everything revolves around you"
I've been Miss Misery for the last time
And you're Mr. "Perfectly fine"
You're perfectly fine
Mr. "Looked me in the eye and told me you would never go away"
You said you'd never go away"
The room exploded in applause as Christina took off the mic letting it drop to the floor as she stalked over to where Cadfael was still restrained with a wavering smirk.
"And since you aren't supposed to be here, I can do this,"
"You would-"
The slap resounded throughout the room. Sputtering Cadfael clutched his bleeding cheek as Christina's friends applauded even louder, laughing and whistling at his plight.
Turning on her heel Christina took Shaggy by the arm and left without looking back
...
Near Midnight Amora crept to Duncan's guest room to make good on her earlier promise only for the door handle to zap her when she reached for it, recoiling with a hiss of pain she tried to figure out what was going on.
"The door's blocked Amora," Duncan's voice explained from inside, "Christy figured you would try something"
"Darn you, Sparkles," Amora muttered, "Come on, Duncan, let me in, It'll be a night you'll never forget-"
"No thank you"
"Then won't you please come out? Let me give you a good night kiss"
"I'll pass"
"Duncan-"
"What are you doing?"
"AHH," Amora shrieked, spinning on her heel she found Christina watching her questioningly.
"Disney pajamas, cousin?" Amora deflected.
"They're my lucky race pj's, now why are you out here in barely anything?" Christina observed her cousin's see-through nightie and stilettos, "It's almost midnight and some of us have to get to sleep because they're first in the race lineup
"Why did you block the door?"
"I thought you might try something, Amora there are a dozen boys in this castle who would love to spend the night with you so please stop harassing my friend"
Amora huffed, stamping her feet like a toddler who'd just been told they couldn't have a candy bar, "Duncan is the one I want, Christy! He's my Fated Prince~, we're Destined to be betrothed~! And I WILL make him MINE! You can't protect him forever. Just ONE KISS, and he will LOVE ME with all his heart, soul, and body!" with those words she stormed to her bedroom, slamming the door.
Christina rolled her eyes, "Good night, Duncan!"
"Night, Christy"
The hybrid retreated to her room with a yawn.
Big day tomorrow
...
That...that was a lot. Hope you all enjoyed it. A HUGE thank you to my friend, DRAGONDAVE45 for all of his help co-authoring the chapter. Now, please, leave a review while I work on something else.