Disclaimer: Oh yes. While I'm at it, Mr. Tiny, as well as all the other characters associated with the actual book, are created by Darren Shan.

And, yeah, short chapter, I know. Sorry loves.

Chapter XVII

"Darren.." Ariel whispered.

We were on the way to Mr. Tall's van when she whispered my name. From the sound of her voice, I thought she was about to faint again. Turning around, I saw she was fine- Just really scared. I patted her twice on the shoulder for comfort as we entered the van.

Mr. Tiny, even though it was not his van, welcome us in very kindly.

"You must be tired after the day's work. Sit down, make yourselves at home," He gestured to a few empty seats, a smile on his face.

I seemed to be the only one who wasn't intimidated by Mr. Tiny's presence. Ariel was frightened, but she wasn't trembling- unlike Evra. Even Mr. Tall and Mr. Crepsley were here, standing up, expressions full of worry.

"We'll stand, if that's okay." I said, seeing neither Ariel nor Evra had any intentions to seat themselves.

Mr. Tiny started to roll a heart shaped watch around in his hands. "I've heard quite a lot about you, Darren Shan. You gave up everything you loved just for the sake of your friend."

I smiled, looking away. His compliments were starting to make my face heat up. How could Evra and Ariel possibly be afraid?

"Well- Almost everything." He added. I started back up at him so he would explain further, but Mr. Tiny just smiled.

"And Ariel," He began. She looked up at him and smiled, but had to immediately look back down.

"Princess of the vampires," He smiled a somewhat disturbing smile.

"I could just eat you up." And, for some reason, this statement sounded quite serious.

"Mr. Crepsley told me that neither of you care too much for blood. It's not like it's the most pleasant matter, so I can't say I blame you there.

"Unless you were dealing with children's blood, of course." He smirked, licking his lips.

"Drinking the blood of a child would kill it.." I murmured.

"Oh, yes, I know." He replied, as if it were no big deal.

This scared the crap out of me- I could see now why everyone was so frightened of this Mr. Tiny.

He stood, and I noticed Evra began to edge himself backward. I found myself doing the same.

"Ariel, my dear," Mr. Tiny stood right in front of her, face to face. "You seem very familiar. Have we met?"

Mr. Tiny reminded Ariel of an electronic skull she had seen when she was younger. It was a Halloween ornament, and when you turned it on it would light up, eyes flicking right then left, and it would say: "Come a little closer, I'd like to see you better, heh, heh."

Then her thoughts shifted to her nightmares. She couldn't reply to him, just stare into his cold blooded eyes.

Mr. Crepsley stood, clearing his throat. "Shall we get down to business?"

"Ah, yes, where was I?" Mr. Tiny asked while seating himself back down. Ariel looked toward Mr. Crepsley's direction, shooting him a silent 'thank you'.

"Oh, yes- The little people. They're quite new to the whole thing- Normally I would show them how things work myself, but I have business to attend to elsewhere.

I would appreciate if you three children would be so kind as to give them a hand. You won't have to do too much- My main concern is that you provide them with food. It doesn't matter what you feed them- My little people are usually quite hungry and will eat anything."

"So what'll it be, children? Will you give us a hand?"

Evra and Ariel nodded, so I did too. (As if we had much of a choice.) Mr. Tiny then motioned for us to leave. Ariel waited for me while Evra took a few steps back toward the door, but I wasn't leaving, yet.

"Excuse me," I said when Mr. Tiny had his back toward me.

"Why exactly do you call them the 'little people'?"

Everyone in the room was gawking at me.

He slowly turned around to face me, not looking surprised at all.

"Because they are little."

"Well, yeah," I replied to the obvious answer. "But don't they have birth names? Or where do they-"

Mr. Tiny now looked like he was ready to kill me, but he hadn't got the chance before Ariel grabbed my wrist. We all flew out the door.

Outside, Ariel gave me a slap on the back of my head.

"Darren Shan.." Evra said, shaking his head. "You have gone completely insane."

Ariel sighed, crossing her arms and holding her head with her hand.