Christina sped through the halls. Where was Shaggy? She had to find Shaggy and she had to apologize. She shouldn't have done what she did and it made her sick just thinking about it. She was so focused on finding Shaggy that she didn't see Sterling until he was right in front of her.
"Whoa, there Flash! What's the rush?"
"I can't talk right now. I need to find Shaggy. I-I need to apologize-"
"This is about what happened this morning isn't it?" Sterling asked gently.
"Yes," Christina moaned, "I have one rule. One rule and I broke it! I have to keep my emotions in check. I have to-"
"You know, letting your emotions out isn't the problem. Bottling them up is. You should embrace them especially the negative emotions then you won't explode. Besides, those emotions can be a source of strength, and a lot of people fear strong, powerful people; wishing and trying to convince them that it's wrong. Those kind of people are fools who would rather you keep your head down and be 'good' so that THEY can feel better."
Christina pondered this for a moment before shaking her head.
"Thanks for the advice Sterling but I had better find Shaggy,"
"Of course, anytime"
Drew watched with a wicked grin as Christina hurried away. He knew he had planted a seed in his princess and all he had to do was rely on Whirlen and his crazy magic obsessed antics to drive Christina mad. Then Sterling would be there to help her.
…...
Christina burst into her room. Seeing Shaggy was there she stumbled back in relief. Shaggy was up instantly and caught her before pulling her back down on the bed with him so that she was laying on top of him. She melted into sobs as Shaggy held her close.
"I-I B-broke m-my r-rule-"
"Shh, it's okay, I'm right here. Can you hear my heartbeat?"
"Y-yeah,"
"Just focus on that, okay. Like, just focus on that,"
Christina listened to the comforting thump-thump of Shaggy's heart as he rubbed her back comfortingly. She was really upset with herself over what had happened and Shaggy could sense that. Little did he know everything that was tumbling its way through Christina's head. The chants of the students and Whirlen's begging. Over and over and over again. Spinning around her head like a tornado. A very violent tornado that never calmed down. Instead, it picked up speed and consumed her thoughts. Making her cry harder the more she thought about it. Christina was red in the face and gasping for air even though it truly wasn't necessary for her. It was just a natural thing that she trained herself to do.
Christina.
Please teach magic.
Magic.
Magic.
Christina.
Please teach magic.
Magic.
Magic
Christina.
Please teach magic.
Magic.
Magic
Christina.
Please teach magic.
Magic.
Magic
Just make it go away.
Please go away.
Please?
PLEASE!
Just make it go away.
Please go away.
Please?
PLEASE!
just make it go away.
Please go away.
Please?
PLEASE!
just make it go away.
Please go away.
Please?
PLEASE!
it grew more intense with every passing moment. No matter what Shaggy tried. It just wouldn't stop. It wouldn't leave her alone. Reminding her of her guilt and her shame. Making her feel rotten and unwanted. Wicked and evil.
Then, Sterling's advice broke through the storm.
"You know, letting your emotions out isn't the problem. Bottling them up is. You should embrace them especially the negative emotions then you won't explode. Besides, those emotions can be a source of strength, and a lot of people fear strong, powerful people; wishing and trying to convince them that it's wrong. Those kind of people are fools who would rather you keep your head down and be 'good' so that THEY can feel better."
Maybe it would help if she took his advice. After a few deep breaths, Christina finally calmed down much to Shaggy's relief.
"Shaggy?"
"Hm?"
"I think I feel better,"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, now, why don't you go to the kitchen grab some food and spend some time with Scooby?"
"I'd rather spend time with you,"
"I need some sleep,"
"Okay,"
"Thank you,"
…...
Meanwhile, Madelyn was angry with Drew. Her ranting and raving did nothing to phase him he was far too pleased with himself to care about Madelyn or what she was doing.
"I TOLD YOU TO TAKE HER TO THE GRIFFINS ROOST" Madelyn shouted finally catching Drew's attention.
"I will,"
"When?"
"Soon,"
"Stop being vague."
Drew grabbed Madelyn by the arm and started to squeeze causing tears on Madelyn's part. Drew did not like being pushed around.
"Listen here, I AM trying. Your plan to get me to take Christina to this place is far too risky right now. So I suggest you shut up, sit back and enjoy the show because I'm going to turn my head-strong princess into putty. All it takes is that idiot Whirlen and a bit of blood,"
"Blood?"
"Christina has shut off her natural desire for it but if you start putting it in her food it's only a matter of time,"
"She'd notice,"
"not if you follow my directions,"
"Okay, what do I do?"
"I am so glad you asked,"
…...
Velma was the first to notice the change in her sister. Her once bubbly, bright sister had suddenly become reserved and quiet. Every single time Velma tried to interact with her Madelyn would utter an excuse and hurry away. Velma also noticed the book her sister always had tucked under her arm nowadays. Hoping to start a conversation Velma had asked about it only to be told she couldn't touch it before Madelyn hurried off shutting herself in her dorm room. Seeking answers Velma tracked down Whirlen and asked him about it.
"I'm sure it's nothing, just stress,"
"I'm not so sure-"
"Have you seen Christina since breakfast?" Whirlen interrupted.
"She's in her room, why?"
"I wanted to ask where she learned-"
"Like, don't you DARE bother her again, Whirlen," Shaggy declared as he came down the hall, arms full of food.
"But-"
"No, DON'T YOU DARE BOTHER HER," Shaggy snapped his eyes blazing red before he calmed down and went in search of Scooby.
Velma took the chance to hurry away. Maybe Marlon could help her instead. He'd most likely be in his workshop so that's where Velma headed. Along the way, she passed by Scooby who was headed to the kitchen for a snack.
The Great Dane was so preoccupied with the thought of a tasty Meal that he crashed into the lion. Scooby quickly stumbled backward, babbling and begging not to be eaten but the lion was irritated with the trembling, stammering, nervously smirking dog and gave chase. Scooby galloped ahead in a fear-fueled attempt to get away from the ferocious cat. He quickly put some distance between them but Scooby was losing steam and desperately tried to find somewhere to hide. He hastily turned a corner and crashed into the wolves.
"Scooby-" Thunder growled, ready to chew the dog out.
He was interrupted by the angry roars of the lion.
Scooby covered his eyes and trembled in fear, positive that he was about to be lion chow. He nervously opened his eyes when he heard snarling. He was shocked to see Fluffy and Thunder with their hackles up, fangs bared, snarling and crouched; ready to fight! The lion growls softly. The clumsy dog isn't worth tangling with two angry wolves. He turns and walked away. The wolves relaxed.
"Some lion," Thunder drawled sarcastically.
"Thanks, guys,"
Fluffy seemed to smile and licked his nose while batting her eyes at the surprised Scooby which caused Thunder to roll his eyes at her behavior.
"Come on sis, we got to get back to the mistress," he said before pulling Fuffy away by her collar.
...
Well, the end of this chapter has come. What did you think? Will Whirlen drive Christina crazy? What's Drew up to? Is Madelyn ever going to get time with Shaggy? What's up with Fluffy? Anyway, please leave me a nice long review and I'll see you soon.