(Male Narrator): Once upon a time…..A major change came to the realm of Ever After, when an entire population of monsters magically merged with our realm to escape the oppression of their home realm, where all their attempts at peaceful co-existence had been thwarted and rejected. Their communities and rulers were able to strike a peaceful accord with the Royals of Ever After. So as a whole, the realm changed for the better.
Female Narrator): Or the worse.
(MN): Again with that? If you didn't always play favorites with the Royals, you'd realize that change is a good thing! A fairy good thing!
(FN): And you should know by now that characters and stories can still grow and evolve while honoring their destinies! And the arrival of an entire population of free-thinking monsters not bound by the destinies of their ancestors can potentially turn the entire realm chaotically on its' head!
(Brooke Page): Mom! Dad! Can you please stop arguing? And always the same argument?! Sheesh! Let's just get back to our dreamy new character. I want to know more about this gorgeous cutie! And his talking dog, too!
(Turner Page): Sis, you do know that he's gonna have more than enough trouble not knowing he's actually half-monster, right?
(BP): So what, Turner?! A girl narrator-in-training can dream can't she~?
(TP): And you do realize he and his best friend haven't arrived yet?
(MN): He's right.
(FN): Listen to your brother, young lady. The arrival of the monsters was almost seventeen years ago, and some major repercussions of that event are about to start turning our world upside down!
(MN): Always such a negative outlook. It's the first day of school for both Monster High and Ever After High.
(FN): And for our Ever After High Students, it's Legacy Year.
…...
Tucked away in the woods on the dividing line between both communities was a well-kept manor. Picture perfect with polished stone and black wooden trim it looked equally part fairy-tale and monster-like. Of course, this was intentional as it was the house of the vampire Radu, his wife, Alissa and, their only child, Christina.
Inside the manor it's occupants began to stir, gentle sunlight finding its way through the windows to greet them. Alissa was always the first to rise, carefully maneuvering her way out of bed without waking her husband so she could get started on breakfast. Pausing for a brief glimpse in the hall mirror on her way downstairs. She shook her head. Seventeen years and she still wasn't used to her reflection. After a gentle debate, Alissa had taken the throne and become the queen of the Dark Fae. Because of this, she had the dragon horns and large majestic wings of a royal, blue and dragon-like, she still wasn't used to them. Often cloaking them around her shoulders. After doing this she continued on her way to the kitchen stopping again to knock on her daughter's door.
"Rise and Shine, Butterfly," she smiled, "You have a busy day ahead,"
"Yes, Ma'am," the girl shaped lump in the four-poster bed mumbled with a yawn.
Alissa continued to the kitchen with a small smile.
Christina turned, pulling the lavender blankets off her head, laughing at her reflection as she slid out of bed. Her brown hair was in knots, her eyes hazy with sleep. That was a simple fix. Half an hour later she was clean and dressed for the school day, wearing a black top, a purple butterfly printed skirt and fringed ankle boots she walked downstairs, messenger bag over her shoulder, adjusting her glittery headband.
She found her mother standing over the stove cooking pancakes for breakfast.
"Butterfly will you-"
"Already on it," Christina replied draping her bag over a chair before heading for the back door.
She smiled at the sounds of the birds that greeted her. Eyes sweeping over the land before her, coming to rest on the stable a few yards away. She grinned sprinting over to the building and pushing open the door with a small grunt, "Good Morning!"
The stables smelt of hay, oats, and smoke but Christina didn't mind. She loved the stables. Or more accurately what lived in the stables. She grabbed the bucket near the door filling it to the brim with feed before lugging it down the long row of stalls where, one by one, dragons peeked out in greeting.
"Good Morning Frost," she shivered when the young dragon greeted her with snowfall, dumping greens, oats and meat into his feed trough.
"Sparks," she smiled at his twin, wherever he struck the ground his namesake would shoot up.
"Daisy," nodding to the only sister in the clutch.
The largest dragon, the father of the young ones, Spitfire was her mother's dragon.
"Hello, Spitfire where's-EEP PRINCE!"
The dark dragon laughed, as close as dragons could come to laughter anyhow, tackling Christina from behind causing her to stumble but she caught herself on the stall door.
"No meat for you," she grumbled, though she smiled at her constant companion, "Come on boy,"
…...
"Daddy, what are you doing out of bed?" Christina gasped upon her return to the house for breakfast.
"Vhat? I can't say good morning to my daughter?" Radu gently smiled from his place at the table.
"But the stairs-"
"Good exercise, I'll be fine,"
"Who wants pancakes and eggs?" Alissa asked poking her head out of the kitchen to smile at her daughter, only to frown at her husband, "Radu-"
"I'm okay!" he protested, "Besides, it's Christina's first day of school,"
"Your point?"
"I vant to spend time vith her before she leaves,"
"Only because I love you, Radu," Alissa relented before returning to the kitchen to dish up plates.
Christina face-planted into the table with a groan, clenching her fists.
"Vhat's the matter? Aren't you excited?"
"Meh," Christina mumbled, "I don't wanna go to Ever After High. I mean, I have friends there but I just don't fit there or anywhere for that matter,"
"I know but you shouldn't try to fit in, Christina,"
The teen shook her head, "I'll get pushed around, either way, werecats, snobby royals, vampire elite, the psycho that can't take no for an answer!" she counted off.
"Is he still after you, Butterfly?" Alissa asked worriedly, setting the stack of pancakes before her.
"Never stops," Christina responded between bites of food.
Alissa shook her head, "We need to do something!"
"And ve vill." Radu agreed, "I think it's time ve had a talk vith Regina,"
Christina was horrified at the thought of letting the crazy lady into her home and anywhere near her father but she knew better than to argue. Once she finished her breakfast she stood, pulling her messenger bag over her head, collected her plate and, whistled for Prince to come along.
…...
"CHRISTY!"
Christina barely had time to turn as she was tackled from behind by one of her best friends ever after.
"Hey, Melinda! How was Oz?"
"Hexcellnt," the future witch of the west grinned, "I missed you though, you should have come! Aunt Glinda would have loved having you!"
"I'm sorry M," Christina smiled apologetically, "I was-"
"Helping take care of your father, It's okay, Christy,"
"Tell me all about Oz,"
"Help me unpack?"
"Why else would I be here so early?"
"So certain peers don't hear or witness your yearly standoff with the headmaster?"
"Caught red-handed!" Christina dryly laughed, "Why can't my life be easier?"
"Hey, mine's no cakewalk either!"
"I know, speaking of which," Christina slyly grinned reaching into her bag before pulling out a box larger than the bag itself, "Happy belated birthday!"
"Christy, it's wonderful!" Melinda gushed pulling out a painting of Neverland, one of Melinda's favorite places to visit, "Did you paint it?"
"Sure did, now, let's go before too many people get here!"
…...
"I'm supposed to have Good Kingdom Management!" Christina argued, "And what the HEX happened to Music?"
"Those are classes for future Royals-"
"Like her?" Melinda deadpanned from the corner where she stood with Giles Grimm, going over her schedule, "Her mother's a QUEEN remember?"
"And I put her in the appropriate class-"
"Kingdom Mis-management is not right-"
"You're a future villain-"
"My mother and GRANDMOTHER were NEVER tyrannical rulers! Anyone in the Moors can tell you that! FIX my schedule already!"
"Do it, Grimm, or shall I have my birds rip your eyes out?"
"Maleficent, wonderful to see you!" Giles greeted, handing Melinda her schedule.
"Giles," the elder fairy respectfully nodded while keeping stern eye contact with Milton.
"Grandmother, what are you doing here?" Christina questioned.
"I wanted to see you before school but you'd already left," Maleficent explained, "It seems I've arrived at the right moment, why don't you go help Melinda unpack and we'll speak later,"
"Yes, ma'am,"
…...
(TP) Life hasn't been very kind to Christina.
(BP) I'll say.
(MN) Let's go back and see how it began.
(FN) We should already know this.
(MN) It's our job.
(FN) Very well.
…...
Years earlier.
"Alissa, please sit down," Radu begged his pacing wife.
"Three days, Radu! THREE" she responded, "I'm not sure I can do this,"
"Of course you can!"
Alissa continued to pace, nerves eating at her. In three days she would become Queen. In three days they would leave their simple cottage behind and move to a much bigger home. In three days the ENTIRE kingdom would rest on her shoulders.
"Sit down, Alissa, you'll make Christina nervous with all the pacing,"
"She isn't back yet," Alissa responded.
Three-year-old Christina was spending time with her grandmother and wouldn't return for a half-hour.
There was a sharp knock at the door. Alissa blinked, "Mother never brings Christina home early! It's a struggle getting her back at all,"
Milton Grimm stood on the doorstep when Radu opened it causing Alissa to openly groan. Radu invited him in but was none too pleased with his presence.
"Headmaster, to what do I owe the displeasure?" Alissa snarked, she was not in the mood.
"I heard the news that you're to be crowned in three days time, I simply wish-"
"Vhy are you really here?" Radu demanded, cutting through the pleasantries.
"Alissa needs to have an heir to her story," Grimm explained stiffly, he didn't approve of Radu or any monster for that matter.
"Do I?" Alissa questioned, her voice sharp, egging Grimm on.
"Yes, it's of the utmost importance that you do!"
"And what if?" Alissa asked, the sharpness giving away to a much angry, subtle edge, "I already had a child? What then, Grimm?"
The headmaster narrowed his eyes whilst glaring at Radu who'd seated himself next to Alissa to keep her from exploding.
"You don't dare imply-"
Grimm was cut off by a sharp wind blowing the front door open. Turning he saw Maleficent. His jaw dropped. There was a small child in her arms.
"Mommy! Daddy!" the girl cried, brown pigtails bouncing as she raced to the adults seated on the couch, "We went to visit Nanny and I got to see all the pretty birds and-"
"Slow down, Butterfly," Alissa chided, placing her daughter between her and her husband, "You can tell us later, we have a guest," she turned her attention back to Grimm, "This is Christina, our daughter,"
To Grimm's relief, the child seemed to be a fae but hope was fleeting when he caught sight of her fangs, tiny as they were he still noticed, knowing that they wouldn't be so small forever. People would realize what this child was, where she'd come from and the results would be disastrous.
"Well, then we can discuss enrollment-"
Maleficent cut the headmaster off with a warning glare, "She won't be attending Nursery Rhyme school, or any other strictly fairy-tale school for that matter,"
"B-b-b-but she's your GRAND-DAUGHTER! She has a Destiny to fulfill as a Dark Fairy! She MUST sign her page in the Storybook of Legends!"
"She is also half-monster, Milton", Maleficent smirked wickedly. "As such, the choice is HERS, and there's nothing you can do to change that. But don't overly worry yourself, Milton. Lucinda's daughter Faybelle is already well on her way to being nearly as wicked as me!"
Grimm looked from Maleficent to Christina and, finally to Radu who he sneered at before being thrown out of the house by Alissa who was done and wanted him gone.
"Who was that, Mommy?"
"Don't worry about it, Butterfly," Alissa soothed, "He's not important,"
…...
(BP) Grimm really doesn't like monsters.
(TP) You're just figuring that out?
(MN) Behave yourselves, there's more to see.
(FN) Three days later...
…...
"When's Mommy coming?" Christina asked her father, who was doing his best to keep her out of the way of the always moving crowd of people trying to set up for the coronation.
"Not for a while, Christina," he replied honestly.
"But, I haven't seen, Mommy all day!" she pouted.
"You'll see her soon," he set Christina on her feet, "Go to your room and play for a while,"
"Okay,"
Bounding up the stairs, Christina returned to her room. Shutting the door she dashed to the window climbing upon the ledge to watch the activity below. Of course, her grandmother's castle was always bustling but today was different.
"Christina,"
"Mommy!"
Alissa lifted the girl from the window, "Want to spend some time with me? Your cousin won't be here until later,"
she nodded excitedly. Smiling to herself, Alissa gladly took Christina with her so they could get ready together.
"You're supposed to be getting ready" Radu whispered, falling into step beside them, "You've only got an hour,"
"That's plenty of time, besides, Christina needs to be ready too!"
.
"You're right," Radu relented.
The hour flew past and soon Alissa stood to make her entrance.
"I wanna go with Mommy!" Christina protested when she was told to go with her uncle.
"I know you do, Christina," Dracula sighed, scooping up his niece despite her protests, "Ve'll sit right in front so you can see your mommy and daddy,"
Christina pouted but said nothing, sitting beside Draculaura as she'd been told. As soon as Alissa entered the room, however, Dracula and Vana had to hold onto Christina who was just itching to join her parents.
"Shh, sit still,"
Maleficent had other ideas and watched with a small smile as Christina wriggled free, running to her parents, ruining the quiet seriousness of the event. Alissa took it all with a smile, grasping her daughter's hand with a smile, leading her up the steps where she was taken by Maleficent so the coronation could proceed as planned. The elder fairy failed to hide her pride when Alissa swore to uphold the traditions, laws and to protect the kingdom.
What a happy day it was for all.
…...
(FN) Now that we're all caught up we can go back to the disaster in the making.
(MN) What disaster?
(FN) You know what I'm-
(TP &BP) SERIOUSLY?
…...
Christina walked the halls of Ever After High quietly, she didn't wish to draw attention to herself but it never failed. The freshmen, Freedom Year students, were whispering as she passed by.
The Dark Fae Princess.
Do you think she's evil?
Where are her horns?
Look, she has a dark dragon, she must be evil!
In a few hours, she'd be at Monster High but she would only swap one set of problems for a new set. Would she even survive the school year?
"Just ignore them, Christy,"
"Hey, Raven," Christina greeted with a small smile, "How'd yesterday go?"
"Same as always," Raven cringed, recalling the visit with her mother the day prior, "Follow in my footsteps blah blah blah,"
"That bites," Christina said, "I'm sorry,"
Raven smiled her thanks, "So, how was your summer?"
"Good, I read a lot of books, baked,"
"Get out of the house?"
"Not really, just took Prince for a flight every day,"
"I don't think your dad likes that you do that,"
"What?"
"Limit yourself, I guess?"
"I know he doesn't but that's just how things are," she shrugged, "I. need to be close by,"
"I know,"
Raven got pulled away by Maddie leaving Christina on her own, their schedules were different after all. Hers having been fixed per Maleficent's demands. So, while Raven was off to General Villainy class Christina was headed for Good Kingdom Management. Pulling out her schedule to double-check it she suddenly found herself on the floor, hot coffee spilled down her front. She looked up seeing her sneering cousin Faybelle above her.
"Have a nice fall, Christina?" she mocked.
"Just Hexcellnt," Christina grunted, grabbing Prince by the tail before he could bite.
"Some Princess you are," Faybelle said with an eye roll, snapping a picture for Blondie to include in her first-day blunders list.
Christina stood, wringing coffee out of her ruined top before making a u-turn back to her locker. It paid to have a backup outfit.
"Oh, My Godmother, Christy! What happened?" Cerise asked worriedly.
"Faybelle tripped me,"
"Let's get you cleaned up," Ramona said after making sure no one was watching them.
…...
The hours before lunch were full of the usual first day of school activities. Reports on summer vacation, refresher courses, getting re-acquainted with the staff. When Christina finally had a chance to sit she was all the more grateful. Blondie, as expected, had shown the photo of Christina not that the hybrid could do very much. At least Blondie had been sweet about it, acknowledging it as an incident and assuring viewers Christina was okay.
"Let's eat, Prince," she smiled weakly, "We have to get to Monster High quick,"
In between bites of her garden salad, Christina checked in with her parents who were more interested in how she was doing.
I'm fine she promised.
No problems with your schedule? Alissa texted.
Grimm Christina admitted.
Again?
Don't worry, Mom, It's taken care of. How's Daddy?
Okay, sitting in his chair right now.
Christina replied with a smiley face before putting her phone away, finishing her lunch and disposing of the trash.
"Leaving already?" Ginger Breadhouse asked as Christina passed by her table.
"Yep,"
"Then I'd better give this now," Ginger responded, holding out a bakery box, "I made them for the class but, Raven said you had a different period than us,"
"Thanks, Ginger," Christina grinned, "See you tomorrow,"
…...
"Hello, Christina," Bloodgood smiled upon Christina's entrance.
Christina returned the smile with ease. It was always easier to smile at Ms. Bloodgood. She was the opposite of Grimm. His office despite the sunlight that poured into the windows was always cold and uninviting. Bloodgood's office, on the other hand, was just as orderly but always inviting.
"Hello, Headmistress,"
"How was Ever After High?"
"Meh,"
Bloodgood smiled, passing Christina her schedule, "You have a free period first so you can de-stress and spend some time with friends,"
"Thank you,"
"You're welcome and remember, my door is always open,"
Schedule in hand, Christina headed for the student lounge positive she'd find her friends there. As she suspected they were seated in a semi-circle each doing something different but still carrying a conversation about their respective vacations. She sat down beside Draculaura and silently counted down how long it would take to be noticed.
"OMG, Christina when did you get here?" Draculaura squealed.
"A few minutes ago," Christina beamed, "You were saying something about the movies?"
"Right so-"
"Christina, are you okay?"
"Hey, Spectra, you saw the picture too?"
The ghostly blogger nodded, "Blondie sent it,"
"I'm alright, no harm done,"
"Faybelle do it?" Clawdeen guessed.
"I really should've paid better attention-"
"She should be nicer to you!" Draculaura interjected with a huff, "You're her cousin!"
"Do you want me to curse her for you?" Cleo asked, reaching for her handbag where all sorts of amulets were stored.
"No, Cleo she's just being herself,"
"If it were me," Cleo muttered to herself, pushing her bag away.
"Are you going to come with us after school, Christy?" Frankie asked hopefully, "You haven't been in a while,"
The ghouls and guys were headed for the mall. Planning to meet and hang with their friends from Ever After High.
But, Christina shook her head, "Not today,"
A chorus of disappointment was soon floating through the air.
"Please?" Draculaura begged, "Raven will miss you, we all will!"
"And, you'll see me tomorrow,"
"You're a real stick in the mud," Draculaura replied with a shove.
"I'm needed at home," Christina lightly argued, returning the gesture.
"That's not what Aunt Alissa says,"
"I just like to be close by,"
"We know,"
…...
(MN) Christina forced herself to grow up.
(BP) That's sad.
(TP) But, she felt she had to.
(FN) All because of her father.
…...
"You should've gone out with your friends, Christina," Radu chided gently.
"And leave Mom to do everything?" Christina scoffed.
The duo sat in the sun-splashed living room, Radu in his chair and Christina on the couch with a basket of socks that needed matching.
"That's vhy we have help," Radu replied, nodding to the cleaning pixies that were helping Christina.
"Where is Mom anyway?"
"I kicked her out," Radu chuckled, "Sent her to your grandmother's shortly before you arrived, I'm not an invalid,"
"I know that We both do it's just-"
"You vant to take care of me," Radu finished, "Tell me all about school,"
"From the beginning?"
"Yes,"
"Okay,"
…...
"Christina didn't come with you guys?" Raven questioned. upon her and Maddie's arrival.
"Nope," Howleen quipped, "She went home,"
"Again," Cleo added.
The large group of friends traveled from store w to store excitedly chatting about the school year ahead. Well, most were. Raven Queen was a bundle of nerves. She didn't WANT to sign the book. She didn't want to follow in her mother's footsteps. She never had but she kept quiet about it.
"Raven?" Draculaura questioned, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine,"
Draculaura wasn't convinced. Raven was no better at lying than Christina was but, she let the matter drop for now.
"Christina too embarrassed to come with you guys?"
The group turned to find Faybelle sneering at them.
"That wasn't cool, Faybelle," Clawdeen growled.
"You're right, it was hilarious," Faybelle snickered, "It's gone viral! Christina the klutz!"
"You tripped her!" Draculaura snapped, "The coffee could've burnt her!"
"Nothing burns her," Faybelle spat, "She's fireproof you idiot!"
"That's enough," Duncan warned.
"ooh, I'm so scared!"
"You should be!" Clawdeen snapped.
Duncan grabbed Clawdeen by the arm to keep her from doing something she would regret.
"She's not worth it," he reminded everyone, "She's just jealous of Christina,"
Faybelle blanched as they all walked away brushing her off without a second glance.
…...
Weeks went by. All the same, blending until Christina couldn't tell Tuesday from Thursday. Her first day back to school went smoothly, no psycho, no werecat pushing her around but these crept up on her over time. Drew and his minions coming after her but never accomplishing whatever they wanted to do, Toralei pushing her around only to be cursed by Cleo.
Ever After High was no better. The mornings brought highly uncomfortable Legacy Day rehearsals that left both her and Raven squirming to say nothing of Melinda ditching them, only to reappear with a box of pastries for them both.
In short, Christina was ready to drop.
"I brought cupcakes!" Melinda exclaimed with a smile when Christina prepared to leave for Monster High one day.
"Thanks, M." Christina smiled gratefully.
"No problem!" Melinda beamed in return, "Grimm's losing his mind over it!"
Christina laughed. "So after school?"
"We'll be there, all of us,"
"Good,"
"See ya, Christy,"
"Later, M"
Christina whistled for Prince, grabbed her bag and flew out the door. Landing a short distance away, wishing to walk through the woods on her way to Monster High, finding the greenery and animals often helped clear her head after a stressful morning. She walked slowly, so slowly that Prince jumped onto her back, settling on her shoulders.
"You have wings too, silly," she chuckled, speeding up slightly as they were passing by an entrance to the Darkthorn woods, the known home of several villains.
There was a distinct snap causing her to turn, warily...
Then, she was on the ground. Her first concern was Prince. He had been on her shoulders, was she on top of him? He turned out to be fine, having landed a few feet from her. But. What had knocked her over in the first place? Glancing around, she saw no nefarious beasts who sought to turn her into their lunch. Just across from her, however, was a boy, a human boy, and a large dog. Both were shaking, scared out of their wits, terrified.
The dog noticed her first, jumping from the ground onto the boy's lap.
"Scooby!" he groaned.
"M-m-monster!" the dog stammered.
"It's okay, you don't have to be scared of me," she replied quietly, "I won't hurt you. My name's Christina,"
Prince, having recovered from the shock, burrowed into her lap. He was just as scared of the dog as the dog was scared of them.
Christina locked eyes with the boy and something seemed to pass between them although she wasn't sure what.
"Like, I believe you", Shaggy said with a goofy smile. "You're like, too pretty to be scary."
"Thanks", she blushed. "You're kinda cute yourself. Who are you?"
"Like, everyone calls me Shaggy", he said, helping her up. "And this is my bestest buddy, Scooby-Doo. Can you tell me where we are? 'Cuz I don't think we're in Crystal Cove anymore."
"This is Ever After and that," Christina pointed to the woods they'd come from, "Is the Darkthorn forest. Why were you there?"
"W-w-witch," Scooby stammered, Shaggy nodding in agreement.
"She wanted to use us for some spell. Like, we just wanna go home,"
"Let's get you both mended first, you're hurt," she nodded to the cuts and gashes across their bodies, "Just give me one minute," pulling out her phone she texted Miss Bloodgood to explain and apologize for her actions. Then her friends to inform them of the change of plans, they were now to meet at her uncle's castle instead of her house. Finally, her parents who assured her they'd be there quickly. Putting her phone away Christina motioned for Shaggy and Scooby to follow her. She stopped short after a few steps.
"Almost forgot," she face-palmed herself before giving a long shrill whistle.
"AHH," Shaggy and Scooby cried in unison jumping sky high when a large crow dove from the trees landing on Christina's arm with an inquisitive gaze.
"Take this to Grandmother, please," Christina gently instructed handing the crow a hastily scribbled note, "Thank you,"
The bird nodded, seemed to bow and flew off, leaving Shaggy and Scooby to stare in bewilderment.
"Come on," Christina giggled.
"Like, did that bird bow to you?"
"Yes,"
"Why?"
Christina shrugged, "They always have, now let's go before something else comes out of the woods,"
The boys didn't need to be told twice.
…...
"D-D-Dracula?!" Shaggy cried upon seeing the name above the large gate.
"Yes," Christina nodded, pushing the gate open with one hand, "Is that a bad thing?"
"W-Why are we like, here?"
"He's my Uncle and this was closer than my home,"
"L-like, what if he makes a meal out of us?" Shaggy questioned, while Scooby clutched his neck.
"That's illegal, I'll explain once we're inside, okay?"
"Okay,"
The duo followed close behind, so close that Christina could feel Shaggy's breathing on her neck. Stepping back, she took his hand with a small smile and a gentle squeeze.
"I know this is scary but you can trust me," she swore, "It'll be okay,"
Shaggy seemed to relax even as she led them to the front door which creaked open. This caused Shaggy to tighten his grip on her hand but she paid it no mind simply bringing them to the parlor, sitting down with them on one of the overstuffed couches while they awaited the arrival of her aunt and uncle. In the meantime, she showed them both pictures of her family and friends so they'd know what to expect and would hopefully be less intimidated.
Soon after, Dracula and, Vana arrived, sitting opposite to their niece while she made the introduction, explaining the situation as best she could.
"So," Shaggy slowly began, "If this is the world of fairy tales why are there like, monsters?" he asked uneasily, not wishing to upset the vampires before him.
"Ve came here seventeen years ago to escape the vorld you come from," Dracula explained.
"Escape?"
"We're not wanted there," Christina elaborated, "Hunted and killed for sport and fame so, some of the most powerful members of the monster world got together-"
"And found a world that vould be better-"
"Daddy!" Christina cried.
"He insisted," Alissa said, pretending to look annoyed.
Radu and Alissa sat next to their daughter while Alissa took over the story.
"A peace treaty was signed, the monsters kept to themselves, for the most part," she smiled slyly at her husband.
Christina gagged. "Moving on, please!"
"But, when the giants attacked, we had to work together," Maleficent said as she swept into the room, earning terrified gasps from Shaggy and Scooby.
"Vith the help of the kaiju the giants were defeated and it's been relatively peaceful since," Vana concluded.
"Like, don't you ever wish you could go back though? Wasn't that like, your home?"
"Travel between the two worlds is frequent, that way monsters can learn where we come from," Christina responded.
"It only happens a few times each year, to prevent threats from slipping through," Alissa all but growled, eyes flashing dangerously.
Christina cringed while Shaggy looked on confusedly. He wanted to ask but he feared the response so he kept his mouth shut.
"How did you two end up here?" Maleficent asked.
Shaggy choked down the urge to scream before explaining.
This was going to be a long visit.
…...
That night.
"This is where you'll be sleeping," Christina said, pushing open the door to a large but cold bedroom and leading the boys inside.
The two watched as Christina lit a fire with her hand.
"How did you-"
"I'm pyrokinetic, I control fire," Christina explained, "Runs in the family. Need anything else before I go?"
"Night clothes," Shaggy sheepishly replied, "I don't have anything,"
Blinking, Shaggy found clean nightclothes folded on the bed before him, even Scooby had a nightcap.
"I'll see if Clawdeen can make you some more clothes tomorrow," Christina smiled, "I promise, we'll get you both home, okay?"
"Okay, thanks, Christina," Shaggy smiled.
"I'm just down the hall if you need me," Christina said before stepping out.
Shaggy turned, finding Scooby cold on the floor, nightcap firmly on his head. For the first time in days, Shaggy was able to clean up, getting ready for bed and slipping under the covers to reflect on the long and somewhat crazy day he had, blushing furiously when he remembered calling Christina pretty. She said he was cute and that sent his heart soaring though he didn't understand why. Then meeting her family and later her friends. They were all nice to him although wary. Not that he could blame them.
For hours he tossed and turned, wishing to go to sleep but something was keeping him awake. It was a pull, a whispering that seemed to demand his attention until he could take it no more. Kicking off his blankets and stepping over Scooby he crept to the hallway, closing the door softly behind him, being careful not to wake anyone. He soon found himself in the library in front of a very large, faintly glowing book in a glass case which opened on its own allowing him to lift the book from it, watching in awe and confusion as the pages flipped themselves coming to stop on one about werewolves of legend.
But, why?
He skimmed it, growing more confused when the words, the ink itself started flickering, rearranging itself until the paragraphs were replaced by a single picture.
His own.
"What?"
spinning away from the bookshelf, he caught sight of his reflection in the window.
He wasn't human, not anymore.
"ZOINKS! LIKE WHAT'S HAPPENED TO ME?!"
In a panic, he dropped the book which snapped shut. He was a werewolf and that terrified him to no end. His shouts woke the entire household who all came running. Scooby arrived first to find the panic-stricken Shaggy staring, screaming, howling in fright. The Great Dane rushed to his side, anxious and deserter to help.
"OH, MY GODMOTHER! Christina flipped, Draculaura right on her heels.
"Vhat is going-oh! VHAT HAPPENED?"
By this point, Shaggy was facing all present members of the household, hyperventilating, having a sensory overload. Hands clamped over his ears and eyes swimming with unshed tears, he locked eyes with Christina. Feeling the same pull from earlier but much, much stronger.
The yelling stopped when thunder clapped above their heads and although it left his ears ringing Shaggy was grateful for the silence that followed. Everyone having turned to Christina.
"Yelling isn't going to help," she declared, hands on her hips.
"But, VHAT is going on?" Dracula demanded, "I thought he was human!"
"I'm supposed to be!" Shaggy whimpered, "This has like, NEVER happened to me!"
"I think it'd be best if we all calm down and go to bed," Christina interjected, "It's four in the morning for fairies sake and I have to get home and help Daddy tomorrow-"
"Aunt Alissa says-"
Christina glared at Draculaura who promptly shut her mouth.
Christina walked over to Shaggy, handing him a tissue, "We'll figure it out," she reassured him.
"Promise?"
"Fairies honor,"
And, Shaggy believed her.
…...
(BP) Awwww
(TP) Headmaster Grimm isn't going to be pleased when Christina shows up with a monster on Monday.
(FN) I wouldn't be so sure.
(MN) The following Monday...
…...
It was decided that the witch that'd abducted Shaggy and Scooby had also cursed them or at least, Shaggy. The news spread like wildfire. Blondie Locks and Spectra both running with it. And that was how Shaggy found himself called to Grimm's office just an hour after his arrival with Christina.
"Ah, Mr. Rogers! Come in! Have a seat. It has come to my attention that you find your recent...transformation disturbing, to say the least?"
"Like, you got that right, man", Shaggy replied. "I don't wanna be a werewolf! And I wanna go home!"
"Yes-yes, dear boy, I understand completely", Grimm told him, trying to sound as sympathetic as he could. "I wish I could help you but, alas, there's nothing I can do...unless..."
"Like, unless what, sir?", Shaggy asked hopefully.
"Returning you home would be a relatively simple matter", Grimm said. "But you can't go back as a monster. You would be hunted mercilessly. But from what I heard, your change was foretold in the Grimness Book of Records. If true, then if I had access to that book, I might be able to remove the curse."
"The Grimness...?"
"Grimness Book of Records. A tome that is as important to the monster community as the Storybook of Legends is to Ever After", Grimm explained. "However, the Dracula family, the Keepers of the Book, refuse to let me even see it, let alone examine it. But if YOU could bring it to me, I could help you. And you have my word I will return the Book once I have done what is required."
"I'll try," Shaggy nodded.
"That's all I ask," Grimm replied, suppressing a smile, "You may go, I believe Miss Shadowfae has gone to her next class-"
"I know where she is," Shaggy interjected politely, "Thank you,"
"You're most welcome,"
Shaggy was a perfect pawn.
…...
Shaggy could smell Christina although she was in the basement of the school. He was still overwhelmed with his heightened senses not to mention confused. Out of everyone and everything around him he could pinpoint Christina and her rosy smell from anywhere. He was in such a rush to reach her that he mistakenly crashed into someone headed the opposite way.
"Shaggy?"
"Rachel?"
...
A big thank you goes to my friend, DRAGONDAVE45 for coming up with this idea and to, Creaturemaster for allowing me to use his OC Turner Page.
Okay, that's a wrap for this chapter.
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