Chapter 4 Package from Egypt

Tanis continued to drag her luggage as she followed the sea siren teen around the school. she was giving her a small tour of the place as she did, explaining to her all the rules and the classes that they teach,

" over there is the lounge, which is usually the main room for everyone to hang out, it is also used for all our big party events, including the annual open house event usually hosted around Halloween or close to that date,,, leona said as she led the mummy further into the school. " and that over there is the entrance to the dining hall, were all meals of the day are served. best to get there early and get a seat near the front of the table, sense that's were miss Grimwood will announce important event's " she explained as she then led the Mummy down a long corridor.

Tais grunted as she did her best to keep up with her,

well your certainly in for a treat I tell you. Miss grimwood's school for ghouls is such a wonderful place for all Girl ghouls, from big, " she said pointing over to a large crocodilian ghoul that was seen passing by them. " to um...small.
" she said looking down at the Mummy girl with a sweet smile...

" well * grunt * it all * pant * sounds wondaful, but may I ask were is miss Gwimwood " Tanis said as she struggled to drag her bag of luggage.

"oh yeah, she's a little busy at the moment, she's out back coaching the volley ball team," leona answered as she noticed tanis struggling to pull er things, " Um, would you like me help you with that ? " Leona said awkwardly observing the mummy pulling her things.

" No no. it's fine I got's its, I wike to try to do things all by my self, " she said in a innocent but determined tone,

" um...well if you say so then sweetie. " she said rubbing the back of her head. she had admit, one would have to admire the little ghouls determination despite being so small, leona then led tanis over to a stairwell located back in the foyer of the school, " well here is the stairwell, upstairs is were most of the student's rooms are located. "

she then looked down at tanis who was heavily panting and resting on her bag, looking like an exhausted puppy.

" um, well sense miss Grimwood tells me you won't be staying in any of those rooms. let me lead you down to were you to where you will be staying, and greatly for you, it doesn't require climbing up stairs, " she said motioning Tanis to follow her, to which she did once she caught her breath...

Leona then led tanis down another corridor and over to a large wooden door on the wall that had two torches on either side,

" ah here we are, this is the room miss grimwood told me to help you get settled into, " she said as she took the door handle into her grip and pulled the door open. to which it did with a low creak,

once the door was open Tanis could see that it opend to some spiral stone stairs that led down, Tanis then looked up at Leona, looking rather unsure,

" well, said you wouldn't have to climb up any stairs. " she said with a sheepish chuckle. " * ahem * well anyway, fellow me then. " she said making her way down the stairs, Tanis took a hold of her baggage and did as she was told,
just
after making there way down the spiraling stairs They soon came into a dark chamber as Tanis could feel it, it was cold and felt like it was made entirely out of stone, she wish she could make out more of the room, but being dimly lit she could not,

" are we's in the basement ? Tanis asked,

" not exactly, hold on a second I'll get the lights, " Leona said as she walked over towards a wall, she however tripped over something in the darkness. the sound of her crashing into something and that falling down, followed by her grunts could be heard by Tanis, making her wince, But then realise she was okay as she heard her get back up,

" come one now, were are you, aha ! " Leona said as she found the switch, she then flipped the switch, and in moments, torches on the wall began to burst alive as small flames ignited on them, thus lighting up the room,

Tanis could now see what was before her, and to her amazement, it was a room that looked just like something from her homeland of Egypt, the place was done up with bricks resembling those made for the pyramids of Egypt, large pillars touched from the floor to the ceiling, they were painted with many Egyptian designs, there were even some painted across the stone wall, on each side of the rooms tanis could count three sarcophagus's, making a total of 6, upon looking at them,. the floor in the room, despite everything else being made of stone, was instead covered with a soft red carpet,

" This is were you'll be residing during your stay at Miss Grimwood's school, I Hope you find it to your liking, " Leona said with her hands neatly cupped together..

Tanis continued to on look the elements in the room before her, " ..it wooks, I mean looks, simpawy amazing, " she said with glee in her eyes, almost like child that had been placed inside a candy shop and told they can have anything they want,

" Well I'm glad you find it to be that, now you can just get settled here, and then come on up when ever you're ready, Miss Grimwood will be meeting with you later, " Leona said as she patted her on top of her head, she then left tanis alone to unpack her things,

Tanis dragged her bag over to one of the sarcophagus's and climbed up onto it and unzipped her bag, she shuffled around in there with her hand and then pulled out a picture frame, it was one that had a photo of her and her parent's. she smiled warmly at the images and placed her thumb on her mouth, something she had a habit of doing without even realizing most of the time. to her it was a comforting habit though, she continued to do so as she continued to pull out the rest of her belongings,

Tanisi thought to herself, ever sense she was told she was being sent here, she felt rather nervous. even a little scared, but she wanted to show her family she can handle being on her own for a while, and they told her that she'd be having a great time at this school.

Tanis looked around, she had to admit . the room she was in had a very warm and inviting feel to it, so she knew she would be having a comfortable stay at least, and her parents said that if she ever felt home sick she could always write to them, and they'd do the same in return,. she just hoped that she would get along well with the other students..,,,

*A few days later*

A volley ball was seen flying through the air..it then was caught by winnie who had jumped up and caught it,

" Winnie your supposed to hit the ball back, not catch it, " Elsa said placing her hands on her hips...

" I know that, but it was out of bounds, you really need to work on that shot of yours Elsa, " she defended herself,

" ugh, would you just toss back the ball please, " Elsa said rolling her eyes,

" alright, here You go ! " Winnie shouted as she tossed the ball up and smacked it with her hand, it was sent flying towards Elsa who simply caught it in her one hand,

" Thank you Winnie. " she said as she brought the ball back over to the other end of the court,

" your doing great Elsa. but you do need to get the serve under control, once you do you'll have the best stuff we need, " Miss Grimwood shouted from the side line..

" will do Miss Grimwood, " Elsa said as she prepared to serve again, she took the ball and aimed it,

" that's it, now use a little less force and it should be the perfect serve, " miss Grimwood instructed,

" alright here I go. " she said as she then served the ball, sending it flying into the air again, but this time at a much less forced rate,

" alright I got this one for sure, ! " Winnie said running around on the ground as the ball came near her, "

" oooh, I think this one is mine actually " Phantasma shouted as she phased through Wnnie and stealing her ball, she smacked it way and sent it back to the other end of the court..

" aw come on phanty No fair ! " Winnie grumbled..

" He he he sorry winnie, " she chuckled...

sibella prepared herself as the ball came towards her, she jumped back and took a swing at the ball sending it straight up into the air and right back down towards her, " Oh drat, " she said aloud to herself,

" hang on I got it, " Elsa said as she went in for a dive and struck the ball back over the bet,

" this time I'll get ya ! " winnie said as she jumped into the air and spiked the ball with her hand..it went straight down on the other side of the net, causing a score for her and phantasma...

" ah-oooooooooo ! " winnie cheered, " I tell you that's how it is done ! "

" Great job winnie with that spike, that's the reflexes we'll need when we actually play another team, " Miss Grimwood congratulated she then turned over to Sibella " and as for you Sibella, I see you are getting much better, keep up the great work, " she said with a thumbs up,

sibella nodded, " thank you miss Grimwood, I know I'll get the hang of it eventually, "

" well then, that should be a wrap for today, keep up the good work my ghouls, enough practice and we'll be shaping up to be a real top notch volley ball team. " she said as she dismissed the ghoul girls, who all soon began to make there way back into the school, all while discussing the turnout of today's practice,

" Not a bad one today I say, " Winnie said with a smirk on her face, " in fact the best one yet, "

" well we certainly are getting the better hang up it i say, " Elsa agreed,

" speaking of Hang, what say to you we all hang out sense practice is done ? " phantasma suggested,

" hang out ? like you mean, we all do something together ? " Sibella said raising an eyebrow,

" yeah, you know, like maybe we can just talk and chill, we only hang out when were at practice, why not hang out afterwords? I would love to preform some songs I wrote " phantasma suggested,

everyone else just glanced at one another, looking unsure how to answer..

everyone then started speaking at once over one another,

" I don't know, I have to go brush my hair, but your music idea does sound lovely " said sibella

" I found a bone earlier and I plan to go bury it , " Winnie added

" I have to go work on my chemistry home work you see, " Elsa chimed in.

phantasma however didn't seem to be paying attention to them and there excuses, as she had her attention drawn elsewhere. she just happen to notice Tanis who was sitting alone by herself on a bench onlooking the dead garden,

" hey check that over there,? " Phanty spoke up,

Sibella who was still talking to herself didn't quite here her, " I mean maybe after I do that we could then plan something, "

She however then noticed phanty looking at her " I'm sorry phanty, what was that you said ? "

phantasma then pointed over to were Tanis was sitting," over there, the little mummy sitting at the bench, that must be the new student miss Grimwood mentioned the other day, "

" oh yes is appears it must be, " Sibella said observing, " say why don't we go over and introduce ourselves ? "

" That sounds like a splendid Idea, " phantasma agreed, " come on lets go meet her, "

winnie looked around then at elsa then shrugged, " eh why not then, " she said as she then followed along,,

The group then made there way over towards her as Tanis sat there on the bench watching the giant Venus flytraps attempt to catch a meal with some flies. Phantasma phased through the Bench and took a set Next to her,

" well hello there, " she said getting the mummy's attention,

Tanis looked over to see the ghost girl sitting next to her,

" Oh hewo. I mean hello, " she said sweetly,

soon the others came up and joined in, in introducing themselves,

" Hello there, you must be the knew student miss Grimwood told us about, I don't think we really met before, my names sibella count Dracula's daughter sibella introduced herself,

" oh, hewo there, My names Tanis, " she said with a nod, as she observed the group of ghouls who had come up to her,

" and my names Phantasmas, she said with a playful wink, " so whatcha doing over here anyway ? " phantasma asked the little mummy girl,

Just watching the garden, I love plant life . we don't get a lot of that were I'm from, " Tanis said while sucking her thumb as she continued to on look the garden.

" oh really, that's interesting, well I'd say miss grimwood's garden is one of the best I ever seen,."

" Yeah, i'll day so, I never seen one like this before, " she said while sucking on her thumb,

winnie couldn't help but notice this, " she still sucks her thumb ? " she mutterd over to Elsa, who just gave a small glare for judging her on that matter,

" say, where is it you are from ? " Elsa then spoke up,

" Egypt owiganlly...but my family moved to America few years ago, " she said

" well, we hope your having a great time at miss Grimwood's so far, " Sibella said,

" Oh yes, I am, I got a toua from one of da other students, Lewona I think it was, "

" ah leona , she's a very friendly student, lucky got you get the tour from her, " sibella said, " oh and these over here our winnie and Elsa, " she said montong over to the two who were standing just a bit behind her,

" It's Winnie the werewolf to be exact " winnie said with a howl,..

" and Elsa Franktinteen is my full name" Elsa said pointing a thumb to herself,

Tanis pulled the thumb out of her mouth and spoke, " well it's nice to meet you all, " she said sweetly, tanis then decided to ask a bit about them, " so, what is you were all doing anyway ? " she said motioning over to the volley ball court,

" oh that, we all just got done with practice, we were playing volley ball, " sibella explained,

" yeah, were all part of the team, " phantasma said cheerfully

" vowey ball you say. never pwayed such a sport before, in fact I never pwayed any sport before, " tanis said,

Winnie just groaned at her babyish speech,

" oh yeah it's real fun, " phantasma said, " in fact we are the first to partake in the sport for the school, "

" really that sounds pretty amazing. " Tanis said

" yeah it's a pretty neat fact " phantasma giggled, " we been practicing hard sense we will be playing up against another school sometime soon, Miss Grimwood said. "

" oh, that sounds amazing, you girls are so lucky, will you get any pwizes if you win ? " tanis asked curiously,

" Miss grimwood said that if we win, we'll get to bring back a big trophy for the school, " Elsa answered,

" wow, I would love to get to bring home a trophy to show my mummy and daddy, " she said gleefully, Tanis thought to herself, she always wanted to prove to her family she can do things on her own, and winning a prize like that would be a dream come true for her, just show she can show it to them she can be a winner and make the proud,

" ah well we all hope to get to bring that trophy back sometime, " sibella said breaking Tanis of her little fantasy,

" hey, why don't you come and watch our practices after school ? " Phantasma suggested " if you really want to check them out, they can be fun to watch as much as they are to play. "

" really you mean it, you'd want me to watch ? " tanis said sounding rather excited by that offer,

" yeah sure why not, we'd love to have an audience to support us, " phantasma chuckled,

" well gee if you say, i'll be sure to check it out tomorrow then, " she smiled while nodding, " what time should I be there? "

" Oh 3:00 would be good time, we start just before that, " sibella informed her,

" okay then, I'll be there, " tanis said,

" say Tanis, I was just asking if the other girls wanted to hang out, but they apparently don't want to,

" Hey I never said I didn't, " sibella said with her hands on her hips, sounding a little offended,

" so, sense we can get to know each other better, would you like to hang out for a bit, ? " phantasma asked,

" Hang out ? I guess I can, " tanis said, feeling quite excited and happy she's making new friends so easily,.." sure, I'd wuv to hang out, " she agreed,

winnie stuck her tongue out in response to her babyish speech again...,,

suddenly a bell chimed singling a new hour of the day, Tanis then stood up and faced the others. " well I got's to go, miss Grimwood said she'd like to speak with me at this time, I'll meet up with you later how about that ? " Tanis said,

phantasma giggle and nodded, " No problem I'll be in the lounge practicing some of my songs on the organ " she said as Tanis headed back towards the school,

" Isn't she just the sweetest little thing you ever seen . " she then said shaking Winnie who just looked at her annoyed..

" yeah sure if you can stand that speech speech impediment of hers, " Winnie said shaking her head,

" ah shucks I think it sounds cute, sibella said with a chuckle. " she is just a little sweetie "

" yeah I agree, she seems like the real friendly type, and ya know what, maybe I'll join you after all for your music session, "

" and well, i was planning to after I got myself cleaned up from practice I don't see why that can't wait, " sibella added in, they all the turned there attention towards Winnie, who was busy itching herself,

" what ? " she said confusingly

" well are you going to join us tonight or not? sibella asked..

" me, join you guys in listening to some music. sorry but I think I'll pass. " Winnie said with a nod,

" aw come on Winnie. it'll be fun, I play some real classical styled music, the kind you find played deep in the catacombs by the phantom of the opera " she said wiglging her fingers and putting on a dark voice.

"if you play any rock n roll let me know " Winnie said with smirk,

" that could be arranged.." Phantasma said rubbing her chin..

...

*later that evening in the music room*

" All right, I call this one. Moon of memories! " phantasma said said sitting at large pipe organ. she began to play the keys emitting loud tunes from the pipes.

phantasma played the entire duration of the song until it was finished, and once she was, she spun around on her stool to face those watching her with her legs crossed.

" well what did you think ? " she asked,

" simply marvelous." Sibella cheered,

" not bad at all, lovely melody " Elsa applaud

even Winnie who was present cheered here on, " okay, i admit. that was pretty good, " she then sat back in her seat and nodded.

" you play wondafowey " Tanis said clapping, " were did you learn to play like that, ? " she then asked,

" aw shucks, it's nothing really, but I'm self taught, I been into music ever sense I was a little ghost." phantasma giggled.

" well you certinaly have a neck for it, " sibella complemented,

" gee thanks sibella, ya know it's great to ge tot preform in front of others for the fun of it, I been practicing for recitals for while, but this is simply relaxing, "

" sibella nodded then thought to herself, " ya know that's how we should see our volley ball tournaments when it comes to them, all for fun, sure. when we plat against a team, it'll be nice to win the event, but I think we all need to remember, it's about the good time we'll have, "

" well said sibella, but I'm sure we'll have no problem winning with my serve, " Elsa said flexing her muscle..

" well good to see your feeling better about that, " sibella smiled.

" I know for fact with my reflexes we'll be having any game in a bag for sure, " winnie said mimicking some volley ball moves..

" we'll I think we'll all make a great team for sure, " phantasma said appearing between sibella and winnie placing an arm around the both of them.

" oh I actually know another song I can play she said floating back over to the organ, she sat down and cracked her fingers despite having no bones, " while I didn't write it myself, I'm sure we'll all love it, it's Toccata and fugue In D Minor " she cackled as she then began to play...

the music was beautiful but loud, at least to those in the room, but everyone seemed to enjoy it, everyone expect for matches, who was trying to get some sleep at the time, he groggily tried to block out the sound as he covered his small little ears..

" this is such a howl. I love this song " winnie said shouting in joy,

" reminds me of home " Sibella said dancing to the music,

the rest of the evening the ghoul girls all listened to phantasma play her wonderful music, they all enjoyed the great time hanging out together, something the lot of them never really had done before ever, but were glad they got the chance to now...
well all accept for matches, who looked more miserable then the rest of them...

...

the Next day at practice Tanis sat on the bleachers next to Leona as they watched the gang go bout there practice, the Night before was a pleasant evening for them, and having such an experience had them all in high spirits, meaning practice was in a rather more cheerful mood today and miss grimwood could certainly tell the difference in the mood.

" so how are things for you so far Tanis. " Leona said sitting next to the mummy.

" oh they are going fine, I had lot of fun last night, " she said,

" well that's great to hear, " Leona said with a smile,

miss grim wood continued to coach the girls," that's right sibella. bend those knees, and you winnie, keep on the court, no crossing over the lines.! "

" sure thing miss grimwood, ! " winnie yelled back.

miss grimwood just chuckled a bit. " well you girls are certainly making a big improvement for sure today, not to say you haven't been doing good," she said as matches stood next to her with his dry tired eyes...he simply just grumbled to himself..

" oh just feeling much more confidant today miss Grimwood, " sibella said as she managed to swat the ball away and over the net, to which Elsa hit back over,

" Yeah, feeling really confidant indeed, " Phantasma said hitting the ball back and over the net, Winnie went in for a dive with this one and bounced it back over the net,

" well you certainly seem to have things handled well now, which I am glad to see. " miss grimwood said as she continued to watch,

suddenly Elsa smacked the ball with a tremendous force and sent it flying high into the air and out of bounds..

" oops..well I guess I still need to work on that. " she said a little sheepishly...

the ball wen soaring back down towards the bleachers as Tanis and Leona saw the ball plummeting right at them, Leona let out a shriek as she jumped out of the way " take cover she yelled, "

Tanis however didn't say anything as she just stood up eyed up the ball, she then took on of her bandages and extended it out as she swung it like a lasso, and in one swift movement Tanis lassoed the ball just at it was bout to make contact with her, she swung it around a few times as fling it right back towards the others.

" hold on I got it, " winnie said jumping up and catching it in her grasp before landing back down again,

everyone just looked stunned by this, they all stared over at the little mummy who apparently wasn't sure why she was getting all the strange looks. even Leona who was just glad not to get clobbered by another Ball.

" what did I do ? " she said looking more incontinent then anything else.,

" my my Tanis, what reflexes you have, how ever did you learn to do that ? " Miss Grimwood asked sound impressed...

" what that? it was just something I aways knew. it actuawy runs in the family, we can all extend our bandages like that." Tanis answered

" well I'll tell you this tanis, that was some impressive movements. which makes me wonder. can i test somthing on you ? " she asked the little mummy.

"um sure thing miss gwim wood, " she said hopping over happily to them,

" here tanis, I want you to try and reflect this ball, " miss grimwood said holding out a volley ball,

" okay, will try, " tanis said,

miss Grimwood then nodded and makde sure she was ready before tossing the ball at her, tanis had to jump back a little but managed to reflect the ball back, she fell onto her bottom though when she did,

miss Grimwood caught the ball in her hand and rubbed her chin, " hmm. not bad at all tanis, you say, I know this may sound a bit sudden, but how would you like to try out for the team,

this got the attention of everyone, especially tanis who seemed a little shocked by that,

" me ? you'd want me to be part of your team ? " Tanis asked sounding unsure but also excited. "

" of course, we can always use more players. and well, you certainly show the signs of good athlete. let's just say I have a good notice for that in others. "

tanis rubbed her head not knowing what to say. " I don't know. am I really good enough to be apart of this ?

" well I think you are . " sibella said with a nod while looking at the others. and if miss Grimwood says so, then you should definitely trust it " she said with a warm smile. then looking over at miss Grimwood who just nodded..

" remember yesterday how you said you'd like to make your mummy and daddy proud, well this is a chance you can take " Elsa added..

" well..." tanis said as she looked over at the others who all did't seem to be apposed to the idea.." if that's the case, I ll do it then "

everyone then cheered as tanis agreed to join there team,

" welcome to the team Tanny " Phantasma said swooping her up excitedly " Tanis just sheepishly smiled as she did,

simply splendid, let's make sure everything is in order, I'm actually getting some word tomorrow about the team we'll be plying up when our first playoff happens. " Miss Grimwood said,

" oh this is very exciting, I'll have to write to my dad about this, telling him that his little girl is a volleyball player now,
" sibella said.

" same with my pappa werewolf. " Winnie said with howl,

with that being done, the gang continued to practice there tactics with there newest member of the team, to them things have never felt more confidant for them,