Monster Movie Mayhem

by DarcyBeDippy85

A Quogan Halloween Fic, While Logan is serving detention with most of the gang, he falls asleep and wakes up trapped in a classic black and white film. Where he and the rest of the gang are all classic monsters, and the only way he can get back to his world. Is if he finds his character the perfect match. Set during Senior Year at PCA, and everyone's along for the ride.

2. Ch2 Spin The Poison

Hey There,

Welcome back Quoganites! Chapter 2 of this nutty Monster Mash is finally ready and here! Just in time for Thanksgiving 2023 (in America anyway!) I hope that this is giving you a little extra enjoyment during your turkey-day or regular day. Or the perfect escape some of us need as well, with this much togetherness on the menu. I just want to thank anyone who's clicked on this story and has given it a chance. I can't see my stats at all, but I know some of you have and God bless every one of you. I won't yammer on too much, let's get right back into this hopefully epic tale. While November is still young enough for these plots!

Special thanks to the person who added this story to their favorite stories list and story alert list. Seriously, God bless you.

Special thanks to the three people who reviewed as well: AwkwardGurl05 (Thank you so much for writing in and being my first reviewer ever for this story. I agree, there is a shortage of Quogan Halloween tales I had to remedy that. And you're not yammering at all, I have noticed that same enthusiasm between Quogan during the Halloween episodes. I have been re-watching the series since Zoey 102 as well and my other tale posted here is a missing moments story… so I gotta re-watch a lot, that's my story I'm sticking to it. And it's SO TRUE! There is so many hidden little moments in there leading up to that kiss on the bench that you don't see coming when you watch it the first time. But when you know! It's all shows up, and it's there! Both actors have even pointed it out too. I'm still fangirling over that! LoL! But thank you so much for giving this story a chance. Praising it so kindly! I hope you're still reading, Had an AWESOME Halloween, and having a great day! Take Care and Much Love!), [my little sis] SpideyGirlHepburn (I loved the evil laughs, I know how epically accurate yours are too! And I'm so thrilled you liked it! You don't even know how much you helped just watching Halloween specials and movies with me during all of the season. I loved how you called him Log-cula too. LoL! Your superpower of merging names like that, is up and pinging. His tan is gonna come into play soon too, don't you worry. And the 'Dr. Quinn' thing! I did have fun with that [Our mom watches that show all the time... so we end up watching it a lot, I'll admit it]! Also yes, you know I gotta really LOVE both James and Lydia giving them those Frankenstein platforms to fill. You know how obsessed I am with both of those monsters. I would not do that unless I love them both realistically. I know you're probably going to enjoy Chase as a mummy in that same way. As he embodies your favorite mummy all throughout this story. Who has about as much grace and comedic timing, LoL! As well as all the witchness and interplay involving witchcraft! I'm so glad you like it, I hope I do ALL of these guys justice and you know real Quinn's gonna whip some butts if anyone's hurt, especially her baby. Hope you're relaxing when you read this and taking it easy. Hopefully it's the escape it's meant to be! Hope you're having a GREAT day! Take Care and Much Love!), and [my friend] Rose-Aki (It is kind of a side story from my other tale… isn't it? It got written to the side of it as I was channeling all of those Fall and Halloween feels. You get me, I know you do. I'm so relieved you liked it! Thank you so much for mentioning Lydia too. OC's are always a gamble and you know how much I appreciate it [creator of great OCs that you are, wink wink!]. Just like you know Quinn wasn't the only one picking Frankenstein [wink-wink!]. I have a problem, I know it. It has been too fun getting Lola and Logan to be nice to each other in this too. It has been such a great avenue to explore. I'm so thrilled you enjoyed that too. I may have been having too much fun with making Lola's matches suck too. While trying to make it entertaining but still have that magic when we get back to Quogan… It's been too fun. But knowing you liked it was even better! Thank you so much for endless support and kindness. God bless you! Hope you're having a GREAT day! Take Care and Much Love!).

Standard disclaimers apply - I don't own Zoey 101, Zoey 102, Nickelodeon, MTV, or any of the other trademarked things mentioned. I also don't own any of the SEVERAL Halloween classics or mainstays mentioned. I am merely borrowing all of these things for my own SPOOKTACULAR plots and premises. Most will be returned unharmed, but it's Halloween… It can't be spotless or even a little tacky!

Dedicated to my Mom, for always being the best, but also my friend, creative muse, and HERO!

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"Monster Movie Mayhem"

Chapter 2 - Spin the Poison

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(Still Logan's Perspective)

{AN: and promise the perspectives will change at some point... just not now.}

After Quinn left and before I could close the door to my new windowless room. A bat flew in my room and perched itself on the seat of the rich-looking gray (everything is STILL black and white) armchair in my room. Before poofing back to his vampire form, in a big puff of black smoke. (It was a very dense cloud) It was Chauncy, and he must have been spying on me, for Dad. Because the first thing he said, straightfaced, was… "So even in this life, you've set your sights on the Professor? The one who should be entirely too smart to entangle herself with you? Whether you're an over-privileged Hollywood Prince like normal. Or a depressed and highhanded Vampire King, that's something that still hasn't changed?"

I asked him, "Can you blame me? She's incredible, no matter what she is. Human… monster… insane… STILL Incredible? Who else could pull THAT off?"

"Of course not," Chauncy said, sounding like he hated to admit it. But I knew he carried a soft spot for my girlfriend almost worst than my Dad. And Chauncy is a much harsher critic.

Chauncy tried to cover for this, saying. "It's just that if you had decided to chase after the others. You could have easily coaxed them, using glamouring if nothing else. That vampire ability to put them into a trance and get them to do whatever you please. Bend them to your will. You could have used that advantage to make any of them your bride and went home quickly… But not only have you selected the same girl who is your real-life girlfriend. You've also selected the ONLY woman who has no interest in a romantic relationship at all right now. Since she's immortal as we are, that could possibly signify never feeling differently. She is also the only woman immune to your charm. You can't even glamour her if you tried-"

"How do you know that?" I tried to ask, because it worried me how he'd come by this info. We're both vampires, just what has he been up to?

He explained, "The moment you showed a marked interest in her. We looked into her history because so much is unknown about her. Especially about how she became immortal [by freak accident] and how she knows all of the things she knows… But one of her many inventions is her simple stud earrings protect her from mind control and her glasses protect her from optical trance inducements as well. That's why you hardly ever see her without either in this house full of monsters." He saw the question marks above my head and simplified, "It means she's nearly impossible to hypnotize by ANY means… dum-dum. Do try to keep up."

"I wouldn't do that anyway!" I let him know. "If Quinn falls for me here, I want it to be as real as in my world."

Chauncy signed loudly and reminded me, "Do you recall how unlikely it was the first time? Or even how unlikely it was that you would last this long? You don't have to take the toughest road, it could be a lot easier-"

"I don't care if it's in the rules or not. I don't want to fool or trick her. I need it to be genuine, and I need it to be Quinn… I really don't think I could even pretend to love anyone else believably anymore. Especially if she's around."

Chauncy shook his head and asked me, "Who are you? The old "Logan" that I knew, would have used any means to get what he wants, fast-track it, and get out of here. That's the boy I remember…"

I had to be honest. "Quinn is my home a lot more than any building Dad's ever bought… It's Quinn and these friends I have back in my world. I know I was a spoiled brat when you guys sent me off to PCA… but you and Dad both knew I could be better. And because of these friends, because of Quinn, I know I'm a better person-"

He did put a hand on my shoulder and agreed, "Without a doubt." But then he gave me the bottom line as only he can. "But by singling out Professor Pensky. You've willingly taken on the task of making EVERYONE happy. Not just yourselves."

I had figured that out already, from the start, so I'd shrugged. "Yeah, so?"

"So?" Chauncy scoffed, "That would mean that for you to fully claim her heart. You must also ensure BOTH Frankenstein patchwork creations and ALL of the other monsters here. Must be better off than you found them, matched correctly to their personal best match too, even if that's hard. AND you can't even completely rely on your powers because they don't work on your goal girl and some of the other beastly royalty present. You think you can shrug at all of that?"

"I just did." I reminded him, going further to explain. "I always knew it was going to be more complicated then just 'get a Queen' and 'run with her.' I knew I was gonna need to get all of my friends back. I want them to know me and count on me like they do in real life… And telling me that Quinn's gonna only be truly mine when I accomplish that. I already knew that, because she has a HUGE heart. She cares about so much more than what affects her too. I know that better than anyone. And the only way she can be happy. Is if everyone she cares about is happy too."

"Well said, But!" Chauncy hit me in the back of the head. "Tread carefully, this isn't a task that you can bulldoze through like you do most things. This is gonna take real finesse, patience, and tact. All things you've struggled with in the past, knowing these people extremely well can only carry you so far… it's gonna require plenty of hard work… Are you still certain you're up to this undertaking?"

"I've got this." I tried to assure, but I could see that I had to make Chauncy see how serious I was. So when he reported back to Dad Drac, he could assure my vampire dad. How serious I really am about this, and my choice. So I let my walls down for a blink and spoke from my heart. "Chauncy, if there is any one thing tying me, "Logan" to this Dracula character. This is it! Okay? It has to be her… or you might as well stake me right here and let Dad replace me with one of his stepchildren. And good luck there if the monster-infused batch is anything compared to how they are in my world."

Chauncy almost smiled… almost. But he caught himself and said, "I'll assure your father of your choice. As well as your commitment and rare seriousness in this decision. I'm sure he'll be most pleased to hear that his son has finally found someone worth fighting for like this… If your mother were still alive, I'm sure even she could be happy to see how you've grown."

It was a lie, I knew that. If this vampire's birth mother was anything like the one I'm used to. But it was nice of Chauncy to say anyway. And he was always trying to get me to lighten up over the fact my birth mother is kind of a lunatic (and mine's still very much alive in the real world). Chauncy's mother was kinda similar to mine (for real), so he knows how it feels. And it wouldn't shock me if this Chauncy and I were still able to bond over that, as vampires or humans.

But he did slap me on the back, before saying. "I think your father will be proud, and I already am." I did get a rare half hug after that. Before he was a bat again in another poof of smoke, and gone as soon as I opened the door for him. Moments later I walked out of the same door myself, ready to face this new night and all of it's possibilities. If only I had known then how hard that night would be…

As I'd promised Quinn, I went right to the Laboratory and did everything I could to help. Lydia was now only in about three pieces total and there was still so much to do. There was a storm brewing on the forecast, a big one. We all hoped it was big enough to bring LIFE to this new queen. But there wasn't much time for anything else, besides hope.

It wasn't just us and James in the lab anymore either. It was EVERYONE. Pulling their weight and helping where they could.

I don't know if it was the tension of that detention session following me. Even in my dreams or what, but things were pretty tense among ALL monsters tonight. Everyone was excited about the storm, but also on edge about everything else. Monsters were snippy and snappy with each other, and everyone was so busy.

Don't get me wrong Lola still found time to make terrible love matches, on the fly. Vince still howled at the moon if he caught sight of it, even though it wasn't full. Zoey's spiders were more helpful then she was, sowing with their magical spider silk like a factory. Chase was still tripping over EVERYTHING...all of it. Yet he kept helping however he could. Micheal was still singing everything he did, Lisa would duet with him, sometimes (they HAD to come from musicals, didn't they?). The Sci-club was still determined to outsmart Quinn, to show their superior brains… but if they'd really had bigger brains they would have seen how pointless the whole idea was.

Dustin and his hunchback friends were all still trying to blow up things (just like they'd been getting punished for at school) whenever they weren't helping. Dana was cursing everything that moved, Nicole was still boy-crazy one hundred percent, even hitting on me. Jeremiah was always having split-personality conversations with himself using mirrors (I'm not completely convinced he doesn't do that for real, in real-life), and James was still so LONELY and depressed about it, he was starting to sound like if Eeyore were a Frankenstein creation.

But they all managed to help as much as they could. And because of their hard work, things went quickly. You know when people weren't screaming at each other.

And yet, I still caught Quinn making eyes at me more than a few times. She was still managing these teeny tiny little flirts. And I had to up my game, she was WAY better at sneaking these moments then I remembered her being. And it wasn't even touching, kissing or anything obvious [even if I would have preferred that]. It could be as simple as a look, it could be close or from across the room… but it carried a heat! And I was mad rusty, because since we've gone public with our relationship… I've gotten spoiled by not having to pull any of that back. So adjusting back to the hidden way this whole thing started was tough for me. I'm not even trying to be dramatic when I say, there are moments it almost KILLED me. But I was still so glad to see that Quinn could be interested… even a little.

Somehow we managed to all work together and get the body of this new Queen FINALLY assembled into ONE piece. A torso connected to one head, two arms and two legs. She had ten perfect fingers and toes, Zoey had even taken the time to paint this new Queen's nails Gold and black. Like a real Halloween Queen. Her brain and heart needed to go in right before she was struck by lightning. But absolutely everything else we could do ahead of time was DONE by the end of the night.

And Lydia was now looking more like herself… even if she was still wrapped in gauze from head to toe. Her hair stood up on her head, black as night (when I know Lydia as a redhead in real life), and missing her brain and heart. You could now tell it was her, even if she was as black and white as the rest of us creeps.

As a team, we'd done it and Quinn had let everyone feel like they had some part in her creation. Lola {and me} had to keep reminding her, this was still her baby. We may have helped, but there was no way any of us could have done any of this without her genius to back it up. She was modest about it, to the end… but she was so proud of what we've all accomplished. She was glowing with more than just color tonight, she was very encouraged that this could happen. She was very proud and she should be.

The team was about to celebrate with a little wrap party. That quickly was growing into a roof-raiser... you know, for any of the places in this dump that had a ceiling.

I couldn't even go to it, because the sun would be coming back up again just as we finished up. What a rip-off! How could there be ANY monster party without a Dracula there? I made the best of a bogus situation and I thanked everyone I had worked with. But I would get something out of this, no way I was giving up a full night of work without SOMEKIND of WIN! I made a point of bro hugging and shaking hands with all of the guy monsters. And going through the pains of kissing all of the girl's hands, just so I had a shot at one hand in particular. I saved Quinn's hand for last, risking it ALL for just a chance at kissing her hand. I almost got cursed, and staked several times in that lineup of other girls!

It was a risk, I felt that. But I had to get my wins where I could. That little peck to her little work-roughed hand had been something I'd held back since the moment I saw her. It was probably going to have to last me for a LONG while too. Thankfully she didn't seem nearly as horrified as she probably would have nights ago. Or after she'd seen me go all over the lab and do that… I'd even gotten a little teeny smirk out of her as she'd said. "Always the charmer, aren't you, Ace?"

I'd shrugged, "What kind of Dracula would I be if I wasn't? Good day." I said, before I'd disappeared for another day. Still flipping out in my head, how she'd called me "Ace!" Which was one of the pet names she'd picked for telling me on the sly when she felt really attracted to me but HAD to hide it. If that still applys here to Monster Quinn? That would be fantastic!

But I've gotten pretty good at reading her without words throughout our relationship. And besides the stress of her work, making her hair seem bigger and bigger with static, the pressure she was under and oncoming storm conditions (frizzing her hair)… as the night had went on. I had been getting some seriously envious vibes from her tonight too… I didn't know where they came from… but her jealousy has such a distinct look to it. And that was what I KEPT reading on her face.

I did hope it had been me, causing that look, like an idiot. Some of the female monsters had NOT been so shy about their flirting today. And if she'd noticed it at all that would have meant I still had her attention and maybe even her consideration. That I'm heading in the right direction, even if it is at a crawl. I was raised in the luckier side of Hollywood, it's easy for anything grown there to have a healthy level of confidence and self-importance. But of course, the more I noticed her spiteful eyes… I also noticed that it seemed to be aimed at the Invisible Man (Mark, lucky bastard) flirting with some vampiresses just hanging around in the lab. Who weren't helping, just like him!

Quinn had kept telling Lolavira to "broom the temptresses. Before she had Dana curse them all!" I wished Lola hadn't acted so quickly, I would have loved to see that.

Quinn also seemed affected by Brooke's presence in that lab tonight. Who was STILL trying to stir up trouble everywhere she goes, that hasn't changed either. Tonight her goal had been starting a feud with Dana and Nicole for Jeremiah's attention. What a prize that is… NOT!

It looks like even monster Quinn was hurt by both of these people. I wished for about the millionth time that I had gotten to be anything besides the Halloween figure who HAS to sleep all day and avoid sunlight. I wished I could have talked to her about it, heard what she was feeling. Or maybe even helped her sort out, what exactly she was feeling, if she was unsure. I've gotten really good at that, since we've gotten together. Since I started listening to her more and noticing more about her.

I really did expect to be UP all DAY in my little windowless cell pacing. Wondering what could be going on at the party I couldn't go to. What was I missing? As well as what caused those resentful looks on Quinn's face… or the ones that had me even more worried, the few HURT expressions I'd noticed. This version of Quinn has had to carry around this anxiousness and pain so much longer than my girlfriend back home… There was no way I was gonna sleep after seeing all of that on her face.

I had really had to think about the REAL Quinn to fall asleep at all… Remember how AWESOME it was being with her… Remember all of the amazing things we've done together already, and I know we're just getting started. I had to think about what it felt like to have her arms around me, when we'd gotten to sleep side by side or dance (I miss dancing with her). As I was remembering all of these things I heard my Quinn inside of my head… she sounded very far away almost like she was underwater, far away… but I heard her and she said…

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"...Logan… I don't know if you can hear me… or what you could be dreaming about right now…the side effects warn that you could be given vivid dreams or nightmares, even night terrors… but I'm hoping that you're dreaming, that you're safe, and happy. I have to tell you, I'm sorry this happened, sorry I could not protect you better and… whatever you're fighting right now. Don't give up, you have to beat it… you have to come back to us… to me, and your family, our friends… and please don't forget…we love you… that I love you…"

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((Back to Logan's Dracula Life Perspective))

Then I was wide awake in my coffin, back to this vampire life and endless newsprint world. I was glad my heart was silent for once. Because it would have been beating it's way outta my chest and I would have been having a panic attack otherwise. Vampire's emotions just feel like their gonna kill me, I don't think they actually can. That last part had sounded so close that I woke up fully expecting to see her sitting next to me in a chair. I could even still feel her warmth on my hand, like she'd been holding it. I knew that lingering warmth anywhere! It was hers!

Crazy, right?

I hope that all of that was a dream within a dream and not reality trying to peek in on me. She sounded so tired, defeated … and sad. I can't stand that. If we have to be apart, if I'm really here for answers, I'm on a mission… Then she has to be okay, and she can't be all miserable like that voice had sounded in my dream. She HAS to be okay… she has to be.

I was so worked up, I couldn't lay here anymore. Between my thoughts of real Quinn who had been saying she loved me and the monster Quinn, I still needed to love me. There was no way I was gonna get any more rest today. So another sleepless cycle BECAUSE of this girl. Some things NEVER change. So just as I'd been afraid of, I'm gonna be pacing in my room till sunrise. Back home I have Quinn there, to talk me down when I feel like this. Or Chase and Michael… if they're busy there's James and Vince… Or the rest of the gang. If that didn't work, making out with Quinn helped too… I wasn't used to having NONE of that when I'm looking right at them.

This is starting to really drive me really CRAZY!

So I opened my coffin fully expecting to pace till I pass out, or the sun disappears again. So I can finally leave this stony empty room… that felt more like an actual cell today then any other time since I was put here.

But when I popped out of my casket. Unexpectedly Mad scientist Quinn was in my room. She was in a different robe and nightgown now. But I had only been asleep for no more than thirty minutes. It was daytime out there now, what was she doing dressed for bed?... OR in my room? It's not like we had to share anymore, she has her own room.

I asked her, "Quinn? What's up?" I was surprised, so cut me some slack.

When she looked caught and started apologizing for "letting herself in."

I told her, "No-no, I'm glad to see you. Glad you're here, but why-What brings you here? And dressed for sleep?"

"Well," she pushed her glasses up adorably. "My sleep schedule has gotten all moved around lately. I find it easier to sleep in the daytime and pop up at night like you do." I was listening to her, I was, but tonight she was wearing a beautiful shimmery bright green nightgown beneath this deep purple robe. She never chose subdued shades of anything. All of her colors popped as brightly as she did. She couldn't have any idea how much I appreciated her for that. Both her dress and robe shimmered like silk and she just looked so freaking beautiful. My eyes kept going up and down, shamelessly.

I finally said, "Wow, you're starting to sound like me. More like a vampire than insane genius."

Quinn agreed, "I know! I'm keeping vampire hours, which is horrible for an accidentally immortal human-like being. That's what I call myself when I feel like all of the other great monster names are taken and cooler than Mad Scientist." She tried to explain before pushing up her glasses again, and clearing her throat. Then she was adding. "Not that you have to worry about such things, Vampires are always the coolest. In popular culture and in temperature too."

"Yeah, that's true." I accepted the praise, "I feel like I need to apologize for that. Since you were stuck sleeping beside me in my coffin one night. I know I wasn't very warm company that night, I'm really surprised you would even come here after that. You're not stuck sharing with me anymore."

"Weeeeeell," she drew out, "It wasn't all that bad, even when I was stuck in there with you. I've had worse experiences with monsters and none of them were nearly as concerned for my well being. You apologized almost every three minutes when we were awake that night."

I tried to be cute, "Well, I would say sorry about that, but then I would be apologizing for apologizing too much."

"Yeaaaaaah," She drew out again with this funny face. "Maybe not the right move." But then she'd said, "But somewhere between that night, and your outstanding care for Lydia and James both, while I was ill. You impressed me and… I don't know. I feel like you're someone I can talk to since then… and sharing a room with you for a few nights, just made it all even more true. But if you're busy or really need to sleep-"

"No!" I may have said a little too loud, stopping her before she could disappear on me. Going back out there in the sunlight where I can't reach her till sundown. She relaxed and sat on the edge of the unnecessary bed in my room and asked for me to sit with her. Maybe it wasn't so unnecessary afterall. In this dreary room of all blacks, whites and gray. She was a beacon of light and color, and I couldn't stop staring. But somehow I got out, "I'm still pretty new to being King, and I only really know Lola… Vira! Lola-vira!" Yikes, almost slipped up! "She was the only friend I had when I arrived. But you've impressed me the same way… and there's no way I'm gonna sleep tonight. With that party going on… it'll be over by nightfall. So… if you wanna or need to talk, I'm all ears. I just can't leave this room. It's such a buzz kill."

"I can imagine," She'd grinned before she thanked me, for listening, then she'd taken a big breath and finally shared. "I feel like the rest of the world is moving on, growing and changing. While my creations and inventions are all a part of that productivity. I feel like socially… I can't say the same about myself."

I was trying to be quiet and just listen, but I had to ask her, "Can't, what?"

"You know, move on, feel better. Let go and STOP getting hurt or blindsided by things when they happen." She explained. "I lock it all down pretty good lately, but that doesn't change how I feel inside. You know? It's like internal injuries, you're bleeding out from the inside and no one can even see it killing you."

I had to agree, "Oh, yeah! I know what you mean. It's tough for all of us monsters though. We feel things so differently from normal humans."

"We really do." She agreed, and I felt like I needed to share something too. Even if just to keep her talking. I was getting too distracted by how GORGEOUS she always looks during this downtime. If I didn't keep her talking I was definitely gonna screw up.

So I pulled out of thin air, "I feel like if my Dad were here instead of me. Things would be very different and that party happening right now COULDN'T happen without him. He was that kind of presence and King, you know? And I'm still learning." Yeah, I got through all of that and somehow kept my hands to myself. This was only getting harder to pull off ALL the TIME. God! Why did she have to look so DAMN GOOD?!

"So you do kinda know what I'm talking about." She said, sounding a little relieved, but then she'd added, "But I doubt you have any trouble in the romance department."

I puffed out my chest, to sell this and nodded. "Well, that goes without saying." If this had been anyone else, I could have left it at that, but this was Quinn, and I was so close to her. I could smell her perfume mixed with her shampoo… a lethal combination on me. It was practically truth serum, I couldn't treat her like everybody else, because she isn't. I had to be honest, "I seem to excel at first dates, and hypnotizing all beings into believing they love me… It is much harder finding the real deal, even for us vampires." I ended up confessing anyway... even though I knew it wasn't gaining me any cool points. I even tacked on, "Another thing Dad was better at, he had multiple Queens and many stepchildren he could have chosen instead of me, for this king gig..."

Quinn asked, "Do you ever find yourself wondering? What your life could have been like? If he had chosen someone else?"

I had to admit to her, "All the time… To still have my name and not have to answer to 'your majesty.' All the time… but I know my step-siblings and as green as I am. I know I'm the better choice, the ONLY choice and so does Dad… it's just the rest of our world who needs to learn that."

She grinned, "That's a good way to look at it, I wish I had your confidence."

I suggested, "It may be the last thing you wanna hear, but it could help a lot if you just try dating again. Getting back out there instead of quitting cold turkey. Not that I think you should follow ANY of Lola-vira's advice. Or try to let her match you up. I feel like that would only mess things up more for you."

"Me too!" She said relieved.

"But you know, eventually… when you feel like it, or meet somebody new. Someone you're attracted to, you know?" Yeah, that sounded good as I mentally added, loudly. 'LIKE ME!'

Everytime anyone else said anything like this, Quinn shut it down. Saying 'No!' pretty quickly. But to me today, on that bedside as she hugged her knees to her chest and shrugged. "May-be…"

'Maybe'… She'd said 'maybe,' to me! YES!

But before I could even really celebrate this. She was already saying, "... But…"

One step forward, five steps BACK!

The rest of what she said was, "How will I know anyone I'm attracted to is attracted to me too. Mark put up with me because I was useful to him at the time. But the moment he saw Brooke it was over, and after he ended things with me. He told me to my face he'd never felt any real attraction to me, even though I'd LOVED him… REALLY loved him, like with all my heart... That was brutal."

Where is he? I'll drain every drop of invisible blood he's got pumping through his worthless HEART! What a SLEEZE! What a CHUMP! Such a PRICK! He doesn't deserve to still BREATHE after telling her something like that! I had to really lock down my temper and not run out into the sunlight to kill a soulless sake that answers to 'Mark.'

I had to keep reminding myself this was during daylight hours. And this version of Quinn needed me to not kill myself running out into the sunshine to kill her ex. She needed me to show her how she SHOULD have been TREATED, LOVED and CHERISHED! From the beginning! Just like my Quinn had needed that, and once we'd both gotten over the embarrassment we'd both felt in the beginning. I hope I have shown her that.

Mark could breathe a little longer… For now... No promises for ALWAYS. Friend or not!

I told her, "Don't let one idiot ruin it for you. Just because he couldn't see how amazing you are. Get back out there, so that when the right one does come along… you'll know it... I hear that's how it goes, anyways." I thought that was a pretty good save there at the end. As opposed to 'Love ME! Be MINE! Forget that PRICK!'

She nodded along with what I was saying before she said, "But the trouble with trying again, besides not trusting my own judgment anymore. Because of Mark and Brooke's cruel words… I can't really start anything like that right now. Even if I wanted to."

"Why not? Oh! Wait! You mean Lydia's rebirth don't you? You told me before that you have to reteach her everything. How to walk, talk, dress, use the bathroom, EVERY thing. It's like you hit her 'reset' button." I realized mid-question.

"Yes…" She said slowly, "...You remembered that?"

"Why wouldn't I?" I asked, but I think she's gotten so used to no one hearing her. It shocked her when ANYONE listened to her for a change. Even after running a night like the one we'd just had where she'd been barking orders all night long and everyone HAD to hear her out.

"Uhh," She tried to cover how affected she was, badly. "A guy that listens like that… I'm just not used to it."

I had to warn her, "Well, I listen. So whenever you need to talk, even beyond tonight. I'm around, okay?"

"Yeah, okay." She said, and she thanked me, probably not knowing what else to say. She stood up like she was planning to head back to her own room. And I wished I could have said something… ANYTHING, to keep her here, even a little bit longer. But I just couldn't think of anything… at all.

She turned on her way to the door and said, "And I for one am glad you're the new Dracula. And as great as your Dad sounds, I'm glad you're here."

"Thanks." I nodded and I could feel her hesitating. Like she didn't want to leave either, so I offered. "If you'd like… you know, you could stay, if you don't want to be alone. That doesn't mean you have to stay in my coffin again either. You could just take the bed… it's not like I have a reason to use it."

She looked around and I was worried I'd overstepped. But then she asked me, "Are you sure you wouldn't mind?"

I smiled in relief, "Nope! Not at all, make yourself at home. It gets lonely on the days I can't sleep."

So she crawled into the bed and I crawled back into my coffin, but left it open. And since neither of us could sleep. Between her excitement for the storm… And the nightmare I'd had about my REAL Quinn.

We talked all day long, till the sun went down… and for the first time since I entered this different world. I really wished the sun didn't have to go down. I could have just stayed there with her forever.

And during that conversation, Quinn had explained. Brooke and Mark had been going out of their way to hurt her. Since they arrived, even though they weren't together anymore. They somehow got some sick pleasure out of knowing they'd hurt her.

But THAT wasn't the best thing I heard during this time. She also admitted to being pretty steamed when I had been hit on too. Even though I'm a Dracula and it was bound to happen all the time. Good to know… She HAD noticed and didn't like it… YEEEEEEES!

But just as the sun was setting, Lola-vira and Zoey had to come knocking on the door and asking through the still-closed cell door. "Drac-ee, Oh Dracula Darling! My nocturnal bestie! Hope you've slept very well ALL day! But have you happened to see Dr. Quinn? No one seems to know where she is, we've searched everywhere and can't find her?"

Way to burst the bubble, ya jerks!

You should have seen their faces when they opened the door without permission. And found me hanging out of my coffin and Quinn laying in the bed wearing a nightgown like she'd been there all day… Because she HAD!

That door flew open then the flew right back to nearly closed. Zoey had said, through a teeny crack left in the nearly closed door, "Oops! Sorry! We didn't mean to interrupt anything."

Lola asked her, "What in all badness could we possibly be interrupting? He's in his coffin and she's across the room, Zo? Use your head?"

I could hear Quinn laughing and trying to muffle it with the covers. While I asked them, "Monsteresses? Do we really need to be here for this conversation?" Only a true Dracula could have sold that line. Maybe I was meant to play this role?

The door flew back open, the handle now in Lola-vira's hand. And she said, "Great to see you both getting along so well. Dr. Quinn? Is there something wrong with your room?"

Quinn smiled, "Nothing at all, your badness. It was just a little lonely, and I couldn't rest. I missed my old roommate so I popped over for a visit. And he was kind enough to let me stay."

I supplied, "I couldn't sleep either, so we talked till sun up. What's new?"

Zoey said, "Hold on, BACK up! A girl spent all night in your room, Drac? And all the two of you did was talk?" She had to clarify, adding to Lola-vira's ear, "He IS very different from his father, isn't he?"

In true bestie greatness, Lola-vira said to Zoey, "I told you, he's a rare find a real gem too." Before she said more loudly to Quinn and me. "I'm so glad that my bestie and best doctor are getting along so well. But I'm afraid there's still a storm coming our way, and the other monsters downstairs won't start the party till both of you arrive. It wouldn't be possible without the both of your invaluable help, afterall."

I asked, "They realized there is no party without a Dracula? Good! Just give me a moment to freshen up and I'll be right down."

I couldn't show up in the same tux, tails and cape I'd had on yesterday. I needed to look party-perfect, and Lola and Zoey had to get out, this wasn't some peep show… even if I didn't mind if Quinn stuck around. Hey! She's a doctor in this life, it wasn't like I was showing her anything she hadn't seen before. Maybe just the best version she'd ever seen before (most likely). And if it were my Quinn standing there, it wouldn't have been anything new to her. She's seen it all!

The scheme in place, I dashed to my closet to give the other girls a stronger message. Thankfully, Zoey and Lola let themselves out quickly, calling to me. "See you there!"

Quinn was up before they were gone. She was slipping back into slippers by the bed and straightening the robe she'd been laying in. Telling me, "Guess I'll see you at the party, Drac. Thanks again for keeping me company."

I came back outta my closet with no shirt or shoes and told her. "You don't have to hurry off. I just wanted those two gone." I'd said almost directly into her ear.

"No," she'd said keeping her back turned and still trying to find her slippers under the bed. "I really need to change and get ready for tonight too." Still searching and not looking at me she said, "This could be just the storm we've been waiting for."

When she did turn to me, I could see her taking great pains to keep her eyes on my face. And not oogle me… the only problem with that is that I WANTED her to OOGLE me! That was ANOTHER reason I'd raced for that walk-in closet I'd brought from home.

I said, "What's wrong with what you've got on now?" Seriously, these nightgowns were something I'd never seen her in before and they did things to my blood pressure. In a good way, the BEST way!

I saw those brown eyes WANTING to drift down, but they stubbornly stayed on my face. As she said, "No, I really need to change, I can't very well go downstairs looking like this."

She said waving her hands over herself, like I hadn't already been staring at her all day. I totally let her know, "That's a damn shame."

"How so?" She asked as I came a bit closer.

"Come on, you have to know you're smoking hot in these nightgowns you've been wearing." I finally said after ages of thinking it

"What?" She flipped, I knew it, she had no idea how freaking SEXY she's been. Every single night, she thinks these gowns are just something ALL the girls are wearing. Who would look at her… she needed to realize I was looking and I couldn't stop. "No! You're just being nice but all of the girls wear something similar at night. We all almost match really... maybe not Lola-vira, BUT the rest of us, nearly match."

"Too bad none of the others look like you, in them." I flirted and she'd smiled, as she'd slipped out of my clutches.

She pointed out, "You know if I showed up in anything this feminine and girly. To this supposed party happening downstairs, ALL of the monsters who doubt me would have a field day! The only thing worse than knowing someone is smarter than them is knowing a FEMALE thing is smarter than them… and I'm both." She said getting to the door, but I was right behind her.

I couldn't keep the words in, "Screw them! Wear whatever you want. This is your night, your time, and hopefully, our new Queen will arise and start her own path tonight. You're the whole reason it's happening, it's because of your genius, wear what you want and welcome her however you want. To hell with everyone else."

She turned to thank me, but my little speech had done the trick. And I saw her eyes glitter as they trailed over me up and down twice and she suggested, "You might want to finish dressing before you come down though, while it's nothing I haven't seen before. Some of those girls are already too forward, you show up looking like that and there might be a monster mob."

I had to ask, "I really have no affect on you?"

"Nope, I'm immune to the charms of any vampire, even their king." She'd made clear.

I flirted, "Again, that's a damn shame." And her eyes had noticeably popped behind her glasses.

Then I told her, "I'd see her there," and she was in a mad dash to leave before I saw her blush. But I had seen it, I'd noticed the pinkening in her neck and cheeks as she disappeared from my room and it was GLORIOUS!

She may be immune to the charms of a normal vampire. But I had to be the exception to that rule. Not to mention, I was nowhere near immune to hers. I couldn't get ready fast enough. Something told me that this party was gonna be so fun.

---

(Monster Games - Logan's Perspective)

When I came back down to the courtyard, nearly the whole monster population had tripled. And really was waiting for me. When I walked in, it was said the party could start. And it felt good to be included. Lola-vira tried to tell them to still wait for Quinn. But most of the monsters were eating anyway. Swearing they would make over her when she showed up, and that, "the doc would understand."

As I looked around at how everyone was dressed to impress. I really hoped that Quinn would take my advice and dress for a party too. Not just her experiment, and scientist job… but that was because I just wanted to see her outshine everyone. When she showed up in whatever fantastic colors she would pick. Not even trying to smoke everyone, but she just does being herself. Even if the whole world wasn't black and white, I know she would have my eyes all night.

My character had been to many of these parties before he was the new vampire king. When I was a more average vampire but even those dim memories had forgotten how raunchy some of Lola-vira's games were. One of the featured games at this party was "Who's claw is that?" where a blindfolded person had to guess who was grabbing them. And some grabbers were more than a little handsy.

Another was "Seventh Circle of Hell" which was just like "Seven Minutes in Heaven." Only if you were matched with someone who WASN'T into you. You were in for the fight of your life. Which apparently happened to a few people, not that I was gonna play that game. It was fun to see some of those people come back owned.

Nearly ALL the punchbowls were spiked, literally and figuratively. And alcohol was always the least of your problems if you dared to steal a cup. Boy, I've never been more glad to only drink synthetic blood I store and create myself in this life. Thank goodness no one knew I could have eaten but chose not to. I didn't have to eat or drink any of that horrible-looking monster food. And nearly everyone was drunk before I'd even finished climbing down the stairs.

I walked over to the ONLY other monster not totally shitfaced. Which was James, he was to nervous and excited about Lydia's possible resurrection. He hadn't eaten or drank anything all day. He was too nervous about meeting his potential mate. He'd asked me immediately, "What if she doesn't like me, or want to even be my friend? What if she can't love me? What if she takes one look at me and is terrified? What if I scare her? I even scaried most monsters when they first see me."

It was too likely to happen, I've seen the old movie "Bride of Frankenstein." And that she-creation was terrified of Frankenstein's Monster. She didn't like him at first. But I always imagined that both Frankenstein creations survived that tower crumbling with them in it, after the ending of the movie, and running off to a new life together... making it work eventually. I think one of my almost moms (and former nanny) had pointed this out to me and my dad once and morphed my point of view though.

So I told James honestly. "Not gonna lie, it could happen, we're all meant to terrorize and scare people. She may not want anything to do with any of us. But that's why it's up to us to show her that not all monsters are ALL bad. You've got to show her your tender heart, and that you only want to be her friend at first. Take care of her, teach her, make sure she has the best of everything... I don't see how anyone could hate that. But if she did hate you, would it change how you felt?"

James thought about that for a second before he said, "In my life... more people have hated me than any other emotion. With so many having the same opinion, I couldn't hold it against them. I even forgave my creator before he died... whether he wanted it or not. I already LOVE Lydia so much, how could I hold it against her and no one else?"

"See?" I nudged him. "Keep positive like that and it'll all work out."

Then he went back to telling Lydia all of the fun she was missing and waiting for Quinn to come down. Not only to begin the process of preparing Lydia for this first try for life. But to also help him find something safe to eat and drink, so he could still remember this later. Even this idea was all for Lydia.

He explained, "I want to tell Lydia about how spectacular her birth was if it happens tonight. If it doesn't happen, I would just tell her about how great the first try had been. And how Quinn and me didn't give up on her, even when the other monsters weren't so opti-opti-mis… positive." He said some 'o' word I can't remember, but it meant positive. So I left him to it.

A lot was going on at this party. It was really more like what I had been expecting a monster party that lasted for months to look like. The creepy music, the possessed organ and player, the dancing till you dropped, the food trying to eat you, before you ate it. Gargorals that had traveled here from all over, and flamming pumpkin-throwing headless horsemen. Not to mention, there was far more people at this party than there had been the rest of the time. It was basically any monsters in the area, were all here. Hoping to catch a glimpse of history in the making.

It was all very distracting and entertaining, I had to admit. Nothing like the snoozefest smoosh-parties my Dad had to throw all the time to keep ALL of his people happy. This was like a masquerade on steroids. Because all of the best costumes… weren't costumes at all.

But that ALL changed the moment Quinn came down the stairs. She'd taken my advice and dressed for both the party and her moment. She wore a sterile clean white lab coat, protective gloves and goggles on the top of her head. But they were all pulled over a purple and lime green dress. It wasn't a ballroom gown or anything like some of the other queens were wearing as they spun around the dance floor. But it was a short-styled dance dress that flared with her every move. And pretty enough to shame all the other girls to these eyes. It was also short enough, where she wouldn't trip over it when it was time for everyone to join her in her lab. For Lydia's BIG re-birth.

James even had to say, "The doc really looks nice. She looks even better than most of the other Queens. Wonder why she's so happy?"

Lola-vira answered him before I could, "Oh! You know Dr. Quinn. Nothing makes her glow more than a science demonstration. On a rainy and stormy night like this one, if this were a full moon and October the 31st. This show would have been canceled! It would have been too much of a good thing like all of the planets aligning in the sky."

I dimly heard them still talking around me, but I felt like I was being pulled across that dance floor by an invisible cord. Or a magnet that was slowly pulling me to Quinn. Till I was right behind her. Her hair hadn't been this curly since our Prom, and she'd weaved these tiny thin ribbons all throughout her curls. The ribbons were orange, black, lime green and purple. She looked like the ONLY Halloween Queen I could ever need. And when she caught me looking at her, she'd smirked at me, before giving me a real smile and waving to me.

I'd waved back, before I got close enough to talk to her. The first thing I said was, "Now that's how you dress for a party full of Halloween royalty. I'm impressed."

She said rather saucy over her shoulder, "Told you it would be better than showing up in a skimpy girly nightgown."

I got close enough so only she could hear me when I told her. "I don't know if I would go that far. I happen to have a high opinion of your nightwear."

She blushed almost as much as before when she said, "Oh please, this is much better without trying." Then she seemed to walk right into something that wasn't there. And she greeted, "Mark! I didn't see you there, how are you?"

"Ah, I've been better." Mark started, before he cut to the chase. "No one will dance with me, they think I can't dance. Can you help me prove it to them real quick Quinn? For old-time sake? Just break the ice?"

I told him, "Maybe some other time, you see-through spook. She's already agreed to dance with me for her first dance." I said putting my hand out to her and she didn't stall at all taking it.

Telling Mark, "He's right, sorry."

She thanked me the minute we were out of earshot. Claiming, "He always steps on my ankles and scrapes them all up. So I can't dance the rest of the night."

I led her to the center of the dancefloor and spun her out easily. Knowing the real Quinn was my best dance partner I'd EVER had. I knew this monster variation would be just as killer on this dancefloor. I bowed to her like I had a million times, and just like my Quinn, Doctor Mad Scientist had laughed before I'd even finished going down all the way.

I peeked up from my deep bow to ask her, "What's so funny?" Even though this felt so normal.

"In all my years of being immortal, I've never heard once of any Dracula bowing to anyone. Not even another monster royal." She'd said as she'd curtsied shakily, like my Quinn whenever she was feeling nervous. Whenever she felt all eyes on her.

I pulled her to me, hard enough to hear her breath leave her. And let her know, "That's because we usually don't bow to anyone. But you, are unlike anyone I've ever met before. So I bow to your genius and thank you now. Because none of this could have been possible if it weren't for you."

"You mean Lola-vira," Quinn corrected me, as she matched my movements perfectly. Through a simple waltz. "This is her castle, her party, and her idea in the end. I was just lucky enough to win her good opinion, and she let me try to build a new Frankenstein-styled queen."

"No, I mean you." I insisted. "Lola-vira's great, but she could have never done any of this without you. She wouldn't have met her new boyfriend either, Vince. Who she's now dating seriously... well, as serious as a Halloween Queen can date another Halloween royal. James wouldn't have the hope he does now. So many of the monsters have started to become friends here. You don't realize how much you touch monster's hearts."

"Their heart?" She questioned. Which I know sounds crazy, who ever talks about creeps like us having feelings?

There was a loud THUNK next to us, but I didn't look at what it was. I later heard that it was Chase the Mummy falling over. When someone had stepped on his wrappings.

Quinn didn't break eye contact to find out either. She continued, "I doubt most of their hearts can still beat, Dracula." She tried not blush unsuccessfully, for the second time tonight and downplayed her effect on EVERYONE here. Even as the storm grew louder around us, and excitement was in the air. "I only help however I can, it's not nearly as glamorous as you seem to think."

I didn't want our dance to end, I didn't want to let her go, and I didn't want to give Mark any CHANCE at her. But the song ended, she had so many things to check and per-fect last minute before Lydia was gifted her brain and heart. James needed her too right now, and I knew that. She needed to go, so the real reason for this whole get-together could happen. But that hadn't made any easier letting her go.

I had to reluctantly let her go, and the only way I'd managed it then was promising myself, that I would snag her for another dance or fifty before daybreak. And hopefully some of those dances could be a little more challenging than that waltz had been. I knew what she could do and that little teasing turn around the dance floor had lit that fire in me.

Till then I could distract myself with whatever else was going on. Even if just for the meantime, and the game I ended up watching the most was a witch-based game called, "Spin the Poison."

It was like spin-the-bottle kinda but with a witchy twist. Because one of the witches was always enchanting the bottle, as it spun and when it stopped. It didn't mean you had to kiss someone, it answered whatever question the witch in control had asked. Dana maintained control more than any other witch, but her questions were always interesting… not every witch was as gifted with juicy questions.

She'd heard, like everyone that Chase the mummy had fallen in love with someone at our party. At first sight, even though he's never admitted who the exact ghoul was. When Dana had spun the bottle for this question. It had stopped and pointed at Zoey, even though she wasn't sitting in the circle with the witches asking questions. I found it interesting, even it was just confirming truths I already knew.

Before long I was sitting in the circle of question askers and spilling all forms of tea. Why wasn't this a real game in the world? I was having so much fun and had too many good questions. But just like all good things in life just as much as the afterlife… Quinn walked by the circle and totally distracted me one time too many for the witches gathered to not notice. So Dana had asked the poison bottle to "Point out this Dracula's greatest heart's desire? If such a thing is present here tonight?"

When Quinn came over to grab me for the final touches being made on Lydia. The bottle did stop and point at Quinn. But I hope I was able to point the bottle to the sky quickly enough for no one to notice. Whenever the bottle pointed up to the sky like that, it basically meant "Ask again later," in an 8 ball. Or in that question's case, that my heart's desire wasn't here… I really hope I was the only one who saw it point at Quinn.

I jumped up so quickly and thanked the witches for letting me play. Then I left with Quinn, I didn't stick around to see if anyone saw me messing with the bottle. Quinn had asked me, "What was the question the enchanted bottle didn't answer?"

"Oh! You know, the same old questions they ask about everyone." I'd said, thankful Drac couldn't sweat.

"Hmm," she'd hummed, as we climbed the stairs to the upper level of her labs. I knew that sound, that was her, 'I-know-more-than-you-think' noise! So now I'm horrified that Quinn may have heard the question and noticed the bottle pointing at her. GOD! WHY?

She carried on the conversation anyway asking, "What does it mean when the bottle points up like that? All the witches groaned like it was a bad thing."

I was quick to say, "The question's answer can't be pointed out."

She said smarter, "So the results were inconclusive? Un-founded, when it points to the sky like that?"

"Yeah! Thankfully, could you imagine the mess I would have been in if it had pointed to any of those witches in that circle? Eeesh!" Didn't I used to be good at acting, once? That was horrible.

Quinn eyed me up and down and said "Mmm-hmm." In a way that told me she didn't buy that either.

But I changed the subject quickly asking, "Hey! But, what's up? What are we checking up here? What else needs to be done?"

"We're checking with our kite flyers if this storm is strong enough to try. If it is we can proceed with brain and heart transfer." She explained as we climbed and as the winds were whipping at us both a little stronger the higher we got.

I asked, "What if they're not strong enough?"

"Then we wait and see if it can get stronger." She said, like she'd prepared for everything.

"Much stronger and I don't know if Lola-vira's castle can remain standing." I'd kidded and she'd agreed.

She'd even shared, "That was why I'd almost considered doing this in a different location. But it was documented as one of James' almost birthplaces and he doesn't get to be sentimental about SO MUCH of his rebirth. I figured we could let him have this one thing at least."

I pointed out, "It gives them something in common too, even if it isn't much. I know he's worried about her liking him."

"Yeah, I have the same concerns honestly." She did just share before we reached the kite-flyers on the rooftop of the labs. We'd arrived just in time to watch all four kites get destroyed by the winds and lightning. All three Igors (Dustin and company) and the goblin (Gilbert) who had been flying these things. Looked at Quinn not knowing what to think, but she'd yelled out "BRILLANT! The conditions are PERFECT! We can proceed! TO the LABORATORY! All systems are GO!"

Wanting to beat the nerds and little brother squad, I flew into one of the windows as a bat and beat everyone to where Quinn was running. She had everything laid out so it was quick work adding the finishing touches to James-stein's Bride. Then all partying monsters were told to gather around however they could. For Quinn's trial run… she was even afraid of labeling it a real run, afraid of jinxing it.

She gave this beautiful speech, right before she was lifted up into the ceiling with Lydia. She'd said, "Monsters and Monstresses, we're gathered here tonight to witness and take part in the resurrection of a new patchwork Queen. We've named her 'Lydia' which means, 'beautiful one.' Because no matter what she does or who she chooses to become after this night. To me, to James, and hopefully all of you… that is who she will be. The beautiful one we all didn't know we needed."

Then she had taken Lydia's hand and said, "I hope you can bring light, love and a little bit more joy to this dark and cruel world my creation. God knows the world needs more of that. If this works great, if it doesn't we won't give up till you're with us." Then she and James had each kissed her bandaged hands. And she'd asked the Igors to raise the platform. While telling all of us to "Please pray for a monster miracle."

Then just as the platform started to rise, Quinn surprised me and took my hand. Letting her hand slip from mine as she was pulled away up into the ceiling of the tower. Once the platform reached the top, she called down to the monsters waiting by the electrical switches (Gargoyles who couldn't get electrocuted had this job) Quinn asked for the first switch to be thrown. And the beast standing by the switch labeled 'ONE.' Did as he was asked.

The stone creature standing by the second switch was asked next, followed by the third. But when Quinn asked for the fourth switch to be thrown. The Sci-Club had yelled back, (Neil)"NO! Not the fourth SWITCH!"

(Firewire) "That's too much power!"

Quinn insisted, "Throw it I say! Throw it ya Ninnies!"

The poor gargoyle stationed by the fourth switch had so much trouble, his friends had to help him. But he flipped the switch just in time for Lightning to strike the tower and I think we all got a jolt from that. Even the monsters watching this from outside of the tower. But when the electricity stopped pulsating all around us, Quinn called out to us. "That's enough, turn all of the switches off and let us back down."

The switches were all flipped back off, all of the other equipment was turned off and only the life support components were ready to hook up to Lydia when the platform was lowered. Both Creature and Creator were rain-soaked, and Quinn looked nervous as Lola-vira asked what we all were wondering.

"Any signs of life, doctor?"

Quinn shook her head no and said, "But it could be just that they're too small for my stethoscope and other tools to pick up. Hook her up to the ventilator James."

He got right to work doing as she'd asked and I got to work placing suction cups hooked to really long wires all around her head to check for brain activity. When she and James looked at the readouts, on the monitors near the table the creature was strapped to... there was a very tiny sqwiggling line of response… almost too small for the fancy equipment to even see. But it was there and Quinn and James hugged and laughed. When Quinn let go of James she announced with glittering glee, "She's alive… she's a-live… SHE'S ALIVE!"

And everyone cheered, with thunderous applause. All but the Sci-Club who were all eyeing each other with concern and disbelief. Had they really thought that Quinn couldn't do this. What Hacks! All of them! Of course, it worked, and of course, Lydia is alive now. Even if just! It makes more sense that it would take longer to do than in the movies. In movies they just cut the reveal scene, when the monster's stronger. It always takes way longer real time, everyone knows that! James needs this new Queen, and our group wasn't complete without her. I could have drained them all again of their blood. Just for doubting my baby!

But who KNOWS where their blood's been, ICK! No, they could keep breathing for now too. But just like Mark's invisible blood could keep running. I made no promises about their futures.

Zoey asked Quinn, "Now what do we do, Doc?"

"We wait," Quinn said drying off Lydia and making quick work of changing out some of her soaked bandages. "It could take days or even weeks for her to build up her strength. We'll have to monitor her closely and I'll probably need to move back into this lab. She'll need constant surveillance."

I want to object, she was still recovering from making herself sick. Living here before, but I couldn't say anything without showing too much care. Raising too much suspension, with all of our fellow Halloween keepers. I'd heard the scoffs and whispers behind me when she'd taken my hand moments ago. And I could remember all of the dodging we'd done in the beginning of our real relationship, back home. She didn't need any more fingers pointing at us right now.

Luckily Chase spoke up and reminded her, "But Doc, you're still recovering from living here before. Why not let James rest here with her instead and you keep your room? He's immune system is somehow infallible and yours seems still too human."

Lola-vira backed the mummy. "Yes! Dr. Quinn you must be careful of your health too. And James can cover those day shifts while you sleep. He can come get you or ask questions if he needs to. What good will you be to ANY of us, if you fall ill?"

"Alright," Quinn said like she hated it, but she agreed to arrange a schedule with James and keep to her room upstairs. Before Quinn realized, that the bandages on Lydia's Arms and legs had been all changed, and all that remained was her head and torso. So not wanting to expose the girl to the crowd, she told everyone to go back to partying. The historical part was over, Lydia needed her rest now. She even pushed on me saying, "Go, have fun."

I stole her hand and had to ask while I had hold of her, "Are you coming back to the party?"

"Eventually," she'd smiled at me. "I have to finish changing out Lydee's bandages, cover her in blankets, make sure she's warm and safe. And that James really is okay staying here with her full time, teach him how to read some more of the monitors. Which is all a little different than it was before, when she wasn't with us. What to look for, and such. Then I have to change, I got drenched and I'm probably not fit to be seen-"

"Take all the time you need," I told her, before stressing, "But you gotta come back too. Before Sunrise."

"I will try, I promise, but go, have fun while you can." She'd smirked, teasingly as she shut the door on me. "Party like a Dracula, Dracula!"

And I had laughed, I couldn't help it. I started to walk away and head back to the party like everyone else. But before I could walk back to the main party location, my bestie in this life Lola-vira cornered me arms crossed. When I asked her, "WHAT?"

She drew out, "You know EXACTLY what!"

"No, I don't, that's why I'm asking. What's your problem?" I asked again.

Zoey came along beside her to help her ask, "WHAT was THAT?" She'd asked, before they put on a full treatment of what they'd seen. Zoey took Lola's hand the way Quinn took mine and Zoey pulled herself upward and away on a strand of spider silk like a trapeze artist. Imitating the way Quinn's hand had slipped from mine. And I found myself wondering if this was something Quinn has to put up with from them too? I thought only Chase and Michael were that theatric and dumb.

Zoey hung upside down to ask with Lola in one voice, "What WAS that? EXPLAIN!"

"Nothing! I've been helping out a lot around the lab..." I made up on the sly. "The doc probably thought that wasn't being represented, there in that moment. You know I have a knack for chemistry and Quinn's become a good friend over the last week or so."

Both Spider Queen and Slutty Queen "Mmm-hmmed," almost like Quinn, while giving me the stink eye. What is up with all of the girls doing that at me today? Why!?

Ghost Queen Stacey Dillsen drifted up beside me leaving a cold feeling in the air. Out of nowhere to asked, lisp back in full power. "Are you sure it isn't that you share some special solace? Like, you her, or she likes you? Inquiring minds want to know, Drac-ee-boo. A lot more than just the three of us too."

"No, No." I waved off all of these crazy girls. "The doc isn't interested in dating at all. You all know that."

"Sure," Stacey's 'S's were back to their mutilated sound. "She said that an insurmountable number of times."

Blast Zoey for pointing out, "Yeah, we know how Quinn feels about dating. But what about you? Everyone knows how your Dad's pushing for you to select a new vampire Queen. How he's been even sharing with his friends how you're reign will always fall short till you've found one."

"Because you all listen to Lola-vira," I accused, not caring if she was right there. "Look, I'm not in any hurry to get hitched to anyone. I'm here to watch history happen just as much as the next Monster Monarch. Okay?" That's another word for King, right? Yeah! "I happen to make a friend along the way, and all of you girls are postal. Ease up, find something else to occupy your time and if any of you bug Quinn about this. You'll have me to deal with, because she has enough to worry her with Lydia now, she doesn't need this from any of you."

Stacey teased, "Sure Stud, but if the good doctor does happen to show up in a turtle necked anything underneath her labcoats. We'll have to all act surprised!" The ghostly gank passed through the wall behind us and disappeared in a ghostly giggle. Why are we friends with her again? Remind me? If she wasn't a ghost already, she'd be on my hit list, for certain right now. It's almost too bad she's already dead.

Lola had to side with me in the end, telling the others, "Dracula's right. Thank you for being a friend to Quinn, Drac Darling. She really needs support right now, and she doesn't just trust everyone so easily as she seems to trust you."

I told Lola the truth, "I have trust issues too, you know?"

Lola said, "Don't I know it, it took FOREVER for you to admit I was your best friend. I was starting to think I would go to my grave again before hearing that. But I guess that's something you've both got in common. And you've been so kind to her… I really wish the two of you did have some romantic feelings between you, you'd make the cutest couple."

I couldn't help it, I looked up at the sky looking for SNOW even though I live in California! I never thought I would EVER hear any version of Lola EVER say that. Not even in a million years, but here she was proving me wrong. And I wanted her to be right too, but Quinn had so much on her mind and she was already so stressed. I couldn't add to that, not even a little.

So I snuck off and did my best to not get too involved in anything happening around me. I tried not to let myself get wrapped up into any of those strange games. Even the interesting ones, but most of all. I really didn't want to draw any more attention to my personal mission here. No one could know about that, especially not Quinn. It would only make things so much worse and probably scare her to death.

When Quinn was able to rejoin the party (AGES later). Everyone was asking her all kinds of questions about her creation. Like 'How was she?' 'How long till we know this re-birth worked?' And 'Where's James? Why didn't he come back down to the party?' That was most of the girls who were in need of a dance partner. But still, they were all pretty good questions. The music even stopped and Quinn was escorted by Vince and Chase to a table where she could sit and rest as she shared what she knew.

Quinn explained, "She'll have to still be observed closely for several days most likely. And tonight's reboot efforts may not have been enough. We may need to have another such storm and jolt, before she's up and moving on her own. I've just been glancing over all of the available text again before coming down. I don't want to jinx anything, but I'm pleased with what I'm seeing and I think she has a great chance."

Some of the witches asked, again. "And James?"

"He's staying with Lydia, of course." Then she explained that even after changing Lydia's bandagings and covering her in blankets. Her temperature had been dropping too quickly, she'd gotten too cold while all of that was being changed and she needed something to regulate her body's natural temp. So James was laying with her. On the operating table and making certain she doesn't get any colder than his normal temp. She even explained that with all of the electricity still settling and working it's magic on her body. James was the only option that could warm her without being too dangerous. How any form of bathing or using water could smother her progress, even kill her again. That's why changing her wrappings had been so crucial, when she'd gotten so wet in the rain. She needed to stay dry, warm, and stablize now. And James could help do all of that while not hindering her progress. Not to mention if Lydia sparked or gave him a jolt, it wouldn't hurt James. He was made the exact same way, but nearly anyone else could get hurt, may be even die of electrical shock.

At the end of her HIGHLY scientific explanation though she'd smiled, "But I don't think James minds being where he is." And I don't think there was a monster in the area not smiling with her.

And that little nudge had set the gossip mills cranking back at full speed. So the others left her alone, long enough for her to eat something. When she'd come back down, I think she somehow looked more beautiful than before. She'd had to change out of her wet party clothes and lab gear. The dress she was wearing now was a little red dress that sparkled when she moved. Her labcoat was trimmed in matching red and the shorter skirt still flared like the dress she had been wearing before. Ideal for dancing, and I wanted to steal her for another dance, as soon as I could. But I would have felt that way if she'd shown up in plain scrubs.

She needed to eat, she needed to sit, she needed to recover from all she'd just been though. Just as much as Lydia and James were both recovering right now, and she did NOT need me there with her. I could see all of that, how she needed quiet time to herself to think, and I really didn't want to bother her too much. But it was so hard keeping my distance. Even when I know it's for her own good. She looked too gorgeous, she was being too quiet, and I could read her like a book. But just like you hold a book to read it. It was KILLING me that I could not hold her, not the way I wanted to. Even I could see she needed it as much as I do right now.

So I ended up seated with Chase and Michael for the first time since I entered this world. Where they don't know me, and it amazed me that even though we weren't supposed to know each other. The conversations we had, sounded just like home. Michael complains about the word 'bicycle' and Chase watching Zoey's every move. Wondering if he can ask her to dance without klutzing out. And the answer is nope, he can't. He never even got to her to ask her. He face planted six times and gave up halfway crossing the dance floor. Before coming back to us and sulking total defeat.

Michael laughed and told Chase, "Dude, watch how a pro works."

Before he went over and asked Possessed Voo Du Doll Lisa for 'a spin around the dance floor.' And also got turned down, because Lisa had her eye on one of the headless horsemen.

So now the negative Nancies were both sitting at our table tearing down anyone who DID dance with Lisa or Zoey. I pat them both on their backs as I noticed Quinn had finished her plate and started reading at her table. I bragged, "Gents, watch how a pro works some REAL magic."

As I crossed to her I heard Chase say not even a little bit seriously, "Good luck!"

While Michael laughed loudly, "The Doc who doesn't wanna date? HAHA! This I GOTTA hear. Shut him DOWN, Queen!"

Yes, those really are my best friends in the real world. And yes, they really would have said that to me, whether they know me or not. But when I got closer to Quinn, I blocked their antics outta my mind and focused on her. I stole the chair beside her, turning the chair backwards, and sitting in it to face her crossing my arms over the backrest. "You call this a break, doc? Reading at a party?"

"After so many mistakes and missteps during her assembly, I'm just triple-checking to make certain I didn't miss anything again." She explained while she'd smiled even if she didn't look up from her scribbling notes beside her book.

I said, "You seem to have done a great job so far why not celebrate a little more?"

"I think I'll be more comfortable celebrating when Lydee is stronger. She's like a newborn baby kind of delicate at the moment. I'm so afraid that I'll forget something and ruin her chances." She said still never looking up. She'd been working like this all throughout her meal too, and no one had dared to sit with her for a reason.

It was a buzz kill, all of this research and worry. I could see it already draining all of the color from her skin. She needed to have fun, stat.

So I decided to pitch this whole dance thing in a way where she can't say no. So I said, "Can you do me a favor real quickly?"

Not looking up, she said, "Depends on the nature of this favor, your highness."

I asked, "Can you help me out and dance with me? Those monsters over there watching us-"

"Which ones?" She interrupted and I said, "The mummy and pumpkin kings."

"Chase and Michael?" She asked.

"Yeah. They don't believe my rep matches my Dads. If I don't prove them wrong, it could scar my family's reputation beyond repair."

She went back to her scribbling and said, "You know what they say about reputations. They take endless time to build up and seconds raze."

"That's so true, how 'bout it?" I asked again.

She stared down doubtfully at her work, claiming. "I think choosing me as a choice may fall short of what you're trying to accomplish here. Why not go for one of the other sexier or more popular queens? Why me, essentially?"

"Well in my opinion I am asking the sexiest queen here," I told her honestly and watched the blush climb up her neck before it hit her face. "But really I had a lot of fun dancing with you earlier and I wanted to do it again. If that's okay."

She looked me in the eyes, and whatever she saw, made her put her pencil down. And she said, "Well, alright."

YES! I was celebrating on the inside and cool as glass on the outside. Putting my hand out to her, like I had a million times in my world. (AN:readers from my other story know what he means, winkwink!).

While she was still warning, "But you're going to find my dancing skills are barely passable. I know the steps, I do. But my body just doesn't want to work with my head all the time."

I complimented, "You got them working together just fine earlier."

As she took my hand and stood up with me, I did hear the shock and horror of my friends. Not that Quinn and I were gonna dance together either, but that I had gotten a 'yes,' from my target when neither of them could. And it was AWESOME! Even when they aren't my friends yet here. They were both muttering, 'vampires.' So my Dracula rep was intact, not that cared.

But I led Quinn out to the dancefloor and we danced for the next several songs together. Like every other time I've danced with this girl. Time just stopped. And it was way better than dancing with anyone else even when we were joining in on Monster dances I"ve never heard of before, but somehow knew by heart anyways. We'd laughed, we'd flirted, we'd had a blast. But eventually, A gargoyle had cut in a stole my partner from me. The more we partnered up, the better her dancing got, and before you knew it, other monsters were asking her to dance. Which was good, I knew it was good. I had to remind myself that this was what I had wanted for her too. To get out there, to have fun, and forget about her worries.

I was so wrapped up in watching her dance, even when I wasn't her partner. Getting my other friends matched up correctly with the right partners. So when I finally had Chase dancing with Zoey, Michael dancing with Lisa, Lola sitting on Vince's lap, Stacey dancing with Mark! I was so on top of things I even had Jeremiah dancing where he could see himself in a mirror. That was when the sun started to color the sky before I glanced at the time. Dawn had crept up on me, and I had to bolt for my room to make it back to my casket in time.

Thank heaven, my room was windowless and even the hallway facing my door couldn't reflect a single ray of sunshine into my room. Because I came SO close to meeting my end today. WAY closer than I'm comfortable with… and I could still hear the party in full swing downstairs even from here. Deep in the basements and dungeons of the castle.

I changed outta my party clothes and got ready for sleep. Even though I wasn't the least bit tired. And didn't think I could sleep, I just went through the motions. Just to have something to do, really.

As I climbed into the coffin, I was suddenly gripped with the remembered stress of the nightmare I'd had the last time I had fallen asleep here. And it was so awful, I knew sleep would be impossible. So when I laid down and got comfortable, I left the casket door open like I had when Monster Dr. Quinn had been with me yesterday. How we'd talked all day and how nice that had felt and I guess I managed to somehow fall asleep…

---

(A Dream within a Dream - Still Logan's Perspective)

In the dream I'd had when I nodded off, I was home. Color everywhere, but not too much because I was in PCA's Infirmary. A place I've ended up in too often not to know by heart. And it looked like I was on the second floor of it. And the curtains were drawn all around me. When I moved, I noticed that one hand was hooked to an IV and all taped up. The other hand was being held down by two other hands I'd know anywhere. It was really Quinn, my Quinn, the real deal. She'd fallen asleep sitting in the chair next to my bed. Her head was leaning on top of our hands and she was sound asleep.

I scoped her towards me, but for some reason, I wasn't as strong as normal. And my Grandpa appeared from nowhere to help me. Together we easily placed Quinn next to me in my bed before I fell outta the hospital-style bed trying to do it by myself. And he'd been trying to talk to me. When I fell back against my pillows, but my whole world was blacking out FAST. Before I could hear anything Pop said or tried to say anything. I remember pulling her closer to me before everything was gone. And remotely feeling Pop's patting me, but that was it.

No way that was reality, that had to be a dream. My Pop's never been to PCA before, why was he there? Why would I be in the infirmary? And why had they just let Quinn sleep on the chair like that? When there's a bed right there? Even if I'm in it. All the more reason to put Quinn in it. Not only is it more comfortable but she should be with me. That's just common sense.

The last thing I'd felt besides my Pop's persistent pats, had been Quinn's body curling into mine. She felt so COLD! Why was she that cold?

---

((Back to the Monster Life - Logan's Perspective))

When I woke back up, in my open coffin black and white monster hell. I was worried, why had she felt THAT cold, why hadn't anyone thought to give her a blanket? Why wasn't anyone making her take better care of herself there? I was trying my best to do that here, with monster Quinn. Why wasn't ANYONE doing that for Dream Quinn, that I still hope isn't REAL Quinn?

I had so many questions, and worries threatening to strangle me. They were that horrible, but then I realized. When I went to move, inside the vampire sleep box that it wasn't just these troubles weighing on me. But Monster Quinn herself.

She was curled into me the exact same way the real Quinn had been in my dream (please let it all be just another weird and unexplainable dream and not reality I'd just seen). This Quinn was curled the same way and sound asleep in another one of those nightgowns of hers. This one had been red, my favorite color for a whole new reason. And when I tried to loosen her grip on my neck, she'd woken up and said, "Drac. Hi."

"Hey," I'd greeted trying not to sound too happy. Even though I was so glad to see her and hold her after what I had just seen. She'd adjusted her grip on me to wrap around my middle instead of my neck. But to do this had made her press the entire front of her body against mine and I was on fire beneath her. She fit too perfectly, and she felt too good.

Why the hell was I gonna question this outcome? WHY!?

It wasn't easy keeping my tone even and unaffected. But somehow I'd asked her, "Not that I mind, but what brings you here? After such a great night for science?"

She rubbed at her eyes, behind her glasses. "The last thing I remember is the witches telling me they were gonna send me to bed."

"Oh, sounds like they used their magic to put you here." I tried to simplify.

"Well, no, they sent me to bed in my room, and when I got there this is how I was dressed somehow. But I couldn't sleep till I was here." She'd yawned. "I couldn't even keep my eyes closed till I was here with you."

"Is that so?" I asked with a grin, I couldn't help it.

"I tried my bed in my room, your old room in the tower, but it was too lonely. So I came here and I tried the bed over there in this room, but I still felt miles away till I was here." She explained, looking up at me.

"I'm glad you came," I could at least say that without seeming too crazy. As she moved against me again... forget how I said I was lit on fire. Now I was FIRE.

She'd squeezed me tightly to her and said, "Me too" sleepily.

Just when I thought she might have fallen back asleep, just leaving me to burn alive. She asked. "So earlier when you were playing spin-the-poison with those witches. You managed to hide it that the bottle had pointed to me from all of those crafty witches. Did you think you'd hidden it from me too?"

Completely caught I admitted honestly, "I'd hoped you hadn't noticed."

"Why?" She asked with a smile... not sounding as mortified as I was expecting.

"Because you're my friend, my newest friend, and I didn't want their games to scare you off or pressure you." I'd gotten out before she snuggled me deep into the cushions of my coffin's satin lining and asked.

"Is that really all we are? Friends?" She'd asked and I was so gone by then I almost spilled my guts and told her everything. That I loved her, that I needed her and I was hers… completely.

But somehow I'd said instead, "You're under so much pressure already, I didn't want to add to it." I hadn't meant to say the rest out loud but it came out anyway. "Even if it kills me."

She'd leaned up and said, "There's no need for such deadly results, this is a happy occasion. Let's try to keep it that way, a Queen was hopefully just reborn, everyone's celebrating-"

"Right," I agreed easily. "You should be celebrating more than anyone. So why are you here with me, in you sexy sleepwear, not that I'm complaining?"

"I came here to try a little experiment if you'll let me. I have been dying to try something for a while now. But bare with me, this won't be hard at all and it isn't anything as dramatic as my last scientific stunt."

I did mumble, "Leave it to you to have science-based goals when you climb on top of me." Before I agreed, "Sure, do we need to go back to your lab?"

"Oh no, this can be performed right here with one minor change based on a personal preference." She said, before she reached backward and closed the casket door with the both of us pressed close inside. Then she explained, "It's imperative that this experiment is between you and me. In a safe location where no one else knows, sees, or hears about it."

How did she make such a strange statement sound that sexy? How? I should be afraid, I know it, but I wasn't. I was a lot of other words, but afraid wasn't one of them. I could hear the party music booming off in the distance. Where the party was still in full swing, and she should be there. I was the only one who couldn't handle the daylight. But she chose to be here with me she'd even closed the lid on us… Cause she wanted to be safe with me, someplace no one could see us.

I tried to keep things light, cause I had no real idea where this was going. At this point it wouldn't have shocked me if she'd pulled out test tubes and beakers to use in here. So I asked, "Well you've got my interest for sure, what experiment did you have in mind."

"A crazy one that can only happen if you promise to keep it secret. No matter what the results are, and that we remain friends regardless… Can you promise?"

"I promise." I said on cue, still struggling to keep my breathing normal. I was so nuts for her, and I had to lock it all down. Before I scared her to death. "What's the experiment?"

First I noticed she tried to tell me, but instead of words coming out. She looked at my mouth, the same time I looked at her's and the next thing I knew. She'd kissed me, just the simplest brushing together of our mouths. And I had to lock down every instinct in my body to NOT ravish her. Because I was in full withdrawal, like an lethal drug addict. If I didn't keep close control on my reactions, she would never talk to me again.

But when I chanced a looked at her face, she was smiling, and I did smile too. It was a reflex, seeing her so happy. Again trying to keep things light, I teased. "Leave it to you to call something like that an experiment… and not just trying something new."

She'd wiggled her shoulders against me, [she really has come here to KILL me]. I'm convinced this analysis is titled how many other ways can you kill a vampire? Besides sun exposure and staking them?

Quinn had said in her sexiest tone of voice, "My approach is always logical and scientific, or it's not me."

"Tell me something I don't know." I had said normally, even if I was loving every minute of this torture session. "So what's the name of this particular experiment actually? I'm just curious. Were you looking for my fangs? They're retractable, you know?"

"I knew that already." She waved off. "I titled this experiment 'does kissing vampire suck, as naturally as they do, when they BITE? Even when this vampire is the King of them all?'"

"What's the verdict?" I asked playing along even though she was MORE than flirting now.

"You know, I still don't know. I feel like further investigation is required before I can give an educated answer. As long as you really don't bite me." She bargained with me, inches from my face. She had to ask, "If you slipped and did bite me for real? Would I even change or is that just regular humans?"

"No, not even a normal human changes after one bite, or a hundred. We only create vampires on purpose, it takes a whole ceremony and everything-" I yammered on, still trying to reign in my self-control. But like I said, I was on fire. I was FIRE! I was fighting a losing battle and knew it.

My fight ended when she'd cut me off with a second kiss…

All of my restraint, and logic were used up, thrown out the window. I'd grabbed hold of her waist, and turned us. So I was trapping her against the other edge of the enclosed space and she'd laughed into all of the making out that followed. Even when I'd trailed kisses down her neck when she needed to breathe and I didn't. She felt the exact same as my Quinn, or kissed the exact same, and I was completely gone.

I can't even explain how much I'd missed her. And moments like this with her, and this had just been a little over a week's time.

I did think, 'How in the HELL am I gonna last the possibly 4 years of college on the other side of the map from this GIRL?!'

But I didn't let the vortex of future worries swallow me whole. Like it had almost all of our other friends the other day. No, I did what they should have done and lived for the moment I was in. Where I was with Quinn, even if she isn't sane, she's immortal and a monster queen. She's still Quinn and I wasn't gonna let those worries ruin the time we have right now.

Not for nothing.

Even if especially when she's responding like this. Like she'd missed me just as much, like we had both been burning up this whole time. Not doing this. I didn't want it to end. It's hard to believe how quickly I'd been freaking out from the nightmare yesterday. Made worse by the nightmare I'd had today, and how the second I realized Quinn was with me... How all of that was gone and I could be so HAPPY.

But of course, our happy little bubble inside of that coffin had to pop and OF COURSE! Resembling her TRUE self more than EVER in this dream. The bubble popper was Lola! She had distressing news, given. But I still wish more than anything that I could have shielded both of us from the horror Lola's news brought.

She came and knocked right on my coffin directly, she didn't even try the door. I would have heard if she had. I'd only ended the kiss we were still sharing to yell at Lola. "RUDE! HOW - MANY - TIMES - DO - I - HAVE - TO - SAY - IT? You do NOT - EVER - KNOCK on a VAMPIRE'S - Coffin! NOT! EVER!"

Lola-vira insisted, "No time for your back sass, Drac! This is SERIOUS! Now is the doctor in there with you? The witches thought she could have ended up in her bed or here. They seemed unsure and Quinn's not in your old room up in the tower. I just came from there. Is she here at all?"

I secretly begged Quinn in whispers to "stay," and "let me lie for you."

She'd leaned her head against mine and smiled but whispered back. "It sounds legit," and reminded me, 'It could be something with Lydia.'

Right! Totally forgot about that! But you would too, if she'd been kissing you like that!

So she answered Lola, for herself. "I'm here your highness, what seems to be the problem?"

"Three things!" Lola-vira announced. "First things first, James needs you to take a look at him before anything else. Someone who knew what they were doing raided your lab. Did something to him where he's very sick. Like can't even move, walk or talk right ill."

Quinn shot me a paniced look before I opened the coffin and we both popped out. Lola held up two fingers and said. "That's all just One! Number Two! This same thief took Lydia and a few other things with them and disappeared. Like without a trace, even the witches gifted in trace magic are scratching their heads."

Quinn made a horrified noise and I had hold on to her. To even hear the rest of what Lola was saying. Lola pressed on, "Three, the Sci-club was part of this ploy somehow because they were the ones who left this note for you. I would have read it myself but it's written in some kind of code I can't interpret. But just to recap, James is very sick now, Lydia is GONE and the sci-club is behind it somehow. The note hopefully can tell us more-"

Quinn was gone like a shot out of gun. Probably to take care of James, and run her own investigation. She had looked so panicked when she'd left, like she couldn't figure out how to react. To cry, scream, panic, not panic, get mad, go full revenge mode or throw up. I almost ran too, but thank GOD Lola caught my arm and reminded me, "Drac it's only noon, you can't go out there yet. The sun will kill you."

I told Lola, "Then go with her and help her anyway you can. I'll be there as soon as the sun sets. Please let Quinn know that."

Lola said, "Okay," Before we both heard Quinn's reaction when she saw Lydia gone and James hurt. It was the most heartwrenching "NNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOO!" I've ever heard, and I think I would have thought that even if I didn't love her. Because Lola looked nearly as affected as me.

Lola-vira rushed for the door but before she left, she stopped. "If she makes any decisions in the meantime, I'll make sure you're kept in the loop till you can come be a apart of the conversation."

I thanked her, and she was gone too after that.

Why do I get the feeling things just got a whole lot harder and more complicated? For everyone at this party? Not even just me, or worstly me. I felt horrible for Quinn. For James! And I couldn't help but be scared for poor Lydia too. Who was still so veneable and helpless when this happened. She was the one in the most danger right now. Even just moving her right now, not knowing just how to do it, was SO dangerous. Even I knew it could ruin absolutely EVERYTHING we've worked for! What could those posers even be thinking?

This was definitely not the way I saw any of this night and party going.

---

That's all folks!

Well, for this chapter anyway! But Chapter 3 is already in the works and I promise to post it as soon as it's as close to perfect as I can get it. Hope everyone's having a wonderful Thanksgiving, Fall, and that this Halloween plot was still fun this close to Christmas. Kinda Nightmare before Christmas-ish, isn't it? When you think about it. Please review if you can I would love to hear from you and I hope your having a GREAT day! Take Care and Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85