Wow, I'm on a roll here. First chapter of the Prep. Arc in over a week, I think this might go all the way if I can keep up the streak. Either way, I hope that you enjoy this chapter.
Also, if anyone reading this also likes Danny Phantom, Homestuck, both, or neither, feel free to check on my other story Mutated Ectoplasm. If not, that's fine by me. I'll see you in the next chapter anyway.
There were several facets to the plan that Eddy knew that were necessary. Some he recommended, some that he made a top priority. In all accounts, this was a necessary step that couldn't be avoided.
Standing in Ever After High's library and surrounded by books, he couldn't help but already dread the amount of research he was about to do.
Sighing, he attempted to steel himself by counting the steps he took as he walked inside, counting the shelves to find the right section. The history books had to be somewhere right? Maybe he should have listened to Double D about that Dewey Decimal stuff.
He huffed. This was for the plan. He came up with it, he'd have to roll with it.
Continuing to count the steps, he couldn't help but go over last night's conversation.
"Okay," Double D had a check list written out before them. It didn't necessarily take long to determine what they should do, but it was difficult to determine what order they do things. However, the list broke it all down it its simplest parts.
1. Learn about basic history as to not appear suspicious to teachers and other students.
2. Learn about the culture within both schools and attempt to acclimate so as to not draw unwanted attention. Secondary: Become popular within the community to better cement facade.
3. Gain connections within the community that will reap benefits later. DO NOT make friendships based solely on it.
4. Get jobs/start business to gain extra revenue. Necessities plus phones/tablets/computers already provided by the schools.
5. Change of clothes (?). Might be beneficial for blending in into the future.
There were other, smaller items to the list, but the first five were the top priorities. They were aiming to have most of these finished by the end of the month before school officially started, but that would be determined by whatever came next.
"Do we all agree that we need to take these steps soon? I believe this is an acceptable plan of action for now." Double D capped the pen and put it aside, looking over the list again. "The only thing I don't really agree with as a priority is getting new clothing. Isn't that a little bit wasteful?"
"Pah," Eddy waved off his friend's concern. "In order to blend in, we gotta' get used to the local style, Sockhead. Means we gotta' get some new duds."
Ed looked up finally from the iCoffin he was supplied with by the school. "Yeah! Besides, we haven't got any new clothes in a long time. I'd kinda like something new." He tugged at a loose end of his shirt, noting that it was only one of many.
Double D frowned, but only nodded as he knew the clothes, they had packed were not exactly the most well-kept. However, he couldn't let it rest. "Still, I feel like that shouldn't be something to worry about just yet."
Eddy, rolling his eyes, moved up from his position on the bed and grabbed the list. He laughed mischievously. "Dude, relax. It's not like I'm asking for us to get some designer crud." He threw the list behind him, snickering as his hatted friend dove for it. "We just need to make sure to not have the human smell on us when school starts picking up. Brand new start, right?"
"Right!" Ed stood up, finger pointing into the nothingness above him as he struck a heroic pose. "We need to be new people! No human traits whatsoever! It'll be like we never even WERE human."
Eddy pointed at Ed, smiling at his annoyed friend. "See, he gets it."
Double D sighed, shaking his head. Smoothing out the paper, he sent The Look to them. "I suppose you aren't wrong. Anyway, we should begin to talk about how we are going to conduct our research."
The other two boys groaned instantly, face planting into the pillows on the bed. They were not looking forward to this.
"Oh, come on now!" The hatted boy threw his hands into the air. "This is necessary and you both agreed to it. Don't tell me you changed your minds."
"No, Double D." Ed pouted, turning over.
"Just sucks that we have to pretty much do homework while on vacation." Eddy flipped onto his back as well. "Least it's for a good cause."
"Exactly." The list was put down on the desk again. Tapping the pencil against his lips, Double D smiled. "Though, there is a certain amount you'll have to do yourself, Eddy."
Another groan was his answer to that statement.
Eddy made a note that next time he decided to infiltrate a secret society that he wouldn't have to do research next time. At the very least, he'd find one that had some informative pamphlets.
Noticing the change in titles on the books before him, he slowed. Even though he didn't trust his knowledge of the Dewey Decimal system, he at least knew that he must be getting close to the history section if some of the titles were enough to go by.
Wacky Wars of Wonderland, The Lineage of the Charming Family, The War on Humanity...
The boy felt his eye twitch. Double D had given him a laundry list of topics that he thought would be good to cover, but that didn't mean he liked the idea of doing this. He didn't know how much he could check out, either.
He sighed, scratching the back of his neck. Maybe if he looked at the higher shelves, he'd find something that would provide general information on everything he was looking for? Yeah, that makes sense.
He looked around, but couldn't see a ladder anywhere, only stools. Hm. That would certainly make things difficult.
An idea struck him instantly, causing his frown to quickly turn over. Or, it would make things so much easier.
He grabbed a couple of the stools and stacked them together quickly. Smiling at the unstable tower he created for himself, Eddy climbed carefully, taking shaky steps upward. Not the safest way to do this, something he knew Double D would kill him for doing, but whatever. This was how he did his research.
The higher shelves didn't seem to have much better, he was quickly beginning to realize. In fact, now that he was looking at them more closely, he could barely understand the titles anymore. Maybe if he just moved a little higher...
"Um, excuse me?"
At the introduction of the new voice, Eddy, jumped causing the tower of stools to tilt over. The boy attempted, and failed, to grab at the shelves, taking several books down with him as he fell flat on his face.
"Oh dear, are you alright? I didn't mean to frighten you!"
Growling at the (admittedly familiar) voice, Eddy replied simply. "Only thing that's hurt is my pride." Moving up slowly, he shook his head to get the stars out of his vision. Brushing himself off, he trailed his vision upward to the interrupting party.
He couldn't help but feel his eye twitch, noticing that it was Apple White.
Apple seemed to recognize him too, judging from the sudden recognition coming across her own features.
"Oh, you're one of the boys from the tour." She clapped her hands in a display, eyes lighting up. "You're Eddy, correct? I know it's only been one day, but I was wondering how the school's been treating you so far."
Eddy forced a smile, already wary of the saccharine grin on her face. God, there's no way someone was this nice without having an agenda. "It's been an interesting experience. It's just taking a little..." He couldn't help but notice a dragon in distance through a nearby window. He gulped. "...time to adjust."
To his relief, she nodded in an understanding manner. "I suppose it is a little difficult. Is this your first time away from your parents?" She asked it innocently, but she couldn't help but notice him straighten up a little.
"Er," Eddy stumbled over his words for a second. "It kinda is. Never really been this far from home before." Half of that was a lie. He and his friends were already in lots of places around the country at this point, but they were far away from home.
"I'm sure your parents miss you as much as you miss them. I wouldn't worry too much."
And wow, did that send a wave of guilt through him. Really, he got out of there for a reason, but who know what they were thinking. He just sort of…
He forced himself to get back into the moment. He shouldn't wait too long to answer.
Eddy's muscles tightened, eyes moving away from hers as he nervously laughed. "Yeah, you're probably right on that one."
The princess would have questioned things, but she noticed the discomforted expression. Strange. Maybe he didn't think his parents would care? No, that couldn't be it.
She decided to change the subject. "Can I ask what you're researching? I would've thought that you and your friends would be exploring the town right now."
Eddy relaxed minutely, groaning. "Trust me, I'd be far away from here if I could, but Double D was going on about reviewing some stuff before classes start." He looked at the pile of stools that were on the floor. "Sending me here alone was probably a mistake."
"Oh, so you're doing study sessions before school? I know a few books that may be of help." Apple leaned forward, causing Eddy to lean just as far back. Her eyes seemed to sparkle more as another idea seemed to enter her head. "I even have a study group set up right now! Maybe you could even bring some completed notes back to your friends."
"Ok." Pointing a finger into her forehead, he pushed her back gently. "First of all, personal space. I can smell apple shampoo on you, which frankly, is not something I should know about you Princess." The girl blushed in embarrassment at that statement. "And two, why are you even asking? No offense, but you don't even know me."
He only received a shrug at the question. "I like helping people." She said it in an almost demure way, holding her hands in front of her in a way that could only be described as prim and proper. The smile on her face looked helpful, but somehow refraining from being condescending.
Eddy didn't believe it one bit.
It was probably just paranoia, but there was no way someone was just like this. No one, no way, no how, this girl had to have an angle. He couldn't say that she wasn't playing it well, but no way was it genuine.
He instantly thought about declining, but he looked at the shelves surrounding them. He wasn't an idiot, but he knew that it would take a long while to actually get through all of this stuff. Sockhead was their head researcher, so of course Eddy didn't know what to do.
Noting that he was taking too long to answer, he just smiled back. "You know what?" He said, making sure there was an upturn in his voice. "Why not. Wouldn't mind some help with all of this."
Apple couldn't help but be overjoyed at this, glad to win him over. He was thinking it over for a pretty long time and wondered if something was wrong, but he must have been a little indecisive. "Excellent. My groups is just a little ways away, so if you'll just follow me..."
Turning around, she thought it over on how she would have to go over things with her group. She was sure Raven wouldn't mind and Maddie was always looking for new friends to drink tea with. Cerise would probably be okay. Maybe.
Eddy followed behind, keeping his eyes squarely on her. If she had an agenda, he might as well play along until he figured out what it is.
Who knows? It might be fun.
Double D and Ed were having a much better time of gathering materials. However, if the fact Ed was attempting to balance pencils on his nose was any indication, only one of them was really into it.
"Ed, please focus." Grabbing the pencil off his friends nose lightly, he put it down on the table. A notebook with a page almost covered in scribbled in notes. He was already planning to take in the history books for further study, but he was making sure to write down any other subjects that caught his interest.
Raising the dead, advanced robotics, cursed artifacts...
The list went on, quite honestly. Ed kept contributing with his own suggestions on future studies, but the interest he had shown was waning as they got down to brass tacks. That didn't mean he wasn't trying though.
He was just focusing on the weirder facts instead.
"Hey, Double D, look." Ed had opened up a picture of what appeared to be Nikola Tesla surrounded by some monsters, holding on to be his prototype of a laser. "Turns out those doomsday devices really were real! Isn't it awesome?!"
The smart Ed boy quirked an eyebrow, a subtle twitch of an eye. "That's one word for it."
This was going to take some getting used to.
It didn't go unnoticed, even if Ed was enjoying himself immensely. At least one of them had to, especially if they were doing this long term. Though he could tell his friend was going just a wee bit nuts at one revelation after another. He felt for him, he really did. He figured the science facts would bring him out of it though.
Maybe he was doing it wrong?
Closing the book, he leaned back in his chair and smiled. The look in his eyes were unfocused and he didn't look at his friend at all while he did this. "I'm scared too."
Double D blinked, looking up from the book he was reading. "What?" It came out a little quiet, barely made it out of his mouth.
"Don't get me wrong, this place is awesome!" Ed finally waved his hands in all-encompassing gesture, smiling. "But it's also really scary. You really think that thing we saw yesterday didn't freak me out?" He laughed good naturedly. "I couldn't stop thinking about that all night! Not to mention Bloodgood taking off her head."
He stopped to scratch his chin. "Wonder how she did that, though. But anyway," He stopped leaning back on the chair, the legs clacking against floor loudly. "The only reason I'm not freaking out is because I see all the cool things we can do here. Where no one will yell at us for doing something we like, even if it doesn't affect them personally."
"With no responsibilities except to ourselves." Double D straightened up immediately. He hadn't mean for that to slip out.
"Exactly!" Just like it started, the moment abruptly ended when Ed immediately grabbed open another book. Gleefully flipping to another page, he ignored the questioning look his friend sent his way.
Double D stared for a good ten seconds before deciding to just roll with it. Ed rarely ever got serious, but it was probably for the best to just move on keep the ball rolling.
"I," He swallowed reluctantly. "I appreciate the encouragement Ed." The smile he got in return was brief, but at least he understood.
Getting back to it, however, he couldn't help but think about what to do after this. It looked like Monster High had plenty of information that they could use, so the matter of research wasn't an issue for at least the monster side. However, the other goals would be much more difficult to obtain.
"Hey!"
The sudden greeting made the two boys jump. Turning to the voice, to their semi-pleasant surprise, it was just Clawdeen and Ghoulia. The two were moving to their table, the outgoing girl waving as her friend trailed behind.
"What's up you two? Didn't exactly get to say goodbye yesterday, so I started worrying that you weren't coming back." The girl was joking, but it was something she had seriously worried about when she didn't see them for the rest of the day. Hell, she even came back here in human form to make sure they didn't run again.
"Ah, right," Double D rubbed the back of his neck, visibly embarrassed. "I suppose we did give you something to worry about. We were just a little surprised when Fluffy came out. We're sorry about that."
She waved it off, grabbing two chairs and bring them to the table. "Don't be. Fluffy freaks out even the old monsters, and I know they've seen some messed up stuff." Plopping down, she smiled warily. "Of course, you weren't even supposed to see him at all, but still."
"She's right." Ghoulia signed, looked a little regretful. "Though, in my defense, I did attempt to dissuade Cleo from using him. You know how she is, though."
Ed just laughed. "Hey it's fine. It was a pretty cool welcome party if you ask me!" He shrugged, chuckling a little. "Man, we almost ran out the town before the headmistress caught up with us."
"Seriously?" Clawdeen laughed too. "Good to know she found you, but I guess that's why she took Nightmare with her." Her expression turned to one of guilt, though, as she shifted in her seat. "Though, I guess I should apologize though. I mean, that was still shock to your system."
Double D quirked an eyebrow, some anxiety settling in. "W-What do you mean?"
"Bloodgood informed us that none of you were used to being around other monsters." Ghoulia helpfully replied, sending a look his way. This caused the teen to relax, though his laugh was strained.
"Yes. Um," He paused, blinking cluelessly. "Unfortunately, our parents didn't happen to live in a place where monsters were common. We kind of onlyhad each other."
"Yeah, the three amigos." Ed leaned back in his chair. "Just Ed, Edd, n' Eddy, doing their own thing with property damage to follow!"
"Ed, please don't mention the property damage. I'd much rather forget that." Double D was already having flashbacks to falling houses and he surely didn't appreciate spreading that information.
"Told you these guys were a riot." Clawdeen whispered to Ghoulia, eyes ping-ponging between the two boys as they bantered. She cleared her throat to catch their attention. "We figured that, but still."
"Really, it's fine." Double D made sure to send a more forgiving look their way. "It's something that we'll just have to get used to. We're just not used to people being so…"
The word would have been odd, but he hesitated as he figured that would be the wrong message.
"…open about it." He finished. "If there were any other monsters in the last place we lived, we didn't exactly know about it."
Clawdeen winced a bit at that. "That kinda explains some things, I guess. Never really went to some of the bigger areas, like in Salem?"
"Nope!" Ed shook his head. "Kinda sucks though, would have been cool if we could have gotten out here sooner."
"Quite." Double D said. While the lies were flowing out easily, he figured it was best to change the subject. "My friend and I were just going through some subjects of interest, actually. Due to our background, we didn't have access to these resources before now. Would either of you like to help us?"
"I have plenty of experience doing this type of research. Any specific subject you're focusing on?" Ghoulia questioned, looking over the notes they had splayed across the table.
"History as of right now, but I wouldn't mind some recommendations later in scientific fields."
"I already have a few in mind." She started to move towards the shelves, stopping to turn around. "Would it be okay if one of you helped me pick them up? There's quite a few that would be good to be looked over."
"I will!" Ed hopped up, moving to the zombie girls' side. "I'm used to moving whole stacks for Double D when he gets too into studying. Just show me where!"
"Fantastic." She nodded calmly, only raising an eyebrow at the tall Ed's exuberance. She moved forward, leading him to an unmarked shelf.
Clawdeen watched them go with a careful eye. "I'm guessing Ed is the muscle out of you three?"
"To say the least." Double D scratched the back of his neck nervously. "He's always been the strongest one out of all of us. Never truly figured out how, but it sort of worked out during our more heavy-duty projects."
"Can be pretty useful. I usually have my brother move my sewing equipment around, even when he gripes about it." She checked her fingernails casually. "Kinda surprised that he hasn't gone off into his monster form yet though."
The smart Ed boy felt his brain stop for a second. "Hm?"
"You know, his monster form." She waved at the direction the two had went. "I mean, don't get me wrong, his human disguise is pretty great, but I thought he'd be more comfortable letting loose. What kind of monsters are you two anyway?"
Double D felt his blood run cold as he realized he didn't necessarily have an answer for that. "Well, that's," He gulped, brain rushing to come up with an acceptable answer. "He's just not comfortable with that just yet. We're still getting used to the idea of being out of hiding, you know."
Clawdeen gave him a curious look that made him shake a little in his seat. It sounded passable within his own head, but that didn't mean she couldn't poke some holes in it. Please believe it, please, please, please!
She sighed and nodded in an understanding manner, bringing Double D back from the edge of a panic attack. "That's fair. Probably gotta build up some trust first." She remembered something though. "What about you though?"
"Confidentiality." He said instantly, the lie spilling out instantly. "Due to my status as a student of both Monster and Ever After High, Bloodgood asked that I keep what I actually am a secret until further notice. Prevents long term conflicts from occurring on either side."
The werewolf raised her eyebrows at this. "Damn, straight from the Headmistress herself? Sounds serious."
"It is." He relaxed, happily surprised that this was going smoothly. "It helps produce the possibility of both schools intermingling in the future. In a positive manner, of course."
"Well, good luck on that." She shifted to look at him in straight on. "Sounds pretty heavy for a new student to deal with, personally, but good luck."
"I appreciate it." The boy felt the need to change the subject fast. Noting something they talked about earlier. "Now that I think about it, you asked about me and Ed's monster forms, but I don't think I know yours. You've been in your human disguise this whole time, so aren't you a little uncomfortable?"
"Oh." She blinked, looking away briefly. He was right, but that didn't mean he had to say it. "Yeah, I figured that it would be a little overwhelming since what happened yesterday, so I just didn't bother turning again."
He frowned, a feeling of guilt settling in. "Well, that just won't do. You can turn into yours if you want to."
She raised an eyebrow and looked around briefly. "You sure about that?"
"I insist."
Clawdeen blinked once again but shrugged. Well, if he was being polite.
Double D jumped when he heard the sound of what appeared to be bones breaking and reformed, the girl hunching over to accommodate. The fur sprang out of her skin, covering her inch by inch. He was honestly a little more surprised at the ears that appeared to grow out of her hair, flitting all about in the fresh air.
Double D fought down from swallowing spit as she turned up to him, noting that her eyes were now a molten gold. "Do you feel more comfortable now?"
Licking her lips and sending a fanged grin over to the boy, she replied.
"Much better."
The table Eddy sat at in the library was a little chaotic, though that wasn't exactly different for Eddy. What was different was the fact that there was a little addition of magic to it.
He did his best to watch discretely as Raven was attempting to float around Maddie's tea set, with latter girl attempting to make to make some tea as they floated around. Flitting between adding some sugar, cinnamon, or whatever else. He'd honestly lost track after she mentioned 'Xtreme tea making.' The lone x at the start of extreme was implied.
"Maddie, you know I absolutely love helping you," Raven said carefully, a bead of sweat going down her forehead. "But maybe doing this is a little too dangerous?"
"Nonsense! What would the appeal of tea be if there was no risk to making it?" Moving some cups around, she shrugged. "Though, I wouldn't worry about having to hold these up much longer. I'll be finished quite soon with this batch."
Eddy leaned over to the disinterested Cerise as she kept her eyes on her book. "I'm guessing they do this often?"
"Pretty much." She didn't bother to look up, turning the page and scanning over the words. "You get used to it."
He shrugged and simply watched the show. Well, he more or less watched how Raven used her magic really. There was a lot of questions bubbling to the surface about how that was a thing, but he forced them down for now. He made sure to pick something up on that before he got here and was avoiding the urge to thumb at the book he stashed in his pocket.
Eddy couldn't help but find it weird that he actually wanted to read a stupid book now. Then again, he thought as he watched Raven imperceptibly moved some cups out of Maddie's way, this was the first subject he'd ever been interested in.
Which reminded him that he probably should be going through the books Apple had helped find with him. Less fun in his opinion, but he might as well.
He'd already amassed a decent number of notes, especially considering his normal study habits. He felt a little proud of himself if he was being honest. Scam or otherwise, this was honestly the most effort he'd put into something. Maybe Sockhead had a point in the 'whole hard is its own reward' idea after all.
"Are the books I picked working out for you?" Eddy jumped at the sound of Apple's voice, but quickly nodded. He still didn't exactly trust her, but she had been a big help.
"It's been slow going, but I think I've got the hang of it." He said, filing up the notes neatly. He'd check over them later with Double D and he'd bring the books too. "Probably going to check it over with my friends later."
"Seems kind of weird that you have to go over all of this." Cerise noted, giving him a short look while she turned another page. "I get wanting to review some stuff, but you're going a little far back for someone who should know this stuff."
An expected question but Eddy still didn't like that she asked it. "Well excuse me for being thorough, Red. Maybe I want to put some effort into my schoolwork this year. Is it that strange to hear?"
"No." She replied plainly. "But you don't seem like the type of guy who would do this for fun."
"Come on, Cerise." Raven said, attempting to sound casual as she balanced the plates with her magic. "It's not that weird. Heck, I need a refresher after every summer."
"It is a bit strange though." She (ironically) said as she kept moving the tea set around, the pot having more ingredients added to make whatever blend Maddie was making now. "Seems like it's all new to you."
"You're really talking to me about strange?" He raised an eyebrow, scrambling for a lie. "Look, I just sort of lived in the human world for a long time and my parents were a little too paranoid about being found out. Never taught me much about it."
"That's," Apple looked like she wanted to say something but blinked at the statement. "That's actually kind of horrible."
Eddy tensed at the stares they were giving him. "What can I say?" He shrugged casually, not meeting anyone's eyes. "They're really paranoid people."
It didn't seem like anyone was really satisfied by that answer. Ok, he needed a breather.
"Look," He got up from his chair. "I'm going to find some other books to take out. Always good to fact check." He turned and power walked away, giving no room for argument.
Getting a good distance away was pretty easy, but he knew that he'd have to get back there eventually. Of course, now he had time to come up with a lie, but he had to come up with something that would make sense.
"Psst."
Eddy blinked, looking around him before noticing a blonde guy motioning towards him. He raised an eyebrow. Right, that wasn't suspicious in the slightest.
Screw it, he might as well. Buys him some time.
As he moved over, he checked over the guy. Short blonde hair, rich clothing, a dumb crown on his head. Smelled heavily of cologne, with hair products meticulously molding said blonde hair into its current shape.
A prince. Eddy straightened up so to look a little more intimidating, though he didn't necessarily know why.
"Excuse me," The prince started, and god did he sound perfect from the part with an extremely haughty voice. "I couldn't help but notice that you were sitting next to a… particular student."
"Who, Apple? Look dude, if you have a crush on her or something, that's none of my business. She's just helping me study." Eddy raised his hands in front of him, giving a faux nervous smile.
"What? No, no," The prince waved his hands front himself. "That's not who I was talking about."
"Maddie then? I mean, I can get the appeal there," The Ed boy scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Bubbly and cute, but I figure she's got to be really hyperactive. Oh, wait, is it Cerise you're talking about? I mean, if you want a tsundere, you do you, but I'd watch what you do around her…"
"No!" The blonde shushed him with a finger, making Eddy stop finally. "That is not what I was talking about. I was talking about Raven; who I insist I don't wish to court at this time."
Eddy snickered. This guy just used the word courting for dating? Is this guy for real? "Then what are you talking about? I'm kinda busy here, dude."
"Look, I'm here to give you a warning." He pointed to Raven, who was currently laughing at a joke Maddie was telling her. "If you've heard anything about the Evil Queen, you'd know to stay away from her."
"Too bad I've never heard of the Evil Queen." Eddy rolled his eyes, getting bored of the conversation quickly.
"What?!" He seemed flabbergasted, if there ever was a word. "Look, all I'm saying that if you know better, staying away from the Evil Queen's daughter would be a priority."
Eddy couldn't help but let out a laugh. "Okay, the whole aim of the school is to follow your parent's footsteps and you demonize a student for having a bad one. That's a tad bit hypocritical. And don't know a thing about Raven, since I can tell she's nice after barely knowing her for a couple of hours." He paused, looking over the prince briefly. "Who'd you say you were?"
"Daring Charming, of the Charming family."
"Course you are." He moved forward, giving off an easy aura. "Look, Charmless, I'm pretty sure you're a nice guy and all, but there's one thing you should know about me."
Daring looked confused, frowning at the display. "What would that be?"
Eddy suddenly flicked the end of his nose, turning around abruptly. "I don't like being told what to do. Later!"
He ignored the complaints from the prince behind him. He chuckled, already pushing the conversation out of his mind. He'd look into the whole 'Evil Queen' situation later…
"Hey."
Eddy jumped at the sound of Cerise's voice, turning to her quickly. "Red!? Jeez, warn a guy next time, would ya'!"
He waited for her to respond, keeping his composure as she narrowed her eyes at him and looking him over carefully. After a couple of seconds, she seemed to relax and nodded. "Apple's got the next lesson plan set up and wanted to make sure you were there. Also asked if any of your friends were coming."
"Okay." He nodded back. He couldn't help but feel like he passed some sort of test. "One of them is coming over while the other looks for some stuff in New Salem. He'll be here soon."
Cerise only nodded as she moved back towards the table without his input. He followed closely behind, keeping his eye on the display as Maddie seemingly finished making the tea she had been preparing the entire time. Raven moved them into a pyramid shape as Maddie poured into the top cup, having it overflow into the others with impossible precision. Placing them down onto the empty seats, Maddie made a bow as Raven and Apple applauded her efforts.
Eddy watched the flames on Ravens hands die and noticed an extra teacup that wasn't for him or Cerise.
"You think Raven will help me out with some magic?"
"Well," Double D said as he put the books, they'd checked out into his bag carefully. "I'd say that was a good visit. I'm sure that the information we've gathered will be a big help. We'll make sure to return the favor once we're able."
"Don't mention it." The zombie (as he and Ed learned) shrugged, still signing away. Clawdeen nodded as well. giving her own noncommittal shrug. "Anything to help our fellow students."
"Picked out a lotta books, though." Clawdeen watched as Double D shifted the weight of the backpack carefully. "You sure you guys are gonna' get through all of those before school starts?"
"We'll probably get through them in a week." Ed waved off the concern as he flipped through a book titled Lovecraftian Creatures and You, somehow not losing his focus. "Double D knows how to study for someone that hangs out with me and Eddy."
"'Eddy and I' Ed." The smart Ed boy corrected. "It will take some time, but I think we'll have a decent grasp of things before the school year begins. Even if Ed's praise is slightly exaggerated, it really won't take much time."
"It's getting your friends to pay attention that will be the challenge." Ghoulia let out a what could be interpreted as a chuckle. "Trust me when I say that I understand."
"Hey, I try to listen! Doesn't help that it's all so boring." Clawdeen yawned as if to prove her point, Double D failing to not look at the sharp teeth she bared. "I get B's anyway, so it's not a problem."
"I wasn't necessarily talking about you, Clawdeen." What could only be interpreted as a laugh came from the ghoul. Double D made it a point to himself to learn more about zombies, especially when it comes to their decayed vocal cords. Apparently, they could be understood despite it being gurgles and moans, but it took some practice to understand it.
"Anyway," The werewolf attempted to forget the burn in her cheeks, turned her heads to the boys. "What exactly are you guys planning to do after this? You got some books now, but I hope that isn't the only thing you plan to do."
"Probably gonna explore the town for a bit. Maybe see if we can get one of those business permits, they do for students." Ed flipped through the book some more, the thoughts slipping out. "A garage would be nice."
"True." Double D stared off into the distance. "A space open enough for own experiments, plus if we wanted to mess with some larger vehicles. Of course, access to a junkyard would be preferable." He shook his head. "That depends on location. It can be determined later."
"Gotta find clothes too." Ed added. The smart Ed boy hummed in agreement, not looking behind him. Clothes too, of course.
Ghoulia raised an eyebrow. "It sounds like you three planned things out pretty well."
"I'll say," Clawdeen huffed. "You got a month planned out better than I do when it comes to the rest of my life."
Ed chuckled. "We made a list. Wanted to make things smooth or people here might think we're weird."
"Probably too late for that." Double D attempted to mumble, but it got a laugh out of everyone present. "Though, I'd say what we've done so far is a big leap forward."
"I actually think I can get someone to help you on the business permit front." Ghoulia signed carefully. "It might be difficult, but it wouldn't be too hard to convince her to help you."
Ed clapped the zombie on the back with a grin, causing her to stumble. "Seriously, you do anymore for us, we might start thinking you're a guardian angel here."
"Duly noted." She chuckled softly to herself. She straightened herself out before continuing. "If you want something good, you're going to have a few channels to get a permit. They're more lax for students since the schools lean on the city government, but that doesn't mean it's always easy."
"Who are you gonna' set them up with to get past some stuff, though?" Clawdeen asked. She narrowed her eyes as Ghoulia seemed a bit nervous, twiddling her thumbs. She stopped, eyes widening. "No."
Ghoulia let out a sigh, moving her hands as she could. "Clawdeen, she's a good source for getting permits and her father is on the town committee."
"Doesn't mean they should make a deal with her. You know how her dad is, anyway."
"Just because you two have some issues does not mean-"
"That isn't what I'm focusing on! I'm just sayin'-"
"Excuse me?" Double D said, raising his hand cautiously to get their attention. "But I think it would be up to us to determine whoever we make deals with. Is there somebody you would like to recommend, Ghoulia?"
Ghoulia seemed relieved that the boy was willing to hear her out, even though Clawdeen huffed, growling under her breath. "I was thinking that maybe we could go to Cleo. She knows several vacant lots that would be perfect for what you're looking for, especially if you want it to be profitable."
Ed, for the first time that day, frowned. "You mean the cheerleader from yesterday? I mean, that sounds cool and all, but I don't think she'd like to see us after the whole thing with Eddy."
"I'm sure she'd be willing to overlook that. She's dramatic sometimes, but not unreasonable." Ghoulia shrugged, pulling out her iCoffin.
"You sure about that?" The werewolf rolled her eyes, stomping ahead of the group. They watched her stalk ahead, all of them hesitant to make the initial move to stop her.
"Hm." This time, the sound actually came from Ghoulia, who didn't seem surprised by her friends exit. "Is it alright if one of you goes after her? I have to make a call and I feel like I'd only make her angry if I tried talking her into it."
Ed looked to Double D, motioning to Ghoulia. He wanted to stay nearby and check on the phone conversation apparently. Double D only nodded before psyching himself up to deal with Clawdeen.
Catching up with her was easy, he realized, but starting conversation was apparently harder, he realized. He rubbed the back of his neck as he walked next to her, the fact that she was staring straight ahead and seemingly ignoring. He opened his mouth but was interrupted by the werewolf shortly.
"It's not that I don't think it's a good idea," She started slowly, hiding any emotion that attempted to slip through. "It's just that she's proven to be untrustworthy before."
Double D frowned. "I can't say that what I've seen so far from her that she has a pleasant disposition," He paused as he heard her snort at that. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to turn down a possible asset. Especially if it means smoothing some bumps in the road in the future."
She sighed, ears drooping in a way that he couldn't help but find adorable. "Fine. I get it, but just a fair warning; she ain't exactly the most loyal person I know. And trust me, that means a lot coming from a werewolf."
The frown continued to persist on Double D's face, but he couldn't summon the courage to follow up on what she meant. He couldn't help but feel that it wasn't his place to talk about it. It was probably a better idea to just change the subject now.
Now that he thought about it, he figured it would be a good idea to help further another goal.
"You said that you run a clothing business online, correct?"
Clawdeen jumped at the sudden turn but welcomed it. "Yeah, I do some commissions online. What of it?"
Double D smiled confidently, glad to see she was playing along. "You remember that Ed and I wanted to change our looks since the upcoming school year is coming up. Mostly since our choice of outfit is particularly too..." He struggled for the right word. "...human. I was wondering if you would help provide use with such."
Clawdeen seemed to perk up at the thought of business coming to her store. However, she raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you guys still lookin' for a job though?"
"Indeed." He nodded, not impeded by the observation. "As wards of the school, we have to procure our own income first in order to buy things outside of necessary items. However, I believe we can come to a compromise."
The werewolf nodded along. He's been pretty trustworthy so far, so she didn't see the harm of letting him have an offer. "Go ahead."
"I'd help out with your commissions for a while in order to pay off for any outfit my friends and I acquire." He stopped and turned slowly to her, causing her to stop as well. "I'm very good with a sewing machine and I've had to fix clothing before on multiple occasions. I don't necessarily know how much you charge, but the amount of labor can be discussed later."
"Bold move to make an offer like this." She cocked her hip and rested a hand on it. "Not a bad deal, but what if commissions clear up for a while? Can't necessarily risk possibly losing money."
"Considering the amount of homecoming dresses you'll be making within the next two months, I'm sure you'll be fine. Like I've said, we'll talk more on it later." Double D put out a hand between them, calm, but confident. "Do we have a deal, Ms. Wolf."
She cocked her head to the side, chewing on her lip in thought. Eyeing the hand between them, she nodded slowly and grabbed it. Squeezing it hard and shaking it enough to make the boy wince, she smiled a toothy smile. "Deal."
You put a sour little flavor in my mouth now,
You move in circles hoping no one's gonna find out,
But we're so lucky,
Kiss the ring and let 'em bow down,
Looking for the time of your life (no one's gonna find out).*
The two jumped as the ringtone went off, Double D scrambling to get the MirrorPhone out of his pocket. The other Ed and monster were starting to catch up with them.
"Oh, Eddy's calling you? Any idea what's that about?" Ed asked, tilting his head to the side curiously.
"He's probably just asking for some help with his research. Surprised he didn't call sometime before." Double D accepted the call and put Eddy on speaker, though he held his hand over the button just in case. "Is everything going on alright, Eddy?"
"Sockhead!" Eddy shouted on the other end of the call. "Everything's going good, just got a little help from some friends here. Just calling to check on things going on your end."
"It's going great, actually. We got some help, but I think our efforts were fruitful considering we've only been at this a day."
"Good to hear!" Eddy laughed wholeheartedly. "Got some notes myself and some books we can check out later. I wouldn't mind some last-minute help though. Mind coming over the Ever After for a bit?"
Double D frowned, looking to Ed. The latter Ed boy smiled and gave a thumbs up. He figured he'd deal with finding a garage for them since it looked like his friend would be busy. Double D nodded warily and turned to the phone. "I suppose. Ed's going to find us a place for our garage, though."
"Eh, he's got it handled. Alright, you're gonna' have to prepare yourself, you might get sick for a second."
Double D blinked. "What are you talking about?"
With those final words, the MirrorPhone started to glow with a deep purple light, flashing in a random sequence. Before anyone could say a word, the random sequence reached a frequency that led to it becoming one consistent light, engulfing Double D in a bright flash.
The next minute, he was absolutely gone.
The three that were left stared at the scene in quiet shock for almost ten seconds, wondering what exactly they just saw.
"… Welp, he's dead." Ed started to walk in a random direction, not exactly taking in the situation. "He'll probably be back next chapter though. Where'd you say we were meeting Cleo again?"
The two monsters scrambled after him with many different questions on their minds and very few answers they expected to get.
*Opening lyrics of Miss Jackson by Panic! at the Disco