It was a delightful Saturday morning as the gorgeous copper sun ascended over the Chicago skyline. In the loft, all occupants were engaged in yoga. The girls were in their natural bodies, having utilized holograms to appear normal if somehow someone glimpsed into the loft windows. Considering they're on the top floor of a rather tall building, it was unlikely, but better safe then sorry when you know too many individuals can't mind their own business.
The small family had settled into a familiar routine for the last two weeks. Their morning routine was pretty straightforward. Shaggy or Crystal would make a nutritional breakfast, while the other would take the dogs for a quick walk. Then, they had breakfast together before leaving for their schools. Shaggy and Crystal again each had a job, yet they made sure one would be home whenever Ruby was. Ruby spent two hours with her human companions at the community center after school.
They had a strict chore schedule to keep things in order in the loft. They had recently added to their routine, exercising half an hour or forty-five minutes daily. A fit body equals a fit mind, after all. Crystal's idea to do yoga was founded on her human friend Eve's recommendation. It reminded both sisters of their home planet, which had a similar exercise but was called something else.
"I still don't comprehend the chakra part of this," commented Shaggy in a husky tone as they were finishing up. He handed them each a towel and some flavored water to rehydrate themselves.
Crystal giggled before smiling, "It's alright if you don't believe in the spiritual side of yoga, Shaggy. Nevertheless, we must maintain our health." She glanced at Scooby because Amber was attempting to untangle him. 'However, we likely will have to find a different type of workout for Scooby and Amber to do," she commented as she wiped the sweat off her attractive silvery blue body.
"Well, if we could uncover a dog park, they could exercise there," Ruby pointed out sensibly. The young girl quickly noticed Amber brightened at the idea while Scooby scowled. Ruby went over to him and hugged him.
"I'm sorry if I accidentally insulted you, Scooby. Unfortunately, as you've long realized, Chicago isn't like Coolsville or any other locations you've visited with Mystery Inc. Just as I've to play my role as an ordinary human preteen, you must be an average dog. But again, as long as we're home alone and have the holo-crystals, we can at least be ourselves." Ruby replied soothingly. Ruby's proper form was identical to her human form in height, weight, and body type. However, her skin was more indigo then her sister's.
"So, should I make some protein shakes for us?" Shaggy questioned as he rubbed his ear. He was still getting used to having it pierced. Crystal had asked the previous evening if she slighted him when she made him get a makeover. He'd conveyed he was initially unwilling to step outside his comfort zone but wasn't mad at her. On the contrary, she flawlessly integrated his sixties vibe with current trends; therefore, he wasn't angry.
"As long as it's not solely protein shakes, I'm fine with that. Ruby?" Crystal turned to face her sister.
Her sister smiled brightly, "Yes, dear sister?" After Ruby got help writing the letter clarifying her feelings to her sister, their relationship was again strong. They had already discussed it but had not shared anything with their parents.
"Could you guarantee that all the crystals are in the correct position to be charged for the day? As you know, they must be both charged and cleansed," her older sister gently reminded her.
"Of course, big sis!" as Ruby rushed to perform this vital responsibility. Shaggy looked perplexed and asked, "Um, could you explain again what you mean by charge and cleanse crystals? Or why do you have to put them in specific designs?"
Crystal took a deep, calming breath before explaining, "When it comes to the mystical proprieties of crystals and gems, Shaggy? Both humans and Modavitians have identical methods of preparation. We're astonished to discover your world inhabitants shared and practiced some of our cultural aspects," she said as she sat down on the window ledge to catch her breath.
She quickly composed herself before resuming, "As I've explained, everything to do with my planet has always been centered around crystals and gems. I need to find that encyclopedia for you to read," as she glanced around quickly and couldn't see the book.
"Long story short, Shaggy? It's a spiritual belief that to cleanse a crystal appropriately, you must have it bathed in moonlight. Back home, this works best when all three moons are full. My sister and I've been doing extra cleansing during the week leading to the full moon to guarantee they're extra cleansed.
To charge them, they must be underneath sunlight for an entire day. Again, we've been double-charging them by doing this for a week instead of a day. The geometric grids act as a focal point in some ceremonies. For Modavitians, it's part of our daily routine. That's why we're so delighted to find a crystal shop down the street. Again, I'll explain in more detail once I locate that encyclopedia," she said as she stood up and looked lovingly into Shaggy's eyes.
"All you genuinely need to know is that it is just part of our daily routine in our culture. She played with Shaggy's hair before kissing him. It was only meant to be a quick kiss; however, they quickly locked their lips again and still were lip-locked when Ruby returned to the living room.
"Um," she coughed, and they realized they'd gotten carried away. "I'll go make breakfast now," Shaggy replied sheepishly. "C'mon, Scoob, you can help."
"Ranks, Raggy!" the talking Great Dane said as he joined his best friend in the kitchen. A subtle purple ting emerged on Crystal's cheeks, meaning she was blushing. She then heard her sister tapping her foot impatiently.
"Sorry, Ruby," Crystal apologized quickly while blushing deeper purple.
Her sister looked amused. "It's okay, sis. I already told you I'm not jealous or angry anymore. I just thought I would remind you that the community center has a locked-in sleepover tonight. You said I could go, remember?"
"Oh, that did slip my mind. I've got to say, when Mrs. Hanshaw explained it to me, I found it bizarre. I mean, I know what a sleepover is, but why would you want to lock yourself in a building all night to do it?" she asked aloud, meaning for it to be rhetorical, which her sister didn't realize.
"I don't understand it myself, Crystal. Still, all my companions say its a yearly tradition for the community center. Their older sisters will assist in supervising the younger kids while we spend the night locked in."
"Well, at least your friends' sisters are trustworthy and well-mannered young women. However, I must know if Venus is going to be there. I'm not about to let you go if she's there since I don't want you tormented all night long."
"I already asked Mrs. Hanshaw. She told me Venus was permanently banned from the community center due to her inappropriate behavior. Her older sister is still going to be there helping out."
"Well, as long as you don't have to be victimized all night. You better start getting your stuff together, and please take a few protection crystals with you, just in case."
"Will do!" as the eleven-year-old scampered back to her bedroom to prepare for the lock-in. Shaggy walked back into the living to inform his girlfriend that breakfast was ready. He also told her that his friends planned to Skype him tonight, and he asked if she was alright with that.
"You deserve some time to catch up with your friends, Shaggy. How could I be made about that?" Crystal asked, baffled.
"Well, it's been forever since you've talked to your parents or friends back home. I thought you might be, you know, jealous?" he answered hesitatingly.
"Well, don't agonize regarding that. After I drop Ruby off for the big sleepover, it just so happens that I'll have my version of Skype with my family. I'll make sure we're in separate rooms so we don't disturb each other or get signals crossed."
"Sounds groovy."
"Yes, it does!"
The rest of the day went well. After breakfast, they walked to a nearby park so Scooby and Amber could exercise adequately. Then, around four, Crystal took Ruby to the community center for the lock-in sleepover. Afterward, she and Shaggy had long but meaningful chats with their friends and loved ones. Everything was going well. However, no one in the small family realized that danger was approaching. Once it arrived, it would be anything but alright.