Soon 505 arrived and everyone sat down in the kitchen area of the teacher's lounge.
The teacher's lounge looked very different from the rest of the school.
The walls were white, kind of like the walls in the kitchen back at the manor. It was a large room with two parts.
In the kitchen area, the floor was covered in red and black mosaic tiles. The cabinets, refrigerator, and counters were white. The chairs and tables were black. The appliances were modern.
The furniture was dark mahogany with red cushions in the sitting area. They stood next to a white fireplace with white bookshelves. The chairs were decorated red and black. There was a large flat-screen TV on the wall. A black and white carpet covered a dark wooded floor.
Melanie liked this place. It felt much cozier and more comfortable than most of the school did outside the library.
Flug sat there, comfortably sipping the coffee his bear had brought him.
505 set out the food in front of Melanie. It was a bread bowl of tomato soup and a turkey sandwich. She smiled in excitement.
"Oh, 505! I used to eat this with my friends back home! It's what we ate on the last night we all hung out before I got caught…" Melanie trailed off as tears poked at her eyes.
Flug was getting mentally tired from this he had to admit, though he knew enough not to be so insensitive and say that. Besides he was curious and concerned for her. "Are you okay?"
"Not really," Melanie said, leaning back in her chair. "I just wish I never got caught. I wouldn't be in this situation if I hadn't been."
"I suppose that's true," Flug noted.
"Yeah, I guess now I just have to wait four years," Melanie said more hopefully. "Then, I'll be free again. When I turn 18, I'll be able to go back and do anything I want."
"About that..." Flug said nervously.
"What?" asked Melanie as she took the first bites of her food.
Flug sighed. "You should know that it wouldn't be that simple."
"I know, but I will try my best," Melanie rebutted, clearly misunderstanding. "And I will find a way to make a life that is mine."
"I don't think you…-Alright," Flug sighed as he cut himself off.
Flug wanted to protest something he believed to be futile since it was unlikely that Black Hat would ever let go of an apprentice that he considered worthy, but he refused to break her spirit anymore.
So, Melanie went back to eating her food and the other two drank their drinks.
Flug looked at Melanie with pity but tried to be positive for her sake.
The scientist started telling her about the other arts programs since Melanie had talked about being placed in the music program.
Melanie finished the last pieces of her sandwich and asked, "Isn't this the school that bans any art that is anti-Black Hat? And by the way, isn't this also the school that won the regional drama competition because the main contender for winning fell mysteriously ill?"
"Those drama kids are merciless," Flug affirmed.
"I knew it," Melanie sighed. "I shouldn't get involved with any of the art department. If the art can't be anti-Black Hat, then it's going to be lame."
"I wouldn't say that," Flug protested. "The art is still good."
"I guess it could be," Melanie said with a shrug. "There's just so much good anti-Black Hat art I've made that I wish I could show off. Oh, I have a good drawing I could show you!"
Melanie pulled out a little sketchbook from her backpack purse and opened it to reveal a drawing of Black Hat burning in the fires of Hell.
Flug raised a brow. "I suppose I get your message, but I feel like he'd like that."
"WHAT IS THAT?!" Flug heard the all too familiar voice scream behind him.
Flug shivered and practically swallowed his tongue in fear.
Black Hat leaned over the table to get a closer look at the drawing.
"It's a drawing of my greatest dream and your ultimate fate," Melanie snarked. "Do you like it?"
In one fell swoop, Black Hat snatched the drawing from the sketchbook.
"Hey!" Melanie cried, trying to reach for the drawing. "It took me forever to draw that. Give it back!"
Black Hat looked at the drawing for a moment. "Please? The fires of Hell? I was there last week. The flames are more prevalent than how you drew them here!"
"What the fu-?" Melanie asked before being cut off.
Black Hat scoffed and crumpled the drawing in his hands. "Pathetic!"
"HEY! What'd you do that for?!" Melanie protested.
"Your foolishness," Black Hat answered. "I will not allow such blasphemous work of my image. Especially not from the grandniece I've adopted as my apprentice! Do you think I would be on the level of a pitiful soul cowering at such a place?!"
"Do you really want me to answer that?" Melanie asked.
"Perhaps this should be one more hobby you aren't allowed to do for a while," said Black Hat.
"You can't do that!" protested Melanie.
"You are a child! My child!" yelled Black Hat. "Children get punished when they misbehave. Even if this so-called demise your dream of is something I do occasionally."
"You occasionally burn?" Melanie asked sarcastically.
Black Hat scoffed. "Since when is it wrong to stroll leisurely through Hell? You should join me sometime."
The monster leaned in with a toothy grin. "Those tortured souls down there are quite entertaining."
Then, with a flick of his hand, Flug's cup of coffee flew up, and the hot drink spilled on him, making him yell in pain. "And I thought I told you to have her participate in the vivisection! This is one of the few times Melanie will be here until the next school year, and I won't have her sitting here with an AP in dealing with incompetency."
Flug rushed to grab some napkins. "S-Sorry, sir. I-I'll see to it, immediately."
"Whatever," Melanie said angrily with an eyeroll as she tried to put her sketchbook back in her backpack.
"Do you have any more pictures?" Black Hat asked.
"No," Melanie lied.
"Hand it over," Black Hat said.
"No," Melanie refused. "These are mine! They're personal!"
"Now!" Black Hat barked.
Melanie stubbornly held her book against her and turned away.
"No!" she cried.
"What happened to behaving? Or have we forgotten so quickly?" asked Black Hat condescendingly.
"You won't like it! You'll destroy it!" Melanie pleaded. "I love these pictures! Please just leave them alone!"
A red fire rose behind Black Hat as he slammed a claw on the table while the other hand was outstretched. "NOW!"
Melanie gulped. Realizing she had no other choice, she handed the sketchbook over.
Gripping the book, Black Hat began to flip through the pages.
There were many pictures of him suffering horribly, but the pictures dated more recently conveyed softer scenes. There were drawings of flowers, parks, natural scenes, buildings, and objects. Then, there were portraits of her friends, herself, and even a drawing dated to when Melanie was last eating out with them.
Further along, there was a section titled Melanie's Dreams. Black Hat flipped open that part to see Melanie's dreams. They were pictures of her and her friends as Nunjas. Melanie was happy.
Black Hat's monocle grew red, and the book glowed the same shade. This caused Black Hat's frown to turn into a grin once he saw what he wanted.
"What are you doing?!" Melanie cried.
"See for yourself," Black Hat said holding out the book.
Melanie took the book and looked inside to see what Black Hat had done.
Inside the book, everything was where it was except twisted. Agonized Black Hats were now them in glory and triumph of the environment or themselves. All the beautiful scenery was now desolate and dead. And this time, it was her friends suffering from what looked like an evil form of herself.
"It's better," proclaimed Black Hat.
"You ruined them!" Melanie cried out in pain. "Why did you have to ruin them?! I worked so hard on these drawings! They made me happy! Why?!"
"I improved your scribbles," Black Hat answered simply.
"No, you ruined them!" Melanie protested. "None of it looks like my work at all! Especially not this!"
Melanie flipped to the page where a villainous version of her was attacking her friends.
"Give it time," Black Hat reassured. "It'll practically be a portrait."
"But that looks nothing like me," Melanie disagreed.
"It will be you," said Black Hat.
"No, it won't," Melanie said, glaring at the image in disgust before tossing the sketchbook aside.
"I think that's a good look for you," Black Hat said, picking up the notebook and packing it neatly back into Melanie's bag. "I think you just need to give it a chance."
Black Hat stretched out a hand with a full-body mirror manifesting on the wall. Just as quickly he spun her over there, and once there, she was wearing pretty much the same outfit from the drawing.
Melanie was dressed in a black hooded cloak that extended down to her lap. Underneath it was a black tank top and black skinny jeans. On her feet were black combat boots. On her arms were black gauntlets.
Melanie looked herself over in amazement. Even she had to admit the outfit looked cool.
505 squealed, picked up her phone, and snapped a picture.
Black Hat chuckled darkly in response.
"What's so funny?" asked Melanie.
"It's funny that you like this yet choose to deny otherwise," answered Black Hat.
"I like the outfit, not being evil," explained Melanie.
"You have hate enough for evil," argued Black Hat.
"I hate you, my life, and evil," Melanie argued back. "I don't think that counts."
"Do you know how many have started with that same view?" asked Black Hat.
"What? Have you kidnapped other kids from their parents?" asked Melanie sarcastically.
"A pitiful trait among a lot of villains is that they believe they are the heroes of their lives," explained Black Hat. "No matter what wrong turn they take or feel, it's all for the 'Greater Good'."
"Yeah, I know there are people who think they're doing right by doing the wrong thing," argued Melanie. "It's because the devil and/or you make them think that being evil and hurting others will solve all their problems when that's not the way."
"Everyone gets what's wanted. Do they not? But rather than have another debate…" Black Hat lifted up Flug by the throat. "Don't you have somewhere else to be, doctor?"
"Well, Jefe, you told me to look after Melanie, so I sent a robot to work with the students instead to give Melanie all my attention…" sniveled Flug.
Black Hat squeezed tighter, cutting him off before dropping him. "Your students are waiting. Try not to do such a bad job this time around."
"I'm coming," Melanie said, turning to her bags.
"No," Black Hat said. "I'd like you to stay with me for now. Dr. Bulltrunch wants to show us some other things. We may join you for your demonstration later, doctor."
505 walked forward and raised his paw as if to protest, but Flug held up his hand.
"I understand," the scientist said. "We'll be going. Come on, 505."
The bear looked at Melanie sadly before he headed into the hall.
"See you later then, doctor," said Melanie with a wave.
"See you later, Melanie," Flug said, dashing out of the room.
Melanie noticed her unattended garbage and started throwing it away.
"What are you doing?" Black Hat asked.
"Throwing away my trash and trying to be considerate. Is that a problem?" asked Melanie.
Black Hat grimaced at his ward's helpful impulse.
Black Hat lightly jabbed her in the side with the end of his cane. "Forget that. There are other things to do. Don't waste my time."
"You shouldn't have kidnapped me from my parents then," Melanie retorted under her breath as she picked up her bags.
"Consider yourself lucky, lass," Black Hat said. "I took you legally from those worthless lot."
"I'd much rather you left me alone," Melanie replied.
"Luckily for us, my dear apprentice, I don't care what you want," said Black Hat.
Melanie looked around sadly while Black Hat took her hand and led her through the lounge and back into the hallway.
"Can I have my other outfit back?" asked Melanie.
"No," Black Hat said flatly.
"Can you at least let go of my hand?" Melanie pleaded.
"Whatever." Black Hat replied, releasing her but not before pushing her in front of him. "Stay where I can see you and don't be moronic."
Melanie rolled her eyes just as Bulltrunch approached.
"Black Hat, here are those form copies you requested," Bulltrunch said, carrying in copies of the forms he just signed right as she noticed Melanie. "Oh, Melanie! Don't you look positively villainous!"
"Not by choice, Black Hat designed this outfit and put it on me," Melanie grumbled before grinning slyly. "I chose this one though."
Melanie then transformed into her Nun-ja outfit.
"I prefer this one," Melanie said.
"Oh…" said Bulltrunch nervously. "It's your hero outfit…how nice…"
"GET THAT DISGUSTING OUTFIT OFF RIGHT NOW!" Black Hat screeched.
"What?! Why?!" Melanie said. "I like this one!"
"Why do you care if I still wear my Nunja uniform or not?!" asked Melanie.
Changing her back, Black Hat glared daggers at Melanie. "I will have no sign of that pathetic cult here!"
Melanie glared back at him just as defiantly and changed back.
Knowing that this was a battle his grand-niece would wage, Black Hat acted quickly and ruthlessly.
Melanie felt something get pulled out of her, and when she looked up, she saw her Nunja uniform in Black Hat's claws while she was back in the clothes she wore there.
"NO!" Melanie yelled. "GIVE IT BACK!"
"Take a good look at it. One last look." Black Hat narrowed his eye before the uniform instantly turned into ash.
Melanie's mouth fell open. Her lips quivered. Tears poked the corners of her eyes. Cries of distress came from her mouth because she couldn't speak. She walked over, fell on her knees, and picked the ashes up in her fingers.
"You expected me to keep going back and forth," Black Hat said cruelly. "You thought that your defiance would only result in a warning, but you thought wrong."
Melanie didn't respond but kept staring at the ashes.
"Ah, very effective, my lord," Bulltrunch praised, clapping her hands together. "The child is struck speechless."
Black Hat was too angry to respond to her.
With a wave of a claw, a gust of wind blew strongly against Melanie, causing the ashes to be swept away in the air.
Black Hat spoke to Melanie deeply and with a heavy air, "LOOK AT ME!"
Melanie held back her tears and looked up at her granduncle.
"Try to argue with me again and worse will happen than your worthless clothes being destroyed," warned Black Hat. "Am I clear?"
Melanie shut her eyes so Black Hat wouldn't see her tears and nodded her head.
"Bulltrunch?" Black Hat asked.
"Y-yes, Black Hat sir?" the principal stammered.
"Melanie and I will be leaving," Black Hat announced. "I'm canceling the rest of the tour. I have enough of a migraine from this."
"Yes, Black Hat," Bulltrunch said. "I agree that is best. Your grandniece will have plenty of time to get to know the school when she's not so upset. Shall I call for your limo?"
"Very well," answered Black Hat.
"I'll meet you out front," said Bulltrunch.
Principal Bulltrunch stepped out to call that limo leaving Black Hat alone in the hall with Melanie still sitting on the floor.
"Get up!" Black Hat snapped.
Without another thought, Melanie got to her feet.
In a flash of darkness, Black Hat and Melanie were teleported back in front of the first building where the tour began.
"Hmph." Striding along with his cane, Black Hat headed for the street to wait for the limo.
Melanie stood there, frozen like a statue and unsure what to do.
"Come," Black Hat ordered as if she were a dog.
Melanie gripped her arms tightly as she walked behind Black Hat.
Whether he knew her despair now or not, Black Hat didn't seem to care or rather he was too agitated to address it.
Melanie welcomed the silence, but she didn't welcome it when Black Hat grabbed her wrist.
"Hurry up!" Black Hat ordered, practically throwing her forward as they approached the curb.
Melanie just barely avoided tripping over her feet as the pair finally reached the black limo in the street.
Principal Bulltrunch was there waiting for them.
"Here is your limo, Lord Black Hat," the principal said, opening the door. "Sorry that we had to cut the tour short."
"I would blame a spoiled brat for that," Black Hat hissed towards Melanie before nudging her towards the limo.
Melanie flashed him an annoyed glare before climbing into the limo and choosing the farthest seat possible, so she'd be sure to avoid Black Hat.
"If there's anything we can do to help with your little problem, please let us know," Principal Bulltrunch whispered.
Black Hat wordlessly closed the door on Bulltrunch and the limo sped off without him having to utter an order.
Melanie sat next to the window between the back of the limo and the limousine driver. She held her arms and leaned against the wall, praying Black Hat would have nothing to say to her.
There were many things Black Hat had to say to her. Not only was she being a brat, but her continued behavior would only make him look like a fool.
Melanie zoned out during the rant.
She wasn't sure how much more she could take. Little by little, Black Hat was stripping away everything she was... IS! Everything she is! She wouldn't become whatever Black Hat wanted her to be. She wouldn't lose sight of who she was...right?
Melanie sighed. She didn't know anymore but would cling to her faith, pray, and hope.
Luckily for Melanie, Black Hat's rant ended very quickly. And for the rest of that ride, he was eerily quiet.
Before Melanie knew it, they were home. As the limo slowed to a stop, Melanie gathered her bags and eagerly slid towards the door, ready to jump out at the earliest convenience.
Demencia swung open the door waving. "Welcome back, my Lord!"
Melanie phased through the side of the limo without another word and immediately ran to her room.
"How did the tour go, bon bon?" asked Demencia.
"Pitiful," Black Hat uttered, exiting the limo and walking into the house. "I'll be in my office. Keep an eye on the girl and let me know when Flug gets back."