Ch.16 Sapphire joins the team - part.3

After all classes, Ruby and Midnight were at the gate entrance waiting for Sapphire.

Ruby: I can't believe this...

Midnight: ... Can't believe what?

Ruby: I can't believe that Sapphire... My UnMythic fourth cousin once removed, is setting foot into my Vampire Village once again... and if things go well with Grandma, she'll be on the team!

Midnight: It's going to be a little easier knowing that you don't have to hide from her anymore, either!

Ruby: Yup...

They saw Sapphire walking calmly towards them. They both waved to her and she waved back.

Ruby: Ready?

Sapphire: You bet your fang filled mouth I am!

They all headed off the main road and into the dark misty forest. After some traveling, they arrive at the Vampire Village.

Sapphire: I haven't been here for such a long time... I don't know how much has changed...

Ruby: More than you would think!

Ruby and Midnight led Sapphire down the streets and paths until they arrived at Ruby's Grandma's house. Ruby opened the door and they all stepped in.

Ruby: Home sweet home... If you want, I can get some snacks!

Sapphire: No thanks... Maybe next time.

Ruby dropped her backpack down on the floor and Fang crawled out from a small hole in the bag. Sapphire carefully looked around, remembering the fun times she used to have here. Just then, Grandma came down the stairs.

Grandma: Ah, Ruby! How was...

Grandma turned to see Sapphire.

Grandma: Sapphire! Is that you?

Sapphire: In the flesh!

Grandma walked over and hugged Sapphire. Then stepped back to look at her.

Grandma: My, how you've grown! It's been so long.

Sapphire: Too long...

Grandma: ... Why are you here?

Sapphire: For some questions I want answered.

Sapphire turned back to Ruby, Fang and Midnight.

Sapphire: Can you guys go somewhere else for a while? I only want Grandma to hear this...

Midnight shrugged and went outside. Ruby picked up Fang and followed him.

Midnight: I guess this is what she wants... If she's happy with whatever Grandma tells her, she'll join the team.

Ruby: Yeah... I guess.

Midnight: ... Were you guys close when you were younger...?

Ruby: Yup... Pretty close...

Midnight: What happened?

Ruby: Well... Eight years ago, me and Sapphire were best friends... Always playing together, eating together, and shared each others secrets...

Ruby sighed and sat down on the dark Vampire grass.

Ruby: We would visit each other every day... no matter rain, shine, or storm... There wasn't a day that went by without us seeing each other... Until...

Midnight: ... Until what?

Ruby: ... Sapphires dad died from a "sickness" one day... it was a great shock for Sapphire, and her mum... But... that's not what the worse thing that they found out that day.

Midnight: ... What was it?

Ruby: ... Sapphire's mum found out that a Vampire friend of her dad had put a poisonous powder in his food that made him him terribly sick before... you know...

Midnight: ... Wow...

Ruby: ... So Sapphire's mum never let her out of the house, or allowed me to visit since then... And when I did manage to climb through the window a few years later, Sapphire screamed at me to get out before she got some cinnamon...

Midnight: ...

Ruby: ... Well... It's just been so long since that day...

Ruby kept silent and looked at the sky. After a while, Sapphire opened the door and walked out. Ruby got up to face her.

Ruby: Got what you came for?

Sapphire: Yes. And MUCH more... I'm joining the team.

Ruby grinned at Sapphire, and she smiled back.

Ch.16 Sapphire joins the team - part.2

Ruby follows Midnight to Mrs. Breeze's class where the strange teacher warmly greets them. They both took seats near each other as Mrs. Breeze started the class.

Midnight: (whispering) Spelling may be boring, but at least the chairs are nice.

Ruby: (whispering) Indeed.

Half an hour drags by as the spelling lesson continues. Fang, who happened to sneak out of Ruby's backpack once again, saw Sapphire pass the spelling class door.

Fang: (thinking) It's time Ruby and Sapphire met face to face! And maybe Ruby will give me a sandwich if I do a good job!

Fang jumps down from Ruby's backpack and scurries across the middle of the class floor and looks back at Ruby.

Fang: (in loud voice) This is too boring! I'm going out for an adventure to find some legendary sandwiches! I hope no one watching me while I secretly escape this dull classroom full of students that could step on me!

Ruby looked like she was about to explode as she saw Fang make his way to the door. She looked at the teacher then back at Fang.

Ruby: I... need to be excused for a minute or two...

Ruby quietly walks out the door, but at the second she steps into the hall way, she starts running towards Fang at top speeds.

Ruby: FANG, GET BACK HERE!!! I'LL RIP OFF ALL OF YOUR LEGS AND SHOVE IT INTO YOUR SMALL CRUMB FILLED MOUTH AND PUT YOU IN A MOONLIT PUMPKIN PIE WHEN I CATCH YOU!!!

Fang turns a corner and Ruby follows close behind. Just as she turns, Ruby sees Sapphire holding Fang. They both look up at Ruby.

Fang: Sapphire, you must know that this charming red kangaroo is also on the same team with Midnight!

Sapphire: Really?

Fang: Yes! In fact I'll introduce you!

Fang jumped down from Sapphire's hand and scurried over to Ruby, who was frozen in fear.

Fang: Sapphire, meet Ruby, Your fourth cousin once removed! Ruby, meet your favorite UnMythic cousin, Sapphire!

Sapphire stared at Ruby for a while before she moved closer.

Sapphire: Well... I must say that... This is a surprise, If I'm going to be honest...

Ruby: ...

Sapphire: ... And we haven't seen each other for SO LONG... so let me do this...

Sapphire leaped onto Ruby and they started to fight. Just then, Midnight showed up.

Midnight: Ruby! I've...

Sapphire looks up from fighting Ruby and glares at Midnight.

Midnight: Oh... I see that you two are busy... so...

Sapphire: I've got some questions for you...

Midnight: Well... I'm a little busy right now...

Sapphire: Why didn't you tell me my fourth cousin once removed was on the same mission! And you never told me you and Fang were Vampires!

Fang: I'm not a Vampire. Just a Everwinter forest spider!

Sapphire: ... Fang told me that you were dream creatures from another world!

Fang: I never said such things.

Ruby: Stop lying, Fang.

Sapphire looked at Fang, then at Midnight. Finally, she looked at Ruby.

Sapphire: ... Why didn't you say the truth?

Ruby: Because I knew you hated Vampires, but... If you don't help us, we will all die!

Sapphire looked at Midnight.

Midnight: It's true! In nine days, Mayor Irontail will launch her secret weapon on ALL Vampires!

Sapphire: ... I do hate Vampires, but less than you think... Yes, I don't like you... but all creatures deserve to live in peace! Even Vampires...

Ruby, Fang and Midnight look hopefully at Sapphire.

Sapphire: ... Is Great great great Grandma still alive?

Ruby: Yup. Making potions even better then you last saw her!

Sapphire: ... I want to see her.

Fang: Why?

Sapphire: I want to talk to her about something... If I like my answer, I'll join the team... Even if you're not my favorite creatures...

Ruby & Midnight: Deal!

Fang: Sandwiches!

Ruby picks up Fang and looks at him closely.

Ruby: Fang... The next time you escape from my backpack and go off "exploring", I will personally get my baseball bat and hit you with it. If that doesn't work, you, I will put Spider poison in your sandwiches... if THAT doesn't work... I will put you in my lunchbox and never let you out...

Fang: ... They don't call me Fang Houdini for nothing!

Ruby shakes her head and shoves Fang back down into her backpack. Ruby and Midnight quickly run back to Mrs. Breeze's class, and Sapphire slowly walks over to her class.

Ch.16 Sapphire joins the team - part.1

The next morning, Sapphire took the long walk to the Golden Forests School and waited at the entrance for Mandy. After a while, Sapphire spotted Mandy hurrying towards her.

Sapphire: What took you so long?

Mandy: Sorry! I got side-tracked looking at the cake shop on the way here!

Sapphire: You always say that.

Mandy: Because it's true.

Sapphire and Mandy walk down the school halls together.

Mandy: When is the school play starting?

Sapphire: If I'm not mistaken, probably sometime in the next week or so.

Mandy: I still can't believe that you were picked to play as Princess Lucy... You know, cause she was an important part in Poisoned Love!

Sapphire: No need to remind me...

Mandy: ... You don't seemed to excited about it.

Sapphire: That's because I'm not.

Mandy: But you should be!

Sapphire: All she really does is warn her oblivious brother not to sneak out to see "Ella", who just happens to be a Vampire... It's all "Liam, I beg you not to go! You will regret it for the rest of your life" And stuff like that... Boring, if anything. Just like History.

Mandy stopped at looked at Sapphire in shocked horror.

Mandy: SAPPHIRE! How DARE you speak about the famous plays of our times! And history isn't boring!

Sapphire: Yes it is.

Mandy: History is an exciting adventure of what our ancestors did, how they did it, and WHEN they did it! History is a brilliant story of how we survived in the past and a record about all the disasters took place! History is... and you're ignoring me, aren't you?

Sapphire, who had now spotted Midnight was moving towards him. There was the sound of a "whoosh" and a flash of red behind Midnight just as Sapphire stopped next to him.

Sapphire: Did you hear something behind you?

Midnight: ... Nope! Didn't hear anything! Nothing at all...

Sapphire: ... Are you sure?

Midnight: Yes...

Sapphire looked at Midnight suspiciously.

Midnight: ... Anyway... It's only thanks to you that... well... Y'know.

Sapphire: You're welcome! I'll try to help you more, if I can.

Midnight: Well... If you're going to help us, it has to be before next two weeks.

Sapphire: How come?

Midnight: They're going to launch their secret weapon on us in nine days. That's why.

Sapphire: Ah...

Mandy: ...What are you two talking about?

Sapphire: Nothing.

And so saying so, Sapphire shoved Mandy along and out of sight from Midnight.

Mandy: What was that for? I just wanted to listen to what you were saying... is that so much to ask?

Sapphire: At this point, yes.

Mandy: Why are you so serious lately? We used to have so much fun... not until "he" came to this school...

Sapphire: "He"?

Mandy: Yeah... Midnight...

Sapphire: He's just... a "friend".

Mandy: He seems more than that to me...

Sapphire: Be quiet.

Just then, the bell rang. Sapphire stopped pushing Mandy and slowly made the walk to Mrs. Fernleaf's class.

Ch.15 You're M.O.S.T.ly right... - part.3

The M.O.S.T. leader slowly walks down the stone steps and into the dim light of the dark club. Everyone remains silent.

Rogue (black bunny): Good evening, hardened criminals of M.O.S.T.... You're probably wondering why I've come to visit you at such a time, if I'm not mistaken...

Everyone keeps quiet, waiting for the leader to go on.

Rogue: ... Well, I just wanted to make sure you were all in check... having the time of your life... stealing to your hearts content... And I can see there was a bit of a party going on here!

Everybody nodded a bit and looked at each other.

Rogue: And I can see each of you are enjoying yourselves. That's all I wanted to see... My fellow partners in crime should have a blast doing what they do best... Robbing, lying... and best of all... killing...

The M.O.S.T. leader looked at each thief in turn, then nodded his head in approval.

Rogue: ... That's all I wanted to say to you. I hope that you continue to do all that I have taught you...

The black bunny silently walked back up the slippery stairs and exited into the twilight night. Everyone let out a breath of relief and started talking to each other as normal. Midnight turned to Stella.

Midnight: Why is everyone scared of him? If they should be scared at anything, it must be the Vampire Lord...

Stella: Wrong again, Midnight. The M.O.S.T. leader - also known as Rogue - is often kind to thieves like you and will gracefully give you a home away from home.

Midnight: ... But?

Stella: But... if you insult him or speak of the Vampire Lord... he won't hesitate to drag you away into a dark street and kill you instantly, as if you were a honest Vampire or UnMythic... Even if some of those Vampires happen to be his "Thieves in training".

Midnight: So the Vampire Lord just puts you in prison, while Rogue just...

Stella: ...Yeah... that's why everyone is just as, or is even more afraid of him, than the Vampire Lord.

Midnight stayed silent.

Stella: ... You should probably go and play with your friends, Midnight... They wouldn't want you to waste your time with me.

Just then, a shudder went through the club. Almost like a small earthquake.

Midnight: ...What was that?

Stella: I don't know...

Midnight: It felt like a Ice Giant jumped on this Village!

Suddenly, Midnight looked up, as if he was sure what was going on.

Midnight: ... I think I have an idea where that came from...

And so saying so, Midnight quickly turned around and ran up the stony steps and into the night air. He quickly darted through the streets and passageways until he arrived at Ruby's house. He quickly went down into Grandma's potion lab, where the Dragon egg was lying on its side. Just then, Grandma was by his side.

Midnight: Was that...

Grandma: ... The Dragon Egg? Yes. Yes it was.

Midnight and Grandma looked at the now partly cracked Dragon Egg.

Midnight: ... "When the egg is fully hatched, then the real war will start"...

Grandma: Where did you hear that?

Midnight: The fire creature guarding the Dragon Egg told us that... If the UnMythic's secret weapon is about to launch on the Vampires in ten days...

Grandma: ...We don't have much time left before the big fight between us and the UnMythics start!

Grandma picked up the Dragon Egg and set it upright again. She looked back at Midnight.

Grandma: Do you know what you have to do?

Midnight: ... Yes.

Midnight quickly dashed out and onto the Vampire streets towards the Vampire Lord's training grounds.

Ch.15 You're M.O.S.T.ly right... - part.2

Midnight quickly ran back towards the M.O.S.T. club. He almost jumped down the steps and into the now partly filled room. Patrick and Griffin walked towards him.

Patrick: Midnight! My favorite cheetah! Read a book or two... get a drink!

Griffin: Stay a while and give us a reason to have some fun!

Midnight turned around and gave Stella a questioning glance and moved closer to her. Stella sighs.

Stella: They both had a little bit too much cuckoo laughter in their fizzy... both foggy in the brain, I guess.

Midnight: So they're tipsy?

Stella: I wouldn't say that...

Stella and Midnight looked at Patrick and Griffin as they stumbled over to Stella.

Patrick: MORE FIZZY!!!

Stella calmly looked at Patrick and Griffin.

Stella: No more fizzy for you two... Not until you pay up!

Patrick: We'll pay you later... Just give us our refills!

Stella: Not until you pay. That's your FIFTH refill!

Griffin: Who cares about how many times you refill our cups? WE WANT MORE!!!

Stella banged her hand on the counter and glared at Patrick and Griffin, growling.

Stella: Did you not hear me? I said NO MORE FIZZY FOR YOU UNTIL YOU PAY UP!!!

Stella snatched Patrick's cup and started cleaning it. Patrick looked like he was going to explode, so Midnight gently pulled him back away from Stella.

Midnight: Now calm down, Patrick. No need to get upset about a little thing like this!

Patrick: No need to get upset? SHE WONT REFILL OUR DRINKS!!! That's her job!

Midnight: Stella is a little moody, and you know it! Who wants her stinking drinks anyway?

Patrick: Yeah... her stinking drinks... Come on, Griffin! We're going someplace else.

And so saying so Patrick took hold of Griffin's wing and pulled him up the stairs and out of sight. Midnight turned back to Stella.

Stella: Thanks, Midnight... if you didn't calm Patrick down, who knows what could have happened? And just how QUICKLY you did it, also surprises me!

Midnight: I've known Patrick for as long as I can remember. He doesn't like you that much, as you have no doubt noticed...

Stella: Yup...

Stella quietly cleaned the cups. After some time she looked up at Midnight.

Stella: ... Want something? And don't say no, cause I can see you're looking at me.

Midnight: You always seem to know what I'm thinking... Cup of Summer Bomb with some fresh Berry Sugar, if you please.

Stella: One Summer Bomb, coming right up.

Midnight watched Stella as she poured some liquid into the cup she was cleaning and mixed it around. After a minute, she got out a jar full of pink sugar with a spoon inside. She took of the lid and used the spoon to drop the pretty sugar into the drink. She used the spoon to stir the drink, then handed it over to Midnight.

Midnight: Thanks.

Stella nodded and put the spoon back into the jar and put the lid back on. She shoved the jar back under the counter.

Midnight: ... I wonder when... you know who, will come pay us a visit?

Stella: Probably any night now... any night...

Midnight took a sip of us drink and sighed. Suddenly, there was a loud bang and everyone looked up to see who it was.

Stella: (whispering) He's here! The M.O.S.T. leader is here!

Ch.15 You're M.O.S.T.ly right... - part.1

After classes, Ruby said goodbye to Buttercup and went home to Grandma. She opened the door and was greeted by Kevin and Devin.

Ruby: Hello Kevin, Devin.

Kevin & Devin: Hi.

Ruby: Do you know where Grandma is?

Kevin: That's the second time we were asked that today!

Ruby: What do you mean...?

Devin: Sometime around lunchtime a black cheetah knocked at the door and asked us where Grandma was.

Ruby: And...?

Kevin: We replied that we didn't knew and told him to go to the night markets.

Ruby: But its not even night...

Devin: He said the exact same thing to us! We told him we couldn't help him, so he left.

Ruby: Are you sure you didn't close the door on him?

Kevin & Devin: Why would we do that?

Ruby: Um... never-mind...

Ruby ran out the door and crashed into Midnight.

Ruby: Midnight! What are you doing here?

Midnight: Giving you some important information. Mayor Irontail is planning to launch their secret weapon on the Vampires in ten days.

Ruby: TEN DAYS?!

Midnight: Yes. Ten days.

Ruby: Wait... When did you find this out? And HOW?

Midnight: I have my connections. And I happened to have some "free time" on my hands.

Ruby: We should report this to the Vampire Lord!

Midnight: Well... I would if I could... but you put me off the team until you thought I should come back, remember?

Ruby: Oh... yeah... I forgot...

Midnight: ...Oh well. Have fun reporting and training!

Midnight turns around and runs to the Village center. Just then, Grandma walks outside to Ruby.

Grandma: What did he do...?

Ruby: Well... he did something behind my back last night.

Grandma: Like what...?

Ruby: He went into a rich UnMythics house last night with some other thieves like him, I guess...

Grandma: And you were mad at him for not telling you?

Ruby: Yeah. Why wouldn't I be? We're partners... we need to tell each other everything!

Grandma: Would you tell him your deepest secret?

Ruby: No! That's... well... a secret. He wouldn't understand...

Grandma: ...And I bet Midnight would think the same thing if someone asked him that. There are just some things you can't tell friends. Respect that, Ruby.

Grandma walked back inside, leaving Ruby alone.

Ruby: ... Grandma's right. I over reacted to Midnight... He just broke into someones house and stole a few things... It's natural for a thief to do that...

Ruby sighs and starts making the walk to the Vampire Lord's mansion.

Ch.14. Midnight makes Amends - part.3

Midnight swiftly follows Boo through the village until they reach a boat. Midnight quickly gets in and Boo follows. Before they could leave, they hear and yell and look up. A purple fox runs at top speeds towards them.

Boo: Oh no... Not Hex!

The purple fox stops at the boat where Midnight and Boo were in.

Hex (purple fox): I want to come with you!

Boo: Hex, you're too young to come with us!

Hex: No I'm not! Mum says I'm old enough to go with you! And besides, you PROMISED me you would take me on your next boat trip!

Boo: This is IMPORTANT, sis! We don't need you to ruin Midnight's mission! And how did YOU know we were going?

Hex: I heard you talking. You REALLY need to fix that hole in the wall... On second thought, Don't! I can keep spying on you if you don't fix it!

Boo: What if a ghost hunter runs into the Village while we're gone? You'll miss a "GREAT" game of Hide and go shriek!

Hex: I'm not falling for that trick again, Boo. No one EVER comes to our Village anymore!

Boo sighs and looks at Hex straight in the eye.

Boo: ... if you come, you have to do EXACTLY what I say...

Hex: DEAL!

Hex jumps into the boat with Midnight and Hex, and they started sailing off. The waves sloshed and twirled about into each other as the boat sliced through them. After what seemed like hours, they start to see tall buildings ahead. Boo ties the boat up near the forest and they run towards the city. After a while, they reach the end of the forest.

Midnight: How well do you know the place?

Boo: Well enough to know where the biggest restaurants, clubs and schools are... The Mayor's building is right in the middle of all that city chaos...

Hex: ... Midnight?

Midnight: Yeah?

Hex: Why do you want to come here?

Midnight: ... I made a mistake last night... and I want to make it right.

Boo darts into the city with Midnight and Hex at his side. They dashed through the dirty streets and through the crowds of the afternoon. After some time, Boo stops at a big building.

Boo: I got a tip that mayor Irontail was visiting this school for inspection...

Midnight: Anything I should know?

Boo: If I knew, I would tell you.

Midnight: ... I better go in alone.

Hex: No! I want to come with you!

Boo: Hex, he's FINE on his own. And besides, you would just get in the way.

Hex: What if they find him?

Boo: With any luck, they won't know he's in there.

Hex: But what if he gets caught?

Boo: With any luck they won't catch him.

Midnight: And knowing me, I won't take no for an answer.

Midnight entered the school and started to blend in with the students. For a while, he searched high and low with no luck. Just as he was about to give up, he heard whispering through the wall. He stopped to listen.

Strange voice: (from behind wall) Are you sure it's not a misunderstanding?

Strange voice: (from behind wall) Yes. Vampires have been sighted in Snowy Hill and MoonFlower meadows.

Strange voice: (from behind wall) This is getting more serious... If this keeps on happening, we may have to launch our secret weapon.

Strange voice: (from behind wall) But its not finished! We need a little more time...

Strange voice: (from behind wall) Enough! If its not done in ten days... well, you don't want to know...

The voices faded away into silence. Midnight looked around to make sure no one had seen him, and dashed back out where he found Boo and Hex waiting for him.

Boo: Got what you came for?

Midnight: Not quite... But at least I'm going home with something. Lets get out of here!

Midnight, Boo and Hex left the big city and back to the boat.

Ch.14. Midnight makes Amends - part.2

Midnight runs over to Grandma's house and bangs on the door. The door is opened by Kevin and Devin.

Midnight: Is Ruby's Grandma at home?

Kevin: We don't know... Why do you care?

Midnight: Well... I need some potions!

Devin: Why do you need potions from her? That's what the night market is for.

Midnight: The night markets potions don't work! And it's not even night-time!

Kevin: Well, sorry. We can't help you. Come back next week.

Midnight: I DON'T HAVE TIME...

Before Midnight could finish his sentence, Kevin and Devin banged the door closed.

Midnight: ... for next week...

Midnight sighed and started running in the direction he had come from and into the forest. After a long time of running, he reached the edge of the forest and saw green fields as far as the eye could see.

Midnight: (thinking) The Village must be here somewhere...

Midnight took a deep breath and started to run through the grassy fields. After a while, he saw what seemed like a abandoned Village. He kept on running until he reached it.

Midnight: (thinking) DarkRiver Village... The only Village that acts like they're ghosts.

Midnight quickly dashed through the village until he stops at a smaller house. He knocks at the door.

Midnight: Open up, Boo! I know you're in there!

The door mysteriously opens and Midnight enters. Suddenly, someone lands on Midnight and pins him to the floor.

Midnight: Boo. Get off me. It's not funny anymore.

Boo (black fox): Sorry! I thought you were... you know.

The black fox quickly lets go of Midnight, and he gets up.

Midnight: You thought I was a UnMythic ghost hunter?

Boo: Yup! After all, we do have a reputation to keep up!

Midnight: So I've heard...

Boo: ... Anyway... Why are you here?

Midnight: Well... It's a long story... but to make things quick, I need to find "Mayor Irontail" who happens to live in the "Big City"...

Boo: Big City? Oh! You must be talking about Sunbeam Shores! The biggest city in all the Island!

Midnight: You know where it is?

Boo: About a day's journey by foot.

Midnight: Bother! I need to be there BY TONIGHT!!! There HAS to be another way!

Boo: Well... A few days journey by foot... But by sea, its only an hour and half away!

Midnight: Brilliant! Let's go!

Boo: Right now?

Midnight: YES.

Boo: Let me AT LEAST pack a few things first!

Midnight: ...

Boo picked up a small bag and shoved a few things in it.

Boo: Ok! I'm ready!

Boo silently ran out the door with Midnight by his side.

Ch.14. Midnight makes amends - part.1

Before the bell rang again, Midnight dashed out of the school and back to the Vampire Village. After some weaving in alleyways and dark streets, he arrived at the M.O.S.T. meeting club.

Stella: Midnight! You're back early.

Midnight: I am?

Stella: You usually get here AFTER night fall. Not before.

Midnight: Well... I'm just tired. I wanted to take a break before heading back out there again!

Stella: Suit yourself... Want something?

Midnight: ... Yeah. Maybe something to drink.

Stella: Do you want Lemon Crush, Summer Bomb, or would you like today's special?

Midnight: Today's special?

Stella: Fire fruit smoothie.

Midnight thought for a minute before answering.

Midnight: ... Yeah. I'll take the special.

Stella: You want anything with that?

Midnight: Got any Vanilla cream?

Stella: I got most things, I believe...

Stella took some bottles down from the shelf and started mixing the drinks together. After a while, she stopped stirring and poured in a cream that smelled as good as it looked. Stella then handed over the drink to Midnight.

Midnight: Thanks, Stella.

Midnight slowly drank the delicious water and cream.

Stella: So... did you do anything interesting today?

Midnight stopped drinking and looked at Stella, almost sadly.

Midnight: I did something wrong last night...

Stella: Yeah. Stealing stuff from a poor girl.

Midnight: She wasn't THAT poor...

Stella: I was joking. I knew she wasn't poor. From the sounds of it, she was the "Richest girl in the world".

Midnight: Anyway... I lied to a... lets say... a "friend"...

Stella looked at Midnight, now interested.

Stella: Lying is part of a thieves job. Why is there a raincloud over you in this case?

Midnight: Well... shes kinda a... "Working partner", if I'm going to be honest...

Stella: So you have a job?

Midnight: What? No! Never going to get a job, even if I WANTED one... but...

Stella: ... But...?

Midnight: Well... I guess you could call it a "Mission"... but...

Stella: You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.

Midnight: Oh, I want to tell you... but... If you tell anyone, I could be kicked out... out of M.O.S.T, I mean...

Stella: I cross my heart and hope to turn into a thief I wont tell!

Midnight smiled at Stella then drank the rest of his fruity drink.

Midnight: Well... I'm kinda on a mission for the... Vampire Lord...

Stella sighed and gently took his cup away and started cleaning it.

Stella: Why would you want to work for the Vampire Lord if you're already working for M.O.S.T?

Midnight: It's... quite a story...

Stella: Don't be ashamed, Midnight... You're brave enough to even SPEAK of working for the Vampire Lord, let alone actually DOING IT...

Midnight: But I don't understand why everyone in M.O.S.T. is afraid of the Vampire Lord... He rules this Village...

Stella: The answer is right in front of you, Midnight... The Vampire Lord rules this forest... and everything in it... He accepts stealing as a little kids game, but killing is something he won't have... If he finds out the club you're in does that... You could all be thrown into the dungeons.

Midnight stayed silent. Stella sighed again and put down the cup.

Midnight: How much do I owe you? And don't say that was one the house. I KNOW how little money you got...

Stella: ... Four fifty five, please.

Midnight searched through his pockets until he found the money he needed to pay, then gave it to Stella. She shoved the money under the counter.

Midnight: Well... I best be off...

Stella: Well... if you must...

Midnight looked back at Stella as he left the secret club, and back into the Vampire streets.

Ch.13. Back on track - part.3

After the bell rang, Ruby started to search for Midnight.

Ruby: (thinking) Where on earth is Midnight? He has to be around here somewhere...

Just then, Ruby crashed into Midnight.

Ruby: Midnight! I've got some...

Midnight: Hey Ruby! You will NEVER guess what I found!

Ruby: ...

Midnight: I know where Mayor Irontail lives!

Ruby stared at Midnight in surprise.

Ruby: How did you find THAT out?

Midnight: Well, Mrs. Breeze asked me to... "calm down" Richard and his gang. So I thought stealing EVERYTHING in his and his friends backpacks was a good start!

Ruby: Wait... You were ASKED to do that?

Midnight: Yup! And the reward was no spelling homework!

Ruby: ... Tell me you're kidding...

Midnight: I'm afraid not! Brilliant, isn't it?

Ruby: Midnight, I need to...

Midnight: And guess what I found in one of his friend's backpack!

And so saying so, Midnight showed Ruby a letter.

Ruby: ... What is it?

Midnight: A piece of paper with words on it.

Ruby: I know THAT. But... what does it say?

Midnight: It says...

Ruby: Don't tell me now. We're in the open... But Midnight, I need to...

Midnight: Sorry Ruby! Got to run!

And so saying so, Midnight shoved the letter into Ruby's hands and dashed off without saying another word. A few seconds later, Richard and his gang charged off after him.

Ruby: ... Ask some questions...

Ruby shook her head and slowly went in the other direction. After a while, she arrived at a quiet place and started reading.

Ruby: (reading) "To my favorite nephew, Edward. There have been some serious troubles over in the big city... VAMPIRE troubles. If we don't stop them, who knows what could happen? To make sure it doesn't happen, I want you to keep a secret safe. Are you brave enough for what I'm about to show you? Are you brave enough to fight of Vampires to keep your people safe? I hope you are... From Aunt A."... Who on earth is Aunt A?

Ruby carefully folded the letter and placed it in her pocket.

Ruby: (thinking) Vampire troubles in the big city? Wonder where that could be... And who on earth is this "Aunt A." character?

Just then, Midnight skidded around the corner and dashed over to Ruby.

Ruby: Great news Midnight! We're back on track, partly thanks to you...

Midnight: What do you mean? Who stole the letter? Was it you, a ordinary Vampire? Or was it ME, a trained thief made for stealing the queens jewels and still getting away with it?

Ruby: Your one to talk! You're the one whose been stealing stuff from Victoria's house last night with your "Friends", I believe.

Midnight took a step back, now terrified of Ruby.

Midnight: How did you find out?

Ruby: The whole school should have known it was you by now. Victoria and her friend have been spreading the news like wildfire.

Midnight: But...

Ruby: And now I know why you were being so secretive last night! You didn't want me to find out you were doing what you did best.

Midnight: It's not what it seems like...

Ruby: Oh really...?

Midnight: It's... complicated, Ok? I don't want to talk about it now...

Ruby: Well, until you do feel like it, You can just hang about with your "friends" for a while until I feel like you should come back. Keeping secrets from your partners in a secret mission is not ok...

Ruby turned her back on Midnight and started to walk away.

Midnight: Ruby...

Ruby: Don't say anything Midnight. You've done enough for today.

Ruby turned the corner and out of sight.

Midnight: I've already got enough on my plate without Ruby getting upset with me... But at least she's got something to work on while I'm gone. And besides... It's not like she can become a thief overnight... She's going to need my help whether she likes it or not!

Midnight swiftly dashed through the halls and out of sight.

Ch.13. Back on track - part.2

Ruby and Buttercup walked into Mrs. Redleaf's class just as the bell rang. They both took seats next to each other.

Buttercup: We all had a great time at the Rainbow Waterfalls! I didn't see you with the group, though. Didn't you come?

Ruby: No. I didn't go on the field trip.

Buttercup: Why?

Ruby: ... Because I didn't want to.

Just at that moment, Victoria and her friend marched into the room chatting about something.

Victoria: Can you believe it? Why would they do such a thing to me!

Elizabeth: You are practically the richest girl in the world! Only THEY would want to steal from the best of the best! What did they steal?

Ruby got down from her chair and walked over to where Victoria was talking.

Victoria: ... Some candles, some one of a kind rings, not to mention a few junky clocks, but nothing important was taken.

Ruby: Um, excuse me? What are you talking about?

Elizabeth: Isn't it obvious? Victoria's house was robbed!

 Ruby: By who...?

Victoria: I don't know. A black cheetah walked into my bedroom last night and told me that three thieves were stealing stuff from my house!

Ruby: Is that so...?

Elizabeth: Yeah! He also said if the thieves found out she was awake, they would kill her!

Ruby: hm... Did the black cheetah looked like Midnight?

Victoria: Whose Midnight?

Ruby: Um... The guy who stole your stuff yesterday!

Victoria: Oh yeah! Him... He DID kinda look like him in some ways...

Ruby: Ok! That's all I wanted to know.

Ruby walked back over to her seat.

Buttercup: What was that all about?

Ruby: Some thieves broke into Victoria's house last night and took a few things.

Buttercup: ... And?

Ruby: And Victoria claimed that a "Black Cheetah" warned her that if they found her awake they would kill her.

Buttercup: But that's horrible!

Ruby: Yeah, it kinda is...

Buttercup: How can you take this so lightly?

Ruby: ... Just thinking about something that happened last night...

Just then, Mrs. Redleaf enters the room and walks over to the blackboard and starts writing stuff.

Ruby: (thinking) Midnight and the thieves that broke into Victoria's house must be connected in some ways... Just HOW is the question...

Ruby wondered about it for a while.

Ruby: (thinking) ... Yeah. I'm sure of it... Midnight must be connected to the thieves in some way or other... I need to ask him a few more questions when we meet again...

Ruby thinks deep thoughts until the bell rang again, announcing it was lunch time. 

Happy Australia Day

Or, Happy Straya Mate! as its known around here. Here's Ruby, Sapphire, Midnight, Pandora and Stella when they are looking slightly less plushy! In other words, without their makeup on! Oh, and Fang seems to have escaped from the backpack again!

Ch.13. Back on track - part.1

Early the next morning, Ruby and Fang headed back to the Golden Forests school. Halfway there, Midnight caught up to them panting.

Midnight: Why didn't you wait for me?

Ruby: You have been so secretive last night, it was obvious you didn't want me to see what you were doing... So I doubted you wanted to see me this morning.

Midnight: I'm SORRY... There! I said it. Happy?

Ruby: I'm glad you said sorry, but that's not what I want.

Midnight: Then what DO you want?

Ruby: An explanation! Where on earth did you go?

Midnight: I already told you! Repaying a debt I owe to someone!

Ruby: ...

Midnight: ... You don't believe me, do you?

Ruby: Not really, no.

Midnight: ... Fine. Believe what you want. After all, I'm only a "good for nothing thief".

Ruby stayed silent until they reached the schools entrance.

Ruby: ... If you keep lying like this, those words of yours will come back to bite you...

Ruby walks away from Midnight and greets Buttercup. They both walk away talking. Midnight sighs and walks down another hall.

Fang: What's up?

Midnight turns around and sees Fang following him.

Midnight: Fang, what are you doing here? You're meant to STAY in Ruby's backpack!

Fang: She always shoves me back in that thing whenever I try to ask her a question!

Midnight: Well, you're a talking spider. Most people don't like spiders because you're handsome, smart, and you help us by keeping bugs under control!

Fang: Really...?

Midnight: ... Ok, the first two were true.

Fang: ...

Midnight: I'm being honest.

Fang: I know, but... were you really lying to Ruby?

Midnight: You heard?

Fang: I hear EVERYTHING.

Midnight: ... I know if I say what's on my mind to you, you will tell Ruby about it.

Fang: No I won't!

Midnight: Believe me Fang. I've been with Ruby long enough to know not to trust you with secrets.

Fang: ...

Midnight and Fang walked around the halls until they heard a bell ringing.

Midnight: Now listen to me Fang... You will go back to Ruby and say NOTHING about me... Ok?

Fang: Why would I do that?

Midnight: Because if you don't I WILL turn you into a sandwich... and there isn't going to be any bread included!

Fang: ... Ok, see you later!

Fang scurried off down the halls at top speeds. Midnight opens a door leading to Mrs. Breeze's class, and walks in.

Mrs. Breeze: Aye, Midnight M'lad! Happy t' see ya still in one piece!

Midnight: Why do you say that?

Mrs. Breeze: Och! Sorry lad. Forgot to mention it t' ye earlier! Y'know the low lad who had a wi' bit o' a fight with ya?

Midnight: Yeah...?

Mrs. Breeze: He be t' bully of this here school. Can't stand it when he can't get his own way. Strongest out of every one, too! So when he saw ye' be sittin' in his favorite seat, he nearly blew his top right off!

Midnight: I've noticed.

Mrs. Breeze: Och, sure ye' have! He's also a fair joker in this here class as well! Always whispering to kids tryin' to spell, tossing around paper airplanes... You could almost quit ye' job with him around!

Midnight: So why do you let him take advantage of your class?

Mrs. Breeze: I don't! I try me best to quiet em down but everything I seem t' say just goes in an' over their heads! It's like they can't even hear me!

Midnight: Where is this going...?

Mrs. Breeze: What I'm tryin' t' say is that I need your help to at least... calm them down a lil' bit. Teach em' a lesson they won't be forgettin' in a long time!

Midnight: Why me? Can't you just ask someone else to do it?

Mrs. Breeze: You stood up t' em when no one else would! Don't ye see, lad? Every other kid here is afraid of them! All except you!

Midnight: ... I'll see about it...

Mrs. Breeze: And IF you are successful, I won't give ye' any spellin' homework!

Midnight: No spelling homework? Now this is a offer I REALLY can't refuse!

Mrs. Breeze: Up and at em' boy! I knew I could count on ye!

Mrs. Breeze turned back to her blackboard and Midnight sat down on a beanbag. A second bell rang and a lot more kids flooded in.

Ch.12. Theft or truth - part.3

After training with Melody and Jack, Ruby started to walk on home. On the way, Pandora ran up to Ruby in the middle of the night markets.

Pandora: Hi Ruby! Haven't seen you in a while!

Ruby: Hi Pandora. I guess we both have been too busy with our missions to see each other! Anything new with you?

Pandora: Nope. The kids at my school are strange. Who on earth would want to hide poor spiders and bugs in other students backpacks?

Ruby: Because its funny?

Pandora: Funny for you, weird for me. Would you do that to Fang?

Ruby: You bet I would!

Pandora: ... Anyway. We should do something fun tonight!

Ruby: Sorry, I'm looking for a friend of mine.

Pandora: The only friends I recall you had were me and Jett.

Ruby: Actually, this friend... he's more of an ally.

Pandora: Really...?

Ruby: Yeah. He's helping me in my mission. We were both training together until he said he had something important to do and dashed off.

Pandora: Mysterious in many ways, this "ally" of yours. Whats his name?

Ruby: Well... You know Midnight Darkmoon?

Pandora: He's one of the local thieves in the night markets, right?

Ruby: Yeah... That's him.

Pandora: ...

Ruby: ... Something wrong?

Pandora: ... So what you're saying is that a good for nothing thief is your ally in a mission for the Vampire Lord...

Ruby: I needed someone that knew how to steal stuff!

Pandora: So you chose him?

Ruby: I didn't know any other thieves.

Pandora: ...

Ruby: I need to ask him some questions when I find him.

Pandora: Can't you forget about him for a little while? Just long enough so we can do something fun?

Ruby: ... What kind of fun...

Ruby spots Midnight putting coins in his pockets, a little way off from where they were.

Ruby: Hey Midnight!

Midnight looks up, as if almost scared of something.

Ruby: Come on, Midnight! Don't be that kind of guy! Get over here!

Midnight slowly walks over to where Ruby and Pandora were talking.

Midnight: Uh... Hi, Ruby...

Ruby: Where have you been, Midnight?

Midnight: Um... No where?

Ruby: You don't fool me, Midnight. You said you had "something important" to do. So where did you go?

Midnight: Um... repaying a debt I owe to someone?

Ruby: ... I'll take your word for now. But I want a better answer out of you later!

Pandora: ... You going to introduce me, Ruby?

Ruby: Sorry! Midnight, This is my best friend Pandora. Pandora, This is Midnight.

Midnight steps backwards, almost dazed.

Pandora: ... Something wrong with me?

Midnight: Uh... Nothing! Nothings wrong with me.. I mean, you... Just...

Midnight slowly steps backwards then quickly turns around and runs.

Pandora: ... What's wrong with him?

Ruby: I may have only known him for a few days, but he's never acted like this before... Does he know you?

Pandora: Never talked to him in my life. Although...

Ruby: ... What?

Pandora: ... It's probably nothing.

Ruby: Ok... If you want to say something to me, don't be shy!

Pandora: Yeah... I'll remember that offer.

Ruby and Pandora continued talking until they reached Grandma's house. After they said goodbye to each other, Pandora went home. A little later that night, deep in the shadows, Midnight was hiding.

Midnight: (thinking) She doesn't recognize me... Lets hope Patrick doesn't find out she's in this part of town, either.

Midnight sat thinking in the darkness for what seemed like hours. Finally, he got up.

Midnight: (thinking) I should've told the truth... too late now... Can't go back...

Midnight slipped deeper into the shadows and out of sight.